Chapter 1: Discoveries

Elara froze as the sirens reverberated throughout that sector of the palace. After a moment’s pause, she realized what was happening. She shoved herself from her desk, pausing long enough to grab two objects out of the top drawer, and ran to the door.

She entered Ilene’s room, her sister’s labored breathing immediately noticed by the castle healer. Elara pulled her transformation pen and her talisman from the pocket of her dress. Setting the Stone of Hope on a table, she raised the transformation pen in the air.

“Europa Moon Power!”

As soon as the transformation was completed, Sailor Europa picked up the Stone of Hope. She had been reluctant in using the talisman on her sister, saving as a last resort. Now, watching Ilene gasp for each breath, Europa grimly realized that it was time for last resorts.

“Healing Love Enrichment!”

The white stone flared with hot, blinding light filling the room. After a few moments, the light faded. Sailor Europa noticed that Ilene’s breathing was less labored, but the ill woman was still struggling too much for each breath. The healer gripped her talisman harder.

“Europa Healing Love Enrichment!!”

Again, the light faded, and Galen stood blinking in the doorway. Unaware of his presence, Europa measured Ilene’s pulse. With a sigh, she removed her fingers from her sister’s neck and wiped her eyes.

“What’s going on?” Galen asked. “Where’s Scylla?”

“I don’t know,” Europa replied, turning to face him. “The alarm went off and I rushed in here.”

Then she noticed the dark red splotches on the carpet near the window. “Oh, my . . .”

“What?” Galen followed her gaze and saw the splattered spots as well. “What happened?”

“Go find the captain of the guards,” Europa said. “We have to find Scylla.”

Nodding, he ran out of the room. Europa watched him leave, hoping that he would forgive her. She studied the cool stone she held in her hand. Ilene’s panting, shallow breathing resolved her decision.

“Europa Energy Enrichment!”

* * * * *

“Aaahhh!” Dido cried. The Guardian clutched her temples and fell to her knees. She was swaying so much that Jupiter Moon knelt beside her and grabbed the Guardian’s forearms to support her. Ganymede and Cassandra were immediately beside them.

“Dido, what’s wrong?” Cassandra asked.

The other Guardian shook her head, trying to calm herself. Cold perspiration beaded on her brow, which she gruffly wiping with her tunic sleeve. She glanced at the others, a hint of fear in her dark blue eyes.

“I don’t know,” she finally replied, her voice gruff. “Something’s happened to Scylla. I don’t know what, but I can’t connect with her.”

“That’s it,” Jupiter Moon cried, rising to her feet. “We’re returning to Jupiter now.”

Ganymede shook his head. “What about Ilene? She can’t hold out much longer. This cure is her last hope, Leda.”

Jupiter Moon crossed her arms, torn between ensuring that Jupiter was safe and saving her sister. She glanced at Dido, the Guardian still on her knees in the deserted streets. Taking a deep breath, she turned her eyes to the horizon where the ruins of the royal palace would be.

“What do we do?” she asked softly.

“I think it would be best if two of us went back to Jupiter and the other two remain here on Cignus to search for the manual and the required herbs,” Ganymede replied.

“I think that you and Dido should go back,” he continued, drawing a protesting look from his wife. “Just hear me out. If something is wrong back home, the people are going to need you and Dido’s powers will be needed. Cassandra knows the most about the royal palace and we can continue search.”

Jupiter reluctantly nodded. “It sounds like the best plan.”

Dido rose to her feet. “I’m ready, if you are, Princess.”

“Start opening the portal,” Jupiter Moon said. “I will be ready in a few moments.”

Taking Ganymede’s arm, she led them into a nearby alley for some privacy. Once out of eyesight of the Guardians, Jupiter Moon threw her arms around him. “You’d better be careful, Paul,” she stated fiercely, her grip tight.

His embrace was just as strong. “Same to you,” he said, but the joking tone he had tried to interject failed. He closed his eyes and said a silent prayer for protection of all those he held dear. With a sigh, he opened his eyes and stepped away from his wife.

“We need to go, Leda,” he told her, giving her a brief kiss.

She nodded, allowing him to lead her back into the street. Dido had the portal opened and the two Guardians were waiting patiently. Giving Ganymede’s hand one last squeeze, she moved toward the portal.

“I’m ready,” Jupiter Moon stated.

“Remember what I told you,” Cassandra told Dido as the Guardian headed to the portal.

“I will. Be careful, Your Highness, Cassandra.”

“You, too, Dido,” Cassandra replied. Ganymede nodded.

The Guardian of Compassion entered the portal first, quickly vanishing from sight. Jupiter Moon paused, glancing over her shoulder at the two people who were staying. Then, she turned and entered. The portal closed quickly afterwards.

With a sigh, Ganymede glanced at Cassandra. “Shall we, Guardian?”

The Guardian of Hope nodded as they continued their journey to the royal palace.

* * * * *

Jupiter Moon looked at the Guardian of Compassion with an impressed expression, as they emerged from the portal in the medical wing of the castle. She reverted to her normal form and walked to purposefully toward the group congregated outside Ilene’s room. One of the royal guards saw the movement and turned in her direction, bowing immediately when he identified her.

“Your Highness,” he said.

“What?” a voice called. Caitlyn emerged in the hallway. She froze as she saw Leda approach her.

“What’s going on?” Leda asked, easily slipping into her regal mode.

“Scylla’s disappeared. Ilene’s suffered some kind of attack. Elara is in a near coma, pouring energy into Ilene to stabilize her again. That’s the short list.”

Leda’s jaw tightened. “I see. Well, the other stuff can wait. Caitlyn, I want you and Dido to help the guards account for everyone in the palace. Every servant, every visitor. Understand?”

“Got it,” Caitlyn replied. She and the Guardian immediately left.

Leda entered Ilene’s room. Dr. Cross was watching some of the monitors. Lysia was seated motionlessly in a nearby chair. She turned her eyes to her sister.

“You’re back?”

“For now,” Leda replied. “I need your help.”

Lysia rose to her feet. “What do you need me to do?”

“I need you to contact Crystal Tokyo. I think that we need some help. Try to get Cami for sure. Her medical training will help while Elara is recovering.”

“Sure.” Lysia paused by the doorway. “Where are the others?”

“Cassandra and Ganymede are still on Cignus,” Leda replied.

“Hopefully you can go back to them soon.” With that said, Lysia left.

Leda stood at the bedside, occasionally glancing at the surrounding monitors. However, the woman lying in the bed held her attention for most of the time. With a sigh, Leda closed her eyes and clutched her fists.

“What good are all my powers if I can’t help you, Ilene?” she muttered. “I hate being so helpless.”

Overhearing her statements, Adam paused in the doorway. He had been so wrapped up in his own pain and misery, he hadn’t considered what the others were going through, especially his sisters-in-laws. He stepped back and then knocked on the door.

Leda looked up and quickly placed a neutral expression on her face. She smiled weakly when she saw it was Adam who was entering the room. “Hello. I understand that we have had some excitement around here.”

“Excitement would be a vast understatement,” he stated. The amusement in his eyes died as he took a seat by Ilene’s bedside. “I’ve sent for Adra. My parents will arrive with her in a few days.”

“I’m so sorry, Adam.”

“I shouldn’t have hidden her mother’s condition from Adra this long.”

Leda nodded. “I let you have some time alone with her.”

“Elara is in the room a few doors done the hall.”

“Thank you.” Leda paused by the doorway. “Paul and Cassandra are still searching for the manual. Don’t give up hope, Adam. Not yet.”

* * * * *

Galen looked up as Leda entered the room. He rose to bow but she stopped him with a wave of her hand “That’s really not necessary, Dr. Cross, under the circumstances,” she stated.

He nodded and sat back down. The princess studied Elara’s unconscious form for a few moments. With a heavy sigh, she rubbed her eyes and leaned against the wall.

“What happened?” she asked, keeping her eyes on Elara.

“I don’t really know,” Galen replied honestly. “Scylla relieved and was going to stay with Ilene until Adam returned. Well, the alarms went off and by the time I got to Ilene’s room, Elara was there as Sailor Europa using the Stone of Hope on Ilene. She sent after the captain of the guards to find Scylla.”

“You have no idea what happened to Scylla or Ilene?”

He shook his head. “No, Your Highness, I don’t.’

She looked at the formal address, but she remained silent. It was an issue she did not want to face at the moment. She crossed her arms and leaned further against the wall, her eyes moving back to Elara’s still form. Only her chest moved, rising in the gentle rhythm of her breathing.

“Will she recover?”

Galen passed a weary hand over his eyes. “Yes, Elara will recover. I just unsure about the time it will require.”

“I am asking Crystal Tokyo for help,” Leda said quietly. “I have specifically asked for Camilla of Mercury. Aside from her skills as Sailor Boreas, her medical training will be beneficial.”

“I thank you,” Galen replied, but his gratitude was sincere.

“Just take care of my sisters for me. And take care of yourself, too.”

She slowly moved away from the wall.

“Your Highness, are you all right?”

“I’ll be fine, Dr. Cross,” she replied. However, the resigned look in her eyes disturbed him. “Please, make sure you get some rest as well.”

Without looking back, she left the room.

* * * * *

Ganymede watched the ruins of the royal palace loom ever closer and the pair walked briskly through the deserted streets of the city. “We’re making better time than you had expected.”

“I’m afraid that appearances are sometimes deceiving,” Cassandra replied.

“Then, the palace must be massive,” Ganymede stated.

Cassandra nodded. “It was quite impressive, much larger than the palace on Jupiter or in Crystal Tokyo for that matter.”

“Impressive, indeed.” Ganymede suddenly stopped, his eyes quickly scanning the area around them. Cassandra noticed and looked around herself.

“What’s wrong?”

“Something seems off here,” Ganymede replied absently.

“I don’t feel anything,” Cassandra said.

“I guess I am letting my imagination take over. Let’s go.”

The two continued toward the palace. However, despite his best efforts, Ganymede couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. He spent several minutes, telling him that the sensation was just his imagination. Yet, with each step, the sensation seemed to intensify.

“Cassandra, do you think . . .”

A rumble cut off his question as the pavement under his feet cracked and then gave way. Cassandra turned and watched in horror as the Prince of Jupiter disappeared into a fissure, a cloud of dust obscuring her vision.

“Ganymede!”

She ran toward him without thinking. As the pavement under her feet gave way as well, she realized her mistake. Yet, it was too late. She screamed as she fell into the blackness.


Discoveries Elara froze as the sirens reverberated throughout that sector of the palace. After a moment’s pause, she realized what was happening. She shoved herself from her desk, pausing long enough to grab two objects out of the top drawer, and ran to the door. She entered Ilene’s room, her sister’s labored breathing immediately noticed by the castle healer. Elara pulled her transformation pen and her talisman from the pocket of her dress. Setting the Stone of Hope on a table, she raised the transformation pen in the air. “Europa Moon Power!” As soon as the transformation was completed, Sailor Europa picked up the Stone of Hope. She had been reluctant in using the talisman on her sister, saving as a last resort. Now, watching Ilene gasp for each breath, Europa grimly realized that it was time for last resorts. “Healing Love Enrichment!” The white stone flared with hot, blinding light filling the room. After a few moments, the light faded. Sailor Europa noticed that Ilene’s breathing was less labored, but the ill woman was still struggling too much for each breath. The healer gripped her talisman harder. “Europa Healing Love Enrichment!!” Again, the light faded, and Galen stood blinking in the doorway. Unaware of his presence, Europa measured Ilene’s pulse. With a sigh, she removed her fingers from her sister’s neck and wiped her eyes. “What’s going on?” Galen asked. “Where’s Scylla?” “I don’t know,” Europa replied, turning to face him. “The alarm went off and I rushed in here.” Then she noticed the dark red splotches on the carpet near the window. “Oh, my . . .” “What?” Galen followed her gaze and saw the splattered spots as well. “What happened?” “Go find the captain of the guards,” Europa said. “We have to find Scylla.” Nodding, he ran out of the room. Europa watched him leave, hoping that he would forgive her. She studied the cool stone she held in her hand. Ilene’s panting, shallow breathing resolved her decision. “Europa Energy Enrichment!” * * * * * “Aaahhh!” Dido cried. The Guardian clutched her temples and fell to her knees. She was swaying so much that Jupiter Moon knelt beside her and grabbed the Guardian’s forearms to support her. Ganymede and Cassandra were immediately beside them. “Dido, what’s wrong?” Cassandra asked. The other Guardian shook her head, trying to calm herself. Cold perspiration beaded on her brow, which she gruffly wiping with her tunic sleeve. She glanced at the others, a hint of fear in her dark blue eyes. “I don’t know,” she finally replied, her voice gruff. “Something’s happened to Scylla. I don’t know what, but I can’t connect with her.” “That’s it,” Jupiter Moon cried, rising to her feet. “We’re returning to Jupiter now.” Ganymede shook his head. “What about Ilene? She can’t hold out much longer. This cure is her last hope, Leda.” Jupiter Moon crossed her arms, torn between ensuring that Jupiter was safe and saving her sister. She glanced at Dido, the Guardian still on her knees in the deserted streets. Taking a deep breath, she turned her eyes to the horizon where the ruins of the royal palace would be. “What do we do?” she asked softly. “I think it would be best if two of us went back to Jupiter and the other two remain here on Cignus to search for the manual and the required herbs,” Ganymede replied. “I think that you and Dido should go back,” he continued, drawing a protesting look from his wife. “Just hear me out. If something is wrong back home, the people are going to need you and Dido’s powers will be needed. Cassandra knows the most about the royal palace and we can continue search.” Jupiter reluctantly nodded. “It sounds like the best plan.” Dido rose to her feet. “I’m ready, if you are, Princess.” “Start opening the portal,” Jupiter Moon said. “I will be ready in a few moments.” Taking Ganymede’s arm, she led them into a nearby alley for some privacy. Once out of eyesight of the Guardians, Jupiter Moon threw her arms around him. “You’d better be careful, Paul,” she stated fiercely, her grip tight. His embrace was just as strong. “Same to you,” he said, but the joking tone he had tried to interject failed. He closed his eyes and said a silent prayer for protection of all those he held dear. With a sigh, he opened his eyes and stepped away from his wife. “We need to go, Leda,” he told her, giving her a brief kiss. She nodded, allowing him to lead her back into the street. Dido had the portal opened and the two Guardians were waiting patiently. Giving Ganymede’s hand one last squeeze, she moved toward the portal. “I’m ready,” Jupiter Moon stated. “Remember what I told you,” Cassandra told Dido as the Guardian headed to the portal. “I will. Be careful, Your Highness, Cassandra.” “You, too, Dido,” Cassandra replied. Ganymede nodded. The Guardian of Compassion entered the portal first, quickly vanishing from sight. Jupiter Moon paused, glancing over her shoulder at the two people who were staying. Then, she turned and entered. The portal closed quickly afterwards. With a sigh, Ganymede glanced at Cassandra. “Shall we, Guardian?” The Guardian of Hope nodded as they continued their journey to the royal palace. * * * * * Jupiter Moon looked at the Guardian of Compassion with an impressed expression, as they emerged from the portal in the medical wing of the castle. She reverted to her normal form and walked to purposefully toward the group congregated outside Ilene’s room. One of the royal guards saw the movement and turned in her direction, bowing immediately when he identified her. “Your Highness,” he said. “What?” a voice called. Caitlyn emerged in the hallway. She froze as she saw Leda approach her. “What’s going on?” Leda asked, easily slipping into her regal mode. “Scylla’s disappeared. Ilene’s suffered some kind of attack. Elara is in a near coma, pouring energy into Ilene to stabilize her again. That’s the short list.” Leda’s jaw tightened. “I see. Well, the other stuff can wait. Caitlyn, I want you and Dido to help the guards account for everyone in the palace. Every servant, every visitor. Understand?” “Got it,” Caitlyn replied. She and the Guardian immediately left. Leda entered Ilene’s room. Dr. Cross was watching some of the monitors. Lysia was seated motionlessly in a nearby chair. She turned her eyes to her sister. “You’re back?” “For now,” Leda replied. “I need your help.” Lysia rose to her feet. “What do you need me to do?” “I need you to contact Crystal Tokyo. I think that we need some help. Try to get Cami for sure. Her medical training will help while Elara is recovering.” “Sure.” Lysia paused by the doorway. “Where are the others?” “Cassandra and Ganymede are still on Cignus,” Leda replied. “Hopefully you can go back to them soon.” With that said, Lysia left. Leda stood at the bedside, occasionally glancing at the surrounding monitors. However, the woman lying in the bed held her attention for most of the time. With a sigh, Leda closed her eyes and clutched her fists. “What good are all my powers if I can’t help you, Ilene?” she muttered. “I hate being so helpless.” Overhearing her statements, Adam paused in the doorway. He had been so wrapped up in his own pain and misery, he hadn’t considered what the others were going through, especially his sisters-in-laws. He stepped back and then knocked on the door. Leda looked up and quickly placed a neutral expression on her face. She smiled weakly when she saw it was Adam who was entering the room. “Hello. I understand that we have had some excitement around here.” “Excitement would be a vast understatement,” he stated. The amusement in his eyes died as he took a seat by Ilene’s bedside. “I’ve sent for Adra. My parents will arrive with her in a few days.” “I’m so sorry, Adam.” “I shouldn’t have hidden her mother’s condition from Adra this long.” Leda nodded. “I let you have some time alone with her.” “Elara is in the room a few doors done the hall.” “Thank you.” Leda paused by the doorway. “Paul and Cassandra are still searching for the manual. Don’t give up hope, Adam. Not yet.” * * * * * Galen looked up as Leda entered the room. He rose to bow but she stopped him with a wave of her hand “That’s really not necessary, Dr. Cross, under the circumstances,” she stated. He nodded and sat back down. The princess studied Elara’s unconscious form for a few moments. With a heavy sigh, she rubbed her eyes and leaned against the wall. “What happened?” she asked, keeping her eyes on Elara. “I don’t really know,” Galen replied honestly. “Scylla relieved and was going to stay with Ilene until Adam returned. Well, the alarms went off and by the time I got to Ilene’s room, Elara was there as Sailor Europa using the Stone of Hope on Ilene. She sent after the captain of the guards to find Scylla.” “You have no idea what happened to Scylla or Ilene?” He shook his head. “No, Your Highness, I don’t.’ She looked at the formal address, but she remained silent. It was an issue she did not want to face at the moment. She crossed her arms and leaned further against the wall, her eyes moving back to Elara’s still form. Only her chest moved, rising in the gentle rhythm of her breathing. “Will she recover?” Galen passed a weary hand over his eyes. “Yes, Elara will recover. I just unsure about the time it will require.” “I am asking Crystal Tokyo for help,” Leda said quietly. “I have specifically asked for Camilla of Mercury. Aside from her skills as Sailor Boreas, her medical training will be beneficial.” “I thank you,” Galen replied, but his gratitude was sincere. “Just take care of my sisters for me. And take care of yourself, too.” She slowly moved away from the wall. “Your Highness, are you all right?” “I’ll be fine, Dr. Cross,” she replied. However, the resigned look in her eyes disturbed him. “Please, make sure you get some rest as well.” Without looking back, she left the room. * * * * * Ganymede watched the ruins of the royal palace loom ever closer and the pair walked briskly through the deserted streets of the city. “We’re making better time than you had expected.” “I’m afraid that appearances are sometimes deceiving,” Cassandra replied. “Then, the palace must be massive,” Ganymede stated. Cassandra nodded. “It was quite impressive, much larger than the palace on Jupiter or in Crystal Tokyo for that matter.” “Impressive, indeed.” Ganymede suddenly stopped, his eyes quickly scanning the area around them. Cassandra noticed and looked around herself. “What’s wrong?” “Something seems off here,” Ganymede replied absently. “I don’t feel anything,” Cassandra said. “I guess I am letting my imagination take over. Let’s go.” The two continued toward the palace. However, despite his best efforts, Ganymede couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. He spent several minutes, telling him that the sensation was just his imagination. Yet, with each step, the sensation seemed to intensify. “Cassandra, do you think . . .” A rumble cut off his question as the pavement under his feet cracked and then gave way. Cassandra turned and watched in horror as the Prince of Jupiter disappeared into a fissure, a cloud of dust obscuring her vision. “Ganymede!” She ran toward him without thinking. As the pavement under her feet gave way as well, she realized her mistake. Yet, it was too late. She screamed as she fell into the blackness.


Chapter 2: Reinforcements Jupiter's Gone