Chapter 2: The Question of Family

They stood in the antechamber, waiting for their announcement to the king and queen. Leda looked at her companion, smiling at his nervousness. She took his hand, causing him to face her.

“Relax,” she soothed. “I don’t think Neo-Queen Serenity has executed anyone in ages, and definitely not for a simple breach of courtesy.”

“That’s very comforting, my lady,” Paul muttered, straightening the front of his shirt for the millionth time.

“You couldn’t have been so nervous the time before, could you?”

“No, I was too concerned about where you and your sisters had disappeared to pay particular heed to all the formalities of court,” he replied reluctantly.

“Paul, relax, smile,” and again the evil grin, “and I will do all the talking.”

He did a mock bow. “As you wish, Lady Leda.”

The same servant announced Lady Leda of Jupiter. She and Paul crossed the room, bowing before the king and queen. Serenity beamed at the two before her.

“Your Majesties,” Leda began, “our mission to Charon was successful. The enemy Nadomus and his forces have been destroyed.”

She paused, trying to word the next part of the report. "Unfortunately, our advisor, Cynthia, was killed in battle. We honored her remains there, Your Majesties, because we did not see another course of action.”

The queen raised a hand to her mouth, stifling a gasp of shock. She bowed her head for a moment, then Serenity wiped away a tear. She nodded for Leda to continue.

“I discovered new powers of the Jupiter Moon Crystal. I was able to transform into Sailor Jupiter Moon and the Princess of Jupiter. As the Princess of Jupiter, I was able to defeat Nadomus, heal my sisters, and bring all of us home. However, one part of the healing erased my sisters’ memories of being Sailors. Only Paul and I remember what has happened.”

“To explain our sudden departure,” Paul added, “I created a story about a dangerous virus and a quarantine for Lady Leda and her sisters. The story has seemed to be effective, although dishonest.”

“You did well,” Serenity said. “Though the loss of Cynthia is tragic, there is nothing to fault yourself for, Leda.”

“Your Majesty, I have brought back the transformation pens and my brooch. It seems only fitting to return them to you.” Leda handed a wooded box to the queen. Serenity stared at the box, gently rubbing her fingers over the carved symbol of Jupiter.

“You had better keep them, Leda,” Endymion said. Nodding in agreement, Serenity handed the box back to Leda.

“You may have need of them in the future,” Endymion explained.

“With your permission, I would like to keep my sisters unaware of their identities until there is a time which they will need it. They are now contending with the loss of our mother and their weakness from battle. They don’t need to cope with the consequences of our battle at this time.”

“We understand,” Serenity said. “Be sure that you receive plenty of rest yourself, Leda.”

Leda bowed, signaling that she would accept the advise.

“One other thing, Leda,” Serenity added. “When you are ready, you will be crowned the Princess of Jupiter. But do not rush into that position. You still have a few years to wait, if you wish.”

“Thank you, Queen Serenity. I will give it serious thought.” Bowing once more, she and Paul left the palace and Crystal Tokyo.

* * * * *

“Are you sure that you want me to come with you?” Paul asked again. “I got the impression that this was to be a family thing.”

Leda turned away from her suitcase to find Paul laden with her clothes. She pretended to cough, stifling the urge to laugh. Her hero was overwhelmed to various dresses, shirts, and slacks. Sensing the reason for the coughing fit, Paul tried to assume a more dignified stance. And failing miserably, Leda thought.

“You don’t have to go,” she said, taking a chunk of the clothes out of his arms. “I just thought that it would be nice to have you there. Besides, you may need to get use to these family things.”

“You want a distraction, just in case you get cornered with Rand,” Paul said bluntly.

Leda flinched from a moment, almost dropping the clothes before placing them neatly in the suitcase. “Yes, I am worried about being alone with Rand,” she admitted. “But you are such a pleasant distraction.” Kissing him on the cheek, she took another armful of clothes.

“You flatter me to no end, my lady.” He paused, debating whether he should accompany Leda to Ananke. “How long should I pack for?”

“A week or so,” she answered, studying the suitcase.

Paul frowned. That was all the response he was going to get from her. Grunting indignantly, he shifted the clothes in his outstretched arms. Giggling, Leda turned to face him.

“Thank you, Paul,” she cooed, kissing him thoroughly. “I know that you don’t really want to go, but thanks for going with me.”

“Well, I might as well become better acquainted with your family now. Right, Leda?”

“That’s the idea. Besides, Duthbert and the council can handle the day-to-day operations without me. If there are any problems, I can be reached.”

“You still need to rest, Leda. You are trying to take on too much too fast.”

“Ananke will do me good, Paul. It is a forest moon. No doctor could prescribe a more relaxing atmosphere.”

She took the final load of clothes and placed them in the suitcase. After she zipped it close, Paul took it and placed it outside the door for a servant to pick up.

“Relaxation is exactly what you need, Leda.” He caressed her cheek, noticing the dark circles and fine lines. “The anxieties of the past several months have begun to show.”

“Really?” she asked in cool detachment. His face revealed shock, probably afraid that he had insulted her. She smiled. “Speak for yourself, old man. I think I see some gray.” She ran her fingers through the hairs above his ear.

“I think we could both use some vacation,” Leda said.

“As you wish, my lady.” He kissed briefly. Sighing, he turned to go. “I must go and pack for our little family vacation, Leda.”

“Don’t forget your swimwear. The water is wonderful.”

Kissing her one more time, he left, cheerfully anticipating the upcoming trip to Ananke. The first thing he packed were his swimming trunks.

* * * * *

Leda watched her family as they strolled along the shore of the nearby lake. Her sisters seemed so happy here with Rand. The perpetual look of grief was beginning to fade from her stepfather’s face.

“It’s good to see him smile again,” she commented to Paul, who was also leaning against the window.

“He seems more like his old self again,” he agreed. “Are sure you don’t want to join them?”

“No,” she answered, shaking her head. “They need some time with their father.”

“You know, Leda, that Rand considers you one of his daughters.”

“Yeah,” she said, watching the family once more. “And I am grateful. But I always feel so out of place with them. Like a fifth wheel, or a sixth in this case.”

“I am not going to tell you what to do, but I am sure Rand would love it if you spent some time with him while we are here on Ananke.”

“I don’t know, Paul. Maybe I will.”

“There is no time like the present, Leda.” Giving her a kiss on the cheek, he picked up his book and left the room.

A few minutes later, Leda rose to join her family by the lake. Suddenly, she doubled over in pain. Clenching the corner of the wall for support, she realized with dread that she was experiencing one of her signs of danger. Ignoring the discomfort, she made out of the room, heading for the lake.


The Question of Family They stood in the antechamber, waiting for their announcement to the king and queen. Leda looked at her companion, smiling at his nervousness. She took his hand, causing him to face her. “Relax,” she soothed. “I don’t think Neo-Queen Serenity has executed anyone in ages, and definitely not for a simple breach of courtesy.” “That’s very comforting, my lady,” Paul muttered, straightening the front of his shirt for the millionth time. “You couldn’t have been so nervous the time before, could you?” “No, I was too concerned about where you and your sisters had disappeared to pay particular heed to all the formalities of court,” he replied reluctantly. “Paul, relax, smile,” and again the evil grin, “and I will do all the talking.” He did a mock bow. “As you wish, Lady Leda.” The same servant announced Lady Leda of Jupiter. She and Paul crossed the room, bowing before the king and queen. Serenity beamed at the two before her. “Your Majesties,” Leda began, “our mission to Charon was successful. The enemy Nadomus and his forces have been destroyed.” She paused, trying to word the next part of the report. "Unfortunately, our advisor, Cynthia, was killed in battle. We honored her remains there, Your Majesties, because we did not see another course of action.” The queen raised a hand to her mouth, stifling a gasp of shock. She bowed her head for a moment, then Serenity wiped away a tear. She nodded for Leda to continue. “I discovered new powers of the Jupiter Moon Crystal. I was able to transform into Sailor Jupiter Moon and the Princess of Jupiter. As the Princess of Jupiter, I was able to defeat Nadomus, heal my sisters, and bring all of us home. However, one part of the healing erased my sisters’ memories of being Sailors. Only Paul and I remember what has happened.” “To explain our sudden departure,” Paul added, “I created a story about a dangerous virus and a quarantine for Lady Leda and her sisters. The story has seemed to be effective, although dishonest.” “You did well,” Serenity said. “Though the loss of Cynthia is tragic, there is nothing to fault yourself for, Leda.” “Your Majesty, I have brought back the transformation pens and my brooch. It seems only fitting to return them to you.” Leda handed a wooded box to the queen. Serenity stared at the box, gently rubbing her fingers over the carved symbol of Jupiter. “You had better keep them, Leda,” Endymion said. Nodding in agreement, Serenity handed the box back to Leda. “You may have need of them in the future,” Endymion explained. “With your permission, I would like to keep my sisters unaware of their identities until there is a time which they will need it. They are now contending with the loss of our mother and their weakness from battle. They don’t need to cope with the consequences of our battle at this time.” “We understand,” Serenity said. “Be sure that you receive plenty of rest yourself, Leda.” Leda bowed, signaling that she would accept the advise. “One other thing, Leda,” Serenity added. “When you are ready, you will be crowned the Princess of Jupiter. But do not rush into that position. You still have a few years to wait, if you wish.” “Thank you, Queen Serenity. I will give it serious thought.” Bowing once more, she and Paul left the palace and Crystal Tokyo. * * * * * “Are you sure that you want me to come with you?” Paul asked again. “I got the impression that this was to be a family thing.” Leda turned away from her suitcase to find Paul laden with her clothes. She pretended to cough, stifling the urge to laugh. Her hero was overwhelmed to various dresses, shirts, and slacks. Sensing the reason for the coughing fit, Paul tried to assume a more dignified stance. And failing miserably, Leda thought. “You don’t have to go,” she said, taking a chunk of the clothes out of his arms. “I just thought that it would be nice to have you there. Besides, you may need to get use to these family things.” “You want a distraction, just in case you get cornered with Rand,” Paul said bluntly. Leda flinched from a moment, almost dropping the clothes before placing them neatly in the suitcase. “Yes, I am worried about being alone with Rand,” she admitted. “But you are such a pleasant distraction.” Kissing him on the cheek, she took another armful of clothes. “You flatter me to no end, my lady.” He paused, debating whether he should accompany Leda to Ananke. “How long should I pack for?” “A week or so,” she answered, studying the suitcase. Paul frowned. That was all the response he was going to get from her. Grunting indignantly, he shifted the clothes in his outstretched arms. Giggling, Leda turned to face him. “Thank you, Paul,” she cooed, kissing him thoroughly. “I know that you don’t really want to go, but thanks for going with me.” “Well, I might as well become better acquainted with your family now. Right, Leda?” “That’s the idea. Besides, Duthbert and the council can handle the day-to-day operations without me. If there are any problems, I can be reached.” “You still need to rest, Leda. You are trying to take on too much too fast.” “Ananke will do me good, Paul. It is a forest moon. No doctor could prescribe a more relaxing atmosphere.” She took the final load of clothes and placed them in the suitcase. After she zipped it close, Paul took it and placed it outside the door for a servant to pick up. “Relaxation is exactly what you need, Leda.” He caressed her cheek, noticing the dark circles and fine lines. “The anxieties of the past several months have begun to show.” “Really?” she asked in cool detachment. His face revealed shock, probably afraid that he had insulted her. She smiled. “Speak for yourself, old man. I think I see some gray.” She ran her fingers through the hairs above his ear. “I think we could both use some vacation,” Leda said. “As you wish, my lady.” He kissed briefly. Sighing, he turned to go. “I must go and pack for our little family vacation, Leda.” “Don’t forget your swimwear. The water is wonderful.” Kissing her one more time, he left, cheerfully anticipating the upcoming trip to Ananke. The first thing he packed were his swimming trunks. * * * * * Leda watched her family as they strolled along the shore of the nearby lake. Her sisters seemed so happy here with Rand. The perpetual look of grief was beginning to fade from her stepfather’s face. “It’s good to see him smile again,” she commented to Paul, who was also leaning against the window. “He seems more like his old self again,” he agreed. “Are sure you don’t want to join them?” “No,” she answered, shaking her head. “They need some time with their father.” “You know, Leda, that Rand considers you one of his daughters.” “Yeah,” she said, watching the family once more. “And I am grateful. But I always feel so out of place with them. Like a fifth wheel, or a sixth in this case.” “I am not going to tell you what to do, but I am sure Rand would love it if you spent some time with him while we are here on Ananke.” “I don’t know, Paul. Maybe I will.” “There is no time like the present, Leda.” Giving her a kiss on the cheek, he picked up his book and left the room. A few minutes later, Leda rose to join her family by the lake. Suddenly, she doubled over in pain. Clenching the corner of the wall for support, she realized with dread that she was experiencing one of her signs of danger. Ignoring the discomfort, she made out of the room, heading for the lake.


Chapter 3: An Episode from the Past Jupiter's Gone