Chapter 9: The Call to Battle

Leda walked alone down the multiple corridors of the Crystal Palace, heading toward the main conference. Her sisters had arrived shortly before, each repeating their pledge to defend the system. Satisfied with the sincerity of their vows, Leda left to give their replies to Serenity.

For the hundredth time, she wished Paul was here. The events of the day before were still nightmarish, horrible and unreal. Yet, the bandages, the aching wound, and Paul’s absence reminded her continually that those events of the previous day had transpired.

She opened the massive doors of the conference room, praying she was the first to arrive. She wasn’t. The others were there and waiting.

Serenity and Endymion were seated at the opposite end of the table, as they had before. Now, though, their daughter, Rini, was seated between them. Leda gave a quick glance around the table, noting that the others were joined by the daughters: Cami with her parents, Ami and Greg; Angie with Mina and Michael; and the twins, Diana and Phoebe, with their mother, Rei.

Leda quickly sat down at her designated place. Yet, she didn’t missed the looks of surprise caused by Paul’s absence. She prayed that Serenity would not ask for an explanation.

“Now that we all are here,” Endymion began, glancing at Leda. She simply nodded her head in silent agreement. “We need to make a decision concerning the defense of our system against the incoming invaders.”

“Have you all reached a decision?” Serenity asked.

“Have you?” Rei demanded.

Serenity and Endymion looked at their daughter and then at each other. A moment later, Serenity turned back to Rei.

“We gave Rini the decision,” Serenity explained. “She has decided to fight.”

“I have, too,” Phoebe interjected.

“Me, too,” Diana replied.

“I will fight, Your Majesties,” Cami said, her determined voice so much like Ami’s.

“And so will I,” Angie added. Mina could only struggle to smile.

All eyes turned to Leda. “I will fight, as well as my sisters. I cannot speak for Paul.”

Serenity gaped in surprise, wondering what turn of events could have caused such a division. Endymion remained expressionless.

“All right then,” Endymion said, ending further speculation. Leda was grateful; the stares were enough. “It is agreed. A new group of Sailor Scouts will be called.”

The doors to the conference room swung open, startling the room’s occupants. Four Sailors entered the room.

“The Outer Sailor Scouts have arrived,” Sailor Pluto announced.

“We’re glad you could come, Sailor Pluto,” Serenity said. “We need your help.”

“We know,” Sailor Saturn replied. “Neptune has fallen to the Shadow Moon Empire, and Saturn will soon.”

“Oh, Hotaru,” Rini murmured, her heart aching for one of her closest friend.

“We have bigger problems than the fall of Neptune,” Sailor Uranus interjected.

“Our new enemy is very powerful,” Sailor Neptune stated.

“We know,” Rei said sadly. “Our daughters will join the fight.”

“As well as my sisters,” Leda added.

“Yes, we knew you had been called,” Sailor Pluto said. “We are remorseful for the loss of your mother.”

“Thank you,” Leda replied. She knew that Sailor Pluto was sincere. She could see the pain in Setsuna's eyes.

“What happen to your arm, Leda?” Sailor Saturn asked, gesturing to the bandages.

“A Shadow Moon warrior was impersonating one of Serenity’s gardeners,” Leda explained. “He attacked me for my role in the destruction of Atalia, one of the enemy princesses.”

“Let me see.” Sailor Saturn had matured as well as the rest of the Sailor Scouts. Yet, she had been the youngest scout, reborn after the battle with Pharaoh Ninety. Now she appeared only a few years older than Rini and Leda.

She carefully undid the bandages, revealing the ugly, puffy stitches in Leda’s arm. Placing both hands on Leda’s upper arm, Sailor Saturn closed her eyes. Purple light glowed around her hands as the wound closed and healed, leaving no scar.

Out of concern, Leda reached for her as the light faded. Sailor Saturn shook her head, rejecting the help. She pointed to the normal skin of Leda’s upper arm.

“I am a lot stronger now,” Sailor Saturn explained. “You will need to be whole for this battle, Sailor Jupiter Moon.”

“You’re a Scout?” Phoebe gasped.

Leda turned to the younger girl and smiled. “My sisters are, too.”

“It’s time,” Endymion said.

Serenity rose from her chair. “Let’s go outside to call the new Scouts.”

* * * * *

Leda had to admit that they made an impressive scene. The Outer Scouts were grouped together, standing under a shady tree. The future Scouts were huddled together before Serenity, Endymion, Luna, and Artemis. The ceremony, for lack of a better word, was about to begin.

“Wait,” Ami commanded, drawing looks from the others. "I think it’s only appropriate if we all transform to welcome the new Scouts.”

Caitlyn and the rest of the sisters turned to Leda. “What do you think?” Caitlyn asked.

Leda shrugged. “It seems like a good idea.”

Endymion nodded. “Okay, transform!”

“Right!” several voices answered in unison.

“Mercury Star Power!”

“Venus Star Power!”

“Mars Star Power!”

“Jupiter Moon Crystal Power!”

“Callisto Moon Power!”

“Io Moon Power!”

“Lysithea Moon Power!”

“Europa Moon Power!”

The younger girls just stared as their mothers and former playmates became the Sailor Scouts.

“This is too cool!” Phoebe cried.

“Now it is your turn,” Serenity said. She looked behind her, and three cats appeared.

“Luna!” Ami cried, while Mina simultaneously called, “Artemis!”

“Hello, girls,” Luna greeted.

“Hey, Mina, everybody,” Artemis replied.

“What’s Diana doing here?” Rini asked, eyeing the younger cat, the daughter of Luna and Artemis, speculatively.

“Diana is becoming a full guardian,” Luna said. Diana nodded.

“She’s becoming an adult, just like the rest of you,” her father noted.

“Okay, Diana. It’s time,” Serenity said. Endymion nodded.

The young cat took a steadying breath, before executing a back flip and landing elegantly on her feet. Three transformation pens appeared in the loop of the flip. Each of the cats took a pen to Serenity.

“These are your transformation pens,” Serenity explained to the girls. “They will allow you to transform. Guard them carefully.”

Serenity approached Cami. “You, Camilla of Mercury, are Sailor Boreas, the Soldier of Wind. To transform, call ‘Boreas Star Power.’ Try it.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Cami replied, studying her light blue transformation pen for a moment. “Boreas Star Power!!”

The sky blue light eventually faded to reveal Sailor Boreas. Her navy uniform was accented by light blue bows and boots. Her earrings were clouds.

With an approving look to Cami, Serenity stood before Angie. “Angeline of Venus, you are Sailor Eros, Guardian of Love. To transform, say ‘Eros Star Power.’”

Nodding, Angie accepted the golden transformation pen. "Eros Star Power!”

Sailor Eros was dressed in a golden uniform with pink bows. Her long, blonde hair was pulled back with a large pink bow. She also possessed a quiver of arrow and a bow, all golden in color. Sailor Venus beamed at her daughter with pride.

Smiling, Serenity came to the twins. “Phoebe and Diana of Mars, you too are now Sailor Scouts. Phoebe, you are Sailor Mulciber, the Sailor of the Forge. ‘Mulciber Star Power’ is your transform call. Diana, you are Sailor Minerva, the Guardian of Wisdom and Just Battle. To transform, call ‘Minerva Star Power.’”

The twins accepted their transformation pens.

“Mulciber Star Power!!”

“Minerva Star Power!!”

Sailor Mulciber had a red uniform with black bows. Her black hair was loose and was tossed by the gentle breeze. Sailor Minerva was dressed in a burgundy uniform with violet bows. Her black hair was also loose. The twins posed together.

With sad eyes, Serenity turned away from the twins to her daughter, Rini. Tears welled in her eyes, resembling those of the other mothers who had watched their daughters exchanged their youthful freedom to fight for their homes and the future.

“Rini,” Serenity said softly, “you are no longer Chibi Moon. You will now wield the full power of the Silver Crystal and become Neo-Sailor Moon.”

Serenity held her former transformation brooch out to Rini. With an air of uncertainty, Rini gently picked it up, watching the sun gleam off the golden surface. She recalled how she as a child had jeopardized Crystal Tokyo by taking the Silver Crystal. Now, she was being entrusted by her parents, the two people hurt most by her childish foolishness.

Rini shook her head, dispersing those thoughts. It was a long time ago and forgotten. It was time to accept her role as Neo-Sailor Moon. Then, Rini looked up and realized her mother was crying.

Serenity smiled, out of pride and worry. “Transform!”

“Moon Crystal Power!!”

Neo-Sailor Moon resembled her mother. The uniform was the same, and the jewelry was similar as well. Yet, Rini’s pink hair was still in the diamond pigtails. Serenity and Endymion held hands and watched their daughter pose.

“Now all the warriors are assembled,” Endymion announced. “It’s time for our battle plans.”


The Call to Battle Leda walked alone down the multiple corridors of the Crystal Palace, heading toward the main conference. Her sisters had arrived shortly before, each repeating their pledge to defend the system. Satisfied with the sincerity of their vows, Leda left to give their replies to Serenity. For the hundredth time, she wished Paul was here. The events of the day before were still nightmarish, horrible and unreal. Yet, the bandages, the aching wound, and Paul’s absence reminded her continually that those events of the previous day had transpired. She opened the massive doors of the conference room, praying she was the first to arrive. She wasn’t. The others were there and waiting. Serenity and Endymion were seated at the opposite end of the table, as they had before. Now, though, their daughter, Rini, was seated between them. Leda gave a quick glance around the table, noting that the others were joined by the daughters: Cami with her parents, Ami and Greg; Angie with Mina and Michael; and the twins, Diana and Phoebe, with their mother, Rei. Leda quickly sat down at her designated place. Yet, she didn’t missed the looks of surprise caused by Paul’s absence. She prayed that Serenity would not ask for an explanation. “Now that we all are here,” Endymion began, glancing at Leda. She simply nodded her head in silent agreement. “We need to make a decision concerning the defense of our system against the incoming invaders.” “Have you all reached a decision?” Serenity asked. “Have you?” Rei demanded. Serenity and Endymion looked at their daughter and then at each other. A moment later, Serenity turned back to Rei. “We gave Rini the decision,” Serenity explained. “She has decided to fight.” “I have, too,” Phoebe interjected. “Me, too,” Diana replied. “I will fight, Your Majesties,” Cami said, her determined voice so much like Ami’s. “And so will I,” Angie added. Mina could only struggle to smile. All eyes turned to Leda. “I will fight, as well as my sisters. I cannot speak for Paul.” Serenity gaped in surprise, wondering what turn of events could have caused such a division. Endymion remained expressionless. “All right then,” Endymion said, ending further speculation. Leda was grateful; the stares were enough. “It is agreed. A new group of Sailor Scouts will be called.” The doors to the conference room swung open, startling the room’s occupants. Four Sailors entered the room. “The Outer Sailor Scouts have arrived,” Sailor Pluto announced. “We’re glad you could come, Sailor Pluto,” Serenity said. “We need your help.” “We know,” Sailor Saturn replied. “Neptune has fallen to the Shadow Moon Empire, and Saturn will soon.” “Oh, Hotaru,” Rini murmured, her heart aching for one of her closest friend. “We have bigger problems than the fall of Neptune,” Sailor Uranus interjected. “Our new enemy is very powerful,” Sailor Neptune stated. “We know,” Rei said sadly. “Our daughters will join the fight.” “As well as my sisters,” Leda added. “Yes, we knew you had been called,” Sailor Pluto said. “We are remorseful for the loss of your mother.” “Thank you,” Leda replied. She knew that Sailor Pluto was sincere. She could see the pain in Setsuna's eyes. “What happen to your arm, Leda?” Sailor Saturn asked, gesturing to the bandages. “A Shadow Moon warrior was impersonating one of Serenity’s gardeners,” Leda explained. “He attacked me for my role in the destruction of Atalia, one of the enemy princesses.” “Let me see.” Sailor Saturn had matured as well as the rest of the Sailor Scouts. Yet, she had been the youngest scout, reborn after the battle with Pharaoh Ninety. Now she appeared only a few years older than Rini and Leda. She carefully undid the bandages, revealing the ugly, puffy stitches in Leda’s arm. Placing both hands on Leda’s upper arm, Sailor Saturn closed her eyes. Purple light glowed around her hands as the wound closed and healed, leaving no scar. Out of concern, Leda reached for her as the light faded. Sailor Saturn shook her head, rejecting the help. She pointed to the normal skin of Leda’s upper arm. “I am a lot stronger now,” Sailor Saturn explained. “You will need to be whole for this battle, Sailor Jupiter Moon.” “You’re a Scout?” Phoebe gasped. Leda turned to the younger girl and smiled. “My sisters are, too.” “It’s time,” Endymion said. Serenity rose from her chair. “Let’s go outside to call the new Scouts.” * * * * * Leda had to admit that they made an impressive scene. The Outer Scouts were grouped together, standing under a shady tree. The future Scouts were huddled together before Serenity, Endymion, Luna, and Artemis. The ceremony, for lack of a better word, was about to begin. “Wait,” Ami commanded, drawing looks from the others. "I think it’s only appropriate if we all transform to welcome the new Scouts.” Caitlyn and the rest of the sisters turned to Leda. “What do you think?” Caitlyn asked. Leda shrugged. “It seems like a good idea.” Endymion nodded. “Okay, transform!” “Right!” several voices answered in unison. “Mercury Star Power!” “Venus Star Power!” “Mars Star Power!” “Jupiter Moon Crystal Power!” “Callisto Moon Power!” “Io Moon Power!” “Lysithea Moon Power!” “Europa Moon Power!” The younger girls just stared as their mothers and former playmates became the Sailor Scouts. “This is too cool!” Phoebe cried. “Now it is your turn,” Serenity said. She looked behind her, and three cats appeared. “Luna!” Ami cried, while Mina simultaneously called, “Artemis!” “Hello, girls,” Luna greeted. “Hey, Mina, everybody,” Artemis replied. “What’s Diana doing here?” Rini asked, eyeing the younger cat, the daughter of Luna and Artemis, speculatively. “Diana is becoming a full guardian,” Luna said. Diana nodded. “She’s becoming an adult, just like the rest of you,” her father noted. “Okay, Diana. It’s time,” Serenity said. Endymion nodded. The young cat took a steadying breath, before executing a back flip and landing elegantly on her feet. Three transformation pens appeared in the loop of the flip. Each of the cats took a pen to Serenity. “These are your transformation pens,” Serenity explained to the girls. “They will allow you to transform. Guard them carefully.” Serenity approached Cami. “You, Camilla of Mercury, are Sailor Boreas, the Soldier of Wind. To transform, call ‘Boreas Star Power.’ Try it.” “Yes, Your Majesty,” Cami replied, studying her light blue transformation pen for a moment. “Boreas Star Power!!” The sky blue light eventually faded to reveal Sailor Boreas. Her navy uniform was accented by light blue bows and boots. Her earrings were clouds. With an approving look to Cami, Serenity stood before Angie. “Angeline of Venus, you are Sailor Eros, Guardian of Love. To transform, say ‘Eros Star Power.’” Nodding, Angie accepted the golden transformation pen. "Eros Star Power!” Sailor Eros was dressed in a golden uniform with pink bows. Her long, blonde hair was pulled back with a large pink bow. She also possessed a quiver of arrow and a bow, all golden in color. Sailor Venus beamed at her daughter with pride. Smiling, Serenity came to the twins. “Phoebe and Diana of Mars, you too are now Sailor Scouts. Phoebe, you are Sailor Mulciber, the Sailor of the Forge. ‘Mulciber Star Power’ is your transform call. Diana, you are Sailor Minerva, the Guardian of Wisdom and Just Battle. To transform, call ‘Minerva Star Power.’” The twins accepted their transformation pens. “Mulciber Star Power!!” “Minerva Star Power!!” Sailor Mulciber had a red uniform with black bows. Her black hair was loose and was tossed by the gentle breeze. Sailor Minerva was dressed in a burgundy uniform with violet bows. Her black hair was also loose. The twins posed together. With sad eyes, Serenity turned away from the twins to her daughter, Rini. Tears welled in her eyes, resembling those of the other mothers who had watched their daughters exchanged their youthful freedom to fight for their homes and the future. “Rini,” Serenity said softly, “you are no longer Chibi Moon. You will now wield the full power of the Silver Crystal and become Neo-Sailor Moon.” Serenity held her former transformation brooch out to Rini. With an air of uncertainty, Rini gently picked it up, watching the sun gleam off the golden surface. She recalled how she as a child had jeopardized Crystal Tokyo by taking the Silver Crystal. Now, she was being entrusted by her parents, the two people hurt most by her childish foolishness. Rini shook her head, dispersing those thoughts. It was a long time ago and forgotten. It was time to accept her role as Neo-Sailor Moon. Then, Rini looked up and realized her mother was crying. Serenity smiled, out of pride and worry. “Transform!” “Moon Crystal Power!!” Neo-Sailor Moon resembled her mother. The uniform was the same, and the jewelry was similar as well. Yet, Rini’s pink hair was still in the diamond pigtails. Serenity and Endymion held hands and watched their daughter pose. “Now all the warriors are assembled,” Endymion announced. “It’s time for our battle plans.”


Chapter 10: Destinations Jupiter's Gone