|
|
|
|
Changing Hands “Here we are,” Elara announced to her four companions. Cami, Haruka, and Michiru paused, admiring the scenery of the main palace grounds. Elara then glanced at her sister.
“Feels good to be home, doesn’t it, Leda?” Leda kept her eyes on the palace, but she nodded in reply. Without speaking, she began walking to the palace. Might as well get this over with, Leda thought, dreading her soon-to-be encounter with Rand. Elara frowned in worry. Leda had barely spoken to anyone since the sisters had arrived in Crystal Tokyo. What had happened? What was wrong between Leda and Paul? Cami touched Elara’s shoulder, giving her friend a sympathetic smile. “Give her time,” Cami said, gesturing to Leda’s now distant form. “She’ll come around when she’s ready.” “I just wonder how that will be,” Elara sighed. “These last few months have been grueling for her.” “And for the rest of you,” Cami reminded her. “But it’s been worst for Leda. She’s been trying to protect everyone, and she hasn’t had a chance to cope with anything yet.” “That’s where we come in,” Haruka interjected. Michiru nodded. “We’re going to stop this Shadow Moon Empire.” “Together,” Cami added. Elara smiled gratefully, trying to become more cheerful. “Together we’re invincible!” “Right!” the others chorused. “Now, let’s catch up with Leda,” Cami suggested. Nodding, Elara led the others to the palace. * * * * * “We just don’t know how long this war will take,” Leda concluded. She stood before Rand in the main chamber of the Jovian Palace, explaining the decisions of the conference in Crystal Tokyo. She had omitted some details, the major one being Paul. “Where will all of you be?” Rand asked warily. A familiar look of resigned defeat was etched on his face. He had lived to see many of his comrades and his wife die in battles. Now his daughters were fighting, and the eldest was asking him to stay at home and mind the kitchen. Leda closed her eyes, aware of the painful emotions coursing through her step-father’s mind. She wished that he-that all of them-could be spared this ordeal. Apparently fate had a different idea. Sighing, Leda opened her eyes. “Ilene is teamed with Ami and Angeline on Mars. Caitlyn and Lysia are also on Mars but with Mina.” “And Elara?” “She will be with me on Jupiter, as well as Cami, Haruka, and Michiru.” “What?!” Rand cried in astonishment. Elara was the weakest of the girls and Serenity had placed her at the forefront of the war. The idea was ludicrous to Rand. “It wasn’t Serenity’s idea,” Leda explained, sensing Rand’s thoughts. “Nor mine,” she added, cutting off another protest. “I asked to be placed on Jupiter. Later, Elara asked to be with me.” “And Ami’s daughter is here as well?” “Yes, Cami is here. She is Sailor Boreas. Because the three of us are younger, Haruka and Michiru are here to assist.” Rand sighed, looking out of one of the main window and becoming lost in thought. “It seems so unfair,” he whispered. Then, shaking his head, he turned back to Leda. “Where is Paul?” Leda flinched, believing that she eluded that loaded question. Quickly she regained her composure, but not soon enough to escape Rand’s attention. “He decided not to fight,” Leda replied evenly. “Why?” “He was given the choice, as were the rest of us.” Leda’s tone ordered no more questions. “Did you two fight?” “I don’t want to discuss it!” The outburst surprised the two of them. Leda sighed, ashamed at her actions. “Paul is his own person,” she stated, her voice tired. “And free to make his own decisions. I need you to run Jupiter while we face this new enemy. Please.” “Leda, I love you as if you were my flesh and blood and therefore I see you as my daughter.” “I am eternally grateful.” Rand shook away the thanks. “I want you and the other girls to return safely to me, Leda. Promise me that. Promise to try to come home safely.” “You know that we all will, Rand.” “I only ask one more thing from you, Leda.” “What is it?” Leda looked expectantly at Rand. “Protect Elara at all costs.” Leda nodded. “You have my word.” |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|