Chapter 4: The Rescue

Hecate narrowed her eyes in frustration. “What are the Words?!” she screamed, gesturing violently toward the young woman half-standing, half-kneeling before her. “This is your last chance! What are the words?!”

Sailor Jupiter moaned as the pain level increased. Closing her eyes, she managed to shake her head, indicating her further resistance. Growling in anger, Hecate waved her hand, ending the torture. She spun around and stalked out of the room, passing an emotionless Nadomus.

“She’s yours!” the Empress called, exiting the chamber. “Do with her what you will!”

Smirking, Nadomus strolled to the edge of the circle of light. It amused him to watch Jupiter struggle for breath while on her knees. Grabbing her arms, he pulled to her feet and then to him.

“You heard the Empress, my dear Leda.” His tone made her blood freeze. “And I always obey my Empress.” He chuckled briefly before turning his attention fully to her again. “So, what shall we do first?”

* * * * *

Europa was amazed as she exited the portal into the courtyard of the ruined palace. Rubbing her arms, she turned to the others, watching walk out of the blue-rimmed passage. They had made it.

Dido was the last one to exit, turning around briefly. She mumbled a few words and the portal vanished. “Is this the right place?” she asked in a detached tone.

“Yes,” Ganymede answered coolly, staring at the palace before them. “If she’s here, he will have her in the main chamber.”

He took a step forward but halted. Slowly, he raised a hand to his face and removed his mask. After studying it for a moment, he threw it into the shadows.

Europa touched his shoulder, questions in her eyes.

He smiled. “I don’t need it anymore. I’m tired of hiding, Europa. Now,” he said, taking a deep breath, “let’s go help Jupiter Moon.”

“Right!”

Taking the lead, Ganymede led the other through the courtyard soundlessly. He didn’t expect any guards, but, for Leda’s sake, he didn’t want to take any unnecessary risks. Despite their extreme caution, they were inside the main palace within moments.

Stopping for a moment, he gestured for Dido and Europa to come closer to him. “The halls are a maze,” Ganymede said, his voice so low that Europa had to strain to hear it. “Stay close behind me, so that we don’t become separated.”

Dido and Europa nodded. Turning around, he began the trek through the numerous passages. In his mind, Ganymede remembered following Jupiter as she had raced to meet Nadomus. ‘She’s so courageous,’ he thought. ‘I hope that she can hold out a little longer. We’re coming Leda. We’re coming.”

* * * * *

Jupiter collapsed against the hard floor, no longer able to will herself to get up and fight. The pain had stopped a long time ago, replaced by a weary numbness. Seeing her position, Nadomus huffed in disgust.

“Where’s your will to fight, Leda?” he demanded angrily. “This is your fate, Leda. Get use to it.” Then he stalked out of the room.

She sighed when she couldn’t hear his footsteps anymore. She didn’t know how long he would let her rest, but it didn’t matter. She had these few moments to herself.

‘We’re coming, Leda. We’re coming.’

‘What?’ she thought, pulling her mind into action. Had she really ‘heard’ Paul? Was he coming for her?

She let the hope die. He wasn’t on Charon. Even if he did remember her vision, he wouldn’t come for her. He had made it clear that he didn’t want to involve himself anymore in battles.

Not that she blamed him. The thought of her sisters suffering because of her made Jupiter’s stomach churned. So many people depended on her and she had let them down by getting captured.

If a rescue team had been assembled, it would compromise the system’s already shaky defenses. It was better this way, she told herself. She had died for something important. To Jupiter, it was all that mattered now.

* * * * *

Ganymede forced himself to be rational as they approached the doors of the main chamber. Turning to the others, he gestured to the others, indicating it was the room. Dido and Europa stoically nodded in understanding.

Pausing for a moment, Ganymede fought the urge to bust the ancient doors down. Instead, he steeled himself for what might be waiting for them. He hoped that Europa was doing the same.

Gathering his courage, he slipped noiselessly through the doors into the main chambers. The two women followed his example, making no sound at all. They were in.

As soon as he had entered the chamber, Ganymede rushed to Sailor Jupiter, who was laying motionless on the floor. Gently, he turned her unto her back and gasped at the sight of her face.

Her lips and nose were swollen, outlined in dried blood. Her one black eye looked like a hole in her face, the dark purple bruise strongly contrasting with her extremely pale face. Her right jaw boasted a large cut, and clumps of her hair had been pulled free from her ponytail.

Forcing himself, he gingerly checked for other injuries. Her left side was excessively bruise, the discoloration peeking through rents in her uniform. The ribs underneath were mostly likely cracked at best, broken at worst.

Cursing silently under his breath, Ganymede continued and noticed the whelps on her forearms and wrists. He moved on to her legs and discovered her left ankle was sprained. He ended the mental list with numerous minor cuts, bruises, scrapes, and burns.

Europa knelt on the other side of Jupiter, across from him. "She was Jupiter Moon when she was captured," she whispered solemnly, indicating the torture that Leda had went through. Then, Europa place her hands on her sister and closed her eyes. Reluctantly, he lifted Europa’s hands away. Her eyes flew open in surprise.

“It may take all of us to get her out of here,” Ganymede explained.

Supporting Jupiter’s head and neck with one hand, Ganymede used the other to undo his cape and wrap it around. “We’re here, Leda,” he gently told the woman in his arms. “And we are getting you out of here.”

Gently, he stood up, cradling Jupiter against his chest. Glancing at the others, he headed to the doors. Europa and Dido began to follow.

“Leaving so soon,” Nadomus called, eyeing the intruders icily. “Such bad manners.”

His eyes widen in shock for a moment when he saw Dido, but he quickly regained his composure. “Dido, what a surprise. I haven’t seen you in years.”

“You can stop with the pleasantries,” Dido replied, taking a defensive position in front of Ganymede, Jupiter, and Europa. “We’re taking the princess.”

“She’s not the princess, Dido,” Nadomus said, as if completely disinterested. “The poor girl doesn’t know a thing. Believe me, the Empress tried.”

“You’re a fool, Nadomus,” Dido spat. “Hecate forfeited her birthright for Werla’s knowledge. You have lost.”

“You’re betting a lot on that girl,” Nadomus said coolly.

“Just as you are betting on the Empress,” Dido replied smugly.

“Enough of this!” Nadomus cried, pooling large amounts of energy. “That girl is mine!”

“Get the princess out of here!” Dido order, glancing over her shoulder to the others. “Now!!” Nodding, Ganymede took Jupiter out of the chamber, followed by Europa.

Satisfied that the princess was safe, Dido twirled her staff above her head with amazing speed before striking the ground between her feet. “Gemini Guardian Split!” The word “split” was echoed as numerous Didos formed a circle around a confused Nadomus.

“Try to find the real me,” they taunted.

Crying in frustration, Nadomus began to strike while dodging the increasing attacks.

* * * * *

“What about Dido?” Europa cried, following Ganymede through the halls of the palace.

“She’ll be okay,” Ganymede replied. “She had a plan.”

“You’re very astute, Ganymede,” Dido said, appearing behind Europa. “We must hurry to the courtyard. My little trick won’t keep Nadomus busy for too long.”

Ganymede continued to led, rushing to get them out of there. He smiled as he saw the gray light of the courtyard ahead. “We’re almost out!”

They ran into the courtyard, halting at the center. Dido held up her staff, preparing to open the space portal that would take them back to Crystal Tokyo. Ganymede and Europa watched the courtyard for any sign of trouble.

“That wasn’t nice, Dido!” Nadomus cried, appearing in front of the palcace. “You are not leaving with her!”

“I need more time,” Dido called, still focusing on conjuring the portal.

“You got it,” Europa answered. "Europa Cold Sleep!!”

Nadomus roared in pain, as Europa’s freezing mist surrounded him.

“It’s open,” Dido called. Ganymede, still carrying Jupiter, and Europa ran into the portal.
Dido followed and the portal closed. Panting, Nadomus fell to the pavement.

“Poor, poor Nadomus,” a tall blonde woman dressed in navy mocked.

“Scylla, why didn’t you stop them?” Nadomus demanded, standing up.

“You said the girl wasn’t the princess,” she retorted. “I was not about to face Dido if that was the case.”

Then Scylla noticed the pallor of Nadomus’s face. “You liar! She really is the princess, isn’t she?!”

Nadomus slowly nodded.

Fuming, Scylla came within inches of his face. “You’d better hope that the Empress either wins or dies, you incompetent fool. Because if she loses and survives, you will die permanently this time.”


The Rescue Hecate narrowed her eyes in frustration. “What are the Words?!” she screamed, gesturing violently toward the young woman half-standing, half-kneeling before her. “This is your last chance! What are the words?!” Sailor Jupiter moaned as the pain level increased. Closing her eyes, she managed to shake her head, indicating her further resistance. Growling in anger, Hecate waved her hand, ending the torture. She spun around and stalked out of the room, passing an emotionless Nadomus. “She’s yours!” the Empress called, exiting the chamber. “Do with her what you will!” Smirking, Nadomus strolled to the edge of the circle of light. It amused him to watch Jupiter struggle for breath while on her knees. Grabbing her arms, he pulled to her feet and then to him. “You heard the Empress, my dear Leda.” His tone made her blood freeze. “And I always obey my Empress.” He chuckled briefly before turning his attention fully to her again. “So, what shall we do first?” * * * * * Europa was amazed as she exited the portal into the courtyard of the ruined palace. Rubbing her arms, she turned to the others, watching walk out of the blue-rimmed passage. They had made it. Dido was the last one to exit, turning around briefly. She mumbled a few words and the portal vanished. “Is this the right place?” she asked in a detached tone. “Yes,” Ganymede answered coolly, staring at the palace before them. “If she’s here, he will have her in the main chamber.” He took a step forward but halted. Slowly, he raised a hand to his face and removed his mask. After studying it for a moment, he threw it into the shadows. Europa touched his shoulder, questions in her eyes. He smiled. “I don’t need it anymore. I’m tired of hiding, Europa. Now,” he said, taking a deep breath, “let’s go help Jupiter Moon.” “Right!” Taking the lead, Ganymede led the other through the courtyard soundlessly. He didn’t expect any guards, but, for Leda’s sake, he didn’t want to take any unnecessary risks. Despite their extreme caution, they were inside the main palace within moments. Stopping for a moment, he gestured for Dido and Europa to come closer to him. “The halls are a maze,” Ganymede said, his voice so low that Europa had to strain to hear it. “Stay close behind me, so that we don’t become separated.” Dido and Europa nodded. Turning around, he began the trek through the numerous passages. In his mind, Ganymede remembered following Jupiter as she had raced to meet Nadomus. ‘She’s so courageous,’ he thought. ‘I hope that she can hold out a little longer. We’re coming Leda. We’re coming.” * * * * * Jupiter collapsed against the hard floor, no longer able to will herself to get up and fight. The pain had stopped a long time ago, replaced by a weary numbness. Seeing her position, Nadomus huffed in disgust. “Where’s your will to fight, Leda?” he demanded angrily. “This is your fate, Leda. Get use to it.” Then he stalked out of the room. She sighed when she couldn’t hear his footsteps anymore. She didn’t know how long he would let her rest, but it didn’t matter. She had these few moments to herself. ‘We’re coming, Leda. We’re coming.’ ‘What?’ she thought, pulling her mind into action. Had she really ‘heard’ Paul? Was he coming for her? She let the hope die. He wasn’t on Charon. Even if he did remember her vision, he wouldn’t come for her. He had made it clear that he didn’t want to involve himself anymore in battles. Not that she blamed him. The thought of her sisters suffering because of her made Jupiter’s stomach churned. So many people depended on her and she had let them down by getting captured. If a rescue team had been assembled, it would compromise the system’s already shaky defenses. It was better this way, she told herself. She had died for something important. To Jupiter, it was all that mattered now. * * * * * Ganymede forced himself to be rational as they approached the doors of the main chamber. Turning to the others, he gestured to the others, indicating it was the room. Dido and Europa stoically nodded in understanding. Pausing for a moment, Ganymede fought the urge to bust the ancient doors down. Instead, he steeled himself for what might be waiting for them. He hoped that Europa was doing the same. Gathering his courage, he slipped noiselessly through the doors into the main chambers. The two women followed his example, making no sound at all. They were in. As soon as he had entered the chamber, Ganymede rushed to Sailor Jupiter, who was laying motionless on the floor. Gently, he turned her unto her back and gasped at the sight of her face. Her lips and nose were swollen, outlined in dried blood. Her one black eye looked like a hole in her face, the dark purple bruise strongly contrasting with her extremely pale face. Her right jaw boasted a large cut, and clumps of her hair had been pulled free from her ponytail. Forcing himself, he gingerly checked for other injuries. Her left side was excessively bruise, the discoloration peeking through rents in her uniform. The ribs underneath were mostly likely cracked at best, broken at worst. Cursing silently under his breath, Ganymede continued and noticed the whelps on her forearms and wrists. He moved on to her legs and discovered her left ankle was sprained. He ended the mental list with numerous minor cuts, bruises, scrapes, and burns. Europa knelt on the other side of Jupiter, across from him. "She was Jupiter Moon when she was captured," she whispered solemnly, indicating the torture that Leda had went through. Then, Europa place her hands on her sister and closed her eyes. Reluctantly, he lifted Europa’s hands away. Her eyes flew open in surprise. “It may take all of us to get her out of here,” Ganymede explained. Supporting Jupiter’s head and neck with one hand, Ganymede used the other to undo his cape and wrap it around. “We’re here, Leda,” he gently told the woman in his arms. “And we are getting you out of here.” Gently, he stood up, cradling Jupiter against his chest. Glancing at the others, he headed to the doors. Europa and Dido began to follow. “Leaving so soon,” Nadomus called, eyeing the intruders icily. “Such bad manners.” His eyes widen in shock for a moment when he saw Dido, but he quickly regained his composure. “Dido, what a surprise. I haven’t seen you in years.” “You can stop with the pleasantries,” Dido replied, taking a defensive position in front of Ganymede, Jupiter, and Europa. “We’re taking the princess.” “She’s not the princess, Dido,” Nadomus said, as if completely disinterested. “The poor girl doesn’t know a thing. Believe me, the Empress tried.” “You’re a fool, Nadomus,” Dido spat. “Hecate forfeited her birthright for Werla’s knowledge. You have lost.” “You’re betting a lot on that girl,” Nadomus said coolly. “Just as you are betting on the Empress,” Dido replied smugly. “Enough of this!” Nadomus cried, pooling large amounts of energy. “That girl is mine!” “Get the princess out of here!” Dido order, glancing over her shoulder to the others. “Now!!” Nodding, Ganymede took Jupiter out of the chamber, followed by Europa. Satisfied that the princess was safe, Dido twirled her staff above her head with amazing speed before striking the ground between her feet. “Gemini Guardian Split!” The word “split” was echoed as numerous Didos formed a circle around a confused Nadomus. “Try to find the real me,” they taunted. Crying in frustration, Nadomus began to strike while dodging the increasing attacks. * * * * * “What about Dido?” Europa cried, following Ganymede through the halls of the palace. “She’ll be okay,” Ganymede replied. “She had a plan.” “You’re very astute, Ganymede,” Dido said, appearing behind Europa. “We must hurry to the courtyard. My little trick won’t keep Nadomus busy for too long.” Ganymede continued to led, rushing to get them out of there. He smiled as he saw the gray light of the courtyard ahead. “We’re almost out!” They ran into the courtyard, halting at the center. Dido held up her staff, preparing to open the space portal that would take them back to Crystal Tokyo. Ganymede and Europa watched the courtyard for any sign of trouble. “That wasn’t nice, Dido!” Nadomus cried, appearing in front of the palcace. “You are not leaving with her!” “I need more time,” Dido called, still focusing on conjuring the portal. “You got it,” Europa answered. "Europa Cold Sleep!!” Nadomus roared in pain, as Europa’s freezing mist surrounded him. “It’s open,” Dido called. Ganymede, still carrying Jupiter, and Europa ran into the portal. Dido followed and the portal closed. Panting, Nadomus fell to the pavement. “Poor, poor Nadomus,” a tall blonde woman dressed in navy mocked. “Scylla, why didn’t you stop them?” Nadomus demanded, standing up. “You said the girl wasn’t the princess,” she retorted. “I was not about to face Dido if that was the case.” Then Scylla noticed the pallor of Nadomus’s face. “You liar! She really is the princess, isn’t she?!” Nadomus slowly nodded. Fuming, Scylla came within inches of his face. “You’d better hope that the Empress either wins or dies, you incompetent fool. Because if she loses and survives, you will die permanently this time.”


Chapter 5: What Once Was Lost Jupiter's Gone