Chapter 6: What Once Was Lost

Camilla, heir to the throne of Mercury, glanced at the darkening Jovian skies as the wind harshly whipped her hair about her face. Anxious, she turned to Princess Rei. The older woman’s face was grim.

“There’s an evil presence,” the Princess of Mars reported, “and it’s growing.”

She turned to Cami as the younger woman sighed. “We’d better be ready if it’s the Shadow Moon Empire. Contact Crystal Tokyo while I get Haruka and Michiru.”

Cami watched Rei leave before pulling her communicator out of her pocket. She focused on the task at hand. As Neo-Queen Serenity’s face appeared, Cami couldn’t help but think, ‘I hope we’re enough.’

* * * * *

Paul squeezed Leda’s hand as they stood outside the main chamber. They knew that Cassandra and Iphigenia were inside with Serenity and Endymion, but they weren’t sure who else would be in the main chamber. He hoped that he and Leda would not regret this later.

“You sure you want to do this?” Paul asked.

Leda did not answer. Instead, she took a deep breath. Assuming a regal posture, Leda knocked once on the massive doors and opened them without waiting for an answer.

There were quite a few surprised faces to see Leda walk into the throne room. Neo-Queen Serenity gaped openly, while King Endymion wore a guarded expression. Elara appeared greatly relieved, while Hotaru gave a small smile. Rini had a questioning look in her eyes. However, the Guardians did not seem surprised in the least.

“Good evening, Princess Leda,” Cassandra said, bowing. Iphigenia and Dido followed suit.

“Good evening,” Leda replied. Then she turned to Serenity and Endymion and bowed. “Your Majesties, I need to know what part I play in the defeat of the Shadow Moon Empire and why.”

“We’re all curious, Leda,” Serenity said, “but Cassandra refuses, saying the time is not right.”

“Is it time now?” Endymion asked, his expression still guarded.

Cassandra smiled and bowed. “What I have to reveal has to be reveal to Princess Leda. If she allows others to be present, it is her decision. Princess Leda?”

“It wasn’t a question of time, but of who,” Leda said emotionlessly, watching the Guardian closely.

“It was a question of when this meeting would occur, princess,” Cassandra replied.

“Whatever you have to reveal, you may reveal before these people, whom I trust dearly,” Leda answered, her arm sweeping the room. “I want to know why you bothered to save me twice and help Jupiter. I want to know why you call me ‘princess’ when I don’t possess the title. More importantly, I want to know why Hecate called me her niece and what are ‘the Words of the Kingdom’ are,” Leda continued, her whole presence radiating command.

Cassandra and the other Guardians visibly flinched. “Hecate asked you for the Words of the Kingdom?”

It was Leda’s turn to look surprised. “Yes,” she answered hesitantly.

“What else happened when the Empress was with you?” Cassandra asked, intent on the coming answer.

“What does it matter?” Paul demanded, moving protectively besides Leda.

Dido gave him an annoyed look. “It has everything to do with whether we can defeat the Shadow Moon Empire or not,” Dido retorted.

Iphigenia placed a warning hand on Dido’s arm. “They know so little,” she said softly.

“Then, please, tell us,” Leda begged.

“First, I need to know what happened between you and the Empress first,” Cassandra said, a hint of mourning in her voice.

Leda sighed, closing her eyes due to the painful memories. “Nadomus was. . . He was trying to intimidate me, but I retorted everything he said. He got mad and slapped me. Next thing I knew he slammed against a wall across the room, and this woman said that he wasn’t to hurt me until she had seen me.”

“Please, go on,” Cassandra urged.

“Hecate was nice at first, saying I would rule with her if I gave her the Words. I refused. The more I refused, the angrier she began. Toward the end, she resorted to torture, but I wouldn’t give what she wanted. I didn’t know what she wanted. Furious, she gave me back to Nadomus.” Leda paused, her eyes clinched in pain.

“He decided he wanted another battle, but this time he was so much stronger.” Her voice was detached and just above a whisper. “He stop me in place before I could send an attack or blow. That’s how I got most of my injuries. He could hit me without fear of me being able to strike back. After a while, he grew disinterested and left. Then Dido, Ganymede, and Europa showed up and rescued me.”

Paul wordlessly reached and held one of Leda’s hands. She smiled at him gratefully. Outwardly, she appeared calm, but the intensity of her grip on his hand told how much she was shaken emotionally.

Leda turned her attention back to Cassandra. “That’s what happened between me and the Empress,” she concluded, her tone daring the Guardian to ask anymore questions.

Cassandra bowed, her face grim. “Hecate called you her niece, Princess Leda, because you are. And I call you ‘princess’ because you are not only the Princess of Jupiter but the Princess of the Cignus System as well.”

Numerous gasps could be heard around the room. Leda remained silent and paled visibly. Cassandra turned to the other Guardians. Iphigenia and Dido nodded and came forward.

“I am Dido, Guardian of Compassion, entrusted with the portals of space.” She bowed to Leda and then stepped back to her original spot.

“I am Iphigenia, Guardian of Memory, keeper of the past.” She bowed. “I will reveal what you wish to know.”

She stretched her hand before her. “Orb of History--come forth!” A white ball hovered above Iphigenia’s hand, slowly growing in size and intensity. Soon the ball was as big as a basketball.

With a upward movement of her hand, Iphigenia sent the ball to the center of the ring the people in the room had formed. Once it was still again, the ball grew until it was taller than anyone present. Then, it stopped growing and hovered above the floor.

“Long ago,” Iphigenia began, as an image of a palace in the sphere, “the Cignus System enjoyed a peace much like your Silver Millennium. During that time, our kingdom came in contact with your Moon Kingdom. No lasting relationship was made, because shortly after the initial contact, Beryl attacked.”

The sphere changed, showing a family of four. “Our king and queen had two children, fraternal twins. The first born and heir was named Adonis. His sister was named Amalthea. While Prince Adonis trained to become the next king, Princess Amalthea studied with a sage of healing and magic, Werla.”

“However, there was a prophecy.” The sphere darkened and only shadowy figures appeared. “It said that one day the queen would have two children, the Child of Light and the Child of Darkness, opposite in appearance as night and day. The Child of Darkness would disappear and return to rise against the kingdom, covering the system in evil darkness. From the lineage of the Child of Light, a female warrior would arise to combat the Child of Darkness and bring peace back.”

The sphere lightened and a man and a woman appeared in the center. “Prince Adonis had black hair, brown eyes, and a tan complexion, while Princess Amalthea was fair in every respect. However, the prophecy warned that appearances could be deceiving, and the king and queen kept a watchful eye on both their children, fearing that the prophecy would unfold soon.

“They were correct; it did,” Iphigenia continued, her voice now sad. “Princess Amalthea began to change, challenging the right of Adonis as heir. Then she and Werla disappeared. After a year, the king and queen warned the guards to watch for Princess Amalthea’s return. Three years after her disappearance, the princess returned, prepared for battle and calling herself Hecate.

“The other Guardians and myself tried to protect the rest of the royal family, but Hecate’s power and her army was too strong. Nadomus, Werla’s son, was her chief general. During the battle, a Guardian named Scylla fell under Hecate’s power and we were forced to destroy her.”

Tears flowed down Iphigenia’s face at the memories. Cassandra and Dido’s eyes misted as well. Yet, Iphigenia continued with the story.

“As the situation became hopeless, the king and queen sent Prince Adonis to your system. The other Guardians were killed, and the three of us were mortally injured. The king and queen used their combined powers to stop the attack and subdue Hecate. In a final act of hatred, Hecate sent a massive strike and killed her father.

“The queen viewed the wreckage around: everyone was dead or dying. Knowing that the prophecy had to be completed, she resolved to use the last of her powers to aid in the completion. She banished the weakened Hecate and her army beyond the system. Weakening quickly, she healed and tried to send the three of us to Earth. However, her power failed. We never reached this system. Knowing our duties, we have been searching for Prince Adonis ever since.”

Cassandra stepped forward. “We eventually found out the fate of Prince Adonis. Plagued by his memories and a sense of guilt, Adonis sought refuge in a new identity. He called himself Logan.”

Leda backed away from the Guardians. “Logan? Are you saying that my father was Adonis?!”

“You are descended from the Child of Light, Princess Leda,” Iphigenia said softly.

“As such, you alone have the power to stop Hecate,” Dido added.

“But I don’t know how!” Leda cried vehemently. “Hecate tried! Find somebody else!”

Cassandra looked eyes with Leda. “Atolei vender faire te lowa,” the Guardian chanted.

Leda’s eyes widen and her face became dreamy. “Atolei la ause e li a amei ro eterei,” Leda replied. Then she shook her head and became alert.

“What just happened?” Elara asked, glancing between Cassandra and Leda.

Cassandra smiled. “The Words of the Kingdom is a command in the royal language of Cignus to halt the Child of Darkness. It can only be used by the foretold warrior, the descendent of the Child of Light. Leda just proved her identity.”

“What did I say?” Leda asked shakily.

“I gave you the standard royal greeting: May fair winds follow you always. You gave the proper reply: May the House of Light and Love rule forever. Your father taught you well.”

“I was very young when he died,” Leda said, her voice distant. Turning her attention to the matter at hand, she asked, “How does Hecate not know the Words if she is of royal blood?”

“She did,” Dido answered.

“What?!”

Dido sighed. “In order to embrace the darker arts and become Hecate, Princess Amalthea had to forfeit her birthrites, the abilities she possessed as a Princess of Cignus. She lost her ability to use the ancient commands, to see into the future, and to heal.”

“Many of your gifts, Princess Leda,” Iphigenia continued, “are a legacy from your father.”

“Do you know how he died?” Leda asked softly.

“No,” Cassandra answered. “Iphigenia’s power cannot delve into the matter.”

“Why?” Endymion asked. “She’s the keeper of the past.”

“It may have been the work of the Shadow Moon, for a strong power prevents my search,” Iphigenia replied.

Leda felt angry, tired, and confused. “Do you have any more surprises for me?”

Cassandra glanced questioningly at Dido. The blonde slowly nodded and turned to Leda. She took one step forward and opened her mouth to speak.

A series of beeps drew all eyes to Neo-Queen Serenity. Concerned, the queen opened her communicator. “Cami?”

“Your Majesty,” the worried voice cried through the static, “Princess Rei feels a growing presence of evil. She believes that Jupiter is about to be attacked by the Shadow Moon Empire.”

Leda and Elara choked on sobs as the rest of the room stood in stilled shock. A low rumble could be heard over the communicator.

“Cami, what was that?” Serenity demanded, becoming worried.

“They’re here!” Sailor Mars called in the background. “Cami, transform!”

“Cami, wait!” Serenity cried.

“I’m sorry, Your Majesty!” Then the communicator clicked off.

Leda looked at Paul and then Elara, trying to judge their reactions to the situation. With a determined gleam in her eye, Leda turned to Endymion and Serenity.

“I have to go home,” she said, her tone commanding. “Now.”


Convergent Destinies Camilla, heir to the throne of Mercury, glanced at the darkening Jovian skies as the wind harshly whipped her hair about her face. Anxious, she turned to Princess Rei. The older woman’s face was grim. “There’s an evil presence,” the Princess of Mars reported, “and it’s growing.” She turned to Cami as the younger woman sighed. “We’d better be ready if it’s the Shadow Moon Empire. Contact Crystal Tokyo while I get Haruka and Michiru.” Cami watched Rei leave before pulling her communicator out of her pocket. She focused on the task at hand. As Neo-Queen Serenity’s face appeared, Cami couldn’t help but think, ‘I hope we’re enough.’ * * * * * Paul squeezed Leda’s hand as they stood outside the main chamber. They knew that Cassandra and Iphigenia were inside with Serenity and Endymion, but they weren’t sure who else would be in the main chamber. He hoped that he and Leda would not regret this later. “You sure you want to do this?” Paul asked. Leda did not answer. Instead, she took a deep breath. Assuming a regal posture, Leda knocked once on the massive doors and opened them without waiting for an answer. There were quite a few surprised faces to see Leda walk into the throne room. Neo-Queen Serenity gaped openly, while King Endymion wore a guarded expression. Elara appeared greatly relieved, while Hotaru gave a small smile. Rini had a questioning look in her eyes. However, the Guardians did not seem surprised in the least. “Good evening, Princess Leda,” Cassandra said, bowing. Iphigenia and Dido followed suit. “Good evening,” Leda replied. Then she turned to Serenity and Endymion and bowed. “Your Majesties, I need to know what part I play in the defeat of the Shadow Moon Empire and why.” “We’re all curious, Leda,” Serenity said, “but Cassandra refuses, saying the time is not right.” “Is it time now?” Endymion asked, his expression still guarded. Cassandra smiled and bowed. “What I have to reveal has to be reveal to Princess Leda. If she allows others to be present, it is her decision. Princess Leda?” “It wasn’t a question of time, but of who,” Leda said emotionlessly, watching the Guardian closely. “It was a question of when this meeting would occur, princess,” Cassandra replied. “Whatever you have to reveal, you may reveal before these people, whom I trust dearly,” Leda answered, her arm sweeping the room. “I want to know why you bothered to save me twice and help Jupiter. I want to know why you call me ‘princess’ when I don’t possess the title. More importantly, I want to know why Hecate called me her niece and what are ‘the Words of the Kingdom’ are,” Leda continued, her whole presence radiating command. Cassandra and the other Guardians visibly flinched. “Hecate asked you for the Words of the Kingdom?” It was Leda’s turn to look surprised. “Yes,” she answered hesitantly. “What else happened when the Empress was with you?” Cassandra asked, intent on the coming answer. “What does it matter?” Paul demanded, moving protectively besides Leda. Dido gave him an annoyed look. “It has everything to do with whether we can defeat the Shadow Moon Empire or not,” Dido retorted. Iphigenia placed a warning hand on Dido’s arm. “They know so little,” she said softly. “Then, please, tell us,” Leda begged. “First, I need to know what happened between you and the Empress first,” Cassandra said, a hint of mourning in her voice. Leda sighed, closing her eyes due to the painful memories. “Nadomus was. . . He was trying to intimidate me, but I retorted everything he said. He got mad and slapped me. Next thing I knew he slammed against a wall across the room, and this woman said that he wasn’t to hurt me until she had seen me.” “Please, go on,” Cassandra urged. “Hecate was nice at first, saying I would rule with her if I gave her the Words. I refused. The more I refused, the angrier she began. Toward the end, she resorted to torture, but I wouldn’t give what she wanted. I didn’t know what she wanted. Furious, she gave me back to Nadomus.” Leda paused, her eyes clinched in pain. “He decided he wanted another battle, but this time he was so much stronger.” Her voice was detached and just above a whisper. “He stop me in place before I could send an attack or blow. That’s how I got most of my injuries. He could hit me without fear of me being able to strike back. After a while, he grew disinterested and left. Then Dido, Ganymede, and Europa showed up and rescued me.” Paul wordlessly reached and held one of Leda’s hands. She smiled at him gratefully. Outwardly, she appeared calm, but the intensity of her grip on his hand told how much she was shaken emotionally. Leda turned her attention back to Cassandra. “That’s what happened between me and the Empress,” she concluded, her tone daring the Guardian to ask anymore questions. Cassandra bowed, her face grim. “Hecate called you her niece, Princess Leda, because you are. And I call you ‘princess’ because you are not only the Princess of Jupiter but the Princess of the Cignus System as well.” Numerous gasps could be heard around the room. Leda remained silent and paled visibly. Cassandra turned to the other Guardians. Iphigenia and Dido nodded and came forward. “I am Dido, Guardian of Compassion, entrusted with the portals of space.” She bowed to Leda and then stepped back to her original spot. “I am Iphigenia, Guardian of Memory, keeper of the past.” She bowed. “I will reveal what you wish to know.” She stretched her hand before her. “Orb of History--come forth!” A white ball hovered above Iphigenia’s hand, slowly growing in size and intensity. Soon the ball was as big as a basketball. With a upward movement of her hand, Iphigenia sent the ball to the center of the ring the people in the room had formed. Once it was still again, the ball grew until it was taller than anyone present. Then, it stopped growing and hovered above the floor. “Long ago,” Iphigenia began, as an image of a palace in the sphere, “the Cignus System enjoyed a peace much like your Silver Millennium. During that time, our kingdom came in contact with your Moon Kingdom. No lasting relationship was made, because shortly after the initial contact, Beryl attacked.” The sphere changed, showing a family of four. “Our king and queen had two children, fraternal twins. The first born and heir was named Adonis. His sister was named Amalthea. While Prince Adonis trained to become the next king, Princess Amalthea studied with a sage of healing and magic, Werla.” “However, there was a prophecy.” The sphere darkened and only shadowy figures appeared. “It said that one day the queen would have two children, the Child of Light and the Child of Darkness, opposite in appearance as night and day. The Child of Darkness would disappear and return to rise against the kingdom, covering the system in evil darkness. From the lineage of the Child of Light, a female warrior would arise to combat the Child of Darkness and bring peace back.” The sphere lightened and a man and a woman appeared in the center. “Prince Adonis had black hair, brown eyes, and a tan complexion, while Princess Amalthea was fair in every respect. However, the prophecy warned that appearances could be deceiving, and the king and queen kept a watchful eye on both their children, fearing that the prophecy would unfold soon. “They were correct; it did,” Iphigenia continued, her voice now sad. “Princess Amalthea began to change, challenging the right of Adonis as heir. Then she and Werla disappeared. After a year, the king and queen warned the guards to watch for Princess Amalthea’s return. Three years after her disappearance, the princess returned, prepared for battle and calling herself Hecate. “The other Guardians and myself tried to protect the rest of the royal family, but Hecate’s power and her army was too strong. Nadomus, Werla’s son, was her chief general. During the battle, a Guardian named Scylla fell under Hecate’s power and we were forced to destroy her.” Tears flowed down Iphigenia’s face at the memories. Cassandra and Dido’s eyes misted as well. Yet, Iphigenia continued with the story. “As the situation became hopeless, the king and queen sent Prince Adonis to your system. The other Guardians were killed, and the three of us were mortally injured. The king and queen used their combined powers to stop the attack and subdue Hecate. In a final act of hatred, Hecate sent a massive strike and killed her father. “The queen viewed the wreckage around: everyone was dead or dying. Knowing that the prophecy had to be completed, she resolved to use the last of her powers to aid in the completion. She banished the weakened Hecate and her army beyond the system. Weakening quickly, she healed and tried to send the three of us to Earth. However, her power failed. We never reached this system. Knowing our duties, we have been searching for Prince Adonis ever since.” Cassandra stepped forward. “We eventually found out the fate of Prince Adonis. Plagued by his memories and a sense of guilt, Adonis sought refuge in a new identity. He called himself Logan.” Leda backed away from the Guardians. “Logan? Are you saying that my father was Adonis?!” “You are descended from the Child of Light, Princess Leda,” Iphigenia said softly. “As such, you alone have the power to stop Hecate,” Dido added. “But I don’t know how!” Leda cried vehemently. “Hecate tried! Find somebody else!” Cassandra looked eyes with Leda. “Atolei vender faire te lowa,” the Guardian chanted. Leda’s eyes widen and her face became dreamy. “Atolei la ause e li a amei ro eterei,” Leda replied. Then she shook her head and became alert. “What just happened?” Elara asked, glancing between Cassandra and Leda. Cassandra smiled. “The Words of the Kingdom is a command in the royal language of Cignus to halt the Child of Darkness. It can only be used by the foretold warrior, the descendent of the Child of Light. Leda just proved her identity.” “What did I say?” Leda asked shakily. “I gave you the standard royal greeting: May fair winds follow you always. You gave the proper reply: May the House of Light and Love rule forever. Your father taught you well.” “I was very young when he died,” Leda said, her voice distant. Turning her attention to the matter at hand, she asked, “How does Hecate not know the Words if she is of royal blood?” “She did,” Dido answered. “What?!” Dido sighed. “In order to embrace the darker arts and become Hecate, Princess Amalthea had to forfeit her birthrites, the abilities she possessed as a Princess of Cignus. She lost her ability to use the ancient commands, to see into the future, and to heal.” “Many of your gifts, Princess Leda,” Iphigenia continued, “are a legacy from your father.” “Do you know how he died?” Leda asked softly. “No,” Cassandra answered. “Iphigenia’s power cannot delve into the matter.” “Why?” Endymion asked. “She’s the keeper of the past.” “It may have been the work of the Shadow Moon, for a strong power prevents my search,” Iphigenia replied. Leda felt angry, tired, and confused. “Do you have any more surprises for me?” Cassandra glanced questioningly at Dido. The blonde slowly nodded and turned to Leda. She took one step forward and opened her mouth to speak. A series of beeps drew all eyes to Neo-Queen Serenity. Concerned, the queen opened her communicator. “Cami?” “Your Majesty,” the worried voice cried through the static, “Princess Rei feels a growing presence of evil. She believes that Jupiter is about to be attacked by the Shadow Moon Empire.” Leda and Elara choked on sobs as the rest of the room stood in stilled shock. A low rumble could be heard over the communicator. “Cami, what was that?” Serenity demanded, becoming worried. “They’re here!” Sailor Mars called in the background. “Cami, transform!” “Cami, wait!” Serenity cried. “I’m sorry, Your Majesty!” Then the communicator clicked off. Leda looked at Paul and then Elara, trying to judge their reactions to the situation. With a determined gleam in her eye, Leda turned to Endymion and Serenity. “I have to go home,” she said, her tone commanding. “Now.”


Chapter 7: Facing the Enemy Jupiter's Gone