Chapter 9: The Culmination

The battle was in full rage, as the air crackled with energy. The ashes and smoke filled the air, clouding the participants' view as they struggled for dominance. No relief, for either side, was in sight.

Jupiter wiped sweat off her brow, as her "Thunder Dragon" turned her adversary to ashes. She quickly surveyed the field, noting that none of the Scouts were in eminent danger but all were tiring. She glanced to the edge where Dido fought her sister with a seemingly heatless vengeance.

Both sisters were bleeding from gashes inflicted by the other's blade. A quick thrust from Scylla made Dido dodged. Her weak legs did not support the move, and the Guardian collapsed to one shaky knee. Sensing her sister's weakness, Scylla smiled, retracting her sword to study her sibling.

"It ends here, sister," Scylla stated, resuming a fighting stance.

Dido's eyes never left Scylla's. "Yes, it ends here."

Dido's detached, icy expression sent chills down Jupiter's spine, as she ran to the sisters. She watched helplessly as Scylla lunged again at Dido. Dido rolled, her glaive catching Scylla's flesh just above her left hip. Jupiter's throat tightened as she watched the tear-shaped blade slice, exiting just below her right breast.

The curved sword clamored against the ground, as Scylla grabbed her bleeding abdomen. She turned, eye-wide, to face her sister. Dido was still kneeling, tears spilling down her usually stoic face. Weakening, Scylla dropped to her knees, her eyes still focused on Dido.

"Please, forgive me," Dido whispered, her voice cracking.

Scylla faltered, but Jupiter caught her before she fell. Gently, Jupiter eased Scylla into a laying position. "Europa!!" Jupiter cried desperately.

Scylla studied Jupiter's face, as her breathing became labored. A wondrous look overcame her face, as Jupiter's tears began to fall as a gentle rain on her face. "You are really the princess, aren't you?"

"What?" Jupiter gasped, the question throwing her off-guard.

"Free us from this pain," Scylla whispered, her eyes losing focus. "Break the cycle."

"What cycle?" Jupiter asked, squeezing one of Scylla's hands. "Scylla, please."

Europa knelt on the other side of Scylla, quickly taking note of the injury.

"Can you help her?" Jupiter asked.

"I don't know," Europa answered honestly. "I'll try. Europa Healing Enrichment!"

Yellow-green light surrounded Europa and Scylla. The light grew in intensity, blinding Jupiter and Dido. Gradually, the light faded, and then vanished completely.

Scylla continued to struggle for each breath, and the gash wasn't completely healed. Europa, panting, weakly wiped sweat from her face. "I couldn't stop all the bleeding. There's just too much damage," she stated sadly.

Dido placed a hand on Jupiter's shoulder. "Europa may not be able to help, but you can."

"How?" Jupiter asked.

"You are the heir. Use your powers to heal her. Please," Dido begged, "bring my sister back to me."

Jupiter looked down at the woman she held in her arms. She was the mirror image of Dido, now that the evil had faded from Scylla's face. This woman, Jupiter thought, wasn't always under Hecate's power. She was once a friend, an ally, and a teammate.

"It shouldn't end this way," Jupiter whispered. "I wish I could help."

Gradually, Jupiter felt a gentle breeze surround her. It swirled faster and faster around her, until her surrounding were a blur. Surprised, she noticed that her hair was now free, whipping around her face. As suddenly as it had appeared, the breeze stopped.

Leda looked at the white dress she was now wearing. It was slightly off the shoulder and edged in black velvet. She felt wiser somehow, as a new knowledge became accessible to her for the first time. It was the knowledge that her father had imparted to her a long time ago.

"Scylla, guardi de mercea, rejoi nue (Scylla, Guardian of Mercy, rejoin us)," Jupiter whispered in the language of Cignus. "Rejoi su amoris (Rejoin your friends)."

A white light surrounded Scylla. To the amazement of the onlookers, the fatal gash began to close and then fade completely. Europa gasped as she felt her strength returning. The light faded.

Scylla slowly opened her eyes, immediately focusing on Leda's face. "Thank you," she said simply. Then she rose to her feet.

Dido stared at her sister with uncertainty. Scylla smiled and the two sisters embraced fiercely. "Scylla, I'm so sorry," Dido whispered, clenching her twin closer to her.

Scylla stroked her sister's hair. "Dido," she soothed, "there's nothing to forgive. We're together again."

Dido released her hold and glanced at Leda. "Thank you."

Leda nodded, her eyes searching for the progress of the others. To her relief, most of the invaders had been vanquished, and those still standing were being held by the Scouts. 'But where is Hecate?' Leda thought.

As if to answer her question, a flash of purple light announced Hecate's arrival at the center of the field. Her eyes immediately found Leda's, searching for weakness. Then, the Empress smiled, as if she already anticipating victory.

Leda glanced at her companions. "This is my fight," she stated. Then, she turned and marched to Hecate.

A figure stepped in front of the Empress, halting Leda's progress. He bowed mockingly, his eyes leering at her. "I think we have some unfinished business," Nadomus said.

"No, your fight is with me," Ganymede replied, appearing beside Leda.

Nadomus quirked an eyebrow, glancing at Hecate for an answer. The Empress nodded her permission. "Very well, boy, I shall teach you a lesson."

Leda glanced at Ganymede as Nadomus moved to a different part of the field. Sensing her concern, he gave her a wink. She smiled briefly, as she turned to her new opponent.

"Well, niece, we are face to face again," Hecate greeted. "You have seemed to discovered your powers. It won't make any difference in the final outcome."

"Yes, it will," Leda stated, her voice completely calm. "I am the one who will end this.

"Con totale tenei, demandie le powre e Cignus. (With all that I have, I call upon the powers of Cignus). Dareie le powre e mei destinia. (Grant me the powers of my destiny). Aei le descendia e le natalei e li. (I am the descendant of the Child of Light.) Aei le batelesa procephia quei darea paz agina. (I am the foretold warrior that will bring peace back.)"

Hecate grew pale as the ancient words rang across the field. She glanced worriedly at Nadomus, who was falling to Ganymede. There was no one to help her but herself.

"Werla, give me guidance!" the Empress cried. "Help me!"

"Ojeaei," Leda continued, her eyes dazed, "Cignus a le guardis e la ause e li a amei. (Hear me, Cignus and the Guardians of the House of Light and Love). Dareie le powre a darie paz agina. (Give me the power and I will bring peace back). Demandie le powre. (I call upon the power).

"I will destroy you all!" Hecate screamed, summoning a massive strike of negative energy. "I will win!"

"Demandie mercea (I call upon mercy), compasea (compassion), memorea (memory), fayea (hope), amei (love), harmonea (harmony), jei (joy), trea (truth), athea (wisdom), a jeuci (and justice). Con totale mei powre (With all my power), con totale le powre e Cignus (with all the power of Cignus), con totale le powre e le guardis (with all the power of the Guardians), eradicei su malice totale (I eradicate all of your evil)! Darie paz agina (I will bring back peace)!"

A thunderous roar caused the onlookers to grab their ears painfully, as white light flooded the center of the Jovian field. The roar grew louder as the light covered the battle grounded, swallowing the forces of both sides. As quickly as it appeared, the light vanished.

Paul looked at the ground before him, realizing that Nadomus had vanished. He gazed around the field and stared at the sight. The dust and the smoke were gone. The sun was shining brightly overheard as a gentle breeze carried the scent of wildflowers.

He turned to the Scouts and saw that they were in civilian clothes. He glanced at himself. Everyday clothes had replaced his cape, his cane, and his suit. "Leda," he whispered.

He faced the center of the field, where Leda now stood alone. Unlike the others, she was still her dress. He ran toward her, thankful that she was safe.

"It's over," he sighed gratefully, hugging Leda to him.

"It's not over just yet," Leda stated quietly.

Paul stepped back, staring at her with questioning eyes. "What's left to be done?"

Leda smiled faintly and squeezed his hand. "I love you."

Paul continued staring, confused. "I love you, too, Leda. You know that."

Her smile broadened slightly, and she released his hand. She moved toward Cassandra, but Paul grabbed her, stopping her. She looked at him with sorrowful eyes.

"What are you about to do?" he demanded.

"What is necessary," she replied, looking past him.

"Leda, please, stop with the riddles," Paul cried. "What are you about to do?"

"Don't make this any harder, Paul," she whispered. "Please."

Paul reluctantly released her arm. "Come back to me, Leda. Promise me that much."

"I will always be with you, Paul."

Helplessly, he watched her approached Cassandra. The Guardian eyed Leda uncertainly. "Are you sure you want to do this?" Cassandra asked.

"It must end here," Leda stated. "The cycle must be broken."

"Princess, please, forget what I said," Scylla cried. "Don't do this."

"This will never happen again. It will all end in this field. Now, please, do what is necessary."

The four Guardians reluctantly formed a circle around Leda, as the others faced nervously.

"What is Leda about to do?" Cami demanded.

"I don't know," Elara replied absently, her eyes never leaving her sister.

"Princess, are you sure?" Cassandra asked desperately.

"Do it now!" Leda cried, closing her tear-filled eyes.

"Hope Guardian Power!"

"Memory Guardian Power!"

Paul suddenly noticed Leda's tears. "Leda, don't do this! Stop!"

"Compassion Guardian Power!"

"Princess, are you certain?" Scylla asked, tears streaming down her face.

"Leda!" Paul cried. He ran to pull her from the circle, but a force prevented his entry.

"NOW!"

"Mercy Guardian Power!"

Auras from the four Guardians flowed toward the center of the circle, encasing Leda. Tears now poured down her face. Slowly, the auras faded, and Leda, in civilian clothes, fell to her knees.

Paul instantly hugged her, as Leda sobbed into his shoulder. He glared at the Guardians, who watched her in sympathy. "What have you done?" he demanded. "What did you do to her?"

"It is her place to tell, Paul," Cassandra stated sadly. "Not ours."

Leda looked into Paul's ice blue eyes, which were filled with concern. Gently, he wiped the tears from her cheek and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. Then, he helped her rise to her feet.

"Take me home, Paul," Leda said weakly. "Take me home."


The Culmination The battle was in full rage, as the air crackled with energy. The ashes and smoke filled the air, clouding the participants' view as they struggled for dominance. No relief, for either side, was in sight. Jupiter wiped sweat off her brow, as her "Thunder Dragon" turned her adversary to ashes. She quickly surveyed the field, noting that none of the Scouts were in eminent danger but all were tiring. She glanced to the edge where Dido fought her sister with a seemingly heatless vengeance. Both sisters were bleeding from gashes inflicted by the other's blade. A quick thrust from Scylla made Dido dodged. Her weak legs did not support the move, and the Guardian collapsed to one shaky knee. Sensing her sister's weakness, Scylla smiled, retracting her sword to study her sibling. "It ends here, sister," Scylla stated, resuming a fighting stance. Dido's eyes never left Scylla's. "Yes, it ends here." Dido's detached, icy expression sent chills down Jupiter's spine, as she ran to the sisters. She watched helplessly as Scylla lunged again at Dido. Dido rolled, her glaive catching Scylla's flesh just above her left hip. Jupiter's throat tightened as she watched the tear-shaped blade slice, exiting just below her right breast. The curved sword clamored against the ground, as Scylla grabbed her bleeding abdomen. She turned, eye-wide, to face her sister. Dido was still kneeling, tears spilling down her usually stoic face. Weakening, Scylla dropped to her knees, her eyes still focused on Dido. "Please, forgive me," Dido whispered, her voice cracking. Scylla faltered, but Jupiter caught her before she fell. Gently, Jupiter eased Scylla into a laying position. "Europa!!" Jupiter cried desperately. Scylla studied Jupiter's face, as her breathing became labored. A wondrous look overcame her face, as Jupiter's tears began to fall as a gentle rain on her face. "You are really the princess, aren't you?" "What?" Jupiter gasped, the question throwing her off-guard. "Free us from this pain," Scylla whispered, her eyes losing focus. "Break the cycle." "What cycle?" Jupiter asked, squeezing one of Scylla's hands. "Scylla, please." Europa knelt on the other side of Scylla, quickly taking note of the injury. "Can you help her?" Jupiter asked. "I don't know," Europa answered honestly. "I'll try. Europa Healing Enrichment!" Yellow-green light surrounded Europa and Scylla. The light grew in intensity, blinding Jupiter and Dido. Gradually, the light faded, and then vanished completely. Scylla continued to struggle for each breath, and the gash wasn't completely healed. Europa, panting, weakly wiped sweat from her face. "I couldn't stop all the bleeding. There's just too much damage," she stated sadly. Dido placed a hand on Jupiter's shoulder. "Europa may not be able to help, but you can." "How?" Jupiter asked. "You are the heir. Use your powers to heal her. Please," Dido begged, "bring my sister back to me." Jupiter looked down at the woman she held in her arms. She was the mirror image of Dido, now that the evil had faded from Scylla's face. This woman, Jupiter thought, wasn't always under Hecate's power. She was once a friend, an ally, and a teammate. "It shouldn't end this way," Jupiter whispered. "I wish I could help." Gradually, Jupiter felt a gentle breeze surround her. It swirled faster and faster around her, until her surrounding were a blur. Surprised, she noticed that her hair was now free, whipping around her face. As suddenly as it had appeared, the breeze stopped. Leda looked at the white dress she was now wearing. It was slightly off the shoulder and edged in black velvet. She felt wiser somehow, as a new knowledge became accessible to her for the first time. It was the knowledge that her father had imparted to her a long time ago. "Scylla, guardi de mercea, rejoi nue (Scylla, Guardian of Mercy, rejoin us)," Jupiter whispered in the language of Cignus. "Rejoi su amoris (Rejoin your friends)." A white light surrounded Scylla. To the amazement of the onlookers, the fatal gash began to close and then fade completely. Europa gasped as she felt her strength returning. The light faded. Scylla slowly opened her eyes, immediately focusing on Leda's face. "Thank you," she said simply. Then she rose to her feet. Dido stared at her sister with uncertainty. Scylla smiled and the two sisters embraced fiercely. "Scylla, I'm so sorry," Dido whispered, clenching her twin closer to her. Scylla stroked her sister's hair. "Dido," she soothed, "there's nothing to forgive. We're together again." Dido released her hold and glanced at Leda. "Thank you." Leda nodded, her eyes searching for the progress of the others. To her relief, most of the invaders had been vanquished, and those still standing were being held by the Scouts. 'But where is Hecate?' Leda thought. As if to answer her question, a flash of purple light announced Hecate's arrival at the center of the field. Her eyes immediately found Leda's, searching for weakness. Then, the Empress smiled, as if she already anticipating victory. Leda glanced at her companions. "This is my fight," she stated. Then, she turned and marched to Hecate. A figure stepped in front of the Empress, halting Leda's progress. He bowed mockingly, his eyes leering at her. "I think we have some unfinished business," Nadomus said. "No, your fight is with me," Ganymede replied, appearing beside Leda. Nadomus quirked an eyebrow, glancing at Hecate for an answer. The Empress nodded her permission. "Very well, boy, I shall teach you a lesson." Leda glanced at Ganymede as Nadomus moved to a different part of the field. Sensing her concern, he gave her a wink. She smiled briefly, as she turned to her new opponent. "Well, niece, we are face to face again," Hecate greeted. "You have seemed to discovered your powers. It won't make any difference in the final outcome." "Yes, it will," Leda stated, her voice completely calm. "I am the one who will end this. "Con totale tenei, demandie le powre e Cignus. (With all that I have, I call upon the powers of Cignus). Dareie le powre e mei destinia. (Grant me the powers of my destiny). Aei le descendia e le natalei e li. (I am the descendant of the Child of Light.) Aei le batelesa procephia quei darea paz agina. (I am the foretold warrior that will bring peace back.)" Hecate grew pale as the ancient words rang across the field. She glanced worriedly at Nadomus, who was falling to Ganymede. There was no one to help her but herself. "Werla, give me guidance!" the Empress cried. "Help me!" "Ojeaei," Leda continued, her eyes dazed, "Cignus a le guardis e la ause e li a amei. (Hear me, Cignus and the Guardians of the House of Light and Love). Dareie le powre a darie paz agina. (Give me the power and I will bring peace back). Demandie le powre. (I call upon the power). "I will destroy you all!" Hecate screamed, summoning a massive strike of negative energy. "I will win!" "Demandie mercea (I call upon mercy), compasea (compassion), memorea (memory), fayea (hope), amei (love), harmonea (harmony), jei (joy), trea (truth), athea (wisdom), a jeuci (and justice). Con totale mei powre (With all my power), con totale le powre e Cignus (with all the power of Cignus), con totale le powre e le guardis (with all the power of the Guardians), eradicei su malice totale (I eradicate all of your evil)! Darie paz agina (I will bring back peace)!" A thunderous roar caused the onlookers to grab their ears painfully, as white light flooded the center of the Jovian field. The roar grew louder as the light covered the battle grounded, swallowing the forces of both sides. As quickly as it appeared, the light vanished. Paul looked at the ground before him, realizing that Nadomus had vanished. He gazed around the field and stared at the sight. The dust and the smoke were gone. The sun was shining brightly overheard as a gentle breeze carried the scent of wildflowers. He turned to the Scouts and saw that they were in civilian clothes. He glanced at himself. Everyday clothes had replaced his cape, his cane, and his suit. "Leda," he whispered. He faced the center of the field, where Leda now stood alone. Unlike the others, she was still her dress. He ran toward her, thankful that she was safe. "It's over," he sighed gratefully, hugging Leda to him. "It's not over just yet," Leda stated quietly. Paul stepped back, staring at her with questioning eyes. "What's left to be done?" Leda smiled faintly and squeezed his hand. "I love you." Paul continued staring, confused. "I love you, too, Leda. You know that." Her smile broadened slightly, and she released his hand. She moved toward Cassandra, but Paul grabbed her, stopping her. She looked at him with sorrowful eyes. "What are you about to do?" he demanded. "What is necessary," she replied, looking past him. "Leda, please, stop with the riddles," Paul cried. "What are you about to do?" "Don't make this any harder, Paul," she whispered. "Please." Paul reluctantly released her arm. "Come back to me, Leda. Promise me that much." "I will always be with you, Paul." Helplessly, he watched her approached Cassandra. The Guardian eyed Leda uncertainly. "Are you sure you want to do this?" Cassandra asked. "It must end here," Leda stated. "The cycle must be broken." "Princess, please, forget what I said," Scylla cried. "Don't do this." "This will never happen again. It will all end in this field. Now, please, do what is necessary." The four Guardians reluctantly formed a circle around Leda, as the others faced nervously. "What is Leda about to do?" Cami demanded. "I don't know," Elara replied absently, her eyes never leaving her sister. "Princess, are you sure?" Cassandra asked desperately. "Do it now!" Leda cried, closing her tear-filled eyes. "Hope Guardian Power!" "Memory Guardian Power!" Paul suddenly noticed Leda's tears. "Leda, don't do this! Stop!" "Compassion Guardian Power!" "Princess, are you certain?" Scylla asked, tears streaming down her face. "Leda!" Paul cried. He ran to pull her from the circle, but a force prevented his entry. "NOW!" "Mercy Guardian Power!" Auras from the four Guardians flowed toward the center of the circle, encasing Leda. Tears now poured down her face. Slowly, the auras faded, and Leda, in civilian clothes, fell to her knees. Paul instantly hugged her, as Leda sobbed into his shoulder. He glared at the Guardians, who watched her in sympathy. "What have you done?" he demanded. "What did you do to her?" "It is her place to tell, Paul," Cassandra stated sadly. "Not ours." Leda looked into Paul's ice blue eyes, which were filled with concern. Gently, he wiped the tears from her cheek and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. Then, he helped her rise to her feet. "Take me home, Paul," Leda said weakly. "Take me home."


Chapter 10: A Bittersweet Happy Ending Jupiter's Gone