S40
Sailor Moon Defenders
By AmandaDoE
Chapter Forty: Epilogue
Rick woke up and began to stretch. He sat up from his bed, looking at his arms, and found it hard to believe that he was no longer human. He looked the same as he was before but he was now a Quasanite. It had been a few days since the whole ordeal had happened but he still found it hard to process and he couldn't help but to wonder what was going to happen now.
"Good morning, Rick."
He glanced over to see Jedda as she covered her chest and smiled at him.
"Morning, Jedda."
"How did you sleep?"
Rick sighed and smiled. "Okay, I guess. It's been a few days since everything had happened. I still can't process it all though. I look the same as I did before but I'm not human anymore."
"Most of your body isn't human anymore," Jedda assured him, "but don't forget, you're still the Rick Gordon that all of us love. You may be a Quasanite now but the transformation didn't change your personality."
"Yeah. I guess you're right." Rick nodded. He sighed and looked down. "It's too bad Cathleen met such a brutal end."
"She caused your mutations to progress at a faster pace and we nearly lost you because of her!" Jedda exclaimed as she was upset over what Cathleen done to him but they both looked at each other and agreed she did meet a brutal end. "Yet, it was awful how those mysterious soldiers killed her."
"Her funeral was yesterday." Rick looked down.
"I know." Jedda replied, giving him a gentle touch. "We couldn't go because you were still resting from what happened by Kakyuu's insistence and I chose to stay behind to look after you."
Rick looked over at Jedda and smiled at her.
"How are you doing?" Jedda asked.
"I've been better than I was doing since I first learned about my powers." Rick answered. "I think I'm going to be okay now."
-Sailor-Moon-Defenders-
Jedda perked up as she heard a beep on her communicator. "I'll get it."
Rick nodded as he got a shirt on. "I'm going to take a walk."
She watched as he left her room before walking over to her communicator. She turned on the switch and saw Hadea on the screen. Her eyes widened in surprise to see Hadea was now wearing a golden crown and her attire was more golden as well.
"Mother?" Jedda stated in surprise. "You look different. I take it that you were successful in overtaking the Diamond Kingdom?"
"That's correct." Hadea answered. "That means I am no longer queen of the kingdom I was in. I am now Empress and I oversee multiple kingdoms, including the Diamond Kingdom and the neighboring kingdoms Valeris once had ruled over."
Jedda tensed a bit, having a feeling on what this could mean. She took a deep breath, trying not to be nervous and keeping still for her babies.
"Let me remind you of the offer I gave you a few days ago," Hadea explained, "I can help you protect Rick Gordon and his powers from Ming or any other threat. In return, you must become Queen of the Netherworld. I must have your decision today."
Jedda had given this some serious thought. At first she was conflicted, primarly because of the Phantom Legacy but she figured this was the best shot to keep Rick and his powers safe. She needed to be there to protect Rick and her family against Ming and other evil forces that might be after his powers, including Galaxia. She had a feeling that their kids would most likely have those powers too. She knew she had to protect her family, no matter what it took. She was still thinking about her father as well as Flash while making this decision.
"You have a good point, Mother." Jedda looked at the screen again. "Still, what would Flash and my father say about this?"
"I'm sure your father would do what he can to support your decision." Hadea answered. "As for Flash Gordon, knowing how he is, he might find this decision hard to accept but you did say Rick didn't outright disagree with you, correct?"
"Right." Jedda nodded. "He knows and understand if I go through with this and have to live in the Netherworld, it would be for his own safety. I hope that Flash would need to understand as well."
"Exactly." Hadea replied. "I know you've had some training when you were princess of the Netherworld, so I trust you don't have to worry about training."
Jedda pursed her lips, knowing that this was it. She did have some training when she was princess of the Netherworld and Hadea was right about not worrying about training. She left her foster mother after her reign over the galaxy but somehow, she knew she was destined to rule the Netherworld.
"I will be having a meeting this evening, uniting the kingdoms I oversee as well as the kingdom that will soon be yours, which is why I will need your decision today. It doesn't have to be right now but I must have a decision by the end of the day." Hadea announced.
Jedda took a deep breath and steadied herself for the babies. "You will have my decision by evening. I will need to talk to the others about this first."
"That's fair enough." Hadea replied. "I shall await your decision."
Jedda watched as the screen turned off.
"This is it, isn't it?"
Startled, she turned around to see Rick at the doorway.
"You overheard the conversation?"
He took a deep breath. "I had a feeling Hadea was calling you, so instead of taking a walk, I listened in on the conversation, as I know this situation involves me as well."
"Yeah." Jedda nodded. "This is it."
She looked nervous as Rick was looking around, trying to find out what he was going to say. He then looked at her and gave her a small smile.
"Well I may not want to believe it," Rick spoke up, "but I think this might just be the right move for both of us."
Jedda sighed with relief. She knew he was feeling conflicted with the whole situation as he was raised in the upbringing that his parents raised him and Flash had expectations of his son.
"I know this is the right move but I feel hesistant. I don't know why though." Rick admitted.
"Give it time." Jedda placed a gentle touch of her boyfriend's shoulders. "In time, you will be welcoming of your new accommodations of the Netherworld."
Rick gave out a small smile and nodded before speaking up again. "It looks like we're going to tell the others about this if we're going to go through with this."
"Yeah." Jedda nodded in agreement. "It looks like it."
-Sailor-Moon-Defenders-
"Do you really have to go?" Ami asked Kakyuu and the Starlights as Usagi looked on.
"Yes." Kakyuu explained. "The Starlights and I will be patrolling around the galaxy and when the time arrives, we will return. You will be needing all the help you can against Sailor Galaxia. We may have eliminated the threat of Chaos for the time being, but it is far from over."
"We will be waiting for that moment to come." Luna stated.
"Of course." Artemis added. Diana gave out an affirming meow.
"Flash Gordon," Seiya stated, "I'm really glad your son is going to be okay."
"It is unfortunate that Cathleen O' Connor lost her life during our fight." Taiki added. "I wish things ended up differently there."
"As do I." Mandrake looked down, thinking about the funeral that had happened the day before.
"And we wish Rick and Jedda luck with their family." Yaten stated with a small smile.
"We'll be sure to tell them." Hotaru replied with a smile.
Kakyuu and the Starlights walked towards the window of Monitor as the Sailor Starlights were in their sailor suits.
"Now let us be on our way." Kakyuu stated.
"We will see you again." Seiya assured the group.
"See you soon." Taiki waved at the group.
"Farewell for now." Seiya added.
"Thanks for your help." Kakyuu smiled at the group.
"Bye now." Yaten added.
"We'll miss you guys." Makoto nodded.
"See you around." Ami said goodbye to the group.
"We'll see you at the big battle." Minako added.
"We'll be waiting." Usagi stated.
"That's right." Mamoru added.
"Until then." Rei waved at the group.
Moments later, Kakyuu and the Starlights vanish in a flash of energy.
"So that's goodbye to Kakyuu and the Starlights." Chibiusa stated.
"At least for now." Usagi assured her future daughter.
"So, they'll be around the galaxy until the time comes for us to face Galaxia." Michiru stated.
'Yeah." Lothar nodded in agreement. "We'll see them again for sure."
"Yeah." Haruka glanced at the group. "As stars lighting up the sky."
-Sailor-Moon-Defenders-
Jedda and Rick walked into Monitor and met up with the rest of the heroes. She looked at him, who looked back at her and she knew what they had to tell the others about Hadea's offer and their future.
"Hey guys." Jedda greeted the group.
"You guys just missed Princess Kakyuu and the Sailor Starlights!" Kshin exclaimed with excitement. "They just left!"
"They wish you luck with your family." Hotaru added.
The Phantom was the first to notice his daughter looking nervous as did Rick. "Jedda, what's the matter?"
Then, Flash noticed the couple looking nervous as well. "You and Rick look nervous."
"There's something you guys have to know." Jedda spoke up, which brought attention to everyone else as well.
"What is it?" Ami asked.
"My mother Hadea said that she is willing to help us protect Rick and his powers." Jedda answered. "However, there is a cost in which she offered to both of us."
"And what would that be?" Sheila asked before she looked over at Flash. Jedda trailed her stare and looked at Flash as he appeared to not like where this was going.
"Rick will have to stay in the Netherworld." Jedda explained. "Mother explained this was the best shot for him to be safe. In addition to this, I will have to be the queen of the Netherworld."
"You, Queen of the Netherworld?" April quipped. "Isn't Hadea queen?"
Jedda shook her head. "Hadea had become Empress after defeating Valeris of the Diamond Kingdom and she is now overseeing that kingdom as well as neighboring kingdoms Valeris used to rule over."
"So you're going to take the offer?!" April exclaimed, surprised.
"It's not like we have much of a choice here." Rick replied.
"What about the Phantom Legacy?" Rei asked. "How will that be fulfilled if Jedda's Queen of the Netherworld?"
Jedda sighed and looked down. Then she looked up, facing her father as he didn't know what to say at first.
"Father, I remember over a year ago," Jedda stepped forward and faced her father, "you were willing to marry mot… Hadea to save my life when I was in a coma from that experiment with the Necklace of Oros."
"That's true." the Phantom faced his daughter.
"I feel this is what's best." Jedda continued. "It's not just to protect Rick but my children too. I have a feeling they might inherit Rick's powers, or at least one of them."
There was a pause of silence as Jedda stared at her father and he stared back. Moments later, the Phantom gave out a small smile and hugged his daughter. "I understand why you are doing this and I believe you are doing the right thing. I'm proud of you, daughter."
-Sailor-Moon-Defenders-
Rick looked at his father and his sister as Flash appeared to be in disbelief over the situation and April wasn't happy as well.
"I'm sorry." Rick spoke up, breaking the silence that was between them for a moment. "I really wish there was another way. I want to believe that's the case but you guys saw how dangerous my powers are and how they can destroy someone. We can't let Ming or any other evil threat from getting my powers."
"Couldn't there be another way besides you leaving the team?" April asked.
"What would you suggest?" Rick retorted.
There was yet another pause of silence. He looked on as his sister tried to say something but couldn't. His father tried saying something too but his thoughts fell through as well.
"You got nothing?"
"I'm afraid not." Flash shook his head. "Nothing that would prove to last in the long run. Wouldn't Ming and other evil forces reach the Netherworld, including Galaxia?"
"True but Jedda mentioned that Hadea told her if that were to happen, her army would be ready." Rick answered.
"I guess we can't really talk you out of it, can we?" Flash asked sadly.
There was a pause of silence as Rick looked at both his father and his sister. Flash then smiled and spoke up. "You should be there for Jedda and support her in any way you can while she's the queen of the Netherworld."
"That's exactly what I'm going to do, Dad." Rick nodded with a smile. He then walked to his father and they shared a hug. Then, he walked towards April and the siblings stared at each other.
"Hey, look at it this way, sis." Rick gently touched her shoulders. " You will be the one who will most likely follow Dad's footsteps. Maybe I might in someway while in the Netherworld but right now, I'm not too sure what will happen with me besides being Jedda's consort but I'll figure things out. I have before."
April took a step forward and the siblings shared a hug.
"I hate magic," April stated before taking a deep breath and saying, "but I hate Ming more for what he's put us all through."
"Me too." Rick nodded. "It'll be fine in the long run though. I'm sure of that."
He faced the rest of the team as Jedda walked towards him and held his hand.
"So you're really going through with this?" Minako asked.
"Yeah." Rick nodded. "I believe we are."
"I'm sure you both will do well in the Netherworld." Mamoru assured the couple.
"Good luck in being queen, Jedda." Usagi said.
Rick looked at his girlfriend as she smiled. "Thanks."
"I'm sure if all goes well, Rick will eventually become king of the Netherworld." Ami stated. Rick chuckled and blushed.
"We wish the best for you and your family." Rei stated.
"Give our best to Queen Hadea, or should I say Empress Hadea." Makoto gave a small chuckle as she spoke.
"We'll do that." Jedda nodded.
"Happy retirement from being Defenders!" Minako stated with a slight cheerful tone.
"We'll miss you guys." Chibiusa stated.
"If we're not busy," Jedda assured the group, "we'll try our best to contact you guys."
"We wish you the best." Haruka smiled.
"I'm certain you bring greatness to the Netherworld." Michiru added.
"You two be sure to be respectful to the Noblemen and women as well as the guards." Setsuna told the couple.
"Of course." Jedda nodded.
Rick looked to see Hotaru, who appeared to be visibly upset over him leaving.
"Hotaru?" Chibiusa looked over at her best friend. "Aren't you going to say goodbye?"
"It'll be okay, Hotaru." Rick assured her. Seconds later, Hotaru turned around as she choked a sob. "You think so?"
"I know it will." Rick nodded. "When we're not busy, you can talk to us."
Hotaru wiped tears from her face. "I'm going to miss you, Rick."
She looked at both him and Jedda. "Both of you."
"We're going to miss you guys as well." Jedda smiled
Rick looked over at Kshin. "You stay out of trouble, kay?"
"Alright." Kshin stated with a smirk on his face.
"You two take care of each other, got it?" Sheila glanced at the couple.
"And you take care of my Dad." Rick told her.
"Of course."
"Happy retirement from the Defenders, you two." Mandrake tipped his hat upwards.
"Good luck in the Netherworld." Lothar glanced at the couple.
"Thanks everyone." Rick replied.
"Yes, thanks." Jedda added.
"Rick, you take care of my daughter." the Phantom told him.
"I'll do that." Rick nodded. "Don't worry, Phantom."
"And promise me you'll keep my son safe." Flash spoke up.
"Don't worry." Jedda nodded. "Rick is in good hands, I promise."
"Good luck, Rick and Jedda." Luna stated.
"We wish you the best in your future." Artemis added.
"And we wish you the best with your family." Diana nodded in agreement.
"Thanks." Jedda nodded before she looked over at her boyfriend and held his hand.
"We should get going, Jedda." Rick glanced at his girlfriend. "Your mother will be expecting us soon."
-Sailor-Moon-Defenders-
Rick looked on as he saw a lengthy amount of pale skinned nobles in the throne room. The men were in elegant robes, similar to what he was now wearing while the women were in regal gowns.
Then he looked to see Hadea wearing her golden regal gown and crown as she was standing before Jedda. He admired how much his girlfriend was glowing, how beautiful she looked at the moment. It wasn't just the Necklace of Oros on her chest but her pregnancy as well and how she was dressed as well. She was barefoot and was wearing a beautiful light green dress with a purple cape. This was an image of Jedda that he was willing to get used to.
Rick looked up as as Hadea raised the sword that was in her right hand and saw that Jedda was on one knee. She looked at her foster daughter and nodded. Then she gently tapped each of her shoulders before she set down the sword and took hold of a tiara.
Hadea lifted her chin and announced. "Let it be known among one and all, on this very day, there is a new ruler of our kingdom."
Rick stared in awe as she placed the tiara on top of Jedda's head.
"Jedda Walker is now Queen of the Netherworld." Hadea declared.
Rick looked at his girlfriend with a proud stare as she appeared to be honored as well.
"Rise, Queen Jedda." Hadea spoke with a proud tone.
As Jedda stood up, a burst of applauds emerged from the crowd.
-Sailor-Moon-Defenders-
Rick cuddled Jedda in the comfy bed of their new quarters. She looked cute in her night robe, and he wore one that matched.
"So, how was the Summit Meeting?" he asked.
"It was good. Everything went just fine. Our kingdoms as well as Mother's kingdoms have united." She glanced up at him. "How did the noblewoman treat you?"
"She did her job just fine and shown me around the kingdom." Rick answered. "I must say, I am willing to get used to this. It might be hard but I can adjust to life here."
"I understand where you are coming from." Jedda replied. "Your father hoped that you would follow in his footsteps. I also had expectations to become the next Phantom. What I've learned is we were both destined to follow our hearts."
"Follow our hearts?"
"Yes. Moth…" She paused, apparently hesitating to refer to Hadea in her usual way, catching herself this time.
"Hey, you can call Hadea Mother in front of me." Rick smiled at her. "I've gotten used to it by now."
"Good." Jedda grinned. "Mother told me that I have a choice, and so do you. You now have the option to stay as my consort. And who knows?" She paused. "You might just be my future king."
Rick chuckled. "King Rick. That does have a good ring to it."
They both shared a laugh as they cuddled. He sighed as he looked up at the ceiling. He was happy being with Jedda but why did he feel so conflicted in the first place?
"Rick?"
He looked back at his girlfriend. "Yeah?"
"Mother told me before she wants to talk with you as soon as possible." Jedda announced.
"What for?" Rick raised an eyebrow.
"She mentioned wanting to get to know you more," Jedda answered, "and to have a bond with you."
Rick looked down and nodded. "I guess I will be meeting with her soon."
"Let's not worry about that right now though." Jedda gently touched his shoulders. "Let's just enjoy this night together."
"Right." Rick smiled and nodded. "We shall worry about tomorrow when it gets here."
As they were drifting off to sleep, Rick couldn't tell if he was feeling sad about his new home or if he was acceptance of it. For some reason that he couldn't explain, a part of him wanted to cry but tears didn't come.
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Chapters
Volume One
Using the power of the Necklace of Oros, Queen Hadea conquers the galaxy. The Defenders seek help from a group called the Sailor Guardians.
Rei notices the effects of battle on Usagi. Meanwhile, both teams make desperate efforts to end the clash. The Sailors approach Hadea's temple, and Flash's daughter returns to lend her aid.
Each side becomes more powerful.
Issues in Jedda's past and present lead to a monumental decision.
Princess Jedda begins embracing Hadea's cause. Ami and Rick continue to bond.
Members of the Sailor Outer Senshi join the battle. Princess Jedda is faced with a decision as a ruler. Later, she explores a startling possibility.
Now divided, the teams fend attacks off while struggling to reach Hadea.
As Rick and the princess finally reunite, a climactic showdown with Hadea begins.
The Guardians and Defenders continue their clash against the queen.
In the aftermath, revelations emerge and choices are made.
Volume Two
The younger team members begin adjusting to the changes. Others strive to fit back into normal society.
As his companions reflect, Mandrake begins to sense a mystical disturbance.
Mandrake is reacquainted with a major figure in his life.
Ming returns.
The group scrambles to counter Ming, who is aided by Krotan.
16: The First Abductions: LJ and Mars
Once again, Krotan makes his move on Jedda.
17: Closure For Rick and Mercury
The groups scurry to save their friends. Ami and Rick have a personal discussion.
As Minako and Jedda connect, Krotan continues closing in on members of the group.
Krotan has an enticing proposition.
The Defenders and Guardians make their stand against Krotan.
Volume Three
Rick's dreams signal a great change in his life. Mysterious figures begin moving behind the scenes.
Rei and Rick sense more darkness on the horizon.
Ming and Galaxia engage in discussions.
An unexpected battle occurs at a concert.
Rick considers the effects of his transformation.
The team has a confrontation with a group knows as the Three Lights.
Rick's abilities make him a target.
As Rick continues healing, the Sailors assess the situation with the Starlights.
Rick is targeted by the Sailor Animamates.
The team searches for Rick, along with information on their new opponents.
Volume Four
As the struggle against Galaxia continues, Hadea and Jedda discuss the Netherworld's future. Meanwhile, Usagi's power grows.
Cathleen initiates her effort to control Rick.
The team manages to locate Rick and his manipulator.
Rick frets over his mutation while others seek to reverse it.
The Sailors and their allies face a new threat in Tin Nyanko.
Nyanko becomes the latest to seek Rick's power.
As Rick's humanity begins slipping away, his friends continue their quest to cure him.
Rick runs amok, and a massive battle against Nyanko begins.
The Sailors make a stunning discovery.
Jedda and Rick take a huge step forward.
Volume Five
Rick and Jedda begin their new lives.
A girl arrives to meet Mandrake.
The group begins getting to know the newcomer.
Rick is visited by a servant who gives him access to valuable information.
Amy's special abilities are revealed.
Rick learns more about his power, and how it might relate to the current events. Hadea attempts to console him later.
The group endeavors to rescue Mamoru from a mystical prison.
Usagi and her friends confront Mamoru's captor.
The battle in the dream realm reaches a conclusion.
The aftermath of the dream clash brings several people closer.
Volume Six
Rick senses that the Netherworld could face an imminent attack.
The groups begin learning more about the Kings.
Hadea and her companions take preemptive measures against Zorelda.
Hadea and Phantom explore their bond, as do several others throughout the day. First appearance of Tori Gordon.
Rick and Jedda work to resolve recent issues. Minako explores life in the Netherworld.
Ming reenters the fray as the Kings converse with Zorelda.
The groups decide that it's time for the confrontation.
The Guardians and Defenders engage the Kings in the Netherworld.
The Kings begin to realize the truth.
With Zorelda seemingly thwarted, the groups begin moving on. A woman named Rachel arrives at Monitor.
Everyone begins learning more about Rachel.
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