S54
Sailor Moon Defenders
By AmandaDoE
Chapter Fifty-Four: Duos and Triangles
Hadea looked at the Phantom, who appeared to not be happy at the moment, sitting on the edge of her bed. She noticed how he wasn't exactly content with her despite her hoping that he would.
After another minute of silence, she took a seat behind the Phantom and gently touched his shoulders. "I brought you here just to keep you safe from Zorelda. I'm not keeping you prisoner."
"You have kept us prisoner when we first met."
"I never kept any of you prisoner when I first met you and the Defenders." Hadea replied. "I was trying to give you pleasure and your friends a content life in the Netherworld."
"You caused harm to Jedda as well while she was being treated for her injuries."
"I have saved her life."
"You believe in conquest and ruled over the galaxy." the Phantom stated.
"You mean I used to believe in conquest." Hadea replied. "I don't any longer."
The Phantom only looked at her, unconvinced by her statement.
"Sailor Moon and her friends convinced me that conquest was not the answer." Hadea explained. "She also was able to convince me that I can't force anything onto anyone, that includes love. There was something about that girl that compares her to an angel on Earth."
"Sailor Moon is powerful." the Phantom replied. "She is kind and doesn't believe that the galaxy belongs to anyone."
Hadea nodded. He wasn't wrong about that girl. Even though Usagi could be peculiar at times, she was capable of helping her friends in need whenever they needed her.
"I am trying to change who I am." Hadea said as she looked at her love interest. "I was raised to believe in conquering other kingdoms but I now understand that is not the way to get what you are wanting accomplished."
"Deep down, I am wanting to believe that, Hadea." the Phantom suddenly replied. As she looked at him face to face, she could sense that he was feeling the same feelings she was feeling for him. "It is going to take some time for me to trust you though. I was also lonely growing up, just as Jedda was as her biological mother left when she was young and I had a similar pattern she had, so I can understand how you feel when you say you are lonely."
"So you understand what I'm trying to tell you?" Hadea asked.
"You can say that." the Phantom answered. "It's still going to take time for me to trust you but it might be sooner than we both think."
Hadea nodded before standing up and preparing to leave the room.
"I do believe that you have feelings for me as well. I can sense that you have the same feelings for me I do but you're not quite showing it yet." Hadea said as she walked out of the room. "Still, I want you to give me time and I know that you will start feeling the same things I am feeling for you. In the meantime, you should stay here for at least today."
-Sailor-Moon-Defenders-
Minako looked at Jedda and couldn't help but to admire her. She was donning a beautiful gown and a sparkling crown on top of her raven hair. Not to mention her glow from her pregnancy.
"How are things going at Monitor?" Jedda asked, pulling Minako from her thoughts.
"They're going fine." Minako answered. "Flash misses his son. He's having some friction with his sister over what happened to Rick. Amy is fitting in okay with the rest of the team and Mandrake is trying his best to be a father to her and Kshin."
"Let me guess: Flash's sister Janet is not approving of Rick's new life." Jedda placed her hands on her hips.
"From what Flash and April told us, his sister Janet Elisonne, is disapproving and distrustful of extraterrestrials and those with supernatural abilities."
"You don't think she'll try anything on the Netherworld, do you?"
Minako took a deep breath. "She might. We're hoping that it's not the case though."
"That must have been why Rick mentioned concerns about how his aunt would react."
The two young women heard fast pacing knocks on the door.
"It is I, Majesty." a voice called out.
Jedda nodded before answering, "Enter."
A pale skinned guard entered and knelt before the girls. "Empress Hadea wishes to speak with Minako."
The girls eyed each other.
"I guess Hadea is going to tell me why she wants me here." Minako stated.
"Good luck with your conversation with Mother." Jedda replied.
"Thanks." she nodded before she left the room.
-Sailor-Moon-Defenders-
Ami looked up as she took a deep breath, preparing to make her way to the Netherworld. She was longing to see Rick again after not seeing him for over a week.
"Just where do you think you're going?"
Startled, Ami turned around to see Flash. He was standing in curiosity.
"Oh, I… I…" Ami stammered at first.
"Save it." Flash gave a smirk. "I know that you're going to the Netherworld."
She didn't say anything at first. Then she gave a small smile and spoke up. "Yeah. I'm about to head to the Netherworld right now. Rick wanted me to help him fix the Nethernet that way he would be able to help out against Zorelda when she returns."
"I knew it." April replied as she arrived at the scene. "You miss him, don't you?"
"Yeah, don't we all?" Ami nodded, slightly blushing.
"April, don't start." Flash sternly spoke to his daughter. "Besides, Rick called her to fix this Nethernet to help against Zorelda and not only that, he is Jedda's boyfriend."
Ami sighed sadly at the reality. "You know, you're not really telling me what I want to hear, April."
"Well isn't it true?" April retorted. "You have a crush on my brother who is already with someone who is pregnant with his twin children."
"Cool it." Flash told his daughter.
"I better be going." Ami said, attempting to end the conversation. "Rick is expecting me at the control room at the Netherworld."
"Good luck with that." Flash replied calmly. April nodded in agreement.
Ami nodded back before teleporting out of the area.
-Sailor-Moon-Defenders-
Rick gazed up at the video screen, which covered nearly all of the control room's wall. The mass displayed nothing but constant static, white stripes rolling on a gray background.
Surveillance cameras had been placed in the kingdom. He was supposed to see 100 spots.
Things hadn't quite worked out as planned. He couldn't watch the people whom he'd vowed to protect.
He'd fiddled with the screen for the past three days. It simply hadn't wanted to cooperate.
Finally, he'd brought in help.
"Just another minute," Ami announced, crouching by a panel with a tool in hand.
A minute went by. A flash appeared.
The screen broke up into 100 squares. Each displayed a view of the Netherworld. Commoners laughed while socializing at markets. Other were cuddling atop white hills. Diligent guards were patrolling the towns.
"Thank you so much," Rick said in relief. He'd desperately needed to fix Nethernet, especially with the rumors of Zorelda's return.
"It was no trouble," she said with a grin - that modest smile that he found so cute.
"Of course it was trouble," he quickly countered. "I know how far you had to travel for this."
She rose to her feet, staring at them. "I didn't just come here to fix the machine…"
He winced a little. Where was this going?
"I wanted to see how you were settling in." She lifted her gaze, facing him.
"What do you mean?"
She took a step forward, closing the gap. "Remember what you told me back at Monitor?"
"What did I tell you at Monitor?" He had an idea of what she'd say next.
"You've felt compelled to do certain things - things that you don't really want to do. You felt like you had to become a Defender. You felt like you had to move down here." Ami paused with a sensitive stare. "I hope you don't feel like you have to do… anything else in the coming weeks."
His jaw dropped a moment. He cleared his throat. "You mean marrying…" Rick heard a footstep. He turned and saw someone standing near at the door. "Jedda."
The Queen of the Netherworld was looking on. Her lips were parted as she stared at them.
-Sailor-Moon-Defenders-
"You need to stay here," Hadea declared. "At least for today."
"Why?" Minako asked as they walked, gazing at the land in a state awe. She wondered if the Moon Kingdom looked this nice, back when she'd been a protector there. Hadea lived in absolute luxury.
"Rumor is spreading that Zorelda's returned. She'll target the people whom I hold dear."
Minako flinched. She was someone whom Hadea held dear? "What do you mean?"
"I'll explain later. I must ensure that you're safe right now."
"What about Jedda?"
"She will be well."
Minako could sense something in Hadea, a power that was quite considerable. She'd never seen the woman really summon it, though. From what she'd heard, Hadea mainly used it when she wanted to heal. Did the empress know what she was capable of? "What if Zorelda comes after you? Would you know how to defend yourself?"
"I've received training in the martial arts." Hadea had said it rather casually, as though she rarely thought about having to fight. Being a ruler, she'd probably gotten used to letting others engage.
That was a recipe for disaster.
"I think I can teach you a thing or two," Minako said. "I'll show you how to channel your energy."
-Sailor-Moon-Defenders-
Rick watched as Ami stepped into the cruiser. A driver would take her back up to the surface.
He turned from the window, facing Jedda. "What's wrong?" he muttered. "You look upset."
"I'm not really fond of surprises," she said, shifting her gaze away from him.
" What surprise?" he asked with a squirm. "You knew I was trying to set Nethernet up."
"You didn't tell me that she'd help out."
"I didn't really think there was reason to. I- -" His phone suddenly vibrated. "Hold on," he murmured, answering the call. A blonde girl appeared on the compact screen, someone from far away on the surface. "Tori…" he said.
Jedda glanced over.
"Hey, cuz," the girl in the screen replied. Her voice was calm, with a hint of strength.
"Hi," Rick uttered. "What's going on?"
Tori looked away, pausing a moment. "Sorry. I'm going to have to cut this short. My mom doesn't really want me talking to you. I can see her heading over here right now." She rolled her eyes, then glanced to the side. "Surf's up anyway. I'll guess we'll chat later." The screen went black.
Rick paused to smile while he thought of his cousin. She was so good at the sport of surfing — but sometimes she used it as a means of escape. He wouldn't mind being in the water himself, feeling the waves engulf his frame, letting his cares simply drift away.
He wasn't heading off to the beach, however. He had several matters to attend to here — starting with the woman in front of him.
He looked back up. Jedda was gone.
-Sailor-Moon-Defenders-
"How do you deal with it?" Ami asked.
"Deal with what?" Usagi replied. Ami seemed unusally mopey today.
"Being drawn to a guy who seems out of reach."
Usagi flinched. Was she speaking of Rick? "I thought that you and he had gotten past all that."
"We did," she said. "It's just… you know." She made a sad smile.
Usagi stared — then grinned at her. "Yeah," she answered. "I kind of do." She opened her arms and gave her friend a big hug.
Author's Note: This chapter was co-written by James and I want to thank him for his contribution.
----------
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.
Comments
Post a Comment