S55
Sailor Moon Defenders
By AmandaDoE
Chapter Fifty-Five: Good Enough
"I sense it each day. It's in his eyes." Jedda held still in Hadea's arms, feeling her mother fiddle with her hair. "He wants to return to the world above. I think he wants to go away with her ."
Hadea hesitated. "Do you truly believe that he'd leave you here?"
"I'm not convinced that he's going to. I simply sense that he ponders it." Her spirits sank at the thought of that. "And if his heart lies somewhere else, then what kind of future will the two of us have? What kind of home will we build for our kids?" She frowned a bit as she eyed the sheets. "I'm never good enough for anyone."
"Why would you say a thing such as that?"
"No one ever wants to settle down with me. Not my father, not my lover… not even the woman to whom I was born."
Hadea pulled Jedda just a little bit closer. "When I took over the Netherworld, I had concerns not unlike your own. I sensed I would lose my people's faith. I dreaded that my court would abandon me."
Jedda grew deeply intrigued by that. Hadea always seemed so confident. Was there a time when she hadn't been? How did she manage to deal with it? "What did you do?"
"I proved that I was dedicated to them. I showed my love… and they showed theirs." She ran another soft hand through Jedda's locks. "Simply keep showing your affection for Rick, and I believe that he'll do the same."
-Sailor-Moon-Defenders-
"How did it go?" April asked.
Ami sighed as she looked down. At first, she wasn't sure what to say. She glanced over at April and then gave a small smile. "It went fine. The Nethernet has been set up."
She looked to see Flash as if he was wanting some more answers from her and knew what exactly what exactly he was wanting.
"Yes, Rick is doing okay." Ami glanced at him with a smile. "He appears to be well. It appears that he is wanting to help make the Netherworld a better place for the people."
There was a pause of silence. Was that a good enough answer to him?
Suddenly, Flash smiled proudly. "That's my son, putting his skills to good use, even with his new situation."
"Now, it's a matter of your sister, Flash." Setsuna spoke up as she arrived at the scene.
"What about her?" Flash asked.
"You mentioned that she opposes extraterrestrials and those with supernatural abilities." Usagi spoke up.
"Yes, I did."
"It's possible that Janet might try to strike an attack on the Netherworld." Setsuna said. "Not only because of the mystical beings residing there, but also for her wanting to get revenge on Hadea for something she didn't do."
"Which is?" Ami asked.
"Rick's transformation." Flash answered. "She thinks Hadea and the Netherworlders have something to do with the fact that Rick is no longer human."
"That's just stupid." Usagi scoffed. "Hadea didn't cause that. Janet is just too ignorant to…"
"We know that, Usagi." Makoto replied. "If Janet does plan to send an army to the Netherworld, we will have to let Hadea know."
"Right now," Hotaru spoke up, "our main concern is Zorelda and the possibility of the Four Heavenly Kings returning."
"Hotaru's right." Setsuna nodded in agreement. "I just wanted you guys to be on alarm for Janet Elisionne and what she could possibly do."
"Where is Rei anyway?" Usagi asked.
"And what about Minako?" Ami added. "She should have been back by now."
"Rei is meditating at her shrine." April answered. "I thought she was with the Phantom."
"I figured Hadea wanted the Phantom to stay with her for a little bit." Makoto stated. "However, Minako?"
Ami huffed before walking away, not bothering to hear the rest of the conversation.
"Where are you going this time?" Flash asked, following her.
"Back at the mansion." Ami answered. "I'm going to try to get a hold of Minako."
"What if Minako wants to stay at the Netherworld too?"
"Why would she?"
Flash opened his mouth and tried to say something but no words came out of his mouth. He didn't know Minako that well, so he couldn't give out an answer.
A minute later, Ami turned away and walked back into the mansion.
-Sailor-Moon-Defenders-
Artemis perked up as Ami walked into the mansion. Luna followed suit. He had been concerned about his companion and wondered what was going on in the Netherworld.
"Ami, how did it go at the Netherworld?" he proceeded to ask.
"Things went fine." Ami bluntly answered.
"Ami, don't be like that." Luna chastised her. "You know you were supposed to report back to us after you came back from the Netherworld."
"I know." Ami quickly apologized, calming down. "I'm sorry."
"So what happened?" Artemis asked.
"I helped Rick fix the Nethernet." Ami answered. "Minako and the Phantom are still with Hadea. I've been trying to contact Minako but I haven't gotten any response back."
"Well," Artemis replied, "I know how you feel and normally I suspect that something might have happened to her and the Phantom but has it occurred to you that this time it's not the case?"
"And has it occurred to you that Rick might actually be happy with Jedda?" Luna added.
Artemis could tell Ami wasn't happy hearing this, especially the last part.
"It's Rick being with Jedda that's bothering you, isn't it?" Artemis asked.
Silence filled the room. He didn't really need an answer from her and he found it odd for her to having a crush on someone who was already taken.
"I know you are tired of hearing it," Luna reminded the genius, "but Rick appears to be committed to Jedda. She is pregnant with his children. It's been the case even before his transformation."
"I know," Ami replied, "but a part of me hoped that we could… you know."
"Destiny has its way of telling you whether or not something is meant to me." Artemis said. "It's been proven to us time and time again. Just as Mamoru and Usagi were meant to be the future King and Queen."
He looked away, he was more concerned for Minako. He knew she was okay but he wondered how she was doing in the Netherworld.
-Sailor-Moon-Defenders-
Jedda walked over to see Rick walking by. "Hi, Rick."
He turned. "Jedda."
The two walked to the couch nearby and sat down together. He needed to patch things up with her after what happened earlier between him and Ami.
"Listen Jedda," Rick spoke up, "about earlier…"
"It's all right, Rick," Jedda assured him. "I know you are still uncomfortable being here in the Netherworld. I can tell."
That was true in a way. This wasn't the life he'd expected to live but he realized destiny had other plans for him. That was for sure. He on as she grasped her hands and gave a geniuine smile.
"I love you, Rick," Jedda stated. "You know that, right?"
"Yes." Rick smiled back. "I love you too. I felt bad for what happened earlier. I should have told Ami the truth about how I felt."
There was a pause of silence. She nodded and then spoke up again. "I can sense it is not going to be easy for you."
"What makes you say that?" Rick asked, confused. "I've moved on past our relationship and I thought I made it clear we were just friends."
"I believe you." Jedda answered. "I can sense that it is her that is having a hard time accepting the fact that she can't be with you."
He could sense it too. He could tell she wanted to do more than fix the Nethernet like he called her to. He couldn't be mad at her though despite the fact that a part of him wanted to.
"What will we do about it?" Rick asked.
"You will figure something out." Jedda answered before she assured him. "I believe that you will."
He smiled. She always knew just what to say. He believed that she was indeed good enough for him. "Jedda, I'm sorry if I made you feel like you weren't good enough these past few days. Everything that has happened lately is a shock to me. I assume it's a shock to you too."
"You can say that." Jedda nodded in agreement.
"Jedda, we've been through so much together." Rick said as he was slowly stepping out of the couch and slowly getting on his knees. "Whether it was Ming or another threat, you proved to be a strong and capable woman. You're beautiful and a strong spirit. You are someone I want to spend the future with."
"Where is this going?" Jedda asked, confused.
"It's not much right now but I hope you like it. It's something I've been planning since before we moved here." Rick continued as he opened a box with a small ring with a pretty jewel in the center. "Jedda Katherine Walker, will you marry me?"
Jedda smiled in surprise, happy. "Rick. Yes. I will marry you! You shall be the future King of the Netherworld."
"King Rick Gordon." Rick grinned as he placed the ring on her finger. "I like the sound of that."
The couple shared a chuckle before they shared a passionate kiss.
-Sailor-Moon-Defenders-
Hadea smiled with satisfaction as she watched Rick and Jedda in the other room. She knew things would work out in the end. It was only a matter of time. Rick and Jedda would be ruling her former kingdom together soon and it wouldn't be just Jedda ruling.
Now, it was a matter of the Phantom. She walked back to her chambers where he was waiting.
"Well?" the Phantom asked.
"Our daughter is doing well." Hadea answered. "So is our future son in law."
"Future son in law?" he looked at her, taken by surprise by that statement.
"Rick had just proposed to Jedda." Hadea explained. "He will soon be the King of the Netherworld, ruling alongside Jedda."
The Phantom appeared as if he didn't know what to say. He looked at the Empress for a moment before speaking.
"I knew that Rick would keep his promise to commit to her." the Phantom smiled proudly. "I've always considered him to be a son anyway."
"He is there to commit to her," Hadea said as she gently placed her hands on his shoulders, "just as I am here, promising to commit myself to you."
It appeared that the Phantom was starting to warm up to her. She knew that it was going to take some time but at least for now, she had the Phantom with her, as her mate.
-Sailor-Moon-Defenders-
A guard walked in and knelt where she stood. Minako couldn't help but find that odd. Hadea had ordered them to treasure her, to treat her like she was royalty. She still hadn't quite gotten used to that.
He raised his chin, eyeing her knees. "You have a visitor, Majesty."
She squirmed a little, clearing her throat, trying to remember the formal reply. Hadea had instilled a few in her — the things that a lady was supposed to say. One of them suddenly entered her mind:
"Very good, servant. Show them in."
No. She didn't want to use servant . The guy might find that a little offensive. She sure would, if she was him.
Just who was visiting anyway? Her guard had neglected to mention that. Minako thought up another response:
"Before I grant them an audience, it would please me to know who has come."
Wait. That might make her sound afraid. She was a soldier! She wasn't scared. She didn't want anybody thinking so.
Then she thought of a third reply — a sly way of learning who the visitor was:
"What is the nature of their business here?"
That one probably wouldn't work either. This guy likely couldn't answer that. Guards only knew what they needed to know - according to what Hadea had said. They weren't supposed to be told these things.
Minako sighed. This was silly. Finally, she found something nice and simple. "Um… sure. Show them in." She bent her waist, and bowed to the guard. Wait, I wasn't supposed to do that. I'm the 'royal,' not this guy.
The man stood up and let the visitor in.
Minako flinched. "Ami?" she whispered. What exactly had brought her here?
"You weren't answering your communicator," Ami said, stepping forth.
Minako quietly scolded herself. "I've been forgetting to check it," she noted, glancing around at the cute throne room. "I got a little distracted here."
Ami squinted. "We thought you would only be staying a day. I…" She paused, shifting her gaze, eyes locked onto another sight. Ami was staring past Minako now.
Minako turned. "Jedda," she uttered. The Netherworld's queen had just arrived.
Jedda nodded at Minako, then turned her gaze to the other girl. A moment of awkward silence passed. Then she lifted a hand to her hip. "You and I can't seem to shake each other."
Minako turned to Ami again, seeing the rarest of resentful faces.
More silence lingered as her friends locked eyes.
Minako finally spread her arms, raising a palm toward both of them. "Hey," she murmured. "What's going on? Ami, why did you need to visit?"
"We have Sailor business."
Minako tensed, then turned to Jedda. "Can you tell Hadea that I had to go… and that I appreciate her concern?"
"Sure," she said, cupping her hands.
Minako and Ami began to leave.
"Ami," Jedda called suddenly.
Ami turned.
The new queen paused. "Thanks for your help with the Netherworld."
Ami nodded, then stepped away. Minako quietly left with her.
Notes: Story by AmandaDoE. Co-written by James.
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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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