Chapter 10: Tranquility's Song

‘I should have listened to Paul and Leda,’ Europa thought, fighting the urge to lean something. Each encounter with an enemy was leaving her just a little bit weaker, robbing her of precious strength. She wouldn’t be able to heal very many people after the battle.

‘If it does end and we’ve won.’ She shook her head to get rid of the depressing thought. She couldn’t let herself think like that. Not when everything was so precarious.

Another group of soldiers appeared. They apparently considered her a greater threat than the Resistance fighters near her as the majority headed towards her. Europa took a deep breath, preparing herself for the attack.

“Europa Cold Sleep!”

The Sailor Soldier of Healing blinked back angry tears. Her attack had been only partly effective. Several of the soldiers were still advancing, leaving her with just a few options. None were any she really wanted to take.

One of the leaders yelled encouragement to the enemy soldiers. He was claiming that she was weak. That the strange one wasn’t so powerful. That she would be an easy kill.

“You will know death soon enough,” she called as a strange hum filled the air. “Europa Death Siren!”

Black mist swirled from her hands, enshrouding the soldiers. She flinched at their cries until the humming covered the sounds. Then it was quiet. The mist dissipated, leaving no trace of the men.

But she couldn’t enjoy the minor victory. Her knees buckled, sending her to the ground. Dots were swimming before her eyes, but she fought viciously to stay conscious.

“Saperi Elara!” Autino shook her shoulder violently. “Saperi, are you injured?”

She shook her head. “Help me up.”

He pulled her easily to her feet. The urge to pass out was fading, but her legs felt rubbery and unstable. She swayed, forcing Autino to grab her shoulder for support with one hand and hold his double-headed ax in the other.

She felt, rather than saw, the advancing enemies. Europa threw off Autino’s hand with a savage jerk and stretched out her arms on either side of him. She saw the surprise in his eyes when she opened hers.

“Hatred Healing! Europa Cold Sleep!”

The two attacks were enough to destroy the soldiers. Once more, her legs gave out. With a shout of surprise, Autino dropped his ax and used both arms to hold her up.

“Saperi, you shouldn’t fight anymore.”

She shook her head. “I can last a little longer.”

Europa placed her hands on his chest and concentrated. A weak yellow-green aura surrounded her and then both of them. Autino gasped as the aura suddenly grew brighter.

‘You are Sailor Europa, the one of healing,’ Serenity had told her a long time ago. ‘But you will also be able to do harm, so be cautious with your powers.’

And the queen had been right to warn her. This was the first time Europa was using her powers to heal herself, to draw from another for her own benefit. She could feel the desire to drain Autino dry build inside her.

But she didn’t let the desire win. With a sigh, she stepped back, releasing Autino. She bent down on sturdy legs and picked up his ax.

She offered it to him. His eyes were wide and questioning as he carefully took back his weapon. She fought down a sense of guilt as she realized that she didn’t have the time or the desire to answer his questions.

“Thank you, Autino.” Before he could say anything, she was returning to the battle.

* * * * *

Cassandra jumped aside, barely dodging the blast of black light that had been aimed at her chest. The soldier she was fighting tried to take advantage of her distraction, but the Guardian had not forgotten him. She finished him quickly with a single slash of her bladed staff.

More black light shot around her, indiscriminately killing warriors of the Resistance and the Empire alike. She forced her eyes away from the destruction. She had to find the source of the attack.

“You are very brave to return to Cignus, Guardian.” Werla smiled. With a wave of her hand, the black light attacks stopped. “Or very stupid, considering the power I hold.”

“Power? Where is your power, witch? Where is your master, Hadrien?”

“Hadrien is not my master!”

“But you have called him so. As you called his mother mistress.”

“Useful pawns, both of them.”

“You are the pawn, Werla. Almathea used your love for her and your lust for power to bend you to her will. Hadrien uses your obedience since you do not know how much of his mother’s power he has.

“And Kali,” the Guardian paused, watching the sage flinch, “uses your fear and hatred to fulfill her own dark purposes. Yes, I know you are the disciple of the dark goddess. I knew when Almathea disappeared.”

“You don’t know as much as you believe you do, Guardian. After all, the gods will only let you see so much. You’re still the foolish, would-be priestess of an upstart god.”

“I’m allowed to see enough. I know that Cignus will be free, free of you, Hadrien, and the Empire.”

The sage smiled. “Don’t believe everything you see, Cassea.”

Cassandra brought her staff up just in time to block Werla’s sword. The sage had amazing skill with a sword, but it was the Guardian who drew first blood. That only spurred new viciousness from the sage.

But the extra emotion made Werla careless. On one attack, she missed the Guardian, sword arm stretched out passed Cassandra’s shoulder. It was the opening the seer needed.

The sage fell to her knees, both arms pressed against the gaping gash across her chest. She began to heave for air as she collapsed to the ground. With wide eyes, she looked up at the Guardian.

“Mercy. Please.” The sage’s voice was weak and raspy.

“You helped Amalthea become the Child of Darkness. You worked to hasten the destruction of Cignus. Both out of your own free will, Werla. Maybe Kali will show more mercy to you than you did to any soul in life, but then the dark goddess is not known for her mercy.”

As her vision faded, the sage watched the Guardian of Hope walk away. Then all was black.

* * * * *

“Enough! He’s mine!”

The soldiers immediately moved away from Ganymede. The Prince of Jupiter threw off his mask, searching for the source of the voice. He cursed under his breath as he found his enemy.

“I see you remember me,” the other man said with a mirthless grin.

“How the hell do you keep coming back to life, Nadomus?”

“Reward for my service to my ruler. Besides, someone has to keep you occupied while the king deals with your wife.”

Ganymede turned to where Jupiter Moon had been earlier. He saw a movement out of the corner of his eyes. He ducked and blocked the sword, stopping Nadomus from taking his head off.

“Some things never change. She’s still your weakness.”

Ganymede began attacking. He had to end this quickly so he could get to Leda. He was desperately praying that he wasn’t already too late.

But Nadomus was drawing the battle out. His attacks were more annoying than threatening. And he kept his distance from the prince, preventing Ganymede from dealing any real blows.

“I’m sure the king will kill her outright. He really has no use for her.”

Nadomus used Ganymede’s enraged lunge against him, slicing the prince across the ribs. Hissing in pain, Ganymede scrambled back. He reached under his cape to touch the wound as Nadomus laughed.

“Why do you wear that cape? Surely it’s not for fashion.”

Ganymeded didn’t answer. With a flick of his wrist, he threw some stars. Nadomus managed to dodge most of them, but one exploded near his leg, crippling him.

“You were right,” Ganymede said, standing in front of his fallen enemy. “Some things never change, but maybe you’ll stay dead this time.”

A quick slash finished it. A few handfuls of stars eliminated most of the soldiers. But Ganymede didn’t care. He was already running, trying to get to Leda.

* * * * *

Scylla froze as she took in the scene in front of her. Leda had transformed into the Princess of Jupiter, using the power of the Jupiter Moon Crystal to stop an attack from Hadrian. But the king somehow found more power.

The explosion knocked Leda flying backwards. As Neo-Sailor Jupiter, she rose to her feet. “Jupiter Thunderclap Zap!”

The attack found its mark but inflicted little damage. Hadrian shot her an annoyed glare. She sent another attack, but he was able to dodge it completely.

“Surely you can do better than that, cousin!”

“Jupiter Thunder Dragon! Jupiter Thunderbolt Crash!”

Hadrian stretched out his hands. Immediately, the attacks went flying back at Jupiter. She screamed as they hit here.

“This is the prophesized warrior, the mighty descendant of the Child of Light?” He walked to his cousin’s prone form. “I’m very disappointed.”

“Guardians of Cignus to me!”

Scylla suddenly found herself standing behind Leda with Cassandra and Dido. Hadrian seemed just as surprised. He stepped back before the cool calm slipped back on his face.

“So, these are the Guardians of Cignus. In the old stories, there were more of you.”

“There are enough to deal with you,” Cassandra replied.

“Your precious princess couldn’t put up much of a fight,” Hadrian said, gesturing at Leda, who was struggling to her feet. “What makes you so different?”

“Leda Torrent Tornado!”

The attack, although weak, was strong enough to knock Hadrian back.

“Sailor Soldiers, now!” Cassandra called.

“Callisto Moon Power!”

“Lysithea Moon Power!”

“Europa Moon Power!”

Green light surrounded Leda, transforming her back into the Princess of Jupiter. Hadrian took another step back and then another. Leda took one step forward for each one he took back.

“Guardians of Cignus!” Cassandra bellowed.

“Memory Guardian Power!”

“Mercy Guardian Power!”

“Compassion Guardian Power!”

“Light Guardian Power!”

The rainbow of light surrounded Cassandra. Her green eyes flared with power as she pointed her palms at Leda. “Hope Guardian Power! Cignus Guardian Power!”

Light flew toward Leda, merging with the light from the Sailor Soldiers. Then, something exploded. Ganymede was knocked off his feet, nearly banging his head on a rock.

As the dust settled and the light faded, a woman floated back to the ground. She was dressed like a Guardian with a gray sash around her waist. A large green stone hung on a necklace.

“What are you?” Hadrian cried.

The woman opened her eyes, her gaze never wavering from the king. “I’m foretold warrior, the descendant of the Child of Light. I’m the fulfillment of prophecy and the bringer of peace.”

“You’re a lie! You’re just a story told to young children!”

“It ends now, Hadrian. The rule of our bloodline is over. It is time to end the curse of Light and Darkness. It’s time to free Cignus.”

“Cignus is mine! I will say when it will be free!”

“No, cousin. Our say in the matter is over. Cignus Tranquil Song!!”

* * * * *

Paul Rodan shook his head as he climbed to his feet. He looked around him in disbelief. Hadrian and all the Imperial forces were gone. All signs of the last battles were gone as well.

“Next time I’m volunteering to stay on Jupiter,” Caitlyn muttered, rubbing her head as she sat up.

The Guardians and the other Sailor Soldiers were stirring. Leda was already running to him. He hugged, spinning her around. She held him just as tightly.

“Is it really over?” he asked, setting her back down on her feet.

She nodded. “Hadrian and the Shadow Moon Empire are gone. Cignus is free.”

“Cassasndra!”

Everyone turned at Scylla’s desperate cry.

“It’s all right,” Cassandra said quietly. “I knew this would happen.”

Leda gasped as she saw the Guardian of Hope. Cassandra’s purple hair was loose and streaked with red. Her usually pale skin was chalk white.

“What’s happening?” Leda demanded.

“My visions told me that Cignus would be free of the Shadow Moon,” Cassandra said, her voice weak, “but I had to decide at what cost. This is my choice. Now Cignus is completely free. The Cycle of Light and Darkness has ended. The Guardians are free of their burdens. I’m free of my curse.”

“Cassandra, what do you mean?” Scylla asked, taking her hand.

The Guardian of Hope sighed. “I choose to channel the energy of the Guardians.”

“Knowing that it would be too much for either you or Leda to handle,” Scylla stated.

“You did it to save me,” Leda whispered.

“She did it to save you all.” The voice, though quiet, seemed booming. “You did well, Cassea.”

The man with the long brown brushed past Leda and the Guardians. He reached down and took Cassandra’s hand. “It’s time, Cassea.”

Using his hand, she rose to her feet. Her hair was now completely red, and her uniform had been replaced by a dark blue dress. “Is it?”

He smiled. “You have done well. The curse is gone. Cignus and the Guardians are free. It’s time for us to go home.”

She sighed. “Home.”

Then in a flash of light, the two were gone.


Tranquility's Song ‘I should have listened to Paul and Leda,’ Europa thought, fighting the urge to lean something. Each encounter with an enemy was leaving her just a little bit weaker, robbing her of precious strength. She wouldn’t be able to heal very many people after the battle. ‘If it does end and we’ve won.’ She shook her head to get rid of the depressing thought. She couldn’t let herself think like that. Not when everything was so precarious. Another group of soldiers appeared. They apparently considered her a greater threat than the Resistance fighters near her as the majority headed towards her. Europa took a deep breath, preparing herself for the attack. “Europa Cold Sleep!” The Sailor Soldier of Healing blinked back angry tears. Her attack had been only partly effective. Several of the soldiers were still advancing, leaving her with just a few options. None were any she really wanted to take. One of the leaders yelled encouragement to the enemy soldiers. He was claiming that she was weak. That the strange one wasn’t so powerful. That she would be an easy kill. “You will know death soon enough,” she called as a strange hum filled the air. “Europa Death Siren!” Black mist swirled from her hands, enshrouding the soldiers. She flinched at their cries until the humming covered the sounds. Then it was quiet. The mist dissipated, leaving no trace of the men. But she couldn’t enjoy the minor victory. Her knees buckled, sending her to the ground. Dots were swimming before her eyes, but she fought viciously to stay conscious. “Saperi Elara!” Autino shook her shoulder violently. “Saperi, are you injured?” She shook her head. “Help me up.” He pulled her easily to her feet. The urge to pass out was fading, but her legs felt rubbery and unstable. She swayed, forcing Autino to grab her shoulder for support with one hand and hold his double-headed ax in the other. She felt, rather than saw, the advancing enemies. Europa threw off Autino’s hand with a savage jerk and stretched out her arms on either side of him. She saw the surprise in his eyes when she opened hers. “Hatred Healing! Europa Cold Sleep!” The two attacks were enough to destroy the soldiers. Once more, her legs gave out. With a shout of surprise, Autino dropped his ax and used both arms to hold her up. “Saperi, you shouldn’t fight anymore.” She shook her head. “I can last a little longer.” Europa placed her hands on his chest and concentrated. A weak yellow-green aura surrounded her and then both of them. Autino gasped as the aura suddenly grew brighter. ‘You are Sailor Europa, the one of healing,’ Serenity had told her a long time ago. ‘But you will also be able to do harm, so be cautious with your powers.’ And the queen had been right to warn her. This was the first time Europa was using her powers to heal herself, to draw from another for her own benefit. She could feel the desire to drain Autino dry build inside her. But she didn’t let the desire win. With a sigh, she stepped back, releasing Autino. She bent down on sturdy legs and picked up his ax. She offered it to him. His eyes were wide and questioning as he carefully took back his weapon. She fought down a sense of guilt as she realized that she didn’t have the time or the desire to answer his questions. “Thank you, Autino.” Before he could say anything, she was returning to the battle. * * * * * Cassandra jumped aside, barely dodging the blast of black light that had been aimed at her chest. The soldier she was fighting tried to take advantage of her distraction, but the Guardian had not forgotten him. She finished him quickly with a single slash of her bladed staff. More black light shot around her, indiscriminately killing warriors of the Resistance and the Empire alike. She forced her eyes away from the destruction. She had to find the source of the attack. “You are very brave to return to Cignus, Guardian.” Werla smiled. With a wave of her hand, the black light attacks stopped. “Or very stupid, considering the power I hold.” “Power? Where is your power, witch? Where is your master, Hadrien?” “Hadrien is not my master!” “But you have called him so. As you called his mother mistress.” “Useful pawns, both of them.” “You are the pawn, Werla. Almathea used your love for her and your lust for power to bend you to her will. Hadrien uses your obedience since you do not know how much of his mother’s power he has. “And Kali,” the Guardian paused, watching the sage flinch, “uses your fear and hatred to fulfill her own dark purposes. Yes, I know you are the disciple of the dark goddess. I knew when Almathea disappeared.” “You don’t know as much as you believe you do, Guardian. After all, the gods will only let you see so much. You’re still the foolish, would-be priestess of an upstart god.” “I’m allowed to see enough. I know that Cignus will be free, free of you, Hadrien, and the Empire.” The sage smiled. “Don’t believe everything you see, Cassea.” Cassandra brought her staff up just in time to block Werla’s sword. The sage had amazing skill with a sword, but it was the Guardian who drew first blood. That only spurred new viciousness from the sage. But the extra emotion made Werla careless. On one attack, she missed the Guardian, sword arm stretched out passed Cassandra’s shoulder. It was the opening the seer needed. The sage fell to her knees, both arms pressed against the gaping gash across her chest. She began to heave for air as she collapsed to the ground. With wide eyes, she looked up at the Guardian. “Mercy. Please.” The sage’s voice was weak and raspy. “You helped Amalthea become the Child of Darkness. You worked to hasten the destruction of Cignus. Both out of your own free will, Werla. Maybe Kali will show more mercy to you than you did to any soul in life, but then the dark goddess is not known for her mercy.” As her vision faded, the sage watched the Guardian of Hope walk away. Then all was black. * * * * * “Enough! He’s mine!” The soldiers immediately moved away from Ganymede. The Prince of Jupiter threw off his mask, searching for the source of the voice. He cursed under his breath as he found his enemy. “I see you remember me,” the other man said with a mirthless grin. “How the hell do you keep coming back to life, Nadomus?” “Reward for my service to my ruler. Besides, someone has to keep you occupied while the king deals with your wife.” Ganymede turned to where Jupiter Moon had been earlier. He saw a movement out of the corner of his eyes. He ducked and blocked the sword, stopping Nadomus from taking his head off. “Some things never change. She’s still your weakness.” Ganymede began attacking. He had to end this quickly so he could get to Leda. He was desperately praying that he wasn’t already too late. But Nadomus was drawing the battle out. His attacks were more annoying than threatening. And he kept his distance from the prince, preventing Ganymede from dealing any real blows. “I’m sure the king will kill her outright. He really has no use for her.” Nadomus used Ganymede’s enraged lunge against him, slicing the prince across the ribs. Hissing in pain, Ganymede scrambled back. He reached under his cape to touch the wound as Nadomus laughed. “Why do you wear that cape? Surely it’s not for fashion.” Ganymeded didn’t answer. With a flick of his wrist, he threw some stars. Nadomus managed to dodge most of them, but one exploded near his leg, crippling him. “You were right,” Ganymede said, standing in front of his fallen enemy. “Some things never change, but maybe you’ll stay dead this time.” A quick slash finished it. A few handfuls of stars eliminated most of the soldiers. But Ganymede didn’t care. He was already running, trying to get to Leda. * * * * * Scylla froze as she took in the scene in front of her. Leda had transformed into the Princess of Jupiter, using the power of the Jupiter Moon Crystal to stop an attack from Hadrian. But the king somehow found more power. The explosion knocked Leda flying backwards. As Neo-Sailor Jupiter, she rose to her feet. “Jupiter Thunderclap Zap!” The attack found its mark but inflicted little damage. Hadrian shot her an annoyed glare. She sent another attack, but he was able to dodge it completely. “Surely you can do better than that, cousin!” “Jupiter Thunder Dragon! Jupiter Thunderbolt Crash!” Hadrian stretched out his hands. Immediately, the attacks went flying back at Jupiter. She screamed as they hit here. “This is the prophesized warrior, the mighty descendant of the Child of Light?” He walked to his cousin’s prone form. “I’m very disappointed.” “Guardians of Cignus to me!” Scylla suddenly found herself standing behind Leda with Cassandra and Dido. Hadrian seemed just as surprised. He stepped back before the cool calm slipped back on his face. “So, these are the Guardians of Cignus. In the old stories, there were more of you.” “There are enough to deal with you,” Cassandra replied. “Your precious princess couldn’t put up much of a fight,” Hadrian said, gesturing at Leda, who was struggling to her feet. “What makes you so different?” “Leda Torrent Tornado!” The attack, although weak, was strong enough to knock Hadrian back. “Sailor Soldiers, now!” Cassandra called. “Callisto Moon Power!” “Lysithea Moon Power!” “Europa Moon Power!” Green light surrounded Leda, transforming her back into the Princess of Jupiter. Hadrian took another step back and then another. Leda took one step forward for each one he took back. “Guardians of Cignus!” Cassandra bellowed. “Memory Guardian Power!” “Mercy Guardian Power!” “Compassion Guardian Power!” “Light Guardian Power!” The rainbow of light surrounded Cassandra. Her green eyes flared with power as she pointed her palms at Leda. “Hope Guardian Power! Cignus Guardian Power!” Light flew toward Leda, merging with the light from the Sailor Soldiers. Then, something exploded. Ganymede was knocked off his feet, nearly banging his head on a rock. As the dust settled and the light faded, a woman floated back to the ground. She was dressed like a Guardian with a gray sash around her waist. A large green stone hung on a necklace. “What are you?” Hadrian cried. The woman opened her eyes, her gaze never wavering from the king. “I’m foretold warrior, the descendant of the Child of Light. I’m the fulfillment of prophecy and the bringer of peace.” “You’re a lie! You’re just a story told to young children!” “It ends now, Hadrian. The rule of our bloodline is over. It is time to end the curse of Light and Darkness. It’s time to free Cignus.” “Cignus is mine! I will say when it will be free!” “No, cousin. Our say in the matter is over. Cignus Tranquil Song!!” * * * * * Paul Rodan shook his head as he climbed to his feet. He looked around him in disbelief. Hadrian and all the Imperial forces were gone. All signs of the last battles were gone as well. “Next time I’m volunteering to stay on Jupiter,” Caitlyn muttered, rubbing her head as she sat up. The Guardians and the other Sailor Soldiers were stirring. Leda was already running to him. He hugged, spinning her around. She held him just as tightly. “Is it really over?” he asked, setting her back down on her feet. She nodded. “Hadrian and the Shadow Moon Empire are gone. Cignus is free.” “Cassasndra!” Everyone turned at Scylla’s desperate cry. “It’s all right,” Cassandra said quietly. “I knew this would happen.” Leda gasped as she saw the Guardian of Hope. Cassandra’s purple hair was loose and streaked with red. Her usually pale skin was chalk white. “What’s happening?” Leda demanded. “My visions told me that Cignus would be free of the Shadow Moon,” Cassandra said, her voice weak, “but I had to decide at what cost. This is my choice. Now Cignus is completely free. The Cycle of Light and Darkness has ended. The Guardians are free of their burdens. I’m free of my curse.” “Cassandra, what do you mean?” Scylla asked, taking her hand. The Guardian of Hope sighed. “I choose to channel the energy of the Guardians.” “Knowing that it would be too much for either you or Leda to handle,” Scylla stated. “You did it to save me,” Leda whispered. “She did it to save you all.” The voice, though quiet, seemed booming. “You did well, Cassea.” The man with the long brown brushed past Leda and the Guardians. He reached down and took Cassandra’s hand. “It’s time, Cassea.” Using his hand, she rose to her feet. Her hair was now completely red, and her uniform had been replaced by a dark blue dress. “Is it?” He smiled. “You have done well. The curse is gone. Cignus and the Guardians are free. It’s time for us to go home.” She sighed. “Home.” Then in a flash of light, the two were gone.


Epilogue: Home Jupter's Gone