Chapter 7: The Conference Convenes

Leda was grateful for Paul’s presence as they approached the massive doors of the main conference room. She deliberately slowed her breathing, trying to ease the growing sense of apprehension. Understanding her feelings, Paul gave her hand a quick, reassuring squeeze.

Two servants opened the doors, revealing the large room within. The large table was almost filled with people. A servant led Leda and Paul to their places.

Sitting down, Leda became aware of the various reactions to her and Paul’s presence. Princess Ami, Prince Greg, and Princess Rei smiled friendly to them. Princess Mina seemed surprise and turned to her husband, Prince Michael, for an explanation.

“She’s doesn’t know, Paul,” Leda whispered, nodding to Princess Mina.

“I thought Serenity told everyone,” he mused.

The discussion was halted by the entrance of King Endymion and Neo-Queen Serenity. All present bowed to the monarchs before resuming their seats. Serenity smiled to each before speaking.

“I know that all of you are wondering why this conference was called. It is of the up most importance. Our system is facing a new enemy, a very dangerous enemy.”

“Where is Setsuna and the others?” Mina asked. “Surely they would need to know, also?”

“We tried to contact the others, Mina,” Endymion said. “We don’t know when, or if, they will be here.”

“Where’s Lita?” Mina continued, looking at Leda.

“My mother is dead, Princess Mina,” Leda answered softly. “Rand has left everything in my hands.”

“What?!”

“She died fighting a monster named Nadomus. Neo-Queen Serenity called my sisters and I to become Sailor Scouts. With the help of Paul as Ganymede, we were able to defeat Nadomus.”

“Tell her everything, Leda,” Endymion said.

Leda took a steadying deep breath. “Later, while we were recovering on Ananke, a woman named Atalia attacked us. She said that she was a princess of the Shadow Moon Empire. She was very powerful, and it took the power of the Jupiter Moon Crystal, the Silver Crystal, and my heart crystal to defeat her.”

“Your heart crystal?” Mina gasped.

“A mysterious person named Cassandra gave Elara a stone to heal Leda,” Paul answered. “The power of the stone separated Leda’s heart crystal from the Jupiter Moon Crystal. As you can see, Leda is perfectly fine now.”

“But I have had dreams of a shadow swallowing our system,” Leda said. “I see all the Sailor Scouts fighting, including four new ones. Princess Rei has confirmed the emergence of a new enemy based on the dreams of the king and myself.”

“Is that all?” Princess Ami asked.

“No,” Princess Rei answered. “The new enemy is the whole Shadow Moon Empire and the battle will begin within two weeks.”

“The conference was called to decide what to do,” Serenity said.

Any further comment was cut off by a breeze in the room. A ball of lavender light appeared. Gradually it faded to reveal a violet-haired woman.

“Cassandra!” several voices in the room cried.

“Your Majesties,” Cassandra said, bowing, “I have come to warn you of an approaching enemy.”

“The Shadow Moon Empire?” Endymion asked.

“Yes. So you know. You will need all the warriors that your kingdom can summon, Your Majesties.”

“We understand that,” Serenity said.

“But you will need to some new warriors, my queen. The strongest warriors are the children of the Sailor Scouts.”

“Our daughters?” Rei asked.

Cassandra nodded.

“But they are so young,” Rei protested. “None of them have had any experience in battle.”

“That will have to change, Princess,” Cassandra said sadly. “The coming decisions and challenges will difficult for everyone. Especially you, Sailor Jupiter Moon.”

“Me?” Leda said, surprised.

Cassandra nodded. “Continue to have faith in those you love, Lady Leda. No matter how dark the circumstances become. Remember my words.”

Puzzled by the sinister warning, Leda only nodded.

“How do you know so much?” Endymion demanded.

“I cannot tell you that now know, Your Highness, but you will learn more in the future. Now, you must prepare for the challenges ahead.”

Cassandra stepped away from the table, bowing. She grabbed the star pendant, forming a fist around. “Hope Guardian Teleport!!” Lavender light surrounded Cassandra before she disappeared.

“The Guardian of Hope,” Leda mused. “How appropriate.”

“She’s a mystery,” Paul said, still pondering the warning to Leda. “I look forward to when she reveals herself.”

“She’s right, though,” Serenity commented. “We will need all of our warriors.”

“Including our daughters?” Rei demanded.

“It will be a hard decision,” Serenity said. “One that will need serious thought.”

Serenity then turned her attention to Leda. “Can your sisters be prepared?”

Leda shook her head. “Your Majesty, I cannot, I will not, speak for them in this matter. I can’t speak for Paul, either. I pledge myself. That is all I can do in good conscience.”

“But you will give them the decision?”

“Yes, they will have the decision, as will Paul.”

“I suggest,” Endymion said, “that we dismiss until tomorrow. By then, everyone shall have their answer.”

The group rose silently and left the room. Each was contemplating the decision that had to be made. Each found it the decision difficult.


The Conference Convenes Leda was grateful for Paul’s presence as they approached the massive doors of the main conference room. She deliberately slowed her breathing, trying to ease the growing sense of apprehension. Understanding her feelings, Paul gave her hand a quick, reassuring squeeze. Two servants opened the doors, revealing the large room within. The large table was almost filled with people. A servant led Leda and Paul to their places. Sitting down, Leda became aware of the various reactions to her and Paul’s presence. Princess Ami, Prince Greg, and Princess Rei smiled friendly to them. Princess Mina seemed surprise and turned to her husband, Prince Michael, for an explanation. “She’s doesn’t know, Paul,” Leda whispered, nodding to Princess Mina. “I thought Serenity told everyone,” he mused. The discussion was halted by the entrance of King Endymion and Neo-Queen Serenity. All present bowed to the monarchs before resuming their seats. Serenity smiled to each before speaking. “I know that all of you are wondering why this conference was called. It is of the up most importance. Our system is facing a new enemy, a very dangerous enemy.” “Where is Setsuna and the others?” Mina asked. “Surely they would need to know, also?” “We tried to contact the others, Mina,” Endymion said. “We don’t know when, or if, they will be here.” “Where’s Lita?” Mina continued, looking at Leda. “My mother is dead, Princess Mina,” Leda answered softly. “Rand has left everything in my hands.” “What?!” “She died fighting a monster named Nadomus. Neo-Queen Serenity called my sisters and I to become Sailor Scouts. With the help of Paul as Ganymede, we were able to defeat Nadomus.” “Tell her everything, Leda,” Endymion said. Leda took a steadying deep breath. “Later, while we were recovering on Ananke, a woman named Atalia attacked us. She said that she was a princess of the Shadow Moon Empire. She was very powerful, and it took the power of the Jupiter Moon Crystal, the Silver Crystal, and my heart crystal to defeat her.” “Your heart crystal?” Mina gasped. “A mysterious person named Cassandra gave Elara a stone to heal Leda,” Paul answered. “The power of the stone separated Leda’s heart crystal from the Jupiter Moon Crystal. As you can see, Leda is perfectly fine now.” “But I have had dreams of a shadow swallowing our system,” Leda said. “I see all the Sailor Scouts fighting, including four new ones. Princess Rei has confirmed the emergence of a new enemy based on the dreams of the king and myself.” “Is that all?” Princess Ami asked. “No,” Princess Rei answered. “The new enemy is the whole Shadow Moon Empire and the battle will begin within two weeks.” “The conference was called to decide what to do,” Serenity said. Any further comment was cut off by a breeze in the room. A ball of lavender light appeared. Gradually it faded to reveal a violet-haired woman. “Cassandra!” several voices in the room cried. “Your Majesties,” Cassandra said, bowing, “I have come to warn you of an approaching enemy.” “The Shadow Moon Empire?” Endymion asked. “Yes. So you know. You will need all the warriors that your kingdom can summon, Your Majesties.” “We understand that,” Serenity said. “But you will need to some new warriors, my queen. The strongest warriors are the children of the Sailor Scouts.” “Our daughters?” Rei asked. Cassandra nodded. “But they are so young,” Rei protested. “None of them have had any experience in battle.” “That will have to change, Princess,” Cassandra said sadly. “The coming decisions and challenges will difficult for everyone. Especially you, Sailor Jupiter Moon.” “Me?” Leda said, surprised. Cassandra nodded. “Continue to have faith in those you love, Lady Leda. No matter how dark the circumstances become. Remember my words.” Puzzled by the sinister warning, Leda only nodded. “How do you know so much?” Endymion demanded. “I cannot tell you that now know, Your Highness, but you will learn more in the future. Now, you must prepare for the challenges ahead.” Cassandra stepped away from the table, bowing. She grabbed the star pendant, forming a fist around. “Hope Guardian Teleport!!” Lavender light surrounded Cassandra before she disappeared. “The Guardian of Hope,” Leda mused. “How appropriate.” “She’s a mystery,” Paul said, still pondering the warning to Leda. “I look forward to when she reveals herself.” “She’s right, though,” Serenity commented. “We will need all of our warriors.” “Including our daughters?” Rei demanded. “It will be a hard decision,” Serenity said. “One that will need serious thought.” Serenity then turned her attention to Leda. “Can your sisters be prepared?” Leda shook her head. “Your Majesty, I cannot, I will not, speak for them in this matter. I can’t speak for Paul, either. I pledge myself. That is all I can do in good conscience.” “But you will give them the decision?” “Yes, they will have the decision, as will Paul.” “I suggest,” Endymion said, “that we dismiss until tomorrow. By then, everyone shall have their answer.” The group rose silently and left the room. Each was contemplating the decision that had to be made. Each found it the decision difficult.


Chapter 8: Consequences of the Garden Jupiter's Gone