Chapter 8 Sailor Nova's Past
The clock had just past four in the morning and the girls had been watching Reina for most of it, most couldn't say anything… no one had ever seen it get this bad to the point that she just passed out, it was usually a coughing fit which was still as bad but nothing like this. Makoto kept a damp cloth to wipe away the sweat building around Reina's face and neck, she never left her side. She clutched Reina's hand in hers and hardly ever let go.
Usagi knelt down next to her, "You should get some rest Mako-chan, I can watch over her if you'd like."
Silence.
"Mako-chan?"
"Eh?" She seemed to finally snap out of it, then shook her head, "No it's alright, you all should get some sleep. I'm going to stay up a little longer."
"Are you sure?" She nodded.
They were all exhausted, most didn't want to sleep either, not after what just happened but they could only hold out for so long till their eyes began to get heavy like if there were boulders attached to them.
Rei sat next to her, "Mako-chan?"
"It's not fair." Rei stayed silent to let her continue, "I don't want to lose her," Makoto tried so hard to keep herself composed, but it was difficult, she kept feeling a mix between anger and sorrow, how could something so wonderful in her life just get taken away just as easily, it wasn't fair.
"You're not going to lose her if that's what you're wondering about, she's strong, I've felt her aura."
"Don't you remember what she said, there was no cure for what she has!"
"If you give up hope, then everything is truly lost. You know that," Rei looked at the red haired girl, "She may be ill, but she'll recover and she has even more motivation to do so…" then she looked at Makoto with a smile, "Cause she has you now, that's more than enough motivation that she'll ever need."
Makoto couldn't find her words, she only kept staring at Reina and wanted to see her open her eyes again.
"Usagi believes in miracles and we've seen them come true, you should too Mako-chan." Rei offered a comforting hand on Makoto's shoulder.
"Rei-chan is right," Usagi wrapped her arms around Rei, and offered her warm cheerful smile that her friends had grown so fond off, "You shouldn't give up." Minako stood behind them, "She'll wake up." Ami sat beside her.
"Girls…"
"Did you really think any of us can sleep right now?" Minako looked back at Reina, "I don't think any of us can right now."
Makoto wanted to shed a few tears, she loved her friends dearly and prayed that Reina would open her eyes.
Sailor Nova looked up on the destruction, rubble falling to the ground, people dying and it filled her with so much dread, she wandered the halls hoping to find any survivor that was when she saw someone come up from behind her. She turned to look at a figure behind her, but she couldn't make out her face other then this person having a twin bun hair style and the rest of her hair tied to it flowed down, "You have to go! It's not safe for you here!" She could faintly hear the figure say something back but was unable to make it out.
She turned back to look at the kingdom, being destroyed piece by piece and she could feel her blood run cold.
A figure erupted from the ground, it towered over her and Sailor Nova could feel her gaze penetrating her very soul. A cold sweat ran down the back of her neck, and as she prepared to fire an attack on her, its hand swatted Nova away! It sent her flying towards one of the castle's walls, creating a small crater on its walls from the impact and fell onto the floor, motionless…
"Mmm…"
They all snapped their gaze, they saw Reina try to open her eyes, "Reina!" Makoto got closer to her.
She slowly opened her eyes, "Ma…ko-chan?" She tried to sit up only for Makoto to help her up and immediately embrace her.
"Reina!" She couldn't hold back her tears even if she tried.
"I'm so glad!" Usagi cried out, "You had us so worried!" Ami followed up.
"Don't ever scare us like that again Reina-chan." Minako sighed in relief, "Are you feeling okay? Do you need anything?" Rei asked her.
Her senses finally returned to her, and fully opened her eyes, "What happened?"
"You blacked out, you coughed out blood and passed out." Ami explained to her, of course she figured she'd leave out the part how everyone was scared to death, she didn't need that added to what she was probably feeling now.
"I did?" She couldn't even remember that part, all Reina remembered was feeling nauseas then there's nothing after that.
"Can I get you anything to drink Reina-chan?" Usagi offered, she did look like she needed something.
"No, I'm okay." Reina could see that they must have stayed up almost the whole night, they all looked exhausted, "You all should get some sleep, I'm fine now." She gave them a cheerful smile, but none of them were convinced and only nodded if only just to make Reina not worry for them. Though they still retreated back into their beds and fell asleep, Makoto however still kept a watchful eye on her.
"Mako-chan, you should get some sleep." She scooted over on her bed, "Come here." She said sweetly and grabbed Makoto's hand and pulled her to bed.
"Reina-chan you really scared me," She pressed her forehead on Reina's, "Promise me you'll go to a hospital when we get back."
"Mako, you know that—"
"Please… do it for me." she pleaded, after today she did not want anything else to happen to her girlfriend.
"Okay."
"I don't want to lose you."
Reina sighed, "Don't think that far ahead."
"Eh?"
"I sure don't, because if I start thinking ahead it'll only make me feel terrible, I don't even want to think how long I have," She said, trying to stay cheerful as possible, "But, I'm happy and you know why? Because what matters is how I spend my life on every moment and every moment is with you. That's what I focus on, enjoying what time I do have rather then how short its getting."
Makoto gripped her hand, "That doesn't sound any better."
Reina giggled, "It's just my way of thinking since all this happened, I know it doesn't make much sense." She kissed her, "But I promise I'll go to a hospital when we get back." Though she knew it was pointless, what she had was no longer curable.
"Arigato."
Reina looked at her once more, "You look so tired." Then she pressed her hand on Makoto's chest and gently eased Makoto down on the bed, the moment her head hit the pillow she was out in seconds flat.
Reina too laid back down on her side, looking over her Mako-chan, it was here that she finally felt it, her heart belonged to Makoto now… how could she even think about dying now? She hoped that by being a Sailor Senshi it would allow her to live a little longer then maybe she could actually try to find some way to cure her illness as hopeless as it was.
She began to lovingly caress Makoto's sleeping face with her fingers, "I'm never leaving you, I promise." She would not leave her, not now, not after finally getting to know what love finally felt like.
The sun was way above the sky, and Reina had made a rather huge breakfast despite it being past twelve. Though perhaps 'try' would be the better word, while it didn't quite look good she did try it and it tasted great!
The aroma began to fill the room, Usagi who had been dreaming about mountains of ice cream and dumplings began to sniff and gave off a grin, she also began to droll a little. She sat up, "That smells so yummy." She looked at Reina setting up the table, "Reina-chan."
"Ah Usagi-chan, Ohayo!" She did a second take at the clock. "Well I guess its not really morning anymore heh heh."
"Is it not?" She looked at the clock, stood up and gave herself a good stretch, "Have you been been awake long?"
"No, I woke up an hour ago. I went back to sleep after you all did."
"I see, are you feeling okay?"
"Yeah I am." She pulled the chair, "Have a seat Usagi-chan, and help yourself."
"Arigato!" She was about to start eating when she saw the food, "Eh?" It did not look good… was this even edible?
"Oh yeah… um Mako is still teaching me, but trust me it tastes good!"
She took a forkful, she eyed it carefully then reluctantly took a bite and began to chew the food, after a moment her eyes widened, "Oh your right! It tastes really good!"
"Usagi, is there ever a day you're not so loud?" Rei walked up and took a seat next to her. yawning and rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.
"Is there ever a day you're not so grumpy!" Usagi shot back, still talking with a mouthful of food.
"You keep eating like that and you'll get fat again!" Now she was fully awake.
"Let's not start this so early shall we!" Reina cut in, trying to keep it civil.
But both turned to look at Reina, "Shut up!" they both cried out, then they resumed bickering with one another.
"Trust me Reina-chan, you get used to this sort of thing." Minako took a seat next to Reina as Artemis took a seat on her lap.
"Does this not bother you sometimes? I really feel like they hate each other sometimes." Reina looked at them now practically wrestling with one another.
Ami took a seat, "It does feel like that doesn't it," she yawned, "But trust us, those two are a lot closer then you think."
"Really?"
Minako nodded, "Yup, Rei-chan and Usagi-chan consider themselves like sisters, they love each other like sisters."
"Well I never had siblings so I wouldn't know," Reina chuckled, she looked at the bickering two again and the more she thought about it the more they were right. She had seen those two talk about sensitive subjects, she'd even seen Usagi comfort Rei when she was feeling down and vice versa, perhaps they were right, "I guess you're right, after all it's like how Sailor V says, 'Friendship is the best power!'"
Minako lit up, "You've been reading the Sailor V manga!?" A big smile from ear to ear spread on her face.
"Yeah I have," Reina then smirked, "It's strange, we have the real Sailor V here with us, but to all of us doesn't seem that big a deal huh."
"Eh?"
Reina continued with a grin, "I guess even the real Sailor V isn't even popular at all."
"What. Was. That!?" Every one could swear they could see a vein pop out of Minako's head as she clenched her fist and tried to keep a smile on her face.
BAM!
"Ow ow ow ow!" Reina sat hunched over, her hands on her head trying to rub the pain away while Minako sat back down, content with what she just did.
They all heard another yawn, "I guess what Ami-chan says is true, the more you bicker the closer you are as friends."
"Mako-chan!" Reina stood up and embraced her, once again feeling her warmth and enjoying every second of it.
"Hey Reina," She wrapped her arms around her, and rubbed Reina's sore head, "I m-missed not having you by my side when I woke up." she blushed.
"Don't worry…" She glanced away, and her face began to feel warm, "M-maybe next time I'll a-actually be there when you open your eyes."
"Eh?" That thought alone made Makoto blush, "Really?"
Reina nodded as she looked up, "Because I was thinking… m-maybe I could sleep o-over your place after we get back?"
Her face went red, everyone could swear they could see steam coming off it as Makoto thought about it, then nodded, "I'd like that!"
"Wow Mako-chan, moving so fast!" Minako gave her a victory sign with her fingers and sporting a huge grin which further made Makoto feel even more hot on her face.
"M-Minako-chan!" She tried to find her words but instead looked away while her friends giggled at the sight.
Once they were done eating, they washed up to leave everything the way it was. Reina quietly snuck over to Makoto who was distracted cleaning some of the plates when.
"Raah!" She jumped on her back and wrapped her arms around her.
"Reina!"
"Did I get ya?" She slid off her back.
"You did."
Reina looked around, "Maaako, there's something I want."
"Eh? What is it?"
She raised up on her toes, and wrapped her arms around her neck, "I want a kiss."
"R-Reina, there's still people here." Her cheeks began to flush once again as she looked around.
"But I'll lose it if I don't get one soon!"
"Oh just kiss her already!" Rei shouted from behind the sofa, too busy reading a manga she brought from home but then flipped over and stuck her head out slightly see it.
"Just pretend like we're not even here Mako-chan!" Minako jumped over the sofa to 'hide' but half her head was still peeking out cause she wanted to see the cute scene about to play in front of her, along with Usagi who's head appeared behind Minako's. Ami tried her best not to stare, and focused on her book but it was difficult because it wasn't every day that Makoto could find someone that would love her back and saying they were happy for her could not compare to what they felt for her.
Makoto sighed, but the moment she looked into Reina's eyes, the feeling of being nervous just washed away… and she felt her heart begin to pound heavily within her chest. She found herself lowering her head to gave her a passionate kiss and…
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
"Eh?" The noise drew both of their attention and watched Rei go answer the door.
"Haruka-san," She stepped aside.
"Michiru-san! Setsuna-san!" Usagi greeted them as they made their way inside.
"Hey dumpling head." She waved at her, "It's nice to see all of you again." Michiru added as she looked around and spotted Reina.
"Likewise, it's been a while." Setsuna walked in, though Reina felt uneasy as Michiru looked her over, almost like she was studying her or something.
"Hotaru-chan!" Usagi ran up to her and gave her a friendly hug.
"It's good to see you again Usagi-chan!" She smiled at her.
Haruka spotted the red head in the room, "So I assume that cute kitten over there is her?" She just cut right to the chase, and watched as Setsuna got closer to her.
Michuri exhaled, "Really Haruka."
Setsuna sighed in relief, "It's good to meet you, Reina, was it?" She shook her hand as Reina nodded, "My name is Meiou Setsuna." Her gaze, it felt strange… almost as if she knew her, "Or should I call you Sailor Nova."
"EH!? How did—!"
"So you were right this was Sailor Nova," Haruka stepped in front of her, and Reina had to admit, she looked intimidating as hell.
"Haruka," Michiru chuckled as she stepped beside her, "You don't want to make a bad impression now do you."
She laughed softly, "Gomen," then looked at Reina, "Tenou Haruka and this is my partner Kaiou Michiru," They properly introduced themselves and shook hands.
"Tomoe Hotaru." The other girl greeted her.
"How do you all know who I am?" Reina was confused, who were these people and how did they know her?
"I'm surprised dumpling head hasn't told you about us, but we're also Sailor Senshi."
"What!?"
They took a seat, "And Setsuna says she recognized you and wanted to see for herself."
"I'm glad to see you found everyone again." Setsuna walked up to her.
"What?" She then bolted up, "What do you mean again? What are you saying!?"
"You truly don't know?" Reina shook her head, "So, you haven't recovered your memories like everyone else have."
"What memories?! What are you talking about?!"
"Have you been having nightmares lately?" She asked.
"Huh?" Reina was taken aback, but finally said, "Y-yeah."
"I see, so your memories have started to resurface... slowly but they are." Setsuna looked at Haruka, and everyone else all truly curious as to what she was going to say next, "What if I told you Reina, that I knew who you were. That you had a life in the past."
"What…"
"Would you want to know it?"
Reina nodded, so did she exist in the past just like her friends? Is that what this woman was trying to say?
Then out of nowhere a light surrounded Setsuna's hand then a rod appeared out of nowhere and Setsuna held on to it, then detached the gem that was nestled at the top of the staff, "You had a life in the past Reina, you were a Senshi of the moon kingdom… but not in the way you would think."
Reina couldn't even believe this was happening, being able to speak to someone that could know who she was and why she was a Senshi, "How do you know all this?"
"I'm the keeper of time, I've watched it, I've guarded it and I've seen you. I could not interfere with it, but I saw you, I saw everyone and how the Moon Kingdom fell." She explained, "Everyone has had their memories restored, and now I shall help you regain yours, if you wish."
Reina didn't even hesitate, "Of course! I want to know, I've always wondered why I was a Senshi, it just never made sense to me."
Setsuna nodded but then her expression seemed to change… there was sorrow, "You may not like what you see."
"Eh? Is it bad?" Makoto asked then reached over to hold Reina's hand to offer her some emotional support.
"To some extent." Setsuna turned her gaze back at Reina, then her gem emitted a beam of light that shot into Reina's mind, and it began to show her past by unlocking the dormant memories deep within her mind.
The Moon Kingdom was a beautiful place, filled with life and many happy citizens. They enjoyed the many festivities that they would hold from time to time and the most popular of them all was ice skating and many gathered to watch a certain Moon Princess skate gracefully and impress the people. This kingdom was ruled by Queen Serenity, a beautiful fare skinned queen who ruled fairly and was beloved by all her people.
While her kingdom was a peaceful one, certain things would happen out of sight and knowledge from the queen such as the birth of a certain girl. A girl that was given one purpose, and that purpose was...
Queen Serenity leaned against a balcony watching her daughter mingle with the people while her guardians watched over her closely. With not much to worry about, she took off and walked along the halls to her council room to discuss important matters regarding the kingdom of Earth but as she walked along the glossy tiles she saw someone exit a room… but this room had no door.
"Huh?" She saw them leave in a hurry, and she rushed to the door before it fully closed and caught it, "A fake door?" What could they be hiding from her? Were they actually hiding something from her? She took a step inside and looked around, her heeled shoes echoing off the walls.
When she glanced at the center of the room, she saw a figure kneeling down and was motionless, she then looked around the room and there wasn't a single window or anything that she could see outside off.
She finally got closer, and upon closer inspection Serenity could see it was a girl, dressed similarly to one of her daughter's guardians only her outfit was colored differently, dark colors mostly, "Hello?"
The girl was clearly startled, "Eh!?" She turned around, locking her gaze with, "Queen Serenity!" This girl knew who she was and immediately bowed down on one knee.
This girl didn't seem like trouble, "Who are you? What are you doing here?" She asked her.
"Y-You shouldn't be here! No one is allowed here!" She said, never making eye contact with Queen Serenity.
"It's alright, I don't think they'll be any trouble," She knelt down in front of her, "Who are you?"
"Sailor Nova."
"Sailor… Nova?" Queen Serenity then took her hand and gently placed it on Nova's chin and lifted her head to be able to see her face, she was really pretty but her face showed so much fear. She looked around the room and it seemed to her that she's been in this room all her life after spotting a single bed on the far side of the room and table next to it but that was it… and her heart felt for this girl, why was she living like this? This room felt like a cage for some wild animal.
"How long have you been here?" Queen Serenity asked.
"As far as I can remember…"
That made her feel worse, no one should have to live like this, not when this girl could've been making friends here, "Sailor Nova, it's okay to look me in the eyes."
"I s-shouldn't, it would be disrespectful of me!"
She chuckled, "It's alright."
Though she hesitated, she finally locked eyes with Queen Serenity and was awe stricken, this woman was beautiful, she looked so mature and her silver hair was tied in twin buns and the rest flowed elegantly and she was her queen.
"Why are you here Sailor Nova?"
"I'm not allowed to say."
"Eh?" Queen Serenity was baffled, who would command her to say that, better yet who would keep this girl a secret and why? If she was a Sailor warrior, why hide her away? There were so many questions she needed to ask, "I'll go find out, and I'll try to get you out of here. No one deserves to live like this."
"It's alright my Queen, you don't have to trouble yourself!"
She shook her head, "It's no trouble." She stood up and began to leave, she glanced at Sailor Nova one more time and it her heart shattered, she looked so alone and sad, "I promise I'll be back."
Queen Serenity had an idea on where to look, the only place that decisions would take place or rather who would also decide were her council people, after all the person she saw leaving Sailor Nova's room was in her council.
She burst open the doors and there he was, among all of them, "I demand to know the meaning behind this!" She shouted, her voice was full of authority that it shook most of them because Queen Serenity was usually never upset and it was a rare sight to see her like that, but when she was… no one wanted to be in her way.
"The meaning of what my Queen?"
"Sailor Nova." She said, and watched their faces twitch.
"W-Who? We're not sure we know—"
"Save your excuses, I saw her myself in that cage you call a room!" She slammed her hands on the table, "I demand to know why she's there!?"
The braver of the bunch stood up, "Because we deemed it necessary."
"What!? And who gave you the right to do that!?" Queen Serenity glared at him.
"You don't seem to understand my Queen."
"Then explain it to me!"
He wiped the sweat off his brow, "Well, like the Guardians that protect your daughter… we figured it best we create a Guardian of our own."
"What? What do you mean create?"
He cleared his throat, "Well, it took some time and energy but this girl was born from a newly born star and we raised her for one… for one purpose."
Queen Serenity was troubled just by that phrase alone, what could he have in mind that would force them to make a girl live alone, "What purpose?"
"To destroy any of our enemies, to destroy a planet or their hideout."
"What?!" She clenched her fists, anger began to fill her heart.
"See, we need to protect our Kingdom as well and if ever encountered a threat that was bigger than we could handle… bigger then what your guardians or even our army can handle, well, we have Sailor Nova." He said and the man next to him began, "Within her body she has the power of an exploding star and using her own body as a catalyst she is able to create a Supernova and destroy everything so long her body can hold out while also containing that blast to make sure it doesn't extend any further then it needs to be."
The third man who seemed to be the most nervous said, "After a few tests we d-discovered that power comes with the price of her life because she seems to grow weaker whenever she uses a small version of her 'supernova'."
"She was born just for that!?" Queen Serenity was furious, "How dare you! That is not who we are!"
"You have to understand, the reason we kept her in that room was to keep her from becoming attached to this world or to anyone, we know it's wrong but if she became attached then she would never use her 'Supernova'."
"How dare you raise her just to… just to kill herself! She's a living person! She has feelings! I will not allow you to treat her as if she was trash!"
"I'm sorry your highness, but it's been decided that she stay in that room."
She slammed her fist on the table, "I revoke it!"
"I'm sorry, this is one order you can't change. You have a say in everything but for this one, I truly apologize but we've all decided."
She stared furiously at them, "This isn't over!" Queen Serenity thought it best to leave for now, and return with a cool head to better talk this over and get them to change their mind.
A Week later…
Her council were stubborn old fools and Queen Serenity kept true to her word, she kept trying and trying, being the only law that they could protest should she try to revoke it. But she would not stop until she saw this girl out of this room and to finally experience a true life.
"I'm sorry Sailor Nova, but my council can be bothersome, they truly believe in this system a little too much."
"It's alright my Queen, just having you visit me is enough." She smiled at her, "I've… never really talked to anyone other than you, I mean those people come to see me every now and then but whenever they do they keep telling me I should stay here, that I would scare other people outside these walls and that everyone would hate me."
"What!? That's unbelievable!" Serenity couldn't believe what she just heard, her own council were scaring this girl, to make her fearful of the outside and for what she assumed would be that she would use her 'Supernova' ability with no hesitation.
She knelt down beside her, to cool down for a moment, she loathed everything her council were doing to her, they didn't do this with her daughter's guardians or make a fuss about it, but with Sailor Nova… they just would not let this go.
The two were silent for a moment till she finally looked at Nova and said, "Maybe I may introduce you to my daughter, she's a very kind girl and I'm sure she'll like you."
"You don't have to do that, I would be a bother… she'd probably be scared of me."
"Nonsense, its no bother and she wouldn't be, I promise."
Sailor Nova looked around and then looked into Serenity's eyes, "May I ask you something?"
"Of course."
"You're the Queen, so why can a council like this ignore your requests or demands?"
She only sighed, "It's a system that's been in place since before my time as Queen, from my mother to her mother. It's so a Queen does not become consumed by power and lose control of their kingdoms or make certain rules that would upset a certain balance. It has yet to happen but the system has been around for as long as I can remember."
"I see."
"There are many things that are meant to be broken, such as this. You've lived alone since you were a little girl right?"
Sailor Nova nodded, "I've never spoken to anyone, not even the people who took care of me as I grew up other than them telling me the dangers of this world. I've never even left this room." She then smiled, "But it feels great being able to talk to someone! I never thought that a Queen of all people would talk to me," She giggled, "I'm really honored."
"I'm glad," Queen Serenity stood and headed for the door, "I'll be back Sailor Nova, I'll try to convince the council once again."
"Good luck." Serenity closed the door behind her, but Nova had no disillusions about it, it would never work and she was already used to living in this room and she was okay with it.
Outside however, another girl had been wandering the halls in search of their mother.
Princess Serenity stepped out of the halls looking for her mother; she searched everywhere for her but could not find her anywhere. When she turned the corner she saw a door open up and she hid out of reflex. She saw her mother step out of a room and leave in a hurry, "Mother?" She watched her leave and disappeared around the corner.
Serenity lifted her dress slightly and ran to the door.
She ran her hand all over it till she found the latch and pulled it open, she walked inside and was stunned to see that her palace had a hidden room, were there more secret rooms she was not aware of? She managed to pull the heavy door and walked inside.
The room didn't resemble any of the beautiful rooms in her palace, the floors looked to be of stone and not the glossy marble tiles of her palace and the walls were plain and no windows. It looked like a prison cell, only without bars or anything to keep someone out other than a secret door which had a locking mechanism on the outside, a lock that Queen Serenity would leave open for whenever she came back.
Princess Serenity brought her hand to her chest, and walked around the room before spotting a figure sitting under a skylight, possibly the only way to look outside.
She stepped closer and closer till the girl perked her head up, "Did you forget something Queen Serenity?" she turned around and locked eyes with someone that wasn't Queen Serenity, and by the striking resemblance, Nova knew who this person was, "Princess Serenity!?"
"Who are you?"
"You shouldn't be here Princess! You'll get in a lot of trouble! Please, you have to leave!" She got on one knee out of respect and did not meet her gaze but begged her to go.
"Get in trouble? For what?"
"Please, you have to go!"
Serenity only smiled and walked up to her instead, "I've never seen you before," She reached down and gently grabbed one of her arms to gesture her to stand.
"Princess…"
"Well, you know who I am but who are you?" Her smile was a warm as her mothers, it brought a sense of ease to Nova.
"I'm… I'm Sailor Nova."
"Sailor Nova? Are you another Guardian?"
"Guardian?"
Princess Serenity looked around, "Have you been here long?"
"Since I was born."
"Eh? That's terrible," She gazed right back at Nova, then smiled, "Would you like to come outside with me? I'm sure you'll like it."
"I can't come out."
"Why can't—"
The sound of the door could be heard opening and Nova grabbed Serenity by her wrist and hid her behind one of the columns of the room and she quickly ran back to the center of the room.
Princess Serenity was confused, why was she here and why did Nova look so nervous? She peeked her head out slightly to be able to see who was walking inside.
"That's one of mother's council men…" She whispered to herself.
He approached Sailor Nova, "Nova, I'm sure the Queen has been talking to you for some time now right?"
Nova said nothing.
"Well, either way you shouldn't listen to what she says. The Queen doesn't understand the danger someone like you poses, if you were to walk outside do you know what would happen?" Silence, "Should I remind you Nova?" Sailor Nova only clenched her fists, "The people would fear you, they would hate you for what you can do. No one outside will accept you and as I always say. You are safe here, where no one would judge you and a place you can call home."
"I understand."
He nodded, "Good, should the day ever arise then we will have need of your strength." He then took his leave and shut the door behind him, locking her up inside and unknowingly locking Princess Serenity with Sailor Nova.
Princess Serenity just couldn't believe what she just heard, this girl was being made to fear the outside world but why!? She stepped out from behind the column and approached Nova, "That's so horrible, why would they do this to you?"
Sailor Nova shook her head, "I don't know…"
"You have to come outside with me." She smiled at her hoping she'd say yes.
"I can't just… please go."
The locking mechanism could be heard being undone then the door opened once again, only this time Queen Serenity stepped inside and was surprised to see, "Serenity?"
"Mother?"
She looked at the two, "I see you two have met."
"Mother why are they treating Nova this way?"
"I don't know…" Of course she knew why but she wasn't going to tell her daughter just yet, she wasn't so sure she was ready to hear the reason Sailor Nova was here in the first place.
"Eh? What do you mean there's another Guardian?"
"It's true Sailor Mars, girls," She turned to her friends, "I just met her a week ago and I've been visiting her every day."
"So that's why you've been disappearing every morning?" Mercury saw Serenity nod her head, "You should have told us, we kept worrying about what you were doing."
"Gomen."
"Why haven't we seen her?" Mercury asked.
"She seems afraid of the outside world, so it's been troublesome to try and get her to leave her room."
"A Guardian afraid of the outside? I wonder why?" Jupiter followed up, "Can we meet her?" Venus asked her princess, after all she was sure everyone else was just as curious as to who this Guardian was.
Serenity nodded, "I'm sure she would love to see new people," Her expression saddened, "She's been very lonely from what my mother told me."
They all looked at one another then nodded in agreement, "Well lets go change that." Mars said cheerfully and followed Princess Serenity to the secret room where Sailor Nova was being kept in.
"This is it." They stopped at the secret door and Jupiter opened the heavy door then all walked inside.
Sailor Nova heard those familiar heeled shoes Serenity wore, "Princess Serenity, I'm happy you came to visit me again," When she turned around she was greeted to a sight she did not expect to see, "Eh?"
"Sailor Nova," Serenity kept her warm smile as she looked at her, "I want to introduce you to my close friends."
"It's nice to finally meet you Sailor Nova." Venus walked up to her, "I'm Sailor Venus," She then introduced every one else for her.
"Princess Serenity told us about you," Sailor Jupiter walked up and shook Nova's hand, and the moment she did she felt strange, she looked at Jupiter and her heart began to pound… why? It didn't feel that way with anyone else so why her?
"P-pleased to meet you all."
"Never thought we'd meet another warrior, but I'm glad," Mars looked around the room, noticing how barren it felt, "How long have you been in this room?"
"Since… since I was born."
They gasped in shock, "Well I think its about time you came outside," Venus cried out, "Yeah! You're missing out on a lot!" Mercury followed and grabbed Nova's hand.
"Please come with us." Serenity reached for her other hand and eventually everyone else grabbed her arms while Jupiter began to push Nova from behind, "Come on."
"No wait! I can't leave this room!" But they kept going, dragging her along and there was no way she could compete with Jupiter's strength, "Please! I can't leave this room!"
"Says who?" Sailor Jupiter gave a chuckle, knowing it was ridicules that she was kept here this long without having seen the outside world.
Venus rushed out and held the door open, then they managed to get Sailor Nova outside of her room after many years in solitude.
She shielded her eyes with her hands after the light in the sky hit her face, it was difficult but her eyes took some time to adjust.
Then she felt a hand on her shoulder and a face near hers, "See, it's not so bad right?" Jupiter's voice was right next to her and just knowing that it was hers was enough to make her heart beat fast once again.
"This feeling again… what is it?" She thought to herself as she wondered why she felt this way just from hearing Sailor Jupiter's voice, she just met her!? What could it mean?
she slowly fluttered her eyes open, finally getting used to the different light and looked around, then Serenity held her hand and began to lead her towards one of the balconys, "See, it's beautiful out here."
Nova's eyes scanned everything and her expression slowly changed from that of curiosity to one of pure joy and excitement, "It's so pretty!" the way the Kingdom was light up, almost looked like a fairy tale castle, everything had a shine or sparkle to it
Sailor Nova gaze fell on something, "What is that?" She pointed at the rather large area where she saw people sliding on ice or whatever it was they were doing.
"You don't know?" Mars asked out of curiosity to which Nova just shook her head.
Serenity was about to explain when Jupiter jumped in, "That's actually the most popular activity here, it's called ice skating, you wear blades on your feet and skate around the ice, you can skate or dance or whatever you want to do." She leaned in, "Princess Serenity is actually the best skater in the entire Kingdom."
Serenity chuckled, "Jupiter is being modest, she's actually really amazing herself. She's the only one that's been able to keep up with me."
"Really!?" She looked at both of them.
"Yeah, it's truly a sight to watch." Venus giggled as she returned her gaze to the rink, then back at Jupiter who seemed to be thinking the same thing.
"Would you like to try?"
Sailor Nova quickly said, "I want too!" But then her expression changed, "But I… I can't, I have to go back to my room before they find out and I don't want to frighten anyone."
Serenity placed her hand on Nova's shoulder, "It'll be okay, I promise." She said sweetly, there was just something about her, she really did take after her mother, as the queen was also able to make Nova feel safe just by hearing her voice, she too was able to make her feel just the same.
"Come on!" Jupiter grabbed Nova by her hand and rushed out to the rink while everyone else followed.
They all stepped out of the kingdom's walls and walked along the smooth stone floor, Princess Serenity greeted the people that passed her by and Nova followed behind Jupiter, deep in a trance. She just couldn't understand this sensation at all, it was completely foreign to her. It only ever happened when she looked at Jupiter or was near her like she was right now and yet, it felt like she was meant to be this close to her.
"Maybe I should ask Serenity." Perhaps she knew what was wrong with Nova, maybe she was sick or maybe because she was in solitude for so long… it baffled her to no end.
The other thing that worried Sailor Nova was how the people would react upon looking at her, she was sure they would be fearful and Serenity would have to calm them down. But wait… more people kept passing her by and they weren't doing that, she looked at each of them passing by her without a second thought, some even greeted her along with the guardians.
"Was a new guardian assigned to the princess?" She heard one person say, "I believe so."
"That's wonderful, now our princess is even better protected."
"Eh!?" She snapped back to look at them and they were… smiling, they were happy to see another guardian by Serenity's side.
"Are you okay?" Venus asked her.
"Y-yeah it just—"
"You thought they would be fearful of you?" Jupiter guessed what she was going to say and she was right, that's all Nova was told her whole life, that everyone would fear her and hate her, "See, there's nothing to worry about." She wrapped her arm around the smaller girl and Nova's face immediately went red.
"Aah!"
"Nova?"
"N-nothing!" She turned her blushing face to hide it, and she hid it well, except for Venus who actually saw it and began to wonder.
But before anyone could say more, a small girl was running along the path against her mother's warning to walk and unfortunately tripped in front of Nova, landing by her feet.
Sailor Nova froze, and a simple gaze from Sailor Mercury was enough to let her know that it was okay.
She knelt down, "Are you okay?" Nova offered her hand to the small girl who took it happily.
"Yeah! I am! Arigato!" She gave a bright smile and walked back to her mother.
Nova looked at the girl and then her hand… she wasn't afraid, she didn't hate Nova or fear her, she was happy that she was helped by her.
"You were lied to Nova." Serenity walked up to her, "The people will like you if you give them the chance. They're not bad people."
"I… I can see that now." Everything she was led up to believe were lies… and it made everything worse. why was she lied too? Why keep her secluded and away from the wonderful things outside her room, she had only been outside of it for a only a few minutes and saying she was happy did not even come close to what she was actually feeling.
"Don't worry Nova, everything will get better." Mars stood by her side and they all resumed their walk to the skating area.
Queen Serenity watched Sailor Nova with her daughter and her guardians with a warm smile on her face, she was truly happy to see Nova out there and more that it was probably her daughter that managed to get her out.
"Do you realize what you're daughter has done!" Her council approached their queen.
"Yes, freed her from that prison."
"This has ruined everything my queen, the day will come when we will need Sailor Nova and she will refuse to use her power!"
"We don't need it," She turned to look at them, her eyes burning with anger, angry at her council for what they have done to Nova, "that's not who we are, we don't just discard lives like that! And should that day come, then we will fight and win without her power! I will not have a guardian give their life up like that!"
"You have doomed us all, your daughter doomed us all!"
"Enough! I will not have you talk ill about my daughter! And If Nova decides to use her power, then It should be willingly but she will no longer continue to live solely to be a weapon!"
"Have it your way my queen! But you will regret your choice, and so will your daughter!" They all took their leave and Queen Serenity was left alone in her chambers, she returned her gaze back at the group, happily knowing that Sailor Nova would now be free.
"We're here!" The Princess cheerful voice broke the silence and Nova was in awe, the area was so huge and there were a lot of people skating.
"Would you like to try?" She asked her.
"I don't know how, I'm okay with watching!" Sailor Nova's eyes glanced at every single person in the area.
"First time out of your room and you want to watch?" Jupiter shook her head with a chuckle, "No way, come on." She grabbed Nova's hands and began to drag her to it, and after slipping on their skates she managed to get Nova onto the ice.
Nova held firmly onto Jupiter's arms as she gently guided her to the ice, her feet wobbled under her weight and trying to balance herself on the skates.
"Easy there," Jupiter had a good hold and slowly moved to get Nova used to skating, "See, not so bad is it?"
"No—aaah!" she slipped and fell forward, but Jupiter caught her and Nova's heart seemed to stop, she was being held by her.
"Careful Nova." She chuckled but Nova had other thoughts in mind, the most prominent one was that fluttery feeling in her stomach, and holding on to her didn't help, it made her feel more flustered.
The rest of the girls had stayed by the side to watch them skate along with Princess Serenity who was already drawing quite the crowd.
Venus stayed glued to the two behind her, watching Jupiter teaching Nova how to skate and it was adorable, so much so that a grin formed on her face just by staring at Nova who looked to be flustered but not because she couldn't skate and it was always when she looked at Sailor Jupiter.
Eventually Nova slowly began to get the hang of it, her legs were no longer wobbling but she couldn't go fast and kept it at a slow pace and Jupiter skated alongside her at a steady pace to keep up.
"I'm proud of you Nova, you're getting the hang of it!"
"Aaah!" That… may have broken her focus as she fell onto the ice and came to a sliding stop.
"Are you okay!?" She helped Nova to her feet.
"I am now." She looked into her eyes, she felt frozen in place, her heart began to pick up and it was now that she noticed how close she was.
"Tell you what, why don't we do this instead." Jupiter held her as if they were going to dance and guided Nova's hand on her waist and the other on her shoulder.
"W-what are we d-doing?!" Her voice cracked, now she felt nervous.
"Just follow what I'm doing." Jupiter replied in a warm way and began to lead, Nova tried her best to keep up.
They moved and twirled, well mostly Jupiter did the complicated moves and Nova tried to match it but the longer they danced the more they seemed to be as one. Some of the people passing by stopped to look at them, one by one they all came to halt.
Princess Serenity stopped by her friends to watch them, her heart felt warm just watching them.
"Wow, Sailor Nova learns quick!" Mars was in awe, "No kidding! It's like Nova always knew how to skate!" Mercury was just as surprised.
"They almost look like they're a couple." Serenity added.
"They've only known each other for a while but…" Venus thought to herself, "It's because Jupiter is the one she's dancing with, she wants to impress her, and I'm sure there's more to it for Nova." She almost cried out happily, when she thought about it, "Love at first sight!"
With nothing else to do, they continued to watch the two skate together till it got late.
"Are you sure you don't want to stay with us?" Mercury asked Nova as they escorted her back to her hidden room.
"No, it's alright you all don't have to worry about me." she smiled then bowed, "Arigato, it's been the best day of life!"
"Tomorrow will be even better!"
"Mars is right, you'll see." Jupiter then exhaled softly, "And you did pretty amazing back there."
Nova nodded then with a smile walked back into her room, "Have a good night everyone," They all began to walk away till, "Sailor Jupiter?"
She turned to face Nova, "Yeah?"
"C-can we skate t-together again?"
She nodded, "Of course we can." The moment she uttered those words, something felt different and her heart felt warm… she's never really felt this before, and it made her curious as to what it was.
The girls arrived at their rooms after escorting Princess Serenity to her chambers, it was finally time to call it a day. They sat on their beds and talked with one another while they changed out of their uniforms.
However one such girl sat on her bed, her mind was miles away as for some reason the moment she sat down all she began to think about was Sailor Nova.
"There it is again." The same fluttery feeling in the pit of her stomach, she had felt it before just as they dropped Nova off in her room but it couldn't mean what she thought could it?
"Thinking about her aren't you?"
Jupiter snapped out of it and looked up, Venus was standing by her side and sat down, "I've seen the way she looks at you, its adorable."
"Eh? What do you mean?"
"Ah ha," Venus was slightly surprised Jupiter didn't know, "Well… isn't it obivious?" She shook her head, "Jupiter, I think its love at first sight for her."
"W-what!? In love with me!?"
Venus nodded her head, she was too excited that much was clear, "It really is cute."
"I wonder if that's what I've been feeling too."
Venus inched closer, "What did you feel?"
"It's strange, I just met her but I kept feeling this feeling deep down, it felt like butterflies were flying around." She chuckled at the mere thought.
Venus gasped loudly, "You felt the same!" she grabbed her hands, "This is great! You two should spend more time together!"
"But I don't even know her all that well."
Mercury sat up from her bed, "That's why you should hang out."
"And if you don't want to do something, I may have too… she is really cute after all." Mars chimed in, a smirk on her features as she laid back down perhaps that would get Jupiter to do something.
"What? You too!?"
Mars didn't say anything but lay back down.
"I guess I'll go see her tomorrow." Jupiter exhaled and wondered if what she was going to do was okay.
End of Chapter 8 Part I
A/N: I hope you guys liked this chapter, as this chapter and currently in the process of writing part 2 caused me a few late nights due to me hitting a wall but let me know what you guys thought and i'll try to have part 2 up as soon as I can, have a good one!
