Author's Note: In Greek mythology, Io, a river naiad and daughter of the river god Inachus, was a bride of Zeus/Jupiter. Zeus turned her into a white cow to protect her from Hera/Juno, Zeus's wife. Nevertheless, Hera found out and asked Zeus for the white cow. He agreed, not wanting to get in trouble. He couldn't bear to see Io in misery so he sent Hermes/Mercury to free her. He did, and Hera, furious, sent a gadfly to torment Io. It chased her around Greece and into Egpyt where she was worshiped as a goddess. Hera then allowed Zeus to return Io to human form after he promised never to set eyes on her again.
Caerus is the youngest immortal son of Zeus and the god of chance.
Sailor Io of Jupiter
Adelheid Stasheft, a third level novice healer, stared out the window of the classroom, allowing the teacher's lecture to move to the back of her mind. Time dragged on endlessly as the teacher's words went right over her.
Adelheid was shortly going to take her examination for her fourth levels. After that, all she had to do was pass the master examinations and she would be a full healer. Then she would be able to finally leave Io and travel to strange and distant lands. She dreamed of living on the Moon, possibly even working as a healer to the Queen. But she had a lot more work to do before that was possible. And that included passing this course, she grimaced as the teacher handed out the results from yesterday's test, wincing again at the marks in red on her paper. Another failed test....she had to work harder or else she was in danger of failing. She would be forced to return to her home in disgrace. She would never have another chance.
She stuffed the paper into the depths of her bookbag as the bells that indicated the end of class rang out. She dashed down the hallways and through the gardens in a mad run just to make it to her next class barely in time. Herbal studies, her best subject, she smiled to herself as the other students fell silent and the class started.
Growing up on a farm gave Adelheid an understanding of plants and herbs as medicine and food. It was knowledge that the woman of her family had passed down through many generations. Her mother had taught her, just as she would one day teach her daughter.
She ignored the majority of the lesson, allowing her thoughts to wander again. Io was the largest satellite of the planet and kingdom of Jupiter but to her, it seemed so small, so confining.
Despite her desire to become a healer and help people, she hated the courses and endless tests she had to take. She wanted to be out in the real world, not in some classroom buried under textbooks and papers. In becoming a healer, she had hoped to escape the endless drudgery that came with a life that was void of all meaning.
Her heart sank lower as she read over the next assignment that the teacher handed out. She realized that the assignment called for an herb that she had run out of. Finding more would mean a walk to the Olympic River that was just south of the city. She looked out the window at the dark clouds that loomed in the sky. Somehow, her day had gotten worse.
Later that evening, Adelheid walked back to the city after gathering her herbs by the river's shore in mud up to to her ankles. So far, her luck had held and it hadn't started to rain yet. She quickly walked down the road, past Io Castle which sat on the northern shore of the Olypmic River. She could hear the distent rumble of thunder and a faint flash of lightning.
That was when her luck ran out and the rain came down in an instant. Hard.
It was only a matter of moments before she was completly soaked along with her books, papers, and herbs. Silently cursing to herself and the fates, she picked up her pace down the muddy road in the cold rain that the wind threw in her face. A horse apporached behind her, she could hardly hear it due to the storm.
"My lady," the horse stopped beside her and a royal guardsman with clear hazel eyes looked down at her, offering her his hand. She paused for a moment before taking his hand and mounting the horse to sit behind him. She wasn't about to question a way out of this storm.
As soon as she was on, the horse took off towards Io Castle. Soon they were through the gates and into the shelter of the stables. She noticed the guardsman was as soaked as she was and covered in mud.He helped her down as a stablehand took her bag filled with her books and papers. As her feet touched the ground,everything went black.
She woke in a large, strange room that was too beautiful to be her room in the dorms. She lay in a soft bed that made it seem she lay on a cloud. Suddenly she sat up, remembering the events that brought her here. The storm, the guardsman with the clear hazel eyes who had taken her here. She could hear the wind pounding the rain against the window outside.
"Good morning. I'm Iris," a woman said cheerfully as she came into the room holding a tray. She had long auburn hair and blue eyes indicating possible Venian or Uranian blood, and was dressed in long light forest green robes that meant she was a full healer.
"Morning?!" Adelheid said, alarmed. She had biological studies this morning and she knew that she was barely passing that class. Missing class today would be disasterous to her grades.
"Not to worry. Princess Danae contacted the school and arranged everything," Iris said as if sensing Adelheid's distress. "From the contents of your bag, I assumed that you were a third, possibly fourth, level novice healer," she explained before Adelheid could ask her how she knew.
"Princess Danae...why would she take an interest in me?" Adelheid asked. Princess Danae was the Princess of Jupiter. She, along with her husband, Prince Inachus, ruled the largest planet with the most satellites. They had a daughter who was slightly younger than Adelheid, Makoto. She was currently on the moon training with Queen Serenity's daughter and the senshi of Venus, Mercury, and Mars, to be Sailor Jupiter.
"I don't know. But I have been informed that the Princess would like to see you this afternoon," Iris shrugged. Adelheid feared that this day could turn out worse than the previous one.
That afternoon, as the storm continued outside, Adelheid walked down the large halls with Iris, nervous. Iris showed her to a large but comfortable study lined with bookshelves piled with books and a fireplace with a lively fire. The Prince and Princess sat before the fireplace, along with a woman in a white dress and matching white hair. Iris left, shutting the door behind her.
"You must be Adelheid," Danae said kindly, rising from her seat. "Adelheid, this is Queen Serenity from the Moon." Adelheid bowed deeply, not daring to look at them.
"Your Majesty," Adelheid said, hoping she didn't sound as nervous as she felt.
"Adelheid, i understand you are studying to become a healer?" Serenity asked, getting up to stand beside Danae. Inachus silently watched, remaining seated. Adelheid could only silently nod. "A noble dream to aspire to. But fate has something else planned for you," Serenity said sadly.
Adelheid suddenly found the courage to look into Serenity's pale blue eyes. She had no idea what Serenity was talking about; she didn't care what fate or Serenity had planned for her. She had her dream that she had worked so hard for, had made so many sacrifics for.
"With all due respect, your majesty," Adelheid said taking a deep breath, gathering her willpower. "I have my dream and while it may not be glorious, it is my dream nevertheless. I have worked hard for many years through much hardship. I must decline whatever greater life you have planned for me," she said coldly. Inachos and Danae glanced at each other in surprise. Serenity only smiled.
"I understand -" Serenity began.
"No, you don't. I have worked to get where I am. I have never had anything handed to me. My life is what I make it to be, not how it's made for you!" she snapped at Serenity before she could stop herself. There was a long pause. Adelheid was horrified to realize what she had just said to the Queen of the Moon.
"Very well. If you change your mind, the offer stands," Serenity said slowly after a moment.
"You are welcome to stay here as long as you wish," Danae offered with a kind smile.
"Thank you, your highness. I beg your pardon, your majesty," Adelheid said respectfully, bowing again.As she left, Adelheid wished she knew what it was the Serenity had offered her.
"Perhaps she is too young to make this decision, your majesty," Danae said to Serenity after Adelheid had left.
"True but nevertheless, she can't change who she is," Serenity said looking at her hands. Danae was quiet.
"Give her time and she will find her way," Inachus said quietly, looking into the fire.
Later that evening the storm had died down and a light rain fell outside. Adelheid sat on the windowseat in her room, looking out the window at the Olympic River which the windows of her room overlooked. Her mind was in turmoil over Serenity's words. She had been foolish in not listening to what Serenity had been offering her.A greater life but one that held many mysteries. She looked up at a knock at her door.
"Adelheid, sorry to disturb you but there is someone who wants to see you, " Iris came in. Adelheid nodded as she got up and followed Iris out into the hallway where the guardsman with the clear hazel eyes waited.
Adelheid could only stare at him for a moment, not noticing that Iris had left them alone.
"I'm sorry for bothering you..," the guard started and if Adelheid wasn't mistaken, he looked nervous.
'No, that's ok," she smiled. "Oh, I'm Adelheid by the way," she introduced herself.
"Adelheid...that is a beautiful name,' the guard said, causing her to blush. "I am Caerus of Europa," he said with a bow.
"Europa? How did you get here?" Adelheid asked, curious. Europa was one of Jupiter's outermost satellites and far away from Io.
'I joined the royal guards at a young age and later was transfered here. It was difficult at first, leaving my family and home, but I have no regrets," Caerus explained.
They talked for a while longer, enjoying each other's company. They made a date to meet in the courtyard for tomorrow afternoon before they parted. As Adelheid got ready for bed that night, she knew what her answer to Serenity would be.
That next morning, she walked with Iris down the hallway. She wasn't nervous and felt confident to face Serenity with her decision. As she entered the room, she noticed that Danae and Inachus weren't there and that she was alone with Serenity. But her resolve did not waver.
"Your majesty, I have come to a decision," Adelheid said firmly, looking into Serenity's eyes. Serenity only nodded, waiting for her to continue. Her face was blank, her eyes held no indication of her thoughts. Adleheid took a deep breath.
A week later Adelheid stood in the vast hallway of the Moon Palace holding her one bag. She was told that one of Serenity's advisors would be with her shortly but there was only a black cat walking down the hallway. Adelheid sighed, looing around.
"Hello. I assume your Adelheid Stasheft. I am Luna," the black cat said as it walked up to her. Adelheid stared at Luna for a minute. She was not expecting talking cats.
"Hi...," she said, taking a step back.
"i know it's strange but you'll get used to it," a girl with brown hair tied up in a ponytail and rose earrings walked up to them. "I'm Makoto, Sailor Jupiter," she introduced herself.
"Adelheid, Sailor Io," she said with a respectful bow.
"It's nice to meet you," Makoto said kindly. "Let me show you around!" she said cheerfully taking Adelheid's arm.
She and Makoto became close friends over the next few weeks. She trained with the sailor senshi from Venus, Mercury, and Mars along with Queen Serenity's daughter, Princess Serenity. The Princess's beloved, Prince Endymion from Earth, joined them occasionally. Luna, along with Serenity's other advisor, Artemis, trained them and taught them mathematics, history, and geography.
Adelheid knew she gave up a life as a healer in being a sailor senshi. But she had no regrets. But she did miss Caerus but they wrote to each other often. But her life changed forever in one day.
It was sunny and the five of them were out enjoying the day in one of Moon Palace's many gardens. Luna had given them a break from their training for the day and they intended to relax and have fun. Suddenly the sky grew dark with unnatural cloads. They could all feel a powerful evil presence.
"The Palace is under attack! Transform!" Luna ran up to them. They quickly obeyed and followed her. Prince Endymion joined them as they went to meet the enemy. But their powers were of no consequence. They couldn't stop the evil Queen Beryl of the Negaverse from taking Princess Serenity and Prince Endymion. Even Queen Serenity's powers could do little.
Sailor Io found herself in the middle of a desperate battle. Sailors Venus and Mercury were the first ones down, Jupiter and Mars went next. As two Negaverse soldiers charged her, she knew she was next. The darkness came swiftly.
Caerus is the youngest immortal son of Zeus and the god of chance.
Sailor Io of Jupiter
Adelheid Stasheft, a third level novice healer, stared out the window of the classroom, allowing the teacher's lecture to move to the back of her mind. Time dragged on endlessly as the teacher's words went right over her.
Adelheid was shortly going to take her examination for her fourth levels. After that, all she had to do was pass the master examinations and she would be a full healer. Then she would be able to finally leave Io and travel to strange and distant lands. She dreamed of living on the Moon, possibly even working as a healer to the Queen. But she had a lot more work to do before that was possible. And that included passing this course, she grimaced as the teacher handed out the results from yesterday's test, wincing again at the marks in red on her paper. Another failed test....she had to work harder or else she was in danger of failing. She would be forced to return to her home in disgrace. She would never have another chance.
She stuffed the paper into the depths of her bookbag as the bells that indicated the end of class rang out. She dashed down the hallways and through the gardens in a mad run just to make it to her next class barely in time. Herbal studies, her best subject, she smiled to herself as the other students fell silent and the class started.
Growing up on a farm gave Adelheid an understanding of plants and herbs as medicine and food. It was knowledge that the woman of her family had passed down through many generations. Her mother had taught her, just as she would one day teach her daughter.
She ignored the majority of the lesson, allowing her thoughts to wander again. Io was the largest satellite of the planet and kingdom of Jupiter but to her, it seemed so small, so confining.
Despite her desire to become a healer and help people, she hated the courses and endless tests she had to take. She wanted to be out in the real world, not in some classroom buried under textbooks and papers. In becoming a healer, she had hoped to escape the endless drudgery that came with a life that was void of all meaning.
Her heart sank lower as she read over the next assignment that the teacher handed out. She realized that the assignment called for an herb that she had run out of. Finding more would mean a walk to the Olympic River that was just south of the city. She looked out the window at the dark clouds that loomed in the sky. Somehow, her day had gotten worse.
Later that evening, Adelheid walked back to the city after gathering her herbs by the river's shore in mud up to to her ankles. So far, her luck had held and it hadn't started to rain yet. She quickly walked down the road, past Io Castle which sat on the northern shore of the Olypmic River. She could hear the distent rumble of thunder and a faint flash of lightning.
That was when her luck ran out and the rain came down in an instant. Hard.
It was only a matter of moments before she was completly soaked along with her books, papers, and herbs. Silently cursing to herself and the fates, she picked up her pace down the muddy road in the cold rain that the wind threw in her face. A horse apporached behind her, she could hardly hear it due to the storm.
"My lady," the horse stopped beside her and a royal guardsman with clear hazel eyes looked down at her, offering her his hand. She paused for a moment before taking his hand and mounting the horse to sit behind him. She wasn't about to question a way out of this storm.
As soon as she was on, the horse took off towards Io Castle. Soon they were through the gates and into the shelter of the stables. She noticed the guardsman was as soaked as she was and covered in mud.He helped her down as a stablehand took her bag filled with her books and papers. As her feet touched the ground,everything went black.
She woke in a large, strange room that was too beautiful to be her room in the dorms. She lay in a soft bed that made it seem she lay on a cloud. Suddenly she sat up, remembering the events that brought her here. The storm, the guardsman with the clear hazel eyes who had taken her here. She could hear the wind pounding the rain against the window outside.
"Good morning. I'm Iris," a woman said cheerfully as she came into the room holding a tray. She had long auburn hair and blue eyes indicating possible Venian or Uranian blood, and was dressed in long light forest green robes that meant she was a full healer.
"Morning?!" Adelheid said, alarmed. She had biological studies this morning and she knew that she was barely passing that class. Missing class today would be disasterous to her grades.
"Not to worry. Princess Danae contacted the school and arranged everything," Iris said as if sensing Adelheid's distress. "From the contents of your bag, I assumed that you were a third, possibly fourth, level novice healer," she explained before Adelheid could ask her how she knew.
"Princess Danae...why would she take an interest in me?" Adelheid asked. Princess Danae was the Princess of Jupiter. She, along with her husband, Prince Inachus, ruled the largest planet with the most satellites. They had a daughter who was slightly younger than Adelheid, Makoto. She was currently on the moon training with Queen Serenity's daughter and the senshi of Venus, Mercury, and Mars, to be Sailor Jupiter.
"I don't know. But I have been informed that the Princess would like to see you this afternoon," Iris shrugged. Adelheid feared that this day could turn out worse than the previous one.
That afternoon, as the storm continued outside, Adelheid walked down the large halls with Iris, nervous. Iris showed her to a large but comfortable study lined with bookshelves piled with books and a fireplace with a lively fire. The Prince and Princess sat before the fireplace, along with a woman in a white dress and matching white hair. Iris left, shutting the door behind her.
"You must be Adelheid," Danae said kindly, rising from her seat. "Adelheid, this is Queen Serenity from the Moon." Adelheid bowed deeply, not daring to look at them.
"Your Majesty," Adelheid said, hoping she didn't sound as nervous as she felt.
"Adelheid, i understand you are studying to become a healer?" Serenity asked, getting up to stand beside Danae. Inachus silently watched, remaining seated. Adelheid could only silently nod. "A noble dream to aspire to. But fate has something else planned for you," Serenity said sadly.
Adelheid suddenly found the courage to look into Serenity's pale blue eyes. She had no idea what Serenity was talking about; she didn't care what fate or Serenity had planned for her. She had her dream that she had worked so hard for, had made so many sacrifics for.
"With all due respect, your majesty," Adelheid said taking a deep breath, gathering her willpower. "I have my dream and while it may not be glorious, it is my dream nevertheless. I have worked hard for many years through much hardship. I must decline whatever greater life you have planned for me," she said coldly. Inachos and Danae glanced at each other in surprise. Serenity only smiled.
"I understand -" Serenity began.
"No, you don't. I have worked to get where I am. I have never had anything handed to me. My life is what I make it to be, not how it's made for you!" she snapped at Serenity before she could stop herself. There was a long pause. Adelheid was horrified to realize what she had just said to the Queen of the Moon.
"Very well. If you change your mind, the offer stands," Serenity said slowly after a moment.
"You are welcome to stay here as long as you wish," Danae offered with a kind smile.
"Thank you, your highness. I beg your pardon, your majesty," Adelheid said respectfully, bowing again.As she left, Adelheid wished she knew what it was the Serenity had offered her.
"Perhaps she is too young to make this decision, your majesty," Danae said to Serenity after Adelheid had left.
"True but nevertheless, she can't change who she is," Serenity said looking at her hands. Danae was quiet.
"Give her time and she will find her way," Inachus said quietly, looking into the fire.
Later that evening the storm had died down and a light rain fell outside. Adelheid sat on the windowseat in her room, looking out the window at the Olympic River which the windows of her room overlooked. Her mind was in turmoil over Serenity's words. She had been foolish in not listening to what Serenity had been offering her.A greater life but one that held many mysteries. She looked up at a knock at her door.
"Adelheid, sorry to disturb you but there is someone who wants to see you, " Iris came in. Adelheid nodded as she got up and followed Iris out into the hallway where the guardsman with the clear hazel eyes waited.
Adelheid could only stare at him for a moment, not noticing that Iris had left them alone.
"I'm sorry for bothering you..," the guard started and if Adelheid wasn't mistaken, he looked nervous.
'No, that's ok," she smiled. "Oh, I'm Adelheid by the way," she introduced herself.
"Adelheid...that is a beautiful name,' the guard said, causing her to blush. "I am Caerus of Europa," he said with a bow.
"Europa? How did you get here?" Adelheid asked, curious. Europa was one of Jupiter's outermost satellites and far away from Io.
'I joined the royal guards at a young age and later was transfered here. It was difficult at first, leaving my family and home, but I have no regrets," Caerus explained.
They talked for a while longer, enjoying each other's company. They made a date to meet in the courtyard for tomorrow afternoon before they parted. As Adelheid got ready for bed that night, she knew what her answer to Serenity would be.
That next morning, she walked with Iris down the hallway. She wasn't nervous and felt confident to face Serenity with her decision. As she entered the room, she noticed that Danae and Inachus weren't there and that she was alone with Serenity. But her resolve did not waver.
"Your majesty, I have come to a decision," Adelheid said firmly, looking into Serenity's eyes. Serenity only nodded, waiting for her to continue. Her face was blank, her eyes held no indication of her thoughts. Adleheid took a deep breath.
A week later Adelheid stood in the vast hallway of the Moon Palace holding her one bag. She was told that one of Serenity's advisors would be with her shortly but there was only a black cat walking down the hallway. Adelheid sighed, looing around.
"Hello. I assume your Adelheid Stasheft. I am Luna," the black cat said as it walked up to her. Adelheid stared at Luna for a minute. She was not expecting talking cats.
"Hi...," she said, taking a step back.
"i know it's strange but you'll get used to it," a girl with brown hair tied up in a ponytail and rose earrings walked up to them. "I'm Makoto, Sailor Jupiter," she introduced herself.
"Adelheid, Sailor Io," she said with a respectful bow.
"It's nice to meet you," Makoto said kindly. "Let me show you around!" she said cheerfully taking Adelheid's arm.
She and Makoto became close friends over the next few weeks. She trained with the sailor senshi from Venus, Mercury, and Mars along with Queen Serenity's daughter, Princess Serenity. The Princess's beloved, Prince Endymion from Earth, joined them occasionally. Luna, along with Serenity's other advisor, Artemis, trained them and taught them mathematics, history, and geography.
Adelheid knew she gave up a life as a healer in being a sailor senshi. But she had no regrets. But she did miss Caerus but they wrote to each other often. But her life changed forever in one day.
It was sunny and the five of them were out enjoying the day in one of Moon Palace's many gardens. Luna had given them a break from their training for the day and they intended to relax and have fun. Suddenly the sky grew dark with unnatural cloads. They could all feel a powerful evil presence.
"The Palace is under attack! Transform!" Luna ran up to them. They quickly obeyed and followed her. Prince Endymion joined them as they went to meet the enemy. But their powers were of no consequence. They couldn't stop the evil Queen Beryl of the Negaverse from taking Princess Serenity and Prince Endymion. Even Queen Serenity's powers could do little.
Sailor Io found herself in the middle of a desperate battle. Sailors Venus and Mercury were the first ones down, Jupiter and Mars went next. As two Negaverse soldiers charged her, she knew she was next. The darkness came swiftly.