At the Powers household, Jadeite was working late as usual. However, Thera was overjoyed to see Star safe and sound. "It's nice to have you back home, Star. It's so quiet without you here during the day. I get lonely..." Thera confessed sadly to the pale blond-haired girl.
"If you had told me, I would stay home more frequently." Star glanced at her housekeeper regrettably. After all, her biological mom was gone, and Thera was the only mother figure she knew.
"Oh! No, I don't want to get in the way of Sailor Nova's duties." Thera blushed a bit in shame. The ex-monster didn't desire to appear selfish. Yet, how can anyone call a parent selfish for wanting to spend time with their child?
"You are vastly more significant, Thera, both you and Dad. Do you want to help me with my catchphrase?" Star grinned widely. All Senshi had a catchphrase. Jewel and her Senshi didn't think they were necessary. Yet, Star had pointed out it'd be fun to have one still!
"Thank you. What do you have so far?" Thera did not know how much help she could be. She wasn't that savvy in the superhero genre.
"I am the Pretty Guardian of Patience and Intelligence! I am Sailor Nova! In the name of the stars, I'll...that's all I've got..." Star smiled sheepishly.
"How about...I'll make you see the wonder of my jeweled sky?" Thera remembered a similar line from a song she liked.
Star's eyes sparkled like her namesake, "I love it!" Star launched herself into Thera, hugging her. Her caretaker cuddled her closely, shedding happy tears.
"Happy I could help. Did the others finish their catchphrases yet?" Thera knew Star was working on a catchphrase because the others were.
"Dawn and Shadow almost finished theirs. It genuinely suits them. Ivy is still having tons of trouble. Our princess hasn't figured out hers at all." Star divulged this to the captivating housekeeper. The young teen seemed pleased that she was the first to finish coming up with an adorable catchphrase.
"Give me some time, my darling. Perhaps I can figure something out." Thera smiled warmly as she began cleaning up.
True to her word, Thera quickly developed one for each girl over dinner. Star adored them so much that she instantly called her teammates to share them. Ivy could not be more happy with hers. She had a catchphrase now and rushed to demonstrate to her parents! Despite Dawn and Shadow being as opposite as day and night, they appreciated Thera thinking up sayings for them. However, Thera was finding it difficult to whip up even a simple one for Jewel.
"Well...she's always been good at magic. There's something special about how she looks at good and evil." Star mused as she and her foster mother drank some hot chocolate.
"Sadly, that's not much to go on, but it sounds like she understands people on a deeper level." Thera reasoned as she sipped her cup.
"Exactly." Star agreed before adding more marshmallows to her drink. That night, in bed, Star decided to tell Thera her fears.
"Is there anything else you need me for, Star?" Thera questioned softly.
"I'm afraid of what my princess may think of me. We, the Dark Kingdom Senshi, agreed that we should leave together. Except that doesn't mean we're any safer." Star's starlight blue eyes overflowed with tears of despair and terror.
"Though I don't know Jewel exceptionally well, sweetheart. From what you've told me, I don't believe she'll hold any ill will against you. With me here, you are safe, especially since I regained my Youma powers." Thera giggled mischievously at that.
"I don't feel comfortable with you using phrases like darling or sweetheart. I can't even say, "I love you." It just feels too awkward since you're not my mother. Please understand me, Thera. I care deeply about you; you're like my best friend..." Star gazed into Thera's warm, teal eyes.
"I understand. I care deeply about you, too. Goodnight, Star." Thera kissed Star's forehead, holding back her tears. She truthfully loved this child as if she were her own. Yet, she still respected her wishes.
"Goodnight, Thera..." Star slurred as she laid down to sleep.
Star and Thera are unaware of the danger nearby: One of Roshi's monkeys, Iwazaru, who embodies "Speak no evil," had visited the Crystal Palace but could not locate Star! Consequently, he surmised she might have gone home. Thankfully, Thera had acute hearing along with sensitive ears. Thus, she quickly picked up the odd sounds. It sounded like someone was climbing up the house, towards Star's bedroom window! As Star's maid, Thera was supposed to ensure her safety and happiness. So she raced to Star's room to find her already transforming into Super Sailor Nova!
"Nova!" Thera called to let the silver-haired warrior know she was there for backup.
Not taking her eyes off Iwazaru, Nova smiled and nodded. Iwazaru and Jadite's daughter evaded each other's punches and kicks. Nova didn't want to hurt Iwazaru because, other than his power to take away speech, he was an ordinary monkey. So, the girl utilized her ability to create illusions of herself to almost fill the bedroom! Of course, this made Iwazaru instantly panic! How was he supposed to pick out the real Nova?
"Nova Storm!" Each duplicate seemed to echo, and black clouds formed under the ceiling, raining down silver stars, which were hard and sharp!
As a lack of foresight on her part, Nova Storm's stars made the illusions disappear if they were hit! When the storm ended, it appeared Iwazaru had vanished, and only the real Super Sailor Nova remained!
"Oh no, you don't!" Thera directed a surge of water under Star's bed, flushing out the monkey!
"Good eye!" Nova complimented, but it attacked her when she turned back to face the enemy!
Thera tried to help pry it off, but it bit deep into her arm! Thera screamed in agony as bright red blood oozed from the teeth marks, and Nova cried out in concern...or that is what she meant to do. Nova's sight, hearing, and movement still worked, but she had become mute! Iwazaru escaped, but Nova panicked.
How could she get Thera help if she can not communicate? Luckily, Thera could carefully guide Star through the steps after she undid her transformation. She first informed her to put on rubber gloves before scrubbing her bites with a mixture of anti-bacterial soap and detergent for fifteen minutes and rinsing with running water for fifteen to twenty minutes before seeking professional medical attention.
Often, Star wondered how Thera had such knowledge of tending to injuries, wounds, and sickness. Eventually, she settled that since the woman was her caretaker, she'd need to be prepared for anything. And prepared she was as she always brought a first-aid kit with her! Star learned about critical cleanliness and how antibiotic ointment/cream works when treating open wounds. After home treatment, Thera could set herself up to see a doctor.
Jadite was informed of what happened and started being home more frequently. When he was not, Star was to return to the Crystal Palace, where she found out what happened to Jewel, and it made her feel guilty that she had not been there to help defend her. Star could only hope the other Dark Kingdom Senshi would not suffer as she and Thera had...