A Small Child Shall Come

Mina’s Tale Part 9

The next two years went fast. The Sailors and the High Guards were training for the battle that Nova said was coming. A battle to end the war, a battle that would shake the universe and we had to be ready but it was so frustrating just waiting. I was depressed, I was with Nova all the time but something seemed missing from our life.

Nova took my hand during a training session and led me to the garden of the palace. “Darling, what’s wrong? Your heart seems elsewhere besides training.”

I look into his eyes and realized with all my heart what was missing. “My love, my heart isn’t with the magic or fighting. I am sick of training for war that will take life. You have possessed my heart for years but I want your child growing in my body. Please, let’s try to have a baby.”

Nova looked at me then around him and noticed that the other Sailors had gathered around and must have heard our conversation. I didn’t care because Nova was my husband and these girls were my sisters and people that I love with all my heart. “Mina, I didn’t realize that you felt that way. Of course, I want to try also but realize that we are not normal and being Sailor Warriors, it may take some time for you to conceive.”

I looked down, shuffled my feet and softly said, “I know but it will be fun trying.” With those words, I threw myself into his arms and kissed him. I saw Nova blushed and after he returned my hug, ordered all of us back into training. Nova smiled at me and I walked back to the training ground with an extra lift in my step. Yes, it would be fun trying – a great deal of fun.

I was disappointing as every month my period came but I knew that we were trying and we were both happier now than we ever been before in our lives. As June started, I began to think about Serena and Nova’s birthday. It was their sixteenth and the Sailors wanted to make it special and it would be special because of my present to Nova. Lita planned a grand party for the two of them with all of us helping with the food and decorations. Amy and Raye were in charge of the decorations and activities and I was, as always, would bake the birthday cake. Serenity was taking a large role in the celebrations. Serenity told us that since that their sixteenth birthday was coming; they would be coming into their full inheritance from her father. Serena would become the Princess of the Moon and her co-ruler. Nova was to receive the true wealth of the Kingdom, the title of the Protector of the Realm. This title was the highest one that could be bestowed upon anyone. He would be responsible for the protection of the Moon Kingdom, I know that Nova would take that responsibility seriously and would protect it with his life.

Their birthday started early with breakfast in bed and it was up to me to get them ready. I woke up Nova and got him dressed and went to get Serena. I brought her back with all the Sailors and tucked Serena under the covers with Nova. Lita brought in all their favorite foods for breakfast and set the trays up near the bed. I would take care of Nova, truthfully, I tried to eat as much as I could from Nova’s plate since we had the same taste and Lita is a terrific cook. Serena was attended by her “sisters” and thoroughly enjoyed her breakfast.

After breakfast, Nova took the Sailors to the building site of the Fortress of the Warriors. The fortress was coming along nicely during the last two years and Nova had told Serenity that it would be finished within the month. As Nova opened the doors to the fortress, they are massive doors, and escorted us into the main hall. He never had let us see the interior but the wait was worth it. Wonders beyond my imagination greeted us as we looked at the central hall and the nine wings radiating from it. Above each entrance to the wings was a portrait of the Sailor and their home planet. The one reserved for the outer scouts just had their planets but there was room to put their portraits. Above our wing was a portrait of Nova and me; I always remember his eyes even from the first painting of him. I never found out who painted the portraits but I always suspected that Nova did them. He is a man of many talents.

As we looked at every corner of the structure, Amy asked, “Nova, why are there so many rooms in every wing?”

Nova went to Amy and placed an arm around her shoulder. No, I was never jealous of him with my sisters because I knew that he was mine. “Well, when each of you get married and have children then you will be glad for all the rooms.” I remembered the blush that came over Amy. Her whole body was red but Nova was correct. All the Sailors became part of the royal family and with the potential of an extended lifespan; we could have children for hundreds of years if we wished. I don’t know … having a dozen kids running around the house would be exhausting but fun.

It was all exciting … looking at the things that Nova had used to decorate the halls. I noticed a bedroom off the master bedroom. “Nova, what room is this?” “Mina, that room will be the nursery. I wanted to keep them close to us for the first few years.” I hugged Nova around the neck and kissed him. I always knew that he wanted to have children but this act of his, connecting our bedroom with our children, well, he’s a special person. I turned around and placed his hands directly above my womb and closed my eyes. “This room is where our babies will spend the first years of their lives. It has to be special. We need to our babies feel welcome and safe.” I looked over my shoulder to his face, “Nova, can I start decorating the room. We will need everything in place when it is needed. Is that all right?” He looked at me and kissed me on my forehead, “Of course, my love, we can start tomorrow.” I gave a little giggle and a smile, I had better get started so I went to find the others and start a list of what we need.

While Lita and Nova was preparing the dinner, the rest of us were talking about how we were going to furnish our rooms. All I wanted to talk about was what was going into the nursery. That room will be the most important room of them all. Nova kept telling me that as much love as I had to give that any child would feel safe and warm, I hope he is right. Raye broke out her fortune telling cards and as a joke, told us all that we was going to have strong husbands and healthy children. I looked at her, “Raye, I already have a strong husband who loves me more than I can imagine and as for children, Nova will be their father so that all I have to know about the future.”

The dinner was wonderful but I saw a puzzling look on Serena’s face when she was putting Nova’s presents on the table with Serenity. She came over to me, “Mina, I’m sorry but I can’t find your present to Nova.” I hugged the small girl, “I have it hidden and wrapped up so please ask for it after all the others.” She shook her head in agreement. All the presents were opened except for Nova’s present from me. “Mina, ask me to tell everyone that she wanted to give her present to Nova in person.” All the others started to get up and move out of the room, “No, please wait, all of you have to be here when Nova opens it.”

I walked over to Nova, “My dearest love, the light of my life, my prince, your present lies behind this bow.” I stood before him and pointed to the large bow across my waist. Nova blushed but slowly untied the bow and removed it from my body. “Uh, well, where’s my present?” I took his hands and held them above my womb, “Nova, your present is inside.”

“Well, you can give me your present later tonight.” I crushed him to my chest, his head resting on my breast. “Nova, all the Sailors must be present because they are my sisters.” I looked to my family, “Everyone, I am carrying Nova’s child. He’ll get his present in about seven months.” I could see the shock on Nova’s face but he hugged me with all his might and kissed me until Serena pulled me away so she could hug and kiss me. All the others came and hugged the three of us. Our family was going to get larger by one but that one was going to be related to all of us. My child will have the most love of any child that has ever been born.

Serenity called Serena and Nova to her, “This night marks the sixteenth year since your birth and the coming of your birthright. Serena, you are to be my co-ruler, to rule by my side in your own name.” Serena approached her mother and gently embraced her. Serenity turned to Nova, “Nova, my brother, you are the Protector of the Realm, the highest noble in our solar system, even higher than myself. Time is quickly running out, we need to find the other scouts and train them before the Great War.”

The gathering broke up as we all went back to our rooms in the palace. Nova held me close that night just rubbing my stomach and kissing my neck. I hope that my little one will be all right. Nova would do anything in his power for me but every night I will pray for a healthy child. I can’t wait until he or she starts to kick, I already have experienced the morning sickness, now I want to have something else to think about in the mornings.

Nova and Amy began to pour over the volumes of the noble families of the outer planets. He wanted to research the families more so it would be easier to find the new sailors than the first time. Amy is a big help to him and always insists that he put away everything when it gets dark so he can spend some time with me.

He spends hours just cuddling me against his body. The morning sickness that I have been having seems to disappear when Nova generates a low heat against my womb. He would spend a couple of hours in the morning just treating me, well, I do enjoy his touch against my body and it does help. My only worry during this time is how my sisters’ husband will take Nova’s treatment when the other sailors had their children. It is a very effective cure.

I could tell that Amy was worried about me because she approached Raye and Lita to help persuade me into getting Nova to let them hunt for the other sailors. They want Nova to stay with me during my pregnancy. I was all for the suggestion but they would have to prove their case to Nova. Amy approached Nova and pleaded her case, “Nova, you have to stay with Mina. She needs you right now. She will be going through a great many changes to her body and it will make it easier on her if you were here. Please, let Raye and Lita accompany me on the search for the Outer Sailors. You have trained us for years and we will not let you down.”

Nova thought for a few minutes, “I want to be with my wife but I still feel that I have a duty to you.” He looked at me but I would never ask him to make such a decision based on my wants or needs. “All right you may go but I’m sending my generals with you and you must report to me every day.” The three Sailors hugged Nova who held all three inside his arms. I saw a smile on his face, I knew that he wanted to stay but he cared for all of us. We were his family and friends.

I was glad that Amy and the others were searching because they needed a rest from Nova’s training to develop as individuals. Nova tends to keep us together, sometimes when we are training, we think with one mind. Nova tends to bring us together as one mind but many bodies but we also need to be ourselves and I get Nova all to myself. They persuaded me that I needed to cut back on the physical training since I have a child growing inside of me so I would work on learning more magic. I was at peace but decided that the only way that I could fulfill my social calendar was to have Nova at my side. I love showing off my body, it’s getting bigger each day and I wanted to show off my body. I heard that it was causing some scandal in the noble circles but I didn’t care. I wanted Nova’s hand on my body all the time. Serenity and Serena talked to me and wanted me to stop the behavior. I can’t stop it all but I agreed to only do it when could not see Nova’s hand. It strange that whenever you sit at a table, you could hide some many things with the tablecloth.

It was during my fifth month that we received word that sailor Saturn was found and they knew where to find Uranus. Nova was proud of his students but knew that after Neptune, Pluto would be the hardest to find because of its society’s lack of any social class. They would press on to find all this solar system’s Sailors, they would not return to the Moon without them all in tow.

I never knew how Nova could tell me their names since two of the have not been contacted but many things about him are still strange to me. Terri is Sailor Saturn, Erica is Sailor Uranus, Michelle is Sailor Neptune, and Susan is Sailor Pluto.

A great event occurred on the Moon during this time. Two Moon kittens arrived and presented themselves to the royal family. Luna, a sable female, bonded herself to the female side of the family and moved into Serena’s bedroom. Artemis, a white tom, bonded himself to Nova and me and moved in with us. I was so excited when Nova brought this white bundle of joy into our lives. We would play together and I was the one that taught him to read. He was such a special little friend.

In my sixth month, we received a message from Amy stating that they had found the rest of the Sailors that were on their way to the Moon. Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto had found each other and knew exactly what they had to do with their lives. All the Sailor Warriors were on their way home. Nova instructed Amy to start their training in the martial arts and knowledge and he would train them in their magic when they arrived at the Moon.

Nova confirmed that the interior and furnishing for the fortress would be finished at the end of the month so he started moving all our personal belongings into the structure. Artemis was excited about his new dwelling and explored every nook in the fortress. I took this time to talk to Nova, “Darling,” I said as I raised his left hand to my lips, “we have a big problem.”

Nova placed his arm across my shoulder, “Love, what’s troubling you?”

I turned to Nova and he put both his arms around me and I laid my head on his chest. “It’s that cat.”

“You mean Artemis, Mina, I thought that you was getting along with him.”

Nova kissed the top of my head, “He’s bugging me. He’s always telling me what to eat, what to wear, and hounds my every step by screaming to everyone to get out of my way. He’s driving me crazy.”

Nova laughed but held me close, “I’ll have a talk with him but try to remember that he is still a kitten and was sent to bond with my family and me. He’s probably sees the baby as his future mistress.”

I shook my head, “OK, I’ll try to remember but see if you can get him to relax. I realize that our baby …”, I looked up to him, “Nova, did you say mistress? Is our baby a girl?”

“Yes, didn’t I tell you before?”

“Nova, how long have you known the sex of our baby and when was you going to tell me.” I broke away from him embrace but I didn’t move far from his arms.

He quickly grabbed me, ‘Please forgive me but I always thought that women wanted to be surprised by the sex of their child or I would have told you months ago.”

I laughed, “I guess I never thought to ask but it would have help getting the nursery ready. I have to get the walls painted pink and put in new curtains to match.”

Nova looked at me with a puzzled expression, “Why would you paint the room in Serena’s colors instead of Chibi Mina’s favorite color of purple.”

I was furious and I hope that he could see the anger in my eyes. “Who is Chibi Mina and why would she want purple for my baby’s room?” He better have a good explanation.

“Love, she is the second most important person in my life and she loves the color purple.”

I stomped my foot on top of his, “I have never heard of this Chibi Mina, have you been faithful to me? I mean I don’t have the same figure but I thought you loved me.”

Nova grabbed me and I struggled but soon he had me against his chest with a hand on my growing belly. “Mina, you will always be the first and only mate in my life. I will never take another and I am satisfied with you at my side. Even if we were apart for a thousand years, you would be the only girl for me but Chibi will be the second love in my heart. Right now, she’s right here,” he said as he patted my belly, “she’s growing inside of you. She’s our daughter.”

I stopped struggling, “But why call her Chibi Mina. I know it means little Mina but shouldn’t she have her own name and not just an addition to mine.”

Nova looked at me, “You don’t understand. I’ve been talking to her for months and she wants everyone to know how much she loves you and me so she wants her name to be Chibi Mina in her normal form and Chibi Nova in her Sailor form.”

“Her sailor form … wait you’ve been talking to her … how?”

Nova just looked at me and said, “The same way that I talk to all of the Sailors; with my mind.”

I was startled but was able to stutter out, “Can I talk to her?”

“Of course,” he said as he placed his hand on my swollen belly, “Chibi, your mother wants to talk to you.”

I connected my mind to Nova’s, even after so many years of marriage it still excites me, and said, “Hello, honey, can you hear me?”

Mina heard a small, distance voice, “Of course Mommy, I have been hearing you for months through Daddy but now I can talk to you directly.” In a sleepy voice she said, “I love you, Mommy.”

I started to cry tears of joy, she sounds so normal for a young lady but then I realized that she was still developing inside me. What would she be like when she is born? “I love you too, my little one. You sound like you need some rest so I just cuddle up with your daddy and he can keep both of us warm and safe.”

I went to Nova and placed his arms around me and led him to the bedroom. “Nova, do you think our little princess will be all right? I mean, she sounds so grown up. What’s her power? What does she look like? I have been feeling extra power around me, is that her?” I have a million questions for him but he stopped me. “Love, I can’t answer all your questions at once. You will have three more months before she is born, so you will have a long time to get to know her.”

Nova told me later but he had that talk with Artemis. It happened after Chibi and I fell asleep but he related the tale to me. He found the kitten in his usual place, the library; never knew someone other than Amy who can spend some much time reading books. “Artemis, can I speak to you?” The young cat sprang from the bookshelf to his cushion on the desk, “Yes, Nova?”

Nova looked at the kitten and started to rub his back and neck. “Artemis, we have to talk about Mina’s condition.” The cat sprung up, “Is there something wrong with my mistress?” Nova settled him down, “No, she’s fine, I realize that you are only concerned about her but you are trying to hard.” Nova continued to stroke Artemis, “To tell you the truth, my furry friend, but I keep a psychic contact with her every moment of the day. Let’s make a deal, we will still keep tabs on her but we’ll keep our mouths shut unless she is in danger or have not been taking care of herself.”

Artemis thought for a second, “Yes, it’s a good plan. On a different matter, can you help me with this poem? It’s strange even for one the high priest of Mars. It seems to talk about the Sailors but refers to the base of operation as the ‘Tenth Street District’ and some place called ‘Crossroads’.”

While Nova poured over the tomes with Artemis, I was deep in thoughts. So deep in sleep that I didn’t hear Serena at the door looking at me or enter the room. She slowly came to me and tucks the blankets over my chest. I awoke when she did this and reached up my arms to hug her. I gently kissed her on the cheek and brought her down next to me on the bed.

The next chapter of Mina’s Tale will end this story arc. We will see the birth of Chibi and the reason that Nova was not included with the Sailor Warriors in the final battle with the Negaverse. A great joy and loss is in store in “The Cosmic Bane”.