Stand My Ground

Nova’s Tale – Part 8

I woke early this morning … just to watch my precious wife sleep. Mina was approaching her ninth month of pregnancy and she is becoming more beautiful every day. I was so thrilled when she announced my birthday present seven months ago but I had second thoughts when Artemis came into our life and the two of them began fighting like … well … cats and dogs, that’s the only way to describe the situation. It has become better in the last few months and I can truly say that the two of them love each other as they began to understand each other. Artemis will never allow Mina to come to harm and I appreciate him for that single fact and Mina thinks of him as a dear friend. He will be important in the future but now, I’ll just have him have fun as a kitten.

The Moon Cat project has developed in ways that even I had not expected. Luna and Artemis are brilliant even though each is rather eccentric in their behavior. Artemis is an out going cat but I wonder if he will get anywhere with Luna. Luna is … well … there’s no simple way to say it except that she’s a prude. Artemis is trying his hardest to woo her, even though they are still little more than kitten, but all his advances has been diverted by her. She takes her job as Serenity and Serena’s guardian a bit too serious but I think that she will grow out of this phase and she will accept Artemis as the mate for her.

So much has happened the last few months beside Mina’s pregnancy and the moon cats. We welcomed the final Sailor Warriors that will be found before the battle that I dread. I think the battle will happen sooner than I hope but I shall be ready for that fateful day. It’s a strange lot that we picked up in the past months. Erica and Michelle, Uranus and Neptune, appears to be kindred souls that have found themselves after many years of fruitless searching. When they are not enjoying each other company, they keep Mina and myself in order. They have adopted us as their siblings and they are always there when we are feeling low. Mina loves to talk to Michelle and hear her play the harp. She is a marvelous musician and her playing soothes Mina and takes some of the discomfort of her condition from dominating her mind. She is so much more agreeable after Michelle plays for her that I encourage her to play every night. It helps me get some peace around here.

Erica is another story. She reminds me of more of a grown tomboy than anything else. She wants to learn everything about fighting and she soon developed talent past Lita’s ability that I have to take over her advance training. Erica even pushes me sometimes but I can call upon fighting skills that goes beyond physical ability. The mind can channel the power of the universe and create a power that none can stop but unfortunately, you have to be one with the universe to perform the act and none exist in our little group except me but Erica comes close at times. She is my companion when Mina feels down and doesn’t want me around.

She is also my companion when Michelle is with Mina. Erica has taken it upon herself to keep me out of trouble. She does a good job at her task. She is a strange combination of all the Sailor Warriors or I should say their better traits. She has the intelligence, beauty, and skills that would make any parent proud to call her their daughter but she has this air of independence that overshadows everything else. I glad to have her near me in these times. I see the signs developing that will lead me to a fateful decision whether to stay or leave the Sailors. Each choice holds hope and despair but I alone have to make that decision about our future.

I know that it’s hard to believe but sometimes I think that Mina is jealous of my connection with our unborn child so, well, … she short with me sometimes and tells me to leave the room. I always wondered why Erica seems to be there to keep me busy during these times but I found out that Mina plans these outbursts in advance and alerts Erica to expect me. We work out in the battle ring on our moves and I train her in the use of her magic. Usually, after an hour or so, Michelle appears and asks if I wouldn’t mind checking on my wife. I always find her in a good mood when I return. I know what’s happening but I will let them think that I am oblivious to the deception. Erica is a friend in these times and I love her for that fact.

We did find a great innocent in our quest. Terri, Sailor Saturn, has the greatest untapped potential I have ever seen in any person. She doesn’t even imagine the power that she possesses but in some ways it can match mine but she holds so much inside that she may never realize her full potential. Terri reminds me of Mina and Lita in a way. She lost her parents at an early age but instead of having a strong parent figure in her life or even someone to take care of her, she was left alone with just a reagent to rule a planet. If I survive the next few years, I will have to exact revenge on those that tried to hurt her. The Sailors found her a prisoner in her own castle and if it weren’t for Rei’s assault within the walls of that castle, Terri wouldn’t be with us today. They rescued her from what would have been a certain and painful death and took her from Saturn before her enemies could attack them. I didn’t hear about the trouble until after they returned or I would have rushed to their side and … her enemies deserve no less than the traitor’s that killed my love’s parents.

Susan, Sailor Pluto, is the enigma of the bunch. Sullen and full of despair but she holds the key to the most immense treasure of all, the key to time. I decided that we … more specifically me, shouldn’t have unlimited access to time. I could change so much by breaking the seams between the moments of possibilities so I gave charge over that sacred area to Susan. She is taking her job to heart but I’m afraid that her mind will dwell upon the great task that I set for her and never find that one person that cares for her. Terri and Susan seems a kindred pair, one bears the great task and the other the great power. I hope that, at least, they could have each other as companions in our undertaking.

More Sailor Warriors exist in the galaxy but all the timelines point to this inner core of warriors. I will not search for any others but I saw that others will come in time and some of them may fight for the other side. The other side is a strange way to speak of them because they will be fighting for their cause as we battle for ours in the upcoming struggle to preserve the universe. Which side is right? I always thought that I fought on the side that must win because I fought for the side of goodness but what is goodness? These questions are hard to answer and I’m glad that I bear these thoughts alone. The warriors must never know that I have doubts about the fight against the Negaverse. I don’t know how they will react if they find out my thoughts. I must keep my doubts and questions to myself and all I can do is battle the Negaverse when they come to destroy us.

“Daddy? Do you have some time to talk?” came a small voice to my mind. It’s not hard to understand her now. When we started to talk in Mina’s third month, Chibi’s thoughts were unformed and just consisted of words. Over the next few months, out talks increased in complexity and content until it’s hard to realize that she’s still inside her mother but will soon be here with us. She’s just needs a little more time for her body to develop before she will make her appearance. “I always have time for you, princess.” There was a moment of silence, “Daddy, Mom’s asleep. Michelle snuck out before I got a chance to talk to her. I don’t want to wake Mommy and I haven’t developed a contact with my aunts that I can carry outside of a short distance so I guess you are the only one I can ask my question.” Chibi considered all the Sailors to be her aunts and she was right since they are the adoptive daughters of my sister and we treat Serena as our sister so they are her aunts in spirit and under Kanly Law.

“Daddy, why do the Negaverse hate us?” That’s a tough question, “Darling, I wouldn’t say that they hate us … they just don’t understand what we stand for so they feel that they must forcibly change our mind.” I can hear her thinking, “You think that Aunt Beryl would like me?” I understand what she wants me to say, “Chibi, your Aunt Beryl turned away from the light and clung to the Negaverse’s principle but she will never hurt either of us. She loves you in her own way … maybe one day she will come back and you can get to know her.” I felt that the answer satisfied Chibi’s curiosity, “Ok, I just hold onto that thought for now. I’ll talk to you later. Mom’s snoring is starting to put me to sleep.” As she broke our contact she said, “Daddy, I love you.”

She’s my baby but at times she seems so grown up. I hope that she could have a normal childhood but with Mina and I as her parents, I don’t think that will happen but at least I can hope. I can’t wait for the day that I can hold her in my arms. She tells me that she can feel my hugs as I embrace Mina but it’s not the same.

I decided to spend a little time researching a passage that I read in one of the Jovian Chronicles. I miss Mina at these times because she is the best translator that I have ever worked with but she performing a more important job. The passage dealt with the coming of the dead one from the tenth planet. The tenth planet can mean two things. First, there is the broken planet that forms the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter and there is a rogue planet that makes a visit to our system every three thousand years but it’s not making an appearance for over another thousand years. As I read, Artemis strolled in and took his usual seat across from me reading the same pages as I view. He has developed an ability to read a tome upside down. Truthfully, I have found him reading a book by himself in the same manner. I hope that I haven’t messed up the poor kitten’s mind with my reading but he does seem to enjoy reading with me so I let him be.

After about ten minutes, he cleared his throat, “Master, is my little mistress coming soon?” I strained my mind to touch my sleeping family in our bedroom. “Yes, if all the signs are correct, you should see your little princess within two days. Could be sooner than that but it’s hard to read their body’s signs without having experience any similar situation in the past.” Artemis let out a purr of satisfaction and settled into his normal position again. Just two days at the most, I have to be ready for anything from the Negaverse.

I haven’t told them anything because I can’t worry them but I’m scared. Chibi will be a princess of the royal blood and I knew what happened last time. The two entities inside me also feared for my family. It’s hard to remember sometimes that Sailor War and the Dark Queen was part of me and not separate so it only right that they feel the same for Mina and Chibi as I do. I may be the perfect candidate for therapy but not matter what, we all care for Mina in our own special way and would do anything to protect her.

I felt the pain of Mina’s first contraction. It hit me like an anvil and I rose to rush to her side when I felt the aura of evil coming towards the Fortress. Suddenly, the Fortress screamed, “Nova, it looks like the Negaverse is sending everything at us. I sense the seven rainbow demons and a vast horde of other monsters.” I looked at Artemis who looked at me in puzzlement, “Artemis, I was mistaken, Chibi will be here soon but so will the Negaverse.” I thought for a second deciding on my plan of action, “Get the Generals and the High Guards and have them meet me in front of the Fortress’ doors.” Artemis jumped to his duties and rushed towards the General’s quarters near the front door of the complex.

I breathed deeply realizing that my heart wanted more than anything to be at my beloved side but I had to protect my family that was being born at this moment. I quickly walked over to our bedroom where Erica was rushing into the room with Michelle and Ami. Mina couldn’t be in better hands unless those hands belong to me. I crossed the room and retrieve the Nova sword from it usual resting place on the marble mantle of the fireplace. I drew the sword from its scabbard and tested the blade. I hadn’t used it for almost ten years but it still possess sharpness beyond all others. I slide the sword into its scabbard and buckled its weight around my waist.

Mina’s contractions were coming quicker as I reached her side, “I’m sorry, my love. I have to go outside. The Negaverse is coming and my generals and I need to protect you and Chibi.” I sealed my words with a kiss on her lips and her forehead. I felt her hand slowly released mine as I turned and a smile came upon her visage as she place my hand on her womb. My fingers slipped out of hers as another contraction hit and I could hear Chibi’s fears as the crown of her head slip from her mother’s body. I had to hurry. I rushed from the room screaming to Lita as I passed her in the hall, “Jupiter, please protect my loves if the Negaverse get through me.” I saw her nod her head as I increased my speed to the front doors.

Artemis met me as I near the doors and I saw he had assembled everyone as I requested. I saw Rei who had taken the form of Sailor Mars, “Rei, please join Lita and the others at Mina’s bedside.” I could tell that she was about to object but I looked me with those thoughtful eyes as she passed me and suddenly, she turned and wrapped her arms around me and kissed me, “Nova, I will protect your princesses with my life.” She ran towards the far side of the Fortress but I knew that she meant every word that she spoke to me.

I looked back at my people, “Jadeite, you and the other generals will come with me. The High Guard will make their stand here in case we don’t prove up to our task.” The High Guards present saluted me as a single entity and made their way to the Great Hall where they started moving furniture into defensive positions. I motioned the generals to open the doors and we walked to the front of the Fortress as the doors slowly closed behind us, “Nova, my friend, don’t worry. The Negaverse will never cross my threshold. I will protect all your family within until time itself comes to its final decision.” I was glad that the Fortress made such a pledge. I never understood the massive power that it controls but I’m glad that it’s on our side.

The generals all knelt before me and Jadeite spoke, “Your Grace, we dedicate our lives to you. Without you we are nothing as we were before you found us. We will protect you and yours with our lives.” I looked across the plains separating us from the Negaverse. They were attacking away from the Crystal Palace’s gates in a small region where the walls for the Palace and the Fortress were joined. I cursed myself for not seeing the problem that mating the walls of the older structure with the newer. A joint where the two walls were joined was not reinforced so it had lost its structural integrity. It was a weakness in our defenses, a weakness that could spell the doom for all that I hold dear. “Generals, hold the doors with your lives!” was all I shouted as I rushed meet the Negaverse.

The rainbow demons had already joined to form the Invincible Shadows but they also were pulling all the demons and daemons at their disposal to take Chibi from me. Deep in my soul, the spirits of my two constant companions came to the surface. I heard the Dark Queen’s voice inside my head, “No, you will not pass me. Mina is my wife and my soul. We love her with all three of our souls. We may be part of one being but we are one in our defense of our family.” They were with me in my, … no, our fight. I drew her power into me and called upon the being that we will be one day, Sailor War.

Sailor War is the champion of the change. She is the force of war but also of change. It’s hard to say but I knew that we needed to combine our powers and call her forth to defend all that we love. In unison we shouted, “We call upon Sailor War. The enemy is strong but we are stronger. Come Sailor War, come and set everything right.” I felt our souls combine and the newly formed sailor come from our midst. I could see in the generals’ minds the vision that they beheld before them. As the light from the transformation faded, I saw the image that seared their minds. I was Sailor War but I still possessed my mind. The image before them was of a young woman of medium height with long silver hair down to the back of her knees. She was dressed in white and silver with black gloves and boots that reached to her mid thigh.

In her right hand was the Nova sword pulsating with power that rivaled an exploding star. I looked back at the generals and gave them a sly wink as I raised the sword above my head and screamed to the heavens, “Come hell spawn, come and meet your demise.” My sword struck deep into the first ones that reached me and a horrible laughter issued from my lips. The sound of myself enjoying the destruction was almost more than I could bear but my thoughts that these monsters were here to harm my wife and child drove me onward. Parts of bodies fell before me in my path to the Invincible Shadow and little of the carnage registered in my mind. I was driven by the power of Sailor War to attack, to bring death and despair to all those that had come on this fateful day. I couldn’t lose because I was not allowed to have those thoughts enter my mind. I tried to suppress some of the carnage from my eyes but Sailor War wouldn’t let my eyes blink for a second, “Nova, look upon the power that you possess. You are the immovable object; the wall of might that will cause our enemies to foolishly threw away their lives upon our might. We will prevail over all if we stay our course.”

The sheer weight of the monsters pressed me backward towards the Fortress. The Invincible Shadow strode forward over the bodies of its own allies to reach me. With a sudden burst of energy, I cleared the path between it and me, “I am Sailor War. Come, foul creature, come and meet your doom because I will stand my ground and I will not back down.” I drew in the essence of the universe and swelled to grow to the same size of the Shadow. Normally, I being the shy young person I am would be worried of someone looking up my skirt but I can tell both sides had retreated from the field of battle. The combined auras of the Shadow and I brought fear to all in the area. The shadow attacks but I easily blocked its thrust. I felt the power of the ages well inside of me and I shouted to the heavens, “Primal Spark”.

The effect of the attack was simply that the Shadow caught fire. You may think that it’s impossible to set something ethereal aflame but it burst into flames brighter than the Sun. It shriveled down to the rainbow demons and they quickly fled the field of battle. Sailor War then took her revenge upon all the monsters of the Negaverse that was left. The battle was short, no more than two minutes, but when it was finished; no monster was left on the field.

I felt myself change back into Super Sailor Nova and not completely back to Nova. I guess that you can’t go from a higher form to the lowest one without passing through the intermediate phases. I looked around me and saw the bodies of the fallen but felt no remorse in my heart. They came to hurt my family; they deserve what happened to them. I was about to come back to the doors where the generals were standing when I heard a gasp and a scream from the doors. As I turned, I saw Lita standing with her hands over her face and sobbing before she ran inside the Fortress. Why can Lita feel for the dead and I can’t? Am I becoming something else, something that has no emotions? No, that’s not it. I still feel, I feel the love for my family and I feel their happiness and pain. Maybe, just, maybe somewhere deep inside I felt no sorrow for the monsters because I sent their spirits to a better place.

I met Erica as I entered the Fortress, she wanted me to go straight to see my new family but I wanted to wash the bloodstains from myself but I may never wash them from my soul. I washed and changed clothes and join Erica. She reached and held my hand, “Nova, you want believe how beautiful Chibi is and she’s so healthy. I reached our bedroom and I saw all the Sailor gathered round a small girl who looked to be around six years old. I knew the moment I saw her that she was Chibi, my baby. Ami was examining her so I went to my wife to comfort her. We talked for a minute and then I walked to the gathering around my baby. Chibi raised her hands to me, “Hold me, Daddy.” I lifted her in my arms and carried her to her mother. I laid her beside Mina and she told her that she was tired and just wanted to sleep. Chibi curled in Mina’s arms and she cradled her daughter’s to her breasts. All the Sailors kissed both Chibi and Mina and quietly made their way to their bedrooms. I gathered my loves in my arms and we drifted to sleep … as a family.

So ends Part 8, a new day have dawn where Nova must make a fateful choice. Stay tune for the search for the Cosmic Bane and what actually happened in the Shrine of Forever as Nova grasped the Cosmic Bane. Next time, Nova’s Tale Part 9, “Future Plans”, where the future will be decided.