Not long after Ian's attack on the twins...
Elena teleported over to Jaxyn and frowned. "Dad, are you okay?"
"I'll be fine... How is Neptune?" Jaxyn asked.
"It's not the same without you, but... I'm managing," Elena replied, smiling slightly.
"Good. Remember... We are the first line of defense... Take good care of the planet, kiddo."
Elena's smile faded and she nodded seriously. "I will... Get better soon."
She gave him a quick hug then disappeared.
Jaxyn smiled slightly then closed his eyes, wincing...
The day Neptune was attacked...
Elena crossed her arms, walking in. "What are you two doing?"
Val turned towards her. "Who are you?"
"I am Elena, planet guardian of Neptune and currently in charge. Why are you taking my citizens away?" Elena demanded.
"We are saving your people from a great destruction," Teresa explained.
Elena laughed slightly. "Neptune is heavily fortified. We can handle it."
"Battleships are coming to destroy Neptune, and the people within them are being manipulated by a planet guardian named Monica. We cannot fight innocent people roped into her bidding-" Val tried to explain.
"My father gave me a responsibility to protect this planet. I would hate to fight innocent people, but are you suggesting I just let my planet die? Would you sit by and watch your own planet die without trying to stop the destroyers?" Elena demanded.
"I...don't know... But your people are in danger, and the people in that ship... They are friends," Val frowned.
"If they are your friends, tell them to stand down," Elena argued.
Val hesitated then sighed. "I...can try..."
Val disappeared.
Teresa glanced at Elena. "I've never heard of you before."
Elena sighed. "Not many have, except our people. And who are you two?"
"My name is Teresa, and my sister is Valentina. We are planet guardians of Rybrospo," she explained.
"Ah, the new planet near Earth... Interesting. So, what gives you the right to meddle in my affairs? I don't see my uncle coming to evacuate the planet. What gives you the right-?" Elena began.
Teresa began to realize this was futile and, without Val's permission, manipulated Elena's mind. She was strong-willed, so it was difficult, but Teresa managed to convince her to agree with Val.
Val came back and sighed. "They said if they refuse the orders, Monica will blow up the ships..."
"Well, if your friends are in danger, you're right. It'd be better to avoid any casualties," Elena said slowly, trying to fight against her words. "Neptune! We are evacuating to Rybrospo, effective immediately. This isn't a drill."
Teresa smirked slightly and helped Val and Elena evacuate the planet.
Teresa snapped her out of it after there was no going back. Elena watched from a distance with tears in her eyes as the planet was finally destroyed.
"What...what did I do...?" Elena whispered in distress.
"Elena, I'm so sorry-" Val began, frowning.
Elena turned away and disappeared.
Elena ran over to Nick and cried in his shoulder. "Nick, it was awful.... I don't know what came over me, but I just let it die... We got everyone out, but dad is going to kill me!"
"Dad isn't going to kill you," Nick reassured her. "You protected everyone, including the attackers. Our next goal must be to liberate the planet so this Monica's pursuits cannot continue. You were put in an impossible situation, yet no lives were lost. Neptune can be replaced, but the people who lived there and the people under a corrupt planet guardian's control cannot."
"I-I guess you're right, but... He will still be mad that the planet was destroyed..." Elena said, sniffing.
"Maybe, but he'll get over it," Nick reassured. "Everything will be okay."
"...and so...that's what happened," Elena finished quietly, fidgeting nervously with her hands.
"I...can't believe Neptune is gone..." Jaxyn said quietly.
Elena lowered her head. "I can't either... I'm so sorry, dad."
"No, I... Maybe in the past, I would've destroyed the ships anyway, but... The people were innocent. The worst I would've done was teleport them back where they came from, or put up a forcefield... But you protected the people. That's not a bad thing. I can make a new Neptune one day... I'd actually like to relocate it anyway, closer to my fianceé."
"But...what about being the first line of defense?" Elena asked, surprised.
"I'm over it," Jaxyn shrugged. "I'd rather be closer to my future wife and family now. Let another planet be the 'defender.'"
Elena slowly nodded. "Oh, um...okay..."
"I'm also just glad that you're okay, Elena... Skyler and I don't have the strength to help you right now, so... Be careful," Jaxyn said in concern.
"I'll try..." Elena said quietly. "Get better soon, dad."
"Where are you going? You could stay here with us-" Jaxyn began.
"I'll be with Nick," Elena interrupted. "Let me know if you need anything, and... Get well soon, dad."
Jaxyn nodded. "I'll try."
Elena smiled slightly and disappeared.
