Sailor Helga Prequel - Arnold and Helga's Past in the Future [COMPLETED]

Chapter 5

The guard steadied himself as the pink-haired teenager approached.

"Who are you?" he demanded.

"I'm the Princess of the Eastern Kingdom," said the teenager. "I demand that you let me pass."

"Eastern Kingdom...?" the guard frowned and raised his weapon. "Impossible! Do you have any idea how far that place is? You're bluffing!"

"So you need proof?" asked the girl. "Very well..." She closed her eyes to concentrate. Suddenly, a pink gem in the shape of a lotus flower emerged from out of her chest, appearing in front of her. Her clothes transformed from its schoolgirl uniform to a sleeveless white gown with gold trim. A glowing mark in the shape of a crescent moon appeared on her forehead.

Shocked, the guard fell to his knees, speechless.

"I hope this suffices as evidence," said the girl. She changed back to her civilian garb, and the crescent moon and crystal vanished as soon as it came. She walked by the guard with the grey kitten in her hand, the black cat following close behind.

"It's true...the rumours are true!" the guard said to himself. He stood up and left his post, running towards the bustling core of the city.

"Why won't you listen to me?!" said Arnold, as Bridgette dragged him down the corridor toward the castle entrance. "Can't you just take five seconds to listen what I have to say?"

Bridgette sighed. "Look, kid – what's your name again?"

"It's Arnold."

"Right. Arnold – I know you want to get to know the princess. I get it; she's alone in the world and you think that by offering your friendship she'll come around and be a normal, adjusted girl. But you've got to understand: it's just not that simple."

"That's not why I'm here at all!"

Bridgette stopped and knelt so that she was eye level with Arnold. "I'm sure you're a great boy and all, and I really don't want to see anything bad happen to you. But I guarantee there's nothing you can tell me that was worth risking your life coming here again."

"Bridge!" Gerald came running down the corridor to meet Bridgette and Arnold.

Bridgette frowned. "I told you not to call me that when we're on duty, Gerald!" she hissed.

"Sorry....Lady Bridgette, I've been informed of a planned attack on Last Haste, and they intend to target the princess."

"Really? Who was your source?"

Gerald opened his mouth to respond, but then noticed Arnold beside Bridgette. "You....! It was him!"

"What?" Bridgette looked at Arnold sternly. "Why didn't you tell us?!"

Arnold raised his hands in exasperation. "That's the whole reason why I'm here! And anyway, you said it wouldn't matter what I said!"

"That's totally different!" countered Bridgette. "We've got to get the princess to a safe place."

"Ahem," said a voice. All eyes turned to see the pink-haired girl with the two cats standing in front to them.

"Gerald, why is no one guarding the front gate?" asked Bridgette.

"I'm not sure. I left the other guard there when I came to talk to you."

"Who are you?" demanded Bridgette.

"I am the Princess of the Eastern Kingdom," replied the girl.

"The Eastern Kingdom...you mean Crystal Tokyo?"

The girl nodded. "You may call me Small Lady."

"No way..." Gerald said under his breath.

Bridgette was nonplussed. "With all due respect, Small Lady, why are you here?"

"I came to retrieve Dr. Phoebe Heyerdahl," said Small Lady. "Crystal Tokyo has rescinded its support of its collaboration with Last Haste and wishes to take her back immediately."

"Rescinded its support...why would it change its mind so suddenly?"

"Apparently, Last Haste was deemed a less than stable nation. Crystal Tokyo would like to re-assess a few matters before we agree to any future projects."

"How dare you...you take that back!" The comment had rankled Gerald, who involuntarily raised his weapon in defense.

"Johanssen, put your arms down this instant!" ordered Bridgette. Embarrassed, he had no choice to comply. She then looked to Small Lady and gave a conciliatory bow. "Forgive me, your Highness."

"Who is in charge here?" asked Small Lady. "I wish to speak directly to the King and Queen."

Arnold and Gerald looked at each other. "Actually, I am in charge," said Bridgette.

Small Lady regarded her coolly. "So YOU'RE the member of the Royal family that teaches your guards to act so poorly?"

Gerald winced.

"No...actually, I'm the regent. I speak on behalf of the Princess because she can't yet speak for herself."

"I still wish to see her," insisted Small Lady, and she brushed past the group and walked ahead before turning to look back. "Well? I demand that I be shown to her."

Gerald bristled, but Bridgette held him back. "I'll go get the Princess. When we're ready, please bring Small Lady to the Royal Garden."

"Well, what about him?" Gerald motioned with his head to Arnold, who was still taking in all the royal intrigue.

"You leave him with me."

"What?" Gerald and Arnold said simultaneously.

Bridgette pulled Arnold aside. "Well, you're here now. You want to get to know the Princess? Soon you'll get your chance."