Part Two: Introductions and An Island
The jade-haired senshi kneels down with one
knee on the ground and bows her head before the other warriors. She
introduces herself in a strong, but reverent voice, "I am Sailor
Animalia, loyal servant of the Moon Kingdom. It is truly an honor to meet
the planetary princesses and the future queen and king."
The girls felt awkward being treated in such a
manner. Sailor Moon steps forward and asks the strange new senshi to
please stand up. Animalia does so reluctantly as Sailor Pluto steps
forward. "Why were you released from your island Animalia?"
The other senshi look at each other because they
do not understand what is going on between the two green-haired warriors.
Animalia replied with sympathy in her voice, "The future queen's mind
cried out with pain over the battles yet to come. I felt it was my duty to
come and help protect all of you and all senshi everywhere."
Sailor Uranus now stepped forward and demanded
that Pluto and Animalia explain themselves and their actions. Animalia
again addresses the group, " Please be patient. In two days time,
after you have all rested from this battle, I will come to the home of
Sailor Mars and reveal my past. All of your questions will be answered.
Now please continue your celebration and send Small Lady home with a final
memory of laughter not of battle and concern."
The mysterious senshi then bowed and jumped into
the trees where she disappeared from view.
On the appointed day, Mamoru and the girls sat
outside waiting for Setsuna and Sailor Animalia. Luna remarked that
Animalia seemed familiar somehow just as Setsuna entered the garden area.
A young woman who looked about 20 followed close behind Setsuna. This
woman had long jade-colored hair pulled up in a pony-tail that perfectly
matched her jade eyes. Phobos and Deimos flew down and perched on her
shoulders as if they somehow knew her. The woman quietly spoke, "Good
afternoon, my name is Hyakujuuno Kouken. I am a student researcher at the
university that Setsuna currently attends."
Rei's faithful black birds suddenly returned to
their posts in a nearby tree as the gray owl from the previous battle
swooped down from the sky and landed atop Kouken's arm. Their eyes all
grew wide as they realized that this woman must be Sailor Animalia. The
owl broke the silence and in a voice tempered with eloquence said,
"My name is Faunus and I am the loyal animal guide of Sailor
Animalia."
Hotaru gasped, "He can talk like Luna and
Artemis!"
At this Kouken finally smiled, "Yes, these
animals are of similar destinies."
Michiru finally posed the question that was on
all their minds, "Please, Kouken, will you now tell us who you are
and why you are here?"
Kouken straightened her posture and again adopted
a serious face. "My story is long so, if it pleases your highnesses,
I will show you where it all began so many millennia ago. Sailor Pluto has
agreed to help me open a large portal to my island of Faunalina. All will
be explained there, but first we must all transform for the journey."
The group nodded in agreement and pulled out
their transformation items. Out of curiosity, however, they all paused to
watch the new sailor transform. Kouken sensed this and so she transformed
first. She held out a brooch made of jade that was shaped like an eye. She
called out, "Animalia Jade Eye Power, Make Up!"
Suddenly three ribbons-one gray, one green, and
one blue-burst forth from the stone. The blue ribbon took the form of a
whale and curved around her feet leaving tall boots behind. The green
ribbon quickly followed by becoming a wolf that surrounded her hips and
became her skirt. The gray ribbon completed the fuku by taking the form of
two eagles that formed her bows. She stood in front of the other soldiers
with her staff in hand and waited for them to transform as well. When the
transformations were complete, Pluto and Animalia raised their staffs and
pointed towards an open area in the garden. Pluto then spoke, "Gates
of time open your doors to allow these warriors of justice passage to the
Faunalina."
The garnet orb glowed brightly and suddenly a
portal appeared. The eye that sits upon Animalia's staff then emitted a
green ray of light into the portal. "Please follow this light to the
hidden island."
Together, they all entered the dark passageway
and followed the light. As they stepped out of the passageway they floated
above a vast blue ocean. Animalia and Faunus took the lead. "Please
do not be frightened. That island engulfed in fog is my home
Faunalina."
The group flew down to the sandy shore of this
island. As they all turned and took in the beautiful view an enormous
dragon with teal scales and a purple belly surrounded them with his
serpent-like body. Sailor Moon screamed in fear and jumped behind Tuxedo
Kamen. The other girls all took defensive stances, except Animalia. She
walked to the dragon's head and petted it lovingly. She looked into its
red eyes and telepathically told him these are friends. The great beast
released the soldiers as the jade-haired woman spoke, "This is Nyxus
a dragon who guards the shores of this island. He will not harm you."
Sailor Jupiter commented, "I thought dragons
were just myths. I didn't think they really existed."
Animalia replied with a smile, "You have
seen Pegasus, who was also thought to be a myth. Did you not think other
myths could in fact be true? This island is home to a sample of every
creature and plant that has ever existed or that will exist. Think of it
as the ultimate wildlife preserve."
Sailor Mars now spoke, "How did you make
Nyxus release us?"
Animalia replied, "I was given the ability to speak with animals
telepathically, but please no more questions here. I will answer
everything very soon. Faunus, please bring our guests to the meeting place
using the scenic route. I will go ahead with Nyxus to prepare that
place."
She then turned toward the jungle at the edge of
the beach and stared at the trees. Suddenly the ground shook as five white
elephants emerged from the trees. Animalia then jumped on Nyxus and sat
just behind his head. She turned and nodded to Faunus and then the great
beast and his rider suddenly disappeared into the trees.