Part Four: Decision and Danger
Sailor Pluto uncharacteristically breaks the
silence. "Sailor Animalia is a great warrior. She has used her
millennia alone on this island not only to teach the animal guides, but
also to train herself. She has mastered all forms of martial arts as well
as creating her own forms of fighting based on the actions of animals. She
also has expanded her mind by learning about all subjects. She could be a
great addition to our team."
"That's all great Pluto, " Jupiter
replied, "but I don't know how I feel about her reading my mind. Some
thoughts are meant to stay in your head."
"I think her telepathic abilities can be a
great tactical advantage," countered Uranus. "If she can get
close enough, she would be able to anticipate any attacks that an enemy
would use against us." Sailor Mercury now spoke, "Just imagine
the things she has learned and seen. She could be an invaluable source of
information."
Tuxedo Kamen added to Mercury's sentiments,
"Maybe she could train us like she has trained the animal guides.
With more training our powers and abilities would grow and we would be
able to easily defeat any enemy."
Now the young voice of Saturn could be heard,
"If Sailor Animalia has been called to Tokyo, then surely we have a
great battle before us. No matter what our fears, we must use her help and
guidance to our full advantage."
Sailor Moon had been very still and quiet from
the moment her ancestor's image had appeared above Animalia's staff. She
now spoke with regality and maturity in her voice, "It is settled. We
will accept Sailor Animalia and learn all that we can from her."
Suddenly a smile lighted her face and her voice
took its normal light-hearted tone, "Besides just think of all the
fun things we can show her like ice cream, shopping, and arcade
games."
With the decision made they all began to laugh
and their emotions grew very warm and light.
Animalia lay next to a cool brook. She runs
her long fingers through the clear, fresh water. Faunus asked, "Ani
how do you think they will react to your story?"
Animalia let out a small sigh. "I have
watched those princesses and prince since they were born in the Silver
Millennium and in their new lives in Tokyo. If I know them as well as I
think I do, they will earnestly discuss my presence until the future Queen
makes a decision. I believe Pluto will be my greatest ally in their
discussion because she knows more about me than any of the others. At
least in her position as the Guardian of the Gates of Time she understands
me better than anyone else can...well except for you Faunus." She
looked deep in his eyes for a moment and then quickly gazed back at the
water.
She moved her hand about in the water a few minutes longer until she felt
a sudden change in the moods of the senshi. She jumped up, "They have
made their decision Faunus. We must go to them."
Faunus took flight as Animalia ran to the tree line as fast as a wild
mustang. She then climbed up a tree like a jungle cat and disappeared
among the foliage.
The youths had barely composed themselves
after their fit of laughter when Animalia jumped down from a tree. She
bowed to them all. Sailor Moon stood up and quietly asked, "Please
Sailor Animalia do not bow anymore when you greet us. We are all sailor
soldiers and for me that makes us equal."
"As you wish Sailor Moon," Animalia
replied reluctantly. After a pause she continued, "I believe it is
time we return to Tokyo, our task here is finished. But first, do you have
any questions you would ask of me?"
As they all stood up, Venus asked, "Animalia
until today we knew nothing about you, but you seem to know much about us.
Why is that, if I may ask?"
"Do you remember the mirror the first Queen
created?" Venus nodded her head. "That mirror came
with me to this island. I will show it to you if you follow me."
The large group follows the jade-haired woman
along a short path to a clearing that resembled the place they had just
left. Here, however, there are only three large stones arranged in a large
triangle. Each of the rocks has been painted-one gray, one blue, and
one green. The mirror floated above the center of the triangle. It slowly
turned to face the senshi. It had triangles on each corner. One side of
each triangle was gray, one green, and one blue and in the middle of each
triangle is a jade inlay. As the group drew near to the mirror, its
surface changed from silver to a fuzzy image. The image cleared to reveal
Small Lady and Diana sleeping in a bed in Crystal Tokyo. Sailor Moon
touched the surface of the mirror where Chibiusa's face appeared. Animalia
explained, "I call this mirror my portal to the outside world. It can
show me anyone at any moment in time. It is here that I watched all of you
grow up."
Suddenly the image changed and Arachne filled the
mirror with horrible laughter. Sailor Moon jumped back in fear. Animalia
turned to the other senshi with alarm. "We must return to Tokyo
quickly. Arachne is preparing her next strike."