The Burden of the Sailor Guardian
Sailor Pluto took a deep breath, inhaling the aroma around her. Though there was no distinct smell in the air, the Sailor Guardian found it relaxing to take in slow, deep breaths. It made her feel at peace with the white abyss that was surrounding her. She breathed in and out, in and out. My breath flows through my body just like the way time flows through the universe—always constant, never stopping.
And as if to elaborate on her flowy thought, a gentle breeze picked up. At first Pluto thought nothing of it, but then she began to hear a whooshing sound. Startled, the Sailor Guardian broke out of her calm trance, quickly becoming quite alert. However, as she listened, the sound started to become more and more familiar to her. And suddenly, she realized what it was. He's coming back.
Pluto exhaled, and saw a blue box begin to materialize in front of her. The whooshing sound continued as the box became more and more visible. A small smile formed on Pluto's face, a wave of nostalgia washing over her. It's been a while since I've last seen the Doctor.
Once the box fully appeared, the whooshing sound stopped. The doors to the Tardis opened, and Pluto watched as a skinny man wearing a blue suit and brown overcoat stepped out. He smiled at the Sailor Guardian and began to walk towards her. Pluto could feel her heart pounding with excitement as she saw the Doctor coming into view.
However, as he got closer, Pluto could tell something was wrong. He didn't have the same skip in his step that he usually did. The glimmer in his eyes was dimmed, and he looked older, more tired.
''Pluto,'' the Doctor said, once he walked up to her, ''how are you?''
''I am well, Doctor,'' Pluto replied in a gentle tone, ''how are you?''
''Couldn't be better,'' he said, in a surprisingly cheery manner. ''So, how's it going up here? Seems pretty quiet, no?''
''It's been peaceful here for a little over a year now. I've been grateful for the long lasting serenity.''
''Ah yes, very good.'' the Doctor responded. ''Peace and tranquility. Those are always good things.'' He put his hands in his coat pockets, and gazed upwards at the Gates of Time. ''But doesn't it get boring out here?'' he asked. ''If nothing is going on, I mean?''
Pluto chuckled. ''You ask me the same thing all the time Doctor. I find ways to cope with that, just like you do.''
The Doctor nodded, a small wave of silence falling over the two. Then Pluto cleared her throat and said ''I'd like to thank you, for coming to see me. You know I don't get visitors here very often.''
''Aw, it's the least I could do.'' the Doctor said, eyeing Pluto with a twinkling gaze. ''Visiting an old friend is always a pleasure.''
''I suppose it is.'' she replied with a smile. But despite the Time Lord's cheery attitude, Pluto could still sense something was off with him. ''Tell me,'' she started, ''is there any other reason why you chose to visit here today, or are did you just come to see how I was?''
''Nope, I just came to see you.'' he said quickly.
''Doctor,'' she continued, ''the reason I ask is because it seemed as if something was…amiss when you first came out of the Tardis.''
The Doctor narrowed his eyes and scratched his head. ''Really? Well, I haven't been here in a while, so it could have been from me getting used to the atmosphere. Or maybe when the Tardis landed, it caused a geographical shift in the-''
''Well, I didn't mean it like that. I meant something seemed off with…you.''
''Really? How so?'' The Doctor questioned.
''Well, I don't know, you seemed…drained. More so then I've ever seen you. And I just sensed this sadness, this weariness when you walked up to me. It's as if you've been carrying this huge weight with you. Is it because…''
''Because what?''
Pluto bit her lip. ''Because you've lost someone?
''Her name was Donna.'' The Doctor stated plainly, a faraway look in his eyes. ''She was marvelous, one of a kind. Brilliant, even.''
''I'm so sorry,'' Pluto said, dropping her head slightly. ''I shouldn't have-''
''You've nothing to be sorry for.'' the Doctor condoled. ''Life goes on, things happen, people come and go. That's why you've got to make the most of every moment.'' Pluto looked back up at the Doctor as he finished his sentence, a sad smile on his face. ''Even this moment.''
Then suddenly, it hit Pluto. She wasn't sure whether it was the Doctor's worn facial expression, or the tone of his voice that made her realize it, but suddenly his purpose for coming visit her became crystal clear. As if on impulse, she extended her left hand outwards and touched his check ''Oh Doctor,'' Pluto exclaimed, her voice full of sorrow, ''don't tell me that this is the last time I'm going to see this face.''
''You were always a smart one Pluto.'' the Doctor replied. ''That's why I like you so much.''
Pluto closed her eyes, and she could practically see the Doctor's clock winding down to its final hours. His song was ending…and regeneration would soon come upon him.
''So, '' Pluto began, bringing her hand back down to her side ''this is your…goodbye?''
''Well, not goodbye.'' the Doctor said. 'I'll come back, you know. I'm just not sure when.''
''But you won't look like this.''
The Doctor took a step forward, furrowing his brows. ''I know what you're thinking, but it won't be like that. When I come back, I'll still be me. The Time Lord, traveling in his blue box, going across the universe. You know that Pluto, better than anyone.''
You'll have a different face, but the same soul, The Sailor Guardian silently thought. ''Then I suppose this is just…farewell for now?''
''If you'd…like it to be.'' the Doctor murmured.
Pluto nodded. ''I'll miss you, Doctor.''
''Likewise, Pluto. But I'll be back again.'' They glanced at each other for another moment, each exchanging small smiles. Then the Doctor turned around and started going back towards the Tardis.
A lump formed in Pluto's throat as she watched him walk away. She knew that his regeneration would occur soon. In fact, she knew the real reason he came back was so she could see him one last time in his current form. He really is so kind, Pluto thought, all the way until the end.
But she also knew that she could help him. She knew she could travel with him, protect him, and perhaps even prevent the event that would trigger his regeneration from happening. Yet, she stood in her spot and watched as the Tardis disappeared, the whooshing sound gradually getting fainter and fainter.
And though Pluto wished with all her heart that in some way she could change the events of time to aid the Doctor, she couldn't. She was Sailor Pluto, Guardian of Time and Space. Her job was to make sure no one altered with the fabric of time, even if it was for the better. She couldn't change anything, no matter how badly she wanted too. That was the burden of the Sailor Guardian.