Queen Serenity and her two advisors, Luna and Artemis waited for Pluto in the throne room. The queen sat on a throne made of diamond, silver and white marble, Artemis at her right, and Luna at her left.
The floor was also marble. And the pillars made of diamond. Except for silver and white, and some pale blue and gray, there was no other color in the gigantic room. The only sound in the room came from the two fountains which stood at either end. Other than that, the room was absolutely quiet.
Before long, a figure appeared and walked toward the throne. Not even her footsteps could be heard, despite the hard marble floor. The girl was dressed in black and garnet.
Queen Serenity had never viewed her before, of course, except for once, as a small infant. She had never seen a face quite so expressionless before. This girl was so different from her own daughter, Princess Serenity. Different from the ones being trained to be the princess's guardians, as well.
Although the majority of Plutonians were very introverted, the queen knew, this girl seemed as though there was no feeling in her. And of course, that was just how they had wanted to be.
The girl stopped and kneeled before the queen, waiting to be addressed.
The queen smiled.
"Pluto."she greeted with a smile.
The girl stood up and nodded.
"Welcome to the Moon Palace, Pluto."
Pluto nodded once more.
"Did you have a pleasant trip?"asked Artemis cheerfully.
"My trip could hardly have been otherwise, sir."answered Pluto, nodding respectfully in Artemis's direction.
"I'm glad. I suppose…you're happy to leave Solaria and officially become the Guardian of the Gate of Time?"
"There is no reason for me to be unhappy, sir. Becoming the Guardian of the Gate of Time is what I have been groomed for all my life."
Queen Serenity, Luna and Artemis seemed at a loss at what to say.
"Do you know why you have been sent here, Pluto?"asked Queen Serenity.
"I have been sent here to receive the final instructions needed to fulfill my duty. Coming to the Moon is necessary for the completion of my training as Guardian of the Gates of Time."
"Of course, but would you like to rest a bit? Have some refreshment?"
Pluto stared, as though such an idea was completely novel to her. She had not come here for rest or refreshment. She had come to receive instructions. Yet she shouldn't be disrespectful to the queen.
The girl showed nothing of her dilemma, but simply remained silent. The queen sighed.
Finally, she stood, taking a rod, which had been resting beside the throne, behind Artemis, and walked toward Pluto. The queen also took a set of keys from the same spot where the rod had stood.
She handed the keys to Pluto.
"I entrust you the keys to the Fourth Dimenion, Pluto."she said.
Pluto nodded, took the keys, and tied the belt around her waist, just as she had been instructed to.
Next, Queen Serenity held out the Garnet Rod.
"I entrust you the Garnet Rod"
Pluto took the Garnet Rod from the queen.
"Now, I must convey to you, the Three Taboos. Pluto,"she continued. "you are Guardian of the Gate of Time, the warrior of time and space. There are three taboos that must not be broken. First, time travel must not be allowed. Second, you must not leave your post, this door you must guard. And third…Pluto…"
The queen seemed to hesitate.
"Yes, Queen Serenity."Pluto spoke.
"The third taboo…You must never stop time. With your Garnet Rod, you have the power to move time and space. But no matter what happens you mustn't stop time. If you should break this taboo…Pluto, if you break that you will destroy yourself."
Pluto nodded at the queen's statement.
"I only seek to fulfill my duty to you, to the galaxy, Your Majesty."she answered, respectfully.
The queen gave her a small, warm smile. Pluto stared, fascinated, or repulsed, she wasn't sure which. She had never seen anyone smile before.
Pluto froze, as the queen put a hand on her cheek. She must allow nothing to show on her face, or in her voice. But she couldn't help but be aware of the warm hand on her cheek.
"You may now go to your post."sighed the queen.
Pluto nodded, and turned away.