Ford1114's A/N: Hey readers, so this short chapter will have some new character interactions. Let's find out.
Kanius' A/N: Yeah as my colleague stated, this will probably be one of the shortest chapters this story has. Maybe the shortest entry. Why? Because this will focus on just two characters. One is Sailor Pluto and another whose identity to be established in this chapter (those who've read Shinnen: New Year might know who it is already, haha!). This was originally going to be a two-part POV chapter (the other being Ford/Skogul/Sigrun/Gondul focused), but due to time constraints, I decided to scrap one half and opted to focus on the Canon/OC character pairing.
Anyway, not to bore you any further. Let's get on with the chapter!
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(Cue Sailor Moon R OST - Sailor Pluto's Theme)
"My name is Setsuna Meioh, otherwise known to my colleagues as Sailor Pluto. I am also the Guardian of Time.
I am glad to see my friends and cohorts participating in these multi-dimension journeys. Despite my part in informing my friends about this situation, I returned to my station to carry out my time watcher duties, until I am required for a mission. I am expected to join my fellow Senshi on a dimension mission soon.
Sadly, I sit here in solitude. Unlike my friends' eventual futures, I'm left with Homura as my recent exchange student and preparing Skogul & Hina to become my successors. I rarely have enough time for any free time as far back as my childhood.
I heard Skogul, Sigrun, Alec, and Gondul have given Ford a tour of our dimension as the five have gone to just only one dimension: the world based on the Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole. After that, they returned home to rest. Ford also has plans to take the group of Metas called the West Coasters for a mission or two.
I do not even have a standard life of over 10,000 years since my whole existence. I was both born and raised to be a time guardian by my parents: Lord Chronos, my father, and Ananke, the first Sailor Pluto and mother.
Even when I was once reincarnated as a college student and lived with Hotaru, Haruka, & Michiru in a house, it was still never enough to feel truly free.
As I sit here, I feel truly alone. Where should I go besides sitting on a silver chair?"
(End theme)
As she blinked thrice, Sailor Pluto snapped out of her trance-like state. She returned to the reality of being stuck in an endless white space where only thick clouds shrouded the outer boundaries and tall double doors stood right in front of her. She remembered where she had always been for an undetermined amount of time.
To her, it seemed more than thousands of years of passing. But, in this realm, time didn't exist. Pluto had certain rules she must follow. Though the taboo of being able to time stop was lifted since her reincarnation, she still had other rules to adhere to.
Thankfully with her training Skogul, she found a suitable substitute who could stand in her place and guard the gates should she be summoned for a mission.
But, now she longed for a break from her duties.
No, she longed for someone who could keep her company in an empty realm.
She felt envy and jealousy for her friends, who had all the freedom outside the time room. This included her fellow Sailor Senshi.
Gripping her staff, Pluto pressed a hand on her chest and closed her eyes. She wished for anyone to appear. Be it the now grown-up 'Small Lady', her successor Valkyrie Skogul, or Hina Inuki/Sailor Gao Pluto, daughter of her old acquaintance Okami and her Pluto title successor.
"Anyone, just anyone will do. I don't care who. I just desire for company, and perhaps freedom."
xxxxx
(Cue Birthday Massacre – Trinity)
xxxxx
Cross Generations
Arc I: Dimension Missions
Chapter IV: Temporal Companionships
xxxxx
Gates of Time
(Cue Birthday Massacre – Under the Stairs)
At the Gates of Time surrounded by white emptiness, Sailor Pluto stood still by one's lonesome, counting the days of eventual retirement; however long that will take. The vast white ceiling showed many images that took place in a 'shared parallel universe' that she and a few watchers observed.
Despite the solitude, she had to endure, being a Guardian of Time had its perks. She was able to communicate with a being known as Cosmos, aka the Lady in White, and have access to view events in other parallel dimensions within the Nexus.
There was one dimension that caught her attention: that 'shared parallel universe' known as the Corner Universe, a dimension where every fictional and pop culture character co-existed under one roof.
On the left side, a screen showed a Halloween party that took place in a fancy dinner theater club in Manhattan, NYC. The club, called the House of Madoka, was owned by the Puella Magical Girls. At this event, many heroes, villains, and other characters hung out. Then. it showed various battles of the heroes fighting the villains. Such notable events included: Madoka/Homura/TOM (Toonami's host)/Sailor Saturn/Mr. Popo vs Millenniummon, Pluto, and Charon. Pluto and Charon were dressed as Puella women and fighting one another. Other battles included Kirito vs. Akadean Arago, Dramon X and GranDracmon squaring off in a guitar rock contest, Ginyumon switching bodies with Sailor Uranus, and the final battle of Puella Pluto and heroes vs. Paradais duo (Puella Chaos-Reaper & ZeedMillenniummon Rajita Mode). The chain of events reached its climax when Pluto became Tempus Pluto and became hailed as a hero. It also showed Pluto having that dance with a 'mystery man'. There are dialogues heard.
Madoka (Corner) gave a big smile to their savior, "Wow, Sailor Pluto! You were the best defeating these baddies!"
"You were great out there, Pluto." Sailor Moon (Corner) said with admiration.
Pluto (Corner) then turns to the five magical girls, "And thank you, Puellas. I couldn't have done this without you and the Incubator."
On the middle and right sides showed a New Year's Eve celebration in the outside open world of Manhattan with many diverse characters enjoying their livelihoods. During this event, Pluto and the 'mystery man' were reunited. The 'mystery man' revealed himself as John Smith, whose real identity was Volodramon. Their meeting was cut short when the League of Extraordinary Da'ath attacked. Pluto and John decided to work together to stop this evil organization.
Many battles from this New Years Eve event were shown. The most notable ones included: the Digimon Fusion Kai and Dragon Ball characters, along with a man named Takeru Cage, teamed up to face the Time Breakers and Shadow Dragons (with scenes showing Omega Shenron Darkness Mode and Mr. Popo reverting to Dumplin), Avengers/Guardians of the Galaxy vs. Thanos/Ultron/Ultron Sentries, Valmarmon/Gamera/Arago vs. Slattern, an Indominus rex roaring, Yugi/Jaden/Yusei/Yuma/Yuya vs Paradox/Zealoss/Grapplo/Dragoon and later their combined form called Numerrox Truth Dragon, Skogul and Geirskogul fighting for Ford, Kirito/Sinon vs Death Gun, Rexy the T. rex and Blue the Velociraptor tearing down GHQ Anti-Bodies before heading to the UN Headquarters, Thor & Loki (MCU)/Thor (YYGDM) vs. Loki (YYGDM in his Lord of Realms and Dragon Form), Skuld defeating Oberon, Pluto and Charon's group vs. Keido/White Magician and 999 Magician Type 0 Clones, the furious battle of Canon!Ayase (Crimson Ayase) vs. Canon!Mana (Transcendent Mana), Canon!Shu/Kirito/Asuna vs. Canon!Gai and his wyvern form, Rexy vs Spinosaurus, United Forces vs Inkarnierte Mana and her two Transcendent Mana clones, Canon!Ayase delivered the killing blow to Canon!Mana, and the final battle of the United Forces led by Pluto and Charon vs. a being of fictional comprehension named Zeed X and his forces (including a brief glimpse of Houou Mars vs Yami Houou). A big celebration at the Manhattan concert showed Pluto giving her final performance before retiring as an active character and relieving herself from time guardian duties. Once again, there are dialogues heard.
Takeru Cage recapped, "It's been two stories in a row you've been the big heroine. You saved the House of Madoka and just now helped save the Cornerverse from Zeed X."
Sailor Pluto (Corner) felt deeply modest, "Well, I can't take all the credit for Zeed X's defeat. My sister and her husband defeated him."
"Good evening, everyone, and thank you all for being here on the first day of the New Year. For the final performance, I will be singing a song I know the Chosen from Adventure are familiar with." Setsuna (Corner) eyes on Mimi (DF-616/Corner) and the Mimi (YYGDM/Corner) in the crowds, "This goes to my shared voice characters…" She then turns to her friends and associates, "And all those close to me. And for all those who willingly saved this universe from my nephew and his League of Un-extraordinary Da'ath."
Sharon (Corner) tapped the bubble containing LK!Yuu (Corner), "Hear that, you little bastard?! She told you!"
Setsuna (Corner) smiled and put a medal around Canon!Shu's (Corner) neck, "You've earned your place with heroes, Ouma Shu. Thank you."
As these visuals closed off, Sailor Pluto felt her heart being tugged. With her hands shaking, Pluto tightened her grip around her staff. A tear fell from her eye.
"Why am I crying?" Pluto wondered, wiping the tear that fell down her left cheek. "I know that was supposed to be me, but no she's not me. I am here. She might've retired from her position, but does that mean I'll eventually follow in her steps? And that man..." She closed her eyes and pictured that man known as John Smith. "Was he able to persuade her to retire from her position? Who is he? And why does he have his face?"
Yes, she does know him. No, she didn't know this John Smith that her Corner counterpart met. It was the face and identity this man had taken on. He assumed the outward identity of that man. This man went by many aliases. Some fleeting. There was only one other man who used John Smith as an alias. He had been called by a slew of various nicknames by different companions. One that stood out the most was the Oncoming Storm.
She is the only one who has seen this man's incarnations. Up to now, he's probably passed his tenth regeneration cycle.
So, to see this John Smith character with the face of this man unsettled her.
(End theme)
She, under abated breath, muttered this name. "Doctor, that can't be you. The last you came here, you didn't have that face anymore. Then again, I should already know." As she turned away to resume her duties, her ears picked up on the familiar sound of... wheezing and groaning.
Pluto spun around as she noticed a familiar police box materializing and solidifying from thin air. What auspicious timing she thought. In fact, it was almost too good to be true. It was as if he heard her pleas.
A smile adorned the woman's features but then faded as something seemed off about this box. It was the blue police box she had been accustomed to. Instead, this one had a dull gray as if the blue faded away. This box also had a bunch of '0's and '1's, all in white, inscribed, and smeared all over this box. These were binary code, a telltale sign that this was from a digitized plane of existence. It was likely from a Digital World that somehow ended up in her realm.
It looks so much like the TARDIS! Doctor, can it be you? Or, could this be a trick? Pluto thought, but relied on her own instincts and stormed toward this TARDIS. She saw the crack of the door open as white light leaked out.
Pluto withdrew her eyes from the shining flash of light. She barely opened them to make out a shadow belonging to a man. She once again muttered his name.
"Doctor."
(Cue Doctor Who OST – The 10th Doctor/David Tennant Theme)
The mysterious figure answered, waving his hand through the mist shrouding the realm. "Who's there?" He heard Pluto call to him. "That name... no. I can see why you'd call me that, but..." He walked through the thick mist and approached ever closer to Sailor Pluto. "...I am not that man. I am not the Doctor, though when you see me you'll think it's him."
"I don't understand... then you're... not..." Pluto paused as the man stepped through and waved the mist away. Her eyes fell on the man, whose face was the Tenth Doctor's. "No, it can't be... but that face..."
The man, wearing the Tenth Doctor's face, coughed. "I can understand your confusion, but let me assure you..." Before he could finish, Pluto raised her staff to his face. He raised his hands and pleaded. "Now, let me explain!"
However, Pluto's features became fierce and kept her staff pointed to his head.
"Stop right there. You've trespassed into a forbidden domain and you dare imitate his appearance?" Pluto furrowed her brows, pushing him away using her staff. "If you don't leave, I'll..."
"Please, let me explain!"
"...be forced to exercise my right to terminate you for intruding this domain. But, most of all for posing as that man. There's but one Doctor!"
"Yes, I know it's not what it looks like... I'm not the Doctor, but I can explain why I have his likeness!"
Pluto rushed the man and swung her staff. He narrowly dodged out of her reach, but Pluto spun around and kicked him in the back. He fell to his knees. The next thing he saw was Pluto's Garnet Orb glowing with life.
"Please, if you'll allow me to explain."
"You have but 30 seconds. After that and you shall cease, imposter."
"Ok, first off, I apologize for taking on the likeness of the Doctor...!" He cringed, looking Pluto dead in her fierce glare. If looks could kill, he'd already been dead and vaporized under her feet. "Question, how much does the Doctor mean to you?"
"What does it matter to you? If you've taken his face, what have you done to him? And what have you done to the TARDIS?!"
"I haven't done any harm to him if you're asking... in fact, he and I met! We happened to be involved in some escapade when we met! I... I gained his face as a result of a freak accident! But, fear not, your friend is fine! It's I who drew the short stick!" The Doctor lookalike openly pleaded to the Time Guardian.
Pluto slowly pulled her staff back. "The Doctor is fine?"
"Yes."
"What sort of freak accident did you suffer?"
"Well, can't you tell? This face? It's not really mine."
"Go on."
"His Time Lord blood got encrypted with my data. Some evil-doer attempted to create a perfect life form combining DNA and data. That blind fool didn't realize he was extracting blood from a Time Lord and data from a Digimon..."
(End theme)
Upon hearing this, Pluto's mouth went agape and fell into a brief state of bewilderment.
"I take it from that expression you know what a Digimon is?"
"From the world I'm from, Digimon are commonplace and I've fought alongside young people who utilize partner Digimon for battles."
"I see. So, you're from that world," the man said, keeping a constant gaze at Pluto, but attempting not to fight back. "Dimension YYGDM-01, correct?"
"Yes, but how do you...?"
"Lord Ancientmon has shown and told me all I need to know."
(Cue Doctor Who OST – Not the Doctor)
The Time Guardian withdrew her staff and gasped. "Ancientmon?"
"He's the God to Millenniummon's Devil if you want to be specific. I'm his top ranking soldier, Volodramon," he stood while introducing himself. "Well, was before I gained this new form."
"You're truly a Digimon?"
"Correct despite my outward appearance as you can plainly see," he grinned, revealing an all white smile. His resemblance to the Tenth Doctor was uncanny. His voice, mannerisms, and smile were just like him.
Pluto walked up and closely examined Volodramon. He stood still while she looked up and down over him. As she got close, she pinched both his cheeks and examined his boyish-looks charms. She got behind and lifted up the back of his coat using her staff.
"There's nothing remotely Digimon about you."
"Well, yes, like I've already explained, but I still bleed data. If you wish, I can demonst..."
"No, you can show me later, Volodramon."
"Or, you could address me as John Smith if you prefer...?"
Sailor Pluto whirled right in front of John and leaned toward his face suspiciously.
"Yes, I've seen you before."
"You have?"
"Yes, you were with another me."
"I was?"
Pluto nodded. "I've recently observed events in a parallel universe where you and I met. I had assumed it was me teaming with the Doctor, but apparently, it couldn't have been him. It had to be someone else, like you. And he's since changed his face, I'd know you're not him because I don't sense that connection he and I have when I see you."
"Time Room. A Time Guardian with long, green hair and exotic dark skin. A well-mannered woman sitting in an endless space in solitude. Has a staff that resembles a key. Yes, you're her. Yes, the Doctor told me about you! You're Sailor Pluto, Guardian of the Time Gates!" John smacked himself for not remembering the Doctor told him. "Before we parted ways, he asked me to see you! His request was to come to see you and to keep you in good company!"
Pluto blinked twice as John pulled something out of his pocket. He held a Sonic Screwdriver, which was one the Tenth Doctor once used.
She gasped seeing the familiar instrument. "That's his!"
"Was, but he lent it to me. And this TARDIS, I modified it from a ship I use to travel through space and time when I run errands for Lord Ancientmon. Utilizing the Time Lord power I've inherited from the Doctor, I converted my former ship into a TARDIS. Granted, it's nowhere close to the perfection the Doctor's is, but I'm still working out the kinks."
Pluto turned away from John and approached the worn-out-looking TARDIS. Every time Doctor, in his various incarnations, would make pit stops he'd always come with a blue box TARDIS.
"Since I have the Doctor's DNA encrypted into my being, I have the memories of his previous selves. Well, every memory prior to the one who he recently regenerated into... the one I met is well the one whose face you can plainly see."
"You have all his memories. Then, you'll have the memories of the other incarnations meeting me."
"Well, not every memory is there. It's still kinda hazy, but yes I do have that feeling we've already had this song and dance before."
"I'm probably one of the only few who has seen all of the Doctor's incarnations. One who I view as a kind grandfatherly figure. Some more jovial and friendlier than others. Others are very eccentric. Some more withdraw. And of course, a few that I consider dangerous and unhinged, but understandably so..." Pluto hinted to all the faces she's met and describing the different personalities of each other. "He's changed each time, but I always remained a constant to him. I've never changed. He gets to reap the benefits of more freedom than I ever will hope to dream." She bit the bottom lip and gripped her staff.
Though he couldn't see her face with her back to him, John could discern her explicitly sad tone. He approached to console her, but Pluto turned around and wiped a tear from her eye.
"Excuse me, I didn't mean to get sentimental like that..."
"You're just alone. Tell me, when was the last time you've had anyone visit you?"
"Well, only when I must leave my post to attend to an important mission called upon by my future queen and the others. There's certain restrictions that only a few may enter this realm and those are the only ones who are of the Lunar bloodline. Those who accompany said bloodline members may also enter. I am charged to eliminate any intruders."
"Am I an intruder? You did almost take my head off."
"I'm dearly sorry, but I acted on instinct."
"Understandably so. You have an important duty you have to uphold. I wouldn't dare question someone tied to a crucial role as guarding the Time Gates. Heck, I'm now a part-Time Lord and have memories of several. No one knows the importance of maintaining something as crucial and fragile as time. Although, I know the Doctor holds the burden of altering certain timelines and I now carry that burden with me."
"Tell me, what was the last thing you remember that he and I did together? Or anything you can remember from our talks?"
"According to his memories, I know your father is Lord Chronos and mother is Lady Ananke. I know you are their daughter. You had a sibling that went absolutely nuts after being turned down as Lord Chronos' successor and she went to sell her soul to the primordial evil known as Chaos."
Pluto was at a loss for words hearing this from John, but everything he said was exactly what she told the Doctor.
(End theme)
John tried delving into more recent recollections between the Tenth and Pluto. He was able to pull up vague memories of them.
"I remember, you were surprised by how young he looked. Despite his youthful and charming appearance, he had the eyes of a seasoned war veteran, who had been through hell. I also remember, he apologized for hitting you. No, he went, "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry."
(Cue Sailor Moon Crystal OST – Quiet Sorry)
Hearing this, Pluto dropped her time staff and reflected back on that encounter.
"And I put a finger to his lips. Then, I said..."
John nodded. "You said, "Don't." And you embraced him telling him, "I understand. I understand."
More tears fell from her eyes. She scrubbed them off with her glove while trying to maintain her composure.
"He apologized for the previous him that struck you."
Pluto smiled hearing this, clearly remembering one of her last encounters with the Doctor. She walked right up to John and hugged him. He was taken aback by her much less hostile approach.
"Um, well this is a surprise... or, maybe I shouldn't be?"
Pluto chuckled with tears, folding her arms around him. "Thank you. That's all I needed to know to be sure this wasn't a trick."
"Yes, well..." He smiled and returned an embrace, further proving he shared the Doctor's friendship with Pluto. "...you're very welcome."
(End theme)
xxxxx
Pluto and John sat down on white chairs sharing stories about the Doctor. John further entailed his storied history as Ancientmon's strong hand and his encounter with the Doctor.
"I see, so you and the Doctor met in the Northern Digital Realm linked with universe YYGDM-01."
"Some madman and a giant brain in a jar wanted to a body belonging to the boy named Masaru Daimon. We just happened to get captured and Masaru's team crashed into their quarters to save I believe Masaru's father. The madman created these bio-warriors, one of which was going to have my data mixed with the Doctor's Time Lord DNA. During the process, when Team DATS crashed the laboratory, an accident happened and the process went array. That combined DNA meant for one of those warriors ended up falling on me. As a result, it mutated me changing me into the form you see."
"Can you change back into your true self?"
"Try as I might, I've had no luck. I've tried mental training and even attempted to experiment on myself. I was only able to regain my true form, albeit very briefly and I returned to this form. Maybe there's something missing... something that can trigger my true evolution again."
Pluto placed her hands on John's lap. "Don't give up, John. You'll find a way."
"Do you mean that?"
"I do."
John smiled genuinely in front of her. "Thanks, that's a lot coming from you. You're as thoughtful as he described you to be."
"I'm glad to have your company, John, but I must return to my duties. You're more than welcome to stay here as long as you wish."
"Sure, but tell me, who else has come here to see you?"
"Well, you just now."
"Besides me?"
"The Doctor has a few times, but I've never shared with anyone about his existence. I always vowed to keep our interactions under wraps. Besides the Doctor, there's Jessica Nightwind, who is the reincarnation of Valkyrie of Space & Time named Skogul. I've been training her to become a possible successor. Likely my substitute before my real successor is ready."
"Successor as a Senshi or a Time Guardian?"
"As Guardian of the Gates of Time, but my Senshi successor is still a child. I'd rather wait until she's older and willing to accept the responsibilities. Skogul will be a substitute after I step down before Hina is ready."
"Is Hina your daughter?"
"No. She is the daughter of an old friend. Her name is Hina Inuki. She goes by Sailor Gao Pluto now."
"She's not your daughter inheriting your power and title?"
"Correct. Hina gained the Pluto power following an encounter with my future self and her future self. Since I haven't conceived a child to take my power, this alternative occurred."
John folded his arms and nodded. "Interesting."
"I've been training Hina in the way of being a Sailor Senshi. I'm impressed with how quickly she's catching on. She reminds me of Small Lady. Hina's become like a goddaughter to me. She and Small Lady were the closest I've ever had to children. My time for ever having any children might have long passed."
"I don't agree with that."
"What?"
"Looking at you, you're never too old for anything! About how long do you believe you have left until your term expires?"
"I don't know and that depends how well Skogul does in training progress. There's a temporal examination she must take on to determine if she's qualified. She's pretty much picking off from where I last taught her before the fall of Asgard."
"Right, you said she's been reincarnated in the present time."
"Yes, and even if she's qualified there's still a waiting period. Also, there's no guarantee she'll even become my substitute if she chooses civilian life. After all, now she's met a young man who is a newly discovered dimension traveler much like Karin Osaka, Ryo Akiyama, Dimitri Ishida, and Kensuke Rainer."
"Yes, I'm well aware of those names. Lord Ancientmon informed me of dimension travelers, who Lady Cosmos recruited to maintain balance in the Nexus. The Doctor and I both know our way through the Nexus."
"Yes, Karin was a student of mine, but I only instructed her on upholding responsibilities being a leader of the Kuiper Belt Senshi. I aided her in finding her Kuiper Senshi and reviving their memories. Sometimes I act as a leader, but with the bulk of my responsibilities remaining here, my seat is empty. Thus, Karin has done splendidly as the de facto leader of the Kuiper Belt Senshi."
"So, making you a Kuiper Belt Senshi?"
"Technically speaking yes, but I associate myself with both my future queen's assembly and the Kuipers. While there is a division between us, we've acted as a single unit against the wicked forces that threaten our galaxy and beloved Earth."
"Yeah, it must sting having your planet demoted the way it did..."
"I'm over it."
John chuckled modestly. "Certainly, you're a very calm and well-mannered woman. Then, if what I can discern is right, then Skogul could inevitably be your successor?"
"Perhaps. The most she can do is substitute for me. If her heart isn't in the right place, then I shall remain here however long as I'm required."
"Maybe you could do her and yourself a favor?"
"What's that?"
"To truly test her qualifications, why not allow her to briefly assume your position?"
"But, I..."
"I heard the sadness in your tone. You long to have some form of freedom? After hundreds, perhaps thousands of years, when was the last time you had an extended vacation?"
"Well, I've..." Pluto came to this realization. "I've only been away for short intervals, but never for more than a month. I'd go back and forth between realms. My future queen even said I should take breaks when I want to..."
"Oh, so your future queen thinks you're overdue for a vacation."
"Yes, how could I forget? Usagi, she told me shortly after we found Skogul that Jessica could finish her training to take my place."
"How's this for an idea?"
Pluto inquired. "I'm listening."
"Allow your Valkyrie student to substitute for you while you're on leave? It needn't be long-term. That can double as Skogul's final examination to determine if she's qualified or not."
The Time Guardian mulled over this suggestion and weighed her decisions out. On one hand, she saw this as a chance to give herself a long deserved reprieve. Although could she selfishly put Skogul in a crucial situation that may affect the recently reawakened Valkyrie's civilian future?
Then, she remembered Skogul given her consent she'd be willing to take on that responsibility for any reason.
Pluto reflected her small talk with Usagi shortly after the Valkyries were reawakened.
xxxxx
Flashback/Dimension: YYGDM-01/Four Months Ago
(Cue Doctor Who OST – Amy in the TARDIS)
Sailor Pluto and Skogul meet with Sailor Moon on a rooftop. The future princess faced them as she greeted Skogul with a kind and genuine smile.
"I'm still trying to wrap my mind around the reality of being around the famed Sailor Moon," Skogul said as Moon pivoted over to Pluto.
The two Senshi had a brief exchange of words while Skogul followed along.
"...so, you want to continue where you left off with her training?" Moon asked Pluto.
"Yes, since she was still in the process of meeting the qualifications. As you know due to the first Ragnarok, Skogul returned to fight with her Maidens and perished," Pluto stated. "With Skogul gone, that left me without a successor and I continued my duties for over a few millennia until her reincarnation was born in modern times. I hoped she wouldn't need to hasten her reawakening, but with the return of the forces that brought the first Ragnarok, there was little choice but to reawaken Brunhilde's Maidens."
Moon added, shifting her view from Pluto to Skogul. Skogul smiled and looked away, feeling insecure in the presence of the legendary figurehead and future queen.
"Skogul, do you want to finish your exam and become a Time Guardian after Pluto resigns?" Moon asked Skogul upfront.
"I thought about it..." Skogul answered plainly. She looked Moon dead in her blue eyes. "I do recollect most if not all my memories. I do remember my training. And yes, I do want to pick up where I left off. However, I'm still not sure if I want to fill that position until I'm ready. I need some time to enjoy my civilian life if that's ok."
Pluto smiled and nodded. "Of course, Skogul. I wouldn't want to take that from you."
"But, should you need me to substitute for you, I'm more than able to look after the door," the Space and Time Valkyrie openly expressed interest. "So, in case you need to take off for a duty or a break, I'm here when you need me."
"Yes, I have duties here I still must undertake, but I don't think I have time for an extended break..."
"Why not?" Moon interjected, surprising Pluto. "Don't you think you're long overdue for an extended break?"
"Yes, but..."
"You've locked yourself in that room and I hate to think you're always alone."
"But, my duties..."
"Yeah, but how often do you think about yourself? Maybe for once?"
"I know, but you do realize Queen Serenity assigned..." Pluto paused as Moon walked over and held her hands.
"And as future queen, I'm telling you to take vacations if you need to, especially now you have someone who can cover you," Moon turned and winked to Skogul. "Right?"
Skogul vaguely smiled and nodded. "Yes, I guess."
Pluto couldn't believe what she heard and felt a weight being lifted from her back. Surely she wasn't hearing things? No, what she heard was heartfelt and genuine from her future queen.
"But, I'll leave it up to you when you want to relieve yourself. After all, you've more than earned it."
xxxxx
Gates of Time
"Yes, I remember," Pluto finally recalled. "How could I forget? My mind has been so preoccupied with training Skogul & Hina, relaying Lady Cosmos' message to the others about their dimension missions, and now my duties. I've had no time to consider taking a leave of absence. With so much going on, I don't know if I should."
John nodded. "I understand but heed your future queen's words. However, most importantly, do what your heart tells you. I'll tell you what, you'll be missing out on quite an adventure through the ages with me. Once I run my TARDIS through maintenance, there's so much I'd like to show you."
"Is this the Doctor's wish? For you to bring me out of my solitude to journey through space and time? To witness various time periods?"
"Yes since he's currently unable to, he asked me to take you anywhere you want. You more than deserve to venture into these time periods that you could only monitor in this room. So, why not personally experience them for yourself?"
Once again, Pluto mulled and weighed her options. She remembered Moon's wish for her to have some semblance of freedom.
"Take as much time you want..."
"Time has no relevance here," the Time Guardian proclaimed, turning and meeting John's gaze. "Feel free to stay as long as you wish. You'll know what I've decided."
"Fair enough. This gives me enough to repair the TARDIS," John waved her off as he headed back to his transport. "Just knock when you've made your decision." He turned, flashing a coy smile before shutting the doors behind him.
Pluto brushed her long green hair and blinked. "He may not be you, Doctor, but it seems like you've never left to begin with." She smiled warmly. Thank you for this, Doctor.
(End theme)
xxxxx
Following an undetermined amount of time, John heard a knock on his door. He jolted up from his chair and threw aside a book. He rushed toward the door and peeked through to see Sailor Pluto standing outside.
"John, I've made my decision."
"I see," John opened the door and poked his head, meeting the beautiful woman's alluring red eyes. "Well? What have you decided...?" He paused briefly as he noticed Valkyrie Skogul behind Pluto. He got the gist of what this meant. "So, you two talked this out?"
"Yes, we have," Pluto answered. "I've made my decision."
"And...?" Before John could finish, Skogul broke her silence and walked forward.
"Mr. John Smith, I presume? I'm Jessica Nightwind or Valkyrie Skogul..."
"Yes, and you're Miss Setsuna's successor?" John approached Skogul, shaking her hand.
"Substitute for now, but Miss Setsuna is making this part of my examination. If I pass, I might be her successor. Then, it'll be my job to prepare Hina when she's ready."
"Splendid," John said, pivoting over to Pluto. "I have good faith in you, Jessica."
"You do?"
"Yeah, because you're Sailor Pluto's student. I know you won't disappoint her."
"Thank you, sir, and I don't plan on disappointing anyone."
"Jessica," Pluto handed her Time Key to Skogul. "Here's the Time Key and..."
"I invited Ford to come to see me. Is that ok, Miss Setsuna?"
"You have the key to grant him entry, so yes I encourage him to keep you company here."
"Thank you, Miss Setsuna."
"If you need me for anything, use the Time Key to communicate with me."
"I will, but I kinda hope I can do this on my own. A safe journey to you, Miss Setsuna."
As she waved to Skogul, Pluto walked away and approached John near the TARDIS. She closely examined the exterior of the repaired TARDIS.
"It looks so much like his."
John grinned sheepishly. "Well, I did my best to base mine off his. It's not going to be exactly perfect, but everything we make will have imperfections. It's up to us to improve on them." He opened the door for Pluto. "After you?"
Pluto walked inside the TARDIS. As she poked her head through, she was enthralled by the interior of the transport. As expected, much like the Doctor's, the TARDIS' interior was much more spacious than the exterior. John allowed Skogul a brief look inside.
"Wow, it's just like the Doctor's!" Skogul exclaimed. "Mr. Smith, you do know in my world, your friend is considered a pop culture icon?"
"Well, yes he's fully aware hence why he's hesitant to go to your world."
"Why?" Skogul asked.
"Look at it from his perspective, you wouldn't want crazed fans to stalk you, especially if they discover you're the real thing."
The Valkyrie realized this. "Oh, yeah now that you mean it like that. And you're probably as hesitant to enter our world."
"Yeah, but not if I use my Digimon form, which none will even recognize."
"Have you managed to find a way to restore your Digimon form?" Pluto inquired to Ancientmon's soldier.
"I did, but the problem is I can only take on my original form during brief spurts. I still need more time to tinker with the Time Lord genetics now flowing through me," John explained. "I swear this Time Lord DNA is potent, I didn't think it'd alter my digital physiology!"
Pluto addressed. "Well, may I see your true form if you're able?"
"You wish to see it?"
"Me, too," Skogul added.
(Cue Doctor Who OST – I Am the Doctor)
Looking at them both, John chuckled modestly and nodded. He closed his eyes and focused, drawing out his latent digitized energy. His body slowly altered from the Tenth Doctor's appearance to a completely different outward look. Now appearing as Volodramon, he was a humanoid warrior wearing black and purple armor with a dragon's motif. A long tail extended from the back of his armored rear. His appearance looked similar to Caius Ballad from Final Fantasy XIII-2. Although his facial features retained a bit of the Tenth Doctor's.
Opening his eyes, Volodramon let out a deep breath. "Well?"
"You really hot!" Skogul shouted.
"So, this is the true you?" Pluto smiled as she walked up and touched his face. "Don't worry, we'll find a way to stabilize your body. We have all the time in the universe."
"Meaning, plenty of time hopefully," Volodramon took Pluto's hand as his body fizzled back to John Smith.
"I promise we'll fix this," Pluto vowed as a dark purple light enveloped her. Her Senshi uniform vanished, quickly replaced with her civilian clothing: a white buttoned shirt under a black vest, light brown pants, and zipped up black boots. She wore a necklace with her planet's symbol hanging from it.
"Miss Setsuna, how long do you imagine you'll be gone? Have you put in a word with the other Senshi?"
"I have, but I haven't told them where I'm leaving. As for how long I'll be gone..." Setsuna said, eyeing John with a smile. "...however long I wish."
"And what about the dimension missions we're still tackling with?"
"I think John and I will handle a few of those during my time away."
"Yes, in fact, there's a dimension or two that have caught my eye," John clarified. "We can track those down."
"I see, then be careful, Miss Setsuna," Skogul raised her head and waved to the green-haired woman. "We'll all anticipate your return."
Setsuna nodded. "Also make time for Hina and train her while I'm away."
"What should I tell her about you?"
"That her Setsuna-momma will be back. She's greatly improved in her training, but under your guidance, she'll be even better. Jessica, I bid you and the others farewell until my return. Oh, and one more thing, should Miss Homura come here... actually, never mind, she'll know where to find me."
Skogul waved goodbye as she watched the TARDIS doors close up. With the wheezing sounds accompanying it, the transport faded in and out a few times as it vanished from the Gates of Time. Skogul walked over in front of the time doors and took on her substitute position.
"Ok, this is it, Jessica. You can do this."
xxxxx
Inside the TARDIS
John approached the control panels. "So, where would you like to go first, Miss Setsuna?"
"Just call me Setsuna."
"Right. So, where would you like to go first?"
"Well, first I'd like to see to those dimensions you mentioned. So, I take it Ancientmon informed you of those irregularities affecting dimensions within the Nexus?"
"Yes, and that's part of the reason why I came to you."
"Just me?"
"Well, I could've gotten your Valkyrie protege or a host of time travelers, including Homura Akemi. But, I chose you because the Doctor recommended you. I wanted someone who has a wealth of knowledge pertaining to dimension and time travel. You have great knowledge in regards to history. While I have previous Doctor's memories, I still need someone to help me apply said knowledge. To guide me through my travels. Because quite frankly it doesn't hurt to have a travel partner... a companion..."
Setsuna walked over and placed a hand on John's. She whispered in a calm and soothing tone. "It's ok. We'll take this one step at a time. After all, we have all the time in the universe, don't we?"
"Oh yes," John replied with a jovial look. "So, after we look into these dimensions, I asked where would you like to go? Perhaps to that shared universe you witnessed?"
"Well, no. Not for the time being, but..."
"By the way, I know you didn't come alone. You brought that wolf partner of yours along."
As he said this, Setsuna looked down as her spirit partner, Lupe the wolf, materialized.
"Is there more you'd like to share with us?" Lupe asked.
"Well, since you asked, there's one more thing..." John mentioned. "I'm sure you've heard of the Apocalyptic Convergence, or Apocalyptic Upheaval as its being popularly called by some of the powers that be including Lord Ancientmon."
"I am. Lady Cosmos informed me that she and other powers created a force field to safeguard nearly every world in time from this disaster."
"Well, the origins of this viral source came from that shared universe. Thankfully, the one that unleashed the disaster has been destroyed, but quite a handful of worlds were destroyed by it. There's a belief these anomalies were born and fostered from this catastrophic event. Something, or rather someone out there, is using these anomalies and creating agents out of them."
"That I have no knowledge on."
"I don't expect you to, but this supposed puppet master is looking to further that disaster by sending these agents to destroy the worlds that Lady Cosmos and the others protected with their divine barriers."
"In other words, to finish the job."
"Yes, but thanks to your friends and allies from the other dimensions, you've been working around the clock preventing such disasters!" John said. "Well, we can add to those efforts and save a few dimensions in our spare time. What do you say? Shall we go save space and time, Setsuna Meioh?"
John extended his hand to her. Setsuna stared at Lupe and affirmed her resolve with a handshake with the half-Time Lord. Both exchanged smiles and established their trustful pact.
"Let this be the start of our adventure, John."
(End theme)
xxxxx
(Cue Neurotech – Compass)
xxxxx
Next Chapter: Guilty Dimensions
xxxxx
A/N: And that introduces Volodramon/John Smith in the non-Corner continuity. Those who've followed House of Madoka and Shinnen: New Year have already been introduced, but those who haven't, this is your intro to the guy.
Although, he was originally intended to be just Volodramon, I wasn't sure of a Digimon/Human pairing. So I thought to humanize Volodramon physically to establish a romantic link without it coming off as too weird (I don't know how many of you feel about Digimon/Human romantic relation subjects). And since I'm a casual viewer of Doctor Who for a couple of years. I've seen all the NuWho stuff and some parts of the classic... until Hulu/Netflix took them off.
So, why the Tenth Doctor? Because he's my favorite of the new Doctors (Nine is my second favorite; I enjoy Eleven, too, but some stories in his series are kinda eh. Twelve has grown on me and I do prefer the performances of older actors than younger ones). My favorite of the classic-era would be Four.
But, I'd be lying if I said I was a DW-aficionado, because I'm not. I've only watched the TV shows and not a die hard that collects anything. I'm just a casual viewer of it like I am with Transformers.
And this chapter also proves I can write dialogue heavy chapters that lack action/fighting scenes. I'm more than willing to expand my boundaries as a writer when given an opportunity (though to be frank, the first two chapters of this story didn't have fighting either).
The interactions between Pluto and Volodramon/John were already practiced through Shinnen: New Year. This isn't the first I've written them in scenes together. Now I can go beyond with their relationship in the non-Corner/non-canon stuff. I've also based Pluto's meeting and relations with the Doctors on a really good short crossover fic called Ten Times The Doctor Meet Sailor Pluto (Plus One More) by SailorPtah. There are nods of that in this.
I know I said I'd just focus on two characters, but I had to include Skogul in this to establish her role as the substitute Time Guardian. And if Lupe counts, that's four. But, that doesn't change the fact I primarily focused on two characters.
As for how long Setsuna will be away (not counting one of the upcoming chapters that feature her in it; I'll get into specifics about that when this chapter gets posted), I'd give it until the end of the Dimension Missions arc. The end of this arc will require Setsuna and John's involvement.
And what of the Apocalyptic Convergence/Upheaval? The catalyst came from Mana Ouma (the original version) in the Corner/Shared Universe and her virus went beyond space/time to wipe out many dimensions, but others were saved thanks to Lady Cosmos and others' intervention. But, now the current big bad is using the viral remnants to produce these agents to continue where the virus was stopped. And that's the reason for the Dimension Missions arc: eliminate these agents and ultimately find clues to this malevolent force behind these machinations.
Well, that's all for this chapter. Hope you enjoyed even if there wasn't any action or fighting you would've normally liked.
Until the next Cross Gen chapter, see you soon!