Ch.6
Geysers launch plumes of mist and other materials into the atmosphere.
Coming in for a landing upon the icy, rocky surface of Triton, Akira approaches a castle. Sailor Neptune puzzles a few moments and it dawns on her
"That's the same castle in my dreams! I knew I recognized it."
As they lower down to the ground a tall, pretty woman with long icy, platinum blue hair, smiles upon their arrival. Wearing something like a cross between a dress and a kimono,
A large white tiger stands beside her whom the woman ruffles up her face in excitement.
Sailor Neptune watches this display of affection in astonishment.
"That tiger must be really tame to let her do that."
"Oh, you mean Kiyoko, she is a kind and gentle spirit, I promise she won't bite."
"Thank you Akira for bringing my girl home to me."
"My pleasure!"
Akira looks up at Sailor Neptune.
"Neptune, allow me to help you, it's a long way down. Please stay calm while I levitate you."
Akira gently levitates her down to the ground.
"I'm still not used to that." She said as she pats down her skirt then looks up to meet the loving gaze of this mysterious woman.
"Welcome home my daughter. Princess Neptune. Or should I say Michiru Kaioh. That is your earthly name in this lifetime, right?"
"Yes mam you are correct."
"Oh why so formal? You can relax around your dearest mother. You may call me Shika."
Kiyoko nudges Shika's hand.
Shika bends down to hug the large tiger ruffing up the top of her head. Which Kiyoko soaks up with pride.
"And this is my best friend and partner in crime Kiyoko. Do you remember each other? Say hello, you may pet her if you'd like."
Sailor Neptune is taken aback.
"Are you sure about this?"
"Of course I trust Kiyoko with my life."
"Okay then."
Sailor Neptune slowly reaches out to let Kiyoko smell her. The breath of this majestic beast's warm strength bestows a sense of mystique. Kiyoko meets here halfway and rubs her head under her hand.
Sailor Neptune blushes with the dorkiest grin on her face.
"This is so cool. You are so soft, your coat is beautiful Kiyoko. Nice to meet you both."
Shika sighs.
"Seems it's been too long since you've come to live in your Earthy life. Come, no need to fear. We shall reacquaint and spend some quality time together tonight, before we get down to business.
I've been watching over you this entire time, no need to explain. I know this must all seem confusing but allow me to clear things up for you. Know that you make me proud every single day."
Sailor Neptune looks over at Akira.
"What will you do Akira?"
"Well obviously I can't go in but I'll be around. If you gals need me just call."
"Many thanks , Akira!" Shika waves him on.
"Now come on in my daughter. You are safe and you are welcomed here. After all it's your native home. You may transform back to normal if you'd like."
Shika and Kiyoko escort Sailor Neptune into the castle.
As they walk down the entrance hall, she transforms back to normal.
Observing the architecture in awe. A sensation of deja vu hits like her soul consciousness telling her this is right. Everything is exactly how it's supposed to be.
They walk into the main room where Sailor Neptune sees the exact water fountain her little sister sat upon in her dream playing her conch shell.
"So this is all real, the places and beings in my dreams are actually real. Can you explain why this is?"
"It's mostly your subconscious soul memory. Our spirits whisper truths we need to hear, guiding us along our paths. You know all about your intuition and I'm so glad you've never lost touch with it.
Other times it is us communicating to you directly through your dreams. It's one of the only ways to get through the vail.
You see, the earth is under a sinister curse. Cut off from the rest of the universe yet all is in plain sight. This is why majority of people on earth are out of tune and lack awareness of the greater universe around them. Why they struggle with their heads in the sand and their tails between their legs. Aimlessly going about their days trying so desperately to find meaning and some kind of salvation.
That's where things get dangerous. There are far too many evil things looking to take advantage of their blindness. But that's why good must stand up and fight against those forces.
Forgive me I didn't mean to get to the gravity of the situation so soon. However, we Neptunians have always had a rule that we must always be in tune and in touch with reality. To never shy away from the truth.
Come, allow me to give you the grand tour. Might be a good way to jog your memory and get reacquainted. Then how about we have some tea and talk things over shall we?"
Michiru nods. "Sounds like a plan."
Shika waves her arms out in a welcoming presenting fashion.
"My daughter, I present to you, here in the grand entrance we have our lovely lichen gardens, surrounding ponds with our divine sea koi in them. There are at least twenty species of lichen you see here before you.
"How unusual! It's unlike anything I've ever seen before."
Michiru walks over to the ponds, one on each side of the hall south of the fountain. She observes the sea koi swim graceful in their pure essence. The fish notice her and next thing she knows she sees their curious little faces splashing about.
"The fish! They're looking at me." She laughs gracefully, "They are so excited… it's a little scary."
"Interesting that you would sense such a thing, dearest Michiru. That is cause they can see into your soul. And good news is they like you so you have nothing to fear only to grow from. Plus they are happy to have their princess back. Those fish posses mysterious magic that even I have yet to completely understand. However, I can tell you they have the ability to see only truth and there for are good judges of character."
"Well then, that's a good thing. Glad I'm a soul of good character." Michiru smiles and shrugs in relief.
"If you may please turn round, my dear. This majestic fountain you see here is very ancient, and it has been running since archaic times. This water contains memories. We also have coral gardens here at the entrance to the hub of the castle, the command center."
Michiru's eyes widen with delight at the little worlds of visual paradise.
"These corals are astounding, such an array of colors. The water is simply pristine. So beautiful."
She stands before them soaking in the peace they bring her.
"Would you like to go in and see the Command Center?"
As she stares before those doors a knot coils in her stomach but she could not place it as to why.
"Straight ahead this way."
Two doors slide open and Michiru follows Shika and Kiyoko into the room.
"This is our helm, our eyes on the solar system, the Milky Way, and beyond."
Michiru observes the water that surrounds a large square platform where four giant screens present themselves straight ahead on the north end of the room.
"Shika, I kinda have a little stomach ache."
Oh, why didn't you tell me sooner? I noticed you staring off into space and was starting to worry." She walks over to a medicine cabinet and pulls out what looks like a hard candy of some kind, handing it to Michiru.
"Thank you, what is this exactly?"
"It's a medicine drop that helps our bodies to cure common aliments, such as colds, stomach aches, and the like. It simply soothes symptoms without masking the bodies natural defenses and communication."
"That's cool, thanks." Michiru unwraps and pops it in her mouth.
They come out of the command center.
"Now which way do you want to go, left or right?"
"Hm, lets go right."
As they walk along, Michiru smells salty water in the air.
"Coming up on your right is one of two pools in the castle. It is a little smaller and more for fun while the other is part of a training facility.
Unlike pools you're used to back on earth we don't use chlorine or other chemicals. It's just good old fashion seawater."
They continue on turning the corner to face north.
"And here we have the east gallery near the stairwell.
To the back we have the auditorium."
Sailor Neptune notices the array of colors. "I see we have more coral gardens."
Shika nods. "Yep, and this is the northern fountain. The back entrance to the castle is right down the hall."
Carrying on heading west a little ways.
"Here is our sophisticated training pool and facility I was talking about earlier.
"Excuse me, Shika, sorry to interrupt but speaking of training. I was wondering if I could receive some kind of training while I'm here?"
"Of course, anything I can do to help you succeed as a senshi. We'll count on it tomorrow. For now just relax."
Moving on, they turn round the bend.
"Here is the west gallery and stairwell where we shall be heading up."
Shika leads them upstairs, climbing the spiral staircase.
"These stairs kind of remind me of an ammonite shell."
"A very keen observation my daughter, you are right. Ammonite are a neptunian secret legend. They evolved into octopi of such a wide variety of species. They really are fascinating. If you ever find an ammonite shell it's considered good luck, especially to us. The magic in those shells can aid in tuning our vibrations and offers protection."
"Neat."
They get to the landing of the second floor. Michiru pans up to see that the stair case keeps going up.
"Shika, may I ask where the rest of the stairs go?"
"To the roof. It's a stunning view. I was saving that for last, it is the icing on the cake."
"Here on the upper floor are the sleeping quarters. Most activity happens downstairs or else where. First up on the right are the guest rooms. Further down is your sister's room. And across from her room belongs to Kiyoko and I."
She walks up to the first door on the left. "This is your old room …"
The door swings open slowly as Michiru takes it all in. Decorated with sea shells and other ocean related vibes.
She is drawn to a large full body mirror standing in the corner of the room. Her reflection shows off her stunning beauty.
"So does any of this resonate with you, Princess Neptune?"
"I love it all, so it's speaking to me… I just can't help but be a bit frustrated with this heavy amnesia. It disturbs me. Even though I stand in the midst of it all right in front of my face. The heavy weight on my mind won't cease. My memories just haven't surfaced, I'm sorry If I disappoint you. There's so much I don't understand yet."
"No worries, Whatever you do, though, don't force anything. Your Memories will surface when you need them most.
I have an idea. You said you were interested in some kind of official training, right? Well I know a few good exercises that will help you to get in tune with your greater Neptunian conscious. Whatever you do, though, don't force anything. Your Memories will surface when you need them most."
They make their way back to the stairs and go up. Shika stops at the landing. "Here, let's do a little exercise right now. Cause for me to train you, I need you to trust me. Okay, so close your eyes and take my hand."
"Okay… eyes closed. I promise not to peak."
Shika takes her hand and opens the door.
Michiru breathes in the fresh crisp atmosphere that wafts into her face like a winter breeze. Her other senses heighten while she walks in the dark, putting her trust in this strange and mysterious person. They come to a stop.
"Okay, you can open them now!"
Michiru opens her eyes to the sea of frost and ice as geysers shoot up like cannons.
"What a sight!"
"I thought you'd like it."
Michiru wanders over to the east end of the roof.
"What's on the other side of those mountains?"
"The other side of Triton's planetary body is strictly your sister's territory. You must remember she is the ruling Senshi of this world. She has secrets that are even a mystery to me…" Shika lets out a heavy sigh.
"Why don't we go have tea now. What do you say? Oh, and how could I forget the living room, dining room and kitchen. Well we are heading there anyway."
After the glorious tour Shika takes Neptune to the living room.
"This is where we have our tea. You stay here with Kiyoko while I go to the kitchen, I won't be long."
Kiyoko lays down upon a fluffy cushion on the floor.
A few moments of quiet pass by.
Michiru sinks into the couch.
Being alone with Kiyoko, Michiru works up the nerve to speak to her.
"I don't know, Kiyoko. My head is spinning." She leans forward placing her elbows on her knees, running her hands over her face. "I don't know what to think, it feels like I'm still dreaming. Someone pinch me."
Kiyoko gets up and walks over to her.
Michiru tenses up as she approaches, doing her best to hide her fear.
Despite that Kiyoko lays her head on Michiru's lap.
Her loud big cat purr vibrates against her legs.
Michiru pets her gently and as she does so finds it in herself to relax.
"Aww, thanks Kiyoko. You really are a gentle soul aren't you. You can sense my feelings."
Shika comes in with a cart carrying the tea and some neptunian treats.
"Well, I see you two are getting reacquainted. How nice."
Shika serves Michiru and herself. Giving Kiyoko a bowl of water.
"There's water on Triton?"
"Yes my dear only the finest fresh water from beneath the surface of our moon's inner waters. Satellites tend to be bigger on the inside."
"Wow, how fascinating."
They sat drinking their tea in a few moments of relaxation and reflection.
"Shika, I have a question."
"Go right on ahead and ask, I promise I don't bite."
"Upon that very water fountain in the front entrance way, in my dream. The conch shell playing little girl, who is apparently my sister, spoke to me. May I ask where she is? Is she here?
Shika frowns and sighs.
"She has very recently incarnated on Earth to accomplish her mission and do her part to save the planet. Just as you have.
"Then how could she have been here in this place in my dreams? She said that Poseidon is hunting her to use her as a weapon for some endless fruitless war."
"Things are a bit complicated."
"… that's what Akira said. It's complicated, but just what about it is complicated?"
"It's her karma and the fracture in her mind… like I said emotionally, it's complicated."
Shika sniffles.
Neptune comforts Shika.
"Can you try to tell me the story? What do you mean by fracture? How can I help? Cause I sincerely want to help save her from Poseidon's cruel ambitions."
You might not recall what happened during the fall of Atlantis. How those fools sacrificed the one person who tried to save their wretched souls. For that Egypt is a forever cursed land for this is where the unspeakable crime was committed. Against a person so pure, time stood still as Gaia and her earth experienced the fabled great fall. This is how her mind became fractured. Fact is we almost lost her forever. Since the aftermath of that incident, your souls are bonded meaning you both swore a sacred oath that you would protect each other always. Break this promise and you both will suffer for it. Unless one of the two of you holds up their end of the deal, that is.
It was so long ago but it still seems like it was yesterday. This is because the karmic story has come back around again. Your sister, Sailor Triton, has been called by Gaia for a special secret mission. We all are being asked by the universe to face the ghosts of our archaic past. To answer for our baggage. To hopefully carve out a better future for us all.
Tears stream down Shika's face.
Michiru feels deep empathy, the gears turning in her head like unlocking a secret chamber in her soul where memories are starting to emerge. Something clicked only she can't quite put her finger on it.
"Shika… or mom, I should say… can you tell me more?"
Shika swallows her tears, swiftly changing the subject.
"This brings us to our situation now. We have discovered a space-time rift that is causing major disturbances throughout the cosmos.
There is a special item, a relic that is causing it. Someone must retrieve it but to tamper with such a crucial fixed point in time is very dangerous."
"So you want me to go retrieve it, is that what you're saying?"
"But first you must pass a challenge. It will take place in the heartland of our beloved planet Neptune, The Astral Lagoon.
On the surface there are many shallower pools or atolls created by purple sand and bioluminescent corals. These corals keep this realm in balance for the powers of the imagination can get just a little overwhelming at times. The coral, in other words, are the referees. Keeping the heartland of Neptune sustainable.
Our planet is an entire universe contained within a planetary body. We specialize in the realms of dreams and imagination. We hold secrets that other star systems struggle to even grasp.
"So what am I supposed to do?" Sailor Neptune puzzles.
"Dive to the bottom of the largest atoll in the Astral Lagoon and find the Sanctum of the Sovereign. In there you must locate a powerful neptunian weapon that is only to be wielded in extreme cases.
If you are able to complete the challenge successfully I will take you up the peaks of the snowy ice-lands. There you will speak to a very special dragon. BlackIce is her name and she will give you, your mission and the lowdown on what to do to save your little sister. This dragon knows everything about your sister and I mean everything! She can tell you a lot more than I can about Sailor Triton."
Sailor Neptune casts a worried look on her face.
"Oh, Don't worry, sweetie, Akira can rescue you if something goes wrong. As we discussed, you will gain a weeks worth of training but this is your native home so if you just listen to your instincts I'm sure they'll instruct you on what to do. Your subconscious speaks volumes of useful information so listen to it. Remember this is for your own benefit, not to put you in harms way."
"A week? Isn't it a bit urgent to rescue my sister?"
Don't worry, Gaia is with her. Other than that fracture in her mind, your sister is doing just fine. Besides we can't go in unprepared now can we."
"Right…"
Sailor Neptune peers into her reflection in her tea for a few moments and takes a sip.
"I just, wish I could remember more so I can be of more use. By my spirit intuition I'm guided by a mysterious sense of duty and I'm intrigued by this but I don't really know what to think."
Shika hugs her.
"Please allow me to do everything in my power to help. I promise it'll all come back to you in due time. You're doing more than enough, remember that always."
~
Michiru sits in a meditative position before Shika, upon cushions on the astroturf on the north end of the training facility.
"Relax and let all the tension out with your breath. Breath is life. Listen to your breathing like the rhythm of the ocean, ebb and flow, inhale and exhale."
Michiru follows suit paying attention to her breathing. Her thoughts swimming with uneasiness. With a scowl of determination she focuses on the oceans in her soul. Channeling her swells and crashing waves like she does when she plays her violin. Then a sense of calm of an almost eerie kind washes over her.
About five minutes later Shika peeps up, "You seem to have achieved some clarity, like a huge weight was lifted off your shoulders. Care to share?"
Michiru takes a few minutes to respond. Takes a deep breath in and exhales swimming to the surface of her consciousness.
"Hmm, well… I stopped to breath and I remembered how I get in tune with myself when I play my violin. Such powerful emotions and energies that come through in my music. That's why it's my safe haven. I need it just to stay afloat. I may look like I have my act together but I really don't. Something is alive inside me, the power that courses through my veins.
Truth is I am incredibly grateful to be home away from that hoopla of society's pressures. I apologize if I didn't seem like it yesterday. Guess I was just overwhelmed. I still have some amnesia but I feel like I have myself again.
"Yes, it's unbelievable to me that you're home and that karmic justice is in order. Yeah, I know, you aren't the only one with heavy and difficult emotions. But bottling them up and denying them only makes them worse my daughter. Always be truthful and you will see victory.
First, before we begin, we need to get on the same page. Have you even had a chance to sit down with this whole Sailor Senshi thing?"
Michiru thinks for a moment, "well if you wanna know… it's pretty surreal… but it's profound." She laughs a little.
But to be honest all I really do is listen to my intuition like I always have and just kinda do it. I don't really know what I'm doing or at least that's how it seems.
"That's what I thought. Your spirit is so strong and you've been doing the right thing." She smiles graciously. "I'm glad, but that is only the tip of the iceberg, my dear."
Shika stands up and Michiru follows.
"You never know when exactly you might need to go into battle. When such situations arise you must always be prepared.
I'm going to teach you a few things about your powers. However, I only know what I know because you are my daughter. It's important that you listen to yourself and take command of those waves just like you do with your music. It is ultimately up to you to show up for yourself."
"Okay, I'm game." Michiru says, eager to learn.
"The breathing exercise we just did is very important. Breathe life into everything you are and everything you do. When you fight, you fight like the ocean.
Now tell me, Michiru, what comes to your mind when you think of the ocean?"
Michiru stirs in her mind all the words that come to her.
"Strange and mysterious wonders, violent and powerful yet graceful and gentle. So dynamic, savage and alive. Peaceful, beautiful, and majestic."
"Very good. Now transform"
Michiru transforms into Sailor Neptune.
Shika grabs a padded punching shield. "Now throw a punch and come at me with all that in mind. Keep your wrist straight and strike."
Sailor Neptune pulls back and lands a solid punch into the punching shield. "Nice punch but I didn't sense the oceanic power behind it. You have the extra strength of the oceans on your side. Now try again."
Tuning in to her inner oceans, she breathes in, takes her stance. She feels the tension, pulling back like the sudden dramatic withdrawal of the waves before a tsunami.
"Harpoon Whiplash Punch" she launches like a viper striking the pad. The ocean water spiraling in the wake of her punch, leaving a splash of water.
"Alright! That's it!" Shika said.
"Now try a kick with the same idea."
Sailor Neptune throws a kick, and then another, failing to harness the oceans. Breathing into it this time, she feels the power building inside her.
"Okay, Shika … mom …. Brace yourself." She takes her stance.
"Whirlpool Kick!"
Shika stumbles backwards a few steps from the pressure of Sailor Neptune's attack.
"Woah… wow, I sure as heck wouldn't want to mess with you."
Neptune cracks a smile, "I warned you."
"This is true… now to move on to the next lesson. This is the part where you get to go swimming. Your sailor uniform is waterproof so have no fear of getting it wet.
Neptune gets giddy, "okay, sounds fun."
"First, I need you to show off your swimming skills for me. From what I've seen you are still quite the avid swimmer.
Some things never change."
Neptune dives into the deep end of the pool like a torpedo soaring through the water. Swimming freestyle two laps, then some backstroke and butterfly.
Shika jumps in the water.
Sailor Neptune swims up to her.
"Now my daughter you are going to rediscover your ability to breath underwater. You cool with that?"
"Very," said Sailor Neptune, "what do I need to do?"
"I want you to hold your breath underwater till you can't anymore."
She repeats this a few times. She surfaces, feeling quiet worn out.
"Shika with all do respect I don't understand the point of this exercise. How the hay am I supposed to breathe underwater?"
"Hm, give it one more go and we'll call it a day for this exercise. There's still one more important thing I want to teach you."
"Alright then," Neptune takes in a large breath.
Finally this time, instead of struggling, she let go and accepted the fact that this could be real! I believe, the thought swims through her head. A pair of very sophisticated gills appear behind her ears. Taking in air from the water she breathes in life and relaxes as she floats under the water. Such an ethereal beautiful feeling surrounds her. She almost didn't want to come out but Shika taps her on the head and she surfaces.
" Time to get out of the water."
"Already?"
"Yes my love. We don't need to be in the water for this part of your training."
They dry off and return to their mats.
"For your final lesson I am going to teach you how to recognize the difference between reality, illusion, and delusion. As well as the key to snapping out of an illusion and how not to fall for a delusional."
"Oh wow, that's sounds complicated."
Neptune's head reels trying to wrap her head around it. But I just breathed underwater so now I suppose anything is possible."
Shika sighs, "It's a Neptunian specialty. Now that I think about it, actually this could be just the thing to help you reconcile with the reality of your paradigm shift here.
I'm going to teach you the core concepts about it. It's one of those things you need to experience for yourself in order to truly understand. However when you are armed with the right knowledge you'll be able to identify and wisely handle any situations that come your way."
"Alright then… I'm eager to learn."
"Very well Princess, I'm so glad.
First off, in order to understand something you must understand the meaning behind it.
Reality is defined as something that is real, but that's not enough is it? A better definition is sentience, perception, or sense of truth. How do you know if something is real or not? Well, it'll be persistently in front of your nose.
Genuine, the opposite of fake. Truth cannot be faked, its not in its nature. It is one of the pillars of sustainability that leads to prosperity.
Now moving onto illusions. An illusion can be used for good or evil. A movie is an illusion of moving pictures. Illusions still contain notes of truth and can't really completely cover reality. There's always a loophole and a way to break the pattern. Even the strongest of illusionary spells can be broken. It's a sensory thing, that's the key. Stay rooted, be in tune with your senses and you shall not falter.
Delusions on the other hand are no laughing matter. They are built off lies kept circulating by fools through tainted traditions and deception. The evil forces whom I've explained about not too long ago, who are two faced, pretending to be kind, accepting, and intelligent… enlightened even! When the truth is they are anything but. Lost in some false reality of their own making."
Sailor Neptune ponders a few minutes about it.
"So let me see if I got this straight… being under an illusion is like being in a movie and by using my senses I can just turn it off…"
Shika grins, clapping her hands with joy.
"Yes and no matter what, reality or the truth is always there. It's there for all who are open to it. Delusional paradigms are not sustainable at all. The minute people stop feeding them they'll fall apart."
"Very cool. Live in truth and one shall not be deceived!" Said Sailor Neptune.
"At the end of the week I will be testing you on what we've learned today. You're a quick learner, I know you always have been. However it's good to let it all sink in. As deep as your soul is, I can imagine giving you a little time to practice will do you well."
"Good, cause I'm still wrapping my head around it all."
~
A week in Neptunian time passes
"You have trained well Michiru, now time to show me your stuff. You ready?"
Michiru pulls out her transformation pen.
"Heck yeah! I'm ready. Neptune Planet Power, Make Up!"
The water surrounds her and withdrawals away to reveal Sailor Neptune.
"Now answer the following questions out loud please.
How do you snap out of an illusion?"
"Be in tune with your senses and find the loophole in the pattern."
"Is a delusion ever a good thing?"
"No, it's a perpetuated lie. In other words, not in tune with reality."
"So then what is reality?"
Neptune stammers a bit trying to find her words.
"In all truth the paradigm of sentient awareness… existence."
"Excellent! Sailor Neptune! Now on to the martial arts portion."
She walks over to a punching bag in the west corner of the training facility.
Sailor Neptune attacks,
"Whirlpool Kick!"
Demonstrating her skills effectiveness and precision. No longer just trickles of water but waves of oceanic magic amplify her kicks.
"Harpoon Whiplash Punch!"
Much more comfortable with her basic martial arts she throws five ocean charged punches.
"Very nice," says Shika, "now, last but not least, breathing underwater.
Sailor Neptune walks over to the diving board.
She dives into the pool, the gills appear, the Neptunian design never failing. Enjoying the sensations of the water like it's her natural habitat. For a good half hour. Sailor Neptune finally surfaces from the water and emerges from the pool with style.
"You passed your test with flying colors!" Shika jumps up and down.
"Now, you are ready for your challenge. Come now let us get ready for the trip."
Putting the Deep Aqua Mirror and her transformation pen in her bag Sailor Neptune meets Shika and Kiyoko by the front water fountain.
"Right this way, my dear Princess Neptune."
Shika takes her hand and escorts Sailor Neptune out the doors of Triton castle, Kiyoko following close behind.
"Hey, good morning ladies." Akira greets them. "Princess, I trust you've been having a good time. How did your training go?"
"Yeah, sure did. I've got a much better handle on myself. Thank you for asking."
"Your welcome, glad to hear it." Said Akira
Sailor Neptune smiles sweetly as she her mother, and Kiyoko board Akira.
"No need to buckle up, it's gonna be a smooth ride." Said Akira.
"Oh, this is so exciting! To see my home planet! I'm so lucky! The more I'm here the more I feel freedom from the constraints of life back on earth." Said Sailor Neptune. "It's so refreshing!"
They take off from the planet's guardian satellite.
Akira flies inside the orbit of Triton. The gravity of Neptune pulling them in, which Akira sails with ease, working in flow with it rather than against it.The symphony of the intense wind speeds echo out into space. The beautiful blue planet gradually gets closer.
Sailor Neptune feels an overwhelming sense of peace. The sight dazzles Sailor Neptune. Anticipation wells up inside as they approach the outermost layer of the planet.
Akira does some magic opening a door, they safely fly through.
As the planets protective shielding gases give way to a strange and mystical world of worlds, they enter the vast neptunian universe The energies in the atmosphere seem to flow like being under water.
Sailor Neptune takes in the sights as Akira soars through the inner universe of the starry sea with portals to the many different realms of Neptune.
"Which one of these portals are we going to?" Sailor Neptune asks.
"We are going to the main world of our beloved home."
"Here we go!" Said Akira.
The upper atmosphere rains diamonds as they enter the portal and it opens up to lush biodiverse ecosystems. Oceans, forest and plains and the tundra, ice-lands to the north.
"Do you see the atolls in the shallow waters there ahead of us? That is where we are going."
The closer they get to the heartland of Neptune it grows from cold to warm.
"Princess Neptune, this is the Astral Lagoon located in Siren's Cove.
Our Planet is sustained from the inside. Meaning her life giving source is inside the core of the planet."
Says Akira as they fly down to the north shore of the large gulf. Levitating everyone down to the sand below. Sailor Neptune feasts her eyes on the neptunian environment, the sands are truly shades of purple from lavender to indigo and everything in between. The shallow oceans are a crystal blue with an indigo hue from the sands below. Indeed the darker shades show off the assortment of corals glowing in radiant beauty.
A shimmering blue butterfly flutters around Sailor Neptune. It lands on her shoulder.
"Oh, Princess you have been blessed by your home planet," said Shika, "These blue butterflies are dream messengers and are a good omen. They are always a sign of positive things to come. That dreams are coming true."
"They are part of the planet's consciousness. And so are technically a part of you, Princess, for you are the Sovereign of Neptune." Said Akira.
Sailor Neptune puts her finger out near her shoulder and the butterfly pitter patters on.
"I… I don't know what to say but thank you."
The butterfly flutters off and around her head and then in the direction of the largest atoll in the gulf.
"Well, my daughter, Neptune… I believe in you. Good luck."
Shika hugs her. Sailor Neptune walks across the shallow waters and sand bars, following the butterfly.
Sailor Neptune stairs into the abyss of the atoll, so deep and so dark. Feels as though the void is sucking her in, her perception zooming in and out trying in vain to see the bottom. Shaking out of it she pulls away to look back at Shika and Kiyoko. Akira Swims up to her.
"Everything alright, Princess."
"Oh just nervous… Okay I'm scared out of my mind. I admit I'm afraid! Akira, this is insane."
"That's okay, trust your emotions, they are a super power that will never steer you wrong as long as you listen.
Plus I'll be here to rescue you should anything go wrong, so no worries, okay."
She gathers her guts.
"Thanks Akira for your kind words of encouragement. They help more than you know."
"Just remember to stay in tune with your senses Sailor Neptune and good luck."
Aiming her sights down into the darkness. She breathes in the energies of her planet power, her aura glows sea green. The air grows still. She dives, plunging deep into the waters.
Swimming down, her gills appear again. Acclimating to the water she stairs down into the pit of darkness. Venturing down into the depths as the light dissipates behind her.
Fear starts to collect when she is struck by the sensation of deja vu recalling the nightmare where she was being dragged down into the depths into the darkest waters of her soul. She tries to give up the resistance of her fear now boiling over.
A burst of confidence stirs within. Deep diving down into the depths. I can't believe this is actually happening. Here I am in the calming arms of my own world. This is real. All is good here… there's nothing to worry about.
The fear diminishes as Neptune continues to swim deeper, thinking it was gone.
All seems well till she starts to feel like she is hallucinating.
Whoa, trippy, something feels off but why can't I fight it?
I feel like Alice falling down the rabbit hole… or in my case, swimming…
The spell replays the images Sailor Triton had sent her in that strange dream, only revealing more light to the story.
Finally triggering the memories from inside her soul archives. The images warp in Sailor Neptune's psyche eye to show the part where they were coming under attack. Witnessing herself, again, putting Sailor Triton in an escape pod and sending her back to Earth. Shouting to her, "Be free and claim your destiny!"
The violent massacre of the moon kingdom and by karmic ties, being pulled to where she was needed most by the unifying of divine talismans that summoned the great destruction and the pendulum began its dance.
Fighting the confusion and terror, alone in the dark with her thoughts that just wouldn't let go.
In that instant the images wave into the image of an aqua blue spirit taking command in her imagination and calling out, "Stay in tune with your senses and keep your wits about you at all times."
Hearing the purity of that voice, Sailor Neptune comes to her senses, snapping her out of the spell, and wins clarity. Ocean currents swirl around Sailor Neptune and the abyss is calmed and her vision refocuses. But all she sees is the dark waters.
Was that a message from Sailor Triton, just now?
As the confusion clears a spark emerges from her soul casting a light.
She swims down, following it.
Ah, this is much better. Like bioluminescence, I can actually see now.
Neptune carries on, finally seeing bottom. Scanning the many treasures littering the peculiar geological landscape. Then spying a temple like structure.
"Is that it? The Sanctum of the Sovereign."
Reaching the strange looking building, she swims into it. A large room opens up and Sailor Neptune's eyes follow the spark to the back. Something glimmers in the light. A trident.
She swims up to it but as she goes to grab it she gets a sudden bad feeling. In the light of the spark Sailor Neptune is confronted by the Siren of shadows from her nightmare. Trying to swim around it but is blocked every way she tries.
Almost petrified with fear, she stares the shadow siren straight in the eyes.
Get a hold of your composure, Neptune. She scolds herself. You didn't come all the way down here to just stall here, move!
All she could think to do is pray to Neptune's planetary consciousness.
I am the sovereign of this planet and by my divine will, to save my sister and protect the solar system, I expel thy shadows!
Buried karmic emotions erupt carrying her power to new heights.
She shines her sea-foam green light washing the shadow out. Seizing her opportunity, she goes to grab the Trident but to her surprise the trident summons to her hand. In that moment learning a very valuable lesson about claiming her rightful authority. Quickly making her escape out the temple and swimming up to return to the surface.