A/N: As before... a warning for child abuse. But the big stuff is over now.
The New Princess
The Early Years - Part 6 Chapter 7
The names Moon, Sailor Moon
Previously:
'So much for the bright idea of leaving her with her aunt,' Dumbledore thought sadly while wiping away a tear from his cheek. He never intended to see her hurt, least of all abused. What had he done!
Sitting down at his desk he grabbed some parchment and a quill then dipping its tip into the inkwell he began to write.
He had a lot of owls to send and floo calls to make.
He also needed to find an alternate home for her. Maybe the Weasleys would be willing to take her in - he'd ask them once he found her.
He would probably have to activate the old order again as well.
Maybe even ask the ministry for help if he didn't find her soon.
But he would look for her and find her, even if it was the last thing he ever did and then he would correct his mistake.
He had to. The fate of the wizarding world…and that of a young child was on the line.
He could not afford to fail! Not again!
And now the continuation:
Aryanna drifted in and out of a blissful dream, unaware of the new reality awaiting her. For now, she felt warm, safe, and loved, feelings she rarely experienced in her waking life. She yearned to stay cocooned within this peaceful haze indefinitely, but unfortunately her dream was not to last. Soon an all too familiar stinging and pulsing ache, in her back and bottom, wrenched her back to reality.
'Oh great…what did I do this time?' she pondered to herself, eyes still closed, sifting through hazy memories of yesterday, trying to determine the cause of her current pain.
'Did I spill some milk, break a plate, or look at him the wrong way?'
She tried to move, but winced as a sharp pain shot through her tender flesh. 'Ow! That hurts! This is going to be another terrible day, I can feel it,' she thought, reaching out to touch her inflamed skin, wincing with every touch.
Groaning to herself, thinking it best to let someone else take care of her newest injuries, she murmured a plea to her only friend in the world, the Silver Crystal that lived inside her.
'Good morning, my precious moonbeam. Can you please heal me again? You know how much it hurts,' she pleaded with the symbiont, sending it a mental image of her injuries and hoping for some relief. She soon felt a warm sensation in her lower back and buttocks, as the crystal began to work its magic and heal her wounds.
She sighed in gratitude, feeling the pain fade away. 'Oh, Thank you, thank you, thank you. You're the best thing that ever happened to me. I don't know what I would do without you,' she thought, as she sent the crystal a wave of love and appreciation.
But as the throbbing pain dulled, the unsettling events of the previous day surged forth. Her eyes widened in horror, as she realized what she had done.
'Oh no! What was I thinking?' she panicked. 'I threw a vase at Uncle Vernon! He's gonna kill me.' Her heart raced as panic consumed her.
She had to get out of the house. It didn't matter where. Just away…and fast.
Realization hitting, her eyes darted open, expecting the suffocating confines of her cupboard.
Instead, she was greeted by something else.
'Wait!...'
'This isn't my Cupboard!'
'This isn't even the house'
Where on earth...?'
This was not the dark, dirty, and cramped space where she usually slept on a pile of rags on a small cot.
This was a large, clean, cozy, and futuristic room that looked like it belonged to a millionaire or royalty. It was a room fit for a princess, huge, probably bigger than her aunt and uncle's entire house put together. It was full of metal and crystal walls, shiny tiles and carpets, sensors and lights, and a transparent ceiling that showed stars and planets from all over the solar system, from Mercury right down to Pluto. There were even planets that she had never seen before; even their moons were there.
She gasped out loud as she looked further around the strange room. The room she was suddenly in looked like something out of a sci-fi movie or a video game, with sleek metal walls, glowing screens, and futuristic gadgets. She felt the softness of a circular bed beneath her, covered with silky sheets and pillows. She guessed it was silk. She had never touched silk before, only seen it in pictures from library books.
Laying on a plush bed, ensconced in the luxury of silky sheets, Aryanna felt overwhelmed. She wondered if she was still dreaming, or if this was some kind of prank, an illusion or perhaps a cruel joke? How did she get here? What was this place? And most importantly: what was going to happen next? she questioned, trying to fathom how she'd transitioned from her grim reality to this opulence.
'Did I teleport again?' she pondered. This wouldn't be her first time.
Whispering to herself, half in awe and half in trepidation, she said, "Well, Dorothy, you're definitely not in Kansas anymore."
Aryanna spent the next few moments taking in her surroundings, attempting to piece together the fragmented memories of the events leading up to this moment.
She had been in her aunt and uncle's house. She had been beaten - caned - again by her uncle, for no reason other than looking different and doing freaky things. Things she had no control over. Simply remembering the pain still sent shivers and phantom pains down her spine.
She had been saved by a black cat that had scratched Vernon's face and distracted him enough for her to get away. She had then returned a few minutes later to help the cat escape. The act of defiance, where she'd shattered her aunt's prized vase on her uncle's head, seemed almost surreal now...and then... then...
She wasn't sure anymore. It was all just a blur. She couldn't remember anymore.
She was still raking her brain trying to remember what had happened next, when suddenly, her train of thought was interrupted by muffled voices emanating from what seemed to be the room's only exit — a sleek, handleless door that seamlessly blended with the metallic walls.
A rush of anxiety washed over her and her pulse quickened as the voices grew louder. She felt a surge of panic and dread. Who were they? What would they want from her? What were they going to do to her?
As the voices grew nearer, her body went rigid with apprehension. Every fiber of her being hoped they'd continue past her room and leave her in peace.
For a hopeful moment, she thought the voices would remain outside. She prayed they would leave her alone.
But that wasn't to be.
With a soft hiss, the door slid open.
In a split-second reflex, Aryanna, reverting back to the vulnerable child she was, dived under the bed sheets, hoping that if she couldn't see them, they couldn't see her either, like she had done in the past when attempting to hide from something terrifying lurking in the shadows.
She felt the bed dip slightly as someone perched on its edge. Tension knotted in her muscles, preparing her to either scream or defend herself. A familiar, simmering energy bubbled inside her, ready to explode.
But then a gentle voice broke the silence. "Oh, sweetie," it cooed with kindness. "It's okay. You're safe now. I promise they won't hurt you anymore."
The voice was eerily familiar — the same voice from her dreams. The one that had comforted her in its most terrifying moments.
At first, she remained frozen in place, unwilling to make a move just in case the voice turned out to be insincere or changed its mind and decided to harm her. It wouldn't be the first instance of this happening, after all. A few more minutes passed by where nothing else occurred.
Finally, with trepidation, she ventured a peek from her shelter and was met by a pair of understanding blue eyes belonging to a black cat with a crescent moon marking on its forehead. The very same cat from her dreams.
"Hey there…" The cat's voice was soft and comforting, like a lullaby. "Do you remember me?"
Luna observed the young girl with a blend of sadness and empathy. She could sense the fear and pain that radiated from her, the scars of a lifetime of abuse and neglect. She felt a surge of anger and pity for the child, who deserved so much better.
'How could they have subjected our princess to such cruelty?' Luna pondered.
'How blind were they not to recognize the innate beauty and potential residing within her?'
She sighed deeply, shaking her head, knowing that patience and understanding would now be crucial. Aryanna had been deprived of genuine love and kindness; she would understandably be wary of anything or anyone. Earning her trust was paramount, and showing her a realm where she truly belonged was essential.
She was about to leave and come back later, giving the girl some more space and time to adapt to her new situation, when Aryanna suddenly began to stir.
Remaining poised, Luna attentively observed. A hint of a smile graced her features as Aryanna cautiously peered out from beneath the quilt, their eyes meeting. Luna gently wagged her tail, purring softly, hoping to emit an aura of calm and safety.
"You can trust me," Luna voiced softly, her tones filled with earnest warmth. "I genuinely wish to help you. Please, believe me."
Luna knew it would take more than words to convince Aryanna, who had no doubt been lied to and betrayed by everyone she had ever known. She would have to prove herself with actions, with patience, with compassion.
Choosing to allow Aryanna to take the lead and steer their interaction, Luna awaited any questions or expressions of apprehension Aryanna might have. It was essential for the young girl to feel a semblance of control and safety.
She waited for a few moments, but Aryanna remained silent. She looked at Luna with a mix of curiosity and wariness, unsure what to make of the talking cat. Finally, after a few more moments of shared silence, Luna decided to bridge the gap.
"Hey there…" she began, her voice tender. "Do you remember me?"
For a fleeting moment, uncertainty clouded Aryanna's eyes. A talking cat? Is this reality? Then, with hesitant acknowledgment, she nodded, words eluding her.
"My name's Luna," the cat softly reintroduced. "Might I know yours?"
Aryanna hesitated, the absurdity of conversing with a cat not lost on her, even if said cat could talk. She mustered her voice, "Aryanna," she murmured.
Luna's whiskers twitched in a semblance of a smile before she affectionately licked Aryanna's cheek. "I'm pleased you're finally awake, Aryanna," she said. "I'm Luna, a Mau. We're a unique breed of cats that can communicate with humans. As for you... you're something special too."
Aryanna flinched at the word special. She hated being called that. Such designations had always heralded trouble, loneliness, and pain.
She shrank back, drawing the blanket closer to her face in an instinctual need for protection.
Luna, picking up on Aryanna's apprehension, swiftly pivoted the conversation. "I know you're frightened," Luna began soothingly. "But I'm not here to harm you. In fact, I'm here to guide you home."
Aryanna's eyes dilated with terror. She recoiled from Luna and clutched the blanket tighter. Home? That was the last place she ever wanted to return to. A realm of darkness dominated by her uncle, the monster that hurt her and embodied her worst fears.
"No! No! No!" she shrieked, her voice choked with dread. "I can't go back there! He'll hurt me! Please, don't force me back!"
Luna instantly realized she had made a terrible mistake. She had used a wrong word and had inadvertently triggered one of Aryanna's traumatic memories. 'This is an abused child. The last place she wants to be is home. She must think I'm trying to send her back to her relatives. I should've been more careful with my choice of words,' Luna chided herself internally.
Desperately trying to ease Aryanna's panic, Luna said, "No! Not to your aunt or uncle. I mean your real home. To your real family."
Aryanna ceased her cries, her gaze shifting from stark terror to budding confusion and curiosity.
Real home? Real family? What was she talking about? She had never had a real home or a real family. Those concepts felt alien to her. All she had ever known was a façade of kinship from individuals who seemed to loathe her very existence.
She had never known love or happiness or peace.
She had never known anything but fear and pain and loneliness.
What did Luna mean by real home? Real family?
Could there be another place, another world, where she wasn't an outcast?
"Real home? Is there... another place for me?" she whispered, vulnerability evident in her tone.
Luna, sensing a breakthrough, nodded with enthusiasm. "Absolutely. You have a place, a realm where you're not just a part of the scenery. You're celebrated, loved, and cherished."
For the first time in what felt like eons, a spark of hope ignited in Aryanna's heart. Could such a world truly exist?
Could it be true?
She wanted it to be true.
But she also feared it was too good to be true.
Years of deception had made her wary. She regarded Luna, her brow creased with skepticism.
"Where is this world you speak of?"
Luna smiled, her lips curving in a gentle smile, and prepared herself for the tale she was about to unfold.
Luna told Aryanna about the moon kingdom. She told her about the people who once lived there, who were kind and wise and powerful, who used magic and technology in harmony with nature.
She told her about the enemy, who had attacked the moon kingdom and destroyed it, who had killed everyone.
She told her that they believed her to be their princess reborn. The one they had been looking for for the past few millennia. She told her all this and more, hoping to make Aryanna understand who she really was, where she really came from, what she really meant.
She hoped to make her feel proud and happy and excited.
But instead, she made her feel scared and overwhelmed and confused.
Aryanna listened to Luna's story with a growing sense of disbelief and dread.
She couldn't believe what she was hearing. It sounded like a fairy tale, a fantasy, a dream.
But it also sounded like a nightmare, a horror, a curse.
Aryanna strained to wrap her mind around the fantastical account, which seemed to oscillate between a dreamy fairy tale and an ominous curse. Was she genuinely expected to embody a princess, a warrior, a torchbearer? To her, she was simply Aryanna, an eight-year-old freak. The unwanted kicked puppy and slave of the family.
She couldn't believe that she had another world, another family, another destiny.
She couldn't believe any of it.
It was all too much. Too much to take in. Too much to handle.
But somehow she also knew Luna was telling the truth. She knew it because of the crystal. Her crystal. Her Moonbeam...her dearest friend.
The crystal that had always been with her, that had always comforted her, that had always guided her.
The crystal that even now was urging her to trust Luna. To listen to Luna.
The crystal that always knew what was best for her. The crystal that loved her more than anyone else. The crystal that was her only true friend.
Once again Aryanna opened herself up to the crystal and asked it for advice.
Almost instantly, she felt a wave of calmness and courage. The crystal was reassuring her, sending her feelings of comfort, encouraging her to accept Luna's words.
In fact, there seemed to be an inexplicable bond between Luna and the crystal, a shared past perhaps?
'Does it matter?' a voice inside her, possibly the crystal's, murmured.
'Well… no, not really,' she admitted, conceding that it didn't.
'Then don't hesitate. Embrace the unknown. Trust Luna. Follow Luna. Maybe you'll discover something amazing,' it whispered.
It was at that moment Aryanna decided to take a chance. Driven by her crystal's guidance, she chose to trust Luna.
Slowly but surely Aryanna peeling back the quilts again just enough to get a better look at Luna.
Their gazes locked once more, and this time Aryanna was consumed by a rush of emotions - Luna's desolation, apprehension, compassion, and yearning mirrored as her own. Luna's reassurance echoed once more, "You can trust me. I truly am here to aid you."
And so, in that fragile moment, Aryanna chose to place her trust in someone beyond her crystal and herself for the first time in what felt like an eternity.
"So, what happens now?" Aryanna finally asked, her voice barely above a whisper. The weight of the revelations still pressed heavily upon her, challenging her understanding of her world. At that moment she was willing to put her trust - indeed her whole life - into the furry paws of a talking cat rather than return to the unloving clutches of her aunt and uncle.
Luna seemed momentarily lost for words, her eyes reflecting a touch of uncertainty. I seemed she hadn't planned that far ahead yet.
"Well… I'd like to introduce you to another friend," she began hesitantly. "Someone who has been searching for you for...well, for quite a long time. After that, we can explore your transformation." Luna answered awkwardly.
Aryanna's heart skipped a beat. Another friend? A transformation? These hints at her potential destiny only deepened her intrigue. While she had a thousand questions dancing on the tip of her tongue, she chose patience, not wanting to unsettle Luna any further.
Offering a tentative smile, Aryanna tried to convey her gratitude and trust. Luna reciprocated with a warm glance before approaching the door. Intriguingly, she pressed a button designed specifically at her height, confirming the room's intent to cater to her kind.
"Pluto, it's time," Luna voiced with clarity, seemingly communicating with a concealed device. She paused, her tail flicking contemplatively, before adding in a softer tone, "I thought familiarizing her with me first was a good approach, but I admit, this might be out of my wheelhouse."
A comforting voice responded, "You did well, Luna. I'm on my way."
With that, Luna nodded, preparing Aryanna for yet another introduction.
Aryanna's eyes remained trained on the door, her mind racing with curiosity. Who was Pluto? Was it another talking cat like Luna or something entirely different?
Before she could gather her thoughts, the door slid open, revealing a striking figure. A tall, elegant woman stood there, her long emerald hair cascading down her back, and her eyes held a timeless wisdom. Aryanna's breath caught. She recognized this woman. It was the superhero, Sailor Pluto, the same one from yesterday's newspaper.
"Hello, Aryanna. It's good to finally meet you. My name is Sailor Pluto, but you can call me Setsuna," the woman said, her voice a melody of reassurance.
Aryanna's mouth hung open, unable to form any words. She could hardly believe her eyes and ears. Standing in front of her was Sailor Pluto. The Sailor Pluto, the very same person she had been fantasizing about only yesterday. The superhero she and quite a few others at school had an intense admiration for. In fact, she had always wanted to be just like her and was even part of the schools Pluto fan club. This was like a dream come true.
A whirlwind of emotions consumed Aryanna — from disbelief to sheer excitement. "It's you!" she managed to exclaim, her voice high-pitched in her surprise. "You're the superhero everyone is talking about!" she exclaimed in excitement, her voice rising higher than she had expected in her moment of fangirlism.
Quickly realizing her outburst, she placed her hands over her mouth, her cheeks flushing red. She was afraid she had been too loud or too rude. She had learned to be quiet and respectful around the Dursleys, who never liked it when she drew attention to herself. They always told her that children ought to be seen and not heard. Of course, this rule only seemed to apply to her though; they never seemed concerned with the amount of noise Dudley would make. They even encouraged it.
Yet, Pluto only chuckled softly, her eyes shimmering with amusement and warmth.
"Ah, yes. It seems my recent endeavors caught your eye," Pluto replied, her voice tinged with pride and warmth. "But today isn't about me. I'm here for you." She replied with enthusiasm and a big grin on her face, disregarding the girl's improvident actions which made Aryanna return a warm smile. It was hard not to like her. The woman literally radiated joy and friendship.
"But I'm not here to talk about myself. I'm here to give you something."
Aryanna's eyebrows furrowed in confusion, but before she could question, Pluto produced a small box. Inside, a necklace glinted, attached to a breathtaking brooch. Its intricacies drew Aryanna in, the gems and symbols hinting at stories and legacies untold.
She examined the brooch curiously. It was a round golden brooch with a crescent moon that set as a decoration at the top. In the middle of the brooch was a gold star surrounded by four glittering gems each one a unique color. A ruby glinted from the north position, a blue sapphire twinkled on the south, an emerald shone in the west and an orange sapphire gleamed on the east side. She wondered what the symbol on the star meant; it seemed to draw her in. The brooch was warm to the touch and she felt a gentle pulse from it like a whisper. It almost felt like it was calling to her.
"This," Pluto began, her voice soft and almost reverent, "is an heirloom of our royal family. It has been passed down for generations, and now it finds its way to you."
"What, really? Are you sure?" Aryanna asked incredulously, surprised that she was getting a gift from her idol.
Doubt clouded Aryanna's eyes. Could she, someone who had lived a life of neglect, truly be worthy of such an artifact? She'd never seen, let alone held something so expensive-looking in her hands before. The Dursleys had never let her have something of her own, besides the clothes on her back and even those were only given to her because they had to do so.
But Pluto's nod of affirmation bolstered her. Aryanna smiled. Looking up at Pluto with an expression of wonder on her face, she mouthed 'thank you' before accepting the necklace and securing it around her neck.
While all of this was happening, Luna watched with intense interest from the corner, her eyes betraying her anticipation. This was the moment of reckoning. The moment she had been waiting for what felt like an eternity; ever since Pluto had first burst into the palace on the planet Pluto to announce the new vision she had experienced.
It was also the moment of truth. A moment of destiny which would decide the fate of the galaxy for many millennia to come. For it would only work if the girl in front of her was indeed the new princess they had been searching for.
If the brooch responded to Aryanna, then the prophecy was true.
If it did not work, then the brooch would stay inert and remain just another expensive piece of well-made jewelry.
But if it did work, then something magical would happen.
Something amazing.
Something wonderful.
Something that Luna had dreamed of for so long.
The brooch would react to Aryanna's presence and awaken her true power.
The power of the moon princess.
The power of Sailor Moon.
Quite a task to place on the shoulders of a young and abused girl. But she would have to be the one to do it. The brooch wouldn't work for anybody else.
But of course, that would only be if the transformation brooch actually worked for her. For that to happen, she must first speak the words.
Pluto smiled and waited patiently as Aryanna tied the necklace around her neck and let the brooch fall to rest against her chest. Then, she took a deep breath and prepared herself for the next step.
She knew that the next few moments would decide the future of the galaxy. No pressure!
"Aryanna?" she said seriously, getting the girl's attention.
"Have you ever dreamed of becoming a superhero, like myself?" she asked, studying the young eight year old child in front of her.
She hoped that Aryanna would be interested and excited by the idea. She hoped that Aryanna would be ready and willing to embrace her destiny.
She hoped that Aryanna would say yes.
Aryanna nodded shyly, her eyes shining with admiration and curiosity. She had always been fascinated by superheroes, especially by Sailor Pluto. She had admired her courage, her strength, her grace. She had wished many times that she could be like her, or at least meet her.
And now she had.
The thought made her heart race and her face flush. She couldn't believe it was true and yet...here she was.
Pluto nodded with another smile. She was glad to see Aryanna's enthusiasm and eagerness. That would make what happened next a lot easier. The brooch would not work for someone who didn't want it.
"Well… you can if you want to," Pluto said gently, her eyes softening as she confirmed Aryanna's dream.
Hearing this, Aryanna's eyes snapped up from where they had been curiously examining the brooch to look straight into Pluto's eyes, hope and wonder radiating from her own emerald orbs.
"Really? You mean it?" "Is that even possible?" she exclaimed, her voice high with excitement. This was the most amazing thing she had ever heard in her life — ever since she learned about superheroes like Pluto, she dreamed of becoming one of them herself.
Pluto nodded with another smile. "Yes, really. I mean it. It is possible. In fact, all you have to do is really really really mean it, say a few very special words and you will turn straight into a superhero yourself."
Aryanna felt a wave of wonder and anticipation. She couldn't wait to try it out.
"Oh yes, please please please. Please tell me those words. I promise that I'll be good. I'll do anything," she pleaded. At that moment, she was ready to do whatever it took or, make any kind of bargain, if it meant she would be granted this one wish.
Pluto paused for a second, sensing the raw intensity of Aryanna's words and the genuine sincerity behind them. She was acutely aware of the risks and responsibilities tied to the magic and the choice Aryanna was about to make. Magic had rules, consequences, and demanded balance and responsibility. Misuse could turn its blessing into a curse.
She hoped that Aryanna would understand that too. She hoped that Aryanna would not regret her choice later on. She hoped that Aryanna would not suffer for her desire and that she would be careful with her words and actions.
With a deep breath, she decided to offer Aryanna a gentle, yet earnest warning.
"Aryanna," Pluto began, her voice soft yet firm, her gaze piercing into the young girl's soul. "Becoming a superhero isn't merely a game or spectacle. Every action has its consequences, and sacrifices will be inevitable. You'll take on this role driven by a mission, a duty, and an undeniable destiny."
Pluto paused, allowing her words to resonate with the young girl. It was crucial for Aryanna to grasp the weight of becoming Sailor Moon and to truly fathom who she was destined to be.
Beneath Aryanna's brave front, doubts and uncertainties fluttered. However, the core lesson was clear: with great power came great responsibility. Meeting Pluto's gaze with determination, she nodded, a small smile forming on her lips, trying to convey both her gratitude and resolve.
"I understand, and I'm ready," she declared, her voice laced with both apprehension and excitement.
Seeing the undeniable resolve in Aryanna's eyes, Pluto nodded in approval.
"Very well. Repeat after me…" she began, taking a deliberate breath before intoning each word clearly. The words that would determine the little girl's fate.
"Moon! Prism! Power! Make Up!"
Upon hearing the words she had been longing to hear, Aryanna's face lit up with a grin. "OK! You got it!"
Then, adopting what she hoped was a cool heroic stance, with one hand pointing into the air, the other in a sign of victory, she called out the words which would change her life, forever.
"Moon Prism Power, Make Up!"
Almost instantly a blinding white light radiated from within Aryanna, enveloping her entire form. For a split second, her worn, second-hand clothes from her cousin seemed to dissolve, replaced by a luminous brilliance so intense that it hid her momentarily from view.
From this brilliance emerged vibrant crimson ribbons that twined around her, sculpting a white leotard accentuated with a scarlet bow on the chest. A deep blue skirt materialized, held in place by another ruby bow at the back. As white gloves formed around her hands, knee-high white boots with crescent moon insignias encased her feet. Her once free-flowing black hair twisted itself into twin tails, held together by vermilion odangos, while golden crescent earrings adorned her ears. To complete her transformation, a golden tiara set with a radiant red gem affixed itself to her forehead.
In mere moments, Aryanna Potter transformed from a downtrodden abused girl to Sailor Moon, the destined leader of the sailor guardians and future queen of the galaxy.
She marveled at the profound power she now felt, the might of the moon coursing through her, binding her fate to that celestial body.
Yet, as she took in her reflection, her voice also chimed with youthful elation, "Oh, Wow! I look like Sailor Pluto. This is... this is amazing!" The weight of the world seemed to lift from her shoulders as a genuine smile lit her face.
With a determination and a newfound sense of strength coursing through her veins, strength and courage she had never felt before, Aryanna suddenly smiled confidently for what seemed like the first time in her life.
An inner strength, like nothing she'd ever felt before, emboldened her and it was at that moment that she knew. She just knew that the days of cowering from her uncle were over. With this newfound might, she would shield abused children worldwide.
With unwavering determination, she thought, 'I am now Sailor Moon, Guardian of Love and Justice. And in the name of the Moon, evildoers shall face my wrath!'
'Huh! That's strange, where did that last part come from?' she wondered, but then shrugged. No matter, she liked it.
With giddy excitement, she mentally declared, 'From now on, I am Sailor Moon, the Guardian of Love and Justice, protector by day and avenger by night. Just like Sailor Pluto.' The prospect of future adventures brought a playful grin to her face.
Aryanna turned to Pluto, eyes sparkling, eager for her reaction. But instead of the pride she expected, she saw Pluto kneeling with her head bowed. Luna, too, was unusually still.
Their eyes looked distant, as if ensnared in a trance.
Aryanna felt a surge of fear. "Um…guys… What's wrong? Why are you…acting so weird?" Aryanna asked, a thread of nervousness weaving through her voice. The sight of the proud Sailor Pluto on her knees was unsettling.
Suddenly Pluto spoke in a solemn voice, her voice echoing in the room.
"By the sacred light of the garnet orb, I, Setsuna Meioh, known as Sailor Pluto, protector of Pluto and guardian of time and space, pledge my loyalty to you, Aryanna Jasmine Potter, Sailor Moon, crown princess and future queen of the moon. I vow to stand by you, guard the time gates, and respect your wisdom. My allegiance belongs to you, and only the commands from the previous queen may supersede this vow. My planet, my power, my very essence—all are devoted to you, for now and eternity."
As she finished, Luna, in a voice equally earnest, spoke, "Under the moonlit guidance of the silver crystal, I, Luna of the Mau, reaffirm my dedication to the Moon Kingdom and commit myself to you, Aryanna Jasmine Potter. I vow to guide you, offer counsel, and educate your future heir."
As the pledges were sealed with a brilliant aura of magic, Aryanna was left stunned.
'Oh, so that's where the silver crystal went. I wondered what happened to it. I should have expected this to happen' Pluto thought with a groan and a grimace. She felt a bit dizzy from the sudden vows and the magical backlash. At least she now knew that the silver crystal still existed and had not been lost in the final battle as she had feared.
It had somehow passed on to Aryanna, which also explained why she was now the new princess. Only the silver crystal and its power could have forced her or others to renew their vows of fealty at the moment of the new Sailor Moon's first conscious transformation. It all made sense now.
"What?" Aryanna asked in disbelief. "What just happened?" She was scared and overwhelmed by everything.
Seeing her understandable sudden fearful look, Pluto stepped forward and took her hands gently. She gave her a reassuring squeeze. She knew she had to explain what had happened to her in a way she could understand and in a way that would not frighten her more. Their new princess was not ready yet to deal with the full truth of what she had become. That could wait until they had earned more of her trust.
Slowly rising to her feet, she attempted to clarify. "We've been searching for you for a long, long time. You're not just a princess; you're hope, a beacon. And now, with your transformation, it's clear that you are the chosen one."
Aryanna however was still confused.
"But why?" she asked. "We barely know each other! I mean…I appreciate that you saved me from my uncle and I get that I'm supposed to be some kind of long lost all important princess but…" Aryanna's voice trembled. "I mean...I appreciate everything, but this is...it's overwhelming."
Pluto sighed. This was all happening too fast. She cursed the vows they had been forced to make and decided to be as honest as possible with her.
Pluto approached Aryanna and gazed into her eyes with tenderness. "It's a lot, I know. But understand this: We are bound to you, not just by duty, but by genuine care. We want to be there for you, to guide and protect you."
She paused and smiled gently.
"I know it won't be easy at first. I know that there will be challenges ahead. I know you have been hurt by others your whole life, but I promise you, we are not like them. We are your family now. A true family. We are not like your aunt and uncle. Sure, we might get mad at you or even punish you if you do something wrong, but we will never hurt you, leave you, or use you like your old family did. We will always love you and take care of you, no matter what. And nothing… nothing will ever change that!"
She squeezed her hands.
"All I ask is that you give us a chance."
"Can you do that?" she asked.
Aryanna hesitated, her heart a tumultuous sea of emotions. Her yearning for belonging warred with the sudden gravity of her new identity. The promise of a real family, of genuine love, was tantalizing.
They were so kind to her. Kinder than anyone else had ever been.
They said they cared about her. That was more than her old family had ever said.
This was like a dream come true. This was all she had ever wanted.
She felt confused and scared.
But she also felt something else.
Something she hadn't felt in a long time.
Hope!
Maybe they were telling the truth.
Maybe they really did care about her.
Maybe they really were different from her old family.
Maybe it really would work out.
Maybe she no longer had to be a freak anymore.
Maybe she could finally have a family now...one that actually loved her.
Slowly, hesitantly, she reached out and hugged Pluto. Gently at first, then with more strength when nothing bad happened.
Pluto quickly whispered into her ear and hugged her back.
"You're not alone anymore, Aryanna. You have us."
Aryanna felt their arms around her and felt a warmth in her chest.
She hugged them back and then felt Luna join them, purring at their side.
It was at that moment, as they were all cuddled together, that Pluto's eyes suddenly turned white and a sharp flicker of a vision flashed before her. Images too fleeting to grasp but leaving an undeniable sense of urgency and fate intertwined. As her eyes returned to normal and as she pulled back slightly to gaze down at the child in her arms, a surge of determination flooded her. Whatever the vision indicated, she was certain of one thing: the universe had just shifted on its axis, and Aryanna was at its very core. It was now more imperative than ever than Aryanna stayed with them.
At that moment, as they were all cuddled together, as she looked down at the child in her arms and felt a surge of determination. She made up her mind. She knew what she had to do.
Seeing Aryanna's internal struggle, Pluto asked, "Would you consider making it official? Would you allow us to be your family in every sense of the word?" We'd love to adopt you. Would you consider adopting me? Make us all a family?"
It took a moment for the last question to fully register in Aryanna's mind and she looked up at her in shock. She couldn't believe what she heard. But then she regained her composure, closed her eyes again, and leaned back into Pluto's embrace. Looks like dreams could become reality after all.
With the weight of the universe on her young shoulders, Aryanna found solace in the possibility of a new beginning.
The Sailor Guardian and Cat waited with bated breath, waiting for Aryanna's response.
Aryanna nodded, her voice just above a whisper.
"Yes...I think...I think I'd like that"