Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon Sailor Stars: Chaos Theory

Act 32: The Second Mark

Sailor Cosmos tried her best to focus in the unfamiliar surroundings. Sailor Pluto stood nearby educating her on the nature of the time streams. But she could hardly pay attention to anything she was told. Her thoughts constantly drifted back to Seiya running off last night.

Sailor Pluto frowned; it was obvious her companion was not paying attention. "Usagi-chan?" She waited for a response.

Several minutes past until Sailor Cosmos realized they stood in silence. She looked up at Sailor Pluto with a guilty expression. The older Senshi was here to help her, yet she had not given Sailor Pluto her full attention. "Sorry..." Sailor Cosmos said with a downward glance. She wanted to say more, but she didn't want to discuss her problems with the Outer Senshi.

"You seem to have a lot on your mind. Are you still thinking of traveling to the future?" Sailor Pluto asked in a rigid tone. She wanted to convince Sailor Cosmos to remain in the present time to make her decision. If she went to the future it could alter this time line once more.

"I.... I don't know..." Sailor Cosmos said slowly. She let out a loud sigh of frustration. "Ever since I had that first premonition... there have been others. It is so confusing."

"You have to be careful. Knowing the future in the present can have dire consequences. I believe that is part of the reason you are questioning your relationship with Mamoru-san so much, you've seen the future. You must follow your instinct and your heart. It will not lead you astray," said Sailor Pluto in a reassuring tone. "I know you will do what is best for you."

"Thanks," Sailor Cosmos responded with a half-smile. "So... umm... I missed a lot of what you said."

Sailor Pluto smirked at her admission. "Well...One of the most important things to remember about the time streams is this; without a time key, a person will easily become lost. I am the only one that can hand out time keys. Yui-chan can enter the time streams as well; her staff serves as a key. You seem to possess the ability to send only yourself through time."

"How will I be able to find my way?" Sailor Cosmos asked alarmed. She panicked at the thought of becoming a nomad in time. The image she had disappeared as something did not add up. "How was I able to lead us to Crystal Tokyo when I did not possess a time key?"

Sailor Pluto anticipated this question, "I am assuming it is because of your abilities as Sailor Cosmos and the Maboroshi no Ginzuishou. As the Guardian, your powers are very unique."

She turned the topic of discussion to a more serious matter. "There is one thing that you must not do. It is taboo for me and I imagine it will be taboo for you as well. It is an ancient law your mother created." A quick look into Sailor Cosmos' eyes told Sailor Pluto she had Usagi's full attention. "You must never stop time." She lowered her head slightly, "I did this once for a few seconds and it nearly cost me my life. I am unsure on what may happen to you if you do the same."

Sailor Cosmos nodded her head in acknowledgment. "It seems odd though..."

"In what way?" Sailor Pluto questioned her.

"My powers seem limitless... unless it comes to time..." Sailor Cosmos responded with inquisitiveness. Another thought occurred to her, "Having premonitions... isn't it just like seeing the future?"

Sailor Pluto smiled at her question. "It is a rather unique situation," she explained. "Sometimes these events are helpful to know in order to avoid certain ...occurrences. Preventing them may be essential to the future."

"How is it different than knowing the future?"

"What you witnessed are glimpses of the future, but not knowing the set future. From what I understand by speaking with Michiru-chan, the visions provide a glimpse without giving away the entire path."