Setsuna Meiou (AST)

**Setsuna Meiou** is the civilian identity and present-day incarnation of **Sailor Pluto**. She is one of the four Outer Sailor Guardians of the Solar System, as well as the guardian of the Space-Time Door, and was the 6th Sailor Senshi to be introduced in the anime. Her attacks are based around time, the underworld, space, and darkness; granted by her orb.

## Appearance

Setsuna is a young adult woman who has knee-length dark green hair partly tied up in a high bun and the rest hanging down freely and red eyes. In comparison to the other Sailor Senshi, her skin is darker.

Some depictions give her lighter skin and change her eye color from red to purple.

## Personality

As Sailor Pluto, she guarded the Space-Time Door, and she originally could not leave her post, which left her very lonely. However, Neo-Queen Serenity allowed her to leave her post to help the other Sailor Senshi of the Outer Solar System during the events of the S season, and she was reincarnated as an adult in the present time during the Death Busters arc, where she took on the identity of Setsuna Meiou, a K.O. University student studying physics.

Setsuna dreamed of being a designer one day. She was good friends with Chibiusa and Diana and was also very close to Hotaru Tomoe after the end of the Death Busters crisis. Setsuna became part of an adoptive family with Haruka, Michiru, and Hotaru when they took up residence together.

## Information

Sailor Pluto was the Princess of Pluto. One day when she was a child, Queen Serenity assigned her to the Space-Time Door to guard it and instructed on the three taboos she must never break: She must never leave her post, she must not allow anyone to travel through time, and she must never use her powers to disrupt the flow of time in any way. Breaking the last taboo would mean the end of her life.

It was deemed that the role of Pluto, overseeing this place, was too important to leave unattended for extended periods required for a normal senshi rebirth process. That could potentially take a hundred years, far too long to leave this place unguarded. As such, potential Plutos throughout time were suspended there to take over the instant the previous Pluto dies. All are volunteers to the task, most likely enticed through a combination in duty and the prospect of near immortality.

The current Setsuna Meiou was awoken after the previous Sailor Pluto stopped time to stop Prince Demande. A replacement can take a while to get used to their new status so while she took on the role of a student at K.O. University studying physics it wasn’t until she was attacked by Tellu's Tellun plant, that she fully came into the role of Sailor Pluto.

Setsuna is introduced setting things in motion by introducing the other Outers to Shampoo. The Space-Time Door does more than simply allow passage thru time; it acts as a buffer for time. It attempts to ensure the future by limiting the effects of events that occur in the past. When the path of time enters a strong flux, the doorway is not safe for anyone. It has automatic measures to remove anyone inside. Unfortunately, it's not very gentle about it. To date, Setsuna has always been able to redirect the path. This time it simply shifted suddenly. The last time something like this occurred is when Galaxia came to Earth, but this time was even worse. It took all of Setsuna’s strength to open a path to the current time and not some random moment in time and space.

She ended up exploding in front of the outers and immediately passed out. She woke up at the Hikawa shrine to find all the Senshi there including Mamoru. An exhausted Setsuna explained that the shape of the future had irreversibly been altered. When Mamoru asked her what that meant for Chibiusa, Setsuna explained that the current timeline was no longer connected with hers. That version was still alive, it’s just that their future was no longer hers. She didn’t even really know when the shift occurred time had little meaning at the doorway, all she could say was it was not that long ago. She learned that Usagi had been kidnapped when Minako began panicking at the ramifications of what this meant, but Rei was quick to calm her down stating that Usagi was alive and they would find her.

Setsuna could only tell them that only someone of immense power could overpower the effects of the doorway. After a moment of silence Makoto spoke up and encouraged everyone to go in full force once they have a lead. Mamoru having never met Kasumi was surprised when he saw no disagreement on anyone's face. Michiru and Haruka took an exhausted Setsuna home to rest. The outers were informed to meet the inners at Hotel La Bac when it was discovered that Kasumi and the others were there. Sailor Mars, Sailor Mercury, Sailor Venus, Tuxedo Kamen, and the outer Senshi watched from nearby rooftop. Among the crowd, Makoto was listening in, discretely relaying the plan of how they were going to rescue Kasumi, Shampoo, and Usagi. Mercury scanned the buildings defenses, only for her scans to be blocked. They decided to make their way to the rooftop where whatever was blocking her scans was the weakest and make their way down while the others go in from the bottom.

That left the discussion of what to do when they found Sailor Moon. Venus suggested they try to reason with her, but the plan had little support from the outers. Uranus reminded them that not only did Shadow Moon easily defeat both Jupiter and Ranko, they had no idea what was controlling her, and she was displaying new abilities. They had no choice but to go at her full force and try to deal with things later under more controlled circumstance. Mars was quick to point out that could end up seriously hurting Usagi, only for Uranus to respond that it was better then her killing them.

The stalemate was finally broken by Tuxedo Kamen who advised them to just wait until they had more info, and then improvise from there. It turns out that the building was protected by an anti magic field as they found out when they landed on the field as well as Jupiter when she joined them. Unfortunately without their powers, the La Bac was a very dangerous place. Even with the combined effort of all nine of them, they barely managed to make it 2 floors down, and even that had cost them many bruises and scrapes. They were resting in a hall when the anti magic field decreased in strength one of its power sources having been destroyed.

This allowed Mercury to get local reading, but before she could start searching for Usagi she spotted Shadow Moon walking towards them. Not having expected things to be this easy the group were left confused on what to do next. Scanning Shadow Moon’s body Mercury discovered the nanites contained within it and realized she was being controlled. They were a bit puzzled when she seemed to be hesitating. But before any of them could truly get much hope up that she just might snap out of it, she suddenly attacked. Mercury provided then as explanation of how her new abilities worked while the others tried to fight her off. Having already deal with her before Jupiter was quick to warn them about how dangerous Shadow Moon was.

Sailor Uranus was the first to attack however the confines of the building, combined with the simple speed and power of Shadow Moon's ability had quickly demonstrated the flaw in a frontal attack. In had taken less than a minute for Shadow Moon to disable the outer senshi, leaving them scattered throughout the hall. The inner senshi, after seeing their comrades in trouble, were nearing the same fate. With brutal efficiency, Shadow Moon blocked their attacks and attempts to reach the others. Tuxedo Kamen was also afforded no mercy as he was violently whipped around by the arm, before being tossed down the hall where he collided with Sailor Mars.

They were distracted from their pain by the sound of the Doctor from the speakers. He advised them to surrender revealing that he knew who they were and threatened to make their civilian lives difficult. Given that Usagi disappeared the same day as Sailor Moon it was just a matter of cross referencing her friends and acquaintances. Jupiter was unable to hide her worry at how bad their situation was. He informed him that Shadow Moon was instructed to keep them there, to give them time to think about his offer. For one last taunt he asked that they not stop fighting as he wanted to see what Shadow Moon’s full capabilities were.

While they were able to feel the immediate affects when the second stone was destroyed they still proved to be no match for her. They were given a brief rest when Shadow Moon paused as she received another instruction. Though it ended the moment the buildings self-destruct alarm sounded. Just as they were once prepare to attack Shadow Moon, the Doctor showed up. Uranus jumped to her feet threateningly only for Shadow Moon to respond by moving directly in front of him. He had decided to cut his loses and while there was no time left to gain control of them, the nanites had complete control over Shadow Moon.

Much to everyone’s surprise Shadow Moon refused his order to come with him. Initially the Senshi and Kamen had hope that she was coming around. That hope was dashed when after informing the Doctor that he had served his purpose and thus is no longer required she killed him. The Senshi could only look at this in shock. The man was doubtless evil, but to see him cut down so casually by their princess was not an image they could easily accept. However, as she turned back towards them, they realized their situation had yet again become worse.

The seriousness of the situation was clear, they had three options, attempt to retreat, attack, or die. Shadow Moon blocked the only way down, and up lead only to the roof. Even at best it would take them nearly a minute to initiate the teleport and that left Shadow Moon plenty of time to intervene. So really, there were only two options. Unfortunately their earlier fight made it clear that simple physical attacks were useless and that left only their magical ones which would doubtless hurt her, and none of the Senshi were willing to do that. Even Uranus drew the line at attacking Usagi full force. Simply lying down and dying wasn’t an option either.

This time it was Sailor Venus who broke the stalemate, as much as they didn’t want to, if they didn’t attack Shadow Moon would kill them and still be destroyed. Sadly she proved to be to strong Mar was launched violently away, Mercury tried to think up a way to deal with their situation as she checked up on her but none came. Sadly by this point the nanites had gained full control of Sailor Moons magic as shown when Shadow Moon summoned the Moon Stick.

It took little more then a second for her to completely decimate them. In a last desperate stand Sailor Saturn shielded everyone using her Silence Wall against the worst of the attack, but even her strength quickly faded under Shadow Moon's onslaught. To prevent this Usagi having become aware of what was going on destroyed her star seed. Shadow Moon after gasping in pain suddenly lost all her strength and fell to the floor only to be caught by Tukedo Kamen. Sailor Moon’s consciousness reasserted itself seconds before all life left her body. Then as Tuxedo Kamen began to register what just happened she was suspended in the air as she transformed into Eternal Sailor Moon. Her uniform started to disintegrate leaving nothing but her wings which continued to grow, before unleashing a purifying wave of light.

Just as Usagi was about to fall to the ground she was plucked out of the air by Seiya. Both groups could just stare at each other in confusion not knowing what was going on. They came out of it when Seiya noticed how lifeless Usagi was. Mercury checked up on her and determined that she was alive, though she needed a more proper examine. Tuxedo Kamen took Usagi from Seiya as they made their way outside, deciding they’d figure out what to tell everyone when the time came.

Uranus however broke off to go and find Kasumi. Neptune appeared pensive, but made no move to stop her partner. Likewise, although worry showed on the other Senshis' faces, they too made no move to stop her. Teleporting back to where they left Artemis and Luna Mamoru de-transformed and rushed off to find a doctor. The other’s decided that it would be best to stay as it would make it easier for him to explain things. At this point Luna made her presence known and demanded that they explain what was going on, something Seiya agreed with.

The Senshi were gathered together over lunch in the hospital cafeteria, waiting for news on Usagi’s condition when Seiya arrived to inform them that she had woken up and was fine. While relieved this just brought about further questions, why didn’t she fade away like all the other Senshi who had their stars removed. Not to mention how she summoned Seiya. While Ami couldn’t get a reading since whatever happened to Usagi overloaded her computers sensors Setsuna had a theory.

They were under the assumption that it was Usagi's kidnappers that caused time to shift, neither Rose or Kasumi had that level of power only Usagi herself. Minako was the first to voice what everyone was thinking and asked what they do next. That Setsuna couldn’t answer as knowing Usagi was the cause of everything didn’t mean she knew how or why she was able to do it. They needed more info and to get they needed to go to the Moon Kingdom. It turns out that while everything above ground is in ruins, the complex below the ground is still fairly intact. If Ami could get the city's central computer running again they could get the answers they needed.

That still left the question of how they were going to get there which Rei was quick to point out. Seetsuna informed them that the Moon Kingdom had several special transit points set up as gateways between Earth and the Moon. They also wouldn’t need any space suits. Needing only a small group to go it was suggested that it consist of Haruka, Ami, Setsuna, Usagi, and Mamoru. With that came the problem of Kasumi having seen Haruka who after a moment volunteered to talk to her.

When the Sailor Senshi arrived at the former Moon Kingdom. All of them could not help but pause and take in the sight around them: a once beautiful city now nothing more than an ancient ruin. Pluto led them through the city square and to the devastated remains of the former palace. Once they made it the device, Mercury was able to transfuse the system with her own energy, just as she for Frost when charging the Kaisuifu, though it was still insufficient for full operation. As she worked to get main power functional again Pluto inspected the gateway while the others looked around. Once that was accomplished she called the others to tell them to return.

She wasn’t able to find anything so returned to the others. She found them in the royal chambers looking at a carving depiction of the founding of the Moon Kingdom. After being called out for once again sneaking up on them she into further details. Explaining what she knew of the builders as well as the fact that they were in a chamber dedicated to the royalty. They were interrupted from taking in the various works by Mercury informing her that she was finished.

While she was able to retrieve a good amount of information they were left with more questions then answers. She discovered that while connected the silver crystal wasn’t actually the source of Sailor Moon’s power and in fact might limit it. the Sailor Armor was designed by the builders who were long since gone so ii is unknown if Usagi could still access it. Mercury was at least able to download the information so that she could go through it later.

Mercury was also able to confirm the much of the Amazon version of history, and when she brought up an image of Queen Tranquility, they were shocked by how much she looked like Ikuko. Pluto theorized that she most likely was reminding them that the Senshi weren’t the only ones sent to the future. She then went into the details of her and Serenity’s political marriage when Mercury mistook the nature of their relationship.

Usagi was devastated to learn that given how long the average Moon Kingdom resident lived it was rare for them to form stable unions. Seeing this Pluto went on to say that, wasn’t always the case using Uranus and Neptune as an example. Mercury wisely changed the subject back to Amazon history. With that they made there way back home Usagi at the back of the pack, deep in thought.

Haruka, but Michiru, Hotaru, Setsuna and Rei received a a message from Usagi to meet her at the park, Only to not be able to get a hold of her once they got there. As they were waiting Ami, Minako and Makoto showed up having received the same message. Minako suspected that Usagi was planning a surprise anniversary party. When Setsuna pointed out that know such anniversary she figured that she had got her dates mixed up.

Before they could further consider that possibility, Usagi finally appeared. She revealed herself to be Quaoar and after apologizing for the deception informed them that Usagi was with the other Ascended Senshi waiting for her fate to be decided. Defensive instincts drove many of the girls to reach for their transformation items, but they found them missing. Quaoar had already taken them as they would only serve as a distraction. After convincing them including Luna and Artimis who were hiding in the bushes that she was on the level she transported them to the moon kingdom.

Once within, the others found Usagi, suspended in the air and completely unresponsive. After the initial shock, they took in the auditorium room they were in. Sensing her wandering attention, Quaoar introduced them to Rhadamanthus and Eris, though they were more focused on the fact that Seiya was there. The Ascended Senshi believed that Usagi was reawakening as her former incarnation of Cosmos and were worried about her being unable to control her power. At Quaoar's request the senshi had been invited to speak on her behalf.

As she introduced the various AS’ they were shocked by how much Ixion looked like Mamoru. This became more apparent when the actual Mamoru showed up. However, whatever response any would have had to his appearance was cut off by the Orcus was immediately told to withdraw her cloak. Quaoar once more ran through the introductions of the others for Mamoru. As one would expect, Ixion grabbed most of Mamoru's attention. However, other than a nod of greeting, the man said nothing.

Quaoar went into detail about the history of the Ascended Senshi, the rise and fall of Cosmos’ kingdom, as well as the Moon Kingdom. This is what led them to the decision on what to do with Usagi. This caused Rei to angrily demanded to know what that meant only to withdraw when Orcus called her out for not listening to their warning of Cosmos’ power. Rhadamanthus ordered her to calm down, but the fact remained they had serious concerns about weather or not Cosmos can control her power. While they didn’t have to like it they all agreed to it when they chose to be reborn that the final decision is up to the Ascended.

The group used the time they waited for the arrival of Huya and Deucalion to consider what they would say. The Senshi, luna cats, and Mamoru had huddled together to the side to plot strategy. With their abilities inaccessible, and their opponents having all the power of Chaos and more, conflict had been quickly ruled out as being the least viable. So, they took the advice they had been given and considered what to say to sway the opinions of those gathered.

When Huya and Deucalion arrived she immediately rushed towards Ami and Michiru and hugged them. Rhadamanthus began to recount recent events for all. There was little to dispute, until she got to Eris’ transgressions. Since that matter would be discussed only with the Senshi she moved on. Finally came to the decision of what to do with Usagi. Do they let her go, keep her in the stasis field indefinitely, or terminate her before her power grows? Luna suggested that they just restore the stasis field if she does lost control. Rhadamanthus agreed that a conditional release was reasonable.

With no other proposal they began to discuss there options. They eliminated termination when it was pointed out that it would just kicks the can down the road a few years. Sealing or other removal of her power, as well conditional release, also proved impossible with their current limits.

Minako suggested that they just train her and Mamoru was quick to point out that permanent stasis was the same as termination, just delaying the inevitable. Unfortunately Huya pointed out that training would go against their rule about not getting involved. Michiru tried to argue that they could restrict themselves from such, but she wasn’t willing to do that. Ultimately the Ascendant weren’t willing to risk the danger Usagi possessed. Eventually Eris spoke up and called them out for being motivated solely by fear.

The discussion ended and those without a voice were told to wait in the courtyard. Gathered around a destroyed fountain in the central plaza of the ruins of the Moon Kingdom, the Senshi, luna cats and Mamoru waited nervously for nearly an hour. Eventually Rei couldn’t take it anymore and despite knowing how powerful they were planned on marching back in and stopping them. Several of the others rose in response and nodded their agreement, only for Ami to remind them that their chance of victory was nonexistent.

They unanimously agreed to let Usagi live. They decreed that they will continue their pact of noninterference. Usagi must be allowed to discover her powers on her own. Them interfering could simply slow that process down, and potentially lead her astray. However, since the senshi were now aware of them, the block on contact was removed. All Ascended Senshi will be allowed to converse with them normally. They may not, however, use their powers to knowingly help or hinder any Senshi within this star system, save in their own self defense.

Because of Eris actions Rhadamanthus also effectively blocked their power while they were in this star system. It was revealed that because of Seiya’s exposure to Usagi’s energy she was evolving into an Asended as well. This meant that she needed to be replaced on Kinmoku. Her request to go back anyway was denied since supposedly if she was away from Usagi the process could stall. Setsuna ended up offering her a room at her place. Quaoar had Eris take the senshi back to Nerima while she returned Mamoru to his university, much to her annoyance.

All the senshi gather together at Haruka and Michiru’s apartment with Luna and Artemis save Usagi and Seiya. The inners informed them about how hard Usagi was taking things as well as there decision to reveal there identities. Setsuna remained quite the whole time and when Haruka pointed this out, she told them that she had no objections. However she did caution that taking this step is likely a sign that they would have their identities become public in the not too distant future. Thus it would be best if they told their families so they didn’t hear about it from the news.

Since the gateway was still unresponsive Setsuna wanted to try something more extreme so asked Haruka for a ride to the main gateway. Sailor Uranus and Pluto arrived at the Moon Kingdom without incident, Haruka opting to go with her because waiting in the car would be boring. She was also curious about the gateway. There wasn’t much to look at since they were forced to shut it off in order to get inside. She did find the room that contained Setsuna’s replacements, distant relative suspended here from their original times. Haruka found Setsuna’s empty chamber and quickly put two and two together forcing her to admit that she had only been awake for about a year.

This revelation was a bit much so Haruka decided to change the subject to why they were there. Setsuna explained the true nature of the Space-Time Door to Haruka as well as the dangers of its use. The system was being overworked, while the obvious answer was Usagi. The problem was that even though they don't see her overtly doing anything, she must be affecting the world constantly, changing the variables worldwide in a subtle but chaotic manner. Because of this Setsuna had no idea how to deal with it, and thus the system had no hope of working again as long as she is like this. She ultimately decided to leave it offline so that it wouldn’t waste any energy.

They were about to leave when Haruka remembered how she and Michiru met Shampoo. Looking into it Setsuna discovered that the door instead of avoiding it deliberately had her intervene. This is what caused the chain of consequences that resulted in Usagi’s capture. While Setsuna was confused as this went completely against its directives with all they had recently learned about the true history of the Moon Kingdom. Haruka pointed out they were only the directives she knew of and asked if Sedna was the one who designed the door. The two theorized that she must have placed an override in to seek the awakening of Cosmos. Given that Frost might be Sedna’s current incarnation that complicated things.

Haruka asking her if replacements would be okay caused them all to decide that since the system cannot be restored, there is no further purpose in keeping them suspended. Setsuna has various identities around the world, enough for all of them, though she would remain the only one with the power of Pluto. The power would still transfer over if she should fall. As they were leaving Setsuna admitted to Haruka that she no longer knew what to do with herself, in fact neither of her versions did. Haruka told her to that she could finally have a life.  Pluto told her that it wasn’t so bad as she was able to look at other possibilities. She told Haruka that there is a world where she didn't break up with Kasumi, though Haruka opted not to learn any more about it.

## Powers

Setsuna can transform into Sailor Pluto by saying Pluto Planet Power, Make Up! Her attacks possess space-time continuum and underworld attributes. However with the doorway no longer functioning her powers are more limited than usual. This includes being able to see what the future entails.