Subject: [FANFIC][SM]Adventures of the Chibi-Scouts #4
From: Douglas Helm
Date: 10/4/1997, 8:10 AM
To: fanfic@fanfic.com

Adventures of the Chibi-Scouts
By "Tuxedo" Will Wolfshohl and Doug "Candle Light Author" Helm

Disclaimer: Sailor Moon, Sailor Scouts, and all terms, names, etc.
associated with this or other series are copyrighted by Naoko Takeuchi,
DiC, Disney, Bandai, Toei Animation, Kodansha, and other big companies.
We make no claim to them and this work of fanfiction should not be seen
as making a claim. ACS is not intended for commercial release or use.

Those characters that are original and the story "Adventures of the
Chibi-Scouts" are copyrighted (c) 1997 by Will Wolfshohl & Doug Helm

Comments good or bad are encouraged. Please Email comments to "Tuxedo"
Will (wwolfshohl@logicon.com) or Doug (dhelm@log.on.ca)

ACS's home is "Tuxedo" Will's Fanfiction Archive at
http://log.on.ca/users/helm/anime/index.htm


Part 4 "Two Bunnies in a Pod"

        At the same time that Amy and Lita were heading home from the
Tsukino house, Mina and Artemis were also making their way home. Mina
felt full of life and energy. She hadn't felt this good in some time. It
was if all her worries were gone. After a little bit Mina found that she
had the urge to run, like the wind. She didn't try to fight it.
        "Mina!" Artemis mewed in a ragged voice, "Mina! Wait up!" He
stopped running and sucked in a great gulp of air, "I can't run as fast
as you!" he called after her. <Jeez, what's gotten into her?>
        Mina stopped and turned around to look at Artemis, his little
chest was heaving, drawing in great gulps of air. Giving a slightly put
off look Mina skipped back to Artemis and bending down said, "Okay,
`kitty'... I'll carry you." She blinked as Artemis backed away from her
hand, "What's the matter?" Mina asked. <I want to run! I have all this
energy... Like I was hooked up to a fresh battery...>
        "I want to run too," Artemis admitted in a more normal yet small
voice, "Just not so fast. Remember, your legs are still bigger than
mine. I have a hard enough time keeping up with you when we're both big.
Let's run, but slower, please Mina?"
        Mina and Artemis started to run but at a slower pace. But now,
after a few more moments, Mina decided she didn't want to run but skip.
Starting to skip, she once again began increasing the distance with
Artemis who was slowly falling further behind. As she rounded a corner,
looking back, Mina saw that Artemis was lagging. "Come on, `kitty'!"
Turning she waited for him to catch up.
        As she waited a car passed her, a single thought popped into her
head, <Wheel.> Now why would she think `wheel'? Noting that Artemis was
taking his time by walking, Mina began to tap her foot. She could feel
the energy level building within her again. It had dissipated somewhat
with her running and skipping. "Hurry up!" she called to Artemis
impatiently but he didn't move any faster. Mina gave a sigh and was
about to go and get the kitten when she had an impulsive urge. Making
sure the sidewalk was clear Mina tried to do a cartwheel.
        She made it to where her hands were on the ground and her feet
into the air but she didn't have enough momentum to carry through the
motion. <I can't fall! I'm good at cartwheels!> Mina thought trying
desperately to at least stay in a handstand but it was no use, she
started to tumble. With a loud THUD, her bottom hit the pavement. Mina
gasped, <That hurt!> Her eyes started to fill with tears and she
sniffled.
        Artemis, having seen Mina fall at first, wasn't overly
concerned. This wasn't the first time he'd seen Mina try an acrobatic
move and fall on her behind. She normally didn't do such moves on the
sidewalk though. Then when he saw the tears that were running down her
young face, he raced up to her and asked worriedly, "Are you okay?!?"
Mina nodded and gave another sniffle. "Mina, why did you do such a
thing?" Artemis continued.
        "I just wanted to," Mina replied wiping her tears away from her
face.
        "Well let's go home before anything else happens," Artemis said.
Mina nodded and after getting up, her tears disappeared and she started
to skip at a slower pace so that Artemis could keep up. After a few more
minutes they arrived at Mina's home and entered.

        Raye pounded quickly and furiously through the streets towards
the Cherry Hill Temple. <Kami, the sooner I get out of these clothes the
better!> She gave a guttural noise of disgust at her outfit, <It looks
like something Meatball Head would wear! Just too bloody CUTE for me!
Why would I EVER dress like this?> Rounding a corner Raye headed down
the street towards the steps that would lead up to the temple grounds.
<I'm hungry... I'll have Chad make me something while I get changed out
of this walking commercial.>
        As she started to climb the steps she yawned expansively, <Why
am I so tired?!? I know Serena can make anybody tired but still...>
Stopping and shaking her head slightly, Raye tried to get her thoughts
clear. "I hope I'm not coming down with something... That's all I need,
to be sick and a little kid too!" Raye muttered acidically as she
started up the steps again. <I'll consult the Great Fire. Maybe it can
help give, at least ME, a way out of this mess. I REFUSE to be five!>
        As she came over the top step she saw her grandfather waiting
with a slightly irritated look on his face. "Hi Pumpkin, you know you
shouldn't stay out so late. I shouldn't have to call to remind you what
time it is."
        <Pumpkin?!? I guess I'll play along.> "I'm sorry, Grandpa."
        "You know Chad is off tonight," Grandpa Hino said, coming over
to Raye, "So he won't be able to look after you." He gave her a piercing
look, "Do you think you can get along okay without him?"
        <Why would I need Chad to take care of me?!?> Raye thought, then
she noticed her grandfather waiting expectantly, "Don't worry, Grandpa,
I can take care of myself." <I've been taking care of myself as well as
you for years.>
        Grandpa Hino smiled at Raye, "You're a good little girl, Raye.
Now come along, supper's ready. I've made you a wonderful supper." As he
headed for the dining room of the temple, he added, "If you're extra
good, you can have some dessert too."
        "Okay Grandpa," Raye answered and followed her grandfather to
have supper. <He's sure acting strange.>

        Serena and Reenie were helping Mrs. Tsukino prepare supper.
Serena for her part found it very boring. <I already know this stuff,>
she thought, <As long as I'm five, I want to go play! This seems too
much like school! How can Reenie be interested in this?!?> Reenie was
avidly watching her `aunt' prepare the meal while asking various
questions. In Crystal Tokyo, she had rarely seen her mother make meals
and it was unheard of for her, the Princess, to be allowed to help. So
to Reenie this was, at worst, interesting. She liked helping her aunt
though and with Serena there it made it a little more fun too.
        "Serena dear, could you get me the lettuce out of the
refrigerator?"
        "'Kay Mommy," Serena squeaked trying to stifle her bored tone.
Walking over she tugged on the door to open it.
        "Want some help?" Mrs. Tsukino asked.
        "No thanks, Mommy, I can do it," Serena answered. <It shouldn't
be this tough... The fridge must be stuck.> Gritting her teeth she
placed her foot on the counter and gave a mighty yank while pushing off
with her foot. It had the desired effect. The door opened but Serena was
sent skidding back. She found herself giggling, <That was kinda fun!>
she thought. Noticing the disapproving look that her mother was sending
her, Serena clambered to her feet and got the lettuce. For good measure
she closed the door before handing her mother the requested item.
        "Thank you, Serena," her mother said before turning back to her
work.
        "You're welcome, Mommy," Serena answered beaming happily that
she had actually done something right for once. <No klutz attack!> Soon,
though, her feeling of pride was replaced, once again, with boredom,
and, in addition, a sense of being left out as she watched Reenie help
her mother chop the vegetables for the salad. "Mommy, can't I help cut
the stuff?" Serena asked, hope shining in her blue eyes. <I want
SOMETHING to do...>
        "Sorry, Serena, you're too little to handle sharp knives. You
might hurt yourself. Soon you'll grow bigger and then you can help me."
        Serena folded her arms and stuck out her bottom lip in a pout.
Reenie seeing this leaned over and whispered, "Hey, you're lucky,
Serena." Serena took on a puzzled expression. "It isn't as much fun as
you think."
        <Well as long as she isn't having fun...> Serena thought.
"Okay," she consented and stopped her pouting. "Can't I do ANYTHING?"
Serena pleaded.
        Wiping her hands Ellen took some plates out of the cupboard and
setting them on a stool turned to Serena, "Why don't you give everyone a
plate?"
        <That's it?!?> Serena thought, <That's the BIG job?!?> After a
moment of thinking on it, Serena came to one conclusion, <It might be a
dumb job but at least it's SOMETHING!> Sighing slightly Serena chirped,
"'Kay Mommy." She walked over and attempted to lift the entire pile of
dishes.
        "No Serena," Ellen cautioned, "Take them one at a time. There's
too many for you to take all at once."
        "One at a time?!?" Serena questioned. <That's a lot more
work...>
        "Yeah," Reenie agreed jumping off of her stool, "Like this."
Reaching over she snagged one of the plates and walked over to the table
before carefully setting it in place.
        Serena opened her mouth to protest but Amy's words came back to
her. <I'm supposed to be five...> Picking up one plate she walked over
to the table and set it down. Both Reenie and her mother nodded in
approval. <This is going to take forever!!!> Serena's mind whined.

        After Serena had finished setting the plates on the table, she
was given other small tasks to do. At first she had to stop herself from
protesting but, as time passed, she found herself slipping more into the
five year old role. She was able to help `Mommy' and that's what really
mattered to her. The old thoughts of being fourteen didn't even enter
her mind.
        Ellen stopped for a moment after all was ready. She sat down at
the table. "Reenie, Serena, come here." Both girls complied, "I'm very
happy with how you helped out. You two were really good." She gave each
girl a hug.
        Serena eagerly drank in the hug. It had been a long time since
she had been hugged that way by her mother and she enjoyed it. She was
also happy that her mother was proud of her for once. <I didn't do
anything stupid!> Serena crowed gleefully to herself.
        "Now, you two, go wash up for supper," Serena's mother
instructed.
        Reenie took Serena by the hand and led her to the bathroom. She
helped Serena reach the sink and made sure that Serena did a good job
before washing her own hands. Serena's appetite, making itself known,
caused her to return to the dining room without Reenie.
        Sammy having seated himself at the table already saw Serena come
in without her valiant defender. He smirked evilly, "Wow, you found your
way here!?!" Sammy said with mock surprise, "Then again you always have
a nose for food."
        "Huh?!?" Serena questioned. After that afternoon's incident, she
had become wary of her `big' brother.
        "Well you are just a piglet with big rabbit ears after all. That
nose of yours is always stuck into some food. Or those awful `bunnies'."
        "I'm not a pig!" Serena protested, she could feel the tears
welling up, "You take that back!"
        "Okay," Sammy agreed. Serena blinked, "You're right. You aren't
a pig. You're just some overly fat, mud loving swine!" He started to
cackle at his own joke. Serena sniffled, "Aww!!! Is the `wittle' baby
gonna cry?!?" Sammy demanded in a patronizing tone. Serena could feel
herself wanting to wail but was desperately fighting the urge. She
sniffled again and wiped away a few tears.
        "What's the matter, Serena?" her mother asked from behind her.
        "Mommy!" Serena called running to her mother, "Sammy said I was
fat and a swine!!!"
        "Sammy," Ellen said exasperatedly, "I want you to stop saying
things like that to your sister. Do it again and it's to bed without
supper!"
        Sammy paled slightly, "Okay... I'm sorry for calling you a
swine."
        Serena hopped up into her seat and while her mother's back was
turned blew a raspberry at Sammy for good measure. <I kinda like this!>
she thought, <There are advantages to being younger... Sammy gets the
blame and I don't `being the best'!>
        Just then Reenie and Serena's father entered the room and also
took their seats at the table. Serena couldn't help but smile slightly
when she saw that Reenie was going to sit beside her. Her happiness
subsided when her stomach grumbled in protest due to a lack of food.
Reaching over she tried to take one of the dishes but couldn't reach it.
        <Shoot!> Serena thought, <How am I going to get that and not
look silly... and I'm REALLY hungry too!> Her stomach burbled in
agreement.
        "Hang on, Honey, and I'll get you something. There's plenty here
so you won't starve." He then picked up her plate and proceeded to dish
up various foods, including the dreaded `carrots'. When her plate had a
little bit of each, Ken placed Serena's plate back in its original place
in front of her.
        "I don't think it's enough. I'm REALLY hungry, Daddy," Serena
whined while staring with some disbelief at the small portions. <I'll
waste away to nothing if THAT'S all I get. I'm a growing girl.>
        Ken smiled at his daughter, "Okay Serena, if you clean your
plate first, then I'll get you some more food if you want it." While
this conversation was taking place the others, including Reenie, were
passing around the dishes helping themselves to the portions they
wanted. "Reenie," Ken said quietly as he saw her pass the carrots on
without taking any. She looked at her uncle for a moment before
sheepishly, and reluctantly, taking the carrots back and getting a
portion. At first she tried to have a minuscule portion but the look
from her aunt and uncle kept her putting tiny amounts onto her plate
until they were satisfied that she had a sufficiently disgusting portion
of the putrid orange things.
        With the family, Serena dug into her food. It tasted great. She
knew her mother could cook but this tasted even better than before.
Reenie turned to Serena and said, almost reading Serena's thoughts,
"This tastes really good. Aunt Ellen did a great job."
        "Yeah, Mommy, you did a good job," Serena agreed.
        Ken and Sammy also added their own compliments. <This tastes
really great!> Serena thought as she shoveled yet another tasty mouthful
into her mouth. But as time passed Serena felt that she was getting
full, <But the plate's not even empty... even if you don't count those
horrible carrots.> But her tummy was telling her that she was starting
to get full.
        "Honey," Ken teased noticing his daughter slowing down, "I
thought you said you were REALLY hungry..."
        "Yes Daddy, I'll finish it," Serena said and proceeded to eat
ever more slowly. Soon that dreaded moment came. There were only the
carrots left. Serena set her fork down and looked at her father. "Daddy,
can I have some dessert?"
        "You still have your carrots, Honey," Ken observed. "You finish
those, then you can have some dessert." Wrinkling her face up in
disgust, Serena started to eat the carrots. As she slowly worked her way
through the small pile of evilness, Serena noticed that Reenie wasn't
even touching her carrots.
        She was about to complain when her mother said, "Reenie dear,
you should eat those carrots before they get cold."
        <Yeah, I guess I should. They're even worse cold,> Reenie
thought glumly. She had caused a minor ruckus the last time she hadn't
eaten her carrots. <Serena was just a LITTLE miffed.> Making a face, a
silently suffering Reenie lifted a few pieces of carrot into her mouth
and chewed while contorting her face at the vile taste.
        After cleaning her plate Serena was handed a small dish with the
evening's dessert in it. She slowly and methodically ate through it and
by the end heaved a rather satisfied sigh. <But I feel so full!> she
thought to herself.
        Reenie was also finishing up her dessert. Turning to her aunt,
Reenie asked, "Aunt Ellen, can Serena and I be excused to go play?"
        "Yes you may, Reenie, but I'll expect you both to come down and
help with the dishes in a little while."
        Giving a nod Reenie took Serena's hand and led her to Serena's
room. Serena was once again amazed. She couldn't fathom why Reenie was
being so NICE to her. It was just so foreign a thought that she couldn't
believe it. As they started their play Serena found herself coming back
to the same question, <Why is Reenie being so nice to me?!?> Finally she
couldn't take it anymore, "Reenie, why are you being so nice to me?!?"
Serena blurted out.
        Reenie looked up and stared at Serena in confusion, "Why-Why
wouldn't I be?" Reenie finally asked, "You ARE my little sister.
Remember when I said that I always wanted one when I was in Crystal
Tokyo?" Serena didn't quite know how to respond to that, "You said you
always wanted a big sister..." Reenie trailed off. Serena noticed that
Reenie's eyes were starting to moisten from the unshed tears, "Serena,
did I do something wrong?!? Don't you want me as your big sister
anymore?!?" Reenie took on a dejected look and sniffled.
        "No, I LIKE you as a big sister. I just was wonderin', that's
all." Serena gave Reenie a smile hoping that it would belay the fears
that THIS Reenie was showing. Reenie gave a smile and reaching over
hugged Serena. <I could get used to this...> Serena thought as she
smiled at Reenie and hugged her back. After a moment they returned to
playing but all too soon Ellen called them down to help with the dishes.
Serena at least enjoyed this part... mainly because she didn't have to
wash as she usually did. She and Reenie were given the task of drying
the dishes while Ellen washed them. After the dishes were dry and put
away the girls were allowed to return to their play.
        After a little bit Ellen entered the room. "It's time for your
bath, girls."
        "'Kay, Aunt Ellen," Reenie said while reaching for Serena's
hand.
        "Reenie! What are you doing?!?" Serena squeaked pulling her hand
away from Reenie.
        "Aunt Ellen said it was time to take our bath," Reenie stated
and reached out again, this time, grabbing Serena's hand. <She's acting
strange today.> Serena was about to protest but her mother, seeming like
some towering giant, was staring at her with a slightly puzzled
expression on her face. Figuring things couldn't get much worse, Serena
complied and allowed Reenie to take the lead. They walked hand in hand
out of the room and down the hall into the bathroom with Ellen following
right behind them.
        While Ellen started the water running Reenie reached over and
started to undress Serena. <Oh no!!!!> Serena thought, <I can't have
Reenie undressing me!!!> She was about to protest again but she noticed
that her mother was watching her from above. <I know Mom can be imposing
sometimes but WOW!!!> Just the presence of that VERY big person was
having the effect of making Serena WANT to behave. <Well I guess this is
a normal thing for me. I had to help Reenie a couple of times in the
normal reality so...> Soon the task was done and Serena stood naked and
shivering slightly as Reenie undressed herself.
        "Okay Serena, let's `bunny' hop into the stall," Reenie
suggested taking Serena's hand.
        Serena gave a tentative nod and both little girls hopped into
the washing stall beside the furo. Ellen just smiled as she watched.
        "Reenie, I don't want you hopping into the furo like the last
time," Ellen warned. <We had water all over the place!>
        "Okay," Reenie chirped. Once Ellen thought that they were
settled she left the room. After only a few minutes both girls were
relaxing in the warming waters of the Tsukino furo. Serena looked around
and noticed that her mother had laid out two sets of bunny covered
underwear, along with two sets of bunny pajamas and two towels.
        Serena for her part was having a blast. The furo's relative size
was almost like a swimming pool to her now. Reenie seemed more
interested in simply enjoying the warmth rather than playing so it
wasn't as much fun as she would have liked but it was still great. Soon
though Reenie said, "Okay, we're both clean. Time to get out and into
our PJs." Serena didn't really want to get out of the furo; she was
having too much fun. "Serena," Reenie said sternly when she saw the look
of reluctance, "We have to get out now." She then took Serena's hand.
        Serena complied but wasn't happy about it. Reenie retrieved a
towel and started to dry Serena off. After making sure that Serena was
dry Reenie dried herself off. Then she helped Serena first into the
underwear and then the pajamas. Serena flushed with embarrassment.
Reenie then proceeded to get dressed herself. Just as she was finishing
up Ellen walked into the room.
        "Reenie, you did a really good job taking your bath and helping
Serena," Ellen complimented. Reenie smiled in pride and Serena felt
happy for her "sister". "Okay, girls, you can go play quietly until
bedtime."
        Reenie beamed happily and once again guided Serena back into
Serena's room. <They're treating me as if I wouldn't know where to go,>
Serena thought as they started another quiet game, <Or like I'm a baby.>
But she found herself slowly grinning, <Who cares?! I haven't had this
much fun since I was a kid... Being treated like a baby a few times
isn't all that bad. Certainly worth it to be able to play like this and
have Reenie as a big sister.> Serena stopped for a moment to look at
Reenie who was also smiling.
        As the time passed Serena found herself starting to doze, <I'm
tired.> She yawned, <But it's still early.> Giving another yawn she felt
her eyelids starting to sag shut when her mother came in.
        "Okay, girls, eight o'clock. Time for bed."
        Serena was about to protest this injustice when her brain told
her that she was really tired. Reenie helped by saying, "We should go to
bed, Serena. We have school tomorrow... You wouldn't want to fall asleep
in class."
        <It wouldn't be the first time,> Serena thought, <Oh boy...
another `wonderful' day with Miss H.> Before she could utter any verbal
arguments Reenie had once again taken her hand and helped her up.
Walking over to the bed both girls crawled in. <The bed is huge now!>
Ellen walked over and tucked the covers around them. She gave each girl
a hug and kiss before bidding them good night. She walked to the door
turned off the lights and left before shutting the door.
        Serena was just starting to drift off into sleep when Reenie
mused, "I really wish I can have a little sister like you someday." She
could feel a lump starting to form in her throat. <I miss Mommy. She
would really like Serena.> "Mommy..." Reenie sniffled, "Mommy is in real
trouble. I-I need to find the Silver Crystal to save her." Even in the
light provided by the street lights and the small nightlight, Serena
could see the small stream of tears that was starting to flow out of
Reenie's eyes.
        "Don't worry, Reenie," Serena said trying to reassure the older
girl, "Your Mommy will be okay, and I will be YOUR little sister!"
Reenie gave Serena a small sad smile. Reaching over, Serena hugged
Reenie while thinking, <Poor little... er... big thing.> Serena fought
the urge to giggle; it wouldn't be very nice. <So THAT'S the reason
she's here.> Serena felt Reenie hugging her and grimaced internally,
<Why did I treat her so rotten before?!? She really needs me!> Letting
go of the hug and settling back into bed, Serena said, "Good night,
Reenie."
        "Good night, Serena," Reenie replied.
        That was the last conscious thought of either girl before both
drifted off into sleep.

Coming Next ACS Part 5  "But I Don't Want to go to School..."
Doug

"I write in broad tapestries, interweaving characters lives leaving
 the little details to the reader unless the detials are important."
	- Anne McCafrey

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