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 SM Fanfiction Archive at
http://log.on.ca/users/helm/anime/index.htm
Part 15 "Twisting Paths"
Serena was the first to move. She dashed out of the bedroom and
into the hall. "Reenie!" she called. Reenie was down the hall a short
distance, sniffling. Serena was about to console her big sister when her
mother and Chad came up the stairs.
"What on earth happened?!?" Mrs. Tsukino demanded when she took
in the scene of Reenie and Serena in tears.
"Raye was calling me names," Serena explained unable to stop
herself, "Then Reenie and Raye started calling each other names." Serena
added, "Raye was REALLY mean to us, Mommy." She padded over towards
Reenie and said, "Reenie, please don't cry."
Reenie just turned so she could hide her face and sniffled again
before giving a hiccup. Serena just hugged Reenie and leaned her head on
Reenie's back. Mrs. Tsukino and Chad moved past the two girls for the
moment and into Serena's bedroom.
"Lita, what's the matter?!?" Ellen asked when she noted that
Lita also had tears running down her face. <What on earth were these
children up to?>
"Raye said that my mommy wasn't real!" Lita gave a half choked
sob, "She said my mommy was a fake!" Amy wrapped her arms around Lita
and hugged her, trying to reassure her sister. Lita responded in kind
and hugged Amy back.
"Raye, I want you to apologize," Chad ordered sternly.
"No!" Raye snapped, "It's all true!"
Chad started to growl but Mrs. Tsukino cut him off, "What
started this whole thing?!?"
There was silence except for some sniffling. Mina glanced up
towards Serena's mother before looking at the ground again. Sheepishly,
apologetically Mina said, "Raye thought that being five is bad and when
Serena and Reenie didn't say so too, Raye started calling them names."
<I'm sorry, Raye, but you went too far.>
"Raye Hino, I want you to apologize this minute!" Chad said
angrily.
"No!" <I'm sorry but someone had to tell the truth.>
"Girls, why don't we go get ready and I'll drive Mina home."
Lita and Amy nodded and left the room.
Mina shot a look towards Raye before hurrying after the girls.
When she was in the hallway, she said, "Lita, don't be sad. You know
what my mommy always says?"
"What?" Amy snapped defensively.
"Sticks and stones may break my bones but Raye will always hurt
me." The room and hallway were silent for a moment before Lita
snickered, a small smile showing on her face. Artemis looked up to the
ceiling and rolled his eyed. <Did I miss another one?>
"Raye, go get ready. We're going home," Chad said quietly.
"Good, who wants to stay around babies like them?" Raye snidely
remarked, "Especially Mina and her stupid sayings." She then scurried
from the room when Chad advanced on her.
"I'm terribly sorry, Mrs. Tsukino," Chad said, "I wish Raye
hadn't acted so badly. I'm rather embarrassed." Walking towards the door
Chad added, "I don't think Raye will be seeing any of the girls for
awhile." <She'll be spending some time sitting in the corner.> Ellen
only nodded her head in understanding.
Serena was concerned. The more she tried to comfort Reenie, the
more uncomfortable Reenie seemed to look. As Raye passed by heading for
the stairs, Serena had the urge to stick her tongue out but it just
didn't seem appropriate. Chad was close behind Raye. He wasn't looking
very happy either.
"Reenie, what's the matter?" Ellen asked coming to crouch in
front of the little girl, "Raye didn't hit you, did she?"
"No," Reenie said, "She was pickin' on Serena and I, then she
started to call me names." Reenie sniffled, "I know I shouldn't have
called her names but I was so mad!" She looked at the ground, <I was mad
because Serena's going away and Raye's happy about it.>
Ellen gave Reenie a hug before saying, "Oh Reenie, I'm so proud
of you for not fighting Raye like you did before. You're a great big
sister for sticking up for Serena." Much to Ellen's surprise, Reenie
broke out into a fresh stream of tears. Giving a sob, she twisted out of
Ellen's light hug and ran into the bathroom, banging the door closed
behind her. "Reenie?!?" Ellen called worriedly. <What did they say to
each other?> Getting up, Ellen walked over to the door and tapping on it
said, "Reenie, honey, come on out. Please?" Her only answer was a
muffled sob.
<I'm sorry, Reenie,> Serena thought sadly, tears coming to her
eyes, <I wish I could make everybody happy... but I just don't belong
here, like this.> However, Serena did feel something tugging at her. It
was the bond that had formed for her own Reenie and it was going out to
this one just as strongly.
Chad pushed the door to Raye's bedroom open and firmly guided
Raye into the room. When he had the door shut again he turned to look at
the little girl sternly.
"Raye, I am VERY disappointed in you," Chad said, "You were rude
and mean to Serena, Lita, and Reenie. You were even ruder to Mrs.
Tsukino!"
"But Chad..."
"NO!" he bellowed. Raye flinched and took a step back. Taking
several deep breaths, Chad said in a softer tone, "I'm sorry for
yelling, Raye. There was NO reason to pick on Serena and Reenie. Serena
tries as hard as she can and you hurt her feelings by making fun of
her." He looked sternly at her, "I'm also ashamed of what you said to
Lita, especially after this morning."
"I knew you'd take THEIR side," Raye said her bottom lip
trembling, "You don't care about me." <I only told the truth.>
"This has nothing to do with taking sides. I do care about you
very much but what you did was WRONG!" Taking one of the small chairs in
the room, he placed it so that the seat was towards the corner. "You,
young lady, will be spending the rest of the day looking at this corner.
Then you will be going to bed early." When he started to see a
semi-relieved look on Raye's face he added, "You aren't getting off
easy, Raye. I'm going to ground you. We'll talk about that tomorrow."
<Kami, that was close!> Raye thought, <That idiot Serena got me
into trouble.> She thought that Chad might leave her alone once she was
settled on the chair looking at a very boring corner. However, this was
a grave misconception. He was just settling her in for a lengthy lecture
on her recent behavior, and Chad wasn't using kid gloves either.
Much to Mina's embarrassment, she was standing in a corner as
well. However, it wasn't because she had been picking on anyone. Rather
it was because she had attributed her misquoted saying to her mother.
Mrs. Aino didn't seem to appreciate the humor of the moment, so Mina
found herself in hot water again.
It didn't last long though. Five minutes later, Mina was
released with a caution not to say rude things about people from her
father. Mina flopped onto her bed and sighed.
"Mina?" Artemis asked softly coming into the room, "Are you
okay?"
"Yeah," Mina replied rolling over on to her stomach, "Just that
it really got nasty there." She started to swing her legs lazily, "I
never seen the girls fight that badly before."
"Luna told me once that Raye nearly bullied her way into being
the leader before we knew that Serena was the Moon Princess."
Mina puffed out a breath before saying, "Artemis, was I wrong? I
don't want to be five. Raye pretty much said what I thought but I don't
think she had the right to say it exactly that way."
"Mina, you said it the best way you could. Although high fiving
Raye was a little out of line." He nuzzled her slightly before saying,
"It'll take time to heal but I think the hurt will fade."
"I hope so, Artemis. I hope so."
<I don't want to go back,> Lita thought sadly as she lay in bed
that night. <I like having a sister, a mother. I'm finally happy. Why
should I give it up just because two people don't like THEIR situation?>
She felt Amy stir slightly beside her, <Amy let Serena make that choice.
I can understand that but...> She sniffled, <If I didn't use my power to
activate the Key, would I be that selfish?>
"Lita?" Amy asked softly, "Are you awake?"
Lita turned her head so she could look at her sister, "How could
Raye say that?" she asked softly, a lump coming to her throat, "I
thought she might understand, at least a little." <She lost her mom. She
knows how it feels.>
"I don't know, Lita," Amy admitted after a pause, "But what were
you thinking? Why are you awake?"
Lita sighed slightly before saying, "Amy, I was thinking of not
using my Jupiter powers." She saw her sister's expression and grimaced,
"I don't want to go back. I'm so lonely when I am fourteen."
"You have us," Amy said, "We won't be able to act the same;
we've grown closer." <I'll try to be a sister to you still.>
"I know you're trying to understand," Lita stated after a pause,
"You're a wonderful friend but you've always had a mom. Sure, she's busy
but I mean when you come home she will eventually be there. I come home
to an empty apartment only filled with plants. I don't want to go back
to that."
"Serena made the decision. We have to accept it. She's our
Princess and we are duty bound to follow her. Lita, if you don't want to
use your power, then I'll try to come up with a different source like
Prisma." Amy looked seriously at Lita, "Just please... please don't use
this to get revenge on Raye. If we have to use Prisma, then you're
putting me and Serena, even Mina into unnecessary danger." Lita rolled
over so her back was to Amy, "Sis, you are a kind person and revenge
isn't what you do." There was silence, "Good night, Lita."
"Good night... Sis," Lita said, and she felt a single tear roll
down her cheek. <I don't want to lose you...>
Lita and Amy weren't the only ones that were having problems
with sleep. Serena was wide awake. So was Reenie but Serena wasn't aware
of the fact.
<I don't want Serena to go,> Reenie mused. <I could keep her
here. Lita and Amy want to stay and Serena wants me as her big sister. I
think Raye just bullied her into saying that they should try.> Reenie
thought, <That little brat. Even when she's fourteen she acts like a
five year old!> Reenie clenched her fists together. <Maybe I shouldn't
let them use my key. I could keep Serena here and make that brat pay!>
Reenie hadn't even looked at Serena since they had dropped Mina
off. In fact she had spent most of her time outside, away from Serena.
That hurt. It hurt Serena because Reenie wanted to avoid her but it hurt
even more because she knew she was the cause of it.
The more Serena thought about it, the more depressed she got.
She could feel the tiny lump in her throat growing and soon she was
sniffling. Biting her lower lip, she tried to hold in the tears and
muffle the sob that wanted to escape. Finally though, she couldn't hold
it back and it came out as a high-pitched expulsion of breath. Tears
once again flowed freely.
"Serena?" came the voice from the side of her, "Little
Sister?!?"
Serena didn't respond; she just cried. She felt arms hugging her
and somebody talking to her but she was too busy concentrating on what
she had done to listen. Eventually though, her tears ran dry and she
gave a hiccuping sob before sniffling again.
"Serena, what's the matter?" It was Reenie's voice. It sounded
worried, concerned.
"I don't want to hurt you, Reenie," Serena managed to say
croakily, "I'm so confused!" She buried her head into Reenie's chest
and, hugging the older girl, tried to get a little control over herself,
but failed. "Raye and Mina don't want to stay... Lita and Amy do. You
want me to stay but, when your mommy's okay, then you'll be gone and
I'll be all alone." She sniffled and remained silent for a moment, "I
want Mommy and Daddy to be proud but I'm not five!"
Reenie hugged Serena tightly, guilt starting to work its magic.
Reenie could feel her own eyes start to mist over. "But I don't want to
lose you, Serena. When you become fourteen who's going to save my
mommy?"
Serena sniffled slightly and then she started to feel a little
better. "Reenie, if I go back, then the Serena that was here BEFORE I
came will come back. You can still be a big sister to her. She really
needs you. She can help your mommy." She looked up towards Reenie and
said, "I don't want to hurt you, Reenie, but there's a very lonely
little girl in my time that needs me to be a big sister like you." Now
Serena hated lying. She would try to tell as much truth as she could.
However, what she was telling Reenie was a lot of truth and a lot of
guess work.
"But..." Reenie looked at Serena, "You understand me better than
the other one."
"Big Sister... Reenie," Serena began gently, "If I stay, then so
will everybody else. Lita and Amy might like it but I can't really do
that to Mina, even Raye." Reenie looked like she was about to argue that
point, "You're a great big sister and I love you. But in my heart I know
that the fourteen year old me doesn't belong here. No matter how much
I'd like to stay."
Reenie's face crumpled and she sniffled, "I love you, Serena."
She said softly, "I just don't want you to go."
"I'm sorry," Serena said again and hugged her sister close.
After a few moments both girls cried themselves to sleep. And
the night was still.
Late at night on Thursday, the girls, along with Reenie, and the
kittens found themselves inside the original alley that they had ducked
into when they first appeared. Reenie yawned. It was well past all of
their bedtimes. She was trying to figure out why the others were able to
be so alert with the possible exception of Serena.
"Let's get this over with," Raye said, "And let's hope this
works." <'Cuz if it doesn't, I'm gonna get it from Chad for sneaking out
again.>
"We have to transform," Amy ordered, "We should move down the
alley a little further though, just so that nobody sees us."
"Are you sure about that?" Serena asked nervously, a wave of
fear flowing over her, "It's kinda scary looking." She felt Reenie take
her hand and squeeze it. Serena turned and gave the girl a smile.
<Thanks, Big Sister.>
"Let's just do it," Mina prodded seeing that Raye was looking
annoyed, "It won't really matter as long as no one sees us transform."
Nodding, the others drew out their transformation pens. Serena
smiled and slowly drew her hand out of Reenie's. At Serena's nod each
Scout spoke their transformation phrase and the alley was flooded with
magical light. As it swirled away Reenie blinked. After her vision
readjusted to the gloom, she found that the Sailor Scouts were looking
at her intently.
"Here Serena, I mean, Sailor Moon," Reenie said. She reached
inside her uniform top and drew out her Time Key.
"Please give it to Venus, Reenie," Mercury stated, "We have to
repeat the events that changed us as accurately as possible."
Reluctantly, Reenie handed her key over to Sailor Venus who gave her a
small smile of thanks.
"Reenie, you should go home," Sailor Moon suggested softly.
"Why?!?" Reenie said, "I need my key. I can't save Mommy without
it."
"Reenie, you lost your key when Prisma attacked. Sailor Venus
had it and you ran home." Sailor Moon gave Reenie a hug, "Don't worry, I
promised I'd help save your mommy and I will."
Reenie sniffled and gave Sailor Moon a hug, "Good-bye, Little
Sister, and good luck." With that Reenie turned, sadly waved, and ran
down the alley towards the Tsukino home.
"Mercury, if we have to be exact, shouldn't we wait until it's
daylight?!?" Mars asked starting to feel the first misgivings of this
plan but forcefully pushing them aside.
"No, there would be too many people. Besides, there could be
collateral damage," Mercury explained, "Be prepared for anything."
"Let's get this over with," Sailor Moon announced. "If this
doesn't work, we'll all be in hot water with our parents." Carefully,
she left the alley and looked around. The street was dark and deserted.
Waving with her hand, the others followed and together the Scouts moved
into the necessary positions.
"Venus, try and raise your arms the way you did before...
Jupiter," Mercury paused. She took on an uncomfortable expression for a
moment before saying, "Jupiter, don't aim for the Key."
"WHAT?!?!" Jupiter and Venus asked together.
"Prisma wasn't aiming for the Key. If we aim your power for the
Key, then it might not work properly."
Jupiter looked like she was about to protest but then nodded,
"Okay, if Venus is willing."
"I guess I don't have very much choice in the matter," Venus
agreed.
"NOW that that's settled, can we get on with this?!" Mars
demanded. "I'm starting to get cranky." <This stupid body!>
"Now, Jupiter, charge your attack for two seconds before
releasing it. That will correspond to the amount of energy Prisma
released during her attack on Venus," Amy instructed.
"Right." <Maybe I could ask Mercury if Mars could hold the Key,>
Jupiter briefly thought then shook the idea off, Amy's words coming back
to her, <You're starting to become something you're not.> "Okay, let's
do it." She then braced and prepared her attack. When Mercury gave her
the signal, Jupiter shouted, "JUPITER THUNDERCLAP ZAP!" <1001, 1002...>
And she released her attack.
It sped out towards Venus and, at the last instant, hit the Time
Key. Again, Venus dropped the Key and a torrent of pink light swirled
around the Sailor Scouts as reality shifted.
They heard a snarl, "I don't know how you stopped my attack but
you're gonna pay!" <How'd they release so much energy?>
Glancing towards the voice, the Sailor Scouts noted that it was
now daylight and Prisma was there. The Scouts' first reaction was to
panic. Droids had been bad enough but Prisma!
"We're big again!" Mars yelled joyfully, "Oh am I gonna MAKE you
PAY!" Mars said evilly as she pointed towards Prisma, "MARS CELESTIAL
FIRE SURROUND!" The rings of burning flame shot forth but Mars had aimed
too high. Her attack passed over Prisma who started to chuckle. "That
isn't funny!" Mars howled, "I'll show you!" Mars prepared to attack
again but Prisma interrupted her.
<I better get out of here...> "Not this time!" Prisma shouted,
"Droid Dee Zert come forth!"
"As you command!" the voice said. A woman standing five feet six
inches appeared. She was dressed in white clothing and had sandy brown
hair and eyes.
"Finish off these Sailor Brats!" Prisma shouted. <I'll get that
key and the Rabbit after Dee Zert takes care of them.>
"Yes, Mistress..." Dee Zert said menacingly, "Sandblast!" Prisma
smiled and disappeared.
"Watch out!!!" Sailor Moon cried and the Scouts scattered. The
blast of sand streaked out and plowed into a car. The entire frame of
the car shuddered for a moment before turning into a pile of sand.
"Oh my gosh!!!" Moon exclaimed, "Good thing nobody was in that!"
"VENUS LOVE CHAIN ENCIRCLE!" The chain of golden light whipped
out and tried to ensnare the Droid but as it enclosed around the woman
it passed right through, as if she had been made of sand.
Jupiter found a good brace before firing off her own attack,
"JUPITER THUNDERCLAP ZAP!"
"MARS CELESTIAL FIRE SURROUND!" Mars yelled aiming lower this
time.
Both attacks combined and slammed into the Droid. She blocked it
by raising her arm which superheated and then formed into glass. As the
less cohesive part slid away, most of the Droid's arm fell to the ground
and shattered.
"Ewww!" Sailor Moon whined, "That's disgusting!"
"MERCURY ICE STORM SPLASH!" Mercury's attack shot out and
engulfed the Droid in its watery embrace. As the attack died away the
Droid had a different appearance. She was short now, dark brown and
looking a lot more like mud than anything else. "Now, Sailor Moon,
before she hardens!"
"RIGHT!" Sailor Moon nodded, "MOON...SCEPTER...ELIMINATION!!!"
The scream the Droid emitted as the giant crescent moon sped on its
deadly way was garbled and thick sounding. "MOON DUSTED!!!" Sailor Moon
declared when the Droid was nothing more than the typical pile of dust
or, in this case, sand.
"Finally," Mars breathed, "It looks like it worked, Mercury.
Great job!"
Mercury fiddled with her computer for a moment before saying,
"It appears that we arrived almost instantaneously after we changed to
five year olds. Physically, we are all fourteen again."
"So all those days we were five are gone?!?" Venus asked
hopefully.
"Yes." Then Mercury furrowed her brow slightly, "However, it
appears that it is now Saturday instead of Sunday."
"WHAT?!? Well if it's Saturday, HOW in the world did we get here
and WHY were we attacking Prisma?" Mars demanded.
"It appears that the Time Key has rewrote history to adjust to
our new situation. According to my readings, we shifted back twelve
days, seven hours, and thirty-nine minutes."
"Will we meet ourselves?" Venus asked in a worried tone of
voice.
"The chances are almost nil. Given that Prisma attacked us now,
it would appear that we had the fight on Saturday instead of Sunday."
"So that means that we have an extra day?" Venus asked even more
hopefully than before.
"Yes. Why?" Mercury asked looking up from her computer.
"That's great! I haven't lost a second of boy chasing time then.
In fact I've gained a whole entire extra day! Well I'll see you guys
later. Bye-ee!" and with that Venus reverted back into Mina and bounded
off down the street.
"Well it looks like she still has the spirit," Raye observed
after she had also detransformed back.
"Raye, you know it could have been worse," Amy said.
"How's that?" Raye asked looking at Amy closely, "What could be
worse than being five and having Chad looking after you?"
Amy gave a slightly evil grin before saying, "You could have
been two or three and Chad could have been potty training you." Raye's
mouth dropped open and she stared with large eyes at Amy who giggled.
"Think about that, Raye," Lita added, "You could have been in
training pants and having Chad help you in the bathroom!" She giggled
herself at the look on Raye's face. Raye had taken on a green tinge and
was doing a fairly good fish impression.
"That's sick!" she finally blurted out. "Well, I better go and
see what those two lunkheads are up to." She then quickly vacated the
scene.
"I'll see you guys later." Serena bent down and picked the Time
Key off the ground where Venus had dropped it. "I have to give Reenie
back her key."
"Okay Serena, see you later," Lita said. After watching their
friend go, Amy and Lita started walking down the street together in
silence.
As Raye walked home her common sense finally took back control
from her ego. Now that she didn't have a five year old body to goad her,
Raye was starting to realize that she had went overboard.
<I can't believe I said those things,> she thought sadly, <I was
really cruel to Lita. If I had got back a mom, would I have felt any
different? Was I just upset because Lita got a parent but I didn't?!?>
It bothered her. It bothered Raye because she should've been able to
understand Lita's feelings. <I guess I really came down hard on Serena
too.>
Raye sighed as she started up the steps of the Cherry Hill
Temple. Sitting in the corner after Chad's scolding had given Raye a lot
of time to reflect on what she had said. Now that she was back to
normal, Raye could finally admit, at least to herself, that she was
wrong.
"Hey Raye?" came the voice of Chad, "Is something wrong?"
Raye jerked to a stop, the leftover five year old part going
into guilt mode. She looked up as if expecting to see Chad sternly
looking at her but instead she came face to face with a shaggy mop of
hair.
"Oh Chad!" she cried and embraced Chad in a massive hug.
Chad gave a squeak of surprise but didn't do anything else. He
was too surprised to do anything else!
"Raye!!!" came the angry voice of her grandfather, "You're too
young to date. You have to wait until you're sixteen."
"Grandpa!" she shouted letting go of Chad, "I was just hugging
him!"
"And I said you're too YOUNG to DATE!"
"I was not dating him!" Raye snarled. Snatching the broom out of
Chad's hands, she took a swing at her grandfather who backpedaled, "Now
Raye, Pumpkin..."
"I am NOT your PUMPKIN!" Raye raised the broom to clobber her
grandfather then stopped in mid-swing and smiled evilly, "I'm Chad's!"
Both men promptly fainted. Raye just giggled.
Even though Lita and Amy were walking in silence, they were not
uncomfortable. In fact, they were enjoying each other's company. As time
passed Amy noted that they had passed by the corner that Lita should of
turned at to go home but didn't say anything.
Lita was oblivious to the missed corner because her thoughts
were more focused on the past two weeks. Her train of thought was
interrupted when her stomach grumbled. <I wonder what Mommy's going to
make for dinner?> Lita blinked and stopped walking.
Amy, taken off-guard by Lita's sudden stop, missed it at first
then noticed that she was walking alone. Turning around, she saw that
Lita was a little ways back. Jogging up to her friend, Amy asked, "Lita,
what's the matter?"
"Amy, I just realized that I don't live with you anymore," Lita
said, her eyes misty, forcing a smile, "Silly me, now I'll have a longer
walk from here to my apartment."
"You could come over to my place if you wanted to," Amy offered,
"We've grown closer, Lita." She gently laid a hand on Lita's arm and
said, "We can't act like sisters but I don't want that closeness to
disappear."
"I don't either, Amy," Lita replied, "It's just a shock. I... I
was wondering what your mom was going to make us for dinner." Lita
seemed to have trouble saying "your mom" as if it left a foul taste in
her mouth.
"Well you could still come over and have supper," Amy once again
offered. <Please... Mom's working late and I don't want to be alone.>
"No, it's okay. I've got some things to do at my place. Thanks
anyways, Ames." Lita turned and started off down the street again.
"Good-bye, Lita!" Amy called after her fast retreating friend.
"Good-bye..." Lita started off, halted, and then whispered out,
"Sis." A tear rolled down her cheek and she sniffled. <I'll miss you.>
Serena was walking home when she heard a cry from the side.
"Serena!!!" The voice sounded relieved. Before Serena could react,
Reenie had shot out of a nearby alley with tears running down her cheeks
and hugged the older girl, "They were tryin' to get me and... when the
Sailor Scouts came I ran away but I got lost!" Reenie admitted. <I'm so
scared. Hold me...>
"Oh Reenie!" Serena said and picked the girl up into a hug, "I
have something for you."
Reenie looked up and saw that Serena was holding her Time Key.
Reaching up, she took it from Serena's hand and held it close. "Thank
you, Serena, I thought I'd lost it."
"Sailor Moon told me to give it to you," Serena explained. She
gave Reenie a bigger hug, happy to see that the little girl was all
right.
As the seconds passed Reenie realized something. She was hugging
Serena and actually enjoying it. Squirming out of the hug, she gave
Serena a glare and said, "Well, Meatball Head, what are you tryin' to
do?!? It ain't like I like you or anything!"
Serena's face crumpled slightly but she didn't yell. Instead,
she sniffled a little before forcing a smile, "I'm glad you're okay,
Reenie. I wouldn't want you to get hurt." She noted the time and said,
"Why don't we walk home. It's getting late. Mom'll be worried."
"I suppose. We don't want to miss your bedtime or anything,"
Reenie sneered. Serena held her hand out and Reenie looked at it as if
it were going to bite. "I ain't going to hold your dumb hand,
meatballs-for-brains."
<Why you ungrateful little...> Serena visibly controlled her
temper and started to walk with Reenie beside her.
As they traveled down the street, Reenie said, "Whatsa matter?
Gonna cry?!?" she taunted. <I hope she isn't hurt.>
"No, Reenie. I just wish we could be friends."
"Who'd want to be friends with you?" Reenie asked sarcastically.
Serena sighed, <Where was that little girl that I cared about?
Did I just make a bad choice? Should I have stayed?> These and similar
thoughts occupied Serena's mind during the rest of their walk home.
As the two girls entered Serena's house Ellen looked up and gave
a small smile. "Did you have fun at Raye's, dear?"
"Oh Mommy, it was so scary!" Serena said immediately and,
bounding over to her mother, hugged her wholeheartedly.
"Mommy?!?" Mrs. Tsukino questioned, "Serena, what are you up
to?!?"
"Um well..."
"Serena!" her mother said sternly.
"Nothing Mommy... I mean Mom. I guess I was being silly."
"Got that right!" Reenie snapped from behind them, "How
embarrassing. A cousin that's a REAL BABY!"
"Reenie!" Ellen said sharply forgetting her daughter for the
moment.
"Yes, Aunt Ellen?" Reenie squeaked out.
"Reenie, you apologize to Serena."
"But..."
"Young lady apologize this minute or you'll be spending some
time in a corner!"
Reenie paled slightly and, after shuffling her feet for a
moment, said, "I'm sorry, Serena. I didn't mean to call you a baby."
"That's okay, Reenie," Serena said sweetly, "I'm glad you
apologized." <Little Sister.> She gave Reenie a gentle pat on the head.
"It certainly isn't okay," Ellen stated, "Reenie, I want you to
show Serena the proper respect an older cousin deserves."
Reenie looked like she was going to argue that point but her
aunt's look made her change her mind. "Now, girls, go wash up for
supper."
"'Kay Mommy!" Serena called and scampered up the stairs like a
little kid.
<What a baby!> Reenie thought disgustedly, <I'm glad I'm NOT a
little kid.>
At about seven that evening Serena was feeling tired. Yawning,
she climbed the stairs heading for her room when she heard a muffled
crash. She darted the rest of the way up the stairs and down the hall.
When she got to her room Serena threw the door open and stared in shock
at the pile of junk that was once her prized radio.
Sitting on the floor was an equally surprised Reenie. She was
looking at the radio with semi-horrified fascination. Stalking into the
room, Serena closed the door solidly before turning on the little girl.
"REENIE! WHAT exactly do you think you're DOING?!?"
"I was looking for the Silver Crystal!" Reenie retorted
scrambling to her feet, "This is YOUR fault!"
"WHAT!?!"
"Meatball Head, if you had given me the Silver Crystal, then I
wouldn't have to look for it in your dumb stuff. It's your fault that
the radio broke." <I'm sorry, Serena.>
"Come here you!" Serena snarled. Stalking over, she snagged
Reenie who had attempted to evade her. <Why did I ever give up that
other Reenie?!?>
"Now, Serena, you wouldn't hurt a LITTLE kid, would you?" Reenie
whined.
Serena paused. <What am I doing?!? I want to get to know Reenie.
To help her. This isn't what big sisters do.> Suppressing a mischievous
grin, Serena put on a stern expression, "Now you're really going to get
it, and I don't care what Mom says!" A slightly terrified expression
spread across Reenie's face and Serena had to fight the urge to giggle.
Placing the child under one arm, so that Reenie couldn't see what Serena
was doing, she proceeded to hunt for Mr. Floppy. It was one of the very
few bunnies that she had managed to keep since childhood.
<I gotta get outta here before that Meatball Head does something
that I'm not going to like one bit!> Reenie briefly considered pinching
Serena but, given her current position, she dismissed the idea as
unhealthy. <What's that baby up to?! If she had just given me the Silver
Crystal, I wouldn't have to put up with her!>
Reenie was suddenly distracted from her thoughts when Serena sat
on her bed. The older girl moved Reenie over to one knee so the little
girl was sitting conformably. Before Serena could say anything Reenie
remarked, "Meatball Head, if you think I'm gonna just sit here like
this, you're nuts! You aren't my mommy or anything!" Reenie began to
struggle trying to get away.
Serena gritted her teeth together and counted to ten. "Reenie,
you can sit on my knee or I'll put you over it. Your choice."
Reenie suddenly stopped her endeavors and glared at Serena,
"When did you become so smart?" she asked. She scowled when Serena
smiled. "I guess I don't have any choice," Reenie grumbled and crossed
her arms as she started to pout.
"I know it can be tough being a kid, Reenie," Serena observed,
"I bet you want your mommy." Reenie didn't answer but Serena wasn't
daunted. "You know when Sammy was born I missed my mommy."
"Yeah so? What's your point?" Reenie snapped out.
"Well my dad bought this bunny rabbit for me," Serena replied
while showing Mr. Floppy to Reenie, "I know you think you're all alone
and nobody likes you but I bet Mr. Floppy would like you."
"I'm not a little kid," Reenie said pushing the rabbit away, "I
don't like playing with bunnies. They're for babies like you."
"Well I'm getting a little old for Mr. Floppy. He needs a good
home and someone to look after him. I think you'd take real good care of
him." Serena held the toy up for Reenie to see again and made one of the
arms wave.
Much to her disgust, Reenie smiled slightly, <Well he does look
cute.> Furrowing her brow, she turned to Serena, "Why do you want me to
take it? Aren't you mad about your radio?"
"I want you to have Mr. Floppy because he needs someone who can
tell him secrets. I've already told him all of mine." <Please take it,
Little Sister.> Serena then looked longingly towards her radio for a few
moments and then stated, "It was an accident. Everybody has accidents."
<Don't I know it,> Serena thought and giggled.
Reenie looked into Serena's eyes and gave the offer some
thought, "Oh okay, if it'll make you happy. I still don't like it,"
Reenie said, "But I suppose I can put him on my bed or something." She
took Mr. Floppy and held him by his ears.
<Oh Mr. Floppy, I hope you can forgive me,> Serena thought and
winced, <But I really want Reenie to be my little sister and I have to
get her to not hate me first.>
"Serena, can I go now?" Reenie huffed out, "I've taken your
stupid toy."
<I have a feeling this is going to be a very long road,> Serena
thought. Giving a sigh, she nodded. Reenie darted off of her knee and
out of the room banging the door behind her. <The other Reenie ran out
of the room but because I was leaving. This Reenie runs out of the room
to get away from me.> Serena felt the tears building in her eyes and her
bottom lip started to quiver. <Why doesn't she like me?> Serena sadly
thought, <Why?>
Early Sunday morning several surprised people were greeted with
a strange sight. Mina Aino was skipping along the sidewalk. Now skipping
in itself isn't unusual, except she was fourteen. The teenager was
feeling great. She had a mountain of energy and the day was nice and
sunny.
<Won't Carrie be surprised!> Mina thought, <I should really have
visited more often. I will from now on.> As she skipped along Mina
reflected that although they were fourteen some things were not back to
normal yet. One being that she wasn't truly interested in boys. She was
starting to feel the impulses cute boys generated but yesterday had been
a total wash out. What was even more infuriating was that a nice fellow
had actually asked her out. <And all I could do was giggle!> Mina
thought darkly, <I better get back my personality quickly...> Her
thoughts turned darker still at Artemis comments, <How dare he say that
being five improved my personality!>
Within a few minutes Mina arrived at Carrie's door, her dark
thoughts banished for the moment. As she knocked on the door Mina
wondered what Carrie's reaction would be. It had been over two months
since her last visit with the little girl.
"Mina?" came the voice of Carrie's mother, "I'm glad to see
you." Her look, however, seemed to be asking why the older girl was at
her house so early in the morning.
"Hello, Mrs. Sayama, I actually wanted to spend the day with
Carrie. That is if it's okay with you," Mina explained, "I thought I'd
watch some cartoons with her and then go to the park."
"Oh she'll be happy to see you. Come in. Carrie! Mina's here!"
"MINA?!?" came the surprised voice from the living room. Carrie
came darting out dressed in a set of bunny pajamas with a small Sailor
Moon logo on it. Seeing this, Mina chuckled. "What?!?" Carrie asked
skidding to a stop in front of Mina, "What's so funny???"
<She seems so small now... But she's still a cute little
rugrat.> "Nothing," Mina said, "Can I watch some cartoons with you?"
Carrie's eyes enlarged and she stared at Mina, "But I thought
you didn't like watchin' them."
"Well I do now," Mina admitted. <Must be because I got a new
perspective from being turned into a kid again.> "I thought maybe we
could watch some cartoons and then spend the day at the park. If your
mommy says it's okay." Carrie gave Mina's leg a quick hug.
"Please Mommy?!?" Carrie asked turning to her mother, "Can I go
with Mina?!?"
"Sounds good to me, Carrie. I can get some errands done then.
Now I want you to be good for Mina."
"Thanks Mommy!!! You're the best!" Carrie said giving her
mother's leg a quick hug, "Come on Mina, you don't want to miss this!"
Taking Mina's hand, Carrie dragged her off into the living room to watch
the television.
"You're fibbin'!" Carrie squeaked incredulously later that day,
"The Sailor Scouts got shrunk?!? They were all FIVE just like me?!?" Now
Carrie was inclined to believe Mina on most occasions, especially when
it came to Sailor Scout stuff. After all, Mina DID know Sailor Venus and
Sailor Moon, but Carrie was having trouble believing Mina's current
tale.
"Carrie, I wouldn't ever fib to you," Mina answered. She giggled
as Carrie rolled her eyes, "Now we really should get going. It's almost
time for your nap and I'm feeling tired too."
"I don't like naps," Carrie said, "I hate being five."
"Yeah being five can be pretty hard," Mina admitted, "But you
know what they say."
"What?" Carrie asked.
"Youth is wasted on the young."
"Uh... Mina? What does that mean?"
"Dunno, Mom says that ALL the time." <So does Artemis for that
matter.>
Hearing a knock at her bedroom door, Serena walked over and,
upon opening it, found that Raye was standing in the hall.
"Hi Serena," Raye said. She cautiously looked around before
saying, "Where's Reenie?"
Serena smirked slightly before turning grim again, "Probably
plotting my demise with Sammy. Right at the moment she has Mr. Floppy
hung by the neck in her room." <Little Spore, shouldn't have given him
to her. Maybe Sailor Moon should attempt a rescue!> "Come on in, Raye,"
Serena said while moving aside to allow Raye to enter.
"Serena, I'm sorry," Raye said once the door was closed, "I
really acted badly and I'm sorry I hurt your feelings." Serena's jaw
dropped to the floor in shock. "I made you a Shinto good luck charm.
Maybe it can help you with Reenie. You'll make a great big sister for
her."
"Thank you," Serena managed to squeak out. Taking the charm, she
slowly walked over to the bed and sat down. Raye walked over and took a
seat at Serena's desk. "Raye? Do you really think I'm dumb?"
Raye squirmed for a moment before saying, "Well you act really
childish sometimes and I guess it bothers me." Raye understood the
reason why Serena's childish behavior bothered her but she wasn't able
or willing to explain such a personal reason. "You're still a meatball
head but I suppose you have your good qualities." <And you're a
wonderful friend.>
"Gee thanks," Serena retorted with sarcasm, "You're starting to
sound like Reenie. To her I'm only good as something to snuggle up
against if she has a bad dream or someone to make fun of."
"Do you regret coming back, Serena?" Raye ask after a long
moment of silence. Serena tiled her head in consideration for a few
moments before shaking it. "So you're happy that you took the chance to
get back to normal?"
"No," Serena said softly while looking at the floor, "If I had
only myself to think about, I would have stayed." She lifted her eyes to
look at Raye, "But you were right. Staying was an option, it just wasn't
the right one."
"HEY MEATBALL HEAD, WHATCHA DOIN'???" Reenie yelled while
walking into the room.
"BEAT IT, SPORE!" Raye snapped. Both Serena and Reenie blinked
while Raye flushed brightly. <Great, I have my old body back but the
five year old part of me is still hanging around. Kami, I hope it isn't
permanent.>
After leaving Serena's, Raye slowly made her way towards Lita's
apartment. The more each step took her closer to Lita's door, the
further away her courage retreated. Somehow, excruciatingly, Raye
managed to force herself into the building and up the steps towards her
destination.
Once she arrived at Lita's door Raye reached out and gently
tapped on the solid wood. There was no answer. <This is silly,> Raye
thought, <Why should you be afraid of Lita?> Mustering her courage, Raye
knocked more firmly on the door. After several seconds of silence Raye
decided that Lita must not be home and was about to turn down the hall
when the door opened.
"You!" Lita's voice sound hurt and angry, "What do YOU want?!?"
<You took my mother and sister away from me!>
"Lita, I'm very sorry for hurting your feelings," Raye stammered
out looking up at Lita. <I got used to Lita being as tall as I was.>
"I-I should have been a little more tactful when we were arguing. I know
I said some things that hurt you but I want to try and make that up to
you." Taking out another Shinto good luck charm Raye held it out. "I
made this for you."
Lita took it and examined it. <Raye apologizing?> "Come in,"
Lita said and held the door wider. Nervously, Raye stepped into the
apartment. "So is this supposed to make everything all right?" Lita
asked after shutting the door and walking over to the couch.
"No," Raye admitted after taking a seat, "Lita, I guess I was
insensitive towards you because I was jealous of you." She held up her
hand to stop Lita from speaking, "I know that isn't a good excuse.
There's no excuse good enough for that behavior. I'm ashamed of the way
I acted."
"I had thought you of all people would understand, Raye," Lita
remarked after a long pause, "You don't have a mother or father. You
have your grandfather but the way you treat him..." Lita trailed off, "I
thought you could understand how lonely I am here."
"Lita, you aren't alone. We care about you. That's some type of
family," Raye said gently, "I learned that. Serena asked me if I hated
everything about being five. I said `yes' but that wasn't true. I
finally started to accept that Chad cared about me and accepted him as
an older brother." Raye sighed, "I just don't want to see the Scouts
break up because of what I said."
"I suppose it's a start." Lita offered, "Would you like some
tea?"
"Yes, please," Raye said and gave her friend a small smile,
"Thank you." Lita just smiled in return before going to prepare some
tea. <One step down the road. Several more to go,> Raye thought as she
listened to Lita in the kitchen, <And I think with Chad, there will be a
few bumps.>
Late Wednesday afternoon was bleak. An easterly wind was pushing
a large thunderhead in towards the city. As the sun struggled against
the building clouds, Amy hung up the phone.
<Where is she?> Amy wondered as she walked to the living room,
<Lita's been gone from school for three days. She doesn't pick up her
phone and nobody but Raye's seen her since Sunday.> What bothered Amy
even more was that Lita wasn't answering her communicator. It was
working. Amy could at least tell that but what she couldn't tell why
Lita wasn't answering.
<Yes I can,> Amy thought, her eyes growing misty, <She isn't
answering because she's avoiding me.> To know that Lita was actively
avoiding her, to the point of not going to school, hurt deeply. <So what
am I going to do? We can't go on like this.>
"Amy?" came her mother's voice, "What's the matter?"
Being pulled from her thoughts for the moment, Amy looked
towards her mother and gave a little sigh. "Mom, Lita's been avoiding
me."
"Why?!?" Mrs. Anderson said shocked.
"Well, all the girls had a big fight Saturday and Raye said some
things that really hurt Lita." Amy walked over to sit beside her mother,
"Lita's my best friend. I tried to help her but it's like she just
doesn't want any help."
"Dear... I'm confused."
Amy smiled sheepishly, "Sorry, let me start at the beginning. Or
at least at the point where I'm clear about it."
Ten minutes later, Mrs. Anderson sat in a semi-horrified state.
"That poor girl!" she finally managed, "So Raye accused Lita of trying
to get closer to you to get a family of some sort?!?" Amy nodded,
"Well... I-I don't really know what to say." <I'm flattered Lita would
consider me as a substitute mother but...>
"That's just it. Lita's been a good friend and I don't know what
to do," Amy confessed exasperation showing through, "She's just about as
bullheaded as Raye when it comes to admitting when she needs help. Or
that she's lonely." She shook her head.
"You phone her, Amy, or go over to her place. Invite Lita over
for supper on Friday night."
"I don't think she'll come, Mom," Amy said. <Especially if she
knew you were going to be here.>
"You're a bright girl, Amy. You will think of something," her
mother said, "Now I'll start making a list. You can pick up the items
tomorrow."
That evening Amy found herself in front of Lita's apartment
door. She knocked and waited. After a few moments the door opened and
Lita peered out. "Hi Amy," came the soft greeting.
"Hi Lita, can I come in?"
"I suppose," Lita said moving aside the door. Amy stepped into
the apartment and gaped. It wasn't as immaculate as usual. It was still
clean but there were some school books strewn on the coffee table and a
set of dishes were piled in the sink.
"Lita, are you okay?!?" Amy asked shocked. Lita's hair was
disheveled, large circles were under Lita's bloodshot eyes due to lack
of sleep.
"Just peachy," Lita growled out after closing the door. "The
past three nights I've got a total of seven hours of sleep." She
shuffled over to the couch and flopped down, "I keep having the
nightmares about the plane dropping out of the sky."
<Oh Sis!> "Why didn't you tell someone? Why didn't you tell
me?!?"
Lita glared at Amy for a minute and then sighed, "Amy, were you
the one trying to contact me?"
"Yes," Amy answered, some of the hurt showing, "I was worried
about you."
Lita rolled to sitting position and sighed, "I'm sorry, Amy... I
just needed to be alone. I had some thinking to do."
Tentatively, Amy walked over and sat beside her friend, "Lita,
all of us are worried about you. We want to help you." She placed a
gentle hand on Lita's arm, "What were you thinking about?"
"Nothing important. What did you want?"
"I wanted to know if you'd come have supper with me Friday."
"I don't know..." Lita said, she shifted uncomfortably, "I don't
think that I could face your mom."
"Lita, grow up a little. You aren't some little kid who's going
to be scolded. I saw the love that you were willing to put out for my
mom. I saw how much love you needed. We can be closer; we can't be
sisters but we CAN have a closer relationship."
"I... it would hurt too much," Lita sniffled out, her eyes
starting to mist over.
"Well Mom won't be there Friday. She's working a double shift at
the hospital and I was going to be all by myself. So please, Lita, come
have supper with me?" Lita seemed reluctant, "Please, just once more. If
you don't want us to mention the sister thing again, then I won't but
only after you come to supper."
"I suppose, I could."
"Pretty please?" <Sis,> Amy asked, then a mischievous part of
her took over, "You do realize that if you keep moping around here, I'll
be forced to tell the others you're feeling sorry for yourself and THEN
Serena and Mina will at a minimum insist on a party."
"Blackmail?!? You're getting underhanded since you were five." A
small smile appeared on Lita face.
"Common sense, so will you come?"
"Yeah okay, Ames. Just don't go announcing it on the news or
anything." She gave Amy a hug.
Around the same time that Amy was talking to Lita, Serena found
herself moping. The cause was simple. No matter how much she tried to
talk to Reenie, the little girl just didn't want anything to do with
her.
<I miss the other Reenie.> Serena sighed, <I know this one can
be good but sometimes I wonder what I'm doing wrong...> Her thoughts
were interrupted by the stomping of little feet that passed her door.
After a few more seconds the sound of a door slamming shut could be
heard. <Why's she throwing a temper tantrum?>
Getting up, Serena made her way out into the hallway and down to
Reenie's room. She tapped softly on the door and waited for a response.
There was none forthcoming so Serena softly opened the door. Reenie was
laying on her bed hugging Mr. Floppy close. A small smile spread across
Serena's face.
"Reenie?" Serena called softly.
"What do you want?!?" Reenie demanded in a sulky voice. She sat
up and glared at Serena. <She's probably going to tease me,> Reenie
thought. That's when she realized that she was still holding the bunny.
She quickly laid it down next to her.
"Reenie, are you okay?"
"I'm fine. What do you care?" <Aunt Ellen's too busy for me,
Shingo doesn't want anything to do with me, and Uncle Ken isn't here. I
miss Mommy and Daddy so much.>
"Well I was a little lonely and I started to wonder, would you
like to go out for ice cream?" Serena asked hopefully.
"Not with you."
Coming into the room Serena closed the door and padded over to
sit beside Reenie on the bed. "It's tough without your mommy here, huh?"
Reenie just stared straight ahead and didn't respond, "Reenie, what if I
promise to give you the Silver Crystal AFTER Rubeus is stopped."
Reenie turned to look at Serena hotly. "It isn't nice to tease a
little kid, you know," Reenie remarked, "We both hate each other. Why
don't you give me the Silver Crystal and I'll just leave."
"Reenie, I don't hate you." Reenie seemed unconvinced. Serena
asked, "Why do you think I hate you?" Reenie just turned to look away
from Serena, "Honey, I care about you. I know we fought before but I'd
like to be your friend. When Rubeus is stopped, I'll give you the Silver
Crystal and Sailor Moon can come and help you save your mommy, I
promise." She gently reached out and touched Reenie's shoulder, "Why
don't we go get some ice cream."
"Why? Is Darien going to be there?!?" Reenie asked, "You just
want to use me to get to him!"
Gently turning Reenie's head, Serena looked into the little
girl's eyes and said, "If Darien's there, you can stay with him and I'll
leave."
"REALLY?!?" Reenie asked surprised her eyes going wide. She
sensed sincerity in Serena's offer.
"Yes," Serena nodded while looking at the floor, "Darien doesn't
love me anymore and I just seem to hurt him when I'm around." She raised
her head and looked at Reenie, "Do you remember that time that you
tickled me, when you were looking for the Silver Crystal, and I spanked
you?"
"Yeah! That wasn't very nice," Reenie glowered, "What about it?"
"I'm sorry it happened. I shouldn't have gotten that mad at
you."
Reenie blinked, "Why are you saying you're sorry now?!?"
"'Cause, I realized that by not being your friend, I'm missing
something very special. I want to help you and protect you because I DO
CARE about YOU."
"Well enough of this mushy stuff, Serena," Reenie huffed but
Serena didn't miss the smile that she had on her face, "So are we going
to get some ice cream or not?"
"Sure," Serena said and stood. <I wish you'd take my hand,
Little Sister,> Serena thought as she walked towards the door. Oddly
enough, Reenie must have read Serena's mind because the little girl did
take her hand.
<A start... to something special,> they both thought silently.
Hand in hand they walked down the hall and out of the house, together.
"Hello Lita," Mrs. Anderson greeted the young woman on that
Friday afternoon. Lita stared as if she had seen a ghost, "Is something
wrong, Lita?"
"Um... ah... no. Amy said that you-I mean that..." Lita appeared
to be flustered. <The only real question is do I kill Amy now or wait
until after supper?> "Hello Mo... Mrs. Anderson, I wasn't expecting to
see you."
"Well please come in." Mrs. Anderson then noted the bags, "Oh
my, you didn't have to bring anything, Lita. I went shopping yesterday."
She blinked. <Did I just hear her growl?>
"Thank you," Lita said coming into the house, "I thought I'd
make one of my special dishes." She caught sight of Amy, who was coming
into the kitchen looking slightly sheepish, "What a surprise. Amy TOLD
me you were going to be working a DOUBLE shift today." She glared at her
former sister frostily.
"Amy must have gotten the days mixed up," Mrs. Anderson
explained, "Here, let me take those bags for you."
Lita handed the bags over reluctantly and made her way towards
Amy. Amy gulped slightly and took a step backwards. "Nice to see you,
Lita. I hope you don't miss too much school. Maybe I can help you catch
up."
"Why don't you two go do something while I cook dinner."
Lita stopped her slow advance on Amy for the moment and turned
to Mrs. Anderson. "I'll help," she offered, "I was planning on cooking
anyway."
"You were?!?" Mrs. Anderson questioned, "I thought Amy invited
you for supper, NOT to make it." She pinned her daughter with her own
glare.
"I did only invite her to dinner. It's a surprise to me too,
Mom," Amy said hopefully, "I mean, Lita's a great cook but I figured
she'd bring something."
"I insist, Mrs. Anderson. I won't take no for an answer either,"
Lita said.
"Well, I suppose... Okay, let's get started then." She sent Lita
a wink and said, "What would you like AMY to do?"
Lita giggled slightly, "Oh... how about washing the veggies?"
"That sounds like a good idea."
<Not to me!> Amy thought bleakly but the majority won out, <Next
time, I'll drag Mom off to Lita's.>
Mrs. Anderson was in awe of Lita's cooking skills. Halfway
through preparing supper, Lita had taken the kitchen completely over
pushing both Andersons out of the room. Soon though, the smells
emanating from the kitchen were too much to resist.
Mrs. Anderson came in and peeked into a pot. "Smells good," she
commented.
"It should be done. Please have a taste," Lita offered handing
her a spoon. Taking the spoon, Mrs. Anderson dipped it into the pot and
lifted the still steaming contents out. Sniffing it, she made a face of
delight before popping it into her mouth.
"Hmmm!" Mrs. Anderson commented, "This is good!"
Lita gave a small smile and blushed, "Try a piece of the meat."
Mrs. Anderson obliged the request and took a small piece. As she chewed
her features went through mixtures of delighted motions.
"You know, Lita, you are an excellent cook." Lita's reaction was
a surprise, she sniffled. Mrs. Anderson looked at the young woman in
concern, "What's the matter, Lita?"
"Well, you sorta sounded like my mom," Lita admitted, "She used
to say that, too." Her voice was growing thick and she sniffled again,
"I used to help her cook when I was little and Mom would always say
that..." Lita trailed and made a little squeak, "She'd say I was good at
cooking."
"Well you are. Your mother would be very proud of you."
Lita's lower lip began to tremble, sniffling a little bit, Lita
shook her head. "She'll n-never know that." The trembling grew a little
more intense. "I won't ever get a chance to cook for her." Mrs. Anderson
laid her fork down and walked over to Lita.
"But she knows, Lita, she knows. She's probably been keeping an
eye on you and when you cook, she smiles and thinks `I taught my
daughter that'." Unseen by the two, Amy had tears beginning to roll down
her cheeks.
"But I'm so alone!" Lita finally admitted, "What's the use of
being able to cook if you have no one to do it for? Why love to cook
when you don't get any love back?" She gave a little sob and blinked,
fresh tears rolling down her face, "Why?" As she looked past the older
woman, a woman who for nearly two weeks had been a real mother to her,
Lita saw Amy. She saw that Amy knew what she wanted, what she needed,
and, most of all, approved.
Lita looked to Mrs. Anderson and gave another little sob, the
recognition was on the woman's face as well. Reaching out, they both
hugged, one giving the warmth only a mother could, the other drinking it
in.
<I'm not alone,> Lita thought, <I'm not alone.>
End of "Adventures of the Chibi-Scouts"
Author's Afterword: (By "Tuxedo" Will Wolfshohl)
Well, it's finally done. I hope you enjoyed reading "Adventures of the
Chibi-Scouts". Over one year in the making! I never knew when I
suggested the ACS kernel how long it would take or how many people would
eventually become involved. There are many I wish to thank for their
roles in making ACS a reality.
First to thank is my co-author Doug Helm. Without him, ACS would of lost
much of the emotion and a number of wonderful plot elements mentioned in
reader comments. He is great person to work with and we were continually
bouncing ideas off of each other. How Doug is able to produce so much
quality writing and run the main site that my SM Fanfics Archive site
resides on is something I'm in awe of. We don't seem to know when to
stop. There are several more fanfics with Doug I am will be involved
with in various capacities.
Next to thank is Mike Chenoweth who began the discussions of ACS with
me. Mike and I spent the last quarter of 1996 knocking out most of the
main plot elements in ACS. He was slated to co-author ACS with me but
his schedule didn't permit it to happen.
To Eric "Greywolf" den Biesen who co-authored the first three parts of
ACS. Unfortunately, he was unable to continue for various reasons but he
got the ball rolling and I thank him. I still remember the feeling I had
seeing the first fleshed out rough version of part one Eric sent me.
Thanks to Jeanette Cheuk who took on the thankless job of editor and
alpha reader. She found many minor problems and suggested a number of
enhancements.
Thanks to our beta readers (alphabetically): Ethan, Allan Huffaker,
Jendra, and Neo-Queen Serenity(Connie). These people fill a very
necessary role. We get a lot of information from them about the plot and
what works, what doesn't, and what needs improvement.
Thanks to our "official" story artists Chibi-Mars(Nicole) and
Mako-chan(Jessica). Please come and visit the site to view their artwork
and other guest artists.
And finally thanks to our readers who took time to read this fanfic.
Especially to those on the distribution list and outside of it who
commented on an on-going basis to make ACS even better. Kudos to our
major commentors: Joeline Yeung, Rush-chan, Kevin Wible, Kenshin, and
SKJAM.
That leads me to the future. As mentioned above things look good for
1998. "Tales of Younger Venus" is near completion at this writing. A
side story to ToYV called "A Gem" is slated as well as the sequel to
ToYV. It will be another in the ToY series.
Policy on posting this story and to that matter any of my other works:
Doug and I have a general policy that turns down any requests to post
our works. This is not because we are snobs but we prefer a sense of
control over our own works. We choose the sites we want our stories to
be posted that have a broad distribution. Through two MLs, the
distribution list, a select number of sites, and when a story is
complete RAAC and AFSM newsgroups, we gain both broad distribution and
our needed sense of control.
Well that's it for me. Again thanks for reading. If you haven't
commented, now's your chance. Don't be shy.
"Tuxedo" Will Wolfshohl
wwolfshohl@logicon.com
http://log.on.ca/helm/anime/index.html
Author's Afterword: (By Douglas Helm (Candle Light Author))
Well as Will said, ACS is finished. After getting a tantalizing whiff of
the plot when I first became editor to this story I was hooked. As time
passed and Eric had to drop out I was thrilled to have Will ask me to
co-author another story with him. Will has made this project fun, as all
our other projects. As a friend he's one of the best I've had and he
manages to see a good idea of what readers truly wants. Writing just
wouldn't be as fun without him around.
It's true we don't know when to stop. I must confess that I'm likely the
most guilty for coming up with story ideas. Will shown an enormous
amount of patience that even some saints wouldn't have.
I'd like to extend a great big thank you to Jeanette as well. She's
suffered through our tortured works and demanding schedules... which we
kept on saying could wait until her real life was caught up :)
That should do it for now, my thanks to the beta readers and our artist
as well. To you the reader I also say thank you, for giving this story a
try.
Douglas Helm (Candle Light Author)
dhelm@log.on.ca
http://log.on.ca/users/helm/anime/index.html