Hi Everyone! I am starting another series. I got inspired and so I had to start writing. Each Chibi Scout will get her own series. Of course I have to start with my favorite Sailor Chibi Mars.
E-mail me with suggestions and feedback to AngelRaye2@aol.com.
Also visit my web site at http://angelrayeschibiscouts.homestead.com/angelraye.html
Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon. I created all of the Chibi Scouts except for Rini.
Doom
Part One: Sailor Chibi Mars
By
Angel Raye
Annika sat at her desk with her pencil in her hand. In front of her she had a piece of her favorite stationary so she could write a letter. This was going to be a difficult letter to write but she had to write it. Amy had told her too. Annika also knew this letter was necessary to everyone's survival. She reached up and gently rubbed the cut under her cheek. She next reached down and felt the stitches on her leg. Tears filled her eyes as memories of the recent event plagued her mind once again. She took a deep breath and began to write, "Dear Annika..."
One week earlier...
"I finished my homework Mama," Annika told Raye as she walked into the fire room carrying her papers with her. "May I go out and play now?"
"Let me take a look," Raye instructed and she took Annika's homework from her. She looked over Annika's homework and was satisfied. "Very well, but be back in time to get ready for dinner."
"I will Mama," Annika replied and she flung her arms around her mother. It did not matter what time of day it was or what Annika was getting ready to do. She always loved snuggling with Raye. She snuggled down into her mother's arms.
"Such a baby," Raye murmured affectionately as she kissed her daughter's head. "You play nicely with your friends and do not let Gloria talk you into doing something wrong."
"I promise Mama," Annika said as she gave Raye a kiss on the cheek. She took off to go and find her friends.
Raye fondly watched her daughter leave. The child was growing up to fast. It seemed like yesterday that Raye was holding that adorable little baby in her arms for the first time. Now Annika was eight and a Sailor Chibi Scout. Raye wished her daughter could stay young forever. She sighed and turned back to the fire. All day she had this sinking feeling that something was going to happen. Raye focused all of her energy on the fire and began chanting, "Rin, Hyou, Tou, Sha, Kai, Chin, Zai, Zen!" An image appeared in the flames. Raye gazed at the image and gave a gasp of fear. "ANNIKA," she screamed. Her daughter was in danger.
"Can't catch me," taunted Gloria as she ran. The girls were playing a spirited game of tag. Nearby Rini was reading a book and watching them. Madelyn had started to feel tired so she sat down to rest for a while.
"I'll get you," called Hope who was it. Daisy, Annika, Gloria, Faith, Ariel, and Maggie were all running from her. She chased after Gloria determined to catch her. Gloria ran to base and stuck her tongue out at Hope.
"Safe," she called.
"Brat," muttered Hope and she began to chase after Ariel.
Annika ran over to Rini. "Please play with us," she pleaded.
"I can't Annika," Rini explained. "I have to read this book for a test tomorrow." She glanced down and saw the disappointed look in the younger child's eyes. Smiling she patted Annika on the head. "Let me finish my book and then maybe you and I can play a quiet game later."
"Okay," Annika's face brightened. She started to get up and join the others when she felt a strange aura come over her. "I sense an evil presence nearby."
Rini popped her head up. "What kind of evil presence?"
"I don't know," muttered Annika. She walked around the palace garden and pulled out an anti-evil scroll. She held it up in front of her. Suddenly a black mist came down. Annika held up the scroll and began chanting, "Rin, Hyou, Tou, Sha, Kai, Chin, Zai, Zen. Evil Spirit be gone!" The scroll went into the mist. The mist disappeared and Annika turned toward the others. She was horrified to see all of them unconscience. She ran over to Rini and felt her pulse. It was still there. "Rini wake up," she pleaded but Rini did not stir. Annika dashed over to the other girls. Hope had a grip on Gloria's shirt. She must have caught her before they went unconscience. Annika ran over to Gloria and shook her hard. "Wake up Gloria," she began to cry. "Please wake up everyone!" Annika began to cry harder. She wondered if everyone else was like this. Annika ran into the palace. Everyone was unconscience. "Why was I not effected," she asked herself. She looked over and saw Raye lying on the floor. Annika ran over to her. "Mama," she sobbed. "What happened? I really need you right now." She lay down by her mother and cried hard.
Another evil force hit her. Annika got up and went back outside. She wandered back over to the girls and began to look around. Suddenly a huge black monster appeared before her. Annika let out a piercing scream on terror. The monster grabbed her. Annika kicked herself free but felt the monster's claws rake against her back. She gave a gasp of pain. She tried to get away from the monster but he grabbed her and threw her down. Annika cried in pain as her cheek grazed against the pavement. She pulled herself up and saw blood on the ground. She pulled out her transformation pen. "MARS POWER MAKE UP!" She transformed into Sailor Chibi Mars and turned and glared at the monster. "I don't know what you did to everyone but I will not let you get away with it. I am an agent of love and Justice Sailor Chibi Mars and on behalf of Mars I will punish you!"
The monster just laughed and blasted a ball of energy toward Chibi Mars. She smashed against the pavement moaning in pain. She gazed down at her legs and saw that they were scraped up. She stood up shakily and powered up. "MARS FIRESTORM!" The ball of fire came out and hit the monster. The monster roared in anger. He reached down and picked Chibi Mars up and threw her against the pavement again. Chibi Mars cried in pain as her head hit the ground. Her uniform was ripped in a couple of places and there was blood all over her now. She powered up again, "MARS FIRESTORM!" The ball of fire hit the monster and weakened him this time. Chibi Mars took out an anti-evil scroll and began chanting, "Rin, Hyou, Tou, Sha, Kai, Chin, Zai Zen. Evil Spirit be gone!" The scroll hit the monster. He yelled in pain and vanished. Chibi Mars sank to her knees and began to weep again. She looked around and saw that everyone was still unconscience. She got up and limped inside to where Raye was. She knelt down beside her and cried harder. "Mama," she sobbed. "Please wake up. I am so scared. I need your help." Raye did not stir. Chibi Mars lay down beside her mother and continued to cry.
A hand suddenly touched her shoulder. Chibi Mars gave a squeal a fright. She turned around and saw a Sailor Scout who she knew but had only seen her in this form once. "Sailor Cosmic Pluto," she gasped. It was Maggie's future self.
"Hello Annika," Cosmic Pluto said after Chibi Mars recovered from the shock of seeing her.
"Maggie," sobbed Chibi Mars. "What is going on? Please tell me."
"Not here and not right now," Cosmic Pluto told her. "Come with me. We have to take you somewhere safe."
Chibi Mars took Cosmic Pluto by the hand and followed her. Cosmic Pluto took her to the Gates of Time. "Why are we here," asked Chibi Mars.
"You will be safe here for now," replied Cosmic Pluto.
"I want my mama," sobbed Chibi Mars.
"Calm down little one," another voice said. Chibi Mars looked up and saw Sailor Pluto coming toward her. Chibi Mars dashed over and flung herself into her arms. "Aunt Setsuna," she cried. "What is going on? I am so scared."
Pluto hugged the little girl. "You're hurt," she commented. Cosmic Pluto brought over some bandages and antiseptic. Pluto began to clean Chibi Mars's wounds.
"Aunt Setsuna I want my mama," sobbed Chibi Mars. "I fought this monster by myself because everyone else is unconscience. I am so scared."
"I know little one," Pluto gently said. "We'll explain everything to you once you've rested and have something to eat."
"No," cried Chibi Mars. "I want to know now." Chibi Mars began to sob hysterically. Pluto pulled the child into her arms and held her tight. Chibi Mars's body shook with sobs as she clung to Pluto. She was so frightened.
"Poor little thing," murmured Cosmic Pluto. "This is too much for one little girl to handle alone Mother."
"I know but this is supposed to happen," Pluto replied as she gently rocked the child back and forth. She noticed that the sobs had stopped and Chibi Mars had grown very still. Pluto looked down and saw that Chibi Mars had fallen asleep, completely wiped out. "Poor child is exhausted. Let's take her to our realm and let her rest." Pluto scooped the sleeping child up and carried her over to the bedroom. She lay Chibi Mars on the bed and tucked her in. "I'll stay with her, Maggie why don't you fix her something to eat?"
"Very well, Mother," Cosmic Pluto replied and she walked away.
Annika was looking for her mother. Where was she? She needed her mother right now. There was no one around. Annika was alone. "Mama," she sobbed. "Where are you...?"
"Mama," mumbled Chibi Mars. "I'm scared Mama. Please come back."
"It's okay little one," a soft voice whispered to her. "You are safe now."
Chibi Mars stirred. That was not her mother. For one thing it was not her voice and second her mother never called her 'little one.' Sweetheart, Darling, and Baby were her mother's pet names for her. Chibi Mars opened her eyes and found herself in an unfamiliar room. Sitting next to her on the bed was Sailor Pluto. "Aunt Setsuna," she choked. "So it wasn't a dream?"
"No it wasn't," Pluto replied bringing a basin of warm soapy water over.
"I want my mama," sobbed Chibi Mars. "Please tell me what is going on."
"Hush little one," Pluto softly whispered as she gently began to clean Chibi Mars's face. "Let's get you cleaned up and something to eat first and then we will talk."
Chibi Mars did not say any more. Sailor Pluto gave her sponge bath which she found very soothing. Cosmic Pluto brought her a sandwich, fruit, and juice. Chibi Mars normally had a bird like appetite but right now she was ravenously hungry. She wolfed the food down quickly.
"So will you please tell me what is going on," asked Chibi Mars after she had finished eating. "Why was I the only one who was not affected and why is Cosmic Pluto in my time?"
"You forget that this is the Gates of Tine," Cosmic Pluto pointed out. "Time does not exist here. When my younger self comes to visit I have to hide from her so she will not see me."
"Please just tell me what is going on," pleaded Chibi Mars as tears fell down her face.
"Someone is trying to alter the timeline," Pluto began. "Everyone was put into a deep sleep so that this enemy could take over the world. They weren't counting on you not falling under their spell."
"Why was I not affected," asked Chibi Mars.
"Your anti-evil scroll protected you," Cosmic Pluto replied. "You had it in your hands when the dark mist appeared didn't you?"
"Yes," whispered Chibi Mars. "But since you are here Maggie they do not succeed right?"
"Right," Cosmic Pluto answered. "One person manages to defeat them."
"Who," asked Chibi Mars.
"You," replied Pluto.
"Me," cried Chibi Mars. "But I am only a little girl. How can I defeat them?"
"Only you will know that," Pluto told her. "You will use your powers of fire and you will know what to do."
"How," asked Chibi Mars.
"By looking in here," Pluto laid a hand on Chibi Mars's chest where her heart was. "You will find the answer in your heart."
"No," sobbed Chibi Mars. "I can't do it."
"Yes you can," insisted Cosmic Pluto. "You must. If you don't then the future will be altered."
"NO," screamed Chibi Mars. "I can't do it. Please don't make me do it. Just send me to the past. My mama's past self can take care of me."
"We cannot do that little one," Pluto said softly. "You are meant to go and defeat this enemy. The future is depending on you."
"I can't," cried Chibi Mars. "I can't do it."
Pluto pulled the little girl into her arms and held her close. Chibi Mars clung to Pluto and sobbed pitifully. Cosmic Pluto felt utterly helpless. How could she convince her childhood friend to follow her destiny?
An idea suddenly struck Cosmic Pluto. There was someone who could convince Chibi Mars. "Mother," she said. "I know of someone who can help. Let me go and get her."
"Who," asked Pluto.
"Trust me," Cosmic Pluto pleaded. Pluto gazed at her daughter and then nodded. Cosmic Pluto left the room and headed for her destination.
Raye sat and watched her three-year-old granddaughter Brooke playing. There were times when Raye still could not believe she was a grandmother now. She did not look like a typical grandmother. Thanks to the fact that she was a Sailor Scout she still managed to look very young. Annika was now a Cosmic Scout along with the daughters of all the other Scouts. Once they grew up they took over protecting the world from evil. Raye and her friends were still palace officials and all of them were taking care of their grandchildren during the day. As much as Raye adored Brooke she still wished Annika were still a little girl. Annika and Raye still had a very close and loving relationship. Even though Annika was an adult she still loved being in her mother's arms.
"Nana," Brooke's babyish voice broke into Raye's thoughts.
"What is Darling," asked Raye focusing her attention on the child. Brooke's lavender locks were hanging in her face right now. Raye reached over and gently smoothed the hair out of Brooke's eyes.
"Look what I did," Brooke proudly held up some coloring she just did.
"Very nice," Raye said proudly. She took Brooke into her arms. Like her mother Brooke loved to snuggle. She snuggled down in Raye's arms. An enormous yawn reminded Raye that the child's naptime was coming up.
Suddenly there was a knock at the door. Raye got up and answered. She was surprised when Cosmic Pluto came walking in. "Maggie you left your post," she exclaimed. "What is going on?"
"I need you to come with me to my realm," Cosmic Pluto replied. "There is someone there who really needs you right now."
"Who," asked Raye as she held a sleepy Brooke in her arms.
"Chibi Mars," Cosmic Pluto told her.
"Chibi Mars," gasped Raye. "Annika's past self."
"Yes," said Cosmic Pluto. She filled Raye in on what happened. Raye recalled the events Cosmic Pluto described to her. She remembered Annika after this ordeal. Now here she was dealing with it at the Gates of Time.
"What can I do," asked Raye.
"Chibi Mars has lost her confidence," Cosmic Pluto explained. "She is convinced that she cannot defeat this enemy. I think the idea that the timeline depends on her has just overwhelmed her."
"So you want me to go and talk to her," Raye said.
"Yes," Cosmic Pluto replied. "I think only you can convince her she can defeat this enemy."
"Very well," Raye agreed. "Just let me see if either Mina or Lita can keep an eye on Brooke and I will be ready."
Once Raye dropped Brooke off at Mina's she followed Cosmic Pluto to the Gates of Time. Cosmic Pluto led her into a bedroom. Pluto was in there with Chibi Mars curled up asleep beside her. Raye felt her eyes mist over as floods of memories came back. She was just wishing Annika were still a little girl and now Raye was looking at her daughter's past self.
"She cried herself back to sleep," Pluto explained. "She is just exhausted."
"Poor baby," murmured Raye. She knelt down beside Chibi Mars and gently rubbed the child's cheek, careful not to touch the raw scratch that was there.
Chibi Mars's eyes fluttered opened. She gazed at Raye. "Mama?"
"I am your mother's future self," Raye told the child. "But yes I am still your mother."
"Mama," cried Chibi Mars and she flung herself into Raye's arms crying.
Raye held her close and whispered. "It's okay. Just let it all out." Chibi Mars clung to Raye cried on her shoulder. She was just glad to see her mother even if she was Raye's future self.
"I am so scared Mama," sobbed Chibi Mars. "And now Pluto and Maggie are telling me that only I can save the world and this timeline."
"They are right," Raye told her. "And I know you will succeed because if you didn't then I would not be here."
"I can't do it," choked Chibi Mars. "I am too scared."
"Yes you can," Raye firmly stated. "You are my daughter and you are the princess of Mars. You are strong and you can do this."
"No," cried Chibi Mars as she buried herself into Raye's arms. Her body shook with sobs. This was all just too much.
Raye held the child and felt helpless. There had to be a way to convince Chibi Mars that this was her destiny and she could do this. Raye tried to remember what Annika had told her after this adventure was over. Suddenly she remembered something. This might just convince Chibi Mars that she had to fight. "I will be right back sweetheart," she told Chibi Mars. "I have to go and get something."
"NO," screamed Chibi Mars as she clung to Raye.
"I will be right back," Raye assured her. Pluto reached over and took the child into her arms. Chibi Mars fought a little but very weakly. "I promise I am coming back." Raye headed back to her quarters.
Raye dashed back to her quarters. She went into her room and pulled a small box out of the drawer. The box contained precious memories of Annika. A lock of hair from her first haircut, a collection of baby teeth, her first baby dress and some other things that Raye held onto. Shortly after Annika had been through this battle she had written a letter to herself and gave it to Raye telling her she would know what to do with it when the time was right. Raye had put the letter in this box without ever opening it. She pulled out the letter written in Annika's eight-year-old handwriting. Raye now knew what she had to do with this letter. She put it in her pocket and headed back to the Gates of Time. She had no problem finding the room again. Chibi Mars was curled up in Pluto's arms sobbing. Cosmic Pluto was sitting beside them. When Raye walked in Chibi Mars broke free of Pluto's embrace and reached for her mother's future self. Raye sat down on the edge of the bed and pulled Chibi Mars onto her lap.
"Please stay here with me," sobbed Chibi Mars. "Where did you have to go?"
"I had to get something from my quarters," Raye replied. She reached into her pocket and pulled the letter out. She gave it to Chibi Mars. "This is for you."
Chibi Mars studied the letter. "Mama this is my stationary and handwriting," she exclaimed.
"Yes," Raye replied. "You wrote this to yourself and gave it to me. Of course you have not written it yet but you will. Read it and see what it has to say."
Chibi Mars opened the letter and read:
'Dear Annika,
I know this is weird getting a letter from yourself. It feels weird writing it. I am writing this letter for two reasons. First it is because Aunt Amy told me to. Second I know that our future depends on this. I read this letter myself a week ago and it gave me the courage to do what I have to do so I know it will do the same for you.
If things are going on as they are supposed to then you are in the Gates of Time with Aunt Setsuna and Mama and Maggie's future selves. You are in a lot of pain and you are very scared. You know that the safety of this world and the future depends on you. You also feel that you cannot save the world. I am to tell you that you can do it. I know because I just did it. Please don't give up. You cannot go back to the past and ask Mama's past self to look after you. You have to go and fight this demon. It is you destiny. You can do it. I just did. I hope you make the right decision.
Annika'
Chibi Mars finished reading the letter. With tears in her eyes she gazed up at Raye. "So I am going to win this?"
"Yes," Raye replied. "And I know you can do it because I was there afterwards."
"But I don't know what to do," sobbed Chibi Mars.
"Just follow your heart," Raye told her. "You'll know what to do." She took Chibi Mars's chin and turned the child's eyes up toward her. "I know you are very scared right now but you can do it and just remember how much I love you."
"I love you too," choked Chibi Mars and she flung her arms around Raye's neck. Raye wrapped her arms around the child for what she knew would be the last time in this form. Tears formed in her eyes. She badly wanted to keep her daughter's past self with her but she couldn't. If she did then Brooke would cease to exist.
"Good luck my darling," Raye said and she kissed Chibi Mars's. "You can do it."
"I promise I won't let you down," Chibi Mars declared.
Raye smiled gently. She blew Chibi Mars a kiss and left the room to head back to her own time.
Chibi Mars turned to Sailor Pluto and Cosmic Pluto. "Thank you," she told them. "I will do the best I can."
"You will succeed," Cosmic Pluto replied. "And just remember that my past self may be unconscience but you can draw on her power."
"Take care little one," Pluto told her. "Just believe in yourself."
"I will," said Chibi Mars and she headed back through the Gates of Time.
Chibi Mars arrived back at her own time full of fear but also full of determination. She was going to rescue her family and friends. She was not going to let this new enemy succeed. Chibi Mars gazed down at her ripped sailor uniform. Her head was also hurting and the scratches stung but she was not going to let that beat her. "I promise Mama I will save the world," she said.
Chibi Mars walked outside and gazed at her unconscience friends. She wondered where the person responsible for all this was.
As if on cue a person appeared. She had green hair and eyes. "Well Chibi Mars," she exclaimed. "You came back."
"I am not a coward," Chibi Mars told her. "I do not know who you are but you will end this right here and now."
"Allow me to introduce myself," said the woman. "I am Jade and I will rule this world."
"Not as long as I am alive," Chibi Mars declared holding up an anti-evil scroll.
"Then say your prayers little girl," snarled Jade. "Because I will not let a toddler beat me." Jade held up her hand and a large ball of energy appeared. The ball flew out and hit Chibi Mars. She screamed in pain, as she was smashed against a wall. Chibi Mars pulled herself to her feet and powered up.
"MARS FIRESTORM!"
The ball of fire flew out but Jade was able to bat it away.
"How," gasped Chibi Mars.
"Your powers are no match for mine," Jade explained. "So you might as well give up."
"Never," shouted Chibi Mars and she pulled her anti-evil scroll. "Rin, Hyou, Tou, Sha, Kai, Chin, Zai, Zen. Evil Spirit be gone!"
Jade just laughed and batted the scroll away. She powered up and a blast of energy flew and hit Chibi Mars again. Chibi Mars was thrown down. Jade sent out balls of energy out one after the other. Chibi Mars tried to dodge them but she was badly weakened. Her head was smashed against the pavement and she saw stars. She looked down at her leg and saw that the bandage Pluto had put on was ripped and soaked with blood. She could not even feel her leg right now. Jade was very powerful and Chibi Mars was alone.
Suddenly Chibi Mars remembered what Cosmic Pluto told her. She closed her eyes and concentrated. "Please Rini," she thought. "Lend me the power of the silver imperium crystal. Help me to defeat this enemy and save you."
Nearby Rini's broach glowed and opened up. The silver imperium crystal shown and a beam of light shot out and landed on Chibi Mars. Chibi Mars felt the surge of power. "Rini," she whispered. "I can feel the power. I can do it. I can beat Jade." Filled with the loaned power Chibi Mars headed over to Jade.
"Give up yet," asked Jade.
"Never," cried Chibi Mars.
"Then I will destroy you," snarled Jade and she powered up. She hurled a ball of energy at Chibi Mars. To her surprise the Chibi Scout suddenly glowed and the ball of energy bounced off her. "Impossible," screamed Jade in rage.
"Say your prayers," shouted Chibi Mars and she continued to glow. She pulled out her anti-evil scroll, "Rin, Hyou, Tou, Sha, Kai, Chin, Zai, Zen. Evil Spirit be gone!" The scroll and the energy from the silver imperium crystal flew at Jade who screamed in agony. Chibi Mars powered up. "MARS FIRESTORM!" Her attack flew out and surrounded Jade who screamed again and vanished. Chibi Mars sank to her knees in relief. She won.
Rini groaned and stirred. What happened? She looked around and saw the other children waking up around her. "What happened everyone," she asked.
"I don't know," Ariel replied. "We must have been knocked out or something."
"Look," cried Daisy in alarm and pointed. Everyone looked and saw Chibi Mars weakly coming toward them. Her uniform was torn and covered with blood. There was a bandage on her leg, which was also torn and bloody. Her face was badly banged up and scratched. She looked like she was having a hard time walking.
"Annika," everyone screamed and ran over to her. Rini picked the child up and held her.
"What happened to you," asked Faith in astonishment.
"Long story," choked Chibi Mars. "I am in so much pain."
"Hang on," Rini told her. "We'll get you to Amy so she can look at you."
"I want my mama," sobbed Chibi Mars.
"I'll get her," said Gloria and she took off.
"Where's Maggie," asked Chibi Mars.
"I am right here," said Maggie in surprise.
Chibi Mars reached over and hugged a very surprised Maggie. "Thank you," she whispered. Maggie was not sure what Chibi Mars was talking about but she returned Chibi Mars's hug anyway.
Amy had just finished checking everyone out in the palace and was satisfied that they were all okay. She was on her way outside to check on the children. When she opened the door she saw the children coming in. She was horrified to see Rini holding a very bloodied and battered Chibi Mars. "What happened," asked Amy as she took Chibi Mars out of Rini's arms.
"We woke up and we found her like this," Rini explained. "Whoever put us to sleep must have been fighting her."
"We can find about it later," Amy told Chibi Mars. "Right now I need to get you to my office and check you out."
"Okay," mumbled Chibi Mars in a weak voice.
"Annika," cried Raye coming up with Gloria. "What happened Sweetheart? Are you all right?"
"We need to get her to my office so I can treat her injuries," Amy told Raye.
"Mama," choked Chibi Mars reaching for Raye. Amy carefully placed Chibi Mars in Raye's arms. Chibi Mars clung to her mother and cried harder than she had in a long time. Raye just held her daughter close to her and let her cry.
In the future Raye was reading a story to Brooke when Annika arrived to pick up her daughter. Raye thought about the day's events and stared fondly at her daughter.
"Mama," squealed Brooke hopping down from Raye's lap and running over to Annika.
"Hi Darling," cried Annika picking her daughter up. "Were you good for Nana today?"
"Yes," giggled Brooke.
"I had an interesting day," Raye told Annika. "I saw someone today."
"Who," asked Annika.
"You," Raye replied. She told Annika what happened. A look of pain came to Annika's eyes as memories of that awful ordeal came flooding back. She put Brooke down and sat on the couch next to her mother.
"I had tried to forget about that," she admitted to Raye. "Did you give her or me the letter?"
"Yes," Raye replied.
"It's not over for them yet," Annika softly whispered as tears rolled down her cheeks. "It is just beginning. Gloria will be next." Annika began to cry for the little girl she once was. Raye put her arms around Annika and held her. The pain was still there.
A few days later Annika was sitting at her desk in her room. When they had arrived at her office Amy had given Annika a thorough examination. Annika had a mild concussion and multiple scratches and contusions all over her. The most serious injury had been on her leg. She had cut it very deeply and had to have stitches. Amy decided to keep Annika in her hospital room for observation for a few days. The first couple of days all Annika just slept a lot. When she was awake all she did was cry in her mother's arms. Raye kept a constant vigil by Annika's side. Setsuna was able to tell everyone the bulk of what had happened and Annika filled in the rest. Realizing that the emotional scars were going to be deeper than the physical Amy pulled her psychology resources and started working with Annika on sorting through the feelings. Raye also decided to start doing some relaxation techniques with Annika to help calm her down. Everyday Annika would lie down with her head on Raye's lap and have her temples massaged. It did help her relax. She also spent an hour a day talking with Amy about the experience. Now Amy encouraged her to write a letter to herself. Annika knew what she had to write. She had already read it. She began to write, "Dear Annika...."
End of Part One.
So what did you think? Please let me know.
E-mail me with suggestions and feedback to AngelRaye2@aol.com.
Also visit my web site at http://angelrayeschibiscouts.homestead.com/angelraye.html
Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon. I created all of the Chibi Scouts except for Rini.
Doom
Part One: Sailor Chibi Mars
By
Angel Raye
Annika sat at her desk with her pencil in her hand. In front of her she had a piece of her favorite stationary so she could write a letter. This was going to be a difficult letter to write but she had to write it. Amy had told her too. Annika also knew this letter was necessary to everyone's survival. She reached up and gently rubbed the cut under her cheek. She next reached down and felt the stitches on her leg. Tears filled her eyes as memories of the recent event plagued her mind once again. She took a deep breath and began to write, "Dear Annika..."
One week earlier...
"I finished my homework Mama," Annika told Raye as she walked into the fire room carrying her papers with her. "May I go out and play now?"
"Let me take a look," Raye instructed and she took Annika's homework from her. She looked over Annika's homework and was satisfied. "Very well, but be back in time to get ready for dinner."
"I will Mama," Annika replied and she flung her arms around her mother. It did not matter what time of day it was or what Annika was getting ready to do. She always loved snuggling with Raye. She snuggled down into her mother's arms.
"Such a baby," Raye murmured affectionately as she kissed her daughter's head. "You play nicely with your friends and do not let Gloria talk you into doing something wrong."
"I promise Mama," Annika said as she gave Raye a kiss on the cheek. She took off to go and find her friends.
Raye fondly watched her daughter leave. The child was growing up to fast. It seemed like yesterday that Raye was holding that adorable little baby in her arms for the first time. Now Annika was eight and a Sailor Chibi Scout. Raye wished her daughter could stay young forever. She sighed and turned back to the fire. All day she had this sinking feeling that something was going to happen. Raye focused all of her energy on the fire and began chanting, "Rin, Hyou, Tou, Sha, Kai, Chin, Zai, Zen!" An image appeared in the flames. Raye gazed at the image and gave a gasp of fear. "ANNIKA," she screamed. Her daughter was in danger.
"Can't catch me," taunted Gloria as she ran. The girls were playing a spirited game of tag. Nearby Rini was reading a book and watching them. Madelyn had started to feel tired so she sat down to rest for a while.
"I'll get you," called Hope who was it. Daisy, Annika, Gloria, Faith, Ariel, and Maggie were all running from her. She chased after Gloria determined to catch her. Gloria ran to base and stuck her tongue out at Hope.
"Safe," she called.
"Brat," muttered Hope and she began to chase after Ariel.
Annika ran over to Rini. "Please play with us," she pleaded.
"I can't Annika," Rini explained. "I have to read this book for a test tomorrow." She glanced down and saw the disappointed look in the younger child's eyes. Smiling she patted Annika on the head. "Let me finish my book and then maybe you and I can play a quiet game later."
"Okay," Annika's face brightened. She started to get up and join the others when she felt a strange aura come over her. "I sense an evil presence nearby."
Rini popped her head up. "What kind of evil presence?"
"I don't know," muttered Annika. She walked around the palace garden and pulled out an anti-evil scroll. She held it up in front of her. Suddenly a black mist came down. Annika held up the scroll and began chanting, "Rin, Hyou, Tou, Sha, Kai, Chin, Zai, Zen. Evil Spirit be gone!" The scroll went into the mist. The mist disappeared and Annika turned toward the others. She was horrified to see all of them unconscience. She ran over to Rini and felt her pulse. It was still there. "Rini wake up," she pleaded but Rini did not stir. Annika dashed over to the other girls. Hope had a grip on Gloria's shirt. She must have caught her before they went unconscience. Annika ran over to Gloria and shook her hard. "Wake up Gloria," she began to cry. "Please wake up everyone!" Annika began to cry harder. She wondered if everyone else was like this. Annika ran into the palace. Everyone was unconscience. "Why was I not effected," she asked herself. She looked over and saw Raye lying on the floor. Annika ran over to her. "Mama," she sobbed. "What happened? I really need you right now." She lay down by her mother and cried hard.
Another evil force hit her. Annika got up and went back outside. She wandered back over to the girls and began to look around. Suddenly a huge black monster appeared before her. Annika let out a piercing scream on terror. The monster grabbed her. Annika kicked herself free but felt the monster's claws rake against her back. She gave a gasp of pain. She tried to get away from the monster but he grabbed her and threw her down. Annika cried in pain as her cheek grazed against the pavement. She pulled herself up and saw blood on the ground. She pulled out her transformation pen. "MARS POWER MAKE UP!" She transformed into Sailor Chibi Mars and turned and glared at the monster. "I don't know what you did to everyone but I will not let you get away with it. I am an agent of love and Justice Sailor Chibi Mars and on behalf of Mars I will punish you!"
The monster just laughed and blasted a ball of energy toward Chibi Mars. She smashed against the pavement moaning in pain. She gazed down at her legs and saw that they were scraped up. She stood up shakily and powered up. "MARS FIRESTORM!" The ball of fire came out and hit the monster. The monster roared in anger. He reached down and picked Chibi Mars up and threw her against the pavement again. Chibi Mars cried in pain as her head hit the ground. Her uniform was ripped in a couple of places and there was blood all over her now. She powered up again, "MARS FIRESTORM!" The ball of fire hit the monster and weakened him this time. Chibi Mars took out an anti-evil scroll and began chanting, "Rin, Hyou, Tou, Sha, Kai, Chin, Zai Zen. Evil Spirit be gone!" The scroll hit the monster. He yelled in pain and vanished. Chibi Mars sank to her knees and began to weep again. She looked around and saw that everyone was still unconscience. She got up and limped inside to where Raye was. She knelt down beside her and cried harder. "Mama," she sobbed. "Please wake up. I am so scared. I need your help." Raye did not stir. Chibi Mars lay down beside her mother and continued to cry.
A hand suddenly touched her shoulder. Chibi Mars gave a squeal a fright. She turned around and saw a Sailor Scout who she knew but had only seen her in this form once. "Sailor Cosmic Pluto," she gasped. It was Maggie's future self.
"Hello Annika," Cosmic Pluto said after Chibi Mars recovered from the shock of seeing her.
"Maggie," sobbed Chibi Mars. "What is going on? Please tell me."
"Not here and not right now," Cosmic Pluto told her. "Come with me. We have to take you somewhere safe."
Chibi Mars took Cosmic Pluto by the hand and followed her. Cosmic Pluto took her to the Gates of Time. "Why are we here," asked Chibi Mars.
"You will be safe here for now," replied Cosmic Pluto.
"I want my mama," sobbed Chibi Mars.
"Calm down little one," another voice said. Chibi Mars looked up and saw Sailor Pluto coming toward her. Chibi Mars dashed over and flung herself into her arms. "Aunt Setsuna," she cried. "What is going on? I am so scared."
Pluto hugged the little girl. "You're hurt," she commented. Cosmic Pluto brought over some bandages and antiseptic. Pluto began to clean Chibi Mars's wounds.
"Aunt Setsuna I want my mama," sobbed Chibi Mars. "I fought this monster by myself because everyone else is unconscience. I am so scared."
"I know little one," Pluto gently said. "We'll explain everything to you once you've rested and have something to eat."
"No," cried Chibi Mars. "I want to know now." Chibi Mars began to sob hysterically. Pluto pulled the child into her arms and held her tight. Chibi Mars's body shook with sobs as she clung to Pluto. She was so frightened.
"Poor little thing," murmured Cosmic Pluto. "This is too much for one little girl to handle alone Mother."
"I know but this is supposed to happen," Pluto replied as she gently rocked the child back and forth. She noticed that the sobs had stopped and Chibi Mars had grown very still. Pluto looked down and saw that Chibi Mars had fallen asleep, completely wiped out. "Poor child is exhausted. Let's take her to our realm and let her rest." Pluto scooped the sleeping child up and carried her over to the bedroom. She lay Chibi Mars on the bed and tucked her in. "I'll stay with her, Maggie why don't you fix her something to eat?"
"Very well, Mother," Cosmic Pluto replied and she walked away.
Annika was looking for her mother. Where was she? She needed her mother right now. There was no one around. Annika was alone. "Mama," she sobbed. "Where are you...?"
"Mama," mumbled Chibi Mars. "I'm scared Mama. Please come back."
"It's okay little one," a soft voice whispered to her. "You are safe now."
Chibi Mars stirred. That was not her mother. For one thing it was not her voice and second her mother never called her 'little one.' Sweetheart, Darling, and Baby were her mother's pet names for her. Chibi Mars opened her eyes and found herself in an unfamiliar room. Sitting next to her on the bed was Sailor Pluto. "Aunt Setsuna," she choked. "So it wasn't a dream?"
"No it wasn't," Pluto replied bringing a basin of warm soapy water over.
"I want my mama," sobbed Chibi Mars. "Please tell me what is going on."
"Hush little one," Pluto softly whispered as she gently began to clean Chibi Mars's face. "Let's get you cleaned up and something to eat first and then we will talk."
Chibi Mars did not say any more. Sailor Pluto gave her sponge bath which she found very soothing. Cosmic Pluto brought her a sandwich, fruit, and juice. Chibi Mars normally had a bird like appetite but right now she was ravenously hungry. She wolfed the food down quickly.
"So will you please tell me what is going on," asked Chibi Mars after she had finished eating. "Why was I the only one who was not affected and why is Cosmic Pluto in my time?"
"You forget that this is the Gates of Tine," Cosmic Pluto pointed out. "Time does not exist here. When my younger self comes to visit I have to hide from her so she will not see me."
"Please just tell me what is going on," pleaded Chibi Mars as tears fell down her face.
"Someone is trying to alter the timeline," Pluto began. "Everyone was put into a deep sleep so that this enemy could take over the world. They weren't counting on you not falling under their spell."
"Why was I not affected," asked Chibi Mars.
"Your anti-evil scroll protected you," Cosmic Pluto replied. "You had it in your hands when the dark mist appeared didn't you?"
"Yes," whispered Chibi Mars. "But since you are here Maggie they do not succeed right?"
"Right," Cosmic Pluto answered. "One person manages to defeat them."
"Who," asked Chibi Mars.
"You," replied Pluto.
"Me," cried Chibi Mars. "But I am only a little girl. How can I defeat them?"
"Only you will know that," Pluto told her. "You will use your powers of fire and you will know what to do."
"How," asked Chibi Mars.
"By looking in here," Pluto laid a hand on Chibi Mars's chest where her heart was. "You will find the answer in your heart."
"No," sobbed Chibi Mars. "I can't do it."
"Yes you can," insisted Cosmic Pluto. "You must. If you don't then the future will be altered."
"NO," screamed Chibi Mars. "I can't do it. Please don't make me do it. Just send me to the past. My mama's past self can take care of me."
"We cannot do that little one," Pluto said softly. "You are meant to go and defeat this enemy. The future is depending on you."
"I can't," cried Chibi Mars. "I can't do it."
Pluto pulled the little girl into her arms and held her close. Chibi Mars clung to Pluto and sobbed pitifully. Cosmic Pluto felt utterly helpless. How could she convince her childhood friend to follow her destiny?
An idea suddenly struck Cosmic Pluto. There was someone who could convince Chibi Mars. "Mother," she said. "I know of someone who can help. Let me go and get her."
"Who," asked Pluto.
"Trust me," Cosmic Pluto pleaded. Pluto gazed at her daughter and then nodded. Cosmic Pluto left the room and headed for her destination.
Raye sat and watched her three-year-old granddaughter Brooke playing. There were times when Raye still could not believe she was a grandmother now. She did not look like a typical grandmother. Thanks to the fact that she was a Sailor Scout she still managed to look very young. Annika was now a Cosmic Scout along with the daughters of all the other Scouts. Once they grew up they took over protecting the world from evil. Raye and her friends were still palace officials and all of them were taking care of their grandchildren during the day. As much as Raye adored Brooke she still wished Annika were still a little girl. Annika and Raye still had a very close and loving relationship. Even though Annika was an adult she still loved being in her mother's arms.
"Nana," Brooke's babyish voice broke into Raye's thoughts.
"What is Darling," asked Raye focusing her attention on the child. Brooke's lavender locks were hanging in her face right now. Raye reached over and gently smoothed the hair out of Brooke's eyes.
"Look what I did," Brooke proudly held up some coloring she just did.
"Very nice," Raye said proudly. She took Brooke into her arms. Like her mother Brooke loved to snuggle. She snuggled down in Raye's arms. An enormous yawn reminded Raye that the child's naptime was coming up.
Suddenly there was a knock at the door. Raye got up and answered. She was surprised when Cosmic Pluto came walking in. "Maggie you left your post," she exclaimed. "What is going on?"
"I need you to come with me to my realm," Cosmic Pluto replied. "There is someone there who really needs you right now."
"Who," asked Raye as she held a sleepy Brooke in her arms.
"Chibi Mars," Cosmic Pluto told her.
"Chibi Mars," gasped Raye. "Annika's past self."
"Yes," said Cosmic Pluto. She filled Raye in on what happened. Raye recalled the events Cosmic Pluto described to her. She remembered Annika after this ordeal. Now here she was dealing with it at the Gates of Time.
"What can I do," asked Raye.
"Chibi Mars has lost her confidence," Cosmic Pluto explained. "She is convinced that she cannot defeat this enemy. I think the idea that the timeline depends on her has just overwhelmed her."
"So you want me to go and talk to her," Raye said.
"Yes," Cosmic Pluto replied. "I think only you can convince her she can defeat this enemy."
"Very well," Raye agreed. "Just let me see if either Mina or Lita can keep an eye on Brooke and I will be ready."
Once Raye dropped Brooke off at Mina's she followed Cosmic Pluto to the Gates of Time. Cosmic Pluto led her into a bedroom. Pluto was in there with Chibi Mars curled up asleep beside her. Raye felt her eyes mist over as floods of memories came back. She was just wishing Annika were still a little girl and now Raye was looking at her daughter's past self.
"She cried herself back to sleep," Pluto explained. "She is just exhausted."
"Poor baby," murmured Raye. She knelt down beside Chibi Mars and gently rubbed the child's cheek, careful not to touch the raw scratch that was there.
Chibi Mars's eyes fluttered opened. She gazed at Raye. "Mama?"
"I am your mother's future self," Raye told the child. "But yes I am still your mother."
"Mama," cried Chibi Mars and she flung herself into Raye's arms crying.
Raye held her close and whispered. "It's okay. Just let it all out." Chibi Mars clung to Raye cried on her shoulder. She was just glad to see her mother even if she was Raye's future self.
"I am so scared Mama," sobbed Chibi Mars. "And now Pluto and Maggie are telling me that only I can save the world and this timeline."
"They are right," Raye told her. "And I know you will succeed because if you didn't then I would not be here."
"I can't do it," choked Chibi Mars. "I am too scared."
"Yes you can," Raye firmly stated. "You are my daughter and you are the princess of Mars. You are strong and you can do this."
"No," cried Chibi Mars as she buried herself into Raye's arms. Her body shook with sobs. This was all just too much.
Raye held the child and felt helpless. There had to be a way to convince Chibi Mars that this was her destiny and she could do this. Raye tried to remember what Annika had told her after this adventure was over. Suddenly she remembered something. This might just convince Chibi Mars that she had to fight. "I will be right back sweetheart," she told Chibi Mars. "I have to go and get something."
"NO," screamed Chibi Mars as she clung to Raye.
"I will be right back," Raye assured her. Pluto reached over and took the child into her arms. Chibi Mars fought a little but very weakly. "I promise I am coming back." Raye headed back to her quarters.
Raye dashed back to her quarters. She went into her room and pulled a small box out of the drawer. The box contained precious memories of Annika. A lock of hair from her first haircut, a collection of baby teeth, her first baby dress and some other things that Raye held onto. Shortly after Annika had been through this battle she had written a letter to herself and gave it to Raye telling her she would know what to do with it when the time was right. Raye had put the letter in this box without ever opening it. She pulled out the letter written in Annika's eight-year-old handwriting. Raye now knew what she had to do with this letter. She put it in her pocket and headed back to the Gates of Time. She had no problem finding the room again. Chibi Mars was curled up in Pluto's arms sobbing. Cosmic Pluto was sitting beside them. When Raye walked in Chibi Mars broke free of Pluto's embrace and reached for her mother's future self. Raye sat down on the edge of the bed and pulled Chibi Mars onto her lap.
"Please stay here with me," sobbed Chibi Mars. "Where did you have to go?"
"I had to get something from my quarters," Raye replied. She reached into her pocket and pulled the letter out. She gave it to Chibi Mars. "This is for you."
Chibi Mars studied the letter. "Mama this is my stationary and handwriting," she exclaimed.
"Yes," Raye replied. "You wrote this to yourself and gave it to me. Of course you have not written it yet but you will. Read it and see what it has to say."
Chibi Mars opened the letter and read:
'Dear Annika,
I know this is weird getting a letter from yourself. It feels weird writing it. I am writing this letter for two reasons. First it is because Aunt Amy told me to. Second I know that our future depends on this. I read this letter myself a week ago and it gave me the courage to do what I have to do so I know it will do the same for you.
If things are going on as they are supposed to then you are in the Gates of Time with Aunt Setsuna and Mama and Maggie's future selves. You are in a lot of pain and you are very scared. You know that the safety of this world and the future depends on you. You also feel that you cannot save the world. I am to tell you that you can do it. I know because I just did it. Please don't give up. You cannot go back to the past and ask Mama's past self to look after you. You have to go and fight this demon. It is you destiny. You can do it. I just did. I hope you make the right decision.
Annika'
Chibi Mars finished reading the letter. With tears in her eyes she gazed up at Raye. "So I am going to win this?"
"Yes," Raye replied. "And I know you can do it because I was there afterwards."
"But I don't know what to do," sobbed Chibi Mars.
"Just follow your heart," Raye told her. "You'll know what to do." She took Chibi Mars's chin and turned the child's eyes up toward her. "I know you are very scared right now but you can do it and just remember how much I love you."
"I love you too," choked Chibi Mars and she flung her arms around Raye's neck. Raye wrapped her arms around the child for what she knew would be the last time in this form. Tears formed in her eyes. She badly wanted to keep her daughter's past self with her but she couldn't. If she did then Brooke would cease to exist.
"Good luck my darling," Raye said and she kissed Chibi Mars's. "You can do it."
"I promise I won't let you down," Chibi Mars declared.
Raye smiled gently. She blew Chibi Mars a kiss and left the room to head back to her own time.
Chibi Mars turned to Sailor Pluto and Cosmic Pluto. "Thank you," she told them. "I will do the best I can."
"You will succeed," Cosmic Pluto replied. "And just remember that my past self may be unconscience but you can draw on her power."
"Take care little one," Pluto told her. "Just believe in yourself."
"I will," said Chibi Mars and she headed back through the Gates of Time.
Chibi Mars arrived back at her own time full of fear but also full of determination. She was going to rescue her family and friends. She was not going to let this new enemy succeed. Chibi Mars gazed down at her ripped sailor uniform. Her head was also hurting and the scratches stung but she was not going to let that beat her. "I promise Mama I will save the world," she said.
Chibi Mars walked outside and gazed at her unconscience friends. She wondered where the person responsible for all this was.
As if on cue a person appeared. She had green hair and eyes. "Well Chibi Mars," she exclaimed. "You came back."
"I am not a coward," Chibi Mars told her. "I do not know who you are but you will end this right here and now."
"Allow me to introduce myself," said the woman. "I am Jade and I will rule this world."
"Not as long as I am alive," Chibi Mars declared holding up an anti-evil scroll.
"Then say your prayers little girl," snarled Jade. "Because I will not let a toddler beat me." Jade held up her hand and a large ball of energy appeared. The ball flew out and hit Chibi Mars. She screamed in pain, as she was smashed against a wall. Chibi Mars pulled herself to her feet and powered up.
"MARS FIRESTORM!"
The ball of fire flew out but Jade was able to bat it away.
"How," gasped Chibi Mars.
"Your powers are no match for mine," Jade explained. "So you might as well give up."
"Never," shouted Chibi Mars and she pulled her anti-evil scroll. "Rin, Hyou, Tou, Sha, Kai, Chin, Zai, Zen. Evil Spirit be gone!"
Jade just laughed and batted the scroll away. She powered up and a blast of energy flew and hit Chibi Mars again. Chibi Mars was thrown down. Jade sent out balls of energy out one after the other. Chibi Mars tried to dodge them but she was badly weakened. Her head was smashed against the pavement and she saw stars. She looked down at her leg and saw that the bandage Pluto had put on was ripped and soaked with blood. She could not even feel her leg right now. Jade was very powerful and Chibi Mars was alone.
Suddenly Chibi Mars remembered what Cosmic Pluto told her. She closed her eyes and concentrated. "Please Rini," she thought. "Lend me the power of the silver imperium crystal. Help me to defeat this enemy and save you."
Nearby Rini's broach glowed and opened up. The silver imperium crystal shown and a beam of light shot out and landed on Chibi Mars. Chibi Mars felt the surge of power. "Rini," she whispered. "I can feel the power. I can do it. I can beat Jade." Filled with the loaned power Chibi Mars headed over to Jade.
"Give up yet," asked Jade.
"Never," cried Chibi Mars.
"Then I will destroy you," snarled Jade and she powered up. She hurled a ball of energy at Chibi Mars. To her surprise the Chibi Scout suddenly glowed and the ball of energy bounced off her. "Impossible," screamed Jade in rage.
"Say your prayers," shouted Chibi Mars and she continued to glow. She pulled out her anti-evil scroll, "Rin, Hyou, Tou, Sha, Kai, Chin, Zai, Zen. Evil Spirit be gone!" The scroll and the energy from the silver imperium crystal flew at Jade who screamed in agony. Chibi Mars powered up. "MARS FIRESTORM!" Her attack flew out and surrounded Jade who screamed again and vanished. Chibi Mars sank to her knees in relief. She won.
Rini groaned and stirred. What happened? She looked around and saw the other children waking up around her. "What happened everyone," she asked.
"I don't know," Ariel replied. "We must have been knocked out or something."
"Look," cried Daisy in alarm and pointed. Everyone looked and saw Chibi Mars weakly coming toward them. Her uniform was torn and covered with blood. There was a bandage on her leg, which was also torn and bloody. Her face was badly banged up and scratched. She looked like she was having a hard time walking.
"Annika," everyone screamed and ran over to her. Rini picked the child up and held her.
"What happened to you," asked Faith in astonishment.
"Long story," choked Chibi Mars. "I am in so much pain."
"Hang on," Rini told her. "We'll get you to Amy so she can look at you."
"I want my mama," sobbed Chibi Mars.
"I'll get her," said Gloria and she took off.
"Where's Maggie," asked Chibi Mars.
"I am right here," said Maggie in surprise.
Chibi Mars reached over and hugged a very surprised Maggie. "Thank you," she whispered. Maggie was not sure what Chibi Mars was talking about but she returned Chibi Mars's hug anyway.
Amy had just finished checking everyone out in the palace and was satisfied that they were all okay. She was on her way outside to check on the children. When she opened the door she saw the children coming in. She was horrified to see Rini holding a very bloodied and battered Chibi Mars. "What happened," asked Amy as she took Chibi Mars out of Rini's arms.
"We woke up and we found her like this," Rini explained. "Whoever put us to sleep must have been fighting her."
"We can find about it later," Amy told Chibi Mars. "Right now I need to get you to my office and check you out."
"Okay," mumbled Chibi Mars in a weak voice.
"Annika," cried Raye coming up with Gloria. "What happened Sweetheart? Are you all right?"
"We need to get her to my office so I can treat her injuries," Amy told Raye.
"Mama," choked Chibi Mars reaching for Raye. Amy carefully placed Chibi Mars in Raye's arms. Chibi Mars clung to her mother and cried harder than she had in a long time. Raye just held her daughter close to her and let her cry.
In the future Raye was reading a story to Brooke when Annika arrived to pick up her daughter. Raye thought about the day's events and stared fondly at her daughter.
"Mama," squealed Brooke hopping down from Raye's lap and running over to Annika.
"Hi Darling," cried Annika picking her daughter up. "Were you good for Nana today?"
"Yes," giggled Brooke.
"I had an interesting day," Raye told Annika. "I saw someone today."
"Who," asked Annika.
"You," Raye replied. She told Annika what happened. A look of pain came to Annika's eyes as memories of that awful ordeal came flooding back. She put Brooke down and sat on the couch next to her mother.
"I had tried to forget about that," she admitted to Raye. "Did you give her or me the letter?"
"Yes," Raye replied.
"It's not over for them yet," Annika softly whispered as tears rolled down her cheeks. "It is just beginning. Gloria will be next." Annika began to cry for the little girl she once was. Raye put her arms around Annika and held her. The pain was still there.
A few days later Annika was sitting at her desk in her room. When they had arrived at her office Amy had given Annika a thorough examination. Annika had a mild concussion and multiple scratches and contusions all over her. The most serious injury had been on her leg. She had cut it very deeply and had to have stitches. Amy decided to keep Annika in her hospital room for observation for a few days. The first couple of days all Annika just slept a lot. When she was awake all she did was cry in her mother's arms. Raye kept a constant vigil by Annika's side. Setsuna was able to tell everyone the bulk of what had happened and Annika filled in the rest. Realizing that the emotional scars were going to be deeper than the physical Amy pulled her psychology resources and started working with Annika on sorting through the feelings. Raye also decided to start doing some relaxation techniques with Annika to help calm her down. Everyday Annika would lie down with her head on Raye's lap and have her temples massaged. It did help her relax. She also spent an hour a day talking with Amy about the experience. Now Amy encouraged her to write a letter to herself. Annika knew what she had to write. She had already read it. She began to write, "Dear Annika...."
End of Part One.
So what did you think? Please let me know.