Hi Everyone! Here is the follow up to "The Crystal scouts" series. I promised everyone that Tiffany would find happiness. She will in this story.
This story is going to be rated R because of contents of child abuse. There will also be other upsetting scenes too. I am giving all of you fair warning right now.
We will also be jumping around in time. We will mainly be going between the time of the Chibi Scouts and the time of the Chibi Crystal Scouts. We will also catch a glimpse of Annika and Gloria as teenagers when their adult selves look back on how important their friendship has always been to each other.
Well enough chitchat. On with the story.
E-mail me with suggestions and feedback to AngelRaye2@aol.com.
Also visit my web site at http://angelrayeschibiscouts.homestead.com/angelraye.html
Captain Commando has set up a Chibi Scout message board at http://pub53.ezboard.com/bangelrayeschibiscouts. Please drop by and leave a message.
Disclaimers: I do not own Sailor Moon. With the exception of Rini I own this generation of Sailor Scouts. I also created the Elysian Scouts and the Crystal Scouts.
Runaway
Part One
By
Angel Raye
During the time of the Chibi Crystal scouts...
Tiffany was in her room packing her bag. It has been a month since Rayna had returned from the past. Since then Tiffany had been making her plans. She only spent a week in the past but it had been the happiest week of her life. Her great-grandmother had been her mother and she had been a very loving mother. Tiffany's mother, Celine was a very cold, cruel woman. She had told Tiffany many times that she did not want her or love her. Tiffany could no longer handle the emotional abuse. If it hadn't been for her grandmother and great-grandmother, Tiffany would have killed herself. Unfortunately she didn't live with them. She lived with her mother, stepfather and brothers. Her brothers were teenagers and didn't have time for their much younger sister. Her stepfather never gave her a second glance. Tiffany just had to go back to the past. Her grandmother wouldn't know who she was but her great-grandmother would. She told Tiffany she could come back anytime. Tiffany remembered that.
So the last month she made her plans. She took out her overnight bag and packed some things she would need. She managed to acquire a time key from Jasmine. She wrote letters to both Gloria and Mina telling them how much she loved them but that she had to leave. She felt bad because in a couple of days there was going to be a party honoring the Cosmic Scouts. Tiffany had wanted to attend since her grandmother was Cosmic Venus and the leader of the Cosmic Scouts. But Tiffany was going to have to miss it. She was going to stay for that but her stepfather's teenage son had come to live with them. The other night he came into Tiffany's room and...
Tiffany shook the memory out of her head. She didn't want to remember that. She had told Celine but all she said was that it was Tiffany's fault just like everything else was. Tiffany was going to leave tonight.
"So you are really going to leave aren't you," a voice made Tiffany almost jump out of her skin. She turned and saw the Chibi Crystal Scouts had all let themselves in.
"How did you know," asked Tiffany.
"I had a hunch when you asked me for the time key," Jasmine stated. Maiko was with her as always.
"And I am one quarter Elysian," Rayna added. "I knew."
"Are you going to try and stop me," asked Tiffany.
"No," Melody replied. "If my mom was like your mom I would leave too."
"We'll miss you," added Sydney. "But we want you to be happy."
"You won't tell anyone," Tiffany pleaded.
"Of course not," Lily assured her.
"Thank you," Tiffany choked as a tear rolled down her face.
"When are you leaving," asked Chasity while Melody put an arm around Tiffany.
"Tonight," Tiffany whispered. "My mother is a heavy sleeper. She won't hear me."
Ashley came forward. She held up a charm from her great-grandmother's temple. "This is a love charm," she said. "It's suppose to bring you good luck and love. My great-grandma and grandma both swear by them."
"Thank you Ashley," Tiffany choked as she took the charm from her.
"Good-bye Tiffany," Gisselle hugged her. The other girls took turns hugging her.
"Tiffany going bye-bye," asked Maiko.
"Yes Maiko," Jasmine replied. "You must not tell anyone."
"Why not," asked Maiko.
"Because she has a mean Mama," Ashley stated.
"Oh okay," Maiko accepted that explanation. She was scared of Celine.
The children all left except for Rayna. She stayed behind. "I wanted to give you something," she whispered. She pulled out a small locket. "I just bought this. Open it."
Tiffany opened it and saw a picture of her and Rayna in it. "Thank you," she whispered.
"If you need me you can contact me through this locket," Rayna replied. She hugged Tiffany. "Good-bye and good luck." She turned and left. Tiffany stuck the locket into her bag. Finally she reached for a picture she had on her shelf. It was of her and Gloria and Mina. It was taken two years ago when Tiffany was five. Gloria was holding her in her arms and Mina had her hands on her shoulders. Tiffany loved that picture. She carefully packed it in her bag. She closed her bag and shoved it under her bed. She was ready. All she had to do was wait until tonight.
That night Tiffany lay awake in bed. It had been a miserable evening. Celine had spent a whole hour telling Tiffany how worthless she was. Tiffany had started crying which made Celine even angrier. Now it was late. Her mother and stepfather had gone to bed about an hour ago. Tiffany wanted to give them time to go to sleep.
When she thought she had waited long enough, Tiffany quietly got out of bed and got dressed. She pulled her bag out from under the bed and crept quietly out of the quarters. She went down the hall and slipped a note under the door to Gloria's quarters. Then she slipped another note under Mina's door. Most of the Scouts and Cosmic Scouts had adjoining quarters so that they could help each other with the numerous children that would visit. "I'm sorry grandma and great-grandma," Tiffany whispered. "I love both of you so much but I can't stay with my mother anymore." Finally Tiffany headed toward the Gates of Time. She was relieved to see that no one was at the Portal for the moment. Taking a deep breath Tiffany focused on her destination and ran through.
Pluto, Mina and Amy watched her go. "Right on schedule little one," Mina whispered.
"A lot is going to happen now," Amy sighed.
"Damn," Mina slammed her fist against the wall. "It has been terrible these last seven years. Knowing how Tiffany was being treated and not doing anything about it."
"I know but we had to let it happen because of the events that are about to follow," Pluto pointed out.
"Do you want to know how many times I wanted to say 'to hell with the timeline' and just take Tiffany away from Celine," asked Mina.
"And how about me," asked Amy. "I still have my documentation from when I worked with her in the past. I wanted to snatch that child away when she was born."
"I know this has been difficult," Pluto told them. "But things for that child will get better. Besides think about how her trip to the past made an impact on all of you and the children."
"She's right," Amy pointed out. "Even though our kids did not know who Tiffany was at the time, her situation made our children become the wonderful parents that they are."
"Life is going to improve for Tiffany at this point," Pluto assured them.
"I hope so," Mina sighed.
"Come," Amy took Mina's arm. "We need to get some sleep. We're going to have a big day tomorrow.
During the time of the Chibi Scouts...
Mina was awakened by a soft tapping on her door. She looked at her clock and saw that it was only two in the morning. "Now who could that be," Mina asked herself as she got up. Then a feeling of fear came over her. "Something has happened to either Asai or Gloria." It was Asai's night in the control room and Gloria was spending the night with Annika. Mina quickly raced to the door. She opened it and saw one of the last people she expected to see.
"Tiffany."
"Great-grandma," Tiffany choked. She threw herself into Mina's arms and began to cry. Mina picked the child up and carried her over to the couch. She held the child until she had calmed down.
"So what you brings you here," asked Mina as she wiped the child's eyes with some tissues.
"You told me I was welcome anytime," Tiffany replied.
"And you are," Mina hugged the child close to her. "I just want to know why you came."
"I ran away," Tiffany flatly stated. "I never want to go home again."
"Ran away," gasped Mina.
"Please can I stay here forever with you," Tiffany begged as she flung her arms around Mina. "Please I don't want to go home."
"You can stay here for the time being," Mina replied. "As for staying here forever we will need to talk about that."
"Okay," Tiffany sighed as she rested her head on Mina's shoulder. "I'm never going back home. No one can make me."
"Let's get to bed," Mina stated. "Since Asai is in the control room and Gloria is sleeping at Annika's tonight it's just the two of us and Artemis. Would you like to sleep with me tonight?"
"Yes Ma'am," Tiffany replied happily.
"Call me Aunt Mina while you're here," Mina said. She picked Tiffany up and carried her into the master bedroom. Once Tiffany was in her nightgown she lay down in bed. Mina lay down next to her. Tiffany was pleased when Mina wrapped her arms around her. "This is what it feels like to have a real mother," Tiffany thought to herself. She snuggled up against Mina and went to sleep.
Mina lay awake for a long time afterwards holding the sleeping child close to her. She had many questions on her mind. "Why did you run away Sweetie," Mina asked herself. "I am going to have to talk to the other scouts. There must be a way we can help her." Mina finally drifted off into a fitful sleep.
Mina awoke the next morning to the sun shining in her face. She looked down at Tiffany sleeping next to her. "So it wasn't a dream," she thought to herself.
"You had quite a night didn't you," asked Artemis as he jumped up on the bed.
"Yes," Mina sighed as she carefully disentangled herself from Tiffany.
"What are you going to do about it," Artemis inquired.
"I don't know Artemis," Mina replied. "I can't send her back if she is so unhappy there. I am going to have to talk to the other Scouts and the queen. We'll see what they say."
"Is there anything I can do right now," asked Artemis.
"Actually yes," Mina got out of the bed. "I am going to go to Raye's so I can talk with Gloria. I have the feeling that Tiffany did not get much sleep before she came here. Could you please stay with her until I get back? I don't want her to wake up to empty quarters."
"No problem," Artemis replied.
Mina took a quick shower and got dressed. She then headed out the door and went to Raye's quarters. Raye was still in her bathrobe. "Morning Mina," she said in surprise. "Why are you here so early?"
"I have to talk to Gloria about something important," Mina replied as she came in.
"Is something wrong," Raye asked with concern in her eyes.
"Tiffany's back," Mina told her. "Apparently she's run away."
"Nani," Raye shrieked in astonishment.
"Exactly," Mina stated.
"What are you going to do about it," asked Raye.
"Let her stay with us for the time being," Mina replied. "I'll have to meet with the queen and the rest of the Scouts to discuss this. Tiffany was so unhappy when she was here last. I don't want to send her back to place where she isn't happy."
"That's understandable," Raye sighed as she sat on the couch.
"Mom," Gloria came into the room with Annika. "How come you came so early?"
"Come here Darling," Mina held her arm out. Gloria went over and sat down next to her mother on the couch. Mina gave her daughter a hug. "Tiffany's back."
"Really," asked Gloria in excitement. "Where is she?"
"She's still sleeping," Mina replied. "She got here at two this morning so she's pretty tired."
"Why is she here Aunt Mina," asked Annika as she sat down on Raye's lap.
"We're not sure," Mina told her. She turned sternly to Gloria. "She is very upset and frightened so I want you to be nice to her."
"I will Mom," Gloria groaned. "I like Tiffany."
"Good girl," Mina smiled and kissed Gloria on the cheek. "I am going to go back now. You can just come on over when you are ready."
"Kay Mom," Gloria replied. She and Annika dashed back to Annika's room.
"You know what worries me," Mina told Raye. "It's that Tiffany is Gloria's granddaughter. Who in my family has caused my great-granddaughter to run away?"
"I guess we'll find out," Raye sighed as she took a sip of coffee.
Mina had a feeling that there was going to be lot happening in the next few weeks.
When Mina returned to her quarters she saw that Tiffany was awake and sitting up in bed. A look of fear was in her eyes.
"There she is," Artemis said. "I told you she would be right back."
A look of relief came into Tiffany's eyes. She flung her arms around Mina and held onto her tightly. "I was coming right back Sweetie," Mina assured the child as she hugged her tight.
"I'm sorry," choked Tiffany.
"Don't apologize," Mina ordered. "You haven't done anything wrong. Why are you always apologizing for everything?"
"Because I'm a worthless individual who is unwanted and will never mount to anything," Tiffany recited.
"No you aren't," Mina protested. "Who tells you that?"
Tiffany just shook as she began to cry. Mina tried to comfort the child the best she could. "Who makes you say things like that little one? I need to find out."
Later on that morning Neo-Queen Serenity called a meeting of all the Scouts. Mina told them about Tiffany.
"Did she give you any reason as to why she ran away," Amy asked in concern.
"No," Mina sighed. "She asked me if she could stay forever. She also started saying how worthless she is."
"Someone is planting things like that in her head," Michiru pointed out.
"The question is who," Raye added. She shuddered. She couldn't imagine telling Annika something like that.
"She craves affection," Mina told them. "When she was here last time she told me how much she loved her grandmother and great-grandmother. So it seems Gloria and I love her a lot in the future."
"What about her mother," asked Hotaru. "Has she ever mentioned her mother?"
"She doesn't talk about her mother," Mina recalled.
"I think we should just let her stay for now," Serenity stated. "Sailor Pluto has not come to take her back so until that happens we just keep her. In the meantime we should try and find out why she ran away."
"I want to schedule some appointments with her," Amy told Mina. "I know I couldn't get her to talk to me last time she was here but I can engage her in some play therapy. Maybe we can find something out."
"Very well," Mina agreed.
"Now onto the other business," Serenity said and the meeting continued.
"So how long are you visiting us," Gloria asked Tiffany.
"I don't know," Tiffany replied. "Hopefully forever Grandma."
"I'm glad you're here," Gloria whispered. "I missed you."
"You don't mind sharing your mother with me," asked Tiffany nervously.
"No I don't mind," Gloria assured her.
"Good," Tiffany whispered. She picked up her glass of lemonade. It slipped out of her hands and crashed onto the floor. Tiffany burst into tears.
"It's okay," Gloria told her.
"No it's not," sobbed Tiffany. "It's broken."
Mina came in. "What happened," she asked.
"Tiffany accidentally dropped her glass," Gloria explained.
"I'm so sorry," Tiffany wailed as she got down on the floor and she began to clean it up. "I'm a stupid clumsy fool who can't do anything right."
"That is not true," Mina took Tiffany's hands. "It was an accident and accidents happen. I do not want you blaming yourself."
Tiffany opened her mouth to talk but no words came out. She began to cry very hard. Mina pulled her into her arms and tried to comfort her. Gloria watched all of this with a puzzled look in her eyes.
That night Mina put Tiffany to bed early. The child was physically and emotionally exhausted. Mina was going to have to take her to school and register her the next day. After that she had an appointment with Amy. Mina knew it was going to be along day for both them.
Gloria and Asai had just finished playing a game. That was one thing they loved doing every evening when Asai did not have control room duty. Gloria went over to Mina. "Mom can I ask you something?"
"Of course you can Darling," Mina replied.
"Why does Tiffany say all those things about herself," Gloria asked. "I mean I don't think she is any of those things."
"I don't know why she says them," Mina sighed as she pulled Gloria into her arms. "But she seems to believe them."
"What can I do Mom," asked Gloria.
Mina smiled at her daughter feeling proud of her. "Just keep being nice to her. I think that will help her feel better."
"Okay," Gloria replied. She was going to help Tiffany as much as she could.
The next day after school Mina took Tiffany to Amy's office. Tiffany was scared. She clutched Mina's hand tightly. "Are you going to put me in hospital," she asked Amy.
"Of course not," Amy assured her. "I just want to talk to you for a while."
"Aunt Mina," Tiffany looked up and Mina.
"I'll wait out here," Mina promised her. "But will you cooperate with Aunt Amy?"
"Yes Ma'am," Tiffany replied. She took Amy's hand and followed her into the office.
"Please sit down," Amy pointed to a couch. Tiffany sat down and Amy sat down across from her with a notebook in her hand. "I want you to tell me about yourself."
"Myself," asked Tiffany in a puzzled voice.
"Tell me what kind of person you are," Amy clarified.
"I'm stupid, clumsy, careless, worthless, ugly and unwanted," Tiffany said. "I will never mount to anything."
"Why do you say that Tiffany," asked Amy.
"Because it's true," Tiffany stated in a miserable voice.
"Tiffany does anyone tell you these things," asked Amy. Tiffany looked up in alarm. She clamped her mouth shut. "Tiffany no one is going to hurt you," Amy assured in her gentle voice.
Tiffany began to shake violently. Tears fell down her face. She shook her head no. "All right Tiffany you don't have to tell me," Amy told her when she saw how scared the little girl was. "In a couple of days you are going to come back here. I have a playroom where you can play. Would you like to do that?" Tiffany nodded her head. "Good. Now how about I take you back to Mina?" Tiffany nodded her head. Amy took the child's hand and took her back to Mina. Mina smiled when she saw the child. Tiffany flung herself into Mina's arms. Amy walked up to Mina. "I'll need to talk to you when you have a moment," she whispered. Mina nodded her head.
Mina looked sadly at the list Amy gave her. She could not believe the words Tiffany used to describe what type of person she was. "She didn't say anything positive," asked Mina.
"Not one thing," Amy replied. "When I asked her who told her all of these things she just closed up. I tried to assure her and tell her that no one would hurt her but she got scared."
"Amy what is your analysis right now," Mina asked.
"Well obviously she suffers from very low self-esteem," Amy reported. "I am also suspecting there might be child-abuse."
"Oh no," Mina moaned.
"Mina she fits the stereotype," Amy pointed out. "She has low self-esteem, she's scared to death and nervous all the time, and she just craves affection. Tiffany also says all these things about herself which I think she has been trained to say."
"I wonder who the abuser is if that is the case," Mina sighed. The thought that someone in her family could be capable of something like that gave her a sinking feeling in her stomach.
"I don't think it's you or Gloria," Amy stated. "If one of you was I doubt she would come back to be with you."
"I hope that's the case," Mina said.
"I'll continue to work with her and let you know what I find out," Amy told her. "In the meantime just keep doing what you're doing with her."
That night after dinner Gloria and Annika let Tiffany play with them in the palace living room. Tiffany had always loved Annika. In the future Annika was another one who Tiffany could get love from.
"You both have such nice mothers," Tiffany told them.
"I have the best," Annika giggled.
"Mine's the best," Gloria said.
"No she's not mine is," Annika cried.
"Cool it both of you," Rini stepped in. "Both of you have the best in your eyes."
"I still say mine is the best in the world," Annika said with a huff. She got up and went over to Raye. Tiffany watched as Annika climbed up on Raye's lap and snuggled into her arms. She never did that with her mother.
"Gloria can I ask you something," Tiffany whispered.
"Sure," Gloria replied.
"Can I ask your mother if I can call her mama," Tiffany asked.
"I guess so," Gloria shrugged her shoulders. "What about your mother?"
Tiffany looked sad. "I don't want to tell you."
"Why not," asked Gloria.
"I just don't," Tiffany choked. Gloria decided not to pursue the question any further. But she was left feeling very puzzled.
"Aunt Mina can I ask you something," Tiffany asked as Mina tucked her in that night.
"Anything," Mina replied.
"Can I call you mama," Tiffany whispered.
"You want to call me mama," Mina asked.
"Can I," Tiffany begged throwing her arms around Mina. "Please let me call you mama."
Mina did not know what to do. She held the child and whispered, "Go ahead. You can call me mama."
The next night at dinner Gloria noticed that Tiffany was looking rather sad. She decided to play a prank to cheer her up. She beckoned Annika and Tiffany over to her. "Let's have a laugh," she whispered.
"What are you going to do," asked Annika.
Gloria held up a rubber spider. "I'm going to put this on Hope's plate," she giggled. "Can't you just hear her screaming already?"
Tiffany smiled. She knew her grandmother loved playing pranks. One of her favorite things to do was to listen to her grandmother tell of all the funny pranks she played as a child.
"You're going to get into trouble," Annika pointed out as she rolled her eyes.
"So what," Gloria shrugged her shoulders. She crept over to hope and quietly slipped the rubber spider on her plate. Then she went back to her seat. Annika sat back down next to Raye while Tiffany sat back down by Mina. Gloria watched carefully as Hope reached for her plate. She saw the spider and gave a blood-curdling scream. She threw her plate up in the air while everyone else almost jumped out of his or her skin. The plate came down and hit Maggie in the head. Food went all over her. She groaned in pain. Michiru jumped up to calm Hope down. Gary started tending to Maggie. Amy came over to see if she was hurt.
"Gloria," Mina shouted angrily. "Can't we just have one meal in peace?"
"It was just a joke," Gloria protested. "I didn't know that she was going to throw her plate up in the air."
"Well she did," Asai told her sternly. "Mina take a break. I'll deal with this tonight." He turned to Gloria, "Let's go young lady." Grumbling Gloria went with her father toward their quarters.
"Mama please don't punish her," Tiffany pleaded as tears rolled down her face. "She was only trying to make me laugh."
"Tiffany honey I'm sorry but we have to punish her," Mina patiently explained. "Gloria knows she's not supposed to play pranks like this."
"Please don't hate her," Tiffany sobbed.
"Sweetie I could never hate her," Mina exclaimed. "She's my daughter. I will always love her."
"Really," asked Tiffany.
"Of course," Mina replied. "Every mother loves their child no matter what they do."
"Mine doesn't," Tiffany thought sadly as she hugged Mina tightly.
Amy watched all of this and took mental notes.
The next day Mina took Tiffany to see Amy. Amy led Tiffany to a playroom. "I thought today you would like to play in here," she told Tiffany. "I am going to talk to Mama for a few minutes."
Yes I would," Tiffany gasped as she ran right in. Amy closed the door and led Mina to the observation window.
"She won't know we are watching her," Amy informed Mina. Mina nodded her head and watched.
Tiffany played with some of the toys and then made her way over to the dollhouse. She grabbed the mother doll and began hitting her. She threw the doll across the room and then ran over and stomped on her. She knelt down and pounded the doll with her fist. Tears were flowing down her face.
On the other side of the window Mina watched all of this with tears in her eyes. Amy took notes. She turned to Mina and stated, "I think we know who the abuser is."
To be continued...
This story is going to be rated R because of contents of child abuse. There will also be other upsetting scenes too. I am giving all of you fair warning right now.
We will also be jumping around in time. We will mainly be going between the time of the Chibi Scouts and the time of the Chibi Crystal Scouts. We will also catch a glimpse of Annika and Gloria as teenagers when their adult selves look back on how important their friendship has always been to each other.
Well enough chitchat. On with the story.
E-mail me with suggestions and feedback to AngelRaye2@aol.com.
Also visit my web site at http://angelrayeschibiscouts.homestead.com/angelraye.html
Captain Commando has set up a Chibi Scout message board at http://pub53.ezboard.com/bangelrayeschibiscouts. Please drop by and leave a message.
Disclaimers: I do not own Sailor Moon. With the exception of Rini I own this generation of Sailor Scouts. I also created the Elysian Scouts and the Crystal Scouts.
Runaway
Part One
By
Angel Raye
During the time of the Chibi Crystal scouts...
Tiffany was in her room packing her bag. It has been a month since Rayna had returned from the past. Since then Tiffany had been making her plans. She only spent a week in the past but it had been the happiest week of her life. Her great-grandmother had been her mother and she had been a very loving mother. Tiffany's mother, Celine was a very cold, cruel woman. She had told Tiffany many times that she did not want her or love her. Tiffany could no longer handle the emotional abuse. If it hadn't been for her grandmother and great-grandmother, Tiffany would have killed herself. Unfortunately she didn't live with them. She lived with her mother, stepfather and brothers. Her brothers were teenagers and didn't have time for their much younger sister. Her stepfather never gave her a second glance. Tiffany just had to go back to the past. Her grandmother wouldn't know who she was but her great-grandmother would. She told Tiffany she could come back anytime. Tiffany remembered that.
So the last month she made her plans. She took out her overnight bag and packed some things she would need. She managed to acquire a time key from Jasmine. She wrote letters to both Gloria and Mina telling them how much she loved them but that she had to leave. She felt bad because in a couple of days there was going to be a party honoring the Cosmic Scouts. Tiffany had wanted to attend since her grandmother was Cosmic Venus and the leader of the Cosmic Scouts. But Tiffany was going to have to miss it. She was going to stay for that but her stepfather's teenage son had come to live with them. The other night he came into Tiffany's room and...
Tiffany shook the memory out of her head. She didn't want to remember that. She had told Celine but all she said was that it was Tiffany's fault just like everything else was. Tiffany was going to leave tonight.
"So you are really going to leave aren't you," a voice made Tiffany almost jump out of her skin. She turned and saw the Chibi Crystal Scouts had all let themselves in.
"How did you know," asked Tiffany.
"I had a hunch when you asked me for the time key," Jasmine stated. Maiko was with her as always.
"And I am one quarter Elysian," Rayna added. "I knew."
"Are you going to try and stop me," asked Tiffany.
"No," Melody replied. "If my mom was like your mom I would leave too."
"We'll miss you," added Sydney. "But we want you to be happy."
"You won't tell anyone," Tiffany pleaded.
"Of course not," Lily assured her.
"Thank you," Tiffany choked as a tear rolled down her face.
"When are you leaving," asked Chasity while Melody put an arm around Tiffany.
"Tonight," Tiffany whispered. "My mother is a heavy sleeper. She won't hear me."
Ashley came forward. She held up a charm from her great-grandmother's temple. "This is a love charm," she said. "It's suppose to bring you good luck and love. My great-grandma and grandma both swear by them."
"Thank you Ashley," Tiffany choked as she took the charm from her.
"Good-bye Tiffany," Gisselle hugged her. The other girls took turns hugging her.
"Tiffany going bye-bye," asked Maiko.
"Yes Maiko," Jasmine replied. "You must not tell anyone."
"Why not," asked Maiko.
"Because she has a mean Mama," Ashley stated.
"Oh okay," Maiko accepted that explanation. She was scared of Celine.
The children all left except for Rayna. She stayed behind. "I wanted to give you something," she whispered. She pulled out a small locket. "I just bought this. Open it."
Tiffany opened it and saw a picture of her and Rayna in it. "Thank you," she whispered.
"If you need me you can contact me through this locket," Rayna replied. She hugged Tiffany. "Good-bye and good luck." She turned and left. Tiffany stuck the locket into her bag. Finally she reached for a picture she had on her shelf. It was of her and Gloria and Mina. It was taken two years ago when Tiffany was five. Gloria was holding her in her arms and Mina had her hands on her shoulders. Tiffany loved that picture. She carefully packed it in her bag. She closed her bag and shoved it under her bed. She was ready. All she had to do was wait until tonight.
That night Tiffany lay awake in bed. It had been a miserable evening. Celine had spent a whole hour telling Tiffany how worthless she was. Tiffany had started crying which made Celine even angrier. Now it was late. Her mother and stepfather had gone to bed about an hour ago. Tiffany wanted to give them time to go to sleep.
When she thought she had waited long enough, Tiffany quietly got out of bed and got dressed. She pulled her bag out from under the bed and crept quietly out of the quarters. She went down the hall and slipped a note under the door to Gloria's quarters. Then she slipped another note under Mina's door. Most of the Scouts and Cosmic Scouts had adjoining quarters so that they could help each other with the numerous children that would visit. "I'm sorry grandma and great-grandma," Tiffany whispered. "I love both of you so much but I can't stay with my mother anymore." Finally Tiffany headed toward the Gates of Time. She was relieved to see that no one was at the Portal for the moment. Taking a deep breath Tiffany focused on her destination and ran through.
Pluto, Mina and Amy watched her go. "Right on schedule little one," Mina whispered.
"A lot is going to happen now," Amy sighed.
"Damn," Mina slammed her fist against the wall. "It has been terrible these last seven years. Knowing how Tiffany was being treated and not doing anything about it."
"I know but we had to let it happen because of the events that are about to follow," Pluto pointed out.
"Do you want to know how many times I wanted to say 'to hell with the timeline' and just take Tiffany away from Celine," asked Mina.
"And how about me," asked Amy. "I still have my documentation from when I worked with her in the past. I wanted to snatch that child away when she was born."
"I know this has been difficult," Pluto told them. "But things for that child will get better. Besides think about how her trip to the past made an impact on all of you and the children."
"She's right," Amy pointed out. "Even though our kids did not know who Tiffany was at the time, her situation made our children become the wonderful parents that they are."
"Life is going to improve for Tiffany at this point," Pluto assured them.
"I hope so," Mina sighed.
"Come," Amy took Mina's arm. "We need to get some sleep. We're going to have a big day tomorrow.
During the time of the Chibi Scouts...
Mina was awakened by a soft tapping on her door. She looked at her clock and saw that it was only two in the morning. "Now who could that be," Mina asked herself as she got up. Then a feeling of fear came over her. "Something has happened to either Asai or Gloria." It was Asai's night in the control room and Gloria was spending the night with Annika. Mina quickly raced to the door. She opened it and saw one of the last people she expected to see.
"Tiffany."
"Great-grandma," Tiffany choked. She threw herself into Mina's arms and began to cry. Mina picked the child up and carried her over to the couch. She held the child until she had calmed down.
"So what you brings you here," asked Mina as she wiped the child's eyes with some tissues.
"You told me I was welcome anytime," Tiffany replied.
"And you are," Mina hugged the child close to her. "I just want to know why you came."
"I ran away," Tiffany flatly stated. "I never want to go home again."
"Ran away," gasped Mina.
"Please can I stay here forever with you," Tiffany begged as she flung her arms around Mina. "Please I don't want to go home."
"You can stay here for the time being," Mina replied. "As for staying here forever we will need to talk about that."
"Okay," Tiffany sighed as she rested her head on Mina's shoulder. "I'm never going back home. No one can make me."
"Let's get to bed," Mina stated. "Since Asai is in the control room and Gloria is sleeping at Annika's tonight it's just the two of us and Artemis. Would you like to sleep with me tonight?"
"Yes Ma'am," Tiffany replied happily.
"Call me Aunt Mina while you're here," Mina said. She picked Tiffany up and carried her into the master bedroom. Once Tiffany was in her nightgown she lay down in bed. Mina lay down next to her. Tiffany was pleased when Mina wrapped her arms around her. "This is what it feels like to have a real mother," Tiffany thought to herself. She snuggled up against Mina and went to sleep.
Mina lay awake for a long time afterwards holding the sleeping child close to her. She had many questions on her mind. "Why did you run away Sweetie," Mina asked herself. "I am going to have to talk to the other scouts. There must be a way we can help her." Mina finally drifted off into a fitful sleep.
Mina awoke the next morning to the sun shining in her face. She looked down at Tiffany sleeping next to her. "So it wasn't a dream," she thought to herself.
"You had quite a night didn't you," asked Artemis as he jumped up on the bed.
"Yes," Mina sighed as she carefully disentangled herself from Tiffany.
"What are you going to do about it," Artemis inquired.
"I don't know Artemis," Mina replied. "I can't send her back if she is so unhappy there. I am going to have to talk to the other Scouts and the queen. We'll see what they say."
"Is there anything I can do right now," asked Artemis.
"Actually yes," Mina got out of the bed. "I am going to go to Raye's so I can talk with Gloria. I have the feeling that Tiffany did not get much sleep before she came here. Could you please stay with her until I get back? I don't want her to wake up to empty quarters."
"No problem," Artemis replied.
Mina took a quick shower and got dressed. She then headed out the door and went to Raye's quarters. Raye was still in her bathrobe. "Morning Mina," she said in surprise. "Why are you here so early?"
"I have to talk to Gloria about something important," Mina replied as she came in.
"Is something wrong," Raye asked with concern in her eyes.
"Tiffany's back," Mina told her. "Apparently she's run away."
"Nani," Raye shrieked in astonishment.
"Exactly," Mina stated.
"What are you going to do about it," asked Raye.
"Let her stay with us for the time being," Mina replied. "I'll have to meet with the queen and the rest of the Scouts to discuss this. Tiffany was so unhappy when she was here last. I don't want to send her back to place where she isn't happy."
"That's understandable," Raye sighed as she sat on the couch.
"Mom," Gloria came into the room with Annika. "How come you came so early?"
"Come here Darling," Mina held her arm out. Gloria went over and sat down next to her mother on the couch. Mina gave her daughter a hug. "Tiffany's back."
"Really," asked Gloria in excitement. "Where is she?"
"She's still sleeping," Mina replied. "She got here at two this morning so she's pretty tired."
"Why is she here Aunt Mina," asked Annika as she sat down on Raye's lap.
"We're not sure," Mina told her. She turned sternly to Gloria. "She is very upset and frightened so I want you to be nice to her."
"I will Mom," Gloria groaned. "I like Tiffany."
"Good girl," Mina smiled and kissed Gloria on the cheek. "I am going to go back now. You can just come on over when you are ready."
"Kay Mom," Gloria replied. She and Annika dashed back to Annika's room.
"You know what worries me," Mina told Raye. "It's that Tiffany is Gloria's granddaughter. Who in my family has caused my great-granddaughter to run away?"
"I guess we'll find out," Raye sighed as she took a sip of coffee.
Mina had a feeling that there was going to be lot happening in the next few weeks.
When Mina returned to her quarters she saw that Tiffany was awake and sitting up in bed. A look of fear was in her eyes.
"There she is," Artemis said. "I told you she would be right back."
A look of relief came into Tiffany's eyes. She flung her arms around Mina and held onto her tightly. "I was coming right back Sweetie," Mina assured the child as she hugged her tight.
"I'm sorry," choked Tiffany.
"Don't apologize," Mina ordered. "You haven't done anything wrong. Why are you always apologizing for everything?"
"Because I'm a worthless individual who is unwanted and will never mount to anything," Tiffany recited.
"No you aren't," Mina protested. "Who tells you that?"
Tiffany just shook as she began to cry. Mina tried to comfort the child the best she could. "Who makes you say things like that little one? I need to find out."
Later on that morning Neo-Queen Serenity called a meeting of all the Scouts. Mina told them about Tiffany.
"Did she give you any reason as to why she ran away," Amy asked in concern.
"No," Mina sighed. "She asked me if she could stay forever. She also started saying how worthless she is."
"Someone is planting things like that in her head," Michiru pointed out.
"The question is who," Raye added. She shuddered. She couldn't imagine telling Annika something like that.
"She craves affection," Mina told them. "When she was here last time she told me how much she loved her grandmother and great-grandmother. So it seems Gloria and I love her a lot in the future."
"What about her mother," asked Hotaru. "Has she ever mentioned her mother?"
"She doesn't talk about her mother," Mina recalled.
"I think we should just let her stay for now," Serenity stated. "Sailor Pluto has not come to take her back so until that happens we just keep her. In the meantime we should try and find out why she ran away."
"I want to schedule some appointments with her," Amy told Mina. "I know I couldn't get her to talk to me last time she was here but I can engage her in some play therapy. Maybe we can find something out."
"Very well," Mina agreed.
"Now onto the other business," Serenity said and the meeting continued.
"So how long are you visiting us," Gloria asked Tiffany.
"I don't know," Tiffany replied. "Hopefully forever Grandma."
"I'm glad you're here," Gloria whispered. "I missed you."
"You don't mind sharing your mother with me," asked Tiffany nervously.
"No I don't mind," Gloria assured her.
"Good," Tiffany whispered. She picked up her glass of lemonade. It slipped out of her hands and crashed onto the floor. Tiffany burst into tears.
"It's okay," Gloria told her.
"No it's not," sobbed Tiffany. "It's broken."
Mina came in. "What happened," she asked.
"Tiffany accidentally dropped her glass," Gloria explained.
"I'm so sorry," Tiffany wailed as she got down on the floor and she began to clean it up. "I'm a stupid clumsy fool who can't do anything right."
"That is not true," Mina took Tiffany's hands. "It was an accident and accidents happen. I do not want you blaming yourself."
Tiffany opened her mouth to talk but no words came out. She began to cry very hard. Mina pulled her into her arms and tried to comfort her. Gloria watched all of this with a puzzled look in her eyes.
That night Mina put Tiffany to bed early. The child was physically and emotionally exhausted. Mina was going to have to take her to school and register her the next day. After that she had an appointment with Amy. Mina knew it was going to be along day for both them.
Gloria and Asai had just finished playing a game. That was one thing they loved doing every evening when Asai did not have control room duty. Gloria went over to Mina. "Mom can I ask you something?"
"Of course you can Darling," Mina replied.
"Why does Tiffany say all those things about herself," Gloria asked. "I mean I don't think she is any of those things."
"I don't know why she says them," Mina sighed as she pulled Gloria into her arms. "But she seems to believe them."
"What can I do Mom," asked Gloria.
Mina smiled at her daughter feeling proud of her. "Just keep being nice to her. I think that will help her feel better."
"Okay," Gloria replied. She was going to help Tiffany as much as she could.
The next day after school Mina took Tiffany to Amy's office. Tiffany was scared. She clutched Mina's hand tightly. "Are you going to put me in hospital," she asked Amy.
"Of course not," Amy assured her. "I just want to talk to you for a while."
"Aunt Mina," Tiffany looked up and Mina.
"I'll wait out here," Mina promised her. "But will you cooperate with Aunt Amy?"
"Yes Ma'am," Tiffany replied. She took Amy's hand and followed her into the office.
"Please sit down," Amy pointed to a couch. Tiffany sat down and Amy sat down across from her with a notebook in her hand. "I want you to tell me about yourself."
"Myself," asked Tiffany in a puzzled voice.
"Tell me what kind of person you are," Amy clarified.
"I'm stupid, clumsy, careless, worthless, ugly and unwanted," Tiffany said. "I will never mount to anything."
"Why do you say that Tiffany," asked Amy.
"Because it's true," Tiffany stated in a miserable voice.
"Tiffany does anyone tell you these things," asked Amy. Tiffany looked up in alarm. She clamped her mouth shut. "Tiffany no one is going to hurt you," Amy assured in her gentle voice.
Tiffany began to shake violently. Tears fell down her face. She shook her head no. "All right Tiffany you don't have to tell me," Amy told her when she saw how scared the little girl was. "In a couple of days you are going to come back here. I have a playroom where you can play. Would you like to do that?" Tiffany nodded her head. "Good. Now how about I take you back to Mina?" Tiffany nodded her head. Amy took the child's hand and took her back to Mina. Mina smiled when she saw the child. Tiffany flung herself into Mina's arms. Amy walked up to Mina. "I'll need to talk to you when you have a moment," she whispered. Mina nodded her head.
Mina looked sadly at the list Amy gave her. She could not believe the words Tiffany used to describe what type of person she was. "She didn't say anything positive," asked Mina.
"Not one thing," Amy replied. "When I asked her who told her all of these things she just closed up. I tried to assure her and tell her that no one would hurt her but she got scared."
"Amy what is your analysis right now," Mina asked.
"Well obviously she suffers from very low self-esteem," Amy reported. "I am also suspecting there might be child-abuse."
"Oh no," Mina moaned.
"Mina she fits the stereotype," Amy pointed out. "She has low self-esteem, she's scared to death and nervous all the time, and she just craves affection. Tiffany also says all these things about herself which I think she has been trained to say."
"I wonder who the abuser is if that is the case," Mina sighed. The thought that someone in her family could be capable of something like that gave her a sinking feeling in her stomach.
"I don't think it's you or Gloria," Amy stated. "If one of you was I doubt she would come back to be with you."
"I hope that's the case," Mina said.
"I'll continue to work with her and let you know what I find out," Amy told her. "In the meantime just keep doing what you're doing with her."
That night after dinner Gloria and Annika let Tiffany play with them in the palace living room. Tiffany had always loved Annika. In the future Annika was another one who Tiffany could get love from.
"You both have such nice mothers," Tiffany told them.
"I have the best," Annika giggled.
"Mine's the best," Gloria said.
"No she's not mine is," Annika cried.
"Cool it both of you," Rini stepped in. "Both of you have the best in your eyes."
"I still say mine is the best in the world," Annika said with a huff. She got up and went over to Raye. Tiffany watched as Annika climbed up on Raye's lap and snuggled into her arms. She never did that with her mother.
"Gloria can I ask you something," Tiffany whispered.
"Sure," Gloria replied.
"Can I ask your mother if I can call her mama," Tiffany asked.
"I guess so," Gloria shrugged her shoulders. "What about your mother?"
Tiffany looked sad. "I don't want to tell you."
"Why not," asked Gloria.
"I just don't," Tiffany choked. Gloria decided not to pursue the question any further. But she was left feeling very puzzled.
"Aunt Mina can I ask you something," Tiffany asked as Mina tucked her in that night.
"Anything," Mina replied.
"Can I call you mama," Tiffany whispered.
"You want to call me mama," Mina asked.
"Can I," Tiffany begged throwing her arms around Mina. "Please let me call you mama."
Mina did not know what to do. She held the child and whispered, "Go ahead. You can call me mama."
The next night at dinner Gloria noticed that Tiffany was looking rather sad. She decided to play a prank to cheer her up. She beckoned Annika and Tiffany over to her. "Let's have a laugh," she whispered.
"What are you going to do," asked Annika.
Gloria held up a rubber spider. "I'm going to put this on Hope's plate," she giggled. "Can't you just hear her screaming already?"
Tiffany smiled. She knew her grandmother loved playing pranks. One of her favorite things to do was to listen to her grandmother tell of all the funny pranks she played as a child.
"You're going to get into trouble," Annika pointed out as she rolled her eyes.
"So what," Gloria shrugged her shoulders. She crept over to hope and quietly slipped the rubber spider on her plate. Then she went back to her seat. Annika sat back down next to Raye while Tiffany sat back down by Mina. Gloria watched carefully as Hope reached for her plate. She saw the spider and gave a blood-curdling scream. She threw her plate up in the air while everyone else almost jumped out of his or her skin. The plate came down and hit Maggie in the head. Food went all over her. She groaned in pain. Michiru jumped up to calm Hope down. Gary started tending to Maggie. Amy came over to see if she was hurt.
"Gloria," Mina shouted angrily. "Can't we just have one meal in peace?"
"It was just a joke," Gloria protested. "I didn't know that she was going to throw her plate up in the air."
"Well she did," Asai told her sternly. "Mina take a break. I'll deal with this tonight." He turned to Gloria, "Let's go young lady." Grumbling Gloria went with her father toward their quarters.
"Mama please don't punish her," Tiffany pleaded as tears rolled down her face. "She was only trying to make me laugh."
"Tiffany honey I'm sorry but we have to punish her," Mina patiently explained. "Gloria knows she's not supposed to play pranks like this."
"Please don't hate her," Tiffany sobbed.
"Sweetie I could never hate her," Mina exclaimed. "She's my daughter. I will always love her."
"Really," asked Tiffany.
"Of course," Mina replied. "Every mother loves their child no matter what they do."
"Mine doesn't," Tiffany thought sadly as she hugged Mina tightly.
Amy watched all of this and took mental notes.
The next day Mina took Tiffany to see Amy. Amy led Tiffany to a playroom. "I thought today you would like to play in here," she told Tiffany. "I am going to talk to Mama for a few minutes."
Yes I would," Tiffany gasped as she ran right in. Amy closed the door and led Mina to the observation window.
"She won't know we are watching her," Amy informed Mina. Mina nodded her head and watched.
Tiffany played with some of the toys and then made her way over to the dollhouse. She grabbed the mother doll and began hitting her. She threw the doll across the room and then ran over and stomped on her. She knelt down and pounded the doll with her fist. Tears were flowing down her face.
On the other side of the window Mina watched all of this with tears in her eyes. Amy took notes. She turned to Mina and stated, "I think we know who the abuser is."
To be continued...