Hi Everyone! I am onto a new series. I figured it was time to do a series on the Chibi Senshi and their mentors. I wanted let you know that this series isn't going to really tie together. Each part will be its own unique story and they will take place at different times. I will let you know what the age of the Chibi Senshi is for the bulk of the story. Each part will begin when the Chibi Senshi is a baby and the Senshi is asked to be her mentor.
This first part is the most established mentor/Chibi Senshi relationship Annika and Amy. Most of the story will take place when Annika is six years old and in the first grade.
E-mail me at AngelRaye2@aol.com
Please visit my site at www.angelfire.com/anime3/chibiscouts
Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon. With the exception of Rini I own the Chibi Senshi.
Bonds
Part One: Annika and Amy
By
Angel Raye
One month after Annika's birth...
Raye smiled at Annika as she finished putting the lavender dress on the infant. Annika gurgled happily and sucked on her fingers. "I want you to look pretty," Raye told her. "In a few minutes Aunt Amy is going to be here and I have something very important to ask her." Once the dress was on Raye picked the baby up and cradled her in her arms. She ran her fingers through the thick thatch of violet hair. Although Annika was only a month old she had a ton of hair on her head already. Raye was able to put a barrette or a ribbon in sometimes. "Now you're all ready," Raye exclaimed. Annika continued to gurgle happily.
At that moment there was a knock at the door. Raye answered it and saw that it was Amy. "Come on in Amy," Raye told her. "I'm so glad you were able to take time away from your busy schedule to come see us."
"I don't have a little one of my own yet so it was no problem," Amy replied as she took off her shoes. "Hotaru is pregnant but she is still able to work."
"I made some tea," Raye indicated toward the couch and the tray of tea on the coffee table.
"Thank you," Amy said as she sat down. She accepted the cup of tea from Raye. She glanced over at Annika who was still cradled in her mother's arms. "You love holding her don't you?"
"Yes," Raye sighed as she smiled down at the infant. "Amy there is a reason why I asked you to come."
"And what would that be," Amy prodded.
"There are only three of you left to mentor the children now that Mina is going to mentor Faith and Hotaru is going to mentor Hope," Raye replied. "You, Serenity and Michiru are the ones who are left."
"Are you going to ask Serenity," Amy asked. "She is after all your best friend and Annika's godmother."
"I had thought about it," Raye admitted. "I am both Small Lady's mentor and godmother after all but although Serenity is the ideal choice for Annika's godmother I don't know if she would be right for her mentor. Besides I know that Hotaru is hoping that she could ask Serenity to be Madelyn's mentor when she comes along."
"I'm following you so far," Amy stated.
"My memories of Annika coming to us in the 20th century are somewhat clouded but I do remember her being very shy and timid," Raye explained. "Annika will need someone who is calm, rational and gentle. As much as I love Serenity she doesn't fit those all of those categories. She is very exuberant and she can still be very rash at times. Serenity has matured tremendously since we first met her and I am proud of her but she isn't the ideal mentor for Annika."
"Raye," Amy began. "Are you asking me..."
"Yes Amy I am," Raye interrupted her. "I've given this a great deal of thought and I talked it over with both Chad and Serenity. We feel that you would be the best person to be Annika's mentor, someone who she can turn to in times of trouble when I am not available. Would you do it?"
"I would be honored," Amy replied.
A few days later all of the Senshi and the Knights gathered into the ballroom. Rini was trying to keep up with Daisy and Maggie who were toddling all over the place. Sailor Venus was keeping a sharp eye on Gloria who was crawling rapidly across the floor. Hope and Faith were sleeping peacefully in their baby carriages. Sailor Mars held Annika, who was dressed in the gown that was worn by all of the future Chibi Senshi for the bonding ceremony. This would be the only time she would wear it. It would be used two more times before it would be packed away for the third generation of Senshi.
Neo-Queen Serenity and King Endymion came in carrying the casing that held the sliver crystal. Luna was with them. "I see we are all assembled," Serenity stated. "Sailor Mercury if you would please take Annika and take out your henshin wand?"
"Of course your Majesty," Mercury replied as she took out her henshin wand. Mars carefully placed Annika into Mercury's arms.
"Luna," Serenity turned to the cat.
"Yes your Majesty," Luna leapt up into the air and a henshin wand appeared. Luna picked it up and handed it to Serenity. The henshin wand would be given to Annika on the day she would become a Chibi Senshi. Serenity gently placed the wand on Annika's chest.
"We are here to bond a future Senshi with the one who will mentor her and become like a second mother to her," Serenity announced. "Sailor Mercury do you promise to guide this child when she becomes a Chibi Senshi and to be there for her when her parents aren't available?"
"I promise," Mercury replied. Serenity held up the silver crystal. It began to glow. As soon as it began to glow the two-henshin wands also glowed. The white light, the blue light and the red light enveloped both Mercury and Annika. It lasted a few minutes. Then the glow was gone and the bonding was complete. Luna took the new henshin wand back. No one would see it again until it was time for Sailor Chibi Mars to be awakened.
"The ceremony is complete," Serenity announced. She smiled at Mercury. "You are now the official mentor of our future Sailor Chibi Mars."
"And I will do my very best," Mercury promised as she handed Annika back to her mother.
Everyone knew she would.
Six years later...
"Three weeks," Raye exclaimed in disbelief at a Senshi meeting with the Queen one morning. "Serenity that is a long time for both Chad and I to be away."
"I know Raye but you and Chad are the best choices for this assignment," Serenity replied. "They originally wanted someone for six weeks but I explained to them that all of my Senshi and their Knights have young children and need to be with them."
"Europe is such a long way too," Raye sighed. "But I will do it of course. I just don't know how I am going to tell Annika this."
"She won't be happy," Lita bluntly stated.
"I know it will be hard on Annika," Serenity sighed. "But Raye you are the best choice for this."
"I understand," Raye replied. "And Chad and I will go."
"Thank you," Serenity stated. "Now onto other matters."
After the meeting Raye walked up to Amy. "Would you mind watching Annika for three weeks," she asked. "I know Ariel is a big handful but you're the only one that Annika would stay with for three weeks."
"It's not a problem," Amy assured her. "Besides look at how many times Lita has taken care of Maggie and her Daisy is a handful too."
"Good point," Raye laughed.
Suddenly Amy's communicator beeped. Since Ariel wasn't in school yet Amy would often get calls from Palla. "What is it Palla," Amy asked. Raye closed her ears to the conversation. "She what," Amy barked. "I'll be right there." Amy signed off and turned to Raye. "It seems that my creative little imp has decided to turn Luna P into a parachute and went out the balcony to avoid a nap. So right now she is outside hiding from Palla."
Raye laughed. "She is creative," she stated. "I'm glad mine was never like that."
"If you'll excuse me I have a child to spank," Amy sighed. "Let me know if you need me today when you tell Annika."
"Thank you Amy," Raye called as Amy dashed out the door.
Raye found that she was anxious about telling her daughter what was going on. Annika's attachment to her was very strong and she would not to take the news well at all. When it was time for the children to get home from school Raye joined her friends to wait for them.
"Mama," Annika squealed as she and the other girls came through the door. Annika jumped into her mother's arms.
"Hi Baby," Raye kissed her child on the cheek. "How was your day?"
"Good," Annika declared happily. She pulled her work out of her book bag. "I got all stars today on my work."
"Good for you," Raye exclaimed hugging and kissing her daughter. "For that you get a special treat."
"Hurrah," Annika cried as her mother carried her back to their quarters.
Raye decided to wait until Annika had her snack before talking to her. Once Annika had eaten Raye took her over to the couch and sat down with the child on her lap. Annika immediately snuggled into her mother's arms. Raye smiled and gently threaded her fingers through the long violet locks. Annika gazed up at her mother with her large violet eyes. "Sweetheart, Mama has to talk to you about something," Raye began.
"About what Mama," Annika asked.
"The queen has asked me and Daddy to go out of town on some important business," Raye told her.
"So you both are going to be gone," Annika muttered her little mouth drawing into a pout. "So am I going to stay with Aunt Amy?"
"Yes," Raye replied. "You like staying with Aunt Amy don't you?"
"I like staying with you better," Annika stated. "How long will you be gone?"
Raye drew in a breath. This was going to be the hard part. She and Chad had left Annika for a week before but never for three weeks. "We're going to be gone for three weeks."
Annika snapped up. "No Mama," she wailed as the tears sprung into her eyes. "That's way too long."
"I know Baby," Raye whispered. "But Daddy and I are best for this assignment and you know Aunt Amy will take good care of you."
"That's too long," Annika screamed as she flung her arms around Raye's neck. She began to cry hysterically. Raye knew this was going to happen. There was no point in trying to talk to her daughter now. Annika was too upset. So she just held the child close to her and worked on calming her down. Annika clutched her mother and continued sobbing. After a while the sobs died down and Annika had gone limp. Raye saw that the child had cried herself to sleep. Raye stood up with her daughter in her arms and carried her to her bedroom. After tucking Annika into bed she reached for her communicator to call Amy.
Annika woke up and found that she was in her bed. The room was dark because Raye had drawn the curtains closed. Annika reached for her favorite stuffed dog, Snuggles and clutched him to her chest. She thought about her mother going away for three weeks and felt very sad.
A movement got her attention and she realized that someone was in the room with her. "Mama," she called.
"No Annika it's me," Amy came into view. She reached over and opened the curtains to let the September sun in. Annika blinked and rubbed her eyes.
"Where's Mama," Annika asked.
"She's in the fire room," Amy replied as she sat down on the bed and pushed Annika's hair out of her eyes. "I thought you and I could talk for a moment." If any other Senshi had been there Annika would have protested vehemently but with Amy she sat quietly to listen. None of the children with the exception of Rini understood that they had mentors with whom they had been bonded with as babies. They just accepted the fact that there was one other Senshi besides their mothers whom they were drawn too. So Annika just knew that she felt a special closeness to Amy although she didn't know why. "Mama told me how upset you were," Amy began.
"Three weeks is a long time," Annika stated.
"It's not that long," Amy told her.
"Yes it is," Annika argued. "It's twenty-one days. We learned about it in school."
"It may seem like a long time to you," Amy admitted. "And I know that you will miss your parents while they are gone. I'm not Mama but I will take care of you while your parents are gone."
"I know you will," Annika whispered as tears formed in her eyes. "But I don't want Mama to go."
Amy gently slipped her hand under Annika's chin and lifted the child's face toward her. She looked into the violet eyes that were so much like Raye's. The only difference was that the fire from Raye's temper wasn't in them. "Mama doesn't want to go either," she gently explained. "She would much rather stay here and take care of you but as a Senshi she has certain duties. And occasional business out of the country is one of them. Mama will miss you too but I think knowing that you will be with me helps her." Amy smiled at Annika and kissed her on the head. "Do you understand a little better now," she asked.
"Yes Ma'am," Annika replied.
"Good girl," Amy said. "Now shall we go and see what Mama is doing now?" Annika nodded her head. Amy picked the child up and carried her out of the room. She was just heading toward the temple when Raye came out.
"Mama," Annika called as she reached for Raye.
"Hi Sweetheart," Raye took the child out of Amy's arms and held her tight. "Are you feeling better now?"
"I guess so," Annika whispered as she rested her head on Raye's shoulder.
Raye turned to Amy. "Thank you for your help," she told her.
"Anytime," Amy replied. "I'll see myself out." With that Amy slipped away quietly. Raye carried Annika over to the couch and sat down with the child on her lap. Annika snuggled down into Raye's arms and fiddled with her mother's priestess robes.
"I'll miss you while you're gone Mama," Annika whispered.
"I'll miss you too Baby," Raye replied. "But when we get back I promise you and I along with Daddy will do something special. Would you like that?"
"Yes Mama," Annika stated. "And I'll be good for Aunt Amy and Uncle Greg."
"I know you will," Raye said as she threaded her fingers through the violet tresses. "I know that because you are my sweet good little girl."
The week before Raye and Chad had to leave passed by quickly. Raye made a point of doing something special with Annika each day so that she could reassure her. Annika tried to be a big girl about this but it was hard. She didn't want her parents to go away. They were leaving on a Sunday so Annika didn't have school. That meant she was able to see her parents off.
"Okay Sweetheart," Raye knelt down and gave Annika a hug and kiss. "You be a good girl and I will call you tomorrow."
"Okay Mama," Annika choked. She couldn't help it but the tears began to flow. She clung to her mother and sobbed quietly.
"Hey," Raye gently pushed Annika back so that she could look into her eyes. "What did we talk about?"
"That you always come back," Annika replied. "But I can't help it. I'm gonna miss you."
"I'll miss you too Baby," Raye pulled Annika back into her arms. She held her for a few more minutes and then whispered. "We have to go now." Annika didn't let go and her crying grew louder. Raye motioned to Amy who walked over to them.
"Come on Annika," Amy gently pulled Annika away from Raye. She picked Annika up and held her tightly.
"Goodbye Baby," Raye kissed her daughter one more time. "I love you."
"Goodbye Princess," Chad also kissed Annika. "Behave yourself."
"I will," Annika choked as she watched her parents leave. Everyone noted that since Annika was now six-and-a-half and in the first grade she didn't scream like she did when she was younger. But Annika was crying hard so Amy carried her to her office to comfort her. Amy sat down at her desk and held Annika close to her. Annika cried for a while but she eventually calmed down.
"There now," Amy soothed as she wiped the tears out of Annika's eyes. "You'll be okay. You've always been fine staying with me before."
"I know," Annika choked. "But this time it is so long."
"It seems like that but it will be over with sooner then you expect," Amy reassured her. "Mama and Daddy will be back in no time and you will be back with them." Annika didn't reply to that. She just snuggled into Amy's arms and tried to believe that the next three weeks would go by quickly.
That night Annika sat on the couch with her first grade reader on her lap. Greg was reading the newspaper and Amy was getting Ariel ready for bed. Amy had decided to bathe the two girls separately instead of together for two reasons. The first reason was that she didn't want Ariel to feel threatened because she had to share her mother for the next three weeks. The second reason was because she felt that Annika was going to need some comfort her first evening without her parents and it would be a lot easier without Ariel underfoot.
Annika decided to see what Amy was doing so she got up and headed into Ariel's room where she would also be sleeping. She peeked in and saw Amy with Ariel in her lap rocking her in the rocking chair. Annika felt more sadness as she thought about her mother who was far away right now. Not wanting to disturb them Annika slipped back into the living room and sat down on the couch. She opened her book and began looking at it again. After a while she heard the sound of water running and knew what was next. Sure enough Amy came into the living room. "Your turn," she told Annika who got down off of the couch. Annika was very quiet while Amy bundled her hair up. Once she was in the tub she sat quietly while Amy bathed her. After a few minutes Annika spoke up.
"Why do you rock Ariel in that chair at night?"
"Oh it helps settle her down for the night," Amy replied. "She also likes it and when she gets upset or scared it calms her down."
"Kind of like me snuggling with Mama," Annika whispered as a tear prickled her eyes.
Amy smiled gently and helped Annika out of the tub. She wrapped a towel around the child and held her close. "You can snuggle with me tonight if you like," Amy offered. Annika nodded her head. Amy finished getting Annika ready for bed and then carried her into the living room. As promised she sat on the couch with Annika in her arms and let the child snuggle with her.
Annika thought to herself as she snuggled into Amy's arms. Annika snuggled even deeper into Amy's arms and found herself drawing comfort from the other woman's embrace.
During the night a small hand shaking her shoulder awakened Amy. Amy mumbled and opened her eyes. Like the rest of the Senshi Amy knew that a full night sleep while the children were really young was a rarity. She sat up and saw Annika was standing by her bed. "Annika sweetie what is it," Amy asked even though she already knew that it was. Usually the first couple of nights without Raye and Chad were rough for Annika.
"I want Mama," Annika choked as tears rolled down her little face.
Amy reached down and pulled Annika onto her lap. The little girl's body shook with sobs. "Missing her parents," Greg asked sleepily.
"Yes," Amy replied as she tightly embraced the child. She looked down at Annika. "Would you like to sleep with us tonight?" Annika nodded her head. Amy lay the child down between her and Greg. "Now get some sleep," she commanded as she kissed the child's forehead. "You have school tomorrow and I bet your mother will call too." Annika only nodded her head and closed her eyes. She clung to Amy but she eventually fell asleep.
"She really misses her mother the first couple of nights doesn't she," Greg asked.
"All the kids miss their parents when they are away," Amy pointed out. "But she'll be fine."
Amy was right. Over the next couple of days Annika settled down more. Even though she still missed her parents she didn't mope around as much. Amy found that she had to get Hotaru to remind her to meet Annika at the palace entrance after school. Since Ariel wasn't in school yet Amy did not have to go and meet the children. Once Annika was back from school Amy let her do her homework in her office.
"Aunt Amy do you think Mama is going to call tonight," Annika asked one afternoon after school. Raye and Chad had been gone for just over a week by now. Amy had helped Annika to put together a chart to keep track of how many days she had left before her parents returned.
"She called you last night Sweetie," Amy pointed out. "It will cost her a lot of yen if she calls you every night."
"I know but I like hearing her voice," Annika sighed as she erased a mistake she made on her math homework.
"I know you do," Amy smiled. "Just keep up with the chart and she'll be back sooner then you know it." Annika smiled and then coughed. Amy immediately became concerned. "You're not getting sick are you?"
"No," Annika replied. Amy looked closely at Annika and decided she looked okay but she would keep an eye on her that evening.
The next morning Annika woke up with a scratchy throat and a stuffed up nose. She also felt achy all over. She dragged herself out of bed and reached for her school uniform. "What's the matter," Ariel asked as she jumped out of bed.
"I don't feel good," Annika replied, as she slowly got dressed.
"Maybe you should tell Mommy and she'll let you stay home today," Ariel suggested.
"I'll be okay," Annika grunted. "Don't tell Aunt Amy."
Before Ariel could say anything Amy came in with the dress she was putting on Ariel that day. "Come on Ariel," she stated. "Let's get you dressed." Annika slipped quietly out of the room while Amy finished getting Ariel ready. She was finding it a challenge to have Annika ready for school and Ariel ready for Palla in the mornings. But this was only for another couple of weeks and Amy knew she could handle it.
Annika managed to keep Amy from finding out she wasn't feeling good and got herself to school with the other children. Unfortunately halfway through the morning she felt considerably worse then she did earlier. She watched as Ms. Hoshino wrote math problems on the board but it all seemed blurry.
Next to her Gloria watched her with concern. Finally when Ms. Hoshino wasn't looking she leaned over and hissed. "Are you all right?" Annika could only shake her head. Ms. Hoshino came over and looked at Annika with concern.
"You're sick aren't you," she whispered to Annika. Annika shook her head but Ms. Hoshino wasn't convinced. She turned to Hope. "Please take her to the nurse."
"Yes Hoshino-sensei," Hope replied and she led Annika out of the classroom.
Annika thought miserably as Amy carried her to her quarters. The school had contacted Amy who came and got Annika from school. She gave Annika an examination in her office and found that she had the flu.
"I contacted Ves and she is going to take care of you until I get off duty," Amy told Annika. "I want you to stay in bed. Palla is getting the sofa bed ready in the office for you so you should be comfortable. I also don't want Ariel to catch it."
"Yes Ma'am," Annika murmured weakly. She knew Amy had contacted Ves because Palla would be busy with Ariel.
"Mommy," Ariel squealed when Amy and Annika entered their quarters. "You're back early today."
"I'm not back for long Darling," Amy told her. "Annika is sick. I am going to get her settled and then I have to go back to work."
"Oh," Ariel's little face fell in disappointment. Amy made a note to spend a few minutes with Ariel before she went back to work.
Palla and Ves emerged from the office. "The sofa bed is ready," Ves announced. Palla walked over to her young charge and picked her up.
"Thank you," Amy replied. She carried Annika into the office and changed her into her nightgown. She then tucked Annika into bed. "Now you get some rest," she told Annika as she handed the child her stuffed animals. "I'll be back in a little while."
"Aunt Amy I want Mama," Annika choked as she pulled herself in a sitting position. She snuggled up against Amy, wanting to feel comfort.
"I'm going to call Mama and let her know that you are sick," Amy assured her as she held the little girl close. "You need to get some rest so that you can get better. Ves will be here if you need anything." Annika only nodded her head. Amy held her for a few more minutes and then tucked her back in. She kissed Annika on the head and then slipped out of the office. The child was already asleep.
"Is she settled," Ves asked.
"Yes," Amy replied. "Thank you for coming to help out."
"It's not a problem," Ves assured her.
Amy then turned to Ariel. "Are we being good today," she asked.
"Yes Mommy," Ariel replied. Amy picked Ariel up and raised an eyebrow at Palla.
"We're behaving," Palla confirmed for Amy. Amy was glad. Her child was fairly well behaved but she had a mischievous side and that kept everyone on their toes.
"Behave today and maybe Mommy will have a surprise for you when she gets home," Amy told the child.
"Okay Mommy," Ariel chirped happily. Amy kissed her daughter good-bye and headed back to work.
"Are you sure I don't need to come home," Raye asked on the phone that evening. Amy had called her to tell her that Annika was sick.
"It's just the flu Raye," Amy assured her. "She's had it before."
"I know but she is so miserable when she's sick," Raye sighed. "I need to be with her when she is sick. I'll see if I can get away earlier then scheduled."
"That might be a good idea," Amy agreed. She could see the reasoning. There was nothing worse for a small child then having her parents away while she was sick.
"Just don't tell Annika," Raye stated. "I don't want her to be disappointed in case I can't get home sooner."
"I won't," Amy promised. "But she is in good hands in case you can't get home."
"I know she is," Raye replied. "May I talk to her for a minute?"
"Of course," Amy replied. She carried the phone into the office. Annika was in the bed watching the small television Amy had brought in. "Annika, Mama wants to talk to you."
Annika took the phone from Amy. "Hi Mama," she croaked as Amy left the room to get Ariel ready for bed.
"Hi Baby," Raye replied. "I heard you're sick."
"I want you home Mama," Annika stated.
"I know Sweetie," Raye sighed. "I want to be with you too but Aunt Amy is taking good care of you. I want you to do what she tells you to do and work on getting better."
"Okay," Annika said and then began coughing.
"You need to get some rest," Raye told her, flinching at the sound of Annika's deep hacking cough. "I'll call in a couple of days and see how you're doing."
"Okay Mama," Annika replied. "I love you."
"I love you too," Raye stated.
Annika said good-bye to her mother and then hung up. How she wished her mother could come home now. She sat quietly for a while, staring at the television but not really watching it. After a while Amy came in with a basin of soapy water. "Let's get you cleaned up a little," she told Annika. Amy sponged Annika down and got her into a fresh nightgown. Then she took Annika's temperature. "Your fever hasn't gone down at all," she exclaimed.
"It hasn't," Annika murmured.
"Well it's only the first night," Amy stated. "But usually a fever drops in the evenings."
Annika shifted herself a bit and held out her arms. Amy knew immediately what Annika wanted. So she pulled the child into her arms and held her tightly. Annika coughed violently. "You need to stay warm," Amy whispered. She tucked Annika into bed. "Get some sleep and I'll see you in the morning."
"Goodnight Aunt Amy," Annika stated as Amy kissed her on the forehead. She settled down and sleep overtook her immediately.
A couple of days later Annika still had been unable to shake the flu. If anything she was getting sicker. Amy was very concerned. The medicine she was giving her didn't seem to be working this time. Over in Europe Raye was trying to speed things up so that she could get home quicker.
"I just don't understand," Amy commented to Lita who had dropped by with Daisy one afternoon. "Annika has been on this medicine for three days and she isn't getting better. This medication has always worked on the flu."
"Isn't there anything stronger that you can give her," Lita asked.
"I'm hesitant to," Amy replied. "Annika is only six-and-a-half. Anything stronger could cause some serious harm. I have the feeling she isn't getting better because she is missing Raye so much."
"That would be possible," Lita agreed. "Remember when Ken and I had to go out of the country for a couple of weeks? Daisy had gotten sick while we were gone and her missing us so much made her even sicker."
"Mom," Daisy came walking in. "Ariel turned Luna P into a tool kit and is nailing her bedroom door shut."
"And why is she doing that," Amy asked as the sound of hammering came from Ariel's bedroom.
"She decided that she wants to stay up really late and if she nailed the door shut then you couldn't make her to go to bed early," Daisy replied.
"Honestly," Amy muttered as she got up. "How can a child be so good one day and so naughty the next?" Lita followed Amy down the hall to Ariel's room. Amy tried to open the door and found that the door was already partially nailed shut. "Ariel Mia Mizuno you get those nails out right now."
"I don't want to,' Ariel protested on the other side of the door.
"Allow me," Lita gently moved Amy out of the way. Using her superior strength, Lita forced the door open.
"Uh oh," Ariel gasped as her very angry mother came into the room
"You young lady are in big trouble," Amy took Ariel's arm and marched her back into the room.
"Come on Daisy," Lita took Daisy's arm. "Let's go and wait in the living room."
The door to the office opened and Annika emerged. Her nose was running and her face was very pale making her look very fragile. Her large violet eyes looked even larger on her peaked little face. "What are you doing out of bed Annika," Lita asked gently.
"I got lonely," Annika whispered. She coughed violently and began to shiver.
"Well let's get you wrapped in a blanket so that you don't get chilled," Lita commanded. "Daisy, go and get a blanket off of the bed in there."
"Okay Mom," Daisy went into the office.
"Where's Aunt Amy," Annika asked as she coughed again.
"Ariel got into some trouble so Aunt Amy is dealing with her," Lita replied. Daisy brought her a blanket. Lita wrapped it around Annika and then picked the child up. She carried her over to the couch and sat down with Annika on her lap.
Amy came into the living room carrying a crying Ariel, which indicated that the child had been spanked. She carried Ariel over to a small chair in the corner. "You just park yourself right there and do not move until I tell you too," she ordered. Ariel sat down in the chair without another word. Amy turned back to Lita and saw Annika sitting on her lap. "What are you doing out of bed?"
"She got lonely," Lita explained. "I thought if she was wrapped in a blanket she'd be okay."
"As long as she doesn't get a chill," Amy stated as she took Annika from Lita. Annika was pleased that Amy sat on the couch with her. She loved Lita but she loved Amy more. She snuggled down into Amy's arms and was pleased when the woman wrapped her arms around her.
Annika thought. She coughed violently.
"She sounds like she is coughing up a lung," Lita exclaimed.
"Hmmm," Amy murmured as she placed a hand on Annika's forehead. "Daisy would you get the thermometer out of the office? It's on the table."
"What am I, everyone's servant," Daisy grumbled.
"Daisy," Lita said sharply. Daisy quickly closed her mouth and went and got the thermometer. Amy stuck the thermometer in Annika's mouth. "Has the fever gone down at all," Lita asked.
"No," Amy sighed in a worried voice as she checked the thermometer. She turned Annika's face up toward hers. "You need to try and get better Sweetie."
"I know," Annika murmured as she coughed violently again. She leaned up against Amy and closed her eyes. Amy gently began to thread her fingers through the long violet tresses. Annika thought contently as she listened to Amy and Lita talking. Eventually she fell back to sleep.
"She's asleep," Lita whispered. She got up. "Let me carry her to the office."
"Thank you," Amy handed the sleeping child to Lita. They walked quietly into the office and tucked Annika back into bed. "She is just not getting any better."
"There's nothing worse for a child then to be away from her mother when she is this sick," Lita stated.
"I know," Amy replied. "And Raye is trying to see if she can get home earlier. I just haven't told Annika in case Raye can't make it."
"Good idea," Lita said. "We don't want to set her up for a disappointment."
"We're hoping that Raye will be able to get away sooner then planned," Amy stated. "I just fear that Annika is going to get worse until her mother gets back."
"Mommy," a voice called from the living room. "Can I get out of the corner now?"
"I guess I had better deal with Ariel now," Amy sighed. Lita chuckled as Amy went into the living room to talk with Ariel. She didn't envy her friend right now at all. Amy certainly had her hands full.
Annika thought feverishly.
Amy came into the office. She saw Annika gasping and wheezing and was by the child's side in a flash. She laid her cool hand against Annika's hot forehead. Her concern grew. She reached for her communicator. "Hotaru," she said. "Please get a bed ready in the hospital wing. I'm bringing Annika."
"Right," Hotaru replied and she signed off. Amy next called Michiru and asked her to come over. Then she got Annika's stuff ready.
Michiru arrived a few minutes later. "What's the problem?"
"Greg has night duty in the control room so I was wondering if you would stay with Ariel," Amy replied. "Annika is very sick and I need to get her to my office. I have Hotaru preparing a bed for her right now."
"Oh Kami-sama," Michiru gasped when she saw how sick Annika looked. "Of course I'll stay with Ariel."
"Mommy," Ariel emerged from her bedroom in her pajamas. "Where are you going?"
"I have to take Annika to the hospital wing Sweetie," Amy replied. "You be good for Aunt Michiru."
"Mommy," Ariel protested as tears filled her eyes.
"It's okay Ariel," Michiru picked the child up. "Mommy will be back in a while." Ariel only nodded and rested her head on Michiru's shoulder. She watched as Amy carried Annika out of their quarters. Then she let Michiru put her back to bed.
"How is she," Serenity walked into the room where Annika was staying.
"Her fever won't go down," Amy replied as she laid a cool hand on Annika's forehead. "Have you gotten in touch with Raye?"
"I called but she wasn't there," Serenity sighed. "I left a message with the hotel clerk. Hopefully Raye will get the message."
"You can always call her back if we don't hear from her," Amy pointed out and Serenity nodded.
A knock at the door got their attention. Before Amy could call out the door opened and Raye came in. She was out of breath indicating that she had run. "Raye you made it back," Serenity exclaimed.
"I managed to convinces them to let Chad finish up so that I could come home," Raye replied as she walked over to the bed. "When I arrived at the palace Mina told me where Annika was so I ran up here."
"She'll be happy to see you," Amy stated. "Now maybe she'll get better."
"My poor baby," Raye sat down on the bed and gently rubbed Annika's cheek with her finger.
Annika thought. Annika opened her eyes. "Mama!"
"Hi Darling," Raye smiled gently at her daughter.
"You came back early," Annika exclaimed as she flung her arms around Raye's neck.
"I heard how sick you were so I came right home," Raye replied as she held her daughter close to her. "I figured you needed me more then the people in Europe do right now."
"Is Daddy home too," Annika asked. She snuggled into Raye's arms and let Amy wrap a blanket around her.
"No Daddy had to stay and finish up," Raye replied. "He'll be back at the end of next week."
"Look at that," Amy exclaimed as she looked at Annika's happy face. "I do believe her color is coming back a little."
"Mothers are the best medication for a sick child sometimes," Serenity added.
Raye looked down at her daughter. "I think she is going to be just fine."
After a couple of days Annika was over the worst part of the flu. She was still on medication but she was able to return to school and play with her friends. She was just very happy that Raye had come home earlier then planned.
About a week after Raye returned Amy was sitting on the couch in her living room after dinner with Ariel looking at a book. Greg had gotten up to answer the door. He returned with Annika and Raye. "Hello Annika and Raye," Amy exclaimed. "What a nice surprise."
"Annika has something to tell you," Raye explained as she gently pushed her daughter forward. "Go on Sweetheart."
Annika walked over to Amy. "Thank you for taking such good care of me when Mama wasn't here and I was sick," she stated shyly.
"Anytime Annika," Amy replied as she stroked Annika's long hair.
Annika held out a small wrapped box. "I made this to say thank you," she told Amy.
"Ooh Mommy a present," Ariel squealed clapping her small hands together.
"A present for me," Amy firmly told Ariel who pouted. Amy opened the present and saw a little homemade pin. "Oh Annika it's pretty."
"I made it," Annika proudly told her. "I wanted to give you something special because except for my mama you are my favorite Senshi."
"Thank you Annika," Amy pulled the little girl into a hug. When the hug was finished Amy smiled at the little girl. "You are more then welcome to come over here anytime," she told her.
"Okay," Annika smiled back. "I love you Aunt Amy."
"I love you too," Amy replied.
Raye came over and took Annika's hand. "It's time to go back to our quarters Darling," she said. "We need to start getting you ready for bed." Annika said a polite goodnight to Amy and then left with her mother. Amy smiled at her own daughter.
"Mommy," Ariel stated. "Why does Annika love you so much?"
"The same reason why you love Aunt Michiru so much," Amy replied. "I can't explain it now because you are too young but one day all of you children will know why you love a particular Senshi more then the others." She smiled and pulled Ariel into her arms. One day all of the children will know about their mentors.
The End.
So what did you think? It turned out longer then I expected it would. Part Two will come out eventually.
This first part is the most established mentor/Chibi Senshi relationship Annika and Amy. Most of the story will take place when Annika is six years old and in the first grade.
E-mail me at AngelRaye2@aol.com
Please visit my site at www.angelfire.com/anime3/chibiscouts
Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon. With the exception of Rini I own the Chibi Senshi.
Bonds
Part One: Annika and Amy
By
Angel Raye
One month after Annika's birth...
Raye smiled at Annika as she finished putting the lavender dress on the infant. Annika gurgled happily and sucked on her fingers. "I want you to look pretty," Raye told her. "In a few minutes Aunt Amy is going to be here and I have something very important to ask her." Once the dress was on Raye picked the baby up and cradled her in her arms. She ran her fingers through the thick thatch of violet hair. Although Annika was only a month old she had a ton of hair on her head already. Raye was able to put a barrette or a ribbon in sometimes. "Now you're all ready," Raye exclaimed. Annika continued to gurgle happily.
At that moment there was a knock at the door. Raye answered it and saw that it was Amy. "Come on in Amy," Raye told her. "I'm so glad you were able to take time away from your busy schedule to come see us."
"I don't have a little one of my own yet so it was no problem," Amy replied as she took off her shoes. "Hotaru is pregnant but she is still able to work."
"I made some tea," Raye indicated toward the couch and the tray of tea on the coffee table.
"Thank you," Amy said as she sat down. She accepted the cup of tea from Raye. She glanced over at Annika who was still cradled in her mother's arms. "You love holding her don't you?"
"Yes," Raye sighed as she smiled down at the infant. "Amy there is a reason why I asked you to come."
"And what would that be," Amy prodded.
"There are only three of you left to mentor the children now that Mina is going to mentor Faith and Hotaru is going to mentor Hope," Raye replied. "You, Serenity and Michiru are the ones who are left."
"Are you going to ask Serenity," Amy asked. "She is after all your best friend and Annika's godmother."
"I had thought about it," Raye admitted. "I am both Small Lady's mentor and godmother after all but although Serenity is the ideal choice for Annika's godmother I don't know if she would be right for her mentor. Besides I know that Hotaru is hoping that she could ask Serenity to be Madelyn's mentor when she comes along."
"I'm following you so far," Amy stated.
"My memories of Annika coming to us in the 20th century are somewhat clouded but I do remember her being very shy and timid," Raye explained. "Annika will need someone who is calm, rational and gentle. As much as I love Serenity she doesn't fit those all of those categories. She is very exuberant and she can still be very rash at times. Serenity has matured tremendously since we first met her and I am proud of her but she isn't the ideal mentor for Annika."
"Raye," Amy began. "Are you asking me..."
"Yes Amy I am," Raye interrupted her. "I've given this a great deal of thought and I talked it over with both Chad and Serenity. We feel that you would be the best person to be Annika's mentor, someone who she can turn to in times of trouble when I am not available. Would you do it?"
"I would be honored," Amy replied.
A few days later all of the Senshi and the Knights gathered into the ballroom. Rini was trying to keep up with Daisy and Maggie who were toddling all over the place. Sailor Venus was keeping a sharp eye on Gloria who was crawling rapidly across the floor. Hope and Faith were sleeping peacefully in their baby carriages. Sailor Mars held Annika, who was dressed in the gown that was worn by all of the future Chibi Senshi for the bonding ceremony. This would be the only time she would wear it. It would be used two more times before it would be packed away for the third generation of Senshi.
Neo-Queen Serenity and King Endymion came in carrying the casing that held the sliver crystal. Luna was with them. "I see we are all assembled," Serenity stated. "Sailor Mercury if you would please take Annika and take out your henshin wand?"
"Of course your Majesty," Mercury replied as she took out her henshin wand. Mars carefully placed Annika into Mercury's arms.
"Luna," Serenity turned to the cat.
"Yes your Majesty," Luna leapt up into the air and a henshin wand appeared. Luna picked it up and handed it to Serenity. The henshin wand would be given to Annika on the day she would become a Chibi Senshi. Serenity gently placed the wand on Annika's chest.
"We are here to bond a future Senshi with the one who will mentor her and become like a second mother to her," Serenity announced. "Sailor Mercury do you promise to guide this child when she becomes a Chibi Senshi and to be there for her when her parents aren't available?"
"I promise," Mercury replied. Serenity held up the silver crystal. It began to glow. As soon as it began to glow the two-henshin wands also glowed. The white light, the blue light and the red light enveloped both Mercury and Annika. It lasted a few minutes. Then the glow was gone and the bonding was complete. Luna took the new henshin wand back. No one would see it again until it was time for Sailor Chibi Mars to be awakened.
"The ceremony is complete," Serenity announced. She smiled at Mercury. "You are now the official mentor of our future Sailor Chibi Mars."
"And I will do my very best," Mercury promised as she handed Annika back to her mother.
Everyone knew she would.
Six years later...
"Three weeks," Raye exclaimed in disbelief at a Senshi meeting with the Queen one morning. "Serenity that is a long time for both Chad and I to be away."
"I know Raye but you and Chad are the best choices for this assignment," Serenity replied. "They originally wanted someone for six weeks but I explained to them that all of my Senshi and their Knights have young children and need to be with them."
"Europe is such a long way too," Raye sighed. "But I will do it of course. I just don't know how I am going to tell Annika this."
"She won't be happy," Lita bluntly stated.
"I know it will be hard on Annika," Serenity sighed. "But Raye you are the best choice for this."
"I understand," Raye replied. "And Chad and I will go."
"Thank you," Serenity stated. "Now onto other matters."
After the meeting Raye walked up to Amy. "Would you mind watching Annika for three weeks," she asked. "I know Ariel is a big handful but you're the only one that Annika would stay with for three weeks."
"It's not a problem," Amy assured her. "Besides look at how many times Lita has taken care of Maggie and her Daisy is a handful too."
"Good point," Raye laughed.
Suddenly Amy's communicator beeped. Since Ariel wasn't in school yet Amy would often get calls from Palla. "What is it Palla," Amy asked. Raye closed her ears to the conversation. "She what," Amy barked. "I'll be right there." Amy signed off and turned to Raye. "It seems that my creative little imp has decided to turn Luna P into a parachute and went out the balcony to avoid a nap. So right now she is outside hiding from Palla."
Raye laughed. "She is creative," she stated. "I'm glad mine was never like that."
"If you'll excuse me I have a child to spank," Amy sighed. "Let me know if you need me today when you tell Annika."
"Thank you Amy," Raye called as Amy dashed out the door.
Raye found that she was anxious about telling her daughter what was going on. Annika's attachment to her was very strong and she would not to take the news well at all. When it was time for the children to get home from school Raye joined her friends to wait for them.
"Mama," Annika squealed as she and the other girls came through the door. Annika jumped into her mother's arms.
"Hi Baby," Raye kissed her child on the cheek. "How was your day?"
"Good," Annika declared happily. She pulled her work out of her book bag. "I got all stars today on my work."
"Good for you," Raye exclaimed hugging and kissing her daughter. "For that you get a special treat."
"Hurrah," Annika cried as her mother carried her back to their quarters.
Raye decided to wait until Annika had her snack before talking to her. Once Annika had eaten Raye took her over to the couch and sat down with the child on her lap. Annika immediately snuggled into her mother's arms. Raye smiled and gently threaded her fingers through the long violet locks. Annika gazed up at her mother with her large violet eyes. "Sweetheart, Mama has to talk to you about something," Raye began.
"About what Mama," Annika asked.
"The queen has asked me and Daddy to go out of town on some important business," Raye told her.
"So you both are going to be gone," Annika muttered her little mouth drawing into a pout. "So am I going to stay with Aunt Amy?"
"Yes," Raye replied. "You like staying with Aunt Amy don't you?"
"I like staying with you better," Annika stated. "How long will you be gone?"
Raye drew in a breath. This was going to be the hard part. She and Chad had left Annika for a week before but never for three weeks. "We're going to be gone for three weeks."
Annika snapped up. "No Mama," she wailed as the tears sprung into her eyes. "That's way too long."
"I know Baby," Raye whispered. "But Daddy and I are best for this assignment and you know Aunt Amy will take good care of you."
"That's too long," Annika screamed as she flung her arms around Raye's neck. She began to cry hysterically. Raye knew this was going to happen. There was no point in trying to talk to her daughter now. Annika was too upset. So she just held the child close to her and worked on calming her down. Annika clutched her mother and continued sobbing. After a while the sobs died down and Annika had gone limp. Raye saw that the child had cried herself to sleep. Raye stood up with her daughter in her arms and carried her to her bedroom. After tucking Annika into bed she reached for her communicator to call Amy.
Annika woke up and found that she was in her bed. The room was dark because Raye had drawn the curtains closed. Annika reached for her favorite stuffed dog, Snuggles and clutched him to her chest. She thought about her mother going away for three weeks and felt very sad.
A movement got her attention and she realized that someone was in the room with her. "Mama," she called.
"No Annika it's me," Amy came into view. She reached over and opened the curtains to let the September sun in. Annika blinked and rubbed her eyes.
"Where's Mama," Annika asked.
"She's in the fire room," Amy replied as she sat down on the bed and pushed Annika's hair out of her eyes. "I thought you and I could talk for a moment." If any other Senshi had been there Annika would have protested vehemently but with Amy she sat quietly to listen. None of the children with the exception of Rini understood that they had mentors with whom they had been bonded with as babies. They just accepted the fact that there was one other Senshi besides their mothers whom they were drawn too. So Annika just knew that she felt a special closeness to Amy although she didn't know why. "Mama told me how upset you were," Amy began.
"Three weeks is a long time," Annika stated.
"It's not that long," Amy told her.
"Yes it is," Annika argued. "It's twenty-one days. We learned about it in school."
"It may seem like a long time to you," Amy admitted. "And I know that you will miss your parents while they are gone. I'm not Mama but I will take care of you while your parents are gone."
"I know you will," Annika whispered as tears formed in her eyes. "But I don't want Mama to go."
Amy gently slipped her hand under Annika's chin and lifted the child's face toward her. She looked into the violet eyes that were so much like Raye's. The only difference was that the fire from Raye's temper wasn't in them. "Mama doesn't want to go either," she gently explained. "She would much rather stay here and take care of you but as a Senshi she has certain duties. And occasional business out of the country is one of them. Mama will miss you too but I think knowing that you will be with me helps her." Amy smiled at Annika and kissed her on the head. "Do you understand a little better now," she asked.
"Yes Ma'am," Annika replied.
"Good girl," Amy said. "Now shall we go and see what Mama is doing now?" Annika nodded her head. Amy picked the child up and carried her out of the room. She was just heading toward the temple when Raye came out.
"Mama," Annika called as she reached for Raye.
"Hi Sweetheart," Raye took the child out of Amy's arms and held her tight. "Are you feeling better now?"
"I guess so," Annika whispered as she rested her head on Raye's shoulder.
Raye turned to Amy. "Thank you for your help," she told her.
"Anytime," Amy replied. "I'll see myself out." With that Amy slipped away quietly. Raye carried Annika over to the couch and sat down with the child on her lap. Annika snuggled down into Raye's arms and fiddled with her mother's priestess robes.
"I'll miss you while you're gone Mama," Annika whispered.
"I'll miss you too Baby," Raye replied. "But when we get back I promise you and I along with Daddy will do something special. Would you like that?"
"Yes Mama," Annika stated. "And I'll be good for Aunt Amy and Uncle Greg."
"I know you will," Raye said as she threaded her fingers through the violet tresses. "I know that because you are my sweet good little girl."
The week before Raye and Chad had to leave passed by quickly. Raye made a point of doing something special with Annika each day so that she could reassure her. Annika tried to be a big girl about this but it was hard. She didn't want her parents to go away. They were leaving on a Sunday so Annika didn't have school. That meant she was able to see her parents off.
"Okay Sweetheart," Raye knelt down and gave Annika a hug and kiss. "You be a good girl and I will call you tomorrow."
"Okay Mama," Annika choked. She couldn't help it but the tears began to flow. She clung to her mother and sobbed quietly.
"Hey," Raye gently pushed Annika back so that she could look into her eyes. "What did we talk about?"
"That you always come back," Annika replied. "But I can't help it. I'm gonna miss you."
"I'll miss you too Baby," Raye pulled Annika back into her arms. She held her for a few more minutes and then whispered. "We have to go now." Annika didn't let go and her crying grew louder. Raye motioned to Amy who walked over to them.
"Come on Annika," Amy gently pulled Annika away from Raye. She picked Annika up and held her tightly.
"Goodbye Baby," Raye kissed her daughter one more time. "I love you."
"Goodbye Princess," Chad also kissed Annika. "Behave yourself."
"I will," Annika choked as she watched her parents leave. Everyone noted that since Annika was now six-and-a-half and in the first grade she didn't scream like she did when she was younger. But Annika was crying hard so Amy carried her to her office to comfort her. Amy sat down at her desk and held Annika close to her. Annika cried for a while but she eventually calmed down.
"There now," Amy soothed as she wiped the tears out of Annika's eyes. "You'll be okay. You've always been fine staying with me before."
"I know," Annika choked. "But this time it is so long."
"It seems like that but it will be over with sooner then you expect," Amy reassured her. "Mama and Daddy will be back in no time and you will be back with them." Annika didn't reply to that. She just snuggled into Amy's arms and tried to believe that the next three weeks would go by quickly.
That night Annika sat on the couch with her first grade reader on her lap. Greg was reading the newspaper and Amy was getting Ariel ready for bed. Amy had decided to bathe the two girls separately instead of together for two reasons. The first reason was that she didn't want Ariel to feel threatened because she had to share her mother for the next three weeks. The second reason was because she felt that Annika was going to need some comfort her first evening without her parents and it would be a lot easier without Ariel underfoot.
Annika decided to see what Amy was doing so she got up and headed into Ariel's room where she would also be sleeping. She peeked in and saw Amy with Ariel in her lap rocking her in the rocking chair. Annika felt more sadness as she thought about her mother who was far away right now. Not wanting to disturb them Annika slipped back into the living room and sat down on the couch. She opened her book and began looking at it again. After a while she heard the sound of water running and knew what was next. Sure enough Amy came into the living room. "Your turn," she told Annika who got down off of the couch. Annika was very quiet while Amy bundled her hair up. Once she was in the tub she sat quietly while Amy bathed her. After a few minutes Annika spoke up.
"Why do you rock Ariel in that chair at night?"
"Oh it helps settle her down for the night," Amy replied. "She also likes it and when she gets upset or scared it calms her down."
"Kind of like me snuggling with Mama," Annika whispered as a tear prickled her eyes.
Amy smiled gently and helped Annika out of the tub. She wrapped a towel around the child and held her close. "You can snuggle with me tonight if you like," Amy offered. Annika nodded her head. Amy finished getting Annika ready for bed and then carried her into the living room. As promised she sat on the couch with Annika in her arms and let the child snuggle with her.
Annika thought to herself as she snuggled into Amy's arms. Annika snuggled even deeper into Amy's arms and found herself drawing comfort from the other woman's embrace.
During the night a small hand shaking her shoulder awakened Amy. Amy mumbled and opened her eyes. Like the rest of the Senshi Amy knew that a full night sleep while the children were really young was a rarity. She sat up and saw Annika was standing by her bed. "Annika sweetie what is it," Amy asked even though she already knew that it was. Usually the first couple of nights without Raye and Chad were rough for Annika.
"I want Mama," Annika choked as tears rolled down her little face.
Amy reached down and pulled Annika onto her lap. The little girl's body shook with sobs. "Missing her parents," Greg asked sleepily.
"Yes," Amy replied as she tightly embraced the child. She looked down at Annika. "Would you like to sleep with us tonight?" Annika nodded her head. Amy lay the child down between her and Greg. "Now get some sleep," she commanded as she kissed the child's forehead. "You have school tomorrow and I bet your mother will call too." Annika only nodded her head and closed her eyes. She clung to Amy but she eventually fell asleep.
"She really misses her mother the first couple of nights doesn't she," Greg asked.
"All the kids miss their parents when they are away," Amy pointed out. "But she'll be fine."
Amy was right. Over the next couple of days Annika settled down more. Even though she still missed her parents she didn't mope around as much. Amy found that she had to get Hotaru to remind her to meet Annika at the palace entrance after school. Since Ariel wasn't in school yet Amy did not have to go and meet the children. Once Annika was back from school Amy let her do her homework in her office.
"Aunt Amy do you think Mama is going to call tonight," Annika asked one afternoon after school. Raye and Chad had been gone for just over a week by now. Amy had helped Annika to put together a chart to keep track of how many days she had left before her parents returned.
"She called you last night Sweetie," Amy pointed out. "It will cost her a lot of yen if she calls you every night."
"I know but I like hearing her voice," Annika sighed as she erased a mistake she made on her math homework.
"I know you do," Amy smiled. "Just keep up with the chart and she'll be back sooner then you know it." Annika smiled and then coughed. Amy immediately became concerned. "You're not getting sick are you?"
"No," Annika replied. Amy looked closely at Annika and decided she looked okay but she would keep an eye on her that evening.
The next morning Annika woke up with a scratchy throat and a stuffed up nose. She also felt achy all over. She dragged herself out of bed and reached for her school uniform. "What's the matter," Ariel asked as she jumped out of bed.
"I don't feel good," Annika replied, as she slowly got dressed.
"Maybe you should tell Mommy and she'll let you stay home today," Ariel suggested.
"I'll be okay," Annika grunted. "Don't tell Aunt Amy."
Before Ariel could say anything Amy came in with the dress she was putting on Ariel that day. "Come on Ariel," she stated. "Let's get you dressed." Annika slipped quietly out of the room while Amy finished getting Ariel ready. She was finding it a challenge to have Annika ready for school and Ariel ready for Palla in the mornings. But this was only for another couple of weeks and Amy knew she could handle it.
Annika managed to keep Amy from finding out she wasn't feeling good and got herself to school with the other children. Unfortunately halfway through the morning she felt considerably worse then she did earlier. She watched as Ms. Hoshino wrote math problems on the board but it all seemed blurry.
Next to her Gloria watched her with concern. Finally when Ms. Hoshino wasn't looking she leaned over and hissed. "Are you all right?" Annika could only shake her head. Ms. Hoshino came over and looked at Annika with concern.
"You're sick aren't you," she whispered to Annika. Annika shook her head but Ms. Hoshino wasn't convinced. She turned to Hope. "Please take her to the nurse."
"Yes Hoshino-sensei," Hope replied and she led Annika out of the classroom.
Annika thought miserably as Amy carried her to her quarters. The school had contacted Amy who came and got Annika from school. She gave Annika an examination in her office and found that she had the flu.
"I contacted Ves and she is going to take care of you until I get off duty," Amy told Annika. "I want you to stay in bed. Palla is getting the sofa bed ready in the office for you so you should be comfortable. I also don't want Ariel to catch it."
"Yes Ma'am," Annika murmured weakly. She knew Amy had contacted Ves because Palla would be busy with Ariel.
"Mommy," Ariel squealed when Amy and Annika entered their quarters. "You're back early today."
"I'm not back for long Darling," Amy told her. "Annika is sick. I am going to get her settled and then I have to go back to work."
"Oh," Ariel's little face fell in disappointment. Amy made a note to spend a few minutes with Ariel before she went back to work.
Palla and Ves emerged from the office. "The sofa bed is ready," Ves announced. Palla walked over to her young charge and picked her up.
"Thank you," Amy replied. She carried Annika into the office and changed her into her nightgown. She then tucked Annika into bed. "Now you get some rest," she told Annika as she handed the child her stuffed animals. "I'll be back in a little while."
"Aunt Amy I want Mama," Annika choked as she pulled herself in a sitting position. She snuggled up against Amy, wanting to feel comfort.
"I'm going to call Mama and let her know that you are sick," Amy assured her as she held the little girl close. "You need to get some rest so that you can get better. Ves will be here if you need anything." Annika only nodded her head. Amy held her for a few more minutes and then tucked her back in. She kissed Annika on the head and then slipped out of the office. The child was already asleep.
"Is she settled," Ves asked.
"Yes," Amy replied. "Thank you for coming to help out."
"It's not a problem," Ves assured her.
Amy then turned to Ariel. "Are we being good today," she asked.
"Yes Mommy," Ariel replied. Amy picked Ariel up and raised an eyebrow at Palla.
"We're behaving," Palla confirmed for Amy. Amy was glad. Her child was fairly well behaved but she had a mischievous side and that kept everyone on their toes.
"Behave today and maybe Mommy will have a surprise for you when she gets home," Amy told the child.
"Okay Mommy," Ariel chirped happily. Amy kissed her daughter good-bye and headed back to work.
"Are you sure I don't need to come home," Raye asked on the phone that evening. Amy had called her to tell her that Annika was sick.
"It's just the flu Raye," Amy assured her. "She's had it before."
"I know but she is so miserable when she's sick," Raye sighed. "I need to be with her when she is sick. I'll see if I can get away earlier then scheduled."
"That might be a good idea," Amy agreed. She could see the reasoning. There was nothing worse for a small child then having her parents away while she was sick.
"Just don't tell Annika," Raye stated. "I don't want her to be disappointed in case I can't get home sooner."
"I won't," Amy promised. "But she is in good hands in case you can't get home."
"I know she is," Raye replied. "May I talk to her for a minute?"
"Of course," Amy replied. She carried the phone into the office. Annika was in the bed watching the small television Amy had brought in. "Annika, Mama wants to talk to you."
Annika took the phone from Amy. "Hi Mama," she croaked as Amy left the room to get Ariel ready for bed.
"Hi Baby," Raye replied. "I heard you're sick."
"I want you home Mama," Annika stated.
"I know Sweetie," Raye sighed. "I want to be with you too but Aunt Amy is taking good care of you. I want you to do what she tells you to do and work on getting better."
"Okay," Annika said and then began coughing.
"You need to get some rest," Raye told her, flinching at the sound of Annika's deep hacking cough. "I'll call in a couple of days and see how you're doing."
"Okay Mama," Annika replied. "I love you."
"I love you too," Raye stated.
Annika said good-bye to her mother and then hung up. How she wished her mother could come home now. She sat quietly for a while, staring at the television but not really watching it. After a while Amy came in with a basin of soapy water. "Let's get you cleaned up a little," she told Annika. Amy sponged Annika down and got her into a fresh nightgown. Then she took Annika's temperature. "Your fever hasn't gone down at all," she exclaimed.
"It hasn't," Annika murmured.
"Well it's only the first night," Amy stated. "But usually a fever drops in the evenings."
Annika shifted herself a bit and held out her arms. Amy knew immediately what Annika wanted. So she pulled the child into her arms and held her tightly. Annika coughed violently. "You need to stay warm," Amy whispered. She tucked Annika into bed. "Get some sleep and I'll see you in the morning."
"Goodnight Aunt Amy," Annika stated as Amy kissed her on the forehead. She settled down and sleep overtook her immediately.
A couple of days later Annika still had been unable to shake the flu. If anything she was getting sicker. Amy was very concerned. The medicine she was giving her didn't seem to be working this time. Over in Europe Raye was trying to speed things up so that she could get home quicker.
"I just don't understand," Amy commented to Lita who had dropped by with Daisy one afternoon. "Annika has been on this medicine for three days and she isn't getting better. This medication has always worked on the flu."
"Isn't there anything stronger that you can give her," Lita asked.
"I'm hesitant to," Amy replied. "Annika is only six-and-a-half. Anything stronger could cause some serious harm. I have the feeling she isn't getting better because she is missing Raye so much."
"That would be possible," Lita agreed. "Remember when Ken and I had to go out of the country for a couple of weeks? Daisy had gotten sick while we were gone and her missing us so much made her even sicker."
"Mom," Daisy came walking in. "Ariel turned Luna P into a tool kit and is nailing her bedroom door shut."
"And why is she doing that," Amy asked as the sound of hammering came from Ariel's bedroom.
"She decided that she wants to stay up really late and if she nailed the door shut then you couldn't make her to go to bed early," Daisy replied.
"Honestly," Amy muttered as she got up. "How can a child be so good one day and so naughty the next?" Lita followed Amy down the hall to Ariel's room. Amy tried to open the door and found that the door was already partially nailed shut. "Ariel Mia Mizuno you get those nails out right now."
"I don't want to,' Ariel protested on the other side of the door.
"Allow me," Lita gently moved Amy out of the way. Using her superior strength, Lita forced the door open.
"Uh oh," Ariel gasped as her very angry mother came into the room
"You young lady are in big trouble," Amy took Ariel's arm and marched her back into the room.
"Come on Daisy," Lita took Daisy's arm. "Let's go and wait in the living room."
The door to the office opened and Annika emerged. Her nose was running and her face was very pale making her look very fragile. Her large violet eyes looked even larger on her peaked little face. "What are you doing out of bed Annika," Lita asked gently.
"I got lonely," Annika whispered. She coughed violently and began to shiver.
"Well let's get you wrapped in a blanket so that you don't get chilled," Lita commanded. "Daisy, go and get a blanket off of the bed in there."
"Okay Mom," Daisy went into the office.
"Where's Aunt Amy," Annika asked as she coughed again.
"Ariel got into some trouble so Aunt Amy is dealing with her," Lita replied. Daisy brought her a blanket. Lita wrapped it around Annika and then picked the child up. She carried her over to the couch and sat down with Annika on her lap.
Amy came into the living room carrying a crying Ariel, which indicated that the child had been spanked. She carried Ariel over to a small chair in the corner. "You just park yourself right there and do not move until I tell you too," she ordered. Ariel sat down in the chair without another word. Amy turned back to Lita and saw Annika sitting on her lap. "What are you doing out of bed?"
"She got lonely," Lita explained. "I thought if she was wrapped in a blanket she'd be okay."
"As long as she doesn't get a chill," Amy stated as she took Annika from Lita. Annika was pleased that Amy sat on the couch with her. She loved Lita but she loved Amy more. She snuggled down into Amy's arms and was pleased when the woman wrapped her arms around her.
Annika thought. She coughed violently.
"She sounds like she is coughing up a lung," Lita exclaimed.
"Hmmm," Amy murmured as she placed a hand on Annika's forehead. "Daisy would you get the thermometer out of the office? It's on the table."
"What am I, everyone's servant," Daisy grumbled.
"Daisy," Lita said sharply. Daisy quickly closed her mouth and went and got the thermometer. Amy stuck the thermometer in Annika's mouth. "Has the fever gone down at all," Lita asked.
"No," Amy sighed in a worried voice as she checked the thermometer. She turned Annika's face up toward hers. "You need to try and get better Sweetie."
"I know," Annika murmured as she coughed violently again. She leaned up against Amy and closed her eyes. Amy gently began to thread her fingers through the long violet tresses. Annika thought contently as she listened to Amy and Lita talking. Eventually she fell back to sleep.
"She's asleep," Lita whispered. She got up. "Let me carry her to the office."
"Thank you," Amy handed the sleeping child to Lita. They walked quietly into the office and tucked Annika back into bed. "She is just not getting any better."
"There's nothing worse for a child then to be away from her mother when she is this sick," Lita stated.
"I know," Amy replied. "And Raye is trying to see if she can get home earlier. I just haven't told Annika in case Raye can't make it."
"Good idea," Lita said. "We don't want to set her up for a disappointment."
"We're hoping that Raye will be able to get away sooner then planned," Amy stated. "I just fear that Annika is going to get worse until her mother gets back."
"Mommy," a voice called from the living room. "Can I get out of the corner now?"
"I guess I had better deal with Ariel now," Amy sighed. Lita chuckled as Amy went into the living room to talk with Ariel. She didn't envy her friend right now at all. Amy certainly had her hands full.
Annika thought feverishly.
Amy came into the office. She saw Annika gasping and wheezing and was by the child's side in a flash. She laid her cool hand against Annika's hot forehead. Her concern grew. She reached for her communicator. "Hotaru," she said. "Please get a bed ready in the hospital wing. I'm bringing Annika."
"Right," Hotaru replied and she signed off. Amy next called Michiru and asked her to come over. Then she got Annika's stuff ready.
Michiru arrived a few minutes later. "What's the problem?"
"Greg has night duty in the control room so I was wondering if you would stay with Ariel," Amy replied. "Annika is very sick and I need to get her to my office. I have Hotaru preparing a bed for her right now."
"Oh Kami-sama," Michiru gasped when she saw how sick Annika looked. "Of course I'll stay with Ariel."
"Mommy," Ariel emerged from her bedroom in her pajamas. "Where are you going?"
"I have to take Annika to the hospital wing Sweetie," Amy replied. "You be good for Aunt Michiru."
"Mommy," Ariel protested as tears filled her eyes.
"It's okay Ariel," Michiru picked the child up. "Mommy will be back in a while." Ariel only nodded and rested her head on Michiru's shoulder. She watched as Amy carried Annika out of their quarters. Then she let Michiru put her back to bed.
"How is she," Serenity walked into the room where Annika was staying.
"Her fever won't go down," Amy replied as she laid a cool hand on Annika's forehead. "Have you gotten in touch with Raye?"
"I called but she wasn't there," Serenity sighed. "I left a message with the hotel clerk. Hopefully Raye will get the message."
"You can always call her back if we don't hear from her," Amy pointed out and Serenity nodded.
A knock at the door got their attention. Before Amy could call out the door opened and Raye came in. She was out of breath indicating that she had run. "Raye you made it back," Serenity exclaimed.
"I managed to convinces them to let Chad finish up so that I could come home," Raye replied as she walked over to the bed. "When I arrived at the palace Mina told me where Annika was so I ran up here."
"She'll be happy to see you," Amy stated. "Now maybe she'll get better."
"My poor baby," Raye sat down on the bed and gently rubbed Annika's cheek with her finger.
Annika thought. Annika opened her eyes. "Mama!"
"Hi Darling," Raye smiled gently at her daughter.
"You came back early," Annika exclaimed as she flung her arms around Raye's neck.
"I heard how sick you were so I came right home," Raye replied as she held her daughter close to her. "I figured you needed me more then the people in Europe do right now."
"Is Daddy home too," Annika asked. She snuggled into Raye's arms and let Amy wrap a blanket around her.
"No Daddy had to stay and finish up," Raye replied. "He'll be back at the end of next week."
"Look at that," Amy exclaimed as she looked at Annika's happy face. "I do believe her color is coming back a little."
"Mothers are the best medication for a sick child sometimes," Serenity added.
Raye looked down at her daughter. "I think she is going to be just fine."
After a couple of days Annika was over the worst part of the flu. She was still on medication but she was able to return to school and play with her friends. She was just very happy that Raye had come home earlier then planned.
About a week after Raye returned Amy was sitting on the couch in her living room after dinner with Ariel looking at a book. Greg had gotten up to answer the door. He returned with Annika and Raye. "Hello Annika and Raye," Amy exclaimed. "What a nice surprise."
"Annika has something to tell you," Raye explained as she gently pushed her daughter forward. "Go on Sweetheart."
Annika walked over to Amy. "Thank you for taking such good care of me when Mama wasn't here and I was sick," she stated shyly.
"Anytime Annika," Amy replied as she stroked Annika's long hair.
Annika held out a small wrapped box. "I made this to say thank you," she told Amy.
"Ooh Mommy a present," Ariel squealed clapping her small hands together.
"A present for me," Amy firmly told Ariel who pouted. Amy opened the present and saw a little homemade pin. "Oh Annika it's pretty."
"I made it," Annika proudly told her. "I wanted to give you something special because except for my mama you are my favorite Senshi."
"Thank you Annika," Amy pulled the little girl into a hug. When the hug was finished Amy smiled at the little girl. "You are more then welcome to come over here anytime," she told her.
"Okay," Annika smiled back. "I love you Aunt Amy."
"I love you too," Amy replied.
Raye came over and took Annika's hand. "It's time to go back to our quarters Darling," she said. "We need to start getting you ready for bed." Annika said a polite goodnight to Amy and then left with her mother. Amy smiled at her own daughter.
"Mommy," Ariel stated. "Why does Annika love you so much?"
"The same reason why you love Aunt Michiru so much," Amy replied. "I can't explain it now because you are too young but one day all of you children will know why you love a particular Senshi more then the others." She smiled and pulled Ariel into her arms. One day all of the children will know about their mentors.
The End.
So what did you think? It turned out longer then I expected it would. Part Two will come out eventually.