Hi everyone! Moving right along into Part eight. Hope everyone enjoys this one as much as the others. Again I love e-mail so please e-mail me at AngelRaye2@aol.com.
Check out my web site at http://angelrayeschibiscouts.homestead.com/angelraye.html
Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon. I created all of the Chibi Scouts except for Rini.
Note: This part takes place about three days after Part Seven ends.
Doom
Part Eight
By
Angel Raye
Hope sat by Amy drawing a picture. She was having a session with Amy right now and was supposed to draw a picture of what happened. Normally Hope loved drawing but today she just did not feel like cooperating. She threw her crayon down. "I don't want to draw what happened," she shouted. "Why do I have to talk about it?"
"I know it is hard," Amy gently explained. "But this is necessary. All of the other girls are doing the same thing."
Hope burst into tears. "I do not want to talk about it," she sobbed. "It's too scary and my head still hurts."
Amy put her arms around the child and tried to comfort her. Unfortunately like the other girls were at the beginning, Hope was inconsolable. Amy knew there was only one person who could calm Hope right now. She looked up at the mirror, which was an observation window and motioned, with her hand. A minute later Michiru came in. She knelt down by them and took Hope into her arms. "It's okay Sweetie," she soothed. "I'm here."
Hope clung to Michiru sobbing pitifully. "Michiru Mama," she sobbed. "I don't want to remember this. Please let's go back to our quarters."
"I'm sorry Darling," whispered Michiru. "We have to do this. It is the only way."
Hope just shook with sobs with Michiru's arms. The previous event was very fresh in her mind. She wished it had never happened.
Three days earlier...
"Give it back to me," Hope shouted to Faith as she chased her around the room. Faith had one of Hope's music books in her hands and was running away from her sister.
"No way," Faith shouted back. "I am sick of hearing that song. You have played it twenty times in the last two days. I know because I have counted."
"Give it," screamed Hope angrily. She tried to keep up with her sister but Faith was a lot faster than she was. Hope was not athletic so running was not something she did often.
"I am not going to give it to you," shouted Faith. "I will not listen to that song again."
"Girls," a sharp voice from the doorway froze them both in their tracks. They looked up and saw both Michiru and Haruka standing in the doorway.
"Michiru Mama, Faith took my music book and she won't give it back," wailed Hope as she ran over to Michiru for a hug.
"Well I am sick and tired of hearing that song," Faith shot back as she placed the book into Haruka's hand.
"That still does not give you the right to take her book away," Haruka said firmly.
Hope smirked and poked her tongue out at Faith. Unfortunately Michiru saw her. "Enough young lady," she reprimanded Hope. "If you are only playing the song to annoy your sister then that is not nice either."
"Yes Ma'am," muttered Hope in a sulky voice.
"I think you two need some time apart right now," Haruka suggested. "Come on Faith. Why don't we go for a ride on the motorcycle."
"Yeah," Faith shrieked with delight.
"I really want to see if Annika and Gloria will play with me," Hope said.
"They are both getting better so maybe they will," Michiru encouraged. "Go and see."
Hope left their quarters and Faith went back to her room to get her shoes on. Haruka gazed after her daughters fondly. "What happened to the others will not happen to them if I have anything to do with it," she declared fiercely.
"I agree with you," Michiru agreed. "But the ocean is restless. Something is going to happen soon."
"It better not be with our children," Haruka gritted her teeth as she spoke. "Otherwise whoever is responsible for all this will regret the day he or she ever met the Chibi Scouts."
"With you, Raye, and Lita that person will be sorry," laughed Michiru.
"I'm ready Haruka Papa," called Faith as she came back in. She gave Michiru a kiss goodbye and followed Haruka out the door. Michiru picked up her violin and began to play softly. The music helped calm the unsettling feeling that was building up inside of her. How she hoped that the twins wouldn't go through the same thing the other children went through.
Hope was glad that Annika, Gloria, and Ariel were all up to playing. It had been several weeks since they had been through their ordeals and thanks to Amy and Raye they were recovering nicely. Hope could tell that they were all still disturbed by what had happened to each of them. Annika was much more sensitive that usual and had crying fits to a point where she was unable to breathe. Gloria seemed fearful all the time and seemed anxious about everyone's safety. Little Ariel had a traumatized look in her eyes all the time. She also burst into tears very easily. Hope was glad they all wanted to play right now. They agreed on a game and took it outside to play. It was a nice day, sunny with a breeze. Hope, Annika, and Gloria all had a difficult time keeping their long hair from blowing in their faces. Ariel's short hair just ruffled in the wind.
"Where's Faith," asked Gloria as she pushed her red hair out of her face.
"She's out on the motorcycle with Haruka Papa," Hope replied.
"I could never ride one of those," Ariel shuddered at the thought.
"It's fun," Hope told her.
"Mama said it is," Annika agreed. "But she still has not let me ride yet."
"I have and I had a great time," Gloria sighed as she lay down on the grass. She reached over and took Annika's hand. Hope noticed that she had been doing that a lot lately. She did not know why and Gloria was not allowed to tell anyone why she was so protective of Annika right now.
"Ariel," called a voice and everyone looked up to see Amy coming out. "Come on Darling it is time for you to go see Aunt Raye."
"Do we have to Mommy," asked Ariel. "It always makes me sleepy."
"Now you know we do," Amy insisted as she took Ariel's hand. She turned to Annika. "You need to come now too Annika. It is time for you and I to talk."
"I don't want to," pouted Annika.
"You want me to get your mother out here," asked Amy.
"No Ma'am," Annika jumped up knowing she would be in trouble if her mother knew she was being rude. She turned to Gloria and Hope. "Maybe we can play some more later."
"That would be fun," agreed Gloria.
"I must say it is good to see the three of you having fun again," Amy smiled down at the girls. "I'm sorry I have to break it up but Aunt Raye and I have a schedule to keep."
"It's okay," Hope said with a sigh. "We have been out here for about an hour now. Haruka Papa and Faith should be coming home soon."
Amy, Ariel and Annika walked away. Hope turned to Gloria and asked. "How about hide and seek?"
"Okay I'm it," cried Gloria jumping up. She ran to a tree and covered eyes and began counting. Hope ran off to find a hiding place. Hide and seek was a favorite game among the children at the palace. Since the garden was so huge there were numerous places to go and hide. The best one at hiding was Daisy. She could find the best places where no one could think of looking.
Hope ducked behind the brick wall. There were some bushes there that would make a great hiding place. Hope began to crawl into them when she heard a sound. It was music. Was Michiru outside playing some music? Hope strained her ears to listen. No it was not Michiru because it was not violin or piano music. It sounded like the clarinet. Drawn to the beautiful music Hope followed the sound. Where was it coming from? She found that she could not ignore it. She had to follow it. Suddenly the music grew louder and Hope felt a sudden pressure in her eardrums. She let out a loud scream of pain. A bright light washed over her and she vanished.
Gloria came running around the corner. "Hope," she called. "Are you okay? I heard you scream." There was no answer. Gloria called again, "Hope!" When no answer came again a chill went over her heart. Could it be? Fear ran through Gloria and she ran toward the palace entrance. "Mommy!"
When the white light cleared away Hope found that she was in a mysterious hallway. She did not recognize it at all. "Where am I,' she asked herself. Suddenly music began blaring. It was dreadful music and it rang in Hope's head. She clasped her hands over her ears and wailed in pain.
"Welcome Sailor Chibi Neptune," a voice from the corner said. Hope turned around and saw a woman sitting in a large chair, surrounded by various pieces of music equipment.
"Who are you," she asked.
"My name is Staurolite," she replied. "I believe your comrades have met my comrades."
"Who is behind all of this," demanded Hope. "My friends are a mess right now thanks to all of you."
"We have our reasons little girl," snarled Staurolite.
"You won't mess me up," yelled Hope as she held up her transformation pen. "I have had time to prepare for you." She held her pen high over her head and shouted, "NEPTUNE POWER MAKE UP!" Ocean waves surrounded her and melted her clothes into her scout uniform. She positioned herself in attack position. "Prepare to die," she ordered.
"What a cheeky child," laughed Staurolite. "You really think you can beat me?"
"I can," Chibi Neptune replied. "I am a Chibi Scout of the outer solar system. We were given stronger powers than those of the inner Chibi Scouts. I will beat you."
"We shall see," laughed Staurolite and she snapped her fingers. Horrible off tune music blared out and blasted Chibi Neptune's eardrums. She cried in pain as she clutched her hands to her ears. "You see Chibi Neptune," Staurolite explained. "Music may be a strength of yours but I will make it your weakness. By the time I am through with you then you will have gone so mad that you will be incapacitated."
Chibi Neptune could only clutch her hand s to her ears and cry in pain. "I have got to get out of here," she gasped and she ran in the opposite direction.
"You can run but you can't hide," shouted Staurolite. "The music will be everywhere you go. You cannot escape it."
Chibi Neptune continued running. She saw a door and ran through it. The room was empty. Chibi Neptune heaved a breath of relief and sat down. That music was horrible. Her head was hurting from having to listen to it.
Suddenly music that was worse than before blared inside her head. Chibi Neptune screamed in pain. She clasped her hands over her ears and tried to block out the dreadful sounds but she had no luck. Her head began to throb. She got up and ran out of the room. "I have got to find a way out of here," she gasped.
"Are you in pain," snarled Staurolite as she appeared before Chibi Neptune. "You are getting weaker. I bet you cannot fight right now."
"We'll see about that," gasped Chibi Neptune as she powered up. She tried to ignore the pain in her head and the nausea in her stomach. The music was making her sick. "TIDAL WAVE!" Her attack flew out but it was very weak.
Staurolite laughed. "If this is the best you can do then I will have no problem winning."
"Impossible," gasped Chibi Neptune. "My attacks are usually a lot stronger."
"This music is not only going to affect your mind but your physical strength," laughed Staurolite. "Pretty soon you will be a weak, mindless shell."
"I cannot allow this to happen," thought Chibi Neptune. "I have to escape. It is the only way I can survive." With her hands over her ears Chibi Neptune took off running, but true to Staurolite's word, she felt herself growing weaker. The dreadful music was just too overpowering. Her mind could not take it. Chibi Neptune sat down and tried to hum one of the tunes she and Micharu played together. She was hoping the tune would drown out Staurolite's music. It didn't. It continued to grow louder and louder in her head. Chibi Neptune gave an ear-splitting scream. Her ears, head and stomach were all hurting. She tried to get up but the music now had a paralyzing effect on her. She fell back down. Moaning she began to claw at her face causing deep scratches. She also began to pull at her hair, entangling it in her fingers.
Staurolite appeared before her laughing again. "How vulnerable you are," she pointed out. "You are going insane quicker than I anticipated. I may just play with you a little before I destroy you."
"T...T...Tidal," stammered Chibi Neptune but she was too weak to get the words out. Staurolite held up her hand and blasted a dark bolt of energy toward her. Chibi Neptune screamed in pain as it wrapped around her body. She fell limp and panted. "Michiru Mama," she whispered as tears streamed down her face. "I want you Michiru Mama."
Staurolite shot another dark bolt of energy at Chibi Neptune. She screamed in pain again. Suddenly the ground was gone and Chibi Neptune went plunging to her death. She closed her eyes and mumbled again, "Michiru Mama." She fell into the darkness, ready to accept the fact that she was not going to survive. She welcomed the darkness as she blacked out.
She woke up to feel herself floating. She felt around but could not feel anything. Suddenly a pair of arms took a hold of her and cradled her. Chibi Neptune felt comforted by these arms. "Michiru Mama," she asked.
"Hush little one," a soft unfamiliar voice said. "I am here to help you. You are safe with me."
The darkness cleared and Chibi Neptune found herself in a void of some kind. She looked up and saw a beautiful woman with blue hair holding her. There was something very familiar about this woman. "Who are you," she asked.
"I am from the Silver Millenium," the woman replied. "My name is Arista and I was one of the princesses of Neptune."
"But Michiru Mama is the princess of Neptune," Chibi Neptune protested.
"She is," Arista replied. "She was my older sister."
"Your older sister," gasped Chibi Neptune. "Then you are my aunt."
"No," said Arista. "Before I was killed by the Negaverse I had given birth to a set of twins. The twins survived and Queen Serenity sent them to the 30th century to be adopted by my sister."
Chibi Neptune gave a gasp of surprise. "Then you are my..." she could not get the last word out.
"Yes I am your mother," Arista finished the sentence for her.
"Who was my father," asked Chibi Neptune.
"Your father was the prince of Uranus and Haruka's brother," Arista replied.
Chibi Neptune started to cry. She and Faith were related to Michiru and Haruka after all. This was all too overwhelming to her. Her emotions could not take anymore. Arista held her close. "You must calm down," she whispered. "My time with you is brief and I must help you beat Staurolite."
"The music," choked Chibi Neptune. "It's too much. I am in pain."
"I know you are," said Arista. "I am going to give you some of my power temporarily. It will help you regain your strength so that your attacks will work. I am not as strong as Michiru but I can briefly make you stronger so that you can win this."
"Please," cried Chibi Neptune. "I want to get back home to Michiru Mama."
"I am so glad my sister is taking such good care of you," said Arista. "My only regret is that I cannot be there to watch you and your sister grow."
"Thank you for at least giving birth to us," Chibi Neptune choked as she rested a hand on Arista's cheek. Arista hugged Chibi Neptune who felt strength and powers being returned to her. "Good luck my darling," called Arista as she faded away. Chibi Neptune closed her eyes and concentrated on her destination.
Staurolite was rejoicing in her victory. Unlike her former comrades she managed to destroy one of the Chibi Scouts. This was almost too good to be true. Her laughter filled the room.
Suddenly a flash of light appeared in front of her. She stopped laughing when Chibi Neptune emerged from the light. "What are you doing here," she shouted in rage. "I destroyed you."
"I got help," Chibi Neptune informed her in the strongest voice she could muster. "I won't be beaten by the likes of you."
Staurolite screamed with rage and threw another bolt of dark energy toward Chibi Neptune. A protective glow suddenly formed around Chibi Neptune and the energy bolt bounced off of her. "Impossible," screamed Staurolite. She shot out another bolt of energy but the glow still continued to protect Chibi Neptune. A white bolt of energy shot out from the glow and hit Staurolite. She screamed in pain as she collapsed.
Chibi Neptune saw this as her chance. She powered up. "TIDAL WAVE!" Her attack flew out and hit Staurolite who screamed as she vanished. Chibi Neptune began to cry again. She lay down and curled up in a fetal position and began to whisper, "Michiru Mama." She was unaware that she was back in the palace garden.
"Gloria are you sure she just vanished," asked Mina. "I hope this is not another one of your tricks."
"Mom this is not a trick," shouted Gloria angrily. "What I said was the truth."
Mina sighed and gently stroked her daughter's hair. The last several weeks had been very stressful and it was starting to take its toll. "I'm sorry darling," she told Gloria. "Where did you last see Hope?"
"Over there," Gloria replied and she led Mina over to where she last saw Hope.
Mina followed her daughter. She was horrified when she saw Chibi Neptune curled up on the ground. "Oh dear," she gasped. "Not another one." She ran over and gathered Chibi Neptune into her arms. "Hope honey are you okay?"
"Let me go," sobbed Chibi Neptune breaking free from Mina's hold. "I want Michiru Mama. Please I want Michiru Mama."
"Gloria go and get Aunt Michiru," Mina ordered. Gloria dashed off toward the palace doors. Mina tried to hold Chibi Neptune but she only broke away crying for Michiru.
Haruka and Faith got back from their ride. "Hope," called Haruka dashing over to her. She pulled Chibi Neptune into her arms. "What happened?"
Chibi Neptune screamed and twisted away. "MICHIRU MAMA!" Faith stood and watched this with sadness in her eyes. Chibi Neptune continued to scream for Michiru.
"Hope," Michiru came running out. "It's okay Sweetie. I'm right here." Chibi Neptune threw herself into Michiru's arms and sobbed hysterically.
It had taken a long time to calm Hope down. She was just too overwhelmed. Amy checked her over and saw that the music had done some damage to her eardrums. Fortunately minor surgery took care of that. Hope had to stay in the hospital room overnight so that Amy could observe her. Pain medication was prescribed for her head but the pain was very strong and Amy suspected it would take several days for it to go away. Hope found that she could only tell Amy right now about meeting her real mother. Because of doctor patient confidentiality Amy could not say anything to anyone. Hope now was added to Amy's schedule to talk about what had happened. Raye showed Michiru how to do the massages. Michiru was only too happy to help out. Hope was very clingy to Michiru and did not want to be with anyone else, including Faith.
Michiru gazed down at Hope. She had been giving her a massage and it had relaxed the child enough to put her to sleep. Michiru was glad to see the child relaxed. Michiru and Haruka had to let Hope sleep with them at night because of intense nightmares.
"Michiru Mama," a soft voice interrupted Michiru's thinking. She looked up and saw Faith standing by her with a fearful look in her eyes.
"What is it Darling," she asked.
"I'm the only one left," choked Faith. "I'm next aren't I?"
Michiru knew she could not lie to the child. She reached over and took the child's hand. "I promise Haruka Papa and I will do what we can to protect you," she assured the child. "But yes, you are probably next."
Faith sat down by Michiru and rested her head on her shoulder. Right now she just wanted reassurance. She reached over and took Hope's hand hoping to give her strength.
In his lair Sardonyx held up his black ball. He gazed at an image of Faith. "You are so right child," he laughed. "You are next." With that he laughed, his laughter echoing against the walls.
Check out my web site at http://angelrayeschibiscouts.homestead.com/angelraye.html
Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon. I created all of the Chibi Scouts except for Rini.
Note: This part takes place about three days after Part Seven ends.
Doom
Part Eight
By
Angel Raye
Hope sat by Amy drawing a picture. She was having a session with Amy right now and was supposed to draw a picture of what happened. Normally Hope loved drawing but today she just did not feel like cooperating. She threw her crayon down. "I don't want to draw what happened," she shouted. "Why do I have to talk about it?"
"I know it is hard," Amy gently explained. "But this is necessary. All of the other girls are doing the same thing."
Hope burst into tears. "I do not want to talk about it," she sobbed. "It's too scary and my head still hurts."
Amy put her arms around the child and tried to comfort her. Unfortunately like the other girls were at the beginning, Hope was inconsolable. Amy knew there was only one person who could calm Hope right now. She looked up at the mirror, which was an observation window and motioned, with her hand. A minute later Michiru came in. She knelt down by them and took Hope into her arms. "It's okay Sweetie," she soothed. "I'm here."
Hope clung to Michiru sobbing pitifully. "Michiru Mama," she sobbed. "I don't want to remember this. Please let's go back to our quarters."
"I'm sorry Darling," whispered Michiru. "We have to do this. It is the only way."
Hope just shook with sobs with Michiru's arms. The previous event was very fresh in her mind. She wished it had never happened.
Three days earlier...
"Give it back to me," Hope shouted to Faith as she chased her around the room. Faith had one of Hope's music books in her hands and was running away from her sister.
"No way," Faith shouted back. "I am sick of hearing that song. You have played it twenty times in the last two days. I know because I have counted."
"Give it," screamed Hope angrily. She tried to keep up with her sister but Faith was a lot faster than she was. Hope was not athletic so running was not something she did often.
"I am not going to give it to you," shouted Faith. "I will not listen to that song again."
"Girls," a sharp voice from the doorway froze them both in their tracks. They looked up and saw both Michiru and Haruka standing in the doorway.
"Michiru Mama, Faith took my music book and she won't give it back," wailed Hope as she ran over to Michiru for a hug.
"Well I am sick and tired of hearing that song," Faith shot back as she placed the book into Haruka's hand.
"That still does not give you the right to take her book away," Haruka said firmly.
Hope smirked and poked her tongue out at Faith. Unfortunately Michiru saw her. "Enough young lady," she reprimanded Hope. "If you are only playing the song to annoy your sister then that is not nice either."
"Yes Ma'am," muttered Hope in a sulky voice.
"I think you two need some time apart right now," Haruka suggested. "Come on Faith. Why don't we go for a ride on the motorcycle."
"Yeah," Faith shrieked with delight.
"I really want to see if Annika and Gloria will play with me," Hope said.
"They are both getting better so maybe they will," Michiru encouraged. "Go and see."
Hope left their quarters and Faith went back to her room to get her shoes on. Haruka gazed after her daughters fondly. "What happened to the others will not happen to them if I have anything to do with it," she declared fiercely.
"I agree with you," Michiru agreed. "But the ocean is restless. Something is going to happen soon."
"It better not be with our children," Haruka gritted her teeth as she spoke. "Otherwise whoever is responsible for all this will regret the day he or she ever met the Chibi Scouts."
"With you, Raye, and Lita that person will be sorry," laughed Michiru.
"I'm ready Haruka Papa," called Faith as she came back in. She gave Michiru a kiss goodbye and followed Haruka out the door. Michiru picked up her violin and began to play softly. The music helped calm the unsettling feeling that was building up inside of her. How she hoped that the twins wouldn't go through the same thing the other children went through.
Hope was glad that Annika, Gloria, and Ariel were all up to playing. It had been several weeks since they had been through their ordeals and thanks to Amy and Raye they were recovering nicely. Hope could tell that they were all still disturbed by what had happened to each of them. Annika was much more sensitive that usual and had crying fits to a point where she was unable to breathe. Gloria seemed fearful all the time and seemed anxious about everyone's safety. Little Ariel had a traumatized look in her eyes all the time. She also burst into tears very easily. Hope was glad they all wanted to play right now. They agreed on a game and took it outside to play. It was a nice day, sunny with a breeze. Hope, Annika, and Gloria all had a difficult time keeping their long hair from blowing in their faces. Ariel's short hair just ruffled in the wind.
"Where's Faith," asked Gloria as she pushed her red hair out of her face.
"She's out on the motorcycle with Haruka Papa," Hope replied.
"I could never ride one of those," Ariel shuddered at the thought.
"It's fun," Hope told her.
"Mama said it is," Annika agreed. "But she still has not let me ride yet."
"I have and I had a great time," Gloria sighed as she lay down on the grass. She reached over and took Annika's hand. Hope noticed that she had been doing that a lot lately. She did not know why and Gloria was not allowed to tell anyone why she was so protective of Annika right now.
"Ariel," called a voice and everyone looked up to see Amy coming out. "Come on Darling it is time for you to go see Aunt Raye."
"Do we have to Mommy," asked Ariel. "It always makes me sleepy."
"Now you know we do," Amy insisted as she took Ariel's hand. She turned to Annika. "You need to come now too Annika. It is time for you and I to talk."
"I don't want to," pouted Annika.
"You want me to get your mother out here," asked Amy.
"No Ma'am," Annika jumped up knowing she would be in trouble if her mother knew she was being rude. She turned to Gloria and Hope. "Maybe we can play some more later."
"That would be fun," agreed Gloria.
"I must say it is good to see the three of you having fun again," Amy smiled down at the girls. "I'm sorry I have to break it up but Aunt Raye and I have a schedule to keep."
"It's okay," Hope said with a sigh. "We have been out here for about an hour now. Haruka Papa and Faith should be coming home soon."
Amy, Ariel and Annika walked away. Hope turned to Gloria and asked. "How about hide and seek?"
"Okay I'm it," cried Gloria jumping up. She ran to a tree and covered eyes and began counting. Hope ran off to find a hiding place. Hide and seek was a favorite game among the children at the palace. Since the garden was so huge there were numerous places to go and hide. The best one at hiding was Daisy. She could find the best places where no one could think of looking.
Hope ducked behind the brick wall. There were some bushes there that would make a great hiding place. Hope began to crawl into them when she heard a sound. It was music. Was Michiru outside playing some music? Hope strained her ears to listen. No it was not Michiru because it was not violin or piano music. It sounded like the clarinet. Drawn to the beautiful music Hope followed the sound. Where was it coming from? She found that she could not ignore it. She had to follow it. Suddenly the music grew louder and Hope felt a sudden pressure in her eardrums. She let out a loud scream of pain. A bright light washed over her and she vanished.
Gloria came running around the corner. "Hope," she called. "Are you okay? I heard you scream." There was no answer. Gloria called again, "Hope!" When no answer came again a chill went over her heart. Could it be? Fear ran through Gloria and she ran toward the palace entrance. "Mommy!"
When the white light cleared away Hope found that she was in a mysterious hallway. She did not recognize it at all. "Where am I,' she asked herself. Suddenly music began blaring. It was dreadful music and it rang in Hope's head. She clasped her hands over her ears and wailed in pain.
"Welcome Sailor Chibi Neptune," a voice from the corner said. Hope turned around and saw a woman sitting in a large chair, surrounded by various pieces of music equipment.
"Who are you," she asked.
"My name is Staurolite," she replied. "I believe your comrades have met my comrades."
"Who is behind all of this," demanded Hope. "My friends are a mess right now thanks to all of you."
"We have our reasons little girl," snarled Staurolite.
"You won't mess me up," yelled Hope as she held up her transformation pen. "I have had time to prepare for you." She held her pen high over her head and shouted, "NEPTUNE POWER MAKE UP!" Ocean waves surrounded her and melted her clothes into her scout uniform. She positioned herself in attack position. "Prepare to die," she ordered.
"What a cheeky child," laughed Staurolite. "You really think you can beat me?"
"I can," Chibi Neptune replied. "I am a Chibi Scout of the outer solar system. We were given stronger powers than those of the inner Chibi Scouts. I will beat you."
"We shall see," laughed Staurolite and she snapped her fingers. Horrible off tune music blared out and blasted Chibi Neptune's eardrums. She cried in pain as she clutched her hands to her ears. "You see Chibi Neptune," Staurolite explained. "Music may be a strength of yours but I will make it your weakness. By the time I am through with you then you will have gone so mad that you will be incapacitated."
Chibi Neptune could only clutch her hand s to her ears and cry in pain. "I have got to get out of here," she gasped and she ran in the opposite direction.
"You can run but you can't hide," shouted Staurolite. "The music will be everywhere you go. You cannot escape it."
Chibi Neptune continued running. She saw a door and ran through it. The room was empty. Chibi Neptune heaved a breath of relief and sat down. That music was horrible. Her head was hurting from having to listen to it.
Suddenly music that was worse than before blared inside her head. Chibi Neptune screamed in pain. She clasped her hands over her ears and tried to block out the dreadful sounds but she had no luck. Her head began to throb. She got up and ran out of the room. "I have got to find a way out of here," she gasped.
"Are you in pain," snarled Staurolite as she appeared before Chibi Neptune. "You are getting weaker. I bet you cannot fight right now."
"We'll see about that," gasped Chibi Neptune as she powered up. She tried to ignore the pain in her head and the nausea in her stomach. The music was making her sick. "TIDAL WAVE!" Her attack flew out but it was very weak.
Staurolite laughed. "If this is the best you can do then I will have no problem winning."
"Impossible," gasped Chibi Neptune. "My attacks are usually a lot stronger."
"This music is not only going to affect your mind but your physical strength," laughed Staurolite. "Pretty soon you will be a weak, mindless shell."
"I cannot allow this to happen," thought Chibi Neptune. "I have to escape. It is the only way I can survive." With her hands over her ears Chibi Neptune took off running, but true to Staurolite's word, she felt herself growing weaker. The dreadful music was just too overpowering. Her mind could not take it. Chibi Neptune sat down and tried to hum one of the tunes she and Micharu played together. She was hoping the tune would drown out Staurolite's music. It didn't. It continued to grow louder and louder in her head. Chibi Neptune gave an ear-splitting scream. Her ears, head and stomach were all hurting. She tried to get up but the music now had a paralyzing effect on her. She fell back down. Moaning she began to claw at her face causing deep scratches. She also began to pull at her hair, entangling it in her fingers.
Staurolite appeared before her laughing again. "How vulnerable you are," she pointed out. "You are going insane quicker than I anticipated. I may just play with you a little before I destroy you."
"T...T...Tidal," stammered Chibi Neptune but she was too weak to get the words out. Staurolite held up her hand and blasted a dark bolt of energy toward her. Chibi Neptune screamed in pain as it wrapped around her body. She fell limp and panted. "Michiru Mama," she whispered as tears streamed down her face. "I want you Michiru Mama."
Staurolite shot another dark bolt of energy at Chibi Neptune. She screamed in pain again. Suddenly the ground was gone and Chibi Neptune went plunging to her death. She closed her eyes and mumbled again, "Michiru Mama." She fell into the darkness, ready to accept the fact that she was not going to survive. She welcomed the darkness as she blacked out.
She woke up to feel herself floating. She felt around but could not feel anything. Suddenly a pair of arms took a hold of her and cradled her. Chibi Neptune felt comforted by these arms. "Michiru Mama," she asked.
"Hush little one," a soft unfamiliar voice said. "I am here to help you. You are safe with me."
The darkness cleared and Chibi Neptune found herself in a void of some kind. She looked up and saw a beautiful woman with blue hair holding her. There was something very familiar about this woman. "Who are you," she asked.
"I am from the Silver Millenium," the woman replied. "My name is Arista and I was one of the princesses of Neptune."
"But Michiru Mama is the princess of Neptune," Chibi Neptune protested.
"She is," Arista replied. "She was my older sister."
"Your older sister," gasped Chibi Neptune. "Then you are my aunt."
"No," said Arista. "Before I was killed by the Negaverse I had given birth to a set of twins. The twins survived and Queen Serenity sent them to the 30th century to be adopted by my sister."
Chibi Neptune gave a gasp of surprise. "Then you are my..." she could not get the last word out.
"Yes I am your mother," Arista finished the sentence for her.
"Who was my father," asked Chibi Neptune.
"Your father was the prince of Uranus and Haruka's brother," Arista replied.
Chibi Neptune started to cry. She and Faith were related to Michiru and Haruka after all. This was all too overwhelming to her. Her emotions could not take anymore. Arista held her close. "You must calm down," she whispered. "My time with you is brief and I must help you beat Staurolite."
"The music," choked Chibi Neptune. "It's too much. I am in pain."
"I know you are," said Arista. "I am going to give you some of my power temporarily. It will help you regain your strength so that your attacks will work. I am not as strong as Michiru but I can briefly make you stronger so that you can win this."
"Please," cried Chibi Neptune. "I want to get back home to Michiru Mama."
"I am so glad my sister is taking such good care of you," said Arista. "My only regret is that I cannot be there to watch you and your sister grow."
"Thank you for at least giving birth to us," Chibi Neptune choked as she rested a hand on Arista's cheek. Arista hugged Chibi Neptune who felt strength and powers being returned to her. "Good luck my darling," called Arista as she faded away. Chibi Neptune closed her eyes and concentrated on her destination.
Staurolite was rejoicing in her victory. Unlike her former comrades she managed to destroy one of the Chibi Scouts. This was almost too good to be true. Her laughter filled the room.
Suddenly a flash of light appeared in front of her. She stopped laughing when Chibi Neptune emerged from the light. "What are you doing here," she shouted in rage. "I destroyed you."
"I got help," Chibi Neptune informed her in the strongest voice she could muster. "I won't be beaten by the likes of you."
Staurolite screamed with rage and threw another bolt of dark energy toward Chibi Neptune. A protective glow suddenly formed around Chibi Neptune and the energy bolt bounced off of her. "Impossible," screamed Staurolite. She shot out another bolt of energy but the glow still continued to protect Chibi Neptune. A white bolt of energy shot out from the glow and hit Staurolite. She screamed in pain as she collapsed.
Chibi Neptune saw this as her chance. She powered up. "TIDAL WAVE!" Her attack flew out and hit Staurolite who screamed as she vanished. Chibi Neptune began to cry again. She lay down and curled up in a fetal position and began to whisper, "Michiru Mama." She was unaware that she was back in the palace garden.
"Gloria are you sure she just vanished," asked Mina. "I hope this is not another one of your tricks."
"Mom this is not a trick," shouted Gloria angrily. "What I said was the truth."
Mina sighed and gently stroked her daughter's hair. The last several weeks had been very stressful and it was starting to take its toll. "I'm sorry darling," she told Gloria. "Where did you last see Hope?"
"Over there," Gloria replied and she led Mina over to where she last saw Hope.
Mina followed her daughter. She was horrified when she saw Chibi Neptune curled up on the ground. "Oh dear," she gasped. "Not another one." She ran over and gathered Chibi Neptune into her arms. "Hope honey are you okay?"
"Let me go," sobbed Chibi Neptune breaking free from Mina's hold. "I want Michiru Mama. Please I want Michiru Mama."
"Gloria go and get Aunt Michiru," Mina ordered. Gloria dashed off toward the palace doors. Mina tried to hold Chibi Neptune but she only broke away crying for Michiru.
Haruka and Faith got back from their ride. "Hope," called Haruka dashing over to her. She pulled Chibi Neptune into her arms. "What happened?"
Chibi Neptune screamed and twisted away. "MICHIRU MAMA!" Faith stood and watched this with sadness in her eyes. Chibi Neptune continued to scream for Michiru.
"Hope," Michiru came running out. "It's okay Sweetie. I'm right here." Chibi Neptune threw herself into Michiru's arms and sobbed hysterically.
It had taken a long time to calm Hope down. She was just too overwhelmed. Amy checked her over and saw that the music had done some damage to her eardrums. Fortunately minor surgery took care of that. Hope had to stay in the hospital room overnight so that Amy could observe her. Pain medication was prescribed for her head but the pain was very strong and Amy suspected it would take several days for it to go away. Hope found that she could only tell Amy right now about meeting her real mother. Because of doctor patient confidentiality Amy could not say anything to anyone. Hope now was added to Amy's schedule to talk about what had happened. Raye showed Michiru how to do the massages. Michiru was only too happy to help out. Hope was very clingy to Michiru and did not want to be with anyone else, including Faith.
Michiru gazed down at Hope. She had been giving her a massage and it had relaxed the child enough to put her to sleep. Michiru was glad to see the child relaxed. Michiru and Haruka had to let Hope sleep with them at night because of intense nightmares.
"Michiru Mama," a soft voice interrupted Michiru's thinking. She looked up and saw Faith standing by her with a fearful look in her eyes.
"What is it Darling," she asked.
"I'm the only one left," choked Faith. "I'm next aren't I?"
Michiru knew she could not lie to the child. She reached over and took the child's hand. "I promise Haruka Papa and I will do what we can to protect you," she assured the child. "But yes, you are probably next."
Faith sat down by Michiru and rested her head on her shoulder. Right now she just wanted reassurance. She reached over and took Hope's hand hoping to give her strength.
In his lair Sardonyx held up his black ball. He gazed at an image of Faith. "You are so right child," he laughed. "You are next." With that he laughed, his laughter echoing against the walls.