Well, here is part seven. Since Hope and Faith are twins their story will be told together. A lot of people have asked me if I am going to do Rini's story too. I doubt it since I did not create Rini. I created the rest of the Chibi Scouts so it is easy doing their stories.
I love all the e-mails I have been getting. Thank you to all that have been sending them. I love getting 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 the daughters except for Rini.
Our Daughters
Part Seven: Hope and Faith
By
Angel Raye
Chapter 1: A Surprise Package
"The sea is getting restless," said Micharu one afternoon.
"You mean an enemy is nearby," asked Haruka.
"No," said Micharu. "Our new additions should be here soon."
"The twins," said Haruka. "Are you sure?"
"My memories of the 20th century may be hazy but with everyone else having children they are coming back," said Micharu.
"Right now Raye is very pregnant with her child," said Haruka. "If I recall her child and ours were about the same age."
"They were," said Micharu.
"Then we should expect them soon," said Haruka.
Micharu nodded in agreement. She wanted to have a child badly. She, Haruka and Setsuna had raised Hotaru. Now Hotaru was grown and married. She like all the other scouts lived in the palace with her husband. Micharu and Haruka watched as first Neo-Queen Serenity had Rini. Next both Setsuna and Lita had Maggie and Daisy. Mina had Gloria and now Raye was about eight months pregnant. Micharu loved all of the children. She was their aunt. But she wanted to raise her own.
She felt a hand on her shoulder. Haruka was smiling at her. "We will be parents soon," she said. "Just wait."
Two days later Neptune and Uranus were going back to their quarters. It had been a typical day at the palace. Now they had to get ready to go to the concert hall where Micharu had a performance that night. They got to their quarters and saw a large basket outside the door.
"Look," gasped Neptune. "Could it be?"
"Let's take a look," said Uranus and she went over to the basket. She lifted the blanket and in the basket, lying quietly sleeping were two infants with dark blue hair.
"They are so tiny," said Neptune as she picked one of babies. "They couldn't be no more than a few days old."
"They must be the children that visited us in the past," said Uranus as she picked up the other. "Look at their foreheads." The baby in her arm had a birthmark, which was the symbol of Uranus. Micharu looked at the baby she was holding and saw that she had a birthmark, which was the symbol of Neptune.
"It's fate," said Neptune. "It's got to be."
"They seem to be in perfect health but we should have Amy check them out to make sure they are all right," said Uranus.
"I agree," said Neptune.
"They are in perfect health," said Amy as she finished examining the twins.
"I'm glad to hear it," said Micharu. "Any idea how old they might be?"
"I am guessing only about two days old," said Amy.
"Very young then," said Haruka.
Neo-Queen Serenity came in with Luna and Artemis. "We just heard," she said. "I know two babies are no threat but as queen I have to look into this."
"I understand," said Micharu.
Luna jumped up and took a closer look at the babies. "They have the symbols of Uranus and Neptune on their foreheads as birthmarks," she said.
"You're right," said Artemis as he jumped up beside her.
"Do you think it means anything," asked Serenity.
"I believe these babies were sent from the Moon Kingdom," said Luna. "All the other Scouts are having daughters who will one day replace them. Since Haruka and Micharu do not have their own Knights then Queen Serenity must have sent these babies into the 30th century to be future scouts for Uranus and Neptune."
"That is possible," said Artemis. "Queen Serenity may have sent many people into the future. She did not say they were all going to be in the 20th century."
"For all we know some could be sent to the 30th century," said Luna. "Or some may not have been reborn yet."
"So do you think they are all right," asked Micharu.
"I believe they are meant to be yours," said Luna. "That is if you want them."
"Of course we want them," said Haruka. "Hotaru is grown and married now. We want to have someone young in our lives again."
"Then we shall have a party to welcome the new members of the family tonight," said Serenity happily. "Excuse me while I start planning." With that she disappeared.
Luna was sweating. "Some things will never change," she muttered as she and Artemis left too.
Amy was laughing. "She's a good queen but she still likes to have fun," she said. "Have you thought of names for your two daughters yet?"
"We have," said Micharu. "We are going to call them Hope and Faith."
"We believe it was those two things that brought these babies to us," said Haruka.
"Then welcome to the family Hope and Faith," said Amy.
That night there was a party to welcome the two new additions to the palace family. Everyone was thrilled.
"They certainly are beautiful," said Lita as she looked in the bassinet.
"I must commend you," said Mina. "One baby is proving to be a handful. I cannot imagine having two."
"We'll manage," said Micharu. "We had practice with Hotaru."
"I was not a handful," said Hotaru.
"Of course not," said Haruka smiling fondly at the younger scout.
"I just cannot wait until mine decides to come," said Raye putting her hand on her very large belly. "This pregnancy has not been easy at all."
"Just another month Raye," said Setsuna.
"I know," said Raye. "I just want it over with."
"Cake anyone," asked a caterer coming up with a tray of cakes.
Raye clutched her stomach and turned green. "Excuse me," she gasped and ran toward the bathroom.
"Poor Raye," said Amy. "I had better go and check on her."
"You know something," said Micharu. "Seeing Raye like that makes me glad we are adopting."
"Me too," said Haruka.
"I never thought I could love someone this quickly," said Micharu.
"Not even me," said Haruka.
"Don't joke Haruka," said Micharu. "These babies are a wonderful addition to our family."
"I agree," said Haruka and she and Micharu gazed lovingly down at the two babies who were to be their daughters.
Chapter 2: Handfuls
It was a typical day in the nursery. Palla and Ves were both exhausted. Maggie and Daisy were now in Kindergarten so that made each day a little easier. However there were still six children for them to take care of and all of them could be handfuls at times. Even the sweet ones like Annika and Madelyn had their moments.
A loud scream came from the corner of the room. Ves went over and saw Faith and Gloria were pulling each other's hair and it didn't look like either of them were letting go.
"Girls," said Ves. "What is the rule about keeping our hands to ourselves."
"Faith pulled mine first," said Gloria.
"She took my car away," said Faith.
Ves sighed. Faith was the tougher twin out of the two and putting her with Gloria was never a good idea. Gloria was always picking fights with the other kids and now that Daisy was in school, Faith was the easiest one for her to get a rise out of. Faith loved playing with cars and since there were no boys in the nursery she usually had them to herself. Gloria was the type of child who liked snatching toys from the other kids. "Gloria you know that you do not snatch toys from the other children," said Ves. "And Faith I have told you to keep your hands to yourself. Use your words and not your hands."
"Okay," muttered Faith angrily.
"Gloria go and find something else to do," said Ves. "Right now!"
Gloria stomped over to some other toys and started to play. Ves looked around the nursery. Ariel and Madelyn were both playing quietly but where were Hope and Annika?
"Palla," said Ves. "Do you know where Hope and Annika are?"
"The last time I saw them they were coloring at the table," said Palla.
"Isn't the paint cabinet behind the coloring table," asked Ves. "You know how those two like to paint."
"We had better check," said Palla and the two went over. Sure enough Hope and Annika had gotten the paint out but they weren't painting on paper. They were painting themselves.
"What are you doing," cried Palla taking the paint away from the girls.
"We're putting on make-up," said Hope.
"And coloring our hair," said Annika whose purple hair had yellow paint in it. "I wanted my hair to be the same color as Aunt Mina's and the queen."
"I wanted to look as pretty as Micharu Mama," said Hope.
"Well you both are a mess," said Ves pulling the two girls to their feet. "And you are both in trouble."
Suddenly the Scouts came in to pick up their daughters. Neptune and Mars stared in horror at Hope and Annika.
"What's this," demanded Neptune.
"My apologies," said Ves. "We turned our back on them for a few minutes to deal with the other children and these two got into the paint."
"It's not paint it's make-up," said Hope. "We wanted to be pretty."
"You were already pretty," said Neptune picking Hope up.
"Why do you have paint in your hair," Mars asked Annika as she picked her up.
"I wanted my hair to be the same color as the queen's and Aunt Mina's," said Annika.
"I'm flattered," muttered Venus as she wiped Gloria's runny nose with a Kleenex.
"You are going to keep your own hair color," said Mars. "When you turn eighteen you can do whatever you want to your hair but for right now you keep your hair color as it is. Now we are going to have to wash your hair."
"I don't wanna," wailed Annika.
"Too bad," said Mars as she carried Annika out of the nursery.
"And you are not to wear make-up until you are thirteen," said Neptune. She turned to Ves. "Tell me that Faith at least behaved today."
"Other than a couple of fights with Gloria she was fine," said Ves.
"That's good to hear," said Neptune. "These two are such a handful."
"That is why I only have one," said Venus. "Mine can be twenty by herself."
"We need to talk to you about her," said Palla and she and Venus went to a quiet corner to talk.
Faith was bored. Micharu and Haruka were busy trying to get all the paint off of Hope and her clothing. Faith wondered why her sister wanted to wear dumb things like make-up and dresses. Faith preferred to wear jeans. Hope was always wanted to put a dress on and refused to go anywhere without wearing one.. She loved playing with dolls too which Faith thought was stupid. A good set of cars and a baseball any day was goo d enough for her. Faith picked up her little baseball bat and ball. She began to toss the ball up in the air and hit it. She took a swing and heard a loud crash behind her. She turned around and was horrified to see that she had knocked over Micharu's expensive vase.
"What is going on," called a voice and Micharu and Haruka came in. "My vase!"
"I didn't do it," said Faith hastily.
"Then who did," asked Haruka.
"Luna," said Faith.
"Interesting," said Haruka. "Considering Luna is not even here right now."
"She left," said Faith.
"You deal with this," said Micharu. "I am going to finish getting Hope cleaned up."
"Tell the truth Faith," said Haruka.
"I did it," said Faith in an ashamed voice.
"And what is the rule about playing ball in the house," asked Haruka.
"Not to," said Faith.
"Good," said Haruka. "Now hand over the bat and ball. We only play it outside."
"Okay," said Faith.
"Now you can sit in the corner and think about it," said Haruka.
Faith pouted and went to the corner and sat down. Haruka shook her head. She felt that overall they were good kids but they were certainly handfuls.
Chapter 3: Festival
"Hold still Faith," said Micharu as she tried to finish getting the child's kimono on her. Faith grumbled but stood still. "There you go."
Faith looked down at her yellow kimono. There was a traditional Japanese festival in town that day so everyone was putting on their traditional Japanese kimonos to attend. All of the Scouts, Knights, and the children were going. Even the King and Queen were going with Rini. Faith loved these festivals but she hated wearing a kimono. She would much rather wear jeans.
"I look so pretty," squealed Hope as she gazed down at her blue kimono. Hope loved wearing kimonos.
"Why do I have to wear this," whined Faith.
"Because it is a traditional festival and everyone wears their kimonos to it," said Micharu.
"Haruka Papa is wearing hers," said Hope.
"I am," said Haruka coming in wearing her kimono.
"Are we going to see the other kids today," asked Hope.
"We are going to meet all of them for fireworks this evening," said Micharu.
"Good," said Faith.
"Is everyone ready," asked Haruka.
"We are," said Micharu.
"Then let's go," said Haruka.
The festival was a lot fun with many activities for the children. Faith spilled food down her kimono much to Micharu's chagrin.
"Couldn't you be more careful," asked Micharu as she tried to wipe the food off of Faith's kimono. "These things are dry clean only."
"Sorry," said Faith.
"Cut her some slack Micharu," said Haruka. "After all she is just a child."
"Can we try goldfish scooping," asked Hope.
"Of course," said Haruka. "Let's go."
At the goldfish-scooping stand there was a group of teenagers helping children scoop up the goldfish. Hope tried to scoop up a goldfish but was unable too.
"I wanted a goldfish," she whined.
"Allow me," said Haruka and she reached in and scooped one out without any problem.
"Thank you Haruka Papa," said Hope in delight.
"You are very welcome," said Haruka.
"Faith we have a fish," said Hope.
"Goody," said Faith.
"Just don't let the cats near it or that is the end of it," said Micharu. "Now I want to look at some paintings."
When it got dark everyone headed toward the place to meet. All of the children started to romp and play before the fireworks.
"Be careful in your kimono Gloria," said Mina. "We don't want it to get dirty."
"I don't care," said Gloria in a rude voice.
"Young lady have a seat right here," said Mina through gritted teeth as she pulled Gloria to a siting position.
"Incredible," said Haruka to Micharu.
"What is," asked Micharu.
"That a child that young could be so rude," said Haruka.
"Wait until she starts Kindergarten next year," said Micharu. "They won't put up with that."
"At least ours will do fine," said Haruka looking at the twins. Faith was romping around with Daisy while Hope was picking flowers with Madelyn and Annika. Rini was helping them. Ariel was only two so she was staying near her parents. Maggie was sitting with her mother since she did not get to spend as much time with her. Out of all the children Annika looked the most traditional. Raye had put her hair up in a knot and placed traditional accessories to adorn it. Annika looked like a traditional Japanese child.
"It's getting dark girls," called Lita. "Come back to us now."
"Yes," added Hotaru. "The fireworks are going to start soon."
"Yeah," squealed Faith as she ran over and plunked herself in Haruka's lap. Hope settled down in Micharu's.
The fireworks started. The bang scared Ariel who began wailing. Amy held her close. Annika, also scared, flung her arms around Raye crying. Hotaru had her hands over Madelyn's ears. Hope buried her head in Micharu's lap putting her hands on her ears.
"Well I guess four out of nine being scared isn't too bad," said Micharu in amusement as she held Hope close to her.
"At least the others are enjoying them," said Haruka looking at Faith who was standing up and clapping her hands.
"How can twins be so different," asked Micharu.
"It's good though," said Haruka. "It gives each of them a separate personality."
"That's true," said Micharu. "We are so blessed to have them."
"We are," said Haruka as she looked lovingly at both of her children. "They are great kids."
"And today was a perfect day," added Micharu holding Haruka's hand.
It had been a great day.
Chapter 4: A Tomboy and a Lady
"You are such a mess Faith," said Hope on the way home from school.
"I don't care," said Faith looking at her dirty, torn jumper. During recess the boys in their kindergarten class decided to play baseball. Faith ran over to join them and proved to be a better player than all of the boys in the class. She had gotten very dirty but she had a great time.
Rini laughed as she looked at the girls. "I have never met twins who are so different," she said. "You are such a mess Faith and Hope is so immaculate."
"What's immaculate," asked Daisy.
"It means clean," said Rini.
"Stop using hard words all the time," whined Annika.
"We don't know those hard words," added Gloria.
"Hey look at that tree," said Faith. "Let's climb it."
"I am not going to get my dress dirty," said Hope.
"We have to get home Faith," said Rini. "I promised all of your mothers I would get all of you home. I have too much homework to wait around."
"No fair," grumbled Faith as she followed the others back to the palace.
"Look at your jumper," scolded Neptune. "It's ruined."
"No it isn't," said Jupiter looking at the tear. "I can fix that."
"I like playing ball," said Faith. "Why do I have to wear dresses to school?"
"I would like you to dress like a girl sometimes," said Neptune.
"I hate dresses," grumbled Faith.
"Fine," said Neptune realizing she was not going to win this battle. "But do not ruin anymore clothes."
"I won't," said Faith. "Can I go play in the tree house?"
"Go ahead," said Uranus.
"I'll come too," said Gloria who loved the tree house.
"I wanted to play tea party," said Hope.
"I'll play with you," said Annika.
"Okay," said Hope in delight and the two little girls ran off.
"So different," said Uranus.
"That they are," said Neptune.
"Maybe we should let them explore their differences," suggested Uranus.
"What do you suggest," asked Neptune.
"We have something to ask you girls," said Micharu that night before bedtime.
"What is it," asked Hope.
"You like playing ball right Faith," asked Haruka.
"Yes," said Faith with enthusiasm.
"Then how about signing up for a little league team," suggested Haruka.
"Really," cried Faith in delight.
"You want to do that," asked Micharu.
'Yes," shrieked Faith with enthusiasm.
"Good," said Haruka. "Now as for Hope. How would you like to take piano and art lessons?"
"Hurrah," cried Hope. "I would like that very much."
"Then it is settled," said Micharu. "Haruka Papa will sign Faith up for a team tomorrow and I will teach Hope to play the piano. I will also sign her up for an art class."
"We decided since you girls are so different we need to let you go after your interests," said Haruka.
"I can't wait," said Faith. "I am going to be the best one on the team."
"And I am going to do concerts like Micharu Mama," said Hope.
"Okay girls," laughed Micharu. "It's bedtime. Who is going to put you to bed tonight?"
"You," said Faith.
"Haruka Papa did it last night," added Hope.
"Give me a kiss then," said Haruka and the children kissed her goodnight.
"I love you Haruka Papa," said Hope.
"Me too," said Faith.
"I love the both of you," said Haruka.
In the bedroom there was the usual arguing over which book to read but Micharu reminded Faith that it was Hope's turn tonight. Faith grumbled as Hope picked out "Sleeping Beauty." After the story was read Micharu tucked the girls in and kissed them goodnight.
"Faith," said Hope once Micharu left. "Why do you like doing boy things?"
"I just do," said Faith. "It's more fun."
"Don't you like playing with me," asked Hope.
"Of course I do," said Faith. "You are my sister and my best friend. I love doing things with you."
"Really," asked Hope in delight. "You are my best friend too."
"Goodnight Hope," said Faith.
"Goodnight Faith," said Hope as she settled down to go to sleep.
Chapter 5: Art Classes
"Come on let's go," said Hope impatiently to Annika and Daisy. The girls were on their way to art class. As soon as Raye heard that Micharu signed up Hope she immediately signed up Annika. One reason was that Annika was very good in art. The second reason was that Raye was hoping it would help break through Annika's shyness. Lita signed Daisy up because she was also good at art and because she was hoping it would give Daisy something to do other than fight. All three girls had been taking the art class for a year now and enjoyed it immensely even though Annika usually stuck by Hope and Daisy like glue.
"What are we going to do today," asked Daisy.
"I think we are going to work with clay," said Annika.
"I know what I want to make," said Hope as she tossed her blue curls over her shoulder.
"What are you going to make," asked Daisy.
"I am going to make the Holy Grail," said Hope. "Rini showed me a picture of it in the Queen's room and one she made herself when she was in the past. I want to try and make one too."
"I think I am going to make Crescent," said Daisy. "What about you Annika?"
"I don't know," said Annika. "I guess I'll decide in class."
In class the girls each got their clay. Hope very carefully began to work on making the Holy Grail. She was very deep in concentration.
"Very good Hope," said Mary, the art teacher. "I can tell you already knew what you were going to make."
"Thank you," said Hope proudly.
"I also wanted to tell you that the painting you did last week is wonderful," said Mary. "For such a small child you are remarkably talented."
"I am," asked Hope in delight.
"Yes," said Mary. "In a couple of weeks we are having an art show here. I want everyone to have something to show. I was hoping you would put your painting in."
"I will," said Hope in delight. "Thank you Mary."
When Hope got home she was overjoyed. "Micharu Mama and Haruka Papa," she cried in delight. "Guess what the teacher told me?"
"What did she tell you," asked Micharu smiling at the child's excitement.
"She told me for a small child I am very talented," said Hope proudly.
"We knew that already," said Haruka. "And we are very proud of you."
"The art school is having an art show in a couple of weeks," said Hope. "We will be going won't we?"
"Of course," said Micharu.
"We wouldn't miss it for the world," said Haruka.
"Yeah," squealed Hope. "I can't wait."
On the night of the art show Micharu, Haruka, Hope and Faith went over to the art school. Faith was grumbling. "Do I really have to go," she asked.
"This is your sister's art show," said Micharu. "Of course you have to go."
"It's boring," said Faith.
"Enough," said Haruka sternly. "Unless you want a time out when you get home."
Faith sealed her lips shut and did not say another word. She followed her family inside. Raye, Chad and Annika were already in the classroom looking at her work. At the other side of room were Lita, Ken and Daisy looking at the clay sculpture of Crescent she had made.
"I think everyone is here now," said Mary. "As all of you know this is the six to eight year olds class. These children are very talented and worked very hard so please enjoy their work."
"Our first grade teacher says that Annika and I are the best artists in the entire first grade," Hope proudly told Mary.
"Very good," said Mary as everyone chuckled with amusement. Hope just gave a big smile while Annika flushed in embarrassment and buried her face in Raye's skirt.
"Bragging is not becoming," Micharu whispered in Hope's ear.
"Sorry," said Hope turning red.
Mary came over to talk to Haruka and Micharu. "I hope you will continue to let your child take this class," she told them. "She is very talented."
"Thank you," said Micharu. "I love art too so she and I paint together all the time."
"I am glad to hear that," said Mary. "So many children show remarkable talent but it does not get encouraged. It is always wonderful to see parents taking time out from their busy schedules to work with their children."
"Well we will keep encouraging it as long as she wants it," said Micharu. "I teach her piano too and she enjoys both."
"I am glad to hear it," said Mary as she walked over to talk to Raye and Chad.
"We are so proud of you," said Micharu kissing Hope on the cheek.
"Good job," said Haruka giving Hope a hug.
"I am going to be an artist when I grow up," said Hope proudly.
Haruka and Micharu gave each other a look. They knew Hope might have to give up that dream because of destiny. However they could let her dream for right now.
Chapter 6: The Baseball Game
"Why do I have to go," whined Hope. "I hate baseball."
"Your sister has been to your art shows," said Haruka. "So you need to go to her games."
"But I hate baseball," griped Hope.
"That's enough," said Micharu. "No more whining. Let's just cheer Faith on."
Hope sat back to watch. "Boring," she thought to herself.
Faith was excited. Game time was her favorite time. She was one of only three girls on the team but she did not care. There was nothing she liked to do more than playing a good game of baseball. She did not care if she got dirty as long as she had fun.
"Are you going to give us a few strike outs Faith," asked one of her teammates, Jay.
"You just watch me," said Faith who was the pitcher. "I'll strike everyone out."
"You know you are not bad," said Jay. "For a girl."
"Just don't ever call me a sissy," said Faith as she held up her fist. "Or you will get this."
"No problem," said Jay as he began to sweat. "I've heard about your punches. I do not want one."
"Good," said Faith as she pulled at her ponytail.
It was at the top of the ninth inning. Faith was pitching. Her team was winning 5 to 4. There were two outs and the bases were loaded. Faith was getting tired but knew that if she could strike this batter out her team would win. The batter already had two strikes.
"Come on Faith," cheered her team. "You can do it."
"Come on Faith," called Haruka.
Faith concentrated hard. "I can do it," she said and she threw.
"Ball," shouted the umpire. Faith was dismayed. That made three balls. One more and the batter would get to walk thus scoring a point for the team.
"Time out," called the coach and he ran over. "Are you okay Faith?"
"I am fine," said Faith. "My arm is just getting tired."
"Do you want someone to take your place," he asked.
"No," said Faith. "I want to do this."
"Very well," said the coach. "You can do it. We believe in you."
Faith nodded her head and concentrated. "Believe," she said to herself. She looked up at the stands at Hope. Hope gave her the thumbs up. Faith nodded her head again and continued to concentrate hard. She threw a mighty pitch.
"Strike three," yelled the umpire. "You are out."
"Hurrah we won," shouted the team and Faith felt her self being lifted onto her teammates' shoulders. She looked over and saw her family clapping and cheering. Even Hope was going wild in delight. Her family ran out to the field to congratulate her.
"Good job Faith," said Haruka as she grabbed the child.
"You played wonderfully," said Micharu kissing Faith on the cheek.
"Not bad," said Hope. "For a baseball game."
"Good play Faith," said the coach. "You are definitely a star player."
"Hurrah for Faith," yelled the team. "She's our hero."
Faith beamed with pride. Her team won and she had a good time. Baseball was the best game in the world.
That night it was Haruka that put the girls to bed. Hope pouted since it was Faith's turn to choose a story but she was quiet about it. Once Haruka left Faith spoke up. "Hope," she said. "I don't know why you hate baseball. It is so much fun."
"I just don't," said Hope. "But then you don't like playing with dolls."
"Isn't it weird how we are twins but we don't like the same thing," asked Faith.
"It is," said Hope. "But we love each other and that is all that matters."
"I guess you are right," said Faith. "And don't forget we love Micharu Mama and Haruka Papa."
"And that's important," said Hope as she got up and walked over to Faith. Faith moved over and Hope climbed in next to her. Wrapped in each other's arms the two little girls went to sleep.
Chapter 7: A New Pet?
Faith, Annika, and Gloria were playing in a nearby creek. Annika really did not want to come but Gloria talked her into it. Hope refused and went back home.
"Let's go rock hopping," said Faith and she began to hop on the rocks.
"I'm coming," said Gloria and she began to hop after Faith.
"All right," said Annika reluctantly as she began to hop after her two friends. Suddenly Annika fell and landed in the water. She immediately began to cry.
"Come on crybaby," said Gloria. "You're just a little wet."
"Shut up Gloria," said Faith as she hopped back over to Annika to help her up. Annika gripped Faith's hand and then suddenly gave a loud scream.
"What is it," asked Gloria in alarm.
"Look," said Annika in a shaky voice as she pointed to a rock. "A snake."
Faith and Gloria looked and saw a tiny green snake sitting on a rock.
"Yuck," said Gloria. "Keep it away from me."
"He's cute," said Faith and she reached over and picked the snake up.
"Don't touch it," squealed Annika.
"Why, he won't hurt us," said Faith. "I am going to take him home with me."
"Don't," said Gloria. "No one will let you bring it in."
"I don't care," said Faith. "He's cute and I want to keep him."
The girls headed home. Annika and Gloria kept a reasonable distance from Faith and the snake. They arrived at the palace and saw Serenity, Raye and Mina in the garden.
"Annika what happened to you," asked Raye when she saw Annika's wet clothes.
"I fell in the creek," said Annika.
"Well let's get you changed before you catch cold," said Raye picking Annika up and carrying her in doors.
"We saw a snake" said Gloria and Faith pinched her hard. "Ouch!"
"I hope you didn't touch it," said Mina.
"I didn't," said Gloria emphatically.
"Got to go," said Faith and she ran inside toward her quarters. She had managed to hide the snake in her cap and did not want anyone to see it. She got to her quarters and went right to her room. Hope was in there drawing pictures. "Want to see what I got?"
"What do you have," asked Hope looking up from her drawing.
Faith pulled the snake out of her cap. "A snake," she said.
Hope let out a blood-curdling scream. "Get it away from me," she screamed.
"He's cute," said Faith. "And I am going to keep him."
"No you are not," screamed Hope as she jumped up on her bed. "I won't let you keep him. He is yucky."
"You can't tell me what to do," shouted Faith. "I want to keep him."
"Well I don't," screamed Hope.
"What is going on in here," asked Micharu sharply as she came in. "I am trying to give Madelyn a piano lesson right now and this shouting in here needs to stop."
"Look at what Faith brought home Micharu Mama," said Hope tearfully. "She wants to keep it and I am afraid of it."
Micharu looked and saw the snake in Faith's hands. She let out a gasp of fright. "Where did you get this disgusting thing," she demanded as she went over and pulled Hope close to her.
"At the creek," said Faith. "And he is not disgusting. I wan to keep him."
"I'm sorry Faith," said Micharu. "But I agree with Hope on this one. You may not keep him."
"Not fair," yelled Faith.
"Life is not fair," said Micharu.
"What is going on," asked Haruka coming in.
"Look at what our little tomboy brought home," said Micharu.
Haruka looked and saw the snake in Faith's hands. "Where did you get that," she asked.
"At the creek," said Faith. "I want to keep him."
"That's not possible," said Haruka looking at Micharu and Hope. "I'm afraid you are going to have to take him back."
"But," began Faith but Haruka held up her hand and stopped her.
"No," said Haruka. "Now let's go take this thing back to where it belongs."
Faith pouted and followed Haruka out the door.
After taking the snake back to the creek, Haruka and Faith headed home. Faith was still pouting. She wanted to keep the snake.
"Why couldn't I keep it," asked Faith. "It would not have hurt anyone."
"I'm sorry," said Haruka. "But Micharu Mama and Hope would not have been happy with the snake living with us. Not only that but I know there are a large number of people in the palace who would not want the snake there."
"Annika and Gloria did not like it either," said Faith. "I just wanted a pet. The Queen has Luna, Rini has Diana, Daisy has Crescent, and Aunt Mina and Gloria have Artemis. I wanted a pet of my own."
"The cats are there for everyone," said Haruka. "True they belong to someone but they are there to help everyone."
"I know," said Faith sullenly. Something caught her eye. "Look Haruka Papa, a turtle."
Haruka looked and sure enough there was a turtle in the middle of their path. Faith ran over to pick him up. "He's cute," she said.
"I think we can talk Micharu Mama and Hope into letting a turtle stay with us," said Haruka. "Would that be okay with you?"
"Yes," said Faith in delight.
"Well then we had better stop at the pet store and find some things for him," said Haruka and she and Faith headed toward the pet store.
"He is cute," said Hope gazing into the turtle's cage.
"I can deal with him," said Micharu.
"So we can keep him," asked Faith eagerly.
"Yes," said Micharu. "We can keep him."
"Goody," squealed Faith in delight.
"What are you going to name him," asked Haruka.
"How about Prince Charming," suggested Hope.
"Yuck," said Faith making a face. "I am not going to name him a sissy name like that."
"Then what are you going to name him," asked Hope with an offended look on her face.
"Slugger," said Faith. "I like that name."
"That's an interesting name," said Haruka. "We will call him that."
Faith proudly looked at the newest member of the family.
Chapter 8: An Embarrassment
"There's going to be a talent show at school," Hope told Rini in excitement as they walked home from school one day.
"Really," said Rini who was now at Crystal Tokyo Middle School. "Are any of you going to be in it?"
"Yes," said Hope. "I am going to play the piano."
"I am going to sing," said Gloria.
"Great," said Rini. "Anyone else?"
"No way," said Annika shaking her head quickly.
"No one else," said Ariel.
"There is going to be two shows," said Daisy. "One for the kids and one for the parents in the evening."
"I can't wait," said Hope. "I am going to go home and start practicing right away."
The next week was busy. Hope spent every day at the piano practicing the song she was going to do for the talent show. Faith was getting tired of listening to the same song over and over again. She and Hope got into many arguments over it.
"Can't you play something different," begged Faith.
"This is the song I am playing for the talent show," Hope replied. "I have to practice so it will be good."
"You already are good," groaned Faith. "But you are driving me crazy."
"Then get out," said Hope. "I want to keep practicing."
"Fine," grumbled Faith as she stomped out of their quarters.
Hope continued playing. She wanted to do so well for the talent show.
"Don't practice to much now," said Micharu coming in.
"But I want to do good," said Hope.
"And you will," said Micharu sitting down on the bench next to Hope.
"You think so," asked Hope.
"Yes," said Micharu. "You have been playing for two years now. You are very good for a child of your age."
"Thank you," said Hope feeling more confident in herself.
On the day of the talent show Hope found that she was nervous. They were going to perform for the students that day. It was the end of the day so after the talent show everyone was going home. She was glad that Gloria was backstage with her so she could talk with her. Gloria was not nervous at all. She was very excited. Right now they were waiting for their turns.
"Why are you not nervous," asked Hope.
"Mommy told me to look for the people in the audience I know," said Gloria. "Then I will be all right."
Hope decided to try that. When her turn came she looked out in the audience. She looked at the second grade and saw Faith, who gave her the thumbs up. She looked and saw her class with Annika and Ariel sitting together. She next looked at the fourth grade and saw Daisy and Maggie sitting together. Finally she looked at the first grade and saw Madelyn sitting with her friend Kara. Hope was still nervous but she sat down at the piano and began to play. She made a couple of mistakes but she remembered what Micharu mentioned about musicians having to go on despite the mistakes. So she kept playing. When she finished everyone started clapping. Hope was relieved. Unfortunately as she was leaving she tripped over the microphone wires and sprawled on the floor. Hope felt the flame of embarrassment rise up as everyone in the audience began to laugh. She jumped up and ran out off the stage. Instead of going to the room she went outside, too embarrassed to face anyone. Tears fell down her face.
"Hope," said a voice and Hope looked up to see Faith standing there. "My teacher told me I could go and see if you were all right."
"I can't believe I fell over like that," choked Hope as she began to cry hard.
Faith sat down next to her twin and put an arm around her shoulders. "I think you played good," she said. "So what if you fell. Everyone falls down once in a while."
"I don't want to do this for the parents tonight," said Hope. "What if it happens again?"
"Just watch where you are going next time," said Faith. "And it won't."
Hope felt a little better. It was so good to have a twin.
"Hope," called another voice and she looked up to see Annika. "Our teacher sent me to find you. Come on. It is time to go back to our class so we can get ready to go home."
"Okay," said Hope as she got up. Faith was in a different class this year but she was okay with that.
"I had better go back to my class," said Faith. "I'll see you after school."
Hope and Annika went back to the classroom. Hope felt a lot better. It was wonderful having a twin and Annika did not say anything about what happened to her on stage. Maybe things weren't going to be so bad after all.
Chapter 9: Anger
"Then I am going to give her the biggest punch in the nose," said Faith angrily.
"Now Faith," said Hope looking up from her drawing. "You know Micharu Mama and Haruka Papa won't let you do that."
"I know," said Faith as she sat down. "I am just so mad."
"Me too," said Hope as she continued drawing.
"What are you drawing," asked Faith coming over.
Hope held up the paper. "Gloria falling through the ice," she said. "That's what she needs. The same thing to happen to her."
Faith laughed. "I'll push her in myself," she said.
"Girls what are you two talking about," asked Neptune as she and Uranus came in.
"We are going to push Gloria into the icy water," said Faith. "After what she did to poor Annika today she deserves it."
"Yes," said Hope. "We are so mad at her right now."
"You have to forgive Gloria," said Uranus. "What happened was an accident."
"So what," said Faith. "It would not have happened if Gloria had not thrown Annika's hat on the icy lake."
"That's true," said Neptune. "But it was still an accident."
"I don't care," said Hope. "I don't want to talk to her."
"Me either," said Faith. She sat quietly for a minute and then spoke up. "How is Annika?"
"She is going to be fine," said Uranus. "Aunt Raye and Aunt Amy got her out of the wet clothes quickly and into a warm bath."
"Good," said Hope in relief. "Can we go and see her?"
"Of course," said Neptune. "We will all go and see her."
"I want to get her a present," said Hope.
"Me too," said Faith.
"Okay," said Uranus. "We will go to the store first then."
Later on Haruka, Micharu, Hope, and Faith were at Raye's quarters. Hope had gotten Annika a coloring book and Faith had gotten her some new crayons. They knocked on the door and Raye called for them to come in. Raye was sitting on the couch holding Annika tightly. Annika was wrapped in a blanket and was very pale. There were some scratches from the broken ice all over her face and she was still shaking.
"We had to come by and see how Annika was doing," said Haruka.
"Hi Annika," said Hope holding out the coloring book.
"We are so glad you are going to be all right," said Faith as she handed over the crayons.
"What do you say Sweetheart," Raye asked Annika.
"Thank you," said Annika softly.
"You poor thing," said Micharu patting Annika on the head. "You must have been scared to death."
"I was," choked Annika as s tears fell down her face. Raye held the child tightly. Hope and Faith looked at each other grimly. Gloria was going to be sorry for what she did.
"So you will help us," Faith asked Ariel in the playroom later on.
"Of course," said Ariel. "I will help tell the entire second grade what Gloria did."
"Good," said Hope. "Have you been to see Annika?"
"Yes," said Ariel. "I hate Gloria right now."
"We all do," said a voice and Daisy, Maggie and Madelyn came in.
"None of us are going to talk to her," said Maggie.
"What about Rini," asked Faith.
"She is going to talk to Gloria but she will be the only one," said Madelyn.
"Then it's agreed," said Daisy. "The silent treatment begins tomorrow morning."
True to everyone's word none of the girls would speak to Gloria. Faith, Hope and Ariel told the entire second grade what had happened so everyone was staying away from Gloria who was just absolutely miserable. Annika was sick for a couple of days afterwards but when she came back to school she also refused to even look at Gloria. It got to a point so that Gloria was running ahead of everyone else on the way home.
After a few days of the silent treatment Micharu and Haruka came to talk to the twins. "You need to end this silent treatment," said Micharu.
"Why," asked Faith. "Gloria deserves it."
"Yes," said Hope. "What she did was mean."
"It was not right," said Haruka. "But Gloria is very sorry about what had happened and you are all only making her feel worse."
"Annika is not talking to her either," Faith pointed out.
"We know," said Micharu. "And I am glad you two want to support her but hopefully all that will be over with tomorrow."
"How do you know," asked Hope.
"We just do," said Haruka remembering that Pluto was going to talk to Annika today.
"If Annika starts talking to her then so will we," said Faith.
"We would like it if you start talking to her now," said Micharu.
"All right," said Hope reluctantly.
"We'll do it," said Faith with a sigh.
"Good girls," said Haruka. "Now go and get ready for dinner."
The next day Hope and Faith saw that Annika was talking to Gloria again. So the rest of the girls agreed that they would start talking to her too.
Chapter 10: Separated
"Faith," hissed Hope on night. "Please wake up."
"What is it," mumbled Faith waking up.
"I don't feel good," said Hope and she gave a loud cough.
Faith was immediately wide-awake. A respiratory infection was going around the school right now and more than half the kids were out with it. In fact Annika and Madelyn were being kept home by their mothers and home schooled until this was over with. Faith wondered if her sister had it. She got up and went over to Hope's bed.
"Are you all right," she asked.
"No," said Hope. "I am having trouble breathing."
Faith ran out of the room and went into her parents' room. She jumped on Micharu who jolted up with alarm. "Faith what is it," she asked.
"Hope's sick," said Faith.
Micharu got up and pulled on her robe. Haruka had also awakened and pulled on her robe too. They all went into the twins' room and saw that Hope was feeling miserable.
Micharu felt Hope's forehead. "She has a fever," she said. "I am afraid she might have this infection that is going around."
"We had better have Amy check her in the morning," said Haruka.
The next morning it was confirmed. Hope had the infection. Gloria and Madelyn had it too. The other parents decided to take their children to stay with relatives until this was over with. Although Faith protested she went with Daisy, and her parents to see Ken's parents. She wanted to stay near Hope but Micharu and Haruka did not want her around the sickness. So Faith went with Daisy and her family. She missed Hope terribly though and spent most of the time moping around.
"Come on Faith," said Daisy. "Let's play a game or something."
"I don't want to," said Faith.
"All you do is mope around," said Daisy.
"Leave her alone Daisy," said Crescent. "She misses her sister right now. They have never been apart before."
"All right," said Daisy. "If you want to play with us come and find us."
"Okay," said Faith and she continued to gaze out the window. She could not stop missing Hope.
"Faith," said Lita as she came in. "Are you okay?"
"No," said Faith as tears fell down her face. "I want Hope."
"I know you miss your sister right now," said Lita as she put her arm around Faith. "But you do not want to get sick too."
"No I don't," said Faith. "I am just so use to having her with me all the time."
"Well you are twins," said Lita. "You two have always been together from the day you were born. You are not used to being away from her."
"I miss her," said Faith.
"You will see her when she gets better," said Lita. "I promise."
"Okay," said Faith. "Aunt Lita can I ask you a favor?"
"Of course," said Lita.
"Please don't tell anyone I was crying," said Faith. "I don't want anyone to know."
"My lips are sealed," said Lita with a laugh. "Your secret is safe with me.'
At the palace Haruka and Micharu took turns staying by Hope's side. Amy had set up a hospital room so that she could take care of all three girls together.
"Micharu Mama," said Hope. "Where is Faith?"
"We told you," said Micharu as she held a cool cloth to Hope's head. "We did not want her to get sick so she is with Daisy and her family."
"I want Faith," said Hope.
"I know you do," said Micharu. "I miss her too but until you get better we are not going to be able to see her."
Hope felt tears fall down her face. She really missed Faith right now. Micharu placed a comforting hand on Hope's shoulder. She looked over at Mina who was helping Gloria get a drink of water. Mina saw the look on Micharu's face and smiled sympathetically.
"They have never been apart before have they," she asked.
"No I am afraid not," said Micharu. "I cannot wait until this is over with so that Faith can come home."
"I can't wait either," said Mina as she placed a cool cloth on Gloria's head. "This has not been an easy ordeal for anyone."
"It will be over soon," said Haruka coming in. "The kids throughout the city are getting better. There have been no more reported cases."
"That is good to hear," said Micharu in relief. "Maybe this will be over with in a couple of days."
In a few days Hope, Gloria, and Madelyn were all better and the rest of the Scouts, Knights and the children returned to the palace. Faith came back and was overjoyed to see her sister again. She ran over and jumped on the bed. The two girls hugged tightly.
"I missed you," said Faith.
"I missed you too," said Hope. "Let's never be apart again."
"Never," said Faith and the two girls hugged each other. Haruka and Micharu watched with smiles on their faces. It was good to be together again.
Chapter 11: Party
"I don't want to put that on," said Faith stubbornly.
"I am sorry Faith but you have too," said Micharu in a tired voice. "As a princess of Uranus you are expected to be there and you have to wear your princess dress."
"Haruka wears a tuxedo," argued Faith. "Why can't I wear one."
"When you are an adult you can," said Micharu. "But for right now you have to wear this."
Faith grumbled and put her yellow princess dress on. Tonight was both Neo-Queen Serenity and Rini's birthdays so there was going to be a huge celebration. Since Rini was fourteen she was no longer having a kiddy party. Many teenagers from her school were going to be there. Faith and Hope both knew this was going to be a boring party.
'Maybe Gloria will do something," said Hope.
"You can always count on her to make things interesting," said Faith.
"You two like it when she gets in trouble," asked Haruka.
"No," said Hope.
"We just like what she does that gets her into trouble," said Faith.
"Just don't do the same thing she does," begged Micharu.
"We won't," said Hope and Faith nodded.
"Good," said Haruka. "Now let's go."
Everyone left for the party.
As usual the party was boring. Rini had a lot of friends there and they were all dancing with the adults. Hope and Faith went and found Gloria and Annika.
"This is so boring," said Hope.
"Don't worry," said Gloria. "I've got some ideas that will make it more interesting."
"What have you got," asked Faith eagerly.
Gloria leaned over and whispered to the three girls her ideas.
"I don't know," said Annika doubtfully. "We could get into a lot of trouble."
"I think it's funny," said Faith.
"Me too," said Hope. "Let's do it."
"Come on Annika," said Gloria. "It will be funny."
"All right," said Annika reluctantly gave in.
The four girls spread out around the one of food tables. The each had a safety pin that Gloria had provided. Carefully they each safety pinned the tablecloth to other people's clothing. No one noticed. The four girls quickly ran back to each other and watched carefully.
"I wish I had a video camera," said Faith. "This will be so funny."
"Come on someone move," said Gloria.
As if on cue a couple of the people moved. Without any warning the tablecloth came off and the food went on the floor. The other people who were pinned fell over. It was just too funny. The four girls started laughing.
"Gloria," said Mina fiercely coming over. "I know you had something to do with this."
"Someone has to cause trouble," said Gloria.
"You are grounded for two weeks," said Mina as she dragged Gloria away.
"Annika," said Raye in a stern voice.
Annika's lower lip quivered. "I'm sorry," she wailed. "It was just a joke."
"Not a very funny one," said Raye. "You may sit in that chair over there until the party is over. I have told you dozens of times not to do something wrong just because someone else wants you too. We will discuss the rest of your punishment when we get back to our quarters."
Sniffling Annika went over to the chair and sat down. Raye followed her over there lecturing her.
Haruka and Micharu came over. "What did we tell you both tonight," asked Haruka angrily.
"Not to do what Gloria does," said Faith.
"But we did anyway," said Hope in an ashamed voice.
"There is a chair for each of you to sit in until the party is over," said Micharu. "Go now and when this is over we will talk about the rest of your punishment."
The four girls were each grounded from certain privileges for two weeks and all the parents made them write a note of apology to the King, Queen and Rini for messing up the party. During recess one day Hope, Faith and Annika made a pact that they would not do anything with Gloria at parties again. From now on if she wanted to stir things up she can do it by herself.
Chapter 12: The Symbols of Neptune and Uranus
"The sea is getting restless," Micharu told Haruka one night after the girls had gone to bed.
"So is the wind," said Haruka.
"It will be time to tell the twins of their destinies soon," said Micharu. "But are they ready?"
"They are good and strong girls," said Haruka. "They can handle it."
"I hope so," said Micharu. "They are only little girls though."
"Look at how old Small Lady and Hotaru were when they became Sailor Scouts," Haruka pointed out. "They will do fine."
Micharu smiled as she got up. She went into the twins' room to look in on them. Both girls were asleep. Hope had climbed into Faith's bed again. Micharu went over and lifted Hope up and carried her to her bed. As she was tucking Hope in she noticed a glow on her forehead. Micharu pushed Hope's hair off of her face and saw that the glow was the symbol of Neptune. She went over to Faith and lifted her hair off of her forehead. There was the symbol of Uranus. The time was near.
"So we will tell them together," said Neptune.
"Yes," said Uranus. "They have always done everything together. They should find out about this together."
There had been a meeting among the Scouts and the Queen that day. All of the Scouts had reported seeing their symbols on their daughters' foreheads. It was time to awaken them. Luna provided the transformation sticks and Rini was informed that she would be the leader of the Chibi Scouts. It was a very intense time for everyone. All of the Scouts had their doubts about their daughters being Sailor Scouts but they knew it was destiny and they could not run from that.
"We will have good scouts in our family," said Uranus. "You just wait and see."
Neptune nodded her head as she and Uranus walked into their quarters to tell twins of the news.
The End.