Hi Everyone! Here is part six to our "I Don't Exist" series. Thanks everyone to the rave reviews we have gotten. A couple of people have asked if we are going to do one for Rini. The answer is probably no because Rini's story covered over a period of many years when we did hers. I know we jumped into the future for Faith but hers only covered about one other time period. Rini's covered many more.
Disclaimer: We do not own Sailor Moon. Angel Raye owns the Chibi Scouts except for Rini.
I Don't Exist
By
Angel Raye and Wonderful Miracle
It was after supper one night and everyone had gathered into the palace living room. Ariel was reciting a poem she had to memorize for her gifted class. She had everyone's undivided attention.
Madelyn sat and listened to her best friend. It was amazing how one so young could be so advanced. At least that is what Hotaru said all the time.
Ariel finished and everyone applauded for her. "Wonderful Darling," Amy hugged her daughter. "You really worked hard."
"Thank you Mommy," Ariel returned to the hug.
"Okay kids," Lita called. "You all have a little while left to play before we all go back to our quarters for various bedtimes. Go and play."
The children took off. Annika, Gloria and the twins took off in one direction. Maggie and Daisy headed toward the gym. That left Madelyn and Ariel to find something to do.
"Let's go to the palace library," Ariel suggested.
Madelyn sighed, "Okay." The library wasn't her first choice but she could deal with it. "You did really good with that poem."
"Thank you," Ariel blushed a little. Madelyn smiled. Like all of the other children she got a chance to see what life would be like if she had never been born. In that reality Hotaru had died while giving birth to another child, Terri. Anthony, grief-stricken over the loss of his wife sent Terri to live with Michiru and Haruka. Little Ariel could not handle the pressure of being advanced two grades and had completely withdrawn to where she only said a few words. Annika was deaf as the result of the ice accident because Madelyn had not been there to pull her out of the water. Madelyn realized that she was important.
"I just wish I could help everyone over there," Madelyn thought to herself.
A wave of dizziness overcame her. She fell to the floor. When the dizziness passed she saw that Ariel was not there.
"Where am I?" Madelyn questioned aloud scared by her change in surroundings.
"Hello little one are you lost?" Setsuna questioned coming from another hallway
"Auntie Setsuna you're here" Madelyn shouted as she lunged for her aunt.
"Whoa what's going on here I have no idea who you are" Setsuna said as she carefully extracted Madelyn from her.
"I'm Madelyn and my parents are Anthony and Hotaru and..." Madelyn cut off as she started crying again
"Shhhh hold on let me take you to Amy" Setsuna suggested as she picked up the crying child
"So that little child in there is claiming to be Anthony's daughter" Amy questioned as she and Setsuna sat down to tea
"That is what she said when I found her in the hallway outside his and Hotaru's old quarters" Setsuna replied calmly
"This seems so impossible to believe but I did manage to get a sample of her blood and am now running it through tests to find out if what she says is true" Amy stated
"I don't know how Anthony will handle this kind of news," Setsuna said worriedly
"I know after Hotaru died he cut himself off from all contact with Terri and has been a recluse" Ami commented
"Well we need to get those test results first and then worry about the consequences later" Setsuna sighed
"I know and until then I'll keep my eye on that little girl" Amy said as she nodded toward the couch Madelyn was laying on sound asleep.
Madelyn woke up and saw Amy sitting by her. "Aunt Amy," she moaned.
"Hush little one," Amy told her as she helped Madelyn to a sitting position. She held a glass of water to Madelyn's lips so she could take a sip. "I just ran some tests and what you say is true. You are Hotaru and Anthony's daughter from another dimension."
"I want my mama," Madelyn choked.
Amy ran a hand through Madelyn's hair. "There is something I need to tell you," she whispered. She quietly explained that Hotaru was dead and Anthony was a recluse.
"Where will I stay," asked Madelyn.
"I talked to Lita and Ken and they will be letting you stay with them," Amy told her. "If you are from another dimension then you know everyone here."
"I do," Madelyn said sadly.
"Mommy," Ariel called running into the room.
"What is it Ariel," Amy turned to her child.
Ariel pointed to her stomach. "Ariel please talk to Mommy," Amy begged but Ariel only shook her head and kept on pointing to her stomach. She then saw Madelyn and pointed to her. "This is Madelyn," Amy explained. "She is from another dimension. She will be staying with Aunt Lita until we can find a way to send her back."
"Hi Ariel," Madelyn climbed down off the couch. "In my reality you and I are best friends."
"How wonderful," Amy cried. "Isn't that wonderful Ariel."
"NO," shouted Ariel burying her head in Amy's shoulder.
"Oh Ariel when are you going to break out of this shell," Amy asked as she gathered Ariel into her arms. Madelyn just watched sadly.
"Thank you for letting me stay with you," Madelyn whispered as Lita led her into her quarters.
"It's no problem," Lita smiled. "I just hope you will be comfortable with us."
"Mom," called Daisy as she came out of her room. "Is this Madelyn?"
"Yes it is," Lita replied. She leaned over and whispered in Daisy's ear. "She is very upset and scared right now so be gentle."
"I will," Daisy replied as she hugged Lita. She took Madelyn's hand. "Come on. We can play a game before dinner."
"Aunt Lita can I visit Terri tomorrow afternoon?" Madelyn asked as they were cleaning up the dinner plates
"Of course you may but I must warn you that she may say things you don't want to hear" Lita stated
"I know but I just want to meet her" Madelyn replied
"Then go for it. I'm sure Michiru and Haruka would be glad for you to come play" Lita sighed
"Mom can Madelyn and I go to my room now?" Daisy asked
"Sure but bedtime is in 1 hour" Lita reminded them
"So what do you do over in your dimension?" Daisy asked as they sat down on her bed
"I do pretty much what you do here except some things are different" Madelyn commented
"Like what?" Daisy questioned
"Mom is alive in my dimension and Ariel and I are best friends" Madelyn stated
"That must be nice to hear Ariel talk" Daisy sighed
"It's weird not having her to talk with" Madelyn whined
"Girls time to wash up and get ready for bed" Lita called from the living room
"Tomorrow I will tell you more" Madelyn promised
"Great" Daisy replied happily.
"What do you mean," Anthony demanded.
"There is a child from another dimension who is yours and Hotaru's daughter," Amy replied patiently. "She is the spitting image of Hotaru and her DNA confirms it."
"Send her back to where she came from," Anthony ordered. "I do not need any more reminders of Hotaru."
"It has been four years Anthony," Amy pointed out. "You cannot shut yourself out forever."
"Don't try to act like the psychiatrist now," Anthony snapped. "You don't know what I go through. I don't want to see her or Terri and that is final."
"Twice a week I have a session with Terri," Amy told him. "She thinks you hate her."
"Please leave," Anthony ordered in an icy voice. Amy gave a sigh and left.
"Poor little Terri," Amy thought to herself.
Madelyn was relieved it was Saturday. She was not looking forward to going to school in this dimension. She was hoping she could talk someone into home schooling her while she was here.
"Come on," Lita took Madelyn's hand. "We will go and see Terri."
"Thank you," Madelyn replied shyly. She and Lita headed toward Michiru and Haruka's quarters. On the way they passed Raye and Annika.
"Hi Lita, hi Madelyn," Raye said.
"Hi Raye," Lita replied and then she stooped to Annika's level to make eye contact. "Hi Annika."
Annika smiled and signed hi back. "I'm afraid she will only use her vocal cords with me, Chad and Amy," Raye explained. She looked at Madelyn and asked, "Did she fall through icy water in your dimension?"
"Yes," Madelyn replied. "But I was the one who got her out and the ice did not break with me. She did not lose her hearing."
"That's good," Raye sighed. "Amy is still looking into possible surgery to restore her hearing but we still don't know."
"We had better be going," Lita said. She and Madelyn said goodbye and kept going.
"Hi Madelyn" Michiru said opening the door for them
"Hi" Madelyn said shyly
"Well you two come on in and join us" Haruka stated from the floor
"Yeah Haruka-papa and I are putting together this model car" Faith shouted
"She can come play with me and Terri" Hope offered from the other side of the room
"I think I'll join Hope and Terri" Madelyn replied running over to them
"She is shy just like Hotaru was" Michiru said as she sat back down on the couch
"I've noticed that a lot" Lita replied
"I think I may ask her some questions once she feels comfortable here" Michiru sighed
"Who are your friends in your dimension?" Terri questioned
"Ariel is my best friend but I also play with Hope and Annika some" Madelyn replied
"Do you miss our mom?" Terri asked shyly
"Yes I really miss her right now," Madelyn cried
"I miss her too but you get to see her and I only have a few pictures of her" Terri stated sadly
"It really must be hard with dad out of the picture" Madelyn wondered aloud
"He hates me," Terri said
"I doubt that Terri but it probably is just hard for him" Hope offered trying to comfort her friend
"Sorry girls but it's time we got going" Lita stated
"Bye Hope, Faith, and Terri I will see you soon" Madelyn called out
"Bye" Everyone said.
That night after dinner everyone was relaxing in the palace living room. Ariel was clinging to Amy, refusing to get up and play. Annika was communicating via sign language with Raye, Chad and Amy acting as translators.
"Is Daddy going to come and see me," asked Terri.
"I have tried to get him over here little one but he won't listen, Endymion replied.
"He hates me," Terri screamed as she burst into tears. Michiru picked the child up and began trying to comfort her.
"He was not happy to hear about Madelyn," Amy murmured as she gazed down at Ariel. Madelyn walked over to her.
"Do you want to come and play Ariel," she asked.
"Come on Darling why don't you," Amy coaxed. "It would be fun."
Ariel only shook her head. She began making hand gestures. "Ariel please talk to Mommy," Amy begged. Ariel began to shake as tears rolled down her face. "I can't understand," Amy cried. "I have been able to help all the children here. Why can't I help my own child?"
"Maybe she needs outside help Amy," Greg softly replied.
"That will be a last resort," Amy declared as she began to rock Ariel gently.
Madelyn could not take it anymore. In tears she ran out of the room.
"Madelyn," Lita found the child outside. "Are you okay Sweetie?"
"I want to go home," Madelyn cried. "I miss Mama. Everything is so different here."
"We'll figure out a way to get you home," Lita promised as she picked the child up. "I know it is heartbreaking to see Ariel this way. She was such a verbal child when she was younger. I guess she couldn't handle the stress of being skipped two grades. We thought that at first she would be fine because of Annika. Unfortunately when Annika lost her hearing as the result of her accident last year she had to go to a special school. That was when Ariel completely withdrew from us."
"I was hoping I could help Ariel here but I can't," sobbed Madelyn.
"You are just a child," Lita told her. "There's not too much you can do."
Madelyn just sighed as she rested her head on Lita's shoulder.
"Hey Madelyn" Maggie called out the next day
"Hi Maggie" Madelyn replied
"Would you like to go with Annika and I to visit Ariel today?" Maggie questioned
"Sure but I don't know how to sign" Madelyn stated
"That's okay I've been learning some stuff from Aunt Raye and Annika can read lips so it will be okay" Maggie assured her
"Okay it would be nice to play with friends" Madelyn sighed
"Hello girls come in" Amy welcomed them as they arrived at her quarters
"Is Ariel in her room?" Maggie asked
"Yes" Amy sighed
"I thought we might could try and cheer her up" Madelyn offered
"Well it couldn't hurt to try while Annika and I have a quick session" Amy told them
"Ariel it's me and Madelyn may we come in" Maggie asked outside her door
"Unnn" Ariel cried from inside
"That means okay" Maggie told Madelyn
"Hi Ariel I like your room" Madelyn stated as she entered
"Her mom and dad have tried to make it feel so comfortable for her" Maggie supplied
"Is that a new game?" Madelyn questioned pointing at a box on her bed
"Yes" Ariel replied quietly
"Could we play it?" Maggie asked and Ariel nodded her head
"This sort of reminds me of home" Madelyn whispered
"Huh?" Ariel whispered in reply
"Back home you and I are the best of friends and we always play together" Madelyn supplied
"I bet you have fun" Maggie giggled
"Yep and we spend the night together once in a while," Madelyn said and Ariel smiled.
"Sounds like you have fun over there Ariel," Maggie stated. Ariel only nodded her head.
"Well it's been a while since I have seen that pretty smile," Greg remarked as he came into the room. Ariel blushed and held out her arms for Greg to pick her up.
"Madelyn was just telling us what fun she and Ariel have in her dimension," Maggie explained.
"I wish she could be like that here," Greg murmured as Ariel rested her head on his shoulder.
"So do I," Amy sighed as she came in with Annika. She knelt down in front of Annika. "Keep practicing like I showed you okay?" Annika signed back and then hugged her. Amy stood up and held out her arms to Ariel who went right into them. "Do I see a smile on that face?"
"You sure do," Greg replied.
"I am so glad," Amy hugged Ariel tightly.
"Can I come back tomorrow," Madelyn asked nervously.
"I don't see why not," Amy looked at Ariel. "Would you like that Darling?" Ariel nodded her head.
"That's a good sign," Greg whispered.
"Good job," Maggie stated as she, Madelyn and Annika left.
"Really," Madelyn asked.
"Yes," Maggie replied. "Ariel has not smiled in a long time."
Annika in frustration gestured to Maggie. "Sorry Annika," Maggie looked at her. "I was just telling Madelyn that Ariel has not smiled in a long time." Annika nodded her head in agreement.
"I am glad I could help a little," Madelyn whispered. Annika smiled and patted Madelyn's arm.
"What do you want?" Anthony demanded as he watched Setsuna appear before him
"I came to request your presence before the queen and king tonight at 7 PM sharp" Setsuna stated coldly
"Jeez so they've relegated you to messenger now Sets" Anthony laughed harshly
"You wish but they thought I would be the best suited for the job" Setsuna snapped as she disappeared again
"What do those stuck up people want now" Anthony sighed as he looked through his closet for something to wear
"Do you really think this will work?" Madelyn asked worriedly.
"Well at least we are going to try" Terri replied.
"You girls ready to go" Michiru asked
"Yes ma'am" They both replied happily
"I hope this works for all of our sakes" Setsuna whispered as she followed them toward the ballroom
"Okay now that I'm here what is the big deal" Anthony demanded as he stood before Serenity.
"That is no way to speak to the queen" Raye said through gritted teeth
"It's okay Raye. We have asked you here tonight so that you might see something" Serenity stated motioning for the doors to be opened
"What the..." Anthony stopped as he watched his daughter and someone new enter the ballroom
"Anthony I would like you to meet Madelyn" Haruka stated
"You've tricked me," Anthony yelled furiously
"We had to or you would have never met her or even spoke to Terri" Haruka snapped
"There are good reasons for that" Anthony shot back
"Daddy don't you love me" Terri wailed as she ran into Michiru's arms
"This is not the daddy I know" Madelyn cried as she buried her head in Setsuna's arms
"Anthony you are a poor excuse for a father and you should be ashamed of yourself" Mina stated trying to control her temper
"You are all so lucky that you have complete families," Anthony shouted trying to get out of the room
"By the order of the queen you will stop this instant" Serenity snapped finally tired of all this
"What I want to see is that you at least try and get to know them both" Endymion said quietly
"I need time to think" Anthony sighed
"Fine you have two days to come up with an answer" Serenity stated.
That night Lita was putting Madelyn to bed. Madelyn was very upset. "Are you all right Madelyn," Lita asked in concern.
"No," Madelyn wailed. "I miss my mama and Daddy is so different here. Where I am from Daddy is so kind. He loves me and spends a lot of time with me."
"In this reality Anthony is very heart broken over the death of his wife," Lita explained as she pulled Madelyn into her arms. "We are hoping that one day he will come around but it hasn't happened yet."
Madelyn sat in Lita's arms until she fell asleep, completely exhausted by the day's events.
"Mommy," Ariel muttered.
"What is it Darling," Amy asked as she gently rocked Ariel in the rocking chair.
Ariel replied in a soft whisper so Amy could not hear her. "Speak up Darling I can't hear you."
"Can Madelyn come and play tomorrow," asked Ariel in a soft voice.
Amy felt a tear prickle in her eye. "Of course Darling," she replied. As Ariel fell asleep Amy cried for joy. Progress at last.
"Really," Lita asked in excitement the next day.
"Yes," Amy was crying. "She actually asked for someone to play with her and she spoke. Ariel spoke softly but it was step up from what we had."
"I am so happy for you Amy," Lita told her friend. She turned to Madelyn. "You are doing a good thing here."
Madelyn blushed feeling a little better than she had.
"Come in Madelyn" Amy greeted Madelyn happily the next day
"I understand Ariel was asking for me last night?" Madelyn questioned
"Yes and she is waiting for you in her room" Amy said as she led Madelyn in that direction and said "Thank you"
"Your welcome" Madelyn smiled back as she walked into the room
"Hi" Ariel whispered from her position on the bed
"Hi I brought a puzzle for us today" Madelyn said laying the puzzle on the tray beside her bed
"Cat puzzle?" Ariel questioned
"Yes you like cats alot back at home and that's why I brought this for you" Madelyn replied
"Thank you" Ariel said as she pulled the tray up on to the bed
"Your welcome" Madelyn smiled happily
"So I see the change" Lita whispered as she turned away from the door
"Yes I just can't believe it and nither can Greg" Amy cried happily
"Madelyn has brought about at least one happy change here" Lita sighed
"Maybe something will work out with Anthony" Amy told her
"Who knows maybe by tomorrow things will be better" Lita stated
"We shall see" Amy sighed worriedly not looking forward to what might happen.
"What do you want," Anthony asked coldly as Chad and Greg came in.
"We think you should come and see Terri," Greg replied.
"That child needs her father," Chad added. "I could never imagine giving Annika to someone else to raise."
"I couldn't give Ariel up either," Greg supplied.
"I cannot see her," Anthony yelled. "She reminds me to much of Hotaru and now there is a child here who looks exactly like Hotaru."
"I know this is hard for you," Chad told him. "But both of these girls are very much alone now. You need to go and see them."
"You two still have your wives," Anthony pointed out.
"We do but we both have children with problems," Greg shot out. "They need us as much as Terri needs you."
"Get out," Anthony ordered. "Just get out and mind your own business."
Chad and Greg both left. "We tried," said Chad and Greg nodded his head in agreement.
"Is that so," Amy asked Madelyn.
"Yes," Madelyn replied. "Moonbeam is Ariel's cat in my dimension."
"Moonbeam is still living with Serenity here," Amy pointed out. "Annika has Stardust but poor Moonbeam does not have a home. Haruka and Michiru feel they have enough with three children, Raye already has Stardust and Lita has Crescent. Mina has Artemis and with Setsuna at the Gates of Time she can't take a cat."
"Why don't you give Moonbeam to Ariel," Madelyn suggested.
"Maybe it will help her," Amy mused. "I'll go and talk to Serenity."
"What can I do for you Amy?" Serenity asked as she greeted her close friend
"I was wondering what you would think if I took Moonbeam to visit Ariel" Ami replied
"I would say that would be a good idea and would wonder if you might want to keep Moonbeam" Serenity wondered aloud
"Well I would need to see Ariel's reaction first but I might be willing to allow the cat to stay if Ariel wants to" Amy supplied
"Moonbeam come in here for a moment please" Serenity called into the other room
"Yes your majesty" Moonbeam said
"You will go with Amy to her quarters and visit with her daughter" Serenity said to the cat
"Okay" Moonbeam sighed
"Jump up on my shoulder" Amy offered as she crouched down
"Talk with you soon" Serenity called after them as they left
"Ariel I have someone here who would like to meet you" Amy said as she knocked softly on Ariel's door
"Okay" Ariel whispered from inside the room
"You remember how Rini's cat had kittens a while back well this little one is Moonbeam" Amy said as she sat down on the bed next to her daughter.
"Pleased to meet you Ariel" Moonbeam said
"Hello" Ariel stated softly
"Your friend Madelyn suggested that you might would like to have Moonbeam as a pet" Amy commented
"Maybe" Ariel sighed
"Well why don't we allow Moonbeam to stay with us for a few days and then we can decide" Amy suggested
"Okay" Ariel cried happily
"I think I'm going like it here" Moonbeam stated.
"You can protest all you want Anthony but you are coming with me to see Terri and Madelyn," Sailor Pluto stated firmly.
"And how are you going to get me there," asked Anthony.
"Glad you asked," Sailor Pluto replied. She held up her orb and it began to glow. Anthony found himself surrounded by white light. When the light was gone Anthony found he was back at the palace.
"You tricked me," he shouted in rage.
"I'm sorry but there was no other way," Sailor Pluto replied. "Come with me please." Anthony reluctantly followed her to Amy's office. Amy was in there with Terri and Madelyn.
"Please sit down Anthony," Amy directed coolly.
"Why was I brought here," Anthony asked as he sat down.
"It's time you took some responsibility here," Amy replied. She looked at Terri who was sitting on her lap. "Tell Daddy what you have told me."
Terri looked scared. The four-year-old gazed at Amy and then at Anthony. "I think you hate me," she told him.
"I don't hate you," Anthony replied. "You just remind me to much of Hotaru. It is painful for me."
"But that's not my fault," screamed Terri as she buried her head in Amy's shoulder.
"It's okay Sweetie," Amy soothed as she rubbed Terri's back. She turned to Madelyn. "Now you tell him what he is like in your reality."
Madelyn drew in a sharp breath. "Mama is still alive in my reality," she told him. "You love me and spend a lot of time with me. I think if something happened to Mama then you would still raise me."
"What do you think Hotaru would want you to do now," asked Amy.
"I don't know," Anthony admitted.
"I know," Amy supplied. "She would want you to go on with your life and she would want you to be there for your daughter."
"I guess she would," Anthony whispered.
Amy stood up. "I want you to think about what you heard today," she ordered. She picked Terri up. "This little girl needs you and Madelyn here has told you what a wonderful father you can be. Please think about what was said here today."
Anthony left the office with a lot on his mind.
"Can Madelyn come over to my quarters for a bit?" Terri asked once Anthony had left
"Sure but only for an hour" Amy agreed
"Thanks," the girls shouted as the ran out the door
"Do you think dad will change his mind?" Terri questioned once they had settled on the living room floor with a game
"Who knows but hopefully something I said got through" Madelyn sighed
"It would be nice although I love living here" Terri mused as she picked up her game piece
"We would miss you if you left" Hope stated
"I would miss you too but it might be fun to live with dad too" Terri said
"He is really nice to me back home so maybe he can be that way here in time," Madelyn said
"Would you three quit yapping and play the game" Faith complained
"Sorry Faith I just guess I am to distracted" Madelyn said as she picked up the dice
"No problem" Faith replied.
Amy arrived in her quarters and headed right toward Ariel's room. She paused outside the door. She heard Ariel talking to Moonbeam.
"I am so glad you are here," Ariel was saying. "I hope Mommy lets you stay here."
"I would like to stay here too," Moonbeam replied.
"I think we can arrange that," Amy came into the room.
"Mommy," Ariel squealed as she jumped into Amy's arms.
"I heard you chatting away," Amy hugged her little girl. "It is so nice to hear that again."
"Moonbeam and I have been talking all afternoon," Ariel whispered as she rested her head on Amy's shoulder.
"I am so glad," Amy choked as a tear rolled down her face. "Moonbeam would you like to live with us?"
"I would like that very much," Moonbeam replied.
"I think you will be a big help to my little Ariel here," Amy told him. "She has said more words this afternoon than she has in a long time."
"I can't take all of the credit," Moonbeam pointed out.
"No there is someone else I need to thank," Amy agreed.
"I am so glad you came to us," Amy told Madelyn in Lita's quarters later. "You have been a big help to Ariel. I hope she will start to come out of her shell."
"I hope so too," Madelyn replied. "Do you think Daddy will come around?"
"Let's hope so," Amy sighed.
"Hello?" Anthony called as he entered Amy's outer office
"Hello" Madelyn replied back
"I decided that I might as well come visit" Anthony shrugged as he sat down
"Cool! Terri and I were just playing in the other room I'll go get her" Madelyn exclaimed as she ran from the room
"Daddy" Terri cried as she came into the room
"I was wondering if I could interest you girls in a walk outside" Anthony said
"Okay!" They both exclaimed as the ran to get their coats
"Daddy are you gonna come visit more often?" Terri questioned
"Yes sweetheart I think I need to" Anthony replied
"You will make a great father" Madelyn stated
"I hope so Madelyn and thank you for making me see that" Anthony sighed
"Your welcome" Madelyn said happily
"Well I see you've made some really nice improvements" A voice called out as Madelyn entered Amy's quarters
"Shelbi your here, is it time for me to go home?" Madelyn questioned
"Yes dear one you have done everything you needed to do" Shelbi stated
"Will everything turn out alright?" Madelyn questioned
"Yes but if you need to say any good-byes you better go now" Shelbi told her
"Okay thanks" Madelyn cried as she raced off toward Maggie's quarters
"Hi Madelyn" Gary greeted as he opened the doors
"Is Maggie here?" Madelyn questioned
"Yes she and her mother are in the other room" Gary offered
"Thanks" Madelyn said
"Well hello there" Setsuna said
"I came to tell you I have to return home" Madelyn stated
"You have done a really good job here" Setsuna told her
"Thank you both for everything" Madelyn said as she gave Setsuna and then Maggie a hug
"Your welcome" Maggie said returning the hug
"Give your mom a hug for me" Setsuna said near tears
"I will" Madelyn called over her shoulder as she went off in search of Ariel.
"I am here to say goodbye," Madelyn told Amy.
"I am glad you came by," Amy replied as she hugged Madelyn. "I know Ariel has a long way to go but you have helped bring her out more."
"I was glad to help," Madelyn whispered. She went into Ariel's room. Annika was in there with her.
"Hi Madelyn," Ariel called.
"Hi," Madelyn went over to her. "I came to say good bye."
"You have to go," wailed Ariel. "I wish you didn't have too."
"I'll miss you too," Madelyn replied. "But I think you will be fine."
Ariel just cried and hugged Madelyn. Amy came in and picked Ariel up. "It's okay Darling,' she assured Ariel. "You will be fine."
"I know," choked Ariel. "I'll never forget you."
"I won't forget you either," Madelyn promised. She waved good-bye to Annika. Annika grabbed her arm.
"Good-bye Madelyn," she said in a flat voice.
"Well how about that," Amy whispered.
"Good-bye Annika," Madelyn replied.
"Thanks for letting me stay with you," Madelyn told Lita.
"I was glad to have you," Lita replied as she hugged Madelyn. "Take care of yourself."
"I will," Madelyn called as she headed to her and Shelbi's designated meeting place.
"MADELYN where are you hiding" Hotaru shouted as she came around from behind the couch
"MOM!" Madelyn exclaimed as she threw herslef into her mother's arms
"Oh Mady you had me so worried" Hotaru cried as she wrapped her arms around her daughter
"I'm sorry mommy but I was transported back to that time I told you about and I did make things better" Madelyn sobbed as she cuddled close to her mom
"Oh sweetie I know that must have been scary" Hotaru crooned as she tried to calm her down
"DADDY" Madelyn shouted as she scrambled from her mother's arms
"Mady what's wrong?" Anthony questioned worriedly
"I'm just so happy to see you" Madelyn said hugging him tightly
"Me too sweetie but I think Ariel had wanted you to play" Anthony said stepping aside to let Ariel into the room
"Ariel let's go to my room" Madelyn suggested
"Okay cool" Ariel replied
"I'm just glad you are back I would miss you" Ariel sighed
"I missed you too even though I wasn't gone that long" Madelyn said
"No matter how long your gone you will always miss people" Ariel stated
"Of course but it is good to be home with friends and family that I love" Madelyn replied happily
Disclaimer: We do not own Sailor Moon. Angel Raye owns the Chibi Scouts except for Rini.
I Don't Exist
By
Angel Raye and Wonderful Miracle
It was after supper one night and everyone had gathered into the palace living room. Ariel was reciting a poem she had to memorize for her gifted class. She had everyone's undivided attention.
Madelyn sat and listened to her best friend. It was amazing how one so young could be so advanced. At least that is what Hotaru said all the time.
Ariel finished and everyone applauded for her. "Wonderful Darling," Amy hugged her daughter. "You really worked hard."
"Thank you Mommy," Ariel returned to the hug.
"Okay kids," Lita called. "You all have a little while left to play before we all go back to our quarters for various bedtimes. Go and play."
The children took off. Annika, Gloria and the twins took off in one direction. Maggie and Daisy headed toward the gym. That left Madelyn and Ariel to find something to do.
"Let's go to the palace library," Ariel suggested.
Madelyn sighed, "Okay." The library wasn't her first choice but she could deal with it. "You did really good with that poem."
"Thank you," Ariel blushed a little. Madelyn smiled. Like all of the other children she got a chance to see what life would be like if she had never been born. In that reality Hotaru had died while giving birth to another child, Terri. Anthony, grief-stricken over the loss of his wife sent Terri to live with Michiru and Haruka. Little Ariel could not handle the pressure of being advanced two grades and had completely withdrawn to where she only said a few words. Annika was deaf as the result of the ice accident because Madelyn had not been there to pull her out of the water. Madelyn realized that she was important.
"I just wish I could help everyone over there," Madelyn thought to herself.
A wave of dizziness overcame her. She fell to the floor. When the dizziness passed she saw that Ariel was not there.
"Where am I?" Madelyn questioned aloud scared by her change in surroundings.
"Hello little one are you lost?" Setsuna questioned coming from another hallway
"Auntie Setsuna you're here" Madelyn shouted as she lunged for her aunt.
"Whoa what's going on here I have no idea who you are" Setsuna said as she carefully extracted Madelyn from her.
"I'm Madelyn and my parents are Anthony and Hotaru and..." Madelyn cut off as she started crying again
"Shhhh hold on let me take you to Amy" Setsuna suggested as she picked up the crying child
"So that little child in there is claiming to be Anthony's daughter" Amy questioned as she and Setsuna sat down to tea
"That is what she said when I found her in the hallway outside his and Hotaru's old quarters" Setsuna replied calmly
"This seems so impossible to believe but I did manage to get a sample of her blood and am now running it through tests to find out if what she says is true" Amy stated
"I don't know how Anthony will handle this kind of news," Setsuna said worriedly
"I know after Hotaru died he cut himself off from all contact with Terri and has been a recluse" Ami commented
"Well we need to get those test results first and then worry about the consequences later" Setsuna sighed
"I know and until then I'll keep my eye on that little girl" Amy said as she nodded toward the couch Madelyn was laying on sound asleep.
Madelyn woke up and saw Amy sitting by her. "Aunt Amy," she moaned.
"Hush little one," Amy told her as she helped Madelyn to a sitting position. She held a glass of water to Madelyn's lips so she could take a sip. "I just ran some tests and what you say is true. You are Hotaru and Anthony's daughter from another dimension."
"I want my mama," Madelyn choked.
Amy ran a hand through Madelyn's hair. "There is something I need to tell you," she whispered. She quietly explained that Hotaru was dead and Anthony was a recluse.
"Where will I stay," asked Madelyn.
"I talked to Lita and Ken and they will be letting you stay with them," Amy told her. "If you are from another dimension then you know everyone here."
"I do," Madelyn said sadly.
"Mommy," Ariel called running into the room.
"What is it Ariel," Amy turned to her child.
Ariel pointed to her stomach. "Ariel please talk to Mommy," Amy begged but Ariel only shook her head and kept on pointing to her stomach. She then saw Madelyn and pointed to her. "This is Madelyn," Amy explained. "She is from another dimension. She will be staying with Aunt Lita until we can find a way to send her back."
"Hi Ariel," Madelyn climbed down off the couch. "In my reality you and I are best friends."
"How wonderful," Amy cried. "Isn't that wonderful Ariel."
"NO," shouted Ariel burying her head in Amy's shoulder.
"Oh Ariel when are you going to break out of this shell," Amy asked as she gathered Ariel into her arms. Madelyn just watched sadly.
"Thank you for letting me stay with you," Madelyn whispered as Lita led her into her quarters.
"It's no problem," Lita smiled. "I just hope you will be comfortable with us."
"Mom," called Daisy as she came out of her room. "Is this Madelyn?"
"Yes it is," Lita replied. She leaned over and whispered in Daisy's ear. "She is very upset and scared right now so be gentle."
"I will," Daisy replied as she hugged Lita. She took Madelyn's hand. "Come on. We can play a game before dinner."
"Aunt Lita can I visit Terri tomorrow afternoon?" Madelyn asked as they were cleaning up the dinner plates
"Of course you may but I must warn you that she may say things you don't want to hear" Lita stated
"I know but I just want to meet her" Madelyn replied
"Then go for it. I'm sure Michiru and Haruka would be glad for you to come play" Lita sighed
"Mom can Madelyn and I go to my room now?" Daisy asked
"Sure but bedtime is in 1 hour" Lita reminded them
"So what do you do over in your dimension?" Daisy asked as they sat down on her bed
"I do pretty much what you do here except some things are different" Madelyn commented
"Like what?" Daisy questioned
"Mom is alive in my dimension and Ariel and I are best friends" Madelyn stated
"That must be nice to hear Ariel talk" Daisy sighed
"It's weird not having her to talk with" Madelyn whined
"Girls time to wash up and get ready for bed" Lita called from the living room
"Tomorrow I will tell you more" Madelyn promised
"Great" Daisy replied happily.
"What do you mean," Anthony demanded.
"There is a child from another dimension who is yours and Hotaru's daughter," Amy replied patiently. "She is the spitting image of Hotaru and her DNA confirms it."
"Send her back to where she came from," Anthony ordered. "I do not need any more reminders of Hotaru."
"It has been four years Anthony," Amy pointed out. "You cannot shut yourself out forever."
"Don't try to act like the psychiatrist now," Anthony snapped. "You don't know what I go through. I don't want to see her or Terri and that is final."
"Twice a week I have a session with Terri," Amy told him. "She thinks you hate her."
"Please leave," Anthony ordered in an icy voice. Amy gave a sigh and left.
"Poor little Terri," Amy thought to herself.
Madelyn was relieved it was Saturday. She was not looking forward to going to school in this dimension. She was hoping she could talk someone into home schooling her while she was here.
"Come on," Lita took Madelyn's hand. "We will go and see Terri."
"Thank you," Madelyn replied shyly. She and Lita headed toward Michiru and Haruka's quarters. On the way they passed Raye and Annika.
"Hi Lita, hi Madelyn," Raye said.
"Hi Raye," Lita replied and then she stooped to Annika's level to make eye contact. "Hi Annika."
Annika smiled and signed hi back. "I'm afraid she will only use her vocal cords with me, Chad and Amy," Raye explained. She looked at Madelyn and asked, "Did she fall through icy water in your dimension?"
"Yes," Madelyn replied. "But I was the one who got her out and the ice did not break with me. She did not lose her hearing."
"That's good," Raye sighed. "Amy is still looking into possible surgery to restore her hearing but we still don't know."
"We had better be going," Lita said. She and Madelyn said goodbye and kept going.
"Hi Madelyn" Michiru said opening the door for them
"Hi" Madelyn said shyly
"Well you two come on in and join us" Haruka stated from the floor
"Yeah Haruka-papa and I are putting together this model car" Faith shouted
"She can come play with me and Terri" Hope offered from the other side of the room
"I think I'll join Hope and Terri" Madelyn replied running over to them
"She is shy just like Hotaru was" Michiru said as she sat back down on the couch
"I've noticed that a lot" Lita replied
"I think I may ask her some questions once she feels comfortable here" Michiru sighed
"Who are your friends in your dimension?" Terri questioned
"Ariel is my best friend but I also play with Hope and Annika some" Madelyn replied
"Do you miss our mom?" Terri asked shyly
"Yes I really miss her right now," Madelyn cried
"I miss her too but you get to see her and I only have a few pictures of her" Terri stated sadly
"It really must be hard with dad out of the picture" Madelyn wondered aloud
"He hates me," Terri said
"I doubt that Terri but it probably is just hard for him" Hope offered trying to comfort her friend
"Sorry girls but it's time we got going" Lita stated
"Bye Hope, Faith, and Terri I will see you soon" Madelyn called out
"Bye" Everyone said.
That night after dinner everyone was relaxing in the palace living room. Ariel was clinging to Amy, refusing to get up and play. Annika was communicating via sign language with Raye, Chad and Amy acting as translators.
"Is Daddy going to come and see me," asked Terri.
"I have tried to get him over here little one but he won't listen, Endymion replied.
"He hates me," Terri screamed as she burst into tears. Michiru picked the child up and began trying to comfort her.
"He was not happy to hear about Madelyn," Amy murmured as she gazed down at Ariel. Madelyn walked over to her.
"Do you want to come and play Ariel," she asked.
"Come on Darling why don't you," Amy coaxed. "It would be fun."
Ariel only shook her head. She began making hand gestures. "Ariel please talk to Mommy," Amy begged. Ariel began to shake as tears rolled down her face. "I can't understand," Amy cried. "I have been able to help all the children here. Why can't I help my own child?"
"Maybe she needs outside help Amy," Greg softly replied.
"That will be a last resort," Amy declared as she began to rock Ariel gently.
Madelyn could not take it anymore. In tears she ran out of the room.
"Madelyn," Lita found the child outside. "Are you okay Sweetie?"
"I want to go home," Madelyn cried. "I miss Mama. Everything is so different here."
"We'll figure out a way to get you home," Lita promised as she picked the child up. "I know it is heartbreaking to see Ariel this way. She was such a verbal child when she was younger. I guess she couldn't handle the stress of being skipped two grades. We thought that at first she would be fine because of Annika. Unfortunately when Annika lost her hearing as the result of her accident last year she had to go to a special school. That was when Ariel completely withdrew from us."
"I was hoping I could help Ariel here but I can't," sobbed Madelyn.
"You are just a child," Lita told her. "There's not too much you can do."
Madelyn just sighed as she rested her head on Lita's shoulder.
"Hey Madelyn" Maggie called out the next day
"Hi Maggie" Madelyn replied
"Would you like to go with Annika and I to visit Ariel today?" Maggie questioned
"Sure but I don't know how to sign" Madelyn stated
"That's okay I've been learning some stuff from Aunt Raye and Annika can read lips so it will be okay" Maggie assured her
"Okay it would be nice to play with friends" Madelyn sighed
"Hello girls come in" Amy welcomed them as they arrived at her quarters
"Is Ariel in her room?" Maggie asked
"Yes" Amy sighed
"I thought we might could try and cheer her up" Madelyn offered
"Well it couldn't hurt to try while Annika and I have a quick session" Amy told them
"Ariel it's me and Madelyn may we come in" Maggie asked outside her door
"Unnn" Ariel cried from inside
"That means okay" Maggie told Madelyn
"Hi Ariel I like your room" Madelyn stated as she entered
"Her mom and dad have tried to make it feel so comfortable for her" Maggie supplied
"Is that a new game?" Madelyn questioned pointing at a box on her bed
"Yes" Ariel replied quietly
"Could we play it?" Maggie asked and Ariel nodded her head
"This sort of reminds me of home" Madelyn whispered
"Huh?" Ariel whispered in reply
"Back home you and I are the best of friends and we always play together" Madelyn supplied
"I bet you have fun" Maggie giggled
"Yep and we spend the night together once in a while," Madelyn said and Ariel smiled.
"Sounds like you have fun over there Ariel," Maggie stated. Ariel only nodded her head.
"Well it's been a while since I have seen that pretty smile," Greg remarked as he came into the room. Ariel blushed and held out her arms for Greg to pick her up.
"Madelyn was just telling us what fun she and Ariel have in her dimension," Maggie explained.
"I wish she could be like that here," Greg murmured as Ariel rested her head on his shoulder.
"So do I," Amy sighed as she came in with Annika. She knelt down in front of Annika. "Keep practicing like I showed you okay?" Annika signed back and then hugged her. Amy stood up and held out her arms to Ariel who went right into them. "Do I see a smile on that face?"
"You sure do," Greg replied.
"I am so glad," Amy hugged Ariel tightly.
"Can I come back tomorrow," Madelyn asked nervously.
"I don't see why not," Amy looked at Ariel. "Would you like that Darling?" Ariel nodded her head.
"That's a good sign," Greg whispered.
"Good job," Maggie stated as she, Madelyn and Annika left.
"Really," Madelyn asked.
"Yes," Maggie replied. "Ariel has not smiled in a long time."
Annika in frustration gestured to Maggie. "Sorry Annika," Maggie looked at her. "I was just telling Madelyn that Ariel has not smiled in a long time." Annika nodded her head in agreement.
"I am glad I could help a little," Madelyn whispered. Annika smiled and patted Madelyn's arm.
"What do you want?" Anthony demanded as he watched Setsuna appear before him
"I came to request your presence before the queen and king tonight at 7 PM sharp" Setsuna stated coldly
"Jeez so they've relegated you to messenger now Sets" Anthony laughed harshly
"You wish but they thought I would be the best suited for the job" Setsuna snapped as she disappeared again
"What do those stuck up people want now" Anthony sighed as he looked through his closet for something to wear
"Do you really think this will work?" Madelyn asked worriedly.
"Well at least we are going to try" Terri replied.
"You girls ready to go" Michiru asked
"Yes ma'am" They both replied happily
"I hope this works for all of our sakes" Setsuna whispered as she followed them toward the ballroom
"Okay now that I'm here what is the big deal" Anthony demanded as he stood before Serenity.
"That is no way to speak to the queen" Raye said through gritted teeth
"It's okay Raye. We have asked you here tonight so that you might see something" Serenity stated motioning for the doors to be opened
"What the..." Anthony stopped as he watched his daughter and someone new enter the ballroom
"Anthony I would like you to meet Madelyn" Haruka stated
"You've tricked me," Anthony yelled furiously
"We had to or you would have never met her or even spoke to Terri" Haruka snapped
"There are good reasons for that" Anthony shot back
"Daddy don't you love me" Terri wailed as she ran into Michiru's arms
"This is not the daddy I know" Madelyn cried as she buried her head in Setsuna's arms
"Anthony you are a poor excuse for a father and you should be ashamed of yourself" Mina stated trying to control her temper
"You are all so lucky that you have complete families," Anthony shouted trying to get out of the room
"By the order of the queen you will stop this instant" Serenity snapped finally tired of all this
"What I want to see is that you at least try and get to know them both" Endymion said quietly
"I need time to think" Anthony sighed
"Fine you have two days to come up with an answer" Serenity stated.
That night Lita was putting Madelyn to bed. Madelyn was very upset. "Are you all right Madelyn," Lita asked in concern.
"No," Madelyn wailed. "I miss my mama and Daddy is so different here. Where I am from Daddy is so kind. He loves me and spends a lot of time with me."
"In this reality Anthony is very heart broken over the death of his wife," Lita explained as she pulled Madelyn into her arms. "We are hoping that one day he will come around but it hasn't happened yet."
Madelyn sat in Lita's arms until she fell asleep, completely exhausted by the day's events.
"Mommy," Ariel muttered.
"What is it Darling," Amy asked as she gently rocked Ariel in the rocking chair.
Ariel replied in a soft whisper so Amy could not hear her. "Speak up Darling I can't hear you."
"Can Madelyn come and play tomorrow," asked Ariel in a soft voice.
Amy felt a tear prickle in her eye. "Of course Darling," she replied. As Ariel fell asleep Amy cried for joy. Progress at last.
"Really," Lita asked in excitement the next day.
"Yes," Amy was crying. "She actually asked for someone to play with her and she spoke. Ariel spoke softly but it was step up from what we had."
"I am so happy for you Amy," Lita told her friend. She turned to Madelyn. "You are doing a good thing here."
Madelyn blushed feeling a little better than she had.
"Come in Madelyn" Amy greeted Madelyn happily the next day
"I understand Ariel was asking for me last night?" Madelyn questioned
"Yes and she is waiting for you in her room" Amy said as she led Madelyn in that direction and said "Thank you"
"Your welcome" Madelyn smiled back as she walked into the room
"Hi" Ariel whispered from her position on the bed
"Hi I brought a puzzle for us today" Madelyn said laying the puzzle on the tray beside her bed
"Cat puzzle?" Ariel questioned
"Yes you like cats alot back at home and that's why I brought this for you" Madelyn replied
"Thank you" Ariel said as she pulled the tray up on to the bed
"Your welcome" Madelyn smiled happily
"So I see the change" Lita whispered as she turned away from the door
"Yes I just can't believe it and nither can Greg" Amy cried happily
"Madelyn has brought about at least one happy change here" Lita sighed
"Maybe something will work out with Anthony" Amy told her
"Who knows maybe by tomorrow things will be better" Lita stated
"We shall see" Amy sighed worriedly not looking forward to what might happen.
"What do you want," Anthony asked coldly as Chad and Greg came in.
"We think you should come and see Terri," Greg replied.
"That child needs her father," Chad added. "I could never imagine giving Annika to someone else to raise."
"I couldn't give Ariel up either," Greg supplied.
"I cannot see her," Anthony yelled. "She reminds me to much of Hotaru and now there is a child here who looks exactly like Hotaru."
"I know this is hard for you," Chad told him. "But both of these girls are very much alone now. You need to go and see them."
"You two still have your wives," Anthony pointed out.
"We do but we both have children with problems," Greg shot out. "They need us as much as Terri needs you."
"Get out," Anthony ordered. "Just get out and mind your own business."
Chad and Greg both left. "We tried," said Chad and Greg nodded his head in agreement.
"Is that so," Amy asked Madelyn.
"Yes," Madelyn replied. "Moonbeam is Ariel's cat in my dimension."
"Moonbeam is still living with Serenity here," Amy pointed out. "Annika has Stardust but poor Moonbeam does not have a home. Haruka and Michiru feel they have enough with three children, Raye already has Stardust and Lita has Crescent. Mina has Artemis and with Setsuna at the Gates of Time she can't take a cat."
"Why don't you give Moonbeam to Ariel," Madelyn suggested.
"Maybe it will help her," Amy mused. "I'll go and talk to Serenity."
"What can I do for you Amy?" Serenity asked as she greeted her close friend
"I was wondering what you would think if I took Moonbeam to visit Ariel" Ami replied
"I would say that would be a good idea and would wonder if you might want to keep Moonbeam" Serenity wondered aloud
"Well I would need to see Ariel's reaction first but I might be willing to allow the cat to stay if Ariel wants to" Amy supplied
"Moonbeam come in here for a moment please" Serenity called into the other room
"Yes your majesty" Moonbeam said
"You will go with Amy to her quarters and visit with her daughter" Serenity said to the cat
"Okay" Moonbeam sighed
"Jump up on my shoulder" Amy offered as she crouched down
"Talk with you soon" Serenity called after them as they left
"Ariel I have someone here who would like to meet you" Amy said as she knocked softly on Ariel's door
"Okay" Ariel whispered from inside the room
"You remember how Rini's cat had kittens a while back well this little one is Moonbeam" Amy said as she sat down on the bed next to her daughter.
"Pleased to meet you Ariel" Moonbeam said
"Hello" Ariel stated softly
"Your friend Madelyn suggested that you might would like to have Moonbeam as a pet" Amy commented
"Maybe" Ariel sighed
"Well why don't we allow Moonbeam to stay with us for a few days and then we can decide" Amy suggested
"Okay" Ariel cried happily
"I think I'm going like it here" Moonbeam stated.
"You can protest all you want Anthony but you are coming with me to see Terri and Madelyn," Sailor Pluto stated firmly.
"And how are you going to get me there," asked Anthony.
"Glad you asked," Sailor Pluto replied. She held up her orb and it began to glow. Anthony found himself surrounded by white light. When the light was gone Anthony found he was back at the palace.
"You tricked me," he shouted in rage.
"I'm sorry but there was no other way," Sailor Pluto replied. "Come with me please." Anthony reluctantly followed her to Amy's office. Amy was in there with Terri and Madelyn.
"Please sit down Anthony," Amy directed coolly.
"Why was I brought here," Anthony asked as he sat down.
"It's time you took some responsibility here," Amy replied. She looked at Terri who was sitting on her lap. "Tell Daddy what you have told me."
Terri looked scared. The four-year-old gazed at Amy and then at Anthony. "I think you hate me," she told him.
"I don't hate you," Anthony replied. "You just remind me to much of Hotaru. It is painful for me."
"But that's not my fault," screamed Terri as she buried her head in Amy's shoulder.
"It's okay Sweetie," Amy soothed as she rubbed Terri's back. She turned to Madelyn. "Now you tell him what he is like in your reality."
Madelyn drew in a sharp breath. "Mama is still alive in my reality," she told him. "You love me and spend a lot of time with me. I think if something happened to Mama then you would still raise me."
"What do you think Hotaru would want you to do now," asked Amy.
"I don't know," Anthony admitted.
"I know," Amy supplied. "She would want you to go on with your life and she would want you to be there for your daughter."
"I guess she would," Anthony whispered.
Amy stood up. "I want you to think about what you heard today," she ordered. She picked Terri up. "This little girl needs you and Madelyn here has told you what a wonderful father you can be. Please think about what was said here today."
Anthony left the office with a lot on his mind.
"Can Madelyn come over to my quarters for a bit?" Terri asked once Anthony had left
"Sure but only for an hour" Amy agreed
"Thanks," the girls shouted as the ran out the door
"Do you think dad will change his mind?" Terri questioned once they had settled on the living room floor with a game
"Who knows but hopefully something I said got through" Madelyn sighed
"It would be nice although I love living here" Terri mused as she picked up her game piece
"We would miss you if you left" Hope stated
"I would miss you too but it might be fun to live with dad too" Terri said
"He is really nice to me back home so maybe he can be that way here in time," Madelyn said
"Would you three quit yapping and play the game" Faith complained
"Sorry Faith I just guess I am to distracted" Madelyn said as she picked up the dice
"No problem" Faith replied.
Amy arrived in her quarters and headed right toward Ariel's room. She paused outside the door. She heard Ariel talking to Moonbeam.
"I am so glad you are here," Ariel was saying. "I hope Mommy lets you stay here."
"I would like to stay here too," Moonbeam replied.
"I think we can arrange that," Amy came into the room.
"Mommy," Ariel squealed as she jumped into Amy's arms.
"I heard you chatting away," Amy hugged her little girl. "It is so nice to hear that again."
"Moonbeam and I have been talking all afternoon," Ariel whispered as she rested her head on Amy's shoulder.
"I am so glad," Amy choked as a tear rolled down her face. "Moonbeam would you like to live with us?"
"I would like that very much," Moonbeam replied.
"I think you will be a big help to my little Ariel here," Amy told him. "She has said more words this afternoon than she has in a long time."
"I can't take all of the credit," Moonbeam pointed out.
"No there is someone else I need to thank," Amy agreed.
"I am so glad you came to us," Amy told Madelyn in Lita's quarters later. "You have been a big help to Ariel. I hope she will start to come out of her shell."
"I hope so too," Madelyn replied. "Do you think Daddy will come around?"
"Let's hope so," Amy sighed.
"Hello?" Anthony called as he entered Amy's outer office
"Hello" Madelyn replied back
"I decided that I might as well come visit" Anthony shrugged as he sat down
"Cool! Terri and I were just playing in the other room I'll go get her" Madelyn exclaimed as she ran from the room
"Daddy" Terri cried as she came into the room
"I was wondering if I could interest you girls in a walk outside" Anthony said
"Okay!" They both exclaimed as the ran to get their coats
"Daddy are you gonna come visit more often?" Terri questioned
"Yes sweetheart I think I need to" Anthony replied
"You will make a great father" Madelyn stated
"I hope so Madelyn and thank you for making me see that" Anthony sighed
"Your welcome" Madelyn said happily
"Well I see you've made some really nice improvements" A voice called out as Madelyn entered Amy's quarters
"Shelbi your here, is it time for me to go home?" Madelyn questioned
"Yes dear one you have done everything you needed to do" Shelbi stated
"Will everything turn out alright?" Madelyn questioned
"Yes but if you need to say any good-byes you better go now" Shelbi told her
"Okay thanks" Madelyn cried as she raced off toward Maggie's quarters
"Hi Madelyn" Gary greeted as he opened the doors
"Is Maggie here?" Madelyn questioned
"Yes she and her mother are in the other room" Gary offered
"Thanks" Madelyn said
"Well hello there" Setsuna said
"I came to tell you I have to return home" Madelyn stated
"You have done a really good job here" Setsuna told her
"Thank you both for everything" Madelyn said as she gave Setsuna and then Maggie a hug
"Your welcome" Maggie said returning the hug
"Give your mom a hug for me" Setsuna said near tears
"I will" Madelyn called over her shoulder as she went off in search of Ariel.
"I am here to say goodbye," Madelyn told Amy.
"I am glad you came by," Amy replied as she hugged Madelyn. "I know Ariel has a long way to go but you have helped bring her out more."
"I was glad to help," Madelyn whispered. She went into Ariel's room. Annika was in there with her.
"Hi Madelyn," Ariel called.
"Hi," Madelyn went over to her. "I came to say good bye."
"You have to go," wailed Ariel. "I wish you didn't have too."
"I'll miss you too," Madelyn replied. "But I think you will be fine."
Ariel just cried and hugged Madelyn. Amy came in and picked Ariel up. "It's okay Darling,' she assured Ariel. "You will be fine."
"I know," choked Ariel. "I'll never forget you."
"I won't forget you either," Madelyn promised. She waved good-bye to Annika. Annika grabbed her arm.
"Good-bye Madelyn," she said in a flat voice.
"Well how about that," Amy whispered.
"Good-bye Annika," Madelyn replied.
"Thanks for letting me stay with you," Madelyn told Lita.
"I was glad to have you," Lita replied as she hugged Madelyn. "Take care of yourself."
"I will," Madelyn called as she headed to her and Shelbi's designated meeting place.
"MADELYN where are you hiding" Hotaru shouted as she came around from behind the couch
"MOM!" Madelyn exclaimed as she threw herslef into her mother's arms
"Oh Mady you had me so worried" Hotaru cried as she wrapped her arms around her daughter
"I'm sorry mommy but I was transported back to that time I told you about and I did make things better" Madelyn sobbed as she cuddled close to her mom
"Oh sweetie I know that must have been scary" Hotaru crooned as she tried to calm her down
"DADDY" Madelyn shouted as she scrambled from her mother's arms
"Mady what's wrong?" Anthony questioned worriedly
"I'm just so happy to see you" Madelyn said hugging him tightly
"Me too sweetie but I think Ariel had wanted you to play" Anthony said stepping aside to let Ariel into the room
"Ariel let's go to my room" Madelyn suggested
"Okay cool" Ariel replied
"I'm just glad you are back I would miss you" Ariel sighed
"I missed you too even though I wasn't gone that long" Madelyn said
"No matter how long your gone you will always miss people" Ariel stated
"Of course but it is good to be home with friends and family that I love" Madelyn replied happily