our "I Don't Exist" series. 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
"So all of you have visited the reality in where you did not exist," Hope asked in astonishment.
"Yes," Ariel replied. "I was glad to help out but I missed my mommy so much."
"So did I," added Annika.
"But it was good to make things better," Gloria sighed.
Hope remembered what she was shown if she had not been born. She saw how important she was to Faith. "I wonder if she could be helped of is she beyond hope with a brother," Hope wondered to herself. She sprinted up the stairs toward the living quarters when she dropped her schoolbooks. "Oh brother," she muttered and reached down to pick them up. When Hope stood back up she felt a wave of dizziness and everything went black.
When Hope came to she saw Hotaru standing over her. "Are you all right dear," she asked in concern.
"I'm fine Aunt Hotaru," Hope replied.
"I don't know you," Hotaru stated. "Who are you?"
"I'm one of the adopted daughters of Michiru and Haruka," Hope cried out. "I am Faith's twin."
"Faith does not have a twin," Hotaru gently explained. "Haruka-Papa and Michiru-Mama have a son along with Faith."
Hope gasped. Was the same thing happening to her too? "I know this is going to be hard to believe," she said. "But I am from a reality where I am Faith's twin."
"Well you do look a lot like Faith," Hotaru mused. "Let me take you to Amy and she can check you out."
Hope nervously followed Hotaru.
"What do you mean I can't work for another week" A maid was yelling as Hotaru and Hope walked into Amy's office
"I'm sorry but you need to stay off your ankle one more week" Amy repied tiredly
"Fine!" the maid exclaimed as she hobbled out of the office
"What have we here Hotaru?" Amy questioned
"This little girl claims to be Faith's twin but she says she's from another dimension" Hotaru explained
"Now this is something new but I guess it wouldn't hurt to run a couple of tests" Amy told her
"I really don't like tests" Hope piped up
"Dear it's the only way to make sure you are telling the truth" Amy supplied
"Okay" Hope sighed dejectedly
"What do you mean you need to see me right now" Michiru demanded as she spoke with Amy via their communicators
"I'm sorry Michiru but this is very important" Amy stated
"Okay I need to finish punishing Tyler and then I will be there" Michiru sighed
"Is Michiru-mama coming?" Hope asked
"Yes dear but first she needs to deal with Tyler" Amy supplied
"Did the tests confirm what Hope said?" Hotaru asked as she returned from her quarters
"Yes but it's unbelievable" Amy sighed
"I know but I think Haruka and Michiru will understand" Hotaru said
"We can only hope" Amy replied.
"What did you say," asked Michiru in disbelief.
"Hope here is Faith's twin from another dimension," Amy replied.
"Impossible," Haruka sputtered.
"I know it is hard to believe but the tests confirm it," Amy explained.
Michiru looked closely at Hope. "I can definitely see the resemblance," she admitted. "You don't look like you are a tomboy though."
"I'm not," Hope replied. "I like dresses, music and drawing."
"Sounds like my kind of child," Michiru exclaimed in delight. "Maybe you would like to stay with us until we can figure out a way to get you home."
"Don't you think we have our hands full with Faith and Tyler," asked Haruka irritably.
"I am sure Hope won't be much trouble," Michiru shot back.
"We can't take her,' Haruka yelled.
"I say we can," Michiru shouted.
"ENOUGH," Amy shouted above the din. Michiru and Haruka stopped arguing. Hope had been alarmed by all the shouting and was now pressed against Amy. "Your display of behavior is a disgrace," Amy snapped. "I can't believe you would fight in front of a child who is already overwhelmed and frightened."
"Sorry Amy," Michiru muttered and Haruka grunted an apology as well.
"Your fighting just now helped me make the decision as to where she will stay," Amy snapped. "Hope will not stay with you. Raye has already offered if it didn't work out with you two so that is where she will stay. You both can spend time with her."
"Very well," Michiru glowered at Haruka.
"Thanks for letting me stay," Hope nervously told Raye.
"We are glad to have you," Raye replied. "Is Annika in your dimension?"
"Yes Ma'am," said Hope.
"Is she shy over there," asked Raye and Hope nodded her head. "She is here too. I am hoping that maybe having another child stay with us will help her a little."
"Gloria is her best friend in my reality," Hope supplied.
"That's impossible to believe," Raye exclaimed. She opened the door to her quarters. "Annika I'm back!"
"Mama," Annika flew out the bedroom and flung her arms around Raye.
"This is Hope, she will be staying with us until we figure out how to get her back to her reality," Raye told the child. Annika just buried her face in Raye's skirt and did not reply.
"Hi Annika," Hope said. "We are friends in my reality."
Annika still did not answer. She only gazed at Hope shyly and clung to her mother.
"Haruka your actions in there were not acceptable" Michiru sighed as they talked after Tyler and Faith were in bed
"I'm sorry but I just cannot accept her as another child" Haruka snapped
"Why is that?" Michiru demanded
"Tyler and Faith are a handful as is and we just cannot handle another brat like that" Haruka supplied
"Well I don't think she would have been that much of a handful but thanks to you we won't get a chance to get to know her," Michiru cried
"Amy said we would be able to visit whenever" Haruka stated
"That's not the same," Michiru shouted as she fled to her room
"Great guess it's another night on the couch" Haruka sighed as she got some linens out of the closet
"Annika would you please let go of my skirt" Raye stated as she tried to finish making the extra bed
"I don't want her here" Annika snapped
"Annika we don't have a choice and you can be nice or you can be in trouble" Raye told her gently
"Okay mama I'm sorry" Annika sighed
"I know this is hard on you but I think you will like Hope once you get to know her" Raye offered
"I will try" Annika said as she let go of her mom's skirt and got a book off the shelf
"You can read your book in the living room while I finish up" Raye told her
"Okay" Annika sighed again and left her mom to her work.
The next night at dinner Hope was able to see her sister. Faith walked up to her. "So you are my so-called twin," she stated. "I can see the resemblance. You don't look cool though."
"Faith," Michiru chastised her. "Watch your mouth."
"Sorry Michiru Mama but she looks so prissy," Faith replied.
"And what is wrong with being prissy," snapped Hope.
"I just prefer tomboys," Faith told her. "Which is why I get along with Gloria here."
"Come on," Gloria yanked Faith's arm. She whispered in Faith's ear. "I got the frog you and Tyler wanted."
"Cool," Faith hissed and she and Gloria went over to Tyler. Hope watched them for a few minutes. They snuck up behind Annika and put the frog down her shirt. Annika let out a loud scream of terror.
"What is going on," demanded Serenity.
"They put something down my shirt," Annika wailed as she jumped up and down. Raye walked over to her and looked down Annika's shirt.
"Hold still Sweetie," Raye reached down and got the frog out.
Annika screamed. "Why does everyone pick on me?" She burst into tears and flew out of the room. Raye sighed and followed her daughter.
"Faith and Tyler," Haruka snapped. "Can't you two stay out of trouble for one evening?"
"No they can't," Michiru answered for them.
"And you wanted to bring a third child into our quarters," Haruka raged.
"I am sure she is not that much trouble," Michiru shouted back.
"Take your domestic squabble elsewhere," Serenity ordered.
"As for you young lady," Mina grabbed Gloria by the ear. "We are going to discuss this right now."
"Maybe if Annika wasn't such a wimp then we would leave her alone," Gloria grumbled.
"Well," Lita muttered sarcastically. "Another delightful evening at dinner."
"Sorry about that," Chad pulled Hope over to sit by him. "Our daughter is just a little too sensitive."
Hope sighed. She really wanted to go home.
"What do you think your doing?" Faith demanded as Hope stood at their door
"I wanted to speak with Ms Michiru" Hope replied shyly
"Well I'm sorry but you must have an appointment" Faith snapped trying to shut the door
"I don't think so Faith come in dear" Michiru said opening the door to allow Hope to come inside
"I'm sorry to bother you" Hope sighed
"It's okay dear and Faith you may go sit in the corner for a few minutes for your rude behavior" Michiru stated
"Why is she here?" Haruka questioned looking up from her racing magazine
"I wanted to come by and speak with you" Hope said
"Fine then speak we ain't stopping ya" Tyler shot
"Tyler James you behave this instant or you can join your sister in the corner" Michiru said and then turned to Hope "Why don't we walk down to the music room"
"Okay" Hope replied
"So why did you come to speak with me?" Michiru questioned as she sat down at the piano
"I really am missing my mom and I just wanted to see you" Hope sighed
"You really sound like a sweet kid and I bet you love music" Michiru stated
"I do and you have taught me to play the violin in my time" Hope said
"Really that would be nice to have a child who doesn't hate me because I make them practice" Michiru sighed
"I really enjoy it" Hope said picking up the violin and playing a simple piece
"You play beautifully" Michiru complimented once she was done
"Thank you but I guess I better get back" Hope commented
"Okay but you are welcome to come by anytime" Michiru offered
"Thanks" Hope shouted as she ran off.
The next day Hope went to school with the others. During recess she noticed that Gloria and Faith played with the boys. She sighed and went to the corner of the play yard where Ariel and Annika were sitting together. She sat down next to them. "Why are you two sitting here," she asked.
"Hiding from the other kids," Ariel replied.
"With Daisy in the fifth grade she isn't here to stick up for us," Annika added.
"Are we always picked on in your reality," asked Ariel.
"Yes but Faith and Gloria look out for you," Hope replied.
"Really," Annika asked in surprise.
Before Hope could answer a group of kids came up and started throwing grass and dirt at them. Ariel began to wail as some dirt got into her eyes. Annika screamed as a couple of kids began to pull at her long hair.
"Leave them alone," Hope flared at the kids.
"Shut up newbie," ordered one of the kids. "You can't tell us what to do."
Hope tried to get one of the kids off of Annika but she only got pushed down. In despair she ran over to Faith and Gloria. "Some kids are picking on Annika and Ariel," she cried.
"Yeah so," asked Faith.
"Help them," shrieked Hope. "You always do in my reality."
"Well we aren't in your reality," snapped Gloria. "So bug off and leave us alone."
"Yeah those two crybabies aren't worth our time," added Faith.
Hope sighed in exasperation and ran back over toward Annika and Ariel hoping to help them out.
"I hate school," Annika screamed as Amy applied some ointment to her cheek.
"Mommy why does everyone pick on us," whined Ariel.
"Because some children are just mean Darling," Amy replied.
Hope was holding an ice pack to her eye. She had gotten a sock in the eye from one child when she tried to defend Annika and Ariel. Raye put a hand on her shoulder. "Thanks for trying to help them," she whispered. "Daisy can only do so much being in a different grade."
Hope just nodded. She really wanted to be at home right now. She watched as Raye went over and pulled Annika into her arms. How Hope wished she was with her Michiru-mama right now.
"Oh look it's our supposed sister" Tyler sneered
"What do you two want?" Hope demanded as she put down her book
"We just wanted to give you a warning" Faith retorted
"Yeah we wanted to let you know that we don't like you at all and you best leave our parents alone or else" Tyler snorted
"Sorry but I can't do that because I like them a lot" Hope shot back
"You'll be sorry you did if we catch you" Faith shouted
"You are so much ruder in this realm then I could ever have imagined" Hope sighed
"What is that supposed to mean" Faith questioned angrily
"Just what I said because there you are sweet sometimes but here it seems you have no kind side" Hope said turning away and walking toward the door
"Fine whatever but you best heed our warning" Tyler snapped as he and Faith left
"I really want to go home" Hope sobbed as she snuggled down in a chair
"Hope what is wrong?" Setsuna questioned worriedly
"I really miss my parents" Hope whimpered
"Do they hate you here is that why you miss them?" Setsuna asked
"Yes but only Haruka-papa and even Faith and Tyler have told me to keep away from them both or else" Hope shrugged
"Oh Hope I'm so sorry but I will try and find a way to help you" Setsuna promised as she gave Hope a hug
"Thanks" Hope sighed as she returned the hug.
Later on Hope went outside. She was feeling very lonely right now. She was glad that Raye was letting her stay with them but like in her reality Annika was very attached to her mother. Hope decided to let Annika have some time alone with Raye. She looked around and saw Ariel was tussling with Faith, Tyler and Gloria.
"Come on baby show us you can be tough," Faith yelled.
"I'm trying," whimpered Ariel as she tried to push Tyler off of her.
"She's no match for us Faith," laughed Tyler as he ground Ariel's face into the dirt. Ariel began wailing. Hope ran over to them.
"Get off of her," Hope shouted. "You are all bigger than her."
"Shut up Miss Goody Two Shoes," snapped Faith.
"Maybe she should show us how tough she can be," laughed Gloria as she tossed a handful dirt at Hope.
"I have had it with your meanness," Hope shouted and she threw a handful of dirt back.
Faith angrily jumped on Hope and started wrestling with her. Hope was furious. This was not like her twin at home.
"Ariel hold still Sweetie," Amy ordered as she tried to get the dirt out of her child's eyes.
"It hurts Mommy," sobbed Ariel.
"Faith and Tyler have been punished," Michiru sighed. She glanced over at Hope. "Are you okay Sweetie?"
"I can't stand it," Hope shouted. "Faith is such a brat here. I want to go home. I miss my family."
"I know Sweetie," Michiru pulled Hope into her arms.
"We are trying to figure out how to get you home," Amy assured her. She finished with Ariel and pulled her child into her arms.
"Michiru can I please spend some time with you," begged Hope.
"I'll arrange it," Michiru promised as she hugged the little girl.
That night Raye was getting both Hope and Annika ready for bed. Hope was physically and emotionally drained.
"I really want to go home," Hope wailed.
"I know you do," Raye replied as she tucked Hope into bed. "We'll figure out a way to get you home."
"Mama," Annika called. "Please lay down with me for a while."
"Sure sweetheart," Raye lay down next to her child. Hope watched enviously. How she wished she could do that with Michiru-mama right now.
"Hi Hope" Michiru called the next afternoon after school
"Hello" Hope replied shyly
"Would you like to walk with me to the music room?" Michiru questioned
"Okay I guess" Hope sighed hoping Faith or Tyler wasn't around
"If your wondering about the terrible two they are in their room for the next hour as punishment" Michiru stated
"Oh then that is good" Hope smiled
"How about we try a violin duet today" Michiru suggested
"Okay I loved doing them with Michiru-mama back home" Hope said
"Good let's do this piece" Michiru replied as she put the piece on a stand between the two of them. While they were playing they didn't notice someone slip in and sit at the piano
"Hope they don't mind" Haruka whispered as she joined in their song
"WOW what is this lovely music?" Faith cried appearing in the doorway
"Oh no!" Hope and Faith exclaimed as they met each other's gaze
"I thought you might enjoy some accompaniment" Haruka suggested
"Thank you very much it added so pretty sounds" Hope sighed
"What did I tell you" Faith snapped
"Faith that is NO way to treat a guest and I asked her to join me" Michiru stated
"You can't tell me what to do" Hope sneered at Faith
"That's it I demand to know what is going on here" Haruka bellowed as she got everyone's attention.
"Faith and Tyler warned me that they would harm me if I had anything to do with you" Hope cried
"Faith is this true?" Haruka snapped
"You can't prove anything you little brat and you better watch your back" Faith shouted as she ran from the room
"It's true" Hope whined as she buried her head in Michiru's shoulder
"We believe you but Faith and Tyler can cause lots of trouble" Michiru sighed
"I just want to go back home," Hope cried as she took off for Raye's quarters.
Hope flung herself on the bed and bawled. She could not help herself. She was completely miserable right now. How could she make things better here? This was beyond hope.
"Hope," whispered a timid voice. Hope looked up and saw Annika standing next to her. "What's wrong?"
"I want to go home," cried Hope. "I miss my family. They are so different here. Faith is not so mean in my reality. She and I are best friends and she sticks up for you and Ariel. So does Gloria and Tyler is not even here."
"Is Gloria really my best friend in your reality," asked Annika as she sat down on the bed next to Hope.
"Yes," Hope sniffled as she wiped her eyes.
"Even though I am a crybaby," Annika inquired.
"Especially because you are a crybaby," Hope replied. "She looks after you all the time."
"I wish she would here," Annika whispered.
"Is everyone all right in here," asked Raye as she came into the room.
"We're fine Mama," Annika replied as she dashed into her mother's arms.
"Hope, Haruka and Michiru are here to see you," Raye told her.
"Thank you," Hope hopped down off the bed and headed toward the living room.
"Hope we wanted to apologize for what just happened," Michiru told her.
"We know you are missing your family right now," Haruka added. "I am also sorry for my reaction to you at first. You seem like a pretty good kid."
"I try to be," Hope whispered. "I get into trouble too sometimes. I just wish Faith was more like she is in my reality."
"Is she a troublemaker where you are from," Haruka inquired.
"She is a tomboy and she gets into more trouble than I do but she is really nice," Hope replied. "She's my best friend and my twin. Faith always sticks up for Annika and Ariel in my reality too."
"I wonder what happened here," Michiru sighed. "I don't mind having a tomboy but she is such a troublemaker."
"It's Tyler," Haruka concluded. "Hope obviously has some influence on Faith in her reality. Tyler has been a huge influence here."
"Maybe we should get her to hang around some of the other girls here," Michiru mused. "Maybe Maggie or even Annika."
"It might be good for Annika," Hope suggested. Michiru took her hand.
"I know you are missing your family," she whispered. "I hope we can help you feel more comfortable until you can go back."
Hope flung herself into Michiru and Haruka's arms and cried.
"NO!" declared Faith the next day "I don't want to"
"You will meet Annika, Hope, and Maggie in the playroom OR you will be grounded for 2 weeks with no priviliges" Michiru stated firmly
"Fine I'll go but I won't like it" Faith snapped as she walked into the playroom
"At least be nice" Haruka said
"Hi Faith come join us" Maggie offered as she and Hope were putting together a puzzle
"It looks booorrrriinggg" Faith sighed as she sat down at one of the tables
"Well you could read a book" Annika pointed out softly
"Oh yeah right" Faith shot back
"Hope do you think this piece goes here?" Maggie questioned choosing to ignore Faith and her attitude
"Hmm let's try it" Hope suggested as they tried to make it fit
"Why don't you try it over there" Faith stated pointing to another free spot
"You sure you don't wanna join us?" Hope quizzed
"Only if you will at least listen to my suggestions" Faith shrugged as she sat down on the floor next to them
"Okay but you can't boss us around" Maggie reminded her
"Oh Joy" Faith sighed
"Annika would you like to join us" Hope suggested as they girls sat down to play a game
"Okay I guess so" Annika whispered walking over to the empty chair by Hope
"This game is easy. First person to get all their pieces around the board to their home area without getting bumped back to start wins" Maggie said as she finished reading the instructions
"Cool!" Faith exclaimed as she grabbed for the yellow pieces but stopped when she saw Annika reaching for them "You can be yellow and I'll be blue"
"Thanks" Annika replied and the game began.
"Did you girls have fun," Raye asked when Hope and Annika returned.
"Yes Mama," Annika replied shyly.
"I am glad to hear it," Raye hugged her daughter. She looked at Hope and mouthed, "Thank you." Hope was glad she had done some good right now.
"What have you done to my sister," shouted Tyler in rage the next day.
"What do you mean," asked Hope.
"We mean that all of the sudden she wants to play with the others instead of us," Gloria pointed out.
"What is wrong with that," asked Hope.
"A lot," snapped Tyler. "Why would she want to play with a wimp like Annika all of the sudden?"
"Annika is not a wimp she is just sensitive," Hope flared. "Let me tell you Gloria that she is your best friend in my reality."
"You are kidding me," laughed Gloria.
"I'm not," Hope replied. "You look out for her."
"And why would I do that," asked Gloria.
"Because you actually care about someone," Hope pointed out. She then turned to Tyler. "You aren't around in my reality."
"What," he hollered in alarm.
"Sorry I can't tell you anything else," Hope skipped off leaving the two children staring after her.
"Tyler's in trouble, Tyler's in trouble," Madelyn shouted as the kids returned from school the next day
"WHAT is all this?" Haruka demanded as she met them at the door
"I told Tyler that I wasn't gonna play with him today and played with some other kids and he got mad and threw one of the harder balls at us" Faith explained
"Yeah and then Gloria got angry at him for doing that and came real close to hitting him before the teacher stopped them both" Ariel added happily
"Gee what a bunch of tattle tales" Tyler grumbled
"You will apologize to everyone this instant and then we will discuss punishment once we get home" Michiru stated coldly
"Sorry" Tyler mumbled as he slunk toward his quarters
"I can't believe you actually did that," Hope cried happily
"Well I took what you said and decided that I didn't need to always follow his orders" Faith replied
"I decided I might should try being a little bit nicer to the others" Gloria added
"Well those are some really good improvements" Hope agreed as they walked toward the playroom.
"Hello child," Hope heard a voice say. She turned around and saw it was Tori.
"So I guess it is time for me to go," Hope asked.
"Yes it is," Tori replied. "You have done some good here."
"Thank you," Hope heaved a breath of relief. "Can I say goodbye?"
"Go right ahead," Tori smiled at her young charge.
"I'm sorry you have to leave," Raye told Hope a few minutes later. "I don't think Annika will admit it but she liked having you here."
"Thank you for letting me stay with you," Hope gave Raye a hug.
"It was my pleasure," Raye replied hugging her back. "You did Annika some good and I appreciate it."
"Good bye Hope," Annika gave Hope a hug.
"Goodbye Annika," Hope hugged her friend back.
"I wish you didn't have to go," Michiru said sadly as she hugged Hope tightly. "I was really beginning to love you."
"I have to go," Hope cried as she hugged Michiru back.
"Thanks for helping Faith out," Haruka hugged Hope. "She seems to be a little less troublesome the last couple of days."
"Glad I could help," Hope smiled.
Faith came forward. "I don't like girlish things but Annika, Maggie and the others are okay," she admitted. "I'll try to be nicer to them."
"I know you can be," Hope hugged Faith. "In my reality you are more then my sister. You are my best friend."
Faith could only smile. Sister and best friend sounded so nice.
"Goodbye everyone," Hope called as she left.
"Take care," called Michiru.
"Come and see us again," Haruka added.
"Bye," Faith shouted.
Hope ran over the Tori. "I am ready," she told her.
"Then let's go," Tori opened the portal and Hope jumped through it.
"HOPE ELIZABETH where are you?" A very worried Michiru shouted
"Michiru-mama?" Hope replied groggily
"Oh sweetheart you had us all very worried where were you?" Haruka questioned as she joined Michiru by her side
"I'm sorry Haruka-papa I was taken into another dimension where I was sent to help change things for the better" Hope said
"Did you do any good?" Faith snapped as she walked in
"Faith be nice" Michiru chided her
"It's okay and yes I did, I helped alot of people" Hope replied
"Well I'm just glad you are here" Michiru said wrapping her arms around Hope
"Me too" Haruka said joining in the hug
"I guess I am too" Faith sighed as she joined the family hug
"I'm just so glad to be home" Hope stated as she felt the love of her family fill her heart.
I Don't Exist
By
Angel Raye and Wonderful Miracle
"So all of you have visited the reality in where you did not exist," Hope asked in astonishment.
"Yes," Ariel replied. "I was glad to help out but I missed my mommy so much."
"So did I," added Annika.
"But it was good to make things better," Gloria sighed.
Hope remembered what she was shown if she had not been born. She saw how important she was to Faith. "I wonder if she could be helped of is she beyond hope with a brother," Hope wondered to herself. She sprinted up the stairs toward the living quarters when she dropped her schoolbooks. "Oh brother," she muttered and reached down to pick them up. When Hope stood back up she felt a wave of dizziness and everything went black.
When Hope came to she saw Hotaru standing over her. "Are you all right dear," she asked in concern.
"I'm fine Aunt Hotaru," Hope replied.
"I don't know you," Hotaru stated. "Who are you?"
"I'm one of the adopted daughters of Michiru and Haruka," Hope cried out. "I am Faith's twin."
"Faith does not have a twin," Hotaru gently explained. "Haruka-Papa and Michiru-Mama have a son along with Faith."
Hope gasped. Was the same thing happening to her too? "I know this is going to be hard to believe," she said. "But I am from a reality where I am Faith's twin."
"Well you do look a lot like Faith," Hotaru mused. "Let me take you to Amy and she can check you out."
Hope nervously followed Hotaru.
"What do you mean I can't work for another week" A maid was yelling as Hotaru and Hope walked into Amy's office
"I'm sorry but you need to stay off your ankle one more week" Amy repied tiredly
"Fine!" the maid exclaimed as she hobbled out of the office
"What have we here Hotaru?" Amy questioned
"This little girl claims to be Faith's twin but she says she's from another dimension" Hotaru explained
"Now this is something new but I guess it wouldn't hurt to run a couple of tests" Amy told her
"I really don't like tests" Hope piped up
"Dear it's the only way to make sure you are telling the truth" Amy supplied
"Okay" Hope sighed dejectedly
"What do you mean you need to see me right now" Michiru demanded as she spoke with Amy via their communicators
"I'm sorry Michiru but this is very important" Amy stated
"Okay I need to finish punishing Tyler and then I will be there" Michiru sighed
"Is Michiru-mama coming?" Hope asked
"Yes dear but first she needs to deal with Tyler" Amy supplied
"Did the tests confirm what Hope said?" Hotaru asked as she returned from her quarters
"Yes but it's unbelievable" Amy sighed
"I know but I think Haruka and Michiru will understand" Hotaru said
"We can only hope" Amy replied.
"What did you say," asked Michiru in disbelief.
"Hope here is Faith's twin from another dimension," Amy replied.
"Impossible," Haruka sputtered.
"I know it is hard to believe but the tests confirm it," Amy explained.
Michiru looked closely at Hope. "I can definitely see the resemblance," she admitted. "You don't look like you are a tomboy though."
"I'm not," Hope replied. "I like dresses, music and drawing."
"Sounds like my kind of child," Michiru exclaimed in delight. "Maybe you would like to stay with us until we can figure out a way to get you home."
"Don't you think we have our hands full with Faith and Tyler," asked Haruka irritably.
"I am sure Hope won't be much trouble," Michiru shot back.
"We can't take her,' Haruka yelled.
"I say we can," Michiru shouted.
"ENOUGH," Amy shouted above the din. Michiru and Haruka stopped arguing. Hope had been alarmed by all the shouting and was now pressed against Amy. "Your display of behavior is a disgrace," Amy snapped. "I can't believe you would fight in front of a child who is already overwhelmed and frightened."
"Sorry Amy," Michiru muttered and Haruka grunted an apology as well.
"Your fighting just now helped me make the decision as to where she will stay," Amy snapped. "Hope will not stay with you. Raye has already offered if it didn't work out with you two so that is where she will stay. You both can spend time with her."
"Very well," Michiru glowered at Haruka.
"Thanks for letting me stay," Hope nervously told Raye.
"We are glad to have you," Raye replied. "Is Annika in your dimension?"
"Yes Ma'am," said Hope.
"Is she shy over there," asked Raye and Hope nodded her head. "She is here too. I am hoping that maybe having another child stay with us will help her a little."
"Gloria is her best friend in my reality," Hope supplied.
"That's impossible to believe," Raye exclaimed. She opened the door to her quarters. "Annika I'm back!"
"Mama," Annika flew out the bedroom and flung her arms around Raye.
"This is Hope, she will be staying with us until we figure out how to get her back to her reality," Raye told the child. Annika just buried her face in Raye's skirt and did not reply.
"Hi Annika," Hope said. "We are friends in my reality."
Annika still did not answer. She only gazed at Hope shyly and clung to her mother.
"Haruka your actions in there were not acceptable" Michiru sighed as they talked after Tyler and Faith were in bed
"I'm sorry but I just cannot accept her as another child" Haruka snapped
"Why is that?" Michiru demanded
"Tyler and Faith are a handful as is and we just cannot handle another brat like that" Haruka supplied
"Well I don't think she would have been that much of a handful but thanks to you we won't get a chance to get to know her," Michiru cried
"Amy said we would be able to visit whenever" Haruka stated
"That's not the same," Michiru shouted as she fled to her room
"Great guess it's another night on the couch" Haruka sighed as she got some linens out of the closet
"Annika would you please let go of my skirt" Raye stated as she tried to finish making the extra bed
"I don't want her here" Annika snapped
"Annika we don't have a choice and you can be nice or you can be in trouble" Raye told her gently
"Okay mama I'm sorry" Annika sighed
"I know this is hard on you but I think you will like Hope once you get to know her" Raye offered
"I will try" Annika said as she let go of her mom's skirt and got a book off the shelf
"You can read your book in the living room while I finish up" Raye told her
"Okay" Annika sighed again and left her mom to her work.
The next night at dinner Hope was able to see her sister. Faith walked up to her. "So you are my so-called twin," she stated. "I can see the resemblance. You don't look cool though."
"Faith," Michiru chastised her. "Watch your mouth."
"Sorry Michiru Mama but she looks so prissy," Faith replied.
"And what is wrong with being prissy," snapped Hope.
"I just prefer tomboys," Faith told her. "Which is why I get along with Gloria here."
"Come on," Gloria yanked Faith's arm. She whispered in Faith's ear. "I got the frog you and Tyler wanted."
"Cool," Faith hissed and she and Gloria went over to Tyler. Hope watched them for a few minutes. They snuck up behind Annika and put the frog down her shirt. Annika let out a loud scream of terror.
"What is going on," demanded Serenity.
"They put something down my shirt," Annika wailed as she jumped up and down. Raye walked over to her and looked down Annika's shirt.
"Hold still Sweetie," Raye reached down and got the frog out.
Annika screamed. "Why does everyone pick on me?" She burst into tears and flew out of the room. Raye sighed and followed her daughter.
"Faith and Tyler," Haruka snapped. "Can't you two stay out of trouble for one evening?"
"No they can't," Michiru answered for them.
"And you wanted to bring a third child into our quarters," Haruka raged.
"I am sure she is not that much trouble," Michiru shouted back.
"Take your domestic squabble elsewhere," Serenity ordered.
"As for you young lady," Mina grabbed Gloria by the ear. "We are going to discuss this right now."
"Maybe if Annika wasn't such a wimp then we would leave her alone," Gloria grumbled.
"Well," Lita muttered sarcastically. "Another delightful evening at dinner."
"Sorry about that," Chad pulled Hope over to sit by him. "Our daughter is just a little too sensitive."
Hope sighed. She really wanted to go home.
"What do you think your doing?" Faith demanded as Hope stood at their door
"I wanted to speak with Ms Michiru" Hope replied shyly
"Well I'm sorry but you must have an appointment" Faith snapped trying to shut the door
"I don't think so Faith come in dear" Michiru said opening the door to allow Hope to come inside
"I'm sorry to bother you" Hope sighed
"It's okay dear and Faith you may go sit in the corner for a few minutes for your rude behavior" Michiru stated
"Why is she here?" Haruka questioned looking up from her racing magazine
"I wanted to come by and speak with you" Hope said
"Fine then speak we ain't stopping ya" Tyler shot
"Tyler James you behave this instant or you can join your sister in the corner" Michiru said and then turned to Hope "Why don't we walk down to the music room"
"Okay" Hope replied
"So why did you come to speak with me?" Michiru questioned as she sat down at the piano
"I really am missing my mom and I just wanted to see you" Hope sighed
"You really sound like a sweet kid and I bet you love music" Michiru stated
"I do and you have taught me to play the violin in my time" Hope said
"Really that would be nice to have a child who doesn't hate me because I make them practice" Michiru sighed
"I really enjoy it" Hope said picking up the violin and playing a simple piece
"You play beautifully" Michiru complimented once she was done
"Thank you but I guess I better get back" Hope commented
"Okay but you are welcome to come by anytime" Michiru offered
"Thanks" Hope shouted as she ran off.
The next day Hope went to school with the others. During recess she noticed that Gloria and Faith played with the boys. She sighed and went to the corner of the play yard where Ariel and Annika were sitting together. She sat down next to them. "Why are you two sitting here," she asked.
"Hiding from the other kids," Ariel replied.
"With Daisy in the fifth grade she isn't here to stick up for us," Annika added.
"Are we always picked on in your reality," asked Ariel.
"Yes but Faith and Gloria look out for you," Hope replied.
"Really," Annika asked in surprise.
Before Hope could answer a group of kids came up and started throwing grass and dirt at them. Ariel began to wail as some dirt got into her eyes. Annika screamed as a couple of kids began to pull at her long hair.
"Leave them alone," Hope flared at the kids.
"Shut up newbie," ordered one of the kids. "You can't tell us what to do."
Hope tried to get one of the kids off of Annika but she only got pushed down. In despair she ran over to Faith and Gloria. "Some kids are picking on Annika and Ariel," she cried.
"Yeah so," asked Faith.
"Help them," shrieked Hope. "You always do in my reality."
"Well we aren't in your reality," snapped Gloria. "So bug off and leave us alone."
"Yeah those two crybabies aren't worth our time," added Faith.
Hope sighed in exasperation and ran back over toward Annika and Ariel hoping to help them out.
"I hate school," Annika screamed as Amy applied some ointment to her cheek.
"Mommy why does everyone pick on us," whined Ariel.
"Because some children are just mean Darling," Amy replied.
Hope was holding an ice pack to her eye. She had gotten a sock in the eye from one child when she tried to defend Annika and Ariel. Raye put a hand on her shoulder. "Thanks for trying to help them," she whispered. "Daisy can only do so much being in a different grade."
Hope just nodded. She really wanted to be at home right now. She watched as Raye went over and pulled Annika into her arms. How Hope wished she was with her Michiru-mama right now.
"Oh look it's our supposed sister" Tyler sneered
"What do you two want?" Hope demanded as she put down her book
"We just wanted to give you a warning" Faith retorted
"Yeah we wanted to let you know that we don't like you at all and you best leave our parents alone or else" Tyler snorted
"Sorry but I can't do that because I like them a lot" Hope shot back
"You'll be sorry you did if we catch you" Faith shouted
"You are so much ruder in this realm then I could ever have imagined" Hope sighed
"What is that supposed to mean" Faith questioned angrily
"Just what I said because there you are sweet sometimes but here it seems you have no kind side" Hope said turning away and walking toward the door
"Fine whatever but you best heed our warning" Tyler snapped as he and Faith left
"I really want to go home" Hope sobbed as she snuggled down in a chair
"Hope what is wrong?" Setsuna questioned worriedly
"I really miss my parents" Hope whimpered
"Do they hate you here is that why you miss them?" Setsuna asked
"Yes but only Haruka-papa and even Faith and Tyler have told me to keep away from them both or else" Hope shrugged
"Oh Hope I'm so sorry but I will try and find a way to help you" Setsuna promised as she gave Hope a hug
"Thanks" Hope sighed as she returned the hug.
Later on Hope went outside. She was feeling very lonely right now. She was glad that Raye was letting her stay with them but like in her reality Annika was very attached to her mother. Hope decided to let Annika have some time alone with Raye. She looked around and saw Ariel was tussling with Faith, Tyler and Gloria.
"Come on baby show us you can be tough," Faith yelled.
"I'm trying," whimpered Ariel as she tried to push Tyler off of her.
"She's no match for us Faith," laughed Tyler as he ground Ariel's face into the dirt. Ariel began wailing. Hope ran over to them.
"Get off of her," Hope shouted. "You are all bigger than her."
"Shut up Miss Goody Two Shoes," snapped Faith.
"Maybe she should show us how tough she can be," laughed Gloria as she tossed a handful dirt at Hope.
"I have had it with your meanness," Hope shouted and she threw a handful of dirt back.
Faith angrily jumped on Hope and started wrestling with her. Hope was furious. This was not like her twin at home.
"Ariel hold still Sweetie," Amy ordered as she tried to get the dirt out of her child's eyes.
"It hurts Mommy," sobbed Ariel.
"Faith and Tyler have been punished," Michiru sighed. She glanced over at Hope. "Are you okay Sweetie?"
"I can't stand it," Hope shouted. "Faith is such a brat here. I want to go home. I miss my family."
"I know Sweetie," Michiru pulled Hope into her arms.
"We are trying to figure out how to get you home," Amy assured her. She finished with Ariel and pulled her child into her arms.
"Michiru can I please spend some time with you," begged Hope.
"I'll arrange it," Michiru promised as she hugged the little girl.
That night Raye was getting both Hope and Annika ready for bed. Hope was physically and emotionally drained.
"I really want to go home," Hope wailed.
"I know you do," Raye replied as she tucked Hope into bed. "We'll figure out a way to get you home."
"Mama," Annika called. "Please lay down with me for a while."
"Sure sweetheart," Raye lay down next to her child. Hope watched enviously. How she wished she could do that with Michiru-mama right now.
"Hi Hope" Michiru called the next afternoon after school
"Hello" Hope replied shyly
"Would you like to walk with me to the music room?" Michiru questioned
"Okay I guess" Hope sighed hoping Faith or Tyler wasn't around
"If your wondering about the terrible two they are in their room for the next hour as punishment" Michiru stated
"Oh then that is good" Hope smiled
"How about we try a violin duet today" Michiru suggested
"Okay I loved doing them with Michiru-mama back home" Hope said
"Good let's do this piece" Michiru replied as she put the piece on a stand between the two of them. While they were playing they didn't notice someone slip in and sit at the piano
"Hope they don't mind" Haruka whispered as she joined in their song
"WOW what is this lovely music?" Faith cried appearing in the doorway
"Oh no!" Hope and Faith exclaimed as they met each other's gaze
"I thought you might enjoy some accompaniment" Haruka suggested
"Thank you very much it added so pretty sounds" Hope sighed
"What did I tell you" Faith snapped
"Faith that is NO way to treat a guest and I asked her to join me" Michiru stated
"You can't tell me what to do" Hope sneered at Faith
"That's it I demand to know what is going on here" Haruka bellowed as she got everyone's attention.
"Faith and Tyler warned me that they would harm me if I had anything to do with you" Hope cried
"Faith is this true?" Haruka snapped
"You can't prove anything you little brat and you better watch your back" Faith shouted as she ran from the room
"It's true" Hope whined as she buried her head in Michiru's shoulder
"We believe you but Faith and Tyler can cause lots of trouble" Michiru sighed
"I just want to go back home," Hope cried as she took off for Raye's quarters.
Hope flung herself on the bed and bawled. She could not help herself. She was completely miserable right now. How could she make things better here? This was beyond hope.
"Hope," whispered a timid voice. Hope looked up and saw Annika standing next to her. "What's wrong?"
"I want to go home," cried Hope. "I miss my family. They are so different here. Faith is not so mean in my reality. She and I are best friends and she sticks up for you and Ariel. So does Gloria and Tyler is not even here."
"Is Gloria really my best friend in your reality," asked Annika as she sat down on the bed next to Hope.
"Yes," Hope sniffled as she wiped her eyes.
"Even though I am a crybaby," Annika inquired.
"Especially because you are a crybaby," Hope replied. "She looks after you all the time."
"I wish she would here," Annika whispered.
"Is everyone all right in here," asked Raye as she came into the room.
"We're fine Mama," Annika replied as she dashed into her mother's arms.
"Hope, Haruka and Michiru are here to see you," Raye told her.
"Thank you," Hope hopped down off the bed and headed toward the living room.
"Hope we wanted to apologize for what just happened," Michiru told her.
"We know you are missing your family right now," Haruka added. "I am also sorry for my reaction to you at first. You seem like a pretty good kid."
"I try to be," Hope whispered. "I get into trouble too sometimes. I just wish Faith was more like she is in my reality."
"Is she a troublemaker where you are from," Haruka inquired.
"She is a tomboy and she gets into more trouble than I do but she is really nice," Hope replied. "She's my best friend and my twin. Faith always sticks up for Annika and Ariel in my reality too."
"I wonder what happened here," Michiru sighed. "I don't mind having a tomboy but she is such a troublemaker."
"It's Tyler," Haruka concluded. "Hope obviously has some influence on Faith in her reality. Tyler has been a huge influence here."
"Maybe we should get her to hang around some of the other girls here," Michiru mused. "Maybe Maggie or even Annika."
"It might be good for Annika," Hope suggested. Michiru took her hand.
"I know you are missing your family," she whispered. "I hope we can help you feel more comfortable until you can go back."
Hope flung herself into Michiru and Haruka's arms and cried.
"NO!" declared Faith the next day "I don't want to"
"You will meet Annika, Hope, and Maggie in the playroom OR you will be grounded for 2 weeks with no priviliges" Michiru stated firmly
"Fine I'll go but I won't like it" Faith snapped as she walked into the playroom
"At least be nice" Haruka said
"Hi Faith come join us" Maggie offered as she and Hope were putting together a puzzle
"It looks booorrrriinggg" Faith sighed as she sat down at one of the tables
"Well you could read a book" Annika pointed out softly
"Oh yeah right" Faith shot back
"Hope do you think this piece goes here?" Maggie questioned choosing to ignore Faith and her attitude
"Hmm let's try it" Hope suggested as they tried to make it fit
"Why don't you try it over there" Faith stated pointing to another free spot
"You sure you don't wanna join us?" Hope quizzed
"Only if you will at least listen to my suggestions" Faith shrugged as she sat down on the floor next to them
"Okay but you can't boss us around" Maggie reminded her
"Oh Joy" Faith sighed
"Annika would you like to join us" Hope suggested as they girls sat down to play a game
"Okay I guess so" Annika whispered walking over to the empty chair by Hope
"This game is easy. First person to get all their pieces around the board to their home area without getting bumped back to start wins" Maggie said as she finished reading the instructions
"Cool!" Faith exclaimed as she grabbed for the yellow pieces but stopped when she saw Annika reaching for them "You can be yellow and I'll be blue"
"Thanks" Annika replied and the game began.
"Did you girls have fun," Raye asked when Hope and Annika returned.
"Yes Mama," Annika replied shyly.
"I am glad to hear it," Raye hugged her daughter. She looked at Hope and mouthed, "Thank you." Hope was glad she had done some good right now.
"What have you done to my sister," shouted Tyler in rage the next day.
"What do you mean," asked Hope.
"We mean that all of the sudden she wants to play with the others instead of us," Gloria pointed out.
"What is wrong with that," asked Hope.
"A lot," snapped Tyler. "Why would she want to play with a wimp like Annika all of the sudden?"
"Annika is not a wimp she is just sensitive," Hope flared. "Let me tell you Gloria that she is your best friend in my reality."
"You are kidding me," laughed Gloria.
"I'm not," Hope replied. "You look out for her."
"And why would I do that," asked Gloria.
"Because you actually care about someone," Hope pointed out. She then turned to Tyler. "You aren't around in my reality."
"What," he hollered in alarm.
"Sorry I can't tell you anything else," Hope skipped off leaving the two children staring after her.
"Tyler's in trouble, Tyler's in trouble," Madelyn shouted as the kids returned from school the next day
"WHAT is all this?" Haruka demanded as she met them at the door
"I told Tyler that I wasn't gonna play with him today and played with some other kids and he got mad and threw one of the harder balls at us" Faith explained
"Yeah and then Gloria got angry at him for doing that and came real close to hitting him before the teacher stopped them both" Ariel added happily
"Gee what a bunch of tattle tales" Tyler grumbled
"You will apologize to everyone this instant and then we will discuss punishment once we get home" Michiru stated coldly
"Sorry" Tyler mumbled as he slunk toward his quarters
"I can't believe you actually did that," Hope cried happily
"Well I took what you said and decided that I didn't need to always follow his orders" Faith replied
"I decided I might should try being a little bit nicer to the others" Gloria added
"Well those are some really good improvements" Hope agreed as they walked toward the playroom.
"Hello child," Hope heard a voice say. She turned around and saw it was Tori.
"So I guess it is time for me to go," Hope asked.
"Yes it is," Tori replied. "You have done some good here."
"Thank you," Hope heaved a breath of relief. "Can I say goodbye?"
"Go right ahead," Tori smiled at her young charge.
"I'm sorry you have to leave," Raye told Hope a few minutes later. "I don't think Annika will admit it but she liked having you here."
"Thank you for letting me stay with you," Hope gave Raye a hug.
"It was my pleasure," Raye replied hugging her back. "You did Annika some good and I appreciate it."
"Good bye Hope," Annika gave Hope a hug.
"Goodbye Annika," Hope hugged her friend back.
"I wish you didn't have to go," Michiru said sadly as she hugged Hope tightly. "I was really beginning to love you."
"I have to go," Hope cried as she hugged Michiru back.
"Thanks for helping Faith out," Haruka hugged Hope. "She seems to be a little less troublesome the last couple of days."
"Glad I could help," Hope smiled.
Faith came forward. "I don't like girlish things but Annika, Maggie and the others are okay," she admitted. "I'll try to be nicer to them."
"I know you can be," Hope hugged Faith. "In my reality you are more then my sister. You are my best friend."
Faith could only smile. Sister and best friend sounded so nice.
"Goodbye everyone," Hope called as she left.
"Take care," called Michiru.
"Come and see us again," Haruka added.
"Bye," Faith shouted.
Hope ran over the Tori. "I am ready," she told her.
"Then let's go," Tori opened the portal and Hope jumped through it.
"HOPE ELIZABETH where are you?" A very worried Michiru shouted
"Michiru-mama?" Hope replied groggily
"Oh sweetheart you had us all very worried where were you?" Haruka questioned as she joined Michiru by her side
"I'm sorry Haruka-papa I was taken into another dimension where I was sent to help change things for the better" Hope said
"Did you do any good?" Faith snapped as she walked in
"Faith be nice" Michiru chided her
"It's okay and yes I did, I helped alot of people" Hope replied
"Well I'm just glad you are here" Michiru said wrapping her arms around Hope
"Me too" Haruka said joining in the hug
"I guess I am too" Faith sighed as she joined the family hug
"I'm just so glad to be home" Hope stated as she felt the love of her family fill her heart.