Hi Everyone! It looks like I am back to working on several different projects again but I got inspired. Time to expand on the family thing.
E-mail me with suggestions and feedback to AngelRaye2@aol.com.
Also visit my web site at http://angelrayeschibiscouts.homestead.com/angelraye.html
Captain Commando has set up a Chibi Scout message board at http://pub53.ezboard.com/bangelrayeschibiscouts. Please drop by and leave a message.
Disclaimers: I do not own Sailor Moon. With the exception of Rini I own this generation of Sailor Scouts.
The Crystal Scouts
Part One: The Mars Crystal
By Angel Raye
About 90 years into the future of the Chibi Scouts...
Raye gazed out the window of her quarters at Crystal Tokyo. It was always nice during a peaceful time. It gave Raye a chance to spend time with her family, which had now grown.
A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. Raye smiled. She was expecting her visitors. "Come in," she called. The door opened and in walked her daughter and granddaughter, Sailor Cosmic Mars and Sailor Elysian Mars. "Annika, Brooke please come in."
"Hi Mother," Annika replied as she sat down.
"Good afternoon Grandmother," Brooke replied. Raye smiled at both of them.
To a stranger one would never guess he was looking at three generations of women. Each woman looked like she was in her twenties because Sailor Scouts lived eternally. Raye was over thousand years old thanks to the deep freeze. Annika was nearing a hundred while Brooke was in her fifties. Child bearing was still possible for all three.
"So Mother what did you want to talk to us about," Annika asked as she took a cup of tea from Raye.
"Luna and Artemis scanned Ashley and she will be the next scout of Mars," Raye stated getting to the point as always.
"But Grandmother Tara is the oldest," Brooke protested. "Ashley is only five. Why was she chosen?"
"Because she has the Scout aura," Raye explained.
"I still think it should be Tara," Brooke muttered.
"You wanted it to be Tara," Annika informed her daughter. "Tara came first and you had high goals set for her but apparently being a Sailor Scout is not part of her destiny. It's Ashley's."
"But that means I will have to watch Tara grow old and die," Brooke moaned. "I don't think I can bear it."
"I know how you feel," Annika replied. "I have watched your brother and sister get older. They are only four years younger than you but they look older than all three of us."
Raye sighed. Four years after Brooke was born Annika had given birth to twins, one boy and one girl. Raye had been delighted at having three grandchildren but she also knew that only one of them would live for eternity.
"Brooke," Raye reached over and took her granddaughter's hand. "I know this is difficult for you to accept but Ashley is to be the next Scout of Mars. Nothing will change that."
Brooke gave a loud sigh. "Very well," she relented. "So where is her transformation pen?"
"She has to go back to the past to get the Mars crystal," Raye explained.
"Nani," shouted Brooke. "She is only five years old how can I send her to the past?"
"She will be sent back to when Annika was eight," Raye replied. "That is who she will get the crystal from."
"Nani," shrieked Annika. "You mean that was her?" Raye nodded her head. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"I wanted you to shape your own future without any influence," Raye explained as she placed a hand on Annika's cheek. "Please understand."
"So do we need to tell Ashley," asked Brooke.
"Not yet," Raye replied. "First we need to get permission from the queens and the Venus's."
"Then let's get this over with," Brooke stood up and swiped a finger through her shoulder length lavender hair. She stood taller than Annika who never grew beyond five feet tall. Although no as exotic as Annika and Raye, Brooke was still beautiful. The three women took out their transformation pens to transform.
Elysian Venus ran toward the throne room. She was late but her children had been quarreling with each other and she had to act as mediator. Once she got to the throne room she stopped and quickly straightened out her long strawberry blonde hair. Taking a deep breath she entered the throne room. Neo-Queen Serenity, and Neo-Princesses Rini and her daughter Chelsea were all sitting together. On their left side were Elysian Venus's grandmother, Sailor Venus and mother Cosmic Venus.
"Sorry I'm late," Elysian Venus stated as she bowed before their majesties. "I had a small battle in the home to deal with."
"No need to apologize Elysian Venus," Serenity assured her. "The Mars Scouts aren't here yet."
Elysian Venus nodded her head and rushed over to her chair. As she sat down a loud sound came out from under her. "Nani," demanded Elysian Venus. She stood back up and saw she had sat on a whoopee cushion. "Mother," she shouted at Cosmic Venus. "You're a hundred years old. When are you going to stop playing pranks?"
"Never," Cosmic Venus laughed.
"Kami-sama," Elysian Venus muttered. She turned to Venus. "Can't you talk to her?"
"She hasn't listened to me for a hundred years," Venus dryly stated. "I doubt she is going to start now."
"Let's start acting like Scout commanders please," Serenity pleaded. "Here comes the Mars Scouts."
Elysian Venus straightened up. In walked Sailor Mars, her mentor, Sailor Cosmic Mars her godmother, and Sailor Elysian Mars, her best friend.
"Thank you for allowing us to speak," Mars stated as she and her daughter and granddaughter bowed before the queen and princesses.
"I always have time for you Raye," Serenity said softly. "What brings this formal meeting?"
"Luna and Artemis detected the Scout aura in my great-granddaughter, Ashley," Mars replied. "It is time for her to go and retrieve the Mars crystal. We request that we send Ashley back to the past so she can retrieve it from her grandmother, Sailor Chibi Mars."
"Do you promise to give Ashley all instructions on going back to the past," Rini asked.
"We do," Cosmic Mars stated.
"We will inform her that she is not to reveal anything about the future to Cosmic Moon or the Chibi Scouts," Mars added.
"The permission is granted," Serenity stated. "You will prepare her for her journey."
"Thank you," Mars replied gratefully.
"Your majesties and Sailor Venus," Elysian Mars stepped forward. "I do have one request I would like to make."
"And what is that Elysian Mars," asked Sailor Venus.
"With all due respect Ashley is only five years old,' Elysian Mars stated. "Is there anyway we can keep an eye on her while she is there."
"There is a way," Chelsea replied. Her horn began to glow and a small glowing orb appeared. "This will allow one of the Venus's to keep an eye on her. If there is any trouble she will be able to go back to the past and deal with it."
"That would be you Elysian Venus," Cosmic Venus pointed out. "You are going to be in charge of their training when all of them have their planet crystals."
"Nani," exploded Elysian Venus. "I have my own kids to deal with. How can I keep an eye on Ashley?"
"Please Celine," Elysian Mars pleaded.
Elysian Venus gave a gusty sigh. "Very well," she muttered and she took the orb from Chelsea."
Mars turned to her granddaughter. "Go and find Ashley and bring her to my quarters," she commanded. "Your mother and I will be waiting."
"Very well," Elysian Mars went off in search of her youngest daughter.
Ashley Hino swung high on the swing set. The palace garden was flowing with children right now. Ashley closed her violet eyes and felt her long raven hair blow in the wind.
"Come on Ashley give someone else a turn," her older sister Tara shouted. "Rayna has been waiting for a long time."
Ashley scowled at Tara who was standing with the daughter of Chelsea. She jumped down off the swing and glared at Rayna. She reached over and pulled one of the white blonde pigtails. "Why do I have to give it up for an odango atama," she asked.
"Shut up Ashley," Rayna snapped. She poked her tongue out at Ashley who poked hers out in return. A tongue war ensued. Tara and the other children sighed.
"Ashley," snapped a voice and Ashley looked up to see her mother standing there. "What are you doing?"
"I had to give up the swing," Ashley shouted angrily. "Why do I have to give it up for the princess?"
"Never mind," Brooke took Ashley's hand. "We have to go and see your grandmother and great-grandmother right now."
"Can I come too Mama," asked Tara.
"Not now Sweetie," Brooke replied as she kissed Tara. "You go and play and we'll see you later."
"Yes Mama," Tara murmured in a puzzled voice. She watched as her mother and sister walked back inside the palace.
Raye smiled when Brooke came walking in with Ashley. The little girl was the spitting image of her great-grandmother with her violet eyes and long raven hair. Raye always found it amusing that her fiery temper skipped two generations. Annika never inherited it and neither did her children. Ashley had her great-grandmother's temper and it always surfaced.
"Hello Ashley," Raye smiled and held out her arms. Ashley went into them.
"Hi Great-grandma, and grandma," Ashley replied as she looked up at Annika. "Mama said you wanted to see me."
"Yes," Annika replied as she sat down. "We have discovered the next Scout of Mars."
"It's gonna be Tara right," Ashley muttered.
"No," Raye replied. "Luna and Artemis found the Scout aura in you."
"Me," gasped Ashley. "I am gonna be a Sailor Scout?"
"Yes," Annika nodded her head. "You will need to go back to the past to retrieve the Mars crystal."
"How do I do that," asked Ashley.
"You will know when you see it," Raye assured her. "Your mother has some instructions for you. Both she and Sailor Venus will go over them with you and help you prepare for your journey. You are to listen carefully to them and follow them. Do you understand?"
"Yes Great-grandma," Ashley replied. She was brimming with excitement. She was going to be a Sailor Scout instead of Tara. This was wonderful.
"Good luck Ashley," Annika reached down and kissed her. "We'll be waiting when you return."
Ashley and Brooke left the room. Annika sighed and walked over to the window. Raye could sense her daughter's sadness. She got up and went over to her. Raye embraced her from behind. "What's really bothering you Sweetheart," Raye asked.
"I was so horrible to her when she came back," Annika recalled. "I still feel awful about it."
"You weren't use to sharing me with another child," Raye replied. "We didn't know who Ashley was and what was she after. The good thing is when Ashley comes back you will be able to apologize to her. If I recall Ashley wasn't o nice to you either."
"That's true," Annika sighed. She gazed out the window and sent a private thought to her past self. "Don't be to hard on her."
In another place a woman sat on her throne. She was gazing at an image of the Crystal Palace. "One day you will be mine," she thought to herself.
"You sent for me my lady," another woman came forward.
"Yes Tania," the woman replied. "The next generation of Sailor Scouts are about to be awakened. If another generation of Scouts appear then I will never succeed in taking over Crystal Tokyo."
"So what are we to do my lady," asked Tania.
"We must prevent the next generation from finding their planet crystals," the woman replied. "The first one is about to go into the past to find it. We must destroy the child."
"There are Sailor Scouts in the past," Tania pointed out. "Do you think we can kill this child?"
"The Elysian Scouts do not exist yet and the Cosmic Scouts are still Chibi Scouts," the woman pointed out. "You will have a better chance to succeed. It is the Crystal Scout of Mars that is about to awaken. Find her and destroy her."
"Yes my lady," Tania bowed and disappeared.
During the time of the Chibi Scouts...
"All right Gloria where are you hiding," shouted Annika. Stardust was perched on her shoulder "I know it was you who dropped that water balloon on me. Come out wherever you are."
"Can't you take a gag," Gloria asked as she climbed down from the tree. "I was trying to get Daisy, not you."
"You certainly had bad aim," Stardust pointed out.
"Right," Annika muttered. "Daisy would have clobbered you."
"I can run as fast as she can," Gloria boasted. "Try to catch me." Gloria took off with Annika at her heels. She wasn't watching where she was going and collided with someone.
"Watch where you are going you stupid," the child screamed angrily.
"Sorry," Gloria quickly apologized. She got up and tried to help the little girl to her feet.
"You so stupid," the little girl shouted. "Now my dress is dirty."
"Cool your jets," Gloria snapped angrily. "It was an accident and what are you doing here in the palace yard? How did you get past the guards?"
"That's none of your business," the little girl replied.
Annika caught up with them. "Who's this Gloria?"
"I don't know Annika," Gloria replied. "Some brat."
"You're Annika," the child asked.
"Yes," Annika replied. She was surprised when the little girl jumped on top of her. Annika found herself flat on her back.
"Where's the Mars Crystal," the child asked. "Give it to me."
"Nani," cried Annika. "What's the Mars Crystal? I don't know what you are talking about."
"Give me that Mars Crystal," the child shouted.
Annika burst into tears. "I don't have it," she sobbed. "I don't even know what it is."
"Get off of her you brat," Gloria angrily yanked the little girl off of her best friend.
The child glared at Gloria. "Then I'll find it later." With that she started to go but then Mina came up. "What is going on here," she demanded. "And who are you?"
"So who is she," Serenity asked Amy. After getting the story from Annika and Gloria Mina carted the child off to Amy. Now all of the Scouts were in Amy's office waiting to find out if this child posed a threat or not.
"I did a scan," Amy replied. "Her name is Ashley and she is from the future and Raye she seems to be related to you."
"Nani," shouted Raye. She had just spent the last hour calming her upset daughter down and was not happy with this news. "How is she related to me?"
"I'm not sure," Amy replied. "She does look like you. For all we know Ashley could be a future daughter."
"I can't have anymore," Raye reminded her. "You took care of that for me."
"It's a reversible procedure," Amy pointed out.
"The question is what are we going to do with her," Haruka asked. She was not thrilled with the idea of another child from the future being here.
"And what is this Mars Crystal she is after," Hotaru added.
"Luna," Mina asked. "Was there ever a Mars Crystal?"
"Not that I know of," Luna replied. "But maybe there is one and we don't know about it."
"I guess if this child is related to me then she will stay with us," Raye sighed.
"Just keep an eye on her," Serenity ordered. "We don't want any trouble."
"I don't want her here," Annika snapped when Raye came walking in with Ashley.
"I'm sorry Annika but she has to stay," Raye replied in a weary voice. "Now I expect you two to get along."
"Yes Ma'am," Annika muttered. She glared at Ashley. Now she was going to have to share both her parents and her room with this brat.
"Don't worry Mama-Raye," Ashley cooed. "Annika and I will be good friends."
That night after Annika had been put to bed she lay there in a very dark mood. Since Ashley was only five she needed more attention. Annika had seethed with jealousy as she watched Raye bathe Ashley. Then she pouted while Raye held Ashley on her lap and read her a story. Annika wanted to toss this child out.
"Stardust why is this kid here," Annika asked.
"If I knew that I would tell you," Stardust replied.
"I wonder what this Mars crystal is that she is talking about," Annika muttered. Suddenly there was a thud on her bed. She looked up and saw it was Ashley.
"Give me that Mars Crystal," she demanded.
"Get off you brat," Annika shouted.
"Not until you give me that crystal," Ashley shouted back.
Annika gave Ashley a huge push. Ashley landed with a thump on the floor. The door opened and Raye and Chad both came in. "What is going on in here," Chad demanded.
Ashley immediately started wailing. "Annika pushed me."
"Annika," Raye scolded as she picked up Ashley to comfort her.
"Mama she attacked me," shouted Annika angrily.
"No I didn't I was trying to be friends," Ashley howled.
"You liar," Annika screamed in rage.
"Enough," Raye snapped. "Both of you to bed now and I had better not hear another sound out of either of you."
"But Mama," Annika protested.
"Enough," Raye repeated. She tucked Ashley back in and then gave Annika a kiss goodnight. "Go to sleep now." Raye and Chad left the room. Ashley quietly laughed. Annika with tears rolling down her face tried to go to sleep. Stardust gently tried to lick the tears away.
The next few days were unbearable for Annika. Whenever Ashley was in front of an adult she acted very sweet but the minute she and Annika were alone she tried demanding this Mars Crystal. Annika was very miserable. She started doing what she could to hurt Ashley but she always ended up caught and in trouble.
"I hate her," Annika sobbed to Gloria and the twins one-day. "I don't want her here."
"Don't let a little kid upset you," Faith scoffed. "She isn't that tough. I can take her."
"You can but I can't," Annika pointed out.
"Don't worry about it Annika," Hope tried to comfort her friend. "We're here for you."
"Thank you," Annika whispered. But she really wanted her mother.
Ashley was walking alone in the park. She just had to find that Mars Crystal. Ashley could not believe what a crybaby her grandmother was. Ashley could not wait to get this crystal so she could get home.
"There you are," a voice demanded. Ashley turned around and saw a woman standing behind her.
"Who are you," asked Ashley in fright.
"My name is Tania," the woman replied. "Ashley Hino I am not going to let you find that crystal. I will destroy you and all of the Crystal Scouts before that happens."
Ashley tried to get away but Tania grabbed her. Ashley immediately began to scream. "You can scream all you want little girl but your parents are not here to help you."
"But we are," called a voice. Tania turned and saw Cosmic Moon standing there. Chibi Pluto, Chibi Jupiter, Chibi Mercury and Chibi Saturn were all there. "How dare you try to take an innocent child. I am Sailor Cosmic Moon and in the name of the moon I will punish you."
"So it's the little Chibi Scouts," Tania laughed. "You don't look so tough."
"Well we are," Chibi Jupiter powered up. "JUPITER DEADLY LIGHTENING BOLT!" Her attack flew out and hit Tania. She screamed and dropped Ashley. Cosmic Moon dashed forward and caught her.
"Why you little," Tania snapped. She threw a bolt of energy. It flew toward Chibi Mercury and Chibi Saturn. Chibi Mercury powered up. "MERCURY ICE GLACIER!" Her attack froze the bolt and it fell to the ground.
"Not bad," Tania laughed. She glared at the girls. "I'll let you go this time but you have not seen the last of me. She disappeared.
"Are you all right Ashley," Cosmic Moon asked.
"I think so," Ashley replied.
"What did she want from you," Chibi Pluto asked.
"I don't know," Ashley sighed wishing she could tell them. But she was not allowed to reveal anything.
"We had better get back and tell the queen," Chibi Saturn stated and everyone nodded.
"You must have been scared to death," Raye commented that night to Ashley as she was giving the child her bath.
"I was Mama-Raye," Ashley replied.
"Well just know that we will all protect you here," Raye assured the child.
"I know Mama-Raye," Ashley smiled up at Raye. How she wished she could tell her who she really was.
Just outside the door Annika was watching with jealousy. She did not like seeing her mother giving the other child so much attention. Annika stomped to her room and flopped down on the bed. "It's not fair Stardust," Annika told the pink kitten. "She's my mama. Why is she giving Ashley so much attention right now?"
"Ashley is younger than you," Stardust pointed out. "She needs it." Annika sighed and rolled over on her bed.
Raye came in with Ashley. "Annika I just finished giving Ashley her bath," she told her. "I am filling up the tub for you now Sweetie."
"Will you give me my bath," Annika asked.
"Sweetheart you don't need me to do that anymore," Raye replied as she kissed Annika on the cheek. "You're a big girl now. Stop being silly. I have to finish getting Ashley ready for bed now." Raye turned around and finished helping Ashley.
"I wasn't being silly," Annika whispered softly. She hopped down off the bed and left the room.
The next day Ashley found herself alone in Mars's quarters. She began to look for the Mars Crystal. Ashley went through Annika's drawers. She couldn't find anything. She looked over on Annika's bed and saw the stuffed Stardust. Smiling Ashley reached over and picked it up. "This is so cute," she said out loud. "Grandma makes stuff like this for me."
"Put that down," Annika shouted as she came in. "That's mine."
"Well it's mine now," Ashley teased.
"Give it to me," Annika shouted angrily.
"Come get me first," Ashley taunted. She ran off. Annika went after her in pursuit. She chased Ashley out of her quarters and into the hall. They raced through the palace and out the front door. Some of the other children were outside playing.
"What's going on," asked Maggie.
"That creep has the Stardust I made," Annika shouted.
"Come catch me," Ashley laughed. Annika jumped and grabbed the stuffed Stardust. She and Ashley pulled. The tailed ripped right off.
"Now look what you did," Annika screamed in fury as tears rolled down her face. "I worked so hard on this."
"You should've shared," Ashley yelled back.
"Cool it," Daisy ordered coming up. "It's okay Annika. You can fix it."
Tania was watching all of this. "Perfect," she thought. "Those other children are trying to comfort that one and aren't watching Ashley so I am going to get her now." Tania snuck up behind Ashley and grabbed her. Ashley screamed.
"Ashley," shouted Ariel. She pulled out her pen. The others did the same.
"MERCURY POWER MAKE UP!"
"JUPITER POWER MAKE UP!"
"VENUS POWER MAKE UP!"
"PLUTO POWER MAKE UP!"
The four girls finished transforming before they noticed that Annika didn't transform. "Come on Annika we need you," Chibi Jupiter shouted.
Annika took out her pen. She was about to hold it up and then stopped. She threw the pen down. "No," she shouted. "I will not help her."
"Annika," gasped Chibi Venus.
"Never mind her we have got to go," Chibi Jupiter shouted. The four Chibi Scouts took off in pursuit of Tania and Ashley.
"Now little one I will destroy you," laughed Tania.
"Not if we can help it," called a voice. Tania looked and saw four Chibi Scouts standing nearby. Chibi Venus was the one who was talking. "You have no right killing a little girl. I am Sailor Chibi Venus and I will punish you in the name of Venus. And my friends are..."
"Sailor Chibi Mercury!"
"Sailor Chibi Jupiter!"
"Sailor Chibi Pluto!"
"Not too many of you this time," Tania laughed. "I can deal with you."
"Just try," shouted Chibi Jupiter. She powered up. "JUPITER DEADLY LIGHTENING BOLT!" Tania jumped out of the way.
"Is that the best you can do," she laughed.
"Then try this," Chibi Pluto shouted. She powered up. "SCREAMS OF DESTRUCTION!"
The attack flew out. Tania tried to dodge it but failed. It hit her. Ashley flew out of her hands and landed against a tree. Chibi Mercury dashed over to her. "Are you all right Ashley," she asked.
"Yes," Ashley replied.
"Go and hide," Chibi Mercury told her. "We'll take care of Tania." Ashley ran behind a bush and watched.
"VENUS BEAUTIFUL SHOCKWAVE!" Tania got angry.
"That's it," she shouted. She powered up and a blast of energy came out and knocked over the Chibi Scouts. They all went sprawling. "Now to finish you off."
"VENUS LOVE AND BEAUTY SHOCK!"
"MERCURY AQUA RHAPSODY!"
"Don't even think about hurting those children," Venus shouted angrily. Mercury dashed over and started checking the Chibi Scouts for injuries.
"Great the adult counterparts," Tania snarled. "I get that brat later." She disappeared.
"Are you girls all right," Mercury asked as she picked Chibi Mercury up.
"We're fine Mommy," Chibi Mercury replied. Ashley came running out.
"Sailor Venus," Chibi Pluto stated. "We have a problem."
Annika sat on the swing pouting. Stardust was on her lap. "Annika you really should have gone and help protect Ashley."
"I didn't want to," Annika snapped.
"And you are going to explain that right now," Amy and Mina came up. Mina was the one who spoke. "The others told us what happened. Now you have some explaining to do."
"I don't have to," Annika muttered in a sulky voice.
"Young lady this is your commander speaking now," Mina ordered. "Now start talking."
"Just leave me alone," Annika screamed. She took off running.
"Annika," Stardust ran after her.
Mina started to follow but Amy stopped her. "Let me go and talk to her." Mina nodded and Amy went after Annika.
Amy found Annika standing by the rose garden crying. "Annika," Amy said gently. "There is no reason to cry. What you did was wrong. Now I want to know why you did not want to help save Ashley."
"Because I hate her," Annika sobbed.
"And why is that," Amy asked as she placed a comforting hand on the little girl's shoulder.
"Because of her Mama doesn't want me anymore," Annika cried.
"Now why do you say that," Amy asked beginning to realize that there was a serious problem here.
"Because Ashley is little," sobbed Annika. "Mama says she sometimes wishes I was younger. Now she has Ashley who still needs help with a lot of things. Mama is having so much fun with that. She doesn't love me anymore."
"Sweetie you know that is not true," Amy knelt down and put her hands on Annika's shoulders. "Mama loves you very much and no one could ever take your place."
"I don't believe you," Annika cried. "Ashley is replacing me and now Mama loves her more than me." With that Annika broke free from Amy's grasp and took off running. Stardust ran after her. Amy decided not to follow. She headed back toward the palace and flipped open her communicator.
"So what is it Amy," Raye asked as she entered Amy's office.
"How has Annika been," Amy asked.
"She hasn't been herself," Raye recalled. "In fact she has been acting out. I heard that she refused to transform today. I assured Mina that she will be punished."
"I had a talk with Annika after that incident," Amy stated. "She is really upset right now. She thinks you don't want her anymore."
"That's ridiculous," Raye retorted. "Annika knows I love her."
"But since Ashley came along Annika feels that you want her now," Amy pointed out. "She feels threatened because of all the attention you are giving Ashley."
"Ashley is younger and she is away from her mother," Raye replied. "Yesterday Annika asked me if I was going to give her a bath. Annika has been able to bathe herself for almost two years now."
"But maybe seeing Ashley being bathed by you has sparked something in her," Amy stated. "Annika is used to being in the center of your attention and now she has to share you with someone else. You and Annika have a very special and loving relationship. Now all of the sudden Annika is forced to share you with a child who we don't know anything about."
"I never thought of that," Raye sighed. "Annika is such a sweet and gentle child. I guess I just assumed she was okay with all of this."
"I think you should clear things up with her," Amy suggested.
"I will," Raye stood up. "I guess I should go and find her."
"Leave that to me," Amy held up her mini-computer.
Ashley found that she was alone in Mars's quarters again. "Now it is time to look for that crystal," Ashley thought to herself. She began pulling things out of Annika's drawers looking for it.
Raye found Annika at the park. She had waded into the lake and was standing knee deep in water. Her jeans were soaked. Raye could also see that Annika had gone in with her shoes and socks on. Annika was picking up rocks and throwing them out into the lake. Raye's first instinct was to order Annika out of the water but then decided not to upset the child more. So she casually walked over. "You are going to catch a cold if you stand in there," she stated.
"I don't care," Annika mumbled.
Raye sat down on the grass next to Stardust who was watching over her young mistress. "We need to talk."
"I don't want to talk," Annika muttered.
"Then just listen," Raye said. She began, "I know what you are feeling right now. But please understand that Ashley is younger so she needs more right now. She is also away from her mother and is missing her very much right now." Raye noticed Annika's face darken at the mention of Ashley. Raye continued, "One thing I want you to know is that Ashley will never replace you. Neither will anyone else. I love you more than anyone else in this world. I carried you inside of me for nine months. You helped fill a void I didn't know I had. Words cannot describe the joy you have brought into my life." Raye noticed a tear trickle out of her daughter's eye. She went on, "You and I have always had a very close loving relationship. Please don't let your feelings toward this one child ruin it."
"Mama," Annika sobbed as she ran into Raye's arms. Raye picked her child up and held her. "I love you so much Mama."
"I love you too Sweetheart," Raye replied. She smiled at her daughter. "Let's get back to the palace now before you catch cold."
"Carry me," Annika pleaded.
"Sure," Raye carried her daughter toward the palace.
"Thank goodness," Stardust heaved a breath of relief as she followed them back.
"Where is that stupid crystal," Ashley furiously shouted as she tore Annika's room apart. The room was a complete disaster. "It's got to be in here somewhere."
Annika came walking in with Stardust. "What did you do to my room," she shrieked.
"What's going on," asked Raye coming in and then she saw the mess. "What's this?"
"I didn't do it," Ashley lied.
"Mama you know I haven't been home," Annika protested.
"Young lady," Raye sternly turned to Ashley. "I know Annika did not make this mess so what have you got to say for yourself?"
"I'm looking for something," Ashley replied.
"I told you I don't have this crystal," Annika screamed. Raye put a hand on her head to calm her down.
"Yes you do," Ashley screamed back. She gave Annika a swift kick in the shin and took off. Annika howled in pain.
"Ashley," Raye shouted angrily but Ashley flew out of their quarters. Raye turned to tend to her daughter.
"Stupid Annika," Ashley growled as she ran out to the garden. "I have got to find that crystal."
Suddenly someone grabbed her ear. "You and I are going to have a talk young lady," a stern voice said. Ashley looked up and saw Celine standing right there.
"Aunt Celine," she stammered. "What are you doing here?"
"I have been watching you through this orb that Neo-Princess Chelsea gave me," Celine replied. "I must say I am furious with your behavior."
"But I can't find the Mars crystal," Ashley shot back.
"You need to respect Annika," Celine told her. "You are being very cruel to your grandmother."
"She's not my grandmother yet," Ashley snapped.
"She is still your grandmother and you will respect her," Celine shouted. She reached down and swatted Ashley's backside. "I have not told your mother about this yet but I know she would be very upset to hear this."
"Are you going to tell her," Ashley asked blinking back tears.
"If you continue this behavior I will," Celine replied. "Now you had better shape up or that spanking I gave you will seem like nothing after what I will do if I have to come back here again."
"Yes Ma'am," Ashley whispered.
Celine took the time key from her pocket. "I am going back now. I had better not have to return."
Ashley nodded. She watched as Celine disappeared. She knew that when Celine said she would be back if she didn't behave then she would be. Ashley headed back up to Mars's quarters to apologize.
She found Annika was sitting on the couch trying to mend her stuffed Stardust. Raye was sitting next to her observing her progress. Both looked up when Ashley walked in the door.
"There you are," Raye stated. "I was not happy with that display of behavior young lady."
Ashley went to Annika. "I am really sorry Annika," she said. "I'll try to be better."
Annika was a little taken aback by the apology. "It's okay," she stammered.
"Now that you have apologized let me make a few things clear," Raye demanded. "As long as you are staying here you will abide by my rules. Do you understand?"
"Yes Ma'am," Ashley replied.
"Good," Raye seemed satisfied. "Now you have a mess to clean up in Annika's room so get to it."
Ashley nodded her head and she headed back into Annika's room. She slowly began to clean up.
The next few days were quiet. Ashley started to act more respectfully toward Annika who in turn tried to control her jealousy. Ashley still kept her eye out for the Mars Crystal but she could not find it. She wondered if she would ever find it.
"Do you miss your Mama," Annika asked her one day.
"I guess so," Ashley sighed. "But I am not her favorite."
"What do you mean you're not her favorite," asked Annika.
"I have an older sister and I think Mama loves her more than me," Ashley replied.
Annika could not fathom that. She did not have any siblings and Raye was always saying that Annika was it. She still could not believe that a mother would pick favorites.
"Come on Annika, Ashley," Rini came up. "We are all going to go to the park. Why don't you come with us?"
"Okay," Annika jumped up. She turned to Ashley. "Come on."
Ashley smiled. Her grandmother may be a crybaby but she was sweet. "Okay I'm coming." The girls headed off.
Tania watched as the children played. She saw the one she was after. "There are a lot of people here so maybe I can just grab her and leave," Tania thought to herself.
Faith tossed a ball toward Ashley. It flew past her and into a bush. Ashley scrambled after it.
"Hello little one," a voice spoke. Ashley looked up and saw Tania.
"You," Ashley shouted. She got up to run but Tania grabbed her. Ashley screamed.
"Ashley," shouted Annika.
"Quick everyone transform," shouted Rini and everyone took out their transformation devices.
"MOON COSMIC POWER MAKE UP!"
"MERCURY POWER MAKE UP!"
"MARS POWER MAKE UP!"
"JUPITER POWER MAKE UP!"
"VENUS POWER MAKE UP!"
"PLUTO POWER MAKE UP!"
"NEPTUNE POWER MAKE UP!"
"URANUS POWER MAKE UP!"
"STAURN POWER MAKE UP!"
Everyone transformed. Cosmic Moon and the Chibi Scouts ran after Tania.
"Let her go," shouted Cosmic Moon. "How dare you interrupt a child's play. As agents of love and justice we are the pretty soldiers in sailor suits. I am Sailor Cosmic Moon and in the name of the moon I will punish you."
"And we the Sailor Chibi Scouts will punish you too," shouted all of the Chibi Scouts.
"Do not interfere with my orders children," Tania snapped. "My orders are to destroy this child."
"Well I won't let you," Chibi Mars shouted. She powered up. "MARS FIRESTORM!" The attack flew out and hit Tania. She screamed in pain.
"You little brat," Tania shouted. She threw Ashley down. Ashley hit a rock and was knocked out. Tania powered up and threw a blast of energy out. It hit the Chibi Scouts who were sent sprawling.
"Why you," Chibi Uranus growled angrily. She got up. "EARTHQUAKE TREMORS!"
"TIDAL WAVE!"
"VENUS BEAUTIUL SHOCKWAVE!"
Tania screamed as she got knocked down. Chibi Mercury was scanning her with her visor. "Cosmic Moon," she shouted. "Use your attack on her."
"Right," Cosmic Moon shouted. She pulled out her scepter. "MOON PRINCESS HEALING KISS!" Her attack flew out and engulfed Tania. She screamed as she disintegrated.
"She's gone," Chibi Jupiter gasped.
"Good job everyone," Raye and Lita came up. "We saw all of it."
"Mama," Chibi Mars called. She was knelt down by an unconscience Ashley. "Ashley's hurt."
Lita dashed over and picked the child up. "We'll get her back to the palace so Amy can check her over." Everyone powered down and ran toward the palace.
Annika sat in the hospital waiting room. Amy and Hotaru were working on Ashley. The waiting was tough.
"Are you okay Annika," Raye sat down beside her.
"I'm worried about Ashley," Annika choked as she started cry. "I may not like her very much but I don't want her to die."
"She won't die," Raye assured her. "She hit her head pretty hard but she is not going to die." Raye put her arms around Annika and held her. Annika sobbed hard. Raye pulled Annika's face up towards her so she could get a good look at her. She suddenly noticed a red tear coming out of her eye. "What is this?" Raye put her finger on it. It fell into her hand. Raye looked at it and saw it was a crystal. "A crystal," Raye gasped.
Ashley heard voices as she began to come around. They sounded like the queen, Raye and Amy.
"She is going to be all right," Amy was saying. "She just got a good bump on the head. We were lucky she wasn't seriously hurt."
"What about this crystal that came from Annika's tears," Raye asked. "It's grown since it first came out. I don't know what it is."
"Crystal," Ashley thought. She opened her eyes and saw Raye, Serenity and Amy all standing there. In Raye's hand was a red crystal.
"She's awake," Amy cried.
"How are you doing Ashley," Raye asked as she sat down on the bed.
"Fine," Ashley replied. "Mama-Raye can I see the crystal?"
Raye handed it over. Ashley held it and felt a surge of power go through her. She held it up. "MARS CRYSTAL POWER MAKE UP!" Everyone watched in astonishment as Ashley's clothes melted away into a Sailor Scout uniform. It was a deep crimson red with a navy bow. Her shoes were strap-on like Chibi Mars.
"Ashley," gasped Serenity. "You're a scout of Mars."
"Yes I am," Ashley replied. "I am to be the Chibi Mars of my time. When I grow up I will be Sailor Crystal Mars."
"Who are you," asked Raye. "I know I will live for eternity and so will Annika. Now you will too. Are you Annika's daughter?"
"No," Ashley replied. "I am Annika's granddaughter."
"Which means Raye you are her great-grandmother," Serenity gasped. A thump was heard as Raye hit the floor in a dead faint.
"So you're Brooke's daughter," Mina asked later on. When Raye had come to Serenity called a meeting of the Scouts. This was a closed meeting because the Scouts did not want their children to know of their futures.
"Yes," Ashley replied. "I was sent back to get the Mars Crystal. Without it I could not become a Sailor Scout."
"But you are so young," Michiru exclaimed. "We all waited until Ariel turned six before awakening our daughters."
"I am going to be the youngest of the team," Ashley informed her.
"Ashley will there be others coming for planet crystals," asked Lita.
"I don't know," Ashley replied.
"Setsuna," asked Serenity.
"I cannot reveal that to you," Setsuna pointed out.
"And Mama and Sailor Venus told me I can't tell anything else," Ashley added.
"I did," Mina gasped and Ashley nodded.
"So what happens now," asked Raye.
"I have to go back now," Ashley said.
Raye smiled at the child. "At least I know that one day my family will be bigger."
"Are you ever coming back," Annika asked.
"I don't know," Ashley grinned. "But I know we will see each other again."
"Maybe next time we can be friends," Annika replied.
"Maybe," Ashley took the time key. She headed toward the Gates of Time. She turned around. "Thank you for everything."
"Take care of yourself," Raye called. "Goodbye great-granddaughter."
"Goodbye Mama-Raye Great-Grandma," Ashley called. She turned to Annika. "Goodbye Annika Grandma"
"Goodbye," Annika called back. She waved until Ashley was out of sight. "Mama who was she?"
Raye knelt down and hugged her daughter. "Just a relative," she replied.
Ashley arrived back at the palace. Raye, Annika and Brooke were all there with Mina, Gloria and Celine. "Mama," Ashley cried as she jumped in Brooke's arms.
"Welcome home Sweetie," Brooke cried as she scooped up her younger daughter.
"Ashley," Annika came forward. "I did not know who you were. I'm sorry I was so awful to you."
"I wasn't too good either grandma," Ashley replied. She turned to Raye. "You were exactly the same."
"I was shocked when I found out who you were," Raye laughed. "But you certainly gave me a lot to look forward too."
"Welcome to the team Sailor Chibi Mars," Mina stepped forward. "As soon as the others are awakened you will begin training."
I will be ready," Ashley replied.
The woman sat in her lair. "So Tania failed to destroy the Crystal Scout of Mars," she said. "Well we will just have to make sure none of the other Crystal Scouts are awakened."
Well what did you think? Should I continue with this series? Please review.
E-mail me with suggestions and feedback to AngelRaye2@aol.com.
Also visit my web site at http://angelrayeschibiscouts.homestead.com/angelraye.html
Captain Commando has set up a Chibi Scout message board at http://pub53.ezboard.com/bangelrayeschibiscouts. Please drop by and leave a message.
Disclaimers: I do not own Sailor Moon. With the exception of Rini I own this generation of Sailor Scouts.
The Crystal Scouts
Part One: The Mars Crystal
By Angel Raye
About 90 years into the future of the Chibi Scouts...
Raye gazed out the window of her quarters at Crystal Tokyo. It was always nice during a peaceful time. It gave Raye a chance to spend time with her family, which had now grown.
A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. Raye smiled. She was expecting her visitors. "Come in," she called. The door opened and in walked her daughter and granddaughter, Sailor Cosmic Mars and Sailor Elysian Mars. "Annika, Brooke please come in."
"Hi Mother," Annika replied as she sat down.
"Good afternoon Grandmother," Brooke replied. Raye smiled at both of them.
To a stranger one would never guess he was looking at three generations of women. Each woman looked like she was in her twenties because Sailor Scouts lived eternally. Raye was over thousand years old thanks to the deep freeze. Annika was nearing a hundred while Brooke was in her fifties. Child bearing was still possible for all three.
"So Mother what did you want to talk to us about," Annika asked as she took a cup of tea from Raye.
"Luna and Artemis scanned Ashley and she will be the next scout of Mars," Raye stated getting to the point as always.
"But Grandmother Tara is the oldest," Brooke protested. "Ashley is only five. Why was she chosen?"
"Because she has the Scout aura," Raye explained.
"I still think it should be Tara," Brooke muttered.
"You wanted it to be Tara," Annika informed her daughter. "Tara came first and you had high goals set for her but apparently being a Sailor Scout is not part of her destiny. It's Ashley's."
"But that means I will have to watch Tara grow old and die," Brooke moaned. "I don't think I can bear it."
"I know how you feel," Annika replied. "I have watched your brother and sister get older. They are only four years younger than you but they look older than all three of us."
Raye sighed. Four years after Brooke was born Annika had given birth to twins, one boy and one girl. Raye had been delighted at having three grandchildren but she also knew that only one of them would live for eternity.
"Brooke," Raye reached over and took her granddaughter's hand. "I know this is difficult for you to accept but Ashley is to be the next Scout of Mars. Nothing will change that."
Brooke gave a loud sigh. "Very well," she relented. "So where is her transformation pen?"
"She has to go back to the past to get the Mars crystal," Raye explained.
"Nani," shouted Brooke. "She is only five years old how can I send her to the past?"
"She will be sent back to when Annika was eight," Raye replied. "That is who she will get the crystal from."
"Nani," shrieked Annika. "You mean that was her?" Raye nodded her head. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"I wanted you to shape your own future without any influence," Raye explained as she placed a hand on Annika's cheek. "Please understand."
"So do we need to tell Ashley," asked Brooke.
"Not yet," Raye replied. "First we need to get permission from the queens and the Venus's."
"Then let's get this over with," Brooke stood up and swiped a finger through her shoulder length lavender hair. She stood taller than Annika who never grew beyond five feet tall. Although no as exotic as Annika and Raye, Brooke was still beautiful. The three women took out their transformation pens to transform.
Elysian Venus ran toward the throne room. She was late but her children had been quarreling with each other and she had to act as mediator. Once she got to the throne room she stopped and quickly straightened out her long strawberry blonde hair. Taking a deep breath she entered the throne room. Neo-Queen Serenity, and Neo-Princesses Rini and her daughter Chelsea were all sitting together. On their left side were Elysian Venus's grandmother, Sailor Venus and mother Cosmic Venus.
"Sorry I'm late," Elysian Venus stated as she bowed before their majesties. "I had a small battle in the home to deal with."
"No need to apologize Elysian Venus," Serenity assured her. "The Mars Scouts aren't here yet."
Elysian Venus nodded her head and rushed over to her chair. As she sat down a loud sound came out from under her. "Nani," demanded Elysian Venus. She stood back up and saw she had sat on a whoopee cushion. "Mother," she shouted at Cosmic Venus. "You're a hundred years old. When are you going to stop playing pranks?"
"Never," Cosmic Venus laughed.
"Kami-sama," Elysian Venus muttered. She turned to Venus. "Can't you talk to her?"
"She hasn't listened to me for a hundred years," Venus dryly stated. "I doubt she is going to start now."
"Let's start acting like Scout commanders please," Serenity pleaded. "Here comes the Mars Scouts."
Elysian Venus straightened up. In walked Sailor Mars, her mentor, Sailor Cosmic Mars her godmother, and Sailor Elysian Mars, her best friend.
"Thank you for allowing us to speak," Mars stated as she and her daughter and granddaughter bowed before the queen and princesses.
"I always have time for you Raye," Serenity said softly. "What brings this formal meeting?"
"Luna and Artemis detected the Scout aura in my great-granddaughter, Ashley," Mars replied. "It is time for her to go and retrieve the Mars crystal. We request that we send Ashley back to the past so she can retrieve it from her grandmother, Sailor Chibi Mars."
"Do you promise to give Ashley all instructions on going back to the past," Rini asked.
"We do," Cosmic Mars stated.
"We will inform her that she is not to reveal anything about the future to Cosmic Moon or the Chibi Scouts," Mars added.
"The permission is granted," Serenity stated. "You will prepare her for her journey."
"Thank you," Mars replied gratefully.
"Your majesties and Sailor Venus," Elysian Mars stepped forward. "I do have one request I would like to make."
"And what is that Elysian Mars," asked Sailor Venus.
"With all due respect Ashley is only five years old,' Elysian Mars stated. "Is there anyway we can keep an eye on her while she is there."
"There is a way," Chelsea replied. Her horn began to glow and a small glowing orb appeared. "This will allow one of the Venus's to keep an eye on her. If there is any trouble she will be able to go back to the past and deal with it."
"That would be you Elysian Venus," Cosmic Venus pointed out. "You are going to be in charge of their training when all of them have their planet crystals."
"Nani," exploded Elysian Venus. "I have my own kids to deal with. How can I keep an eye on Ashley?"
"Please Celine," Elysian Mars pleaded.
Elysian Venus gave a gusty sigh. "Very well," she muttered and she took the orb from Chelsea."
Mars turned to her granddaughter. "Go and find Ashley and bring her to my quarters," she commanded. "Your mother and I will be waiting."
"Very well," Elysian Mars went off in search of her youngest daughter.
Ashley Hino swung high on the swing set. The palace garden was flowing with children right now. Ashley closed her violet eyes and felt her long raven hair blow in the wind.
"Come on Ashley give someone else a turn," her older sister Tara shouted. "Rayna has been waiting for a long time."
Ashley scowled at Tara who was standing with the daughter of Chelsea. She jumped down off the swing and glared at Rayna. She reached over and pulled one of the white blonde pigtails. "Why do I have to give it up for an odango atama," she asked.
"Shut up Ashley," Rayna snapped. She poked her tongue out at Ashley who poked hers out in return. A tongue war ensued. Tara and the other children sighed.
"Ashley," snapped a voice and Ashley looked up to see her mother standing there. "What are you doing?"
"I had to give up the swing," Ashley shouted angrily. "Why do I have to give it up for the princess?"
"Never mind," Brooke took Ashley's hand. "We have to go and see your grandmother and great-grandmother right now."
"Can I come too Mama," asked Tara.
"Not now Sweetie," Brooke replied as she kissed Tara. "You go and play and we'll see you later."
"Yes Mama," Tara murmured in a puzzled voice. She watched as her mother and sister walked back inside the palace.
Raye smiled when Brooke came walking in with Ashley. The little girl was the spitting image of her great-grandmother with her violet eyes and long raven hair. Raye always found it amusing that her fiery temper skipped two generations. Annika never inherited it and neither did her children. Ashley had her great-grandmother's temper and it always surfaced.
"Hello Ashley," Raye smiled and held out her arms. Ashley went into them.
"Hi Great-grandma, and grandma," Ashley replied as she looked up at Annika. "Mama said you wanted to see me."
"Yes," Annika replied as she sat down. "We have discovered the next Scout of Mars."
"It's gonna be Tara right," Ashley muttered.
"No," Raye replied. "Luna and Artemis found the Scout aura in you."
"Me," gasped Ashley. "I am gonna be a Sailor Scout?"
"Yes," Annika nodded her head. "You will need to go back to the past to retrieve the Mars crystal."
"How do I do that," asked Ashley.
"You will know when you see it," Raye assured her. "Your mother has some instructions for you. Both she and Sailor Venus will go over them with you and help you prepare for your journey. You are to listen carefully to them and follow them. Do you understand?"
"Yes Great-grandma," Ashley replied. She was brimming with excitement. She was going to be a Sailor Scout instead of Tara. This was wonderful.
"Good luck Ashley," Annika reached down and kissed her. "We'll be waiting when you return."
Ashley and Brooke left the room. Annika sighed and walked over to the window. Raye could sense her daughter's sadness. She got up and went over to her. Raye embraced her from behind. "What's really bothering you Sweetheart," Raye asked.
"I was so horrible to her when she came back," Annika recalled. "I still feel awful about it."
"You weren't use to sharing me with another child," Raye replied. "We didn't know who Ashley was and what was she after. The good thing is when Ashley comes back you will be able to apologize to her. If I recall Ashley wasn't o nice to you either."
"That's true," Annika sighed. She gazed out the window and sent a private thought to her past self. "Don't be to hard on her."
In another place a woman sat on her throne. She was gazing at an image of the Crystal Palace. "One day you will be mine," she thought to herself.
"You sent for me my lady," another woman came forward.
"Yes Tania," the woman replied. "The next generation of Sailor Scouts are about to be awakened. If another generation of Scouts appear then I will never succeed in taking over Crystal Tokyo."
"So what are we to do my lady," asked Tania.
"We must prevent the next generation from finding their planet crystals," the woman replied. "The first one is about to go into the past to find it. We must destroy the child."
"There are Sailor Scouts in the past," Tania pointed out. "Do you think we can kill this child?"
"The Elysian Scouts do not exist yet and the Cosmic Scouts are still Chibi Scouts," the woman pointed out. "You will have a better chance to succeed. It is the Crystal Scout of Mars that is about to awaken. Find her and destroy her."
"Yes my lady," Tania bowed and disappeared.
During the time of the Chibi Scouts...
"All right Gloria where are you hiding," shouted Annika. Stardust was perched on her shoulder "I know it was you who dropped that water balloon on me. Come out wherever you are."
"Can't you take a gag," Gloria asked as she climbed down from the tree. "I was trying to get Daisy, not you."
"You certainly had bad aim," Stardust pointed out.
"Right," Annika muttered. "Daisy would have clobbered you."
"I can run as fast as she can," Gloria boasted. "Try to catch me." Gloria took off with Annika at her heels. She wasn't watching where she was going and collided with someone.
"Watch where you are going you stupid," the child screamed angrily.
"Sorry," Gloria quickly apologized. She got up and tried to help the little girl to her feet.
"You so stupid," the little girl shouted. "Now my dress is dirty."
"Cool your jets," Gloria snapped angrily. "It was an accident and what are you doing here in the palace yard? How did you get past the guards?"
"That's none of your business," the little girl replied.
Annika caught up with them. "Who's this Gloria?"
"I don't know Annika," Gloria replied. "Some brat."
"You're Annika," the child asked.
"Yes," Annika replied. She was surprised when the little girl jumped on top of her. Annika found herself flat on her back.
"Where's the Mars Crystal," the child asked. "Give it to me."
"Nani," cried Annika. "What's the Mars Crystal? I don't know what you are talking about."
"Give me that Mars Crystal," the child shouted.
Annika burst into tears. "I don't have it," she sobbed. "I don't even know what it is."
"Get off of her you brat," Gloria angrily yanked the little girl off of her best friend.
The child glared at Gloria. "Then I'll find it later." With that she started to go but then Mina came up. "What is going on here," she demanded. "And who are you?"
"So who is she," Serenity asked Amy. After getting the story from Annika and Gloria Mina carted the child off to Amy. Now all of the Scouts were in Amy's office waiting to find out if this child posed a threat or not.
"I did a scan," Amy replied. "Her name is Ashley and she is from the future and Raye she seems to be related to you."
"Nani," shouted Raye. She had just spent the last hour calming her upset daughter down and was not happy with this news. "How is she related to me?"
"I'm not sure," Amy replied. "She does look like you. For all we know Ashley could be a future daughter."
"I can't have anymore," Raye reminded her. "You took care of that for me."
"It's a reversible procedure," Amy pointed out.
"The question is what are we going to do with her," Haruka asked. She was not thrilled with the idea of another child from the future being here.
"And what is this Mars Crystal she is after," Hotaru added.
"Luna," Mina asked. "Was there ever a Mars Crystal?"
"Not that I know of," Luna replied. "But maybe there is one and we don't know about it."
"I guess if this child is related to me then she will stay with us," Raye sighed.
"Just keep an eye on her," Serenity ordered. "We don't want any trouble."
"I don't want her here," Annika snapped when Raye came walking in with Ashley.
"I'm sorry Annika but she has to stay," Raye replied in a weary voice. "Now I expect you two to get along."
"Yes Ma'am," Annika muttered. She glared at Ashley. Now she was going to have to share both her parents and her room with this brat.
"Don't worry Mama-Raye," Ashley cooed. "Annika and I will be good friends."
That night after Annika had been put to bed she lay there in a very dark mood. Since Ashley was only five she needed more attention. Annika had seethed with jealousy as she watched Raye bathe Ashley. Then she pouted while Raye held Ashley on her lap and read her a story. Annika wanted to toss this child out.
"Stardust why is this kid here," Annika asked.
"If I knew that I would tell you," Stardust replied.
"I wonder what this Mars crystal is that she is talking about," Annika muttered. Suddenly there was a thud on her bed. She looked up and saw it was Ashley.
"Give me that Mars Crystal," she demanded.
"Get off you brat," Annika shouted.
"Not until you give me that crystal," Ashley shouted back.
Annika gave Ashley a huge push. Ashley landed with a thump on the floor. The door opened and Raye and Chad both came in. "What is going on in here," Chad demanded.
Ashley immediately started wailing. "Annika pushed me."
"Annika," Raye scolded as she picked up Ashley to comfort her.
"Mama she attacked me," shouted Annika angrily.
"No I didn't I was trying to be friends," Ashley howled.
"You liar," Annika screamed in rage.
"Enough," Raye snapped. "Both of you to bed now and I had better not hear another sound out of either of you."
"But Mama," Annika protested.
"Enough," Raye repeated. She tucked Ashley back in and then gave Annika a kiss goodnight. "Go to sleep now." Raye and Chad left the room. Ashley quietly laughed. Annika with tears rolling down her face tried to go to sleep. Stardust gently tried to lick the tears away.
The next few days were unbearable for Annika. Whenever Ashley was in front of an adult she acted very sweet but the minute she and Annika were alone she tried demanding this Mars Crystal. Annika was very miserable. She started doing what she could to hurt Ashley but she always ended up caught and in trouble.
"I hate her," Annika sobbed to Gloria and the twins one-day. "I don't want her here."
"Don't let a little kid upset you," Faith scoffed. "She isn't that tough. I can take her."
"You can but I can't," Annika pointed out.
"Don't worry about it Annika," Hope tried to comfort her friend. "We're here for you."
"Thank you," Annika whispered. But she really wanted her mother.
Ashley was walking alone in the park. She just had to find that Mars Crystal. Ashley could not believe what a crybaby her grandmother was. Ashley could not wait to get this crystal so she could get home.
"There you are," a voice demanded. Ashley turned around and saw a woman standing behind her.
"Who are you," asked Ashley in fright.
"My name is Tania," the woman replied. "Ashley Hino I am not going to let you find that crystal. I will destroy you and all of the Crystal Scouts before that happens."
Ashley tried to get away but Tania grabbed her. Ashley immediately began to scream. "You can scream all you want little girl but your parents are not here to help you."
"But we are," called a voice. Tania turned and saw Cosmic Moon standing there. Chibi Pluto, Chibi Jupiter, Chibi Mercury and Chibi Saturn were all there. "How dare you try to take an innocent child. I am Sailor Cosmic Moon and in the name of the moon I will punish you."
"So it's the little Chibi Scouts," Tania laughed. "You don't look so tough."
"Well we are," Chibi Jupiter powered up. "JUPITER DEADLY LIGHTENING BOLT!" Her attack flew out and hit Tania. She screamed and dropped Ashley. Cosmic Moon dashed forward and caught her.
"Why you little," Tania snapped. She threw a bolt of energy. It flew toward Chibi Mercury and Chibi Saturn. Chibi Mercury powered up. "MERCURY ICE GLACIER!" Her attack froze the bolt and it fell to the ground.
"Not bad," Tania laughed. She glared at the girls. "I'll let you go this time but you have not seen the last of me. She disappeared.
"Are you all right Ashley," Cosmic Moon asked.
"I think so," Ashley replied.
"What did she want from you," Chibi Pluto asked.
"I don't know," Ashley sighed wishing she could tell them. But she was not allowed to reveal anything.
"We had better get back and tell the queen," Chibi Saturn stated and everyone nodded.
"You must have been scared to death," Raye commented that night to Ashley as she was giving the child her bath.
"I was Mama-Raye," Ashley replied.
"Well just know that we will all protect you here," Raye assured the child.
"I know Mama-Raye," Ashley smiled up at Raye. How she wished she could tell her who she really was.
Just outside the door Annika was watching with jealousy. She did not like seeing her mother giving the other child so much attention. Annika stomped to her room and flopped down on the bed. "It's not fair Stardust," Annika told the pink kitten. "She's my mama. Why is she giving Ashley so much attention right now?"
"Ashley is younger than you," Stardust pointed out. "She needs it." Annika sighed and rolled over on her bed.
Raye came in with Ashley. "Annika I just finished giving Ashley her bath," she told her. "I am filling up the tub for you now Sweetie."
"Will you give me my bath," Annika asked.
"Sweetheart you don't need me to do that anymore," Raye replied as she kissed Annika on the cheek. "You're a big girl now. Stop being silly. I have to finish getting Ashley ready for bed now." Raye turned around and finished helping Ashley.
"I wasn't being silly," Annika whispered softly. She hopped down off the bed and left the room.
The next day Ashley found herself alone in Mars's quarters. She began to look for the Mars Crystal. Ashley went through Annika's drawers. She couldn't find anything. She looked over on Annika's bed and saw the stuffed Stardust. Smiling Ashley reached over and picked it up. "This is so cute," she said out loud. "Grandma makes stuff like this for me."
"Put that down," Annika shouted as she came in. "That's mine."
"Well it's mine now," Ashley teased.
"Give it to me," Annika shouted angrily.
"Come get me first," Ashley taunted. She ran off. Annika went after her in pursuit. She chased Ashley out of her quarters and into the hall. They raced through the palace and out the front door. Some of the other children were outside playing.
"What's going on," asked Maggie.
"That creep has the Stardust I made," Annika shouted.
"Come catch me," Ashley laughed. Annika jumped and grabbed the stuffed Stardust. She and Ashley pulled. The tailed ripped right off.
"Now look what you did," Annika screamed in fury as tears rolled down her face. "I worked so hard on this."
"You should've shared," Ashley yelled back.
"Cool it," Daisy ordered coming up. "It's okay Annika. You can fix it."
Tania was watching all of this. "Perfect," she thought. "Those other children are trying to comfort that one and aren't watching Ashley so I am going to get her now." Tania snuck up behind Ashley and grabbed her. Ashley screamed.
"Ashley," shouted Ariel. She pulled out her pen. The others did the same.
"MERCURY POWER MAKE UP!"
"JUPITER POWER MAKE UP!"
"VENUS POWER MAKE UP!"
"PLUTO POWER MAKE UP!"
The four girls finished transforming before they noticed that Annika didn't transform. "Come on Annika we need you," Chibi Jupiter shouted.
Annika took out her pen. She was about to hold it up and then stopped. She threw the pen down. "No," she shouted. "I will not help her."
"Annika," gasped Chibi Venus.
"Never mind her we have got to go," Chibi Jupiter shouted. The four Chibi Scouts took off in pursuit of Tania and Ashley.
"Now little one I will destroy you," laughed Tania.
"Not if we can help it," called a voice. Tania looked and saw four Chibi Scouts standing nearby. Chibi Venus was the one who was talking. "You have no right killing a little girl. I am Sailor Chibi Venus and I will punish you in the name of Venus. And my friends are..."
"Sailor Chibi Mercury!"
"Sailor Chibi Jupiter!"
"Sailor Chibi Pluto!"
"Not too many of you this time," Tania laughed. "I can deal with you."
"Just try," shouted Chibi Jupiter. She powered up. "JUPITER DEADLY LIGHTENING BOLT!" Tania jumped out of the way.
"Is that the best you can do," she laughed.
"Then try this," Chibi Pluto shouted. She powered up. "SCREAMS OF DESTRUCTION!"
The attack flew out. Tania tried to dodge it but failed. It hit her. Ashley flew out of her hands and landed against a tree. Chibi Mercury dashed over to her. "Are you all right Ashley," she asked.
"Yes," Ashley replied.
"Go and hide," Chibi Mercury told her. "We'll take care of Tania." Ashley ran behind a bush and watched.
"VENUS BEAUTIFUL SHOCKWAVE!" Tania got angry.
"That's it," she shouted. She powered up and a blast of energy came out and knocked over the Chibi Scouts. They all went sprawling. "Now to finish you off."
"VENUS LOVE AND BEAUTY SHOCK!"
"MERCURY AQUA RHAPSODY!"
"Don't even think about hurting those children," Venus shouted angrily. Mercury dashed over and started checking the Chibi Scouts for injuries.
"Great the adult counterparts," Tania snarled. "I get that brat later." She disappeared.
"Are you girls all right," Mercury asked as she picked Chibi Mercury up.
"We're fine Mommy," Chibi Mercury replied. Ashley came running out.
"Sailor Venus," Chibi Pluto stated. "We have a problem."
Annika sat on the swing pouting. Stardust was on her lap. "Annika you really should have gone and help protect Ashley."
"I didn't want to," Annika snapped.
"And you are going to explain that right now," Amy and Mina came up. Mina was the one who spoke. "The others told us what happened. Now you have some explaining to do."
"I don't have to," Annika muttered in a sulky voice.
"Young lady this is your commander speaking now," Mina ordered. "Now start talking."
"Just leave me alone," Annika screamed. She took off running.
"Annika," Stardust ran after her.
Mina started to follow but Amy stopped her. "Let me go and talk to her." Mina nodded and Amy went after Annika.
Amy found Annika standing by the rose garden crying. "Annika," Amy said gently. "There is no reason to cry. What you did was wrong. Now I want to know why you did not want to help save Ashley."
"Because I hate her," Annika sobbed.
"And why is that," Amy asked as she placed a comforting hand on the little girl's shoulder.
"Because of her Mama doesn't want me anymore," Annika cried.
"Now why do you say that," Amy asked beginning to realize that there was a serious problem here.
"Because Ashley is little," sobbed Annika. "Mama says she sometimes wishes I was younger. Now she has Ashley who still needs help with a lot of things. Mama is having so much fun with that. She doesn't love me anymore."
"Sweetie you know that is not true," Amy knelt down and put her hands on Annika's shoulders. "Mama loves you very much and no one could ever take your place."
"I don't believe you," Annika cried. "Ashley is replacing me and now Mama loves her more than me." With that Annika broke free from Amy's grasp and took off running. Stardust ran after her. Amy decided not to follow. She headed back toward the palace and flipped open her communicator.
"So what is it Amy," Raye asked as she entered Amy's office.
"How has Annika been," Amy asked.
"She hasn't been herself," Raye recalled. "In fact she has been acting out. I heard that she refused to transform today. I assured Mina that she will be punished."
"I had a talk with Annika after that incident," Amy stated. "She is really upset right now. She thinks you don't want her anymore."
"That's ridiculous," Raye retorted. "Annika knows I love her."
"But since Ashley came along Annika feels that you want her now," Amy pointed out. "She feels threatened because of all the attention you are giving Ashley."
"Ashley is younger and she is away from her mother," Raye replied. "Yesterday Annika asked me if I was going to give her a bath. Annika has been able to bathe herself for almost two years now."
"But maybe seeing Ashley being bathed by you has sparked something in her," Amy stated. "Annika is used to being in the center of your attention and now she has to share you with someone else. You and Annika have a very special and loving relationship. Now all of the sudden Annika is forced to share you with a child who we don't know anything about."
"I never thought of that," Raye sighed. "Annika is such a sweet and gentle child. I guess I just assumed she was okay with all of this."
"I think you should clear things up with her," Amy suggested.
"I will," Raye stood up. "I guess I should go and find her."
"Leave that to me," Amy held up her mini-computer.
Ashley found that she was alone in Mars's quarters again. "Now it is time to look for that crystal," Ashley thought to herself. She began pulling things out of Annika's drawers looking for it.
Raye found Annika at the park. She had waded into the lake and was standing knee deep in water. Her jeans were soaked. Raye could also see that Annika had gone in with her shoes and socks on. Annika was picking up rocks and throwing them out into the lake. Raye's first instinct was to order Annika out of the water but then decided not to upset the child more. So she casually walked over. "You are going to catch a cold if you stand in there," she stated.
"I don't care," Annika mumbled.
Raye sat down on the grass next to Stardust who was watching over her young mistress. "We need to talk."
"I don't want to talk," Annika muttered.
"Then just listen," Raye said. She began, "I know what you are feeling right now. But please understand that Ashley is younger so she needs more right now. She is also away from her mother and is missing her very much right now." Raye noticed Annika's face darken at the mention of Ashley. Raye continued, "One thing I want you to know is that Ashley will never replace you. Neither will anyone else. I love you more than anyone else in this world. I carried you inside of me for nine months. You helped fill a void I didn't know I had. Words cannot describe the joy you have brought into my life." Raye noticed a tear trickle out of her daughter's eye. She went on, "You and I have always had a very close loving relationship. Please don't let your feelings toward this one child ruin it."
"Mama," Annika sobbed as she ran into Raye's arms. Raye picked her child up and held her. "I love you so much Mama."
"I love you too Sweetheart," Raye replied. She smiled at her daughter. "Let's get back to the palace now before you catch cold."
"Carry me," Annika pleaded.
"Sure," Raye carried her daughter toward the palace.
"Thank goodness," Stardust heaved a breath of relief as she followed them back.
"Where is that stupid crystal," Ashley furiously shouted as she tore Annika's room apart. The room was a complete disaster. "It's got to be in here somewhere."
Annika came walking in with Stardust. "What did you do to my room," she shrieked.
"What's going on," asked Raye coming in and then she saw the mess. "What's this?"
"I didn't do it," Ashley lied.
"Mama you know I haven't been home," Annika protested.
"Young lady," Raye sternly turned to Ashley. "I know Annika did not make this mess so what have you got to say for yourself?"
"I'm looking for something," Ashley replied.
"I told you I don't have this crystal," Annika screamed. Raye put a hand on her head to calm her down.
"Yes you do," Ashley screamed back. She gave Annika a swift kick in the shin and took off. Annika howled in pain.
"Ashley," Raye shouted angrily but Ashley flew out of their quarters. Raye turned to tend to her daughter.
"Stupid Annika," Ashley growled as she ran out to the garden. "I have got to find that crystal."
Suddenly someone grabbed her ear. "You and I are going to have a talk young lady," a stern voice said. Ashley looked up and saw Celine standing right there.
"Aunt Celine," she stammered. "What are you doing here?"
"I have been watching you through this orb that Neo-Princess Chelsea gave me," Celine replied. "I must say I am furious with your behavior."
"But I can't find the Mars crystal," Ashley shot back.
"You need to respect Annika," Celine told her. "You are being very cruel to your grandmother."
"She's not my grandmother yet," Ashley snapped.
"She is still your grandmother and you will respect her," Celine shouted. She reached down and swatted Ashley's backside. "I have not told your mother about this yet but I know she would be very upset to hear this."
"Are you going to tell her," Ashley asked blinking back tears.
"If you continue this behavior I will," Celine replied. "Now you had better shape up or that spanking I gave you will seem like nothing after what I will do if I have to come back here again."
"Yes Ma'am," Ashley whispered.
Celine took the time key from her pocket. "I am going back now. I had better not have to return."
Ashley nodded. She watched as Celine disappeared. She knew that when Celine said she would be back if she didn't behave then she would be. Ashley headed back up to Mars's quarters to apologize.
She found Annika was sitting on the couch trying to mend her stuffed Stardust. Raye was sitting next to her observing her progress. Both looked up when Ashley walked in the door.
"There you are," Raye stated. "I was not happy with that display of behavior young lady."
Ashley went to Annika. "I am really sorry Annika," she said. "I'll try to be better."
Annika was a little taken aback by the apology. "It's okay," she stammered.
"Now that you have apologized let me make a few things clear," Raye demanded. "As long as you are staying here you will abide by my rules. Do you understand?"
"Yes Ma'am," Ashley replied.
"Good," Raye seemed satisfied. "Now you have a mess to clean up in Annika's room so get to it."
Ashley nodded her head and she headed back into Annika's room. She slowly began to clean up.
The next few days were quiet. Ashley started to act more respectfully toward Annika who in turn tried to control her jealousy. Ashley still kept her eye out for the Mars Crystal but she could not find it. She wondered if she would ever find it.
"Do you miss your Mama," Annika asked her one day.
"I guess so," Ashley sighed. "But I am not her favorite."
"What do you mean you're not her favorite," asked Annika.
"I have an older sister and I think Mama loves her more than me," Ashley replied.
Annika could not fathom that. She did not have any siblings and Raye was always saying that Annika was it. She still could not believe that a mother would pick favorites.
"Come on Annika, Ashley," Rini came up. "We are all going to go to the park. Why don't you come with us?"
"Okay," Annika jumped up. She turned to Ashley. "Come on."
Ashley smiled. Her grandmother may be a crybaby but she was sweet. "Okay I'm coming." The girls headed off.
Tania watched as the children played. She saw the one she was after. "There are a lot of people here so maybe I can just grab her and leave," Tania thought to herself.
Faith tossed a ball toward Ashley. It flew past her and into a bush. Ashley scrambled after it.
"Hello little one," a voice spoke. Ashley looked up and saw Tania.
"You," Ashley shouted. She got up to run but Tania grabbed her. Ashley screamed.
"Ashley," shouted Annika.
"Quick everyone transform," shouted Rini and everyone took out their transformation devices.
"MOON COSMIC POWER MAKE UP!"
"MERCURY POWER MAKE UP!"
"MARS POWER MAKE UP!"
"JUPITER POWER MAKE UP!"
"VENUS POWER MAKE UP!"
"PLUTO POWER MAKE UP!"
"NEPTUNE POWER MAKE UP!"
"URANUS POWER MAKE UP!"
"STAURN POWER MAKE UP!"
Everyone transformed. Cosmic Moon and the Chibi Scouts ran after Tania.
"Let her go," shouted Cosmic Moon. "How dare you interrupt a child's play. As agents of love and justice we are the pretty soldiers in sailor suits. I am Sailor Cosmic Moon and in the name of the moon I will punish you."
"And we the Sailor Chibi Scouts will punish you too," shouted all of the Chibi Scouts.
"Do not interfere with my orders children," Tania snapped. "My orders are to destroy this child."
"Well I won't let you," Chibi Mars shouted. She powered up. "MARS FIRESTORM!" The attack flew out and hit Tania. She screamed in pain.
"You little brat," Tania shouted. She threw Ashley down. Ashley hit a rock and was knocked out. Tania powered up and threw a blast of energy out. It hit the Chibi Scouts who were sent sprawling.
"Why you," Chibi Uranus growled angrily. She got up. "EARTHQUAKE TREMORS!"
"TIDAL WAVE!"
"VENUS BEAUTIUL SHOCKWAVE!"
Tania screamed as she got knocked down. Chibi Mercury was scanning her with her visor. "Cosmic Moon," she shouted. "Use your attack on her."
"Right," Cosmic Moon shouted. She pulled out her scepter. "MOON PRINCESS HEALING KISS!" Her attack flew out and engulfed Tania. She screamed as she disintegrated.
"She's gone," Chibi Jupiter gasped.
"Good job everyone," Raye and Lita came up. "We saw all of it."
"Mama," Chibi Mars called. She was knelt down by an unconscience Ashley. "Ashley's hurt."
Lita dashed over and picked the child up. "We'll get her back to the palace so Amy can check her over." Everyone powered down and ran toward the palace.
Annika sat in the hospital waiting room. Amy and Hotaru were working on Ashley. The waiting was tough.
"Are you okay Annika," Raye sat down beside her.
"I'm worried about Ashley," Annika choked as she started cry. "I may not like her very much but I don't want her to die."
"She won't die," Raye assured her. "She hit her head pretty hard but she is not going to die." Raye put her arms around Annika and held her. Annika sobbed hard. Raye pulled Annika's face up towards her so she could get a good look at her. She suddenly noticed a red tear coming out of her eye. "What is this?" Raye put her finger on it. It fell into her hand. Raye looked at it and saw it was a crystal. "A crystal," Raye gasped.
Ashley heard voices as she began to come around. They sounded like the queen, Raye and Amy.
"She is going to be all right," Amy was saying. "She just got a good bump on the head. We were lucky she wasn't seriously hurt."
"What about this crystal that came from Annika's tears," Raye asked. "It's grown since it first came out. I don't know what it is."
"Crystal," Ashley thought. She opened her eyes and saw Raye, Serenity and Amy all standing there. In Raye's hand was a red crystal.
"She's awake," Amy cried.
"How are you doing Ashley," Raye asked as she sat down on the bed.
"Fine," Ashley replied. "Mama-Raye can I see the crystal?"
Raye handed it over. Ashley held it and felt a surge of power go through her. She held it up. "MARS CRYSTAL POWER MAKE UP!" Everyone watched in astonishment as Ashley's clothes melted away into a Sailor Scout uniform. It was a deep crimson red with a navy bow. Her shoes were strap-on like Chibi Mars.
"Ashley," gasped Serenity. "You're a scout of Mars."
"Yes I am," Ashley replied. "I am to be the Chibi Mars of my time. When I grow up I will be Sailor Crystal Mars."
"Who are you," asked Raye. "I know I will live for eternity and so will Annika. Now you will too. Are you Annika's daughter?"
"No," Ashley replied. "I am Annika's granddaughter."
"Which means Raye you are her great-grandmother," Serenity gasped. A thump was heard as Raye hit the floor in a dead faint.
"So you're Brooke's daughter," Mina asked later on. When Raye had come to Serenity called a meeting of the Scouts. This was a closed meeting because the Scouts did not want their children to know of their futures.
"Yes," Ashley replied. "I was sent back to get the Mars Crystal. Without it I could not become a Sailor Scout."
"But you are so young," Michiru exclaimed. "We all waited until Ariel turned six before awakening our daughters."
"I am going to be the youngest of the team," Ashley informed her.
"Ashley will there be others coming for planet crystals," asked Lita.
"I don't know," Ashley replied.
"Setsuna," asked Serenity.
"I cannot reveal that to you," Setsuna pointed out.
"And Mama and Sailor Venus told me I can't tell anything else," Ashley added.
"I did," Mina gasped and Ashley nodded.
"So what happens now," asked Raye.
"I have to go back now," Ashley said.
Raye smiled at the child. "At least I know that one day my family will be bigger."
"Are you ever coming back," Annika asked.
"I don't know," Ashley grinned. "But I know we will see each other again."
"Maybe next time we can be friends," Annika replied.
"Maybe," Ashley took the time key. She headed toward the Gates of Time. She turned around. "Thank you for everything."
"Take care of yourself," Raye called. "Goodbye great-granddaughter."
"Goodbye Mama-Raye Great-Grandma," Ashley called. She turned to Annika. "Goodbye Annika Grandma"
"Goodbye," Annika called back. She waved until Ashley was out of sight. "Mama who was she?"
Raye knelt down and hugged her daughter. "Just a relative," she replied.
Ashley arrived back at the palace. Raye, Annika and Brooke were all there with Mina, Gloria and Celine. "Mama," Ashley cried as she jumped in Brooke's arms.
"Welcome home Sweetie," Brooke cried as she scooped up her younger daughter.
"Ashley," Annika came forward. "I did not know who you were. I'm sorry I was so awful to you."
"I wasn't too good either grandma," Ashley replied. She turned to Raye. "You were exactly the same."
"I was shocked when I found out who you were," Raye laughed. "But you certainly gave me a lot to look forward too."
"Welcome to the team Sailor Chibi Mars," Mina stepped forward. "As soon as the others are awakened you will begin training."
I will be ready," Ashley replied.
The woman sat in her lair. "So Tania failed to destroy the Crystal Scout of Mars," she said. "Well we will just have to make sure none of the other Crystal Scouts are awakened."
Well what did you think? Should I continue with this series? Please review.