Well here is part three. We will be spending a lot of time in the future in this story. We also see Annika and Gloria as adults as they recall how important their friendship has always been to each other. We will also catch glimpses of them as teens as they recall how their friendship helped each other through traumatic situations.
If you or anyone you know is being abused then please tell to someone whether it's a teacher, counselor or friend. Or call the Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-Abuse
E-mail me with suggestions and feedback to AngelRaye2@aol.com.
Also visit my web site at http://angelrayeschibiscouts.homestead.com/angelraye.html
My web site is in the process of moving to another server. The new address will be www.angelfire.com/anime3/chibiscouts
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. I also created the Elysian Scouts and the Crystal Scouts.
Runaway
Part Three
By
Angel Raye
The Queen and the Scouts sat in stunned silence as Tiffany's outburst sunk in. All of them were in tears. Even Haruka's eyes were misted over. Brooke was in complete shock. She could not believe all this.
Tiffany turned to Mina. "Please don't let them take me back Mama," she cried. "Please let me stay here forever with you." She began to cry really hard as she flung herself into Mina's arms. "Please don't send me back. Please."
Mina wrapped her arms around the child. Tears were flowing down her face too. "It's okay Sweetie," she choked. "You can stay here. You never have to go back home. I'll legally adopt you if I have too but you can stay here." Tiffany was crying hysterically now. Amy moved over to stand by Mina and Tiffany. Everyone else just sat in silence. They were all too shocked.
Suddenly Brooke got up and dashed out of the room. Her shock was now replaced by seething anger. "Damn Celine," she thought to herself. "How could she?"
"Brooke," Raye came flying out. "Are you okay?"
"No," Brooke snapped angrily. "I am so angry right now."
"We all are," Raye told her. "So what are you going to do?"
"I am going to return home," Brooke replied. "And I am going to confront that bitch."
"I think you should calm down first," Raye informed her.
"How can I calm down," Brooke shouted. "I am sent here to bring Tiffany back and then I find out that her mother has been abusing her. I cannot calm down."
"Mama," a voice suddenly interrupted the conversation. Raye turned and saw Annika and all the other children standing nearby. "What's going on?"
"Annika you and your friends go back to where you were," Raye commanded.
"Why Mama," asked Annika.
"Now young lady," Raye ordered. The children quickly left.
Brooke held up her time key. "I'm going and if they send me back I will see you soon," she stated and with that she vanished. "Good luck Brooke," Raye mentally said.
During the time of the Chibi Crystal scouts...
There was a Scout meeting with the Queen and the Princesses when the door opened and Brooke barged in seething with rage.
"Brooke," gasped Annika. "You're back."
"Where's Tiffany," asked Gloria. "Is she with you?"
Brooke ignored them. She went right up to Celine. "How could you," she screamed in rage. "How could you be so cruel to your own daughter?"
"Mind your own business," Celine replied coldly.
"It is all of our business now," Brooke raged. "You have been abusing your daughter all this time."
"Nani," shrieked Gloria jumping to her feet.
"You know I did not want her," snapped Celine.
"That's not an excuse to do what you did," Brooke yelled back. "And not doing anything after Arinori sexually molested her."
"What the hell," Gloria screamed.
"Calm down," Serenity ordered. "Now Brooke tell us everything." Brooke immediately reported everything that just happened in the past. Gloria turned white with anger. She went over to Celine.
"How could you," she choked in anger. "I tried to raise you to be loving. How did you end up so cruel? Was it because you blamed me for your father's death?"
"I don't have to answer to anything," Celine replied.
"Why you," Gloria was about to fly out when Mina grabbed her.
"You're not going to help matters by becoming violent," she told her.
Gloria backed away. Suddenly a thought occurred to her. She turned to her mother. "You knew," she gasped. "All of you original Scouts knew. If Tiffany reported all of this in the past then you knew and you allowed it to happen."
Mina sank down in resignation. "Yes," she admitted. "We knew it was going to happen. We all wanted to prevent it when Tiffany was born but we were told that we had to let events happen as they were supposed too. Apparently all this is leading up to something very important."
"But you let it happen," Gloria shouted. "You knew that child was going to be miserable and you didn't do anything."
"It wasn't easy," Mina cried. "There were many times I wanted to say to hell with the timeline and snatch Tiffany away from Celine. It has been dreadful for me these last seven years. Knowing what that child was going through and the only thing I could do about it was love her whenever I saw her."
"Gloria," Amy stepped forward. "We struggled with this for a long time afterwards. All of us were angry when Pluto came to us and told us we could not interfere. Please try to understand. All this is going to lead you to make an important decision."
"I've got to think," Gloria gasped as she backed out of the room. "I just can't believe any of this." Gloria flew from the room.
"Gloria," Mina cried. She was about to follow when Annika stopped her.
"I'll go and be with her," Annika told her. Mina nodded and watched as Annika followed Gloria.
Brooke turned to Celine. "As for you," she snapped. "I cannot forgive you for this. I will be removing you as godmother of my children." With that she left the room. Raye went after her.
Celine got up but Mina pushed her back down in the seat. "Damn you," she snapped. "You have destroyed this family."
"Mina," Serenity firmly said. "Let us deal with this." She turned to Haruka and Michiru. "Take Elysian Venus to the palace dungeon. She will stay there until her trial."
"Yes your Majesty," Michiru replied. "With pleasure." She had been waiting ninety years for this. She and Haruka grabbed Celine and dragged her away.
Serenity next turned to Lita and Daisy. "I want you both to get Arinori and arrest him," she ordered.
"With pleasure," Lita replied. "Finally." She and Daisy went off in search of Arinori.
Gloria was still shaking with anger. All this was a nightmare. Her granddaughter had fled to the past and did not want to come back. Gloria could not blame her. She could not believe that her own daughter had been abusing her own child. It was too much to bear.
"Here," Annika handed her a cup of tea. "This is Mom's special herbal blend to help relax you. I think you could use a cup of this."
"Thank you," Gloria took a sip. "Where did I go wrong with her Annika? My other children aren't this hateful. What happened with Celine?"
"Who knows," Annika sighed. "She grew very bitter after her father died. When you remarried it got worse for her. Then you had Minako. Since then she has just been so cold."
"This is such a nightmare," choked Gloria.
Annika took Gloria's hand. "We'll get through it," she assured her. "You and I have always been there for each other through some of the worst times. I will be here for you as you get through this."
Gloria smiled. She turned Annika's hand over and pushed up one of the sleeves to her priestess robe. There was a scar on her wrist. Annika looked at it too. "I would have died if it weren't for you," Annika whispered.
[Flashback]
Annika, Gloria, Ariel and the twins were all in ninth grade and studying for the high school entrance exam. The girls were spending a lot of their time studying. Finally Daisy and Maggie, who were both in high school invited them to a school dance. Thinking it would be a good idea to get away from studying the girls asked their parents. Only Ariel was not allowed to go because Amy didn't think a twelve-year-old needed to be at a high school dance. But the other girls were allowed to go.
At first the dance had been a lot of fun. Gloria had danced with a couple of high school boys. Then she noticed that Annika was missing. She searched the school campus for her but couldn't find her. Beginning to worry Gloria found Daisy, Maggie and the twins. They began to search for Annika. When she wasn't found anywhere at the school they notified the Scouts. An all-out search began for Annika.
Gloria had broken away from the search party she was with and followed a gut feeling she had. She made her way to an isolated area in Crystal Tokyo. There she found Annika, curled up in a fetal position and badly beaten. Gloria contacted everyone via communicator and reported that she had found her. Gloria stayed by Annika's side trying to reassure her. After what seemed like an eternity Raye and Chad arrived. Annika was rushed back to the palace where Amy treated her. Annika was able to tell what had happened. She had met a young man at the dance. He offered to take her home but instead took her to that area. When he tried to force himself on Annika she pushed him away. Angry he beat her up and then dumped her out of the car.
Amy scheduled some therapy appointments for Annika but there had been a drastic change in the girl. Always shy, but Annika was now completely withdrawn. Gloria tried to pull her out but got no response.
Three weeks after the incident Gloria was in her quarters studying when there was a knock at the door. Gloria answered the door and saw that it was Annika. "Annika," she cried. "I am so glad to see you."
"Gloria," Annika murmured flatly.
"Please come in," Gloria invited her.
"I can't," Annika replied. "I just wanted to give you something." She pulled a letter out of her pocket. "Please wait an hour before opening it." Without another word she left.
Puzzled Gloria sat down on the couch with the letter in her hand. Artemis jumped up next to her. "She told me to wait an hour," Gloria told him. "But I feel I should open it now."
"I would go with that feeling if I were you," Artemis stated.
Gloria opened the letter and read it. She was horrified to see that it was a letter thanking her for being a wonderful friend but that she could not go on living. "Artemis," she gasped and she showed the letter to him. After he read she cried. "What shall I do."
"I'll get Raye," Artemis ordered. "You go to Annika."
Gloria tore down the hallway to Mars's quarters. She burst in but found that she was too late. Annika had cut her wrists. Gloria was by her side in an instant. She took the cut wrist and pressed her hand to it to keep it from bleeding. She stayed that way until Raye arrived with Amy and a trauma team. Gloria waited in the waiting room until Amy came out. "She is going to be fine," she reported and everyone heaved a breath of relief. "I've stabilized her and she is resting."
After Raye and Chad visited with Annika for a while Gloria was allowed to see her. Annika was lying in bed with a bandage around her wrist. Under Raye's watchful eye Gloria dashed over to Annika. "I'm so glad you are going to be all right."
"Why did you stop me," Annika choked.
"Because you are my best friend," Gloria replied. "I would not be a good friend if I had let you go through with it."
I just couldn't live with what had happened," Annika choked. "Aunt Amy is going to keep me here until I am all better."
"Let me help," Gloria pleaded. "What can I do for you?"
Annika's bandaged wrist came up. She grasped Gloria's hand. "Just be my friend," she replied.
"I will," Gloria promised. "Forever and always."
[End Flashback]
"You saved my life," Annika choked.
"You've helped me through a lot too," Gloria recalled. "Remember in high school when I was dating Fumio?"
Annika nodded her head and remembered.
[Flashback]
Annika, Gloria, Ariel and the twins were in eleventh grade. Gloria had been dating a college boy for six months now. His name was Fumio and the relationship was getting serious. Gloria was falling in love.
One day Gloria went over to his apartment. She had knocked on the door but there was no answer. Gloria pulled out the key to his apartment and let herself in. She was horrified when she found Fumio in bed with another girl.
"Gloria," he gasped.
"You creep," Gloria raged. "How could you?" Usually Gloria would pound anyone who hurt her but this time the pain and shock was too deep. Gloria turned and flew out of his apartment. She kept on running until she got back to the palace. As soon as she got to her quarters she broke down and cried. She reached for her communicator and called Annika. When Annika had arrived Gloria told her everything. Annika was shocked. She did her best to comfort Gloria but did not succeed.
The next several weeks Gloria withdrew completely. She cried herself to sleep every night and stopped eating.
Mina, Asai and Annika tried to talk to Gloria but she completely shut them out. Finally Mina and Amy had no choice but to put Gloria in the hospital. Her weight had dropped tremendously so Amy had to put her on an IV just to feed her. Annika had been allowed to go and visit her.
"Why are you here," Gloria moaned.
"Because you are my best friend," Annika replied. "I am not going to stand by and watch you kill yourself."
"But my heart is broken," Gloria choked. "It really hurt to see him in bed with another girl. I loved him and I thought he loved me."
"He's a creep," Annika pointed out. "No guy is worth this. I look at you and I don't see my spunky, fun-loving friend. I see a total stranger. I want my best friend back."
"Will I ever love again," Gloria asked.
"Yes," Annika replied. She reached down and took Gloria's hand. "You've always been there for me. Now I will be there for you."
[End Flashback]
"And we will always be there for each other," Annika whispered.
"Thank you for reminding me," Gloria choked and Annika smiled.
Raye walked in with Brooke and Mina. Everyone seemed calmer now. Gloria got up and hugged Mina. "I'm sorry Mom," she whispered. "I know all of this had to be hard on you."
"It's okay," Mina replied. "We'll get her back and we'll work together to help her."
"I will go back to the past so I can be with her," Brooke informed them. "I'll keep her up on her training and keep an eye on her. My husband will be back in a couple of days. Mom and Grandma will continue to watch Ashley and Tara."
"Don't worry they will be fine," Raye assured her.
"Mom I think I know what I want to do," Gloria stated. "But I need your help."
"I'm listening," Mina replied. Gloria told her what she wanted to do and Mina nodded in agreement.
During the time of the Chibi Scouts...
Mina was physically and emotionally drained. At her request Asai had taken Gloria out for a while. Amy was now with Tiffany in the girls' room. The child's outburst had completely shocked everyone. Not only that but now the children were aware that there was something going on. They had heard enough of Brooke's conversation with Raye. They still did not know that Tiffany was Gloria's granddaughter and Brooke was Annika's daughter.
"How are you doing," Serenity asked as she sat down by Mina.
"Oh Serenity," Mina choked. "I keep hoping that I will wake up and find out that this is a horrible dream. I can't believe that my granddaughter is going to be such a monster."
"I can't imagine," Serenity placed a comforting hand on Mina's shoulder. "I just know how much I love Small Lady. I can't imagine ever abusing her."
"Gloria is the type of child you need to be strict with but I can never think of harming her," Mina stated.
"We'll get through this," Serenity assured her. "We've been through much worse and our friendship has always pulled us through."
Amy came into the room. "I gave Tiffany a sedative and she is sleeping peacefully," she informed them. "I want to see her tomorrow. Don't bother sending her to school. I don't think she will be able to concentrate."
"Thank you Amy," Mina replied. Amy sat down by her and pulled out a needle. "What's that for?"
"It's a sedative for you," Amy replied.
"That won't be necessary Amy," Mina told her.
"Mina you are physically and emotionally drained," Amy pointed out. "You have got to get some rest. Tiffany is going to need you to be strong tomorrow. You are not going to help her if you are in this state."
"But Amy," Mina started to protest but Amy put her hand up.
"As your friend and doctor I am telling you that you need some rest," Amy told her. "Now I am going to give you this sedative so you can rest."
"Serenity you're the queen can't you override this," asked Mina.
"Sorry Mina," Serenity replied. "But in medical cases the doctor overrules the queen."
"Great," muttered Mina as Amy jabbed the needle in her arm. The sedative immediately began to take effect. "How strong is this," she muttered as Amy led her into her room.
"Strong enough for you to sleep through the night," Amy replied. Mina lay down on her bed and was immediately asleep.
Raye was not surprised when Brooke showed up at her door. "I figured you'd be back," Raye told her.
"I promised Mina and Gloria I would keep an eye on Tiffany," Brooke replied.
"How are you doing," Raye asked in concern.
"I'm calmer now," Brooke murmured. "Thanks to you Grandma." She took a deep breath and began talking. "I can't believe how blind I was. I had no idea that she was abusing Tiffany like that. She was my best friend. I made her godmother to my children. I just can't believe any of this."
Raye was about to reply when Annika came up. "Mama," she whispered.
"What is it Sweetheart," Raye asked. Annika hesitated for a moment and then she pushed Raye's arms back and climbed up onto her lap. Raye immediately wrapped her arms around the child's thin body. Annika snuggled down in her mother's arms. "What's on your mind?"
"Why do some mothers hurt their children," Annika asked.
"Why do you ask that," asked Raye.
"Tiffany's mother hurts her," Annika replied. "How can some mothers hurt their children?"
Raye took a deep breath. She looked over at Brooke who had tears in her eyes. "I don't know how to answer that question for you Darling," Raye replied. "I just don't know."
"I just don't get it," Annika moaned.
"Neither do I baby," Raye hugged Annika close to her. "I look at you and feel the love I have always felt with you and wonder the same thing. I could never hurt you. You are very precious to me and thought of ever harming such a precious life is so vile."
"I hope I won't be a mother like Tiffany's mother," Annika murmured.
Raye was about to say something when Brooke reached over and took Annika's hand. "You will be a great mother one day," she assured Annika. "I know that for a fact."
"Come on Annika," Raye picked Annika up. "Let's get you ready for bed now. It's getting late." Brooke watched as Raye carried Annika toward her bedroom. Then she sank back on the couch and let sink in. This was all a nightmare.
"What a day," Amy thought to herself as she returned to her own quarters. Once she was satisfied that Mina and Tiffany would both be sleeping through the night she waited until Asai returned with Gloria. Gloria was upset and angry about everything had been going on that day. Amy had to play substitute mother and help Asai put Gloria to bed. Now she was going back to her own quarters.
"You look exhausted," Greg observed when Amy entered their quarters.
"It has been one of those days," Amy replied as she slipped off her shoes and put on her slippers.
"Well it's not over yet," Greg told her. "I have a request from our daughter."
"And what is that," asked Amy.
"Ariel wants Mommy to come and give her a kiss goodnight," Greg replied.
Amy smiled and went to Ariel's room. Ariel was in bed with Moonbeam asleep beside her. "Mommy," Ariel called.
"Hi Darling," Amy sat down on the bed. "It's late. You should be sleeping."
"I wanted a kiss goodnight from you," Ariel told her.
Amy smiled. She pulled Ariel into her arms and gave her a big kiss. Then she tucked Ariel back into bed. "Mommy will you lie down with me for a while?"
"Of course," Amy replied. She lay down by Ariel and wrapped her arms around the little girl. As she held her child close to her she thought about Tiffany. "How can someone harm something as beautiful as your own child?" Amy asked herself. "I could never do what Tiffany's mother has done to her to my baby." Ariel fell asleep in her mother's arms while Amy thought about Tiffany.
Tiffany awoke the next morning to the sun shining on her face. She remembered what had happened the day before. "Mother is going to kill me if I go back," she thought in terror.
"Good morning," Mina came into the room and sat down on the bed.
"Mama," Tiffany sat up and threw her arms around Mina. Mina wrapped her arms around Tiffany and held her tightly. Tiffany loved the warm feeling she felt in Mina's arms.
"How are you doing this morning," Mina asked as she stroked Tiffany's long hair.
"I'm sorry about yesterday," Tiffany choked as tears ran down her face.
"You have nothing to be sorry about," Mina assured the little girl.
Tiffany looked over at Gloria's bed. "Where's Gloria," she asked.
"School," Mina replied.
"Why didn't I go today," asked Tiffany in surprise.
"Aunt Amy said not to send you today," Mina told her. "You have an appointment with her. You and I are going to spend some time together and then Aunt Brooke wants to spend some time with you too."
"Aunt Brooke is not going to take me back is she," Tiffany asked nervously.
"No," Mina assured her. "She's here because she promised your grandmother and my future self that she would keep an eye on you. She just wants to spend some time with you."
"Okay," Tiffany murmured. She snuggled into Mina's arms. "This feels so nice." Mina smiled and decided it would be okay to have a few more minutes before getting ready for the day.
Later that morning Brooke came and took Tiffany so that Amy and Mina could have a meeting before Tiffany's appointment. Amy was waiting for her.
"Tiffany is with Brooke now so that you and I can talk," Mina informed her.
"Good," Amy replied. "I just want to let you know of what I am going to be doing with Tiffany. Also you need to be prepared for what's in store."
"I'm listening," Mina said.
"I feel in a case like this play therapy is the best way to approach this," Amy stated. "I'll be talking with her while she plays. She needs to get all her emotions out and that will take time. Getting her emotions out will be the key to her recovery. She will also need to be assured that none of this was her fault."
"What can I do," asked Mina.
"Right now you are the one she looks to for love and security," Amy replied. "If you see any type of emotion being displayed whether is be fear, anger or pain then let her get them out."
"I'll do that," Mina promised.
"There is something else," Amy pointed out. "Her reaction to Asai was very normal. He needs to be aware of that."
"Asai is a very patient man," Mina replied. "He'll be sensitive to her needs."
"I figured he would," Amy stated. "Bring Tiffany back here in a couple of hours and I'll work with her."
"Thank you Amy," Mina replied as she got up to leave.
Brooke and Tiffany were sitting outside by the palace pond. It was a cool day outside so they were both wearing jackets. "Tiffany," Brooke said. "I am so sorry. I had no idea your mother was doing all of that to you."
"I was to afraid to tell," Tiffany replied.
"Well I am glad you did," Brooke assured her.
"Now you know why I never want to go back home," Tiffany pointed out.
"I don't blame you at all," Brooke sighed. "But I promise you things will get better."
"Really," asked Tiffany.
"Really," Brooke pulled Tiffany into her arms. "Your grandmother and great-grandmother are taking action right now."
During the time of the Chibi Crystal scouts...
Gloria sat in her office with Mina waiting for their visitor. She was very nervous right now. Mina smiled and placed a hand on her daughter's arm. "It will be all right," she assured her. "Things are going to work out."
"I hope so," Gloria sighed. "I just want my granddaughter back."
"We both do," Mina added. She and Gloria smiled at each other.
There was a knock at the door and Marina came in with her briefcase. "You wanted to see me," she asked.
"Yes Marina," Gloria replied. "Please have a seat."
"So what can I do for you," Marina inquired as she sat down.
Gloria sat back. "I want custody of my granddaughter, Tiffany," she informed Marina.
To be continued...
If you or anyone you know is being abused then please tell to someone whether it's a teacher, counselor or friend. Or call the Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-Abuse
E-mail me with suggestions and feedback to AngelRaye2@aol.com.
Also visit my web site at http://angelrayeschibiscouts.homestead.com/angelraye.html
My web site is in the process of moving to another server. The new address will be www.angelfire.com/anime3/chibiscouts
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. I also created the Elysian Scouts and the Crystal Scouts.
Runaway
Part Three
By
Angel Raye
The Queen and the Scouts sat in stunned silence as Tiffany's outburst sunk in. All of them were in tears. Even Haruka's eyes were misted over. Brooke was in complete shock. She could not believe all this.
Tiffany turned to Mina. "Please don't let them take me back Mama," she cried. "Please let me stay here forever with you." She began to cry really hard as she flung herself into Mina's arms. "Please don't send me back. Please."
Mina wrapped her arms around the child. Tears were flowing down her face too. "It's okay Sweetie," she choked. "You can stay here. You never have to go back home. I'll legally adopt you if I have too but you can stay here." Tiffany was crying hysterically now. Amy moved over to stand by Mina and Tiffany. Everyone else just sat in silence. They were all too shocked.
Suddenly Brooke got up and dashed out of the room. Her shock was now replaced by seething anger. "Damn Celine," she thought to herself. "How could she?"
"Brooke," Raye came flying out. "Are you okay?"
"No," Brooke snapped angrily. "I am so angry right now."
"We all are," Raye told her. "So what are you going to do?"
"I am going to return home," Brooke replied. "And I am going to confront that bitch."
"I think you should calm down first," Raye informed her.
"How can I calm down," Brooke shouted. "I am sent here to bring Tiffany back and then I find out that her mother has been abusing her. I cannot calm down."
"Mama," a voice suddenly interrupted the conversation. Raye turned and saw Annika and all the other children standing nearby. "What's going on?"
"Annika you and your friends go back to where you were," Raye commanded.
"Why Mama," asked Annika.
"Now young lady," Raye ordered. The children quickly left.
Brooke held up her time key. "I'm going and if they send me back I will see you soon," she stated and with that she vanished. "Good luck Brooke," Raye mentally said.
During the time of the Chibi Crystal scouts...
There was a Scout meeting with the Queen and the Princesses when the door opened and Brooke barged in seething with rage.
"Brooke," gasped Annika. "You're back."
"Where's Tiffany," asked Gloria. "Is she with you?"
Brooke ignored them. She went right up to Celine. "How could you," she screamed in rage. "How could you be so cruel to your own daughter?"
"Mind your own business," Celine replied coldly.
"It is all of our business now," Brooke raged. "You have been abusing your daughter all this time."
"Nani," shrieked Gloria jumping to her feet.
"You know I did not want her," snapped Celine.
"That's not an excuse to do what you did," Brooke yelled back. "And not doing anything after Arinori sexually molested her."
"What the hell," Gloria screamed.
"Calm down," Serenity ordered. "Now Brooke tell us everything." Brooke immediately reported everything that just happened in the past. Gloria turned white with anger. She went over to Celine.
"How could you," she choked in anger. "I tried to raise you to be loving. How did you end up so cruel? Was it because you blamed me for your father's death?"
"I don't have to answer to anything," Celine replied.
"Why you," Gloria was about to fly out when Mina grabbed her.
"You're not going to help matters by becoming violent," she told her.
Gloria backed away. Suddenly a thought occurred to her. She turned to her mother. "You knew," she gasped. "All of you original Scouts knew. If Tiffany reported all of this in the past then you knew and you allowed it to happen."
Mina sank down in resignation. "Yes," she admitted. "We knew it was going to happen. We all wanted to prevent it when Tiffany was born but we were told that we had to let events happen as they were supposed too. Apparently all this is leading up to something very important."
"But you let it happen," Gloria shouted. "You knew that child was going to be miserable and you didn't do anything."
"It wasn't easy," Mina cried. "There were many times I wanted to say to hell with the timeline and snatch Tiffany away from Celine. It has been dreadful for me these last seven years. Knowing what that child was going through and the only thing I could do about it was love her whenever I saw her."
"Gloria," Amy stepped forward. "We struggled with this for a long time afterwards. All of us were angry when Pluto came to us and told us we could not interfere. Please try to understand. All this is going to lead you to make an important decision."
"I've got to think," Gloria gasped as she backed out of the room. "I just can't believe any of this." Gloria flew from the room.
"Gloria," Mina cried. She was about to follow when Annika stopped her.
"I'll go and be with her," Annika told her. Mina nodded and watched as Annika followed Gloria.
Brooke turned to Celine. "As for you," she snapped. "I cannot forgive you for this. I will be removing you as godmother of my children." With that she left the room. Raye went after her.
Celine got up but Mina pushed her back down in the seat. "Damn you," she snapped. "You have destroyed this family."
"Mina," Serenity firmly said. "Let us deal with this." She turned to Haruka and Michiru. "Take Elysian Venus to the palace dungeon. She will stay there until her trial."
"Yes your Majesty," Michiru replied. "With pleasure." She had been waiting ninety years for this. She and Haruka grabbed Celine and dragged her away.
Serenity next turned to Lita and Daisy. "I want you both to get Arinori and arrest him," she ordered.
"With pleasure," Lita replied. "Finally." She and Daisy went off in search of Arinori.
Gloria was still shaking with anger. All this was a nightmare. Her granddaughter had fled to the past and did not want to come back. Gloria could not blame her. She could not believe that her own daughter had been abusing her own child. It was too much to bear.
"Here," Annika handed her a cup of tea. "This is Mom's special herbal blend to help relax you. I think you could use a cup of this."
"Thank you," Gloria took a sip. "Where did I go wrong with her Annika? My other children aren't this hateful. What happened with Celine?"
"Who knows," Annika sighed. "She grew very bitter after her father died. When you remarried it got worse for her. Then you had Minako. Since then she has just been so cold."
"This is such a nightmare," choked Gloria.
Annika took Gloria's hand. "We'll get through it," she assured her. "You and I have always been there for each other through some of the worst times. I will be here for you as you get through this."
Gloria smiled. She turned Annika's hand over and pushed up one of the sleeves to her priestess robe. There was a scar on her wrist. Annika looked at it too. "I would have died if it weren't for you," Annika whispered.
[Flashback]
Annika, Gloria, Ariel and the twins were all in ninth grade and studying for the high school entrance exam. The girls were spending a lot of their time studying. Finally Daisy and Maggie, who were both in high school invited them to a school dance. Thinking it would be a good idea to get away from studying the girls asked their parents. Only Ariel was not allowed to go because Amy didn't think a twelve-year-old needed to be at a high school dance. But the other girls were allowed to go.
At first the dance had been a lot of fun. Gloria had danced with a couple of high school boys. Then she noticed that Annika was missing. She searched the school campus for her but couldn't find her. Beginning to worry Gloria found Daisy, Maggie and the twins. They began to search for Annika. When she wasn't found anywhere at the school they notified the Scouts. An all-out search began for Annika.
Gloria had broken away from the search party she was with and followed a gut feeling she had. She made her way to an isolated area in Crystal Tokyo. There she found Annika, curled up in a fetal position and badly beaten. Gloria contacted everyone via communicator and reported that she had found her. Gloria stayed by Annika's side trying to reassure her. After what seemed like an eternity Raye and Chad arrived. Annika was rushed back to the palace where Amy treated her. Annika was able to tell what had happened. She had met a young man at the dance. He offered to take her home but instead took her to that area. When he tried to force himself on Annika she pushed him away. Angry he beat her up and then dumped her out of the car.
Amy scheduled some therapy appointments for Annika but there had been a drastic change in the girl. Always shy, but Annika was now completely withdrawn. Gloria tried to pull her out but got no response.
Three weeks after the incident Gloria was in her quarters studying when there was a knock at the door. Gloria answered the door and saw that it was Annika. "Annika," she cried. "I am so glad to see you."
"Gloria," Annika murmured flatly.
"Please come in," Gloria invited her.
"I can't," Annika replied. "I just wanted to give you something." She pulled a letter out of her pocket. "Please wait an hour before opening it." Without another word she left.
Puzzled Gloria sat down on the couch with the letter in her hand. Artemis jumped up next to her. "She told me to wait an hour," Gloria told him. "But I feel I should open it now."
"I would go with that feeling if I were you," Artemis stated.
Gloria opened the letter and read it. She was horrified to see that it was a letter thanking her for being a wonderful friend but that she could not go on living. "Artemis," she gasped and she showed the letter to him. After he read she cried. "What shall I do."
"I'll get Raye," Artemis ordered. "You go to Annika."
Gloria tore down the hallway to Mars's quarters. She burst in but found that she was too late. Annika had cut her wrists. Gloria was by her side in an instant. She took the cut wrist and pressed her hand to it to keep it from bleeding. She stayed that way until Raye arrived with Amy and a trauma team. Gloria waited in the waiting room until Amy came out. "She is going to be fine," she reported and everyone heaved a breath of relief. "I've stabilized her and she is resting."
After Raye and Chad visited with Annika for a while Gloria was allowed to see her. Annika was lying in bed with a bandage around her wrist. Under Raye's watchful eye Gloria dashed over to Annika. "I'm so glad you are going to be all right."
"Why did you stop me," Annika choked.
"Because you are my best friend," Gloria replied. "I would not be a good friend if I had let you go through with it."
I just couldn't live with what had happened," Annika choked. "Aunt Amy is going to keep me here until I am all better."
"Let me help," Gloria pleaded. "What can I do for you?"
Annika's bandaged wrist came up. She grasped Gloria's hand. "Just be my friend," she replied.
"I will," Gloria promised. "Forever and always."
[End Flashback]
"You saved my life," Annika choked.
"You've helped me through a lot too," Gloria recalled. "Remember in high school when I was dating Fumio?"
Annika nodded her head and remembered.
[Flashback]
Annika, Gloria, Ariel and the twins were in eleventh grade. Gloria had been dating a college boy for six months now. His name was Fumio and the relationship was getting serious. Gloria was falling in love.
One day Gloria went over to his apartment. She had knocked on the door but there was no answer. Gloria pulled out the key to his apartment and let herself in. She was horrified when she found Fumio in bed with another girl.
"Gloria," he gasped.
"You creep," Gloria raged. "How could you?" Usually Gloria would pound anyone who hurt her but this time the pain and shock was too deep. Gloria turned and flew out of his apartment. She kept on running until she got back to the palace. As soon as she got to her quarters she broke down and cried. She reached for her communicator and called Annika. When Annika had arrived Gloria told her everything. Annika was shocked. She did her best to comfort Gloria but did not succeed.
The next several weeks Gloria withdrew completely. She cried herself to sleep every night and stopped eating.
Mina, Asai and Annika tried to talk to Gloria but she completely shut them out. Finally Mina and Amy had no choice but to put Gloria in the hospital. Her weight had dropped tremendously so Amy had to put her on an IV just to feed her. Annika had been allowed to go and visit her.
"Why are you here," Gloria moaned.
"Because you are my best friend," Annika replied. "I am not going to stand by and watch you kill yourself."
"But my heart is broken," Gloria choked. "It really hurt to see him in bed with another girl. I loved him and I thought he loved me."
"He's a creep," Annika pointed out. "No guy is worth this. I look at you and I don't see my spunky, fun-loving friend. I see a total stranger. I want my best friend back."
"Will I ever love again," Gloria asked.
"Yes," Annika replied. She reached down and took Gloria's hand. "You've always been there for me. Now I will be there for you."
[End Flashback]
"And we will always be there for each other," Annika whispered.
"Thank you for reminding me," Gloria choked and Annika smiled.
Raye walked in with Brooke and Mina. Everyone seemed calmer now. Gloria got up and hugged Mina. "I'm sorry Mom," she whispered. "I know all of this had to be hard on you."
"It's okay," Mina replied. "We'll get her back and we'll work together to help her."
"I will go back to the past so I can be with her," Brooke informed them. "I'll keep her up on her training and keep an eye on her. My husband will be back in a couple of days. Mom and Grandma will continue to watch Ashley and Tara."
"Don't worry they will be fine," Raye assured her.
"Mom I think I know what I want to do," Gloria stated. "But I need your help."
"I'm listening," Mina replied. Gloria told her what she wanted to do and Mina nodded in agreement.
During the time of the Chibi Scouts...
Mina was physically and emotionally drained. At her request Asai had taken Gloria out for a while. Amy was now with Tiffany in the girls' room. The child's outburst had completely shocked everyone. Not only that but now the children were aware that there was something going on. They had heard enough of Brooke's conversation with Raye. They still did not know that Tiffany was Gloria's granddaughter and Brooke was Annika's daughter.
"How are you doing," Serenity asked as she sat down by Mina.
"Oh Serenity," Mina choked. "I keep hoping that I will wake up and find out that this is a horrible dream. I can't believe that my granddaughter is going to be such a monster."
"I can't imagine," Serenity placed a comforting hand on Mina's shoulder. "I just know how much I love Small Lady. I can't imagine ever abusing her."
"Gloria is the type of child you need to be strict with but I can never think of harming her," Mina stated.
"We'll get through this," Serenity assured her. "We've been through much worse and our friendship has always pulled us through."
Amy came into the room. "I gave Tiffany a sedative and she is sleeping peacefully," she informed them. "I want to see her tomorrow. Don't bother sending her to school. I don't think she will be able to concentrate."
"Thank you Amy," Mina replied. Amy sat down by her and pulled out a needle. "What's that for?"
"It's a sedative for you," Amy replied.
"That won't be necessary Amy," Mina told her.
"Mina you are physically and emotionally drained," Amy pointed out. "You have got to get some rest. Tiffany is going to need you to be strong tomorrow. You are not going to help her if you are in this state."
"But Amy," Mina started to protest but Amy put her hand up.
"As your friend and doctor I am telling you that you need some rest," Amy told her. "Now I am going to give you this sedative so you can rest."
"Serenity you're the queen can't you override this," asked Mina.
"Sorry Mina," Serenity replied. "But in medical cases the doctor overrules the queen."
"Great," muttered Mina as Amy jabbed the needle in her arm. The sedative immediately began to take effect. "How strong is this," she muttered as Amy led her into her room.
"Strong enough for you to sleep through the night," Amy replied. Mina lay down on her bed and was immediately asleep.
Raye was not surprised when Brooke showed up at her door. "I figured you'd be back," Raye told her.
"I promised Mina and Gloria I would keep an eye on Tiffany," Brooke replied.
"How are you doing," Raye asked in concern.
"I'm calmer now," Brooke murmured. "Thanks to you Grandma." She took a deep breath and began talking. "I can't believe how blind I was. I had no idea that she was abusing Tiffany like that. She was my best friend. I made her godmother to my children. I just can't believe any of this."
Raye was about to reply when Annika came up. "Mama," she whispered.
"What is it Sweetheart," Raye asked. Annika hesitated for a moment and then she pushed Raye's arms back and climbed up onto her lap. Raye immediately wrapped her arms around the child's thin body. Annika snuggled down in her mother's arms. "What's on your mind?"
"Why do some mothers hurt their children," Annika asked.
"Why do you ask that," asked Raye.
"Tiffany's mother hurts her," Annika replied. "How can some mothers hurt their children?"
Raye took a deep breath. She looked over at Brooke who had tears in her eyes. "I don't know how to answer that question for you Darling," Raye replied. "I just don't know."
"I just don't get it," Annika moaned.
"Neither do I baby," Raye hugged Annika close to her. "I look at you and feel the love I have always felt with you and wonder the same thing. I could never hurt you. You are very precious to me and thought of ever harming such a precious life is so vile."
"I hope I won't be a mother like Tiffany's mother," Annika murmured.
Raye was about to say something when Brooke reached over and took Annika's hand. "You will be a great mother one day," she assured Annika. "I know that for a fact."
"Come on Annika," Raye picked Annika up. "Let's get you ready for bed now. It's getting late." Brooke watched as Raye carried Annika toward her bedroom. Then she sank back on the couch and let sink in. This was all a nightmare.
"What a day," Amy thought to herself as she returned to her own quarters. Once she was satisfied that Mina and Tiffany would both be sleeping through the night she waited until Asai returned with Gloria. Gloria was upset and angry about everything had been going on that day. Amy had to play substitute mother and help Asai put Gloria to bed. Now she was going back to her own quarters.
"You look exhausted," Greg observed when Amy entered their quarters.
"It has been one of those days," Amy replied as she slipped off her shoes and put on her slippers.
"Well it's not over yet," Greg told her. "I have a request from our daughter."
"And what is that," asked Amy.
"Ariel wants Mommy to come and give her a kiss goodnight," Greg replied.
Amy smiled and went to Ariel's room. Ariel was in bed with Moonbeam asleep beside her. "Mommy," Ariel called.
"Hi Darling," Amy sat down on the bed. "It's late. You should be sleeping."
"I wanted a kiss goodnight from you," Ariel told her.
Amy smiled. She pulled Ariel into her arms and gave her a big kiss. Then she tucked Ariel back into bed. "Mommy will you lie down with me for a while?"
"Of course," Amy replied. She lay down by Ariel and wrapped her arms around the little girl. As she held her child close to her she thought about Tiffany. "How can someone harm something as beautiful as your own child?" Amy asked herself. "I could never do what Tiffany's mother has done to her to my baby." Ariel fell asleep in her mother's arms while Amy thought about Tiffany.
Tiffany awoke the next morning to the sun shining on her face. She remembered what had happened the day before. "Mother is going to kill me if I go back," she thought in terror.
"Good morning," Mina came into the room and sat down on the bed.
"Mama," Tiffany sat up and threw her arms around Mina. Mina wrapped her arms around Tiffany and held her tightly. Tiffany loved the warm feeling she felt in Mina's arms.
"How are you doing this morning," Mina asked as she stroked Tiffany's long hair.
"I'm sorry about yesterday," Tiffany choked as tears ran down her face.
"You have nothing to be sorry about," Mina assured the little girl.
Tiffany looked over at Gloria's bed. "Where's Gloria," she asked.
"School," Mina replied.
"Why didn't I go today," asked Tiffany in surprise.
"Aunt Amy said not to send you today," Mina told her. "You have an appointment with her. You and I are going to spend some time together and then Aunt Brooke wants to spend some time with you too."
"Aunt Brooke is not going to take me back is she," Tiffany asked nervously.
"No," Mina assured her. "She's here because she promised your grandmother and my future self that she would keep an eye on you. She just wants to spend some time with you."
"Okay," Tiffany murmured. She snuggled into Mina's arms. "This feels so nice." Mina smiled and decided it would be okay to have a few more minutes before getting ready for the day.
Later that morning Brooke came and took Tiffany so that Amy and Mina could have a meeting before Tiffany's appointment. Amy was waiting for her.
"Tiffany is with Brooke now so that you and I can talk," Mina informed her.
"Good," Amy replied. "I just want to let you know of what I am going to be doing with Tiffany. Also you need to be prepared for what's in store."
"I'm listening," Mina said.
"I feel in a case like this play therapy is the best way to approach this," Amy stated. "I'll be talking with her while she plays. She needs to get all her emotions out and that will take time. Getting her emotions out will be the key to her recovery. She will also need to be assured that none of this was her fault."
"What can I do," asked Mina.
"Right now you are the one she looks to for love and security," Amy replied. "If you see any type of emotion being displayed whether is be fear, anger or pain then let her get them out."
"I'll do that," Mina promised.
"There is something else," Amy pointed out. "Her reaction to Asai was very normal. He needs to be aware of that."
"Asai is a very patient man," Mina replied. "He'll be sensitive to her needs."
"I figured he would," Amy stated. "Bring Tiffany back here in a couple of hours and I'll work with her."
"Thank you Amy," Mina replied as she got up to leave.
Brooke and Tiffany were sitting outside by the palace pond. It was a cool day outside so they were both wearing jackets. "Tiffany," Brooke said. "I am so sorry. I had no idea your mother was doing all of that to you."
"I was to afraid to tell," Tiffany replied.
"Well I am glad you did," Brooke assured her.
"Now you know why I never want to go back home," Tiffany pointed out.
"I don't blame you at all," Brooke sighed. "But I promise you things will get better."
"Really," asked Tiffany.
"Really," Brooke pulled Tiffany into her arms. "Your grandmother and great-grandmother are taking action right now."
During the time of the Chibi Crystal scouts...
Gloria sat in her office with Mina waiting for their visitor. She was very nervous right now. Mina smiled and placed a hand on her daughter's arm. "It will be all right," she assured her. "Things are going to work out."
"I hope so," Gloria sighed. "I just want my granddaughter back."
"We both do," Mina added. She and Gloria smiled at each other.
There was a knock at the door and Marina came in with her briefcase. "You wanted to see me," she asked.
"Yes Marina," Gloria replied. "Please have a seat."
"So what can I do for you," Marina inquired as she sat down.
Gloria sat back. "I want custody of my granddaughter, Tiffany," she informed Marina.
To be continued...