Hi Everyone! At last I am moving on to Ariel and Madelyn's part. I don't think it will be as long as Annika and Gloria but we shall see. There will be at least two subparts to their story. A couple of notes I need to make is that first since Ariel and Madelyn are the youngest their part won't be as long. Second since they are in different grades I can't make too many school scenes. Finally some of the things Ariel will be doing may be far beyond her age level but remember we are talking about a little girl with an IQ of 400. Please review but no flames.
E-mail me with suggestions and feedback to AngelRaye2@aol.com.
Also visit my web site at http://angelrayeschibiscouts.homestead.com/angelraye.html
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Disclaimers: I do not own Sailor Moon. With the exception of Rini I own this generation of Sailor Scouts.
Friendship Series
Part Two: Ariel and Madelyn
Subpart A
By
Angel Raye
Two days after Ariel's birth...
Amy gazed at the small infant in the bassinet. She was so glad that she was a mother. It had been hard watching all of her friends have babies first but she knew from when their daughters visited them in the 20th century that Ariel would be the youngest. Now she was here, delivered by Raye and Lita during a power outage in a restaurant. Amy fell in love with her instantly.
Hotaru entered carrying her one-year-old daughter Madelyn. "I just came by to check on both of you," she stated.
"We are both fine," Amy smiled as she gestured Hotaru to sit down. While Amy was on maternity leave Hotaru was helping run the palace doctor's office. Hotaru sat down and set Madelyn down on the floor. Madelyn pulled herself up and tried to walk only to fall back down.
"She is trying so hard to walk but just doesn't have it yet," Hotaru sighed.
"She will," Amy reassured her. "Remember Annika and Maggie weren't walking until they were almost fifteen months."
"True," murmured Hotaru. Ariel woke up and started fussing. Amy went over and picked her up.
"What's going on Sweetie," Amy asked. She checked Ariel's diaper. "I see the problem now. We'll get you all fixed up."
Hotaru watched while Amy changed Ariel's diaper. "I guess with all of the other children paired off these two will always be together."
"When Ariel visited me in the past she mentioned Madelyn a couple of times," Amy mused. "I think Madelyn was probably her closest friend."
"I wouldn't know since Madelyn only visited me one time and I was still a little girl myself," Hotaru stated. "I certainly wasn't taking on parental roles like everyone else was."
"I guess only time will tell," Amy sighed as she picked Ariel up. "But I do know that all these little girls will be loved."
"Exactly," Hotaru agreed. She watched Madelyn inch her way around the coffee table and smiled. Being a parent was a lot of fun.
******
Two years later...
As predicted Ariel and Madelyn grew close. Ariel had inherited both of her parents' intelligence and was speaking in full sentences by the time she was a year-and-a-half. She had blown everyone away with her phenomenal vocabulary. At the age of two she was already reading simple words much to the disgust of Annika, Gloria and the twins. None of them were reading yet since they weren't in kindergarten yet. Hotaru was glad that her child had average intelligence but she was also very sickly. Usually if something were going around Madelyn would catch it. Hotaru did what she could to keep Madelyn healthy.
Madelyn also inherited her mother's ability to heal. She had shown that ability when Ariel had fallen and cut her knee one day. All of the children with the exceptions of Rini, Daisy and Maggie were in nursery and had seen it. Madelyn was too young to understand what was going on. Hotaru worried that this ability would make Madelyn a social outcast.
Amy had her own problems. Because of Ariel's intelligence she had a need to explore everything around her. Although very shy Ariel was a wanderer. She loved exploring the world around her. Greg and Amy both had to keep a close eye on her whenever they took her out.
One nice Saturday afternoon Amy and Hotaru decided to take the girls to the park to play. The park was crowded with families enjoying the nice sunny weather.
"Can you believe it has been two years now since the Dark Moon invaded," asked Hotaru.
"And our Small Lady is now Chibi Moon," Amy added. "I was pregnant with Ariel when the Dark Moon invaded. I remember being so afraid I would lose my baby while protecting the queen."
"I worried about the children," Hotaru sighed. "But all ended well."
"Speaking of children," Amy sat up. "Where's ours?"
"They were over there," Hotaru pointed but then saw that they were gone. "Madelyn!"
"Damn I knew I should have been keeping a closer eye on Ariel," Amy jumped to her feet. She whipped out her computer and began to scan. "I got them. They are that way." Hotaru and Amy sprinted off in that direction. Underneath some bushes sat Ariel and Madelyn. Ariel was looking carefully at a couple of bugs.
"Girls," Hotaru scolded as she picked Madelyn up.
"Sorry Mama," Madelyn chirped. "Ariel saw bug and wanted to follow it."
"Ariel you know you need to stay near Mommy," Amy sternly stated as she picked her little girl up.
"Wanted to see what bug doing," Ariel replied.
"I know but Mommy gets scared when you disappear like that," Amy told her. "You need to stay where Mommy can see you."
"Kay Mommy," Ariel snuggled into her mother's arms. A huge yawn indicated that she was ready for her nap.
"I guess we need to get them back to the palace for a nap," Amy concluded.
"I guess so," Hotaru agreed looking down at her own sleepy daughter. Together they all headed for the palace.
That night at dinner Amy discussed her concerns with the rest of the scouts and the knights. "She always wanders off," she told them. "I am afraid one day she will wander away and I won't be able to find her."
"Keep her on a leash," Raye suggested dryly. She looked down at Annika who was asleep in her arms. "I have the opposite problem. Mine won't leave my side."
"I don't think you need to go that far," Lita pointed out. "She is so smart you could probably have her memorize her phone number."
"I just need to teach Madelyn not to follow along," Hotaru sighed.
"You do that," Michiru encouraged. "All of us need to keep an eye on the children and teach them safety. One day they will be Chibi Scouts and help us defend the world but for right now we have to protect them."
"Right," everyone agreed.
******
A year later...
Another year passed and all the children with the exceptions of Madelyn and Ariel were going to school. Ariel was restless. She wanted to go to school with the others and learn. One day she managed to outsmart Palla and she and Madelyn snuck away to the school. Lita found them at the playground talking with Faith and Annika through the fence. Both little girls were punished and promised never to wander away like that again. But Ariel was still restless. She wanted to be in school.
"I want to go to school," she told Madelyn one day.
"You can't," Madelyn reminded her. I got in awful trouble last time. I am not going."
"Well I am," Ariel firmly stated. "Don't tell."
"I'm gonna tell," Madelyn replied.
"Please don't," begged Ariel. "I just want to go see the school."
Madelyn sighed and reluctantly muttered, "Okay." Ariel grinned. She looked carefully and saw that Palla and Ves were deep in conversation with each other. Ariel took off at top speed.
"Now Madelyn do you know where Ariel is," Hotaru asked later on. Madelyn shook her head.
"Are you sure," Amy asked and Madelyn nodded.
"She's lying," Raye stated. "She knows where Ariel is."
"Madelyn," Hotaru stated sternly. "Tell us now."
"I can't," Madelyn replied.
"Why not," asked Hotaru.
"Can't be a tattle tale," Madelyn replied.
"Madelyn please," Amy begged. "In this case it is necessary to tattle."
"Ariel could be hurt," Hotaru gently explained. "You need to tell us."
"But I don't want Ariel to hate me," Madelyn's lower lip quivered.
"She won't," Amy quickly reassured her. "But please tell me where she is."
"School," Madelyn replied.
"I'll kill her," Amy muttered and she dashed off to retrieve her wayward daughter.
Amy carried Ariel back to their quarters. Ariel did not say anything. She could tell that her mother was very angry. When they got inside Amy sat Ariel down on a chair and she sat across from her. "What you did was very naughty," Amy explained. "We told you to stay with Palla but you wandered off and we did not know where you were."
"I wanted to go to the school," Ariel pouted. "I can read. Why can't I go to school."
"Because you are only three," Amy replied. "You have to be at least five. I know you want to start now but you can't."
Not fair," Ariel muttered. "Madelyn told."
"Because it was wrong to tell her to stay quiet," Amy pointed out. "I am going to have to punish you."
"Do I have time out," asked Ariel.
"No I am going to spank you," Amy replied.
"No," wailed Ariel but Amy put her over her knees and swatted her. Ariel began to cry after the second swat. After several more swats Amy put Ariel down.
"Now you are to go to your room and stay there until I tell you to come out," Amy ordered. Sniffling Ariel ran to her room. Amy sat back and sighed. What was she going to do with her too intelligent daughter?
That night at dinner Madelyn walked up to Ariel. "I'm sorry you got in trouble," she told her.
"Why did you tell," asked Ariel.
"Our mamas made me," Madelyn replied sadly.
"Mommy always makes me do things," Ariel muttered.
"I hope you don't hate me," Madelyn said sadly.
"I don't I love you," Ariel threw her arms around Madelyn who hugged her back. Amy and Hotaru watched and smiled. They were good friends.
******
"Are you sure you don't mind watching them Greg while I run a few errands," Amy asked her husband one Sunday afternoon. Madelyn was over playing with Ariel. Hotaru and Anthony had decided to do some work on their quarters and felt they could get done faster without a four-year-old around.
"Of course not," Greg replied. "What kind of Knight would I be if I can't handle two little girls?"
"Be careful with what you say," laughed Amy. "You would not believe how much trouble two small children can get into."
"I can handle them," Greg assured her.
"Very well," Amy bent down to kiss Ariel. "You two behave yourselves now."
"Kay Aunt Amy," Madelyn replied.
"Bye Mommy," Ariel returned the kiss. "I love you."
"I love you too Darling," Amy replied. She went over and kissed Greg. "I won't be too long."
"Take your time," Greg told her. "Everything will be fine here."
Amy smiled. She blew Ariel a kiss and left. Greg turned on the ball game and lay down on the couch to watch. After a few minutes he was asleep leaving the girls without someone to watch them.
About an hour later Ariel and Madelyn grew tired of the game they were playing. They wandered into Amy and Greg's room. Ariel headed right to Amy's dressing table.
"Look Mommy's make up," Ariel held up some lipstick.
"Mama has a lot of make up too," Madelyn added as she picked up some mascara.
"I wish I could put some on, Ariel sighed. "Mommy looks so pretty when she wears it."
"So does Mama," Madelyn agreed.
An evil look came in Ariel's eyes. "I know who we can put it on," she giggled. She led Madelyn into the living room where Greg was sleeping on the couch. The two little girls began to giggle quietly as they got to work.
Amy walked quietly into her quarters and saw the girls doing something quietly to a sleeping Greg. Closer look showed Amy that the children were putting make-up on him and doing a very bad job. "Girls," she said quietly.
"We didn't do it," Ariel quickly stated as she and Madelyn jumped away.
"I see," Amy replied trying to contain her mirth. She reached for her camera and quietly snapped a picture.
"Does Daddy look that good Mommy," asked Ariel.
"If I don't take this picture no one is going to believe me," Amy informed her daughter. She reached over and nudged Greg awake.
"Hi," Greg mumbled sleepily as he opened his eyes. "I guess it was a late night in the control room last night."
"I suppose so," Amy chuckled. "You were suppose to be watching the girls."
"I hope they did not cause any trouble," Greg sat up.
"Not really," Amy replied. "But I think you need to go and look in the mirror."
"Why I already know what I look like," Greg protested.
"But I think you should take a look at the new and improved you," Amy told him. She was laughing very hard now. Greg got up and went to the small mirror hanging on the wall. He stared in surprise at himself with a very bad makeover. Amy was in hysterics by now.
"What happened," he gasped in horror.
"That's what happens when you leave two little girls unattended," Amy laughed. She pulled Ariel and Madelyn forward; "Here are your two beauticians."
"I see," Greg sat down and motioned the two children over to him. "Can you tell me why you decided to use my face to express yourselves?"
"Mommy said I can't wear make-up but she never said you couldn't," Ariel replied.
"And you were right there," Madelyn added.
"I guess I had better go wash all of this off. If any of the other knights see me like this I will never hear the end of it," Greg got up. At that moment there was a knock at the door. Ariel ran to answer it. Anthony and Hotaru were both there to pick up Madelyn. They took one look at Greg and burst out laughing.
"If this is a new part of the Knights' uniform I am going to resign,' Anthony declared.
"I'm afraid I fell asleep and the girls decided to get creative," Greg replied. "Now if you will excuse me for a moment." With that he quickly disappeared into the bedroom.
Hotaru picked Madelyn up, "Well other than her need for creativity how was she?"
"She was fine," Amy replied as she picked Ariel up. "But I am going to be having a talk with this one about getting into my stuff."
"Oh we will talk to," Hotaru added as she kissed Madelyn. The Saturn family left and Amy took Ariel into her room to put her down for a nap.
"What has Mommy told you about getting into her things," she asked as she took Ariel's slippers off her feet.
"Not too," Ariel replied.
"That's right," Amy said as she began to tuck Ariel into her bed. "I don't want that to happen again. Do you understand?"
"Yes Mommy," Ariel replied sleepily. She gazed up at her mother. "What will you give me if I give you a giant hug?"
"I'll give you a giant kiss," Amy replied and they did just that.
"I need to explain something to you," Hotaru stated as she got Madelyn ready for her nap.
"What Mama," asked Madelyn sleepily.
"You are older than Ariel," Hotaru replied. "That means you need to set an example."
"Nani," asked Madelyn confused.
"It means you have to show Ariel how to behave," Hotaru pointed out. "I know Ariel is bigger than you but you are older. I think she should try to copy you and not you copy her."
"Is Ariel a bad girl Mama," asked Madelyn in a worried voice.
"No Sweetie she is a very good girl," Hotaru assured her daughter. "But like all little girls she likes to get into mischief sometimes. I want you to try and show her how to behave."
"Okay Mama," Madelyn murmured in a sleepy voice. Hotaru tucked her in and then left the room.
Needless to say Greg became the object of jokes among the Scouts and Knights for a while. Amy could not resist and put the picture up on the "Palace News" bulletin. Meanwhile Ariel and Madelyn lost complete interest in their mothers' make-up
******
"But all the other kids are going why can't Ariel and me go, asked Madelyn.
"You will next year when you start school," Hotaru gently explained.
"But it's not fair," Madelyn whined. "Just because Ariel and me are younger we can't go to a party."
"Sweetie the other children are always complaining it's boring," Hotaru replied. "You and Ariel will have a good time together with Palla tonight. Ves is sick so you will be in Ariel's quarters with her. It will be fun. Besides Gloria, Annika and the twins started going this year and what a circus that has been. Gloria can't stay out of trouble."
"Not fair," Madelyn muttered again pouting.
Hotaru bent down and kissed Madelyn on the head. "Go and get the toys you want to take with you now."
"All right," Madelyn replied as she sprinted back to her room. Hotaru finished getting ready but she had a nagging feeling something was going to happen tonight.
Palla had already arrived by the time Hotaru and Anthony brought Madelyn to Mercury's quarters. Amy already had Ariel in her nightgown.
"Now you be good and stay out of trouble," Amy firmly told Ariel.
"Okay Mommy," Ariel replied. The parents left and Palla turned to the girls.
"Would you girls like something to eat or drink," she asked.
"Popcorn," Ariel squealed in delight.
"Coming right up," Palla disappeared into the kitchen.
"Madelyn I have something to show you," Ariel dragged Madelyn into her room. There hovering over the bed was Rini's Luna Ball.
"Where did you get that," asked Madelyn.
"I asked Rini if I could play with is and she said yes," Ariel replied. "I want to see that party tonight. It's not fair just cuz we are little means we can't go."
"What are we going to do," asked Madelyn.
"Rini showed me how to use it," Ariel told her. "And I 'member everything." It was true. Because of Ariel's high IQ she remembered everything that was told to her. Ariel took the Luna Ball to the kitchen door. "LUNA BALL HENGE!"
The Luna Ball became a brick wall, which blocked off the door from the kitchen trapping Palla inside.
"What the..." Palla gasped. She saw the brick wall and realized once again Ariel had gotten her. "Well little one you may have trapped me but I can still call your parents." She reached for the telephone.
"Thank you," Amy replied into the telephone. She hung up and went back to the party. She went right over to Greg. "Our little genius struck again."
Greg groaned. "What did she do now?" Amy quietly explained the situation. "Makes sense," he stated. "Both of them are pretty upset at being left out now."
"Next year they can both come," Amy sighed. "Madelyn starts kindergarten and Serenity said that she won't leave Ariel in the cold by herself. We had better tell Hotaru."
"And alert the rest of the Scouts and Knights," Greg added. They headed over toward the cluster of people.
"Do you know how to get there," asked Madelyn. "We can't go around the palace by ourselves yet."
"I 'member Mommy taking me this way," Ariel replied. "And there it is." Ariel pointed to a large ballroom.
"Let's go," Madelyn walked over and opened the door. The first thing she noticed was that is was full of people. The huge crowd immediately intimidated Madelyn and Ariel. Madelyn looked around and saw Maggie and Daisy. She ran over to them.
"What are you doing here," asked Maggie in surprise.
"We came," Madelyn replied.
"Luna Ball helped us," Ariel added.
"You're going to be in trouble," Daisy hissed.
"That is an understatement," a voice behind them declared. The two little girls looked up and saw Setsuna standing behind them.
"Hi Aunt Setsuna," Ariel chirped in her sweet voice.
"Mommy already knows what you are up too," Setsuna replied as she picked up both little girls. "Did you forget that there is a phone in your kitchen?"
"Uh oh," moaned Ariel realizing she was busted.
"Uh oh is right," Setsuna stated as she carried the two girls over to their parents.
"Now what do you tell Palla," Amy sternly asked.
"Sorry," sobbed Ariel. Her bottom was sore from the spanking her mother had given her.
"That's okay," Palla replied patting the child on the head. "You certainly make my life more interesting."
"Now to bed with you," Amy picked Ariel up and took her to her room. "There will be no story tonight."
"But Mommy," sobbed Ariel but Amy hushed her.
"I don't want to hear it," Amy replied. "You are being punished and Luna Ball is going right back to Small Lady." She tucked Ariel into bed and kissed her goodnight. "And I suggest you get right to sleep. Any more trouble and you will be punished again. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes Mommy," Ariel replied. She snuggled down into her blankets and thought about all the trouble she was in. Amy picked up the Luna Ball and carried it back to the party to give to Rini.
Meanwhile Hotaru was dealing with her own daughter. Deciding that Madelyn needed to be punished in her own quarters Hotaru apologized to the queen and left the party. Like Raye, Hotaru did not believe in spankings so she put Madelyn in the corner as soon as they returned. Madelyn sat there for twenty minutes without making a move. Finally Hotaru pulled her out of the corner and sat down to talk with her. "What did I tell you," Hotaru asked. "That you are older than Ariel and you need to set an example."
"But Mama she knows everything," Madelyn protested.
"I know Ariel is very smart," Hotaru replied. "That's her big problem. She's bored. But you make your own decisions. I don't want you doing things that are going to get you into trouble."
"Kay Mama," Madelyn replied
"Now you are going right to bed," Hotaru ordered. "You are in trouble so tomorrow there will be no television."
"Yes Mama," Madelyn sighed. She knew better than to argue with her mother.
******
The time came for Madelyn to enter kindergarten. That left Ariel at the palace. Amy enrolled her in a preschool to help her build social skills but Ariel's high IQ stood in the way. Although she made friends she found that she knew all of the stuff that was being taught.
Madelyn found that she really missed having Ariel around. Like the other children she got called a palace brat. Her shyness kept her from making friends. Fortunately the kindergarten and first grade ate lunch and had recess together so she would join Annika, Gloria and the twins. But it was still lonely in the classroom.
Ariel also missed Madelyn. She was only going to preschool three days a week and Palla came to pick her up before lunch. Ariel found herself spending a lot of time with Palla and missing the other children. However Ariel did not dare try to escape to the school. If Palla or Ves had something to do then Luna and Artemis kept an eye on her and they could squeeze into Ariel's hiding places with her.
"Mama I was thinking," Madelyn stated on night as her mother put her to bed.
"About what Sweetie," asked Hotaru as she finished tucking her in.
"Ariel doesn't have preschool tomorrow and she might get lonely," Madelyn replied. "How 'bout I stay home from school and play with her."
"You can't stay home from school," Hotaru told her firmly. "I know you are lonely but you'll make friends."
"It's not fair," Madelyn whined. "Maggie and Daisy are together. Annika, Gloria, Hope and Faith are together. Why do me and Ariel have to be alone?"
Hotaru hesitated. She did not know how to tell Madelyn this but Ariel had recently been tested and it was determined that next year instead of going into kindergarten she would go right to second grade. Hotaru decided not to tell Madelyn just yet. "Get some sleep Sweetie," Hotaru kissed Madelyn goodnight. "I promise things will get better at school.
Madelyn was not completely convinced.
"Mommy can I ask you something," Ariel asked. She was sitting in her mother's lap in the rocking chair. Amy was attempting to get Ariel to settle down for the night.
"Of course Darling," Amy replied.
"Madelyn is really lonely at school right now," Ariel explained. "So how about I go to school with her tomorrow and keep her company?"
"I'm afraid you can't do that Darling," Amy replied. "It's sweet of you to want to be with your friend but you cannot go to school yet."
"Rats," Ariel muttered.
"Don't be in such a hurry to grow up," Amy advised. "Besides when you grow up I am not going to be able to rock you in the rocking chair like this."
"I don't want that to happen yet," Ariel protested.
"Neither do I Darling," Amy laughed. "Now try to get to sleep." She kissed Ariel on the head. Ariel snuggled down in Amy's lap and let the rhythm of the gentle rocking put her to sleep.
A couple of days later Ariel was out in the palace garden with Palla. She was waiting for the other children to get home from school.
"Are they going to be back soon Palla," asked Ariel.
"In a few minutes little one," Palla replied. "Don't be so impatient."
"Can't help it," Ariel muttered. She found that being the only Scout child at the palace was a complete bore. She could not wait to start school the next year.
"Here they come," Palla called and Ariel jumped up in excitement. The girls appeared to be in the mist of a heated discussion.
"I still say it was a dumb thing to do," Gloria was saying.
"She was bleeding I had to help her," Madelyn snapped angrily.
"But our mamas told us not to use our special powers," Annika pointed out. "Since you used yours then I am going to ask my mama to use mine."
"The kids seemed to think it was cool," Hope pointed out.
"Well it was still dumb," Gloria pointed out.
"Oh shut up Gloria," Daisy snapped. "You do a lot of stupid things too."
"I do not," Gloria raged.
"Cool it girls," Rini ordered.
"What is going on," asked Palla.
"A girl in Madelyn's class got hurt today so she used her special powers to help," Gloria explained. She glared at Annika; "If someone had stopped her like she was supposed to this would not have happened."
"Don't blame me," Annika wailed as her eyes started to mist over.
"Oh now it is time to be a crybaby," Gloria sneered.
"Shut up," Rini shouted. She took Madelyn's hand. "Come on Madelyn. I'll come with you to talk to your mother."
"Madelyn I wanted to play with you," Ariel whined.
"Later," Madelyn sighed. She followed Rini and the other children leaving Ariel alone again.
The next day Madelyn came home from school with a big smile on her face. She went and found Ariel with Palla in the playroom. "Guess what," she squealed in delight.
"What," Ariel asked in excitement.
"The kids in my class thought my powers were neat," Madelyn replied. "I made a friend named Kara and she is going to see if I can play at her house."
"Good," Ariel said trying to hide her disappointment. She tried to be happy but she now feared if Madelyn was going to find someone to replace her as a best friend.
Madelyn proved to be very popular in her class. Pretty soon she had quite a few play dates. A couple of days a week she did not come home from school because she was at a classmate's house. With Madelyn off playing with friends and the other children having homework Ariel was feeling very lonely.
One night Amy noticed that Ariel was very quiet. While she was giving Ariel her bath the child just sat quietly. Usually Ariel was very giggly during bath time because she was so ticklish. When it was time for bed there was none of the usual stalling. Amy read a book to Ariel but the child did not seem to be listening. Finally Amy took the little girl into a tight embrace and began to rock gently in the chair. "What's wrong Sweetie," she asked. "You seem so upset tonight."
"Madelyn doesn't like me anymore," Ariel replied
"Now why do you say that," asked Amy gently.
"She has other friends in her class now and does not want to play with me," Ariel sobbed as a tear rolled down her face.
"Oh baby that is not true," Amy cried. "You know Madelyn likes you a lot. She has just made some new friends but I'm sure you are still her best friend."
"But she is never here now," sobbed Ariel.
"You miss her don't you," Amy asked and Ariel nodded her head. "I'll talk with Hotaru tomorrow and we'll see what we can work out okay?" Ariel nodded her head. Amy began to hum a little tune and Ariel fell asleep in her lap.
The next day Madelyn came home from school with the girls. She found her mother in Amy's office. "Hi Mama," she called.
"Hi Darling," Hotaru replied. She reached down and hugged the little girl. "Did you have a good day at school?" Madelyn nodded her head. "Good. Let's go for a walk then. I need to talk to you about something."
"Did I do something bad," Madelyn asked anxiously as she took Hotaru's hand.
"No you didn't," Hotaru replied. She led Madelyn down the palace halls. "Aunt Amy talked to me about Ariel today."
"Is Ariel all right," asked Madelyn in a worried voice.
"Of course she is," Hotaru assured her. "Aunt Amy was telling me that Ariel has been a little upset. She thinks you don't like her anymore."
"Of course I like her," Madelyn cried. "She's my best friend in the whole wide world."
"I know she is," Hotaru told her. "I think she was just feeling that since you have made friends at school now that you don't need her anymore."
"Oh," Madelyn sighed. "I didn't mean to do that."
"I know you didn't," Hotaru replied. "Why don't you go and find her. I best she would like to know that you still think she is your best friend."
"Okay is she in her quarters," asked Madelyn.
"I believe so," Hotaru stated as she hugged Madelyn. "Go and find her. Madelyn sprinted off toward Mercury's quarters while Hotaru watched with pride.
Ariel was playing at the computer in her quarters when Madelyn arrived. Palla let her in. "Look who came to see you Ariel," Palla gently said.
Ariel looked up. "Madelyn," she squealed.
"Hi Ariel," Madelyn came bounding in. Ariel jumped down from her seat and gave Madelyn a hug.
"I'm glad to see you," Ariel stated.
"I'm glad to see you too Ariel," Madelyn replied. "You are my best friend."
"Really," asked Ariel. "Even though you have friends at school now."
"Yes," Madelyn replied. "You are my best friend in the whole world."
"And you are mine," Ariel declared. She gave Madelyn another hug and then the two girls went to play.
******
Time passed by and soon another school year ended and a new one began. Ariel was going to be going to school and she was excited until her parents told her that she would be entering in second grade.
"Why Mommy," asked Ariel. "Why am I not starting in kindergarten like everyone else did?"
"Do you remember those tests you took," Greg asked. Ariel nodded her head. "Well they were tests to see how smart you are. They decided you would be better off in the second grade."
"But I'll be the youngest," Ariel protested.
"I know Darling," Amy replied as she pulled Ariel onto her lap. "But you would be very bored in kindergarten. At least this way you will be challenged. You will spend part of the day in the gifted class with other children like you and then you will go to your regular classroom."
"I'm scared," Ariel whispered as she buried her head in her mother's shoulder.
"Don't be," Greg assured her. "You will be in the same grade as Annika, Gloria and the twins. You will already have some friends."
Ariel gave a gusty sigh. She was not convinced.
"You're going right to second grade," Madelyn gasped.
"Yes," Ariel replied. "I am really scared."
"Hey don't worry," Madelyn put a comforting arm around her friend's shoulder. "I'm your friend and I will help you."
"Really," asked Ariel.
"Really," Madelyn confirmed. Luna had overheard all of this and walked up to them.
"Friendships are very important Ariel," she informed her. "As long as you have Madelyn as your friend you will be all right."
Ariel felt better.
Amy took Ariel to school on her first day. Thankfully she was in the same class with Annika, Gloria and Hope. Faith was in another class.
"Mommy some of the kids are so big," Ariel whispered as she tightened her hold on her mother's hand.
"It's okay Darling," Amy assured her daughter. "You will be fine."
"Hello Ariel," the teacher Ms. Brown came over. "Welcome to our class."
"Thank you," Ariel whispered.
"She's a little nervous," Amy explained. "Skipping two grades has been a surprise to her."
"Well you aren't the only one," Ms. Brown assured her. "There's a couple of children in the other classes who have skipped a grade or two. You will meet them in the gifted class."
"There you see," Amy said cheerfully. "I need to go now. Have a good day." Amy kissed Ariel goodbye.
Ariel gave her a big hug. "I love you Mommy."
"I love you too," Amy kissed her again and left. Ariel walked around the classroom and found her desk. She was glad to see that she was next to Annika. Ms. Hoshino had passed on Gloria's reputation to Ms. Brown so she was placed right next to the teacher's desk.
"Hey Crybaby Annika who is your little friend," asked a boy.
"This is Ariel," Annika whispered shyly. "Don't bother us John."
"How old are you Ariel," asked John.
"Five," Ariel replied softly.
"Five," laughed John. "I think you are in the wrong classroom."
"I skipped kindergarten and first grade," Ariel whispered.
"Oh so we now have another baby freak in the second grade," laughed John. "With you and Crybaby Annika in here I am going to have a good time this year."
Annika began to cry softly. Ariel flushed a bright pink and blinked back her own tears. She decided she was going to find Madelyn. She looked over and the door and saw there were enough children coming in. She got up and slipped out. Ariel wandered the hallways. A bell was heard and children flew into classrooms. Ariel was alone in the hall. "I have got to find Madelyn," she thought to herself and she continued her exploration of the school. After much wandering around Ariel realized she was lost. She saw the open door of one classroom and saw both Daisy and Maggie in there. Ariel slipped in and hid under Daisy's desk.
"Well what have we here," asked the teacher Ms. Tanner as she looked under the desk.
"Ariel what are you doing here," asked Daisy in surprise.
"I was trying to find Madelyn and got lost," Ariel said. "I don't want to go back there. A kid made fun of me."
"Ms. Tanner can Daisy and I take her back to her class," Maggie asked politely. "This is her first day of school and she is skipping kindergarten and first grade."
"Of course but don't be too long," Ms. Tanner sighed. Maggie and Daisy took Ariel by the hand and led her out of the classroom.
"I know this is scary Ariel but you can't escape from your class," Maggie explained.
"I wanted to find Madelyn and I got lost," Ariel whispered.
"How about if we take you to see Madelyn and then take you back to your class," Daisy suggested.
"Okay," Ariel agreed. Maggie and Daisy took her down to Ms. Hoshino's first grade class. Ms. Hoshino allowed Madelyn a couple of minutes in the hall.
"What's the matter," asked Madelyn.
"Some boy was making fun of me," Ariel explained.
"Was his name John," asked Daisy suspiciously.
"Yes," Ariel replied.
"He has been after Annika forever," Maggie rolled her violet eyes. "Don't listen to him. He is a major creep."
"Get Gloria onto him," Daisy suggested. "She protects Annika so maybe she will look out for you."
"I can't come to your class with you," Madelyn explained. "But as soon as school is over we can play."
"Promise," asked Ariel.
"I promise," Madelyn replied.
"Come on Ariel," Daisy told her. "We have to get you back to your class."
Ariel sighed. She could not wait until this day was over.
"I know it was scary but it was wrong of you to leave your classroom like that," Amy gently told her daughter after school that day. A note had been sent home and of course Maggie and Daisy had told her what happened.
"I'm sorry Mommy," Ariel replied. "That mean boy started making fun of me and I wanted to be with Madelyn.
"I'm sorry you and Madelyn couldn't be in the same grade," Amy sighed as she hugged the little girl close to her. "I know you will have to put up with some teasing but I promise you will be all right."
Ariel sighed and hugged her mother back. She hoped she was right.
To be continued...
Acknowledgements: The idea of Ariel and Madelyn putting the make-up on Greg came from "The Cosby Show."
The idea of Ariel escaping from her class and going into Daisy and Maggie's class came from "Full House." Both of those ideas belong to their respected owners.
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.
Friendship Series
Part Two: Ariel and Madelyn
Subpart A
By
Angel Raye
Two days after Ariel's birth...
Amy gazed at the small infant in the bassinet. She was so glad that she was a mother. It had been hard watching all of her friends have babies first but she knew from when their daughters visited them in the 20th century that Ariel would be the youngest. Now she was here, delivered by Raye and Lita during a power outage in a restaurant. Amy fell in love with her instantly.
Hotaru entered carrying her one-year-old daughter Madelyn. "I just came by to check on both of you," she stated.
"We are both fine," Amy smiled as she gestured Hotaru to sit down. While Amy was on maternity leave Hotaru was helping run the palace doctor's office. Hotaru sat down and set Madelyn down on the floor. Madelyn pulled herself up and tried to walk only to fall back down.
"She is trying so hard to walk but just doesn't have it yet," Hotaru sighed.
"She will," Amy reassured her. "Remember Annika and Maggie weren't walking until they were almost fifteen months."
"True," murmured Hotaru. Ariel woke up and started fussing. Amy went over and picked her up.
"What's going on Sweetie," Amy asked. She checked Ariel's diaper. "I see the problem now. We'll get you all fixed up."
Hotaru watched while Amy changed Ariel's diaper. "I guess with all of the other children paired off these two will always be together."
"When Ariel visited me in the past she mentioned Madelyn a couple of times," Amy mused. "I think Madelyn was probably her closest friend."
"I wouldn't know since Madelyn only visited me one time and I was still a little girl myself," Hotaru stated. "I certainly wasn't taking on parental roles like everyone else was."
"I guess only time will tell," Amy sighed as she picked Ariel up. "But I do know that all these little girls will be loved."
"Exactly," Hotaru agreed. She watched Madelyn inch her way around the coffee table and smiled. Being a parent was a lot of fun.
******
Two years later...
As predicted Ariel and Madelyn grew close. Ariel had inherited both of her parents' intelligence and was speaking in full sentences by the time she was a year-and-a-half. She had blown everyone away with her phenomenal vocabulary. At the age of two she was already reading simple words much to the disgust of Annika, Gloria and the twins. None of them were reading yet since they weren't in kindergarten yet. Hotaru was glad that her child had average intelligence but she was also very sickly. Usually if something were going around Madelyn would catch it. Hotaru did what she could to keep Madelyn healthy.
Madelyn also inherited her mother's ability to heal. She had shown that ability when Ariel had fallen and cut her knee one day. All of the children with the exceptions of Rini, Daisy and Maggie were in nursery and had seen it. Madelyn was too young to understand what was going on. Hotaru worried that this ability would make Madelyn a social outcast.
Amy had her own problems. Because of Ariel's intelligence she had a need to explore everything around her. Although very shy Ariel was a wanderer. She loved exploring the world around her. Greg and Amy both had to keep a close eye on her whenever they took her out.
One nice Saturday afternoon Amy and Hotaru decided to take the girls to the park to play. The park was crowded with families enjoying the nice sunny weather.
"Can you believe it has been two years now since the Dark Moon invaded," asked Hotaru.
"And our Small Lady is now Chibi Moon," Amy added. "I was pregnant with Ariel when the Dark Moon invaded. I remember being so afraid I would lose my baby while protecting the queen."
"I worried about the children," Hotaru sighed. "But all ended well."
"Speaking of children," Amy sat up. "Where's ours?"
"They were over there," Hotaru pointed but then saw that they were gone. "Madelyn!"
"Damn I knew I should have been keeping a closer eye on Ariel," Amy jumped to her feet. She whipped out her computer and began to scan. "I got them. They are that way." Hotaru and Amy sprinted off in that direction. Underneath some bushes sat Ariel and Madelyn. Ariel was looking carefully at a couple of bugs.
"Girls," Hotaru scolded as she picked Madelyn up.
"Sorry Mama," Madelyn chirped. "Ariel saw bug and wanted to follow it."
"Ariel you know you need to stay near Mommy," Amy sternly stated as she picked her little girl up.
"Wanted to see what bug doing," Ariel replied.
"I know but Mommy gets scared when you disappear like that," Amy told her. "You need to stay where Mommy can see you."
"Kay Mommy," Ariel snuggled into her mother's arms. A huge yawn indicated that she was ready for her nap.
"I guess we need to get them back to the palace for a nap," Amy concluded.
"I guess so," Hotaru agreed looking down at her own sleepy daughter. Together they all headed for the palace.
That night at dinner Amy discussed her concerns with the rest of the scouts and the knights. "She always wanders off," she told them. "I am afraid one day she will wander away and I won't be able to find her."
"Keep her on a leash," Raye suggested dryly. She looked down at Annika who was asleep in her arms. "I have the opposite problem. Mine won't leave my side."
"I don't think you need to go that far," Lita pointed out. "She is so smart you could probably have her memorize her phone number."
"I just need to teach Madelyn not to follow along," Hotaru sighed.
"You do that," Michiru encouraged. "All of us need to keep an eye on the children and teach them safety. One day they will be Chibi Scouts and help us defend the world but for right now we have to protect them."
"Right," everyone agreed.
******
A year later...
Another year passed and all the children with the exceptions of Madelyn and Ariel were going to school. Ariel was restless. She wanted to go to school with the others and learn. One day she managed to outsmart Palla and she and Madelyn snuck away to the school. Lita found them at the playground talking with Faith and Annika through the fence. Both little girls were punished and promised never to wander away like that again. But Ariel was still restless. She wanted to be in school.
"I want to go to school," she told Madelyn one day.
"You can't," Madelyn reminded her. I got in awful trouble last time. I am not going."
"Well I am," Ariel firmly stated. "Don't tell."
"I'm gonna tell," Madelyn replied.
"Please don't," begged Ariel. "I just want to go see the school."
Madelyn sighed and reluctantly muttered, "Okay." Ariel grinned. She looked carefully and saw that Palla and Ves were deep in conversation with each other. Ariel took off at top speed.
"Now Madelyn do you know where Ariel is," Hotaru asked later on. Madelyn shook her head.
"Are you sure," Amy asked and Madelyn nodded.
"She's lying," Raye stated. "She knows where Ariel is."
"Madelyn," Hotaru stated sternly. "Tell us now."
"I can't," Madelyn replied.
"Why not," asked Hotaru.
"Can't be a tattle tale," Madelyn replied.
"Madelyn please," Amy begged. "In this case it is necessary to tattle."
"Ariel could be hurt," Hotaru gently explained. "You need to tell us."
"But I don't want Ariel to hate me," Madelyn's lower lip quivered.
"She won't," Amy quickly reassured her. "But please tell me where she is."
"School," Madelyn replied.
"I'll kill her," Amy muttered and she dashed off to retrieve her wayward daughter.
Amy carried Ariel back to their quarters. Ariel did not say anything. She could tell that her mother was very angry. When they got inside Amy sat Ariel down on a chair and she sat across from her. "What you did was very naughty," Amy explained. "We told you to stay with Palla but you wandered off and we did not know where you were."
"I wanted to go to the school," Ariel pouted. "I can read. Why can't I go to school."
"Because you are only three," Amy replied. "You have to be at least five. I know you want to start now but you can't."
Not fair," Ariel muttered. "Madelyn told."
"Because it was wrong to tell her to stay quiet," Amy pointed out. "I am going to have to punish you."
"Do I have time out," asked Ariel.
"No I am going to spank you," Amy replied.
"No," wailed Ariel but Amy put her over her knees and swatted her. Ariel began to cry after the second swat. After several more swats Amy put Ariel down.
"Now you are to go to your room and stay there until I tell you to come out," Amy ordered. Sniffling Ariel ran to her room. Amy sat back and sighed. What was she going to do with her too intelligent daughter?
That night at dinner Madelyn walked up to Ariel. "I'm sorry you got in trouble," she told her.
"Why did you tell," asked Ariel.
"Our mamas made me," Madelyn replied sadly.
"Mommy always makes me do things," Ariel muttered.
"I hope you don't hate me," Madelyn said sadly.
"I don't I love you," Ariel threw her arms around Madelyn who hugged her back. Amy and Hotaru watched and smiled. They were good friends.
******
"Are you sure you don't mind watching them Greg while I run a few errands," Amy asked her husband one Sunday afternoon. Madelyn was over playing with Ariel. Hotaru and Anthony had decided to do some work on their quarters and felt they could get done faster without a four-year-old around.
"Of course not," Greg replied. "What kind of Knight would I be if I can't handle two little girls?"
"Be careful with what you say," laughed Amy. "You would not believe how much trouble two small children can get into."
"I can handle them," Greg assured her.
"Very well," Amy bent down to kiss Ariel. "You two behave yourselves now."
"Kay Aunt Amy," Madelyn replied.
"Bye Mommy," Ariel returned the kiss. "I love you."
"I love you too Darling," Amy replied. She went over and kissed Greg. "I won't be too long."
"Take your time," Greg told her. "Everything will be fine here."
Amy smiled. She blew Ariel a kiss and left. Greg turned on the ball game and lay down on the couch to watch. After a few minutes he was asleep leaving the girls without someone to watch them.
About an hour later Ariel and Madelyn grew tired of the game they were playing. They wandered into Amy and Greg's room. Ariel headed right to Amy's dressing table.
"Look Mommy's make up," Ariel held up some lipstick.
"Mama has a lot of make up too," Madelyn added as she picked up some mascara.
"I wish I could put some on, Ariel sighed. "Mommy looks so pretty when she wears it."
"So does Mama," Madelyn agreed.
An evil look came in Ariel's eyes. "I know who we can put it on," she giggled. She led Madelyn into the living room where Greg was sleeping on the couch. The two little girls began to giggle quietly as they got to work.
Amy walked quietly into her quarters and saw the girls doing something quietly to a sleeping Greg. Closer look showed Amy that the children were putting make-up on him and doing a very bad job. "Girls," she said quietly.
"We didn't do it," Ariel quickly stated as she and Madelyn jumped away.
"I see," Amy replied trying to contain her mirth. She reached for her camera and quietly snapped a picture.
"Does Daddy look that good Mommy," asked Ariel.
"If I don't take this picture no one is going to believe me," Amy informed her daughter. She reached over and nudged Greg awake.
"Hi," Greg mumbled sleepily as he opened his eyes. "I guess it was a late night in the control room last night."
"I suppose so," Amy chuckled. "You were suppose to be watching the girls."
"I hope they did not cause any trouble," Greg sat up.
"Not really," Amy replied. "But I think you need to go and look in the mirror."
"Why I already know what I look like," Greg protested.
"But I think you should take a look at the new and improved you," Amy told him. She was laughing very hard now. Greg got up and went to the small mirror hanging on the wall. He stared in surprise at himself with a very bad makeover. Amy was in hysterics by now.
"What happened," he gasped in horror.
"That's what happens when you leave two little girls unattended," Amy laughed. She pulled Ariel and Madelyn forward; "Here are your two beauticians."
"I see," Greg sat down and motioned the two children over to him. "Can you tell me why you decided to use my face to express yourselves?"
"Mommy said I can't wear make-up but she never said you couldn't," Ariel replied.
"And you were right there," Madelyn added.
"I guess I had better go wash all of this off. If any of the other knights see me like this I will never hear the end of it," Greg got up. At that moment there was a knock at the door. Ariel ran to answer it. Anthony and Hotaru were both there to pick up Madelyn. They took one look at Greg and burst out laughing.
"If this is a new part of the Knights' uniform I am going to resign,' Anthony declared.
"I'm afraid I fell asleep and the girls decided to get creative," Greg replied. "Now if you will excuse me for a moment." With that he quickly disappeared into the bedroom.
Hotaru picked Madelyn up, "Well other than her need for creativity how was she?"
"She was fine," Amy replied as she picked Ariel up. "But I am going to be having a talk with this one about getting into my stuff."
"Oh we will talk to," Hotaru added as she kissed Madelyn. The Saturn family left and Amy took Ariel into her room to put her down for a nap.
"What has Mommy told you about getting into her things," she asked as she took Ariel's slippers off her feet.
"Not too," Ariel replied.
"That's right," Amy said as she began to tuck Ariel into her bed. "I don't want that to happen again. Do you understand?"
"Yes Mommy," Ariel replied sleepily. She gazed up at her mother. "What will you give me if I give you a giant hug?"
"I'll give you a giant kiss," Amy replied and they did just that.
"I need to explain something to you," Hotaru stated as she got Madelyn ready for her nap.
"What Mama," asked Madelyn sleepily.
"You are older than Ariel," Hotaru replied. "That means you need to set an example."
"Nani," asked Madelyn confused.
"It means you have to show Ariel how to behave," Hotaru pointed out. "I know Ariel is bigger than you but you are older. I think she should try to copy you and not you copy her."
"Is Ariel a bad girl Mama," asked Madelyn in a worried voice.
"No Sweetie she is a very good girl," Hotaru assured her daughter. "But like all little girls she likes to get into mischief sometimes. I want you to try and show her how to behave."
"Okay Mama," Madelyn murmured in a sleepy voice. Hotaru tucked her in and then left the room.
Needless to say Greg became the object of jokes among the Scouts and Knights for a while. Amy could not resist and put the picture up on the "Palace News" bulletin. Meanwhile Ariel and Madelyn lost complete interest in their mothers' make-up
******
"But all the other kids are going why can't Ariel and me go, asked Madelyn.
"You will next year when you start school," Hotaru gently explained.
"But it's not fair," Madelyn whined. "Just because Ariel and me are younger we can't go to a party."
"Sweetie the other children are always complaining it's boring," Hotaru replied. "You and Ariel will have a good time together with Palla tonight. Ves is sick so you will be in Ariel's quarters with her. It will be fun. Besides Gloria, Annika and the twins started going this year and what a circus that has been. Gloria can't stay out of trouble."
"Not fair," Madelyn muttered again pouting.
Hotaru bent down and kissed Madelyn on the head. "Go and get the toys you want to take with you now."
"All right," Madelyn replied as she sprinted back to her room. Hotaru finished getting ready but she had a nagging feeling something was going to happen tonight.
Palla had already arrived by the time Hotaru and Anthony brought Madelyn to Mercury's quarters. Amy already had Ariel in her nightgown.
"Now you be good and stay out of trouble," Amy firmly told Ariel.
"Okay Mommy," Ariel replied. The parents left and Palla turned to the girls.
"Would you girls like something to eat or drink," she asked.
"Popcorn," Ariel squealed in delight.
"Coming right up," Palla disappeared into the kitchen.
"Madelyn I have something to show you," Ariel dragged Madelyn into her room. There hovering over the bed was Rini's Luna Ball.
"Where did you get that," asked Madelyn.
"I asked Rini if I could play with is and she said yes," Ariel replied. "I want to see that party tonight. It's not fair just cuz we are little means we can't go."
"What are we going to do," asked Madelyn.
"Rini showed me how to use it," Ariel told her. "And I 'member everything." It was true. Because of Ariel's high IQ she remembered everything that was told to her. Ariel took the Luna Ball to the kitchen door. "LUNA BALL HENGE!"
The Luna Ball became a brick wall, which blocked off the door from the kitchen trapping Palla inside.
"What the..." Palla gasped. She saw the brick wall and realized once again Ariel had gotten her. "Well little one you may have trapped me but I can still call your parents." She reached for the telephone.
"Thank you," Amy replied into the telephone. She hung up and went back to the party. She went right over to Greg. "Our little genius struck again."
Greg groaned. "What did she do now?" Amy quietly explained the situation. "Makes sense," he stated. "Both of them are pretty upset at being left out now."
"Next year they can both come," Amy sighed. "Madelyn starts kindergarten and Serenity said that she won't leave Ariel in the cold by herself. We had better tell Hotaru."
"And alert the rest of the Scouts and Knights," Greg added. They headed over toward the cluster of people.
"Do you know how to get there," asked Madelyn. "We can't go around the palace by ourselves yet."
"I 'member Mommy taking me this way," Ariel replied. "And there it is." Ariel pointed to a large ballroom.
"Let's go," Madelyn walked over and opened the door. The first thing she noticed was that is was full of people. The huge crowd immediately intimidated Madelyn and Ariel. Madelyn looked around and saw Maggie and Daisy. She ran over to them.
"What are you doing here," asked Maggie in surprise.
"We came," Madelyn replied.
"Luna Ball helped us," Ariel added.
"You're going to be in trouble," Daisy hissed.
"That is an understatement," a voice behind them declared. The two little girls looked up and saw Setsuna standing behind them.
"Hi Aunt Setsuna," Ariel chirped in her sweet voice.
"Mommy already knows what you are up too," Setsuna replied as she picked up both little girls. "Did you forget that there is a phone in your kitchen?"
"Uh oh," moaned Ariel realizing she was busted.
"Uh oh is right," Setsuna stated as she carried the two girls over to their parents.
"Now what do you tell Palla," Amy sternly asked.
"Sorry," sobbed Ariel. Her bottom was sore from the spanking her mother had given her.
"That's okay," Palla replied patting the child on the head. "You certainly make my life more interesting."
"Now to bed with you," Amy picked Ariel up and took her to her room. "There will be no story tonight."
"But Mommy," sobbed Ariel but Amy hushed her.
"I don't want to hear it," Amy replied. "You are being punished and Luna Ball is going right back to Small Lady." She tucked Ariel into bed and kissed her goodnight. "And I suggest you get right to sleep. Any more trouble and you will be punished again. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes Mommy," Ariel replied. She snuggled down into her blankets and thought about all the trouble she was in. Amy picked up the Luna Ball and carried it back to the party to give to Rini.
Meanwhile Hotaru was dealing with her own daughter. Deciding that Madelyn needed to be punished in her own quarters Hotaru apologized to the queen and left the party. Like Raye, Hotaru did not believe in spankings so she put Madelyn in the corner as soon as they returned. Madelyn sat there for twenty minutes without making a move. Finally Hotaru pulled her out of the corner and sat down to talk with her. "What did I tell you," Hotaru asked. "That you are older than Ariel and you need to set an example."
"But Mama she knows everything," Madelyn protested.
"I know Ariel is very smart," Hotaru replied. "That's her big problem. She's bored. But you make your own decisions. I don't want you doing things that are going to get you into trouble."
"Kay Mama," Madelyn replied
"Now you are going right to bed," Hotaru ordered. "You are in trouble so tomorrow there will be no television."
"Yes Mama," Madelyn sighed. She knew better than to argue with her mother.
******
The time came for Madelyn to enter kindergarten. That left Ariel at the palace. Amy enrolled her in a preschool to help her build social skills but Ariel's high IQ stood in the way. Although she made friends she found that she knew all of the stuff that was being taught.
Madelyn found that she really missed having Ariel around. Like the other children she got called a palace brat. Her shyness kept her from making friends. Fortunately the kindergarten and first grade ate lunch and had recess together so she would join Annika, Gloria and the twins. But it was still lonely in the classroom.
Ariel also missed Madelyn. She was only going to preschool three days a week and Palla came to pick her up before lunch. Ariel found herself spending a lot of time with Palla and missing the other children. However Ariel did not dare try to escape to the school. If Palla or Ves had something to do then Luna and Artemis kept an eye on her and they could squeeze into Ariel's hiding places with her.
"Mama I was thinking," Madelyn stated on night as her mother put her to bed.
"About what Sweetie," asked Hotaru as she finished tucking her in.
"Ariel doesn't have preschool tomorrow and she might get lonely," Madelyn replied. "How 'bout I stay home from school and play with her."
"You can't stay home from school," Hotaru told her firmly. "I know you are lonely but you'll make friends."
"It's not fair," Madelyn whined. "Maggie and Daisy are together. Annika, Gloria, Hope and Faith are together. Why do me and Ariel have to be alone?"
Hotaru hesitated. She did not know how to tell Madelyn this but Ariel had recently been tested and it was determined that next year instead of going into kindergarten she would go right to second grade. Hotaru decided not to tell Madelyn just yet. "Get some sleep Sweetie," Hotaru kissed Madelyn goodnight. "I promise things will get better at school.
Madelyn was not completely convinced.
"Mommy can I ask you something," Ariel asked. She was sitting in her mother's lap in the rocking chair. Amy was attempting to get Ariel to settle down for the night.
"Of course Darling," Amy replied.
"Madelyn is really lonely at school right now," Ariel explained. "So how about I go to school with her tomorrow and keep her company?"
"I'm afraid you can't do that Darling," Amy replied. "It's sweet of you to want to be with your friend but you cannot go to school yet."
"Rats," Ariel muttered.
"Don't be in such a hurry to grow up," Amy advised. "Besides when you grow up I am not going to be able to rock you in the rocking chair like this."
"I don't want that to happen yet," Ariel protested.
"Neither do I Darling," Amy laughed. "Now try to get to sleep." She kissed Ariel on the head. Ariel snuggled down in Amy's lap and let the rhythm of the gentle rocking put her to sleep.
A couple of days later Ariel was out in the palace garden with Palla. She was waiting for the other children to get home from school.
"Are they going to be back soon Palla," asked Ariel.
"In a few minutes little one," Palla replied. "Don't be so impatient."
"Can't help it," Ariel muttered. She found that being the only Scout child at the palace was a complete bore. She could not wait to start school the next year.
"Here they come," Palla called and Ariel jumped up in excitement. The girls appeared to be in the mist of a heated discussion.
"I still say it was a dumb thing to do," Gloria was saying.
"She was bleeding I had to help her," Madelyn snapped angrily.
"But our mamas told us not to use our special powers," Annika pointed out. "Since you used yours then I am going to ask my mama to use mine."
"The kids seemed to think it was cool," Hope pointed out.
"Well it was still dumb," Gloria pointed out.
"Oh shut up Gloria," Daisy snapped. "You do a lot of stupid things too."
"I do not," Gloria raged.
"Cool it girls," Rini ordered.
"What is going on," asked Palla.
"A girl in Madelyn's class got hurt today so she used her special powers to help," Gloria explained. She glared at Annika; "If someone had stopped her like she was supposed to this would not have happened."
"Don't blame me," Annika wailed as her eyes started to mist over.
"Oh now it is time to be a crybaby," Gloria sneered.
"Shut up," Rini shouted. She took Madelyn's hand. "Come on Madelyn. I'll come with you to talk to your mother."
"Madelyn I wanted to play with you," Ariel whined.
"Later," Madelyn sighed. She followed Rini and the other children leaving Ariel alone again.
The next day Madelyn came home from school with a big smile on her face. She went and found Ariel with Palla in the playroom. "Guess what," she squealed in delight.
"What," Ariel asked in excitement.
"The kids in my class thought my powers were neat," Madelyn replied. "I made a friend named Kara and she is going to see if I can play at her house."
"Good," Ariel said trying to hide her disappointment. She tried to be happy but she now feared if Madelyn was going to find someone to replace her as a best friend.
Madelyn proved to be very popular in her class. Pretty soon she had quite a few play dates. A couple of days a week she did not come home from school because she was at a classmate's house. With Madelyn off playing with friends and the other children having homework Ariel was feeling very lonely.
One night Amy noticed that Ariel was very quiet. While she was giving Ariel her bath the child just sat quietly. Usually Ariel was very giggly during bath time because she was so ticklish. When it was time for bed there was none of the usual stalling. Amy read a book to Ariel but the child did not seem to be listening. Finally Amy took the little girl into a tight embrace and began to rock gently in the chair. "What's wrong Sweetie," she asked. "You seem so upset tonight."
"Madelyn doesn't like me anymore," Ariel replied
"Now why do you say that," asked Amy gently.
"She has other friends in her class now and does not want to play with me," Ariel sobbed as a tear rolled down her face.
"Oh baby that is not true," Amy cried. "You know Madelyn likes you a lot. She has just made some new friends but I'm sure you are still her best friend."
"But she is never here now," sobbed Ariel.
"You miss her don't you," Amy asked and Ariel nodded her head. "I'll talk with Hotaru tomorrow and we'll see what we can work out okay?" Ariel nodded her head. Amy began to hum a little tune and Ariel fell asleep in her lap.
The next day Madelyn came home from school with the girls. She found her mother in Amy's office. "Hi Mama," she called.
"Hi Darling," Hotaru replied. She reached down and hugged the little girl. "Did you have a good day at school?" Madelyn nodded her head. "Good. Let's go for a walk then. I need to talk to you about something."
"Did I do something bad," Madelyn asked anxiously as she took Hotaru's hand.
"No you didn't," Hotaru replied. She led Madelyn down the palace halls. "Aunt Amy talked to me about Ariel today."
"Is Ariel all right," asked Madelyn in a worried voice.
"Of course she is," Hotaru assured her. "Aunt Amy was telling me that Ariel has been a little upset. She thinks you don't like her anymore."
"Of course I like her," Madelyn cried. "She's my best friend in the whole wide world."
"I know she is," Hotaru told her. "I think she was just feeling that since you have made friends at school now that you don't need her anymore."
"Oh," Madelyn sighed. "I didn't mean to do that."
"I know you didn't," Hotaru replied. "Why don't you go and find her. I best she would like to know that you still think she is your best friend."
"Okay is she in her quarters," asked Madelyn.
"I believe so," Hotaru stated as she hugged Madelyn. "Go and find her. Madelyn sprinted off toward Mercury's quarters while Hotaru watched with pride.
Ariel was playing at the computer in her quarters when Madelyn arrived. Palla let her in. "Look who came to see you Ariel," Palla gently said.
Ariel looked up. "Madelyn," she squealed.
"Hi Ariel," Madelyn came bounding in. Ariel jumped down from her seat and gave Madelyn a hug.
"I'm glad to see you," Ariel stated.
"I'm glad to see you too Ariel," Madelyn replied. "You are my best friend."
"Really," asked Ariel. "Even though you have friends at school now."
"Yes," Madelyn replied. "You are my best friend in the whole world."
"And you are mine," Ariel declared. She gave Madelyn another hug and then the two girls went to play.
******
Time passed by and soon another school year ended and a new one began. Ariel was going to be going to school and she was excited until her parents told her that she would be entering in second grade.
"Why Mommy," asked Ariel. "Why am I not starting in kindergarten like everyone else did?"
"Do you remember those tests you took," Greg asked. Ariel nodded her head. "Well they were tests to see how smart you are. They decided you would be better off in the second grade."
"But I'll be the youngest," Ariel protested.
"I know Darling," Amy replied as she pulled Ariel onto her lap. "But you would be very bored in kindergarten. At least this way you will be challenged. You will spend part of the day in the gifted class with other children like you and then you will go to your regular classroom."
"I'm scared," Ariel whispered as she buried her head in her mother's shoulder.
"Don't be," Greg assured her. "You will be in the same grade as Annika, Gloria and the twins. You will already have some friends."
Ariel gave a gusty sigh. She was not convinced.
"You're going right to second grade," Madelyn gasped.
"Yes," Ariel replied. "I am really scared."
"Hey don't worry," Madelyn put a comforting arm around her friend's shoulder. "I'm your friend and I will help you."
"Really," asked Ariel.
"Really," Madelyn confirmed. Luna had overheard all of this and walked up to them.
"Friendships are very important Ariel," she informed her. "As long as you have Madelyn as your friend you will be all right."
Ariel felt better.
Amy took Ariel to school on her first day. Thankfully she was in the same class with Annika, Gloria and Hope. Faith was in another class.
"Mommy some of the kids are so big," Ariel whispered as she tightened her hold on her mother's hand.
"It's okay Darling," Amy assured her daughter. "You will be fine."
"Hello Ariel," the teacher Ms. Brown came over. "Welcome to our class."
"Thank you," Ariel whispered.
"She's a little nervous," Amy explained. "Skipping two grades has been a surprise to her."
"Well you aren't the only one," Ms. Brown assured her. "There's a couple of children in the other classes who have skipped a grade or two. You will meet them in the gifted class."
"There you see," Amy said cheerfully. "I need to go now. Have a good day." Amy kissed Ariel goodbye.
Ariel gave her a big hug. "I love you Mommy."
"I love you too," Amy kissed her again and left. Ariel walked around the classroom and found her desk. She was glad to see that she was next to Annika. Ms. Hoshino had passed on Gloria's reputation to Ms. Brown so she was placed right next to the teacher's desk.
"Hey Crybaby Annika who is your little friend," asked a boy.
"This is Ariel," Annika whispered shyly. "Don't bother us John."
"How old are you Ariel," asked John.
"Five," Ariel replied softly.
"Five," laughed John. "I think you are in the wrong classroom."
"I skipped kindergarten and first grade," Ariel whispered.
"Oh so we now have another baby freak in the second grade," laughed John. "With you and Crybaby Annika in here I am going to have a good time this year."
Annika began to cry softly. Ariel flushed a bright pink and blinked back her own tears. She decided she was going to find Madelyn. She looked over and the door and saw there were enough children coming in. She got up and slipped out. Ariel wandered the hallways. A bell was heard and children flew into classrooms. Ariel was alone in the hall. "I have got to find Madelyn," she thought to herself and she continued her exploration of the school. After much wandering around Ariel realized she was lost. She saw the open door of one classroom and saw both Daisy and Maggie in there. Ariel slipped in and hid under Daisy's desk.
"Well what have we here," asked the teacher Ms. Tanner as she looked under the desk.
"Ariel what are you doing here," asked Daisy in surprise.
"I was trying to find Madelyn and got lost," Ariel said. "I don't want to go back there. A kid made fun of me."
"Ms. Tanner can Daisy and I take her back to her class," Maggie asked politely. "This is her first day of school and she is skipping kindergarten and first grade."
"Of course but don't be too long," Ms. Tanner sighed. Maggie and Daisy took Ariel by the hand and led her out of the classroom.
"I know this is scary Ariel but you can't escape from your class," Maggie explained.
"I wanted to find Madelyn and I got lost," Ariel whispered.
"How about if we take you to see Madelyn and then take you back to your class," Daisy suggested.
"Okay," Ariel agreed. Maggie and Daisy took her down to Ms. Hoshino's first grade class. Ms. Hoshino allowed Madelyn a couple of minutes in the hall.
"What's the matter," asked Madelyn.
"Some boy was making fun of me," Ariel explained.
"Was his name John," asked Daisy suspiciously.
"Yes," Ariel replied.
"He has been after Annika forever," Maggie rolled her violet eyes. "Don't listen to him. He is a major creep."
"Get Gloria onto him," Daisy suggested. "She protects Annika so maybe she will look out for you."
"I can't come to your class with you," Madelyn explained. "But as soon as school is over we can play."
"Promise," asked Ariel.
"I promise," Madelyn replied.
"Come on Ariel," Daisy told her. "We have to get you back to your class."
Ariel sighed. She could not wait until this day was over.
"I know it was scary but it was wrong of you to leave your classroom like that," Amy gently told her daughter after school that day. A note had been sent home and of course Maggie and Daisy had told her what happened.
"I'm sorry Mommy," Ariel replied. "That mean boy started making fun of me and I wanted to be with Madelyn.
"I'm sorry you and Madelyn couldn't be in the same grade," Amy sighed as she hugged the little girl close to her. "I know you will have to put up with some teasing but I promise you will be all right."
Ariel sighed and hugged her mother back. She hoped she was right.
To be continued...
Acknowledgements: The idea of Ariel and Madelyn putting the make-up on Greg came from "The Cosby Show."
The idea of Ariel escaping from her class and going into Daisy and Maggie's class came from "Full House." Both of those ideas belong to their respected owners.