Hi Everyone! Now we are on to Daisy and Maggie's part in the "Friendship Series." Theirs might be as long as Annika and Gloria's part since they are older.
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Friendship Series
Part Three: Daisy and Maggie
Subpart A
By
Angel Raye
About a week after Daisy's birth...
Lita sat down on the couch with Daisy in her arms. She smiled down at the small infant. "I can't believe how beautiful she is," Lita thought to herself. "This is like a wonderful dream."
Daisy gazed back with her large green eyes. "I bet you are hungry aren't you," Lita asked. She opened up her blouse and began feeding her baby when there was a soft knock at the door. "Come in!"
Setsuna came in carrying her own three-week-old daughter, Maggie. "I wanted to see how you were doing," she stated.
"We are doing fine," Lita replied. She gazed at Maggie. "They came so close didn't they?"
"They sure did," Setsuna replied. She gazed down at Maggie. "I know these two are going to be close."
"When Daisy visited me in the past she mentioned Maggie several times," Lita recalled.
"Maggie didn't visit me as often but being the Guardian of Time gives me some knowledge," Setsuna stated. "I foresee a great friendship here. They will consider each other sisters."
Lita gazed at Setsuna. Somehow the mysterious Guardian of Time always baffled her. She looked down at Daisy. How much of her future was already written?
******
The first year of Maggie and Daisy's lives was very eventful. Mina got pregnant next and everyone had vague memories of the rude, obnoxious child visiting in the 20th century. Rini started kindergarten. Daisy showed signs of inheriting her mother's temper. Maggie was a good quiet baby. Setsuna regretted having to spend so much time at her post but Gary was a loving father who adored his baby daughter and nurtured her well.
Daisy was a very active baby and was walking by the time she was a year old. Maggie was more placid. By the time she was fifteen months she still was not walking. Setsuna was concerned but Amy assured her that she would be all right. In the meantime Raye got pregnant and a month after that Mina gave birth to her daughter, Gloria. Amy and Hotaru had their hands very full now with two toddlers an infant and a pregnant woman to care for.
One day Setsuna came by to visit Lita. She set Maggie down on the floor. Daisy immediately toddled over to her.
"It looks like they are going to be close," Lita mused. "They already love each other."
"They sure do," Setsuna agreed. "I just wish Maggie would start walking."
"She will," Lita assured her. She watched as Daisy suddenly took a toy from Maggie's hands and walked away. "Daisy sweetie don't take the toy away from Maggie."
"Wait," Setsuna placed a hand on Lita's shoulder to stop her. Lita and Setsuna watched as Maggie stood up. She took some unsteady steps and then walked carefully after Daisy.
"She's walking," Lita gasped.
"I am so glad," Setsuna cried in delight. She dashed over and picked Maggie up. "Good job my darling."
******
Two years later...
Maggie and Daisy grew and so did the family at the palace. By the time they were two the Mars family was blessed with Annika, and Michiru and Haruka adopted twins, Hope and Faith. By the time they were three Madelyn had been born to the Saturn family and the Mercury family announced their upcoming arrival. Maggie and Daisy were very close friends. With Setsuna always being at the Gates of Time Lita became like a second mother to Maggie. She didn't mind. Maggie was a good sweet child and provided a sharp contrast to Daisy's fierce temper.
One day Gary found he had to go out of town on business. There were some ripples in the time stream so Pluto could not leave her post to stay with her daughter. Lita graciously offered to keep Maggie for a few days. Daisy was very excited about it.
Gary arrived at Lita's quarters with Maggie in his arms. Maggie was clinging to her father. "I really appreciate you keeping Maggie with you," he told Lita.
"Oh it is no problem," Lita replied as she took Maggie's bag. "She is a very well-behaved child."
"Setsuna is really upset that she is stuck at her post," Gary sighed. He turned to Maggie. "Now Angel you be a good girl and I bet Aunt Lita or Uncle Ken will take you to see Mama later.
"Kay Papa," Maggie hugged Gary tightly and then reached for Lita who took her into her arms. "Warm like Mama's"
Gary kissed Maggie on the cheek. "Goodbye honey I love you."
"Love you too Papa," Maggie whispered. As soon as Gary left a tear began to trickle down Maggie's cheek.
"Hey it's all right," Lita tried to console the little girl. "You know Papa will be back."
"I know," whispered Maggie.
"Maggie," Daisy came bounding in. She was still in her pajamas and her hair was still loose around her face. "We gonna play lots." She saw Maggie crying and stopped. "Mommy why Maggie sad?"
"Maggie misses her mommy and daddy right now," Lita explained. She sat down on the couch and placed Maggie on her knee. She held out her other arms for Daisy who immediately climbed onto the other knee.
"Poor Maggie," Daisy patted Maggie's hand. "I share my mommy with you."
"That's sweet of you Daisy," Lita kissed her little girl. "Tell you what girls. Let's get you dressed Daisy and then we can bake cookies. Would you girls like that?"
"Yeah," Daisy screeched in delight.
"Would you like that Maggie," Lita asked and Maggie nodded her head. "Then let's do it." Daisy bounded off toward her room with Lita and Maggie following.
That afternoon both girls were down for a nap. Daisy was very tired from baking cookies so she fell asleep almost immediately. Maggie could not sleep. She was missing her parents too much. Finally she got up and went to the living room. Lita was thumbing through a cookbook when she heard the pitter patter of little feet. She looked up and saw Maggie. "Hi Sweetie can't you sleep?"
Maggie shook her head. Lita held out her arms and Maggie climbed onto her lap. She rested her head against Lita's chest for a minute and then spoke up, "Mama don't want me."
"Now why do you say that," asked Lita. "Your mama loves you very much."
"She not with me all the time," Maggie replied. "You always with Daisy. Annika, Gloria, and the others always have their mamas. Mine not stay with me."
"Oh Sweetie," Lita pulled the little girl into her arms. "Mama loves you so much. She has told me she wishes she could be with you all the time."
"Really," asked Maggie.
"Yes," Lita assured her. "Now how about I tuck you back into bed? Little girls need their sleep." Maggie gave an enormous yawn and nodded her head. Lita carried her back into the bedroom and tucked her back into bed. Once she left she made a private note in her mind to talk to Pluto that day.
Sailor Pluto stood at the Gates of Time. Her heart was feeling very heavy right now. She knew Gary was away and she was regretting that she was unable to leave her post. Maggie was growing up too fast and she was missing it.
"Sailor Pluto," Lita came in.
"Greetings Lita," Pluto replied. "What brings you here?"
"I have Ken watching the girls right now," Lita replied. I wanted to talk to you about Maggie."
"I know how she is feeling right now," Pluto whispered. "It breaks my heart that I can't be with her."
"I know but Maggie is too young to understand that right now," Lita explained. "I was wondering if I could bring her here to visit you later."
"Please do," begged Pluto. "I do so want to see her."
Later on after dinner that evening Lita brought both Maggie and Daisy to the Gates of Time. Pluto was waiting for them.
"Mama," Maggie squealed as she jumped into her mother's open arms.
"Hi Darling," Pluto replied hugging her daughter tightly. "Are you being good for Aunt Lita and Uncle Ken?"
"Yes Mama I be good," Maggie chirped.
"I'm glad," Pluto gazed into her daughter's eyes. "I wish I didn't have to stay here right now so I could be with you while Papa is away."
"I miss you Mama," Maggie told her.
"I miss you too Darling," Pluto glanced over at Lita who had Daisy in her arms. "But you have got a very good friend who I know loves having you."
"I love Daisy," Maggie whispered.
"I know you do," Pluto smiled. "Whenever you and Daisy want to come here just have Aunt Lita bring you."
"Kay Mama," Maggie gave her mother a kiss. Pluto handed Maggie over to Lita. With both little girls in her arms Lita walked away. Pluto turned back to the gates. She was glad her little girl had such a good friend.
******
Time passed and Amy had her little girl. By then Maggie and Daisy were four years old which meant they only had one more year before school began. Rini was off training in the 20th century, which left the queen and king missing their child. Palla and Ves took turns taking Maggie and Daisy around the palace to the areas children were allowed to go to once they started school. Daisy, being an adventurous child loved it. She could not wait until she had more run of the palace.
A strong rivalry had grown between Daisy and Mina's headstrong daughter Gloria. Even though Gloria was only three she was rude, obnoxious and aggressive. Daisy, having inherited her mother's temper found Gloria very annoying. Many times she was striking out at Gloria.
One day the Scouts had taken their children outside. They sat under the gazebo and watched the children playing. Amy had brought out the baby swing for Ariel and put her in it.
Daisy and Maggie had gone to the sandbox to play. Setsuna was able to take time away from her post to spend with Maggie that day. It was a beautiful day and everyone was enjoying the outdoors.
"Let's build a road," Daisy suggested.
"Okay," Maggie chirped back. The two little girls began to smooth out a path of sand to make it resemble a road. Gloria came bounding over. Seeing the road she decided to trample it.
"Gloria don't do that," Daisy snapped angrily.
"Yes," Gloria stated and she stamped on it some more.
"Gloria," Maggie whined. "You messed it up." Gloria did not listen. She continued to mess with it. Maggie reached over and tried to push Gloria off of it. "Stop it."
Gloria grabbed a handful of sand and threw it in Maggie's face. Maggie began to scream as the sand got into her eyes. Daisy angrily jumped on Gloria and began to wrestle her. Gloria began screaming. She reached up and pulled Daisy's ponytail.
"Daisy," Lita shouted grabbing Daisy by the shoulders. Mina pulled Gloria to her feet. Setsuna had gone over and picked Maggie up. She began trying to get the sand out of Maggie's eyes.
"Gloria threw sand in Maggie's eyes," Daisy shouted angrily.
"Maggie pushed me," Gloria cried.
"She messed up our road," Daisy screamed.
"Enough," Mina stated angrily. She swatted Gloria's backside. Gloria began howling. "I saw you throw sand into Maggie's eyes. That was not a nice thing to do. We are going inside and you are going to have a time out."
"No time-out," Gloria shouted but Mina did not listen. She took Gloria inside.
Daisy was about to go back to playing when Lita grabbed her by the hand and began pulling her inside. "Let me go," Daisy shouted. "Gloria was the bad one. Not me." Lita did not listen. Daisy began kicking and screaming but Lita's strength surpassed hers. Lita dragged her daughter to their quarters and opened the door.
"I am very upset with you Daisy Julia Kino," Lita shouted. "How many times have I told you to keep your hands to yourself?"
"But Mommy Gloria throw sand in Maggie's eyes," Daisy wailed. She knew when her mother said her full name she was in big trouble.
"And we saw it happen," Lita explained. "You should not have hit Gloria."
"But Mommy," Daisy cried.
"Enough," Lita snapped. She put Daisy over her knees. Daisy began screaming when she realized what was happening. Lita delivered several swats to Daisy's backside. Daisy began crying. When she was finished spanking Daisy, Lita put her in the corner. "You can just sit there for a while and think about what you did."
Daisy sniffled as she sat in the corner. All she wanted to do was help Maggie and she got into trouble.
With Amy's help Setsuna managed to get the sand out of Maggie's eyes. Maggie had been crying the entire time.
"There you go," Amy stated in a comforting voice. "It's all out now."
"Thank you Amy," Setsuna said in relief as she picked Maggie up. Maggie sniffled as she rested her head on her mother's shoulder.
"All those tears helped," Amy replied. "It helped wash the sand out."
"Daisy in trouble," Maggie sobbed.
"It's okay Darling," Setsuna replied. "Daisy will always be fighting for you and she needs to learn to find other ways to help her friends."
"Nani," asked Maggie in confusion."
"Sorry Maggie," Setsuna kissed Maggie on the head. "Don't worry about Daisy. She'll be fine."
Ariel began fussing from her carrier. Amy went over and picked her up. "Are you hungry Darling," she asked. "We'll get that taken care of." She turned to Setsuna. "Just keep an eye on her to see if her eyes show any signs of irritation. If they do just let me know."
"Thank you Amy," Setsuna replied gratefully. Carrying Maggie she left Amy's office.
After what seemed like an eternity Lita finally came over and picked Daisy up out of the corner. She took the child to the couch and sat down with Daisy on her lap. "Do you know why Mommy was upset with you," she asked.
"I hurt Gloria," Daisy replied.
"Yes," Lita nodded. "I know you just wanted to help Maggie but fighting is not the answer. When another child hurts Maggie you need to tell one of us and we will deal with it. Do you understand?"
"Yes Mommy," Daisy sniffled. "I sorry."
"I know you are Sweetie," Lita wrapped her arms around the little girl. "But I still love you."
"Love you too Mommy," Daisy flung her arms around Lita's neck and hugged her tightly.
******
Time passed and Maggie and Daisy continued to be close friends. Maggie was very levelheaded and she was a good balance for hot-tempered Daisy. With Pluto always at her post and Gary always busy with knight practice Maggie spent a lot of time over in Jupiter's quarters. Either Gary or Lita took Maggie to visit Pluto on a daily basis.
One day Lita and Raye decided to go to the park. Lita offered to take Maggie while Raye, with some reluctance agreed to take Gloria so that Mina could take care of some things in her quarters. They brought a picnic lunch and Raye and Lita sat down and watched the children play.
"How goes the potty-training," asked Lita.
"It's going," Raye sighed. Annika was two and Raye was going through the difficult process of trying to get her out of diapers. "Some days we do really well and other days we don't do anything."
"I remember those days," Lita laughed. "I am glad those days are behind me." Raye gave her a dark look in response.
"Aunt Raye," Gloria ran up to her. She was doing a little dance. "I gotta go potty."
"Let's go then," Raye took Gloria's hand. She reached down and picked Annika up. "You might as well give it a try too." Raye walked off with the two little girls. Lita smiled and turned toward the swings where Maggie and Daisy were. Lita jumped up in horror. They were gone.
"Wait for me Daisy," Maggie called as she tried to keep up with her friend.
"I wanna catch that butterfly," Daisy called back. The two little girls had been playing on the swings when Daisy spotted a pretty butterfly. She decided she wanted to catch it. She had taken off with Maggie trailing her.
"Where is it," asked Maggie.
"Gone," Daisy replied sadly as the butterfly fluttered up out of reach.
"I guess we need to get back to your mama," Maggie said. She and Daisy turned. "I don't see her."
"We ran really far," Daisy gasped as realization came over her. "I dunno where we are."
"We need to find Aunt Lita," Maggie and Daisy went off in search of Lita.
"When did you last see them," Endymion asked Lita.
"I only turned my back on them for a second and they were gone," Lita moaned tearfully.
"Calm down we'll find them," Ken tried to comfort his wife.
"I am already working on it," Mercury stated. She had her visor on and her computer out trying pick up their life scans.
"I already have the guards out looking too," Serenity assured them.
"I suggest we split up and look for them," Mina suggested. She pulled out her transformation pen. The others did the same. Everyone transformed and set off in different directions to find the lost girls.
"Daisy I scared," Maggie whimpered. She and Daisy realized that they were hopelessly lost in the streets of Crystal Tokyo.
"Not me," Daisy scoffed but inside she was frightened. She and Maggie had wandered through the park and had exited it without realizing it. Now they had found themselves in the city surrounded by people.
"I wanna go home," Maggie sobbed.
"Are you lost little girls," asked a man. The children looked up and saw a very scary man standing by them.
"Go way," Daisy shouted. "Mommy told me not to talk with strangers."
"That was a good mommy," the man laughed. "But I only saw a couple of pretty little girls and thought I would help."
"You not a nice man," Daisy shouted.
"And you aren't a nice girl," the man stated. He turned to Maggie. "But I would like you. You seem like a nice little girl."
"No," Maggie screamed as the man grabbed her. She tried to hold onto a street lamp but couldn't. Daisy grabbed Maggie's hand and tried to pull her. Both children were screaming.
"DEEP SUBMERGE!" The attack flew in and hit the man. He dropped Maggie to the ground. Daisy ran over and held her friend.
"Get away from those children," Uranus ordered as she and Neptune came up with a group of palace guards. "You are under arrest for attempted kidnapping."
"Damn," the man muttered as the guards led him away.
Neptune picked up the two children. "Are you both all right," she asked.
"I'm scared Aunt Michiru," sobbed Maggie as she buried her head in Neptune's shoulder.
"Well you are both safe now," Uranus replied as she took Daisy into her arms. "Both of your parents are worried about you."
Daisy immediately burst into tears. She could not pretend she wasn't scared any longer.
"Daisy," Lita shrieked as she grabbed her child out of Haruka's arms. She hugged Daisy tightly. "Oh thank goodness you are all right." Daisy clung to her mother and cried.
"Maggie," Setsuna snatched Maggie out of Michiru's arms. She had left her post to help search for the children and was relieved when she saw that her daughter was all right.
"Mama," Maggie howled. "A mean man tried to take me."
"I know Darling," Setsuna whispered. "But the mean man is gone now."
"I sorry Mommy," sobbed Daisy. "I didn't mean too."
"I know Sweetie," Lita replied. "I'm just glad you are all right."
"Now that these two are back I need to check them both over," Amy stated as she came up. "Please bring them both to my office."
"We will," Gary replied as they all followed Amy to her office.
That night while Lita was tucking Daisy into bed she decided to talk to the child about staying with her when they were outside the palace grounds.
"You mustn't wander off like that," Lita told her sternly. "Mommy was very worried about you."
"Sorry Mommy," Daisy replied. "I saw a butterfly and wanted to chase it."
"I know," Lita stroked a lock of hair out of her daughter's eyes.
"I was scared when that man try to take Maggie," Daisy choked. "I was scared I never see Maggie again."
"You love Maggie so much don't you," asked Lita. Daisy nodded her head. "Well you and Maggie are both all right but remember not to wander off again."
"We won't," Daisy shook her head hard.
"Good girl," Lita kissed Daisy on the head. "I love you."
"Love you too Mommy," Daisy replied as she snuggled down to go to sleep
Setsuna sat on Maggie's bed. She held Maggie in her arms and held her close. Maggie had been clinging to her since she was returned to the palace and showed no signs of letting go soon.
"Mama," Maggie murmured.
"Yes Darling," Setsuna replied.
"Daisy tried to save me," Maggie stated.
"She's a brave girl isn't she," Setsuna asked.
"What's brave," asked Maggie puzzled.
[Author's note: I am going under the assumption that a four-year-old is not really going to know the meaning of the word brave]
"It means that she will do things even if she is scared too," Setsuna replied.
"I was so scared Mama," Maggie shuddered. "I didn't want to go with the bad man."
"I am just glad you are safe," Setsuna whispered. She held her daughter close until the child fell asleep in her arms.
******
The time came when Maggie and Daisy turned five and entered kindergarten. They were both excited and the teacher, Ms. James had an excellent reputation. Maggie showed signs of being a very quick learner. Daisy preferred to play but she did what she was supposed to do.
During that year another member was added to the palace family. Daisy, Maggie and Rini found a lunar kitten on the way home from school one day. His name was Crescent and he came from the Silver Millenium. Luna and Artemis discovered that Queen Serenity had sent him to this time to be a guide with Diana. It was also discovered that Crescent parents had lived on Jupiter. Serenity immediately agreed that Daisy should have Crescent. Daisy was thrilled. Crescent became a close friend and a constant playmate for Daisy and Maggie.
One day Maggie had come over and she and Daisy were playing a game in her room. Crescent was sitting on the bed watching them.
"I'm tired of this game," Daisy sighed after a while. "Let's do something else."
"Let's play house," Maggie suggested.
"No fun," Daisy pouted. "My dolls don't do anything. Maybe Aunt Amy will let us use Ariel."
"Don't count on it," Crescent piped up. "Ariel is only one and Amy will not let you use her as a toy."
"I know what we can do," Daisy suggested as a gleam came into her eyes. She pulled some doll clothes out of a drawer and grabbed Crescent.
"Hey," he shouted in protest. "What do you think you are doing?"
"You're going to be the baby," Daisy replied. Maggie giggled and she came over to help.
"I am not wearing these frilly doll clothes," Crescent protested as he tried squirming away.
"But you look so cute," Maggie cooed as she tied a pink bonnet around Crescent's head.
"There now you can be our baby," Daisy giggled. Crescent sat their dressed in a pink dress and bonnet.
"If anyone else sees me like this I'll never hear the end of this," Crescent grumbled.
Suddenly there was a knock at the door. Maggie ran to answer it. It was Rini with Diana riding on top of her head. "Hi Maggie," Rini called. "Diana wanted to see Crescent."
"Okay," Maggie chirped. She stepped aside to let Rini and Diana in. Daisy came in carrying Crescent. Rini and Diana took one look at him and burst out laughing.
"Great," grumbled Crescent.
"Don't you look pretty," cooed Diana.
"And I bet you never went through this," Crescent grumbled.
"I have," laughed Diana. "But then I am girl so being dressed in doll clothes wasn't so bad."
"Well then how about you get dressed up then," Crescent snapped.
"That's a good idea," Daisy shrieked. "Then we can have twins."
"I'm outta here," Diana quickly scooted through the cat door and out of sight.
"Rini do something," pleaded Crescent.
"Okay I will," Rini giggled. She grabbed Ken's camera and pointed it at Crescent. "Smile." She clicked the picture. Crescent let out a loud howl.
"You couldn't have had a son," Crescent grumbled later as Lita took the doll clothes off of him.
"Sorry," Lita grinned. She had come back and saw poor Crescent being dressed up by Daisy and Maggie. She immediately came to his rescue. "But I am afraid when you live with little girls stuff like this is going to happen."
"Lucky me," sighed Crescent. "Artemis and Luna will never let me live this down."
"If Luna starts teasing you then mention the dress she had to wear back in the 20th century," Lita advised him.
"What happened," asked Crescent in interest.
"One of the Starlights Yaten needed a pet for a publicity shoot," Lita explained. "He did not know Luna was Serena's cat. Poor Luna had to go through a bath and was dressed up. She looked really funny."
"I'll remember that," Crescent chuckled. "But please talk to those two little girls about me?"
"I'll do that," Lita promised.
******
Lita kept her promise to Crescent. Daisy and Maggie gave up trying to dress him up again. She had also been right about Luna. When Luna started to make a snide comment about Crescent being all dressed up he mentioned the incident with Yaten. That quickly shut Luna up.
Now that Maggie and Daisy were in kindergarten they were expected to attend palace parties. Their first one was coming up. Rini was glad that she would no longer be the only child at the parties.
"Now," Setsuna stated as she finished tying ribbon in Maggie's hair. "Do you remember how you are supposed to behave?"
"Yes Mama," Maggie replied. "I need to be on my best behavior and remember my manners."
"Good girl," Setsuna smiled as she picked her daughter up. "Of course I know I can count on you to be good." Maggie was only five but she already showed signs of being responsible.
"Daisy will be there too," Maggie stated. "We can play together."
"Yes but don't get into things you aren't suppose too," Setsuna reminded her.
"Kay Mama," Maggie promised.
"I see my two dates are ready," Gary came in wearing his tuxedo. "How are my two pretty girls?"
"We are waiting for our handsome prince," Setsuna laughed as she shifted Maggie in her arms. The three of them headed toward the palace ballroom.
"I told you these were boring," Rini muttered to Maggie and Daisy later on.
"I wanna to go play," Daisy pouted.
"We have to be on our best behavior," Maggie reminded Daisy. "Why don't we go and get something to eat."
"Okay," Daisy muttered. She followed Maggie over to the buffet table. She grabbed a cookie and ate it. "Not as good as Mommy's," she commented.
"No one's cooking is as good as your mom's," Rini added.
A young girl of about fifteen came scurrying out. She was the daughter of one of the servants. Sometimes her mother would pay her some money to help out at these parties. The girl replaced an empty platter of food with a full one. She turned around and accidentally crashed into Daisy who fell on the floor.
"Oh I am so sorry little princess," the girl gasped.
"Watch where you are going," yelled Daisy whose temper had gotten the best of her.
"I am really sorry," the girl moaned as she helped Daisy up. "I hope I didn't hurt you." She quickly checked to see if Daisy was okay and then scurried back to the kitchen.
"I am going to get that clumsy girl," Daisy growled angrily. She balled up her fists and started after the girl.
Maggie grabbed her, "Don't or you'll get into trouble."
"But she knocked me over," Daisy protested.
"She didn't mean to," Rini pointed out. "Calm down."
"Please Daisy," begged Maggie. She hugged Daisy tightly. "Don't go after her."
Daisy gave a gusty sigh. "All right," she muttered and went back to the food.
Nearby Lita and Ken had seen the entire thing. Both of them heaved a breath of relief when they saw Maggie stop Daisy from going after the girl. "It's a good thing Maggie is so levelheaded," Ken mused. "Otherwise we would have had a problem."
"I agree," Lita sighed. "They are a good balance for each other."
******
Time passed and the two little girls finished Kindergarten. They entered first grade with Ms. Hoshino as a teacher. Ms. Hoshino was a very good teacher and tried to keep friends together as long as they kept each other out of trouble. Maggie and Daisy were both obedient and kept out of trouble in the classroom.
Rini was now in the fifth grade and the schoolwork was getting harder for her. Fortunately she had inherited her father's study habits instead of her mother's. Everyone was glad about that. Raye had vocalized that one night and wound up in an argument with Serenity. Little Annika just sat wide-eyed as she watched that. Rini had seen the two fighting with each other many times in both the 20th and the 30th centuries so this was not new to her.
Rini also tried to keep up with her responsibility of making sure Maggie and Daisy got home. She knew that next year Annika, Gloria and the twins would be joining them. The few children of the servants went to different schools but they were not the children of public figures so their chances of being in danger were slimmer. Fortunately most people were too afraid to try and harm the children of the Sailor Scouts. Anyone who did try would be on a death wish.
One morning Daisy was getting ready for school. She stood still while Lita put her hair up in a ponytail. "Now remember what I told you," asked Lita.
"Yes Mommy," Daisy replied. "You told me that Rini will not be walking home with us today so me and Maggie have to come straight home."
"That's right," Lita stated as she kissed Daisy. "I don't want any stops or side visits. Do you understand?"
"Yes Mommy," Daisy replied.
"Good," Lita smiled. "Let's finish getting you ready."
Meanwhile Gary was taking Maggie to the Gates of Time to see her mother. Sailor Pluto had wanted to see Maggie and asked Gary to bring her over.
"Mama," Maggie cried as she ran over to her mother.
"Hi Darling," Pluto picked the small child up. "I see you are ready for school."
"Yes," Maggie replied. "Me and Daisy have to go home by ourselves today."
"That's 'Daisy and I'" Pluto corrected. She smiled at her daughter. "There will be times when you have to decide between compassion and the right thing. Someone you care for will need you. She will want you to stay with her because she is scared but you may have to leave her to save her."
"Nani," demanded Maggie in confusion.
"Just remember what I said," Pluto told her. She gave Maggie a kiss goodbye. "Have a good day in school and I will see you later."
"Okay bye Mama," Maggie gave her mother a hug. She then took Gary's hand and left the Gates of Time."
Pluto watched after her daughter. "Do the right thing my darling."
Maggie and Daisy were on their way home from school. Daisy was happy because she did not get into any fights today. That meant no notes. She knew her mother would be very happy.
"Remember we have to go right home," Maggie reminded her.
"I know," Daisy sighed. She was excited to be getting home. Her mother promised her a treat if she went for five days without a note from the teacher. Today was day five.
"It's getting windy," Maggie commented. She was right. It was very windy and it was picking up.
Suddenly the wind lifted Daisy's beret right off her head. "Oh no," she wailed. "I have to get it. Mommy made that for me." She began to chase after it. Maggie followed her. She tried to keep up but Daisy was faster than she was. Daisy finally caught up with it. "I got it," she yelled. She turned around. Maggie bent down to pull her sock up when she heard a scream. She looked up and saw that Daisy was gone.
"Daisy," she shouted. "Where are you?"
"I'm down here," Daisy called. Maggie walked around and saw an old well. She looked down and saw that Daisy had fallen in.
"Are you all right," she asked. "What happened?"
"I didn't see it and I walked over it," Daisy sobbed. "My shoulder and leg really hurt."
Maggie stretched her arm down and tried to reach Daisy but she couldn't. Daisy was too far down. "I'll go get someone," she called.
"No please," cried Daisy. "Don't leave me alone."
"But no one knows where we are," Maggie protested. "I can't get you out."
"Please don't leave me alone," begged Daisy.
Maggie hesitated. She did not know what to do. She knew Daisy was scared but she had to get help. "What can I do," she asked herself. She suddenly remembered what her mother told her this morning and she knew what she had to do. "Daisy," she called. "I am going to go back to the palace and get your mom. I promise I won't be long."
"Please Maggie don't leave me," wailed Daisy.
"I have to get help," Maggie shouted. "I'll be back." She took off toward the palace. Daisy sat feeling alone and frightened.
"Where are they," Lita was demanding. "They should have been home by now."
"Calm down Lita," Raye ordered. "They probably just got sidetracked."
"I knew I should have picked them up," Lita sighed.
"They'll be here," Serenity assured her.
"Here comes Maggie," Mina announced. Sure enough Maggie came flying in.
"Maggie where is Daisy," Lita cried.
"Aunt Lita Daisy fell down a well," Maggie gasped. "The wind blew her hat off and when she got it she fell in the well on her way back."
"Oh my goodness," gasped Lita.
"Come on let's transform and we'll go get her," Mina ordered.
"I'll call Amy," Serenity stated.
"Let's go," Jupiter shouted and they took off after Maggie.
Daisy was crying. It was starting to get cold and she was shivering. The pain in her shoulder and leg were unbearable. She really wanted her mother right now.
"Daisy," a voice called. Daisy realized it was her mother.
"Mommy," she cried.
"We're here Darling and we are going to get you out," Jupiter called.
"Stand back," Venus's voice was heard. "VENUS LOVE ME CHAIN!" The chain of gold hearts looped around Daisy's waist. "Help me pull her up," Venus shouted. Daisy felt herself being lifted up and pulled out of the well. In a few minutes she was in her mother's arms.
"Oh thank goodness," Jupiter gasped as she flooded her daughter's face with kisses.
"Lay her down Jupiter," Mercury ordered. "I need to check her over." Jupiter lay Daisy down and Mercury scanned her with her visor. "There doesn't seem to be any fractures but it seems she has dislocated her shoulder. We need to get her back to the palace so I can treat her." Jupiter nodded. Mercury placed her hand on Jupiter's shoulder. She hit her tiara and in a flash three of them disappeared.
"Come on Maggie," Mars picked the tired child up. "We'll get you back so that you can see her. Maggie nodded her head. She was relieved that her best friend was going to be fine.
"She's going to be fine," Amy informed Lita and Ken. "But I would like to keep her here overnight for observation."
"Of course," Lita agreed. "I am just glad she is all right."
"So am I," Ken added. "May go and see her now?"
"Of course," Amy replied. She led the two of them into the room. Daisy was lying in bed with Hotaru sitting beside her.
"Daisy," Lita flew over to her and hugged her.
"Mommy, Daddy," Daisy cried as she hugged her mother back.
"How are you doing honey," Ken asked.
"It hurts," Daisy moaned as she pointed to her shoulder.
"Aunt Amy said it would for a few days," Hotaru reminded her. She turned to Lita. "I assume you will be staying the night with her."
"Definitely," Lita firmly said. "No one will keep me away from her tonight."
"Am I going to be here for a long time," asked Daisy.
"Just for tonight," Ken replied. "Aunt Amy said you should be able to go home tomorrow."
"Good," Daisy heaved a breath of relief. "Can I see Maggie?"
"Well," Lita murmured. Amy was very strict about children visiting in the hospital.
"It's okay," Amy spoke up. "I'll make an exception this time."
"Thank you," Lita replied.
"But only this once," Amy firmly stated. She left to put a call into Gary.
Maggie was supposed to be doing her homework but she found it difficult to concentrate. She was worried about Daisy and wanted to see her. It had scared her when her best friend had fallen in the well. Maggie wandered if this was what her mother had been talking about this morning.
Gary came walking in. "Papa," Maggie cried as she jumped into Gary's arms.
"Hi honey," Gary replied as he scooped his daughter up. "How are you doing?"
"I'm worried about Daisy," Maggie whimpered. "I want to see her."
"Well Aunt Amy just called me," Gary informed her. "She is going to bend the rules a little and let you visit her in the hospital."
"Really," asked Maggie happily.
"Yes," Gary replied. "So let's go." He had to run to keep up with his daughter as she flew out of their quarters. When they got to Amy's office Maggie barged in.
"Aunt Amy where is Daisy," she asked.
"Slow down," Amy laughed. "Just remember it is only this one time."
"I know," Maggie replied. Amy led Maggie and Gary into the room where Daisy was staying. Lita and Ken were both sitting beside her. "Daisy," she squealed.
"Maggie," Daisy cried back. She held out her good arm and she and Maggie hugged. "I am so glad to see you."
"So you're not mad at me for leaving you," asked Maggie.
"No because you went and got Mommy."
"You did the right thing Maggie," Lita gave Maggie a kiss. "I know you wanted to stay with Daisy but if you had stayed we would have had to search for both of you and then things could have gotten worst."
"Especially since it started raining," added Ken.
"You are my best friend Maggie," Daisy declared.
""You're my best friend too," Maggie replied and the two little girls hugged again.
Setsuna was able to leave her post for a little while. She knew what had happened and felt that Maggie would need her. Michiru told her that Amy allowed Maggie to visit Daisy in the hospital so Setsuna was heading over there.
Amy was still there but it looked like she was getting ready to head back to her quarters. Two-year-old Ariel was toddling around her. "Hello Amy," Setsuna walked in.
"Hello Setsuna," Amy replied as she picked Ariel up. "I was getting ready to go. The night nurse is here."
"I thought I would see if Maggie and Gary were still here since they aren't in our quarters."
"Yes they are still here," Amy said. "Maggie is exhausted so I doubt she'll be awake much longer. It was a stressful day for her."
"Well I can be here for her tonight," Setsuna informed her.
"I know she'll be glad to hear that," Amy smiled. "They are down in the first room. Go on down there. I need to get back to my quarters so I can get this little one to bed."
Setsuna headed to Daisy's room. Lita, Ken and Gary were all watching Maggie and Daisy chatting away with each other.
"Maggie look whose here," Gary told his daughter.
Maggie looked up and saw Setsuna. "Mama," she squealed as she jumped into Setsuna's arms.
"Hi Darling," Setsuna kissed Maggie. She glanced down at Daisy. "I'm glad you are going to be all right."
"Thank you Aunt Setsuna," Daisy replied.
"I am going to be with you tonight," Setsuna told Maggie.
"Really," asked Maggie in delight.
"She needs you tonight," Gary told her.
Lita stood up. "I think its time we should put a little girl to bed for the night. Maggie you did a good job and I thank you for coming to get us. Daisy will be out of here tomorrow so why don't you come over after school?"
"Can I Papa," asked Maggie.
"Of course," Gary replied. Everyone said goodnight and the Pluto family left the hospital.
That night Setsuna was getting Maggie ready for bed. "Mama," Maggie murmured. "Did you know this was going to happen?"
"In a way," Setsuna replied as she tucked Maggie into bed. "I just wanted to encourage you to do the right thing."
"I did do the right thing didn't I," asked Maggie.
"Yes you did," Setsuna replied. "And I am very proud of you."
"I'm glad Daisy is going to be all right," Maggie yawned.
"You and she are very good friends and you always will be," Setsuna whispered as she kissed Maggie goodnight. She brushed back a lock of hair out of the child's face and watched as she fell asleep.
To be continued...
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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 Three: Daisy and Maggie
Subpart A
By
Angel Raye
About a week after Daisy's birth...
Lita sat down on the couch with Daisy in her arms. She smiled down at the small infant. "I can't believe how beautiful she is," Lita thought to herself. "This is like a wonderful dream."
Daisy gazed back with her large green eyes. "I bet you are hungry aren't you," Lita asked. She opened up her blouse and began feeding her baby when there was a soft knock at the door. "Come in!"
Setsuna came in carrying her own three-week-old daughter, Maggie. "I wanted to see how you were doing," she stated.
"We are doing fine," Lita replied. She gazed at Maggie. "They came so close didn't they?"
"They sure did," Setsuna replied. She gazed down at Maggie. "I know these two are going to be close."
"When Daisy visited me in the past she mentioned Maggie several times," Lita recalled.
"Maggie didn't visit me as often but being the Guardian of Time gives me some knowledge," Setsuna stated. "I foresee a great friendship here. They will consider each other sisters."
Lita gazed at Setsuna. Somehow the mysterious Guardian of Time always baffled her. She looked down at Daisy. How much of her future was already written?
******
The first year of Maggie and Daisy's lives was very eventful. Mina got pregnant next and everyone had vague memories of the rude, obnoxious child visiting in the 20th century. Rini started kindergarten. Daisy showed signs of inheriting her mother's temper. Maggie was a good quiet baby. Setsuna regretted having to spend so much time at her post but Gary was a loving father who adored his baby daughter and nurtured her well.
Daisy was a very active baby and was walking by the time she was a year old. Maggie was more placid. By the time she was fifteen months she still was not walking. Setsuna was concerned but Amy assured her that she would be all right. In the meantime Raye got pregnant and a month after that Mina gave birth to her daughter, Gloria. Amy and Hotaru had their hands very full now with two toddlers an infant and a pregnant woman to care for.
One day Setsuna came by to visit Lita. She set Maggie down on the floor. Daisy immediately toddled over to her.
"It looks like they are going to be close," Lita mused. "They already love each other."
"They sure do," Setsuna agreed. "I just wish Maggie would start walking."
"She will," Lita assured her. She watched as Daisy suddenly took a toy from Maggie's hands and walked away. "Daisy sweetie don't take the toy away from Maggie."
"Wait," Setsuna placed a hand on Lita's shoulder to stop her. Lita and Setsuna watched as Maggie stood up. She took some unsteady steps and then walked carefully after Daisy.
"She's walking," Lita gasped.
"I am so glad," Setsuna cried in delight. She dashed over and picked Maggie up. "Good job my darling."
******
Two years later...
Maggie and Daisy grew and so did the family at the palace. By the time they were two the Mars family was blessed with Annika, and Michiru and Haruka adopted twins, Hope and Faith. By the time they were three Madelyn had been born to the Saturn family and the Mercury family announced their upcoming arrival. Maggie and Daisy were very close friends. With Setsuna always being at the Gates of Time Lita became like a second mother to Maggie. She didn't mind. Maggie was a good sweet child and provided a sharp contrast to Daisy's fierce temper.
One day Gary found he had to go out of town on business. There were some ripples in the time stream so Pluto could not leave her post to stay with her daughter. Lita graciously offered to keep Maggie for a few days. Daisy was very excited about it.
Gary arrived at Lita's quarters with Maggie in his arms. Maggie was clinging to her father. "I really appreciate you keeping Maggie with you," he told Lita.
"Oh it is no problem," Lita replied as she took Maggie's bag. "She is a very well-behaved child."
"Setsuna is really upset that she is stuck at her post," Gary sighed. He turned to Maggie. "Now Angel you be a good girl and I bet Aunt Lita or Uncle Ken will take you to see Mama later.
"Kay Papa," Maggie hugged Gary tightly and then reached for Lita who took her into her arms. "Warm like Mama's"
Gary kissed Maggie on the cheek. "Goodbye honey I love you."
"Love you too Papa," Maggie whispered. As soon as Gary left a tear began to trickle down Maggie's cheek.
"Hey it's all right," Lita tried to console the little girl. "You know Papa will be back."
"I know," whispered Maggie.
"Maggie," Daisy came bounding in. She was still in her pajamas and her hair was still loose around her face. "We gonna play lots." She saw Maggie crying and stopped. "Mommy why Maggie sad?"
"Maggie misses her mommy and daddy right now," Lita explained. She sat down on the couch and placed Maggie on her knee. She held out her other arms for Daisy who immediately climbed onto the other knee.
"Poor Maggie," Daisy patted Maggie's hand. "I share my mommy with you."
"That's sweet of you Daisy," Lita kissed her little girl. "Tell you what girls. Let's get you dressed Daisy and then we can bake cookies. Would you girls like that?"
"Yeah," Daisy screeched in delight.
"Would you like that Maggie," Lita asked and Maggie nodded her head. "Then let's do it." Daisy bounded off toward her room with Lita and Maggie following.
That afternoon both girls were down for a nap. Daisy was very tired from baking cookies so she fell asleep almost immediately. Maggie could not sleep. She was missing her parents too much. Finally she got up and went to the living room. Lita was thumbing through a cookbook when she heard the pitter patter of little feet. She looked up and saw Maggie. "Hi Sweetie can't you sleep?"
Maggie shook her head. Lita held out her arms and Maggie climbed onto her lap. She rested her head against Lita's chest for a minute and then spoke up, "Mama don't want me."
"Now why do you say that," asked Lita. "Your mama loves you very much."
"She not with me all the time," Maggie replied. "You always with Daisy. Annika, Gloria, and the others always have their mamas. Mine not stay with me."
"Oh Sweetie," Lita pulled the little girl into her arms. "Mama loves you so much. She has told me she wishes she could be with you all the time."
"Really," asked Maggie.
"Yes," Lita assured her. "Now how about I tuck you back into bed? Little girls need their sleep." Maggie gave an enormous yawn and nodded her head. Lita carried her back into the bedroom and tucked her back into bed. Once she left she made a private note in her mind to talk to Pluto that day.
Sailor Pluto stood at the Gates of Time. Her heart was feeling very heavy right now. She knew Gary was away and she was regretting that she was unable to leave her post. Maggie was growing up too fast and she was missing it.
"Sailor Pluto," Lita came in.
"Greetings Lita," Pluto replied. "What brings you here?"
"I have Ken watching the girls right now," Lita replied. I wanted to talk to you about Maggie."
"I know how she is feeling right now," Pluto whispered. "It breaks my heart that I can't be with her."
"I know but Maggie is too young to understand that right now," Lita explained. "I was wondering if I could bring her here to visit you later."
"Please do," begged Pluto. "I do so want to see her."
Later on after dinner that evening Lita brought both Maggie and Daisy to the Gates of Time. Pluto was waiting for them.
"Mama," Maggie squealed as she jumped into her mother's open arms.
"Hi Darling," Pluto replied hugging her daughter tightly. "Are you being good for Aunt Lita and Uncle Ken?"
"Yes Mama I be good," Maggie chirped.
"I'm glad," Pluto gazed into her daughter's eyes. "I wish I didn't have to stay here right now so I could be with you while Papa is away."
"I miss you Mama," Maggie told her.
"I miss you too Darling," Pluto glanced over at Lita who had Daisy in her arms. "But you have got a very good friend who I know loves having you."
"I love Daisy," Maggie whispered.
"I know you do," Pluto smiled. "Whenever you and Daisy want to come here just have Aunt Lita bring you."
"Kay Mama," Maggie gave her mother a kiss. Pluto handed Maggie over to Lita. With both little girls in her arms Lita walked away. Pluto turned back to the gates. She was glad her little girl had such a good friend.
******
Time passed and Amy had her little girl. By then Maggie and Daisy were four years old which meant they only had one more year before school began. Rini was off training in the 20th century, which left the queen and king missing their child. Palla and Ves took turns taking Maggie and Daisy around the palace to the areas children were allowed to go to once they started school. Daisy, being an adventurous child loved it. She could not wait until she had more run of the palace.
A strong rivalry had grown between Daisy and Mina's headstrong daughter Gloria. Even though Gloria was only three she was rude, obnoxious and aggressive. Daisy, having inherited her mother's temper found Gloria very annoying. Many times she was striking out at Gloria.
One day the Scouts had taken their children outside. They sat under the gazebo and watched the children playing. Amy had brought out the baby swing for Ariel and put her in it.
Daisy and Maggie had gone to the sandbox to play. Setsuna was able to take time away from her post to spend with Maggie that day. It was a beautiful day and everyone was enjoying the outdoors.
"Let's build a road," Daisy suggested.
"Okay," Maggie chirped back. The two little girls began to smooth out a path of sand to make it resemble a road. Gloria came bounding over. Seeing the road she decided to trample it.
"Gloria don't do that," Daisy snapped angrily.
"Yes," Gloria stated and she stamped on it some more.
"Gloria," Maggie whined. "You messed it up." Gloria did not listen. She continued to mess with it. Maggie reached over and tried to push Gloria off of it. "Stop it."
Gloria grabbed a handful of sand and threw it in Maggie's face. Maggie began to scream as the sand got into her eyes. Daisy angrily jumped on Gloria and began to wrestle her. Gloria began screaming. She reached up and pulled Daisy's ponytail.
"Daisy," Lita shouted grabbing Daisy by the shoulders. Mina pulled Gloria to her feet. Setsuna had gone over and picked Maggie up. She began trying to get the sand out of Maggie's eyes.
"Gloria threw sand in Maggie's eyes," Daisy shouted angrily.
"Maggie pushed me," Gloria cried.
"She messed up our road," Daisy screamed.
"Enough," Mina stated angrily. She swatted Gloria's backside. Gloria began howling. "I saw you throw sand into Maggie's eyes. That was not a nice thing to do. We are going inside and you are going to have a time out."
"No time-out," Gloria shouted but Mina did not listen. She took Gloria inside.
Daisy was about to go back to playing when Lita grabbed her by the hand and began pulling her inside. "Let me go," Daisy shouted. "Gloria was the bad one. Not me." Lita did not listen. Daisy began kicking and screaming but Lita's strength surpassed hers. Lita dragged her daughter to their quarters and opened the door.
"I am very upset with you Daisy Julia Kino," Lita shouted. "How many times have I told you to keep your hands to yourself?"
"But Mommy Gloria throw sand in Maggie's eyes," Daisy wailed. She knew when her mother said her full name she was in big trouble.
"And we saw it happen," Lita explained. "You should not have hit Gloria."
"But Mommy," Daisy cried.
"Enough," Lita snapped. She put Daisy over her knees. Daisy began screaming when she realized what was happening. Lita delivered several swats to Daisy's backside. Daisy began crying. When she was finished spanking Daisy, Lita put her in the corner. "You can just sit there for a while and think about what you did."
Daisy sniffled as she sat in the corner. All she wanted to do was help Maggie and she got into trouble.
With Amy's help Setsuna managed to get the sand out of Maggie's eyes. Maggie had been crying the entire time.
"There you go," Amy stated in a comforting voice. "It's all out now."
"Thank you Amy," Setsuna said in relief as she picked Maggie up. Maggie sniffled as she rested her head on her mother's shoulder.
"All those tears helped," Amy replied. "It helped wash the sand out."
"Daisy in trouble," Maggie sobbed.
"It's okay Darling," Setsuna replied. "Daisy will always be fighting for you and she needs to learn to find other ways to help her friends."
"Nani," asked Maggie in confusion."
"Sorry Maggie," Setsuna kissed Maggie on the head. "Don't worry about Daisy. She'll be fine."
Ariel began fussing from her carrier. Amy went over and picked her up. "Are you hungry Darling," she asked. "We'll get that taken care of." She turned to Setsuna. "Just keep an eye on her to see if her eyes show any signs of irritation. If they do just let me know."
"Thank you Amy," Setsuna replied gratefully. Carrying Maggie she left Amy's office.
After what seemed like an eternity Lita finally came over and picked Daisy up out of the corner. She took the child to the couch and sat down with Daisy on her lap. "Do you know why Mommy was upset with you," she asked.
"I hurt Gloria," Daisy replied.
"Yes," Lita nodded. "I know you just wanted to help Maggie but fighting is not the answer. When another child hurts Maggie you need to tell one of us and we will deal with it. Do you understand?"
"Yes Mommy," Daisy sniffled. "I sorry."
"I know you are Sweetie," Lita wrapped her arms around the little girl. "But I still love you."
"Love you too Mommy," Daisy flung her arms around Lita's neck and hugged her tightly.
******
Time passed and Maggie and Daisy continued to be close friends. Maggie was very levelheaded and she was a good balance for hot-tempered Daisy. With Pluto always at her post and Gary always busy with knight practice Maggie spent a lot of time over in Jupiter's quarters. Either Gary or Lita took Maggie to visit Pluto on a daily basis.
One day Lita and Raye decided to go to the park. Lita offered to take Maggie while Raye, with some reluctance agreed to take Gloria so that Mina could take care of some things in her quarters. They brought a picnic lunch and Raye and Lita sat down and watched the children play.
"How goes the potty-training," asked Lita.
"It's going," Raye sighed. Annika was two and Raye was going through the difficult process of trying to get her out of diapers. "Some days we do really well and other days we don't do anything."
"I remember those days," Lita laughed. "I am glad those days are behind me." Raye gave her a dark look in response.
"Aunt Raye," Gloria ran up to her. She was doing a little dance. "I gotta go potty."
"Let's go then," Raye took Gloria's hand. She reached down and picked Annika up. "You might as well give it a try too." Raye walked off with the two little girls. Lita smiled and turned toward the swings where Maggie and Daisy were. Lita jumped up in horror. They were gone.
"Wait for me Daisy," Maggie called as she tried to keep up with her friend.
"I wanna catch that butterfly," Daisy called back. The two little girls had been playing on the swings when Daisy spotted a pretty butterfly. She decided she wanted to catch it. She had taken off with Maggie trailing her.
"Where is it," asked Maggie.
"Gone," Daisy replied sadly as the butterfly fluttered up out of reach.
"I guess we need to get back to your mama," Maggie said. She and Daisy turned. "I don't see her."
"We ran really far," Daisy gasped as realization came over her. "I dunno where we are."
"We need to find Aunt Lita," Maggie and Daisy went off in search of Lita.
"When did you last see them," Endymion asked Lita.
"I only turned my back on them for a second and they were gone," Lita moaned tearfully.
"Calm down we'll find them," Ken tried to comfort his wife.
"I am already working on it," Mercury stated. She had her visor on and her computer out trying pick up their life scans.
"I already have the guards out looking too," Serenity assured them.
"I suggest we split up and look for them," Mina suggested. She pulled out her transformation pen. The others did the same. Everyone transformed and set off in different directions to find the lost girls.
"Daisy I scared," Maggie whimpered. She and Daisy realized that they were hopelessly lost in the streets of Crystal Tokyo.
"Not me," Daisy scoffed but inside she was frightened. She and Maggie had wandered through the park and had exited it without realizing it. Now they had found themselves in the city surrounded by people.
"I wanna go home," Maggie sobbed.
"Are you lost little girls," asked a man. The children looked up and saw a very scary man standing by them.
"Go way," Daisy shouted. "Mommy told me not to talk with strangers."
"That was a good mommy," the man laughed. "But I only saw a couple of pretty little girls and thought I would help."
"You not a nice man," Daisy shouted.
"And you aren't a nice girl," the man stated. He turned to Maggie. "But I would like you. You seem like a nice little girl."
"No," Maggie screamed as the man grabbed her. She tried to hold onto a street lamp but couldn't. Daisy grabbed Maggie's hand and tried to pull her. Both children were screaming.
"DEEP SUBMERGE!" The attack flew in and hit the man. He dropped Maggie to the ground. Daisy ran over and held her friend.
"Get away from those children," Uranus ordered as she and Neptune came up with a group of palace guards. "You are under arrest for attempted kidnapping."
"Damn," the man muttered as the guards led him away.
Neptune picked up the two children. "Are you both all right," she asked.
"I'm scared Aunt Michiru," sobbed Maggie as she buried her head in Neptune's shoulder.
"Well you are both safe now," Uranus replied as she took Daisy into her arms. "Both of your parents are worried about you."
Daisy immediately burst into tears. She could not pretend she wasn't scared any longer.
"Daisy," Lita shrieked as she grabbed her child out of Haruka's arms. She hugged Daisy tightly. "Oh thank goodness you are all right." Daisy clung to her mother and cried.
"Maggie," Setsuna snatched Maggie out of Michiru's arms. She had left her post to help search for the children and was relieved when she saw that her daughter was all right.
"Mama," Maggie howled. "A mean man tried to take me."
"I know Darling," Setsuna whispered. "But the mean man is gone now."
"I sorry Mommy," sobbed Daisy. "I didn't mean too."
"I know Sweetie," Lita replied. "I'm just glad you are all right."
"Now that these two are back I need to check them both over," Amy stated as she came up. "Please bring them both to my office."
"We will," Gary replied as they all followed Amy to her office.
That night while Lita was tucking Daisy into bed she decided to talk to the child about staying with her when they were outside the palace grounds.
"You mustn't wander off like that," Lita told her sternly. "Mommy was very worried about you."
"Sorry Mommy," Daisy replied. "I saw a butterfly and wanted to chase it."
"I know," Lita stroked a lock of hair out of her daughter's eyes.
"I was scared when that man try to take Maggie," Daisy choked. "I was scared I never see Maggie again."
"You love Maggie so much don't you," asked Lita. Daisy nodded her head. "Well you and Maggie are both all right but remember not to wander off again."
"We won't," Daisy shook her head hard.
"Good girl," Lita kissed Daisy on the head. "I love you."
"Love you too Mommy," Daisy replied as she snuggled down to go to sleep
Setsuna sat on Maggie's bed. She held Maggie in her arms and held her close. Maggie had been clinging to her since she was returned to the palace and showed no signs of letting go soon.
"Mama," Maggie murmured.
"Yes Darling," Setsuna replied.
"Daisy tried to save me," Maggie stated.
"She's a brave girl isn't she," Setsuna asked.
"What's brave," asked Maggie puzzled.
[Author's note: I am going under the assumption that a four-year-old is not really going to know the meaning of the word brave]
"It means that she will do things even if she is scared too," Setsuna replied.
"I was so scared Mama," Maggie shuddered. "I didn't want to go with the bad man."
"I am just glad you are safe," Setsuna whispered. She held her daughter close until the child fell asleep in her arms.
******
The time came when Maggie and Daisy turned five and entered kindergarten. They were both excited and the teacher, Ms. James had an excellent reputation. Maggie showed signs of being a very quick learner. Daisy preferred to play but she did what she was supposed to do.
During that year another member was added to the palace family. Daisy, Maggie and Rini found a lunar kitten on the way home from school one day. His name was Crescent and he came from the Silver Millenium. Luna and Artemis discovered that Queen Serenity had sent him to this time to be a guide with Diana. It was also discovered that Crescent parents had lived on Jupiter. Serenity immediately agreed that Daisy should have Crescent. Daisy was thrilled. Crescent became a close friend and a constant playmate for Daisy and Maggie.
One day Maggie had come over and she and Daisy were playing a game in her room. Crescent was sitting on the bed watching them.
"I'm tired of this game," Daisy sighed after a while. "Let's do something else."
"Let's play house," Maggie suggested.
"No fun," Daisy pouted. "My dolls don't do anything. Maybe Aunt Amy will let us use Ariel."
"Don't count on it," Crescent piped up. "Ariel is only one and Amy will not let you use her as a toy."
"I know what we can do," Daisy suggested as a gleam came into her eyes. She pulled some doll clothes out of a drawer and grabbed Crescent.
"Hey," he shouted in protest. "What do you think you are doing?"
"You're going to be the baby," Daisy replied. Maggie giggled and she came over to help.
"I am not wearing these frilly doll clothes," Crescent protested as he tried squirming away.
"But you look so cute," Maggie cooed as she tied a pink bonnet around Crescent's head.
"There now you can be our baby," Daisy giggled. Crescent sat their dressed in a pink dress and bonnet.
"If anyone else sees me like this I'll never hear the end of this," Crescent grumbled.
Suddenly there was a knock at the door. Maggie ran to answer it. It was Rini with Diana riding on top of her head. "Hi Maggie," Rini called. "Diana wanted to see Crescent."
"Okay," Maggie chirped. She stepped aside to let Rini and Diana in. Daisy came in carrying Crescent. Rini and Diana took one look at him and burst out laughing.
"Great," grumbled Crescent.
"Don't you look pretty," cooed Diana.
"And I bet you never went through this," Crescent grumbled.
"I have," laughed Diana. "But then I am girl so being dressed in doll clothes wasn't so bad."
"Well then how about you get dressed up then," Crescent snapped.
"That's a good idea," Daisy shrieked. "Then we can have twins."
"I'm outta here," Diana quickly scooted through the cat door and out of sight.
"Rini do something," pleaded Crescent.
"Okay I will," Rini giggled. She grabbed Ken's camera and pointed it at Crescent. "Smile." She clicked the picture. Crescent let out a loud howl.
"You couldn't have had a son," Crescent grumbled later as Lita took the doll clothes off of him.
"Sorry," Lita grinned. She had come back and saw poor Crescent being dressed up by Daisy and Maggie. She immediately came to his rescue. "But I am afraid when you live with little girls stuff like this is going to happen."
"Lucky me," sighed Crescent. "Artemis and Luna will never let me live this down."
"If Luna starts teasing you then mention the dress she had to wear back in the 20th century," Lita advised him.
"What happened," asked Crescent in interest.
"One of the Starlights Yaten needed a pet for a publicity shoot," Lita explained. "He did not know Luna was Serena's cat. Poor Luna had to go through a bath and was dressed up. She looked really funny."
"I'll remember that," Crescent chuckled. "But please talk to those two little girls about me?"
"I'll do that," Lita promised.
******
Lita kept her promise to Crescent. Daisy and Maggie gave up trying to dress him up again. She had also been right about Luna. When Luna started to make a snide comment about Crescent being all dressed up he mentioned the incident with Yaten. That quickly shut Luna up.
Now that Maggie and Daisy were in kindergarten they were expected to attend palace parties. Their first one was coming up. Rini was glad that she would no longer be the only child at the parties.
"Now," Setsuna stated as she finished tying ribbon in Maggie's hair. "Do you remember how you are supposed to behave?"
"Yes Mama," Maggie replied. "I need to be on my best behavior and remember my manners."
"Good girl," Setsuna smiled as she picked her daughter up. "Of course I know I can count on you to be good." Maggie was only five but she already showed signs of being responsible.
"Daisy will be there too," Maggie stated. "We can play together."
"Yes but don't get into things you aren't suppose too," Setsuna reminded her.
"Kay Mama," Maggie promised.
"I see my two dates are ready," Gary came in wearing his tuxedo. "How are my two pretty girls?"
"We are waiting for our handsome prince," Setsuna laughed as she shifted Maggie in her arms. The three of them headed toward the palace ballroom.
"I told you these were boring," Rini muttered to Maggie and Daisy later on.
"I wanna to go play," Daisy pouted.
"We have to be on our best behavior," Maggie reminded Daisy. "Why don't we go and get something to eat."
"Okay," Daisy muttered. She followed Maggie over to the buffet table. She grabbed a cookie and ate it. "Not as good as Mommy's," she commented.
"No one's cooking is as good as your mom's," Rini added.
A young girl of about fifteen came scurrying out. She was the daughter of one of the servants. Sometimes her mother would pay her some money to help out at these parties. The girl replaced an empty platter of food with a full one. She turned around and accidentally crashed into Daisy who fell on the floor.
"Oh I am so sorry little princess," the girl gasped.
"Watch where you are going," yelled Daisy whose temper had gotten the best of her.
"I am really sorry," the girl moaned as she helped Daisy up. "I hope I didn't hurt you." She quickly checked to see if Daisy was okay and then scurried back to the kitchen.
"I am going to get that clumsy girl," Daisy growled angrily. She balled up her fists and started after the girl.
Maggie grabbed her, "Don't or you'll get into trouble."
"But she knocked me over," Daisy protested.
"She didn't mean to," Rini pointed out. "Calm down."
"Please Daisy," begged Maggie. She hugged Daisy tightly. "Don't go after her."
Daisy gave a gusty sigh. "All right," she muttered and went back to the food.
Nearby Lita and Ken had seen the entire thing. Both of them heaved a breath of relief when they saw Maggie stop Daisy from going after the girl. "It's a good thing Maggie is so levelheaded," Ken mused. "Otherwise we would have had a problem."
"I agree," Lita sighed. "They are a good balance for each other."
******
Time passed and the two little girls finished Kindergarten. They entered first grade with Ms. Hoshino as a teacher. Ms. Hoshino was a very good teacher and tried to keep friends together as long as they kept each other out of trouble. Maggie and Daisy were both obedient and kept out of trouble in the classroom.
Rini was now in the fifth grade and the schoolwork was getting harder for her. Fortunately she had inherited her father's study habits instead of her mother's. Everyone was glad about that. Raye had vocalized that one night and wound up in an argument with Serenity. Little Annika just sat wide-eyed as she watched that. Rini had seen the two fighting with each other many times in both the 20th and the 30th centuries so this was not new to her.
Rini also tried to keep up with her responsibility of making sure Maggie and Daisy got home. She knew that next year Annika, Gloria and the twins would be joining them. The few children of the servants went to different schools but they were not the children of public figures so their chances of being in danger were slimmer. Fortunately most people were too afraid to try and harm the children of the Sailor Scouts. Anyone who did try would be on a death wish.
One morning Daisy was getting ready for school. She stood still while Lita put her hair up in a ponytail. "Now remember what I told you," asked Lita.
"Yes Mommy," Daisy replied. "You told me that Rini will not be walking home with us today so me and Maggie have to come straight home."
"That's right," Lita stated as she kissed Daisy. "I don't want any stops or side visits. Do you understand?"
"Yes Mommy," Daisy replied.
"Good," Lita smiled. "Let's finish getting you ready."
Meanwhile Gary was taking Maggie to the Gates of Time to see her mother. Sailor Pluto had wanted to see Maggie and asked Gary to bring her over.
"Mama," Maggie cried as she ran over to her mother.
"Hi Darling," Pluto picked the small child up. "I see you are ready for school."
"Yes," Maggie replied. "Me and Daisy have to go home by ourselves today."
"That's 'Daisy and I'" Pluto corrected. She smiled at her daughter. "There will be times when you have to decide between compassion and the right thing. Someone you care for will need you. She will want you to stay with her because she is scared but you may have to leave her to save her."
"Nani," demanded Maggie in confusion.
"Just remember what I said," Pluto told her. She gave Maggie a kiss goodbye. "Have a good day in school and I will see you later."
"Okay bye Mama," Maggie gave her mother a hug. She then took Gary's hand and left the Gates of Time."
Pluto watched after her daughter. "Do the right thing my darling."
Maggie and Daisy were on their way home from school. Daisy was happy because she did not get into any fights today. That meant no notes. She knew her mother would be very happy.
"Remember we have to go right home," Maggie reminded her.
"I know," Daisy sighed. She was excited to be getting home. Her mother promised her a treat if she went for five days without a note from the teacher. Today was day five.
"It's getting windy," Maggie commented. She was right. It was very windy and it was picking up.
Suddenly the wind lifted Daisy's beret right off her head. "Oh no," she wailed. "I have to get it. Mommy made that for me." She began to chase after it. Maggie followed her. She tried to keep up but Daisy was faster than she was. Daisy finally caught up with it. "I got it," she yelled. She turned around. Maggie bent down to pull her sock up when she heard a scream. She looked up and saw that Daisy was gone.
"Daisy," she shouted. "Where are you?"
"I'm down here," Daisy called. Maggie walked around and saw an old well. She looked down and saw that Daisy had fallen in.
"Are you all right," she asked. "What happened?"
"I didn't see it and I walked over it," Daisy sobbed. "My shoulder and leg really hurt."
Maggie stretched her arm down and tried to reach Daisy but she couldn't. Daisy was too far down. "I'll go get someone," she called.
"No please," cried Daisy. "Don't leave me alone."
"But no one knows where we are," Maggie protested. "I can't get you out."
"Please don't leave me alone," begged Daisy.
Maggie hesitated. She did not know what to do. She knew Daisy was scared but she had to get help. "What can I do," she asked herself. She suddenly remembered what her mother told her this morning and she knew what she had to do. "Daisy," she called. "I am going to go back to the palace and get your mom. I promise I won't be long."
"Please Maggie don't leave me," wailed Daisy.
"I have to get help," Maggie shouted. "I'll be back." She took off toward the palace. Daisy sat feeling alone and frightened.
"Where are they," Lita was demanding. "They should have been home by now."
"Calm down Lita," Raye ordered. "They probably just got sidetracked."
"I knew I should have picked them up," Lita sighed.
"They'll be here," Serenity assured her.
"Here comes Maggie," Mina announced. Sure enough Maggie came flying in.
"Maggie where is Daisy," Lita cried.
"Aunt Lita Daisy fell down a well," Maggie gasped. "The wind blew her hat off and when she got it she fell in the well on her way back."
"Oh my goodness," gasped Lita.
"Come on let's transform and we'll go get her," Mina ordered.
"I'll call Amy," Serenity stated.
"Let's go," Jupiter shouted and they took off after Maggie.
Daisy was crying. It was starting to get cold and she was shivering. The pain in her shoulder and leg were unbearable. She really wanted her mother right now.
"Daisy," a voice called. Daisy realized it was her mother.
"Mommy," she cried.
"We're here Darling and we are going to get you out," Jupiter called.
"Stand back," Venus's voice was heard. "VENUS LOVE ME CHAIN!" The chain of gold hearts looped around Daisy's waist. "Help me pull her up," Venus shouted. Daisy felt herself being lifted up and pulled out of the well. In a few minutes she was in her mother's arms.
"Oh thank goodness," Jupiter gasped as she flooded her daughter's face with kisses.
"Lay her down Jupiter," Mercury ordered. "I need to check her over." Jupiter lay Daisy down and Mercury scanned her with her visor. "There doesn't seem to be any fractures but it seems she has dislocated her shoulder. We need to get her back to the palace so I can treat her." Jupiter nodded. Mercury placed her hand on Jupiter's shoulder. She hit her tiara and in a flash three of them disappeared.
"Come on Maggie," Mars picked the tired child up. "We'll get you back so that you can see her. Maggie nodded her head. She was relieved that her best friend was going to be fine.
"She's going to be fine," Amy informed Lita and Ken. "But I would like to keep her here overnight for observation."
"Of course," Lita agreed. "I am just glad she is all right."
"So am I," Ken added. "May go and see her now?"
"Of course," Amy replied. She led the two of them into the room. Daisy was lying in bed with Hotaru sitting beside her.
"Daisy," Lita flew over to her and hugged her.
"Mommy, Daddy," Daisy cried as she hugged her mother back.
"How are you doing honey," Ken asked.
"It hurts," Daisy moaned as she pointed to her shoulder.
"Aunt Amy said it would for a few days," Hotaru reminded her. She turned to Lita. "I assume you will be staying the night with her."
"Definitely," Lita firmly said. "No one will keep me away from her tonight."
"Am I going to be here for a long time," asked Daisy.
"Just for tonight," Ken replied. "Aunt Amy said you should be able to go home tomorrow."
"Good," Daisy heaved a breath of relief. "Can I see Maggie?"
"Well," Lita murmured. Amy was very strict about children visiting in the hospital.
"It's okay," Amy spoke up. "I'll make an exception this time."
"Thank you," Lita replied.
"But only this once," Amy firmly stated. She left to put a call into Gary.
Maggie was supposed to be doing her homework but she found it difficult to concentrate. She was worried about Daisy and wanted to see her. It had scared her when her best friend had fallen in the well. Maggie wandered if this was what her mother had been talking about this morning.
Gary came walking in. "Papa," Maggie cried as she jumped into Gary's arms.
"Hi honey," Gary replied as he scooped his daughter up. "How are you doing?"
"I'm worried about Daisy," Maggie whimpered. "I want to see her."
"Well Aunt Amy just called me," Gary informed her. "She is going to bend the rules a little and let you visit her in the hospital."
"Really," asked Maggie happily.
"Yes," Gary replied. "So let's go." He had to run to keep up with his daughter as she flew out of their quarters. When they got to Amy's office Maggie barged in.
"Aunt Amy where is Daisy," she asked.
"Slow down," Amy laughed. "Just remember it is only this one time."
"I know," Maggie replied. Amy led Maggie and Gary into the room where Daisy was staying. Lita and Ken were both sitting beside her. "Daisy," she squealed.
"Maggie," Daisy cried back. She held out her good arm and she and Maggie hugged. "I am so glad to see you."
"So you're not mad at me for leaving you," asked Maggie.
"No because you went and got Mommy."
"You did the right thing Maggie," Lita gave Maggie a kiss. "I know you wanted to stay with Daisy but if you had stayed we would have had to search for both of you and then things could have gotten worst."
"Especially since it started raining," added Ken.
"You are my best friend Maggie," Daisy declared.
""You're my best friend too," Maggie replied and the two little girls hugged again.
Setsuna was able to leave her post for a little while. She knew what had happened and felt that Maggie would need her. Michiru told her that Amy allowed Maggie to visit Daisy in the hospital so Setsuna was heading over there.
Amy was still there but it looked like she was getting ready to head back to her quarters. Two-year-old Ariel was toddling around her. "Hello Amy," Setsuna walked in.
"Hello Setsuna," Amy replied as she picked Ariel up. "I was getting ready to go. The night nurse is here."
"I thought I would see if Maggie and Gary were still here since they aren't in our quarters."
"Yes they are still here," Amy said. "Maggie is exhausted so I doubt she'll be awake much longer. It was a stressful day for her."
"Well I can be here for her tonight," Setsuna informed her.
"I know she'll be glad to hear that," Amy smiled. "They are down in the first room. Go on down there. I need to get back to my quarters so I can get this little one to bed."
Setsuna headed to Daisy's room. Lita, Ken and Gary were all watching Maggie and Daisy chatting away with each other.
"Maggie look whose here," Gary told his daughter.
Maggie looked up and saw Setsuna. "Mama," she squealed as she jumped into Setsuna's arms.
"Hi Darling," Setsuna kissed Maggie. She glanced down at Daisy. "I'm glad you are going to be all right."
"Thank you Aunt Setsuna," Daisy replied.
"I am going to be with you tonight," Setsuna told Maggie.
"Really," asked Maggie in delight.
"She needs you tonight," Gary told her.
Lita stood up. "I think its time we should put a little girl to bed for the night. Maggie you did a good job and I thank you for coming to get us. Daisy will be out of here tomorrow so why don't you come over after school?"
"Can I Papa," asked Maggie.
"Of course," Gary replied. Everyone said goodnight and the Pluto family left the hospital.
That night Setsuna was getting Maggie ready for bed. "Mama," Maggie murmured. "Did you know this was going to happen?"
"In a way," Setsuna replied as she tucked Maggie into bed. "I just wanted to encourage you to do the right thing."
"I did do the right thing didn't I," asked Maggie.
"Yes you did," Setsuna replied. "And I am very proud of you."
"I'm glad Daisy is going to be all right," Maggie yawned.
"You and she are very good friends and you always will be," Setsuna whispered as she kissed Maggie goodnight. She brushed back a lock of hair out of the child's face and watched as she fell asleep.
To be continued...