Hi Everyone! Now we are on to Subpart B in Daisy and Maggie's part in the "Friendship Series" and yes there will be a Subpart C. Thank you for all of the positive reviews on this series.
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Friendship Series
Part Three: Daisy and Maggie
Subpart B
By
Angel Raye
Daisy recovered from her fall in the well and life went on at the Crystal Palace. Rini looked forward to the day when the other children would become Chibi Scouts. However Luna and Artemis told her that they had to wait until Ariel was six. That was another four years away. Rini waited patiently and endured her practices with the adult Scouts.
Christmas approached and it showed signs of being one of the coldest winters in Crystal Tokyo. Everyone hoped for a white Christmas. This was going to be a special Christmas because it was the first one where all the children were going to be aware of what was happening now that Ariel was two.
A week before Christmas Maggie came to spend the night with Daisy. It was a cold night and snow was in the forecast. Daisy and Maggie eagerly watched out for it.
"How about if we bake a cake," Lita asked the girls. Daisy was learning how to cook and like her mother loved it.
"Yes," Daisy squealed in delight. Maggie nodded eagerly. The three of them got to work in the kitchen. Crescent came in at the sound of mixing.
"Are we making cake," he asked eagerly.
"Yes," Daisy dipped her finger in the batter and then held it out for Crescent to lick off.
"Delicious as always Ms. Lita," he stated. "I hope I will get a piece of the finished product."
"There will be a piece for you Crescent," Lita promised.
After the cake was baked Lita brought it into the living room. Everyone enjoyed a piece of it along with some hot chocolate.
"My compliments to the chefs," Ken declared. "I am a lucky man to have such good cooks in my family."
"Did you marry Mommy because she is a good cook Daddy," Daisy asked.
"That was one of the many reasons," Ken replied as he kissed Lita.
"I was about to say that there had better be other reasons than my cooking," Lita laughed as she and Ken shared a passionate kiss.
"Yuck Mommy and Daddy do you have to do that," Daisy wailed. Maggie giggled and covered her eyes.
"I think its time that little girls go to bed," Lita said as she got up.
"Do we have to Mommy," whined Daisy.
"Yes we're having fun," Maggie added.
"It's also late," Lita pointed out. "So let's go."
Sometime during the night Maggie woke up. She looked out the window and saw that it was snowing. In delight she sat up and pulled the curtains open wider. It looked like it had been snowing for a while. A thick blanket of snow covered the ground. Maggie hopped down off the bed and ran over to Daisy's bed. "Daisy," she whispered shaking the bed. "Wake up."
"Huh what is it," Daisy murmured sleepily.
"It's snowing," Maggie replied. "Look outside."
Daisy hopped out of bed and ran to the window. She saw the snow and gave a quiet squeal of delight. "I want to play in it," she declared. "What time is it?"
Maggie looked at the clock. They were recently learning to tell time in school. "I think it is around five in the morning," she replied.
"Let's go," Daisy hopped out of bed.
"Now," Maggie gasped in astonishment. "But it's still dark out."
"I can't wait until Mommy and Daddy get up," Daisy hissed. "Come on if we're quiet they won't know."
Maggie followed Daisy out to the coat rack. They pulled on their coats and slipped out the door.
"Maybe we should have gotten dressed," Maggie shivered in the cold. All they had done was pull coats on over their pajamas. In their eagerness to get outside they had gone out in their slippers. It wasn't long before both of their feet had turned blue.
"If we go in we might wake Mommy and Daddy," Daisy replied. She picked up a handful of snow and threw it at Maggie. It hit her in the head.
"Hey," Maggie protested. She picked up a handful of snow and threw it back. Pretty soon a grand snowball fight was going on.
A pounding on the door awakened Lita and Ken. Ken groaned and looked at the clock. It said five forty-five. "Who could it be at this time," he grumbled.
"I don't know but it had better be important," Lita muttered. She pulled on her robe and went to the door with Ken following her. She was surprised to see Pluto standing there. "Don't tell me you get the need to see your daughter at this hour of the morning."
"No," Pluto replied. "Since Maggie was born I received a motherly instinct when she is in trouble."
"Trouble," Lita exclaimed. "They are in bed."
"I am the Guardian of Time," Pluto reminded her. "I know what is happening. Right now two little girls who should be in bed are out playing in the snow."
"Nani," Lita shouted. She looked and saw that the girls' coats were missing. "Kami-sama," she muttered as she grabbed her coat and boots. "Ken you had better get Amy," she commanded. "I'll go out and get the girls."
"I'm coming with you," Pluto stated as she powered down. Lita nodded her head and grabbed a couple of blankets. The two women headed down toward the palace entrance.
"Maybe we should go in," Maggie suggested. The two girls were now wet and cold.
"I don't want Mommy to find us out here," Daisy sighed.
"Too late," a sharp voice made both girls jump. They looked up and saw Lita and Setsuna standing over them.
"Mama," Maggie gasped as Setsuna wrapped a blanket around her and picked her up.
"Mommy," Daisy also gasped. Lita knelt down and wrapped a blanket around her.
"What do you two think you are doing," asked Lita as she picked her daughter up.
"We wanted to play in the snow," Maggie explained.
"This early in the morning and in your pajamas," asked Setsuna as she and Lita carried the girls inside. "You both will catch your death out here."
Amy and Ken were waiting for them. Amy took one look at the wet, shivering girls and got right to business. "Get them out of those wet clothes," she ordered. She ushered them into the bathroom and began to fill the bathtub with warm water. Lita and Setsuna stripped the girls down and placed them into the tub.
A while later the girls were sitting on the couch wrapped in blankets. Lita had made hot chocolate for them and they were sipping it.
"What were you two thinking," asked Amy in an annoyed voice.
"That's what I was getting ready to ask," Lita muttered. She turned to Daisy, "Well?"
"We wanted to play in the snow," Daisy replied.
"It looked so pretty," Maggie added.
"Well you should have waited until daylight," Setsuna stated sternly.
"Not to mention you have gotten dressed," Lita added. "I don't want this happening again Daisy or Maggie will not be allowed to spend the night here. Do you understand?"
"Yes Mommy," Daisy replied.
"That goes for you too Maggie," Setsuna added.
"Yes Ma'am," Maggie murmured.
"I just hope you girls don't get sick," Amy muttered as she gave an enormous yawn.
"It would be a shame to be sick for Christmas," Ken added.
"I don't wanna be sick for Christmas," Daisy wailed.
"Me either," Maggie howled.
"Well we shall see," Lita sighed.
Fortunately the two girls did not get sick. Christmas day rolled around. The Royal Family and Scouts with their families gathered into the palace living room. The children tore through the gifts under the tree like animals. They were very excited.
"Mama look at what Santa gave me," Annika squealed as she opened a large present that contained a dollhouse. "I love Santa Claus."
"She claims to love him but I can't convince her to sit on his lap for a picture," Raye muttered dryly.
"Maybe when she gets older," Lita laughed
"Look what I got," Maggie held up a beautiful doll.
"It looks like the dolls Aunt Mika makes," Rini whispered to Serenity. Serenity and Setsuna shared knowing looks.
"Mommy why didn't I get a doll like that," Gloria asked with a pout.
"You got many other things," Mina told her.
"But I want a doll like that," Gloria shouted.
"Gloria," Mina's voice held a warning tone. Gloria clamped her mouth shut.
The adults started talking again while the children resumed their playing. Annika tried to get Gloria to play with her and her new dollhouse but Gloria had her eye on Maggie's doll. She really wanted a doll like that. Finally Maggie laid the doll down to help Ariel with a new toy she got. Gloria made her move and grabbed the doll.
"My doll," she called.
"No it's my doll," Maggie protested as she dashed over to get it. She clamped her hands around the doll and began pulling it. Gloria had a tight grasp on the doll and would not let go.
"Gloria let go," Mina commanded.
"No I want it," Gloria shouted. Maggie would not release her hold on the doll. Gloria leaned over and clamped her teeth down on Maggie's arm. Maggie let out a loud scream and let go. She burst into tears. Mina and Setsuna both started to head over to deal with their daughters but Daisy got there first.
"You brat," Daisy shouted as pushed Gloria down. She jumped on top of Gloria and began hitting her. Gloria screamed as she tried to get away from Daisy.
"Daisy Julia Kino," Lita shrieked as she dashed over. She picked Daisy up and swatted her backside. Daisy burst into tears. Mina had helped Gloria up. Once she determined that her daughter wasn't hurt she too gave her a few swats. Gloria began to cry too.
"You can just park yourself in the corner and you may not get out until I tell you," Lita told Daisy as she sat the child down.
"But Mommy she bit Maggie," Daisy protested as tears ran down her face.
"And you should have stayed out of it," Lita pointed out. "Now not one more word from you. You just sit there and think about what you did."
"Mama," Maggie sobbed. Setsuna had her in her arms while Amy examined the bite mark. Nearby Greg was trying to calm Ariel down since the noise had upset her.
"What is it Darling," Setsuna asked.
"Daisy got into trouble because of me again," Maggie cried.
"It's not your fault Maggie," Setsuna assured her.
"She'll be fine," Amy reported. "Gloria did not break the skin so there won't be an infection."
"That's a relief," Setsuna replied. "Thank you Amy." Amy nodded her head and then went to get Ariel from Greg.
"But it is my fault Mama," Maggie protested.
"Sweetie you did not make Daisy come over and start hitting Gloria," Setsuna stated. She looked over at both Daisy and Gloria sitting in their respective corners. "Daisy just needs to learn to control herself when she gets angry."
Maggie was not convinced but she knew there was no use in arguing with her mother. Annika came running over and asked her to play with her and her dollhouse so Maggie climbed down and joined her.
After what seemed like an eternity Lita came over and got Daisy out of the corner. "Let's go for a walk so that we can have a talk," Lita said. Daisy took her mother's hand and walked with her. They left the living room and walked around the palace. "What have we talked about?"
"That I shouldn't fight," Daisy muttered.
"That's right," Lita replied. "I know Maggie is your friend but you should have let Aunt Mina deal with Gloria. That wasn't your job."
"But Mommy she made me so mad when she bit Maggie," Daisy protested.
"I know that was not very nice of her," Lita agreed. "I wonder how Mina does it. But I don't want you fighting. Do you understand?"
"Yes Mommy," Daisy replied. She stopped walking and looked down. "I'm sorry I ruined Christmas."
Lita reached down and scooped her daughter us. "You didn't ruin Christmas Darling," she said. "Despite that little incident I have had a wonderful Christmas."
"Really," asked Daisy.
"Of course," Lita replied. She kissed her daughter. "I know what it is like to want to defend your friends," she stated. "But there is another way and we will work on it."
Daisy felt better. Lita took her back to the palace living room. Maggie was still playing with Annika. Daisy skipped over to her.
"Daisy," Maggie squealed as she hugged her best friend. "I am so sorry I got you into trouble."
"It's not your fault," Daisy replied. She dropped her voice to a whisper; "It's that brat Gloria's fault." Maggie giggled. She held up her little finger. Daisy immediately wrapped her finger around Maggie's. "Friends forever," Maggie asked.
"Friends forever," Daisy confirmed.
Nearby Lita and Setsuna watched with smiles on their faces.
******
Once Christmas was over the palace settled back to its regular routine. Daisy and Maggie grew like weeds. Like their mothers they were tall. They were among the taller girls in the first grade. However, that did not stop the other children from giving them the label 'palace brats.'
Daisy hated being called a palace brat. The children in the class figured that out and began to antagonize her over it. Daisy's fighting spirit got her into a lot of trouble. Maggie did what she could to help her friend but she did not usually succeed.
One day on the way home from school Daisy was seething. Rini had to stay after so the two little girls were by themselves. The children in the class had been calling Daisy and Maggie names all day. Daisy got mad and punched one of the boys in the jaw. She had a note to give to her parents and she knew she would be in trouble.
"I hate being called a palace brat," Daisy raged. She turned to Maggie. "Don't you hate it?"
"Of course," Maggie replied. "But Mama said I should just ignore them. I have cried a lot at night when no one was with me."
"My mommy says the same thing," Daisy grumbled.
"Is that her," a voice behind them said. The two girls turned to see the boy who Daisy had punched that day. With him was some third grade boys.
"That's her," the boy confirmed. One of the third grade boys turned to Daisy.
"What makes you think you can punch my little brother like that," he asked her.
"He called me a palace brat," Daisy replied defensively.
"It still doesn't mean you can punch him," the third grader stated angrily.
"And what are you going to do about it," Daisy demanded angrily.
"Why I am going to teach you a lesson," the third grader replied.
Daisy dropped her books and put up her fists. "Just try," she shouted.
"Daisy maybe we should just go home," Maggie suggested nervously. Even though Daisy was strong these boys were much bigger.
"I'm gonna fight," Daisy declared.
"Oh no you're not," laughed the boy. Suddenly one of the other third grade boys grabbed Daisy's arms and pinned them down.
"Hey," Daisy protested as she started to struggle. Suddenly she was lying flat on her back with two of the boys pinning her down. The other boys began punching her over and over. Daisy screamed and struggled as she tried to get free.
"Leave her alone," Maggie screamed. She ran over and tried to push the boys off of Daisy. She got hit in the nose and she wheeled back onto the grass. She moaned and put her hand on her nose. When she removed her hand she saw blood on it. Maggie got up and ran toward the palace. She continued to run as tears screamed down her face. Maggie did not stop running until she got to the palace. She burst through the entrance. "Aunt Lita," she screamed hysterically.
"Maggie what is it," asked Lita in alarm as she picked the child up. She saw the blood coming out of Maggie's nose and immediately took out a handkerchief. She carefully pressed it to the child's nose. "We need to have Aunt Amy take a look at that. Now what's wrong?"
Through sobs and gasps Maggie managed to get out what had happened. Lita turned very pale. "Oh my I have got to get to her," she gasped. "Can you go to Aunt Amy's office by yourself?"
"I'll take her," Setsuna suddenly appeared. "I saw all of this happening from the Gates of Time. Go and help your daughter now."
"Mama," cried Maggie as she reached for Setsuna. Lita handed Maggie over to her mother and then headed for her car.
Daisy continued to struggle against the third grade boys but she could not get away. They were beating her up badly. "Please," she gasped. "Let me go."
"Not until we teach you a lesson," growled the leader of the boys. Daisy tried to get away but couldn't.
"Get off of her," Daisy suddenly heard her mother yell. The boys were pulled off of her. "What do you boys think you are doing? Hitting a little girl who is younger than you is the worst."
"Well she hit my brother and I was teaching her a lesson," growled the boy.
"And I will deal with her," Lita shouted as she knelt down by Daisy. "It's okay Sweetie. I'm here." Turning back to the boys she stated, "I will be calling your parents about this now go." The boys took off while Lita picked up her daughter and took her to the car.
"Well nothing is broken," Amy reported after she thoroughly examined Daisy. "She is going to have a shiner and quite a few bruises and cuts but thankfully nothing is broken."
"That's a relief," Lita stated as she ran a hand through Daisy's hair.
Amy handed her some ointment. "Apply this to the cuts and some ice to her eye. I'll get some medication for the pain. I will be by in the morning to check on her."
"Thank you Amy," Lita replied as she picked up her daughter and left the office.
That evening Daisy was sitting on the couch with Ken holding an ice pack to her eye. "Well when I found out I was going to have a daughter I never dreamed I would be dealing with shiners," he joked.
Lita came in. "I called the boys' parents," she informed them. "They will be dealt with."
"That's good," Ken replied.
"Mommy are you going to punish me," Daisy asked nervously.
"No," Lita told her. "I think you have been punished enough but we will be talking about it." Daisy gave a silent groan. Sometimes Lita's talks were worse than punishment.
A knock at the door interrupted the conversation. Lita answered it and Setsuna, Gary and Maggie came walking in. Maggie's nose looked a little swollen but other than that she was none the worse for wear. "There you go Sweetie," Setsuna said. "Daisy is all right."
"Daisy," Maggie dashed over and hugged her friend. "I was so scared."
"Me too," Daisy replied. "I was so glad when Mommy came."
"I went to get her," Maggie told her. "I didn't know what else to do."
'You did the right thing," Lita knelt down by Maggie and hugged her. "Daisy is very lucky to have a friend like you."
"Thank you Aunt Lita," Maggie returned the hug.
******
The boys at school were punished for what they did to Daisy. In the meantime Ms. Hoshino cracked down on Daisy and made sure she lost privileges every time she got into a fight. Lita and Ken also lay down the law for Daisy. Every time she brought a note home for fighting she lost a privilege. Unfortunately Daisy's temper usually got the better of her. Maggie did what she could to keep Daisy out of trouble but she could only do so much. Some days she succeeded and other days she didn't.
Time passed on and Daisy and Maggie got promoted to the second grade. Annika, Gloria and the twins were to start kindergarten that year. Annika was fearful and did not want to start at all.
A few days before the first day of school Daisy and Maggie were playing a game with Lita watching them when Raye came to visit. "I hope I didn't come at a bad time," she said.
"Of course not," Lita replied. "Where's Annika?"
"She's with Amy," Raye told her. "Mina, Haruka, Michiru and I all took the girls to meet their kindergarten teacher today. They have Ms. James."
"She is a wonderful teacher," Lita exclaimed. "Daisy loved her." She suddenly noticed that Raye looked worried. "What's wrong?"
"Annika sat on my lap the entire time with her arms wrapped around my neck," Raye replied. "I could not convince her to look around or anything. She is so scared. I want to keep her here and home school her but Amy told me that was not a good idea. I am just afraid of what is going to happen on the first day."
"She'll be okay Aunt Raye," Daisy piped up. "She'll see that school can be fun."
"Yes," Maggie added. "I was scared on my first day but I had fun."
"That's why I came by," Raye said. "I was wondering if you two could talk to her. Maybe you can tell her that school is fun."
"Of course," Maggie replied.
"I'll talk to her," Daisy added.
"Why don't I bring these two by your place in a half an hour," Lita suggested. "Then we'll let them talk to Annika."
"Thank you," Raye said in relief. She got up. "I'll go and get Annika right now."
After she left Daisy turned to her mother. "Mommy do you think we can help Annika?"
"I don't think you can hurt," Lita replied. "But Annika is very shy and she does not like being away from her mother."
"We'll talk to her," Maggie stated firmly and Daisy nodded in agreement.
Later on Lita brought the girls over to Raye's quarters. Annika was sitting on the floor playing with some of her stuffed animals. Raye brought the girls over to her. "Annika look who came to see you."
Annika looked up and saw Daisy and Maggie. "Hi," she said with a bright smile on her face.
"We heard you met Ms. James today," Daisy stated as she sat down by Annika. Annika only nodded her head in response.
"She's really nice," Maggie added.
"And her class is a lot of fun," Daisy put in.
"But Mama won't be there," Annika whispered.
"Of course not," Daisy replied. "But you'll get to see her after school."
"School is really a lot of fun," Maggie stated.
"Is it," Annika asked and the two little girls nodded their heads.
"Don't be so scared," Maggie patted Annika on the arm. "We'll be there if you need us."
"Yes," Daisy added. Annika looked a little more relaxed but not entirely convinced however Raye felt a little better.
"We'll see how she does," Raye sighed. "Thank you girls."
"You're welcome," Daisy and Maggie said together. They left with Lita.
Annika did cry when Raye left her at school on that first morning but she ended up having a good time. Maggie and Daisy kept giving her reassurance after that.
******
"I don't like her Mommy," Daisy stated. "She is really mean."
"I know honey," Lita sighed. "But the King and Queen needed a new PR manager and Ms. Ito had all of the qualifications."
"Nani," asked Daisy in a puzzled voice.
"Sorry," Lita replied. "Ms. Ito seemed to be the best for the job."
"I don't think she likes children," Daisy flatly pointed out.
"I think you are right," Lita silently agreed. Raye and Michiru both had their reservations about Ms. Ito and they got the impression that the woman did not like children. Sailor Pluto only confirmed their suspicions. Lita held out her arms and drew Daisy into them. "Just stay out of her way." Daisy only nodded her head in agreement.
A few days later Daisy and Maggie were racing inside the palace. "Come on," Daisy called. "Can't catch me."
"Oh yes I can," Maggie shouted as she chased after her best friend. Daisy giggled as she increased her speed. She was not watching where she was going and crashed into someone.
"I'm sorry," Daisy gasped and then she froze when she saw it was Ms. Ito.
"Why don't you watch where you are going," snapped Ms. Ito angrily.
"I said I was sorry," Daisy stuttered nervously.
Ms. Ito reached down and grabbed Daisy by the ponytail. Daisy howled in pain. "Are you going to watch where you are going," she asked.
"Let her go," shouted Maggie angrily.
"Quiet you," Ms. Ito snapped and Maggie clamped her mouth shut fearing that she would be next. Ms. Ito tightened her hold on Daisy's ponytail. "Are you going to watch where you are going?"
"Please let me go," sobbed Daisy as she tried to wrestle free but Ms. Ito did not loosen her grip.
"Not until you say you will watch where you are going," snapped Ms. Ito.
"I'll be careful just please let me go," Daisy sobbed. Ms. Ito let go and Daisy tumbled to the ground. Maggie ran over and helped her friend up.
"I had better not see you two running around again," Ms. Ito snapped and she walked away.
"Are you okay," Maggie asked in a worried voice.
"I think so," Daisy choked. Maggie tried to fix her friend's ponytail.
"Let's tell your Mommy," Maggie suggested.
"No," Daisy protested. "Ms. Ito might get mad at me again."
"But Daisy," Maggie stated. "She shouldn't have done that to you."
"I'm not telling Mommy," Daisy declared.
"Maggie," Gary came up. "Come on. We need to start getting ready for dinner."
"Yes Papa," Maggie replied. "See you later Daisy." Maggie skipped over to her father and the two headed back to their quarters.
"Papa," Maggie said later on after she was dressed for dinner. "Can I ask you something?"
"Of course," Gary replied. "What do you need?"
"Someone hurt Daisy and she doesn't want to tell Aunt Lita," Maggie stated. "I think she should tell. Would it be tattling if I told?"
"Who hurt Daisy," asked Gary. Maggie quietly told him what had happened. "You need to tell Aunt Lita. Ms Ito had no right doing that."
"So it's not tattling," Maggie asked.
"In this case no," Gary assured her. Maggie was satisfied with that answer.
After she finished eating Maggie walked over to Ken and Lita. "I have something to tell you."
"What is it Maggie," asked Lita. They sat quietly while Maggie told them what happened. Lita turned red with anger. "Daisy," she called.
"Nani Mommy," asked Daisy as she came over.
"Did Ms. Ito pull your hair today," Lita asked.
"Maggie you told," Daisy wailed.
"Daisy you didn't do anything wrong," Ken assured her.
"But what if Ms. Ito gets mad at me," asked Daisy.
"She will never lay another hand on you," Lita raged angrily.
"I knew she didn't like children," Michiru who had overheard the conversation stated.
"Yesterday she found some of Hope's art she dropped and ripped it to shreds right in front of her," Haruka added, her fists clenched with anger.
"Well wait until I get a hold of her," Lita said angrily. She started to get up but Ken grabbed her wrist.
"Why don't you cool off first," he suggested.
"No," Lita stubbornly declared. "I am going to take care of this now." With that she left the dining room.
"Daddy," Daisy murmured nervously. "Mommy is really mad."
"So am I honey," Ken put a reassuring arm around his daughter. "So am I."
Lita went right to Ms. Ito's quarters. She was shaking with anger. How dare someone hurt her child like that. Ms. Ito was not going to get away with this. She pounded on the door.
Ms. Ito answered. "Good evening Lady Jupiter," she greeted. "What can I do for you?"
"How dare you pull my child's hair today," Lita raged. "You are not to lay a hand on her again."
"She was running in the palace and crashed into me," Ms. Ito replied. "I wanted her to say she would be more careful."
"That does not give you the right to pull her hair," Lita shouted angrily. "You keep your hands off of her and if you even bump into her the wrong way I will use my 'Oak Evolution' attack on you. Have I made myself clear?"
"You have Lady Jupiter," Ms. Ito replied. "But you tell your daughter to stay out of my way."
That last comment made Lita even angrier. She was about to take a swing when someone grabbed her arm. She turned and saw it was Mina. "Don't do it Lita," she ordered. "When I heard you were here I thought I had better come. As your Scout commander and your friend I am ordering you to leave."
"Very well," Lita muttered realizing she was not going to help Daisy if she lost control. She turned to Ms. Ito. "But you don't lay a hand on my daughter again." Ms. Ito nodded her head and backed into her quarters.
Daisy and Maggie stayed away from Ms. Ito for the next several days. The day after Daisy's encounter with the woman Gloria had received a whipping from her that had left welts. Mina had been furious and also confronted the woman. Daisy had heard about the incident and grew even more fearful of Ms. Ito.
A few days later Daisy was in her room. She had just finished her homework when Lita came walking in.
"Hi Mommy," Daisy called.
"Hi Sweetie," Lita replied as she sat down on the bed. She pulled Daisy onto her lap. "There is something I need to tell you."
"Nani Mommy," asked Daisy.
"Ms. Ito has been put into the palace prison," Lita informed her. "She is going to the Royal Court. Uncle Asai will be the lawyer for the children. You will have to go to court and tell what Ms. Ito did to you."
"Okay" Daisy sighed. "Why did she get put in jail?"
"She locked Annika in a dark closet," Lita replied. "I thought she was going to stop breathing she was so hysterical."
"Annika's afraid of the dark," Daisy gasped as she widened her eyes. "Aunt Raye must have been really mad."
"She was," Lita confirmed. "Kami-sama, I thought she was going completely blow a fuse."
"Well I am glad that Ms. Ito is gone," Daisy stated. "I hated her."
"I know you did baby," Lita hugged her little girl. "I know you did."
******
To everyone's relief Ms. Ito got placed in the palace dungeon for a long-term sentence. Daisy and Gloria had no problem testifying in the Royal Court. Annika, on the other hand, was scared out of her wits. She was so terrified that Raye ended up having to get on the stand with her. Although Daisy loved Annika she could not understand why she was so scared all the time.
"I don't get it," Daisy mentioned to Maggie after school a few weeks later. "Why is Annika so scared of speaking in front of people?"
"I don't know," Maggie sighed. "I guess she just is."
"Annika is very shy," Lita pointed out as she walked into the room.
"Hi Mommy," Daisy squealed. "You're here early."
"I know," Lita bent down and kissed her daughter. "Remember it is Aunt Amy's and Uncle Greg's anniversary tomorrow. I am baking a cake for it."
"Oh yes," Daisy replied as she jumped up. "Can Maggie and I help?"
"Of course," laughed Lita and Daisy gave a squeal of delight.
"Uh oh does that mean another boring party tomorrow," asked Maggie.
"I'm afraid so girls," Lita told them and the girls pouted. "At least there will be more kids this time now that Annika, Gloria and the twins are going."
"Right," Daisy muttered. She and Maggie followed Lita into the kitchen. Soon all three of them were busy fixing a cake.
Crescent came wondering in. "Are we baking cake," he asked.
"Yes," Lita replied. "It's for the party tomorrow night so keep your paws out of it."
"Hey," Crescent protested as he jumped up on the counter. "We cats enjoy treats too."
"And you will get some at the party tomorrow," Daisy giggled. She flicked some flour at him. Maggie also flicked some at him.
"Now you both have asked for it," Crescent reached his paw into the bag of flour and tossed some at the girls.
"Watch you three," Lita warned. "I will not have any food fights in my kitchen."
"Sorry Aunt Lita," Maggie giggled.
Crescent decided to watch the baking from the shelf. He jumped up and missed his footing. He fell right into the bag of flour. Maggie and Daisy burst into laughter. "What is so funny," Crescent asked crossly as he climbed out.
"You," Daisy laughed.
"Oh no," Lita moaned when she saw where Crescent had landed.
"Sorry Ms. Lita," Crescent sighed.
"It's good thing I already put what I needed in the batter," Lita sighed. "All right you three out of my kitchen so that the cake can bake."
"Yes Ma'am," Daisy giggled as she left with Crescent and Maggie.
The next night Daisy was bored at the party. She stood in her green princess gown and watched the adults dance and socialize.
"You know," she stated to Maggie. "Ariel and Madelyn are lucky. They are too young to go to these things."
"Mom said they will both be coming next year," Rini informed her. "Then all of us will be here."
"Now as princesses all of you must know how to act at these parties," Luna said as she came up with Artemis, Diana and Crescent. Gloria, Annika and the twins were with them.
"Well they are boring," Gloria snapped.
"You just stay out of trouble tonight Missy," Artemis commanded. "Your mother told me to keep an eye on you and I don't want to get into trouble."
"Stupid Artemis," Gloria made a face. "I'm not going to listen to a dumb cat."
"You're the one, who's dumb," Daisy shot out.
"Am not," shouted Gloria. She grabbed a glass with punch in it and threw it at Daisy who gasped as she got it all over her.
"You little creep," Daisy flew at Gloria but was stopped. She turned and saw that both Maggie and Rini had a hold of her. "Let me at her."
"And you'll get into trouble too," Maggie pointed out.
"The little brat's mother is coming so let her deal with it," Rini added. Sure enough Mina came charging over.
"Gloria Kathryn Aino what did we talk about," Mina shouted. She reached down and gave Gloria a firm swat. Gloria howled as her mother dragged her away.
"Daisy," Lita came up. "Come on Sweetie let's get you cleaned up a little."
Still seething in anger Daisy allowed her mother to lead her away. Maggie came with them. As Lita started cleaning Daisy up she spoke to Maggie. "Thank you for stopping Daisy from fighting," she said. "I am glad she has a level-headed friend like you."
Maggie blushed with embarrassment. "You're welcome," she replied.
******
Time passed on and Maggie and Daisy finished second grade and started third. The new school year brought two changes. First Madelyn entered kindergarten. Second Rini went on to junior high. That left Maggie and Daisy taking charge of the younger ones once they parted ways with Rini. Even though she was only eight Maggie was very mature and responsible. Lita felt the responsibility would be good on Daisy too.
Maggie was also allowed to go to the Gates of Time to visit her mother without another adult having to come with her. Maggie had to have her appendix removed a few weeks before and Setsuna had made the decision that Maggie needed to see her more regularly. Maggie was delighted and came daily.
One day Maggie went to visit her mother and she brought Daisy with her. Sailor Pluto greeted her daughter with open arms. "Hi Darling," she said.
"Hi Mom," Maggie replied. "I hope you don't mind I asked Daisy to come with me."
"Mom said it was all right," Daisy added.
"I don't mind Small Lady visits me all the time," Pluto assured her. "So what are you two ladies up too?"
The girls began telling her about school. In the middle of the conversation Pluto got alerted to something. "I have to check my computer," she told them. "You two wait here and I will be right back."
Okay Mom," Maggie replied. She watched as Pluto walked away.
"Maggie what do you suppose happens when we open those gates," asked Daisy as she gazed at the large gates Pluto guarded.
"I don't know," Maggie replied. "Mom tells me that it leads to other times."
"Let's take a peek," Daisy hissed. "No one needs to know."
"Well I don't know," Maggie murmured doubtfully.
"Come on," Daisy urged. "I just want to see."
"So do I," Maggie admitted. "Okay just one little peek."
Pluto checked on her computer and saw that there was a just a small time ripple. It was nothing she had to be too concerned about. Pluto headed back toward the gates when a feeling of uneasiness washed over her. "Maggie," she thought and she quickened her pace. She got back and saw Maggie and Daisy opening the large gate. "Girls," she shouted.
"Mom," Maggie cried but it was too late. The Gates of Time had been opened and Maggie and Daisy were sucked into it.
"Maggie, Daisy," Pluto screamed.
To be continued...
E-mail me with suggestions and feedback to AngelRaye2@aol.com.
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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 B
By
Angel Raye
Daisy recovered from her fall in the well and life went on at the Crystal Palace. Rini looked forward to the day when the other children would become Chibi Scouts. However Luna and Artemis told her that they had to wait until Ariel was six. That was another four years away. Rini waited patiently and endured her practices with the adult Scouts.
Christmas approached and it showed signs of being one of the coldest winters in Crystal Tokyo. Everyone hoped for a white Christmas. This was going to be a special Christmas because it was the first one where all the children were going to be aware of what was happening now that Ariel was two.
A week before Christmas Maggie came to spend the night with Daisy. It was a cold night and snow was in the forecast. Daisy and Maggie eagerly watched out for it.
"How about if we bake a cake," Lita asked the girls. Daisy was learning how to cook and like her mother loved it.
"Yes," Daisy squealed in delight. Maggie nodded eagerly. The three of them got to work in the kitchen. Crescent came in at the sound of mixing.
"Are we making cake," he asked eagerly.
"Yes," Daisy dipped her finger in the batter and then held it out for Crescent to lick off.
"Delicious as always Ms. Lita," he stated. "I hope I will get a piece of the finished product."
"There will be a piece for you Crescent," Lita promised.
After the cake was baked Lita brought it into the living room. Everyone enjoyed a piece of it along with some hot chocolate.
"My compliments to the chefs," Ken declared. "I am a lucky man to have such good cooks in my family."
"Did you marry Mommy because she is a good cook Daddy," Daisy asked.
"That was one of the many reasons," Ken replied as he kissed Lita.
"I was about to say that there had better be other reasons than my cooking," Lita laughed as she and Ken shared a passionate kiss.
"Yuck Mommy and Daddy do you have to do that," Daisy wailed. Maggie giggled and covered her eyes.
"I think its time that little girls go to bed," Lita said as she got up.
"Do we have to Mommy," whined Daisy.
"Yes we're having fun," Maggie added.
"It's also late," Lita pointed out. "So let's go."
Sometime during the night Maggie woke up. She looked out the window and saw that it was snowing. In delight she sat up and pulled the curtains open wider. It looked like it had been snowing for a while. A thick blanket of snow covered the ground. Maggie hopped down off the bed and ran over to Daisy's bed. "Daisy," she whispered shaking the bed. "Wake up."
"Huh what is it," Daisy murmured sleepily.
"It's snowing," Maggie replied. "Look outside."
Daisy hopped out of bed and ran to the window. She saw the snow and gave a quiet squeal of delight. "I want to play in it," she declared. "What time is it?"
Maggie looked at the clock. They were recently learning to tell time in school. "I think it is around five in the morning," she replied.
"Let's go," Daisy hopped out of bed.
"Now," Maggie gasped in astonishment. "But it's still dark out."
"I can't wait until Mommy and Daddy get up," Daisy hissed. "Come on if we're quiet they won't know."
Maggie followed Daisy out to the coat rack. They pulled on their coats and slipped out the door.
"Maybe we should have gotten dressed," Maggie shivered in the cold. All they had done was pull coats on over their pajamas. In their eagerness to get outside they had gone out in their slippers. It wasn't long before both of their feet had turned blue.
"If we go in we might wake Mommy and Daddy," Daisy replied. She picked up a handful of snow and threw it at Maggie. It hit her in the head.
"Hey," Maggie protested. She picked up a handful of snow and threw it back. Pretty soon a grand snowball fight was going on.
A pounding on the door awakened Lita and Ken. Ken groaned and looked at the clock. It said five forty-five. "Who could it be at this time," he grumbled.
"I don't know but it had better be important," Lita muttered. She pulled on her robe and went to the door with Ken following her. She was surprised to see Pluto standing there. "Don't tell me you get the need to see your daughter at this hour of the morning."
"No," Pluto replied. "Since Maggie was born I received a motherly instinct when she is in trouble."
"Trouble," Lita exclaimed. "They are in bed."
"I am the Guardian of Time," Pluto reminded her. "I know what is happening. Right now two little girls who should be in bed are out playing in the snow."
"Nani," Lita shouted. She looked and saw that the girls' coats were missing. "Kami-sama," she muttered as she grabbed her coat and boots. "Ken you had better get Amy," she commanded. "I'll go out and get the girls."
"I'm coming with you," Pluto stated as she powered down. Lita nodded her head and grabbed a couple of blankets. The two women headed down toward the palace entrance.
"Maybe we should go in," Maggie suggested. The two girls were now wet and cold.
"I don't want Mommy to find us out here," Daisy sighed.
"Too late," a sharp voice made both girls jump. They looked up and saw Lita and Setsuna standing over them.
"Mama," Maggie gasped as Setsuna wrapped a blanket around her and picked her up.
"Mommy," Daisy also gasped. Lita knelt down and wrapped a blanket around her.
"What do you two think you are doing," asked Lita as she picked her daughter up.
"We wanted to play in the snow," Maggie explained.
"This early in the morning and in your pajamas," asked Setsuna as she and Lita carried the girls inside. "You both will catch your death out here."
Amy and Ken were waiting for them. Amy took one look at the wet, shivering girls and got right to business. "Get them out of those wet clothes," she ordered. She ushered them into the bathroom and began to fill the bathtub with warm water. Lita and Setsuna stripped the girls down and placed them into the tub.
A while later the girls were sitting on the couch wrapped in blankets. Lita had made hot chocolate for them and they were sipping it.
"What were you two thinking," asked Amy in an annoyed voice.
"That's what I was getting ready to ask," Lita muttered. She turned to Daisy, "Well?"
"We wanted to play in the snow," Daisy replied.
"It looked so pretty," Maggie added.
"Well you should have waited until daylight," Setsuna stated sternly.
"Not to mention you have gotten dressed," Lita added. "I don't want this happening again Daisy or Maggie will not be allowed to spend the night here. Do you understand?"
"Yes Mommy," Daisy replied.
"That goes for you too Maggie," Setsuna added.
"Yes Ma'am," Maggie murmured.
"I just hope you girls don't get sick," Amy muttered as she gave an enormous yawn.
"It would be a shame to be sick for Christmas," Ken added.
"I don't wanna be sick for Christmas," Daisy wailed.
"Me either," Maggie howled.
"Well we shall see," Lita sighed.
Fortunately the two girls did not get sick. Christmas day rolled around. The Royal Family and Scouts with their families gathered into the palace living room. The children tore through the gifts under the tree like animals. They were very excited.
"Mama look at what Santa gave me," Annika squealed as she opened a large present that contained a dollhouse. "I love Santa Claus."
"She claims to love him but I can't convince her to sit on his lap for a picture," Raye muttered dryly.
"Maybe when she gets older," Lita laughed
"Look what I got," Maggie held up a beautiful doll.
"It looks like the dolls Aunt Mika makes," Rini whispered to Serenity. Serenity and Setsuna shared knowing looks.
"Mommy why didn't I get a doll like that," Gloria asked with a pout.
"You got many other things," Mina told her.
"But I want a doll like that," Gloria shouted.
"Gloria," Mina's voice held a warning tone. Gloria clamped her mouth shut.
The adults started talking again while the children resumed their playing. Annika tried to get Gloria to play with her and her new dollhouse but Gloria had her eye on Maggie's doll. She really wanted a doll like that. Finally Maggie laid the doll down to help Ariel with a new toy she got. Gloria made her move and grabbed the doll.
"My doll," she called.
"No it's my doll," Maggie protested as she dashed over to get it. She clamped her hands around the doll and began pulling it. Gloria had a tight grasp on the doll and would not let go.
"Gloria let go," Mina commanded.
"No I want it," Gloria shouted. Maggie would not release her hold on the doll. Gloria leaned over and clamped her teeth down on Maggie's arm. Maggie let out a loud scream and let go. She burst into tears. Mina and Setsuna both started to head over to deal with their daughters but Daisy got there first.
"You brat," Daisy shouted as pushed Gloria down. She jumped on top of Gloria and began hitting her. Gloria screamed as she tried to get away from Daisy.
"Daisy Julia Kino," Lita shrieked as she dashed over. She picked Daisy up and swatted her backside. Daisy burst into tears. Mina had helped Gloria up. Once she determined that her daughter wasn't hurt she too gave her a few swats. Gloria began to cry too.
"You can just park yourself in the corner and you may not get out until I tell you," Lita told Daisy as she sat the child down.
"But Mommy she bit Maggie," Daisy protested as tears ran down her face.
"And you should have stayed out of it," Lita pointed out. "Now not one more word from you. You just sit there and think about what you did."
"Mama," Maggie sobbed. Setsuna had her in her arms while Amy examined the bite mark. Nearby Greg was trying to calm Ariel down since the noise had upset her.
"What is it Darling," Setsuna asked.
"Daisy got into trouble because of me again," Maggie cried.
"It's not your fault Maggie," Setsuna assured her.
"She'll be fine," Amy reported. "Gloria did not break the skin so there won't be an infection."
"That's a relief," Setsuna replied. "Thank you Amy." Amy nodded her head and then went to get Ariel from Greg.
"But it is my fault Mama," Maggie protested.
"Sweetie you did not make Daisy come over and start hitting Gloria," Setsuna stated. She looked over at both Daisy and Gloria sitting in their respective corners. "Daisy just needs to learn to control herself when she gets angry."
Maggie was not convinced but she knew there was no use in arguing with her mother. Annika came running over and asked her to play with her and her dollhouse so Maggie climbed down and joined her.
After what seemed like an eternity Lita came over and got Daisy out of the corner. "Let's go for a walk so that we can have a talk," Lita said. Daisy took her mother's hand and walked with her. They left the living room and walked around the palace. "What have we talked about?"
"That I shouldn't fight," Daisy muttered.
"That's right," Lita replied. "I know Maggie is your friend but you should have let Aunt Mina deal with Gloria. That wasn't your job."
"But Mommy she made me so mad when she bit Maggie," Daisy protested.
"I know that was not very nice of her," Lita agreed. "I wonder how Mina does it. But I don't want you fighting. Do you understand?"
"Yes Mommy," Daisy replied. She stopped walking and looked down. "I'm sorry I ruined Christmas."
Lita reached down and scooped her daughter us. "You didn't ruin Christmas Darling," she said. "Despite that little incident I have had a wonderful Christmas."
"Really," asked Daisy.
"Of course," Lita replied. She kissed her daughter. "I know what it is like to want to defend your friends," she stated. "But there is another way and we will work on it."
Daisy felt better. Lita took her back to the palace living room. Maggie was still playing with Annika. Daisy skipped over to her.
"Daisy," Maggie squealed as she hugged her best friend. "I am so sorry I got you into trouble."
"It's not your fault," Daisy replied. She dropped her voice to a whisper; "It's that brat Gloria's fault." Maggie giggled. She held up her little finger. Daisy immediately wrapped her finger around Maggie's. "Friends forever," Maggie asked.
"Friends forever," Daisy confirmed.
Nearby Lita and Setsuna watched with smiles on their faces.
******
Once Christmas was over the palace settled back to its regular routine. Daisy and Maggie grew like weeds. Like their mothers they were tall. They were among the taller girls in the first grade. However, that did not stop the other children from giving them the label 'palace brats.'
Daisy hated being called a palace brat. The children in the class figured that out and began to antagonize her over it. Daisy's fighting spirit got her into a lot of trouble. Maggie did what she could to help her friend but she did not usually succeed.
One day on the way home from school Daisy was seething. Rini had to stay after so the two little girls were by themselves. The children in the class had been calling Daisy and Maggie names all day. Daisy got mad and punched one of the boys in the jaw. She had a note to give to her parents and she knew she would be in trouble.
"I hate being called a palace brat," Daisy raged. She turned to Maggie. "Don't you hate it?"
"Of course," Maggie replied. "But Mama said I should just ignore them. I have cried a lot at night when no one was with me."
"My mommy says the same thing," Daisy grumbled.
"Is that her," a voice behind them said. The two girls turned to see the boy who Daisy had punched that day. With him was some third grade boys.
"That's her," the boy confirmed. One of the third grade boys turned to Daisy.
"What makes you think you can punch my little brother like that," he asked her.
"He called me a palace brat," Daisy replied defensively.
"It still doesn't mean you can punch him," the third grader stated angrily.
"And what are you going to do about it," Daisy demanded angrily.
"Why I am going to teach you a lesson," the third grader replied.
Daisy dropped her books and put up her fists. "Just try," she shouted.
"Daisy maybe we should just go home," Maggie suggested nervously. Even though Daisy was strong these boys were much bigger.
"I'm gonna fight," Daisy declared.
"Oh no you're not," laughed the boy. Suddenly one of the other third grade boys grabbed Daisy's arms and pinned them down.
"Hey," Daisy protested as she started to struggle. Suddenly she was lying flat on her back with two of the boys pinning her down. The other boys began punching her over and over. Daisy screamed and struggled as she tried to get free.
"Leave her alone," Maggie screamed. She ran over and tried to push the boys off of Daisy. She got hit in the nose and she wheeled back onto the grass. She moaned and put her hand on her nose. When she removed her hand she saw blood on it. Maggie got up and ran toward the palace. She continued to run as tears screamed down her face. Maggie did not stop running until she got to the palace. She burst through the entrance. "Aunt Lita," she screamed hysterically.
"Maggie what is it," asked Lita in alarm as she picked the child up. She saw the blood coming out of Maggie's nose and immediately took out a handkerchief. She carefully pressed it to the child's nose. "We need to have Aunt Amy take a look at that. Now what's wrong?"
Through sobs and gasps Maggie managed to get out what had happened. Lita turned very pale. "Oh my I have got to get to her," she gasped. "Can you go to Aunt Amy's office by yourself?"
"I'll take her," Setsuna suddenly appeared. "I saw all of this happening from the Gates of Time. Go and help your daughter now."
"Mama," cried Maggie as she reached for Setsuna. Lita handed Maggie over to her mother and then headed for her car.
Daisy continued to struggle against the third grade boys but she could not get away. They were beating her up badly. "Please," she gasped. "Let me go."
"Not until we teach you a lesson," growled the leader of the boys. Daisy tried to get away but couldn't.
"Get off of her," Daisy suddenly heard her mother yell. The boys were pulled off of her. "What do you boys think you are doing? Hitting a little girl who is younger than you is the worst."
"Well she hit my brother and I was teaching her a lesson," growled the boy.
"And I will deal with her," Lita shouted as she knelt down by Daisy. "It's okay Sweetie. I'm here." Turning back to the boys she stated, "I will be calling your parents about this now go." The boys took off while Lita picked up her daughter and took her to the car.
"Well nothing is broken," Amy reported after she thoroughly examined Daisy. "She is going to have a shiner and quite a few bruises and cuts but thankfully nothing is broken."
"That's a relief," Lita stated as she ran a hand through Daisy's hair.
Amy handed her some ointment. "Apply this to the cuts and some ice to her eye. I'll get some medication for the pain. I will be by in the morning to check on her."
"Thank you Amy," Lita replied as she picked up her daughter and left the office.
That evening Daisy was sitting on the couch with Ken holding an ice pack to her eye. "Well when I found out I was going to have a daughter I never dreamed I would be dealing with shiners," he joked.
Lita came in. "I called the boys' parents," she informed them. "They will be dealt with."
"That's good," Ken replied.
"Mommy are you going to punish me," Daisy asked nervously.
"No," Lita told her. "I think you have been punished enough but we will be talking about it." Daisy gave a silent groan. Sometimes Lita's talks were worse than punishment.
A knock at the door interrupted the conversation. Lita answered it and Setsuna, Gary and Maggie came walking in. Maggie's nose looked a little swollen but other than that she was none the worse for wear. "There you go Sweetie," Setsuna said. "Daisy is all right."
"Daisy," Maggie dashed over and hugged her friend. "I was so scared."
"Me too," Daisy replied. "I was so glad when Mommy came."
"I went to get her," Maggie told her. "I didn't know what else to do."
'You did the right thing," Lita knelt down by Maggie and hugged her. "Daisy is very lucky to have a friend like you."
"Thank you Aunt Lita," Maggie returned the hug.
******
The boys at school were punished for what they did to Daisy. In the meantime Ms. Hoshino cracked down on Daisy and made sure she lost privileges every time she got into a fight. Lita and Ken also lay down the law for Daisy. Every time she brought a note home for fighting she lost a privilege. Unfortunately Daisy's temper usually got the better of her. Maggie did what she could to keep Daisy out of trouble but she could only do so much. Some days she succeeded and other days she didn't.
Time passed on and Daisy and Maggie got promoted to the second grade. Annika, Gloria and the twins were to start kindergarten that year. Annika was fearful and did not want to start at all.
A few days before the first day of school Daisy and Maggie were playing a game with Lita watching them when Raye came to visit. "I hope I didn't come at a bad time," she said.
"Of course not," Lita replied. "Where's Annika?"
"She's with Amy," Raye told her. "Mina, Haruka, Michiru and I all took the girls to meet their kindergarten teacher today. They have Ms. James."
"She is a wonderful teacher," Lita exclaimed. "Daisy loved her." She suddenly noticed that Raye looked worried. "What's wrong?"
"Annika sat on my lap the entire time with her arms wrapped around my neck," Raye replied. "I could not convince her to look around or anything. She is so scared. I want to keep her here and home school her but Amy told me that was not a good idea. I am just afraid of what is going to happen on the first day."
"She'll be okay Aunt Raye," Daisy piped up. "She'll see that school can be fun."
"Yes," Maggie added. "I was scared on my first day but I had fun."
"That's why I came by," Raye said. "I was wondering if you two could talk to her. Maybe you can tell her that school is fun."
"Of course," Maggie replied.
"I'll talk to her," Daisy added.
"Why don't I bring these two by your place in a half an hour," Lita suggested. "Then we'll let them talk to Annika."
"Thank you," Raye said in relief. She got up. "I'll go and get Annika right now."
After she left Daisy turned to her mother. "Mommy do you think we can help Annika?"
"I don't think you can hurt," Lita replied. "But Annika is very shy and she does not like being away from her mother."
"We'll talk to her," Maggie stated firmly and Daisy nodded in agreement.
Later on Lita brought the girls over to Raye's quarters. Annika was sitting on the floor playing with some of her stuffed animals. Raye brought the girls over to her. "Annika look who came to see you."
Annika looked up and saw Daisy and Maggie. "Hi," she said with a bright smile on her face.
"We heard you met Ms. James today," Daisy stated as she sat down by Annika. Annika only nodded her head in response.
"She's really nice," Maggie added.
"And her class is a lot of fun," Daisy put in.
"But Mama won't be there," Annika whispered.
"Of course not," Daisy replied. "But you'll get to see her after school."
"School is really a lot of fun," Maggie stated.
"Is it," Annika asked and the two little girls nodded their heads.
"Don't be so scared," Maggie patted Annika on the arm. "We'll be there if you need us."
"Yes," Daisy added. Annika looked a little more relaxed but not entirely convinced however Raye felt a little better.
"We'll see how she does," Raye sighed. "Thank you girls."
"You're welcome," Daisy and Maggie said together. They left with Lita.
Annika did cry when Raye left her at school on that first morning but she ended up having a good time. Maggie and Daisy kept giving her reassurance after that.
******
"I don't like her Mommy," Daisy stated. "She is really mean."
"I know honey," Lita sighed. "But the King and Queen needed a new PR manager and Ms. Ito had all of the qualifications."
"Nani," asked Daisy in a puzzled voice.
"Sorry," Lita replied. "Ms. Ito seemed to be the best for the job."
"I don't think she likes children," Daisy flatly pointed out.
"I think you are right," Lita silently agreed. Raye and Michiru both had their reservations about Ms. Ito and they got the impression that the woman did not like children. Sailor Pluto only confirmed their suspicions. Lita held out her arms and drew Daisy into them. "Just stay out of her way." Daisy only nodded her head in agreement.
A few days later Daisy and Maggie were racing inside the palace. "Come on," Daisy called. "Can't catch me."
"Oh yes I can," Maggie shouted as she chased after her best friend. Daisy giggled as she increased her speed. She was not watching where she was going and crashed into someone.
"I'm sorry," Daisy gasped and then she froze when she saw it was Ms. Ito.
"Why don't you watch where you are going," snapped Ms. Ito angrily.
"I said I was sorry," Daisy stuttered nervously.
Ms. Ito reached down and grabbed Daisy by the ponytail. Daisy howled in pain. "Are you going to watch where you are going," she asked.
"Let her go," shouted Maggie angrily.
"Quiet you," Ms. Ito snapped and Maggie clamped her mouth shut fearing that she would be next. Ms. Ito tightened her hold on Daisy's ponytail. "Are you going to watch where you are going?"
"Please let me go," sobbed Daisy as she tried to wrestle free but Ms. Ito did not loosen her grip.
"Not until you say you will watch where you are going," snapped Ms. Ito.
"I'll be careful just please let me go," Daisy sobbed. Ms. Ito let go and Daisy tumbled to the ground. Maggie ran over and helped her friend up.
"I had better not see you two running around again," Ms. Ito snapped and she walked away.
"Are you okay," Maggie asked in a worried voice.
"I think so," Daisy choked. Maggie tried to fix her friend's ponytail.
"Let's tell your Mommy," Maggie suggested.
"No," Daisy protested. "Ms. Ito might get mad at me again."
"But Daisy," Maggie stated. "She shouldn't have done that to you."
"I'm not telling Mommy," Daisy declared.
"Maggie," Gary came up. "Come on. We need to start getting ready for dinner."
"Yes Papa," Maggie replied. "See you later Daisy." Maggie skipped over to her father and the two headed back to their quarters.
"Papa," Maggie said later on after she was dressed for dinner. "Can I ask you something?"
"Of course," Gary replied. "What do you need?"
"Someone hurt Daisy and she doesn't want to tell Aunt Lita," Maggie stated. "I think she should tell. Would it be tattling if I told?"
"Who hurt Daisy," asked Gary. Maggie quietly told him what had happened. "You need to tell Aunt Lita. Ms Ito had no right doing that."
"So it's not tattling," Maggie asked.
"In this case no," Gary assured her. Maggie was satisfied with that answer.
After she finished eating Maggie walked over to Ken and Lita. "I have something to tell you."
"What is it Maggie," asked Lita. They sat quietly while Maggie told them what happened. Lita turned red with anger. "Daisy," she called.
"Nani Mommy," asked Daisy as she came over.
"Did Ms. Ito pull your hair today," Lita asked.
"Maggie you told," Daisy wailed.
"Daisy you didn't do anything wrong," Ken assured her.
"But what if Ms. Ito gets mad at me," asked Daisy.
"She will never lay another hand on you," Lita raged angrily.
"I knew she didn't like children," Michiru who had overheard the conversation stated.
"Yesterday she found some of Hope's art she dropped and ripped it to shreds right in front of her," Haruka added, her fists clenched with anger.
"Well wait until I get a hold of her," Lita said angrily. She started to get up but Ken grabbed her wrist.
"Why don't you cool off first," he suggested.
"No," Lita stubbornly declared. "I am going to take care of this now." With that she left the dining room.
"Daddy," Daisy murmured nervously. "Mommy is really mad."
"So am I honey," Ken put a reassuring arm around his daughter. "So am I."
Lita went right to Ms. Ito's quarters. She was shaking with anger. How dare someone hurt her child like that. Ms. Ito was not going to get away with this. She pounded on the door.
Ms. Ito answered. "Good evening Lady Jupiter," she greeted. "What can I do for you?"
"How dare you pull my child's hair today," Lita raged. "You are not to lay a hand on her again."
"She was running in the palace and crashed into me," Ms. Ito replied. "I wanted her to say she would be more careful."
"That does not give you the right to pull her hair," Lita shouted angrily. "You keep your hands off of her and if you even bump into her the wrong way I will use my 'Oak Evolution' attack on you. Have I made myself clear?"
"You have Lady Jupiter," Ms. Ito replied. "But you tell your daughter to stay out of my way."
That last comment made Lita even angrier. She was about to take a swing when someone grabbed her arm. She turned and saw it was Mina. "Don't do it Lita," she ordered. "When I heard you were here I thought I had better come. As your Scout commander and your friend I am ordering you to leave."
"Very well," Lita muttered realizing she was not going to help Daisy if she lost control. She turned to Ms. Ito. "But you don't lay a hand on my daughter again." Ms. Ito nodded her head and backed into her quarters.
Daisy and Maggie stayed away from Ms. Ito for the next several days. The day after Daisy's encounter with the woman Gloria had received a whipping from her that had left welts. Mina had been furious and also confronted the woman. Daisy had heard about the incident and grew even more fearful of Ms. Ito.
A few days later Daisy was in her room. She had just finished her homework when Lita came walking in.
"Hi Mommy," Daisy called.
"Hi Sweetie," Lita replied as she sat down on the bed. She pulled Daisy onto her lap. "There is something I need to tell you."
"Nani Mommy," asked Daisy.
"Ms. Ito has been put into the palace prison," Lita informed her. "She is going to the Royal Court. Uncle Asai will be the lawyer for the children. You will have to go to court and tell what Ms. Ito did to you."
"Okay" Daisy sighed. "Why did she get put in jail?"
"She locked Annika in a dark closet," Lita replied. "I thought she was going to stop breathing she was so hysterical."
"Annika's afraid of the dark," Daisy gasped as she widened her eyes. "Aunt Raye must have been really mad."
"She was," Lita confirmed. "Kami-sama, I thought she was going completely blow a fuse."
"Well I am glad that Ms. Ito is gone," Daisy stated. "I hated her."
"I know you did baby," Lita hugged her little girl. "I know you did."
******
To everyone's relief Ms. Ito got placed in the palace dungeon for a long-term sentence. Daisy and Gloria had no problem testifying in the Royal Court. Annika, on the other hand, was scared out of her wits. She was so terrified that Raye ended up having to get on the stand with her. Although Daisy loved Annika she could not understand why she was so scared all the time.
"I don't get it," Daisy mentioned to Maggie after school a few weeks later. "Why is Annika so scared of speaking in front of people?"
"I don't know," Maggie sighed. "I guess she just is."
"Annika is very shy," Lita pointed out as she walked into the room.
"Hi Mommy," Daisy squealed. "You're here early."
"I know," Lita bent down and kissed her daughter. "Remember it is Aunt Amy's and Uncle Greg's anniversary tomorrow. I am baking a cake for it."
"Oh yes," Daisy replied as she jumped up. "Can Maggie and I help?"
"Of course," laughed Lita and Daisy gave a squeal of delight.
"Uh oh does that mean another boring party tomorrow," asked Maggie.
"I'm afraid so girls," Lita told them and the girls pouted. "At least there will be more kids this time now that Annika, Gloria and the twins are going."
"Right," Daisy muttered. She and Maggie followed Lita into the kitchen. Soon all three of them were busy fixing a cake.
Crescent came wondering in. "Are we baking cake," he asked.
"Yes," Lita replied. "It's for the party tomorrow night so keep your paws out of it."
"Hey," Crescent protested as he jumped up on the counter. "We cats enjoy treats too."
"And you will get some at the party tomorrow," Daisy giggled. She flicked some flour at him. Maggie also flicked some at him.
"Now you both have asked for it," Crescent reached his paw into the bag of flour and tossed some at the girls.
"Watch you three," Lita warned. "I will not have any food fights in my kitchen."
"Sorry Aunt Lita," Maggie giggled.
Crescent decided to watch the baking from the shelf. He jumped up and missed his footing. He fell right into the bag of flour. Maggie and Daisy burst into laughter. "What is so funny," Crescent asked crossly as he climbed out.
"You," Daisy laughed.
"Oh no," Lita moaned when she saw where Crescent had landed.
"Sorry Ms. Lita," Crescent sighed.
"It's good thing I already put what I needed in the batter," Lita sighed. "All right you three out of my kitchen so that the cake can bake."
"Yes Ma'am," Daisy giggled as she left with Crescent and Maggie.
The next night Daisy was bored at the party. She stood in her green princess gown and watched the adults dance and socialize.
"You know," she stated to Maggie. "Ariel and Madelyn are lucky. They are too young to go to these things."
"Mom said they will both be coming next year," Rini informed her. "Then all of us will be here."
"Now as princesses all of you must know how to act at these parties," Luna said as she came up with Artemis, Diana and Crescent. Gloria, Annika and the twins were with them.
"Well they are boring," Gloria snapped.
"You just stay out of trouble tonight Missy," Artemis commanded. "Your mother told me to keep an eye on you and I don't want to get into trouble."
"Stupid Artemis," Gloria made a face. "I'm not going to listen to a dumb cat."
"You're the one, who's dumb," Daisy shot out.
"Am not," shouted Gloria. She grabbed a glass with punch in it and threw it at Daisy who gasped as she got it all over her.
"You little creep," Daisy flew at Gloria but was stopped. She turned and saw that both Maggie and Rini had a hold of her. "Let me at her."
"And you'll get into trouble too," Maggie pointed out.
"The little brat's mother is coming so let her deal with it," Rini added. Sure enough Mina came charging over.
"Gloria Kathryn Aino what did we talk about," Mina shouted. She reached down and gave Gloria a firm swat. Gloria howled as her mother dragged her away.
"Daisy," Lita came up. "Come on Sweetie let's get you cleaned up a little."
Still seething in anger Daisy allowed her mother to lead her away. Maggie came with them. As Lita started cleaning Daisy up she spoke to Maggie. "Thank you for stopping Daisy from fighting," she said. "I am glad she has a level-headed friend like you."
Maggie blushed with embarrassment. "You're welcome," she replied.
******
Time passed on and Maggie and Daisy finished second grade and started third. The new school year brought two changes. First Madelyn entered kindergarten. Second Rini went on to junior high. That left Maggie and Daisy taking charge of the younger ones once they parted ways with Rini. Even though she was only eight Maggie was very mature and responsible. Lita felt the responsibility would be good on Daisy too.
Maggie was also allowed to go to the Gates of Time to visit her mother without another adult having to come with her. Maggie had to have her appendix removed a few weeks before and Setsuna had made the decision that Maggie needed to see her more regularly. Maggie was delighted and came daily.
One day Maggie went to visit her mother and she brought Daisy with her. Sailor Pluto greeted her daughter with open arms. "Hi Darling," she said.
"Hi Mom," Maggie replied. "I hope you don't mind I asked Daisy to come with me."
"Mom said it was all right," Daisy added.
"I don't mind Small Lady visits me all the time," Pluto assured her. "So what are you two ladies up too?"
The girls began telling her about school. In the middle of the conversation Pluto got alerted to something. "I have to check my computer," she told them. "You two wait here and I will be right back."
Okay Mom," Maggie replied. She watched as Pluto walked away.
"Maggie what do you suppose happens when we open those gates," asked Daisy as she gazed at the large gates Pluto guarded.
"I don't know," Maggie replied. "Mom tells me that it leads to other times."
"Let's take a peek," Daisy hissed. "No one needs to know."
"Well I don't know," Maggie murmured doubtfully.
"Come on," Daisy urged. "I just want to see."
"So do I," Maggie admitted. "Okay just one little peek."
Pluto checked on her computer and saw that there was a just a small time ripple. It was nothing she had to be too concerned about. Pluto headed back toward the gates when a feeling of uneasiness washed over her. "Maggie," she thought and she quickened her pace. She got back and saw Maggie and Daisy opening the large gate. "Girls," she shouted.
"Mom," Maggie cried but it was too late. The Gates of Time had been opened and Maggie and Daisy were sucked into it.
"Maggie, Daisy," Pluto screamed.
To be continued...