Hi Everyone! Here is Part Three to my latest series. Hope you enjoy it. In this part I will be taking you back to the beginning of part one where Annika and Gloria are standing in the rain with Raye watching.
Also I would like to extend my heart and sympathies to those who lost loved ones in the attack on America. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
E-mail me with suggestions and feedback to AngelRaye2@aol.com.
Also visit my web site at www.angelfire.com/anime3/chibiscouts
Captain Commando has set up a Chibi Scout message board at http://pub53.ezboard.com/bangelrayeschibiscouts. Please drop by and leave a message.
Disclaimers: I do not own Sailor Moon. With the exception of Rini I own this generation of Sailor Scouts.
I'm Here For You
Part Three
By
Angel Raye
Annika howled and threw her arms around her mother. "No I don't want to go to the hospital," she screamed.
"Then you mustn't run away from school again," Raye told her as she hugged the little girl close to her.
"I'm sorry Annika," Amy softly said as she rubbed Annika's back. "I know all of this upsets you but it was either that or you enroll in that program. Neither your parents nor I want you there because we know it will traumatize you. Believe me this was the only way. Do you understand?"
"Yes," Annika sobbed. "This is all of Miyaki's fault. I hate her."
"Hush Darling," Raye soothed. "We're going to get you through this. I promise."
"I won't run away," Annika sobbed. "I promise I will never run away from school again."
"Okay Darling," Raye whispered.
"Raye," Amy said and Raye looked up. "Why don't you take her back to your quarters now? I think the best thing for her is to be with her parents right now. I also think instead of joining everyone else for dinner that you three should just eat in your quarters. Annika's had a rough day and I think she should just be with her family. I can arrange to have dinner sent to your quarters."
"Very well," Raye agreed as she got up. She put an arm around Annika and led her out of Amy's office. Amy watched them go. "Someone is going to have to do something about Miyaki," she thought. Then she realized she hadn't seen her own daughter yet. Berating herself she left her office and headed toward her own quarters. She was glad to see Greg was there with Ariel on his lap. Not too many of the knights had flexible schedules but Greg and Gary did. Gary needed too because with Setsuna always at the Gates of Time he was practically raising Maggie by himself. Greg got a flexible schedule because with Amy being the palace physician was constantly on call. With Ariel being so young she needed to be with one of her parents most of the time. So whenever Amy was too busy Greg left his duties to be with Ariel.
"Mommy," Ariel squealed as she jumped up. Amy smiled and picked the little girl up. "Where were you?"
"I had some things to do Darling," Amy replied. She noticed a bruise on Ariel's cheek and took a closer look. "What happened here?"
"John and his gang got to her today," Greg replied grimly. "Obviously some parents don't mind if their children go around beating up little girls half their size."
"I can beat them if I become Sailor Chibi Mercury," Ariel piped up.
"Absolutely not," Amy and Greg protested together. Amy continued with, "That is for fighting to protect Crystal Tokyo, not to deal with bullies."
Ariel pouted. "Too bad," she stated. "Because then maybe Annika could get Miyaki to leave her alone."
"Isn't that the truth," Amy thought to herself as she carried Ariel into the bathroom so she could tend to the bruise.
Raye had finally calmed Annika down and sent her to her room to do her homework. Once Annika was done she sat down on her bed with Stardust in her lap. "I'm scared Stardust," she choked. "I really messed up now."
"You haven't messed up," Stardust assured her. "At least Amy has offered to put you in the hospital instead of that program should you run away from school again."
"I'm not running away from school again," Annika sobbed. "I hate Miyaki. I wish she would leave me alone."
Stardust jumped up and rubbed her head against Annika's cheek. "You'll be fine," she told Annika. "A lot of people love you. Just remember that."
"Annika sweetie," Raye came in. "Someone here's to see you."
Annika looked up and saw Gloria and Mina at the door. "How are you doing Pumpkin," Mina asked.
"Okay," Annika murmured.
"Ten minutes Gloria," Mina cautioned. She gave Annika a reassuring pat on the back and then followed Raye out of the room.
"I have something to tell you," Gloria stated. Annika looked up. "If I get into any more fights I will be suspended for two weeks."
"Oh no," Annika gasped. "Did you hear what will happen if I run away again?"
Gloria nodded her head. "Mom told me," she replied. She looked at Annika. "I'll try to protect you from Miyaki but I can't get myself suspended."
"I don't want you to get into trouble because of me," Annika whispered as a tear rolled down her face. "I'm not going to run away from school anymore." Gloria put her arms around Annika and the two girls hugged each other.
"Miyaki is going to be vicious tomorrow," Gloria thought to herself.
Due to the stress Annika had gone through that day Raye decided to put her to bed early that night. The child was physically and emotionally exhausted. Amy had arranged to have dinner sent up to them and the Mars family had a quiet dinner between them. Chad and Raye did what they could to keep Annika's mind off of what was going on with little success. Annika was too upset to think of anything else.
Raye peeked into Annika's room. Annika was asleep in her bed. She was tossing and turning. Several moans could be heard. It didn't take Raye's psychic powers or parental eye to tell her that Annika was not having a pleasant dream. She walked over and sat on the bed. She carefully lifted Annika into her arms and held her close.
Annika stirred and opened her eyes. "Mama," she murmured sleepily.
"Hush Darling," Raye whispered. "Go back to sleep." Annika snuggled into Raye's arms and went right back to sleep. Raye held her close until she felt that Annika was sleeping more peacefully. Then she tucked her back into bed, kissed her goodnight and left the room.
[Back to the beginning of Part one]
The events that happened these last several weeks whirled through Raye's mind. Gloria was right. Once she heard that Gloria couldn't fight anymore without being suspended Miyaki doubled her cruelty toward Annika. Annika put up with it but it was hard. So that was how she ended up leaving school without grabbing her book bag and coat in the rain. Now she was crying in Gloria's arms unaware that Raye was watching them. Hope and Ariel had told Raye what had happened she decided to go to her daughter. Raye walked over to the two girls. Gloria looked up and gently nudged Annika to get her attention. Annika saw her mother and flung herself into her arms. "Hush Sweetheart," Raye soothed as she rubbed Annika's back. "Lets get you home." Raye carried Annika to her car. Gloria followed them. Together the three of them went back to the palace.
Later on Gloria was in her room sitting on her bed. In her arms was her stuffed Artemis that Annika had made for her. All she could think about was how she was unable to do anything to help Annika today.
"Gloria," Mina came into the room. "Are you okay?"
"Yes," Gloria quickly replied.
"No you're not," Mina told her. "I'm your mother. I can tell you are upset. Come on. You can tell me what's wrong."
"I hated it Mom," Gloria stated as a tear rolled down her face. "Miyaki was being so mean to Annika and I couldn't do anything. I told her to shut up but she didn't listen. Annika was so sad."
"I know it's hard when someone you care about is hurting," Mina told her. "But I know one way you can help Annika without getting into trouble."
"What's that Mom," asked Gloria.
"Be there for her when she is upset," Mina replied. "Comfort her when she is sad. That is the best thing you can do for her. Let her know that you are there to comfort her."
"Will that help," Gloria asked.
"I guarantee it," Mina said. She put her arms around Gloria and hugged her tightly. "Annika will be grateful for that." Gloria gave it some thought and decided she would at least comfort Annika when she was upset.
Annika sat in her mother's arms. She had a session with Amy where all she did was sit and cry the entire time. She was too upset to talk. Amy found herself just trying to comfort Annika the best she could. As always Raye was the one who finally managed to calm Annika down. Now Annika was calm but she wanted to be close to her mother a little longer. She snuggled into Raye's arms and felt the comfort she always felt there.
"Mama I wish Miyaki would leave me alone," Annika whispered to Raye.
"I know Darling," Raye replied. "So do I. But she keeps picking on you because you are doing what she wants you to do."
"I can't help it Mama," Annika wailed.
"There is something you can do," Raye told her.
"What's that," asked Annika.
"Walk away," Raye stated. "If you walk away she might leave you alone."
"Walk away," Annika mused. "I think I can do that."
Later on Gloria decided to go and visit Sailor Pluto at the Gates of Time. Ever since Annika had fallen into the ice Gloria had found Pluto an easy person to confide in.
She arrived at the Time Portal and saw Pluto was at her post. "Hello my child," Pluto stated. She turned around. "You're distressed aren't you?"
"I guess you know why," Gloria replied.
"Yes," Pluto sighed. "Maggie has been filling me in to."
"I want to pound Miyaki and I can't," Gloria wailed.
Pluto knelt down beside Gloria. "Be patient," she advised.
"I can't do that," Gloria groaned.
"The time for Miyaki to get what she deserves is sooner then you think," Pluto told her. "Annika won't have to go through this much longer." She saw a look of doubt in Gloria's eyes. "Do you trust me?"
"Yes," Gloria replied.
"Then believe what I say," Pluto said. "This will be over soon."
Gloria took in what Pluto said and hoped it was true.
The next day at school Ms. Patterson was in the middle of teaching math when the teachers got called to a sudden meeting. She told the class to work quietly and that she would be right back. Of course once she left the children immediately began talking and playing. Annika pulled out a book. So did Ariel and Hope. Gloria got into an arm-wrestling match with a boy. Paper and other objects were being thrown around.
Miyaki saw all this as a golden opportunity. She and Nozomi went over to Annika. "So crybaby are you going to run away from school today," Miyaki cooed. Annika buried her face in her book and tried to ignore her. "Oh I forgot," Miyaki pretended to gasp. "You can't run away or you'll be in bigger trouble."
"Leave her alone," Hope stepped in. "Can't you grow up?"
"Get lost palace brat," Miyaki pushed Hope out of the way. She turned back to Annika. "So crybaby are you going to run to Mama?"
Annika remember what her mother told her. "Walk away," she thought. So she got up to walk over toward Gloria.
"Hey come back I'm talking to you crybaby," Miyaki called. The other children began to laugh when they saw Annika's tears roll down her face. Annika continued walking so Miyaki grabbed her shirt and yanked her back. "Come on crybaby you shouldn't walk away when people are talking to you." Annika gave a strangled cry as Miyaki continued yanking at her.
"Let her go," Gloria shouted.
"Or what," Miyaki sneered. "You'll fight me. Oh you can't. You'll be suspended for two weeks." Gloria stepped back helplessly. The children laughed as Miyaki continued to pick on Annika. She yanked Annika's shirt again. Annika tried to walk away but Miyaki had a tight grip on her.
Suddenly a rip was heard. Annika's shirt had ripped. In tears she fell to the floor. Remembering what Mina had told her Gloria knelt down and wrapped her arms around Annika. Miyaki began to laugh harder. "The crybaby is going to be in trouble with her mother now," she sneered. "Her clothes are torn." Suddenly she was aware that no one else was laughing. Miyaki looked around and saw the other children were staring at her with mixtures of shock, disbelief and disgust on their faces. "Come on everyone why aren't you laughing?"
"That was really mean Miyaki," one little girl stated.
"You're an idiot," a boy added.
"This isn't funny," another child said. Meanwhile Hope and Ariel both knelt down by Annika trying to comfort her.
Miyaki turned to Nozomi. "Help me out here," she hissed.
"Grow up," was all Nozomi stated. Miyaki was shocked.
Ms. Patterson came into the room. She saw a tearful Annika sitting on the floor with a torn shirt and surrounded by Gloria, Hope and Ariel. She saw the other children standing in silence around her. Then she saw Miyaki with a piece of Annika's torn shirt in her hands and was able to sum everything up. "To the principal's office now Miyaki," she ordered and whisked Miyaki out the door.
Raye went to check in on Annika. When the children got home the first thing Raye noticed was that Annika was wearing a shirt that was a size too large. The other children quickly told the adults what happened. Annika had stayed quiet. Amy had a session with her and determined that Annika was in shock over what had happened. What amazed Raye was that Annika wasn't crying after the session. But then she figured Annika was in shock.
She found Annika sitting on her bed with Stardust in her lap. She had changed out of her school uniform into a pair of jeans and a pink flowered shirt. She was gazing stoically out the window. "Annika," Raye said softly.
Annika looked up. "Mama," she murmured.
Raye went over and sat on the bed beside her daughter. Annika stared at her for a moment and then climbed up onto Raye's lap. She snuggled down into Raye's arms. A few minutes later Raye felt her priestess robes getting wet at the shoulder. "Mama I can't believe Miyaki did that to my shirt," she sobbed.
"Well at least this time she was the one, who got into trouble," Raye assured her. "And from what the others told me the rest of the class was disgusted with what Miyaki did."
"I'm still scared to go to school tomorrow," Annika choked.
"You'll be fine," Raye assured her. "Just have faith that you will have a good day."
Annika snuggled down in her mother's arms. She tried to believe that she would have a good day but she was still worried.
Faith ran to get her bookbag. She and the boys had enjoyed a game of soccer after school. She had called Haruka on her communicator and let her know that she would be home later. Haruka told her okay as long as she was back in time to do her homework.
"Hey Faith," Konyo came running over to her. "Where has your cute friend been?"
"Cute friend," Faith asked as she pulled on her jacket.
"Annika," Konyo replied. "I haven't seen her for a while and I was wondering where she was."
"Do you like Annika," Faith asked narrowing her eyes.
"She's a nice kid," Konyo told her. "I don't want to be her boyfriend but I wouldn't mind being her friend."
"Then I need to tell you something," Faith sighed. She quietly told Konyo what had been going on the last couple of weeks. Konyo looked angry when she was finished.
"I never liked Miyaki," he stated. "Now I really hate her."
"So do I," Faith sighed.
"Well I'll talk to Annika tomorrow," Konyo promised. "Just don't tell her." Faith nodded in agreement.
The next day a very reluctant Annika went to school with the other children. Gloria held her hand. She wanted to assure Annika as much as possible.
"You'll be all right Annika," Daisy assured her.
"You have us," Maggie added.
"I know," Annika whispered. She was really nervous. They walked into the schoolyard.
"Hey Annika," a voice called. Annika looked up and saw Konyo running toward her. She blushed furiously. "I haven't seen you for a while."
Annika shyly hid behind Maggie. After all that had happened she was ashamed and afraid of what Konyo would think of her. Konyo noticed how uncomfortable Annika looked. "I know what has happened," he offered. "Don't worry. Miyaki is just a jerk."
"Then you don't think I'm a crybaby," Annika whispered.
"I think you're a nice kid," Konyo replied. "I don't want to be your boyfriend but I want to be your friend."
"Really," Annika asked.
"Yes," Konyo informed her. He held up a bag. "I brought some of my mom's famous cookies today. Would you like to share them after school?"
"Yes I would like that," Annika shyly replied.
"See you then," Konyo told her as he took off.
"See," Gloria poked her. "Your day is starting off good." Annika nodded her head and followed Gloria, Hope and Ariel into their classroom. She went right to her desk and started getting herself ready for the day.
"Well here is the crybaby," Miyaki came up to her. "I saw you with Konyo. Stay away from him."
"No you stay away from her," a voice snapped. Annika looked up in surprise. The voice didn't belong to Gloria, Hope, Ariel or the teacher. She saw that is belonged to another girl in the class. Tsuya was one of the class leaders and very popular. "Annika may be a crybaby but she is at least nice."
"I agree," another girl by the name of Isako came up. "What you did yesterday was mean. It also wasn't funny."
"So the crybaby has protectors now," Miyaki sneered but she sounded a little unsure of herself.
"Yes," Gloria decided to get into the act.
"Don't Gloria," Tsuya held her arm out. "You'll get into trouble. Let us deal with Miyaki."
"Us," Hope questioned as she and Ariel came up.
"Us," Tsuya echoed. All the other girls in the class came up. "Miyaki is mean and we'll teach her a lesson." She looked at the other girls. "Let's go." Two girls grabbed Miyaki's arms and pulled her out of the classroom.
"I think you'll be okay now," Ariel assured Annika who looked astonished.
"Yes," Hope added. "I guess that is what everyone meant when they said Miyaki would get what is coming to her." Annika only nodded her head. She was very surprised at the sudden twist of events.
"So that is all that happened to today," Amy exclaimed after Annika had told her everything. They were having a session right now.
"Yes," Annika replied taking a sip of the water Amy had provided for her.
"You had a big day," Amy pointed out. Annika nodded in agreement. When the girls returned to class, Miyaki was the one in tears. Annika later found out that all the girls in the class, including Nozomi, had agreed to give Miyaki the silent treatment for a week. Miyaki stayed away from Annika for the rest of the day. Later on Annika had timidly asked Tsuya why they were all of the sudden helping her.
"Teasing is one thing," Tsuya told her. "But meanness is another. I never liked Miyaki because I thought she was so mean. After what she did yesterday I decided it was time we as a class did something about it."
"Thank you," Annika had whispered.
"You're welcome," Tsuya replied. She then looked at Annika for a long moment. "The others will still tease you because you are a crybaby," she pointed out. "You're a nice person but you have got to stop that crying."
Annika listened to what Tsuya told her. She couldn't help crying all the time and she knew the other kids would still make fun of her. However, she was glad that Miyaki would lay off her for a little while. She later found out that the principal had had given Miyaki after school detention for a week because of what she had done yesterday.
"Aunt Amy I don't know if I can stop being a crybaby," Annika softly told Amy.
Amy reached over and took Annika's small hand in hers. "We'll work together to help you over come that," she assured Annika. "Be patient. It might be a long time before you are able to stand up for yourself."
Annika got up and flung her arms around Amy. Amy smiled and held the little girl close to her. She made a silent promise that she would help Annika overcome these obstacles.
That evening after dinner Annika was sitting on her mother's lap. Raye had been pleased that Annika had a good day at school. She really hoped that Miyaki would lie off for a little while.
"Come on Annika," Gloria called. "Hope and Faith brought this cool new game. Let's play it."
"Go on," Raye urged. "You and I can have our time together later. Now is the time to enjoy being with your friends before bedtime."
"Okay Mama," Annika replied. She hopped down. Raye gave her a hug and a kiss and then let her go.
"She's had quite an ordeal these last few weeks hasn't she," Serenity observed.
"She has," Raye sighed. "And it's not over by a long shot but at least things have looked up for her a little bit." Raye turned to her best friend. "How did I end up with a child like you?"
"I've asked myself that too," Serenity laughed. "On the other hand Rini was a lot like you when she was younger."
"If they weren't born six years apart I would have wondered if Amy mixed them up at birth," Raye added and the two women laughed. Raye turned back toward Annika. "She has a lot of me in her too though and I wouldn't trade her for anything."
"Same here," Serenity agreed as she looked over at Rini who was talking with Mina. Raye and Serenity watched their daughters lovingly and were both glad just as they are.
"I bet you're glad the rest of the class is punishing Miyaki aren't you," Hope asked as they got the game set up.
"Yes," Annika sighed. "I'm just afraid that it won't last."
"Don't worry," Faith told her. "You have all of us."
"Yes," Gloria added. "And you told us Aunt Amy was going to help you."
"She is," Annika replied. "But she told me it could take a long time."
"Don't worry," Gloria took Annika's hand. "I'm here for you as long as you need me." Annika smiled and gave Gloria a hug. Then the four girls settled down to enjoy a game before bedtime.
The End.
Also I would like to extend my heart and sympathies to those who lost loved ones in the attack on America. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
E-mail me with suggestions and feedback to AngelRaye2@aol.com.
Also visit my web site at www.angelfire.com/anime3/chibiscouts
Captain Commando has set up a Chibi Scout message board at http://pub53.ezboard.com/bangelrayeschibiscouts. Please drop by and leave a message.
Disclaimers: I do not own Sailor Moon. With the exception of Rini I own this generation of Sailor Scouts.
I'm Here For You
Part Three
By
Angel Raye
Annika howled and threw her arms around her mother. "No I don't want to go to the hospital," she screamed.
"Then you mustn't run away from school again," Raye told her as she hugged the little girl close to her.
"I'm sorry Annika," Amy softly said as she rubbed Annika's back. "I know all of this upsets you but it was either that or you enroll in that program. Neither your parents nor I want you there because we know it will traumatize you. Believe me this was the only way. Do you understand?"
"Yes," Annika sobbed. "This is all of Miyaki's fault. I hate her."
"Hush Darling," Raye soothed. "We're going to get you through this. I promise."
"I won't run away," Annika sobbed. "I promise I will never run away from school again."
"Okay Darling," Raye whispered.
"Raye," Amy said and Raye looked up. "Why don't you take her back to your quarters now? I think the best thing for her is to be with her parents right now. I also think instead of joining everyone else for dinner that you three should just eat in your quarters. Annika's had a rough day and I think she should just be with her family. I can arrange to have dinner sent to your quarters."
"Very well," Raye agreed as she got up. She put an arm around Annika and led her out of Amy's office. Amy watched them go. "Someone is going to have to do something about Miyaki," she thought. Then she realized she hadn't seen her own daughter yet. Berating herself she left her office and headed toward her own quarters. She was glad to see Greg was there with Ariel on his lap. Not too many of the knights had flexible schedules but Greg and Gary did. Gary needed too because with Setsuna always at the Gates of Time he was practically raising Maggie by himself. Greg got a flexible schedule because with Amy being the palace physician was constantly on call. With Ariel being so young she needed to be with one of her parents most of the time. So whenever Amy was too busy Greg left his duties to be with Ariel.
"Mommy," Ariel squealed as she jumped up. Amy smiled and picked the little girl up. "Where were you?"
"I had some things to do Darling," Amy replied. She noticed a bruise on Ariel's cheek and took a closer look. "What happened here?"
"John and his gang got to her today," Greg replied grimly. "Obviously some parents don't mind if their children go around beating up little girls half their size."
"I can beat them if I become Sailor Chibi Mercury," Ariel piped up.
"Absolutely not," Amy and Greg protested together. Amy continued with, "That is for fighting to protect Crystal Tokyo, not to deal with bullies."
Ariel pouted. "Too bad," she stated. "Because then maybe Annika could get Miyaki to leave her alone."
"Isn't that the truth," Amy thought to herself as she carried Ariel into the bathroom so she could tend to the bruise.
Raye had finally calmed Annika down and sent her to her room to do her homework. Once Annika was done she sat down on her bed with Stardust in her lap. "I'm scared Stardust," she choked. "I really messed up now."
"You haven't messed up," Stardust assured her. "At least Amy has offered to put you in the hospital instead of that program should you run away from school again."
"I'm not running away from school again," Annika sobbed. "I hate Miyaki. I wish she would leave me alone."
Stardust jumped up and rubbed her head against Annika's cheek. "You'll be fine," she told Annika. "A lot of people love you. Just remember that."
"Annika sweetie," Raye came in. "Someone here's to see you."
Annika looked up and saw Gloria and Mina at the door. "How are you doing Pumpkin," Mina asked.
"Okay," Annika murmured.
"Ten minutes Gloria," Mina cautioned. She gave Annika a reassuring pat on the back and then followed Raye out of the room.
"I have something to tell you," Gloria stated. Annika looked up. "If I get into any more fights I will be suspended for two weeks."
"Oh no," Annika gasped. "Did you hear what will happen if I run away again?"
Gloria nodded her head. "Mom told me," she replied. She looked at Annika. "I'll try to protect you from Miyaki but I can't get myself suspended."
"I don't want you to get into trouble because of me," Annika whispered as a tear rolled down her face. "I'm not going to run away from school anymore." Gloria put her arms around Annika and the two girls hugged each other.
"Miyaki is going to be vicious tomorrow," Gloria thought to herself.
Due to the stress Annika had gone through that day Raye decided to put her to bed early that night. The child was physically and emotionally exhausted. Amy had arranged to have dinner sent up to them and the Mars family had a quiet dinner between them. Chad and Raye did what they could to keep Annika's mind off of what was going on with little success. Annika was too upset to think of anything else.
Raye peeked into Annika's room. Annika was asleep in her bed. She was tossing and turning. Several moans could be heard. It didn't take Raye's psychic powers or parental eye to tell her that Annika was not having a pleasant dream. She walked over and sat on the bed. She carefully lifted Annika into her arms and held her close.
Annika stirred and opened her eyes. "Mama," she murmured sleepily.
"Hush Darling," Raye whispered. "Go back to sleep." Annika snuggled into Raye's arms and went right back to sleep. Raye held her close until she felt that Annika was sleeping more peacefully. Then she tucked her back into bed, kissed her goodnight and left the room.
[Back to the beginning of Part one]
The events that happened these last several weeks whirled through Raye's mind. Gloria was right. Once she heard that Gloria couldn't fight anymore without being suspended Miyaki doubled her cruelty toward Annika. Annika put up with it but it was hard. So that was how she ended up leaving school without grabbing her book bag and coat in the rain. Now she was crying in Gloria's arms unaware that Raye was watching them. Hope and Ariel had told Raye what had happened she decided to go to her daughter. Raye walked over to the two girls. Gloria looked up and gently nudged Annika to get her attention. Annika saw her mother and flung herself into her arms. "Hush Sweetheart," Raye soothed as she rubbed Annika's back. "Lets get you home." Raye carried Annika to her car. Gloria followed them. Together the three of them went back to the palace.
Later on Gloria was in her room sitting on her bed. In her arms was her stuffed Artemis that Annika had made for her. All she could think about was how she was unable to do anything to help Annika today.
"Gloria," Mina came into the room. "Are you okay?"
"Yes," Gloria quickly replied.
"No you're not," Mina told her. "I'm your mother. I can tell you are upset. Come on. You can tell me what's wrong."
"I hated it Mom," Gloria stated as a tear rolled down her face. "Miyaki was being so mean to Annika and I couldn't do anything. I told her to shut up but she didn't listen. Annika was so sad."
"I know it's hard when someone you care about is hurting," Mina told her. "But I know one way you can help Annika without getting into trouble."
"What's that Mom," asked Gloria.
"Be there for her when she is upset," Mina replied. "Comfort her when she is sad. That is the best thing you can do for her. Let her know that you are there to comfort her."
"Will that help," Gloria asked.
"I guarantee it," Mina said. She put her arms around Gloria and hugged her tightly. "Annika will be grateful for that." Gloria gave it some thought and decided she would at least comfort Annika when she was upset.
Annika sat in her mother's arms. She had a session with Amy where all she did was sit and cry the entire time. She was too upset to talk. Amy found herself just trying to comfort Annika the best she could. As always Raye was the one who finally managed to calm Annika down. Now Annika was calm but she wanted to be close to her mother a little longer. She snuggled into Raye's arms and felt the comfort she always felt there.
"Mama I wish Miyaki would leave me alone," Annika whispered to Raye.
"I know Darling," Raye replied. "So do I. But she keeps picking on you because you are doing what she wants you to do."
"I can't help it Mama," Annika wailed.
"There is something you can do," Raye told her.
"What's that," asked Annika.
"Walk away," Raye stated. "If you walk away she might leave you alone."
"Walk away," Annika mused. "I think I can do that."
Later on Gloria decided to go and visit Sailor Pluto at the Gates of Time. Ever since Annika had fallen into the ice Gloria had found Pluto an easy person to confide in.
She arrived at the Time Portal and saw Pluto was at her post. "Hello my child," Pluto stated. She turned around. "You're distressed aren't you?"
"I guess you know why," Gloria replied.
"Yes," Pluto sighed. "Maggie has been filling me in to."
"I want to pound Miyaki and I can't," Gloria wailed.
Pluto knelt down beside Gloria. "Be patient," she advised.
"I can't do that," Gloria groaned.
"The time for Miyaki to get what she deserves is sooner then you think," Pluto told her. "Annika won't have to go through this much longer." She saw a look of doubt in Gloria's eyes. "Do you trust me?"
"Yes," Gloria replied.
"Then believe what I say," Pluto said. "This will be over soon."
Gloria took in what Pluto said and hoped it was true.
The next day at school Ms. Patterson was in the middle of teaching math when the teachers got called to a sudden meeting. She told the class to work quietly and that she would be right back. Of course once she left the children immediately began talking and playing. Annika pulled out a book. So did Ariel and Hope. Gloria got into an arm-wrestling match with a boy. Paper and other objects were being thrown around.
Miyaki saw all this as a golden opportunity. She and Nozomi went over to Annika. "So crybaby are you going to run away from school today," Miyaki cooed. Annika buried her face in her book and tried to ignore her. "Oh I forgot," Miyaki pretended to gasp. "You can't run away or you'll be in bigger trouble."
"Leave her alone," Hope stepped in. "Can't you grow up?"
"Get lost palace brat," Miyaki pushed Hope out of the way. She turned back to Annika. "So crybaby are you going to run to Mama?"
Annika remember what her mother told her. "Walk away," she thought. So she got up to walk over toward Gloria.
"Hey come back I'm talking to you crybaby," Miyaki called. The other children began to laugh when they saw Annika's tears roll down her face. Annika continued walking so Miyaki grabbed her shirt and yanked her back. "Come on crybaby you shouldn't walk away when people are talking to you." Annika gave a strangled cry as Miyaki continued yanking at her.
"Let her go," Gloria shouted.
"Or what," Miyaki sneered. "You'll fight me. Oh you can't. You'll be suspended for two weeks." Gloria stepped back helplessly. The children laughed as Miyaki continued to pick on Annika. She yanked Annika's shirt again. Annika tried to walk away but Miyaki had a tight grip on her.
Suddenly a rip was heard. Annika's shirt had ripped. In tears she fell to the floor. Remembering what Mina had told her Gloria knelt down and wrapped her arms around Annika. Miyaki began to laugh harder. "The crybaby is going to be in trouble with her mother now," she sneered. "Her clothes are torn." Suddenly she was aware that no one else was laughing. Miyaki looked around and saw the other children were staring at her with mixtures of shock, disbelief and disgust on their faces. "Come on everyone why aren't you laughing?"
"That was really mean Miyaki," one little girl stated.
"You're an idiot," a boy added.
"This isn't funny," another child said. Meanwhile Hope and Ariel both knelt down by Annika trying to comfort her.
Miyaki turned to Nozomi. "Help me out here," she hissed.
"Grow up," was all Nozomi stated. Miyaki was shocked.
Ms. Patterson came into the room. She saw a tearful Annika sitting on the floor with a torn shirt and surrounded by Gloria, Hope and Ariel. She saw the other children standing in silence around her. Then she saw Miyaki with a piece of Annika's torn shirt in her hands and was able to sum everything up. "To the principal's office now Miyaki," she ordered and whisked Miyaki out the door.
Raye went to check in on Annika. When the children got home the first thing Raye noticed was that Annika was wearing a shirt that was a size too large. The other children quickly told the adults what happened. Annika had stayed quiet. Amy had a session with her and determined that Annika was in shock over what had happened. What amazed Raye was that Annika wasn't crying after the session. But then she figured Annika was in shock.
She found Annika sitting on her bed with Stardust in her lap. She had changed out of her school uniform into a pair of jeans and a pink flowered shirt. She was gazing stoically out the window. "Annika," Raye said softly.
Annika looked up. "Mama," she murmured.
Raye went over and sat on the bed beside her daughter. Annika stared at her for a moment and then climbed up onto Raye's lap. She snuggled down into Raye's arms. A few minutes later Raye felt her priestess robes getting wet at the shoulder. "Mama I can't believe Miyaki did that to my shirt," she sobbed.
"Well at least this time she was the one, who got into trouble," Raye assured her. "And from what the others told me the rest of the class was disgusted with what Miyaki did."
"I'm still scared to go to school tomorrow," Annika choked.
"You'll be fine," Raye assured her. "Just have faith that you will have a good day."
Annika snuggled down in her mother's arms. She tried to believe that she would have a good day but she was still worried.
Faith ran to get her bookbag. She and the boys had enjoyed a game of soccer after school. She had called Haruka on her communicator and let her know that she would be home later. Haruka told her okay as long as she was back in time to do her homework.
"Hey Faith," Konyo came running over to her. "Where has your cute friend been?"
"Cute friend," Faith asked as she pulled on her jacket.
"Annika," Konyo replied. "I haven't seen her for a while and I was wondering where she was."
"Do you like Annika," Faith asked narrowing her eyes.
"She's a nice kid," Konyo told her. "I don't want to be her boyfriend but I wouldn't mind being her friend."
"Then I need to tell you something," Faith sighed. She quietly told Konyo what had been going on the last couple of weeks. Konyo looked angry when she was finished.
"I never liked Miyaki," he stated. "Now I really hate her."
"So do I," Faith sighed.
"Well I'll talk to Annika tomorrow," Konyo promised. "Just don't tell her." Faith nodded in agreement.
The next day a very reluctant Annika went to school with the other children. Gloria held her hand. She wanted to assure Annika as much as possible.
"You'll be all right Annika," Daisy assured her.
"You have us," Maggie added.
"I know," Annika whispered. She was really nervous. They walked into the schoolyard.
"Hey Annika," a voice called. Annika looked up and saw Konyo running toward her. She blushed furiously. "I haven't seen you for a while."
Annika shyly hid behind Maggie. After all that had happened she was ashamed and afraid of what Konyo would think of her. Konyo noticed how uncomfortable Annika looked. "I know what has happened," he offered. "Don't worry. Miyaki is just a jerk."
"Then you don't think I'm a crybaby," Annika whispered.
"I think you're a nice kid," Konyo replied. "I don't want to be your boyfriend but I want to be your friend."
"Really," Annika asked.
"Yes," Konyo informed her. He held up a bag. "I brought some of my mom's famous cookies today. Would you like to share them after school?"
"Yes I would like that," Annika shyly replied.
"See you then," Konyo told her as he took off.
"See," Gloria poked her. "Your day is starting off good." Annika nodded her head and followed Gloria, Hope and Ariel into their classroom. She went right to her desk and started getting herself ready for the day.
"Well here is the crybaby," Miyaki came up to her. "I saw you with Konyo. Stay away from him."
"No you stay away from her," a voice snapped. Annika looked up in surprise. The voice didn't belong to Gloria, Hope, Ariel or the teacher. She saw that is belonged to another girl in the class. Tsuya was one of the class leaders and very popular. "Annika may be a crybaby but she is at least nice."
"I agree," another girl by the name of Isako came up. "What you did yesterday was mean. It also wasn't funny."
"So the crybaby has protectors now," Miyaki sneered but she sounded a little unsure of herself.
"Yes," Gloria decided to get into the act.
"Don't Gloria," Tsuya held her arm out. "You'll get into trouble. Let us deal with Miyaki."
"Us," Hope questioned as she and Ariel came up.
"Us," Tsuya echoed. All the other girls in the class came up. "Miyaki is mean and we'll teach her a lesson." She looked at the other girls. "Let's go." Two girls grabbed Miyaki's arms and pulled her out of the classroom.
"I think you'll be okay now," Ariel assured Annika who looked astonished.
"Yes," Hope added. "I guess that is what everyone meant when they said Miyaki would get what is coming to her." Annika only nodded her head. She was very surprised at the sudden twist of events.
"So that is all that happened to today," Amy exclaimed after Annika had told her everything. They were having a session right now.
"Yes," Annika replied taking a sip of the water Amy had provided for her.
"You had a big day," Amy pointed out. Annika nodded in agreement. When the girls returned to class, Miyaki was the one in tears. Annika later found out that all the girls in the class, including Nozomi, had agreed to give Miyaki the silent treatment for a week. Miyaki stayed away from Annika for the rest of the day. Later on Annika had timidly asked Tsuya why they were all of the sudden helping her.
"Teasing is one thing," Tsuya told her. "But meanness is another. I never liked Miyaki because I thought she was so mean. After what she did yesterday I decided it was time we as a class did something about it."
"Thank you," Annika had whispered.
"You're welcome," Tsuya replied. She then looked at Annika for a long moment. "The others will still tease you because you are a crybaby," she pointed out. "You're a nice person but you have got to stop that crying."
Annika listened to what Tsuya told her. She couldn't help crying all the time and she knew the other kids would still make fun of her. However, she was glad that Miyaki would lay off her for a little while. She later found out that the principal had had given Miyaki after school detention for a week because of what she had done yesterday.
"Aunt Amy I don't know if I can stop being a crybaby," Annika softly told Amy.
Amy reached over and took Annika's small hand in hers. "We'll work together to help you over come that," she assured Annika. "Be patient. It might be a long time before you are able to stand up for yourself."
Annika got up and flung her arms around Amy. Amy smiled and held the little girl close to her. She made a silent promise that she would help Annika overcome these obstacles.
That evening after dinner Annika was sitting on her mother's lap. Raye had been pleased that Annika had a good day at school. She really hoped that Miyaki would lie off for a little while.
"Come on Annika," Gloria called. "Hope and Faith brought this cool new game. Let's play it."
"Go on," Raye urged. "You and I can have our time together later. Now is the time to enjoy being with your friends before bedtime."
"Okay Mama," Annika replied. She hopped down. Raye gave her a hug and a kiss and then let her go.
"She's had quite an ordeal these last few weeks hasn't she," Serenity observed.
"She has," Raye sighed. "And it's not over by a long shot but at least things have looked up for her a little bit." Raye turned to her best friend. "How did I end up with a child like you?"
"I've asked myself that too," Serenity laughed. "On the other hand Rini was a lot like you when she was younger."
"If they weren't born six years apart I would have wondered if Amy mixed them up at birth," Raye added and the two women laughed. Raye turned back toward Annika. "She has a lot of me in her too though and I wouldn't trade her for anything."
"Same here," Serenity agreed as she looked over at Rini who was talking with Mina. Raye and Serenity watched their daughters lovingly and were both glad just as they are.
"I bet you're glad the rest of the class is punishing Miyaki aren't you," Hope asked as they got the game set up.
"Yes," Annika sighed. "I'm just afraid that it won't last."
"Don't worry," Faith told her. "You have all of us."
"Yes," Gloria added. "And you told us Aunt Amy was going to help you."
"She is," Annika replied. "But she told me it could take a long time."
"Don't worry," Gloria took Annika's hand. "I'm here for you as long as you need me." Annika smiled and gave Gloria a hug. Then the four girls settled down to enjoy a game before bedtime.
The End.