Hi Everyone! Here is part five. I hope you enjoy it. Read and review please.
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Disclaimers: I do not own Sailor Moon. With the exception of Rini I own this generation of Sailor Senshi.

The Cardians
Part Five
By
Angel Raye


Amy was worried. She had just given Ariel her bath and the child was very quiet the entire time. Usually Ariel was giggly and talkative during bath time. Now she was tucking Ariel into bed and the child was still bottled up. "Ariel darling," she began.
"Yes Mommy," Ariel replied.
"I know you've been saying that nothing is wrong," Amy told her. "But Mommy knows that there is something wrong with you. Why won't you tell me?"
Ariel felt her stomach tighten. She sat up and flung her arms around Amy's neck. "Mommy," she cried.
"What is it Darling," Amy asked as she held the little girl close to her. "Tell Mommy what's bothering you."
"Nothing's wrong Mommy," Ariel insisted.
"She won't tell me either," Moonbeam piped up.
Amy sighed and continued to hold Ariel close to her. She wasn't going to try and force Ariel to tell. She could only hope that eventually her child would open up. If she wasn't telling Moonbeam or Amy then she wasn't telling anybody.
A soft knock at the door got her attention. Amy looked up and saw Michiru. "Michiru," she exclaimed.
"Sorry to interrupt," Michiru stated as she came in. "Greg told me you were putting Ariel to bed and I wanted to ask you something before she fell asleep."
"It's no problem," Amy assured her. "What can we do for you?"
"Faith has baseball practice and Hope has to stay after school to practice for the school musical tomorrow," Michiru explained. "I know you're tied up tomorrow since both Annika and Daisy have sessions."
That's right," Amy sighed. She had a busy day and that meant Ariel would be spending most of the afternoon alone.
"How about if I take Ariel swimming for a little while," Michiru suggested. "She had wanted to a couple of weeks ago and I couldn't."
"That would be great," Amy exclaimed. She turned to Ariel. "Would you like to go swimming with Aunt Michiru tomorrow?"
"Yes Mommy," Ariel replied.
Amy smiled and tucked Ariel into bed. "Then tomorrow when you get home from school you can go and swim with Aunt Michiru."
"I'll meet you at the palace entrance," Michiru told the little girl. Ariel nodded her head. Amy kissed Ariel good night and left the room with Michiru.
"Michiru," she said taking the older woman by the arm. "I need a favor from you."
"What is it," asked Michiru.
"There's something bothering Ariel and she won't tell me what it is," Amy told her. "I was wondering if you could try talking to her."
"I can tell that something has been bothering her too," Michiru admitted. She looked at Amy's worried face. "I'll see what I can do."
"Thank you," Amy replied in relief.

"Mama," Madelyn said as Hotaru was tucking her in. "There's something wrong with Ariel."
"Why do you say that honey," asked Hotaru.
"She's been acting different lately," Madelyn explained. "She's really quiet all the time."
Hotaru frowned. She also had noticed the drastic change in Ariel's behavior the last couple of weeks. "Are you worried about her Madelyn," she asked.
"Yes," Madelyn replied. "Is she in trouble?"
"I don't know," Hotaru sighed. "But if she is she will need you to be her friend more then ever."
"I will Mama," Madelyn promised. "I'll always be her friend."

The next day Gloria dashed ahead of the other girls on the way home from school. She had been listening to the their accusations all day and it was too much. Gloria couldn't even defend herself now. She didn't see the point. They weren't going to believe her anyway so why bother? Gloria thought to herself. At least Annika and Rini believed her. It made her days more tolerable.
Mina was at the palace entrance with the other Senshi when Gloria burst in. "Where's the others," Lita asked.
"I ran ahead," Gloria replied. Suddenly she became like Annika and tears fell down her face. "I'm tired of them blaming me for releasing the Cardians. I didn't do it but they won't believe me." Gloria broke down and cried. Mina wrapped her arms around her daughter.
"It's okay Darling," Mina soothed as she ran her fingers through Gloria's long orange locks. "We'll find out who did it." She put an arm around her daughter and led her away. At that moment Annika came bursting in. She had tried to catch up with her best friend but Gloria was the faster runner and she left Annika in the dust.
"Mama," Annika stated. "Is Gloria okay?"
"She's just upset Baby," Raye replied as she hugged her daughter close to her. Like Annika, Raye's psychic ability told her that Gloria was innocent.

As promised Michiru took Ariel to the palace pool for a swim. Although she was only six Ariel was an excellent swimmer. Only Hope was better then her where the other children were concerned. Ariel had a wonderful time and it took her mind off of her troubles.
After about an hour Michiru decided it was time to get out since Hope and Faith were going to be home soon. Ariel started feeling the guilt again. The guilt was consuming her now. She stood silently with a troubled look on her face while Michiru dried her off.
Michiru decided to take this as an opportunity to talk to the little girl. "Is something on your mind Ariel," she asked.
"I...uh...I," Ariel fumbled for some words.
Michiru finished drying Ariel off and handed the child her clothes. Ariel began putting them on. "Mommy is very worried about you Ariel," she told her. "And everyone has noticed that you have been very troubled these last couple of weeks."
Ariel was silent as she finished dressing. She felt a huge lump in her throat and tears form in her eyes. Michiru was quick to notice them. "Don't hold things in Ariel," she said as she placed a hand on Ariel's shoulder. "It's better to talk about things."
The tears began to flow down Ariel's face. "I can't tell anyone," she cried. "Everyone will be so mad at me."
"Why is everyone going to be mad at you," Michiru asked as she pulled Ariel onto her lap. "Did you do something wrong?" Ariel nodded her head. "What did you do?"
Ariel found she couldn't keep it to herself any longer. "It was me," she whispered.
"What was," Michiru prodded.
"It was me to revived the Cardians," Ariel whispered. Michiru was shocked. Ariel softly continued. "I didn't mean to do it. I saw the tape and played it. I didn't know it was going to bring the Cardians back to life."
"That was you," Michiru exclaimed in astonishment. Ariel nodded her head. "Why didn't you tell anyone before,"
"I was scared," Ariel sobbed.
"Ariel you have to tell everyone," Michiru commanded.
"I can't," Ariel wailed. "I don't want to. Mommy and Daddy will be so mad."
"I know they will be," Michiru agreed. "But Gloria is being blamed for all this. Do you really think it's fair to keep quiet and let an innocent girl take the blame?"
"No," Ariel sighed. "But everyone is going to be so mad."
"Of course they are," Michiru stated. "But Gloria is miserable right now and she needs to be cleared of the blame. It is true that once you confess everyone will be upset and angry. It will probably be a while before anyone will trust you again too but you have to tell."
"I'm scared," Ariel choked.
"You'll be fine," Michiru assured her. "But you also have to tell before the guilt you feel completely overwhelms you." Ariel heaved a shuddery sigh. Michiru gave her back a reassuring pat. "I'll be with you when you confess," she told her. "Why don't we tell everyone after dinner tonight?" Ariel hesitated and then nodded her head. "It won't be easy but you're doing the right thing," Michiru pointed out. "You'll be okay. I promise."
"And you promise you'll stay with me," Ariel asked.
"I promise," Michiru replied. "I'll give you all the support you need."
Ariel found herself dreading dinner that evening but she knew Michiru was right. She had to tell the truth.

That night after dinner everyone gathered into the palace living room. Gloria was too miserable to play so she sat with her mother. It was hard for her with all the accusing eyes from the other children glaring at her. Michiru watched Gloria, feeling sorry for her. She hated to admit it but she also thought Gloria was the culprit. Michiru thought. She glanced over at Annika who had stuck by her best friend through all of this. Annika was snuggled up against her mother. Raye was talking with Serenity and had a protective arm around her daughter. Michiru thought.
Ariel was sitting on the floor nervously. She knew Michiru was going to draw everyone's attention to her in a moment. Throughout dinner she had picked at her food because she had no appetite. Amy, thinking Ariel was sick, had felt her forehead but saw no signs of a fever. Ariel wished Amy had taken her back to their quarters. Then she wouldn't have to tell tonight.
"Excuse me everyone," Michiru announced. "I need everyone's attention please." Everyone looked up in surprise. Haruka looked the most surprised. Usually if Michiru had to bring everyone's attention to her then she would have known about it. Michiru pulled Ariel over to her. "I'm sorry to interrupt everyone but Ariel has something she has to tell everyone."
Ariel gulped as she felt everyone's eyes on her. She looked and saw Amy and Greg staring at her with puzzled looks in their eyes. She felt herself get tongue-tied. Michiru gave her a nudge. "Go on," she commanded. "You have to tell them."
"Tell us what," Amy demanded.
Ariel lowered her eyes and looked at her shoes. "It was me," she whispered.
"What was you," asked Greg.
"I was the one, who revived the Cardians," Ariel choked as a tear rolled down her face. "I didn't mean too. It was an accident."
Everyone sat in shock. For a long moment no one said anything. Gloria was the one who finally broke the silence. "How could you," she screamed in anger. "You knew I was being blamed for this and you didn't say anything!"
"I'm sorry," Ariel sobbed. "I was scared."
"I always stick up for you in school," Gloria shouted angrily. "And now this is what you do to me?" Tears fell down her face. "I'll never forgive you for this Ariel Mia Mizuno," she screamed. "You let me take the blame all this time for something you did." With that Gloria tore off upstairs toward her quarters. Mina followed her.
"Poor Gloria," Annika commented. Ariel saw anger on her friend's sweet face. "How could you Ariel?" With that Annika left the room. Raye hesitated and then followed her daughter out of the room.
"I agree," Daisy stated. "That was mean Ariel. You knew we were blaming Gloria and you didn't say anything." Maggie and the twins muttered in agreement.
Ariel was crying hard now. Someone stood in front of her. Ariel looked up and saw her parents. She saw anger and disappointment in their eyes. "Let's go," Amy commanded taking Ariel's hand. "We'll discuss this in our quarters." Sobbing Ariel left with her parents.
"Well Michiru I never thought you would stir things up like that," Serenity stated.
"Ariel told me today," Michiru replied. "I told her she had to confess. It's not fair for Gloria to take the blame for something she didn't do."
Rini went up to the remaining Chibi Senshi. "All of you owe Gloria an apology," she told them.
"We will," Maggie stated and the others nodded their heads in agreement. Only Madelyn did not look angry. She sat there with a thoughtful look on her face.

Gloria lay on her bed with her face down in the pillow crying her eyes out. She was so angry and hurt right now. She couldn't believe that Ariel had revived the Cardians and then let her take the blame.
She felt a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Gloria," she heard her mother say. "It's all right Darling." Gloria sat up and flung herself into Mina's arms. Mina held her daughter close to her.
"Mom," choked Gloria when she had calmed down. "I am so angry at Ariel right now."
"I know you are Darling and you have every right to be," Mina soothed as she stroked Gloria's long hair. "But the important thing is that you have been cleared of the blame. I know the other girls are going to be apologizing to you."
"I don't know if I can forgive any of them Mom," Gloria admitted as she wiped the tears out of her eyes. She wasn't like Annika who could cry for hours. "They kept blaming me even though I told them I didn't do it. I am so mad at them."
Mina understood. Her daughter had been through a rough time these last couple of weeks. The girl was hurting right now. It would take a while for Gloria to forgive the others for what she had been through.

Ariel was also laying on her bed sobbing. Her bottom was hurting from the spanking her father had given her when they got back to their quarters. How she wished that Amy had given the spanking instead of Greg. Her hands were smaller and didn't hurt as much. After the spanking her parents had lectured her on how she shouldn't have let someone else take the blame for something she had done. They also told her how disappointed they were in her and that she would have gotten off a lot easier if she had just confessed right away. Amy and Greg had taken away most of Ariel's privileges for a couple of weeks. Ariel also had to write a letter of apology to Gloria. She couldn't remember when was the last time she felt so ashamed of herself.
She heard a noise at the door and looked up. Instead of one of her parents she saw Rini. "May I come in," Rini asked. Ariel nodded her head and sat up. Rini came in and sat down. She stared at the youngest member of her team for a very long time before she spoke. "I have to let you know that you are in for a rough ride."
"I know," Ariel murmured.
"You did something wrong and you let another member of the team take the blame," Rini continued. She stared at Ariel with her fiery red eyes. "You have lost everyone's trust and it is going to be a while before anyone trusts you again. You have to earn our trust back." Rini paused and gazed at Ariel. "I am trying to build a unifying team here Ariel. Every time I feel like our team has a good sense of teamwork something happens. You let everyone down tonight. Gloria's upset with everyone except Annika and me for blaming her. You've let everyone down by letting her take the blame. Everyone is upset with you. Right now my team is not united."
"Are you kicking me off," Ariel asked softly.
"No," Rini shook her head. "I need you. I need everyone on that team but you have shown us that you can't be trusted. As I have already said you will have to earn our trust back."
"Rini I'm really sorry," Ariel choked. "I just got so scared when I revived the Cardians."
Rini softened her gaze. "I understand," she told her. "I wasn't much older than you when I took the Silver Imperium Crystal and it disappeared inside of me. I repressed that for so long. I had to flee to the past to save my mother and everyone else. But you still should not have let Gloria take the blame. It wasn't fair on her."
"I know," Ariel sobbed.
"It will take a while before anyone can trust you," Rini reminded her. "It's not going to be easy for you but hang in there." Ariel nodded her head.
"Rini," Amy came to the door. "I need to give Ariel her bath now. It's almost her bedtime."
Rini nodded her head. She gave Ariel a pat on the shoulder and then left. Ariel gazed up at Amy. "Come on," Amy picked Ariel up. "It's getting late."
"Mommy do you hate me," Ariel asked anxiously.
Amy shook her head. "No Darling I could never hate you," she stated. "I love you very much. But I am very disappointed in you. I have taught you to be honest and trustworthy. I'm afraid the Chibi Senshi aren't the only ones whose trusts you have to earn back. You have to earn mine and Daddy's too."
"Mommy I am so sorry," Ariel began to cry as she buried her face in Amy's shoulder.
"I know you are Darling," Amy soothed. "I know."

Madelyn lay in her bed thinking about everything that had happened that day. She had very mixed feelings about it. She knew she should be angry with Ariel but it was hard to be angry with her best friend. The door opened a crack and Hotaru poked her head in. She was checking in on Madelyn before she went to bed.
"Mama," Madelyn called.
"Are you still awake," Hotaru asked in astonishment as she came in and sat down on the bed.
"Yes," Madelyn replied as she sat up. "I was thinking."
"About what," Hotaru inquired as she stroked Madelyn's short black hair.
"Ariel," Madelyn told her. "I know I should be angry but I'm not. She's my best friend."
Hotaru placed her hand under Madelyn's chin and lifted the child's face so that they were making direct eye contact. "I think you should go with your heart with this," she stated. "Ariel's going to need a friend through all of this and the way the others were talking tonight, they're not going to be too friendly with her for a while."
"I'll keep on being her friend Mama," Madelyn promised.
"Good girl," Hotaru smiled as she tucked Madelyn back into bed. "Now get some sleep. You have school tomorrow."
"Goodnight Mama," Madelyn said sleepily.
"Goodnight Darling," Hotaru kissed her daughter and left the room. Madelyn went to sleep promising herself she would support Ariel.

The next morning Ariel reluctantly headed toward the palace entrance with Amy. She knew she was in for cold stares from the other children. Ariel knew she couldn't fake being sick since Amy was a doctor.
The other children were already there. The talking stopped as soon as Ariel came out. Gloria was with Annika. Amy ushered Ariel over to Gloria. "What have you got to say Ariel," she asked.
Ariel took a deep breath. "I'm very sorry Gloria," she stated. "What I did was wrong and I hope you will forgive me."
Gloria glared at Ariel. "Why," she asked. "Why did you let me take the blame like that? You saw how upset I was and you didn't do anything."
"I'm sorry," Ariel whispered. "I'm very sorry."
"I don't want to talk to you right now," Gloria hissed. "So just stay away from me." With that Gloria walked away with Annika.
"Mommy," Ariel looked helplessly at Amy.
"I can't force her to forgive you," Amy pointed out. "Give her time." Amy bent down and kissed Ariel on the cheek. "Have a good day Darling. I'll see you when you get home." She turned and went back into the palace.
Ariel turned toward the other children. Daisy, Maggie and the twins were all looking at her coldly. "Why didn't you tell us Ariel," demanded Hope.
"You let us blame Gloria all this time," Daisy added.
"That was mean," Maggie finished. "Poor Gloria. No wonder she won't talk to us right now."
"Come on everyone," Faith said. "Let's get to school." The four girls walked ahead.
Ariel felt tears prickle her eyes. Even Maggie was disgusted with her. How could she ever get them to trust her again?
Suddenly Ariel was aware that someone was next to her. She looked up and saw Madelyn. "Aren't you going with them," she asked.
"No," Madelyn replied. "You're my best friend and I want to walk to school with you."
"Really," Ariel's blue eyes lit up. "You're not angry with me?"
"I was a little," Madelyn admitted. "But I think you need a friend right now."
"Thank you," Ariel whispered as Madelyn took her arm. The two little girls walked to school together.

It was a miserable day for Ariel. Since Madelyn was in the second grade she wasn't there for Ariel. Gloria wasn't talking to her and Annika and the twins were very distant with her. Ariel ended up having lunch alone. Gloria, still upset with the others, ate with Annika while the twins ate together. Ariel thought to herself. Now she was on her way home from school. Madelyn walked with her. The other girls had gone on ahead. Ariel didn't want to look at their cold stares.
"Want to get some ice cream," Madelyn asked.
"Can't," Ariel murmured. "Mommy and Daddy grounded me so I have to go straight home."
"Oh," Madelyn's face fell. She was trying to cheer Ariel up but with little success.
A scream got their attention. The two little girls broke into a run. They got to the square and saw a Cardian draining the energy of a group of people. Ariel and Madelyn looked at each other and nodded.
"MERCURY POWER MAKE UP!"
"SATURN POWER MAKE UP!"
After the transformation Chibi Mercury and Chibi Saturn dashed over to the action. "Hold it right there," Chibi Mercury called. "I may have accidentally revived you but I will not let you harm innocent people. I am an agent of love and justice, the Chibi Senshi of ice, Sailor Chibi Mercury. In the name of Mercury I will punish you."
"And I am the Chibi Senshi of death and destruction," Chibi Saturn shouted as she twirled her glaive. "I am Sailor Chibi Saturn and in the name of Saturn I will punish you."
The Cardian stopped stealing energy and focused its attention on the two Chibi Senshi. Chibi Saturn jumped up and twirled her glaive again. She hit it in the face. It growled and knocked Chibi Saturn down.
"Chibi Saturn," Chibi Mercury shouted. She powered up. "MERCURY ICY WATERFALL!" The attack flew out and covered the Cardian freezing him. Chibi Mercury dashed over to help Chibi Saturn up. "Are you all right," she asked.
"I think so," Chibi Saturn replied as she got up. She turned to the Cardian. "It's breaking through the ice."
"We need to call the others," Chibi Mercury gasped.
"No need," called a new voice. They turned to see Cosmic Moon. "I'm an agent of love and justice, a pretty soldier in a sailor suit, Sailor Cosmic Moon. In the name of the moon I will punish you."
"Hurry Cosmic Moon," Chibi Saturn shouted. "He's going to be free any minute right now."
"Right," Cosmic Moon pulled out her scepter. "MOON PRINCESS HEALING KISS!"
"Cleansing," the Cardian shouted before he reverted back into a card. Chibi Mercury picked it up. She turned to Cosmic Moon and Chibi Saturn. "I know all of this is my fault," she stated. "But I promise I will make it up to all of you."
"We know you will," Cosmic Moon replied. "But just remember you're in for a hard time."
"I know," Chibi Mercury sighed.
"Let's go home," Chibi Saturn stated. The three girls headed home.
Up in the air a strange woman was watching them. "So that's who revived the Cardians," she said. "Well watch out little one. I will get the rest of those Cardians and destroy you and the rest of the Senshi, both original and Chibi." With that she broke out laughing an evil laugh.

To be continued...