Here is the final part to "Lost in Time." I hope all of you have enjoyed this series. I know I enjoyed writing it. Review please!
E-mail me at AngelRaye2@aol.com
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Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon. With the exception of Rini I own all of the Senshi's children.
Lost in Time
Part Eleven
By Angel Raye
Neo-Queen Serenity gazed at the infant in the baby carriage. Small Lady was now three months old. Serenity couldn't believe it. She had waited for many years for Rini to come along and now she was here. To the queen her life was complete. She was married to the love of her life, King Endymion and she had her daughter. Her friends the Sailor Senshi all lived at the palace with her with their husbands. Amy was off on her honeymoon with Greg right now. Hotaru was the only one who wasn't married but she was dating someone by the name of Anthony. From what Haruka and Michiru said it was serious.
Serenity having her baby gave the other Senshi something to look forward too. Back in the 20th century other daughters of the Sailor Senshi visited too. Everyone looked forward to the day they would become parents. Lita was excited because she and Setsuna would each have a daughter in a few years.
"How are you doing Serenity," Raye came outside. It was a beautiful fall day so the queen took her baby outside for some air.
"I'm doing fine Raye," Serenity replied. She gazed at Small Lady. "I never dreamed that having a child would be this wonderful."
Raye smiled down at the sleeping baby in the carriage. She had been asked to be Rini's mentor and godmother. She had graciously accepted the honor. "She is kawaii," Raye sighed.
"I guess you can look forward to Annika now," Serenity laughed. Although their memories of the 20th century were somewhat clouded due to the big freeze vague memories of their daughters were still in their minds.
Raye blushed. "Chad and I have only been married for a few months," she reminded Serenity. "We would like to enjoy our time together before having children. Besides if I recall Annika was quite a few years younger than Small Lady."
"True," Serenity sighed. "I'm just glad that it's finally happening."
"We all are," Raye assured her.
A flash of light appeared in the sky and two figures dropped out of it. Serenity protectively stood over the carriage. Raye pulled out her henshin wand and got ready to transform if she needed too. "Serenity stay here," she commanded and she dashed over to the bushes. Raye peered in the bushes and called, "We know you're in here. Come on out."
Two small figures emerged. Raye gave a gasp. "Hope, Ariel," she cried.
"Aunt Raye," Hope ran over and took her hand. "Are we home yet? Are we in the right time?"
Memories came flooding back. These two little girls were lost in time and were frantically trying to find their way home. "It's all right Serenity," Raye called to her best friend.
Serenity came out pushing the baby carriage. Hope's eyes widened. "Is that Rini," she asked.
"Yes it is," Raye replied.
Ariel began to cry.
The Senshi all stared at the two little girls. Ariel was still crying on Lita's lap. "Where's my mommy," she sobbed. "I want my mommy."
"Sweetie your mommy is on her honeymoon right now," Lita soothed. "She's not here."
"I want my mommy," Ariel screamed.
"Will you settle for me," asked Lita. Ariel didn't reply. She stuck her thumb in her mouth and continued to sob.
"Hope," Michiru's gently said as she placed a hand on the girl's shoulder. "How are you doing?"
Hope sucked in some breath. "I'm tired Michiru-mama," she choked. "I was so hoping we'd get home this time. Last place we visited I was hoping we could see Aunt Setsuna and have her send us home. But she was away. We haven't seen her at all since this started."
"Calm down," Michiru drew Hope into an embrace. Hope broke down and began sobbing.
"This is all so hard," she cried. "Ariel is getting worse and we can't get home. Now her mother isn't even here."
"Maybe we could contact Amy and have her come home," Mina suggested.
"Great idea," Raye snapped. "Call Amy and Greg on their honeymoon and say 'you need to get home. Your future daughter needs you.' How are we going to explain that to Greg?"
"Just a suggestion," Mina muttered.
"I can take care of Ariel," Lita offered. "Ken is out of town for a few days so I wouldn't have to explain Ariel to him."
"Is that okay with you Ariel," Serenity asked gently.
"I want my mommy," she cried.
"Mommy's not here," Lita explained again. "Now you have your choice. I can take care of you or one of the others can."
Ariel tightened her hold on Lita who took this as a yes. Hope held onto Michiru. "Haruka and I will keep Hope," Michiru stated.
"That's a good idea," Hotaru stated.
"The important thing is that we keep the knights from finding out about this," Serenity told everyone. "In the meantime we should try and find Pluto. I haven't seen her for a few days."
"I have a feeling this one isn't going to want to do anything," Lita gazed down at Ariel. She had her thumb in her mouth and was not talking.
"There's a note in her pocket," Hope murmured. Lita fished around and found it.
"Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome," she commented. "Great. Amy is the only one who is qualified to deal with that right now."
"Just comfort her the best you can Lita," Serenity said. "That's all any of us can do."
"I'll do my best for her," Lita sighed. She picked Ariel up and carried her out of the conference room.
"Come on Hope," Michiru took Hope's hand. "Let's go to our quarters." Hope gladly went with Michiru and Haruka.
"I wonder why they haven't been able to see Pluto at all," Mina mused.
"Who knows," Raye sighed. "But I am picking up strong emotions and feelings from them. These two need to get home soon."
"Let's hope they can get home soon," Hotaru sighed and everyone nodded in agreement.
Hope lay back on the bed and closed her eyes. She was very tired right now. "I can't remember ever feeling this tired," she said out loud to herself.
"That's because you're very stressed right now," Michiru commented as she came in.
"I want to go home," Hope sighed. "This is getting so bad now and each time we stop Ariel gets worse and worse. And this time her mama isn't here. Aunt Lita won't be able to get her to stop crying."
"You just let Aunt Lita worry about that," Michiru commanded. "You're just a little girl yourself. You don't need to have so many worries."
"You know," Hope whispered. "Sometimes I look at Ariel when she is crying and wish I could do that."
"What's stopping you," Michiru asked as she sat down on the bed next to Hope.
"I'm the oldest," Hope stated. "I have to be strong for her."
"She's not here," Michiru reminded her. "If I recall when you were with me in the 20th century you let your emotions loose."
I did," Hope whispered. "We just came from there."
Michiru cupped Hope's face in her hands. "Let it out," she gently commanded. "I'm here with you. It will be okay."
Hope was glad for this opportunity. She let the tears begin to spill as she let out her frustrations. Michiru wrapped her arms around the child and worked on comforting her. she thought.
Lita was exhausted. She almost wished that they had followed Mina up on her suggestion and called Amy back from her honeymoon. But she knew that wouldn't be fair to Amy and Greg was probably not ready to be told that he was going to have a daughter who would be badly traumatized by something. Lita really wondered what had happened to little Ariel. She was very withdrawn. And with the way her behavior was didn't make her that different from Small Lady right now. Ariel had her thumb in her mouth constantly. When Lita was giving the little girl her bath she had to do everything for her. Lita had thought. Ariel also did not eat much at dinner. She spent most of the time picking at her food.
"Ariel it's time you were in bed," Lita gently told her. The little girl was looking through a book.
"I want Mommy," Ariel choked. "I want her to kiss me goodnight."
"Sweetie I already explained to you that Mommy and Daddy on their honeymoon right now," Lita explained.
Ariel began to cry bitterly. "I want to go home," she wailed. "I'm tired of bad things happening to me. I want to be with my mommy."
"Ariel," Lita picked the little girl up. "Did something really awful happen to you before you got lost in time?"
Ariel nodded her head. Her eyes were wide with terror. Lita could see the trauma in the little girl's eyes. She knew Amy had also picked up a degree in psychology as well as a medical degree. Amy was qualified to work with a traumatized child. "Was Mommy working with you before you got lost," Lita asked. Ariel nodded again. "You really need to be back home," Lita sighed. Ariel rested her head on Lita's shoulder. "We're trying to find Pluto but there is no sign of her anywhere."
"We haven't seen her at all," Ariel whispered. She looked at Lita. "I want to go home." Ariel began to sob hysterically. Lita carried her over to the bedroom. She decided to let the child sleep with her tonight. She tucked Ariel into bed.
"Would you like me to stay with you until you go to sleep," she asked. Ariel nodded her head. Lita lay down next to her and wrapped her arms around the child. It wasn't long before Ariel had finally cried herself to sleep. Then Lita slipped out of the room to watch TV.
It was only about an hour before Ariel woke up screaming from a nightmare.
"She's so kawaii," Hope cooed as she gazed at Small Lady in Serenity's arms. She reached over and let the baby take her finger. "She already has a good grip," she said with a chuckle.
"That she does," Serenity sighed. She kissed the infant on the head. "Would you like to hold her for a moment?"
Hope giggled at the irony of holding a baby who was actually six years older than her. She nodded her head and sat down. Serenity carefully placed the small princess in her arms. Hope smiled. There were tiny pink odangos in her hair. "She has a lot of hair already doesn't she," Hope commented.
"She takes after me in that respect," Serenity laughed. "I had odangos in my hair as an infant too."
"You look better today Hope," Raye observed.
"I'm okay," Hope admitted. "Michiru-mama let me cry for a long time last night." She gazed down at Rini. "But then this baby is making me feel good. She's like that as a teenager too. Rini always makes me smile."
"Just like her mother is with us," Mina softly observed. Serenity blushed.
Lita came in carrying Ariel in her arms. It was clear from the look on Lita's face that she didn't get much sleep the night before. "Rough night," Michiru asked.
"Five nightmares," Lita stated as she indicated to Ariel. "How about trying that time key Hope?"
Hope nodded her head. She handed Small Lady back to Serenity and pulled the time key out of her pocket. She was about to activate when a new voice called out, "Stop!"
Everyone turned around. Hope and Ariel saw the voice belonged to the one Senshi they had not seen since this journey began. "Sailor Pluto," Hope cried.
"I have been searching the entire time stream trying to find you," Pluto told her. "Every time I would get a fix on your location you would reactivate the time key."
"You mean we could have stayed in one place and you would have found us," Hope cried in disbelief.
"Yes," Pluto replied. Ariel began to cry again while tears of frustration filled Hope's eyes.
"Maybe we could tell them that when they get to the future," Serenity suggested.
Pluto shook her head. "No," she told them. "I know all of this has been a hard ordeal for them but one thing came out of all this." She looked at Hope and Ariel. "You two have formed a very strong bond haven't you?"
Hope nodded her head as she wiped the tears out of her eyes. "I feel like she's one of my best friends now," she whispered. "How about you Ariel?" Through her sobs and tears Ariel nodded.
"That is what all of this was for," Pluto told them. "That bond will be important when you are older. Not only that Hope but you have learned something important in all of this." Hope wondered what Pluto was talking about.
"I want Mommy," Ariel sobbed as she buried her face in Lita's shoulder.
"Mommy and Daddy are both waiting for you in your time," Pluto told her. She held out her arms and Ariel went into them.
Lita smiled and kissed Ariel on the head. "I'll see you in the future," she told her. "You cooperate with Mommy so that you may get better." Ariel nodded her head.
Hope turned to Haruka and Michiru. "I thought I would be lost in time forever," she choked. "I'm so glad I am finally going home."
"Relax when you get there," Michiru told her. "And from the way things sound you're going to need to talk to Aunt Amy too."
"We'll make an appointment when you return," Haruka added.
"I'll cooperate," Hope promised as she hugged both of them. She was so glad that she was finally going home. She turned to Serenity and the rest of the Senshi. "I'll see you in the future."
"At least seeing you assures us that our daughters who came to see us weren't dreams," Mina stated.
"I look forward to the day when I become a parent," Raye added.
Hope turned to Raye, "Annika is one of my closest friends." Raye looked pleased.
Pluto took Hope by the hand. "Let's go home," she said. And carrying Ariel, she led Hope out the door.
Amy, Greg, Haruka, Michiru and Faith all waited anxiously at the time portal. They had gotten word that Sailor Pluto had finally found the girls. Amy was worried about Ariel. She really wondered how the child's emotional state was going to be.
Sailor Pluto emerged from the portal. She was holding Hope's hand and carrying Ariel. As soon as she saw her family Hope broke free and ran to them. "Hope," Faith screamed as she ran toward her sister. Hope flung herself into her sister's arms. "I missed you so much."
"I missed you too," Hope sobbed. Michiru and Haruka came running over. Hope flung her arms around them and began to cry very hard.
"It's okay Hope," Michiru soothed. "You're home now."
"You're a strong person Hope," Haruka added. She kissed Hope on the head. "Welcome home."
Meanwhile Amy and Greg dashed over to Pluto. "Ariel sweetie," Amy whispered. "Mommy and Daddy are here."
"Mommy," Ariel choked. "Am I home?"
"Yes Princess," Greg replied. "You're home."
"Mommy, Daddy," Ariel cried as she reached for Amy. Amy took Ariel into her arms and held her close. Ariel cried hysterically. Greg wrapped his arms around both his wife and daughter. Amy flooded Ariel's face with kisses. Ariel wrapped her legs around her mother's waist. "Mommy I was so scared I would never get home."
"Well you're home now baby," Amy cooed. "You're with Mommy and Daddy now."
"That's right," Greg added as he kissed Ariel on the forehead. "You're going to be all right."
Sailor Pluto quietly slipped away from the tearful reunions. Now that her task was done she had someone to see.
Maggie was sitting in her room writing in her diary. Even though her father and Lita kept telling her it wasn't her fault that Hope and Ariel got lost in time she still felt responsible. Maggie found that writing her thoughts down in her diary helped.
The door to her room opened. Maggie looked up and saw her mother standing at the door. She had not seen her mother since Ariel and Hope had gotten lost in time. "Mom," she cried in delight as she ran over to Setsuna and gave her a hug.
"Hi Darling," Setsuna hugged her back. She then led Maggie over to the bed and sat them both down. Setsuna gently brushed Maggie's bangs out of her face. "Hope and Ariel are home now. I found them."
"I'm so glad," Maggie sighed with relief. She grew serious. "It was all my fault they got lost."
"It's not your fault," Setsuna assured her. "You dropped the time key. That could have happened to anyone. I do not want you blaming yourself."
"But Mom," Maggie persisted as a tear rolled down her face. "If I didn't drop the time key then Hope and Ariel wouldn't have found it and they would not have gotten lost."
"I don't want you saying that," Setsuna wrapped her arms around her daughter. "It's not your fault. No one is blaming you so don't blame yourself."
"Mom how is Ariel," Maggie asked. "She wasn't doing very well when she got lost."
"She's in very bad shape," Setsuna admitted. She saw the worried look in her daughter's eyes. "Don't worry about her. Aunt Amy will see to it that she gets all the help she needs. She'll be fine." Maggie looked relieved. She hugged her mother tightly; glad to see her and that Hope and Ariel were home safely.
Hope sat on the bed in her nightgown listening to Faith telling her what had been going on while she was gone. Hope found that she was too emotionally wrung out to talk herself. "There was this one day," Faith was saying. "Gloria was out sick with a fever. So without Gloria coming to school and you and Ariel weren't around poor Annika was in her class without anyone from the palace to help her. Miyaki really picked on her that day and Annika didn't have anyone to stick up for her. I tried to help during lunch and recess but she was on her own in class. When school let out Annika was crying so hard. She ran all the way home. I heard it took both Aunt Raye and Aunt Amy two hours to calm her down."
"Poor Annika," Hope said softly.
"She was pretty upset," Faith sighed.
At that moment Michiru and Haruka came walking in. Michiru sat down on the bed beside Hope. "I've made an appointment for you to talk to Aunt Amy tomorrow," she told her. "I told you I would before you left fourteen years ago. I can tell you have a lot on your mind right now."
"But Michiru-mama what about Ariel," asked Hope.
"Don't worry about that," Michiru told her. "Aunt Lita, Aunt Raye, Aunt Hotaru and I are all going to be helping out with Ariel. But you also need therapy and you are going to get it."
"Okay," Hope sighed. She let Michiru tuck her into bed while Haruka got Faith. "I'm glad I am finally home."
"We're glad you're home too Hope," Haruka replied as she kissed Hope on the forehead. "We all missed you."
"You've been through a lot," Michiru added. "Just take it easy for a couple of days and relax. Tomorrow you make sure you tell Aunt Amy what's on your mind."
"I will," Hope promised. Michiru kissed her goodnight and left the room with Haruka. Hope settled down and was glad when Faith climbed in with her.
Amy gazed down at Ariel who had finally fallen asleep in her lap. The child was sucking her thumb and holding onto Amy's shirt with her free hand. Amy had rocked her in the rocking chair. Even though Ariel was asleep Amy felt the need to hold her just a little longer. She knew how traumatized Ariel was before she got lost in time. Now she was even worse. Amy had read the note from her future self about Ariel having Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. She also saw how much Ariel had regressed while she was gone. She was very worried.
She felt a strong hand on her shoulder. Amy looked up and saw Greg had come into the room. "I see she's sleeping," Greg whispered.
Amy nodded her head. "She has regressed so much," she told Greg. "She's not the same little girl we know. So much of her has been lost. I don't know if she'll ever come back completely. I won't give up on her though. I will work with her until she is better. I have a lot of work to do."
"We both do," Greg knelt down in front of them. "She's my daughter too and I will do what I can to help you out. I've already talked to Endymion and he said I can take whatever time I need to help you out with Ariel."
"Now I know why I fell in love with you," Amy said. "You're a wonderful man and a terrific father."
"Well you're a wonderful woman and a marvelous mother," Greg added. "Ariel will recover with you working with her."
Amy smiled and looked down at the sleeping child. "I guess I need to put her bed," she sighed. "But I have the feeling she'll end up with us."
"Don't you worry about her Ms. Amy," Moonbeam piped up from Ariel's bed. "I'll be with her tonight." Moonbeam had missed his young mistress while she was gone. He was delighted that she was home.
"I know you will be Moonbeam," Amy replied as Greg took Ariel out of her arms. "However she'll probably end up with us anyway."
"You're probably right," sighed Moonbeam. He watched as Greg tucked Ariel into bed.
"Welcome home baby," Amy whispered as she kissed her daughter on the cheek.
The next day Hope went to Amy's office for her appointment. She had so much on her mind and was anxious to talk to her. She sat in Amy's office twisting her hands.
"Hi Hope," Amy came walking in.
"How's Ariel," Hope asked in a worried voice.
Amy sighed as she pulled out her notebook. Ariel had awakened from nightmares all night. Amy and Greg finally took her into their room with them. "She's in very bad shape," she told Hope. "I am putting her through intensive round the clock therapy but she does have a long way to go. Right now she's getting her temples massaged by Aunt Raye."
"I tried to get her home Aunt Amy," Hope cried. "I really did."
Amy smiled gently at the little girl in front of her. "I know you did," she stated. "But we're not here to talk about Ariel. We're here to talk about you. I know all of this had to have been stressful for you."
"A lot has happened," Hope whispered.
"Tell me," Amy instructed. Hope began to talk. She told Amy about going to the Silver Millennium and meeting her parents. She poured everything out to Amy. By the time she was finished tears were flowing down her face.
"I couldn't help thinking how unfair it was," Hope sobbed. "I managed to get your past self to look after Ariel but I could only spend a few minutes with my real parents. I felt so sick at the time. Aunt Mina's past self was there for me but it wasn't the same."
"You've been through a lot," Amy soothed as she placed a hand on Hope's. "And what you felt in the Silver Millennium was normal under those circumstances. That's a lot for a little girl your age to handle alone."
"I couldn't wait to get home so I could talk to you about it," Hope choked.
"Hope is there any reason why you haven't told your family yet," Amy asked.
"Nani," Hope inquired.
"You've been keeping this from your family for a few months now," Amy pointed out. "Don't you think you should tell them? It might be good for you and your sister to talk about this."
"I guess I could tell them," Hope murmured as she wiped her tears out of her eyes.
"Think about it," Amy told her. "In the meantime I am going to schedule you to see me twice a week. You've been through a lot and you need to talk about it. I also want either Michiru-mama or Aunt Raye to massage your temples daily. You're very high strung right now and I want you to work on relaxing."
"Okay," Hope softly agreed.
"Now," Amy sat back in her chair. "What else happened?"
Haruka, Michiru and Faith sat in stunned silence as they listened to Hope. It was after dinner and Hope had asked to talk to her family in their quarters. Hope poured out everything. How Arista had helped her against Lord Sardonyx's warrior and how she got to talk to Arista and Hachiro. Since the others had agreed not to interrupt Hope was able to tell them everything.
"So you're related to us," Michiru gasped as tears of happiness formed her eyes.
"Why didn't you tell me you met our real mother," Faith shrieked as a mixture of emotions came up.
"I'm sorry," Hope sobbed. "But I just couldn't. It was all so weird."
"You should have told me," Faith cried. "We're twins. We tell each other everything."
"Faith," Haruka said gently. "Put yourself in your sister's place. How would you have felt?"
"I don't know," Faith admitted. "I guess I would have felt the same way."
"You've been through a lot," Michiru pulled Hope into her arms. "But now that we all know we'll help you through this."
"At least one good thing has come from all of this," Haruka stated.
"What's that," Hope asked.
"Now Michiru-mama and I know that you two really are related to us," Haruka replied.
"Well I for one couldn't have asked for better parents," Faith declared. She looked at Hope, "Our mother did us a huge favor."
"She did," Hope agreed. "I'm really sorry I never told you Faith."
"It's okay," Faith hugged her sister. "You're not alone now."
Hope smiled and hugged her sister back. She felt as if a great weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Amy was right. It was a good idea to tell her family about this.
A couple of days later Hope had Senshi practice. She was determined to get back into the swing of things. Sailor Venus had put her with Chibi Jupiter. Hope had told Amy how Princess Mina had comforted her during the Silver Millennium. Hope had never really confided in Mina. The Senshi of love was closer to Faith since she was her mentor and had a love for sports too. But Hope felt the need to talk to her now. So after Chibi Jupiter left Chibi Neptune powered down and went into Venus's office.
"Yes Hope what can I do for you," asked Venus when she saw the girl.
"I...um," Hope stuttered finding herself at a loss for words.
Venus picked up on the girl's discomfort. She powered down and looked at the little girl in front of her. "Are you okay," she asked.
"I don't know if you heard but one of the places we visited was the Silver Millennium," Hope began.
"I heard," Mina replied. "I also heard that you met your real parents."
"Yes," Hope stated. "It was so hard. I got upset and sick because of it."
"You poor kid," Mina gasped. "But why are you telling me all of this?"
"It was you who comforted me," Hope told her. "It was your past self. I never really thought about talking to you before."
Mina held out her hand, "Come here." Hope took her hand and Mina drew her over to her. "Just because I'm close to your sister doesn't mean I can't listen to you too," she told Hope. "I love all of you and I am here anytime one of you need me."
"Really," asked Hope.
"Yes," Mina replied. "If you ever need to talk my door is always open." Hope gave Mina a hug. She now had one more Senshi she needed to talk too.
"We were sisters," Raye exclaimed in surprise.
"Yes," Hope replied. "Rini adjusted your memories with Luna P and you thought we were sisters."
"Well Luna P certainly does its job well," Raye stated. "I don't remember a thing."
"Before we got lost I only saw you as Annika's mother," Hope told her. "I never saw you as someone I could talk to."
Raye smiled. "Hope," she said. "You're my daughter's good friend and a member of the team. You've always kept to yourself your family. Annika was the only other person who you seemed to like being around. Maybe it's time you opened up and bonded with the rest of us. We all love you very much and consider you a part of the family."
"I'm going to," Hope replied. "All of this helped me to realize how much I love everyone."
"You are welcome here anytime," Raye assured her. "I know Annika thinks of you as an important friend and that means a lot to me."
"Thank you Aunt Raye," Hope threw her arms around Raye.
Madelyn walked with her mother to Amy's office. She was elated when she had heard that Ariel was back but she had yet to see her. When she got home from school Hotaru told her that Amy wanted to talk to her. Madelyn wondered what it was about.
"Come on Madelyn," Hotaru led Madelyn into Amy's office. Madelyn saw Ariel sitting on Amy's lap with her thumb in her mouth.
"Ariel," Madelyn squealed as she ran over to her. "I'm so glad to see you. I missed you."
"Madelyn," Ariel murmured but she still clung to her mother. Madelyn felt a flash of sadness. Ariel was not acting like herself.
"Ariel darling it's time for you to go with Aunt Michiru," Amy whispered. Madelyn had not even noticed Michiru coming in.
"But Mommy," Ariel softly protested.
"I'll be with you later," Amy assured her. "Go with Aunt Michiru."
"Come on Sweetie," Michiru came over and picked Ariel up. The two quietly left.
"Sit down Madelyn," Amy pointed to a spot next to her on the couch. Hotaru gently pushed Madelyn over to the couch. Madelyn sat down between Amy and her mother. Amy began, "I felt you needed to know what is going on since you're Ariel's best friend."
"Is she going to be okay," Madelyn asked in a worried voice.
"Ariel is going to have to go through intensive therapy for the next few weeks," Amy explained. "She regressed a lot and is very traumatized."
"What does it mean that she's regressed," Madelyn asked.
Hotaru decided to save Amy the pain. "It means she's gone backwards in growing up," she explained. "Ariel has been even more babyish then she already was."
"Oh," Madelyn whispered.
"She also has Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome," Amy told her. "Do you know what that is?"
"Mama told me," Madelyn replied. "Ariel looked skinnier too."
"She's lost quite a bit of weight," Amy sighed. "We're working on that too. But I just felt you needed to know that my little Ariel is no longer the same child who was your best friend. We are all working on getting her back to the way she used to be."
"She's still my best friend Aunt Amy," Madelyn cried.
Amy smiled. "I was hoping you would say that," she stated. "Because I wanted to ask if you would like to help out with her treatment."
"Can I," Madelyn asked. "How can I help?"
"I think it would be good for Ariel if you can come and just play with her everyday," Amy replied. "Maybe being with her best friend will help her out. I already discussed this with your parents and they both said it was okay."
"Really Mama," Madelyn turned to Hotaru.
"Yes," Hotaru smiled at her little girl. "We all want Ariel to get better and I know how much she means to you. It's only fair that you should be allowed to help her too."
"Thank you Mama," Madelyn flung her arms around Hotaru. She now was driven with a sense of purpose. She was going to do everything she can to help Ariel get back to normal.
Hope followed Amy to the therapy playroom. She had just finished a therapy session herself but she begged to talk to Ariel. She hadn't seen Ariel since they had gotten back and she was anxious to see how they were doing. Amy led her into the playroom. Ariel was sitting next to an older woman whom Hope didn't recognize at first. Then she realized she was Asami Mizuno, Amy's mother. She had come to help her daughter with Ariel's treatment.
"Mommy," Ariel jumped up and ran into Amy's arms.
"Hi Darling," Amy kissed the little girl. "How was she Mother?"
"She was very cooperative," Asami replied as she stood up. "I'll be back tomorrow."
"Thank you so much," Amy said. "I am so glad you are helping out with this."
"She's my only granddaughter," Asami replied as she kissed Ariel on the head. "I'll do what I can for her." Asami kissed Amy goodbye and then quietly left.
"Ariel Hope is here to see you," Amy gently told the little girl. She sat down and Ariel got herself settled in her lap.
"Hi Ariel," Hope walked over to her. "I'm so glad to see you."
"Hope," Ariel whispered as she stuck her thumb in her mouth.
"I wanted to see if you were okay," Hope told her. "I also wanted to see if I could come and play with you sometimes too."
Ariel looked surprised but then she nodded her head. Hope smiled. She reached over and took Ariel's little hand. "We'll help each other," she said. "I promise." She hugged Ariel and was pleased when the little girl returned the hug. Amy smiled. It seemed that both girls were making steps in their healing. With all the love they had here they would be fine.
The End.
E-mail me at AngelRaye2@aol.com
Visit my web site at www.angelfire.com/anime3/chibiscouts
Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon. With the exception of Rini I own all of the Senshi's children.
Lost in Time
Part Eleven
By Angel Raye
Neo-Queen Serenity gazed at the infant in the baby carriage. Small Lady was now three months old. Serenity couldn't believe it. She had waited for many years for Rini to come along and now she was here. To the queen her life was complete. She was married to the love of her life, King Endymion and she had her daughter. Her friends the Sailor Senshi all lived at the palace with her with their husbands. Amy was off on her honeymoon with Greg right now. Hotaru was the only one who wasn't married but she was dating someone by the name of Anthony. From what Haruka and Michiru said it was serious.
Serenity having her baby gave the other Senshi something to look forward too. Back in the 20th century other daughters of the Sailor Senshi visited too. Everyone looked forward to the day they would become parents. Lita was excited because she and Setsuna would each have a daughter in a few years.
"How are you doing Serenity," Raye came outside. It was a beautiful fall day so the queen took her baby outside for some air.
"I'm doing fine Raye," Serenity replied. She gazed at Small Lady. "I never dreamed that having a child would be this wonderful."
Raye smiled down at the sleeping baby in the carriage. She had been asked to be Rini's mentor and godmother. She had graciously accepted the honor. "She is kawaii," Raye sighed.
"I guess you can look forward to Annika now," Serenity laughed. Although their memories of the 20th century were somewhat clouded due to the big freeze vague memories of their daughters were still in their minds.
Raye blushed. "Chad and I have only been married for a few months," she reminded Serenity. "We would like to enjoy our time together before having children. Besides if I recall Annika was quite a few years younger than Small Lady."
"True," Serenity sighed. "I'm just glad that it's finally happening."
"We all are," Raye assured her.
A flash of light appeared in the sky and two figures dropped out of it. Serenity protectively stood over the carriage. Raye pulled out her henshin wand and got ready to transform if she needed too. "Serenity stay here," she commanded and she dashed over to the bushes. Raye peered in the bushes and called, "We know you're in here. Come on out."
Two small figures emerged. Raye gave a gasp. "Hope, Ariel," she cried.
"Aunt Raye," Hope ran over and took her hand. "Are we home yet? Are we in the right time?"
Memories came flooding back. These two little girls were lost in time and were frantically trying to find their way home. "It's all right Serenity," Raye called to her best friend.
Serenity came out pushing the baby carriage. Hope's eyes widened. "Is that Rini," she asked.
"Yes it is," Raye replied.
Ariel began to cry.
The Senshi all stared at the two little girls. Ariel was still crying on Lita's lap. "Where's my mommy," she sobbed. "I want my mommy."
"Sweetie your mommy is on her honeymoon right now," Lita soothed. "She's not here."
"I want my mommy," Ariel screamed.
"Will you settle for me," asked Lita. Ariel didn't reply. She stuck her thumb in her mouth and continued to sob.
"Hope," Michiru's gently said as she placed a hand on the girl's shoulder. "How are you doing?"
Hope sucked in some breath. "I'm tired Michiru-mama," she choked. "I was so hoping we'd get home this time. Last place we visited I was hoping we could see Aunt Setsuna and have her send us home. But she was away. We haven't seen her at all since this started."
"Calm down," Michiru drew Hope into an embrace. Hope broke down and began sobbing.
"This is all so hard," she cried. "Ariel is getting worse and we can't get home. Now her mother isn't even here."
"Maybe we could contact Amy and have her come home," Mina suggested.
"Great idea," Raye snapped. "Call Amy and Greg on their honeymoon and say 'you need to get home. Your future daughter needs you.' How are we going to explain that to Greg?"
"Just a suggestion," Mina muttered.
"I can take care of Ariel," Lita offered. "Ken is out of town for a few days so I wouldn't have to explain Ariel to him."
"Is that okay with you Ariel," Serenity asked gently.
"I want my mommy," she cried.
"Mommy's not here," Lita explained again. "Now you have your choice. I can take care of you or one of the others can."
Ariel tightened her hold on Lita who took this as a yes. Hope held onto Michiru. "Haruka and I will keep Hope," Michiru stated.
"That's a good idea," Hotaru stated.
"The important thing is that we keep the knights from finding out about this," Serenity told everyone. "In the meantime we should try and find Pluto. I haven't seen her for a few days."
"I have a feeling this one isn't going to want to do anything," Lita gazed down at Ariel. She had her thumb in her mouth and was not talking.
"There's a note in her pocket," Hope murmured. Lita fished around and found it.
"Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome," she commented. "Great. Amy is the only one who is qualified to deal with that right now."
"Just comfort her the best you can Lita," Serenity said. "That's all any of us can do."
"I'll do my best for her," Lita sighed. She picked Ariel up and carried her out of the conference room.
"Come on Hope," Michiru took Hope's hand. "Let's go to our quarters." Hope gladly went with Michiru and Haruka.
"I wonder why they haven't been able to see Pluto at all," Mina mused.
"Who knows," Raye sighed. "But I am picking up strong emotions and feelings from them. These two need to get home soon."
"Let's hope they can get home soon," Hotaru sighed and everyone nodded in agreement.
Hope lay back on the bed and closed her eyes. She was very tired right now. "I can't remember ever feeling this tired," she said out loud to herself.
"That's because you're very stressed right now," Michiru commented as she came in.
"I want to go home," Hope sighed. "This is getting so bad now and each time we stop Ariel gets worse and worse. And this time her mama isn't here. Aunt Lita won't be able to get her to stop crying."
"You just let Aunt Lita worry about that," Michiru commanded. "You're just a little girl yourself. You don't need to have so many worries."
"You know," Hope whispered. "Sometimes I look at Ariel when she is crying and wish I could do that."
"What's stopping you," Michiru asked as she sat down on the bed next to Hope.
"I'm the oldest," Hope stated. "I have to be strong for her."
"She's not here," Michiru reminded her. "If I recall when you were with me in the 20th century you let your emotions loose."
I did," Hope whispered. "We just came from there."
Michiru cupped Hope's face in her hands. "Let it out," she gently commanded. "I'm here with you. It will be okay."
Hope was glad for this opportunity. She let the tears begin to spill as she let out her frustrations. Michiru wrapped her arms around the child and worked on comforting her. she thought.
Lita was exhausted. She almost wished that they had followed Mina up on her suggestion and called Amy back from her honeymoon. But she knew that wouldn't be fair to Amy and Greg was probably not ready to be told that he was going to have a daughter who would be badly traumatized by something. Lita really wondered what had happened to little Ariel. She was very withdrawn. And with the way her behavior was didn't make her that different from Small Lady right now. Ariel had her thumb in her mouth constantly. When Lita was giving the little girl her bath she had to do everything for her. Lita had thought. Ariel also did not eat much at dinner. She spent most of the time picking at her food.
"Ariel it's time you were in bed," Lita gently told her. The little girl was looking through a book.
"I want Mommy," Ariel choked. "I want her to kiss me goodnight."
"Sweetie I already explained to you that Mommy and Daddy on their honeymoon right now," Lita explained.
Ariel began to cry bitterly. "I want to go home," she wailed. "I'm tired of bad things happening to me. I want to be with my mommy."
"Ariel," Lita picked the little girl up. "Did something really awful happen to you before you got lost in time?"
Ariel nodded her head. Her eyes were wide with terror. Lita could see the trauma in the little girl's eyes. She knew Amy had also picked up a degree in psychology as well as a medical degree. Amy was qualified to work with a traumatized child. "Was Mommy working with you before you got lost," Lita asked. Ariel nodded again. "You really need to be back home," Lita sighed. Ariel rested her head on Lita's shoulder. "We're trying to find Pluto but there is no sign of her anywhere."
"We haven't seen her at all," Ariel whispered. She looked at Lita. "I want to go home." Ariel began to sob hysterically. Lita carried her over to the bedroom. She decided to let the child sleep with her tonight. She tucked Ariel into bed.
"Would you like me to stay with you until you go to sleep," she asked. Ariel nodded her head. Lita lay down next to her and wrapped her arms around the child. It wasn't long before Ariel had finally cried herself to sleep. Then Lita slipped out of the room to watch TV.
It was only about an hour before Ariel woke up screaming from a nightmare.
"She's so kawaii," Hope cooed as she gazed at Small Lady in Serenity's arms. She reached over and let the baby take her finger. "She already has a good grip," she said with a chuckle.
"That she does," Serenity sighed. She kissed the infant on the head. "Would you like to hold her for a moment?"
Hope giggled at the irony of holding a baby who was actually six years older than her. She nodded her head and sat down. Serenity carefully placed the small princess in her arms. Hope smiled. There were tiny pink odangos in her hair. "She has a lot of hair already doesn't she," Hope commented.
"She takes after me in that respect," Serenity laughed. "I had odangos in my hair as an infant too."
"You look better today Hope," Raye observed.
"I'm okay," Hope admitted. "Michiru-mama let me cry for a long time last night." She gazed down at Rini. "But then this baby is making me feel good. She's like that as a teenager too. Rini always makes me smile."
"Just like her mother is with us," Mina softly observed. Serenity blushed.
Lita came in carrying Ariel in her arms. It was clear from the look on Lita's face that she didn't get much sleep the night before. "Rough night," Michiru asked.
"Five nightmares," Lita stated as she indicated to Ariel. "How about trying that time key Hope?"
Hope nodded her head. She handed Small Lady back to Serenity and pulled the time key out of her pocket. She was about to activate when a new voice called out, "Stop!"
Everyone turned around. Hope and Ariel saw the voice belonged to the one Senshi they had not seen since this journey began. "Sailor Pluto," Hope cried.
"I have been searching the entire time stream trying to find you," Pluto told her. "Every time I would get a fix on your location you would reactivate the time key."
"You mean we could have stayed in one place and you would have found us," Hope cried in disbelief.
"Yes," Pluto replied. Ariel began to cry again while tears of frustration filled Hope's eyes.
"Maybe we could tell them that when they get to the future," Serenity suggested.
Pluto shook her head. "No," she told them. "I know all of this has been a hard ordeal for them but one thing came out of all this." She looked at Hope and Ariel. "You two have formed a very strong bond haven't you?"
Hope nodded her head as she wiped the tears out of her eyes. "I feel like she's one of my best friends now," she whispered. "How about you Ariel?" Through her sobs and tears Ariel nodded.
"That is what all of this was for," Pluto told them. "That bond will be important when you are older. Not only that Hope but you have learned something important in all of this." Hope wondered what Pluto was talking about.
"I want Mommy," Ariel sobbed as she buried her face in Lita's shoulder.
"Mommy and Daddy are both waiting for you in your time," Pluto told her. She held out her arms and Ariel went into them.
Lita smiled and kissed Ariel on the head. "I'll see you in the future," she told her. "You cooperate with Mommy so that you may get better." Ariel nodded her head.
Hope turned to Haruka and Michiru. "I thought I would be lost in time forever," she choked. "I'm so glad I am finally going home."
"Relax when you get there," Michiru told her. "And from the way things sound you're going to need to talk to Aunt Amy too."
"We'll make an appointment when you return," Haruka added.
"I'll cooperate," Hope promised as she hugged both of them. She was so glad that she was finally going home. She turned to Serenity and the rest of the Senshi. "I'll see you in the future."
"At least seeing you assures us that our daughters who came to see us weren't dreams," Mina stated.
"I look forward to the day when I become a parent," Raye added.
Hope turned to Raye, "Annika is one of my closest friends." Raye looked pleased.
Pluto took Hope by the hand. "Let's go home," she said. And carrying Ariel, she led Hope out the door.
Amy, Greg, Haruka, Michiru and Faith all waited anxiously at the time portal. They had gotten word that Sailor Pluto had finally found the girls. Amy was worried about Ariel. She really wondered how the child's emotional state was going to be.
Sailor Pluto emerged from the portal. She was holding Hope's hand and carrying Ariel. As soon as she saw her family Hope broke free and ran to them. "Hope," Faith screamed as she ran toward her sister. Hope flung herself into her sister's arms. "I missed you so much."
"I missed you too," Hope sobbed. Michiru and Haruka came running over. Hope flung her arms around them and began to cry very hard.
"It's okay Hope," Michiru soothed. "You're home now."
"You're a strong person Hope," Haruka added. She kissed Hope on the head. "Welcome home."
Meanwhile Amy and Greg dashed over to Pluto. "Ariel sweetie," Amy whispered. "Mommy and Daddy are here."
"Mommy," Ariel choked. "Am I home?"
"Yes Princess," Greg replied. "You're home."
"Mommy, Daddy," Ariel cried as she reached for Amy. Amy took Ariel into her arms and held her close. Ariel cried hysterically. Greg wrapped his arms around both his wife and daughter. Amy flooded Ariel's face with kisses. Ariel wrapped her legs around her mother's waist. "Mommy I was so scared I would never get home."
"Well you're home now baby," Amy cooed. "You're with Mommy and Daddy now."
"That's right," Greg added as he kissed Ariel on the forehead. "You're going to be all right."
Sailor Pluto quietly slipped away from the tearful reunions. Now that her task was done she had someone to see.
Maggie was sitting in her room writing in her diary. Even though her father and Lita kept telling her it wasn't her fault that Hope and Ariel got lost in time she still felt responsible. Maggie found that writing her thoughts down in her diary helped.
The door to her room opened. Maggie looked up and saw her mother standing at the door. She had not seen her mother since Ariel and Hope had gotten lost in time. "Mom," she cried in delight as she ran over to Setsuna and gave her a hug.
"Hi Darling," Setsuna hugged her back. She then led Maggie over to the bed and sat them both down. Setsuna gently brushed Maggie's bangs out of her face. "Hope and Ariel are home now. I found them."
"I'm so glad," Maggie sighed with relief. She grew serious. "It was all my fault they got lost."
"It's not your fault," Setsuna assured her. "You dropped the time key. That could have happened to anyone. I do not want you blaming yourself."
"But Mom," Maggie persisted as a tear rolled down her face. "If I didn't drop the time key then Hope and Ariel wouldn't have found it and they would not have gotten lost."
"I don't want you saying that," Setsuna wrapped her arms around her daughter. "It's not your fault. No one is blaming you so don't blame yourself."
"Mom how is Ariel," Maggie asked. "She wasn't doing very well when she got lost."
"She's in very bad shape," Setsuna admitted. She saw the worried look in her daughter's eyes. "Don't worry about her. Aunt Amy will see to it that she gets all the help she needs. She'll be fine." Maggie looked relieved. She hugged her mother tightly; glad to see her and that Hope and Ariel were home safely.
Hope sat on the bed in her nightgown listening to Faith telling her what had been going on while she was gone. Hope found that she was too emotionally wrung out to talk herself. "There was this one day," Faith was saying. "Gloria was out sick with a fever. So without Gloria coming to school and you and Ariel weren't around poor Annika was in her class without anyone from the palace to help her. Miyaki really picked on her that day and Annika didn't have anyone to stick up for her. I tried to help during lunch and recess but she was on her own in class. When school let out Annika was crying so hard. She ran all the way home. I heard it took both Aunt Raye and Aunt Amy two hours to calm her down."
"Poor Annika," Hope said softly.
"She was pretty upset," Faith sighed.
At that moment Michiru and Haruka came walking in. Michiru sat down on the bed beside Hope. "I've made an appointment for you to talk to Aunt Amy tomorrow," she told her. "I told you I would before you left fourteen years ago. I can tell you have a lot on your mind right now."
"But Michiru-mama what about Ariel," asked Hope.
"Don't worry about that," Michiru told her. "Aunt Lita, Aunt Raye, Aunt Hotaru and I are all going to be helping out with Ariel. But you also need therapy and you are going to get it."
"Okay," Hope sighed. She let Michiru tuck her into bed while Haruka got Faith. "I'm glad I am finally home."
"We're glad you're home too Hope," Haruka replied as she kissed Hope on the forehead. "We all missed you."
"You've been through a lot," Michiru added. "Just take it easy for a couple of days and relax. Tomorrow you make sure you tell Aunt Amy what's on your mind."
"I will," Hope promised. Michiru kissed her goodnight and left the room with Haruka. Hope settled down and was glad when Faith climbed in with her.
Amy gazed down at Ariel who had finally fallen asleep in her lap. The child was sucking her thumb and holding onto Amy's shirt with her free hand. Amy had rocked her in the rocking chair. Even though Ariel was asleep Amy felt the need to hold her just a little longer. She knew how traumatized Ariel was before she got lost in time. Now she was even worse. Amy had read the note from her future self about Ariel having Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. She also saw how much Ariel had regressed while she was gone. She was very worried.
She felt a strong hand on her shoulder. Amy looked up and saw Greg had come into the room. "I see she's sleeping," Greg whispered.
Amy nodded her head. "She has regressed so much," she told Greg. "She's not the same little girl we know. So much of her has been lost. I don't know if she'll ever come back completely. I won't give up on her though. I will work with her until she is better. I have a lot of work to do."
"We both do," Greg knelt down in front of them. "She's my daughter too and I will do what I can to help you out. I've already talked to Endymion and he said I can take whatever time I need to help you out with Ariel."
"Now I know why I fell in love with you," Amy said. "You're a wonderful man and a terrific father."
"Well you're a wonderful woman and a marvelous mother," Greg added. "Ariel will recover with you working with her."
Amy smiled and looked down at the sleeping child. "I guess I need to put her bed," she sighed. "But I have the feeling she'll end up with us."
"Don't you worry about her Ms. Amy," Moonbeam piped up from Ariel's bed. "I'll be with her tonight." Moonbeam had missed his young mistress while she was gone. He was delighted that she was home.
"I know you will be Moonbeam," Amy replied as Greg took Ariel out of her arms. "However she'll probably end up with us anyway."
"You're probably right," sighed Moonbeam. He watched as Greg tucked Ariel into bed.
"Welcome home baby," Amy whispered as she kissed her daughter on the cheek.
The next day Hope went to Amy's office for her appointment. She had so much on her mind and was anxious to talk to her. She sat in Amy's office twisting her hands.
"Hi Hope," Amy came walking in.
"How's Ariel," Hope asked in a worried voice.
Amy sighed as she pulled out her notebook. Ariel had awakened from nightmares all night. Amy and Greg finally took her into their room with them. "She's in very bad shape," she told Hope. "I am putting her through intensive round the clock therapy but she does have a long way to go. Right now she's getting her temples massaged by Aunt Raye."
"I tried to get her home Aunt Amy," Hope cried. "I really did."
Amy smiled gently at the little girl in front of her. "I know you did," she stated. "But we're not here to talk about Ariel. We're here to talk about you. I know all of this had to have been stressful for you."
"A lot has happened," Hope whispered.
"Tell me," Amy instructed. Hope began to talk. She told Amy about going to the Silver Millennium and meeting her parents. She poured everything out to Amy. By the time she was finished tears were flowing down her face.
"I couldn't help thinking how unfair it was," Hope sobbed. "I managed to get your past self to look after Ariel but I could only spend a few minutes with my real parents. I felt so sick at the time. Aunt Mina's past self was there for me but it wasn't the same."
"You've been through a lot," Amy soothed as she placed a hand on Hope's. "And what you felt in the Silver Millennium was normal under those circumstances. That's a lot for a little girl your age to handle alone."
"I couldn't wait to get home so I could talk to you about it," Hope choked.
"Hope is there any reason why you haven't told your family yet," Amy asked.
"Nani," Hope inquired.
"You've been keeping this from your family for a few months now," Amy pointed out. "Don't you think you should tell them? It might be good for you and your sister to talk about this."
"I guess I could tell them," Hope murmured as she wiped her tears out of her eyes.
"Think about it," Amy told her. "In the meantime I am going to schedule you to see me twice a week. You've been through a lot and you need to talk about it. I also want either Michiru-mama or Aunt Raye to massage your temples daily. You're very high strung right now and I want you to work on relaxing."
"Okay," Hope softly agreed.
"Now," Amy sat back in her chair. "What else happened?"
Haruka, Michiru and Faith sat in stunned silence as they listened to Hope. It was after dinner and Hope had asked to talk to her family in their quarters. Hope poured out everything. How Arista had helped her against Lord Sardonyx's warrior and how she got to talk to Arista and Hachiro. Since the others had agreed not to interrupt Hope was able to tell them everything.
"So you're related to us," Michiru gasped as tears of happiness formed her eyes.
"Why didn't you tell me you met our real mother," Faith shrieked as a mixture of emotions came up.
"I'm sorry," Hope sobbed. "But I just couldn't. It was all so weird."
"You should have told me," Faith cried. "We're twins. We tell each other everything."
"Faith," Haruka said gently. "Put yourself in your sister's place. How would you have felt?"
"I don't know," Faith admitted. "I guess I would have felt the same way."
"You've been through a lot," Michiru pulled Hope into her arms. "But now that we all know we'll help you through this."
"At least one good thing has come from all of this," Haruka stated.
"What's that," Hope asked.
"Now Michiru-mama and I know that you two really are related to us," Haruka replied.
"Well I for one couldn't have asked for better parents," Faith declared. She looked at Hope, "Our mother did us a huge favor."
"She did," Hope agreed. "I'm really sorry I never told you Faith."
"It's okay," Faith hugged her sister. "You're not alone now."
Hope smiled and hugged her sister back. She felt as if a great weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Amy was right. It was a good idea to tell her family about this.
A couple of days later Hope had Senshi practice. She was determined to get back into the swing of things. Sailor Venus had put her with Chibi Jupiter. Hope had told Amy how Princess Mina had comforted her during the Silver Millennium. Hope had never really confided in Mina. The Senshi of love was closer to Faith since she was her mentor and had a love for sports too. But Hope felt the need to talk to her now. So after Chibi Jupiter left Chibi Neptune powered down and went into Venus's office.
"Yes Hope what can I do for you," asked Venus when she saw the girl.
"I...um," Hope stuttered finding herself at a loss for words.
Venus picked up on the girl's discomfort. She powered down and looked at the little girl in front of her. "Are you okay," she asked.
"I don't know if you heard but one of the places we visited was the Silver Millennium," Hope began.
"I heard," Mina replied. "I also heard that you met your real parents."
"Yes," Hope stated. "It was so hard. I got upset and sick because of it."
"You poor kid," Mina gasped. "But why are you telling me all of this?"
"It was you who comforted me," Hope told her. "It was your past self. I never really thought about talking to you before."
Mina held out her hand, "Come here." Hope took her hand and Mina drew her over to her. "Just because I'm close to your sister doesn't mean I can't listen to you too," she told Hope. "I love all of you and I am here anytime one of you need me."
"Really," asked Hope.
"Yes," Mina replied. "If you ever need to talk my door is always open." Hope gave Mina a hug. She now had one more Senshi she needed to talk too.
"We were sisters," Raye exclaimed in surprise.
"Yes," Hope replied. "Rini adjusted your memories with Luna P and you thought we were sisters."
"Well Luna P certainly does its job well," Raye stated. "I don't remember a thing."
"Before we got lost I only saw you as Annika's mother," Hope told her. "I never saw you as someone I could talk to."
Raye smiled. "Hope," she said. "You're my daughter's good friend and a member of the team. You've always kept to yourself your family. Annika was the only other person who you seemed to like being around. Maybe it's time you opened up and bonded with the rest of us. We all love you very much and consider you a part of the family."
"I'm going to," Hope replied. "All of this helped me to realize how much I love everyone."
"You are welcome here anytime," Raye assured her. "I know Annika thinks of you as an important friend and that means a lot to me."
"Thank you Aunt Raye," Hope threw her arms around Raye.
Madelyn walked with her mother to Amy's office. She was elated when she had heard that Ariel was back but she had yet to see her. When she got home from school Hotaru told her that Amy wanted to talk to her. Madelyn wondered what it was about.
"Come on Madelyn," Hotaru led Madelyn into Amy's office. Madelyn saw Ariel sitting on Amy's lap with her thumb in her mouth.
"Ariel," Madelyn squealed as she ran over to her. "I'm so glad to see you. I missed you."
"Madelyn," Ariel murmured but she still clung to her mother. Madelyn felt a flash of sadness. Ariel was not acting like herself.
"Ariel darling it's time for you to go with Aunt Michiru," Amy whispered. Madelyn had not even noticed Michiru coming in.
"But Mommy," Ariel softly protested.
"I'll be with you later," Amy assured her. "Go with Aunt Michiru."
"Come on Sweetie," Michiru came over and picked Ariel up. The two quietly left.
"Sit down Madelyn," Amy pointed to a spot next to her on the couch. Hotaru gently pushed Madelyn over to the couch. Madelyn sat down between Amy and her mother. Amy began, "I felt you needed to know what is going on since you're Ariel's best friend."
"Is she going to be okay," Madelyn asked in a worried voice.
"Ariel is going to have to go through intensive therapy for the next few weeks," Amy explained. "She regressed a lot and is very traumatized."
"What does it mean that she's regressed," Madelyn asked.
Hotaru decided to save Amy the pain. "It means she's gone backwards in growing up," she explained. "Ariel has been even more babyish then she already was."
"Oh," Madelyn whispered.
"She also has Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome," Amy told her. "Do you know what that is?"
"Mama told me," Madelyn replied. "Ariel looked skinnier too."
"She's lost quite a bit of weight," Amy sighed. "We're working on that too. But I just felt you needed to know that my little Ariel is no longer the same child who was your best friend. We are all working on getting her back to the way she used to be."
"She's still my best friend Aunt Amy," Madelyn cried.
Amy smiled. "I was hoping you would say that," she stated. "Because I wanted to ask if you would like to help out with her treatment."
"Can I," Madelyn asked. "How can I help?"
"I think it would be good for Ariel if you can come and just play with her everyday," Amy replied. "Maybe being with her best friend will help her out. I already discussed this with your parents and they both said it was okay."
"Really Mama," Madelyn turned to Hotaru.
"Yes," Hotaru smiled at her little girl. "We all want Ariel to get better and I know how much she means to you. It's only fair that you should be allowed to help her too."
"Thank you Mama," Madelyn flung her arms around Hotaru. She now was driven with a sense of purpose. She was going to do everything she can to help Ariel get back to normal.
Hope followed Amy to the therapy playroom. She had just finished a therapy session herself but she begged to talk to Ariel. She hadn't seen Ariel since they had gotten back and she was anxious to see how they were doing. Amy led her into the playroom. Ariel was sitting next to an older woman whom Hope didn't recognize at first. Then she realized she was Asami Mizuno, Amy's mother. She had come to help her daughter with Ariel's treatment.
"Mommy," Ariel jumped up and ran into Amy's arms.
"Hi Darling," Amy kissed the little girl. "How was she Mother?"
"She was very cooperative," Asami replied as she stood up. "I'll be back tomorrow."
"Thank you so much," Amy said. "I am so glad you are helping out with this."
"She's my only granddaughter," Asami replied as she kissed Ariel on the head. "I'll do what I can for her." Asami kissed Amy goodbye and then quietly left.
"Ariel Hope is here to see you," Amy gently told the little girl. She sat down and Ariel got herself settled in her lap.
"Hi Ariel," Hope walked over to her. "I'm so glad to see you."
"Hope," Ariel whispered as she stuck her thumb in her mouth.
"I wanted to see if you were okay," Hope told her. "I also wanted to see if I could come and play with you sometimes too."
Ariel looked surprised but then she nodded her head. Hope smiled. She reached over and took Ariel's little hand. "We'll help each other," she said. "I promise." She hugged Ariel and was pleased when the little girl returned the hug. Amy smiled. It seemed that both girls were making steps in their healing. With all the love they had here they would be fine.
The End.
