Hi Everyone. We are onto Part two of this series. This part is on the next established relationship, Maggie and Lita. Most of this story will take place in the Chibi Senshi present day so Maggie is eleven. I read many books when I was in middle school where a preteen girl deals with developing a woman's body so I thought I would do a story like that.
In answer to a question left in a review of part one, Gloria's mentor is Sailor Pluto.
E-mail me at AngelRaye2@aol.com
My site has moved to a new server. Come and visit it at http://www.craiger.dns2go.com/chibiscouts/index.html
I have a note for all of the artists who have done work on my site. Please send me your e-mail address or website address if either has changed since you sent me your pictures. Since we have moved to a new server I would like everything to be updated. Thank you.
Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon. With the exception of Rini I own the Chibi Senshi.
Bonds
Part Two: Maggie and Lita
By
Angel Raye
Six weeks after Maggie's birth...
Lita had just finished feeding Daisy and was now putting her down for a nap. Daisy was now a month old. Setsuna had a baby two weeks before Lita. She was on her way over here with Maggie right now. Lita had wanted to get Daisy fed before Setsuna arrived. Setsuna had told her she had something important to discuss with her. Lita had important decisions to make as well. Luna had come to Lita the other day and told her that she needed to decide who she wanted to mentor Daisy. Lita had been thinking about it. Although Amy was Daisy's godmother she really wasn't an ideal mentor. Right now all of the Senshi with the exception of Raye were available.
A knock at the door indicated that Setsuna had arrived. Lita called for her to come in. Setsuna entered with infant Maggie in her arms. "Konnichiwa Lita," Setsuna greeted her.
"Konnichiwa," Lita replied as she motioned for Setsuna to sit down. She smiled at Maggie who was awake in her mother's arms. "Has she let you sleep through the night yet?"
Setsuna smiled back. "Not really," she replied. "How about yours?"
"No," Lita sighed. "I'm lucky if Daisy lets me sleep for two hours before she wakes up for another feeding." She looked back down at Maggie and held out her arms. "May I?"
"Of course," Setsuna carefully placed Maggie in Lita's arms. Maggie just gazed up at Lita with her purple eyes.
"Kawaii," Lita murmured. She then turned to Setsuna again. "So what brings you here? I know you're very busy with a newborn. I know because mine takes up a lot of time."
"Luna came to me the other day," Setsuna stated. "She told me I need to think of finding a mentor for Maggie."
"She came to me too," Lita sighed.
"Who do you have in mind," Setsuna asked curiously.
"I'm thinking Haruka maybe," Lita replied. "I remember Daisy being very tough and I think she needs someone who will be strong and firm."
"I know that Maggie will look at you as a second mother," Setsuna told Lita. "She and Daisy will be very close friends so she will be seeing a lot of you. She will love you as much as she loves her father and I. So I wanted to ask you if you would be her mentor. I can't think of anyone better for her."
Lita smiled. She remembered Daisy mentioning to her in the past what a good friend Maggie was and how she spent so much time with them. "It will be an honor."
"Are you sure," Setsuna asked. "With me being the Guardian of Time I know that I will not be as available as the other Senshi. Maggie will need you to be more then just a mentor. She will need you as a substitute mother as well."
"Setsuna I am aware of the circumstances," Lita stated. "And it won't change my mind. I will be honored to be Maggie's mentor."
Setsuna smiled. "Thank you," she replied. "I will inform the Queen at once."
"And we both have a bonding ceremony to prepare for," Lita added. She glanced down at Maggie who was still in her arms. "And I promise little one that I will always be here for you."
"Mama do I have to be here," Rini whined. At four-years-old she didn't understand why she had to be at these ceremonies.
"Yes Small Lady," Serenity replied gently. "I know you don't know what is going on but it is important you be here."
Sailor Mars came over. "Come on Small Lady," she said. "Why do you sit with me for a while so that Mama can do her job?"
"Kay Sailor Mars," Rini chirped to her mentor. Sailor Mars smiled and picked the princess up. She looked at Jupiter who was holding Daisy in her arms.
"I guess I just have about two years left," she stated "I am becoming eager for Annika to make her appearance."
"Sailor Mars I know how much you fell in love with Annika when she came back to the past," Jupiter told her. "But enjoy getting a good night sleep and long romantic evenings now because once a baby comes along those aren't very frequent."
Mars laughed. "I aware of that," she said. "But I am still looking forward to it."
Pluto came in with Maggie dressed in the bonding gown. She looked like a little angel. "Now that the guest of honor has arrived we may begin," Endymion stated. Jupiter handed Daisy over to Mercury and then took Maggie from Pluto.
"We've only done this one other time when Small Lady was bonded with Mars," Serenity announced smiling at her daughter who was sleepily resting her head on Mars's shoulder. It was getting close to the child's naptime. "This is a special occasion for those who will mentor the child destined to become Sailor Senshi. Sailor Jupiter do you have your henshin wand out?"
"Yes," Jupiter replied as she held it up.
"Luna," Serenity turned to the black cat.
"Right away," Luna replied. She leapt up into the air and a henshin wand with the Pluto symbol on it appeared. She handed it to Serenity who placed it on Maggie's chest.
"Sailor Jupiter," Serenity stated. "Do you promise to guide this child and be there for her when her parents aren't. Since her mother is always at the Gates of Time, this child will need her mentor more then the others. Are you ready to accept that responsibility?"
"I am," Jupiter replied. "I will love this child as much as I love my own." With that said the silver crystal glowed along with the two-henshin wands. The white light from the crystal and the green and black lights from the henshin wands enveloped Jupiter and Maggie. Within minutes the lights were gone and the bonding was complete. Luna took the Pluto henshin wand to put away until it was time to be used again.
"The ceremony is complete," Serenity announced. "Sailor Jupiter you are now the official mentor of future Sailor Chibi Pluto."
"Thank you," Jupiter replied as Pluto took her child back.
"I should thank you," Pluto told her. "With me always guarding the time portal she is going to need you. I know the two of you will be very close."
"I'm sure we will," Jupiter stated as she took her own child from Mercury. She smiled down at Daisy. "We all will."
Eleven years later...
[Author's note: This part of the story takes place during the battle with Lady Hakai and the four fairies of elements. We won't see any of the fighting. This will just be a side story.]
Maggie sighed as she looked at the clock. Gym class was almost over and Maggie was thankful for that. She didn't mind gym usually but lately it was uncomfortable catching the balls when they came to her. She didn't understand why that was happening. Maggie never had problems catching balls before.
"Maggie get it," one of her classmates shouted. Maggie looked up and saw the ball coming toward her. She held out her arms and caught it. She grimaced as the ball hit her chest. It always hurt there now.
"Good job Meioh-san," the teacher called. He turned to the rest of the class. "It's time to get changed now class."
"Yes Sensei," the class called and they all filed into the changing room. Maggie pulled her school uniform out of her locker.
"What's going on," Daisy asked as she sat down on the bench next to her best friend.
"What do you mean," Maggie asked as she pulled her skirt back on.
"You always look like you're in pain when you catch the ball," Daisy stated.
Maggie blushed and leaned over to Daisy so that no one else would hear her. "It hurts to catch anything here," she whispered.
"Really," Daisy exclaimed. "Maybe you should tell Aunt Amy." She was quiet for a moment and then whispered, "It hurts for me sometimes too."
"So it isn't just me," Maggie mused. "I wonder what it is."
"You have also been really grumpy the last few days," Daisy added as she straightened her skirt. "Has this enemy got you spooked?"
"Of course not," Maggie snapped and then she immediately bit her tongue. "I'm sorry. I can't tell you what is bothering me." Inwardly she added,
"Well I wish you would tell someone," Daisy muttered. "I don't like it when you're grumpy. It's not you."
"If you two have finished gossiping we have to get back to class," the class representative Rui came up to them.
"All right we're going," Daisy sighed. She and Maggie closed their lockers and went back to class.
Lita arrived back at the palace after spending a few hours at her restaurant. It was crowded there and Lita hated to leave it but she wanted to be home for Daisy when she got home from school. Since her parents had died Lita wanted to be there for her daughter as much as possible. She wanted Daisy to have all that she didn't have growing up.
"Oh good you're back," Gary came up to her.
"Gary," Lita exclaimed. "Is everything all right?"
"I'm not sure," Gary admitted.
"Do you need to go out of town," Lita asked. "Because if so you know Maggie can stay with us. You hardly have to ask now."
"No I don't have to go out of town," Gary hastily replied. "But I do want to talk to you about Maggie."
"What's going on," Lita asked as she led Gary into the palace living room. She sat down on the couch. Gary sat on one of the chairs.
"Something is bothering her and she won't tell me," Gary stated. "She has been really irritable these last few days. At first I thought maybe this enemy was upsetting her. She was one of the first ones attacked after all but when I asked her she told me that wasn't it." He hesitated for a moment and then added, "She has always been able to tell me things before but now she just bottles up. It's not like her."
"Would you like me to talk to her," Lita asked.
"If you wouldn't mind," Gary pleaded. "You are her mentor and she looks at you like a second mother. Maybe she'll tell you what's going on."
"I'll be happy to help," Lita smiled at him. "Daisy has to train with her mentor this afternoon so I can go and talk to Maggie then."
"That would be great," Gary heaved a sigh of relief. "I'm just at my wits end."
"That's what we mentors are here for," Lita stated as she got up. "Now it's almost time for the kids to get home so we had better go and meet them." With that she and Gary went to meet their children getting home from school.
Maggie stood looking at her reflection in the mirror. Once she had arrived home from school she briefly told her father what her day was like then she went to her quarters while Gary went back to work. He had left a snack for Maggie but she wasn't hungry. So she went straight to her room and gazed at herself in the full-length mirror her parents had given her for her eleventh birthday. Maggie thought. She crossed her arms over her budding chest and scowled. she thought. Maggie had long ago accepted the fact that her mother was the keeper of time but there were occasions when she hated it. This was one of those occasions.
A knock at the door pulled her away from her brooding thoughts. Sighing loudly she went to the door and opened it. It was Lita. "Aunt Lita," she exclaimed. "Why are you here?"
"I thought we could spend time together," Lita replied as she came in. "Daisy is training with Haruka this afternoon so that gave me some time."
"I really want to be alone right now Aunt Lita," Maggie murmured.
"Maggie," Lita gently said as she took the girl by the hand and led her to the couch. "Your father is worried about you. He said you won't talk to him and that you have been really irritable. I just want to find out if something is bothering you."
"I just wish Mom were available right now," Maggie admitted. "There is something bothering me but I don't feel right telling Dad. It'd feel too weird."
Lita placed a hand on Maggie's cheek. "One of the duties of the mentors is to be available when the parents are not," she told her. "I knew that when I agreed to be your mentor that I would need to be available more then the others because your mother is the Guardian of Time. I had promised both of your parents that I will be here for you no matter what."
Maggie was quiet for a moment. She always regarded Lita as a second mother. She was closer to her mentor then the other Chibi Senshi were to theirs because her mother wasn't as available as the other mothers were. She looked up at Lita and spoke softly, "I'm changing."
"Changing," Lita echoed. "In what way?"
Maggie stood up straight so that her budding chest was sticking out. "This way," she replied.
"I see," Lita stated. "I guess you and Daisy aren't little girls any longer."
"So you see I can't talk to Papa about this," Maggie cried. "I feel too weird about it."
"That's understandable," Lita replied.
"I hate PE now," Maggie added. "It's hurts to catch a ball right here."
"Perfectly normal." Lita assured her. She pulled Maggie back down onto the couch. "How about if I talk to your mother. Maybe I can take you and Daisy shopping for bras. That's what both of you need and that way you don't have to be embarrassed about having to ask your father to do it for you."
"You'd do that," Maggie's face lit up for the first time in a few days.
"Of course I would," Lita replied. "I'll do anything to help you through your troubles."
"Oh thank you Aunt Lita," Maggie flung her arms around her mentor. "Thank you so much."
"So what's the problem," Gary asked Lita anxiously that evening after dinner. Maggie was off with Daisy talking to her about school. The other children were scattered in various placed throughout the living room with the exception of Ariel. She had been attacked by the enemy the other day and as a result had regressed in her therapy. So she was sitting on Amy's lap with her thumb in her mouth.
"It's nothing serious," Lita assured him. "Your daughter just has a bad case of growing up."
"Growing up," Gary exclaimed.
"Look at her Gary," Lita nodded toward Maggie. "She's not a little girl any more. She's eleven which makes her a preteen."
"Oh no," Gary groaned. "That means the teen years aren't that far off."
"I know but we can get through it," Lita assured him. She got up from the couch. "I need to talk to Sailor Pluto about what Maggie and I talked about this afternoon. Something like this should be a special time between mother and daughter so I feel I should ask before I go ahead and take Maggie shopping."
Sailor Pluto stood by the Time Portal with a heavy heart. She knew what Maggie was going through and it broke her heart that she couldn't be there for her. So she was not surprised when Lita came walking up to her. "Hello Lita," Sailor Pluto greeted her.
"Hello Sailor Pluto," Lita replied. "I guess you know why I am here."
Pluto nodded her head. "My daughter is growing up so fast. I regret that I can not be there for her right now."
"She is not only growing up in mind but in body," Lita pointed out. "Maggie feels self-conscious about asking her father to take her shopping right now. She needs a bra. Daisy needs one too so I will be more then happy to take Maggie with us if it is okay with you."
"Why do you come and ask my permission," Pluto asked. "You've taken her shopping before."
"A girl getting her first bra should be shared between mother and daughter," Lita replied. "I don't want to take that away from you."
Sailor Pluto turned sadly to Lita. "I knew when I got pregnant with Maggie that I would have to miss out on many things," she stated. "There are some things I will leave this post for no matter what the status is. I will make sure I am there at her wedding, and for the birth of her children and be there to comfort her when she has been through a traumatizing experience. In the eyes of Chronos something like this is not important enough to leave my post, especially while there is an enemy at work."
"What about in your eyes," Lita exclaimed thinking that if Daisy ever needed her she would be there for her and to hell with her duty.
"If she didn't have such a wonderful, loving mentor I would abandon my responsibilities," Pluto told her. She looked at Lita in the eye. "But I know she is in good hands with you. You may take her shopping but I ask that you send her to come see me afterwards. I want to share some of this experience with her."
Lita saw the sorrow in Pluto's eyes and understood. "I will do that," she promised. "And I promise I will continue to be there for Maggie."
"I know you will," Pluto replied as a small smile appeared on her face. "That was why I chose you."
"I'll take the girls shopping tomorrow," Lita told Setsuna. "I'll have Maggie come by when we return."
Sailor Pluto only nodded her head and then watched sadly as Lita left. She really envied the rest of the Senshi. They were able to take an active roll in the lives of their children. This was one of the drawbacks to being the Guardian of Time.
The next day Lita took Maggie and Daisy shopping. The two of them, becoming true pre-teens were full of giggles. Lita had decided to make a day of it for the girls. She planned to take them bra shopping and then take them to her restaurant for lunch. If the girls wanted to shop in other stores she would take them there too.
Daisy had no problem choosing what she wanted. She found a couple of selections and then darted into the changing room. Maggie took a little longer. Lita walked over to her. "It shouldn't be hard finding one your size," she told Maggie. "At your age there are usually training bras. You just have to pick the one you like."
Maggie blushed. "I find this a little embarrassing," she whispered.
"Why," Lita asked. "We all go through this at one point."
"I was hoping I would do this with Mom," Maggie admitted.
Lita smiled gently and ran her fingers through Maggie's long hair. "I understand," she stated. "And your mother wishes she could be with you but she was unable too. I hope you don't mind me taking you."
"No I don't," Maggie replied. "If Mom can't then I want you to come with me."
"I'm glad you feel that way," Lita said. "Just remember that after this you get to see your mother and tell her all about your day. Now isn't that something to look forward too?"
"Yes it is," Maggie stated. She flung her arms around Lita. "You're the greatest Aunt Lita. Do you know that?"
"As long as you and Daisy keep telling me that I will," Lita laughed as she hugged the girl back. She then held up a couple of training bras that were around Maggie's size. "Now how about we join Daisy in the changing room and try these on?" Maggie nodded her head and took the bras from Lita. Then the two of them headed toward the changing room.
Once the girls' made their choices and Lita paid they decided to shop a little more before lunch. There was a shop nearby that sold everything from plush animals to pins, stationery to fancy pens and all sorts of other things. Boys didn't care very much for this shop but girls loved it. All of the Chibi Senshi saved their allowances to buy something from there. They got to the shop and saw that Amy was there with Annika. "Taking a day with the one you mentor," Lita asked her.
"Yes," Amy replied. "Michiru offered to look after Ariel for the day. Ariel has been so traumatized and clingy to me but she'll let Michiru take care of her. Michiru has been wonderful with Ariel and has been very supportive through all of this. Since Raye had some things to take care of I offered to spend the day with Annika."
"This is one of Annika's favorite places too," Lita observed.
Amy chuckled. "She has brought her allowance with her. I just hope she doesn't blow it all here. You know how Raye is about spending money frivolously."
"I don't think you need to worry," Lita laughed. "Annika may not have much of her mother's personality but there is enough of Raye in her to make wise decisions."
"Aunt Lita," Maggie came up. In her hands was a pin. It was a pink rose pin. "I just bought this."
"Why isn't that pretty," Lita exclaimed as she looked at it.
"I bought it for you," Maggie told her. "I thought it would look good with the rose earrings you always wear."
"Oh Maggie that is so sweet of you," Lita gasped as she took the pin from Maggie.
"It's my way of saying thank you," Maggie replied. "You're more then my mentor and my second mother." Lita couldn't say anything as she pulled the girl into a loving embrace.
"Isn't it nice being a mentor," Amy asked. "And I feel that we were destined to mentor the particular girls we were asked to bond with. When I see how devoted Michiru is to Ariel right now with all that poor baby has been through I feel she was destined to be the only one left to mentor my little one."
"I agree with you," Lita sighed as she held Maggie close to her.
The mood was interrupted when Annika came running up and flung her arms around Amy's waist, burying her face in her skirt. "What is it Annika," Amy asked in concern.
"Daisy," Lita asked as Daisy came up.
"Where's the crybaby," a sneering voice called and Miyaki came around the corner.
"Leave her alone," Daisy snapped. Lita shot her a warning look.
"Young lady," Amy said sternly. "Where is your mother?"
"At her shop," Miyaki replied. She turned back to Annika. "That's not your mama crybaby."
"Look," Amy snapped in an icy voice. "I don't know how your parents raise you but I am not going to tolerate you picking on others. I want you to leave Annika alone right now."
Miyaki glared at Amy. Then she saw Daisy who was shooting daggers at her. Knowing that Daisy could get her at school she decided to leave. "I'll see you in school tomorrow crybaby," she sneered and then walked away.
"What a brat," Lita muttered. "If she were my child I'd give her spanking she'd never Genjo forget."
"I agree," Amy sighed. She looked down at Annika who was sniffling. "It's okay Sweetie. She's gone now. Why don't you get back to shopping?"
"Come with me," Annika pleaded.
"Of course," Amy replied. She took Annika's hand and turned to Lita. "I guess I had better go." She said goodbye and then led Annika away. Lita then turned to her young charges.
"Are we finished here girls," she asked.
"Yes," both girls called enthusiastically. The three of them moved on.
Once they got back to the palace Daisy had to go and find Haruka to discuss her training from the other day. Lita took Maggie back to her quarters to talk with her some more. She gave Maggie a piece of cake that she had baked the day before and the two sat down at the table to eat. "I hope you had fun today," Lita stated.
"I did," Maggie replied. "Thank you for taking me out."
"Anytime," Lita assured her. She looked into Maggie's purple eyes. "I just wanted to see how you were feeling about all this."
"About all what," Maggie asked as she took a bite of her cake.
"You're body is changing," Lita told her. "In another year and a half you are going to be a teenager. I'm sure there is a lot on your mind about it."
Maggie was quiet for a moment. "It all feels kind of weird," she admitted. "I feel so awkward and clumsy too, like I am nothing but arms and legs."
"That's normal when you're hitting a growth spurt," Lita assured her. "Daisy is going through the same thing. Rini went through it and all of the other girls here will go through this too. I just want you to know that I am here for you if you ever need anything."
"There is something else too," Maggie stated.
"And what is that," Lita asked.
"There's this boy in my class," Maggie whispered shyly. "His name is Genjo. When I am near him I feel all funny, like my heart is fluttering."
"Well it seems like the hormones are starting to kick in," Lita laughed. "You're becoming interested in boys."
Maggie blushed. "I guess I do like him a little," she admitted.
"And that's okay," Lita reached over and took Maggie's hand. "There are many new things in store for you but know that I am here to help you through it if your mother isn't available."
"Thank you Aunt Lita," Maggie got up and hugged her surrogate mother. "I am going to go and see Mom now."
"I'll see you later," Lita called as Maggie left. She smiled. It was nice being mentor to such a well-behaved child.
Pluto was happy when Maggie arrived at the Gates of Time. She held out her arms and Maggie ran right into them. "How was your day," Pluto asked her daughter.
"It was fun," Maggie replied. "I had a great time with Aunt Lita." She gave her mother another kiss on the cheek.
"What was that for," Pluto asked.
"For asking Aunt Lita to be my mentor," Maggie replied. "She's really great. She was really helpful with all of this."
"I'm glad I made the right choice," Pluto stated. "I just felt that she would be perfect to mentor you." She turned back to her daughter. "I'm sorry."
"For what Mom," Maggie asked.
"For not being here when you need a mother," Pluto replied.
"I understand Mom," Maggie assured her mother. "Sometimes I get angry but I know you're doing your duty. One day I'll be here with you and my children will feel the way I feel."
"You're a very wise girl," Pluto mused. She smiled at her daughter. "When this enemy has been taken of I'll see about taking time off from my post. Maybe you and I can spend the day together."
"That would be great," Maggie exclaimed. "That is definitely something to look forward too."
"Then start thinking about what you want to do," Pluto told her. "I need to get back to my post now."
"Okay Mom," Maggie gave her mother a hug. "I'll see you later." Pluto watched as her daughter disappeared. Another milestone in the girl's growth had hit. One day Maggie would not be a child anymore.
Pluto thought.
That evening after dinner the children were scattered all about the living room as usual. Lita kept a close eye on Maggie and Daisy. "They're sure growing up fast aren't they," Serenity mused.
"They are," Lita sighed. "I realized today that I am now the parent and mentor of pre-teens. Will I be ready for the teen years?"
"You still have a year and a half before that happens," Serenity laughed. "But I've been dealing with it for two years now and it hasn't been that bad. There are some bumps along the way but as long as you have a good relationship with both of them then you will be fine. Rini and I have always had a good relationship and Raye has found that being a mentor to a teenager isn't too bad. She actually enjoys it now because she can treat Rini as an equal sometimes."
"I'm glad to hear that," Lita replied. "It brings some comfort."
"Aunt Lita," Maggie came over and sat down next to her on the couch. "I wanted to thank you again for today."
"Oh Maggie you don't need to thank me," Lita hugged the girl. "I'm glad to be spending the time with you." She hugged Maggie close to her. "I love you."
"I love you too Aunt Lita," Maggie replied as she hugged Lita back. In her mind she had the best mentor of all.
End of Part Two
In answer to a question left in a review of part one, Gloria's mentor is Sailor Pluto.
E-mail me at AngelRaye2@aol.com
My site has moved to a new server. Come and visit it at http://www.craiger.dns2go.com/chibiscouts/index.html
I have a note for all of the artists who have done work on my site. Please send me your e-mail address or website address if either has changed since you sent me your pictures. Since we have moved to a new server I would like everything to be updated. Thank you.
Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon. With the exception of Rini I own the Chibi Senshi.
Bonds
Part Two: Maggie and Lita
By
Angel Raye
Six weeks after Maggie's birth...
Lita had just finished feeding Daisy and was now putting her down for a nap. Daisy was now a month old. Setsuna had a baby two weeks before Lita. She was on her way over here with Maggie right now. Lita had wanted to get Daisy fed before Setsuna arrived. Setsuna had told her she had something important to discuss with her. Lita had important decisions to make as well. Luna had come to Lita the other day and told her that she needed to decide who she wanted to mentor Daisy. Lita had been thinking about it. Although Amy was Daisy's godmother she really wasn't an ideal mentor. Right now all of the Senshi with the exception of Raye were available.
A knock at the door indicated that Setsuna had arrived. Lita called for her to come in. Setsuna entered with infant Maggie in her arms. "Konnichiwa Lita," Setsuna greeted her.
"Konnichiwa," Lita replied as she motioned for Setsuna to sit down. She smiled at Maggie who was awake in her mother's arms. "Has she let you sleep through the night yet?"
Setsuna smiled back. "Not really," she replied. "How about yours?"
"No," Lita sighed. "I'm lucky if Daisy lets me sleep for two hours before she wakes up for another feeding." She looked back down at Maggie and held out her arms. "May I?"
"Of course," Setsuna carefully placed Maggie in Lita's arms. Maggie just gazed up at Lita with her purple eyes.
"Kawaii," Lita murmured. She then turned to Setsuna again. "So what brings you here? I know you're very busy with a newborn. I know because mine takes up a lot of time."
"Luna came to me the other day," Setsuna stated. "She told me I need to think of finding a mentor for Maggie."
"She came to me too," Lita sighed.
"Who do you have in mind," Setsuna asked curiously.
"I'm thinking Haruka maybe," Lita replied. "I remember Daisy being very tough and I think she needs someone who will be strong and firm."
"I know that Maggie will look at you as a second mother," Setsuna told Lita. "She and Daisy will be very close friends so she will be seeing a lot of you. She will love you as much as she loves her father and I. So I wanted to ask you if you would be her mentor. I can't think of anyone better for her."
Lita smiled. She remembered Daisy mentioning to her in the past what a good friend Maggie was and how she spent so much time with them. "It will be an honor."
"Are you sure," Setsuna asked. "With me being the Guardian of Time I know that I will not be as available as the other Senshi. Maggie will need you to be more then just a mentor. She will need you as a substitute mother as well."
"Setsuna I am aware of the circumstances," Lita stated. "And it won't change my mind. I will be honored to be Maggie's mentor."
Setsuna smiled. "Thank you," she replied. "I will inform the Queen at once."
"And we both have a bonding ceremony to prepare for," Lita added. She glanced down at Maggie who was still in her arms. "And I promise little one that I will always be here for you."
"Mama do I have to be here," Rini whined. At four-years-old she didn't understand why she had to be at these ceremonies.
"Yes Small Lady," Serenity replied gently. "I know you don't know what is going on but it is important you be here."
Sailor Mars came over. "Come on Small Lady," she said. "Why do you sit with me for a while so that Mama can do her job?"
"Kay Sailor Mars," Rini chirped to her mentor. Sailor Mars smiled and picked the princess up. She looked at Jupiter who was holding Daisy in her arms.
"I guess I just have about two years left," she stated "I am becoming eager for Annika to make her appearance."
"Sailor Mars I know how much you fell in love with Annika when she came back to the past," Jupiter told her. "But enjoy getting a good night sleep and long romantic evenings now because once a baby comes along those aren't very frequent."
Mars laughed. "I aware of that," she said. "But I am still looking forward to it."
Pluto came in with Maggie dressed in the bonding gown. She looked like a little angel. "Now that the guest of honor has arrived we may begin," Endymion stated. Jupiter handed Daisy over to Mercury and then took Maggie from Pluto.
"We've only done this one other time when Small Lady was bonded with Mars," Serenity announced smiling at her daughter who was sleepily resting her head on Mars's shoulder. It was getting close to the child's naptime. "This is a special occasion for those who will mentor the child destined to become Sailor Senshi. Sailor Jupiter do you have your henshin wand out?"
"Yes," Jupiter replied as she held it up.
"Luna," Serenity turned to the black cat.
"Right away," Luna replied. She leapt up into the air and a henshin wand with the Pluto symbol on it appeared. She handed it to Serenity who placed it on Maggie's chest.
"Sailor Jupiter," Serenity stated. "Do you promise to guide this child and be there for her when her parents aren't. Since her mother is always at the Gates of Time, this child will need her mentor more then the others. Are you ready to accept that responsibility?"
"I am," Jupiter replied. "I will love this child as much as I love my own." With that said the silver crystal glowed along with the two-henshin wands. The white light from the crystal and the green and black lights from the henshin wands enveloped Jupiter and Maggie. Within minutes the lights were gone and the bonding was complete. Luna took the Pluto henshin wand to put away until it was time to be used again.
"The ceremony is complete," Serenity announced. "Sailor Jupiter you are now the official mentor of future Sailor Chibi Pluto."
"Thank you," Jupiter replied as Pluto took her child back.
"I should thank you," Pluto told her. "With me always guarding the time portal she is going to need you. I know the two of you will be very close."
"I'm sure we will," Jupiter stated as she took her own child from Mercury. She smiled down at Daisy. "We all will."
Eleven years later...
[Author's note: This part of the story takes place during the battle with Lady Hakai and the four fairies of elements. We won't see any of the fighting. This will just be a side story.]
Maggie sighed as she looked at the clock. Gym class was almost over and Maggie was thankful for that. She didn't mind gym usually but lately it was uncomfortable catching the balls when they came to her. She didn't understand why that was happening. Maggie never had problems catching balls before.
"Maggie get it," one of her classmates shouted. Maggie looked up and saw the ball coming toward her. She held out her arms and caught it. She grimaced as the ball hit her chest. It always hurt there now.
"Good job Meioh-san," the teacher called. He turned to the rest of the class. "It's time to get changed now class."
"Yes Sensei," the class called and they all filed into the changing room. Maggie pulled her school uniform out of her locker.
"What's going on," Daisy asked as she sat down on the bench next to her best friend.
"What do you mean," Maggie asked as she pulled her skirt back on.
"You always look like you're in pain when you catch the ball," Daisy stated.
Maggie blushed and leaned over to Daisy so that no one else would hear her. "It hurts to catch anything here," she whispered.
"Really," Daisy exclaimed. "Maybe you should tell Aunt Amy." She was quiet for a moment and then whispered, "It hurts for me sometimes too."
"So it isn't just me," Maggie mused. "I wonder what it is."
"You have also been really grumpy the last few days," Daisy added as she straightened her skirt. "Has this enemy got you spooked?"
"Of course not," Maggie snapped and then she immediately bit her tongue. "I'm sorry. I can't tell you what is bothering me." Inwardly she added,
"Well I wish you would tell someone," Daisy muttered. "I don't like it when you're grumpy. It's not you."
"If you two have finished gossiping we have to get back to class," the class representative Rui came up to them.
"All right we're going," Daisy sighed. She and Maggie closed their lockers and went back to class.
Lita arrived back at the palace after spending a few hours at her restaurant. It was crowded there and Lita hated to leave it but she wanted to be home for Daisy when she got home from school. Since her parents had died Lita wanted to be there for her daughter as much as possible. She wanted Daisy to have all that she didn't have growing up.
"Oh good you're back," Gary came up to her.
"Gary," Lita exclaimed. "Is everything all right?"
"I'm not sure," Gary admitted.
"Do you need to go out of town," Lita asked. "Because if so you know Maggie can stay with us. You hardly have to ask now."
"No I don't have to go out of town," Gary hastily replied. "But I do want to talk to you about Maggie."
"What's going on," Lita asked as she led Gary into the palace living room. She sat down on the couch. Gary sat on one of the chairs.
"Something is bothering her and she won't tell me," Gary stated. "She has been really irritable these last few days. At first I thought maybe this enemy was upsetting her. She was one of the first ones attacked after all but when I asked her she told me that wasn't it." He hesitated for a moment and then added, "She has always been able to tell me things before but now she just bottles up. It's not like her."
"Would you like me to talk to her," Lita asked.
"If you wouldn't mind," Gary pleaded. "You are her mentor and she looks at you like a second mother. Maybe she'll tell you what's going on."
"I'll be happy to help," Lita smiled at him. "Daisy has to train with her mentor this afternoon so I can go and talk to Maggie then."
"That would be great," Gary heaved a sigh of relief. "I'm just at my wits end."
"That's what we mentors are here for," Lita stated as she got up. "Now it's almost time for the kids to get home so we had better go and meet them." With that she and Gary went to meet their children getting home from school.
Maggie stood looking at her reflection in the mirror. Once she had arrived home from school she briefly told her father what her day was like then she went to her quarters while Gary went back to work. He had left a snack for Maggie but she wasn't hungry. So she went straight to her room and gazed at herself in the full-length mirror her parents had given her for her eleventh birthday. Maggie thought. She crossed her arms over her budding chest and scowled. she thought. Maggie had long ago accepted the fact that her mother was the keeper of time but there were occasions when she hated it. This was one of those occasions.
A knock at the door pulled her away from her brooding thoughts. Sighing loudly she went to the door and opened it. It was Lita. "Aunt Lita," she exclaimed. "Why are you here?"
"I thought we could spend time together," Lita replied as she came in. "Daisy is training with Haruka this afternoon so that gave me some time."
"I really want to be alone right now Aunt Lita," Maggie murmured.
"Maggie," Lita gently said as she took the girl by the hand and led her to the couch. "Your father is worried about you. He said you won't talk to him and that you have been really irritable. I just want to find out if something is bothering you."
"I just wish Mom were available right now," Maggie admitted. "There is something bothering me but I don't feel right telling Dad. It'd feel too weird."
Lita placed a hand on Maggie's cheek. "One of the duties of the mentors is to be available when the parents are not," she told her. "I knew that when I agreed to be your mentor that I would need to be available more then the others because your mother is the Guardian of Time. I had promised both of your parents that I will be here for you no matter what."
Maggie was quiet for a moment. She always regarded Lita as a second mother. She was closer to her mentor then the other Chibi Senshi were to theirs because her mother wasn't as available as the other mothers were. She looked up at Lita and spoke softly, "I'm changing."
"Changing," Lita echoed. "In what way?"
Maggie stood up straight so that her budding chest was sticking out. "This way," she replied.
"I see," Lita stated. "I guess you and Daisy aren't little girls any longer."
"So you see I can't talk to Papa about this," Maggie cried. "I feel too weird about it."
"That's understandable," Lita replied.
"I hate PE now," Maggie added. "It's hurts to catch a ball right here."
"Perfectly normal." Lita assured her. She pulled Maggie back down onto the couch. "How about if I talk to your mother. Maybe I can take you and Daisy shopping for bras. That's what both of you need and that way you don't have to be embarrassed about having to ask your father to do it for you."
"You'd do that," Maggie's face lit up for the first time in a few days.
"Of course I would," Lita replied. "I'll do anything to help you through your troubles."
"Oh thank you Aunt Lita," Maggie flung her arms around her mentor. "Thank you so much."
"So what's the problem," Gary asked Lita anxiously that evening after dinner. Maggie was off with Daisy talking to her about school. The other children were scattered in various placed throughout the living room with the exception of Ariel. She had been attacked by the enemy the other day and as a result had regressed in her therapy. So she was sitting on Amy's lap with her thumb in her mouth.
"It's nothing serious," Lita assured him. "Your daughter just has a bad case of growing up."
"Growing up," Gary exclaimed.
"Look at her Gary," Lita nodded toward Maggie. "She's not a little girl any more. She's eleven which makes her a preteen."
"Oh no," Gary groaned. "That means the teen years aren't that far off."
"I know but we can get through it," Lita assured him. She got up from the couch. "I need to talk to Sailor Pluto about what Maggie and I talked about this afternoon. Something like this should be a special time between mother and daughter so I feel I should ask before I go ahead and take Maggie shopping."
Sailor Pluto stood by the Time Portal with a heavy heart. She knew what Maggie was going through and it broke her heart that she couldn't be there for her. So she was not surprised when Lita came walking up to her. "Hello Lita," Sailor Pluto greeted her.
"Hello Sailor Pluto," Lita replied. "I guess you know why I am here."
Pluto nodded her head. "My daughter is growing up so fast. I regret that I can not be there for her right now."
"She is not only growing up in mind but in body," Lita pointed out. "Maggie feels self-conscious about asking her father to take her shopping right now. She needs a bra. Daisy needs one too so I will be more then happy to take Maggie with us if it is okay with you."
"Why do you come and ask my permission," Pluto asked. "You've taken her shopping before."
"A girl getting her first bra should be shared between mother and daughter," Lita replied. "I don't want to take that away from you."
Sailor Pluto turned sadly to Lita. "I knew when I got pregnant with Maggie that I would have to miss out on many things," she stated. "There are some things I will leave this post for no matter what the status is. I will make sure I am there at her wedding, and for the birth of her children and be there to comfort her when she has been through a traumatizing experience. In the eyes of Chronos something like this is not important enough to leave my post, especially while there is an enemy at work."
"What about in your eyes," Lita exclaimed thinking that if Daisy ever needed her she would be there for her and to hell with her duty.
"If she didn't have such a wonderful, loving mentor I would abandon my responsibilities," Pluto told her. She looked at Lita in the eye. "But I know she is in good hands with you. You may take her shopping but I ask that you send her to come see me afterwards. I want to share some of this experience with her."
Lita saw the sorrow in Pluto's eyes and understood. "I will do that," she promised. "And I promise I will continue to be there for Maggie."
"I know you will," Pluto replied as a small smile appeared on her face. "That was why I chose you."
"I'll take the girls shopping tomorrow," Lita told Setsuna. "I'll have Maggie come by when we return."
Sailor Pluto only nodded her head and then watched sadly as Lita left. She really envied the rest of the Senshi. They were able to take an active roll in the lives of their children. This was one of the drawbacks to being the Guardian of Time.
The next day Lita took Maggie and Daisy shopping. The two of them, becoming true pre-teens were full of giggles. Lita had decided to make a day of it for the girls. She planned to take them bra shopping and then take them to her restaurant for lunch. If the girls wanted to shop in other stores she would take them there too.
Daisy had no problem choosing what she wanted. She found a couple of selections and then darted into the changing room. Maggie took a little longer. Lita walked over to her. "It shouldn't be hard finding one your size," she told Maggie. "At your age there are usually training bras. You just have to pick the one you like."
Maggie blushed. "I find this a little embarrassing," she whispered.
"Why," Lita asked. "We all go through this at one point."
"I was hoping I would do this with Mom," Maggie admitted.
Lita smiled gently and ran her fingers through Maggie's long hair. "I understand," she stated. "And your mother wishes she could be with you but she was unable too. I hope you don't mind me taking you."
"No I don't," Maggie replied. "If Mom can't then I want you to come with me."
"I'm glad you feel that way," Lita said. "Just remember that after this you get to see your mother and tell her all about your day. Now isn't that something to look forward too?"
"Yes it is," Maggie stated. She flung her arms around Lita. "You're the greatest Aunt Lita. Do you know that?"
"As long as you and Daisy keep telling me that I will," Lita laughed as she hugged the girl back. She then held up a couple of training bras that were around Maggie's size. "Now how about we join Daisy in the changing room and try these on?" Maggie nodded her head and took the bras from Lita. Then the two of them headed toward the changing room.
Once the girls' made their choices and Lita paid they decided to shop a little more before lunch. There was a shop nearby that sold everything from plush animals to pins, stationery to fancy pens and all sorts of other things. Boys didn't care very much for this shop but girls loved it. All of the Chibi Senshi saved their allowances to buy something from there. They got to the shop and saw that Amy was there with Annika. "Taking a day with the one you mentor," Lita asked her.
"Yes," Amy replied. "Michiru offered to look after Ariel for the day. Ariel has been so traumatized and clingy to me but she'll let Michiru take care of her. Michiru has been wonderful with Ariel and has been very supportive through all of this. Since Raye had some things to take care of I offered to spend the day with Annika."
"This is one of Annika's favorite places too," Lita observed.
Amy chuckled. "She has brought her allowance with her. I just hope she doesn't blow it all here. You know how Raye is about spending money frivolously."
"I don't think you need to worry," Lita laughed. "Annika may not have much of her mother's personality but there is enough of Raye in her to make wise decisions."
"Aunt Lita," Maggie came up. In her hands was a pin. It was a pink rose pin. "I just bought this."
"Why isn't that pretty," Lita exclaimed as she looked at it.
"I bought it for you," Maggie told her. "I thought it would look good with the rose earrings you always wear."
"Oh Maggie that is so sweet of you," Lita gasped as she took the pin from Maggie.
"It's my way of saying thank you," Maggie replied. "You're more then my mentor and my second mother." Lita couldn't say anything as she pulled the girl into a loving embrace.
"Isn't it nice being a mentor," Amy asked. "And I feel that we were destined to mentor the particular girls we were asked to bond with. When I see how devoted Michiru is to Ariel right now with all that poor baby has been through I feel she was destined to be the only one left to mentor my little one."
"I agree with you," Lita sighed as she held Maggie close to her.
The mood was interrupted when Annika came running up and flung her arms around Amy's waist, burying her face in her skirt. "What is it Annika," Amy asked in concern.
"Daisy," Lita asked as Daisy came up.
"Where's the crybaby," a sneering voice called and Miyaki came around the corner.
"Leave her alone," Daisy snapped. Lita shot her a warning look.
"Young lady," Amy said sternly. "Where is your mother?"
"At her shop," Miyaki replied. She turned back to Annika. "That's not your mama crybaby."
"Look," Amy snapped in an icy voice. "I don't know how your parents raise you but I am not going to tolerate you picking on others. I want you to leave Annika alone right now."
Miyaki glared at Amy. Then she saw Daisy who was shooting daggers at her. Knowing that Daisy could get her at school she decided to leave. "I'll see you in school tomorrow crybaby," she sneered and then walked away.
"What a brat," Lita muttered. "If she were my child I'd give her spanking she'd never Genjo forget."
"I agree," Amy sighed. She looked down at Annika who was sniffling. "It's okay Sweetie. She's gone now. Why don't you get back to shopping?"
"Come with me," Annika pleaded.
"Of course," Amy replied. She took Annika's hand and turned to Lita. "I guess I had better go." She said goodbye and then led Annika away. Lita then turned to her young charges.
"Are we finished here girls," she asked.
"Yes," both girls called enthusiastically. The three of them moved on.
Once they got back to the palace Daisy had to go and find Haruka to discuss her training from the other day. Lita took Maggie back to her quarters to talk with her some more. She gave Maggie a piece of cake that she had baked the day before and the two sat down at the table to eat. "I hope you had fun today," Lita stated.
"I did," Maggie replied. "Thank you for taking me out."
"Anytime," Lita assured her. She looked into Maggie's purple eyes. "I just wanted to see how you were feeling about all this."
"About all what," Maggie asked as she took a bite of her cake.
"You're body is changing," Lita told her. "In another year and a half you are going to be a teenager. I'm sure there is a lot on your mind about it."
Maggie was quiet for a moment. "It all feels kind of weird," she admitted. "I feel so awkward and clumsy too, like I am nothing but arms and legs."
"That's normal when you're hitting a growth spurt," Lita assured her. "Daisy is going through the same thing. Rini went through it and all of the other girls here will go through this too. I just want you to know that I am here for you if you ever need anything."
"There is something else too," Maggie stated.
"And what is that," Lita asked.
"There's this boy in my class," Maggie whispered shyly. "His name is Genjo. When I am near him I feel all funny, like my heart is fluttering."
"Well it seems like the hormones are starting to kick in," Lita laughed. "You're becoming interested in boys."
Maggie blushed. "I guess I do like him a little," she admitted.
"And that's okay," Lita reached over and took Maggie's hand. "There are many new things in store for you but know that I am here to help you through it if your mother isn't available."
"Thank you Aunt Lita," Maggie got up and hugged her surrogate mother. "I am going to go and see Mom now."
"I'll see you later," Lita called as Maggie left. She smiled. It was nice being mentor to such a well-behaved child.
Pluto was happy when Maggie arrived at the Gates of Time. She held out her arms and Maggie ran right into them. "How was your day," Pluto asked her daughter.
"It was fun," Maggie replied. "I had a great time with Aunt Lita." She gave her mother another kiss on the cheek.
"What was that for," Pluto asked.
"For asking Aunt Lita to be my mentor," Maggie replied. "She's really great. She was really helpful with all of this."
"I'm glad I made the right choice," Pluto stated. "I just felt that she would be perfect to mentor you." She turned back to her daughter. "I'm sorry."
"For what Mom," Maggie asked.
"For not being here when you need a mother," Pluto replied.
"I understand Mom," Maggie assured her mother. "Sometimes I get angry but I know you're doing your duty. One day I'll be here with you and my children will feel the way I feel."
"You're a very wise girl," Pluto mused. She smiled at her daughter. "When this enemy has been taken of I'll see about taking time off from my post. Maybe you and I can spend the day together."
"That would be great," Maggie exclaimed. "That is definitely something to look forward too."
"Then start thinking about what you want to do," Pluto told her. "I need to get back to my post now."
"Okay Mom," Maggie gave her mother a hug. "I'll see you later." Pluto watched as her daughter disappeared. Another milestone in the girl's growth had hit. One day Maggie would not be a child anymore.
Pluto thought.
That evening after dinner the children were scattered all about the living room as usual. Lita kept a close eye on Maggie and Daisy. "They're sure growing up fast aren't they," Serenity mused.
"They are," Lita sighed. "I realized today that I am now the parent and mentor of pre-teens. Will I be ready for the teen years?"
"You still have a year and a half before that happens," Serenity laughed. "But I've been dealing with it for two years now and it hasn't been that bad. There are some bumps along the way but as long as you have a good relationship with both of them then you will be fine. Rini and I have always had a good relationship and Raye has found that being a mentor to a teenager isn't too bad. She actually enjoys it now because she can treat Rini as an equal sometimes."
"I'm glad to hear that," Lita replied. "It brings some comfort."
"Aunt Lita," Maggie came over and sat down next to her on the couch. "I wanted to thank you again for today."
"Oh Maggie you don't need to thank me," Lita hugged the girl. "I'm glad to be spending the time with you." She hugged Maggie close to her. "I love you."
"I love you too Aunt Lita," Maggie replied as she hugged Lita back. In her mind she had the best mentor of all.
End of Part Two