Hi Everyone. We are now onto Part Five of "Bonds." This will be Gloria and Setsuna's part. I was given the idea to expand on the time when Annika had fallen through the ice. (Thank you Starlight Angel) This will mainly focus on Gloria and how much Setsuna meant to her during that time. Review please.
I am sorry it is taking me so long to update my stories but the workload at work has really been piling up. I work a little bit each day on my stories and I promise you that I am getting them out as fast as I can.
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Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon. With the exception of Rini I own the Chibi Senshi.
Bonds Part Five: Gloria and Setsuna By Angel RayeThree weeks after Gloria's birth…
Mina heaved a breath of relief as Gloria finally got to sleep. Since her birth three weeks ago Mina hardly got any sleep. She remembered when Gloria had visited them in the past. She had been a rude, obnoxious prankster. But underneath all of that she had a large heart. Mina knew when she got pregnant with Gloria that she would be in for a challenge. So far she was right. Gloria rarely slept at night and was already very demanding.
"So you finally got her to sleep," Artemis commented as he jumped up on the couch.
"Finally," Mina groaned. "Now maybe I can relax for a moment."
"Have you given any thought as to who will be her mentor yet," Artemis asked.
"I have given it a lot of thought," Mina replied. "Raye, Lita and Haruka are already taken. Gloria will need someone with a lot of patience. All of the others who are left have patience but she will also need someone who will be firm with her."
"So who do you have in mind," Artemis asked.
Mina smiled. "Hotaru told me that Setsuna was in charge of her education and discipline when they were raising her," she stated. "So I am going to ask her. Not only that but since she is at the Gates of Time a lot Gloria won't get on her nerves as easily. That will be important."
"Sounds logical," Artemis agreed. "When are you going to ask her?"
"If I know Setsuna she already knows," Mina laughed. "But she's coming over this evening so that I can ask her officially."
Gloria began to wail from her bassinet. Mina gave a sigh and got up to tend to her.
"Aren't you a kawaii little thing," Setsuna cooed as she held Gloria in her arms.
"Thank you for holding her for a few minutes," Mina told her as she flopped down on the couch. "I love her but I haven't gotten much rest. She is very demanding already."
"I don't mind," Setsuna assured her. She smiled down at the little bundle in her
arms. "After all you and I are going to
be very close. Right little one?"
"I am so glad you've agreed to be her mentor," Mina sighed. "But she is going to be a handful. That much I remember about her. So don't say I didn't warn you."
"I don't need warnings," Setsuna laughed. "I know what this child is going to be like so I know what I am in for. You don't need worry Mina. I will be loving but firm with her."
"Thank you," Mina heaved a breath of relief.
Two weeks later…
"Sailor Mars," Rini called to her mentor. "My bow is untied."
"Turn around Small Lady and I'll fix it," Mars commanded. Rini turned around and Mars fixed the bow on her princess gown. "Now you be a good girl and look at the books you brought with you. I'm not feeling too good today."
"The morning sickness isn't getting better," Mercury asked in concern. Mars was about two and a half months pregnant with her daughter now and was constantly sick.
"It's not morning sickness with me," Mars muttered. "It's twenty-four hour sickness. I'm sick in the morning, afternoon and evening. I hope this doesn't last the entire pregnancy."
"You'll be through your first trimester in a couple of weeks so it should pass then," Mercury assured her. "If not I'm sure I can give you something to help."
"Take it easy Mars," Saturn came up. "I'll keep an eye on Small Lady for you. I'm sure keeping up with an active five-year-old is exhausting."
"It can be," Mars agreed. "Thank you Saturn."
"It's not a problem," Saturn assured her. "Small Lady is special to me too even though she won't know why for another couple of years yet."
"Attention Minna," Serenity and Endymion entered. "The bonding ceremony is about to begin." Everyone gathered around. Pluto took Gloria from Venus. Gloria was dressed in the bonding dress. "Luna the henshin wand please," Serenity stated.
"Right," Luna leapt up into the air and a henshin wand with the Venus symbol appeared. Luna handed it to Serenity who placed it on Gloria's chest.
"Sailor Pluto are you ready," Serenity asked.
"I am," Pluto replied as she took her own henshin wand out.
"This is our fourth bonding ceremony in the Crystal Palace," Serenity began. She looked over at Rini, and two small toddlers, Daisy and Maggie. "So far we have bonded the future Senshi of the Moon, Pluto and Jupiter. Today we are bonding the future Senshi of Venus. Sailor Pluto has accepted the honor of being her mentor." Serenity focused on Sailor Pluto. "Sailor Pluto do you promise to guide our future Chibi Venus when she becomes a Senshi and be there for her when her parents aren't available?"
"I promise," Pluto vowed. The silver crystal and the two-henshin wands began to glow. White, orange and a silvery gray light shone, enveloping Sailor Pluto and Gloria. It lasted for a couple of minutes and then disappeared.
"The bonding ceremony is complete," Endymion announced.
"Sailor Pluto you are now the mentor of our future Chibi Venus," Serenity added.
"And I will be the best mentor I can be," Pluto promised as she handed Gloria back to Venus.
"And she'll need a top rate mentor," Venus thought as she smiled down at her baby.
Eight years later…
The alarm woke Gloria up. Moaning she reached over and hit the clock stopping that annoying ring. She pulled her covers up around herself since it was a cold morning.
"Cold," Gloria thought. "The snow and ice must still be outside." She thought some more. "Annika must have frozen in that lake yesterday." A pang of guilt hit her. Yesterday she had thrown Annika's hat on the lake for a joke. Annika had managed to go out and get it but while she was there the ice under her broke. Gloria had watched in horror as her best friend plunged into the icy waters. Frightened Gloria had run away and ended up at the Gates of Time. Pluto had comforted her and gave her reassurance. But Mina had spanked her. Gloria had no privileges for the next couple of weeks but that wasn't the worst of it. The worst of it was that when she went to apologize to Annika all she got was the cold shoulder treatment. Annika had screamed at her to get out and that she didn't want to talk to her again. That was the worst part of all that. Gloria wondered if Annika would ever talk to her again.
The door to her room opened and Mina came in. "Come on Gloria," she commanded. "It's time to get up. You don't want to be late for school."
"Yes Ma'am," Gloria sat up. "Mom. Please tell me yesterday was a dream."
Mina pulled Gloria's school uniform out of the closet. "I'm afraid it wasn't my dear," she stated. "Yesterday really happened."
"I was hoping it didn't," Gloria moaned.
"Well it did," Mina pointed out. "Maybe next time you'll remember that some of your pranks are just not funny."
"I know they're not," Gloria shouted. "I wish you'd stop saying that. I feel bad enough."
Mina softened her gaze. She knew when her daughter felt remorseful and right now Gloria was just that. "I'm sorry Sweetie," Mina whispered sitting down on the bed and hugging her daughter. "I know you're feeling bad about this."
"I didn't think that the ice would break," Gloria choked as a tear rolled down her face. "Now Annika won't even speak to me."
Mina didn't know what to say to that. She herself couldn't blame Annika for being angry but she wasn't going to tell her daughter that. "Get dressed," she told her. "I'll be in to do your hair in a moment." Mina left the room and Gloria reluctantly got herself ready for school.
Setsuna walked through the halls of the Crystal Palace. She was on her way to Venus's quarters. Setsuna had taken the afternoon off from her duties and was there for when Maggie and the others got home from school. All she had to do was look at Gloria and could tell that the girl was miserable. Setsuna knew that the others were giving her the silent treatment because of what had happened yesterday. Annika was in bed with a fever because of that. Setsuna spent some time with Maggie and then sent her to do her homework. Since she was Gloria's mentor she needed to be there for her. Gloria needed a friend right now and Setsuna was going to be one for her.
She got to Venus's quarters and knocked. Mina answered. "Setsuna," she exclaimed. "What a pleasant surprise. I thought you would be spending time with Maggie."
"She's doing her homework now so I thought I would see how Gloria was doing," Setsuna replied. "She was so upset and ashamed when she came to see me yesterday."
"Gloria came to see you," Mina asked. "When?"
"Right after Annika fell through the ice," Setsuna replied. "She was feeling terrible and frightened. I managed to convince her to face the music."
"Gloria is pretty miserable right now," Mina sighed. "The other children aren't talking to her so she really needs a friend."
"That's why I am here," Setsuna stated. "Is she in her room?"
"Yes," Mina replied. "You can go on back."
Setsuna went back into Gloria's room and found the girl sitting on the bed. In her arms was the stuffed Artemis that Annika had made for her one Christmas. She looked very sad at the moment. Setsuna felt sorry for her. "Gloria," she softly called.
"Aunt Setsuna," Gloria cried. She held out her arms. Setsuna went right over and gathered Gloria into a hug. The child's body shook with sobs. It wasn't like Gloria to cry but things were very bad for her right now. "Oh Aunt Setsuna I really messed up," Gloria sobbed. "Annika could have died and now my best friend hates me and none of the other kids except Rini will talk to me."
"Hush little one," Setsuna soothed as she rubbed Gloria's back. "I know you feel bad about this and things look bleak for you but I promise that Annika and the others will come around."
"Will they," Gloria asked. "Because right now they are so angry."
"Have I ever let you down before," Setsuna asked. "When I tell you something doesn't it usually happen that way?"
"Yes," Gloria choked burying her head in Setsuna's shoulder.
"Then trust me," Setsuna told her. "Things will get better. You and Annika have been friends your whole lives. You both have had fights before and you always made up afterwards. You'll be best friends again soon."
"But I could have killed Annika," Gloria argued. "She won't forgive me for that."
"Don't think like that," Setsuna said. "Annika has always been a very forgiving person and she values you as a friend. You have always helped her through everything. She will forgive you."
"I hope you're right Aunt Setsuna," Gloria sighed as she rubbed the tears out of her eyes. "Because right now I feel so lonely."
"And you will for a few days," Setsuna replied. "You will be in a for a rough time but know that I am here for you so if you need a friend other then your parents or Artemis then you know where to find me."
"Thank you Aunt Setsuna," Gloria hugged her mentor tight. She felt a little better knowing that she had one friend.
Once Setsuna left Venus's quarters she headed down towards Mars's quarters. She felt that needed to check up on Annika and see how she was doing even though she knew that Annika would be okay in a few days. Setsuna also wanted to try and help Gloria so she was planning on talking with Annika.
Raye let her in. "Setsuna," she exclaimed. "What a nice surprise."
"Is Annika up to a visitor," Setsuna asked.
"She's been having them all day," Raye chuckled. "Even though the children can't visit since she has a fever, the queen and the other Senshi have all come by. Amy is here right now."
"Professional visit or personal visit," Setsuna asked. Since Amy was both Annika's doctor and mentor there could be a number of reasons why she was here.
"Both actually," Raye replied. She lowered her voice; "Actually she's helping me out some. Annika is clingier then usual right now so I've had to stay near her all day. Amy is the only one whom I can leave her with so that I can get some things done."
"I see," Setsuna murmured as she followed Raye into the living room. Annika was wrapped up in a blanket on the couch. Amy was holding her on her lap. Setsuna could tell at a glance that the child wasn't feeling good. Her nose was swollen and her cheeks were flushed with fever. Deep hacking coughs came out of her. Setsuna winced when she heard them. They sounded very painful.
"Annika baby," Raye called gently. "Someone else is here to see you."
"Aunt Setsuna," Annika exclaimed and then she coughed again.
"Take it easy," Amy cautioned. She laid a hand on Annika's forehead. "She still has a fever," she told Raye. "Make sure she keeps warm."
"You know I will," Raye affirmed. Setsuna had no doubt that she would.
"I need to go and see what Ariel is up too now," Amy gently told Annika.
"Do you have to go," Annika asked with a pout before coughing again.
"Yes I do," Amy replied. She gently eased Annika off of her lap and tucked the blankets back around her. "But I'll come and see you tomorrow. I promise."
"Okay," Annika sighed. She turned to her mother. "Mama I want you back here on the couch with me."
"Demanding today aren't we," Raye exclaimed. "I'll be back as soon as I see Amy out. Aunt Setsuna is here so she'll be in here with you." Annika nodded in agreement. She accepted a kiss from Amy and watched as her mother and mentor left the room. She then turned to Setsuna.
"How are you feeling," Setsuna asked as she sat down on the couch next to Annika.
"Yucky," Annika replied with another deep, hacking cough. "And I had bad dreams all night."
"What kind of dreams," Setsuna asked even though she knew what they were probably about.
"I kept falling through icy water," Annika told her with a shudder. "I hate Gloria. I never want to talk to her again. All this is her fault."
"She's your best friend," Setsuna reminded her.
"Not anymore," Annika shot back, her normally gentle disposition replaced by bitterness and rage. She began coughing very hard.
"Oh Sweetheart," Raye came back into the room. She knelt down by Annika and gathered her into her arms. "Aunt Amy told you take it easy."
"I'm mad at Gloria," Annika stated.
"Don't think about her right now," Raye commanded. "I don't want you to get worked up." When Raye said that Setsuna realized that talking about Annika forgiving Gloria was not a good idea right now. The child was too angry and with her high fever, she didn't need to get worked up. Raye turned to Setsuna. "Let's try to keep her calm," she said. "I don't want her to get sicker then she already is."
"Of course," Setsuna replied, deciding to drop the subject for a few days. She would wait until Annika felt better before trying to talk to her about Gloria again.
"Creep," Hope whispered as Gloria walked by her on the way home from school a couple of days later. Gloria flushed angrily. That was all she had heard from the other girls, with the exception of Rini. They didn't say anything to her but made remarks like that whenever she walked by. Hope was particularly angry because Annika was her closest friend aside from Faith.
"So is she going to try and kill anyone else today," Daisy commented with a sneer.
Gloria whirled around at them, her blue eyes sparkling in anger. "Shut up," she shouted. "Don't you all think I feel bad enough? I don't want to hear all this from you."
"Did you hear something," Faith asked.
"Must have been the wind," Hope replied. Then with a toss of her head she walked off, the rest of the children following her.
Gloria swallowed a lump that appeared in her throat. This was what she had been putting up with the last two days. The other children taunting her and then if she said something remarks like that were made. She began to wonder if it would always be like that.
Home wasn't much better. Although Mina and Asai showed their love, their disappointment was also evident. When they had dinner in the palace dining room with the other families, Gloria had a miserable time. The other children would have nothing to do with her. That's what had happened last night. Since Annika was sick the Mars family wasn't present. Gloria heard comments from the other children about how it was her fault that Annika was sick.
Desperate for a friendly face Gloria decided to go to the Gates of Time to see Pluto before going back to her quarters. Mina had mentioned that she had Senshi business today and wouldn't be able to see Gloria until about an hour after she got home from school. Gloria decided this would be her chance to go see Pluto without getting into trouble for violating her grounding. So instead of heading towards her quarters she headed toward the Time Portal. She was surprised when she met Setsuna halfway. "Aunt Setsuna," she exclaimed. "I was on my way to see you."
"I know," Setsuna replied. "And I didn't want you to get into trouble so I thought that I should come to you. Now we need to get to your quarters before you mother finds out you disobeyed her." Gloria took Setsuna's hand and went with her. They didn't say anything until they got to Venus's quarters. Once they got there Setsuna led Gloria to the couch and sat her down. "So what's on your mind dear one," Setsuna asked.
"I'm so lonely," Gloria choked. "Everyone hates me. Why did I do such a stupid thing the other day?"
"You had no way of knowing that would happen," Setsuna replied. "You didn't mean any harm. The other children will come around. Just give them time. After all, this joke gave them a huge fright. If Small Lady hadn't been around there probably would have been a tragedy." Gloria shuddered at that last remark. She didn't tell anyone but she had dreams in the last couple of night where Annika died as the result of her trick. Gloria didn't think she could ever forgive herself if that had happened. Setsuna placed a hand on Gloria's head. "I know what you are thinking my child," she stated. "But you have to remember that it didn't turn out that way. Annika is fine and soon the two of you will be spending all of your time together."
"I hope so," Gloria murmured for she wasn't very convinced. She also remembered the hatred that had been in Annika's eyes the other day when she went to apologize. She'll never forget that.
"Trust me," Setsuna said and Gloria knew she had too.
Mina hurried back to her quarters. She was later then she said she would be but after taking care of the Senshi business she stopped by to see how Annika was doing. Mina was pleased to see that the child was feeling much better and that Raye planned to send her off to school tomorrow. Mina hoped that Annika would find it in her heart to forgive Gloria soon. She hated to see her daughter so unhappy. Although Mina was disappointed with what Gloria had done she was concerned for her right now. Gloria just wasn't herself at all.
Mina entered the doors of her quarters and saw that Setsuna was in there. "Setsuna," she exclaimed. "It's nice to see you."
"Thank you Mina," Setsuna replied.
Mina bent down and kissed her daughter on the head. "How are you doing?"
"Okay I guess," Gloria softly replied.
Mina knew that her daughter was trying to cover up her feelings.
"Go on back and do your homework so that I can talk to Aunt Setsuna for a minute," Mina told her. "Then I'll fix you a snack."
"Yes Ma'am," Gloria murmured as she trudged back to her room. Mina watched her with concern. She wanted that spunk back in her daughter.
"I hope you don't mind me coming by," Setsuna stated as she got to her feet.
"Don't worry about it," Mina assured Setsuna. "I'm glad that Gloria has someone who is here for her right now. I know my daughter and I can see that she is unhappy and miserable right now. She needs all the friends she can get."
"Well she knows that she can count on me," Setsuna replied. "I'm not happy with what she has done either but I am her mentor and I will be there for her."
"I appreciate it," Mina sighed. "I guess I need to go back and reassure her now. As much as I would like the pranks to stop I would like to have her back to her spunky self."
"Give it time," Setsuna said with a twinkle in her eyes. "Before you know it Gloria will be back to her normal self and driving you crazy."
Mina gave a laugh. "I have no doubt that she will."
The next morning when Gloria arrived at the palace entrance to leave for school she saw that Annika was there. "Annika," she cried. "You're all better."
Annika turned to her and gazed at her with hatred in her eyes. "Leave me alone," she snapped. "I don't want to talk to you."
"But Annika," Gloria began as she tried to fight back her tears. "I said I was sorry."
"Shut up," Annika yelled, her normally gentle voice laced with anger. "I don't want to talk to you ever again."
"Annika," Raye gently chastised her. "I don't want to hear that kind of talk."
"But I don't want to talk to her," Annika cried. "I almost died because of her. Why should I talk to her?"
"Because you need to forgive her," Raye replied.
"Well I don't want to," Annika muttered in a sulky voice.
Raye just gave a sigh and gave Mina and Gloria an apologetic look. She bent down and gave Annika a hug and kiss. "Have a good day and remember don't play too hard at recess or PE."
"And if you start to feel sick again go to the school
nurse," Amy added as she gave Ariel a kiss goodbye.
"I will," Annika, replied as she ran over to join Hope and Faith without even
glancing at Gloria.
Raye turned to Mina and Gloria, "I am really sorry. She is still very angry and upset by what had happened. Give her a couple of days."
"Yes Aunt Raye," Gloria murmured in a crestfallen voice. "If Annika won't forgive me then no one will." She sadly followed the others to school. In a few minutes she was aware that Rini was next to her. "Rini," she muttered.
"Cheer up," Rini told her. "I know it was an accident and I also know that in time Annika will forgive you."
"Aunt Setsuna and Mom have said the same thing," Gloria sighed. "I'm just not use to seeing Annika like this."
"No one is," Rini admitted. She too had been shocked at how the usually sweet, gentle Annika lashed out like that. She turned back to Gloria. "Annika's not the type to hold grudges. She'll come around. Be patient."
Gloria sighed again. Patience was one thing she lacked.
The next several days crawled by for Gloria. Annika was still very angry with her and the other children refused to speak with her too. Gloria felt so alone. Mina did what she could to bring Gloria's spirits up but with little success. Her daughter was just too miserable.
Mina finally decided to talk to Amy about it. Amy was a physician and a therapist. Maybe she could give Mina some advice. So she headed over toward Amy's office. Just as she got there Amy came out with little Ariel. "Amy I was just on my way to see you," Mina exclaimed.
"Are you sick," Amy asked in concern.
"No, I just needed to ask you something," replied Mina.
"Mommy pick me up," Ariel pleaded, her little voice in a whine since she was tired.
"What can I do for you," Amy asked as she picked Ariel up. The little girl immediately rested her head on her mother's shoulder.
"It's Gloria," Mina sighed. "She just isn't herself right now. Ever since the ice incident she's just been miserable. With the exception of Rini the other children aren't talking to her. Annika won't have anything to do with her. Also the guilt of the entire incident in just eating her up."
"What Gloria is feeling is perfectly normal," Amy pointed out. "And you can't blame Annika and the others for being upset with her. I'm sorry Mina but that is the truth. My little Ariel was very upset by what had happened."
"Amy I came to you for advice," Mina cried. "And this is what I get?"
"I'm sorry Mina," Amy sighed. "I didn't think how much this is upsetting you too. I've been spending a lot of time with Annika and we have talked at great length over this."
"And," Mina prodded. She had to remind herself that Amy was Annika's mentor so all of this had been upsetting to her too.
"I'm trying to get her to see things from Gloria's point of view," Amy replied. She smiled at her friend. "Just give her time. I know Annika very well and she is a very sweet, forgiving child. She won't hold a grudge forever. In the meantime just give Gloria some extra love right now. Let her know that you still love her no matter what. I know Setsuna has been doing that. I'm sure that has helped."
"It has," Mina admitted. "I am very grateful to Setsuna right now. She has been wonderful through all of this." Mina looked at Ariel in Amy's arms and smiled, "Kawaii."
Amy looked and saw that Ariel had fallen asleep. "Oh my she really was tired," she exclaimed. "I guess I'll be putting her down for a nap." She turned back to Mina. "Did I help you at all?"
"You did," Mina replied. She headed back to her quarters where she could assure her daughter.
Sailor Pluto stood at the Gates of Time waiting for the visitor she was expecting. Yesterday Gloria had come by to see her again. She had been very upset and in need of comfort. Pluto had done the best she could to console the girl. Since she was bonded with Gloria, it distressed her to see the child so upset. Although Setsuna couldn't condone what Gloria had done, the child was in need of comfort. The treatment she was receiving from the other children was unbearable. Pluto couldn't do much about the attitudes of the children with the exception of one. And that one was on her way.
"Mom," Maggie arrived.
"Hi Darling," Pluto held out her arms and Maggie dashed into them. The two of them hugged tightly. "How are you right now?"
"I'm fine," Maggie replied. She then gave a giggle. "Daisy blew her top at one of the other kids in the class. They got into a fight. Poor Daisy. Aunt Lita was furious with her."
"I see," Pluto murmured. It didn't take much to amuse children. She took Maggie's hand and led her over to a sitting area she had. "I wanted to talk to you about something."
"About what Mom," Maggie asked as she sat down.
"Gloria," Pluto replied watching her daughter's face carefully.
"Why her," Maggie snapped angrily.
"Because like it or not I have a special bond with her,"
Pluto replied. "Gloria is just
miserable right now and you children haven't made it any easier for her."
"She deserves it," Maggie muttered.
"Poor Annika could have died.
How can you ignore that?"
"I am not ignoring it," Pluto told her. "Tell me this. How would you feel if you had done what Gloria did?"
"I would feel very guilty," Maggie admitted.
"Don't you think Gloria feels that right now," Pluto asked.
"I didn't think about that," Maggie murmured as an ashamed look came to her eyes.
"No one has," Pluto pointed out. She knelt down and took hold of her daughter's shoulders. "Put yourself in Gloria's shoes right now. She played a trick that went too far. She feels very guilty and her friends won't have anything to do with her. Because of that she feels very lonely too."
"I wish you had pointed all of this out to me sooner," Maggie sighed, as she looked properly ashamed of how she had been treating Gloria. "I'll start talking to her again and let her know that I'm still her friend."
"Good girl," Pluto hugged her daughter close to her. She knew she could count on Maggie. "Now I want a favor from you. I would like for you go and get Annika for me."
"Why," asked Maggie. Annika seldom visited the Gates of Time.
"I would like to talk to her too," Pluto replied. "Now go and get her."
"Okay Mom," Maggie headed back toward Crystal Tokyo. Pluto smiled after her. Part of the problem was solved. Now it was time to get the other part taken care of.
Later on Setsuna was heading towards Venus's quarters. She was very pleased. Her talk with Annika had gone very well. The child had admitted that Gloria had always been a good friend and that she shouldn't throw the friendship away. Annika promised that she would start talking to Gloria again. Setsuna knew that the other children would follow Annika and Maggie's lead.
Since everyone had private dinners tonight with family only Gloria had not seen any of the other children since she came home from school. Setsuna didn't want to tell Gloria that Annika and Maggie would be talking to her again. She wanted Gloria to be pleasantly surprised tomorrow before school. But just the same Setsuna wanted to give the girl some encouragement.
Asai let Setsuna in. "Come on it," he told her. "It's good to see you."
"It's good to see you too Asai," Setsuna replied. "I just wanted to check up on Gloria."
"She still very down," Asai sighed. "Mina and I have both been giving her some extra attention tonight." He head Setsuna into the living room. Gloria was on the couch with Mina looking at a book with her.
"Aunt Setsuna," Gloria jumped up and hugged her mentor. "The other girls still aren't talking to me."
"I know Gloria," Setsuna replied as she returned the hug. "But what if I told you that things are going to get better?"
"What do you mean," Gloria asked in a puzzled voice.
"Let's just say that maybe a couple of the girls will change their attitude soon," Setsuna said in her usual mysterious way.
"Always talking mysterious," Mina sighed. She looked at Setsuna. "I hope you are right."
"We'll see," Setsuna replied with a smile.
A couple of days later Pluto was at her post when a very happy Gloria came flying up to her. "Aunt Setsuna," she cried. "Annika started talking to me again. We're best friends again and the other children are also talking to me."
"I'm very glad child," Pluto smiled at the happy little girl. "I told you everything would work out didn't I?"
"You did," Gloria giggled. "I need to remember to believe you when you tell me that."
"You will in time," Pluto assured her. Gloria reached up and hugged her. Pluto returned the hug, glad that the child was herself again.
"I guess I had better go," Gloria sighed. "I'm still grounded. I just wanted to tell you the good news."
"I'm glad you did," Pluto replied. "You're very special to me and I like to see you happy."
"You're special to me Aunt Setsuna," Gloria cried as she hugged Pluto again. She called good-bye and headed back to the palace. Pluto watched with a warm feeling. Gloria had learned a valuable lesson and would learn many more but Pluto promised that she would always be there for her.
End of Part Five.