Well here we are onto Part Six of the "Bonds" series. This part will be on Rini and Raye. This will take place right after Rini returns to Crystal Tokyo in the R season. Before I begin this part I wanted to note a few changes. When I wrote the story "Wanting To Be A Lady" I didn't have any plans on the Chibi Senshi going on for as long as they have. When I wrote that story I made Rini eight. At the time the birthdays of the Chibi Senshi hadn't been established. Now that I have begun to establish birthdays I am making some changes to the ages. I may rewrite "Wanting To Be A Lady" to readjust ages. So at the beginning of this story Rini has just turned eight, Daisy and Maggie have just turned four, Gloria is two, Annika and the twins are over a year and a half, Madelyn is almost one and Amy is pregnant with Ariel. Rini, Daisy and Maggie have summer birthdays. Rini's of course is in June while Daisy and Maggie's are in July. Annika's is in February, Gloria's is in May, Madelyn's is October and the twins are in December. Ariel's is in November. Anyway sorry all this is confusing you. I just wanted to establish the changes. Most of this part will take place in the late summer early fall. We may go into winter around the time of Ariel's birth.
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Bonds
Part Six: Rini and Raye
By
Angel Raye
One month after Small Lady's birth...
Serenity was so happy. Things were finally starting to happen. The big freeze ended several years ago when the silver crystal awoke everyone from his or her slumber. Serenity and Endymion were ruling over Crystal Tokyo inside the Crystal Palace with the Senshi. Some of the Senshi were married now. Amy was engaged to marry Greg in a few weeks. Hotaru was dating a young man by the name of Anthony. According to Haruka and Michiru he was the one.
The birth of Small Lady Serenity Usagi brought great excitement to the palace. That meant that the children who had visited them in the 20th century were real and not dreams. Although it would be several years before any of the other Senshi had children everyone had something to look forward too.
From her bassinet Rini began to fuss, telling Serenity that she was awake from her nap. Serenity dashed over and lifted the infant into her arms. "Small Lady," she cooed. "Mama's here."
"I see she's awake," Luna commented as she jumped up on the table.
"She is," Serenity sighed. She looked at the moon kitty. "I feel as though life is just perfect now."
"I'm sure you do," Luna replied. She then looked hard at Serenity. "You haven't forgotten what we talked about have you?"
"No Luna," Serenity said. "I know this next generation of Senshi need mentors."
"Have you chosen one for Small Lady yet," Luna asked.
"I have," Serenity replied. "I just need to ask her. I gave it a great deal of thought. In the 20th century before Rini found out that I was her mother she was very attached to one of my friends. That is the one who I will ask."
"And who will that be," asked Luna.
"Me," Raye gasped in astonishment. At the queen's request she had come to the Royal chambers. "You want me to be Small Lady's mentor. I am already going to be her godmother."
"I'm aware of that Raye," Serenity replied. "But I remember how attached Rini was to you in the 20th century. Besides you two were a lot alike in many ways. I think you would be the perfect mentor to her. You are also my closest and dearest friend. I can't imagine asking anyone else. Would you do it?"
Raye looked at Rini in her arms right now. She smiled and looked up at Serenity. "I would be honored."
A few days later the Senshi and the Knights were gathered in the ballroom. This was to be the first bonding ceremony for the next generation of Senshi. Everyone was excited. Small Lady's arrival had brought so much joy to the palace.
"I wonder what this ceremony will be about," Venus asked Jupiter.
"I don't know," Jupiter replied. "But we will be attending many of them if those children who visited us in the past were for real."
"They were for real," Mercury pointed out. "It would be illogical if we all had the same dream."
"Oh Amy don't start quoting logic to us," Venus groaned. "I really don't want a headache right now."
"Hush the queen is coming," Uranus hissed and everyone stopped talking and bowed before the Royal Couple as they walked in accompanied by Luna. Rini was in the queen's arms wearing a beautiful white dress.
"Kawaii," Saturn gasped when she saw the infant.
"That is a beautiful dress," Neptune added.
"All of the future generations of Senshi will wear this dress for their bonding ceremonies," Luna told them. Immediately each Senshi pictured her own infant daughter wearing that beautiful dress. "Sailor Mars you will need to take Small Lady."
"Very well," Mars took the tiny princess from the queen.
Luna leapt into the air and a pink heart shaped broach appeared. The Senshi immediately remembered that it was Chibi Moon's henshin broach. "Sailor Mars you will need to take out your henshin pen." Mars did as she was told. The queen placed the broach on Rini's chest.
Serenity turned to everyone. "This is a very special day because not only are we bonding our first member of the next generation of Senshi but we are also bonding the princess with her mentor. Luna has told me that each of our daughters who are to become Senshi will be bonded with the Senshi of our choice. For many reasons I chose my friend Sailor Mars. I believe that all of our daughters will be bonded with the one who is meant to be her mentor," Serenity said this while glancing over at Mercury who had a frown on her face. Since her child had been the youngest when they visited in the past she would not get her choice of Senshi. She would have whoever was left.
Luna spoke next. "When you become a mentor you undertake responsibilities. One of them is to help with the training. The child who you will be mentoring will be the one you will help train along with your own child of course. Also as Senshi you will all have many duties that will take you away from your families. As mentors you will be like a second mother to the one you have bonded with. Do all of you understand?"
"Yes Luna," everyone replied.
Serenity turned to Sailor Mars. "Sailor Mars do you promise to guide this child when she becomes a Chibi Senshi and to be there for her when neither her father nor I are available," she asked.
"I promise," Mars replied. Serenity held up the silver crystal. It began to glow. As soon as it began to glow the Mars' henshin pen and the small pink broach also glowed. The white light, the pink light and the red light enveloped both Mars and Rini. Everyone gazed in both awe and amazement at the spectacular sight. It lasted only few minutes. Then the glow was gone and the bonding was complete. Luna took the broach from Rini. "I will keep this until it is time for Small Lady to awaken as Sailor Chibi Moon," Luna explained.
"The bonding is complete," Serenity announced. She turned to Mars and gave her a big smile. "You are now the mentor of Small Lady and the first Senshi to become a mentor."
"This is a huge honor," Mars stated as she handed the infant back to the queen. "I was close to her in the past and I promise I will be close to her now in the present and the future."
Everyone knew that Mars would keep her promise.
Eight years later...
After curtseying before her parents and the Inner Senshi Rini flung herself into Serenity's arms. She was so happy to be home at last. Crystal Tokyo looked like it had never been in a battle. She had saved Crystal Tokyo with the help of Sailor Moon and the Inner Senshi in the past. "Welcome home Small Lady," Serenity held her close.
"We're glad you're home," Endymion added.
"I'm so glad to be home," Rini declared. She gazed up at Sailor Mars and then jumped into her arms. She giggled. "You weren't happy when you found out I was Serena and Darien's daughter were you?"
"No," Mars admitted as she hugged the little girl. "Not just because I was very attached to you but also because I was concerned that my best friend might have gotten herself into trouble at some point." She gave Serenity a sly look. "As usual."
"Raye," Serenity growled.
"Now you two don't start," Mercury intervened. "We need to celebrate Small Lady's return. Also she was in the past on her birthday so we have to celebrate that too."
"Mercury you're still pregnant aren't you," Rini asked anxiously, fearing that the Black Moon's attack might have stopped the pregnancy. She had felt so guilty because when the pregnancy had been announced jealousy had overcome her and she couldn't bring herself to congratulate Mercury. She then noticed that Mercury was wearing the slightly larger Senshi uniform for when they were pregnant. She wasn't showing too much yet but then she was still early in her second trimester.
"I still am," Mercury assured her as she put a hand on her stomach. "And everything is proceeding nicely."
Rini heaved a breath of relief, "I'm glad."
"Come on Small Lady," Endymion took her hand. "Let's go to our quarters."
"You can tell us everything," Serenity added as she took Rini's other hand. "Our memories are somewhat clouded."
"Okay," Rini chirped. She was so happy to be home.
"Rini," Mars called. Rini turned around. "Come to my quarters later. We can talk."
"I will," Rini called out happily. She couldn't understand why she was so much closer to Mars then the other Senshi. And it seemed like all of the little girls were attached to one Senshi each apart from their mothers. Maybe it had something to do with that ceremony a few months back that involved her mother and little Madelyn. Rini wondered if she would ever know.
Later on as promised Rini went to Raye's quarters. Chad let her in. Rini smiled when she thought of Chad in the past with his long hair. It was short now. Either way he looked good. "It's so good to see you again Small Lady," Chad grinned his wide smile at the little princess. "Raye is back in Annika's room."
"Thank you Chad," Rini replied and she skipped back to Annika's bedroom. Raye had just finished changing Annika's diaper. The year and a half old smiled when she saw Rini.
"Rini," she squealed pointing.
"That's right Rini's back," Raye said as she put Annika down on the floor. Annika giggled and started toddling around. She had only been walking for a few months so she was still a bit unsteady. Raye turned to Rini. "Hope you don't mind talking in here while I keep an eye on her."
"I don't mind," Rini replied. She loved little Annika. The child was so sweet.
"So," Raye sat down in the chair by Annika's crib. "Would you like to tell me what led you to take the Silver Crystal?"
Rini blushed and sat down on the floor. She was afraid that Raye would bring this up. The woman had an amazing ability to find out what Rini had been up too. Rini almost felt sorry for Annika. She would never be able to get away with anything with Raye as her mother. "How did you know," Rini murmured.
"My memories of the past may still be clouded but I do remember where the second Silver Crystal came from," Raye pointed out. "Not only that but the day the Black Moon attacked Annika was babbling about you and a crystal. However that was about all she could say."
"I wanted to be like Mama," Rini admitted. "She's such a lady and that's what I want to be. I thought the Silver Crystal would help me become one."
"I see," Raye replied. She looked at Rini closely. "Now that you've seen your mother in the past you know that she wasn't most ladylike person. She was very clumsy, bad mannered and I hate to say but not very smart."
"You mean stupid," Rini stated. "It's okay. I thought Serena was very stupid at times."
"She did a lot of stupid things," Raye sighed. "But I wouldn't trade her for anyone else. I love her just the way she was and the way she is now."
"You really do love my Mama don't you," Rini asked.
"I do," Raye admitted. "A different kind of love though. The love I feel for Chad is romantic love, the love I feel for Annika and for you is motherly love and the love I feel for the other Senshi is sisterly love. But the love I feel for your mother goes beyond any of those. I can't describe it."
"I'm glad my mama has a good friend like you," Rini sighed. "I wish I did. All the other kids here are so little."
"You'll find friends like that soon," Raye assured her as she slipped her hand under Rini's chin. She lifted Rini's head towards hers and looked into those scarlet eyes. "Give yourself time."
"I will," Rini smiled. "You sound so sure Raye."
"I just know you will," Raye replied. "Because you'll be going back to the past very soon."
A couple of weeks passed and August turned into September. Rini was glad to be back home. She looked at her parents in a whole new light now that she had seen their past selves. She was able to appreciate how much growing her mother had done since her teen years. Whenever Serenity wasn't around Raye would tell her some of the stupid things she had done as a teenager. Rini found them amusing but didn't dare tell her mother about them. "Don't get me wrong Rini," Raye laughed one day after telling her about some of the ridiculous things Serena had done. "Your mother has always been really dear to me but there were days when she could try my patience. She still does from time to time. I just hope you don't pick up any of her habits."
"I won't be like Serena," Rini promised. "I'll be like Mama the way she is now."
"Be your own person," Raye told her. Then she took out her henshin pen. "Now didn't Mama tell you that you were to meet her and the Senshi?"
"Yes," Rini looked worried. "Do you know what it's about?"
"You'll see," Raye replied as she held up her henshin pen. "MARS POWER MAKE UP!" Rini watched as fire melted Raye's clothing into her Senshi uniform. Then Mars held out her hand. "Shall we go?" Rini nodded and took her hand. Together the two of them headed toward the conference room.
"Nervous," Venus asked Serenity while they waited for Mars and Small Lady to arrive.
"A little," Serenity admitted. "This is a big day for Small Lady."
"You know she'll be fine," Jupiter assured her. "She did help us a lot in the past when she became Sailor Chibi Moon."
"It's a big day for all of us," Mercury added as she put her hand on her belly, which was getting big now. There were only a couple of months left before Ariel would make her appearance into the world.
"Yes," Hotaru added. She was excited because soon Rini would go back to the past and meet her past self. Then she would finally understand why Hotaru adored her so much. She was also excited because her own daughter's first birthday was coming up in another month. Hotaru hoped that Rini could at least be there for that. "This is the beginning of the next generation of Senshi."
Before anything else could be said the door opened and Mars walked in with Rini. Serenity smiled at her daughter. "Small Lady," she greeted her.
"Mama," Rini ran into her mother's arms. She looked around at all of the Senshi. "Why is everyone here?"
"Because it's a big day for you," Serenity replied. She turned to Luna. "Luna."
"Yes your Majesty," Luna replied. She pushed a small pink broach over to Rini. "This is for you."
"What is it," Rini asked as she picked it up. A strange feeling came over her. "MOON PRISM POWER MAKE UP!" Everyone watched as she transformed. Immediately the pink Senshi uniform that she wore in the past replaced her school uniform. Chibi Moon gazed in surprise at herself. "Nani," she shrieked.
"Small Lady," Serenity came forward. "As my daughter you are destined to be the next Sailor Moon. You are now Sailor Chibi Moon. When you get older you will become Sailor Cosmic Moon. You will fight alongside the Sailor Senshi and help protect the peace."
"Sailor Chibi Moon," Chibi Moon gasped. "I am a Senshi. Will I have my own team?"
"Yes you will," Venus replied. "But it will be a few years. Our daughters are too young to become Senshi or in Mercury's case, not even here yet." Mercury smiled and placed a hand on her stomach.
"Small Lady," Serenity knelt down in front of her daughter. "Have you ever noticed how much closer you are to Mars then the rest of the Senshi? Have you ever wondered about these ceremonies we have with each of the children?"
"Yes," Chibi Moon recalled as she remembered the ceremony they had with Madelyn and Serenity a few months before the Black Moon attack.
"Those are bonding ceremonies," Luna informed her. "Each of you girls was given a mentor. You were bonded with your mentor. The roll of a mentor is helping you with your training along with your parents. Also when your parents are away because of duties and assignments your mentor will be the one to take care of you and give you the motherly love you will want."
"So is that why I always feel drawn to Sailor Mars," Chibi Moon asked. "Is that why Annika loves Mercury and Maggie loves Jupiter?"
"Yes," Mars replied. "Your mother will train with you but so will I. Also that is why I have always been there for you when your parents were away."
"Small Lady," Mercury came forward next. "I know all of this is a lot to take in. But you are the one who begins this next generation of Senshi. You will be the leader. For now you will be working with us until the rest of them are awakened."
"I will be setting up a training schedule for you," Venus added. "Right now it is time for you to go with your mother and your mentor to discuss any questions or concerns you may have."
"Mars," Mercury hissed. "How about if I take Annika for a while. Let Small Lady talk without interruption."
"Thank you," Mars replied as she took Chibi Moon's hand. Serenity took the other hand and the three of them left the conference room.
"I've watched all of you fight as Senshi," Rini told Serenity and Raye. "I've watched you here and I've watched you in the past. Isn't it scary?"
"Yes it is," Serenity replied. "But you learn to overcome it and fight to save the world."
"Ah Serenity was always screaming in terror and running away from fights," Raye said in a sly voice.
"Raye," growled Serenity but then she saw that her best friend was teasing her as usual.
"Mama you've watched your friends die in battle a couple of times," Rini pointed out. Serenity swallowed. Even after all of these years, those memories were still painful. Sensing her queen's sadness, Raye placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Isn't it hard?"
"Yes it is Small Lady," Serenity replied in a pained voice. "But my friends always told me to believe in myself because they believed in me. That's what would help me to continue fighting for the peace."
Raye reached over and took Rini's hand. "You may have to go through that too Small Lady," she said. Raye shuddered at the thought that her own daughter may have to die in battle as well. "But we are all Senshi. If you as a leader and a princess believe in yourself and defeat the evil then the Senshi are always brought back."
Rini gave a bright smile. "I'll always believe," she promised. "Because my mama did too."
"I'm glad," Serenity hugged her daughter tight.
"You and I will train together tomorrow," Raye told her. "So be ready."
"I will," Rini promised. She gave both Raye and Serenity another hug and skipped out of the room. Raye turned to Serenity. "Are you all right?"
"I'm fine," Serenity replied as her eyes filled with tears. "I just hope she doesn't have to watch her team die like I had to watch mine die a couple of times."
Raye put an arm around her best friend. "But it was times like that that helped make you the strong leader you are today," she pointed out. "And it will be hardships that will help Rini into a strong leader too. Please remember that. I don't like the idea that my daughter could die in battle but I have to believe that she will be okay. You should believe that too."
"I will Raye," Serenity smiled at her best friend. "I'll always believe."
Chibi Moon jumped away from the youma she was battling. She gasped as it swiped its ugly claws at her. Chibi Moon got away before it could attack her.
"Chibi Moon use your attack," Mars shouted. "That's why you have it."
"That stupid attack," Chibi Moon muttered. "It's not worth anything."
"Just do it," Mars commanded. So Chibi Moon held out her pink heart stick.
"PINK SUGAR HEART ATTACK!" An array of pink hearts flew out and began to hit the youma over and over. He grunted as he took the beating. Mars took the distraction as an opportunity to use her attack.
"MARS FLAME SNIPER!" Her arrow flew out and sliced through the youma. Immediately the simulation disappeared and Chibi Moon found herself staring at the gray walls of the simulation room. Mars walked over to Chibi Moon. "You need to use your attack when you can."
"But its such a stupid attack," Chibi Moon griped. "All it does is hit the youma over and over again."
"You're just a child," Mars reminded her. "And you're a Senshi in training. Your attacks are bound to be small. As you get older you're attacks will get more powerful."
"I just want to be as good as Sailor Moon," Chibi Moon sighed.
"You will be," Mars promised her. "You've only been a Senshi for a couple of weeks. Just give yourself time."
Chibi Moon gave a gusty sigh and blew her bangs out of her face. In the last couple of weeks she had all of these training sessions. Some were by herself, others with Mars and some with her mother. Occasionally she would have one with the other Senshi. Chibi Moon was frustrated. Her pink heart stick sometimes wouldn't work which would leave her running like an idiot. Venus constantly had to remind her that the youmas were only simulations and would not hurt her at this level. "Well have her remember that when her attack doesn't work and this youma is after her," Chibi Moon thought crossly as she powered down. Venus was waiting outside the simulation room.
"You shouldn't put down your attack," Venus firmly told her. "It may be a small attack but it's your attack. You need to use it when a youma is attacking you."
"Yes Venus," Rini murmured.
"That's it for today," Venus smiled at the small princess. "Why don't you go and enjoy yourself for a while."
"After she does her homework," Raye stated. Serenity and Endymion had to go out of the country so Rini was staying with Raye and her family. "Now why don't we go and get Annika?"
"Okay," Rini replied. Amy was now in her eighth month of pregnancy and had cut back some of her hours at work. Occasionally on days like that rather than have Annika spend all day in the palace nursery Amy would come and get her and watch her for the afternoon commenting that she needed the practice.
The two walked quietly to Amy and Greg's quarters. Amy answered carrying Annika awkwardly in her arms. "Mama," she cried when she saw Raye.
"Hi Baby," Raye took Annika out of Amy's arms. "What are you making Aunt Amy carry you for? She's got that big stomach right now."
"Oh it's all right Raye," Amy assured her. "Annika's not that big and neither am I. This baby is going to be small. Besides Annika doesn't understand why I've gotten big all of the sudden."
"I just hope she isn't running you ragged," Raye sighed as Annika rested her head on her shoulder.
"Annika is a very low key child," Amy assured her. "Now if she were like Gloria, Daisy or Faith I would not be keeping her in the afternoons." She handed Annika's diaper bag to Rini since Raye had Annika. "I just changed her so she should be okay for a while."
"Thank you," Raye replied.
"So how was practice today," Amy asked Rini.
"Okay I guess," Rini murmured. Amy glanced questionably at Raye who only shook her head. Amy nodded in understanding. She had heard how Rini had been feeling about her attack.
"Say bye-bye to Aunt Amy," Raye told Annika.
"Bye-bye," Annika chirped.
"Good-bye Annika dear," Amy pecked a kiss on Annika's head. She then gave Rini a quick peck. "See you later on."
"Bye Amy," Rini murmured as she followed Raye back to her quarters.
That evening after she had put Annika to bed Raye sat down to talk to Rini. The princess was doing her homework. Raye was thankful that Rini didn't inherit her mother's horrible study habits. But then she was also Endymion's daughter and the king had been a good scholar. Raye sat down next to Rini. "What's bothering you Small Lady," she asked in her usual direct way.
"All of you are good Senshi," Rini griped. "And I'm not any good."
"You've only been a Senshi for a couple of weeks," Raye reminded her again. "You can't expect to be spectacular right away. Just be glad you have training time. We didn't. Your mother and the rest of us went right into battle as soon we became Senshi."
"It's not just that," Rini admitted.
"Then what is it," Raye asked.
"Mama had her team within a few months," Rini told her. "Mama and Mina told me it would be at least six years before I get my team. Why do I have to wait so long? I know Amy hasn't had her baby yet but can't Daisy and Maggie become Senshi in a couple of years?"
"I know it seems like forever now," Raye told her. "But I assure you it will be here before you know it. When these little girls become Senshi they will need a strong leader, someone they can look up too. That is going to be you. We want to make sure you'll be ready to be a leader when it's time to awaken them."
"I just feel that all of you became good Senshi because you had so many friends," Rini sighed.
"I know you're lonely," Raye put her arms around the child. "But give yourself time. Pretty soon you'll have plenty of friends."
"I hope you're right Raye," Rini stated.
"I am," Raye assured her. "It will be very soon."
Serenity sat stoically before the rest of the Senshi. She knew this moment would come but now that it was here she wished it wasn't. "You have to send her to the past to train Serenity," Mina was saying. "You knew you were going too."
"I know," Serenity sighed. "But now that I have to I don't want to do it. I'll miss her."
"That's understandable," Raye agreed. "None of us want to send our babies away but it's part of our history that we send Small Lady back to the past."
"Please Serenity," Hotaru pleaded. "It's very important to me that we send her back. It's a matter of life or death."
"Don't worry Hotaru," Serenity smiled at her youngest Senshi. "She'll be going back." She turned to the rest of the Senshi. "But I think she should wait until Amy has Ariel at least. Let her be there for that."
"I agree," Amy exclaimed. "Let her meet her last team member before she goes."
Setsuna stood up. "Of course when we send her back she must go back to the time of our battle with the Death Busters," she stated. "I believe she goes back to right after your fifteenth birthday your Majesty."
"She does," Serenity agreed. She stood up. "I'll go and talk to her."
"Would you like me to come too," Raye asked.
"Just be nearby," Serenity said. "She may need a friend to talk to." Raye nodded. They all watched Serenity as she left the room.
Amy gave a slight groan. "What a kicker," she grunted putting her hand on her very large stomach.
"It's going to be any day now isn't it," Michiru asked.
"Another couple of weeks," Amy sighed.
"Is that it," Lita asked. Amy nodded. "Then we need to have a girls' day out before that happens."
"Yes," Raye agreed. "Come on. Let's start planning." Immediately the Inner Senshi began planning a day to take Amy out before she gave birth.
Setsuna chuckled. "If only they knew what was going to happen on that day out," she laughed.
"What are you talking about Setsuna-mama," Hotaru asked.
"You'll see soon enough," Setsuna replied. Before anyone could say anything else Setsuna left leaving Haruka, Michiru and Hotaru wondering what she was talking about.
"So do you think you're ready to go back to the past to train," Raye asked Rini a few days later. Serenity had told Rini why she was going back to the past and now Raye wanted to see if she had any concerns or worries she wished to discuss.
"Yes," Rini replied. "I'm excited. I loved the 20th century."
"Well we certainly loved having you back then," Raye told her as she remembered fondly the times Rini had come back to be with them. Although the other children had visited them too they didn't stay as long as Rini did.
"Mama told me she wanted me to make friends while I was there," Rini told her. "She said that it would help me during important encounters. I wonder what she meant by that."
Raye smiled and knelt down in front of Rini. "You'll find out soon enough," she assured the child. After all if it hadn't been for Rini then Hotaru would be dead. "I know it's hard for you to make friends here so I'm sure one of the reasons why she is sending to the past is so that you can make friends without them knowing you are a princess."
"I wish your past self knew that you're my mentor," Rini sighed.
"Well I'm afraid I don't," Raye told her. "But you know that even in the past I'm there for you."
"I know Raye," Rini hugged her. "All of you were great to me, even stupid Serena."
"Hey stupid Serena is your mother," Raye laughed. "And out of all of us she cared about you the most. Just remember that."
"I will," Rini giggled. "But I will still have a lot of fun with my mama's past self."
The next couple of weeks were a blur. Rini was preparing to go back to the past. In the meantime Raye and Lita found themselves being reluctant doctors and having to deliver Amy's baby. Rini was thrilled to meet baby Ariel, the last member of her future team. She was sorry she wouldn't be around during Ariel's first few months but she was glad to meet her before she left.
At last the day arrived and Rini walked to the Gates of Time, accompanied by her parents and the Senshi, minus Amy who was busy with her new baby. Luna P, of course, was going with Rini. "We'll miss you so much Small Lady," Serenity choked as she pulled the little girl into a hug.
"I'll miss you too Mama," Rini replied. She looked at everyone. "I'll miss all of you."
"Say hi to the past for us," Mina told her.
"And take care," Lita added.
Endymion handed a bag to Rini. "These are your Christmas presents," he explained. "But you'll be going back where it is summer. So open them when you are alone."
"I will Daddy," Rini promised as she took the bag. She then turned to Raye. She flung her arms around her. "I'll miss you too."
"And I you," Raye replied as she hugged Rini tightly. "When you get back we'll have a long talk about your adventure. By then maybe Annika will be a better at conversation."
"Maybe," Rini giggled. She gave her parents one last hug and skipped over to the Gates of Time. "I'm ready Puu."
"Then let's go," Pluto opened the gate. Rini gave one last wave and then disappeared. Raye stayed behind with the king and queen for a few minutes. She turned to the Royal couple.
"She'll go through some hardship but it will make her stronger," she told them.
"We know," Serenity sighed. "But I know she will be all right." Raye squeezed her best friend's hand and together they headed back to the palace.
End of part Six...
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Bonds
Part Six: Rini and Raye
By
Angel Raye
One month after Small Lady's birth...
Serenity was so happy. Things were finally starting to happen. The big freeze ended several years ago when the silver crystal awoke everyone from his or her slumber. Serenity and Endymion were ruling over Crystal Tokyo inside the Crystal Palace with the Senshi. Some of the Senshi were married now. Amy was engaged to marry Greg in a few weeks. Hotaru was dating a young man by the name of Anthony. According to Haruka and Michiru he was the one.
The birth of Small Lady Serenity Usagi brought great excitement to the palace. That meant that the children who had visited them in the 20th century were real and not dreams. Although it would be several years before any of the other Senshi had children everyone had something to look forward too.
From her bassinet Rini began to fuss, telling Serenity that she was awake from her nap. Serenity dashed over and lifted the infant into her arms. "Small Lady," she cooed. "Mama's here."
"I see she's awake," Luna commented as she jumped up on the table.
"She is," Serenity sighed. She looked at the moon kitty. "I feel as though life is just perfect now."
"I'm sure you do," Luna replied. She then looked hard at Serenity. "You haven't forgotten what we talked about have you?"
"No Luna," Serenity said. "I know this next generation of Senshi need mentors."
"Have you chosen one for Small Lady yet," Luna asked.
"I have," Serenity replied. "I just need to ask her. I gave it a great deal of thought. In the 20th century before Rini found out that I was her mother she was very attached to one of my friends. That is the one who I will ask."
"And who will that be," asked Luna.
"Me," Raye gasped in astonishment. At the queen's request she had come to the Royal chambers. "You want me to be Small Lady's mentor. I am already going to be her godmother."
"I'm aware of that Raye," Serenity replied. "But I remember how attached Rini was to you in the 20th century. Besides you two were a lot alike in many ways. I think you would be the perfect mentor to her. You are also my closest and dearest friend. I can't imagine asking anyone else. Would you do it?"
Raye looked at Rini in her arms right now. She smiled and looked up at Serenity. "I would be honored."
A few days later the Senshi and the Knights were gathered in the ballroom. This was to be the first bonding ceremony for the next generation of Senshi. Everyone was excited. Small Lady's arrival had brought so much joy to the palace.
"I wonder what this ceremony will be about," Venus asked Jupiter.
"I don't know," Jupiter replied. "But we will be attending many of them if those children who visited us in the past were for real."
"They were for real," Mercury pointed out. "It would be illogical if we all had the same dream."
"Oh Amy don't start quoting logic to us," Venus groaned. "I really don't want a headache right now."
"Hush the queen is coming," Uranus hissed and everyone stopped talking and bowed before the Royal Couple as they walked in accompanied by Luna. Rini was in the queen's arms wearing a beautiful white dress.
"Kawaii," Saturn gasped when she saw the infant.
"That is a beautiful dress," Neptune added.
"All of the future generations of Senshi will wear this dress for their bonding ceremonies," Luna told them. Immediately each Senshi pictured her own infant daughter wearing that beautiful dress. "Sailor Mars you will need to take Small Lady."
"Very well," Mars took the tiny princess from the queen.
Luna leapt into the air and a pink heart shaped broach appeared. The Senshi immediately remembered that it was Chibi Moon's henshin broach. "Sailor Mars you will need to take out your henshin pen." Mars did as she was told. The queen placed the broach on Rini's chest.
Serenity turned to everyone. "This is a very special day because not only are we bonding our first member of the next generation of Senshi but we are also bonding the princess with her mentor. Luna has told me that each of our daughters who are to become Senshi will be bonded with the Senshi of our choice. For many reasons I chose my friend Sailor Mars. I believe that all of our daughters will be bonded with the one who is meant to be her mentor," Serenity said this while glancing over at Mercury who had a frown on her face. Since her child had been the youngest when they visited in the past she would not get her choice of Senshi. She would have whoever was left.
Luna spoke next. "When you become a mentor you undertake responsibilities. One of them is to help with the training. The child who you will be mentoring will be the one you will help train along with your own child of course. Also as Senshi you will all have many duties that will take you away from your families. As mentors you will be like a second mother to the one you have bonded with. Do all of you understand?"
"Yes Luna," everyone replied.
Serenity turned to Sailor Mars. "Sailor Mars do you promise to guide this child when she becomes a Chibi Senshi and to be there for her when neither her father nor I are available," she asked.
"I promise," Mars replied. Serenity held up the silver crystal. It began to glow. As soon as it began to glow the Mars' henshin pen and the small pink broach also glowed. The white light, the pink light and the red light enveloped both Mars and Rini. Everyone gazed in both awe and amazement at the spectacular sight. It lasted only few minutes. Then the glow was gone and the bonding was complete. Luna took the broach from Rini. "I will keep this until it is time for Small Lady to awaken as Sailor Chibi Moon," Luna explained.
"The bonding is complete," Serenity announced. She turned to Mars and gave her a big smile. "You are now the mentor of Small Lady and the first Senshi to become a mentor."
"This is a huge honor," Mars stated as she handed the infant back to the queen. "I was close to her in the past and I promise I will be close to her now in the present and the future."
Everyone knew that Mars would keep her promise.
Eight years later...
After curtseying before her parents and the Inner Senshi Rini flung herself into Serenity's arms. She was so happy to be home at last. Crystal Tokyo looked like it had never been in a battle. She had saved Crystal Tokyo with the help of Sailor Moon and the Inner Senshi in the past. "Welcome home Small Lady," Serenity held her close.
"We're glad you're home," Endymion added.
"I'm so glad to be home," Rini declared. She gazed up at Sailor Mars and then jumped into her arms. She giggled. "You weren't happy when you found out I was Serena and Darien's daughter were you?"
"No," Mars admitted as she hugged the little girl. "Not just because I was very attached to you but also because I was concerned that my best friend might have gotten herself into trouble at some point." She gave Serenity a sly look. "As usual."
"Raye," Serenity growled.
"Now you two don't start," Mercury intervened. "We need to celebrate Small Lady's return. Also she was in the past on her birthday so we have to celebrate that too."
"Mercury you're still pregnant aren't you," Rini asked anxiously, fearing that the Black Moon's attack might have stopped the pregnancy. She had felt so guilty because when the pregnancy had been announced jealousy had overcome her and she couldn't bring herself to congratulate Mercury. She then noticed that Mercury was wearing the slightly larger Senshi uniform for when they were pregnant. She wasn't showing too much yet but then she was still early in her second trimester.
"I still am," Mercury assured her as she put a hand on her stomach. "And everything is proceeding nicely."
Rini heaved a breath of relief, "I'm glad."
"Come on Small Lady," Endymion took her hand. "Let's go to our quarters."
"You can tell us everything," Serenity added as she took Rini's other hand. "Our memories are somewhat clouded."
"Okay," Rini chirped. She was so happy to be home.
"Rini," Mars called. Rini turned around. "Come to my quarters later. We can talk."
"I will," Rini called out happily. She couldn't understand why she was so much closer to Mars then the other Senshi. And it seemed like all of the little girls were attached to one Senshi each apart from their mothers. Maybe it had something to do with that ceremony a few months back that involved her mother and little Madelyn. Rini wondered if she would ever know.
Later on as promised Rini went to Raye's quarters. Chad let her in. Rini smiled when she thought of Chad in the past with his long hair. It was short now. Either way he looked good. "It's so good to see you again Small Lady," Chad grinned his wide smile at the little princess. "Raye is back in Annika's room."
"Thank you Chad," Rini replied and she skipped back to Annika's bedroom. Raye had just finished changing Annika's diaper. The year and a half old smiled when she saw Rini.
"Rini," she squealed pointing.
"That's right Rini's back," Raye said as she put Annika down on the floor. Annika giggled and started toddling around. She had only been walking for a few months so she was still a bit unsteady. Raye turned to Rini. "Hope you don't mind talking in here while I keep an eye on her."
"I don't mind," Rini replied. She loved little Annika. The child was so sweet.
"So," Raye sat down in the chair by Annika's crib. "Would you like to tell me what led you to take the Silver Crystal?"
Rini blushed and sat down on the floor. She was afraid that Raye would bring this up. The woman had an amazing ability to find out what Rini had been up too. Rini almost felt sorry for Annika. She would never be able to get away with anything with Raye as her mother. "How did you know," Rini murmured.
"My memories of the past may still be clouded but I do remember where the second Silver Crystal came from," Raye pointed out. "Not only that but the day the Black Moon attacked Annika was babbling about you and a crystal. However that was about all she could say."
"I wanted to be like Mama," Rini admitted. "She's such a lady and that's what I want to be. I thought the Silver Crystal would help me become one."
"I see," Raye replied. She looked at Rini closely. "Now that you've seen your mother in the past you know that she wasn't most ladylike person. She was very clumsy, bad mannered and I hate to say but not very smart."
"You mean stupid," Rini stated. "It's okay. I thought Serena was very stupid at times."
"She did a lot of stupid things," Raye sighed. "But I wouldn't trade her for anyone else. I love her just the way she was and the way she is now."
"You really do love my Mama don't you," Rini asked.
"I do," Raye admitted. "A different kind of love though. The love I feel for Chad is romantic love, the love I feel for Annika and for you is motherly love and the love I feel for the other Senshi is sisterly love. But the love I feel for your mother goes beyond any of those. I can't describe it."
"I'm glad my mama has a good friend like you," Rini sighed. "I wish I did. All the other kids here are so little."
"You'll find friends like that soon," Raye assured her as she slipped her hand under Rini's chin. She lifted Rini's head towards hers and looked into those scarlet eyes. "Give yourself time."
"I will," Rini smiled. "You sound so sure Raye."
"I just know you will," Raye replied. "Because you'll be going back to the past very soon."
A couple of weeks passed and August turned into September. Rini was glad to be back home. She looked at her parents in a whole new light now that she had seen their past selves. She was able to appreciate how much growing her mother had done since her teen years. Whenever Serenity wasn't around Raye would tell her some of the stupid things she had done as a teenager. Rini found them amusing but didn't dare tell her mother about them. "Don't get me wrong Rini," Raye laughed one day after telling her about some of the ridiculous things Serena had done. "Your mother has always been really dear to me but there were days when she could try my patience. She still does from time to time. I just hope you don't pick up any of her habits."
"I won't be like Serena," Rini promised. "I'll be like Mama the way she is now."
"Be your own person," Raye told her. Then she took out her henshin pen. "Now didn't Mama tell you that you were to meet her and the Senshi?"
"Yes," Rini looked worried. "Do you know what it's about?"
"You'll see," Raye replied as she held up her henshin pen. "MARS POWER MAKE UP!" Rini watched as fire melted Raye's clothing into her Senshi uniform. Then Mars held out her hand. "Shall we go?" Rini nodded and took her hand. Together the two of them headed toward the conference room.
"Nervous," Venus asked Serenity while they waited for Mars and Small Lady to arrive.
"A little," Serenity admitted. "This is a big day for Small Lady."
"You know she'll be fine," Jupiter assured her. "She did help us a lot in the past when she became Sailor Chibi Moon."
"It's a big day for all of us," Mercury added as she put her hand on her belly, which was getting big now. There were only a couple of months left before Ariel would make her appearance into the world.
"Yes," Hotaru added. She was excited because soon Rini would go back to the past and meet her past self. Then she would finally understand why Hotaru adored her so much. She was also excited because her own daughter's first birthday was coming up in another month. Hotaru hoped that Rini could at least be there for that. "This is the beginning of the next generation of Senshi."
Before anything else could be said the door opened and Mars walked in with Rini. Serenity smiled at her daughter. "Small Lady," she greeted her.
"Mama," Rini ran into her mother's arms. She looked around at all of the Senshi. "Why is everyone here?"
"Because it's a big day for you," Serenity replied. She turned to Luna. "Luna."
"Yes your Majesty," Luna replied. She pushed a small pink broach over to Rini. "This is for you."
"What is it," Rini asked as she picked it up. A strange feeling came over her. "MOON PRISM POWER MAKE UP!" Everyone watched as she transformed. Immediately the pink Senshi uniform that she wore in the past replaced her school uniform. Chibi Moon gazed in surprise at herself. "Nani," she shrieked.
"Small Lady," Serenity came forward. "As my daughter you are destined to be the next Sailor Moon. You are now Sailor Chibi Moon. When you get older you will become Sailor Cosmic Moon. You will fight alongside the Sailor Senshi and help protect the peace."
"Sailor Chibi Moon," Chibi Moon gasped. "I am a Senshi. Will I have my own team?"
"Yes you will," Venus replied. "But it will be a few years. Our daughters are too young to become Senshi or in Mercury's case, not even here yet." Mercury smiled and placed a hand on her stomach.
"Small Lady," Serenity knelt down in front of her daughter. "Have you ever noticed how much closer you are to Mars then the rest of the Senshi? Have you ever wondered about these ceremonies we have with each of the children?"
"Yes," Chibi Moon recalled as she remembered the ceremony they had with Madelyn and Serenity a few months before the Black Moon attack.
"Those are bonding ceremonies," Luna informed her. "Each of you girls was given a mentor. You were bonded with your mentor. The roll of a mentor is helping you with your training along with your parents. Also when your parents are away because of duties and assignments your mentor will be the one to take care of you and give you the motherly love you will want."
"So is that why I always feel drawn to Sailor Mars," Chibi Moon asked. "Is that why Annika loves Mercury and Maggie loves Jupiter?"
"Yes," Mars replied. "Your mother will train with you but so will I. Also that is why I have always been there for you when your parents were away."
"Small Lady," Mercury came forward next. "I know all of this is a lot to take in. But you are the one who begins this next generation of Senshi. You will be the leader. For now you will be working with us until the rest of them are awakened."
"I will be setting up a training schedule for you," Venus added. "Right now it is time for you to go with your mother and your mentor to discuss any questions or concerns you may have."
"Mars," Mercury hissed. "How about if I take Annika for a while. Let Small Lady talk without interruption."
"Thank you," Mars replied as she took Chibi Moon's hand. Serenity took the other hand and the three of them left the conference room.
"I've watched all of you fight as Senshi," Rini told Serenity and Raye. "I've watched you here and I've watched you in the past. Isn't it scary?"
"Yes it is," Serenity replied. "But you learn to overcome it and fight to save the world."
"Ah Serenity was always screaming in terror and running away from fights," Raye said in a sly voice.
"Raye," growled Serenity but then she saw that her best friend was teasing her as usual.
"Mama you've watched your friends die in battle a couple of times," Rini pointed out. Serenity swallowed. Even after all of these years, those memories were still painful. Sensing her queen's sadness, Raye placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Isn't it hard?"
"Yes it is Small Lady," Serenity replied in a pained voice. "But my friends always told me to believe in myself because they believed in me. That's what would help me to continue fighting for the peace."
Raye reached over and took Rini's hand. "You may have to go through that too Small Lady," she said. Raye shuddered at the thought that her own daughter may have to die in battle as well. "But we are all Senshi. If you as a leader and a princess believe in yourself and defeat the evil then the Senshi are always brought back."
Rini gave a bright smile. "I'll always believe," she promised. "Because my mama did too."
"I'm glad," Serenity hugged her daughter tight.
"You and I will train together tomorrow," Raye told her. "So be ready."
"I will," Rini promised. She gave both Raye and Serenity another hug and skipped out of the room. Raye turned to Serenity. "Are you all right?"
"I'm fine," Serenity replied as her eyes filled with tears. "I just hope she doesn't have to watch her team die like I had to watch mine die a couple of times."
Raye put an arm around her best friend. "But it was times like that that helped make you the strong leader you are today," she pointed out. "And it will be hardships that will help Rini into a strong leader too. Please remember that. I don't like the idea that my daughter could die in battle but I have to believe that she will be okay. You should believe that too."
"I will Raye," Serenity smiled at her best friend. "I'll always believe."
Chibi Moon jumped away from the youma she was battling. She gasped as it swiped its ugly claws at her. Chibi Moon got away before it could attack her.
"Chibi Moon use your attack," Mars shouted. "That's why you have it."
"That stupid attack," Chibi Moon muttered. "It's not worth anything."
"Just do it," Mars commanded. So Chibi Moon held out her pink heart stick.
"PINK SUGAR HEART ATTACK!" An array of pink hearts flew out and began to hit the youma over and over. He grunted as he took the beating. Mars took the distraction as an opportunity to use her attack.
"MARS FLAME SNIPER!" Her arrow flew out and sliced through the youma. Immediately the simulation disappeared and Chibi Moon found herself staring at the gray walls of the simulation room. Mars walked over to Chibi Moon. "You need to use your attack when you can."
"But its such a stupid attack," Chibi Moon griped. "All it does is hit the youma over and over again."
"You're just a child," Mars reminded her. "And you're a Senshi in training. Your attacks are bound to be small. As you get older you're attacks will get more powerful."
"I just want to be as good as Sailor Moon," Chibi Moon sighed.
"You will be," Mars promised her. "You've only been a Senshi for a couple of weeks. Just give yourself time."
Chibi Moon gave a gusty sigh and blew her bangs out of her face. In the last couple of weeks she had all of these training sessions. Some were by herself, others with Mars and some with her mother. Occasionally she would have one with the other Senshi. Chibi Moon was frustrated. Her pink heart stick sometimes wouldn't work which would leave her running like an idiot. Venus constantly had to remind her that the youmas were only simulations and would not hurt her at this level. "Well have her remember that when her attack doesn't work and this youma is after her," Chibi Moon thought crossly as she powered down. Venus was waiting outside the simulation room.
"You shouldn't put down your attack," Venus firmly told her. "It may be a small attack but it's your attack. You need to use it when a youma is attacking you."
"Yes Venus," Rini murmured.
"That's it for today," Venus smiled at the small princess. "Why don't you go and enjoy yourself for a while."
"After she does her homework," Raye stated. Serenity and Endymion had to go out of the country so Rini was staying with Raye and her family. "Now why don't we go and get Annika?"
"Okay," Rini replied. Amy was now in her eighth month of pregnancy and had cut back some of her hours at work. Occasionally on days like that rather than have Annika spend all day in the palace nursery Amy would come and get her and watch her for the afternoon commenting that she needed the practice.
The two walked quietly to Amy and Greg's quarters. Amy answered carrying Annika awkwardly in her arms. "Mama," she cried when she saw Raye.
"Hi Baby," Raye took Annika out of Amy's arms. "What are you making Aunt Amy carry you for? She's got that big stomach right now."
"Oh it's all right Raye," Amy assured her. "Annika's not that big and neither am I. This baby is going to be small. Besides Annika doesn't understand why I've gotten big all of the sudden."
"I just hope she isn't running you ragged," Raye sighed as Annika rested her head on her shoulder.
"Annika is a very low key child," Amy assured her. "Now if she were like Gloria, Daisy or Faith I would not be keeping her in the afternoons." She handed Annika's diaper bag to Rini since Raye had Annika. "I just changed her so she should be okay for a while."
"Thank you," Raye replied.
"So how was practice today," Amy asked Rini.
"Okay I guess," Rini murmured. Amy glanced questionably at Raye who only shook her head. Amy nodded in understanding. She had heard how Rini had been feeling about her attack.
"Say bye-bye to Aunt Amy," Raye told Annika.
"Bye-bye," Annika chirped.
"Good-bye Annika dear," Amy pecked a kiss on Annika's head. She then gave Rini a quick peck. "See you later on."
"Bye Amy," Rini murmured as she followed Raye back to her quarters.
That evening after she had put Annika to bed Raye sat down to talk to Rini. The princess was doing her homework. Raye was thankful that Rini didn't inherit her mother's horrible study habits. But then she was also Endymion's daughter and the king had been a good scholar. Raye sat down next to Rini. "What's bothering you Small Lady," she asked in her usual direct way.
"All of you are good Senshi," Rini griped. "And I'm not any good."
"You've only been a Senshi for a couple of weeks," Raye reminded her again. "You can't expect to be spectacular right away. Just be glad you have training time. We didn't. Your mother and the rest of us went right into battle as soon we became Senshi."
"It's not just that," Rini admitted.
"Then what is it," Raye asked.
"Mama had her team within a few months," Rini told her. "Mama and Mina told me it would be at least six years before I get my team. Why do I have to wait so long? I know Amy hasn't had her baby yet but can't Daisy and Maggie become Senshi in a couple of years?"
"I know it seems like forever now," Raye told her. "But I assure you it will be here before you know it. When these little girls become Senshi they will need a strong leader, someone they can look up too. That is going to be you. We want to make sure you'll be ready to be a leader when it's time to awaken them."
"I just feel that all of you became good Senshi because you had so many friends," Rini sighed.
"I know you're lonely," Raye put her arms around the child. "But give yourself time. Pretty soon you'll have plenty of friends."
"I hope you're right Raye," Rini stated.
"I am," Raye assured her. "It will be very soon."
Serenity sat stoically before the rest of the Senshi. She knew this moment would come but now that it was here she wished it wasn't. "You have to send her to the past to train Serenity," Mina was saying. "You knew you were going too."
"I know," Serenity sighed. "But now that I have to I don't want to do it. I'll miss her."
"That's understandable," Raye agreed. "None of us want to send our babies away but it's part of our history that we send Small Lady back to the past."
"Please Serenity," Hotaru pleaded. "It's very important to me that we send her back. It's a matter of life or death."
"Don't worry Hotaru," Serenity smiled at her youngest Senshi. "She'll be going back." She turned to the rest of the Senshi. "But I think she should wait until Amy has Ariel at least. Let her be there for that."
"I agree," Amy exclaimed. "Let her meet her last team member before she goes."
Setsuna stood up. "Of course when we send her back she must go back to the time of our battle with the Death Busters," she stated. "I believe she goes back to right after your fifteenth birthday your Majesty."
"She does," Serenity agreed. She stood up. "I'll go and talk to her."
"Would you like me to come too," Raye asked.
"Just be nearby," Serenity said. "She may need a friend to talk to." Raye nodded. They all watched Serenity as she left the room.
Amy gave a slight groan. "What a kicker," she grunted putting her hand on her very large stomach.
"It's going to be any day now isn't it," Michiru asked.
"Another couple of weeks," Amy sighed.
"Is that it," Lita asked. Amy nodded. "Then we need to have a girls' day out before that happens."
"Yes," Raye agreed. "Come on. Let's start planning." Immediately the Inner Senshi began planning a day to take Amy out before she gave birth.
Setsuna chuckled. "If only they knew what was going to happen on that day out," she laughed.
"What are you talking about Setsuna-mama," Hotaru asked.
"You'll see soon enough," Setsuna replied. Before anyone could say anything else Setsuna left leaving Haruka, Michiru and Hotaru wondering what she was talking about.
"So do you think you're ready to go back to the past to train," Raye asked Rini a few days later. Serenity had told Rini why she was going back to the past and now Raye wanted to see if she had any concerns or worries she wished to discuss.
"Yes," Rini replied. "I'm excited. I loved the 20th century."
"Well we certainly loved having you back then," Raye told her as she remembered fondly the times Rini had come back to be with them. Although the other children had visited them too they didn't stay as long as Rini did.
"Mama told me she wanted me to make friends while I was there," Rini told her. "She said that it would help me during important encounters. I wonder what she meant by that."
Raye smiled and knelt down in front of Rini. "You'll find out soon enough," she assured the child. After all if it hadn't been for Rini then Hotaru would be dead. "I know it's hard for you to make friends here so I'm sure one of the reasons why she is sending to the past is so that you can make friends without them knowing you are a princess."
"I wish your past self knew that you're my mentor," Rini sighed.
"Well I'm afraid I don't," Raye told her. "But you know that even in the past I'm there for you."
"I know Raye," Rini hugged her. "All of you were great to me, even stupid Serena."
"Hey stupid Serena is your mother," Raye laughed. "And out of all of us she cared about you the most. Just remember that."
"I will," Rini giggled. "But I will still have a lot of fun with my mama's past self."
The next couple of weeks were a blur. Rini was preparing to go back to the past. In the meantime Raye and Lita found themselves being reluctant doctors and having to deliver Amy's baby. Rini was thrilled to meet baby Ariel, the last member of her future team. She was sorry she wouldn't be around during Ariel's first few months but she was glad to meet her before she left.
At last the day arrived and Rini walked to the Gates of Time, accompanied by her parents and the Senshi, minus Amy who was busy with her new baby. Luna P, of course, was going with Rini. "We'll miss you so much Small Lady," Serenity choked as she pulled the little girl into a hug.
"I'll miss you too Mama," Rini replied. She looked at everyone. "I'll miss all of you."
"Say hi to the past for us," Mina told her.
"And take care," Lita added.
Endymion handed a bag to Rini. "These are your Christmas presents," he explained. "But you'll be going back where it is summer. So open them when you are alone."
"I will Daddy," Rini promised as she took the bag. She then turned to Raye. She flung her arms around her. "I'll miss you too."
"And I you," Raye replied as she hugged Rini tightly. "When you get back we'll have a long talk about your adventure. By then maybe Annika will be a better at conversation."
"Maybe," Rini giggled. She gave her parents one last hug and skipped over to the Gates of Time. "I'm ready Puu."
"Then let's go," Pluto opened the gate. Rini gave one last wave and then disappeared. Raye stayed behind with the king and queen for a few minutes. She turned to the Royal couple.
"She'll go through some hardship but it will make her stronger," she told them.
"We know," Serenity sighed. "But I know she will be all right." Raye squeezed her best friend's hand and together they headed back to the palace.
End of part Six...