Hi Minna. Here is part three of "Emiko." Thanks to all the great reviews I've been getting. Keep them coming.
E-mail me at AngelRaye2@aol.com
Come and see the Chibi Senshi at http://www.craiger.dns2go.com/chibiscouts/index.html
The message board had to be moved to a new address. Come and check it out at www.ice-rose.net/chibiscouts. Also check it out to see details for the fan art contest.
Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon. With the exception of Rini I own the Chibi Senshi.
Emiko
Part Three
By
Angel Raye
"I'm not your Onee," Gloria sputtered pushing the small child off of her.
"Don't you like me Onee-san," Emiko asked her lower lip quivering.
"I don't even know you," Gloria grumbled. Emiko gazed sadly at Gloria and then her little face scrunched up as she began to howl. One look at Mina's angry face told Gloria she was in trouble. Kadiri dashed over and picked Emiko up to comfort her while Mina firmly took Gloria's shoulder and steered her off to the corner of the room.
"What did I tell you," Mina angrily demanded.
"But Mom she is just a little kid," protested Gloria. "I don't even know her and she is calling me her Onee."
"I told you that I am a lot like her mother and that she is calling me Mommy," Mina explained. "So that would make you her Onee. Now it won't hurt for you to be her Onee while she is here."
"But Mom," groaned Gloria but the furious look in her mother's eyes told her to stop protesting.
"Just humor her," pleaded Mina. "She is a little girl who is far from her home right now and she needs all the comfort she can get."
"Fine," Gloria grumbled. She and Mina walked back over to Kadiri and Emiko. Gloria gazed up at the kawaii little girl in Kadiri's arms. "Sorry. You can call me Onee if you like."
"Hurrah," Emiko squealed as she jumped down. She flung her arms around Gloria's leg again. "Onee-san."
"Why do I have a bad feeling that there's going to be trouble," Mina asked Hotaru.
"Maybe because Gloria is a handful already and now you have another child to look after," replied Hotaru. She looked at the worried look in Mina's eyes. "Don't worry too much. It may all work out really well."
"I hope so," sighed Mina.
As soon as they arrived at Saturn's quarters Hotaru showed Kadiri the room in which she would be staying. Once in there Kadiri started unpacking the few belongings she had brought with her. She wondered how Emiko was doing with Mina and Gloria. Although everyone had explained to Emiko about how she was in the past, a four year old just didn't understand. Kadiri hoped that the little girl wouldn't give away too much.
Aware that someone was at the door Kadiri turned around and saw Madelyn timidly standing in the doorway. Kadiri gave her future sister a smile. "Hi Madelyn," she greeted in a friendly voice. "You may come in." Madelyn smiled back and came into the room. She perched herself on the bed. Kadiri gazed at the little girl. "She is just so kawaii. I want to pinch those little cheeks of hers." Hanging up her best dress in the closet she asked, "So what can I do for you?"
"Mama says you're a relative," stated Madelyn. "How come I have never met you?"
"We have met. But for you it will be many years," thought Kadiri. Smiling she gazed down at Madelyn. "I guess we just didn't have an earlier opportunity. But I hope you and I can be good friends."
"I would really like that," cried Madelyn enthusiastically. She jumped down off the bed. "Can I help you unpack?"
"I would like nothing better," Kadiri replied. Together she and Madelyn unpacked. The whole time Kadiri listened to Madelyn's happy chatter.
Mina took Emiko to the spare room and started to unpack for her. Emiko looked around the room with a frown on her little face. "This don't look like my room," she flatly stated.
"I'm sorry Sweetie," replied Mina. She ran her fingers through the blonde tresses. "But this is the best I can do right now. Gloria has some old toys put away. I'll dig them out later so that you can play with them. Would you like that?" Emiko nodded her head. Mina smiled. She could tell that this child was going to be much easier than Gloria ever was.
"I want my lambs," Emiko told her.
"What lambs," asked Mina.
"The lambs on wall," Emiko pointed to the walls. Mina immediately figured that Emiko had lamb wallpaper in her bedroom in the future.
Mina dug around Emiko's little bag and pulled out a stuffed cat. "Well what have we here," she exclaimed.
"Moon Cat," Emiko squealed in delight as she snatched the cat out of Mina's hands. Mina saw that it was a stuffed green cat with a crescent moon on its forehead. It was very similar to the stuffed Stardust, Artemis, Moonbeam, Diana and Crescent Annika had made. The main difference was that this one looked like an adult had sewn it. That told Mina that the adult Annika had made this one.
"And who gave you this," Mina asked even though she already knew.
"I wanted talking cat like the moon cats," explained Emiko. "But Mommy told me since I not Senshi I cannot have one so Aunt Annika made this for me."
"Still sweet with a large heart in the future," Mina thought happily. She tweaked Emiko on the nose. "This one will stay with you and won't have to rush off to duties like the real moon cats do."
"I know," Emiko chirped and then she gave an enormous yawn.
"Have you had a nap yet today," Mina asked. Emiko shook her head. Mina looked at the clock and saw that they still had just over an hour before they had to be down in the dining room for dinner. "Why don't you take a little nap before dinner then?"
"Don't want nap," Emiko protested but another yawn overtook her.
"You're taking a nap," said Mina firmly remembering that even though the child was from the future she was still her mother and needed to set the boundaries. Remembering how Gloria was at this age, Mina braced herself for a battle. But instead she was pleasantly surprised when Emiko nodded her head and began to pull at the covers of the bed so she could get under them. Mina immediately tucked the little girl in and kissed her forehead. "What do I do for you when you are getting ready to take a nap," asked Mina.
"Lie here," Emiko replied patting the bed next to her. Mina lay down and gently began to rub the child's back. Within minutes Emiko was asleep beside her. Mina smiled. This child was so kawaii. A feeling of nostalgia came over her as she remembered Gloria at that age. Although Gloria had been a handful she was also very kawaii.
A blast of music suddenly blared from the down the hall. Mina quickly got off the bed and dashed down toward Gloria's room. She pushed open the door and turned the music down. "Mom," Gloria cried. "Why do I have to turn it down now?"
"Two reasons," Mina replied. "First of all I can't think when it's that loud and second Emiko is taking a nap so we need it quiet."
"Great," muttered Gloria. "Not only do I have to share my home with this shrimp I have to play my music quietly."
"Gloria," Mina sighed. "I've had a long day and a lot has happened. I really don't need an attitude from you right now. Besides you have homework to do."
"Fine," Gloria grumbled as she reached for her book bag. Mina gave her daughter a sharp look and left the room. She really hoped that Emiko's visit wouldn't turn out to be a disaster.
That evening at dinner Kadiri and Emiko got to meet the rest of the Chibi Senshi and the Knights. Kadiri just had a great time meeting the Cosmic Senshi as children. They were all just too kawaii, especially Ariel with her babyish nature and the way she rested contently in Amy's arms. Then there was Annika with her shyness. When she was introduced to Kadiri, she just wrapped her arms around Raye's waist and gazed at Kadiri with her large purple eyes. Hope was a little lady with pretty manners and social grace. She was so Prissy with her pretty dresses and curly hair. Maggie was already very mature and looked out for her friends, trying to keep them out of trouble. She also could be motherly with the younger ones. Daisy was a tough fighter but Kadiri, always a good judge of character, could see the deep devotion to her friends and comrades. Faith was harder to read, being a tomboy. She seemed to only have interest in her sports and getting out of wearing any dresses. Gloria was rude, obnoxious and had a love for pranks but Kadiri could see how caring she was of her friends, particularly Annika. Rini was older then the rest, being fifteen but the princess was glad to have someone older that she could relate too. Of course Kadiri mainly enjoyed seeing her Onee, Madelyn as a child. The little girl spent the entire afternoon with her. Kadiri enjoyed her very much.
Mina came over to Kadiri after dinner when everyone had gathered into the palace living room. "There's something I have to ask you," she murmured in a low voice.
"Anything," Kadiri replied.
"Tiffany," began Mina. She hesitated for a moment. "How is she?"
"She's an adult now,' Kadiri laughed but then she saw the concern in Mina's eyes. Most of the palace knew what Tiffany had been through with Celine. "She's fine," she assured her. "Tiffany is happily married with three healthy children."
"I'm so glad," Mina, heaved a breath of relief. "I worry about her and she hasn't been born yet."
"I'm glad I can put your mind at ease," Kadiri laughed. She turned toward Emiko. "At least you can enjoy getting to know your future daughter."
"I plan on it," Mina agreed.
Emiko was definitely the star of the evening. Everyone just loved her. With the exception of Annika and Ariel's stint with the silver crystal last month, it had been a while since a really small child had stayed with them. Emiko wasn't the least bit shy, skipping up to people and turning on her cuteness. She had inherited her mother's bubbly personality which made her even more adorable. With a few exceptions, everyone was enjoying her. Ariel was one of those exceptions. She was used to being the baby of the bunch and didn't like the fact that she was being replaced. She was used to being the one whom everyone would call kawaii and sweet, and coo all over her. Now here was this strange child who was taking that away from her and Ariel didn't like it one bit. Determined not to let this child steal her position, Ariel clamored up onto her mother's lap and wrapped her arms around her neck, trying to look as adorable as possible. However only Amy paid attention to that. The others didn't notice which annoyed Ariel to no end. The last few months Ariel had been dealing with the trauma she had endured but even clinging to Amy the rest of the Senshi and the older Chibi Senshi would fuss over her and call her adorable. Now they were doing that with Emiko and Ariel didn't like it at all. She wasn't going to lose her place as the baby to this child if she could help it.
Annika was another exception. Although she didn't mind that Emiko was the center of attention since she herself hated being the focus of everyone's attention, Annika didn't like that fact that Raye was cooing over Emiko like the other Senshi. Raye just thought that Emiko was too precious to ignore. As far as Annika was concerned the other Senshi could fawn over Emiko all they wanted but she wanted Raye's affections to herself. Not wanting Raye to shower her affection all over Emiko, Annika snuggled into her lap. Immediately Raye's arms went around her daughter. She smiled at the little girl. "Don't feel like playing tonight," she asked.
"No Mama," replied Annika. "I just want to be with you right now." Raye smiled again and kissed the little girl's head. She could sense something from her daughter that didn't feel quite right so she decided to just reassure the child right now.
The last exception was Gloria. She couldn't help but admit that Emiko was kawaii but she didn't like having to share her parents with another child. Gloria was obnoxious and a handful but she loved her mother and didn't want to share her with a child who insisted on calling her Mommy. She was also annoyed that she couldn't play her music while Emiko was taking a nap. Gloria didn't know why this child was here but she wasn't going to let her take over her home.
"You are just a precious little thing," Lita exclaimed as she pulled Emiko up onto her lap. No one noticed the angry look in little Ariel's eyes when that was said. "Do you like to cook? You and I can bake cookies one day while you are here."
"Can't cook," Emiko shook her head violently. "Mommy messes up a lot." The Senshi all laughed while sweat drops appeared on Mina's head. It seemed that her cooking talents didn't improve in the future either. She quickly got up and went over to Lita. She picked the child up.
"It's getting late," Mina told her. "We should get your bath and put you to bed."
"No bath," protested Emiko as she wiggled hard to get out of Mina's arms. "I don't want to take bath."
"You have to take one," pressed Mina as she held tightly to the child.
"No, no, no," Emiko cried as she wiggled even harder.
"She hates baths," Kadiri called. She got up and went over to them. She whispered in Mina's ear, "Don't talk, and just act. In the future you just bathe her and ignore the protests."
"Got it," replied Mina. She looked at the little girl. "Let's go Emiko." And with that she left carrying the protesting child with her.
"What a brat," Gloria grumbled. "And I'm lumbered with her."
"Gloria," Asai firmly said in a warning voice. "Be nice."
"But why does she have to stay with us," Gloria demanded. "Why should I share my parents?"
"I don't know honey," Asai rumpled his daughter's hair. "But you need to help Mom out. It's been a while since she has had to deal with a child this age."
"Fine," muttered Gloria. But inside she was still seething with annoyance. Why did she have to share her parents with this kid?
Mina found that Kadiri was right. Action was better than words in getting Emiko into the bathtub. Emiko protested but when she saw that she wasn't going to get her way, she settled down and let Mina bathe her. Mina had dug out some old books Gloria had when she was younger and read one of them to Emiko. Now she was tucking the little girl in for the night. "Mommy are you glad I'm here," Emiko asked as she clutched Moon Cat in her arms.
"Very glad," Mina replied kissing the little girl on the forehead.
"But why don't Onee-san like me," Emiko inquired. "Onee-san nice to me when she big but now she mean to me."
"Onee-san is just a child here," explained Mina. "She doesn't know who you are." Mina was quiet for a minute and then asked, "You love your Onee don't you?"
"Yes," cried Emiko enthusiastically. "She take me to park and she buy me ice cream and give me piggy back rides."
Mina smiled. She was glad that Gloria was going to be nice when Emiko came along in the future. She kissed Emiko again. "Get some sleep," she commanded. "I'll see you in the morning."
"Night Mommy," Emiko chirped. Mina left the room and then prepared to get Gloria into the bed.
Kadiri had very much enjoyed the evening. She had completely fallen in love with her sister's past self. Madelyn happily chattered to Kadiri all evening. Now Kadiri was sitting in the living room with Anthony while Hotaru was getting Madelyn ready for bed.
"I hope you'll enjoy your stay while you are here," Anthony told Kadiri.
"I'm sure I will," Kadiri replied. She found it interesting to meet her mother's first husband. By the time Kadiri had been born Anthony had been gone for decades. Kadiri's father was the only one she could picture Hotaru with so this was all strange to her. But in the short time since she had met him, Kadiri could see what a wonderful man Anthony was and how happy he made Hotaru and Madelyn.
"You know I can't place my finger on it but there is something about you," Anthony stated looking closely at Kadiri.
"Really," Kadiri could feel herself tensing up.
"You bear a strong resemblance to Hotaru," Anthony replied. "You look so much like her." Kadiri found herself getting even tenser. With the exception of her eye color she looked a lot like her mother.
"Well we are related," Kadiri laughed nervously, a huge sweat drop appearing on her head. "Maybe that's why there's a strong resemblance."
"Maybe," Anthony agreed.
Much to Kadiri's relief, Hotaru came back into the living room. "Madelyn wants you to come in and say goodnight Kadiri," she announced.
"And not a moment to soon," Kadiri thought as she got up. She went into Madelyn's room. The little girl was sitting up in bed. "Mama told me you wanted to say goodnight."
"Yes," Madelyn replied. She held up a doll. "This is Hisa."
"Well hello there Hisa," Kadiri shook the doll's hand. "Does she sleep with you every night?"
"Yes," Madelyn giggled as she hugged Hisa close to her chest. "How long are you staying?"
"I'm not sure," Kadiri replied. "Why do you ask?"
"Because I like you," Madelyn told her. "I want you to stay for a long time."
"Why thank you," Kadiri said. "But you know I have to help out with Emiko."
"Oh," Madelyn's little face fell.
"But I promise you and I can do some things together," Kadiri quickly added.
"Really," cried Madelyn in delight as her face lit up.
"Really," Kadiri laughed. She began to tuck Madelyn back into bed. "Now you need to get to sleep. I believe you have school tomorrow."
"Okay," Madelyn giggled. She held out her arms and Kadiri leaned down for the hug. Madelyn hugged her tightly. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight Madelyn," Kadiri replied. She kissed Madelyn and then left the room. She chuckled softly at the irony. Madelyn had tucked her into bed many times when she was a little girl and now here she was doing the same thing to her. It was all just too funny.
Even though Annika had been put to bed a while ago she was unable to sleep. She had to admit that Emiko was just too adorable but she worried that Raye would also think the same thing. She didn't like the fact that Raye was fussing over Emiko that evening. Gloria had also told Annika that she didn't like the idea of sharing her mother with this much younger child. Annika worried that maybe Raye would offer to keep Emiko if things got too bad in Venus's quarters. Amy had sometimes commented to Annika that she let little worries become too big and that she should just talk about them. This little worry got to be too much so Annika got out of bed to look for her mother. Chad was on night duty in the control room tonight so it was just Raye, Annika and Stardust who was already asleep. Annika went into the living room and found it empty. Frowning she went into the temple but found that it was empty too. "Has she gone to bed already," Annika asked herself. She was about to head towards her parents' room when a light on the outside balcony caught her eyes. Annika went to the door and was surprised to see Raye sitting on the chair gazing at the stars. It was a cold December night and her mother was out there. Annika couldn't believe it. Then she saw that Raye had the electric blanket covering her so she must have been toasty warm under that. There was an electrical outlet on the outside balconies so one could plug anything in. Annika opened the door. "Mama," she exclaimed.
"Annika Sweetie," Raye stated in equal surprise. "What are you doing up?"
"I couldn't sleep," Annika replied. "Why are you out here? It's cold out."
"The electric blanket is keeping me warm," Raye told her. She looked back up at the sky. "The stars are so beautiful tonight that I had to come out and look at them for a while."
"I guess they are," Annika murmured as she began to shiver. Her nightgown did little to protect her from the cold December air. Raye was quick to notice it.
"Come under here with me," she invited. Annika went over and Raye pulled her onto her lap. Annika felt the instant warmth of the electric blanket as Raye draped it over the both of them. Raye wrapped her arms around Annika and kissed her on the head. "What's on your mind Baby?"
"How do you know I have something on my mind," Annika asked.
"I'm your mother," replied Raye. "That's my job."
"Mama, Emiko is so kawaii and you were giving her a lot of attention tonight," Annika bluntly stated.
"So," Raye inquired.
"Are you going to keep Emiko at all," Annika asked.
"Now why would you ask me that," Raye exclaimed.
"Because she was so little and so kawaii and you like having really little kids around you and I am not that little anymore," Annika explained in a rush.
"Is that what's worrying you," Raye asked and Annika nodded her head. Raye turned Annika's face up toward her so that they were making eye contact. "Now listen to me," she commanded. "It's true I enjoyed you when you were Emiko's age but I enjoy you now too. We are not going to keep Emiko here because she is staying with Aunt Mina. You don't have to worry about her taking your place. You are my baby and nothing will change that. No one will ever take your place."
"Even if you have other kids when I am all grown up," Annika asked.
"No one will take your place," Raye repeated. "You are my special little girl and even if I have many other children you are the only one who is immortal like I am. That alone makes you very special." Raye smiled and pulled Annika into a warm, loving embrace. "Feel better now?"
"Yes Mama," replied Annika as she returned the embrace.
"Now," Raye stated as she stood up with Annika still in her arms. "There's a certain little girl who is going to have a rough time in school tomorrow if she doesn't get to sleep." Annika giggled, knowing her mother was talking about her. Feeling better she let Raye put her back to bed.
The next morning a small body jumping on her bed awakened Mina. "Mommy," squealed Emiko. "It's morning."
"I see," mumbled Mina looking at the little girl who would one day be her daughter. Unlike Mina and Gloria she was obviously a morning person. "Must get that from her father whoever he is."
"Is Onee-san awake," Emiko asked.
"Not yet Darling," Mina replied as she sat up and pulled the child into her arms. She looked at the clock and groaned when she saw it was only five thirty. "It's too early."
"I'll say," Asai grunted. Mina had told him who Emiko was. She figured since Asai would be gone by the time Emiko came it was okay to let him know. Like the other knights Asai knew that his wife would find other husbands when he passed away but he didn't mind. All that mattered to him now was that while he was alive Mina was his wife and no one else's.
"Don't you want to sleep a little longer," Mina asked Emiko.
"No Mommy," Emiko protested. "I hungry. I want to play with Onee-san."
"Onee-san is asleep Baby," Mina told her. "If we wake her up now she'll be very angry."
"I want to be up now," Emiko griped.
"She's your child," Asai pointed out as Mina gave him a helpless look. Mina sighed as she realized the argument 'She's your child' wouldn't work with Emiko since she wasn't going to be Asai's child.
"Not yet," Mina murmured but she knew that didn't matter. How many times did they tell Serena in the past that Rini was her child?
"Come on Mommy," Emiko pleaded impatiently. "Up, up."
"I'm up, I'm up," Mina groaned as she got out of bed and pulled on her robe. She picked Emiko up and carried her out into the living room. She still had a good hour before she had to get Gloria up. Now all she needed to do was entertain Emiko quietly until then.
Gloria grumbled as she pulled her school uniform on. Mina had allowed Emiko to wake her up this morning. Gloria groaned when the small child awakened her by jumping on her stomach. "How long is this kid going to stay with us," Gloria asked herself as she pulled her socks on her feet. "I don't want to be awakened by her everyday."
Gloria was suddenly slammed in the back by a ball rocket. A pair of arms wrapped around her waist. "Onee-san," squealed Emiko.
"What are you doing in here Squirt," Gloria asked.
"I wanna be with you," Emiko chirped.
Not wanting to get into trouble this early in the morning Gloria sighed, "Fine but let go please so that I can finish getting ready."
"Kay Onee-san," Emiko giggled and pulled away. Mina had put a cute corduroy jumper with a flowered turtleneck on the child. Her blonde tresses were held back by two red bows.
Gloria picked Emiko up and sat her on the chair. "Sit here so I can get ready," she commanded.
Mina came in. "Are you ready for me to do your hair," she asked Gloria.
"Yes," Gloria handed her mother the hairbrush and hair bow. Mina did Gloria's hair quickly. "Mom it's still early."
"I know but just think," Mina said. "You have some time to get your room cleaned and your bed made. After all you're going to have some extra chores to do this afternoon because of that stunt you pulled on Daisy yesterday."
"Bummer," grumbled Gloria as she started to pick up some things off the floor.
"Come on Emiko," Mina started to take the little girl's hand. "Why don't you watch some television until Kadiri comes to get you?"
"No," Emiko protested yanking her hand away from Mina. "I wanna stay with Onee-san."
"Very well," agreed Mina against her better judgment. "But don't get in Gloria's way."
"Mom," Gloria complained. "Do I have to be stuck watching her?"
"Gloria," Mina gave her daughter a sharp look. "What have we talked about?"
"All right, all right," Gloria muttered under her breath. Mina gave her another sharp look and left the room. Emiko started to help Gloria. "Hey," Gloria exclaimed. "What are you doing?"
"I help Onee-san," Emiko chirped happily and she dashed around the room picking clothes, books and toys off the floor.
"Now this has possibilities," Gloria said in amusement. She sat down on her bed. "Have at it kid." She watched as Emiko did the jobs she was supposed to do.
To be continued...
E-mail me at AngelRaye2@aol.com
Come and see the Chibi Senshi at http://www.craiger.dns2go.com/chibiscouts/index.html
The message board had to be moved to a new address. Come and check it out at www.ice-rose.net/chibiscouts. Also check it out to see details for the fan art contest.
Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon. With the exception of Rini I own the Chibi Senshi.
Emiko
Part Three
By
Angel Raye
"I'm not your Onee," Gloria sputtered pushing the small child off of her.
"Don't you like me Onee-san," Emiko asked her lower lip quivering.
"I don't even know you," Gloria grumbled. Emiko gazed sadly at Gloria and then her little face scrunched up as she began to howl. One look at Mina's angry face told Gloria she was in trouble. Kadiri dashed over and picked Emiko up to comfort her while Mina firmly took Gloria's shoulder and steered her off to the corner of the room.
"What did I tell you," Mina angrily demanded.
"But Mom she is just a little kid," protested Gloria. "I don't even know her and she is calling me her Onee."
"I told you that I am a lot like her mother and that she is calling me Mommy," Mina explained. "So that would make you her Onee. Now it won't hurt for you to be her Onee while she is here."
"But Mom," groaned Gloria but the furious look in her mother's eyes told her to stop protesting.
"Just humor her," pleaded Mina. "She is a little girl who is far from her home right now and she needs all the comfort she can get."
"Fine," Gloria grumbled. She and Mina walked back over to Kadiri and Emiko. Gloria gazed up at the kawaii little girl in Kadiri's arms. "Sorry. You can call me Onee if you like."
"Hurrah," Emiko squealed as she jumped down. She flung her arms around Gloria's leg again. "Onee-san."
"Why do I have a bad feeling that there's going to be trouble," Mina asked Hotaru.
"Maybe because Gloria is a handful already and now you have another child to look after," replied Hotaru. She looked at the worried look in Mina's eyes. "Don't worry too much. It may all work out really well."
"I hope so," sighed Mina.
As soon as they arrived at Saturn's quarters Hotaru showed Kadiri the room in which she would be staying. Once in there Kadiri started unpacking the few belongings she had brought with her. She wondered how Emiko was doing with Mina and Gloria. Although everyone had explained to Emiko about how she was in the past, a four year old just didn't understand. Kadiri hoped that the little girl wouldn't give away too much.
Aware that someone was at the door Kadiri turned around and saw Madelyn timidly standing in the doorway. Kadiri gave her future sister a smile. "Hi Madelyn," she greeted in a friendly voice. "You may come in." Madelyn smiled back and came into the room. She perched herself on the bed. Kadiri gazed at the little girl. "She is just so kawaii. I want to pinch those little cheeks of hers." Hanging up her best dress in the closet she asked, "So what can I do for you?"
"Mama says you're a relative," stated Madelyn. "How come I have never met you?"
"We have met. But for you it will be many years," thought Kadiri. Smiling she gazed down at Madelyn. "I guess we just didn't have an earlier opportunity. But I hope you and I can be good friends."
"I would really like that," cried Madelyn enthusiastically. She jumped down off the bed. "Can I help you unpack?"
"I would like nothing better," Kadiri replied. Together she and Madelyn unpacked. The whole time Kadiri listened to Madelyn's happy chatter.
Mina took Emiko to the spare room and started to unpack for her. Emiko looked around the room with a frown on her little face. "This don't look like my room," she flatly stated.
"I'm sorry Sweetie," replied Mina. She ran her fingers through the blonde tresses. "But this is the best I can do right now. Gloria has some old toys put away. I'll dig them out later so that you can play with them. Would you like that?" Emiko nodded her head. Mina smiled. She could tell that this child was going to be much easier than Gloria ever was.
"I want my lambs," Emiko told her.
"What lambs," asked Mina.
"The lambs on wall," Emiko pointed to the walls. Mina immediately figured that Emiko had lamb wallpaper in her bedroom in the future.
Mina dug around Emiko's little bag and pulled out a stuffed cat. "Well what have we here," she exclaimed.
"Moon Cat," Emiko squealed in delight as she snatched the cat out of Mina's hands. Mina saw that it was a stuffed green cat with a crescent moon on its forehead. It was very similar to the stuffed Stardust, Artemis, Moonbeam, Diana and Crescent Annika had made. The main difference was that this one looked like an adult had sewn it. That told Mina that the adult Annika had made this one.
"And who gave you this," Mina asked even though she already knew.
"I wanted talking cat like the moon cats," explained Emiko. "But Mommy told me since I not Senshi I cannot have one so Aunt Annika made this for me."
"Still sweet with a large heart in the future," Mina thought happily. She tweaked Emiko on the nose. "This one will stay with you and won't have to rush off to duties like the real moon cats do."
"I know," Emiko chirped and then she gave an enormous yawn.
"Have you had a nap yet today," Mina asked. Emiko shook her head. Mina looked at the clock and saw that they still had just over an hour before they had to be down in the dining room for dinner. "Why don't you take a little nap before dinner then?"
"Don't want nap," Emiko protested but another yawn overtook her.
"You're taking a nap," said Mina firmly remembering that even though the child was from the future she was still her mother and needed to set the boundaries. Remembering how Gloria was at this age, Mina braced herself for a battle. But instead she was pleasantly surprised when Emiko nodded her head and began to pull at the covers of the bed so she could get under them. Mina immediately tucked the little girl in and kissed her forehead. "What do I do for you when you are getting ready to take a nap," asked Mina.
"Lie here," Emiko replied patting the bed next to her. Mina lay down and gently began to rub the child's back. Within minutes Emiko was asleep beside her. Mina smiled. This child was so kawaii. A feeling of nostalgia came over her as she remembered Gloria at that age. Although Gloria had been a handful she was also very kawaii.
A blast of music suddenly blared from the down the hall. Mina quickly got off the bed and dashed down toward Gloria's room. She pushed open the door and turned the music down. "Mom," Gloria cried. "Why do I have to turn it down now?"
"Two reasons," Mina replied. "First of all I can't think when it's that loud and second Emiko is taking a nap so we need it quiet."
"Great," muttered Gloria. "Not only do I have to share my home with this shrimp I have to play my music quietly."
"Gloria," Mina sighed. "I've had a long day and a lot has happened. I really don't need an attitude from you right now. Besides you have homework to do."
"Fine," Gloria grumbled as she reached for her book bag. Mina gave her daughter a sharp look and left the room. She really hoped that Emiko's visit wouldn't turn out to be a disaster.
That evening at dinner Kadiri and Emiko got to meet the rest of the Chibi Senshi and the Knights. Kadiri just had a great time meeting the Cosmic Senshi as children. They were all just too kawaii, especially Ariel with her babyish nature and the way she rested contently in Amy's arms. Then there was Annika with her shyness. When she was introduced to Kadiri, she just wrapped her arms around Raye's waist and gazed at Kadiri with her large purple eyes. Hope was a little lady with pretty manners and social grace. She was so Prissy with her pretty dresses and curly hair. Maggie was already very mature and looked out for her friends, trying to keep them out of trouble. She also could be motherly with the younger ones. Daisy was a tough fighter but Kadiri, always a good judge of character, could see the deep devotion to her friends and comrades. Faith was harder to read, being a tomboy. She seemed to only have interest in her sports and getting out of wearing any dresses. Gloria was rude, obnoxious and had a love for pranks but Kadiri could see how caring she was of her friends, particularly Annika. Rini was older then the rest, being fifteen but the princess was glad to have someone older that she could relate too. Of course Kadiri mainly enjoyed seeing her Onee, Madelyn as a child. The little girl spent the entire afternoon with her. Kadiri enjoyed her very much.
Mina came over to Kadiri after dinner when everyone had gathered into the palace living room. "There's something I have to ask you," she murmured in a low voice.
"Anything," Kadiri replied.
"Tiffany," began Mina. She hesitated for a moment. "How is she?"
"She's an adult now,' Kadiri laughed but then she saw the concern in Mina's eyes. Most of the palace knew what Tiffany had been through with Celine. "She's fine," she assured her. "Tiffany is happily married with three healthy children."
"I'm so glad," Mina, heaved a breath of relief. "I worry about her and she hasn't been born yet."
"I'm glad I can put your mind at ease," Kadiri laughed. She turned toward Emiko. "At least you can enjoy getting to know your future daughter."
"I plan on it," Mina agreed.
Emiko was definitely the star of the evening. Everyone just loved her. With the exception of Annika and Ariel's stint with the silver crystal last month, it had been a while since a really small child had stayed with them. Emiko wasn't the least bit shy, skipping up to people and turning on her cuteness. She had inherited her mother's bubbly personality which made her even more adorable. With a few exceptions, everyone was enjoying her. Ariel was one of those exceptions. She was used to being the baby of the bunch and didn't like the fact that she was being replaced. She was used to being the one whom everyone would call kawaii and sweet, and coo all over her. Now here was this strange child who was taking that away from her and Ariel didn't like it one bit. Determined not to let this child steal her position, Ariel clamored up onto her mother's lap and wrapped her arms around her neck, trying to look as adorable as possible. However only Amy paid attention to that. The others didn't notice which annoyed Ariel to no end. The last few months Ariel had been dealing with the trauma she had endured but even clinging to Amy the rest of the Senshi and the older Chibi Senshi would fuss over her and call her adorable. Now they were doing that with Emiko and Ariel didn't like it at all. She wasn't going to lose her place as the baby to this child if she could help it.
Annika was another exception. Although she didn't mind that Emiko was the center of attention since she herself hated being the focus of everyone's attention, Annika didn't like that fact that Raye was cooing over Emiko like the other Senshi. Raye just thought that Emiko was too precious to ignore. As far as Annika was concerned the other Senshi could fawn over Emiko all they wanted but she wanted Raye's affections to herself. Not wanting Raye to shower her affection all over Emiko, Annika snuggled into her lap. Immediately Raye's arms went around her daughter. She smiled at the little girl. "Don't feel like playing tonight," she asked.
"No Mama," replied Annika. "I just want to be with you right now." Raye smiled again and kissed the little girl's head. She could sense something from her daughter that didn't feel quite right so she decided to just reassure the child right now.
The last exception was Gloria. She couldn't help but admit that Emiko was kawaii but she didn't like having to share her parents with another child. Gloria was obnoxious and a handful but she loved her mother and didn't want to share her with a child who insisted on calling her Mommy. She was also annoyed that she couldn't play her music while Emiko was taking a nap. Gloria didn't know why this child was here but she wasn't going to let her take over her home.
"You are just a precious little thing," Lita exclaimed as she pulled Emiko up onto her lap. No one noticed the angry look in little Ariel's eyes when that was said. "Do you like to cook? You and I can bake cookies one day while you are here."
"Can't cook," Emiko shook her head violently. "Mommy messes up a lot." The Senshi all laughed while sweat drops appeared on Mina's head. It seemed that her cooking talents didn't improve in the future either. She quickly got up and went over to Lita. She picked the child up.
"It's getting late," Mina told her. "We should get your bath and put you to bed."
"No bath," protested Emiko as she wiggled hard to get out of Mina's arms. "I don't want to take bath."
"You have to take one," pressed Mina as she held tightly to the child.
"No, no, no," Emiko cried as she wiggled even harder.
"She hates baths," Kadiri called. She got up and went over to them. She whispered in Mina's ear, "Don't talk, and just act. In the future you just bathe her and ignore the protests."
"Got it," replied Mina. She looked at the little girl. "Let's go Emiko." And with that she left carrying the protesting child with her.
"What a brat," Gloria grumbled. "And I'm lumbered with her."
"Gloria," Asai firmly said in a warning voice. "Be nice."
"But why does she have to stay with us," Gloria demanded. "Why should I share my parents?"
"I don't know honey," Asai rumpled his daughter's hair. "But you need to help Mom out. It's been a while since she has had to deal with a child this age."
"Fine," muttered Gloria. But inside she was still seething with annoyance. Why did she have to share her parents with this kid?
Mina found that Kadiri was right. Action was better than words in getting Emiko into the bathtub. Emiko protested but when she saw that she wasn't going to get her way, she settled down and let Mina bathe her. Mina had dug out some old books Gloria had when she was younger and read one of them to Emiko. Now she was tucking the little girl in for the night. "Mommy are you glad I'm here," Emiko asked as she clutched Moon Cat in her arms.
"Very glad," Mina replied kissing the little girl on the forehead.
"But why don't Onee-san like me," Emiko inquired. "Onee-san nice to me when she big but now she mean to me."
"Onee-san is just a child here," explained Mina. "She doesn't know who you are." Mina was quiet for a minute and then asked, "You love your Onee don't you?"
"Yes," cried Emiko enthusiastically. "She take me to park and she buy me ice cream and give me piggy back rides."
Mina smiled. She was glad that Gloria was going to be nice when Emiko came along in the future. She kissed Emiko again. "Get some sleep," she commanded. "I'll see you in the morning."
"Night Mommy," Emiko chirped. Mina left the room and then prepared to get Gloria into the bed.
Kadiri had very much enjoyed the evening. She had completely fallen in love with her sister's past self. Madelyn happily chattered to Kadiri all evening. Now Kadiri was sitting in the living room with Anthony while Hotaru was getting Madelyn ready for bed.
"I hope you'll enjoy your stay while you are here," Anthony told Kadiri.
"I'm sure I will," Kadiri replied. She found it interesting to meet her mother's first husband. By the time Kadiri had been born Anthony had been gone for decades. Kadiri's father was the only one she could picture Hotaru with so this was all strange to her. But in the short time since she had met him, Kadiri could see what a wonderful man Anthony was and how happy he made Hotaru and Madelyn.
"You know I can't place my finger on it but there is something about you," Anthony stated looking closely at Kadiri.
"Really," Kadiri could feel herself tensing up.
"You bear a strong resemblance to Hotaru," Anthony replied. "You look so much like her." Kadiri found herself getting even tenser. With the exception of her eye color she looked a lot like her mother.
"Well we are related," Kadiri laughed nervously, a huge sweat drop appearing on her head. "Maybe that's why there's a strong resemblance."
"Maybe," Anthony agreed.
Much to Kadiri's relief, Hotaru came back into the living room. "Madelyn wants you to come in and say goodnight Kadiri," she announced.
"And not a moment to soon," Kadiri thought as she got up. She went into Madelyn's room. The little girl was sitting up in bed. "Mama told me you wanted to say goodnight."
"Yes," Madelyn replied. She held up a doll. "This is Hisa."
"Well hello there Hisa," Kadiri shook the doll's hand. "Does she sleep with you every night?"
"Yes," Madelyn giggled as she hugged Hisa close to her chest. "How long are you staying?"
"I'm not sure," Kadiri replied. "Why do you ask?"
"Because I like you," Madelyn told her. "I want you to stay for a long time."
"Why thank you," Kadiri said. "But you know I have to help out with Emiko."
"Oh," Madelyn's little face fell.
"But I promise you and I can do some things together," Kadiri quickly added.
"Really," cried Madelyn in delight as her face lit up.
"Really," Kadiri laughed. She began to tuck Madelyn back into bed. "Now you need to get to sleep. I believe you have school tomorrow."
"Okay," Madelyn giggled. She held out her arms and Kadiri leaned down for the hug. Madelyn hugged her tightly. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight Madelyn," Kadiri replied. She kissed Madelyn and then left the room. She chuckled softly at the irony. Madelyn had tucked her into bed many times when she was a little girl and now here she was doing the same thing to her. It was all just too funny.
Even though Annika had been put to bed a while ago she was unable to sleep. She had to admit that Emiko was just too adorable but she worried that Raye would also think the same thing. She didn't like the fact that Raye was fussing over Emiko that evening. Gloria had also told Annika that she didn't like the idea of sharing her mother with this much younger child. Annika worried that maybe Raye would offer to keep Emiko if things got too bad in Venus's quarters. Amy had sometimes commented to Annika that she let little worries become too big and that she should just talk about them. This little worry got to be too much so Annika got out of bed to look for her mother. Chad was on night duty in the control room tonight so it was just Raye, Annika and Stardust who was already asleep. Annika went into the living room and found it empty. Frowning she went into the temple but found that it was empty too. "Has she gone to bed already," Annika asked herself. She was about to head towards her parents' room when a light on the outside balcony caught her eyes. Annika went to the door and was surprised to see Raye sitting on the chair gazing at the stars. It was a cold December night and her mother was out there. Annika couldn't believe it. Then she saw that Raye had the electric blanket covering her so she must have been toasty warm under that. There was an electrical outlet on the outside balconies so one could plug anything in. Annika opened the door. "Mama," she exclaimed.
"Annika Sweetie," Raye stated in equal surprise. "What are you doing up?"
"I couldn't sleep," Annika replied. "Why are you out here? It's cold out."
"The electric blanket is keeping me warm," Raye told her. She looked back up at the sky. "The stars are so beautiful tonight that I had to come out and look at them for a while."
"I guess they are," Annika murmured as she began to shiver. Her nightgown did little to protect her from the cold December air. Raye was quick to notice it.
"Come under here with me," she invited. Annika went over and Raye pulled her onto her lap. Annika felt the instant warmth of the electric blanket as Raye draped it over the both of them. Raye wrapped her arms around Annika and kissed her on the head. "What's on your mind Baby?"
"How do you know I have something on my mind," Annika asked.
"I'm your mother," replied Raye. "That's my job."
"Mama, Emiko is so kawaii and you were giving her a lot of attention tonight," Annika bluntly stated.
"So," Raye inquired.
"Are you going to keep Emiko at all," Annika asked.
"Now why would you ask me that," Raye exclaimed.
"Because she was so little and so kawaii and you like having really little kids around you and I am not that little anymore," Annika explained in a rush.
"Is that what's worrying you," Raye asked and Annika nodded her head. Raye turned Annika's face up toward her so that they were making eye contact. "Now listen to me," she commanded. "It's true I enjoyed you when you were Emiko's age but I enjoy you now too. We are not going to keep Emiko here because she is staying with Aunt Mina. You don't have to worry about her taking your place. You are my baby and nothing will change that. No one will ever take your place."
"Even if you have other kids when I am all grown up," Annika asked.
"No one will take your place," Raye repeated. "You are my special little girl and even if I have many other children you are the only one who is immortal like I am. That alone makes you very special." Raye smiled and pulled Annika into a warm, loving embrace. "Feel better now?"
"Yes Mama," replied Annika as she returned the embrace.
"Now," Raye stated as she stood up with Annika still in her arms. "There's a certain little girl who is going to have a rough time in school tomorrow if she doesn't get to sleep." Annika giggled, knowing her mother was talking about her. Feeling better she let Raye put her back to bed.
The next morning a small body jumping on her bed awakened Mina. "Mommy," squealed Emiko. "It's morning."
"I see," mumbled Mina looking at the little girl who would one day be her daughter. Unlike Mina and Gloria she was obviously a morning person. "Must get that from her father whoever he is."
"Is Onee-san awake," Emiko asked.
"Not yet Darling," Mina replied as she sat up and pulled the child into her arms. She looked at the clock and groaned when she saw it was only five thirty. "It's too early."
"I'll say," Asai grunted. Mina had told him who Emiko was. She figured since Asai would be gone by the time Emiko came it was okay to let him know. Like the other knights Asai knew that his wife would find other husbands when he passed away but he didn't mind. All that mattered to him now was that while he was alive Mina was his wife and no one else's.
"Don't you want to sleep a little longer," Mina asked Emiko.
"No Mommy," Emiko protested. "I hungry. I want to play with Onee-san."
"Onee-san is asleep Baby," Mina told her. "If we wake her up now she'll be very angry."
"I want to be up now," Emiko griped.
"She's your child," Asai pointed out as Mina gave him a helpless look. Mina sighed as she realized the argument 'She's your child' wouldn't work with Emiko since she wasn't going to be Asai's child.
"Not yet," Mina murmured but she knew that didn't matter. How many times did they tell Serena in the past that Rini was her child?
"Come on Mommy," Emiko pleaded impatiently. "Up, up."
"I'm up, I'm up," Mina groaned as she got out of bed and pulled on her robe. She picked Emiko up and carried her out into the living room. She still had a good hour before she had to get Gloria up. Now all she needed to do was entertain Emiko quietly until then.
Gloria grumbled as she pulled her school uniform on. Mina had allowed Emiko to wake her up this morning. Gloria groaned when the small child awakened her by jumping on her stomach. "How long is this kid going to stay with us," Gloria asked herself as she pulled her socks on her feet. "I don't want to be awakened by her everyday."
Gloria was suddenly slammed in the back by a ball rocket. A pair of arms wrapped around her waist. "Onee-san," squealed Emiko.
"What are you doing in here Squirt," Gloria asked.
"I wanna be with you," Emiko chirped.
Not wanting to get into trouble this early in the morning Gloria sighed, "Fine but let go please so that I can finish getting ready."
"Kay Onee-san," Emiko giggled and pulled away. Mina had put a cute corduroy jumper with a flowered turtleneck on the child. Her blonde tresses were held back by two red bows.
Gloria picked Emiko up and sat her on the chair. "Sit here so I can get ready," she commanded.
Mina came in. "Are you ready for me to do your hair," she asked Gloria.
"Yes," Gloria handed her mother the hairbrush and hair bow. Mina did Gloria's hair quickly. "Mom it's still early."
"I know but just think," Mina said. "You have some time to get your room cleaned and your bed made. After all you're going to have some extra chores to do this afternoon because of that stunt you pulled on Daisy yesterday."
"Bummer," grumbled Gloria as she started to pick up some things off the floor.
"Come on Emiko," Mina started to take the little girl's hand. "Why don't you watch some television until Kadiri comes to get you?"
"No," Emiko protested yanking her hand away from Mina. "I wanna stay with Onee-san."
"Very well," agreed Mina against her better judgment. "But don't get in Gloria's way."
"Mom," Gloria complained. "Do I have to be stuck watching her?"
"Gloria," Mina gave her daughter a sharp look. "What have we talked about?"
"All right, all right," Gloria muttered under her breath. Mina gave her another sharp look and left the room. Emiko started to help Gloria. "Hey," Gloria exclaimed. "What are you doing?"
"I help Onee-san," Emiko chirped happily and she dashed around the room picking clothes, books and toys off the floor.
"Now this has possibilities," Gloria said in amusement. She sat down on her bed. "Have at it kid." She watched as Emiko did the jobs she was supposed to do.
To be continued...