Here is part six. Read and review please.
We're going to catch a glimpse of the future in this part. Also this is going to be the Christmas part in light of the season so there won't be a cliffhanger.
Merry Christmas Minna!
E-mail me at AngelRaye2@aol.com
Come and see the Chibi Senshi at http://www.craiger.dns2go.com/chibiscouts/index.html
Come and check out the message board at www.ice-rose.net/chibiscouts. It is beginning to take off now
I am having a fan art contest to celebrate the site's 10,000th hit since September of 2001. Please check out the site or the message board for details.
Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon. With the exception of Rini I own the Chibi Senshi.
Emiko
Part Six
By
Angel Raye
"MOMMY," Emiko flew into the living room. Kadiri jumped up and gathered the frightened child into her arms. "MOMMY!"
"What is Emiko," Kadiri asked gently.
"There's a witch in my room," Emiko sobbed hysterically. "The witch from Hansel and Gretel is in my room."
"There's no one in your room," Kadiri assured her. "I'm here. Aunt Setsuna and Onee-san is here. But there is no witch."
"I heard her," Emiko insisted. Gloria stifled some giggles while Setsuna gave her a sharp look.
"How about if we check your room and make sure no one is in there," Kadiri asked.
"No, no, no," Emiko screamed. "I don't wanna go in there." She clung to Kadiri and sobbed hysterically. Seeing that the child was really frightened Kadiri sat down on the couch and held her close.
Setsuna stood up. She turned to Gloria. "Why don't we go and check Gloria," she suggested.
"Oh that's okay," Gloria replied a little too hastily.
"Oh I insist," Setsuna took Gloria by the arm and led her into Emiko's room. Gloria saw that she didn't have much choice. Reluctantly she went with Setsuna. As soon as they got to the room, Setsuna began looking around. It only took a few minutes for her to find the tape recorder. She played the tape and the sound of Gloria's voice imitating a witch was heard. Gloria stood uncomfortably as a sweat drop appeared on her head. "Well," Setsuna demanded angrily.
"It was just a joke," Gloria muttered.
"Not a very funny one," Setsuna told her sternly. "It is not funny to scare a little girl half to death. There probably won't be any peace here tonight. Not a good way for you to start your winter holiday."
"So are you going to tell Mom and Dad," Gloria asked.
"Of course I am," Setsuna replied. "And you can go to bed early so that you can think about what you did."
"Why do these things always backfire," Gloria muttered as she headed off to her room while Setsuna went to tell Kadiri and Emiko what she had found.
In the future...
"Didn't you go a bit overboard Mom," Gloria asked in astonishment. She was in her mother's quarters and was looking at the huge pile of Christmas presents she had gotten for Emiko.
"No," Mina replied. "I was so hoping we'd take care of this enemy before Christmas so that my baby can be back with us. But we haven't and I am going to miss her so much."
"I know you will Mom," Gloria took Mina's hand. "But you'll have your husband, plus I'll be here with my kids and Tiffany and Minako with their families will be here too."
"That's why I wanted Emiko sent back to the time we sent her back too," Mina pointed out. "I don't want her to miss Christmas because of this."
"And she'll have a good one too Mom," Gloria assured her as she remembered that Christmas when Emiko came to stay with them. She looked at the huge mound of presents. "So how are we going to get these to the past?"
"I have already thought that through," Mina replied.
"Me," Tiffany exclaimed in surprise. "You want me to go back and bring the presents to Emiko and Kadiri."
"Please Tiffany," Mina begged. "You've already been back. It will only take a few minutes. You really just have to go to the Gates of Time and meet my past self there. That's all."
"Oh I can handle that," Tiffany stated. "I just wasn't sure how Grandma's past self would react to seeing me as an adult."
"I just know that my past self would be very happy to see you," Mina told her. She looked at her great-granddaughter. "She worried about you constantly after you had left."
"Then I guess I need to show her that I am all right," Tiffany concluded. She smiled at Mina. "Tell Hotaru that I am going and I will meet both of you at the Time Portal."
"Will do," Mina replied and she took off to find Hotaru.
Back in the time of the Chibi Senshi...
Mina rubbed her throbbing temples as she headed toward the Time Portal. She had just received word that someone was there to see her. She really didn't want to be pulled away from her work. With the children out for winter break now the Chibi Senshi were getting extra training time. So Mina was constantly drawing up schedules for the girls and putting them in the appropriate simulations. Not only that but Gloria was still being very trying. Mina had given her a dreadful scolding the morning after the show when Setsuna and Kadiri had told her what she had to done to Emiko. Mina had taken the tape recorder away from Gloria until she knew how to use it responsibly. "I just hope Gloria doesn't do anything to ruin Christmas this week," Mina thought to herself. She arrived at the Time Portal. Sailor Pluto was standing by the Gates. "Here I am Sailor Pluto. What do you need?"
"It's not what I need," Pluto replied. "It's what she needs."
"She," Mina looked in the direction at where Pluto was pointing. Standing there was a beautiful woman with red hair and green eyes. There was something very familiar about her. "Who are you?"
"Hello Great-grandma," said the woman. "Or should I call you Mama?"
"Tiffany," gasped Mina as she realized that this beautiful woman was the same frightened child whom had stayed with her some months back. Mina threw her arms around Tiffany. "It's so good to see you. I have always thought about you."
"It's good to see you too," replied Tiffany as she returned the hug. "I am doing well."
"I'm so glad," Mina sighed. "So what brings you here?"
"Your future self actually," Tiffany told her. She pulled a large bag forward. "These are Emiko's Christmas presents. Hotaru put Kadiri's present in here too. I came to deliver these."
Mina looked in the bag. She saw a huge assortment of gifts and toys. A huge sweat drop appeared on her head. "It seems like I went a little overboard with the presents for Emiko."
"How many good mothers do you know want to be away from their four-year-olds on Christmas day," Tiffany asked with a laugh.
"Good point," Mina sighed. "Well I had already gotten Emiko a few things so she will be doing well this Christmas."
"I have no doubt about that," Tiffany stated. "Anyway I need to head back to my time now."
"It was so good to see you," Mina hugged Tiffany again. "And please tell my future self that Emiko is doing well."
"I will," Tiffany assured her. "Take good care of my grandmother."
"You know I always do," laughed Mina as she waved good-bye. She waited until Tiffany was gone and then headed back to the palace with the large sack of presents.
The next evening was Christmas Eve and there was a Christmas party at the palace. The girls grumbled at having to go since it was going to be boring. All the important people from Crystal Tokyo would be attending. Faith hated having to put on her princess dress. Gloria knew she was going to be frisked before they got there. Emiko was going to be attending so Mina had to dig out one of Gloria's old dresses for her to wear. Even though Emiko was too young to attend most palace parties the King and Queen made an exception since it was Christmas. The Chibi Senshi had been attending all Christmas palace parties since they were babies.
"Now Gloria since it is the Christmas party I would like you to behave," Mina told her as the Venus family made their way to the ballroom where the party was to be held. Emiko was in her arms.
"I'll behave," Gloria grumbled. "You already frisked me so I don't have any jokes to play."
"That has never stopped you before," Asai pointed out. Gloria glowered. "You heard your mother. Any trouble out of you tonight you will be punished."
"Yes sir," Gloria sighed as they walked into the ballroom. Most of the other Senshi and their families were there.
"Well here is the Queen of tardiness," Raye commented as she walked up with Annika.
"I believe you are talking about Serenity," Mina told her as she set Emiko down.
"It's a tie between the two of you," Raye stated.
"Come on Gloria," Annika took Gloria's hand. "Let's go and see what the others are doing." Raye and Mina watched as their daughters walked away.
"Mommy I wanna go with Onee-san," Emiko whined as she tugged at her mother's dress.
"Trust me Pumpkin you're better off staying here," Mina told her. Emiko pouted.
Daisy and Maggie ran up to them. "Aunt Mina, may we take care of Emiko," Maggie asked eagerly.
"Yes please may we," Daisy asked.
"Why not," Mina relented since she knew Emiko was going to be bored hanging around her. At least if Daisy and Maggie had her she would be with the children. "Just keep a close eye on her and don't let her get into trouble."
"We will," Maggie promised as she and Daisy each took Emiko by the hand. Mina and Raye watched as the three girls walked away.
"It looks like we have two girls who are ready to start babysitting," Raye mused.
"It sure looks that way," Mina agreed as she and Raye went to join their husbands.
"Where we going," Emiko asked Maggie and Daisy as they led her to another part of the very large ballroom.
"To be with the other kids," Daisy replied. Sure enough the other children were gathered together. Rini and Kadiri were mingling together with some guests whom were around their ages.
"Why is she here," Ariel asked with a scowl on her face.
"We're looking after her," Maggie told her. She then looked at Emiko. "Would you like something to eat?" Emiko nodded her head. Maggie and Daisy took her over to the buffet table.
"What is wrong with you," Madelyn asked Ariel. "You are so mean to Emiko."
"Don't you get it," Ariel told her. "Before she came I was the baby. Now she is the baby and I don't like it. I want to be the baby of the group."
"I see," Madelyn muttered. She had to admit she understood where Ariel was coming from. Being the second youngest of the Chibi Senshi, there would be times when she would watch everyone cooing over Ariel and wished that she were the youngest. But that was rare since Madelyn had only been the baby for thirteen months before Ariel came along and had no memory of it. Ariel had been the baby for seven years now so this competition was not welcome to her. Madelyn turned back to her best friend. "Emiko isn't here forever you know," she pointed out. "When she goes home you'll be the baby again."
"It won't be soon enough," Ariel muttered. She gazed at Emiko eating a cookie and then looked at the cakes. An idea formed in her head. She walked over to Maggie, Daisy and Emiko. "Hey Emiko," she cooed. "I have something for you."
"Nani," Emiko asked eagerly.
"Come with me," Ariel took the little girl's hand.
"Don't take her too far Ariel," Maggie cautioned. "Aunt Mina left us in charge of her."
"I won't," Ariel promised. She led Emiko over to the dessert table. "Do you like all of these cakes?"
"Ooh yes," Emiko squealed as her mouth began to water.
"Which one do you like the best," Ariel asked.
Emiko looked at the assortment of cakes. Finally she pointed to one that was done up like a Christmas tree. "That one," she proclaimed.
Ariel took the cake off the table. "Then it's yours," she told her. "But you should eat it quickly so that no one else can have it. And you should hide under the table."
"Why," asked Emiko in a puzzled voice.
"Then no one else will try to take it from you," Ariel replied.
"Okay," Emiko scrambled under the table. Ariel handed her the cake. "Now don't forget to eat it quickly," Ariel told her. "I won't," Emiko replied and she scooped out a huge chuck of cake with her hand and shoved it into her mouth. Ariel giggled and dropped the tablecloth. She remembered how sick she and Madelyn got a couple of years ago when they ate an entire chocolate cake under the table. And they had shared one between them. Emiko was going to be very sick after eating an entire one on her own. Ariel giggled again and then skipped away. Emiko was going to get into a lot of trouble over this.
When forty-five minutes had gone by and nothing had happened Mina began to get suspicious. A quiet Gloria was never a good sign and Emiko was in the hands of two eleven-year-olds. It was impossible that there wouldn't be any trouble. She looked around and saw Gloria with Annika and the twins. They looked like they were behaving. Mina looked around for Emiko and couldn't see her. Now where could she be?
Maggie and Daisy came running over. "Aunt Mina," Daisy said. "We can't find Emiko. She seems to be hiding from us."
"Now I thought you two were going to keep an eye on her," Mina stated in an annoyed voice.
"We were," Maggie replied. "But Ariel said that she had something for Emiko and took her somewhere. But we see Ariel is with her mom. We can't see Emiko."
Mina walked over to Amy who was carrying Ariel in her arms. "Ariel where did Emiko go after you left her," Mina asked.
"I don't know Aunt Mina," Ariel replied. "I just showed her the desserts and then I left her."
"Is something wrong," Amy asked in concern as she put Ariel down.
"We can't find Emiko," Mina told her. She walked over toward the dessert table with Amy and Ariel following. Maggie and Daisy came too. Serenity was next to the dessert table as usual.
"The Christmas tree cake is missing," Serenity cried out. "I was so looking forward to tasting that one too."
"Emiko is missing too," Mina told her.
"Oh no," Serenity exclaimed. "Shall I get the guards?"
"Wait a minute," Amy suddenly interjected. "A cake missing and a child missing sound very familiar." She turned and looked at Ariel who chose to look away at the moment. Amy lifted the tablecloth and peered under. There was Emiko covered in cake. Green frosting was all over her dress, face and hair. "Mina," Amy said. "Look under here."
Mina peered under the table. "Hi Mommy," Emiko greeted her mother.
"What do you think you are doing," Mina shrieked as she reached down and pulled Emiko out.
"Eating cake," Emiko replied.
"And why were you doing that," Mina scolded as she attempted to clean up the disheveled little girl.
"Ariel told me the cake was mine and I should eat it fast so that no one else could have it," Emiko told her mother. Ariel groaned. She wasn't counting on Emiko telling on her.
"Ariel is that true," Amy demanded as she turned to her daughter with a stern look in her eyes. Ariel pouted and nodded her head. There was no point in denying it. Her mother always knew when she was lying. Amy immediately swatted Ariel's backside. Tears formed in Ariel's eyes. "That wasn't very nice," Amy scolded. She steered Ariel to a chair in the corner. "You can just sit right here for a while." Ariel sniffed and sat down in the chair. Amy walked back over to Mina. "I am really sorry about this," she apologized. "I don't know what has gotten into Ariel these last couple of weeks. I don't know why she has been picking on Emiko so much."
"It's okay Amy," Mina sighed as she picked Emiko up, cake getting all over her gown. "I guess I'll just have to take her and get her cleaned up. Then I'll get Palla to watch her for the rest of the evening."
"I don't wanna a bath," Emiko howled.
"Sorry little one but you need it," Mina told her and carried the protesting child away. Amy sighed and shook her head. She looked over at Ariel who was weeping because she was in trouble. She was about to go back to Greg when she felt a small hand tap on her arm. She looked down and saw Madelyn. "What is it Madelyn," she asked.
"Aunt Amy I know why Ariel is being mean to Emiko," Madelyn told her.
"Really," Amy inquired. "Why?"
"She's jealous," Madelyn replied.
"Why is she jealous," Amy asked in a puzzled voice. "Emiko is living with Mina, not us."
"Because before Emiko came she was the baby," Madelyn told her. "And now Emiko is the baby and she doesn't like it."
"I see," Amy murmured. "Thank you Madelyn." Amy walked back over to her daughter. She lifted Ariel from the chair and then sat down herself with Ariel in her lap. Small arms encircled Amy's neck as Ariel rested her head on her mother's shoulder. "I hear you are jealous of Emiko," Amy began.
"I am," Ariel sobbed. "I'm the baby. Not her."
"I understand Sweetie," Amy soothed. "You've been the youngest for seven years and all of the sudden this stranger comes along and takes your place. But she is not here forever Darling. She'll go home one day."
"I want her to go home today," Ariel choked.
Amy thought for a minute and then asked, "You know how you always look up to the other Chibi Senshi because they are older then you?" Ariel nodded her head. "Well now here is a little girl who will look up to you. Maybe this can be your chance to show what a good Onee you can be. The other girls here are Onees to you. You never have a chance to be an Onee just like Rini never has a chance to be an imouto. She has that chance with Kadiri here. Why don't you try to be an Onee to Emiko?"
"But I like being the baby," Ariel cried.
"And you still are," Amy assured her. "You're my baby and no one will take your place. Emiko is here for a little while. Be nice to her. She's a long way from her family now. You remember how you hated it when you were away from me?" Ariel nodded her head. "Then think how Emiko must feel with it being Christmas tomorrow?"
"I didn't think of that," Ariel admitted.
"Promise me something," Amy said. "Promise that you will be nice to Emiko until she goes home." Ariel thought for a moment and then nodded her head. "Good girl," Amy hugged her daughter close to her. She looked at her watch. "Now we have a little while before a certain little girl has to go to bed. Why don't you play with your friends until then?"
"Okay Mommy," Ariel replied feeling a lot better. She jumped down from Amy's lap and dashed over to the other Chibi Senshi. Amy heaved a sigh of relief. Maybe the rest of Emiko's stay will go smoothly now.
Later that night the after Mina had both of her girls in bed she and Asai got to work at wrapping some last minute gifts. Amy came by to see her. "I was wondering if Emiko got sick from eating all of that cake," she stated.
"She had a little upset stomach but I gave her some of that medicine you gave us when Gloria had that stomachache a few weeks ago," Mina replied.
"That's good," Amy heaved a breath of relief. "I am really sorry about Ariel. I found out she is jealous of Emiko."
"Jealous," Mina exclaimed. "Now why is she jealous?"
"Because she's not the baby with Emiko here," Amy replied.
"That makes sense," Mina admitted. "All of us have constantly fussed over Ariel because she is so kawaii and now we are all doing that with Emiko."
"Well she is a kawaii kid," Artemis pointed out.
"I had a little talk with Ariel," Amy told her. "She has promised to be nice to Emiko while she is here."
"Thank you," Mina sighed. "Now if we can just get Gloria to stop her pranks we'll have it made." Mina laughed and Amy joined her.
"That will never happen," Amy laughed and Mina agreed.
"I agree," Artemis groaned thinking about the sour eggnog Gloria had given him that afternoon.
"Mommy," a small voice from the doorway called. Mina looked up and saw Emiko standing there in her pink nightgown and clutching Moon Cat to her chest.
"What is it Sweetie," Mina went over and picked the little girl up.
"I want to go home," Emiko choked. "I want to be home for Christmas. What if Santa doesn't know I'm here?"
"He knows," Mina assured her. "Santa knows everything and he will bring your presents here."
"Really," Emiko asked.
"I promise," Mina replied. She turned to Amy. "I need to get her back to bed so if you will excuse me."
"No problem," Amy told her. "I should check on Ariel anyway. She is also excited about Santa coming." Amy smiled and Emiko and quietly excused herself. Mina carried Emiko back to the bedroom.
"Now you go to sleep or Santa will not come," Mina said as she tucked the child back into bed.
"Kay Mommy," Emiko replied as she closed her eyes. Mina smiled and kissed the little girl goodnight. Then she went back to the living room to help Asai finish wrapping the presents.
The next morning all of the children were up early. The parents groaned but pulled themselves out of bed. After everyone had breakfast they all gathered downstairs in the palace living room. The Senshi and Knights were dressed but the children were allowed to stay in their nightclothes. Everyone was excited. "Mama, Mama come over here," Annika called in excitement as she stood there in her purple nightgown with Stardust on her shoulder.
"What is it Baby," Raye asked coming over.
"I'm under the mistletoe," Annika replied. "You have to kiss me." Raye laughed and gave her daughter a big hug and kiss. She also gave Stardust a scratch behind the ears.
"Come on Kadiri," Madelyn cried in excitement as she pulled her over toward the tree. "Let's see what Santa got us."
"Mommy I wanna to see what Santa brought," Emiko squealed.
"You've got a lot little one," Lita laughed as she looked at all the presents Mina's present and future self got for the little girl.
"Well let's get these gifts open before these children run us over," Endymion laughed and everyone agreed. Soon there was the sound of gifts being unwrapped. The children all got many new things.
"I can't wait to try this out," Faith cried out in excitement as she held up a new baseball bat.
"Not inside," Michiru cautioned.
"Mama look I can make all sorts of stuffed animals now," Annika squealed as she showed her mother the kits she received. She was also clutching a new stuffed unicorn to her chest.
"I knew you would like those," Raye replied.
"And I like this new bell," Stardust added as Chad put a new cell around her neck.
"Mommy can I try these out today," Ariel asked as she held up some new computer games. In her arms was a new teddy bear she had also received.
"I'm sure you can," Amy laughed. It was good to see Ariel so happy and excited again.
"I bet I can play some of these games," Moonbeam told his young owner.
"Then I challenge you," Ariel stated and she and Moonbeam laughed.
"Well there goes your peace and quiet," Serenity told Mina as Gloria pulled out a new stereo with speakers.
"It's what she wanted," Mina sighed.
"Girls make sure you put your things in separate piles so they don't get mixed up," Setsuna told the children as the piles of clothes, toys, games, books and CDs got higher. Rini, Maggie and Daisy had all received jewelry but their mothers wisely held onto those.
"Look at that," Kadiri laughed as she pointed to Emiko. Everyone looked and laughed. New toys and clothes surrounded the little girl. "How am I going to get all of this back to the future," Kadiri hissed to Hotaru.
"I'm sure we'll figure out a way," Hotaru assured her.
"Mommy you were right Santa did find me," Emiko squealed happily as she held up a stuffed rabbit.
"I told you," Mina replied as she picked the little girl up. "Santa always knows. Are you glad to be here?"
"Yes," Emiko chirped. "Santa gave me lots of stuff."
"He gave everyone a lot of stuff," Serenity told her. She looked up. "To me Christmas is nicest when you spend it with your family and even though I didn't want to be a Senshi when Luna first told me but now I wouldn't have it any other way. Being a Senshi has brought me a most wonderful family in all of you and I wouldn't trade any of you for anything."
"That goes for all of use Serenity," Raye called and everyone agreed.
"Merry Christmas Minna," Serenity called.
"Merry Christmas," everyone shouted and a joyous sound echoed through the palace as the Royal Family, the Senshi and their families celebrated another Merry Christmas in the Crystal Palace.
To be continued....
We're going to catch a glimpse of the future in this part. Also this is going to be the Christmas part in light of the season so there won't be a cliffhanger.
Merry Christmas Minna!
E-mail me at AngelRaye2@aol.com
Come and see the Chibi Senshi at http://www.craiger.dns2go.com/chibiscouts/index.html
Come and check out the message board at www.ice-rose.net/chibiscouts. It is beginning to take off now
I am having a fan art contest to celebrate the site's 10,000th hit since September of 2001. Please check out the site or the message board for details.
Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon. With the exception of Rini I own the Chibi Senshi.
Emiko
Part Six
By
Angel Raye
"MOMMY," Emiko flew into the living room. Kadiri jumped up and gathered the frightened child into her arms. "MOMMY!"
"What is Emiko," Kadiri asked gently.
"There's a witch in my room," Emiko sobbed hysterically. "The witch from Hansel and Gretel is in my room."
"There's no one in your room," Kadiri assured her. "I'm here. Aunt Setsuna and Onee-san is here. But there is no witch."
"I heard her," Emiko insisted. Gloria stifled some giggles while Setsuna gave her a sharp look.
"How about if we check your room and make sure no one is in there," Kadiri asked.
"No, no, no," Emiko screamed. "I don't wanna go in there." She clung to Kadiri and sobbed hysterically. Seeing that the child was really frightened Kadiri sat down on the couch and held her close.
Setsuna stood up. She turned to Gloria. "Why don't we go and check Gloria," she suggested.
"Oh that's okay," Gloria replied a little too hastily.
"Oh I insist," Setsuna took Gloria by the arm and led her into Emiko's room. Gloria saw that she didn't have much choice. Reluctantly she went with Setsuna. As soon as they got to the room, Setsuna began looking around. It only took a few minutes for her to find the tape recorder. She played the tape and the sound of Gloria's voice imitating a witch was heard. Gloria stood uncomfortably as a sweat drop appeared on her head. "Well," Setsuna demanded angrily.
"It was just a joke," Gloria muttered.
"Not a very funny one," Setsuna told her sternly. "It is not funny to scare a little girl half to death. There probably won't be any peace here tonight. Not a good way for you to start your winter holiday."
"So are you going to tell Mom and Dad," Gloria asked.
"Of course I am," Setsuna replied. "And you can go to bed early so that you can think about what you did."
"Why do these things always backfire," Gloria muttered as she headed off to her room while Setsuna went to tell Kadiri and Emiko what she had found.
In the future...
"Didn't you go a bit overboard Mom," Gloria asked in astonishment. She was in her mother's quarters and was looking at the huge pile of Christmas presents she had gotten for Emiko.
"No," Mina replied. "I was so hoping we'd take care of this enemy before Christmas so that my baby can be back with us. But we haven't and I am going to miss her so much."
"I know you will Mom," Gloria took Mina's hand. "But you'll have your husband, plus I'll be here with my kids and Tiffany and Minako with their families will be here too."
"That's why I wanted Emiko sent back to the time we sent her back too," Mina pointed out. "I don't want her to miss Christmas because of this."
"And she'll have a good one too Mom," Gloria assured her as she remembered that Christmas when Emiko came to stay with them. She looked at the huge mound of presents. "So how are we going to get these to the past?"
"I have already thought that through," Mina replied.
"Me," Tiffany exclaimed in surprise. "You want me to go back and bring the presents to Emiko and Kadiri."
"Please Tiffany," Mina begged. "You've already been back. It will only take a few minutes. You really just have to go to the Gates of Time and meet my past self there. That's all."
"Oh I can handle that," Tiffany stated. "I just wasn't sure how Grandma's past self would react to seeing me as an adult."
"I just know that my past self would be very happy to see you," Mina told her. She looked at her great-granddaughter. "She worried about you constantly after you had left."
"Then I guess I need to show her that I am all right," Tiffany concluded. She smiled at Mina. "Tell Hotaru that I am going and I will meet both of you at the Time Portal."
"Will do," Mina replied and she took off to find Hotaru.
Back in the time of the Chibi Senshi...
Mina rubbed her throbbing temples as she headed toward the Time Portal. She had just received word that someone was there to see her. She really didn't want to be pulled away from her work. With the children out for winter break now the Chibi Senshi were getting extra training time. So Mina was constantly drawing up schedules for the girls and putting them in the appropriate simulations. Not only that but Gloria was still being very trying. Mina had given her a dreadful scolding the morning after the show when Setsuna and Kadiri had told her what she had to done to Emiko. Mina had taken the tape recorder away from Gloria until she knew how to use it responsibly. "I just hope Gloria doesn't do anything to ruin Christmas this week," Mina thought to herself. She arrived at the Time Portal. Sailor Pluto was standing by the Gates. "Here I am Sailor Pluto. What do you need?"
"It's not what I need," Pluto replied. "It's what she needs."
"She," Mina looked in the direction at where Pluto was pointing. Standing there was a beautiful woman with red hair and green eyes. There was something very familiar about her. "Who are you?"
"Hello Great-grandma," said the woman. "Or should I call you Mama?"
"Tiffany," gasped Mina as she realized that this beautiful woman was the same frightened child whom had stayed with her some months back. Mina threw her arms around Tiffany. "It's so good to see you. I have always thought about you."
"It's good to see you too," replied Tiffany as she returned the hug. "I am doing well."
"I'm so glad," Mina sighed. "So what brings you here?"
"Your future self actually," Tiffany told her. She pulled a large bag forward. "These are Emiko's Christmas presents. Hotaru put Kadiri's present in here too. I came to deliver these."
Mina looked in the bag. She saw a huge assortment of gifts and toys. A huge sweat drop appeared on her head. "It seems like I went a little overboard with the presents for Emiko."
"How many good mothers do you know want to be away from their four-year-olds on Christmas day," Tiffany asked with a laugh.
"Good point," Mina sighed. "Well I had already gotten Emiko a few things so she will be doing well this Christmas."
"I have no doubt about that," Tiffany stated. "Anyway I need to head back to my time now."
"It was so good to see you," Mina hugged Tiffany again. "And please tell my future self that Emiko is doing well."
"I will," Tiffany assured her. "Take good care of my grandmother."
"You know I always do," laughed Mina as she waved good-bye. She waited until Tiffany was gone and then headed back to the palace with the large sack of presents.
The next evening was Christmas Eve and there was a Christmas party at the palace. The girls grumbled at having to go since it was going to be boring. All the important people from Crystal Tokyo would be attending. Faith hated having to put on her princess dress. Gloria knew she was going to be frisked before they got there. Emiko was going to be attending so Mina had to dig out one of Gloria's old dresses for her to wear. Even though Emiko was too young to attend most palace parties the King and Queen made an exception since it was Christmas. The Chibi Senshi had been attending all Christmas palace parties since they were babies.
"Now Gloria since it is the Christmas party I would like you to behave," Mina told her as the Venus family made their way to the ballroom where the party was to be held. Emiko was in her arms.
"I'll behave," Gloria grumbled. "You already frisked me so I don't have any jokes to play."
"That has never stopped you before," Asai pointed out. Gloria glowered. "You heard your mother. Any trouble out of you tonight you will be punished."
"Yes sir," Gloria sighed as they walked into the ballroom. Most of the other Senshi and their families were there.
"Well here is the Queen of tardiness," Raye commented as she walked up with Annika.
"I believe you are talking about Serenity," Mina told her as she set Emiko down.
"It's a tie between the two of you," Raye stated.
"Come on Gloria," Annika took Gloria's hand. "Let's go and see what the others are doing." Raye and Mina watched as their daughters walked away.
"Mommy I wanna go with Onee-san," Emiko whined as she tugged at her mother's dress.
"Trust me Pumpkin you're better off staying here," Mina told her. Emiko pouted.
Daisy and Maggie ran up to them. "Aunt Mina, may we take care of Emiko," Maggie asked eagerly.
"Yes please may we," Daisy asked.
"Why not," Mina relented since she knew Emiko was going to be bored hanging around her. At least if Daisy and Maggie had her she would be with the children. "Just keep a close eye on her and don't let her get into trouble."
"We will," Maggie promised as she and Daisy each took Emiko by the hand. Mina and Raye watched as the three girls walked away.
"It looks like we have two girls who are ready to start babysitting," Raye mused.
"It sure looks that way," Mina agreed as she and Raye went to join their husbands.
"Where we going," Emiko asked Maggie and Daisy as they led her to another part of the very large ballroom.
"To be with the other kids," Daisy replied. Sure enough the other children were gathered together. Rini and Kadiri were mingling together with some guests whom were around their ages.
"Why is she here," Ariel asked with a scowl on her face.
"We're looking after her," Maggie told her. She then looked at Emiko. "Would you like something to eat?" Emiko nodded her head. Maggie and Daisy took her over to the buffet table.
"What is wrong with you," Madelyn asked Ariel. "You are so mean to Emiko."
"Don't you get it," Ariel told her. "Before she came I was the baby. Now she is the baby and I don't like it. I want to be the baby of the group."
"I see," Madelyn muttered. She had to admit she understood where Ariel was coming from. Being the second youngest of the Chibi Senshi, there would be times when she would watch everyone cooing over Ariel and wished that she were the youngest. But that was rare since Madelyn had only been the baby for thirteen months before Ariel came along and had no memory of it. Ariel had been the baby for seven years now so this competition was not welcome to her. Madelyn turned back to her best friend. "Emiko isn't here forever you know," she pointed out. "When she goes home you'll be the baby again."
"It won't be soon enough," Ariel muttered. She gazed at Emiko eating a cookie and then looked at the cakes. An idea formed in her head. She walked over to Maggie, Daisy and Emiko. "Hey Emiko," she cooed. "I have something for you."
"Nani," Emiko asked eagerly.
"Come with me," Ariel took the little girl's hand.
"Don't take her too far Ariel," Maggie cautioned. "Aunt Mina left us in charge of her."
"I won't," Ariel promised. She led Emiko over to the dessert table. "Do you like all of these cakes?"
"Ooh yes," Emiko squealed as her mouth began to water.
"Which one do you like the best," Ariel asked.
Emiko looked at the assortment of cakes. Finally she pointed to one that was done up like a Christmas tree. "That one," she proclaimed.
Ariel took the cake off the table. "Then it's yours," she told her. "But you should eat it quickly so that no one else can have it. And you should hide under the table."
"Why," asked Emiko in a puzzled voice.
"Then no one else will try to take it from you," Ariel replied.
"Okay," Emiko scrambled under the table. Ariel handed her the cake. "Now don't forget to eat it quickly," Ariel told her. "I won't," Emiko replied and she scooped out a huge chuck of cake with her hand and shoved it into her mouth. Ariel giggled and dropped the tablecloth. She remembered how sick she and Madelyn got a couple of years ago when they ate an entire chocolate cake under the table. And they had shared one between them. Emiko was going to be very sick after eating an entire one on her own. Ariel giggled again and then skipped away. Emiko was going to get into a lot of trouble over this.
When forty-five minutes had gone by and nothing had happened Mina began to get suspicious. A quiet Gloria was never a good sign and Emiko was in the hands of two eleven-year-olds. It was impossible that there wouldn't be any trouble. She looked around and saw Gloria with Annika and the twins. They looked like they were behaving. Mina looked around for Emiko and couldn't see her. Now where could she be?
Maggie and Daisy came running over. "Aunt Mina," Daisy said. "We can't find Emiko. She seems to be hiding from us."
"Now I thought you two were going to keep an eye on her," Mina stated in an annoyed voice.
"We were," Maggie replied. "But Ariel said that she had something for Emiko and took her somewhere. But we see Ariel is with her mom. We can't see Emiko."
Mina walked over to Amy who was carrying Ariel in her arms. "Ariel where did Emiko go after you left her," Mina asked.
"I don't know Aunt Mina," Ariel replied. "I just showed her the desserts and then I left her."
"Is something wrong," Amy asked in concern as she put Ariel down.
"We can't find Emiko," Mina told her. She walked over toward the dessert table with Amy and Ariel following. Maggie and Daisy came too. Serenity was next to the dessert table as usual.
"The Christmas tree cake is missing," Serenity cried out. "I was so looking forward to tasting that one too."
"Emiko is missing too," Mina told her.
"Oh no," Serenity exclaimed. "Shall I get the guards?"
"Wait a minute," Amy suddenly interjected. "A cake missing and a child missing sound very familiar." She turned and looked at Ariel who chose to look away at the moment. Amy lifted the tablecloth and peered under. There was Emiko covered in cake. Green frosting was all over her dress, face and hair. "Mina," Amy said. "Look under here."
Mina peered under the table. "Hi Mommy," Emiko greeted her mother.
"What do you think you are doing," Mina shrieked as she reached down and pulled Emiko out.
"Eating cake," Emiko replied.
"And why were you doing that," Mina scolded as she attempted to clean up the disheveled little girl.
"Ariel told me the cake was mine and I should eat it fast so that no one else could have it," Emiko told her mother. Ariel groaned. She wasn't counting on Emiko telling on her.
"Ariel is that true," Amy demanded as she turned to her daughter with a stern look in her eyes. Ariel pouted and nodded her head. There was no point in denying it. Her mother always knew when she was lying. Amy immediately swatted Ariel's backside. Tears formed in Ariel's eyes. "That wasn't very nice," Amy scolded. She steered Ariel to a chair in the corner. "You can just sit right here for a while." Ariel sniffed and sat down in the chair. Amy walked back over to Mina. "I am really sorry about this," she apologized. "I don't know what has gotten into Ariel these last couple of weeks. I don't know why she has been picking on Emiko so much."
"It's okay Amy," Mina sighed as she picked Emiko up, cake getting all over her gown. "I guess I'll just have to take her and get her cleaned up. Then I'll get Palla to watch her for the rest of the evening."
"I don't wanna a bath," Emiko howled.
"Sorry little one but you need it," Mina told her and carried the protesting child away. Amy sighed and shook her head. She looked over at Ariel who was weeping because she was in trouble. She was about to go back to Greg when she felt a small hand tap on her arm. She looked down and saw Madelyn. "What is it Madelyn," she asked.
"Aunt Amy I know why Ariel is being mean to Emiko," Madelyn told her.
"Really," Amy inquired. "Why?"
"She's jealous," Madelyn replied.
"Why is she jealous," Amy asked in a puzzled voice. "Emiko is living with Mina, not us."
"Because before Emiko came she was the baby," Madelyn told her. "And now Emiko is the baby and she doesn't like it."
"I see," Amy murmured. "Thank you Madelyn." Amy walked back over to her daughter. She lifted Ariel from the chair and then sat down herself with Ariel in her lap. Small arms encircled Amy's neck as Ariel rested her head on her mother's shoulder. "I hear you are jealous of Emiko," Amy began.
"I am," Ariel sobbed. "I'm the baby. Not her."
"I understand Sweetie," Amy soothed. "You've been the youngest for seven years and all of the sudden this stranger comes along and takes your place. But she is not here forever Darling. She'll go home one day."
"I want her to go home today," Ariel choked.
Amy thought for a minute and then asked, "You know how you always look up to the other Chibi Senshi because they are older then you?" Ariel nodded her head. "Well now here is a little girl who will look up to you. Maybe this can be your chance to show what a good Onee you can be. The other girls here are Onees to you. You never have a chance to be an Onee just like Rini never has a chance to be an imouto. She has that chance with Kadiri here. Why don't you try to be an Onee to Emiko?"
"But I like being the baby," Ariel cried.
"And you still are," Amy assured her. "You're my baby and no one will take your place. Emiko is here for a little while. Be nice to her. She's a long way from her family now. You remember how you hated it when you were away from me?" Ariel nodded her head. "Then think how Emiko must feel with it being Christmas tomorrow?"
"I didn't think of that," Ariel admitted.
"Promise me something," Amy said. "Promise that you will be nice to Emiko until she goes home." Ariel thought for a moment and then nodded her head. "Good girl," Amy hugged her daughter close to her. She looked at her watch. "Now we have a little while before a certain little girl has to go to bed. Why don't you play with your friends until then?"
"Okay Mommy," Ariel replied feeling a lot better. She jumped down from Amy's lap and dashed over to the other Chibi Senshi. Amy heaved a sigh of relief. Maybe the rest of Emiko's stay will go smoothly now.
Later that night the after Mina had both of her girls in bed she and Asai got to work at wrapping some last minute gifts. Amy came by to see her. "I was wondering if Emiko got sick from eating all of that cake," she stated.
"She had a little upset stomach but I gave her some of that medicine you gave us when Gloria had that stomachache a few weeks ago," Mina replied.
"That's good," Amy heaved a breath of relief. "I am really sorry about Ariel. I found out she is jealous of Emiko."
"Jealous," Mina exclaimed. "Now why is she jealous?"
"Because she's not the baby with Emiko here," Amy replied.
"That makes sense," Mina admitted. "All of us have constantly fussed over Ariel because she is so kawaii and now we are all doing that with Emiko."
"Well she is a kawaii kid," Artemis pointed out.
"I had a little talk with Ariel," Amy told her. "She has promised to be nice to Emiko while she is here."
"Thank you," Mina sighed. "Now if we can just get Gloria to stop her pranks we'll have it made." Mina laughed and Amy joined her.
"That will never happen," Amy laughed and Mina agreed.
"I agree," Artemis groaned thinking about the sour eggnog Gloria had given him that afternoon.
"Mommy," a small voice from the doorway called. Mina looked up and saw Emiko standing there in her pink nightgown and clutching Moon Cat to her chest.
"What is it Sweetie," Mina went over and picked the little girl up.
"I want to go home," Emiko choked. "I want to be home for Christmas. What if Santa doesn't know I'm here?"
"He knows," Mina assured her. "Santa knows everything and he will bring your presents here."
"Really," Emiko asked.
"I promise," Mina replied. She turned to Amy. "I need to get her back to bed so if you will excuse me."
"No problem," Amy told her. "I should check on Ariel anyway. She is also excited about Santa coming." Amy smiled and Emiko and quietly excused herself. Mina carried Emiko back to the bedroom.
"Now you go to sleep or Santa will not come," Mina said as she tucked the child back into bed.
"Kay Mommy," Emiko replied as she closed her eyes. Mina smiled and kissed the little girl goodnight. Then she went back to the living room to help Asai finish wrapping the presents.
The next morning all of the children were up early. The parents groaned but pulled themselves out of bed. After everyone had breakfast they all gathered downstairs in the palace living room. The Senshi and Knights were dressed but the children were allowed to stay in their nightclothes. Everyone was excited. "Mama, Mama come over here," Annika called in excitement as she stood there in her purple nightgown with Stardust on her shoulder.
"What is it Baby," Raye asked coming over.
"I'm under the mistletoe," Annika replied. "You have to kiss me." Raye laughed and gave her daughter a big hug and kiss. She also gave Stardust a scratch behind the ears.
"Come on Kadiri," Madelyn cried in excitement as she pulled her over toward the tree. "Let's see what Santa got us."
"Mommy I wanna to see what Santa brought," Emiko squealed.
"You've got a lot little one," Lita laughed as she looked at all the presents Mina's present and future self got for the little girl.
"Well let's get these gifts open before these children run us over," Endymion laughed and everyone agreed. Soon there was the sound of gifts being unwrapped. The children all got many new things.
"I can't wait to try this out," Faith cried out in excitement as she held up a new baseball bat.
"Not inside," Michiru cautioned.
"Mama look I can make all sorts of stuffed animals now," Annika squealed as she showed her mother the kits she received. She was also clutching a new stuffed unicorn to her chest.
"I knew you would like those," Raye replied.
"And I like this new bell," Stardust added as Chad put a new cell around her neck.
"Mommy can I try these out today," Ariel asked as she held up some new computer games. In her arms was a new teddy bear she had also received.
"I'm sure you can," Amy laughed. It was good to see Ariel so happy and excited again.
"I bet I can play some of these games," Moonbeam told his young owner.
"Then I challenge you," Ariel stated and she and Moonbeam laughed.
"Well there goes your peace and quiet," Serenity told Mina as Gloria pulled out a new stereo with speakers.
"It's what she wanted," Mina sighed.
"Girls make sure you put your things in separate piles so they don't get mixed up," Setsuna told the children as the piles of clothes, toys, games, books and CDs got higher. Rini, Maggie and Daisy had all received jewelry but their mothers wisely held onto those.
"Look at that," Kadiri laughed as she pointed to Emiko. Everyone looked and laughed. New toys and clothes surrounded the little girl. "How am I going to get all of this back to the future," Kadiri hissed to Hotaru.
"I'm sure we'll figure out a way," Hotaru assured her.
"Mommy you were right Santa did find me," Emiko squealed happily as she held up a stuffed rabbit.
"I told you," Mina replied as she picked the little girl up. "Santa always knows. Are you glad to be here?"
"Yes," Emiko chirped. "Santa gave me lots of stuff."
"He gave everyone a lot of stuff," Serenity told her. She looked up. "To me Christmas is nicest when you spend it with your family and even though I didn't want to be a Senshi when Luna first told me but now I wouldn't have it any other way. Being a Senshi has brought me a most wonderful family in all of you and I wouldn't trade any of you for anything."
"That goes for all of use Serenity," Raye called and everyone agreed.
"Merry Christmas Minna," Serenity called.
"Merry Christmas," everyone shouted and a joyous sound echoed through the palace as the Royal Family, the Senshi and their families celebrated another Merry Christmas in the Crystal Palace.
To be continued....