Here is part three of this series. Thank you for all the reviews.
It looks like the site is pretty much gone. We are looking into rebuilding it again. So keep sending pictures and they will be added to a new a better-looking site.
I am still taking votes on whether Tiffany should change Celine or not.
I am making a change that I really should have made a long time ago. Since I joined the Baptist church I use the Bible as a frame of reference for living. It clearly states that homosexuality is wrong. Although I never really officially made Michiru and Haruka a married couple a lot of people saw it that way. Fortunately a lot of my stories don't establish them as a married couple. I actually heard somewhere that Naoko Tekeuchi didn't intend for them to be lesbians. Anyway because of my religious beliefs, from now on Michiru and Haruka are just the best of friends raising children together because they haven't found their soul mates yet. Haruka is still tomboyish. I won't change the original characters.
Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon. The Chibi, Elysian and Crystal Senshi belong to me.
Young Visitors
Part Three: Birthday Bash
By
Angel Raye
That first evening at dinner was pretty hectic with twenty-seven children ranging in age from six to fifteen. They had to set up an extra table and decided to put the older children at it. Afterwards everyone crowded into the living room to visit. Celine took the opportunity to confide to Chelsea about her encounter with Tiffany. "I don't know why Chelsea," she stated. "I've never seen this girl in my life and she seems to really hate me."
"What did she say to you Celine?" Chelsea asked gently.
"She told me not to try and make friends with her and to stay away from her," Celine replied. Then she added, "And my grandmother and the other original Senshi look at me strangely here too. To top it off I've noticed that these other girls are looking at me like they hate me."
"Oh Celine," Chelsea put an arm around the younger girl. "Don't get upset. You know all of us love you. Just remember that."
"Okay," Celine murmured sadly.
"Cheer up," Chelsea told her. "If you need to talk you can come to me."
"Thank you," Celine replied and she hugged Chelsea.
A sudden squeal of terror stopped the lively chatter in the room. Everyone looked up and saw that Gloria and Ashley had dropped a jar full of bugs on Grace and Brooke. "Get these things off of me," Brooke wailed.
"Please," Grace cried in terror.
"Gloria," Mina cried as she got up. "I am not in the mood for this tonight."
"Ashley what did we talk about?" Raye asked as she grabbed the child's arm. Mina and Raye dragged the two troublemakers away. Greg, Haruka, and Chad started getting the bugs off the two terrified girls.
"Hey," Sydney shouted. "That's my bug collection."
"You have a bug collection," Michiru exclaimed. When Sydney nodded she gave a loud groan. This was going to be a trying time.
The adults were relieved when the last child went to bed that evening. Most of them were tired and fell asleep right away. However, a few of them lay awake worrying about something. Celine was still upset at how Tiffany and her friends seemed to dislike her. Sydney was angry because her bug collection was used to play a joke and now she didn't have it anymore since Michiru insisted on getting rid of it. She was plotting ways to get back at Gloria and Ashley. Maybe Lily would help.
Brooke was also lying awake. She was worrying about something that had been on her mind since she arrived. She finally got up and went into the living room. Chad was asleep in front of the television. Brooke had been so glad to see him. Her grandfather died when she was only five so it was nice seeing him again even though he didn't know who she was. Brooke quietly crept over to the door that led to the shrine. Raye was knelt down in front of the fire chanting. Brooke watched her for a minute and then quietly walked up behind her. "Grandma," she whispered. Raye snapped out of her concentration and turned around with an annoyed look on her face. She didn't like to be interrupted in the middle of a fire reading. "Sorry Grandma," Brooke murmured. "I didn't mean to bother you."
"That's okay Brooke," Raye assured her as the annoyance left her face. "Please don't call me Grandma. I'm not ready to be called that yet."
"All right," Brooke replied.
"So what's wrong?" Raye asked pushing a stray lock of hair out of Brooke's eyes.
"I can't sleep," Brooke admitted. "I have something on my mind."
"What is it?" Raye asked.
"My mom's birthday this weekend," Brooke told her. "I know what to get her as an adult but not as a child."
Raye laughed. "Is that all you're worrying about?" Brooke nodded her head. "Well tell you what. Tomorrow Annika has training tomorrow after school. Why don't I take you and Ashley out shopping? There's this one shop Annika just loves and we can definitely find something for the two of you to get her."
"That sounds great," Brooke exclaimed. "I knew you could help."
"That's what I'm here for," Raye replied. She leaned over and kissed Brooke on the cheek. "Now get some sleep. We have to enroll all of you in school tomorrow so it is going to be a big day for all of us."
"Goodnight," Brooke called as she headed back to the bedroom. Raye was left pondering how crazy it was going to be the next day.
The next day was crazy with enrolling eighteen extra children in school. Chelsea, Rose, and Violet all were enrolled at the junior high Rini attended. The rest of them were enrolled at the elementary school with the others. Marina was enrolled in sixth grade. Taylor and Grace were both put in the fifth grade with Daisy and Maggie. Jasmine, Melody and Celine were all put in the fourth grade. Sydney, Brooke, Hannah, Lily and Giselle were all put in third grade. Rayna and Tiffany were put in second grade. Chasity was put in the first grade and Ashley was put in kindergarten.
At lunch Annika was showing Brooke around. She didn't know why but she felt a strong connection with this other girl. "It's like I've seen her before," Annika thought, not knowing that she had.
"Well, well there's the crybaby," a sneering voice from behind her said. Annika froze in her tracks. She turned around and saw Miyaki standing there. "Where are your bodyguards?"
"Go away," Annika whispered as tears sprung into her eyes.
"That's right crybaby," Miyaki laughed. "Go ahead and cry."
"Why don't you shut up?" Brooke asked angrily. Unlike her mother she never had problems standing up for herself or her friends. She had heard many stories about Miyaki and had always wanted to tell the brat off.
"Oh so you're the new protector," Miyaki sneered. "You know you look a bit like crybaby so how come you're not one?"
"So I can help people like Annika," Brooke snapped. She stepped forward. "So are you going to leave her alone or not?"
Miyaki hesitated. She wasn't sure if Brooke was the type to use physical means to help her friends but she decided not to take the chance. "Later crybaby," she taunted and walked away.
Annika turned to Brooke. "Arigato," she whispered.
"Hey it's okay," Brooke replied. "You just stick with me. I'm a nice person but I hate bullies and I don't let them pick on sensitive people like you." Annika giggled. "Now where does the art club meet? I love art and may join the club." Annika smiled and continued showing Brooke around.
Nearby Ashley had witnessed the incident with Miyaki and decided she was going to do something to teach that bully a lesson.
Celine felt a little miserable in school. None of the Elysian Senshi or the Chibi Senshi were in the fourth grade with her. The only girls from the palace in her grade were Melody and Jasmine and they stuck together. Celine wished she were either in the third grade with Hannah and Brooke or the fifth grade with Taylor and Grace. But no such luck. During lunch she tried to make friends with Melody and Jasmine but failed.
"May I sit with you?" she asked Melody and Jasmine hoping they would let her. But then she saw the looks on their faces and knew she was out of luck.
"Go away," Melody told her rudely.
"We don't want you here," Jasmine added.
"Why not?" Celine asked. "I don't even know you. Why do you two hate me?"
"You'll find out one day," Melody snapped.
Celine's face fell. "I thought you two looked like nice people."
"We are," Jasmine told her. "To other nice people."
"What did I do to make you hate me?" Celine asked softly.
"Just go away," Melody ordered. "And don't bother us again."
Sadly Celine walked away. She was also puzzled. Why did these other girls hate her so much?
After school Raye took Brooke and Ashley shopping like she promised. With Annika in training that afternoon it was easy for the three of them to sneak off. Raye took them to Annika's favorite shop. "Annika loves this place," Raye informed the two girls. "She could spend her entire allowance here if she could. I have to make her budget her allowance so that she only spends a certain amount here."
"Wow she likes it that much!" Brooke exclaimed. She looked around and immediately could see why her mother liked this shop. Her tastes were similar and she fell in love with the place. There were stuffed animals, stickers, stationery and many other things. Brooke felt she could spend hours here.
"Let's hurry and make our selections girls," Raye ordered. "We want to get back to the palace before Annika finishes practice. She'll have a fit if she knew we went shopping without her."
"Hai," Brooke and Ashley replied and they looked around the shop. After some debating Brooke finally selected a transparent bag that had a stuffed cat, mini notebook, stickers and some decorative pencils. Ashley chose a stationery set with a rainbow on it.
"Good choices girls," Raye told them. "I know Annika will like those."
"Are we going back to the palace now," Brooke asked.
"I just have to stop at the office supply store first," Raye replied. "It'll only take a minute." Ashley gave a silent sigh. She was fed up with shopping and just wanted to go back to the palace. In the store she began poking around. A voice suddenly caught her attention. She looked around and saw Miyaki with her friend, Nozomi.
"I think my mom needs this type of paper," Miyaki was saying. Ashley didn't wait to hear the Nozomi's reply. She ran to the aisle that had scissors and grabbed a pair. Ripping it out of the packet she ran back to where Miyaki was. She was pleased to see that Miyaki was leaning against some shelves. Ashley quietly slipped her body on the bottom shelf and began to scoot herself over to Miyaki. Her small size made it easy for her to move. When she got behind Miyaki she carefully took hold of the girl's skirt. Then she carefully began cutting. Miyaki and Nozomi were so busy talking they didn't even notice. Ashley cut up one side and down the other and then removed the piece of the skirt. Miyaki was completely unaware that her underwear was now in full view. Ashley stayed still and watched as the two girls walked away. Once they were out of sight Ashley slipped out of her hiding place and went to find Raye and Brooke.
"Young Lady where were you?" Raye asked. "We've been ready to go."
"Gomen," Ashley replied. "I just saw something I wanted to see."
A scream of embarrassment stopped the conversation. Raye, Brooke and Ashley looked around and saw Miyaki trying desperately to hide her underwear. People around her were laughing. "Hey I know her," Brooke exclaimed. "She's the one who was picking on Annika today."
"She always picks on Annika," Raye sighed. "It looks like she's getting something she deserves. I wonder how a big piece of her skirt was taken out like that."
"I don't know," Brooke replied. They left the store together, not noticing Ashley whose face was almost purple from trying to keep from laughing.
"So you really think you can teach me how to stand up to Miyaki?" Annika asked Brooke doubtfully. In the last couple of days Annika had been able to figure out that Brooke was a sweet child but didn't allow anyone to pick on her.
"Of course I can," Brooke replied smoothing out her princess gown. It was Annika's birthday and they were ready for the palace party. "It's nice of Gloria, Faith and the others to stand up for you but you need to learn to do it yourself."
"Mama is always telling me that," Annika sighed. "But it's so hard."
"Your mother is right Annika," Stardust piped up from Annika's lap. "You do need to stand up for yourself."
"Well never fear," Brooke assured Annika. "I'll teach you so that Miyaki will never bother you again."
"That would be great," Annika exclaimed eagerly.
"That would be great," Stardust echoed. "I would love to see the look on that brat's face when Annika does stand up to her."
"So would I," Brooke giggled.
"Do I have to dress in this get up?" Ashley whined as she came into the room with Raye and Chad. Raye was trying to brush the girl's hair.
"It won't kill you for a few hours," Raye told her. She looked over the three girls. "All of you look very pretty. Let's remember how to behave."
"I will Mama," Annika sighed. She got this speech before every palace party, even the ones in her honor.
"I know you will," Raye replied. "I'm talking to the other two."
"I'll behave," Brooke promised.
"So will I," Ashley added.
"Then let's go," Chad exclaimed. He took Raye's arm and together they headed down to the palace ballroom.
The party was in full swing. With it being a party to honor one of the children it wasn't as dull as some of the other parties but it also wasn't as exciting as children only party that afternoon. Annika was thrilled that Konyo had come to the party. Raye noticed Brooke looking at him intently. "Is he your father?" Raye asked.
"No," Brooke replied. "I just heard a lot about him. He was Mama's boyfriend when she was in high school but they broke up when she went to college. They stayed good friends for years though."
"That's good," Raye murmured wondering who Brooke's father was. She felt a little guilty now that she had a glimpse of Annika's high school years since Pluto always told them not to pry too much into the future.
"Intriguing isn't it?" Kadiri Mishima stated as she came up next to Raye.
"Nani," Raye asked. She looked at her daughter's mysterious teacher.
"Finding more out about your daughter's future," Kadiri replied.
"It is," Raye sighed. She glanced up at Kadiri again. "I guess you know who all of these young visitors are."
"I do," Kadiri confirmed. "But don't worry I won't tell the girls."
"I know you won't," Raye replied as she and Kadiri headed toward the queen.
Meanwhile Celine was trying to talk to Tiffany. In the last couple of days the younger child either ignored her or snapped at her. Celine was feeling pretty unhappy and wanted to badly get home. "Why can't we be friends?" Celine asked Tiffany.
"Because I don't want us to be," Tiffany snapped.
"What did I ever do to you?" Celine asked feeling her own temper rise. "I don't even know you and yet you hate me. Since we're both staying with the same people I thought we could at least get along."
"Well that won't happen," Tiffany shouted, years of bottled up anger coming to the surface. "I don't want you coming near me and I don't want you to talk to me."
"Girls," Amy came up. She had been keeping a close eye on Tiffany for the last couple of days and had seen how the girl was directing her anger at her young mother. Amy felt sorry for Celine who had no idea what was going on. "This is a party honoring Annika. We don't want any arguments."
"Sorry Aunt Amy," Tiffany replied. She shot another glare at Celine and then headed over to Rayna.
"Calm down," Amy quietly told Celine. "Tiffany is just a very angry young lady."
"But she seems to really hate me," Celine protested. "And I don't know why."
"I'll talk to Tiffany and Mina," Amy promised. She gave the girl's shoulder a pat. "Just hang in there."
"Thank you," Celine replied gratefully and she went off to find Brooke.
Celine wasn't the only one who was having problems. Marina found her seven-year-old mother to be very trying at times. "She's kawaii but she can be such a terror," Marina was telling Grace and Taylor. "I've never seen anyone go from sweet to impish as quickly as she does. Grandmother was never kidding when she told me how she would have to tan Mom's hide sometimes."
"What does she do?" Taylor asked.
"Melody was trying to mother her and she has made it perfectly clear only Grandmother can be her mother," Marina replied. "Well Mom had Luna P with her and used it to tie her to her bed."
"Oh no," Grace laughed. "Mama has told me many stories about how Aunt Ariel used Luna P for stuff like that."
"So what happened next?" asked Taylor thoroughly enjoying this story.
"I tried to get Melody free but Luna P knows how to make good knots and Mom refused to release Melody," Marina groaned. "I wanted to strangle the brat."
"Did you free her?" Grace asked.
"No Grandmother got home and wore Mom out," Marina informed them. "Then Melody was released."
"Maybe Ariel will do something tonight," Taylor stated. "Luna P is with her again."
"Don't count on it," Marina replied. "Grandmother gave her a very stern warning before we came tonight."
"Bummer," Taylor sighed.
"I can't believe it," Gloria was griping as she wandered up and down the dessert table with Celine. "Why can't they have coconut cream pie? I love coconut cream pie."
"Maybe because Annika doesn't," Celine suggested. "And it's her party."
"You're right," Gloria sighed. "I tried to talk Annika into having it added to the menu but she said no." She looked around and then her eyes began to gleam. "Oh Ariel," she called walking over to the younger child.
"Um maybe you shouldn't because the gift opening is about to begin," Celine pleaded but Gloria ignored her. Celine shook her head and went to join Brooke. Annika was sitting in the guest of honor chair preparing to open her gifts. She had already opened individual gifts from the children that afternoon. Now were the special gifts from each family and guest. She began opening the gift by the Jupiter family. "Oh it's kawaii," Annika gushed as she pulled out a teddy bear dressed as a Mars Senshi made by Lita herself. "Arigato."
The Royal family had given her a necklace with the Mars symbol hanging from it. A bigger surprise was that the Venus family gave her some earrings to match. Annika excitedly went through her gifts as clothing, toys, books and jewelry piled up. The last gift came from Raye and Chad. They had already given her a new dress, a stuffed cat, some craft supplies and a couple of books earlier. This was a special gift. At the top of the box was a small jewelry case. Annika opened it and saw a ring and matching earrings. "They're so pretty," Annika squealed.
"They're your birthstone," Raye explained. "Keep going. There's something bigger in that box." Annika dug around and found what looked like a photograph book. Annika opened it to the first page and saw a picture of herself as a newborn. "It's a Memory book I've put together for you," Raye explained. Annika thumbed through it and saw various pictures of her growing up. "There are still blank pages so we can keep adding to it as you continue to grow."
"Arigato Mama, Daddy," Annika cried as she flung herself into Raye's arms.
"Happy Birthday Princess," Chad told her and he kissed his daughter on head.
"Has anyone seen Gloria?" Mina suddenly asked.
"And Ariel?" Amy added looking around. Celine was relieved that she hadn't seen where Gloria had gone.
"No telling with those two," Greg groaned.
"Excuse me Lady Mercury and Lady Venus," one of the servants came over. "But I believe these two belong to you." Everyone looked and saw Ariel and Gloria, sticky with some kind of dessert.
"What were you two up too?" Mina demanded.
"They used that thing," the servant stated gesturing toward Luna P. "To make some coconut cream pie and they were just having a feast in the kitchen."
"What did we talk about?" Amy angrily asked Ariel as she dragged her away.
"Told you," Marina muttered to Grace and Taylor.
"Honestly Gloria can't you even behave at your best friend's party?" Mina sighed.
"She didn't have my favorite dessert so we got some of our own," Gloria muttered.
"Let's go," Mina took her by the arm, stated her apologies to everyone and led Gloria away. Brooke looked over at her future mother to make sure she wasn't upset. Annika's eyes looked disappointed until Konyo came over with his gift.
"Happy Birthday Annika," he told her holding out a gift. "I wanted mine to the last one."
"Arigato," Annika squealed. She opened the gift and saw teddy bear. "Oh it's so kawaii."
"Remember the tradition," Konyo reminded her.
"Of course," Annika giggled. "His name is Konyo."
{Author's Note: Japanese tradition. See Card captor Sakura for more details}
"At least it isn't an engagement ring," Chad heaved a sigh of relief.
"She's only nine," Raye reminded him but she also felt the same relief.
"Arigato Minna," Annika called. "This has been the best birthday ever."
"You say that every year," Hope teased.
"I know and it's always true," Annika giggled.
"Happy Birthday my darling," Raye pulled Annika into her arms.
"And many more," Chad added. Everyone else gave their birthday wishes as the party wrapped up.
That night Brooke woke up suddenly. She looked over at Annika's bed and saw that it was empty. She got up and crept over to Raye and Chad's room and peeked in. Annika was snuggled up against Raye sound asleep. There was a happy look on her face. Brooke smiled. "Happy Birthday Mama," she whispered as she quietly withdrew from the room.
End of Part Three.
It looks like the site is pretty much gone. We are looking into rebuilding it again. So keep sending pictures and they will be added to a new a better-looking site.
I am still taking votes on whether Tiffany should change Celine or not.
I am making a change that I really should have made a long time ago. Since I joined the Baptist church I use the Bible as a frame of reference for living. It clearly states that homosexuality is wrong. Although I never really officially made Michiru and Haruka a married couple a lot of people saw it that way. Fortunately a lot of my stories don't establish them as a married couple. I actually heard somewhere that Naoko Tekeuchi didn't intend for them to be lesbians. Anyway because of my religious beliefs, from now on Michiru and Haruka are just the best of friends raising children together because they haven't found their soul mates yet. Haruka is still tomboyish. I won't change the original characters.
Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon. The Chibi, Elysian and Crystal Senshi belong to me.
Young Visitors
Part Three: Birthday Bash
By
Angel Raye
That first evening at dinner was pretty hectic with twenty-seven children ranging in age from six to fifteen. They had to set up an extra table and decided to put the older children at it. Afterwards everyone crowded into the living room to visit. Celine took the opportunity to confide to Chelsea about her encounter with Tiffany. "I don't know why Chelsea," she stated. "I've never seen this girl in my life and she seems to really hate me."
"What did she say to you Celine?" Chelsea asked gently.
"She told me not to try and make friends with her and to stay away from her," Celine replied. Then she added, "And my grandmother and the other original Senshi look at me strangely here too. To top it off I've noticed that these other girls are looking at me like they hate me."
"Oh Celine," Chelsea put an arm around the younger girl. "Don't get upset. You know all of us love you. Just remember that."
"Okay," Celine murmured sadly.
"Cheer up," Chelsea told her. "If you need to talk you can come to me."
"Thank you," Celine replied and she hugged Chelsea.
A sudden squeal of terror stopped the lively chatter in the room. Everyone looked up and saw that Gloria and Ashley had dropped a jar full of bugs on Grace and Brooke. "Get these things off of me," Brooke wailed.
"Please," Grace cried in terror.
"Gloria," Mina cried as she got up. "I am not in the mood for this tonight."
"Ashley what did we talk about?" Raye asked as she grabbed the child's arm. Mina and Raye dragged the two troublemakers away. Greg, Haruka, and Chad started getting the bugs off the two terrified girls.
"Hey," Sydney shouted. "That's my bug collection."
"You have a bug collection," Michiru exclaimed. When Sydney nodded she gave a loud groan. This was going to be a trying time.
The adults were relieved when the last child went to bed that evening. Most of them were tired and fell asleep right away. However, a few of them lay awake worrying about something. Celine was still upset at how Tiffany and her friends seemed to dislike her. Sydney was angry because her bug collection was used to play a joke and now she didn't have it anymore since Michiru insisted on getting rid of it. She was plotting ways to get back at Gloria and Ashley. Maybe Lily would help.
Brooke was also lying awake. She was worrying about something that had been on her mind since she arrived. She finally got up and went into the living room. Chad was asleep in front of the television. Brooke had been so glad to see him. Her grandfather died when she was only five so it was nice seeing him again even though he didn't know who she was. Brooke quietly crept over to the door that led to the shrine. Raye was knelt down in front of the fire chanting. Brooke watched her for a minute and then quietly walked up behind her. "Grandma," she whispered. Raye snapped out of her concentration and turned around with an annoyed look on her face. She didn't like to be interrupted in the middle of a fire reading. "Sorry Grandma," Brooke murmured. "I didn't mean to bother you."
"That's okay Brooke," Raye assured her as the annoyance left her face. "Please don't call me Grandma. I'm not ready to be called that yet."
"All right," Brooke replied.
"So what's wrong?" Raye asked pushing a stray lock of hair out of Brooke's eyes.
"I can't sleep," Brooke admitted. "I have something on my mind."
"What is it?" Raye asked.
"My mom's birthday this weekend," Brooke told her. "I know what to get her as an adult but not as a child."
Raye laughed. "Is that all you're worrying about?" Brooke nodded her head. "Well tell you what. Tomorrow Annika has training tomorrow after school. Why don't I take you and Ashley out shopping? There's this one shop Annika just loves and we can definitely find something for the two of you to get her."
"That sounds great," Brooke exclaimed. "I knew you could help."
"That's what I'm here for," Raye replied. She leaned over and kissed Brooke on the cheek. "Now get some sleep. We have to enroll all of you in school tomorrow so it is going to be a big day for all of us."
"Goodnight," Brooke called as she headed back to the bedroom. Raye was left pondering how crazy it was going to be the next day.
The next day was crazy with enrolling eighteen extra children in school. Chelsea, Rose, and Violet all were enrolled at the junior high Rini attended. The rest of them were enrolled at the elementary school with the others. Marina was enrolled in sixth grade. Taylor and Grace were both put in the fifth grade with Daisy and Maggie. Jasmine, Melody and Celine were all put in the fourth grade. Sydney, Brooke, Hannah, Lily and Giselle were all put in third grade. Rayna and Tiffany were put in second grade. Chasity was put in the first grade and Ashley was put in kindergarten.
At lunch Annika was showing Brooke around. She didn't know why but she felt a strong connection with this other girl. "It's like I've seen her before," Annika thought, not knowing that she had.
"Well, well there's the crybaby," a sneering voice from behind her said. Annika froze in her tracks. She turned around and saw Miyaki standing there. "Where are your bodyguards?"
"Go away," Annika whispered as tears sprung into her eyes.
"That's right crybaby," Miyaki laughed. "Go ahead and cry."
"Why don't you shut up?" Brooke asked angrily. Unlike her mother she never had problems standing up for herself or her friends. She had heard many stories about Miyaki and had always wanted to tell the brat off.
"Oh so you're the new protector," Miyaki sneered. "You know you look a bit like crybaby so how come you're not one?"
"So I can help people like Annika," Brooke snapped. She stepped forward. "So are you going to leave her alone or not?"
Miyaki hesitated. She wasn't sure if Brooke was the type to use physical means to help her friends but she decided not to take the chance. "Later crybaby," she taunted and walked away.
Annika turned to Brooke. "Arigato," she whispered.
"Hey it's okay," Brooke replied. "You just stick with me. I'm a nice person but I hate bullies and I don't let them pick on sensitive people like you." Annika giggled. "Now where does the art club meet? I love art and may join the club." Annika smiled and continued showing Brooke around.
Nearby Ashley had witnessed the incident with Miyaki and decided she was going to do something to teach that bully a lesson.
Celine felt a little miserable in school. None of the Elysian Senshi or the Chibi Senshi were in the fourth grade with her. The only girls from the palace in her grade were Melody and Jasmine and they stuck together. Celine wished she were either in the third grade with Hannah and Brooke or the fifth grade with Taylor and Grace. But no such luck. During lunch she tried to make friends with Melody and Jasmine but failed.
"May I sit with you?" she asked Melody and Jasmine hoping they would let her. But then she saw the looks on their faces and knew she was out of luck.
"Go away," Melody told her rudely.
"We don't want you here," Jasmine added.
"Why not?" Celine asked. "I don't even know you. Why do you two hate me?"
"You'll find out one day," Melody snapped.
Celine's face fell. "I thought you two looked like nice people."
"We are," Jasmine told her. "To other nice people."
"What did I do to make you hate me?" Celine asked softly.
"Just go away," Melody ordered. "And don't bother us again."
Sadly Celine walked away. She was also puzzled. Why did these other girls hate her so much?
After school Raye took Brooke and Ashley shopping like she promised. With Annika in training that afternoon it was easy for the three of them to sneak off. Raye took them to Annika's favorite shop. "Annika loves this place," Raye informed the two girls. "She could spend her entire allowance here if she could. I have to make her budget her allowance so that she only spends a certain amount here."
"Wow she likes it that much!" Brooke exclaimed. She looked around and immediately could see why her mother liked this shop. Her tastes were similar and she fell in love with the place. There were stuffed animals, stickers, stationery and many other things. Brooke felt she could spend hours here.
"Let's hurry and make our selections girls," Raye ordered. "We want to get back to the palace before Annika finishes practice. She'll have a fit if she knew we went shopping without her."
"Hai," Brooke and Ashley replied and they looked around the shop. After some debating Brooke finally selected a transparent bag that had a stuffed cat, mini notebook, stickers and some decorative pencils. Ashley chose a stationery set with a rainbow on it.
"Good choices girls," Raye told them. "I know Annika will like those."
"Are we going back to the palace now," Brooke asked.
"I just have to stop at the office supply store first," Raye replied. "It'll only take a minute." Ashley gave a silent sigh. She was fed up with shopping and just wanted to go back to the palace. In the store she began poking around. A voice suddenly caught her attention. She looked around and saw Miyaki with her friend, Nozomi.
"I think my mom needs this type of paper," Miyaki was saying. Ashley didn't wait to hear the Nozomi's reply. She ran to the aisle that had scissors and grabbed a pair. Ripping it out of the packet she ran back to where Miyaki was. She was pleased to see that Miyaki was leaning against some shelves. Ashley quietly slipped her body on the bottom shelf and began to scoot herself over to Miyaki. Her small size made it easy for her to move. When she got behind Miyaki she carefully took hold of the girl's skirt. Then she carefully began cutting. Miyaki and Nozomi were so busy talking they didn't even notice. Ashley cut up one side and down the other and then removed the piece of the skirt. Miyaki was completely unaware that her underwear was now in full view. Ashley stayed still and watched as the two girls walked away. Once they were out of sight Ashley slipped out of her hiding place and went to find Raye and Brooke.
"Young Lady where were you?" Raye asked. "We've been ready to go."
"Gomen," Ashley replied. "I just saw something I wanted to see."
A scream of embarrassment stopped the conversation. Raye, Brooke and Ashley looked around and saw Miyaki trying desperately to hide her underwear. People around her were laughing. "Hey I know her," Brooke exclaimed. "She's the one who was picking on Annika today."
"She always picks on Annika," Raye sighed. "It looks like she's getting something she deserves. I wonder how a big piece of her skirt was taken out like that."
"I don't know," Brooke replied. They left the store together, not noticing Ashley whose face was almost purple from trying to keep from laughing.
"So you really think you can teach me how to stand up to Miyaki?" Annika asked Brooke doubtfully. In the last couple of days Annika had been able to figure out that Brooke was a sweet child but didn't allow anyone to pick on her.
"Of course I can," Brooke replied smoothing out her princess gown. It was Annika's birthday and they were ready for the palace party. "It's nice of Gloria, Faith and the others to stand up for you but you need to learn to do it yourself."
"Mama is always telling me that," Annika sighed. "But it's so hard."
"Your mother is right Annika," Stardust piped up from Annika's lap. "You do need to stand up for yourself."
"Well never fear," Brooke assured Annika. "I'll teach you so that Miyaki will never bother you again."
"That would be great," Annika exclaimed eagerly.
"That would be great," Stardust echoed. "I would love to see the look on that brat's face when Annika does stand up to her."
"So would I," Brooke giggled.
"Do I have to dress in this get up?" Ashley whined as she came into the room with Raye and Chad. Raye was trying to brush the girl's hair.
"It won't kill you for a few hours," Raye told her. She looked over the three girls. "All of you look very pretty. Let's remember how to behave."
"I will Mama," Annika sighed. She got this speech before every palace party, even the ones in her honor.
"I know you will," Raye replied. "I'm talking to the other two."
"I'll behave," Brooke promised.
"So will I," Ashley added.
"Then let's go," Chad exclaimed. He took Raye's arm and together they headed down to the palace ballroom.
The party was in full swing. With it being a party to honor one of the children it wasn't as dull as some of the other parties but it also wasn't as exciting as children only party that afternoon. Annika was thrilled that Konyo had come to the party. Raye noticed Brooke looking at him intently. "Is he your father?" Raye asked.
"No," Brooke replied. "I just heard a lot about him. He was Mama's boyfriend when she was in high school but they broke up when she went to college. They stayed good friends for years though."
"That's good," Raye murmured wondering who Brooke's father was. She felt a little guilty now that she had a glimpse of Annika's high school years since Pluto always told them not to pry too much into the future.
"Intriguing isn't it?" Kadiri Mishima stated as she came up next to Raye.
"Nani," Raye asked. She looked at her daughter's mysterious teacher.
"Finding more out about your daughter's future," Kadiri replied.
"It is," Raye sighed. She glanced up at Kadiri again. "I guess you know who all of these young visitors are."
"I do," Kadiri confirmed. "But don't worry I won't tell the girls."
"I know you won't," Raye replied as she and Kadiri headed toward the queen.
Meanwhile Celine was trying to talk to Tiffany. In the last couple of days the younger child either ignored her or snapped at her. Celine was feeling pretty unhappy and wanted to badly get home. "Why can't we be friends?" Celine asked Tiffany.
"Because I don't want us to be," Tiffany snapped.
"What did I ever do to you?" Celine asked feeling her own temper rise. "I don't even know you and yet you hate me. Since we're both staying with the same people I thought we could at least get along."
"Well that won't happen," Tiffany shouted, years of bottled up anger coming to the surface. "I don't want you coming near me and I don't want you to talk to me."
"Girls," Amy came up. She had been keeping a close eye on Tiffany for the last couple of days and had seen how the girl was directing her anger at her young mother. Amy felt sorry for Celine who had no idea what was going on. "This is a party honoring Annika. We don't want any arguments."
"Sorry Aunt Amy," Tiffany replied. She shot another glare at Celine and then headed over to Rayna.
"Calm down," Amy quietly told Celine. "Tiffany is just a very angry young lady."
"But she seems to really hate me," Celine protested. "And I don't know why."
"I'll talk to Tiffany and Mina," Amy promised. She gave the girl's shoulder a pat. "Just hang in there."
"Thank you," Celine replied gratefully and she went off to find Brooke.
Celine wasn't the only one who was having problems. Marina found her seven-year-old mother to be very trying at times. "She's kawaii but she can be such a terror," Marina was telling Grace and Taylor. "I've never seen anyone go from sweet to impish as quickly as she does. Grandmother was never kidding when she told me how she would have to tan Mom's hide sometimes."
"What does she do?" Taylor asked.
"Melody was trying to mother her and she has made it perfectly clear only Grandmother can be her mother," Marina replied. "Well Mom had Luna P with her and used it to tie her to her bed."
"Oh no," Grace laughed. "Mama has told me many stories about how Aunt Ariel used Luna P for stuff like that."
"So what happened next?" asked Taylor thoroughly enjoying this story.
"I tried to get Melody free but Luna P knows how to make good knots and Mom refused to release Melody," Marina groaned. "I wanted to strangle the brat."
"Did you free her?" Grace asked.
"No Grandmother got home and wore Mom out," Marina informed them. "Then Melody was released."
"Maybe Ariel will do something tonight," Taylor stated. "Luna P is with her again."
"Don't count on it," Marina replied. "Grandmother gave her a very stern warning before we came tonight."
"Bummer," Taylor sighed.
"I can't believe it," Gloria was griping as she wandered up and down the dessert table with Celine. "Why can't they have coconut cream pie? I love coconut cream pie."
"Maybe because Annika doesn't," Celine suggested. "And it's her party."
"You're right," Gloria sighed. "I tried to talk Annika into having it added to the menu but she said no." She looked around and then her eyes began to gleam. "Oh Ariel," she called walking over to the younger child.
"Um maybe you shouldn't because the gift opening is about to begin," Celine pleaded but Gloria ignored her. Celine shook her head and went to join Brooke. Annika was sitting in the guest of honor chair preparing to open her gifts. She had already opened individual gifts from the children that afternoon. Now were the special gifts from each family and guest. She began opening the gift by the Jupiter family. "Oh it's kawaii," Annika gushed as she pulled out a teddy bear dressed as a Mars Senshi made by Lita herself. "Arigato."
The Royal family had given her a necklace with the Mars symbol hanging from it. A bigger surprise was that the Venus family gave her some earrings to match. Annika excitedly went through her gifts as clothing, toys, books and jewelry piled up. The last gift came from Raye and Chad. They had already given her a new dress, a stuffed cat, some craft supplies and a couple of books earlier. This was a special gift. At the top of the box was a small jewelry case. Annika opened it and saw a ring and matching earrings. "They're so pretty," Annika squealed.
"They're your birthstone," Raye explained. "Keep going. There's something bigger in that box." Annika dug around and found what looked like a photograph book. Annika opened it to the first page and saw a picture of herself as a newborn. "It's a Memory book I've put together for you," Raye explained. Annika thumbed through it and saw various pictures of her growing up. "There are still blank pages so we can keep adding to it as you continue to grow."
"Arigato Mama, Daddy," Annika cried as she flung herself into Raye's arms.
"Happy Birthday Princess," Chad told her and he kissed his daughter on head.
"Has anyone seen Gloria?" Mina suddenly asked.
"And Ariel?" Amy added looking around. Celine was relieved that she hadn't seen where Gloria had gone.
"No telling with those two," Greg groaned.
"Excuse me Lady Mercury and Lady Venus," one of the servants came over. "But I believe these two belong to you." Everyone looked and saw Ariel and Gloria, sticky with some kind of dessert.
"What were you two up too?" Mina demanded.
"They used that thing," the servant stated gesturing toward Luna P. "To make some coconut cream pie and they were just having a feast in the kitchen."
"What did we talk about?" Amy angrily asked Ariel as she dragged her away.
"Told you," Marina muttered to Grace and Taylor.
"Honestly Gloria can't you even behave at your best friend's party?" Mina sighed.
"She didn't have my favorite dessert so we got some of our own," Gloria muttered.
"Let's go," Mina took her by the arm, stated her apologies to everyone and led Gloria away. Brooke looked over at her future mother to make sure she wasn't upset. Annika's eyes looked disappointed until Konyo came over with his gift.
"Happy Birthday Annika," he told her holding out a gift. "I wanted mine to the last one."
"Arigato," Annika squealed. She opened the gift and saw teddy bear. "Oh it's so kawaii."
"Remember the tradition," Konyo reminded her.
"Of course," Annika giggled. "His name is Konyo."
{Author's Note: Japanese tradition. See Card captor Sakura for more details}
"At least it isn't an engagement ring," Chad heaved a sigh of relief.
"She's only nine," Raye reminded him but she also felt the same relief.
"Arigato Minna," Annika called. "This has been the best birthday ever."
"You say that every year," Hope teased.
"I know and it's always true," Annika giggled.
"Happy Birthday my darling," Raye pulled Annika into her arms.
"And many more," Chad added. Everyone else gave their birthday wishes as the party wrapped up.
That night Brooke woke up suddenly. She looked over at Annika's bed and saw that it was empty. She got up and crept over to Raye and Chad's room and peeked in. Annika was snuggled up against Raye sound asleep. There was a happy look on her face. Brooke smiled. "Happy Birthday Mama," she whispered as she quietly withdrew from the room.
End of Part Three.