Here is part four. I hope you enjoy it. Just a warning for Chibi Mercury fans; Ariel is a real brat in this part.
In response to some of the comments made regarding what I am making Haruka and Michiru. I'm sorry if I offend anyone but I have to stand up for what I believe in. Recently my cousins sent out an e-mail rejoicing in the celebration of gay/lesbian marriages being performed in Cambridge, Massachusetts. I had e-mailed back telling them I don't support that decision. If I had said that then continued to make Haruka and Michiru lesbians in my stories then I would be hypocritical. So my decision stays. It doesn't mean that I would disown any family members or friends who became gay/lesbians. I just wouldn't support their way of living. That was a small part of the story anyway. My stories do not focus on their relationship too much. Besides I don't think this is as bad as those who make all the Senshi lesbians or sluts or pair Usagi off with Prince Diamond. Those who have decided to stop reading my stories just because of that one adjustment I made which isn't even a big part of the story then it is their loss. I still love Sailor Moon and am a big fan but not because of Haruka and Michiru's relationship.
Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon. The Chibi, Elysian and Crystal Senshi belong to me.
Young Visitors
Part Four: Babysitting Blues
By
Angel Raye
The Senshi and Knights were all gathered in the conference room. Neo-Queen Serenity and King Endymion had called a sudden meeting. They were all hoping a new enemy wasn't appearing. "Arigatou Minna for coming on such short notice," Serenity announced as she sat down.
"Is everything all right your Majesty," Mina asked in a concerned voice.
"Everything's fine," Serenity assured them. "I just had to announce that our presence is requested at a formal function being held tonight."
"The children too," asked Amy.
"No not the children," Endymion replied.
"We can't ask Palla and Ves to baby-sit all of them," Hotaru protested. "There are twenty-seven children here. That's way too many."
"You forget we have quite a few who are old enough to be babysitters," Lita reminded her. We'll just put Palla and Ves where there aren't any teens or pre-teens."
"In that case I need one since my two oldest are nine," Raye spoke up.
"And I need one since my oldest is also nine," Hotaru added.
"My oldest is ten so I could really use one too," Mina pointed out.
"Do you think Taylor and Grace could handle all of ours," Michiru asked Haruka. "They're only eleven."
"They both seem very responsible and three of the others are nine," Haruka replied. "Chasity is the only one who is really young."
"All right so we won't need one," Michiru stated.
"I won't either," Lita added. She looked around. "And I think Serenity, Amy and Setsuna will be all right since they have twelve and thirteen year olds with them. Rini is fifteen so she hasn't needed a sitter for years."
"That's still three families and two sitters," Raye pointed out.
"How about this," Serenity suggested. "Why don't Mina and Asai send Tiffany to us and Rini can watch her and Rayna? Then I can send Chelsea to be with Gloria and Celine. That way Palla can go to Raye's and Ves can go to Hotaru's."
"That sounds good to me," Mina agreed.
"Me too," Raye added and Hotaru nodded in agreement.
"Then it's settled," Endymion stated. "The Royal Limos will be ready at six tonight"
"We'll be there," Lita replied and the meeting adjourned. Everyone began talking. Amy moved over to Mina. "I need to talk to you."
"What is it," Mina asked in concern when she saw the serious look in Amy's eyes.
"I've seen how Tiffany is with Celine," Amy replied. "She is very cruel to her."
"Can you blame her?" Mina asked. "After all look at what her mother did to her."
"That's not the point," Amy told her. "Right now Celine is a child who has no idea what she will become. Maybe the Crystal Senshi and some of the Original Senshi see her as an abusive parent but right now all I see is a little girl who is hurt, confused and bewildered. My heart goes out to her. As the palace physician I have to look out for the physical and mental health of everyone in this palace, these young visitors included. Celine doesn't deserve the treatment she is getting."
Mina felt guilty. She too had been very distant with Celine. Amy immediately saw the guilty look. "You too?" she asked. Mina nodded her head. "Mina, she's your grandchild."
"You didn't have Tiffany staying with you and climbing into your bed many nights because of what Celine did to her," Mina pointed out.
"No but I sat with that child in therapy and heard many things," Amy replied. "Mina right now Celine isn't that monster we heard so much about. She's just a child who if you ask me is the most levelheaded of all the Venus Senshi. She needs you to love her right now, not push her away."
"You're right," Mina sighed. "I'll change my attitude toward her and I'll talk to Tiffany."
"Good," Amy said. "Be sure that you do. I'll be checking in with that." She looked at her watch. "I guess I had better finish wrapping things up in my office so I can go to this function tonight and I have to give Ariel a very stern warning before I leave. She has been behaving very badly since Marina and Melody have arrived."
"At least she's back to her old self again," Mina pointed out.
"True," Amy sighed. "But it's tiring."
"I fully understand," Mina laughed thinking about her own mischievous child.
"Baby-sit!" Marina cried. "Do you know what you're asking me to do?"
"Melody can help you," Amy told her. "She has younger siblings and she is very mature."
"Yes I'll help," Melody echoed.
"I'm not worried about her," Marina muttered as she glanced at Ariel.
"I'll deal with her," Amy promised. She turned a stern eye on her daughter. "Young Lady you are to be on your best behavior tonight. If there are any problems then you will be punished and a spanking is only going to be a part of that. Do you understand?"
"Yes Mommy," Ariel replied.
"I mean it Ariel," Amy told her. "I don't want any problems at all." She glanced over at Luna P who was hovering near Ariel. "I think that should go back to Rini tonight."
"It's mine for one more night," Ariel protested. "Please let me keep it."
"No please take it away," Marina begged.
"You shut up," Ariel snapped angrily.
"Ariel," Amy sternly said and Ariel closed her mouth. "It's going back tonight. I don't trust you with this right now."
"Thank you," Marina heaved a breath of relief. Ariel only glared at her and then pouted. Now what was she going to do tonight?
It was almost time to go and Michiru and Haruka had all six children lined up according to height with Taylor as the tallest and Chasity as the smallest. "All right where are the phone numbers?" Michiru asked.
"On the counter by the phone in the kitchen," all the children recited together.
"Who's in charge?" Haruka asked.
"Taylor and Grace," the four younger children stated.
"Good," Michiru replied. "Now girls I don't want to come back and find these chambers a mess, the snack food all gone and my make-up gotten into. Do you all understand?"
"Yes Michiru-mama," all the children replied. Michiru and Haruka kissed the girls good-bye and then left.
"All right Minna," Taylor called. "Grace and I are in charge so you have to do what we tell you to do."
"Not if you're going to be bossy," Sydney pointed out.
"I'm going to Michiru-mama's dressing table," Chasity called.
"Why?" asked Grace.
"I want to put on her make-up," Chasity replied.
"We're not allowed," Hope immediately interjected.
"I'll wash it off so she'll never know," Chasity stated.
"In that case I'm coming too," Hope followed the little girl into the room.
"I'd better go and keep an eye on them," Grace announced as she followed them.
"She's going to be putting it on too," Taylor informed the others. Faith nodded in agreement.
"Where did Sydney go?" Taylor asked Faith.
"I think she went into her room," Faith replied. They went into the room Sydney was sharing with Chasity. Sydney was getting something out from under the bed. "What are you doing Sydney?" Faith asked.
"Getting out my frog collection," Sydney replied.
"I didn't know you had a frog collection," Taylor exclaimed.
"I didn't," Sydney told them. "I just collected them today."
"Where?" Faith asked. "It's February."
"I know," Sydney replied. "I got some from the pet store and I found some at the creek."
"Michiru-mama isn't going to like this," Taylor pointed out.
"That's why she isn't going to know," Sydney firmly told them. She opened the box. "Uh oh."
"What do you mean 'uh oh'?" Taylor asked.
"They're gone," Sydney replied.
"So I get to spend the night with Rayna?" Tiffany asked in an excited voice as Mina walked her to the queen's chambers.
"Yes," Mina replied, smiling at the little girl's excitement.
"Hurrah!" Tiffany squealed in delight.
"Sweetie, I don't want to put a damper on your excitement but I do need to talk to you about something," Mina stated remembering her conversation with Amy.
"About what," Tiffany asked.
"Celine," Mina replied.
"Why," Tiffany asked with a scowl on her face.
"I know how you feel about her as an adult and I don't blame you," Mina told her. "But right now she is a child who has no clue what type of person she is going to become. Right now she's miserable because of the treatment she is getting from you and the other Crystal Senshi. I think you all need to back off and treat her nicely."
"Never," Tiffany snapped.
"Tiffany I know this is hard for you but you have to give the child a chance," Mina began.
"Why should I?" Tiffany shouted angrily. "She never gave me a chance as my mother so I am not going to give her a chance."
"Tiffany," Mina began kneeling down to her level.
"No I won't be nice to her," Tiffany yelled as tears formed in her eyes. Mina didn't say anymore. She pulled the child into her arms and held her. "We'll talk about this another time," she told her softly.
Just then the door to the queen's chambers opened and Rayna came flying out. "Tiffany," she squealed. "We're going to have so much fun tonight."
"I know," Tiffany replied quickly rubbing the tears off her face. She gave Mina a kiss and then followed Rayna inside. Serenity, Endymion and Rini met Mina at the door. "Are you ready to keep up with those two?" Mina asked the young princess.
"Yes," Rini replied. "Rayna is a bit energetic but she's a good kid and so is Tiffany."
"Well good luck Sweetie," Serenity kissed her daughter good-bye. "Those two are to be in bed by ten tonight. Since they are having a sleepover I'll waive the usual bedtime rules."
"Very well Mom," Rini replied. "Have fun tonight." With that the door to the Royal Chambers closed and the royal couple and Mina headed down toward the palace entrance.
Ariel was bored. Amy had kept her promise to Marina and sent Luna P back to Rini. She also put Ariel's chemistry set away since she and Greg were going to be out tonight. Marina was on the computer doing research for an end of the school year report she had to do.
{Author's Note: The school year in Japan ends around the end of February.}
"Why don't you read Ariel?" Moonbeam suggested.
"I don't want too," Ariel muttered. "I think Mommy was mean to agree with Marina about Luna P."
"She did have a point though," Moonbeam reminded her. "You do get into more trouble with Luna P around."
"Oh don't be such a sourpuss," Ariel grumbled.
"Sourpuss," Moonbeam asked as Ariel's communicator beeped.
"Ariel," Madelyn's voice came on the communicator. "Ves told me you could come over for a while. Would you like too?"
"Yes," Ariel replied. "I'll be right over."
"Ves said to check with Marina first," Madelyn told her.
"I will," Ariel told her. "I'll be there in a minute." She signed off and then turned to Moonbeam. "Let's go. We can have some fun tonight."
"If Marina will let you," Moonbeam pointed out as he followed Ariel into the office.
"I'm going to Madelyn's for a while," Ariel told Marina.
"I don't think so," Marina told her.
"Why not?" Ariel asked angrily.
"Because your parents didn't say anything about you going to someone else's tonight," Marina replied. "I'm responsible for you tonight and I say no."
"Just for a little while," Ariel pleaded.
"No," Marina firmly replied. "Now stop bothering me about it. I've got work to do."
"Marina," Melody came in with her math book. "I'm having trouble with this math problem. Could you help me?"
"Sure, let's take a look," Marina stated as Melody opened her math book. Ariel sulked and left the room with Moonbeam.
"Not fair," Ariel grumbled. "I just want to go over for a little while."
"Well you heard her Ariel," Moonbeam told her. "You have to listen to her and you don't have Luna P to trap them, thank goodness."
"I may not have Luna P but I do have an idea," Ariel exclaimed as she ran into the kitchen.
"Oh no," Moonbeam groaned as he followed her. Ariel opened one of the drawers and pulled out some keys. "Ariel no! You will get into huge trouble."
"This key will lock both of them in the room," Ariel stated, ignoring Moonbeam. "Then I can go to Madelyn's."
"Ariel please don't do this," Moonbeam begged. "Your parents will be furious."
"Don't be a spoilsport," Ariel told him as she headed back to the office. She peeked in and saw Marina busy helping Melody with her math. Ariel quickly closed the door and locked it.
"Hey," Marina exclaimed jumping up and running to the door. "What do you think you're doing?"
"I'm going to Madelyn's," Ariel called back. "See you later."
"Unlock this door you little brat," Marina shouted angrily.
"Come on Moonbeam," Ariel cheerfully told her cat. "Let's go."
"I wonder if Stardust has this much problem with Annika," Moonbeam muttered as he followed his young mistress out the door.
"That little brat," Marina muttered. "She's gone. Now we're stuck in here."
"Great," Melody groaned. "At least I'll get my math done now."
{"And to think Ariel will grow up to spank me,"} Marina thought as she sat down at the computer.
"What do you mean they're gone?" Taylor asked in horror.
"I mean they were in this box and now they're not," Sydney replied.
"Well no wonder," Faith cried. "That box wasn't sealed shut."
"I know," Sydney sighed. "Now I don't have a frog collection."
"That's the least of our worries," Taylor pointed out. "We've got to find these frogs before the others find them. Grace will have a fit if she sees one."
"Or worse Haruka-papa and Michiru-mama," Faith groaned. "We'll get into a heap of trouble if they find out about this."
"Then let's start looking," Taylor demanded and the search began.
Meanwhile Hope, Grace and Chasity were having a great time putting on Michiru's make-up. They didn't even notice the mess they were making.
"How does this lipstick look on me?" Grace asked after she applied some red lipstick.
"Looks good," Hope replied. "I'm going to put on some powder." She reached for the powder. Just as she picked it up a frog jumped in her face. Hope gave a startled squeal and dropped the powder. Within seconds powder was all over the make-up table, carpet and the three girls.
"What's the big idea Hope?" Grace asked in an annoyed voice as she wiped powder off of her face.
"Something jumped up in my face," Hope replied.
"It was that frog," Chasity cried pointing her finger at the small green animal.
"Frog," Grace squealed in terror. The frog croaked and hopped again. Grace gave a scream and jumped on the bed. The frog didn't bother Chasity who had a brother nor did it bother Hope who was used to Faith occasionally bringing reptiles to her. But Grace only had a little sister and she hated frogs.
The door opened and the other three burst in. "What happened?" Taylor asked in alarm.
"There's a frog in here and Grace is scared," Chasity replied.
"Where is it?" asked Sydney.
"Right there," Hope pointed to the creature on the floor. Faith dove forward and caught it, knocking over the make-up table. Everything crashed to the floor. "Good going Faith," Hope called out. "Now we have a mess to clean up."
"That's not all of our problems," Taylor sighed as Sydney took the frog back.
"What do you mean that's not all of our problems," Grace asked.
"There are about five other frogs loose in the chambers," Sydney replied.
"Well we need to find them," Hope demanded. "Before Michiru-mama and Haruka-papa get home."
"Okay let's look all over the place," Taylor ordered. All the girls, except Grace, left the room. Hope poked her head back into the room. "Are you coming Grace?" she asked.
"Not while those disgusting things are loose," Grace replied. "I'm staying right here."
"Fine," Hope sighed. She left and Grace got herself comfortable on the bed keeping a sharp eye out for frogs.
"So did Marina let you come over?" Madelyn asked Ariel while they were playing a game with Hannah and Giselle.
"Not really," Moonbeam replied, answering for his young mistress.
"What do you mean not really," Giselle asked.
"I locked Marina and Melody in the office and then came over," Ariel told them.
"You didn't," Hannah gasped in astonishment. Ariel nodded her head.
"You are going to get into so much trouble if your parents find out," Madelyn pointed out.
"That's what I tried to tell her," Moonbeam sighed. "But she didn't listen."
"I'll let them out before Mommy and Daddy get home," Ariel assured him. "But this was the only way I could have any fun tonight."
"Kid," Giselle put an arm across Ariel's shoulders. "You have definite possibilities."
"Please don't encourage her," Moonbeam groaned as they went on with the game.
Chelsea had gone to baby-sit Gloria and Celine with a feeling of apprehension. Although she knew Celine wouldn't be a problem Gloria was another story. Chelsea didn't want Gloria playing one of her pranks. Fortunately Mina and Asai had threatened Gloria with punishment should she cause any problems so she was well behaved that night. Chelsea noticed how quiet Celine was so when Gloria went to take her bath Chelsea decided to speak to her. "Are you all right Celine?" she asked in concern. "You've been very quiet tonight."
"Gomen," Celine murmured. "I've just been thinking a lot."
"About what?" Chelsea asked.
"Tiffany and those other girls with her treat me like I am one of those enemies we fight," Celine replied. "I try to be nice but they won't try to make friends with me and they are horrible to me. I haven't done anything to them so I don't know what's wrong."
"You're the only one on our team who is having this problem," Chelsea stated. "I don't know why you've been singled out. I've tried talking to Rayna about it but she just tells me to mind my own business."
"I want my mom and dad," Celine sighed. "I could tell them what's wrong."
"I know," Chelsea put an arm around Celine's shoulders. "We're all missing our parents right now. Seeing our moms as kids doesn't help much. Hang in there. You've got our team. We all love you."
"Arigato," Celine replied as she returned the hug.
"Well here's the last frog," Taylor told everyone as she put the frog in the Taylor's box. Chasity ran to get Grace.
"Hurrah!" Sydney cried. "Now our problem is solved."
"But we have a new problem now," Faith sighed.
"What's that?" Sydney asked.
"Oh my!" Grace shrieked when she came into the room. "Just look at the mess in here!"
The girls all looked around and groaned. Things were knocked down and strewn about. The kitchen was even worse with the flour and juice spilled all over the floor. "Did we really do all of this trying to get the frogs?" Hope asked.
"I'm afraid so," Taylor replied.
"What are we going to do?" asked Chasity.
"Well first of all none of you are going to bed until this mess is cleaned up," a stern voice from behind them replied. Everyone turned around and saw Michiru and Haruka standing there with angry looks on their faces.
"Is it that late already?" Hope squeaked nervously. Michiru and Haruka nodded. The girls all groaned as they realized they were in for a very long night.
Ariel wandered down the palace halls. She got chased out of Saturn's quarters at nine because of bedtime. Ariel decided to take advantage of her freedom. So she spent some time in the palace playroom and enjoyed having it to herself for a change. After a while she had gone to the training room and had some private practice without Sailor Venus watching her every move. Now she was heading toward the palace library. Moonbeam was trying to talk her into going back to her chambers. "It's really late now Ariel," he told her. "Please go back to our chambers."
"Are you crazy?" Ariel asked. "I'm having way too much fun."
"Don't say I didn't warn you when you get into trouble," Moonbeam muttered as he followed Ariel into the library. One of the maids was there reading a book.
"Hi Hitomi-san," Ariel greeted her. "Are you reading a book for your class?"
"Why if it isn't the little princess of Mercury," Hitomi exclaimed. "Yes I am reading a book for my class." Hitomi was working as a palace maid to pay her way through college. She was thrilled to be able to work for the queen and live at the palace. The Royal Family and the Senshi were very supportive of her education and allowed her to use the palace library for her studies. Being a night owl Hitomi often stayed up late in the library. Usually no one came to visit late at night so Ariel's sudden appearance surprised her. "It's very late now," she stated. "Shouldn't you be in bed?"
"Yes but I locked Marina and Melody in the office and left," Ariel replied with a giggle. "I've been having fun."
"You are a little rascal aren't you?" Hitomi asked. She adored all of the young princesses but Ariel was by far her favorite. She reminded Hitomi of herself when she was a child.
"I can be," Ariel admitted. "I wonder if Marina and Melody have found a way out."
"Look behind you and find out," Moonbeam told her. Ariel turned around and gasped. There was Amy looking absolutely furious. "Mommy, how did you find me?" Ariel asked.
Amy held up her mini computer. "You do remember that I can use this to find the other Senshi, including you don't you?"
"I guess I forgot," Ariel murmured. Amy took her arm and gave her several swats on her backside. Ariel burst into tears. Amy picked her up and carried her out of the library. Moonbeam shook his head and sighed. "I did warn her." He followed the two. Hitomi shook her head and smiled. That Ariel was a little rascal.
"Michiru-mama can't we wait until morning to finish this," Hope pleaded. She was assigned to cleaning Michiru's make up table.
"No," Michiru replied. "First of all we come home to find all of you up and it's past your bedtime. Second the place is a disaster area and I don't want to wake up to this. Finally you know better than to play with my make up. So no one is going to bed until these chambers are spotless." Hope sighed and kept cleaning.
Meanwhile Haruka was having a long talk with Sydney who was cleaning the kitchen. "This never would have happened if you didn't have those frogs to begin with," she told her. "I can understand your love of bugs and frogs and other creatures but you are not to bring anything else as long as you are staying with us. Is that clear?"
"Yes Haruka-papa," Sydney murmured. In her mind she thought {"I'd let my lizard collection loose in the morning."}
Ariel was sitting on her bed in her pajamas listening to her parents. As soon as she had been brought back to their chambers Ariel had to apologize to Marina and Melody. Now Greg and Amy were doling out her punishment. "For one week you are not to leave these chambers except for school, dinner, and Senshi practice," Greg was saying.
"There will also be no computer, except for homework, no television and no chemistry set," Amy added. "And if you put one more toe out of line while these visitors are with us you will be grounded for an entire month. Is that clear?"
"Yes Mommy," Ariel murmured.
"Ariel," Greg knelt down in front of his daughter. "Locking Marina and Melody in the office isn't only wrong but it is also a safety issue. Suppose something had happened to you while they were locked up and you were out and about by yourself? No one would have known to help you."
"I didn't think of that," Ariel stated.
"Obviously," Amy said. "You've been blessed with a high IQ. Use it for things like this."
"Yes Mommy," Ariel replied.
"Now get to bed. It's way past your bedtime," Amy commanded. Ariel climbed in and let Amy tuck her in. After Greg and Amy kissed her goodnight they left the room.
"I told you that you would get into trouble," Moonbeam pointed out as he hopped up on the bed by Ariel.
"Oh be quiet," Ariel crossly told him. Later when Melody came into the room Ariel pretended to be asleep.
It was two in the morning before the chambers were clean enough to satisfy Michiru and Haruka. The girls were glad to collapse into bed, completely exhausted from their long night. "Well Grace," Taylor stated. "It was our first night of babysitting and what a disaster."
"Tell me about it," Grace groaned. "If all babysitting jobs are like this I don't ever want to do it again."
"But we will," Taylor laughed. "We'll just have to make sure there are no frogs to get loose."
End of part four....
In response to some of the comments made regarding what I am making Haruka and Michiru. I'm sorry if I offend anyone but I have to stand up for what I believe in. Recently my cousins sent out an e-mail rejoicing in the celebration of gay/lesbian marriages being performed in Cambridge, Massachusetts. I had e-mailed back telling them I don't support that decision. If I had said that then continued to make Haruka and Michiru lesbians in my stories then I would be hypocritical. So my decision stays. It doesn't mean that I would disown any family members or friends who became gay/lesbians. I just wouldn't support their way of living. That was a small part of the story anyway. My stories do not focus on their relationship too much. Besides I don't think this is as bad as those who make all the Senshi lesbians or sluts or pair Usagi off with Prince Diamond. Those who have decided to stop reading my stories just because of that one adjustment I made which isn't even a big part of the story then it is their loss. I still love Sailor Moon and am a big fan but not because of Haruka and Michiru's relationship.
Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon. The Chibi, Elysian and Crystal Senshi belong to me.
Young Visitors
Part Four: Babysitting Blues
By
Angel Raye
The Senshi and Knights were all gathered in the conference room. Neo-Queen Serenity and King Endymion had called a sudden meeting. They were all hoping a new enemy wasn't appearing. "Arigatou Minna for coming on such short notice," Serenity announced as she sat down.
"Is everything all right your Majesty," Mina asked in a concerned voice.
"Everything's fine," Serenity assured them. "I just had to announce that our presence is requested at a formal function being held tonight."
"The children too," asked Amy.
"No not the children," Endymion replied.
"We can't ask Palla and Ves to baby-sit all of them," Hotaru protested. "There are twenty-seven children here. That's way too many."
"You forget we have quite a few who are old enough to be babysitters," Lita reminded her. We'll just put Palla and Ves where there aren't any teens or pre-teens."
"In that case I need one since my two oldest are nine," Raye spoke up.
"And I need one since my oldest is also nine," Hotaru added.
"My oldest is ten so I could really use one too," Mina pointed out.
"Do you think Taylor and Grace could handle all of ours," Michiru asked Haruka. "They're only eleven."
"They both seem very responsible and three of the others are nine," Haruka replied. "Chasity is the only one who is really young."
"All right so we won't need one," Michiru stated.
"I won't either," Lita added. She looked around. "And I think Serenity, Amy and Setsuna will be all right since they have twelve and thirteen year olds with them. Rini is fifteen so she hasn't needed a sitter for years."
"That's still three families and two sitters," Raye pointed out.
"How about this," Serenity suggested. "Why don't Mina and Asai send Tiffany to us and Rini can watch her and Rayna? Then I can send Chelsea to be with Gloria and Celine. That way Palla can go to Raye's and Ves can go to Hotaru's."
"That sounds good to me," Mina agreed.
"Me too," Raye added and Hotaru nodded in agreement.
"Then it's settled," Endymion stated. "The Royal Limos will be ready at six tonight"
"We'll be there," Lita replied and the meeting adjourned. Everyone began talking. Amy moved over to Mina. "I need to talk to you."
"What is it," Mina asked in concern when she saw the serious look in Amy's eyes.
"I've seen how Tiffany is with Celine," Amy replied. "She is very cruel to her."
"Can you blame her?" Mina asked. "After all look at what her mother did to her."
"That's not the point," Amy told her. "Right now Celine is a child who has no idea what she will become. Maybe the Crystal Senshi and some of the Original Senshi see her as an abusive parent but right now all I see is a little girl who is hurt, confused and bewildered. My heart goes out to her. As the palace physician I have to look out for the physical and mental health of everyone in this palace, these young visitors included. Celine doesn't deserve the treatment she is getting."
Mina felt guilty. She too had been very distant with Celine. Amy immediately saw the guilty look. "You too?" she asked. Mina nodded her head. "Mina, she's your grandchild."
"You didn't have Tiffany staying with you and climbing into your bed many nights because of what Celine did to her," Mina pointed out.
"No but I sat with that child in therapy and heard many things," Amy replied. "Mina right now Celine isn't that monster we heard so much about. She's just a child who if you ask me is the most levelheaded of all the Venus Senshi. She needs you to love her right now, not push her away."
"You're right," Mina sighed. "I'll change my attitude toward her and I'll talk to Tiffany."
"Good," Amy said. "Be sure that you do. I'll be checking in with that." She looked at her watch. "I guess I had better finish wrapping things up in my office so I can go to this function tonight and I have to give Ariel a very stern warning before I leave. She has been behaving very badly since Marina and Melody have arrived."
"At least she's back to her old self again," Mina pointed out.
"True," Amy sighed. "But it's tiring."
"I fully understand," Mina laughed thinking about her own mischievous child.
"Baby-sit!" Marina cried. "Do you know what you're asking me to do?"
"Melody can help you," Amy told her. "She has younger siblings and she is very mature."
"Yes I'll help," Melody echoed.
"I'm not worried about her," Marina muttered as she glanced at Ariel.
"I'll deal with her," Amy promised. She turned a stern eye on her daughter. "Young Lady you are to be on your best behavior tonight. If there are any problems then you will be punished and a spanking is only going to be a part of that. Do you understand?"
"Yes Mommy," Ariel replied.
"I mean it Ariel," Amy told her. "I don't want any problems at all." She glanced over at Luna P who was hovering near Ariel. "I think that should go back to Rini tonight."
"It's mine for one more night," Ariel protested. "Please let me keep it."
"No please take it away," Marina begged.
"You shut up," Ariel snapped angrily.
"Ariel," Amy sternly said and Ariel closed her mouth. "It's going back tonight. I don't trust you with this right now."
"Thank you," Marina heaved a breath of relief. Ariel only glared at her and then pouted. Now what was she going to do tonight?
It was almost time to go and Michiru and Haruka had all six children lined up according to height with Taylor as the tallest and Chasity as the smallest. "All right where are the phone numbers?" Michiru asked.
"On the counter by the phone in the kitchen," all the children recited together.
"Who's in charge?" Haruka asked.
"Taylor and Grace," the four younger children stated.
"Good," Michiru replied. "Now girls I don't want to come back and find these chambers a mess, the snack food all gone and my make-up gotten into. Do you all understand?"
"Yes Michiru-mama," all the children replied. Michiru and Haruka kissed the girls good-bye and then left.
"All right Minna," Taylor called. "Grace and I are in charge so you have to do what we tell you to do."
"Not if you're going to be bossy," Sydney pointed out.
"I'm going to Michiru-mama's dressing table," Chasity called.
"Why?" asked Grace.
"I want to put on her make-up," Chasity replied.
"We're not allowed," Hope immediately interjected.
"I'll wash it off so she'll never know," Chasity stated.
"In that case I'm coming too," Hope followed the little girl into the room.
"I'd better go and keep an eye on them," Grace announced as she followed them.
"She's going to be putting it on too," Taylor informed the others. Faith nodded in agreement.
"Where did Sydney go?" Taylor asked Faith.
"I think she went into her room," Faith replied. They went into the room Sydney was sharing with Chasity. Sydney was getting something out from under the bed. "What are you doing Sydney?" Faith asked.
"Getting out my frog collection," Sydney replied.
"I didn't know you had a frog collection," Taylor exclaimed.
"I didn't," Sydney told them. "I just collected them today."
"Where?" Faith asked. "It's February."
"I know," Sydney replied. "I got some from the pet store and I found some at the creek."
"Michiru-mama isn't going to like this," Taylor pointed out.
"That's why she isn't going to know," Sydney firmly told them. She opened the box. "Uh oh."
"What do you mean 'uh oh'?" Taylor asked.
"They're gone," Sydney replied.
"So I get to spend the night with Rayna?" Tiffany asked in an excited voice as Mina walked her to the queen's chambers.
"Yes," Mina replied, smiling at the little girl's excitement.
"Hurrah!" Tiffany squealed in delight.
"Sweetie, I don't want to put a damper on your excitement but I do need to talk to you about something," Mina stated remembering her conversation with Amy.
"About what," Tiffany asked.
"Celine," Mina replied.
"Why," Tiffany asked with a scowl on her face.
"I know how you feel about her as an adult and I don't blame you," Mina told her. "But right now she is a child who has no clue what type of person she is going to become. Right now she's miserable because of the treatment she is getting from you and the other Crystal Senshi. I think you all need to back off and treat her nicely."
"Never," Tiffany snapped.
"Tiffany I know this is hard for you but you have to give the child a chance," Mina began.
"Why should I?" Tiffany shouted angrily. "She never gave me a chance as my mother so I am not going to give her a chance."
"Tiffany," Mina began kneeling down to her level.
"No I won't be nice to her," Tiffany yelled as tears formed in her eyes. Mina didn't say anymore. She pulled the child into her arms and held her. "We'll talk about this another time," she told her softly.
Just then the door to the queen's chambers opened and Rayna came flying out. "Tiffany," she squealed. "We're going to have so much fun tonight."
"I know," Tiffany replied quickly rubbing the tears off her face. She gave Mina a kiss and then followed Rayna inside. Serenity, Endymion and Rini met Mina at the door. "Are you ready to keep up with those two?" Mina asked the young princess.
"Yes," Rini replied. "Rayna is a bit energetic but she's a good kid and so is Tiffany."
"Well good luck Sweetie," Serenity kissed her daughter good-bye. "Those two are to be in bed by ten tonight. Since they are having a sleepover I'll waive the usual bedtime rules."
"Very well Mom," Rini replied. "Have fun tonight." With that the door to the Royal Chambers closed and the royal couple and Mina headed down toward the palace entrance.
Ariel was bored. Amy had kept her promise to Marina and sent Luna P back to Rini. She also put Ariel's chemistry set away since she and Greg were going to be out tonight. Marina was on the computer doing research for an end of the school year report she had to do.
{Author's Note: The school year in Japan ends around the end of February.}
"Why don't you read Ariel?" Moonbeam suggested.
"I don't want too," Ariel muttered. "I think Mommy was mean to agree with Marina about Luna P."
"She did have a point though," Moonbeam reminded her. "You do get into more trouble with Luna P around."
"Oh don't be such a sourpuss," Ariel grumbled.
"Sourpuss," Moonbeam asked as Ariel's communicator beeped.
"Ariel," Madelyn's voice came on the communicator. "Ves told me you could come over for a while. Would you like too?"
"Yes," Ariel replied. "I'll be right over."
"Ves said to check with Marina first," Madelyn told her.
"I will," Ariel told her. "I'll be there in a minute." She signed off and then turned to Moonbeam. "Let's go. We can have some fun tonight."
"If Marina will let you," Moonbeam pointed out as he followed Ariel into the office.
"I'm going to Madelyn's for a while," Ariel told Marina.
"I don't think so," Marina told her.
"Why not?" Ariel asked angrily.
"Because your parents didn't say anything about you going to someone else's tonight," Marina replied. "I'm responsible for you tonight and I say no."
"Just for a little while," Ariel pleaded.
"No," Marina firmly replied. "Now stop bothering me about it. I've got work to do."
"Marina," Melody came in with her math book. "I'm having trouble with this math problem. Could you help me?"
"Sure, let's take a look," Marina stated as Melody opened her math book. Ariel sulked and left the room with Moonbeam.
"Not fair," Ariel grumbled. "I just want to go over for a little while."
"Well you heard her Ariel," Moonbeam told her. "You have to listen to her and you don't have Luna P to trap them, thank goodness."
"I may not have Luna P but I do have an idea," Ariel exclaimed as she ran into the kitchen.
"Oh no," Moonbeam groaned as he followed her. Ariel opened one of the drawers and pulled out some keys. "Ariel no! You will get into huge trouble."
"This key will lock both of them in the room," Ariel stated, ignoring Moonbeam. "Then I can go to Madelyn's."
"Ariel please don't do this," Moonbeam begged. "Your parents will be furious."
"Don't be a spoilsport," Ariel told him as she headed back to the office. She peeked in and saw Marina busy helping Melody with her math. Ariel quickly closed the door and locked it.
"Hey," Marina exclaimed jumping up and running to the door. "What do you think you're doing?"
"I'm going to Madelyn's," Ariel called back. "See you later."
"Unlock this door you little brat," Marina shouted angrily.
"Come on Moonbeam," Ariel cheerfully told her cat. "Let's go."
"I wonder if Stardust has this much problem with Annika," Moonbeam muttered as he followed his young mistress out the door.
"That little brat," Marina muttered. "She's gone. Now we're stuck in here."
"Great," Melody groaned. "At least I'll get my math done now."
{"And to think Ariel will grow up to spank me,"} Marina thought as she sat down at the computer.
"What do you mean they're gone?" Taylor asked in horror.
"I mean they were in this box and now they're not," Sydney replied.
"Well no wonder," Faith cried. "That box wasn't sealed shut."
"I know," Sydney sighed. "Now I don't have a frog collection."
"That's the least of our worries," Taylor pointed out. "We've got to find these frogs before the others find them. Grace will have a fit if she sees one."
"Or worse Haruka-papa and Michiru-mama," Faith groaned. "We'll get into a heap of trouble if they find out about this."
"Then let's start looking," Taylor demanded and the search began.
Meanwhile Hope, Grace and Chasity were having a great time putting on Michiru's make-up. They didn't even notice the mess they were making.
"How does this lipstick look on me?" Grace asked after she applied some red lipstick.
"Looks good," Hope replied. "I'm going to put on some powder." She reached for the powder. Just as she picked it up a frog jumped in her face. Hope gave a startled squeal and dropped the powder. Within seconds powder was all over the make-up table, carpet and the three girls.
"What's the big idea Hope?" Grace asked in an annoyed voice as she wiped powder off of her face.
"Something jumped up in my face," Hope replied.
"It was that frog," Chasity cried pointing her finger at the small green animal.
"Frog," Grace squealed in terror. The frog croaked and hopped again. Grace gave a scream and jumped on the bed. The frog didn't bother Chasity who had a brother nor did it bother Hope who was used to Faith occasionally bringing reptiles to her. But Grace only had a little sister and she hated frogs.
The door opened and the other three burst in. "What happened?" Taylor asked in alarm.
"There's a frog in here and Grace is scared," Chasity replied.
"Where is it?" asked Sydney.
"Right there," Hope pointed to the creature on the floor. Faith dove forward and caught it, knocking over the make-up table. Everything crashed to the floor. "Good going Faith," Hope called out. "Now we have a mess to clean up."
"That's not all of our problems," Taylor sighed as Sydney took the frog back.
"What do you mean that's not all of our problems," Grace asked.
"There are about five other frogs loose in the chambers," Sydney replied.
"Well we need to find them," Hope demanded. "Before Michiru-mama and Haruka-papa get home."
"Okay let's look all over the place," Taylor ordered. All the girls, except Grace, left the room. Hope poked her head back into the room. "Are you coming Grace?" she asked.
"Not while those disgusting things are loose," Grace replied. "I'm staying right here."
"Fine," Hope sighed. She left and Grace got herself comfortable on the bed keeping a sharp eye out for frogs.
"So did Marina let you come over?" Madelyn asked Ariel while they were playing a game with Hannah and Giselle.
"Not really," Moonbeam replied, answering for his young mistress.
"What do you mean not really," Giselle asked.
"I locked Marina and Melody in the office and then came over," Ariel told them.
"You didn't," Hannah gasped in astonishment. Ariel nodded her head.
"You are going to get into so much trouble if your parents find out," Madelyn pointed out.
"That's what I tried to tell her," Moonbeam sighed. "But she didn't listen."
"I'll let them out before Mommy and Daddy get home," Ariel assured him. "But this was the only way I could have any fun tonight."
"Kid," Giselle put an arm across Ariel's shoulders. "You have definite possibilities."
"Please don't encourage her," Moonbeam groaned as they went on with the game.
Chelsea had gone to baby-sit Gloria and Celine with a feeling of apprehension. Although she knew Celine wouldn't be a problem Gloria was another story. Chelsea didn't want Gloria playing one of her pranks. Fortunately Mina and Asai had threatened Gloria with punishment should she cause any problems so she was well behaved that night. Chelsea noticed how quiet Celine was so when Gloria went to take her bath Chelsea decided to speak to her. "Are you all right Celine?" she asked in concern. "You've been very quiet tonight."
"Gomen," Celine murmured. "I've just been thinking a lot."
"About what?" Chelsea asked.
"Tiffany and those other girls with her treat me like I am one of those enemies we fight," Celine replied. "I try to be nice but they won't try to make friends with me and they are horrible to me. I haven't done anything to them so I don't know what's wrong."
"You're the only one on our team who is having this problem," Chelsea stated. "I don't know why you've been singled out. I've tried talking to Rayna about it but she just tells me to mind my own business."
"I want my mom and dad," Celine sighed. "I could tell them what's wrong."
"I know," Chelsea put an arm around Celine's shoulders. "We're all missing our parents right now. Seeing our moms as kids doesn't help much. Hang in there. You've got our team. We all love you."
"Arigato," Celine replied as she returned the hug.
"Well here's the last frog," Taylor told everyone as she put the frog in the Taylor's box. Chasity ran to get Grace.
"Hurrah!" Sydney cried. "Now our problem is solved."
"But we have a new problem now," Faith sighed.
"What's that?" Sydney asked.
"Oh my!" Grace shrieked when she came into the room. "Just look at the mess in here!"
The girls all looked around and groaned. Things were knocked down and strewn about. The kitchen was even worse with the flour and juice spilled all over the floor. "Did we really do all of this trying to get the frogs?" Hope asked.
"I'm afraid so," Taylor replied.
"What are we going to do?" asked Chasity.
"Well first of all none of you are going to bed until this mess is cleaned up," a stern voice from behind them replied. Everyone turned around and saw Michiru and Haruka standing there with angry looks on their faces.
"Is it that late already?" Hope squeaked nervously. Michiru and Haruka nodded. The girls all groaned as they realized they were in for a very long night.
Ariel wandered down the palace halls. She got chased out of Saturn's quarters at nine because of bedtime. Ariel decided to take advantage of her freedom. So she spent some time in the palace playroom and enjoyed having it to herself for a change. After a while she had gone to the training room and had some private practice without Sailor Venus watching her every move. Now she was heading toward the palace library. Moonbeam was trying to talk her into going back to her chambers. "It's really late now Ariel," he told her. "Please go back to our chambers."
"Are you crazy?" Ariel asked. "I'm having way too much fun."
"Don't say I didn't warn you when you get into trouble," Moonbeam muttered as he followed Ariel into the library. One of the maids was there reading a book.
"Hi Hitomi-san," Ariel greeted her. "Are you reading a book for your class?"
"Why if it isn't the little princess of Mercury," Hitomi exclaimed. "Yes I am reading a book for my class." Hitomi was working as a palace maid to pay her way through college. She was thrilled to be able to work for the queen and live at the palace. The Royal Family and the Senshi were very supportive of her education and allowed her to use the palace library for her studies. Being a night owl Hitomi often stayed up late in the library. Usually no one came to visit late at night so Ariel's sudden appearance surprised her. "It's very late now," she stated. "Shouldn't you be in bed?"
"Yes but I locked Marina and Melody in the office and left," Ariel replied with a giggle. "I've been having fun."
"You are a little rascal aren't you?" Hitomi asked. She adored all of the young princesses but Ariel was by far her favorite. She reminded Hitomi of herself when she was a child.
"I can be," Ariel admitted. "I wonder if Marina and Melody have found a way out."
"Look behind you and find out," Moonbeam told her. Ariel turned around and gasped. There was Amy looking absolutely furious. "Mommy, how did you find me?" Ariel asked.
Amy held up her mini computer. "You do remember that I can use this to find the other Senshi, including you don't you?"
"I guess I forgot," Ariel murmured. Amy took her arm and gave her several swats on her backside. Ariel burst into tears. Amy picked her up and carried her out of the library. Moonbeam shook his head and sighed. "I did warn her." He followed the two. Hitomi shook her head and smiled. That Ariel was a little rascal.
"Michiru-mama can't we wait until morning to finish this," Hope pleaded. She was assigned to cleaning Michiru's make up table.
"No," Michiru replied. "First of all we come home to find all of you up and it's past your bedtime. Second the place is a disaster area and I don't want to wake up to this. Finally you know better than to play with my make up. So no one is going to bed until these chambers are spotless." Hope sighed and kept cleaning.
Meanwhile Haruka was having a long talk with Sydney who was cleaning the kitchen. "This never would have happened if you didn't have those frogs to begin with," she told her. "I can understand your love of bugs and frogs and other creatures but you are not to bring anything else as long as you are staying with us. Is that clear?"
"Yes Haruka-papa," Sydney murmured. In her mind she thought {"I'd let my lizard collection loose in the morning."}
Ariel was sitting on her bed in her pajamas listening to her parents. As soon as she had been brought back to their chambers Ariel had to apologize to Marina and Melody. Now Greg and Amy were doling out her punishment. "For one week you are not to leave these chambers except for school, dinner, and Senshi practice," Greg was saying.
"There will also be no computer, except for homework, no television and no chemistry set," Amy added. "And if you put one more toe out of line while these visitors are with us you will be grounded for an entire month. Is that clear?"
"Yes Mommy," Ariel murmured.
"Ariel," Greg knelt down in front of his daughter. "Locking Marina and Melody in the office isn't only wrong but it is also a safety issue. Suppose something had happened to you while they were locked up and you were out and about by yourself? No one would have known to help you."
"I didn't think of that," Ariel stated.
"Obviously," Amy said. "You've been blessed with a high IQ. Use it for things like this."
"Yes Mommy," Ariel replied.
"Now get to bed. It's way past your bedtime," Amy commanded. Ariel climbed in and let Amy tuck her in. After Greg and Amy kissed her goodnight they left the room.
"I told you that you would get into trouble," Moonbeam pointed out as he hopped up on the bed by Ariel.
"Oh be quiet," Ariel crossly told him. Later when Melody came into the room Ariel pretended to be asleep.
It was two in the morning before the chambers were clean enough to satisfy Michiru and Haruka. The girls were glad to collapse into bed, completely exhausted from their long night. "Well Grace," Taylor stated. "It was our first night of babysitting and what a disaster."
"Tell me about it," Grace groaned. "If all babysitting jobs are like this I don't ever want to do it again."
"But we will," Taylor laughed. "We'll just have to make sure there are no frogs to get loose."
End of part four....