Disclaimer: "I don't own Sailor Moon or the Chibi Scouts. I wish I did.
Then I'd have all kinds of money. Sorry! I forgot to mention in all the
other disclaimers that aside from Rini, Angel Raye is the sole owner of the
Chibi Scouts. Finally got around cranking out another chapter. There'll
be at least three more, possibly four but I'm not sure yet. Hope you enjoy
this part!" -- Quoth the Ravyn
Big Trouble, Little Brother -- By Ravyn Knyght
Madelyn -- A Precious Gift
As Hotaru and Anthony waited for their daughter to come back, they talked with their future son. "So do you have any plans for yourself, like what type of career you'd be interested in?" Hotaru wondered, I'll bet it's sports related. she thought to herself, she knew Anthony would be thinking the same thing. "Before I came back I completed the entrance exam for veterinary school. I guess it had something to do with all those hurt animals I was always bringing home." Alex said thinking of how mad his mother was every time he came home with a sick cat or bird with a broken wing. "That's something that we could use around here with the Royal cats." Anthony mentioned. Elsewhere, Snibbit woke up from his afternoon sun nap on the window sill in Madelyn's room. Hearing activity in the living room, Snibbit decided to investigate. Snibbit bounded into the room and onto Alex's lap. "Snibbit!" it happily chirped demanding the stranger pay attention to him. "Hey, cool! It's Snibbit!" Alex exclaimed as he cupped the small animal in his hands. "So he's still around in the future?" Anthony asked. "Yeah but he doesn't get around much like he used too with old age setting in." Alex said petting the little creature.
"That's one." Chandelle warned as she reviewed the battle with Chibi Jupiter. Aroura said nothing as she stood in silent rage over her defeat. "I expected better from you." Chandelle huffed as she erased the failed battle from her mind then turned to her crystal to check on the progress of her still training general. she thought as she could sense that her general's training was almost complete. Until now Aroura had never seen her replacement and the murderer of her sister. She tried to get closer to see who it was. Chandelle instantly clouded the image. "Try that again and you will see my new general sooner than you think. They will also be the last thing you see. Is that understood?" Chadelle shouted as she knocked Aroura back with a powerful blast of energy. "Select your next target and you'd better pray for better results! I've lost far too many youma both here and in the future. Now get out of my sight! And don't return until you have the head of a Sailor or Chibi Scout with you!" Chandelle yelled as a shaken Aroura disappeared.
During dinner Madelyn was unusually quiet, still not sure of what to make of her future brother. As she sat there eyeing him, Snibbit used the distraction to help himself to Madelyn's dinner. "Snibbit!" Hotaru scolded as Snibbit bounded away with a bulging mouthful of Madelyn's brussel sprouts. "Madelyn, how many times have I told you not to let Snibbit do that!" Hotaru sighed. "Sorry mama." Madelyn shyly said with a yawn. "Maybe you should go back to bed now. You're still worn out." Anthony pointed out. Madelyn sleepily nodded and slid out of her chair and headed for her bedroom with a satisfied Snibbit trailing her. "She over exerted herself again." Hotaru sighed knowing what her daughter was feeling like. "She won't be so worn out once her training is completed." Alex assured her. "That's something I've wanted to talk to you about. Is it necessary for her to undergo this type of training?" Hotaru asked thinking the new training would do more harm than good to Madelyn's health. "Don't worry. I won't push her that hard, or you for that matter. You'll see when the training starts." Alex said."I hope you're right, Alex." Hotaru said as she started clearing the dishes. Alex immediately got up and helped her. "That doesn't sound right." Alex said as he took up all the plates and carried them into the kitchen for his mother. "What?" Hotaru questioned. "You've never called me that before. In the future you always used my full name, Alexander." Alex pointed out. "Alexander. I like that. Very well, from now on I'll use Alexander." Hotaru corrected herself.
After Serenity wished them luck, Alex lead his mother and sister into the training room to start they're training. Alex knew that he'd have to go slowly in order to build up his mother's and sister's tolerance to the gravity system. "Let's see...Computer, Tomoe configuration alpha." Alex instructed, as the computer activated the artificial gavity. Saturn and Chibi Saturn felt a slight tugging sensation. "If this is 2X gravity then this will be a breeze!" Chibi Saturn stated. "This is far from 2X, this is 1.1X. The setting will automatically increase by 0.1X every ten minutes so let's get to it." Alex told them as he started their training. As each interval passed the two Saturn Scouts noticed the same tugging feeling but were able to manage. Once the training was completed for the day, the family headed back to their quarters to relax a little before dinner. They were joined by the Mercury family. Maybe it was the doctor in Amy that made her pick up on Alex's behavior. She kept it in the back of her mind for now though.
"Which hand?" Alex asked his sister and Ariel as they tried to guess which hand Snibbit was hiding under. "The left one?" Madelyn said unsure. "I think so." Ariel said studying closely. "Nope." Alex said as he lifted his right hand to reveal Snibbit's hiding place. As the two covered their eyes so they could play another round, Alex noticed Hotaru had not come back from the kitchen yet. "I'll be back in a sec." Alex promised the two girls. The entire time, Amy was observing him.
While Alex was gone the two girls ran off to Madelyn's bedroom and talked. "Is Alex going to teach you anything cool?" Ariel asked. I don't know, he might.." Madelyn thought aloud. "My brother won't! Just wait until he's born!" Ariel threatened. "You still want to have more powerful attacks, don't you?" Madelyn asked and Ariel nodded. "So how will you get him to teach you?" Madelyn asked knowing full well Ariel's mind would be working overtime on this one. "I've already come up with an idea....this is what we'll do." Ariel said leaning in to explain her plan. "We?" Madelyn questioned, Madelyn thought. "Snibbit! Snibbit!" shouted Snibbit, unhappy he was not being the center of his owners attention.
"Need help?" Alex asked as he came into the kitchen to see what was taking his mother so long. "No, but thank you for the offer." Hotaru said as she put the last of the dishes into the dishwasher. Just then, Alex's cell phone rang. "Hey, yo! Where you at?" Alex asked while Hotaru went about her kitchen duties. "Just around." Colt replied. "Everyone's been wondering were you went to? You alright?" Alex tried to find out about his friend's whereabouts. "I'm fine. Just needed to get out before I put that ass clown Brad through a wall." Colt stated. "Don't worry. I'll be back tomorrow to train Miss Waterworks." Colt assured. "Yeah, about that..," Alex started, "Brad's going to train her for a while." Alex informed. "That's what he thinks!" Colt said in a half-laugh. "Catch ya later!" Colt said and hung up. "What's that for?" Hotaru asked, questioning Alex's curious look. "I think tomorrow will be interesting." Alex commented.
"If he's not at the old shrine in Yamashita forest then try poking around town at that martial arts tournament. He loves to make fun of the fighters at those things." Alex mentioned, trying to figure out were Colt might have gone to for Chad. "Thanks. I'll try those places." Chad mentioned as he left the Saturn quarters. Alex thought for a few moments, then grabbed his jacket. "Going somewhere?" Anthony asked as Ales was about to leave. "I was just going to help look for Colt. That's all." he explained. "No need. I saw him from the window. He's on his way in now." Anthony informed. "~Good morning!~" Hotaru sang coming into the living room and gave her husband a kiss. "Uh-oh." Anthony said realizing that Hotaru had plans for him. "You promised you'd help with the house cleaning!" she giggled and tweaked his nose as a look of rememberance came onto his face. "I'll help." Alex instantly offered. "That's alright. Besides Madelyn wanted to go to the park with Ariel and Snow before their training this afternoon." Hotaru stated. A defeated look came to Anthony's face as he realized he was now stuck. "Have fun." Anthony sighed as Hotaru pulled out an enormous roll of paper and unfurled it and rhymed off the massive list.
During the next few days Madelyn's training went well. Everything was going well except for Colt's disappearace. "I've already told you that I don't know where he is. Besides, do 'you' really want to find him?" Alex stated knowing Colt wouldn't hold back if Brad started on him right now. Alex was pressuring Brad to lay off of Colt for the next while. "Too damn bad about him that he's not the whole show around here! He has to learn that no one is above anyone else around here." Brad stated. "Does that logic apply to you as well?" Alex returned, Brad glared at him for a few moments. He was about to answer when Mina lead him away. "Idiot!" Alex muttered as he walked away. Alex decided to ignore Brad for now even though be did feel bad for Annika. He joined his mother outside as they watched both Madelyn and Ariel demonstrate their new passtime. "Oh my!" Hotaru exclaimed seeing how high the girls were. Upon Amy's insistance that the boys do something, Snow went up after them. Alex rushed to catch his mother as she fiented when Snow jumped from the tree.
After enjoying the entertaining and all too familiar scene of Amy dragging Snow off by his ear, he headed off to to Saturn quarters carrying his mother with a remorseful Madelyn tagging behind. "I didn't mean to scare her!" Madelyn sadly said as they made their way back. "Don't worry. It's not your fault. Mom does this a lot in my time." Alex explained as he remembered some of the things he did to warrant his mother fienting. "She'll be fine." he assured. About half an hour later, Hotaru had recovered fully and was promptly dealing with her children. "No more climbing trees young lady. And as for you.." Hotaru said, shaking a finger, "I don't want you encouraging Madelyn like that anymore. She could have been hurt!" she warned her future son. I'm sorry." he apologized. Right about now Snow was saying the same thing to his mother, but little did the two men know that they would become the victim of Ariel's cunning mind.
Ariel kept thinking of when Snow jumped from that tree all through reccess. she wondered, trying to understand how Snow slowed his fall. "What are you thinking?" Madelyn asked, seeing Ariel deep in thought. "Remember when Snow jumped from the tree with us?" Ariel asked. "Yes. Mama was so scared she fiented." Madelyn sighed. "We should be in the hospital right now but we're not." Ariel pointed out. "So?" Madelyn said. "It was like he was floating." Ariel concluded. "I guess." Madelyn said trying to follow Ariel's train of thought. "Uh-oh." Madelyn murmured as she recognized the look in Ariel's eyes. The look Ariel always got whenever she was about to get into trouble. Just then the bell rang and the girls headed back to class. Madelyn wondered was Ariel was planning, only knowing she would be involved in it some way.
"And no tree climbing!" Hotaru and Amy warned their children. "Yes mommy." Ariel murmured, "Yes mama." Madelyn sighed. Amy and Hotaru fixed cold glares on their sons. "Make sure they don't." the two growled as sweatdrops appeared on both Snow and Alex's heads. Soon the pair were off to the park while Amy and Hotaru busied themselves with updating the medical records, while Greg and Anthony were training new guards. When they arrived at the park, Ariel decided now was a good a time as any to trick Snow into teaching her a few new abilities. "Snow?" Ariel started, Madelyn groaned when she heard her friends tone. "Yeah?" Snow answered back. "Why didn't you get hurt when you jumped out of that tree? How come we fell so slowly?" she asked. "You can't tell them that!" Alex whispered to Snow. "What harm could it do?" he whispered back. "It was just a matter of energy manipulation." Snow started. Alex shook his head he thought as they all ast down under the shade of a park tree as Snow explained the process in detail. After a long lecture and a few demonstrations Ariel and Madelyn were now practising their new technique. I Ariel exclaimed to herself as she was having fun. "But don't tell anyone we told you this." Snow warned. "We?" Alex stated, washing his hands of this ordeal. "This will come back on us. You know that right?" Alex said in a sigh. "Relax! What trouble can it cause?" Snow retorted as they headed home with there sisters.
After the attacks started again, the girls were on alert as they were walking to and from school. They walked by a television network building. "I wonder what they do in there?" Ariel pondered out loud as she looked upwards at the massive building. "Television stuff I guess." Madelyn replied. "Come on you two!" Maggie said to the two boys who stopped to admire some older high school girls. Seeing no one was paying attention Ariel whispered to Madelyn, "Let's take a look inside. It'll be fun!". "We're just kids! They won't let us in there!" Madelyn pointed out. "We don't have to go inside." Ariel stated nodding her head upwards.
"Where are they?!?" Maggie frantically cried at they searched for the two girls. Rini, Shin and Kota came along. As the trio walked home they noticed a frantic Maggie and Daisy searching the area. "What's wrong?" Rini asked. "Madelyn and Ariel just disappeared! They were trailing behind us and when I turned to tell them to hurry they were gone!" she explained. "Did they duck into one of the stores here?" Rini questioned, "The others are checking now. Where did they get off to? You don't think one of Chandelle's people got them, do you?" Daisy wondered, growing worried. Shin sensed something and looked up. Snickering, he jabbed Kota in the ribs and nodded upwards. Kota let a snort of laughter go but Shin shushed him. "Two of the Chibi Scouts just disappear and you two stand here laughing about it? Help look for them!" Rini barked. "Oh you know kids Rini, they're always 'up' to something." Shin snickered, "If they knew you were all this worried, I'm sure they'd 'drop' what they were doing and come back." Kota said as Ariel and Madelyn mysteriously reappeared behind Rini, Daisy and Maggie. "Can we go home now?" Madelyn stated, causing the three girls to jump out of their skin. "Where were you two?" Rini scolded. "We were just floating around." Ariel said, looking innocent. Rini knew that look. she wondered as she told Daisy and Maggie to get the others so they could head home.
"That was fun!" Ariel exclaimed to Madelyn. "Do you think we'll get into trouble?" Madelyn wondered as they got back. That night, after all the families ate in the main dining room, they moved into the family room. "Why don't we watch television?" Amy offered, sitting Ariel on her lap. "Yes. Let's!" Hotaru added while plunking Madelyn on her lap. "A great idea!" Brad grunted as Asai helped him into the room. He sat down between Alex and Snow. "You shouldn't be up, man." Snow said seeing how much pain Brad was in. After all the parents and childeren were settled around the television. Serenity turned to a news channel. "Boring!" Gloria called out as the reporter droned on. Then the topic changed as a close up video clip of Ariel and Madelyn waving and giggling was shown next to the reporter. "It's our little girls!" Amy exclaimed when seeing the footage. "Well this is a surprise!" Hotaru stated, Ariel and Madelyn's stomaches began to knot as they gave nervous laughs. Just then the video clip panned out to reveal the two girls floating outside the television studio window. "Cool!" Faith exclaimed as the other families stared in shock at the television. "Uh-oh." Ariel whispered. The two girls looked to their mothers to see the dark look they were getting. Amy and Hotaru tightened their grip, preventing their daughters from escaping. "Snow!" Amy snarled, "Alexander!" Hotaru growled. "They're mine!" Brad barked as he grabbed the two men by their shirt collars and dragged them out of the room. "Let's go!" the two women said in unison to their worried daughters.
Brad was ordered to stay in bed after over exerting himself with Snow and Alex. Ariel was on the receiving end of a spanking and a one month grounding. Madelyn got a long lecture and a one month grounding as well. After being torn into by Brad, Snow and Alex then had to face their irrate parents. Amy thouroughly blasted Snow. Alex stood in front of both of his parents as they decided what to do with him. Hotaru was livid with her son's actions. Finally finding her words, Hotaru stormed up to her son. "What were you thinking?!?" she yelled in a tone that made Alex wince. "Do you realize how high those two were!!?" Hotaru screamed. "What if they lost control and fell? They'd both be dead now!" Hotaru raged. Anthony had never seen his wife this angry. While Hotaru exploded on her son, Madelyn listened through her bedroom door with tears in her eyes. "It's all my fault." she cried as Snibbit tried to comfort her.
Setsuna informed everyone at dinner in the main dining room that she removed Ariel and Madelyn's stunt from everyone else's memories and destroyed all the evidence. Both Amy and Hotaru were relieved. As part of their punishment, Snow and Alex had to make sure Ariel and Madelyn never used their levitation skill again. Also the two boys were grounded with their sisters. "I'm sorry you got into so much trouble." Madelyn sadly apologized to Alex as he helped her work on a puzzle. He smiled at her as he took a puzzle piece from Snibbit. "Snibbit!" the little creature called as he dove back into the puzzle box for another piece. "It's not your fault entirely. I should have stopped Snow. Besides, I've seen mom madder than this." he stated. "Really?" Madelyn gasped. "Uh-uh. She almost used her rebirth attack on me." he said to his sister's shock. "You're teasing!" she shot back, "Mama would never do that!". Alex laughed, "Yes I'm teasing but she has been madder than this so don't sweat it." he assured as he tussled her hair.
After a few minutes, Madelyn asked her brother a prying question. "Did I ever have to use my rebirth attack in the future?". "No you haven't." Alex answered. "Did mama?" she asked. "Nope." Alex told her. Madelyn gave a sigh of relief. "Does it scare you that you or mom might have to someday?" Alex asked, Madelyn nodded. Snibbit popped up with another piece for Madelyn and she went to work finding out where it went. "That shouldn't bother you." Alex commented. "Mama always tells me that but I can't help it." she sighed. "Try looking at it this way. You can give mom something else none of the other Chibi Scouts can give their mothers." he mentioned. "What's that?" Madelyn wondered. "If you use your rebirth attack, you'll be reborn and mom can raise you all over again. None of the other kids can do that. Don't you think Aunt Raye would love to have Annika as a little baby again?" he pointed out. "But she'll still be sad and what if mama has to use hers? Then I won't have a mama." the little girl sadly murmured. "You will always have someone to love you and take care of you no matter what." Alex remined his sister of her large palace family.
"You failed me." Chandelle hissed as she sent a bolt of dark energy out, striking Aroura. Aroura screamed in pain as began to black out. As she came to, still dazed, she saw someone leaving Chandelle's throne room. "Who was that?" she asked. "That was your replacement. Soon he'll be ready and I'll have no need of failures like you!" Chandelle haughtily stated. "My sister's killer!" she murmured. "Your next target better be a success or you will sign your own death warrant!" Chandelle warned. "Sister, I will avenge you." Aroura said as she choose Chibi Saturn as her next target.
Madelyn was slowly trudging along home from school. She was upset that she couldn't go to Kara's birthday party. "I wont miss much..." she sighed, "...except just a lot of fun." she muttered. "I'm sorry." Ariel apologized. "That's alright." Madelyn said as the girls continued on their way home. "Come on, mom!" Snow pleaded, "If Aunt Setsuna wiped it out of everyone's mind then there's no need to ground her! By all means take it out on me. I shouldn't have taught her that trick." he tried to get his sister off the hook. "She needs to learn that what she did was dangerous and was wrong." Amy refused to budge. Alex watched his friend fail. Now it was Alex's turn to help his sister, and he knew who to get.
"It's so nice to meet you finally Colt." Hotaru said. He finally came back and was colder than usual to his family now but his icy demeanor melted when he spoke to Hotaru. Alex brought Colt over to help him argue on Madelyn's behalf. "Mom..about Madelyn's punishment..." Alex started. "Now Alexander this matter is closed. Madelyn did something dangerous and has to learn not to do that anymore." she flatly stated. "So she can't fight as Chibi Saturn anymore?" Colt questioned. "That's different." Hotaru stated. "No it isn't. She's in just as much danger when fighting." Colt pointed out. Alex smiled as Colt went to work. "Yes but..." Hotaru started, "Levitation gives her a powerful advantage in a fight. It would be in her best interest to continue practicing the technique." Colt insisted. "True but..." Hotaru tried to get a word in edge-wise but failed. "Grounding her like this is giving her mixed messages that will have her confused about her duties for years to come that will...". "Enough!" Hotaru ordered putting up her hand, "I'll only ground her for two weeks, but she still can't go to Kara's party." Hotaru sighed. "Thanks man! It's too bad though she wouldn't let Maddie go to her friend's party." Alex said walking back with Colt to his quarters. "Exactly!" Colt said with a smile. Alex wondered what was running through Colt's head. Alex changed the subject. "So where were you anyway?" he asked. "I needed to be alone to think some things over." he repiled, being vague.
"Your son is very clever." Hotaru stated to Raye as she poured some juice for the children. If Madelyn couldn't go to the party..."He brought the party to her." she sighed looking at the living room full of children. Hotaru had no choice and Colt knew it. "Is this what you meant?" Rini asked Alex. "Yup." Alex smiled.
Upon Alex's insistance, Colt agreed to have dinner with both the Mars and Saturn family. During the dinner, the conversation between Chad, Raye, Annika and Colt was sparse. Deciding to give the Mars family a little privacy, Anthony took the two girls out for ice cream while Hotaru and Alex washed the dishes. "Do you think your idea will work?" Hotaru asked. "I hope so." Alex said. "Ow!" Alex yelped, he cut his hand on a knife. "Oh my!" Hotaru gasped at the sight of the severe cut. She was about to heal it, "I got it." Alex said as he concentrated. Within a few seconds his cut was healed. "How..?" Hotaru questioned, staring in astonishment. "My training brought out a hidden power in me. I can heal myself. I can't heal others like you and Madelyn though." he told her. Hotaru hoped such abilities would not appear in anymore of her children. "That's...amazing." she answered in a sad tone. "Are you alright mom?" Alex asked. Before she could answer, an arguement distracted them.
"I won't sit here and take this!" Colt barked as he got up. "Where I go and what I do is none of your damn business!" he shouted. "Watch your tone and language with us in a guest's house! Show some respect!" Raye yelled getting up. "Go to Hell!" Colt shouted as he stormed out of the Saturn quarters. "I'm glad the children weren't here for this." Hotaru commented as an angered Raye stormed out after Colt with Chad following.
Aroura followed her target through the streets as the Chibi Scouts walked home from school. she thought, calling a youma. A huge iron giant appeared with a large sword. "Kill her!" Aroura ordered then retreated to a safe place to watch the fight. Madelyn and the other girls stared in awe at the massive youma. "That's the biggest thing I've ever seen!" Daisy exclaimed. "Carson! Get them out of here! Their no match for this thing!" Alex ordered as they dodged a sword swipe. "Right!" Carson said gathering all the girls, except Madelyn who hid from the youma. "Temperal Shift!" Carson called and transported the girls back to the palace." "Where's Madelyn?" Maggie questioned. "She'll be fine." Carson assured. Maggie notcied Carson's eyes momentarily flashed black then back to their normal colour. she wondered.
"Hyyaaaahhh!" Alex let loose with a powerful blast that knocked the giant back. "Saturn Power Make Up!" Madelyn called as she quickly transformed. The iron giant was back up and attacking Alex. "Silent Wall!" Chibi Saturn called protecting her and Alex with it from the youma's sword. "Get out of here!" Alex ordered. "I'm staying!" Chibi Saturn said in defiance. "Destructive Ray!" Chibi Saturn staggered the mammoth creature. "Alright but becareful!" Alex warned as he bombarded the iron warrior with a volley of energy spheres. While the youma was temporarily stunned, Alex and Chibi Saturn came up with a plan. "Let's set up a cross fire. Get up onto that building, quickly!" Alex said. Chibi Saturn complied as she levitated herself up onto the roof of the two storey building. The iron giant got up and charged Alex. Alex opened up with a volley of energy spheres but only a few found their mark. Chibi Saturn questioned then from her vantage point she realized that the youma was now surrounded with floating black spheres of energy. Alex increased the power of his attacks and deployed more spheres. "No! That stupid youma!" Aroura shouted then noticed Chibi Saturn alone. "Just what I needed!" she smiled and teleported behind Chibi Saturn.
Sensing someone behind her, Chibi Saturn spun around only to be struck by a blast of energy. Alex finished laying his trap and was now time to activate it. "Shadow Flare!" all the dark spheres converged on the iron giant turning it's blue armour to black. A huge explosion followed. "Now Chibi Saturn!" called Alex but Chibi Saturn didn't respond. "Where is she?" Alex wondered as the dust and smoke began to clear and the iron giant slowly emerged. Just the Colt showed up. "I'll deal with this! Find Chibi Saturn!" he said, Alex nodded and headed off to the roof top.
"You're dead!" Aroura smirked as she was about to finish off Chibi Saturn. "Leave her alone!" shouted Alex as he hit her with a powerful blast of energy. "Damn!" she swore getting up to face her attacker. Just they they both sensed a tremendous build up of power. They forgot about fighting and looked to the ruined street below. Colt held up his hand and released a devastating beam of energy that tore through the iron giant. The youma fell to it's knees with a gaping hole in it's chest, then vaporised. "There's no way I'm fighting him!" Aroura stammered as a cold chill ran through her when she and Colt locked eyes. "Whirlwind!" a tornado formed and Aroura disappeared. "Is she alright?" Colt asked as Alex gather his unconscious sister into his arms. "I don't know! She's hurt bad!" he stated as they rushed back to the palace.
--End of part 7: Madelyn -- A Precious Gift--
--Next, part 8: Hope & Faith -- Eight is Enough!--
Questions, comments?
Mail to: ravyn_knyght@yahoo.com
Big Trouble, Little Brother -- By Ravyn Knyght
Madelyn -- A Precious Gift
As Hotaru and Anthony waited for their daughter to come back, they talked with their future son. "So do you have any plans for yourself, like what type of career you'd be interested in?" Hotaru wondered, I'll bet it's sports related. she thought to herself, she knew Anthony would be thinking the same thing. "Before I came back I completed the entrance exam for veterinary school. I guess it had something to do with all those hurt animals I was always bringing home." Alex said thinking of how mad his mother was every time he came home with a sick cat or bird with a broken wing. "That's something that we could use around here with the Royal cats." Anthony mentioned. Elsewhere, Snibbit woke up from his afternoon sun nap on the window sill in Madelyn's room. Hearing activity in the living room, Snibbit decided to investigate. Snibbit bounded into the room and onto Alex's lap. "Snibbit!" it happily chirped demanding the stranger pay attention to him. "Hey, cool! It's Snibbit!" Alex exclaimed as he cupped the small animal in his hands. "So he's still around in the future?" Anthony asked. "Yeah but he doesn't get around much like he used too with old age setting in." Alex said petting the little creature.
"That's one." Chandelle warned as she reviewed the battle with Chibi Jupiter. Aroura said nothing as she stood in silent rage over her defeat. "I expected better from you." Chandelle huffed as she erased the failed battle from her mind then turned to her crystal to check on the progress of her still training general. she thought as she could sense that her general's training was almost complete. Until now Aroura had never seen her replacement and the murderer of her sister. She tried to get closer to see who it was. Chandelle instantly clouded the image. "Try that again and you will see my new general sooner than you think. They will also be the last thing you see. Is that understood?" Chadelle shouted as she knocked Aroura back with a powerful blast of energy. "Select your next target and you'd better pray for better results! I've lost far too many youma both here and in the future. Now get out of my sight! And don't return until you have the head of a Sailor or Chibi Scout with you!" Chandelle yelled as a shaken Aroura disappeared.
During dinner Madelyn was unusually quiet, still not sure of what to make of her future brother. As she sat there eyeing him, Snibbit used the distraction to help himself to Madelyn's dinner. "Snibbit!" Hotaru scolded as Snibbit bounded away with a bulging mouthful of Madelyn's brussel sprouts. "Madelyn, how many times have I told you not to let Snibbit do that!" Hotaru sighed. "Sorry mama." Madelyn shyly said with a yawn. "Maybe you should go back to bed now. You're still worn out." Anthony pointed out. Madelyn sleepily nodded and slid out of her chair and headed for her bedroom with a satisfied Snibbit trailing her. "She over exerted herself again." Hotaru sighed knowing what her daughter was feeling like. "She won't be so worn out once her training is completed." Alex assured her. "That's something I've wanted to talk to you about. Is it necessary for her to undergo this type of training?" Hotaru asked thinking the new training would do more harm than good to Madelyn's health. "Don't worry. I won't push her that hard, or you for that matter. You'll see when the training starts." Alex said."I hope you're right, Alex." Hotaru said as she started clearing the dishes. Alex immediately got up and helped her. "That doesn't sound right." Alex said as he took up all the plates and carried them into the kitchen for his mother. "What?" Hotaru questioned. "You've never called me that before. In the future you always used my full name, Alexander." Alex pointed out. "Alexander. I like that. Very well, from now on I'll use Alexander." Hotaru corrected herself.
After Serenity wished them luck, Alex lead his mother and sister into the training room to start they're training. Alex knew that he'd have to go slowly in order to build up his mother's and sister's tolerance to the gravity system. "Let's see...Computer, Tomoe configuration alpha." Alex instructed, as the computer activated the artificial gavity. Saturn and Chibi Saturn felt a slight tugging sensation. "If this is 2X gravity then this will be a breeze!" Chibi Saturn stated. "This is far from 2X, this is 1.1X. The setting will automatically increase by 0.1X every ten minutes so let's get to it." Alex told them as he started their training. As each interval passed the two Saturn Scouts noticed the same tugging feeling but were able to manage. Once the training was completed for the day, the family headed back to their quarters to relax a little before dinner. They were joined by the Mercury family. Maybe it was the doctor in Amy that made her pick up on Alex's behavior. She kept it in the back of her mind for now though.
"Which hand?" Alex asked his sister and Ariel as they tried to guess which hand Snibbit was hiding under. "The left one?" Madelyn said unsure. "I think so." Ariel said studying closely. "Nope." Alex said as he lifted his right hand to reveal Snibbit's hiding place. As the two covered their eyes so they could play another round, Alex noticed Hotaru had not come back from the kitchen yet. "I'll be back in a sec." Alex promised the two girls. The entire time, Amy was observing him.
While Alex was gone the two girls ran off to Madelyn's bedroom and talked. "Is Alex going to teach you anything cool?" Ariel asked. I don't know, he might.." Madelyn thought aloud. "My brother won't! Just wait until he's born!" Ariel threatened. "You still want to have more powerful attacks, don't you?" Madelyn asked and Ariel nodded. "So how will you get him to teach you?" Madelyn asked knowing full well Ariel's mind would be working overtime on this one. "I've already come up with an idea....this is what we'll do." Ariel said leaning in to explain her plan. "We?" Madelyn questioned, Madelyn thought. "Snibbit! Snibbit!" shouted Snibbit, unhappy he was not being the center of his owners attention.
"Need help?" Alex asked as he came into the kitchen to see what was taking his mother so long. "No, but thank you for the offer." Hotaru said as she put the last of the dishes into the dishwasher. Just then, Alex's cell phone rang. "Hey, yo! Where you at?" Alex asked while Hotaru went about her kitchen duties. "Just around." Colt replied. "Everyone's been wondering were you went to? You alright?" Alex tried to find out about his friend's whereabouts. "I'm fine. Just needed to get out before I put that ass clown Brad through a wall." Colt stated. "Don't worry. I'll be back tomorrow to train Miss Waterworks." Colt assured. "Yeah, about that..," Alex started, "Brad's going to train her for a while." Alex informed. "That's what he thinks!" Colt said in a half-laugh. "Catch ya later!" Colt said and hung up. "What's that for?" Hotaru asked, questioning Alex's curious look. "I think tomorrow will be interesting." Alex commented.
"If he's not at the old shrine in Yamashita forest then try poking around town at that martial arts tournament. He loves to make fun of the fighters at those things." Alex mentioned, trying to figure out were Colt might have gone to for Chad. "Thanks. I'll try those places." Chad mentioned as he left the Saturn quarters. Alex thought for a few moments, then grabbed his jacket. "Going somewhere?" Anthony asked as Ales was about to leave. "I was just going to help look for Colt. That's all." he explained. "No need. I saw him from the window. He's on his way in now." Anthony informed. "~Good morning!~" Hotaru sang coming into the living room and gave her husband a kiss. "Uh-oh." Anthony said realizing that Hotaru had plans for him. "You promised you'd help with the house cleaning!" she giggled and tweaked his nose as a look of rememberance came onto his face. "I'll help." Alex instantly offered. "That's alright. Besides Madelyn wanted to go to the park with Ariel and Snow before their training this afternoon." Hotaru stated. A defeated look came to Anthony's face as he realized he was now stuck. "Have fun." Anthony sighed as Hotaru pulled out an enormous roll of paper and unfurled it and rhymed off the massive list.
During the next few days Madelyn's training went well. Everything was going well except for Colt's disappearace. "I've already told you that I don't know where he is. Besides, do 'you' really want to find him?" Alex stated knowing Colt wouldn't hold back if Brad started on him right now. Alex was pressuring Brad to lay off of Colt for the next while. "Too damn bad about him that he's not the whole show around here! He has to learn that no one is above anyone else around here." Brad stated. "Does that logic apply to you as well?" Alex returned, Brad glared at him for a few moments. He was about to answer when Mina lead him away. "Idiot!" Alex muttered as he walked away. Alex decided to ignore Brad for now even though be did feel bad for Annika. He joined his mother outside as they watched both Madelyn and Ariel demonstrate their new passtime. "Oh my!" Hotaru exclaimed seeing how high the girls were. Upon Amy's insistance that the boys do something, Snow went up after them. Alex rushed to catch his mother as she fiented when Snow jumped from the tree.
After enjoying the entertaining and all too familiar scene of Amy dragging Snow off by his ear, he headed off to to Saturn quarters carrying his mother with a remorseful Madelyn tagging behind. "I didn't mean to scare her!" Madelyn sadly said as they made their way back. "Don't worry. It's not your fault. Mom does this a lot in my time." Alex explained as he remembered some of the things he did to warrant his mother fienting. "She'll be fine." he assured. About half an hour later, Hotaru had recovered fully and was promptly dealing with her children. "No more climbing trees young lady. And as for you.." Hotaru said, shaking a finger, "I don't want you encouraging Madelyn like that anymore. She could have been hurt!" she warned her future son. I'm sorry." he apologized. Right about now Snow was saying the same thing to his mother, but little did the two men know that they would become the victim of Ariel's cunning mind.
Ariel kept thinking of when Snow jumped from that tree all through reccess. she wondered, trying to understand how Snow slowed his fall. "What are you thinking?" Madelyn asked, seeing Ariel deep in thought. "Remember when Snow jumped from the tree with us?" Ariel asked. "Yes. Mama was so scared she fiented." Madelyn sighed. "We should be in the hospital right now but we're not." Ariel pointed out. "So?" Madelyn said. "It was like he was floating." Ariel concluded. "I guess." Madelyn said trying to follow Ariel's train of thought. "Uh-oh." Madelyn murmured as she recognized the look in Ariel's eyes. The look Ariel always got whenever she was about to get into trouble. Just then the bell rang and the girls headed back to class. Madelyn wondered was Ariel was planning, only knowing she would be involved in it some way.
"And no tree climbing!" Hotaru and Amy warned their children. "Yes mommy." Ariel murmured, "Yes mama." Madelyn sighed. Amy and Hotaru fixed cold glares on their sons. "Make sure they don't." the two growled as sweatdrops appeared on both Snow and Alex's heads. Soon the pair were off to the park while Amy and Hotaru busied themselves with updating the medical records, while Greg and Anthony were training new guards. When they arrived at the park, Ariel decided now was a good a time as any to trick Snow into teaching her a few new abilities. "Snow?" Ariel started, Madelyn groaned when she heard her friends tone. "Yeah?" Snow answered back. "Why didn't you get hurt when you jumped out of that tree? How come we fell so slowly?" she asked. "You can't tell them that!" Alex whispered to Snow. "What harm could it do?" he whispered back. "It was just a matter of energy manipulation." Snow started. Alex shook his head he thought as they all ast down under the shade of a park tree as Snow explained the process in detail. After a long lecture and a few demonstrations Ariel and Madelyn were now practising their new technique. I Ariel exclaimed to herself as she was having fun. "But don't tell anyone we told you this." Snow warned. "We?" Alex stated, washing his hands of this ordeal. "This will come back on us. You know that right?" Alex said in a sigh. "Relax! What trouble can it cause?" Snow retorted as they headed home with there sisters.
After the attacks started again, the girls were on alert as they were walking to and from school. They walked by a television network building. "I wonder what they do in there?" Ariel pondered out loud as she looked upwards at the massive building. "Television stuff I guess." Madelyn replied. "Come on you two!" Maggie said to the two boys who stopped to admire some older high school girls. Seeing no one was paying attention Ariel whispered to Madelyn, "Let's take a look inside. It'll be fun!". "We're just kids! They won't let us in there!" Madelyn pointed out. "We don't have to go inside." Ariel stated nodding her head upwards.
"Where are they?!?" Maggie frantically cried at they searched for the two girls. Rini, Shin and Kota came along. As the trio walked home they noticed a frantic Maggie and Daisy searching the area. "What's wrong?" Rini asked. "Madelyn and Ariel just disappeared! They were trailing behind us and when I turned to tell them to hurry they were gone!" she explained. "Did they duck into one of the stores here?" Rini questioned, "The others are checking now. Where did they get off to? You don't think one of Chandelle's people got them, do you?" Daisy wondered, growing worried. Shin sensed something and looked up. Snickering, he jabbed Kota in the ribs and nodded upwards. Kota let a snort of laughter go but Shin shushed him. "Two of the Chibi Scouts just disappear and you two stand here laughing about it? Help look for them!" Rini barked. "Oh you know kids Rini, they're always 'up' to something." Shin snickered, "If they knew you were all this worried, I'm sure they'd 'drop' what they were doing and come back." Kota said as Ariel and Madelyn mysteriously reappeared behind Rini, Daisy and Maggie. "Can we go home now?" Madelyn stated, causing the three girls to jump out of their skin. "Where were you two?" Rini scolded. "We were just floating around." Ariel said, looking innocent. Rini knew that look. she wondered as she told Daisy and Maggie to get the others so they could head home.
"That was fun!" Ariel exclaimed to Madelyn. "Do you think we'll get into trouble?" Madelyn wondered as they got back. That night, after all the families ate in the main dining room, they moved into the family room. "Why don't we watch television?" Amy offered, sitting Ariel on her lap. "Yes. Let's!" Hotaru added while plunking Madelyn on her lap. "A great idea!" Brad grunted as Asai helped him into the room. He sat down between Alex and Snow. "You shouldn't be up, man." Snow said seeing how much pain Brad was in. After all the parents and childeren were settled around the television. Serenity turned to a news channel. "Boring!" Gloria called out as the reporter droned on. Then the topic changed as a close up video clip of Ariel and Madelyn waving and giggling was shown next to the reporter. "It's our little girls!" Amy exclaimed when seeing the footage. "Well this is a surprise!" Hotaru stated, Ariel and Madelyn's stomaches began to knot as they gave nervous laughs. Just then the video clip panned out to reveal the two girls floating outside the television studio window. "Cool!" Faith exclaimed as the other families stared in shock at the television. "Uh-oh." Ariel whispered. The two girls looked to their mothers to see the dark look they were getting. Amy and Hotaru tightened their grip, preventing their daughters from escaping. "Snow!" Amy snarled, "Alexander!" Hotaru growled. "They're mine!" Brad barked as he grabbed the two men by their shirt collars and dragged them out of the room. "Let's go!" the two women said in unison to their worried daughters.
Brad was ordered to stay in bed after over exerting himself with Snow and Alex. Ariel was on the receiving end of a spanking and a one month grounding. Madelyn got a long lecture and a one month grounding as well. After being torn into by Brad, Snow and Alex then had to face their irrate parents. Amy thouroughly blasted Snow. Alex stood in front of both of his parents as they decided what to do with him. Hotaru was livid with her son's actions. Finally finding her words, Hotaru stormed up to her son. "What were you thinking?!?" she yelled in a tone that made Alex wince. "Do you realize how high those two were!!?" Hotaru screamed. "What if they lost control and fell? They'd both be dead now!" Hotaru raged. Anthony had never seen his wife this angry. While Hotaru exploded on her son, Madelyn listened through her bedroom door with tears in her eyes. "It's all my fault." she cried as Snibbit tried to comfort her.
Setsuna informed everyone at dinner in the main dining room that she removed Ariel and Madelyn's stunt from everyone else's memories and destroyed all the evidence. Both Amy and Hotaru were relieved. As part of their punishment, Snow and Alex had to make sure Ariel and Madelyn never used their levitation skill again. Also the two boys were grounded with their sisters. "I'm sorry you got into so much trouble." Madelyn sadly apologized to Alex as he helped her work on a puzzle. He smiled at her as he took a puzzle piece from Snibbit. "Snibbit!" the little creature called as he dove back into the puzzle box for another piece. "It's not your fault entirely. I should have stopped Snow. Besides, I've seen mom madder than this." he stated. "Really?" Madelyn gasped. "Uh-uh. She almost used her rebirth attack on me." he said to his sister's shock. "You're teasing!" she shot back, "Mama would never do that!". Alex laughed, "Yes I'm teasing but she has been madder than this so don't sweat it." he assured as he tussled her hair.
After a few minutes, Madelyn asked her brother a prying question. "Did I ever have to use my rebirth attack in the future?". "No you haven't." Alex answered. "Did mama?" she asked. "Nope." Alex told her. Madelyn gave a sigh of relief. "Does it scare you that you or mom might have to someday?" Alex asked, Madelyn nodded. Snibbit popped up with another piece for Madelyn and she went to work finding out where it went. "That shouldn't bother you." Alex commented. "Mama always tells me that but I can't help it." she sighed. "Try looking at it this way. You can give mom something else none of the other Chibi Scouts can give their mothers." he mentioned. "What's that?" Madelyn wondered. "If you use your rebirth attack, you'll be reborn and mom can raise you all over again. None of the other kids can do that. Don't you think Aunt Raye would love to have Annika as a little baby again?" he pointed out. "But she'll still be sad and what if mama has to use hers? Then I won't have a mama." the little girl sadly murmured. "You will always have someone to love you and take care of you no matter what." Alex remined his sister of her large palace family.
"You failed me." Chandelle hissed as she sent a bolt of dark energy out, striking Aroura. Aroura screamed in pain as began to black out. As she came to, still dazed, she saw someone leaving Chandelle's throne room. "Who was that?" she asked. "That was your replacement. Soon he'll be ready and I'll have no need of failures like you!" Chandelle haughtily stated. "My sister's killer!" she murmured. "Your next target better be a success or you will sign your own death warrant!" Chandelle warned. "Sister, I will avenge you." Aroura said as she choose Chibi Saturn as her next target.
Madelyn was slowly trudging along home from school. She was upset that she couldn't go to Kara's birthday party. "I wont miss much..." she sighed, "...except just a lot of fun." she muttered. "I'm sorry." Ariel apologized. "That's alright." Madelyn said as the girls continued on their way home. "Come on, mom!" Snow pleaded, "If Aunt Setsuna wiped it out of everyone's mind then there's no need to ground her! By all means take it out on me. I shouldn't have taught her that trick." he tried to get his sister off the hook. "She needs to learn that what she did was dangerous and was wrong." Amy refused to budge. Alex watched his friend fail. Now it was Alex's turn to help his sister, and he knew who to get.
"It's so nice to meet you finally Colt." Hotaru said. He finally came back and was colder than usual to his family now but his icy demeanor melted when he spoke to Hotaru. Alex brought Colt over to help him argue on Madelyn's behalf. "Mom..about Madelyn's punishment..." Alex started. "Now Alexander this matter is closed. Madelyn did something dangerous and has to learn not to do that anymore." she flatly stated. "So she can't fight as Chibi Saturn anymore?" Colt questioned. "That's different." Hotaru stated. "No it isn't. She's in just as much danger when fighting." Colt pointed out. Alex smiled as Colt went to work. "Yes but..." Hotaru started, "Levitation gives her a powerful advantage in a fight. It would be in her best interest to continue practicing the technique." Colt insisted. "True but..." Hotaru tried to get a word in edge-wise but failed. "Grounding her like this is giving her mixed messages that will have her confused about her duties for years to come that will...". "Enough!" Hotaru ordered putting up her hand, "I'll only ground her for two weeks, but she still can't go to Kara's party." Hotaru sighed. "Thanks man! It's too bad though she wouldn't let Maddie go to her friend's party." Alex said walking back with Colt to his quarters. "Exactly!" Colt said with a smile. Alex wondered what was running through Colt's head. Alex changed the subject. "So where were you anyway?" he asked. "I needed to be alone to think some things over." he repiled, being vague.
"Your son is very clever." Hotaru stated to Raye as she poured some juice for the children. If Madelyn couldn't go to the party..."He brought the party to her." she sighed looking at the living room full of children. Hotaru had no choice and Colt knew it. "Is this what you meant?" Rini asked Alex. "Yup." Alex smiled.
Upon Alex's insistance, Colt agreed to have dinner with both the Mars and Saturn family. During the dinner, the conversation between Chad, Raye, Annika and Colt was sparse. Deciding to give the Mars family a little privacy, Anthony took the two girls out for ice cream while Hotaru and Alex washed the dishes. "Do you think your idea will work?" Hotaru asked. "I hope so." Alex said. "Ow!" Alex yelped, he cut his hand on a knife. "Oh my!" Hotaru gasped at the sight of the severe cut. She was about to heal it, "I got it." Alex said as he concentrated. Within a few seconds his cut was healed. "How..?" Hotaru questioned, staring in astonishment. "My training brought out a hidden power in me. I can heal myself. I can't heal others like you and Madelyn though." he told her. Hotaru hoped such abilities would not appear in anymore of her children. "That's...amazing." she answered in a sad tone. "Are you alright mom?" Alex asked. Before she could answer, an arguement distracted them.
"I won't sit here and take this!" Colt barked as he got up. "Where I go and what I do is none of your damn business!" he shouted. "Watch your tone and language with us in a guest's house! Show some respect!" Raye yelled getting up. "Go to Hell!" Colt shouted as he stormed out of the Saturn quarters. "I'm glad the children weren't here for this." Hotaru commented as an angered Raye stormed out after Colt with Chad following.
Aroura followed her target through the streets as the Chibi Scouts walked home from school. she thought, calling a youma. A huge iron giant appeared with a large sword. "Kill her!" Aroura ordered then retreated to a safe place to watch the fight. Madelyn and the other girls stared in awe at the massive youma. "That's the biggest thing I've ever seen!" Daisy exclaimed. "Carson! Get them out of here! Their no match for this thing!" Alex ordered as they dodged a sword swipe. "Right!" Carson said gathering all the girls, except Madelyn who hid from the youma. "Temperal Shift!" Carson called and transported the girls back to the palace." "Where's Madelyn?" Maggie questioned. "She'll be fine." Carson assured. Maggie notcied Carson's eyes momentarily flashed black then back to their normal colour. she wondered.
"Hyyaaaahhh!" Alex let loose with a powerful blast that knocked the giant back. "Saturn Power Make Up!" Madelyn called as she quickly transformed. The iron giant was back up and attacking Alex. "Silent Wall!" Chibi Saturn called protecting her and Alex with it from the youma's sword. "Get out of here!" Alex ordered. "I'm staying!" Chibi Saturn said in defiance. "Destructive Ray!" Chibi Saturn staggered the mammoth creature. "Alright but becareful!" Alex warned as he bombarded the iron warrior with a volley of energy spheres. While the youma was temporarily stunned, Alex and Chibi Saturn came up with a plan. "Let's set up a cross fire. Get up onto that building, quickly!" Alex said. Chibi Saturn complied as she levitated herself up onto the roof of the two storey building. The iron giant got up and charged Alex. Alex opened up with a volley of energy spheres but only a few found their mark. Chibi Saturn questioned then from her vantage point she realized that the youma was now surrounded with floating black spheres of energy. Alex increased the power of his attacks and deployed more spheres. "No! That stupid youma!" Aroura shouted then noticed Chibi Saturn alone. "Just what I needed!" she smiled and teleported behind Chibi Saturn.
Sensing someone behind her, Chibi Saturn spun around only to be struck by a blast of energy. Alex finished laying his trap and was now time to activate it. "Shadow Flare!" all the dark spheres converged on the iron giant turning it's blue armour to black. A huge explosion followed. "Now Chibi Saturn!" called Alex but Chibi Saturn didn't respond. "Where is she?" Alex wondered as the dust and smoke began to clear and the iron giant slowly emerged. Just the Colt showed up. "I'll deal with this! Find Chibi Saturn!" he said, Alex nodded and headed off to the roof top.
"You're dead!" Aroura smirked as she was about to finish off Chibi Saturn. "Leave her alone!" shouted Alex as he hit her with a powerful blast of energy. "Damn!" she swore getting up to face her attacker. Just they they both sensed a tremendous build up of power. They forgot about fighting and looked to the ruined street below. Colt held up his hand and released a devastating beam of energy that tore through the iron giant. The youma fell to it's knees with a gaping hole in it's chest, then vaporised. "There's no way I'm fighting him!" Aroura stammered as a cold chill ran through her when she and Colt locked eyes. "Whirlwind!" a tornado formed and Aroura disappeared. "Is she alright?" Colt asked as Alex gather his unconscious sister into his arms. "I don't know! She's hurt bad!" he stated as they rushed back to the palace.
--End of part 7: Madelyn -- A Precious Gift--
--Next, part 8: Hope & Faith -- Eight is Enough!--
Questions, comments?
Mail to: ravyn_knyght@yahoo.com