Chibimamoru: Small Lady's Little Brother
Chapter 3: Memories of a Better Time
Author's Notes: I would PERSONALLY like to thank THESE REVIEWERS:
Anhthy (reviewed all 3 chapters so far.) First of all. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You are the biggest reason I've decided to continue my rewrite and actually work this story at all. As for your questions:
(Chapter 1) I know. I Love him to! Don't worry. I don't intend to change his personality much if I can help it.
(Chapter 2) gawks at you You think I'd do something bad to Mamo-chan? Mamo's much too adorable for me to let anything TO bad happen to him! (Too bad – heh heh) As far as the powers go, I thought it would make him a better character and not quite as helpless as he was before. As for
Chibiusa that is another MAJOR reason I decided to rewrite. I never intended to make "Chibimamoru" an anti-Chibi fic, but it was sure sounding that way wasn't it? Also, Black Lady DID happen in the time line of this fic. At this point I am trying to follow the Anime (Japanese version). Everything should line up by the end of the story, but I can't say any more or I may spoil it for you! ;)
(Chapter 3) I sure did. I thought it would make things a little different and a lot more interesting if Chibiusa had male guardians. I mean lets face it; Chibiusa is "a little different" herself. Lots of Laughs. As far as "the parents" go, they are around. I just haven't gotten to them yet. You are right though, at least for Serenity and Endymion; there is NO WAY they wouldn't notice that huge beam rising up to the sky. Heh heh. Anyways, I am glad you are enjoying it! I hope you (and all my readers) enjoy the next chapter as much as the previous ones!
Bluefair (from chapter 1) – Isn't he though? I love Chibimamo-chan! About Chibiusa…I have to admit, I actually DID have a little help with her in the 1st chapter. My friend did do a good job with her though, didn't she? Thanks for reviewing!
Richforce (from chap. 3) – Thanks for the encouragement and thanks so much for reviewing!
Usagi-ran (from chap. 3) – 1st of all, thanks for reviewing and for the encouragement. 2nd of all, thanks for bring that to my attention 3rd of all, I do not mind harsh as long as it's honest and not an idiotic and meaningless flame. winks We've all gotten THOSE at one time or another I am sure. 4th of all, as I said above, I DO intend to finish this story this time. I'm not starting any more Fanfics until I do. That's a promise. And 5th of all, if you'll check out this ( ) it'll offer a better explanation. 6th of all, thanks again for the attention and the review:D
Sparkling-Ruby Gem - I got another reviewer. YAAness! I am SO GLAD you are enjoying the story. Hopefully, this chapter will explain everyones "Black Lady" questions. Here is the update. I hope you enjoy it as much as the previous chapters!
(The chapter begins)
flashback
Soft raven black hair fell lightly into a large pair of eyes painted professionally in a deep shade of azure blue. An innocent smile crossed the young face of the two and a half year old prince of Earth as he wandered the halls of the Crystal Palace he knew as home softly in padded feet. "A.B." A pair of crystalline baby-blue eyes blinked inside a mechanical white cathead. As his toy-companion floated down hovering, the little prince grinned widely reaching out to seize the toy between two child-sized arms. "Mommy – Daddy?" Azure blue eyes danced starring hopefully and expectantly down into baby blues.
Baby blues faded out as two images flashed in their place. In the left eye, Neo-Queen Serenity smiled softly as a five-year-old girl climbed up onto the red-cushioned stool before her vanity clutching a small brown bristle brush with a cresant moon on the back. Kneeling down, the Neo-Queen spun the seat around stopping it effectively so that her young daughter would turn to face her. "My Small Lady, do you want Mommy to do your hair now?" Strawberry-blonde hair with a slightly pinkish hue to it, swished back and forth as the girl nodded vigorously a childish smile playing across her face.
Serenity's smile deepened as she kissed her daughter lightly on the forehead. Taking the soft brush from her daughter's hand, she spun the seat around again facing the child to the vanity mirror. Small Lady giggled. Within the confines of the mirror, the child's reflection laughed at the play between mother and child. The soft bristles of Serenity's hairbrush massaged the child's head as a gentle mothering hand rested against her scalp to prevent any unnecessary tugging stray tangles might cause.
As the two images continued to play through the eye sockets of the mechanical cat-toy, A.B. beeped. The child blinked. Mommy was playing with Onee-san's hair? Mamo crinkled his nose making a face. Boring! Tilting his head to the side curiously, he focused in on the image of his father playing across the right eye. "Daddy!" The little prince's ear-to-ear grin lit up his face as he released his toy-companion and made a v-line for the Throne Room.
Mamo stopped tilting his head back starring up, up, up at the monstrous pair of double doors that separated him from his Daddy. Wide eyes studied the insurmountable obstacle fearlessly. "Good Morning, Little Prince."
Baby-face features brightened as the door was pushed slowly upon by a familiar sandy-haired guard. The guard's reward was a happy and carefree smile sent in his direction just before the young Prince of Earth disappeared from eyesight.
"Daddy?" The young boy grinned widely as he spotted his Father standing tall and proud in his usual suit and armor at the front of the Throne Room of the Crystal Palace. The sound of General Nicholas ringing laughter was like a familiar tune echoing through the room as King Endymion shut his eyes shaking his head in obvious disbelief at his friend. Giggling, Mamo ran over attaching himself to his Father's leg.
Endymion blinked pulled from his thoughts by the attaching of a two-year-old to his right leg. "Well, look who decided to greet the sun." Nicholas commented. Smiling knowing, Endymion raised an eyebrow glancing down fondly at his first and only male child. Baby face and innocent azure eyes filled with unbridled happiness looked up trustingly at the King of the Earth and Moon.
"Now, that's what I call static cling." The Venusian General laughed. Endymion rolled his eyes. Leaning down, he detached the child from his leg wrapping him in his arms in an instant.
Mamo giggled hyperly. "Well, he thought it was funny." Nicholas insisted.
Endymion gave his friend a look. "Nicholas, he is two and a half. He thinks everything you do is funny." Without a word, Nicholas shot Endymion a crooked grin sending the silent message, 'I know. Isn't it great?' Endymion couldn't help but laugh at his friend. "Nicholas, sometimes I wonder about you."
To this, Nicholas smirked arming his face with a mock evil grin. "Hai. Hai. You should be, thou foolish king for I know how to get my hands on something you hold dear to you." The King of Earth raised an eyebrow. 'Do I really want to know?' Grinning, Nicholas held out his hands looking down at the two-year-old in Endymion's arms. "Come on, Little Prince. Come see Uncle Nicholas."
Giggling, Mamo nodded holding his arms out for Nicholas to take him. Nicholas' smirk widened. Dancing emerald eyes looked down laughingly into azure blue orbs of innocence. "So, naïve . . ." He mocked. "And yet, so utterly unable to defend himself. Who will protect you now, young prince?" Mamo blinked grinning trustingly up at his 'Uncle.'
Nicholas shifted the boy into the crook of his arm without another word. Using his now free hand, he began to tickle the child mercilessly. "No. No. No. No! NO!" Mamo squealed through hysterical giggles. "Daddy! Daddy, save me!" Mamo cried out kicking his legs and squirming in the general's arms.
Watching the two together, Endymion couldn't help but to crack a smile. The sound of his son's laughter rang like bells in his ears. The innocence in his young eyes and happiness playing across his face were only some of the ways he was reminded of his deep love for his boy. At times like this, he knew without a doubt he would do anything – anything to keep that child safe. He sighed – even give in to the antics of an idiotic blonde-haired Venusian general.
"So, what'll it be fool? You think you are going to save your precious son?" Withdrawing an ink pen from his pocket, Nicholas swung it at Endymion like an imaginary sword. Again, the sound of bells echoed through the room as the young prince erupted into another fit of giggles. "Why don't you come and fight majesty? Fight for the honor of your precious boy."
Suppressing a disbelieving groan, Endymion faced the general with a raised eyebrow. "You are seriously going to fight me with that? I am not sure weather to be insulted or amazed." Nicholas grinned. Shaking his head, Endymion reached to his side unsheathing his sword in a single swipe. "Hand over the child, and you'll get your fight, baka gaijin."
Nicholas seemed to consider this for a moment. In his arms, Mamo giggled starring up at him once more with those innocent azure blue orbs of his. The "traitorous" general glared at Endymion in mock anger. "Take your son, fool." Swinging the giggling child through the air like a plane, he placed him carefully in his Father's arms. Smiling fondly at his boy, Endymion set him on the taller of the two throne chairs winking at him before turning to face the "traitorous" General Nicholas.
General Nicholas grinned devilishly. Endymion sighed shaking his head. With a roll of his eyes, he resheathed his sword choosing instead to rely on an old favorite. A single red rose formed in his hand. With a flick of his wrist, Endymion knocked the pen from Nicholas' hand pinning it to the floor.
The mischievous Venusian General was momentarily silenced as he starred at the pen, which was now "pinned" to the floor. "Just like that." He commented after a moment. "Damn. I need to fire my blacksmith." He laughed. Mamo giggled. Hoping down from the high Throne Chair, he ran over to his father attaching himself once more to King Endymion's right leg. As he did so, his eyes focused in on the rose his father had thrown. Azure blue eyes fixed curiously on the red rose.
(End Flashback)
'A red rose.' Behind dull azure blue eyes, the image of the rose planted itself in the child's much-clouded mind. The sound of leaves crackling beneath his tiny feet brought no response. A gentle wind blew threw the child's soft raven hair. No response. A limp five-year-old hand rested in the much larger hand of the older boy, Thomas. Tommy smirked once more watching the boy, feeling the amazing power lying dormant inside him.
Ahead of them, the shadowy male figure remained hidden by the shadows of the forest. He spoke not a word to either of the children as he brought their travels to a sudden halt. Dark flashing red eyes studied the path ahead silently deliberating his next move. With a minuscule jerk, Tommy or Thomas stopped the young orphan child in his tracks. Still, Mamo remained quiet following without a murmured word.
Silently, the oblivious child gazed at his surrounding. Young eyes traveled up to meet the red eyes of Thomas Jamison. 'Blood red.' Tommy grinned wickedly down at him. Mamo blinked. Azure eyes traveled the expanse of the forest until a familiar sight caused them to focus in beneath a large oak tree. The child's head cocked curiously to the side. There, in the midst of the tree, a single blood-red rose stuck into the ground like an arrow. Mamo blinked. Slowly, the shadow clouding his eyes began to dissolve.
'Red - blood red. A blood red rose. A blood-red rose like the one Daddy used to protect me from Uncle Nicky-san.' As the two children stood silently awaiting a sign from the shadowy man for direction, Tommy's grip on the small child's hand began to loosen just a bit. "Daddy?" The whisper of the child was almost inaudible – that is almost.
Two red eyes focused on the child almost immediately. Azure blue orbs watched the red rose with obvious fascination. A single tiny hand slipped slowly away from the older boy's grasp. Mamo walked away from Tommy without a word. Cursing his lip angrily, Tommy reached out for him only to be held back by the grip of the shadow of darkness himself. "Iie, wait. Let us see what he does." Two pairs of narrowed red eyes watch the child closely.
Mamo's silent trek brought him to the foot of the oak tree. Silently, he fell to his knees innocent azure orbs focusing not only on the flower, but on the memory behind the flower. The image of a tall man with azure-eyes and raven hair much like his own locked into his mind. "Daddy?" He questioned hopefully. Tiny hands caressed the budding rose. A previously locked mind caressed the budding memories. Reaching out, he plucked the rose, thorns and all, from its home standing up with it. A tiny trail of blood slipped down his hand as one of the thorns cut into his finger.
Deep inside the innocent child, a powerful energy began to build. Innocent azure-blue eyes took on an uncharacteristic glare as the image of a strawberry-blonde haired five-year-old burned itself into his mind. The sound of screams, of a darkened sky, of his sisters tightened grasp on his hand half dragging him through the streets of Tokyo away from the Royal Castle – away from Mommy and Daddy – but also…away from the shadow not 20 feet behind them.
The memory returned with all its intensity. A pair of shadows stood over the two royal children. The evil black shadow of a man stood beside the equally evil red shadow of a woman with long wavy red hair and glaring red eyes. He was there when the red shadow of a woman disappeared inside his sister. He had watched as strawberry-blonde hair became pink hair – as crystal-blue eyes became mischievous red eyes.
Thank goodness for the ginzuishou that had made its protected home inside her. If not for the power of the ginzuishou protecting her, there is no telling what the shadow of darkness inside her might have accomplished – what it almost did accomplish through the black heart of the so-called "Black Lady."
Thank goodness for the child's selfless harnessing of the ginzuishou's power in the battle against the Wiseman – for it was that power that put the shadow to sleep all those years ago. It was that force the budding darkness into the more-contained seed of darkness that remained with her until this very day.
Azure-blue eyes narrowed as the shadow clouding his mind evaporated like a puddle in the midst of the Sahara Desert. "Bad man." The child replied voice shaking with both fear and anger. "You're the bad man that made Onee-san go away. You hurt A.B.!"
Dark and evil laughter echoed through the forest. Red eyes flashed dangerously as the shadow of a man smirked devilishly at the child. "So you remember me, do you?" Venom dripped from his voice. An echo of death flooded his blood-red eyes. "That damn toy isn't going to protect you this time, Little Prince."
"Wai!" Mamo cried out as the shadowy man came at him just as the red shadow had come at his sister. Without a second thought, he released the rose in his hand directing it at the man's hands same as he'd seen his father do that day so many years before. Luckily, like his Father before him, the young Prince of Earth had good aim.
Though he managed to miss the man's hands, the sharp cut going across both the man's forearms provided enough of a distraction for Mamo to make a break for it. He quickly grabbed a handful of rocks from the ground before heading off into the forest as fast as his tiny legs would carry him – although if you've ever chased after a five-year-old, you know they can run pretty darn fast.
Furiously, the shadowed predator flew irately after his princely prey. He could have run a lot faster, however, if he wasn't being pelted by the large rocks Mamo keep finding in his path. A deep growl escaped the man's throat. He won't escape again. He needed a host and his red eyes had been on the young prince ever since the day his fellow shadow had entered into the body of his rabbit-eared older sister. "You'll not escape you half-sized little upstart!"
Reaching down in mid-stride, Mamo fingered a large rock, which he aimed at his foes forehead. 'Daddy.' He thought as the image of the tall man of whom he resembled so much flashed across his mind. 'Mommy.' The image of a woman, beautiful and regal, flashed across his mind. As his flight continued, the energy inside him continued to grow in all its fury. This time there was no teacher, no one to unknowingly calm things down before the energy inside him raged out of control.
The flight continued on and on into the depths of the forest until a familiar in front of him ground the nervous child to a sudden halt….T.J. Mamo's eyes went wide as ran directly into the older boy with a loud smack falling back onto his bottom. The shadowy man grinned wicked as he was finally able to catch. Azure-blue eyes filled with fear looking up at his foes all around him.
"WAIII!" The sound of a scream loud enough to just about rival that of his 20th century mother escaped from the child's mouth as the pent-up energy inside him released itself into the world. A golden aura surrounded the child shoot up the sky like a golden beam of light. Around this beam, an equally bright blue aura threw the man and his young charge backwards into a nearby tree as it reached up to the sky.
(End Scene)
Flashback
Small Lady's feet swung gently back and forth as her mother brushed at her long hair. She enjoyed the morning routine between mother and daughter. She enjoyed the reward of her mother's undivided attention. "So, what are we doing today, Mommy" The small girl questioned, looking at the reflection of her mother, watching as she worked diligently on her hair. Mommy was beautiful – a perfect lady. Some day, she would be a beautiful lady, just like Mommy.
"Well, let me think. I believe you have a play date today, my Small Lady." The Neo-Queen commented reaching her polished fingers into the center of the girl's long silky hair parting it down the middle. Small Lady's baby blue eyes followed her mother's movements. Absently, she played with the long strands of hair Neo Queen Serenity draped over one of her shoulders.
"Princess Lita is coming to your room to play after lunch while the Sailor Guardians have an important meeting." Picking up the brush again, the beautiful young mother made a simple ponytail of the girl's hair. Soft bristles ran through the strawberry blonde pigtail one last time before the brush was sat down again. With both of her hands occupied, the Neo Queen wrapped the remainder of her daughter's long hair into what came out as a pointed bun holding it in place with bobby pins and a purple hair band. "You two have played before, and Luna will be there with you if you need anything."
"What are the guardians meeting for" Small Lady asked curiously before her young mind wandered back to her afternoon appointment. She had completely forgotten her play date with the Princess of Jupiter. Small Lady liked the little brunette princess. She was funny and energetic and she shared many interests with the Earth Princess. "Hmm, I wonder what she'll want to play when she gets here" Small Lady questioned aloud with obvious thought crossing her little face.
"Nothing you need be concerned about, my Small Lady." Brushing off the question concerning the guardians, Neo Queen Serenity took the remainder of the young princesses flowing hair from her daughter's hand running a brush through it once more to remove any excess tangles caused by her daughter's absent fidgeting. "I am sure you two will come up with something. You always do." Serenity smiled fondly at her daughter as she brushed the left half of her daughter's hair into a pigtail matching the other one.
'Poor Luna.' She thought surpresing a silent laugh. One final run through with the brush and the remaining locks were wrapped into a pointed bun, set with bobby-pins, and finished off with a purple hair-band. "There – finished. Just like a young lady." A quick spin of the chair turned Neo Queen Serenity's daughter to face her once more. "I believe your father is in the Throne Room with Uncle Nicholas, and I would be willing to bet your brother has found his way in there by now as well." She told the bunny-haired child while lifting her from the chair setting her on the floor beside her. "I want you to be a good girl today, Small Lady. Ok?"
(End Scene) (End Flashback)
Silent tears rolled down the Earth Princesses face as she listened to the commotion going on below. Red eyes locked with brown eyes as the Jupitarian Princess who was once her best friend starred up at her with a mixture of fear and uncertainty. Why? Why was it she was such an outcast? What had she done wrong? She hadn't put a spell on Damien-no-baka. If she had, she would have turned him into a toad, or a salamander, or something equally disgusting.
"SHUT UP!" Small Lady jumped just about out of her skin as the voice of a certain Jupitarian Prince danced lightly in her ears. Despite his obvious dislike of her, Small Lady couldn't help but respect the strength and honor of the Leader of her Guardians. 'Lita is lucky to have a brother like him.' Small Lady thought with a heavy sigh. 'Too bad he hates my guts.'
Small Lady's red eyes wandered the expanse of the Northern Gardens as she rested her chin on the balcony's side railing. The only person who she could even remotely consider a friend was Prince Antiny. Speaking of which….Small Lady blinked standing up. Her attention was drawn suddenly in by the sight of the Mercurian Prince storming – not walking – over to join the noble children that despised her so much.
Red eyes went wide with a mixture of surprise and fear as Antiny's usually quiet and gentle voice rose with an anger and strength she'd never have counted him capable of. "Honestly," The quiet threatening voice of Prince Antiny dryly spoke up from behind the group. "Small Lady is not a witch. She cannot cast spells. If she could, Damien would've been turned into a toad a long time ago . . . Move out of my way!"
In all her years, she had never seen Antiny loss his temper like that. Small Lady's heart skipped a beat. Red eyes filled with tears once more. In all her years, this had to be the first time ever she said heard her guardians come to her defense like this. A smirk crossed her young face at the surprise and fear her guardians so quickly instilled in those horrid noble kids.
As the group quickly dispersed, Small Lady found herself leaning further and further over the railing straining to her the conversation of her young guardians. DAMIEN NO BAKA! "Eep!" Small Lady jumped backward landing suddenly on her rearend. If Prince Antiny's outburst hadn't surprised her, the argument between Prince Triston and Prince Damien did. Tears filled her eyes for the third time in the last 10 minutes. A powerful wave of confusing emotions hit her suddenly as this new revalation was brought to her ears.
Her little brother's disappearance…THAT was what had caused all her misery these past 3 years? Mamo was alive? Her guardians didn't hate her after all? Triston thought SHE had tried to kill Mamoru? It was all too much. She herself couldn't remember what had happened during that fateful battle. Red eyes traveled absently up to the sky as her mind tried despitely and despairingly to make since of what she had just been told.
Then, it happened. A familiar blue and gold beam lit up the sky like a light in the dark. "Otooto!" She squeeked red eyes bulging out. Rushing back into her room, she began to rummage hurriedly through her side-table drawer. "Ah, ha." A small smile crossed her face as her fingers wrapped themselves around her henshin wand. "If I save him and bring him home all by myself, then they will HAVE to believe it wasn't my fault."