Part 15 "Twisting Paths" Serena was the first to move. She dashed out of the bedroom and into the hall. "Reenie!" she called. Reenie was down the hall a short distance, sniffling. Serena was about to console her big sister when her mother and Chad came up the stairs. "What on earth happened?!?" Mrs. Tsukino demanded when she took in the scene of Reenie and Serena in tears. "Raye was calling me names," Serena explained unable to stop herself, "Then Reenie and Raye started calling each other names." Serena added, "Raye was REALLY mean to us, Mommy." She padded over towards Reenie and said, "Reenie, please don't cry." Reenie just turned so she could hide her face and sniffled again before giving a hiccup. Serena just hugged Reenie and leaned her head on Reenie's back. Mrs. Tsukino and Chad moved past the two girls for the moment and into Serena's bedroom. "Lita, what's the matter?!?" Ellen asked when she noted that Lita also had tears running down her face. "Raye said that my mommy wasn't real!" Lita gave a half choked sob, "She said my mommy was a fake!" Amy wrapped her arms around Lita and hugged her, trying to reassure her sister. Lita responded in kind and hugged Amy back. "Raye, I want you to apologize," Chad ordered sternly. "No!" Raye snapped, "It's all true!" Chad started to growl but Mrs. Tsukino cut him off, "What started this whole thing?!?" There was silence except for some sniffling. Mina glanced up towards Serena's mother before looking at the ground again. Sheepishly, apologetically Mina said, "Raye thought that being five is bad and when Serena and Reenie didn't say so too, Raye started calling them names." "Raye Hino, I want you to apologize this minute!" Chad said angrily. "No!" "Girls, why don't we go get ready and I'll drive Mina home." Lita and Amy nodded and left the room. Mina shot a look towards Raye before hurrying after the girls. When she was in the hallway, she said, "Lita, don't be sad. You know what my mommy always says?" "What?" Amy snapped defensively. "Sticks and stones may break my bones but Raye will always hurt me." The room and hallway were silent for a moment before Lita snickered, a small smile showing on her face. Artemis looked up to the ceiling and rolled his eyed. "Raye, go get ready. We're going home," Chad said quietly. "Good, who wants to stay around babies like them?" Raye snidely remarked, "Especially Mina and her stupid sayings." She then scurried from the room when Chad advanced on her. "I'm terribly sorry, Mrs. Tsukino," Chad said, "I wish Raye hadn't acted so badly. I'm rather embarrassed." Walking towards the door Chad added, "I don't think Raye will be seeing any of the girls for awhile." Ellen only nodded her head in understanding. Serena was concerned. The more she tried to comfort Reenie, the more uncomfortable Reenie seemed to look. As Raye passed by heading for the stairs, Serena had the urge to stick her tongue out but it just didn't seem appropriate. Chad was close behind Raye. He wasn't looking very happy either. "Reenie, what's the matter?" Ellen asked coming to crouch in front of the little girl, "Raye didn't hit you, did she?" "No," Reenie said, "She was pickin' on Serena and I, then she started to call me names." Reenie sniffled, "I know I shouldn't have called her names but I was so mad!" She looked at the ground, Ellen gave Reenie a hug before saying, "Oh Reenie, I'm so proud of you for not fighting Raye like you did before. You're a great big sister for sticking up for Serena." Much to Ellen's surprise, Reenie broke out into a fresh stream of tears. Giving a sob, she twisted out of Ellen's light hug and ran into the bathroom, banging the door closed behind her. "Reenie?!?" Ellen called worriedly. Getting up, Ellen walked over to the door and tapping on it said, "Reenie, honey, come on out. Please?" Her only answer was a muffled sob. Serena thought sadly, tears coming to her eyes, However, Serena did feel something tugging at her. It was the bond that had formed for her own Reenie and it was going out to this one just as strongly. Chad pushed the door to Raye's bedroom open and firmly guided Raye into the room. When he had the door shut again, he turned to look at the little girl sternly. "Raye, I am VERY disappointed in you," Chad said, "You were rude and mean to Serena, Lita, and Reenie. You were even ruder to Mrs. Tsukino!" "But Chad..." "NO!" he bellowed. Raye flinched and took a step back. Taking several deep breaths, Chad said in a softer tone, "I'm sorry for yelling, Raye. There was NO reason to pick on Serena and Reenie. Serena tries as hard as she can and you hurt her feelings by making fun of her." He looked sternly at her, "I'm also ashamed of what you said to Lita, especially after this morning." "I knew you'd take THEIR side," Raye said her bottom lip trembling, "You don't care about me." "This has nothing to do with taking sides. I do care about you very much but what you did was WRONG!" Taking one of the small chairs in the room, he placed it so that the seat was towards the corner. "You, young lady, will be spending the rest of the day looking at this corner. Then you will be going to bed early." When he started to see a semi-relieved look on Raye's face he added, "You aren't getting off easy, Raye. I'm going to ground you. We'll talk about that tomorrow." Raye thought, She thought that Chad might leave her alone once she was settled on the chair looking at a very boring corner. However, this was a grave misconception. He was just settling her in for a lengthy lecture on her recent behavior, and Chad wasn't using kid gloves either. Much to Mina's embarrassment, she was standing in a corner as well. However, it wasn't because she had been picking on anyone. Rather it was because she had attributed her misquoted saying to her mother. Mrs. Aino didn't seem to appreciate the humor of the moment, so Mina found herself in hot water again. It didn't last long though. Five minutes later, Mina was released with a caution not to say rude things about people from her father. Mina flopped onto her bed and sighed. "Mina?" Artemis asked softly coming into the room, "Are you okay?" "Yeah," Mina replied rolling over on to her stomach, "Just that it really got nasty there." She started to swing her legs lazily, "I've never seen the girls fight that badly before." "Luna told me once that Raye nearly bullied her way into being the leader before we knew that Serena was the Moon Princess." Mina puffed out a breath before saying, "Artemis, was I wrong? I don't want to be five. Raye pretty much said what I thought but I don't think she had the right to say it exactly that way." "Mina, you said it the best way you could. Although high fiving Raye was a little out of line." He nuzzled her slightly before saying, "It'll take time to heal but I think the hurt will fade." "I hope so, Artemis. I hope so." Lita thought sadly as she lay in bed that night. She felt Amy stir slightly beside her, She sniffled, "Lita?" Amy asked softly, "Are you awake?" Lita turned her head so she could look at her sister, "How could Raye say that?" she asked softly, a lump coming to her throat, "I thought she might understand, at least a little." "I don't know, Lita," Amy admitted after a pause, "But what were you thinking? Why are you awake?" Lita sighed slightly before saying, "Amy, I was thinking of not using my Jupiter powers." She saw her sister's expression and grimaced, "I don't want to go back. I'm so lonely when I am fourteen." "You have us," Amy said, "We won't be able to act the same; we've grown closer." "I know you're trying to understand," Lita stated after a pause, "You're a wonderful friend but you've always had a mom. Sure, she's busy but I mean when you come home she will eventually be there. I come home to an empty apartment only filled with plants. I don't want to go back to that." "Serena made the decision. We have to accept it. She's our Princess and we are duty bound to follow her. Lita, if you don't want to use your power, then I'll try to come up with a different source like Prisma." Amy looked seriously at Lita, "Just please... please don't use this to get revenge on Raye. If we have to use Prisma, then you're putting me and Serena, even Mina into unnecessary danger." Lita rolled over so her back was to Amy, "Sis, you are a kind person and revenge isn't what you do." There was silence, "Good night, Lita." "Good night... Sis," Lita said, and she felt a single tear roll down her cheek. Lita and Amy weren't the only ones that were having problems with sleep. Serena was wide awake. So was Reenie but Serena wasn't aware of the fact. Reenie mused. Reenie thought, Reenie clenched her fists together. Reenie hadn't even looked at Serena since they had dropped Mina off. In fact, she had spent most of her time outside, away from Serena. That hurt. It hurt Serena because Reenie wanted to avoid her but it hurt even more because she knew she was the cause of it. The more Serena thought about it, the more depressed she got. She could feel the tiny lump in her throat growing and soon she was sniffling. Biting her lower lip, she tried to hold in the tears and muffle the sob that wanted to escape. Finally though, she couldn't hold it back and it came out as a high-pitched expulsion of breath. Tears once again flowed freely. "Serena?" came the voice from the side of her, "Little Sister?!?" Serena didn't respond; she just cried. She felt arms hugging her and somebody talking to her but she was too busy concentrating on what she had done to listen. Eventually though, her tears ran dry and she gave a hiccuping sob before sniffling again. "Serena, what's the matter?" It was Reenie's voice. It sounded worried, concerned. "I don't want to hurt you, Reenie," Serena managed to say croakily, "I'm so confused!" She buried her head into Reenie's chest and, hugging the older girl, tried to get a little control over herself, but failed. "Raye and Mina don't want to stay... Lita and Amy do. You want me to stay but, when your mommy's okay, then you'll be gone and I'll be all alone." She sniffled and remained silent for a moment, "I want Mommy and Daddy to be proud but I'm not five!" Reenie hugged Serena tightly, guilt starting to work its magic. Reenie could feel her own eyes start to mist over. "But I don't want to lose you, Serena. When you become fourteen who's going to save my mommy?" Serena sniffled slightly and then she started to feel a little better. "Reenie, if I go back, then the Serena that was here BEFORE I came will come back. You can still be a big sister to her. She really needs you. She can help your mommy." She looked up towards Reenie and said, "I don't want to hurt you, Reenie, but there's a very lonely little girl in my time that needs me to be a big sister like you." Now Serena hated lying. She would try to tell as much truth as she could. However, what she was telling Reenie was a lot of truth and a lot of guess work. "But..." Reenie looked at Serena, "You understand me better than the other one." "Big Sister... Reenie," Serena began gently, "If I stay, then so will everybody else. Lita and Amy might like it but I can't really do that to Mina, even Raye." Reenie looked like she was about to argue that point, "You're a great big sister and I love you. But in my heart I know that the fourteen year old me doesn't belong here. No matter how much I'd like to stay." Reenie's face crumpled and she sniffled, "I love you, Serena." She said softly, "I just don't want you to go." "I'm sorry," Serena said again and hugged her sister close. After a few moments, both girls cried themselves to sleep. And the night was still. Late at night on Thursday, the girls, along with Reenie, and the kittens found themselves inside the original alley that they had ducked into when they first appeared. Reenie yawned. It was well past all of their bedtimes. She was trying to figure out why the others were able to be so alert with the possible exception of Serena. "Let's get this over with," Raye said, "And let's hope this works." <'Cuz if it doesn't, I'm gonna get it from Chad for sneaking out again.> "We have to transform," Amy ordered, "We should move down the alley a little further though, just so that nobody sees us." "Are you sure about that?" Serena asked nervously, a wave of fear flowing over her, "It's kinda scary looking." She felt Reenie take her hand and squeeze it. Serena turned and gave the girl a smile. "Let's just do it," Mina prodded seeing that Raye was looking annoyed, "It won't really matter as long as no one sees us transform." Nodding, the others drew out their transformation pens. Serena smiled and slowly drew her hand out of Reenie's. At Serena's nod, each Scout spoke their transformation phrase and the alley was flooded with magical light. As it swirled away, Reenie blinked. After her vision readjusted to the gloom, she found that the Sailor Scouts were looking at her intently. "Here Serena, I mean, Sailor Moon," Reenie said. She reached inside her uniform top and drew out her Time Key. "Please give it to Venus, Reenie," Mercury stated, "We have to repeat the events that changed us as accurately as possible." Reluctantly, Reenie handed her key over to Sailor Venus who gave her a small smile of thanks. "Reenie, you should go home," Sailor Moon suggested softly. "Why?!?" Reenie said, "I need my key. I can't save Mommy without it." "Reenie, you lost your key when Prisma attacked. Sailor Venus had it and you ran home." Sailor Moon gave Reenie a hug, "Don't worry, I promised I'd help save your mommy and I will." Reenie sniffled and gave Sailor Moon a hug, "Good-bye, Little Sister, and good luck." With that Reenie turned, sadly waved, and ran down the alley towards the Tsukino home. "Mercury, if we have to be exact, shouldn't we wait until it's daylight?!?" Mars asked starting to feel the first misgivings of this plan but forcefully pushing them aside. "No, there would be too many people. Besides, there could be collateral damage," Mercury explained, "Be prepared for anything." "Let's get this over with," Sailor Moon announced. "If this doesn't work, we'll all be in hot water with our parents." Carefully, she left the alley and looked around. The street was dark and deserted. Waving with her hand, the others followed and together the Scouts moved into the necessary positions. "Venus, try and raise your arms the way you did before... Jupiter," Mercury paused. She took on an uncomfortable expression for a moment before saying, "Jupiter, don't aim for the Key." "WHAT?!?!" Jupiter and Venus asked together. "Prisma wasn't aiming for the Key. If we aim your power for the Key, then it might not work properly." Jupiter looked like she was about to protest but then nodded, "Okay, if Venus is willing." "I guess I don't have very much choice in the matter," Venus agreed. "NOW that that's settled, can we get on with this?!" Mars demanded. "I'm starting to get cranky." "Now, Jupiter, charge your attack for two seconds before releasing it. That will correspond to the amount of energy Prisma released during her attack on Venus," Amy instructed. "Right." Jupiter briefly thought then shook the idea off, Amy's words coming back to her, "Okay, let's do it." She then braced and prepared her attack. When Mercury gave her the signal, Jupiter shouted, "JUPITER THUNDERCLAP ZAP!" <1001, 1002...> And she released her attack. It sped out towards Venus and, at the last instant, hit the Time Key. Again, Venus dropped the Key and a torrent of pink light swirled around the Sailor Scouts as reality shifted. They heard a snarl, "I don't know how you stopped my attack but you're gonna pay!" Glancing towards the voice, the Sailor Scouts noted that it was now daylight and Prisma was there. The Scouts' first reaction was to panic. Droids had been bad enough but Prisma! "We're big again!" Mars yelled joyfully, "Oh am I gonna MAKE you PAY!" Mars said evilly as she pointed towards Prisma, "MARS CELESTIAL FIRE SURROUND!" The rings of burning flame shot forth but Mars had aimed too high. Her attack passed over Prisma who started to chuckle. "That isn't funny!" Mars howled, "I'll show you!" Mars prepared to attack again but Prisma interrupted her. "Not this time!" Prisma shouted, "Droid Dee Zert come forth!" "As you command!" the voice said. A woman standing five feet six inches appeared. She was dressed in white clothing and had sandy brown hair and eyes. "Finish off these Sailor Brats!" Prisma shouted. "Yes, Mistress..." Dee Zert said menacingly, "Sandblast!" Prisma smiled and disappeared. "Watch out!!!" Sailor Moon cried and the Scouts scattered. The blast of sand streaked out and plowed into a car. The entire frame of the car shuddered for a moment before turning into a pile of sand. "Oh my gosh!!!" Moon exclaimed, "Good thing nobody was in that!" "VENUS LOVE CHAIN ENCIRCLE!" The chain of golden light whipped out and tried to ensnare the Droid but as it enclosed around the woman, it passed right through, as if she had been made of sand. Jupiter found a good brace before firing off her own attack, "JUPITER THUNDERCLAP ZAP!" "MARS CELESTIAL FIRE SURROUND!" Mars yelled aiming lower this time. Both attacks combined and slammed into the Droid. She blocked it by raising her arm which superheated and then formed into glass. As the less cohesive part slid away, most of the Droid's arm fell to the ground and shattered. "Ewww!" Sailor Moon whined, "That's disgusting!" "MERCURY ICE STORM SPLASH!" Mercury's attack shot out and engulfed the Droid in its watery embrace. As the attack died away, the Droid had a different appearance. She was short now, dark brown and looking a lot more like mud than anything else. "Now, Sailor Moon, before she hardens!" "RIGHT!" Sailor Moon nodded, "MOON...SCEPTER...ELIMINATION!!!" The scream the Droid emitted as the giant crescent moon sped on its deadly way was garbled and thick sounding. "MOON DUSTED!!!" Sailor Moon declared when the Droid was nothing more than the typical pile of dust or, in this case, sand. "Finally," Mars breathed, "It looks like it worked, Mercury. Great job!" Mercury fiddled with her computer for a moment before saying, "It appears that we arrived almost instantaneously after we changed to five year olds. Physically, we are all fourteen again." "So all those days we were five are gone?!?" Venus asked hopefully. "Yes." Then Mercury furrowed her brow slightly, "However, it appears that it is now Saturday instead of Sunday." "WHAT?!? Well if it's Saturday, HOW in the world did we get here and WHY were we attacking Prisma?" Mars demanded. "It appears that the Time Key has rewrote history to adjust to our new situation. According to my readings, we shifted back twelve days, seven hours, and thirty-nine minutes." "Will we meet ourselves?" Venus asked in a worried tone of voice. "The chances are almost nil. Given that Prisma attacked us now, it would appear that we had the fight on Saturday instead of Sunday." "So that means that we have an extra day?" Venus asked even more hopefully than before. "Yes. Why?" Mercury asked looking up from her computer. "That's great! I haven't lost a second of boy chasing time then. In fact, I've gained a whole entire extra day! Well I'll see you guys later. Bye-ee!" and with that Venus reverted back into Mina and bounded off down the street. "Well it looks like she still has the spirit," Raye observed after she had also detransformed back. "Raye, you know it could have been worse," Amy said. "How's that?" Raye asked looking at Amy closely, "What could be worse than being five and having Chad looking after you?" Amy gave a slightly evil grin before saying, "You could have been two or three and Chad could have been potty training you." Raye's mouth dropped open and she stared with large eyes at Amy who giggled. "Think about that, Raye," Lita added, "You could have been in training pants and having Chad help you in the bathroom!" She giggled herself at the look on Raye's face. Raye had taken on a green tinge and was doing a fairly good fish impression. "That's sick!" she finally blurted out. "Well, I better go and see what those two lunkheads are up to." She then quickly vacated the scene. "I'll see you guys later." Serena bent down and picked the Time Key off the ground where Venus had dropped it. "I have to give Reenie back her key." "Okay Serena, see you later," Lita said. After watching their friend go, Amy and Lita started walking down the street together in silence. As Raye walked home, her common sense finally took back control from her ego. Now that she didn't have a five year old body to goad her, Raye was starting to realize that she had went overboard. she thought sadly, It bothered her. It bothered Raye because she should've been able to understand Lita's feelings. Raye sighed as she started up the steps of the Cherry Hill Temple. Sitting in the corner after Chad's scolding had given Raye a lot of time to reflect on what she had said. Now that she was back to normal, Raye could finally admit, at least to herself, that she was wrong. "Hey Raye?" came the voice of Chad, "Is something wrong?" Raye jerked to a stop, the leftover five year old part going into guilt mode. She looked up as if expecting to see Chad sternly looking at her but instead she came face to face with a shaggy mop of hair. "Oh Chad!" she cried and embraced Chad in a massive hug. Chad gave a squeak of surprise but didn't do anything else. He was too surprised to do anything else! "Raye!!!" came the angry voice of her grandfather, "You're too young to date. You have to wait until you're sixteen." "Grandpa!" she shouted letting go of Chad, "I was just hugging him!" "And I said you're too YOUNG to DATE!" "I was not dating him!" Raye snarled. Snatching the broom out of Chad's hands, she took a swing at her grandfather who backpedaled, "Now Raye, Pumpkin..." "I am NOT your PUMPKIN!" Raye raised the broom to clobber her grandfather then stopped in mid-swing and smiled evilly, "I'm Chad's!" Both men promptly fainted. Raye just giggled. Even though Lita and Amy were walking in silence, they were not uncomfortable. In fact, they were enjoying each other's company. As time passed Amy noted that they had passed by the corner that Lita should have turned at to go home but didn't say anything. Lita was oblivious to the missed corner because her thoughts were more focused on the past two weeks. Her train of thought was interrupted when her stomach grumbled. Lita blinked and stopped walking. Amy, taken off-guard by Lita's sudden stop, missed it at first then noticed that she was walking alone. Turning around, she saw that Lita was a little ways back. Jogging up to her friend, Amy asked, "Lita, what's the matter?" "Amy, I just realized that I don't live with you anymore," Lita said, her eyes misty, forcing a smile, "Silly me, now I'll have a longer walk from here to my apartment." "You could come over to my place if you wanted to," Amy offered, "We've grown closer, Lita." She gently laid a hand on Lita's arm and said, "We can't act like sisters but I don't want that closeness to disappear." "I don't either, Amy," Lita replied, "It's just a shock. I... I was wondering what your mom was going to make us for dinner." Lita seemed to have trouble saying "your mom" as if it left a foul taste in her mouth. "Well you could still come over and have supper," Amy once again offered. "No, it's okay. I've got some things to do at my place. Thanks anyways, Ames." Lita turned and started off down the street again. "Good-bye, Lita!" Amy called after her fast retreating friend. "Good-bye..." Lita started off, halted, and then whispered out, "Sis." A tear rolled down her cheek and she sniffled. Serena was walking home when she heard a cry from the side. "Serena!!!" The voice sounded relieved. Before Serena could react, Reenie had shot out of a nearby alley with tears running down her cheeks and hugged the older girl, "They were tryin' to get me and... when the Sailor Scouts came I ran away but I got lost!" Reenie admitted. "Oh Reenie!" Serena said and picked the girl up into a hug, "I have something for you." Reenie looked up and saw that Serena was holding her Time Key. Reaching up, she took it from Serena's hand and held it close. "Thank you, Serena, I thought I'd lost it." "Sailor Moon told me to give it to you," Serena explained. She gave Reenie a bigger hug, happy to see that the little girl was all right. As the seconds passed, Reenie realized something. She was hugging Serena and actually enjoying it. Squirming out of the hug, she gave Serena a glare and said, "Well, Meatball Head, what are you tryin' to do?!? It ain't like I like you or anything!" Serena's face crumpled slightly but she didn't yell. Instead, she sniffled a little before forcing a smile, "I'm glad you're okay, Reenie. I wouldn't want you to get hurt." She noted the time and said, "Why don't we walk home. It's getting late. Mom'll be worried." "I suppose. We don't want to miss your bedtime or anything," Reenie sneered. Serena held her hand out and Reenie looked at it as if it were going to bite. "I ain't going to hold your dumb hand, meatballs-for-brains." Serena visibly controlled her temper and started to walk with Reenie beside her. As they traveled down the street, Reenie said, "Whatsa matter? Gonna cry?!?" she taunted. "No, Reenie. I just wish we could be friends." "Who'd want to be friends with you?" Reenie asked sarcastically. Serena sighed, These and similar thoughts occupied Serena's mind during the rest of their walk home. As the two girls entered Serena's house Ellen looked up and gave a small smile. "Did you have fun at Raye's, dear?" "Oh Mommy, it was so scary!" Serena said immediately and, bounding over to her mother, hugged her wholeheartedly. "Mommy?!?" Mrs. Tsukino questioned, "Serena, what are you up to?!?" "Um well..." "Serena!" her mother said sternly. "Nothing Mommy... I mean Mom. I guess I was being silly." "Got that right!" Reenie snapped from behind them, "How embarrassing. A cousin that's a REAL BABY!" "Reenie!" Ellen said sharply forgetting her daughter for the moment. "Yes, Aunt Ellen?" Reenie squeaked out. "Reenie, you apologize to Serena." "But..." "Young lady apologize this minute or you'll be spending some time in a corner!" Reenie paled slightly and, after shuffling her feet for a moment, said, "I'm sorry, Serena. I didn't mean to call you a baby." "That's okay, Reenie," Serena said sweetly, "I'm glad you apologized." She gave Reenie a gentle pat on the head. "It certainly isn't okay," Ellen stated, "Reenie, I want you to show Serena the proper respect an older cousin deserves." Reenie looked like she was going to argue that point but her aunt's look made her change her mind. "Now, girls, go wash up for supper." "'Kay Mommy!" Serena called and scampered up the stairs like a little kid. Reenie thought disgustedly, At about seven that evening Serena was feeling tired. Yawning, she climbed the stairs heading for her room when she heard a muffled crash. She darted the rest of the way up the stairs and down the hall. When she got to her room Serena threw the door open and stared in shock at the pile of junk that was once her prized radio. Sitting on the floor was an equally surprised Reenie. She was looking at the radio with semi-horrified fascination. Stalking into the room, Serena closed the door solidly before turning on the little girl. "REENIE! WHAT exactly do you think you're DOING?!?" "I was looking for the Silver Crystal!" Reenie retorted scrambling to her feet, "This is YOUR fault!" "WHAT!?!" "Meatball Head, if you had given me the Silver Crystal, then I wouldn't have to look for it in your dumb stuff. It's your fault that the radio broke." "Come here you!" Serena snarled. Stalking over, she snagged Reenie who had attempted to evade her. "Now, Serena, you wouldn't hurt a LITTLE kid, would you?" Reenie whined. Serena paused. Suppressing a mischievous grin, Serena put on a stern expression, "Now you're really going to get it, and I don't care what Mom says!" A slightly terrified expression spread across Reenie's face and Serena had to fight the urge to giggle. Placing the child under one arm, so that Reenie couldn't see what Serena was doing, she proceeded to hunt for Mr. Floppy. It was one of the very few bunnies that she had managed to keep since childhood. Reenie briefly considered pinching Serena but, given her current position, she dismissed the idea as unhealthy. Reenie was suddenly distracted from her thoughts when Serena sat on her bed. The older girl moved Reenie over to one knee so the little girl was sitting conformably. Before Serena could say anything Reenie remarked, "Meatball Head, if you think I'm gonna just sit here like this, you're nuts! You aren't my mommy or anything!" Reenie began to struggle trying to get away. Serena gritted her teeth together and counted to ten. "Reenie, you can sit on my knee or I'll put you over it. Your choice." Reenie suddenly stopped her endeavors and glared at Serena, "When did you become so smart?" she asked. She scowled when Serena smiled. "I guess I don't have any choice," Reenie grumbled and crossed her arms as she started to pout. "I know it can be tough being a kid, Reenie," Serena observed, "I bet you want your mommy." Reenie didn't answer but Serena wasn't daunted. "You know when Sammy was born I missed my mommy." "Yeah so? What's your point?" Reenie snapped out. "Well my dad bought this bunny rabbit for me," Serena replied while showing Mr. Floppy to Reenie, "I know you think you're all alone and nobody likes you but I bet Mr. Floppy would like you." "I'm not a little kid," Reenie said pushing the rabbit away, "I don't like playing with bunnies. They're for babies like you." "Well I'm getting a little old for Mr. Floppy. He needs a good home and someone to look after him. I think you'd take real good care of him." Serena held the toy up for Reenie to see again and made one of the arms wave. Much to her disgust, Reenie smiled slightly, Furrowing her brow, she turned to Serena, "Why do you want me to take it? Aren't you mad about your radio?" "I want you to have Mr. Floppy because he needs someone who can tell him secrets. I've already told him all of mine." Serena then looked longingly towards her radio for a few moments and then stated, "It was an accident. Everybody has accidents." Serena thought and giggled. Reenie looked into Serena's eyes and gave the offer some thought, "Oh okay, if it'll make you happy. I still don't like it," Reenie said, "But I suppose I can put him on my bed or something." She took Mr. Floppy and held him by his ears. Serena thought and winced, "Serena, can I go now?" Reenie huffed out, "I've taken your stupid toy." Serena thought. Giving a sigh, she nodded. Reenie darted off of her knee and out of the room banging the door behind her. Serena felt the tears building in her eyes and her bottom lip started to quiver. Serena sadly thought, Early Sunday morning several surprised people were greeted with a strange sight. Mina Aino was skipping along the sidewalk. Now skipping in itself isn't unusual, except she was fourteen. The teenager was feeling great. She had a mountain of energy and the day was nice and sunny. Mina thought, As she skipped along Mina reflected that although they were fourteen some things were not back to normal yet. One being that she wasn't truly interested in boys. She was starting to feel the impulses cute boys generated but yesterday had been a total wash out. What was even more infuriating was that a nice fellow had actually asked her out. Mina thought darkly, Her thoughts turned darker still at Artemis' comments, Within a few minutes Mina arrived at Carrie's door, her dark thoughts banished for the moment. As she knocked on the door Mina wondered what Carrie's reaction would be. It had been over two months since her last visit with the little girl. "Mina?" came the voice of Carrie's mother, "I'm glad to see you." Her look, however, seemed to be asking why the older girl was at her house so early in the morning. "Hello, Mrs. Sayama, I actually wanted to spend the day with Carrie. That is if it's okay with you," Mina explained, "I thought I'd watch some cartoons with her and then go to the park." "Oh she'll be happy to see you. Come in. Carrie! Mina's here!" "MINA?!?" came the surprised voice from the living room. Carrie came darting out dressed in a set of bunny pajamas with a small Sailor Moon logo on it. Seeing this, Mina chuckled. "What?!?" Carrie asked skidding to a stop in front of Mina, "What's so funny???" "Nothing," Mina said, "Can I watch some cartoons with you?" Carrie's eyes enlarged and she stared at Mina, "But I thought you didn't like watchin' them." "Well I do now," Mina admitted. "I thought maybe we could watch some cartoons and then spend the day at the park. If your mommy says it's okay." Carrie gave Mina's leg a quick hug. "Please Mommy?!?" Carrie asked turning to her mother, "Can I go with Mina?!?" "Sounds good to me, Carrie. I can get some errands done then. Now I want you to be good for Mina." "Thanks Mommy!!! You're the best!" Carrie said giving her mother's leg a quick hug, "Come on Mina, you don't want to miss this!" Taking Mina's hand, Carrie dragged her off into the living room to watch the television. "You're fibbin'!" Carrie squeaked incredulously later that day, "The Sailor Scouts got shrunk?!? They were all FIVE just like me?!?" Now Carrie was inclined to believe Mina on most occasions, especially when it came to Sailor Scout stuff. After all, Mina DID know Sailor Venus and Sailor Moon, but Carrie was having trouble believing Mina's current tale. "Carrie, I wouldn't ever fib to you," Mina answered. She giggled as Carrie rolled her eyes, "Now we really should get going. It's almost time for your nap and I'm feeling tired too." "I don't like naps," Carrie said, "I hate being five." "Yeah being five can be pretty hard," Mina admitted, "But you know what they say." "What?" Carrie asked. "Youth is wasted on the young." "Uh... Mina? What does that mean?" "Dunno, Mom says that ALL the time." Hearing a knock at her bedroom door, Serena walked over and, upon opening it, found that Raye was standing in the hall. "Hi Serena," Raye said. She cautiously looked around before saying, "Where's Reenie?" Serena smirked slightly before turning grim again, "Probably plotting my demise with Sammy. Right at the moment she has Mr. Floppy hung by the neck in her room." "Come on in, Raye," Serena said while moving aside to allow Raye to enter. "Serena, I'm sorry," Raye said once the door was closed, "I really acted badly and I'm sorry I hurt your feelings." Serena's jaw dropped to the floor in shock. "I made you a Shinto good luck charm. Maybe it can help you with Reenie. You'll make a great big sister for her." "Thank you," Serena managed to squeak out. Taking the charm, she slowly walked over to the bed and sat down. Raye walked over and took a seat at Serena's desk. "Raye? Do you really think I'm dumb?" Raye squirmed for a moment before saying, "Well you act really childish sometimes and I guess it bothers me." Raye understood the reason why Serena's childish behavior bothered her but she wasn't able or willing to explain such a personal reason. "You're still a meatball head but I suppose you have your good qualities." "Gee thanks," Serena retorted with sarcasm, "You're starting to sound like Reenie. To her, I'm only good as something to snuggle up against if she has a bad dream or someone to make fun of." "Do you regret coming back, Serena?" Raye ask after a long moment of silence. Serena tiled her head in consideration for a few moments before shaking it. "So you're happy that you took the chance to get back to normal?" "No," Serena said softly while looking at the floor, "If I had only myself to think about, I would have stayed." She lifted her eyes to look at Raye, "But you were right. Staying was an option, it just wasn't the right one." "HEY MEATBALL HEAD, WHATCHA DOIN'???" Reenie yelled while walking into the room. "BEAT IT, SPORE!" Raye snapped. Both Serena and Reenie blinked while Raye flushed brightly. After leaving Serena's, Raye slowly made her way towards Lita's apartment. The more each step took her closer to Lita's door, the further away her courage retreated. Somehow, excruciatingly, Raye managed to force herself into the building and up the steps towards her destination. Once she arrived at Lita's door Raye reached out and gently tapped on the solid wood. There was no answer. Raye thought, Mustering her courage, Raye knocked more firmly on the door. After several seconds of silence, Raye decided that Lita must not be home and was about to turn down the hall when the door opened. "You!" Lita's voice sound hurt and angry, "What do YOU want?!?" "Lita, I'm very sorry for hurting your feelings," Raye stammered out looking up at Lita. "I-I should have been a little more tactful when we were arguing. I know I said some things that hurt you but I want to try and make that up to you." Taking out another Shinto good luck charm, Raye held it out. "I made this for you." Lita took it and examined it. "Come in," Lita said and held the door wider. Nervously, Raye stepped into the apartment. "So is this supposed to make everything all right?" Lita asked after shutting the door and walking over to the couch. "No," Raye admitted after taking a seat, "Lita, I guess I was insensitive towards you because I was jealous of you." She held up her hand to stop Lita from speaking, "I know that isn't a good excuse. There's no excuse good enough for that behavior. I'm ashamed of the way I acted." "I had thought you of all people would understand, Raye," Lita remarked after a long pause, "You don't have a mother or father. You have your grandfather but the way you treat him..." Lita trailed off, "I thought you could understand how lonely I am here." "Lita, you aren't alone. We care about you. That's some type of family," Raye said gently, "I learned that. Serena asked me if I hated everything about being five. I said `yes' but that wasn't true. I finally started to accept that Chad cared about me and accepted him as an older brother." Raye sighed, "I just don't want to see the Scouts break up because of what I said." "I suppose it's a start." Lita offered, "Would you like some tea?" "Yes, please," Raye said and gave her friend a small smile, "Thank you." Lita just smiled in return before going to prepare some tea. Raye thought as she listened to Lita in the kitchen, Late Wednesday afternoon was bleak. An easterly wind was pushing a large thunderhead in towards the city. As the sun struggled against the building clouds, Amy hung up the phone. Amy wondered as she walked to the living room, What bothered Amy even more was that Lita wasn't answering her communicator. It was working. Amy could at least tell that but what she couldn't tell why Lita wasn't answering. Amy thought, her eyes growing misty, To know that Lita was actively avoiding her, to the point of not going to school, hurt deeply. "Amy?" came her mother's voice, "What's the matter?" Being pulled from her thoughts for the moment, Amy looked towards her mother and gave a little sigh. "Mom, Lita's been avoiding me." "Why?!?" Mrs. Anderson said shocked. "Well, all the girls had a big fight Saturday and Raye said some things that really hurt Lita." Amy walked over to sit beside her mother, "Lita's my best friend. I tried to help her but it's like she just doesn't want any help." "Dear... I'm confused." Amy smiled sheepishly, "Sorry, let me start at the beginning. Or at least at the point where I'm clear about it." Ten minutes later, Mrs. Anderson sat in a semi-horrified state. "That poor girl!" she finally managed, "So Raye accused Lita of trying to get closer to you to get a family of some sort?!?" Amy nodded, "Well... I-I don't really know what to say." "That's just it. Lita's been a good friend and I don't know what to do," Amy confessed exasperation showing through, "She's just about as bullheaded as Raye when it comes to admitting when she needs help. Or that she's lonely." She shook her head. "You phone her, Amy, or go over to her place. Invite Lita over for supper on Friday night." "I don't think she'll come, Mom," Amy said. "You're a bright girl, Amy. You will think of something," her mother said, "Now I'll start making a list. You can pick up the items tomorrow." That evening Amy found herself in front of Lita's apartment door. She knocked and waited. After a few moments, the door opened and Lita peered out. "Hi Amy," came the soft greeting. "Hi Lita, can I come in?" "I suppose," Lita said moving aside the door. Amy stepped into the apartment and gaped. It wasn't as immaculate as usual. It was still clean but there were some school books strewn on the coffee table and a set of dishes were piled in the sink. "Lita, are you okay?!?" Amy asked shocked. Lita's hair was disheveled, large circles were under Lita's bloodshot eyes due to lack of sleep. "Just peachy," Lita growled out after closing the door. "The past three nights I've got a total of seven hours of sleep." She shuffled over to the couch and flopped down, "I keep having the nightmares about the plane dropping out of the sky." "Why didn't you tell someone? Why didn't you tell me?!?" Lita glared at Amy for a minute and then sighed, "Amy, were you the one trying to contact me?" "Yes," Amy answered, some of the hurt showing, "I was worried about you." Lita rolled to sitting position and sighed, "I'm sorry, Amy... I just needed to be alone. I had some thinking to do." Tentatively, Amy walked over and sat beside her friend, "Lita, all of us are worried about you. We want to help you." She placed a gentle hand on Lita's arm, "What were you thinking about?" "Nothing important. What did you want?" "I wanted to know if you'd come have supper with me Friday." "I don't know..." Lita said, she shifted uncomfortably, "I don't think that I could face your mom." "Lita, grow up a little. You aren't some little kid who's going to be scolded. I saw the love that you were willing to put out for my mom. I saw how much love you needed. We can be closer; we can't be sisters but we CAN have a closer relationship." "I... it would hurt too much," Lita sniffled out, her eyes starting to mist over. "Well Mom won't be there Friday. She's working a double shift at the hospital and I was going to be all by myself. So please, Lita, come have supper with me?" Lita seemed reluctant, "Please, just once more. If you don't want us to mention the sister thing again, then I won't but only after you come to supper." "I suppose, I could." "Pretty please?" Amy asked, then a mischievous part of her took over, "You do realize that if you keep moping around here, I'll be forced to tell the others you're feeling sorry for yourself and THEN Serena and Mina will at a minimum insist on a party." "Blackmail?!? You're getting underhanded since you were five." A small smile appeared on Lita's face. "Common sense, so will you come?" "Yeah okay, Ames. Just don't go announcing it on the news or anything." She gave Amy a hug. Around the same time that Amy was talking to Lita, Serena found herself moping. The cause was simple. No matter how much she tried to talk to Reenie, the little girl just didn't want anything to do with her. Serena sighed, Her thoughts were interrupted by the stomping of little feet that passed her door. After a few more seconds, the sound of a door slamming shut could be heard. Getting up, Serena made her way out into the hallway and down to Reenie's room. She tapped softly on the door and waited for a response. There was none forthcoming so Serena softly opened the door. Reenie was laying on her bed hugging Mr. Floppy close. A small smile spread across Serena's face. "Reenie?" Serena called softly. "What do you want?!?" Reenie demanded in a sulky voice. She sat up and glared at Serena. Reenie thought. That's when she realized that she was still holding the bunny. She quickly laid it down next to her. "Reenie, are you okay?" "I'm fine. What do you care?" "Well I was a little lonely and I started to wonder, would you like to go out for ice cream?" Serena asked hopefully. "Not with you." Coming into the room, Serena closed the door and padded over to sit beside Reenie on the bed. "It's tough without your mommy here, huh?" Reenie just stared straight ahead and didn't respond, "Reenie, what if I promise to give you the Silver Crystal AFTER Rubeus is stopped." Reenie turned to look at Serena hotly. "It isn't nice to tease a little kid, you know," Reenie remarked, "We both hate each other. Why don't you give me the Silver Crystal and I'll just leave." "Reenie, I don't hate you." Reenie seemed unconvinced. Serena asked, "Why do you think I hate you?" Reenie just turned to look away from Serena, "Honey, I care about you. I know we fought before but I'd like to be your friend. When Rubeus is stopped, I'll give you the Silver Crystal and Sailor Moon can come and help you save your mommy, I promise." She gently reached out and touched Reenie's shoulder, "Why don't we go get some ice cream." "Why? Is Darien going to be there?!?" Reenie asked, "You just want to use me to get to him!" Gently turning Reenie's head, Serena looked into the little girl's eyes and said, "If Darien's there, you can stay with him and I'll leave." "REALLY?!?" Reenie asked surprised her eyes going wide. She sensed sincerity in Serena's offer. "Yes," Serena nodded while looking at the floor, "Darien doesn't love me anymore and I just seem to hurt him when I'm around." She raised her head and looked at Reenie, "Do you remember that time that you tickled me, when you were looking for the Silver Crystal, and I spanked you?" "Yeah! That wasn't very nice," Reenie glowered, "What about it?" "I'm sorry it happened. I shouldn't have gotten that mad at you." Reenie blinked, "Why are you saying you're sorry now?!?" "'Cause, I realized that by not being your friend, I'm missing something very special. I want to help you and protect you because I DO CARE about YOU." "Well enough of this mushy stuff, Serena," Reenie huffed but Serena didn't miss the smile that she had on her face, "So are we going to get some ice cream or not?" "Sure," Serena said and stood. Serena thought as she walked towards the door. Oddly enough, Reenie must have read Serena's mind because the little girl did take her hand. they both thought silently. Hand in hand, they walked down the hall and out of the house, together. "Hello Lita," Mrs. Anderson greeted the young woman on that Friday afternoon. Lita stared as if she had seen a ghost, "Is something wrong, Lita?" "Um... ah... no. Amy said that you-I mean that..." Lita appeared to be flustered. "Hello Mo... Mrs. Anderson, I wasn't expecting to see you." "Well please come in." Mrs. Anderson then noted the bags, "Oh my, you didn't have to bring anything, Lita. I went shopping yesterday." She blinked. "Thank you," Lita said coming into the house, "I thought I'd make one of my special dishes." She caught sight of Amy, who was coming into the kitchen looking slightly sheepish, "What a surprise. Amy TOLD me you were going to be working a DOUBLE shift today." She glared at her former sister frostily. "Amy must have gotten the days mixed up," Mrs. Anderson explained, "Here, let me take those bags for you." Lita handed the bags over reluctantly and made her way towards Amy. Amy gulped slightly and took a step backwards. "Nice to see you, Lita. I hope you don't miss too much school. Maybe I can help you catch up." "Why don't you two go do something while I cook dinner." Lita stopped her slow advance on Amy for the moment and turned to Mrs. Anderson. "I'll help," she offered, "I was planning on cooking anyway." "You were?!?" Mrs. Anderson questioned, "I thought Amy invited you for supper, NOT to make it." She pinned her daughter with her own glare. "I did only invite her to dinner. It's a surprise to me too, Mom," Amy said hopefully, "I mean, Lita's a great cook but I figured she'd bring something." "I insist, Mrs. Anderson. I won't take no for an answer either," Lita said. "Well, I suppose... Okay, let's get started then." She sent Lita a wink and said, "What would you like AMY to do?" Lita giggled slightly, "Oh... how about washing the veggies?" "That sounds like a good idea." Amy thought bleakly but the majority won out, Mrs. Anderson was in awe of Lita's cooking skills. Halfway through preparing supper, Lita had taken the kitchen completely over pushing both Andersons out of the room. Soon though, the smells emanating from the kitchen were too much to resist. Mrs. Anderson came in and peeked into a pot. "Smells good," she commented. "It should be done. Please have a taste," Lita offered handing her a spoon. Taking the spoon, Mrs. Anderson dipped it into the pot and lifted the still steaming contents out. Sniffing it, she made a face of delight before popping it into her mouth. "Hmmm!" Mrs. Anderson commented, "This is good!" Lita gave a small smile and blushed, "Try a piece of the meat." Mrs. Anderson obliged the request and took a small piece. As she chewed, her features went through mixtures of delighted motions. "You know, Lita, you are an excellent cook." Lita's reaction was a surprise, she sniffled. Mrs. Anderson looked at the young woman in concern, "What's the matter, Lita?" "Well, you sorta sounded like my mom," Lita admitted, "She used to say that, too." Her voice was growing thick and she sniffled again, "I used to help her cook when I was little and Mom would always say that..." Lita trailed and made a little squeak, "She'd say I was good at cooking." "Well you are. Your mother would be very proud of you." Lita's lower lip began to tremble, sniffling a little bit, Lita shook her head. "She'll n-never know that." The trembling grew a little more intense. "I won't ever get a chance to cook for her." Mrs. Anderson laid her fork down and walked over to Lita. "But she knows, Lita, she knows. She's probably been keeping an eye on you and when you cook, she smiles and thinks `I taught my daughter that'." Unseen by the two, Amy had tears beginning to roll down her cheeks. "But I'm so alone!" Lita finally admitted, "What's the use of being able to cook if you have no one to do it for? Why love to cook when you don't get any love back?" She gave a little sob and blinked, fresh tears rolling down her face, "Why?" As she looked past the older woman, a woman who for nearly two weeks had been a real mother to her, Lita saw Amy. She saw that Amy knew what she wanted, what she needed, and, most of all, approved. Lita looked to Mrs. Anderson and gave another little sob, the recognition was on the woman's face as well. Reaching out, they both hugged, one giving the warmth only a mother could, the other drinking it in. Lita thought, End of "Adventures of the Chibi-Scouts" Author's Afterword: (By "Tuxedo" Will Wolfshohl) Well, it's finally done. I hope you enjoyed reading "Adventures of the Chibi-Scouts". Over one year in the making! I never knew when I suggested the ACS kernel how long it would take or how many people would eventually become involved. There are many I wish to thank for their roles in making ACS a reality. First to thank is my co-author Doug Helm. Without him, ACS would have lost much of the emotion and a number of wonderful plot elements mentioned in reader comments. He is a great person to work with and we were continually bouncing ideas off of each other. How Doug is able to produce so much quality writing and run the main site that my SM Fanfics Archive site resides on is something I'm in awe of. We don't seem to know when to stop. There are several more fanfics with Doug that I will be involved with in various capacities. Next to thank is Mike Chenoweth who began the discussions of ACS with me. Mike and I spent the last quarter of 1996 knocking out most of the main plot elements in ACS. He was slated to co-author ACS with me but his schedule didn't permit it to happen. To Eric "Greywolf" den Biesen who co-authored the first three parts of ACS. Unfortunately, he was unable to continue for various reasons but he got the ball rolling and I thank him. I still remember the feeling I had seeing the first fleshed out rough version of part one Eric sent me. Thanks to Jeanette Cheuk who took on the thankless job of editor and alpha reader. She found many minor problems and suggested a number of enhancements. Thanks to our beta readers (alphabetically): Ethan, Allan Huffaker, Jendra, and Neo-Queen Serenity(Connie). These people fill a very necessary role. We get a lot of information from them about the plot and what works, what doesn't, and what needs improvement. Thanks to our "official" story artists Chibi-Mars(Nicole) and Mako-chan(Jessica). Please come and visit the site to view their artwork and other guest artists. And finally, thanks to our readers who took time to read this fanfic. Especially to those on the distribution list and outside of it who commented on an on-going basis to make ACS even better. Kudos to our major commentors: Joeline Yeung, Rush-chan, Kevin Wible, Kenshin, and SKJAM. That leads me to the future. As mentioned above things look good for 1998. "Tales of Younger Venus" is near completion at this writing. A side story to ToYV called "A Gem" is slated as well as the sequel to ToYV. It will be another in the ToY series. Policy on posting this story and to that matter any of my other works: Doug and I have a general policy that turns down any requests to post our works. This is not because we are snobs but we prefer a sense of control over our own works. We choose the sites we want our stories to be posted that have a broad distribution. Through two MLs, the distribution list, a select number of sites, and when a story is complete RAAC and AFSM newsgroups, we gain both broad distribution and our needed sense of control. Well that's it for me. Again thanks for reading. If you haven't commented, now's your chance. Don't be shy. "Tuxedo" Will Wolfshohl wwolfshohl@logicon.com http://log.on.ca/helm/anime/index.html Author's Afterword: (By Douglas Helm (Candle Light Author)) Well as Will said, ACS is finished. After getting a tantalizing whiff of the plot when I first became editor to this story I was hooked. As time passed and Eric had to drop out I was thrilled to have Will ask me to co-author another story with him. Will has made this project fun, as all our other projects. As a friend, he's one of the best I've had and he manages to see a good idea of what readers truly wants. Writing just wouldn't be as fun without him around. It's true we don't know when to stop. I must confess that I'm likely the most guilty for coming up with story ideas. Will shown an enormous amount of patience that even some saints wouldn't have. I'd like to extend a great big thank you to Jeanette as well. She's suffered through our tortured works and demanding schedules... which we kept on saying could wait until her real life was caught up :) That should do it for now, my thanks to the beta readers and our artist as well. To you the reader I also say thank you, for giving this story a try. Douglas Helm (Candle Light Author) dhelm@log.on.ca http://log.on.ca/users/helm/anime/index.html