Hello again,

Well here's number 5. I do realize that Younger Venus hasn't been making an
appearance as often as she should. I still have a few things to wrap up for
Sakuya but Kimeko will start to take on a more central role In later parts.

As one of my beta readers put it, "Shingo's a horn dog."

Enjoy!
------
Disclaimer: Sailor Moon, Sailor Senshi, and all terms, names, etc.
associated with the series are copyrighted by Naoko Takeuchi and
Kodansha. We make no claim to them and this work of fanfiction should
not be seen as making a claim.

Those characters that are original and the story "Tales of Younger
Venus" are copyrighted (c) 1997 by Douglas Helm & Will Wolfshohl.

This fanfic and over 320 other SM fanfics reside in "Tuxedo" Will's SM
Fanfics Archive at http://log.on.ca/users/helm/anime/index.htm

Send comments to: Douglas "Candle Light Author" Helm (dhelm@log.on.ca)
or "Tuxedo" Will Wolfshohl (wwolfshohl@logicon.com)


Chapter 12 - Fear and Comfort

Misako wasn't having very much success getting Luna to read her a story.
She had looked around the house for Luna and had found the black cat in
the kitchen eating some cat food. After waiting politely for Luna to
finish her meal she had asked Luna to read a story to her but the cat
only gave her an odd look.

Misako didn't understand why Luna wouldn't talk to her. <Obaa-san not
think that Luna can talk but she can! Why isn't Luna talking to me?>
Misako was becoming impatient; she tried a few more times to get Luna to
talk to her, asking her what she'd done wrong but Luna simply refused to
talk and headed for the door. <Maybe Luna's REALLY mad at me.> Misako
didn't want to go upstairs; she wanted to stay in the kitchen with her
grandmother. Finally getting tired of being ignored, Misako decided that
maybe Shingo would read her a story.

<Why did Onii not like Chibi-Sh'ngo?> Misako thought as she headed for
the stairs. She saw that Shingo was coming down them so she waited
patiently hoping that her `big brother' would read her a story.

Shingo was coming down the stairs when he saw Misako standing at the
bottom looking at him. A frown of displeasure spread across his face. As
he came closer he could see she was holding a book. "What do you want,
squirt?"

"Onii-chan..." Misako began.

"I'm not your older brother. I wouldn't want to be your older brother,"
Shingo said annoyed. <Kami-sama!> he thought as he saw Misako's bottom
lip tremble slightly, <I can't have Mom on my case. She's in a bad mood
for some reason... Maybe the chibi-fungus wet herself or something.>
"What did you want, Miko?"

Misako looked at Shingo for several seconds, <Onii mad... Was I bad?>
She gave a little sniffle and asked softly, "Was I bad?"

Shingo thought quickly, "Iie... now Miko-chan, what did you want?" <Come
on don't cry or I'll get in trouble!> Misako looked at him in a way that
said she wasn't fooled at all but wouldn't press the point just then.

"Please Onii-chan, read to me," Misako asked softly. <Please Onii-chan,
I not bad. I like you. I not know why you not like me.>

Shingo sighed and sat down on the bottom step so he could look at
Misako, <Well she is kinda kawaii... Kami-sama, not her... I can't start
liking little kids! Usagi would never let me hear the end of it. I'd
never live it down!> "Miko-chan, why do you want me to read you a
story?"

"'Cause Luna-chan not talking to me," Misako answered in a confused
tone, "I not know why though. Luna-chan always talks especially when I
bad." Misako had more than once been lectured by Luna on what a
princess' responsibilities were.

Shingo couldn't help but chuckle, "You think Luna, our cat Luna, talks?"

"Hai Onii-chan!" Misako stated with conviction, "Luna-chan talks and
tells stories but I asked her and she not talking to me... I asked if
she was mad at me but she not tell me." <I not think Onii thinks Luna
talks either.>

Shingo was about to comment when he heard the door open and his mother's
voice. <Saved by the bell. Well Chibi-Usa must be home or Usagi...>
"Listen, squirt, there's someone here. Let's go see who it is."

"Read me story?" Misako persisted following Shingo out into the kitchen.

When Shingo came out he saw his mother ushering in Chibi-Usa and...
<And the hottest looking chick I've ever seen!!!> his prepubescent male
mind screamed, <Wow! Who is this babe!?!> Shingo was unaware of his
mouth gaping open or his eyes pointedly staring at Kimeko.

"Kim'ko-chan!!!" Misako cried happily. She immediately dropped the book
and ran up to Kimeko, who picked her up, "I miss you!" Misako declared
and hugged Kimeko, "Where you go?"

"I've been staying with Minako-chan, Miko-chan," Kimeko replied hugging
Misako, glad to see that her young charge was none the worse for wear.

"Kimeko-san, this is my son, Shingo," Ikuko said indicating her son,
"Shingo! Pull that tongue of yours in and greet our guest properly,"
Ikuko admonished, "Shingo-kun, this is Aino Kimeko."

"K-konnichiwa," Shingo stuttered out and bowed, "I-I..." <Wow, she's got
nice teeth and those eyes. Minako's a babe but this girl...>

"Konnichiwa Shingo-kun," Kimeko smiled ignoring his open admiration. It
didn't hurt but coming from a boy of Shingo's age was not a good sign.

"You... you know Misako?" Shingo asked incredulously.

"Hai, I watch her for her parents a lot."

"Well come sit down, please," Ikuko said, "Would you like something to
drink? Perhaps some tea? Miko-chan, would you like some juice?"

"Hai Obaa-san, arigato," Misako chirped from her position in Kimeko's
arms. She turned around when Kimeko gave a hiss but couldn't figure out
why Kimeko would admonish her for being polite. <Mommy, Onee, and Kim'ko
actin' funny...> Giving a shrug Misako forgot about it; grown-ups were
just strange that way.

"Hai arigato, Tsukino-san," Kimeko replied taking a seat at the kitchen
table; Misako happily perching on her lap. "So do you like Miko-chan,
Shingo-kun?"

Shingo didn't even notice her speaking to him until after Chibi-Usa
lightly jabbed him in the shoulder, "Nani?" <Wow look at that body!> he
flushed.

"I said do you like Misako?" Kimeko repeated trying hard not to giggle
at the obvious ogling Shingo was doing.

"Um... Hai. Say did you know that Misako thinks our cat Luna can talk?"
Shingo asked but before he could get an answer there was a knock at the
door. Jogging over he answered it and then turning slightly to Ikuko,
who was giving Kimeko some tea and Misako a glass of juice, asked, "Mom,
can I go with Mika-chan? I'll be back before supper."

"Hai," Ikuko answered. Shingo went out the door but with a noticeable
reluctance. "Gomen, Chibi-Usa-chan, would you like something to drink?"

"Iie Ikuko-mama, arigato. Ikuko-mama, can I go over to Makoto's?"
Chibi-Usa really wanted to talk to Sakuya and she'd better do it before
Usagi got back. There was no way she'd be able to hide it from Usagi if
she didn't talk to Sakuya first.

"Hai, if you're going to stay for supper, let me know."

"Hai!" Chibi-Usa called and disappeared out the door.

"Aw... I wanna-ed Onii-chan to read to me," Misako whined pouting
slightly, "He not believe that Luna-chan mad at me."

Ikuko looked at Misako for a moment, "Honey, why do you think Luna is
mad at you?"

Misako gave a gusty sigh, why was it she seemed to be explaining
everything? "Obaa-san," she said, "I know Luna-chan mad at me because
she not talk to me." <Baka kitty! I good, not put in corner in long
time!>

"You think Luna's mad at you because she won't talk to you?" Ikuko
asked. Usagi had had an imaginary friend at five but she had never
thought animals could talk to her although there was that one time...

"Hai Obaa-san, Luna-chan mad and I not know why. I be really good not
sit in corner in long time!" Misako said proudly, "And if I bad
Luna-chan scolds me so Luna-chan must be REALLY mad!"

Ikuko wasn't quite sure how to handle what Misako was saying. She noted
a scowl that was playing across Kimeko's features. It didn't seem to
suit the young girl. "I'm sure Luna isn't mad at you, Miko-chan."

                                  ******

"There was a pretty girl in there, wasn't there, Shingo?" Mika growled
out. <How dare he! She must be in high school.>

"Nani?" Shingo tried to feign surprise, "What do you mean, Mika-chan?"
Shingo stopped dead in his tracks and stared at Mika half-horrified that
she'd accused him of something like that... The other half was terrified
she'd find out that he had all his attention on Kimeko's...

"Don't you `Mika-chan' me, buster!" Mika waved a fist in front of
Shingo, "I saw her; she looks like Aino-san! I came to the door and you
blushed!" She turned in a huff and walked down the street.

"Aw Mika-chan, please, it meant nothing!" Shingo pleaded, "Hey Mika wait
for me!"

                                  ******

Sakuya answered the door and was surprised to see Chibi-Usa there, "Come
in Chibi-Usa-chan." Chibi-Usa entered the room and looked around,
"Makoto isn't here... She went shopping for the party tomorrow."

"So they're going to have the surprise party for Misako tomorrow?"
Chibi-Usa asked. <I'm glad... have to find something special for her.>

"I guess, she didn't say what type of party it was... Small Lady, are
you all right?" Chibi-Usa's features had abruptly shifted from composed
and what appeared to be happy to dejected. The little girl hugged Sakuya
tightly with tears beginning to show and whispered out, "Did you have to
kill them, Sako-chan?"

Sakuya led Chibi-Usa over to the couch and sat down beside her, giving
the little girl a warm embrace, "I know, Small Lady. Luna-P wouldn't
have worked and they posed a great risk to the Royal Family."

"I know I just..." Chibi-Usa sniffled and said, "I wish I could tell
Usagi. I think she should know; Kimeko told me that none of the Elder
Senshi or Usagi ever find out. Why does it have to be this way?"

"I can't answer that, Small Lady. I ask myself that several times a day
but the only one who has the answer to those questions is Sailor Pluto."
<I don't think that's the only thing bothering you.>

They sat silently for several minutes, "I was scared," Chibi-Usa
admitted barely above a whisper, "Me, a Sailor Senshi, scared of normal
people. I shouldn't have been, I panicked... I told them about us."
Chibi-Usa's voice was growing louder, "If I had just kept quiet, then
maybe those people would still be alive!"

"IIE!" Sakuya snapped sharply. Chibi-Usa rotated her head to look up at
Sakuya, "Don't think those thoughts. They would have killed anyone to
get what they wanted." Brushing back a few stray hairs, she continued,
"Princess, it's okay to be scared. Even I get scared; I wasn't always a
Senshi."

"You weren't?" Chibi-Usa asked.

"Iie, baka," Sakuya answered with a grin, "Did you think I stood up in
my crib and called out `Jupiter Star Power'?" Chibi-Usa giggled
slightly, Sakuya grinned, "Hai, I was quite the little trouble maker...
that got me into a situation that terrified me."

"Nani?" Chibi-Usa asked wordlessly, "Please tell me?"

"Well... I wasn't well liked when I was thirteen. This bully and his
friends spotted me one night and decided they were going to get some
revenge on me. I was terrified. Here I was, a person that normally
scared people at my school being ganged up on by those that had reason
not to like me." Chibi-Usa didn't say anything, she was breathless. "I
was scared, very scared, and I ran and I ran." <Amazing after all these
years that I remember it like it was yesterday.>

"Sako-chan, are you going to cry?" Chibi-Usa asked she could see a
moistness in Sakuya's eyes, "I mean they were only bullies." Her only
response was Sakuya sniffling slightly and hugging her. The door opened
at that moment and Makoto walked in, "Hi Mako-chan!" Chibi-Usa called.
She wasn't so embarrassed now that she knew that Sakuya, Commander of
the Younger Senshi, had been scared of normal people too.

"Well hello, Chibi-Usa-chan, are you staying for supper?" <I wonder what
they were talking about? They both have tears in their eyes.>

"HAI!" Chibi-Usa declared wholeheartedly, "I'd never pass on a chance to
stay with you for supper, Mako-chan. I should call Ikuko-mama though..."

                                  ******

When Chibi-Usa got home Usagi greeted her in the kitchen. Chibi-Usa ran
to Usagi immediately and gave her a large hug. Usagi was so shocked by
this action that she just stood there for several moments before
returning the hug. She didn't notice the moistness in Chibi-Usa's eyes.
"I'm glad to see you too, Imouto," Usagi remarked, "I hear you were
eating at Makoto's... you get spoiled a lot." <I wish I could of joined
you.>

<Arigato Mommy.> Without letting go of the hug Chibi-Usa drank in the
warmth that Usagi provided and said, "Hai, I might be spoiled but you
keep me grounded down to earth." She looked up and winked at Usagi who
giggled at the double meaning. "Where's Misako?"

"Upstairs. Listen you go up and keep her busy. I have to call Rei and
the others about the party," Usagi said, "Do you want to go shopping
with me so you can pick something out for her?"

"Hai!" Chibi-Usa agreed and bounded up the stairs to find her sister.
Usagi looked after the girl with a strange expression for a moment and
then walked to the phone.

                                  ******

"Moshi moshi?" Rei answered the phone.

"Rei-chan, we're throwing a surprise party for Misako because Chibi-Usa
missed her birthday... I was wondering if we could hold it at your
place."

"Gomen Usagi, there's a tour coming through tomorrow and then some
people have rented the grounds for a wedding," Rei said.

"Shoot, well can you come?" Usagi asked, "Oh hang on, Rei-chan, Mom
wants to say something." Usagi covered the mouthpiece and looked at her
mother.

"Usagi-chan," Ikuko stated with slight annoyance showing through, "We
could have it here."

"But Mom, I was going to have the girls help me plan it and well... I
didn't even think of having it here."

"Honestly Usagi!" Ikuko glared at her daughter, "We'll have it here.
It'll give us a good chance to get to know Misako and she's family. I
know that sometimes you don't want to be around us but it is a birthday
party for family. We can have supper and then a cake. Tell Rei that if
she's coming to be here about five."

"It's around five, Rei-chan. If you can come, I'd appreciate it. Mom's
having it here."

"Put your foot in it again, Usagi?" Rei asked. Usagi could imagine the
smirk on Rei's face.

"Hai, bye Rei-chan." After Rei said good-bye Usagi dialed Minako's
number. She'd have to figure out how they'd set stuff up; the house
wasn't as big as the shrine was. <Mamoru!> Usagi suddenly thought, <I
nearly forgot about him! Now there's a first!> Usagi started to giggle
to herself, <Misako certainly does strange things to people. I think she
won't be the only one surprised tomorrow.>

"Moshi moshi!" came the irritated voice of Minako, "Listen, if this is
some pervert..."

"Minako-chan, gomen!" Usagi said snapping out of her thoughts, "Listen,
we're having a birthday party for Misako tomorrow. I need your help
planning it. I need to take Chibi-Usa shopping for a gift."

"Usagi-chan, have you told Mamoru yet?" Minako questioned.

"Iie, I completely forgot about him," Usagi replied.

"Hai, me and Kimeko will drop by and take Chibi-Usa out. You go talk to
Mamoru... You'll need to really convince him to come."

"Hai, I'll tell Chibi-Usa then. Arigato, Minako-chan," Usagi said and
hung up the phone, <Things are going great! Mamo-chan will really be
surprised!>

                                  ******

Chibi-Usa walked holding Kimeko's hand. They were looking for Minako who
had bounded off after a boy. Chibi-Usa looked at Kimeko for a moment
before saying, "Kimeko-chan, it's bothering you too?"

Kimeko stopped and looked at Chibi-Usa for a moment. She led the young
girl over to a bench and sat down. <It IS bothering me but my biggest
problem was with Sakuya... I didn't want to kill them either.> "Hai
Small..." Kimeko caught herself, "Hai Chibi-Usa-chan... I didn't want
them killed either. I wanted to tell the Elders about this. I can
understand why Sakuya didn't want to tell them though..." <It's had to
be hard on you going through that.>

"Because of the timeline?" Chibi-Usa asked taking a seat beside Kimeko,
"I can handle that part. I'm not allowed to tell Usagi a lot of things
that I'd like to talk to her about."

Kimeko smiled slightly, "The thing that bothers me most is that Sakuya
didn't tell you." <Gomen, Sakuya, I know you have your reasons but there
are some things I just can't agree with.> "I wanted her to tell you, to
let you know what was going to happen."

Chibi-Usa considered this for several seconds, "Kimeko-chan, Sakuya said
she didn't tell the others because of the timeline... Maybe she didn't
tell me for the same reason. What would I have done if Sakuya had told
me?" Kimeko gave a shrug, "I would have acted differently and Usagi
would have found out."

"Chibi-Usa-chan, how can you say that your mother would have found out?"
Kimeko asked, "I mean if Sakuya didn't tell the others and you didn't
tell Usagi..."

"But I would have!" Chibi-Usa interrupted, "I would have started acting
really weird and Usagi would have known something was up. She's my mom
and like it or not if I've given her reason to be curious, she would
have found out. She cares for me too much not to try." Chibi-Usa saw the
look on Kimeko's face, "You can't tell me that you can hide stuff from
your mom."

<I'm impressed. Small Lady, you'll be a great Queen someday.> Kimeko had
to agree on that point. <Mom would try to figure out what's wrong. I
guess we couldn't have told anybody.> She noticed Minako coming and
waved to her mother. "I guess we can't talk anymore; here comes Minako,"
Kimeko observed.

"Don't worry, Kimeko-chan, you're Misako's guardian. I don't think
she'll be as much of a hassle as I am for Sakuya," Chibi-Usa admitted,
"I've gotten Sakuya into loads of trouble... I've also gotten into
trouble with Sakuya so I think we're pretty even."

"Come on you two!" Minako crowed, "Chibi-Usa-chan, I found the perfect
gift for Misako!" Chibi-Usa and Kimeko exchanged dubious looks, Minako's
last ten gift ideas had been "perfect for Misako".

                                  ******

Mamoru closed the door after letting Usagi enter the apartment. He
smiled at her. <She's beautiful tonight,> he thought. He hadn't seen her
in a couple of days. He'd missed the fight with the last Lemure and when
he had called to see how the fight had went Usagi had been evasive.

"Mamo-chan, we're holding a party... actually it's a surprise party and
everybody's coming for supper," Usagi bubbled, "I wanted to know if
you'd come?"

Mamoru narrowed his eyes, "Why do I rate the personal invitation or is
there another reason, Usako?" Last time she tried something like this
was when she had introduced him to her parents. Although he was now on
"friendly" if tension filled terms with Usagi's parents, Mamoru was
still leery of Ikuko. Kenji he could handle because he understood him
and his fears for his daughter but Ikuko had made it clear that breaking
up with her daughter again would be unhealthy.

Usagi wrapped her arms around him and admitted, "Mamo-chan, I won't lie.
It is at my house." Usagi frowned at the gusty sigh that escaped
Mamoru's lips, "I tried to have it at Rei's but Mom got mad and INSISTED
that we have it at our place."

This tidbit piqued his curiosity, "Why would your mom insist on having
it at your place?" Hugging Usagi back, "Usako, you aren't telling me
everything." <What does she have up her sleeve?>

"Will you come?" Usagi asked.

"I don't know, Usako... I just... it wouldn't be right if it's family."

"Fine," Usagi quipped. She disengaged herself from Mamoru and headed for
the door, "I guess I'll just have to tell Sakuya that you won't be
coming... Chibi-Usa will be so disappointed." Mamoru missed the
mischievous smile on her face.

Mamoru visibly gulped, "Sa-Sakuya?" he breathed out. That was a very
scary name to him, "She's... She's here? In the past?" <I remember what
she did to me last time.>

"Hai," Usagi said putting on an innocent look, "Didn't Chibi-Usa mention
it to you?"

"Usako, you know perfectly well that Chibi-Usa hasn't seen me since I
last helped out with that Lemure," Mamoru explained. "So Sakuya's back
in the past and if I DON'T come you'll tell her?" <She's one lady who I
do NOT want to disappoint.>

"Oh she'll know, Mamo-chan," Usagi said her eyes twinkling with
mischief, "She's very likely to be there, all the girls are... Or I hope
will be."

Mamoru grumbled out something acidic about being blackmailed but the
only response was Usagi smiling sweetly. "Oh... Hai Usagi-chan, I'll be
there." The hug he got in response was crushing, "Now who's the party
for?" Usagi just winked at him. He didn't like the look of that, not one
bit!

                                  ******

"Chibi-Usa-chan?" Ikuko asked coming into the kitchen, "What are you
doing?"

Chibi-Usa whirled around and gave yelp of surprise. She stood there
stock still with large round red eyes staring at Ikuko in the dimly lit
room. Ikuko didn't turn on the kitchen light but moved over to where the
girl was standing by the door. It was late and most everyone in the
house were already asleep.

"Um... Ikuko-mama, I wanted to see if the door was locked," Chibi-Usa
said and tried to hide the large flashlight she was holding behind her
back. <What if someone else comes after me? I have to protect Misako!>

Ikuko noticed the bulky object, <What's the matter? She's been checking
windows too to see if they're locked, looking outside because she
thought someone was around, and now this.> "Chibi-Usa-chan, you should
be in bed," Ikuko admonished putting a little authority into her voice,
"Not sneaking about the house with a flashlight checking doors... Now do
you want to tell me why you're doing this?"

Chibi-Usa's mind raced, <Gotta get a story... Can't use Luna-P...>
"Um... Ah..." She fumbled for words, "Ah..." <What am I going to do?!>
She could see Ikuko wasn't buying her act and stalling wasn't doing any
good. "The paper," Chibi-Usa blurted out.

"Nani?" Ikuko asked.

"The newspaper said that there were a lot of people breaking into
people's houses." <She can't say I made that up, it was front page news.
Twenty-six break-ins over two days all done by the same people... Not a
lie!> Chibi-Usa was extremely pleased with herself; that was until Ikuko
burst her bubble.

"And what does THAT have to do with you UP PAST YOUR bedtime with a
flashlight behind your back?"

"I wanted to make sure the doors are locked," Chibi-Usa answered.

"They are, honey. No one would dare come in here," Ikuko assured the
little girl. Seeing the doubt in her eyes and something more, something
hiding, Ikuko reached out and yanked on the door. Both stared speechless
as the door swung open, unlocked. Chibi-Usa gulped visibly and let out a
low whine. "Honey, it's okay," Ikuko soothed, "Look!" Ikuko then shut
the door and locked it securely, "We just forgot to lock it, that's
all... now GO TO BED." Ikuko then took the flashlight from Chibi-Usa.

Not feeling her best Chibi-Usa slowly made her way up the stairs with
Ikuko following behind her. She stopped in at the bathroom for a few
moments before heading for her room. Ikuko tucked her in beside the
already sound asleep Misako and handed her Chibi-Shingo to hold. "Sleep
tight and don't worry," Ikuko soothed and closed the door.

Walking into her own room Ikuko sat down on the bed and gave a sigh of
her own. She'd forgotten what a handful a little kid was. Feeling arms
wrap around her she leaned back into Kenji's warmth and closed her eyes.
<Boy what a day! Chibi-Usa's starting to turn strange on me. Misako
still insists that Usagi is her mother and we have a party tomorrow...
I'm going to be VERY busy.>

"Rough day, Ikuko?" Kenji asked, Ikuko nodded, "Something else bothering
you?"

"Hai," Ikuko replied, "I don't know how really to say it though." She
paused while Kenji rubbed her shoulder, <Oh that feels good.> "I think
something's wrong in Chibi-Usa's and Misako's home." <Don't stop...>

Kenji only paused for a moment, "Wrong? You mean problems?"

"Hai, ah... hmmm..." Ikuko lost her train of thought, "Dear, could you
not do that when I'm talking. It's very distracting if ever so
pleasant." Kenji stopped and sat down beside his wife. "Hai, why would
they send their children to live with US? They don't even know us."

"They aren't living with us. Misako's only been here three days... she
came for a visit."

"Iie Kenji, Misako's only been here three days but Chibi-Usa's been here
for months and I have this rather funny feeling that she's been here for
nearly a year before." Ikuko stopped and sought her memories, "The
really strange part of it is, did you ever try and think of who their
parents are?"

Kenji crumpled his face in concentration and said, "Can't say I remember
their names... Look what were you driving at about problems? Like
abuse?"

Ikuko sighed, "Yeah I can't remember their names... Abuse? Iie, I don't
think so; it just seems really weird that these distant relatives would
send them to us."

"You sound like Misako might be staying for a long time," Kenji said,

"You should have seen the wad of yen Usagi handed me from Misako's
mother; enough to choke a horse." Ikuko gave a sigh and leaned into
Kenji, "I am proud of Usagi though. She's trying to be a good role-model
for Chibi-Usa and they get along usually. Usagi's starting to pull her
marks up and she has a boyfriend." Kenji gave a guttural growl and Ikuko
patted him gently, "Down boy, Mamoru-kun isn't that bad."

"I guess not," Kenji agreed, "It's just that Misako thinks Usagi is her
mother and openly calls her that... Our daughter doesn't need that type
of image." <My little girl is growing up before my eyes.>

"I know, honey. I'm very proud that Usagi has taken the `Mommy' thing in
stride. She's doing everything she can for Misako without complaining.
Misako's only five. She'll grow out of it with Chibi-Usa's and Usagi's
help."

"Fell better?" Kenji asked.

"Hai," Ikuko said, "I'll talk to Usagi. Maybe one of the girls said
something to her."

"Now where were we?" Kenji asked, "Oh yes... I was nibbling your ear."

"Kenji!" Ikuko said shocked.

                                  ******

Chibi-Usa woke with a start. She was sweating and she could feel her
heart pounding hard in her chest. "It was a dream," Chibi-Usa whispered
when she saw that she was at home in bed, with Misako asleep beside her.
<All a dream,> she thought again but the images of the past day wouldn't
go away.

Silently, slowly she let herself out of bed careful not to wake her
sister and looking once pressed Chibi-Shingo into Misako's arms who
instinctively wrapped around it with a loving embrace. Chibi-Usa slipped
down the hall to Usagi's room and crept in. Luna was curled up on the
bed fast asleep; Usagi was slightly snoring. Again she tried to crawl
into bed, this time up beside Usagi.

"Na-nani?" Usagi asked sleepily. Slightly lifting her head she looked
around until the bleary gaze landed on Chibi-Usa who was half on, half
off the bed. The bleary look went to anger and then concern. Rolling
over and pushing Luna off the bed in the process, Usagi sat up and
looked at her daughter. "Chibi-Usa-chan?" Usagi asked questioningly,
"What's the matter?"

Chibi-Usa continued onto the bed and snuggled up close to Usagi while
sniffling, "Mommy, I had a bad dream," she told her while hugging Usagi,
"Can I sleep here tonight?" <Please Mommy.>

<She hasn't asked that in awhile.> "What was the dream about?" Usagi
asked while settling back down in bed. Chibi-Usa laid her head on
Usagi's shoulder and seemed to try and snuggle for protection.

"A bad man saw me change," Chibi-Usa explained, "He wanted me to tell
him where the other Senshi were." She sniffled again, "I-I... I was
scared they were going to hurt Misako..." <Mommy hold me. I'm so
scared.> As if hearing the request Usagi wrapped her arms around
Chibi-Usa in a protective fashion.

"Shhh... it was just a dream, Chibi-Usa-chan," Usagi soothed, "Misako's
fine; she was right in your room. Want me to go look?" She was surprised
when Chibi-Usa nodded yes. <She must be really scared.> Getting up and
ignoring the hostile look that Luna was giving her. Usagi picked up the
cat and walked down to where Misako lay asleep. "You owe her," Usagi
hissed out, "Stay with Misako in case she wakes up." With that Luna was
unceremoniously plopped on the bed.

Usagi went back to bed and reassured Chibi-Usa that Misako was fine and
that Luna would be staying with her the rest of the night. "Now was that
all the bad dream, honey?"

Chibi-Usa resumed her position that she had been in before Usagi had
left and said, "Iie, then... then something happened and they all died!"
She gave a tremendous sob and buried her head. It took Usagi several
minutes just to get Chibi-Usa to quiet down some and lift her head. It
was another half an hour before Chibi-Usa drifted off into slumber still
giving the odd whine or mumble. Through this all Usagi kept up soothing
talk and a warm protective arm around her little girl.

<Kami-sama, what have you been watching? Poor little girl...> Usagi
thought. It never occurred to Usagi that it was real life that her
little girl had observed. <I would never let anyone hurt you, never!>
Usagi vowed, her motherly instincts kicking in.



Chapter 13 - A Party! Mamoru's Surprise

Ikuko came into the room and noticed something odd. Firstly that
Chibi-Usa wasn't in bed. The second oddity was that Misako was hugging
Luna who appeared to be very comfortable even in the little girl's grip.
Walking over she gently nudged the little girl while saying, "Miko-chan,
it's time to wake up."

The little girl slowly opened her eyes and looked around, <Where Onee?>
she thought and then noticed that she was holding Luna. <Uh oh!> she
thought and looked nervously at Ikuko, <Not allowed to hold Luna.>

"Come on, Miko-chan, time to get up... do you have to use the bathroom?"

<Why Obaa-san not mad at me?> Shrugging, Misako let Luna go and hopped
out of bed heading for the bathroom. Ikuko just shook her head and laid
out Misako's school fuku. After a few minutes Misako came back and with
only a little help from Ikuko got dressed.

"You're becoming a very big girl, dressing yourself. Your Mommy would be
very proud," Ikuko said complimenting Misako who beamed happily. "Do you
know where your sister is?"

"Iie Obaa-san," Misako answered, "Onee-chan not here when I wake up. I
not know where she go."

Misako then left the room and walked over to Usagi's room. She hesitated
for a moment. <Mommy mad before... but I not know if I allowed in room.>
Giving the matter some thought she opened the door and looked in. There
was Chibi-Usa sound asleep in Usagi's bed. Walking over she pushed
Chibi-Usa. "Onee-chan," Misako whispered, "get up Onee-chan." <Why you
go last night?>

Chibi-Usa drowsily roused herself and looked at Misako for several
seconds before replacing her head back down. "Miko go away," came the
sleepy reply. She had no intention of getting up until Usagi did.

Ikuko came to the rescue and pulled Misako out of the room and carried
her down the stairs. "It's okay, Miko-chan. Your onee-chan must have had
a bad dream," Ikuko explained to the curious child, "That's the only
reason why she's sleeping in Usagi's bed." This explanation seemed to
mollify Misako who after five minutes completely forgot about it.

                                  ******

Ikuko came into the room and walked over to the bed, "Young Lady, you
were supposed to be taking a nap." Misako looked guiltily up at Ikuko,
"This is the third time I've heard you up so what were you doing?"
<Luna, I'll bet anything she says that Luna was talking to her.>

"Gomen Obaa-san, Luna-chan was saying she couldn't talk around you but I
not know why." Misako said, "Luna-chan says she's read story to me but
only if you not in room."

Ikuko's features took on a sterner expression, "All right, Misako, you
have to take your nap and since Luna's keeping you up, I'll take her
out." Ikuko then picked Luna up and walked over to the door and let the
cat down gently. Walking back over to the bed she pulled the single
sheet up around Misako and then ordered, "Now have your nap and then
I'll come and wake you up... I don't want to hear anymore noise from
you." Giving Misako a kiss on her forehead, Ikuko left the room.

<Baka Luna get me in trouble. Obaa-san think I fibbin'!> Deciding it was
better to take her nap than get her grandmother mad at her, Misako
snuggled down and was soon fast asleep. Luna who managed to slip back
into the room curled up beside Misako to enjoy a nap of her own. She
felt guilty that she was causing so much distress to the little girl.

                                  ******

"Usagi-chan, where's Misako?" Ami asked, "I mean if Chibi-Usa's helping
get the place ready and we're here, then who's looking after her?"

"Kimeko and Sakuya took her for a walk," Usagi replied trying to hang a
streamer, "I hope Mamo-chan comes." <Darn!> Usagi thought and getting
off the stepstool moved it a little further so she could reach the place
the streamer was to hang from. <I've been up and down this thing five
times!>

"Mamoru?" Rei questioned, "You sound slightly irritated at him, Usagi."

"Oh well at first he wasn't going to come. He said it wouldn't be right
if it was only for family," Usagi said and then gave a slight shout of
triumph as she hung her end of the streamer.

"So how'd you convince him?" Minako asked, "I mean besides using your
charming influence on him?" she giggled.

"Had to use drastic measures; he didn't go for my `charms'," Usagi
responded.

"I certainly hope not," Kenji growled as he walked past the girls. Usagi
flushed while the others giggled. <I just know I'm going to have heart
failure... I can just feel it coming on.>

"Usagi-chan, you didn't!?!" Minako asked in mock shock. Rei snickered
while Ami blushed at the implication.

"Iie baka!" Usagi told her waving an impotent finger, "Iie, I threatened
him with Sakuya."

"Poor guy," Minako said in sympathy. Ami nodded in agreement; Rei just
grinned knowingly. Usagi just smirked at the others sympathizing with
Mamoru; he wasn't the only one to be shaken up by Sakuya!

                                  ******

Kimeko and Sakuya were watching Misako watch the ducks at the park.
Kimeko would giggle when Misako, imitating the ducks, would squat down
and quack while trying to waddle. Sakuya just grinned; she remembered
Chibi-Usa doing things like that.

"Sakuya-san?" Kimeko asked tentatively.

"Kimeko-chan please," Sakuya said turning to look at the younger girl,
"I'm not mad at you. I think were still friends... if you want to be."

Kimeko smiled, some of the tension draining away, "Arigato Sako-chan."

"I should apologize to you, Kimeko-chan," Sakuya admitted, "I never even
considered your feelings in the matter. Chibi-Usa is hurt and it will
likely take awhile for her to get over it." <I hope she snaps out of it
soon. Usagi's sure to notice something is wrong.>

"She doesn't blame you, Sako-chan," Kimeko offered, "She... Misako get
away from that water! Hang on a second, Sakuya." Kimeko walked over to
Misako and crouching down admonished, "Miko-chan, if I have to tell you
again about going near the water, you'll be put in the corner... Now do
you want to go home now?"

"Gomen, I not want to sit in corner," Misako said meekly, "I be good...
promise, Kim'ko-chan."

"Hai, Miko-chan, I believe you. It's just dangerous... Maybe when school
gets out we can go to the beach and you can show your Mommy how good you
can swim." After Misako smiled and nodded Kimeko walked back to Sakuya,
"Gomen... boy, she's a handful."

"That was good; you didn't get mad. Certainly handled well," Sakuya said
approvingly, "Her Majesty made a good choice to pair you with Misako."
Kimeko blushed, "You were saying about Small Lady?"

"Oh, yeah... Small Lady was telling me that she understands why you
didn't tell her and she thinks you did the right thing," Kimeko paused
and continued, "After I talked to her, what you said made sense. I
couldn't hide it from Mom very well but she knows we had a fight. Small
Lady said she wouldn't be able to hide it from Usagi either if Usagi got
curious."

<She knows her mother well.> "Yes Her Majesty is quite the mole when she
wants information," Sakuya conceded, she glanced at her watch, "Well,
they should have almost everything ready. If we leave now and phone
ahead, we'll give them enough warning."

"Miko-chan, come on. We're going home," Kimeko stated and held out her
hand for the little girl to take. After Misako had taken both Kimeko's
and Sakuya's hand. Kimeko looked at Sakuya, "Can I ask you something,
Sako-chan?"

"Hai!"

"Did you really say, `Either you swat that kid or I'm going to! Princess
or no Princess'?" Kimeko asked, "His Majesty said you did." <I can't
even picture doing something like that... I'd be having a nervous fit!>

"You better believe it," Sakuya answered. Seeing Kimeko's shocked
expression Sakuya continued, "Princess Usagi was... IS willful. I tried
that corner bit with her, time-outs. If she didn't have Luna-P, it might
have worked but I couldn't get the thing away from her because it always
goes back to her." Sakuya gave a grimace, "Finally I put my foot down.
I'm just as bull-headed as she is."

"I don't even think I could consider something like that," Kimeko
admitted.

Sakuya smiled evilly, "It was a shock to Chibi-Usa as well." <After
being here with Usagi in the past, I know where she gets it from.>

Misako stopped and looked at both girls, "Who Chibi-'Sa?" Her look
turned confused when Kimeko and Sakuya both started to laugh.

                                  ******

"Here they come!" Usagi said excitedly, "Minna hide!"

Everyone, even a grumbling Shingo hid and waited for the door to open.
Misako skipped into the room and stopped looking around, "Obaa-san not
here?"

"SURPRISE!!!" everyone shouted.

Misako's reaction was utter shock and fright. She just stood there
looking with her big round blue eyes not moving. Usagi started to get
concerned as ten seconds turned into twenty. Walking over she looked at
Misako and asked, "Are you okay, honey?" Misako's response was to wrap
her arms around one of Usagi's legs and hide her face. <Not again!>
Usagi thought and picked Misako up. "Miko-chan," Usagi said softly,
"Come on, Miko-chan, it's a party for you."

Misako's head came up and she looked around, "Really?"

"Hai!" Chibi-Usa answered, "I wanted to give you a party for your
birthday since I missed it." She walked over and said, "Come on,
Miko-chan, you're going to like this."

Misako gave this very serious consideration; she looked around to
everyone there waiting expectantly. Her gaze stopped looking right at
Shingo with Mika standing possessively beside him. "Onii-chan, you like
me?" she asked quietly.

Shingo swallowed, every pair of eyes was on him. <Including hers!> he
thought spotting Kimeko. "Hai, Miko-chan, I like you," he declared. The
approving smile he got from Kimeko would have nearly knocked him over if
not for Mika stamping on his foot. "Yeow!" came the muffled cry of pain,
he turned to look accusingly at her and she just smiled sweetly back.

"Hai!" Misako declared. The others breathed a sigh of relief and the
party started with vigor. There was only one other to come, Mamoru.

                                  ******

Mamoru approached the door with some apprehension. He could hear the
girls talking along with some deep rumbling by Usagi's father on
occasion. Pausing only once he knocked soundly on the door. The noise
quieted down. He was about to knock again because he didn't see anyone
coming when the door opened.

"Hi!" came the voice, "Who are you?" There was a lot of giggling in the
background.

Mamoru shifted his gaze and looked down towards the source of the voice.
What was staring back at him made him inhale sharply and take a step
back. "Queen Serenity?" he asked hoarsely, "Is-is that you?"

Misako looked oddly at this strange man, <I think I know him but I
forget.> Turning around she yelled, "MOMMY!!! SOMEONE WANT YOU!" She
then turned back to look at this odd fellow who was looking at her
nervously, <He look kinda like my daddy.>

"Mamo-chan!" Usagi said brightly, "Come in, come in." She reached out
and taking his arm hauled him inside. He nearly tripped as he was still
watching Misako with a mix of apprehension and confusion on his face.

"Minna, Mamoru-kun is here."

"Good, good!" Kenji said with some vigor which surprised everyone, "We
need another guy here!"

"Dad!" Usagi whined then regained her composure, "I think you know
everybody... Oh except Mika-chan. Mika, this is Chiba Mamoru.
Mamoru-kun, this is Kayama Mika..." leaning close as if to whisper Usagi
told him, "She's Shingo's girlfriend." She turned to Shingo and winked.
Shingo let out a growl but Mika didn't seem to be ruffled by the
announcement.

"And this is Aino Kimeko... Minako's `cousin'," Usagi continued. Kimeko
gave a graceful bow and giggled slightly, "And this," Usagi said picking
up Misako, "This is Tsukino Misako, Chibi-Usa's Imouto."

"Miko-chan, this is Chiba Mamoru."

"I please to meet you, Chiba-san," Misako squeaked out, "You know
Mommy?"

"Mamoru-kun, are you all right? You look white as a sheet..." Ikuko said
worriedly, "You haven't been eating enough. Come on, minna-san, now that
Mamoru-kun is here we can have supper. There should be enough places for
everybody."

As it turned out there wasn't but Misako was perfectly happy to sit on
Usagi's lap and eat supper although she did cause a minor fuss when she
started to take stuff off of Usagi's plate. Ikuko smiled. She could
remember Usagi doing that to her when Usagi was little.

"See Mommy I ate all my carrots!" Misako declared proudly, "Not like
Onee-chan."

Chibi-Usa blew a quick raspberry before she stuffed four pieces of
carrot into her mouth and began chewing with enough force to grind up
stone. <I hate carrots!> Misako just giggled which annoyed Chibi-Usa but
she had her own target. "Miko-chan, doesn't Mamoru-kun look like Daddy?"
<If looks could kill!> Chibi-Usa thought.

"Hai Onee-chan, Chiba-san look like I know but I not know him."

"Misako says that you look like her father and you DO look familiar but
she can't remember where from," Usagi who was thoroughly enjoying
Mamoru's discomfort translated. She looked at Kimeko for confirmation
who nodded.

<She's starting to get the hang of it,> Kimeko thought happily.

"Ar-Arigato Miko-chan, that's very nice of you to say," Mamoru stammered
out, "You look like Usagi a lot." Misako beamed at the compliment. She
enjoyed being compared to her sister even if he hadn't meant Chibi-Usa.
"You know you remind me of someone." He looked at Usagi who lowered her
head slightly and nodded, <Well she sees it too so I'm not imagining
things.>

Chibi-Usa smirked slightly, "Hai... Say Mamoru-kun, would you ever want
a little girl of your own like Misako?" Mamoru gave her THE LOOK. <Uh
oh!> Chibi-Usa thought, <Pushed him just a little too hard... Hope
Onee-san can calm him down.>

Ikuko seeing Chibi-Usa was razing Mamoru decided to change the subject
and kept up the chatter while they ate dinner, and what a dinner! Makoto
had, with Sakuya's help, out done even her grandest expectations. Usagi
and Chibi-Usa kept eating well after the others had stopped. The others
were amazed but not surprised by this feat.

"Okay you two," Ikuko winked, "Leave room for the you know what."
Chibi-Usa and Usagi guiltily shoved their plates away, red tingeing
their cheeks. "I think it's time, Sakuya-san. Makoto-san, if you'd
please, go get it." <Miko is really going to be surprised.>

Sakuya and Makoto left and disappeared up the stairs. After Sakuya had
called down that they were ready, Ikuko went and turned off the lights.
As it was summer and still early, there was plenty of light. Misako
though looked around trying to figure out why it had gotten dark all of
a sudden. She was so preoccupied with figuring out where the light had
gone that she never saw the cake come down the stairs.

It was a two layer chocolate fudge cake with pink icing sugar writing on
it and tiny rose petals. There were five candles on it in the shape of
the letter "M". Misako's attention was grabbed when every person in the
room started singing "Happy Birthday". Her eyes grew wide and she stared
at the cake open mouthed. As the song finished the cake was placed
squarely in front of Misako who for the longest moment didn't seem to
know what to do.

"Honey," Usagi whispered, "Blow out the candles."

"I six now?" Misako questioned Usagi.

"Iie honey, you're still five. Now blow out the candles," her mother
instructed. She was starting to feel the urge to blow them out herself
so she could start to eat that oh so mouth watering cake! "Make a wish
and blow them out."

Misako screwed up her face. There was only one thing she ever really
wanted, <Please, please, please!> she thought. Taking a deep breath she
blew out every candle and smiled when the others clapped happily.

"Now before we get started on the cake," Ikuko said, "I think we should
have Misako open her gifts." Mamoru shot Usagi an angry look. Usagi for
her part smiled sweetly and winked. "Who wants to go first?"

"We will," Makoto offered. Walking into the living room she brought out
two packages, "We weren't sure what to get so." Makoto placed the two
packages in front of Misako. Everyone expected the little girl to tear
into the gifts.

What she did do caused Chibi-Usa to flush. Misako opened the card and
had Usagi read it before opening the gifts. Once the card had been read
Misako tore the gift open with all the enthusiasm of a child her age.

"Oh kawaii..." she breathed out. Makoto had gotten her a little purple
backpack with a teddy bear on the back. Sakuya had gotten her a bank to
put coins in the form of a bear.

"Arigato Mako-chan. Arigato Sako-chan," Misako said happily.

"I'm next," Rei piped in. This surprised everyone. Rei didn't seem to be
the type of person to like Misako, or little kids for that matter. Rei
went in and brought out a square package with a Shinto charm attached to
it.  "Chibi-Usa said you liked to draw so..." setting it down she
waited.

"Arigato Rei-san," Misako said, "I like." Even if it was several large
blank pieces of paper they were pretty. There were all sorts of colors.
<I have fun with this. Maybe Onee-chan draw too.>

Ami was next with some crayons and a coloring book. Minako and Kimeko
teamed up to buy a smock, drop-cloth and finger paints. Ikuko at first
groaned seeing the paints but after the smock and drop-cloth had been
produced she turned happier. Ikuko and Kenji had bought Misako a
children's picture book with animals in it, fun and educational at the
same time.

"Chibi-Usa-chan, do you want to go next?" Usagi asked. Seeing Chibi-Usa
shake her head, Usagi moved Misako off her lap and disappeared into the
living room. She came back with a package. Misako was lifted back onto
Usagi's lap and had the card read to her. She tentatively unwrapped the
gift. To Usagi she appeared to be going agonizingly slow. As it became
clear exactly what the gift was there were varied reactions.

"Aw ain't that kawaii?!" Minako murmured. Kimeko nodded in agreement.

"Very beautiful," Mamoru mumbled out. <Usagi!!!>

"This is from me and Mamoru-kun, Miko-chan." It was a small blue dress.

"Ari-arigato Mommy," Misako said quietly, "Mamoru-kun..." she trailed
off looking at it with an expression of complete delight. Usagi nudged
Chibi-Usa who snapped out of her own observation and went to retrieve
the last package.

"Misako-chan..." Chibi-Usa announced, "Imouto, I think I know what you
want most for a present." She handed the package to Misako and waited
expectantly.

Misako fidgeted as Usagi read the card. She wanted to know what her
onee-chan had gotten her. Opening the package finally, she gave a cry of
surprise. There sitting in plain sight was a Sailor Senshi fuku.
<Onee-chan know!> Misako thought as she sniffled. Launching herself at
Chibi-Usa she wrapped her arms around her sister and said, "Onee-chan,
you the bestest." Usagi had tears in her eyes.

"Arigato Imouto," Chibi-Usa said softly. Her eyes were becoming moist as
well. She was glad that her sister had enjoyed her present, <Now if you
tell anybody about relatives being Senshi, we can claim that it's just
your imagination...> There were other possibilities but Chibi-Usa wasn't
even considering them, yet.

"Usagi-chan, put the gifts in the living room and then we'll have the
cake. Your father and I are going to go for a little walk. Watch the
place and don't get into too much trouble," Ikuko remarked heading for
the door.

"Hai Mom," Usagi said, "We'll be good."

Unnoticed Shingo was being chastised by Mika. "Baka, you didn't tell me
it was a birthday party!" Mika whispered angrily, "I could have brought
something!" Shingo opened his mouth and shut it again when Mika
continued, "Don't even try to make an excuse... What do you think it
make's ME look like?!" <He's too busy ogling that girl to even care
about me.>

"Hai but I didn't get her anything either," Shingo offered in his own
defense, "I mean what could we have gotten her?"

"You didn't even try because you're an inconsiderate JERK!" Mika snapped
with clenched teeth, "I could have given her one of my dolls as a
keepsake!" <I know one doll I made for sure she would of loved.>

"Lover's spat?" Makoto asked from the corner near Sakuya.

"Hai, big time," Sakuya observed, <According to the history books he and
Mika had five girls. I wonder where he got the idea to name...> Sakuya
abruptly stopped going down that path and said, "Now let's grab some of
that cake before both Usagis get it in their heads that we don't want
any."

                                  ******

"Oh, we forgot ice cream!" Usagi said in alarm. With her parents out and
Shingo walking Mika home it was only the girls and Mamoru in the house.
Misako hopped off her mother's lap and walked over to the living room
entrance.

"Luna-P!" she called. Luna-P came as ordered and floated in front of
Misako, "Luna-P henge!" Misako cried bouncing Luna-P like she had seen
her sister do, "Give me LOTS and LOTS of chocolate ice cream!" Luna-P
complied in a pink puff of smoke. <Mommy and Onee love ice cream.>

Chibi-Usa who had been using the bathroom came into the room and
questioned, "Did I hear Misako saying Luna-P Hmfmgnff?" The rest of her
question was muffled when she landed face first into a LARGE tub of
chocolate ice cream. The others were staring at the five foot diameter
round tub of ice cream while trying not to giggle at what happened to
the child. Pushing herself up, ice cream covering her face and neck,
Chibi-Usa glared at Misako who simply giggled.

"Onee-chan look funny!" Misako laughed, "You fall in ice cream!" She
dropped to the floor and laughed in earnest; it was hilarious! What made
the situation even more amusing was the look on her older sister's face!

Growling Chibi-Usa ran around to where Misako was lying on the floor;
pinning the little girl so she was laying on her stomach Chibi-Usa dug
into the vat of ice cream and, grabbing a large handful, shoved it down
Misako's back. Misako gave a squeal of terror when her sister had her
pinned and then another one of shock as something cold and slimy went
down her back. Chibi-Usa then placed both hands on the cloth covered
mound of cold sweetness and rubbed thoroughly.

Misako clambered up after Chibi-Usa let her go. The little girl's face
was angry and determined. Picking up two handfuls of ice cream, she
marched over to Chibi-Usa and demanded, "Onee-chan, say you sorry! It
was accident!"

"Iie!" Chibi-Usa stated defiantly, "I didn't say you could use Luna-P!"

Misako took both of her hands dripping with melting ice cream and
smushed the contents into her sister's face. Usagi was about to step in
but Mamoru held her back, "As long as they aren't hurting each other,
they should work it out on their own," he recommended. Usagi didn't look
all that happy about it but complied.

Chibi-Usa wiped away the ice cream from her face and said, "So that is
how you want it, Misako?" She picked up Misako who started to flail her
legs but could do little else in her sister's grip. With a slight effort
Chibi-Usa sat and then twisted Misako into the tub of ice cream. The
look on the little girl's face was that of horror.

<Ewww!> Misako thought, <Feel like I had accident. That very mean,
Onee.> She decided that her sister couldn't get away with that so she
picked up a handful of ice cream and chucked it. Unfortunately her
intended target, Chibi-Usa, moved at the last moment and it hit Usagi
square in the face.

There was dead silence. Slowly Usagi wiped the mess from her face.
Misako looked like she was about to cry. Everyone was holding their
breath wondering what Usagi would do. Mamoru didn't wonder, he knew. She
slowly walked over to where her two daughters were and placed her hands
on her hips. "Misako," Usagi said sternly, "This is how you do it." In a
quick motion she snagged Chibi-Usa with one arm, grabbed a handful with
the other and unceremoniously shoved it down the back of Chibi-Usa's
blouse.

That was how the food fight got started. Mamoru being wise backed up to
where Sakuya was standing. First it was between mother and her two
daughters but Makoto, trying to be the peacemaker, got sucked into it
when some of the left over rice pelted her. She wasn't exactly sure who
had done it but that didn't matter. Rei held out until Misako and
Chibi-Usa fired off a salvo that hit her squarely in her chest. Ami was
the victim of a sneak attack by Minako and Kimeko who had decided that
if the others were going to get in on it, then so were they. Sakuya
watched with some satisfaction as Ami carefully picked up one of the
pieces of cake that was left and headed into the fight. Minako and
Kimeko scurried for cover but Ami was intent on punishing the instigator
as far as she was concerned. She cornered Chibi-Usa and smiled evilly at
her.

"Now, Ami-chan, what are you going to do with that?" Chibi-Usa asked
warily. <She wouldn't dare... not sweet Ami,> she hoped. Ami only
considered for a moment how best to use her weapon.  Chibi-Usa was
already covered from head to toe in ice cream and other assorted food
stuffs so she had only one choice. "EEWWW!!!!!" Chibi-Usa howled from
the corner.

Mamoru was right in his prediction. Everyone left Sakuya alone and that
left him safe and more importantly... CLEAN! Misako by then had long
since given up throwing food. Instead she decided that the tub of ice
cream was a nifty pool and she could practice her swimming in it. It
seemed like hours that the fight had been going on until something
happened.

Chibi-Usa decided to get Sakuya. It was a dangerous proposition.
<Kami-sama, I know she's going to be mad and I'm likely to catch it but
oh this is going to be worth it! Tell tales about me will you!> Picking
up a jug that was nearly empty, she added anything she could lay her
hands on to the container of juice. Putting the lid on it, she hid under
the table and shook it thoroughly until it was well mixed. Crawling out,
she opened the container and fired. <FIRE!!!>

Mamoru noticed Chibi-Usa had disappeared. This was definitely not a good
sign. He gave a yelp and dodged into the living room which appeared to
be neutral territory. The sticky, sweet, colorful concoction hit Sakuya
full in the face and dribbled down onto her blouse. Chibi-Usa crowed
with satisfaction. The room came to a complete halt; anyone who was near
Chibi-Usa scurried away. They were having a great time but Sakuya and
Mamoru had indicated that they didn't want to participate. Mamoru they,
especially Usagi, would have gone after but he had wisely hid behind
Sakuya so that was certainly out of the question. The silence that
filled the room was thick and charged with anticipation...

Sakuya never got to respond because at that exact moment Ikuko and Kenji
walked into the house. The first words out of Ikuko's mouth were,
"TSUKINO USAGI!!! WHAT'S GOING ON IN HERE!?!"

End of Part 5