[Figure peeks out of the bunker]

You know, the world must be comming to an end... at least for me that is.
First I start writing R1/2 stuff, which I said I'd never do, and now I'm
violating one of my own promises. I swore I'd never, ever write a Sailor
Earth fic. However, it seems I have. 

That being said we, meaning my co-author and myself, feel that this is
likely one of the very few true ways that a Sailor Earth could exist. Also
that it streniously avoids most of the explinations for a Sailor Earth. At
least as far as we can tell it does. She isn't a long lost relative or
reincarnated sibling of Endymion/Mamoru. She isn't the ultimate
power-house. And quite frankly would likely be the first to die.

This is also a sort of apology to Endymion for "Mama's Hand" as his role is
more defined as being a positive one. Please keep an open mind. I know that
can be hard. The purist in me still shudders at the thought of a Sailor
Earth. However as Endymion once said, "Can I help it Minako if your Sailor
Fuku colors clash with my legs?" proves that sometimes unrealistic things
can happen.

Doug
-------------
What has come before:

A brief overview of the past events for those that haven't read the
previous fics in this series. Or more likely have forgotten the events that
occured in them. 

Princess Usagi of Crystal Tokyo returned from the past to discover she had
a little sister by the name of Misako. After spending almost a year in the
future trying to adjust to this new found sibling Princess Usagi was sent
back into the past to train during the SMS and SMSS period. Princess Usagi
not only left behind her younger sister but her guardian as well.

Wether through her mistrust of Sailor Pluto or just nagging doubts Rakuai
Sakuya set out to discover if her charge, Princess Usagi, was in any real
danger in the past. Once she had discovered proof that Princess Usagi was
in danger she hatched a plan and after mugging Sailor Pluto along with
Sailor Neptune and Uranus escaped into the past with a stolen timekey.

Misako missing her sister obtains permission to go into the past to visit
her sister with the help of her own guardian, Younger Venus. Misako's
appearance in the past shocks everyone including her future parents, Mamoru
and Usagi. Aino Minako is delighted to see her duaghter once again. She had
met Younger Venus when she and the other Senshi journeyed to the future
during the SMR period.

As time progresses in the past Sakuya stops the attempted black-mailing of
Chibi-Moon and then must return to the future to face the consequences of
her actions. Younger Venus, or rather Aino Kimeko, must deal with her own
feelings. There is a possibility that when she returns that Sakuya will be
dead. Staying on in the past for a little while longer she must battle both
enemy and feelings until something happens that makes her realize that the
past is not where she or Misako belong.

Misako is attacked by a Lemure, with the help of Sailor Moon and the other
Younger Venus rescues her charge and they prepare to return to the future.
Mean while the trail of Sakuya is wrapping up and she is found guilty of
all crimes. Instead of the expected death penalty she is sentenced to 25
years in rpison at hard albour.

When Kimeko returns to the future with Princess Misako she questions her
mother as to what happened to Sakuya and Minako replied, "Sakuya's gone."
Kimeko assuming the worst promptly faints...

And that's where this story picks up.
-------------

Tales of Younger Earth
By Douglas "Candle Light Author" Helm and "Tuxedo" Will Wolfshohl

Authors' foreword:

Please give this a chance. We know the ugly specter of "Sailor Earth"
haunts the devout Sailor Moon fan like a plague. What sits before you
though is something special. At least in our opinion, it's something
special.

We can assure you of the following things:

1 - Sailor Earth ISN'T reincarnated, a long lost relative, or any other
    unreasonable explanation.
2 - Sailor Earth WON'T be the strongest Senshi, unlike some fics.
3 - Sailor Earth WON'T be a new exchange student from the US or Canada.
4 - We feel that this origin story is one of the very few that makes
    sense of why a Sailor Earth would exist.

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
Earth" are copyrighted (c) 1998 by Douglas Helm & Will Wolfshohl.

This fanfic and over 370 other SM fanfics reside in "Tuxedo" Will's SM
Fanfics Archive at http://log.on.ca/users/helm/anime/index.htm

To get a the full picture here is a listing of those stories that make
up the "official" ToYSS timeline:

Grandmother Makoto        - Origin of Sakuya/Younger Jupiter
Tales of Younger Jupiter  - Younger Jupiter's and Chibi-Usa's visit to
                            the past (SMR)
Tales of Younger Venus    - Misako's origin; Younger Jupiter's, Younger
                            Venus', Chibi-Usa's, and Misako's visit to
                            the past (SMSS)
Tales of Younger Earth    - Origin of Younger Earth

Other related side stories:

Faith                     - Origin of Makoto/Sailor Jupiter
A Gem                     - Origin of Kimeko/Younger Venus

Recommended reading order: Faith, GMM, ToYJ, ToYV, Gem, and ToYE

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


Rating: PG


Chapter 1 - A Rose Colored Autumn

Autumn in Crystal Tokyo was a burgeoning palette of colors. Few of the
light to dark greens of summer intermingled with the differing hues of
yellow, orange, brown, and red. The leaves had started to change early
this year indicating a likely early winter as well. Now in the early
part of October, the air had changed as well. Its scent shifting from
the sweet honeydew of summer to the sharp, bittersweet odor of autumn.
The tempest that had been the hot and muggy summer had to be cooled. Its
ragged heat mellowing into soft warmth to mirror the colors.

Princess Tsukino Misako watched with mild concern and curiosity as her
guardian Aino Kimeko fainted. She and Kimeko had just returned from a
trip to the past. Now as Kimeko's mother Minako rushed to her daughter's
side, Misako turned in her mother's arms to look questioningly at her
mother. "What happen'?" she questioned of Neo-Queen Serenity. <Why
Kim'ko go to sleep?>

Serenity, for her part, only smiled slightly. Brushing some of the
blonde-white hair out of her youngest daughter's face, she looked deep
into those clear blue eyes. <I've missed you so much, Mesume,> Serenity
thought, <Without Small Lady here, it's been a really lonely place...
It's been a hard two months.> Her daughter repeated her question with a
little more concern in her voice. "Gomen, Miko-chan," Serenity said and
tweaked the small pigtail that was connected to one of her round
odangos. "Kimeko's going to be okay... She might have a bump on her head
though. Don't worry."

Misako turned her head back and asked, "Is Minako-chan gonna kiss it all
better?" Serenity giggled. To Misako's five year old mind though, it was
a perfectly logical question. "I hope Kim'ko be okay," Misako stated
with some worry.

"Hai, she'll be fine, Miko-chan," Serenity said, "Now do you want me to
help you get settled back in or do you want your Daddy to?" <Please
choose me, Misako. I've been so lonely here and I need your support.
When your onee comes back from the past, things aren't going to be very
easy for a while.>

"Daddy," Misako answered to her mother's question. The little girl
reached over her mother's shoulder trying to stretch out to hug her
father. King Endymion moved to stand beside his wife and after he held
out his arms, Misako slid to him. "I missed you and Mommy an awful lot,"
Misako said and snuggled her head under Endymion's chin. Wrapping her
arms around his neck, she hugged him fiercely.

<Don't worry, Serenity,> Endymion thought as he saw a sad smile flit
across his wife's face. Shifting his daughter so he could hold her with
one arm, he drew Serenity into a hug. "We both missed you," Endymion
said softly.

"Love you lots," Misako replied and tried to hug both her parents. As
her parents hugged her, Misako felt warm and safe. She was glad to be
back in the future; for all her talk about wanting to stay in the past,
she had really missed her parents and this was one of the reasons. Her
PARENTS, not just Mommy or Daddy but both of them hugging her and loving
her.

                                 ******

As Misako was getting back with her parents, Minako was desperately
trying to wake her teenage daughter. <Baka Mina!> Minako scolded
herself, <What a thing to say!> It had been two very long months since
Kimeko had left and it was a relief to see her daughter back safe and
sound. She hadn't meant to give Kimeko the wrong impression about
Sakuya... It had simply come out that way. <Please Kimeko, be all
right,> Minako thought. She heard Misako ask whether she was going to
kiss it and make it all better; that brought a sad smile to Minako's
face. <I really wish I could.>

A cool dampness touched her forehead and Minako started. Looking up, she
saw Elder Mercury holding a cloth. "Nani?" she questioned as Mercury
dabbed Minako's brow again.

"How's the patient, SENSEI?" Mercury inquired with as straight a face as
possible. She allowed her mirth to show through when Minako grabbed the
cloth before applying it to Kimeko's forehead. "Is the prognosis good?"
Elder Mercury added. Her smile got bigger as Minako gave her a sour
look.

"Where'd you come from?" Minako questioned.

"I've been here all the time, Minako-chan," Elder Mercury answered, "I
figured something might happen so I tagged along." She then promptly
giggled as Minako gave her friend an even darker look.

Slowly, Kimeko stirred. "Hmmm.... Mika, quit licking me," she groaned as
she felt something cool, damp, and rough slide across her forehead.
"Oww, that hurts," she added after feeling her head. The expression that
was on Kimeko's face caused Misako to giggle. The little girl then
promptly blushed; it wasn't polite to laugh when someone got hurt.
Opening her eyes, Kimeko squinted slightly for a moment trying to orient
herself. <Why am I on the ground?> Kimeko thought as she stared into the
crystalline ceiling of the Crystal Palace. "Mom?" she questioned as she
saw Minako's worried face looking over her.

"Oh Kimeko-chan," Minako said in a rush, "I'm really, really sorry for
saying what I did. Gomen nasai." She watched as her daughter's face took
on an expression of confusion for a moment then turned horrified again.
"Iie, iie!" Minako was quick to placate. Lowering her voice so Misako
wouldn't hear, she explained, "I didn't mean Sakuya died. I meant that
she isn't in the Palace anymore."

Closing her eyes, Kimeko said, "What's the date?"

"October the tenth," Minako responded, "Why?"

<Kami-sama!> Kimeko's eyes snapped open and she looked towards Minako.
"I fainted and you let me lay here for weeks?!?" A confused look came
across Minako's face. "I left when it was August... We've only been gone
two weeks. I had to come back in August and fainted..." she trailed off
and looked quizzically at her mother.

"Kimeko-chan, you got back today and were only out for a minute or so,"
Minako explained, "It's really October." Kimeko opened her mouth to
retort that it certainly wasn't October but nothing came out. "Come on,
we'll get you home."

With her mother's help, Kimeko got to her feet and wobbled slightly. "I
must've really whacked my head..." She felt for the sore spot. When her
fingers lightly brushed over it, she winced. "Yep, that bump's going to
be the size of an orange."

"Can I see?" Misako questioned enthusiastically. This made both Kimeko
and Minako jump. Turning, they saw Misako snuggled against her father
but looking with some concern towards Kimeko. Obliging the little girl,
Kimeko walked over and, bending down, pointed to the bump. "Ooow..."
Misako said with some surprise, "That hurt?"

"Hai," Kimeko agreed then taking a step back, bowed to Endymion and
Serenity. "Konnichiwa Your Majesties. I'm very glad to be back."

"And we're glad to have you back, Younger Venus," Serenity said, "Now
let's get you two settled." She turned to Minako and added, "I think it
would be best if we let everybody know but we'll give these two a chance
to relax for awhile." She then pinned Minako with a warning look.

"Hai, Your Majesty," Minako eagerly said, "I want to look at that bump
and get some good food into this poor girl." Turning to Elder Mercury,
she added, "And I won't be needing any assistance, thank you very much!"

"Certainly Sensei," Elder Mercury answered crisply drawing an even
darker look from Minako.

Giving her daughter a one armed hug, she bowed to Serenity and Endymion
and said, "With your leave, we'll head for home." Serenity gave her an
irritated look but nodded. Grinning, Minako gathered the few things that
Kimeko had brought with her and headed towards home.

"Sometimes I wonder who's the adult," Endymion said. Serenity giggled,

Turning, Elder Mercury said, "I'm glad to see your back, Princess
Misako. Your Majesties, I'll be by before lunchtime to give Her Highness
a once over. I'd better look at Kimeko first though."

"No needles!" Misako declared. She had heard that "once over" line
before and most times, she got a needle of some kind out of it; at
least, that was her perception.

"I won't promise that you won't get a needle, Princess," Elder Mercury
responded and bowing to the Royal Family headed off to ensure that
Kimeko would survive her mother's mothering.

"I hate needles," Misako grumped.

Endymion smiled and, deciding to change the subject, asked, "Well
Princess, did you bring anything with you?"

"Hai Daddy," Misako said and nodded, "Just that." She then pointed to
where a suitcase was laying. Walking over, Endymion bent so that Misako
could reach it. Reaching down, the little girl lifted it with all her
might. "It's heavy!" she said while gripping the handle with both hands,
"I not know this was so heavy." She saw her mother giving her a warm
smile and she smiled in return. "It was fun in past, Mommy, but I missed
you a whole bunch!" Misako said as her father started to head for their
private suite of rooms. "Mommy, you and U-'Sagi not same."

"Well, maybe when you get a little older, you'll understand, Mesume,"
Serenity explained as she walked beside her husband, "Were you good for
your mommy and daddy in the past?" She looked sideways at her daughter
who had lowered her eyes. "Miko-chan?" Serenity questioned softly.

"Um... Sometimes I was bad," Misako said softly. <I hope Mommy not mad.>

"You're a very good girl," Serenity said surprising her daughter. Misako
looked up and gave her a very surprised look. "You told the truth and
I'm very proud of you for doing that. You're going to be a very big girl
soon." The smile Serenity received in return was radiant. The little
girl's clear blue eyes danced with excitement and happiness. <Small
Lady... Chibi-Usa, I hope you come home soon,> Serenity thought. She
truly loved Misako but deep within her heart, held jealously close, was
the longing to have her eldest daughter home.

                                 ******

Misako dashed into her room ahead of her parents and spun around. It
felt great to be home! Running over she climbed onto her bed and gave
each of her stuffed animals a hug. They were all there just as she'd
left them. "I missed you lots!" she declared to each one as they
received a hug and a kiss from her. Hearing a noise behind her, she
turned to see her father entering the room with the suitcase. "Daddy?"
Misako questioned while starting to bounce up and down, "Can I go
play?!?" <I want to go play outside; the trees look SOOO pretty!>

"Miko-chan, don't bounce on the bed," Endymion admonished gently as he
placed the suitcase on the bed. Misako frowned slightly but grabbing up
her favorite toy, dashed to the window. Pressing her face against the
glass, she looked out at the bright autumn day.

"Daddy, let's go play!" Misako demanded turning around, "We never played
when I was in the past." Pouting slightly at this thought, she added, "I
wanna play catch."

<I doubt Kenji would have approved back then.> Chuckling at his
daughter's enthusiasm, Endymion walked over and kneeling said, "Misako,
slow down." Placing his hand on her shoulder, he said, "You just got
back; we have to get you unpacked and it's almost time for lunch." <I
won't mention that Ami's coming by to give her an examination.> Misako
started to whine slightly but Endymion held up a finger. "Now Misako, if
you can wait until after lunch, then MAYBE we'll go out and play for a
little while before your nap."

Misako's pout vanished in an instant and she blinked at her father
several times. He hadn't even given her a chance to whine. <Daddy's
smart today,> Misako thought, <I wanna go play.> "Please Daddy?" she
pouted while tugging at his arm, "We can have lunch outside.
Pleeeeease?"

"Misako, I said iie," Endymion admonished with a little more sternness.
Gently taking her hands, he said, "Now come help me unpack." Misako
looked like she was about to protest some more but decided that she
wouldn't get anywhere so nodded in agreement. Walking over to the
suitcase, Endymion opened it and gave a yelp of surprise as something
sprung out. "Nani?!?" he questioned. He smiled as he felt Misako behind
him. She was pressed close to his legs and peeking around to see what
had startled her father. "What's this?" Endymion asked picking up the
teddy bear, "I don't remember this... Miko-chan, who gave this to you?"

Misako came out from around her father and looked around nervously.
After a few seconds, she gave herself a shake and looked towards
Endymion. "Chibi-Shingo?!?" Misako questioned. <I hope I didn't take
Onee's bear. 'Sagi would miss him a lot.> Reaching up, she took the toy
from her father and examined it. "Chibi-Shingo... how'd you get in
there?!?" <'Sagi's gonna be sad that she doesn't have her bear. He must
have wanted to come to future.>

"Chibi-Shingo?" Endymion questioned, "Who gave this to you?"

"Not my bear, Daddy, 'Sagi's bear. Gotta take it back," Misako explained
seriously. Looking from the teddy bear to her father, she said, "'Sagi
would miss him. I not know how he got in there, honest!" Turning to
Chibi-Shingo, she added, "Baka teddy bear, you gonna make Onee cry!"
Hearing her father chuckle, Misako turned her eyes once more towards her
father.

Sitting on the bed, Endymion lifted his daughter onto his knee and said,
"Misako, I think your onee wanted you to have him." He smiled as she
looked quizzically at him. "Usagi thought you might miss her so she gave
you Chibi-..." Endymion had to trail off as he started to chuckle. <Why
on earth have I never heard of that bear... Chibi-Shingo!> He gave
another chuckle while shaking his head, <I'm going to have to find out
what the story behind that name is.>

Tugging on her father's shirt, Misako said, "Daddy, why would Onee give
her teddy bear to me? Wouldn't 'Sagi be sad?" <I don't want Onee to be
sad. I love 'Sagi. She was sad 'cause I was goin' home.> That morning's
tearful goodbye came to her and Misako gave a little sniffle. <I miss
you, Onee-chan.>

"I think Usagi wanted you to have Chibi-Shingo so you wouldn't be sad,"
Endymion reasoned hugging his daughter, "Now why don't we get you
unpacked and then we can go see what goodies Mommy's making for lunch."

"'Kay," Misako responded and gave both her father and Chibi-Shingo a
hug. <Arigato, Onee-chan.>

                                 ******

"I'm really sorry, Kimeko-chan," Minako said as she handed her daughter
a cup of tea and a cold compress. They had made it back to the Aino
residence that was within the Crystal Palace without any further
incidents. Ami, having shifted from her Senshi form, had arrived shortly
afterwards. After a brief scan though, Ami was hustled out by Minako on
the grounds that she shouldn't have to suffer any of Ami's smart
remarks.

On the way home, Minako had alternated between gushing about how proud
she was of Kimeko and babbling about how really sorry for the
misunderstanding. Now they were inside the Aino quarters and Kimeko was
propped up on the couch while Minako attempted to mother her. She was
out of practice these last couple of months.

"Arigato Mom," Kimeko said while taking the tea. "I'm fine. Now quit
worrying and sit down," she requested of her mother as she took the cold
compress and applied it to her head. <Some things never change,> Kimeko
thought as Minako continued to dither for a few more minutes before
sitting down on the couch. "It's hard to believe it's October though...
I look outside and see the leaves have changed color. When I left
everything was green."

Closing her eyes for a moment, Kimeko blew out a sigh. <I never thought
I'd be gone this long. I wonder how Sako's handling it?> "What's going
on?! What's been happening the two MONTHS I've been gone?!?" Kimeko
demanded. <Two months! It should have been two weeks. Why didn't Pluto
bring us back earlier?>

<I bet you're wondering why Pluto didn't bring you back earlier,> Minako
thought as she observed the expression on her daughter's face. Fidgeting
for a moment, Minako said, "The trial got a lot of media attention."
Starting to wringing her hands, Minako looked at the ground. "It was
rough having to sit there and judge." Raising her head, Minako looked at
Kimeko and said, "I wish Sakuya had told us. I wish... I wish we had
known before hand." <We could have helped in the past.>

Kimeko shook her head and winced. "Iie," she said softly while placing
her hand on her mother's arm, "Mom, you know what would have happened,
Sakuya did. She told me that Serenity-sama would have yanked Usagi out
of the past. I saw how happy Princess Usagi was in the past; she was
needed back there." She gave her mother a warm smile as encouragement
and said, "You would have probably wanted to just handle it yourself.
You wouldn't have told Serenity-sama about it, ne?"

Weakly Minako smiled. "Hai, you're right. Serenity still doesn't know;
the files that RH has are sealed. Maybe when Usagi comes back from the
past, I'll tell Serenity." Minako paused. <Or maybe Usagi should tell
her mother. I'm so tired of this case.> Raising her hand, Minako rubbed
the bridge of her nose and sighed.

"Is something wrong?" Kimeko asked with some concern, her mother was
looking fatigued.

"Iie... iie," Minako said while patting her daughter's hand. "I just
haven't been getting much sleep lately. It's been a lot of work to do in
getting ready for Princess Misako to come back. And I've been worried
how to break the news to you..." Minako trailed off and gave Kimeko her
own worried look, "I thought you'd be screaming at me by now."

Setting her teacup down, Kimeko wrapped her arm around her mother and
said, "Nope, I understand what you had to do. So did Sakuya. She knew
that she'd have to face the consequences. I don't think you had a choice
in the matter, Mom. I still love you and I want you to stop worrying
about me being upset." She smiled and closed her eyes as Minako hugged
her.

"I've missed you so much!" Minako said, "I'm very proud of you." She
sniffled and wiped away some moisture from her eyes. <Mesume, Kami-sama
gave you to me and I'm so grateful you understand.> She felt her heart
fill with warmth as Kimeko hugged her back.

"Where's Dad?" Kimeko asked while looking around, "If I've been gone two
months, he must think I've run off with some boy." She giggled but
Minako didn't share in her mirth. "What's the matter, Mom?"

Sighing, Minako shook her head and smiling said, "Hiroshi really missed
you. He started to wonder where you took off to. He'll be so happy to
see you." <The past two months haven't been easy on him.> "As to where
your father is, he's picking Masao up. Masao's been out on-duty for the
past little while. The Crystal Tokyo Defense Force keeps him pretty
busy." <Kimeko, you'll be so proud of him.> Minako was about to say more
when she got a twinkle in her eye and giggled.

"Nani?" Kimeko said, "I can hardly wait to see him." She tried to
picture her brother with his mustache but couldn't. "He must be glad to
be getting a vacation."

"Well... I doubt we'll see him much." Minako said in hushed, secretive
tones, "I think Masao's in love!"

Kimeko's mouth swung open and she stared at her mother for several
seconds. "You're kidding! My onii, IN LOVE?!?" Letting go of Minako and
getting up, she started to pace, "You're kidding. It's some kind of
joke, ne?"

"Nope, Masao's in love... At least, I think he's in love," Minako
admitted while tapping her lip, "He acts like it but he hasn't said
anything."

"What do you mean he `acts' like it?" Kimeko asked, stopping her pacing
long enough to look at her mother. <I can't believe it... There's just
no way a woman would want that runt for a boyfriend.> Now standing at
something close to six feet, most people would not consider Masao a
runt, that never stopped Kimeko though.

"He's been acting really weird, saying that he has to meet somebody or
write them a letter but never tells me to meet with whom or who he's
writing to. Or... well..." Minako faltered and lifted her hands in a
helpless gesture. "He's just acting goofy."

"Uh Mom... did it ever occur to you that he's writing to hentai
magazines?" Kimeko questioned.

"KIMEKO!" Minako said with shock, "How can you think such a thing?"

"MOM," Kimeko said and sighed, "He IS a guy, and he IS old enough to
have those types of thoughts." <Won't you ever stop thinking of us as
children?>

"Nah..." Minako waved her daughter's suggestion off, "With your onii
being in the CTDF, he can certainly attract women."

"Mom!" Kimeko said horrified but she giggled when her mother grinned.

"Iie, I teased your brother but if he's in love, he's got it bad." <They
grow up so fast. Soon, my little girl will be dating. I know she's had
that little stint with Trevor but nothing came of it.> "Now come help me
with getting some lunch and I'll tell you what you've missed," Minako
said while getting up off the couch. Kimeko shook her head and giving
another giggle of mirth followed her mother into the kitchen.

                                 ******

"Daddy, can I have a drink of water, please?" Misako asked early that
evening. After unpacking, Misako had to endure one of Mercury-sensei's
examinations. Much to Misako's relief, Ami did not give her a needle.
Rather, she got a lollipop instead for her good behavior. After lunch,
Misako had spent a very enjoyable afternoon with her parents. Her mother
had allowed her to go outside to play for a short time after lunch and
had even joined in as well. That was a very rare and special treat for
Misako. Her father was always willing to play games with her but for
Serenity to do it was an extra special treat. <I'm SO thirsty!> Misako
thought as she stood in the living room in her blue bunny pajamas.

"Gomen Sweetheart, it's almost time for bed," Endymion explained,
"You've already had enough to drink at supper time and you haven't gone
to the bathroom yet." He and Serenity had learned from past experience
that if they gave Misako too much to drink in the evening, she'd wet the
bed.

"But I'm soooo thirsty," Misako whined. Swooning over to her father, she
raised the back of her hand to her forehead and, slumping forward, leant
over Endymion's legs as if she'd fainted.

Trying to control his mirth, Endymion said, "Oh dear, Misako's dead...
Maybe if I tickle her, she'll come back to life." Misako jerked up,
stared at her father, and then started to back away. "Well she's moving
but maybe I need to tickle her just in case." Misako gave a squeal of
panic and, zipping around the room, dodged towards her room. Chuckling,
Endymion lumbered after Misako in an exaggerated fashion while keeping
up a running commentary.

"Children," Serenity tsked from her position on the couch. Hearing a
giggle, Serenity turned her attention to Kimeko. She was looking on from
beside Serenity. A soft smile played across Serenity's lips; Serenity
had decided to invite Minako and Kimeko over for supper. Hiroshi and
Masao had been delayed for some reason and wouldn't make it back until
sometime the next day. "And I suppose you know which is the adult?"
Serenity prompted when she saw the sparkle in Kimeko's eye.

"Iie, Serenity-sama," Kimeko tried to say with a straight face, "Just
that Misako seems overly energetic today."

"That's because her father spoils her," Serenity stated and gave a mock
sniff of disapproval. <I can't blame Endymion. Kami-sama knows I spoil
Small Lady just about as much.> "Misako's excited to be back and we're
very happy to have her back." <Endymion the most; he's missed her a lot.
I know he misses Usagi too but it's different for him.> From the first
time that Endymion met his newest daughter, Serenity knew, deep within
her heart, that he'd have a special bond with her. A squeal of delight
came from Misako's room distracting Serenity from her thoughts and
producing a frown. "Young Lady, get out here!"

After a few seconds, Endymion appeared carrying Misako on his back.
"Hai, Mommy?" Misako chirped and then gave a giggle of delight as her
father pranced to a stop in front of Serenity. Serenity frowned even
more as Endymion gave an imitation neigh and shook his head, this just
set Misako off into a giggling fit. Even Kimeko and Minako couldn't help
but laugh as they watched the display.

"Honestly Endymion," Serenity said with slight irritation, "Misako, it's
ten minutes till bed time, go brush your teeth and pick out a story you
want read."

"Aw... Mommy!" Misako protested.

"Aw... Mommy!" Endymion echoed and gave Serenity a forlorn look.

"Don't you `aw Mommy' me, young lady," Serenity said, "Go on, get your
teeth brushed."

"Please Mommy?" Misako begged, "I'll be really good. Can't I stay up,
pretty please?!?" She let her eyes sag slightly and she looked hopefully
towards Serenity. Endymion didn't repeat his daughter's request but
didn't move either.

"Tsukino Misako," Serenity said while standing, "I asked you twice now
to go and brush your teeth. If I have to ask you again, there won't be
any story tonight."

"'Kay Mommy," Misako said sadly. Pouting, she slid from her father's
back and headed towards her room. <Why's Mommy being so mean?> Misako
thought, <Daddy and I are just havin' fun.> She stopped and sent one
more pleading look towards her mother but only got a head shake in
response. Holding back the sniffle that wanted to occur, Misako trudged
to her bathroom to brush her teeth.

Endymion looked at Serenity for a few moments before shrugging. "Well
I'll go make sure she just doesn't wet the toothbrush." Giving a wry
smile to Kimeko and winking, he turned and headed for his daughter's
room.

"Serenity-chan," Minako said with a little quizzical looked, "Is
something wrong?" It wasn't like Serenity to be that way.

Sitting down, Serenity sighed while running a hand through her hair.
<Damn,> Serenity swore to herself, <You didn't HAVE to do that.> "I... I
just haven't been getting much sleep," Serenity admitted. <But that's
not an excuse for taking it out on Misako.> Shaking herself slightly,
she gave her friends a reassuring smile before saying, "Kimeko-chan, you
can have the day off tomorrow. I think Endymion and I are going to spend
it with Misako. I need to apologize to both of them." Kimeko and Minako
exchanged looks and nodded but said no more on the subject.

                                 ******

"Mommy!" the little girl called out from her sleep, "Help Onee!" She saw
her sister attack the Lemure but it didn't do any good. "Iie..." she
whimpered out as the image of the crumpled body of her sister came to
mind. "Onee..." she cried again but then her attention was drawn to the
looming menace before her; in her dreams, she shook her head desperately
trying to deny what would ultimately come next. She screamed as she
remembered her dream mirror being ripped from her chest. She screamed
again and bolting upright grabbed her chest, trying to will the mirror
back into her body. Hot salty tears streaked her face; her breath came
in short, ragged, gasps. She could feel her heart beating at a furious
pace. Frightened and disoriented, she cried out, "Mommy! Daddy!" <Where
are you?!? Where's Onee?!>

Serenity was the first into the room. Rushing over to the bed, she
wrapped one arm around her daughter while placing her other hand on the
little girl's hands. "Miko-chan, what's the matter?" Misako's only
response was to give a sob before lunging at her mother. Wrapping her
arms around Serenity, she buried her face against her mother's shoulder.
"Did you have a bad dream?" Serenity questioned.

"H-hai..." Misako choked out between raking sobs, "A... a monster hurt
Onee!" she cried out, "Then he... he... hurt me!!!" <I'm so scared!> She
felt her mother's arms wrap around her, protectively hugging her. Her
body shook from the fear and the terror that was still vivid in her
mind.

"Shhh..." Serenity comforted as she rubbed the little girl's back,
"It'll be okay." Shifting to sit on the bed, she drew her daughter into
a warm embrace, "Usagi is all right. She's in the past and safe. There's
no monster here." She could feel the little girl's pajamas were damp
with sweat. "Do you know what the monster was doing?" Serenity asked but
Misako just shook her head while keeping an iron grip on her mother. Her
shuddering sobs had lessened but the little girl continued to cry.

Stepping over to the bed, Endymion gently sat down next to his wife and
said, "Let me take her. You haven't gotten much sleep lately." He gently
hugged his wife. <Please Serenity, I know you want to help but I think
this'll take all night.>

Serenity looked like she was going to argue that point but after a few
moments, gave a small nod. "Miko-chan," Serenity called softly. After a
few seconds, Misako raised a very tear-stained face to look up at her
mother. The dim glow of the nightlight made her already sad and
terrified face that much worse looking. "Miko-chan, do you want me to
stay with you or will you go with Daddy?"

<Daddy?> Misako thought as she turned her gaze from her mother to her
father then back again. <I like Mommy being here...> She hiccuped and
gave another sniffle. She was about to respond when her mother yawned
expansively. <Mommy's tired... She was sleepin'.> If there was one thing
she didn't want, it was to go back to sleep. "You be sad if I go with
Daddy?" Misako questioned.

"Iie," Serenity said softly while stroking her daughter's silken hair,
"You're a very brave girl. I bet the past was really scary, ne?" Misako
nodded. "You'll be able to fight off those bad monster someday."
Although there was still fear and worry in her small eyes, Misako
couldn't help but give a broad smile at her mother. "Give me a kiss
goodnight and I'll see you in the morning," Serenity instructed her
daughter.

"'Night Mommy," Misako replied while hugging and kissing her mother, "I
love you." Serenity echoed the statement of love before gently handing
her daughter over to her husband. Bidding both goodnight, Serenity then
glided from the room. Misako hugged her father close and placing her
head on his chest, closed her eyes. <Not wanna go to sleep,> Misako
thought but she liked being curled up on her father's lap, eyes closed.
She had missed that in the past.

"We need to change your pajamas," Endymion observed, "Or you're going to
catch a cold." Changing Misako's pajamas was quick and easy. Once the
little girl was in a dry pair, Endymion gathered a blanket off of his
daughter's bed and wrapped her in it before picking Misako up. Walking
over to the rocking chair that was in the room, Endymion sat down and
allowed his daughter to settle into the position she wanted.

Squirming slightly, Misako freed her arms and wrapped them around her
father's neck. <Warm...> she thought as she snuggled her head under
Endymion's chin. "Not wanna go to sleep," Misako reiterated aloud this
time. Endymion didn't respond. He simply started to gently rock his
daughter while slowly rubbing her back. At first, Misako could make out
the soft, comforting words that Endymion was speaking but slowly her
eyes began to droop with sleep, his words blurring into a warm burble.
She struggled to stay awake, nervous that the nightmares would come
again but through the warmth of her father, the gentle rocking motion,
and his soft and steady tones, the little girl was soon fast asleep. She
only gave one small whimper of protest before snuggling closer to her
father.

<Mesume,> Endymion thought softly, <You are a very kawaii little girl.>
As he gently rocked his daughter, he could feel her body relax and he
smiled. <You've had a big trip that got scary at times but you made it
through. I won't let you be in danger again.> Tilting his head, he
gently kissed the top of Misako's head before settling himself for the
night. <I'll just make sure those bad dreams don't come back,> Endymion
thought intending to stay up and comfort his little girl the rest of the
night if he had to.

                                 ******

The early morning shone, its light sparkling off of the early morning
dew. The first to stir within the Aino household was Mika, Kimeko's
Russian Blue cat. Cocking an eye, she twitched her ears to see if
anything was amiss. After a moment of satisfying herself, Mika rose and
stretched, extending her claws for good measure. For a cat, Mika was
old, in human terms she was eleven years old. Her body though was still
slender and graceful. Mewing slightly, she picked her way carefully
across her mistress' bed and silently nuzzled Kimeko's cheek.

Kimeko stirred slightly but didn't respond. Giving another mew, Mika
placed her paw on Kimeko's cheek. Slowly Kimeko's mint green eyes opened
to glare blearily at Mika who just nuzzled Kimeko again. Sighing
slightly, Kimeko rolled to her back and, picking Mika up, settled the
cat on her chest. "I bet you missed me a lot?" Kimeko questioned her
cat. She stroked Mika's soft blue tinged white fur. "I missed you too."
After a few moments, Mika started to purr and her eyes started to slide
shut. <No you don't!> Kimeko thought while sitting up, <If you're gonna
wake me up, then you can wake up too!> Setting Mika down, which earned
her a nasty look, Kimeko started to get ready for the day.

As she washed, Kimeko let her mind wander back to the previous day.
<That was mean of Masao,> Kimeko thought, <Making Dad come in the house
and pretend that Masao couldn't come home.> She giggled. <The look on
Mom's face was priceless though!> Minako had been, at first, stunned,
then hurt, then furious. <It's a good thing Onii came in when he did or
I think Mom would've given Mako an ear full.> Masao had earned a stiff
lecture from his mother but Minako usually couldn't stay mad at her son
for very long. As she thought of her brother though, Kimeko frowned.
<Why wouldn't he show me his uniform?> All Masao would do was to grin
and say that she'd have to wait. <Baka Onii, if I ever get the chance,
I'll shave that peach fuzz of a mustache off of him.> Along with Kimeko
calling her brother a runt, she also tended to mislabel Masao's mustache
as "peach fuzz".

After another ten minutes, Kimeko was finished preparing for the day to
come. Transforming into her Senshi outfit, Younger Venus then headed out
for a morning jog. Outside of the Crystal Palace, she jogged along the
well-groomed pathways and into one of several large nearby parks. It
hadn't been easy not to worry about Misako for an entire day. But with
both Serenity and Endymion being there, there wasn't really anything to
fret about. Once she had completed two circuits of the park, she headed
for home to make herself some breakfast before going to check on her
charge.

Promptly at five to seven, Younger Venus approached the entrance to the
Royal Family's private quarters. <Kami-sama, it's hard getting back into
a routine,> Kimeko thought, <Especially after that `vacation'.> After
passing through the security check, she entered the hallway and waited
for the door to close behind her before moving off down the hall.

Softly walking down to Misako's room, she gently opened the door and
looked inside. <Hmmm...> she thought as she noticed that Misako wasn't
in bed. Entering the room, Younger Venus also noticed that the bathroom
was empty. Flipping back the rumpled covers, she looked under the bed
but there was still no Misako.

Scratching her head in thought, Younger Venus left the room and wandered
quietly down the hall to the living room. There wasn't anybody there
either and the lights in the small kitchen to the left of the living
room were off as well. <Where'd she go?> She started moving down the
hall to question the guards at the entrance when Neo-Queen Serenity
stepped out of her bedroom.

"Oh Younger Venus," Serenity said, "I didn't hear you come in."'

"Good morning, Serenity-sama," Kimeko said and bowed, "Have you seen
Princess Misako?"

Frowning slightly, Serenity closed the bedroom door before saying, "Iie,
Kimeko-chan, I was going to ask you the same thing. Misako was having
some trouble sleeping last night and came into our room. When I woke up
again, she was gone." Then something occurred to Serenity. Moving
quietly down the hall, she motioned for Younger Venus to follow her.
Gently opening Princess Usagi's bedroom door, she gave a soft smile.
"There she is," Serenity observed and pointed to Misako. The little girl
was curled up on Usagi's bed, Chibi-Shingo in her arms, fast asleep.

"Aww... Kawaii," Younger Venus cooed, "That's so sweet."

"Hai," Serenity said softly, "We had a big day yesterday but I think
Misako misses her onee just about as much as she's scared that a Lemure
will get her." She noticed Younger Venus' sharp look but waved it off,
"Just nightmares. We can handle them. You have to sleep sometime."
Softly walking in, she pulled the comforter from the bottom of the bed
and wrapped her sleeping daughter in it. <That's right, have a good
sleep. You tossed and turned last night.> Giving her daughter a kiss,
Serenity stood and retreated from the room.

"You're going to let her sleep?" Younger Venus questioned.

"Hai, it isn't like she has far to walk for school. I take it you had
breakfast?" Younger Venus nodded, "Well come have some tea while I have
something to eat and we can talk a little," Serenity suggested.

"Hai, arigato, Serenity-sama," Younger Venus responded and, grinning,
followed her godmother towards the kitchen.

While Younger Venus and Serenity spent some quiet time together, Misako
stirred slightly and opened her eyes. <Somebody put a blanket on me,>
she observed, <Onee-chan? Is Onee-chan here?> She raised her head
slightly but noticed that the room was only occupied by herself. <Please
come back. I scared you get hurt, Onee-chan. Chibi-Shingo not there to
help you.> Giving a little sniffle, Misako held Chibi-Shingo close. <I
like Mommy playing with me. It was fun... but I want Onee to come back.>
Her little heart wanted her sister back. <Onee-chan makes bad dreams go
away,> Misako thought sadly, <But she not here.>

                                 ******

The kitchen in the Royal Family's quarters was small with a cozy dining
area adjoining it which was big enough for eight people to eat
comfortably. As Kimeko sat in one of the redwood chairs, she sipped some
tea. Neo-Queen Serenity was sitting opposite her eating a light
breakfast.

"How did you like the past, Kimeko-chan?" Serenity asked after taking a
sip of her own tea.

"It was different, Serenity-sama," Kimeko replied and squirmed a little.

"Kimeko-chan, I think `Serenity-chan' will do when we're in private
chambers," Serenity corrected while smiling. Kimeko opened her mouth but
only a squeaking sound came out. The young girl closed it before giving
her godmother an uncomfortable look. "If `Usagi-chan' was good enough in
the past, I'm quite certain that `Serenity-chan' will be fine."

"But that was different," Kimeko finally protested, "I couldn't walk
around the past calling you `Serenity-sama' without giving your secret
away." <There's no way I'm going to call her `Serenity-chan'! Bad enough
I had to call her Usagi-chan.>

"Kimeko," Serenity said seriously, "I'm not asking you to address me
informally in public. It's just in private, with my close friends... and
family I prefer to be less formal if the situation allows it."

"But, I don't feel comfortable addressing you so... informally," Kimeko
retorted, "I was raised a certain way." <I wish Serenity-sama would just
drop this.> It was making Kimeko uncomfortable. Minako had strove long
and hard to drill proper etiquette into her children's heads.

"You address Sakuya as `Sako-chan' because she wants you to. What's the
difference between me wanting you to and her?"

The room fell silent for several moments as Kimeko concentrated on
drinking her tea. Serenity didn't prompt the young girl for an answer
but couldn't help but smile. Finally, Kimeko raised her head and said,
"Well, I think I've earned that right to address Sakuya informally..."
Again Kimeko trailed off and stared at the table.

"So you think you haven't earned the privilege I'm offering you?"
Serenity asked. Kimeko only nodded without looking up. "Might I ask
why?"

Shifting uncomfortably, Kimeko looked at Serenity for a few seconds
before saying, "I didn't do very good with that Lemure and Princess
Misako got hurt." She shifted again wishing Serenity would simply leave
the matter alone.

Serenity stared at Kimeko then a frown crossed her features. With a
faint trace of exasperation, Serenity said, "Kimeko-chan, that happened
in the past. I've gotten over it; you certainly shouldn't think I'm
angry with you." Serenity smiled. "I still remember that day. You drove
some sense into my head."

"Nani?" Kimeko questioned sitting up fully to look at Serenity.

"You showed me that I was being bullheaded about such things. I could
have lost Small Lady because of my actions. You helped pull away the
blinders that were keeping me from seeing that I treated my children
differently."

"I felt really badly about talking like that to you," Kimeko admitted,
"And then Misako being punished just made me think that I might have
made the wrong choice by saying what I did."

Trying to smile reassuringly at Kimeko, Serenity reached across the
table and grasped Kimeko's hand. "Kimeko-chan, what you said hurt, but
I'm glad YOU said it. You spend a lot of time with Misako, you knew her
and my past self didn't." She gave Kimeko's hand a little squeeze and
smiled again. "As to Misako being punished, well... between you and me,
I got the sense from Small Lady that Misako had it coming to her."
Releasing Kimeko's hand, Serenity sat back and taking another sip of her
tea, said, "Well, will I have to order you?"

A smirk spread across Kimeko's face. Shaking her head, she said, "Iie,
Serenity-chan." It felt funny but in the same way, it felt good. It
indeed was a rare privilege. <Arigato,> Kimeko thought. Just then, both
women were distracted by the sound of small padding feet. Turning, they
saw Misako sleepily enter the room.

"Mommy?" she questioned while trying to rub the sleep from her eyes.

"Come here," Serenity ordered pushing her chair back slightly. After
Misako walked over to her mother, Serenity lifted the child onto her
lap. "Did you have a good sleep, Miko-chan?"

"Hai," Misako answered then yawned. Closing her eyes once again, she
snuggled a little closer. "I'm hungry, Mommy," she said again in a
sleepy voice.

"You go get ready for school and I'll make you some breakfast," Serenity
instructed while hugging her daughter, "Then maybe I'll walk you to
school."

"Not wanna go to school... Stay with you," Misako snapped sleepily.

"Iie," Serenity said with a gentle smile, "You have to go to school."
Standing her daughter on the ground, Serenity gave Misako a gentle swat
on the bottom to get her going. "Go on, get dressed and if you're quick,
I'll make you some pancakes." Misako grumbled something about being
sleepy but headed off to her room to dress. Kimeko just giggled then
excused herself to help her charge dress. Some things never changed.

                                 ******

Neo-Queen Serenity was sitting in the Royal Family's private quarters
when she heard the main door open. From her position by the bay window,
Serenity was unable to see who it was. On the other hand, the sound of
little running feet indicated that it was likely Misako.

"Mommy!" the little girl called. "MOMMY!" she called again as she ran
into the living room. Seeing her mother, Misako bounded over with energy
and hugged her mother as best she could.

"Gracious!" Serenity exclaimed while picking her daughter up, "What's
all the commotion?"

Giggling, Misako said, "I drawed a picture for you." She giggled again.
Being raised over her mother's head and looking down was a funny
experience.

"You drew a picture for me?" Serenity questioned. Giggling, Misako
nodded. While smiling at Kimeko who had entered the living room,
Serenity settled her youngest daughter onto her lap before saying, "Can
I see it, Miko-chan?"

"Hai," Misako chirped, unfolding the piece of paper that was in her
hand, and handed it to her mother.

"Hmmm...." Serenity said while studying it, "I think it's a nice house."

"Not a house, Mommy," Misako said with some disdain, "It school, my
school." She was disappointed to see that her mother didn't understand.
<Why's Mommy looking funny at me?> "I didn't fib; that my school."

Serenity examined the picture once again. <Well it's an awfully big
house.> Squinting, Serenity discovered that what at first glance
appeared to be blades of multicolored grass, were actually tiny stick
figures. Stretching her arm out, Serenity tilted her head and looked
hard at the picture.

By this time, Misako was thoroughly disgusted. Just like her sister,
they could never tell what her pictures were. <Daddy knows my school,>
Misako thought, <He knows I not fib.> Her father always managed to guess
what she drew on the first try. "Mommy, it school in past," she stated
with some impatience.

"Oh..." Serenity said. <Certainly doesn't look like it.> "What a nice
picture," she quickly replied.

"You just say that 'cause you not know what it was," Misako pouted.

Clamping down on her initial reaction, Serenity said, "And why did you
draw this picture, Miko-chan?" <Well... I suppose it could be a school.>

"Ami-sensei asked if I liked school in past," Miko explained while
pulling one foot up to her groin, "I said it funner than school now."
Misako was attempting to pull her other foot up to her groin too when
Serenity giggled. The unexpected noise from behind her startled Misako;
with a yelp of surprise, she toppled to the floor with a thud. Rolling
over to her back, she glared balefully up at her mother who started to
laugh even more. "What so funny?!?" Misako demanded with a pout, "Not
nice to laugh at me!"

Covering her mouth, Serenity tried to control her mirth. <I can just
picture Ami's face!> Serenity thought as she laughed silently, <Oh, too
bad I wasn't there.> That in itself had been funny, then added into that
Misako's untimely downfall, literally, just caused Serenity to laugh
even more. The final straw, however, was the utter look of disgust and
confusion that was on Misako's face.

<Baka Mommy,> Misako thought. Scrambling to her feet, she started to
stomp across the floor trying to drown out her mother's laughter. <Baka
Kim'ko,> Misako added as she saw Kimeko giggling as well.

"Oh, Miko-chan, come on back," Serenity called through her mirth but the
little girl just kept going. "Gomen Miko-chan!" Serenity called after
her daughter but it was no use. After a few moments, a door could be
heard slamming shut.

"Uh oh," Kimeko giggled out, "I think we're in trouble."

"You think?" Serenity asked while wiping tears from her eyes, "I didn't
MEAN to laugh..." She giggled again before taking several deep breaths.
"Now, um... Kimeko-chan, how was your day?" Serenity managed to ask the
question with a straight face.

"Fine, Serenity-chan," Kimeko said, "In our history class, Mizuno-sensei
asked me what I thought of going to school in the past too. I gotta
write a report to present to the class on Monday."

Serenity smiled as Kimeko made a disgusted face. "Well, I think I should
go patch things up with Miko. I wasn't very nice to her."

"Hai, I should get going too," Kimeko agreed, but the two women did
share another smile.

                                 ******

After leaving, Serenity to apologize to Misako Kimeko headed for her
mother's office to check on her. <Mom really looked strange today,>
Kimeko thought with worry, <Almost like she was going to cry.> On the
few occasions when she was able to question her mother about it, Minako
quickly brushed it off. <Something's wrong. Even when Masao was back,
she was acting funny.> Thinking back to yesterday, Kimeko had noticed
slight tension in the room but had chalked it up to Masao's bad sense of
humor.

Once she reached the office door, she knocked firmly and waited for a
response while calling out, "Commander?" Hearing the prompt to come in,
Kimeko entered the office. She blinked as she saw Minako slumped in her
chair, a haggard expression on her face.

"Kimeko-chan," Minako said, straightening and forcing a smile on her
face, "What can I do for you?" A sense of relief spread through Minako
at the sight of her daughter but it wasn't enough to cheer her up to any
extent.

Walking over to the couch, she motioned her mother over. Minako seemed
reluctant at first but then moved to sit beside her daughter. "Mom,"
Kimeko said seriously, "What's been going on?"

"You know, same old stuff. Just the normal duties of being Senshi
Commander," she mused. She tried to smile disarmingly at her daughter,
"Now what can I do for you?"

Kimeko gave her mother a measuring look before saying, "Mom, you're
hiding something..."

"Don't be silly," Minako cut Kimeko off, "I'm not hiding anything. Just
with Misako and yourself coming back... Well... it's shook up the dust."
<Please Kimeko...> She glanced towards the ground. "I've just been
busy."

<What are you hiding?> Kimeko thought. Occupied as she was with Misako,
she hadn't heard anything and that bothered her. Typically, she would
have heard the Palace staff gossiping, or some of the Youngers talking
but everybody seemed to be walking on eggshells. "I'm not a little girl,
Mom," Kimeko prodded softly, "Won't you please tell me what's been
bothering you?" Minako started to open her mouth to protest but Kimeko
held up her hand. "Mom, I've been here two days now and everybody seems
to be walking around on eggshells waiting for something to happen. Now
WHAT has been going on?!" <Please Mom...>

Minako lowered her head and looked at the ground. The office fell silent
for a few long minutes before she started to speak. Her voice, when she
did speak, was low and ragged. "When... when Sakuya came back, there was
the trial. I didn't like having to do that. Sakuya was... still is my
friend." Giving her head a little shake, Minako sighed, "I had to sit
through that damn trial, listening to Haruka rip Sakuya apart. There was
so much evidence against her that we never had any choice." Minako
shuddered slightly trying to restrain the tears that wanted to fall.

Sliding closer, Kimeko wrapped her arm around Minako, "Mom, Sakuya knew
that; I'm sure of it. I don't think she would have blamed you." Hugging
her mother, she continued to talk, "But that happened two months ago;
there has to be more."

Sniffling a little, Minako wiped her eyes and nodded. "Hai," she said
her voice a little stronger but still ragged, "The minor nobles have
their own opinions. They don't have all the facts but they seem to think
they're experts. The press has thrown in their two yen too." An angry
tone crept into Minako's voice, "Some think we were too easy on Sakuya,
others think we were too hard. Even the general public is stirred up a
bit." A muffled sob escaped Minako, "I tried, Kimeko-chan, I really
did..." <I'm sorry I'm burdening you with this. Gomen.>

"I know, Mom," Kimeko said softly while feeling her own eyes start to
mist, "I believe you. It had to be a hard decision for you, Ami, and
Rei. But I think that the people who really matter support you, ne?"

"Hai," Minako agreed turning a tear-streaked face towards her daughter,
"Your brother and father have been very good to me." <I tried not to
burden them with it.> "Even Mako's been good. She's angry but not at
me." She gave a weak smile but it didn't last long.

"I bet the Younger Senshi understand, ne?" Kimeko questioned. <They have
to. All of them are older than me except Small Lady.>

Minako's face crumpled and she shook her head. "Iie," she cried out in a
low tone. Her bottom lip trembled and she bit it to try and control her
breathing but it didn't really help. "Most of them will barely talk to
me. They just go through the formalities with me, nothing more. I've
tried to ignore it. I know they have feelings about this but..." Minako
trailed off again and she started to cry openly. Two months worth of
bottled up tension and grief came pouring out. Wrapping her arms around
Kimeko, she hid her face and simply cried. <Here I'm your mother and I'm
crying like a little girl. Gomen...>

Kimeko hugged her mother in return. <Growing up, I didn't ever see you
as anyone but a person who was in control. Now though, that insecure
teenager that I just saw isn't buried so deep beneath.> She could feel
tears herself trickle down her face. <You want to be liked and it
hurts.> "What have the Younger Senshi been saying?" Kimeko questioned.

After a few minutes, Minako managed to calm slightly. Still giving the
shuddering sob, she croaked out, "That's... that's just it. They haven't
been saying anything but there's been talk." Minako sniffled and tried
to clear some of her tears from her eyes. "They think I betrayed Sakuya.
They're angry with me... afraid I think. They think Sakuya's being used
as an example... That she did her job TOO well."

"I can't see Rei letting that continue on, not even Ami," Kimeko
remarked, "I'm certain too that Serenity-sama wouldn't allow it either."

"Ami and Rei aren't the focus; they only see me. I'm their commander.
They think Ami and Rei went along with my decision because they had to.
Serenity doesn't know about this. I've tried to talk to her but she's
always said that she needs to remain neutral in this affair." <I know
you have to, Serenity-chan.> Minako shuddered again and gave Kimeko a
tighter hug seeking some type of warmth. "I lived knowing I'd have to
tell you what happened and I guess... I guess..." Minako couldn't
finish. She just trailed off and shook her head once again. "And when
Small Lady gets back." The last remark was soft and fearful, "She'll
hate me too."

"Iie," Kimeko soothed as she started to rock gently, "Usagi won't hate
you." She gave her mother another hug before saying, "Will I have to get
permission from Serenity-sama to see Sakuya?"

Sniffling, Minako nodded. "Hai, I could give it to you but if the
Youngers hear that I did, then it be even worse. Get it from Serenity."

<Don't worry, Mom,> Kimeko thought, <When I tell Sakuya what's been
going on, I think things will settle down.> Letting her mother go and
wiping away some of her own tears, Kimeko said, "I love you, Mom. Now
let's go get Onii and Dad and we can all go out to supper, my treat."

Nodding, Minako smiled. <Kimeko, you're the greatest.>

End of Chapter 1

Glossary:
-chan = denotes affection (usually feminine or for small children)
-kun = denotes friendship or respect (used for boys)
-sama = denotes respect to a person of a higher social class such as
     your boss, royalty, etc.
-san = honorable (a gesture of respect similar to Mr./Ms./Mrs. in English)
arigato = thank you
baka = idiot or stupid
chibi = little
fuku = uniform
furo = large tub used for bathing
Ginzuishou = Silver Crystal
gomen = sorry
gomen nasai = very sorry
hai = yes or okay
henshin = transformation
iie = no
imouto = younger sister
ja ne = see you later
Kami-sama = God (Shinto)
kawaii = cute
konnichiwa = good day
minna = everyone
nani = what or huh
ne = Right? or isn't that right? Actually this has several meanings. We
     are using it to make something into a question. Example: She's
     here, ne? meaning She's here, right?
obaa-san = grandmother
onee = older sister (-chan added would denote a small age difference and
     -san would be added to show more respect and/or a larger age
     difference)
onii = older brother
sensei = teacher (may also be appended as a honorific)
Senshi = warrior or soldier
sobo = grandmother (referring to yours)

Doug

"It is the major decisions that change the course of our future but it 
is the minor decisions that shape the being who we are."

"I write in broad tapestries, interweaving characters lives leaving
 the little details to the reader unless the detials are important."
	- Anne McCaffrey
	  From the book "Get off the Unicorn"

"I am Sailor Chibi-Earth! And I will sit you in the corner!"
	- Tsukino Misako, ToYV#6

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