Previous parts may be located at :

	http://log.on.ca/users/helm/anime/index.htm

or by e-mail request. We're estimating that it'll take 23 chapter and a
prologue to finish off the sotry so there's a ways to go :)
======================
Glossary of terms used.

-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)
sugoi = Great or Wonderful
======================
Tales of Younger Earth
By Doug Helm and "Tuxedo" Will Wolfshohl


Chapter 3 - Home Again

February was a particularly cold month. Winter still clung fiercely to
Crystal Tokyo coating its buildings in deep fluffy mounds of whiteness.
The wind was like a saw cutting through people's protection to rob their
bodies of its precious heat.

One particular day in February though, found Neo-Queen Serenity's heart
glowing with prideful warmth. Misako was graduating from kindergarten to
the first grade. Although Serenity was proud of her daughter's
achievement, Endymion was prouder still. He was acting as if his
daughter had saved the world single-handedly or something instead of
simply moving into a higher grade. The Senshi held their tongues though;
Serenity had acted, if not the same, worse than, Endymion was now when
Princess Usagi was in the same position as her imouto.

As Makoto and Minako waited with Serenity in the Royal Suite, Makoto
asked, "Where's Endymion-kun?"

Smiling, Serenity replied, "He's helping Misako get into her new school
fuku."

Frowning slightly, Minako wondered, "Wasn't Kimeko going to do that,
Serenity-chan?"

Serenity's smile grew a little larger as she explained, "Do you think
Kimeko would be able to get close to Misako?" At Minako's quizzical
look, Serenity explained, "Endymion's a proud papa and he's not likely
to let some `stranger' dress HIS little girl." Both Makoto and Minako
promptly giggled.

Within Misako's room, Endymion was in control. Kimeko, who had intended
to help Misako dress, was sentenced to an observational position from
the rocking chair. Misako was sitting on her bed quietly suffering
through her father's "tweaking".

Endymion tugged at his daughter's fuku to straighten it one more time
before standing back to observe his work. "Perfect," he declared and
gave Misako a broad smile. Sweeping the little girl up into a hug, he
added, "Miko-chan, I'm so very proud of you." Giggling, Misako hugged
her father. "Your new fuku's very pretty."

The fuku top was white, its collar expanding out to a square-edged flap
at the back. A small line of gold trim was set into the color a short
distance from the edge. A small gold bow set off the front. The fuku's
skirt was a dark green; unlike Misako's previous skirt, this one had two
broad "suspenders" with it. They ran from the center of the back part
and came up and over the shoulders to attach to the front part. The hem
of the skirt was trimmed with gold similar to the fuku top while a green
bow was in the back where the two suspenders began.

"Arigato," Misako said as she beamed proudly towards her father. "You
like, Kim'ko?" she questioned Kimeko.

"Hai, very pretty, Miko-chan," Kimeko declared while rising. Walking
over, she gave the little girl a hug of her own and added, "And those
two little bows in your hair make you look very kawaii." Misako blushed
slightly but grinned at Kimeko.

"Endymion," came the voice of his wife from without, "It's time to go.
If Misako isn't ready, we'll just have to leave her behind."

Squirming out of her father's arms, Misako ran over to the door and,
throwing it open, called, "Ready!!!" Then promptly curtsied. She wasn't
about to miss this event!

Kneeling, Serenity gave her daughter a hug, "You look very kawaii; we're
both very proud of you."

"Arigato Mommy," Misako squeaked and gave a smile that stretched from
ear to ear for a moment and then became somber. "Wish 'Sagi here," the
little girl said softly.

Hugging her daughter close, Serenity said, "I know, Miko-chan, I want
your sister here too." Then holding her daughter at arm's length said,
"But I think Usagi would be very proud of you." She brushed Misako's
cheek gently. "Don't cry. Just think, when she comes home, you'll be in
a new grade and that will be a nice surprise." Standing, she took her
daughter's hand. "Ready?"

"Hai," Misako chirped but held out her other hand for her father who
took it. <Hurry 'Sagi, come back please!> Misako thought as she and her
parents headed for the school.

                                 ******

Now as they were sitting in the school auditorium waiting for the
ceremony to begin, Serenity fidgeted. Leaning over, Elder Jupiter
whispered, "Is something wrong, Your Majesty?"

Turning to face her friend, Serenity smiled. "Mako-chan, that's exactly
it," Serenity said after a moment. Elder Jupiter gave her a quizzical
look so Serenity explained, "I wish I could just be a normal proud
parent." She glanced around the seating area, "Instead, I'm `Her
Majesty'..." She let the thought slip away and turned her attention back
to the stage. Elder Jupiter simply grinned and threw Elder Venus a
knowing grin before settling back to watch the audience. It didn't seem
that long ago they had watched Kimeko graduate kindergarten.

After a minute or so longer, Mizuno Ami walked out onto center stage and
the audience fell silent. "Kombanwa," she said and bowed, "Your
Majesties, distinguished guests, parents, and friends, arigato for
coming to this special evening." Ami paused for a moment before saying,
"Tonight, we see our future, our children, taking the first steps
towards what will likely be a glorious future." The mood of the crowd
shifted slightly, some didn't care for that particular phasing. "Each
student's name will be called out; when their name is called each
student will come up to receive their certificate."

It might surprise some to think that such a young age would get
certificates, or that they would understand the significance of that
word. However, the certificate was seen as allowing you to do something,
to be "older" or more grown-up in a sense. It was also hoped that it
would encourage the children onto higher levels of achievement.

Ami said a few more obligatory words and then the ceremony began. Each
student in his or her new school fuku would be led up the platform and
across the stage. Once to the center, they would bow, exchange some
words with Ami, and then be handed, with great flourish, their
certificate.

After the first few students received their certificates, Endymion
started to fidget. <Where is she?> Endymion wondered, <Why haven't they
called her yet?!> A few more students came and went. Finally, Endymion
grumbled, "Did she do that poorly?"

Serenity poked him with her elbow gently and said softly, "Endymion, you
know perfectly well they're going alphabetically by family name."
Endymion muttered something under his breath before falling silent.

Soon Endymion eventually got what he was waiting for, Misako's turn.
Grinning internally at the last student who seemed to want to stay on
the stage, Ami turned her attention to the audience and announced, "Her
Royal Highness Princess Tsukino Misako." There was a brief pause and
then Misako came up the steps with Younger Venus right behind her.

Misako was in her new school fuku as were all her classmates. An extra
added bonus was it was similar to her sister's. <Wow,> Misako thought as
she reached the top of the steps. Swinging her head, she looked out over
the assembled crowd and gulped slightly. Feeling a gentle nudge, Misako
started forward. Her eyes had grown large as she examined the mass of
people before her. So intent was she on the crowd that Misako wandered
right past Ami. <What's funny?> Misako thought to herself as the crowd
started to laugh.

"Miko!" came the hissed voice of Younger Venus. Misako turned around and
regarded her guardian. That's when she noticed Ami wasn't where she
should be.

<Ami move, play silly trick,> Misako thought. Grinning up at Ami, she
exclaimed, "Not nice you move." This produced even more mirth. Ami
grinned but shifted uncomfortably. Shrugging, Misako wandered over to
stand beside Younger Venus.

Ami bowed to Misako and Misako curtsied in return. "You did very well,
Princess Misako," Ami said, "I hope you do as well in the first grade."

"Arigato Ami-sensei," Misako chirped happily. Carefully, she took the
certificate and, giving an exclamation of glee, bounded off of the
stage. Younger Venus tagging along keeping a neutral expression on her
face.

                                 ******

Time passed. The stark white world of winter was eventually replaced by
a blossoming spring. Misako by this point had nearly given up on her
sister returning home. Kimeko's seventeenth birthday was a temporary
distraction for the little girl but it didn't last long.

Even her own birthday didn't help Kimeko's spirits. She had been moping
about for the past few months. Trying to cheer up Kimeko, Misako did the
only thing she could -- she bought Kimeko a teddy bear. Her parents had
tried to dissuade her from the idea but Misako was adamant about it. The
teddy bear didn't work though. More to the point, it seemed to depress
Kimeko even more, which in a way depressed Misako.

When Kimeko tried to explain that Sakuya wasn't around, then Misako
understood a little. She knew that Sakuya was gone and just figured that
Sakuya, like Usagi, was doing something important someplace else; Sakuya
would come back eventually. Misako's reassurance to the latter did
nothing to end Kimeko's depression so Misako avoided the topic from then
on.

One thing that Misako tried to keep hidden was her desire to have Usagi
stay away. In a way, she wanted her parents all to herself and she felt
bad that she wanted Usagi to stay away. The mixed feelings confused her.
She had tried to explain it to Kimeko but the teen just looked at her
quizzically.

There was one confusion, though, that both shared. Misako had been
shocked when her father sent her to her room as punishment for some
minor misdeed. And as time passed, Misako learned that her parents
weren't about to put up with any of her typical nonsense that wasn't
within reason. Her parents' newfound strictness, at least in Misako
view, was both shocking and disconcerting.

In late June, Sailor Pluto informed Serenity and Endymion that Princess
Usagi would be arriving sometime in early July. When Misako's parents
told her, her spirits soared to new heights. Misako's main concern then
was to get to Usagi before she did anything "bad". Misako wanted to warn
her sister of their parents' "mean" behavior. So it was with much
anticipation that Misako held a birthday party for Usagi. The only
attendees were her stuffed animals and King Endymion. The former having
absolutely no say in the matter and the latter having just about as much
say as the stuffed animals.

                                 ******

The day was bright and a gentle wind blew from the northeast pushing a
few fluffy white clouds across the vast tracks of blue sky. The July sun
shone brightly down, warming the Earth and setting people into a
pleasant mood. It was into this pleasant weather that Neo-Queen Serenity
and King Endymion stepped. Accompanying them were all of the Elder Inner
Senshi along with Luna and Artemis.

They gathered in one of the private courtyards of the Crystal Palace.
The area was bright with color as flowers drank in the nourishing
sunlight. The trees were occupied by a few small birds that trilled
greetings to the gathering humans. The air was fragrant; the
intermingling smells of flowers, grass, and summer combined into a
delicate arrangement.

Not long after their arrival, a portal opened and from within it stepped
Princess Tsukino Usagi with Diana riding between her odangos. She paused
for a moment, then curtsied to the gathered crowd. "Your Majesties," she
said softly.

"Mama! Papa!" Diana cried, darting off Usagi's head to nuzzle Luna and
Artemis.

"Welcome home, Usagi-chan," Serenity replied softly while holding her
arms open. As her eldest daughter ran to her, Serenity swept her up into
a hug. "I missed you so much, Mesume," Serenity said softly while
holding her daughter close. She sniffled a little and blinked her eyes
to try and clear the moisture from them.

"Oh Diana," Luna said while inspecting her daughter, "We're happy to see
you." She purred while rubbing and caressing her daughter.

"Hai," Artemis agreed, "We're so proud of you." Diana only purred in
return. The past had been exciting but she was happy to be home.

"I missed you too, Mommy," Usagi said, her voice on the edge of
cracking. She hugged her mother tightly trying to drink in as much
warmth as she could. Although she had left her mother in the past, it
wasn't the same. Usagi of the past was her "onee"; she had made the
commitment to be that. <Mommy, I missed you SO much!> Usagi thought as
she gave her mother a kiss. Feeling a gentle touch on her back, she
looked and found her father looking at her. With a sniffle, she detached
herself from her mother and hugged her father.

"We're glad to have you back, Usagi-chan," Endymion said, "We were
starting to worry that you wanted to stay in past." He hugged his
daughter and gave her a kiss before pulling away. The look that Usagi
gave him hurt. <Gomen, this is really your mother's moment,> Endymion
thought as he lightly brushed a tear from his daughter's cheek.

After a moment or so, Serenity let Usagi down. The little girl turned to
the Senshi. "Konnichiwa!" she called to them.

"You've grown since I last saw you, Your Highness," Elder Mars said,
"Soon you'll be a young woman." Usagi blushed slightly at the
compliment.

"Hello Princess, we've missed you at school," Elder Mercury chimed in.

"I'll try to catch up, Mercury-sensei," Usagi promised but she didn't
sound overly enthusiastic about it. Next was Elder Venus. Grinning,
Usagi teased, "I suppose I should get used to calling you `Commander'?"
Usagi's smile faltered slightly when Elder Venus' smile vanished for a
moment before reappearing.

"If you wish, Your Highness," Elder Venus replied and then shifted
uncomfortably.

<What's that supposed to mean?!?> Usagi questioned and then shrugged.
She turned and looked towards Elder Jupiter. There she found a smile but
it was small, sad, and lonely looking. Walking over, she gave the
tough-hided Senshi a hug.

Bending down, Elder Jupiter returned the hug. "Arigato, Princess," she
said, "We've all missed you a lot." <Sakuya's asked about you.>

Letting the hug go, Usagi turned to her mother, "Where's Younger
Jupiter?!?" she questioned.

Serenity didn't even pause before saying, "Let's get you unpacked,
Usagi-chan. I bet you're tired." Usagi missed the look Elder Jupiter
gave her mother. Elder Jupiter's eyes narrowed and she glared at
Serenity intensely for a moment before smoothing her features.

<What's she hiding???> Usagi thought. She was about to protest, then
shook her head. <I don't want Makoto to be upset.> She also wasn't about
to argue with her mother out in public. "Misako must be at home, ne?"
she questioned as she moved to take her mother's hand.

"Misako?" Endymion questioned, "Do we know a `Misako', Serenity?" Usagi
stiffened and she looked towards her father with disbelief.

Serenity tapped her bottom lip as if in thought. Then shaking her head,
she replied, "Misako... never heard of her."

At this point, Usagi's heart was stopped dead. She looked at her mother
with something akin to horror. "Misako, you know... MI-SA-KO... my
imouto." <Please let Misako be all right.> She momentarily forgot about
where Younger Jupiter was. <What would I do without you around?> Usagi
thought and then silently prayed to Kami-sama that her sister still
existed.

"Your imouto?" Endymion questioned, "Hmmm... your... Oh THAT Misako."

"HAI!" Usagi said enthusiastically. <Misako's safe!!> "She's at home,
ne?"

"Iie," Serenity said then seeing her daughter's face, hurried to add,
"Misako's at school."

"School?!?" Usagi questioned numbly, "But Misako's in kindergarten, ne?"
<She should be home by now.>

"She's graduated and is in the first grade now," Endymion explained, "If
we hurry and get you unpacked, you might be able to go pick her up." No
sooner had he completed his sentence then his daughter had ran past him,
grabbed up her suitcase, and shot for home leaving her parents in the
dust.

Before following her daughter, Serenity turned to Endymion. "That was
truly evil of you making her worry like that!" <Gomen, Usagi.>

Giving his wife a lopsided grin, Endymion said, "I'll make it up to
her." Going over he held out his arm for Serenity who took it and then
they both started after their daughter.

                                 ******

Younger Venus hefted her history textbook and sighed. <Six bloody
chapters in two days!> She gave a disgusted noise. <There goes my
weekend. Everyone was right about Grade Eleven...> She glanced at the
clock. <Misako should be out in a minute or so,> Younger Venus thought
so she shoved her history text in her bookbag and sighed again. <Let's
see... read six chapters for history, then I got math, science,
geography...> Becoming thoroughly depressed at the seemingly impossible
volume of homework before her, Younger Venus crossed her arms and glared
towards the floor while muttering dark things about her sensei's
parentage.

Inside her first grade class, Misako sat quietly. They had one minute to
go and all the students had to sit quietly for a minute or they wouldn't
be allowed to leave. It had taken the class a month or so to get into
the habit of being quiet for the last minute so they could leave
on-time. By July though, everybody was well practiced at it.

<Maybe 'Sagi come back today,> Misako thought then forcefully pushed
that thought away. Ever since her parents told her about Usagi's
upcoming return, she had each day asked the same question, "Is 'Sagi
coming back today?" and her parents gave her the same answer, they
didn't know. As the bell sounded and they were dismissed for the day by
their sensei, Misako gathered up her belongings and waited for Yuki.

"You gonna come 'n' play, Yuki-chan?" Misako asked Yuki.

"Iie, Miko-chan," Yuki answered and pouted slightly, "I hafta go home."

Frowning slightly, Misako didn't question it. "Come on," she said and
headed for the door, Yuki following close behind her. As she came out of
the class, her eyes automatically tracked to where Younger Venus was
waiting. "Hi!" she called and waved her hand.

"Konnichiwa Princess, Yuki-chan," Younger Venus responded and retrieving
her bookbag started towards her charge.

Misako was about to turn and say good-bye to Yuki when something caught
the corner of her eye. Standing on her tiptoes, she looked past Kimeko.
<'Sagi?> she questioned, her heart starting to beat a little faster. Then
she saw it, two strawberry-blonde, bunny ear-shaped odangos coming down
the hall. Dropping her bookbag, Misako let out a scream. "'SAGI!!!" she
cried and took off. She shot past a startled Younger Venus knocking
other students aside in the process. "'SAGI! 'SAGI! 'SAGI!" Misako
shouted with excitement as she ran towards her returning sister.

Usagi stopped dead in her tracks, her heart quickened as she heard her
sister's voice then the little girl was in front of her. She felt little
arms wrap around her and hug her tightly. <Oh Misako!> Usagi thought as
she returned the hug vigorously. <I missed you so much!> Usagi thought,
her eyes misted over and she blinked.

"Thought that you not come back, Onee-chan," Misako cried as she held
her sister close and pressed her face against her sister. "You were gone
long time." She lifted a tear-streaked face towards her sister and said,
"Love you lots." Sniffling again, she closed her eyes and snuggled her
head against Usagi's side. It was a special feeling for Misako. HER
sister had finally come back safe and sound.

"I love you too," Usagi replied. She could feel a tear roll down her
cheek. Sniffling, she thought, <You've grown up. You're in the first
grade and bigger than what I remember.> She felt more tears come. <I
thought about you every day. I was worried that you wouldn't be here
when I got back.>

"Don't cry, 'Sagi-chan," Misako's little voice implored, "Don't be sad,
please!"

Blinking to clear away some of the unshed tears, Usagi looked towards
her imouto, and brushing away a few of her sister's tears, explained,
"I'm not sad, Imouto. I'm very happy, I missed you a lot when I was in
the past." They shared another hug before turning to meet the gathering
crowd of students. Stopping, the children bowed towards their Crown
Princess who nodded in response. "Konnichiwa Younger Venus," Usagi
called to the teen.

"I am very glad to see you, Your Highness," Younger Venus responded as
she made her way towards Misako. <Young lady, you're lucky I don't scold
you. You scared me half to death running away like that!> Younger Venus
held her tongue though. Now wasn't the time to deal with Misako's
understandable behavior.

Yuki, who had managed to get to the front of the crowd, grinned before
saying, "Konnichiwa, Usagi-chan, you like being Senshi?"

<Yuki-chan?> "Hai," Usagi responded and smiled in return. She winced
internally when she got a better look at Yuki, <How long was I gone?
Even Yuki's taller.> And THAT was something.

"Onee-chan, show us!" Misako pleaded, "Pretty please?"

Usagi grinned for a moment before nodding. Stepping away from her
sister, she took her broach and spoke her transformation phrase, "MOON
PRISM POWER, MAKE UP!" A burst of light encompassed Usagi and, after a
moment, Sailor Chibi-Moon stood before the gathered crowd. A jubilant
cheer went up but the single most pleasing sound to Chibi-Moon's ears
was the sound of her sister's delighted giggle.

                                 ******

Things for a moment became hectic for Younger Venus, who was acting as
crowd control, as the group of children welcomed back a local hero.
Usagi, having transformed back, suffered through it. Misako just beamed
happily but kept a close watch on her sister. Soon though, both sensei
and parents came and the children reluctantly headed for home. After a
few moments, Usagi found herself alone with Misako and Younger Venus.

Usagi looked at her sister and commented, "Miko-chan, your school fuku
looks like mine."

Misako walked over and stood beside her sister. Except for size, the
only real difference was the colors and Usagi's broach. "Hai, yours is
blue and red," Misako observed but she smiled proudly up towards her
sister.

"You look very grown-up in that," Usagi observed, unable to keep a sad
note from her voice. <I missed all this and the only thing I'll be able
to share with you are pictures probably.> Her sadness didn't last long
though as Misako smiled at her.

"Arigato, Onee-chan," Misako squeaked softly.

The two little girls looked at each other a moment longer, giggled, and
then started heading for home. Hand in hand, with excitement shining in
their eyes, they seemed to almost literally bounce along the corridors
towards the Royal Family Suite. They were almost home when Misako
skidded to a halt and pulled her sister to a halt.

Turning, Usagi frowned. "Nani?" she questioned when she saw the serious
expression that was on Misako's face.

"'Sagi," Misako said seriously, "You gotta promise not to be bad." Usagi
stared curiously towards her sister. "Promise you won't be bad."

"Why?" Usagi questioned. She started to feel uneasy at Misako's
insistence. <What's bothering her?> Usagi questioned, <What's got her so
worried?>

"Mommy and Daddy are REALLY mean," Misako explained. This caused her
sister's eyebrows to shoot into her hairline. "They different, not like
'fore. Mommy and Daddy are not nice now."

"Nani?!" Usagi demanded a little more forcefully, "What are you talking
about, Misako?"

Stepping a little closer, Misako whispered, "Daddy put me in my room
'cause I was bad, and I got spanked..."

<I remember that,> Younger Venus mused as Misako continued with her
horror story, <I couldn't believe it. When I talked to Sako about it,
she acted as if I was nuts!> Although Misako had been surprised and
saddened when her mother had punished her, it had taken her father
punishing her to make Misako really begin to worry. <Endymion-sama put
her in her room and she thought it was terrible.> Younger Venus shook
her head. <Then when he gave her a couple of swats, Misako thought the
end of the world was coming.> That bothered her. Not that Endymion was
disciplining Misako but that she couldn't remember it. Sakuya seemed to
remember Endymion and Serenity disciplining both girls but for some
reason, Kimeko couldn't remember Endymion ever doing anything to Misako,
or for that matter, Serenity doing more than placing her daughter in a
corner.

Usagi felt the disbelief forming as she listened to Misako's tale of
horror. <Stand her in the corner and she thinks the world's coming to an
end... and she still remembers Onee-san spanking her?!?> Usagi sighed a
little and waited for her sister to finish speaking. "Okay Imouto, I
promise to be extra good," Usagi said to placate her sister. <I think
Misako's just making that up. She gets away with everything.>

"Sugoi 'Sagi!" Misako declared happily, "I don't want you get into
trouble." Satisfied that she had done her duty and warned her sister of
the strange behavior of her parents, Misako took Usagi's hand and they
started for home once again.

Around six-thirty that evening, Usagi was putting the last of her
clothes away when a knock came at the door. "Come in," she called out. A
muffled voice was the only response. Walking over to the door, she
opened it. Misako came walking in, both arms full. "Miko-chan?" Usagi
questioned as she watched the little girl walk over to her bed and set
her load on it. Closing the door, she went over to her sister.

"Onee-chan," Misako said picking up the first item, "Chibi-Shingo came
with me. Gomen nasai." The little girl then held out the teddy bear.
Usagi smiled softly as she took the bear. "You're not mad?" Misako
asked.

"Iie," Usagi said while placing the teddy bear on the bed. Lifting her
sister, she settled Misako onto the bed before explaining, "I'm not mad,
Imouto. I hid Chibi-Shingo in your suitcase."

"Why?" Misako asked with curiosity, "Wouldn't you get lonely?"

Picking up the teddy bear, Usagi hugged him close for a moment. "I
missed you an awful lot, Miko-chan. I didn't want you to be sad. With me
being a Senshi, I couldn't really look after Chibi-Shingo. I wanted him
to be happy and I knew that my bestest imouto would do a good job taking
care of him." With that, Usagi gave her sister another hug. After Misako
returned her hug, Usagi asked, "Now what are these?"

Misako turned to the three brightly wrapped presents. "They are for you,
Onee-chan," Misako replied, "For your birthday and Christmas." Lowering
her eyes, Misako said in a quieter voice, "You not come back for
Christmas; I not want you to miss it."

Flushing a little, Usagi remarked, "I didn't get you anything."

"Not matter, Onee-chan. You back, that all I want," Misako declared and,
scooping up the first gift, held it towards her sister. "Don't be sad,
'Sagi-chan," Misako said again when her sister sniffled, "Be happy." And
Usagi was.

A short time later, another knock at the door came. "Usagi-chan, is
Misako in there?" came Endymion's voice.

"Come in, Daddy," Usagi called out.

Endymion opened the door and announced, "Miko-chan, it's time for your
bath. I don't want any arguments out of you either. You aren't getting a
furo so forget about asking for one." Misako crossed her arms, scowled
towards her father, and pouted.

Usagi blinked then giggled, "Miko-chan, want to have a bath with me? We
can use my furo." Turning to her father, Usagi asked, "Would that be
okay, Otou-san?"

"It's still a little while until your bed time, Usagi," Endymion pointed
out, "Misako might be in first grade but she's still got the same bed
time." <I think getting her to sleep tonight will be a battle and you
need some time to get settled back in.>

"Aw, pretty please?" Usagi begged, "Misako can even sleep in my room
tonight." Since Misako had given her presents, it was a small way to
repay her. Misako also seemed reluctant to be separated from her. <I'm
sorry I was away all those months,> Usagi thought, <Even if I had to
give up a birthday, I would have to see you at Christmas or graduate
kindergarten.>

Endymion was about to reiterate his previous argument when Misako slid
from the bed. Walking over, she said, "Daddy, please? I really miss
Onee." For extra effect, she allowed her odangos to droop slightly. It
always amazed Endymion that Misako could do that. Usagi could, too, but
not to such a degree.

Bending down to look his daughter right in the face, he remarked, "And
you won't give me any back talk when it's time for bed?"

"Promise," Misako said seriously and made a crossing sign across her
chest.

"Okay Miko-chan, go get your pajamas and toothbrush." He smiled as his
youngest daughter shot out of the room. Straightening, he walked over to
Usagi and lifted her into a hug. "You're a great onee," he said, "I'm so
proud of you." His smile grew bigger as Usagi hugged him, "I love you,
Mesume," he said.

"Love you too, Daddy," Usagi whispered out softly.

                                 ******

Endymion smiled as he watched Usagi tuck Misako in. "You got to sleep,
Miko-chan," Usagi said, "And tomorrow we can play." She gave her sister
another hug. Misako returned the hug and snuggled deep into the covers.
<That bath was kinda fun,> Usagi thought as she walked towards her
father, <I missed playing with you, Imouto... We'll play tomorrow;
anything you want.>

Taking his daughter's hand, Endymion gave it a gentle squeeze and said,
"Come on, I want to talk to you." Turning, he shut off the lights and
after they had left the room, he pulled the door shut.

"What about the nightlight?" Usagi questioned remembering Misako's visit
to the past.

"Misako told us to get rid of it," Endymion said while leading his
daughter to Misako's room, "She wanted to be grown up like her onee."
Usagi didn't respond but a slow smile spread across her face as a sense
of pride warmed her heart. Once inside Misako's room, Endymion closed
the door and switched on the bedside lamp. Sitting in the rocking chair,
he turned his gaze towards Usagi.

"I wanted to apologize to you," Endymion began softly, "I shouldn't have
teased you about Misako. Gomen nasai." Usagi just looked towards the
ground, "Is something wrong, Usagi-chan?" Endymion questioned gently.

"When... why'd you stop hugging me?" Usagi asked softly, raising her
deep blue eyes to look towards her father. <Am I gettin' too old for you
to hug?> Her father drew her close and lifted her onto his lap. "What
did I do?"

Holding her close, Endymion answered, "Nothing Mesume. When your imouto
came back, your mother missed you a lot more." Seeing Usagi's look,
Endymion thought, <You're wondering why but I can't tell you.> "You know
that Misako likes to be around me; just like you like being around your
mother, ne?" Usagi nodded. "Well your mother felt a little left out."

Usagi considered this for several seconds, then said, "Oh..." Giving it
a little more consideration, she continued, "You didn't want to make
Mommy sad by hugging me?"

"Something like that," Endymion admitted as he stroked one of his
daughter's fluffy pigtails.

"Daddy? Why didn't Mommy tell me where Sakuya is?" Usagi asked.

Hiding his grimace, he responded, "Usagi, I think you should talk to
your mother about that. Maybe tomorrow. I'll take Misako for a walk or
something and you can talk to your mother." Before Usagi could protest,
Endymion decided to change the subject. "I see you're wearing some new
pajamas." The pajamas were pink and had short legs and arms for the
summer weather. Usagi, seeing that she wasn't going to get anywhere,
only responded by curling herself up and snuggling a little closer.
Smiling, Endymion started to gently rock her, "You're growing up."

"Nuh uh," Usagi mumbled out as she closed her eyes. Hugging her father,
she added, "Then I couldn't do this." <Daddy, I missed you. I missed
Mommy too but I had Usagi in the past. I couldn't think of Mamoru as
anything but `Daddy'.> "Read me a story?" Usagi asked.

"It's not time for bed yet," Endymion observed, "Don't you want to stay
up?" Yawning, Usagi mumbled something incoherent. "Hai," Endymion
conceded, "But all your books are in your room." There was silence for a
moment or so, then the slow and gentle sounds of Usagi's breathing
floated to his ears. <It was a big day,> Endymion observed as he cradled
his daughter's sleeping form. <Don't worry, little one, you're a great
onee and will be a great queen someday.>

                                 ******

The early morning sun trickled in through the window. The muffled sounds
of chirping birds could be heard as they heralded the bright and clear
day. Misako gently stirred. Blearily squinting, she looked around the
room. <Somethin's different,> Misako thought, <Feel nice 'n' warm.> Then
the fuzziness started to clear from her mind and she remembered. Turning
her head, she found Usagi sleeping beside her. <Onee came back,> Misako
thought, a slow smile spreading across her face, <It not dream.> She was
about to hug her sister and settle back down to sleep when something
stirred from below.

Quickly, but softly, Misako slid from under the covers and padded into
the bathroom. After a few moments, Misako walked back into the room
feeling relieved. She walked back to her side of the bed and crawled
into it once more. At this point, Usagi stirred, rolled over, and
blearily looked towards Misako.

"What are you doing up, Misako?" Usagi said with some irritation in her
voice.

"Hada go to the bathroom," Misako explained as she slipped under the
covers. Snuggling closer she said, "Gomen, Onee-chan, not mean to wake
you up."

"That's okay," Usagi mumbled out and hugged her sister close, "Did you
have a good sleep, Miko-chan?" <You must've. I didn't hear you the
entire night. Daddy must have put me to bed.> Her last waking memory of
the night before was of being rocked by her father and she smiled.

Giving her sister a hug in return, Misako nodded. "Hai, had nice dream.
Me and you played all day!" Excitement shone bright in her sky blue
eyes, the lethargy of sleep being shed. Turning serious for a moment,
Misako asked, "Onee-chan?"

Usagi who had closed her eyes, opened them to look at her sister. "Hmmm?"

"Onee-chan..." Misako faltered and looking away asked, "Why you not come
back 'fore? Did I do somethin' bad?"

Usagi's eyes enlarged and she'd stared at Misako with surprise. Usagi
opened her mouth to retort but nothing came out. <I know Puu must have
brought me back after my birthday but why?> There was no readily
available answer. Snaking an arm around her sister, she hugged the
little girl while saying, "Imouto, you didn't do anything wrong. I don't
know why I didn't come back before. I bet you got really lonely without
me, ne?" Sniffling, Misako nodded. <Don't cry, Misako, we can play
together.> Misako just hugged her while sniffling a little more.

A few moments later, Usagi's door opened. Endymion walked in carrying a
pair of neon purple shorts, a purple T-shirt, and a set of underpants.
"Darn, now I won't get to wake you two up," Endymion declared as he
noticed both his daughters were awake.

"Where's Mommy?" Usagi asked curiously as she looked past Endymion.

Stopping by the edge of the bed, he said, "It's my job to get you girls
up."

"Oh... yeah," Usagi agreed sheepishly. <I'm so used to Onee-san coming
to wake me up that...> Her thoughts trailed off as she noticed the look
on her father's face. <Way to go, baka!> Scrambling up, she said,
"Gomen, I guess being in the past, I got used to Mommy waking me up."
With that, she hugged her father.

Setting the clothes down, Endymion hugged Usagi's back. "Morning, Usagi.
Go get washed while I help your sister dress." Nodding, Usagi let the
hug go and hopping off the bed headed for the bathroom.

"Morning Daddy!" Misako chirped as she scrambled to give her father a
hug.

"Good morning, Miko-chan," Endymion replied, "You were a very good girl
last night. You're getting to be a really big girl." Misako grinned.
"Are those okay?" He indicated pointing to the clothes.

"Hai," Misako said and, kicking her legs out from under her, bounced on
the bed. She giggled when her father gave her a disapproving look.
Quickly, she shucked off her pajamas, and then scrambled into her clean
clothes.

"I'll go get you some socks," Endymion said and started for the door.
Hearing a noise he turned around and saw Misako bouncing on the bed,
"Miko-chan, do you want to help me with breakfast?"

"HAI!" Misako called.

"Then please don't do that," Endymion requested. Misako gave one more
bounce before coming to land on her bottom on the bed. "Go wash up and
then come into the kitchen." Giggling, Misako ran over to the closed
bathroom door, twisted the doorknob, and ran into the bathroom. This
eliciting a squawk of protest from her startled sister. <I think things
are going to get a lot noisier around here.>

                                 ******

The early afternoon sun shone brightly down. A stiff breeze blew in
through the open windows, bringing with it the sweet scent of summer.
Endymion having spent the better part of the morning watching his
children play together was now relaxing after lunch on the couch.

All was quiet, or relatively quiet, until the muffled sound of giggling
could be heard. Endymion frowned slightly, rustled his paper
unnecessarily loud, and sighed. <Some things never seem to last,>
Endymion thought as the giggling got louder. At the sound of pounding
feet, Endymion looked up from the paper. Misako pelted into the living
room, Usagi right behind her. Dropping the paper, Endymion snaked his
arm out and caught his daughter as she ran past. Misako gave a squeal of
protest.

"Daddy!" Misako cried while squirming, "Let go! Gotta get away!"

"It's time for your nap, Miko-chan," Endymion observed after looking
towards the clock. <They've been playing hard all morning. Where do they
get all that energy?>

"YOU'RE IT!" Usagi cried as she tagged her sister and merrily skipped
away.

"Daddy!!!" Misako howled, "You helped Onee!" Crossing her arms, she
glared furiously up at her father. He was about to defend himself when a
surprised cry came from Usagi. As he turned, a slow grin spread across
his face.

"I say that doesn't count," declared Serenity as she held Usagi in her
arms, "Usagi was cheating." Usagi glared towards her mother but didn't
offer any protest.

"Not wanna nap!" Misako whined, "Wanna play! I'm not tired! Why I gotta
take a nap?" Endymion got up and walked over to the entrance into the
hallway before answering his daughter.

"Because, we have a party to go to tonight and you're going to get to
stay up past your bed time," Endymion explained shifting his daughter to
look her in the eyes. "If you don't take a nap now, then you'll fall
asleep and miss all the fun." <It'll also give your sister a chance to
talk with her mother.>

"Daddy, you come take a nap with me?" Misako asked.

"Hai," Endymion agreed. Giving his daughter and wife a grin, he left the
living room, wandered down the hall, and vanished into his and
Serenity's bedroom before closing the door.

"Party?" Usagi questioned while looking at her mother.

Serenity let Usagi down and said, "Hai... you weren't supposed to know
about it. We were going to have a little get together to celebrate your
return." <To celebrate the completion of your Senshi training in the
past.> A twinge of guilt ran through Serenity. <I hope Misako doesn't
ask why we never threw her a party when she came back.>

"Mommy, where's Sakuya?" Usagi asked broaching the subject once again.
<Why won't you talk to me about it?>

"Usagi... maybe, maybe when your father wakes up, we can talk about it,"
Serenity offered and shifted slightly. <Please wait a few more days. I
want you to feel comfortable here first before I spring this on you.>?

"Please!" Usagi begged while taking her mother's hand and pulling it,
"I'm not a baby. Where is Sakuya?!"

"Hush!" Serenity snapped looking down the hallway, "You'll wake Misako."
<I don't want to upset her if I can help it.>

"Then tell me," Usagi pleaded, "I fought Lemures and I went to the past
by myself..." she trailed off and let her eyes droop a little, "Why are
you not tellin' me?" Serenity started to protest that she wasn't
avoiding Usagi's question but fell silent. "I'm really, really worried
about Sakuya."

Serenity rubbed her hands together for a moment. She could feel Usagi's
eyes boring into her, trying to see what she was hiding. <She's right,
Serenity,> Serenity thought, <She's growing up and putting it off won't
make it any easier on her.> But her heart didn't want to hurt Usagi, her
mesume. Kneeling, Serenity looked into Usagi's eyes and said, "Sakuya's
gone away for a while."

"Why?" Usagi questioned, "She's my guardian. Why didn't she wait to see
me come back?! I asked Kimeko about her and Kimeko almost cried."

<I bet that was hard on Kimeko. I hope you aren't angry with her. I told
her that I wanted to deal with this issue,> Serenity thought then she
paused before answering her daughter. "Usagi... Honey, you said it
yourself, you're not a baby. I think you can get along without her for a
little while," Serenity tried to assure her daughter. <Just long enough
until I can get you to accept a new guardian.> Stroking one of her
daughter's pigtails, Serenity added, "What she had to do couldn't wait.
We didn't know when you were coming back."

Chibi-Usa scowled. <Mommy's not telling me the truth!> She could feel
the frustration building within her. <Mommy makes a big deal out of
telling the truth, then she hides things from me.> Taking a step
backwards, she glared at her mother. <Try and con me like I was a little
kid or something!> The more she thought about what her mother was trying
to do, the angrier she became. "Okaa-san," Usagi stated with resolve, "I
want to speak with my ONEE-SAN."

Serenity blinked for several seconds. Frowning quizzically, she replied,
"Usagi-chan, you are. I am the same person inside. Usagi was my past
self, your onee. She's still within me."

Shaking her head, Usagi said, "Iie, you are my MOMMY. I want to talk to
my ONEE."

As Serenity thought about her daughter's request, a slow smile spread
across her face. <You can tell the difference. You've grown up from the
little terror that I knew, or that lonely little girl Usagi knew in the
past.>  However, the realization of what might happen if she granted her
daughter's request brought Serenity's soaring spirits back to earth.
Trying to hide her discomfort, Serenity nodded, "All right, go into your
room. I'll be there in a few moments." With that, Serenity turned and
headed for her room.

After returning to her room, Usagi nervously waited. Sitting on her bed,
she leaned against the headboard and held Chibi-Shingo close to her.
<What happened to her?> Usagi thought, <Why's Mommy actin' so weird?>
Her mind started to imagine the fate of Sakuya when, thankfully, her
mother entered the room. <Wow!> Usagi thought as saw her mother, <I knew
I said I wanted to talk to Onee but I didn't think Mommy would go that
far.>

Serenity had changed out of the dress she had been wearing, instead
slipping into a pair of shorts and a T-shirt with a giant bunny's head
on it. The bunny wasn't your typical bunny though, it had fangs. Below
the head was boldly printed, "Carrots, public enemy #1". This last part
caused Usagi to giggle. Serenity also smiled. Kicking off her slippers
so she was barefoot, Serenity hopped onto her daughter's bed. She sat
cross-legged and grabbed one of the stuffed bunny rabbits.

"First things first," Serenity began, "Some ground rules."

"Hey!" Usagi protested, "I wanted Onee-san!"

Tweaking one of her daughter's pigtails, Serenity said, "Don't worry,
IMOUTO, these apply to me too." After Usagi gave a satisfied nod,
Serenity continued, "First, what we talk about is between us. I have to
have your promise that you WILL NOT tell anybody what I might say in
these private talks."

"Only if you don't get mad if I say something about Mommy to Onee,"
Usagi countered. At her mother's nod of acceptance, Usagi added, "Okay,
I promise I won't tell anybody anything you say, even Misako...
especially Misako." This last part elicited a grin from Serenity.

"Second, we have to respect each other's opinions." Usagi considered
this for a moment then nodded. "This is the only time that I'm your onee
and you're my imouto. Any other time, I'm your mother and you'll treat
me as such."

"'Kay," Usagi conceded, "But only if you promise to answer any question
I ask." Serenity shifted uncomfortably for a moment then after a brief
pause, nodded.

"All right, Imouto, now what did you want to talk about?" Serenity
asked. <I know already.>

"Onee-san, where is Sakuya?" Usagi asked, "What happened when she came
back?"

Serenity took a deep breath and let it out. She had been dreading that
particular question. "Imouto, when Sakuya came back, she was arrested."
She saw Usagi's eyes open wider but the little girl didn't say anything,
"There was a trial..." Serenity trailed off and looked towards the bed.
<I can't... not yet, I wanted to work you up to this.>

"What happened?!?" Usagi demanded, "Onee-san, you promised!"

Trying to look her daughter in the eye, Serenity continued, "Imouto,
there was a trial and Sakuya was found guilty." Usagi's mouth swung open
but nothing came out. "She's going to be in jail a long time." <You'll
be a grown woman by the time she gets out,> Serenity thought sadly.

"Iie," Usagi said softly, a sense of stunned disbelief was preventing
any stronger protests, "Iie, she was only helping me. Onee-san, Mommy
has to let Sakuya go." She could feel herself growing irritated when
Serenity shook her head. "Sakuya didn't do anything wrong." <I did; it
was my fault.>

"I kept out of the trial. It was fair and Sakuya was found guilty."
Serenity admitted, "There's nothing more I can do." Then something
occurred to Serenity, "Imouto, you said that Sakuya was `helping you'...
with what?"

Usagi blinked in astonishment for several seconds. <You don't know?> she
thought as she regarded her mother, <But...> "Onee-san, you gotta know.
Sakuya would have told what happened at the trial, ne?"

"Hai, but I don't know what was said at the trial. I had to be neutral,"
Serenity explained.

"Why?" Usagi questioned. <Why didn't you help Sakuya?!?>

Sighing slightly, Serenity tried to explain, "I had to be neutral
because I am not a Senshi. As Queen, I have other responsibilities,
especially to the public." Usagi wrinkled her brow in concentration but
Serenity never gave her no chance to question the answer. "Only Minako,
Ami, and Rei know everything." Taking her daughter's hand, Serenity
said, "Imouto, if you know anything, please tell me."

Usagi opened her mouth then froze. <Should I tell her?> Usagi thought,
<I want Sakuya out but Mommy might get mad at her even more.> She looked
towards her mother, in her shorts and funny T-shirt, and tried to
imagine Usagi of the past, but couldn't. There were subtle differences,
especially in the eyes. <Even if we talk like this, she's still my
mother. Sakuya knew that if Onee found out that Mommy would bring me
back to the future.>

"Imouto?" Serenity questioned with a hint of worry, her daughter had
opened her mouth and then froze. She had been sitting like that for
almost thirty seconds.

Giving herself a shake, Usagi closed her mouth before saying, "Iie, I
don't know anything." <I hate lying to you, Mommy, but if I told you the
truth, then you'd be even madder at Sakuya.> "Onee-san, you gotta let
Sakuya go. She was only protecting me like she's supposed to. You're the
Queen. You can make them let Sakuya go."

"Iie, it was a decision that the Senshi Cabinet made. Sakuya stood trial
and had to face the consequences of her actions," Serenity said, "The
public wouldn't have liked me letting her go either. They wouldn't
understand a Senshi getting off for attacking another Senshi, no matter
what the reason." Pausing, Serenity added, "Honey, if you know anything,
then tell me. Please."

"I can't," Usagi said lowering her eyes to the bed. <I promised Sakuya
that I wouldn't say anything. You wouldn't understand.> Sniffling a
little, Usagi asked, "Onee-san, how's Sakuya supposed to be my
guardian?" When there was no immediate answer, Usagi lifted her head to
look towards her mother, "She is my guardian, ne?"

Serenity started to reach out and then stopped herself. <I'm supposed to
be acting like her onee. I gave my word to answer the questions she
asked.> Withdrawing her hand, Serenity replied softly, "Iie, gomen
nasai, Usagi-chan. I was going to tell you but after you got settled
back in."

"Nani?" Usagi questioned, a tremor in her voice, "Sakuya HAS to be my
guardian; she's Younger Jupiter." Seeing her mother's lips thin
slightly, she said, "You took that away from her?!?"

"Mesume... Imouto," Serenity faltered and took a breath, "I didn't have
anything to do with it. It was up to the court. That was the punishment
THEY gave."

"AND YOU LET THEM!!" Usagi roared. Getting up, she stalked away from her
mother, "Why did you let them? Why did you let them take away my
friend?! You ARE the QUEEN!!! How come you let them do that?!?"

"I didn't have a choice," Serenity tried to explain, her own voice
trembling, "I couldn't interfere." Usagi scowled even more at her
mother. "I might be Queen but I have to follow our laws. If I didn't,
the public would be upset with me. The Senshi Cabinet wouldn't work."

<What's that supposed to mean?!?> Usagi thought hotly, <You're talking
big just to get outta being blamed for not helping Sakuya!> "You let
them because YOU DON'T CARE!" Usagi yelled again, her anger building,
"Sakuya's done a lot for me... for you and you let them be THAT mean to
her?!?"

"Usagi, I cared!" Serenity pleaded, "I would love to say, `I'm very
proud of you for doing your duty,' but I jut CAN'T." She pleaded with
her eyes towards Usagi, "Please Imouto, understand... my hands are tied.
I have to consider our Senshi laws, the public view. I would be setting
a dangerous precedent if I let Sakuya go." She was about to say more but
Usagi cut her off.

"LAIR!" Usagi shouted. Balling up her fists, she said, "You're like Puu;
you want to hurt Sakuya!" She blinked to clear the unshed tears from her
eyes but they quickly misted over again. Walking a little closer, she
hissed out, "Mommy's QUEEN and afraid of what the public thinks! My
ONEE-SAN fought off monsters, and even Black Lady! She was a lot braver
than YOU!!" The room fell silent; the air had filled with tension.
Serenity tried to speak but no sound came out, then she ducked her head.
Usagi glared angrily at her mother and for a few moments, nothing could
be heard except the muffled noises from outside. <You want people to
like you and you'll hurt Sakuya to do it,> Usagi thought bitterly as she
breathed sharp angry breaths. Over the blood pounding in her ears, Usagi
heard something. It sounded like a sniffle.

"Onee-san?" Usagi questioned when she heard the noise again. Usagi took
a step closer. She was about to speak when something held her back. Her
anger fled when she saw her mother's shoulders shake a little.
"Onee-san?" Usagi questioned again, a concerned tone creeping into her
voice.

"I tried, Imouto," Serenity whispered out, her voice thick, "I tried to
do my best."

"Then get Sakuya out of jail!" Usagi pleaded.

"I CAN'T!" Serenity snapped. Usagi took a step back and gave a little
gasp of surprise. Swinging her tear-filled eyes to look at Usagi,
Serenity said, "Usagi, I just can't." Wiping at her eyes, Serenity
sniffled.

"Why not?" Usagi said, the concern gone again. <I think you're just
putting on a show.>

"Because I am Queen," Serenity explained, "Don't you think I would do
anything to make you happy?" The dubious look Usagi gave her cut
straight to her heart. "As a mother, I would try to do anything to keep
you from getting hurt. As a queen though, I can't let Sakuya go. Not
unless you tell me what you know."

"It's easy to say `because I'm Queen'," Usagi retorted angrily, "You
just don't want Sakuya around. I don't get why you can't do it... You
are the Queen, OKAA-SAN."

Reaching out her arm, Serenity drew her daughter closer. Usagi resisted
but eventually came to the edge of the bed. "Usagi, if I let Sakuya go
without any other evidence, then it would only hurt Sakuya more." She
saw her daughter's look and Serenity elaborated, "If I let Sakuya go,
not because there was more evidence, not because there was a real reason
but simply because you asked me to... then it wouldn't be fair."

"I don't understand," Usagi whined out while maintaining her scowl.

"Well," Serenity said after some thought, "Let's say everybody in your
class failed, even you. Now let's say that you got to go on to the next
grade, not because you earned the right but because you were my
daughter. Would that be fair?"

Usagi gave this some consideration, then reluctantly said, "I guess
not."

"This is the same type of thing. If I let Sakuya go because she's my
friend, then it wouldn't be fair to people who've asked me to free other
people without more evidence."

<But I can't tell you,> Usagi thought sadly, <I just can't take that
chance.> Lowering her head, she stared at the bed. "But I want her
back," Usagi said. <Mommy's just trying to make me feel better. If she
really cared about me, she'd let Sakuya go.>

"I've known Sakuya a lot longer than you, Imouto," Serenity declared
while gently taking Usagi's chin, "There were a lot of times when a very
lonely little girl could have used a hug but I couldn't give her one."
That brought a surprised look to Usagi's face. "You've only known Sakuya
as an adult. I knew her when she first came to Crystal Tokyo. She wasn't
much older than you." As the memories came, Serenity gave a soft smile.
"You've done something that very few have done. You've gotten Sakuya to
show her heart to you." Usagi sniffled and a tear rolled down her cheek.
Brushing it away, Serenity said softly, "You're growing up, Usagi, and
I'm very proud of you. I know it's hard to accept but Sakuya isn't going
to be in your life."

"Please, let Sakuya come back," Usagi begged, "You're acting like a
mommy instead of an onee. Onee would let her go."

Stifling a sigh, Serenity stated, "Imouto, even in the past when I was
Usagi, I did say `iie' to some things. I also didn't agree with you
sometimes but we always worked through it. That's what `sisters' do."
Usagi pouted slightly. She couldn't really argue that point. It was
true. Sometimes Usagi did deny her things, or they disagreed about
something but eventually, they settled the matter.

<Don't worry, Sakuya, I still love you,> Usagi thought, <I'm not going
to leave you all alone. Not like Mommy. You're a great friend and I help
friends,> Usagi sadly thought. Then her mother's words touched her heart
and Usagi gave a tiny, lonely sob. Scrambling onto the bed, Usagi
wrapped her arms around her mother, around her onee's neck. Pressing her
face into her onee's shoulder, Usagi cried, at the loss of a friend, at
the unfairness of life, because her heart felt hollow and her mother had
abandoned her.

                                 ******

About a week later, Misako was sitting in Usagi's room with Kimeko
trying to cheer up her sister. It was bad enough having Kimeko being sad
but Usagi was both sad and angry. Neither would talk about what was
bothering them and it was irking Misako to no end.

"Onee-chan," Misako prodded, "It's your turn."

"Hmmm... Nani?" Usagi said glancing down at the board, "Oh, gomen."

"If not wanna play, then tell me," Misako complained as she put her
fists on her hips.

The corner of Usagi's mouth twitched for a moment before going back into
that somber look she had carried around for the past few days. She had
been trying to think of ways to get Sakuya out without telling her
mother about the incident that had dragged Sakuya back. However, nothing
came to her and that had been frustrating. She was also feeling
frustrated with her mother. Although Serenity had tried to explain her
position, Usagi didn't really buy it. As far as she was concerned,
Serenity was copping out to be popular rather than a "real" queen.

"Onee-chan!" Misako prompted again.

Usagi was about to tell Misako to wait a second when a knock came at the
door. "Come in," Usagi prompted. When the door opened to reveal the
visitor, Usagi let out a gasp of surprise. "Hotaru?!?" she questioned.

"Hai, I'm happy to see you back, Your Highness," Hotaru greeted.
<Chibi-Usa-chan...> The woman entered the room, her black hair
complementing her haunting eyes. She no longer looked sickly yet her
pallor hadn't improved much. It had something akin to a ghostly quality
about it.

Sliding off her bed, Usagi walked up to the woman and said, "I-I
thought..." she trailed off and simply stared at Hotaru.

"I missed you, Princess Usagi," Hotaru said while kneeling to get a good
look at Usagi. Her small smile grew slightly when Usagi hugged her.
<It's been a long time,> Hotaru thought as she returned the hug. Then
she became aware of the others looking at her. Letting the hug go, she
rose and said, "Gomen nasai, please excuse my manners." Bowing, she
said, "Konnichiwa Princess Misako, Aino-san."

"Kim'ko... who's that?" Misako asked while dividing her attention
between Hotaru and Kimeko.

"She's Tomoe Hotaru, Elder Saturn," Kimeko said with some awe. <I
haven't seen her for years.>

"Oh!" Misako declared her eyes going wide, "She S'nshi that make world
go bye-bye."

"Miko!" both Usagi and Kimeko protested. Usagi was blushing while Kimeko
was looking mortified.

"It's true though," Hotaru admitted softly. An awkward silence fell
across the room. After a moment, Hotaru continued, "Princess Usagi, I am
representing Rakurai Sakuya as her defense consul. I was wondering if I
could ask you some questions."

Usagi turned and a slow smile spread across her face. <Hotaru-chan will
help me,> Usagi happily thought. "Hai."

"Then we should go. I suspect Her Majesty will want you back by supper."
And without another word, she escorted Usagi out of the room.

Misako and Kimeko stared at the spot for a moment before looking at each
other. "You know what that means?" Misako questioned.

"Nani?" Kimeko asked as she turned her attention back to where Elder
Saturn had stood.

"I WIN!!!" Misako declared and bouncing off the bed, scurried to tell
her parents the great news. Giving herself a shake, Kimeko followed her
charge, but it was automatic. She was lost in her own thoughts.

End of Chapter 3