Previous parts may be found at:

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

or requested via e-mail.
------------------------
Tales of Younger Earth
By Douglas "Candle Light Author" Helm and "Tuxedo" Will Wolfshohl

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

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


Chapter 4 - The Spiral

It was a week after Neo-Queen Serenity's first "Onee-san" talk with
Princess Usagi that King Endymion finally found out about them. He had
entered his and Serenity's bedroom when Serenity came walking out of the
bathroom. She was dressed in a pair of shorts and her "Carrots, public
enemy #1" T-shirt.

"Oh!" Serenity said with a little start and flushed brightly.

Endymion felt a slow smile spread across his face. Walking over to his
wife, he purred, "I'll go call and see if one of the girls will take the
kids for the rest of the day." Serenity wasn't able to respond before
Endymion kissed her. "You look very kawaii in that." <It reminds me of
the old days.> Nibbling his way to her ear, Endymion whispered
something.

"Endymion!" Serenity screeched in shock and blushed, "That's so...
unlike you!" Although the thought was rather tantalizing.

Grinning, Endymion remarked, "Well I can't have my `bunny' not liking
carrots." This just caused Serenity to blush even more.

"Endymion, please..." Serenity said flustered, "This isn't the time..."

"What if I throw in some real chocolate cake for my moon bunny?"
Endymion questioned while tracing Serenity's lips with his finger.

Serenity giggled. "Arigato," Serenity replied while taking his hand,
"But this isn't for you." A surprised look came across Endymion's face
which earned him a frown from his wife. "I'm going to have a talk with
Small Lady about Younger Mars. Dressed like this I'm her `Onee-san'." To
her surprise, Endymion frowned. "Nani?"

"Do you think that's right?" Endymion questioned, "Serenity, you're her
mother."

"Small Lady wants to talk to Usagi... my past self; I can give her this
because it's something she'll need at times," Serenity explained, "It's
a chance for her to have private talks with me. A chance for her to tell
me things that she wouldn't tell her mother because I might tell you."

Endymion shifted slightly before he commented, "This could be a
mistake." At Serenity's questioning gaze, he explained, "What about
Misako?" <Don't push her away because Usagi's back. You did that before
when Usagi came back the first time. I think Misako understood that
Usagi needed some comfort and she had Usagi there but...> There was just
something about that which Endymion didn't care for.

"She's not going to find out about them. I was going to ask you to take
her swimming. Misako's been wanting to go and since today's Saturday,
she can go swimming with you while I have my talk with Usagi." Endymion
didn't seem convinced so Serenity added, "Please Endymion, Usagi was
upset enough finding out about Sakuya; I think if I do this as her
`onee-san', she'll accept Younger Mars as her new guardian more readily
than if I dictated it to her as her mother."

Rubbing his chin, Endymion paced away from Serenity for a moment then
turned. "I can't help but think that Misako's going to find out and
she's going to be hurt. It hardly seems fair to her."

"She isn't going to find out. We're going to make sure of that,"
Serenity said, "Please Endymion, you have to see how important this is
to Usagi... to me." <After Small Lady's talks with me in the past, she
deserves to be able to talk to her onee-san.>

Reluctantly, Endymion conceded, "All right, Serenity, I'll take Misako
swimming." Turning, he left the room, walked down the hall to Misako's
room, and knocked on the door. After a moment, he opened the door and
said, "Miko-chan, get your bathing suit. We're going swimming." Misako
cheered and ran to her dresser.

                                 ******

Shortly afterwards, Endymion soon forgot about his discontentment with
his wife's plan. It was hard to brood when Misako was thoroughly
enjoying herself. The pool wasn't as lonely as what Endymion had first
suspected it might be. Both Kimeko and Minako had been all to eager to
come along when he and Misako had invited them. They welcomed the break
from their normal routines. Also some of Misako's friends were present
as well so she had plenty of other children to play with.

They spent a very enjoyable day together. After swimming for an hour or
so, Endymion treated his daughter, Minako, and Kimeko to lunch. After
lunch, they went to a park to play for a while. It was getting on to
four o'clock when Endymion returned with a sleeping Misako in his arms.
She had exhausted herself and Endymion was thinking of taking a quick
nap himself. Keeping up with her had been a lot of work.

<I don't know how Kimeko does it,> Endymion thought, <Misako seemed to
be constantly on the go.> As he walked towards Misako's bedroom, he cast
his eyes towards Usagi's bedroom and noticed the door was closed. <I
wonder how she took it?> Endymion thought as he passed by. Sliding into
Misako's room, he gently laid the little girl on the bed.

<Let's get your shoes off,> Endymion thought as he slid Misako's shoes
off and then her socks. Misako stirred slightly but didn't wake.
Breathing a small sigh of relief, he gently placed a pillow under the
little girl's head before kissing her. Gathering her shoes, he slipped
from the room and softly closed the door.

A soft smile spread across Endymion's face. <You were quite a handful
but it was all worth it,> he thought and just like the sun, his heart
glowed with warmth. He was distracted from his thoughts by a sound.
Turning his gaze towards it, he saw Serenity leaving her bedroom. <I
guess it didn't go very well,> Endymion thought when he saw the dejected
look on Serenity's face, <I guess it didn't go well at all.>

                                 ******

It was a few days later that Misako figured she had something that would
cheer everybody up. <Mommy and Onee are sad,> Misako observed as she
skipped towards home, <Daddy kinda sad but maybe he just sad 'cause
Mommy sad.> As she entered into the Royal Family Suite, she called out,
"Mommy?! Daddy?!" But there was no answer. "Where'd they go?" Misako
pouted slightly, "I wanna show them my test."

Smiling, Younger Venus suggested, "Why don't you go get into some play
clothes and I'll go see if they left any messages."

"Hai!" Misako chirped brightly and scurried off towards her bedroom. As
she ran into the room, she shut the door and giving a squeal of delight,
ran over and started bouncing on the bed.

"HEY!" came an annoyed voice from under the bed. Misako froze and looked
around the room. There wasn't anybody in here with her that she could
see. "Young lady, why are you bouncing on the bed when you're not
allowed to?" came a voice trying to sound deep from below her feet.

"Daddy?" Misako questioned. <Why would Daddy hide under my bed?> It
certainly didn't sound like her father, though. She heard a giggle then.
Frowning, Misako bounced to her knees, then lying on her stomach, yanked
back the covers and sheets. "Onee?!?" she questioned when she saw her
sister underneath her bed, "Why you under there?!?"

"Shhh..." Usagi said softly, "Not so loud." Reaching up, she grabbed the
covers and yanked them out of her sister's hands.

"Hey!" Misako protested and lifted the covers again, "Whatcha doin'?"

"I don't want Mommy and Daddy to find me," Usagi admitted softly.

"Why?" Misako chirped the question while looking with curious eyes, "You
in trouble?" Before Usagi could answer the door started to open,
hurriedly she dropped the covers and turned to see who was coming in.

"Miko-chan," Younger Venus said, "I thought I told you to get into some
play clothes." Frowning slightly, she asked, "What were you doing?"

"Nothin'," Misako responded without moving. She gave her guardian a big
wide-eyed innocent look for added effect.

"Nothing, ne?" Younger Venus replied, "Well, Miko-chan, if you have to
be in that position, put some shorts on or something. It isn't polite to
go around showing your underpants to the rest of the world."

<Oh!> Misako thought and flushed brightly as she realized that the back
part of her skirt had flipped up. Quickly scrambling up, she pulled it
down covering her panties while blushing again. "Gomen, Kim'ko-chan,"
Misako said, "Is Mommy 'n' Daddy here?" <Please be quiet, Onee, I think
you in trouble.>

<What are you up to?> Younger Venus pondered as she watched Misako, <You
were doing something you shouldn't be doing.> "Were you jumping on the
bed?" Misako squirmed but nodded. "Misako," Younger Venus said a little
exasperatedly, "Will I have to tell your parents what you were doing?"

"Iie!" Misako squeaked while coming over to Younger Venus; she gave the
teen a pleading look, "Promise not do it again!"

"I've heard THAT before too," Younger Venus remarked; Misako's eyes
sagged slightly as a dejected air came over her. Being the understanding
type, Younger Venus decided to cut the little girl some slack. "But
since you did really well on your test today, I think I'll forget about
it." <I was a sucker for jumping on beds too. Although that stopped when
I broke mine.> That thought made Younger Venus giggle. <Mom wasn't too
happy about it.>

"Sugoi!" Misako chirped and gave her guardian a hug.

"Your parents are in the kitchen. I'm going to go home now," Younger
Venus explained, "You be good, and I'll see you tomorrow." Giving Misako
a hug, she then turned and giving one more glare towards the bed, left
the room.

Misako waved good-bye, scurried over to the door, and closed it. <That
was close!> she thought to herself, her heart beating a little faster.
Hearing a noise, she turned to see Usagi scrambling out from under the
bed. Brushing herself off, Usagi adjusted her clothes before looking
seriously at Misako.

"Miko-chan, come with me," Usagi ordered and taking Misako's hand,
dragged the little girl into the bathroom and closed the door.

"But 'Sagi-chan, I not have to go to the bathroom," Misako whined.

"I know but... You had a test today?" Usagi demanded in hushed tones.
Misako nodded. "How did you do?" Grinning broadly, Misako handed her
sister the prized piece of paper. Usagi took the offered paper and
looked down at it; her eyes grew larger and she blinked a few times. "A
perfect score?!?" she questioned while looking at Misako.

"HAI!" Misako chirped proudly. When Usagi smiled, her heart felt warm.

"That's really great, Miko-chan. I'm very proud of you." Misako puffed
out her chest and grinned even more. <Maybe this will save my hide,>
Usagi thought.

"Onee-chan, why you hidin'?" Misako questioned again.

Blushing slightly, Usagi squirmed for a moment before reaching into her
pocket and producing a sheet of folded paper. She then handed it to her
sister and looked towards the ground. Curiously, Misako took the offered
paper and unfolded it.

"Wow!" Misako exclaimed, "You got test..." It was covered in bright red
ink. "It look really hard." The only question she could understand was
the one asking for your name.

"Hai, it was really hard," Usagi admitted. <I should've studied more. I
miss studying with Onee-san.>

"Onee-chan, you get really good mark. Forty good, ne?" Misako
questioned. <It big number.>

Wincing slightly, Usagi confessed, "Iie, Miko-chan, I failed the test."
Misako just gave her a blank look. "Failing is very bad," she said in
explanation.

"How bad?" Misako asked with some concern.

<The way our parents talk about it...> Usagi trailed off and said,
"Worse than fibbing." <Well okay, maybe not THAT bad.> It had been the
wrong thing to say, "Well fibbing's worse but it's still not good to
fail." Misako had been staring at Usagi with horror until her sister
clarified it a bit then gave her a sad look.

"Not worry, Onee-chan, I help you if you want. If I help you, you get
'em all right!" Misako reassured her sister while giving Usagi a hug.
<Not want 'Sagi be in trouble.>

Usagi was about to respond when the voice of their father came floating
into the room, "Miko-chan? What are you up to in there?"

"Talkin' to Onee," Misako responded. Usagi glared at her in disapproval
but didn't say anything. When the bathroom door swung open, she smiled
brightly towards her father, "Hi Daddy!"

Endymion gave his children a searching look, opened his mouth to ask
something, and then thought better of it. "We heard from Mizuno-sensei
that you two had tests. Let's go out to the living room and have a
look."

Although Misako nodded in total agreement and skipped out of the
bathroom, Usagi groaned and walked out of the room. She caught her
father's curious look but only shook her head. <If I try and explain why
we were having a conversation in the bathroom, then it'll just get
worse.>

                                 ******

Misako, in an attempt to make her parents go easy on Usagi, went first.
She beamed sweetly at her parents as they read over the test. "That's
very good, Miko-chan!" her mother said with pride, "You're a very smart
little girl. Getting all those answers right." Reaching out, Serenity
gave her daughter a hug which just made Misako's heart beat a little
faster.

"Hai, we're very proud of you," Endymion beamed as he hugged her, "I
think we'll frame this." Misako squealed delightedly at that idea.
Turning to Usagi, he said, "Let's see yours, Small Lady."

<They know,> Usagi thought despondently, <Ami must've told them.>
Although Endymion was still smiling, his tone had suddenly shifted into
a stern one. Gulping slightly, she handed her own test over and lowered
her eyes to the floor.

The room fell silent for several long seconds before Endymion asked,
"Usagi?" Usagi lifted her head to see her father watching her. "Do you
think you could have done better?"

"Hai," Usagi admitted softly, "I could have studied harder." She looked
towards her mother but she couldn't hold her mother's gaze. <Gomen
nasai, Mommy,> Usagi thought sadly. She blinked as an arm surrounded her
and pulled her into a hug.

"I know you're having a rough time," Endymion said softly, "But there
isn't anything we can do except move on." Usagi sniffled slightly and
hugged her father in return. "Usagi-chan, we're proud of you. We will
always love you." <I remember another Usagi who once did just as badly
on her tests.> "We know you'll do better on the next test."

Usagi was near to tears but was able to fight them off until Misako
hugged her and said, "Not cry, 'Sagi-chan. I help you." Misako then
proceeded to hug her sister even more tightly. Usagi gave a little sob
and snuggled her face against Endymion's side.

                                 ******

It was shortly after Misako's sixth birthday when things started to go
wrong. Kimeko was on her way to the Royal Family Suite to discuss some
matters with Endymion and Serenity when she noticed a figure staggering
down the hall. As she approached, she recognized the figure as her
friend Younger Mars.

"Sawa-chan?!?" Kimeko questioned while running over to her friend, "What
happened?!?"

Hino Sawa staggered over to Kimeko and weased heavily. Brushing a
mud-caked clump of hair out of her face, she turned her tawny-brown eyes
to regard Kimeko. "Princess Usagi," Sawa huffed while taking gulps of
air.

Helping her friend to one of the public washrooms, Kimeko asked, "What
on earth did she do?"

Sawa didn't respond until they were in the bathroom alone and the door
was secured. "I believe the expression for it would be `torpedoed'." At
Kimeko's quizzical look, she elaborated, "Kimeko-chan, Princess Usagi
has made it painfully clear that she wishes to have nothing to do with
me." Turning on the water, Sawa started to work the mud from her usually
silky black hair. Unlike her mother's long flowing hair, Sawa kept hers
trimmed to about shoulder length.

"I hope you informed Their Majesties," Kimeko remarked while getting
some paper towels.

"Iie," came the muffled response of Sawa, "Not like this. Besides
Princess Usagi is having a hard time. She misses her regular guardian."
<We all do,> Sawa thought sadly.

Kimeko frowned, "Hai, Sawa-chan, but Sakuya doesn't let Small Lady walk
over her and neither should you. She has a right to be upset but she
needn't take it out on you." Sawa regarded her from her bent position
over the sink. Those fascinating tawny-brown eyes looked at her almost
as if reaching into her soul. "I think you should talk to Her Majesty."

"While I like Sakuya, I am not like her," Sawa explained while taking
some of the paper towels from Kimeko and drying her face, "I have to
show Her Highness that I can be her friend. Going to Serenity-sama every
time I have a problem would only serve to make matters worse." Kimeko
seemed to want to protest the matter but Sawa raised her hand. "Please
Kimeko-chan, I'm not like Sakuya. I've asked for permission to see
Sakuya from Elder Venus. I'll take her advice but being blunt was never
my area."

"Okay," Kimeko sighed. Sawa was right. She wasn't the blunt type. Sawa
was shy and quiet, that's what had attracted Kimeko to her as a friend
when Kimeko had started her Senshi training. She was always there for
Kimeko. Kimeko was quite proud of Sawa. Younger Mars was an excellent
diplomat and at twenty-six held a fairly high position within the
Crystal Tokyo Diplomatic Corps.

After Sawa had cleaned most of the offending muck from her hair, she and
Kimeko retired to Sawa's quarters within the wing that housed the
Younger Senshi. As they talked that afternoon, it became apparent to
Kimeko that Usagi was doing her utmost to make Sawa quit. Normally,
Kimeko would trust in Sawa's good judgement and leave it in her hands.
However, when she overheard Usagi bragging about it to her friends, it
became a different matter. It was one thing to attribute Usagi's
problems to the pressure cooker she'd walked into but it was quite
another matter to openly brag about your accomplishment of harassing
someone assigned to protect you.

Technically speaking, Younger Venus was Younger Mars' junior. However,
when it came to the Royal children, it was the opposite. It was with
that thinking firmly in place that Kimeko decided to mention Usagi's
behavior to her parents. She had intended to speak with Serenity on the
matter but was only able to communicate with Endymion as Serenity was
busy.

                                 ******

The early September weather was pleasant. The temperature, although not
as warm as August, was still pleasant enough not to require a jacket
when outside.

Giggling delightedly, Misako put her hands down, placed her hand on the
ground, and giving a mighty shove with her feet, performed another
somersault. Although Misako liked doing somersaults, and even backward
ones, she could never really do them successfully on her own until now.

<This is fun!> Misako thought delightedly. "Kimeko-chan, do one!" Misako
pleaded as she stood up and smiled towards her guardian. Kimeko sighed,
pushed herself off the deck, and stood. "Pretty please?" Trying to pick
a relatively soft piece of ground, Kimeko gave two quick steps and in a
graceful and fluid motion, somersaulted back into a standing position.
"Sugoi!!!" Misako cheered excitedly.

"You like that, ne Miko-chan?" Kimeko questioned as Misako nodded,
Kimeko made sure she had enough room and performed a cartwheel. When she
looked towards the little girl again, Misako was standing stock-still.
Her mouth was hanging open and she was staring at Kimeko with wide eyes.

"Cool!!!" Misako declared. Raising her arms, she tried to repeat
Kimeko's motions. At first, she couldn't get her feet off the ground; it
looked more like a sideways hop. After a minute, Misako gave up.

"Want some help?" Kimeko asked while walking over to Misako.

"Iie, arigato," Misako said with determination. Hopping a little, Misako
bent and planted her hands on the ground. She managed to get her feet
into the air and over her head. However, she just didn't have enough
momentum to complete the move. With a cry of protest and a thud, Misako
landed smartly on her bottom. "Oww!!! Baka ground!" Misako said angrily
and hit the ground for good measure. She then turned her glare on Kimeko
who had the audacity to giggle.

"Gomen Miko-chan," Kimeko apologized but the little girl just got up and
brushed off the seat of her pants before stalking over to the deck.
Grabbing up Chibi-Shingo, Misako pointedly turned and started to stroll
lady-like around the yard. Shaking her head, Kimeko went to resume her
position on the deck.

After a while, Misako decided that she wanted to get Usagi some flowers
to cheer her up. <Not big enough,> Misako thought as she examined the
small white flower, "What do you think, Chibi-Shingo?" she questioned
the teddy bear. After a brief silence, Misako nodded as if the bear had
said something she agreed with. "Hai, you're right," Misako agreed and
smiling, stood, and started to wander towards the small bed of flowers.

She and Kimeko were in the Royal Family's private backyard. It was
roughly square shaped with a large deck in the upper left-hand corner
that jutted diagonally from the Royal Suite. There was a high wall that
ran around the yard, separating it both from the outside and from the
"Formal" gardens that were used to entertain important guests. Around
the border of the lawn ran a small three foot bed of flowers to provide
some color. A few trees also dotted the area. Under one particular tree
was a play set consisting of a slide, swings, and monkey bars. Not far
off was a sandbox. Serenity and Endymion had kept the lawn relatively
clear to allow the girls to run around safely without fear of running
into a stray tree branch or tripping over rocks.

"Misako, get away from those roses!" Kimeko snapped from her position on
the deck. <Endymion-sama would have my hide if I let you pick those.>
Misako stopped her approach to the flowerbed, turned to look at Kimeko,
and gave a small pout.

"Please?" Misako asked, "Want to make 'Sagi happy."

"Iie," Kimeko said with a little sternness, "Now do you want to play a
game?" Misako shook her head. "Well you can pick the flowers that are in
the grass." Misako pouted a little more. "If I have to tell you again
about staying away from those roses, you'll be standing in the corner."

"She's mean," Misako grumbled to Chibi-Shingo but reversed her course
back to the original flower that she had spotted. As she walked, she
felt the grass tickle her bare feet. <That feel funny,> Misako thought
and giggled again. <Why I gotta get play clothes on?> Misako thought. It
was a right pain to have to change before going out to play. She was
wearing a set of blue pants and a yellow T-shirt. As she walked, she
swept her foot through the grass hoping to find bigger flowers. Then she
came across something completely new. Stopping, Misako crouched and gave
the new specimen serious consideration. "That not kawaii," she observed
to Chibi-Shingo, "It's all pointy."

Right at that particular moment, Princess Usagi did not think her little
sister was kawaii either. Rather, she was a little, grubby handed
bear-napper. <Just wait till I get my hands on her,> Usagi thought as
she stalked out of her room and down the hallway, <That's the fourth
time this week!> She had come home to discover that Chibi-Shingo was,
once again, missing. On previous occasions, Usagi had tried to be
understanding and Misako hasn't made much of a fuss when she had asked
for the teddy bear back. Usagi fumed as she marched through the living
room. <Not like I play with him or anything... but HE IS MINE!!!>

The peacefulness of the backyard was broken by the sound of an irritated
Princess Usagi. "Where is she?!" Usagi thundered as she came out onto
the deck and glared around. "MISAKO!" she bellowed when she spotted the
little girl. Lifting the hem of her pink sundress, she stomped over the
lawn towards her sister.

"I take it something's wrong, Sawa-chan?" Kimeko questioned her friend.

"Her Highness wishes to discuss the illegal acquisition of certain
properties by Princess Misako," Younger Mars replied. Then she giggled
at Kimeko's sour look, "Gomen, Princess Misako took Princess Usagi's
teddy bear. I'm under the impression that Princess Usagi wants it back."

Kimeko turned her attention to the two children and nodded. "Yep, I'd
say she wanted it back."

"YOU HAD NO RIGHT TO TAKE HIM!" Usagi bellowed furiously, "Who said you
could come into my room?!?"

"You did, 'Sagi," Misako answered promptly, "And Chibi-Shingo was
gettin' lonely. You not play with him. He come play with me. He wanted
to."

"Baka, Chibi-Shingo can't talk," Usagi stated while lowering her voice.

"Can too!" Misako retorted, "He's smart... talk lots. You just not there
to hear." As Usagi reached out for the teddy bear, Misako took a step
backwards. "You can't have him. You're not his friend."

"But he's MINE," Usagi stated forcefully but in a hushed tone, "You had
NO RIGHT to take him." She reached again but Misako avoided the attempt.
"Give him back, please Miko-chan?"

"Iie," Misako said and stuck her tongue out.

"Give him to me," Usagi demanded and lunged. She managed to grasp
Chibi-Shingo's head and started to pull. "Let him go! You're hurting
him!"

"Am not!" Misako said, "You're bein' mean!!"

As the tug of war started, Younger Mars asked, "Shouldn't we stop this?"

"Nope," Kimeko said while getting up to stand beside her friend, "As
long as they aren't clobbering each other, we should let them settle
it." Younger Mars looked uneasy over that proposition but remained
silent.

"Give him to me!!!" Usagi howled as she dug in her heels.

"IIE!!!!" Misako screamed as she, too, dug in her own heels, "ONEE, LET
GO!" Then with a quick jerk, she let the tension relax for a second. As
Usagi staggered a bit, Misako gave a sideways snapping jerk. With a
horrible ripping sound, both girls staggered back and fell to the
ground.

Misako, having had the wind knocked out of her, lay there for a moment.
She raised the now decapitated body of Chibi-Shingo up and gave a scream
of horror. Scrambling to her feet, she started towards Usagi who was
looking rather perturbed by the new development. "You killed
Chibi-Shingo!!!" Misako wailed. She was about to launch into her attack
when someone scooped her off of the ground.

"Let me go!" Usagi yelled as Younger Mars held her in check, "I'm gonna
get the bear killer!"

"I not hurt him!" Misako sobbed, "You hurt him!"

"What in the name of Serenity is going on out here?!?" Endymion
thundered as he stepped out onto the deck, "I can hear you all the way
inside!"

"Usagi killed the bear!" Misako wailed piteously, "She made his head
come off!"

"Fibber!" Usagi snarled, "I wanted Chibi-Shingo back! You stole it!"

Endymion walked purposefully over to stand between his two quarreling
children. "Let me see it!" he demanded turning first to Usagi then
Misako. Usagi held out Chibi-Shingo's head as proof of the foul deed. It
was looking pretty bad; most of its stuffing had fallen out and was
floating around the lawn. When he turned to Misako, he hid the head
behind his back while retrieving the body.

"Younger Venus, take Misako in and put her in her room. She's to stand
in a corner until I come to deal with her."

"Hai, Your Majesty," Kimeko said. She shifted Misako into a comforting
hug and walked towards the deck.

Once they had disappeared inside, Endymion turned to Usagi and said,
"Young lady, I want to see you in the study." Looking at the broken
bear, he ordered, "But first, put this in your room." Handing the
fragments over to Usagi, Endymion turned and stalked back across the
lawn.

Usagi felt like crying. Not only was Chibi-Shingo hurt but being called
into their parents' study was in her mind equivalent to being called
before a judge to receive a sentence of death. Typically, the study was
off-limits to either girl unless explicitly told to enter.

<I'm always in trouble, and it was Misako's fault too!!!> Usagi thought
angrily as she stalked across the lawn, <Baka little kid!>

                                 ******

Endymion sat back in his chair and sighed; things had seemed to be on a
rollercoaster lately. He could understand Misako wanting to play with
Chibi-Shingo. Usagi was growing up and hardly every cuddled with her
stuffed animals. Misako was at an age where she thought that
Chibi-Shingo might be lonely. On the other hand, Usagi had a right to
her privacy and Misako had violated that. Even if Usagi didn't play with
her stuffed animals, they were still hers.

Running his fingers through his hair, he gave another sigh. <The
question is what to do?> He needed a way of talking to Usagi without
making her think that Misako was getting away with murder, literally. He
also had to leave an opening because he didn't want to punish Misako too
severely. A knock at his door drew him from his thoughts. Sitting up, he
said, "Come in." Younger Mars entered, bowed, and then stepped aside to
allow Usagi to enter the room. "Younger Mars, wait outside please,"
Endymion directed. He waited for Younger Mars to leave and close the
door before he spoke, "Young lady, come here."

Usagi, her head lowered, padded quietly over to stand in front of her
father's desk. "Hai, Otou-san?" Usagi questioned softly. Hearing a
noise, Usagi lifted her head slightly and noticed her father was getting
up. She watched him walk around the desk and pull up a chair. <Uh oh...>
Usagi thought glumly, <Here it comes.>

Reaching gently out, Endymion took his daughter's hand and asked, "Can
you tell me what happened?" Usagi raised her head slightly to look at
her father in amazement. Endymion couldn't understand the surprise but
didn't indicate it. "I want to hear your side, Usagi-chan," Endymion
said reassuringly. Clumsily at first, Usagi started to tell what had
occurred. As she told her story, she watched her father carefully trying
to gauge his mood.

Grinning slightly, Endymion asked, "Usagi, do you think you're in
serious trouble?" Usagi paused for a moment before nodding. "Well you
are, but not over this."

"Nani?" Usagi questioned, her eyes growing wider to regard her father
curiously.

"You weren't at fault. I can understand you being mad at Misako for what
she did..." Endymion was cut off as Usagi muttered something, "Nani?"

"I'm always in trouble," Usagi griped, "You're just gonna stand her in
the corner, big deal." She didn't notice Endymion's frown. "At least in
the past, Onee-san was fair to both of us."

Letting his daughter's hand go, Endymion stood up and paced towards the
window before turning back. "Usagi, we try to treat you both fairly. If
you must know, I was going to send Misako to bed early. I was also
thinking of taking away some of her privileges." Usagi just stared at
him in disbelief. Pushing aside his annoyance, Endymion walked to stand
in front of his daughter and said, "I wanted to talk to you in here
because you're growing up. I thought we could have a serious talk about
some things."

"You're always treating me like a little kid," Usagi pouted out. <It's
like I'm Misako's age.>

Gently taking his daughter's chin, Endymion explained, "Mesume, if I
wanted to treat you like a little kid, I'd be having this discussion in
your room." Sitting down again, Endymion reached over to his desk and
picked up a neatly folded piece of paper. "I got a small note today from
your sensei. She says you haven't been turning in your homework lately
or it's been done poorly." Usagi squirmed and looked towards the floor,
"We don't bother you about homework, Usagi. We trusted that you would do
it on your own."

"I tried, Otou-san," Usagi admitted softly, "It's just that... well, I
can't seem to get through it." <I'm so used to having Onee help me... or
Sakuya.>

"Your mother mentioned music coming from your room when you were
supposed to be doing your homework," Endymion continued, "I think that
might have something to do with it." Usagi didn't respond. She only
stared towards the floor. Sighing slightly, Endymion said, "Okay Usagi,
you'll do your homework at the dining room table from now on. When your
marks start to improve to where they were, then we'll think about
letting you do your homework in your room."

"Hai," Usagi conceded reluctantly.

"Now on to the other matter," Endymion stated his tone growing more
serious, "I've heard you're making Younger Mars miserable." Usagi opened
her mouth to protest this accusation but her father's dark look stopped
her. She closed her mouth and instead contented herself with scuffing
the floor with her foot. "From what I've heard you've done, it's the act
of a little kid." Usagi flushed brightly. "So the question is, do I
punish you as a young lady, or soon to be young lady, or as a little
kid?"

The room fell silent for a minute or so until Usagi looked towards her
father. <Why did he stop speaking?> Usagi wondered, <Was he actually
asking me?> She squirmed under her father's stern gaze for another
minute before she worked up enough courage to speak, "I guess... Well, I
guess I wasn't being very grown up." She could feel the knot in her
stomach tighten, "I guess your gonna punish me like a little kid?"

"Iie," Endymion replied. Now Usagi stared at her father in confusion and
disbelief. "You've just proven that you can be mature and take
responsibility for your actions." Usagi continued to look confused but
the look of disbelief had fled to be replaced with a look of
concentration. "As a person, Younger Mars deserves respect. As your
elder and a Senshi, she deserves even more respect," Endymion said
sternly, "I know you don't want another guardian. I can understand the
hurt you're going through. I've lost a lot of very close friends over
the years. With your mother's help, I got through it. The same with your
mother. We're here to help you, Usagi, but this behavior has to stop."
Sitting down, he took her hands and drew her closer, "You're nine years
old and no longer a baby. You're also the Crown Princess. Throwing
temper tantrums over what you CAN NOT have won't solve anything except
to make you look childish."

"I suppose you want me to apologize?" Usagi questioned.

"Iie, I want you to apologize because you want to and know it's the
right thing to do, not because I want you to," Endymion explained, "This
behavior stops here and now. Soon you'll be a young lady. I don't want
to hear anything like this again or you will be punished as a child. Am
I making myself perfectly clear, Tsukino Usagi?"

"Hai Otou-san," Usagi said meekly.

"All right then, you're grounded for one week. I'll try and smooth
things over with your mother." Hearing Usagi sniffle, Endymion drew her
into a hug and said, "I know, Mesume, it's rough. It's hard on your
mother too." <Maybe it's a good time to ask her about the "onee
responsibilities" we want her to take on. Maybe Serenity's right and
it'll snap Usagi out of the mood she's in.> Tilting her chin, he wiped
away some of her tears and gave her a kiss on the cheek, "Now I want to
ask you something."

"N-Nani?" Usagi questioned, her voice starting to grow thick.

"Misako's been pestering us about getting her a furo." <For months.> "We
think she's too young to have one." Usagi smiled slightly. "Your mother
and I were thinking that maybe if Misako starts taking baths in your
furo and you watch her for us that we might get her one later on."

"Why do I have to watch her?" Usagi questioned.

"Because you are her onee and it would prove to us that you can handle
responsibilities."

<Well we have been fighting a lot lately,> Usagi thought, <I don't
remember us fighting like that before. I love Misako... Something's
changed but what?> Considering it for a little bit, Usagi answered, "Hai
Daddy."

"I'm glad to hear that," Endymion said while hugging his daughter,
"You're a great onee."

"Otou-san?" Usagi questioned, "Um... if I watch Misako, could I get a
raise in my allowance?" Endymion shook his head. "Why not?"

"Because, your mother and I want you to do these things because you are
Misako's onee." Usagi looked like she was going to protest further but
Endymion raised a finger, "Mesume, an allowance is earned. You haven't
proven that you've earned a raise yet. We'll see how things go and if I
think you've earned a raise, later on your mother and I will discuss
it."

"O-kay," Usagi conceded.

Giving his daughter another hug, he said, "Now go on to your room. Send
Younger Mars in here please."

"'Kay Daddy," Usagi chirped as she hugged her father. Letting it go, she
turned and headed for the door. Silently, she let out a sigh of relief.
Her stomach was feeling queasy but likely, it was the close brush with
death more than anything else. She didn't feel even the slightest guilt
over what she'd done to Younger Mars.

                                 ******

"YOU WANT ME TO DO WHAT?!?" Hino Rei thundered. She flared her nostrils
in irritation and glared balefully towards Serenity. <Of all the baka
odango atama ideas!>

"Now Rei-chan, I'm not asking you to do anything special," Serenity
explained.

"You're not?!?" Rei demanded, "Serenity, we bury dogs, cats, pet
birds... not stuffed bears."

"All I'm asking you to do is come and say a few words," Serenity said
calmly.

Rei resisted the urge to scream. "YOUR MAJESTY, what you're wanting me
to do is preside over a funeral for a STUFFED TOY BEAR!" Just the
thought infuriated Rei. There were some things that simply weren't done.
She had, at one time or another, said some words to help comfort her
children's grieving over pets but that was a different story -- they
were living things. "It's not real. If you really want to, have Ami
perform a medical miracle. Have him restuffed and sewn back up."

Serenity looked sternly towards Rei. "And you've never done anything to
help one of your children with the loss of a prized toy?"

Rei crossed her arms, sniffed, and said, "Certainly not. We wrapped it
up and tossed it in a trash can."

"Well Misako and Usagi are different. Usagi might be getting out of the
toy stage but to Misako, Chibi-Shingo was very real," Serenity
explained, "Please Rei-chan, do it for me?"

"I suppose you're gonna get it a coffin?" Rei questioned.

"Of course," Serenity answered seriously, "Of course if you aren't
willing to do it, I suppose I could find someone else."

Rei scowled again and muttered something darkly under her breath before
saying, "All right! Kami-sama, Serenity, if you're going to do this, you
might as well do it right."

Smiling broadly, Serenity hugged Mars and in a Usagi-style voice
chirped, "Rei-chan, you're the greatest."

Rei just groaned, <I can't believe I just agreed to give a TEDDY BEAR
proper burial rights. A thousand years and she hasn't changed a bit.>

                                 ******

Later that evening, Usagi sat on the toilet seat lid and watched Misako
take her bath. As she watched Misako though, Usagi thought back to
earlier that afternoon. <Hino-san apologized for Daddy finding out about
that stuff...> That bothered Usagi for some reason. <She said that she
wanted us to work it out. She wanted to be my friend.> "Not bloody
likely," Usagi muttered out.

"Nani?" came the small voice of Misako.

Usagi lifted her eyes to look at Misako for a moment and then scowled
slightly. "It's time to get out, Misako," Usagi instructed. She was
slightly surprised when the little girl complied. Climbing out of the
furo, Misako stood shivering looking sadly towards Usagi. Grabbing up a
towel, Usagi started to dry Misako off while saying, "You were awfully
quiet."

Misako just lowered her eyes and gave a little sniffle. <Why's Onee
bein' nice?> Misako sadly thought, <I killed her Chibi-Shingo...> She
sniffled a little more and a tear ran down her cheek.

Usagi stopped her drying efforts to look at Misako. "Miko-chan, what's
the matter?" she questioned as she pushed her irritation aside. Brushing
a tear away, she said, "Don't cry." Hiccuping a couple of times, Misako
just rubbed her eyes and stared towards the floor. "Come on, let's get
you dried off and into some pajamas," Usagi remarked while proceeding to
finish drying Misako off. Taking her sister by the hand, Usagi led
Misako into the bedroom and over to her bed. "We'll get you into your
pajamas then we can go back to your room."

Sniffling a little, Misako said, "How come you're bein' nice?"

"Come on, let's get your pajamas on first," Usagi directed and proceeded
to help her sister into the bunny pajamas. Once the pajamas were on,
Misako did the large buttons up herself and Usagi grinned delightedly.
"You growing up, Imouto. You did all those buttons up all by yourself."
Misako grinned.

"It not hard, 'Sagi-chan, only four buttons," Misako said. Then with a
long practiced motion, she slid her hands to the two buttons that held
the rear flap closed. "Good," she commented when she found the rear flap
in the bottom part of her pajamas to be closed. Usagi just grinned and
chuckled.

Sitting Misako on her bed, Usagi mused, "Why am I being nice to you?"
Misako nodded. "Because I was being silly before." Misako scowled
slightly at this answer. "Miko-chan, I'm your onee, ne?"

"Hai," Misako said softly, "Bestest."

"Well maybe not this afternoon," Usagi explained, "I should have asked
Kimeko or Daddy... or even Younger Mars to get Chibi-Shingo from you."
Misako sniffled. "I fought with you and Chibi-Shingo got killed." At
this point, Misako's face crumpled and she started to cry softly.
Climbing onto her bed, Usagi hugged her closely, "Gomen."

Misako returned her sister's hug. Hiding her face in Usagi's side, she
managed to say, "Gomen nasai!" She fell silent for a moment before
saying, "I shoudn'ta took Chibi-Shingo." <Why's 'Sagi not mad?!?> Misako
hazily thought as Usagi gave her a bigger hug. After a minute or so,
Misako asked, "Onee-chan, why you not mad?"

"Because I love you," Usagi answered. It was the best one she could
give. She wasn't angry because she had realized her error in the
situation. She was satisfied with Misako's punishment but likely the
best reason for not being angry was that Misako expected it.

Just then the door opened and Serenity walked in, "Okay Misako, time for
bed." She walked over to the bed and held out her arms. Misako gave
Usagi one more hug before scrambling to stand on the bed. "Come on, you
got an early bedtime and I want to ask you about it." Picking her
daughter up, Serenity hugged Misako and headed for the door. Pausing at
the threshold, she turned to Usagi and said, "Then Small Lady, I'm going
to come back and we're going to talk about Younger Mars."

Usagi sat stunned for a moment then a slow smile formed on her face as
she saw Misako give her a little wave goodnight over their mother's
shoulder. She returned the wave, and felt a warmth deep within her.
That's why she wasn't angry because Misako, for all of her faults, was
something special; she was something that Usagi never wanted to force
away.

                                 ******

The late autumn day was crisp and clear. The wind was chilly though, and
as the sun slowly sank, it cast an orange glow over the city. Younger
Venus, wrapped in her jacket, walked through the leaves in the park.
They crackled under foot or made swishing noises if they were rustled.
She felt the little hand in hers and smiled. Giving it a little squeeze,
she glanced down towards Misako who smiled up.

They walked for a little longer before Kimeko eventually stopped and
looked down at the little girl. Misako was wearing a purple jacket with
green pocket flaps and yellow sleeves. Her purple overalls peaked out
from underneath the jacket. Her blue socks and running shoes couldn't be
seen for the mound of leaves that surrounded them.

"Are you tired, Miko-chan?" Younger Venus asked. Misako gave a nod.
"Want me to carry you?"

"Please," Misako said and reached up. "Arigato, Kimeko-chan," she
chirped as Kimeko lifted her up.

"We had a big walk today," Younger Venus observed as she started walking
again, "I'm sorry I couldn't be with you yesterday; I was busy."

"That okay, Kimeko-chan, Onee come and played with me 'n' Yuki," Misako
replied. She snuggled her head under Kimeko's chin and closed her eyes.
<I like naps,> Misako thought. She was starting to miss being able to
take a nap in the afternoon.

"Did you have a fun day at school?" Younger Venus asked as she rubbed
the little girl's back.

"Iie," Misako said softly and then yawned. She didn't elaborate on it
though. School was getting harder. She was finding out and she needed to
work at it. First grade wasn't like kindergarten; you didn't get to play
as much. She did like one thing, though -- Usagi was still required to
do her homework at the dining room table and she had gotten permission
to sit beside her sister and do hers as well. If nothing else, this made
it a lot more fun; she had to promise not to bother Usagi though.
Wrapping her arms around Younger Venus' neck, she gave a small burble,
another yawn, and then slowly drifted off to sleep.

<Kawaii,> Younger Venus thought as she continued to walk, <Yep, we had a
big day today. First, we went on that big trip to the museum and then we
went for this big long walk. I'm not surprised that you're sleepy.> She
gave herself a little shake and continued along their route. Gently, she
brushed away some hair from Misako's face and gave her charge a gentle
hug. <I bet things have been confusing to you,> Younger Venus thought.

Younger Venus was suddenly brought up short by something. Pausing, she
listened. Yes there it was, someone WAS following them. It was not
unusual for people to be walking in the park but she hadn't noticed
anyone around them before. Carefully, ready to defend her charge, she
turned her head and some of the tension left her body. Grinning, she
slowly turned around to face her brother.

"Ma'am," Masao said saluting his sister.

"As you were, Commander," Younger Venus giggled and returned her
brother's salute. He gave her a wink. "I didn't hear you walk up,
Onii-chan."

"Well I was walking on the part that doesn't have any leaves until a few
moments ago," Masao said with a grin. Approaching quietly, he cooed,
"Practicing to be a mommy?" Younger Venus gave him a sour look that
caused him to chuckle.

"Shhh..." Younger Venus warned. Coming up, she shifted Misako slightly
so she could give her brother a hug. "It's so good to see you."

"You too, Imouto," Masao agreed and carefully hugged his sister. Then
with a motion of his hand, Masao indicated that they should continue
walking. They walked for another five minutes in silence before Masao
said, "I just got busy is all. With my new rank came lots of stuff
including paperwork." He wrinkled his nose and made a sour face.

Giggling, Younger Venus sympathized, "Yeah, well I get paperwork too."
At her brother's quizzical look, she elaborated, "If I'm not with Misako
and on-duty, then I'm the designated `gopher'." She grinned at her
brother's amused smile, "It's not so bad, Onii-chan; I learn a lot.
They've cut me some slack though 'cause I'm in high school still."

Masao glanced at Misako and questioned, "Is she going to sleep long?"

"Why?" Younger Venus questioned.

"Well it wouldn't be polite not saying hello and she looks pretty
comfortable to me. 'Sides, I thought I'd treat my imouto to an ice cream
and I wouldn't want one of the Royal Family annoyed that I didn't buy
her one either."

<Perfect!> Younger Venus thought, <I can get Misako to ask Masao about
his girlfriend.> "Well I think I could be persuaded to wake her up. I
mean Her Highness might not be able to fall asleep at her bedtime if she
slept too long now." Then Younger Venus gave her brother a brilliant
smile. It didn't make him feel very encouraged by it. In fact, he
started to feel uneasy about it. His imouto was planning something and
his military training told him he was the target.

                                 ******

To Misako, it seemed like a lot of work for ice cream and such a pitiful
amount at that. Licking her ice cream cone, Misako swung her feet as she
sat between Younger Venus on her right and Masao on her left.
"Kimeko-chan, why I'm not allowed to tell Mommy I had ice cream?" she
questioned and took a large lick of her cone.

"Because," Younger Venus said, "If your mother found out I fed you ice
cream before supper, she'd cream me." Misako giggled while Masao shifted
uncomfortably.

"Maybe this wasn't such a good idea," Masao observed.

"Why?" Misako questioned, swinging her eyes to look questioningly
towards Masao.

"Princess, your mother would be unhappy if you didn't eat all your
supper. Her Majesty would be mad at me because I bought you the ice
cream," Masao explained. This last remark set off a brief but intense
spat between brother and sister as to who would be blamed. Masao thought
he would while Younger Venus thought she would.

Misako just sat there and watched in fascination for a few moments
before saying, "Masao-kun... are you married?"

The fight came to an abrupt halt and Masao gave Misako a quizzical look.
"Why?" he questioned. He flitted his eyes towards his sister. Younger
Venus' face was neutral but her eyes sparkled brightly. <You rotten
little sneak!> Masao thought, <I knew you were up to something. Now I
know what it is.>

"'Cause you're old," Misako observed. This prompted Younger Venus to
giggle.

"Iie, Princess Misako, I'm not married," Masao admitted. He felt like
glaring at Younger Venus but stifled it. <You're gonna pay for this,> he
thought evilly. Misako pouted slightly. She had been hoping that Masao
had kids her age.

"You gonna get married?" she questioned while popping the last of her
ice cream cone into her mouth. Masao shook his head sadly. "How come?"
Misako questioned, a hint of worry coming into her voice. <He looks
sad.> "You gonna cry?" Masao considered this and then nodded. "Oh..."
Misako said and tapped her lip in consideration.

Out of the corner of his eye, Masao noticed that Kimeko was looking at
him oddly. <You just watch. Use a little kid, ne?> Letting his eyes
droop, Masao looked sadly towards Misako and said, "Imouto calls me
`Chibi-Masao'. She thinks I'm a runt."

Misako's eyes opened wide and she stared in fascination at Masao. <He
big!> Misako thought, <Not chibi...> "Kimeko not nice to you?" Masao
gave a mock sniffle and shook his head. Taking on a very stern
expression, she turned towards her guardian and lectured, "Kimeko, you
shouldn't be mean to Masao. He your onii." <Shingo was great onii.>
"Onii are great!" <Except if they tattle on you,> Misako observed
quietly. "Now you apologize this minute!"

Younger Venus was, to say the least, flabbergasted. Her much vaunted
plan of finding out who Masao was in love with had failed miserably. <I
guess he really did break up with her,> Younger Venus thought, <He looks
so miserable.> "Gomen, Onii-chan," she said softly and blushed slightly.

Masao felt a grin flit across his face. Then said, "Your Highness, I
thank you for your help." He smiled at Misako who giggled happily. "But
it isn't polite to ask people if they're married. That's a very personal
question."

Lowering her head, Misako blushed and squeaked, "Gomen."

"That's okay. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some things to do." <Like
write a letter.> "Good-bye, Your Highness, Younger Venus."

"Bye-bye!" Misako called. Younger Venus just blushed a little more and
waved good-bye to her brother. "Kimeko-chan... what's `personal' mean?"

Younger Venus paused for a moment before saying, "Let's go get you
cleaned up and I'll try to explain it."

"'Kay," Misako chirped and, hopping off the bench, wrapped a sticky hand
around Kimeko's.

                                 ******

It was cold, very cold. Opening her eyes, Usagi noticed that Misako
wasn't in bed. They were sleeping in Usagi's room as Misako's bathroom
was "broke". Blinking to get the sleep from her eyes, Usagi looked
around and noticed that Misako was standing at the window, the curtains
hiding her head and shoulders.

<I'm gonna kill her,> Usagi grumbled out as she slid from bed, <Bad
enough she put up a big fuss going to bed but waking me up!> Although
she couldn't really blame her sister for not wanting to go to bed. Sleep
hadn't come easily to her either. It was, after all, Christmas. That
meant a lot of things to Usagi. Although they didn't celebrate it as a
Christian holiday, they did have a celebration. Usagi didn't really
understand why though. She just chalked it up to an excuse to have a
huge party the night before. What it really meant, though, was a chance
to be with her family. To enjoy the excitement of it all. Of spending
time with her friends and people she cared about. And PRESENTS!

"Misako," Usagi hissed irritatedly, "What are you doing?" <If Mommy and
Daddy hear us, we're dead.> Literally, she and Misako had, at one time
or another tried to sneak a peek at their presents while their parents
slept. That had failed miserably, mainly because their parents made a
point of sleeping out in the living room to "guard" the presents. Their
parents' response varied depending on whether it was a first attempt of
that year or a persistent attempt. A larger factor though was how tired
they were.

"Onee-chan," Misako observed in a soft voice, "It very kawaii!" She
sounded awed by whatever she was looking at.

Lifting the curtain, Usagi slid under it and pressing her nose against
the glass, looked out. "Wow..." Usagi agreed softly, "You're right." The
snow had stopped falling and there were no signs of the heavy dark
cloud. The Moon shone down, an eerie blue. The ground was covered in a
pure, clean blanket of fluffy white snow that was tinged blue. The trees
were dressed in silky snow and diamonds made of ice that sparkled
magically.

They stayed, stalk-still looking out the window, afraid to say anything
lest it would shatter the scene. Then with a great amount of reluctance,
Misako pulled herself away from the window and scurried into the
bathroom. The motion caused Usagi to stir. She frowned slightly. The
moment was lost for her but it had been a wonderful sight to behold.
Walking back over to her bed, she sat on it and sighed.

<I'm wide-awake,> Usagi thought, <Now what do I do?> She had the thought
of getting dressed and going out there, outside. <The storm's over
with,> Usagi thought as she hugged her knees to her chest and grinned,
<We've been stuck in the house for almost four days!> The image of that
pure snow came to her mind, tickling it. <The first snow of the year,
too.> Up until a few days ago, the grass had been green. Now though, it
lay under a thick blanket of new snow. <And the Moon's so kawaii... I'd
like to go out and lay on my back and look at it.> It was a tempting
thought but to do it, she'd have to slip by her parents and Misako would
likely want to come along too.

"Onee-chan," Misako squeaked as she came back from the bathroom, "Let's
go look at our presents." Usagi shook her head. "Mommy and Daddy aren't
there," Misako added while grinning.

"Nani?" Usagi questioned, "How'd you know?"

"Mommy and Daddy aren't sleepin' in the livin' room," Misako stated
again, "I checked."

"Really?" Usagi said, a slow smile coming across her face. Misako
nodded, her eyes sparkling. "I got a much better idea," Usagi remarked
softly, "Now let's get dressed."

"What's your idea?" Misako questioned as she started to change out of
her pajamas.

"Let's go outside and play in the snow," Usagi suggested.

Misako had gotten both her arms out of her pajamas but started to put
them back in again. "But 'Sagi-chan... I don't wanna go outside. I wanna
look at my presents," Misako stated.

"But it snowed. We've been wanting to go out and play in that snow since
it started," Usagi said, "Come on Miko-chan, Mommy and Daddy would be
really mad if we unwrapped our gifts before they got up. I don't think
they'd be mad if we went outside to play." Misako looked like she still
didn't like the idea of going outside. "What if we open your presents
when we come back inside?" Sliding off the bed, she got down on her
knees and clasping her hands together begged, "Pretty please,
Miko-chan?"

Misako gave it some thought then giggled. "Hai, 'Sagi-chan," Misako
conceded and started to take her pajamas off once again.

                                 ******

Some time later, Usagi was worrying. Turning to Misako, she asked,
"Miko-chan, do you have to go to the bathroom?" Misako shook her head.
"Good, 'cause we're locked out." She tugged at the door again and glared
at it. <Baka lock!> It was not a sliding door, but a regular type door.
However, there was one key feature. You could open it from the inside
without unlocking it. It was a safety precaution. The problem was if you
did that, you couldn't get back in without a key.

Misako moved to stand beside her sister and reaching up started knocking
on the door while saying, "Mommy! Daddy! Let us in!"

Usagi quickly grabbed Misako's arms and said, "Shhh.... Misako, do you
want to wake Mommy and Daddy up?"

"Hai," Misako chirped, "They can let us in. I'm cold." The sky had
clouded over and snow was starting to fall once again. The wind seemed
to have swung around to the east to ensure it could chill both little
girls to the bone. "I wanna see what Santa brought me." Misako paused,
"'Sagi-chan, what'd Mommy and Daddy get me for Christmas?"

Usagi grimaced and said softly, "Miko-chan, if we wake Mommy and Daddy
up they'll give us a present we won't particularly like." Misako opened
her mouth to question that but closed it at her sister's dark look. "Now
be quiet and let me think."

"I said we shoulda brought Luna-P," Misako grumbled out.

Bristling, Usagi pushed her sister into the snow. "I told you we
couldn't get it. Mommy and Daddy would have heard us."

<Baka Onee.> Scowling fiercely, Misako stood up, waded her way through
the snow, and turned. When Usagi's back was to her, she formed a
snowball. "'Sagi!" she called. When Usagi turned around, she threw it
and then started running the best she could through the snow to get away
from her now irate sister.

                                 ******

The alarm clock rang shrilly. Rolling over, Serenity snuggled closer to
Endymion and grumbled out, "Shut it off."

"Why me? You're closer?" Endymion mumbled out.

"'Cause I'm asleep," Serenity yawned out. Endymion would've protested
the matter further but instead sighed. Reaching across, he shut the
alarm off and then lowered his head to nibble his wife's ear. Serenity
mumbled something and pulled the covers close around her. "I wonder how
many of the presents are open?" <I remember Shingo and I...> Feeling
Endymion's nibbling, she asked, "Hmmmm.... can I open MY present?" She
then kissed Endymion deeply before coyly saying, "Or do I have to wait?"
Endymion kissed her again and then pulled away.

"We better get out there. No telling what they've done to our stuff and
if Misako doesn't find the note, we'll really be in trouble." Serenity
gave a little sigh and nodded. Quickly both dressed casually and headed
out of their bedroom.

Serenity frowned, "That's odd." She looked towards Usagi's door and
noticed it was closed, "They're both still asleep."

"Good luck?" Endymion questioned. Serenity shook her head. "You go look
in the living room. I'll go look in their room."

Serenity nodded and walked down the hall to the living room. As she
entered, she inspected the presents under the Christmas tree and was
satisfied in seeing that none had been opened. <Strange,> Serenity
thought, <I wouldn't have thought that Usagi would sleep in... or Misako
either, for that matter.>

"They aren't in Usagi's room, or Misako's," Endymion reported as he came
to stand beside Serenity. "And none of their presents are open?" He was
slightly shocked to see the latter; it was rather surreal. As any normal
parent would, they started to feel uneasy. However, because of their
positions, Serenity and Endymion were already past that stage and
feeling full worry.

"I'll check with the guards," Serenity stated. She turned to head down
the hall and then something caught her eye. Walking over, she frowned at
the spot for a moment then she muttered out, "Their boots are gone."

"Nani?" Endymion questioned.

"I think they went outside," Serenity said, a mixture of relief and
irritation on her face, "I'll go check." With that, she put her coat on,
stuck her feet into her boots, and opened the door. She was immediately
hit by a blast of frigid air, and snow came flying into the room. The
storm had come back, shrouding the world in its white fury. Grimacing,
Serenity trudged outside and into the white world of snow.

                                 ******

Shivering, both Misako and Usagi were led inside by the ear. "...can't
believe it!" Serenity was saying sternly, "To go outside in a blizzard.
Especially when you should be in bed... or trying to look at your
presents!"

"But it was nice before, Mommy!" Misako complained as she tried to look
pleadingly at her mother.

"Maybe I should call Santa Claus and have him take all your presents
back," Serenity said sternly.

"IIE!" Misako wailed out, "I'm not fibbing!" Turning to glare at her
sister, she said, "Usagi, I told you we shoulda took Luna-P!"

"Ow... could I help it if I forgot to unlock the door?" Usagi replied
while looking at her sister.

Serenity let go of her hold, glared balefully towards her daughters, and
said, "Both of you, go to Usagi's room, get out of those wet clothes and
into that furo before you catch cold." Both little girls were quick to
comply and scrambling out of their boots, took off to Usagi's room like
a shot.

"Serenity?" Endymion questioned worriedly. He walked over, wrapped his
arms around his wife who sighed.

"Gomen, Endymion. Just, they had me scared. They've never done this
before. I could understand them wanting to look at their gifts. Shingo
and I must have driven my parents nuts." Endymion smiled softly, "I just
got so scared and then with the weather being that bad and all..."
Serenity yawned, leaned her head against Endymion's shoulder, and
sighed.

"Want me to handle this?" Endymion asked.

"Iie," Serenity replied while hugging him, "Kami-sama, I've been on the
go so much lately. I shouldn't have gotten so mad at them; they are only
children. Our children." Pushing herself away, she continued, "I'll go
talk to them. Would you please make me some tea?" At Endymion's nod,
Serenity yawned again and then headed for Usagi's room.

A short time later, Serenity entered Usagi's bathroom. Misako was
sitting in the furo looking depressed. Usagi was just stepping into the
furo when Serenity entered the room. The little girl paused and looked
towards her mother before sliding into the water. Sliding all the way
down until their chins rested on the top of the water, both little girls
looked warily towards their mother.

<They must have been out there quite awhile,> Serenity observed.
Carefully she sat on the edge of the furo and said, "You really scared
us." Misako and Usagi turn to look at each other for a moment before
turning back to look at Serenity. "When we found that you weren't in
your room, we thought something happened to you."

"Gomen nasai, Okaa-san," Usagi said softly, "It's just that it looked so
magical." She turned her eyes to look up at her mother, "The Moon was
bright and there weren't any clouds in the sky."

Serenity considered this for a moment, "I see you were telling the
truth, Misako. Gomen." Reaching out, she stroked the little girl's hair
and then, crouching, placed one hand on the other before resting her
chin on them. "You know, girls, I've been really busy lately. I guess I
shouldn't have gotten so mad at you." Misako was looking dubiously at
her while Usagi was looking a little relieved. "I remember when I was
your age... That was such a long time ago. I got really sick one
Christmas and I couldn't go out to play."

"Poor Mommy," Misako said softly, her dubious expression being replaced
with one of sympathy.

Serenity smiled. Reaching out, she traced a finger down Misako's nose
and then tapped it. "It was so nice but the day that my parents thought
I could go outside, a really bad storm came up. I was heartbroken."

"What happened?" Usagi questioned.

"My father did what any good father would do. He suited me up, dressed
himself, and took me out into our frontyard." A soft smile came across
Serenity's face, "He must have stood there and watched his little girl
play for hours." <Arigato, Otou-san...>

"Mommy, are you gonna get Santa to take away my presents?" Misako asked
softly.

Serenity hid her smile and said, "Well now, I'll have to talk to your
father about that. Usagi, you and Misako get out and dressed. I'll be
back in a minute or so." With that, Serenity stood, gave each girl a
kiss, and left the room.

Silently both girls got out of the furo. Quickly drying herself off,
Usagi helped Misako complete her drying job before both headed into the
bedroom. Quickly slipping into a tracksuit, Usagi was just preparing to
help Misako dress when Serenity came back in with a worried expression
on her face.

"Usagi-chan, I found this note addressed to you. It's from Santa Claus."
Usagi placed Misako's clothes back on the bed and took the note from her
mother.

<This is gonna be good!> Usagi thought while trying to keep a straight
face, <Just wait till Misako finds out.> She felt some pride swell
within her. <I'm glad I could help get you what you wanted, Imouto.>
Misako was looking worried by this point. Clearing her throat, Usagi
started reading aloud, "Dear Misako." She gave a quizzical look,
shrugged, and continued, "I know your sister's reading this note but
it's really for you." Misako's eyes had grown wide and it was becoming
difficult for Usagi to keep a straight face. "I'm afraid I didn't have
enough room to put your presents under the tree. I hope you understand."
<Uh oh...> Usagi thought as she saw Misako's bottom lip start to
tremble. Hurrying on, she continued, "That's why I've put the presents I
had for you in your VERY OWN FURO!"

"It a fake!" Misako suddenly protested.

"No way, Miko-chan!" Usagi stated, "Look, it's even signed `Santa
Claus'!"

                                 ******

Endymion was just turning into the hallway to tell Serenity that the tea
was ready when he heard a yell. Misako came pelting out of Usagi's room
stark naked. She ran down the hall, skidded past her door, turned, and
screaming wildly, entered her room. Before Endymion could say anything,
Serenity came running out of the hallway calling, "Misako! Your furo
isn't filled yet!!!" She ran into Misako's room carrying a towel in her
hands.

He stared towards Misako's doorway for a moment not really comprehending
what had just occurred when Usagi walked out into the hall. Grinning,
his eldest daughter held up the note. Endymion blinked for several
seconds before he realized what had happened. "You read the note and
Misako was in the furo?" he questioned.

"Well she was just about to get dressed, Daddy," Usagi chirped as she
grinned, "I'm glad the surprise worked." <Although it was really funny.
I never thought Misako could move so fast!>

Endymion couldn't help it; he began to laugh. It started out as a
snicker and grew. By the time Usagi had walked down the hallway to stand
beside him, Endymion was leaning heavily against the wall convulsing
with mirth. Usagi looked at him as if he had flipped and Endymion might
have agreed with her. It looked like it was going to be ONE OF THOSE
days where strange happenings were the norm.

Inside Misako's bathroom, Misako was sitting in her new furo while
hastily unwrapping the presents she had discovered there. Serenity was,
vainly, trying to get Misako to at least dress first but, to Misako, the
presents were vastly more important than her modesty.

                                 ******

Winter slid into spring and with it came the most feared play season of
them all. The season when it rained. Although as the spring progressed,
it turned out not to be too bad. It was shortly before Kimeko's
eighteenth birthday that the first "torrential" rain came.

That Saturday afternoon was a little colder. It had rained the night
before and most of the morning. But now the sun was fighting to be seen
through the clouds. Six year old Misako in her "After the rain" play
clothes dashed about the Royal Family's courtyard giggling in delight.
Running over to the deck, she peeled her mud-caked shoes and socks off
before running back on to the soggy ground.

The little girl stomped through the grass and through the mud puddles
feeling the squishy substance slide between her toes. She bent down and
picked up two handfuls before tossing them into the air. Misako loved
playing outside after it rained. She loved the smell of the grass, the
wetness of ground against her skin, and especially the mud.

Misako did this play in a purposeful way, working her way along to the
climax of the sandbox. Its contents soaked and runny. She grinned
happily towards Kimeko who waved back as she brushed her feet across the
lawn.

<Why's 'Sagi actin' so funny?> Misako thought. Her sister had asked her
to find out what her friends had thought about Sakuya. <'Sagi says it's
a new game,> Misako observed as she waded through a particularly large
mud puddle. <It's not a real fun game but... it is.> It wasn't fun in
the normal sense of a game being fun. It was fun in the sense that it
was thrilling. Some of the stuff that she had heard and dutifully
reported to her sister was forbidden knowledge. Things her friends had
overheard their parents or older siblings talk about that they weren't
supposed to repeat.

It was also great because Usagi was letting Misako play with her. Over
the past few months, Usagi had started to become distant. She always
seemed to be busy with her mother. Misako's first weeks of second grade
were difficult. It seemed the only way to get her parents' attention was
with good marks. Misako tried hard and finished first grade carrying
mostly A's. One good thing was that she did seem to be done before Usagi
in the homework department. Misako wasn't allowed to help her. It was
Misako's considered opinion that if she helped Usagi, then Usagi would
be done much faster; however, Misako didn't mind that Usagi was slow
because that gave her a little time with her parents before Usagi hogged
it all.

Deciding that the mud puddle just wasn't muddy enough, Misako walked out
of it and made her way towards the sandbox. She looked towards Kimeko
who looked back at her.

"Miko-chan, you're gonna need a bath if you go into that sandbox,"
Kimeko stated. <She'll need a bath anyway.> Misako was wet, covered in
muddy water, and her hair and clothes were wrinkled and soaked. Kimeko
grimaced as she watched Misako give a shrug and then took a running jump
into the sandbox. <Yep, definite bath.> "OH MISAKO!" Kimeko then
protested as the little girl proceeded to sit down. <Kami-sama!> Kimeko
thought, <Why is it every time it rains, she wants to play in the mud?
Was I ever like that?>

A few minutes passed then Usagi, trailed by Younger Mars, came strolling
out in a frilly pink dress. She looked towards Misako and gave a
disgusted noise. "Misako!" she called, "That's so gross!!!"

Misako stopped her endeavors of being a bulldozer and straightening from
her crouched position, sat back on her heels, and grinned. She was
almost completely covered by this point. Her white-blonde hair had
disappeared into a runny mess of dull brown while her clothes appeared
dark brown having soaked up both dirt and water.

"Onee-chan, come play with me."

"Iie," Usagi snapped and shook her head, "I ain't that baka. I gotta
stay clean. Mom and I are going someplace."

"It's not baka, 'Sagi, mud's cool!" Misako protested while placing her
hands on her hips. "Can I come?" When Usagi shook her head once again,
Misako frowned slightly, and then an idea came to her. <'Sagi liked mud
before... just not want to play nice. She's mean not lettin' me come.>
Hiding her smile, she sweetly asked, "'Sagi-chan, come here. I gotta
tell ya somethin'."

"No way, Misako, I'm not getting anywhere near you," Usagi said again,
"I don't want to play in the dirt like a little kid. And Mom would kill
me if I got dirty." <This reception's important. We've been practicing
for it for three weeks.>

Misako bristled slightly then, grinning, said, ""Kay, but I won't tell
you what Yuki said about Sakuya then." With that, she spun around
plopped back onto the wet ground and crossed her arms.

Usagi gave this some consideration. Glancing at Younger Mars, she then
looked towards Kimeko who was looking quizzically at her. Giving a
shrug, Usagi carefully lifted her dress and started across the grass.
<This had better be important,> Usagi thought as she felt the water
squish beneath her feet. Stopping a short distance from the sandbox, she
said, "Okay Miko-chan, what did you want to tell me?"

Misako looked over her shoulder and asked, "You come play with me now,
'Sagi-chan?"

"Iie," Usagi replied, "Now tell me what Yuki told you about Sakuya?"
Misako just turned about and ignored Usagi. <Misako, you know how
important this is to me.> Delicately walking over to the edge of the
sandbox, Usagi offered, "How about I see if Mom will let you stay up
late?" There was no response.

Grimacing in irritation, Usagi bent slightly and reaching out, pushed
her sister. Quick as a wink Misako sprung up, grabbed Usagi's arm, and
jerked it. Usagi gave a yelp of surprise and toppled forwards. Her
impact was emphasized by a stream of water and a "SPLUCK" sound. When
her sister rolled over, desperately trying to wipe mud away from her
mouth and eyes with muddy fingers, Misako sat on top of her.

"You can play now, Onee-chan," Misako chirped delightedly, "Now you're
like me." She gave a squeal of protest though when Usagi gripped both
her arms and forcibly removed her. "'SAGI!!!" Misako cried as Usagi
scrambled up and came charging down on her.

No sooner had the scuffle began, then it was over. Kimeko had started
off running with Younger Mars right behind her. They grabbed their
respective charges, by no means an easy task considering each child was
covered in mud, and separated them.

"LEMME GO!!" Usagi howled, "Just wait 'til I get my hands on you!" She
pulled against Younger Mars trying desperately to get to Misako.

"'Sagi's mean!" Misako declared, and then stuck her tongue out.

"What IS going on out here?" came Endymion's voice from the deck. He
looked at his children and scowled. "What happened?!?"

"USAGI'S MEAN!!!" Misako howled.

"Dad, she pulled me into the mud!" Usagi retorted while trying to free
herself from Younger Mars' grip. <My new dress is all messed up!> "Let
me go!" Usagi shouted and finally yanked her arms from the woman's hand.
"I don't need some cow touching me!" she snarled towards Younger Mars
before yanking her other hand free. She turned and was about to go after
Misako when she noticed Endymion crossing the lawn. Capping her anger,
Usagi pouted, "Misako tricked me."

Endymion remained silent until he came up to the little group. Looking
from one daughter to the other one, he ordered, "All right... Younger
Venus, take Princess Misako in and get her cleaned up. I'll talk to her
in my study after she's had a bath. Younger Mars, please help Princess
Usagi get cleaned up. While she washes up, you can try and find her a
suitable dress. I'll speak with Her Majesty to see if she can postpone
her departure." Giving his daughters a warning look, Endymion turned and
trudged back over the soggy earth.

Misako at this juncture burst into tears. Usagi gloated over her
sister's fate for a moment before hurrying across the lawn. <I hope I
can still go with Mom,> Usagi thought, <I wouldn't want all that
practice to go to waste.>

                                 ******

After bathing Misako, Younger Venus led the little girl to the door of
the study and knocked. After hearing the indication to enter, Younger
Venus entered the room and bowed. "Princess Misako is here as you
requested, Your Majesty."

"Arigato, Younger Venus, you are excused for the rest of the day after
you show Misako in," Endymion stated. Younger Venus bowed again and
stepped out of the room briefly before Misako entered. "Young lady, shut
the door." Shakily, Misako turned and shut the door. "Come here,"
Endymion directly sternly.

Head bowed, Misako slowly padded over to stand before her father's desk.
Endymion took a breath and said, "Why did you pull Usagi into the mud?"
There was silence. "Kimeko, Sawa, and Usagi told me what happened. Now
why did you pull your sister into the mud?"

Misako raised her head, eyes shimmering, "'Sagi was being mean to Sawa.
She's always making fun of her." <Why am I in trouble? I just wanted
'Sagi to play with me?> Having her bath brought back another thought,
<'Sagi's just tryin' to act big. She says she watch me take baths 'cause
she's my onee and don't want me to get hurt but I think she just wants
Mommy to think I'm a baby,> Misako thought grumpily, <And she gotta get
me dressed. I'm not a baby! I don't need Usagi's help! Kimeko says she's
busy in the mornings...> Misako didn't believe that for a minute. Usagi
was just making sure Kimeko stayed away.

"This is not about Usagi and Younger Mars," Endymion said gruffly, "This
is about you making Usagi fall into the mud." Misako opened her mouth to
protest but Endymion slammed his hand on his desk. "I won't have you
trying to get your sister in trouble because you are." Misako who had
jumped at the unexpected noise took another step back and whimpered.

"Usagi says she's goin' with Mommy. I asked if I could go but Usagi says
I was too little," Misako explained while pouting, "Usagi not want to
play in the mud like before."

That was true; Small Lady was never the type for playing outside much.
Her extent of outdoor activity consisted of monkey bars, slides, and
swings. Endymion sighed and folded his hands to stare intently at
Misako. <Well, I could spank you...> Endymion thought but dismissed
that. <Serenity calls it sibling rivalry. I suppose it is,> Endymion
thought, <I never had any siblings in the orphanage so I wouldn't know.
Wish I did.>

Getting up, he walked around to another chair and sat down. As he
reached out, Misako started to cry again. "I'm sorry, Misako, what you
did was very naughty." This just seemed to make Misako cry even harder,
"For one week, you'll be put to bed early."

Abruptly, Misako's crying stopped and she stared at Endymion with some
curiosity. "Nani? You're not gonna spank me?" As Endymion shook his
head, Misako gave a sigh of relief, "Sugoi!"

"I'm still going to punish you, though," Endymion stated which drove the
smile from his daughter's face, "Early bedtime for a week. No video for
two weeks."

"Two weeks?!?" Misako whined out, "Please Daddy..." How could she
survive two weeks without watching her favorite shows?!?

"Iie," Endymion said firmly, "No video for two weeks. And you're to come
straight home from school because you're grounded for two weeks."

Misako scowled, <You just wait, Usagi. I'll get you in trouble. You're
just tryin' to look big to Mommy.> Yes, she would get her sister. Get
her good.

End of Chapter 4

Coming next week:  Chapter 5 - Friends