Before we start, I'm looking for information on an anime series intitled
"Crayon Kingdom, (and)The Land of Dreams" That's the english translations
of it. I tried Yahoo but they've seemed to removed the reference. Any help
would be appreicated.

----------------------
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 hundreds of other Sailor Moon 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 9 - The Rift

As the soft morning light knocked against her eyelids calling her to
wakefulness, Misako stirred. She lay there with her eyes shut, feeling
the warmth about her. Gone were the fears of the previous night. Gone
were the pain, worry, and frustration that she had felt.

She snuggled a little closer to the warm body that was asleep beside
her. She could feel the arm wrapped around her, hugging her. Her own
small arms held the person close. It was easy to tell whom she was
hugging and that brought a soft smile to her face.

<Mommy,> Misako thought, <You love me.> She had been told that several
times last night by both her mother and father. It had been a rather
tearful and, at some points confusing, reunion. Instead of her mother
being furious at her return, she had been overjoyed. Both her parents
had cried then, while asking her question after question. <I got to
sleep in their room,> Misako thought. She was snuggled between her
mother and father. <Mommy even tucked me in!>

Her leg itched; she resisted scratching it though. Being with her
parents, without Usagi around was wonderful. <Mommy gave me all the
attention,> Misako thought as she gave her mother a little hug. As she
snuggled her head on Serenity's shoulder, she remembered back to her
mother helping her, caring for her. Her father helped as well but to
have her mother do it, not paying attention to her sister, was Misako's
dream come true.

Her pleasant thoughts were gently interrupted when someone softly kissed
her cheek. Opening an eye, she looked up into her father's face and she
smiled. "'Morning Daddy," Misako said while turning. She gave her father
a hug and he returned it.

"Did you sleep well, Miko-chan?" he asked. Misako nodded and gave him
another hug. <I'm so glad you're all right.> He felt a little sheepish
for blowing the minor abrasion she had on her leg all out of proportion.
<You think she'd severed it or something the way I carried on about it.>
"It's early. Why don't you go back to sleep." He smiled as Misako only
nodded. She settled down again and closed her eyes. <You looked so happy
when your mother helped you wash last night. And then tucked you in.> He
slipped from the bed and quickly changed. <My Princesses,> Endymion as
he gazed upon his sleeping wife and youngest daughter.

Quietly leaving the room, he walked down the hallway and into the living
room. Hearing a noise, he wandered into the kitchen and found Usagi up
and about. "I thought you'd still be asleep, Usagi-chan," he commented,
a feeling of worry coming over him. <Why is it that when one of you is
happy the other is upset?> It never used to be like that. What was
happening to his family?

"Dad... I... I wanted to make breakfast for Misako. To apologize to
her," Usagi said, "I just... I just don't know if she'd want me to,
though." Taking her glass of juice, she walked into the dining room and
sat down. Endymion followed her. "Why would she run away, except if it
was because of me?"

Sitting beside his oldest daughter, Endymion said gently, "Usagi-chan,
blaming yourself won't help things. It'll just make you feel miserable.
There's a lot more to Misako running away than just simply you calling
her a `whiny brat' which, by the way, wasn't nice."

"I know, Dad. Gomen," Usagi whispered while blushing. "Am I grounded?"

"Kami-sama," Endymion breathed out, "Usagi, we're not angry with you.
Yes you weren't nice to your sister but it was Misako who ran away. You
didn't force her to."

"You're gonna punish Misako though, ne?" Usagi asked, a sense of guilt
pervading her heart. At Endymion's nod, her hopes sank.

"Mesume, we don't have any choice. Running away from a normal family is
bad enough, but what Misako did could have endangered other people.
Usagi gave him a curious look. "Someone who is ambitious enough might
have saw her; that would have given them a certain amount of control
over your mother and I." He stroked her hair and said, "Do you know what
I mean?"

Usagi gave this some thought. "Just like the guy in the past. If he
could have, he would've used me to make the Senshi do what he wanted?"
Endymion nodded.

It was at this point that a new voice entered the conversation, "Whatcha
talkin' about?" Misako queried. Endymion and Usagi turned to see the
little girl snuggled in Serenity's arms. She looked very content, a
large smile on her face.

Usagi slid from her chair and walked over to her sister and mother. She
licked her lips, hoping that she could apologize without breaking down
in tears. "Ohayo Misako, did you sleep well?"

"Why would YOU care?" Misako demanded as she frowned at the person that
was interrupting what was looking like a great day.

"Misako," Serenity admonished gently, "Usagi cares a lot about you."

"Nuh uh, Mommy, she called me a `whiny brat'. She left me all alone to
go and talk with Hana," Misako stated, "Usagi wanted to go home so I
told her to go but she said that she had to stay with me. She fibbed
'cause she didn't stay with me."

"Misako," Usagi said softly, her voice growing thicker as her eyes
misted over, "Gomen nasai, Imouto. I'm really sorry that I teased you."
Usagi blinked and continued speaking, "I... I'm sorry I left you all
alone to go and talk with Hana; that was very wrong of me."

"You're just sayin' that to get out of trouble," Misako stated angrily,
"You always fib to me. Just like before. You're fibbin' now." She glared
at her sister.

"I know I wasn't a very good onee, Misako, but I want to make that up to
you," Usagi retorted as tears slowly slid down her cheek, "I want to be
a good onee to you." She gave her sister a pleading look. "Please,
Imouto, believe me. I love you and I'm not fibbing to get out of
trouble. I know what I did was wrong. I'm sorry I left you all alone."
Misako was giving her a dubious expression so she said, "You would
believe your onee, ne?"

"Hai," Misako chirped. Usagi started to smile as she sniffled, a look of
hope coming into her eyes. "But I don't believe YOU, Usagi, 'cause
you're NOT my onee. Kimeko is my onee now. She's much better than you;
at least she loves me." Usagi's final control slipped and she started to
cry in earnest. The tears came then, hot and salty, conveying her pain
and distress. Hurriedly pushing past her mother, Usagi fled to her room.
A smiling Misako watched her. <Try and trick me, will you. Chibi Usagi
no baka crybaby odango atama!>

"Misako!" her father snapped, his voice surprisingly stern, "Come eat
breakfast and then we're going to have a little talk."

"Is Usagi gonna be there?" Misako asked as her mother lowered her.

"Iie, just you, me, and your mother," Endymion said.

"Sugoi!" Misako squeaked happily. This day was getting better and
better.

                                 ******

A little while after breakfast, Serenity and Endymion sat in their
study. Running a hand through her hair, Serenity stated, "Endymion,
don't you dare use this as an excuse to ban Misako from gymnastics."

"Excuse?" Endymion questioned, his face taking on a sour look.
"Serenity, I'm being realistic. We're both in agreement that spanking
her wouldn't be good, especially considering the type of pressure she's
obviously under." He stifled the accusatory glare towards Serenity and
reasoned, "So taking away gymnastics is the next best thing."

Serenity might not have seen the glare but she knew what Endymion was
hinting at. "Endymion, I know perfectly well what you mean. Yes, I spend
more time with Usagi but she is the Crown Princess. It bothers me that
you think I'm somehow neglecting Misako..."

"I never said that," Endymion interrupted, "I'm just saying that Misako
is under more pressure than simply being mad at Usagi for teasing her."

"So what is the source of this `pressure'?" Serenity questioned while
crossing her arms.

"You don't really know?" Endymion asked. He sighed and ran a hand
through his hair. "Serenity, I don't care how much fighting you and
Shingo did as children. I don't care that I never had any siblings."
Looking into Serenity's eyes, he said, "What I care about is both of my
children. It has gone beyond sibling rivalry. It has gone beyond
acceptable squabbling that the girls can settle on their own."

"Well what does that have to do with me?" Serenity asked hotly.

"Everything," Endymion stated simply, "Misako's competing for your time
with Usagi. She's the happiest I've seen her in months last night. And
that was because you were bathing her, tucking her in, and holding her
when Ami was looking at that abrasion." As he stopped talking, the room
grew silent. The small clock over the mantle ticked away the seconds.
Pushing himself off the desk, he walked to the window and said softly,
"I know that, occasionally, I spend more time with Misako than Usagi,
but I try to give each girl the same amount of attention."

"I spend time with Misako," Serenity argued softly, "She has to know I
love her but Usagi is the Crown Princess. She's going to be Queen one
day. She must be prepared."

"Serenity, you've gone to Misako's gymnastics practices three times
since she started. I don't know when the last time was that you and her
just spent an hour together playing... talking about things that were
important to her." The silence that followed was uncomfortable. Moving
over to the door, he opened it and called out, "Misako, come in here
please."

Misako came into the study and appeared quite pleased with herself. <I
get to spend time with Mommy and Daddy both! WITHOUT Usagi around.> That
was the best part. As she approached the desk, she noticed that her
mother was looking upset. "Mommy?" she questioned, "Are you okay?"

"Hai," Serenity said and gave a little sniffle.

"Young lady," Endymion began while sitting in a chair so that Misako was
between Serenity and himself, "Why did you run away yesterday?"

"'Cause Usagi was mean," Misako promptly stated.

"Did I tell you to stay with your sister?" Endymion questioned.

"Hai, but Daddy, Usagi went away from me... and she's not my sister,"
Misako explained firmly. "Usagi was mean and she went to talk with
Hana."

"Misako, what do you mean `Usagi's not your sister'?" Serenity
questioned, "Of course, she's your sister -- she's your onee!"

"Iie Mommy, Kimeko is my onee. Usagi's NOT my onee. She doesn't deserve
to be my onee."

"Miko-chan, why did you wander off yesterday? I don't think Usagi just
teasing you would be a good reason," Endymion remarked.

"'Cause Usagi's a baka odango atama," the little girl responded, "Daddy,
are you mad?" Endymion nodded. "At me?" Endymion nodded again. "How
come? Usagi left me all alone. I didn't do nothin' wrong." Misako was
confused to say the least; she couldn't believe her parents couldn't see
something that was so obvious.

"You ran away; that was wrong. You worried a lot of people," Endymion
stressed. <Well, Serenity, aren't you going to say anything?> But it
appeared that Serenity was deep in thought.

"I was gonna live with Kimeko-oneechan, and you could come and visit me
lots," Misako mused, "Usagi doesn't care if I'm here. She hates me."

"She apologized, Misako," Serenity offered softly.

Misako shook her head. "Usagi was fibbin'. Why aren't you mad at her,
Daddy?"

"We're not talking about Usagi..." Endymion started.

"Hai, we are," Misako responded.

"That's enough!" Endymion commanded, "Young lady, we're grounding you
for two months. No videos, no friends, no allowance."

"That's not fair!" Misako said angrily, "Usagi left me. She made me go
away. Why am I getting punished?!"

"`Not fair'?!?" Endymion questioned, his voice rising, "Little Miss, you
made a lot of people stay up and worry over you. AND you were in the
basement, a place you know you're not allowed to go... Even Usagi isn't
allowed to go unless someone is with her." Misako squirmed. "You were
supposed to stay with Usagi, even if she didn't want you around."

"Daddy, don't be so baka... Usagi's the bad one," Misako stated
stubbornly. <Don't you see she hates me?>

Endymion fumed for a moment, breathing hard to control his anger.
"Misako, you will be put to bed early and, after you are done with your
homework, you will sit in your room in the corner. You will be allowed
to go to gymnastics but there will be no treats afterwards, no friends.
You will come straight home. I will tell Younger Venus this... Iie, I
will order Younger Venus to ensure you follow these rules."

"DADDY! Stop pickin' on me!" Misako protested, "I didn't do anything
wrong!"

"You did so, Tsukino Misako," Endymion retorted and rose, "Now since
you've missed a good portion of school today, I think it's only fair
that you sit in the corner. I'll go down later today and collect the
schoolwork you missed from your sensei."

Misako turned angrily to her mother, "You're making Daddy be mean!!!!"
She screamed, "You're making Daddy not love me!!!!" and giving a cry of
anger and frustration, she ran from the room slamming the door behind
her.

Endymion went to Serenity and, kneeling, hugged her. "Gomen nasai,
Serenity. I'm so sorry for doubting you." Serenity didn't respond. She
just gave a shuddering sob and held Endymion close.

<Where did I go wrong?> Serenity worriedly thought, <What can I do to
repair this damage?>

                                 ******

As the clock in the study struck nine, Endymion sighed and leaned back
into his chair. He felt the warm hand of his wife on his cheek and he
looked over to her. "I tried, Serenity. I tried talking to Misako but it
wasn't any use." It had been a frustrating and difficult conversation.
Misako was unable to truly articulate what she was feeling and
Endymion's patience had been strained to its limits.

"Endymion, I know you did. We have to realize that it was the only way
Misako could express herself. Even we adults have trouble sometimes; how
could we expect Misako to be able to?" She gave him a gentle smile.
Endymion took her hand and kissed the back of it. "Kimeko will be here
soon."

At that moment, a knock came at the door. Glancing to the clock,
Serenity smiled. "She's right on time too." Endymion gave a small smile
as he straightened in his chaise. "Come in, Kimeko-san." The young woman
opened the door. Her golden hair was held back in a bow that matched her
eyes. She was dressed in a one-piece teal green dress and high-heel
shoes.

"Your Majesties," Kimeko greeted and curtsied. Straightening, she closed
the door and walked over to the Royal couple. "You wished to see me?"

"Are you on a date?" Serenity queried. Kimeko gave a little giggle and
nodded. Serenity made a little noise of exasperation. "You could have
told me when I spoke with you."

"Serenity-sama, it isn't that type of date. It's a dinner date," Kimeko
explained.

"Oh... Please sit down, Kimeko-chan," Serenity said, "I don't think this
will take long." Carefully sitting down, Kimeko gave her godmother a
worried look. "Kimeko, do you have any idea of why Misako ran away?"

<So what do I say?> Kimeko wondered. It was hard to see Misako having
all these problems but she couldn't tell Serenity her own feelings and
suspicions. That would likely hurt Serenity and it wouldn't make Kimeko
look good either. "Serenity-sama, I think Princess Misako ran away
because she can't tell you what is bothering her." Pausing for a moment,
Kimeko licked her lips. "It started when Princess Usagi came home. I
don't know what's bothering her, except that she is very sad and says
that she's lonely."

The room was quiet for a moment then Endymion remarked, "Kimeko, please
don't take this the wrong way but we've noticed that your letting
Misako's misbehavior slide."

Kimeko blinked, "But Endymion-sama, I punish Misako with corner time, or
putting her in her room. I realize that when you're away I have the
responsibility for looking after Misako and punishing her if she
misbehaves."

"Gomen," Endymion said, "That was bad phrasing on my part. What I meant
was that your only giving Misako time-outs or grounding her to her room
for even more serious misbehavior." Kimeko gave Endymion a confused
look.

"For example, Misako has run away from you," Serenity stated, "Both of
you know that it is serious. She continued to do it though after your
first time, and eventually Yuki got hurt."

"But I was going to put Misako into the corner. I was going to talk with
her... Endymion-sama dismissed me," Kimeko retorted. <What's the big
deal? I've always done that if they weren't around and Misako
misbehaved.>

"That was an exception," Endymion said, "We are, after all, Misako's
parents and we shouldn't force you to deal with parental
responsibilities if we are available. The second time Misako took off
with Yuki and Yumeko though, we weren't available and you only stood
Misako into the corner. She knew that it was wrong to run away from
you."

Now looking a little flustered, Kimeko asked, "What did you expect me to
do?"

Both Serenity and Endymion blinked in surprise. "Why, what you've done
before when Misako has broken the rules severely," Serenity replied.
"Kimeko-chan, we've only noticed this change in you since your return
from the past. You would not have stood for Misako running off on you
then so we were a little worried as to your new approach." Serenity then
smiled reassuringly. "But we didn't say anything because we trust you."

"Serenity-sama..." Kimeko started then trailed off. <If I ask, then
they'll think I'm some type of fool.> But if she simply left that
questioned unasked, she'd be guessing and that could have worse
consequences. "Serenity-sama, this might seem odd but... what did I do?"

Serenity raised an eyebrow questioningly but replied simply, "You
spanked Misako."

"NANI?!?" Kimeko demanded, her eyes growing wide. <I've never spanked
Misako before.> "How can that be? I mean, why would you let another
person use that type of punishment?" The question sounded ridiculous but
to Kimeko, it wasn't as ridiculous as what Serenity was saying she had
done previously.

"Kimeko," Endymion explained, "Not just anyone could punish our
children. Sawa can, but is not allowed to impose punishment except for
time-outs. You and Sakuya are different though." The young woman just
gave him a blank look. "Kimeko, you and Sakuya are... family I suppose,"
Endymion continued, "Sakuya and you have been with our children since
birth. The two of you are responsible people and both of you take your
duty seriously."

"But... but..." Kimeko tried to protest but instead simply stopped and
shook her head. "It's so weird, I mean... just the thought of it."

Serenity looked with some concern towards Kimeko, "The girls need
structure. They have to know what happens when they break rules. If we
only restricted you to time-outs or, even worse, no form of disciplining
them, then Usagi and Misako would have walked all over you when we were
gone."

"I suppose," Kimeko said softly.

"This responsibility isn't something that we lightly hand out, Kimeko,"
Endymion said, "What we have always asked of you was to take on parental
roles when we were away. The guardianship of the Princesses is not
lightly given or taken away."

"So for my own sake, Your Majesties, what do you wish me to do?" Kimeko
questioned, <I got an idea where this is going, and I probably won't
like it.>

"When Endymion and I are not available to deal with the misbehavior, you
are to punish Misako," Serenity stated, "What we're asking is that you
go back to your old way of handling severe infractions. If Misako breaks
a rule severely, she is to be spanked."

"Hai, Serenity-sama, I will do as you ask," Kimeko said, "I just don't
know whether Misako will appreciate it or not." <Pluto, what happened?>

"She won't. However, I think she will forgive you," Endymion said, "Now
go on, that date of yours won't wait forever."

                                 ******

Time slipped away, and so did the solidity of Misako's world. Shortly
after Misako's attempt to run away, Kimeko left. Misako blamed herself
for that; she had done something to make her new onee go away. She was
still in charge of looking after Kimeko's cat Mika, however, and that
was a relief to the little girl. Minako would stop by occasionally to
give Misako messages from Kimeko. It would have been good if the little
girl had believed them though. Kimeko said she missed Misako, loved her,
and hoped she was doing well but Misako always thought that Minako was
the source of the messages.

Misako was openly hostile towards Usagi. Protectively guarding her
friends against Usagi. Her mother had tried to spend more time with her,
had tried to make Misako understand what was happening but it was too
late. The rift was unbridgeable. By early June, Serenity's world had
once again become centered on Usagi; Misako didn't care. Those
half-hearted attempts to make everything all right had only served to
prove to Misako that her mother didn't really care about her. That it
was Serenity who was forcing her father to be strict.

With Kimeko leaving for her first required duty with the Crystal Tokyo
Defense Force, Sawa had been assigned as Misako's guardian while Usagi's
guardianship was taken up by a rotating guard similar to what her mother
had. Misako was relieved that it was Sawa and worked extra hard to
ensure that Sawa remained her guardian. She had no wish to deal with
Younger Mercury or Younger Uranus.

Misako's schoolwork was something she could and did use against her
sister. The third grade had been harder than the second had been. She
received more work but Misako was content. It just gave her more
ammunition against her sister. Her grades continued to remain at a high
level. Whereas Usagi was still required to do her homework at the dining
room table, Misako did hers in her room and completed hers more quickly
and accurately. Although her parents assured the girls, it wasn't a
race. It did allow Misako some satisfaction because she knew it goaded
Usagi.

The early July weather was dark and gloomy. Heavy black clouds had moved
in from the east through the night. This only seemed to increase the
temperature, making it hot and oppressive. There was electricity in the
air; there was a longing for the rain to come and relieve the heat that
had built up through late June and into the early part of July.

At about nine o'clock that Saturday morning, Neo-Queen Serenity, King
Endymion, and Princess Usagi were sitting with Mizuno Ami in the Royal
Family Suite. While the Royal Family wore casual attire, Ami was dressed
as if she were at a business meeting. They made small talk for a few
minutes before Ami decided to get straight to the matter at hand.

"Your Majesties," Ami began, "As you know, Princess Usagi's grades have
been steadily declining since the beginning of the school year. We have
talked on numerous occasions about this." Serenity nodded slightly.
Shuffling her papers, Ami said, "We at first thought it could be a
visual problem. Usagi wasn't seeing the blackboard easily or having
similar problems. However, the ophthalmologist's report says that her
eyes are fine." She glanced over to Usagi. She was now blushing lightly.
<You made a big deal out of maybe having to wear glasses but I think if
you had to, you would.> Suppressing the smirk, Ami continued, "The
comprehension tests indicate that Usagi has no problem comprehending the
work or vocabulary at this grade level. Her previous grades also support
this fact."

"So what's causing the problem, Mizuno-sensei?" Endymion questioned, "I
mean Sawa is tutoring her. She does her homework before anything else."

"We believe it is a lack of concentration and effort," Ami replied, "For
example, Usagi was assigned a ten page essay on the geography of Japan."
Reaching into her briefcase, Ami produced a small stack of papers and
held it out. "This is what she turned in." Endymion took the proffered
stack and started glancing through it. "It is not only grammatically
poor but there are doodles on the back pages and artwork around the
margins. A good third of the report also centers around Princess Misako
in one way or another."

"I see..." Serenity said and gave her daughter a sharp look, "Why didn't
we hear about this?"

"I told you, Mom," Usagi protested, "I lost privileges for a week."

"She's right, Serenity," Endymion said, "I remember this now."

Ami took a breath before saying, "Your Majesties, Usagi's current `C-'
average has been maintained with all the work that Usagi seems to be
doing. I understand that Sawa is tutoring her and yet her homework and
assignments are poorly done. She has also become tardy lately. She has
received a number of detentions for this." Usagi blushed brightly and
Ami flicked her eyes towards Serenity who was looking a little guilty
herself. "Although I do not approve of Usagi's lower grade, it is better
than it was last year. The concern I have, and the one that you must
share as well is the upcoming Juken for junior high school."

"Hai," Serenity agreed, "What do you recommend to help Usagi,
Mizuno-sensei?"

Ami didn't answer directly. Turning to Usagi, she stated, "Your
Highness, with your current grade level and poor work ethics, you are in
danger of failing. If you do not pass the Juken with the minimum score,
then I will have no alternative but to deny you entry to junior high
school. Yes, you have a `C-' average but as the schoolyear progresses,
the coursework will get harder and if you simply maintain your current
efforts, then you will fail." Packing away her papers, Ami concluded,
"Arigato for your time, Your Majesties." Rising, she bowed.

Endymion and Serenity stood and returned the bow. "Arigato for coming
by, Mizuno-sensei," Endymion said, "Let me show you to the door." Ami
gave Usagi one more stern look and then preceded Endymion down the hall.

Serenity turned to her daughter, a stern expression on her face. "Well,"
Serenity said in a soft voice, "That is just wonderful." Serenity paced
away before turning again. "Damn it, Usagi," she snapped, "We're going
out on a limb here. I am quite sure that you aren't getting the same
treatment that the others are getting in this case."

"Nani?" Usagi questioned.

"What your mother means is that it's not every student that gets a visit
from the Minister of Health, Science, and Education when they're doing
poorly," Endymion explained as he entered the room. "Now let's talk
about this tardiness issue."

"I try to get up on time, Mom. It's just really hard sometimes," Usagi
explained, "I don't do it on purpose." <What's happening to me?>

"It's a good thing that Misako is putting out her own clothes now,"
Serenity pointed out, "Because if she had to depend on you to do it,
she'd wind up going in her pajamas." Usagi blushed and lowered her head,
"What's going on with you, Usagi? We're trying to help you, but one
thing we won't condone is special treatment at school. Ami said you were
in danger of failing the Juken. All right then, if you do, that will be
your own fault."

"I know," Usagi answered, "I do try, though. I just get distracted and
well..." Usagi trailed off and shrugged, "You know I do my homework
though."

"Hai," Endymion said, "We know that you do your homework." Usagi gave
him a slightly relieved look. "Now your mother and I have decided to
allow you to have your sleepover tonight. You had it planned for awhile
now. There's no use in denying it to you; however, we're not going to
accept these grades."

"Wha... what're you going to do?" Usagi questioned now, nervously
looking between her parents. <I got the feeling I'm not going to like
this.> She wasn't going to like it but she was going to put up with it.
<I try, but I just seem to daydream... I suppose that's what it's
called.>

"Nothing," Serenity stated, "Usagi-chan, we've given you all the support
we can except doing the homework for you..."

"Would you?" Usagi questioned.

"Young lady, that isn't funny!" Serenity snapped, "This is no joking
matter. If you want to have poor grades, then you'll have poor grades.
No amount of grounding or yelling will help you," Serenity lectured,
"We're here to help you and Sawa's given up a good chunk of her time,
especially with her new duties of being Misako's guardian now, to help
you study but it's your choice." Usagi just gave her mother a look of
confusion.

"We just think you're old enough now to be responsible for your own
grades. I seem to have heard you didn't like being tutored." Endymion
remarked, "Then you may stop. It's completely up to you, Usagi." Usagi's
jaw dropped and she stared at him with a stunned expression. "Usagi, you
know what's at stake. You're old enough now to really know what will
happen if you continue turning in such poor grades." Endymion continued,
"We could ground you or scold you but we think it won't help. You're the
only one that can make things better and figure out what the problem
really is."

"So you're NOT going to ground me?" Usagi asked in a numb sounding
voice.

"Hai," Serenity said, "But we aren't going to ask Ami-sensei to make
things easier for you at school either." Serenity wanted to reassure her
daughter that it would be all right, wanted to hug her and make sure she
never failed. But this was the way children learned. If you continually
protected them from mistakes, that would only hurt them, not help them,
then they'd never learn.

                                 ******

Later that evening, the Royal Family Suite was invaded by Usagi's
friends. Endymion seemingly being in the very overwhelmed minority
locked himself in the reading room until bedtime. So it was up to
Serenity and Makoto to keep tabs on the slumber party participants.

So it was with much relief that Serenity and Makoto watched the seven
girls, ranging in age from ten to twelve, retreat into Usagi's room.
Makoto gave a sigh and shook her head. "I'm not used to this. It's been
a long time since I had pre-teens in my house."

"Really?" Misako asked from her position on the couch. She was dressed
in a pair of blue bunny pajamas and holding Kaizoku-san.

"Hai Princess," Makoto said. She walked over and sat down beside the
little girl. "I miss your odangos," Makoto commented, "You looked so
kawaii in them."

"MY onee has her hair like this," Misako indicated. Gone were her
odangos. Instead, her hair was loosely held back with a bow. Tonight, it
was blue to match her pajamas. She gave Makoto a serious look. "You
don't think I'm kawaii?" She pouted slightly and raised her teddy bear
so that she was peeking over the top of his head.

"Of course, I think you're kawaii," Makoto replied and pulled Misako
into a hug, "Don't be such a silly goose." Misako giggled. "I just meant
that you look different without your odangos."

"I want Kimeko-oneechan to come back," Misako stated as she snuggled
against Makoto, "I miss her lots." <I don't know what I did to make her
go away.> Maybe it had been because she had run off. <I wish she'd come
back.> She was trying hard to take good care of Mika. <I know Mom and
Daddy want me to wear those baka odangos but I don't want to look like
Usagi... or Mom.>

Deciding that it would be a good idea to change the subject, Makoto
said, "Miko-chan, you were wondering if it was a long time since I had a
pre-teen in my house, ne?" Misako nodded. She looked attentively up at
Makoto who smiled. "The last pre-teen I had at my house was Sakuya's
mother."

"But... Makoto-san, I thought Sakuya lived with you, ne?" Misako
questioned while frowning slightly.

"When she was younger, hai," Makoto replied. <That was hard for Minako,
having to let Kimeko go like that. It always seems harder letting go of
the ones we care about more.>

"But didn't Sakuya stay with you when she was my age?" Misako persisted.

"Iie, she was living with her father," Makoto said, a sad note coming
into her voice. "Anyway, Sakuya came to live with me when she was
thirteen."

"Oh," Misako squeaked. She looked away for a moment and then turned to
look at Makoto once again, "I didn't mean to make you sad, Makoto-san."
Makoto gave her a soft smile and a hug.

"That's all right, Miko-chan. I hear you went to the hospital
yesterday," Makoto said.

"Hai," Misako chirped while grinning, "Mom took me to visit with her.
There were a lot of kids." That had been a startling revelation for her.
However, it had been great, not that the kids were sick but she had
gotten to spend most of the day with her mother without Usagi about.
"Usagi woulda come but she's not doin' good in school."

Serenity would have bristled at that last remark but didn't bother. It
had been a good day and it was true enough. Usagi simply couldn't afford
to miss a day of school unless it was a life and death situation.
"Miko-chan, why don't you go find a book you want read. It's almost
bedtime. Oh and when you're done getting the book, would you ask Usagi
to come out here?" Serenity chose to ignore the dubious expression
Makoto was giving her. <So it might not be the best idea but if I go in
there, I might overhear something. Naru and I used to... Yes, better to
have Misako do it than me.>

"'Kay Mom," Misako replied and slid from the couch. She entered the
hallway and walked to her door. Pausing, she heard giggling from Usagi's
room. <I wish I could be with them,> Misako thought. Sawa was nice and
did play with her and Misako was trying hard not to give her anymore
trouble than was necessary. This meant she wouldn't run away on Sawa but
she wasn't above being more aggressive in getting attention. Hearing
another set of giggling from Usagi's room, Misako got an idea, but she'd
get her book first.

                                 ******

Hino Ikado smiled broadly at Usagi who was turning a deep shade of red.
Her black hair looked as if a bowl was placed on her head and all the
hair showing below the rim was cut off. She had her mother's matching
eyes. Unlike Hino Rei though, Ikado wasn't so judgmental.

Diana gave a mew that might have indicated exasperation. The Lunar cat
had spent her entire life around humans but some things were just beyond
her comprehension. <Why doesn't Usagi just admit it?> Diana wondered as
she sat on Usagi's bed, <It's not like Usagi has anything to be
embarrassed about.> However, Diana wasn't about to say anything. Unlike
in the past, she and Usagi were kept fairly busy. With her having to
attend school, her evenings were spent with her parents and the
occasional one with Usagi. <I see more of Usagi at school during lunch
and stuff than I do any other time,> Diana mused as she watched the
Crown Princess starting to look rather perturbed.

"Ikado..." Usagi grounded out, "I told you I wasn't interested in him."

"That's too bad," Ikado mused, her eyes dancing with mirth, "I suppose
then you wouldn't be interested in what he said."

"Nani?" Usagi demanded, leaning forward to glare intently at Ikado. This
produced giggles from the other girls.

"Not interested, ne?" Hana questioned, "Let's face it, Usagi-chan,
you're drooling over Senji-sempai." This produced a series of nods from
the other girls.

"I am not!" Usagi squawked in protest.

"Oh come on, Usagi-chan," Diana protested, "Why don't you admit that you
like him. Nothing wrong in that, ne?" Usagi glared towards the Lunar
cat. "You told me that he was nice, especially after he..." Diana
suddenly trailed off and blushed, as best as a Lunar cat could. <Oops,
nearly let that slip.>

Before the other girls had time to demand to know what Senji did, Usagi
hurriedly said, "So I said Senji-sempai's a really nice guy... doesn't
mean I'm interested in him."

"Nice `looking' you mean," Ikado jabbed. Usagi blushed even more. "And
don't lie to us, `Princess'. We weren't the ones that went walking off
with him. I bet he even kissed you!"

"Iie," Usagi said and shook her head. <We were just headed in the same
direction. He didn't even talk to me except when I asked him something.>
It was as if he didn't even see her. "He didn't... He wouldn't either.
All the guys are petrified of Luna." Diana at this point gave a
half-hearted mew of protest but blushed deeply.

"Not Sakuya?" Hana questioned then covered her mouth, "Gomen."

"Oh they're in awe of Sakuya I think," Usagi stated, "Just that Luna has
these standards, I mean... well you know..." Usagi trailed off. She was
starting to get flustered. The girls launched into laughter at this;
they had heard Luna's opinions before. Diana sat silently trying her
best not to be noticed.

<Yep that sounds like Mom,> Diana thought, <She's so overprotective of
Usagi.> She was also firm about what destiny had planned for Diana. Not
that Diana minded being the Royal Advisor to "Queen" Usagi. Just that
she understood where Usagi's mother got the impression that Luna was a
slave driver.

"But you wouldn't mind him kissing you, Usagi-chan," Ikado prompted
after the laughter had died down.

"I told you," Usagi said with some heat, "I have NO interest in
Senji-sempai." <But if he would talk to me...>

"I wouldn't want a boy kissing me," came an unexpected voice, "They're
all yucky and mean." The others turned and saw that Misako was standing
in the doorway. "Except for Uncle Shingo but he's a ghost now so I guess
that doesn't count." She tapped her bottom lip as she considered the
matter. "Can you get married to a ghost?"

"Misako!" Usagi snapped bolting to her feet, "What are you doing
here?!?" <If Dad hears about this, I'm a goner... so's Sempai. Not that
I'm interested in him or anything but as a Senshi I have a duty to
protect him.>

"Can't I have fun too, 'Sagi-chan?" Misako questioned, "You were
soundin' like you're havin' lotsa fun." Misako looked towards the now
fuming Usagi. "But Mom wanted me to get you."

"Nani?" Usagi questioned as she stalked over to her little sister, "So
why didn't you just knock?" <Please, Imouto, leave. They're looking at
me...>

"'Cause I want to be with you, 'Sagi," Misako admitted. <You're not my
onee but... I guess you're okay, and I want to have a sleepover too.>
She liked Hana and she had seen Ikado before since she was her friend
Noriko's sister.

<I'm so embarrassed...> "I don't think so," Usagi said, "Now get out."

"Please?" Misako asked, "I promise I'll sit quietly and not say
nothing." She crossed her chest to make it more solemn. "I won't say
anything, 'Sagi-chan."

"Iie," Usagi barked, taking her sister by the arm. "Now leave us alone,
Misako. You're just a baby and we don't want babies around us." Opening
the door, Usagi gave Misako a shove through it and said, "Now go away
and quit bothering us!" With that, she slammed the door firmly.

Misako blinked as her eyes started to mist over. She wanted to be with
Usagi. <Why would I want to be with her?> Misako thought, <I'm smarter
than she is.> But she had been lonely since May, since Kimeko had left.
There was something missing and every time she thought of Usagi, a
little part of her heart ached. Going down the hall, she entered the
living room where her mother and Makoto were sitting.

"What's the matter, Miko-chan?" Serenity asked seeing the hurt
expression on her daughter's face. She got up and walked over to her
little girl.

"I told Usagi that you wanted to see her, Mom," Misako said softly, "I
wanted to stay there and have fun." She shook her head and said, "Usagi
got really mad and threw me out." She sniffled now. "I promised I'd be
quiet and wouldn't say anything but she called me a baby."

Serenity lifted Misako into a hug and said, "You aren't a baby. You're
almost eight." Misako gave her mother a hug. "What if I phone Rei and
see if you can spend the night with her. I bet Noriko would like that."

"Really?" Misako asked, "But it's late, Rei-san might not like gettin' a
call this late."

"Miko-chan, you are a very good little girl and you were very good at
the hospital today," Serenity explained, "I think you deserve to have
your own sleepover with one of your friends." She smiled at her daughter
and added, "I bet Noriko isn't in bed yet. Anyway, I think Rei would be
glad to get some help in getting her to bed." Misako giggled at that.
Noriko detested going to bed as much as Misako had detested taking
baths.

                                 ******

The next afternoon was clear if slightly chilly. The dark clouds of the
day before were gone and the birds were once again singing. As Usagi
came back into the room, she smirked, "I think Dad's happy to seek Ikado
gone."

Hana snickered and then gave her friend a knowing smile. "Do you blame
him?"

"Well it WAS funny, Hana-chan," Usagi admitted. Grinning, she shut the
door. Then walking over to the small stereo she had, turned it on. Hana
was the last of the invited girls still present. "Poor Dad, you'd think
he'd never seen so many girls before." Usagi giggled then.

"I think he just didn't like the idea of Ikado sitting in his chair but
was too polite to say anything," Hana mused as she wandered over to the
window. Looking out, she gazed out upon the backyard. She could hear the
music coming from the stereo, something up-beat and lively. Much like
the night before. "Usagi-chan, I think you were a little mean to
Misako." She turned around to see her friend scowling slightly, "I mean
she was quiet. What would have hurt her to stay until she went to bed?"

"Misako's a pain," Usagi huffed out but it was forced and both girls
knew it. She moved to her bed and flopped on it. "She's just young. She
knew I was planning this and I didn't want her around."

Walking over, Hana flopped down on her stomach on the bed beside Usagi
and picking up one of the stuffed animals said, "I would love to have
Misako around, Usagi-chan." Usagi gave her a look of disbelief. "I
wouldn't want anything to happen to my otouto but sometimes he's a pain.
I know Misako's little and can be a pain sometimes but..." she trailed
off and turned to look directly at Usagi, "You didn't have to yell at
her, you know. You could have said that you'd spend tonight with her or
something."

"Why are you taking her side?" Usagi asked moodily, "If you want her,
Hana, you can have her."

"I don't want your imouto, baka..." Hana said gently, "Usagi-chan, but
you should see yourself. Remember the other day when Ikado told you
about what Misako was saying about you?" Usagi nodded. "You nearly took
Ikado's head off for saying something mean about Misako. Then last
night, you turn around and tell Misako that she's a baby?" Usagi made a
guttural noise but nothing else. "Look, I know little kids can be a pain
sometimes but they can also be fun. Misako's in gymnastics and I hear
she's pretty good. Even Ikado's impressed and that's something." <You
weren't kidding about how good she is.>

Usagi sighed and ran her hand over her face. "You're right..." Usagi
admitted.

"Of course, I am," Hana agreed and, tagging Usagi with the teddy bear,
giggled, "You're it!" Giggling even more, she ran out of the room, an
indignant Usagi running behind her.

                                 *****

Later that evening, Usagi knocked on Misako's door. <Baka Usagi... Hana
was right,> Usagi thought as she waited for a response, <I guess I could
have handled it better. She could have stayed for awhile.> Usagi knocked
a little more forcefully, while calling out, "Misako?"

After a moment, the door opened and Misako, looking rather irritated,
asked, "Nani?"

"Imouto, how would you like to come spend the night in my room?"

"Gomen Usagi," Misako said, "It's too late to have a sleepover with you.
That was last night. You're just trying to be nice but it ain't gonna
work." She then pointedly shut the door. "Now go away. I'm busy!"
Slowly, Usagi turned and had only taken a few steps away from the door
when it opened again. "Usagi," Misako called. Usagi turned to look
hopefully at the girl. "I'm not your imouto. You're too baka to be my
onee and you trip all the time." With that, Misako vanished into her
room once again, the solid closing door crushing the hope that had
sprung up in Usagi.

<Gomen Imouto,> Usagi sadly thought. Slowly she walked to her room, then
suddenly decided she needed to talk to someone. However, it couldn't be
her mother. <I wonder if Diana's still up?> Usagi thought, <Now how am I
gonna get Mom to let me go talk to her?>

                                 ******

As the summer passed into the autumn of that year, Usagi came to the
inescapable conclusion that she was just like her mother had been in the
past, bad grades, tardiness, and all. Usagi's tardiness at one point
became so severe that Neo-Queen Serenity tried something desperate. Her
tactic seemed to work, reducing the tardiness of her eldest daughter to
a lower level although Usagi had been furious with her for a month
afterwards.

Misako loved what her mother had done. The only complaint she had, and
she kept that to herself, was that she hadn't witnessed the incident. To
see Neo-Queen Serenity, regally dressed, marching a disheveled looking,
bleary eyed and pajama clad Princess Usagi to school would have made her
day. Misako wouldn't have believed it except that she managed to get a
look at one of the security camera's recording of it, thanks to Sakuya's
computer RH.

In any event, Misako chose to take that as her birthday present. Her
birthday party was boisterous, and she even invited Usagi to it. She was
disappointed that Sakuya wouldn't stay again but she was beginning to
get the idea that Usagi was the reason. There was something definitely
going on between them and it was heated.

As autumn finally released its tired grip on the world and allowed
winter to come, Misako found that she wasn't as big as she thought she
was. Misako was denied privileges that Usagi had, and it irritated
Misako. She was eight now and a "pre-teen"; a pre-teen just like her
sister. Yet, Usagi seemed to be getting neater things to do all the time
whereas she was never given a chance to impress her parents. That was
all right, however, in one way -- it gave her more time to work on
things that she liked and to do her schoolwork. Schoolwork was one area
she could show her sister up in consistently.

                                 ******

<This is no way to spend a Saturday,> Usagi thought as she wrinkled her
nose. Turning her head away, she tried not to breathe as she rubbed
Misako's back. <Yeah but you could always leave,> one part of her brain
told her. However, she wouldn't do that to Misako; she couldn't abandon
her little sister when she was sick, especially not with their parents
gone for the week.

Usagi fought back her own feeling of nauseousness as Misako gave a
particularly powerful shuddering heave. Usagi was thankful that she
didn't have Sawa's job. <I might have to listen,> Usagi thought, her
eyes tightly shut, <And I might smell it but at least, I don't have to
look.>

After another moment or so, Usagi felt Misako relax a little. She opened
her eyes to see Sawa helping Misako clean her face. The little girl was
flushed and tears were rolling down her cheeks. A staggered gasping cry
could be heard when Misako had enough breath to spare. As a final cap to
Misako's ordeal, the little girl gave five violent sneezes; she winced
in pain as she tried to swallow and gave a whine or protest.

"Let's get you back into bed, Miko-chan," Sawa directed after she had
Misako rinse her mouth out. Misako only nodded and slowly walked over to
her bed. She crawled onto it, picking up Kaizoku-san in the process.
"I'll be right back," Sawa said and disappeared from the room.

Usagi came to stand beside her sister and gave her a worried look, "Are
you okay, Imouto?" Misako only offered a small nod and a sniffle. "You
wait till lunchtime," Usagi said, "I'll make you something extra
special."

"I want Mom," Misako replied hoarsely. She went off into a coughing fit
and, after it was over, she gave moan and just simply lay there looking
rather miserable.

Brushing some of the little girl's hair out of her face, Usagi said,
"Mom'll be back in a few days. I want you to be okay though."

"Why didn't you go with them?" Misako asked slowly, her voice low. She
shivered then and Usagi pulled the blankets up to her chin.

"Because I wanted to make my imouto feel better," Usagi replied. <I
won't say that Mom and Dad wouldn't let me go. I know you were mad
because you couldn't go either.> Usagi was glad she didn't have to go
along; they were typically boring trips. Besides, Usagi was more worried
about Misako than seeing some foreign country.

Sawa entered the room at that point and said, "Usagi-chan, arigato for
your help, but Misako needs some rest. I also want to check her
temperature. Why don't you go do your homework then we can work on lunch
together."

"I feel much better!" Misako shouted, or tried to. She nearly doubled
over with the effort but instead, hopped out of bed. "I don't need rest.
I'm not sick!" At that point, she started coughing and sneezing at the
same time.

"Sure, you're not sick, ne?" Sawa remarked coming into the room, "You
just threw up most of your breakfast and are sounding like something's
living in that throat of yours." Misako and Usagi giggled then. "Now get
back into bed. Usagi, if you want to do something, get some of that
stale ginger ale out of the fridge and bring a small glass of it for
Misako."

After delivering the requested drink, Usagi left Sawa and Misako to do
her homework. She would have loved to stay and help Sawa but her
homework was to be done before anything else. It didn't help matters
that she was flunking geography either. With the Juken for junior high
school coming up in two months, it was disheartening to Usagi to realize
that she had the very great potential to be held back.

Just as she was turning into her room, Usagi stopped and grinned as a
howl of protest from Misako could be heard. <Looks like Sawa told her
that Ami was coming by.>

                                 ******

Misako begrudgingly accepted the lunch that Usagi prepared for her. Or
rather, she would have begrudgingly accepted it, if she had had enough
willpower to put up a suitable fuss. However, the little girl was not
feeling well and the desire just to get rid of the cold was foremost in
her mind.

There was also something small, seldom seen in these past few months,
that came out. There was no outward indication that Misako was taking
any type of comfort from Usagi's efforts to make her well, but the older
girl sensed something in her little sister's manner that lit the flame
of hope.

Misako ate little, not because she wasn't hungry but more out of fear of
becoming sick again. That had been a frightening experience for her and
she had no desire to go through that again. Ami's visit that afternoon
was as bad as what Misako thought it would be.

Usagi insisted on staying in the room the entire time, not only to hear
what was wrong with Misako but also to reassure the little girl.
However, her eagerness to help quickly faded with Ami's last
instruction: "One last thing, I want you to keep an eye on the color of
Misako's stool. I think it's just a severe cold but I want to make sure
it isn't anything more serious." With that, she was gone, leaving both
Usagi and Sawa staring at each other.

Silence awkwardly fell over the room at that point and lasted for a few
seconds until Misako asked throatily, "Sawa-chan, where's my `stool'?"
Making the excuse that she had to redo all of her assignments, Usagi
quickly left the room before Sawa could even speak.

Around bedtime that evening, Usagi entered Misako's room wearing her
pink pajamas with the bunny head patch on the front. Misako gave her a
drowsy glare and sleepily mumbled a question out. "Imouto, it's bedtime
and I was going to read you a story," Usagi said as she went over to
retrieve one of Misako's storybooks.

"I don't want you to read me a story," Misako stated croakily. "I want
Sawa to read me one." She tried to glare but it was too much of an
effort.

"Oh come on, Imouto," Usagi began while hopping up on the bed, "I bet if
you let me read you a story, you'll start to feel better. I mean you let
me and Sawa play a game with you this afternoon."

Misako crossed her arms and grumbled darkly. <'Sagi was kinda nice,>
Misako thought, <I mean she didn't go with Mom.> Turning her head, she
looked at her sister and asked, "How come you got your pajamas on?"
Before Usagi could answer, the little girl broke into a coughing fit
that lasted for a good minute.

"Here," Usagi said worriedly as she handed Misako a glass of water. Her
little sister was breathing hard, trying to regain back the air she had
lost; she was also trying to control the soreness in her throat but it
only seemed to intensify the irritation.

"Ari-gato," Misako whispered and taking the glass took a few small sips
before handing it back.

Replacing the glass on the nightstand, Usagi turned to her sister and
said, "I thought I'd spend the night." Misako gave her a quizzical look
but Usagi added, "I'd be really worried about you."

"I wouldn't want you to get sick," Misako stated. She wouldn't wish this
cold on anyone... even Usagi.

A small smile spread across Usagi's face and she retorted, "I'll likely
get sick anyway. Might as well get a head start on it." Despite her
mood, Misako giggled slightly and smiled. "Now, Miko-chan, do you want
to hear this story?"

Misako considered the book for several seconds then sighing, she closed
her eyes. "I guess so," she agreed softly, reluctantly. Usagi didn't
really pay very much attention to Misako's tone. Her little sister's
response was good enough for her.

As she read the book aloud, Usagi's hope grew a little brighter. She had
first sat up and read it. However, she soon snuggled under the covers
with Misako and continued to read. It was about midway through the story
when Usagi's efforts paid off; the little girl snuggled closer to Usagi,
a small smile on her face.

"You like this, ne Imouto?" Usagi asked as she paused in her reading.

"Hai," Misako said softly, "You're a good reader, 'Sagi-chan." The
little girl opened her eyes and asked, "How come you wanted to stay with
me? Rei was gonna take you and Ikado to a movie."

"Now why would I want to have fun when my imouto is sick?" Usagi asked.
She lowered the book and turned her head to look at Misako, who
shrugged. "I would feel really bad if I went to the movies and you were
stuck here being sick." <Please don't ask about if you weren't sick.>
Apparently Misako was too tired to think of that particular point.

"'Sagi-chan, do you like me?" Misako's voice was becoming sleepy; her
eyelids were almost closed.

"Hai," Usagi replied while giving Misako a hug, "I love you, Imouto. And
I want you to get all better." Smiling softly, Usagi felt a warmth come
into her heart. A warmth that she hadn't felt in several months. It grew
even more as her sister hugged her and used her shoulder for a pillow.
It was the warmth of her sister's love, that which had been denied to
her in past long and dark months.

Later that evening, Sawa softly opened Misako's door and found both
little girls sound asleep. Misako had her one arm across Usagi, holding
close while her head lay on Usagi's shoulder. Usagi had her arm
protectively around Misako while the storybook lay partially open on the
bed, Usagi's hand firmly grasping it. "Look at that," Sawa remarked to
the visitor. "They've been at each other for weeks, and now..." she
trailed off, no desire to ruin the peaceful scene.

The visitor entered the room and softly padded over to the bed. Picking
up the book, she placed it on the nightstand. Turning, she paused and
turned back. Gently pulling the covers up, she tucked the little girls
in and sighed softly. "Goodnight... Imouto," she whispered out.

                                 ******

The renewed bond that Usagi had managed to forge didn't last long. Two
days after it had been formed, it had been shattered leaving nothing
even to begin again with. It had been accidental enough. Usagi had had a
major klutz attack and "burned" Kaizoku-san with some hot soup. Misako
had been furious about that. However, Usagi was quick to apologize and
promised to make sure he was all right.

Misako, who was still not feeling well, gave Usagi a chance to repair
the damage. Therefore, when Usagi came back carrying the teddy bear
Misako had given Usagi for her birthday, it was a surprise. The surprise
turned into horror as Usagi explained that not only had she drowned
Kaizoku-san by putting him in the washing machine, but he'd been ripped
apart as well. Misako cried herself to sleep that night. Her oldest and
most trusted companion was gone, taken cruelly away from her. And as the
coldness of winter deepened, so did the bitterness in Misako's heart.

As the winter progressed, and the frigid winds of January drove the snow
so that it carpeted Crystal Tokyo. Misako slowly slipped away from Usagi
at an even further pace. Usagi was hurt when she was unable to renew the
bond; but it was even more of a blow when Misako asked Usagi to stop
coming to her gymnastic practices. Eventually, Misako even stopped
talking to Usagi. There was an impenetrable wall of silence that
separated them. Strangers that lived in the same house, sat at the same
table, and ate the same food but neither spoke to each other.

Just after the New Year, Misako was feeling fairly good. She was again
sure that she wouldn't lose her average and remain on the Dean's List.
Also Kimeko had personally phoned her and said she would be coming home
in a few months. She skipped down the hall, Sawa tagging along behind
her.

"You're in a good mood, Miko-chan," Sawa observed.

"Hai," Misako said excitedly, "I got my math test back." Seeing that the
hallway was empty, she did three round-offs and then stopped to wait for
Sawa. "I want to hurry and show Mika, then I can show Mom and Daddy."

"Your sister wouldn't have happened to have a test too?" Sawa
questioned, a funny suspicion coming to mind. Misako shook her head.
"Hmmm... so you're not trying to show up your onee?" She walked up and
looked down towards the little girl.

Misako craned her neck up at Sawa and asked, "Why would I want to be
mean to my onee?" Misako asked and started down the hall again.

Sawa blinked and said, "But I thought you weren't happy with Usagi."

Misako stopped, heaved a sigh of exasperation, and, glancing over her
shoulder, said, "That baka odango atama? She isn't my onee. She doesn't
deserve to be my onee." Turning again, she went down the hall, not
skipping this time though.

<Mom won't let me be a Senshi,> Misako thought bitterly, <I was tryin'
not to think about Usagi.> Her one desire was to be a Sailor Senshi. To
prove, once and for all, that she could be just as good if not better
than Usagi. However, she was looking forward to the summer though.
Endymion had, reluctantly, granted permission for her to begin diving
lessons.

Sawa and Misako continued on to Kimeko's apartment in silence, both lost
in their own thoughts. Unlocking the door, Misako stepped into the
apartment and called out, "Mika!" After a moment or so, Misako frowned.
Looking at Sawa, she said, "You gonna come in, Sawa-chan?"

"Iie, Princess, I'll wait out here," Sawa said and gave Misako a smile.

Misako shrugged and closed the door. It wouldn't do to have Mika get
away. Turning, she set her books on the floor and called in a louder
voice, "MI-KA!" However, there wasn't any response. This worried Misako.
Mika usually came to greet her. <I hope she didn't get out.> She entered
the small kitchen and noted that Mika's food was gone. <I'll get stuff
ready then I'll go look for her.>

She spent the next five minutes getting Mika fresh water and food. She
then set about changing the litter box. <I wonder where she is?> Misako
thought as she headed for the bathroom. "MIKA!!!" she yelled but again
there was no response. Quickly washing and drying her hands, Misako came
out into the living room and considered the possibilities. <Maybe she's
in Kimeko's room,> Misako thought. Normally she wouldn't go into
Kimeko's room but her worry over Mika overrode her sense of politeness.

Standing in the doorway, she looked around the room. <There she is,>
Misako thought with some relief. Mika was lying on the bed curled up by
Kimeko's pillow. "Mika!" Misako called, "Come on, I got you some nice
food." But there was no response. Walking over, Misako jiggled the bed
while calling to the cat. <What's wrong?> Misako thought, starting to
feel truly worried. Climbing onto the bed, she moved close and called,
"Mika, come on, wake up."

Slowly, she reached a hand out and touched the cat. Mika felt odd.
Stroking her fur, Misako shook her head. "Wake up," Misako pleaded
softly, "Please, Mika, don't scare me like this." But it did no good.
Even to Misako's young mind, the situation was obvious. Mika had left
the world, leaving behind a cold and lifeless husk.

"Wake up, Mika, please don't leave me all alone," Misako begged. But it
was no use and tears ran down her cheeks. Misako softly cried as she
cradled the cold form. The one thought that ran through the little
girl's mind was, <It's my fault.> And Kimeko would never, ever forgive
her for it.

End of Chapter 9

Coming next week: Chapter 10 - Chimes of the Dark Future