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 10 - Chimes of the Dark Future

Makoto hung the phone up and then stood silently for a moment or so
before turning to face her young visitor. "Sakuya is on her way," she
said to Usagi.

"Mako-chan, you're the best!" Usagi declared and gave Makoto a hug,
"Arigato!" It had taken a good fifteen minutes to convince Makoto to
help her out. "I hope she gets here soon. I should really be home. Mom
and Dad are gonna skin me alive for not being there."

An amused expression flitted across Makoto's face as she said, "That's
if Sakuya doesn't kill both of us first." <Kami-sama, she's going to be
mad.>

"I've tried to do everything, Mako-chan," Usagi remarked again, "This
was my only hope. I'll take all the blame." She walked over to the
balcony entrance and looked out at the snowy world beyond. The day had
grown dark early. The softly falling snow was now illuminated by the
Palace lights; it was like watching tiny pieces of a rainbow fall from
the sky.

<This has to work,> Usagi thought, <I've tried everything. I don't know
what else to do.> Unconsciously, she had clasped her rabbit's head
necklace and was rubbing it. It was a habit she was unaware of. It
denoted concern, worry, or fear.

"Iie, Usagi-chan," Makoto began and shook her head. Walking over to
stand beside Usagi, she said, "I know you've tried everything." She
gently placed a hand on Usagi's shoulder and added, "But you owe me for
this. Not only because I'm helping you, but also because I had to lie to
Sakuya. I don't like doing that."

"Gomen, Makoto-san," Usagi said, turning a sad smile to Makoto, "I
just..." She turned back to looking out the window again without
finishing the thought. The room fell silently then, both occupants
deciding to simply watch the outside world. Usagi became aware of Makoto
watching her and she then blushed as she realized what she was doing. A
little reluctantly she removed her hand from her rabbit's head necklace
and then placed both hands behind her back.

<Please hurry, Sakuya. I know for a fact Mom and Dad are going to ground
me.> She was not looking forward to her return home. <I think they would
understand but not this close to the Juken.> Soon enough though, the
knocking at the apartment door shattered the silence causing both Usagi
and Makoto to jump.

Grimacing slightly, Makoto walked over to the door and opened it.
"Konnichiwa," Makoto greeted, "Please come in, Sakuya."

"What is it, Obaa-san?" Sakuya asked coming into the apartment, "You
said it was..." she trailed off as she saw Usagi. "Your Highness,"
Sakuya stated formally. There was an awkward moment before a dark look
spread across Sakuya's face. Whirling on her grandmother, Sakuya gave
Makoto a venomous look and said stiffly, "I was under the impression
that it was important."

"It is," Makoto replied stiffly, "Kami-sama, Sakuya, you care about
Usagi. Don't let your bullheaded personality get in the way of your
heart!" She then glared sternly, "At least listen to what Usagi has to
say."

Grunting Sakuya closed the distance between herself and Usagi, stopping
at the midway point. "Your Highness, if you wished to speak with me, I
would have been happy to make an appointment." Her green eyes almost
seemed to glow with the smoldering rage she held.

"Why haven't you forgiven me, Sakuya-san?" Usagi asked bluntly, "I have
apologized to Younger Mars. I have tried to apologize to you." Usagi
stopped speaking at that point and took a few breaths. <Don't get angry,
stay calm.> "What have I done to deserve your..." <Better not say
disrespect.> "Loss of faith in me?"

A grim expression came onto Sakuya's face. She remained silent for a
moment or so before replying, "It is not a question of faith, Princess
Usagi. It is..."

"Don't try and be nice, Sakuya-san, I want your honest opinion," Usagi
interrupted. <Please tell me what I need to do.>

"As you wish," Sakuya replied, now relaxing and taking on an evil glint.
Both Makoto and Usagi gulped. "You not only disregarded my wishes in the
matter of my sentence, you also willfully and maliciously attacked Sawa.
I am of the understanding that you have apologized to her, and that is
commendable. However, it was done after the fact of a behavior that
should not have even occurred." Usagi opened her mouth to speak but
Sakuya held up her hand, "Do you wish to hear the rest?"

"Hai," Usagi squeaked softly.

"Then please do not interrupt," Sakuya instructed. She paused then
before saying, "It has also come to my attention that you wish me to be
your guardian. I, therefore, assume that you were not willing to listen
to what I had to say before." She then fixed the young girl with her
sternest glare and continued, "So I will repeat it in very blunt terms.
Princess Usagi, I am ashamed of your actions that you took on my behalf.
You continued to disregard my feelings towards your guardianship and
your academic efforts of late have caused more shame than pride to your
parents."

"But I try!" Usagi burst out angrily, "It's because of you that I'm
doing badly!" She stalked towards Sakuya while continuing to speak, "I
apologized to Sawa. I try my hardest at school. Everything I do to get
you to forgive me never works. You give me all this garbage about being
ashamed but you never answered my question!" She was now in front of
Sakuya, glaring upwards she demanded, "Tell me why you don't want to be
my guardian!"

"Your Highness, in my current position, I am forced to deal with you on
some level," Sakuya stated, "However, that is a professional matter and
I can not readily change that. Still, my free time is my own to do with
as I please. I have never liked children with the rare exception and I
wish to have nothing to do with you outside of my professional duties. I
am either in interested in a friendship with you nor am I willing to
condone your childish behavior by giving you something that you do not,
in my opinion, deserve."

The room fell silent except for the ticking of the clock. Usagi stood
stunned. Then slowly her bottom lip started to tremble, her eyes misting
over and then released tears. The young girl gave a cry that sounded
more of pain than of grief, and pushed passed Sakuya. Before Makoto
could react, Usagi was out of the apartment, blindly fleeing down the
hall; her mind filled with confusion and anger, her heart full of hurt.

                                 ******

Usagi arrived home, trying desperately to control her emotions. She
didn't need to give her parents any more reasons to question where she
had gone. She was, therefore, relieved to find that no one was home. She
didn't question her good fortune any further and headed to her room.

After washing, Usagi settled down to do her homework. Or at least, she
tried to do her homework. She kept coming back to what Sakuya had said
and the cruel way she had said it. But what hurt Usagi most was the
realization that she would never get Sakuya as a friend again. The more
she thought about it, the angrier she became.

<I'll show you,> Usagi thought darkly, <I'm not the little kid you think
I am. So my grades are bad, ne? I'll ace that Juken, then you'll be
eating that paper!> With renewed vigor, Usagi set about doing her
homework. <If Mom and Dad think I've been here all the time and doing my
homework, then I'll be fine.> The less evidence that she hadn't been
anywhere but home the better.

So deeply immersed in her studies was she that when Sawa came into the
Royal Family Suite nearly bellowing her name, it caused Usagi to jump in
surprise. Fearing the worst, she quickly ran from her room and found
Sawa in the hallway. Then she noticed Misako and a worried look came
over her face, her other troubles were pushed to the back of her mind.

"Usagi-chan, please take your imouto to her room," Sawa instructed, "I
have to call your father."

"Where is he?" Usagi questioned, "I mean he was supposed to be here."

"He might have been held up with Aino-san. They were going over some
reports," Sawa answered in a hurried tone. Then in an altogether
different voice, Sawa said, "Miko-chan, will you go with Usagi?" The
little girl's only response was a little sob before she pressed closer
to Sawa, hiding her face and sniffling.

"Come on, Imouto," Usagi said while walking over to the young woman. She
reached up as if to take Misako. After a moment or so, Misako leaned
down in return and slid from Sawa's arms into Usagi's. Once settled into
place, the little girl clamped tightly onto Usagi and hid her face once
again. "Let's go to your room," Usagi said, "It'll be okay."

Usagi had become even more concerned when she had seen the tears on her
sister's cheeks. The red and puffy eyes but there was something more in
the little girl's eyes. Whatever had happened had numbed Misako. It was
as if she had simply retreated from the world and was hiding. Usagi
watched Sawa run down the hallway towards the phone before turning back
to her more immediate concern.

Once inside Misako's room, Usagi thought she might be able to detach her
sister from her, but Misako was hanging on too tightly. Misako was
getting heavy so Usagi opted to sit on the bed as best she could.
Rubbing her sister's back, she asked, "What happened?" There was no
response. <Hmmm... okay, take the long route,> Usagi thought. "Im..."
Usagi stopped for a moment then said, "Misako, you were at school, ne?"
A noise came from Misako but it wasn't very clear. "You were with Yuki
and Yumeko the last time I saw you after school. Did anything happen to
them?"

"Iie," Misako whispered out, "They're... okay." Her bottom lip trembled
slightly but she managed to stop crying.

Usagi let her breath out. "I'm glad. So Yuki and Yumeko are okay, ne?" A
tiny, almost imperceptible nod was her answer. "Is this about your
test?" Misako gave no answer. Instead, she was looking at Usagi with the
oddest expression on her face. "Nani?"

"'Sagi-chan, are you gonna die?" Misako asked in a whispered and nervous
voice. Usagi wasn't sure what to say; the question was unexpected at
best. "Kaizoku-san died. Mom said Uncle Shingo died a long time ago."
This produced a sniffle from Misako and she blinked her eyes to try and
clear them. "I don't want you to die, 'Sagi-chan."

By this point, Usagi was thoroughly confused. Deciding to continue her
questioning, Usagi asked, "Did someone die?" Misako sucked on her lower
lip and nodded, her eyes shimmering with new, unshed tears. Usagi felt a
cold lump form in her stomach. "Miko-chan, who died?"

There was a long drawn out moment before Misako looked towards the
ground. She then said softly, "Mika."

"Kimeko's cat?" Usagi asked. <Good riddance.> She then mentally kicked
herself for that thought. "Mika died?" Misako nodded, "When?"

"I don't know," Misako meekly stated, "I killed her but I don't know
when." There was a tremble as Misako started to cry once again and she
said, "I wasn't there when she died." Giving a little sob, she hugged
Usagi and snuggled close. <Hold me, 'Sagi-chan.>

"Oh Imouto, gomen nasai," Usagi said while hugging her sister, "I know
you loved Mika a lot. But I don't think you killed her. She was a really
old cat." That apparently had been the wrong thing to say because
Misako's crying increased.

"You're gonna die when you're twelve!" Misako howled. <I don't want you
to die, 'Sagi.> Usagi had sense enough not to snicker at that comment,
even if it did seem funny. After a moment, Misako calmed slightly and
stated, "Kimeko's going to hate me."

"Iie, iie," Usagi disagreed firmly, "Kimeko is NOT going to hate you.
You took good care of Mika." Misako raised her tear-stained face and
gave her sister a look of disbelief. "It'll be okay, Misako," Usagi said
softly and wiped a tear from her sister's face. "I'm not going to die
when I'm twelve. I love you, Miko-chan."

"I like you too, 'Sagi-chan," Misako said, but then she looked like
she'd like to take those words back.

Usagi, however, chose to ignore the look. <Fine Sakuya, you want me out
of your life? You'll get me out of your life!> Usagi thought angrily,
<Who needs you and your baka ideas. You aren't any better than me; my
imouto needs me and I'm going to take care of her.>

Unnoticed by both girls, Sawa quietly slipped from the room. <I'll let
them have a little time alone.> A sad smile flitted across Sawa's face.
<Why is it that it takes tragedy to bring those two together?>

                                 ******

The end of January ended in a blizzard that had locked the city in a
deadly grip. The CTDF had to be called in to provide emergency
transportation and even Serenity had to help a little with the
Ginzuishou. However, by the first Friday in February, things were back
to some semblance of normality.

The late afternoon sun slanted into the small office through the double
set of windows. The sky was clear and blue. The wind was cold and
unforgiving to those that would venture out in it. Misako was fascinated
by large icicles that clung to the side of the Palace. If you stood just
right, they would separate the light into a shimmering multitude of
colors.

<Why can't I do that?> Misako wondered as she looked over the snowy
ground and saw a group of children playing, no adults in sight. <I wish
I could be like Kimeko-oneechan. She gets to go away and doesn't need a
grownup around. Everybody treats me like a baby.> Sighing, Misako pushed
the problem to the back of her mind. Today was supposed to be a great
day and she wasn't going to spoil it.

Usagi watched her sister wistfully. <She has all the luck,> Usagi
thought, <Great grades... She doesn't klutz out... Well that could just
be her age too.> She watched as her sister walked a giant circle around
the room and then headed back to study something in the window. Her eyes
flitted to closed office door and she thought, <What's taking them so
long? Maybe it's about that sensei Ami had us talk to.> Usagi frowned
slightly. <She talked to us a few times. I thought it was about my
grades but she talked to Misako too.> Her scowl deepened as she shook
her head. <Unless the sensei can convince Mom and Dad not to kill me,
I've got more important things to worry about.>

Misako by this point was completely oblivious to her sister's dilemma.
<Kawaii,> Misako thought happily as she turned her head to one side to
get a different effect. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Usagi
sitting on one of the chairs outside Mizuno Ami's office, a very worried
expression on her face. <Poor 'Sagi,> Misako thought sympathetically.
Straightening, she walked over to her sister and said, "Don't worry,
Usagi, I think you passed." <I hope she did...> Misako blinked at that
thought and quickly amended, <I wouldn't want 'Sagi to miss her
friends.>

Usagi gave Misako a small smile and said, "Well, if I did pass, it was
because of you, Miko-chan." The little girl gave her a large grin before
wandering back over to the window. <It can't be good,> Usagi sadly
thought, <Ami didn't even post my scores with the others.> That had been
bad enough, but then having to go home and find out that the Minister of
Health, Science, and Education had delivered a personal summons to her
parents... She gave the closed office door one more look and sighed. <I
wish I knew what they're talking about.>

Inside the office, Serenity was losing her patience. "Ami, stop beating
around the bush!" Serenity finally snapped. Sighing, she drew a hand
over her face and said, "Gomen, Ami-chan, but we have been friends for
too long to play these types of games. I know that you would not say
anything to be cruel." She then fixed her friend with a stern glare,
"However, I would appreciate to know what is to happen with my
daughter!"

Ami shifted nervously for several seconds before saying, "As you wish,
Serenity-sama." She shuffled her papers until she came to the one she
wanted, "May we deal with Misako first?" Both Endymion and Serenity
nodded. "As you know, I had Misako interviewed by one of my colleagues
whose discretion I can rely upon. Despite her report, I find Misako's
grades commendable. Misako has made the Dean's List yet again and I'm
sure she will continue this trend in the future."

"And what does the report say?" Endymion asked softly.

"Princess Misako is not involved in sibling rivalry. Rather, she harbors
a large amount of resentment towards Usagi and Serenity," Ami stated.
She noticed the look on Serenity's face and decided to continue rather
than allow Serenity to ask the question. "Misako sees you as not caring
for her, Serenity-sama. She also sees Usagi as the source of that
problem. She is also being smothered both by Usagi and Endymion-sama."

"Endymion AND Usagi?!" Serenity questioned with a raised eyebrow.

"My colleague believes that it is more Usagi than Endymion-sama. Misako
resents, to a great extent, Usagi's efforts in being an onee. She feels
that she is treated like a baby. Any actions that Endymion-sama is
involved in that Misako doesn't like have been accredited to your
interventions, Serenity-sama."

The Royal Couple sat stunned for several seconds before Endymion said,
"What can we do?"

Ami sighed, "Endymion-sama, there is no quick fix to these problems.
What both of you can do is try to spend more time with the other
daughter. You're going to have to rein in Usagi I'm afraid. Although
caring for a sibling in this way is one thing I believe Misako is
experiencing the same thing that Serenity experienced when she was Usagi
and Chibi-Usa was there." She paused to allow that bit of information to
sink in before continuing, "Although I'm not saying that Usagi is on the
verge of taking on a role of mother, she is showing an almost obsessive
concern about Misako's well-being."

"We will discuss this a little later?" Serenity asked Endymion who
nodded, "Arigato, Mizuno-sensei, I realize this is hard for you. Now
on to Usagi."

"The difficulties that Princess Usagi is having are harder to define.
She was more evasive in discussing what was troubling her; however, she
has expressed jealousy over not being able to spend as much time with
Endymion-sama as Misako does. I believe if you switched duties about
Usagi's training in State matters that it would solve some of this
problem." Shuffling her papers again, Ami glanced down and added, "As
Your Majesties know, the Senshi Cabinet is concerned about Usagi's
grades. They will be even more concerned about them after these
results."

"She failed?" Serenity asked in a tightly controlled fashion.

"Iie, as with last year, Usagi has barely passed the Juken. She will be
admitted to Grade Seven. However, there will be some conditions. Might I
suggest calling Usagi in here?" At Serenity's nod, Ami got up and walked
over to the door. After summoning Usagi into the room and closing the
door again, Ami walked over to her desk. Sitting down, she glanced at
Usagi who was nervously rubbing her rabbit's head necklace. The young
girl caught her look and quickly placed her hands behind her.

"Your Highness," Ami began, "You have passed the Juken for Grade Seven."
A relieved expression came onto Usagi's face. "Nonetheless, your grades
are of great concern to say the least." She fixed the young girl with an
icy stare and continued, "Your grade average for Grade Six is a `D-' as
it was last year. Since you passed the Juken, I have no choice but to
promote you into the next grade. However, I will impose conditions."

"Nani?" Usagi questioned, now looking worried.

"Your Highness, I have gone out of my way to ensure that you are able to
have a good education. You have, even with Their Majesties' request to
the contrary, received a certain amount of special treatment. This is
mainly for security reasons more than anything else. As the future
Queen, your scholastic achievements are essential to ensure that you are
able to make wise decisions during your reign." Ami carefully avoided
mentioning the protests to Usagi's future rule that were starting to
quietly appear. "Therefore, I am going to impose these conditions: One,
a monthly report will be issued based on your work to date. This report
is to be signed by both your parents and returned. Two, you must
maintain at least a `C' average. If you fail to do this, then I will
have no choice but to start private studies for you; that means the
removal from the Palace school. I will also deem it necessary for you to
repeat Grade Six." Usagi was looking with horror towards Ami. "Do you
understand what I'm saying?" Ami questioned gently.

"Hai, Mizuno-sensei," Usagi said softly. She bit her bottom lip to stop
it from trebling slightly. <What am I going to do?> Usagi thought, <I
don't want to lose my friends.> But Misako had been right, she had
passed.

"If you had been younger..." Endymion muttered softly. It was just loud
enough for Usagi to hear. The young girl gulped. There was no need for
her father to expand upon that phrase; she had heard the full length
version the time that Diana and herself had managed to destroy several
tens of thousands of yen worth of goldfish during a diplomatic trip.
"Usagi, we're going to talk about this when we get home," Endymion
stated sternly in a louder voice, "Now I think it's best to tell Misako
of her good grades so that we may head for home." There was no happiness
for Usagi though. She was sure that a storm was coming; one that would
not be pleasant to endure.

                                 ******

After her initial distress and suspicion had passed, Misako found
herself enjoying the new arrangement. Her parents still wouldn't give
her all the freedom she desired but it seemed that her study habits had
finally paid off; they were allowing her to do a few more things and
Serenity was making a genuine effort to be with her.

Usagi, for the most part, was not pleased with the new arrangement.
However, she held her tongue and didn't complain. It had been her own
doing by getting such poor grades that had given rise for the new
arrangement. Not only was she expected to study with Endymion about
political matters instead of her mother, but also her efforts to be the
best onee she could were hampered by both her parents to some extent.

What was foremost in Usagi's mind though as she prepared for the new
schoolyear were the conditions she would be living under. She had no
desire to be pulled out of junior high or take private lessons. She knew
that Misako needed her as a young lady and having herself, being forced
to repeat Grade Six wouldn't help matters.

By the first week in April, the snow had finally gone giving way to the
lush greenness of spring. With the beginning of a new growing cycle,
Usagi imagined herself growing as well. Elementary school had been like
the long winter. She was just waiting for junior high to start to bloom.

She was blooming into a young lady. A young lady with a major mobility
problem. She continued to klutz out and resigned herself to the fact
that she was destined to be like that the rest of her life. If only she
could be like Misako... The little girl was outstripping her older
sister in grace and poise; something that was gaining her attention of
those that would otherwise not notice.

April the fifth had been a warm and pleasant day. The clear blue sky was
now darkening into the nighttime colors. A few stars began to show,
studding the sky with pinpoints like diamonds. The good weather meant
there was a large turn out for the gymnastics competition being held
that evening. However, with the entire Royal Family present that evening
along with some very distinguished nobility, it generated even more of a
crowd than usual.

Princess Usagi had broken with tradition by not sitting with her
parents. Instead, she opted to sit with Yuki and Yumeko who had come out
to cheer on Misako. Tonight was especially important for Usagi. Her
imouto had asked her to come and watch her at gymnastics again, in a
round about fashion, and Usagi was quite eager to comply. Not only did
it give her a chance to be proud of Misako but also it got her out of
doing her homework for a short time.

Usagi's attention was drawn from the floor when someone nudged her.
Glancing over, she saw a smirk on Yumeko's face. "Yuki's alive," Yumeko
said then snickered. Turning in the direction that Yumeko indicated, she
couldn't help but smirk herself.

Yuki along with her mother were making their way through the crowd, both
looking slightly flustered. "Kami-sama, Yuki-chan, did you drain Tokyo
Bay before you came?" Usagi questioned. Yuki blushed brightly as she
took her seat. "You've been gone since Misako's last event. That was
almost half an hour ago. I was about to send out a search party."

"Your Highness..." Lady Kei began slightly scandalized. Not that she was
stuffy or anything but having people overhear such language from the
Crown Princess would definitely not do.

"Gomen nasai, Lady Kei," Usagi quickly said and contorted her face
slightly to stop herself from giggling.

"Gomen," Yuki said in a flustered tone, "I just well..." <So I got a
little lost. Mommy hasn't been here before and there's a big crowd here
tonight.> "Oh look, Misako's up after the next girl." Usagi and Yumeko
both gave her a dubious look but turned back to the competition.

                                 ******

As Misako waited her turn on the vault, she ran a hand through her hair.
It was tied back in ponytail that had been separated into two and then
braided to form two loops. It was one way of keeping her hair out of the
way and the others including her coach complimented her on the style. It
was kawaii and that was a plus in competition.

She glanced over to her parents who seemed to be discussing something. A
smile went across her face. <Mom's probably tellin' Daddy that I won't
do anything baka.> After a moment, she searched out her sister and her
two friends. When she spotted them, she waved and they waved back.
<'Sagi's not so bad.>

"Okay Misako, you're up," her coach stated, "Now remember, nothing
fancy. It's a simple vault just exactly like you practiced." Typically
her coach wouldn't admonish the girls this way but Misako occasionally
added in moves that would give it a sense of "flare".

Nodding, Misako took her place at the beginning of the runway. It was
carpeted red and was eighty feet long. At the other end was the
springboard and "horse" that she was to vault over. Taking a moment, she
ran through her approach, the vault itself, and the landing.
<Remember... make sure both hands hit the horse.> For one reason or
another, female gymnasts were not allowed to do single handsprings over
the horse. Misako didn't think too much of that but it was easier with
two. <Okay, ready?> Misako asked herself. When she was sure, she was off
and running.

Her feet pounded down the runway, giving her momentum as she
concentrated on the point she needed to hit. At the designated point,
she launched herself forward, hitting the springboard dead on. She
sailed upwards, planted both her hands onto the horse for a split-second
before pushing off twisting and looking for her landing.

The world tumbled by as she spun in the air and then came the sudden
impact. <Nani?> Misako questioned as her one foot twisted away from her
and she went tumbling away. Anymore coherent thought was banished as
searing pain ran up her leg.

Usagi had watched with pride as her sister had executed the planned move
perfectly. Then she scowled at the unexpected added twist after the
handspring. She held her breath as the little girl spun in the air...
then the horror came as Misako landed. It had seemed perfect for a
split-second before Misako twisted and fell unable to stop her momentum.
She cried out in pain as she now lay on the mat.

Everything seemed to freeze for a moment before chaos ensued. Usagi
bolted to her feet but she felt a firm grip on her arm. Looking back,
she saw Elder Neptune shake her head. Usagi understood and nodded. There
was nothing she could do and she would only get in the way.

Endymion wasn't to be held back as Usagi had been. Bolting to his feet,
he drew upon his own prowess and power leapt down to the performance
area. Elder Venus cursed under her breath as she charged after her king.

Younger Mars was the first person there, even arriving ahead of Misako's
coach and the other personnel who had been closer. She quickly assessed
the situation and decided that it was not life threatening. Misako was
gripping her ankle and howling so she provided some comfort while the
medical staff charged onto the platform.

                                 ******

Later that evening, King Endymion paced around the living room. "I knew
this was a bad idea," he huffed gruffly, "I just knew she would get
hurt."

"But Otou-san," Usagi tried to explain, "It wasn't Misako's fault. She
just sprained her ankle."

"If it was any more sprained, it would be broken!" Endymion snarled,
"Ami had to give her something for the pain. She so doped up that even
if a freight train ran through her bedroom, it wouldn't wake her up." He
ran a hand through his hair in a frustrated fashion. "I knew this was a
baka idea. But iie, I had to go out and let her do it." Usagi and
Serenity exchanged looks as Endymion continued to mutter darkly, "And to
top it all off, Misako doesn't even think it's that bad. She was more
upset that it ruined her landing!" Usagi snickered and her father glared
at her sternly. "She also did something she wasn't supposed to."

"Well Dad," Usagi said, trying to control her laughter, "It was kinda
funny. I mean she wanted to do her vault over again. I don't blame her
for being mad." Usagi looked towards her father who was now glowering at
her. "I don't want Misako to be hurt but you could get hurt walking down
the hallway. Accidents happen..." Then grinning mischievously, she
added, "I should know, I'm an Usagi." It took everything Serenity had
not to giggle at that remark.

"Get to bed!" Endymion growled while advancing on his daughter. Giggling
openly now, Usagi bolted off of the couch and out of the living room. A
moment later, Usagi reappeared.

"Otou-san, why don't you let Misako be a Sailor Senshi?" Usagi asked.
She watched her father's features stiffen. He gave her a black,
smoldering glare. <Oh man, nothing's going to save me, not even the
Ginzuishou.> "If Misako was a Senshi like I've been telling you, then
she wouldn't get hurt."

"Usagi, didn't I tell you to go to bed?" Endymion questioned darkly
while stalking towards his daughter, "Or are you looking to be
grounded?"

"Oh come on, Otou-san," Usagi argued, "You've seen Misako in practice
before, even at her other meets. She would make a great Sailor Senshi."
She backed up as her father got a little closer and she added, "It was
just a simple error. I've thought she would make a great Sailor Senshi.
I've been trying since last autumn to get you to realize that!" <I told
him about MY imouto facing that Lemure with no Senshi powers.> That one
moment was something that Usagi would always proudly remember.

"Tsukino Usagi Serenity, I will give you to the count of ten to get to
bed," Endymion snapped, "Or something very horrible will happen to you."
He started counting and Usagi didn't waste any time; the young girl
turned and ran down the hallway towards her room.

"Oh Endymion," Serenity chided from her position on the couch, "It's
only natural that Usagi would want her sister to be a Sailor Senshi."

"And I suppose you find nothing wrong with Misako getting hurt?"
Endymion countered. Serenity simply shook her head in response. "I saw
Misako get hurt in the past. I will not allow my daughter to go through
that again."

"And what about Usagi?" Serenity asked.

"I wouldn't have allowed her either except that the timeline required
it. You know perfectly well why as well," Endymion growled out as he
paced over to the bay window, "I won't take that away from her, because
to Usagi, it is very important. But Misako doesn't need to be a Senshi;
she doesn't need to risk her life."

"Oh really, Endymion..." Serenity argued, "I didn't like to see Misako
hurt. I just don't see what the big problem is. Usagi and I were both
hurt as Sailor Senshi but we survived." Rising and walking over, she
hugged Endymion, "You WON'T pull Misako out of gymnastics."

"I won't?" Endymion questioned stubbornly.

"Certainly not," Serenity said, "Not if you want to avoid crushing
Misako's heart. Gymnastics is something she enjoys." Snuggling her head
under Endymion's chin, Serenity sighed, "Don't worry; Misako will be
fine."

"At least, she isn't a Senshi," Endymion muttered out. <It's far too
dangerous for my little girl.>

"But you can't hang on to them forever," Serenity whispered out.

                                 ******

April the tenth was slightly overcast. It had rained during the day but
appeared to be clearing fast enough to provide a pleasant, if slightly
chilly, evening. Misako along with her mother, Younger Mars, Elder
Venus, and Elder Jupiter were unaware of the rain having stopped. They
were walking though one of Crystal Tokyo's malls on a present hunting
expedition.

"Let's sit down for a minute," Serenity said and gliding over to a bench
settled herself, "Come on, Miko-chan, we've been walking around this
place for a solid hour or more."

Misako moved and sat beside her mother. She pulled at her dress and
asked, "Mom, why do I have to wear this thing?"

"You don't like it either, ne?" Serenity asked softly. Misako nodded.
"Well that's because you're a princess and we're out in public."

Misako scowled slightly, "Nani..." the little girl paused then asked,
"How come I don't have to wear a dress at gymnastics?" Serenity giggled
at that.

"Oh Miko-chan, you really are one of a kind... Well maybe two of a
kind," Serenity amended, "I think if your father was taking gymnastics,
he'd show up in his Tuxedo Kamen outfit." That drew giggles from both
the Elder Senshi and Misako. Younger Mars gave a blank stare. She'd
heard of Tuxedo Kamen, of course, but she didn't understand why that
would be funny.

"You have that right, Serenity-sama," Elder Jupiter said, "Princess
Misako, what are you going to buy Kimeko?"

"I don't know," Misako squeaked with a little whine, "I don't have
enough money to buy her what I want."

"How much do you have, Miko-chan?" Serenity asked her daughter, "Maybe I
can help."

"Arigato Mom, but I want to buy this by myself," Misako retorted and
pulled out a bag of yen coins from her little purse, "I only got
five..."

"I think you'll need more than five yen, Miko-chan," Serenity countered.

"Iie, not just five yen... five thousand yen." All four adults blinked.

"How'd you get that much?" Serenity questioned.

"Um... well, my allowance and Kimeko gave me some money for Christmas
and Sakuya gave me some too..." she trailed off and grinned, "And 'Sagi
pays me money too."

"And why does Usagi `pay you money'?" Serenity questioned in a
disinterested tone.

"Five yen for every cookie I sneak her," Misako stated proudly, "I get
ten yen for ice cream."

"And just how long has this been going on?" Serenity questioned.

"Since my birthday. 'Sagi said I was big enough to have a job." Misako
then shrugged. "I asked Daddy if I could get a job from 'Sagi and he
said it was okay."

"Miko-chan, come show me what you want to buy. I have to go home and
have a little talk with Usagi," Serenity said while rising. <So, that's
where those cookies have been disappearing to. I knew if Misako ate that
many, she'd get sick and Endymion really isn't one for cookies.> A
slight frown came onto Serenity's face. <And this'll prove to Endymion I
don't sleepwalk!>

                                 ******

Later that evening, Serenity carried the cookie jar down the hall to
Usagi's bedroom. Stopping, she knocked on the door and waited for a
response. "Come in," came Usagi's reply. Opening the door, Serenity
stepped inside and smiled, "Hi Mom," Usagi said and then looked
questioningly at the cookie jar.

"What are you up to, Usagi-chan?" Serenity asked as she came in and
walked over to the bed. Sitting down, she purposely put the cookie jar
on the bed between her and Usagi.

"Nothin' really, just a little reading before bed," Usagi remarked while
never looking at her mother. "Are we going to have an `onee talk'?"
Unconsciously, she licked her lips.

"Iie," Serenity said, "I thought you'd like a cookie."

"Really?" Usagi questioned. At Serenity's nod, she went to reach for a
cookie but Serenity pushed her hand away. "Nani?" she asked her mother.

"Five yen please," Serenity stated while holding out her hand. Usagi's
eyes bulged for a moment while she blushed slightly before quickly
recovering.

"Nani? Five yen? For a cookie?!?" Usagi demanded. <Uh oh...>

"Isn't that the going rate?" Serenity asked calmly.

"Ah... going rate?" Usagi asked innocently.

"Save it, Usagi. I know about the little side deal you've got worked out
with Misako." Usagi paled slightly and looked at the cookie jar as if it
held something poisonous. "The question is what to do," Serenity mused
more to herself then Usagi, "Your father and I restricted your after
meal snacks because of your grades. You not only involved your sister in
going against our wishes but also you openly defied us."

"Please Mom, don't get mad at Misako. She didn't have anything really to
do with this. I asked her if she wanted a job and Dad said it was okay."
She gave her mother a pleading look.

Serenity considered this for a moment. "All right, Usagi, as I see it
you've been pulling this little stunt for thirty weeks." Serenity paused
again in consideration. "I'll give you a choice. You can either lose
your allowance for thirty weeks. Or we can tell your father about this
and Misako's involvement in it and both of you will be punished
together."

<What a choice,> Usagi thought grumpily. "Misako told you, ne?"

"She had a large amount of money and I asked her off-handedly where she
got it. She said you had given her a job." Serenity gave Usagi a small
smile. "Your father and I knew about the cookies before hand. We just
never had any proof. Usagi, you would have been caught sooner or later.
Better it be this way then having one of us catch you in the act, ne?"

"I guess so," Usagi admitted. <Misako's been really good lately and
we've been getting along.> After a little more thought, she decided.
"Mom, do you promise that Misako won't get into trouble?" Serenity
nodded. "Okay, no allowance then."

"Good choice." Tilting the cookie jar, Serenity offered, "Have a cookie
and drown your misery." She then giggled when Usagi gave her a sour look
but took a cookie anyway. <Yep, she's my daughter.>

The next day Usagi was relieved to learn that she would not lose her
allowance for thirty weeks. Serenity explained that she had been testing
Usagi and she had passed. However, passing Serenity's test did not
negate any form of punishment for defying her parents.

In retrospect, Usagi would have much preferred the loss of her allowance
to the alternative. The loss of dessert privileges and being banned from
between meal snacks for an entire month was, in Usagi's considered
opinion, a devastating blow.

                                 ******

The rest of April was not as pleasant as what Misako might have thought.
Firstly, it was taking much longer to heal her ankle than what she
thought it should. And once again, Usagi was hogging all of their
parents' time; not only did Misako have to struggle with a reduction in
her father's attention but also Serenity's newly won attention quickly
slipped away as well.

As May began, Misako started to get depressed again, but for a different
reason. Kimeko was coming home in later that month and Misako was not
looking forward to facing her. Even with the assurances that she had not
killed Mika, the little girl felt responsible for Mika's death. There
had to have been something she didn't do correctly.

On the fifteenth when Kimeko was due to come home, she had opted not to
travel to the airport with the others. She was glad her parents didn't
force her to go. What had been the real surprise was that Sakuya had
volunteered to stay with her while Sawa went to greet Kimeko.

                                 ******

After clearing customs, Ensign Aino Kimeko in her CTDF fuku entered into
the airport proper. It was easy to spot the people waiting for her.
Giggling, Kimeko went over and bowed to Serenity, Endymion, and Usagi.
"Your Majesties, Your Highness," Kimeko said, "I am pleased to see you
again."

"As are we," Endymion replied.

"Admiral," Kimeko said and saluted her mother. Minako managed to stop
herself from giggling and returned the salute. Kimeko then turned to her
brother.

"Ensign," Masao said softly, a small smile pulling at the corners of his
mouth.

"Sir!" Kimeko snapped to attention and saluted him again but she
couldn't help but smile.

After returning the salute, Masao walked up and said softly, "Welcome
home, Imouto." He gave her a hug that lifted Kimeko off of the ground.
Kimeko let her duffel bag drop and returned the hug.

"I've missed you so much!" Kimeko stated softly, tears beginning to run
down her cheeks, "It's good to be home, Onii-chan."

                                 ******

Kimeko quietly entered the Royal Family Suite and barely managed to
contain her excitement at seeing Sakuya. Padding over, she proceeded to
hug Sakuya, much to her displeasure. "Sako-chan, I'm so glad to see
you," Kimeko said softly after letting the hug go.

<Look at you now. I'm so proud of you...> "I'm happy to see you too,
Ko-chan," Sakuya said while giving her young friend a broad smile, "But
I think there's a little girl that needs to see you more. What say we
get together tonight and celebrate?"

"Are you cooking?" Kimeko asked hopefully, her mouth starting to water
at the thought of getting some excellent food.

"I might. Now go see Misako," Sakuya directed.

"Hai, Ma'am," Kimeko chirped and flipped Sakuya a salute. She then
softly giggled as Sakuya scowled. Shaking her head, Kimeko softly walked
down the hallway and paused outside of Misako's room.

                                 ******

Misako looked outside, her arms folded and resting on the windowsill,
her chin resting on top of her arms. She sighed a little, she just
couldn't think of a way to make it up to Kimeko. <Kimeko was supposed to
be home by lunch. It's almost four.> Misako could feel her eyes mist
over and she blinked to clear them. <I bet they're having a party or
something.> The little girl sniffled a bit. <I want to see Kimeko but...
I'm scared she'll yell at me.> Sakuya had even tried to coax Misako out
during the little girl's vigil by the window but Misako was in no mood.
As Misako saw it, her only hope for not being lonely lay in Kimeko, and
the young woman didn't want anything to do with her. So lost in thought
was she that Misako never heard her door open. She wasn't aware of the
person coming up behind her.

"Miko-chan," the voice called out.

Misako jumped and whirled around. Her eyes enlarged when she saw Kimeko
standing there. Her throat tightened as her eyes began to mist over, her
bottom lip trembling. "Ko... konnichiwa," Misako got out shakily, "I...
I..."

"I missed you too, Miko-chan," Kimeko said softly and knelt, "I thought
about you every day." She then gave the little girl a large smile.
"Don't I get a hug? Or are you too big for that now?" A need to be
comforted overrode Misako's initial fear and the little girl launched
herself wholeheartedly into Kimeko's open arms.

"I missed you, Onee-chan!" Misako said through her now freely flowing
tears as she wrapped her arms around Kimeko's neck and hugged her
guardian. She felt Kimeko hug her in return. "Gomen nasai," Misako
choked out as she tried to speak, "I didn't mean to kill her!"

Standing, Kimeko lifted the little girl, all the while continuing to
fiercely hug the person she had missed so much over the past year. "I
know, Miko-chan, and I don't think it was your fault." Sitting on the
bed, she allowed her hug to relax a little. Misako automatically shifted
into a more comfortable position and she looked up through her tears.
"Why didn't you come to the airport and meet me?" Kimeko asked softly.
<Serenity told me you wanted to stay here.>

"'Cause I thought you'd hate me," Misako whispered out, while she picked
at the blue dress she was wearing.

Kimeko went to stroke one of Misako's pigtails and then noticed they
were missing. "What happened to your hair?!?" Kimeko questioned
suddenly, "Your odangos are missing!"

"I wanted to be like my onee..." Misako started then trailed off,
lowering her head she sniffled and stated, "You're my onee now... if you
want to be." She looked hopefully towards Kimeko and added, "But I guess
you wouldn't 'cause you can't like me."

Gently placing a hand on Misako's head, Kimeko sighed, "Oh Miko-chan, I
love you; and I wouldn't mind being your onee." <It's a good thing
Serenity-sama warned me off about mentioning Usagi. Although why she
forgot to tell me about Misako's hair...> Lifting the little girl off
her lap, Kimeko stood Misako on the ground and gave her a long
appraising look. "You've grown since I saw you last. And your hair's
longer too."

"Hai, I'm eight and a half now. I'm not a baby like Usagi thinks I am,"
Misako stated firmly and twirled around. Then taking on a serious
expression said, "If you're mad at me, how come you came home? I thought
you went away because you were mad at me."

"Honestly," Kimeko said with mild exasperation, "Well I see there's only
one cure for this." Picking Misako up and placing the little girl under
her arm, Kimeko instructed, "You're coming with me, Miko-chan."

"Nani?!?" Misako squawked in protest.

"You're going to help me pick out a new kitten. Then you'll see that I
care a lot about you." Kimeko then unceremoniously walked out of
Misako's room and out of the Royal Family Suite. Misako just hung there,
unsure what to do and not sure whether she should be enjoying the ride
or not.

<Kimeko-oneechan isn't as mad as I thought she would be,> Misako
thought, <But if she isn't that mad... why'd she stay away that long?>
Shrugging the best she could, Misako sighed. Some things grownups did
were never meant to be explained. Like why sometimes her parents locked
their bedroom door.

                                 ******

The first Saturday in June was hot. The sun shone down from the
cloudless blue sky while a warm wind blew from the southeast. Serenity
came out into the clear weather in search of her daughter. "Misako!"
Serenity called out.

"Hi Mom!" came the voice close beside her. Whirling around, Serenity
gave a little gasp. Her daughter was sitting astride the wall that
separated the backyard from the formal gardens. She was wearing a pair
of bright green shorts and a bright yellow blouse. "Did you want
something?"

"Tsukino Misako! You get off of that wall this minute!" Serenity
commanded while walking quickly over. "I thought I told you not to even
try going up there."

"Iie Mom," Misako disagreed with a little sigh, "You said I couldn't
climb the OUTSIDE wall. This is INSIDE." She smiled at her mother then,
"'Sides, it's pretty up here. You can see all over the place."

<First, it was a six o'clock wake up call. Then it was musical food for
breakfast...> There had also been other minor things before Serenity had
told her daughter to go out and play quietly. <I knew I shouldn't have
said that. Misako NEVER plays quietly.> To say that her patience was
wearing thin would have been an understatement. "Misako, I asked you to
come down from there."

"Hai," Misako said reluctantly and in three quick movements, dropped to
the ground. After her landing, she stood up and grinned at Serenity.
"See Mom, I'm okay."

Looking sternly at her daughter, Serenity said, "Miko-chan, I think
maybe you should come inside and do something quiet like color."

"But I want to play out here!" Misako protested, "It's really nice
and... What if I color out here?"

"Gomen iie, you have a choice: color inside or do something quiet in
your room. I don't have time to keep an eye on you constantly, and the
way you're going, you'll kill yourself." Misako started to protest but
Serenity stopped her with an upraised hand. "Young lady, I have asked
you to do something. You will do it or I will make the choice for you."
Grumbling darkly, Misako went past her mother and into the house. <She
gets more like Usagi every day,> Serenity thought as she followed her
wayward daughter inside.

A short time later found Misako lying on the floor in the living room
beside the television while she colored. She had continued to mutter
about the unfairness of it and how she was perfectly safe but that had
seemed to annoy her mother even more. Deciding that it was best to
simply comply, Misako settled down and continued to draw.

Time seemed to stand still then. Misako wasn't really interested in
drawing so she spent a good half an hour daydreaming about what she
could have been doing. Misako sighed slightly and looked longingly
towards the backyard. <I was just havin' fun,> Misako thought grumpily
as she went back to her coloring, <Mom didn't have to throw a fit.> She
would love to be outside but Misako had pushed her mother's patience too
far.

After a minute or so, she sat up and examined her picture with a
critical eye. A slow smile came across her face. <Hai, I like this one.>
It was of Kimeko and her new kitten. Kimeko was easily distinguishable,
with her ever-present bow. She was holding a pile of whiteness with
small circles for eyes. <It looks just like Fubuki-chan,> Misako
giggled. Kimeko's kitten was a mass of white fur. You could barely see
her eyes or her mouth. And she acted just like her namesake, a great
snowstorm... unless she was sleeping.

Her admiration of her work was interrupted when Usagi's voice broke the
stillness of the suite. "Mom!!!" Usagi bellowed out, "I got something to
show you!" Misako scowled slightly and got up. Serenity, hearing her
oldest daughter, came out of the kitchen and over to the entranceway.

"Usagi-chan, what is it?" Serenity questioned.

"I won! I won! I won!" Usagi exclaimed after coming to a halt in front
of her mother. She then started to bounce excitedly up and down. "The
picture I drew won the contest!"

Serenity gave a squeal of delight and hugged her daughter. "Let me see!"
Usagi excitedly nodded and handed the picture over to her mother.
Serenity gave a little gasp and said, "Sugoi! Oh Usagi that's just so
wonderful... You and Misako look so lifelike." She beamed proudly at her
eldest daughter.

"Can I see?" Misako questioned coming over to stand beside her mother.

"Gomen Misako," Serenity said, "We don't want anything to happen to
this." Misako scowled darkly at her mother, "Maybe when we put this in a
frame, you can have a look."

"You gonna frame mine?" Misako asked as she handed her own picture to
Serenity.

"Honestly Misako," Serenity commented, "You don't need to be the center
of attention all the time." She took Misako's picture crumpling it
slightly in the process. After a brief pause, she said, "That's nice,
dear, but maybe we'll frame another one." Handing it back, Serenity took
Usagi's hand and said, "Come on let's go show this to your father. He
and Hiroshi are in the study."

"Hai!" Usagi chirped happily and, with that, both Usagi and Serenity
left Misako glaring at them. Biting her lower lip, Misako turned and
slowly walked to her room. Her eyes filled with tears but she held them
back; she wouldn't give "them" the satisfaction of seeing her cry.

<Fine Mom, see if I draw anymore. You're the one that wanted me to draw
that baka picture!> Misako angrily thought. Entering her room, she
closed the door softly and looked around. <Why should I draw? Nobody
thinks they're good.> A sad smile flitted across Misako's face as she
saw her intended target. <Mom just says they're `good' to be nice but I
know she hates my pictures; she always has.>

                                 ******

"Oh just look at the time!" Serenity wailed as she came bolting out of
the study, "We spent two hours in there and I completely forgot about
lunch and Misako!" Serenity looked around the living room but only saw
Misako's crayons and a few sheets of paper. "I hope she hasn't stuffed
herself on cookies."

"I don't think so," Usagi mused, "I mean she isn't named Usagi." She
then giggled as her mother gave her a stern look. "Well it's true."

"I don't like that implication, young lady," Serenity said in mocking
tones of gruffness, "Take Misako's crayons and paper to her. She's
likely in her room because I don't see her outside. I'll go finish off
lunch and then we can eat." With that, Serenity dashed off into the
kitchen.

Smiling and shaking her head, Usagi gathered up the package of crayons
and the paper before heading towards Misako's room. But as she thought
more about Misako, something started to bother her. <Why didn't we hear
from her? If she was hungry, she'd let us know. I don't think she ran
away again.> Hurrying her pace, Usagi knocked on Misako's door but there
was no answer.

"Miko-chan?" Usagi questioned and knocked again. Still there was no
reply. <Oh Kami-sama, not again.> Gripping the doorknob, Usagi opened
the door and blinked. Misako was sitting on the floor, half-hidden by
torn paper. The little girl only gave Usagi a brief glare before
proceeding to rip up another picture. "What are you doing?!?" Usagi
demanded as she dropped the crayons and paper before dashing over to her
sister.

"Get out!" Misako demanded and picking up another picture tore it into
little bits, "No one likes my pictures. Not you... or Mom... or Daddy!"
Giving a sniffle, she snatched up another picture.

"Iie!" Usagi demanded and lunging forward snatched the picture out of
her sister's grasp, "Miko-chan, this is wrong!"

Scrambling to her feet, Misako glared angrily at Usagi, her eyes red
from crying, her cheeks stained with tears but her mouth and nostrils
were set in a defiant and menacing state. "Give me that picture!" Misako
growled, "That's mine you... you..." Misako couldn't think of anything
nasty enough. She settled for flaring her nostrils and giving a hard
look at her sister. "It's my picture and I can do anything I want with
it!"

"But Misako, I like your pictures, so does Mom. She said that your
pictures are good," Usagi pleaded.

"GIMME THAT PICTURE!!!!" Misako roared and, jumping, grabbed the
picture. There was a brief tussle and then the picture ripped. Misako
gave her sister a satisfied look before going after another picture but
Usagi got in her way. "THESE ARE MINE! BAKA ODANGO ATAMA!"

"Please Misako, I said iie!" Usagi said, "Why are you ripping up all
your pictures?"

"'CAUSE OF YOU!" Misako howled and then pushed Usagi out of the way.

"What's going on in here?!?" Serenity demanded as she came into the
room. "What's all the..." she trailed off as she saw all the paper lying
around, "By the Ghost of Serenity, what happened?!?"

"Misako is ripping up all her pictures!" Usagi explained as she pointed
to her sister. As proof of this, Misako snatched up her last untouched
picture. It was the one of Kimeko and her new kitten. With an evil grin,
she ripped it ensuring that Usagi could see every movement. "You see!"
Usagi demanded of her mother.

"Misako, why did you ruin all your pictures?" Serenity questioned
sternly.

"'Cause, they are MY pictures!" Misako snapped, "And you don't like any
of MY pictures. Just Usagi's. You never know what I draw. I always have
to tell you."

Serenity marched over and taking Misako by the arm directed her to a
corner. "You can spend the rest of the afternoon thinking about what you
did. And I'll just make sure you can't draw anything else. If you're
going to waste good paper, then you're not going to get any." Turning,
Serenity gathered every last drawing supply and marched to the door.
"Usagi, come along and eat lunch. Leave that pile of garbage for Misako
to clean up later."

Usagi slowly followed her mother and gave Misako a sad look. The little
girl didn't turn around, her shoulders were shaking though. <Oh Misako,
what happened?> Usagi sadly thought. Giving one more sad look towards
the pictures, she left the room.

<I'm never going to draw again!> Misako thought, her body shaking in
rage, <I hate drawing!> She looked angrily at the door and scowled.
"Take my crayons! I don't want anything you gave me, Mom!" Misako
growled out. <Baka Odango Atama.>

                                 ******

The next day was much as the same. However, Misako had changed from the
green and yellow to a more pleasant light blue for both her shorts and
T-shirt. She was sitting on the couch looking at the television. There
wasn't anything interested on and she wasn't allowed outside because of
her, as her mother put it, "little temper tantrum the other day".
Sighing, she slid off of the couch and wandered towards her room. Misako
was just happy that her mother and father were off on some tour for a
few days.

At that moment, Usagi came out of her room, a large grin on her face.
"Miko-chan," Usagi said, "I have something for you!" Misako paused with
her hand on the doorknob and gave Usagi a quizzical look. After walking
up to her sister, Usagi said, "Imouto, do you remember that picture I
drew yesterday?"

"Hai," Misako snapped and started opening her door, "What about it?"

"Well I want to give it to you," Usagi remarked while holding out the
picture now in a simple glass frame. It was a seascape. Usagi was
wearing a pink bathing suit while Misako wore a purple one with thin
pink lines. Both girls looked to be enjoying themselves as the played in
the surf. "You're my imouto and I love you," Usagi stated proudly, "I
won a prize for this one. I know you ruined all your pictures but you
can have this one to start your collection again."

What happened next was a total shock. Misako's eyes flared with anger;
snatching the framed picture from Usagi's hands, she threw it against
the wall. The frame shattered sending pieces of wood and glass flying
everywhere. Before Usagi could say anything, Misako had snatched up the
picture and, in a few quick motions, shredded the picture into tiny
pieces.

"I HATE YOU, USAGI!! I don't want your baka picture!" Misako yelled and,
turning, she stomped into her room and slammed the door.

"What happened?" Kimeko questioned as she came running to the entrance
hallway; Sawa was right behind her. "Usagi-chan, don't move. There's
glass all over the place."

Usagi didn't even hear Kimeko. She just stared at the spot where her
sister had been in disbelief. Her bottom lip trembled slightly as she
thought about what her sister had said. Slowly tears ran down her face
as she silently cried. <Misako, I thought we were doing so well,> Usagi
sadly thought, <I know we had rough spots but what did I do wrong?>
Something within her heart ached. Her control slowly slid away and she
started to cry openly.

"Come on," Sawa said softly to Usagi, "Let's go into your room." She
then gently directed Usagi down the hall. Before entering Usagi's room,
she gave Kimeko a worried look. It didn't help when Kimeko returned it.

                                 ******

It took Kimeko ten minutes to get the hallway cleaned up and the story
out of Usagi. It took another ten minutes for her to wrestle with her
conscience. Kimeko briefly thought about calling Sakuya to talk to her
but then dismissed it. Walking into the hallway, she went over to
Misako's door and knocked.

"Usagi, go to hell!" Misako shouted.

Kimeko jerked the door open and said, "Nani, young lady?!?"

"Gomen Onee-chan," Misako apologized, "But I thought you were Usagi.
She's always knocking and stuff. I don't want her around."

Entering the room fully, Kimeko closed the door and stalked over Misako.
"That is no excuse for that type of language. Now why did you destroy
Usagi's picture?"

"Because she's a snot-faced crybaby who always gets her own way," Misako
grumbled out, "She tried to get me to like her by giving me that baka
picture."

"Tsukino Misako!" Kimeko said in horror. <I go away for a year and she
turns into a terror.> "I want you to apologize to Usagi this minute."

"No way!" Misako protested, "Onee-chan, would you read me a story?
Please?"

"Misako, you know I'll have to punish you," Kimeko stated softly, "Now
please go and apologize to Usagi. You hurt her feelings by smashing that
picture and both of you could have cut yourselves."

Crossing her arms and pouting, Misako ground out, "Iie, I will not
apologize to that baka odango atama!"

<Oh Misako,> Kimeko thought sadly. She took two quick breaths, more to
steady her nerves than to control her anger. Stepping forward, she
lifted Misako up and said, "Misako, you leave me no choice then."
Sitting on Misako's bed, she settled the little girl over her lap.

"Iie! Kimeko, you never do this!" Misako wailed, "Why are you being so
mean?!" She started to squirm as Kimeko tightened her grip. "IIE!"
Misako howled again, "Let go!!!!"

Kimeko fought a brief mental battle before raising her hand. She
proceeded to deliver two swats to the little girl's bottom. She was in
the process of raising her hand for a third when Misako squirmed out of
her hold and onto the floor.

"Baka Kimeko!" Misako yelled while tears streaked down her face. She
delivered a kick to Kimeko's shin.

Grimacing in pain, Kimeko snagged Misako and, after a brief struggle,
got her back into position. She then delivered four firm swats to
Misako's rear. By the end, Misako was crying in loud agonized wails
while sobbing out about how Kimeko was a traitor. Kimeko stood Misako up
and started to scold, "What you did was wrong, and you knew that. You
hurt Usagi's feelings. She was trying to be a good onee. And you have no
business using that type of language."

"I don't want her as an onee!" Misako cried while rubbing her bottom. "I
want you to be my onee!"

Guiding Misako over to a corner, Kimeko instructed, "Misako, I want you
to stand here until I come back. Don't you dare move either." With that,
she left the room and closed to door. Misako settled slightly but
continued to cry. She didn't have anybody who cared about her feelings;
even Kimeko was against her. Through the haze of anger at Kimeko came
one distinctive thought. She'd hurt Usagi, even if that meant a hundred
spankings. She would make sure that Usagi was miserable.

                                 ******

Kimeko sadly watched Misako change Fubuki-chan's litter box in her
apartment. It was the day after Kimeko had punished Misako and the
little girl was still carrying signs of resentment; not that Kimeko
blamed her. She remembered being punished when she was young and could
understand what Misako was thinking, in a way.

She looked down at the white ball of fur that was her kitten and sighed
a little. She gently stroked the cat's fur trying not to wake it up.
<What am I going to do?> Kimeko thought, <I hated doing that. Misako was
right; I am a traitor.> Before Kimeko could start to brood properly, she
was drawn from her thoughts by Misako's voice.

"I'm done," Misako said while standing by the door.

"Miko-chan, can we talk?" Kimeko asked the little girl; Misako seemed
reluctant at first but putting her bookbag down walked over to the
couch. "Arigato for helping out. I didn't think you'd come today."

"Why?" Misako asked, "I'm not mad at Fubuki-chan."

"Just me, ne?" Kimeko questioned sadly. Misako nodded and Kimeko gave a
little sigh. Gently moving the kitten to the cushion beside her, Kimeko
leaned forward and said, "You know what you did was wrong, ne?" Misako
just looked at her. "Now Miko-chan, you know that destroying Usagi's
picture was wrong."

"Hai," Misako admitted, "Sawa told me that it was of me and Usagi." She
felt a little lump starting to form in her throat. <I guess I
shouldn't've wrecked the picture.>

"I told you your onee was trying to be nice but you wouldn't believe
me," Kimeko admonished gently, "I wouldn't lie to you Misako unless I
really had to. You know, I would've punished you anyway because what you
did was wrong." She reached out and drew Misako into a hug.

Misako sniffled a little but sat on Kimeko's knee and returned the hug.
She looked up and said, "Onee-chan, how come you spanked me? You never
did that before."

"Your parents thought I was being too easy on you. You really misbehaved
yesterday. I think if you..."

"Mom told you to do that?!?" Misako demanded, now glaring at Kimeko.

"Hai," Kimeko said, "Like I said, your parents thought that I was being
too easy on you when you misbehaved." Kimeko then became aware that
Misako wasn't paying attention. The little girl had started to breathe
hard as she glared towards the floor.

<Mom made me be mad at Kimeko...> It suddenly occurred to Misako what
she had done to Kimeko the day before; her anger quickly fled and she
slumped slightly. Her eyes misted over and she looked at Kimeko sadly.
"Gomen nasai. Kimeko-oneechan, do you still like me?"

"Miko-chan," Kimeko replied with some exasperation, "Get this through
your head. I love you and I always will. I won't leave you unless I have
to just like with my Officers Candidate School."

"But Sakuya left Usagi," Misako argued softly while hugging Kimeko.
<'Sagi's been really sad 'cause Sakuya won't talk to her.> She placed
her head on Kimeko's shoulder and closed her eyes. <This is nice.> Now
if she could only stay here all the time, but she couldn't and she
wouldn't try to abandon her father again.

Stroking the little girl's hair, Kimeko said softly, "Would you do me a
favor, Miko-chan?" Misako gave a soft burble. "I want you to be a good
imouto for Usagi."

"Why?!?" Misako said while suddenly sitting up. She teetered for a
moment then, giving a yelp of protest, toppled to the floor. Glaring up
at Kimeko, she stated, "Usagi isn't my onee."

"Please... for me," Kimeko asked while helping Misako up, "You know that
Usagi is really sad." Misako nodded. "Well she and Sakuya had a fight.
You could help cheer her up by being a good imouto. Please Miko-chan,
you'd do it for me, ne?"

Misako took a deep breath, held it, and then gave a heaving sigh. "Okay
Onee-chan, just for you," Misako agreed, "'Sagi hasn't been that bad
either except for last Saturday." But there was something about the
incident that was telling Misako she was wrong. <Maybe that's how come
'Sagi's actin' weird...> She knew how much she missed Kimeko so it would
only be natural for Usagi to miss Sakuya as much if not more so.

After settling back onto Kimeko's lap, she turned her head upward and
asked, "'Sagi's acting wierd. She gets all embarressed if I ask her why.
She cries a lot too."

Kimeko wrinkled her brow for a moment then said, "Well Miko-chan, Usagi
is at an age where her body is changing."

"How come her body's changing? Is she a monster?" Misako questioned.

"Iie," Kimeko said and giggled, "It's because of puberty."

"What's that?" Misako asked, <I heard that before...> She just wasn't
sure what it really meant.

"I think you should ask your mom that," Kimeko suggested, "It's really
something that you need to talk to her about." Misako didn't respond but
she had a definite thought about asking her mother, not bloody likely.

                                 ******

Minako heard the knock at her office door and frowned slightly. <It's
almost time to go home.> Hiroshi was making something special and Kimeko
was coming over. "Come in," she said with a hint of irritation.

"Okaa-san?" Masao questioned while he entered the room, "Am I disturbing
you?"

"Iie," Minako replied and waved him in, "Have a seat, Masao. I thought
you were somebody looking to keep me away from home for the next hour or
so." Masao gave his mother a knowing grin. "And what's with this
`Okaa-san'?!" Minako questioned.

"Well... uhmmm... you see... There's this girl," Masao stated
sheepishly. Minako was about to demand if it was the same girl that had
broken up with him but held her tongue. "I'm really interested in her
but..." he trailed off and blushed.

"And what?" Minako asked while getting up to take a seat beside her son.

"Okaa-san, I'm just not really sure if she's interested in me." He
looked at his mother in a way she hadn't seen in years. It was a look of
a little boy who wasn't really sure what to do.

"Have you told her how you feel?" Masao gave an expressive shrug. "How
is she supposed to know what you're thinking without telling her?"

"That's just it, I don't know how to tell her. Every time I work up
enough courage to ask her something, I wind up babbling like an idiot."

Gently taking Masao's hand, Minako asked, "You're scared, ne?" Masao
looked as if he was going to protest that accusation so Minako
explained, "Masao, when I met your father, I was scared. I think all the
Senshi get scared at one time or another. For us, a relationship is
something that is very special to us. We know that, in the end, that
we'll likely outlive those who we love the most." Her eyes moistened and
she blinked a little. "We deal with it in different ways. Did I ever
tell you how I met your father?"

"Iie," Masao said softly. He gave his mother a concerned look but it
went away when she gave him a smile.

"I had seen him around the Palace and then more so when he was appointed
as one of Endymion's private assistants. But I'm getting ahead of
myself. Say thirty-five years ago, one winter shortly before Christmas,
my other husband died. Every year after that, I was getting into a
pretty bad state around that time," Minako trailed off for a moment,
lost in thought. "It was ten years after my husband's death that I did
something stupid and tried to drink my pain away at a Christmas party.
Thankfully, Hiroshi had the sense enough to get me home before I did
something really stupid." She gave her son a reassuring smile and
continued, "We didn't start dating until two years after that. It was
another four before we married."

"How..." Masao began then trailed off; there was silence for several
seconds before he asked, "Don't you worry that you'll go through the
same thing again?"

"Hai," Minako said softly, "But it also makes me realize how precious
our time is together. I try not to think about it. Not because I can't
face it, but because I can't do anything about it." Smiling sadly,
Minako added, "But I don't think this'll help you with your girl
problems."

"I think it does, Mom," Masao responded, "I just need time to think."
Getting up, he gave his mother a kiss and left the office. Minako sat
for a long moment staring after her son, wondering what the future held,
for both of them.

                                 ******

The mid-morning sun filtered into the Aino residence. Minako placed the
last of the tea things onto the table and sat down. "Help yourselves,
minna," she directed to her two guests.

After a moment, Hiroshi shifted slightly and gave Sakuya and Masao a
long measuring look. He rubbed a hand over his mouth and regarded
Minako. <She doesn't know what this is about either.> After drinking a
little of his tea, Hiroshi began, "I'm not really sure why the two of
you wanted to meet us." He glanced towards his wife before saying, "I
mean Rakurai-san, Minako, and I have had contact with each other through
our duties before." He suppressed a sigh that wanted to escape his lips
at that thought. <Not that she isn't nice to work with... She's just so
intense... And so very distracting in that Sailor fuku of hers.> Even
after all this time being married, he still occasionally found his mind
wandering at the thought of the sight of his wife in her Sailor fuku.

"Hai," Minako agreed, noting a strange look in her husband's eyes. "And
neither of us have duties with Masao." She gave them a long, measuring
look before asking, "Now are you going to tell us what this meeting is
about or should we start guessing?" She gave Sakuya a smile but somehow
sensed that it was wrong.

"Well, Aino-san," Sakuya began, a nervous quality in her voice, "It is
not an official matter per se." Minako nodded. "That's why we requested
this informal meeting."

Minako watched Sakuya with concern. <Why's she suddenly nervous?>
"Sako-chan, what's on your mind?"

"Um well..." Sakuya seemed to flounder and trailed off.

"Okaa-san, Otou-san, we wanted to ask your permission about something,"
Masao interjected. A confused look came over his parents' faces as they
looked at each other. "As Sakuya said this isn't official."

"Hai," Hiroshi said absently, "We know Masao-kun, but what exactly is it
that you want our permission for?" He fixed his son with an intense gaze
and then suddenly his eyes enlarged slightly. <Kami-sama, that can't be
the reason.>

Masao opened his mouth to speak but Sakuya started first. "We were
planning on getting married if that would be okay with you," she said in
a rush before blushing.

Minako and Hiroshi both blinked. Then Minako's mouth swung open as her
eyes enlarged with surprise. She stared at Sakuya for several seconds.
Hiroshi was doing about the same thing. After a moment or so, Minako got
enough of her shock under control to say, "So that's what those talks
were about. First Masao and then Sakuya." She shook her head. "I knew
both of you were in love but I didn't think with each other."

Sakuya looked guilty towards the floor. "I know, Minako-san," she
whispered.

Minako understood her meaning and sighed, "It's just a shock,
Sakuya-san."

"You can say that again!" Hiroshi stated now entering the conversation,
"It's just so shocking." He noted his son's defensive look and he
explained, "I meant shocking to have this sprung upon us that way.
Goodness knows, I'm in no position to complain about age difference." He
got a dirty look from Minako but ignored it.

"I am NOT that old!" Minako whined aloud. After settling down, she
turned back to the couple and said, "Are you sure about this, Sako-chan?
I mean this family isn't the most normal of bunches." She snickered as
Masao agreed, then protested about the implications.

"Sobo says `Family is family and if everyone was the same the world
would be a very boring place'," Sakuya remarked, "Besides, there's
something about Masao that is... well... hard to describe."

"Then we won't object," Hiroshi said after looking at his wife. Hiroshi
shook Masao's hand. Minako showed her thinking in her own way. She gave
a squeal of delight and jumping up ran around the table to hug both
Sakuya and Masao while babbling about how great this wedding would be.

                                 ******

Kimeko rubbed her eyes as she looked over her textbook. <Sure Mom and
Younger Saturn gave me a good choice of positions,> Kimeko thought,
<They just didn't tell me it would be this much work.> After having
settled back into a routine, her mother had questioned her on her future
plans. Kimeko hadn't really thought of college, at least not yet.

She hadn't given her mother's inquiries much thought until Younger
Saturn had scheduled a meeting. She had been given a few options that
she could choose if she wanted to. <But why I ever took a junior
position in National Security I don't know,> Kimeko thought as she
flipped her textbook shut. <National Security has a lot of flexibility.
I suppose if I got bored after a time, I could transfer into something
else.> Then the opportunities that she had been presented seemed
fantastic; they still did. However, she was firmly entrenched in reality
because of the law enforcement and other related courses she was
required to take.

Getting up, she wandered into the kitchen of her apartment in the
Younger Senshi wing of the Crystal Palace. Opening the refrigerator, she
was just considering the contents for a large afternoon snack when a
knock came at the door. Thankful for a more legitimate reason to stop
studying, Kimeko wandered over to the door and opened it.

"Konnichiwa Sako..." Kimeko started but then stopped and blinked when
she saw that Masao had his arm around Sakuya. "Sako-chan? Onii-chan?"
Kimeko questioned as she looked from one to the other. A sensation
"slithered" up her spine and she shivered slightly.

"Can we come in, Kimeko-san?" Sakuya asked.

<Kimeko-san?> "H... hai," Kimeko said in a slightly numb tone. She
motioned them in while stepping back from the door, "Make yourselves
comfortable," she directed, "I'll go make up some tea." She watched with
curiosity and open disbelief as Sakuya and Masao came in and went over
to the couch. <If I didn't know any better...> Kimeko tried to shake
that thought off. <Iie, Sakuya would never go through with it. Her
life's too wrapped up in being a Sailor Senshi.> After shutting the
door, she slipped into the kitchen to prepare the tea.

After a short time, the tea was ready but Kimeko still hadn't gotten
over her confusion; she also couldn't shake the feeling that she knew
something. There was some information floating just out of reach of her
mind. Loading a tray up with the cups of tea and some small biscuits,
Kimeko headed out into the living room. She gave them each a hard look
as she placed the tray down on the coffee table. Retrieving a cup, she
sat in the armchair. "You two seem to be in a good mood," Kimeko stated
before giving them a wary look and asking, "You aren't thinking of doing
to me what you did before?"

Chuckling, Masao retrieved his own cup and took a sip. "Iie Imouto,
we're here to tell you something."

"Nani?" Kimeko questioned, the sensation came back. It lasted a little
longer, teasing her slightly. "And why do I get the feeling I may not
like this?" Her eyebrows rose in consternation as Sakuya giggled. <This
is bad, very bad.> She knew that prison life had really done something
to Sakuya but having her giggling like a schoolgirl was just too much.

"Well, Ko-chan, I was wondering if you'd be one of my bride's maids?"
Sakuya asked while giving her young friend a grin.

"You're getting married?" Kimeko questioned without enthusiasm. The
teacup was halfway to her mouth when reality suddenly took hold. Kimeko
sat, more like dropped, the teacup onto the coffee table and stared at
Sakuya. "YOU'RE getting MARRIED?!?" Sakuya nodded. "To who?"

"Me," Masao said smoothly.

The room grew silent for several seconds. Then Kimeko sprang from her
chair and, almost diving, gave both Sakuya and Masao a hug. After a few
seconds, she stood up and babbled, "Oh you sneaky good for nothing!" She
was directing her comments towards Masao, "I knew you were in love. Why
didn't you tell me?!"

"Because I wasn't sure, Kimeko," Masao said while defending himself,
"And it was a mutual decision to take it slow. It could have just been
infatuation on our parts."

"Oh I can hardly wait to see Mom's face! So when are you going to tell
her?" Kimeko questioned then immediately said, "I just have to see
this." It was a few seconds before she noticed the looks on their faces.
"You told her," Kimeko surmised. She sat down, a hurt expression on her
face.

Getting up, Sakuya walked over and kneeling beside Kimeko's chair gave
the young girl's arm a gentle squeeze. "Ko-chan, we would have told you
before; but... I wasn't sure if your mother would approve. I wasn't sure
if Sobo would approve."

"What does that have to do with not telling me, though?" Kimeko
questioned. She gave Sakuya a pained looked before sniffling a little.

"Imouto, what if we had told you but Mom hadn't seen fit to give us her
blessing. What would you have done?" There was a long pause before
Kimeko shook her head. "You don't know and we didn't want to place you
in a situation where you might have to choose."

"Sakuya, I never thought you'd keep stuff from me," Kimeko said sadly,
not really knowing how to express her feelings.

Sakuya gave her a sad smile and replied, "Please Kimeko, we understand
you're angry with us but don't push us away. It was a hard decision on
our part." Her eyes misted slightly and she blinked. "Say you'll help
me, Ko-chan."

"I don't know..." Kimeko said with reluctance, "Hai, on one condition."

"Nani?" Masao questioned.

"I want Misako to be in the wedding." The couple exchanged looks and
then Masao nodded. "Good, now what happened at Mom's?"

"See, Masa-chan, I told you she was part Usagi," Sakuya said. While
Kimeko gave a squawk of protest, Masao chuckled before starting to tell
his sister what had occurred at their mother's earlier that day.

                                 ******

It was the next day when the Royal Family and later the general public
found out about the engagement of Aino Masao and Rakurai Sakuya. The
next afternoon Serenity was coming into the house. Walking down the
hallway, she noted Usagi and Misako watching videos in the living room.

"Konnichiwa girls," she said, "Where's your dad?" Both girls shrugged.
Frowning slightly, Serenity queried, "Did he come home?"

"Hai," Misako said distractedly, "He went outside."

Frowning a little more, Serenity walked over to the backyard door and
looked out. Endymion was leaning against the railing that ran around the
deck. His arms rested on the rail, his shoulders hunched, and head bent.
His shoulders, even from that distance, appeared to be tense. Opening
the door, she went out into the late afternoon air. It smelled of
flowers and the sweet honey-like fragrance that summer seemed to bring.
The wind had a slight chill but was not uncomfortable.

"Endymion," Serenity said softly, "What's the matter? You've been in a
foul mood since Sakuya and Masao told us about their wedding." Her
answer was a rigid shrug. Walking over, she placed a hand on Endymion's
back and ran it up to his shoulder. "What's got you so worked up? I
thought you would be happy."

"It's a mistake," Endymion said, "It's a damn mistake and Makoto's too
blind to see it." He hadn't turned to look at her, but he knew what he
would see. He knew that the quizzical and confused look she gave him
when she didn't, or wouldn't understand, would be on her face. He
answered her question before Serenity could ask it. "Sakuya should not
marry; it is the worst thing she could possibly do."

"Holy Spire on the Moon, why?!?" Serenity demanded, her eyes growing
large with shock.

"Because," Endymion replied while straightening up before turning to
face his wife, "Sakuya's life has always been full of heartache. She
doesn't need one more. One more that she will live with even after Masao
dies."

"Endymion, you can't be serious. Why take this on for Sakuya?" Serenity
questioned, "You've never complained about the others marrying. What
makes Sakuya so special?"

He jerked away from her touch as if it were burning him. Stalking away
slightly, he said, "I just don't want her to be hurt more than she needs
to be." He shook his head and sighed heavily. "Because she is seeking
happiness in marriage and it will be taken away from her; one day...
someday." His voice had grown steadily softer until it was almost
inaudible to Serenity.

Walking over to him, she reached out and then stopped herself. "There's
something else bothering you." She looked at him searchingly. "More than
Sakuya because she will have support. She will not be alone. She has
friends who will get her through this as we have gotten the others
through it."

"Why can't our family be happy?" Endymion asked, sounding tired,
vulnerable. "There is just so little time..."

Serenity walked forward and hugged him. "Endymion... Endymion, why are
you thinking about that? Why are you torturing yourself?"

"You knew I didn't want another child," Endymion whispered softly,
"Misako is going to grow old and die. We are going to see her die!" He
felt his heart ache at that thought but he embraced it.

Serenity was silent. She could feel his body tremble slightly. Leaning
her head against him, she said, "That is a long way off, Endymion. We
don't need to worry about that. We have to concentrate on the here and
now."

He snorted then, turning around in her arms. Looking at her, he snarled,
"It's easy for you, Serenity. You fill your life with Usagi. You fill
your heart with her, knowing that she will never die of old age." She
released her grip and took a step back; raising her hands to her mouth,
she gasped. "Now I know why you shut Misako out all the time, why you
fill your heart with Usagi until Misako is nothing but a vague
thought..."

"Endymion, you're talking nonsense," Serenity protested, her eyes
brimming with tears.

"`Nonsense'?!" he questioned, his voice low and biting, "You push her
out of your heart now so when it comes to the last and she dies, you
won't shed a tear!" Endymion's voice had continued to grow until the
last word came out like a resounding gunshot. Turning abruptly, he
nearly wrenched the gate leading into the formal gardens off its hinges
and stalked away.

Serenity stood for a long time looking at the still swinging gate. The
afternoon light was slowly fading, tears streaking her face. A deep hurt
permeating her heart. After another moment, she followed him through the
gates and into the formal gardens.

She did not need to search long among the varying colors for her
husband. The delicate odors of the flowers seemed to be muted somehow.
The colors seemed to reflect not only the darkening sky but also the
aura of darkest brooding that had recently passed.

She found him in one corner; Endymion was sitting on a bench, head in
hands. His body seemed to sag, as if a great weight rest upon it. He
never raised his head at Serenity's approach, never even acknowledged
she was there.

"Endymion," Serenity said softly, "If you feel this way, then make
Misako a Sailor Senshi. She will live then." He shook his head, slowly,
tiredly. "Why?!" she demanded, "Damn it, Endymion! You rage against what
fate has in store and when I tell you of a way you can solve it, you
shake your head!"

Endymion lifted his face then, drawn in lines of frustration and hurt.
His eyes glimmered with tears and he looked at Serenity for a long
moment before saying, "Because I do not want her to go through what we
went through. Being a Senshi is dangerous, being a Senshi means fighting
any new threat that comes. It means that any of us could die at anytime.
Immortality doesn't guarantee survival." His face acquired a haunted
expression. "Or she could be reincarnated."

Serenity unconsciously shied away slightly, "Endymion, it's all just
speculation."

"Iie, we are proof, Serenity. We have died more than once. We have been
to that dark place." Rising, he looked at her for several seconds before
saying, "Usagi was enough for you, Serenity... But I am trapped. Either
I save my daughter, save her from fate but guarantee she will die and be
reborn at least once; or I can simply wait for the inevitable to
happen."

This time she did not attempt to follow him when he left. He wanted to
be alone, to be with his troubling thoughts. Walking over to the bench,
Serenity sat down, thinking. Thinking of how Usagi would handle the
thoughts of outliving her sister and her friends.

                                 ******

It was late June. The summer had progressed well; the day's heat seemed
to permeate the cool night breeze that wafted in through the open
windows. The ballroom was glittering, both from the three ornate
chandeliers that hung from the ceiling and from the finery that the
guests wore. Gathered there were several of the noble families and other
important officials. Princess Misako, sitting at one of the smaller
tables, looked around the room with Ikado and Yuki. She could easily
spot the Sailor Senshi. Both the Youngers and Elders were wearing
dresses. Even Haruka had came in a dress, although it was of the
plainest designs.

As her gaze wandered about the room, she noted the Palace Guard was
there as well. Most of them in formal wear that made them look more like
guests than guards. She shifted slightly and pulled at her dress. It was
pale yellow in color, made of light material for the summer yet regal as
befitting one of her station in life. It was still way too formal for
her tastes.

<I can hardly wait for Sakuya's wedding!> Misako thought happily,
<They're going to have a party afterwards and Mom and Daddy said I could
stay up until it was over.> That was the main incentive for toning down
her behavior somewhat. It wouldn't do to be banned from the wedding or
the reception that was to follow afterwards.

She glanced over at Sakuya and Masao who were dancing with one another
and she sighed. <I wish I could have a boyfriend,> Misako mused. She
watched the couple for a few more minutes before letting her eyes flit
over to her parents. She giggled then which drew the other girls'
attention.

"What's so funny, Miko-chan?" Yuki asked. She was wearing a frilly blue
dress.

"I was just thinking of 'Sagi and Daddy dancing." This produced giggles
from the two other girls.

"Yeah, that was pretty funny," Hino Ikado admitted. She then sighed as
she saw Usagi and Etsuji Senji dancing together. "She's so lucky." <I
wish he'd ask me to dance.>

"Hai," Misako agreed, "I want a boyfriend too." Yuki frowned and then
noticed that Ikado was craning her neck.

"Whatcha doin'?" she questioned.

"Trying to see if the vein in Mom's forehead has gone," Ikado explained.
At the younger girl's questioning look, she continued, "Noriko, as
usual, managed to drive Mom into a fit." She looked around and leaned
closer. "You both have to promise that you won't tell anybody." Misako
and Yuki shared looks before nodding. "Mom's pregnant."

"Really?" Yuki squeaked.

Ikado nodded. "Noriko, isn't happy we're going to get an otouto."

While Yuki tried to see how big Rei was getting, Misako stared more
intently at Senji and Usagi. Senji was trying hard not to get in the way
of his dance partner. It wasn't much use though because his actions only
seemed to magnify Princess Usagi's problem.

The older girl would inspire awe in people if she stood still. Her dress
was of silver satin. The ubiquitous rabbit's head necklace was replaced
by a small string of pearls while a set of silver earrings peeked out
from behind her long flowing strawberry-blonde pigtails. Her
ovoid-shaped odangos had become more spheroid in shape like her
mother's; it was prompted more because Usagi was tired of being called
"Rabbit Head" than anything else. Although with the new style of odango,
it did give her a certain grown-up appearance.

Misako watched in fascination as Usagi, who was deeply blushing by this
point, tripped on the hem of her long dress. The young man went
sprawling forward slamming into the next couple and toppling them to the
ground. Misako's eyes widened as much as Senji's did when her mind
finally registered who the couple was.

<Poor Senji-kun,> Misako mused, <I guess he's dead.>

Senji was thinking the same thing. He gulped, his face paling as he
looked into the very stern gaze of Sakuya. "Go... Gomen nasai,
Rakurai-san," Senji said while scrambling to his feet. He threw a look
over his shoulder and saw that Usagi was standing perfectly still, her
entire face was crimson red from blushing. She was staring at the floor
and trying desperately to make herself small.

"That's all right," Masao said and helped his fiancee get up. Sakuya
didn't say anything, much to Senji's relief, and soon the couple melted
back into the crowd.

Walking over to his partner, Senji asked, "Would you like to continue
the dance, Your Highness?" Much to his relief, she didn't. After
escorting her back to the table she shared with her younger sister,
Senji returned to his parents. He did not hear Ikado's comments or
Usagi's unlady-like remarks as to what Ikado could do with her comments.

"Senji, why didn't you ask Princess Misako to dance?" his mother
questioned as her son approached where they were standing by one of the
windows. <We need to make a good impression on Their Majesties.>

"Mom, she's just a little kid. I don't even think she's nine yet," Senji
argued. Seeing his parents exchange looks, he begged, "Please, Okaa-san,
don't make me dance with a little kid. I don't want to be embarrassed
again. I nearly got killed out there."

"Now Senji," Mrs. Etsuji admonished gently, "You aren't likely to get
tripped. Princess Misako is very graceful. I've seen her at other balls
and she knows how to dance."

"That's right, Son, and I think if she was about your age, you'd be
interested in her," Mr. Etsuji added.

<I don't think so,> Senji thought but kept that to himself. "If the guys
see me dancing with Princess Misako, I'll never hear the end of it."

"You'll likely never heard the end of your round with Princess Usagi,"
his father said with a smirk, "Think of this next dance as a counter
balance." Senji sighed. He could see that there was no way out of the
situation so he reluctantly returned to the table where he had left
Usagi and Misako.

Usagi was not pleased by the turn of events. She had been hoping that
Senji was coming to talk to her so it was a disappointment when he only
politely acknowledged her and the others before drawing Misako away. Now
as she sat brooding, Usagi watched in disgust as her younger sister
glided easily across the dance floor. More than one adult couple stopped
to watch the mismatched pair.

"She's so good," Ikado said softly, "Kami-sama, if she was any older,
Usagi-chan, you'd be in real trouble."

"I don't know why she wants to dance with HIM!" Yuki declared. Being
younger, she wasn't as fascinated with boys as Misako was. Not that
Misako was all that fascinated either but it seemed to be a requirement
to be a "pre-teen".

Compared to Misako, Senji appeared to be the awkward one. Although as
Usagi suspected, most were attributing it to Misako's short stature. The
more she watched Misako, the more Usagi's disgust grew. She was not
looking forward to the dance at the reception after Sakuya's wedding.
She wasn't looking forward much to the wedding either for that matter
but the dance was of even greater concern.

<Show off!> Usagi thought hotly as she crossed her arms and pouted
slightly. Senji was grinning broadly and appeared to be enjoying
himself. <I can't even get him interested in me and Misako steals him!>
It was a sore spot for Usagi and the more she watched her sister, the
more irritated she became.

After the dance, Misako and Senji came back to the table, both smiling
broadly. Bowing to Misako, Senji said, "Arigato for the dance, Your
Highness." Bowing again, he gave her a brilliant smile before melting
back into the crowd.

Misako turned and, grinning widely, she declared, "Senji-kun's my new
boyfriend!"

Ikado howled with laughter and pointed at Usagi. "Your imouto stole
Senji-sempai!" She started laughing harder at Usagi's dark look.
Doubling over, she grabbed her sides; with a surprised yelp, she fell
off her chair but continued to giggle nonetheless. "So Miko-chan,
Senji-kun's your boyfriend?"

"Ikado..." Usagi hissed angrily.

"Hai," Misako chirped proudly, "I asked him and he said he would."
Usagi's eyes bulged even more and she glared menacingly at both Yuki and
Ikado who were now snickering to one degree or another.

"Usagi-chan," Ikado finally said getting her mirth under some control,
"You should see your face. You look just like Mom did when Noriko told
her what she thought of the baby!" Jumping to her feet, Usagi snarled
darkly before stalking away, melting into the crowd.

End of Chapter 10

Coming next in Chapter 11 - Muted Song