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 13 - Small Steps

The Monday morning sun thrust its shafts of pale wintry light between a
thick layer of clouds. The wind was cold but not strong, giving some
relief to those that needed to venture out into the cold. As the sun
rose a little higher, people began to stir, to awake to a fresh new day.

Tsukino Misako stretched as she shifted in bed. <I don't want to get
up,> the little girl thought as she snuggled under the covers, feeling
their warmth and comfort. After a moment though, Misako rubbed her eyes
as she got out of bed and walked into the bathroom. Blearily, she washed
her face, gasping slightly at the cold water.

Leaving the bathroom, she started to dress noting with some surprise
that her buttocks was not sore. <They really had me going last night,>
Misako mused as she pulled on one sock. <All that talk about the Silver
Millennium...> It had scared her; she paused then a small frown creased
her brow. <That was the whole point,> Misako thought with grownup
understanding, <They wanted to get their point across.> It had been
effective. Glancing at her clock, she noticed that it was not even six
yet.

Walking over to her desk, Misako sat down pulling out a sheet of paper
as she did so. After a moment's hesitation, she picked up a pencil and
started to write. The first part was easy. She could write an apology
and she hoped that the apology would sound sincere enough. The second
part took some thought; how was she supposed to phrase what had
compelled her to take Usagi's necklace? How was she supposed to explain
why she had disrupted the wedding? As she thought about the answers,
another realization came to her. That's why her parents had told her
specifically what they wanted; that's why it wasn't just an apology
note. It was a detailed account of the entire affair, to make her think
about what she had done.

<Mom and Dad are getting really sneaky,> Misako observed, a slow smile
spread across her face. Then she sighed, <Baka Misako, you were trying
to be TOO sneaky and got yourself into this mess.>

                                 ******

Breakfast was a quiet affair. Misako sat in somewhat awed silence as
Usagi was again treated like a little girl. It was unnerving to watch
how smoothly her parents carried it out without even flinching. Usagi
was sitting silently and enduring it all. That is until Endymion brought
up another item to be added to the list.

"Chibi-Usagi-chan, you can help your sister dry the dishes," Endymion
said, "We have to give you some type of chore."

"What about vacuuming?" Usagi questioned. Not that she would mind losing
that particular chore but helping Misako dry didn't sound over appealing
either.

"The vacuum's a little big for you," Endymion replied, "And we don't
want you wrecking the clothes so..."

"Why don't you just say I'm losing all the chores as twelve year old and
getting ones that five year old would have?" Usagi asked in a sulky tone
of voice. Then she noticed her father's eyes and sighed. <Because he was
trying to be nice about it.> Deciding to change the subject, she said,
"Daddy?" Kami-sama, she hated that.

"Hmm?"

"Daddy, when do me and Misako have to apologize?" Usagi questioned. She
blinked and thought, <Did that sound like a little kid?> That was the
last thing she wanted to do was to talk like a little kid.

"Tomorrow," Endymion said, "The Court is busy today and we want to give
everybody involved a couple of days to cool off." He grinned then, "This
will also give you time to practice what you will say."

"Small Lady, wipe your mouth then we'll go brush your teeth," her mother
instructed. Usagi sighed but complied with her mother's directions.
Slipping from the chair, she winced as once again her mother took her
hand and guided her down to her bathroom. After putting the toothpaste
onto Usagi's toothbrush, Serenity left the room for a moment saying
she'd be right back. Quickly Usagi brushed her teeth, her breakfast
forming a cold lump in her stomach.

<I don't want to go to school.> She didn't want to face her friends.
<How am I going to face Senji-kun? Oh if he ever found out about these
pajamas, I'd crawl under a rock and die!> Usagi thought as she rinsed
her mouth. Reaching for her brush, she started brushing her hair but
then stopped. <I'm really going to hate this,> she thought bleakly as
she left the bathroom.

"Oh good, Small Lady," Serenity said, "I was about to come and get you."
She placed a package onto the bed before walking over to Usagi. "Let's
get your hair brushed then you can dress for school." She walked over to
the bed and sat down. Usagi followed and then, turning around, sat on
her heels, hands resting on knees, eyes closed. As Serenity started to
brush her daughter's strawberry blonde hair, she mused, "I missed doing
this."

"Really?" Usagi questioned.

Serenity frowned slightly, <Oh why did I bring that up?> She hadn't
meant to set herself up like that. Shaking her head slightly, Serenity
decided she could not and would not discard the feelings she had. "Hai,
I remember you sitting on my knee when you were little. I'd brush your
hair and it seemed to relax you." A memory arose then and she added, "If
you were being a terror, I'd pick you up and simply start brushing..."
The room was silent then except for the outside sounds and the swishing
of the brush. After a few minutes, Serenity sighed contentedly before
placing Usagi's hair into her rabbit ear odangos that she had worn until
she was almost eleven.

Usagi got up, stretching her legs but smiling, "That was kinda fun," she
admitted. "Mommy, what's that?" she questioned as she pointed to the
package that was on the bed.

Serenity smiled broadly and, getting up, undid the package with a
flourish. "I got a brand new fuku for you," Serenity said, "What do you
think?"

Usagi's eyes enlarged in surprise as her mouth swung open. She looked at
her "new" fuku and made a gurgling noise in the back of her throat as
she tried to speak. It was similar to Misako elementary school fuku; it
had a green skirt with gold trimming around the hem, the green
suspenders, and the bow in the back. The blouse was white with a green
collar and gold trim. There was, however, one element that told Usagi
unmistakably that it was a kindergarten fuku. There was no golden yellow
bow in the front. Instead, there was a miniature pom-pom that was
colored green and gold.

"Please Mom, don't make me wear that," Usagi pleaded while walking over
to her mother. She tilted her head to look at her mother and sent a
pleading look. "Pretty please, Mommy!" Usagi begged when she didn't get
any response from Serenity, "I would be so embarrassed."

"Come on, Chibi-Usagi-chan, you have to get ready to walk to school,"
Serenity said.

After a moment of grumbling to herself, Usagi reached out and took the
fuku. She sent her mother a slightly sulky look and asked, "You would
have put this on me if I hadn't agreed, ne?" Serenity only smiled, gave
her a pat on the head, and the left the room, closing the door behind
her. <Just great,> Usagi thought as she removed her pajamas, <I'm never
going to hear the end of this.> She was relieved to see that her panties
her mother had laid out were simple white ones. <At least it isn't all
bad. She could have got some with bunnies on them.> Considering she had
Physical Education later that afternoon, it would have presented quite a
predicament.

A few minutes later, Usagi emerged, somewhat reluctantly, from her room
and walked down the hall to the living room. She stopped dead in her
tracks, turned beet red, and groaned as she saw Sawa standing there.
<Well the Youngers were bound to find out about it sooner or later.>
Misako was staring at her with a mixture of gleeful surprise and dreaded
horror. <I wonder what she's scared about?>

"Come over to the fireplace, Small Lady," Endymion instructed. Usagi did
as she was told and stood in front of the fireplace, hands clasped
behind her back. "You did a very good job getting dressed by yourself,"
he commented as he inspected his daughter's new fuku, "Hmmm... Serenity,
I think something's missing."

"You're right," Serenity agreed. She left the living room and, after a
short time, returned. Walking over to Usagi, she then said, "I forgot
these."

Usagi was wondering what Serenity was doing when Misako observed, "Those
are really kawaii bows, 'Sagi." <I know!> Misako thought and scurried
away into her room. After a moment, she returned to the living room
holding a mirror. "Look!" she commanded her sister after her mother had
moved away.

Usagi did look and wrinkled her nose slightly. <Ack! Where'd Mom dig
those bows up from?!?> They were pink bows with little rabbit faces at
the center. <Oh... I think I'm gonna be sick.> There was just too much
sweetness in those bows for Usagi's tastes. She handed the mirror back
to Misako and watched her sister walk away.

"Okay, Small Lady, give me a big smile!" Endymion said. Usagi raised her
head and smiled. At that moment, she noticed the camera but before she
could react, Endymion had snapped two pictures in rapid succession.
"There we go." Usagi felt like crying. Now her parents had evidence they
could hold over her! "You know, Serenity, I don't think she'll be able
to go to school in that."

Serenity moved to stand beside him and, after giving her daughter a long
look, nodded. "Hai, Mizuno-sensei would never allow Usagi to attend
class in that fuku." She gave Usagi a soft smile and said, "Okay
Chibi-Usagi-chan, I put your other fuku out on your bed as well. You can
go and change. Be careful with that fuku though. We may still need it."

"Hai Mommy," Usagi squeaked out and walked to her room. She breathed a
tremendous sigh of relief. <Well Usagi, you're a very lucky "little"
girl.> Ami wouldn't have let her in the seventh grade with this on but
there wasn't anything saying that Ami wouldn't put her into kindergarten
either.

                                 ******

Usagi sighed as she entered her room and quickly but carefully removed
the kindergarten fuku. She was in a hurry to get the fuku off but didn't
want to damage it, after all, it was part of HER school and she had a
certain amount of pride in that. It was with even more relief that she
slipped into her own junior high fuku. It had the same skirt as Misako's
and the kindergarten fuku. There the comparison stopped. The top was a
white blouse and instead of a bow, she had a gold necktie. As she
smoothed her fuku and looked into the mirror, she pursed her lips and
thought, <Two years, then I'll be wearing a high school fuku.> That was
what every student in the Royal Palace School hoped for. <If I could
only carry an "A-" average like Misako,> Usagi thought as she quickly
rounded up her books.

High school fukus had an element to add more prestige to it. The element
dependent upon the grade average you carried. Anyone with an "A-"
average or higher received a green blazer with the school crest on the
breast pocket. Those with a "C" to a "B+" average received a green vest
with the crest similarly placed. For those that were at or below a "C-"
average, they received a golden beret with the school crest on it.

Coming back out into the hall, she saw Misako waiting for her and
frowned slightly. "You didn't have to stick around, you know," Usagi
commented testily. She hadn't appreciated the smile Misako had had when
Endymion was taking the picture.

"I didn't want to," Misako replied tersely. <I'm glad I didn't miss it
though.> "Mom and Dad made me wait for you."

"That's right," Endymion joined in. Both girls turned to see that
Endymion was walking towards them, down the hallway with Sawa close
behind him. She had a smirk on her face. "Chibi-Usagi-chan, I want you
to hold Misako's hand while you walk to school."

"NANI?!?" both girls shouted.

"There's no..." Misako stopped herself and said, "Hai Otou-san, if you
really want me to." <Kami-sama, almost ended up in diapers...>

Usagi had no compunction about telling her father what she thought. "I
am not going to hold hands with Misako." She crossed her arms and glared
at her father.

"Small Lady," Endymion said, "You can walk with your sister to school or
I'll have to take you to school myself." He gave her a quizzical look
then. Usagi squirmed and then firmly set her jaw in stubborn resolution.
"Small Lady, you have a choice. Please make it or I will choose for
you."

Usagi considered her options then sighed. "Oh all right." She reached
out her hand and took Misako's hand. "Can we go now, DADDY?" <Let me out
of here.> Endymion nodded. Not even giving her sister time to say
good-bye, Usagi dragged Misako out of the Royal Suite. They were a
little ways down the hallway when Sawa stopped them. "Nani?" Usagi
asked.

"Now you have to walk properly, Small Lady," Sawa pointed out, "Little
girls shouldn't be able to pull their sisters along behind them." Much
to Usagi's displeasure and Misako's secret amusement, Sawa made them
return to the Royal Suite and start over again with Misako leading the
way.

By the time Usagi and Misako got to school, Usagi was blushing
furiously. <I'm never gonna live this down.> At least, it was her
sister. She could insist that it was Misako who had wanted to hold
hands. <I'm glad Dad didn't insist on walking me to school.> That would
have been harder to explain. She was just starting to wonder how she was
going to deflect her friends' questions when they halted and Misako did
something that caused Usagi's heart to skip a beat.

"Bye-bye Chibi-Usagi-chan," Misako quipped. She got up on her tiptoes,
gave her sister a kiss on the cheek, and then rumpled her hair slightly
before skipping off towards her locker. Usagi was left staring after
her, a startled look on her face. When she heard the muffled giggles and
the whispering, heat rose in her cheeks and she flushed with anger.

"Ohayo, Usagi-chan!" Hana called as she approached her friend. As she
stood in front of Usagi, she looked her up and down before starting to
open her mouth.

"Not one word, Hana," Usagi ground out, "If you want to live, you won't
say one word."

"Me?" Hana asked with a hurt and innocent expression on her face but her
eyes betrayed her. They were full of laughter. "Come on, Usagi-chan, I'm
one of your friends. I wouldn't pick on you. I mean it isn't like I
never saw you with that hairstyle before." <But those kawaii bows...>
She giggled as Usagi glowered at her. "Oh come on, let's go to class."

"Okay," Usagi agreed and started towards their classroom. <Misako,
you're gonna pay for that.> She was also reluctantly admitting to
herself that she hadn't really minded holding hands with Misako either.
That left a sour taste in her mouth but there wasn't anything she could
do about the way she felt.

                                 ******

As the lunch period began, Usagi had resigned herself to spending the
rest of the week alone. She was briefly considering seeking out Misako
to see if she was getting similar treatment when a group of five and six
year olds approached her. <How'd they get over here?!> The area where
the kindergarten students ate was well monitored. She smiled at the
leader, a short little girl with red hair and green eyes.

She was about to speak when the girl said in a lecturing type of voice,
"You really mean to Princess Misako." She placed one hand on her hip and
wagged her figure at Usagi in a scolding motion, "You not be mean to
your imouto."

Usagi dropped her chopsticks, covered her face, and let out a
long-suffering groan. <Now I'm being scolded by kindergarten students.>
She groaned even more as the lecture continued. <Ikado was really mad at
me.> That was understating the situation. Saying was simply mad at her
was like saying the sun was just a little hot.

"Stop bugging, Usagi," Hana's voice came from beside Usagi. She jumped
and turned to see her friend waving a newspaper at the group of little
kids. "Now go back to your own section." The leader gave Hana a scowl
but, turning, led her little group away.

"Arigato," Usagi whispered out while pushing her lunch away. "I didn't
think you'd still be my friend."

"Usagi-chan, I've stuck by you through some of your worst hair-brained
stunts in the past. You've gotten me into to some pretty hot water but I
always spoke to you later on," Hana explained as she sat down, "And
considering that you decided to have a death wish and ruin Rakurai-san's
wedding, I figured you could use a friend right about now."

Usagi gave Hana a long look before deciding her friend was serious.
"Arigato... Hana-chan, do you think Ikado will ever forgive me?"

"Likely not," Hana answered.

"Gee, thanks for that comfort," Usagi said sarcastically.

"Baka," Hana chided gently, "Rakurai-san is gonna kill you before Ikado
gets over this." Usagi scowled at her and Hana shook her head. "So
speaking of killing, were you parents really mad?" Usagi nodded.
"Well?"

"Well what?" Usagi asked uncomfortably. Hana gave her a slightly
exasperated look and Usagi shifted again. Looking down, she pushed some
of her food around with her chopsticks before sighing, "Could you maybe
wait, Hana-chan? It's kinda public here and well..."

"Konnichiwa," came a voice from behind her. Both girls whirled around
and Usagi groaned loudly as she saw Senji standing there. "Um Usagi-san,
could I ask you something?"

"Nani?" Usagi squeaked while blushing. She blushed even more as she
noted a folded newspaper in his hand.

Senji sat down on a chair and, leaning close, unfolded the newspaper.
"Please don't take offense, Usagi-san, but if I'm going to defend you
against my friends, I have to know something." He lowered his voice and
asked in a whispered tone, "Is it true that you got blue bunny rabbits
on your... you know." He gestured to the picture that was on the front
page of the newspaper.

                                 ******

Misako jerked her head up as she heard a long howl of agony coming from
where her sister was sitting. She then turned back to her own lunch and
poked at it. Sniffling slightly, Misako wiped at her eyes that were
misting over. <Noriko hates me,> Misako thought, <She said she hates me
and wished I'd...> She shied away from that thought and sniffled again.
<I wouldn't even wish that on Usagi; not on anybody.> She had briefly
thought about telling Rei what Noriko had said but then thought better
of it. <Rei's mad at me too.>

The sense of loneliness rose within her again. She was sitting at a
table by herself. The other students were shunning her, even Yuki. After
a halfhearted attempt to eat her bento, she pushed it away and closed
the lid. Propping her chin on her hands, she heaved a sigh and closed
her eyes.

<Then those little kids come around and scold me.> The voice that came
to her startled Misako out of her reverie. Turning, she saw Yuki looking
sheepish.

"Could I sit with you?" she asked meekly. When Misako nodded, she sat
down and opened her bento. "Gomen nasai, Miko-chan," Yuki said softly
while blushing. She stared at the tabletop while continuing to speak,
"You're my best friend, Miko-chan. I don't care what anybody says." She
lifted her face and gave Misako an apologetic look. "What Noriko said
was really mean."

Misako sighed and lowering her head to her chest, shook it slightly. Her
hair hid her face and she said softly, "I did ruin her mom's special
day." She looked up at Yuki and added, "Yuki-chan, I'm glad you're still
my friend." Her features drooped slightly as she noticed Yumeko a few
tables away. "I miss Yumeko."

Yuki followed Misako's gaze and nodded when she saw Yumeko staring at
them sadly. Turning back, Yuki said, "Hai, but her parents told her that
she had to stay away from you."

"I thought your parents told you the same thing?" Misako questioned.

"Hai," Yuki replied, "But I don't care." There was no way of expressing
why either. Misako had simply tolerated her and, when she had returned
from the past, had accepted her fully as a playmate. Yuki was
disappointed that her parents would tell her to stay away from Misako
and she was willing to face their wrath to keep a friendship she wanted.
To keep a friendship she needed.

                                 ******

By the end of the school day, both Misako and Usagi were glad that it
was finally over. As Usagi searched out her sister, she found herself
wishing she weren't a Senshi. She had Senshi practice and was not
looking forward to what would likely amount to a trial.

<Misako looks about as miserable as I feel,> Usagi thought and walked
over to her sister. Yuki was there and trying to comfort Misako
somewhat. "Konnichiwa Yuki-chan, Miko-chan."

"Konnichiwa Usagi-chan," Yuki greeted and then a panicked look came onto
her face. "Uh Miko-chan, would you mind if I go? I think I see Mommy
coming and if she catches me with the both of you..." she trailed off,
gulping slightly.

"Hai," Misako said softly. She sniffled slightly as Yuki moved off down
the hall. "Are you okay, 'Sagi-chan? I heard you howling at lunch." She
gave the older girl a concerned look.

Usagi blushed slightly, "Hai, Senji-kun was showing me the newspaper."
Misako nodded and Usagi breathed a sigh of relief. <How on earth did
that photographer ever get that shot?!> She didn't know. <And PE wasn't
any fun either.> Not when the girls had kept asking her why she wasn't
wearing other animal prints. <So I had a momentary weakness on
Saturday.> Her thoughts were interrupted by Sawa's voice.

"There's our little princess," Sawa said cheerily. She then lifted Usagi
up as if she were a five year old and gave the girl a hug. "And how was
our day at school, Small Lady?" Sawa asked as she continued to hold
Usagi.

"You're enjoying this, ne Sawa-san?" Usagi demanded as she heard the
snickering of the students who had stopped to watch the spectacle.
"Would you please put me down?"

"So you don't want a ride to Senshi practice?" Sawa asked aloud. She
grinned when Usagi gave her an angry look. Usagi's cheeks flushed with
anger and then a quizzical look appeared on her face. "Hai, your parents
are allowing you to go to Senshi practice." Deciding to relent a little,
Sawa lowered Usagi to the ground.

"I still say you're enjoying this too much," Usagi huffed out in a quiet
voice.

"Me? Small Lady, I'm a diplomat. I wouldn't go out of my way to
antagonize. I'm just following orders." However, Sawa could not hide the
smile that was on her face. "Now take you sister's hand so we can walk
home. Then you and I can go to Senshi practice."

Sighing and blushing at the same time, Usagi took Misako's hand. <I'm
never ever going to hear the end of this,> Usagi thought as was led down
the hall. She passed Hana and got a sympathetic look in response. <I
then have to tell Hana what happened.> She didn't really want to but
Hana was putting her own reputation on the line by hanging around Usagi.
What was even more important was that Hana had stuck by her through the
bad times so if she owed anyone an explanation, it was Hana.

Senshi practice was not what she was expecting. It being Monday, usually
only two or three Youngers would be at practice. However, all of the
Youngers were present excluding Younger Jupiter. What was even more
distressing was Elder Venus was there as well. As she was led, by the
hand, into the briefing room by Younger Mars, Younger Moon got the
uneasy feeling that a storm was brewing. The room fell silent as she
took her seat and Younger Moon shifted nervously as all eyes turned to
her. The only ones that seemed friendly were Younger Uranus' and those
were filled with mirth.

After a moment, Elder Venus rose and walked to the front of the room.
Turning to face the gathered Younger Senshi, she let her eyes wander for
a moment before beginning to speak, "Arigato for coming today, minna. I
realize most of you have busy schedules. We are here to discuss a matter
of `conduct unbecoming a Sailor Senshi'." Younger Moon covered her face
with her hands and lowered her head. "Younger Moon, get up here," Elder
Venus commanded sharply.

Slowly, guiltily Younger Moon rose and walked towards her impending
doom.

                                 ******

Misako was put out by the fact that she had to sit at the dining room
table to do her homework. However, she was careful to avoid showing this
fact. She was just glad to be home and away from the teasing. As she did
her homework, Misako found her mind wandering to other matters. Her main
concern was Kimeko. She needed a way to apologize to her. The problem
was she didn't have a grown up way to apologize.

At about quarter to five, Misako completed her homework assignments.
Gathering up her books, she walked to her room and placed them on the
desk for school tomorrow. She was just considering working on the
apology letter when a knock came at her door. Turning, she noticed that
it was her mother looking at her with a worried expression on her face.

"May I come in, Miko-chan?" Serenity asked and then entered the room at
Misako's nod. She walked over to the bed and sat down. "Are you okay?"
she asked in a soft voice. <Sawa said you looked pretty down.> Misako
only nodded. "Were the kids really mean at school?" The little girl
sniffled and nodded again. "Do you want to talk about it?" Serenity
questioned. Misako's bottom lip trembled slightly as she sniffled, a
tear rolling down her cheek. When there was no response, Serenity
remarked, "You're father won't be back till late."

Misako shook her head and, walking over, hugged her mother. She started
to cry as Serenity held her close. She didn't protest when her mother
lifted her up. "Noriko said she hated me," Misako sobbed out through her
tears. She felt her mother start to gently rock her and felt a loving
hand stroke her hair. "Yumeko and Yuki got told to stay away from me."

"Oh Mesume," Serenity said softly. <My poor little one,> she thought as
she held her daughter close. She rubbed Misako's back trying to soothe
the child. As time passed, the whole story came out. "I know, Miko-chan,
it does hurt," she said after the story had been told.

"Hai," Misako croaked, her voice conveying the sadness she felt.

"I don't think Noriko hates you though." Misako turned her tear-streaked
face to look at her mother questioningly. "She's just upset because of
what you did. Noriko was very proud of her mother and she's mad at you
because you ruined that special day for her mom."

Misako gave this some thought and then decided, "Mom, could I ask you
something?" Her mother gave her a quizzical look. "I don't know why I
took Usagi's necklace."

"Were you trying to be mean to Usagi, Miko-chan?" Serenity asked. Misako
thought as she tapped her lower lip. After a moment, she shrugged. "You
told us that you were trying to act big. Was that the reason?"

"Hai," Misako agreed after pondering the question, "I wanted to show
Usagi that I wasn't a baby." <She started to get all these neat things
to do when she got that baka necklace.> "Usagi got to be a grown up when
she got the necklace."

"What do you mean by `grown up'?" Serenity questioned.

"She gets to stay up later than me, gets to go to the mall with her
friends, and gets to vacuum." She scowled slightly as Serenity giggled.
"And she gets to do the laundry."

Smirking, Serenity tried not to giggle. "So you think that when she got
the necklace, people started treating her as a grownup?"

"Pre-teen," Misako corrected, "Yeah, I'm a pre-teen too and everybody
treats me like a baby." Serenity nodded.

"So you took the necklace to prove that you were a `pre-teen'?" Misako
paused for a moment then nodded. "Miko-chan, has Usagi been treating you
like a little kid?"

"I don't know," Misako replied with honesty, "She makes me feel like I'm
a baby though." She sniffled then and said, "I try to be good but every
time I think I'm grown up, Usagi always takes you away." She had lowered
her head and was looking at the floor.

Serenity sighed and rested her cheek against Misako's head. "Oh Mesume,
I love you and I always will." <Why didn't I see this?> A better
question would be why hadn't she believed Endymion? <We'll see, Misako.
I will try harder.>

                                 ******

Later that same evening, Serenity gently opened Usagi's door and walked
in. Her daughter was lying on the bed, face buried in a pillow. Softly
closing the door, Serenity walked over to the bed and sat down. "Small
Lady," Serenity said softly, "What happened?"

"H-How could you, MOMMY?" Usagi asked after a moment. She turned her
head and gave her mother a hurt look. "How could you embarrass me like
that?"

"Nani? What do you mean?"

Something in her mother's voice convinced Usagi that Serenity did not
know what she meant. Pushing herself up, she leaned against the
headboard and sighed. "I guess I was wrong," she mused to herself more
than her mother. After another moment, she said, "Elder Venus told me
not to come to anymore Senshi practices this week."

"I requested that, Chibi-Usagi, gomen if that upset you. I do have my
reasons though," Serenity explained while placing a hand on her
daughter's arm.

"Elder Venus said a five year old shouldn't be allowed to Senshi
practice," Usagi explained before demanding, "How could you tell her
that?"

Serenity sighed softly. "Small Lady, I had no choice." She started to
reach out but Usagi flinched back. Grimacing slightly, Serenity said,
"Gomen Usagi-chan. I AM NOT going out of my way to embarrass you... I
just had no choice."

"But why?!" Usagi demanded again.

"Usagi, please, just accept that I have my reasons." Sliding so she was
leaning against the headboard beside Usagi, she was silent for a long
time. When she spoke, it was slow, as if she were picking her words
carefully. "The reason I didn't want you in Senshi practice, Small Lady,
is because your schoolwork comes first and with your new bedtime, I
wanted to give you the extra time." She smiled at Usagi and added, "I
also want Misako to spend some time with you."

Usagi slid down slightly and leaned against Serenity. "Mommy..." she
said softly, feeling even worse now. She felt Serenity's arm wrap around
her in a hug and she sniffled a little.

"Come on, Small Lady, time for supper then you need to do your
homework."

                                 ******

Tuesday was much the same as Monday had been. Despite her mother's
annoyance the day before, Yuki sat with Misako during lunch. Even Yumeko
joined them later in the lunch period. The oldest of the three girls
having figured that if timid Yuki could stand up to her parents and be
with Misako, then she should be willing to do the same thing.

Usagi and Hana spent the lunch period hidden away in one corner. After
having sworn Hana to absolute secrecy, Usagi told Hana how her parents
were punishing her. Hana was, needless to say, shocked and slightly
horrified. However, she did giggle a little bit when Usagi told about
the kindergarten fuku. She giggled even more when Usagi mentioned the
pajamas. What was a complete surprise to Usagi, however, was Diana's
reaction to her. The gray cat made it clear she was angry with Usagi as
well.

At around six-thirty that evening, Usagi was hustled into her bedroom.
She looked curiously between Sawa and her mother after the door was
shut. "Small Lady," Serenity directed, "I want you to take a bath
tonight and wash your hair. You'll be going to Court in the morning for
your formal apology."

"Hai Mommy," Usagi whispered out and glanced nervously at Sawa.

"While we are going to respect your privacy, Small Lady, you will have
to keep the bathroom door open. Sawa will stand outside the bathroom
door." Usagi's face paled and she shook her head. "Now Chibi-Usagi-chan,
I don't want any arguments. You can have half an hour for your bath and
then it's off to bed."

<Oh yeah, as if I could forget,> Usagi thought grumpily. Although Misako
was careful in not teasing her, Misako couldn't help but gloat a little
at having a later bedtime, even if it was by half an hour. <Seven-thirty
bedtime for both of us since we're grounded but since I'm five, I got an
even earlier one.> "Mommy, couldn't I just close the door and then Sawa
could stand beside it?"

"Iie, gomen, now Small Lady, go on in and start your bath," Serenity
directed. Turning, she left the room.

Usagi turned to give Sawa a pleading look but the older woman just
looked back at her and assumed a position by the door. Thankfully, it
was a position that would prevent her from seeing anything. As Usagi
entered the bathroom, a memory arose from her mind and with it a stab of
guilt.

<I wish Sakuya were here,> Usagi thought as she started to undress. <I
mean at least she's given me baths when I was little.> She briefly
wondered how Sakuya was doing; where she was. <I bet I know what she's
doing,> Usagi thought and then blushed deeply and quickly turned to see
if anyone was observing her. <I wouldn't want to explain why I'm
blushing.>

                                 ******

The scream that pierced the early Wednesday morning air woke Misako with
a start. Scrambling out of bed, she ran down to Usagi's room and skidded
to a halt. "What's going on?!?" she called out in a worried and sleepy
tone. <That scared me,> Misako thought as she felt her heart beating
rapidly.

"Iie, MOMMY!" Usagi wailed again, "I don't want to wear it. Make me wear
the kindergarten fuku, make me wear the pajamas, but don't make me wear
THAT dress!" She was on her knees, hands clasped before her, and giving
her mother her best pleading look.

"Chibi-Usagi, you will be going to Court today. We want you to look like
a princess. Now go wash up and then come out for breakfast. Then we'll
get you and your sister into your dresses."

<Oh iie!!!> Misako thought, sleep fleeing from her mind. "Ohayo Mom,
'Sagi. Do I have to wear one like that?" she questioned coming into the
room. <Please please please...> As she stood in front of her mother,
Serenity smiled down at her.

"The one you wore for your birthday will be good enough, Miko-chan,"
Serenity said.

Misako fought down the urge to wail like her sister. <That one's all
itchy,> Misako thought and wrinkled her nose. <But thank Kami-sama, it
isn't as bad as 'Sagi's.> "How come you didn't wake me up?" she asked as
she noted it wasn't even seven yet. <Why didn't I wake up, or my alarm?>
She made a mental note to see if she had set her alarm clock properly.

"We were going to let you sleep." Serenity said, "Now come on, Small
Lady, go wash up."

"Iie Mommy," Usagi begged, "Please not that dress." <I don't care. That
is too frilly a dress for me.> She hadn't been pleased that the
newspaper spread covering the entire chase had been found pinned up on
the posting board yesterday.

"Misako, go get washed up and ready for breakfast," Serenity instructed
as she placed the dress down on the bed. Reaching down, she hauled Usagi
to her feet and guided her into the bathroom. "Now we don't want to be
late, Small Lady," Serenity stated as she got a facecloth and filled the
sink with water. "You were playing well with Misako yesterday."

<Yeah until you came along and made me play "right",> Usagi thought
dejectedly. She only flinched slightly as Serenity started to wash her
face and behind her ears. <Usagi, don't press your luck,> she thought to
herself, <Mom's been good about your privacy, even with that bath.>
Somehow though, she just couldn't get the thought of that dress out of
her mind. <Pink sugar... that's what it reminds me of. That's a type of
dress that attracts cheek-pinchers; the really fat ones too.>

                                 ******

Usagi ate without interest. The formal apology to the Court had been
hard. What had been harder was the realization of what her parents were
doing. She saw Hana watching her with concern and she gave a weak smile.

"I think that was really rotten, Usagi-chan," Hana commented, "I mean
that other stuff was bad enough but forcing you into that dress."

Usagi gave a half-hearted, crooked smile towards her friend. "I thought
that too, Hana-chan. I really fought the dress but I put it on." She
shook her head then. "I've learned that when my mother wants something
on me, there's no use in fighting her." She ate in silence for several
seconds before saying, "My parents had me wear that dress for a reason."

"What's that?" Hana questioned, "You looked like a little girl." She
scowled as Usagi grinned openly now. "I don't see what you're so happy
about, Usagi."

"I couldn't believe my mother was going to humiliate me. Then I realized
something. I had done it to myself." She grimaced then before saying,
"Like you said, I looked like a little girl; that was the entire point."
Hana furrowed her brow. "I can't explain it all. I just know that my
parents have their reasons. They are allowing me certain things and it
could've been much worse."

Hana was about to speak when she blinked. "Konnichiwa Miko-chan," Hana
said. Usagi turned to see Misako along with Yumeko and Yuki standing
behind her.

"Hi," Misako replied, "Umm... 'Sagi, can we sit with you?" Misako asked.

"Hai," Usagi agreed and motioned to the empty chairs. "Why did you come
over here now?"

Misako didn't answer immediately. Instead, she settled herself and
started to eat. After a minute or so, she said, "The kids were pickin'
on Yumeko and Yuki. They think that they shouldn't hang around with me."
She gave her sister a long look. "'Sagi, you looked pretty sad at Court
today."

Usagi smiled softly then. Turning to Hana, she said softly, "Onee-chan's
pretty fun to play with." This drew shocked looks from both Yuki and
Yumeko while Hana simply giggled.

"And my `imouto' is the best," Misako responded. Yuki's and Yumeko's
eyes enlarged to the point of seeming about to explode.

Usagi saw the smile the played across Misako's lips and it caused a warm
feeling to grow within her. <Who needs the others when they won't stand
beside you?>

                                 ******

The mid-afternoon sun streamed in through the office windows. King
Endymion was sitting behind a desk, his head resting against the back of
the chair, his eyes closed. Neo-Queen Serenity who was sitting to her
husband's right was leaning forward with mild curiosity showing. Luna
and Artemis were sitting on the desk, both Lunar cats looking worriedly
towards their king.

"You say you have found something?" Serenity asked.

"Hai Serenity-sama," Artemis began, "We believe we have found a solution
to the transformation problem." He shifted slightly. "However, the terms
Luna and I are familiar with would likely confuse you." He smiled at
Serenity's frown. "I do not mean what you think I am implying, Your
Majesty. I should have said that the terms Luna and I are familiar with,
the ones we used in our research, are very old. They date back to from
before the Silver Millenium."

"Try your best then, Artemis-san," Endymion commanded without opening
his eyes. He was concentrating on keeping an open mind.

Both Lunar cats shared a glance before Artemis began to speak,
"Serenity-sama can craft the transformation broach using the Ginzuishou.
That is the easy part."

"Easy to say," Serenity muttered, "I've never done that before. And both
of you know I'm about as artistic as a rock."

While Artemis fought to keep a straight face, Luna smirked. "Your
Majesty, I will help guide you through the process. As to being
artistic... the Ginzuishou will likely handle that."

"As I said, the easy part is forming the broach," Artemis chimed in,
"However, Serenity-sama may not infuse the broach with her power."

"Nani?" both Endymion and Serenity questioned. Endymion was looking
warily at Artemis while Serenity was looking confused.

"Think of a Senshi aura as a song," Luna explained, "Every planet's
Senshi has a separate song, a separate melody. No two are alike."
Serenity opened her mouth and Luna answered the anticipated question,
"The Youngers have the same aura; they are singing the same song as
their respective Elder... if a little off-key." She paused for a moment
before continuing, "Serenity-sama could empower the broach with some of
her own power but if Princess Misako tried to transform, it could be
dangerous."

Endymion was ready to end this right then but Serenity's glare stopped
that. "What would happen, Luna-san?" Endymion asked, a wary look in his
eyes again.

"At best, nothing. Princess Misako would simply not transform," Luna
said.

"And at worst," Artemis countered, "It could rip her Senshi aura away
completely." Both Endymion and Serenity blinked. "She would not die, but
her `song' would be silenced. Princess Misako would, in essence, be a
hollow shell. A living, breathing person who could live day to day. But
the special quality that makes her who she is would be gone forever."

"But if Serenity can't empower the broach, then who can?"

"You, Endymion-sama. You have the same aura as Princess Misako, the same
song," Artemis replied.

"So it is up to Endymion?" Serenity questioned. At Luna's nod, she
turned to see that Endymion's expression was as if he were stone. His
eyes were closed and he seemed to be in great pain. "We will think upon
what you have said, Artemis-san, Luna-chan. Domo arigato." With that,
both Lunar cats bowed and left the room.

                                 ******

Misako shifted slightly, nestling her head against her mother's side.
She could hear the resonance of Serenity's voice; it sounded like a
quiet stream. She felt her mother's warmth, soothing as a sunbeam.
Occasionally, a page would turn in the storybook sounding like the
rustle of a leaf.

She opened one eye peeking, over her mother's stomach, across to her
sister. A gentle smile played across her face as Misako remembered
playing with Usagi. How Usagi had asked if she could take a bath with
Misako and been denied because Misako didn't need Sawa to watch her.
Misako noted with some interest that Usagi had her eyes close, mouth
slightly open, a content expression on her face. Misako closed her own
eye then, snuggling slightly and smiling.

<Poor 'Sagi, doesn't get to be a Senshi either,> Misako thought as she
closed her eyes again. <She really likes being a Senshi too.> There was
something different about Usagi. The older girl didn't seem to irritate
her so much. <She's gettin' picked on more than me.> But that was quite
understandable considering the dress her mother had given Usagi. <At
least, I didn't have to wear it.>

The thought of the formal apology reminded Misako of something else.
<Daddy seemed mad at supper.> She just wasn't sure why. <He wouldn't
talk to anybody.> A movement drew Misako's attention; she felt a hand
gently cradle her head, lowering it to the pillow. <The story's all
done?> she thought sleepily as she felt the bed shift slightly

"Good night, Miko-chan," Serenity said softly.

"'Night Mommy," Misako burbled out before snuggling under the covers
more. Serenity briefly considered carrying Usagi and thought better of
it. Shifting her other daughter, she pulled up the blankets and gave
each girl a kiss before turning the light off and leaving the room.

In the darkness, Usagi's eyes fluttered open and a soft smile spread
across her face. Shifting better, she gave Misako a hug before closing
her eyes again and drawing the covers up to her chin. <I wish you
wouldn't say good-bye to me at school the way you do,> Usagi thought
drowsily, <But it could be worse.> She had tried explaining what her
parents were trying to do to Hana but her friend couldn't grasp the
concept. "If they yelled at me, I'd likely would've sulked," Usagi had
said to Hana sometime after lunch, "This way I can see what they're
trying to tell me and I don't have any choice but to listen." <It also
shows others that Mom and Dad recognize how I acted.>

But the most comforting point, and one of the most mysterious ones, was
that this form of punishment was letting her get closer to Misako. <I
don't know why everything I tried failed but this works fine.> And as
sleep took her, that was the question her mind was chewing on.

                                 ******

The girls awoke to find that snow was gently falling. The heavy clouds
though promised to bring more. Misako seemed to have fully accepted, and
taken as fact, that Usagi was being treated as a five year old by this
point. She treated Usagi as if she were five but not in a mean spirited
fashion. Her fear of being treated the same as Usagi was now gone and
Usagi's attitude seemed to be slowly shifting as well.

Usagi for herself did not resist anymore. Deep down, she liked some of
the things that were occurring. Misako was spending time with her, her
mother brushed her hair, bedtime stories... although Usagi didn't care
for the stories, she enjoyed falling asleep to her parents' voices. When
alone though, Usagi thought of not just what had occurred during the
wedding but everything since she had returned from the past. There was a
lot to think about and consider.

Thursday passed, although the majority of the teasing and taunts had
disappeared, there were still some who persisted. Usagi, and by
extension Hana, were being shunned by all. Some of Misako's classmates
had decided to relent but Misako by this point didn't care. She had what
she wanted. Yuki and Yumeko were her real friends and she spent her
lunchtime with Usagi and Hana. Senji came over late in the lunch period
to apologize for his behavior and once the uncomfortableness was out of
the way, he joined the group as well.

It started to snow heavily late Thursday night and continued through
until about noon on Friday. What surprised Misako even more, and to a
lesser extent Usagi, was the occasional rumble of thunder they heard.
Much to her surprise, Usagi found herself protesting going to bed. Not
because of the earliness of the bedtime but because she was having too
much fun reading some of Misako's manga!

After having been put to bed, literally by Sawa, Usagi lay awake; she
peered up into the darkness of her room. The first moments were spent
wondering what would happen in the next manga volume. As the hours
slipped past however, Usagi's mind turned to more serious thoughts.

<One week,> Usagi thought, <One week and then Sakuya comes back.> She
shivered at that thought. She was surprised to hear voices pass by her
room. <Who would be here this late?> Usagi wondered but did not move.
They moved away down into the living room. Sliding from her bed, she
softly opened the door and peered out into the hall. It was empty and a
low murmuring was coming from the dimly lit living room.

She was about to turn back when she heard her own name. <They're talking
about me?> her curiosity rose slightly. Softly slipping out into the
hall, she started to move slowly towards the living room. A giggle arose
and was suppressed when Usagi thought, <I used to do this when I was a
little kid.> The memories were vivid. <I'm a teen now though.> She
briefly considered that before shrugging. <Well for this week, I'm five
so why not?> Softly Usagi padded down the hall, stopping at Misako's
door, listening. <It's Makoto,> her heart sped up a little, <Why would
she come over here so late?> Pressing her back against the wall, she
gave a nervous glance towards her parents' bedroom door before sliding
down the hall. <Please don't let me get caught,> Usagi thought.

Standing there trying to breathe quietly, she listened. She risked a
quick glance into the room before pulling hastily back again. Makoto was
standing by the bay window looking out. Serenity stood beside her. Their
voices were soft but loud enough for Usagi to hear.

"...She'd open her eyes," Makoto was saying, "I can understand her being
upset..." There was a pause and then, "I am too in a way. The formal
apology helped but, I just thought this could be a new start for her."

"Small Lady... Usagi has been hurting too," Serenity replied,
"Mako-chan, I'm not trying to defend her actions. I was just as angry as
Sakuya, I think. I should never have insisted she go; I knew she was
upset."

<Iie Mom,> Usagi thought to herself, <You needed to make me. If not the
wedding, then what? Something that could really cause problems.> What
her mother said next sent a chill through Usagi's body.

"The Senshi Cabinet is worried and I can't blame them." Serenity sighed
then. "Kami-sama knows what would happen if anything happened to
Endymion and myself." There was a long pause and then Serenity seemed to
sniffle before saying, "I try, Mako-chan... I try to raise both of them
but..." Serenity trailed off.

"Shhh..." Makoto said soothingly. Usagi having risked peeking around the
corner again, noted that Makoto was hugging her mother. "You are
wonderful mother, Serenity-chan. You try your best." Serenity mumbled
something and Makoto snorted, "You certainly aren't that bad."

"But..." Serenity sobbed, "I wouldn't listen to Endymion. He tried to
tell me."

"None of that, Serenity-chan. You love your children and they know
that," Makoto stated and then her voice hardened, "Sakuya's mother, her
stepmother loathed her. Kami-sama, Serenity, she abandoned Sakuya."
Usagi's eyes opened wide, a look of stunned horror spreading across her
face. "Sakuya thinks a lot about family. That must have been a brutal
blow. She had told me before the wedding that she was going to forgive
Usagi before the honeymoon. She missed her imouto."

Slowly, softly Usagi started to head for her room; tears beginning to
well up in her eyes and she blinked rapidly to clear them. Once inside
her room, she let out a high-pitched almost inaudible sob. Wiping at the
tears that were starting to trickle out of her eyes, Usagi went to her
bed, and climbed into it.

<Her imouto,> Usagi thought. It was numbing, to think Sakuya thought of
her as such. <All the time I've spent avoiding her.> When she really
should have faced Sakuya. <I tried to hurt her, tried to get even with
her for what I thought she did.> She held her pillow close, gently
crying into it. She hadn't known Sakuya's mother hated her, hadn't known
how Sakuya truly felt. <Because I didn't want to,> Usagi thought sadly,
the ache in her heart growing again. It felt like it did when she
thought Sakuya had died.

Sleep finally came, but it was not peaceful. She dreamt of happier
times, when Sakuya showed her love. And as the clouds parted and the
wintry blue light of the Moon shown in, a single tear glistened, fragile
but whole. Sliding slowly down, leaving a silver streak like the tail of
a comet.

                                 ******

The early morning sun lanced in through Misako's window and struck her
fully in the face. She grumbled as she rolled over rubbing her eyes
irritatedly. <It's Saturday. I want to sleep.> Then she blinked her eyes
and pushed back the covers a little. <I wonder if Dad's home?> Endymion
had left early Friday for some meeting and she wasn't sure when he was
going to be home.

Pushing back her blankets more, she hopped up from the bed and made her
way to the door. Opening it softly, she went across the hall to her
parents' room and gently opened the door. <Nope,> Misako thought as she
noted that her mother was the only one in the bed.

She was just about to leave the room when her mother's soft voice came
to her, "Miko-chan?" Serenity lifted her head and peered sleepily at the
little girl.

"Gomen, I wanted to see if Daddy was back," Misako said softly.

"It's early yet, honey," Serenity remarked, "Come in." Misako complied
and entered the room before closing the door. As Serenity patted the
bed, Misako crawled up on it and snuggled close to her mother. "Was
there anything wrong?" Serenity questioned. Misako shook her head
slightly. "Just worried about your dad, ne?"

"I'd be worried about you too, Mommy," Misako squeaked softly, "I love
you."

Kissing the top of her head, Serenity settled back into the bed. Lifting
the covers, she said, "All right, get in there. This is Saturday and I
don't have to go to Court." <Thank Kami-sama.> "I'm going back to sleep
if you're not." Misako shifted so she was covered and giggled. "I love
you too, Miko-chan." After a few minutes, both drifted off back to sleep
again. It was another ten minutes before the bedroom door was gently
opened. Usagi peered in and sighed a little in relief at seeing Misako.

<There you are, Imouto,> Usagi thought. She had gotten up and was about
to wake her sister up so she could find out what happened in the next
manga volume. <But I won't do it now. Mom doesn't have to get up, so
I'll just have to wait.> Briefly she considered joining her sister and
mother but decided against it. <I can do more of my homework. That way I
can spend most of the day with you.> Her heart seemed to like that idea
even if her mind didn't. Slipping down to her room, Usagi collected her
books and made her way to the dining room to do her homework.

Much to her surprise, Usagi completed her homework before anyone woke
up. She glanced at the clock and noticed it was a little after eight.
<Well might as well go find something to do.> That was going to be tough
considering most of her things she normally did were off-limits.
Gathering her books, she headed to her room and was just in the process
of putting them away when the door opened.

"Ohayo Small Lady," Serenity said. Usagi turned and grinned at her
mother. Serenity was wearing a pale pink tracksuit. Walking over, she
gave her mother a hug. "You're up early, and doing your homework too,"
her voice showed she was impressed.

"'Morning Mommy, I wanted to make sure I could spend the day with
Misako," Usagi explained. She smiled as her mother hugged her. "Can I
have pancakes? Pretty please, Mommy?!" She allowed her eyes to droop
then.

Serenity gave it a little thought before nodding. "Hai, now let's get
you washed up." She headed towards Usagi's dresser when Usagi stopped
her. "Nani?"

"It's Saturday and early. I don't hafta get dressed right away, ne?"
Usagi asked.

Serenity cocked an eyebrow and said, "Makoto's here. I don't think you
want her to see you in your pajamas."

Usagi shrugged. "Why not? She has before." Serenity blinked in surprise
and Usagi prompted, "Come on, Mommy, I'm hungry and I want Misako to
show me the next manga." With that, she started to tug at Serenity's
hand. Shaking her head in puzzlement, Serenity followed her daughter
into the bathroom.

It was even more of a shock to Serenity when, ten minutes later, Usagi
skipped out of her room and down the hallway to the living room. Makoto
was standing by the kitchen talking to Misako when Usagi came into the
room. Makoto blinked in shock, her mouth swinging open slightly.

Usagi went over and hugged Makoto tightly while saying, "Ohayo
Mako-chan!" She rested her head against Makoto, grinning all the while.
"You're gonna make us some of your great pancakes, ne?" Usagi turned her
head to look up at the now completely dumbfounded Makoto. "Mommy said it
was okay."

Misako was giving Usagi a calculating look. Makoto, on the other hand,
was trying to decide what to do. She looked between Usagi and Serenity
who was looking just as surprised if not more so. Makoto mouthed the
question, "What do I do?" and Serenity shrugged.

To Misako's surprise, Usagi seemed to understand what Makoto's problem
was. Letting the hug go, she reached up and said, "Up please."

It took Makoto a few more seconds to decide to play along. Lifting Usagi
up into her arms, she smiled and said, "Ohayo Usagi..." she trailed off
as Usagi frowned. "Nani?"

"Please, Chibi-Usagi-chan or Small Lady," Usagi corrected softly before
giving Makoto another hug.

Shooting a quick glance at Serenity, Makoto said, "Ohayo
Chibi-Usagi-chan, if it's all right with your mother, I'd be glad to
make you pancakes."

"YEAH!!!!" Misako cheered and grinned broadly, "You gonna help,
Makoto-san?" she asked Usagi.

"Iie Miko-chan," Usagi answered and squirmed out of Makoto's hug, "I
want you to show me that next manga volume." She looked at Misako
pleadingly. "If you will, Onee-chan." Grinning, Misako nodded and,
taking Usagi's hand, both girls left the room. It was at that point that
Makoto started to giggle uncontrollably. Shaking her head and clutching
her sides, she entered the kitchen. Serenity followed looking rather
worried.

                                 ******

Much to Serenity's amazement and Makoto's confusion, Usagi did not fret
about her punishment. She sat on the telephone books, allowed or rather
requested that Serenity help her cut the pancakes, and showed no
distress when her mother wiped her mouth. In fact, she grinned and
giggled. She and Misako dried the breakfast dishes as Makoto washed
them. When Makoto indicated she was going to head home having intruded
far too long on the Royal Family's private time, both Usagi and Misako
insisted she stay.

After brushing teeth and hair, Misako asked her mother if they could go
play. The Saturday sun was warm, the snow was melting, and there were
muddy patches around the yard. Serenity considered and nodded, telling
Usagi to go with Misako. Usagi's eagerness surprised both adults
somewhat but it surprised Misako even more.

At around eleven that morning, Serenity dragged her children inside.
They protested that they weren't finished playing but Serenity had her
own ideas about that. It took some "coaxing" by Serenity and a promise
by Makoto to cook lunch to get the girls to take a bath. Much to Usagi's
relief, she was being allowed to bathe with Misako which meant no one
would be standing outside the bathroom door.

Ten minutes later, Misako was just preparing to enter the furo when cold
water came into contact with her rear. She gave a gasp, twisted, and
fell into the furo sending a geyser of water into the air. She came up
sputtering and blinked. She glared over the tops of her knees at Usagi
who was giggling near the stall.

"'Sagi!" Misako said hotly, "That wasn't funny!"

Before Usagi could say anything, Serenity came hurrying into the
bathroom while saying, "What happened?!?" She looked worriedly around
and then her eyes opened wide as she noted that there was an excessive
amount of water on the floor.

"'Sagi sprayed me with cold water, Mom," Misako complained hotly but
there was a smile in her eyes.

Serenity turned a stern gaze onto her daughter, "Am I going to have to
sit out in Misako's bedroom?"

"Iie Mommy," Usagi squeaked.

"Are you finished washing up, Small Lady?" Usagi nodded. "Then give me
that." She took the removable showerhead and hung it in the stall. "Now
get in there," she directed Usagi who scampered over to the furo before
quickly getting in. Misako shifted position but was grinning now. "Now
you two relax and just take it easy." Turning, Serenity left the room.

"Gomen nasai, `Onee-chan'," Usagi said softly.

"That's okay, 'Sagi," Misako said. They both giggled then. As they
relaxed in the furo, something that had been bothering Misako popped
into her mind. <'Sagi isn't actin' funny. I wonder why?> Her sister had
always acted funny about bathing with Misako the last couple of years
but now seemed to be at ease.

Usagi for her part sank up to her chin in the furo. Letting the hot
water sooth her and take away the chill she had not noticed before.
<Youma Catch isn't bad,> Usagi thought, <Especially when I played it
like a five year old.> Misako had compensated for that. <That mud wasn't
so bad either.> It was shocking the first time but, after a while, the
coldness was gotten used to and she found herself thinking less about it
as she played.

"'Sagi?" Misako squeaked. Usagi who had closed her eyes opened them and
gave her sister a quizzical look. "How come you let me wash your hair?"

"'Cause I washed yours," Usagi said. <It was kinda fun too.> They had
washed each other's hair in the past. <I had to sit on my heels but it
wasn't that bad.> "I really had fun this morning, Miko-chan," Usagi
admitted after a short pause. Misako smiled at her.

The rest of their time in the furo was filled with quiet talk. After
their mother came to tell them to get out, both girls quickly complied
and dried off. Getting dressed, they went to have lunch and found much
to their delight, their father sitting at the table. He seemed to be in
a better mood then the past day or so and greeted his daughters with
hugs and kisses for each.

                                 ******

That evening, Usagi and Misako were laying on Misako's bed in their
pajamas finishing up the manga series they had started earlier. Misako
turned to retrieve another book volume when she said, "'Sagi, do up that
button."

Grumbling slightly, Usagi reached back and refastened the right button
of the rear flap. "I don't see why they put flaps in these things."
Misako just giggled and shrugged. "I think these pajamas are out to
embarrass me. That's the third time that button's come undone." Usagi
turned to glare at Misako and asked, "You aren't undoing it, ne
Miko-chan?"

Misako looked slightly shocked and said, "Why? Just so I can tell you to
do it up again, 'Sagi?" Usagi only grunted in response and went back to
reading. There was silence in the room for a while and then there came a
knock at the door. "Come in," Misako called out.

Endymion opened the door and stuck his head into the room. "Small Lady,
your mother and I would like to speak to you in the study." When he saw
Misako preparing to get up, he added, "Alone."

"Hai, Daddy," Usagi said softly and, giving Misako a nervous look, got
up from the bed and walked to the door. Misako gave her a supportive
smile and waved. Usagi returned the wave and then followed her father
down the hall and through the living room to the study door. Opening it,
they both stepped in. For some reason, the clicking of the door closing
behind her caused Usagi to feel uneasy. It had a finality to it.
Endymion walked to sit behind the desk while Serenity sat in a chair
near it.

"You wanted to see me, Mommy, Daddy?" Usagi questioned as she approached
her parents slowly.

"Hai, Small Lady, we did," Serenity said, "You've been given a week to
think about your actions at the wedding. What do you have to say for
yourself?"

Usagi blinked in surprise. "Okaa-san," Usagi began after a brief pause,
"I know what I did was wrong. What I did brought dishonor not only to
myself but also the entire family. I showed disrespect both to my elders
and to the Sailor Senshi." Serenity nodded slightly while Endymion
shifted, his hands steepled before his face. "Although I was quarreling
with Sakuya-san, I should have shown her and Masao-san the proper
respect they deserved."

Endymion lowered his hands and folded them on top of the desk. He pursed
his lips and stated, "I see... So would you say that both you and Misako
have been punished fairly?"

"Iie Otou-san," Usagi promptly replied, "I should not have acted
childishly. I should not have disrupted the wedding, or attacked Misako,
or swore at mother." She blushed then and lowered her head slightly.

"But I would think Misako deserved more of the blame," Serenity
remarked. When Usagi shook her head, Serenity asked, "Why? Usagi, she
was the one that tormented you, ne?"

"I would also think," Endymion added, "That spending a week as a child
was punishment enough."

Taking a deep breath, Usagi began to explain slowly, "When I came back
from the past, one thing I wanted was to be treated fairly when being
punished." She licked her lips. "I think you and mother wanted to show
me that I had acted like a child." She paused then before saying,
"But..." she fumbled, unsure of what to say next. "I am older than
Misako. Her onee... I should have known better..." Shaking her head in
frustration, she said, "I'm not sure how to say what I want to." There
was a long pause. "I want to be grown up, a teenager; I want to prove to
you both that I can be that."

Serenity considered her daughter for a long time before nodding. "Well
Usagi, I see you have learned the lesson we set out for you this week."
Serenity paused. "The behavior I saw at that wedding was shameful.
Misako's behavior was shameful but it was humiliating to watch my eldest
daughter, the Crown Princess of Crystal Tokyo, act like a child."
Usagi's eyes, which had raised to meet her mother's, did not waver. "I
thought I raised my children to know how to handle situations. As Crown
Princess, you have certain responsibilities to the public. As a
teenager, I expected you to carry yourself with some amount of dignity
and pride."

Serenity rubbed her forehead then and commented, "I did not enjoy
putting my teenage daughter in a little girl's dress. I did not enjoy
watching her make a formal apology as a little girl."

"I... I understand, Okaa-san. I know you didn't have much choice. I
forced it on you. Gomen nasai," Usagi replied.

Both her parents gave Usagi sharp looks. "So you are ready hear your
punishment then?" Serenity asked.

"Hai, Okaa-san," Usagi said, tears had welled up in her eyes but she did
not lower her head. She would not do that, not because she denied what
her mother had said but because she wanted to face her mother's anger
and accept what she said as a grownup. It was difficult but Usagi put
her heart into it.

"As to your punishment, Usagi," Serenity began, "You will be grounded
for three months. I suppose I don't have to tell you what that means?"
Usagi nodded her understanding. "You will personally write every wedding
guest a letter of apology. You will explain your actions and why you did
what you did. You will also give details about your punishment."

"Everything?" Usagi asked. She sniffled, and wiped at her eyes.

"I don't think you need to mention specifics," Endymion said, "Misako
mentioned her spanking because it was part of her punishment. You might
say that because you behaved as a child, you were treated as one while
we decided a more substantive punishment."

"Hai, Otou-san," Usagi agreed.

"Now Usagi, I want to explain the reason that we took so long to deliver
this punishment," Endymion said. Usagi turned fully to him and looked
attentively at him. "Misako's was... is still a child. Hers was rather
straight forward. We could..." he halted for a moment before saying
gently, "We could trust her word more." Usagi gave him a pained look but
did not voice any objection. "You have said before that you would try to
be an adult; we have always trusted your promises. It has reached a
point now where we can not." He glanced to his wife and back at Usagi
before saying, "Your mother will explain this later on. Both you and
Misako were grounded and both of you are being required to write letters
of apology. Misako was spanked; your age required us to come up with
something unique. That is why it took us an entire week to decide it."

"Your father and I have discussed this before hand, Usagi. I need to get
something before we finish with your punishment. I want you to wait here
for a moment," Serenity instucted.

"Hai, Okaa-san," Usagi rsponded. Both Endymion and Serenity rose,
leaving the room and a rather nervous Usagi.

                                 ******

"Do we have to do this, Endymion?" Serenity questioned once she and
Endymion were outside the door.

Brushing her cheek, Endymion replied, "Iie, if you are truly
uncomfortable, then we can think of something else. I will support you,
Serenity, and I will understand if you do not wish to carry this
through."

She reached up and gripped his hand. "I never thought it would come to
this. I never would have thought I'd need to force my daughter to choose
between childhood and adulthood."

"You aren't. I know you feel like you're stealing away Usagi's
childhood," Endymion said softly, "But if we let her continue to slide,
then are we doing our jobs as parents? If we were a normal family, I
wouldn't mind so... but we are the Royal Family and Usagi IS the Crown
Princess."

"And Misako is a princess," Serenity pointed out softly.

"Iie," Endymion sighed, "A part of my heart wants Misako to be
important. But..." trailing off, he shook his head slowly before
squeezing Serenity's hand, "Don't keep our daughter waiting."

                                 ******

After a few moments, Serenity entered the room. Usagi was nervous but
prepared to face any grown up punishment her parents might deem
necessary. She watched the fire as it danced in the hearth, trying to
figure out what the last part of her punishment would be. She tensed
slightly as Serenity came to stand in front of her. Her eyes locked onto
an item in her mother's hands. They widened as Usagi thought of a scene
she had read somewhere in one of Misako's history textbooks that the
little girl always seemed to be studying.

As Serenity spoke, it sent a chill up Usagi's spine. Her eyes never left
the thin rod that Serenity held. "We have tried everything modern,
Usagi. Everything from permissiveness to grounding you. To allowing you
to make your own mistakes and correcting them." She fixed her daughter
with a frigid glare then. "However, we feel compelled to do something
more substantial for this type of behavior."

Usagi's mouth dry and she try to swallow. "Li... Like what?" she
whispered out, her mind scrambling for what her mother intended.

"This morning, your father and I had a talk with Luna. From that
discussion, we learned some very interesting things. Namely how I was
punished when I disrupted my cousin's wedding in the Silver Millenium."
Usagi's eyes widened. Serenity gave her a long calculating look before
saying, "Yes I did something similar. We have decided that since modern
techniques aren't working, we should try a more old fashioned approach."
Usagi looked to be on the verge of tears but the only response she gave
was quivering sniffle.

After a long moment of silence, Usagi asked, "You're... You're going to
spank me, ne Okaa-san?" Her mind was desperately trying to seek a way
out of the situation but none presented themselves.

"Hai," Serenity said, "You're a little big to fit over my knee so I want
you to bend over the desk."

<I'm glad Dad left,> Usagi thought sullenly. She hesitated, debating if
she could refuse, if she could somehow get out of being punished this
way. "Isn't there another way?" she pleaded while looking at her mother
with distress.

After a pause, Serenity nodded, "Hai." Usagi started to breathe a sigh
of relief but what Serenity said next made her blood run cold. "You
could give up being the Crown Princess."

Although Usagi fought a brief mental battle, there wasn't any question
about what she would choose. Walking over to the desk, she bent over it,
happy that her hair was hiding her embarrassment and tears of shame. Her
heart sped up faster as she heard her mother walking closer. She could
sense her off to the left but she didn't look, couldn't look. The first
swat from her mother's hand stung, but not as much as she had expected.
It also surprised and relieved her; she had feared that her mother would
use the rod she had been holding. Usagi gritted her teeth, worried that
the next one would make up for the last. There was another pause, the
ten seconds seeming like an eternity. The next swat landed. The sting
increased but was more uncomfortable than painful.

"All right, Usagi, get up," Serenity directed. After a moment, Usagi did
get up and turned to face her mother, cheeks stained with tears. She was
surprised to see tears in her mother's eyes as well.

"I thought you were gonna use that, Okaa-san," Usagi said pointing to
the rod.

Serenity examined the slender rod in her hands and explained, "This is
similar to what my mother, Queen Serenity, used when I misbehaved." She
looked at Usagi and continued, "For disrupting my cousin's wedding, I
was given twelve strokes." She reached out and gently stroked Usagi's
cheek while saying, "Just be glad you weren't there during the Silver
Millenium. Child rearing has come a long way."

"I thought it would hurt more," Usagi said softly while lowering her
head. <It didn't hurt as much as the last spanking I got... that was a
couple years ago.> Her cheeks reddened more at that thought.

"Usagi-chan," Serenity said softly. After a moment, Usagi lifted her
head to meet her mother's gaze. "I was not trying to inflict pain. I was
trying to make a point." Serenity paused a long time. When her mother
spoke again, it was in a quavering voice, "I want us to be able to trust
each other. To be able to be proud of each other." She held out the thin
rod to Usagi; after a brief pause, Usagi took it and looked between it
and her mother curiously. "I'm willing to start over, Usagi-chan. But I
don't know how many times I can start over. If you want to start anew,
to start all over again, then break that rod and toss it into the fire.
If you don't want to start over again, if you want or think that you can
live with what we have now, then place the rod on the fireplace mantle."

<Live in the present and grow up,> Usagi thought while looking at the
rod in her hand, <Or live in the past.> Her mother's method although
unorthodox was very effective. Usagi gave the matter some more thought,
then a loud CRACK could be heard. The rod lay in two pieces in Usagi's
hand. Throwing them into the fire with all the effort she could muster,
she gave a little sob and hugged her mother before starting to cry.
Holding her daughter close, Serenity cried as well. Her heart aching at
the trouble that seemed to have permeated her family, her soul.

End of Chapter 13

Coming next in Chapter 14 - With the Authority of Earth...