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 14 - With the Authority of Earth...

The only sound within the study was the crackling of the fire and the
soft ticking of the clock. Serenity felt the warmth of her daughter's
body as she hugged her close. Usagi's crying had subsided into an almost
soft whimpering; that had soon disappeared into steady breathing.
Serenity finally broke her hug and slipped out of Usagi's hug. The young
adolescent seemed reluctant to let the embrace go but she did so.

Serenity walked over to a small side table against one wall and scooped
up a small object there. Walking back over, Serenity gave a small smile
at Usagi and said, "A little girl found this at the Royal Shrine after
the wedding and I think it's yours, Mesume."

In the firelight, the golden rabbit's head necklace seemed to shimmer.
Usagi reached out and took the necklace, holding it in the palm of her
hand; fresh tears came her eyes and she sniffled again. "Arigato,
Okaa-san," Usagi said softly.

"Turn around and I'll put it on for you," Serenity offered while
reaching out for the necklace. She looked quizzically at her daughter
when Usagi withdrew her hand a little and shook her head. "You don't
want to wear it?"

"Iie," Usagi said softly while continuing to look at the necklace, "I
haven't apologized to Masao and Sakuya yet." Lifting her head, she
explained, "I want to apologize to them first before I wear this... Mom,
I just wouldn't feel right wearing it without having apologized."

Serenity smiled then. Reaching out a hand, she brushed away some of the
dried tears on her daughter's cheeks. "Oh Mesume," her voice was full of
pride, "You sometimes amaze me." Usagi smiled then.

"I guess I should go to bed," Usagi announced after looking at the
clock.

Serenity glanced at the clock then back to Usagi before saying, "It's
not seven-thirty yet, ne Usagi-chan?"

"Hai, but the week isn't up yet," Usagi countered with a smile, "It's
still Saturday. That means I'm still five." Giggling then, she added,
"'Sides, Mommy, I promised I'd spend the night with Misako and I don't
want to break anymore of my promises to my `onee-chan'."

Serenity frowned for moment then said, "I want to ask you a favor,
Usagi-chan, and it has to do with Misako." Her daughter gave her a
questioning look but it was wary in some respects. "Usagi, Misako is
nine. I know you would like to do a lot for her but she's feeling
cramped. Just like you felt when I was mothering you in the past."

"But I'm not trying to be her mother," Usagi protested.

"I know, Usagi. But Misako feels like she's being treated like a baby.
That's why she took your necklace. It was to show everybody she wasn't a
baby." Usagi wrinkled her nose in confusion. "I know you love her,
Usagi-chan, and both of you have been having problems..." Serenity
trailed off.

"Hai, I don't know why though... It was good this last week though."

Serenity pinched the bridge of her nose for a moment before saying,
"Because Misako is feeling smothered by you. I know you can't act like a
child but it went okay this week because you didn't try to do a lot of
things for Misako that she's capable of doing on her own, ne?" Usagi
nodded. "As I said, I would like you to slow down and just give Misako
some space."

"Hai, Okaa-san," Usagi agreed and gave her mother another hug, "'Night
Mommy." Her eyes danced with mirth at her mother's slight frown. Then
Serenity giggled.

"Mesume, I love you very much; I want you to know that. I want you to
also know that I need to spend some more time with Misako."

"Why?" Usagi questioned.

"I have my reasons but I think it will help get you and Misako get
closer."

"'Kay Mommy," Usagi squeaked and giggled again, "I love you too.
Bye-bye." After kissing her mother goodnight and waving, Usagi skipped
out of the study, leaving behind a slightly bewildered Serenity staring
after her.

                                 ******

It was shortly after Sakuya's return home that Misako had decided to
finally make her move to regain Kimeko. That Wednesday after school,
Misako finished filling Fubuki-chan's water dish and placed it on the
floor before walking over to her school bookbag. Reaching inside, she
retrieved the hand-written letter of apology that was for Kimeko. It was
longer than the others were; Misako had decided to put a lot of effort
into this particular one if she was going to regain her onee.

Walking over to the couch where Kimeko was sitting flipping through a
magazine, Misako asked, "Kimeko-san, may I talk to you?" Kimeko looked
up for a moment before nodding. She placed the magazine on the table
before folding her hands. "I want to apologize for my behavior at
Sakuya's wedding. I'm very sorry for breaking your trust and
embarrassing you. Gomen nasai." Misako bowed deeply for a moment before
straightening. "Kimeko-san, this is for you," she said and handed the
letter to Kimeko.

Kimeko sat silently and read the letter. The only reaction she gave was
the occasional raised eyebrow or small frown. Kimeko read it twice
before lowering it and speaking, "Arigato, Miko-chan, I accept your
apology. I want to know why you didn't apologize to Sakuya first."

"Because... I didn't know what to do," Misako replied, "I know about the
formal apology but I want to do something special to make it up to
Sakuya and Masao." She grinned then, "I wanted to ask you to help me,
Onee-chan."

Kimeko's features darkened and she scowled disapprovingly at Misako.
"Young lady, I told you I was not your onee and I did not want to be
your onee." She sighed then. Reaching out, Kimeko drew Misako around the
coffee table and motioned her to sit down. "Gomen nasai, Miko-chan. I
didn't mean to yell at you."

"But I apologized," Misako said softly, "I don't get why you don't want
to be my onee."

"Miko-chan, Usagi is your onee..." Misako looked as if she was about to
protest this but Kimeko raised her hand. "Listen." Misako closed her
mouth and looked at Kimeko with a mixed look. "Usagi is your onee and it
would not be right for me to be called Onee-chan without you calling her
that as well."

"Don't you love me?" Misako asked somewhat confused.

"Misako, this has nothing to do with me loving you or not loving you,"
Kimeko stated firmly, "I am not comfortable with you calling me
Onee-chan and I have asked you to stop. I don't want that type of
relationship. I am willing to be your friend and I do still love you. I
just will not allow you to replace your onee with me."

<Why won't you be my onee?> Misako thought as she looked at Kimeko. She
could feel her eyes starting to mist over but she refused to cry. <I
won't be like Usagi and pout.> Taking a moment to get herself under
control, she said, "You're still mad at me, ne?"

Kimeko furrowed her brows in consternation. "Iie Misako. I appreciate
the apology and the letter. It shows that you ARE growing up. I'm just
not comfortable with being your onee. I never was your onee until you
started having problems with Usagi and I don't want to simply be a
replacement." Hugging the little girl, Kimeko sighed then. "Don't be
like Sakuya and ignore good fortune." Misako didn't respond but gave
Kimeko a quizzical look and a hug in return.

"O... Kimeko-chan?" Kimeko smiled then and gave Misako a tighter
squeeze. "Would you help me think of something? I know what I want to
say but..." Misako trailed off and shrugged.

"Did you write Sakuya a letter?" Misako nodded and, slipping from the
hug, retrieved another letter from her bookbag. She brought it over and
handed it to Kimeko. "I don't think I should read it, Miko-chan," Kimeko
said, "I mean this is addressed to Sakuya."

"Please Kimeko-chan?" Misako asked softly, "I really want your help."
After some thought, Kimeko nodded. She couldn't be Misako's onee but she
could certainly help the little girl. "Arigato!" Misako squeaked and
gave Kimeko another hug, "I love you!" <Onee-chan...>

"I love you too," Kimeko responded, "Now let's see about this letter."

                                 ******

The last Saturday in November was cold but sunny. Misako slammed closed
the book she had been reading and stood up in frustration. Her chair
clattered to the floor where it laid as she flopped onto her bed.

<Why can't I be a Senshi?!> she thought angrily, <I have to be one so
Kimeko will be my onee again.> She had been researching every text she
could find for weeks trying to solve the problem without success. She
crossed her arms and scowled up at the ceiling. <Usagi isn't playing
with me either.> Her sister had gone back to being a teen and Misako had
not seen any change in her own situation. <Baka Odango Atama gets to do
everything.> Rolling over on her bed, Misako pulled the pillow up over
her head.

"Baka!" she snarled with irritation, "She gets to do everything! Just
like today..." What was even more frustrating to Misako was that it had
been her father who was denying her. "I'm not a baby!" Misako shouted
more to herself to relieve some of her frustration than anything else.
Sitting up, she was about to throw her pillow across the room but
decided to crush it between her hands instead. <Sako doesn't think I'm a
kid.> She had been relieved that Sakuya was willing to forgive her and
seemed pleased by some hidden thought. <I apologized before Usagi, that
little snot.>

She sighed then and let her pillow slip from her hands. Drawing her
knees up, Misako sighed and rested her forehead against them. <It isn't
'Sagi's fault. There's just no transformation broach.> Misako felt tears
roll down her face and she sniffled. "Usagi coulda let me try her
broach. Not like I'd break the baka thing." That had confused Misako.
Usagi had been firm that Misako couldn't use her broach and seemed
afraid when Misako had asked for some reason. Yet, Usagi was also upset
that Misako couldn't be a Sailor Senshi.

After a few moments, Misako straightened and slid from her bed.
Adjusting the blue skirt and blouse she was wearing, she sighed then and
headed for the door. All seemed quiet within the Royal Suite. Walking up
the hall to Usagi's door, Misako knocked but there was no response.
Turning, she walked back down into the living room. She had been warned
about entering her sister's room without permission and the consequences
were severe.

The living room was empty, both the door to the reading room and the
study were closed. Wandering over to the reading room, she opened the
door softly and looked in. Seeing that no one was there, she went to the
study and knocked.

<Where is everybody?> Misako thought, <I thought I heard voices
before...> Scowling slightly, she knocked a little louder and called
out, "Mom? Dad?" Again, there was no response. Walking into the kitchen,
Misako noted that the dining room was empty as well. <Hmmm...> Calling
out again for her parents, Misako scowled deeply when she heard no
answer. <Somebody should be here. They think I'm too little to be by
myself.> Walking into the dining room, Misako noticed something shiny
lying on the table. Cocking her head, she studied it for a moment then
shrugged. <Must be something Dad gave Usagi.>

Wandering out of the room, she didn't notice the storage room door was
open a crack or that a small flex tube was peeking around it. Inside the
room huddled around a small viewscreen were Endymion, Serenity, both
Lunar cats, Minako, and Kimeko.

Endymion breathed a sigh of relief when Misako left the dining room.
This earned him a sharp glare from his wife. Smiling slightly, he
whispered, "I promised I wouldn't interfere. You know that and Usagi's
confined to her room until Misako transforms or refuses it." Grunting,
Serenity turned back to the viewscreen. <I won't refuse you this chance,
Mesume. You have to decide whether you want to take this chance or not.
I want you to be someone special too.> There had to be something special
for Misako to do or Endymion feared that his family would be torn
asunder.

"Serenity-chan, what if Misako goes to the guards outside?" Minako
asked.

"They've been told to tell Misako that we were called away, Minako-chan.
They aren't permitted to let her leave but she's being trusted on her
own." Minako was about to say more but there was motion on the screen.
Misako came wandering into the dining room looking both concerned and
confused. She glared at the broach for a moment and then gave it a nudge
with her finger.

The next five minutes were stressful for Endymion and Serenity. After
having determined that it wasn't overly fragile, Misako spent five
minutes playing a type of one-on-one hockey with the broach being the
puck. After awhile though, Misako got bored and wandered away again.

"My table!" Serenity hissed, "If that thing's scratched my table, I'll
string Misako up by her ears." She then glared at Luna. "And I'll turn
you into a fur hat!" Minako and Kimeko grinned at each other then. "Why
didn't she feel anything?" Serenity questioned the Lunar Cats
irritatedly.

"She did not keep contact with it long enough, Your Majesty," Artemis
explained, "It requires more than a few seconds contact for the broach
and the starseed to `recognize' each other's presence. Also, it could be
that she never `heard' anything. If Misako doesn't come back... say
within half an hour, then we'll know it hasn't worked."

"Half an hour!" all the girls whined. Artemis opened his mouth, saw that
he was outnumbered, and promptly closed it again.

While the conversation in the storage closet had been going on, Misako
had been calling around trying to find her parents. After hanging up
from her last phone call, Misako considered what to do. With her parents
gone and Usagi not around to see and tattle, she was pretty much free to
do anything she wanted. But would she? Her parents obviously trusted her
to be good and follow their rules. So, Misako grumbled but thought, <I
won't give them a reason to think I can't be trusted. I'll show 'em I'm
a teen.>

The broach was fascinating and yet irritating at the same time. She
walked into the dining room and stood by the table. <Why does Usagi
always get all the pretty stuff?> It just wasn't kawaii but pretty as
well. <I wish that could be mine.> It didn't seem fair that Usagi got
all the really nice things to wear and she was left out.

The broach was not the same as Usagi's, not the round compact style
broach. Instead, it was a rose, a sparkling red crystal rose with a
delicate silvery pin that ran parallel to the stem. The stem itself had
tiny details and was emerald in color. The flower portion of the rose
was nestled in the curvature of a golden crescent moon that flared out
from the stem.

<I... I'll just wear it until Mom, Dad, or 'Sagi gets back,> Misako
thought, <I hope Mom or Dad get back first though.> Maybe if they saw
her wearing the broach, they'd start to buy her some jewelry too. <If
'Sagi wants it back, I'll give it to her.> As long as Usagi didn't think
she stole it; she had no desire to repeat her current punishment over
again. Picking up the broach, Misako started walking towards the door
and suddenly stopped. <I feel funny,> Misako thought to herself as she
tried to determine what it was.

Then they came, words rushing into her head. Pounding themselves into
her mind. Misako gasped at the unexpected assault while gripping the
sides of her head. Still clutching her head, she shook it, trying to
clear it. But the words would not go away. They became the single
thought, driving others away. Demanding to be let out, to be said.

Misako staggered as she fought against it, scared at what was occurring
yet conscious that it would not hurt. Finally, the force was too great
and the little girl spoke the words that she could picture bold in her
mind: EARTH PRISM POWER, MAKE-UP!

                                 ******

The feeling that came rushing into her was indescribable. Misako felt a
cool touch upon her, yet firm and supporting. Her eyes were dazzled by
the multicolored spectrum that danced before her; time seemed to stand
still.

Then something nudged her, as if telling her to hurry up and finish what
she had started. Much to her surprise, she heard her own voice talking
eerily, "Chikyuu no kenryoku ni aru, sailor-fuku Bishoujo Senshi...
Sailor Chibi-Earth!*" Misako blinked then, not believing what she had
just heard. Mouth agape slightly, she looked down at herself and gasped.
Her clothing had changed.

It was then that the full impact of what had just occurred struck the
little girl with full force. Her legs gave way and she sat heavily on
the floor. There was another moment's silence before Misako burst into
tears. She turned at the sudden noise and saw both her parents emerge
from the storage closet. Her mother was looking concerned while her
father was appeared angry, but he was hiding it well. This just
distressed the little girl more and she increased her crying.

"Misako!" Serenity called while squatting near her daughter, "Misako,
are you okay?!?" Misako mumbled something only partially coherent and
Serenity blinked. "Iie..." Serenity said softly and reached out to
gather her daughter into a hug, "Iie Miko-chan. It's okay."

Endymion was about to demand what the problem was when Usagi came
skipping into the room. A huge smile was spread across her face and she
was yelling joyously at the top of her lungs. Dropping to her knees,
Usagi hugged Misako fiercely while declaring, "My imouto's a Sailor
Senshi! Just wait until I tell everybody else," Usagi shouted gleefully,
her heart bursting. <I'm so proud of you, Imouto.>

"Gomen nasai, 'Sagi," Misako sniffled out through her tears. "I just
wanted to wear it," she mumbled out. <It has to be a new transformation
broach for 'Sagi...>

"Nani?!?" Usagi asked, her smile sliding from her face, "What're you
talking about?"

"Your broach... I just wanted to wear it, 'Sagi," Misako said
despondently, "I'll give it back to you." She reached for the broach
then but could not bring herself to remove it. <I know I have to give it
back but... I really like this. It's so pretty.> She sniffled again. <I
thought I'd get to keep it for a little bit at least.> She felt a hand
enclose the one holding the broach. Looking up, she saw Usagi staring at
her, an odd expression on her face.

"That's yours, Miko-chan... or should I say SAILOR CHIBI-EARTH!" Usagi
said and regained her smile, "I would never want to take that away from
you, Misako."

"I'm a Senshi?!?" Chibi-Earth asked in dumbfounded disbelief.

"HAI!" everyone answered. Chibi-Earth turned to see that Minako and
Kimeko were grinned broadly, her father was looking happy but seemed
sad, and both her mother and sister were grinning. Luna and Artemis were
also looking on with both pride and excitement. <I'm a Senshi?!>
Chibi-Earth thought again.

"Come on, Miko-chan," Serenity said softly, "Let's get a proper look at
you." She stood and pulled Chibi-Earth to her feet. "Come on, there's a
full-length mirror on your door," Serenity prompted as she led her
daughter by the hand. Chibi-Earth followed, unaware of movement. She was
too afraid to move really, lest the dream be disturbed. She had worked
too long and hard for this to be real; it had to be a dream... It just
had to be.

Chibi-Earth stared at herself in the mirror and hoping that if it were a
dream, she would never wake up. Her fuku skirt was black with a
half-inch line of red trim running one inch from the hem. Her fuku top
was white with a square collar that was black with red trimming. The
front bow was black as well, the one in the back of the skirt was a
brilliant red. Her gloves were white except for the triple band at the
elbows that were black. She wore knee-high black boots that were trimmed
with thin double red lines at the top. The broach sat neatly centered
upon her front bow.

Much to Chibi-Earth's surprise, and partial disgust, her dreaded odangos
had returned. However, they weren't the same as she used to wear. Two
brilliant ruby-red jewels adorned them, much as Sailor Moon's had done.
She had a faint touch of red lipstick on and a set of silver crescent
moon earrings.

"I don't want these odangos!" Chibi-Earth stated stubbornly after her
initial shock had passed.

"I think you look very kawaii in them, Chibi-Earth," Kimeko commented.
Minako nodded in agreement.

"Hai, you are very kawaii," Serenity agreed as she gave her daughter a
hug, "I know you like to wear your hair the other way but... it's a
small price to pay for being a Sailor Senshi, ne?"

"Yeah!" Usagi chirped. She hugged Chibi-Earth wholeheartedly and said,
"Just wait until Senshi practice starts. This is going to be so much
fun!" Chibi-Earth gave her sister an odd look but didn't comment.

Instead, she walked over to her father who had been standing by her
window looking out at the drifting snow. "Daddy?" Chibi-Earth
questioned. Serenity quietly motioned the others out of the room and
gave her husband a worried look before softly closing the door. "Daddy?"
she questioned again.

"Gomen," Endymion said while turning and lifting his daughter into a
hug. "I think you're very pretty and you'll make a great Sailor Senshi."
Misako hugged him then and he couldn't keep the tear from rolling down
his face. <You are now immortal, My Princess, and I have sent you into
the lion's den. Both my precious daughters...>

His reaction confused her. "Don't you want me to be a Senshi, Daddy?"
Chibi-Earth questioned softly after pulling away and seeing his tears.
She reached up and brushed one gently away.

"I love you, Mesume, and if you want to be a Senshi, then you can be a
Senshi. I will be proud of you no matter what you accomplish," Endymion
replied and kissed his daughter's cheek, "Your tiara is nice too." It
was so much like her sister's, yet different. "Now let's go have a
party."

"'Kay," Chibi-Earth chirped, happy that her father wasn't angry with her
and was proud of her. If only she could get rid of those baka odangos!

                                 ******

The next couple of weeks were intense ones for Misako. She found herself
being poked, prodded, and jabbed by a variety of instruments, none of
which she liked. Her workload increased. If she weren't running to
gymnastics practice, she was running to Senshi preparation classes with
Younger Jupiter and Younger Saturn and if not that, it was to school.

Despite the pressure, Misako found herself enjoying it. She still didn't
like the odangos but at least they disappeared when she detransformed;
Younger Jupiter and Younger Saturn were both shocking surprises to what
Misako expected. It was if when in their Senshi forms, the women were
completely different people. But after the initial surprise, Misako
found that she didn't mind Younger Jupiter's or Younger Saturn's
business-like demeanor. That was what she wanted, or thought she wanted.

Misako had heard horror tales from her sister for years about Younger
Jupiter and Younger Saturn but Misako for her part put it up to
exaggeration. Usagi never did like school and Senshi practice could be
viewed as a type of school.

By the beginning of December, Misako was finally cleared to join the
other Younger Senshi in regular practice. It was with some impatience
then that Misako suffered through the first weekend of December; regular
Senshi practice wouldn't start until the following Monday.

                                 ******

The first Friday in December was clear. A pale half-moon shone down on
Crystal Tokyo; a thick blanket of snow lay over the city. Its surface
slick and crusted with ice. As Princess Misako dreamed of being a Senshi
that night, there were others who were doing other things, and thinking
other thoughts.

Rakurai Sakuya sighed contentedly as she rested her head on her
husband's shoulder. She felt the covers been drawn up around her
shoulder and then her husband hand resting there. Slowly, she traced a
hand over his chest and giggled slightly.

"What's so funny?" Rakurai Masao asked, his voice soft within the gloom.
The bedroom was illuminated only by the faint glowing of the clock and
the light that seeped in near the top of the window.

"I'm just trying to picture you in pajamas, Masa-chan," Sakuya mused and
giggled again. She slid her head back a little to look at him. "I
suppose it'll happen when we get older; it always seems to." She could
see his smile. Masao chuckled then, "You know what I mean?"

"Hai," Masao said. He ran a finger gently down her cheekbone to the
middle of her chin before retracing his path. "What got you to thinking
about that?"

Shifting slightly to snuggle closer, Sakuya closed her eyes before
answering. "Just something your imouto said." There was silence for a
moment and then, "Kimeko's as bad as your mother... or Sobo for that
matter. She wanted to know when she'd be an aunt." A grin formed on
Sakuya's face as Masao snorted before chuckling. "Just now I was
remembering my father." She felt him gently stroking her hair and felt
his love. How strange it was yet wonderful at the same time.

"Sa-chan?" Masao questioned softly.

"Hmmm?"

Licking his lips, Masao asked haltingly, "Would you... would you
apologize to Usagi?" There was no reaction and then Sakuya's head slowly
lifted and turned. He could feel the intensity of her glare driving into
him. "I know what she did, Sa-chan. But, I think you're hurting because
she's not around." <I can see how you feel about her.>

Much to his relief, Sakuya settled down into the position she had been
in. "What she did..."

"She did because of you," Masao interrupted his wife, "Usagi's hurting a
lot, Sakuya, and so are you." He sighed then before saying, "I was angry
with both of them for what they did, Sa-chan, but..." He stopped then
and sighed. <But they apologized and Usagi wanted to apologize to you
alone.> He hated seeing Sakuya so melancholy, or Usagi for that matter.
Sakuya remained silent and Masao feared that she was withdrawing into
her old shell. Putting up the walls that she had let down for him.
"Sa-chan, I love you very much; please don't be angry though when I say
that you have standards that no one, not even you, can attain."

"How can I, though?" Sakuya questioned. <How can I face her? What Masao
is saying is true. We're both hurting and, instead of forgiving her when
she needed me, I turned my back on her. Is that what an onee would do?>
Hearing her husband give a gusty sigh, she turned to regard him.

"I knew Usagi was stubborn. It runs in the family I suppose." He grinned
then. "But she's more stubborn than any of the other Royal Family. You
almost think she was related to you." <Please Sa-chan, don't take that
the wrong way.>

Sakuya's response surprised Masao, "I'm happy I married you." She
grinned as Masao gave her a shocked look. "You're right, Masa-chan, I've
been acting like a real jerk." <My imouto needs me.> Sakuya giggled.
Masao took on a panicked expression and raised his hands in warding.
Sakuya gave an exasperated sigh at that and kissed her husband deeply.
"You're right, you know that."

"So you'll apologize to Usagi, ne?"

"Hai," Sakuya said, "Now let's get some sleep. We both have to work
tomorrow." In the dark, Sakuya missed the evil grin that played across
Masao's face, or the gleam of mischief in his eyes.

                                 ******

"Gomen nasai, Sakuya-san," Misako said when she answered the door around
ten in the morning the next day, "Usagi isn't here. Could I take a
message?"

"Iie, arigato, Your Highness," Sakuya replied, a small frown creasing
her brow, "When did she leave?"

"I'm not sure, Sakuya-san, gomen. I could go ask my parents though..."

"Iie," Sakuya responded and shook her head, "I must have gotten mixed
up. Good-bye, Princess Misako." Sakuya bowed and turning started down
the hall.

"Good-bye!" Misako said politely while giving a slight bow of her own.
Closing the private entrance door, she turned to see her parents looking
at her. "Nani?" she asked as they both grinned.

"That was very good, Miko-chan," Serenity complimented, "You were very
polite." Walking down the hall a little, Serenity added, "Now come and
get ready; I have to go to Court for an hour or so. You can come if
you'd like." A slow smile spread across Misako's face and she ran down
the hall and gave her mother a hug. "Let's get ready then,"

"Hai!" Misako squeaked excitedly, her eyes gleaming. She didn't mind
that she was likely being allowed to Court because her sister wasn't
around. <I wonder where Usagi went anyway?> Misako thought as she
entered her room to prepare for Court.

Sakuya was wondering the same thing as she slowly made her way home. <I
thought Masao said Usagi wanted to see me...> Not that she was put off
by the walk to the Royal Family Suite; she hadn't really been doing
anything. She was just curious. <Maybe Usagi was coming to see me.> That
thought hadn't occurred to her before. <That's likely where she is.>

After a few more minutes, Sakuya had reached hers and Masao's apartment.
For the time being, they were living in what used to be Sakuya's
apartment. Masao had always stayed at the Bachelors Officer's Quarters
for the CTDF so he welcomed the move. Sakuya still needed some time to
adjust to another person living with her but Masao understood and that
helped matters.

Entering the apartment, Sakuya called out, "Masa-chan? Did Usagi say
that she was coming here?" There was no response. She frowned at the
closed bedroom door but shrugged then. <He might have gotten a page.>
She was putting her shoes away and pulling on her slippers when she
noticed something out of place. <Masao's boots, pair of shoes. My shoes,
my boots...> Sakuya blinked and turned back to the pair of shoes. <Those
aren't Masao's.> She also noticed a pair of the guest slippers were
missing as well.

This was curious. "Obaa-san?" Sakuya called as she finished pulling her
slippers on and turned back to the room. Again, there was no response;
she frowned at this. <Well it has to be somebody we know. Masao wouldn't
just leave without trusting them.> Sakuya was about to turn back to
examine the shoes again when the bedroom door opened a crack. "Who's in
there?!" Sakuya demanded. She was trying not to sound nervous but it
failed slightly. Despite her calm appearance, Sakuya could feel her
heart beating a little faster.

The person that slowly emerged from the bedroom door caused Sakuya's
eyebrows to shoot up in surprise. She felt her mouth swing open as she
gaped at the sight before her -- Crown Princess Tsukino Usagi "Small
Lady" Serenity was dressed in a kindergarten fuku that seemed to be made
to fit her properly. Her hair was done up in her old rabbit ear odangos
that were held with bright pink bows which Sakuya hadn't seen in years.

"Konnichiwa Rakurai-san," Usagi began softly bowing low, "I am sorry for
intruding upon your private time. Gomen nasai." Straightening, Usagi
came more fully into the room, stopping by the couch to clasp her hands
behind her back.

Sakuya felt an old surge of annoyance and fought it down. Closing her
mouth, Sakuya approached Usagi and bowed. "Konnichiwa Princess Usagi.
May I ask what you wished to see me about?" Sakuya asked. <And why are
you in that fuku?>

Usagi licked her lips before starting to speak. Her pace was slow and
she paused often, as if unsure of herself. "Rakurai-san, I... I want to
apologize for my behavior. Not only at the wedding but also towards you
over the past few months." Usagi blinked, trying to clear the mist from
her eyes. "I... I should have shown you the respect that you deserved. I
was selfish and bullied others because I wanted my own way and did not
respect either your wishes or their position and authority." Usagi
lowered her head. She could feel a lump forming in her throat.

"When did you realize this?" Sakuya asked. That was the only thing she
could ask. <Oh Imouto.> She felt her heart yearning to comfort Usagi and
she fought against it. Usagi was doing this for a reason and Sakuya
would allow her to finish it.

"My parents decided that if I was going to act like a child, then I
should be treated like one," Usagi explained, a light blush coming onto
her face, "I had a lot of time to think about what I did. Not only at
the wedding but also during the past few months." She lifted her head
then, eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "I... I am sorry I violated
your trust. I didn't..." She faltered then, "I didn't..." Again, she
faltered. Giving a slight sniffle, she felt the first trickle of tears.

Sakuya advanced and gently pulled Usagi into a hug. The young girl
hugged her back after a moment. "I know, Usagi-chan, I know and I'm so
sorry I pushed you away." Sakuya cried herself. Tears welling up and
running down her cheeks in two glistening streams. After a moment, Usagi
pulled back and Sakuya reluctantly let the hug go.

"Please don't apologize," Usagi said softly, "I wanted you to change and
when you wouldn't, I was angry with you and sulked." Wiping at her eyes
with the sleeve of her fuku, she reached into her pocket and withdrew an
object. "Raku... Sako-chan, please I want you to keep this," Usagi asked
as she held out the rabbit's head necklace.

Sakuya stared at the golden rabbit's head before shaking her head. "I
can't... it's yours." Usagi just looked at her pleadingly. Slowly Sakuya
reached out and the young girl gently lowered the necklace into her
palm. "You don't have to do this, Usagi-chan."

"I know," Usagi said softly with a sniffle, "I just... I always seem to
act like a child around you. If you can't forgive me, I'll try to
understand but I want you to know that you do matter to me." Sakuya felt
tears start to flow again and the pain within her heart. The loneliness
that had been there all this time flared again. "I love you, Sako-chan,
and I want you to be proud of me. If... if you can't accept the
necklace, at least keep it." Closing her eyes, Usagi ended softly, "Keep
it until you think I'm grown up."

Letting the necklace go, Usagi stepped back and bowed again. "Gomen
nasai. I want to thank you for your time, Rakurai-san. Domo arigato."
Slowly Usagi started to head towards the door when Sakuya's voice
stopped her.

<No, little one, you won't go; we can't go on like this,> Sakuya thought
before she said softly, "Imouto, let me help you put this necklace on. I
think it would go very well with your fuku." Seeing Usagi start to
shudder slightly, Sakuya hurried over and hugged her tightly. "Shhh...
it's okay. We'll have a nice long talk." Usagi somehow managed to turn
and hugged Sakuya close. "I love you, Usagi-chan, and even if I tried to
deny it, I always have."

They stayed like that for a long time, not moving, simply seeking each
other's warmth and comfort. Unable to express in words how they felt,
yet not needing words. Renewing the bond that had never faded, that had
only been buried by pain and anger. A bond that would eventually
strengthen because of this hardship, as it would for those that might
follow.

                                 ******

Younger Moon glared towards her commander after school on Monday
afternoon. She set her jaw firmly in place and stated, "Chibi-Earth is
MY imouto, Sensei. I'll handle this." King Endymion shifted
uncomfortably but kept silent. "I know you want to help but..."

"Younger Moon," Younger Jupiter said sharply, cutting Younger Moon off,
"I've noticed nobody has been assigned to the `bathroom detail' in
awhile. You keep arguing with me and I'll take that as your request for
that assignment." She watched as the young girl's eyes expanded in
surprise and then Younger Moon rapidly shook her head. "Very well then,
I will help. Now go along with the others up to the observation area."

"Can't I go with Chibi-Earth through the sim?" Younger Moon asked. Her
commander gave her a long hard look, her face twisting into a slight
grimace. "Please, Younger Jupiter, let me..." Younger Moon was cut off
by her father who placed a hand over her mouth and took her left arm in
a firm grip.

"Younger Moon, I have other matters to attend to. YOU may visit me in my
office after practice. Understood?!" Younger Moon nodded and allowed her
father to guide her away. <Don't worry, Usagi.> Turning, Younger Jupiter
made her way towards the bathroom where she was sure her newest recruit
was hiding and feeling rather miserable.

                                 ******

Sailor Chibi-Earth sat hunched in a corner. The tears had gone now
leaving her eyes red and puffy. Her mouth had a slightly sour taste in
it and her stomach rolled slightly when she thought of being out there,
in front of everyone. She looked on in miserable embarrassment as
Younger Jupiter came into the bathroom.

<Everybody will laugh at me,> Chibi-Earth thought again as she lowered
her head. <I can't go out there. I can't even shoot straight.> She
sniffled then and a few tears squeezed out from between her eyes. <How
am I ever going to get Kimeko to be my onee if I can't even be a proper
Senshi?> She looked up then as a gentle hand was placed on her head.
Younger Jupiter was looking at her with a neutral expression on her
face.

"Are you okay, Chibi-Earth?" Chibi-Earth nodded and sniffled a little.
"I bet you got sick, ne?" Younger Jupiter asked.

"A little," Chibi-Earth said after a brief pause, "How'd you know?"

Younger Jupiter smiled then. "Kami-sama, Chibi-Earth, do you think
you're the only one to ever get nervous?" Chibi-Earth looked at her
quizzically. "I don't know of one Younger Senshi who didn't get sick
when it came time for their first simulation."

"Usagi didn't," Chibi-Earth countered.

<How'd she know that?!?> Younger Jupiter thought then shrugged. "You're
right. Younger Moon didn't get sick before her first sim." <She got
cocky and became bunny paste.> "She had other problems, but we're
talking about you."

"I'm no good, Sakuya-san," Chibi-Earth said glumly. Younger Jupiter
snorted slightly. "I mean I can't even aim straight. I wish 'Sagi wasn't
here to watch... She'll probably laugh at me." <She's been so nice
lately.>

"I don't think she will," Younger Jupiter replied knowingly while giving
Chibi-Earth's arm a gentle squeeze, "Your sister is very proud of you
for just being a Sailor Senshi. As to aiming straight... you aren't the
worst. Younger Venus nearly killed me during target practice one time
when she was about your age." Chibi-Earth gave a small smile at that
thought. "Now come on, Chibi-Earth, you've said you wanted to be a
Senshi so come and be one. You'll get better over time." She pulled
Chibi-Earth to her feet and added, "Just remember that the only one you
have to please is you. Just do the best you can."

"'Kay," Chibi-Earth squeaked, "Arigato..." She then gave Younger Jupiter
a hug and the older woman didn't resist.

<The price of the position,> Younger Jupiter thought, <But I sure needed
a hug from Sobo back in those times.> And that's what it took for some
of the Youngers to boost their moral enough to get them past the first
simulation. Simply understanding and confidence.

                                 ******

Chibi-Earth was shocked at the realness of the giant simulator. She was
in a park during a spring afternoon. She could feel a warm and gentle
breeze on her face. She could smell the cherry blossoms and see their
beauty. The grass itself held a smell of freshness and felt like real
grass. How this was all possible Chibi-Earth didn't know but she was
impressed.

As she made her way through the park, Chibi-Earth searched for her
adversary. As time passed, she was starting to wonder if there was even
a monster. She felt something brush against her leg. Without thought,
she sprung sideways and turned to see a small creature. It was about
three feet tall; both its body and head were bulbous and seemed to be
covered in dark brown-green moss. Its "arms" were long and vine-like
with pincers on the end and its short legs were barely visible.

<That's the monster?!?> Chibi-Earth thought as she stared at the
creature. <Must have came from behind that tree.> There was a flicker of
movement and Chibi-Earth turned in time to see one more emerge from
behind another tree. <Two?!?>

The first creature shot out its arm in an attempt to strike. Leaping
backward, Chibi-Earth cupped her hands while shouting, "RED ROSE..." The
flower portion of a giant red rose appeared floating slightly above the
palms of her hands. "HEART..." Chibi-Earth shouted. As she touched down
on the ground, the giant rose transformed into a giant heart made of
rose petals. "ATTACK!" With the final phrase of her attack shouted out,
the giant heart shattered and sent dozens of tiny heart-shaped rose
petals hurtling towards the creatures a few feet away. The second one to
emerge scrambled off to the left with surprising speed. The remaining
one tried to deflect the attack with its arms but it was blown backwards
into the tree where it slumped.

"Hai!" Chibi-Earth grinned in delight and, starting to run, launched
herself into the air. "CHIBI-EARTH KICK!" Her leg snapped out and after
a split-second, her foot made contact with the creature's skull. It
shattered spewing forth a greenish sticky goo. "Eeww!!!!" she said
disgustedly as she tried to wipe the goo off of her boot. Then she gave
a yelp of surprise as something pinched her. Twisting, she saw the other
creature behind her. One pincer firmly locked onto her buttocks. "Hey!"
Chibi-Earth cried and grabbed the arm to pull it off of her.

Her remaining enemy seemed to be smarter than the other one and launched
its second arm while trying to withdraw the first one. He succeeded and
Chibi-Earth lost her grip. She went to dodge backward to avoid the
second attack but had forgotten about the first creature. Stepping in
its gooey remains, Chibi-Earth slipped and fell heavily on her rear.

"Don't laugh!" she demanded of the creature. Its body seemed to be
shaking with mirth. "RED ROSE HEART ATTACK!" Chibi-Earth shouted but
again, the creature scrambled to the left. However, it wouldn't have
mattered, her attack fell short anyway. <Forgot this thing is short
ranged... not like 'Sagi's,> she thought. Scrambling to her feet, she
attacked again while leaping forward but again it missed. The creature
was fast and agile.

<Why can't I hit it?!?> Chibi-Earth thought as she rolled away from its
double-armed attack. <I'm missing something...> Then an idea formed.
Calling out her attack, she fired it off and the creature scrambled to
the left again. As it started to move, she quickly fired another attack.
It was a strain though and she felt it but it worked. The creature
hadn't expected the second attack and walked straight into the blast. It
disintegrated from the onslaught.

"ALL RIGHT!!!!" Chibi-Earth shouted with glee and did a few backflips
for the sheer pleasure of it. <That was a little hard but I did it!> The
world shimmered and went black for a moment before she was returned to
the Simulation Chamber.

"YOU DID IT! YOU DID IT!" Younger Moon was shouting as she pelted down
the stairs from the observation area. Running over, she knelt and hugged
her sister ecstatically. "You were really good!" Younger Moon babbled.

"Arigato 'Sagi-chan!" Chibi-Earth replied while hugging her sister.
<This feels pretty good.>

"That's YOUNGER Moon, CHIBI-Earth," Younger Jupiter corrected. She
rolled her eyes as both girls started to giggle.

"You were really good, Misako," Endymion remarked as he too joined the
little group. Breaking away from her sister, Chibi-Earth ran to her
father and hugged him and he returned it. "You were great," Endymion
said. <I wish I could be happier for you, Mesume, but I can't. I know
you did well today but I'm still worried about you.> He stroked a
pigtail as a wide-eyed and excited little girl grinned up at him.

"Owie..." Chibi-Earth then complained as she rubbed her rear. Turning to
Younger Jupiter, she demanded, "Why did you try to have him spank me?"
The others broke into a fit of giggles.

Before her sister could do more than scowl, Younger Moon came over and
hugged her once more. "Forget about it. That was good and you creamed
'em, Chibi-Earth! Just wait until we can team up." <I can hardly wait.>

"'Kay, 'Sagi-chan," Chibi-Earth agreed.

"YOUNGER MOON!" everyone shouted. This sent both girls off into another
fit of giggles.

                                 ******

Time seemed to pass at a hectic pace. Days and weeks seemed to blur
together. Misako kept herself busy trying to do schoolwork, gymnastics,
and Senshi practice. When her parents suggested that she drop gymnastics
for a little while, Misako put up a solid wall and spent a good week
avoiding them whenever possible.

One thing that did seem to change for the better was the result of a
surprise announcement in April. Sakuya and Masao announced that they
were going to have a baby. Misako at first was simply happy for Sakuya
but not overly interested. That all changed though when she noticed that
Sakuya had been spending more time with her. She hadn't really noticed
it until one day in early April when Sakuya wasn't able to make Senshi
practice. What was even more surprising was that Misako found herself
concerned not only for Sakuya but for her unborn child as well.

It would have surprised Misako to discover that Usagi had asked Sakuya
to help Misako with Senshi training. Usagi was frustrated that she was
being blocked by Misako and hoped that Sakuya's intervention would help
somewhat. Even Kimeko agreed that it was a good idea for Sakuya to, as
Kimeko put it, "Take Misako under her wing."

But even with this newfound and special friendship Misako secretly
hoarded, the constant pressure continued. This did not help Misako's
frustration at not being able to improve as a Sailor Senshi. No matter
how much effort she put into her Senshi training, she never seemed to
improve. It wasn't long after the beginning of her Senshi practices that
Misako realized that the enemies were being handicapped to favor her.
This hurt her deeply. She had thought she had earned those victories
because of her own skill and prowess. But after realizing what was
occurring, Misako felt cheated. Chibi-Earth demanded to be treated the
same as Younger Moon and have the monsters be normal but she was
refused.

Another frustration was Misako's lack of improvement over her sister.
She was certainly smarter and more graceful than Usagi. Of that, she had
no doubt. However, for some reason, she wasn't better than Usagi as a
Senshi. In fact, she was worse than even Chibi-Moon had been. Although
it was hidden well, most of the Younger Senshi thought Misako was a
joke; the only exceptions were Younger Venus and Younger Mars who
thought she was a good Senshi for her age but, even they, didn't treat
her as a teen. Usagi respected Misako but she wasn't sure whether it was
simple patronage or genuine sentiment. The final exception was Sakuya
but here again, she treated all the Senshi equally except when it came
to monsters. Nonetheless, Misako felt that out of all the Youngers,
Sakuya was the only one that was truly honest in her opinion of her.

All these factors along with her mother's barely hidden favoritism of
Usagi grated on Misako, only adding to the pressure cooker that was
slowly building. It partially exploded one day in late April during a
Senshi practice.

"This one's MINE!" Chibi-Earth growled to her sister. She and Younger
Moon were pressed against a low stone wall. Both were heavily breathing
from their exertions. Her sister shook her head and Chibi-Earth scowled.
"Look, YOUNGER Moon, this one's mine!"

"Iie, you couldn't take out the other one. So why do you think you can
take this one out?" Younger Moon sighed a little as the little girl
before her set her jaw stubbornly. "Why are you always trying to
compete, Chibi-Earth? This is supposed to be a TEAM effort."

"What would you know about being a team?" Chibi-Earth hotly replied,
"You're the one that keeps making those baka speeches and keeps getting
in the way of MY attacks."

"Because you keep disappearing on me!" Younger Moon shouted. This
attracted the attention of the enemy. Its massive head loomed over the
low wall and a double row of jagged teeth gleamed in the fading
sunlight. It almost seemed to howl gleefully at them.

"See what you did!" Chibi-Earth screeched as she darted off to her left,
pounded down the sidewalk, and rounded a corner. <Baka Odango Atama!>
Chibi-Earth thought as she peeked around the corner. <Why is she trying
to showoff?!?> Younger Moon was running around dodging the creature's
needle-like attacks. <Now I'll have to save her.> Chibi-Earth sighed as
she leapt up to the rooftop.

Younger Moon would not have been thrilled to know that she was "going to
be saved" by her little sister. In fact, it hadn't surprised her that
Chibi-Earth had disappeared; that was the typical standard operating
procedure for Chibi-Earth. However, those dark thoughts were given only
a passing notice as most of Younger Moon's attention was concentrated on
keeping ahead of the creature. It was dog-like, almost the size of a
Shetland pony. Its huge muscled legs pushed it effortlessly towards its
prey. Its giant teeth gnashed together and occasionally would launch out
towards Younger Moon.

Younger Moon was tiring when she tripped and went sprawling onto the
ground. She turned to see the creature stalking towards her, teeth
bared. She brought out her pen to start her attack when the creature
lunged and clamped its massive jaws over her hands. Thankfully the
simulator's safeties would not allow serious harm to occur but Younger
Moon realized she was trapped.

That's when Younger Moon heard her sister, and for the first time, some
relief came to her. "RED ROSE HEART ATTACK!" Chibi-Earth cried, her
attack flew out from her position and hit the hindquarters of the
creature. <Kami-sama, it didn't do anything!!!!> Chibi-Earth thought as
she watched the monstrous head swing around to look at her with
amusement. As it swung around, her sister was dragged around as well.

"Just don't stand there, Chibi-Earth! Do something!" Younger Moon
yelled.

"CHIBI-EARTH KICK!" Chibi-Earth yelled again and launched herself at the
creature. It had the desired effect. The creature let Younger Moon go
and turned to face Chibi-Earth who was glaring at it. <I have an
idea...> She knew a way to kill it but before she could, her sister
attacked.

"LUNAR BUNNY CUDDLY HUG!" Younger Moon cried out. The giant glowing
bunny sailed towards the creature and hugged it. The creature started
bucking trying to shake off the lethal bunny.

"I'll get it!" Chibi-Earth called to her sister.

"Iie!" Younger Moon called out, "PINK SUGAR HEART ATTACK!" The pink
sugary hearts sped their deadly way towards the creature and shredded it
lengthwise.

"YOU BAKA, I SAID THAT IT WAS MINE!" Chibi-Earth howled as the
simulation ended. Launching herself, she tackled Younger Moon and
grabbed her odangos. "I said that one was mine, you thief!" Both girls
rolled on the ground and struggled to gain the upper hand.

Younger Jupiter sped across the simulator's floor to the two combatants.
"Stop it!" she commanded, "I've had enough!" She nodded to Younger
Saturn who had come down to assist her and they both pulled the girls
apart.

"You just wait!" Chibi-Earth screeched, "One of these days, I'm gonna
get it and show you how good I am and you won't be so high and mighty!"

"You left me, Chibi-Earth. I don't care what you say but I had every
right to attack it," Younger Moon retorted angrily.

"ENOUGH!" Younger Jupiter snarled out. Both girls fell silent but
continued to glare at each other angrily. "I will not tolerate this
behavior. Both of you get to my office now. You can stand outside it
until after practice when I will settle this competition personally,
once and for all."

"Hai Sensei," both replied.

"Now just so everybody knows, Younger Moon, you were out of action. Not
only did you lose the hand that held your weapon in it but also your
blood loss wouldn't have allowed you to continue. You have been here
long enough to recognize the signs and I trusted you to act
appropriately." Younger Moon started to protest but Younger Jupiter
glared her down. "Now both of you get to my office!" Both girls scurried
away trying to avoid each other but each giving the other one dark
burning looks.

                                 ******

A few days later, Misako breathed a sigh of relief as she came in from
gymnastics practice. Ever since starting Senshi training, she was
finding her gymnastics classes easier. She wasn't allowed to transform
for gymnastics and Misako didn't want to. She was good at gymnastics and
wanted to prove she was good without having magical ability aid her. Her
decision in this regard seemed to impress some of the more cynical girls
and they only muttered once or twice before letting the matter rest.

After putting her slippers on, Misako started down the hallway towards
her room. She could hear voices coming from Usagi's room. It sounded
like her sister and her mother. <I should let Mom know I'm home,> Misako
thought. Serenity had managed to keep out of the incident after the last
Senshi practice by saying she didn't want to hear anything about it. It
was a Senshi matter and she was Queen.

As Misako approached Usagi's door, she noticed that it was ajar. Misako
was about to knock at the door when she heard her name mentioned.
Pulling away, she pressed against the wall and listened. "...then she
ran off and left me all alone!" Usagi remarked with some heat,
"Onee-san, none of the Elder Senshi ran off on you. At least none of the
Inners. Why can't she just stay where I tell her to?!"

<Onee-san?!?> Misako thought to herself, <Can't be Usagi from the
past...> She peeked into the room and noticed Usagi wearing her regular
junior high school fuku. The startling thing was that someone else was
there wearing a different color junior high school fuku. It stirred
Misako's memory. She didn't connect it to the one that Usagi of the past
used to wear until her mother spoke; the same yet slightly different
from Usagi of the past that Misako remembered.

"Imouto, each one of us has a different fighting style."

"I guess so," Usagi replied, "I don't know why though. I don't know why
I just can't get her to listen to me. Misako could be good if she'd only
work with me." Misako scowled at this, "But iie!" Usagi suddenly shouted
and a thump could be heard, "She has to run away from that creature and
get me killed! Then SHE blames ME for beating it..."

Misako felt her cheeks flush in anger as the realization of what Usagi
and her mother were talking about became clear. <They're talking about
Senshi practice!> Misako thought darkly, <Mom said she wouldn't talk
about it but now she is!> Her breathing became shorter as she balled up
her fists.

What Usagi said next was the spark that ignited the powder keg. "I mean
she calls me `Baka Odango Atama' but she doesn't even look like a normal
Senshi! Whoever heard of a Chibi-Earth with a black and red fuku... The
only thing that I can think of that would be black for Earth is
fertilizer..."

Whatever the rest of the sentence was, was lost on Misako as she gave a
snarl and hit the door. It swung open with a bang, causing both Usagi
and Serenity to jump. "I knew you'd take her side!" Misako roared
pointing at her mother, "I just knew you'd listen to her side of things
and agree!"

"GET OUT, MISAKO!" Usagi yelled. Serenity was looking as if she was a
deer caught in bright headlights.

Misako turned her attention to her sister. "I keep trying to be a good
Senshi and you keep doing things to make me look baka!" Misako snarled,
"And why are you calling Mom `Onee-san'?!? If I did that, I'd be in real
trouble..." Misako took on a knowing look then and added, "Oh I forgot,
Usagi's Mommy's little girl."

"GET OUT!" Usagi demanded again and slipping from the bed, stormed
towards Misako, "I didn't say you could come in here. Now GET OUT!"

"Iie, if you're gonna talk about the Senshi practice, then I have a
right to defend myself," Misako retorted angrily. She gave a squawk of
protest as Usagi grabbed her by both arms and forced her back through
the doorway.

"NOW STAY OUT!!!!" Usagi snarled and slammed the door shut. Misako
looked at the door for a long moment, a tear welled up, and she brushed
it away angrily.

<No big surprise... Mom always takes her side.> And her mother had
promised she would stay neutral. Turning, Misako walked down the hall
and into her room, closing the door loudly behind her,

As she lay on her bed trying to sort out what she had overheard and
battling the guilt of listening in on a private conversation, Misako
wondered if being a Senshi was worth all the trouble. It was worth it to
get Kimeko back even if she couldn't call Kimeko "Onee-chan". So the
only real question became then, when would the hurt go away?

                                 ******

As the days marched by so did Misako's interest in Sakuya's baby.
Younger Jupiter seemed to appreciate the dedication that Misako was
putting in during Senshi training simulations although she found herself
conflicting with the others during team simulations. However, what
seemed to be getting Misako closer to Sakuya was tactics. She had
initially pestered Sakuya in hopes of discovering something to blow her
sister away; this soon turned into a real interest. This also let Misako
to develop a plan. Sakuya's child would have no onee and so Misako
determined that she would be the child's onee and show her sister how it
was supposed to be done.

Usagi, on the other hand, was becoming more depressed as time went by.
There was a real fear that Sakuya was pulling away from her. There were
no bold indications like Sakuya had given her before. It was just at
certain times that she had the metaphysical sensation of falling and not
being able to stop. However, Sakuya was willing to belay Usagi's fears.
That was a great help because it allowed Usagi to turn her attention to
other problems, namely Misako.

July the first was a hot and muggy day. About eight that evening,
Serenity was sitting out on the deck. She leaned back and sighed
slightly. Turning, she saw the door open and Usagi came walking out
dressed in pair of pink shorts and a pink halter-top.

Serenity began to smile but then noticed that her daughter was looking
rather serious. She got up from her position and walked over to her
daughter. "Mesume, what's the matter?"

"Mom, could I talk to you please?" Usagi asked softly, "I don't mean an
onee talk. I need Mom."

Serenity did not miss the nervous glance that was directed towards
Misako's open window. "Hai, Usagi-chan, come on into the formal
gardens." At Usagi's nod, they crossed the deck to the entranceway and
entered the formal gardens. They walked silently among the aromas and
colors of summer and past trees that were crowned in deep green. They
finally came to a small bench that was in the middle of a small glade.
The burble of water as it rippled across the surface of the small pond
seemed relaxing.

"I don't know what to do, Mom," Usagi started softly, "I've tried
everything I know." She stared towards the ground and sniffled. "I'm
losing my imouto and nothing I do seems to stop it."

"Usagi-chan, I don't think it's that bad," Serenity said softly, "Misako
is having a rough time... I don't know what's bothering her; not even
her father can figure it out."

Squeezing her eyes shut, Usagi said, "You never understand. Misako HATES
me. I..." Usagi trailed off as her voice cracked. It was a moment or so
before she continued, "I'm her onee. I should be able to figure it out.
You always knew what the problem was and how to solve it."

"Iie," Serenity disagreed softly, "I didn't always know, Usagi..."

She was about to say more when the young teen cut her off. "Why can't
Misako see I'm not a child? I don't want to be a child. Why does she
think I will be one?!" Her birthday party had not gone over well. <I'm
thirteen. I should be able to see what the problem is.> Usagi shook her
head. "You see?!? I keep blaming her!" In frustration, she stood and
walked over to the small fountain. "Mom... I... I seem to say the wrong
things. I shouldn't have said what I did yesterday." A light blush came
to her cheeks then, "Misako doesn't even talk to me anymore."

There was a long silence and then Usagi turned. "We don't even talk
anymore at meals. Misako just sits there and eats and then leaves; even
Dad's had trouble with her. It shouldn't be this way. It's gotten to the
point where Younger Jupiter can't pair Misako with me."

"I don't know what to say, Usagi," Serenity answered, "I have no magic
cures. I have nothing short of the Ginzuishou that would quickly heal
this."

"But she hates me. It just isn't her saying it, Mom," Usagi protested,
"Misako has said that before. It's different this time." Her lips
trembled then and she could feel the slow trickle of tears. "It
shouldn't be like this. I'm not a good onee." <You were a great onee.>
"How can I be with my imouto like she is now?"

Serenity got up and walking over hugged her daughter. "Mesume, you are a
wonderful onee. Certainly better than I would have been at your age. I
don't want you to blame yourself."

"But I want it to stop!" Usagi whined out as she hugged her mother,
"Mom... I just feel so bad. Like yesterday when Misako gave me that
birthday present... I could have accepted it. Instead... instead..." She
gave a little sob, unable to even face what she had done.

"Shh..." Serenity whispered out as she stroked Usagi's hair, "Don't
blame yourself. You are a wonderful onee." Usagi shook her head. "You do
things for Misako."

"Iie," Usagi retorted, "I just seem to screw things up for her." It had
seemed like such a wonderful time that week after Sakuya's wedding. Why
had it slipped away so quickly? Misako barely talked to anyone within
the family now. She openly ignored Usagi unless it was absolutely
necessary to talk to her. "I wish I was a kid," Usagi mumbled out, "It
would be easier then and Misako would like me." <Maybe Mom can use the
Ginzuishou on me...>

Serenity pushed her daughter away slightly and said gently, "Iie Usagi,
don't think like that. You made a choice, and you have to live by that.
I know it sounds hard but if you go back, then neither you nor Misako
will be truly happy. You will wish to be an adult and Misako would
likely feel like she's being toyed with."

"So what do I do?" Usagi questioned, "How do I get my imouto back?"

"I truly wish I had an answer, Mesume, but I don't," Serenity replied
softly.

Usagi gave a howl of frustration before starting to cry in earnest. She
didn't want to hear that her mother had no answer. She wanted something,
anything to bring back the little girl that she loved. The little sister
who she laughed and cried with. The little girl that had been the answer
to one of her fondest wishes. And as her mother held her close, Usagi
made another wish, one of heart and soul. She just wanted her imouto.
Nothing else, she wanted the little girl back. She wanted the old times
back. But most of all, she wanted her sister's love.

                                 ******

Chibi-Earth had become more irrational in her attacks. She took enormous
chances to score kills before Younger Moon could get to them. Around the
middle of July, Misako was pushing herself so hard that she barely had
enough energy to eat. Maintaining her "A-" average at school had become
a huge strain. Her social life was practically non-existent. Her parents
and teachers were starting to become worried about her but none realized
how far it had gone.

Yuki and Yumeko looked nervously around the hallway of the Sailor Senshi
Training Facility. "Come on, Miko-chan," Yumeko pleaded in soft voice,
"We're not supposed to be in here. Me and Yuki aren't Senshi. This place
is off-limits to us." <This isn't fun anymore.>

"Don't worry about it, Yume-chan," Misako said, "I told you I'd let you
come and watch me practice." <I want witnesses to prove that I can do
any sim better than Usagi can.> She saw the reluctance in her friends'
eyes and she scowled. "Come on, minna, they just don't want people
seeing how bad some of them really are." Turning, she made her way
towards the Control Booth. At first, no one was following her. Then, she
heard the muttered whispers telling her to wait.

Misako was even more delighted to see that none of the other Senshi were
in the simulator. "Sugoi!" she breathed out as she rubbed her hands.

"WOW!" Yuki breathed out as she looked around at all the complex control
panels. "This looks like something outta an anime show."

"Hai, so let's get going then," Yumeko suggested, "This isn't for us
kids." That earned her a glare from Misako, "You might think you're a
teenager, Tsukino Misako, but we both know that you're only nine."

Muttering darkly under her breath, Misako hopped up on the central chair
and started accessing the computer.

"What are you doing?!?" Yumeko and Yuki questioned as several monitors
lit up.

"I'm gonna run a sim," Misako replied, "I saw Usagi run through this one
so I'm going to do it too." She grinned at her friends. "If that baka
Odango Atama can handle this, then I certainly can." <I'll show 'em.>

"Yeah but didn't you say Usagi got plastered?!?" Yumeko demanded, "Come
on, Misako, let's go."

Misako didn't respond. Instead, she started making selections. As
various warning signs started flashing, Yuki began to whimper slightly.
Even Yumeko wasn't looking too overly thrilled at the selections that
Misako was making.

"KEEP ALL SAFETIES ACTIVE?" the computer displayed.

"HAI!" Yuki shouted.

"Oh Kami-sama, don't be such a baby, Yuki," Misako chided. Turning back
to the computer, she answered the question and then frowned as a new
message came up.

"INSUFFICIENT AUTHORIZATION TO DEACTIVATE SAFETIES - REQUEST FOR SAFETY
DEACTIVATION LOGGED." The computer reset then to the way Misako had
originally found it.

"Why you piece of garbage!" Misako growled.

"Come on, Miko-chan. Let's go look for Kimeko and see if we can smooth
things out," Yumeko almost pleaded. <I don't want to do any corner time
if I can help it.> Her parents had been rather impressed with how the
King and Queen had handled Usagi over the wedding fiasco. That could
only mean one thing. They wouldn't be above doing it to Yumeko either.

"Please Miko-chan, I don't want to get into trouble," Yuki begged her
eyes shimmered with tears and a deep-seated fear showed, "You could get
really hurt." <My bottom could get really hurt.>

"Yuki!" Misako shouted, "If you want to go, then go!" She glared at the
young girl. "I'm better than that baka stuck up little snot and I'm
going to finally prove it!" With anger, she logged back in and reentered
her selections.

"KEEP ALL SAFETIES ACTIVE?" the computer displayed again.

"IIE" Misako typed in then used her authorization code as princess.

"AUTHORIZATION CONFIRMED - SAFETIES DEACTIVATED. LIVE FIRE SAFETY STILL
ACTIVE."

"Nani?" Misako demanded and entered a few more commands.

"LIVE FIRE SAFETY ACTIVE - DEACTIVATION REQUIRES AUTHORIZATION CODES
FROM SENSHI COMMANDER AND MEDICAL OFFICER. REQUEST LOGGED TO SENSHI
COMMANDER'S COMPUTER."

"Damn..." Misako muttered.

Yuki and Yumeko weren't paying attention to Misako at that point. They
were staring at the large warning message that was flashing red on
several screens: "WARNING - ATTACKS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS PHYSICAL
INJURY. PROCEED WITH EXTREME CAUTION!"

It was the light that attracted their attention. Turning, they saw
Sailor Chibi-Earth standing before them, a broad grin on her face.
"Please Misako, don't do this!" Yuki cried, tears now flowing freely, "I
don't want you to get hurt!" <I don't want to lose my best friend,> Yuki
added silently.

"Yeah come on, let's go back and face the music for taking off on
Kimeko," Yumeko suggested. <If we're caught in here, I won't be able to
sit for weeks!> she thought. <That's if the Senshi don't punish us.>
That thought caused her to shudder. She had heard rumors of what
happened to others who had strayed into Senshi restricted areas.

"Oh it'll be fine. They just put those things up to scare us,"
Chibi-Earth reassured them and started towards the door but Yuki grabbed
her. "Let go, Yuki, and I'll show you what a `real' Senshi can do!"

"Iie," Yuki pleaded, "I don't want you to do this..." Chibi-Earth easily
jerked her arm out of Yuki's grip.

"Both of you are babies. Just because it gives those baka warning signs
doesn't mean a thing." With that, Chibi-Earth stalked out of the room
after hitting the simulation-enabling button.

"We gotta shut if off!" Yuki cried to Yumeko.

"How? I don't think we could."

"Just try, please," Yuki begged tears streaming down cheeks. After
Yumeko nodded, Yuki went to the window and watched as Chibi-Earth gave
them a thumb's up and grinned at them. <Please Misako, don't do this.>

Yumeko spent the next several minutes hunched over the keyboard. <What
does she expect?!> as she looked at the keys and switches with mounting
confusion, <I don't know how to use the baka thing.> It was certainly
more complex than any other computer system she had ever seen.

"Kami-sama, why's she being so baka?!?!" Yuki demanded, "We're gonna all
get creamed for this." She turned to Yumeko and added, "I don't even
know why we're friends with her."

"'Cause," Yumeko replied, "I want the pleasure of giving `Her Highness'
a swift kick in the butt when we get out of this mess!" Snarling at the
mass of controls before her, she slammed her fist into the arm of the
chair. "This is nuts!" The system was far from intuitive and simply
telling it to quit wasn't working.

Deciding that she couldn't get anywhere by logical means, Yumeko
approached the problem from a purely random point of view. "How's our
`Princess' doing?" Yumeko questioned but there was no response. She was
about to ask the question again when the computer displayed a question
of its own.

"DUMP SIMULATION CORE SYSTEMS (REF: SCS-821-J62C)?"

"`Dump'?" Yumeko mouthed.

"Hurry!" Yuki wailed, "It's gonna find her." <And eat her!>

"Dump... get rid of..." A smile formed on her face. "HAI" she typed. But
it was too late -- the enemy had found Chibi-Earth, and it was out for
blood. At that moment, Yuki let out a scream. "Nani?!?" Yumeko demanded
while jerking her head around.

"She's hurt! It did something to her leg!" Yuki cried not waiting for
Yumeko who was moving to stand beside her. Yuki dashed from the door
while yelling, "We have to find help or she's really going to get hurt!"

Yumeko cast a look out and saw Chibi-Earth fighting but even from that
distance, she could see the red smear where blood was obviously flowing
from her friend's leg. "Wait!" Yumeko cried and scurried after Yuki.

Neither girl saw the message that flashed large onto all the screens:
"ALERT! FATAL CORE SYSTEM CRASH, RESETTING TO ORIGINAL STAND-BY MODE.
ALL SAFETIES DISABLED. PLEASE CLEAR THE SIMULATION AREA IMMEDIATELY!"

And the monster continued to stalk towards its prey.

                                 ******

Younger Venus was not in a good mood. <If I've sprained my ankle...> she
thought darkly, <I'll... I'll... feed them Mom's cooking for a week!>
That sounded like a suitable punishment. <Now if I can only find them.>
She had tracked them down to someplace around the Senshi Training Area
but going beyond that she had found nothing. She was retracing her steps
when she heard shouting in the distance. As she came run-hopping towards
it, she saw both Yuki and Yumeko burst out of the entrance to the Senshi
Training Area.

"GIRLS!" Younger Venus yelled. Much to her surprise, both girls bolted
for her instead of away from her.

"Kimeko! You gotta help Misako!" Yuki shouted, her voice thick with
tears and fright. "She's gonna get really hurt."

"Where?!?" Younger Venus demanded.

"The simulator!" Yumeko shouted as she came up.

"All right, girls, you come with me." Without giving them a chance to
respond, Younger Venus dashed running as best could towards the
simulator and her charge.

                                 ******

Chibi-Earth was lying on her back, drawing in huge gulping breaths of
air. Her leg was throbbing with pain; her vision was blurry. The hot
sticky feeling of blood was making her feel nauseous.

"I didn't know..." the little girl whimpered out as her enemy gloated
over her. "I didn't know..." she said softly.

"Now," it said softly, its hideous head bobbing macabre-like, "Now you
die, little one." It reared back its gaping maw, row upon row of
razor-sharp teeth glinted even in the weak light.

Chibi-Earth only whimpered; she was too weak to do anything else.
Closing her eyes, she waited, hoping that it wouldn't hurt too much.
Then time seemed to stand still and she was plunged into darkness.

"CHIBI-EARTH!" the voice cried, the pounding of feet, "Chibi-Earth!"
Chibi-Earth opened her eyes. Younger Venus was running to her side. "Are
you okay?"

"Hai," Chibi-Earth breathed. "I could have beat it," she whined softly.

"What in the name of Serenity's Ghost were you trying to do?!?!" Younger
Venus demanded as she started first aid.

There was something that burned within Chibi-Earth's mind. "I could have
finished it off if somebody would've given me a chance." <'Sagi made it
look so easy.> Her train of thought was interrupted as Yuki ran over and
hugged her fiercely while crying. "You went and got her?" Chibi-Earth
questioned Yuki.

"Hai, I was really worried about you, Miko-chan," Yuki answered between
her tears.

"WHY DID YOU DO THAT, BAKA?!" Chibi-Earth shouted, "You think I couldn't
handle it?!" She shoved Yuki away then. "Baka little kid!" <She's worse
than Usagi.>

Much to her surprise, Yumeko walked over and hugged Yuki. "It'll be
okay, Yuki-chan. You had the right idea. We shouldn't have followed
Misako in here." Yuki simply hugged Yumeko and cried more.

"Okay, what's going on in here?!?" the voice of Younger Jupiter and
Elder Venus ringing together; both women looking stern.

"Just practicing!" Chibi-Earth shouted, "You can both leave now." She
gulped then as Younger Jupiter and Elder Venus started stalking towards
her, fire blazing in their eyes.

                                 ******

It came as a complete shock to Serenity and Endymion to find out that
Misako was the instigator of this particular plot. Yumeko was in the
unusual role of victim; a guilty victim but a victim nonetheless.
Emotions ran high, first disbelief, and then denial. But after reviewing
the security tapes and also realizing that Yumeko and Yuki both had
tried to talk Misako out of the actions, the denial soon turned to fury.

This placed Sakuya in the awkward position of defending Misako against
her parents' wrath. Endymion and Serenity along with Sakuya and Minako
were gathered in the study while Usagi worried over her sleeping sister
sometime later that day.

"Iie," Sakuya demanded firmly, "Your Majesties, I respect what you are
saying but this is a Senshi matter. Her Highness must be punished as a
Sailor Senshi."

"Sakuya-san's right, Your Majesties," Minako added, "This is a Senshi
matter."

"But we are her parents AND Senshi," Endymion argued, "Allow us to
punish her and you can punish her also." Sakuya shook her head. "Why
not?" he questioned. "We are Senshi after all. Even if I'm not really a
Sailor Senshi, Serenity is."

"Your Majesty... you have always said that Princess Misako and Princess
Usagi should not receive any different treatment when they were Senshi.
I know of no other Younger Senshi, except for myself, who was punished
by a parent or guardian if they violated Senshi rules." Endymion opened
his mouth to speak but Sakuya cut him off, "Iie, Your Majesty, I was the
exception to the rule. My superiors were the Elder Senshi including
Sobo."

"Minako-chan, certainly you can understand our motivations," Serenity
stated while looking towards her friend.

"Serenity-sama, as a Sailor Senshi, Princess Misako comes under Sakuya's
authority as her direct commander and mine as Senshi Commander. It would
be unfair to allow her parents to punish her along with any punishment
that Sakuya and/or I would dispense. Your Majesty, if you insist on
punishing Chibi-Earth, then we will not punish her. She will receive
special treatment and never gain the respect of the other Sailor
Senshi."

"We will discuss this, if you don't mind, Commander, Younger Jupiter,"
Endymion said dismissing them. Both Sakuya and Minako rose, bowed, and
then left the room. "Well Serenity, what do you think?" Endymion asked.

"I think we have very little choice in the matter," Serenity responded
but she was looking thoughtful.

                                 ******

Misako swirled her biscuit around her bowl to remove the remaining ice
cream before popping it her mouth and chewing contentedly. She smiled at
the taste and looked across the table at the other occupant of the room.
Sakuya had sat silently through most of the meal, never taking her eyes
from the little girl as far as Misako could tell.

"Good, ne?" Sakuya questioned as she saw Misako lick her lips.

"Hai," Misako responded happily, "Arigato Sakuya-san." There was a brief
pause and then Misako asked, "May I ask you something?" Sakuya nodded as
she continued to finish off her dessert. "Why are you being so nice to
me after what I did?" She gazed at Sakuya intently.

Wiping her mouth, Sakuya stood and motioned for Misako to follow her. As
she headed towards the couch, Misako noticed Sakuya's slightly bulging
stomach and the first sign of a waddle creeping into her walk.
Following her sensei and hostess over to the couch, she sat down on the
couch beside Sakuya.

"When's the baby going to be here?" Misako asked.

"Hmmm... I'm about halfway through my second trimester. So around
December," Sakuya replied, "I don't know how Rei does it. The further
along I get, the more respect I have for her."

A sad expression slipped onto Misako face and she commented softly,
"Noriko isn't really happy about having an otouto." <But he's SO
kawaii.>

"She still isn't speaking to you, ne?" Misako shook her head. "When
Usagi and Hana were here for their tutoring session today, Hana
mentioned that Ikado wasn't talking much with Usagi either." Misako did
not have anything to say about that and sat silently looking at the
coffee table. "Miko-chan, you wanted to know why I was being so nice to
you?" Misako nodded.

"Hai, Sensei," Misako squeaked meekly, "I mean after what I did and I
could have gotten others hurt and..." she trailed off then and sniffled.
<I'm glad Yumeko and Yuki only got grounded.> She was still mad at them
for betraying her but she hadn't meant to get them into trouble.

"Well let's see... you've had two weeks of extra Senshi training under
my `personal' direction." Sakuya smiled as Misako winced in memory. "I
understand that you had to give up gymnastics because of that."

"Hai, I just couldn't do both." A wry smile flitted across Misako's face
then. "I just wish I coulda made the meet. I was really looking forward
to it."

"Gomen Miko-chan," Sakuya said softly. Misako, who had been looking away
from Sakuya, brought her eyes back and stared with some shock at the
older woman. "I know it must have been tough to miss those practices
with your friends or that meet. You talked a lot about that before."
Misako shifted uncomfortably. "I also understand that you finished your
final lesson with Younger Neptune."

Misako grimaced then. <My sensei at school is the best compared to
Younger Neptune.> "Hai, it was just so... boring." Noticing Sakuya's
frown, Misako blushed brightly. "Gomen nasai, Sensei, I know it wasn't
supposed to be fun. I just mean that in school I don't seem to have a
problem paying attention but in Neptune-sensei's lectures, I kept
wandering off into daydreams." Her blush deepened as she admitted that.

Sakuya grinned then. "I understand, Miko-chan, but you will have to
forgive Younger Neptune. She is used to dealing with adults of graduate
level or university professors. Not kawaii little girls like you." That
last remark got a shocked look out of Misako, her eyes bulged and her
mouth hung open. Chuckling, Sakuya shook her head. "Do you want to be a
Sailor Senshi still, Miko-chan?"

<Do I?> Misako didn't really know. She didn't know how she felt about
continuing. "Sakuya-san, why did you invite me for supper? How come you
took the time out to do my extra training sessions instead of assigning
one of the other Younger Senshi? I mean I'm not really worth the time."

"Iie Misako," Sakuya stated firmly, "You're wrong. You ARE worth the
time. I invited you over to supper so we could talk. I want to talk to
you but I want you to understand what I'm saying and not just think I'm
scolding you." Misako remained silent and Sakuya sighed. "You have the
potential to be a great Sailor Senshi, Misako. I want to help you
develop that potential into something that you can be proud of. I took
the time in the other practices because I felt responsible for what
happened. I felt like I had somehow let you down."

"But you didn't!" Misako protested, "Even with you being pregnant, you
helped me out. I just wish I could be as good as Usagi. She gave her
vows as Chibi-Moon but I haven't yet. I just..." She felt the old
frustration build within her and clenched her fists while tightly
shutting her eyes.

Sakuya laid a gentle hand on Misako's shoulder and explained,
"Miko-chan, the reason we haven't heard your vows as a Senshi yet is
very simple... We simply don't know what they should be. The Senshi
Cabinet has been working since we knew you could be a Senshi to try and
figure out what type of vows would suit you. You are different from
Princess Usagi in that she has more constraints as the Crown Princess
when it comes to being a Senshi but you do not."

Sakuya suppressed the grimace that wanted to form on her lips. <The
Senshi Cabinet has been hearing formal complaints about you being a
Senshi.> Elder Uranus and, surprisingly, even Elder Mercury were among
those that felt that Misako's appointment as a Sailor Senshi was because
of a whim on the part of Neo-Queen Serenity. <Now they're looking all
around, trying to find someone that won't cause Usagi any problems.>
There were definite rumblings of discontentment coming from the other
Youngers as well. Even Sawa had the impression that the appointment was
simple patronage on the part of Serenity.

Misako gave Sakuya a blank look of non-comprehension. "So you're saying
that Usagi is special?"

"Iie," Sakuya said firmly, "I'm just saying that your situation is
different from hers as well as all the other Younger Senshi. But back to
my original question: Do you still want to be a Sailor Senshi?"

Misako sat silently for several minutes lost in thought. <I want to be a
Senshi so that Kimeko will be my onee. I want to be one so that my
parents will be proud of me. So I can be proud of me.> But there were
also doubts. <I'm never going to get any better. I just keep messing
things up or they don't let me practice with real monsters.> There were
other concerns and worries that kept Misako from a clear choice.
Finally, she sighed and said, "I don't know. I wish I could get better
though. I seem to screw everything up and then I go and mess up even
more."

"You aren't the only one to pull a boneheaded stunt like that," Sakuya
said, "Don't go thinking you're the only Younger Senshi, or Elder Senshi
for that matter, that hasn't done something just as baka if not more
so." Misako gave Sakuya a surprised look. "Did you think you were the
only one out to prove something?"

Misako flushed brightly and mumbled out, "I just can't beat Usagi and
you won't let me handle any real monsters."

Sakuya snorted then, "Listen to me, Tsukino Misako, I have done some
pretty baka things in my time... that includes ignoring Usagi's feelings
for so long but I've always learned something from those bad
experiences." She reached out and gently took Misako's chin in her hand.
"You've been punished as a Senshi, Misako. We requested that because
Minako and I believe in what you can become. What you did was dangerous
and baka, but it was understandable." An evil glint came into Sakuya's
eye then. "Just DON'T EVER do that again. You think two weeks of extra
Senshi practice is tough, there are far worse things that could have
happened to you."

"I promise, I won't ever try that again," Misako declared. She didn't
need Sakuya to elaborate on what "far worse things" could mean. History
textbooks and the entire Sailor Senshi Code of Conduct Manual that
Younger Neptune crammed into her head had left nothing to the
imagination.

"Sugoi!" Sakuya said, "Now as to those other points you raised. Firstly,
you're young and just starting out as a Senshi. It'll take time to work
up into your skills and powers. So you can't beat Usagi but Usagi isn't
near my or Yasha's level. You are Chibi-Earth. That means your training
has just started. As to real monsters... they are handicapped so that
you can learn. If the simulation thinks that you have enough experience,
it bumps up the danger level a little. Usagi isn't allowed to play on
any of the sims that some of the older Younger Senshi use."

Misako looked sheepish now. "I guess I really screwed up, ne?"

"Hai," Sakuya responded, "But recognizing and accepting that you did
screw up is the first step to making things better." She gave the young
girl a long look. "I think I know what you need."

"Nani?" Misako questioned.

"You need a hug," Sakuya responded. She was startled then when Misako
leaned towards her and started hugging her. "I didn't mean me!" Sakuya
protested but it was without force.

"You hugged me when I was little," Misako countered. She giggled then as
Sakuya hugged her in return. "Arigato," Misako whispered out. Laying her
head on Sakuya's shoulder, she closed her eyes then and simply enjoyed
the moment. And for the first time in a long time, she felt something.
She was content and happy. As she felt Sakuya's swollen form pressing
against her, Misako reaffirmed her decision then and made a promise to
the unborn child, <You don't have any onee so I'll be yours. I'll be
your onee and I won't be mean to you like Usagi is to me... I'll be the
best onee you'll have.>

"Miko-chan," Sakuya said softly.

"Hmmm?"

"There's something else I need to tell you."

"Nani?" Misako asked as she lifted her head to look at Sakuya.

"You're going to go to the past for Senshi training." There was a long
moment of silence before Misako gave a squeal of delight and increased
her pressure on Sakuya. And Sakuya smiled, happy to see that the little
girl was happy. Glad to see that Misako would not live in a childhood
that had been as bleak as her own.

                                 ******

It was August the second. The day had been slightly overcast but it did
not relieve the sweltering heat that permeated the city. In fact, the
partial cloud cover seemed only to increase the heat. There was,
however, no warmth in one particular classroom.

Tsukino Misako sat glowering at the clock as it slowly ticked away the
seconds. She was aware of both the hostile glances her fellow students
were shooting her and the sad looks both Yuki and Yumeko were giving
her. She ignored the sad looks though. She would not associate with
traitors or those who lacked faith in her.

The sensei's voice brought her back to reality. "Before we leave today,
I want to take a moment to wish Princess Misako good luck in her trip to
the past on Sunday. I'm sure we all wish her well." There was oppressive
silence within the classroom; before the sensei could say anything else,
the bell rang and the class moved en mass towards the door.

<At least I don't have to walk with Usagi,> Misako thought as she made
her way towards home. <Finally, Mom realizes that I don't need a
babysitter.> In truth, however, all involved knew that placing Usagi and
Misako together would only exacerbate the issues. As Misako walked, she
rubbed the Time Key that hung around her neck. <Pluto must've known I
was going to the past,> she thought. It had been a surprise when one day
Sailor Pluto had shown up at the Royal Family Suite to speak with Misako
instead of Usagi.

It had been even more of surprise that Pluto had started instructing her
in the use of the Time Key. That had started a few days after Misako's
simulation fiasco. There were certain things though that she was going
to miss. One was the birth of Sakuya's baby. Sakuya and Masao had
consciously decided not to learn the sex of the baby. Minako had griped
about not knowing what color to knit sweaters in then but it was no use.

Reaching home, Misako slipped off her shoes and put her slippers on.
"I'm home!" she called out as she went into her bedroom to dump her
schoolbooks on her desk.

"I'm on the deck!" came the voice of her father.

Misako skipped out of her room and over to the open door. Endymion was
standing in a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. His feet were only clad in a
pair of sandals. "We're barbecuing tonight, Miko-chan," he said as she
turned away from scraping the grill.

"Neat," Misako responded as she skipped out and hugged her father. She
tossed her slippers haphazardly off her feet and giggled at her father's
frown. "I hope we have hamburgers or something yummy. I don't like
steak; you gotta eat it with a knife and fork."

"If you're going to run around in your bare feet, at least put your
slippers away properly," Endymion requested, "Your Sobo won't put up
with sloppy slipper placement."

"I know!" Misako giggled out as she retrieved her slippers and placed
them neatly inside the entranceway. Walking back over to her father,
Misako hugged him and exclaimed, "Happy birthday, Daddy!"

"My birthday isn't until tomorrow, Misako. Don't make me any older than
I really am," Endymion pleaded.

"I just love you and I hate going away right after your birthday so I
thought I'd pretend that your birthday was today," Misako explained
while she continued to hug him.

Dropping the scrapper, Endymion bent slightly and lifted Misako up.
"Uophf... You're getting heavy. Soon you'll just be too big to pick up."

"Hey!" Misako protested, "I'm only four feet two inches. Usagi's as tall
as Okaa-san now." <She's growing like a weed...> She hugged her father
and added, "'Sides, I'm ten and I like hugging you. I love you lots!"

"I love you lots too... and iie, I'm not upping your allowance." Misako
gave her father a hurt look but he shook his head and remarked, "Don't
look like that. You know we only talk about raising allowances if you
take on extra chores or you have a birthday. You haven't taken on any
chores and you're still only nine. It'll be September before we can even
talk about that and you'll already be in the past."

"I guess so..." Misako said softly while resting her head against
Endymion's shoulder. "Are you going to miss me?"

"Very much, Miko-chan, I think everybody will miss you a lot." The
little girl shook her head. "I know you think that your mother and Usagi
don't love you but I know that both of them DO love you."

"Daddy?" Misako asked after a short pause, "Do you think I'd make a good
onee?"

Endymion blinked before answering, "I think you would make a great onee,
Misako, but I don't think your mother or I are ready for another child
at the moment." <We likely couldn't handle the headaches that would
likely cause.>

Silence fell upon them again and Endymion became aware that Misako was
asleep. <It's a little hot but I think I can stand to hold you for a
little while. I will miss you, Misako, and I hope you will do well in
the past. I hope this will help you and Usagi come closer together so
that Serenity does not cry herself to sleep at night.> Closing the lid
of the barbecue grill, Endymion walked down into the backyard and sat
under the shade of a large tree.

                                 ******

The hour of midnight had long since past when Misako's door opened
softly. Misako dressed in a light T-shirt and a pair of shorts crept
down the hall to get her shoes. She cautiously passed Usagi's door,
stopping now and then to make sure that no one saw her.

Gathering up her shoes, Misako slipped back down the hall and then
paused outside her parents' door. Carefully opening it, she crept inside
and over to Endymion's side of the bed. Leaning over, she gently kissed
him and whispered out, "Good-bye, Daddy. I'm gonna miss you." Trying to
hold in the tears that suddenly sprang into her eyes, Misako left the
room and closed the door behind her. Slipping back into her room, she
closed the door before walking over to the bed.

<I can't wait. I have to go back to the past, back to when Usagi wasn't
there. I need my parents, even Mommy.> A tear ran down her cheek then
and she sniffled. Quickly dawning her shoes, Misako hefted the backpack
onto her back before picking up the two suitcases she had. The first one
had been packed by her mother for the departure the day after tomorrow.
The second she had packed herself, for the departure tonight. <I don't
know when I'll come back, or even if I will.>

Gripping her Time Key, Misako concentrated and thought, <Crystal key
take me back to Mommy and Daddy. Take me back to the past.> She then
thought the date, one year from Usagi's final date of departure to the
future. The light shimmered then as the portal opened. Giving one last
tear filled look back, Misako stepped into the portal. Before the portal
closed, two envelopes came flying out and with uncanny precision, slid
underneath Misako's door, ensuring that someone would see them.

End of Chapter 14

Coming next in Chapter 15 - Bitter Reunion

* English Translation of Chibi-Earth's speech, "With the authority of
Earth, I am the beautiful sailor suited warrior, Sailor Chibi-Earth!"