Hopefully this will answer some of your questions. If you're the type of
reader that skips over the sappy sections don't miss the ending part.
There's an important piece of information revealed.
Doug
----
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 18 - The Marching Drums of Motherhood
Saturday dawned with a southeasterly wind blowing. As the sun started to
cascade over the City of Tokyo, it eventually filtered into Tsukino
Usagi's bedroom. The teenage girl slept peacefully despite the
disturbance that had occurred the night before. Having two daughters in
the house though gave Usagi's motherly instincts a boost. So when her
door opened softly early in the morning, she guessed that it was likely
one of her daughters.
Lying sleepily in bed, she heard the small padding of feet enter the
room and the door being softly closed again. The visitor drew closer,
softly, sounding unsure. When after about ten seconds or so there was no
real sound except for her visitor's breathing, Usagi opened her eyes to
find Misako standing near the foot of her bed looking rather pensive and
very unsure about something.
"Imouto?" Usagi asked softly. Misako jumped slightly at Usagi's voice
and looked nervously at the older girl. "Is something wrong?" Usagi
asked as she pushed herself up slightly to rest on her elbows.
Misako moved from the foot of the bed to the side. Placing her hands
behind her back, Misako looked towards the ground and said softly, "I
didn't mean to wake you up, Onee-san. I bet we woke you up last night."
<I did want to ask you about that,> Usagi thought, <I don't think you're
ready for that yet.> She smiled and commented softly, "You aren't like
you sister and me, you don't like to sleep in, ne?"
Misako looked down. She was wearing her usual yellow pajama shorts and
yellow sleeveless top. "Hai," Misako answered, "I get up to study and go
to school." <That way I don't have to see 'Sagi or Her Majesty.>
"Sometimes, I do sleep in but... it's easier getting up early." There
was another pause and then Misako asked, "Onee..." she grimaced and
shook her head, "Mommy, can I talk to you?"
Glancing at the clock, Usagi noted that it was still rather early so she
held the covers up and suggested, "Come on in here, Mesume. We can have
a talk and maybe get a little more sleep too." Usagi thought for a
moment that Misako was going to refuse and then the little girl crawled
in and snuggled close while hugging Usagi.
"I remember doing this before," Misako mused. <That's the week that
'Sagi was my imouto. I liked that week.> She knew that she could never
reclaim that but it had been such a fun week.
Hugging Misako back and drawing the covers up to keep out the morning
chill that seemed to be in the air, Usagi gave her daughter a kiss on
the forehead before saying, "I bet we do lots of neat things together."
The silence that came was expected. <You don't talk about the future as
much as Chibi-Usa does.> "Miko-chan, what did you want to talk about?"
Closing her eyes, Misako rested her head against Usagi's shoulder. <I
know Mom might be mad but I feel really bad about making `Imouto' think
she had to leave.> She was also shaken that she had came perilously
close to fouling up the timeline. "I know I should call you, Onee-san or
Usagi-san but... could I maybe call you Mommy? Just this once, please?"
"Mesume," Usagi said softly, "You're older now. If you're more
comfortable calling me that when we're alone, I won't mind." Usagi
smiled as Misako gave her a tight hug for a second or so. <Please
Mesume, tell me what's wrong. Maybe I can help you.>
"Mommy, I said some things to 'Sagi that I shouldn't have. I was so sure
I was right but... I didn't want 'Sagi to go home, not last night."
"Was that what she was going to do and what the fuss upstairs was all
about?" Misako nodded sadly. "What were you telling Chibi-Usa?" Usagi
was trying to stay calm but her question came out sternly.
<I have to tell her the truth; I'm scared though. Mommy might get really
mad,> Misako thought, but she wanted to get closer to Usagi. She was
just getting used to having a mother she wasn't always competing for.
"Mommy, I told 'Sagi that she shouldn't be here. I told her that I was
supposed to be here when she wasn't here."
"But you ARE here when she is," Usagi reasoned, "Is that why you wanted
to leave before?" Misako nodded a little. "So what was all that about
last night?'
"I can't tell you all of it, Mommy. I might have told 'Sagi too much
already," Misako admitted softly, "But I had to get 'Sagi to stay. This
is her time. I wasn't supposed to be here when you guys were fighting
the Lemures."
"When were you supposed to be here, Miko-chan?" Usagi questioned.
"Well, I think you and Daddy were married," Misako said. She was feeling
uncomfortable by the amount of information she was giving out.
Usagi sensing this unease closed her eyes to absorb all of the
information. <That would explain some things. She went away to get away
from sibling rivalry and then winds up in the past with it all over
again.> "How'd you get Chibi-Usa to stay, or did you?"
"I had to promise Chibi-Usa that I would be her onee. I wasn't gonna
tell you but I knew we couldn't keep it a secret." Misako flushed
brightly and admitted, "I was worried about the timeline. And with 'Sagi
being from the future, I have a harder time keeping things from her."
They lay silently together for several minutes, each lost in their own
thoughts. Usagi was thinking about how much pressure Misako must be
under and Misako was simply trying not to cry. Her willpower though
wasn't up to the task.
"Mesume?" Usagi asked with worry, "What's wrong? Please talk to me?"
"I don't know," Misako choked out between heaving breaths, "I just... I
don't..." She hid her face against Usagi and cried. <I don't want the
future to get ruined. 'Sagi said I was a good Senshi but what can I do
with so little power?>
"Shh..." Usagi soothed as she stroked her daughter's hair, "I love you,
Misako. I'm not angry with you." Continuing to speak soothingly, Usagi
rubbed her daughter's back gently. "Come on, Miko-chan, try to get some
sleep. You want to be feeling okay when it's time for the party." After
a short time, the little girl's crying stopped and Usagi felt her body
relax; it was soon after that, that the sounds of sleep came floating to
Usagi's ears. <Happy birthday, Mesume.>
"Well Usagi-chan," Luna said softly, "I say, to get that girl happy by
the time the party is ready to start, you'll have your hands full."
"I know, Luna," Usagi said as she settled herself, "This is going to be
tougher than Chibi-Usa, though. Trying to get information out of
Misako's going to be kinda hard." <I hope you like the present I got
you. I bet you'll like it a lot.>
******
Later that morning, Usagi smiled contentedly as she watched her children
playing together outside. Luna, who was draped over her shoulder, said
softly, "I don't know what you said to her but whatever it was seemed to
work."
Usagi nodded before replying, "I know the girls had a talk after
breakfast and I think they worked whatever was between them out. I just
wanted to make sure Misako was happy. It's her birthday after all."
"What exactly did you and her talk about if I may ask?" Luna questioned.
She winced slightly as Misako dove headfirst towards the ground,
giggling with delight all the while. "This Youma Catch game of theirs
could be dangerous." <An interesting training item though.>
"That's why I'm out here watching them instead of helping Mom," Usagi
confessed. "Oh Chibi-Usa-chan, be careful!" Usagi pleaded as her
daughter went diving to the ground to avoid one of her sister's attacks.
There was silence for a moment before Usagi said to Luna softly, "It was
a really strange conversation I had." Luna gave her a questioning look
and Usagi shook her head slightly. "I don't know how to explain it. We
talked about being a Senshi, what it was like to be the oldest..."
"And?" Luna prompted when Usagi had lapsed into silence.
"Some really odd questions about what I would do as a parent." That part
of the conversation had bothered Usagi. "I don't really know what I said
to improve her spirits. I wish I did, though." After a few more minutes,
the game slowed, much to Usagi's relief, and then Chibi-Usa and Misako
contented themselves with bouncing the ball to each other. <Both of you
are going to need baths.> "Chibi-Usa-chan, Miko-chan, come inside and
have a bath."
"Hai," Miko-chan agreed and tossed the ball to her sister who missed.
The ball hit the wall and rolled out of sight behind the house.
"I'll get it, Onee-chan," Chibi-Usa called and sprinted after the
wayward ball.
"Onee-san," Misako said as she came to stand beside Usagi, "I really
liked us having that talk this morning. Arigato." She smiled as Usagi
rumpled her hair slightly.
"I liked that talk too, Imouto," Usagi said, "You know if you ever want
to talk to me about stuff, I'm willing to listen. You just have to ask."
There was a short silence and then Usagi frowned slightly and
questioned, "Where's Chibi-Usa?"
"I don't know," Misako replied, "She went to get the ball." <I hope she
didn't leave. We talked about that this morning. She knows why I thought
I'd be here when she wasn't.> Explaining had not been an easy or
risk-free affair and Misako was glad that the issue had seemed to be
settled. "I'll go see where she is, Usagi-san."
Walking, Misako carefully peeked around the corner that her sister had
gone around but spotted nothing. <Where'd she go?> Walking from the
front yard along the side of the house, she practiced moving quietly.
<Maybe she's trying to trick me and Mommy.> Springing into the backyard,
the only person she surprised was her grandfather who said that he
hadn't seen Chibi-Usa.
Frowning even more now, Misako hurried around the other side of the
house and back to the front yard. She found her mother standing where
she had left her. "Onee-san, did Chibi-Usa come back?" Usagi shook her
head, a slightly worried expression on her face. "She's disappeared
somewhere," Misako said in a worried tone of voice, "Maybe she went
back... She promised not to though." <Just wait till I get a hold of
her,> Misako thought sternly.
"Iie," Usagi soothed, "Chibi-Usa promised not to go back, ne?" Misako
nodded. "Well Chibi-Usa doesn't break her promises," Usagi stated with
conviction. "Let's go ask my mom if she saw Chibi-Usa. Maybe she called
her inside for something." Misako nodded and they both headed for the
front door.
Misako was about to open the front door when she heard Usagi give a
gasping yell. She was just about to turn when something hit her. It
burst and drenched her in a cascade of water. Before either could react,
several more watery missiles showered down on all of them. By the time
it was over, both girls were thoroughly soaked as well as a very irate
looking and soggy Lunar Cat.
Usagi raised her head and grimaced as she saw Chibi-Usa grinning down at
them. "NEVER SHALL THE YOUMA BE CAPTURED!" Chibi-Usa called out and then
giggling vanished from the window.
"I thought she lost all her balloons," Luna said testily.
Usagi and Misako both had the answer to that, "Luna-P!"
******
As soon as Chibi-Usa's head had disappeared from the window, Usagi
gripped the door handle and stormed into the house, Misako following
close behind. Ikuko having been attracted by the screams had come out
from the kitchen and into the hallway. When she saw the thoroughly
soaked trio, she gasped.
"What on earth happened?" Ikuko stammered out.
"Chibi-Usa hit us with water balloons, Mom," Usagi growled out, "She
peeked out of my window and tossed a lot of them on us."
"Are you sure they were water balloons, Usagi?" Ikuko questioned as she
moved to the foot of the stairs. Usagi nodded and held up a part of a
broken balloon. "CHIBI-USA!" Ikuko bellowed, "GET DOWN HERE THIS
INSTANT!"
"Please Ikuko-mama," Misako pleaded while walking over to her
grandmother, "Please don't be mad. We were playing a game. I don't think
Chibi-Usa meant to get Onee-san wet. I lost so she was getting me like
the rules say."
Ikuko took on a sour look while saying, "That may be so, Miko-chan.
However, Chibi-Usa had no right to get either Usagi or Luna wet." The
sound of feet on the stairs drew their attention. Ikuko looked to find
Chibi-Usa coming down the stairs looking rather pensive. "Young lady,
get down here right now!" Ikuko commanded as she first pointed at
Chibi-Usa and then sharply brought her finger to bear where she wanted
Chibi-Usa to stand.
With great reluctance, Chibi-Usa came the rest of the way down the
stairs and stood where her grandmother indicated. Ikuko looked like she
was about to launch into one of her world class scoldings when Misako
interrupted, "Please Ikuko-mama, Onee-san, don't be mad at Chibi-Usa. I
showed Chibi-Usa how to play Youma Catch." Lowering her head slightly,
Misako admitted, "I talked about waterbombing Kimeko. Gomen nasai."
"And I hope you were appropriately punished for that?" Ikuko asked
although it sounded more like a statement.
"Hai Ikuko-mama," Misako chirped. As her eyes misted over slightly, she
sniffled and said, "I don't want my imouto to get into trouble." <I'd
feel really badly about that.> She had never experienced this type of
guilt before and she was hating it. <I should be a better onee,> Misako
thought as she looked towards Chibi-Usa who hadn't taken her eyes from
Ikuko. She gave her grandmother a pleading look and opened her mouth to
speak but Ikuko held a hand up; slowly Misako closed her mouth and
looked towards the floor, flushing with shame.
"Young lady, I told you to give your onee all your balloons, ne?" Ikuko
asked in an authoritative tone.
"I... I did, Ikuko-mama. I gave Misako all the balloons I had,"
Chibi-Usa answered nervously.
"Then what..." Ikuko reached over and scooped two slippery and wet
rubber husks from Misako's hair, "are these?" Chibi-Usa lowered her eyes
to stare at the floor. "Where did you get these, Chibi-Usa?" Chibi-Usa
did not offer any response. "Did Momoko give them to you?"
"Iie Ikuko-mama," Chibi-Usa responded softly.
"Please, Ikuko-mama, don't yell at Chibi-Usa. She got the ideas from
me." Misako looked towards her grandmother, tears now running down her
face. <I'm her onee now; it's my fault.>
Ikuko stepped closer and knelt. "Don't cry, Miko-chan. Just because you
did those things doesn't mean that Chibi-Usa should do them as well."
Reaching up, she wiped off Misako's tears and said, "It's your birthday,
a day to be happy." Misako sniffled then and hiccuped. Standing, Ikuko
turned and moved to stand slightly behind Misako with her hands resting
on the little girl's shoulders. "Do you see what type of onee you have,
Chibi-Usa?"
"Hai, Ikuko-mama," Chibi-Usa responded. <She's a great onee. A better
onee than I was.>
"Good, then you will answer my questions truthfully and not dishonor
your sister." Usagi winced her mother was pulling out the big guns on
this one. "Tsukino Usagi, did I or did I not tell you that waterbombing
and water balloons were strictly off-limits until I said it was okay?"
"Hai, Ikuko-mama," Chibi-Usa responded again while trying to send a
reassuring look towards Misako who was looking rather miserable. "I'm
sorry I didn't listen to you. Gomen nasai." <Gomen nasai, Misako.>
"And where did you get the balloons?" Ikuko questioned.
"I... I had some left over," Chibi-Usa answered, "I'm sorry I lied to
you, Ikuko-mama, but I thought it wasn't fair that you took all my
balloons. I didn't do anything wrong with them."
"But you and Momoko were planning on something, ne?" Ikuko asked
sternly. After a brief moment, Chibi-Usa nodded. "Now Misako says that
this was part of a game. You had to fill the balloons up before hand
because you weren't in the house long enough to get them, fill them up,
and carry them to the window to soak Usagi and Misako, ne?" Chibi-Usa
nodded, her face paling. "I can assume then that you were going to use
them whether it was part of this game or not?"
<What am I going to say?> Chibi-Usa thought, <What am I going to tell
Ikuko-mama?> She had expected some type of condemning remark and what
Usagi said next was almost as good.
"Okaa-san," Usagi said, "I want to handle this."
Ikuko considered this before nodding. She turned Misako to face her and
spoke gently, "Miko-chan, I want you to take your sister up and make
sure she stands in the corner. Then, I want you to take a bath." Misako
raised her head. She gave her grandmother a look of desperation but
seeing that her grandmother was not going to be swayed, she held her
hand out towards Chibi-Usa.
"Come on, Onee-chan," Chibi-Usa said softly. After a moment, both little
girls headed up the stairs, hand in hand.
Ikuko stepped over to Usagi and asked, "What do you have in mind for
punishment, Usagi?"
Usagi considered and then said, "I thought maybe grounding Chibi-Usa for
two days, Okaa-san." As Ikuko started to consider this, Usagi added,
"But I would like to have the grounding start tomorrow."
"Nani?" Ikuko demanded, "Usagi, you know I couldn't allow that."
"Please Mom, it's Misako's birthday and to keep Chibi-Usa from her
sister's birthday would really hurt Misako. You know we have something
special planned for tonight. If Chibi-Usa couldn't come, it would make
Misako feel miserable and then tonight wouldn't be any fun for her."
Ikuko was silent for several seconds before nodding. "I don't want to
upset Misako and it was nice that she tried to defend her imouto." Ikuko
couldn't help but smile a little. "I remember you and Shingo doing that
type of thing too." Seeing her daughter's dubious expression, Ikuko
amended, "Not often but once in awhile, you'd stick together."
"So Chibi-Usa can come tonight?" Usagi asked hopefully.
"Hai, but she'll be grounded for four days not just two." Ikuko warned,
"This is a special privilege and I'm not about to make a habit of it.
Are you having a sleepover?" Usagi nodded. "I'm afraid Chibi-Usa will
have to come home before her bedtime," Ikuko instructed, "I'll start her
grounding tomorrow but I won't allow a sleepover tonight."
"Hai," Usagi said. She started to move towards the stairs but Ikuko
placed a hand on her arm.
"Usagi, Chibi-Usa's to be spanked as well," Ikuko stated sternly.
"B-b-but Mom, she's going to be grounded for four days," Usagi
countered.
"That is for getting you and Luna wet and being allowed to start her
grounding tomorrow instead of today. She is being spanked because she
lied to me and disobeyed me by using those balloons as waterbombs."
"Mom, didn't I ever do anything like this?" Usagi asked, "I mean, it was
just water." <Cold water but only water.>
Ikuko sighed slightly, "Usagi-chan, there are two things I will not
stand for under any circumstances. Those are lying and knowingly
breaking the rules of this house." Ikuko looked towards Usagi and added,
"You asked me if you ever did anything like that. Hai, you have once or
twice gone against the rules that you father and I set and lied to me to
hide the truth. You were punished accordingly."
"I guess you're right," Usagi admitted reluctantly. It was true that she
remembered being spanked at Chibi-Usa's age for doing similar things.
"Usagi-chan, if you can't carry out all of the punishment, then I need
to handle it. This just isn't about getting you wet. It's about lying
and breaking house rules. THOSE are very serious issues," Ikuko stated,
"Now, can you follow through like you said you wanted to or should I?"
"HAI! I will, Okaa-san," Usagi responded, "But I don't have to like it."
Ikuko smiled then, patted Usagi's shoulder, and remarked, "Good, Mesume,
you'll make an excellent parent then." Usagi looked back in confusion
then her mother continued, "Good parents don't go out of their way to
punish their children. Good parents though know when their children need
correction and apply it fairly."
<First Misako, now Mom,> Usagi thought as she headed up stairs, <Oh
Imouto... I hope you understand.>
******
By the time that Misako and Chibi-Usa arrived at their room, Misako was
softly crying. "Gomen nasai, 'Sagi-chan," Misako cried softly, "I didn't
want to get you into trouble. I tried..."
Hugging her sister, Chibi-Usa said softly, "Miko-chan, it's okay. You
didn't do anything wrong. I still love you, I should've known not to use
water balloons and getting Usagi wet was a baka idea." Hugging her
sister tightly for a moment, Chibi-Usa added, "But it was MY idea."
"I should have never played that baka game," Misako stated regretfully,
"It's the thing that caused all this trouble."
"Miko-chan, you're the best onee," Chibi-Usa said softly.
"Really?" Misako squeaked out while sniffling.
"Hai, I don't think I'd ever do what you did," Chibi-Usa remarked while
walking over to the designated corner; the corner that was the most
boring one in the entire room. Misako knew it wasn't true. Her sister
had defended her when she was little. Glancing over her shoulder,
Chibi-Usa added, "That game isn't baka, Onee-chan. What I did was and
I'm gonna have to face the music for it too."
It took another minute or so for Chibi-Usa to reassure Misako before she
considered taking her bath. Gathering up her bath things, Misako gave
Chibi-Usa one more hug and a kiss before leaving the room. Just as the
little girl was entering the bathroom, her mother was coming up the
stairs and they both shared a look.
"Please Onee-san," Misako begged softly, "Don't punish 'Sagi."
Walking over to her daughter, Usagi said, "Honey, I don't have any
choice. Your sister did something wrong. Now you start your bath so you
can get ready for your party." Giving her daughter a gentle kiss on the
forehead, Usagi turned her and gave her a gentle push into the room
before proceeding up the hallway.
<Gomen nasai, 'Sagi,> Misako thought.
******
Usagi entered the room and walked over to stand beside the window.
Crossing her arms, she gathered her thoughts trying to determine how to
explain it to Chibi-Usa. Turning, she faced her daughter who was
standing in the corner and ordered, "Chibi-Usa-chan, come here please."
Chibi-Usa did as instructed. When the little girl was in front of her,
Usagi said, "You used Luna-P, ne?"
"Hai Onee-san," Chibi-Usa responded, "I did give all the balloons to
Misako like Ikuko-mama wanted me to." She looked up into Usagi's face
and added, "I'm really sorry, Onee-san. I know that getting you wet was
wrong. Gomen nasai."
Usagi chewed on her lower lip for a moment before saying, "Young lady,
I'm grounding you for four days."
"Four days?!?" the little girl questioned, "That's not fair, Onee-san.
Okay, so I got you wet but..." her protests trailed off as Usagi gently
touched her cheek.
"I can offer you a choice in this punishment, Chibi-Usa. You can be
grounded for two days but that would mean missing Misako's surprise and
the birthday party. Mom agreed to start your grounding tomorrow on the
condition that it be lengthened to four days."
<I hate being grounded; it's so boring,> Chibi-Usa thought, <Misako was
pretty sad that I got into trouble. I don't think she'd like me missing
her party... and I don't want to miss it.> "Maybe I could talk to
Ikuko-mama," Chibi-Usa suggested, "Maybe I could get her to ground me
for two days."
Usagi glared at Chibi-Usa while saying sternly, "Iie, those are your
choices. I wouldn't try to argue with Mom if I was you... at least not
today. Besides I already tried to get her to reduce it."
"I'll take the four days then," Chibi-Usa responded, "I wouldn't want to
miss our surprise. I helped plan it out." She went to hug Usagi but
Usagi stopped her. <We always hug after stuff like this. It means things
are okay between us.> It might be a few hours between the punishment
being handed out and getting a hug but rarely was it denied.
Breathing in deeply, Usagi sighed and turned to the window for a moment.
Chibi-Usa opened her mouth to speak but after a moment, closed it. It
took a minute or so for Usagi to turn around again. By this time,
Chibi-Usa was looking nervous and distressed. "Usagi," Chibi-Usa's face
paled at her full name, "You did something that you were not supposed to
do by using those water balloons. You also `lied' to Mom."
A cold knot formed in Chibi-Usa's stomach as Usagi spoke. "Onee-san, you
know I couldn't tell Ikuko-mama about Luna-P."
Usagi gently stroked one of her daughter's pigtails before saying, "You
did also broke the rules." Deciding to get it out in the open, Usagi
added, "Imouto, I'm going to have to spank you. It isn't for getting me
wet; I was just going to ground you for that. It's for lying to Mom and
disobeying her."
Chibi-Usa started to protest as Usagi pulled her closer. Ignoring the
protests, Usagi bent Chibi-Usa slightly. After getting a firm hold, she
applied three rapid and firm swats to the child's rear.
Chibi-Usa, after her initial protest, had taken the swats silently
except for a sharp intake of breath. She could not, however, hide the
tears that were in her eyes. She deserved this spanking she believed.
Not for disobeying her grandmother but for making Misako sad on her
birthday. "Are we okay, Onee-san?"
"Hai Imouto," Usagi replied while kneeling and hugging her daughter,
"Gomen." Chibi-Usa returned the hug then. Shortly, Usagi said, "Now go
have your bath with Misako. You need to take one and she'll need the
reassurance from her `imouto'. It's her birthday, after all, and she was
worried about you." Chibi-Usa gave Usagi one more strong hug before
starting to gather up her bath things. "Now I want you to be good the
rest of the day. I'm afraid you're going to have to miss the sleepover
though." Chibi-Usa started to protest again but Usagi shook her head
firmly. "Iie Mesume, don't argue. Mom has gone farther than she normally
would by letting you start the grounding tomorrow."
Chibi-Usa looked grumpily towards the floor and muttered out, "It's not
fair... Maybe I could use Luna-P..."
"Don't you dare!" Usagi snapped while shaking her finger at Chibi-Usa,
"You and I have had that discussion before."
<If she's willing to let my grounding start tomorrow, why won't the old
goat let me be at the sleepover?> Chibi-Usa thought grumpily.
******
It was the great sigh that attracted Shingo's attention. He had just
been about to enter his room when the noise came to him. Turning, he saw
his sister coming from Misako and Chibi-Usa's bedroom. "Problem?" he
questioned.
"Hai, I just spent the past five minutes arguing with Misako, trying to
convince her that Chibi-Usa getting punished wasn't her fault."
"And?" Shingo prompted as he came to standing beside his sister.
Usagi gave a rueful smile and shook her head, "A valiant effort but no
go. Misako's convinced that it was her fault and kept muttering
something about being a better onee." Usagi sighed loudly and tossed up
her hands.
"Peanut will get over it, Usagi," Shingo commented, "She's smart enough
to figure it out. Sooner or later, she'll realize that it was
Chibi-Usa's problem."
Usagi smiled and moved a little closer while looking conspiratorial.
Casting a look towards the bathroom door, Usagi whispered, "Shingo-kun,
me and the other girls are going to do a magic show for Misako's
birthday and we need some time to set up. Could you... maybe... keep her
occupied this afternoon?"
<Hai,> Shingo thought, <I would like to spend some time with Misako, and
this gives me the perfect excuse. With Mika being here too, it'll be
even better. Better but I'd spend time with Misako anyway.> "I guess so,
Usagi," Shingo replied while trying to sound like he was being put upon,
"Mika and I wanted to watch a movie. Maybe we can swing by and watch it
with Misako."
Usagi first seemed on the verge of panicking before grinning. "Wait
right here," she instructed and dashed into her room. Shingo obeyed
while wondering what his sister had in mind. Usagi came back out, her
hands behind her back and grinned, "I almost forgot," Usagi said, "These
are for you, Otouto." <Mamoru was really great at helping me get these.
Even if I had spent all of my savings, I wouldn't've been able to get
them.> Maybe she could pay him back somehow.
Shingo's eyes expanded in utter shock, "Concert tickets?! I've been
trying to get them all week." He looked sharply at his sister. "Wait a
minute, what's the catch?"
Usagi gave a sheepish grin. "Mom and Dad have to go with you. And they
aren't front row seats or anything. I guess you wouldn't want them."
Usagi started to turn but Shingo nearly tackled her.
"I don't care if they're on a rafter," Shingo commented, "I don't know
how you got these... domo arigato, Onee-chan."
"Don't thank me just yet, Shingo-kun. You still have to convince Mom and
Dad to take you."
"Not a problem," Shingo muttered out. He almost seemed to be praying to
the tickets.
Usagi giggled and shook her head. "Now remember, you're to keep an eye
on Misako until we come for her. Got it?" Shingo's response was to nod
rapidly, hug Usagi, and plant a kiss on her cheek before bounding off
down the stairs. "Yeesh," Usagi muttered, "Good thing I didn't get front
row seats, as if I could ever afford them." There was no telling what
her brother would have done then.
******
Despite the morning's events, Misako's birthday party began without
incident. The first guest to arrive was Mika. As she put on her guest
slippers, Mika grinned and said, "Shingo-kun, go set that package down
before something happens to it and I have to get mad at you." Shingo
nodded and moved away.
"I'm really glad you could come, Mika-chan," Misako remarked and gave
the older girl a hug, "Arigato."
"You're welcome, Miko-chan," Mika responded and hugged the girl back, "I
hope you'll like my gift." Misako nodded and led the way into the living
room where Mika took a seat beside Shingo.
The next to arrive were Ami and Rei, both bearing strange feeling gifts.
Minako came next showing all the energy of a little kid. She literally
bounced into the house and gave both Misako and Usagi a hug. Artemis,
for his part, slunk over to where Luna and Diana were sitting. Makoto
soon followed after Minako and, finally, Mamoru arrived.
When he came into the house, Misako gave him a large hug. She tried not
to show how much she had missed him. Not only because that would hurt
Usagi's feelings but also it would be hard to explain it to her
grandparents. Mamoru gave Misako a hug in return and whispered softly,
"Happy birthday, Mesume."
"Now that everybody is here," Ikuko said, "Let's move into the living
room and we can let Misako open up her gifts." <Then I'll turn my house
over to the lot of you... For some reason though, I get a very uneasy
feeling that it might be a bad idea.>
******
Mika, Ikuko, and Kenji sat on the couch. Shingo sat on a footstool
beside Mika. The others spaced themselves out. The armchair was saved
for the birthday girl to take. Once all were seated, Ikuko said, "Kenji
and I will go first." Kenji got up and retrieved a long box; this he
handed to Misako. Kneeling by Misako's chair, Kenji mused, "We thought
you looked rather kawaii the last time you were here."
<I wonder what it could be?> Misako wondered. She opened up the card and
started to read it. As she read it, a slow smile spread across her face.
"Arigato Kenji-papa, Ikuko-mama," Misako said and gave her grandfather a
hug. Carefully open the box, she folded back the tissue paper. Her jaw
dropped opened and her eyes enlarged. "Dome arigato." <Ojii-san...
Obaa-san... It's so pretty.>
"What is it?" Usagi queried from her position by Mamoru.
"Can I put it on? Please Ikuko-mama?" Misako asked. <This will make me
so grown up!>
"Hai, come on and I'll help you, Miko-chan," Ikuko suggested and,
holding out her hand, guided Misako out of the room and up the stairs.
"Dad, what is it?!" Usagi demanded but Kenji just stood and shook his
head. Usagi pouted slightly and said, "But I'm her... I should be able
to know what it is."
"Usako," Mamoru chided gently, "Waiting a little bit won't hurt." He
chuckled when Usagi grumbled out that waiting would hurt her because
she'd get that much older. Finally though, Ikuko came back into the
room.
Usagi was going to demand where Misako was but decided to sit patiently
like Mamoru had suggested. Ikuko had settled back onto the couch and
simply smiled when Misako appeared in the doorway, her hands clasped in
front of her, eyes sparkling with delight as a broad smile graced her
face.
"Oh..." Usagi breathed softly as she saw her daughter. <How on Earth did
Mom ever get the idea to buy that?> It was a lavender dress with a white
circular collar that was trimmed with tiny red flowers and a small
green, twining vine. It was knee length, with slightly puffy shoulders
and loose sleeves. To match the dress, Misako wore white socks and a set
of shoes that matched the dress.
"Onee-chan," Chibi-Usa observed, "You look real pretty."
"Arigato," Misako said and then walking over to Kenji hugged him. "I
really love it," she said while splitting her looks between Kenji and
Ikuko. Sitting back down, she gave her father a giant smile. <I look a
little like Dad.> A sense of loss washed over her then, <Daddy...
gomen.> She felt someone hugging her and she looked to find her
grandfather looking at her worriedly. Returning his hug, she sniffled a
little but managed a smile.
"I'll go next," Minako offered and produced a small box that was
brightly wrapped. She waited with barely restrained energy as Misako
read the card and then slowly opened the package.
"Kawaii!" Misako squeaked with delight. She held up the package of hair
bows for everyone to see. They were a variety of colors and shapes.
"Arigato, Minako-chan."
"I'm glad you liked them. Happy birthday, Miko-chan," Minako said as she
hugged the little girl before sitting back down.
Makoto was the next to go. Getting up, she walked over to kneel beside
Misako's chair. "Sometimes things can really bother you, and you don't
have anybody you can talk to about them," Makoto began, "Sakuya had
something that helped her though. I think if you had something similar,
it would help you too." Reaching behind her, Makoto produced something
that looked like an oversized diary. "There is no card, Misako, but I
wrote you a special message on the first page."
Carefully, Misako took the journal and using the key unlocked it. After
she had opened it, she silently read the message Makoto had written for
her. "Arigato," Misako said softly, "That means a lot." She hugged
Makoto then. <Don't worry, Makoto-san, things will be better.>
"What's it say?" Usagi asked.
"I think it's best left private," Ikuko commented, "Sometimes, that's
the best kind of message." Both Misako and Makoto breathed a silent sigh
of relief. "Who's next?"
Ami was. She had gotten Misako a history book on Japan. When Misako saw
it, she had given a squeal of delight and hugged Ami tightly.
"Arigato!!!" the little girl declared. <There aren't a lot of books like
this in the future.> The Great Darkness had seen to that. <I'll have to
be extra careful of this.>
Ami smiled and said, "I knew you were a history buff, Miko-chan, so I
thought that this would be nice."
"It's... sugoi!" Misako said, unable to decide whether to continue
hugging Ami or start looking through the book. After a great struggle,
Misako decided neither and placed the book aside before giving Ami one
more hug for good measure.
Rei grinned and stated, "I don't know if I can top that." However,
Misako was equally delighted with the practice gi that Rei had given
her. Somehow, it managed to match her Chibi-Earth fuku colors yet look
tasteful.
"Me next, Onee-chan," Chibi-Usa stated firmly. "All that stuff you got's
pretty good, but... you gotta have some fun too." Chibi-Usa continued
with a grin, "So I got you this." Misako was not presented with a gift
right away, however. Chibi-Usa left the room and returned a minute or so
later carrying a large box. "I know how much you miss Chibi-Shingo..."
This produced some snickering and Shingo blushed.
Misako had to battle her curiosity as she read the card. However, by the
time she was done, Misako couldn't contain her eagerness. She ripped the
wrapping off of the box and then opened it. <Onee-chan...> Misako
thought. "Arigato Imouto," Misako said as she lifted a very plush
looking, snow white bear from the box. "I love him..." Misako added as
she gave the bear a hug.
Chibi-Usa grinned from ear to ear and said, "That's not even the best
part." Misako looked curiously as Chibi-Usa reached into the box. "It
comes with a T-shirt too." <Wait until she sees this!> Gently taking the
teddy bear, Chibi-Usa turned and put the T-shirt on the bear before
turning back.
Misako's reaction was about as much as Chibi-Usa had hoped for. The
older girl's jaw dropped open as her eyes enlarged. They quickly misted
over though. With a half-whine, half-sniffle Misako stood and hugged her
sister tightly. After a few moments, Misako stepped back and took her
teddy bear. Smiling with absolute delight, she turned the bear to show
the others. If it were possible, Chibi-Usa's grin got even larger as the
Senshi took on shocked expressions. The T-shirt read, "I love Sailor
Chibi-Earth."
"Sit with me," Misako suggested and sitting down, made room for her
sister on the chair. It was a little tight but neither girl minded.
"Domo arigato, Imouto," Misako said with a smile that looked like it
would not soon fade.
Shingo gave Misako a card and two good luck charms. Any guilt he was
feeling at having gotten her a small gift was dispelled when Misako
hugged him and thanked him with genuine sincerity. Mika, having been
warned by Shingo, gave Misako one of her newest dolls; it was of a
little girl, around the age of five. She was smartly dressed in a summer
frock. She was barefoot and carried a small bouquet of flowers. The
little girl's eyes twinkled with mischief and they seemed to be almost
alive to Misako. A small smile suggested that the little girl knew a
secret and it was a special one at that.
"Arigato," Misako said to Mika and Shingo and hugged them both once
again for good measure. Since Shingo had warned her, Mika had allowed
him to share in the giving of the doll. Usagi and Mamoru exchanged looks
before Usagi nodded. Raising up, she walked over and handed Misako a
box.
"I hope they'll fit you," Usagi remarked, worry showing in her eyes.
Misako's first feelings of unease stirred within her when she noticed
that whatever it was was pink. It grew even more when she felt the
fabric. <Oh... Iie...> Misako thought, <Please tell me it isn't...> She
lifted them out and nearly gave a howl of pain. She choked it back and
tried not to show her open horror. <Why did I think she'd see me as a
preteen?> Misako thought as she looked at Usagi's gift.
"You can wear those to the sleepover," Usagi suggested, "They're so
kawaii... And I bet you'll get cold wearing those short pajamas of
yours."
"A-arigato Onee-san," Misako said softly, "they are nice." She forced a
smile onto her face. <But I don't wear bunny pajamas! I am not a child!>
"You'll look like me now, Onee-chan," Chibi-Usa mused.
"Are they okay, Miko-chan?" Usagi asked softly.
"Hai, they're..." she trailed off and stopped folding the pajamas.
<Iie...> Misako thought as she noticed that there was something else
lying at the bottom of the box. <I'm NOT 'Sagi!> Misako thought as she
saw a set of panties with little pink bunnies on them. "Arigato
Onee-san," Misako suddenly blurted and quickly covered the panties to
make sure that nobody else saw them.
"Those are really kawaii. I got some blue ones," Chibi-Usa observed and
watched with fascination as Misako turned a fiery red. Putting on a
brave face, Misako hugged Usagi who returned the hug and then returned
to sit next to Mamoru.
Mamoru stood up. <I tried to tell Usako... Looks like I have to come to
the rescue. I just hope I can rescue this situation.> "Miko-chan, this
is for you." She looked suspiciously at him as the package he handed her
nearly shouted, "Clothing".
After reading the card, Misako opened Mamoru's package and smiled with
real delight. "Shorts... three pair and a tracksuit!" Carefully setting
the present down, she sprang up and hugged her father. "Domo arigato,
Mamoru-san. I could use a new tracksuit."
Mamoru grinned as he returned the hug and said, "I know you like
gymnastics and that you forgot to bring your old tracksuit so I thought
I'd get you a new one."
"I love it," Misako squeaked while hugging him tighter and then letting
go. She looked around the room and said, "This is the best birthday I
think I've ever had." She noticed the secretive smiles on all their
faces but didn't know whether she should ask about them or not.
"Well minna-san, Kenji and I are going to leave for a little while.
Usagi, you're in charge of the house; I don't want to see a mess when I
come back here either."
"Hai, I understand Mom."
Ikuko nodded and then turned to Chibi-Usa, "Young lady, I don't want to
hear that you were causing any trouble." Chibi-Usa nodded and lowered
her head. "I want you home promptly at seven-thirty, do you understand?"
"Hai, Ikuko-mama! Home by seven-thirty sharp," Chibi-Usa replied.
******
The party that followed Ikuko and Kenji's departure was boisterous. It
was not, however, as messy as the last birthday party they had for
Misako. It was about one o'clock in the afternoon when the girls left.
Misako was slightly disappointed that she couldn't go with any of the
girls or even her father. However, the promise that Minako would be back
for Misako later and the fact that Shingo and Mika were going to stay
with her for the afternoon were both comforting points.
After placing her presents in her room, Misako came back downstairs and
settled on the couch beside Shingo to watch a rented movie. While Mika
sat on his right, Misako sat on Shingo's left.
"Arigato for the doll, Mika-chan. It was a nice surprise," Misako said
with a smile.
"Well you are growing up, Misako, and that is a doll for a young lady,"
Mika pointed out with a smile, "Oh and Shingo, this had better not be
one of those macho-shock thrillers or you can forget the concert."
"Iie, Mika-chan," Misako jumped in, "Onii-chan got a movie that I've
been wanting to see for a long time. I never got to see it before though
till now."
"Yeah and it's a long one," Shingo finished. As soon as he had said
that, he regretted it; both girls grabbed an arm, snuggled their hands
onto his shoulders, and sighed. "Do you think I'm a pillow?" Shingo
demanded.
"Hai," both girls answered sweetly. Grumbling slightly, Shingo pressed
the play button and started the movie. He wouldn't object too strongly.
******
By the time that Ikuko and Kenji got home, both Misako and Mika were
asleep. Shingo, on the other hand, had become engrossed in the movie and
only gave his parents cursory recognition before turning back to the
movie.
Gently, Kenji picked Misako up and as he did so, the little girl started
to stir. As he moved with her into the kitchen, Misako rubbed her eyes
and yawned. "Konnichiwa Kenji-papa," Misako greeted him before hugging
him gently. <I hope I didn't oversleep.>
"Konnichiwa Miko-chan," Kenji said and sitting down, shifted Misako so
she was comfortably sitting on his lap. Loosely hugging his niece, Kenji
asked, "Did you have a good birthday?"
"The best," Misako answered as she gave him a contented look, "I wish
Daddy could be here though." <And Kimeko.>
Kenji kissed the top of Misako's head and said, "I know, Miko-chan. What
if you write your father a letter and tell him about all the nice
presents you got?" Misako gave this some thought and then nodded.
"Kenji-papa... could I ask you something?" Misako asked. After Kenji
nodded, Misako said, "I know I'll be staying here for awhile but Daddy
said I maybe could get a raise in my allowance when I turned ten."
Kenji rubbed his chin for a moment and then, "I don't know, Miko-chan.
your aunt and I usually give extra allowance for more chores and
responsibilities. With you and your sister here too, there just aren't
enough chores for you to do."
"Oh," Misako replied, "That's okay, Kenji-papa." <I don't really need
more allowance. Sakuya showed me how to spend what I have.> She tried to
give Kenji a reassuring smile but it didn't quite succeed. "I just
wanted to ask," Misako stated again.
Kenji smiled down at his niece and said, "I don't think we can increase
your allowance but... what about if we let you stay up an extra half
hour?"
"Really Kenji-papa?" Misako asked.
"Hai," Kenji replied.
A large smile slowly spread across Misako's face. <Well I might not get
an extra allowance but I'd take the later bedtime. I don't think Daddy
would even let me have that in the future.> Certainly, Neo-Queen
Serenity wouldn't. <But what about Ikuko-mama?> "Kenji-papa, do we have
to ask Ikuko-mama?"
Kenji considered and then grinned, "You know what, Miko-chan?"
"Nani?"
"You are a very smart girl. Why don't you go get your aunt and we can
talk about the later bedtime." Lifting her off his lap, Kenji stood
Misako upright. Giggling, Misako gave him a big hug before skipping out
of the room on her way to find her aunt.
******
It was almost four that afternoon before Minako came to get Misako. When
the door was opened by the little girl, Minako bent down to look at
Misako at eye level and asked, "Did you think we forgot about you?"
"Hai," Misako said, "You were gone a long time."
Minako frowned while saying, "Gomen Misako, everybody had different
errands to do." <I think that if Usagi had forgotten her lines that last
practice run-through, even I would have strangled her.> "Now go get
ready and we can go over to Rei's."
"Where's Onee-san?" Misako questioned.
"She's with Chibi-Usa and Mamoru," Minako answered. It only took Misako
five minutes to say good-bye and gather the overnight bag that she had
prepared for the sleepover.
The pair walked in silence for a few minutes before Misako turned to
Minako and asked, "Minako-chan, why couldn't I go with anybody else?" <I
liked spending the afternoon with Onii-chan and Mika but why didn't they
want me to go with any of them?>
Minako stopped and took Misako's hand. Crouching down, she looked around
to see if they could be overheard. Softly she said, "Miko-chan, I give
you my solemn word as Senshi Commander that it was very important that
you didn't go with any of the girls or Mamoru." Minako brushed a few
stray hairs out of Misako's face before saying, "You believe me, ne?"
<Maybe it was a Senshi meeting they didn't want me to go to.> Although
that hurt a little, Misako was willing to accept it. There were times in
the future when she or both she and Younger Moon were excluded from
certain meetings for security reasons. "Hai, Comm... Minako-chan."
"Sugoi!" Minako declared. Standing up, she and Misako started walking
again, this time hand in hand. Minako smiled contentedly. <I bet this is
what it feels like walking with Kimeko when she's little.> She had to
fight the urge to ask Misako how her daughter was doing. <I wonder if I
have any other children besides Kimeko?> Likely she did; they knew Rei
had lots of children.
As time passed, they got closer to the Hikawa Shrine grounds. It also
became harder for Minako to contain her excitement. It was with some
relief then that they mounted the steps to the shrine proper.
"Yuuichiro and Hino-ojiisan are gone for the evening. Rei `asked' them
politely to leave." Misako giggled at that. An image of a pregnant Rei
chasing a fuzzy image of Yuuichiro and Hino-ojiisan flitted through her
mind.
<I wonder how Sakuya is doing?> Misako wondered. She blinked when she
realized that they were all alone. "Where's everyone?"
"I don't know. Stay here, Miko-chan, and I'll go see," Minako ordered
and jogged into the main building and was swallowed by the gloom within.
Misako unslung her overnight bag and sat it on the ground. <I bet Mom
and Dad had a great wedding here... Maybe I'll get to see it.> She shook
her head at that thought. She would be long gone by the time her
parents' marriage rolled around. <Even if I have to go someplace else, I
can't stay here for the wedding. It's too important.>
Hearing the creaking of boards, Misako turned around and blinked. Sailor
Venus was standing at the entrance. "Misako, transform!" Sailor Venus
ordered. Her tone confused the little girl but Misako complied.
"EARTH PRISM POWER, MAKE-UP!" Misako cried and was engulfed in the
magical light. After a moment, Sailor Chibi-Earth was in Misako's place
and she looked towards Sailor Venus.
"ATTENTION!" Sailor Venus ordered.
Chibi-Earth snapped to attention. <What's going on?> She didn't dare ask
the stern looking Sailor Venus though. Her commander had moved from the
entranceway to where she was standing. <An inspection?> That's what it
felt like. This just bothered Misako even more because there was very
few times that Elder Venus carried out an inspection.
Once Sailor Venus was finished, she assumed a position ahead of
Chibi-Earth with her back to the little girl. "AT THE WALK, FORWARD...
MARCH!" Sailor Venus then started to march into the shrine's main
building. It took Chibi-Earth a moment or so to orient herself to this
new situation and she had to hurry to catch up to her commander. She was
led up the steps and down two hallways to the Great Fire Room. "HALT!"
Venus commanded and then walking forward opened the door.
What Sailor Venus said next after stepping into the room proper nearly
had Chibi-Earth scrambling to get away. "Your Majesties, Your Highness,
the Candidate Senshi, Her Highness Princess Tsukino Misako has arrived."
<Mom and Dad are here?!> Chibi-Earth thought, <I'm gonna be in so much
trouble! There's no way I'm going back to the future yet!> She jumped
when Sailor Venus cleared her throat. Flushing, Chibi-Earth moved
forward into the room and stopped dead. It was not Neo-Queen Serenity
and King Endymion. Instead, it was Princess Serenity and Prince
Endymion. Standing off to her mother's right was her sister in her
princess dress with a broad grin on her face. She quickly bowed and then
followed Sailor Venus who led her to the end of the line of Sailor
Senshi. Sailor Venus took her place at the head of the line, next came
Sailor Jupiter, Sailor Mars, and then Sailor Mercury.
<What's 'Sagi doing up there?> Chibi-Earth wondered, <I usually stand
beside her.>
"Minna-san, we are gathered here to hear the oaths from the newest of
our Sailor Senshi," Princess Serenity announced. Turning, she looked
towards Chibi-Earth, her eyes sparkling with tears and showing pride and
happiness. "Princess Tsukino Misako, please step forward."
Finally realizing what was about to happen, Chibi-Earth's knees began to
feel like Jell-O. She took a moment to steady herself before walking to
stand in front of her parents and sister. <Please don't let me be sick,
not like my first Senshi practice.>
"Princess Tsukino Misako, are you ready to speak your oaths for the
Office of Sailor Earth?" Princess Serenity questioned.
Chibi-Earth opened her mouth and it went dry. Swallowing hard,
Chibi-Earth managed to get out, "Hai, Your Majesty." <I don't believe
this. I have to be dreaming...> The Senshi Cabinet had postponed her
oaths. <Why here? Why now?>
"Then let this Court hear your oath," Princess Serenity commanded.
Taking a deep breath, Chibi-Earth forced herself to look straight ahead
and began to speak, "I, Tsukino Misako, pledge myself to the duties and
responsibilities that are incumbent upon the Office of Sailor Earth. I
swear loyalty and obedience to the Crown of Crystal Tokyo and will seek
to further Their Majesties' causes." Chibi-Earth was concentrating so
hard on not making a mistake at this unexpected task that she did not
notice the tears that had begun to run down her cheeks. Her voice caught
as she came to the end of the oath and she swallowed.
<She doesn't look so good.> Princess Serenity looked towards her future
husband and then her daughter and shook her head. <Iie, the oath we came
up with would be too much. We can save it for later. Maybe, someday,
there will be a need.> Princess Usagi was looking worriedly at her
sister while the other Senshi were looking mildly disappointed. They
hadn't believed Chibi-Usa when she had said the oath was very short.
Chibi-Earth was breathing heavily. She could feel her bottom lip
trembling, her knees wanting to sag. After Princess Usagi nudged her
mother, Princess Serenity turned to the other Senshi.
"Mercury, Warrior of Wisdom, what say you?" Princess Serenity
questioned.
"On behalf of Mercury, I accept these oaths and grant knowledge on
Chibi-Earth so she may battle the darkness wisely."
"Venus, Warrior of Love, what say you?" Serenity asked.
"On behalf of Venus and as Senshi Commander, I accept these oaths and
grant compassion on Chibi-Earth so she may know when mercy is needed."
"Mars, Warrior of War, what say you?"
"On behalf of Mars, I accept these oaths and grant strength on
Chibi-Earth to aid her in battle and in time of difficult decisions."
Serenity turned to Jupiter and asked, "Jupiter, Warrior of Justice, what
say you?" <Please Mesume, hold up.> Chibi-Earth looked like she was
about to collapse.
"On behalf of Jupiter, I accept these oaths and grant the fairness on
Chibi-Earth so she might lead fairly one day and to be able to treat
even her enemies honorably if need be."
Princess Serenity turned to Chibi-Earth. "Then let it be so. Kami-sama,
protector of this Court, bear witness that on this day, I, Princess
Serenity, Future Queen of Crystal Tokyo, and mother of Tsukino Misako,
hereby accept her oaths and welcome her into the ranks of the Sailor
Senshi. Congratulations Sailor Chibi-Earth!" With that, a great burst of
tears came to Chibi-Earth's relief and she sank to the floor, sobbing
uncontrollably. It was all too much.
******
<It had to be a dream; it couldn't be real. The Senshi Cabinet didn't
know what I should say for my oaths.> Chibi-Earth wanted it so
desperately. Yet, she was also afraid it would be taken away from her.
The first sensation that broke through her feelings of total confusion
and wooziness was soothing warmth.
As her body heaved and trembled with her crying and fear, she clung
desperately to that warmth. It seemed to withdraw and she felt a sense
of loss at that. However, it quickly returned and this time, the
comforting warmth seemed to envelop her. Her eyes were kept tightly
shut; she didn't want to open them and see that it had all been a dream.
She didn't want to give up that moment that was so very important and
precious to her.
As that soothing warmth comforted her, Chibi-Earth began to calm. With
that calm came other sensations. "Onee-chan," came the voice, "It'll be
okay!" It was her sister's voice, sounding close, concerned. "Come on,
Onee-chan, don't scare me like this." Her, Chibi-Earth, scare her older
sister? Yet, her sister's tone conveyed fear and worry, impossible!
"Please Onee-chan, you're scarin' me." It wasn't her older sister's
voice. It sounded younger, higher pitched.
<I have to look,> Chibi-Earth thought. Timidly, she opened her eyes and
blinked to clear away the unshed tears. The first thing she saw was
Chibi-Usa's face looking at her with deep concern. The comforting warm
was a blanket that had been wrapped around her but the biggest comfort
was the hug that Chibi-Usa was giving her. "Imouto," she said softly;
the smile that went across Chibi-Usa's face was radiant.
"You're a real Senshi, Chibi-Earth. Happy birthday, `Imouto'!"
"Onee-chan," Chibi-Earth cried softly and hugged Chibi-Usa with all the
strength she could. After a moment, she looked around to see the others
watching her with worry and concern. She wanted to hug her father but
she didn't want to give up the warmth that her sister was providing.
<Mommy looks sad,> Chibi-Earth thought to herself. Making a decision,
she shakily let go of her sister and pushing herself slowly up, walked
towards her parents.
Mamoru, having changed back, bent and scooped Misako up. "I am so proud
of you, Mesume," Mamoru said as he held her loosely, tears streaking his
cheeks. "I love you. We both love you so very much." Laying her head on
his shoulder, Chibi-Earth closed her eyes feeling a small amount of her
worry disappear.
"Are you okay, Mesume?" Usagi asked as she hugged Misako from behind.
"I'm sorry we put you through that. We just wanted to do something very
special for you. Gomen nasai."
"Mommy," Chibi-Earth squeaked as she turned and hugged her mother, "I
loved it. I was so scared that it wouldn't be real." Something she had
not felt for so long came surging towards her as Usagi hugged her
closely. A mother's pride and love seemed to flow into Chibi-Earth,
reassuring her that this all was very real. That everything that had
been said between her and Usagi was the truth.
******
The time that followed was wonderful for all involved. Not only was it a
celebration of Misako's tenth birthday but it was to celebrate a coming
of age of sorts. Even when Luna pointed out that it was only
semi-official because Misako had only sworn to the Princess and Prince,
Misako was not depressed. All Chibi Senshi went through a period of
probation until they reaffirmed their oaths when they achieved their
Younger Designation.
Time seemed to slip by and all too soon, it was time for Chibi-Usa to be
taken home. Usagi approached Misako, who was sitting on Mamoru's knee
and having a conversation with the Lunar Cats, and asked, "Miko-chan,
would you go get Chibi-Usa? I think she's out by the fountain with
Diana."
"Hai," Misako said while sliding from her father's lap. Walking over to
Usagi, she looked up and asked, "Mom, does 'Sagi really hafta go?"
Usagi crouched down and said, "Sweetheart, we talked about this, ne?"
Misako nodded. "I would have liked Chibi-Usa to stay too but she broke
the rules and this is part of her punishment." Usagi stood then and
added, "You had a really good time with Chibi-Usa. You two got to be a
team this afternoon and she was at your party." Misako sniffled and
Usagi shook her head slightly. "Miko-chan, don't feel bad." Turning her,
Usagi gave Misako a gentle swat to get her started while saying, "Go on
now and find your sister."
Reluctantly, Misako left the room. <Gomen, 'Sagi,> she thought as she
walked outside and headed for the fountain. As she walked, she had an
idea. <I know, I'll walk 'Sagi home. I really had fun today and I want
to ask MY imouto what it was like to take her oaths.> That must have
been something, to stand up in front of all those people. To Misako,
that memory was fuzzy. She only remembered feeling very proud of her
onee.
As she approached the fountain, she slowed when she heard the voices of
Diana and her sister talking. "What do you mean, Small Lady?" Diana
asked. Moving forward softly, Misako peeked through some bushes.
"Onee-san spanked me," Chibi-Usa said while blushing slightly, "She said
that it was because I broke Ikuko-mama's rules..."
"Well you did," Diana agreed sternly.
"Hai," Chibi-Usa replied, "But that isn't the real reason I was
spanked." Diana along with a very horrified Misako gave Chibi-Usa
questioning looks.
"It's not?" Diana asked curiously, "It's what Usagi-sama told you, ne?"
"Hai," Chibi-Usa said again, "But I got spanked, and deserved it, 'cause
I spoiled Misako's birthday. I made her sad." Chibi-Usa gave her
companion a wry smile, "From what I heard about what I did to Misako
when I was little, I think I got spanked a lot."
"I never wanted you to, Onee-chan," Misako said as she came out from her
hiding place. Chibi-Usa jumped and looked angry for a moment before her
features softened. "I... I was wrong about you, 'Sagi-chan. I never
wanted you to get spanked."
Chibi-Usa moved to stand in front of her sister and said softly.
"Miko-chan, please don't be sad." She held her hand out and added,
"You're ten now... That means you spent almost five years in the future.
You hafta know that if we break a rule, we're punished. I broke
Ikuko-mama's rules and got Usagi wet when I knew she didn't want to
play."
Misako considered this and then, reaching out, took her sister's hand,
"So you aren't mad at me?"
"If you keep thinking that me getting punished is your fault, then I'll
really be mad at you," Chibi-Usa said sternly.
Misako hugged her sister then and said, "Arigato 'Sagi-chan, you gave me
the best birthday present." Letting the hug go but still holding her
sister's hand, Misako stated, "It's time to go now. I had to come to get
you."
Chibi-Usa nodded her understanding. Scooping up Diana and placing her
between her odangos, Chibi-Usa said, "Okay, Onee-chan, let's go then."
With that, the girls headed off.
After saying their good-byes, Chibi-Usa and Misako along with Diana and
Usagi headed for the Tsukino home. Misako had not been able to convince
Usagi to let her walk Chibi-Usa on her own as it was getting late out.
However, Usagi had agreed to give the girls some distance so that Misako
and Chibi-Usa could talk about something.
After walking a block or so in silence, Misako began, "Imouto, what was
it like to say your speech? What was your ceremony like?"
A grin slowly spread across Chibi-Usa's face as that day's memory came
back to her. "It was awful. I was so scared... and then the prep
sessions with Elder Mercury, Younger Jupiter, and Neptune."
"Hai," Misako said, "Did Ami-sensei use that big stick thing?" Chibi-Usa
nodded and both girls shuddered. "You had to leave right away, ne?"
<You were so sad that I had to leave...> "Hai, so everything was
rushed." Chibi-Usa shook her head then and added, "I didn't think Sakuya
could yell that much."
<You ain't seen nothin' yet,> Misako thought and a pang of guilt rose
within her. Chibi-Usa noticed and gave her sister a concerned and
slightly exasperated look. "Iie Imouto," Misako reassured, "I just was
thinking about something... I really messed something up."
"It couldn'ta been that bad," Diana speculated, "I mean the biggest
thing in the Palace was the `Pudding Incident'."
"I cleared that easy, Diana," Misako bragged.
"Oh yeah?" Chibi-Usa challenged, "I got four swats IN PUBLIC out of the
Pudding Incident. Plus a good scolding."
Misako couldn't help but gloat, "I got ten!" she declared, "And grounded
for two months." Both Chibi-Usa and Diana stared at Misako in shock.
<Kami-sama! That's all I need.> Mentally kicking herself, Misako said,
"Forget about it, 'Sagi-chan. You were talkin' about your ceremony."
Chibi-Usa gave Misako one more quizzical look before returning to the
subject of her Chibi Senshi ceremony, what it was like, and what it felt
like to stand up before all those people. After a while, they fell into
a comfortable silence. When they were almost home, Misako couldn't
contain her energy any longer. Letting Chibi-Usa's hand go, she skipped
ahead a little and then stopped. Making sure the way was clear, she
cartwheeled twice, did a backflip, and turned back, content now that
some of her pent up energy was spent. Chibi-Usa placed Diana on the
ground and grinned towards her sister.
"Nani?" Misako questioned.
"Watch this, Onee-chan. I practiced all afternoon," Chibi-Usa declared.
Misako watched curiously as Chibi-Usa raised her hands. She took on a
worried expression when she realized what her sister had planned.
<'Sagi can't do those.> Misako had tried to show her sister on several
occasions and every attempt had been a miserable failure. Her worry
turned to surprise when Chibi-Usa completed one cartwheel without
incident. It wasn't perfect but definitely more than the future version
of Chibi-Usa could do. A sense of pride came into Misako as she watched
Chibi-Usa do another cartwheel successfully. "Sugoi!" she declared and,
running to her sister, hugged her, "Those were very good."
"Arigato," Chibi-Usa replied, "I tried really hard."
"Chibi-Usa-chan, Miko-chan, those were good," Usagi declared. "But the
sidewalk isn't the type of place to do those things and we have to get
Chibi-Usa home." Although she had gently admonished them, both girls
giggled and, after Chibi-Usa had replaced Diana on her head, the girls
headed off hand in hand again. Soon after that, they had reached the
Tsukino house and Chibi-Usa had to say good-bye.
"Please, don't be sad, Miko-chan," Chibi-Usa said one more time.
"I promise, Imouto," Misako replied softly and gave her sister a
goodnight kiss.
They returned to the Hikawa Shrine and more festivities, that all
enjoyed. Later that night, after her father had left, Misako headed to
the bathroom with her overnight bag. Closing and locking the door, she
looked at herself in the mirror for several seconds before sighing.
Opening her bag, Misako retrieved the bunny print panties and bunny
pajamas.
<I know I'm going to hate this,> Misako thought as she undressed. After
she had pulled on the bunny panties, she gave a little sigh. <At least
they're the right size.> Putting on the bunny pajamas was a different
story all together. <What am I going to do about these?> she questioned.
Blowing out a breath, she gritted her teeth and pulled the bunny pajamas
on.
They felt alien somehow; it had been some time since she wore bunny
style pajamas. Brushing her teeth and combing out her hair, Misako
finished getting ready for bed. After gathering up her clothes and other
personal items, she made her way back to the room where the girls had
setup futons. The older girls were having a quiet discussion which
halted when Misako entered the room.
<Kawaii!> "Come over here, Misako," Usagi directed as she waved her
daughter over to the group. Misako placed her overnight bag beside her
futon, noting that her mother's had been pushed to beside hers, and
walked over to the group. "Minako's going to read us a story," Usagi
stated.
<Oh goody,> Misako thought but smiled, <More kid stuff.> Misako soon
discovered this was no story for little kids. She also found herself
cuddling with Usagi and that, she minded. The mixture of the bunny
pajamas, her mother, and cuddling reminded Misako too much of Chibi-Usa.
None of the girls slept that night. Usagi's terrified moaning kept them
awake. Needless to say, Minako regretted telling that particular story.
Misako, however, thought that it was pretty cool.
******
Over the next few weeks, Misako did make an effort to wear the bunny
pajamas. Both to show that she did appreciate Usagi's gift and also to
be a good onee. Chibi-Usa somehow interpreted Misako wearing bunny
pajamas as trying to be a good onee by being the same as her imouto. She
had a hard time keeping a straight face when Chibi-Usa declared that she
would not wear bunny pajamas after her ninth birthday. That had brought
one consoling factor to Misako's mind -- at least the bunny pajamas
didn't have a rear flap.
Despite the great weather for playing Youma Catch, Misako found herself
drifting away from the game as she increased the time she spent with
Shingo and Mika. She also was spending more time with Kyoku who was
turning out to be a fairly good friend. Chibi-Usa still was willing to
play with her and seemed worried about making a good impression as an
imouto. Misako, however, wasn't worried. She was Chibi-Usa's onee and
everyone accepted that.
Misako also learned the disadvantages to being an onee: Increased
chores, which Misako had to admit she had looked forward to, were not as
fun, nor as easy as what she had once thought they were. The chores also
had to be done a certain way or she would have to do them again. When
she could, Misako found herself doing something she had promised she
would not do, turning to her sister for advice and help, especially in
bento box preparations.
One of the other disadvantages had to do with her authority over
Chibi-Usa. Namely, if her sister did something wrong and she was in a
position to stop it and she didn't, Misako faced consequences. At best,
she was scolded for letting Chibi-Usa misbehave; at worst, she faced a
reduced form of Chibi-Usa's punishment.
Chibi-Usa, for her part, still worried about slipping back into her old
ways; she did not want to hate Misako and both were confused as ever to
why Chibi-Usa's future self hated Misako. She had protested over the new
bedtime for Misako and protested even more when Misako finally grew
annoyed and tattled because Chibi-Usa was remaining awake until her
sister came to bed. To Misako though, Chibi-Usa's sleep was important.
A strange thing Misako found was that, for some reason, Chibi-Usa could
get up and head to school on-time no matter how late she was up but that
didn't matter. What mattered was that Chibi-Usa had her dreams, in which
she interacted with Helios; this was something that her sister only
partially realized.
One thing that certainly irritated Chibi-Usa was Chibi-Earth's
performance in battle. Over the next four battles that occurred between
her birthday and the first snowfall in late November, Chibi-Earth would
vanish and reappear as Tuxedo Kamen did. She did participate as part of
the team and suggested plans that sometimes worked and other times
didn't work. Nonetheless, she did not stay with Sailor Moon and
Chibi-Moon and that was the thing that Chibi-Moon desired, to be a team
with her sister. However, Chibi-Moon realized that she was unable to
keep up with her sister's agility and would hamper any real efforts that
Chibi-Earth put forth.
One thing that certainly irritated Misako was Chibi-Usa's lack of
respect for their parents' privacy. While she enjoyed heading over to
Mamoru's apartment to spend time with him, she was always careful to see
if Usagi was alone with him. She had no intention of fouling up their
romance; Chibi-Usa, on the other hand, didn't seem to care whether their
parents were alone or not. In fact, Misako was starting to understand
why their parents locked their bedroom door sometimes. It would just be
like her sister to develop a problem and go storming into her parents'
bedroom while they were "occupied" with other matters.
******
Misako stood at the window on the last night of November. It was late
into the night and the Tsukino house was silent and dark. Everyone was
asleep but her and Diana. The small gray kitten looked at Misako
worriedly.
"Miko-chan," Diana said softly, "What's botherin' you?"
<Please Kami-sama, let Sakuya's baby and her be all right,> Misako
thought, for this was the night that Sakuya was predicted to give birth
in the future. The little girl looked out the window at an eerie sight.
The Moon shone down, a ghostly blue, yet the snowflakes fell carpeting
the world in a white silence.
"Miko-chan?" Diana asked again.
There was a long silence and then Misako whispered out, "I'm praying for
my imouto... my real imouto." <Or my otouto, but I hope it's a girl. It
just has to be.>
******
In Crystal Tokyo, the snow had finally stopped falling. It lay over the
city in a thick blanket of pristine whiteness. The clouds slowly drifted
away, blown by a stiff northerly wind.
Princess Tsukino Usagi Serenity stopped outside one of the private rooms
of the hospital. She placed her hand on the door and softly opened it.
As the light from the hallway started to stream into the dimly lit room,
the teen could see Masao sitting beside the bed. As she slowly entered
the room, he started to rise but she shook her head; there was no need
for formality, not here, not now.
"How is she, Masao-san?" Usagi asked softly as she quietly came into the
room before moving to stand beside the bed; behind her, the door
whispered shut.
"Asleep," Masao answered softly. <Two weeks past her due date, and
then.> He closed his eyes against the memory. <Oh Sa-chan...> "They gave
her something for the pain." He brought the hand he was holding to his
lips and kissed it gently. "Mizuno-sensei said that Sakuya would be
okay. She'd just be in a lot of pain for a little while."
"And the baby? What's her name?" Usagi asked, unsure whether she
actually should ask.
"Sugoi," Masao breathed, "Just like her mother. Mizuno-sensei said that
everything seemed fine. She's still waiting for some tests to come
back." Masao turned his gaze towards Usagi and answered, "I promised
Sakuya that I would let her tell you the baby's name. I hope you can
wait." Usagi nodded. She could wait as long as both were fine; that's
what mattered.
The room grew quiet, but it was more a comfortable silence rather than a
strained one. "I wonder how she can go on?" Usagi mused softly. Masao
looked quizzically at her but Usagi did not see it; she was looking at
Sakuya's peaceful face. "You'd think that just once she'd get a break.
That something would go as planned."
"That's what makes life exciting, Your Highness. If everything was
predictable, then life would be rather boring," Masao countered.
Usagi scowled while saying, "Do you have to call me that? We aren't at
Court, Commander. I thought we talked about this before." Before Masao
could respond, Usagi shook her head, "Gomen nasai, Masao-san. I know
it's been a rough time lately."
Gently laying his wife's hand down, Masao slowly stood and walked around
to stand in front of Usagi. "Usagi-chan," Masao said slowly, "I didn't
mean anything by it. I guess I'm tired and I'm flying more on autopilot
than anything else. It's easier to fall back to formality."
Usagi smiled up at Masao then. "I'll stay for a little bit. I got some
things to think about." After a moment, Masao nodded and giving Usagi a
grin, he left the room. Usagi moved around and sat down in the chair
that Masao had occupied.
<You scared me so much, Sako-chan,> Usagi thought, <Why don't things
ever go easy for you? Your mom, me, the wedding, and now, this.> She
could feel the tears starting to run down her cheeks. Wiping them away,
Usagi gave a sheepish grin. <But I'm so happy that things will be okay.>
As Usagi sat there, the real reason she had wanted to stay came to her.
<Sako-chan, I feel like I'm all alone. I know you're here and I know
we've talked about this before but it's still hard.>
It was still hard to accept that she was on her own. She could turn to
Sakuya for advice but her friend and mentor wasn't going to tell her
what to do. The training wheels on her bike had been removed so to speak
and Usagi was in control of her own future. She was going to have to
live with the decisions that she made and the consequences of those
decisions. In a way, that scared her more than any monster she had ever
faced.
******
It was another week before Usagi managed to see Sakuya's baby. After
school one day, she made the trip to the hospital. Walking down the
hallway to Sakuya's room, she gently tapped on the door before opening
it and peering in.
"Come on in, Usagi-chan," Sakuya said softly. She noticed that Usagi's
eyes had flitted towards her chest and she smiled. "Unlike us, babies
set their own times to eat. It's suppertime for her."
Giggling slightly, Usagi entered and softly padded over to sit beside
the bed. "You have to tell me the baby's name, Sako-chan. Everybody I
ask keeps telling me that I have to ask you. When I asked Masao, he said
he promised you not to tell me, that you were going to." Anticipation
shone in the teen's eyes.
Sakuya looked down at her nursing daughter and gently stroked the patch
of soft brown hair that had started to appear. As she turned her gaze
towards Usagi, her eyes shimmered with unshed tears of joy. "Hai, it's
time you two met. Your Royal Highness, I would like you to meet Rakurai
Atsuko Usagi Kimeko."
"Usagi," Usagi whispered out, a shiver of excitement running up her
spine.
"We wanted to give her the name of our imoutos," Sakuya explained. Her
daughter finished having her meal and Sakuya proceeded on to the next
stage; the one she was still a little unsure about. "I don't have a real
imouto, Usagi-chan. I hope you don't mind."
Usagi, with tears in her own eyes, stood and carefully hugged Sakuya. "I
don't mind at all. I would never mind, Sako-chan." Usagi sat back down
after pulling the chair a little closer. "I'm so glad you two are okay.
I don't know what I would've done if something had gone wrong."
"Usagi-chan, how are you?" Sakuya asked softly.
"Okay," Usagi said softly while looking at the bed, "It's hard really...
After Misako left... I get so scared sometimes. I want Misako... my
imouto back. I need to talk to her."
"Even if she doesn't talk to you?" Sakuya asked gently. <Kami-sama, that
bitch Pluto can't let anyone live a happy life.>
Usagi took a moment before lifting her head. "I need to make peace with
her, Sako-chan. Even if that means she doesn't forgive me." Usagi slowly
shook her head. "I can't believe Mom went along with Puu. I can't
believe Dad not arguing about telling Misako but he must have agreed to
wait." She could feel her anger rising and she fought it down. She
smiled then as she noticed the hazel eyes of Atsuko looking at her
calmly. "You're a lucky little girl, Atsuko-chan. You have a mommy
that'll do anything for you."
Carefully supporting her daughter, Sakuya reached out and took Usagi's
hand and squeezed it gently for a moment or so. "Don't do what I did,
Usagi. Don't turn your back on the one person that needs you the most."
Returning her hand to her daughter, she gently rubbed her back and soon
the child was asleep. And not for the first time, Usagi wished she
didn't have the mother she did have. She wished that she could have a
mother that was not so easily bent to Pluto's will.
End of Chapter 18
Coming next in Chapter 19 - Serendipity