Subject: [FFML] [FANFIC][SM] Tales of Younger Earth #21
From: Douglas Helm
Date: 9/26/1998, 3:22 PM
To: ffml@fanfic.com

The ending is in sight. After this part there's only 6 or 7 to go.

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 21 - The Parting Vale

The mid-February wind had started to warm slightly; even so, the snow
still covered the ground. The late Friday afternoon sun shone pale
yellow-white light down from a mostly blue sky.

Mamoru's apartment door opened and a grumpy looking Tsukino Misako was
guided in by an even grumpier looking Tsukino Usagi. Mamoru followed.
Whether he was grumpy or not was hard to determine but Misako thought
that he likely was.

"Get your shoes off and park yourself on that couch, young lady," Usagi
directed while pointing at the couch. Grumbling, Misako removed her coat
and hung it up before slipping out of her boots. Not bothering with the
guest slippers, she padded over to the couch in her stocking feet and
sat down.

"I don't see why you're so mad, Mom," Misako whined as her parents
removed their own jackets, "I mean it wasn't as if the Lemure got away
or anything."

Usagi, who had finished putting on her guest slippers, came walking over
with another pair and sat down on the couch. "I'm upset because you got
in front of Chibi-Moon." <You could've been killed!> "That was dangerous
and..."

"Mom," Misako interrupted, "She was going to get splattered all over the
ground into Chibi-Chunks." Usagi made a disgusted looking face. "I keep
telling her not to take on the Lemures. She isn't strong enough but does
she listen? IIE!"

"And I suppose you're different?" Usagi countered while picking up one
of Misako's feet and slipping on a slipper.

"Look, she was in danger. I rushed the Lemure to distract it. She
shouldn't be making those baka speeches!" <Sakuya says the same thing.>

"Excuse me?" Mamoru questioned from his position by the balcony door, "I
don't think you're one to talk about NOT making speeches. I mean I
wouldn't exactly call your latest speech a battle cry."

"Meaning?" Misako demanded as she scowled at her mother who was
attempting to put on the other slipper.

"Meaning that, `For disrupting my sister's study time so she won't be an
airhead, I am Sailor Chibi-Earth and in the name of the Earth, I'll
punish you,' just doesn't..." Mamoru trailed off, a corner of his mouth
twitching before he burst into laughter. "Gomen," he chuckled out when
he saw the glares from both Usagi and Misako.

"That isn't the point," Usagi said sternly, "The point is that you need
to stop going after the Lemures like there's no tomorrow, Misako."
Snagging Misako's foot, Usagi put the slipper over it and grinned,
"There, now my little girl won't get her feet cold."

<LITTLE GIRL!?!> Misako reddened in anger, reached down, and tore off
the slippers before flinging them across the room. Usagi looked on in
surprise, her blue eyes enlarging as Misako turned a hot angry glare on
her. "I AM TEN!" Misako shouted, "Not some five year old kid!" Hopping
up off the couch, Misako stalked a little ways away from her mother and
turned. "I have to do this."

"Iie," Mamoru said, his mirth gone, "Mesume, listen to me. You don't
have to always protect Chibi-Moon; you don't always have to take on the
Lemures. We know you're a Sailor Senshi. We know you're real. You don't
have to prove to us that you will make a good Senshi."

"I'm NOT trying to prove anything, Dad," Misako said hotly, "Why are you
getting mad at me for anyway? You don't yell at Chibi-Moon when she does
something baka." Her parents shifted uncomfortably and looked at each
other. "Well?"

"Miko-chan, we aren't talking about Chibi-Moon. We're talking about
you," Mamoru pointed out gently, "We just don't want to see you get
hurt."

"Sweetheart, what you did today was very dangerous," Usagi added while
rising, "I know you have these feelings like we don't treat you the same
but... well... you are different, Miko-chan." Kneeling, Usagi gently
placed her hand on Misako's shoulder. "No matter how much you don't want
to believe it, Misako, Chibi-Moon IS better than you. She's been in a
lot more fights than you have."

Misako sucked in her breath. Tears welled up in her eyes as she lowered
her head. She could feel a lump starting to form in her throat and her
cheeks flaring in shame. <I'm never going to be better than Small lady,
not to Usagi,> Misako thought as she wiped at her eyes, <She wants me to
stop protecting Small Lady, but she wants me to be an onee.>

"Misako," Usagi said softly, "I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. We
both love you a lot; I know it hurts a lot but there are Senshi that are
better than I am. There are Senshi better than Chibi-Moon."

"You didn't answer my question, Mommy," Misako said softly, hot tears
streaking down her cheeks, "Why don't you ever yell at Chibi-Moon? She
gets away with everything."

"Miko-chan, Chibi-Moon's older..."

"SEE?!?" Misako interrupted in an angry voice, "It's always because
Small Lady is older; that's a lie though! I'm the onee now and you never
scold her!" Screwing up her face, Misako cried out, "She isn't even a
real Senshi!"

"Nani?" Usagi and Mamoru asked in shock.

"You and Small Lady need toys to make your powers work. You don't have
any natural attacks. Small Lady might have been in more battles but I
don't need some silly wand to use my powers." Her parents were looking
at her with confusion and disbelief.

"Misako, I know you're angry about what I said," Usagi argued softly,
"But don't take this out on Chibi-Usa."

"Oh yeah, that's right your `imouto'!" Misako sneered out, "That makes
me sick. At least Neo-Queen Serenity taught us respect for our parents.
She's your daughter but you act like she's your sister. If you want her
to be your sister, then have Dad adopt you!"

Usagi's face crumpled up and she started to sniffle as her own tears ran
down her face. "Mesume, don't you see it. I love you with all my heart.
Do you know what happened to Chibi-Usa the first time she came back
here? Do you know how lonely and scared she was?" Misako lowered her
head and looked away. "I became her onee before I knew she was my
mesume."

Mamoru kneeled by his daughter, trying to control his own anger.
"Misako," he began slowly, "We worry about you, just as much as we worry
about Chibi-Usa. We... I think sometimes we forget that you're ten.
Sometimes, we think of you as still being that little girl that got hurt
by the Lemure."

"Then what do you want me to do?" Misako said sullenly, all sense of
hope gone from her voice.

"WE just want you to settle down a little. Don't be in such a rush to
save Chibi-Usa," Usagi said, "You're part of a team."

"But I need... I have to help her," Misako stated stubbornly, "I know
that you don't really..."

"Hold it!" Mamoru commanded. Both Usagi and Misako turned to look at him
curiously. "Young lady, don't you dare say that we don't really want you
to be a Senshi. Now, what do you want so that you'll back off in
combat?"

"Treat Chibi-Moon the same. If you're gonna yell at me for doing baka
things, then yell at her too." <Younger Jupiter certainly does!>

"So you want to be treated the same?" Mamoru asked in a calmer voice.
Misako nodded. "Well Usagi, what do you say?"

Before Usagi could answer, Misako added, "You tell the Younger Commander
and Elder Venus that when we're Senshi, then we can't have any special
treatment. If you're gonna yell at me, yell at Chibi-Moon too 'cause she
does do baka things."

Usagi chewed on her bottom lip for several seconds before asking, "We
told Minako and Sakuya..." she paused and scowled, "Younger Commander?"
Misako just looked at her expectantly. "But I thought you guys would get
special treatment since you're both princesses." <What's she hiding?
Isn't Sakuya the Younger Senshi Commander?>

"Hai," Misako responded, "We would but..." she shrugged unsure of how
much to tell. "Please Mommy? I just want you to get mad at Chibi-Moon if
she does something baka. If you promise to do that, I promise to be more
careful and be part of the team." She could see the reluctance in
Usagi's face so she added, "If you don't want to, I guess that means you
don't love Chibi-Usa."

"Nani?" her parents questioned.

"Well you were yelling at me because you care about me and if you don't
want to yell at Chibi-Moon, then you don't care about her," Misako
stated solemnly but she was giggling inside. <They always fall for this
type of thing.>

"Oh! All right," Usagi said after a moment of thought, "If Chibi-Moon
does baka things, then I'll yell at her too." <I just didn't want to
sound like a nagging mother!>

"Arigato," Misako responded and hugged her mother.

                                 ******

Misako looked towards her sister as the little girl skipped along. They
had just defeated another Lemure and were now heading home. "Ne,
shouldn't we hurry, Chibi-Usa-chan?"

Giggling, Chibi-Usa hugged her sister and said, "Iie, you were really
good... not so bossy either."

"Hey!" Misako protested as she pushed her sister away but they both
giggled then. <Mommy was right. I was being baka about trying to protect
you all the time. We're part of a team and we look out for each other.
Besides, MY imouto is a good Senshi.> "You think I was really good?" she
asked tentatively.

"Hai," Chibi-Usa replied with a grin, "You didn't do anything dangerous
like last time."

Flushing slightly, Misako looked away while saying, "Well Mom 'n' Dad
got mad at me; I was doing baka things really. Even Dad in the future or
the Younger Commander would get mad for what I was doing." She looked
towards Chibi-Usa and added, "Speaking of doing dangerous things, we're
grounded remember? What if Ikuko-mama catches us?"

"This was more important," Chibi-Usa replied, "'Sides, why would she be
looking for us?"

"To help with supper?" Diana questioned from her position on Chibi-Usa's
head. "I think Misako's right; we should hurry. I mean it isn't like
Usagi. Ikuko-mama knows where Usagi-sama was going. She thinks you two
are up in your room."

It was with a voice that practically dripped with confidence that
Chibi-Usa responded, "Like I said, don't worry. We can always Luna-P
Ikuko-mama if we have to."

"I don't feel right about that," Misako said as she hugged herself, "I
mean Mom 'n' Dad taught us that being honest is very important. Using
Luna-P like that isn't what it was meant for." Seeing the slightly
disgusted look Chibi-Usa was giving her, she added, "And Mommy told me
that if she found out about you using it, she'd punish you, on top of
what Ikuko-mama would punish you for."

"Misako has a good point, Small Lady," Diana responded before her friend
could respond.

"How come you're on her side?" Chibi-Usa whined out, "Kami-sama Diana,
you're starting to sound more like Luna all the time. Do you take
ragging lessons from her when we're in school?" She blinked as there was
sudden movement on top of her head and then she heard Misako give a yelp
of surprise. Chibi-Usa halted and looked up to Diana who was now riding
atop of Misako's head, "Hey! What's the big idea?"

"I'm not talking to you," Diana stated, "Come on, Miko-chan, let's go
home." Misako gave her sister a shrug and then started to walk again at
a quicker pace. Chibi-Usa gave a cry of protest and started after the
pair. As she walked along beside her sister, she tried to talk Diana
into forgiving her but it was no use. Diana was doing exactly what she
had said, she wasn't talking to Chibi-Usa.

"Chibi-Usa-chan," Misako began, "Did you know Luna-P records all the
stuff we do with it?" Her sister stopped walking and paled. "You didn't
know?" Misako questioned innocently, "But you've had Luna-P all this
time."

"Records... everything?!?" Chibi-Usa squeaked out in a small voice and
gulped.

"Hai," Misako questioned. As her sister's face contorted, Misako
questioned, "Ne, who'd you Luna-P?"

Chibi-Usa glanced away and, while scuffing the ground, said, "Nobody."

"Yeah right. Well I guess my younger self and you will find out when Mom
'n' Dad sit down with Pluto and watch the recording." <I shouldn't
really tease her,> Misako thought, <I wonder what she did?> Chibi-Usa
had paled even more and seemed to be on the verge of tears.

"Miko-chan, what am I gonna do?!" Chibi-Usa wailed after a long silence,
"I am so dead!"

"Chibi-Usa, who'd you Luna-P?" Misako demanded.

"My sensei," Chibi-Usa moaned, "I was failing History, even with
Onee-san's help. You helped me but I did this before you got here." She
closed her eyes. "Mommy's gonna kill me."

"You Luna-P'ed your sensei?" Misako sighed in disbelief, "What exactly
did you do?"

"Uh well... not a lot."

"SMALL LADY!" Diana screeched, "Spit it out!"

"WellItriedtostudy! ButIjustkeptforgettingtheanswerssoIgothertogivemethe
quizquestionsinadvance," Chibi-Usa babbled out.

"Oh... Chibi-Usa!" Misako sighed and slapped a hand over her face. Diana
gave a howl of pain and hid her face in Misako's hair.

"WhatamIgonnado?!? WhatamIgonnado?!?" Chibi-Usa wailed, proving for
those with any doubts that she was definitely related to Tsukino Usagi.

"I don't know. Let's go home and I'll try to think of something," Misako
replied. It took a little more prodding but finally, the trio continued
to head for the Tsukino home.

Chibi-Usa started to pout dejectedly at her future prospects of living,
when they rounded the last corner. Misako abruptly halted her. "Nani?"
Chibi-Usa said in a cranky voice. Her sister didn't respond but pointed
up the street towards the Tsukino home. "Oh crap!" Chibi-Usa swore as
she saw Ikuko standing on the sidewalk, looking up and down the street.

"`Don't worry about it', ne?" Misako questioned.

Chibi-Usa started to back up but it was too late. Ikuko had spotted both
of them. "FREEZE!" Ikuko commanded and started walking towards them,
fire blazing in her eyes.

                                 ******

A short time later, both girls found themselves admiring a well known
and very boring corner. They had both visited the corner on more than
one occasion and the lack of change was one of its biggest drawbacks.

Ikuko entered into Usagi's room and was happy to see that Misako was
standing in the corner like she had been told to do. After closing the
door, Ikuko walked over to Usagi's bed and sat down. "All right, Misako,
Chibi-Usa's been put in a corner in your room; I'm going to deal with
you first, then I'm going to deal with Chibi-Usa."

"Hai Ikuko-mama," Misako squeaked meekly as she hung her head. <I hope
you appreciate what I'm gonna do, Chibi-Usa.> Slowly turning, she walked
over to stand in front of Ikuko.

"Both of you were grounded if I remember correctly and it was only for
two days," Ikuko stated, "So what was so important that you decided to
violate house rules even more by sneaking out? And out a third story
window at that!" She clamped her anger down and paused before saying,
"You're lucky neither one of you killed yourself."

"It was a second story window," Misako corrected weakly and flinched
when Ikuko exploded.

"THAT'S not the point!" Ikuko scolded, "You shouldn't have gone out any
window! You were grounded and I trusted you to accept your punishment
like you have done before." Ikuko gave the little girl a serious look
before ordering, "Look at me!" Slowly Misako raised her head enough so
she was looking at Ikuko directly. "Do you think I should trust you?
You're Chibi-Usa's onee and I expect you to set a good example. What you
did makes me think I was wrong to give you responsibilities for
Chibi-Usa."

"Please Ikuko-mama, I want to be responsible. I love my imouto," Misako
stated firmly, "I want to be a good onee." <I have to be; Chibi-Usa's my
sister just like Usagi is my mother. When Chibi-Usa leaves, I won't have
a sister anymore.> In her mind, the past and future versions of her
mother and sister were separate people. Those in Crystal Tokyo did not
want her and that did not bother her as much as it used to; Usagi and
Chibi-Usa loved her and that was all that mattered.

Ikuko considered this for several seconds before saying, "Misako, I'm
willing to listen to your explanation of things."

Misako stood and collected her thoughts before speaking, "Ikuko-mama,
don't blame Chibi-Usa. I know you're angry with her but please don't
punish her; she came looking for me and saw that I was leaving. She
really wanted to come along and I was feeling a little guilty for
getting her grounded..."

"Miko-chan," Ikuko said softly, "You know that wasn't your fault
entirely. Both of you were playing just a little too rough, ne?" Misako
nodded, "Okay, so Chibi-Usa found you leaving and she conned you into
letting her go along?"

"Iie," Misako disagreed and shook her head. Ikuko's eyes opened at this
unexpected response and grew even wider when Misako said, "I asked her
to come."

Ikuko internally frowned, <Okay, she's changing her story. First,
Chibi-Usa wanted to come along, and then, Misako conned her.> Deciding
to ignore Misako's slip, she asked, "Even though you knew she was
grounded?"

Misako squirmed at this. <Kami-sama, this is getting...> "I just thought
I could make it up to her. Imouto didn't think it was such a good idea
so I asked her if she was being chicken."

Ikuko sat quietly for several seconds before saying, "Go stand in the
corner again, Misako. I want to go talk to your imouto." Misako nodded
and moved to retake her place in the corner. Getting up, Ikuko walked to
the door and paused. "If this is true, Misako, you're in a lot of
trouble. If you've been lying to me, you'll be in even more."

"It's the truth, Ikuko-mama," Misako replied. <Please Imouto, don't say
anything. Just play along and everything'll be fine.> She felt her
stomach tie itself into knots as her grandmother left the room. The time
seemed to slowly creep by as Misako stood there. As a minute passed and
then another, Misako wondered if what she had done had been a good idea.
<I don't want to use Luna-P. I don't feel right about that. I know
Chibi-Usa would but I hope not.> She felt nervous and shifted from foot
to foot as she waited. <Why am I doing this? Why am I taking all the
blame?> It had seemed so clear before. Now though, she felt unsure of
herself. <I want to show Chibi-Usa what a good onee would do.> It
sounded extremely strange to her but in her heart, Misako felt that she
was doing the right thing. <I know we had to fight a Lemure but I could
have stayed at home. They don't need me to help fight the Lemures. I
broke the rules without a good excuse. Imouto had to go because Mommy
needs her help.>

It was another five minutes before Ikuko returned. Although she was
still looking stern, on the inside, she was feeling flustered. <Oh that
child!> Ikuko thought to herself as she closed the door and turned to
look at her niece. <Chibi-Usa won't tell me any specifics except that
she and Misako left by Usagi's window...> She felt some irritation at
that. <They know they're not to enter Usagi's room without permission.>
What was even more frustrating was that Chibi-Usa was trying to take all
the blame for herself. <Let's see if I can force some truth out of this
matter.> If both were covering for the other one, then they had to be up
to something Ikuko was not likely to approve of.

"Young lady, let's go up to your room. I want to talk to the both of
you," Ikuko directed.

"Hai Ikuko-mama," Misako responded and, turning, headed for the door.

                                 ******

Misako and Chibi-Usa stood side by side; they gave each other a nervous
glance as Ikuko looked at them in silence. She had remained silent after
telling the girls to stand next to each other. As the seconds ticked by,
the little girls started to shift under the unwavering gaze.

"Girls," Ikuko suddenly exclaimed causing both little girls to jump,
"I've talked to both of you separately and your stories don't fit
together except for going out of Usagi's window. I'm not overly pleased
about you violating Usagi's privacy like that but to think you risked
getting hurt simply because you couldn't live by the house rules makes
me very upset."

"Gomen nasai, Ikuko-mama," Chibi-Usa and Misako said while bowing their
heads.

"Do either of you want to change your story and tell me what you were
really up to?" A long silence followed in which only the outside sounds
of the city and the uncomfortable shifting of the little girls could be
heard. "This is your last chance. Say something now... if not, I'll hand
out your new punishments based on what you both told me."

"Ikuko-mama," Misako remarked, "I didn't need to leave the house..." she
trailed off and gave her sister a sad smile, "I should have known
better; it really isn't Chibi-Usa's fault." <She needs to help Mommy, so
that Kimeko and Sakuya and my imouto can be alive.>

Chibi-Usa gave her sister a surprised expression. <You shouldn't be
doing this. I wish I knew what you had said...> But she didn't and
saying anything more would only complicate things even more. <I don't
like fibbing. Mom and Dad are pretty strict about that. I don't even
think Onee-san would like me fibbing.> So her tactic had been to simply
grin and bear whatever Ikuko was going to do. <I wish I had used Luna-P
before.> She just hadn't had a chance.

"Chibi-Usa-chan?" Ikuko asked questioningly but Chibi-Usa just stood
there, looking unsure of what to say. Ikuko sighed while running a hand
through her hair. "I have no choice then. Chibi-Usa, I'm grounding you
for a full week. You'll also be heading straight to bed after supper is
over unless it's a bath night. I want you to go and stand in the corner
now."

"Hai," Chibi-Usa squeaked out and walked back to the corner she had been
standing in. She shivered slightly, worried about what Ikuko was going
to do to Misako.

Taking Misako by the hand, Ikuko guided her over to one of the few
chairs in the room and sat down. Settling her niece across her lap,
Ikuko raised her hand up. She was about to deliver the first swat when
Chibi-Usa cried out in protest. "Iie Ikuko-mama, please!" Chibi-Usa
begged from her corner when she saw what her grandmother intended but
Ikuko ignored her. She flinched as Ikuko applied the first swat of the
spanking. Her eyes quickly filled with tears as her grandmother applied
three more to Misako's bottom.

Misako was silently crying when the spanking ended. Ikuko stood her up
then and said sternly, "This is it, Tsukino Misako. You're ten years old
and I expect you to set a better example for your imouto. I trusted you
and if you want to earn that trust back, then you won't do such foolish
things like climbing out of windows again! You'll also take the same
punishment that Chibi-Usa got."

"Hai, Ikuko-mama, I understand," Misako said meekly, "I promise I won't
break any more rules." She then sniffled and wiped at her eyes.

To both little girls' surprise, Ikuko chuckled. "I didn't mean that,"
Ikuko said softly, "You shouldn't make promises you can't keep,
Miko-chan." Misako looked confused. "Iie, I was a young lady like you
once and I did things that my parents didn't like... even after I
promised not to break anymore rules." She turned to Chibi-Usa and
continued, "My onee tried to cover for me just like I did for her."
Ikuko's eyes took on a faraway look for a moment before she added, "I
think I should give her a call. You're a very lucky young lady,
Chibi-Usa, to have Misako be such a good onee."

<She's the best!> Chibi-Usa thought while longing to hug Misako.

"I'm upset because both of you could have gotten hurt. I'm upset because
you disobeyed me by leaving the house when you were grounded." She
brushed her fingers across Misako's cheek and explained, "I love you,
Misako. Just like you love Chibi-Usa and Usagi; Kenji and I try to be
fair."

Misako sniffled, bowed her head, and said, "I know, Ikuko-mama. I
shouldn't've left and I'm sorry. Gomen nasai." <Please understand,
Imouto, you had to go. I didn't.>

"Okay, go stand in the corner." Misako nodded and headed for the corner
opposite her sister's. "I want it to be nice and quiet up here when I
come get you for supper. I want both of you to think about what I've
said."

                                 ******

The following day was dark as a heavy cloud layer blocked out the sun.
By mid-morning, an icy rain was falling in sheets. While Usagi was
braving this weather to make her way over to Makoto's, Misako retreated
to her bedroom to do some writing in her journal. Chibi-Usa helped her
grandmother with chores, both to help her grandmother but to give her
sister some time alone.

As it approached lunchtime, Ikuko prepared lunch with Chibi-Usa's help.
As they worked, Chibi-Usa asked, "Ne, Ikuko-mama, could I take up my and
Misako's lunch so we can eat in our room?" She could see Ikuko was going
to deny her so she quickly added, "Pretty please, Ikuko-mama? We'll try
not to make a mess. You wanted to wash the floor in the dining room and
the kitchen, ne? This way we'll be out of the way."

Ikuko gave this some consideration before nodding. "Hai," she agreed,
"Well as long as you two don't make a mess, I don't see any harm." She
gave her niece a stern look and added, "Don't think I'll let you do this
all the time... come to think of it, you're grounded so..."

"Please Ikuko-mama?!" Chibi-Usa pleaded her eyes drooping to take on a
slightly sad expression. "I know we're grounded but we do hafta eat
lunch."

"Speaking of eating lunch... where's Diana gone?"

"I think she's with Luna," Chibi-Usa answered after some consideration,
"I think Luna's teaching her something." She giggled as Ikuko gave her a
smile. "So can we?"

"Hai, as long as you clean up after yourselves," Ikuko said. Nodding
vigorously, Chibi-Usa gave her grandmother a hug.

                                 ******

Padding towards the bedroom she shared with her sister in her stocking
feet, Chibi-Usa carefully balanced the tray on which their lunch sat.
She stopped once to listen to the thunder rumble overhead and shivered.
<I hate thunder!> As she reached the bedroom door, she knocked at it
as best she could; when it was opened by Misako, she grinned and sang
out, "Lunchtime!"

Misako licked her lips as she stepped away from the door. "Oh, that
smells so good!" Her eyes took on a hungry look as she rubbed her
stomach. "My tummy tells me it's time to eat!" She looked at Chibi-Usa
who giggled then and said, "Did you make this, Chibi-Usa-chan?"

"Hai!" Chibi-Usa chirped happily as she carefully placed the tray on the
low table that had been recently moved into the room. Sitting down, she
motioned for Misako to hurry so that they could get to the food. Eagerly
wanting to taste the food, Misako quickly shut the door before hurrying
to sit down at the table.

Misako blinked and said, "Ne, how'd we do that?" Chibi-Usa looked at her
questioningly, "We're wearing the same outfit." It was true. They were
both wearing a set of blue overalls, and the suspenders came up over the
shoulders and attached at the chest level to the front part with brass
buttons. Although Usagi and Ikuko thought the overalls were kawaii, both
girls were agreed on one thing: overalls were a real pain when you had
to go to the bathroom in a hurry. A pink T-shirt and socks completed the
outfit.

"Onee-chan," Chibi-Usa said, "'Cept for our hair color and our eyes, we
look almost the same." She felt pride swell within her and she grinned.
"We're even got the same odangos." Misako grinned at her sister, that
had been intentional. This was her sister, the one that loved her. Her
"other" sister had odangos like the Queen and her mother.

<Now if only I could get Mommy to wear her hair like ours,> Misako mused
and then giggled. "I had a funny thought, maybe Daddy could wear odangos
too." Chibi-Usa giggled at that thought. In good spirits, both turned
their attention to eating then.

For the next few minutes, both girls ate in silence, each enjoying the
other's company and the good food that was satiating their appetites.
Misako sat back, rubbed her stomach, and did a very un-lady-like thing,
she passed gas. Chibi-Usa, who was drinking some milk, started choking
on it as she stared at her sister.

"Excuse me, gomen," Misako said while blushing furiously. Chibi-Usa
started to giggle and blushed as well, "I didn't mean to!" Misako
protested as she reddened even more, "It just slipped out." This sent
Chibi-Usa off into howls of mirth. The little girl clutched her sides
and sprawled backwards onto the floor. "I DON'T see what's so funny!"
Misako commented with growing irritation.

"I... I... I just got this image of..." Chibi-Usa stopped talking as she
tried to catch her breath. She had to close her eyes to keep from
giggling. Every time she looked at her sister's red and annoyed face,
the urge to laugh overwhelmed her. After a few moments though, she
calmed enough to say, "I just got this image of you sitting at Court,
all nice and proper with everybody standing around and all of a
sudden...!" she trailed off and grinned. Misako looked away and
continued to blush even more.

As Chibi-Usa pushed herself up, Misako stated, "I don't go to Court a
lot."

"Nani?"

"Well, I'm not the Crown Princess. I guess I could go if I really wanted
to but... it's just SO boring. You gotta dress up in those itchy dresses
and sit still."

"You don't like it either?" Chibi-Usa said as she nodded, "I hate it
too. I don't mind the dresses but they are itchy, 'specially if you've
got a sunburn. Those seats are so uncomfortable." <I don't know how
Mommy stands it.> She noticed that Misako looking at her curiously.
"Nani?"

"You don't like Court?" Misako questioned. Chibi-Usa shook her head.
"But I thought you... well you always were going to Court with, uh Mom,"
<I hate calling her that!> "And I thought you were just sucking up."

Chibi-Usa bristled at the accusation of sucking up. "Iie, I don't like
Court. Well okay, not all of it's bad but it isn't very fun. When you
first got here and I thought you were really my onee, I was kinda happy
'cause I wouldn't have to go to Court that often then." Misako shifted
uncomfortably while looking away. "Why did you do that yesterday? You
didn't have to get spanked," Chibi-Usa remarked softly as she moved to
sit Misako. "Imouto, how come you didn't just stay quiet?"

"Like I told Ikuko-mama," Misako said softly, "I didn't need to leave.
You know that Sailor Moon needs you to beat the Lemures; I don't really
help her. I could have stayed home." Even now, that hurt Misako to admit
that but she had finally come to accept it. <But I would be really
worried about you, Imouto.> "I knew you had a better reason and I'm your
onee so I took on more of the blame."

"I don't get it... I don't like to see you get into trouble, Miko-chan,"
Chibi-Usa said softly, "I really wanted to say something to Ikuko-mama
but, I was scared." She sniffled then and Misako hugged her. <This is
why I should be the onee. You wouldn't do baka things like that.> But
somehow, she just couldn't seem to take on the role of onee, especially
in the past.

"I don't blame you, Chibi-Usa-chan; I know Daddy would punish us if we
took off when we were grounded. I think even in this time, Daddy would
be mad at us if he didn't know it was because of a Lemure."

"Not you," Chibi-Usa said as she pushed a morsel of her food around with
her chopsticks, "Mamo-cha... I don't think Daddy likes me very much."

"Nani?" Chibi-Usa hunched her shoulders and didn't response. "Please
Imouto, what do you mean Daddy doesn't like you?"

"Well," Chibi-Usa started in a throaty voice, "Sometimes when I go over
there, he seems really annoyed. You two hang out more too. I'd like to
come to do some of the things you and he do. Like at Christmas, he
didn't come over to see if I wanted to sit on his knee and get my back
rubbed."

"Daddy loves you a lot," Misako reassured her sister, "I've been doin'
what you were doing." Chibi-Usa gave her a sad and confused look. "I was
pushin' you away. I didn't want you to spend time with Daddy."

"But why?" her sister asked, her eyes misting over.

"'Cause you get to do a lot with Mommy and if I didn't keep you away, I
wouldn't have anybody." Misako hugged the little girl and added, "Daddy
was rubbing my back 'cause I wasn't feeling well." A sad smile played
across her face as she added, "I saw you and Mommy having fun and I
wished I could be with her."

"Really?" Misako nodded. "I wanted to be with Daddy. Onee-san's fun and
it was a funny joke but I think she woulda liked me to be someplace else
'cause the other girls and her were tryin' to play a game." <They
thought I was too little.>

Misako furrowed her brow as she sat back slightly and asked, "You think
of Mommy as Onee-san, ne? I mean you think of her as a sister." Just
then, a clap of thunder boomed out, the house shook, lights flickered
and went out. "Imouto?" she questioned but Chibi-Usa stood and walked
over to her futon. She sat down and retrieved one of her stuffed bunny
rabbits, which she held closely.

<I want Usagi to be my onee,> Chibi-Usa thought as she cuddled her
favorite rabbit closely, <I love Mommy but I don't want Usagi to be my
mommy. That's for the future.> She heard Misako moving softly around,
heard the clank of dishes and the soft padding of feet towards the door.
As her sister left the room, Chibi-Usa thought, <I love you, Miko-chan.
I just don't want you to be my onee. I want to be your onee like I was
before, and Usagi can be my onee.> She lay down on her back and stared
up at the ceiling, lost in thought.

Misako re-entered the room having taken the tray and dirty dishes
downstairs. Getting her own teddy bear that Chibi-Usa had given her,
Misako lay down on her own futon and hugged it. "Mommy told me that when
you first came here, you didn't know who she was." Chibi-Usa nodded and
shivered slightly. "Is that why you call her `Onee-san'?"

Chibi-Usa turned her head and looked at Misako for a long moment before
saying, "Mommy's in the future. I want Usagi to be my onee here. I feel
really funny if Usagi tries to act like Mommy." She shifted a little
closer and asked, "Why do you think of Usagi as Mommy all the time?
She'd like to be your onee too."

"Because I don't have a Mommy in the future," Misako whispered out, "If
I can't have Usagi as Mommy, then I don't have one."

"Mommy's dead?!?" Chibi-Usa demanded as she sat up. Her eyes filled with
fear now.

"Iie," Misako said and shook her head, "It's okay. I promise the Queen's
fine. Your Mommy's fine."

Scowling, Chibi-Usa laid back down and asked, "`The Queen'?! Misako,
what is going on in the future? How come my mommy isn't your mommy
unless she's Usagi?!"

"Because Serenity doesn't want me!" Misako shouted out. The room became
deathly silently; her sister's eyes had swelled to almost the point of
exploding, mouth hanging open in disbelief."

"Na-ni?!?" Chibi-Usa questioned disbelievingly in a long drawn out
voice.

"Serenity, OUR mother only thinks you're her daughter. She hardly
notices me unless I'm bad. She's always taking your side in things too."

"Oh come on?!" Chibi-Usa argued, "You always get away with everything."

"In Senshi practice once, we argued and the Queen said that it was
Senshi business and she wouldn't take sides. I came home from gymnastics
later on and you're talking about the argument with her and won't let me
tell my side of the story. She promised not to take sides but she took
yours," Misako stated bitterly, "I don't get away with everything.
Serenity makes Daddy mean. She never cares about me. You're the one that
can never do anything wrong."

Chibi-Usa angrily got up and glared at her sister. "Tell me one thing
that I did that I never got punished for. Tell me or I won't believe
you!"

"I can't!" Misako shouted as tears formed in her eyes, "It doesn't
matter. You'll go back home and Mommy will stop caring if I'm around,
just like you do. I'm just in the way." Rolling to her stomach and
burying her head in her pillow, Misako cried, "Mommy made Daddy be mean!
She uses the Ginzuishou so I'm always in trouble and you never do
nothin' wrong!"

Chibi-Usa's anger was like a wall, keeping out what Misako was saying,
not letting the full implications sink in. "Tell me something I did that
said I didn't want you around!" Chibi-Usa demanded, "Come on, you talk
tough but you tried to hurt me before. I think you're just saying it to
be mean."

Misako scrambled to her feet and said, "I... It..." she clenched her
fist, screwed up her face and gave a yell of frustration. <I'm sorry,
Pluto!> she thought angrily. "Like the time that you took off to see
Sakuya. You were told to stay with me until we got home but you left me
standing there all alone and told Hana that I was nothing but a whiny
brat!" Hot salty tears ran down her cheeks as she shook with fury,
"You're Mommy's favorite. Just like in the past. You never got punished
'cause I ran off but I got punished. They even told Kimeko to spank me."

Chibi-Usa sat heavily on the ground, her anger quickly draining away.
She looked up at Misako with tears in her eyes and denial showing on her
face. <Am I starting to be like I was before?> Chibi-Usa wondered, <Do I
really hate Misako?> She was about to question her sister further when
the door opened.

"What's all the yelling about?" Ikuko questioned a mixture of concern
and irritation showing through on her face. <One peaceful afternoon...
that's all I asked for.> She walked over to stand beside Misako and
looked down at her nieces. "Well?" she prompted when no response was
forthcoming.

"We were arguing about Mommy," Misako answered softly, "I didn't want to
make Chibi-Usa mad. Gomen nasai, Chibi-Usa-chan." Chibi-Usa didn't
respond. She was too overwhelmed by Misako's statements to form any type
of coherent response.

"What about your mother?" Ikuko asked.

Misako hiccuped and sniffled a little before replying, "Chibi-Usa's her
favorite. Chibi-Usa gets away with everything! Daddy thinks I'm bad
'cause of Mommy." The old hurt welled up inside her, twisting into heart
and soul. "Chibi-Usa can think about all the fun she had but... I..
I..." she trailed off, soundlessly trying to express what she could not
tell anyone. The deep sense of longing and finally, relief at Usagi
being her mother. Yet, that memory was painful because she knew that
sometime, in some way, the Great Darkness would swallow her mother and
replace her with a woman that did not care. Who was blind to her child's
distress unless it was Chibi-Usa's future self.

As Misako's knees gave way and she sank to her futon, Ikuko knelt and
said softly, "Chibi-Usa-chan, why don't you get a couple of books and
maybe a game."

"Misako...?" Chibi-Usa asked softly, not hearing her grandmother. She
reached out a hand but stopped short of touching her sister. Tears
welled up in her eyes and spilled onto her cheeks as her sister's other
words sank in.

"Chibi-Usa-chan," Ikuko said gently as she placed her hand on the little
girl's shoulder, "Let's let your sister have some quiet time, okay?"

"But I want to stay with her," Chibi-Usa said softly, "I'll be quiet, I
promise."

"I know you want to stay, honey, but I would really like it if you got a
couple of things and went downstairs. I want to have a talk with your
sister, so could you do that for me?" Ikuko asked. Chibi-Usa reluctantly
nodded and, leaning over, gave her sister a tight hug before standing.
Wiping at her eyes, Chibi-Usa sniffled and did as her grandmother
requested before heading out the door.

<Onee-san... Mommy, hurry home, please!> Chibi-Usa thought as she sadly
walked away from her sister, feeling guilty and cold. She did not
understand the feeling of loneliness that welled up inside of her but
Chibi-Usa hated it with a passion.

                                 ******

Usagi had left the Tsukino house at about ten that morning. She hated
the thought of walking in the rain, especially with the thunder and
lightning rumbling just overhead. But her need for someone to confide
in, for someone to talk to who could look at things objectively spurred
her on. By the time that Usagi had reached Makoto's apartment, she felt
thoroughly drenched and sure she was going to catch a cold.

"Come inside!" Makoto ordered, "Usagi, this had better be important..."
she warned as she pulled her friend inside and handed her a towel.

"Arigato," Usagi said as she carefully removed her dripping coat and
hung it up. Taking the towel, she began to undo her hair so she could
dry it properly. "Did I ruin your plans, Mako-chan?"

"Iie," Makoto said, "Gomen, it's just that the weather outside and all.
You also sounded strange so that just got me to worrying." She gave her
friend a sharp look and asked, "Chibi-Usa and Misako haven't tried to
sacrifice the other one in some strange ritual have they?"

"I wish they would have," Usagi grumbled out as she slipped into a pair
of guest slippers and sighed.

"Yikes! I think this is gonna take a while. Usagi-chan, go sit down on
the couch. I'll get you something hot. And some snacks." Usagi smiled
her thanks and headed for the couch as Makoto headed for the kitchen.
Makoto returned a few minutes later carrying a tray that held the
promised treats. Unconsciously, Usagi licked her lips, but most of her
mind hardly noticed. "Okay, now, explain that last comment," Makoto
directed as she handed Usagi a mug of hot chocolate.

Usagi grinned slightly and said, "Arigato Mako-chan. Oh, I just meant
that if they had tried to sacrifice each other, I think it would have
been easier to deal with."

"What have they done, or haven't done, Usagi-chan?" Makoto questioned as
she took a sip of her own mug of hot chocolate, "You seem... well, not
upset but it's certainly bothering you."

Usagi looked towards the ground while she rotated the warm mug in her
hands before saying, "It's Misako I guess. It's like she's got all these
feelings bottled up inside her and when I try to find out what's really
wrong, she shuts me out." She took a sip before raising her head up to
look at Makoto. "But when something goes wrong, like that one Lemure
attack before yesterday's, everything seems to lead back to either
Chibi-Usa or me."

"And you came to me, especially in this weather, because?"

Usagi sat silently for a moment or so before saying, "You know what I
feel, Mako-chan." Makoto gave her a blank look so she expanded, "I guess
I could have gone to Rei, Ami, or Minako but I think you'll be able to
help me."

"Why though? I'm certainly not as smart as Ami," Makoto blurted out
before thinking. <You're closer to Rei.>

"Ami's really good with stuff like science and all but... I don't think
Misako's problems are with school. I couldn't go to Rei... She'd chew me
out good."

"What did you do?"

"Well... Mako-chan... I kinda, by acci.. maybe not by accident looked at
Misako's journal," Usagi admitted. She saw the disapproval on Makoto's
face and she hurried to explain, "See, this is why I couldn't really go
to Rei and I didn't get a good look at it. I want to be her onee so much
and Misako doesn't want me like that."

"Okay, so why not Minako?"

Usagi smiled and said, "Makoto, you're the only one of all the other
Senshi that knows what it's like to be a parent of sorts. I know Kimeko
came back but I don't think Minako takes it seriously." She gave her
friend a hopeful look and said, "Do you see what I mean?" Makoto nodded
slightly so she added, "I think Misako really looks up to you. She
certainly thinks you're more important than Serenity."

Makoto suppressed the grimace she felt coming on and asked, "Okay, why
didn't you just phone or use the communicator instead of coming over
here when it's storming?"

"Her journal... and I had to talk to somebody without the girls
overhearing me. My future self sent us a letter and I don't know what to
do about it. It's just... every time I think about this and what might
be happening in the future, I want to cry."

"I'll try, Usagi, but I don't know if I can actually help," Makoto
replied, "You better start from the beginning. I mean where you see
these problems starting."

Usagi reached into her pocket and pulled out an envelope. "Then
Mako-chan," she began, "You better read this first."

                                 ******

It took Usagi close to an hour and a half to relate everything she had
noticed between Chibi-Usa and Misako and Misako's comments or off-handed
remarks that would give a partial indication of what was wrong but
nothing specific enough.

She poured her soul out to Makoto about her frustrations and worries.
Through it all, Makoto's sense of unease increased and some of the
things that she had observed on her own started to make more sense.
Makoto prompted and probed for other information that Usagi seemed to
think irrelevant or had forgotten. As Usagi's neared more recent events,
Makoto was beginning to dread having to tell her friend the conclusion
she was coming to.

"I've tried talking to Mamoru but he just gets creepy on me. He says
something about letting my mom handle it and leaving it at that." Usagi
snorted, "At least, he isn't breaking up with me but it seems like he
suspects something but is afraid to tell me what it is."

"I wouldn't doubt that, Usagi-chan," Makoto remarked after a long pause,
"I got a pretty good idea what Mamoru's thinking this whole thing's
about." Usagi gave her a quizzical look and waited expectantly. Taking a
deep breath to steady herself, she said, "You want to know what the
problem is?"

"Hai, I wish Misako would talk to me though."

Makoto shook her head and said, "Usagi-chan, this just isn't sibling
rivalry or Misako trying to show off. She's in competition with
Chibi-Usa..."

"I know that," Usagi said testily, "Like I said, Mamoru and I have tried
telling her that she doesn't have to prove she's a Senshi."

"Usagi-chan, it isn't that. She's in competition for you." Usagi blinked
in confusion and furrowed her brow in thought, "Usagi, everything that
I've heard points to one thing. Misako feels like she needs to fight for
every ounce of attention she gets from you or Chibi-Usa would take all
your time away."

"But Mako-chan," Usagi protested, "I try to spend time with both of
them. It's hard though when Misako doesn't want to be my imouto. I can't
be a mother that she wants out in public and she doesn't seem to need an
onee."

"You don't have an onee relationship with your mother. Did you ever
think that if you didn't outshine your brother that your mom would stop
paying attention to you?" When Usagi shook her head after some thought,
Makoto added, "You have a very special relationship with Chibi-Usa. Both
of you want an onee/imouto relationship. Both of you chose to do that.
At the very least, you're punishing Misako indirectly because she
doesn't want to have that type of relationship with you."

"I don't see why not," Usagi pouted slightly, "I really enjoy being
Chibi-Usa's onee."

"Because Usagi, Misako doesn't want or need one. What she desperately
needs is a mother!" Makoto said with irritation. Usagi gaped at her in
surprise. Sighing, she ran a hand through her hair before saying,
"Gomen, but now I see what Misako was talking about."

"Nani?"

Makoto shifted uncomfortably for a moment, then said, "When she was over
here, Misako let some things slip out. She doesn't think of your future
self as Mother. She doesn't think of Neo-Queen Serenity as her mother.
She thinks of YOU as her mom."

"I don't understand, Mako-chan. Why didn't you tell me this before?
What's going on that wouldn't let Misako think of Neo-Queen Serenity as
mom?!" Usagi demanded, a whine starting to enter her voice.

"I didn't tell you because Misako asked me not to tell you; I didn't
have all the facts so if I had blurted that out, how much trouble would
it have caused?" Usagi grumbled slightly but subsided. "Usagi, don't you
see it? Misako thinks she's second best to her sister. Her OLDER sister,
Princess Usagi, the Crown Princess, that is allowed to do everything
that Misako isn't. As Misako put it, `The Queen's imouto'. You've had a
very special relationship with Chibi-Usa even before you knew that you
were her mother."

Usagi sat silently for a minute or so before saying, "I carried that
relationship into the future then. I wanted that the type of
relationship I have now with Chibi-Usa when I was her mother." She shook
her head then and softly added, "I'm still confused about this other
stuff though. Why would she think that Serenity wasn't her mother but I
am... she has to think I'm her mother because she calls me Mommy and
seems to want that."

"Hai Usagi-chan, Misako thinks of you as her mother," Makoto agreed, "I'd
think about it this way: Misako's the kid sister of the Crown Princess.
Anytime her sister does something, everyone pays attention, especially
Serenity. Whether for bad or good, Serenity and maybe even Endymion
spend a lot of time with Chibi-Usa getting her ready to be Queen. Misako
thinks that you give Chibi-Usa special privileges because she IS
`Chibi-Usa' and you don't care about her because `Misako, the kid sister
of the Crown Princess,' isn't special or important."

"B-but she IS special. She's very important to me, Mamoru, and
Chibi-Usa, especially Mamoru and Chibi-Usa," Usagi argued.

"I don't really know what to say, Usagi, just what you've been telling
me seems to say more than just sibling rivalry. Misako thinks that to
everybody that counts, especially you, she's just a nobody. That letter
talked about Misako coming back into the past when Chibi-Usa wasn't
here. Doesn't it make sense that the reason was so that Misako could
gain some self-confidence and get closer to you and Mamoru without
having to fight with her sister for your attention?"

<Oh my mesume...> Usagi thought sadly, <I didn't think it was that bad.
Why didn't I ever see this?> Her lips began to tremble as tears filled
her eyes. <Why would you ever feel like I didn't think you were
important?> One tear ran down her cheek followed by another. As the
seconds ticked by, the implications of what Makoto had told her set in
and Usagi's heart filled with guilt and sorrow. She felt Makoto hugging
her, trying to reassure her.

<Kami-sama, what have I done?> Usagi thought, <I love them both so
much.> She knew that Chibi-Usa would always hold a special place in her
heart and it hurt even more to know that Misako could never claim that.
<My mom did everything she could for me and Shingo. So why am I not
willing to share my heart with my daughters equally?> Usagi didn't know
and she wasn't sure what she had to do to fix it.

                                 ******

When she arrived home shortly after one that afternoon, Usagi could feel
the sorrow that seemed to permeate the house. "I'm home!" she called
out. There was some small noise form the living room and then Chibi-Usa
came running out. The little girl's eyes were red and puffy from crying
and her cheeks were stained with dried tears. She was clutching her
favorite toy bunny as she ran to her mother.

"Imouto, what's the matter?!" Usagi questioned with worry and fear. She
lifted the little girl up and hugged her comfortingly. "Shhh..." she
soothed as Chibi-Usa wrapped her arms around Usagi's neck and snuggled
close, seeking comfort for some type of problem. "Chibi-Usa-chan, what
happened?" Usagi asked softly while stroking the little girl's hair.

"Oh Usagi-chan, I was just about to call you," Ikuko said as she came
down the stairs. "Misako and Chibi-Usa had a fight."

"Nani?" Usagi questioned while looking down at the little girl in her
arms, "What were they fighting about?" Chibi-Usa held tightly to Usagi
and never gave any response except a small shiver.

"It was about their mother," Ikuko replied, "I'm not really sure of
everything; Usagi-chan, would you take Chibi-Usa up to your room and put
her in your bed for a little sleep?"

"I don't wanna sleep," Chibi-Usa whispered out just loud enough for
Usagi and Ikuko to hear.

"It's okay if you don't," Ikuko said as she came to give her niece a
hug, "But I think maybe having a little quiet time will help, ne? I just
got Misako settled. She cried herself to sleep." For the first time, she
noticed the tears, both dry and fresh, that Usagi was displaying. "Are
you okay, Usagi-chan?"

"Hai Okaa-san," Usagi began softly, "I just... well... I don't like the
girls to fight, that's all." Lowering her head, Usagi said, "Come on,
Chibi-Usa-chan, let's go get you settled, okay?"

"Hai," Chibi-Usa responded. As Usagi and her daughter headed up the
stairs, Ikuko watched with concern and worry. <I'm glad you're home,
Mommy. I need to talk to you,> Chibi-Usa thought. As Usagi climbed the
stairs, she talked soothingly to her daughter, trying to reassure her
that things would work out.

Once inside her room, Usagi bent down to place Chibi-Usa on the bed but
the little girl seemed reluctant to let go. "Sweetheart," Usagi said
softly as she reached up to gently but firmly disengage her daughter's
arms, "I know you want to talk and I'll stay right here but my mom wants
you to have a little rest." <Mom must have gotten a pair of Chibi-Usa's
pajamas before coming downstairs.> Usagi noted as she saw a set of bunny
pajamas lying on her bed.

As Chibi-Usa was gently lowered to the bed, she gave her mother a sad
look. "Mommy, I was gonna phone you but Ikuko-mama told me to wait,"
Chibi-Usa explained softly, "It's gone so wrong!" She shook her head
while giving a little sob. Her bottom lip trembled and she said shakily,
"Misako says I don't ever want her around. She said that..." she trailed
off as Usagi placed a gentle finger on her lips.

"Wait," Usagi interrupted, "Let's get your pajamas on." After a moment
or so in which Chibi-Usa made no move to undress, Usagi started to pull
off her socks. <This had to be a bad fight,> Usagi thought as she tugged
at the other sock. <It was about me too.> A pang of guilt shot through
Usagi as she realized that never once had she given any real thought to
Misako. <I heard Mom say she was asleep and assumed everything was
okay.>

"You gonna help?" Usagi asked her daughter but the little girl only
looked at her. "Ne, Chibi-Usa-chan, cheer up. We'll all have a talk and
work things out." Again, there was no response. Sighing, Usagi proceeded
to remove both overalls and T-shirt. Getting Chibi-Usa into her pajamas
was a little difficult but she managed. "There now," Usagi said as she
tucked her daughter in. "Now, you wanna tell me what all the commotion
was about?"

Chibi-Usa silently apologized to Sailor Pluto before she said, "We were
talkin' about stuff. Like Court and Misako said that she didn't want you
to be her onee and wanted to know why I thought you were my onee and
that Mommy was in the future."

"Are you confused that Misako didn't want me to be her onee?" Usagi
asked while gently tracing a line across her daughter's forehead.
Chibi-Usa shook her head. "You're smart. I would never have known why at
your age," Usagi admitted with a smile but it wasn't returned.

"Onee-san, Misako wants you as a mommy here 'cause in the future you
don't want her."

"NANI?!?" Usagi shouted in surprise and disbelief. Quickly covering her
mouth, she glanced towards the door and waited to make sure her mother
wasn't coming to investigate. "What do you mean?" Usagi demanded in a
softer but still firm tone.

"Imouto said that you didn't want her around." Chibi-Usa gave her mother
a long look before saying, "She said you used the Ginzuishou to make
Daddy mean and not like her." <Did you do that to me too? Iie, I hated
her before.> Chibi-Usa sniffled then and Usagi hugged her. "Why would
you make Daddy not like Misako?"

"Usagi!" Usagi snapped scandalized, "How can you think such a thing?!?"

"You wouldn't?" Chibi-Usa asked meekly.

"Iie, why would you think that?" Usagi questioned more gently.

"'Cause, Misako wouldn't fib to me." After a moment, Chibi-Usa added,
"Misako told me that Neo-Queen Serenity isn't her mother, you are. She
said that if you made her be your imouto, then she wouldn't..." her
voice caught and she sniffled before finishing, "She wouldn't have any
mommy."

"Chibi-Usa-chan, I promise I'm not going to make Misako be my imouto. I
would really like that but I respect how Misako feels." Chibi-Usa gave a
little snort and Usagi gave her a quizzical look.

"Misako told me that one time you promised not to take sides because we
argued at some Senshi thing. You said something about being the Queen
and it having to do with Senshi. Then I guess you and I had a talk like
an onee or something 'cause you were talkin' to me about the fight and I
wouldn't let Misako say anything."

"And I didn't ask her how she felt?" Usagi questioned. Chibi-Usa
shrugged. <This just gets worse and worse.> Looking for a long moment at
her daughter, she said, "Usagi, I promise you that I will try my best to
work these things out with Misako." She then gently gave Chibi-Usa a
kiss on her forehead and asked, "Did Misako say anything else that
confused you?"

"Hai, Onee-san, she said that I never wanted her around. I thought I
hated her but she said she was wrong before so I guess I don't want her
around." Chibi-Usa grimaced and said, "I didn't really believe her but I
know Misako wouldn't fib to me about something like that." <Not when my
younger self hated Misako.>

For the first time during that painful story, Chibi-Usa was relating to
her, Usagi smiled. "I know what that is," Usagi said.

"Nani?" Chibi-Usa questioned, the first rays of hope showing in her
eyes.

"Well you remember when you were feeling a little left out 'cause Misako
didn't want to play?" the little girl nodded, "Well remember I said that
when you get older you play differently?" another nod, "You, meaning the
future you..."

"The thirteen year old me?" Chibi-Usa interrupted. <The really baka
one!>

"Hai, that one. She plays differently than Misako and I bet as Crown
Princess, she has lots of stuff to do; it might seem to Misako like you
really are pushing her away. With all these mixed up feelings that
Misako has, I bet she doesn't know what to feel."

"But why wouldn't I just tell Misako what I had to do?"

"Because you likely got mad or embarrassed by Misako being around you. I
know I hated having Shingo around me and my friends because I thought he
was such a baby," Usagi confessed with a soft smile, "Slowly, I started
to like Shingo again and I'm even proud of him." She gave Chibi-Usa a
sharp look and added, "Now don't you go spreading that around."
Chibi-Usa giggled mischievously at her mother. "Nobody has talked to you
and Misako about what was going on and things just got worse."

"What can I do then, Onee-san? I feel really badly about what I did."
<Even if I try not to do it, I might or something else might go wrong.>

"Do you think you can be Misako's imouto?" Usagi questioned.

"Hai."

"Good, because that's what she needs. She loves you and feels safe with
you as her imouto," Usagi explained, "I'm sure that if she feels safe
with you now. Then when you're her onee, you and her can talk and see
how each other feels; maybe then, Misako will understand."

"I'll try to be the best imouto," Chibi-Usa responded solemnly. <But I
want to be older. I wish I was grown up. I could talk to Misako then and
I could be the bestest onee she ever had!> One thing was for certain,
Misako needed her to be an adult to be her onee. If Misako didn't want
Usagi at fifteen to be her onee, then it would take perhaps an eighteen
year old or maybe even really old like Mamoru. <Then I could make
Pegasus notice me.> The thought of her magical friend stirred more
memories and she sighed a little. <I tried asking Pegasus what's wrong
with Misako, what her dream was like. He wouldn't tell me. He just kept
saying that it was shadowed and he was have a hard time seeing into it.>

"You are already the best imouto," Usagi replied, drawing her daughter
from her thoughts. Giving Chibi-Usa a hug, she said, "I'm gonna go talk
to Misako now. I want you to get some sleep."

"Okay," Chibi-Usa agreed reluctantly and snuggled under the covers.

When Usagi left the room, she finally allowed her own feelings to let
go. <Kami-sama, that was hard,> Usagi thought as she headed for the
bathroom, <I wanted so much to cry... or scream but I couldn't. I had to
talk to Chibi-Usa and get her to realize that none of this is really her
fault. It's just something that our whole family will have to work at to
fix.>

                                 ******

Misako awoke feeling even more miserable than when she had drifted off
to sleep. She felt the pillow rub against her cheek, soft yet slightly
rough from her dried tears. She shifted as she became aware of something
poking her in her stomach and side. "Gomen," she whispered to the teddy
bear she retrieved from under her. Settling back down, Misako rolled
over to her back and blinked as she opened her eyes.

<How long did I sleep?> Misako wondered. The room itself was gloomy. In
a way, it matched her mood. <I was so careful too,> Misako thought as
she hugged her teddy bear closely, <I said some stuff that'll hurt the
timeline.> She had broke her promise to Pluto. The thought of putting
the people she cared about in jeopardy because of what she had blurted
out turned her stomach. <What am I gonna do?> she thought, <I think
Chibi-Usa will tell Mommy and then...> She didn't know... Would Usagi be
mad? Would she decide that after Chibi-Usa, she wasn't worth having? If
Serenity in the future decided not to have her, would she stop existing?

"Hai," she answered the last question. That sent a shiver down her spine
then. There were no more tears, the enormity of what she had done was
too great for tears; they would not wash away what had happened or what
might happen.

A rustle in the darkness drew her attention. Turning her head, she was
both relieved and surprised to see Usagi looking at her through the
gloom. Her mother walked softly across the room to sit beside Misako's
futon. Gently brushing away a few stray strands of hair, Usagi said,
"I'm glad you're awake." She held her arms open and after a slight
hesitation Misako crawled into them. "Mesume," Usagi stated softly but
with strength and firmness. Hugging the little girl close to her, she
finally cried.

By the time that Usagi stopped crying, Misako's hair was damp with tears
and the little girl was looking at her with extreme worry. "Usagi-san?"
Misako questioned softly.

Sniffling a little, Usagi gave her daughter a weak smile. "Young lady, I
am your mother and I don't want you to ever think otherwise." The hug
Misako gave her in return was crushing. "I know you want me as a mom and
I'll try to be the best one that I can while you're here. You know
though that we have to pretend to be cousins for my family."

"I know," Misako replied as she snuggled closer to the woman that was to
be, no that WAS her mother. "I'm so scared, Mommy. I shouldn't have said
anything. Sailor Pluto's going to be really mad."

"She'll have to deal with me first, Mesume," Usagi said protectively, "I
don't care what Pluto says. You should tell me these things. I can't
believe I ever treated you like that."

Misako looked at Usagi and asked, "Are you mad?" The little girl bit her
lower lip for a moment before adding, "I can go..." she broke off as
Usagi jerked as if she had been hit.

"Don't say that!" Usagi commanded, her eyes wide with horror. Regaining
her composure slightly, Usagi added, "Iie, I never want you to go. I
love having you here. I know that Mamoru loves having both of you here,
especially you." Kissing the top of Misako's head, Usagi continued,
"Hai, I am mad, at myself. I don't know what my future self did, or
didn't do, Misako." She gently lifted Misako's head. "But I, Tsukino
Usagi, not Neo-Queen Serenity, know that I love you very much."

"Can I stay, Mommy?" Misako asked, "Can I stay in the past?" <Please
Mommy, that way 'Sagi can be happy and I can be her onee and Chibi-Usa's
too.>

"Hai," Usagi responded firmly, "You can stay as long as you have to...
as long as you like." She smiled as Misako's gently kissed her on the
cheek then. "Mesume, I think we need to talk about what you said."
Misako gave her a nervous look and Usagi shook her head, "Iie, I won't
ask anything too specific. I just want to know how you feel about stuff
that happened."

"Okay," Misako responded, both reluctance and anticipation. <Maybe she
knows that I'm growing up now. Maybe she won't treat me like a little
kid.>

"You are very special, Misako, and I don't want you to ever doubt that,"
Usagi remarked as she lifted the little girl off her lap. Her daughter
gave her a slightly disapproving look; she had been very comfortable
where she was. Usagi got up and walked over to the desk where she
switched on the lamp. Both blinked in the brightness and for the first
time, Misako could see that something had been sitting on the chair.

"You know," Usagi said, "I don't even know why my mom kept this. I guess
it was because it was expensive." Turning, Misako could see that it was
a box. She watched curiously as Usagi walked back and sat down on her
knelled on the floor. "I bet you'll like this." Usagi grinned
expectantly. <I remember Shingo wrecked that dress of mine. I was so mad
at him.>

"Nani?" Misako questioned, her worries for the moment pushed to the side
by her childlike curiosity.

Usagi stopped as she was just about to open the box and she gave Misako
a serious look. "Sweetheart, I want you to know something. I'm not
trying to bribe you. I'm not trying to get you to forgive my future self
by giving you this, okay?" Misako nodded and gave her mother a smile.
Usagi nodded and lifted off the top of the box. "I know you really don't
like pink but it's really light pink."

"Oh..." Misako exclaimed softly, her eyes enlarging as Usagi drew from
the box a light pink dress. "Why didn't you give this to Chibi-Usa?"

Usagi considered her response for a moment and then answered, "She's a
little young for this and I really wouldn't want to resize it." Usagi
smiled then and stroked her daughter's hair while saying, "Besides, I
gave you those silly bunny pajamas. I should have gotten something for a
young lady, ne?" Misako blushed then. "Let's try it on," Usagi directed,
"I'll just hang it on the closet doorknob and let you get changed. Call
me in when you're done, ne?"

"Hai," Misako responded. It wasn't until Usagi left the room that Misako
got up and walked over to where the dress was hanging. <Do I believe
Mommy?> The cold spot in her heart where she had once held trust for her
mother, that void which had slowly filled with trust for Usagi suddenly
filled and expanded. If there was one thing Misako knew, she trusted
Usagi absolutely just as she trusted her father absolutely.

Misako's spirits rose even more when she found that the dress fit fairly
well. It was a little loose in places but for the most part, it was the
right size. As the little girl walked across the floor to the door, she
felt herself starting to skip a little. "Mommy," she called out, "I'm
ready!"

"Oh Mesume," Usagi breathed out, "You look so pretty." Quickly walking
over, she adjusted the dress a little and added, "Very grown up too."
Misako beamed happily, "I want you to keep this, okay?" Kneeling she
continued, "And one day when your own little girl is feeling like the
world is picking on her, you can give her this."

"Arigato Mommy," her daughter cried happily and wrapped her arms around
Usagi's neck. "I love it." There was a brief pause and then Misako
added, "I love you too." Just as Usagi was about to respond, Misako's
stomach rumbled and both giggled.

"Yep, you're a Tsukino for sure. Come on, let's go get your sister and
then we can get some supper," Usagi suggested. <Then you and me and
Chibi-Usa are going to try and have a bath together, which should be
good for a laugh.>

                                 ******

The rest of February passed a lot more smoothly. While Usagi was careful
not to exclude Chibi-Usa, she did try to make some special times for
just her and Misako. This had an added bonus of letting Mamoru spend
some time with Chibi-Usa. Mamoru was surprised to find that Chibi-Usa
seemed to be adopting some of her sister's characteristics. Although
still rambunctious, she would surprise him with the occasional quiet
moment or the desire to simply snuggle close and watch television like
her sister.

Much to both their parents' relief, Misako and Chibi-Usa seemed to bond
even more by spending more time together. This left Usagi and Mamoru
free to focus more on each other and their relationship.

The Tsukino household seemed to settle into a calmer routine. It was
surprising to Chibi-Usa but not Misako when Ikuko dragged Makoto from
her apartment. Makoto had started making semi-regular visits, both to
talk and simply have some company but as time had passed the visits
ceased. After Usagi saying that she could never have figured out what
had been bothering the girls without Misako's help, Ikuko determined to
reestablish that link that had started to form.

It was late one evening in early March when someone else from the future
arrived in Tokyo. As Mamoru and Usagi dreamt of happy futures with each
other and their children dreamt of similar futures, a very annoyed
Senshi cursed Pluto as she fell from the sky.

                                 ******

Kino Makoto glanced at the clock on the wall and gave a growl of
irritation a she flopped back into the couch. "I'm bored," Makoto said
allowed to the empty apartment, "Really, really bored!" she glared at
the one large potted plant that sat in the corner by her balcony door
and demanded, "Why can't any of you talk?" Groaning, she covered her
face while thinking, <Okay Mako, just relax. It's not even noon and
you're already wanting your plants to talk to you.>

When the knock came at the door, Makoto had to force herself to walk
calmly over instead of rushing over and flinging the door open. Looking
though the peephole, she blinked and said, "Hai?"

"Makoto-san?" the woman on the other side said.

<I know that voice but...> carefully Makoto opened the door slightly and
peeked through the crack. "Kimeko?!?" she asked in surprise, "Is THAT
you?!?"

"Konnichiwa!" Kimeko chirped brightly.

Makoto opened the door and said, "Konnichiwa, come in." She watched as a
twenty year old Kimeko came walking into the apartment, "This is a
surprise. Misako didn't say anything about you coming back."

"She doesn't know," Kimeko explained. <In a way, she doesn't know.> She
giggled at that. Slipping out of her shoes and into a pair of guest
slippers, she said, "I hope I'm not disturbing you."

"Iie," Makoto replied, "Do you need a place to stay? I could put you up
here if you haven't talked with Minako yet."

"Arigato Makoto-san," Kimeko replied while shaking her head, "I have a
hotel..."

"Nani?!?" Makoto demanded, "Why in the name of Serenity did you go and
get a hotel room?!" She glared at the young woman before her and said,
"You can just `un-get' that hotel room and park yourself here, Kimeko.
No sense in you spending money when you don't need to."

"This is one of the reasons I got a hotel room," Kimeko explained, "I
knew both you and Mom would want me to stay and I really don't want to
have to choose." <Not after suffering Mom's mothering for the past three
days...> she shivered slightly before thinking, <Funny how Mom packed
that suitcase thinking she was going to bring me home to look after me.>
She shook her head, having two sets of memories, one for each of the
timelines was unnerving her but also it was a reminder of what would
happen if she failed to convince Misako to come back to the future.

"Gomen," Makoto said, "I've just been really... I miss Sakuya." She gave
Kimeko a smile and suggested, "Why don't you go into the living room and
I'll get us some tea?"

"Great!" Kimeko replied, her stomach grumbled causing Kimeko to giggle.
"I will miss your cooking though." <I've missed your cooking.> She
grimaced and muttered, "I can still taste the chili porridge Mom tried
out on me."

Makoto who was just turning into the kitchen turned back and stared at
her, "Nani?"

<Oops! This is the other reason I need to stay at a hotel, so I don't
say anything that will foul up the timeline again.> Smiling weakly,
Kimeko explained, "I was trying to be nice so I let Mom make me some
porridge. Somehow, she managed to dump an entire container of chili
powder into the pot."

"Oh you poor dear," Makoto whispered out, "To eat food made from the
hands of Minako is a fate worse than death." Grinning, she added, "Go
on, I'll make you something to eat too."

"Arigato." Walking into the living room, Kimeko sat down and thought,
<Well that's one thing about Sakuya breast-feeding. There's less of a
chance that Minako will poison her granddaughter.>

                                 ******

A short time later, Kimeko sat back with a sigh and of contentment.
Patting her stomach, she said, "Arigato, Mako-chan, I'm stuffed now."
She sighed slightly and said, "I do feel a little guilty. I mean Mom
does the best she can... I don't want to sound ungrateful but..."

Makoto touched Kimeko's arm gently and smiled. "Don't worry,
Kimeko-chan, Minako knows that her efforts are appreciated. We all care
about her... It's just that there are some things that we're just really
bad at. For Minako, that's cooking and cleaning; she makes up for it
with her heart though."

"Thanks for calling Mom. I would have gone over there first but it would
have been awkward with me being twenty and all. I guess I could have
gone to the Tsukino's but I think that would have complicated things
even more."

Makoto frowned slightly and said, "It's a good thing you didn't go over
there first." She ran a hand through her hair before saying, "I don't
know if you seeing Misako's a good idea either. Something's really gone
on the past little bit and everything seems to have hit the fan within
the past few weeks."

<Good, now I know `when' I am,> Kimeko thought. She was about to respond
to Makoto when a knock came at the door. Grinning, she got up and walked
over to it. "Hai, who is it?" she questioned but could see that it was
Minako when she looked through the peephole.

"Kimeko?" Minako questioned, "You sound funny."

Giggling slightly, Kimeko opened the door while exclaiming,
"Konnichiwa!" She gave her mother a huge grin when she saw Minako was in
shock.

"Kimeko!" Minako squealed in delight while launching herself at Kimeko
and bouncing. She wrapped her arms around Kimeko and hugged her daughter
tightly, "When did you get here?!? Why didn't you come over to my place?
Oh just wait till Mom and Dad see you again. I hope you don't mind
sharing a room with me?"

"Uh... Mom... could you let go?" Kimeko gasped out, "I can't breathe."

"Gomen," Minako responded and loosened her hug slightly. "Oh are we
gonna have so much fun? Did Sakuya come with you?!? Oh and Misako will
be happy to see you too!" She took a step back then and her eyes bulged.
This was not the sixteen year old girl she remembered. "When did...
You're taller and got..." She glanced over at Makoto and said, "She
could give you a run for your money in the talent department."

"MOM!" Kimeko complained.

"Mina!" Makoto hissed while blushing.

"Yeah but you should..." Minako started.

"Minako," Makoto admonished gently, "Let go of Kimeko and come inside
before the neighbors wonder what you're doing." Flushing brightly,
Minako let Kimeko go and stepped into the apartment. As Kimeko was
closing the door, Makoto said, "I think you'd better sit down, Minako,
Kimeko has some bad news."

Minako gave her daughter a worried look and asked, "What is it,
Kimeko-chan?"

"I'm staying at a hotel," Kimeko stated meekly.

"YOU'RE WHAT?!?" Minako exploded, "Why are you staying at a hotel?!"

"Firstly, I can't stay long and I don't want to affect the timeline."
She gave both young women a firm look, "Also, it would look pretty weird
for a twenty year old cousin to share a room with you, Mom. Even with
Luna-P's help, it would seem weird."

Minako got sad and pouted for a little while before cheering up. For the
rest of that afternoon, Minako and Makoto questioned Kimeko and Kimeko
just smiled and deflected most of their questions.

End of Chapter 21

Coming next in Chapter 22 - The Grass Is Always Greener