Only two more to go.

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 27 - The Darkness of June

A three-quarter moon hung low in the sky. Its bright blue-white light
shown down from the June sky into the backyard of the Royal Suite.
Except for the lunar illumination, the backyard was shrouded in shadow.
A warm, gentle southeasterly wind rustled the flowers that had closed
for the night. It rustled the trees including the one that overhung the
swing set; a set that had not been used in several years.

Serenity sat on one of the swings and pushed herself slightly. She
looked at the grass, now an eerie blue-white. As she ran a barefoot over
it, the soft blades brushed against the bottom and sides of her foot.
When she heard the soft footfalls, Serenity stopped her motion and sat
still. When the footfalls stopped in front of her, she looked up and
into the face of her husband.

She felt herself tense, waiting for some type of attack. Endymion gazed
at her and she returned the gaze steadily. "Serenity," Endymion began
softly, "You keep accusing me of being angry because Misako is my
favorite daughter. I'll admit that Misako is my favorite. I try, though,
to make sure I treat both Usagi and Misako fairly." Serenity lowered her
head to stare at some point behind Endymion and he sighed. "May I ask
you something?"

"Nani?" Serenity said stiffly.

"You say that what we did... what we did to both Usagi and Misako was
necessary. What if the situation were reversed?" Serenity looked at him
curiously. "What if Misako was the older one, the Crown Princess and
Usagi was the younger Princess? Would you be willing to drive that wedge
in? Would you be defending our actions as strongly as you have been?"

Serenity folded her hands in her lap and looked down towards the ground
for a long moment. "Do you think I wouldn't, Endymion?" Serenity asked
softly. When Endymion didn't answer, Serenity slowly stood and lifted
her head to gaze at him. "You think I enjoyed causing my daughter that
much pain?"

"I think," Endymion said, "That because it wasn't Usagi, you didn't
think twice about what you had to do." Anger sprang into Serenity's eyes
but Endymion continued speaking, "What about when the Black Moon Family
first appeared? You were almost willing to stop them before their
attack."

"That was to protect Crystal Tokyo," Serenity countered.

Endymion gave her a long look before saying, "You told me that the only
thing keeping you from stopping the Black Moon Family was that you
wanted Usagi to go back into the past. You couldn't think of robbing
Usagi of that special time with your past self." Serenity turned away
trying to shut him out. "Yet you could take away our daughter's
childhood, and for what? Because Pluto told you... told us to do so."

Serenity's shoulders shook. The sounds of her gently crying floated into
the night air. "Why are you trying to hurt me, Endymion?"

"I love you, Serenity, with all of my heart. I'm not trying to hurt you.
I am trying to ensure this family can heal, in time. I'm willing to face
the consequences of my actions. I want us to be a family as much as we
can but that'll take work on everybody's part. That means facing up to
some painful truths."

Serenity turned, tears glimmering in the moonlight. "I feel so alone."
When Endymion held out his arms, she only hesitated for a moment before
walking into them. <If things were reversed, would I still be willing to
do the same thing?> Even the thought brought a shudder and she shied
away from it.

Serenity felt a finger gently trace along her cheek before sliding under
her chin. As it was lifted upwards, her eyes met Endymion's. Unshed
tears shimmered in his eyes. His voice was thick with emotion when he
spoke, "You aren't alone, Serenity." He paused for a moment to make sure
she was listening. "I love you very much." Drawing her upwards, he bent
his head and kissed her softly. As he moved back, he said, "I just don't
think the price was worth it. Maybe if we knew why we had to pay this
terrible price, then... it'd be a little easier to stomach."

Serenity ran a hand down from his shoulder to his chest and left it
there for a moment. She could feel him breathing, could feel his heart
beating. She thought she could feel the guilt weighing down on him. <I
just followed Pluto's advice. I never questioned why.> Pulling back, she
turned away from Endymion and looked towards the Royal Suite. Both her
daughters' bedrooms were dark, curtains drawn. <I've lost both of them,>
Serenity thought sadly, <I've lost both of them and I don't even know
why.> She turned to look at Endymion who stood passively before her. "I
paid a price for something; something that I have no understanding of."
She felt her throat tighten and she tried to swallow before saying,
"Whatever it was that I gained by destroying my family was not worth
it." <Why didn't I see it?!?> Anger flared within her, anger at the
seller of that stability. "I will have reckoning for this..." She looked
at Endymion and stated, "WE will have answers to our questions."

                                 ******

Chibi-Usa's sleepover with Momoko was fairly uneventful. Ikuko had been
quite pleased at how things had progressed. So was Misako. She was able
to go shopping with her friend the following day. It being June, she
bought a new bathing suit, one that caused a minor scandal when her
father saw it.

As June slipped past day by day, the early summer weather grew more
pleasant. However, Misako was beginning to find it harder to read. It
was both strange and unnerving at the same time. Around mid-June, Misako
was unable to keep the fact to herself; what was even more distressing
was the possibility of wearing glasses.

Misako heard a clock within the house chime midnight and she groaned.
<There's nothing wrong with my eyes!> The denial rang false though.
Over the past weeks, she had been finding it increasingly difficult to
read unless she squinted. <My eyes are perfectly fine or else Ami-sensei
would have done something about them before I left.> There was always
the possibility that the Queen was trying to inflict something on her
but Misako knew that was silly. What had her really worried was that
they were sending her to an ophthalmologist.

<If I can see okay, why are they sending me to a special sensei?> Misako
worried again. Hugging her teddy bear close and wishing that she could
really could go and seek some type of comfort from her father, Misako
continued to worry over what the problem could be.

                                 ******

Chibi-Usa and Usagi sat in Usagi's bedroom while waiting for Ikuko and
Misako to come home from the ophthalmologist. Usagi, who had been
reading a manga, looked over to see Chibi-Usa standing beside the window
looking worried. "Ne, don't worry, Chibi-Usa-chan. I don't think it's
too serious."

Chibi-Usa sighed slightly and, walking over, sat down beside her mother.
"I guess so, Onee-san," Chibi-Usa replied, "But I'd feel better if
Mizuno-sensei were here to take a look at her."

"Ami's mother?" Usagi questioned.

Chibi-Usa smirked then and shook her head. "Iie, Ami. It's just when she
does anything 'sides being a Senshi, then she's `Mizuno-sensei' unless
it's just a private social event." Usagi screwed up her face in thought
before giving Chibi-Usa a strange look. "You don't get it?" she asked
incredulously.

"I get it, Imouto," Usagi replied, "It's just who taught you how to make
those types of decisions?" Although Chibi-Usa didn't answer, the
flicking of her eyes was an indication. "Sheesh! Am I going to turn into
some rigid old stick-in-the-mud?"

"Nani?" Chibi-Usa questioned.

Usagi thought for a moment before saying, "Oh, just that Misako has told
me that I... Serenity doesn't like you two showing affection out in
public." Chibi-Usa scowled at this so Usagi added, "She didn't do it on
purpose; I sorta cornered her into it. I felt really bad about doing
it." Chibi-Usa grunted non-committally. Before Usagi could respond any
further though, the door opened and Misako entered the room.

"Onee-chan, you look funny," Chibi-Usa observed. Her sister's face was
contorting as she squinted, blinked, and rolled, or rather attempted to
roll, her eyes. "What's the matter?"

Misako didn't respond. Instead, she walked to the edge of Usagi's bed,
fell forward, and simply lay there, face buried in the covers. "Ne,
Misako, maybe you should turn your head. You need to breathe."

"I don't wanna live," was Misako's muffled reply, "My life is over."
Turning her face to look at her sister, she sighed again as she
continued to blink. "I knew I wouldn't like going to that sensei."

"What'd he do?" Chibi-Usa asked worriedly, "And what are you doing?"

"I'm trying to get the freezing out, Imouto," Misako replied. Seeing the
blank expressions on their faces, Misako explained, "Minna, you know
that when you go to the dentist they freeze your mouth?" Both Usagi and
Chibi-Usa nodded, each gaining an expression of horror. "Well they put
freezing in your eyes so it doesn't hurt when they check the pressure."

"They stuck a needle in your eye?!?" Chibi-Usa asked horrified. Usagi
had a greenish tinged expression on her face.

"Iie," Misako quickly replied, "They put these drops in your eyes and
they make them go to sleep. It feels really weird."

"The sensei said that it would go away in a little bit," Ikuko
interjected. Her unexpected voice caused all three girls to jump. "Come
on, Misako, sit up and let's show them," Ikuko directed.

Reluctantly, Misako rolled to her back before sitting up. Both Usagi
looked on in curiosity as her mother entered the room and handed Misako
a small case. "Do I have to?" Misako questioned. At Ikuko's nod, she
opened the case and retrieved the set of glasses that were inside. After
placing them carefully on her face, Misako turned, bracing herself for
the expected derogatory comments.

What she wasn't expecting was when Usagi said, "You look very pretty,
Miko-chan." Chibi-Usa nodded half-heartedly. She wasn't about to tease
Misako but she knew of people at school that would.

"Well at least you only hafta look like a geek when you read, Miko-chan.
Maybe you'll lose 'em in a little bit," Chibi-Usa observed as she tried
to bolster her sister's spirits. Her efforts were definitely not
appreciated by either her mother or grandmother.

                                 ******

It was a little over a week before Chibi-Usa's ninth birthday when
Chibi-Usa suddenly announced to Usagi and Misako that it was time for
her to leave for the future. This announcement was not taken well by
Usagi; however, it was the fact that Chibi-Usa was to leave that night
that caused Usagi even more heartache.

As Chibi-Usa packed the last of her clothing into her suitcase, she
looked over to Misako who was sitting in a chair, her teddy bear held
close. "Aren't you gonna miss me, Onee-chan?" Chibi-Usa questioned, "I'm
leavin' tonight."

"I guess so," Misako replied, "I mean you're gonna go home and I'm gonna
be there so..." She shrugged. "I can miss you if you want me to." She
smiled internally as Chibi-Usa scowled. <You aren't going anywhere,
'Sagi.>

Chibi-Usa put the last item of clothing in her suitcase and closed the
lid before walking over to stand in front of Misako. "Why aren't you
gonna miss me?"

Misako sat silently for several seconds before saying, "'Sagi, I know
I'm gonna go home to the future. You're gonna be there." Seeing her
sister's frown, she sighed. "When I was little, I didn't want to go
either but I had to. You have to go and there's nothing I can do about
it." <I wouldn't want to do anything about it.> Sliding from the chair,
Misako placed her teddy bear down before hugging Chibi-Usa. "'Sagi-chan,
I promise, I AM going to miss you." <When you really leave.>

"I'm gonna miss you too," Chibi-Usa said while hugging Misako, "Don't
worry, Imouto, I'm gonna be a great onee when I get home." After a
moment, Chibi-Usa frowned and asked, "What about Luna-P?"

"What about it?" Misako asked.

"How are you gonna Luna-P anybody if I take it?" Chibi-Usa asked. Misako
shrugged but before Chibi-Usa could say anymore Ikuko entered the room.

"Ne, are you packed, Chibi-Usa-chan?" Chibi-Usa nodded. "Well, you don't
want to miss your train. Why don't you take your suitcase downstairs."
Chibi-Usa gave Misako one more long look before locking the suitcase and
then picking it up before leaving the room. Ikuko waited until the sound
of Chibi-Usa's footfalls faded away before she walked over to stand in
front of Misako. Kneeling, she asked, "Miko-chan, are you okay about
this?"

Misako put a neutral expression on her face and said, "Hai, 'Sagi hasn't
seen Dad in a long time. She's younger than I am so I guess she should
get to go and see him while he's at home. I'm sure Dad will come home
again and I can go and see him then. Maybe he can buy two train tickets
then." <Poor Obaa-san, Luna-P'ed again,> Misako thought as she tried to
look sad, <I'd hate somebody messing 'round with my mind.>

Ikuko gave Misako a quick hug before standing. "Well I hope Chibi-Usa
can get some sleep on the train or she's going to be one very cranky
girl." As they headed for the stairs, Ikuko added, "I'm glad your father
chose a long weekend; at least this way, Chibi-Usa won't miss any
school."

"I think that's the one thing 'Sagi doesn't like about this,
Ikuko-mama," Misako replied before giggling. <Don't worry, Obaa-san,
'Sagi will be back by late tonight.>

                                 ******

Misako tried not to gag. Her parents were saying a private good-bye to
Chibi-Usa and Usagi was being overly dramatic in Misako's opinion. She
was standing five feet away from the little family and a pang of
jealously sprang up within her. <Why am I jealous?> Misako thought
angrily, <'Sagi isn't leaving and I think Mommy was sad when I had to
leave before.> If she could still become jealous at the way that
Chibi-Usa and Usagi were interacting, what was she going to do when she
went back to Crystal Tokyo?

"Misako, come say good-bye to your sister," Usagi instructed,
interrupting the young girl's moody thoughts.

<Well here we go,> Misako thought. "I already said good-bye," she huffed
out, "You really shouldn't keep my other self waiting." Chibi-Usa looked
sadly at Misako and she grumbled out, "Okay." <Not like she's really
going anywhere!> Walking over, she gave Chibi-Usa another hug. "Ja
'Sagi."

Chibi-Usa sniffled and hugged her back. Misako felt her eyes start to
moisten as Chibi-Usa cried, her face pressing against Misako's shoulder.
<Kami-sama!> Misako thought, <What's it going to be like when 'Sagi
REALLY goes back?!>

Thankfully Mamoru interrupted, "The others are waiting, Usako, we should
really get going." He gave Usagi a sharp look and added, "Why didn't you
tell them that Chibi-Usa was leaving tonight?"

As Usagi snuggled close to him before glaring at her daughter,
"Chibi-Usa sprang this on me just before supper!" Chibi-Usa flushed
slightly and taking Misako by the hand started walking down the path
ahead of her parents. "What I want to know, Chibi-Usa, is how you
figured out that you had to go home just by going to the bathroom?"

Chibi-Usa blushed deeply and kept her eyes looking straight ahead. She
could feel three sets of eyes on her and she blushed even more. <Puu's
gonna get it when I get home!> Not only had Luna-P suddenly appeared in
front of her in the bathroom but also when Sailor Pluto had appeared,
Chibi-Usa had nearly fell off the toilet in an effort to keep some sense
of modesty. <Why do I have to go so early?> She didn't like how Misako
was acting either. Her sister knew something and Misako wasn't willing
to say what that was.

Thankfully they soon arrived where the other Inner Senshi were gathered.
"What's the matter?!?" Rei demanded when she saw that Usagi had been
crying. Immediately several sets of eyes swung menacingly towards
Mamoru.

Before Mamoru could even form any type of protest, Usagi announced
softly, "Minna, Chibi-Usa and Diana are leaving for the future."

"Nani?!?" Artemis screeched from his place in Minako's arms.

"It's time for me to go," Chibi-Usa replied, "I'm heading home to the
future."

"I have to go with her, Otou-san," Diana said softly, "It's time for us
to leave." While the others tried to recover from their shock of this
unexpected news, Artemis broke into an agonized wail, all the while
mumbling something about how his daughter was leaving him. Misako tried
to keep a somber face in place but found that difficult to do since she
found the entire situation amusing.

                                 ******

Misako's dream was shattered when something heavy applied itself to her
stomach. As her breath rushed out of her lungs, her eyes flew open to be
greeted by two feet slowly swinging side to side. As she raised her
head, each big toe caught her temple and held her head up. There,
sitting astride her was Chibi-Usa.

"Nani?" Misako squawked irritatedly while grabbing her sister's feet and
pulling them away from her head. "It's late."

"Misako, why didn't you tell me that I wasn't going home?!?" Chibi-Usa
demanded in a hushed tone of voice. <I don't want to wake Mommy up.> Her
grandparents wouldn't be thrilled at being awakened either. "You knew
that that dark energy would do somethin' so I couldn't go home."

Misako glared up at her sister and suggested, "'Sagi, go to bed."

Shaking her head stubbornly, Chibi-Usa demanded, "What's going to
happen?!"

"I don't know!" Misako snapped with clenched teeth. "Usagi, go to bed."
She tried to push the little girl off of her stomach but Chibi-Usa
caught her hands. "Look," Misako said with growing anger, "Even if I did
know what was going on, which I don't, I couldn't tell you anyway."

"I want to know. You scared us all when you got hurt. You could have
told me!" Chibi-Usa whined, "I don't want something like that to happen
again." A tear rolled down her cheek and a desperate tone entered her
voice, "Please Miko-chan, what's going on? Does it have to do with those
falling stars we saw? Is something going to happen to us?"

<Good thing I had to wear my glasses, I might have got one of those star
things in my eyes.> They had been very pretty to look at but the Senshi
had protected their eyes. Chibi-Usa poked her and she frowned trying to
keep her anger under control. <You don't know what you're asking me. You
don't understand why I can't tell you. I can't even tell you why I can't
tell you what's happening.> Misako closed her eyes and took as deep a
breath as she could. "I can't tell you anything. I... don't know
anything. I was surprised to see the dark energy surrounding the portal.
You know that, 'Sagi."

"You have to know, so TELL ME!" Chibi-Usa shouted, finally losing her
temper, "Don't you understand? Mommy was sad when you and Daddy got
hurt. If we can somehow stop that..."

"SMALL LADY, I CAN'T!" Misako shouted, "Why can't you understand that?!"
Twisting her wrists, Misako caught her sister's wrists. Twisting her
torso, she pushed with her arms and managed to shove Chibi-Usa off of
her. "I told you before I don't know anything about this."

Chibi-Usa looked like she was about to protest this but the door
suddenly opened. A sleepy and irritated looking Kenji entered into the
room and glared at both girls. "What's going on in here?" Both looked
away towards opposite walls.

"Tell me!" Chibi-Usa suddenly demanded.

"Iie!" Misako replied.

"Girls, it's late. Am I going to have to separate you?" their
grandfather questioned.

"Hai!" Misako snapped. Scrambling up, she gathered up her teddy bear, a
pillow, and her blanket before angrily walking from the room. Both Kenji
and Chibi-Usa stared after Misako for a moment before they looked at
each other.

"Young lady, if I have to come back up here..." Kenji trailed off,
leaving the unfinished warning hanging in the air. "Go to sleep," he
directed before turning and leaving the room, shutting the door after
him.

While Chibi-Usa crawled back into bed and considered what had just
occurred, Misako found a comfortable place to sleep in her grandparents'
bedroom. As she lay on the floor, her eyes closed, Misako considered
what she was going to tell her sister. She was sure Chibi-Usa knew that
something was going to happen and her sister wouldn't leave well enough
alone.

                                 ******

Two days later, Misako was walking in the park alone. <'Sagi isn't
talking to me... and Daddy... I can't really go to him.> If she was
right, her parents were in the park. <Baka Odango Atama, she knows I'm
not supposed to talk about the future.> Misako sighed. Looking down, she
saw a rock and kicked it; the rock skipped across the pavement and into
the water of the lake. <Is this the reason 'Sagi doesn't like me around
'cause I won't tell her about the future?> After a moment, Misako shook
the thought off. <I'm bein' silly. Kimeko told me what 'Sagi did.> At
the thought of her actions, she felt a pang of guilt stab at her.

Giving a gusty sigh, Misako walked over to the grass and sat down
heavily before leaning back against a tree and closing her eyes. <Is
this what cats feel like when they lay in the sun?> Misako wondered. She
could feel the sun warming her face. She could feel its heat through the
yellow sundress she was wearing. <Good thing the grass isn't wet.>
Otherwise, it would certainly stain her dress. <Maybe I shouldn't sit
here.> It was a nice spot, however. A gentle breeze caressed her face
and rustled the leaves above her head.

"Misako?" The voice was unexpected and in one way, unwanted. Misako
opened her eyes to find Artemis standing beside her. "You come here to
think too?" Misako gave him a confused look so he explained, "If
something's bothering me, I come here to think things out."

"Oh," Misako said, "Maybe I should go then." She started to rise but
Artemis waved her back with a paw. "What were ya gonna think about?"

Artemis hopped up onto Misako's lap and settled himself into a
comfortable sitting position. He looked up into her face for a long
moment before saying, "The dark energy around the time portal." Seeing
her grimace, he gave Misako a knowing smile. "Chibi-Usa wanted to know
what was going on, ne?"

"Hai," Misako said somberly, "'Sagi isn't talking to me. She knows I'm
not allowed to talk about the future. I don't even know if that was
supposed to happen. History books don't always give you every detail."
<They just said that 'Sagi's first try at going home failed. When they
defeated Queen Nephrenia, 'Sagi could go home.>

"I bet Chibi-Usa didn't know she was coming back into the past, ne?"
Artemis asked. Misako gave this some consideration before nodding. "I
think Chibi-Usa will start talking to you again. She's a lot like Usagi,
neither can stay mad for very long."

"I guess you're right, Artemis," Misako replied as she reached out and
started to gently scratch him. The white Lunar Cat closed his eyes and
was soon gently purring.

"You have experience," Artemis mumbled out, "This is nice."

"Mika gave me lotsa practice," Misako explained.

"I take it Mika is Kimeko's cat?" The scratching stopped and Artemis
opened his eyes. "Hey, don't stop, that was nice." After Misako had
started again, he continued, "Kimeko told me about Mika. I was surprised
about that because normal cats don't like us."

Misako giggled then and asked, "Do you think you live with Minako?"
Artemis opened his eyes and looked at her in surprise. "Ne, wouldn't you
think that you, Luna, and Diana live together?" Artemis' shock seemed to
only increase by the question. "What's the big deal, Artemis? You know
Diana is your mesume. Why wouldn't you and your family live together?!"

Artemis sat with a strange expression on his face for a minute or so
before grinning broadly. "Sugoi!" he declared. Misako giggled then in
delight.

                                 ******

As Misako entered the Tsukino home a little after three that afternoon,
she found Chibi-Usa waiting for her. Even before she had time to take
off her shoes, her sister dragged her into the downstairs' bathroom and
locked the door.

"What's the matter, 'Sagi?" Misako demanded as she frowned at her
sister.

"Mommy's on the warpath," Chibi-Usa whispered out, "Daddy never showed
up for his date and when Mommy called, he said that he didn't feel like
going out."

"So you're talking to me now?" Misako questioned. This caused Chibi-Usa
to glare balefully. "Well you weren't going to talk to me before, ne
'Sagi-chan?"

"'Cause you keep sayin' you don't know anything!" Chibi-Usa hissed out.

"Because I don't!" Misako retorted, "Things were really fuzzy about what
happened. You used the Time Key more. You should know more than me."
Misako frowned and said, "Anyway, Dad stood Mom up?" Chibi-Usa nodded.
"I don't like that."

"Neither does Mommy," Chibi-Usa stated, "I've been hidin' in here for an
hour." She glanced towards the door before adding, "You shoulda heard
her yellin' at Shingo."

"Maybe I can talk to her," Misako offered as she turned towards the
door. She stopped when she heard Chibi-Usa gasp. Turning around, she
looked at Chibi-Usa whose eyes had enlarged and her mouth was hanging
open in shock. "Nani?"

"Y-You got a green bum!" Chibi-Usa declared. Misako blinked and
Chibi-Usa added, "Kinda brown too." Misako's eyes enlarged and her hands
moved towards her rear. "Onee-chan, what were ya sittin' in?" Looking
over her shoulder, Misako wasn't able to see what her sister observed.
"Stand on the toilet and look in the mirror," her sister directed.

"Hai," Misako replied as she lowered the toilet seat lid and then
carefully stood, using Chibi-Usa as support. As she positioned herself,
she glanced over her shoulder and nearly fell off the toilet in shock.
<I was walking around with that!> "It has to be from the grass," Misako
mumbled to herself. "What am I gonna do?!?" The face in the mirror
didn't provide any answers. For the longest time, Misako stared at two
dark green grass stains with small streaks of dirt that covered her
sundress. <Grass doesn't come out easy.> She had spent most of the time
in the park talking to Artemis. <I guess I shouldn't have sat on the
grass.>

"What are you blushing for?" Chibi-Usa demanded, "Ikuko-mama's going to
be mad." Lowering her voice, she added, "And the way Mommy's actin',
she's going to be even madder!"

"'Sagi-chan, could Luna-P get this out?" Misako asked desperately, "I
can't ruin this dress. I'll lose my allowance if I do..."

Before Chibi-Usa could respond, someone knocked firmly on the door.
"Girls!" Usagi said from the other side of the door, "What are you two
up to in there?!?"

"Nothing!" both girls replied. Misako hopped to the floor and then
quickly sat on the toilet seat lid.

"Nothing huh... then why do you got the door locked?" When neither of
her daughters responded, Usagi said, "I'm going to count to three. I
want this door unlocked by then."

"Don't open that door," Misako hissed out. Chibi-Usa looked dubiously at
her before reaching over and unlocking the door. As the door swung open
and Usagi stood looking into the bathroom, her eyes fell on Misako. "Hi
Onee-san," Misako greeted her mother and unconsciously shifted, "Did you
want something?"

Usagi crossed her arms before giving each girl, "The Look". She held it
for a few seconds before saying in a low voice, "I asked you what you
two were doing in here with the door locked."

"Talkin'," Chibi-Usa offered.

"Oh?" Usagi questioned, "Couldn't you two do that in your room?" Both
girls shifted under their mother's intense glare but didn't respond.
"You know, I will find out what you were doing in here." Her eyes moved
to Misako who was now blushing and looking very guilty. <Hmmm...>
Walking over, she took Misako's arm and pulled the girl up from the
toilet before lifting the lid. <Nothing. So what...> Her thoughts
trailed off as she noticed the grass stains on Misako's dress.

"Onee-san, I can..." Misako began but Usagi suddenly straightened and
gave her a hard look. Lowering her head, she felt the heat in her cheeks
as she blushed even more.

"So this was what you were trying to hide," Usagi remarked sternly,
"Well Misako, do you have anything to save for yourself?"

"Why are you picking on me?!?" Misako demanded as she glared at her
mother, "Mamoru-san's the one that stood you up!" Usagi's eyes seemed to
glow red and bore into her daughter. <Maybe that was the wrong thing to
say,> Misako observed as she swallowed nervously.

                                 ******

The next day, a Sunday, Mamoru and Usagi were walking through the park.
While Mamoru seemed to be distracted, Usagi was enjoying herself
tremendously. She had just gotten a shiny silver balloon and it was
floating beside her as she walked with one hand holding Mamoru's, the
other holding onto the string attached to the balloon.

"Maybe I should go back and buy one for Misako," Usagi mused, "Iie,
she'd probably think I was trying to treat her like a kid." Mamoru only
grunted slightly but that was good enough for Usagi, "I was really hard
on her and it's all your fault, Mamo-chan."

"Yeah."

"Glad to see you agree with me," Usagi commented, "Good thing Mom was
there." <I really feel bad that I yelled at her that much. Not that Mom
scolded her any less for ruining that dress but I was yelling at her
because I was mad at Mamoru.> "Mamo-chan, you should really apologize to
Misako for making me yell at her. If you hadn't stood me up, this
wouldn't have happened."

"Yeah," Mamoru agreed.

They walked on for a little more in silence. Instead of feeling bad that
she had yelled at Misako, Usagi was starting to feel guilty about trying
to force the blame on Mamoru as well. "Gomen Mamo-chan... I-It's just
after all that's happened with Misako, I want to try and make up for
what my future self will do to her... or has done to her. Do you know
what I mean?"

"Yeah," Mamoru replied while scrubbing at his eyes with his shirtsleeve.
After a moment or so, they came to a bench and sat down. As Usagi
snuggled close to her boyfriend, she looked over to the children's play
area and spotted a little girl playing in the sand.

"Ne, doesn't she kinda look like Chibi-Usa?" Usagi questioned.

"Yeah," Mamoru agreed.

Usagi continued to talk but as one minute slipped by and then another,
she started realizing that something wasn't quite right. "Are you okay,
Mamo-chan?"

"Yeah."

Usagi furrowed her brow for a moment in thought. <I don't think he's
said anything else but `yeah' since we got to the park.> Mamoru had been
even less responsive than normal. <Let's see if he's really listening.>
"Ne, Mamo-chan?"

"Yeah," Mamoru questioned without turning to look at Usagi.

"Misako wants to know if she can start driving your motorcycle to
school. Would that be okay?"

"Yeah."

"MAMO-CHAN!" Usagi yelled as she sprang to her feet to stand in front of
Mamoru. "You haven't heard a word I've been saying, ne?!?" Mamoru stared
blankly at Usagi, which irritated her even more. "Now, you listen to me,
buster..." At that moment, the sun reflected brightly off of Usagi's
balloon into Mamoru's eyes. He gave a bellow and swinging his arm,
batted the balloon away from her. The string snapped and both she and
Mamoru watched in shock as the balloon sailed up into the sky and out of
sight.

"Mamo-chan?" Usagi questioned, worry showing in her voice and face.

"I... I'm sorry, Usako, gomen nasai," Mamoru said hoarsely, "I think I
should go home."

"I'll help you," Usagi offered but Mamoru pulled his hand from hers.

"I'm not some child," Mamoru snapped, "Usako, it's late. Why don't you
go home to supper now. I'll be okay." Giving her a half-hearted kiss on
the forehead, he turned and started to walk down the pathway; all the
while Usagi stared after him, both hurt and worried.

                                 ******

Usagi came home that afternoon to find Chibi-Usa in a mixed state of
distress and annoyance. She was distressed because Misako had been
vomiting; she was annoyed because Misako was sick and looked like she
was going to get out of going to school the next day. Being placed in
the corner for five minutes seemed to solve the little girl's annoyance.
By bedtime that same evening, Misako had stopped throwing up but was
showing the beginning signs of a severe cold. The little girl was moved
down to Usagi's room and fussed over by both Usagi and Ikuko. Chibi-Usa
was just worried about Misako having to go to the hospital again and the
young girl tried to reassure her sister.

Tuesday afternoon, Misako was roused from her semi-slumber when
Chibi-Usa burst into their mother's bedroom. "Ne, Onee-chan, guess who's
here?!" Misako groggily raised her head and looked sleepily at
Chibi-Usa. Her sister had a grin that threatened to swallow her face.
Beside her stood a little girl who looked to be about seven years old.

<She kinda looks like... Yasha?> That was ridiculous though. Younger
Saturn wasn't in the past. Recognition leapt into Misako's eyes as she
bolted upright in bed and stared at a "chibified" Hotaru. "Tomoe-san?!?"
Misako squeaked out before sneezing.

"Konnichiwa Tsukino-san," Hotaru replied softly before bowing, "I
understand that you're not feeling well. Please call me Hotaru."

"Konnichiwa Hotaru-san, please call me Misako," Misako replied. <I don't
believe this!> "Where um... did you find Hotaru?"

"Hotaru came to the shrine today," Chibi-Usa said as she walked over to
the bed. Hopping up on it, she gave Misako a tight hug and said in a
lower tone of voice, "We fought lotsa little Lemures. They remind me of
somebody but I can't think of who." Misako remained silent, deciding
instead to watch Hotaru who had followed Chibi-Usa. "You shoulda saw
Hotaru-chan fight. Too bad you weren't there."

<Good thing I wasn't there,> Misako thought as she hugged her sister.
"Where's Usagi-san?"

"She's talking to Michiru-mama and Haruka-papa downstairs," Hotaru
answered.

"Haruka-papa?" Misako questioned, "Um, Hotaru-san, maybe you didn't know
this but Ten'ou-san is a girl." <Who'd want that battle-axe as a father
anyway?> Misako wondered.

"Forget about that, Onee-chan," Chibi-Usa piped up before Hotaru could
say anything. "What's the difference anyway? I mean Kenji-papa isn't our
oji really but sometimes we call him `Oji-san'."

"I dare you to call Kenji-papa `Kenji-mama'," Misako said, "I think
there's a big difference."

Chibi-Usa's eyes lit up. "You dare me?"

"Hai!" Misako chirped, "I don't think you'll do it." She tiled her head
for a moment and said, "Well you might, so I dare you to do it for a
whole day."

"Gomen," Chibi-Usa said while shaking her head, "I'm brave, but not that
brave. 'Sides, what would you do if I did?"

Misako considered what she'd offer. Hotaru remarked softly, "I don't
think that would be very good, Chibi-Usa-chan."

"Well since you aren't willing... I was going to say that if you did do
this dare, I'd show up to my first class in a set of bunny pajamas." She
grinned at Hotaru and added, "You're right though, Hotaru-san, it
wouldn't be very good 'cause I like school." At that point, she broke
out into a series of violent sneezes that caused her to topple out of
the bed and onto the floor.

"Are you okay?" Hotaru asked.

"Hai," Misako wheezed from the floor. Chibi-Usa looked at her in worry
and then dropped a pillow on her face. "Hey!" Misako protested as she
pushed the pillow away. Her sluggish reflexes weren't fast enough to
avoid Chibi-Usa's blow with the other pillow. "'Sagi, you're gonna pay
for that," Misako growled as she scrambled to her feet.

"Gotta catch me first," Chibi-Usa crowed before being soundly struck by
a pillow from behind. She toppled to the floor and looked up in surprise
at Hotaru who was standing over her. "Hotaru-chan?" Chibi-Usa
questioned.

"Be nice, Chibi-Usa-chan," Hotaru lectured, "If you're going to have a
proper pillow fight, you have to play fair." At that moment, the door
opened and three pillows went sailing towards the door. Usagi managed to
give a muffled yelp as three pillows struck their mark and she tumbled
back into the hallway. Chibi-Usa turned and looked towards Hotaru in
amazement. "Did I do that?" Hotaru asked before giggling. Misako for her
part was hiding under the covers, hoping that she'd fall asleep before
her mother recovered.

Over the next few days, Misako went to the doctors and tried to be as
little trouble as possible to her grandmother. Her biggest concern was
getting back to school. Even though her classmates were picking up work
for her to do, Misako found she had little strength for more than eating
and sleeping. Only twice more did bouts of nausea take her, much to
Misako's relief.

When Saturday turned out to be bright and sunny, Misako became
depressed. She was starting to feel a little better and hoped to be well
for her sister and mother's birthday. There was one advantage to being
sick -- she had the perfect excuse to cuddle with her mother and Usagi
was more than willing to pamper her sick daughter. After insisting that
her sister go out and play, Misako prepared to take a bath.

                                 ******

Despite her mother's optimistic outlook on how a nice hot bath would
make her feel, Misako felt terrible. She sneezed violently four times
and then started shivering again. Despite the warmth of the Tsukino's
furo, Misako felt cold. She sat alone, feeling miserable. As she thought
about her misery, the door opened and Usagi came walking into the room.
"How are you feeling, Miko-chan?" Usagi asked. The young girl's answer
was to sneeze again before her teeth started to chatter. "Come on, let's
get you into some nice warm pajamas and then into a nice warm bed."
Moving over to the furo, Usagi helped her daughter out before wrapping a
large bath towel around the little girl. "How's that?" Usagi questioned
as she started to briskly towel off her daughter.

"Good," Misako got out. With her mother's help, she put on a clean pair
of underpants and a set of warm pajamas before heading back into Usagi's
room. "Just my luck," Misako grumbled out, "I get a baka cold three days
before your 'n' 'Sagi's birthday..." she trailed off as a coughing fit
took her. After several seconds, she took a sip of from the glass Usagi
handed her before whining, "And it's a nice Saturday and I can't even go
outside." She sneezed again before adding, "Even if I was feeling okay,
I got no allowance to buy you two birthday gifts and I even got to wear
glasses to read... I HATE June!"

"I think September will be the best month you ever had," Usagi commented
before taking the glass from Misako and placing it on the nightstand.
Drawing back the covers, she patted the bed while saying, "Come on,
Miko-chan, let's get you back to bed. You didn't get much sleep last
night." As Misako crawled onto the bed and settled onto her back, Usagi
pulled the covers up and tucked them under the young girl's chin.
"There's lots of Saturdays. Maybe Mom will let you come downstairs for a
little bit tomorrow." Misako gave her a quizzical look. "Oh... Mesume,"
Usagi said softly, "Mom's holding the party tomorrow because our
birthdays are on a school day."

Much to Usagi's surprise, Misako started to cry. "It's okay, honey,"
Usagi reassured gently while hugging her daughter, "Just try and get
better before Chibi-Usa's birthday, okay?" Giving her daughter a gentle
kiss, she added, "I think you being healthy would be a great birthday
present. She's been so worried about you." Usagi brushed a few strands
of hair off her daughter's forehead. "You know we both love you and we
just want you to get better."

"I'll try to get better," Misako said in a creakily voice. "But you're
gonna be sixteen, Mommy, that's special. I don't want to ruin that for
you."

"You won't," Usagi comforted, "I know you aren't feeling well. I'm not
going to be upset because you were sick on my birthday."

<What are you gonna do when I leave?> Her mind didn't want to think
about it. "Mommy, would you read me a story?"

"You want your teddy bear?" Usagi questioned as she held up the still
nameless bear. When Misako shook her head, Usagi remarked, "Don't want
him to catch cold, ne Mesume?"

"She, I don't what HER to catch cold."

"Oh, this one's a girl," Usagi remarked.

"Hai," Misako replied, "Maybe 'Sagi won't kill my teddy bear if it's a
girl."

Usagi opened her mouth to say something and then thought better of it.
<I don't think I want to even ask,> Usagi thought as she closed her
mouth. Getting up, she walked over and put Misako's teddy bear on the
desk before retrieving the book Misako had brought down from her room.
"You sure you're young enough for me to read you a story?" Misako
giggled and then coughed.

"Don't tease me," Misako pouted out in a whiny voice.

"Am I teasing you?" Usagi asked as she walked over to the bed and sat
down. When Misako nodded, she said, "Well scoot over, Miko-chan, so I
can get comfortable." Obliging, Misako moved to the side and Usagi lay
down before wrapping an arm around her daughter. Misako snuggled close
laying her head on Usagi's shoulder while one arm gently hugged her
mother. "Comfortable?"

"Hai," Misako replied. She gave a soft smile as Usagi hugged her before
starting to read. <I hope I'm okay by tomorrow.> She would hate to ruin
the party for her sister or her mother. <I'm... so sleepy...> Yawning,
Misako snuggled close to her mother and slowly drifted off to sleep.
When Usagi realized that her daughter was asleep, she closed the book
and gently put it aside. Settling down, she brushed some hair from
Misako's face before drifting off to sleep herself.

                                 ******

Misako looked out of Usagi's window into the front yard and sighed
slightly as she dejectedly rested her chin on her hands. She felt
something small and furry nuzzle her gently so she turned to her head to
find Diana looking at her. "How come you didn't go with 'Sagi?" Misako
asked softly.

"Me?!" Diana asked in surprise, "Me go with Small Lady and her friends?
I wanna live to see my next birthday." The kitten smiled as Misako
giggled but frowned as Misako started to cough. "You should really be in
bed, Misako."

"I know but, I kinda wish 'Sagi was here," Misako mused glumly as she
pushed herself away from the window and walked across to the bed. "I
hate staying in bed; there's nothin' to do." <Mom 'n' Dad are downstairs
too.> Misako would really liked to have seen her father but she wanted
to give her parents as much time as possible to be together. <Daddy's
going to get caught.> As she crawled into bed, she thought, <Will I
disappear like 'Sagi?> Probably, <I bet it's gonna hurt too.> Even if it
was painless, Misako wasn't looking forward to it.

As Diana hopped up beside her, she said, "Miko-chan, Small Lady would
have stayed with you. You told her to go play with her friends."

"'Sagi needs to have some fun," Misako replied before retrieving her
glass. She frowned as she noticed it was empty. "I'm gonna go get some
juice," she stated and slipped from the bed. Putting on her slippers,
she walked towards the door and paused before turning around, "You gonna
come?"

"Iie," Diana replied, "I'll go see what Mom's doing." With that, the
kitten hopped from Usagi's bed and made her way to the open window. "I
think she's on the roof."

Misako shrugged and turned back to the door. Opening it, she walked down
the hallway and down the stairs. Upon reaching the ground floor, she
turned and started to walk towards the kitchen when Makoto suddenly
emerged and stopped short. "Konnichiwa Makoto-san," Misako greeted the
teen.

"Konnichiwa Miko-chan," Makoto replied as she moved towards the girl,
"And what are you doing up?"

"Misako, what are you doing out of bed?" Ikuko asked in a slightly stern
tone of voice as she came out of the kitchen.

"Can I have some more juice, Ikuko-mama?" Misako questioned. When Ikuko
nodded, Misako moved towards the kitchen and handed her glass to her
grandmother. "Could I stay down here for a little while?" Ikuko frowned
slightly as she began pouring juice from a container. "Please
Ikuko-mama, I don't have a lot to do."

Ikuko returned the now full glass back to her niece before giving the
young girl a long look. <I wouldn't want Misako to miss all of Chibi-Usa
and Usagi's birthday party.> After a moment or so of further
consideration, Ikuko nodded slightly. "You may stay down here, on two
conditions. First, you have to have a blanket around you and you'll have
to sit on the couch. I don't want you getting any sicker. Secondly, when
I say it's time to go back upstairs, you're to go without a fuss. So
what do you say?"

"That sounds okay, Ikuko-mama," Misako replied happily, "I can handle
sitting. I'll go up when you tell me to as well, I promise." Ikuko
nodded in satisfaction so Misako turned to go up to her room and
retrieve a blanket but Makoto stopped her.

"Ne, why don't you go say hello to Mamoru-san and I'll go get you a
blanket."

"Arigato," Misako replied, "Get it off of Usagi's bed." With a nod,
Makoto turned and walked towards the stairs while Misako entered the
living room.

When Usagi saw her, she sprang up and scolded, "Misako, what are you
doing up? You shouldn't be down here." When Misako told her mother that
Ikuko had allowed her to stay downstairs, Usagi sat back down but looked
grumpy. "At least you put on your slippers."

<Slippers... pajamas!> Misako blushed furiously as she became
self-conscious. <Makoto saw me in my pajamas.> Sighing, Misako said,
"Konnichiwa Mamoru-san."

"Hello Miko-chan," Mamoru replied, "I hope you're feeling better."

Misako gave her father a soft smile then promptly sneezed. "I got here
just in time," Makoto announced from behind Misako who turned around.
"Set that juice down so I can wrap this around you." Misako who had
started to shiver slightly quickly complied and Makoto wrapped the
blanket around her before lifting the little girl up.

"Come sit with me," Usagi suggested as she held out her arms.

"Hey you got Mamoru," Makoto countered as she walked to sit on the couch
beside Usagi and settled Misako onto her lap. "Now how's that?" Misako
shifted slightly to get more comfortable but grinned up towards Makoto.

<You're bigger than Mommy,> Misako observed. She couldn't help the
impulse to snuggle as Makoto wrapped her arms around her. <I feel nice
and warm.> She noticed Usagi's scowl so she said, "Onee-san, this is
your birthday. You shouldn't hafta look after me."

"That's right," Makoto agreed, "I can."

<But I'm your mother!> Usagi thought, <I guess you're right though.>
With Ikuko around her, mothering was limited. <Mamo-chan seems to be
doing okay; I bet it was the stress of him having to leave me that was
getting to him.> As she watched Misako and Makoto together, Usagi felt a
little jealous. "Do you know what Mamo-chan got me?" Usagi questioned
Misako who shook her head. "Hang on a second." Getting up, Usagi
vanished out of the room for a moment or so before returning.

"These are so kawaii!" Usagi declared, "He got me one and Chibi-Usa one
too."

"What a birthday gift," Makoto muttered just loud enough for Misako to
hear her. The little girl giggled and then blinked when she saw the
gifts. They were mirrors shaped to look like rabbit's heads including
ears, whiskers, and even little bow ties at the bottom.

"I know how my little bunnies like mirrors," Mamoru remarked as he got
up and walked to stand beside his girlfriend, "Maybe we should put them
someplace safe." Usagi's eyes lit up and she carefully placed the one
mirror with the other one before taking Mamoru's hand and pulling him
out of the room.

"You two be good," Usagi directed towards Misako and Makoto before
disappearing around a corner.

"What would I do?" Misako questioned in surprise, "I don't think I want
to ever be in love."

"Why?" Makoto questioned.

"'Cause if it makes you act that goofy..." Misako trailed off and
groaned.

"Are you okay, Miko-chan?" Makoto questioned in a worried tone of voice.

"Hai," Misako replied. <But I was in love with Senji. Maybe I still am.>
Closing her eyes, she rested her head against Makoto and sighed. <I'm
too young to be in love. Love is for really old people like Obaa-san.>
She frowned, <Nah, that's too old... maybe old like Daddy.>

As she sat on Makoto's lap drinking up a caring warmth that was almost
palpable, Misako considered her father's gifts. <Dad's acting funny.>
Taking a sip of her juice, she frowned slightly as her father's phrasing
came back to her. <He said, `I know how much my little bunnies like
mirrors.' That makes no sense though.> As she considered the implication
of her father's words, a curious sensation tickled at the back of her
mind. <So that's what's going on!> Misako let out an audible gasp as
realization struck her.

"Are you okay?" Makoto questioned with concern.

"Hai," Misako mumbled out. Shivering, she snuggled close to Makoto and
was glad when the older girl's arms tightened slightly around her in
comfort. <That means that Dad's under Queen Nephernia's control.> A cold
chill ran down her spine as more implications became clearer to her.
<That means we're gonna fade soon...> So why wasn't her sister showing
any signs yet? <If 'Sagi and I are going to fade soon, then we probably
are gonna disappear together.> She considered this further with
deepening apprehension. <When somethin' happened to me before, it hurt.
When me and 'Sagi fade out, I bet it'll hurt a lot.> If there was only
some way she could keep that pain from her sister.

<'Sagi isn't gettin' sick though,> Misako mused, <So I don't think we're
going to disappear soon.> She felt some relief at the thought that her
current illness wasn't related to the upcoming events. <I bet Mommy will
be sad.> She opened her eyes and swung her head to look up at Makoto who
gave her a soft smile. "You like this, ne?"

"Of course," Makoto answered softly, "It isn't every day that I get to
make a pretty young lady who's sick feel better." Misako reddened
slightly at the compliment but before she could say anything, Makoto
added, "Just don't go saying anything to Usagi. I think she's a little
jealous."

"Really?" Misako questioned to which Makoto nodded. She couldn't help
but smile, a new warmth entered her heart, one that she had felt before.
<Mommy cares about me now. I'm not just competing with 'Sagi.> That was
one of the best things she had ever realized since her illness started.

                                 ******

Just as Usagi and Mamoru came back from wherever they had disappeared
to, the others, Usagi had invited, arrived. While Rei, Minako, and Ami
spaced themselves out, Naru and Gurio sat close together and quickly
became the topic of conversation. Naru and Gurio were only going to stay
for a little while because they were going on a date a little later on.

After Ikuko put a stop to the girls teasing poor Naru about her date,
Usagi set about the task of trying to guess her presents without opening
them. While the others laughed at Usagi's antics, Naru spent some time
getting to know Misako, whom she had never met before.

A short time later, Chibi-Usa and her friends, including Momoko and Mie,
came into the Tsukino home boisterously. They quickly settled down once
Ikuko had given them a stern look of warning. When Chibi-Usa heard that
Misako was downstairs but restricted to the couch, she formed an idea.
She entered the living room and walked over to her sister.

After giving Misako a hug, she asked, "Ne, Onee-chan, would you read us
a story?" Misako gave this some consideration and then nodded. "I'll go
get a book," Chibi-Usa said before dashing out of the room.

"You read stories to Chibi-Usa?" Mie asked curiously.

"Hai," Misako replied as she moved her hands under the blanket, "I did
it before, when I was feeling okay. 'Sagi likes me to read to her." With
a flicking motion, she retrieved her glasses from her dimensional pocket
where she kept them. The little girls and Naru looked in surprise, as
Misako suddenly produced her glasses from nowhere.

"How'd you do that?!?" Momoko demanded.

"Magic," Misako replied which caused the assembled Senshi to giggle.

"Would you show me that?" Gurio asked, "That would be a neat trick."
Misako panicked slightly, unsure of what to say but thankfully,
Chibi-Usa returned with the book. Gurio leaned over and whispered out,
"Think we should go?" Naru frowned at him and he shrugged.

"You just don't ruin this story for these little kids or I'll hurt you,"
Naru hissed back, "Besides, Guri-chan, listening won't hurt."

Misako suddenly became aware of how much attention she was drawing and
started to get nervous. As she took the book, she said, "Arigato."
Carefully slipping her glasses on, she looked for a good story to read
while trying to calm her nerves. <Why is everybody looking at me?> It
looked like the Senshi were going to listen in on this `Story telling
Senshi' as well. Finishing off the last of her juice, Misako licked her
lips before starting to read.

Rei who was trying to look interested in the children's story noticed
that both Usagi and Minako were listening just as attentively, if not
more so, than the children in the room. As the story progressed, Rei's
mind started to wander. She was snapped back to the present by an
explosive coughing sound form Misako. <Kami-sama,> Rei thought as she
watched the young girl with worry, <She sounds like she's gonna cough up
a lung!> Fortunately, Misako didn't, but she was looking pale and was
wheezing by the time the coughing had subsided.

"I think that's enough for today," Ikuko announced as she walked over to
the couch, "Come on, Miko-chan, time to go back to bed." Lifting the
little girl up, she started to rub the little girl's back as she walked
towards the stairs. When she noticed Chibi-Usa and Usagi following her,
Ikuko shook her head. "Iie, you two stay down here. I want Misako to
have some rest." Both Usagi and Chibi-Usa seemed ready to protest but
Misako gave them a firm look before being carried up the stairs.

                                 ******

Misako was unaware of the time. She lay in bed, drifting in and out of
sleep. She would just reach the point of deep slumber when a bout of
coughing or a fit of sneezing would draw her from sleep. She didn't hear
any of the guests leaving, nor the quiet footsteps that came into her
room. She only became aware of someone else being in the room when she
was hugged.

As her eyes fluttered open, the worried face of her sister stared down
at her. "'Sagi?" she questioned softly. Her sister only hugged tightly.
Weakly Misako returned the hug. "It'll be okay," she said softly, "I'll
get better, 'Sagi-chan." When Chibi-Usa drew back, she saw her sister's
unshed tears and the little girl sniffled. "Don't cry, I just got
tired." <I'm glad you haven't got sick yet.>

"Ikuko-mama went to get you some medicine," Chibi-Usa stated softly.
"Are you okay?" <I hope Kenji-papa gets brings Shingo home soon. Why'd
they go out to dinner when there was lotsa food here?> Her grandfather
had been muttering something about being outnumbered.

"I don't feel good but..." Misako trailed off. As her eyes enlarged
slightly, she just had enough strength to roll to the side of the bed
and aim for the bucket that was there. She heard Chibi-Usa give a cry of
surprise as the first wave of nausea twisted her stomach. Misako closed
her eyes to block out the sight and tried not to breathe in the pungent
odor. As she continued to throw up, she dimly heard Chibi-Usa yelling in
the background. The third round completely drained her strength and she
lay there, shaking, trying to regain breath.

"I'm here, Mesume," came the voice of her mother. Misako felt a damp
cloth brush across her face, "It's all over." She felt a gentle hand
rubbing her back as she was lifted up slightly. "Can you open your
eyes?"

"Don't want to," Misako croaked out and grimaced.

"Let's get you cleaned up," Usagi replied. For the next few minutes,
Misako concentrated on breathing. She followed her mother's directions
although they usually had to be repeated more than once. Once back in
bed and somewhat calmer, Misako tentatively opened her eyes. "Are you
okay?" Not trusting her voice, Misako only nodded. "Ami?" Was Ami there?
Misako looked around and noticed the other Inner Senshi were there along
with Chibi-Usa, who had a look of deep worry on her face.

"As far as I can tell, Misako is suffering from a severe cold. The
antibiotics that the sensei prescribed are working," Ami replied, "I've
never seen a common cold last this long but it could be a strain of flu
of some type."

"Misako!" Chibi-Usa cried as her sister suddenly curled into a ball and
moaned out. "What's wrong?!" Misako's answer was a muffled cry of pain.
As she got closer, she saw tears streaking her sister's cheeks. "Misako!
Answer me!"

"H-Hurts," Misako grunted out. The others blinked as Ami transformed
into Sailor Mercury and started intensely scanning Misako.

"Get her to lay straight," Mercury directed.

"Come on, sweetheart," Usagi began softly as she pulled the covers back
and rolled her daughter over to her back. "Can you straighten out?"
Misako shook her head. She didn't want to; she was sure it would hurt
even more. "Makoto," Usagi said softly. Makoto nodded and walking
forward lifted Chibi-Usa away from Misako, much to the little girl's
distress. "Misako, hold my hand," Usagi directed, "Now what hurts?"

"Don't know," Misako got out between quick breaths, "Everything." She
felt Makoto take her ankles. "Iie," she cried softly but despite her
expectation, the pain did not increase as Makoto gently pulled,
straightening her out.

"Strange," Mercury remarked, "Where's Mamoru?"

"I'll get him!" Chibi-Usa shouted and darted out of the room.

"Yeah, why didn't he come up with us?" Minako wondered. Rei frowned but
was prevented from saying anything as Chibi-Usa burst back into the
room.

"He's gone!" Chibi-Usa declared, "Where'd he go?!?"

"Rei, try and find him," Usagi directed, "Minako, go with her. Mamoru's
been acting weird." Both nodded and left the room. "Mercury?"

"I don't know, Usagi," Mercury stated in a tightly controlled tone,
"None of my readings are making any sense. One minute every nerve in her
body is firing at once and all her muscles are contracting, the next
second, they aren't." <I better not tell her that for a fraction of a
second, Misako doesn't even exist. It's like she's flickering in and out
of existence faster than the human eye can see.>

As one minute then another dragged on, Usagi became more and more
frustrated. When Rei and Minako reappeared and said that Mamoru was
nowhere around, Usagi's face hardened. "Would the Ginzuishou do any
good?"

"Iie," Misako croaked urgently, "You can't, Mommy, please. You can't do
anything." <The timeline needs you.>

"I have to do something," Usagi replied, "I can't stand to see you hurt,
Mesume."

"Maybe if we call Hotaru," Chibi-Usa suggested from beside her mother.
Misako violently shook her head. "Why not?"

<Baka Odango Atama!> Misako thought through her pain. "Don't!" she
directed through gritted teeth.

"Mercury, we have to do something," Usagi cried, "I can't leave my
mesume like this."

"The only possible one that could do anything is Sailor Pluto," Mercury
deduced softly, "Gomen nasai." Usagi whirled around, glaring at Mercury.

While Usagi and Chibi-Usa looked confused, Misako felt slow realization
dawn on her. <But if I'm going now...> Suddenly there was no feeling, no
pain, not even Makoto's touch. She felt a cold shiver run down her body
as full understanding came to her. "Iie," she whispered out before
giving one more gut-wrenching scream. It felt as if something was
tearing out her heart.

"MISAKO!" Usagi and Chibi-Usa cried, both moved to hold her but watched
in horror as Misako flicked faster and faster before finally popping out
of existence with a small rush of air. Both sat stunned for a moment
before beginning to cry.

"Imouto!" Chibi-Usa howled, "Come back!" but the bed remained empty. The
one thing Chibi-Usa feared most had come to pass -- she had lost her
sister.

                                 ******

Usagi resisted the urge to hold Chibi-Usa tightly. The teen stared up at
the shadowed ceiling of her bedroom with haunted eyes. <Mesume, what
happened to you?> As before though, the question went unanswered.
Somewhere within the house, a clock struck four. <I'm glad Chibi-Usa
could go to sleep.> The little girl had finally succumbed to fatigue.
<Mom thinks that Misako went to be with her father for several weeks...
I wish that were true.>

Usagi could feel Chibi-Usa's head resting on her shoulder. She could
also feel Misako's teddy bear that Chibi-Usa was holding. The little
girl had started holding onto the teddy bear ever since her sister
disappeared and seemed intent on keeping it close to her. <Did you know
this was coming, Misako? Did you know you were going to vanish?> That
troubled Usagi deeply. <Does this mean that Mamoru is going to vanish
too?> That thought sent a chill running down her spine. <Mamo-chan?
Where did you go?> And as she continued to search for answers within her
mind, the night crept on towards morning, towards the day and school.

Over the next few days, Usagi tried to contact Mamoru. His behavior
became even more erratic than the last time she had gone to his
apartment. He had closed to door while saying he was too busy for her.
Although this hurt deeply, Usagi was more concerned about Chibi-Usa. The
little girl had been moping around ever since her sister's
disappearance, then about a week later, something significant changed.

                                 ******

Monday, for Usagi, was bleak. Not only from the dreary weather outside
but also the fact that Misako had been gone a week. As she sat in her
room after school attempting to do her homework, she felt very alone.
Hearing footsteps in the hallway, she glanced towards her open door and
noticed Chibi-Usa coming down the hall. "Ne, Chibi-Usa-chan, where were
you?"

The little girl stopped and looked into the room. "Nani?" Chibi-Usa
asked.

"Where were you?" Usagi questioned, "I've been home for half an hour. I
thought we were gonna do our homework together."

"I was out playing with Momoko. I can do my homework later on." Seeing
Usagi's frown, she entered her room and said, "Onee-san, were we
planning on doing our homework together?"

"We always do. I know Misako's gone..."

"Nani? Who's Misako?" Chibi-Usa interrupted as she tossed her backpack
onto the bed before moving to sit beside her mother. Usagi stared at
Chibi-Usa, mouth agape. "Whatsa matter?"

"You don't know who Misako is?" Usagi questioned in disbelief. Chibi-Usa
shook her head. <Why doesn't she remember Misako?> Her frown deepened
even more. "How did you do on that history test, Imouto?"

Chibi-Usa sighed and, getting up, walked to the bed. "You're actin'
funny, Onee-san. Who's this `Misako'?" Not receiving an immediate
answer, Chibi-Usa dug through her backpack and produced a sheet of
crumpled paper. "Ne, could you forge Ikuko-mama's signature?" Seeing the
shocked look, Chibi-Usa just sighed and tossed the crumple paper over to
her mother. "Hey, this Misako wouldn't be another imouto you got?"

"Kind of," Usagi answered softly as she carefully straightened the test
paper. "Usagi!" Usagi gasped as she saw the streak of red, "I thought
you studied."

"What's the big deal?" Chibi-Usa replied, "It's not like it really
counts for much." Chibi-Usa sat down and flipped open a manga. "It's
just history." After a moment or so of silence, she looked up to find
Usagi regarding her with a mixture of worry and disappointment. "So when
did this other imouto show up?"

"I know you've met her before, Chibi-Usa-chan. Are you sure you don't
remember her?" Chibi-Usa shook her head before turning back to her
manga. <Maybe if I show her a picture,> Usagi thought. Getting up, she
walked over to her dresser and started routing through her pictures
until she found one with just Misako in it. "Here's a picture of her,"
Usagi said as she put the picture in front of her daughter.

Chibi-Usa frowned slightly while thinking, <Strange... she kind of
reminds me of what Onee-san said Queen Serenity looked like.> "Iie, I
haven't met her," Chibi-Usa replied, "Onee-san, will you help me so that
Ikuko-mama doesn't yell at me?"

"I should yell at you, Chibi-Usa," Usagi growled out as she sat down at
the table. <If Chibi-Usa forgets Misako... Will I?> Usagi didn't want
that. She didn't want to forget about her other daughter.

"Don't start actin' like Mommy," Chibi-Usa countered, "You're MY onee...
I don't think this Misako should have you as an onee. She ain't going to
be your mesume or nothin'."

<But she will be, or was,> Usagi thought sadly. <She always wanted me as
a mother. Things weren't so complicated with Misako. I was her mother;
she was my mesume.> Even if the relationship roles had to change for
those that didn't know about the future. <I... knew how I felt when I
was with Misako.> In some ways, it was more desirable than what
Chibi-Usa offered. It was not as complex.

"Are you okay, Onee-san?" Chibi-Usa questioned. When Usagi didn't
respond, she got up and walked around to sit beside Usagi. "Are you mad
'cause I didn't do well on that baka test?"

"Gomen Imouto," Usagi replied softly, "I was just thinking." She raised
her eyes to look sadly at Chibi-Usa. "I'll be okay, I promise." <I have
to be if I want any hope of Misako ever returning.> When Chibi-Usa
hugged her, Usagi held the little girl close, closing her eyes. <Please
don't leave me, Imouto. I don't want to lose another daughter.>

They sat for a long moment in silence before Chibi-Usa mused, "I'd like
to have an imouto. I wished for one for a long time but..." Seeing Usagi
curious look, she elaborated further, "I want to be a good onee... just
like you are." She tried to smile but when Usagi didn't return it
Chibi-Usa frowned. "Hey, cheer up."

"I'll try, Mesume," Usagi said softly, "I'll try..." <For both of you,>
Usagi added silently.

                                 ******

The mid-July night was humid. The uncomfortable heat wave that had been
battering at the city for the past few days made sleeping difficult,
despite the nighttime breezes that blew, which was rare. Luna padded
into the darkened room to see Usagi sitting near the two futons. A shaft
of moonlight illuminated the room eerily, shrouding the teen's face in
deep shadows. She sat with her knees drawn up and her arms wrapped
around them.

Coming further into the room, Luna remarked softly, "Usagi-chan, you
should be in bed." The teen's only response was a sniffle. Walking
closer, Luna looked sympathetically up at her charge. "I know things
look very bad, but you have to hold out faith that things will get
better."

"I just knew something bad was going to happen," Usagi remarked softly,
"First, Chibi-Usa forgets Misako... and then the rest of my family." She
wiped at her eyes and sniffled again. "When Mamoru was captured... I
thought we knew why Misako had gone. Then Chibi-Usa goes."

"Chibi-Usa isn't completely gone, Usagi," Luna soothed, "Since Mamoru's
capture, she keeps fading in cycles."

"And they're getting worse. Chibi-Usa's so weak now that she can't even
use Luna-P to stay here." Usagi sniffled before whining, "I'm her mother
and I can't be with her!" Usagi shook her head, "She might as well be
gone already. If Makoto didn't live alone... I don't know what we'd do."

"Usagi," Luna said softly, "She'll be okay. Hotaru's been staying with
her as much as she can since Chibi-Usa collapsed at the shrine." Luna
gave a little sigh as Usagi looked away. "Chibi-Usa is remembering the
good times with you and Hotaru. That's keeping her here. I know it seems
bad but at least, she isn't going in as much pain as Misako did."

"I know she isn't suffering but that doesn't make it better," Usagi
stated bitterly. <She isn't suffering but she's scared.> She shook her
head before saying, "Gomen nasai. I shouldn't take it out on you, Luna."
Straightening, Usagi sighed. Lifting Luna up, she started patting the
Lunar Cat softly while saying, "I just keep thinking that there should
have been something we could have done. If Pluto... I keep wondering why
Misako or Pluto never said anything?"

"You don't think Chibi-Usa would have said something if she knew that
Misako was in danger?" Luna questioned.

"I don't think she knew anything," Usagi speculated, "I can't see
Chibi-Usa keeping that type of secret from me. She cares too much about
Misako not to. And then when Misako disappeared, Chibi-Usa forgot about
her."

They sat silently for a long time before Luna spoke again, "Usagi, I
think you should get some sleep."

"Okay," Usagi conceded. Lifting Luna off her lap, she gathered up
Chibi-Usa's favorite rabbit and Misako's teddy bear. Holding them close
to her heart, she started towards the entranceway before turning back
and looking at the empty futons. "Kobanwa Mesume." A fresh set of tears
sprang to her eyes and Usagi turned and left. Luna didn't follow her
charge immediately; instead, she turned to stare up at the Moon.

"Let them be all right," Luna whispered out, "Please, just let Usagi
find her family."

                                 ******

Rakurai Sakuya looked down at her daughter and smiled. "I bet that fresh
diaper feels a lot better, ne Mesume?" Atsuko burbled contentedly in
response. "It'll probably be hot today. What about a pair of shorts and
a T-shirt?"

"Do you really expect her to answer you?" came an unexpected voice.
Sakuya turned around to find Usagi standing in the doorway of the
nursery. Grinning slightly, the teen entered the room and walked over to
the change table where Atsuko was lying. As the baby noticed Usagi, she
reached out one pudgy hand and burbled a greeting.

"Konnichiwa Princess..."

"Please don't, Sako-chan," Usagi pleaded, "Just Usagi please." When
Sakuya gave her a curious look, Usagi sighed and shook her head. "I
don't want to be a princess unless I have to."

"Could you watch her while I go clean up?"

"Hai," Usagi answered, happy to have something to keep her mind busy.
She moved over and reached out a hand towards Atsuko who immediately
grabbed a finger. "I don't think that would taste very good," Usagi
commented as Atsuko attempted to chew on the captured finger. Shifting
to a more comfortable position, Usagi gently stroked Atsuko's soft hair.
"If you have any brothers or sisters, you'll be a lot better than onee
than I am."

"Don't put yourself down, Usagi-chan," Sakuya remarked. Usagi flushed
slightly and stood up. "You were and still are a great onee to Misako,"
she said as she walked to the dresser and got out a set of blue shorts
and a yellow T-shirt. "You want to put these on her?" Sakuya asked as
she held out the shorts.

"Hai," Usagi replied. Taking the shorts, she grinned at Atsuko who
grinned back, "Well now, are you going to cooperate?" Usagi's grin got
even broader when Sakuya snorted. "Doesn't she cooperate for you,
Sako-chan?"

"I didn't think you thought Atsuko could talk, Usagi-chan," Sakuya
replied, "So what's up? When Kimeko came back and had that talk with
you, you seemed a lot happier."

Usagi remained silent for a moment before saying, "I was feeling a
little better. I mean with what Misako said and Mom finally realizing
what a real..."

"Usagi-chan," Sakuya admonished softly.

"I know, I know," Usagi replied, "I just can't understand her." She
finally managed to get the shorts onto Atsuko. She stood back while
Sakuya started putting on the T-shirt. Folding her arms, she sighed a
little and said, "Pluto was sniffing around today."

"For you?"

"Iie, I saw her talking to Hotaru. She saw me and called out but I just
walked away," Usagi stated bitterly, "All this time I thought that Pluto
had reasons for doing what she did..." trailing off for a moment, she
looked at Sakuya before adding softly, "Even to you."

"I wasn't exactly impartial either," Sakuya countered, "Isn't that
right, Atsuko-chan?" her daughter replied with a grumpy sounding burble.
"Have you had breakfast yet?"

Usagi flushed slightly and replied, "I left early. Mom doesn't have
Court today and I didn't really want to be around the Suite."

"So that means you haven't ate yet, ne Usagi-chan?" When Usagi nodded,
she grinned, "Okay, well you can eat breakfast here while I get Atsuko
something to eat too."

"Is Masao still sleeping?" Usagi suddenly asked, "I mean it is still a
little early and..."

"Iie, he had some things to do early," Sakuya explained, then looking
around cautiously, she added, "I think he's hiding from his mom."

"Why?"

Lifting Atsuko up, she said, "Well Minako mentioned something about
bringing baby-pictures of Masao over." She giggled which caused Atsuko
to giggle. "You think that's funny too, Mesume?" At that moment, the
phone rang. "Would you look after her for a second, Imouto?"

"Sure," Usagi replied happily and gently took Atsuko. "So, you're hungry
too, ne?" At that moment, Usagi's stomach rumbled at the thought of food
and Atsuko gave her a surprised look. Usagi sighed before saying,
"Sometimes, it just doesn't pay to bear the name Usagi."

                                 ******

Sailor Moon looked up at the sky, happy that the nightmare Queen
Nephrenia caused was finally over. They stood in the abandoned remains
of Nephrenia's castle. Lowering her gaze, she looked around at the other
Sailor Senshi, those that had been caught by Nephrenia, her friends that
had helped her defeat the misguided queen. Facing Sailor Jupiter, she
held out her hand and opened it. One of Jupiter's rose earrings lay in
the palm of her hand. "Arigato..." she said softly. As the others
smiled, Jupiter retrieved her earring and replaced it.

"Where did you get that?" Tuxedo Kamen asked softly from behind her.

Turning, Sailor Moon hugged him closely and explained, "I was in a field
of flowers. At least, I think that's where I was. It was so real. I
think if I hadn't found that earring, I would have forgotten
everything." She snuggled close and said softly, "I nearly did forget
everything."

There was silence for a moment and then Chibi-Moon's spoke up. Her voice
was thick with grief, "She isn't here." When the others look at her
strangely, she whined, "Misako isn't here. She was never in any of the
mirrors I saw. Daddy came back but Misako didn't."

"You remember Misako?" Sailor Moon questioned. Chibi-Moon nodded slowly,
a confused look spreading across her face. <Thank Kami-sama!> "Maybe
she's someplace else, Mesume. We can all look."

Within a few moments, the Senshi and Tuxedo Kamen were searching the
deserted palace for any sign of Misako. As Chibi-Moon and Sailor Moon
walked down one hallway, the little girl turned towards her mother and
asked softly, "I forgot Misako... How could I ever do that?" A sense of
guilt stabbed at her heart.

Sailor Moon shifted uncomfortably for a few moments before saying,
"Mesume, you shouldn't blame yourself." Chibi-Moon stopped walking. When
she noticed this, Sailor Moon stopped and turned back to face her
daughter. "Chibi-Moon, it isn't your fault. Even the rest of my family
forgot about Misako."

"But that's because of Luna-P, Sailor Moon," Chibi-Moon answered
dejectedly, "I shouldn't have forgotten about her." She looked towards
the ground and added, "She my sister. I shouldn't have been happy with
her gone." <Why did I say I didn't know Misako when you asked me?> She
blushed at that memory.

Walking back to her daughter, Sailor Moon knelt and pulled her daughter
into a hug. "What counts is that you remember her now; that you love
her. Before, it was like Misako never existed for you."

"But how come you could remember?" Chibi-Moon questioned. Sniffling a
little bit, she asked softly, "What if she isn't here? What if I never
see her again?" Her voice cracked and she started to cry.

As Chibi-Moon hugged her, Sailor Moon reassured softly, "We'll find her,
Chibi-Moon." <I have to believe we will.> Gently pulling away, Sailor
Moon stood and took her daughter's hand, "Come on, let's start looking
again. The sooner we find Misako, the sooner we can leave."

More than two hours later though, there was no sign of missing girl. As
Tuxedo Kamen tried to comfort his daughter, Sailor Moon and the other
Sailor Senshi discussed their next step. It was with a heavy heart that
Sailor Moon made the decision to leave the destroyed palace. Misako was
not there and any further searching would simply be delaying the reality
that everyone would have to face.

As they were leaving, Chibi-Moon cried out, "MI-SA-KO!!!!" But only the
echoes of her anguish and despair answered her. <Imouto...>

End of Chapter 27

Coming next in Chapter 28 - Comings and Goings

Doug

"I write in broad tapestries, interweaving characters lives leaving
 the little details to the reader unless the detials are important."
	- Anne McCaffrey
	  From the book "Get off the Unicorn"

"I am Sailor Chibi-Earth! And I will sit you in the corner!"
	- Tsukino Misako in "Tales of Younger Venus" Part 6

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