ONly one more after this one. Enjoy.

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 28 - Comings and Goings

Tsukino Ikuko walked down the hallway of the Tsukino's home and gave a
sigh of pleasure. <A Saturday morning and no one around.> She had the
house all to herself. <I wonder where Usagi went though?> She hadn't
seen her daughter leave. She was just passing Usagi's room when she
heard a noise. Pausing again, Ikuko frowned. <I didn't think Usagi was
home yet.> Stepping closer to the door, Ikuko listened. <A sneeze?>
Ikuko thought.

Gripping the door handle, she opened the door and called out,
"Usagi-chan?" Her only response was a moan. Coming further into Usagi's
room, she saw someone lying in the bed. "Sweetheart, are you feeling
okay?" A series of coughs was her answer. <Who has white hair?> Ikuko
wondered. "Usagi?!" She gave a gasp of surprise as a young girl slowly
sat up in bed. "Who are you?!?"

"Nani?" the young girl questioned before grimacing and coughing again,
"Where'd my juice glass go?"

"I asked you who you were, young lady?" Ikuko demanded. She crossed her
arms and glared at the young girl.

<She doesn't know me,> the young girl concluded. "My name's Misako,
Tsukino-san."

"Why are you here?" Ikuko questioned, "Did Usagi tell you that you could
be here?"

"Hai," Misako replied and coughed again. <I wish I had Luna-P.> "She's
my onee." Looking hopefully at her grandmother, she asked, "Could I
please have some juice, Tsukino-san?" <I have to stay until 'Sagi gets
back.>

Ikuko frowned again. <What in the world is Usagi up to?> This child was
obviously sick. <When I get a hold of Usagi...> "Get dressed... Misako,
and then we'll go downstairs and talk," Ikuko instructed sternly.

"Hai," Misako replied. <I guess I won't get a chance to use Luna-P.> As
she slipped from her bed, she looked around and said, "Tsukino-san, I
don't know where Onee-san put my clothes."

Ikuko paused by the door and frowned. She quickly looked around the room
and said, "All right, Misako-san, take that blanket off of Usagi's bed
and come with me." <Oh, Usagi's really going to get it when she gets
home!> She watched with some concern as Misako wobbled slightly. "Are
you sick?"

"I don't feel so good," Misako confessed softly.

With an effort, Ikuko pushed her annoyance away and said in a more
soothing tone of voice, "Why don't you stay up here then. I'll be back
in a minute with some juice." With relief, Misako crawled back onto the
bed and snuggled under the covers again. "You stay right there now,"
Ikuko stated before leaving the room. <Why'd Usagi bring her here? Why
isn't she with her family?>

<I don't think I could walk to the bathroom,> Misako thought, <I feel so
tired.> Giving an expansive yawn, she closed her eyes and drifted off to
sleep. By the time that Ikuko came back into the room, Misako was sound
asleep.

<Poor girl,> Ikuko thought, <Now what am I going to do?> Setting the
juice down, Ikuko tucked the covers around the young girl before gently
sitting down on the bed. <Well Usagi, you have a lot of explaining to
do.>

                                 ******

It was a short time later when Ikuko heard Usagi's voice coming in
through the open bedroom window. <There she is!> Ikuko thought angrily.
Getting up, she quietly and quickly moved out of Usagi's bedroom and
down the hall to the stairs. As she came to the top of the stairs, she
heard her daughter's voice speaking to someone else. <Who did she bring
home now?> Ikuko wondered with exasperation. Going down the stairs, she
came to a halt when she saw Usagi and another little girl.

"Hi Ikuko-mama," Chibi-Usa greeted glumly.

Ikuko scowled before demanding, "Ne Usagi, isn't one enough?"

"Nani?" Usagi questioned her mother.

"Who is this?!?" Ikuko demanded again while jabbing a finger at
Chibi-Usa. Usagi and Chibi-Usa looked at each other in surprise.
"Tsukino Usagi, I asked you a question. Who's this little girl?!?"

"What's wrong, Mom?" Usagi questioned while moving towards her mother.

"What's wrong?!" Ikuko questioned in an exasperated tone, "What's wrong
is that I found a little girl up in your room. Who is she and why did
you have her up there when she's obviously ill? She should be home with
her parents. They're probably worried about her!"

"Little girl?!" both Usagis questioned.

"Hai."

"Ikuko-mama, what's this girl look like?" Chibi-Usa questioned.

Ikuko scowled at the little girl and stated, "Little girl, my name is
Tsukino Ikuko. I expect you to show me the proper respect I'm due!"

Chibi-Usa blinked, shrugged, and then said, "Please Oba-san, what's the
girl's name?"

<Oba-san is better than Ikuko-mama, I suppose.> Giving a sigh and
throwing up her hands, Ikuko replied, "Misako, I believe." No sooner had
the name left her lips, then she was knocked aside by the little girl
who went racing up the steps. Much to Ikuko's shock, Usagi followed
closely behind. "Tsukino Usagi!" Ikuko bellowed but it was too late, the
two girls were out of sight. <She's going to pay!>

"ONEE-CHAN!" Chibi-Usa cried as she raced down the hallway and nearly
took the door off its hinges as she rushed into Usagi's bedroom.
"Onee-chan, you're okay!" Misako had no sooner pushed herself up, then
she was knocked back down onto the bed by Chibi-Usa who gripped her in a
tight hug while crying.

"Oh Miko-chan!" Usagi cried happily as she hugged her daughter tightly.
"Oh Mesume," Usagi breathed out as she began to cry, "You're okay."

Misako lay there bewildered trying to figure out what to do. "Can't
breathe," she hissed out. Chibi-Usa loosened her grip enough but still
clung to her sister tightly. "Imouto, I'm right here," Misako assured
her gently while trying to hold the little girl.

"Onee-chan, I thought I'd never see you again," Chibi-Usa cried while
she pressed her cheek against Misako's chest. She was comforted, not by
the loose hold that Misako had on her but by the steady heartbeat and
the steady, if somewhat ragged, breathing.

"Tsukino Usagi," Ikuko demanded from the doorway, "I want an
explanation, now!"

"But Mom..." Usagi started to say but trailed off at her mother's stern
look.

"NOW, young lady! Downstairs this instant!" Ikuko directed. Reluctantly,
Usagi pushed herself away from Misako and walked towards the door. She
slid passed her mother before heading downstairs. "You, little girl,"
Ikuko commanded sternly to Chibi-Usa, "Stay in this room and don't
wander around!" <I'm going to get to the bottom of this.>

"Hai Oba-san," Chibi-Usa replied and winced as Ikuko slammed the door
shut. "This is not good!"

"Hai," Misako squeaked softly, "And I gotta go to the bathroom too."

                                 ******

Ikuko stalked into the living room after her daughter. As Usagi turned
around, her mother held up a warding hand before saying, "Usagi, these
are the answers I want. I don't want anything else for the moment. Who
are those two little girls? Why is that sick little girl in your room
instead of with her parents? Why am I just now hearing about this and
how long has this been going on?!?"

"Well Okaa-san," Usagi started nervously, "The one that came in with me
is Chibi-Usa... Her name's Usagi but people call her Chibi-Usa so they
can tell us apart. You know the other little girl's name is Misako."
Shifting under her mother's stern look, she chose her words carefully,
"I'm looking after Misako; I'm her onee. I would have told you but... I
thought you might not approve."

"Usagi..."

Wincing at her mother's tone, Usagi said softly, "I've known Misako for
about a year; Chibi-Usa a little longer."

"Why is this Chibi-Usa calling me `Ikuko-mama'?" Ikuko asked with
irritation.

"Because you told me to," Chibi-Usa answered from behind. Both Ikuko and
Usagi gave a start. Ikuko whirled around to see the little girl with
some kind of floating ball beside her.

"Nani?" Ikuko questioned.

"Luna-P Henge!" Chibi-Usa cried. Usagi closed her eyes while her
daughter adjusted Ikuko's memories.

"Now like I was telling Usagi," Ikuko said to Chibi-Usa, "The sensei
said that Misako didn't need to go into the hospital again. Another few
days rest should be fine."

"Ikuko-mama?" Chibi-Usa questioned tentatively.

"Hai, Chibi-Usa-chan?"

"Onee-chan said she had to go to the bathroom." Ikuko's eyes opened wide
and she dashed from the room. Usagi was about to follow but Chibi-Usa
shook her head. "It's okay, Onee-san. Misako's weak but..." Walking
over, she hugged her mother. "Misako's okay."

"I told you she would be, Mesume," Usagi said with a soft smile, "I told
you she would be." <Thank Kami-sama.>

                                 ******

Usagi walked up the stairs to her bedroom later that evening feeling
both happy and exhausted. After softly entering her darkened room, she
carefully made her way over to the bed. For a moment, she stood and
looked down upon her two sleeping daughters. <Mom was against this... I
guess she saw that Chibi-Usa was going to stay with Misako one way or
the other though.>

<Misako looks uncomfortable,> Usagi thought as she noticed the strange
position that Misako was laying in. Carefully she reached out and pulled
the covers back revealing the tangle of arms and legs. <Kami-sama, how
does Misako sleep like that?> The little girl's lower half was laying
flat on the bed, her left leg being was firmly captured by both of
Chibi-Usa's legs. Her torso, though, was nearly lying on its side.
Chibi-Usa was wedged closely behind her, both little arms wrapped around
Misako's neck in a protective fashion. Chibi-Usa's face was partially
hidden by Misako's hair. From Usagi's perspective, it appeared as though
Chibi-Usa was trying to touch her forehead to Misako's spine.

<They're asleep; better not wake them up,> Usagi thought, <If Misako
gets uncomfortable, she'll shift.> She gently replaced the covers over
her sleeping children. A soft smile came over her lips as she sighed a
little in contentment. At that moment, Misako mumbled something and her
eyes slowly opened. She gave her mother a curious look for a moment and
then closed her eyes. Much to Usagi's surprise, the young girl started
shifting and within a few moments, had gotten her body into a more
natural position. Chibi-Usa's head now rested on Misako's shoulder while
Misako hugged her sister closely.

Seeing Misako's eyes open again, Usagi knelt by the bed before brushing
some hair out of her daughter's face. "You okay?" Misako nodded slightly
and reached for her juice glass. Seeing this, Usagi helped her daughter
take a sip before replacing the glass.

Misako licked her lips before saying, "Gomen nasai, Okaa-san." There was
a short pause and then, "I didn't mean to make you worry."

Gently Usagi gave her a reassuring hug before softly replying, "I'm not
mad at you, Mesume. Neither is Chibi-Usa." A slight motion caused Usagi
to pause. Carefully looking at her daughter's face, she saw that
Chibi-Usa had woken up but her eyes were closed. <I'll prove to
Chibi-Usa that she didn't forget Misako.> "You know how I know Chibi-Usa
isn't angry with you?" Misako shook her head slightly. "Well, even when
Chibi-Usa didn't remember you, she said she always wanted a sister."

"Really?" Misako questioned, her eyes wide in surprise. Even Chibi-Usa's
eyes were open but she didn't say anything. <'Sagi thought about me even
when she forgot.> Misako blinked as her eyes misted over. <I've been so
wrong about her... so wrong about a lot of things.> She sniffled again
but managed to stop herself from crying. She didn't want to wake her
sister up.

"Now go to sleep," Usagi suggested gently. With that, she gave each girl
a hug and a kiss. "Kobanwa, Mesume." Turning away, she walked to her
futon and slid underneath the covers. <Arigato Kami-sama, I have my
family back again.>

                                 ******

The following Saturday was slightly overcast. The sweltering heat that
had permeated the city over the past few days had finally dissipated.
The night before, a thunderstorm drenched the city in refreshing rain.
Although the sky was still cloudy, there was only the occasional drizzle
of rain.

Misako sat in her bedroom looking over her textbook in earnest. She had
three major tests coming up in the next week and Misako didn't feel
prepared for any of them. Her concentration was shattered by Chibi-Usa
running into the room. "ONEE-CHAN!" Chibi-Usa shouted as she shot into
the room, "ONEE-CHAN! COME SEE THE BUNNIES!" Even before Misako could
respond, Chibi-Usa planted a muddy boot on top of her textbook. "They're
so kawaii!!!!" the little girl babbled while reaching for her sister.

"Usagi!" Misako yelled angrily, "Look what you did to my textbook!"

"Worry about that later, Onee-chan," Chibi-Usa responded, "Come see the
bunnies!" She gripped Misako's arm and tried to pull her up. "Come on...
Please!"

"Where are these bunnies?!?"

"Me and Onee-san found them at the park," Chibi-Usa answered with
excitement, "You shoulda saw them!"

"Look, Imouto, I have three tests to study for," Misako growled out,
"How am I going to explain your muddy footprint..." She looked down at
her futon and gave a screech of protest as she saw more muddy tracks
leading away from her futon and out of the room. "You didn't even take
off your boots?!?"

"Just come and see!" Chibi-Usa demanded. Giving one more futile tug, she
sighed in disgust and let Misako's arms go. "Well I guess I don't have
any choice." Scooping up Misako's binder, Chibi-Usa ran from the room,
leaving another muddy trail behind her.

"USAGI!" Misako shouted in anger, "When I catch you..." Scrambling to
her feet, Misako ran off after her sister. She nearly fell down the
stairs leading to the first floor as she hurried down them. A very irate
looking Ikuko met her. "Where'd Usagi go?"

"I thought your sister and Usagi were at the park," Ikuko looked at the
trail of mud and inquired, "Was that Chibi-Usa that just came running in
here?"

"Hai, all the way up to our bedroom, Ikuko-mama," Misako said, "She took
my school binder too. Can I go get her?"

"Iie, I don't want you getting sick again. It's only been about a week,"
Ikuko pointed out, "I'll try and look for her myself." Ikuko gave Misako
a long look and added, "Don't bother cleaning up, Miko-chan. I want to
see the damage she did."

"Okay," Misako grumped and started walking up the stairs. <I have to do
well. The Juken will be coming up soon. I don't want to nearly bomb out
like Small Lady.> After she had entered her room, Misako stopped short
just inside the room. <Something's different.> She frowned slightly as
she looked around the room and then blinked as Luna-P came floating over
to her. "Nani?" She was even more shocked to see Sailor Pluto looking at
her from one of Luna-P's eyes. A sense of fear ran through her, chilling
her to the bone. "Konnichiwa Sailor Pluto."

"Where is Small Lady, Princess Misako?" Sailor Pluto questioned from the
floating sphere.

"She's busy. Do you want to call back?" Misako tried hard not to smile.

"Iie, tell Small Lady that it is time for her to return home."

Misako shivered slightly and then asked in a small voice, "Am I leaving
with her, Sailor Pluto?" Sailor Pluto shook her head. "I'll be leaving
later on?"

"Hai," Sailor Pluto replied before adding, "Princess Misako, you will
have to leave the Tsukino home... after Small Lady leaves."

"But..." Misako began but faulted. <Leave??? I don't think Pluto would
tell me why.> Licking her lips, Misako asked, "Where would I stay?"

"Small Lady should leave tomorrow morning," Sailor Pluto stated and then
vanished from Luna-P's eyes. Misako could feel her legs starting to
wobble slightly. Slowly she made her way over to a chair and plopped
down heavily in it.

<Onee-chan, are you waiting for me?> Misako wondered, <When I come
home... will things be like they were?> She wasn't sure.

                                 ******

Misako glanced at the clock and noticed that it was nearly time for
supper. <I haven't seen 'Sagi since she got back.> Her grandmother had
seen to that. Hearing a noise behind her, Misako turned around and saw
Chibi-Usa slowly walking into the room. As the little girl shut the
door, she groaned before staggering over to her futon and collapsing.

"All the floors," Chibi-Usa moaned out as her face pressed into her
pillow, "I had to scrub all the floors."

"It's your own fault, Small Lady," Misako pointed out unsympathetically.
<Poor 'Sagi...> Misako thought before saying in the same distant tone,
"You were arguing with Ikuko-mama. She was only going to make you wipe
up the mud but you threw a hissy fit."

Chibi-Usa rolled to her side and gingerly wrapped her arms around her
pillow. Pouting slightly, she whined, "Ikuko-mama was making such a big
deal out of it. Not like I wasn't with Onee-san or nothing." She looked
hard towards her sister and added, "You coulda helped, Onee-chan."

"Iie," Misako replied, "Obaa-san told you to do it alone." Turning back
to the textbook, she had been reading Misako added, "Besides, Small
Lady, you shoulda took your boots off."

"Who peed in your cereal this morning?" Chibi-Usa questioned. When
Misako turned and looked at her, one eyebrow raised she added, "You've
been grumpy all day."

"Do you know how much trouble I'm going to be in at school?!?" Misako
demanded, "That textbook is ruined. I'll probably have to buy them a new
one." Chibi-Usa heaved a sigh and, grabbing her pillow, covered her
head. "I was talking with Sailor Pluto when you were at the park."

"Nani?!?" Chibi-Usa questioned as she sat up, "Did Puu come here?"

"She used Luna-P. Small Lady, she said it was time to go home." Misako
turned away and pretended that she was reading her textbook. <I hated
telling you that, 'Sagi.> She didn't want this sister to leave; she
didn't want to lose the bond she had formed. Misako knew that she had to
let this little girl return to the future. There was a five year old
there longing for her onee.

There was a long moment of silence before Chibi-Usa called Luna-P over
to her. As the sphere floated in front of her, she commanded, "Can you
play back Puu's last message?" In response, Luna-P did so. Quickly
glancing over to Misako, Chibi-Usa asked, "Ne Onee-chan, why didn't you
tell me this before? I could have gotten out of being punished."

For an instant, the desire to keep her sister in the past was
overwhelmed by anger. Whirling around, Misako said sternly, "Because,
the assignment I've been working on since Friday night was in that
binder and now it's gone. You deserve anything you get." Slamming her
textbook shut, Misako stalked out of the room and down the stairs. Once
out of sight of her sister, she sniffled a little bit as her shoulders
slumped. <I didn't tell you because I don't want you to leave, 'Sagi!>
Sniffling a little more and wiping her eyes, Misako replaced her mask of
neutrality and continued to walk away from her sister. In her mind,
Misako was picturing her sister's departure, and dreading every second
that brought her closer to that moment.

Later that evening, Misako was lying on her stomach on her futon. <I
wonder if Artemis freaked out when Diana told him she was leaving?>
Likely he would. The time between supper and when Misako decided she was
heading to bed had been a blur. Ikuko had not been pleased at such short
notice given by their father but quickly got over it. <Where is 'Sagi?>
The last time she had seen her sister, Chibi-Usa had been spending time
with their mother. Sighing slightly, Misako rolled to her back and
pulled the covers up around her chin. <I guess I could have been nicer
to 'Sagi.>

She was just starting to drift off to sleep when someone padded into the
room. Keeping her eyes closed, Misako sleepily listened. "Onee-chan,"
Chibi-Usa called softly. Slowly Misako opened her eyes and looked up at
her sister. "You still mad at me?"

"Go to bed, Chibi-Usa," Misako directed while rolling over to her side.
<I don't want you to leave.> That was being selfish, though, and that's
what had caused all the trouble in the first place. Hearing her sister
walking towards the dresser, Misako glanced over her shoulder while
thinking, <What's she doing?> "You're gonna be grumpy in the morning."

Chibi-Usa gave no reply. After another moment or so, Chibi-Usa walked
back to their futons and sat down. "Misako, I have something for you."
It was the sad tone that caused Misako to roll over and sit up. She
noticed a small wooden box that was covered with bunny rabbits. "I'm
really sorry about your textbook," Chibi-Usa said softly, bowing her
head, "Gomen nasai."

Misako had to resist the urge to hug her sister, to tell her everything.
She flicked her gaze away from the little girl's sad eyes and replied,
"That's okay, 'Sagi-chan. I know you didn't mean to do it on purpose.
Maybe they won't make me pay for it."

Sniffling a little, Chibi-Usa opened the box and reached inside. After a
moment, she drew out several yen bills and handed them to Misako. "Here,
Onee-chan, maybe this'll help."

Misako blinked and then slowly shook her head, "Oh 'Sagi-chan... I-I
can't take your money. I know I was making a big deal about it but...
Please keep your money." Her refusal seemed to depress Chibi-Usa even
more. "Maybe I was wrong." <I know I was wrong...>

"Please?" Chibi-Usa questioned while holding out the money, "I'd feel
better." Misako slid over and hugged her sister. "I don't want to go
away with you mad at me."

Misako sighed deeply as she rested her head against Chibi-Usa. "'Sagi,"
she whispered out, "I am angry and trying to pay for my book is a nice
thing to do but I can't take your money. You saved that, and that's
pretty good for you." Misako blinked, trying to clear the mist that had
built up. Chibi-Usa sniffled again and looked towards the ground,
shoulders slumped in defeat. "Now put that money away and come to bed,
we have to leave early tomorrow." As her sister moved towards her
dresser, Misako straightened the covers of her futon and lay back down
on her side. As the room was plunged into darkness, a tear trickled down
Misako's cheek.

                                 ******

The following Sunday was beautiful. The early morning sunshine glistened
off of the morning dew. Misako, Chibi-Usa, Usagi, and Mamoru walked
through the deserted park towards the same clearing that Chibi-Usa had
used once before. As the small family moved, Misako struggled with her
emotions. As they walked, Chibi-Usa looked sadly over to where Misako
was walking beside their father.

"Onee-chan..." Chibi-Usa began.

"I'm your imouto, remember that," Misako snapped before turning to look
off to the side. <I'll always be.> Chibi-Usa sniffled a little then let
Usagi's hand go. Shifting around, she confronted Misako and was
surprised to find unshed tears in her the older girl's eyes.

"What's the matter, Miko-chan?" Chibi-Usa questioned. <Is she still mad
at me?>

"Nothing, let's just get this over with," Misako said angrily. Wrenching
her hand out of her father's, she stalked down the path and vanished
around the corner.

Giving her parents a quick look, Chibi-Usa ran after her sister. As she
came around the same corner, she saw Misako standing in the middle of
the path, shoulders shaking. It quickly became obvious that her sister
was crying. "Miko-chan?" Chibi-Usa questioned softly. She could feel the
lump forming in her throat. "Please don't be mad at me."

"I'M NOT!" Misako choked out angrily. She turned to face away from her
sister and angrily swiped at the tears that were staining her cheeks.
"Just... go!"

"Misako, why are you mad?" Chibi-Usa questioned with worry, "I had to do
something wrong."

"You didn't," Misako replied between sobs, "I-I mad 'cause... 'cause...
I want you to stay." She turned to regard Chibi-Usa with puffy red eyes.
"I-I'm scared... I know you hafta leave but I don't want you to!"

"Oh Miko-chan, you know I'm going to see you in the future," Chibi-Usa
tried to reassure softly while walking close and hugging her sister,
"And you're comin' home sometime." She pressed her face close to Misako
as her own tears streaked her cheeks. "I don't know why you're scared."

<Because of what I did.> Misako knew though that she could never explain
that to Chibi-Usa. "Gomen nasai, 'Sagi-chan." She simply wanted to hold
this little girl close to her heart. Feeling the warmth and love this
sister provided, this love Misako knew she would never have, could
rightly never demand of Princess Usagi in the future. "I'll miss you."

"Please don't be scared, Misako. I promise I'll be there. I promise I'll
be the bestest onee for you," Chibi-Usa promised between her own tears.
"I love you." Misako's response was a little sob but somehow, Chibi-Usa
knew that Misako loved her. They stayed like that for the longest time
before four arms encircled them. Looking around, they noticed that their
parents were looking at them; the little family shared a quiet moment,
trying to reassure each other.

As they separated, Misako flushed slightly and looked towards the
ground. "Gomen," she mumbled out.

"Onee-chan?" Chibi-Usa asked softly. When Misako raised her head, she
said, "I have something for you."

"Nani?" Misako and her parents questioned.

"Luna-P!" Chibi-Usa called out; it came at its mistress call. "Luna-P,"
she ordered once it was in front of her, "Transfer all Command Authority
over to Princess Tsukino Misako." She grinned as the rest of her family
looked shocked. After a moment, Luna-P seemed to nod before moving to
float beside Misako. Misako opened her mouth to protest but stopped when
Chibi-Usa shook her head. "You'll need it more than I will."

Misako turned back to look at Luna-P for a long moment before smiling.
Turning to face her sister, she bowed while saying, "Domo Arigato,
Onee-chan."

"Let's go. The others will be waiting," Chibi-Usa said as she took
Misako's hand. "I hope Diana shows up. She wasn't at home when we left."

"I think Luna and Artemis are saying good-bye to her in private. The
last time was a real shock," Usagi explained. Mamoru looked towards her
girlfriend but she seemed to be handling the situation well. He wondered
how long that would last. As it turned out, not very long.

Upon entering the clearing, Chibi-Usa saw Diana, Artemis, and Luna
entering from the opposite end. Unlike the last gathering, all the other
Sailor Senshi were present to see them off. Unobtrusively, Misako
shifted around to stand beside Mamoru.

After having said good-bye to the other Senshi and giving Hotaru a hug
that nearly threatened to crush the girl, it was down to only two
people. Slowly Chibi-Usa turned to look at their parents and then over
towards Misako for a moment. Slowly she walked to her father who knelt.

"Good-bye, Mesume," Mamoru said softly as he drew his daughter into a
hug. "You be good."

"Hai, I will," Chibi-Usa answered before sniffling a little. She hugged
her father tightly and added, "I love you, Daddy." The hug that followed
was crushing. For a moment, Chibi-Usa thought she'd pass out but the
pressure lessened. She was surprised to see a tear trickle down Mamoru's
cheek. Leaning forward, she kissed it away before turning towards her
mother.

"Onee-san..." Her bottom lip trembled and she glanced over towards
Misako who was looking at her intently. "Mommy," she breathed out and
reached up with her arms. Usagi bent and lifted her into a hug. Tears
swiftly overflowed her eyes.

"Oh Mesume," Usagi breathed out, "I love you so much." She blinked,
trying to clear her eyes of the tears she felt but to no avail. "You
have a safe trip home."

"I will, Mommy," Chibi-Usa replied softly. Hugging her mother, she
pulled back and said softly, "I'm sorry for all the trouble I caused,
Okaa-san." Usagi gave her a gentle kiss before setting her down.

"I'll miss you," Usagi remarked as she stepped close to Mamoru. It was
an effort and sent a clear signal to Chibi-Usa.

Stepping back, she picked Diana up and placing the kitten on top of her
head, closed her eyes. Raising the Time Key, she set her thoughts on
Crystal Tokyo. Opening her eyes, she looked at Misako who smiled.
"Good-bye, Imouto."

After activating the Time Key, Chibi-Usa started to rise towards the
portal. Just then, she heard Misako shouting, "Onee-chan, just remember
he's mine!" Before Chibi-Usa could question this cryptic message, she
vanished into the timestream.

                                 ******

After Chibi-Usa's departure, the Outer Senshi quickly left while the
Inners and Mamoru walked to the Hikawa Shrine. Much to Misako's
distress, most of the conversation was about her cryptic message to
Chibi-Usa. What was even more distressing was Mamoru -- he was doing
most of the questioning and becoming even more annoyed at Misako's lack
of response. Thankfully the questioning stopped as they arrived at the
shrine. For the next few minutes, the girls focussed on getting
breakfast for everyone.

A few minutes later, Misako sat in acute embarrassment, while trying to
avoid questions by constantly having food in her mouth, as Usagi and
Minako interrogated her. <Why did I even yell that `he was mine'?!?>
Misako wondered, <'Sagi doesn't even know Senji yet.> There was
something else that was bothering her even more. <I thought I just
wanted Senji as a friend.> There was, however, something that seemed
very appealing about having him as a boyfriend.

"Oh, leave the poor girl alone," Makoto admonished Usagi and Minako
eventually. "You're pestering her about this boy is going to give her an
ulcer. If it hasn't become obvious to you two, she can't talk about it
because it's in the future."

Usagi and Minako looked at each other and then towards Misako, who was
trying to stifle her giggles. Mamoru leaned forward and turned to his
head to look at her. "Answer me this one question, please Mesume."

"I'll try, Daddy," Misako replied nervously.

"Have I met this boy?"

"Hai," Misako replied, "You and Mom both have." Mamoru grunted slightly,
sat back, looking contented.

"Well, I should go," Mamoru said shortly, "I have things to do."

"Can I come with you?" Misako questioned. At her father's nod, she
scrambled up and said, "Thanks for breakfast; it was good." With that,
she dashed from the room to get her shoes.

"You stay here," Mamoru instructed gently before bending down and
kissing Usagi. She pouted slightly but nodded. Grinning to himself,
Mamoru soothed her slightly, "Don't worry, Usako, you'll probably have a
chance to dig out more information about this boyfriend." <And probably
have no more luck than you had with Chibi-Usa's.>

"You know, Minna, Misako could be talking about a teddy bear," Makoto
pointed out.

"How's that?" Minako questioned with a confused look on her face.

"Well, what if it was a teddy bear or a stuffed bunny that Misako
thought was hers and Chibi-Usa would think was hers. She could be
staking her claim on it."

"But that's no fun, Mako-chan," Usagi pouted out, "I was kinda hoping it
was a boy."

"Well both are kinda cuddly," Minako pointed out and giggled. At this
point, Mamoru decided to retreat from the room before he had to endure
any furry stories.

                                 ******

As Misako and her father walked from the Hikawa Shrine grounds hand in
hand, she smiled at him. "Arigato," she stated softly, "I couldn't talk
about him and I think Mom would want to know lotsa stuff."

"I did too," Mamoru countered.

"Yeah, but you were worried about me," Misako said with a grin. She
giggled as Mamoru gave her a quick hug and chuckled. "Mommy just wants
to know about that type of stuff. She's like 'Sagi." A pang of guilt
washed over her and the smile slipped from her face.

Mamoru saw the smile disappear so he stopped and crouched to look his
daughter directly in the eye. "You miss Chibi-Usa, ne?" Misako sniffled
a little and nodded. "You know that you'll be going back home sometime."

"I know, Daddy," Misako mused softly, "Just I was really mean to her
when I first came." As Mamoru hugged her, she wrapped her arms around
his neck, trying to draw comfort from him. "She was gonna pay for my
textbook." At Mamoru's quizzical look, she explained the events of the
previous day. By the end, Mamoru was softly chuckling and shaking his
head. "It ain't funny."

"I know, Mesume," Mamoru replied, "but you have to think that Usagi
would do something similar. They are very much alike." He sensed her
withdrawing slightly and he stood up while lifting her up. "You know,
you're a lot like me."

"Really?" Misako asked.

"Hai, I mean you wear glasses and I do too." Touching his forehead to
hers, he added, "And might I say you look very kawaii in them." Misako
blushed slightly and snuggled a little closer. "You're also like your
mother." As they started walking again, Mamoru said, "Ne, can you keep a
secret?"

"I promise," Misako replied earnestly.

"I think you had a very positive influence on Chibi-Usa's behavior."
Misako gave him a confused look so he explained, "Well, she never called
me `Daddy' before. Once things got settled between you two, she started
calling me that when it was safe. She also showed a little more respect
for when your mother and I wanted to be alone." Misako snorted at that
which caused Mamoru to grin. "I know but she accepted us being together
more than what she normally would have."

"Are you gonna miss my birthday?" Misako asked after a few minutes of
silence.

"I leave the day after, Miko-chan," Mamoru answered softly, "But I
wouldn't miss your birthday for anything." <You're too important to me.>

"I guess I'm a little big to be carried." It was certainly a reluctant
admission.

"I don't mind," Mamoru replied, "If you don't." It was a tempting offer
but Misako wiggled from her father's arms; after slipping to the ground,
she took his hand and they continued walking down the sidewalk together.

                                 ******

The mid-August heat was only increasing Misako's irritation. "Iie," she
huffed with great exasperation, "I told you before, Mom, Kyoku and some
other girls are going to have a slumber party this weekend."

"Come on, Miko-chan," Usagi begged, "The girls and I are heading off to
these hot springs that Rei knows about. They've even a got giant pool
that you can swim in. We can all go swimming together and..."

"I'm not going swimming with you," Misako answered tersely, "You'll just
make me wear that pink bathing suit." <I look terrible in pink!> She
wrinkled her nose at the thought of it. "I'm almost eleven, not some
little kid." Turning, she stalked from her mother's room and headed for
her own. Much to her disgust, Usagi followed her.

"Well I'm telling you to come with us, Misako," Usagi replied, "We can
get some training in too. You missed the last Senshi practice."

"Because I had a gymnastics competition," Misako argued with frustration
as she walked over to the bed that sat under the window. "Ikuko-mama
said I could go."

"But I'M your mother."

"Don't remind me," Misako muttered out, "Ikuko-mama said I could go so
I'm going with Kyoku. You can go with your friends; let me go with
mine!"

"Don't you think the other girls are your friends?!" Usagi demanded
hotly.

"They are YOUR friends first, Mom," Misako countered, "I don't want to
be the baby of the group." She flopped back onto her bed; it had been
moved back into the room after her sister's departure. She stared up at
the ceiling while saying, "Ask Dad if he wants to go."

"Misako, you're coming with us," Usagi commanded, "You didn't clear this
trip with Kyoku with me in advance. You got two choices, either come
with me or stay home." Misako bolted upright and glared at Usagi who
returned her glare. "That's your choices. I'm your mother, not my mom."
A vein on her forehead started to throb as Misako crossed her arms and
looked defiantly at her.

"You are my cousin as far as Sobo is concerned," Misako pointed out
evenly.

"Misako, you wanted me as mother so I expect you to treat me like one."
She met the young girl's gaze steadily and demanded, "Make your choice."

"I'm going with Kyoku," Misako stated stubbornly.

Usagi nodded and replied, "All right then, you're grounded for two
weeks." Misako made a squeaking noise in protest, her mouth opening and
shutting in shock. "If you don't want to listen to me, then you can just
stay here." Turning on her heel, Usagi left the room pulling the door
closed behind her.

"Baka Odango Atama!" Misako muttered out and flopped back onto the bed.
<You just wait until Sobo gets home. She'll fix you good.> Rolling over
to her side, Misako frowned as she thought about her mother. <Mom's
really changed since 'Sagi left.> At first, things had been great;
slowly though, Misako started to find that her mother wanted to spend a
lot of time with her. Not that she didn't appreciate it but hanging
around Kyoku or Mika and having Usagi show up unexpectantly had become
quite embarrassing. <I think Mom's trying to make me be like 'Sagi.>
Even doing homework with her mother was becoming a chore. One day, Usagi
had insisted on Misako redoing her homework so that they could both do
their homework together.

<I can't be the only one that thinks Mom's actin' weird.> Even Ikuko had
spoken to her daughter about her recent change in behavior. Misako tried
to suffer through her mother's excellent care quietly. The final
breaking point was when Usagi had showed up after school dressed in a
giant bunny costume. Misako had wanted to crawl under a rock and die.
Instead, she was forced into a smaller bunny suit and led through the
streets to meet up with Minako; apparently Usagi had volunteered both of
them to help Minako put on a children's play she was doing for Mie's
class.

<I never teased 'Sagi about her having to wear that bunny suit,> Misako
thought as the memory of that night five years ago came back to her.
<Kyoku was pretty good about it but...> Some of her classmates had
started calling her "Usagi".

                                 ******

Luna walked into Misako's room after supper on Sunday night and found
the little girl writing in her journal. "May I come in?" she questioned.
Misako looked up before sliding from the bed. Walking over, she scooped
Luna up and closed the door. Walking back over to the bed, Misako sat
down and closed her journal. "Are you okay, Misako?"

"I'm fine, Luna," Misako said stiffly. Sighing, she swung her feet up to
the bed and shifted onto her stomach. "I had a terrible weekend." She
propped up her head with her before adding, "I would have enjoyed it but
with Mom..."

"You know, Misako, Usagi has tried to apologize," Luna pointed out.

Misako sighed heavily before saying, "Mom is mad at me. She thinks I
shouldn't've gone to Obaa-san. I don't know if she's really sorry, or
just saying she's sorry so I won't be mad at her."

"You don't think Usagi would apologize sincerely, ne?"

"I've seen Mom apologize for doing something baka and then turn around
and complain that she never got away with it." Luna frowned at that. "If
Sobo gets mad at Mom, she'll apologize and then sulk 'cause she got
caught."

"And you don't?"

"Well... I might sulk," Misako replied after a short pause, "But I won't
apologize unless I really mean it."

"Sounds like something Usagi would say." Misako frowned at this so Luna
added, "You know, Misako, if you two just talked to each other about
this, it would be okay. I think both of you know what happened."

Misako pushed herself up into a sitting position and looked out the
window for a moment before blurting out, "I have to leave soon, Luna."

"Nani?!?" Luna questioned.

"I have to leave the Tsukino home soon. I suppose I'd better do it
before Dad leaves for the States."

"Why would you need to leave?" Luna questioned seriously.

"Sailor Pluto told me I had to," Misako replied. Turning to look at
Luna, she elaborated, "I don't mean go home. I mean I have to leave the
Tsukino home..." Trailing off, she looked at the Lunar Cat and added, "I
shouldn't even be talking about this. If Sailor Pluto says I have to
go... I have to go."

"Well Misako, where are you going to go then?"

"I'm not really sure, Luna. I know Makoto offered but the other girls
might be offended that I didn't ask them." Scratching her nose, she
hummed slightly before saying, "I think Makoto's is the best. We don't
really have to use Luna-P that much."

"So what are going to do?" Luna asked, "Are you going to talk to Usagi
first?"

"Hai. Mom should know first. I guess for the others, I just go to each
one and tell them my situation; I'll make a decision from that."

At that moment, there was a knock at the door. "Misako... can we talk?"
came the voice of Usagi.

"Hai, come in," Misako called out. <Well, I guess I should tell her
now.> As Usagi entered the room, Misako began, "Mom, I got somethin' to
tell you, and you're not going to like it."

                                 ******

     Date August 20, 1997

     Dear Journal,

     It's almost eleven. I should really be asleep but I keep
     thinking about my problem. I lay in bed and think, it's been
     about a week since I told Mommy that I had to move out. I
     don't think she believes me. Even Daddy talked to her but
     she's actin' pretty weird.

     I guess she doesn't want me to go. I think maybe I see why
     'Sagi kept thinking of Mommy as a different person. Usagi's
     very different from... Okaa-sama. When I go back, I'll have to
     stop calling her 'Her'. I'm still angry... Maybe she couldn't
     help herself but I just can't think of her as Mommy... at
     least not yet.

     Anyway, I think I know who I want to go with... It was pretty
     easy and maybe, I should have stayed with her since I got here.

Misako paused at her last entry. Shaking her head, she flipped her
pencil around and erased it. She was about to start writing again when
the door opened. Freezing, she waited. Carefully she closed her journal
and held her breath. There was silence and then the covers were drawn
back.

"What are you doing up this late, Misako?" Usagi asked.

"Nothin' Mom," Misako replied while turning over to look up at her
mother. When Usagi gave her a dubious look, she added, "I was just
thinking about which one I'm gonna go live with."

Usagi's face darkened slightly as she said, "I don't see why you have to
move out." Misako opened her mouth to respond but Usagi never gave her a
chance. "We'll talk about this in the morning. My parents will be gone
until Sunday and Shingo will be over at a friend's. Then we can discuss
this. Now, go to sleep." Reaching down, Usagi flicked the flashlight off
and set it on the windowsill. Turning, she walked from the room, closing
the door behind her.

Misako waited until she was sure Usagi had entered her own room before
retrieving the flashlight and pulling the covers over her head before
flicking the light on. Flipping back to the page she had been writing
on, Misako began again:

     I think I'll have to leave by tomorrow. Mom just came back
     from a date with Daddy and she seemed pretty happy until I
     said I was thinking about having to leave. If I stay around
     any longer, I think that it'll be harder to get Mom to agree.

     Like I said before, I think Makoto is the best choice. I like
     Ami and she would be good to help with my homework but...
     that's pretty much it. Mercury-sensei isn't even THAT
     obsessive about school like Ami is.

     Mom wanted me to go with Rei.

Even the thought caused Misako to shudder slightly.

     That would be tough. Rei's nice but it would be the hardest
     place to stay. Luna-P would really have to make up something
     and who knows if Hino-ojiisan is immune to Luna-P. 'Sides, I
     think Rei knows I caused trouble in the future. I don't know
     for sure but she seems not to really like me.

     Minako was all for the idea. I would go with her. I mean I
     would have stayed with her before when I was with Kimeko. I
     know though that I'd regret it. Minako's nice but... I think
     she wants a little girl to look after -- and there's no way
     I'll be a little kid again. No way is Mom getting me into
     another bunny suit! I bet she skipped out on her mom. Mom says
     Minako's just perky, I agree with Rei -- Minako's the
     poster-girl for being perky.

     Makoto's good because there's not a lot of Luna-Ping. And...
     she can cook!

A slow grin spread across Misako's face as she licked her lips
expectantly.

     Makoto's lonely too. She doesn't have anybody and if I can
     make her a little happier, then that's even better. I know
     Makoto gets along with Okaa-sama in the future. I guess I'm
     being a little selfish too... If this works, then Makoto can
     help me prove that I can be a good onee. I know Sakuya might
     not want me to be one but unless she tells me, I won't give
     up.

Her mind started wandering down the possibilities. So absorbed in
thinking about how much fun she and Atsuko could have that Misako didn't
hear the person entering the room or approaching the bed. When the
covers were ripped away, Misako gave a cry of surprise and twisted to
see Usagi towering over her.

"I thought I told you to go to sleep."

"I just wanted to finish my journal," Misako countered hotly.

"Well Misako, you're finished for tonight," Usagi replied. She glanced
down at the page and her scowl deepened. "I said we'll discuss you
moving out tomorrow." Reaching down, she grabbed up the journal and shut
it with a bang before retrieving the flashlight. "Bed, now." Turning
briskly, she stalked from the room and closed the door again.

"But..." Misako began then trailed off. <Oh Mommy... I can't let her
read that!> Scrambling up, she ran after her mother. <Kami-sama, please
don't let her read that!>

                                 ******

Shortly after lunch the next day found Misako on her knees on her bed,
staring out the window. Sighing in disgust, she flopped down onto the
bed while moving her feet to rest upon the windowsill. She shut her eyes
to close out the bright blue sky, a reminder of how nice it was outside.
Through the open window came a gentle breeze that carried the song of
birds and occasionally, voices of children as they played.

Opening her eyes, Misako lifted her teddy bear up and looked deeply into
the soft face. "Grounded," Misako spat out the word, "What was I
supposed to do, though? Let Mom read my journal?!?" Sighing again, she
closed her eyes. <I trust Mom but... I couldn't take the chance that she
would do anything. She's already seen it last night.> And the mood her
mother was in, anything was possible.

Misako heard the gentle tapping at the door but didn't respond. She
waited and heard it open again. There was a long silence before she
heard Usagi say, "My parents are gone."

"I'm confined to my room, remember?" Misako questioned.

"Hai," Usagi said softly. There was a long pause before she added,
"Gomen Misako. I didn't want to get you into trouble; I just don't think
you need to leave."

Bolting upright, Misako angrily turned to face her mother. "Do you think
I want to leave?!" she demanded.

"Misako, I've told you over and over that you don't have to go. I've
told you that you could stay here as long as you want." Usagi stepped
closer. "Mesume, I'm your mother. I should be able to look after you."
Giving her daughter a sad look, she added, "You even said you wanted me
as a mommy."

"I've told you, I HAVE to leave. Sailor Pluto told me I had to!" Getting
up, she walked to her mother and added, "I love you, Mom, you know that,
but when Sailor Pluto tells me to go, I have to go."

"Why?!?" Usagi asked pleadingly, "Why take what we have away?"

"You knew I would have to leave sometime. You'll still see me, but I
have to move out," Misako countered, "As to why... you know I can't tell
you." <You're important to Chibi-Chibi... to the timeline.> Shaking her
head, she paced towards the window before turning back again. "I'd feel
better if you would help me. I don't have a choice though. I have to
go."

Usagi slowly walked do the bed and sat down. She blinked as she
sniffled. "I try, Misako... I know I've done something terrible in the
future and I want to make up for that." Sadly, she turned to look
towards her daughter and asked, "How am I going to make up for that?"

"You're not," Misako replied softly, "You'll do what you have to keep
the timeline stable. You didn't have a hard time putting 'Sagi through
what she had to go through; I think with me, it'll be easier."

"How can you say that, Misako?" A tear rolled down Usagi's cheek, her
eyes filled with hurt and shining with unshed tears. "How can you say
that I would have an easier time hurting you?!?" When Misako didn't
answer she growled in frustration. "Tell me!"

"I can't," Misako replied, "Maybe I shouldn't have said it." Reaching
out, she touched her mother's cheek while saying, "I love you. I know
you love me but I have to go, Mom."

"Go where?"

"I asked all the Inner Senshi and Makoto's the best."

"Makoto doesn't have a lot of money. I mean, you certainly won't get the
allowance you're getting now."

Misako turned and walked over to the dresser. Opening one of the
drawers, she pulled out a small wooden box and held it up. "'Sagi left
me this money." <I told her I didn't want it.> "In the note I found, she
said it was my birthday present. I'm gonna give this to Makoto to help
out. I got Luna-P too if it's an emergency."

"My parents won't be back until tomorrow," Usagi countered. <Maybe I can
still keep her here.>

"I'm grounded until tomorrow or I would've already been gone."

"You don't want to stay any longer?" It was all too much. Covering her
face, Usagi started to cry. Misako quickly set the box down and ran to
her mother.

Hugging Usagi, she said, "Don't cry, Mom, please don't cry." Snuggling
close, she tried to reassure the teen who lifted her into a hug, held
her tightly as if to keep her. "The longer I stay, the harder it will be
to let me leave. I do need to go." Usagi only cried harder. <Gomen
nasai.> Hugging her mother, she started to cry herself.

"I guess I can't stop you."

"Sailor Pluto told me," Misako replied, "I don't want to hurt you.
Please, help me?" Usagi was still for a long time, a gambit of emotions
racing across her face. Finally, she nodded. "Dome Arigato, Okaa-san."
Usagi didn't say anything. She just held her daughter close, trying hard
to understand why she had to leave.

                                 ******

Having Misako leave was doubly hard on Usagi. She felt as if she was
losing her daughter; what felt even worse though was Misako's lack of
sorrow. Certainly the young girl cried but that was more in sympathy to
Usagi crying. In one way, Misako appeared almost to be relieved that she
was moving in with Makoto. The next few days after Misako moved into
Makoto's, Usagi moped about the house and avoided contact with either
when it was possible. She was feeling both depressed and guilty. The
guilt was from her jealousy of Makoto.

Not more than a week after Misako's departure, Usagi suffered another
blow to her already sorrowed heart. Misako had stopped wearing odangos
and had started to wear a ponytail reminiscent of Sakuya's. It was
placed low on her head, rather than higher up like Makoto's. Despite
reassurances from both Makoto and Misako that it was simply in keeping
with their new roles, Usagi was shoved further into depression.

By the end of August, the Inner Senshi and Misako in particular were
worried about Usagi. Not only had she seemed depressed by Misako's
departure but also Mamoru's departure seemed to have a significant
affect. On the last day of August, the girls had gathered after school
at the Crown Fruit Parlor. While they waited for Usagi, they discussed
possible solutions in cheering her up.

                                 ******

September the sixth was warm, only a few streaks of white clouds marred
an otherwise brilliant blue sky. The Inner Senshi and Mamoru had
gathered at Makoto's apartment to celebrate Misako's eleventh birthday.
This particular party was a private one; Makoto was planning on having
some of Misako's friends over the following weekend. Usagi, although
happy for her daughter, was not as exuberant as usual. Mamoru was
leaving the following day for the United States to attend Harvard
University.

The party was well underway when Misako realized that someone else
wasn't as happy as they should have been. Carefully extracting herself
from the conversation that her parents, Ami, and Rei were having at the
dining room table, she walked over to sit beside Minako on the couch.

"Hi Minako-chan," she greeted, "Whatcha doin'?"

"Not much," Minako replied and tried to smile at the young girl. "So do
you like my present, Miko-chan?"

Misako grinned. "Hai, that sweater will be nice and warm for the winter
time." Her grin broadened as she added, "And you put a teddy bear on it.
That must have been hard."

"I had to figure out how to do it," Minako admitted, "But this gives me
good practice for Kimeko. At least I can do something right."

"Oh come on, Minako-chan, you do a lot of things right," Misako
reassured the teen, "Everybody has something they're good at. You can
knit, Ami is good at... well... school stuff. Makoto cooks really good."
Her stomach rumbled its anticipation of the upcoming meal. "And Mom is
good at listening to people."

"What about Rei?"

<Being sour,> Misako thought before responding, "Religion." She looked
intently at Minako and asked, "What's the matter? You were having fun a
little while ago."

"Gomen Miko-chan. I was just thinking really," Minako replied.

"Miko-chan, come and help me please," Makoto called.

"Okay Oba-san," Misako chirped brightly and grinned at Minako before
adding softly, "She hates when I call her that." Giggling, she slid from
the couch and walked towards the kitchen.

Minako watched Misako until the young girl was out of sight. <I wish you
could have been my imouto.> She understood the reasons why Misako had
chosen to stay with Makoto instead of her; it still hurt though. <I
still feel obligated in someway. I mean Kimeko looked after you. I want
to help.> Settling back further into the couch, Minako allowed her eyes
to close. <Get a grip on yourself,> Minako thought, <You sound like
you're jealous or something.> That's what Artemis had told her the day
before. <Good grief, don't tell me Artemis is right!> Maybe the world
was coming to an end sooner than what the Senshi realized.

She giggled then and shook her head. <Maybe I can get my parents to have
another kid.> Her giggles grew in intensity as she replayed Artemis'
many tirades on the subject of the Aino's having another child. <I
wonder if he really would move out?> Minako mused, <Well there's only
one way to find out.> Opening her eyes, she looked for Artemis and
announced, "Artemis, I forgot to tell you, Mom's pregnant."

                                 ******

"Are you sure you won't have anything, Miko-chan?" Minako asked Misako,
"Even if I pay for it?"

"Mina..." Misako began with slight exasperation, "I told you already.
I'm gettin' fat." The other girls around the table snorted at this and
Misako confirmed, "I am too!" Sitting back in her chair as far as she
could go, Misako shoved her arms into the air. This caused the T-shirt
she was wearing to ride up, exposing her belly button.

"I told you I thought I shrunk that, Miko-chan," Makoto countered.

"Oh yeah, what about the underwear then?" Misako demanded in a hush tone
of voice.

"I still think they were Chibi-Usa's and that's why you couldn't fit
into them," Makoto replied.

"'Sagi's a lot chubbier than I am..." Misako countered grumpily. She
gave a squeal of surprise as Makoto reached out and gently pinched her
nose. Automatically, her mouth came open. At that point, Makoto scooped
some of Minako's sundae, under protest from Minako, into Misako's mouth
and let her nose go. After a moment or so, Misako chewed and swallowed
before licking her lips.

"I think you're safe," Makoto commented while rumpling Misako's hair,
"After all, you're related to Usagi." There was a short pause. Misako
giggled before picking up her own clean spoon. Scooping some of Minako's
sundae up, she offered it to Makoto who obliged. "Arigato."

"You're welcome, Oba-san," Misako chirped brightly.

"Get your own sundae," Minako demanded while protectively hovering over
what remained of her dessert. Then, she asked, "Ne Miko-chan, what's the
full cover story anyway? I know bits and pieces about it but I kinda
gave up asking Usagi about it."

"Yeah, I think we'd all like to know," Rei added, "I mean this is
certainly different from what happened before, ne?"

Misako hummed slightly as she thought about her answer. <I think this
would be a good time to practice,> Misako mused, <I'll tell it like I'm
talking to somebody normal.> "Well after Mom died, Dad tried to take
care of me, but he travels a lot. I went to stay with a distant relative
but that didn't work out." Shifting as if she didn't want to talk about
that period of time, Misako continued, "So I came here and Oba-san said
she'd take care of me." For added effect, she gave Makoto a one armed
hug.

"Effective," Ami commented, "Logical and efficient."

"That's so sad," Minako said while dabbing at her eyes. Rei rolled her
eyes which caused Minako to defend herself, "It was sad. I listen to
that and I just want to give her a big ol' hug." Misako started to panic
at the way that Minako was acting but fortunately at that moment, Usagi
entered and walked towards them, hands behind her back.

<It has to be the ring! Dad always said he gave it to Mom when he left
for the States,> Misako thought as she watched her mother approach, <I
don't think there's anything that could cheer Mom up more...>

"Konnichiwa Minna!" Usagi said with reserved happiness while standing
far enough away to hide her hands, "Mamo-chan has left for the States.
He said he loves me though and that he'll be back in, at most, a year."

"Where is Mamoru attending school?" Ami questioned.

"Harvard University, whatever that is," Usagi replied, "Sounds boring to
me. Why can't it have a kawaii name?"

"Harvard is a very famous university. For Mamoru to be accepted is a
significant honor," Ami countered.

"Yeah whatever," Usagi huffed with a tinge of bitterness, "All I know is
that it took away my Mamo-chan."

"Usagi, are you just going to stand there or come and sit with us?" Rei
questioned.

"Hmmm... Hai!" Usagi mumbled and her sad smile was replaced with a grin
before she demanded, "Minna, look what Mamo-chan gave me." Misako
straightened up in anticipation. When Usagi brought her hands around to
the front, Misako nearly fell off her chair.

<I don't believe it!> Misako thought dazedly.

"Ne, aren't they so kawaii?!?" Usagi questioned energetically as she
walked the rest of the way to the table before sitting down. There in
her hands were two stuffed bunny rabbits. The one in Usagi's left hand
was wearing a pink T-shirt with blue lettering on it that read,
"Chibi-Usa". The bunny on the right had a blue T-shirt with yellow
lettering and it read, "Misako".

"I think all that sugar's finally gone to her brain," Rei grumbled out.
Usagi stuck her tongue out before cuddling her bunnies close to her.

"When did you get them?" Makoto asked while examining the rabbits. <I
don't think Misako was expecting this.> Her "niece" was looking shocked,
and also, a little annoyed.

<Why couldn't it be a teddy bear? 'Sagi's the one who likes rabbits!>
Misako wondered grumpily, <And where's that ring?!> That was the thing
she wanted to see. <I let Mom say good-bye to Dad alone so he could give
it to her.>

Usagi took on a sad look before saying, "I was telling Mamo-chan that
all my family was leaving me." She didn't see the guilty look that came
across Misako's features. Staring at the table, she added, "I just
wanted to cry. I was gonna be all alone, so he got me these."

"Are you okay, Usagi-chan?" Misako questioned seriously.

"Sure I am, Miko-chan," Usagi replied while smiling at her daughter,
"But I think Mamo-chan didn't think I was happy."

"Why?" Misako questioned.

"Because he gave me another present," Usagi replied, "He gave me this."
With that, she shoved out her left hand to show the diamond ring that
graced her figure. Shocked expressions spread across everyone's face.

<She should be making a big deal about this,> Misako mused as she
watched with delight as the diamond reflected the sunlight. <I thought
she'd show us this first.> Misako got a better look at it. <Kami-sama,
it looks brand new.> This didn't seem like the battered old ring her
mother still wore in the future.

"I'm gonna order everybody a sundae." Reaching into her pocket, she
pulled out a few 1000-yen bills. "Wanna come and help me order?" she
questioned the bunnies. Getting up, she walked towards the counter.

"Odango Atama's flipped," Rei muttered out, "I can't believe she doesn't
know what it is!"

Minako was about to say something when she glanced at her watch. Giving
a cry of distress, she leapt to her feet and cried out, "Oh no! I
totally forgot about Mie; she's going to be mad." In a whirlwind of
motion, she grabbed up her things and ran out.

"Come on, Miko-chan, we have to do some shopping. That party nearly
cleared us out of food."

"Hai Oba-san," Misako chirped, "But shouldn't we wait for Usagi to bring
us our sundaes?" Misako's stomach growled in agreement.

"I suppose that couldn't hurt," Makoto mused, "If... you aren't getting
too fat." Misako giggled at the teasing and hugged Makoto who returned
it. "Come here, you," Makoto teased playfully and lifted Misako onto her
lap, "Should I tell everyone what you told that woman this morning?"
Misako blushed and shook her head.

"Nani?" Usagi asked as she returned with the tray of sundaes, "Hey,
where'd Minako go?"

"This one woman thought Misako was about eight or nine and not eleven,"
Makoto explained, "She set her straight." As Misako blushed, Makoto
giggled. "Nothing rude but you should have seen the look on her face."

In a desperate attempt to change the subject, Misako inquired, "Ne,
Usagi-chan, how'd Mamoru-san give you that ring?"

"It was sorta dreamy," Usagi mumbled with her mouth full. Sighing a
little, she added, "He said this was a symbol of his love... I think
that kiss he gave me was a lot more of a symbol than this." Ami and
Makoto looked at each other and flushed slightly with embarrassment.

"You don't know what that is?!?" Rei demanded.

"Nani? What's that?" Usagi questioned as she scooped another spoonful of
her sundae into her mouth.

"Usagi! You're a girl, ne? And you still don't know what that is?" Rei
hissed in disbelief.

"A girl?" Usagi questioned in confusion. Misako watched in fascination.
Her parents had never mentioned any of this.

"Luna's a girl and she knows what it is," Rei countered.

"I'm a girl..." Luna began but at that point, Minako came racing back
into the Crown Fruit Parlor.

"Ne, the Three Lights are filming something at the park!"

<Oh boy...> Misako thought, <I think I could use a stomachache right
about now.>

                                 ******

The mall appeared to be overly crowded that early evening. Likely it was
due to the heavy bank of storm clouds gathering in the east. Misako and
Makoto were buying foodstuffs to replenish the cupboards from the
previous evening's party.

Trying not to sigh, Misako regarded Makoto, who was checking off items
as she placed them into the cart. "Oba-san?" Misako asked softly. When
Makoto turned to look at her inquiringly, she asked, "May I please go to
the book store?"

"Oh, that's right," Makoto said distractedly while blushing slightly.
Rooting around in her purse, she produced a small amount of yen and,
much to Misako's surprise, handed it to her. "Here's your allowance for
the week."

"But..." Misako began.

"Iie, go on and spend it," Makoto replied before turning back to the
list. Looking between Makoto and the money, Misako shrugged before
carefully putting the money back in her pocket. "Ne, don't be too long,
Miko-chan. We still have supper to cook," Makoto remarked without
looking up.

"Hai Oba-san," Misako replied while walking towards the mall exit.
<She must have something else on her mind. She already gave me my
allowance.> Well there was one thing for certain, she had no intention
of spending money she hadn't earned. She had to set an example for
Atsuko.

It took five minutes to walk to the book store and another ten to find
the book she had been wanting to purchase for some time. <Oh!> Misako
thought with annoyance as she stood in line near the cash register,
<Makoto's probably wonderin' where I got to.> By the time she paid for
her purchase and left the store, Misako was wondering what millennium it
was outside. She was just turning to go and find Makoto when something
strange happened.

She froze as the sensation washed over her. It was if a cool wetness had
spread through her body. As it passed, she began to look around, a
confused expression on her face. <What am I doing here?> She was in
front of a bookstore in a mall. <Was I gonna buy something?> She
couldn't remember. She had a bag in her hands but she didn't even know
how it or for that matter, how she got there. Glancing around, she
didn't see anyone she knew. As the seconds passed, worry started to grow
within her.

"Miko-chan!" She turned to regard the tall teen that was calling her.
"Did you get what you wanted?" The teen paused as she noticed the young
girl looking curiously at her.

<That sounds familiar... I know my name's Misako.> "Who are you?" she
asked. There was something about that face, but what?

"Misako?" A worried expression spread across the teen's face. "I'm
Makoto, your oba."

<My oba?> Misako only paused for a moment before running towards Makoto.
By the time she hugged Makoto's legs, she was crying openly. Hiding her
face, she continued to hug Makoto's legs, trying to seek warmth.

"Miko-chan?" Makoto questioned with great concern, "What's the matter?"
Placing the bags she had been carrying down, she lifted the young girl
up and held her close. "Come on, tell your oba what the matter is."

Hugging Makoto tightly, Misako continued to cry but managed to say, "I
don't know how I got here, Oba-san." Shivering slightly, she added, "I
didn't even know you." She felt almost alone. "I'm scared," she
whispered out.

"I'm right here," Makoto soothed gently, "It'll be okay." She held
Misako close and talked soothingly to the child until the crying
softened into sniffle and finally died away. "Do you trust me?" Makoto
questioned. <The last thing I need is for me to try and take her home
and frighten her even more.>

"I know you wouldn't hurt me, Oba-san," Misako replied. <I feel so safe
with you.> The feeling of being alone was seeping away, replaced with a
warmth and security she felt as she was held in her aunt's strong arms.

"Okay, let's get you home," Makoto remarked. Gathering up the bags in
one hand, she continued to hold Misako close. "You wanna help me?"
Misako nodded, "Okay Miko-chan, you hang on to a few of these then."
Giving Misako some of the lighter bags, Makoto started to quickly walk
towards the entrance, her mind a whirl of confusion and worry.

                                 ******

"Are you sure you don't remember any of it?" Makoto asked a short time
after they had arrived home. They were standing in Misako's bedroom,
waiting for the other Inner Senshi to arrive.

"I'm sorry, Oba-san," Misako replied while shaking her head, "I know
this is my stuff but..." trailing off, she sniffled and added, "I don't
even know where home is."

"That's okay, Miko-chan," Makoto comforted as she sat down on the bed.
Pulling the young girl onto her lap, she hugged her and asked, "Do you
know why you came to live with me?"

Resting her head on Makoto, Misako closed her eyes and thought about it.
"Hai, Dad travels for work a lot and Mom died. I was living with another
relative but that didn't work out." She raised her head and sadly added,
"You said you'd look after me." Blushing slightly, she bowed her head
and added, "You helped me out and I forgot about it. Gomen nasai,
Oba-san."

"Don't worry about that. We'll get to the bottom of this." The room
lapsed into silence for several seconds before Makoto asked, "What do
you remember about your dad?"

Misako paused for a long time before saying, "Daddy married my mommy,
your onee." Misako frowned slightly and stated, "I don't know who my
mommy is, though. I think she died when I was really little." Biting on
her lower lip for a moment, she asked, "What's our family name? I know
my name's Misako but I can't remember what my family name is."

"Well it's Kino but..." Makoto began but was interrupted by someone
pounding on the front door. "You stay here," Makoto instructed and
shifting Misako off her lap, got up and left the room. Misako could hear
her aunt talking to someone when the door opened. It was a shock then to
see another teen about the same age as her aunt rush into the room.

"Misako, sweetheart, are you okay?!" Misako looked at this strange girl
with surprised shock. "Misako, it's me, Usagi... Don't tell me you
forgot who I am!"

She saw Makoto come into the room so she asked, "Oba-san, do I know
her?"

<Oba-san? We're alone now.> "Misako, you know who I am," Usagi commented
before Makoto could answer, "This is serious! You know Makoto isn't
really your oba."

"But, Oba-san wouldn't lie to me," Misako replied meekly.

"Misako, quit fooling around!" Usagi shouted with frustration,
"Everybody knows I'm your mother! And Makoto certainly is not your oba,
so what's going on?!" Much to her surprise, Misako gripped her head and
started crying. She hopped from the bed and ran to Makoto who lifted her
up.

"Shhh..." Makoto soothed.

"It hurts, Oba-san," Misako whispered out. The initial dagger-like pain
was gone but she could still feel it. "She can't be my mommy... She just
can't be," Misako repeated over and over; soon though, she fell into
silence and avoided eye contact with Usagi. Her mother was dead and
besides, she would have to be much older than this girl.

"Miko-chan, I want my friend Ami to have a look at you, okay?" After the
young girl nodded, she walked to the bed and laid her down. "Usagi-chan,
why don't you go make us some tea." She looked back and caught Usagi's
eye.

"Hai," Usagi squeaked after a moment and slowly walked from the room.

"Konnichiwa Misako," Ami greeted as she came into the room, "I'm going
to transform now, okay?"

"Transform?" Misako questioned softly. She looked nervously towards
Makoto but her aunt was smiling softly down at her. Her eyes widened as
Ami transformed into Sailor Mercury. "You're a Sailor Senshi!"

"So are you and I'm Sailor Jupiter," Makoto replied.

"Why don't you try to transform," Sailor Mercury suggested.

"Hai," Misako replied. <I'm a Senshi?> When had she become a Senshi? She
wished she could remember. <I must be... Chibi-Jupiter.> Was that what
she was called? <I know there's a Chibi-Moon. I wonder if Chibi-Moon is
related to that Usagi person?> Sliding from the bed, she stood and
repeated the process that Ami had done. She was disappointed when
nothing happened.

"Use your broach," Mercury suggested.

Holding her broach, Misako said, "Ummm... JUPITER STAR POWER, MAKE UP!"
She looked down and then sadly up at Makoto. "I can't transform... I
can't become Chibi-Jupiter, Oba-san."

"Try saying `Earth Prism Power, Make Up'," Makoto suggested.

Cocking an eyebrow, Misako looked curiously at Makoto but complied,
"EARTH PRISM POWER, MAKE UP!" The explosion that followed blew Misako
off her feet, throwing her across the bed and slamming her into the
opposite wall. Both Makoto and Mercury watched stunned as Misako
crumpled in a heap unconscious onto the floor.

                                 ******

The living room was silent. Usagi stood gazing out the balcony door. The
setting sun, hung low in the western sky, a fiery ball of orange. Minako
sat beside Rei on the couch. Ami sat on the floor by the coffee table
where she had placed her minicomputer. Artemis and Luna were sitting on
the coffee table, examining the results of Ami's various scans. None
paid much attention as the bathroom door was opened and two voices could
be heard. After a moment or so, the door shut again and there were soft
footsteps.

When Makoto came into the living room, all heads except Usagi's turned
to look at her. Moving to a comfortable chair, Makoto ran a hand through
her hair and sighed slightly. "Well, as Ami said before, minor bruising.
She's still a little tender from what I can tell." <Lucky she wasn't
passed out too long.> Noticing that Usagi hadn't turned around, she
remarked, "Usagi, you know what Ami said."

"I do," Usagi replied coolly before turning around, "But that doesn't
mean I have to like it."

"Usagi-chan," Ami explained, "You know we needed a visual inspection. We
couldn't afford to take Misako to the hospital without Luna-P and she
seems to have forgotten how to use it." Rising, she walked over to her
friend and took her head, "To Misako, Makoto is family and you aren't. I
don't think you'd take too kindly to having a stranger poke you, ne?"

"I guess not," Usagi replied while lowering her head. <Oh poor
Misako...>

"It isn't that she doesn't trust you, Usagi-chan," Makoto reassured,
"It's a matter of comfort. As far as Misako is concerned, I'M her oba
and I'm to look after her until her father's return." Looking at the
others, she said, "Now that Misako's taking a nice long bath, we should
decide what to do."

"Nani?" Rei asked in confusion, "What do you mean? I don't think
anything's really changed. Misako was told to move out and she has."

"Something has happened to her," Ami stated while walking back over to
her minicomputer, "Any challenge to what Misako believes is reality
causes her pain. My recommendation is that we continue to play along
until we can gather more data." She looked towards the Lunar Cats and
asked, "Have you discovered why Misako can't transform? Or why her
transformation backfired?"

Luna looked towards Artemis and then back at Ami. "I'm afraid, minna, we
aren't at liberty to discuss the matter." The others looked shocked,
then Usagi's face started to twist into rage. "Please Usagi-chan,
understand, there are some things that I don't understand that Artemis
knows about."

"Well?!" Usagi demanded of Artemis.

"Minna," Artemis began while shifting under the intense look of both
Usagi and Minako, "What makes Misako a Sailor Senshi is missing. It's
gone. That's all I can tell you." Usagi started to sputter in fury but
Artemis cut in before she had a chance to vent her anger, "I gave my
word to Misako that I wouldn't discuss what we talked about. Gomen
nasai."

"She is Princess Tsukino Misako, my mesume!" Usagi raged, "You have an
obligation to help her."

"I have an obligation to keep secrets that the Princess has entrusted to
me. Her orders were quite specific. I only understand parts of it and
nothing is of value to help Misako anyway." He looked around the room
and said, "It is imperative that Misako try not to transform, under ANY
circumstances. To do so could be fatal. We're lucky she only has minor
injuries."

"As such, she will be encouraged to think she is Sailor Chibi-Jupiter,"
Ami added, "She has already formed that opinion and reinforcing that
idea will help keep her safe."

"Can she access her dimensional pocket?" Rei questioned.

"Hai," Luna replied, "I don't understand why though. We need not for the
moment. So as it stands the cover story that Misako gave this afternoon
at the fruit parlor is to be kept as truth." Further conversation was
cut short by a door opening and then another door closing. "Do you
understand?" Luna asked Usagi in a hushed tone of voice.

"Hai," Usagi said softly. With unshed tears shimmering in her eyes, she
turned to look back out into the darkening night. The room fell silent
again, each one lost in their own thoughts. And then came the soft
padding of feet. They turned to look at the hallway. Slowly, hesitantly,
Misako stepped out. She was wearing a blue nightgown; her blonde-white
hair hanging loose, having been let down for the night.

"Kobanwa..." Misako began softly while bowing,

Makoto rose and walked into the kitchen. In her absence, the girls
stared at Misako who shyly looked away. Makoto returned shortly carrying
a tray. "Ne, Miko-chan, come and have something to eat. You haven't had
your supper yet."

"'Kay Oba-san," Misako replied and walked over to the chair that Makoto
had been sitting in. "Would you sit with me?"

"Sure," Makoto replied with a smile and set the tray down on the coffee
table. Sitting down in the chair, she shifted so that Misako could crawl
up beside her. "Here we go, Miko-chan," Makoto said as she retrieved the
tray, "I bet you're hungry."

"Hai," Misako replied with exuberance as she started eating. Ami smiled
a little in relief as she watched Misako eat without hesitation.

"Are you sure you aren't related to the Tsukino's?" Usagi questioned, "I
mean, you eat like one." While Makoto and Ami gave her dark looks,
Misako lifted her head and looked at Usagi for a moment.

"Iie, I'm Kino Misako," Misako replied, "I don't think I'm related to
the Tsukino's." <Whoever they are.> "I bet anybody who tastes Oba-san's
cooking would eat like this." With that said, she turned her attention
back to her meal.

Usagi fixed Makoto with a dark glare while thinking, <Kino, NOT
Tsukino.> It took all of her willpower not to yell, not to tell Misako
that she had everything all wrong.

"How are you feeling, Miko-chan?" Makoto asked after the plate in front
of Misako had been cleared of food.

"Better... That was really good, Oba-san. Arigato," Misako replied.
Sucking on her lower lip for a moment, she asked, "Oba-san... what
happened?" She looked at each of the assembled group of her aunt's
friends and added, "Gomen, I'm not really sure who everybody is." She
wasn't afraid of them though. Well, Usagi scared her a little but Misako
still felt safe when she was around.

"Well Miko-chan, this is Hino Rei," Makoto indicated the priestess.

"Do you live at the... Hikawa Shrine?" She smiled when Rei nodded.

"That's Mizuno Ami, you've met her," Makoto continued, "And Aino Minako;
she and Artemis live together." Misako glanced between Minako and
Artemis before starting to giggle. "You talked with Artemis and Luna,"
Makoto added. <I wonder what she's laughing at?> "And that's Tsukino
Usagi..." <Maybe I can help Usagi a little bit.> "Usagi's your onee."

Usagi turned around and looked towards her daughter and Makoto and
sniffled a little. <Arigato Mako-chan.> Sliding from her position,
Misako walked over to the older girl and asked, "Why are you cryin'?"

"Oh sweetheart, I'm just upset that you got hurt," Usagi said sadly. She
sniffled again and glanced away. Feeling a tug on her skirt, she glanced
down and saw Misako reaching upwards. Bending slightly, she lifted the
little girl into a hug. <I'm gonna miss you so much!>

"Please don't cry," Misako pleaded, "I promise, Onee-san, I'll be okay."
She hugged the older girl. She could feel the warmth and security that
her onee offered, and she drunk it up. Gently wiping away some of
Usagi's tears, she added, "I love you." She was surprised to hear
herself speaking those words but, somehow within her heart, she knew
those special words were right and needed.

"Miko-chan, why don't you go check your homework. You have school
tomorrow," Makoto suggested.

"Hai Oba-san," Misako replied and giving Usagi another hug, wriggled
from the teen's grip before walking from the room. As the she left the
room, Usagi hugged herself and shivered. Her family was gone again.

                                 ******

Large snowflakes drifted down from the already dark sky. It muffled the
sounds of the outside world. Misako walked into her bedroom after her
bath and closed the door. She stood in front of the full-length mirror
on the back of the closet door and gave a little sigh. She shut her eyes
against the reflection in the mirror. <Grow!> she commanded her body,
<Please Kami-sama, just an inch.> After a moment though, she opened her
eyes and stared at herself. <I'm never gonna grow up,> she thought
despondently as she turned around and gazed over her shoulder.
<Everything's okay back here.> Turning again, she glowered at her front.
<What's the present Mako-chan said she got me?> Shaking her head then
disrobing, she retrieved a fresh set of underpants and put them on
before pulling an oversized T-shirt over her head.

Picking up the hairbrush that was on her dresser, Misako started to
carefully brush out her hair. <I wish I could have gone and helped
Mako-chan and Onee-chan fight the new enemy.> The fight the day before
had been particularly troubling to Misako. <I think Ami's right, the
enemy stole my powers to be a Senshi.> She had promised severe
retribution to those that prevented her from helping out her aunt and
onee.

<I didn't think Onee-chan had a real imouto.> There was something funny
about Chibi-Chibi. <Onee-chan seems really happy to have her around
though. She keeps wondering if Chibi-Chibi is related Chibi-Usa.>
Whoever Chibi-Usa really was. <Onee-chan acts funny anytime I ask her
who Chibi-Usa really is.>

After she finished brushing her hair, she flipped it back over her
shoulders and glanced down at the T-shirt before her. <What is it with
Onee-chan and bunnies?> Misako mused as she walked over to her bed and
sat down. <I mean I like this shirt but...> It was rather baggy, almost
stretching down to Misako's knees. It also had a bunny rabbit that made
Misako want to gag because of its sweetness; the shirt was, however, one
of the most comfortable and warmest things to sleep in. Hearing a knock
at the door, she said, "Come in."

Makoto opened the door and entered the room. "You feeling okay, Misako?"

"Hai."

"Then why aren't you getting ready for the dance?" Makoto questioned as
she moved over to sit on the bed beside the young girl.

"I can't go, Oba-san. I got lotsa homework to do," Misako replied as she
looked towards the floor.

"Miko-chan," Makoto gently admonished, "I don't mind if you don't want
to go to the dance, but I don't like you lying to me."

"Gomen," the young girl replied, "I kinda want to go." She looked
towards Makoto and added, "You bought me that dress for Christmas and I
was saving it for tonight."

"Well then?" Makoto questioned.

"Everybody thinks I'm a runt," Misako replied, "I'm one of the smallest
in my class." She looked at Makoto and said, "I'm a Kino. I should be
bigger. You're big, Mako-chan." Makoto only nodded encouragingly. "And
well... it hasn't happened yet."

"It?" Makoto questioned.

"Yeah, you know... IT," Misako said, "All that yucky stuff you told me
about." Comprehension dawned on Makoto's face. "Most of the girls in my
class wear bras now."

"Miko-chan, I think you're blowing things out of proportion," Makoto
countered. Giving her niece a hug, Makoto continued, "Nature has its own
time for everyone. You shouldn't try to rush these things."

"But... all the guys think I'm a little kid," Misako countered, "They
think I should be in a lower grade." A smile tugged at the corner of her
mouth and she tried to stifle it but failed. "I showed them though."

"Hai, Misako, you showed them, and then I showed you two weeks worth of
grounding," Makoto replied. Misako flushed guiltily at the reminder. "If
it was me that taught you to solve problems by fighting... your father
will never forgive me." <Neither will Usagi.>

"They thought I was weak, Mako-chan," Misako countered, "And they were
picking on poor Mie." <She's just a little kid.> She couldn't remember
becoming Mie's friend but it felt right and she wasn't about to let one
of her classmates pick on the little girl. "Mika and Kyoku said I was
right too." She had been startled by the realization that she was at the
same level of gymnastics as Kyoku. When her aunt had told her she did
gymnastics, Misako hadn't really believed it at first. She had simply
gravitated to Mika and had found a good friend in the older girl.
Although Mika was in junior high, she wasn't shy about talking to
Misako. Neither was her boyfriend Shingo who happened to be Usagi's
otouto.

"You pull a stunt like that again..."

"I promise I won't, Oba-san," Misako quickly said, "I promised I
wouldn't start any more fights, ne?"

Makoto gave her a sour look, which surprised her. "Let's get back to the
real issue. Why don't you want to go to this dance?" Misako only gave
her a sad look and used a sweeping motion to indicate her body. "Now you
listen to me, you're a very pretty young lady." She gently took Misako's
chin when the young girl would have looked away. "People make fun of you
because they're just mean or just as uncomfortable about what's
happening to them. If you're happy with the way you look, then that's
all that really counts. If others can't see how kawaii my niece is, then
that's their problem."

"You think I'm pretty?" Misako asked.

"You go to that dance and I bet you'll find a boy that thinks so too."
Giving Misako a wink, she added, "Now get that dressed or I'll take you
down dressed like that." Misako's mouth twitched and then she broke into
a fit of giggles.

Giving Makoto a hug, she giggled out, "Mako-chan, you're the best."

"So are you, Miko-chan, so are you," Makoto replied, "Now you stay here
and I'll get you the present I bought." Getting up, she walked from the
room and returned a short time later carrying a box. "I bet this will
make you go to the dance." Misako looked curiously at her aunt.

"Arigato," Misako said while taking the box. Tearing off the plain brown
paper that it was wrapped in, Misako gave a squeal of delight. "You got
it for me!" Started to bounce with delight, she hugged Makoto fiercely,
"How did you know?"

"Miko-chan," Makoto said while leaning close to the young girl, "Every
time we walk through a clothing store, you always go over and look at
these. Now it might not fit, so don't be disappointed."

<I'll wear it,> Misako thought, <No matter what!>

                                 ******

Heavy snow laden clouds blocked the weak winter sun that Friday in
February. Misako, bundled up against the cold, walked down the sidewalk.
She concentrated on putting one foot in front of the other one, trying
desperately to keep the lunch she had ate from jumping out of her
stomach.

Beside her trudged Makoto, looking both cold and worried. They had
walked in silence for some minutes. Each step they took closer to the
school caused the tension to increase. When they were almost a block
away from the elementary school, Misako suddenly stopped.

Turning, Makoto gave the young girl a worried look before saying, "Ne,
Miko-chan, we're almost there."

"I... I just... can't!" Misako stuttered out, "What if... What if I fail
the Juken?" Makoto unwisely snorted at that remote possibility. "It can
happen. A girl in my class, smarter than I am, failed." Her classmate
had gotten the test papers and simply frozen. "This helps get you into
the RIGHT junior high..." <The same one you went to with Onee-chan.>

"Miko-chan," Makoto reassured gently, "I'm sure you'll do very well."
Reaching out, she brushed some snow from Misako's hair and added, "You
studied hard and you had Ami help you practice. That's about as good as
you're gonna get." Taking the girl's hand, Makoto prodded, "Now come
on." And they went.

                                 ******

Later that evening, Misako replaced the phone and skipped over to the
couch. "Who was that?" Makoto questioned with a slight grin as Misako
snuggled up close. Pulling a blanket across both of them, she pushed the
play button for the VCR.

"That was Chiba-san," Misako replied, "He was congratulating me on the
good mark I got on the Juken for junior high school." She smiled as
Makoto wrapped an arm around her and hugged her. "Mako-chan, he sounded
almost like Dad."

"Oh Miko-chan, I'm sure your father would be very proud of you," Makoto
reassured her niece. <Usagi will be too.> "You did quite well on the
Juken, just like I said you would."

"Oba-san," Misako said seriously, "If I had failed the Juken, would you
have kicked me out?" Misako toppled to the side as Makoto bolt upright.

Jabbing the stop button, Makoto gave Misako a glare and demanded, "Now
where'd you get a baka idea like that?!?" Her irritation rose when
Misako only looked away. "Kino Misako, I asked you a question."

"Well, I think that's why Dad sent me away. 'Cause I wasn't good
enough." She felt homesick. Even with Makoto's love, she wanted her
father.

"Misako," Makoto started softly, "Your father cares about you very
much."

"Then why doesn't he call? Why doesn't he write?" Misako's bottom lip
trembled slightly. Sniffling slightly, she added, "He didn't even come
for my birthday. I wanna go home!"

"This IS your home," Makoto countered, "Until your father gets you, this
is your home." Gently drawing Misako onto her lap, Makoto cradled the
young girl in her arms. <Maybe I can work something out with the
Senshi... Maybe Mamoru could use the Disguise Pen.> Now there was an
idea. "You never know what tomorrow might bring." Giving Misako a kiss
on her forehead, she added, "I'd never throw you out, Miko-chan. I love
you and I'm very proud of you."

"Domo Arigato... Mako-chan," Misako replied as she hugged her aunt back.
<If you have children one day, you'll make a great mommy.>

                                 ******

     June 27, 1998

     Oba-san's gone. Galaxia took her away. That was yesterday.
     Onee-chan let me come and stay with her. I'm really worried
     about Oba-san. If Galaxia can make me not be a Senshi anymore,
     what will they do to my oba?

Misako looked up from her page to the outside. The sky was streaked with
the colors of the setting sun. Deep orange and reds, golds and royal
blues, deep purple and velvet black. Sliding under the covers of her
futon, Misako sniffled a little. Rolling over to her stomach, she
started to write again:

     Onee-chan's gone too, with Chibi-Chibi. She went to fight the
     enemy. Something's happening and I can't help them. I would
     just be getting in the way. I even tried to phone Daddy. He
     has to know I'm a Sailor Senshi but I still can't remember his
     number.

Misako swallowed hard and sniffled again. Flipping the page, she tried
to clear the unshed tears that were in her eyes.

     I don't know what to do. If Onee-chan can't find my oba, what
     am I going to do? Tsukino-san is nice; even Shingo's nice but
     I can't stay here forever. I gotta go home sometime. Daddy,
     why did I have to come here? I miss you. I miss my sister. I
     didn't remember her until Onee-chan told me. I want my real
     onee!

She couldn't go on. Gently closing her journal, Misako shifted over to
her back and pulled the covers up around her. <Please come back. I want
all the Senshi to come back.> Even the Outers had been taken by this
Sailor Galaxia. <I don't like being alone.> She didn't want to go to
school either but she had to. <I'll wait for you, Oba, I promise.>
Slowly her eyes closed and she slipped into slumber.

                                 ******

"Miko-chan," Usagi called softly, "Come on, Misako, wake up." The young
girl's eyes fluttered open and she squinted into the darkness. As a
light flared into life, she blinked again. She stared up at Usagi for a
moment before scowling. "You okay, sweetheart?" Usagi asked in a
concerned tone of voice.

"MOMMY!" Misako cried happily and bolting upwards, she wrapped her arms
around Usagi's neck. "You never came back," Misako mumbled out as she
started to softly cry. "I was so scared... and... and... you said
Galaxia took everybody."

Usagi wrapped her arms around Misako and held the young girl tightly.
"Everything's going to be okay, Imouto. All the enemy is gone now."
<And so is Chibi-Chibi...> As her own tears started to run down her
cheeks, Usagi pushed her daughter back and looked deeply into her
crystal blue eyes. "You called me `Mommy'."

Misako looked curiously at Usagi for a moment and then understood. <I
forgot about everything. I forgot about Usagi 'n' 'Sagi and everything!>
She felt a pang of guilt lance through her heart. "Gomen nasai, Mommy,"
Misako apologized shakily. Moving closer to her mother, she held Usagi
as tightly as she could. "I forgot, I don't know why but I forgot about
you." Then a slow fear gripped her heart. "Where's Makoto? Where is
she?"

"I'm right here, Miko-chan," came Makoto's voice. Misako jerked
backwards and looked around. When she located the teen sitting on
Usagi's bed, Misako got up and ran to Makoto.

"You're okay!" Misako cried with relief and hugged her friend, "I was
worried about everybody." <But you 'n' Mom in particular.> She looked
back to her mother and was torn between the two. <I love Makoto... when
I really thought she was my oba, I loved her.> She didn't want to give
that up. <But Usagi is my mom...> She looked between Makoto and Usagi
again.

"It's okay," Makoto reassured her "niece" softly while giving Misako a
gentle kiss on her forehead. She turned the young girl around and gave
her a gentle push towards Usagi. As the two hugged each other, both
seeking comfort and reassurance that things would be all right, Makoto
slowly got up and left the room.

After a short time, Misako said softly, "What time is it?"

"It's almost eleven," Usagi replied, "Do you remember everything?"
Misako frowned in thought but nodded. "Maybe you should try to
transform."

Misako took on a nervous expression but nodded again. Standing, she
moved away from her mother and retrieved her broach from the desk. "Here
goes nothing," she muttered out. "Where's Ikuko-mama?"

"Downstairs with Dad. Shingo's in his room."

"EARTH PRISM POWER, MAKE UP!" Misako called out. She braced herself for
an explosion but instead a warm, inviting sensation washed over her. As
the magical light flooded the room, Misako could have sworn she heard
something singing to her, something beautiful, fragile, and only meant
for her. When she saw her Chibi-Earth Sailor fuku. She was delighted to
say the least.

                                 ******

"I'm gonna miss you, Miko-chan," Kyoku remarked as they walked from
gymnastics practice two days later. "What am I going to do for
competition? You were the best on our team."

"Iie," Misako said while blushing, "You are, Kyo-chan. You always have
been. That's why Sensei made you captain."

Kyoku snorted, "That was on the elementary school team." She blushed at
the tone in her voice and glanced away. "They were good. Now though...
we're on the junior high team; we're starting all over again."

"Kyo-chan, I wish you were captain." Glancing around, Misako lowered her
voice and whispered, "I don't like our new one very much." <She thinks
she's so cool just 'cause she's in Grade Nine...> When Kyoku didn't
respond, she looked over and noticed her friend's face. "Gomen, I don't
have a choice."

"I know, Miko-chan," Kyoku agreed somberly, "I'm just being selfish. You
have every right to go live with your dad and onee." Sniffling a little,
she then added, "But I don't have to like it." When Misako stopped her,
she sniffled again.

"I'm gonna miss you too," Misako replied softly.

"I guess I could write letters to you, ne?" Kyoku wondered softly while
looking at the ground.

Misako looked away for a moment. Shifting uncomfortably, she said, "I
don't think that will work, Kyo-chan." Kyoku raised her head and looked
at Misako curiously. <I hate having to lie to her...> There was,
however, no other choice. "I won't have any address that you could write
to."

"I'm not going to ever see you again, am I?" Misako blinked and shook
her head. As Kyoku's bottom lip trembled, Misako dropped her bag and
hugged the older girl. "It just isn't fair, Miko-chan," Kyoku whispered
out, "It's just not fair."

<I know, but I have to go back and face 'Sagi,> Misako thought. "Gomen
nasai, Kyoku-sempai." Friendship and respect was all Misako could offer
her; she didn't think it would ever be enough though.

                                 ******

Misako heard the gentle tapping on her open bedroom door and turned
around to see Makoto entering the room. "Hi," Misako said softly as she
took the last of her things from the dresser and placed them into the
suitcase.

"I see you like that shirt even more, Miko-chan," Makoto observed with a
small grin as she indicated the baggy bunny shirt Misako was wearing.

Misako grinned. "It's pretty nice to sleep in," Misako replied, "If
Usagi can't be with me, then I can have something to remind me of her."

Walking over to the bed, Makoto sat down and said, "You know, Usagi said
that you could move back in with her and her family."

Misako shook her head and went to sit beside Makoto. "It wouldn't work.
If I moved back in with Usagi, then I'd just have to use Luna-P again.
And it would just make Mom want to keep me around more. She's already
talking about me being in her wedding."

"Not in the cards, ne?"

"It would be nice but I can't stay here."

"I don't see why Sailor Pluto told you to leave," Makoto remarked with a
scowl, "I mean, what harm could it do to be around for the wedding...
unless something's going to happen." Misako flushed slightly and looked
away. "Wait a minute, Pluto didn't tell you it was time to come home?"

"I asked her if it was time to come home, she said I could," Misako
replied, "Mom just thinks Sailor Pluto told me to come home." She
twisted a bit of her shirt between her fingers before adding, "I hate
letting her think that Pluto was making me go. It would've been really
hard to make Mom see that I have to go."

"Why?" Makoto asked softly, "Why do you HAVE to leave?"

"Makoto..."

"What did I tell you?" Makoto questioned, "Nothing's changed between us.
At least, I don't think it has. You were happy to call me `Mako-chan'
when you thought I was your oba and friend. I might not be your oba
anymore but I'm certainly your friend."

"Mako-chan," Misako said softly while smiling up at her friend, "I can't
tell you why but it's important. I don't think anything bad will happen
to Mom's wedding, especially if I'm not here." <I have to go home and
talk to 'Sagi.> "I miss my family. When I came here, to the past, I was
thinking of staying here forever. That was wrong."

"You have to face Neo-Queen Serenity then," Makoto deduced softly. When
Misako looked away, Makoto gently touched her arm, trying to lend some
amount of comfort.

"Hai," Misako replied while looking up at Makoto, "But I have to face
'Sagi and that scares me more." <Will you still love me, Onee-chan?>
Brushing some hair away from her ear, Misako added, "I want to go home
for 'Sagi's birthday. She'll be fifteen when I go home. Mom'll be
seventeen here." There was a short pause before she added, "I know Mom
would like me to stay for her birthday but..."

"Chibi-Usa is more important to you," Makoto finished. A deep blush came
onto Misako's cheeks as she looked towards the ground. "Sometimes we
have to choose between people. It can be hard. You have to think that
Usagi will have us Senshi and Mamoru as well."

"I guess so," Misako replied, "Maybe I just don't know if I can talk to
anybody. My parents have this funny idea about being a princess and what
you have to do."

Makoto lifted the young girl onto her lap and hugged her. "You know,
Miko-chan, you can always talk to me." She felt the warm body pressing
against her and her heart grew a little lighter. <Kami-sama, I'm going
to be lonely without you around.> Looking after Misako for the past few
months had been a very rewarding experience. "So do you want to do
anything special tonight before you go to bed?"

Misako shifted to sit more comfortably against Makoto before nodding,
"Hai," Misako chirped, "I want you to read something, Mako-chan. Could
you please give me that binder?" Makoto nodded and reaching over to the
desk that stood beside the bed, retrieved the binder. "Arigato," Misako
said as she opened it and started flipping through the different pages.
"I had an assignment in school. I got it back yesterday." Finding the
pages she wanted, she opened the rings and pulled the sheets of paper
out of the binder before placing it on the bed.

"What assignment is that?" Makoto asked. She pulled some of Misako's
hair back and pressed her cheek close against the girl's head as she
looked over Misako's shoulder at the paper.

"We had to write about how our family helps us." Misako replied, "Do you
want to read it, or should I?"

"You can, Miko-chan," Makoto suggested as she wrapped her arms around
Misako and closed her eyes, "I'll just listen."

Misako smiled before started to read aloud. "My Family, by Kino
Misako..." As Makoto listened, she drifted off, thinking of the family
she had lost, and the one she would gain in the future.

                                 ******

A stiff northerly wind blew as the early morning sun crawled from its
watery bed. The birds sang, greeting those that would venture out that
early in the morning. Usagi and Mamoru walked hand in hand down the park
path towards the place that had been named, "Tear Point". It was the
place the Sailor Senshi used to say good-bye to those that were heading
off into the future.

The morning light glinted off of Usagi's engagement ring. The ring that
represented Mamoru's love, their future, and the start to the most
precious thing in their lives, their family. "Are you going back to
Harvard?" Usagi suddenly asked.

"I don't know," Mamoru answered, "Do you want me to stay, Usako?" He
stopped as Usagi stopped and turned to look at him.

"What I want..." Usagi stated as she clutched his hands, "What I want is
for you to do what you think is right. Maybe it's good for you to go."
Mamoru took on a slightly pained expression so she added, "Maybe I'll
start seeing the world instead of being so narrow."

"Who said you were narrow?" Mamoru questioned.

"Mamo-chan, when you first gave me this ring, I didn't know what it was.
I just thought it was a pretty gift." Usagi sighed, "If I keep missing
things that are this important, how will I deal with them in the
future?"

"Usako," Mamoru began softly while cupping her face in his hands, "You
know you aren't narrow. I've seen you mature over these past few years."
Hugging her, he asked, "Now we really should go. Misako is waiting for
us."

When Usagi nodded, they started walking hand in hand again. When they
reached Tear Point, they found Makoto and Misako waiting for them.
Misako was dressed in a yellow sundress and white socks. Her hair was
done up in rabbit ear odangos. Behind her, Luna-P was floating in its
normal position.

"Ohayo!" Misako chirped and ran to her parents. She gave each a large
hug. "The others aren't here yet."

"We are so," Rei grumbled out as she, Ami, and Minako came out into the
clearing.

Stepping away from her parents, she walked to the three girls and bowed.
"I appreciate you allowing me to train with you in the past. Domo
Arigato."

"It was nice seeing you again, Miko-chan, and we were happy to help,"
Ami replied.

"It was certainly refreshing," Rei mused while shooting a look towards
Usagi. "I know we've had our differences, Misako, but I think you'll
grow up into any duties you have to take on."

"Good-bye Miko-chan," Minako said and gave the girl a hug, "You give
Kimeko a hug for me."

"Hai Minako-chan... Commander," Misako replied as she hugged Minako
back. "I hope you can explain to Mie why I had to leave."

"I'll try. Do you have my sweater?"

"Yep, I packed it last night," Misako said with a grin. <It'll likely be
a really chilly reception in Crystal Tokyo.>

Turning, she walked over to Makoto and reached upwards. "Good-bye
Oba-san," Misako whispered out as she hugged Makoto. "Thanks for looking
after me, Mako-chan. I love you."

"I'm gonna miss you, Miko-chan," Makoto whispered out hoarsely. She held
Misako in a tight hug for a long time before letting the little girl
down. "You just remember what I said last night, ne?"

"Hai," Misako replied, "Domo Arigato." Bowing, she turned to look at her
parents. Slowly she walked over to her parents and stood before them.
Mamoru knelt as she walked to him. "Daddy," Misako sniffled out. There
was no need for any other words. She hugged him, transmitting the love
she felt for him by sheer contact.

"Kami-sama, I will miss you, Mesume," Mamoru replied as he hugged her.
Gently kissing her forehead, he cupped her face in his hands and looked
deeply into her sky blue eyes. "You are a special person. Never ever
forget that. No matter how much attention your mother or I might pay to
Chibi-Usa, no one... NO ONE can ever replace you."

"Good-bye, Daddy," Misako replied as a tear rolled down her face. She
gave her father a kiss and another hug before turning to look at Usagi.

"You don't want to forget this," Usagi reminded her softly as she held
up Misako's teddy bear, "Or this." She held out the picture had drawn
for her sister.

"Arigato," Misako said as she took the items and handed them to her
father. She then reached up and hugged Usagi's neck. "Gomen nasai."

"Mesume," Usagi breathed out as she started to cry, "I hate to see you
go." She hugged her little girl closely while added, "Please remember I
will ALWAYS love you."

"I do love you," Misako reassured her mother, "I have to go. I have...
to stop running." She felt her own tears flowing freely. <Kimeko was
right. I'm scared to go home.> But to really stop pretending, to stop
running away from her problems, she had to go, she wanted to go... home.

It was with great reluctance that Usagi let her daughter go. "You be
good now."

"I'll try," Misako replied with a grin, she wiped at the tears in her
eyes before retrieving her teddy bear and picture from her father.
Stepping to her suitcase, she looked around at the group and closed her
eyes, trying to burn the image into her mind. Picking up the suitcase,
she took her Time Key out and thought about home. <Crystal Key,> she
thought, <Take me home... Take me back to the future!>

Pink light surrounded her as she and Luna-P rose into the air. Looking
down, she saw the tears shimmering in her parents' eyes. It was a
sadness in Usagi that ran deeper than Misako had ever expected. There
was a movement and she watched in horror as her teddy bear toppled
towards the ground. Usagi ran forward and caught it.

"Misako!" Usagi yelled while holding up the teddy bear.

"Good-bye... Mommy!" Misako called out before she vanished into the
timeline.

"Mesume," Usagi whispered out while holding the teddy bear close to her.

End of Chapter 28

Coming next the "Tales of Younger Earth" Epilogue

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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