Because the Epilogue is large I'm splitting it into two messages.

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)


Epilogue

A warm breeze gently blew in through the open window. The setting sun
hung low in the west. The sky was a spectrum of fiery red to deep azure
blue. As Crystal Tokyo moved into the nightlife of a beautiful summer
evening, Princess Tsukino Usagi lay stretched out on the Rakurai's
couch.

She was wearing, much to her father's silent objections, a set of tight
fitting pink shorts and a neon pink tank top that showed more midriff
than it covered. Nestled on her stomach was Atsuko only in a diaper. At
eighteen months, Atsuko's head was now covered in soft brown hair.

As Usagi gently stroked the little girl's head and back, she hummed
softly. <That's it, Atsuko-chan, just go to sleep.> The child's eyes had
started to drift shut, one hand firmly gripping the multi-neonic colored
Sailor Senshi doll that Minako had knitted. <That's a good girl,> Usagi
thought happily, <Your mommy will be home soon.>

Her hand paused as the image of Serenity entered her mind. <My
birthday's tomorrow, a Saturday of all things, and I'll have to sit at
Court all morning with HER.> She felt uneasy about that. <I'll just have
to grit my teeth and bear it.>

"You know what, Atsuko-chan?" Usagi questioned softly, "I almost feel
like what I did on my seventh birthday. Nobody's around." Shaking her
head slightly, she corrected, "Well there are lots of people around.
It's just everybody's in a frenzy over something." It certainly couldn't
be her fifteenth birthday. "You don't know what it is, ne?"

Atsuko for her part only sniffled a little before squirming a bit. Usagi
smiled down at the little girl and gave a sigh of contentment. <Please
Misako, hurry home.> There was so much Usagi needed to tell her sister.

                                 ******

Sakuya sat in her office chair and scowled slightly at the knock on her
door. "Come in," she snapped tersely. When the door opened to reveal
King Endymion on the other side, she flushed slightly and rose to her
feet. "Gomen nasai, Your Majesty," she apologized, "What may I do for
you?"

Endymion was silent as he entered the room and closed the door. "I'd
like to speak with you, if you're not too busy, Sakuya-san."

"Please sit down, Endymion-sama," Sakuya replied as she gestured towards
the chair. She waited until he had been seated before taking her own
seat. "Is something wrong, Endymion-sama?"

Endymion shifted uncomfortably as he flicked imaginary dust from his
lavender suit. "Sakuya-san, I'm not sure how to say this. I hope you
don't take it the wrong way." Seeing Sakuya's nod, he licked his lips
before continuing, "Both Serenity and I have noticed Usagi spending a
lot of time at your home. I know she babysits for you and Masao-kun. We
certainly approve of this chance for her to earn a little extra pocket
money but..." he trailed off and shifted uncomfortably again. "I suppose
I wish she were around Serenity more."

Furrowing her brow, Sakuya sat in silence for a long time, considering
what Endymion had just said. "Endymion-sama," she began after some
thought, "I understand your concern. I can certainly have Princess Usagi
be around me less if you'd like."

"Iie, that isn't what I meant. It's just..." He waved his hands, trying
to search for the right words. "She's doing like you did." When Sakuya
cocked an eyebrow quizzically, he added, "When you were angry with her,
you shut Usagi out. Usagi is doing the same thing with Serenity."

"And you'd like Usagi to forgive her mother sooner than I forgave
Usagi?" Sakuya questioned.

"Hai."

"Your Majesty, I can't force Usagi to forgive her mother. That is not my
real concern. That is solely between you, Serenity-sama, and Princess
Usagi." Sakuya gave a little sigh and looked out towards the darkening
sky. "I pushed Usagi away once. I won't do that again." She raised her
hand to forestall his protests. "I have no wish to replace
Serenity-sama. Usagi is hurt though, and she's looking towards me for
some support. We both want her back with her mother, ne?"

"Hai," Endymion replied, "I didn't mean to suggest..." he trailed off at
Sakuya's grin.

"I know, Endymion-sama. Relationships are dynamic things, and we have to
be willing for them to change. At the moment, Usagi is more comfortable
around me. I'm sure that once Princess Misako returns, Usagi can start
to heal the rift between her and Her Majesty."

"Speaking of Misako, I would like to discuss something else," Endymion
said haltingly.

"Nani?" Sakuya questioned with interest.

                                 ******

The following day was magnificent, with only a whisper of clouds near
the horizon. The sky was a crystal clear blue. The late June sun shown
down brightly. It was the perfect day for a double Royal Birthday. Not
only was Neo-Queen Serenity having a birthday but her daughter was as
well.

By tradition, there was a public celebration held during the morning. A
special Court session was convened so those wishing to give gifts might
have the opportunity. It was shortly after noon when the Royal Family
finally left the Throne Room and started to head for their Royal Suite.
Following them out of the Throne Room were Younger Venus, Younger Mars,
Elder Venus, and Elder Jupiter.

"I'm glad that's over, minna-san," Usagi grumbled out, "I'm roasting to
death in this outfit." Her stomach, not to be left out of the
conversation, rumbled loudly. "I'm hungry too."

"You're as bad as Atsuko," Younger Venus grumbled out from beside her.
Much to Usagi's embarrassment, the others agreed. "She's got a voracious
appetite."

"I can't wait to get out of this dress," Usagi commented, trying to
change the subject away from her appetite.

"Well, you'll have to wait a little longer. We have one more task to
take care of, Usagi," Serenity replied.

"But Okaa-san!" Usagi whined out, "I'm hot, I'm hungry, and my friends
will be coming after lunch. I have to get ready for the REAL party."

"Your mother is right, Usagi-chan," Endymion replied, "We do have to do
one more thing." He gave her a pleading look and she muttered darkly but
finally nodded. "Arigato."

<Baka Odango Atama,> Usagi thought darkly as she walked along the
hallway of the Crystal Palace, <What's so bloody important that we have
to pass up food?> She would have thought any State business was taken
care of that morning. <Miko-chan, how am I going to wait until your next
birthday?> That was almost four months away, and her sister's absence
had seemed like an eternity.

So immersed in her own thoughts was she that Usagi failed to realize
that they had exited out of the Palace into one of the small private
gardens within the Crystal Palace grounds. When she did, she turned to
her mother and asked, "We came all the way out here just for a picture?"
That was the only obvious thing she could think of. "I told you,
Okaa-san, what I thought about getting a family portrait taken WITHOUT
Misako."

"Honey, it won't take long now," Serenity tried to soothe her daughter.
Usagi's scowl deepened but the teen didn't say anything. Crossing her
arms, she lowered her head and glared towards the ground. "I promise
you're going to like this."

<Not without Misako,> Usagi thought angrily, <If we do something as a
family, then I want Misako included.> She had told her mother that on
numerous occasions. The seconds seemed to drag by as an uncomfortable
silence fell over the group. Then suddenly there was a rush of air.
Usagi's head snapped up to see a portal opening. Her eyes enlarged as
recognition came to her. <That's a Time Gate. But why come out here to
meet Pluto, unless...> Hope and fear gripped her as she watched the
bright vortex.

Then with a slowness that was almost agony to Usagi, a lone figure
emerged carrying a suitcase. Usagi's eyes started to mist over as a
sense of disbelief gripped her, for there stood Princess Tsukino Misako,
her sister. The desire, or rather the need to hold Misako, to feel the
solidity of that small body as she hugged her sister was overwhelming.
As the portal closed behind her, it was like a release.

"MISAKO!" Usagi yelled as she bolted towards her sister. She never made
it halfway. In her haste, she tripped over the hem of her dress and went
skidding along the ground face first. As the others stood stunned,
Misako dropped her suitcase and ran to her sister.

"'Sagi!" Misako breathed out as she dropped to her knees, "Are you
okay?" Usagi scrambled up and embraced Misako in a crushing hug.

"Imouto," Usagi cried out, tears streaking down her face. <You're
back...> Thoughts and feelings came rushing into her mind, all demanding
to be voiced. As she felt Misako hug her back, she simply allowed
herself to cry. There was only one single word she could find. It
sounded so puny to her, so inadequate but it was the only thing she
could say, "Gomen..."

                                 ******

Misako, herself blinded by tears, sat and hugged her onee as she cried.
She had expected many things, but this reaction from Usagi had not been
one of them. "Onee-chan," Misako cried softly with relief as she
snuggled her head against Usagi's shoulder. <I love you so much.> After
a moment, she suggested, "Come on, we can't stay here all day."

"I would, if you were here, Imouto," Usagi replied softly but she and
Misako stood together. Keeping a tight hold on Misako, she added, "I
love you," before giving Misako a gentle kiss.

"I love you too," Misako replied, "'Sagi-chan, I'm not going anywhere.
I'm... home." She had tried to reassure her sister so Usagi would loosen
her grip. Instead, her much larger sister seemed to tighten it. "Can't
breathe!" Usagi's reaction was unexpected. The teen jerked away,
released her hug, and took a step back. Misako stumbled backwards
slightly but managed to catch her balance. Giving Usagi a mildly
exasperated look, she smiled while taking Usagi's hand. "Happy birthday,
'Sagi-chan."

"Domo arigato, Miko-chan," Usagi replied while blushing slightly. <She
just said she couldn't breathe, baka Usagi, not that you were hurting
her.> Sniffling a little, she observed, "You... you're wearing round
odangos." Her voice showed both surprise and delight. She then wrinkled
her nose and said in a slightly sour tone, "You're lucky. You get to
wear a yellow sundress and I'm stuck in this baka thing."

Giving her sister's hand one more squeeze, Misako let go and turned
towards the others. Bowing, she said, "Konnichiwa Your Majesties,
Commander, Elder Jupiter, Younger Mars, Younger Venus."

"We are pleased to see you again," Serenity replied, "Welcome home,
Princess Misako... Mesume."

Misako couldn't resist any longer. She ran to her father and leapt, very
unlady-like, into his arms. Shoving her head under his chin, she
snuggled close while wrapping her arms around him. "Daddy, I missed you
so much!"

"I missed you as well, Mesume," Endymion replied while hugging his
daughter. <Gomen nasai, Misako,> he thought sadly while blinking, trying
to clear his eyes of the moisture that had appeared, <I threw away
something very precious to me, and I regret it very much.> They stood
like that for a long moment before Endymion gently pushed Misako back
and gave her a kiss on her forehead. "I guess I can't keep you all to
myself now, ne?"

Giving her father another hug and a kiss, Misako allowed herself to
slide from her father's arms and turned towards her mother. "I'm very
happy to see you again, Miko-chan," Serenity remarked after an
uncomfortable silence, "You are looking very well. I hope you learned a
lot in the past."

"I'm glad to be home, Okaa-sama," Misako replied while moving closer and
hugging Serenity.

<Mesume...> Serenity thought sadly as she hugged her daughter. She could
feel the wall that was between her and the young girl's heart. "I love
you," but the words did not have any effect. Misako broke her hug only
after a few moments and turned towards the others. Reluctantly Serenity
straightened and watched; she could not even seek comfort from her other
daughter.

"I bet you've turned out to be a great Senshi," Elder Venus mused after
greeting Misako.

Misako snorted and said, "I spent almost the last year of training
thinking I couldn't transform."

"Does that mean you didn't learn anything?" Elder Venus questioned.

Misako gave her commander a rueful grin and replied, "Iie Commander, I
learned some very important things."

"Hi Kimeko-chan," Misako said shyly to Kimeko but was relieved when
Kimeko hugged her. "I'm sorry I caused you so much trouble," she
whispered out as she returned Kimeko's hug.

"That's all right, Miko-chan," Kimeko replied, "I'm your guardian, and
your friend." Misako smiled softly up at her. Reaching out a hand, she
gently stroked Misako's hair and added, "You look very kawaii."

"Arigato," Misako mumbled out while blushing. She turned towards Elder
Jupiter and reached upwards. "Konnichiwa Oba-san," she giggled as Elder
Jupiter lifted her up. "I hope you weren't too lonely without me,
Mako-chan."

"Iie," Elder Jupiter replied and hugged Misako tightly. She felt a tear
trickle down her cheek as Misako hugged her in return. <Gomen Serenity.>
She knew she would have to be careful. Giving Misako a kiss, she said,
"I missed you but I wasn't lonely. I had friends and I just thought
about the future." It was with reluctance that Misako slid from Makoto's
warm and secure arms. But she couldn't put it off facing her family
alone any longer.

"'Sagi-chan, let's go home. I got somethin' for you in my suitcase."

"Okay Miko-chan," Usagi replied and gave her sister another hug before
retrieving the suitcase, "Maybe later on we can go see Sakuya."

"Hai, I want to see Atsuko too," Misako added happily. Taking Usagi's
hand, they started walking towards the Royal Suite, Luna-P floating
unobtrusively behind its mistress. Younger Venus and Younger Mars
followed behind them. Both Elder Senshi, seeing that their King and
Queen wanted a few moments alone, followed the Royal children.

Once the others were out of sight, Serenity finally broke down and
started to cry fully. She leaned against Endymion who embraced her,
trying to comfort her; yet knowing that he could not provide any comfort
for Serenity's aching heart.

                                 ******

Masao gave a gusty sigh. "She's prefect, Mama," he commented to Sakuya.
When Sakuya a gave him an exasperated look, he added, "Well if she's
that seriously flawed, you could bring her in her birthday suit."

"Masa-chan," Sakuya huffed with warning sweetness, "Go and propose to
Elder Uranus."

Masao shuddered and walked further into the nursery room. Coming over to
the changing table where his daughter was laying, he bent down and gave
her a gentle kiss. "Atsuko-chan, you tell your mama to quit being mean
to your papa."

"I'M being mean?" Sakuya questioned. Turning, she took Masao's face in
her hands and kissed him deeply. Atsuko, bored by the entire situation,
attempted to suck on her toes.

"Hmmm, maybe we should get Makoto to watch her," Masao murmured in a low
voice as he drew his wife to him.

"I'd go for that," Sakuya replied, trying not to giggle as Masao nibbled
at her ear, "But we do need to go and see Usagi, and Misako's back today
too." Masao was about to respond when Atsuko decided she wasn't getting
enough attention and started to loudly protest. "Okay, okay, we get the
picture," Sakuya replied as she turned and lifted her daughter up,
"There... happy?"

"Mama," Atsuko responded while hugging her doll close to her.

                                 ******

Misako stood, looking out of the window of her bedroom, later that
evening. The Moon hung large and luminous in the sky. Its incandescent
blue bathed the backyard. This was the first chance since her arrival to
really sit and absorb everything that had happened. She had had no
desire to spoil Usagi's birthday party and it seemed as if she had
succeeded. Certainly Usagi was quite happy to have her there. It had
taken a lot of convincing for her to slip away and let Usagi have some
time alone with her friends.

A gentle knocking at her door drew Misako from her revere. Turning, she
said, "Hai." She smiled softly as Usagi opened up her bedroom door. "Hi
'Sagi-chan, did your friends leave?"

"Yeah," Usagi replied after a short pause, "Can I come in?" When Misako
nodded, she entered the room and closed the door. "Why'd you take off?"

"I didn't, 'Sagi," Misako answered as she moved to sit on her bed, "I
just... you needed to pay a little more attention to your other guests.
'Sides, I needed to think too."

Usagi walked over and tentatively sat down on Misako's bed. "I'm sorry,
Miko-chan, your first meeting with Atsuko didn't go very well. It's not
like her to make strange."

"I think all the people confused her," Misako replied, "I know I'd get
confused if I was her." She giggled a little bit and Usagi smiled. "I
wasn't hiding. I... it just all happened so fast." She looked towards
the bed and added, "I'm kinda scared too. I mean with all the stuff I
did to Yuki and Yumeko."

"Both of them are worried about you; they always have been," Usagi
reassured as she moved to sit beside her sister. Wrapping an arm around
Misako, she sighed slightly before adding, "I've missed you a lot,
Peanut." When Misako flinched, Usagi felt her stomach knot. "Miko-chan,
I didn't mean anything by it."

<Makoto said that nature has its own time... Well nature's being damn
slow with me,> Misako thought moodily. "That's okay, 'Sagi. Just, could
you not use it around people? I took enough flak from kids in junior
high."

<Oh Imouto...> Usagi thought sadly. "Okay, I won't use it around others.
It's just between us... and Shingo-ojisan." There was a short pause
before Usagi added, "I'm sorry for leaving you in the past. I would've
stayed."

"I hated it when you left to come home, Onee-chan," Misako responded as
she hugged her sister. After a moment, she pulled away. As Usagi looked
curiously at her, she got up and walked to the desk where she picked up
three items. "In all of the excitement today, I never got a chance to
give this to you." Walking back over to the bed, she resumed her
original position and handed a picture over to Usagi.

Usagi looked in awe at the drawing for a moment. "It's very good,
Misako. You really worked hard on this." It was a picture of herself and
Misako, holding hands as they walked through what looked like a park.

"I made it for you."

"Arigato... What are the other two things you have?"

<Should I?> Now that she had thought about the way that her sister had
greeted her, doubts were starting to form within her mind. <What if... I
don't think 'Sagi could fake all of that.> The question was, how much of
it was for show? "Nothing much," Misako replied and set them on the
nightstand. <When I'm sure how things are, 'Sagi, then I'll show the
letter to you.>

<Miko-chan?> Usagi thought with hidden worry, <What are you hiding?>
There was an uncomfortable silence as both girls looked at each other.
"What happened when I left?"

"Don't you read history books anymore, 'Sagi?" Misako questioned.

Usagi gave her sister a sour look and said, "You know what I mean." Her
looked softened and added, "Please Miko-chan, you know they don't talk
about everything that happened."

"After you left, I moved out of the Tsukino's," Misako began, "Mom
didn't take it very well."

"And you went to stay with Makoto?" Usagi deduced.

"Hai," Misako replied, "That was the best choice. Mom wanted me to go
with Minako or Rei but... there's only so much Minako I can take." She
gave her sister a lopsided grin. As Usagi giggled, she shook her head
and added, "And could you see me living with Rei?"

"Iie," Usagi giggled and added, "And Ami likes school WAY too much." Her
eyes lit up with excitement and she licked her lips, "I bet you learned
all of Makoto's great secrets to cooking."

"A couple," Misako answered with hesitation, "I'm not as good as you in
the kitchen though, Onee-chan. Let's just say that I never met a cookie
I couldn't eat." Her stomach rumbled then and she blushed.

"Oh, I think that's an excuse to finish off that other cake."

"There's more cake?!?" Misako questioned.

"Hai, there are two for the party, and one for each of us. When I saw
you were home, I hid mine." Bouncing from the bed, Usagi bounded over to
the door while saying, "I'll go get it and we can talk, Imouto."

As she opened the door, she nearly ran over her father who was about to
knock. "Hi Dad!" Usagi greeted him, "Whatcha doin'?"

"Usagi-chan," Endymion said with a small smile, "I was going to tell
Misako that she's got an hour and a half until bedtime. I figured she
might want to take a bath before bed."

"Aw... but we were gonna talk," Usagi pouted out.

"Routine is the stability to life," Endymion intoned, "And did I say
anything about forbidding you two to talk? I was just reminding her what
time I wanted to see her lights out." Rumpling his daughter's hair, he
turned and walked down the hallway again.

"Imouto," Usagi said sweetly, as she turned to regard Misako, "I got an
idea!" Even before Misako could respond though, Usagi had bounded out of
the room.

<I might be scared, but... it's good to be home,> Misako thought, and
quickly hid the letter and picture she had placed on the nightstand.

                                 ******

Later in the evening, Endymion walked down the hall towards his room.
Hearing the giggles coming from Misako's room, he walked over to the
bedroom door. Standing, he listened carefully. He frowned slightly and
knocked at the door when he heard more giggles.

"Come in," a Misako's voice directed. When Endymion opened the door, he
blinked.

"Ne, Usagi, did you clean out the fridge?!?" Both his daughters were
sitting on the floor, leaning back against the bed, happily munching on
various foodstuffs.

"We were hungry," Usagi countered as she stuffed some chips into her
mouth. "A girl must keep up her strength to catch all those kawaii..."
Usagi grunted as Misako gently jabbed her in the ribs.

"Misako, you should be in bed now," Endymion pointed out gently. Seeing
Usagi about to protest, he added, "Ne, you've both had a big day today.
No reason to start tomorrow grumpy." Seeing the reluctance on his
daughters' faces, he gave a little sigh and said, "I'll give you two ten
minutes to figure something out." With that, he left the room, closing
the door behind him.

Both girls sat in silence for a few moments before Misako asked softly,
"Ne, Onee-chan, could I borrow somethin' to wear to bed?"

Usagi turned to regard Misako curiously. "You don't have anything
clean?"

"I do... just nothing I can wear to bed," Misako replied.

"Sure come on, Miko-chan, we can find you a set of pajamas to wear. I
don't know if they'll fit though." Usagi started to push herself up but
Misako stopped her. "Nani?"

"Um, 'Sagi... could I get something myself?" Misako questioned
nervously. Usagi shrugged and sat back down. "I appreciate it, arigato."

"Pajamas are in the dresser. There's an old nightgown in the closet that
might fit you." <Maybe I can get rid of that thing.> Usagi thought. "Ne,
can I put on some music?"

"I guess so," Misako replied as she first retrieve a set of underpants
and then headed for the door, "Just not too loud. We don't want to get
anything started." She didn't notice Usagi's dubious expression.

<Something has ALREADY gotten started,> Usagi thought as she began
hunting through Misako's music collection.

                                 ******

<Most of this stuff is for little kids,> Usagi thought as she sorted
through her sister's collection of CDs. <Well, I could always go and get
my own.> After giving the matter a little more thought, Usagi shook it
off. <Maybe Misako brought something back from the past.> Hearing the
door open, Usagi turned to see Misako entering the room. She blinked and
turned to fully face her sister.

"What do you think, Onee-chan?" Misako questioned after shutting the
door. She twirled around and grinned at her sister. "This is so kawaii!"

It was a T-shirt that had a picture of a slightly maniacal looking
coyote. The lettering under the coyote read, "Wyle E. Coyote, Super
Genius." What surprised Usagi even more was that the T-shirt hung down
to Misako's knees.

"Is that all you're wearing?!?" Usagi questioned. <Dad'll have a heart
attack!>

"I got underwear on," Misako replied as she bounced over to the bed,
"This is so neat. When did you get this?!? I hope you don't mind if I
wear it."

Usagi stood up and peered down at her sister. "I got it after you left
for the past." Shifting uncomfortably, she added, "It was supposed to
cheer me up." <Some super genius I was... I got sideswiped by my own
parents!>

"Oh..." Misako said softly, "I could find something else if you want me
to, Onee-chan. I just saw this and got it."

"Iie, that's okay. It doesn't fit me anymore; you can keep it, Imouto,"
Usagi replied, trying to keep the bitterness from her voice.

"Really?!?" Misako questioned. When Usagi nodded, she gave a squeal of
delight and hugged her sister tightly. "Arigato!"

"You like wearing that type of thing?" Usagi questioned as she hugged
her sister, "I remember you used to like PJs."

"They're okay, but this is much better," Misako replied as she glanced
at the CDs sitting on the bed. "Hey 'Sagi-chan, didn't you see the ones
I got from the past? Those ones are all so..." <Childish.> Before Usagi
could answer, there was another knock at the door. "Come in, Dad."

Much to Usagi's surprise, Endymion opened the door and didn't even
flinch. "Good, I see you're ready for bed. Come on, Usagi, let's let
your sister get some rest."

"O-Onee-chan?" Misako questioned softly, "W-Would you mind spending the
night? We could talk some more." <I don't want to be alone.> She wanted
some type of comfort and the recent talk of the past had been
comforting. "That's if you aren't busy."

"Iie," Usagi replied, "Can I Dad? Please?"

Endymion tried not to smile. <Good, this will be good for both of them.>
"Hai, but Usagi, I don't want you moving back and forth between your
room and Misako's. Make one trip and get the things you need." He turned
to go and then paused. Turning back, he added, "And no more food."
Misako giggled as Usagi pouted.

"Okay Dad, I'll go get my stuff," Usagi said.

"I'll come and help. I forgot to bring my clothes back when I changed,"
Misako replied. She walked over to her father and hugged him. "'Night
Daddy, and thanks for letting 'Sagi stay here tonight."

"You have a good sleep," Endymion replied as he bent and hugged his
daughter. Giving her a kiss on the forehead, he added, "Kobanwa." Misako
gave her sister a grin and skipped from the room.

"'Night Dad," Usagi said as she hugged him. Lowering her voice, she
asked, "Ne, why didn't you flip when you saw Misako wearing that?"

"Usagi, she's going to bed, not out on the town. Besides, as far as I
know, she could be wearing a pair of running shorts underneath that
thing." Giving Usagi another hug, he added, "You really made Misako
happy."

Usagi's face hardened and she pulled away from her father. "I'm going to
keep her very close." She hissed out in a menacing tone, "She must be
nervous and if I can give her comfort, I will. I don't care what anybody
says." Pushing past her father, she left the room.

Endymion gave a little sigh before turning to leave himself. <I think
when Serenity and I finally talk to Misako, it will be difficult.>

                                 ******

Kimeko, or rather Younger Venus, walked down the hall towards the Royal
Suite and smiled as she saw Younger Mars who was walking down the hall.
"Ohayo Sawa-chan, you're up early." Sawa stopped and turned to regard
Kimeko.

"Ohayo Kimeko-chan," Sawa greeted in return, "I'm filling in for Sakuya
at the moment." Both women turned to continue walking down the hall.
"She, Serenity-sama, Endymion-sama, and the Elder Senshi are in
conference."

"Any clue what it's about?" Kimeko questioned as she flicked some hair
out of her face. "Mom hasn't said anything to me."

"I think it's about Sakuya stepping down as Usagi's guardian until
Atsuko's older," Sawa speculated in a soft voice. She waited until two
page boys went past before she added, "I heard Elder Uranus asked Yasha
if she'd like to be head of Internal Security too."

"That's the last thing we need," Kimeko murmured out, "Usagi wouldn't
handle that very well." She grinned at Sawa and added, "On the other
hand, she's already trained you so at least, you'd be the obvious
choice."

"Kimeko!" Sawa said in a shocked and slightly hurt tone of voice, "What
a thing to say."

"Oh come on, Mars, you mean to tell me you wouldn't want that nice
bonus?"

"Venus..." Younger Mars said warningly and then blinked, "Bonus?!? Hey,
I didn't know we were supposed to get a bonus." She scowled as Kimeko
started to giggle. "Wait-a-minute..." Her scowl deepened as Kimeko
covered her mouth, trying to keep her mirth contained. After a moment,
Sawa chuckled herself, "Kimeko-chan, you're gonna pay for that."

Kimeko was about to respond but noticed that they were approaching the
Royal Suite. Shifting more into a professional demeanor, she and Sawa
went through the security checkpoint at the private entrance to the
Royal Suite. Walking down the hallway, both women noticed that the Suite
was unusually quiet.

"Misako?" Kimeko questioned as she carefully opened Misako's bedroom
door. She felt a smile come onto her face. A sense of relief washed over
her and she simply stood and watched the scene before her. Sawa moved to
stand beside her and gave a little gasp of surprise. Misako was sound
asleep, her head tucked under Usagi's chin. The older girl had a gentle
hold on Misako, as if she was afraid of hurting the petite girl.

"Should we wake them up?" Sawa whispered.

"Iie," Kimeko answered as she quietly stepped backwards and pulled the
door closed, "Let's let them sleep."

                                 ******

Later that day, the mid-afternoon sun streamed in through the study
window highlighting the reddish hue of the large solid wood desk
bringing forth the luster of the leather chair behind it. The one
occupied by King Endymion. His wife stood by the window gazing out into
the garden. Misako for her part was looking between her parents, feeling
both confused and scared.

Princess Usagi, however, was feeling angry. "Quit beating around the
bush and just spit out what you're trying to say!" she directed towards
her mother. Serenity turned around and looked towards Usagi, a neutral
expression on her face.

"Okaa-san?" Misako questioned tentatively, "Do you have something to
say?" <Dad's been trying to say something but he seems reluctant to.>
"Please, if it's important..."

"Serenity," Endymion prodded gently, "She has a right to know."

Serenity only turned back to the window while hunching her shoulders.
Usagi sprang to her feet, fists clenched. "Okaa-san, tell Misako or... I
will." She had sat and listened to her father try to give her mother an
opening but Serenity had avoided saying what really needed to be said.
"I promised not to tell Misako because you wanted to. I respected that.
Now that it's time to come clean, you're gonna keep quiet... well I'm
not!"

"'Sagi?" Misako questioned, her stomach starting to churn, "What's going
on?" She looked between her parents and her sister. "Okaa-san, Otou-san,
did I do something wrong?" It was the only clear question she could
think of asking.

"You baka odango atama!" Usagi raged, whirling on Misako, "You aren't at
fault!" Turning back to her parents, she said, "Please Otou-san, you've
been honorable. You tell her."

The room fell deathly silent. As Endymion moved to speak, Serenity
turned and laid a hand on his shoulder. As her husband sat back in his
chair, she moved around to perch on the edge of the desk. Clasping her
hands, she looked towards the ground for a long time before raising her
head.

"Mi... Misako, do you remember how you felt before you left?" Misako
nodded while Usagi snorted. Serenity glared at Usagi before turning her
attention back to her youngest daughter. "You thought that your family
was against you?"

Misako felt a lump form in her throat. Swallowing hard, she squeaked
softly, "Hai." She looked sadly towards her sister before adding, "I
could never figure out what I did so wrong to make everybody act the way
they did." <What's going on?>

"You didn't do nothin' wrong," Usagi snarled out. She steadily returned
the warning look Serenity was giving her.

"Misako, Usagi's right. You didn't do anything to make us act the way we
did," Endymion chimed in as he got up and moved to stand beside his
wife, "When I mean us, I mean your family."

"We treated you unfairly, Misako," Serenity confessed softly, "We wanted
you to hate Usagi. We wanted you to be angry with her." Misako sat
stunned, unable to comprehend what her mother had just said.

"But... but why?"

"Sailor Pluto told us that it was necessary. I thought that I was saving
you... saving all of Crystal Tokyo from something," Serenity explained
slowly, "We thought it was necessary."

"You knew about this, Daddy?" Misako asked in a quavering tone.

"Hai," Endymion replied, "I knew what was going on. I knew we were
hurting you, and I did nothing." He saw the look that came into Misako
eyes and he shook his head. "Iie Misako, no one forced me. I willingly
went along with what happened."

"Do you remember that gymnastics meet I said I'd go to but never showed
up at because I went to a party?" Usagi questioned.

"Hai," Misako mumbled out, never taking her eyes away from her father.
She felt her blood chilling as the full implication of what her parents
were telling her became clearer.

"Mom did that to us on purpose. She made me go," Usagi stated, her voice
thick with contempt, "I tried to be the best onee I could... but I never
would've succeeded because my own parents were working against me."

"It's true," Serenity admitted after a moment, "All of it, true. But you
have to understand, Misako... Miko-chan, I thought it was for the best.
I thought it was necessary. Sailor Pluto..."

"How Daddy?" Misako interrupted her mother, "How could you do this to
me? Especially in the past, when I talked to you." She took several deep
breaths while blinking. "I trusted you... I l-loved you."

"I know, Misako," Endymion replied, "I'm ashamed of what I did, but you
have to understand, I helped drive a wedge between you and Usagi
willingly."

"It's over now though," Serenity stated, trying to force a smile onto
her face, "Now that you know, I've told Pluto we won't be doing it
anymore. She said that that was fine." Seeing the disbelief on Misako's
face, Serenity paused, "Just a minute." She left the room, only to
return a minute or so later. Walking over, she knelt in front of
Misako's chair.

"Mesume," Serenity began, "Do you remember when you left the past, you
dropped something?" Misako only numbly nodded. "It was your teddy bear."
With that, Serenity held up the teddy bear, looking none too shabby for
being over a thousand years old. "I missed you so much when you left.
But I kept this and remembered how much fun we had." She handed the bear
to the young girl before standing up and moving back towards the desk.
"I promise, Miko-chan, the bad times are all over now."

Misako stared at her mother for a long time while Usagi glared darkly at
her mother. "All over?" Misako questioned after a long silence, "All
over?!?"

"Hai," Serenity chirped, "You can make up with your friends and..."

"What's over," Misako interrupted her mother, "Okaa-sama, is me being a
kid." She looked at the teddy bear. <'Sagi gave this to me.> That was
the only reason why she'd kept it. "I'm not a little girl anymore. I'm
almost twelve. You made Usagi grow up when she was twelve so I guess
it's my turn." Getting up, she slowly walked to the door. She placed her
hand on the doorknob before turning back. "I always knew I wasn't your
favorite, Okaa-sama, but to hurt 'Sagi..." her crystal blue eyes, filled
with hurt and betrayal, turned to look at her father, "I always thought
you would protect me. I guess that was a lie too." Turning, she opened
the door and slowly left the room.

Serenity moved to follow Misako but Usagi stood up and demanded,
"Haven't you done enough? You took away her sister. You made her
childhood..." <And mine....> "Miserable, and NOW you want
forgiveness?!?" Stalking over to the door, she turned back to her
parents and added, "Don't ever think I'll let you hurt her again."
Turning again, she stalked from the room, slamming the door closed
behind her.

                                 ******

She didn't know how long she had cried before running dry of tears. She
didn't know how long she had spent simply lying on her bed, trying to
assuage the anguish within her heart and soul. It seemed like an
eternity to her. Her first coherent thought was of someone gently
tapping at the door. The second one was of the room being darker than it
should have been.

Sitting up, she scrubbed at her face with a sleeve before glancing at
the clock. <Six-thirty,> she thought, <Why didn't they come get me for
supper?> Actually she was glad they hadn't though; she wasn't hungry.
The knocking drew her attention again. "Hai, who is it?" she questioned
nervously.

"It's me," came the muffled response form the other side of the door.

It didn't sound like one of her parents, so after setting the teddy bear
down on the bed, she decided. "Come in." she said and blinked as the
door opened and the room was flooded by light from the hallway.
Squinting, Misako saw that it was a young girl.

"Konnichiwa," the young girl said.

"Yuki?" Misako questioned, her heart sped up faster as guilt and fear
gripped it.

"Can I come in?" When Misako numbly nodded, Yuki entered the room.
Another girl whom Misako recognized as Yumeko closely followed her. When
the door was closed, all three girls stared at each other, unsure of
what to say. Finally, Yuki said, "You come home and don't even call your
friends?"

Misako gave an anguished cry and leapt from the bed. Closing the
distance, she wrapped her arms around Yuki and hugged her tightly. She
felt two sets of arms encircle her. Letting go of one arm, she snaked it
around Yumeko and held both girls closely. "Gomen nasai," Misako sobbed
out, unable to mouth anything more coherent.

After a moment, Misako pulled back to get a better look at her visitors.
"You're both taller than I am," she commented glumly.

"Well Yuki can pull your arms and I'll pull your legs and we'll stretch
ya if you'd like," Yumeko suggested with a grin. Misako, despite her
mood, giggled.

"Yume-chan, you're wearin' a dress?!?" she questioned Yumeko after she
had move to the nightstand and flicked on a light.

"Not like I'm a boy or anything," Yumeko replied, "They aren't all that
bad. At least now when I buy them, I can get what I like." She walked
over to Misako and added, "We've missed you around here, Miko-chan."

"Hai," Yuki replied as she moved to hug Misako again,

Hopping up on her bed, she retrieved her teddy bear and hugged it.
"Thanks for coming, minna. I was worried that you'd never talk to me."

"Usagi phoned me, and Yumeko was at my house," Yuki explained as she sat
down on Misako's bed. "That still doesn't explain why you didn't call
though."

Misako hunched up, unsure of what to say, or even how to express what
she was feeling. "Ne, you don't have to tell us right away. We've stuck
by you a lot," Yumeko reassured Misako, "Just because you leave without
saying good-bye doesn't mean we hate you."

"Yumeko!" Yuki protested.

"Well, I can't help how I feel. I think that was pretty low, especially
with what the three of us went through," Yumeko explained, "I'm willing
to forgive her for that but I want to know why she did it."

"C-Could you wait a little bit?" Misako asked softly, "I need to talk to
Usagi first."

Yumeko sighed and hopped on the other side of Misako. "Gomen, it's just
when you left, I got worried." She hugged Misako and added, "Take as
long as you like, Miko-chan."

Misako sniffled a little before saying, "Domo arigato. Yume-chan,
Yuki-chan."

"So what was the past like?" Yuki asked, "I bet you were a perfect
little angel."

"I doubt that," Yumeko said with a snort.

"Oh, be quiet," Misako replied, "I was THE perfect little angel."

"Yeah right!" both her friends replied.

"And you're Usagi's onee," Yumeko replied. For some strange reason,
Misako started to giggle with mirth. "Yuki, I think we owe her."

"Agreed," Yuki nodded with a gleam of anticipation in her eyes.

"Nani?" Misako choked out between giggles. She gave a yelp of surprise
and dove off the bed as both her friends grabbed pillows. "Now just wait
a minute..." The ensuing melee was enjoyed by all, including Usagi who
had come to "rescue" her sister.

                                 ******

Soon enough though, it was time for Yuki and Yumeko to leave. It was
hard to let her friends go. Yuki and Yumeko disappeared down the hallway
outside the Royal Suite; Misako turned to see Usagi watching her
closely.

"Are you okay, Imouto?" Usagi questioned, "I didn't know if you wanted
to see them or not. You were so upset though..." she trailed off as
Misako moved forward and hugged her, which Usagi returned.

"I didn't know how I was going to face them," Misako mumbled out. She
raised her head and looked at her sister for a long moment. "Arigato
'Sagi-chan, you helped me."

"You hungry?" Usagi questioned as she shifted so that she had one arm
around Misako while they walked down the hallway.

"Hai, where is everybody? I thought somebody would've said something
about the pillow fight."

"Otou-san was meeting with Hiroshi; Okaa-san disappeared soon after
supper. It's just us two until they get back," Usagi remarked, "Think
you can stand my cooking? It isn't as good as Makoto's."

"Hai!" Misako declared, her stomach adding its own thought as well.

"Miko-chan, why don't you go have a bath and straighten up your room so
I can surprise you?" Usagi questioned, "It's getting late so you might
as well change for bed too."

Much to Misako's surprise, Usagi stiffened. "Is something wrong, 'Sagi?"
Misako questioned worriedly.

"Iie."

"That sounds like a good idea. We do have school tomorrow, Onee-chan,"
Misako replied. As Usagi disengaged herself and headed for the kitchen,
Misako asked, "'Sagi... are you gonna be going anywhere tonight?"
<You're being selfish, Misako.> Her heart didn't care though.

"Why?" Usagi questioned as she turned to regard her sister.

<I need to talk to 'Sagi.> She didn't want to be alone. The warmth and
friendship that had been present when Yuki and Yumeko were there was
gone. <But 'Sagi already did it once, and Okaa-sama wouldn't approve.>
Spending the night in your sister's room was something little kids did.
"N-nothing 'Sagi... don't worry about it." Turning, Misako quickly left
the room, Usagi looking after her.

<Better to let her have some time alone,> Usagi thought, <She wanted
something, but what?> If Usagi could figure it out without Misako
asking, it would certainly make things a lot easier.

                                 ******

Sleep did not come to Misako; she lay awake, staring up at the darkened
ceiling. <I guess I should give you a name,> Misako thought as she held
her teddy bear close, <I bet 'Sagi could think of a good name.> She felt
guilt stab at her heart and she closed her eyes, feeling tears rise
within them. Hearing the door opening, she opened her eyes to look.
There, standing in the darkness, was her sister.

"Misako?" Usagi asked softly. Misako's only response was to give a
little sob and turn to face away from Usagi. <Imouto...> Gently closing
the door, Usagi walked over to her sister's bed and sat down. "Don't
cry, Miko-chan, please don't cry." Reaching out, she gently gathered her
sister up into a hug. "Shhh... it'll be okay. I won't let anything
happen to you."

Fighting for control, Misako sniffled a little and said softly, "I...
feel so alone, 'Sagi. I shouldn't feel this way but I do." Hugging
Usagi, she added, "I wanted you to stay but... I was scared. You're
growing up and I don't think Mother would approve." She felt Usagi
stroking her hair. "I knew it would be hard when I came home but, not
like this... I don't know who I have left."

"You have me, Misako," Usagi reassured her in a throaty voice, "You'll
always have me." Pushing Misako away a little, she gently wiped at the
tears on the young girl's face. "I'll stay if you want me to. I don't
mind at all." Misako's features brightened slightly as she nodded.
Settling back down, Misako shifted so Usagi could crawl under the covers
beside her.

In the gloom, Misako saw her sister's own tears. Reaching up a gentle
hand, she brushed them away and sniffled again. She bit her bottom lip
when Usagi hugged her again. They lay on their side, facing each other.

<I can't do this,> Misako thought sadly as she shut her eyes, <I can't
face her.> But she had to; that was what she had come home for. Opening
her eyes and Misako swallowed hard before saying softly, "Gomen nasai,
Usagi-sama, I... I..." Misako trailed off, shutting her eyes against the
sight of her sister.

"Misako?" Usagi's voice was soft, yet filled with concern.

That concern combined with the guilt Misako was feeling. "I can't do
this, 'Sagi... Onee-chan, I don't know how to say it." <Our parents
betrayed us.> "I was so wrong about you. I couldn't understand what was
going on!" Anger flared within her and Misako opened her eyes. "I can't
believe they did that to us." Usagi was watching Misako with surprise
and confusion but the young girl didn't notice this. "I'm so baka,"
Misako hissed bitterly, "All this time, I thought you were to blame. I
thought it was all your fault. I thought..." There was a moment of
oppressive silence before she whispered out, "I know that saying sorry
won't do anything to help us. But I am sorry." Misako turned away, her
back to Usagi, unable to face her sister, unable to say what she had
wanted to say, lacking the words that would heal.

She felt a body come closer to her, felt Usagi's arms hug her tightly,
felt that warmth she had so desperately sought. "I can't bring back the
past. I can't undo what I did, 'Sagi. But... but if you give me another
chance..." She stopped; it sounded so hollow. <What will I do if 'Sagi
doesn't forgive me?>

"Misako," Usagi called gently, "I can't be angry with you. You remember
in the past what I told you. I wanted you as a sister. We still can be,
but we have to do it together. Being apart is what caused all these
problems, and I think we would never want to be apart."

Misako carefully turned over again and saw more tears within her
sister's eyes. Eyes that held worry, and fear, love and trust, and need.
"But we fight..." Misako mumbled out.

Usagi gently laughed, "We'd be in trouble if we didn't occasionally
fight. We're different people, Misako. When we were in the past we
always worked through our problems." Her face grew somber as she
continued, "I want to apologize for not seeing what Mom 'n' Dad were
doing." Misako was about to speak but Usagi shook her head. "Iie, I knew
you complained about unfair treatment. I just kept thinking that you
were blowing it out of proportion."

"I don't want to compete, 'Sagi-chan. We both messed up," Misako pointed
out after a long silence, "Can we... can we start over again?"

"How can you forgive me though?" Usagi questioned, "I mean, our parents
shafted you the most."

Misako wrapped her arms around Usagi's neck and snuggled her head
against her sister. "Imouto, I thought about telling you about the
wedding so that Sakuya would forgive you sooner, so I wouldn't get the
spanking of my life. I didn't 'cause I didn't want to give up that
special week; we felt like sisters then." She pulled her head back and
added, "I realized something in the past too. I want you as my onee. I
want to be your imouto."

"Onee-chan," Usagi whispered out as she began to gently cry. Her heart
moved out to Misako, and a sense of relief washed over her as Misako
snuggled her head under her chin once again. "I love you."

"I love you too," Misako murmured out. "I'm home, Onee-chan, I'm
home..."

                                 ******

(Continued in Part 2)