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

(Countinued from part 1)
                                 ******

On Tuesday evening, the weather was only slightly warmer than the
atmosphere of the Royal Family Suite. Deciding to seek some warmer, and
friendlier conditions, Serenity went to visit with Makoto. She
discovered that Makoto was looking after Atsuko, and having a wonderful
time doing it.

"How goes the battle?" Makoto questioned as she placed a tray containing
tea and some snacks on the coffee table.

"Terrible," Serenity remarked as she reached for her cup, "Floating
naked in space would be warmer than being at home." Taking a sip of her
tea, she sighed and added, "I can't understand it though, Mako-chan. We
told Misako the truth. She knows it was for a good cause. Pluto told us
to force them apart. I don't see why she's so bitter at me." <Not to
mention Usagi.>

"Kami-sama, Serenity, YOU are her mother," Makoto growled out, "To do
that to family is just plain wrong. To do it especially to Misako, is
even more so." Serenity gave Makoto a slightly exasperated look so she
added, "Don't go thinking that this has anything to do with what
happened in the past. Misako was never as independent as Usagi. She had
more to lose when her faith in you was crushed."

"`Crushed'?!?" Serenity questioned, "Oh Mako-chan, I think you're
blowing this out of proportion."

"Would you have done the same thing to Usagi if the situation was
reversed?" An uncomfortable silence settled over the room as Serenity
looked away. It was broken a few moments later by Atsuko's crying.
Getting up, Makoto walked into her bedroom where Atsuko was.

Serenity got up and followed Makoto a few seconds later. "What's the
matter?" she questioned.

"I think she's just uncomfortable," Makoto speculated while starting to
remove Atsuko's pajamas, "It is hot in here. Not much of a breeze." She
grinned down at her great-granddaughter and added, "Now then, let's say
we get you into a clean diaper, then you can come out with me. It's
cooler out in the living room." Atsuko sleepily burbled something, her
eyes only half open.

"Ma-ma..." Atsuko declared when she became a little more oriented.

"Not yet, sweetheart," Makoto replied as she settled Atsuko down so she
could change her diaper. "Your mama will be home in a couple of hours."
She grinned and added, "I bet that seems like an eternity to you."

At that moment, the phone rang. When Makoto didn't move to answer it,
Serenity offered, "I can do that, Mako-chan, if you want to get the
phone." Makoto just shook her head and continued to change Atsuko's
diaper, ignoring the phone completely.

"The machine will get it, Serenity-chan," Makoto commented, "There we
go, Atsuko-chan, I bet that feels much better." Picking Atsuko up, she
turned to face Serenity who was looking at her curiously.

"'Sa-gi," Atsuko cooed as she pointed towards Serenity, "'Sa-gi!"

"Iie, that's Neo-Queen Serenity," Makoto corrected.

<Kawaii...> "May I?" Serenity asked, holding out her hands towards
Atsuko. Makoto took on a reluctant look and walked past her friend into
the living room. <Great Serenity's ghost!> Serenity thought with
exasperation. Moving, she followed Makoto into the room and asked, "Ne,
Makoto, what's going on? You think I'm going to make Atsuko sick or
something?"

"Iie," Makoto replied after a moment, "Gomen, Serenity, I just can't let
you hold Atsuko."

"Why not?" The hurt tone in Serenity's voice made Makoto wince.

"Because... because Sakuya sees you as a potential threat to her
mesume." Serenity's eyes opened wide, her mouth agape in utter shock.

"Nani? Why would... This can't have anything to do with Misako,"
Serenity countered, "That's ridiculous. What does she think I'm going to
do, take Atsuko away from her?" When Makoto looked away, Serenity could
feel her anger growing. "Honestly Makoto."

"Atsuko is Sakuya's mesume," Makoto replied, "and it has everything to
do with Misako. Sakuya was saying to me that if you could hurt Misako
that way, your own mesume, then what else could you be capable of."
Makoto gave Serenity a sad look. "This is her family, Serenity-sama, and
she's scared that Pluto will try to take it away from her. Pluto
couldn't do it directly, but indirectly, through you..." Serenity
staggered, and sat heavily on the couch.

"Doesn't she understand? It had to be done," Serenity argued, "Rei was
angry with me. She thinks I've tainted my soul by my actions. But for
Sakuya to not even tell me her fears."

"They aren't so unfounded, Serenity," Makoto pointed out gently, "You
are, after all, Queen." Sitting beside Serenity, she added, "I will
always be your friend. I will try and support the decisions you make. In
my heart though, I can't support or justify this one. Family means so
much to Sakuya and me. We aren't going to be blind to the chance that
Sailor Pluto has other plans." Makoto reached and gently touched her
friend's arm. "The Usagi I knew would never have done this. Her
compassion and desire for everyone to be happy would never have allowed
this to happen. That part of Usagi that's within you is slowly dying,
Your Majesty. With every step you take towards trying to justify these
actions as necessary, is another step away from Usagi, a piece that has
grown smaller over the years."

Serenity slumped back against the couch. Lifting her hands, she covered
her face for a moment. "What do I do?" Serenity asked hopelessly, "I
tried, Makoto. I told Misako the truth. What else was I supposed to do?"
She turned to regard Makoto, sadness and hurt mixing within her eyes and
heart. "I thought we could be a family again. I thought that after my
talk with Misako before, things would be okay." A few tears rolled down
her cheeks as she sniffled.

"You betrayed such a sacred trust, Serenity-chan. One that even fathers
can't have with any child. I know you kept saying that Endymion's
favorite was Misako. You have to realize that Usagi was yours." Makoto
shook her head. "I don't know how I can explain it but what Misako
needed was a mother, and you weren't there. Hiding behind Sailor Pluto
won't solve your problem, Your Majesty."

Serenity wrapped her arms around herself and looked towards the ground.
Sniffling again, she stated softly, "But I was just doing what Pluto
said was necessary. So we could prevent something horrible from
happening. She implied..."

"Serenity," Makoto asked gently, "Doesn't that seem a little odd?"

"Nani?"

"Pluto usually allows something to happen, and then does things to fix
it. We haven't seen this `great crisis' yet. It's unusual for Pluto to
do it so proactively." She saw some hope spring into Serenity's eyes so
felt guilt at her next words, "It was Pluto's request, Serenity. You
were the one that could have stopped it, could have denied it. You
didn't even think twice about it."

"I cried about this, Mako-chan," Serenity said lamely, "I can't count
the number of times I thought about what I was doing. The nights I laid
in bed and simply cried at not being able to comfort Usagi or Misako."
She bit her lower lip for a moment, trying to keep from another burst of
tears but failed. By this point, Atsuko was becoming distressed by the
mood within the room and began to cry herself. As Makoto comforted the
child, Serenity looked away. "I never wanted to be Queen, Makoto, you
know that. I have all Japan to think about now. I have to put my
subjects above my family. Pluto would not have had me do this if it
wasn't important."

Makoto rose and turned to face Serenity. "Who's on the Throne, Serenity,
you or Sailor Pluto?" Stalking across to her bedroom, she turned back to
Serenity and announced, "I think you know the way out, Your Majesty, if
you'll excuse me." With that, she stalked into the bedroom and shut the
door.

                                 ******

The following Saturday was bright and sunny. Misako stalked through the
Palace hallway towards the Rakurai's apartment. <I can't believe it,>
she thought moodily, <Of all the baka things to do!> She knew she was
angry. She just didn't know what to be angry about. <When I get a hold
of 'Sagi, I'm gonna...> She grimaced. <It isn't like it was her fault.>
Actually, it was Usagi's fault but it had been an honest accident.

Misako was wrenched away from her brooding when she ran into someone.
Jerking her head up, she blushed and took a step backwards. "Gomen
Sakuya-san. I guess I should've watched where I'm going."

Sakuya grinned before saying, "Konnichiwa Princess Misako, where were
you going in such a hurry to?"

"Ne, Sakuya-san, is 'Sagi at your house?" Sakuya nodded. "Would you mind
if I go and talk to her?"

"Go ahead. You can help her with Atsuko," Sakuya replied, "I don't think
you've had a chance to really meet Atsuko since your sister's birthday."

"Yeah," Misako admitted with regret, "I had to catch up on school 'n'
stuff like that. I should be studying now but... this is kinda of
important."

"Go ahead, Your Highness," Sakuya agreed. Bowing, she continued down the
hallway.

Despite her mood, Misako felt a little happier. Sakuya had said she
could help Usagi. <First I'll kick Usagi in the rear, then I'll help
her,> Misako thought and started walking again.

                                 ******

By the time Usagi had allowed her into the apartment, Misako's annoyance
had grown significantly. "Where's Atsuko?" she questioned as she put on
a pair of guest slippers.

"Sakuya put her down for a little sleep. I guess Atsuko was up early
this morning," Usagi mumbled out as she looked towards the floor. "I...
I'm really sorry, Misako. Gomen nasai." Misako's nostrils flared in
annoyance as she scowled. "It just slipped out." Sadly Usagi turned and
walked towards the couch. Misako followed, trying to figure out the best
approach for knocking sense into her sister.

When Usagi sat down, Misako sat beside her. "'Sagi, what do you think I
was upset about?"

"I didn't mean you were a little kid, Misako. I know you think that
bear's important to you." She was about to say more but Misako
interrupted her.

"That bear IS important," Misako countered, "It's important because YOU
gave it to me." Reaching out, she touched Usagi's arm and softly said,
"'Sagi, you were right. I was acting like a little kid. I overreacted. I
know you wouldn't hurt her on purpose."

"Her???" Usagi asked.

"Hai, I figured that you had a thing against boy teddy bears," Misako
said with a grin then giggled.

Usagi giggled as well and then asked softly, hesitantly, "Why were you
so mad then, Imouto?"

"I was mad because you... because you keep treating me like... like a
fragile doll. You think anything you do wrong is going to make me
leave." Usagi opened her mouth to protest this but Misako shook her
head. "'Sagi, I know, I can tell by the way you act. I was being baka
about you harming my teddy bear and you said something that... well it
did hurt."

"I didn't mean it..." Usagi repeated.

"I know, Onee-chan, but I'm not going anywhere." She hugged Usagi and
added, "I thought about staying in the past, I really did; Kimeko showed
me I couldn't, though. We might fight, Onee-chan, but didn't we say we'd
work it out?"

"Hai," Usagi said softly and sniffled.

"I keep that bear because YOU gave it to me," Misako repeated. Then
after a short pause, she asked, "Do you remember that night that you
took off and I came to get you?" Usagi sniffled again and nodded.
"'Sagi, I told you then I wasn't mad at you, and I'm not now, at least
not at what you think I'm mad about."

"Arigato Miko-chan," Usagi said as she hugged her sister. "Let's go see
if Atsuko's awake yet." Getting up, she took Misako's hand and they
walked into the Rakurai nursery. Softly moving over to where Atsuko was
sleeping, they both gazed in at the little girl.

"She's so kawaii," Misako breathed out, "I don't think I ever saw
anybody so small before." <Well except maybe...>

"What about Noriko's otouto?" Usagi inquired.

"Iie, Noriko wasn't talking to me when he was born and I wasn't in Rei's
good book anyway," Misako replied, then deciding to change the subject,
"Ne, 'Sagi-chan, want to go shopping tonight?"

"I'll have to check and see if I got anything scheduled, Miko-chan,"
Usagi answered, "I don't think I do but I could be forgetting
something." She glanced towards Misako who nodded.

"I bet it's neat having a secretary."

"She's a `Personal Assistant'," Usagi stated in a very prim voice, "Not
a secretary." Misako quickly covered her mouth, trying not to giggle.
"She is good though, one of Hiroshi-san's junior staffers. If it wasn't
for her, I'd keep forgetting about important sessions of Court 'n'
stuff." Usagi grimaced and made a gagging motion that caused Misako to
give a stifled laugh. "I guess I don't have a choice though, so I might
as well do the best job I can. No reason to tick off the Senshi
Council."

Atsuko started to fuss. Usagi was just starting to reach for her when
the she stopped dead. "Oh Kami-sama, I think she really dropped a load."
She quickly pinched her nose and backed away, "Just my luck too."

"Can I help, Onee-chan?" Misako questioned. When her sister nodded,
Misako carefully reached down and picked Atsuko up. "Come on,
Atsuko-chan, don't make strange with me today." That was not Atsuko's
main purpose at the moment. All the little girl cared about was getting
changed.

"Eewww!!!" Usagi said, trying not to gag.

"Oh grow up," Misako replied, "I bet we both smelled this bad once." She
couldn't help the look of disgust that came onto her face though when
she realized something. "'Sagi-chan, I think Atsuko's gonna need a
bath."

"'Sa-gi..." Atsuko burbled out, reaching out her tiny hands for Usagi.

Usagi sighed and, walking towards Atsuko, muttered out, "I'll be glad
when you're potty trained."

                                 ******

"What's the matter with her, Onee-chan?" Misako questioned in a worried
tone of voice, "I thought you said she wasn't really fussy about baths."

"She's usually not," Usagi confirmed as she gently rubbed Atsuko's back.
"I wish she could talk." Usagi moved around to look at Atsuko's face,
"What's the matter, Atsuko-chan? Don't you like the water?"

"It feels okay," Misako commented, "She's clean anyway. Better take her
out and dry her off." <What could be wrong...> Atsuko had calmed
somewhat and then started fussing again while they had been washing her.
<I hope we didn't hurt her.> But they had been gentle. "Gas?" she
questioned her sister who was carefully drying Atsuko off.

"Might be," Usagi speculated worriedly, "But from what?" <It can't have
been the bath.> After putting on a fresh diaper and pajamas, Usagi
lifted the child up.

"Not making strange," Misako muttered as she disposed of the bath water,
"Come on, 'Sagi, hasn't she done this before?"

"Iie," Usagi replied, "Atsuko-chan, shhh... I'm right here." <If
anything happens, I'm dead.> "She can't be hungry... At least not yet."
<Maybe if I give her a little water.> But Atsuko had no intention of
drinking anything.

"Luna-P!" Misako called out, "Come here." It obeyed its mistress and
floated over to her. "Luna-P Henge!" With a quick bounce, Misako turned
Luna-P into a large book.

"What are you doing, Miko-chan?" Usagi questioned while gently patting
Atsuko's back, trying to comfort the child. <What to do, what to do?>
"This is no time to read."

"Prefect time to read a `baby' book," Misako countered, "Let's see..."
Tuning out both her sister and Atsuko, Misako started hunting through
the book. "Onee-chan, it'll be okay, just calm down. The more worked up
you get, the more worked up Atsuko gets." She felt Usagi sit down beside
her on the couch. "It'll be okay."

<Okay, diaper's changed... She's clean... She doesn't want anything to
drink... I don't think she has gas... So what am I missing?> It was
frustrating and worrying to Usagi. Both she and Atsuko turned towards
Misako when she gave triumphant shout and bounded to her feet. "Well,
what is it?" Without giving her sister time to answer, Usagi added, "I
think we should call somebody."

"Hold on a sec', 'Sagi," Misako commanded and moved around to peer into
Atsuko's mouth. "Hmmm..." Atsuko, surprised by the sudden interest in
her, stopped her crying and stared at the top of Misako's head for a
moment. "I'll be right back."

"Where are you going?" Usagi questioned urgently. <Kami-sama, what's
going on?!> She hated this feeling. Misako vanished into Atsuko's
nursery for a moment or so before returning with a large grin. She was
also carrying a small bottle and booklet. "Nani? What's that?"

"Atsuko's teething," Misako announced, "Look in her mouth." When Usagi
didn't follow through, Misako waved at her to do so.

"Teething? So what do we do, Miko-chan?" <Teething... I think Sakuya
said something about teething...> She had been overly absorbed in other
thoughts at the time.

"Does Atsuko have a teething ring?" Misako questioned, "We'll try that
and if that doesn't work, then we can call Sakuya and tell her what's
going on. At least we'll know what's wrong."

Thankfully they didn't have to call Sakuya. Once the teething ring had
been produced and they had ensured it was clean, it only took a little
more effort to have Atsuko chew upon it. Eventually her crying died into
sniffles and then faded out completely.

Later that evening, Masao came home to find both girls curled up on a
blanket, on the floor, asleep. Atsuko was snuggled between them, a
content look upon her small face.

                                 ******

The following night was slightly chilly, a large gibbous moon hung
blue-white against the star studded mat black of night. Sitting back in
her chair, Usagi gave a disgusted sigh and looked out the window. She
was studying for a test the next day, and hating every minute of it.
<Maybe I should go ask Misako for help.> That thought made her giggle.
<I bet she could pass my history test tomorrow.> She glanced around the
dining room and gave another sigh. <I came in here so I could study and
not get sidetracked.> And at that moment, that was exactly what she
wanted.

Hearing a soft noise off to her left, Usagi turned to see Misako
standing in the doorway of the dining room. "How's it going, Onee-chan?"
Misako questioned.

Usagi noticed that Misako was holding something behind her back but she
didn't comment on it. "Okay," Usagi replied in a bland tone, "You
wouldn't want to write the test for me, ne Imouto?" Misako gave her
sister a grin and entered the room. "You came at the right time anyway.
I needed an excuse to stop."

Misako frowned and said sternly, "Well if it's like that, then I'll just
leave." Reaching out, she rumpled her sister's hair while adding, "I'd
take the test for you, but I think you want to pass it." Usagi giggled
as Misako sat down. "Are you busy?"

"A few minutes won't hurt, either way, Miko-chan," Usagi remarked and
then cautiously peered towards the doorway, "But, Dad might get
upset..."

"They went out," Misako reassured her sister, "I think they went to
Minako's."

"Figures," Usagi muttered out, "Minako would support Mother in this."
<What is she hiding?> The item that Misako had been holding behind her
back was now out of sight under the table.

<I don't want to talk about that now,> Misako thought, <I have something
more important to talk about. "'Sagi, I..." she halted, blushed, and
lowered her head. "When I was in the past, I asked Mother if I could
stay there. She said I could stay as long as I liked."

"Onee-san's different than Mother," Usagi affirmed.

Misako raised her head and replied, "I know, and before Kimeko came, I
wasn't going to come home." Usagi's eyes enlarged in surprise. "I
thought I could really be your onee, even... Atsuko's." She stared
towards the table top, cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Usagi sat stunned, trying to sort through her emotions. Afraid to ask,
but having to know, she asked, "Miko-chan, why did you come back? Was it
because of what Kimeko said?"

"A little, 'Sagi," Misako replied softly, "But, it was what she brought
with her that told me that I needed... I had to go home." Flipping the
picture over, she placed it in front of her sister and watched
carefully. Usagi didn't say anything; she only sat and stared at the
picture. "I drew this, Onee-chan, and you kept it."

<I don't remember this,> she thought as she carefully lifted up the
picture and examined it, <But how can I be sure?> It wasn't so much that
she doubted Misako, it was that she doubted what she was being told.
Licking her lips, she commented, "I guess I hid this from you so you
wouldn't destroy it."

Misako flushed slightly and then held out an envelope. "You keeping that
picture meant a lot to me, 'Sagi-chan. But this is even more important."
As Usagi took the letter, Misako folded her hands and put them in her
lap. "When I think about what could have happened if I hadn't come back,
it scares me."

"I wouldn't have blamed you, Miko-chan," Usagi said softly while hugging
her sister, "You had every right to be angry."

Misako shook her head. "That was running away from problems I didn't
want to face. I thought I'd get them before they got me." A grim smile
slid across her face as she thought, <Mother still doesn't want to see
the truth just like I wouldn't before.>

Usagi turned her attention to the envelope and removed the letter
contained within. As she read the letter, a chill ran down her spine. By
the bottom of the letter, Usagi was near tears. <I don't believe it,>
she numbly thought, <It just can't be possible.> She had just read a
letter that she had written, but never had. It looked similar to her
handwriting even down to her trademark signature. The wording sounded so
right, and yet... and yet, she had no memory of writing the letter.
<Kimeko? Or... maybe Sawa?> Usagi mused, <That has to be it.> Likely
Sawa wrote the letter and gave it to Kimeko. <Ew... Just wait till I get
a hold of Sawa...> Her mind whirled, <Why didn't they tell me?!?>

"Onee-chan?" Misako questioned worriedly.

Usagi sniffled a little as she read the letter over again. <I can't tell
her the truth.> It would be devastating. <I wish I had thought of this.
Or they had at least told me the idea... They didn't have to go and
forge the baka thing.> Feeling a tear trickle down her cheek, Usagi
turned and hugged her sister, thinking of the time when she'd demand
some answers from the two Younger Senshi.

                                 ******

As time passed, Misako found herself becoming more settled into old
routines. By late-July, she still hadn't been cleared for full regular
Senshi practice. Instead, Younger Jupiter, and more frequently, Younger
Saturn, took time to bring her back up to speed. Even with her
gymnastics practice in the past, Misako had lost her Senshi conditioning
and had to work to recover it before she would be cleared to rejoin the
others in practice.

Secretly, Misako didn't mind the extra free time. She spent it with
Yumeko and Yuki, and of course, her sister. She had also started helping
Usagi with Atsuko on a voluntary basis. Not everything was fine though;
she still couldn't bring herself to discuss her feelings with her
parents. For her mother, it was the idea that things should be all right
now that kept Misako away. Even when she had meekly tried to broach the
subject once, Serenity had been overbearing in trying to reassure Misako
that things were, "fine now".

For her father, it was a deeper hurt, the unquestioning trust that she
had held as a child was gone. She desperately wanted to forgive him.
Misako was just unable to find the will to talk with her father, the one
person she had counted on completely.

                                 ******

That Friday evening was muggy. As the sun set, a thick bank of heavy
storm clouds moved in from the east. A stiff easterly wind blew,
rattling trees, warning of an upcoming storm. Coming home from
gymnastics practice, Misako walked into a storm of a different kind that
was raging within the Royal Suite. As she entered through the private
entrance, she could hear both her father and her sister yelling. Quickly
slipping out of her shoes, she dropped her backpack and sprinted down
the hallway.

She was about to enter into the living room when her father's voice
brought her up short. "Damn it, Usagi! Don't you think I regretted
having to do what I did?" Misako glanced towards her sister and noticed
Usagi shaking her head. "If you want to, blame me. Don't blame your
mother for my actions."

"This is all her fault," Usagi stated angrily, "How can you defend
her?!? She's the one that hurt us, not just you, not just me or Misako,
but all of us. Her and Pluto!" Misako could see the tears streaking down
her sister's cheeks. "Don't ask me to ever forgive her. She knew how
much Misako meant to me. She knew how much I meant to Misako."

"But Usagi..."

"You're a coward, a plain and simple coward that couldn't stand up for
our family." Endymion clenched his fists, his lips thinning into a
grimace. "You were the protector of Sailor Moon, so I guess I know why
you let Mother get away with this."

Not wishing to hear more, Misako quickly withdrew down the hallway to
her room. Opening the door, she softly entered and closed it again. <I
don't understand. I think 'Sagi wants me to forgive Dad but now...> She
felt confused and scared. She felt unhappy as well. <I don't know what
was said before I came home.> There was no way of finding out either.
Moving over to her bed, she sat. <I guess I could do my homework. No
reason to make things worse than they are.>

That was when she realized where her homework was. <I left it by the
door.> She was about to move but heard heavy footfalls out in the hall
and then a door slamming shut. <Maybe I shouldn't go out there for a
little bit.> Flopping back onto her bed, she closed her eyes, willing
something pleasant to come to mind.

After a few minutes, her thoughts were interrupted by a knock at her
door. Sitting up, she said, "Hai."

When the door opened, Misako found herself looking at her father. "You
left this by the entrance," Endymion said as he held out the backpack.
"We don't want anybody tripping over it."

Getting up, Misako moved across the room and took the backpack from her
father. "Arigato," Misako replied. They stared at each other for a
moment before Endymion turned to head back down the hall. "O...
Otou-san, could I talk to you please?" Endymion paused, then nodded. As
she moved out of the way, her father entered the room and she closed the
door.

"What did you want to talk to me about, Mesume?" Endymion asked as he
watched his daughter walk over to the bed. "May I sit down?" He was a
little hurt to see that Misako indicated her desk chair but he
understood. Moving, he sat at the desk turning to face Misako.

"May I ask you something?" Misako began softly.

"Hai."

"You... you said that you did this knowing what you were doing," Misako
replied, "I mean about making me hate 'Sagi, ne?" When her father
nodded, Misako looked towards her bed and asked softly, "Why?"

"I don't know why we had to do it exactly, Misako. Sailor Pluto..." he
trailed off as Misako shook her head. "Nani?"

"I meant, why would you do this? I trusted you; I loved you." Misako
sniffled a little and raised her head to look sadly at her father. "Why
couldn't you just say Mother made you?"

"Because that would be a lie, Misako," Endymion explained softly,
"Because if I blamed everything about this on your mother, I would be
deceiving both you and myself." He stood and moved to sit on the edge of
the bed. "Misako, I can't explain why I put you through hell. I can't
explain why I tolerated what was going on. But I'm not a coward. I hurt
you very much, and I have to face the consequences of my actions."
Tentatively, he reached out and touched her arm. "I can only hope that
you'll forgive me, someday, Mesume."

Misako shied away from his touch, shied away from that warmth that she
desperately wanted. "Did you like it?" she asked softly.

"Iie," Endymion said after a long pause, "I can't go back and undo it
though. I can only work at making things better, if you'll let me."

"So you want me to forgive you, Otou-san?" Misako questioned while
looking intently at her father.

"Hai, I would like a chance for us to be a family again." Endymion
added, "If you never forgive me, Misako, I can understand that. But just
let me be a part of your life, even in a small way."

Misako got up and walked around the bed to the window. She stood there,
looking outside for a long moment. Endymion sat silently on the bed,
waiting for the axe to fall, waiting for something to happen. "What
about Usagi?" Misako questioned finally without turning to look at her
father.

"I love Usagi," Endymion answered softly. "I try to treat you both
equally. Sometimes I slip though. I can't help if I think you're extra
special, just the same way that your mother thinks that Usagi's extra
special."

"But you try to keep us even," Misako said as she turned to regard her
father, tears shimmering in her eyes.

"I'm not a machine, Misako," Endymion countered, "I can't control the
way my heart responds. I love both of you. We have some things in common
that Usagi and I don't. I can't promise to be perfect. All I can promise
is to try and be fair."

"You don't think I'm a little kid," Misako stated but it was clearly a
question.

Endymion reached out a hand and gently pulled Misako towards him.
Placing his hands on her shoulders, he remarked, "Misako, you are the
baby of our family. Nothing in the world will change that except the
Ginzuishou. To me, you're just like your mother was to your sohu. You'll
always be my little girl."

"I... I can forgive you, Otou-san," Misako decided after a short pause,
"I just can't trust you." She winced at the pained expression that shot
through her father's face. "How do I know you won't do something like
this again?"

Endymion took a deep breath before slowly letting it out. "Can't I work
on that somehow?" Much to his surprise, and relief, Misako nodded.
"How?" Endymion asked, a knot of fear sitting heavily within his
stomach.

"You have to be a good father. Not just to me but to 'Sagi too," Misako
said seriously, "It ain't gonna be quick either. 'Sagi's too important
to me. I almost lost her 'cause of what you and Mother did." There was a
long moment of silence before Misako asked, "If I never forgave you,
would you still love me?"

"Hai, Mesume. I would go to the ends of the Earth for either you or
Usagi." Endymion replied while brushing a tear from Misako's cheek, "I
know I took away the trust you gave me. And I'm happy that you're
willing to let me gain it back. Even if you didn't though, I would still
love you."

Misako's bottom lip trembled slightly. "Daddy..." Sniffling a little
more, she stepped closer and hugged her father tightly. As Endymion
gently placed his arms around her, Misako began to softly cry. And as
the last of the sun faded out, and the clouds continued to role in,
Misako felt some of the fear slipping away. Felt some of the hollowness
within her starting to fill again. Felt, unconditional love.

                                 ******

Sailor Chibi-Earth was feeling quite happy and content as she watched
Younger Venus and Younger Mars going through one of the harder
simulations. It being the first Monday in August, she had finally been
cleared to return to full Senshi practice. Things had seemed to a go a
lot more smoothly after her talk with her father. Certainly the Royal
Family Suite was settling down into some semblance of normality.

There were a few exceptions though. The first was Serenity. Both Misako
and Usagi were shunning their mother as much as possible. It wasn't out
of malice, at least in Misako's case; she just couldn't talk with her
mother. Serenity was still holding strongly to the belief that things
could just get back to normal.

That wasn't to say that Endymion didn't have a lot of work ahead of him;
however, it helped that Usagi seemed to have forgiven her father and it
was more a matter of trust than denial as it was in the case of their
mother.

A smile slid across her face as she heard her sister giggling. Mirth
glittered in her eyes as Younger Venus was thrown headfirst into a
stagnant pond by the creature they were battling. <I'm happy I came
back,> Chibi-Earth thought as she looked over towards her sister. <I'm
glad I have friends that will understand.> Yuki and Yumeko were willing
to forgive her and she was working hard on that. She was also working
with Usagi to rebuild the relationship they once had.

She still hadn't talked to Usagi about being Atsuko's onee. In one way,
Misako was scared to. <Atsuko means so much to 'Sagi.> She had felt a
special place in her heart for the little girl. <I wonder if it's what
Makoto felt like when I was there?> Certainly her relationship with
Makoto was different from before. <She understands what I'm feeling.>
Unlike Kimeko. Chibi-Earth sighed a little, attracting the attention of
her sister but Chibi-Earth didn't notice. <Why does Kimeko want me to
forgive Mother? Okaa-sama thinks everything should be okay between us.>
And it certainly wasn't.

Chibi-Earth was pulled from her thoughts when she heard Younger Jupiter
speaking. "Hit the showers, you two," she commanded addressing Younger
Mars and Younger Venus. "Okay, Younger Moon, Chibi-Earth, you're up!"

"About time," Younger Moon whined out. "Now Imouto can show you what
she's learned in the past."

"Onee-chan..." Chibi-Earth hissed out as she flushed slightly, "I wasn't
all that hot in the past. 'Sides, you're the one that rung the bell."

"Don't start this argument again or I'll ring both your bells," Younger
Jupiter growled out.

Both sisters looked at each other and back towards their leader. "Hai
Okaa-san!" they chorused together before breaking out in a fit of
giggles.

                                 ******

The sound of Younger Moon's muffled giggles floated to Chibi-Earth's
ears. Chibi-Earth vainly tried to twist her body to see why her sister
was giggling. "'Sagi, shut up! You're dead!"

"So are you!" Younger Moon giggled, "This thing needs a breath mint."

"It's your own fault," Chibi-Earth griped as she tried to shift into a
less awkward position. She was hanging upside down, suspended by her
feet and as far as the simulation was concerned, Chibi-Earth was
headless. "You just stood there."

"Gak!" Younger Moon replied, "I was waiting for you to show me what you
learned." She heard her sister mutter something acidic and giggled. "I
don't think that type of language will resurrect you."

"Least, I'm not bitten in half," Chibi-Earth grumbled out. She gave a
squeal as the simulation ended and she dropped to the floor
unexpectedly. Younger Moon followed similarly and they lay looking at
each other. "I was waiting for you, baka Odango Atama."

"Well you certainly had the opportunity, Imouto," Younger Moon
countered. She then giggled as her sister scowled. "Are you really mad
at me?"

"Iie Onee-chan," Chibi-Earth replied and giggled herself, "But I came
back thinking that you'd be this really great Sailor Senshi and all."

"Not without my teammate," Younger Moon amended softly. They were moved
to hug each other and then Chibi-Earth recoiled. "Nani?!?" Younger Moon
demanded.

"Kami-sama, 'Sagi, you reek!"

"It isn't my fault. You were supposed to come up with the plan."

"And you were supposed to come up with the attack!" Chibi-Earth shot
back. Both glared balefully at each other for a moment before once again
giggling at the situation.

They both gave a startled yelp when Younger Jupiter's voice cut through
their giggles. "For two dead Sailor Senshi, you talk a lot." Both Senshi
turned to their leader and grinned. "Take a shower, and then you're
excused for today." Younger Moon and Chibi-Earth looked at each other
than towards Younger Jupiter. "Don't think you're getting off easy. I'll
be speaking with your parents. I'd leave Sunday clear. We'll start the
drills at six in the morning, level one, lesson one... and work our way
through them."

"We're doing them together?!" both Younger Moon and Chibi-Earth
questioned.

"You died together; you work together," Younger Jupiter grimaced, "Or
something like that."

"Arigato Sensei!" Younger Jupiter was surprised. She was even more so
when both Sailor Senshi gave her a tight hug before dashing away.

Younger Jupiter turned to see Younger Saturn giving her an amused look.
"Did I completely miss something?" She scratched her head for a moment
in thought and added, "They shouldn't like practice."

"Let's face it, Sakuya," Younger Saturn commented, "We're just getting
old."

"Speak for yourself, Yasha!" Younger Jupiter snapped tersely. <I'm not
old, just well aged.>

                                 ******

Opening her journal, Misako began writing:

     Date August 14, 3004

     'Sagi's hiding under her bed. She won't admit it but it's
     true. She's hiding 'cause there's a big storm outside. Some
     things never change.

Misako paused in her writing to listen to the rain. It beat against her
window in a steady rhythm. The clouds had lightened somewhat. The breeze
that crept through the slightly open window carried the smells of the
fresh rain. Thunder rumbled slightly as Misako smiled. Turning back to
her journal, she continued writing:

     I haven't had time to write in you lately. I've been pretty
     busy. I think the last time I wrote was when I had my first
     Senshi practice.

     Funny how 'Sagi was waiting for me to finish off the monster
     and I was waiting for her. Sakuya wasn't too upset. When we
     showed up Sunday, she was a lot less upset. Guess with us
     teasing her before the sim kinda got her annoyed with us.

     I keep forgetting to tell you about 'Sagi's blazer. I'm happy
     she got it finally. 'Sagi tells me it's because I make her
     work hard, but she helps me more with my homework than I do
     with hers.

Misako giggled at that thought. <I like doing my homework with
Onee-chan. She just came and sat down beside me. 'Sagi doesn't really
need my help, but...> It meant so much to her to know her sister asked.
Hearing another rumble of thunder reminded Misako of another point she
wanted to make.

     'Sagi's a good cook. When Mom and Dad were gone, we each made
     a dish once. I think staying at Makoto's helped me; 'Sagi sure
     liked... ate the entire thing!

Misako pouted slightly, <I never got any of it.>

     I still have to wear glasses to read. Mizuno-sensei doesn't
     want to do an operation yet. I don't know why, but I'm gettin'
     used the wearing glasses for reading.

     I think that Atsuko's going into her terrible two phase, and
     she's not even two yet! That's the strange thing. I've asked
     'Sagi about maybe letting me help be Atsuko's onee and 'Sagi
     gets all weird on me. She just says that she's my onee and
     then changes the subject. Without 'Sagi at least telling me
     what she feels, I don't want to talk to Atsuko's parents about
     it.

     I can hardly wait for this weekend. 'Sagi says she gonna get
     us a Disguise Pen. I don't know what she plans on doin' but
     Mother and Dad likely won't approve since 'Sagi's going to
     wait until they're both gone on some baka trip.

     'Sagi and I get to stay by ourselves, all weekend! 'Course,
     Kimeko and Sakuya will check up on us once or twice but we get
     the place all to ourselves!!!

Misako could hardly wait.

                                 ******

It rained on and off continually for the rest of the week. By Saturday
though, the clouds had gone and left only clear blue and sunny sky
behind. The ground was soggy and muddy, but it would quickly dry under
the hot August sun.

"If you were little, I bet you'd be out there right now, ne?" Usagi
remarked to her sister as they stood looking out into the backyard.

"Yeah, perfect stuff for Youma Catch," Misako answered wistfully.

"I bet you've lost your touch." Misako gave her a sharp look so she
elaborated, "Come on, Miko-chan, you stopped playing Youma Catch when I
was in the past. You haven't played in almost two years."

"Once you learn, Onee-chan, you never forget," Misako declared and then
gave her sister a dark look as Usagi snorted. "I always could beat you
and I always will."

"Oh yeah?!?" Usagi challenged, "Prove it!"

"Nuh uh," Misako replied while shaking her head, "It's too muddy out
there."

"A little mud won't hurt us."

"Playing in the mud's for little kids." <Nani?> Misako got a funny look
on her face as she studied her sister's features. "'Sagi..." she said in
a warning tone of voice as Usagi smirked, "Tell me you aren't thinking
what I think you're thinking."

Usagi took on a hurt look. "Hey, if you don't want to play, that's fine
by me. You don't have to go accusing me of being underhanded or
anything."

"Gomen," Misako replied, "It would be nice... but, I'm almost twelve and
you're... Well, we're not little kids anymore."

"Okay," Usagi replied, "Well, I guess I'd better go get my homework
done." Turning, she walked to the hallway and vanished down it.

<I'd like to play but...> Her heart yearned to go out and have at least
one more game. She crushed it though. <I'm practically a teen now. What
if one of my friends saw me? Youma Catch is a game for little kids.> It
was true that she hadn't played it since she was in the past. What
happened next was complete shock to Misako.

"Onee-chan's chicken 'cause she's 'fraid of gettin' beat by a little
kid!" sang a high-pitched voice. Misako whirled around and stared with a
mixture of shock and annoyance at Usagi who now looked around eight
years old.

"You lied to me!" Misako howled, "You sneaky little... I have a good
mind to..."

"Gotta catch me first!" Usagi declared and stuck her tongue out, "Nah!
Nah!" With a giggle, she raced off with Misako in pursuit.

                                 ******

Sometime later on, Misako lay on the ground feeling the mud squishing
between her toes. She turned her head to regard her sister who was lying
next to her grinning broadly. "How'd we end up like this?"

"Nani? You losing your memory again, Imouto?"

"Iie," Misako said as she sat up, "I mean, us playing together. Aren't
we supposed to be adults?"

"That's Mother's thinking," Usagi responded as she pushed herself up,
"Just because I had to grow up doesn't mean you have to, at least yet.
'Sides, what's wrong with playing like a kid once in awhile?" Usagi
looked towards the ground and added, "I guess I never really bought into
being Queen. I don't have much choice though."

"You could get Mother to use the Ginzuishou," Misako pointed out as she
moved to sit beside Usagi. <Or you could even use it on yourself.>

"That would mean you being Crown Princess," Usagi said, "I wouldn't want
that. I hate it. You'd hate it even more."

"How'd you get that Disguise Pen?"

"Dad gave it to me," Usagi replied with a smirk.

"He knew?!?" Misako squeaked out, her stomach starting to knot.

"Hai, but I just told him that I was gonna have some fun." Wiping at the
drying mud, Usagi added, "I think that game was a draw."

"Nuh uh!" Misako declared, scrambling to her feet and with a flicking
motion, produced the ball, "Strategy..." Grinning widely, she tagged her
little sister with the ball. Usagi sat stunned for a few moments, and
then deciding that it had been fair, went through a rather tortured and
overly prolonged death scene.

"Are you quite finished, IMOUTO?" Misako questioned. Usagi cocked her
head and nodded. "I guess I should take a bath."

"We both need one," Usagi observed, "Let's crawl in through my window so
we don't track mud through the Suite." <We don't need Mother hitting the
roof.>

"I still got to get to my room then," Misako pointed out.

"Why? Both of us might as well use my bathroom; only one to clean then."
Usagi noticed Misako's reluctance but her sister finally agreed to her
logic.

                                 ******

Usagi, her body having reverted back to its normal age, sighed with
relief as she slipped into the warm waters of the furo. "I hope
Mizuno-sensei pads the seats at school or I'm gonna be real
uncomfortable." Misako, who was in the process of washing her hair,
mumbled out an apology while blushing. "Imouto, it's not your fault I
was crazy enough to jump. It's just a good thing I whacked my rear on
the slide instead of my head." <Lucky I was a kid when it happened.> She
felt herself flush slightly. <I even cried. Guess it must have been that
eight year old body.>

"That was baka, 'Sagi. I told you I'd let you come down the slide and
not attack," Misako replied as she started rinsing her hair. <It did
give me a chance to comfort 'Sagi when she cried.> Usagi crying had
surprised both of them.

"Do you have to use the toilet?" Usagi questioned. Misako paused in her
task and looked curiously at Usagi before flicking her eyes away, a
slight blush on her cheeks.

"Iie, why?"

"'Cause you're dancing around like a little kid that has to go." Misako
turned away from her sister, not responding. Usagi sighed and sank so
that her shoulders were submersed. Closing her eyes, she asked, "Ne,
Misako, what's wrong?"

There was a long silence and then Usagi heard Misako padding towards the
furo. She felt the water stirring around her as Misako carefully slipped
in. She opened to see Misako sitting hunched over. "If you don't want to
talk, Misako, that's okay." Usagi sat up a worried look on her face.
"I'll try to help if I can."

"You can't, Onee-chan," Misako said while looking away from her sister.
"I guess... I guess I'm just a runt, that's all." Usagi gave her sister
a confused look but didn't say anything. "I feel like a kid when I'm
around my classmates. Most of them are bigger than me." <Even Yuki is!>

Misako shot Usagi a look that said more than Misako realized. "Imouto,
everybody is different," Usagi explained, gingerly sliding around to sit
beside her sister, "We all grow at our own rates. You got to see what
you'll look like as an adult; most people don't. You're gonna grow up
into a beautiful woman that some man will want to date."

<'Sagi's right,> Misako thought as she recalled the image of her adult
self to mind, <Makoto said nature takes its time.> Turning to Usagi, she
blushed and asked, "Are you dating Senji?"

Usagi pouted, "Don't have the time, Imouto. With school, Senshi
practice, and being Crown Princess, I don't have time to find a guy."
Then Usagi went starry-eyed. <He's gonna find me, just like Mom and Dad
did.> Perhaps, she should start flunking tests and tossing them over her
shoulder. <Seemed to work for Onee-san.> Suddenly an idea struck Usagi.
"Miko-chan... You're in love with Senji-kun." Her suspicion was
confirmed when Misako blushed furiously.

"Ah... Well... he IS kinda kawaii," Misako mumbled out, "Don't say
anything, 'Sagi-chan, please."

"I won't say anything, Miko-chan," Usagi said seriously, "But I thought
you just wanted him as a friend."

"I don't know what I want."

Usagi was about to respond when her stomach rumbled. "Can we talk about
this as I make lunch?"

"Promise not to blab this?"

"I promise, Onee-chan," Usagi replied, "I promise." She felt happy that
Misako trusted her again. "So, you gonna kiss him?"

"'Sagi!" Misako bellowed in protest and splashed her sister. Usagi, not
to be out done, returned fire.

                                 ******

September seventh was pleasant. A gentle southeasterly wind rustled the
leaves bringing with it the sweet smells of late summer and the singing
of birds. Masao's laughter rumbled out over the Rakurai's balcony, while
Misako and Usagi blushed slightly.

"I wouldn't laugh, dear, we already have one girl. I'm quite sure there
can be more," Sakuya mused sweetly, her grin got even bigger as three
pairs of eyes looked at her sharply.

"'Sa-gi!" Atsuko burbled out but reached for Misako. Misako obliged the
little girl and lifted her out of Sakuya's arms.

"Almost sleepy-time," Misako cooed gently as Atsuko settled her head
onto Misako's shoulder.

Sakuya smiled. "Did you have a good birthday yesterday, Miko-chan?"

"Hai, arigato, Sakuya-san," Misako replied, "I'm sorry you couldn't
come. I was gonna save you a piece of cake... but SOMEONE ate it all."
Usagi scowled as Sakuya and Masao swung their eyes to look at her
intently.

"Don't blame me, it was Dad," Usagi protested. Much to their surprise,
Misako nodded.

There was a comfortable silence for a few moments and then Atsuko
babbled something sleepily. Masao shook his head and said, "I don't know
how you two do it."

"Nani?" Misako questioned.

"I mean, how do you know which one she's referring to? Atsuko calls BOTH
of you `'Sa-gi'."

Misako gently shrugged and said, "I guess it's okay. 'Sagi's her onee
and 'Sagi's mine so... it's kinda nice."

"Nani? Say that again?" Sakuya questioned.

"What, `it's kinda nice'?" Misako asked curiously.

"Iie Miko-chan, the first part," Sakuya replied.

"'Sagi's her onee..." Misako stated again, a slightly worried expression
on her face. She failed to notice Usagi gripping the arms of her chair,
mouth firmly closed, eyes alight with anticipation.

"You got that wrong," Masao stated, "Usagi isn't Atsuko's onee."

"She's not?!?" Misako questioned loudly. Atsuko spun around, trying to
locate the source of the unexpected noise.

"Usagi is Atsuko's godmother, Miko-chan. Didn't she tell you?" Masao
questioned.

"Iie, Masao-san, she didn't," Misako stated icily and turned to glare at
her sister. Turning back to Masao, she continued, "But I guess Atsuko
can still call her `Onee-san'."

"Certainly not," Sakuya huffed out, "My mesume will show her godmother
proper respect." Then leaning forward slightly, she added in a softer
tone of voice, "On the other hand, Miko-chan, she's certainly welcome to
call you `Onee-san'."

The End


Author's End Notes by Douglas Helm:

It feels strange having finished this large story. Will and I certainly
never expected the story to grow so much. Some people liked the story,
others didn't. You can't satisfy everyone, and one thing I've learned in
writing is that you have to satisfy yourself first, especially when you
write as a hobby. Each person has their own individual take on
characters, and situations can change character behavior. I've never
said our interpretation was any better or truer than any other one. Only
the original author of Sailor Moon, or any series for that matter, can
truly say what they had intended.

As with characterization, the issue of language comes down to each
individual's taste. We use Japanese phrases because we, as the authors,
feel that they give a flavor to the work. Others see this as a burden,
something to be avoided. It's an individual choice and each of us should
be allowed to hold our own opinion.

I'll take this moment to speak to something that was pointed out to us.
The proper word for daughter in Japanese is "musume" as opposed to
"mesume" which we were using. I once had a teacher that said, "If you
have to make an error, keep it consistent." We decided to do that and
keep being consistent with our other works.

To my co-author Will, I say thank you for sticking around this long.
He's kept me from doing some truly strange things... excluding Chapter
20 as that was on purpose. Somehow we evolved what was once only going
to be a three story arc into a series of seven stories. As my sounding
board for ideas, he makes writing more fun. Not that I don't have fun
writing, but having someone to talk to about story kernels makes things
flow better.

To our beta-readers -- in no particular order: Kawaii Tenshi, Mako-chan,
and Rush, a very large thank you. You've provided some tremendous
feedback for us and a host of encouragement.

To the artists who drew artwork for "Tales of Younger Earth", kudos. And
to those that still provide artwork for our previous stories, thank you
very much.

To the members of the distribution list, thank you for staying with us
this long. We appreciate your readership and feedback.

Last, but certainly not least, to the general reader who took the time
out of their schedule to read this story.

What's next? Something light, that's all I'll say. Is this the end of
the "Tales of Younger Senshi"? No, we have at more stories planned,
although they're sometime away.

Thanks again,
Douglas Helm
November 14, 1998


Author's End Notes By "Tuxedo" Will Wolfshohl:

Well here we are again the end of another fanfic. There's really little
I can add to what Doug has said above. He's a great person to work with.
I love to bounce ideas off of him and we have come to know all the
characters very well in the process. It's amazing how real they can
become. Sometimes I expect Misako or Kimeko to come walking in. ;)

The future looks bright. Doug and I have several more fanfics planned
some in the Tales of Younger Senshi Series and some not. We are not
hanging up our hats by any means.

I wish to add my thanks to my co-author Doug, our betareaders (Kawaii
Tenshi, Mako-chan, and Rush) who stuck with us through what turned out
to be a large project, Sugar Molecule our "reviewer", our fanartists,
and you the readers especially those who took the time to C&C. Domo
arigato.

"Tuxedo" Will Wolfshohl
November 14, 1998

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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