Tales of Younger Earth
By Douglas "Candle Light Author" Helm and "Tuxedo" Will Wolfshohl

Disclaimer: Sailor Moon, Sailor Senshi, and all terms, names, etc.
associated with the series are copyrighted by Naoko Takeuchi and
Kodansha. We make no claim to them and this work of fanfiction should
not be seen as making a claim.

Those characters that are original and the story "Tales of Younger
Earth" are copyrighted (c) 1998 by Douglas Helm & Will Wolfshohl.

This fanfic and hundreds of other Sailor Moon fanfics reside in "Tuxedo"
Will's SM Fanfics Archive at http://log.on.ca/users/helm/anime/index.htm

Send comments to: Douglas "Candle Light Author" Helm (dhelm@log.on.ca)
or "Tuxedo" Will Wolfshohl (wwolfshohl@logicon.com)


Chapter 12 - Wedding Bell Blues

Endymion slipped down the hallway towards Usagi's room. After a moment,
he gently opened the door and looked in. Quietly walking over, he pulled
the covers up gently and then walked to the window. The night air had
become cold. The once colored crowned trees were barren and as he looked
out, Endymion saw the first signs of snow. Softly shutting the window,
he walked back over to the door, pulling the door quietly closed after
leaving.

Turning, he walked down the hallway and paused, a frown coming upon his
features. He could see light shining out from underneath Misako's door.
Taking the doorknob, he turned it and prepared to admonish Misako
sternly. Instead, he halted. The little girl was sitting at her desk,
her head lying on top of an open book; her mouth was open slightly as
she breathed deeply and slowly, indicating she was asleep.

<Oh Mesume,> Endymion thought as he quietly entered the room, <Why are
you pushing yourself so hard lately? You get up at five in the morning
and getting you to go to bed has been difficult lately.> Walking over to
her bed, Endymion drew down the sheets and blankets before softly
walking over to the desk. <I could see it if you wanted to watch videos
or read a book but you just study all the time.> He didn't want her
turning into another Ami. She was already starting to look like Minako
with the ever-present bow in her hair. Gently, he removed the pencil
from her hand and placed it on the desk.

"Come on, Princess," Endymion said softly as he lifted the sleeping form
of his daughter up. Holding her close, he walked over and gently placed
her on the bed. Tucking her feet under the covers, he then pulled the
covers up. Giving her a kiss on the forehead, Endymion brushed a few
stray hairs away from his daughter's face. <What were you studying
tonight?> he wondered as he returned to the desk and looked at the title
of the book. <Senshi history again.> A sigh floated from his lips. It
hung heavy in the air for a moment before fading away. Turning off the
desk lamp, he left Misako's room closing the door behind him.

Entering his own room, he closed the door and padded over to the bed.
After removing his robe, he slipped beneath the covers beside his wife
and closed his eyes. "Everything okay?" Serenity's voice questioned from
the darkness. She snuggled closer and wrapped an arm around him.

He hugged her back and was silent for a moment before saying, "Misako's
still trying to find a way to make herself a Senshi." A part of him
wanted to her to succeed, wanted her to be a Sailor Senshi. Another part
of him wanted her to fail, wanted her to be a normal girl, wanted her to
be safe.

"Usagi asked me something today," Serenity began, her tone soft and
worried, "She asked me if Misako was going to die?"

"Nani?" Endymion questioned his eyes flying open.

"I guess it's been on her mind lately. She's realizing what Misako not
being a Senshi means. Usagi is starting to understand that she will
watch her sister grow old and die," Serenity explained softly, "I didn't
know what to say. I didn't know what to do."

"Every Sailor Senshi faces that, Serenity. Everyone that is immortal
will face that sooner or later." Rolling away from her, he closed his
eyes and willed himself to sleep. <I'm sorry, Usagi. I can't take the
chance that Misako will get hurt. I can't take the chance that she'll
die young. Better to have a full life than none at all.> But sleep did
not come until the wee hours of the morning, until Endymion had thought
and rethought his position, over and over again.

                                 ******

The next day, Misako entered the Royal Family Suite after her gymnastics
practice, shivering from the cold outside. She was just about to remove
her coat when she heard two bellowing voices. One was Usagi's and the
other was her father's but he seemed upset. She quickly slid her winter
boots off, slipped on her slippers, and removed her coat. Wandering down
the hall, she paused to look into Usagi's room where both occupants were
bellowing at each other.

"Usagi, that's enough!" Endymion snapped with obvious exasperation, "You
have homework and chores to do. You're just going to have to face your
mother when she gets home."

"Dad, you have to help me look!" Usagi yelled, her voice full of
desperation, her face was flushed red, and her eyes filled with tears
and puffy. "I just have to find it." <I can just hear Mom: `Not another
thing, Usagi!'> Her mother would likely be disappointed that the
necklace was missing, but it was Usagi's. What would get her really
irritated was that Usagi seemed to be making a habit of losing important
items. <Especially after that chocolate covered report today, that I was
SUPPOSED to keep safe...> There was one unavoidable conclusion --
Serenity was not going to be happy. And on top of that, she hadn't even
touched her chores or her homework. <Today is just not my day,> Usagi
glumly thought.

"And I told you to go and do your chores and your homework, Usagi,"
Endymion stated testily, "You've wasted hours ripping apart your room.
You still haven't done the chores you were supposed to finish this
morning."

"What's going on?" Misako questioned. She was enjoying the spectacle but
she needed to know what the full story was so she could watch Usagi
squirm with full understanding and maximum enjoyment.

"Misako, did you see my necklace?!?" Usagi pleaded while running over to
her sister and grabbing her shoulders. "You were in my room last night.
Did you see it anywhere?!?"

"Iie," Misako said, her eyes going wide, "When did you lose it?"

"Were you in her room?" Endymion asked coming to stand beside Usagi near
the doorway.

"Hai, Otou-san, but Usagi let me in. She was reading some dumb old book
and I wanted a book I saw her reading before. She said to come in and I
could take the book. I got the book and left."

"Hai. Now Misako, do you remember seeing my necklace when you were
there?"

"I think you were wearing it," Misako replied after a pause.

Usagi sighed. "Good... okay, it has to be in my room." She frowned then.
"I set it on my dresser in the box. You didn't happen to go snooping
through my dresser again?" She gave here sister a sharp look. "Like
maybe when I was taking a bath?"

"Iie, I promised, Usagi," Misako said with an offended tone.

"Misako, did you come back into Usagi's room when she was taking a
bath?" Endymion questioned.

Misako nodded then said, "Hai, I brought the book back. It wasn't the
one I wanted. I yelled that I brought it back and she said, `Okay,
arigato.' I put it on her desk and left." She then glared at Usagi and
added, "Why would I want your necklace? It isn't mine and I'm not a
thief..." She couldn't help the evil grin that came onto her face. "Not
like you."

"Nani?!" both Endymion and Usagi demanded.

"Well, Usagi did steal the Ginzuishou, ne?" Misako questioned.

Usagi slumped slightly and sighed, "You're right, Imouto. I shouldn't
have even thought you'd take it. I've just misplaced it somewhere. The
box is right where I put it..." She took on a depressed look.

"That's okay, 'Sagi," Misako said sincerely, "I hope you find it. I know
how much it means to you." Turning to her father, she asked, "Daddy, if
I take my homework, can I go over to Sakuya's?" She watched with delight
as Usagi gave her a smoldering glare, her neck puffing out in anger.

"Why Miko-chan?" Endymion questioned. <When Serenity finds out Usagi
lost that necklace and hasn't done her chores or homework... She will be
mad.> Then he remembered about the missing report. <And to top it all
off, she lost that report Serenity gave her. Then later, we found it
crammed into some dark recess... and covered in chocolate! She's likely
going to go on the warpath.>

"Well they're gonna do a dry run through of the wedding and they wanted
me there." She then giggled, "And besides, Usagi is cooking tonight and
I don't want to get sick for the wedding."

Usagi gave a growl and was about to spring at Misako but Endymion kept a
tight grip on her arm. "Miko-chan, apologize to your sister." Misako did
so but without very much sincerity. "All right, Miko-chan, you may go,"
Endymion conceded. <Yes, better to keep these two out of each other's
way tonight.>

"Arigato Daddy!" Misako hugged him before skipping down to her room to
get her homework.

                                 ******

Misako's first blurred sensation was of something licking her. It was
wet, small, and rough. She lay there, her brain trying to orient her.
The small object worked its way up from her chin, along her right cheek,
and over her nose leaving behind a cooling wetness. Slowly, she opened
her eyes and was immediately confronted with a mass of white bobbing
fur.

<Where am I?> she wondered hazily. Then her groggy mind started to pick
out details. <I'm at Kimeko's...> That would mean the mass of fur in
front of her face, the weight she felt lightly perched on her chest was
Fubuki-chan. <How did I get here?> The last thing she remembered was
sitting on the couch between Kimeko and Sakuya. <They were talking about
something...> She tried to remember but couldn't. She gave a gasping
giggle as the cat's tongue found a particularly ticklish spot just
behind her earlobe. "Stop that, Fubuki-chan," Misako admonished softly
and then quickly sat up. Fubuki-chan gave a mew of surprise as she
landed in Misako's lap. She glared at Misako with severe "kitty"
annoyance. However, this was all lost on Misako because of the fur that
nearly hid the cat's eyes. "Good, I'm not going to be late for school,"
she noted, seeing that it was just a little after six in the morning.
"Are you hungry?" she asked the cat. Fubuki-chan gave her a look, or
rather acted as if she were looking at Misako, before mewing. "Okay,
I'll get you something to eat, but we have to be quiet or we'll wake up
Onee-chan."

Twenty minutes later, both cat and human were enjoying breakfast. As
Misako munched away on some cereal, she guiltily thought that maybe she
shouldn't have helped herself. She was just starting to worry over that
point of etiquette when she heard the bedroom door swing open. Turning
and trying not to look too guilty, she saw Kimeko staring blearily at
her.

"Ohayo Onee-chan," Misako chirped and hopped off of her chair. Walking
over, she gave Kimeko a hug and said, "I got some breakfast. I hope you
don't mind."

Kimeko blinked a few times then smiled down at the young girl. "Ohayo...
Iie," she replied while rumpling Misako's hair before giving her a quick
hug, "I don't mind, Miko-chan. I trust you." She grunted slightly as
Misako tightened her grip for a moment. "Did you think I was going to be
mad?" Misako nodded slightly while looking sheepish. "Go finish your
breakfast, then wash up. You still have to go to school and if I don't
get you there on time, your parents are going to kill me."

Misako walked backed over to her chair and gave Fubuki-chan a glowering
look. "That's my breakfast. I already got you yours," she complained to
the cat as she pushed it away from her cereal bowl. She inspected the
contents and was satisfied to see that there wasn't any cat fur.
"Kimeko-oneechan, can I ask you something?"

"Nani?" Kimeko questioned as she started to prepare her own breakfast.

"How come I was allowed to stay here all night? I thought you would have
taken me home."

Kimeko was silent for a minute or so as she considered her response.
After preparing herself a cup of tea, she walked over to the table and
sat down. After taking a careful sip, she placed it down and said, "You
fell asleep at Sakuya's. One thing led to another and it just seemed
easier to bring you here than take you home." <Besides, Endymion-sama
thought that it would be better if Usagi and you weren't together.>

"You were talking to Dad, ne?" Misako asked as she finished off her
cereal and then drained the last of her juice.

"Hai, I had to tell him where you were. It was getting pretty late,"
Kimeko admitted. Getting up, she finished preparing the rest of her
breakfast and started to eat, all the while keeping a wary eye on
Fubuki-chan. <You're not going to steal my breakfast today.>

"Is 'Sagi okay?" Misako questioned. There was a hint of worry in her
voice.

"Hai," Kimeko said, then frowned. "Why would..." she trailed off as
realization struck her. "Your dad didn't say much, Miko-chan, but from
what I gathered your mom was plenty mad." She gave her guest a sharp
look before deciding to change the subject. "I wish I had a camera last
night though. That would have been very kawaii." Misako blinked and then
frowned slightly. "I've only seen Usagi use Sakuya as a pillow before."

"Na-ni???" Misako questioned in a strangled sounding voice, a look of
horror spread across her face.

Kimeko resisted the urge to giggle. "Don't worry about it, Miko-chan.
Sakuya wasn't too offended. It was a good thing you were asleep though."
Misako gave Kimeko a quizzical look then, "She used some rather
inventive words on Yasha. Seems she didn't like Yasha inferring certain
things."

Much to Misako's annoyance, Kimeko would not elaborate further on what
Younger Saturn had been inferring. However, it was quickly pushed to the
back of her mind as she prepared for school. She had to make a quick
stop at the Royal Suite to change into her school fuku. She spared
enough time to greet and thank her parents for being lenient about her
sleeping at Kimeko's. She stayed long enough to watch her mother and
Usagi feuding over Usagi's lack of movement from her bed. The last thing
Misako heard of that argument was Serenity demanding to know where a
bucket was.

                                 ******

Misako's fourth grade class quickly settled down when Mizuno Ami walked
into the room late in the day. She gave them all a slightly reproachful
look, indicating that she wasn't fooled. She closed the door and stepped
up to the podium that the sensei had vacated; pursing her lips for a
moment, she began speaking. "Well minna, now I suspect the other classes
will be able to concentrate." Most of the class flushed brightly. "I
realize you are anxious to start what will basically be a long weekend,
as the school is closed tomorrow." She then pinned them with an icy
glare and said, "However, that need not occur. I am quite willing to
have you all come tomorrow and we can conduct regular lessons if you
like." Most of the students remained motionless while a wayward few
shook their heads and muttered softly to themselves.

"Good, then I assume I won't need to speak to this class again about its
noise level." There was another silence. "Sugoi, I have this month's
final standings. I will be posting them outside my office." Unfolding a
sheet of paper, she proceeded to list off several names and said, "I
wish to see each of you in my office after school." Bidding her
good-byes and giving a class a final warning look, she slipped from the
room.

Misako found it hard to sit still. Nonetheless, she did manage to give
Yumeko a sympathetic look without being caught. Yumeko had been the last
on Ami's list and that could only mean one thing: She was in serious hot
water. The short time between when Ami had left and the final bell that
released them seemed to crawl by. However, once it rang, the forth grade
class became clamorous again and quickly scattered as if carried by a
strong wind.

"Yume-chan, should I wait for you?" Misako questioned.

"Iie, arigato, Miko-chan," Yumeko answered, "I think this is why my
parents were looking so strange at breakfast. The only thing is, I don't
know what I did." She gave Misako a warning look and added, "I don't
need any of your comments either. My marks aren't as good as yours but
they weren't that bad. I don't know what happened."

"Give me a call tonight and let me know," Misako said. She had just
turned to Yuki when she turned back and stated, "I'd better call you
instead, Yume-chan. I don't know if I'll be staying at home or at
Kimeko's."

Yumeko and Yuki blinked and Yumeko asked, "But didn't you sleep over
there last night?"

"Hai," Misako said, "My Dad says it's okay. He really thinks it's a
great idea." She furrowed her brow then added, "I don't know why
though." <It might have something to do with Usagi though...> Sighing,
Misako turned to Yuki and asked, "Are you gonna come with me,
Yuki-chan?"

"If you want me to, Miko-chan," Yuki answered with a hint of irritation
in her voice. Misako blinked and then gave her a questioning look. "I
mean anytime I want to go and play, you got your nose stuck into some
old book." She gave Misako a slightly pouty look then.

"Come on, Yuki-chan, let's go and see what the scores are. We can see
how Noriko did too." She put her arm around Yuki's shoulders and gave
her a squeeze. "I promise I'll hide my books after my homework's done
and I'll see if you can stay for supper." <Wherever I'm having supper,>
she giggled to herself.

"Okay," Yuki agreed, "See you later, Yume-chan, I hope your parents
aren't too mad."

"Arigato, I'll be waiting for your call later, Miko-chan," Yumeko said
and started to pack up her other books, pausing to watch her friends
leave the classroom.

                                 ******

They found Noriko standing beside the posting boards. The little girl
was on the verge of tears. When questioned as to what was distressing
her, she mumbled something incomprehensible out and pointed to the sheet
that listed the third grade rankings. While Misako tried to comfort her,
Yuki scanned the sheet to locate her friend's name.

"Oh Nori-chan," Yuki squeaked with some horror. Then in a lower voice,
she said, "You're fifth from the bottom." She gave her friend a
concerned look. "I didn't think you were having that much trouble."
Noriko simply sniffled, tears finally rolling down her face. "Do you
have to see Mizuno-sensei?"

"Hai," Noriko replied, "Mommy's gonna skin me alive."

"Nori-chan," Misako said softly, "Your mom isn't going to be that
upset." The little girl's reaction surprised Misako.

"What do you have to worry about?!" Noriko snapped, her voice rising in
anger, "You're the sensei's pet!" Both Yuki and Misako blinked as the
other students turned to seek out the source of the outburst. "Mommy's
going to be really mad," Noriko stated again softly.

"But being fifth from the bottom doesn't mean you failed," Misako said.
<You might have but you're smart.> She wanted to say, "Not like Usagi,"
but couldn't. Usagi was carrying a "B" average.

"I don't talk to sensei's pets," Noriko huffed out and angrily turned
her back on Misako. <Baka Misako... She was always too busy to help me.
Mommy's really going to let me have it.> She had no doubt that her
mother would be furious with her. Hino Rei was a stickler when it came
to school, more so than even Mizuno-sensei sometimes.

Misako shared a confused look with Yuki and then turned to the fourth
grade listings. Her mouth fell open in surprise and then it slowly
turned into a large smile. "I placed first," she breathed. <All that
hard work paid off. Just wait till I tell Usagi this!> She was just
starting to think of how upset Usagi would be at this new turn of events
when someone hugged her from behind. She broke free and whirled around
to see Usagi grinning at her.

"Sugoi, Imouto!" Usagi declared and tried to hug her again but Misako
backed away.

"Aren't you mad?" Misako questioned an annoyed expression slipping onto
her face.

"Are you kidding?" Usagi questioned, "You're number one in grade, your
grade. I'm very proud I have such a smart imouto." She grinned at Misako
and said, "You should hurry home and tell Mom and Dad. I have to pick up
my report card for the month and then I got..." she suddenly trailed off
and blushed.

"Senshi practice," Misako finished sadly. "Yuki-chan, check your ranking
then let's go." Hefting her bookbag, she pushed her way through the
crush of students not even waiting for Yuki. <Why was she proud of me?>
But there was a bigger question that was bothering her. <Why can't I be
a Senshi?>

Usagi watched her sister leave, a sad expression on her face.
"Konnichiwa Usagi-chan!" came a high-pitched voice near her feet, "Would
you give me a boost up?"

Usagi looked down and smiled, "Konnichiwa, Diana-chan, I haven't seen
you around lately except for school." She reached down, lifted the cat
up, and settled it between her odangos. "How's that?"

"Fine... Arigato," Diana said as she started to scan the lists for Grade
Five. "Why do they always stick these things way up here?" she muttered
to herself then let out a little sigh of relief, "Third in my class. How
are your standings, Usagi-chan?"

"I don't know," Usagi replied, "I won't know until I pick up my report
card from Mizuno-sensei." Usagi smiled. "This is just like old times,
ne?"

Diana suddenly realized where she was. Blushing slightly, she leapt from
Usagi's head and landed on the ground gracefully. "That wasn't funny!"
she remarked hotly.

Usagi bent down and gave Diana a scratch between the ears while
inquiring, "Diana-chan, want to come study with me after Senshi
practice?"

"You promise we'll study?" Diana questioned, "Last time we `studied', I
found cookie crumbs in my computer. You try and explain that to your
mother." She glared as Usagi snickered. "Honestly Usagi, now I know why
Mom got so exasperated at Usagi-sama sometimes." With a flick of her tail,
she disappeared between the moving feet of the other students, Usagi's
protests ringing in her ears.

                                 ******

On Saturday, Misako was up with the birds. After getting herself some
breakfast, she quickly finished off the last of the homework she had
been assigned for the weekend. Thanking Kimeko for the great three day
sleepover, she promised to be ready and waiting at the Royal Suite on
time. At eight o'clock, Misako found her parents were up and hustling
about.

Misako had just entered her bedroom and was unpacking when she heard her
mother's voice. "Miko-chan!" her mother called from the living room.
Misako left her room, wandered into the living room, and gave her mother
a bored and quizzical look. "You're father and I have to take care of
some business at Court this morning. You're not to give your sister any
trouble while we're away. Sawa said she'd be by in half an hour."

"Hai Mom," Misako said while grinning internally, "Kimeko's coming by at
ten to pick me up. All the bride's maids and the Maid of Honor are going
out for an early lunch with Sakuya and Makoto." She let the internal
smile out and added, "Kimeko-oneechan says we have to calm Sakuya down."

Serenity smiled to herself and gave Misako a pat on the head. "I can
well imagine." She gave her daughter a smile then asked, "Are you coming
back here to change?"

"Hai," Misako answered, "Kimeko says we'll come back early and pick up
my dress. Everybody that's going to be with Sakuya are going over to her
place to change." She frowned slightly and said, "Minako-san muttered
something about making sure Sakuya got to the shrine." She looked to her
mother hoping she would explain what that meant.

Serenity decided that it would be better not to comment on that remark.
<I can hardly wait to see you,> Serenity thought running a finger down
Misako's cheek, <You looked so kawaii in that dress.> She noted Misako's
expression and said, "Hai, you've been good lately and with that
surprise from school, your father and I have decided that you can stay
up as late as your body will let you."

"Sugoi! Arigato!" Misako called and gave her mother a hug. As she
snuggled her face against Serenity's side, she thought, <This feels
kinda nice.> She felt her mother return her hug and her heart seemed to
sing a little. Looking up at her mother, she said, "I won't bother
Usagi. She isn't even up yet."

Serenity frowned and glanced at the clock. "That girl... I called her
almost two hours ago." The frown deepened and Serenity sighed. "Well
it's too late to wait for her," Serenity said to herself. <I wanted to
tell her to watch Misako.> She gave her daughter a long, calculating
look and decided, "All right, Miko-chan, I have a job for you but you
have to promise me you'll wait until Sawa's here."

"Nani?" Misako questioned.

"Give me your solemn word you will wait until Sawa's here," Serenity
said sternly.

Letting the hug go, Misako made a crossing motion and stated, "I promise
I'll wait till Sawa's here... Now what did you want me to do, Mom?"

"If your sister isn't awake by the time that Sawa gets here, then you're
to drag her out of bed. I want Sawa around just in case either one of
you tries to kill the other one."

Misako pouted slightly and said in a hurt tone, "I wouldn't want to kill
'Sagi." She gave her mother a hurt look. "We might fight but I wouldn't
want anything bad to happen to her." She winced internally at that
admission but it was the truth, no matter how much she despised it.

                                 ******

"USAGI!!!!" Misako called as she loudly banged the bedroom door open
with great glee, "Time to get up!" A snarled mass of strawberry-blonde
hair looked out from under the covers and a bleary set of eyes glared at
her menacingly. "Come on, slow poke, time to get up! We've got a wedding
to go to." Misako scrambled onto the bed and started to bounce. "Up! Up!
Up!"

"MI-SA-KO, do the words `dead meat' mean anything to you?"

"Something you eat, ne?" Misako asked happily. She pouted as Sawa lifted
her from the bed and stood her on the floor. "Hey, I was havin' fun!"

"Her Majesty said to wake your sister up, not destroy her bed," Sawa
remarked, "Come on, Usagi-chan, it's time to get up. You have to get
ready for Sakuya's wedding." <I can't wait to see Mom there.>

Snarling, Usagi pulled the covers back over her head and snapped out,
"Go away, Sawa! Leave me alone!"

"Usagi, come on. We can watch anime together," Misako said and started
yanking at the covers. <She's good at that...>

"Please Usagi-chan, you do have to get up and get ready. You also have
chores to do before you go to the wedding," Sawa insisted.

"I said leave me alone!" Usagi growled out. She looked from under the
covers and questioned, "You aren't going to leave me alone, ne?"

"Your mother told Misako to wake you up. That means it's an order... in
a way," Sawa explained.

"Then I order you to get out!" Usagi snapped angrily. Sawa sighed
slightly but headed for the door. Misako just stood there and grinned at
her. "I know I can't order you, but I'll give you to the count of ten...
Then I come after you."

"Kami-sama, you're such a little kid," Misako observed and before Usagi
could start counting, Misako skipped out of the room and closed the door
behind her.

                                 ******

It was sometime later that morning when Sawa met Serenity and Endymion
at the entrance to the Royal Family Suite. After they greeted each
other, Serenity asked, "Sawa-chan, did Misako get away okay?"

"Hai, Serenity-sama, Kimeko came and got her right on time," Sawa said.

"And Usagi?" Endymion asked.

"Your Majesties, Princess Usagi ordered me to leave her alone. The last
time I saw Her Highness was around ten when she came out to get a snack.
She was still wearing her pajamas."

Serenity and Endymion exchanged looks before Serenity stalked down the
hall to Usagi's room and opened the door. "Great Serenity's Ghost!"
Serenity exclaimed as she entered Usagi's bedroom. <I don't believe it.>
She knew Usagi wasn't looking forward to the wedding but she never
thought Usagi would be this openly defiant. "Tsukino Usagi Serenity, you
get out of those pajamas and get dressed this instant!" she commanded.

"Iie," Usagi huffed while briefly glancing up from her manga. She was
lying on her stomach on the bed while munching a sandwich. "I said I
wasn't gonna go to that baka wedding, Mom," she mumbled out between
bites of the sandwich.

"Usagi, I don't have time for these games," Serenity stated, "If you
just start now, we'll get to the shrine on time." She moved over and
stopped dead in her tracks. "Where's your dress?" Usagi gave a shrug
without looking up. "Answer me, young lady!"

"It's in the bathroom, MOM," Usagi said with exasperation, "But like I
said, I'm NOT going to go."

"You most certainly are," Serenity countered, "We were invited as a
family. I also noted that Sakuya specifically listed you as well as your
father and I. If she didn't want you to come, there would be ways to do
it tactfully." She marched into the bathroom and gave slightly strangled
gasp of surprise. Nervously, Usagi got up off the bed and started
heading for the bedroom door when her mother came stalking out of the
bathroom with a rumpled formal dress in her hands. "Young lady, get
dressed. You're coming with us whether you like it or not!"

Placing her hands on her hips, Usagi glared at her mother and said, "And
what if I refuse?"

An evil glint entered Serenity's eyes and she said, "Have you forgotten
the beach?"

A slow look of horror slid over Usagi's face and she whispered out, "You
wouldn't dare..."

                                 ******

Princess Usagi peered out of the tinted entranceway, down the long red
carpeted path to the Royal Shrine. "Iie," Usagi whined softly as she
noted the reporters. "Please Okaa-san, don't make me go out there. My
dress is all wrinkled and my hair's an absolute mess." She gave her
mother a pleading look.

Serenity glared at Usagi and said, "You're coming with us, Small Lady.
It's your own fault that your dress is wrinkled and your hair is fine."
Usagi was about to protest but Serenity held up a finger in warning. "My
patience has worn very thin where you're concerned, Usagi. Choose your
next words carefully." Usagi closed her mouth and slouched against the
wall. Then, she crossed her arms and began to pout.

After a few moments, the door was opened by Elder Neptune who looked in
and asked, "Are you ready, Your Majesty?" After she received a nod from
Endymion, she stepped back and after a moment, gave the all-clear sign.

The first out was Endymion. He stepped out and some of the press
immediately started snapping pictures. He wore something similar to his
Tuxedo Kamen outfit except for the mask and top hat but including a bow
tie. He carried a silver walking stick that was topped by a skull that
was carved in crystal. He held his hand out to Serenity who took it. She
glided out gracefully, smiling as if everything was normal.

She wore a flowing white satin dress. It gleamed and shimmered in the
light as because of the tiny, almost sliver-like pearls that were
stitched into the bottom portion of her dress. The dress was sleeveless
but puffed at the shoulders. A golden and bejeweled crown was placed
upon her forehead. Earrings of Mother of Pearl in the shape of crescent
moons adorned her ears while the bracelets on her wrists glittered. She
wore a necklace of diamonds with a very large heart-shaped ruby
surrounded by large white diamonds hanging from it.

As they stepped out slightly, Usagi slowly, and reluctantly followed.
This caused a little bit of a stir. She was dressed similarly as her
mother although the silken fabric was wrinkled in spots. It did not
sport the fine stitch work that Serenity's dress did. She wore a
necklace with a forty-carat pink heart-shaped diamond surrounded by
rubies on a silver chain. She wore similar earrings to her mother's, and
had been cautioned that the loss of those earrings would result in
immediate death. They were older than Serenity, having been the family
before Tsukino Ikuko's time. But the pride that should have been there
was not and Usagi continued her pout as moodily she followed her parents
down the red carpet. Her crown, similar to her mother's yet not as
ornately adorned, glistened in the sunlight that shone down upon them.
Elder Uranus and Elder Saturn followed behind the Royal Family while
Elder Neptune preceded them.

                                 ******

Misako peered out of the window. The mid-afternoon sun gleamed brightly
off of the freshly fallen snow. She pulled at the frilly blue dress that
she had been "coaxed" into. This action elicited a growl from Kimeko.

"I thought I told you to stop tugging at that dress, Misako. It's
getting wrinkled," Kimeko chided while advancing on her young charge.

The young girl backed up until she bumped into something. She gave a
start as she heard Sakuya's voice from behind her. "Oh leave the poor
girl alone, Ko-chan. I bet that get-up is rather itchy." Misako nodded
and looked towards Sakuya. She was dressed in a wedding kimono that had
green highlights around it. Sakuya smiled then and gave Misako a wink.

"Are you okay, Sakuya-chan?" Misako asked with concern; Sakuya hadn't
moved since their arrival at the shrine and seemed to be having an
internal battle with herself. Before Sakuya could respond, she asked,
"Don't you want to be a mommy?"

The women in the room blinked in response. Yasha gave Misako a curious
look while Kimeko and Minako exchanged confused glances. As for Makoto,
she gave her granddaughter a sharp look of concern; Sakuya didn't even
blink at the question. She sat there for a moment then asked in
response, "Why?"

"Well..." Misako said slowly, reluctantly, "You were sayin' before you
didn't want to get married." She did her best to look ashamed at
overhearing Sakuya.

"Miko-chan," Minako said softly, "Everybody gets scared. Getting married
is a big commitment. Especially when it's your first time." Makoto
nodded in agreement to that fact.

Misako considered this but her thinking was interrupted by Yasha who
asked, "Misako-san, what does getting married have to do with being a
mommy?"

"Tomoe-san, don't you get married so you can be parents?" Misako
questioned. She looked with some annoyance as the adults started to
giggle. "I don't think it's very funny," she huffed out and crossed her
arms. She glared at Sakuya who was gripping her sides and silently
laughing with mirth. Misako's next statement stopped the laughter
abruptly though. "I think you'd make a great mommy," she told Sakuya.
For a moment, Misako had thought she had said something wrong as a sad
look sped through Sakuya's eyes.

"Oh Miko-chan," Sakuya said softly while wiping at her eyes, "Most
people get married because they have a special type of love for each
other. They want to bond with each other for life." She gave the child a
soft smile then.

"Sheesh!" Yasha exclaimed, "Tghus weddubg vysubess is turning your brain
to mush."

"And what exactly are you saying?" Kimeko demanded. Misako nodded in
agreement. <Tghus weddung vysubess?!> Neither Kimeko nor Misako were
satisfied when Yasha gave them a lopsided grin.

"Oh just communicating about Sakuya's future hubby," Yasha said slyly.

Misako watched in fascination as Yasha and Kimeko then launched into a
good-natured squabble over Masao. Makoto decided she was going to ensure
that Masao and the others were ready. <Okay, I have to make this quick
or Kimeko's going to tattle on me and I'll be in real trouble.>
"Sakuya-chan?" she asked softly, "Would you please put this on me?"

Sakuya blinked and then scowled at the object that Misako held up. She
stared at it for a moment, then shrugged. "Hai, Miko-chan, hold up your
hair and turn around." <Hai, I'll forgive Usagi. I should do it before
the honeymoon. She's been really great and now letting Misako wear this
necklace...>

Misako nodded and lifting her hair, careful not to displace the blue bow
she was wearing, turned around. <I can hardly wait to see Usagi's face!>
Misako thought, <Kami-sama, is this ever going to be good.>

                                 ******

Younger Mars, acting as one of the ushers, beamed proudly. She watched
as her mother move about. <Even being eight months pregnant doesn't slow
Mom down when it comes to doing things right,> she thought. Even if Hino
Rei was having trouble moving, she was certainly well in control of the
situation. Her eyes then wandered over towards the groom in his
full-dress CTDF fuku where he was talking with Hiroshi and Endymion.

"You're a braver man than I am, Masao-san," Endymion mused. He stood
with Hiroshi and Masao near the front beside a very pregnant Rei who was
in her most formal Shinto Priestess robes making last minute
preparations.

Masao gave Endymion and nervous glance before saying, "Why do you say
that, Your Majesty?"

"You could say I've had some rather... well... shocking experiences with
Sakuya." He gave Masao a mysterious grin and walked back to where
Serenity and Usagi were sitting. Leaning forward, he whispered to Usagi,
"Stop acting like a little kid, Usagi. Do you know how silly you look
pouting like a four year old who can't have her way?" His daughter's
only response was to glare at him and straighten in her seat. He sighed
then and glanced around. "Serenity, there's Makoto," Endymion observed.
He gave his daughter one more warning glare before he and Serenity went
to speak with Makoto.

Makoto was in a vibrant green silk dress. The neckline, hem, and cuffs
were trimmed in gold. Her rose earrings glinted in the sunlight that
entered the room. "How's everything going, Your Majesties?" Makoto asked
after curtsying.

"Good, Mako-chan," Serenity said, "I think Rei's almost ready. How's
Sakuya?"

"Nervous, but we're keeping her occupied." She clasped Serenity's hand
and added, "You have one special little girl. Misako I think is helping
Sakuya relax."

"I'm glad," Serenity answered softly, "Well I don't want to keep you,
Mako-chan." Makoto nodded her thanks and slipped past them headed to the
front of the aisle. Serenity turned and watched Makoto go, her eyes slid
over to their seating area and gave a little gasp. Endymion turned to
see what the problem was.

"I'll handle this," he said softly but Serenity placed a hand on his
arm.

"Iie, you go reassure Hiroshi-san again that everything will be okay.
I'll handle this," Serenity stated and marched purposefully down the
aisle. All the while her smoldering gaze did not leave Usagi.

The young girl was slouched so low in her seat that her shoulders were
barely visible. As Serenity got closer, she noted that Usagi had her
legs crossed and was lazily swinging a shoe on her foot. "Usagi!"
Serenity hissed sternly. Usagi turned her own disapproving look on
Serenity, her arms crossed and her bottom lip stuck out in a defiant
pout.

"Nani?" she questioned in a sulky voice, "Do you know how boring it is
waiting for this baka thing to start?"

"Get up, NOW!" Serenity commanded in a low voice. She watched with
growing frustration as Usagi slowly stood and gave her mother an
unimpressed expression. Walking over, Serenity picked the shoe that
Usagi had been swinging on her foot with one hand and took her daughter
by the arm with the other. "Okay, fine, you don't want to be here but
you are," Serenity stated softly, ignoring the murmur that was starting
to build, "But you are not going to ruin this day for Sakuya and Masao
by acting spoiled." She looked around and spotting who she wanted, and
motioned to Elder Saturn who was acting as Princess Usagi's bodyguard.
They moved down the aisle to the third row where Hino Ikado was sitting.

The young girl gave Usagi a strange look before scrambling to her feet
and curtsying. "Ikado-san, are those two seats taken?" she asked
indicating the ones directly beside Ikado.

"Iie, Your Majesty," Ikado squeaked.

"Good, this LITTLE girl wants to sit beside you. I suspect you wouldn't
mind having Elder Saturn sit beside you either?" Serenity questioned as
she guided Usagi to the second seat before sitting her down.

"It would be an honor, Your Majesty," Ikado said with absolute
sincerity.

"Domo Arigato," Serenity said before turning and walking away. Elder
Saturn slipped into the seat beside Ikado and gave her a smile before
turning back to watch the groom nervously pace.

<Usagi!> Elder Saturn thought, <I wanted to sit up there and watch
Sakuya.> She was disappointed in how Usagi was behaving. <I know you two
have been on bad terms lately but, even as a Senshi, Sakuya deserves
your respect.> She noted that Usagi was continuing to pout and scowled.
<I'm stuck back here because of you... I wish you'd stop acting like a
baby.>

<I can't believe it!> Usagi wailed in her mind, <I can't believe Mom did
that!> She felt her face reddening. She was about to sink lower, to try
not to be observed when she heard some people behind her making hushed
remarks apparently about her. The more she listened, the more she
blushed. <They think I'm a little kid!> She looked longingly to where
her mother was sitting ramrod straight; Elder Neptune now sat where
Usagi had been sitting. <I don't think this day could get any worse!>
Then she noticed Elder Saturn's disapproving look and gulped. <It got
worse,> Usagi thought and tried to smile weakly at her friend.

                                 ******

Serenity watched with a slightly sad smile on her face as Rei fussed
over some minor detail. <I remember Hino-ojiisan being furious we didn't
let him conduct our wedding ceremony.> She suppressed a giggle and
looked towards Elder Mercury who winked. <Yes, she was thinking the same
thing I suppose. Rei's out to do her sohu proud.> She turned her head
just enough to look back at Usagi. <Oh when I get you home...> Ikado was
beaming. She had made a big deal about her mother presiding over the
service. Serenity turned back and looked down at Luna who was sitting a
short distance from her. "It was nice of you to let Diana in the
ceremony."

Luna turned and gave a feline smile. "It was Sakuya who let her into the
ceremony. Artemis and I wanted to contribute something, Your Majesty."
She gave Serenity another smile. "I wouldn't worry about Princess
Usagi."

"Nani?" Serenity asked sharply.

"All this talk of weddings got me to thinking. Do you remember what you
did in the Silver Millennium at your cousin's wedding?" Serenity frowned
slightly in concentration and then shook her head. "The short version is
that you screamed your head off. Apparently, you were quite smitten with
your cousin's fiancee."

"So that's where she gets it," Serenity muttered and giggled softly.

"Nani?" Luna questioned, Serenity waved it away. "Anyway, you screamed
your head off and made a big display over the fact that you thought that
he should be marrying you."

"I must have been little," Serenity retorted, a light blush coming to
her cheeks.

"Iie Serenity-sama, I would say, ten, maybe eleven," Luna replied with a
knowing wink. <I won't mention what Queen Serenity did either. It would
not be appropriate to speak of it in public. At least not without
Serenity's consent.>

Any further conversation was cut off as music started to play. The first
to enter into the shrine proper and walk down the aisle was Diana, a
white satin bow tied around her neck. A small golden bell she wore
softly chimed. She stopped, turned, and gave a feline bow first to
Serenity who was sitting on the Kino side of the aisle. She then turned
to bow to Endymion who was sitting beside Hiroshi on the Aino side of
the aisle. Finally turning to bow to Rei, she walked to the left and
assumed her position.

The next down the aisle was Misako, her blue dress gracefully flowing
around her as she walked. The sound of camera shutters could be heard.
Graceful as ever, she repeated a similar sequence of bows but instead
curtsied before taking her position beside Diana. Kimeko and Yasha
followed in similar fashion, each were attracting their own amount of
attention. They glided into their positions, Kimeko beside Misako and
then Yasha beside Kimeko.

Aino Minako was next, gliding slowly down the aisle, a broad grin on her
face. She curtsied as the others but instead of immediately moving to
her position turned to face the audience. "Your Majesties, Lord and
Ladies of Crystal Tokyo, family, and friends..." she paused and turned
to Masao, "To my son, may I formally present to you Rakurai Sakuya."
With that, Minako stepped into her position. She noted that Masao's best
men in their full-dress CTDF fukus were looking slightly nervous. <I
guess they don't want to tick Sakuya off either.>

There was silence then, but after a moment, a soft swishing could be
heard. As Sakuya made her way down the aisle, people gasped. Makoto was
right by her side, grinning proudly and supporting her slightly. Sakuya
was wearing an almost all white kimono, on either sleeve was a stylized
sigil of Jupiter; it was green and highlighted in gold. The only other
highlight was of a faint vine-like tracing that wove along the edges and
to the back of an oak tree that was prominently displayed on the back.
As she walked, the tree seemed to sway as if blown by a gentle breeze.

They stopped at the first row of seating. Makoto curtsied while Sakuya
bowed first to Serenity, then to Endymion, and then finally to Hino Rei.
The Priestess stepped forward and said, "Who gives this woman away in
holy matrimony?"

"I do," Makoto said. She gave Masao a grin. After ensuring that
everything was proper, she gave Sakuya's arm one last squeeze of
reassurance before stepping back to sit on the first seat of the row.

"We are gathered before Kami-sama to hear the vows of Aino Masao and
Rakurai Sakuya as they bond in holy matrimony. Are there any among us
that have just reason why these two should not be wed? Let them speak
now or forever hold their peace," Rei asked.

Usagi shifted slightly and grimaced at the thought that ran through her
mind. <I could...> she sourly thought but couldn't bring herself to do
it.

There was an almost deafening silence that just seemed to hang before
Rei spoke again, "We are here to have these vows witnessed by
Kami-sama." As she continued to drone on, Misako's eyes started to glaze
over.

After a moment, she shook herself slightly and gently leaned back.
<Perfect!> she thought as she saw that her mother's gaze was intent on
Sakuya. However, her sister was glaring intently at her. She stuck her
tongue out and Usagi did the same in return. She felt a nudge and looked
guiltily towards Kimeko who gave her an understanding smile. Misako
managed to get through the entire set of Sakuya's vows before she lost
interest again. She was getting stiff and was definitely bored
considering she didn't understand most of the stuff that Sakuya or Rei
were talking about. Carefully, she leaned back a little and peeked
around Kimeko. Sure enough, her mother was still intently watching
everything but her. Usagi was watching her and sent the blackest of
looks her way. Sticking out her tongue again, she slowly reached up to
her neck, held up, and jiggled the necklace. Usagi's eyes went wide in
surprise as she saw her missing necklace.

<I told you before I'd have a nice surprise, Chibi-Usa,> Misako thought.
She placed the rabbit's head portion of the necklace into her mouth and
started pressing against it with her teeth. What happened next was a
complete surprise.

"MISAKO!!!!" Usagi bellowed in rage. She sprung to her feet, jumped into
the aisle, and started running toward the front. "I'M GONNA GET YOU,
SPORE!!!!" Endymion who had made his way into the aisle attempted to
intercept his daughter but she knocked him over. Misako by this point
had given a yelp of terror and was bolting along the first row of
seating. "COME BACK HERE, SPORE! I'M GONNA STRANGLE YOU!!" Usagi howled
as she sped past Serenity, her dress lifted in her hands.

"DADDY! HELP ME!!!!" Misako wailed as she took the corner at high speed
and started toward the entrance. Desperately, she undid the clasp,
thanking Kami-sama for her balance beam practices. After she had removed
it, she bolted down a row causing the people there to scatter. She heard
the cameras as people snapped picture after picture; heard the shouting
of photographers from various press organizations trying to keep up with
the two combatants.

"IF YOU THINK I'M GOING TO BE AN ONEE TO A THIEF, YOU'RE WRONG!" Usagi
bellowed as she followed her sister. This was hazardous territory. She
was gaining ground on her sister but a combination of the hem of her
dress that had slipped and an overturned chair sent Usagi floundering.
She gave a roar of surprise and went flying. Misako also gave a cry of
surprise as something... someone slammed into her.

"LEMME GO!" Misako yelled in terror as she rolled over to see who was
keeping her down. "USAGI! LEMME GO!!!" In two quick movements, she
dropped the rabbit's head necklace beside Usagi and grabbed her sister's
hair.

"You're gonna pay!" Usagi breathed through gritted teeth and raising her
arm, drove a punch into Misako. The little girl gave a cry of pain as
all her air rushed out. "Make me look like an idiot, will you." Her
second attack never made it. Misako in a fit of rage and pain heaved her
sister away. She started to scramble up but stumbled and dropped back to
the ground, hitting her head and nipping her tongue. She gave another
scream of pain and just decided just to lie there.

Usagi was about to go after her sister again when she was hauled to her
feet roughly. "I don't believe it!" Serenity snarled, "I just don't
believe it!" Turning, Usagi saw Serenity's nostrils flare, a raging fire
burning in her eyes.

Yanking her arm free, Usagi wailed, "Okaa-san, it isn't my fault! Misako
stole my necklace!" She saw her mother didn't believe her so she jabbed
a finger at Misako who was being helped up by Kimeko. "She has it!"

"Iie!" Misako mumbled out, her tongue slightly swollen. "I didn't take
nothin'!"

"She doesn't have it on her, SMALL Lady," Serenity hissed through her
gritted teeth, "Just wait until I get you home."

"Iie Okaa-san! I saw it!" Usagi roared, "Misako is the one that stole
the God damn necklace!" A shocked silence ran through the crowd while
sounds of scribbling and keyclicks from the press gallery beyond
continued.

"You mean that one, 'SAGI?" Misako asked innocently while pointing to
the ground. The gathering crowd looked down and saw the rabbit's head
necklace lying there. Serenity reached down and picked it up, dangling
it in front of Usagi.

<Why you little...> "I knew you'd take her side!" Usagi shouted. Giving
her mother a push, she stumbled down the row and into the aisle.
Serenity was about to go after Usagi when someone beat her to it. "What
the hell?" Usagi snarled as something gripped her ear. She turned to see
a very enraged looking Sakuya, nostrils flared, face flushed with anger.
"Who the hell do you think you are treating me like this? I'm a
princess!" Usagi demanded tersely.

She was surprised by Sakuya's response. "Do you remember what I did to
you the last time you used that excuse, PRINCESS Usagi?!?" Sakuya
demanded. Usagi was even more surprised when Sakuya applied a little
more pressure and started to direct Usagi down the aisle.

"Hey!" Misako squawked in protest as Kimeko dragged her the shortest way
out of the row. "What are you doing?!?" she demanded. Kimeko didn't say
anything. Having determined that Misako wasn't severely hurt and wasn't
bleeding, her worry had dissipated. Now it was replaced by a smoldering
anger. "Ow!!!!" Misako howled. "I didn't do anything wrong!!!!" she
wailed as Kimeko started leading her down the aisle by the arm.
"Onee-chan, talk to me!" Serenity watched in fascination as Kimeko
followed closely behind with a struggling and squirming Misako in the
same direction as Sakuya.

"Sakuya!" Makoto cried.

"Kimeko!" Minako cried and both went after the two women. Serenity
didn't even think. She started to follow her friends as quickly as she
could, her mind seething, and wondering why Kimeko was dragging Misako.
Endymion shared a look with Masao that spoke volumes. They were staying
out of it... for the moment.

                                 ******

By the time that Sakuya had gotten Usagi to the Royal Family Suite, the
Crown Princess was flushed bright red with both embarrassment and fury.
Sakuya nearly kicked the hinges off of Usagi's bedroom door as she
opened it. She pushed Usagi inside before slamming it again.

"HOW DARE YOU?!" Sakuya roared, "How dare you ruin the one day that was
supposed to be mine?!"

"ME!?!" Usagi demanded, "I didn't do anything! You just wait until my
mother gets here, Rakurai Sakuya. You'll be brought up on new charges. I
should have let you rot in that stinking hellhole of a prison!"

"THAT was what I wanted!" Sakuya snarled, "After all this time, it
finally sinks into your baka head, Usagi-chan!" She sighed then and
shook her head before saying, "When you were born, I did what needed to
be done out of a sense of duty." She fought the urge to sniffle as a
lump formed in her throat as she continued, "After awhile, I did it
because I loved you. I thought of you as a sister. As someone that I
could confide in." She looked towards Usagi then. "Why did you steal it
away from me?! Why did you take this day away?!" She had tears of anger
and despair in her eyes.

Usagi was about to respond when the door burst open and Serenity and
Makoto tried unsuccessfully to fit through the door at the same time.
After a brief flailing of arms and legs, they stumbled into the room.

                                 ******

Kimeko was not far behind Sakuya and as she heard Usagi's bedroom door
slam, she was just in the motions of thrusting Misako inside her own
bedroom. After stalking into the room, she slammed the door and said, "I
ought to tan your hide, Misako!"

"Why are you so mad at me?!?" Misako pouted, "I'm the one that got
hurt!" She looked sadly at Kimeko.

"You could have stayed with me," Kimeko pointed out, "And don't think I
missed those raspberries that you blew at Usagi." Misako flushed
guiltily at that. "You provoked Usagi and that spoiled the wedding."
Kimeko covered her face and sighed. "How am I ever going to face Sakuya
again?!"

"Onee..."

"Misako, I am NOT your ONEE!" Kimeko interrupted sharply, "After this
afternoon's behavior, I would never want to be your onee!" She saw the
tears that sprung from the little girl's eyes and ignored them. "You
knew that Usagi was upset about the wedding and you tormented her. You
wanted to act like a big kid but I don't see that."

"But Onee-chan..." Misako persisted.

"That's enough, young lady!" Kimeko said again while advancing, "You can
just park yourself into a corner. Since your parents were there, then I
won't be handling the punishment." Misako protested but Kimeko smoothly
and firmly placed her into a corner. She was about to launch into more
of her scolding when the door burst open and Minako came into the room.

                                 ******

It took fifteen minutes for Makoto and Minako to calm both women down
enough to return to the wedding. As Minako and Makoto guided the still
fuming Kimeko and Sakuya back to the Royal Shrine, Serenity called both
her daughters out into the hall. "Sawa is on her way," Serenity began in
a cold hard voice, "She will be watching you. Misako, Usagi, get chairs
and put them into the corner. You'll be spending quite a bit of time
there." She gave each girl a long look. Misako who was looking at the
floor with a dejected look, her body language indicated that she felt
like she was being picked on. Usagi stood defiant, glaring towards her
mother. "Your bedtime will be six o'clock. You're to give Sawa no
trouble... and let me assure you two that I will give her full authority
to deal with any misbehavior in ANY manner she sees fit."

At that juncture, the door to the Royal Family Suite opened and Younger
Mars came walking in. She bowed towards Serenity, her eyes traveled to
the two young girls, a look of displeasure marring her face. "Your
Majesty sent for me?"

"Sawa-san," Serenity said while walking up to her, "I hate to take you
away from the wedding, or keep you from the reception but... would you
mind watching the girls?"

"Iie Serenity-sama," Younger Mars replied, her eyes flaring with
irritation. <There goes my date...> She suppressed the sigh that rose to
her lips. <It took three weeks to get him too.>

"Gomen nasai, Sawa-san. I would get one of the other Youngers to do it
but you have worked with both girls," Serenity explained, "As I was just
saying, bedtime is at six and you're to put them promptly to bed. I am
authorizing you to use any disciplinary means that you deem fit if they
give you any trouble while Endymion and I are away." She turned to look
once again at the girls. "All right you two, back into your rooms and
into the corner." After the girls had left, she turned to Younger Mars
and said, "They're to stay there until supper."

"Hai, Your Majesty, I understand," Younger Mars replied. <I better not
get any trouble out of you two...> She was seething herself. <Mom was
doing really great then THIS happens.> She was also had been looking
forward to the dance. <I guess that's out too.>

                                 ******

As Misako sat facing the corner, she considered what had happened. There
was something that had gone wrong with her plan. <Chibi Usagi no baka
odango atama. Why'd you hafta go and spoil it?> It was because of her
sister that she was in this trouble. <Kimeko's really mad.> She sniffled
at that thought. <She doesn't want to be my onee anymore.> Misako
sniffled again but she couldn't really blame Kimeko. <I just wanted to
show how big I was.> And now thanks to Usagi, she was being punished.
<She'll probably tattle on me and I'll be in even more trouble.> That
was distressing, and her stomach started to roll as she thought of what
the possible consequences could be. As she did so, she replayed the
scene over and over, trying to figure out what had gone wrong. Then
something occurred to her. "Sakuya," Misako breathed out. <Oh Kami-sama,
she's going to kill me.> The question was, would it be literally?

Usagi was brooding. She was seething both at Sakuya and at Misako. <This
is my parents' fault.> She rubbed her sore ear. <I didn't think Sakuya
would do that.> Rarely had she been led by the ear even as a child and
to have it happen in front of everyone was rather mortifying. <They MADE
me go to that baka wedding.> But deep down in her heart, Usagi did feel
slightly guilty that Sakuya could not have one day for herself. <What am
I going to tell Mom and Dad?> What was she going to tell her friends?
<Misako can worry about Sakuya killing her,> Usagi thought with a type
of black glee, <This whole... fiasco? Hai, fiasco is her fault.>

Around four-thirty that afternoon, Serenity and Endymion returned. They
walked into the living room where Sawa was reading. Quickly the young
woman scrambled to her feet flushing slightly and bowed. "Gomen, Your
Majesties..."

"Sawa-chan," Serenity said softly, "Don't apologize. It would be very
boring if you just sat around. How were the girls?"

"Misako did come out of the corner once but that was because her stomach
was upset." Sawa flushed slightly. "At first, I didn't believe her but
after she told me what it felt like..." Sawa shrugged. "Usagi was a
different story. I wasn't sure what she was attempting to do but I
believe she had intended to pay Misako back. I only had to warn them
once and both stayed put."

Serenity and Endymion exchanged looks before Endymion said, "Arigato. We
just stopped by to change our clothes. Sawa-san, please come with me and
I'll get out some stuff for supper.... That's if you don't mind
cooking." Sawa shook her head and followed Endymion into the kitchen.
During that time, Serenity retired to hers and Endymion's room. She
carefully removing the Royal Jewels she had been wearing and placed them
in their appropriate boxes. After that, she turned and picked up her
regular formal gown that was laying on the bed before heading into the
bathroom to change into it.

A few minutes later, she came out of the bathroom feeling much more
comfortable in the less frilly yet still formal attire and jewelry. She
noted that Endymion was just finishing changing into his regular
lavender attire. "How do you do that?" Serenity questioned, "If I tried
to change that fast, I'd likely break my neck!"

Endymion smiled and, walking over to her, drew her gently into a kiss.
"Practice," he said, "So that I might meet my butterfly when she emerges
from her cocoon." Serenity gave a little sigh of contentment and
haphazardly tossed her other dress onto the bed before wrapping her arms
around Endymion.

"What are we going to do?" Serenity remarked softly. "How are we ever
going to be able to face our friends?" She closed her eyes and laid her
head on Endymion's chest.

"I don't know, Serenity. But it every time that we think Usagi is
growing up, she pulls something like this." He sighed, "And she wasn't
even the main culprit."

"I know, Endymion," Serenity whispered out tears beginning to flow, "I
can't believe Misako stole that necklace. She never stole anything
before." Serenity was showing how distressed at this she was. "We can
handle this, Endymion. I know what Misako did was wrong but..." she
trailed off pausing for a long moment before speaking again, "They are
serious infractions; but unlike Usagi, Misako learns. She knows how far
she can push us and if we correct her for serious infractions, she
usually doesn't repeat them. At least not intentionally."

Breaking from Endymion's embrace, she walked to the bed and sat. "But
Usagi is the Crown Princess. She not only embarrassed herself but all of
us. The Royal Family, the Sailor Senshi... She's twelve!" Serenity said
slamming her fist into her hand, "She should know better." Serenity took
a few calming breaths but could feel her anger smoldering.

Endymion came to sit beside her and offered, "We need something that
will show her that she can either be a little kid or she can be treated
as a young lady. We need something that will get our point across but
won't make us seem like we're forcing her."

After a minute or so, Serenity slowly smiled. "I have an idea." Her
smile got a little bigger. "Usagi won't like it but it might solve
another one of our problems."

"Nani?"

"Misako," Serenity answered, a spark of excitement in her eyes. "In the
Silver Millennium, I disrupted my cousin's wedding pretty badly when I
was about ten or eleven. I didn't remember what happened afterwards when
Luna mentioned it to me but I've been thinking about it." Her cheeks
colored as she flushed in embarrassment. "After my mother got through
tanning my rear, she did something that was very effective."

"And what was that?" Endymion asked with curiosity.

"Well, for about a week or so, she treated me as a little girl, as if I
was four or five. I still changed on my own but my clothes were laid
out, my mother did my hair, and the like. It was as if I was five except
because of my real age and understanding, I was given some measure of
privacy. Let me tell you, it was quite an eye-opening experience." She
giggled, "Later on, if I was being too stubborn and nothing seemed to be
working, my mother would threaten to use the same punishment. It kept me
from wandering too far off the primrose path. It also let me grow up. It
let me finally realize that I was not only hurting myself but everyone
that was associated with me."

"But how does that help us with the problem between Misako and Usagi?"
Endymion asked, "And please tell me you aren't intending to tan Usagi's
rear."

"Iie," Serenity said, "Nothing like that. As to Misako... well we can
have them hold hands, and play in Misako's room and the like."

"Why do I get the feeling you're enjoying the thought of this?"

"I'm not enjoying it, Endymion," Serenity protested, "I'm just excited
that this could be the key we've both been missing. The key to finally
knocking some sense into those two thick heads of theirs." She looked
hopefully at Endymion, "What do you say?"

He briefly considered before nodding, "Hai, we've tried everything
else."

Serenity nodded and getting up walked to the door and left the room.
"Usagi, Misako, get out here," she commanded. Both girls came out of
their rooms and looked nervously towards their mother. "Sawa-san, would
you please come here as well?" After a moment, Sawa appeared at the
entrance to the hallway. Endymion came out of the bedroom trying hard
not to smile. "Your father and I have NOT decided on your punishments as
of yet. We're still discussing them. Misako's will be easy though and
we'll deal with her tomorrow." She then turned to Usagi, "As for you,
Small Lady, you have acted like a pouty and spoiled princess and that
will not be allowed to continue. You want to act like a little kid, you
shall be treated like one."

"But Mom...!" Usagi started to protest but Serenity cut her off.

"Small Lady, I don't want to hear any argument. Your punishment is a
different matter and will take some time to consider. In the meantime,
you will get exactly what you wanted." She turned to Sawa and
instructed, "Until I or Endymion say otherwise, you are to let Usagi
only do things that a child of about four or five would be allowed to
do."

"But Dad!" Usagi whined.

"Small Lady," Endymion said with gruffness although he was smiling
internally at the sight of Usagi's squirming, "You will address us as
`Mommy and Daddy'."

"You will find out the rest of what this involves later on," Serenity
explained, "As for now, I wanted everyone to know. Sawa-san, you are to
treat Usagi with respect but as if she were the age I indicated."

"I understand completely, Your Majesty," Sawa responded softly.

"Good, I'll arrange for a special parcel to be dropped by tonight.
Hopefully, it will get here in time for bed. If not, we can use it
tomorrow," Serenity said. Walking over, she gave Misako a kiss.
"Goodnight, Miko-chan, I'll see you tomorrow morning. Now you be good
for Sawa." Misako nodded and gave her mother a quick hug before grinning
at Usagi and then slipping into her room.

"Goodnight, Small Lady," Serenity said giving Usagi a hug, "You sleep
tight." She then noticed the jewelry. "Endymion, please get the boxes.
Little girls shouldn't wear make-up either." She carefully undid the
jewels and directed, "Go wash your face, then you can sit in the corner
again." As the last of the jewelry slipped from her neck, Usagi hung her
head.

"Mom?" Usagi questioned softly. There was no response. Looking up, she
tried again, "Mom?" Still Serenity didn't respond. Screwing up her face,
Usagi said with great effort, "Mom-my?"

"Hai, Small Lady?" Serenity answered.

"Uh, Mom-my, do you have my necklace?"

"Oh you mean that pretty one you found this afternoon?" Usagi gulped but
nodded. "Maybe when you get older, we can give it to you," Serenity
said. Within another five minutes, Usagi's parents were on their way to
the reception while Usagi sat in her room, numbly staring at the wall.

                                 ******

Misako lay awake. She had dozed off to sleep sometime after being put to
bed but had woke up when her parents had arrived home; that had been an
hour ago. Now she lay there, still listening, clutching her teddy bear.
After a few moments, she slipped from her bed and crept to her door.
Peeking out, she did not see any lights shining from underneath her
parents' closed bedroom door.

Softly entering the hall, she pulled the door closed and cautiously
walked to her sister's room. At every little sound. she froze, afraid
that her parents were coming out into the hall. Five intense minutes
later, she was inside Usagi's bedroom with the door closed. Softly, she
padded over to her sister's bed and shook it gently.

"'Sagi," Misako called softly.

<Imouto?> "Nani?" Usagi said, her voice was clear and low. "Why aren't
you in bed?"

"I'm worried, 'Sagi," Misako admitted, "Mom and Dad are actin' weird."
She sniffled then and said, "I don't know what they're gonna do."

<Neither do I,> Usagi thought. "Why did you come here then?" She tried
to sound irritated but only partly succeeded. In a way, she didn't want
to be alone with her thoughts, they scared her.

"Could I sleep in here?" Misako asked.

Usagi considered it for a minute before nodding. "Hai," she said and
pulled the covers back, "Get in." Misako crawled in and was trying to
get settled when Usagi observed, "Uh, Misako, there's only one pillow."

"That's okay," Misako said and wiggled over so her head was resting on
the mattress.

Usagi smiled before saying, "You'll get uncomfortable." Misako shrugged
and held her bear close. Usagi laid back down then and the room was
silent for several minutes before Usagi whispered, "Misako?"

"Nani?" Misako questioned softly.

Usagi shifted then said, "We could share a pillow... I mean, if you
wanted to." Misako looked at her for a long moment. <Please Imouto, I'm
feeling really bad.> Not that she was about to forgive Misako but she
wanted some warmth. "I mean we could pretend we're in the past." <When
we were both happy.>

"I'm not a baby!" Misako snapped and, sitting up, moved to get out of
the bed.

"Misako!" Usagi hissed while covering her sister's mouth and holding her
still. They sat like that for several seconds both realizing that waking
their parents up now would not be a good idea. "I didn't mean that! It's
just that... well... I'm older than you," Usagi protested in a whispered
voice as she removed her hand from Misako's mouth. The last thing she
wanted to do was to drive Misako away, especially now.

"You're always older than me," Misako whined slightly.

"What if... what if, just for tonight, I'll be the imouto?" Usagi
questioned. <"Mommy" said I was five for now.>

"Really?" At Usagi's nod, Misako settled back down. They snuggled a
little closer then and Misako used Usagi's shoulder as a pillow while
Usagi wrapped an arm around her. "How come you were awake?"

"I'm worried too," Usagi said simply. <I'm worried what Mom and Dad are
going to do. I really blew it this afternoon. I know I won't like what
Mom and Dad have planned but...> She shuddered slightly. <Kami-sama help
me when Sakuya gets back.> Usagi grimaced then. <I really made an... I
suppose an ass out of myself.> Her parents treating her like a little
kid was not going to be easy, facing Sakuya when she got back was going
to be even harder.

"Imouto, what do you think Sakuya's gonna do?" Misako drowsily asked,
her eyes almost shut while she hugged Usagi.

Usagi giggled slightly then said, "I don't really know, Onee-chan."
<I'll be lucky if the least she does is skin me alive... literally!> On
that rather unpleasant note, her mind started to think of all that could
happen, and all that might happen. Eventually, Usagi drifted off to
sleep, dreaming that she had survived long enough to see her next
birthday.

A short time later, Usagi's door opened and both Endymion and Serenity
looked in. They softly entered and tucked both girls in before creeping
back out and closing door. Their plan was working; it had to work.

                                 ******

Misako was grateful that she had awakened before her parents and slipped
back into her room. There was only one problem with getting up early --
it allowed her time to think. She stood leaning against the windowsill
looking out at the snow covered world and wondering what her parents
were planning. <They never take this long to punish us,> Misako thought
and traced a random pattern on the partially frosted window. <Why did
Usagi have to come running after me?> That had been unexpected. Misako
brooded then, trying to figure out how she would reconcile with Kimeko
and face Sakuya.

The knock at the door came as a surprise. She glanced over at the clock
and found that time had quickly passed. "C-come in," Misako called out
softly, her heart speeding up.

"Ohayo Miko-chan," her father greeted her with a cheery smile after
opening the door, "I didn't think you and Usagi were getting along but
seeing as you spent the night in her room..." Misako paled slightly;
somehow they had found out.

"Gomen nasai, Otou-san," Misako said hastily while bowing, "I..." she
trailed off as Endymion smiled at her. <What's going on?!?> She did not
like the feeling she was getting. Her parents were up to something.

"Come and have breakfast, Misako," Endymion directed. Nodding, Misako
walked over and out of the room. "I hope you slept well," Endymion said
while following her.

"Hai Dad," Misako responded as she walked down the hall, "Um... aren't
you going to wake up Usagi?"

"Your mother is getting Small Lady up," Endymion replied, "Would you
like cereal or something hot?"

<I'm not really hungry,> Misako thought. "Um, may I please have some
porridge?" Endymion nodded and told her to go sit down while he prepared
it. She did as she was told after getting a glass of juice and entering
the dining room. At first, she didn't notice that Usagi's chair was
slightly different. But as Misako was taking a drink of her juice, she
noticed that there was something yellow sitting in the chair that was
usually occupied by Usagi. Frowning slightly, she was about to ask her
father what it was when her mother and Usagi entered the room. "Ohayo
Mom, Usagi," Misako squeaked. <What's going on?>

"Ohayo Miko-chan," Serenity greeted, "All right, Small Lady, let's get
you settled then I'll get you some cereal." Misako watched in
fascination as her mother than proceeded to guide Usagi to her seat.

"What's that?!?" Usagi demanded while pointing to the yellow item on her
chair.

"Your booster seat," Serenity answered.

"There's no way I'm sitting in that!" Usagi declared.

Serenity gave each a look before nodding. "You're right, Small Lady, you
won't fit. Well I can solve that problem." Serenity reached out and
removed the booster seat from the chair. She then left the dining room.
As Usagi turned to Misako, she saw her sister mouth the question,
"What's going on?" Usagi shrugged in reply. Misako seemed to be as
perplexed as Usagi was feeling. There was no way that their parents were
seriously going to treat Usagi as a little kid. When Serenity came back,
she was carrying two large books. "Here we go. This is an old copy of
the Crystal Tokyo telephone directory. I knew they'd come in handy for
something." Usagi, who had taken her seat, was hustled off of it and the
thick books placed there. "There we go, Chibi-Usagi, now you won't have
any problems."

<I don't believe this!> Usagi whined to herself as she lifted herself
onto the chair once again. <Well Usagi, you did this to yourself!> There
was no getting around the fact that she was likely going to be stuck
with this situation for a while. When Endymion brought the porridge,
Usagi asked, "Can I have some of that, Daddy?" <Feels like I'm really
high up.>

"Gomen, Small Lady. Your mother's getting you some cereal," Endymion
said and left the room. Neither daughter saw the smile on his face.
Leaning against the counter, he whispered to Serenity, "Serenity, how
long do you think this'll last?"

Serenity gave her own smile and whispered, "Well, I give it until Monday
afternoon before she says something."

"You know we're being awfully cruel," Endymion pointed out, "I mean, it
did sound like a good idea last night but now..." he trailed off, a
small frown on his face.

"Endymion," Serenity said softly, "We are at our wit's end. The
broadcast news was full of the story last night. Intelligence reports
say that when Sakuya and Masao's plane took off, four other ones filled
with Paparazzi were up in five minutes following it. That's no way to
spend a honeymoon." Picking up the bowl of cereal, she walked into the
dining room again.

Breakfast was a very strange affair. Instead of sitting at her usual
place, Serenity sat beside Usagi. While it was very confusing to Misako,
she was watching the proceedings with some enjoyment. Usagi, on the
other hand, was turning grumpier as time passed and became more overt in
showing her displeasure. The crowning touch to the entire affair was
when Serenity gently grasped Usagi's head and, turning it towards her,
wiped Usagi's mouth with a napkin. Misako only barely managed to
suppress the laughter that wanted to come out.

"Misako, go brush your teeth and hair and get dressed. Then come back
out into the living room," Endymion directed with some sternness in his
voice.

"Hai," Misako chirped and hopped off her seat. Taking her empty dishes,
she went into the kitchen and then headed for her room.

"Come on, Small Lady, we'll get your teeth brushed," Serenity said while
gently pulling Usagi off her seat. Misako who had been ahead of them
paused long enough outside her room to watch her mother guide Usagi into
hers.

Usagi was starting to panic. She watched with a growing fear as Serenity
put toothpaste onto her toothbrush and handed it to Usagi. "Mom?" There
was no reply. "Mommy?" Usagi asked and winced. Serenity gave her a
questioning look while screwing the cap of the toothpaste back on. "Did
you decide on a punishment?" <Please say hai.>

"Not yet, Chibi-Usagi. It could be a week or so," Serenity said before
telling Usagi to brush her teeth.

<An entire week?!?> Usagi thought despondently. As she thought about
what that would entail, her thoughts turned darker. After she was
finished brushing her teeth, Serenity then brushed and placed her hair
into rabbit ear odangos and pigtails. Much to Usagi's immense relief,
however, Serenity only laid her clothes out and left the room with a
directive for Usagi to hurry up and get dressed. She had been worried
that her mother would dress her too. <It wouldn't be the first time
either.> Having pushed her mother once too far in the past, Usagi had
found herself being dressed as a small child would be.

A short time later, both girls were standing in the living room in front
of their parents. They both noted that a chair had been placed into two
separate corners and there wasn't any real doubt as to their purpose.
"Your mother and I have not yet decided upon your punishments, girls,"
Endymion said as he looked sternly between his daughters, "We would
place you in your rooms in the corner. However, Sawa informed us of her
trouble yesterday." Both Misako and Usagi flushed brightly in
embarrassment. "I'm glad to hear she only had to put each of you back in
the corner once. To see that you remain in the corner, we've decided to
put you out here where you can be watched."

And so it was that both girls found themselves being placed into a
corner. Misako was distressed to learn that neither Kimeko nor Sawa
would be watching them. Instead, both Elder and Younger Mercury had been
"drafted" to watch the girls while Endymion and Serenity were away. In
addition to her chair, Usagi was given a small table and told to
complete the homework she had neglected. So it was with a mixture of
relief and uneasiness that both children watched their parents depart.

It was not a pleasant experience. Elder Mercury was cold and remote; her
daughter was also not particularly pleased to be babysitting again. The
only time they were allowed to leave their chairs was to use the
bathroom and as time passed, lunch. By that time, Serenity and Endymion
had returned from wherever they had gone. Lunch proceeded much the same
as breakfast. Where Misako was asked what she would like for lunch,
Usagi was given only a limited choices. Her plate was filled with her
choices and placed in front of her.

                                 ******

<I don't want to wear a diaper!> Misako whined to herself, <I have to be
really good. If Mom and Dad are treating Usagi like she's five, then
they'd put me into a diaper.> There was no way Misako was going to risk
that. <This is all baka Usagi's fault!> Misako thought sourly as she
shifted in her chair. The late afternoon sun slanted in through the
window reminding the little girl that it was a wonderful day outside. A
day she should be out playing in. <I didn't think she'd freak out...>
She risked turning her head enough to give her sister a long glare.
Usagi glared at her and stuck her tongue out. <Baka Odango Atama,>
Misako huffed and turned back. <What am I going to do? Mom and Dad are
acting really weird.> There was one thing that was very obvious to
Misako and very puzzling at the same time. <They're treating Usagi like
a little kid.> That brought a smile to her face. <But why though?> Not
that she didn't enjoy seeing her sister suffer a more extreme case of
what Usagi put her through on a daily basis, but she was worried that
her parents would start treating her the same way. Then a happy thought
struck her. <Maybe they realized that I'm grown up!>

Her thoughts were interrupted by Endymion. "Small Lady, Misako, go get
ready for bed."

"Nani?!?" both girls declared.

"But we haven't even eaten yet, Daddy!" Usagi whined, her stomach
rumbled in agreement, "Don't we get to have supper?!?"

"Certainly Chibi-Usagi, you and Misako will be having supper early,"
Endymion explained, "Now please do as you're told and go and get ready
for bed." Misako was the first to move. Sliding from her chair, she
worked out the stiffness in her legs before making her way out of the
living room and down the hall to her own room.

"But can't I change after supper?" Usagi's voice came floating to
Misako's ears.

"Small Lady, you have been told to get ready for bed," came Serenity's
voice, "Please do as you are told." There was a biting edge there and
Misako quickly entered her room to change.

By five o'clock, both were seated at the dining room table and eating
supper. Usagi was scowling blackly, both at her supper and at Misako.
<Baka little kid!> Usagi thought irritatedly as she shoved some food
into her mouth and chewed angrily. <This is all your fault. I had every
right to get my necklace back!> There was no way that she had been about
to allow Misako to ruin one of her most treasured of possessions. <Maybe
they're finally going to punish her and let me get on with my life.>
Even though Usagi had resolved herself to suffer through this punishment
of sorts, the latest part of the punishment was like adding salt to an
open wound. The special parcel that Serenity had spoke of before their
departure to the reception had finally arrived. It was a set of kawaii
bunny pajamas with all the trimmings including a rear flap and it was
made to fit Usagi's twelve year old frame perfectly.

What both girls were wondering, though, was what their parents were
discussing in the study as they ate supper. A few minutes later,
Serenity ended the mystery. She came into the room and said, "Misako,
Small Lady, please come with me." Both girls wiped their mouths and
hands before getting up to follow their mother. They were led into the
living room and across to the study door. Each was then stood one on
either side of the doorframe, nose against the wall. "I'll be right out.
Neither of you move." She opened the study door, entered, and closed it
again. Immediately both girls glared at each other with one eye, they
wouldn't run the risk of being caught glaring at each other fully.

The study door opened five minutes later and Serenity instructed,
"Misako, come in here please. Small Lady, stay right there." After
Misako had entered the study, Usagi was left alone with her own
thoughts, and a burning desire to know what was going to occur.

In the study, next to the small fireplace, were two chairs that had been
turned so their backs were to the fire that danced merrily in the
hearth. They were pushed close together and Endymion was already sitting
in one. After Serenity had closed the door, she walked over and sat in
the other one while motioning Misako to approach them. Nervously Misako
did so, watching her parents' faces which remained neutral.

"Misako," Endymion began, "Would you like to explain to us why Usagi
came running after you?"

"Otou-san, I don't know," Misako replied with as much honesty as she
could put into her voice, "I'm standing there listening to what Hino-san
was saying and the next thing I knew, Usagi was screaming at me and
running after me."

"And why did you run?" Endymion asked, "I mean Kimeko was there. She
would have stopped Usagi from hurting you."

<Uh oh...> That particular mistake had eluded her. "Uh, well..." She
caught herself kneading her hands and placed them behind her back. "I
guess it just surprised me. I didn't know what Usagi was doing."

"Oh, so you were scared that Usagi would manage to hurt you before
Kimeko stopped her?" Serenity asked, her features remained neutral with
only a slight hint of curiosity.

<Hmmm...> Misako thought and scowled in concentration, <Why can't they
ask me something I already thought about?> She quickly ran through
possible responses and said, "Iie Okaa-san, I was surprised and I just
ran." She regarded her mother hoping that it would convince her.
Serenity nodded slightly. "I guess I should have stayed with
Kimeko-san," Misako allowed herself to admit.

Endymion rubbed his chin for a moment then said, "All right, Misako, so
you were paying attention to Hino-san. Kimeko says she saw you sticking
your tongue out at Usagi."

<Kami-sama, I didn't think she saw that.> Misako couldn't help but blush
slightly, "Hai Otou-san, I know that was wrong of me but I didn't think
it would make Usagi that mad." She watched her parents' exchange glances
and continued, "I mean Usagi really overreacted."

"So there wouldn't be any other reason?" Endymion questioned. Misako
shook her head. "Well now, from what we've been told, you had Usagi's
necklace. The one that went missing a few days ago."

Misako gave a sharp look towards her mother before saying, "Otou-san,
Usagi was making that up. I didn't have it on me. You can even ask
Kimeko. She looked and she didn't find any necklace."

"Then why would the necklace be at the shrine?" Serenity asked, "I mean
Usagi would not wear it with the other necklace I provided. In fact, she
was still looking for it Friday night."

"She set me up!" Misako snapped without a moment's hesitation, "Usagi
was mad because I was in the wedding so she was going to make me look
bad." She congratulated herself on the answer. "She doesn't like Sakuya
anyway so she wanted to ruin the wedding."

There was a long pause then Endymion said, "Misako, are you sure that
Usagi set you up? I know she has had problems with you and Sakuya but to
ruin a wedding, especially such a public one..." he trailed off and
lifted his hands slightly in a gesture, "She could easily have gotten
you into trouble another way without risk of punishment to herself."

Misako frowned then, her mind raced as it thought of the possible
responses and outcomes. After a moment or so, she said, "I wouldn't lie
to you, Otou-san. You were there when Usagi was looking for her necklace
and asked me. I don't lie."

To her surprise, Endymion thinned his lips, a disappointed look came
into his eyes and he sat for a long moment before saying, "Misako, I saw
you. I saw you with the necklace; I saw you teasing Usagi with it."
Endymion shook his head. "I would never have thought you would be so
deceitful." He gave her a stern look then. "What I want to know is why
you did it?"

"I didn't do anything!" Misako insisted, "Otou-san, you have to believe
me. I'm innocent. Usagi's the liar. Usagi's trying to get me in
trouble!"

"I saw you, Misako!" Endymion repeated with more force, "I was watching
you all the time." He saw the dubious look in Misako's eyes so he
elaborated, "You leaned back and stuck your tongue out. Kimeko nudged
you and everything seemed fine. Then you repeated it and put the
rabbit's head part of the necklace into your mouth." He frowned with
disapproval. "That was rather filthy."

Misako's blood was now running ice cold. Her heart was pounding
furiously. <Dad saw me?!?> She couldn't believe it. <He can't have seen
me. Nobody was watching me except Usagi...> she trailed off as an idea
formed in her mind. "Usagi's making you do this, making you take her
side," Misako declared.

"How?!" Serenity demanded sharply.

"I know where you went, Mom. You went to talk to Ikado. She was sitting
next to Usagi. Then both of them told you the same story and you
believed them." She then pointed a finger at her mother and added, "Then
you made Daddy take Usagi's side."

Serenity was staring disbelievingly at Misako. "And just how did I do
that, young lady?!?" She could feel herself flushing in anger. Endymion
was scowling now, a foreboding look on his face.

"You used the Ginzuishou," Misako answered simply.

Endymion moved suddenly. The motion caused Misako to take a step
backwards but her father only moved to the window. The room fell silent
except for the ticking of the clock and the crackling of the fire. It
remained that way for a minute or so, both mother and daughter glared at
each other. When Endymion spoke, his tone was completely different,
almost relaxed.

"Misako, you have been studying a lot of Senshi History, even stuff
about the Silver Millennium, ne?"

"Hai," Misako agreed cautiously.

"Tell me, Misako, how were children disciplined back then?" Endymion
asked without turning around.

<Why would he want to know that?> Misako thought. After a moment's
pause, she said, "Well it would depend on the class of person."

"Let's say a commoner," Endymion indicated while turning around to look
at Misako.

<I better not lie. He probably knows the answer.> "Uh, well, Otou-san,
the common form was either caning or strapping." She shifted
uncomfortably and continued, "They believed in physical punishment and
did not have anything as timeouts or grounding. At least not in the way
that we have them today."

Endymion nodded and then said, "I see... And the nobility?"

"Well..." Misako said and swallowed as a knot of fear formed in her
stomach. <I don't like where this is going,> she thought before saying,
"Well children were also caned. They did have some form of grounding and
the withholding of privileges." She licked her lips and added, "Royalty
was an exception, at least on Earth, it was an exception."

"And how is that?" Endymion questioned.

"The Royalty of Earth in some places had people to receive the
punishment in place of the Royalty called `whipping boys'," Misako
replied.

"Hmmm..." Endymion said and walked back over to his chair, "Well that is
very interesting. I and your mother were discussing such things with
Luna and Artemis. That is where we went this morning." Misako felt her
mouth run dry. "Misako, do you think it was fair for others to receive
punishment for what a prince or princess did?"

"Iie Otou-san," Misako said, "It was the prince or princess who broke
the rules or did something wrong. It's like when you tell us not to run
but we do and get hurt. You'll make sure we aren't bleeding or in any
real danger but we have to help ourselves. It's our fault that we got
hurt because we didn't listen to you."

"So you're saying that a prince or princess should take responsibility
and accept the consequences of their misbehavior?" Misako nodded.
"Good," Endymion said, "Because WE, meaning your mother and I, have
decided upon your punishment."

Misako regarded her father with horror. After a couple attempts at
speaking, she managed to ask meekly, "Daddy, are you going to punish me
that way?" When her father didn't answer immediately, her mouth went
dry.

"Iie," Endymion simply said. Misako did not breathe a sigh of relief
however, there were worse things still that her parents could do...
like making her wear diapers.

"But I didn't do anything wrong!" Misako complained. She was going to
say more but Endymion held up a hand. She closed her mouth and crossed
her arms defensively. She was going to pout but thought better of it.

"Firstly, you stole from Usagi, then you lied several times." Endymion
glared at Misako. "Lying is something that you know neither of us
tolerate. Thirdly, you dishonored this family by your behavior and
ruined a very special day for Sakuya. She was nice enough to allow you
in the wedding and you disrupted that to torment your sister." He
thinned his lips and added, "Lastly, you accused your mother of
manipulating me." Rising, he walked briskly over to where Misako was
standing. While taking her arm, he said, "Let me assure you that I am in
complete control of myself."

"Please Daddy," Misako whimpered out, her eyes going wide and reflecting
innocence. "I love you. I didn't do anything wrong and I wouldn't lie to
you." She gave a little sniffle and allowed the tears that had formed in
her eyes to flow freely. "Mom's always making you take her side. Why are
you so scared of her?"

Endymion guided Misako closer to his chair before sitting down. It
occurred to Misako what was about to happen at the same time she was
drawn over her father's knee. She squirmed slightly but Endymion had a
firm grip on her. "Please Daddy," she begged, "Don't treat me like a
little kid!" She felt hot tears streaking her cheeks. The only answer
was the first resounding swat. Endymion's hand connected with her bottom
and to Misako, it felt like fire.

Usagi who had been trying to listen to the discussion was unsuccessful.
All she could hear were the occasional raised voice or low rumblings but
nothing coherent. Then there was a long pause. Moving closer, she
pressed against the door and held her breath. There was a faint noise
that drifted to her ears. At first, it was puzzling. Then she heard
Misako crying.

<Uh oh...> Usagi thought, <This is not good.> She felt a cold lump form
in her stomach and it grew with every swat she heard. <If Mom and Dad
are treating me like a little kid...> She really didn't want to think
about it.

To Misako, the spanking had seemed to go on and on. After the sixth
swat, she had thought it was done but her father had applied four more.
It was with some relief then that Endymion lifted her then and stood her
upright. She tried to glare angrily at her parents but the hot tears got
in the way. After a few moments, the majority of her crying subsided
into the occasional sob with a judicious amount of sniffling. She wiped
at her eyes which were now red and puffy. Through the haze that anger
and soreness had generated, she heard her father speaking.

"We're grounding you for two months. That means no videos, no phone, no
privileges, early bedtime, and no allowance. That also means you only go
to and from school except when you have gymnastics. The rest of the time
is spent here." Endymion had been counting items off on his figures as
he spoke.

"You will also personally write every single guest a letter apologizing
for your behavior and explaining why the wedding was disrupted and how
you were disciplined," Serenity added, "You will also formally apologize
to the Court, Minako's family, and Makoto's as well."

"Are we making ourselves perfectly clear, Tsukino Misako?!" Endymion
demanded.

"Hai, Otou-san," Misako replied with gritted teeth, tears of anger now
mixed with those that had came during her punishment. "I... I just
wanted to be grown up. Everybody treats me like a baby!" she cried out
in frustration.

"I'm glad you understand," Endymion said and stood. Taking his
daughter's hand, he led her across the room and out the door. He ignored
Usagi and kept a firm hand on the top of Misako's head so she couldn't
do anything towards Usagi. Once they had reached her bedroom, he knelt
and looked at Misako. And for the first time, she noted a hurt look in
his eyes, in his features. "Misako, I thought I could be proud of you. I
thought you were so grown up coming down that aisle." He sighed and
blinked away a tear. "Now I'm ashamed of what both my daughters did. I'm
scared that I can never trust you again." He reached out and gently
brushed Misako's cheek. "I'm sad that the little girl that I raised, the
one that was so proud of her onee, the one that would tell us the truth
even if it meant she would get into trouble, is gone."

"Daddy..." Misako started but Endymion placed a finger to her lips.

"Shhh... you told us you did it to show how grown up you are. Well then,
it's time to grow up." Giving her a quick hug, he stated, "I love you,
Miko-chan. Now go on to bed." After a few moments, Misako sadly turned
and giving her father one last pleading look vanished into her room and
gently shut the door. <Oh Mesume,> he thought and could hear her crying
again. <What the hell's happening?> But as with every other time, he
asked the question, no answer came.

Much to Usagi's surprise and distress, she was not punished that night.
After her father had bid good night to Misako, he had reentered the
study, only to reemerge five minutes later and tell Usagi to head to
bed.

Misako cried. Everything seemed to have gone so horribly wrong. No
matter what she tried, she screwed up. She lay on her stomach, face
buried in a pillow that was wet with tears. She hated her punishment,
but at least it was over with. Now she had only two more people to face,
Kimeko and Sakuya. The thought that she had actually hurt and
embarrassed Kimeko was causing her a great deal of guilt. But what she
was most ashamed of was her disruption of the wedding. Sakuya had been
nice enough to include her, had treated her the way she wanted to be
treated, as a pre-teen. She had been part of a group, not just some
little girl or baby. How could she make it up to Sakuya?

As the heaviness of sleep approached her, Misako thought, <I promise,
Kimeko-oneechan, I promise I will make it up to you.> She would make it
up to both her parents, not just her father but both her parents. <Gomen
nasai, Sakuya.> And with that, the little girl drifted off into sleep.

End of Chapter 12

Coming next in Chapter 13 - Small Steps