Well, almost finsihed, only four chapters after this to go.

Thank you for reading.
Doug
----
Tales of Younger Earth
By Douglas "Candle Light Author" Helm and "Tuxedo" Will Wolfshohl

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

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

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

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


Chapter 25 - Duet

It was a day or so later that Kimeko and Misako walked through the park
shortly after lunch. The middle of March was turning out to be pleasant
and warm instead of the normally chilly weather. As they approached a
bench, Kimeko indicated that they should sit down. They sat for a long
moment in silence before Misako turned to regard her guardian.

"You were right, Kimeko-chan," Misako admitted softly, "I was being
baka..."

"Iie," Kimeko began gently as she gave Misako a one armed hug, "You
weren't being baka, Miko-chan. People weren't talking to you about what
was going on. You didn't know what to do and..." Kimeko trailed off for
a moment and said, "Gomen. I don't know how rough that would be for you.
I think if you were baka, it was you thinking that staying in the past
would make anything better."

"I still don't know if I want to go back," Misako admitted. She flinched
when Kimeko grimaced. "I know what you said but... I'm scared that 'Sagi
won't forgive me." Misako looked towards the ground before wiping at her
eyes for a moment. "I wouldn't blame her if she never forgave me." <I
told 'Sagi I hated her,> Misako thought sadly.

"I'm sure she'll forgive you," Kimeko remarked, "You know, it's scary
but I bet if you do this, you'll impress Sakuya too." Misako raised her
head and Kimeko saw the unshed tears shimmering in the afternoon
sunlight. "The way you were going to handle things would likely have
made Sakuya not want you as an onee for her baby. She still may not but
that's up to her and Masao. Just because you want to be Atsuko's onee
doesn't mean Sakuya would want you to be."

"I know," Misako said, her voice cracking, "I guess..."

"Don't you dare say it. Misako! Come on and just... grow up a little!"
Kimeko stated with some exasperation. Misako stared at Kimeko who just
returned the stare. "You keep claiming that you want to be mature and
want privileges. Okay, but that means you have to prove you're ready. I
don't know why you want to be Atsuko's onee but from what I've seen, you
certainly don't deserve it."

Misako's lower lip began to tremble and she bit it and blinked as a few
tears rolled down her cheeks. <What do you mean, Kimeko?> She breathed
deeply, <I thought I'd make a good onee for her. Why wouldn't I deserve
it?> As soon as she thought of the question, it sounded absurd to her.
<I just wanted it so I could hurt 'Sagi. I don't want 'Sagi to be hurt
though...> "I... I guess you're right," she whispered out.

"Miko-chan," Kimeko said gently, "I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings. I
just don't want you to get your hopes up." Drawing the little girl into
a hug, she gave a sigh and then asked, "So, you gonna come home or...
should I start looking for an apartment?"

Misako sniffled a little and wiped her eyes before looking up at her
guardian. "It's my home. If I don't go back, how am I gonna show Sakuya
that I can be a good onee?" <And have 'Sagi forgive me.> Sniffling a
little more, she added, "Yuki and Yumeko would get lonely. I think Dad
would be mad too if I stayed in the past."

<You have no idea!> Kimeko mused. "What about Usagi then?"

Misako looked down and gave the question some consideration before
saying softly, "I've been really mean to her and I want to take back the
picture I'm making for her." She gave Kimeko a small hug and asked, "So
Kimeko-chan, when do we leave?"

"Miko-chan, your training isn't done yet. I have to leave soon though."

"So I can't come with you?" Misako questioned. When Kimeko shook her
head, Misako asked, "Could I tell Mommy what's going on?"

"Misako!" Kimeko screeched with horror, "Do you know what that would
do?!?"

"She might love me again," Misako retorted, "Maybe I'll get a real mommy
to go home to. That's something I missed."

"Telling Usagi would be a very bad idea," Kimeko replied. <But I'm not
above it.> "So you'll be going back to Crystal Tokyo?" When Misako
nodded, Kimeko smiled and gave her a kiss on the top of the head before
saying, "Good then, I won't need to give you a good swift kick in the
rear." <Like you told me to,> Kimeko giggled.

"Nani?!?" Misako asked in surprise but Kimeko only smiled in reply.

                                 ******

A little later that day, Chibi-Usa stared at Misako with a look of
disbelief and hurt. "You're gonna do what?!?" she demanded of her sister
angrily.

"I want to use Luna-P so that I can go live with Dad," Misako answered.

"Iie," Chibi-Usa snapped before turning away.

Misako came a little closer and stated, "Chibi-Usa, you know I don't
belong in this time. You're important to this time; I'm not."

"You're important to me," Chibi-Usa argued softly. <What did I do wrong?
I thought we were doing great.>

Misako sighed and, reaching out gently, took her sister's left arm.
"Onee-chan, I want you to give me Luna-P. I'm going to move out and live
with Dad if he'll let me." When Chibi-Usa didn't respond, Misako started
to say, "I love you..." but was cut short when Chibi-Usa suddenly
whirled around on the ball of her foot and in one fluid motion, jerked
free of her sister's grip.

"IIE, YOU DON'T LOVE ME OR ELSE YOU WOULDN'T GO AWAY!" Chibi-Usa
shouted, tears beginning to flow. Misako raised her hands to try and
ward off her sister while taking a step backwards. "If you loved me, you
wouldn't leave. I don't know what I did wrong! I never seem to do the
right thing!" Anger and hurt burned in Chibi-Usa's eyes. "I don't know
what I did, Misako, but I'm sorry. DO YOU HEAR ME?! GOMEN NASAI!!!!" She
started to choke as her throat thickened and closed from yelling and
crying. She tried to rub at her now red eyes as tears flowed but her
vision remained a watery blur.

"Onee..."

"SHUT UP!" Chibi-Usa yelled before giving a heaving sob. Whirling
around, she fled from the room while shouting, "GOMEN NASAI!"

Misako stared at the doorway long after her sister had disappeared. As
she stood, she could hear yelling from downstairs and a door slamming.
After another moment of silence, Misako turned and walked over to the
corner where Luna-P was resting. <Onee-chan, don't you see? It's better
this way.> So why didn't she believe it? Hearing a noise behind her,
Misako turned around to see her grandmother entering the room.

"Okay Misako, what exactly happened up here?" Ikuko questioned sternly.

Misako glanced towards the floor for a moment before she replied, "I
told 'Sagi that I wanted to go and live with Dad." She quickly looked
towards her grandmother and lightly blushed.

Ikuko walked slowly across the floor. As she stood in front of Misako,
she gave a sigh of exasperation and crossed her arms. "I see. So what
exactly have Kenji or I done that's so bad that you would want to go and
live with your father?!?" Misako's blush deepened and she scuffed the
floor again. "Well?"

<You were great... except for being able to punish me,> Misako thought.
With some effort, she raised her head and looked at Ikuko for a moment
before she said, "Nothing, Ikuko-mama, I really like living here."

Ikuko blinked in confusion before asking, "Then, why do you want to
leave?"

Misako glanced over to Chibi-Usa's futon before turning back to her
grandmother. "I thought Imouto would be happier if I went away. She
doesn't really think of me as an onee; it's Usagi-san who's Chibi-Usa's
onee." Misako gave a little shiver before saying, "I think it would be
easier if I went to stay with Dad."

Ikuko carefully lifted Misako's chin and asked gently, "Why would it be
easier?"

"'Cause Imouto doesn't really think much of Dad. He's important!" Misako
firmly replied. "'Sagi doesn't need me around; she has Usagi-san."

Ikuko gave Misako a hard look and then she did something Misako wasn't
expecting. Ikuko gave her a hug. After a moment, she guided Misako over
to a chair before sitting down. Pulling Misako closer, Ikuko explained
softly, "You're a very important person to Chibi-Usa. I think maybe it's
hard for Chibi-Usa to think about her dad. She hasn't seen him in a long
time."

"She doesn't think I'm her onee." <And I'm not,> Misako thought to
herself. "With Usagi-san around, Chibi-Usa won't miss me."

"You don't think so, Miko-chan?" Ikuko questioned, "Stay right there."
With that, Ikuko stood and left the room. Misako stood and looked
curiously after her grandmother. After a moment or so, Ikuko returned
carrying what looked like a small booklet. Ikuko didn't open it until
she sat down. Lifting Misako onto her knee, she handed Misako the small
booklet while saying, "I want you to read this." Misako looked curiously
at the booklet, up at Ikuko, and then back at the booklet again.
"Miko-chan, I want you to read this because it talks about you.
Chibi-Usa made it for school."

"What about 'Sagi? Didn't she run away?" <I hope she's okay.>

"Your oji's keeping an eye on her."

                                 ******

As the sun slowly sank into the west, Misako stepped out into the
cooling twilight. <'Sagi... why are we always fighting?> After walking
to the sidewalk, she turned to her right. Carrying Chibi-Usa's jacket in
one arm, Misako glanced over her shoulder. <If I showed Kenji-papa where
'Sagi's hiding place is, 'Sagi would be mad.> Certainly her grandfather
knew where her sister was. <I hope you don't get sick.> Pausing at the
edge of a small path, she looked around again. <Kenji-papa kinda knows
where 'Sagi is.> It just wasn't an exact location. She looked down the
small path that ran between two buildings. <Baka 'Sagi, why'd you go
down there in the dark?> Gathering up her nerve, Misako walked down the
path quickly.

When she saw Kenji standing near the end of the path looking unhappy and
worried, Misako grinned internally. <I was right.> At the sound of her
approach, Kenji turned around and blinked. "Kobanwa Kenji-papa," Misako
greeted her grandfather which produced another strange look.

"Miko-chan, what are you doing here? For that matter, how'd you find
me?"

"It's a secret," Misako replied solemnly. Kenji frowned at this so she
explained, "Kenji-papa, I just knew 'Sagi would be here." Kenji's frown
deepened. "Is she okay?"

"Hai," Kenji answered. <This must be a special spot to Chibi-Usa.> At
the end of the short path was a set of high bushes. He had managed to
see beyond the bushes into a small backyard. "Do you girls come here
often?" Misako only shifted uncomfortably. "Your oba and I don't approve
of trespassing."

"Iie," Misako said and shook her head, "We sorta... Well, I don't know
how Chibi-Usa met Tanjou-san..."

"Tanjou Kiku?" Kenji questioned. Misako nodded in surprise. "We thought
Luna had been one of her cats," Kenji explained. <I'm still not sure who
seemed more indignant, Tanjou-san or Luna.>

Misako blinked for a moment before saying, "Tanjou-san lets me and
Chibi-Usa hang around her yard. We help her out and this is sorta our
pay." She shifted under Kenji's stern look and thought, <'Sagi, I hope
you aren't mad.>

"We'll talk about this little arrangement later, and why I'm only
hearing about it now," Kenji promised, "For now, go get your sister so
we can go home."

Misako nodded and then requested, "Could I talk to 'Sagi alone,
Kenji-papa?" Kenji gave her an impatient look. "Please Oji-san? I
promise to bring 'Sagi home soon."

Kenji did not look too happy at this prospect but nodded, "Hai,
Miko-chan. You're not to take too long though."

"Arigato," she chirped and waited until Kenji had started walking down
the path before crouching and carefully easing herself through the
concealed hole in the bushes. When Misako stood up, she saw that her
sister was huddled in a corner. Slowly walking over, Misako stopped a
few feet away.

"Go 'way," Chibi-Usa cried out when she noticed that she wasn't alone.

"'Sagi-chan," Misako began softly, "Come and put your coat on." After a
moment or so, Chibi-Usa stood up and walked slowly over to her sister.
Sniffling a little, Chibi-Usa took the offered coat and started putting
it on. "'Sagi, I'm not leaving." Chibi-Usa paused in her endeavor to don
her coat and blinked. Misako looked towards the ground for a moment
before returning her gaze to her sister and saying, "I only wanted to
make you happy."

"B... but why would you think that you going away would make me happy?"
Chibi-Usa questioned.

"Mommy's your onee. I didn't want to mess up the timeline," Misako
replied softly, mindful that someone might be listening, "I'm scared,
'Sagi," she admitted softly, "How am I going to try and make it up to my
onee if she doesn't exist? I was really baka, gomen nasai."

Chibi-Usa blinked and was about to question Misako's last statement when
her eyes enlarged and she made an "oh" sound with her mouth. <Baka... it
takes her that long to figure it out?! I guess if I was scared I'd do
baka things too.> She was silent for a moment longer before she walked
closer to Misako and asked softly, "So, I didn't do anything wrong,
Miko-chan?"

"Iie, `I' did."

<NANI?!> "You keep doing this," Chibi-Usa countered, "We get going real
good and then... then..." she sniffled again. "Just go."

"'Sagi-chan, I want to try and make it up to you. If you want me to go,
I will. If you want me to stay, I'll do that too."

"What I want..." Chibi-Usa huffed with some heat as she stepped up so
that her face was only an inch or so from Misako's, "Is to have a
sister!"

"What about..."

"Usagi is Mommy," Chibi-Usa snapped sternly, "You're my real sister!"
Her voice was low but her tone was firm and angry. "Make up your mind!"

Misako tried not to giggle at the little girl who was her onee. <'Sagi,
you look so serious.> It was but the look on her sister's face was
almost comical. "Gomen nasai, 'Sagi-chan."

"I love you, Misako," Chibi-Usa stated in a softer voice, "And if you
don't start believing me, I'm gonna have to do something serious."

"Nani?" Misako questioned. Chibi-Usa leaned forward and whispered into
Misako's ear for a moment. When the little girl withdrew her head,
Misako stared at Chibi-Usa with large eyes. "You wouldn't dare."

"Just don't believe me when I say I want you as a sister," Chibi-Usa
said seriously, "Wanna try it?"

Misako was silent for a long time before saying, "Come on, 'Sagi-chan, I
need you." Chibi-Usa gave her sister a quizzical look. "Well if I'm
gonna be your sister, I should maybe look like you." Chibi-Usa's
eyebrows rose as she gave her sister a look of confusion. "Then we get
Mommy to look like us."

"Will we get into trouble for this?"

"Iie," Misako said, "Please 'Sagi-chan?"

"Okay, Onee-chan," Chibi-Usa replied, "Just remember what I said."

                                 ******

Minako looked up into the clear night sky while taking in a breath of
the fresh, crisp air. Turing her gaze back to the path in the park, she
tried to see if there were any eligible guys around. Hearing a sigh, she
turned and grinned at Kimeko who was looking disgusted.

"Ne," Minako began, "I thought you weren't going to freak out if I find
the right guy."

"It isn't that, Mom," Kimeko remarked, "I thought we were going out to
have a talk. Instead, you've spent the last twenty minutes looking for
guys." Minako gave her an odd look and Kimeko sighed again. "Could you
please just... not try and look for guys?" Minako took on a stricken
expression but Kimeko only gave her a sour one in return.

"What's eating you?" Minako questioned, "Looking for guys..."

"Seems to consume a lot of your time, Mom," Kimeko interrupted. "What's
`eating me' is the fact that you're acting ditzy!"

Minako stopped suddenly and stared at her daughter for a long moment
before saying, "I'm sorry if I'm embarrassing you, Mesume. I just want
to have a little fun."

Kimeko turned and looked across the rippling water of the lake. "You
aren't an embarrassment. I'm just not ready to go looking for guys with
my mother." <Especially my fifteen year old mother.> She rubbed her arms
and turned back to regard Minako. "I'm not like Chibi-Usa and Usagi.
You're always going to be my mom."

Minako wiped at her eyes and sniffled a little. Minako opened her mouth
and closed it. She stood silent for a long time before she asked, "So
when are you leaving?"

"After I say good-bye to Makoto," Kimeko replied. Walking over to her
mother, she said softly, "I know you want me to stay but I can't. This
was a very short vacation. I just wanted to make sure Misako was okay."
A tear slowly rolled down Minako's cheek so Kimeko hugged her tightly.

"Can't we have a little fun before you go, Kimeko-chan?" Minako pouted
out.

"Having fun doesn't mean we have to chase boys. I'm not ready to date
yet. I'm pretty busy and having a relationship is a lot of work," Kimeko
replied. She soon relented though. "Okay, but we aren't going to find
any guys in the park." <I... I'll go along with you, Mom.> It wouldn't
do any harm to humor her mother.

Soon both young Aino women were prowling the streets in search of
eligible young men to date. Despite Kimeko's initial hesitation, she
found herself becoming more involved in the game of snagging a man. At
first, Minako showed much more energy and excitement for "the hunt" as
Kimeko kept referring to their little walk down the street than Kimeko
did.

It wasn't until about an hour later that Kimeko knew something was
amiss. The energy that her mother had started the hunt with had quickly
faded. Just as Kimeko was truly getting into the spirit of things,
mainly because of the three requests for dates and even one marriage
proposal, Minako suggested they go home.

"You want to go home?" Kimeko questioned in a surprised tone of voice,
"What about getting a guy?"

"They're only interested in you," Minako replied.

"That's not true, Mom, what about those two young fellows back there?"

"Kimeko," Minako huffed, "One of them was wearing a stuffed chicken's
head around his neck." Kimeko blinked. "I won't even mention his
friend."

Placing her hand against Minako's forehead, Kimeko hummed for a moment
before saying, "Nope, no temperature." She looked seriously at Minako
and added, "Not those two punks. That guy who you said was in your class
and his friend."

"My class?" Minako asked in confused tone.

"Mom, are you okay?" Kimeko asked seriously. Minako looked towards the
ground and sniffled a little bit before looking at Kimeko again.
"Minako-chan?" Kimeko asked gently. She reached out and gently touched
Minako's shoulder.

"Could we go home?" Minako asked softly. When Kimeko nodded, Minako
turned towards home and started walking. They walked in silence for
several seconds before Minako said softly, "I... I don't want you to go,
Kimeko-chan. All this about boys was just so I wouldn't think about it."

"But you thought about it," Kimeko prompted softly.

Minako gave a wry smile before replying, "When your mesume has eleven
requests for dates, you get a lot of time to think about why you're
doing what you're doing."

"Gomen Mom. I have to go."

"I know," Minako whispered out, "But I don't want you to." Slowing she
stopped, sniffled, and then, burst into tears. As Kimeko moved closer,
Minako hugged her tightly and said, "When you were little, I got to see
what it would be like to raise you. I think that will be the best
experience that I'll ever have."

"Yeah, but you'll get the entire experience like diapers, punishment,
eating mysterious foods your kids dream up."

"So I have more than one?" Minako questioned hopefully.

"Rei's got sixty-three but that's over a thousand years, or so," Kimeko
countered. Seeing Minako's pout, Kimeko shook her head while grinning.
"Some things are better left to the future." Minako pouted slightly but
Kimeko shook her head.

                                 ******

Hino Rei scowled and brushed some damp hair out of her face. The early
morning sky was cloudy and gray. A cold rain fell lightly from the sky
as a northeasterly wind scoured the city. "Where is she?!" Rei snapped
irritatedly as the wind blew the rain into her face.

"I think she's walking with Usagi," Ami said, "It seems so strange to
see someone off when you hardly saw them when she was here." Rei snorted
irritatedly and Ami sighed. "Problem?"

"I'm wet, cold, and..." suddenly trailed off and blushed. Ami gave her a
quizzical look. "I was happy." <Yuuichiro makes a pretty good pillow...
especially when he isn't singing.>

"So tonight's the big night, ne Rei-chan?" Makoto questioned.

"Big night?" Ami asked.

"Hai, Yuuichiro's taking Rei out on a date," Makoto explained. Ami
looked genuinely surprised and Makoto couldn't help the exasperated sigh
that crept out. "Ami-chan, sometimes you just read too many books. Rei's
talked about nothing else for the past week." This statement seemed to
confuse Ami even more; it certainly confused Rei.

"Mind explaining that, Mako?" Rei asked.

                                 ******

Chibi-Usa sneezed twice, coughed, and then moaned. "But I want to come
with you, Onee-san," she whined out while Usagi tucked the covers around
her chin. "I'm fine." Her body was out to prove her wrong and sneezed
violently three times. "See?!" Chibi-Usa asked crankily.

"Kimeko will understand. You're going to stay in bed and that's final,"
Usagi instructed stubbornly. "Now I'll be back with Misako in a little
bit. You're to stay in that bed."

"This is your bed," Chibi-Usa countered, "I should be in mine." She sat
up and coughed a little before adding, "I'm fine, Onee-san. Even ask
Ikuko-mama."

"This thermometer says you are NOT fine," came Ikuko's voice, "I'm not
going to put up with any nonsense, Chibi-Usa. You're sick. You'll stay
in Usagi's bed for today and you will not try to leave."

Chibi-Usa crossed her arms and pouted for a moment before saying, "This
is all Misako's fault."

"Usagi-chan, why don't you go downstairs. Misako's waiting for you and
if you want to let Misako say good-bye to her friend, she should head
off now." Usagi nodded gave Chibi-Usa a quick kiss on the forehead and
left the room. Once her daughter was out of sight, Ikuko walked over to
the bed and sat down. "Sweetheart, if you want to blame Misako for this,
then you and me will have a little talk about you leaving the house
without permission."

Chibi-Usa gave this some consideration before asking softly, "Can I have
a hug?"

"Hai," Ikuko replied and gave Chibi-Usa a hug before settling her back
into bed. "Now you rest up and maybe when Misako comes back, I'll come
up and read you and her a story." Chibi-Usa grumbled a response but
snuggled deeper under the covers and closed her eyes. <Maybe this isn't
so bad,> Chibi-Usa thought, <I'm nice and warm and Misako's gonna be
cold and wet.> She smiled to herself. <Ikuko-mama and Mommy will get me
anything I want! Being sick ain't so bad...> As long as Minako didn't
try to feed her hot pepper laced chicken broth.

                                 ******

Misako squinted her eyes against the rain that spattered into her face.
She held Kimeko's hand as they walked down the sidewalk. Not only did
this let Usagi and Mamoru hold hands but also it was reassurance for
both of them. "I hope 'Sagi's okay," Misako mused to Kimeko.

"I think she'll be fine. You could let Mom feed her some chicken broth,
Miko-chan." Minako, thinking this a compliment, smiled.

"That's all we need," Misako grumbled out, "'Sagi going everywhere on a
column of fire." Kimeko gave her a surprised look and Misako giggled.
"Well considering what happened when you know..."

"What happened?!?" Minako demanded, "Are you telling me I still can't
cook, after a thousand years?!?"

Kimeko gave it some thought and explained, "Iie, you have improved some,
Mom. You can open a package real well." She smirked and backed away from
Minako who took on an irritated expression. Misako giggled and grinned
up at Minako.

"Misako, tell Minako how good a cook she is," Usagi stated while looking
over her shoulder.

"You want me to fib, Mommy?" Misako questioned, her eyes large with
exaggerated shock, "That could get me in a lot of trouble." Usagi gave
her a sour expression and Misako just grinned. Seeing Minako pout, she
added, "Well, if you follow the directions perfectly, then it ain't so
bad. It's when you try and be... `creative' that things start to go
wrong."

"At least one person appreciates my cooking abilities," Minako huffed
out.

Before Kimeko or Misako could say anything, Usagi stopped walking and
turned to face them. "Come here, you," Usagi demanded good naturedly to
Misako, "Let Kimeko and Minako patch things up. Besides, I'm your mom."
Usagi's smile got bigger as Misako let Kimeko's hand go and skipped over
to take her mother's hand. "I like your odangos. Who's head did you
steal those off of?" Misako just grinned up at her mother. <I bet
Chibi-Usa was happy to see you wearing her style of odangos.>

As the small group continued walking, Kimeko and Minako allowed the
small family to pull slightly ahead of them. "Tell me, Kimeko, is my
cooking that bad?"

Kimeko shook her head, "That's in the future. You did do the best you
could."

"Was Misako kidding about my chicken broth?" Minako asked hopefully.
When Kimeko shook her head, Minako sighed. "Well maybe the army would
have a use for it."

                                 ******

When the girls and Mamoru arrived at the spot in the park where Rei,
Ami, and Makoto were waiting, they came upon a somber sight. Rei was
looking moodily towards the ground while Ami was staring intently into a
book. Makoto was looking off into the distance, a grim expression on her
face.

"What happened?" Usagi questioned.

"Nothing," all three girls answered.

"I'm sorry we're late," Usagi said, "Chibi-Usa wasn't feeling well."

Rei grunted noncommittally. "Gomen. They've been pestering me about
Yuuichiro." Ami seemed about to protest this statement and then thought
better of it.

Minako looked around for a moment and then towards Kimeko. Stepping
closer to her daughter, Minako hugged Kimeko who returned the hug. "Oh
Kami-sama, I'm gonna miss you." She felt the tears run down her cheek
and she pressed her face close to Kimeko's damp coat. "Have a safe
trip."

"I love you, Okaa-san," Kimeko remarked softly as she stroked her
mother's hair for a moment. Pulling away slightly, she gave Minako's
cheek a light kiss. "You do have friends, Mom, just think about the
future."

"I do every night," Minako said softly. Sniffling again, she reluctantly
pulled away.

Kimeko stepped up and gave Makoto a hug. "Don't worry, Mako-chan,"
Kimeko said softly, "Sakuya's okay." Makoto mumbled thank you while
hugging Kimeko back. When Kimeko pulled away, she added, "She looks so
much like you." Makoto gave her a soft smile. Turning, Kimeko walked
over to where Misako was standing with her parents and crouched.

Misako walked forward and hugged Kimeko around the neck. "I promise,
Kimeko-chan, I'll come home after my training's done," Misako whispered.
"I love you... and I'm sorry if I caused any trouble." Sniffling a
little, she added, "Tell 'Sagi I love her."

<I'm so proud of you,> Kimeko thought. "I love you, too, Miko-chan, and
I will tell Usagi." Kimeko gave Misako a kiss on her forehead and was
about to pull away when she thought of something. In a soft tone of
voice, Kimeko whispered, "I'll be waiting for you... Imouto." Misako's
bottom lip trembled slightly and she started to cry. The young girl gave
Kimeko a tighter hug for a moment before stepping back.

"It's okay... Onee-chan," Misako replied in a whispered tone, "'Sagi's
my onee. You're my friend."

Kimeko stood and smiled down at Misako, "You're growing up into a fine
young lady." Misako beamed with pride up at her guardian. Kimeko turned
to face Usagi and said, "I hope you'll think about what I said,
Usagi-chan." Usagi nodded solemnly. Quickly saying her other good-byes,
Kimeko stepped away from the small group and retrieved her Time Key.
<Please Kami-sama, let this work. Let this be the right time that I go
back into.> "I'll see you in a little bit!" she called to her mother
before activating the Key. Then, in a flash of light, she was gone.

                                 ******

When Kimeko stepped out of the portal and into one of the private
gardens within the Crystal Palace, she saw one of the most beautiful
sights she had ever laid her eyes on. Standing right in front of her
were a grinning Masao and a content looking Sakuya holding a very
shocked looking Atsuko. As Kimeko approached the family, she looked
towards Sakuya and gave her friend a large smile.

"You want to see your oba, Mesume?" Sakuya questioned Atsuko. Having
recovered from her initial shock at seeing her aunt suddenly appear from
nowhere, Atsuko reached out for Kimeko.

"Konnichiwa Atsuko-chan," Kimeko greeted softly while holding her arms
out. As soon as her niece was transferred over to her arms, Atsuko
grabbed two fistfuls of hair and looked like she wasn't going to be
giving them up anytime soon.

"Is everything okay?" Kimeko questioned.

"Pluto said we should meet you," Masao replied, "That and the others
are... busy." Kimeko shot him a concerned look but Atsuko wasn't about
to give up any of Kimeko's attention.

                                 ******

As Kimeko disappeared, Minako gave a sniffle. Makoto walked over to her
and gave her a hug. "Come, let's get out of this rain and go get
something to eat." Turning to Misako, she asked, "Ne, wanna come with
us?"

"Iie, 'Sagi's sick. I should go home and see how she's doin'," Misako
replied, <'Sides, 'Sagi took care of me when I was sick.> Giving her
parents a hug, she said, "Mommy, I'll go see how 'Sagi's doing. You talk
to Dad."

"What about you two?" Makoto questioned.

"Pass up your cooking?" Rei questioned unbelievably, "I don't think so."
Grinning, she turned to Ami and said, "Are you coming?" Ami considered
and nodded. With that, the four girls bid their good-byes and quickly
left the family alone.

"Are you sure, Miko-chan?" Usagi questioned.

"Hai," Misako chirped, gave her parents another hug, and then started
walking down the path, a large grin on her face.

The couple looked at each other for a long moment. Mamoru slowly reached
out and caught Usagi's hand in his own before saying, "Why don't we get
out of this rain?" Usagi simply nodded. So they walked through the
chilly and wet morning in silence, each lost in their own thoughts.
After a few minutes, they reached Mamoru's apartment building and
entered. Once inside the warm apartment, they removed their wet coats
and Mamoru retrieved two towels. "Here Usako," Mamoru offered while
handing the towel to Usagi.

"Arigato," Usagi whispered out as she undid her hair to dry it. Slipping
out of her shoes, she padded into the living room and looked out into
the bleak day. <I was so baka,> Usagi thought sadly, <I hurt Chibi-Usa
and Mamo-chan.> She felt gentle fingers pull back her hair and then
tender lips kissed her neck. "Oh Mamo-chan..." Usagi breathed out softly
as tears started to fill her eyes. <How could I ever doubt you?>

Mamoru wrapped his arms around Usagi and held her close. "Usako, I'm
sorry if I hurt you." Usagi leaned her head back against his chest. "I
didn't really ask Chibi-Usa to marry me. How could I?" He shivered at
that thought.

Usagi turned around and hugged Mamoru tightly. "Mamo-chan, I just... I
saw her kissing you and remembered when you left me."

"Usako..." he began but trailed off at Usagi's expression.

"Iie, not just when Chibi-Usa got here but when we're happy." Mamoru
gave her a confused look so she explained, "Whether it's the Silver
Millennium, after Beryl took you, the day we..." her voice caught and
she paused, "The day you broke up with me." Usagi began to gently cry as
she continued, "I keep wondering when you'll be taken away from me. If
you are, will I ever get you back." She lifted her head. "I don't know
if I can keep going on like this."

Mamoru held her close while stroking her hair gently. "Usako, I love you
with all my heart. Nothing in this world is perfect. We're probably
going to be hurt again, but I'll just keep your love in my heart. I have
faith in what was meant to be; the proof that Chibi-Usa and Misako
represent."

Usagi sniffled a little and said softly, "Mamo-chan, did you know
Chibi-Usa did this so we could get married earlier?"

"Do you want to?"

"Iie," Usagi admitted, "I'm not ready now. Even if we could convince my
father to let us," Usagi paused, "Why rush something that will likely be
beautiful... unless, you plan on dumping me again?"

"Never," Mamoru replied, "Why would I risk losing the woman that I love
or my children?" He kissed Usagi deeply for a moment and then asked,
"Are we okay?"

"That depends," Usagi replied softly. Mamoru gave her a quizzical look
and she said, "I thought I'd cuddle up with my boyfriend before eating
breakfast. It's so cold and miserable out." Mamoru started to speak but
Usagi reached up and gently pulled him down so she could kiss him again.

When they eventually came up for air, Mamoru gave a sigh and remarked,
"I'll get us a blanket, Usako." Usagi grinned and walked over to the
phone.

"And I'll call home," Usagi replied. <I like making up. It's pretty
fun!>

                                 ******

The intervening time between Kimeko's departure and the last weekend
before school started, quickly passed. Too quickly in Usagi's opinion.
Ikuko didn't think it went fast enough. As it was, Chibi-Usa recovered
from her cold, Rei survived the barrage of questions after her date with
Yuuichiro, and Usagi and Mamoru managed to get in three quiet evenings
without interruption.

It had actually been peaceful, in Kenji's opinion, mainly because he
didn't have to watch the girls most of the time. In Ikuko's private
opinion, they were becoming tiny hellions. Certainly, the sibling
squabbles lessened but the ensuing mischief had more than made up for
it. Both Misako and Chibi-Usa seemed to be getting along excellently.
Shingo seemed to be getting along with all three girls, even without
Mika around. The only downside that Kenji could see was when the Tsukino
house was invaded by Chibi-Usa's and Misako's friends. With seven girls
ranging in age from almost sixteen to around seven, Ikuko, Kenji, and
Shingo were starting to feel outnumbered.

It was therefore a surprise to Kenji when he came home the last Friday
before school started and walked into a battlefield. As he entered the
door, his eardrums were assaulted by shouting from both Usagi and
Chibi-Usa. Misako was perched on the stairs and watching the battle of
wills with boredom.

Quickly assessing that his wife wasn't home yet, Kenji quickly placed
himself between the two combatants, and demanded, "Okay, what's all the
fighting about?!" <Finally,> Kenji thought as silence fell over the
household as both Usagis stopped shouting and blinked.

"When did you get home, Kenji-papa?" Chibi-Usa questioned.

"I'll ask the questions around here," Kenji stated firmly, "Now what's
the shouting about?"

"She won't let me go," Chibi-Usa pouted out as she crossed her arms
defensively, "I'm old enough to go."

"And I said you aren't going!" Usagi yelled back, her nostrils flaring
in anger. She was about to say more but Kenji held up his hand. Glaring
at her daughter, Usagi crossed her own arms while scowling.

"Go where?" Kenji questioned.

"The shrine," Misako answered when neither her mother nor sister offered
any response. <And they thought I was a baby,> Misako thought, <They've
been yelling at each other for ten minutes.> They had been arguing off
and on before that since her grandparents had left the house that
morning. <I never thought you could eat and argue at the same time.> Her
sister and mother proved her wrong.

Kenji sighed before taking on a stern expression. "Chibi-Usa-chan,"
Kenji began, "I thought we settled this last night. Usagi is going to
Rei's for a sleepover and it's just for the older girls. Your oba told
you that you couldn't go."

"Why not?!" Chibi-Usa demanded, "It's just a baka sleepover."

<And I was looking forward to a nice quiet weekend,> Kenji thought.
"Chibi-Usa, if it's just a `baka sleepover', then you shouldn't want to
go to it." Chibi-Usa gave him a dark look and Kenji continued, "It's for
older girls, Chibi-Usa. You've been told that you couldn't go."

"What about Misako?!?" Chibi-Usa demanded again.

"Hey, don't bring me into this, Imouto!" Misako protested. Getting up,
she gave her sister a pleading look before saying, "I didn't want to go
in the first place." With that, she bounded up the stairs away from the
line of fire.

"You heard my dad, Chibi-Usa. That's the same thing I've been telling
you all day," Usagi stated with exasperation.

"She's been arguing with you about this all day?" Kenji questioned, a
frown creasing his forehead. At Usagi's nod, Kenji turned to observe
Chibi-Usa sternly, "What do you have to say for yourself, young lady?"

"I... WANT... TO... GO!" Chibi-Usa ground out before scowling at her
mother.

Usagi seemed ready to explode. However, much to Kenji's surprise, Usagi
managed to relax. After a long moment, she turned to her father and
asked, "Dad, could you explain to her why she's too young, please?"

"AND I SAID I'M OLD ENOUGH, GOD DAMN IT!" Usagi and Kenji took on
shocked expressions and Chibi-Usa started backing up. <Uh oh...> "I
think I'll go see where Misako is..."

She managed to reach the stairs before Kenji bellowed out, "Freeze!"

                                 ******

Kenji rinsed out the sink as Misako finished drying the dishes. Turning,
he walked into the dining room and looked towards Chibi-Usa who was
standing in the corner. "Time for bed, Chibi-Usa. Go up to your room and
get ready for bed. I'll be up to make sure you're ready in ten minutes."
Without a word, Chibi-Usa turned and started grumpily walking out of the
room. Kenji ignored her moody departure and returned to the kitchen.

Chibi-Usa moved down the second floor hallway thinking dark thoughts.
Stomping up the stairs to her and Misako's room, she entered the bedroom
before slamming the door shut. Diana who had been trying to sun herself
on the window ledge opened one eye and gave Chibi-Usa a disapproving
look.

"Baka Odango Atama," Chibi-Usa muttered as she stalked over to her
dresser and retrieved a fresh set of underpants and her pajamas. "I'm
old enough to go to the shrine!" Walking over to a chair, Chibi-Usa
dropped the clothing on it before starting to undress. "Misako should
have helped me..." Chibi-Usa grumbled out as she yanked a sock off. "I
don't know why Kenji-papa was getting all mad." After dressing for bed,
Chibi-Usa picked up her dirty clothing and stalked over to the hamper.
"If Ikuko-mama wouldn't've got so mad, she'd make Usagi take me." With
that thought, Chibi-Usa shoved her dirty clothes into the hamper before
walking over to her futon.

"Small Lady," Diana said, "You know, neither of your grandparents
approve of swearing. Their Majesties don't either." Chibi-Usa muttered a
dark response while sliding under the covers of her futon. "Misako
doesn't want to go so what's the big deal?" Chibi-Usa didn't offer any
response. Diana sighed, stretched, and hopped off the windowsill before
leaving the room. A short time later, Kenji came into the room and bid
his niece goodnight before shutting the door and heading downstairs
again.

                                 ******

Misako tried to stifle her yawn as she sat on the couch beside her
grandfather. Blinking slightly, she shifted so she could lean against
him a little more. She heard Kenji chuckle slightly and she smiled as
well. "Ne Miko-chan, you think I'm a pillow?" Kenji asked.

Misako turned her head, looked up into Kenji's face, and saw a grin
there. "You're nice and comfortable, Kenji-papa," Misako replied. "I
kinda liked spending the night with you." <It was sure quiet. With
Ikuko-mama at a friend's and Shingo at another sleepover...> She gave
her grandfather a hug and felt him chuckle again.

"You're trying to get me to let you stay up, ne?" Kenji was surprised to
see a hurt look on Misako's face. <You're very different from either
Usagi,> Kenji thought. Wrapping an arm around Misako, he hugged her and
commented, "Gomen Misako, when Usagi was little, she always wanted to
stay up."

"I used to," Misako admitted after a few moments, "But you just get
cranky and stuff. And if you're really a pest, ya get yelled at too."
<It's hard staying awake too. Why get into trouble when you could just
go to bed and stay out of trouble?> "Can I ask you something,
Kenji-papa?" At Kenji's nod, Misako said, "Before I came here, there was
a lady that wasn't very nice." Kenji raised an eyebrow quizzically while
frowning. "She didn't like me because I wasn't 'Sagi."

"What do you mean?" Kenji asked in a worried tone, his frown deepening.

"She thought 'Sagi's picture was really great." Misako felt a burst of
anger but fought it off. <Maybe Her Majesty was like 'Sagi. She just
couldn't help herself.> "She didn't even want to look at my picture."

"I bet that made you pretty sad, ne?" Kenji asked softly.

"I got really mad," Misako confessed softly while blushing, "I tore up
all my pictures I had." She lowered her head, unable to look towards her
grandfather. <And I told 'Sagi I hated her... I wrecked that picture she
drew.> As Kenji lifted her up and gave her a hug, Misako sniffled and
returned the hug. "Why didn't she like me?"

Kenji sighed and stroked Misako's hair for a moment before saying, "I
don't know, Miko-chan. I think you have to like what you did yourself
and not worry about what other people think. If you like the pictures
you draw, then that's all that really matters. If other people like them
too, then that's even better." After another moment, Kenji gave Misako a
pat on the back and said, "Time for bed."

"'Night Kenji-papa," Misako squeaked out as she gave Kenji a hug and
slid from his lap.

"You have a good sleep," Kenji replied while giving Misako a hug and a
kiss on her forehead. As he watched the young girl walk from the room,
he sighed. <Hai, you certainly are different than either Usagi.> Folding
his arms, Kenji rested his head back against the couch and was just
closing his eyes when the phone rang. <Ikuko?> he thought with worry,
<Or Usagi?> Walking over, he picked it up on the third ring, "Moshi
moshi."

"Kenji? It's me, Ikuko."

"How's things going?" Kenji questioned.

"Good," came Ikuko's voice, "Kenji, would you mind if I came home
tomorrow night?" Kenji blinked but waited for Ikuko's explanation. "We
were going to drive up the coast to Izumo in the morning and visit a
friend who's just had a baby."

"Iie, have fun, Ikuko. You need some time away from the girls. I can
take care of things. It's just me, Chibi-Usa, and Misako here. I think I
can handle things until tomorrow evening."

"Now remember, Usagi's coming back for supper tomorrow. Shingo's
supposed to be home sometime Sunday morning but before lunch."

"Got it," Kenji replied, "You have a fun trip and say hello for me."

"I will, dear... Ja."

"Ja," Kenji replied before hanging up the phone. <Well Kenji, now you
can finally finish off that book in peace and quiet.>

                                 ******

Misako paused as she walked down the second floor hallway when the phone
rang. After a moment or so, she continued on her way up to her bedroom.
Upon entering the darkened room, she paused to let her eyes adjust to
the gloom. <Poor 'Sagi,> Misako thought, <I know you're mad because I
wouldn't stick up for you.> She felt a little guilty about that but
shook her head as she moved towards her futon. <Iie, I just couldn't
though. Mom deserves some time to herself.> There would likely be other
sleepovers that Chibi-Usa and she could go to.

As she slid beneath the covers, before moving a little closer to
Chibi-Usa and noticed that the little girl appeared to be fast asleep.
<I hope you don't stay mad at me,> Misako thought before curling up
against her sister's back. "'Night 'Sagi," Misako called softly out but
as she expected, there was no response. Soon Misako was soundly
sleeping; not long after that, Chibi-Usa's eyes slowly opened. After a
moment to listen to her sister's slow and steady breathing, Chibi-Usa
quietly slipped from beneath her covers and made her way over to the
dresser.

<Better get something warm on,> Chibi-Usa thought before calling out
softly, "Luna-P." From the corner where Luna-P had been resting came a
faint scrapping noise before the sphere came silently floating towards
its mistress. <Gotta go before Diana tries to stop me.>

Misako was unaware of her sister's activities. In fact, after drifting
off to sleep, Misako was essentially dead to the world. That was until
something rough and wet assaulted her ear. Giving a sleepy mumble of
surprise, Misako rolled to a sitting position and wiped at her ear.
"Na-ni?" she questioned groggily as she looked around.

"That Baka Odango Atama took off!" Diana mewed in irritation and worry.
"Oh if I was her mother..." she let that dark thought trailed off and
looked towards Misako. "Go get your sohu. We need to bring her back."

Misako scratched her head and looked around the room for a moment,
trying to figure out what Diana was talking about. "Where'd she go?" she
asked sleepily, "Maybe she had to go to the bathroom." Thinking that she
had given a good explanation, Misako lay back down and drew the covers
up around her chin.

"Miko-chan, why would Small Lady change out of her pajamas if she had to
use the bathroom?" Misako grumbled for a moment and sat again, "'Sides,
I checked the bathroom. Small Lady isn't in there either."

Yawning, Misako sighed and got up. <Where'd she...> Misako started to
wonder and trailed off, <She wouldn't!> But there wasn't many reasons to
change out of her pajamas. <The window's open,> Misako thought and
walked over to the window that was wide open. <Hmmm...> Turning again,
she noticed something else was missing. "Luna-P's gone."

"Hai," Diana said, "You gotta go get Tsukino-sama so we can get Small
Lady back."

"Why wouldn't she take you, Diana?" Misako asked out loud. <Did she go
home?> That made even less sense than what Misako had first suspected.

"She thinks I'd tattle on her, Miko-chan," Diana pouted out, "That's the
only reason why she'd leave me here." <I hope.>

"I'm going after her," Misako told the kitten while starting to remove
her pajamas, "I think she went to be with Mom." Diana looked dismayed
and just a little relieved. "I can't tell Kenji-papa. 'Sagi'd be really
mad at me..." Misako stopped and frowned slightly. <But if I can't get
'Sagi back and I get caught, I'd be punished too.> Was this such a good
idea? <I don't really know what to do.>

                                 ******

A short time later, Chibi-Earth shivered as she ran along side the
street on the rooftops. It was not from being cold, but from being
alone. <Good thing I'm a Senshi,> Chibi-Earth thought as she leapt
across a rooftop. <I wouldn't've caught 'Sagi if I wasn't.> Her sister
was now only twenty feet below and ahead of her jogging. <She's gonna
catch another cold!> she thought moodily. That was not her main concern
though. <If Kenji-papa catches us out of our room...> Chibi-Earth forced
that thought out of her mind as she dropped to the ground, having run
out of rooftops.

She followed her sister for another five minutes before they came in
sight of the Hikawa Shrine. Leaping up to the retaining wall that ran
around two sides of the shrine grounds, Chibi-Earth gave an internal
sigh of relief as Chibi-Usa turned around before heading towards the
main stairs leading up into the shrine grounds. <That was close,> she
thought darkly, <Mom said 'Sagi couldn't come so...> Scowling at her
sister's stubbornness, she quickly made her way towards the main
building where the other Senshi were likely to be. <If Mom sends 'Sagi
home, then why should I let her know I was here too?>

As she approached the shrine buildings, Chibi-Earth slowed and looked
around the main courtyard. <Is everybody inside?> she wondered. And
then, she noticed movement. Slowly turning her head in the direction the
movement was coming from, she saw Chibi-Usa pause and look around the
courtyard, tiling her head as if listening. Sniffing a little bit, she
turned to her left and headed down one of the side paths. <Where's she
going?> Chibi-Earth wondered curiously. Quickly crossing the courtyard,
she bounded from tree to tree in an effort to find her sister.

Soon enough, it became obvious where her sister was heading. The path
that Chibi-Usa was taking led directly into a small clearing with a fire
pit in the center. Around this fire pit sat Usagi, Ami, Makoto, Minako,
and Rei. Chibi-Earth moved closer and could hear the soft murmurs of the
girls' talking and the occasional giggle.

This tranquil scene was shattered when Chibi-Usa stepped into the
clearing and yelled, "So, what's up, minna?!?" As Chibi-Usa's voice
echoed away into the night, the clearing fell silent except for the
crackling sound of fire and the rustling of the leaves in the soft
breeze.

After a moment, Usagi got up and dusted off the pair of jeans she had
been wearing. "What," Usagi began as she walked towards her daughter,
"Are you doing here, Chibi-Usa?"

"I'm here to join the party," Chibi-Usa replied, "I go to school too,
you know." Chibi-Usa looked up into Usagi's face and asked, "So
Onee-san, did you eat all the food yet?"

"Did my dad drive you here?" Usagi asked, "And where's your coat?!"

"At home and iie, that overgrown fart didn't drive me here. I walked,"
Chibi-Usa replied. She then proceeded to walk around her mother and over
to the other Senshi who were giving her mixed looks. Chibi-Earth from
her observation position was, to say the least, shocked.

"Pardon me, young lady?" Usagi questioned while turning to her daughter
who was now rooting around in a mini-cooler. "Did you call my dad an
`old fart'?!"

"Iie," Chibi-Usa chirped as she retrieved a soda, "I said an `overgrown
fart'; he's full of hot air!" <Misako's a wuss,> Chibi-Usa added
silently. "So anyway, what were you guys talkin' 'bout?"

Minako opened her mouth to respond but Usagi spoke first, "Tsukino
Usagi, come here this instant!" Chibi-Usa gave her mother a bored
expression but complied. When her daughter was close enough, Usagi
reached out and took the unopened soda from Chibi-Usa.

"Hey Usagi, get your own!" Chibi-Usa protested as she tried to grab the
can back.

"Usagi," Usagi addressed her daughter in calm, icy tones, "I'm only
going to give you one chance. Go home."

"Or what?" Chibi-Usa countered, "I should be allowed to be here too!"
She crossed her arms and pouted slightly, "You can walk me home
tomorrow. I mean it's late now. The streets could be dangerous for me."

"But not dangerous enough to come here, ne?" Usagi questioned.

"We can Luna-P Hino-ojiisan into thinking he let me come with you,"
Chibi-Usa replied, "So give me back the soda and we can have some fun,
Onee-san."

"Luna!" Usagi called out. After a moment, the Lunar Cat came bounding
out of the bushes and blinked in surprise to see Chibi-Usa there. "I
nearly had that mouse... This had better be important, Usagi." <Artemis
is gonna get it now.>

"Hai... Luna, I want you to please walk Chibi-Usa home," Usagi
commanded.

"I'm not goin' nowhere," Chibi-Usa hissed while walking over to a rock
and sitting down. "I'm staying, Onee-san. I have as much right to be
here as you do." She sent a dark look towards Rei who had started to
shift but at a look from Usagi subsided.

Frowning slightly, Usagi walked over to Chibi-Usa and looked down
sternly at the little girl. "Chibi-Usa, I'm going to say this only once.
Either head home with Luna right now, or I'll tan your backside." Usagi
saw the look that spread across Chibi-Usa's face and walked forward.
"Don't even think about saying it."

"O... kay," Chibi-Usa grumbled out and slipping from the rock, started
down the path with Luna following behind her. While Usagi turned back to
the other Inner Senshi to apologize, Chibi-Earth turned and followed her
sister.

                                 ******

As Chibi-Usa came into the main courtyard of the Hikawa Shrine,
Chibi-Earth breathed a sigh of relief. <Good... 'Sagi's gonna go home.>
Maybe she could get her sister back home and safely into bed without
risking her own hide in the process. Those pleasant thoughts were
swiftly crushed as Chibi-Usa scooped up Luna, and muzzled her. <What's
she doing?!?> Chibi-Earth thought in horror. Leaping from her hiding
spot, Chibi-Earth sprinted across the courtyard and called out, "'Sagi!"
Chibi-Usa whirled around her eyes big showing worry and shock.

"What are you doing here, Misako?" Chibi-Usa hissed out as her sister
came nearer.

"I came to stop you," Chibi-Earth replied, "'Sagi, this is wrong. Let's
go home."

"What type of a wuss are you?" Chibi-Usa asked angrily, "We should be at
this thing. We go to school too. We're old enough, especially because of
what just happened." <I was older than Usagi a week ago...>

"You're hurting Luna," Chibi-Earth protested, "Let her breathe!"
Chibi-Usa removed her hand from Luna's mouth and nose but kept a tight
grip on the cat. Luna gulped down large amounts of air while shaking her
head slightly. "Come on, 'Sagi. If Ojii-san catches us, he's gonna
punish us. Please let's go home."

"Whatsa matter? Wittle Miko 'fraid of being punished?" Chibi-Usa
taunted, "I'm Usagi's imouto, even if you aren't. I deserve to be here.
I'm nine!" Chibi-Earth winced not daring to correct her; that last part
was hitting close to home.

"Chibi-Usa, put me down," Luna demanded angrily, "Now I'll give you this
one chance and I won't tell your mother."

"Miko-chan, have Luna-P give me some of that sleeping potion," Chibi-Usa
directed. Chibi-Earth shook her head. "Or else I'll stuff Luna in a box
and put her someplace where she won't get out 'til morning."

"Why should I help you?" Chibi-Earth questioned.

"'Cause when I was your onee, I helped you... remember? You wanted to be
a Senshi and I went along with it?" Chibi-Earth stood silently for a
long moment before slowly nodding. "Now, are you gonna help me? Or are
you gonna stop being my onee and be a wimpy imouto?"

<'Sagi did help me... If I don't help her, she might get hurt.> She
couldn't abandon her sister, no matter how much she didn't like the
situation. <Are you willing to be in trouble?>

"Well?" Chibi-Usa questioned.

<Chibi-Usa won't listen to me but she still may listen to Misako.>
"Chibi-Earth, as a Sailor Senshi, you know this is wrong," Luna pleaded
softly, "Please Chibi-Earth, do what you know is right."

<Staying by my sister is the right thing to do,> Chibi-Earth thought,
<Gomen nasai, Luna.> Turning her attention to Luna-P, she commanded,
"Luna-P, come here."

                                 ******

A short time later, Chibi-Earth and Chibi-Usa carefully made their way
towards the clearing. "Why don't ya change back, Onee-chan?" Chibi-Usa
asked softly.

"Because, when Mom tans MY hide for not stopping you, I want some
protection," Chibi-Earth replied. As they approached the clearing, they
could hear the Senshi talking. As they drew as close as they dared,
Makoto stood up and grinned evilly.

"Well Minako told a scary story. But I got an even scarier one tonight."
Rei and Ami groaned in unison while Minako looked dubious. "Now, minna,
this is a true story. Hino-ojiisan got me interested in the legend and I
did a little more reading on my own."

Rei looked puzzled for a moment and then her eyes opened wide. "Makoto,
I don't think that's a really good idea... considering the date."

"What's so special about tonight?" Usagi questioned.

Makoto's eyes reflected the firelight as she turned to stare at Usagi.
"You mean you've never heard of the `Hikawa Shrine Spirits'?" Usagi
shook her head and Rei frowned wearily at Usagi. "Well, it's said that a
long time ago, five Shinto priests took refuge here during a tsunami.
Some say that the priests stayed to pray, to try and save the shrine."

"Wh... what happened to them?" Usagi asked nervously as she slid a
little closer to Minako.

"They all died as a giant tsunami pulled them under in its cold and
murky depths." Makoto walked closer and around to stand behind Usagi.
Leaning forwards, Makoto added in a stage whisper, "It's said that on
this date, every five years, the spirits come back. They roll in like a
fog, icy fingers wrap themselves around your legs, and they start to
pull you towards the sea."

"Are they evil?" Minako questioned meekly.

"Iie Minako-chan, they just want to return to their shrine, but to do
that they need to provide Kami no Tsunami with replacements. Someone to
take their place."

"Is this true, Rei-chan?" Ami questioned, a frown on her face.

Rei frowned and answered, "Some of it, Ami. They don't look for
replacements and they don't pull you into the sea. They... I guess you
could say that they're looking for a guide home." Makoto gave Rei a look
to try to ward her off explaining anymore.

"You sound like you have spoken with these spirits," Ami observed.

Rei shifted again and shook her head, "Iie, but Ojii-san says he has on
different occasions. I have no reason to doubt him about this. If there
is one thing Ojii-san takes seriously, it his religious beliefs."

Hidden within the bushes, Chibi-Usa grinned. "Come on," she whispered to
Chibi-Earth, "I got an idea."

                                 ******

The fire was starting to die down and the girls were preparing to head
inside for the night when Usagi noticed the bushes rustle slightly.
"Luna?" she called out, "Is that you?" The other girls stopped and
looked towards the spot that Usagi had been talking at. "Did you get
Chibi-Usa home okay?" There was another rustle in the bushes but no
further response.

"Artemis?" Minako called out, "Don't kid around!"

"Nani?" Artemis questioned. This caused all the girls to jump and whirl
around to face Artemis who was coming out of the undergrowth from behind
them.

After a moment or so, the girls started packing again. It was another
second before Usagi's head shot up and she tilted her head. <What do I
hear?> she wondered. After another moment, she started walking in the
direction of the noise and stopped dead as a white fog started rolling
out of the bushes. "Um minna..." Usagi began as she started to back up.

"What the..." Minako questioned. Then she gave a yelp as something slimy
flicked the back of her neck. Whirling around, she was surprised to see
nothing there. Craning her head back, she looked up into a clear night
sky.

As the white mist advanced on the group of teens, they could hear a
voice. "Help," it whispered out as if carried on the wind, "Help me..."

"What's going on?!?" Usagi demanded as she started to shiver, "This
stuff is cold!" Indeed the mist was cold, spectrally cold. As it passed
over the campfire, it eerily vanished as if it wanted to avoid being
hurt. "Rei-chan, talk to these guys!"

Rei for her part was too stunned. <It's true then... I know Ojii-san
wouldn't kid me about such things but...> to actually see a
manifestation. Rei stumbled slightly and sat heavily. A shiver ran
through her as something wet dropped onto her face and slowly rolled
down it. Lifting her hand to her face, she came away with a piece of
seaweed. <Kami-sama!>

"Minako..." one of the voices whispered, "help us."

"Bu.. but what can I-I do?!?" Minako cried out, "I... don't know how to
get you home." Something with a feathery touch gripped her leg and she
screamed. Usagi at that instant screamed also as she saw a dark form
appear on the outer edge of the firelight.

"Tsukino Usagi..." the watery voice moaned softly as it raised a
decaying finger, "Come with me."

"Iie... I don't wanna go... I don't wanna go!" Usagi cried as she clung
to Minako.

"That's it!" Makoto growled out and in an angry tone uttered her
transformation phrase. The clearing was suddenly flooded by green
magical light and then Sailor Jupiter stood forth. "Scare my friends,
will you!" Jupiter roared and ran towards the apparition.

"Jupiter IIE!" Rei cried but it was too late. Jupiter made contact and
vanished.

"JUPITER!" Usagi wailed.

"LET HER GO!" Minako shouted.

There was a sudden crash off to their left and all four whirled around
to see what was occurring. It was a shock then to hear a scared and
high-pitched voice shouting out, "READ ROSE HEART ATTACK!" The next
thing to follow was Jupiter uttering a muffled curse and another crash.
After a moment, a very displeased looking Sailor Jupiter guided a very
scared and unhappy looking Sailor Chibi-Earth in front of her.

"CHIBI-EARTH?!?" Usagi cried, "What are you doing here?!?"

Keeping her head lowered, Chibi-Earth replied, "Helping Chibi-Usa get
back at you, Okaa-san."

"CHIBI-USA!" Usagi bellowed but her other daughter didn't make an
appearance. Sailor Jupiter grinned and letting go of Chibi-Earth bounded
out of the clearing. It wasn't long before she returned with a very
angry looking Chibi-Usa firmly tucked under her arm.

"Luna-P!" Misako called out. Suddenly the fog vanished, the apparition
disappeared, and Luna-P came floating out of the bushes towards
Chibi-Earth.

"Traitor!" Chibi-Usa shouted angrily towards her sister.

"This was wrong," Chibi-Earth replied. Raising her head, she looked
towards Usagi and confessed, "I snuck out to try and bring 'Sagi home
but... I got roped into this."

"How did she get away from Luna?" Usagi questioned.

"Sleeping potion," Chibi-Earth replied.

"Get out of this shrine," Rei huffed stiffly, "I will not have you two
mocking the spirits."

Misako shifted out of her Senshi form and headed towards the path, head
bowed. Usagi walked over to Sailor Jupiter who had stood Chibi-Usa on
the ground, and took her daughter by the hand. Chibi-Usa opened her
mouth but Usagi scowled and snapped, "Not one word." Turning to Rei, she
bowed and said, "I am sorry for the actions of my children. Gomen nasai,
Hino-san." She walked towards the path, pulling a very reluctant
Chibi-Usa after her. Misako followed close behind her mother and sister.

"But Onee..."

"Tsukino Usagi, not another word. My patience is gone," Usagi warned as
they disappeared into the darkness.

                                 ******

Kenji, who had been dozing on the couch, jerked awake as the front door
burst open and two angry voices shattered the stillness of the night.
Quickly rising and entering the hallway, his initial fear turned to
shock as he saw both his nieces and his daughter entering the house.

"What on earth are you two doing?!?" Kenji demanded of his nieces as he
came walking down the hallway towards them, "You two are supposed to be
in bed!"

"I would have been but this baka Odango Atama wouldn't let me stay,"
Chibi-Usa countered as she jerked her arm in an attempt to free it from
Usagi's grip.

"Otou-san, I told Chibi-Usa to go home but she didn't. Instead, they
both tried to scare us," Usagi countered angrily, "Chibi-Usa also called
you an `overgrown fart'... She thinks you're full of hot air." Kenji
bristled slightly but his daughter wasn't through, "They even tried to
kill Luna."

Misako's head jerked up and she stared at her mother. Kenji's eyebrows
shot up in surprise while Chibi-Usa's face darkened in rage. "I found
Luna passed out," Usagi explained before thinking, <That was mean
putting Luna to sleep.>

"Now you're fibbing too?!?" Chibi-Usa countered, "Why don't you just
forget about this and me 'n' you will go back to the shrine."

"If you remember, Rei kicked you out of the shrine," Usagi countered.
"You were mocking the spirits!"

"Nani?!?" Kenji demanded. Before anyone could answer, he demanded,
"Okay, let's start from the beginning. How'd you get out of the house?"

"How dense are you?" Chibi-Usa demanded.

As Kenji and Usagi bristled, Misako said softly, "Oji-san, we climbed
out the window."

"Of your bedroom???" Kenji asked in horror.

"Hai," Misako admitted while looking up at her grandfather.

Before Misako could say anymore, Chibi-Usa grabbed her arm and hissed
out, "Shut up, Misako." She turned back to Usagi and added, "Look,
Usagi, that was your own fault. You wouldn't let me stay."

"Because," both Kenji and Usagi started in the first place and stopped.
"Usagi-chan," Kenji started again, "Why don't you go back to the
shrine." Usagi opened her mouth to protest but Kenji added, "I'm
perfectly capable of handling the girls from here."

"Arigato Otou-san," Usagi replied, "I'll be home before supper
tomorrow." She gave her daughters a stern look before turning and
leaving the house again.

The hallway fell silent except for the ticking of the clock and the
occasional whir of a car passing along the street outside. Kenji removed
his glasses and rubbed at his eyes for a moment before replacing his
glasses and crossing his arms. "I'm going to give you girls five minutes
to get back into your pajamas and come back down here."

"Hai," Misako squeaked and started towards the stairs.

"What are you doing?!?" Chibi-Usa demanded while stopping her sister,
"If we stick together, then we can go to that sleepover." She saw the
reluctance in Misako's eyes and added, "Please Onee-chan, I helped you
before. Don't take off on me now."

"Gomen nasai, Imouto," Misako said softly while looking towards the
floor, "I never wanted to go."

Chibi-Usa opened her mouth to speak but Kenji cut her off. "GIRLS," he
thundered, "Get upstairs and into your pajamas. I want you then to come
back down here." Misako nodded and quickly headed for the stairs while
Chibi-Usa crossed her arms and scowled towards Misako. "Chibi-Usa, do as
you are told. My patience is gone."

"You sound like that baka Odango Atama," Chibi-Usa countered, "You
should have seen that baby. She screamed and was so scared... serves her
right for not letting me go." Walking over towards the coat rack, she
lifted her coat down and added, "Rei was kinda mad. She thought we were
offending the spirits or something baka like that." She snorted and put
her coat on, "So you gonna drive me back over?"

Kenji cocked an eyebrow before saying, "Iie, you are going to go
upstairs and get ready for bed and then you will come back down here and
we will discuss your punishment." Walking over, he said, "Now take off
your coat."

<Baka,> Chibi-Usa thought, <I'm almost nine! That's old enough to go to
that baka sleepover. 'Sides, that story wasn't even scary at all.>
Seeing her grandfather looking at her expectantly, she said, "And if I
don't?"

"Young lady, take off your coat now. Go up to your room and change and
then come back down."

"Forget that," Chibi-Usa replied, "I'm going back over to the shrine and
spending the night." There was a motion by the stairs and both she and
Kenji turned around to see Misako coming down in her pajamas. "Well
there's the brown noser... Don't worry, I won't take you. I didn't want
you to come in the first place." <I thought you'd stick by me. If we
pushed hard enough, then Kenji-papa would have given in. He's whimpier
than Ikuko-mama.>

"Get ready for bed!" Kenji commanded.

"I'm leaving!" Chibi-Usa countered and turned to leave the house.

There was the sound of quick movement behind her and Chibi-Usa tried to
open the door quickly but it was too late. Even before she had managed
to open it an inch, Kenji had placed his hand against it and solidly
pushed it shut. Despite her best efforts, Chibi-Usa could not open the
door.

She felt Kenji take her arm and then the sting as he landed a single
swat on her bottom. "GO TO BED!" Kenji commanded again in a grim tone.
He let her go and stood towering over Chibi-Usa who had started to
breathe faster.

"KAMI-SAMA, I'M GOING!" Chibi-Usa shouted furiously. Whirling, she
pushed against Kenji's legs. "LET ME GO!" the little girl demanded in
rage and frustration.

Seeing the frustration and weariness in Chibi-Usa, her grandfather took
a moment to calm himself. <It's late. I shouldn't yell at her. It
doesn't do any good.> Letting his expression soften, he looked down at
the very upset little girl. <I remember Usagi being this way once in
awhile,> he thought. "It's time for bed," Kenji stated in a calm voice.

"IIE!" Chibi-Usa shouted while starting to hit Kenji's legs, her
frustration finally gaining control of her. Her sleep-deprived mind
intensified the frustration.

"It's time for bed," Kenji repeated calmly. Reaching down, he caught
Chibi-Usa's wrists firmly but gently. His niece pulled back and twisted
while she sent up a wordless howl of protest and frustration. Gently,
Kenji lifted the writhing child up and held her close. Silently he
motioned for Misako to proceed him up the stairs. By the time they had
reached the second floor, Chibi-Usa had stopped yelling and was instead
crying, her eyes squeezed tightly shut as tears streaked down her face.

Misako, feeling both scared and guilty, entered her and Chibi-Usa's
bedroom before turning to face her grandfather. <What's Ojii-san going
to do?> Misako wondered. Kenji was typically not the one to hand out
punishment to either of the girls. She licked her lips nervously as
Kenji sat Chibi-Usa on the chair.

"Misako," Kenji's soft tone caught her by surprise, "I want you to help
your imouto change for bed. If she gives you any trouble, just stop."
Switching on the light, Kenji walked over to Chibi-Usa's futon and
started rolling it. Chibi-Usa's crying increased slightly. "I'll be back
in a few minutes," Kenji stated as he stood with the rolled futon and
blankets under his arms. Picking up the pillow, he gave Chibi-Usa one
last long look before walking out of the room.

Misako turned to look towards her sister and saw for the first time, a
look of defeat upon her sister's face. <Onee-chan...> Misako thought
sadly, <I feel really bad.> But if she had stood against her
grandfather, wouldn't that have made things worse? Walking over to her
sister, Misako said, "Come on, 'Sagi, please get ready for bed."
Chibi-Usa only gave a high-pitched whine before bringing her hands to
her eyes and rubbing them before continuing to cry again.

A short time later, Chibi-Usa sat in her pajamas, her muddy and dirty
slippers off to one side. Misako stood close to Chibi-Usa feeling
miserable. Neither girl knew what their grandfather was doing, or for
that matter, how they'd be punished. A knock came at the door and it was
a long moment before Misako said, "Come in." Kenji entered the room and
gave his nieces a long look again. He was dressed in his pajamas and
robe.

"Misako, get into bed," Kenji directed. Misako opened her mouth to ask
something but the stern look that Kenji gave her made her reconsider.
After Misako had crawled under the covers of her futon, Kenji stated,
"It's too late now, but in the morning, we'll discuss your punishment. I
don't want anymore trouble out of you. If you get up before me, you may
get ready and then, I want you standing in a corner. Do you
understand?!"

"Hai Oji-san," Misako replied softly.

"Chibi-Usa, come with me now," Kenji directed. Misako flicked her eyes
towards her sister and saw the struggle that Chibi-Usa was waging within
her. It was quickly solved by Kenji who crossed the room in long strides
and lifted Chibi-Usa from the chair. Standing her on the floor, he said
in a strange tone, "Usagi, come with me." He held out his hand and
waited. There was a short pause, then Chibi-Usa took his hand, a
defeated and miserable look coming onto her face and into her posture.

"Kobanwa Misako," Kenji said softly, reached over, and turned off the
light. Guiding Chibi-Usa out of the dark room, he walked down the
hallway of the second floor and entered his bedroom. There on the floor,
in a place where it wouldn't be tripped on, was Chibi-Usa's futon. Kenji
turned to her and instructed, "I'm only going to say this once,
Chibi-Usa. When I put you to bed, I expect you to stay there until
morning. I'm doing this because you told me that you might leave again.
I can't allow that."

"But I want to go... I'm old enough," Chibi-Usa whined out. She was too
tired to debate the issue further. She was too angry and frustrated at
her mother, her sister, and her grandfather to even argue clearly or
with any real force.

Kenji's face tightened and he sighed. "You can leave the bed if you have
to go to the bathroom. Now, go to bed." She stared up him for a long
time before slowly walking over to her futon and sliding under the
covers. <Oh Chibi-Usa... Misako... why did you do this to me?> He hated
punishing them, some might say that he didn't really have to but...
<Maybe Ikuko was right. I'm not always around the girls.> Walking over
to his own bed, Kenji laid down and turned off the light.

"Kenji-papa?" came the soft voice of Chibi-Usa.

"Go to sleep," Kenji replied before closing his eyes.

                                 ******

Breakfast was uncomfortable. Misako ate silently, trying to judge how
angry Chibi-Usa was. Chibi-Usa sat moodily, unwilling to eat; unlike the
night before, she had regained some energy to fight. Unlike the night
before though, she followed Kenji's instructions without verbal
complaint. Her body language though clearly indicated that she was
angry, although that anger was directed more towards Misako and Usagi
rather than Kenji for some reason. She was still angry with him, but she
was also scared.

<What is Kenji-papa gonna do?> Chibi-Usa thought as she glanced towards
her grandfather, <He hasn't said anything about last night.> That was a
concern not only to her but Misako. <Baka Onee,> she thought grumpily as
she cast a dark look towards her sister, <I wouldn't be in this mess if
she had helped me.> Instead, Misako had shown how little backbone she
really had.

Kenji wiped his mouth with a napkin, folded it once, and placed it on
the table. "Misako," Kenji said, drawing the young girl's attention in
the process, "Please clear the table."

"Hai," Misako squeaked out and slid from her chair. <'Sagi, you didn't
eat anything.> A stab of guilt shot through her. It grew even more when
Kenji indicated that Misako should take the uneaten cereal away. <I
should have helped you, 'Sagi,> Misako thought. By the time the table
was cleared, Kenji had positioned chairs into two separate corners.

"I haven't decided what your punishment is going to be. While I think
about it, you will sit in the corner." He motioned to one chair and
Misako walked towards it. "Chibi-Usa, please sit on the other one."
Chibi-Usa pouted slightly but did as she was told. "No talking," Kenji
warned and headed into the kitchen.

<Why didn't you help me, Misako?> Chibi-Usa thought, but Misako had, <I
got you into trouble...> That wasn't really a concern. What bothered
Chibi-Usa was the simple fact that Misako HAD caved in. <But what's
going to happen?>

                                   ******

Lunch passed as silently as breakfast. Much to Misako's relief, however,
Chibi-Usa ate lunch. Having not eaten breakfast made for a very ravenous
Usagi. Their mother arrived shortly after lunch and did not speak beyond
a very terse greeting.

As the girls sat in their respective corners, they could hear Usagi and
Kenji softly talking in the living room. Only occasionally did the
hushed voices rise to any level that allowed the girls to pick out a
word and then it was usually an exclamation or sounds of dismay. When
Kenji's voice summoned both girls into the living room, it sounded very
much like the voice of utter doom.

Moving to stand in front of their mother and grandfather, Chibi-Usa and
Misako lowered their heads and stared towards the floor. "After hearing
what happened last night, I've decided upon your punishments." Both
girls swallowed hard and tensed, waiting. "Both of you will be grounded
for two weeks. No allowance, no television, no using the phone, and no
having friends over. You come straight home from school and you go
straight to your room. You will also have to be in bed at six o'clock."

"Six?!?" Chibi-Usa whined.

"Hai, six!" Usagi replied sternly, "We will not put up with any nonsense
about it either. You will change into your pajamas before supper, eat
supper, and go to bed unless it's a bath night."

"You will also be given double chores," Kenji finished. "Chibi-Usa,
Usagi will be handling the rest of your punishment. I think she'll talk
to you about it after supper." Chibi-Usa paled slightly but nodded her
understanding. "Misako," Kenji continued, "I'll be speaking with your
oba about any further punishment for you." Misako uncontrollably
sniffled. There was no doubt that she would face further punishment. As
far as her grandparents were concerned, she was the onee, the one that
should act more responsibly. She was also worried about any punishment
she would receive for attacking Sailor Jupiter. She knew how Senshi were
punished for attacking other Senshi. The next little while was not going
to be pleasant.

                                 ******

As Chibi-Usa walked from the dining room table to her room that she
shared with Misako, a knot formed in her stomach. Her attention was
focussed backwards upon her mother who was walking silently behind her.
Usagi's manner had been stiff, unbendable. This was her mother, not the
young teen she called "Onee-san". She would have to keep that in mind
when she talked to Usagi. She had to remember to show the proper
respect; Usagi would not likely accept anything else.

<Why did I want to go to that sleepover?> Chibi-Usa wondered, <Was what
I did really worth it?> She had felt resentment at being left out. She
had felt angry at being cheated out of a chance to... to what? <I wanted
to be with my sister...> In a way, that shocked and hurt her. <But
Misako didn't help me!> That was nonsense, of course, Misako HAD helped
her. <And I got her into trouble too.>

Usagi moved passed Chibi-Usa and sat down on the chair. Crossing her
arms, she regarded Chibi-Usa with disappointment and even sadness. "Well
Tsukino Usagi Serenity, that was by far one of the most shameful,
uncaring, and dangerous things I think you have ever done except for
taking the Ginzuishou!"

"But Okaa-san..." Chibi-Usa began but Usagi cut her off.

"Iie!" Usagi snapped with anger of her own. "You had plenty enough to
say last night. Now I'll have my say," Usagi stated sternly. Suddenly
though, her face softened, and she uncrossed her arms and placed her
hands on her knees. "I don't mind you telling me you are angry, Mesume.
I can even try to understand why you're mad at me... What I will not
tolerate is you being rude and disrespectful to your elders!" Chibi-Usa
lowered her head, took a bit of her pajamas between her fingers, and
twisted it. "I had to go back to Rei and try to explain why my children
tried to make fun of her religion."

"We weren't..." Chibi-Usa whined out.

"Iie, you were making fun of people that died a horrible death!" Usagi
countered. Chibi-Usa sniffled but Usagi kept her anger firmly in place.
"My parents try hard, Usagi..." her voice cracked slightly and Usagi
swallowed, "My parents try to provide you and Misako with a nice and
safe home. You treat that like a privilege. Do you realize how much more
they have to do?!?"

<How should I know?> Chibi-Usa wondered. She felt a tear roll down her
cheek and she wiped angrily at it. "If Misako would've stood up to
Kenji-papa with me, we would have won."

Usagi stared at Chibi-Usa for a moment before saying, "Young lady, look
at me!" Chibi-Usa paused only briefly before lifting her head. "Misako
shouldn't have even done what she did. This entire thing happened
because you, not her, but YOU were being selfish and wouldn't give me
some time by myself with MY friends."

"I don't see why I couldn't come!" Chibi-Usa argued angrily, but a false
tone lay within the words. Her anger was directed at the only person she
could, her mother. "Okaa-san, why did you want to be..." Chibi-Usa
stopped speaking, her eyes enlarged, and she stared at Usagi with a
mixture of horror and surprise. <It's just like Misako,> Chibi-Usa
realized, <Mommy said that Misako wanted to be alone sometimes.> Was it
possible her mother was the same?! As she spoke, she heard nervousness
entered her voice, "Okaa-san, would you have let Misako go?"

"Iie," Usagi said softly and held out her hand towards Chibi-Usa, "Come
here." Chibi-Usa paused, then slowly walked to stand in front of her
mother. "Mesume, last night I wouldn't have taken Misako and she's in a
lot of trouble. She should have known better." Usagi gave Chibi-Usa a
long look and added, "So should you. You're a very smart girl."
Chibi-Usa gave her a weak smile.

<Sometimes Mommy wants to be with her friends. I know sometimes I want
to be just with my friends and Misako's like that too.> She looked into
Usagi's face and said softly, "Are you really mad at me?"

Usagi reached out a hand and replied, "I'm mad at what you did. I'm
upset that you did such a... baka thing." She stroked Chibi-Usa's cheek
for a moment and said, "I still love you, though." Drawing in a deep
breath, she let it out and stated solemnly, "I'm going to spank you,
Usagi."

Chibi-Usa felt an icy chill run through her at her mother's statement.
Her eyes looked deeply into her mother's and she saw sadness there. "Are
you sad?" Chibi-Usa asked softly. Usagi nodded and gave a little
sniffle. <I was sad when I had to punish you,> she thought, <I hated
making you sad.>

Usagi gave Chibi-Usa's hand a gentle squeeze and sniffled again. After a
moment, she lifted the little girl up and laid her across her lap.
<Gomen Mesume,> Usagi thought as she felt Chibi-Usa shiver a little.
Placing her left hand against Chibi-Usa's lower back, Usagi raised her
right hand and brought it down sharply upon her daughter's bottom. She
repeated the motion five more times. When it was done, Chibi-Usa was
softly crying, and continued so for a short time. During that time,
Usagi rubbed the little girl's back.

Usagi stood her daughter upright again and was about to speak but
Chibi-Usa broke in, "Okaa-san," she began in a shaky voice, "I... I
hafta tell ya something."

"Nani?" Usagi questioned with some concern. She brushed away her
daughter's tears and was about to pull Chibi-Usa into a hug but
Chibi-Usa pulled away slightly.

Lowering her eyes in shame, Chibi-Usa didn't notice the worried look
that spread across Usagi's face. "Okaa-san, before Misako came... I used
Luna-P." Usagi gave her daughter a confused look but Chibi-Usa didn't
see it. "I used Luna-P so that my sensei would give me the answers to
the quizzes." As Usagi suddenly turned her and bent her over one knee,
she prepared for another swat; one that never came. Instead, Usagi
lifted her up into a hug, carefully cradling her.

"Arigato Chibi-Usa-chan, I don't like that you did that. That was very
bad." Chibi-Usa sniffled a little and hiccuped, "But... I'm glad you
told me."

Chibi-Usa snuggled close and asked softly, "Are you gonna punish me
because I cheated?"

Usagi was silent for a long time before she said softly, "Iie, that was
long in the past. I won't but... I don't want you to do that ever again.
I don't like lying and to me, cheating is a type of lying. If you do
that again, I'll have no choice." Standing, she carried Chibi-Usa over
to her futon and pulled the covers back. "Time for bed," Usagi announced
softly and placed Chibi-Usa on her stomach. Pulling up the covers, she
tucked Chibi-Usa in and handed her, her favorite stuffed rabbit.

"I love you, Okaa-san," Chibi-Usa said softly.

"I love you, Mesume," Usagi replied, gave her daughter a kiss and left
the room.

                                 ******

A short time later, Usagi sat on her bed, Misako standing, head bowed,
in front of her. "I can't help you, Misako. You're going to have to face
my parents by yourself. There's nothing I can do."

"I know, Okaa-san," Misako admitted softly. The young girl regarded
Usagi and asked softly, "Do you love me?"

Usagi sat stunned for a moment before she reached out and pulled Misako
onto her knee. "I love you, Mesume. If I didn't love you, I wouldn't be
so upset. I wouldn't be so scared that you could have gotten hurt, that
one of you could still get sick," Usagi replied. Leaning her forehead
against the top of Misako's head, she sighed slightly. As she breathed,
she could smell the strawberry scent from the shampoo Misako used. "I
love you and... I understand why you tried to help Chibi-Usa. I'm also
angry with you. You knew that it was wrong but you went ahead and helped
Chibi-Usa anyway."

"Okaa-san, 'Sagi helped me and I tried to help her... I just couldn't
though. I felt bad about sneaking out; I would have told Ojii-san. I
just couldn't do that to 'Sagi though. She wouldn't do that to me."

"I know, sweetheart," Usagi said softly while kissing her cheek,
"Misako, what you did that was worse than Chibi-Usa were two things. The
first one was not stopping her. I know that's hard and I understand your
reasons. My parents might not. The other thing is what you did to
Makoto."

"I know," Misako whispered out softly, "What are you going to do,
Mommy?"

Usagi considered and then answered, "I'm going to let her suggest
something." Misako swallowed hard and Usagi added softly, "I think if
you're honest, she might just have you help her clean."

<Makoto...> She was risking spoiling her chances to be an onee to
Atsuko. <I'll need Makoto to help me.> Would she even talk to Misako?
Hopefully. <But what if she doesn't?> She sniffled and hugged Usagi who
hugged her back and gently stroked her hair.

                                 ******

Ikuko, after hearing about the entire affair, was quite prepared to hand
out a firm spanking to Misako. What she did instead was even worse. For
the two weeks she was grounded, not only did Misako have to go to bed at
the same time as Chibi-Usa but also she had to sleep on her futon in
Ikuko and Kenji's room. This sent a clearer message than any spanking
ever could. They trusted Chibi-Usa more than Misako. It was devastating
to Misako in some ways. In addition, both her grandparents made it clear
that Misako had dishonored the entire family with her behavior towards
both Rei and Hino-ojiisan.

Rei was not easily appeased; neither was Hino-ojiisan. The first
Saturday morning during their grounding, Misako and Chibi-Usa were woken
up at about five, given breakfast, and then driven to the Hikawa Shrine.
Rei stood waiting for them. Once they were dressed in similar outfits as
Rei, they were assigned the task of scrubbing the floors and sweeping
the courtyard. There was no rush. They had all day to do it and Rei was
supervising them.

The talk Ikuko had given the girls before they had left the house was
the only thing keeping either girl from grumbling. By the time they were
finished, they only had enough strength to eat before climbing the
stairs and going to bed.

Makoto, for her part, had came up with the worse punishment of all. She
had told Misako to come up with an appropriate punishment. By the time
Misako had, Makoto nodded with satisfaction.

While Misako was facing Makoto's wrath, or lack of it. Chibi-Usa was
facing Luna, this was likely by far the hardest thing for Chibi-Usa to
do. Luna had made it obvious that she didn't take kindly to Chibi-Usa's
actions. What was even more distressing to Chibi-Usa was the fact that
Diana heard every word of both Luna's and Usagi's lectures. She hadn't
noticed the gray kitten or her mother in the room when Usagi was
scolding her. Both Misako and Chibi-Usa, however, were object lessons
for Diana.

                                 ******

The mid-April weather was warm and sunny. A pleasant southeasterly wind
gently rustled the trees that were now fully wreathed in springtime
colors. Chibi-Usa, with her tongue stuck in the corner of her mouth,
carefully colored in a tiny flower that was adorning her sister's hair.
As she finished, she sat back and smiled, "There," she declared, "Now
where'd Misako go?" Getting up, she was about to walk towards the door
when she heard someone coming up the stairs. "Misako?" she questioned.

"Hai, ne 'Sagi-chan, close your eyes. I gotta surprise for you!" Misako
called up the stairs.

<A surprise?> Chibi-Usa wondered. Shrugging her shoulders, she closed
her eyes before saying, "Okay." <I wonder what it could be...> she
mused. As she heard her sister enter the room, she thought, <I hope
Misako isn't gettin' a cold.> Her voice had sounded odd. She felt her
sister hug her. <That's funny...> she thought with a scowl.

"Okay, open your eyes, Onee-chan," Misako squeaked softly. When
Chibi-Usa opened her eyes, she shouted out, "Surprise!"

"Miko-chan?!?" Chibi-Usa questioned as she looked down into the face of
a little girl. "Iie, this can't be right," her mind raced, "What
happened?!?" Her sister looked to be about five years old. "We gotta
tell Mommy!"

"She knows, Onee-chan," Misako chirped brightly, "I used the Disguise
Pen."

"Really?"

"Hai," Misako squeaked with a giggle and snuggled close. "Do ya like
it?"

Chibi-Usa stared for a moment at her sister and could feel her eyes
start to mist over. "How come you did this?" she questioned while
hugging Misako.

"'Cause I know you want me to be an imouto. I wanted to treat you."
Misako giggled and pulled away while whirling around. "Don't I look
kawaii?" Chibi-Usa giggled as well and nodded. "Now I called Mie. She's
gonna come over and play with us. Maybe we could all go to the park?"

"You don't think it's funny that I like to be around Mie?" Chibi-Usa
questioned. <Momoko sure does.>

<Noriko and I...> Misako smiled and replied, "Iie, Mie's a nice kid and
she's fun to be around. I mean I bet you'll want to be around another
little girl." Misako covered her mouth as her eyes opened wide.

Choosing to ignore her sister's slip, Chibi-Usa said, "Well we should
get ready to go play then." Carefully putting the unfinished picture
away, Chibi-Usa turned and gave her sister a long look. "Arigato."

"Not a problem, Onee-chan," Misako replied, "You're worth it."

                                 ******

A short time later, Mie, Chibi-Usa, and Misako were in a small
children's park near the Tsukino home. As the three little girls played,
Misako could feel a sense of pride build within her.

<I'm glad Mommy let me do this,> Misako thought, <and I'm glad 'Sagi
thinks this is special.> Seeing her sister happy was a reassurance to
Misako that things could possibly improve. <I'm still scared about going
back though.>

Chibi-Usa smiled softly at her sister and her newest friend. <I don't
know why Momoko wouldn't come and play with us.> She frowned briefly
before giggling as Mie attempted to do a cartwheel. <Momoko said she
wouldn't play with little kids. I don't see any problem with Mie being
little. She's kinda fun. Minako doesn't see anything wrong in playing
games with Mie either.>

"How did ya do that, Miko-chan?" Mie grumbled out as Misako did another
cartwheel.

"It's easy, Mie-chan," Misako chirped, "Can you stand on your hands?"
Mie shook her head. "Ne, Onee-chan, come help Mie."

Chibi-Usa blinked and gave herself a shake before standing up and
walking over to where Mie and Misako were. "Okay, watch Misako,
Mie-chan, then I'll help you." <That sounds so silly.> She hadn't
expected Misako to be able to do cartwheels still. <I'll have to ask
Misako about it.>

The attempt to help Mie do a cartwheel soon turned into a game of follow
the leader that consumed half an hour. By then, both Misako and Mie were
worn out and Mie's mother came to collect her daughter.

"Ja!" Mie called to Chibi-Usa and Misako.

"Ja!" they both called back and watched Mie and her mother walk away
down the street. Chibi-Usa turned to her sister and saw that Misako was
laying on the slide, eyes closed.

"What are you doin', Miko-chan?" Chibi-Usa questioned.

"I'm sleepy, Onee-chan," Misako replied, "I guess it's this body." <Now
I know how Kimeko felt.>

"Come on, we can go home and you can change back. We can have some lunch
and then we can go play again... if you want." She walked over and
pulled her sister to a sitting position. "I really enjoyed this,
Imouto," Chibi-Usa remarked while giving her sister a hug, "Domo
Arigato." <I've got the bestest imouto.>

Misako sat silently for several seconds before saying softly, "You know,
Onee-chan, I could always be this way." Chibi-Usa blinked and gave her
sister a look of confusion. "I could get Mommy to use the Ginzuishou on
me."

"But you're five, Misako," Chibi-Usa pointed out, "I don't think you'd
want to grow up again."

"Well not five... but maybe I could be seven," Misako replied, "I know
we're really pretending... This way I could be your imouto like it
really is." When Chibi-Usa shook her head, Misako stood up and asked
softly, "Why not? I've done some really mean things to you." <We could
pretend they never happened.>

Chibi-Usa smiled softly and explained, "I think this is really special,
Miko-chan. When we go home, I'll be the onee again and you'll be the
imouto. You're really smart in school. Why would you want to stay in
school longer than you hafta?" Misako giggled. She hadn't thought of
that. <Yuki'd be bigger than me too.> That thought caused another
giggle.

"Okay 'Sagi-chan, I'll change back," Misako agreed.

"Come on, Onee-chan, let's go home," Chibi-Usa suggested while wrapping
an arm around Misako.

"'Kay," Misako chirped and wrapped her arm around Chibi-Usa the best
that she could. "Would you given me a piggyback ride?" Chibi-Usa smiled
and nodded.

At that moment, each girl thought, <You're the best.>

                                 ******

Misako snuggled close to her sister that night. She had been allowed
back into her room after her grounding had ended. She hadn't realized
how much she had missed Chibi-Usa during those two weeks. "I missed you
lots, 'Sagi-chan," Misako admitted softly

"I missed you too," Chibi-Usa whispered out. "We switched punishments."

"Nani?" Misako questioned.

"'Member before when you snuck out early that time?" Misako was silent
for a long moment and then nodded. "Well, when we got back, I got
grounded and you got spanked."

Misako wrinkled her forehead only, not really remembering the aftermath
of that horrible day. She looked at her sister through the gloom. "Did I
get grounded too?"

Chibi-Usa scowled slightly and replied, "I don't think so but... you
were five. You couldn't go anywhere without somebody anyway."
Chibi-Usa's scowl deepened slightly and then she sighed.

"G... Gomen Onee-chan," Misako said after a moment, "I shouldn't have
left you. I could have argued with Kenji-papa." She was surprised
slightly when Chibi-Usa hugged her.

"That would have been really bad, Miko-chan," Chibi-Usa countered
softly. "I think Kenji-papa would have been really mad." Chibi-Usa was
silent for a long moment and explained, "I think he would have called
Daddy... or tried to." She shivered a little. "Daddy..." There was no
need to elaborate; both girls were thinking of their father in Crystal
Tokyo. King Endymion loved them and cared for them. In addition, he was
one of the most effective disciplinarians the girls knew. "Where'd he
get all that practice?" Chibi-Usa asked after a long silence.

"I don't know," Misako remarked slowly, "I know we can cause trouble
but... we aren't THAT bad."

Both little girls looked at each other in the darkness of their bedroom,
a single question in their minds: Did their parents have more children?
"Nah," they both answered and giggled. At that point, the door suddenly
opened and Kenji came into the room. Both girls froze, hearts speeding
up, stomachs knotting.

He looked around, looked into the girls' eyes, looked around once more,
and shrugged. "Must have been mice," he noted to himself, turned, and
left the room. After the door closed, Chibi-Usa gave Misako a quizzical
look but her sister had her eyes closed.

"'Night Onee-chan," Chibi-Usa said and moved close to hug her sister.

"'Night, Imouto," Misako replied and hugged her sister. <That... was
close.> And as she drifted off to sleep, Misako closed her eyes and
imagined she was hugging Atsuko.

End of Chapter 25

Coming next in Chapter 26 - Painful Eclipse