Before I get started I want to do something I've been neglecting to do
since #14. There is now a Tales of Younger Senshi series homepage.
Currently only brief data on *all* Younger Senshi that have been referenced
are there. Currently in the works is a FAQ for the series. The URL is:

http://log.on.ca/users/helm/toys/index.htm

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 16 - In Battle Surprise

The early Sunday morning sun had not yet stirred from its watery bed
when Misako started to awaken slowly. At first, she lay very still,
trying to orient herself to the feeling of difference within the room.

<I'm in the past,> Misako thought, <It just doesn't seem real to me
somehow.> She lay on her side for another minute or so before becoming
aware of certain things. First was the warm body snuggled up close
behind her; the weight of an arm gently hugging her. The gentle sound of
her sister's breathing softly filling the room.

For the briefest of moments, Misako felt a pang of loss. <Why couldn't
you do this when I was little?> Misako wondered. She felt her eyes
moisten behind the closed lids. <Why does it take me coming into the
past for you to care about me?> That is, if the little girl that lay
asleep beside her really did care about her. But as quickly as it had
came, the feeling was gone, replaced then by the driving anger that she
had felt so long.

She had no wish to see Chibi-Usa awake so Misako slowly slipped from the
bed careful not to disturb her slumbering sister. Slipping downstairs,
she entered the bathroom and started to prepare for the day. Ten minutes
later, Misako was feeling much better; the sleep had gone from her,
leaving her awake and alert. As she headed back towards her room to
dress, she felt that she might be even able to face the day with her
sister.

It was a surprise then to see Chibi-Usa sitting up in bed. <That's a
first!> Misako thought. Her sister turned to look at her and Misako
noticed that Chibi-Usa was holding something in her hand. <What's that?>
Scowling slightly, Misako shut the bedroom door and walked towards her
sister. As she got closer, she noticed that Chibi-Usa was holding her
transformation broach.

Lunging forward, Misako snatched the broach from Chibi-Usa's hand; she
was careful, however, not to hurt her sister with the broach's clasp.
"What're you doing?!?" Misako demanded in a hushed tone. <I don't need
to wake up the rest of the family.> "This is mine!"

"I-I just wanted to see it..." Chibi-Usa said, "Gomen, Miko-chan."

Misako thinned her lips and stated, "This is MY broach, not yours. If
you had asked, I would have shown it to you." <You could get hurt,
'Sagi,> Misako thought worriedly, <I know we don't get along but you
might stop being a Senshi if you ever tried to use this and I don't want
that.> "I don't touch your compact without asking so I expect you to do
the same," Misako scolded.

Chibi-Usa lowered her head and said softly, "Gomen nasai." She sniffled
a little bit and then looked towards Misako. "It was really pretty
though. Where... Could..." she trailed off then and sat silently for a
moment before saying, "What are ya doing up this early?"

"Arigato for apologizing, Small Lady," Misako said, "I know you're
curious about this but it's part of the future. Maybe you'll find out
more about it later on." A trace of a smile slid onto Misako's face. "I
usually get up this early. I need to get up this early to study and
finish off any homework that I have from the night before. Besides, I
like to study as well."

Chibi-Usa wrinkled her nose. "You like school?" she said, sounding
rather disgusted. Misako nodded. "Why?" The shrug she got in reply
didn't really satisfy her but she realized that she wasn't likely to get
a straight answer from her sister. After a moment of silence, she
noticed that Misako was getting dressed. "You're gonna wear shorts?" <I
like to wear fukus.> Shorts always seemed restrictive and they had a
tendency to bunch in places you didn't want them to bunch.

"Hai," Misako answered as she shucked off her pajamas. "I don't like
wearing dresses unless I have to." She glanced at her sister and saw the
question in her eyes. "I wore a dress for Dad's birthday; that's the
only reason." After changing into a fresh set of underpants, shorts, and
T-shirt, Misako started looking for her hairbrush. "Just go back to bed,
Small Lady." Chibi-Usa was happy to comply and flopped back onto the
bed, closing her eyes in the process.

<I think she was mad 'cause of something else,> Chibi-Usa thought, <I
can't be that mean to Misako. I care about her an awful lot.> She heard
Misako brushing her hair and, unconsciously, Chibi-Usa wrinkled her
nose. <Why doesn't she wear her odangos anymore? They were so kawaii.>
She had asked Misako if she were trying to imitate Minako. <And what did
she mean she's trying to be like her onee? I'M her onee!>

It had grown quiet in the room. Opening her eyes, Chibi-Usa saw Misako
sitting on the small folding stool that was one of the few chairs in the
bedroom. Her sister had a book opened and appeared to be reading with
interest. "Aren't you going to get any breakfast, Miko-chan?" Chibi-Usa
asked. <My tummy tells me it's time to eat.> Mainly, because she was
awake.

"Iie," Misako said, "I'm polite, Small Lady. Ikuko-mama hasn't told me
to help myself so I won't." She said all this without looking up from
her book. "I'm certainly not like you."

Swinging her feet out and over the edge of the bed, Chibi-Usa sat up and
asked, "What are you really mad about?" Misako lowered the book and
looked towards her questioningly. "I mean... Puu wouldn't make that type
of mistake. If you were supposed to be here when I wasn't, Miko-chan,
then you should have got here after I left, ne?"

"Look," Misako replied irritatedly, "I don't know why I came when I did
but I know that I'm supposed to be here WITHOUT you around. The last
thing I want is to try and figure out why I got here. I have more
important problems to worry about, like should I even stay here?"

"You can't mean you're thinking of leaving?!" Chibi-Usa questioned in
shock.

"What I am or am not thinking about is my business," Misako growled out,
"Maybe you'd like to try and kick me out of this room?" Chibi-Usa stared
at her in surprise, "Never mind, I'll save you the trouble and leave."
Getting up, she stalked across to the door and turned back to look at
Chibi-Usa. "You ever hug me again and I'll break your arms." With that,
she left the room.

Chibi-Usa stared at the place where her sister had been, gave a couple
of sniffles, and then burst into tears.

                                 ******

Ikuko was surprised. Breakfast, for the first time in a long time, was
relatively quiet. She watched with hidden concern as Misako and
Chibi-Usa ate. It was distressing to know that something was bothering
Misako and it seemed to center on Chibi-Usa.

<I suppose it has something to do with that letter Misako brought...>
Ikuko thought, <I just hope she'll get over this.> She knew how
important having an onee was, and she truly hoped that whatever was
causing strain between Misako and Chibi-Usa would work itself out, even
if it required a little covert intervention on her part.

Ikuko's thoughts were interrupted when Misako asked, "After breakfast,
may I go to the park?" Ikuko noticed that Misako addressed her question
more towards Usagi than her.

Usagi slid her eyes towards her mother who was looking at her. "I think
you should ask Mom, Miko-chan," Usagi answered, "I don't know if she has
anything planned."

Ikuko glanced at Misako but the little girl ate for several seconds
before turning towards her. "Ikuko-mama?"

"Hai, Miko-chan," Ikuko responded, now looking up to Misako.

"May I go to the park after breakfast?" Misako asked. <I don't know why
I have to ask Sobo.> Not that she minded but it seemed strange having to
ask someone beside her parents.

"That's a very good idea. You and Chibi-Usa may go after you help with
the dishes and make sure your room's clean," Ikuko said. She noticed a
frown cross Misako's face but it was quickly hidden.

"Chibi-Usa-chan, do you want to come to the park with me?" Misako asked
stiffly.

"Hai!" Chibi-Usa chirped brightly. <What did I say?> she wondered when
Misako gave her a dark look before turning back to her breakfast.

                                 ******

Misako swept her eyes around the room to see if there was anything else
she had missed. As her eyes fell on Chibi-Usa, who was lying on the bed,
she frowned. Walking over to her sister, she looked down at the little
girl who had her eyes closed. "You were supposed to make the bed,"
Misako told her, "Not sleep on it."

"It's too hard," Chibi-Usa whined.

"Honestly, Small Lady," Diana remarked, "Making the bed isn't that hard
to do. You just have to work at it." She ignored the dirty look
Chibi-Usa was giving her. "Now come on. I wanna go to the park."

"Miko-chan, would you help me?" Chibi-Usa asked.

Before Misako could even think of a response, Diana spoke up, "Small
Lady, it wouldn't be fair to ask Misako to help you. 'Sides, you said
you'd make the bed." Chibi-Usa muttered something and Diana sighed. "It
ain't that hard."

After a few minutes, in which time Misako enjoyed watching Chibi-Usa
make the bed, they were finally ready to head to the park. Heading
downstairs, Misako along with Chibi-Usa and Diana, found Ikuko in the
living room. "Well, are you done?" Ikuko asked the girls.

"Hai," Chibi-Usa responded, "Can we go to the park now, please?!?"

"Hai," Ikuko said, "Now Chibi-Usa, I want you to listen to Misako.
You're to give her no trouble." Ikuko noticed that Misako was looking
shocked at this pronouncement but didn't question it. <They should spend
today together.> "It's nine o'clock now. I want you home by
eleven-thirty."

"Hai, Ikuko-mama," Misako said, "I have a watch."

"Sugoi, Miko-chan, I was about to ask about that," Ikuko continued, "Now
Chibi-Usa-chan, I don't want you losing Diana either." Chibi-Usa shook
her head, the gray kitten hanging on slightly.

<She'd better not lose me!> Diana thought.

"One more thing," Ikuko added, "You're going to the park. That means if
I go down there, I should be able to find you there." Misako noticed
that Chibi-Usa flushed brightly. "You're not to wander off someplace
else... unless you come back here and ask me first." Ikuko pinned
Chibi-Usa with a stern look. "I hope we won't be having any repeat of
the last time, ne?"

"Iie Ikuko-mama," Chibi-Usa said. With that, they were released to go to
the park and the girls bounded out of the house.

Ikuko sighed in mild relief. <Two kids down, two kids to go.>

                                 ******

The two girls walked in silence down the street neither looking at the
other. Then Misako slowed to a stop and looked towards Chibi-Usa. Her
sister stopped and looked at her curiously, a nervous look in her eyes.
Diana was also looking curiously at Misako.

"I..." Misako began but halted. Swallowing, she tried again, "I'm sorry
I made you cry." She looked towards the ground. "I didn't want to do
that, Small Lady." <'Sagi didn't tattle on me.> Misako had expected that
but neither her mother nor her grandparents had said anything. "Gomen
nasai."

Chibi-Usa looked towards the ground before looking at Misako again. "I
won't hug you..." she said softly, <I want to...> "but, could I maybe...
hold your hand, Miko-chan?" Then looking towards the ground and blushed
slightly.

<Well... I did like that,> Misako mused, <when you were being treated
like a little kid. That was a fun week.> She felt a little confused.
Anytime she thought she was being tough on her sister, she found herself
giving into her on little things. "Hai," Misako responded to her sister,
"I guess we can do that... if you really want to." She couldn't help the
smile that came to her face as Chibi-Usa took her hand. Something felt
right about it.

"Come on, let's go play, Onee-chan," Chibi-Usa squeaked happily. Misako
grumbled but nodded. They continued walking towards the park hand in
hand, unaware of the black cat that had observed them.

                                  ******

Misako had to admit that she had been wrong about one thing. After the
first half-hour of playing at the park, Misako decided that Chibi-Usa
was genuine about wanting to play. Feeling a little guilty that she had
doubted Chibi-Usa, she decided to relent a little. She never admitted
openly that she was having fun with Chibi-Usa around but, on the other
hand, Misako didn't try to make it obvious that she didn't want her
sister around either.

Ikuko came to check on them an hour after they had left the house. After
a few minutes, Ikuko said she had other things to do and left the girls
to their play. Misako turned to Chibi-Usa after Ikuko had disappeared
from sight and asked curiously, "Chibi-Usa-chan, what did you do the
last time you said you were going to the park?"

Chibi-Usa blushed slightly then and replied, "Nothin' really."

Misako snorted, "You can't tell me it's embarrassing... at least to tell
me. I've seen you wet the bed and well... other things."

Chibi-Usa gave her sister a sharp look and then said, "Well, okay
Miko-chan. I told Ikuko-mama that I was going to the park, and I did. I
just didn't stay here that long; I got bored and went to visit
Mamo-chan."

Misako winced slightly before saying, "So you made So... Ikuko-mama come
looking for you?" Chibi-Usa nodded. "Let me guess, you got grounded."

"Hai, Onee-chan, and anytime I want to go to the park now, I have to go
with somebody else, like you or Usagi." Chibi-Usa grimaced. "Ikuko-mama
doesn't trust me and Momoko by ourselves."

That seemed to settle the issue and both girls returned to their play.
Chibi-Usa soon discovered why Misako preferred shorts to skirts. It was
too difficult to be modest in a skirt while doing flips and handstands.
Chibi-Usa was quite impressed. Soon, however, it was nearing time to go
home.

"Come on, Chibi-Usa!" Misako called out, "We don't want to be late!" <I
don't want Sobo mad at me.>

"'KAY!" Chibi-Usa sang out as she started pumping her legs harder.

"What are you doing?" Misako demanded, "We need to go now!"

"I'm gonna try what you did, Onee-chan," Chibi-Usa declared as she swung
higher and higher on the swing.

"IIE!" Misako cried, "Please don't do that, Chibi-Usa-chan. You could
get hurt." Misako pleaded while waving her hands in a stopping motion.
"Please, just get off the swing normally."

"If you can do it, I certainly can," Chibi-Usa replied, "Here I go!"

"IIE!!!!" Misako yelled as her sister reached the top of her forward arc
and let go.

                                 ******

The Tsukino home echoed with the howls of discomfort that Chibi-Usa was
producing. Ikuko ignored these protests and continued to liberally place
iodine on the freshly washed abrasions. "What I want to know," Ikuko
said as she held the leg she was working on firmly in place, "Is whose
bright idea was this?" Both girls remained silent but Chibi-Usa looked
over towards Misako.

<Well,> Misako thought, <It's sorta my fault.> She was trying to figure
out a way to tell her grandmother this, while avoiding death, when Ikuko
looked at them.

"Well girls, who wants to tell me what really happened?" Ikuko looked
between the two girls before turning back to her efforts. "Chibi-Usa,
hold still!" Ikuko commanded.

"It hurts!" Chibi-Usa complained, "And we did... OUCH! Tell you the
truth, Ikuko-mama." She looked towards her grandmother for several
seconds before adding, "I mean it isn't like I haven't had scrapes
before." <And they'll disappear in a day or so, too.>

"The difference, young lady," Ikuko retorted, "Is that jumping off that
swing could have hurt you a lot worse than it did." She fixed her
"niece" with a glare and demanded, "Now whose idea was this?" Before
anyone could answer, Ikuko swung her gaze over to Misako and added, "And
why did you let her do it?"

Misako bristled then but before she could respond, Chibi-Usa cut in,
"Ikuko-mama, Miko-chan did try to stop me." Chibi-Usa continued, now
sounding indignant, "She told me not to and I just wouldn't listen to
her." She looked towards her sister who was staring at her in surprise.

Ikuko finished up her work and straightened. "That doesn't really seem
like you, Chibi-Usa, I know you're rambunctious but..."

"Ikuko-mama," Misako interrupted, "She got the idea from me." Ikuko
swung her looked at Misako with disbelief. "I was telling Chibi-Usa
about the time I jumped off a swing. I got lucky then. I guess she
wanted to see if she could do it too." <I hate lying but if I tell
Ikuko-mama the truth...> She lowered her head. "I didn't think she would
do something like that. Then when she was on the swing and I said it was
time to go, Chibi-Usa started going higher and faster." <How was I
supposed to stop her? And she promised that she wouldn't do it.
Kami-sama, I thought she had more sense.>

The room fell silent for several seconds, and then Ikuko sighed. "Okay
Chibi-Usa-chan, go up and change into some clean clothes." Chibi-Usa
complied. Ikuko looked Misako over before saying, "You aren't hurt too
bad. You should go wash up for lunch though."

"Ikuko-mama?" Misako questioned as she started to head for the bathroom,
"Can I go see Chiba-san after lunch?"

"Since you're asking me when Chibi-Usa's out of the room, I assume that
you'd like to go by yourself." Misako nodded. "Well... all right. But I
want you to phone and ask him."

"Hai, arigato," Misako responded before going to wash up for lunch.

                                  ******

Mamoru gave a sigh of contentment as he slumped back against his couch.
Lifting his arm, he wrapped them around Misako and hugged her. She
giggled and leaned against him, hugging him back. As the movie played on
the television, Mamoru felt his daughter's head snuggle against his
chest.

"Don't go to sleep," Mamoru said, "I don't want your sobo coming
storming over her like she did the last time." He felt Misako's smile
before she giggled slightly. "Miko-chan, can I ask you something?"

Misako turned her head to look up at her father. "Nani?"

Reaching up a hand, Mamoru stroked her hair for a moment before asking,
"Why don't you wear your hair up in odangos?" Misako sat up and hunched
her shoulders without answering her father. "You looked so nice with
them in your hair." <It was kawaii to know all three girls I love had
them.>

"Yeah, I just looked like Small Lady," Misako growled out, "I thought
you would be different." <Gomen Sailor Pluto. I guess you did this
because I didn't leave when I should have.> She could feel her eyes mist
over and she didn't know why. <I feel so confused.>

Mamoru reached forward and brushed away some of the hair from Misako's
face. "How was I supposed to be different?" Silence greeted him; sitting
forward, Mamoru looked towards Misako. "Miko-chan, we were told that you
were having a rough time in the future. I know you can't talk about the
specifics but... you can't keep it bottled up inside."

As she heard the television being shut off, Misako sniffled a little.
"Daddy, why do I always have to be like my sister? Can't I just be me?"

"You don't, Misako. You don't have be anything like Chibi-Usa," Mamoru
responded, "I just wanted to know why you didn't wear your odangos,
that's all. I wasn't trying to make you like your sister." Misako gave
him a sheepish smile then, a sheet of tears shimmering in her eyes. "You
looked very kawaii with them."

"And I don't now?" Misako asked. She pushed off the couch, walking over
to the balcony. Turning around, Misako asked, "Could... could I stay
here, Daddy?" <I'll get 'Sagi to use Luna-P again.>

"You mean to live?" Mamoru asked, an uneasy feeling coming over him.
Misako nodded in response and gave him a hopeful look. <I'll have to be
careful how I answer this.> "Mi-Mesume, I don't think that would be a
good idea." He rose and walked over to his daughter before squatting
down. "I care about you. It's just that you're living with the Tsukino's
now and your sister is there and Usagi."

"Please Daddy? It just doesn't seem fair," Misako whined, "It shouldn't
be this way." She saw the unwavering expression on her father's face.
"Small Lady isn't supposed to be here," Misako admitted softly,
reluctantly, "It was just supposed to be me."

Mamoru reached out and caught Misako's hand. "Our future selves said
that you were having a rough time in the future. Does it have to do with
Chibi-Usa?" Misako didn't answer but did look away. "I can't help you
unless I know that it's important."

"Everybody thinks that I should be like my sister," Misako confessed as
she pulled her hand away from her father, "I was supposed to be alone.
My onee wasn't supposed to be here." <She isn't my onee but it would be
too hard to explain why she isn't.>

An idea tickled at Mamoru's mind and he slowly smiled as it solidified.
"Misako, you're the onee now. I think Usagi would be hurt if you wanted
to leave her." He lifted her chin so she was looking at him. "I know you
can't tell me what the real problem is. I do know, though, that running
away from your problems is no solution." <I almost lost the girl I love
when I did.>

<I don't want to hurt Mom. I came back so she'd love me,> Misako
thought. "You're right." She tried to sound reassured but didn't really
manage it.

Mamoru chuckled slightly and rumpled her hair slightly as he said,
"You're a Sailor Senshi, and you're my daughter. I think those are two
pretty impressive things." He brushed his daughter's cheek and added,
"When the others see you, they'll really surprised."

Misako sniffled and walking forward hugged her father tightly for a
moment. She was feeling a little better, even if she was still feeling
confused. "Daddy?" she asked while still hugging her father, "Can I join
gymnastics?"

Mamoru pushed her away slightly and looked at her with interest. "You're
in gymnastics?" She nodded. "I think it would be great for you to join."

"So you'll let me?" Misako questioned. When Mamoru nodded, Misako gave a
squeal of delight and, jumping forward slightly, hugged her father while
knocking him over.

                                 ******

Chibi-Usa and Misako entered their room later that night; Usagi had just
read both of them a story and Chibi-Usa was on her way to bed. Diana
hopped from her perch on the top of Chibi-Usa's head as the little girl
reached the bed.

"Are you sure you're okay, 'Sagi?" Misako asked, "I mean those scrapes
look bad."

Chibi-Usa grinned then and pulling up one leg of her pajamas pointed to
the abrasion that was on her knee. It was still red looking but appeared
to have healed somewhat. "They're fine, Onee-chan. Senshi heal fast."

"But how can you get that past Ikuko-mama?" Misako questioned, "I guess
it doesn't hurt then either." <I'm not going to tell her I'm a Senshi
too. I want to surprise her.> She was going to surprise everyone when
Sailor Chibi-Earth made an appearance, everyone that is except her
parents.

Chibi-Usa shrugged before climbing into bed, "I think Ikuko-mama's used
to it. Or maybe it doesn't seem so odd to her... 'Sides, why look a gift
horse in the mouth?" She pulled the covers up around her as she laid
down and admitted, "And they do hurt, Onee-chan. They're normal scrapes
and bruises and stuff. It's just that Senshi heal faster. Just ask..."
as she trailed off a pained expression came onto her face and she
sniffed a little.

"Are you okay?" Misako asked. She became worried at the expression that
Chibi-Usa had on her face. She sat down on the edge of the bed and
looked towards the little girl with concern. "Who should I ask?"

"Sakuya," Chibi-Usa whispered out, the soft light of the room reflecting
off of her eyes.

"I'm sorry you got hurt, 'Sagi," Misako said, "I wish you hadn't've
jumped off the swing." She looked away for a moment before saying, "Was
Ikuko-mama really mad?"

"Nah, she just scolded me for not listenin' to you."

"Which you should've, Small Lady," Diana snapped tersely from her
position on the bed, "You had no business trying what you did."

"Leave me alone, Diana. I've heard enough from Mom," Chibi-Usa grumbled
out.

"Why didn't you tattle on me?" Misako questioned.

"Miko-chan," Chibi-Usa replied, "I didn't want to get you into trouble."

"Well, I should go," Misako said as she stood, "I'll see you later." As
she walked towards the door, she winced as Chibi-Usa bid her "onee-chan"
goodnight. Diana followed behind stating that she wanted to talk to her
parents.

As soon as the light was off and Chibi-Usa was sure that she wouldn't be
discovered, she sat up and crouched in front of the globe on the
windowsill. She called to Pegasus and after a few moments, the globe
began to glow.

"Pegasus," Chibi-Usa breathed softly.

"My Maiden, you seem troubled," Pegasus said. His body was of the purest
white, his wings like feathers. The golden horn that protruded from his
forehead was surrounded by a blue mane.

"I'm worried about my sister," Chibi-Usa remarked, "I don't know what
the problem is."

"Why are you worried?" her magical friend asked.

"She seems to hate me," Chibi-Usa said softly. She could feel the lump
forming in her throat. "I don't know what I did but..."

"My Maiden," Pegasus interrupted, "I do not know the cause, but her
dream is shadowed. It could be such a happy dream, but it is muted."
This wasn't very reassuring to her.

Turning, Chibi-Usa laid back down on the bed and sighed. <Please
Misako... Imouto, don't push me away.>

                                 ******

"Did you get Chibi-Usa tucked in?" Usagi asked as Misako entered the
room. As Misako nodded, Usagi asked, "Pretty fun being the onee, ne
Miko-chan?"

"I guess so, Mom," Misako agreed indifferently as she walked over to the
bed and sat down beside her mother. "It isn't like I'm really her onee
though."

"You are as long as things stay like this," Usagi pointed out, "As far
as anybody outside of the Senshi know, you are Chibi-Usa's onee." She
wrapped an arm around Misako and drew her closely into a hug. She felt
Misako's body stiffen slightly and she frowned. "Miko-chan, you can
relax... I'm just hugging you."

"It just feels... funny," Misako admitted. After a moment, as Usagi
pushed her away slightly, she looked towards her mother.

"Don't you like me hugging you?" Usagi asked seriously.

"Yeah... I just thought you'd be mad at me," Misako said. <You make such
a big deal about hugging and stuff.> "I mean Chibi-Usa got hurt."
<'Cause of me.>

Usagi pulled Misako close and explained, "I'm not angry with you,
Miko-chan. Chibi-Usa should've known better than to do such a thing."
Usagi paused, "If she hadn't have gotten all scraped up, I would have
scolded her more than what Mom did."

"But..." Misako began then trailed off, unsure of what to say. <I didn't
want 'Sagi to get hurt.>

"Mesume, did something happen at the park that you didn't tell Mom
about?" Usagi asked softly. After a long moment, Misako nodded. "Do you
want to talk about it?"

"I guess so," Misako said slowly, "Mom, 'Sagi got the idea from me."

"I know that; you told her about it," Usagi replied. She was about to
say more but Misako shook her head.

"Hai, but she saw me do it too." She tensed, expecting an explosion of
some sort. So when Usagi asked her if she was all right, it was a bit of
a surprise. "Hai," Misako responded, "I'm fine." She turned her sad gaze
onto Usagi and said, "I tried... I tried to stop her. I told her not to
do it. I told her not to try it and she agreed." A tiny sniffle escaped
her as a single tear streaked down her cheek. "Gomen nasai, Okaa-san,"
said the whispered voice. <I don't want you to be mad at me. I came into
the past to get away from that.>

Switching her grip, Usagi lifted Misako onto her lap and hugged her.
"Shhh... don't cry, Mesume." She stroked her daughter's silky hair as
she talked soothingly. "Chibi-Usa's gotten scrapes before. This is just
another one of those times." They sat like that for a long time before
Misako finally returned the hug, almost desperately it seemed to Usagi.
"I don't like that you did that; it was very dangerous," Usagi scolded
gently, "I wouldn't want to see you get hurt, Misako."

"I guess I should tell Ikuko-mama," Misako stated sadly. She was resting
her head against her mother's shoulder, her eyes closed. Trying
desperately to soak up as much of the parental warmth that she was
feeling as fast as she could. Even with the love of her father, Misako
had deeply missed her mother and, over the past few years, that void had
rung empty and cold.

"Iie," Usagi said softly, "You tried to stop her. I don't want you doing
that again but I don't think we need to tell Mom." A smile came onto her
face as Misako seemed to sigh a little bit. "What's say I come and tuck
you in?" Usagi asked.

"Sugoi," her daughter responded sleepily. Smiling broadly, Usagi stood
up and, still holding Misako, and headed for the door.

                                 ******

Kenji moved into the darkened kitchen and over to the shadow standing by
the counter. He was half-expecting Usagi but knew that he would find
Ikuko standing there. Softly walking up behind her, he wrapped his arms
around his wife and bent to nuzzle her neck slightly.

"What are you thinking about, Ikuko?" he asked softly.

"The girls," Ikuko replied softly, "It has to be tough on them... one
parent dead and the other having to work abroad." She sighed slightly
while wrapping her hand around his. "I don't think I could ever do that.
I don't think I could leave my children to work."

"You aren't really being fair," Kenji said, "But I do know what you
mean. I wouldn't want to have to make that decision. On the other hand,
I think I would be glad to know that I was providing for my children and
they were receiving some type of love."

With Misako and Chibi-Usa's mother dead, their father had to work
outside the country. Chibi-Usa had came ahead of her sister as she was
the youngest. Misako had been staying with another relative but for some
unspecified reason, the other relative wasn't able to continue to look
after her. Also the girls' father had been worried that they were
growing up separated, it had fallen to the Tsukino's to help raise the
girls. It seemed natural if slightly inconvenient.

"Come to bed, it'll be a big day tomorrow," Kenji said and started
guiding his wife out of the kitchen.

"Hai, Kenji, I have to register Misako for school tomorrow. Let's hope
that it's easier than when I had to register Chibi-Usa."

                                 ******

Misako awoke slowly. This time, however, she didn't think that being in
the past was a dream. Instead, she felt that it was real and solid. It
was slightly distressing to see that she was hugging Chibi-Usa. Although
Misako found this comforting somehow, she wasn't concerned because
Chibi-Usa was hugging her. The problem was that Misako had made it
rather clear that she didn't want Chibi-Usa to hug her. Or for that
matter, she didn't know why she was hugging Chibi-Usa, likely because
her sister had been hurt.

Deciding to let her sister sleep as a partial apology for giving
Chibi-Usa such a baka idea, Misako closed her eyes and contented herself
with lying in bed. <I like this,> Misako thought, <It's been a long time
since I slept in.> It had been a long time since she had spent the night
with her sister like this as well. <Mom was worried about me,> she
thought, <And she hugged me and tucked me in.> Even being nearly ten
years old, that had a certain appeal to it.

So lost in thought was she that she failed to notice Chibi-Usa's
stirrings until the little girl suddenly jerked away from her. Misako
opened her eyes and looked at her sister. The little girl had a
terrified expression on her face. "Gomen nasai, Misako," Chibi-Usa said
hurriedly when she saw that Misako was awake, "I didn't mean to hug you.
Gomen nasai."

"That's okay... I was being kinda silly when I said I'd break your arms,
Chibi-Usa-chan." She gave her sister a reassuring smile.

"But I thought you hated me?" Chibi-Usa inquired.

"We don't get along," Misako said while getting out of bed, "But that
doesn't mean I'd want to see you get hurt. Even if you were told not to
do such a baka thing." She glanced back over at Chibi-Usa who was
blushing.

They spent the next half-hour preparing for school. After breakfast,
Ikuko gathered Chibi-Usa and Misako up to walk to the Juuban Elementary
School. Misako was surprised that Chibi-Usa wasn't overly upset that
Usagi couldn't walk with them. In fact, Chibi-Usa left the house in
rather good spirits while holding Misako's hand.

As they walked down the street, Chibi-Usa turned to her sister and
commented, "Onee-chan, you like school, ne?" Misako nodded. "What do ya
like to do?"

"History," Misako responded after some thought, "Although I try my best
at all my subjects."

"To keep an A- average, you must be really smart," Chibi-Usa said, her
eyes reflecting a type of pride that Misako was surprised to recognize.
"I wish I was smart like you, Onee-chan."

"You're carrying a B average," Ikuko piped in, "And you try your best,
Chibi-Usa-chan. School isn't a competition." She sighed a little as both
her nieces gave her dubious looks.

"If you like what you do, then that's the only thing that counts. How
are you supposed to expect people to be proud of you if you can't
respect yourself?" Misako stated.

"Where'd you hear that?!" Chibi-Usa asked.

"Oh... just someone, 'Sagi," Misako replied. <I heard it from Sakuya,
that's who I heard it from. And Kimeko and Minako...>

Ikuko smiled as the girls chattered on about different things. <I'm so
glad that Misako could come. It might make things tight at times but
both Kenji and I think it's worth it.> "Not too far ahead, girls!" Ikuko
called after them as they started to skip, "I'm not as young as I used
to be." Her nieces giggled then. <Hai, it's good Misako came. It'll give
Usagi a chance to be with her friends and Mamoru. She's been a great
onee but Chibi-Usa should really have her own.>

A minor scandal, and threats of severe bodily harm, ensued when
Chibi-Usa hugged and then kissed Misako good-bye. Ikuko had to guide a
seething Misako into the school. It only took a minute or so for Misako
to calm down but in that flash of anger, Ikuko saw something that
worried her. It was not anger out of embarrassment, but rather the type
of anger that lashes out to hurt those that hurt you. It would be one of
many times that Ikuko would wonder about the details that had been left
out of the letter.

                                 ******

"Let us see here," said the Principal, "Tsukino Misako, age nine..." She
glanced up to see if that was correct.

"Hai Sensei," Misako replied promptly.

"You're in Grade Five..." Misako nodded. "And I see you're carrying an
A- average in your subjects. That's rather impressive. You've carried
that for a year or two I see." Misako beamed proudly. "You're related to
Chibi-Usa, ne Tsukino-san?"

"Hai, Sensei, she's my imouto."

"Your imouto, although not the most rambunctious of students, has had
occasion to visit me," the Principal admitted, "I can assume that you
are more quiet than her?" Misako nodded. "Sugoi, that's the type of
response I would expect from one of the better students." Misako noticed
that Ikuko was looking annoyed at something, her lips were thinned
slightly. "Although your imouto does have a good grade average and does
try hard, Tsukino-san's daughter Usagi seems to have worked wonders with
that little girl." Ikuko's expression seemed to soften and a smile of
pride came onto her face. "I bet you're as good an artist as your
imouto. She draws quite well for her age."

"I have no interest in drawing, Sensei, unless it's required," Misako
answered stiffly.

The Principal blinked, opened her mouth, closed it again and said,
"Oh... Well we'll just finish up this paperwork, get you a school fuku,
and then get you settled into a class."

                                 ******

Misako now dressed in a school fuku like Chibi-Usa's had to resist the
urge to skip down the hall. Things seemed to finally be going her way.
She was in the past with her parents, and both seemed to love her
without restraint. She was at school and in a higher grade than her
sister. But, best of all, was that the school had a gymnastics program
that she could participate in.

As she was led down the hall by the Principal, she passed one of the
kindergarten classes. Through the open door, Misako spotted a little
girl she recognized. It was a shock and she came to a halt staring into
the room for a moment. It was smaller than she remembered and one of the
girls she recognized had been one of her friends when she was in the
past before. She reminded Misako somewhat of Yuki and Misako felt a
momentary pang of loss but quickly recovered.

<I wish Usagi wasn't here. That would make this perfect,> Misako thought
as she walked up a set of stairs, <I'll also have to pay her back for
hugging me.> There were certain things she would tolerate. Proving she
actually cared about her sister in front of others was one thing she
would not and could not tolerate... at least at this point in time.

                                 ******

Misako stood in her grandmother's kitchen after school on Monday, a deep
scowl on her face. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. "But..."
she started to protest but Ikuko cut her off.

"Iie," Ikuko said with firmness, "Gomen, Miko-chan, but you did not ask
permission to join gymnastics."

"But Daddy, let me join," Misako complained, "Why won't you let me
join?" She gave her grandmother a hard look as she thought, <That's one
thing I'm good at that Usagi can't beat me at... unless she gets
graceful, then I might as well give up living!>

"Because you didn't ask for permission here," Ikuko responded, "Misako,
you aren't at home. This house has rules as well and I'm responsible for
you; the letter you gave me said nothing about gymnastics." Ikuko looked
towards the young girl in hopes of seeing understanding but instead she
saw hostility. "I know you think it's unfair but you didn't ask."

"O-Kay Ikuko-mama, I'll tell the coach I can't come," Misako said and
started to leave the kitchen. <Baka Sobo.>

Ikuko sighed before saying, "Miko-chan, come back here." Misako turned
and stomped back into the room. "Haven't you been listening?" Ikuko
asked, "I said you couldn't join gymnastics because you didn't ask if
you could." Misako shrugged slightly. "You still could ask."

"You already said I couldn't join," Misako reasoned, "So why would I
ask?" Ikuko gave her an exasperated look and sighed again. Deciding to
humor the old woman, Misako asked, "May I join gymnastics, please
Ikuko-mama?"

"Now was that so hard?" Ikuko asked. Misako shook her head. "Hai, of
course you may, Misako." The little girl opened her mouth and stared
towards her grandmother. "I kept telling you that you couldn't join
BECAUSE you DIDN'T ask." Misako grunted, sounding slightly disgusted.
"I'm responsible for you like I am for your imouto, Miko-chan."

"Arigato," Misako said softly. Turning, she walked towards the stairs
and headed for her room. Ikuko watched her go, a worried expression on
her face.

She was just passing Usagi's room when her sister called out,
"Onee-chan, come and do your homework with me and Usagi."

Misako turned and looked towards Chibi-Usa. Her sister and mother were
sitting at a low table that was covered with homework. "Iie, I study
alone." She was about to start down the hallway when she turned back and
glared into the room. Marching in, she asked, "I suppose Usagi helps you
with your homework, ne?"

"Hai," Chibi-Usa chirped, "Me and her always do it together."

Misako resisted the urge to snort, "Lucky you... Well I wouldn't want to
intrude upon you. You two always spend time together... In fact, I'm
even surprised you invited me in, Small Lady. Last time you and Mom were
together you kicked me out of your room because..." Suddenly Misako
stopped, pressed her lips tightly together, and marched from the room.

After reaching the attic room, she got out her homework and started
working away. Much to her annoyance a voice cut into her concentration.
"Whatcha doin'?" Diana asked.

"Don't you have any homework?" Misako questioned without thinking. She
then groaned as she raised her hand and found Diana looking at her
curiously.

"I go to school?" Diana asked then blushed. "Gomen Princess Misako, I
know you can't talk about the future."

<I have to watch what I say!> Misako thought grimly. "Just go away,
Diana," Misako said while turning back to her own work. "I'm busy."
After a moment, she heard the kitten pad away out of the room. It was
shortly after that, that Misako heard someone else enter the room.
Looking up, she saw that it was Usagi entering the room. She looked back
towards her homework, waiting for something to happen. <I thought you
would be different than Mom.>

Usagi closed the door and walked over to the bed before sitting down.
<Mesume...> "Miko-chan, is something bothering you? Did something happen
at school today?" There was silence. "You know it doesn't do any good to
keep it all in."

"I can't talk to you, Mom," Misako replied. <You never listen to me
anyway.> She felt Usagi touch her shoulder and she shied away, more out
of instinct than anything else. "I guess you were just wrong about
something."

"Then talk to me like an onee," Usagi suggested, "Chibi-Usa does it all
the time."

"I KNOW!" Misako exploded. Quickly turning away, Misako looked out
towards the far wall and said, "Gomen, Mom, I'm just used to doing
homework differently." Usagi was confused by this explanation.

<Mesume, what's wrong?> Why couldn't Misako talk to her like Chibi-Usa
could? "Miko-chan, did I do something wrong?" Misako reamined silent.
Drawing the little girl towards her, she said. "Please Miko-chan, I hate
to see you angry like this." Her daughter shrugged as if there words
didn't have any real value to them. "You know, you might be older than
Chibi-Usa now, but I still love you very much."

"I just can't, Mom," Misako whimpered out softly, "You can't know about
the future." She watched from the corner of her eye as Usagi sighed,
rose, and left the room. <Gomen, Mommy...>

                                 ******

The weather that Wednesday was out to prove the local weatherman wrong.
In fact, it was so far off the weatherman's predicted forecast that no
one would have been surprised if it had started to snow. A thick layer
of dark clouds hung over Tokyo while a raw northerly wind chilled people
to the bone.

Despite the weather, Misako was in a pleasant mood. Certainly one of the
reasons for that was the lack of Chibi-Usa's presence. But the biggest
factor was that gymnastics were being held after school that day and
Misako was intent on going to the practice.

Her train of thought was interrupted when someone said, "Hiya doin',
Peanut?" Misako turned with a grin to find Shingo standing there, Mika
by his side.

Scrambling up from her place, Misako bowed and greeted, "Konnichiwa
Shingo-kun, Mika-sempai."

"See, Mika-chan, I told you," Shingo declared while smiling at Mika. The
smile disappeared and Shingo grunted as Mika poked him in the side with
her elbow.

"Miko-chan, you and I were friends before. You can still call me
Mika-chan."

"We hardly knew each other. I don't think that would be right," Misako
replied meekly.

"Miko-chan, will I have to force you to call me `Mika-chan'?" Mika asked
while glaring at the young girl. Misako shook her head, still looking
dubious but a hint of pleasure was also evident. "Sugoi."

"I wouldn't think you would be my friend," Misako muttered out. She was
shocked then as Mika came close and gave her a hug. After a moment,
Misako grinned openly losing any doubts she still held in the process
and hugged Mika back. <Arigato Luna-P.>

"Hi Mika-san, Shingo-kun," Chibi-Usa chirped from behind Misako,
"Onee-chan, you remember Momoko, ne?" Misako looked towards Chibi-Usa's
friend and nodded.

"Konnichiwa Chibi-Usa-chan, Momoko-chan," Mika said, "Well, we should
go."

"Uh, Mika-chan..." Misako said.

"Hai?"

"Um, would you and Shingo-kun like to come to my gymnastics practice
today?" Mika shared a look with Shingo for a moment before nodding.
"SUGOI!" Misako declared and gave Mika one more hug before sliding back
into her seat. "Arigato!" she called after the retreating couple.

                                 ******

Usagi sighed as she stretched. She was snuggled up close to Mamoru, her
eyes partially hooded as she watched the television. "You'd think we're
already married," Usagi remarked into the stillness that had settled
across the room for some time. Mamoru grunted slightly, indicating that
Usagi should expand on her comment. "I think this is one of the few
nights we've been alone together. With school and everything, then
Chibi-Usa wanting to come with me..."

"Speaking of Chibi-Usa," Mamoru interrupted, "Or for that matter,
Misako, why didn't they come, Usako? I mean it's a Friday night and I
can't see either of them not wanting to visit."

"Mom's making them spend some time together, Mamo-chan," Usagi
explained. Seeing Mamoru's face, she added, "Not forcing them but she's
setting things up so they can spend time together. She's started taking
away some of the stuff that I used to do."

"Like what?"

Usagi pushed herself into a sitting position and gave a little sigh.
"Nothing major really... like last Monday. Mom pulled me aside and asked
if I wouldn't walk to school with Chibi-Usa for a little while. She
wanted Chibi-Usa used to having her `onee' around again." Usagi grimaced
and added, "Like I wasn't Chibi-Usa's onee!" Sighing then, Usagi shook
her head and continued, "Anyway, I'm just losing some of the stuff I
used to do... Now it's up to Misako to make sure they both get a bath,
and that Chibi-Usa is in bed on time. Some other little chores like
washing the dishes." She was silent for a long time before saying, "I
don't feel... jealous. I guess I'm so used to doing those things,
especially with Chibi-Usa that I feel, empty somehow."

"You've gotten free time and you hadn't realized how much free time you
had lost." After a moment, Usagi nodded. "So Misako's taken over the
onee role, ne?"

"Hai," Usagi said then she turned to look towards Mamoru and asked,
"Mamo-chan, do you know what's bothering Misako? Has she said anything
to you?" He blinked at her question and furrowed his brow. "She's really
angry about something but... she just won't talk to me."

"You know she can't talk about the future, Usako," Mamoru countered,
"What do you think it is?"

Usagi sat silently for a moment or so before saying slowly, "I think it
has to do with Chibi-Usa. Sibling rivalry they call it. I know Shingo
and I had fights; we still do once in awhile." There was another long
silence before she added, "But for some reason, I get the feeling Misako
just doesn't like me."

"Usako," Mamoru said gently, "Misako loves you very much. You could be
right that it's just really bad sibling rivalry." <I don't think so,
though. That letter implied a lot more than it said.> He stifled a sigh
then. <I just can't do anything about it. I have no proof.> "So if your
mom is taking away some of your responsibilities concerning Chibi-Usa,
did she give you any new ones?"

"Hai," Usagi said while smiling slightly, "I have to make sure that
Misako's in bed on time. That both of them get up on time." Mamoru
blinked. Usagi raised a warning finger as Mamoru was about to open his
mouth, "Not one word, buster. I've been really good these past couple of
weeks." Wisely, Mamoru closed his mouth. "I just don't see why I
couldn't do what I did for Chibi-Usa, just for both of them."

"Because I would never see you then," Mamoru replied, "Your mom has
reasons. I'm not sure of all of them but I agree with her. Misako has to
take on some of the responsibilities that you did. Chibi-Usa did the
same although not as many when Misako was five." He saw her hurt look
then. "Please don't be mad at me, Usako. I know you enjoyed spending so
much time with Chibi-Usa, but you do need a life of your own."

"I guess so," Usagi replied reluctantly, "Mamo-chan, do you think I
should have a talk with the girls? You know, maybe try and get them
together."

"Iie," Mamoru said, "That's the last thing you should want to do."

"But why? If I can help work some of this stuff out, then I want to."
<I'm their mom, after all.>

"Because Usako, Misako can't talk about the future. Also, forcing the
girls together will only make their problem grow. Your mom's had more
experience in this area. If you want to help, then just go along with
what your mom says."

"Okay," Usagi reluctantly agreed, "I should go home. Mamo-chan, you
wanna walk me home?"

"For a goodnight kiss, certainly," Mamoru said softly. Usagi giggled
then, feeling much better for having gotten her worries out into the
open.

                                 ******

Saturday afternoon was bright and sunny, a perfect day to be outside and
playing; however, neither Misako nor Chibi-Usa were outside playing.
Rather both girls were organizing their room. It had changed
substantially. Gone was the bed for the moment. Instead, there were two
single futons that were pushed close together -- a compromise on Ikuko's
part.

Originally, Ikuko had gotten only one futon to place on the floor.
Chibi-Usa had preempted Ikuko and offered to give Misako the bed while
she used the futon. For her own reasons, none of which Misako spoke
aloud, she was of the opinion that she should have the futon and
Chibi-Usa use the bed. This continued on for some time until Ikuko,
finally tiring of the exchange, suggested the two futons. Misako was
agreeable and Chibi-Usa was as well, on the condition that the two
futons be pushed together.

There were some other furnishings in the room, none of which the girls
had insisted on. They had been placed there by Ikuko to make the room
appear less, "spartan" as she said. It took a dictionary and a few
minutes for the girls to figure out what Ikuko had meant but in the end,
they were satisfied. Misako because she could have her own bed, and
Chibi-Usa got to share a bed with her sister, even if it was indirectly.

Chibi-Usa heaved a sigh and sat heavily on her futon. "I'm glad that's
done. I wanted to play not work." She grinned up at her sister then and
asked, "Onee-chan, whatcha wanna do now?"

"Why do you keep calling me that? And where's Diana?" Misako asked
irritatedly.

"Diana?" Chibi-Usa questioned, "I thought she was here." Quickly
scrambling up, she looked under her futon and said, "Nope, at least I
didn't sit on her like last time."

"You sat on Diana?!?" Misako questioned.

"It was an accident, and she let me know that I was on top of her.
Kami-sama, she might be small but she's got big claws!" Chibi-Usa
replied, "Where'd she go?" Misako was about to respond when they heard a
thump from the drawer. "Uh oh..." Chibi-Usa said as she took a step
backwards, "You open it."

"I'm not the one that put her in the drawer, Small Lady," Misako
countered but she took a step closer. "Diana?" she questioned and opened
the drawer before starting to dig through the clothes, "Don't you fold
anything?" Misako questioned as she lifted out a rolled pair of pajamas;
something caught her attention and she stopped her motion to drop the
pajamas. They were heavy and seemed to be alive. "Diana, are you in
there?" Misako questioned as she hurriedly unwrapped the pajamas.

After a moment or so, the gray kitten seemed to almost burst out of the
pajamas. She glared menacingly at Chibi-Usa. "Small Lady..." Diana
growled, "You're gonna to pay for that," her kitten claws came sliding
out.

"But Diana, I didn't mean to and I thought you were on my head,"
Chibi-Usa pleaded, "It isn't my fault..."

"IT CERTAINLY IS!" Diana thundered, "You and that blasted music." At
that comment, Misako went off into a fit of giggles. "Nani?" Diana
questioned.

"You sounded like your mom," Misako giggled out. She clutched her sides.
"Think about it, `you and that blasted music.'"

Diana took on a stricken look. Normally, she would have taken being
compared to her mother as a compliment but this was different. It was at
this point that Chibi-Usa started to giggle as well. <This is your
fault, Small Lady,> Diana thought as she glared towards her charge,
<Stuff me in a drawer, will ya!> She started stalking towards Chibi-Usa,
intent on revenge when the door hurriedly opened and Usagi entered.

Quickly shutting the door, Usagi commanded, "Come on, Chibi-Usa, we got
a call."

"Aw!" Chibi-Usa whined, "I wanted'ta play." She pouted slightly then,
before Usagi could prod her into action though, she grinned. "Come on,
Miko-chan, you can come watch us beat the bad guys."

"I don't know..." Misako said noncommitally. <Hai! This is where I'll
surprise them.> She smiled internally at the thought of their shocked
expressions. <Mom looks worried but I'll be okay.>

"Come on, Miko-chan, please?!?" Chibi-Usa begged.

"Oh... Okay Chibi-Usa," Misako responded and grinned as her sister gave
a cry of delight.

                                 ******

By the time that Misako arrived along with Sailor Chibi-Moon and Sailor
Moon, Sailor Mars and Sailor Venus were already engaged with the Lemure.
It looked like a giant gorilla with a bear's head; the thing was wearing
a green tutu. It had a pink umbrella in one hand and an oversized
juggling club in the other.

"You stay here, Misako," Chibi-Moon instructed, "And watch this."
<You'll be proud of me...> Sailor Moon looked like she was about to
protest this but Chibi-Moon prodded, "Come on, Sailor Moon, let's go
waste this thing so me and MY sister can go play." With that, she headed
towards a nearby ledge to make her entrance.

"I'll be okay, Mom," Misako remarked to her mother who nodded and turned
to follow her other daughter. <Now... to surprise them.> As Misako moved
away and in the opposite direction of her mother and sister, she spoke
her transformation phrase, "EARTH PRISM POWER, MAKE-UP!" She smiled with
anticipation as she felt the Sailor fuku resolve from the brief light
that swirled around her. <There,> Misako thought, <Dad always stands on
high things so I'll use that lamppost... Now if only I can get to it
without being seen.>

At that moment, she heard her mother's speech and Sailor Chibi-Earth
automatically winced, but unlike in the future, she didn't hear the
bellowing complaints of Younger Jupiter, just the roar of the monster.
"Saturday's are for enjoying friends, family, and food, not fighting
evil! For not letting me enjoy this day with no work and all play... I
am the Agent of Love and Justice, the Pretty Sailor Suited Senshi,
SAILOR MOON..." Sailor Moon started.

"SAILOR CHIBI-MOON!" Chibi-Moon added.

"And IN THE NAME OF THE MOON, WE WILL PUNISH YOU!" Sailor Moon and
Chibi-Moon shouted in unison.

Chibi-Earth slapped a hand over of her face and drew it downward in with
a sigh of exasperation. <No wonder Younger Jupiter doesn't like to hear
speeches.> Her sensei had given up trying to get Younger Moon to stop
making speeches but Younger Jupiter was intent on making sure that
Chibi-Earth never gave unnecessary, as Younger Jupiter put it,
"potentially fatal drivel!"

"Ruin my Saturday, will you!" Chibi-Moon demanded as she leapt down and
started to advance on the monster, "I will show you not to spoil little
kid's fun!" Drawing out her scepter, she leapt high into the air to
close the distance and shouted, "PINK SUGAR HEART ATTACK!"

The pink surgery hearts sailed towards the Lemure who lowered his
umbrella and, with a twirl, easily sent them spinning off into space.
"Uh oh..." Chibi-Moon said as she started to backpedal. With a roar, the
Lemure started charging after her, wildly swinging its club.

"I'm gonna slam ya!" It threatened, "Come back here... Maybe I can keep
you as an overgrown pet."

"'Sagi, be careful," Chibi-Earth pleaded softly. Her sister seemed to be
having a more difficult time than she remembered her having in training
simulations. Then a movement caught the corner of her eye and she
glanced over her shoulder to see Tuxedo Kamen gaining the top of the
nearest lamppost. She grinned and waved to him. <Oh Daddy...>
Chibi-Earth thought and stifled a giggle. Tuxedo Kamen appeared so
shocked that he nearly lost his balance from the lamppost.

"HELP ME!!!!" Chibi-Moon wailed and her feet were knocked out from under
her.

<'SAGI!!> Chibi-Earth's mind screamed, a menacing look came onto her
face. She glared down at the Lemure and drawing in breath shouted,
"Chikyuu no kenryoku ni aru, sailor-fuku Bishoujo Senshi... Sailor
Chibi-Earth!" A slow evil grin spread across the little Senshi's face as
a shocked silence spread across the battlefield and all eyes turned to
look up at her. Jabbing her finger at the Lemure, she snarled out, "I
WILL PUNISH YOU!"

End of Chapter 16

Coming next in Chapter 17 - A Step Ahead, A Step Back