Part VII
Chapter 17 - A Day at the Beach Part 1

<This is not a good idea,> Kimeko thought as she watched her mother
flirting with a high school freshman. <Kami-sama knows why I ever got it
into my head to introduce the two of them.>

It was late Monday afternoon. Kimeko gave a sigh and decided that she'd
better get her mother over to the shrine for the planned study session
before she caused any more harm. <She really needs it. Mom always said
how studious she was as a girl...> She glanced over to Minako once more,
while brushing the hair out of her face. A brisk northerly wind caused
her to shiver involuntarily. <I wanted to do something nice. Mom was
feeling down about something over the weekend... I'm glad no Lemures
showed up. I've got to spend some time with Mom and my grandparents.>
Noting the time Kimeko prodded, "Minako-chan, we should really get
going."

"In a minute, Kimeko-chan. Usagi's always late for meetings so why can't
I be for once?" Minako responded while not taking her eyes from her
escort's face.

<This is not going to be easy!> Kimeko thought.

                                  ******

"Chibi-Usa-chan!" Usagi called softly, "Come on wake up! Sleeping in the
entrance way to school isn't healthy. The Sensei are not understanding
about it either."

Chibi-Usa stirred slightly and then yawned before standing upright and
readjusting her school fuku. Grimacing at the kink she had in her neck,
she handed a note to Usagi and asked, "Onee-san, what do you think we
should do about this?"

Usagi tried vainly to hide the smirk as she read over the note that
Ikuko was going to have to sign. "Like mother, like daughter, ne?" Usagi
giggled as Chibi-Usa scowled, "Get Mom to sign it. I mean it won't be
the first note she's ever had to sign." <Isn't that the truth?> she
giggled to herself and then turned more somber, <I wish I could sign it
for you, daughter.> Wrapping a supportive arm around her daughter Usagi
said, "Now come on, Chibi-Usa-chan, we're going to be late for the
meeting as it is and if we leave now, we'll only be half an hour late or
so."

Chibi-Usa's response was to grumble something unintelligible before
moving off down the street at a snail's pace. Plodding along as if each
step was an effort.

                                  ******

After school ended Monday, most of the girls were at the shrine for one
last study session. The last study session that is until the week long
vacation that would start when the following day was over with.

Sakuya had come along at the request of Makoto. She was sitting
comfortably against the wall glancing through a rather ominous looking
book titled, "Practical Application of Quantitative Methods."

Rei and Ami were working industriously away while Makoto was plowing
through her math homework. She hated math but was determined to get
through it. Sakuya would occasionally smile when Makoto would mutter
something dark about the inventors of math. Sakuya was proud of her
grandmother's determination to complete her homework. The girl she found
when she came back the first time would of procrastinated as much as
Usagi once did.

About fifteen minutes after the study session was supposed to start
Minako and Kimeko came bounding into the room where the others were
giggling. Rei looked up from her geography text and scowled.

"What the heck are you two giggling about? And where were you!?! Hope
you aren't turning into Usagis!"

"Testy," Minako noted and plopped down besides Ami.

"Hai, big project got handed out today... At least that's what she told
me," Ami commented.

"Hey!" Rei protested, "Oh... Okay, gomen. So why are you so happy?"

Minako wrapped one arm around Kimeko's neck, who had sat down beside her
mother, and said, "My very understanding `cousin' here convinced two
nice freshman lads to escort her and me home! You should have seen the
snob's faces!!!" Minako gave a chuckle while thumping the table, "It was
great!" <No more JUNIOR high school boys for me!>

"We see that. So did you get a date out of this?" Rei queried.

"Grrk... could you let go, please?" Kimeko squeaked out. After Minako
released her, slamming Kimeko into the table by accident, Kimeko
groaned, "I'd take that as definite proof!" This caused the others to
laugh as Minako furrowed her brow and frowned. <Maybe I shouldn't be
chasing boys with Mom. Neither of them were Dad and what if...>

"Say where's Usagi?" Minako asked, "You're jumping all over me and for
being late yet, you aren't growling about her?"

Rei put down her book and considered what to say for several moments
before saying, "Hard to say... She might be having a hard time with
Misako."

"You can say THAT again," Usagi's tired voice came from the door.  The
girls turned and saw that Usagi and even Chibi-Usa were looking slightly
haggard.

"What's Misako been up to?" Kimeko asked, "Usagi-sama, you look like you
haven't slept in days."

Usagi staggered over to the central table and sat down heavily, "Over
the past three nights I've gotten a grand total of maybe seven hours of
sleep. And Kimeko, please call me Usagi-chan." <Misako is driving me
crazy calling me Mommy all the time.>

"I haven't gotten any sleep at all," Chibi-Usa griped. Sitting down
beside her mother she folded her arms on the table and then rested her
head on them. "I'm going to kick myself for giving Misako that bloody
outfit." <I should of got her a stuffed bunny or something.>

"That's unusual for Misako to be that rambunctious," Kimeko observed. <I
hope everything's okay.>

"Well it really isn't her fault," Usagi clarified sleepily, "Okay Friday
night wasn't too bad except for her having a tummy ache." Seeing the
looks Usagi said, "She ate something that didn't agree with her. Mom
tried to help her but she wanted me."

"Hmmm... Well that's understandable, Usagi-chan, you ARE her mother. I
think if I had to choose between Mommy and Obaa-san, I'd want Mommy,"
Kimeko reasoned. Minako beamed happily. No one saw Sakuya nod in
agreement.

"Yeah well the real trouble started Saturday. Mamoru came over for
dinner and Misako answered the door."

"Uh oh," was the general reaction.

"Hai, `uh oh', first words out of her mouth were, `HI DADDY!!!' You
should have seen Dad's face!" Usagi grimaced, "He hit the roof to say
the least. Everyone except for the possible exception of Chibi-Usa and
Shingo got into a fight. I was trying to cover my tail and not lie to
Misako or my parents. Mamoru was defending himself against Dad and..."

"There's more?!?!" Rei asked, "Kami-sama, Usagi how could things get any
worse?"

"Misako basically said Dad was lying," Usagi finished, the silence that
filled the room was uncomfortable. "Hai, my darling daughter with her
linear logic implied that Dad was not telling the truth."

"What'd your dad do?" Kimeko asked. <I hope he didn't do what I think he
did.>

"If it wasn't for Mom..." Usagi trailed off and shook her head, "Anyway
she got scolded and grounded for a couple of days. That's why she isn't
here."

<Misako gets all the breaks!> Chibi-Usa thought. "Hai, so she's been
moaning and groaning about this to me ever since. `Sailor Chibi-Earth'
also has me playing `Senshi' games," she yawned. <I've also been
worrying about what this is doing to the timeline. If I don't put a stop
to Misako's babbling, she'll really mess things up! I wish Puu were here
to tell me if I'm doing the right thing.>

"So I've been trying to figure out a way to smooth things over with my
folks and still be honest. No sleep."

"Well you'll just have to put your foot down. Or get Chibi-Usa to do
it," Minako suggested, "Chibi-Usa-chan, do you think there's anyway you
could get Misako to call Usagi `Usagi'?" There was silence for several
seconds before a faint snore could be heard from Chibi-Usa who hadn't
even moved her head.

"Aw poor kid," Usagi said, "I think Misako's really doing her in."

"Say, minna, let's go to the beach Wednesday," Makoto suggested, "We can
cruise around... Get in some sun."

"Hai! Sounds like fun to me, and I told Misako we might go to the beach.
She's a pretty good swimmer," Kimeko commented, "Like a fish... We'll
have to watch her closely or she gets too far out. Perhaps Ami can swim
with her. I know how much Ami loves to swim."

"Hai! That sounds like a great idea!" Minako added her support. It took
another forty minutes to convince Ami that it was a great idea and
another twenty after that for Usagi to goad Rei enough to agree to come
along. Through this process of wheedling Chibi-Usa snored and Sakuya
retreated to the outdoors to read in private.

The other reason was her own thoughts. <I'll have to go back soon. I
could go now but Obaa-san is keen on me staying here.> Sakuya sighed and
placed her book down, <Pluto! You Time Bitch... Why did you kill my
mother? Why did you force that on Obaa-san? Couldn't a child that had
come from her marriage to a person in Crystal Tokyo have produced a
better Senshi?>

Lost deep in the thoughts of the past Sakuya didn't notice the setting
sun or the laughing of the other girls as they finally settled into
doing their homework. Minako soon became hopelessly lost. Wishing to
steer clear of Ami's help, she approached Kimeko. Kimeko tried, she
really did, but the attempt was doomed to failure. It was a subject
neither mother nor daughter succeeded in; it also didn't help that
Kimeko and Minako both believed they were on the right track. Ami was
forcibly if politely told to leave them alone as Minako's motherly pride
blinded her to Kimeko's errors.

Usagi and Makoto worked well off of each other. Both had similar
troubles but after applying themselves, managed to get through math,
their least favorite subject. Usagi was determined to do it not only
because of Chibi-Usa and now Misako but also because Makoto was doing
it. Makoto for her part had found a sense of confidence in Sakuya.
Something that blossomed there, her academic grades were certainly not
up to Ami's level but now only Minako was the trailer. This was a secret
pleasure for Usagi; she wasn't at the bottom of the heap anymore! She
wouldn't tease her blond haired friend about it because she knew what it
felt like. Usagi hoped that Kimeko's presence would similarly motivate
Minako.

                                  ******

Tuesday afternoon found Usagi preparing to take a large bite out of her
afternoon snack when a knock came at the door. <Great!> Usagi thought
irritated, <Wouldn't you know it!> She waited to see if the person would
go away but the knock came again. Sighing, Usagi got up and walked to
the door. Opening it she saw Minako standing there. "Minako-chan?!? I
thought you'd be with Kimeko."

"Um... could I talk to you, Usagi-chan?" Minako asked nervously. After
Usagi waved her friend in she stepped into the house, removed her shoes,
and put on the guest slippers placed by the door. She went over to the
table and sat down with a sigh.

"Minako-chan, what's wrong?" Usagi asked. <I hope this doesn't take
long. I'm starving!> Usagi thought as she pushed her snack off to the
side. "Where's Kimeko?"

"Where's everyone?" Minako asked.

"Mom and Dad took Misako shopping for a bathing suit. Chibi-Usa is off
playing with one of her school friends and Shingo is `apologizing' to
Mika... Now answer my question please." <What's bothering her?>

"Kimeko and Sakuya are planning a trip," Minako said somewhat testily,
"I offered to help but Kimeko just gave me a funny look."

"Nani? What do you mean `funny look'?" She felt her stomach growl.

Minako rested her elbows on the table and then placed her chin in her
hands, "Oh well... Like at practice Saturday morning, she readily
followed Sakuya's instructions but not MINE!"

Usagi couldn't help but smile a little, "Oh come on, Minako-chan, are
you telling me you're jealous?!?" <That wonderful sandwich is spoiling
for this?>

"Hai!" Minako fairly barked out, "I'm her mother!"

"Iie, you're her cousin," Usagi corrected, and then giggled at the scowl
Minako gave her. "There has to be something else."

"Hai, Kimeko doesn't have any confidence in her abilities. Sakuya says
she has potential, I can see it... or rather I think I can see it.  But
what really bugs me the most is that Kimeko just can't talk to me. She
stays real quiet. Something's bothering her!  I can tell but she won't
talk to me." <I'm her mother! She should be able to open up to me...
even if we are supposed to be cousins I can help her! I want to help
her!> Minako's eyes were beginning to get moist.

"Minako-chan," Usagi started after a considerable pause, "Kimeko's
having a hard time adjusting to you."

"Nani!?!? What do you...."

"Please just let me finish," Usagi interrupted, "What I mean is that
Kimeko only knows one Minako, that's HER MOTHER.  Unlike Chibi-Usa who
only found out near the end of her last stay who I actually was.
Chibi-Usa got time to make an adjustment to our er... `roles'."

Minako pondered this, "So you're saying that Kimeko is confused,
Usagi-chan? She did say something like that. I don't know... She keeps
giving me these really strange looks though. As if she can't quite
believe I'm doing something."

"Don't we all do that?" Usagi asked. Minako gave her an odd look so
Usagi continued, "I mean I do that when Mom and Dad do weird things that
I THINK they shouldn't be doing... Chibi-Usa does the same thing with
me, although not as much." <I'm not sure if that's a good sign though.>

"I guess... Say did Chibi-Usa ever get a good night's sleep?"

"Hai, last night," Usagi responded and wrinkled her nose, "You know I
wish I knew what she had been watching. Something gave her terrible
nightmares but they seem to have gone away. I'm getting worried. She's
been acting weird too, like she was expecting something to grab her."

"You said the nightmares went away... What about the weird bit?"

"Something happened Friday," Usagi reasoned, "But all I can think of is
the Lemure. That would be a strange thing to stop a nightmare. She's
fought plenty of them before. Maybe it was because Kimeko was with her,
ne?"

"Hai!" Minako agreed, "Kimeko was worried because she froze up under
pressure; she couldn't kill the thing. So Chibi-Usa stopped the nervous
behavior after Friday?"

"Hai... but she hasn't said anything," Usagi mused. "Hey!!! Where'd my
snack go?!?!"

"Gomen," Minako giggled out. She chuckled harder as Usagi glared at her.

                                  ******

"Miko-chan, time for your bath and then off to bed," Ikuko declared,
"Come on, I don't want any arguments about it either." She was standing
in the doorway of Chibi-Usa's bedroom.

Even before Misako could put up a protest Usagi had walked over and
picked the little girl up. "I'll give you a bath, Miko-chan, and then I
can read you a story."

"Onii-chan read me story?" Misako questioned. <He like me now.>

"Maybe. Chibi-Usa-chan, why don't you come have your bath too? The
furo's big enough for both of you," Usagi suggested. Chibi-Usa at first
didn't look thrilled with the idea but nodded and followed her mother
and sister into the bathroom. Not more than ten minutes later both
sisters were soaking in the warmth supplied by the furo. They both
seemed to enjoy it.

"Mommy, I want fur-o!" Misako declared, "Better than tub!"

"I'll think about it," Usagi replied. <I can't answer for my future
self.> Misako frowned. She had heard that response before and didn't
like it one bit. "Misako, you have to stop telling people that we're
Senshi." <Might as well get it over with. The `Mommy' thing is going to
take some more drastic measures. I'll get the easiest one out of the way
first.>

"BUT WHY!?!?" Misako whined. "Mommy, everybody know you Queen and Daddy
King. Everybody know about S'nshi."

"Miko-chan, are we at home?" Chibi-Usa jumped in before Usagi could say
anything. <It worked once. Maybe I can do it again.>

"Iie, we not at home. This Sobo's house," Misako stated. <I live in BIG
house!>

"Right, well here it's a secret," Chibi-Usa said, "We're not allowed to
tell anyone."

"Secret? Not tell?!?" Misako questioned. Her features took on a slightly
worried look, "But why?"

"Obaa-san doesn't know about the secret," Chibi-Usa answered, "We can't
tell anyone."

Misako gave this some thought, "It bad to tell?" she questioned,
nervousness tingeing her voice.

Chibi-Usa gulped slightly, <Great! Well... either I lie and ruin my plan
or...> "Hai, worse than fibbing," Chibi-Usa blurted out, "But Mommy
isn't mad at you because you didn't know that it was a secret!"

"Hai! I'm not mad at you, Misako," Usagi reassured her daughter. Misako
appeared to be thinking about what she had just been told so Usagi
continued, "Miko-chan, promise me you won't tell anybody else that we
are Senshi?"

"I promise," Misako said, "I happy you S'nshi! I want everybody to
know!" She giggled as Usagi went to hug her and fell head first into the
water, "FUNNY MOMMY!!!" Misako crowed gleefully. Even Chibi-Usa had to
laugh at the sight but was guarding her mirth well.

                                  ******

"Mommy, can Onii come too?" Misako asked Wednesday morning as the
Tsukino's ate breakfast. "Onii-chan, you come with me to beach?"

"Iie Peanut," Shingo said, "I don't think so."

"Yeah Miko-chan this is a girls day only. Only Mamoru is coming with us
to drive one of the vans." Usagi heard her father give a guttural growl
as she mentioned Mamoru's name but Kenji didn't say anything else.

"Please Mommy? Onii has to come," Misako begged, "He like me now so he
come and play with me!" She missed the grimace that Shingo gave at the
mention of playing with her. "Please Mommy, Onii be good."

"Iie Misako, Shingo-kun doesn't want to come," Usagi said sternly.

"If Onii not go, then I not go," Misako stated defiantly and crossed her
arms. Chibi-Usa was watching with some fascination. Misako was becoming
bolder towards her mother and THAT was unusual. Somehow she sensed that
Mommy wasn't as unwavering as in the future.

"But the others will miss you, Misako," Usagi reasoned, "Kimeko will
wonder where you are. Do you want people to feel sad that you aren't
there?"

Misako gave this some consideration but before she could say anything
Shingo piped in, "K-Kime-" He started to squeak and cleared his throat,
"Kimeko's going to be there?"

"Hai, why?" Chibi-Usa asked.

"I only go if Onii go!" Misako stated firmly.

"Hai, I'll come," Shingo said hurriedly, "I mean why spoil the little
kid's fun. Otherwise she isn't going to go because I'm not. I wasn't
going to do anything today..." <Except visit Mika.> "So I can come along
and try to make the best of it."

"That's very nice of you, Shingo," Ikuko proudly said. <Maybe he and
Misako are finally making a connection.>

Usagi snickered but didn't say anything. She new exactly why Shingo was
coming along... KIMEKO! Misako for her part was overjoyed and started to
bounce up and down with glee. Chibi-Usa gave a groan of resignation and
decided now was a good time to leave the room.

                                  ******

Shingo was in heaven! Well the only let down was the other people in the
van with him. Mamoru was driving with Usagi in the front seat beside
him. The seat at the back was occupied by Chibi-Usa and Misako. Shingo
gave a silent prayer to Kami-sama for sending Misako his way. <Peanut, I
love you!> Shingo crowed to himself, <That you invited, no DEMANDED, I
come along was great! I'm actually physically sitting beside her!> The
middle seat held Minako beside the window then Shingo and then Kimeko.
<Sitting beside two fully loaded blonde goddesses!> Kimeko for her part
was trying hard not to laugh at the insane leer that seemed permanently
plastered on Shingo's face.

Following right behind the first van was a second one being driven by
Sakuya. With Makoto riding in the front. Ami and Rei were in the next
seat. All the gear plus the food was in the back of the van. Everyone
insisted it would be safer this way. They didn't want either Usagi to
get her collective "paws" on it before lunch time.

The trip to the beach was fairly routine, for a pack of young ladies,
two outnumbered young men, and two small children. It was a very loud,
boisterous affair to say the least. Making their way onto the beach
proper was like having royalty visit. Every man that was on the beach
seemed to stop and follow the procession of bathing beauties as they
made their way down to a large enough place. Mamoru for his part was
particularly aware of the women who were focusing all their attention on
him, or were openly berating their husbands or boyfriends for ogling
anything but them!

The morning passed uneventfully. As the beach wasn't overly crowded they
had an enjoyable time. Lunch in itself was a feast to behold. It was the
afternoon that started the incidents. Misako and Chibi-Usa had wandered
down to the water's edge to wait until they could go back swimming
again. Usagi had been firm that one hour should pass, no less, before
they could go into the water otherwise they couldn't go in anymore
period.

The two small girls decided to build a sand castle while they waited.
They were busily constructing it when a shadow fell over Chibi-Usa.
Getting up and whirling around in surprise she came nose to nose with a
young boy of her own age. After two heartbeats she blushed brightly.
Taking an involuntary step backwards, Chibi-Usa neatly severed a spire
that Misako had been trying to build.

Ignoring Misako's squawks of protest Chibi-Usa squeaked, "K-konnichiwa!"

"Konnichiwa," the boy said, "That's a great castle. Could you help me
build one?"

"HAI!" Chibi-Usa exclaimed. <Kawaii!!!!>

"Really?! Great, come on then," he said and started leading Chibi-Usa
away.

"But Onee-chan!" Misako protested, "I come too!"

"Iie, you stay here," Chibi-Usa instructed, "You can still build this
one." She started to hurry after the boy but was brought up short by
Misako who had grabbed her arm, "Misako, let go!"

"Iie, I wanna come!" Misako protested, "Please Onee-chan! I be good! I
help! Promise!"

"IIE, now let go!" <He's getting away!> With that Chibi-Usa yanked her
trapped arm and pushed with her other arm. After freeing herself she
took off at a run to catch up with the boy.

Misako stumbled back crushing the sand castle before landing with a thud
on her rear. She sat there for a moment before starting to sniffle. She
sniffled a little louder when she saw that the castle wasn't anything
more now then the pile of sand they'd started with. <Onee mean! She not
want me!>

"Hey what's the matter, Peanut?" Shingo asked coming up from behind
Misako. Misako just sat there and sniffled. Shingo walked around in
front of her and noting that Kimeko was watching him, he picked Misako
up.

"Onii-chan, Onee knocked down the castle!" Misako sadly sniffled out,
"She not wanna play with me!" She wrapped her arms around Shingo and
started to cry softly. Shingo was at a loss so he simply hugged Misako.

<She's coming this way!> Shingo thought spotting Kimeko walking towards
them. "Peanut, what if I help you build a better one?" Shingo offered
quickly. <Please agree! Kimeko should love me for helping Misako like
this.>

Misako sniffled and then looked at Shingo, "Really Onii-chan? You not go
away?"

"Hai, really. I won't go away!"

"What's the matter, Miko-chan?" Kimeko demanded. Her features changed as
she listened to Misako relating the events. "I'll go tell Usagi," Kimeko
stated, "Arigato, Shingo-kun. You're the greatest." With that Kimeko
went off to locate Usagi.

<I'm the greatest! She LIKES me!!!> Shingo thought. He blushed brightly,
and felt almost like fainting. Misako soon knocked him back to his
senses as she started talking about what they were going to do. Shingo
gave one more look Kimeko's way before turning back to the task at hand.

                                  ******

"My name's Suzoko Michael," the boy introduced himself.

<What an interesting name...> Chibi-Usa thought and then flushed as she
remembered that he was waiting for her name. "I-I'm Tsukino Usagi but
everybody calls me Chibi-Usa."

"That's a kawaii name," Michael remarked. Chibi-Usa was blushed into
silence but that didn't really matter. They walked down the beach for a
few minutes before coming to a rather dilapidated Castle. "Well this is
it... so where do we start first?"

"Tear it down!" Chibi-Usa commanded, "We must have space for the biggest
castle we can."

"As you command, My Princess," Michael replied and gave a mock bow. This
just caused Chibi-Usa to giggle. "I think I've seen you around school,
Chibi-Usa-chan." Michael studied Chibi-Usa for several seconds before
saying, "Hai! You are at my school. You must be in a different class."

Chibi-Usa was rather thrilled that this KAWAII boy actually went to her
school. <He's certainly a lot better than most of the boys in my class.
I wonder if any of the other girls like him? Maybe Momo knows him.>

                                  ******

Usagi was not pleased to hear what Chibi-Usa did. Walking over to Misako
she said, "Honey, are you okay?"

"Hai, Mommy! Onii-chan help me build castle, better than Onee-chan!"
Misako declared happily, "Can I go swimming?" she asked, looking up at
her mother. <I hot! Want Onii-chan play more with me.>

"Maybe after you finish building your castle. It's almost time for your
nap, honey." Usagi turned to Shingo, "Arigato Shingo. Please watch
Misako. I'll be right back. I'm going to get Chibi-Usa."

Shingo blinked in surprise and watched as his sister walked down the
beach. <Why's she thanking me?!?> he wondered, <Does she actually think
I enjoy playing with Misako!?!? I mean she's okay but...> Shingo
grimaced at that idea, <Well at least she isn't making fun of me.>

Usagi walked for a while, searching for her daughter. <Making Misako
cry! Going off and not telling me! I thought MY daughter would know
better.> The day's heat and Chibi-Usa's behavior was combining to make
Usagi annoyed. By the time she caught up with her daughter, Usagi was
extremely upset. "Chibi-Usa!!! You get your butt back to where we are
this instant!" Usagi bellowed to her wayward daughter.

Chibi-Usa whirled around and glared at Usagi as the older girl
approached before turning her back on Usagi. This just caused Usagi to
become even more enraged. She stormed around to loom in front of
Chibi-Usa.

"Who are you?!?" the young boy demanded.

"I am..." Usagi started but was interrupted by Chibi-Usa.

"She's my BAKA ODANGO ATAMA annoying cousin!" Chibi-Usa declared, "See
COUSIN, now that I'm safe, you can LEAVE! I thought you'd be gloating
over Mamoru!"

"Young lady, I said to go back... NOW!" Usagi's nostrils flared as she
placed her hands on her hips. "You made your sister cry! I thought you
liked Misako..."

"My imouto's just as annoying a fungus as you are!" Chibi-Usa countered,
"I don't have to listen to you. I mean you're ONLY my COUSIN and a
distant one at that!" Chibi-Usa stood up and walked over to Usagi, "Now
I'll go when I'm ready."

"Maybe you should go, Chibi-Usa-chan," Michael suggested, "You know I
wouldn't want you to get into trouble with your family. Hey listen,
Miss, it was my fault. I asked her if she'd like to help me."

"Stay out of this!" both Usagis snapped.

"Tsukino Usagi, are you going to come back with me?" Usagi ground out
through clenched teeth. She was trying her best to control her anger
that she could feel rising within her.

"IIE!" Chibi-Usa declared, "Like I said, you ARE NOT my MOTHER so I
don't HAVE to listen to YOU!!!" Chibi-Usa's voice came out dripping with
sarcasm and an aloof air. <I've showed her who's boss. Now she'll leave
me alone.>

Usagi clenched her fists together, her knuckles turning white, and
stalked down the beach away from the smirking Chibi-Usa. She was soon
lost to sight and Chibi-Usa turned back to her work.

"Ah, er... are you sure you won't get into trouble?" Michael asked, "I
mean she IS older than you, Chibi-Usa-chan." <She was very mean to her
cousin.>

"She's my BAKA ODANGO ATAMA cousin who has an IQ that's my shoe size,"
Chibi-Usa quipped, "Forget about her... Now are we going to talk about
that baka or continue to build?"

"Build!" Michael declared, "This is a pretty cool castle. Say how'd you
ever come up with an idea like this?"

Chibi-Usa just smiled, with Michael's help, along with Luna-P's power
they were making a model of the Crystal Palace. Setting back to work
they continued the tedious and time consuming process of building the
castle with sand.

"Shoot!" Chibi-Usa suddenly declared after a few moments, "I should have
asked her for some money, I'm thirsty."

"Well why don't we go get a drink? I'll pay," Michael offered.

"Arigato, Michael-kun," Chibi-Usa said and started to get up, "I..."
Chibi-Usa trailed off and stared down the beach. She was turning a light
shade of white, her mouth opening and closing. "Uh oh!" she finally
squeaked out.

"Nani?" Michael asked trying to see what she was worried about. Then he
noticed that her `cousin' was heading back their way but this time she
had a guy with her. <Maybe that's Chibi-Usa's uncle.>

Before either child could do anything Mamoru and Usagi were back on the
scene. Usagi said in a tightly controlled manner, "Chibi-Usa, this is
your last chance. Are you going to be big and act your age or are you
going to be a little kid?"

"Mamo-chan!" Chibi-Usa whined out, "You can't mean your actually going
to help this baka!?!?" The look that she got from Mamoru caused her to
take a step back and gulp. "I'm fine. You both know where I am... Talk
to her, Mamo-chan, please! I don't want to hang around with my baby
sister. I'm having fun here!"

"I guess that means, CHIBI-Usa, you're going to be a little kid," Usagi
reasoned and nodded to Mamoru. <I expected you to be more responsible.>

What Mamoru did caused Chibi-Usa to blush deeply and she was shocked
motionless for several seconds. He walked over, hefted Chibi-Usa up,
placed her over his shoulder in a firefighter's carry, and started
heading down the beach again. Michael started to protest but then saw
the look that Usagi was giving him. After the initial surprise,
Chibi-Usa started to protest the treatment.

"You're a traitor, Mamoru!" Chibi-Usa howled while flailing with arms
and legs to get free, "You took baka Usagi's side over mine!?!?"

Giving a grunt of pain as Chibi-Usa's knee drove into his chest, Mamoru
stopped and rotated Chibi-Usa so her head was facing the same direction
in which they were walking. After getting a firm grip on the still
squirming child, Mamoru said in a low calm voice, "Chibi-Usa, you're
acting like a little kid. Little kids are treated differently. Now if
you don't want to attract attention, stop protesting."

Chibi-Usa gave this some consideration and then subsided. <I'm so
embarrassed! What will Michael think?!> Trying to hide her face she was
carried unceremoniously down the beach while blushing furiously. <It's
just not fair!> she thought hotly, <You just wait, Usagi! Misako, this
is all your fault! Baka little crybaby fungus!> The more she thought
about her predicament the more anger built up inside her. She had nearly
reached the breaking point when she realized she was now standing on the
ground. Mamoru had one hand on her shoulder while the others looked on
with some fascination.

"Here," Usagi said flatly holding out Chibi-Usa's clothes, "Go get
changed. You won't be going swimming anymore today."

"That's not fair!" Chibi-Usa protested, "Just because I wasn't playing
with Misako doesn't mean I should get punished!"

"You aren't being punished for not playing with Misako," Usagi retorted.
She was about to add more when Chibi-Usa broke in.

"Bullshit!" Chibi-Usa snapped, "She cries and I get the blame!" <Misako
never gets in trouble and I do one little thing and they go ballistic.>

Usagi's patience snapped, "Mamoru-kun, could you come with me and bring
Chibi-Usa along." With that she took Chibi-Usa's clothing and headed for
the changing area. Mamoru complied and lifted Chibi-Usa up again.

"Wait! What are you going to do!?!?" Chibi-Usa squawked out, but there
was no reply forthcoming.

The trio made their way to the change room. Stopping outside the women's
area, Usagi waited until Mamoru had set Chibi-Usa down before saying,
"Chibi-Usa, you have a choice. Consider carefully what you say next.
Either you can change yourself or I change you myself."

<She wouldn't dare.> If Chibi-Usa had one failing, it was her
stubbornness. This was a trait she had inherited from her mother.
Drawing herself up to her full height she sneered out, "Oh yeah! You and
what army?"

Quick as a wink Usagi snagged Chibi-Usa's arm and drew the squirming
little girl into the women's change room. The noises that ensued left
hardly anything to the imagination for Mamoru. Chibi-Usa had thought she
was embarrassed before but now was totally mortified as her mother first
stripped off her bathing suit and then proceeded to dress her like a
little kid. After the bathing suit was removed Chibi-Usa resigned
herself to the fact that she was going to be dressed. In an attempt to
ward off further embarrassment, she tried to dress herself and was
stopped by Usagi. Usagi never spoke a word; she just stayed steadfast at
her task. At the end Usagi and Chibi-Usa were alone in the change room.
Chibi-Usa was sulking in a corner while shooting hostile looks at Usagi.

"There now," Usagi finally said, "Chibi-Usa-chan, let's go back to the
beach. If you had came and asked us, it would have been different but
you left Misako in tears and took off with a stranger." <Why can't she
understand it was wrong to take off like that and I was worried about
her?>

"He wasn't a stranger and Misako just sucks up to you," Chibi-Usa
growled out, "She's pulling the wool over your eyes, Usagi, and you're
falling for it!" Getting up Chibi-Usa stomped past Usagi and exited the
change room. Usagi followed a few seconds later.

"Chibi-Usa-chan, where are you going? We're over this way," Usagi asked
pointing in the opposite direction that Chibi-Usa was headed.

Not stopping Chibi-Usa defiantly stated, "I'm going back to Michael, at
least HE appreciates me!"

Mamoru saw Usagi bristle, <Better stop this before they get back to a
point like when Chibi-Usa first arrived.> "I'll get her," Mamoru offered
to Usagi and ran after Chibi-Usa. Quickly catching up to the little girl
Mamoru stopped her. "Small Lady," Mamoru said in a low voice, "You're
acting like a little kid. Now Usagi told you to come back with us."
Mamoru squatted down so he could look at Chibi-Usa, "Are you eight or
three? If you are eight, then come back with us," Mamoru paused, "Usagi
was going to come after you but I stopped her. I hate to see you two
fight. Please, at least for me, don't make me choose between you and
Usagi. It would hurt too much."

Chibi-Usa sighed, "Hai." Taking the hand Mamoru offered. She,
reluctantly, allowed herself to be led back to Usagi and then back
towards the group's site.



Chapter 18 - A Day at the Beach Part 2

When Chibi-Usa had taken off down the beach with a strange boy, Minako
came out of the water and walked up the beach to sit down beside Sakuya.
She watched with the older woman as Kimeko informed Usagi what Chibi-Usa
had done to her sister. After giving Usagi the necessary information
Kimeko then headed down to play with Misako and Shingo.

Minako gave a sigh and turned to the older woman, "Sako-chan, can I ask
you something?"

"Hai," Sakuya replied stretching out on her beach towel, "Minako-chan,
you sound worried. I assume you're thinking about Kimeko?"

"How-how'd you know?" Minako asked, "Well something had already been
bothering Kimeko but something on Friday made her even more upset. She
doesn't think she's any good." <I don't know why. She doesn't believe me
when I say that she WILL get better! I remember what Usagi was like when
I first met her.>

Sakuya rolled over to her side and looked at Minako who was sitting
beside her, "Simple really. I've had this conversation before."

"You mean that you've had this conversation with me in the future?"

"Hai. When Kimeko started her training, for the longest time, she tried
too hard. She was defeating herself." Sakuya gave a sigh, <I was like
that... Always wanting to be THE ultimate Senshi... Strange how things
change.> "Maybe you're worried that she isn't looking to you for
guidance?"

"Hai! That's exactly it. I... Hey, Usagi-chan, what happened?" Minako
asked as a boiling Usagi came stalking towards them.

"Nothing. Where's Mamoru?!" Usagi demanded.

"I think he went to the washroom. Where's Chibi-Usa-chan?" <Kami-sama,
she looks mad enough to spit nails! I wonder what happened?>

"I'm going to need Mamoru to get her back!" Usagi snarled and then
stalked towards the washroom.

Minako and Sakuya watched for several seconds before shrugging, "Aren't
you going to work your magic, Sako-chan?" Minako asked Sakuya.

"Nani?"

"I mean you usually carry more weight than Usagi when it comes to
Chibi-Usa. Aren't you going to do anything?"

"Iie," Sakuya answered. <If there is anything I've learned, it's not to
get between an angry Serenity and her daughter. I've seen that look.>
"Anyway, back to your problem..."

"Oh... Oh yeah, I was going to say that I tried to convince Kimeko that
she was going to get better but she seemed to be skeptical about that."
Minako cocked her head and asked, "By the way, I wanted to ask you why
does Kimeko look to you for direction instead of me?" <I mean I'm her
mother and Commander of the Senshi too.>

Sakuya paused to watch as Mamoru and Usagi stalked off down the beach
together, <My little Princess is going to be one VERY sorry little
girl!> "You're her mother, Minako-chan. Kimeko thinks that you're saying
it just because of that fact. Sorta like mom's never say anything
negative." <Yeah right!!!> "As to the other, chain of command. She's a
Younger so takes orders from me. I get them from you," she paused and
winked at Minako, "Not to say that she wouldn't listen to you but it's a
natural thing to do. In addition, we're in the past so she needs someone
she can talk to without messing up the timeline."

Minako was silent for several moments before saying, "That makes sense.
Arigato, Sako-chan. I can see why we are friends. Say wanna come for a
swim?"

"Iie, I'm going to go change. I have a feeling that Chibi-Usa's going to
need a friend."

"Hai, ja ne!" Minako chirped and bounded down towards Kimeko who was
chuckling at something.

                                  ******

Chibi-Usa sat in silence on the blanket. Her legs drawn up and arms
wrapped around them, head on knees. She glared at Misako who was taking
a nap in the shade of the large umbrella while Usagi and Mamoru were out
in the water. Chibi-Usa had first formulated a plot for revenge but then
dismissed it. So now she sat and wondered what Michael must have
thought.

"Hi, Small Lady," Sakuya said sitting down beside Chibi-Usa.

"Hi." Chibi-Usa said flatly.

"Aren't I still your friend?"

Chibi-Usa straightened up, sighed, and looked at the older woman before
saying softly, "Hai, I guess so." Seeing Sakuya's frown she continued,
"Aren't you mad at me too, Sakuya?"

"Well I've done crazier things before," Sakuya admitted, "I'm not mad at
you." <But I'm very disappointed.> "I can understand why Usagi's mad
though." Sakuya wrapped a comforting arm around Chibi-Usa and hugged her
charge, "Hai, I certainly can."

"Usagi embarrassed me!" Chibi-Usa thumped the ground, "Right in front of
HIM she dragged Mamoru down there and had him carry me back!" Chibi-Usa
sagged, <Michael's probably laughing at me right now! He must think I'm
a baby.> She gave a sigh before saying, "I don't think it could have
gotten much worse."

"Oh I think it could have," Sakuya quipped. Chibi-Usa raised her head
and sent a questioning look at her friend, "Think about it,
Chibi-Usa-chan, what could Usagi have done... What would she have done
if you had acted like this when you were here before?"

<Nani? When I was here before... I wasn't at the beach before.>
Chibi-Usa struggled to get the meaning. <When I was... OH!> she suddenly
thought, <When I came back to the past the first time. Well back then
she would have...> Chibi-Usa blushed a deep red, a picture of what
happened to her that very first day in her mind. It wasn't the only time
either. "Hai! It would have been much worse but I still don't get why
she's so angry, Sako-chan. I mean she found me. I didn't REALLY hurt
Misako." <She just cried a little bit.>

"Small Lady, I'm ashamed of you!" Sakuya said shocked, "Are you becoming
as callous as those two `Outer-grunts'?!?" Chibi-Usa took on a surprised
expression, "Think about it. Physical pain isn't the only type there is.
You can hurt feelings too. That can be worse. You hurt Misako's
feelings. It hurt her even more because she LOOKS up to you as an onee!"

"Oh yeah," Chibi-Usa squeaked, giving a nervous laugh, "I guess I take
that for granted." <Gomen nasai, Imouto.>

"As for Usagi, she's your mother," Sakuya stated in a lower voice, "She
was probably worried about you. It is very dangerous walking off and not
telling us. What if someone tried to grab you? It happened before."

"But they don't know I'm a Senshi," Chibi-Usa reasoned.

"That doesn't matter one bit!" Sakuya nearly snarled out, "There are
sick people in the world, Chibi-Usa-chan, and some of them would do
anything. I won't always be around either to stop them." <It won't be
long either before I'm gone.>

"I guess I didn't think," Chibi-Usa admitted. <Maybe Usagi was right.
Maybe she was just worried about me. I would be if she was lost.> "Hai,
so Usagi cares but she didn't have to go ballistic on me! I mean she
treated me as if I was Misako's age."

"And I suppose you were a perfect angel?" Sakuya asked while pinning
Chibi-Usa with a look that just dared her to lie.

"Errr... well..."

                                  ******

Usagi floated in the water with her head against Mamoru's shoulder. She
let a sigh escape her. Mamoru chuckled softly and wrapped an arm around
her. "Don't go to sleep, Usako, I wouldn't want you to drown."

"I couldn't sleep. Was I wrong, Mamo-chan?" Usagi asked, "Am I just
kidding myself?" Usagi reached up and wrapped her arm around Mamoru's
neck. <Does she hate me? She barely talked to me and, when she did, she
only called me Usagi... I know she's really mad but will this split us
apart? How could I live with that?> There were the beginnings of tears
in Usagi's eyes.

"You mean about Chibi-Usa?" Mamoru asked. Usagi gave a nod, "Iie Usako.
I think you were right in going and getting her. I think you could have
worded things differently though." <But considering what Chibi-Usa said
I don't blame you a bit for what you did.>

"So I was too harsh? A cruel mother?" Usagi asked rolling over and stood
on the bottom. <She WILL hate me! Even Mamoru thinks I went overboard.>
She looked at Mamoru with a sad expression, tears beginning to flow down
her cheeks.

"Now, Usako, you're just being overly dramatic. Considering how
Chibi-Usa reacted I don't think your actions were unjust but I do think
that you might have handled it more `diplomatically'."

"So what do I do?" Usagi said, "I mean I am still angry with her and I'm
disappointed in her. She upset Misako." <She said I wasn't her mother...
just some distant cousin.> She laid her head on Mamoru's shoulder to try
hide the continuing tears in her eyes.

"And you never upset Shingo?" Mamoru asked.

"THAT was different, Mamo-chan," Usagi admonished, "Usually it was the
other way around."

"Hai, so go and talk to Chibi-Usa. Apologize for HANDLING it the way you
did and EXPLAIN why you did it. She's old enough to understand." <I bet
she's as miserable right now as you are, Usako.> He bent and raised her
head before kissing her deeply, ignoring the cat calls from Minako who
was on the beach.

                                  ******

A little while after Usagi had brought her wayward daughter back from
the changing area, Kimeko was finding out just how wayward her mother
could be. Minako had come to ask Kimeko to swim with her. Thinking this
was a good idea, they had started out into the water when a pair of
young men approached them.

"Kawaii!" Minako declared softly, "Look at those bodies!"

"Mom!" Kimeko whined out softly, "You're happily married!" <I can't
believe how you've been acting around boys.>

"Iie, I'm not... I'm turning into an old maid!" Minako retorted and
headed towards the approaching young men.

Kimeko hurried after her mother to try and prevent a catastrophe as she
saw it. <That's all I need! Some guy being related to me... I can't
think of any of my relations as DATE material!> By the time she reached
her mother, Minako was going into serious flirt mode. <MOM!! If she
doesn't calm down...> Kimeko suddenly started to become aware that both
men had stopped staring at Minako and now were turning their attention
onto herself. Minako wasn't happy at the turn of events.

Shingo who was watching from the beach groaned, <I doomed! She'll go out
with one of them! All this playing with Misako and `pretending' to like
it for nothing!>

"So, babe, what would you say to a ride in my car?" the apparent leader
of the male duo asked, "You're a beautiful sight in that bathing suit."

Kimeko noted that Minako was turning an interesting shade of red. <I
wonder if that's anger or embarrassment?> "Forget it, I'm a one man
woman!" <I just don't know who it is yet.>

"Isn't that a song?" Minako broke in, the others turned to look at her.
Minako batted her eyelids. <What are you doing, Kimeko?!? Play along
these nice handsome hunks are just my type! We can EACH have one!>

"Oh come on, baby, you look energetic enough to handle more than one
man."

"Minako-chan, let's get out of here."

"Iie, we just met... be polite, Kimeko-chan," Minako admonished, "You
know we don't know how long you're visiting for so maybe a date wouldn't
hurt you." <Wouldn't hurt me either. Just shut up, Kimeko. Look at those
bodies... They must be high school seniors!>

"Kimeko... That's a pretty name. So, Kimeko-chan, let's say we go up the
beach and get us an ice cream? My friend will entertain Minako." His
companion wasn't so sure. Minako was beautiful but seemed like a kid in
comparison to Kimeko.

"Hai!" Minako interceded with hearts in her eyes, "You two go on."
<PLEASE GO!>

"I'll only say this once, BOTH OF YOU TAKE A HIKE! I'm dedicated to one
man! So is Minako, in fact she's MARRIED to him." Kimeko smirked as she
let the bomb drop, "Now go peddle your inferior wares somewhere else!"

Having been thoroughly chastised the two males slunk off. No one noticed
Shingo give a silent cheer from his observation post. <I still have a
chance!!!> he thought, <I still have a chance!!!>

"I can't believe you did that," Minako whined.  <Some daughter you are.>

"I can't believe YOU did that," Kimeko retorted, "You're a married
woman... neither one of them was DAD either!"

"KIMEKO!" Minako growled, "Has it ever occurred to you that I am not
married in the past? Have you ever seen a husband around my home?!?"

"Err... Iie," Kimeko squeaked as she started to flush.

"THAT'S RIGHT!" Minako yelled, "I don't even have a boyfriend! Why did
you just go and do what you did???"

"Mom... Minako-chan, listen, you are a happily married woman where I
come from. I might have overreacted but those guys were sleaze-bags."

"Would have meant a date," Minako grumbled out.

"Don't worry. You don't get married until..." Kimeko suddenly stopped
and clamped her hands over her mouth. <Oops!>

"You mean I have several years to go!?!" Minako asked dramatically.
<I wonder who he is? What he looks like?>

Kimeko sighed and flopped into the water splashing Minako in the
process. It had the desired effect. In short, it got them off the topic
of boys and on the topic of a good water fight that eventually drew in
Rei, Ami, and Makoto as each in turn made a vain attempt to stop it.

                                  ******

"Young Lady, let's go for a little walk," Usagi ordered. The sun was
getting low in the west. She had gone and changed after having been
mercilessly assaulted in the water fight several minutes ago. Her hair
was a wet matted mess. Mamoru and Shingo were with Misako playing a game
of "water tag" along with most of the other girls. Makoto and Sakuya had
gone off saying that they spotted the two boys that they had dates with.
Usagi had given a snort at that idea.

"Hai," Chibi-Usa replied softly and got up nervously and reluctantly
followed Usagi down the beach a little ways. She wanted to ask what
Usagi was doing but was too scared to. <What's going on?!?> Chibi-Usa
thought, <I thought she was still mad at me. Maybe she is going to spank
me!>

After a brisk ten minute walk, in which Usagi collected her thoughts
while Chibi-Usa worried about her fate, they finally came to a secluded
area with large flat stones. Hopping up on one, Usagi sat down, her feet
just off the ground. The rock's surface was still warm from the
afternoon sun but not overly so. Patting the rock to one side of her
Usagi indicated that Chibi-Usa should sit down. Tentatively Chibi-Usa
complied but wasn't happy about being in arm's reach.

"Are... are you still angry, Usagi?" Chibi-Usa finally asked.

"Hai," Usagi said, "Chibi-Usa... I-I wanted to apologize for saying some
things that shouldn't have been said. I know that I embarrassed you.
Gomen nasai. I know I could have handle that better; it's no excuse but
you made me very angry. I was worried about you. I thought you were more
responsible than that. When you do things like that it makes me wonder
if I can trust you," Usagi sniffled silently, "I-I hope you don't hate
me, Chibi-Usa-chan."

There was silence for a long moment. Usagi worked up her courage to look
at Chibi-Usa, the young girl was sitting stone still, not moving a
muscle. Then ever so slowly Chibi-Usa's bottom lip began to tremble. It
started out small but grew and finally a strangled sob emerged from her
mouth. Usagi, feeling terrible, reached out to comfort her daughter but
the little girl jerked away.

"HOW COULD YOU!?!?" Chibi-Usa shouted in anger while leaping from her
position and whirling to face Usagi. "HOW COULD YOU?!?!?" she demanded
again, two streams of tears were visible now as hot angry tears
moistened her face.

Usagi in her confusion took Chibi-Usa's meaning at face value and
reiterated, "Chibi-Usa-chan, I am very sorry for what I did to you. I
didn't mean to embarrass you." <Please Chibi-Usa.>

"IIE!!!" Chibi-Usa yelled back, "How could you think that I would hate
you?" <I love you, Mommy!>

Usagi blinked in confusion for several seconds before saying, "But
Chibi-Usa-chan, didn't you say I was only your `COUSIN'?!? That I wasn't
your mother?!?"

The twisted, enraged look melted away to a horrified expression.
Chibi-Usa gave another sob and sunk down to the warm sand, <I said
that... I said it and I meant it.> Chibi-Usa thought in numb confusion,
<What will happen to the timeline? I don't want to lose Usagi but...
She's my mommy. The only mommy I'd ever want.> She felt warm comforting
arms wrap around her and lift her up into a reassuring embrace. After a
few minutes she calmed down, resting her head against Usagi's shoulder
listening to the soothing words being spoken and feeling a firm loving
hand rub her back. <Mommy...>

"Shhh..." Usagi said calming her daughter, "I love you, little one, and
I always have." She gave Chibi-Usa a kiss and sat her back down
positioning the little girl so she could continue to hug her
comfortably. "Come on, we both had our feelings hurt."

"I..." The words caught in Chibi-Usa's throat and she sniffled for
several seconds. "I love you, Onee-san." She felt a surge of warmth go
through her as Usagi hugged her tightly, "I guess I should have asked
you if I could go with Michael, and..."

"And?" Usagi prodded softly.

"And I guess it wouldn't have hurt me to take Misako along," Chibi-Usa
said, "I'm sorry if I worried you." <Gomen Mommy.>

Usagi stroked Chibi-Usa's hair for a moment before saying, "I'm very
proud of you, Imouto. Why don't you go ask Michael if he'd like to come
and play with you," Usagi suggested, "I mean I think it's kinda kawaii
for MY daughter to have a kawaii boyfriend." <Puppy love is so kawaii. I
remember when...>

"Mommy!" Chibi-Usa hissed out as she blushed, "He isn't my boyfriend!"

<She called me MOMMY!!> "Right," Usagi said in a non-believing tone.
This caused Chibi-Usa to blush an even deeper shade of red, "So are you
going to ask him?"

"So I can go swimming?" Chibi-Usa asked letting go of the hug and
looking at her mother hopefully.

"Don't push your luck, Chibi-Usa-chan," Usagi said firmly, "You still
made your sister cry and took off without permission."

Chibi-Usa's face fell, "But Onee-san, Minako was trying to get a boy. I
mean she was really mad at Kimeko for driving them away!" <She was a lot
worse than me.>

Usagi grimaced, "Honey, that was different."

"But why?!" Chibi-Usa complained, "I mean Minako didn't know who he was.
Is it just because I'm little!?!" <Don't you trust me, Mommy?>

"Iie," Usagi retorted, "The reason it is different is because I'm not
Minako's mother. I still don't approve of what she's been doing lately
and I don't think Minako's mom would either."

"I knew it was because I was eight," Chibi-Usa grumped. <I wish I was
older.>

"Chibi-Usa-chan, it wasn't because you're eight. It's only natural I'd
worry about you. I had to tell my parents where I went when I was
little. I remember once that I wondered off." Chibi-Usa looked up at
Usagi, "Mom was furious when I got back."

<You ran off by yourself?!> "What Ikuko-mama do?!?" Chibi-Usa asked, "I
mean she couldn't have been as mad as you were."

"Wanna bet?" Usagi said, "Mom cried and yelled. I thought I didn't do
anything wrong. I didn't understand she was worried about me." Usagi
grimaced, "Anyway I was punished for taking off. I'm not doing it to be
mean; I know that Misako might have blown the thing out of proportion
but taking off like that..."

"Hai, Onee-san," Chibi-Usa interrupted, "I promise I won't do that
again." <I don't want you to worry about me.>

"You better not or I'll skin you alive!" Usagi growled, "It won't matter
how old you are. You'll give your mother gray hairs... I'm too young!"
<Now I know how Mom feels about being called Obaa-san.>

Chibi-Usa hugged Usagi and said softly, "But you are my mother, Mommy."

"So I am," Usagi giggled out and set Chibi-Usa down. Giving her a light
swat on the rump she said, "Go on, go ask your boyfriend." Chibi-Usa
blushed and hurried away while muttering that Michael wasn't her
boyfriend. Usagi waited a few seconds before shouting, "AND GET HIS
PARENTS' OKAY!" Chibi-Usa's response was to give a backwards wave. Usagi
sighed, <What a kid... and SHE'S mine!!!> That last thought brought a
motherly warmth to Usagi. She glanced out towards the water that was
reflecting the late afternoon sunlight before returning back down the
beach to her friends.