Part II Chapter 3 - Sailor Moon Returns Princess Misako sniffled slightly and hugged the teddy bear. She had skinned her knee and now it was being attended to by Sailor Mercury, the Royal Physician. Misako looked up and saw, her sister, Usagi, looking at her with a stern expression on her face. "Miko-chan, I told you not to run; it was muddy," Usagi lectured. It was almost six months since her return from the past. Usagi questioned, "Gomen, Onee-chan," Misako replied softly, "I not scared, you there." Usagi smiled at this, <`Onee-chan'! That makes me think of Usagi. Is this how she felt when I called her `Onee-san'?> Usagi gave Misako a partial hug while saying, "Arigato Miko-chan, you need to be more careful though." "Princess Misako, I think you're all fixed up now. It's a good thing you were wearing some of those old clothes," Mercury began. She was about to say more when there was a knock at the door. Walking over to answer it she poked her head out and listened. After a few moments Mercury returned and said, "Princess Usagi, why don't you take your sister and get her cleaned up? Your parents want to talk with you." "About what, Ami-chan?" Usagi asked slightly nervous. "That's not my business." Mercury smiled and then hustled the two children along with Younger Venus out of the room. "Your Highness, I'll take Princess Misako if you want to go see your parents now," Younger Venus offered. Usagi simply nodded, let go of Misako's hand, and started off down the hall. Her stomach had started to do acrobatics; what could they want to talk to HER about? That thought brought the reflection of the past to mind, That brought a warm feeling to her. It didn't last long, And so it went all the way to where her parents would be. She soon was in the corridor that led to the great Throne Room. By the time she got there her stomach had worked itself into a giant knot. Her worry only abated slightly when she saw Younger Jupiter waiting outside the Throne Room's entrance. "What's it about, Sako-chan?" Usagi asked softly. Younger Jupiter gave a shrug which only caused Usagi's stomach to tighten more, if it were possible. She was about to protest that Younger Jupiter must know something when they were both announced. "Her Highness Princess Usagi and Younger Jupiter!" Usagi went in first trailed by half a step by Younger Jupiter. Sitting on their thrones were her parents. She nearly faltered when she saw another individual in attendance... Pluto! Usagi's mouth went dry, Although Usagi doubted it there were very few reasons for Sailor Pluto to be there. She curtsied but kept up her wondering; she wanted to guess what would happen. Neo-Queen Serenity smiled before saying, "Princess Usagi, you have shown yourself to be very mature." Usagi remained silent and only looked up at her mother, "Long ago a Senshi disappeared... It is time to bring that Senshi back into existence." Usagi started to sweat slightly, Then her heart stopped, her mind screamed. "I see by your expression you have guessed. Sailor Moon was the `Guardian' of the Ginzuishou. You will now be taking that place, as the new Sailor Moon." Her heart had started again but her breath had turned ragged. A lump had formed in her throat. To be able to take on the mantle that had saved her in the past; the mantle that had made her bedtime stories seem so real! To be able to fill that position was unbelievable. "Your training will be in the past," King Endymion added with a glint of mischief in his eyes. Usagi's eyes widened, She nearly started to bawl. To be given the post of Sailor Moon was by far the most wonderful thing she had ever been able to conceive of. She thought her trip to the past had been a fluke that would never be repeated. She had resigned herself never to again see her onee-san. "I'm going to the past?" Usagi croaked out shakily when she saw her parents waiting for her response. "Hai," Pluto said simply. Usagi studied that response but couldn't read anything from it. "Wh-what about Sa... Ah Younger Jupiter?" Her brain was having a hard time being coherent, the wash of emotion was causing her to focus on trying to keep from bouncing up and down with excitement. "SHE will remain here," Pluto replied, "Princess Usagi, only you will be going to the past." Usagi's face fell slightly, "Your Majesty, why can Younger Jupiter not go? She's after all MY guardian." Serenity's eyes twinkled, "Younger Jupiter has other duties to attend to." Usagi was now feeling slightly guilty but the happiness was too strong so the emotion didn't last long. Usagi gave an unconscious sniffle, "You are dismissed," Serenity said, "You'll be leaving in one week." Usagi curtsied and Younger Jupiter bowed then left the Throne Room. Neither of them saw the tears in Serenity's eyes. As soon as the doors were closed Usagi took off at breakneck speed. She had to find a place to think... someplace only a few would know about. ****** It seemed like an eternity to Usagi but she finally made it to her oasis of peace and quiet. It was a small room high in one of the spires of the Crystal Palace. Its purpose was mainly for storage; she had made a cozy nook up here with a large beanbag chair in the shape of a rabbit. She had to get Sakuya to help her get it up there. Now, however, she ignored the seat and paced back and forth. It wasn't fair! She had come back from the past to find a new sister, a new life that did have its disadvantages but Misako more than made up for them. Usagi dejectedly scuffed at a tile on the floor, "Small Lady?" Sakuya voice came from behind. Usagi whirled around and looked at Sakuya, "Do you want me to talk to Misako? Or get Kimeko to do it?" "IIE!" Usagi bellowed out. The force of the denial made Usagi come up short and stared slightly, "Gomen... I-I want to tell her; she had to wait for me to come back and that was a long time. Maybe I can let her know in a easier way so she knows I'll be coming back." A small voice popped into Usagi head and whispered, "Alright, Your Highness, if you want to talk, you know where I'll be," Sakuya agreed and then slipped out of the room. Usagi walked over to the small window that was in the room and looked out. From here she could see Crystal Tokyo. Her city, her home. It spread out like a mosaic, a multitude of colors that would slowly change over time as buildings went up and came down. Usagi considered this plan and then sighed heavily, Usagi thought as she continued to stare out the window, ****** Usagi opted for the direct approach. She walked into Misako's room the following afternoon. The little girl was coloring something, her tongue sticking from one corner of her mouth in concentration. Usagi waited quietly for Misako to finish her work before speaking. "Miko-chan?" "Onee-chan!" Misako cried happily, "Mommy told me, look! Pretty!" With that she shoved her artwork at Usagi and waited expectantly. Usagi glanced at the drawing for several seconds. It was certainly a Senshi. Usagi had learned what Misako's Senshi looked like, but she couldn't place exactly who it was supposed to be. "It's a Senshi," Usagi finally declared, hoping Misako would provide the necessary details. Misako's face fell. She took on a hurt expression as she took the picture from Usagi's hand and crumpled it up. Tossing it aside she slowly went back to work. Usagi was surprised by the reaction. she thought as she walked over and picked up the crumpled paper. Carefully smoothing the paper Usagi again looked at it. When she finally figured it out Usagi felt bad. Usagi sighed mentally, Walking over to where Misako was Usagi said, "Imouto, that was a very nice picture of me." "Really, Onee-chan?" Misako questioned, she raised her eyes to meet Usagi's. "Hai! Very pretty." Misako took on a cautious look and pointed to her latest drawing, although partially done Misako demanded, "Who's that?" Usagi looked at the drawing; it was easier then the first, "That's me as a Senshi and Younger Jupiter." Misako beamed happily and gave Usagi a hug. She returned it, it was warm and comforting. Usagi then remembered what she was doing in Misako's room, "Miko-chan... did Mommy tell you where I was going?" "Going?" Misako asked. "Hai... I'm going back into the past," Usagi said, "I don't know how long I'll be away." "Away... Gone?" Misako asked, her eyes had drooped, "I'm going to the past. I'll be gone away for some time," Usagi explained. Misako's features had started to bunch as if she was about to cry but then she only sniffled. Reaching out Misako gave Usagi a huge hug and said pleadingly, "Iie! I miss you! Not go! Not go! Please 'Sagi!" This was followed by another sniffle. Usagi answered with a sniffle of her own. She could feel a lump in her throat forming. It wasn't long before Usagi felt the first trickle of tears, "I have to, Miko-chan... That's where I need to train to be a Senshi. Gomen nasai." "Iie! I miss you, not go!" Misako sniffled out, "Me go with you if you go." Usagi reached up and slowly disengaged her sister from the hug. The little girl's face looked sad, "Gomen Imouto, Mommy probably won't let you come. Even Sako-chan isn't going with me." "I go!" Misako howled defiantly, "I want see you be S'nshi! You not leave me!" "Iie, Miko-chan. You'll have to stay here," Usagi said. It killed her having to say that but why get her hopes up? She had first thought of asking Neo-Queen Serenity to let Misako go but Pluto would not have allowed it. Usagi's Onee-san would only know about Usagi, not about Misako. "You mean! Get out!!!" Misako howled pushing Usagi away and running over to her bed. She crawled up on it and hid her head under a pillow. "Misako?" Usagi said softly. "Onee no love me! Go away!!!" came the muffled shout. Usagi walked over and reached out to touch Misako's arm but the little girl jerked away from the touch. Usagi sniffled once before leaving the room; she knew that Misako would get over it but it would be a while before her sister thought Usagi was, "Okay," again. Usagi only hoped it would be before she left for the past. ****** And so the day arrived; it was fortunate that the party seeing Princess Usagi off to the past consisted of only the Royal Family, Elder Venus and Elder Jupiter with their younger counterparts and finally Sailor Pluto. It was fortunate because Princess Misako was keeping up a low whining but continuous wail, interspersed with pleading protests to let her go with Usagi back into the past. She alternated between clinging desperately onto Usagi and her mother. Serenity was trying hard to not lose her patience. She could understand what Misako wanted but it simply couldn't be. "It's time to go," Serenity finally announced. "Good-bye, Elder Jupiter," Usagi said formally, "Younger Jupiter." She caught the wink that Younger Jupiter sent her. Giving a mental shrug Usagi turned to Younger Venus and said, "Maybe when we get back you'll have that magic trick worked out." "I hope so, Your Highness," Younger Venus said over-dramatically, "It isn't like I've been working on it for the past YEAR or anything." Usagi giggled, she finally turned to Venus with a sly smile. What was she to do? On the one hand, Elder Venus was lower in station than her, technically speaking as Princess Usagi. However, on the other hand, as the new Sailor Moon she was last on the pecking order. Venus seemed to grasp her dilemma and said, "Have a safe trip, Princess." "Arigato." Usagi responded with a slightly shy smile. Finally she turned to her parents. She walked over to her father and when he bent down she hugged him whispering, "I'll miss you, Daddy." "I'll miss you too, Small Lady. I'm so proud of you," King Endymion responded. Usagi then turned to Neo-Queen Serenity who had finally picked Misako up and was attempting to comfort the child who was now quiet but hiding her face in her mother's shoulder. "Miko-chan," Serenity said softly, "Do you want to say good-bye to your sister?" Misako shook her head. Kneeling down Serenity pulled Usagi into a hug who tried to hug both her mother and Misako as best she could. "I'll be back, Miko-chan," Usagi said, "We can play then. I promise." "Really, Onee-chan?" Misako asked softly, finally looking up. "Hai!" Usagi answered, then it was time. Taking out the Time Key she stepped past Pluto, turned once and said, "Good-bye, Puu." "Good-bye, Small Lady." Turning back again, she activated the Time Key and disappeared into the timestream. Misako sniffled slightly. Her parents started off down the hall talking quietly to her. The two Elder Senshi looked at each other for a moment and then also went down the hall leaving Younger Jupiter and Pluto by themselves. The silence seemed to stretch on endlessly... A minute passed, then two. Younger Jupiter glared at Pluto once and said, "If she's harmed, Pluto..." "Is that all you can do?" Pluto asked, "What had to be done had to be done. It's in the past. Are you going to continue to keep this senseless grudge going through all time?" "You killed my mother," Younger Jupiter hissed out. "Iie, she died of a heart condition," Pluto answered, "I have done many things but I've never killed your mother." "You don't fool me, Pluto, not in the least." Younger Jupiter started off down the hallway before saying, "Consider, Pluto... What will Small Lady do when she finds out what her precious `Puu' has done?" Pluto visibly tightened her grip on the Time Staff. Small Lady couldn't find out; she cared about the little girl too much to hurt her that way. The tug of doubt didn't last long but it did bother Pluto that she could have even thought that. she reinforced before vanishing back into the timestream. ****** Sakuya was sitting in her office happily looking over some stock profiles; this was her true interest. Sure being a Senshi was certainly of the greatest honor and priority but business was Sakuya's passion. Ever since Princess Usagi had left for the past a month ago Sakuya had found time she hadn't had for years to put into her passion The thought of her charge made Sakuya remember something. Putting down the profile she turned to her computer and asked, "RH, have you completed your research?" "Hai, honey-bunch," RH replied. Of all the annoyances to come into Sakuya's life, RH was a constant one; his singular pursuit of hentai material was only controllable by Sakuya threatening to use him as a test subject for magnetic research. "Summaries of all pertinent data indicate a deviation by a margin of seven-point-four percent." "Have you checked the figure?" RH took on a hurt tone, "Of course, Ma'am... variance in the results is only zero-point-zero-zero-four percent." Sakuya was about to say something else when a knock at her door cut her off. Assigning RH some routine tasks and releasing the seal so he could lose himself in his own passion Sakuya said, "Come in." Kimeko came into the office looking one part annoyed, one part frustrated, and one part bedraggled. She unceremoniously flopped into one of the more comfortable chairs in the office and looked at Sakuya and sighed. "Sako-chan, how did you ever do it?" Kimeko moaned out, "I don't understand it." "Ah Kimeko-chan could you please clarify what you're talking about?" Sakuya asked, moving to sit by the younger girl. "You look like you've just gone through a grueling workout." Kimeko straightened her posture a little then rubbed a hand across her face with another sigh. "Sako-chan, Misako has become a..." Kimeko trailed off flushing slightly. She straightened more in the chair and took on an air of professionalism. It wouldn't do to discuss matters of a Senshi nature like she had been about to do. Sakuya expected a certain level of professionalism. "You were about to say that Princess Misako has become a real terror, ne?" Kimeko's jaw swung open at the surprise. She hadn't expected that from Sakuya. "Oh come on... Pull up your jaw, Kimeko-chan," Sakuya stated testily, "Don't be so shocked. I know exactly what you're going through." Sakuya thought. Kimeko visibly relaxed, "I'd talk to Mom about this but I feel better talking to you... So what do I do?" "Why don't you tell me what prompted this particular incident? And speaking of Misako, where is she?" "Her Majesty is trying her best to get Misako to realize that she won't be going into the past," Kimeko said. "I don't really know what sparked it off. Maybe looking at one of those picture books she's so fascinated with. Misako has been moping about since Usagi left. Anyway she erupted into a temper tantrum over not being able to go into the past to visit her `onee-chan'." "Well tantrums I've had my share of dealing with," Sakuya started, "The `great pudding incident' being the single most unique one I've seen from Usagi." Kimeko remembered her mother telling her of the incident a few weeks after she had become Misako's guardian. she thought, "Hai, the `great pudding incident'... As I remember the three year old Usagi was jealous of her new baby sister; she was too young to understand that her mother needed to spend a large amount of time with Misako." Sakuya was frowning internally, "Kimeko-chan, tell me what your mom told you? I'm curious." Kimeko smiled, "Well Usagi decided to get revenge, an act of defiance really. Apparently Usagi had said that she `Not want that THING for a sister and could Mommy get rid of it.'" Kimeko shook her head so she didn't see the brief scowl that flitted across Sakuya's face, "Serenity didn't like that and when Usagi wouldn't apologize she said, `Alright then, Small Lady, you won't be getting any treats... including pudding.' And you know how much Usagi loves pudding." She giggled. "You imitate Neo-Queen Serenity pretty good," Sakuya observed with a chuckle. "So what did your mom tell you Usagi did?" "Oh I do a fair imitation of a few people," Kimeko said, her smile widened as Sakuya caught the hint and frowned, "Anyway our darling Princess Usagi deemed that she WOULD HAVE PUDDING!" Kimeko's voice squeaked out slightly and she grimaced, "So she used Luna-P and filled the pool and every tub in the Palace with chocolate pudding. Elder Mercury didn't know it and when she dived into the pool for her morning swim..." Sakuya chuckled, "So I take it you've noticed a vast difference in Usagi's behavior since we came back from the past?" "Hai, very much so. When Neo-Queen Serenity found out what Usagi had done I take it she was rather... livid?" Sakuya snorted, "Hai, Serenity didn't live up to her name you might say." "Mom said that it was only one of the few times she ever saw Serenity spank Usagi." Kimeko was silent for several seconds before she snapped out of her revelry, "So, Sako-chan, how do you handle them?" Kimeko asked. "I mean I'm in a bit of bind... On the one hand I want Misako to like me but, on the other hand, I can't let her have her own way all the time and her parents may not be around to stop her." "You need to talk to Neo-Queen Serenity and King Endymion about that. Try and distract her, or ignore it; Misako will stop. You're in the same place I was in when Usagi was younger. Talk to Misako's parents... It won't hurt anything." Sakuya could tell by Kimeko's look that she thought this plan was dubious at best. But eventually after some thought Kimeko nodded. ****** "Miko-chan," Serenity said, "You can't go into the past. You aren't old enough." Misako pouted, her bottom lip sticking out; she had her arms crossed and she was glaring at her mother who was sitting opposite her in a chair. "I'm old enough!" Misako said defiantly, "Onee-chan went to past. I go too! I want see Onee be S'nshi!" "Iie, Miko-chan you are a princess and sometimes princesses can't do what they want to do..." "And this is one of them." Serenity tried again, "Now I want you to apologize to Younger Venus." Misako's pout disappeared to be replaced by sad puppy dog eyes. "Please Mommy? I miss Onee-chan." She hopped off her bed and went to hug her mother, "I be good..." Misako promised, "I want to go!" Serenity was about to repeat her argument again when there was a knock at the door. She said, "Enter." Younger Venus stuck her head around the door, "Come in, Younger Venus. Princess Misako has something to say to you." Younger Venus stepped inside and bowed; Sakuya had been a big help, even if the older woman hadn't given her direct answers, the reassurance that Sakuya understood what Kimeko was going through helped relieve some of the fear that Neo-Queen Serenity might remove her from the coveted position. She could think of few things worse than that. Silently Serenity pushed her daughter towards Younger Venus and waited. Misako glanced at her mother once before turning to look at Younger Venus and said, "Gomen, I not mean to yell at you, Kim'ko." "That's alright, Princess Misako... I understand how you miss your onee-chan. I miss her too," Kimeko said with a smile, "Would you like to go for a walk?" Misako's eyes brightened as she recognized that she was forgiven, "Hai, arigato." Then turning to her mother she said, "Mommy, can I go please?" "Hai go on, but don't get dirty," Serenity cautioned. Happily Misako skipped over to Younger Venus and taking her hand led the youngest of the Senshi out of the room. Chapter 4 - Bonds are Formed "Come in," King Endymion said. He and Neo-Queen Serenity were sitting in some chairs in their private living quarters watching a cozy fire and catching up on some reading. Kimeko came in looking like a guilty child being called before her parents. Kimeko thought, "Your Majesties?" "Come in, Kimeko-chan. Please none of that `majesty' stuff here," Serenity said happy to be away from the formalities, "Please have a seat." Kimeko tentatively walked over and sat in the chair indicated. The room itself was trimmed with a variety of pictures; some very old, others relatively new. One wall held a bookcase crammed with different books on different topics. On an adjacent wall there was an entertainment center. "Now Kimeko-chan, how was your day?" Serenity asked. "Well Serenity-sama..." the young girl hesitated. How could she say exactly what she wanted to? "You're thinking about Misako, aren't you?" Endymion asked. He saw the surprised expression spread across Kimeko's face, "Oh hai... We went through this with Sakuya although she was more direct in the matter as she usually is." "No need to flush, Kimeko, you and Sakuya are a good match for each other," Serenity reassured, "You have the tact and desire to be friends with others. Sakuya has the commitment and sense of duty to the exclusion of everything else. That's another reason why we paired you together... Hopefully you can learn from each other." "So what do I do?" Kimeko finally blurted out, "I want Misako to like me but..." Kimeko lifted her hands in desperation. "Well," Endymion said after some consideration, "Unlike Usagi, Misako isn't so..." He twirled his hands as if searching for the right word, "so... forceful." "Endymion's right," Serenity agreed, "I don't even dare tell Misako that she'd be spanked if she continued because Misako would start to wail. Usagi would hear that and go ahead and do what she wanted." "So Misako's more sensitive?" Kimeko asked. "Well not more sensitive but she has a different view of things from Usagi," Endymion said, "Sitting her in a corner for half an hour for a time-out is, in Misako's eyes, one of the few ultimate sanctions for being bad." He paused as if in reflection, "I remember the time Misako was learning to draw. You were with the other Senshi on some tour or some such... Anyway we first spotted her starting to color on one wall; we told her that it was `okay' to draw on the paper but not the walls." "I remember that," Serenity said, "Hai, we were specific and repeated it a few times. For whatever reason though Misako simply would not leave that wall alone." Serenity paused as she reflected upon her own self, "I was running out of patience with her so finally I said that if she so much as touched that wall I'd spank her." "What happened, Serenity-sama?" Kimeko asked. "It was definitely the wrong thing to say." Serenity shook her head and chuckled, "She started to cry... I had a heck of a time getting her to stop." "Hai and once you did," Endymion resumed the narrative, "Misako refused to draw or color for a week." "So what do I do? I want Misako to like me," Kimeko said. She was gleaning information from the tale but at the moment she wanted a direct answer to her own current problems. "Kimeko, don't worry," Serenity said, "Misako may not talk to you for awhile but she'll get over it. As to what to do... Watch her but ignore the tantrums. They'll go away once she sees that she doesn't have an audience. You have our backing and trust as Misako's guardian to `punish' her for unacceptable behavior. Warn Misako that her behavior isn't acceptable and if she continues, she'll be put in her room." "That usually does it," Endymion said, "It'll be hard the first few times but eventually Misako will see that you mean business." Kimeko considered this for a few moments, "Well it's worth a try... Say what DID Sakuya say to you about Usagi, Endymion-sama?" "I believe her exact words were, `Either you swat that kid or I'm going to! Princess or no princess!'" Endymion chuckled, "Like I said, direct as usual." Kimeko's only response was to smile; she could just picture the scene. ****** Elder Venus sat in one of the observation chairs overlooking the Senshi Battle Simulation Area, hands gripping the arms, mouth tightly clamped shut. She was trying not to make noise, that was the condition for being in here. She watched HER daughter weave between two buildings and pop up for the attack. Unfortunately for the young girl, the enemy also decided to fire at that moment and they blew each other away. "Not bad," Younger Jupiter commented to herself, "Her time's improved and she made it through the first three levels without getting tagged." Venus thought. She let a smile creep onto her face as she thought about her daughter. Coming from Younger Jupiter a "not bad" was fairly good. Elder Venus got up to go and meet her daughter who was coming out of the simulation room looking none-too-pleased. "I would change back to Minako if I were you," came Younger Jupiter's voice, "She'll be looking for support from her mom, not the Commander, and if she knows that you were watching her, she'll be mortified." Elder Venus thought as she reverted back. "Arigato, Sako-chan." Minako thought as she went to meet her daughter and noticed that Younger Jupiter had reverted as well. "I don't believe it!" Kimeko snarled out, "I got that far and then we both kill each other!" She pounded the sliding door. It wouldn't swing so she'd have to find a wooden one to slam open. She saw her mother standing there. "Hey I've died too," Minako admitted, "Come on, Kimeko-chan, let's go get something to eat and you can tell me about it." She then took Kimeko firmly but gently by the arm and led Kimeko down the hall toward their quarters. Sakuya smiled, They entered Minako's rooms. Kimeko and Sakuya sat on the couch as directed while Minako went to get something cold to drink. After some rather painful sounding crashes Minako reappeared carrying a tray with drinks on them. Sakuya carefully tested hers. Sakuya thought, "Sako-chan, that wasn't fair!" Kimeko protested after finishing off half her drink, "You had the enemy rating set up to your league." A small pout formed on her face, "I'm not that good!" Minako snorted, "Please, Kimeko-chan, you are very good, as you get older you'll get better." Minako turned to Sakuya and said, "How'd she do?" "Minako's right, Kimeko-chan, you are getting better. You made it through the first three levels without getting tagged." "Yeah... but I died on the critical level," Kimeko said sullenly. "If I had made it to the fifth, I would have picked up a rating point." "Kimeko," Sakuya said slight annoyance tingeing her voice, "Would you quit worrying about rating points. What happened could have happened to anybody. It was simply bad timing." "Sako-chan, why is she worried about rating points?" Minako asked, "And what the heck are they?" Kimeko flushed slightly, "Gomen Sako-chan, Mom, I didn't mean to let that slip out." "Minako-chan, these rating points are simply a measure of the Younger Senshi's power levels. It helps me keep track of their progress and what areas they need to work on." "Well what about the Elder Senshi?" Minako asked, "Why not keep track of us?" "Because you'd blow MY Senshi out of the water," Sakuya said, "You Elder Senshi walk around with large amounts of power and you've had vast amounts of time for training." "So you're saying we'd discourage them?" "Hai, it's a outlet for them to have some friendly competition without challenging each other directly," Sakuya admitted. "Hai, Sakuya's right, Mom. You guys would blow us out of the water." Kimeko added, "Besides you're the best fighter among the Elders, right Mom?" Minako shifted uneasily, "Right Mom?" Kimeko said again. "Um well... we don't really know," Minako admitted, "Tactically speaking probably because I worked alone before joining the others. On simple power? Iie... not even close." "Correction, on simple `combat effective' power you're very close," Sakuya amended. "Minako-chan, you're forgetting that Saturn's powers are well... you know." Kimeko watched as Minako nodded, "Like what?" "Nothing, so Kimeko-chan, what do you say we try it together?" Minako said. "Really, Mom?" Kimeko's eyes widened, "You'd help me?" "Hai, it's the least I could do for a Senshi under my command," she winked, "That's if it's okay with Sako-chan?" "Hai, but it doesn't count. We'll call it a practice session," Sakuya conceded. ****** Younger Venus, performing her nightly rounds, peeked into Misako's room. she wondered worriedly. Misako had been so good these past few months. She had improved; she still missed Usagi but it seemed to be getting better. Her parents advice had worked. The tantrums without an audience faded away. Kimeko had put Misako into her room only three times since her talk with Serenity. The first time it happened, Misako had been totally shocked that Kimeko would do that. Younger Venus was about to shut the door and go looking for the young girl in earnest when she heard a sniffle. Coming fully into a room, she looked around. There was no one visible. Walking over to the bed she bent down and looked under it, there was Misako holding a teddy bear tightly for protection. "Princess?" Younger Venus asked, "What are you doing under the bed?" "Bad monster," a frightened Misako answered. "Onee-chan not here to scare it away." Younger Venus had relaxed her guard and said, "Want me to scare it away, Miko-chan?" Misako shook her head, "Is it gone?" Misako nodded slowly and sniffled again. "Come on Princess, let's get you tucked back into bed." Reaching in Younger Venus pulled Misako out from under the bed, helped her to stand up, and straightened her teddy bear pajamas. The little girl looked so forlorn that she couldn't resist, she hugged Misako who returned the hug wholeheartedly. Picking her up Kimeko settled the child back into bed and said softly, "Now try and go to sleep." "I want Onee-chan; she away a long time..." Misako sniffled out. Younger Venus considered the problem. There wasn't any GOOD reason for the young Princess to go back into the past. Then an idea crept into her head, "Don't worry, Miko-chan... I have an idea to help you see Princess Usagi in the past." "Really?!" Misako's eyes widened, "Kim'ko help me?" "Hai!" Younger Venus said, "Now here's what we're going to do..." Chapter 5 - A Theft of Time "You paged me?" Sakuya asked bleary eyed as she half walked, half stumbled into her office well after midnight. she thought grumpily; she longed for that nice warm bed. "Hai ma'am," RH replied, "I was poking around when I found something that struck me as odd." Sakuya frowned, RH was being serious; this was not good. Sitting down she closed her eyes for a few seconds before saying, "Okay what did you find?" "I was digging around in some old Tokyo Police reports and the like, there was an incident with a crime boss involving and I quote..." RH paused before saying, "`a young girl appearing to be dressed like a Senshi'." Sakuya's frown grew, "Was there a description given? And what has got you twisted into a knot?" "The history books do not indicate any of the Senshi making contact with a crime boss during the period the report was filed. Further study would suggest that a person resembling Princess Usagi was dressed like a Senshi." "But that doesn't make sense!" Sakuya thought, "Why wouldn't any of the Senshi know about it?" "Unknown. I thought I would call you first." "Arigato, now give me a hardcopy and then secure the police report. This is now classified and IS NOT to be released to any others." "Working..." RH said, "Police report secured. You are the only one with access." "Good. Now keep digging, I need anything else you can give me." With that Sakuya stalked out of the office, printout in hand. She had a person to find. ****** "It's been too long, Pluto!" Younger Jupiter growled out, "She's been gone a long time... Something must have gone wrong!" "Small Lady is fine, YOUNGER Jupiter. You will get nowhere by yelling at me." "Damn it Pluto, open your eyes. Are you willing to jeopardize Small Lady's existence for the simple preservation of the timestream?" Pluto shifted uncomfortably for a few moments before looking away slightly, "Hai, I am." The blood in Younger Jupiter's veins ran cold with the admission. She KNEW Pluto cared about Usagi but... Younger Jupiter turned on her heels and stalked down the corridor thinking dark thoughts and planning. ****** "Mommy," Misako started. "I want go to past for my birthday present," Misako requested. It was nearing her fifth birthday. Misako thought, The Royal Family was having breakfast with Minako and Kimeko in attendance. Sakuya had politely declined the offer saying she had something to do. Serenity looked at her daughter, "I thought we settled this before. Miko-chan, you can't go to the past." "But you promised!" Misako protested. "Iie, Miko-chan don't lie," Serenity admonished gently, "I didn't promise you could go to the past." "Iie, Mommy, I not lie," Misako grinned mischievously, "You said I could have ANYTHING I wanted for birthday present. I wanna go see Onee-chan be S'nshi!" Serenity glared when Endymion covered his mouth with a napkin and made coughing sounds that sounded like laughter. Serenity glared at Kimeko who had mind enough to look guilty, "Princess Misako, I will have to think about it." "I'm going to past!" Misako happily started bouncing up and down, "Past! Past! Past!" "Iie, Miko-chan, I said I'd have to think about it," Serenity corrected. She almost changed her mind when Misako's face became slightly sad looking, "I'll tell you when your birthday gets closer." "O-Kay," Misako conceded subdued. ****** "Obaa-san?" Sakuya called out, "Have you finished breakfast?" "Hai! Come in, Sako-chan," called Makoto, "And what can I do for you?" "Well I wanted to talk to you about an idea that I have," Sakuya started, "You know I was thinking maybe I could go back into the past for a vacation." Makoto blinked before furrowing her brow, "Have you talked to Pluto?" "Hai," Sakuya replied. "I don't suppose you'd be asking my opinion if Pluto had not allowed you to go?" Seeing Sakuya's nod Makoto grinned, "I think it would be a great idea." "You wouldn't happen to remember that place we got kicked out of because we thought the manager was kawaii?" "Hai! I do, Obaa-san, and may none of the other Senshi learn about that particular incident," Sakuya said, taking the offered coffee, "I don't think I could live it down." Makoto chucked, "I know what you mean, Sako-chan. I don't think I could live it down either." ****** "Your Majesty," Sakuya said, "I thought I might take some leave and go to the past... as a vacation." "Not you too?!" Serenity protested, "I haven't heard anything else except `Mommy can I go to the past for my birthday?' for the past two weeks..." She was still thinking of a suitable revenge for Kimeko, Sakuya managed to keep from snickering but Makoto didn't, Serenity glared at her so Makoto said, "Ah come on Serenity, Sakuya deserves a rest; Pluto even agreed." "She did?" Serenity asked, "Strange, but one never knows what the enigma known as Pluto will do." "Quite true, Your Majesty," Sakuya conceded, "Princess Usagi has been gone some time and I'm quite sure that Your Majesty is worried about her?" Serenity nodded, "I could check in on her and when I come back I could tell you how she is progressing." Serenity nodded again, a thoughtful expression coming on her face. "Also, Your Majesty, as Sailor Moon she will eventually come under my training and authority. That is until she is properly trained." Sakuya ventured, she was guessing at that part but thought it was safe. "You think this would be good, Mako-chan?" Serenity asked. "Hai, it certainly would," Makoto said, "Very well, Sako-chan. I'll let Minako know." "Arigato, Your Majesty. I'll go pack and leave immediately then." Bowing once to both older women Sakuya hurried from her room. Sakuya slipped down the hall to her room and gathered some clothes and the other items she had acquired in the past before into a backpack. She walked over to her wall safe and spun the combination. Carefully Sakuya removed a small cylindrical device. With that she took out the small grenade and set it to the highest stun setting. She then carefully set it down and went back to getting some other items for the trip ready. ****** Sakuya obviously hadn't asked Pluto. She hated lying to Makoto and Serenity but something was wrong in the past. Something she had to take care of; her sense of duty simply wouldn't allow it to rest. From what RH had managed to dig up, the picture it painted wasn't pretty. What Sakuya couldn't figure out was why none of the history books reported the incident. Silently she padded down the hall and peeked around the corner. There was Pluto talking with her two grunts, Uranus and Neptune. Younger Jupiter's brain shouted,