Chapter 12 - Fear and Comfort Misako wasn't having very much success getting Luna to read her a story. She had looked around the house for Luna and had found the black cat in the kitchen eating some cat food. After waiting politely for Luna to finish her meal she had asked Luna to read a story to her but the cat only gave her an odd look. Misako didn't understand why Luna wouldn't talk to her. Misako was becoming impatient; she tried a few more times to get Luna to talk to her, asking her what she'd done wrong but Luna simply refused to talk and headed for the door. Misako didn't want to go upstairs; she wanted to stay in the kitchen with her grandmother. Finally getting tired of being ignored, Misako decided that maybe Shingo would read her a story. Misako thought as she headed for the stairs. She saw that Shingo was coming down them so she waited patiently hoping that her `big brother' would read her a story. Shingo was coming down the stairs when he saw Misako standing at the bottom looking at him. A frown of displeasure spread across his face. As he came closer he could see she was holding a book. "What do you want, squirt?" "Onii-chan..." Misako began. "I'm not your older brother. I wouldn't want to be your older brother," Shingo said annoyed. he thought as he saw Misako's bottom lip tremble slightly, "What did you want, Miko?" Misako looked at Shingo for several seconds, She gave a little sniffle and asked softly, "Was I bad?" Shingo thought quickly, "Iie... now Miko-chan, what did you want?" Misako looked at him in a way that said she wasn't fooled at all but wouldn't press the point just then. "Please Onii-chan, read to me," Misako asked softly. Shingo sighed and sat down on the bottom step so he could look at Misako, "Miko-chan, why do you want me to read you a story?" "'Cause Luna-chan not talking to me," Misako answered in a confused tone, "I not know why though. Luna-chan always talks especially when I bad." Misako had more than once been lectured by Luna on what a princess' responsibilities were. Shingo couldn't help but chuckle, "You think Luna, our cat Luna, talks?" "Hai Onii-chan!" Misako stated with conviction, "Luna-chan talks and tells stories but I asked her and she not talking to me... I asked if she was mad at me but she not tell me." Shingo was about to comment when he heard the door open and his mother's voice. "Listen, squirt, there's someone here. Let's go see who it is." "Read me story?" Misako persisted following Shingo out into the kitchen. When Shingo came out he saw his mother ushering in Chibi-Usa and... his prepubescent male mind screamed, Shingo was unaware of his mouth gaping open or his eyes pointedly staring at Kimeko. "Kim'ko-chan!!!" Misako cried happily. She immediately dropped the book and ran up to Kimeko, who picked her up, "I miss you!" Misako declared and hugged Kimeko, "Where you go?" "I've been staying with Minako-chan, Miko-chan," Kimeko replied hugging Misako, glad to see that her young charge was none the worse for wear. "Kimeko-san, this is my son, Shingo," Ikuko said indicating her son, "Shingo! Pull that tongue of yours in and greet our guest properly," Ikuko admonished, "Shingo-kun, this is Aino Kimeko." "K-konnichiwa," Shingo stuttered out and bowed, "I-I..." "Konnichiwa Shingo-kun," Kimeko smiled ignoring his open admiration. It didn't hurt but coming from a boy of Shingo's age was not a good sign. "You... you know Misako?" Shingo asked incredulously. "Hai, I watch her for her parents a lot." "Well come sit down, please," Ikuko said, "Would you like something to drink? Perhaps some tea? Miko-chan, would you like some juice?" "Hai Obaa-san, arigato," Misako chirped from her position in Kimeko's arms. She turned around when Kimeko gave a hiss but couldn't figure out why Kimeko would admonish her for being polite. Giving a shrug Misako forgot about it; grown-ups were just strange that way. "Hai arigato, Tsukino-san," Kimeko replied taking a seat at the kitchen table; Misako happily perching on her lap. "So do you like Miko-chan, Shingo-kun?" Shingo didn't even notice her speaking to him until after Chibi-Usa lightly jabbed him in the shoulder, "Nani?" he flushed. "I said do you like Misako?" Kimeko repeated trying hard not to giggle at the obvious ogling Shingo was doing. "Um... Hai. Say did you know that Misako thinks our cat Luna can talk?" Shingo asked but before he could get an answer there was a knock at the door. Jogging over he answered it and then turning slightly to Ikuko, who was giving Kimeko some tea and Misako a glass of juice, asked, "Mom, can I go with Mika-chan? I'll be back before supper." "Hai," Ikuko answered. Shingo went out the door but with a noticeable reluctance. "Gomen, Chibi-Usa-chan, would you like something to drink?" "Iie Ikuko-mama, arigato. Ikuko-mama, can I go over to Makoto's?" Chibi-Usa really wanted to talk to Sakuya and she'd better do it before Usagi got back. There was no way she'd be able to hide it from Usagi if she didn't talk to Sakuya first. "Hai, if you're going to stay for supper, let me know." "Hai!" Chibi-Usa called and disappeared out the door. "Aw... I wanna-ed Onii-chan to read to me," Misako whined pouting slightly, "He not believe that Luna-chan mad at me." Ikuko looked at Misako for a moment, "Honey, why do you think Luna is mad at you?" Misako gave a gusty sigh, why was it she seemed to be explaining everything? "Obaa-san," she said, "I know Luna-chan mad at me because she not talk to me." "You think Luna's mad at you because she won't talk to you?" Ikuko asked. Usagi had had an imaginary friend at five but she had never thought animals could talk to her although there was that one time... "Hai Obaa-san, Luna-chan mad and I not know why. I be really good not sit in corner in long time!" Misako said proudly, "And if I bad Luna-chan scolds me so Luna-chan must be REALLY mad!" Ikuko wasn't quite sure how to handle what Misako was saying. She noted a scowl that was playing across Kimeko's features. It didn't seem to suit the young girl. "I'm sure Luna isn't mad at you, Miko-chan." ****** "There was a pretty girl in there, wasn't there, Shingo?" Mika growled out. "Nani?" Shingo tried to feign surprise, "What do you mean, Mika-chan?" Shingo stopped dead in his tracks and stared at Mika half-horrified that she'd accused him of something like that... The other half was terrified she'd find out that he had all his attention on Kimeko's... "Don't you `Mika-chan' me, buster!" Mika waved a fist in front of Shingo, "I saw her; she looks like Aino-san! I came to the door and you blushed!" She turned in a huff and walked down the street. "Aw Mika-chan, please, it meant nothing!" Shingo pleaded, "Hey Mika wait for me!" ****** Sakuya answered the door and was surprised to see Chibi-Usa there, "Come in Chibi-Usa-chan." Chibi-Usa entered the room and looked around, "Makoto isn't here... She went shopping for the party tomorrow." "So they're going to have the surprise party for Misako tomorrow?" Chibi-Usa asked. "I guess, she didn't say what type of party it was... Small Lady, are you all right?" Chibi-Usa's features had abruptly shifted from composed and what appeared to be happy to dejected. The little girl hugged Sakuya tightly with tears beginning to show and whispered out, "Did you have to kill them, Sako-chan?" Sakuya led Chibi-Usa over to the couch and sat down beside her, giving the little girl a warm embrace, "I know, Small Lady. Luna-P wouldn't have worked and they posed a great risk to the Royal Family." "I know I just..." Chibi-Usa sniffled and said, "I wish I could tell Usagi. I think she should know; Kimeko told me that none of the Elder Senshi or Usagi ever find out. Why does it have to be this way?" "I can't answer that, Small Lady. I ask myself that several times a day but the only one who has the answer to those questions is Sailor Pluto." They sat silently for several minutes, "I was scared," Chibi-Usa admitted barely above a whisper, "Me, a Sailor Senshi, scared of normal people. I shouldn't have been, I panicked... I told them about us." Chibi-Usa's voice was growing louder, "If I had just kept quiet, then maybe those people would still be alive!" "IIE!" Sakuya snapped sharply. Chibi-Usa rotated her head to look up at Sakuya, "Don't think those thoughts. They would have killed anyone to get what they wanted." Brushing back a few stray hairs, she continued, "Princess, it's okay to be scared. Even I get scared; I wasn't always a Senshi." "You weren't?" Chibi-Usa asked. "Iie, baka," Sakuya answered with a grin, "Did you think I stood up in my crib and called out `Jupiter Star Power'?" Chibi-Usa giggled slightly, Sakuya grinned, "Hai, I was quite the little trouble maker... that got me into a situation that terrified me." "Nani?" Chibi-Usa asked wordlessly, "Please tell me?" "Well... I wasn't well liked when I was thirteen. This bully and his friends spotted me one night and decided they were going to get some revenge on me. I was terrified. Here I was, a person that normally scared people at my school being ganged up on by those that had reason not to like me." Chibi-Usa didn't say anything, she was breathless. "I was scared, very scared, and I ran and I ran." "Sako-chan, are you going to cry?" Chibi-Usa asked she could see a moistness in Sakuya's eyes, "I mean they were only bullies." Her only response was Sakuya sniffling slightly and hugging her. The door opened at that moment and Makoto walked in, "Hi Mako-chan!" Chibi-Usa called. She wasn't so embarrassed now that she knew that Sakuya, Commander of the Younger Senshi, had been scared of normal people too. "Well hello, Chibi-Usa-chan, are you staying for supper?" "HAI!" Chibi-Usa declared wholeheartedly, "I'd never pass on a chance to stay with you for supper, Mako-chan. I should call Ikuko-mama though..." ****** When Chibi-Usa got home Usagi greeted her in the kitchen. Chibi-Usa ran to Usagi immediately and gave her a large hug. Usagi was so shocked by this action that she just stood there for several moments before returning the hug. She didn't notice the moistness in Chibi-Usa's eyes. "I'm glad to see you too, Imouto," Usagi remarked, "I hear you were eating at Makoto's... you get spoiled a lot." Without letting go of the hug Chibi-Usa drank in the warmth that Usagi provided and said, "Hai, I might be spoiled but you keep me grounded down to earth." She looked up and winked at Usagi who giggled at the double meaning. "Where's Misako?" "Upstairs. Listen you go up and keep her busy. I have to call Rei and the others about the party," Usagi said, "Do you want to go shopping with me so you can pick something out for her?" "Hai!" Chibi-Usa agreed and bounded up the stairs to find her sister. Usagi looked after the girl with a strange expression for a moment and then walked to the phone. ****** "Moshi moshi?" Rei answered the phone. "Rei-chan, we're throwing a surprise party for Misako because Chibi-Usa missed her birthday... I was wondering if we could hold it at your place." "Gomen Usagi, there's a tour coming through tomorrow and then some people have rented the grounds for a wedding," Rei said. "Shoot, well can you come?" Usagi asked, "Oh hang on, Rei-chan, Mom wants to say something." Usagi covered the mouthpiece and looked at her mother. "Usagi-chan," Ikuko stated with slight annoyance showing through, "We could have it here." "But Mom, I was going to have the girls help me plan it and well... I didn't even think of having it here." "Honestly Usagi!" Ikuko glared at her daughter, "We'll have it here. It'll give us a good chance to get to know Misako and she's family. I know that sometimes you don't want to be around us but it is a birthday party for family. We can have supper and then a cake. Tell Rei that if she's coming to be here about five." "It's around five, Rei-chan. If you can come, I'd appreciate it. Mom's having it here." "Put your foot in it again, Usagi?" Rei asked. Usagi could imagine the smirk on Rei's face. "Hai, bye Rei-chan." After Rei said good-bye Usagi dialed Minako's number. She'd have to figure out how they'd set stuff up; the house wasn't as big as the shrine was. Usagi suddenly thought, Usagi started to giggle to herself, "Moshi moshi!" came the irritated voice of Minako, "Listen, if this is some pervert..." "Minako-chan, gomen!" Usagi said snapping out of her thoughts, "Listen, we're having a birthday party for Misako tomorrow. I need your help planning it. I need to take Chibi-Usa shopping for a gift." "Usagi-chan, have you told Mamoru yet?" Minako questioned. "Iie, I completely forgot about him," Usagi replied. "Hai, me and Kimeko will drop by and take Chibi-Usa out. You go talk to Mamoru... You'll need to really convince him to come." "Hai, I'll tell Chibi-Usa then. Arigato, Minako-chan," Usagi said and hung up the phone, ****** Chibi-Usa walked holding Kimeko's hand. They were looking for Minako who had bounded off after a boy. Chibi-Usa looked at Kimeko for a moment before saying, "Kimeko-chan, it's bothering you too?" Kimeko stopped and looked at Chibi-Usa for a moment. She led the young girl over to a bench and sat down. "Hai Small..." Kimeko caught herself, "Hai Chibi-Usa-chan... I didn't want them killed either. I wanted to tell the Elders about this. I can understand why Sakuya didn't want to tell them though..." "Because of the timeline?" Chibi-Usa asked taking a seat beside Kimeko, "I can handle that part. I'm not allowed to tell Usagi a lot of things that I'd like to talk to her about." Kimeko smiled slightly, "The thing that bothers me most is that Sakuya didn't tell you." "I wanted her to tell you, to let you know what was going to happen." Chibi-Usa considered this for several seconds, "Kimeko-chan, Sakuya said she didn't tell the others because of the timeline... Maybe she didn't tell me for the same reason. What would I have done if Sakuya had told me?" Kimeko gave a shrug, "I would have acted differently and Usagi would have found out." "Chibi-Usa-chan, how can you say that your mother would have found out?" Kimeko asked, "I mean if Sakuya didn't tell the others and you didn't tell Usagi..." "But I would have!" Chibi-Usa interrupted, "I would have started acting really weird and Usagi would have known something was up. She's my mom and like it or not if I've given her reason to be curious, she would have found out. She cares for me too much not to try." Chibi-Usa saw the look on Kimeko's face, "You can't tell me that you can hide stuff from your mom." Kimeko had to agree on that point. She noticed Minako coming and waved to her mother. "I guess we can't talk anymore; here comes Minako," Kimeko observed. "Don't worry, Kimeko-chan, you're Misako's guardian. I don't think she'll be as much of a hassle as I am for Sakuya," Chibi-Usa admitted, "I've gotten Sakuya into loads of trouble... I've also gotten into trouble with Sakuya so I think we're pretty even." "Come on you two!" Minako crowed, "Chibi-Usa-chan, I found the perfect gift for Misako!" Chibi-Usa and Kimeko exchanged dubious looks, Minako's last ten gift ideas had been "perfect for Misako". ****** Mamoru closed the door after letting Usagi enter the apartment. He smiled at her. he thought. He hadn't seen her in a couple of days. He'd missed the fight with the last Lemure and when he had called to see how the fight had gone, Usagi had been evasive. "Mamo-chan, we're holding a party... actually it's a surprise party and everybody's coming for supper," Usagi bubbled, "I wanted to know if you'd come?" Mamoru narrowed his eyes, "Why do I rate the personal invitation or is there another reason, Usako?" Last time she tried something like this was when she had introduced him to her parents. Although he was now on "friendly" if tension filled terms with Usagi's parents, Mamoru was still leery of Ikuko. Kenji he could handle because he understood him and his fears for his daughter but Ikuko had made it clear that breaking up with her daughter again would be unhealthy. Usagi wrapped her arms around him and admitted, "Mamo-chan, I won't lie. It is at my house." Usagi frowned at the gusty sigh that escaped Mamoru's lips, "I tried to have it at Rei's but Mom got mad and INSISTED that we have it at our place." This tidbit piqued his curiosity, "Why would your mom insist on having it at your place?" Hugging Usagi back, "Usako, you aren't telling me everything." "Will you come?" Usagi asked. "I don't know, Usako... I just... it wouldn't be right if it's family." "Fine," Usagi quipped. She disengaged herself from Mamoru and headed for the door, "I guess I'll just have to tell Sakuya that you won't be coming... Chibi-Usa will be so disappointed." Mamoru missed the mischievous smile on her face. Mamoru visibly gulped, "Sa-Sakuya?" he breathed out. That was a very scary name to him, "She's... She's here? In the past?" "Hai," Usagi said putting on an innocent look, "Didn't Chibi-Usa mention it to you?" "Usako, you know perfectly well that Chibi-Usa hasn't seen me since I last helped out with that Lemure," Mamoru explained. "So Sakuya's back in the past and if I DON'T come you'll tell her?" "Oh she'll know, Mamo-chan," Usagi said her eyes twinkling with mischief, "She's very likely to be there, all the girls are... Or I hope will be." Mamoru grumbled out something acidic about being blackmailed but the only response was Usagi smiling sweetly. "Oh... Hai Usagi-chan, I'll be there." The hug he got in response was crushing, "Now who's the party for?" Usagi just winked at him. He didn't like the look of that, not one bit! ****** "Chibi-Usa-chan?" Ikuko asked coming into the kitchen, "What are you doing?" Chibi-Usa whirled around and gave yelp of surprise. She stood there stock still with large round red eyes staring at Ikuko in the dimly lit room. Ikuko didn't turn on the kitchen light but moved over to where the girl was standing by the door. It was late and most everyone in the house were already asleep. "Um... Ikuko-mama, I wanted to see if the door was locked," Chibi-Usa said and tried to hide the large flashlight she was holding behind her back. Ikuko noticed the bulky object, "Chibi-Usa-chan, you should be in bed," Ikuko admonished putting a little authority into her voice, "Not sneaking about the house with a flashlight checking doors... Now do you want to tell me why you're doing this?" Chibi-Usa's mind raced, "Um... Ah..." She fumbled for words, "Ah..." She could see Ikuko wasn't buying her act and stalling wasn't doing any good. "The paper," Chibi-Usa blurted out. "Nani?" Ikuko asked. "The newspaper said that there were a lot of people breaking into people's houses." Chibi-Usa was extremely pleased with herself; that was until Ikuko burst her bubble. "And what does THAT have to do with you UP PAST YOUR bedtime with a flashlight behind your back?" "I wanted to make sure the doors are locked," Chibi-Usa answered. "They are, honey. No one would dare come in here," Ikuko assured the little girl. Seeing the doubt in her eyes and something more, something hiding, Ikuko reached out and yanked on the door. Both stared speechless as the door swung open, unlocked. Chibi-Usa gulped visibly and let out a low whine. "Honey, it's okay," Ikuko soothed, "Look!" Ikuko then shut the door and locked it securely, "We just forgot to lock it, that's all... now GO TO BED." Ikuko then took the flashlight from Chibi-Usa. Not feeling her best Chibi-Usa slowly made her way up the stairs with Ikuko following behind her. She stopped in at the bathroom for a few moments before heading for her room. Ikuko tucked her in beside the already sound asleep Misako and handed her Chibi-Shingo to hold. "Sleep tight and don't worry," Ikuko soothed and closed the door. Walking into her own room Ikuko sat down on the bed and gave a sigh of her own. She'd forgotten what a handful a little kid was. Feeling arms wrap around her she leaned back into Kenji's warmth and closed her eyes. "Rough day, Ikuko?" Kenji asked, Ikuko nodded, "Something else bothering you?" "Hai," Ikuko replied, "I don't know how really to say it though." She paused while Kenji rubbed her shoulder, "I think something's wrong in Chibi-Usa's and Misako's home." Kenji only paused for a moment, "Wrong? You mean problems?" "Hai, ah... hmmm..." Ikuko lost her train of thought, "Dear, could you not do that when I'm talking. It's very distracting if ever so pleasant." Kenji stopped and sat down beside his wife. "Hai, why would they send their children to live with US? They don't even know us." "They aren't living with us. Misako's only been here three days... she came for a visit." "Iie Kenji, Misako's only been here three days but Chibi-Usa's been here for months and I have this rather funny feeling that she's been here for nearly a year before." Ikuko stopped and sought her memories, "The really strange part of it is, did you ever try and think of who their parents are?" Kenji crumpled his face in concentration and said, "Can't say I remember their names... Look what were you driving at about problems? Like abuse?" Ikuko sighed, "Yeah I can't remember their names... Abuse? Iie, I don't think so; it just seems really weird that these distant relatives would send them to us." "You sound like Misako might be staying for a long time," Kenji said, "You should have seen the wad of yen Usagi handed me from Misako's mother; enough to choke a horse." Ikuko gave a sigh and leaned into Kenji, "I am proud of Usagi though. She's trying to be a good role-model for Chibi-Usa and they get along usually. Usagi's starting to pull her marks up and she has a boyfriend." Kenji gave a guttural growl and Ikuko patted him gently, "Down boy, Mamoru-kun isn't that bad." "I guess not," Kenji agreed, "It's just that Misako thinks Usagi is her mother and openly calls her that... Our daughter doesn't need that type of image." "I know, honey. I'm very proud that Usagi has taken the `Mommy' thing in stride. She's doing everything she can for Misako without complaining. Misako's only five. She'll grow out of it with Chibi-Usa's and Usagi's help." "Feel better?" Kenji asked. "Hai," Ikuko said, "I'll talk to Usagi. Maybe one of the girls said something to her." "Now where were we?" Kenji asked, "Oh yes... I was nibbling your ear." "Kenji!" Ikuko said shocked. ****** Chibi-Usa woke with a start. She was sweating and she could feel her heart pounding hard in her chest. "It was a dream," Chibi-Usa whispered when she saw that she was at home in bed, with Misako asleep beside her. she thought again but the images of the past day wouldn't go away. Silently, slowly she let herself out of bed careful not to wake her sister and looking once pressed Chibi-Shingo into Misako's arms who instinctively wrapped around it with a loving embrace. Chibi-Usa slipped down the hall to Usagi's room and crept in. Luna was curled up on the bed fast asleep; Usagi was slightly snoring. Again she tried to crawl into bed, this time up beside Usagi. "Na-nani?" Usagi asked sleepily. Slightly lifting her head she looked around until the bleary gaze landed on Chibi-Usa who was half on, half off the bed. The bleary look went to anger and then concern. Rolling over and pushing Luna off the bed in the process, Usagi sat up and looked at her daughter. "Chibi-Usa-chan?" Usagi asked questioningly, "What's the matter?" Chibi-Usa continued onto the bed and snuggled up close to Usagi while sniffling, "Mommy, I had a bad dream," she told her while hugging Usagi, "Can I sleep here tonight?" "What was the dream about?" Usagi asked while settling back down in bed. Chibi-Usa laid her head on Usagi's shoulder and seemed to try and snuggle for protection. "A bad man saw me change," Chibi-Usa explained, "He wanted me to tell him where the other Senshi were." She sniffled again, "I-I... I was scared they were going to hurt Misako..." As if hearing the request Usagi wrapped her arms around Chibi-Usa in a protective fashion. "Shhh... it was just a dream, Chibi-Usa-chan," Usagi soothed, "Misako's fine; she was right in your room. Want me to go look?" She was surprised when Chibi-Usa nodded yes. Getting up and ignoring the hostile look that Luna was giving her. Usagi picked up the cat and walked down to where Misako lay asleep. "You owe her," Usagi hissed out, "Stay with Misako in case she wakes up." With that Luna was unceremoniously plopped on the bed. Usagi went back to bed and reassured Chibi-Usa that Misako was fine and that Luna would be staying with her the rest of the night. "Now was that all the bad dream, honey?" Chibi-Usa resumed her position that she had been in before Usagi had left and said, "Iie, then... then something happened and they all died!" She gave a tremendous sob and buried her head. It took Usagi several minutes just to get Chibi-Usa to quiet down some and lift her head. It was another half an hour before Chibi-Usa drifted off into slumber still giving the odd whine or mumble. Through this all Usagi kept up soothing talk and a warm protective arm around her little girl. Usagi thought. It never occurred to Usagi that it was real life that her little girl had observed. Usagi vowed, her motherly instincts kicking in. Chapter 13 - A Party! Mamoru's Surprise Ikuko came into the room and noticed something odd. Firstly that Chibi-Usa wasn't in bed. The second oddity was that Misako was hugging Luna who appeared to be very comfortable even in the little girl's grip. Walking over she gently nudged the little girl while saying, "Miko-chan, it's time to wake up." The little girl slowly opened her eyes and looked around, she thought and then noticed that she was holding Luna. she thought and looked nervously at Ikuko, "Come on, Miko-chan, time to get up... do you have to use the bathroom?" Shrugging, Misako let Luna go and hopped out of bed heading for the bathroom. Ikuko just shook her head and laid out Misako's school fuku. After a few minutes Misako came back and with only a little help from Ikuko got dressed. "You're becoming a very big girl, dressing yourself. Your Mommy would be very proud," Ikuko said complimenting Misako who beamed happily. "Do you know where your sister is?" "Iie Obaa-san," Misako answered, "Onee-chan not here when I wake up. I not know where she go." Misako then left the room and walked over to Usagi's room. She hesitated for a moment. Giving the matter some thought she opened the door and looked in. There was Chibi-Usa sound asleep in Usagi's bed. Walking over she pushed Chibi-Usa. "Onee-chan," Misako whispered, "get up Onee-chan." Chibi-Usa drowsily roused herself and looked at Misako for several seconds before replacing her head back down. "Miko go away," came the sleepy reply. She had no intention of getting up until Usagi did. Ikuko came to the rescue and pulled Misako out of the room and carried her down the stairs. "It's okay, Miko-chan. Your onee-chan must have had a bad dream," Ikuko explained to the curious child, "That's the only reason why she's sleeping in Usagi's bed." This explanation seemed to mollify Misako who after five minutes completely forgot about it. ****** Ikuko came into the room and walked over to the bed, "Young Lady, you were supposed to be taking a nap." Misako looked guiltily up at Ikuko, "This is the third time I've heard you up so what were you doing?" "Gomen Obaa-san, Luna-chan was saying she couldn't talk around you but I not know why." Misako said, "Luna-chan says she's read story to me but only if you not in room." Ikuko's features took on a sterner expression, "All right, Misako, you have to take your nap and since Luna's keeping you up, I'll take her out." Ikuko then picked Luna up and walked over to the door and let the cat down gently. Walking back over to the bed she pulled the single sheet up around Misako and then ordered, "Now have your nap and then I'll come and wake you up... I don't want to hear anymore noise from you." Giving Misako a kiss on her forehead, Ikuko left the room. Deciding it was better to take her nap than get her grandmother mad at her, Misako snuggled down and was soon fast asleep. Luna who managed to slip back into the room curled up beside Misako to enjoy a nap of her own. She felt guilty that she was causing so much distress to the little girl. ****** "Usagi-chan, where's Misako?" Ami asked, "I mean if Chibi-Usa's helping get the place ready and we're here, then who's looking after her?" "Kimeko and Sakuya took her for a walk," Usagi replied trying to hang a streamer, "I hope Mamo-chan comes." Usagi thought and getting off the stepstool moved it a little further so she could reach the place the streamer was to hang from. "Mamoru?" Rei questioned, "You sound slightly irritated at him, Usagi." "Oh well at first he wasn't going to come. He said it wouldn't be right if it was only for family," Usagi said and then gave a slight shout of triumph as she hung her end of the streamer. "So how'd you convince him?" Minako asked, "I mean besides using your charming influence on him?" she giggled. "Had to use drastic measures; he didn't go for my `charms'," Usagi responded. "I certainly hope not," Kenji growled as he walked past the girls. Usagi flushed while the others giggled. "Usagi-chan, you didn't!?!" Minako asked in mock shock. Rei snickered while Ami blushed at the implication. "Iie baka!" Usagi told her waving an impotent finger, "Iie, I threatened him with Sakuya." "Poor guy," Minako said in sympathy. Ami nodded in agreement; Rei just grinned knowingly. Usagi just smirked at the others sympathizing with Mamoru; he wasn't the only one to be shaken up by Sakuya! ****** Kimeko and Sakuya were watching Misako watch the ducks at the park. Kimeko would giggle when Misako, imitating the ducks, would squat down and quack while trying to waddle. Sakuya just grinned; she remembered Chibi-Usa doing things like that. "Sakuya-san?" Kimeko asked tentatively. "Kimeko-chan please," Sakuya said turning to look at the younger girl, "I'm not mad at you. I think were still friends... if you want to be." Kimeko smiled, some of the tension draining away, "Arigato Sako-chan." "I should apologize to you, Kimeko-chan," Sakuya admitted, "I never even considered your feelings in the matter. Chibi-Usa is hurt and it will likely take awhile for her to get over it." "She doesn't blame you, Sako-chan," Kimeko offered, "She... Misako get away from that water! Hang on a second, Sakuya." Kimeko walked over to Misako and crouching down admonished, "Miko-chan, if I have to tell you again about going near the water, you'll be put in the corner... Now do you want to go home now?" "Gomen, I not want to sit in corner," Misako said meekly, "I be good... promise, Kim'ko-chan." "Hai, Miko-chan, I believe you. It's just dangerous... Maybe when school gets out we can go to the beach and you can show your Mommy how good you can swim." After Misako smiled and nodded Kimeko walked back to Sakuya, "Gomen... boy, she's a handful." "That was good; you didn't get mad. Certainly handled well," Sakuya said approvingly, "Her Majesty made a good choice to pair you with Misako." Kimeko blushed, "You were saying about Small Lady?" "Oh, yeah... Small Lady was telling me that she understood why you didn't tell her and she thinks you did the right thing," Kimeko paused and continued, "After I talked to her, what you said made sense. I couldn't hide it from Mom very well but she knows we had a fight. Small Lady said she wouldn't be able to hide it from Usagi either if Usagi got curious." "Yes Her Majesty is quite the mole when she wants information," Sakuya conceded, she glanced at her watch, "Well, they should have almost everything ready. If we leave now and phone ahead, we'll give them enough warning." "Miko-chan, come on. We're going home," Kimeko stated and held out her hand for the little girl to take. After Misako had taken both Kimeko's and Sakuya's hand. Kimeko looked at Sakuya, "Can I ask you something, Sako-chan?" "Hai!" "Did you really say, `Either you swat that kid or I'm going to! Princess or no Princess'?" Kimeko asked, "His Majesty said you did." "You better believe it," Sakuya answered. Seeing Kimeko's shocked expression Sakuya continued, "Princess Usagi was... IS willful. I tried that corner bit with her, time-outs. If she didn't have Luna-P, it might have worked but I couldn't get the thing away from her because it always goes back to her." Sakuya gave a grimace, "Finally I put my foot down. I'm just as bull-headed as she is." "I don't even think I could consider something like that," Kimeko admitted. Sakuya smiled evilly, "It was a shock to Chibi-Usa as well." Misako stopped and looked at both girls, "Who Chibi-'Sa?" Her look turned confused when Kimeko and Sakuya both started to laugh. ****** "Here they come!" Usagi said excitedly, "Minna hide!" Everyone, even a grumbling Shingo hid and waited for the door to open. Misako skipped into the room and stopped looking around, "Obaa-san not here?" "SURPRISE!!!" everyone shouted. Misako's reaction was utter shock and fright. She just stood there looking with her big round blue eyes not moving. Usagi started to get concerned as ten seconds turned into twenty. Walking over she looked at Misako and asked, "Are you okay, honey?" Misako's response was to wrap her arms around one of Usagi's legs and hide her face. Usagi thought and picked Misako up. "Miko-chan," Usagi said softly, "Come on, Miko-chan, it's a party for you." Misako's head came up and she looked around, "Really?" "Hai!" Chibi-Usa answered, "I wanted to give you a party for your birthday since I missed it." She walked over and said, "Come on, Miko-chan, you're going to like this." Misako gave this very serious consideration; she looked around to everyone there waiting expectantly. Her gaze stopped looking right at Shingo with Mika standing possessively beside him. "Onii-chan, you like me?" she asked quietly. Shingo swallowed, every pair of eyes was on him. he thought spotting Kimeko. "Hai, Miko-chan, I like you," he declared. The approving smile he got from Kimeko would have nearly knocked him over if not for Mika stamping on his foot. "Yeow!" came the muffled cry of pain, he turned to look accusingly at her and she just smiled sweetly back. "Hai!" Misako declared. The others breathed a sigh of relief and the party started with vigor. There was only one other to come, Mamoru. ****** Mamoru approached the door with some apprehension. He could hear the girls talking along with some deep rumbling by Usagi's father on occasion. Pausing only once he knocked soundly on the door. The noise quieted down. He was about to knock again because he didn't see anyone coming when the door opened. "Hi!" came the voice, "Who are you?" There was a lot of giggling in the background. Mamoru shifted his gaze and looked down towards the source of the voice. What was staring back at him made him inhale sharply and take a step back. "Queen Serenity?" he asked hoarsely, "Is-is that you?" Misako looked oddly at this strange man, Turning around she yelled, "MOMMY!!! SOMEONE WANT YOU!" She then turned back to look at this odd fellow who was looking at her nervously, "Mamo-chan!" Usagi said brightly, "Come in, come in." She reached out and taking his arm hauled him inside. He nearly tripped as he was still watching Misako with a mix of apprehension and confusion on his face. "Minna, Mamoru-kun is here." "Good, good!" Kenji said with some vigor which surprised everyone, "We need another guy here!" "Dad!" Usagi whined then regained her composure, "I think you know everybody... Oh except Mika-chan. Mika, this is Chiba Mamoru. Mamoru-kun, this is Kayama Mika..." leaning close as if to whisper Usagi told him, "She's Shingo's girlfriend." She turned to Shingo and winked. Shingo let out a growl but Mika didn't seem to be ruffled by the announcement. "And this is Aino Kimeko... Minako's `cousin'," Usagi continued. Kimeko gave a graceful bow and giggled slightly, "And this," Usagi said picking up Misako, "This is Tsukino Misako, Chibi-Usa's Imouto." "Miko-chan, this is Chiba Mamoru." "I please to meet you, Chiba-san," Misako squeaked out, "You know Mommy?" "Mamoru-kun, are you all right? You look white as a sheet..." Ikuko said worriedly, "You haven't been eating enough. Come on, minna-san, now that Mamoru-kun is here we can have supper. There should be enough places for everybody." As it turned out there wasn't but Misako was perfectly happy to sit on Usagi's lap and eat supper although she did cause a minor fuss when she started to take stuff off of Usagi's plate. Ikuko smiled. She could remember Usagi doing that to her when Usagi was little. "See Mommy I ate all my carrots!" Misako declared proudly, "Not like Onee-chan." Chibi-Usa blew a quick raspberry before she stuffed four pieces of carrot into her mouth and began chewing with enough force to grind up stone. Misako just giggled which annoyed Chibi-Usa but she had her own target. "Miko-chan, doesn't Mamoru-kun look like Daddy?" Chibi-Usa thought. "Hai Onee-chan, Chiba-san look like I know but I not know him." "Misako says that you look like her father and you DO look familiar but she can't remember where from," Usagi who was thoroughly enjoying Mamoru's discomfort translated. She looked at Kimeko for confirmation who nodded. Kimeko thought happily. "Ar-Arigato Miko-chan, that's very nice of you to say," Mamoru stammered out, "You look like Usagi a lot." Misako beamed at the compliment. She enjoyed being compared to her sister even if he hadn't meant Chibi-Usa. "You know you remind me of someone." He looked at Usagi who lowered her head slightly and nodded, Chibi-Usa smirked slightly, "Hai... Say Mamoru-kun, would you ever want a little girl of your own like Misako?" Mamoru gave her THE LOOK. Chibi-Usa thought, Ikuko seeing Chibi-Usa was razing Mamoru decided to change the subject and kept up the chatter while they ate dinner, and what a dinner! Makoto had, with Sakuya's help, out done even her grandest expectations. Usagi and Chibi-Usa kept eating well after the others had stopped. The others were amazed but not surprised by this feat. "Okay you two," Ikuko winked, "Leave room for the you know what." Chibi-Usa and Usagi guiltily shoved their plates away, red tingeing their cheeks. "I think it's time, Sakuya-san. Makoto-san, if you'd please, go get it." Sakuya and Makoto left and disappeared up the stairs. After Sakuya had called down that they were ready, Ikuko went and turned off the lights. As it was summer and still early, there was plenty of light. Misako though looked around trying to figure out why it had gotten dark all of a sudden. She was so preoccupied with figuring out where the light had gone that she never saw the cake come down the stairs. It was a two layer chocolate fudge cake with pink icing sugar writing on it and tiny rose petals. There were five candles on it in the shape of the letter "M". Misako's attention was grabbed when every person in the room started singing "Happy Birthday". Her eyes grew wide and she stared at the cake open mouthed. As the song finished the cake was placed squarely in front of Misako who for the longest moment didn't seem to know what to do. "Honey," Usagi whispered, "Blow out the candles." "I six now?" Misako questioned Usagi. "Iie honey, you're still five. Now blow out the candles," her mother instructed. She was starting to feel the urge to blow them out herself so she could start to eat that oh so mouth watering cake! "Make a wish and blow them out." Misako screwed up her face. There was only one thing she ever really wanted, she thought. Taking a deep breath she blew out every candle and smiled when the others clapped happily. "Now before we get started on the cake," Ikuko said, "I think we should have Misako open her gifts." Mamoru shot Usagi an angry look. Usagi for her part smiled sweetly and winked. "Who wants to go first?" "We will," Makoto offered. Walking into the living room she brought out two packages, "We weren't sure what to get so." Makoto placed the two packages in front of Misako. Everyone expected the little girl to tear into the gifts. What she did do caused Chibi-Usa to flush. Misako opened the card and had Usagi read it before opening the gifts. Once the card had been read Misako tore the gift open with all the enthusiasm of a child her age. "Oh kawaii..." she breathed out. Makoto had gotten her a little purple backpack with a teddy bear on the back. Sakuya had gotten her a bank to put coins in the form of a bear. "Arigato Mako-chan. Arigato Sako-chan," Misako said happily. "I'm next," Rei piped in. This surprised everyone. Rei didn't seem to be the type of person to like Misako, or little kids for that matter. Rei went in and brought out a square package with a Shinto charm attached to it. "Chibi-Usa said you liked to draw so..." setting it down she waited. "Arigato Rei-san," Misako said, "I like." Even if it was several large blank pieces of paper they were pretty. There were all sorts of colors. Ami was next with some crayons and a coloring book. Minako and Kimeko teamed up to buy a smock, drop-cloth and finger paints. Ikuko at first groaned seeing the paints but after the smock and drop-cloth had been produced she turned happier. Ikuko and Kenji had bought Misako a children's picture book with animals in it, fun and educational at the same time. "Chibi-Usa-chan, do you want to go next?" Usagi asked. Seeing Chibi-Usa shake her head, Usagi moved Misako off her lap and disappeared into the living room. She came back with a package. Misako was lifted back onto Usagi's lap and had the card read to her. She tentatively unwrapped the gift. To Usagi she appeared to be going agonizingly slow. As it became clear exactly what the gift was there were varied reactions. "Aw ain't that kawaii?!" Minako murmured. Kimeko nodded in agreement. "Very beautiful," Mamoru mumbled out. "This is from me and Mamoru-kun, Miko-chan." It was a small blue dress. "Ari-arigato Mommy," Misako said quietly, "Mamoru-kun..." she trailed off looking at it with an expression of complete delight. Usagi nudged Chibi-Usa who snapped out of her own observation and went to retrieve the last package. "Misako-chan..." Chibi-Usa announced, "Imouto, I think I know what you want most for a present." She handed the package to Misako and waited expectantly. Misako fidgeted as Usagi read the card. She wanted to know what her onee-chan had gotten her. Opening the package finally, she gave a cry of surprise. There sitting in plain sight was a Sailor Senshi fuku. Misako thought as she sniffled. Launching herself at Chibi-Usa she wrapped her arms around her sister and said, "Onee-chan, you the bestest." Usagi had tears in her eyes. "Arigato Imouto," Chibi-Usa said softly. Her eyes were becoming moist as well. She was glad that her sister had enjoyed her present, There were other possibilities but Chibi-Usa wasn't even considering them, yet. "Usagi-chan, put the gifts in the living room and then we'll have the cake. Your father and I are going to go for a little walk. Watch the place and don't get into too much trouble," Ikuko remarked heading for the door. "Hai Mom," Usagi said, "We'll be good." Unnoticed Shingo was being chastised by Mika. "Baka, you didn't tell me it was a birthday party!" Mika whispered angrily, "I could have brought something!" Shingo opened his mouth and shut it again when Mika continued, "Don't even try to make an excuse... What do you think it make's ME look like?!" "Hai but I didn't get her anything either," Shingo offered in his own defense, "I mean what could we have gotten her?" "You didn't even try because you're an inconsiderate JERK!" Mika snapped with clenched teeth, "I could have given her one of my dolls as a keepsake!" "Lover's spat?" Makoto asked from the corner near Sakuya. "Hai, big time," Sakuya observed, Sakuya abruptly stopped going down that path and said, "Now let's grab some of that cake before both Usagis get it in their heads that we don't want any." ****** "Oh, we forgot ice cream!" Usagi said in alarm. With her parents out and Shingo walking Mika home it was only the girls and Mamoru in the house. Misako hopped off her mother's lap and walked over to the living room entrance. "Luna-P!" she called. Luna-P came as ordered and floated in front of Misako, "Luna-P henge!" Misako cried bouncing Luna-P like she had seen her sister do, "Give me LOTS and LOTS of chocolate ice cream!" Luna-P complied in a pink puff of smoke. Chibi-Usa who had been using the bathroom came into the room and questioned, "Did I hear Misako saying Luna-P Hmfmgnff?" The rest of her question was muffled when she landed face first into a LARGE tub of chocolate ice cream. The others were staring at the five foot diameter round tub of ice cream while trying not to giggle at what happened to the child. Pushing herself up, ice cream covering her face and neck, Chibi-Usa glared at Misako who simply giggled. "Onee-chan look funny!" Misako laughed, "You fall in ice cream!" She dropped to the floor and laughed in earnest; it was hilarious! What made the situation even more amusing was the look on her older sister's face! Growling Chibi-Usa ran around to where Misako was lying on the floor; pinning the little girl so she was laying on her stomach Chibi-Usa dug into the vat of ice cream and, grabbing a large handful, shoved it down Misako's back. Misako gave a squeal of terror when her sister had her pinned and then another one of shock as something cold and slimy went down her back. Chibi-Usa then placed both hands on the cloth covered mound of cold sweetness and rubbed thoroughly. Misako clambered up after Chibi-Usa let her go. The little girl's face was angry and determined. Picking up two handfuls of ice cream, she marched over to Chibi-Usa and demanded, "Onee-chan, say you sorry! It was accident!" "Iie!" Chibi-Usa stated defiantly, "I didn't say you could use Luna-P!" Misako took both of her hands dripping with melting ice cream and smushed the contents into her sister's face. Usagi was about to step in but Mamoru held her back, "As long as they aren't hurting each other, they should work it out on their own," he recommended. Usagi didn't look all that happy about it but complied. Chibi-Usa wiped away the ice cream from her face and said, "So that is how you want it, Misako?" She picked up Misako who started to flail her legs but could do little else in her sister's grip. With a slight effort Chibi-Usa sat and then twisted Misako into the tub of ice cream. The look on the little girl's face was that of horror. Misako thought, She decided that her sister couldn't get away with that so she picked up a handful of ice cream and chucked it. Unfortunately her intended target, Chibi-Usa, moved at the last moment and it hit Usagi square in the face. There was dead silence. Slowly Usagi wiped the mess from her face. Misako looked like she was about to cry. Everyone was holding their breath wondering what Usagi would do. Mamoru didn't wonder, he knew. She slowly walked over to where her two daughters were and placed her hands on her hips. "Misako," Usagi said sternly, "This is how you do it." In a quick motion she snagged Chibi-Usa with one arm, grabbed a handful with the other and unceremoniously shoved it down the back of Chibi-Usa's blouse. That was how the food fight got started. Mamoru being wise backed up to where Sakuya was standing. First it was between mother and her two daughters but Makoto, trying to be the peacemaker, got sucked into it when some of the left over rice pelted her. She wasn't exactly sure who had done it but that didn't matter. Rei held out until Misako and Chibi-Usa fired off a salvo that hit her squarely in her chest. Ami was the victim of a sneak attack by Minako and Kimeko who had decided that if the others were going to get in on it, then so were they. Sakuya watched with some satisfaction as Ami carefully picked up one of the pieces of cake that was left and headed into the fight. Minako and Kimeko scurried for cover but Ami was intent on punishing the instigator as far as she was concerned. She cornered Chibi-Usa and smiled evilly at her. "Now, Ami-chan, what are you going to do with that?" Chibi-Usa asked warily. she hoped. Ami only considered for a moment how best to use her weapon. Chibi-Usa was already covered from head to toe in ice cream and other assorted food stuffs so she had only one choice. "EEWWW!!!!!" Chibi-Usa howled from the corner. Mamoru was right in his prediction. Everyone left Sakuya alone and that left him safe and more importantly... CLEAN! Misako by then had long since given up throwing food. Instead she decided that the tub of ice cream was a nifty pool and she could practice her swimming in it. It seemed like hours that the fight had been going on until something happened. Chibi-Usa decided to get Sakuya. It was a dangerous proposition. Picking up a jug that was nearly empty, she added anything she could lay her hands on to the container of juice. Putting the lid on it, she hid under the table and shook it thoroughly until it was well mixed. Crawling out, she opened the container and fired. Mamoru noticed Chibi-Usa had disappeared. This was definitely not a good sign. He gave a yelp and dodged into the living room which appeared to be neutral territory. The sticky, sweet, colorful concoction hit Sakuya full in the face and dribbled down onto her blouse. Chibi-Usa crowed with satisfaction. The room came to a complete halt; anyone who was near Chibi-Usa scurried away. They were having a great time but Sakuya and Mamoru had indicated that they didn't want to participate. Mamoru they, especially Usagi, would have gone after but he had wisely hid behind Sakuya so that was certainly out of the question. The silence that filled the room was thick and charged with anticipation... Sakuya never got to respond because at that exact moment Ikuko and Kenji walked into the house. The first words out of Ikuko's mouth were, "TSUKINO USAGI!!! WHAT'S GOING ON IN HERE!?!"