Authors Note:   Warning this story does contain some bad language.
	It may not be overly offensive but  for  the younger readers 
	out there this is a fair warning.

E-Mail: k340029@yahoo.com

Special Note:  Maggie, I tried to e-mail you back but your address on aol 
	bounced back to me.  I'm not ignoring you.  Please try e-mailing 
	me again and I'll see if it will work.
	This work would not be as historical as it is were it not for my
	wonderful historian Moondreams.  Thank you sooo much!

Plug: Come to Sailor Scribbles web site.  All of my work is posted here.
	www.geocities.com/k340029/index.html

Dislcaimer: As always it is my sad duty to remind everyone, including
	myself that I do NOT own Sailor Moon or anything that goes
	with her.  I'm just borrowing the characters for a bit.

Rating: PG-13 (for language)

	*		*		*
3/23/00
		A Merging of Hearts
	                A Historical Fan fiction
		         By Ceila

	*		*		*
April 3rd, 1860 

	The dining room was full of life as Makoto served a breakfast that 
rivaled the master chefs of France.    Pancakes, biscuits, bacon, sausage, 
cheese, fresh butter, milk, and fruit covered the table from end to end.  Kenji 
was the first one down followed by Mamoru.  Next came Mina who gave a 
gasp of delight at the sight of the feast before her.
	"Oh my this looks too good to eat," said Mina as she took her seat 
across from her cousin.
	"Nothing here is too good to eat Mina.  In fact it's too good not to 
eat," said Kenji as he smiled at Makoto.
	"Morning, Papa," said Rei as she waltzed into the dining room and 
sat next to Mina.  "Morning Mina, Mr. Chiba."
	"Please call me Mamoru most people do," he replied.
	"Alright, Mamoru it is then."
	"Rei dear I have a favor to ask you," said Kenji.
	"Anything Poppa."
	"Can you plan your sisters wedding?  I know nothing about 
dresses and flowers and colors and such so I was hoping,"
	"Say no more Poppa I would love to plan Serenity's wedding."
	"Good then I'll ask Motoki to take you into town after breakfast."
	"Wonderful." said Rei as she smiled at her father.  "This is my 
chance to get back at that little heathen.  I'll get her the fanciest dress I can 
find and make her wear it even if I have to hold a gun to her head." She 
thought as an even larger smile brightened her face.
	After that it was silent as they finished breakfast.  Only Mina really 
noticed when a still sleepy blonde walked through the dining room to the 
kitchen and out the back door.  When she was finished she excused herself 
from the table and followed the path that Serenity had taken.
	"I wish I could run faster," thought Mina as she held the bulky 
material of her dress off the ground.  "Now I know why Serenity wears 
pants."  Mina made it to her destination and placed a hand on the side of the 
barn to catch her breath.  If that wasn't a long distance she didn't know what 
was.  When she was composed she straightened her yellow and orange 
dress, brushed her bangs out of her eyes, and walked into the barn.
	*		*		*
	"Motoki you have to be kidding me," said Serenity as she brushed 
her black mare.
	"Nope I really thought he was gonna murder you.  You should have 
seen his face and then when he implied that you were a boy, I almost couldn't 
keep a straight face," said Motoki as he threw fresh straw in an empty stall.
	"Well he knows the truth now and I suppose he has reason to be 
angry."
	"Yeah well you had reason to be preoccupied.  I gotta get a new 
load of straw, I'll be back."
	"No rush right."
	"Right."
	Motoki left the barn out the opposite door that Mina entered.  She 
walked in and stared in awe at all of the clean stables and the magnificent 
animals that lived in them.  The horses announced her arrival to Serenity who 
wouldn't have noticed the curious girl.  When Mina got to the black mare at 
the end of the row she simply stared at the horse.  
	"She doesn't like to be stared at," said Serenity in an even voice.
	"Oh I'm sorry I didn't see you there," said Mina as she backed 
away quickly.  "I didn't mean to offend her."
	"I think Luna can forgive you.  That is if you can forgive me."
	A puzzled look covered Mina's face as Serenity emerged from the 
stall and shut the gate behind her.  Mina simply watched dumbstruck as 
Serenity took the beat up cowboy hat from her head and used it to dust off 
the jeans that she wore.  Then it was back on her head covering the neat bun 
of golden hair.
	"Forgive you for what?" Mina asked finally able to find her voice.
	"For nearly running you over yesterday.  I'm afraid I was a tad bit 
preoccupied."
	"Oh that well don't worry about it Motoki was there to protect me."
	"Really?" said Serenity as she raised an eyebrow.
	"Yes well I didn't come out here to talk about me I want to get to 
know you," said Mina quickly trying to cover the blush that stained her 
cheeks.
	"Well what would you like to know?"
	"Well for starters I noticed that your room is filled with pictures.  
Did you draw them yourself because they're quite good."
	"They were my mother's.  She was the artist not me."
	"Oh I'm sorry."
	"Don't be.  My dad says I look like her, and I have her free sprit but 
there the similarities end."
	"I keep hearing about this wedding but I don't see a ring on your 
finger."
	"Yeah well this wedding was all my fathers doing not mine."
	"Really?" asked Mina as she played with some of her blonde 
hair.  "Why do you say that?"
	"Maybe because I'm simply a way for my father to ensure that his 
business will go on.  He gave away my freedom of choice.  He told some 
man, that I have yet to meet or even find out his name, that I would be his 
bride," said Serenity as she kicked the stable wall causing the horses to all 
whinny.
	"Maybe it won't be as bad as you think."
	"Oh I'm sure I'm gonna end up married to one of Papa's old 
partners and I'll end up having to be a nursemaid to an old man for the rest of 
my days."
	"Perhaps your father has found a younger partner for you to marry."
	"Not likely. Daddy doesn't deal with anyone who doesn't have at 
least one gray hair."
	"Now that's the silliest thing," Mina stopped mid sentence as her 
gaze fell on the sight of Motoki entering the barn.  
	His arms were strained under the weight of the straw bale and his 
well-defined muscles fought against his shirt.  His short blond hair fell over his 
forehead but didn't get into his eyes so she had a clear view of his sky blue 
orbs.  When Motoki looked up and his eyes met Mina's Serenity could almost 
feel the connection between the two.  However as soon as they made eye 
contact Mina forgot all about Serenity and Motoki abandoned his straw.  They 
were drawn to one another by some force that Serenity could only call true 
love.  She exited the barn quickly to give the two a few moments alone.
	Serenity decided that it was a good idea to get something done 
today so she grabbed one of the saddled horses from outside and took off 
to town.  Maybe if she found a new book to read she could calm her fears a 
bit.
	*		*		*
	"So Mina how are you this morning?" asked Motoki.
	"I'm fine and you?" asked Mina looking him straight in the eye.
	"I'm fine."
	The two of them stood in the most awkward silence since neither 
could find words to express what their eyes and hearts were telling them.  
Ever so slowly Motoki reached out a hand to brush a strand of hair from 
Mina's face.  The contact was like an electric shock to both of them.  
	"I would like to kiss you Mina."
	"I would like to kiss you too."
	Motoki leaned down to her slightly shorter height and with his lips 
just barely touching hers he whispered, "I think I love you Mina."  Nothing 
more was said as their lips met in a long tender kiss. They didn't even notice 
when an impatient Rei came marching into the barn and stopped short at the 
sight of the two embracing. Mamoru came up behind her and a smile 
crossed his face until he saw who it was that was wrapped in the arms of a 
strange man.
	"Get your hands off her," he growled as he entered the barn.
	"Really Mamoru there's no need to ruffle your feathers," said Rei 
as she tried to calm his temper.  "It's just a little kiss."
	"Little kiss he has his hands all over her!"
	"They're barely touching."
	"He has no right."
	"Mina is a big girl and she can handle a kiss.  Now come on lets 
break this up in a civilized manner."
	Mina and Motoki were completely oblivious to the conversation 
going on.  All they knew was the wonderful feeling of love that coursed 
through their veins.  All good things must end and when a hand grabs your 
arm that'll do it.  Mamoru had taken hold of Mina and was gently trying to pry 
the two apart.  Rei on the other hand simply sat back and watched.
	"Hmm what?" asked Mina as the connection was broken and she 
threw angry eyes to Mamoru.
	"Time to go to town and we can't leave until you let Motoki here 
have his hands back," said Mamoru as he gently pulled her away from 
Motoki.
	"Oh," said Mina as she began to turn a nice shade of red.
	"I'll go get the buggy and horses ready," said Motoki in a soft voice 
as he turned almost as red as Mina.
	"Well get to it Motoki," said Rei stepping into the conversation.
	"Yes miss."
	Motoki ran off to get the horses leaving Mina with her cousin and 
Rei.  No one said a word until Mina in a soft voice said, "I think I'm in love."  
Then just as suddenly she was back to her usual bubbly self as she skipped 
out of the barn.
	"I'm gonna have to have a talk with those two," said Mamoru as he 
followed his cousin.
	"Mamoru why won't you let love happen?" asked Rei.
	"Love doesn't' exist in this world.  That's why I'm here getting ready 
to marry a complete stranger."
	"Well if you feel that way about it."
	"No I'm sorry I know you're not a stranger anymore but still I hardly 
know you let alone love you."
	"Oh Mamoru you don't know,"
	"Please don't try to make excuses Rei.  I know you're doing this for 
your father.  Let's just try to get to know each other a bit better shall we."
	With that said Mamoru walked out of the barn and stood with Mina 
while they waited for the buggy.  Rei stood in the barn dumbstruck.  He 
thought they were getting married, oh this was good.  This must have been 
why her father had asked her to come home pretending to be single.  By 
using her maiden name she was confusing the poor boy that would obviously 
have run the other way had he known that he was to marry the amazon.  She 
looked to Luna who shook her head in response.
	"Don't look at me that way Luna.  I mean, wouldn't you take 
advantage of this situation too?" asked Rei as she straightened her skirt and 
walked out to the buggy.
	*		*		*
	Half an hour later the buggy rolled into town along with it's four 
passengers.  Two had silly grins on their faces, one held a frown and the last 
a polite smile.  As they rolled down Main Street two of the passengers looked 
with curiosity at the buildings that lined the street.  Two dry goods stores, four 
saloons, three boarding houses, two grocery stores, a post office, bank, 
Sheriff's office, and a barber shop.  St. Louis was definitely a busy town.
	The carriage came to a stop in front of the sheriff's office that was 
wedged between Gustaf's Dry Goods and the post office.  Motoki tied the 
horses to the post and proceeded to help Mina and Rei exit the carriage.  
The girls went immediately to the dry goods store and Mamoru went into the 
post office.  Motoki just waited with the horses.
	*		*		*
	"So I rode in and nearly ran over his cousin," said a female voice.  
"You should have been there Tegami."
	"Well I guess I'll just have to start visiting on a regular basis again," 
said Tegami.  He was a tall man, about 28 years old, with brown hair that 
always looked wind blown.  His bangs fell over a pair of green eyes and he 
was forever pushing them out of the way.
	"Tegami you know what papa did to you the last time."
	"Well the last time I tried to court you Miss. Serenity you were only 
16 and I was a whopping 22."
	"Yes and papa thought you should visit with his shotgun not his 
daughter."
	"Don't remind me," said Tegami with a chuckle.
	They were both laughing so hard that neither one noticed the door 
open or the young man that entered.  Mamoru cleared his throat to try and get 
the boys attention.  Neither looked up so he walked over to the boy that was 
still wearing a dusty cowboy hat and removed it from his head.  The reaction 
he got was quite unexpected.  A sea of golden hair fell nearly to the floor and 
a very feminine face turned angry crystal blue eyes to Mamoru.
	"What the hell do you think your doing!" she screamed.  "Give me 
back my hat.  Don't they teach men manners anymore?"
	"I'm sorry but I thought, I mean I didn't know," Mamoru stumbled 
over his words.  He couldn't take his eyes from her face.
	"Don't they teach you to speak either?  Really I must have a word 
with some of the teachers in this town."
	"May I help you sir?" asked Tegami trying to save the poor man 
from Serenity's wrath.
	"He doesn't need any help Tegami he just needs to learn some 
manners."
	"I beg your pardon but I have better manners than you.  Hats should 
be removed when you enter a building," said Mamoru trying to save his 
reputation.
	"That's a rule for guys not ladies sir," said Serenity.
	"Well at first glance you looked the part miss."
	"Really well then I guess I should act like one."
	"No that's not necessary,"
	Mamoru was too late to stop the fist that connected with his 
stomach.  The air left his lungs and he doubled over.  By god she packed a 
punch!  Straightening up he looked over the now smirking figure.  Brown 
boots and jeans covered her legs showing the nicely defined curves of her 
hips.  The blue work shirt highlighted her eyes and hid the evidence of her 
gender.  Her face was covered with dust and the brim of the cap had hidden 
its soft features from view.  The golden cape that fell from her head to the 
backs of her calves was the only feminine giveaway.
	"Ready to apologize or should I put a dent in that pretty face of 
yours?" asked Serenity as she looked over the gasping Mamoru.  He was 
cute, for a guy.  Clean black boots, a well-cut black suit, and a green under 
vest gave him away as an office man.  His face was all male and very good 
looking.  His eyes were blue but they held an air of sadness in their cerulean 
depths.  His black hair was well styled and only now as he straightened up 
did a couple stray locks fall over his eyes.
	"I'm sorry if I offended you miss," he said in a deep voice.
	"That's all right I guess I can forgive you."  Was it her imagination 
or did he just sound incredibly sexy?  No get it together Serenity you are not 
going to fall for this guy.  "After all it happens quite often."
	"Once again I do apologize."
	"I'll see ya round Tegami.  Come on out to Seven Gables and you 
can help me break in the newbies."
	"Did you say Seven Gables?" asked Mamoru.
	"Yeah, what about it?  You got a problem with me inviting people 
over to my house?" asked Serenity as she prepared for another fight.
	"No it's just that I'm also staying at Seven Gables and I don't 
remember meeting you."
	"Oh you're one of papa's guests from Davenport aren't you.  
Mamoru Chiba right?  President of Rose Saving and Loan.  Your merging 
into Millenium Saving and loan at the end of the month."
	"Yes that's right but I'm afraid I don't know who you are."
	"Well I would have thought that you would have done your home 
work on someone you were merging with.  Anyone knows that in business 
deals you do thorough background checks."
	"Yes I did but I didn't check into his family, simply the business."
	"Well I guess you are rather new at this aren't you.  I mean you took 
over just last year after your father retired."
	"Yes but as I said Miss I was only interested in the business aspect 
of the deal.  Now who are you?" asked Mamoru in a harsher than normal 
voice.
	"I'm one of Kenji's daughters, Serenity Tsukino."  She said 
watching for his reaction.
	"Well it's nice to meet you Miss Tsukino but if you will allow me I 
have business I need to attend to with the postman here."
	"Of course Mr. Chiba."
	Both turned at the same time, Mamoru to the counter and 
Serenity to the door.  She quickly twisted her hair back up and stuck the hat 
back on her head.  Mamoru simply threw a couple letters on the counter and 
started talking with Tegami.  Serenity left leaving the two to their business, 
"That man is gonna be a pain in the neck," thought Serenity as she mounted 
her horse and headed home.
	*		*		*
	The ride back in from town was as quite as the ride in.  The only 
difference being that this time the frown on Mamoru's face was obvious.  Rei 
steals glances at him every once in a while but then her mind wanders back 
to the fabric that she ordered for the dresses.  Serenity was going to simply 
scream.  Mina on the other hand was comfortably riding beside Motoki in the 
driver's seat.  
	They arrived back at Seven Gables around 3 o'clock so everyone 
went their own ways until it was time for dinner.  Motoki went back out to the 
stables, Mina stayed out on the porch swing, Rei went inside to catch up on 
her embroidery, and Mamoru went in search of Kenji and some answers 
about his daughter.
	*		*		*
	Mamoru found Kenji in his study working on some business 
contracts and loan paperwork.  He knocked on the door and Kenji looked up 
at him with grateful eyes.
	"Come on in Mamoru please," said Kenji as he waved him in.
	"Sorry to interrupt I know your busy," said Mamoru as he took a 
seat in one of the leather chairs.
	"No bother I was ready for a break anyway.  What can I do for you?"
	"I met one of your daughters today.  She gave me a lecture on how 
to handle business and a right to the stomach."
	"Ahh yes that's Serenity.  I'm sorry I didn't warn you about her.  See 
she helps me quite often with the business and well, often times she seems 
to run it."
	"I gathered from her lecture that she knew a tad more than the 
average bankers daughter."
	"That's the truth.  Serenity knows more about the bank than I do 
right about now, well at least she thinks she does.  She knows all the clients 
and takes pride in the fact that half of them think of her as my son."
	"Yes I thought she was a boy at first as well.  Then her hat came off 
and well she gave me a lesson in manners that I won't forget," said Mamoru 
as he rubbed his stomach.
	"Sorry about that she loves to pick fights, especially with guys who 
don't know who she is," said Kenji as he shook his head.  "I'm afraid that after 
her mother died I raised her as I knew how."
	"She's quite the spit fire," said Mamoru.
	"Yes and I wouldn't have her any other way," said Kenji.  "Shall we 
go see if we can steal some pie from Makoto and spoil our dinner?"
	"You go right ahead I want to get the rest of my business in order.  
I'll see you at dinner."
	Kenji left the office and Mamoru followed.  He climbed the stairs 
and entered his room.  Business was not what was on his mind.  A certain 
blonde vixen with a temper to match her spirit dominated his thoughts.  
Damn that woman.  She had already disrupted his business in town and now 
he couldn't concentrate on business at home because every time he picked 
up a paper he saw her face.
	*		*		*
	At 5 o'clock sharp the dinner warning bell sounded from the main 
house.  Serenity grudgingly walked back up to the house to clean up before 
dinner.  She was so preoccupied with her thoughts that she didn't see the 
gopher hole up ahead.  She fell flat on her face.  Serenity had been having a 
simply lovely afternoon.  First she skipped breakfast, then she ran into Mr. 
Chiba in the Post Office and now she had just tripped on a gopher hole!  
Slowly Serenity got up dusted herself off and continued to the house.
	Rei met her at the back door with a smile on her face.  "Why hello 
Serenity.  Did you have a fun day today?"
	"What do you want Rei?" asked Serenity ignoring her sisters 
question.
	"Why I'm just here to help you up to your room and into the 
appropriate dress for dinner."
	"Rei I'm perfectly capable of getting dressed by myself."
	"Yes but it's my job to make sure you wear a dress not pants."
	"What!  Whose idea was this?  There is no way I'm gonna wear 
a dress to dinner."
	"Oh yes there is Serenity dear and I'm gonna make sure of it."  
Rei grabbed one of Serenity's arms and dragged her upstairs to her 
room.
	"Rei I don't even own a dress anymore," said Serenity trying to 
find some way to get out of Rei's hold.
	"Don't squirm Serenity, and you do too have a dress."
	"No I don't.  I burned all the ones I had a long time ago 
remember?"
	"Yes and I must say it was a waste of good cloth."
	"I had a nice bon fire going though."
	"Yes well this is something that even you weren't allowed to get 
your hands on," said Rei as she led Serenity into her room and closed the 
door behind them.
	"Come on Rei let me out of here.  I gotta wash up," said Serenity 
as she tried to get to the door but Rei stood firm.
	"The wash basin is right over there.  Wash your face, arms, and 
hands and I'll do your hair."
	"Fine." 
	Serenity surrendered but a mischievous smile lit up her face as 
she started cleaning up while Rei combed out the tangled mess that her 
hat had been covering.  A half-hour later Serenity was clean and her hair 
was in a long braid and artistically pinned up in a neat coil.  Rei stood back 
to admire her work then she walked over to the closet and opened the door 
to reveal a pale white dress with blue flowers embroidered on it.  It had a 
full skirt, long slender sleeves, and a lacy neck.  There was a blue ribbon 
that acted as a belt and tied in the back.  There was also an assortment of 
other white articles that Rei tried to hide.
	"This is what you're gonna wear to dinner," said Rei smiling all 
the while.
	"I can't wear that," said Serenity jumping from the stool she had 
been sitting on.  "What's all that other stuff in there?"
	"And why not?" said Rei ignoring her sisters question.
	"Well it's too fancy for me, and it's not the right color either."
	"Nonsense Serenity this dress is perfect for you.  Now come 
over here and change."
	Serenity reluctantly walked over to the dressing screen, and with 
a death look to Rei, stepped behind it and started to undress.  	"So where 
did you find the dress?" she asked.  "I'm not wearing all that stuff in their Rei 
I hope you know that."
	"It was mama's.  I kept all of her clothes in hopes that maybe you 
would wear them someday," said Rei in a suddenly solemn tone.  "And of 
course your gonna wear all of this Serenity because it's about time you 
dressed like a lady."
	"If it was mama's it's not gonna fit me Rei.  I may look like her but 
I'm not the same size."
	"True but that's why I altered it for you."
	"Damn," said Serenity as she stuck out an arm for the dress.  
"Give the thing to me then."
	"Well you don't just put the dress on silly.  First you need to put on 
these," Rei handed Serenity a pair of loose white knee length pants.  
"These are your, pantaloons."
	"You mean a fancy pair of drawers Rei?"
	"Um yes."
	"There's lace on these things."
	"Just put them on," said Rei as she tried to cover the agitation 
her sister was causing.
	"Yeah right sorry Rei, but no.  I'll just use the ones I'm wearing," 
said Serenity as she promptly threw the pantaloons out the open window.
	"Serenity!  What are you doing?" yelled Rei as she ran to the 
window and saw the new pantaloons decorating the rose bushes outside.
	"Just give me the dress Rei, that's all I need."
	"And have you walking around half clothed?  I don't think so.  I 
suppose your current pantaloons will have to do."
	"Drawers Rei."
	"Fine call them what you will but at least keep them on.  Here this 
is your chemise," said Rei as she handed her a thin white shirt with short 
sleeves.
	"This is a shirt Rei, except it's got lace on it again."
	"Serenity just put it on."
	"No, I'm not wearing a shirt under a dress it's stupid."
	"Serenity don't make me come back there."
	"Sorry Rei," said Serenity as once again she tossed the 
undergarment out the window.
	"When I tell Setsuna how you threw all of her lovely 
undergarments out the window she'll be after your head," growled Rei as 
she closed the window and stormed over to the closet.
	"Come on Rei it's not like you actually wear all this stuff under 
your dress."
	"Of course I do.  Any proper lady does."
	"But it's so impractical to wear all this, stuff."
	"It's not impractical it's proper.  Now here please put this on, it's 
the last item I swear," said Rei as she handed Serenity a plain white 
petticoat.
	"Well it's about time you gave me the dress Rei but this isn't the 
one you showed me.  It's kind of short, but at least there isn't any lace," said 
Serenity as she pranced out from behind the dressing screen with her nose 
in the air.
	Serenity was so absorbed in her prancing that she didn't see 
Rei or the evil look in her eye.  She also didn't see the collapsed 
lampshade with strings that Rei held open in her arms.  It wasn't until Rei 
jumped at Serenity and stuck the contraption over her head and around 
her torso that she came back to reality.  Serenity immediately bolted for 
the door like a spooked horse but the corset that pinned her arms to her 
side threw off her balance and she tumbled to the floor with Rei still holding 
the corset strings.
	"Let me go!  Get this thing off of me!  This is inhumane!"
	"Not a chance now get up and pull your arms out so I can tighten 
the strings."
	"No, you take this thing off me right now," said Serenity as she 
blew a few loosened strands of hair out of her face.
	"I will not.  Your gonna wear mama's dress and your gonna act 
like a lady or I'm gonna tighten this till your arms break," said Rei as she 
too tried to see through her now loose hair.
	"Tighten all you like I'm not gonna wear this thing.  I've watched 
you enough to know this is not very comfortable."
	"Comfort comes second to fashion."
	"No comfort comes first.  Now where are my jeans?"
	"Oh no you don't I got you into this and I'm gonna get you into 
that dress if it takes all night," said Rei as she stood above her sister.  
"Last chance Serenity."
	"Torture me all you like I?m not gonna cooperate with you Miss 
Priss," spat Serenity as she hardened her features.
	"Fine but don't say I didn't warn you."
	Rei placed one foot against Serenity's back and pulled the 
corset strings tight.  Serenity just sat silently except for the sharp gasp 
that signaled the air had just been forced out of her lungs.  Rei stopped 
and looked down at her sister who stubbornly turned away.  Once again 
Rei pulled on the strings and this time Serenity felt her arms start to fall 
asleep.
	Then a simply evil idea floated into Serenity's mind, but could she
pull it off?  Sure Motoki was out in the barn but Papa and that Chiba fellow 
were right downstairs.  Serenity briefly thought of her current state of 
undress but as soon as Rei gave another tug on the corset strings she 
didn't care.  Serenity let out the loudest scream she possibly could with her 
restricted airflow.
	*		*		*
	Downstairs everyone except for Rei and Serenity were sitting in 
the dining room.  Makoto kept peeking her head in then looking at her 
pocket watch and frowning.  It was now 6:15 and dinner always started at 
six sharp.
	"Will the dinner be ruined?" asked Mina after seeing Makoto 
peek in for the third time.
	"No it'll keep.  She's just overly worried because there's 
company," said Kenji as he pulled out his own watch.  "I must say that my 
daughters are not usually this late."
	Just then a shout filtered down from upstairs and a white object 
fell past the window landing in the bushes.  Kenji just stared at the object as 
another shout sounded from above and a second white object joined the 
first.  Mamoru followed Kenji's gaze to the window and he too stared at the 
white objects.  Mina, not one to be left out, also turned to the window and 
inspected the white things from her seat.
	"What are those?" asked Kenji as he pointed to the window.
	"I have no clue," said Mamoru.
	"Oh my goodness!" gasped Mina as she bolted up from her 
seat, ran over to the window and took a closer look.  She turned back to the 
men in the room and whispered as a blush crept onto her cheeks, "Those 
are women's underpinnings."
	It took Mamoru and Kenji a good minute to fully understand what 
Mina had said.  When it did hit them they looked away from the window and 
busied themselves in a conversation.
	"So have you heard from your father yet?" asked Kenji.
	"Nope but I just sent out a letter today so maybe by next week," 
said Mamoru.
	Further conversation was stopped when a thump from upstairs 
shook the ceiling above them.  Not even a minute later someone started 
screaming.  Mamoru and Kenji both jumped up and headed for the stairs, 
Mamoru in the lead.  Half way up the stairs the scream increased to an 
almost unbearable level.  Certain that someone must be trying to murder 
the girls he didn't even bother knocking on the bedroom door before he 
opened it.
	*		*		*
	Rei dropped the strings to cover her ears and immediately the 
sound increased as Serenity wiggled to regain some much needed lung 
capacity.  The sound of boots running up the stairs sounded faintly in the 
background and then the door to the room burst open to reveal Mamoru 
with Kenji right behind him. 
	All sound and motion stopped in the room for a good thirty 
seconds as each person looked to the other then Rei promptly fainted and 
Mamoru began to laugh along with Kenji.  Serenity just sat on the floor with 
the corset still about her torso, anger slowly covering the relief of being 
saved from her sister.  Then two other sets of feet joined the men as 
Makoto and Ami tried to get into the room.  When Makoto did manage to 
get past them she too almost broke out laughing at the sight Serenity 
presented.
	Ami was the one who finally got their attention," I think you best 
leave gentlemen.  After all it's not proper to see a lady in such a state of 
undress."
	"But Ami look at her," said Makoto as she began laughing in 
earnest.
	"I don't see anything funny about this situation Miss Kino.  Now 
please help me get these men out of here.  This is very improper."	
	"All of you just get out!" shouted Serenity from her seat on the 
floor.  "And take the pile of red with you."
	Makoto, Ami, Mamoru and Kenji all stopped laughing and 
realizing, finally, Serenity's state of undress the men left quickly followed by 
Ami and Makoto carrying Rei over her shoulder.  When the door finally 
closed Serenity wiggled out of the corset, walked over to the window, and 
added it to the collection of lawn decorations below.
	"Round one to Serenity," she said as she retrieved her jeans 
from behind the screen.
	*		*		*
Authors Notes:

	Hope this lived up to all of your expectations.  I recieved so many 
comments after posting just the first installment that I worried about creating a
repeat preformance.	Plese remember two things about my writing.  First I 
finish every story that I start.  It may take me a bit but all my ideas eventually 
get put on paper.  Second I'm a poor college student who is trying not to 
flunk out.  If it takes a while for the next chapter to get out don't yell at me yell 
at my professors who all assign 10 page research papers.
	For the historical part of this story, yes women actually wore all
that stuff under their dresses.  Just imagine wearing three layers of clothing
and then a corset that restricts your airflow.  I didn't get to the hoop skirt but
I'd like to see any of you convince Serenity that she should wear that!
	Finally if you like my work you will love the work of authors who are
much better than I ever hope to be.  Meara, Bethany, Kate Butler, and Lady
are jsut a few of my recomended authors so please read their work and let 
them know what you think of it.  Oh and of course please please please let 
me know what you think of this story.  Any suggestions are welcome.  So 
send me e-mail.  Thanks bunches.

k340029@yahoo.com