Tales of Younger Venus Author's Forward by Douglas Helm Foreword #1 : This is forward for everybody, so please read it. Greetings! What sits before you is the first part of "Tales of Younger Venus" (ToYV). This is the "sequel" to "Tales of Younger Jupiter" (ToYJ). Although reading "Tales of Younger Jupiter" is not necessary to understand the plot of "Tales of Younger Venus" it is HIGHLY recommended. This story is rated PG. I'm not about to say that this story wouldn't be possible without my co-author, "Tuxedo" Will... BUT I will say that this story WOULD NOT be as good IMHO. Will has the patience of a saint, he allows me to bounce ideas off of him to pretty much my heart's content; it also helps that we work very well together. How did I get Will involved in this, and many other, works? Quite simply by dragging him under protest that how. In "Tales of Younger Jupiter", I had a fabulous idea and Will started off as a simple sounding board. However by the end of the fic I was pestering him to take credits as a co-author. That pretty much started it off. We've both had rough spots working together but then again who doesn't? He's certainly made writing fics fun and I thank him for that. Before I go further I should clarify a point of confusion for some. There are two "versions" of the Younger Jupiter (Sakuya Rakurai) that can be found. There is the "Sailor Moon Expanded Project" version and the "Official" version; this story fits into the "Official" version of my developed timeline arc. I consider the "Official" version as cannon for my stories. To get a the full picture here is a listing of those stories that make up the "Official" timeline: Grandmother Makoto Tales of Younger Jupiter Tales of Younger Venus These stories can be found at - http://log.on.ca/users/helm/anime/index.htm Or send a e-mail request for them to - Douglas Helm (dhelm@log.on.ca) or "Tuxedo" Will (wwolfshohl@logicon.com) At the end of this file you will find a brief set of biographies for three new characters along with an appendix of Japanese words that are/will be used within this story. Where does this story fit in the Sailor Moon timeline? During SMSS with the Trio (TigersEye, FishEye, and HawksEye) are around. although it does start during the Crystal Tokyo era. Posting this and my other stories on WWW/FTP sites: Unless I've sent it to you with a specific request to post it this story (or any of my other stories) MAY NOT be posted. I was slightly perturbed to find one of my one of my other stories posted on a site and I didn't know about it. Foreword #2 : This foreword is for those that have read the other stories. So you've come back for more? I'm pleased to see you sticking with me considering I write in, what Mr. Davies calls, a "restrained" writing style. I haven't quite figured that one out... This story should neatly package the loose ends that might have been haunting some people since "Grandmother Makoto" was released. :) Even my co-author didn't know until just recently exactly why Sakuya and Makoto loathe Sailor Pluto so much, and no it won't be answered right away; the answer will be near the end. I have been asked if other Younger Senshi will be appearing, the answer is no. At least not in this story. I have other stories planned that don't involve Younger Senshi so I'd have to have enough ambition and a good plot before I would write other stories focusing on those Younger Senshi that I've been avoiding. Disclaimer: Sailor Moon, Sailor Senshi, and all terms, names, etc. associated with the series are copyrighted by Naoko Takeuchi and Kodansha. We make no claim to them and this work of fanfiction should not be seen as making a claim. Those characters that are original and the story "Tales of Younger Venus" are copyrighted (c) 1997 by Douglas Helm & Will Wolfshohl. On with the story! Tales of Younger Venus Prologue Part 1 - Serenity's Gift Deep royal blue and purple bands highlighted the slowly setting sun. The sun reflected from the small lake's waters like a glowing fire ember, while small ripples played across the lake's surface. It was simply a beautiful sight to behold. Neo-Queen Serenity sighed as she leaned back into the large chair on the porch. Its wooden surface was very old, almost four hundred years. They had built this place to get away from Crystal Tokyo, a retreat from the fast and furious pace of public life. No one had ever found this site since they usually teleported directly from the Palace. This thought brought another sigh to Serenity's lips. That was the problem, tomorrow she'd have to re-enter the world and do it by car in a nearly five hour trip. Her condition would not permit teleportation. Something very maternal wouldn't let her accept even the extremely minute risk of teleportation affecting her unborn child. As if the thought of the child was a cue it heaved a mighty kick and Serenity grunted. "Active again, ne?" King Endymion asked with a wry smile that grew bigger when Serenity waved an impotent finger at him. "Oh shut up!" Serenity snapped, "She probably knows what's going to happen and is taking this opportunity to get back at me before I can do anything." Endymion shook his head and went off chuckling to himself. Serenity fumed. Sure Endymion was supportive but he seemed to find the concept of a child getting revenge before she was even born somehow amusing. It had been especially difficult for Serenity to sit back and watch as the others gave birth. She loved children dearly and wanted a family of her own. She had tried to resolve, at least privately, the fact that the first child she would bear would be nearly one thousand years in the future. Amongst all the Inner Senshi, Ami had it the easiest. She knew nothing of what the future would hold for her in the way of family and therefore didn't really feel the burden of expectation. An expectation that could be shattered if certain key events didn't occur. Rei was next. Serenity giggled. The sheer number was what kept Rei sane. Sixty-two children! Rei had brushed it off; secretly Rei confided to Serenity, who was still Usagi at the time, that she was scared stiff. Losing Yuuichiro, her first real love, must have been one of the hardest experiences Rei had to live through. Rei had in a round about way pictured him as the husband that would father her children even though she'd deny it to the others. Minako had been borderline. Seeing Kimeko, her future daughter, in the past had been a reassuring sight to Minako but it also provided a push down a lane of worry. Minako was determined to see Kimeko born and she didn't want to do anything to endanger that. It came to a point where Minako wasn't functioning properly, but fortunately, whatever Makoto had said to her seemed to solve the problem. For Minako, everything did manage to work out. Kimeko, now approaching puberty, was every bit the daughter Minako had imagined she would be. Serenity remembered back to when Minako asked her to be Kimeko's Godmother. A duty she was most happy to accept and had never regretted. Serenity scowled slightly and looked around. She knew that Mercury and Younger Jupiter were hovering about somewhere. Serenity had resigned herself long beforehand to expect Mercury to remain nearby over the past nine months. It was, to say the least, quite infuriating if not downright inconvenient sometimes. Mercury had also not forgotten the slight mishap a few months ago... This brought a brief smile to Serenity as she rubbed her hand over her swollen belly. "You will certainly be a terror, of that I have no doubt." As if on cue the baby kicked, striking back at the insult and Serenity frowned slightly. The thought of Makoto's cooking reminded Serenity that she had been looking around for Younger Jupiter; the very serious, and as some put it cold, Senshi was somewhat of a mystery. Serenity couldn't really say anything because Younger Jupiter was important but... Serenity desperately wanted to reassure the young woman. Young, that was relatively speaking. She had known her ever since a frightened Sakuya had been presented to her by the child's grandmother, Sailor Jupiter, at the age of thirteen, the first of the Younger Senshi. That was over hundred years ago now. It seemed hard to believe so much time had passed. Serenity gave up her reminiscing about Sakuya and turned her thoughts back to Makoto. Makoto had been very reservist. Non-emotional, just a very large silent wall. The only time that she ever really showed anything type of concern or support was when Serenity as Usagi was at her low points and feeling lonely. Sakuya had a profound effect on the Inner Senshi's lives but Makoto was the exception. Sakuya had drawn something out of Makoto that seemed to flourish and for that brief moment when Sakuya was back in the past Makoto was truly happy. Sakuya had also managed to loosen Ami up a bit. Not a huge amount but when the other Senshi discovered she'd been seeing the same boy for four months, it was something of a surprise, and a pleasant one at that. They had been careful not to rib Ami too much; she was still very insecure about the whole thing... It also helped that the boy himself was quiet and with them living in the same area, it was easier for them to carry on a relationship. So then it came to the last. Serenity had watched with envy, joy, sadness, and anger as her friends gave birth. One after the other. A little relief appeared as Sakuya had been brought to Crystal Tokyo by Makoto and that was like a sign. Only a few more weeks and she would bear her own child. Then something moved. Serenity at first didn't realize the significance of it; then it slowly dawned on her. At first she was terrified but that slowly gave way to relief and joy. Feeling a tear streak down her face Serenity took a breath and shouted, "Endymion!" Soon pounding feet could be heard and Endymion appeared, worry plain in his eyes, "Nani?!?" a tone of nervousness in his voice. Softly, reaching for his hand Serenity said, "She's coming! She's on her way." Endymion's reaction was not what she had expected. His eyes rolled back into his head and with a gurgling noise, he promptly fainted. Fortunately the shout had attracted others. Mercury, having expected this reaction from her king, carefully stepped over his prone form to check on her friend and queen, Serenity. Serenity hadn't noticed Younger Jupiter's arrival until she heard the small voice of Younger Jupiter's charge ask her, "Mommy, is my sister here?" Serenity smiled and took the brief moment to look at her three year old daughter and said, "Hai, Small Lady... Your sister is on her way." Prologue Part 2 - Homecoming As Princess Usagi of Crystal Tokyo made her way through the corridors of the Crystal Palace her heart felt lighter. True she had managed to stop the destruction and devastation of the Black Moon Family but it wasn't without a price. A pang of guilt shot through her heart at that thought. She had caused some of the destruction and death because she had taken the Ginzuishou. Later as Black Lady she had tried to kill her own mother and nearly killed her friend and guardian, Younger Jupiter. Her mother's voice sounding of warmth and comfort broke into her thoughts. "I hung a picture up in your room, Small Lady," Neo-Queen Serenity said. Usagi stopped and looked up at her mother, Tentatively almost afraid to ask Usagi asked, "W-What picture?" Placing her hand gently on her daughter's chin Neo-Queen Serenity replied, "The one you gave to Usagi... It's one of the very few things I managed to save from Usagi's time." "Arigato, Onee-sa... Mommy." Usagi hugged her mother tightly with tears in her eyes. "Even though you can't be my imouto here, remember, Small Lady, your onee-san's still within me and I love you as much as any mother could," Serenity said wiping off a few tears of her own and released the hug. A need to see that picture floated into Usagi's mind and heart. She was happy to be home but that picture was a link to a world she had to give up, one she hadn't really wanted to. As the desire and suspense of seeing the painting and how it had faired nearly a thousand years spread over her, Princess Usagi did an unladylike thing and took off down the large hall at a break-neck speed leaving her parents far behind trailing in her wake. ****** "What do you mean `if I don't cook'?! I'll have you know I've had nearly one thousand years to improve..." Sailor Venus protested. "The Commander means, Sako-chan, nearly a thousand years to get worse!" Sailor Jupiter said seriously, "We want Sakuya to heal from her injuries not die of food poisoning!" "Hmmmphf!" Venus said and indignantly stuck her nose up into the air. The hurt act didn't last long though, she felt the smile tugging at her mouth. This lead into small chuckles. The smiles that spread across her companions' faces only caused Venus to give another snort and then smile broadly, "Okay, okay... but can't I at least do something?" "Hai, you can," Jupiter said, "Go tell Kimeko that Sako's back. That girl's been driving us up the walls!" Jupiter's smile grew a little broader as Venus gleefully accepted the job and bounded off in search of her daughter. "Sako-chan, you've been awfully quiet... Something wrong?" Jupiter gave her granddaughter a long searching look. Younger Jupiter was nearly six foot even in height. Although Jupiter could only guess her weight, she'd place Younger Jupiter's at a muscular one hundred and twenty-five pounds. Reddish-brown hair hung in a flowing ponytail that reached to her waist. But the most unnerving aspect of Jupiter's granddaughter had to be her eyes. Those deep brown eyes looked so much like her mother's that they seemed to drill right into you. Younger Jupiter gave her grandmother a sharp glance before saying, "Iie, there's just something... I don't know, different." "You've been gone awhile, Sako-chan... some things DO change." ****** Princess Usagi reached the door to her room breathlessly and halted. There were voices coming from inside the room... her room! Grabbing the doorknob she gently pushed the door ajar slightly to peek into the room. She blinked as the interior of the room became visible. The room was not as pink as Usagi remembered; it was more of a light purple pink. The furniture seemed smaller as well, more childlike and innocent. The decor was not the rabbit motif she remembered either. Usagi saw stuffed animals but the predominant setting of bunnies wasn't visible. It was more along the line of regular stuffed toys like teddy bears, cats, with only the occasional bunny. Sitting on her bed were two people. Usagi recognized one person as Younger Venus. She was like her mother, somewhere around five feet four but with a eternal spark of energy that seemed to be present in any child that Minako produced. Those light green eyes reminded young Usagi of mint leaves. Younger Venus had blonde hair that occasionally got into her face as she tilted her head to look at the smaller figure in the room. Usagi let her gaze trail down to the smaller person and stopped dead. She blinked several times as the image she was presented with confused her. The voice was childlike and was talking at a rapid rate describing what this small girl deemed very important. From her location, she couldn't make out what the child was saying. Usagi at this point forgot that she was peeking around the door and leaned forward to try to hear the conversation better. The door swung open with a bang and Usagi stumbled into the room, unconsciously flushing slightly at being caught spying. The sound of the door banging open startled the room's two occupants. After the initial surprise the youngest of the two hopped off the bed and ran full tilt towards Princess Usagi crying out, "'SAGI! 'Sagi Back... 'Sagi back!" Usagi began to open her mouth to protest their trespass into her room when the small form leapt off the ground clamped both her small arms around Usagi's neck in what could only be described as a death grip. As Usagi and her attacker fell undignified to the floor the small body kept up the high speed one-way conversation. "When you back?!?" she demanded, "I missed you! Love you so much!" This declaration of love was accompanied with a giant squeeze nearly suffocating Usagi. Finally coming to grips with the situation, Usagi grabbed both of the small arms and after pealing them away from around her neck heaved and tossed the small child off of her. Scrambling to her feet Usagi shouted, "Who the heck are you?! And where the heck did you come from?!" "I thought I answered that question when you were three," Neo-Queen Serenity's voice came from behind Usagi. She blushed at the implication of her answer. "Nani?" Usagi squeaked. She turned slightly so she could see her mother, "When I was three? I don't remember that." She noted a small smile spreading across Neo-Queen Serenity's face. This just caused her to scowl. "What is SHE doing in here?!?" "This is Misako's room... Where else would she wait for her onee-san?" King Endymion asked. "You pestered your mother for weeks about `When is my sister going to come?' I'm surprised you don't remember. You were there when your mother gave birth to her up at the retreat." "At the retreat..." Usagi repeated confused. Then something her father said sunk into her, Usagi turned to get a good look at the child. She was barely four with blonde-white hair done up into odangos and pigtails like Neo-Queen Serenity's although much smaller. Her clear blue eyes shimmered slightly. She was sitting on the floor looking very confused and somewhat dejected. "'Sagi no like me?" she asked; it was a small sad voice. The question made Usagi wince slightly, Moving carefully she walked over and held out a hand to the small girl who, after a brief pause, took it and was pulled to her feet. "Of course she like's you, Miko-chan. You just surprised her that's all. You've got much bigger since she last saw you," came the voice of Younger Venus who had remained silence the entire time. "Hai! You just surprised me, Miko-chan. I didn't mean to yell at you," Usagi offered. She then picked Misako up into a hug. Misako grinned happily, "Onee, take me to park?" "Not just yet, Miko-chan. Why don't you let Small Lady get settled in first and then she can take you to the park." "'Kay!" Miko chirped happily as Usagi let her down. "I go see Sako?" "Hai, Younger Venus will go take you to see Younger Jupiter." With that Misako took Kimeko's hand and pulled her out of the room. Usagi watched them go with mixed feelings. On the one hand, she was relieved that things were going to slow down a bit... On the other hand, she really wanted to take some time to get to know her NEW little sister. Even thinking that made a warm feeling appear inside Usagi. ****** Sakuya's homecoming was bumpier than expected; something very strange was happening. She observed subtle differences in people especially Makoto but she couldn't quite place her finger on the reason. Some of it was probably because of the Black Moon Family War but there was something else... Makoto had seemed more confident. Sakuya settled back into her office chair. She had said she wanted to discuss some things with RH but promised she wouldn't do any hard work. Makoto had accepted the compromise but promised retribution if Sakuya went back on her word. Makoto had wanted to get Sakuya to see Ami. Sakuya had accepted but managed to postpone the eventual physical examination by the resident doctor for a little while. Sakuya didn't relish being probed and prodded by Ami; her instruments were slightly colder than her professionalism. Before leaving Makoto had made it quite clear that she would be by later to check in on her granddaughter; Makoto knew too well that Sakuya might try something silly like going back to work! Even with Sakuya's Senshi constitution, she was still not at 100 percent. Calling up her personal DAILY journal, Sakuya skimmed through some of its entries. The sense that things were not as they should be was steadily growing. She suddenly stopped at a more recent entry and scowled. She knew that it was wrong... but why would someone want to change her journal? "RH!" Sakuya barked. "Hai, Honey-bunch?" he purred out, "I'm so glad to see you back..." "STUFF IT!" Sakuya snarled. She simply wasn't in any mood to deal with him, "Check the IIN for all my journal entries." "Working," RH said his voice reverting to the business setting. After a few moments he announced, "Internal Integrity Numbers match. Information secure." "That's Impossible!" Sakuya drummed her fingers for several seconds before saying, "The journal entry that I'm currently viewing has been changed. Show entry logs and IIN numbers." RH complied. Sakuya's scowl deepened as she realized that either someone with Ami's intelligence had broken into HER computer and changed things or something far more sinister was occurring. "Ma'am," RH began, "No one has accessed your journals except yourself. The authenticity codes are in place and we regularly change the encryption algorithm. Diagnostic routines can detect no signs of tampering or malfunctions." Sakuya decided to take a short walk through the Palace Garden. She needed time to sort through things... Without another word, she left her office and headed out into the garden; her first urge was to go and grab Princess Usagi and sneak away someplace but the regular people in their lives were acting as if everything was normal so she decided to play along for now. As she entered the garden she turned her thoughts to the surprises of the day but couldn't make much sense of them. She had been shocked when she noticed that some of her more recent entries in her diary were different than she had remembered. The only explanation given the facts was that they had shifted of their own volition. She heard two sets of footsteps coming in her direction. Sakuya paused to see who they were. The first person she spotted was Younger Venus coming around the corner. Sakuya thought. Then she noticed that Younger Venus wasn't alone. A little girl was with her. When the small child saw Sakuya she gave cry of joy and ran to Sakuya. When she reached the woman Misako wrapped her small arms around one of Sakuya's legs and squeaked, "SAKO BACK! I miss you!" Sakuya wasn't exactly sure how to react. She didn't remember this person at all... That was another thing. She was meeting people that knew her but she didn't remember; well that was a problem for another time. Lifting the little girl into a hug Sakuya said, "And who do we have here?" "MIKO!" the child replied as she happily returned the hug and then she giggled out, "You like 'Sagi." Sakuya paused. "Like Usagi?" Misako nodded, "How am I like Usagi?" "Onee not know me." Sakuya grimaced, "Your onee-san didn't know you?" Misako nodded. A nasty feeling suddenly came over Sakuya. She had a nagging suspicion that she knew what had happened. The problem was she wasn't sure if it was for the best or not. "I bet she was very surprised to see you," Sakuya said after noticing that Miko and Younger Venus were exchanging worried looks. "Hai, Princess Usagi demanded to know who Princess Misako was," Younger Venus offered, "It is good to see you back, Sakuya-san." As she said that a visible change had come over Younger Venus, she took on a look of youth again. It seemed like all the tension she had been holding simply drained away. Her friend and mentor was here now. She'd missed Sakuya intensely; Younger Venus wouldn't admit it in front of Misako. There was protocol but afterwards... when they had a chance to talk. Sakuya was about to say something when she heard the pounding of feet and Elder Venus came running around the corner, "Boy you guys are hard to find!" Elder Venus declared, "Her Majesty has invited Younger Venus and Younger Jupiter along with the other Elder Inner Senshi to dine with the Royal Family tonight..." Elder Venus sucked in a huge gulp of air before finishing, "to celebrate her daughter's safe return!" Younger Venus muffled a giggle. Her mother looked like she was about to collapse from exhaustion. Misako, thinking it very funny to see Elder Venus heaving and making odd noises, started to giggle from her perch in Sakuya's arms. "Arigato Commander. Well if we are to dine, we should get ready," Sakuya said. She had a difficult time keeping a straight face as well. "Hai!" Younger Venus replied, "Come along, Miko-chan. We have to get you back to your room... I suspect you'll have to take a bath." "Iie!!!" Misako declared, "Iie bath, iie play yet!" She was thoroughly disgusted. She only took baths after she was extremely grubby from playing. There was no way that anyone was going to get her into a tub willingly! Sakuya was about to add something and then suppressed the urge. She wasn't in a position to know how Misako would react, or how these NEW people would react. She did notice that Elder Venus was staying out of it; apparently this was the domain of Younger Venus. As Younger Venus approached Sakuya, she set the girl down and backed up as Misako tried in vain to recover her protection. "Your Highness, we've been playing this morning. You'll be dining with your parents and Princess Usagi tonight and..." Younger Venus said while crouching down slightly, "You get to dress up." Misako took on a serious expression as she considered this deal. Getting dressed up by itself wasn't a very big deal... but if it would make Usagi happy, then why not? Nodding her acceptance, she reached out and took Younger Venus' hand who stood and started walking back towards Misako's room. As they walked away Sakuya heard Misako say, "Onee ask Mommy where I came from..." Misako cocked her head slightly, "Where did I come from?" Sakuya covered a snicker as Kimeko came to a halt and stared at Misako for a moment before saying, "Why don't you ask your mommy that later?" Misako nodded; she liked that idea. "You know, Sako-chan," Minako said walking up to Sakuya, "I often wonder what it would be like without you around..." Sakuya stifled the glare she sent towards Venus, "Then I think about my daughter. I'm glad Kimeko has someone like you to look up to." "Arigato Minako-chan. If you'll excuse me now, I should go and get ready myself." With a nod from Venus, Sakuya slipped back to her room where a rather irritated looking Makoto was waiting for her. Prologue Part 3 - Comparing Notes Sakuya watched as Princesses Usagi and Misako interacted during dinner. She smiled when they got into a good natured squabble over something that Usagi had said or Misako thought she had said. She could see that although Usagi was probably shocked by the fact of suddenly having a little sister, she was thoroughly enjoying it. Dinner provided a good opportunity to learn about this new environment that they had stepped into but Sakuya desperately wanted to talk to Usagi alone for a few moments to see what she thought of it all. The biggest shock to Sakuya's system was when she first entered the Royal Dining Room. She observed Ami nicely dressed and without a book in sight. Sakuya couldn't ever remember Ami attending a function like that. In addition, Ami's social skills had certainly taken a turn for the better as she mingled easily with the others. A slightly guilty feeling came over Sakuya as she realized that she might have played a role in Ami's new attitude; she then brushed the guilt irritatedly away. Sakuya smiled. It was good to see the otherwise demure Senshi actively participating instead of being a wallflower. Sakuya had learned other things that evening. Now as she walked back through the garden area returning to her room, she tried to create a mental picture of what had happened and what she would have to do. It was then she heard a sudden noise and turned quickly toward it. In a slightly secluded area ringed with hedges, there was a bench and sitting on that bench was Princess Usagi beckoning to Sakuya to come over. "What are you doing out here alone, Small Lady?" Sakuya asked as she moved to sit beside her charge, "Your parents will be looking for you." Usagi paused for a few moments before saying, "Sako-chan, a lot of things have changed. Misako... and the Inners... Ami gave me a physical and then handed me a sucker!" Usagi made a slightly sour face, "She would never had done that before." "I know Princess... Things have changed; the timeline has changed." "NANI!?!?" Usagi hissed out, "Did WE change it?" "Hai!" came the cold voice, both jumped and turned to face Sailor Pluto standing at the entrance, "You two changed the timeline." Sakuya glared at Pluto and rose, "You waited this long? You could have told us..." Sakuya wasn't pleased that Pluto made her feel like an idiot, "We've had to spend nearly a full day getting used to this new environment!" She took a step towards her "enemy" and said in a dangerously quiet tone, "You can't blame that on us! You were the one that could have come and got me... Instead you left both of us there." Pluto was not phased by the anger. She replied calmly with only a nearly inaudible trace of venom, "YOUNGER Jupiter, I told you NOT to interfere! You DIDN'T listen to me and the timeline changed because of YOUR actions." Sakuya clenched her fists, "I was doing what I thought was best. My charge who I care very much about was in danger! I won't let anything including the precious `timeline' stand in MY way." "You've proven your commitment to Small Lady," Pluto said letting her emotional guard slip slightly, "So the timeline changed..." Sakuya cut her off, "But not enough... My journal still holds the truth of what you did!" This statement made Princess Usagi look nervously at Sakuya, "You're still the person I hated; still the person Obaa-san hated." "Sako-chan," Usagi pleaded softly, "I thought you two would be friends now." She took a step back at the scowl that crossed Sakuya's face. "You were acting nice to each other... Why can't you two simply be friends?" "I will have nothing to do with HER," Sakuya growled out. Usagi decided that Puu might be the reasonable one, "Puu please! Won't you try and make up? Do it for me... please?" "Iie!" Pluto continued before Usagi could say anything else, "You will NOT mention this to the others; this is THEIR timeline. Only we three know that it has altered." Pluto's voice was calm and cold. Sakuya took several breaths to try to control her anger. She would not fight with Pluto in front of Usagi. Not yet, but sooner or later she'd have to tell Usagi everything and that was a day she was not looking forward to. She owed her charge that much. For now, Usagi was too young to understand. "But we'll be out of place. Look, there are things and people that are going to be unfamiliar to us... I have my journal that I can use but what about Small Lady? Won't the others think she's gone slightly nuts?" "Hey!!!" Usagi protested. "Iie... she's still a child," Pluto ignored the unladylike comment Usagi muttered out, "It'll likely be put up to a child's natural curiosity." "Iie, I don't like this..." Sakuya began but Pluto vanished into the timestream just as footsteps were heard coming down the walkway. Sakuya rose and peeked out. She saw that it was the King and Queen. She walked over to the Royal Couple and bowed. "Your Majesties?" "Oh Sakuya-san, have you seen our daughter?" Endymion asked he missed the slight scowl that flitted across Sakuya's face. Neo-Queen Serenity noticed it but remained silent. "Hai, Daddy?" Usagi asked as she came out to look at her parents. "Misako wants to say goodnight. You should get ready for bed also, Small Lady." Usagi smiled, "Okay..." She sent a questioning look at Sakuya who nodded and both set off down the path and towards Misako's room. It wasn't long before they were at the door and Usagi tapped softly. Hearing a response Usagi opened the door and saw Misako in a set of teddy bear pajamas just getting into bed. She walked over to the Misako and while giving the girl a hug said, "Good night... Imouto." Usagi's heart sped up a little as she heard Misako bid her "onee" a goodnight also while returning the hug. She could feel her eyes start to moisten slightly; she suddenly missed Usagi. Pulling away she darted from the room missing Sakuya bidding her sister a goodnight and headed for her room. She entered her own room and looked at the picture that Usagi had given her so long ago and sniffled a little bit. Silently she made a vow. She would make Usagi, her "onee-san", proud. She didn't notice the figure slip into the room and softly close the door. "Usagi-chan?" the voice called softly. Usagi turned around to see her mother looking at her, "What's wrong, dear?" "Mommy... I just... things have changed," Usagi said, "I'm just happy that's all..." Usagi tried to redirect her mother away from her statement. Neo-Queen Serenity picked her up and hugged her daughter. "I know... It must have been very scary for you..." Usagi nodded, "A few things will seem different but they'll become familiar once you get settled again." "Gomen Mommy, I-I just wanted to be like..." Usagi suddenly broke out in a sob, "I tried to be like you but..." She was cut off by her mother placing a finger across her lips. "I know, Small Lady. I'm very proud of you. I was proud of you then and I'm proud of you now. You didn't do anything wrong. There are some things that simply happen." She smiled slightly, "You have to know though that the Ginzuishou isn't the answer to everything." "I don't understand. What are you saying?" Usagi sniffled out, her head was a mix of emotions, "Onee-san and Sako-chan said the same thing!" She didn't give her mother a chance to respond, "When I was Black Lady I wanted to hurt them... Kill Usagi! Kill YOU! Why would I want to do that? What if I do that again?! With Misako here, what if I want to hurt her?!" "Small Lady!" Neo-Queen Serenity said firmly, "You were being controlled by the Death Phantom. You wouldn't hurt Misako. You didn't hurt Usagi intentionally." She stifled her daughter's protests and said softly, "It will take time, Usagi-chan. Why don't you go to bed... It's been a big day and you can use the rest." Usagi nodded miserably and when her mother let her down started to get ready for bed. After goodnights were said and the lights were out Usagi laid there for several minutes trying to work through her emotions. She heard the door softly open and then the padding of small feet. Looking up she saw a worried expression on Misako's face. "What's wrong, Miko-chan?" Usagi asked noting the expression. The little girl didn't answer. She simply hopped up on the bed and snuggled under the covers next to Usagi. Usagi smiled, She gave her sister a hug. Her sister was soon fast asleep. Usagi laid there silently for a few minutes watching her sister sleep but the warmth of her sister's body acted like a comforting blanket and Usagi was soon asleep as well. A little while later Neo-Queen Serenity peeked into the room and noted that both of her daughters were asleep. She smiled as she remembered a similar scene so long ago with herself and that same little girl. After softly closing the door she turned to Endymion, sighed, and said softly, "They're asleep. I wish I could take that burden away from her." Endymion didn't speak only placed a comforting arm around his wife. Chapter 1 - Discovering the Present As the days passed Neo-Queen Serenity noticed that Usagi acted strangely towards Misako. She acted as if the child's behavior was a big surprise or shock. It was like Usagi was seeing her sister's behavior for the first time and she wasn't sure how to react towards it. Usagi was certainly enjoying having Misako around. Serenity was actually happy about that; Usagi was emulating behavior that Serenity remembered doing in the past when she was Usagi's onee-san. She was so proud of her daughter. Usagi was taking her role as an older sister more seriously and seemed to be showing patience that would normally have been foreign to a child her age. Certainly part of it was because of her trip to the past but Serenity had the feeling that there was something else there as well. The trip to the past certainly helped but it also hurt her daughter; leaving emotional scares that would take time to heal. It was good that Sakuya was there to help Usagi, even Misako seemed to be helping. ****** It had been nearly a month since their return. Princess Usagi was finding that this new timeline was not all it was cracked up to be. She was currently stalking towards Sakuya's office in a particularly foul mood. It had to do with school but it wasn't directed at Mercury-sensei. Mercury-sensei was still a studious teacher, still concerned with making sure that Usagi got the proper education she needed. However, Mercury-sensei was now more fun. Usagi had seen learning as a chore and boring; several times she had told Sakuya that. She was too polite to say it directly to Mercury who she did like. She tried dropping hints to Sakuya in hopes that Sakuya would get around to talking with Mercury but it never seemed to work. Now however, Mercury-sensei was certainly less focused on the learning aspect. She actually went out of her way to make learning more interesting and fun for her students; she seemed to show a bias towards Misako on the odd occasion that the little girl would ask a question. Mercury would break it down into the simplest possible answer she could. That had surprised Usagi tremendously at first. Mercury-sensei seemed to relish in teaching the younger children. That was a bit of a twist as well, Usagi actually had classmates! She was always tutored by Mercury in private before. Sure there were the children of Senshi and some of the other live-in staff at the Palace but before she'd always been isolated from them; Mercury-sensei's reasoning for this, in the old timeline, was "To ensure that Princess Usagi was not distracted from the necessary lessons that just HAD to be learned!" Maybe it was her schooling in the past. Maybe it was her onee-san's help then. In any event, Princess Usagi found herself understanding the lessons easier than she remembered before. Still it wasn't all gravy. It was school. Usagi pulled herself out of her past only briefly pausing her forward momentum to knock before entering the office, she stalked over to a chair and flopped into it. Younger Jupiter looked up from her work and frowned slightly, she saw that Usagi wasn't in a very good mood. She waited sure that no prompting would be necessary to get Usagi to tell her what was wrong. She didn't have to wait long. "I hate it!" Usagi stated emphatically. She glanced around to see if she had closed the door before continuing. "How cruel a punishment can you get?! The thing is, I did it to myself!" "Oh?" Younger Jupiter questioned, "And pray tell what IS this cruel punishment? As I've seen it, Small Lady, you've behaved excellently. It's certainly quite a change from before we went to the past." "Mommy INSISTS that I do my homework before doing anything else." Usagi crossed her arms and the scowl on her forehead deepened, "Before she would let me slip out and do fun stuff before doing homework... Now I have to have it finished first before I can go play!" A whining tone crept into her voice, "I asked her why she thought homework was so important and Mommy said, `Because you inspired me to do better at school. I wanted to improve myself for you. When you have a child I think you'll have no regrets.'" Sakuya covered her mouth as she started to giggle. At seeing Usagi's sour look Sakuya said, "Your Highness, there is no doubt that you and Usagi are nearly identical." "Nani?!" Usagi said indignantly, "What do you mean? That baka might be my mother but..." Usagi ground to a halt, "Her Majesty isn't `baka' anymore, Small Lady," Sakuya said seriously, "Obaa-san's more confident and is better educated; certainly not in Mercury's class but higher than she was. Think Small Lady, you had such a profound impact on Usagi that your mother has applied herself more than she normally would have." Usagi mulled this over for a moment before saying, "Hai, Younger Jupiter... I guess you have a point. It just annoys me that's all. Mommy also is insisting that I start to learn Kanji." She saw Sakuya blink, "Hai, Mommy really learned Kanji. She even said she would help me with it herself." Younger Jupiter heard a knock at the door and called out, "Enter." The door opened and Princess Misako and Younger Venus came into the room. Younger Jupiter rose, bowed towards the younger Princess before resuming her seat. "And what may I do for you, Princess Misako?" "Silly," Misako giggled out, "Onee, want to go to park?" "Hai," Usagi replied. Noting Younger Jupiter's questioning look she winked and said, "And hai I have my homework done." "Well I'm done here so let's go," Younger Jupiter said and ushered the group out of her office and locked the door. ****** It wasn't unusual for the two Royal Children to go to the small park beside the Palace. They couldn't be expected to simply content themselves with the Palace grounds. They had to be accompanied by a Senshi for protection of course, and pity the poor soul who tried anything with Younger Jupiter or Younger Venus around. As the youngsters scampered off to play together the two Senshi kept a watchful eye while having a conversation. Younger Jupiter was feeling at home, her adjustments were fairly easy now. With her daily journal she could simply read through and find things out. Usagi was a different matter but her problems weren't in adjusting to the new timeline... only in healing the pain that the Death Phantom had caused. "She was such a terror before you came back," Younger Venus confided, "It's like Miko was making up for her sister." The young lady took on a thoughtful expression, "Speaking of Small Lady, she seems different." "How so?" Younger Jupiter asked alert to the danger that something had slipped out about the time shift. "Well Sako-chan, the Princess is well behaved, polite, and seems more subdued." Younger Venus turned slightly and was about to say something but blushed and closed her mouth instead and resumed her watching. "Princess Usagi please don't do that... especially with your sister," Younger Jupiter said, "You were going to ask something, Kimeko-chan, so ask." Younger Venus remained silent for several seconds before saying, "How are you doing?" Younger Jupiter couldn't hide her frown. an unconscious shiver raced through her. "It was rough but we pulled through it. You would of been proud of Princess Usagi and your mother." "Princess Misako! Don't eat that!" Younger Venus cried in dismay, "You have no idea where that's been!" The conversation died away with that and after half an hour both princesses were deemed fairly grubby and hustled, under protest, to get cleaned up. Younger Jupiter and Younger Venus separated their respective charges and headed for their rooms. "Miko-chan is fun to play with," Usagi declared as she scrubbed her face, "I couldn't believe she was actually going to eat it!" "I know," Younger Jupiter said from outside the bathroom, She failed to hear Usagi come out after finishing her washing up. "Sako-chan?" came the worried voice, "Are you okay?" "Hai, Your Highness, I was just thinking." "About what?" Usagi questioned. She hadn't liked the look in Sakuya's eyes. "I was wondering why Younger Venus is Misako's guardian. Some of the other Younger Senshi would seem to have been a better choice." "Why don't we ask Mommy tonight?" Usagi suggested. "That sounds like a good idea, Small Lady," Younger Jupiter agreed and then headed back toward her office. She had to start to do some research. Chapter 2 - Misako's Guardian About an hour before supper Sakuya heard a knock at her door. Getting up she wandered over and opened the door to find Kimeko standing there. The girl's features hadn't changed from the other timeline, that was one comfort Sakuya noted. Her face was framed with the blonde hair like her mother's. Those light green eyes twinkled as if they were constantly showing excitement. Sakuya wished in her own youth she could of been more like her. "I hope I'm not interrupting, Sako-chan?" Kimeko asked. They were technically off-duty now... Kimeko knew from experience that Sakuya never considered herself "off" duty she was constantly on. This always left Kimeko with a bit of awe and sympathy. "Come in." Sakuya motioned Kimeko in and closed the door. Kimeko walked over to the small couch in the double set of rooms assigned to Sakuya as living quarters and sat down. Yes Sakuya left Kimeko slightly awed, but that was to be expected. She was after all over one hundred years her senior and the leader of the Younger Senshi. It was the sympathy that would surprise her most. Kimeko had grown to know Sakuya more and more ever since Misako had been born. She recognized the dedication but that tended to get in the way of her regular life. In Kimeko's mind Sakuya was just slightly TOO dedicated to being a Senshi. She hadn't seen Sakuya, ever... Sakuya's voice broke through Kimeko's thoughts. "Calling Kimeko... Come in Kimeko!" "Pardon?" "I said would you like some tea?" "Gomen, hai... Do you have any lemon?" Kimeko noticed the slightly questioning look Sakuya shot her but didn't respond. Sakuya had been doing that the past little while, as if she simply didn't know these things. "Hai, so what's up?" Sakuya said as she was preparing the tea. "What was it like?" Kimeko asked and then hurried to clarify it, "I mean the past." Sakuya remained silent while the tea was prepared and then brought it over to the couch. Sitting down Sakuya considered her answer with measured caution. "Fascinating, yet I was scared," Sakuya answered. "Scared?" "Hai... I was worried about Small Lady. I had to be careful too. I didn't want to change the future if I could help it," Sakuya replied. "You looked to be in a bit of rough shape when you came back, Sako-chan. I think I heard Elder Jupiter saying something about tying you to a bed..." Kimeko said. Sakuya sipped her tea for a moment before saying, "We have a little while, Kimeko-chan, so I think I can tell you what it was like." She almost winced as the true spark of excitement leapt from Kimeko's eyes. What Sakuya was going to tell Kimeko wouldn't be easy for either one of them. It was just that Kimeko didn't know what was coming... Sakuya thought. ****** Minako, Kimeko, Sakuya, Princess Usagi, Princess Misako, and Neo-Queen Serenity were sitting in a private sitting room provided for the Royal Family. They had gathered there later that night. Apparently Usagi had asked her question and Serenity was going to provide an answer to all involved it seemed. "A little earlier today Princess Usagi asked me why Younger Venus is Princess Misako's guardian." Serenity began looking at each of them. "Soon after Usagi was born, I named Sakuya as her protector. This was a natural decision. She was the first and oldest of the Younger Senshi..." Usagi and Sakuya turned toward each other and Sakuya winked. Serenity paused then continued, "Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself. When Kimeko was born I was asked to be her godmother. It was a very touching offer." Serenity and Minako shared a look that passed on secret information. "When Kimeko was eleven Misako was born; we figured that it would be a good idea to have Misako be protected by Kimeko. There would be enough of a bond there." Kimeko remembered that day. Mom had asked her to go with her and see the new princess. She really didn't want to go but Mom was acting so funny. Later, she along with her mother and Neo-Queen Serenity went into the Royal Nursery. She walked up and looked into the crib tentatively not really sure of the importance of what the adults were talking about behind her; Misako had smiled up at her, eyes bright. A tiny hand reached up clasping and... Kimeko smiled as the memory came back to her. Misako was looking confused and slightly bored. Elder Venus had tears in her eyes. She turned toward Kimeko. She did see that Kimeko was happy but then why did she look like she was going to cry too? Onee-san had been like that a couple of times. The way Misako fixed that was to hug Onee-san so applying that logic she hugged Kimeko. "Aw... isn't that cute?" Minako cooed sweetly. Kimeko felt her cheeks redden as the other in the room turned their attention to her. Leave it to her mother to make her feel uncomfortable; well she knew how to handle that, "Mom, why don't you tell us about the time you had to walk fifteen kilometers to school?" Minako's face froze for a second at the abrupt change in subject matter. Serenity snorted and said, "Fifteen kilometers? Every time you tell that story the distance gets bigger." "Hey!" Minako protested, "I DID have to walk to school." "We both know why it seemed such a long distance... We were usually late and we had to run the whole way!" Serenity declared good naturedly. "Nani?" Kimeko asked mildly, "Mom, you said you were always on time." She suppressed a giggle at the expression that Minako was giving her. Unnoticed by the others Usagi and Sakuya had slipped out of the room to have a quiet discussion. They walked down the hall to Usagi room and entered it before speaking. "So that explains it!" Usagi declared when the door was closed, "Mommy is Kimeko's Godmother... Sako-chan, what's a godmother?" Sakuya sat down before saying, "I understand it's like having another parent... Someone to help guide you as you grow up." She noticed Usagi's look, "Think of it as another parent, two mothers instead of one." "Iie, I understand what you mean... I was just wondering about Usagi." Usagi walked over and sat on the bed, "I feel different about Onee-san than I do Mommy but they aren't two different people." Sakuya gave Usagi a light hug and said, "I know what you mean, Small Lady. Obaa-san seemed more like a sister than my grandmother. It could be that in a thousand years people change." Sakuya smirked, "It's highly likely that someday your own daughter will come back to pester you just as much as you annoyed your onee-san." "Hey!" Usagi said indignantly and swung on Sakuya with a pillow. That was the start of an impromptu pillow fight. Soon the fray was joined with surprising results when Kimeko and Misako hit Sakuya and Usagi respectively with their accurately aimed "weapons". This was the start of a great evening, even if Usagi got into trouble for starting the pillow fight in the first place. But how much trouble was a kid in when her scolding mother was having a hard time keeping a straight face?