Yes! The beginning of my newest project!

I'm estimating that it'll be 10 parts, but no less then 9. C&C welcome.
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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 part one you find a brief set of biographies for three
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. <You're rather active tonight... Maybe I had a bit too much of
Makoto's great cooking.>

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, <Could... could it be after
all this time?> 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.

<Imouto...> "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. <What happened
to my room?!> 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. <Who's that little girl with Kimeko and
why is she on MY bed?!> 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. <I was born up at the
retreat... What the heck is going on?!> Then something her father said
sunk into her, <Her onee-san?!> 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, <She's my sister... I'm HER
onee-san just like Usagi was to me? Now I know how Usagi must of
felt...> 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. <I feel something
towards her... something very important... What's going on? I always
dreamed of having an imouto. Why don't I remember this?>

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. <My
Imouto...> 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. <That hunk of junk let someone mess with MY
journal.> 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. <Minako was quick...> Sakuya thought. Then she
noticed that Younger Venus wasn't alone.  A little girl was with her.
<Who's that little girl with Kimeko?>

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. <Who
can she be? She seems to know me... Kimeko's just standing there
smiling...> 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. <Sagi? Miko... well then that explains the name reference
in my journals. Mental note: make clearer entries for people in the
future.> "Like Usagi?" Misako nodded, "How am I like Usagi?"

"Onee not know me."

Sakuya grimaced, "Your onee-san didn't know you?" Misako nodded. <Well
that brings down the possible number of Usagis to one. Now I don't feel
like such an idiot either, so whatever has happened...> 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. <Oh Mom...> 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. <Small Lady always wanted
an imouto, I guess she got her wish...>

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. <I wonder what other
strange things I'll see tonight?>

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." <I will get you back, Time Bitch! There is nothing in this
universe that will protect you from me...>

"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?"
<Please Puu... Why do you have to fight?>

"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?" <I want both of you to be
my friends. I care about you both!>

"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.

<Why do I feel like crying? I should be happy. I feel so strange.> 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, <Hai, I certainly know what
Usagi went through when I was sneaking into her bed. It's strange having
an imouto but it's... so wonderful. Arigato Mommy.> 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. <Well that explains the
rudeness...> 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.'" <She's just getting back at me because I
was mean to her in the past.>

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, <Now what on Earth? That
should be a great complement. I always wanted to be like Mommy. Why is
it every time I get compared to Onee-san that I get angry?>

"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." <It's what I always wanted for Makoto
when I was in the past.>

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." <I'm so proud of you, Onee-san.>

<Hmmm... Interesting, I'll have to look in a history book. I never
thought Her Majesty learned Kanji.> 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. <How am I doing?> an
unconscious shiver raced through her. <I'm still having dreams about
that plunge off the Black Crystal.> "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 love
having an imouto.>

"I know," Younger Jupiter said from outside the bathroom, <Am I fit?>
She failed to hear Usagi come out after finishing her washing up. <There
can be no danger to them...>

"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." <Although
I can't help being proud of you, Kimeko.>

"Why don't we ask Mommy tonight?" Usagi suggested. <I think you're
hiding something but you would tell me if it was important.>

"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.
<Yeah right! It changed anyway so what's the big deal?>

"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. <Come on, you're hiding something and I want to
know what it is.  Let me help!>

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...

<Poor kid,> 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.
<Mom, you knew...>

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.
<Arigato, Mercury-sensei! Heh, let's see how long she pesters me now.>

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?

Coming next:  Chapter 3 - Sailor Moon Returns

-----------------------
Some Japanese words and phrases are used in "Tales of Younger Venus" to
give our story a certain atmosphere.  Here they are with their short
English translations:

-chan = denotes affection (usually feminine or for small children)
-kun = denotes friendship or respect (used for boys)
-sama = denotes respect to a person of a higher social class such as
     your boss, royalty, etc.
-san = honorable (a gesture of respect similar to Mr./Ms./Mrs. in English)
-sempai = denotes respect to person socially superior but of the same
     social class. (Used often by lowerclassman girls to refer to an
     upperclassman)
arigato = thank you
baka = idiot or stupid
chibi = little
fuku = uniform
Ginzuishou = Silver Crystal
gomen = sorry
gomen nasai = very sorry
hai = yes or okay
henge = transform
iie = no
imouto = younger sister
ja ne = see you later
Kami-sama = God (Shinto)
kawaii = cute
konnichiwa = good day
minna = everyone
moshi moshi = greeting when answering phone
nani = what or huh
ne = Right? or isn't that right? Actually this has several meanings. We
     are using it to make something into a question. Example: She's
     here, ne? meaning She's here, right?
ofuda = prayer papers (Shinto)
odango atama = dumpling head
obaa-san = grandmother
ojii-san = grandfather
onee = older sister (-chan added would denote a small age difference and
     -san would be added to show more respect and/or a larger age
     difference)
onii = older brother
sensei = teacher (may also be appended as a honorific)
Senshi = warrior or soldier
sobo = grandmother (referring to yours)

     Character Biographics :

Name : Rakurai Sakuya
 Age : 123 (apparent age about 22)
Desc : Reddish-brown hair done up in a waist-length loose ponytail.
       Brown eyes flecked with green. Stands near six feet. Weight about
       125 pounds. Muscular build.

Name : Aino Kimeko
 Age : 16
Desc : Long blonde hair like her mother's. Light mint green eyes. Stands
       roughly five feet four inches. Weight about 100 pounds with above
       average musculature.

Name : Tsukino Misako
 Age : 5
Desc : White-blonde hair done up in round odango like her mother's, blue
       eyes. Stands under four feet, with average weight. Rivals her
       sister, Chibi-Usa, in kawaiiness.