Tales of Younger Venus
By Douglas Helm and "Tuxedo" Will Wolfshohl

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.

This fanfic and over 320 other SM fanfics reside in "Tuxedo" Will's SM
Fanfics Archive at http://log.on.ca/users/helm/anime/index.htm

Send comments to: Douglas "Candle Light Author" Helm (dhelm@log.on.ca)
or "Tuxedo" Will Wolfshohl (wwolfshohl@logicon.com)


Chapter 7 - Good-byes and Renewed Acquaintances

The Royal Family along with Minako, Kimeko, and Sailor Pluto were
gathered together. It was Princess Misako's fifth birthday and, as
promised, she was going to the past. She was dressed in a yellow
sundress with little daises embroidered around the neckline. Kimeko was
dressed in a blue pantsuit with a white blouse.

<Kami-sama, are you ever going to be a knockout for the boys,> Elder
Venus thought as she looked at her daughter, <I think you'll like the
past with me around... It was special for Serenity and Makoto.>

Misako hugged her mother good-bye, "Bye Mommy, I love you."

"I love you too... Behave yourself."

"Hai!" Misako then went to her father, "Bye Daddy."

"I love you, Princess... You mind your sister and Younger Venus." <And
your mother,> Endymion silently added.

"Hai Daddy," Misako said while hugging him, "Love you." After Endymion
set her down she took Kimeko's hand, "Bye 'Uto," she said to Sailor
Pluto.

"Good-bye, Kimeko-chan. Don't cause me too much trouble in the past,"
Minako said and gave her daughter a wink.

Kimeko hugged her mother. "Good-bye, Mom," then she whispered,
"Arigato."

Pluto handed Kimeko the Time Key, "Good-bye, Princess Misako, Younger
Venus."

Kimeko glanced around and then she made sure she had a firm grip on
Misako's hand before activating the Time Key. Entering the timestream
was a harrowing experience for her. There were a multitude of colors,
sounds, and pictures; Misako, however, seemed to be having a grand time.
The wind current was fairly strong so the only sound heard was that of
her squeals of delight as they both rushed towards the twentieth
century.

                                  ******

"Chibi-Usa-chan, do you want to go to the park? It's a really nice day
out," fifteen year old Tsukino Usagi asked her `cousin'. Having
Chibi-Usa come back from the future had been a bright spot for Usagi.
The trials of Mistress Nine and Pharaoh Ninety were still vivid in her
mind. It only served to strengthen the bond between herself and
Chibi-Usa. She remembered the sense of loss she had felt when
Chibi-Usa's heart crystal had been removed. <I'm so very proud of you
for being a Senshi.>

"Hai, Onee-san," Chibi-Usa said while skipping down the stairs, "Can we
go see Sako-chan after?" Chibi-Usa also remembered the scene of Pharaoh
Ninety and Mistress Nine but even that wasn't able to overshadow what
she had done as Black Lady. "Sako-chan's been acting really weird."

"Sounds okay to me," Usagi agreed as they left the house and walked
towards the park. She was happy. Chibi-Usa was back. Makoto was happy
because Sakuya was back... The only one that was annoyed was Minako who
had raked Sakuya over the coals for not letting Kimeko come back too.
Usagi couldn't really fault her blonde haired friend for that.

"What do you think is really wrong with her, Onee-san?" Chibi-Usa asked
seriously, "I mean she's been doing really strange things." She turned
her head to look at Usagi and squinted in the bright afternoon sun.

"Like what?" Usagi said. She never fully understood Sakuya, so a lot of
what Sakuya did was strange.

"Well like the other night when I was going to the store for Ikuko-mama
I spotted her following me in Senshi form."

Usagi shrugged, "I guess she's worried about you. She hasn't seen you be
a Senshi and help destroy Lemures; old habits die hard." Usagi gave a
shrug, "Look, Imouto, you can ask her yourself when we go and visit
her." They walked through the park for a little while heading towards
the dock area where Chibi-Usa had first appeared. As they reached the
spot Usagi impulsively lifted her daughter into a hug and said, "Imouto,
I might still gripe at you and complain but I'm very proud of you; I
should have said that before."

Chibi-Usa didn't mind in the least. She returned the hug and enjoyed the
warmth without protest, <Onee-san, you are very special to me, and I'm
glad to make you proud of me... I'm proud you are my mommy. I wish I
could tell you everything, like about Misako but I can't... I just can't
take the chance that Misako won't be there when I go back.>

They stood silently like that for a few moments before Usagi set
Chibi-Usa down and they turned back the way they had come. After a bit
Chibi-Usa ran off to some swings while Usagi found a nearby bench to sit
and watch from. <I'm glad you came back, Chibi-Usa. I love you very
much.> After a bit Usagi noticed the time and said, "Chibi-Usa-chan, if
we're going to see Sakuya before supper, then we should go. Mom was
upset yesterday that we were late for supper... She certainly didn't buy
our excuse!"

"Hai, Onee-san," Chibi-Usa answered. <Boy, if I ever get a hold of those
people making those Lemures, I'm going to hurt them! Getting me and
Onee-san in trouble with Ikuko-mama!> She was halfway between the swings
and Usagi when something clobbered her from above.

Usagi saw what happened. She watched in stunned fascination as a pink
cloud formed above Chibi-Usa's head and spat out a small figure who
plunged towards the earth gleefully giggling away. Usagi then started to
chuckle as the figure landed on Chibi-Usa's head. <Oh how many times
have I wished that would happen?> Usagi thought as she started to jog
towards Chibi-Usa.

As the figure on top of Chibi-Usa became more apparent Usagi stopped
dead in her tracks. Her breathing increased and she felt a small lump
form in her throat. "Kami-sama," Usagi whispered, "She LOOKS like Queen
Serenity!" Chibi-Usa just looked up in utter shock.

"ONEE-CHAN!" the small figure cried out in happiness, "I come back to
see you be S'nshi, 'Sagi!" The little girl hugged her sister around the
neck before getting off of Chibi-Usa to let her stand up. Chibi-Usa's
eyes went wide.

"Onee-chan? Sagi?" Usagi questioned, her arms crossed one foot tapping
the ground, "Oh pray tell me who this is Chibi-Usa-chan..."

Chibi-Usa scrambled up and flushed, <Gomen Onee-san, I couldn't risk
having Misako not be there when I got back.> She turned to Misako hoping
to stave off the questions that Usagi was bound to ask, "What are you
doing here?"

"Mommy said I could have ANYTHING for birthday present. I want to see
you be S'nshi, Onee-chan!  Show me please!" Misako demanded while giving
her sister another hug.

<I've missed her birthday party? Have I been gone that long?> Chibi-Usa
thought sullenly, <She's grown too... She must be five by now. I've
missed a lot since I was away.> Chibi-Usa was about to say something
when she spotted another person she recognized coming towards them,
"Kimeko-chan?"

"Hai Usagi-chan, your mother let me come back too," Kimeko said
answering the obvious question. She saw that Princess Usagi was with
someone she didn't know but that Misako had found her sister, "You've
grown since we saw you last," observed Kimeko.

"Chibi-Usa!" Usagi hissed out. This "Kimeko-chan" looked enough like
Minako to be her sister except Usagi knew that she had no sisters. <Wait
a minute!> Usagi thought, <Minako complained that "Kimeko" didn't come
back with Sakuya... Could this be the same one?>

"Gomen," Chibi-Usa said, "Kimeko-chan, this is Tsukino Usagi... My Mom."

Kimeko leaned back slightly as if to get a better look at this stranger.
<Well she does have the trademark odangos... and Usagi wouldn't lie.>
Kimeko quickly recovered and bowed towards Usagi, "Serenity-sama, I'm
pleased you let me come back and meet your past self."

"Stop that," Usagi protested, "My name's Usagi not Serenity," seeing
Kimeko's odd expression she clarified, "In this form I'm not Serenity
and my Serenity form won't take over for awhile." <I hope!> Usagi added
silently. "Please call me Usagi-chan, Kimeko-san? Are you Minako's
daughter?"

<Usagi-chan? Kimeko-san?> Kimeko wasn't happy about calling Neo-Queen
Serenity "Usagi". In addition, even if she were in Serenity's private
quarters, she would never be so familiar as to use the "chan" honorific.
Maybe her mother would but if that's what Her Majesty wanted, "Hai
Ser..." She flushed at seeing Usagi's stern look, "Hai Usagi-chan, I'm
Minako's daughter. Please call me Kimeko-chan." <You look different than
the history books portray you as at this age... I didn't think you would
be this young! You're even younger than me!>

Chibi-Usa was about to breathe a sigh of relief. Usagi seemed to have
forgotten about Misako. <I hate keeping these things from you, Onee-san,
but I have to; I'll have to have a talk with Misako to make sure she
doesn't tell all about the future too. Please stay quiet, Imouto.>

She thought she was almost off the hook when Usagi turned around while
saying, "That's great! Minako will be very happy to see you,
Kimeko-chan.  Now as for you, young lady," Usagi stated to Chibi-Usa,
"Who is that?" She jabbed a finger at Misako.

"Um... Well..." Chibi-Usa scuffed a shoe across the ground, "Usagi-chan,
this is Misako. Miko-chan, this is Usagi-chan, OUR Mommy."

"Nope," Misako stated while shaking her head, "Not Mommy... Mommy is not
here."

"Yeah, Mommy's right here," Chibi-Usa said while pointing at Usagi.

"You fibbin', Onee-chan. She not Mommy," Misako said, "You're not
suppose to fib; wait 'til I tell Mommy."

Chibi-Usa balefully glared at Usagi who was snickering slightly, <Oh you
just wait until you have to deal with Misako... I'm older than she is!>
"Miko-chan, why don't you think that Usagi is Mommy?"

"'Cause no moon and Mommy not 'Sagi... Mommy Ser'n'ty," Misako stated
emphatically.

"Did that make sense to you?" Usagi asked Kimeko.

<It was clear as a bell to me.> "Miko said that you are not her mommy
because you don't have a moon sigil on your forehead and Mommy's name is
Serenity not Usagi," Kimeko said.

"You got all that from that little bit of what she said?!" Usagi asked
shocked.

"Ser..." Kimeko shook her head slightly, "Usagi-chan, it was what she
was implying as well." Turning to Misako who was watching the
conversation with obvious boredom she said, "Miko-chan, this is your
mother."

"Really?" <She kinda look like Mommy.>

"Hey!" Chibi-Usa protested, "Why are you believing Kimeko-chan?"

"'Cause Kim'ko-chan not fib to me," Misako stated and turned to look up
at Usagi, "Kim'ko say you my Mommy, really?"

Before Usagi could answer Chibi-Usa indignantly asked, "And when did I
ever fib to you?!"

"When you come back from past. You promise you not leave me but you
did," Misako easily answered. <I really miss you.>

Chibi-Usa's features drooped, <I didn't know I was going to come back; I
thought I'd be staying in the future... You were scared I would go away
again so I promised I wouldn't.> "Gomen nasai, Misako-chan, I didn't
mean to lie to you."

"Hai, Chibi-Usa wouldn't tell you a fib on purpose," Usagi added. She
shot a look Chibi-Usa's way that made the girl flush again. "I promise
I'm your Mommy... I'm Chibi-Usa's Mommy."

"Really, Onee-chan?" Misako asked.

"Hai..." Chibi-Usa said.

"Who Chibi-'Sa?"

"Miko-chan, in the past I'm called Chibi-Usa." She turned to Kimeko, "Oh
Kimeko-chan, you'd better call me Chibi-Usa too while we're here... It
can get rather confusing if you call both of us Usagi."

"Hai, U..." Kimeko caught herself, "Chibi-Usa-chan."

Misako walked over to Usagi and stretched her arms up; Usagi bent down
and lifted the girl into a hug. <Oh you precious little thing,> Usagi
thought, <I know Chibi-Usa isn't supposed to talk about the future but
she should have told me about you.>

Misako giggled, "Hi Mommy... You look pretty." <She feel like Mommy.>

"You look very pretty too, Miko-chan. Did you have a nice birthday
party?" She didn't notice the small frown that went across Chibi-Usa's
face.

Misako giggled again, "If you Mommy, you know..." then she hugged Usagi.
"Onee-chan show me S'nshi please... I want to see you be S'nshi."

"Not at the moment, Miko-chan," Chibi-Usa said walking up to her mother
and sister, "It's too public here."

"But 'Sagi..." Misako started to protest but Usagi cut her off.

"Iie, Misako," Usagi said gently, "Chibi-Usa's right, it is too public
around here for her to show you what her Senshi form looks like." Usagi
noticed Kimeko had an odd expression on her face, "Kimeko-chan, is
something wrong?"

"Ser... Usagi-chan," Kimeko said nervously, "Could you please tell me
where Minako lives?" Usagi could see an excitement and craving
expression in Kimeko's eyes.  "I'd like to see my mother."

"Nonsense... We'll get everybody together," Usagi quipped while opening
her communicator, "We'll meet at the shrine; I think everybody would
like to meet you and I'm sure Sakuya will be surprised. Minako had a fit
when Sakuya came back by herself." Usagi was about to continue when she
thought of something,

"I don't know..." Kimeko started. <I wanted to meet Mom by myself... I
wouldn't feel right about leaving Misako alone right at the moment but I
want to see Mom. But Her Majesty wants...>

"It'll be fun," Usagi assured her and then set Misako down who took on
an annoyed expression, "We want to surprise everybody, Miko-chan, so can
you be quiet until I'm done talking?" Misako nodded, she had to do this
before so it wasn't anything new. "Good girl." Usagi praised her
daughter who beamed. "Come on, Kimeko-chan."

"Oh... hai," Kimeko agreed reluctantly.

                                  ******

Makoto put down the communicator and looked at Sakuya, "So what do you
think that's all about?"

"Don't know, Mako-chan," Sakuya said calmly heading to get her shoes on,
"Last time I heard something like that I showed up, remember?"

Makoto cocked her head in thought and then smiled, "You're right,
Sako-chan, I used that ploy..." Makoto slid up beside her granddaughter
and asked, "I don't suppose your granddaughter showed up?" Makoto
chuckled at Sakuya's frown, "Oh come on, you could be two hundred and
two... You still look in your twenties to me."

"I certainly hope that my granddaughter didn't show up," Sakuya snapped
and stalked out of the apartment; Makoto hustled her shoes on and jogged
to catch up with Sakuya.

"What's the matter, Sako-chan? You've been here for the past few days
supposedly on vacation but I haven't seen you relax yet."

"Gomen, Obaa-san," Sakuya said, "I didn't mean to snap at you... I just
have lots of things on my mind." She made an effort to visibly relax.
Makoto didn't look convinced but shrugged, "Honestly I don't know what
Usagi has planned... Maybe it's something having to do with Chibi-Usa."

"Hard to say," Makoto said, "Could be... maybe they got a lucky break
and figured out why these Lemures are coming."

Sakuya shrugged as if to say, "Who knows." They continued walking
towards the shrine in silence. Makoto smiled. She was so happy to see
Sakuya come back. It had been a pleasant surprise to come home from
school one day and have her granddaughter standing by her door patiently
waiting for her. <I had to pick up all my books,> Makoto thought. She
had dropped everything and run to hug Sakuya.

                                  ******

The others were gathered at the shrine. Sakuya was pleased to see that
Ami didn't even have a book with her. Although she did hear Ami griping
about having to leave off at a particularly interesting point. It was a
slight shock to them when Ami claimed it wasn't a math textbook.

"Typical Usagi," Rei griped, "She calls this meeting and then comes
late."

"Oh come on, Rei-chan," Minako said, "She's been really good the past
few times. I don't think she's late on purpose... I mean for Usagi to be
late to a meeting she called is like the old her." Minako shot a glance
Sakuya's way before saying, "Chibi-Usa really did a number on her."

"Very true," Sakuya agreed, "I think I see them now."

The others turned to look at the shrine steps. First up was Chibi-Usa
who seemed to be in a extremely good mood. She skipped towards the
gathered girls.  Next came Usagi and she was carrying a little girl.

"Kami-sama!" Rei breathed, "That looks like..."

"I know..." Ami gasped, "Like Queen Serenity."

Makoto noticed that Sakuya didn't seem too shocked to see the little
girl with Usagi but she could tell that Sakuya didn't care for it for
some reason. She turned her attention back to the steps when Minako
gasped.

Coming lastly up the steps was a girl that looked like her. Minako had
seen her in the future. <KIMEKO!!!> Minako jumped up from her sitting
position and ran towards her daughter. Kimeko saw her mother running
towards her and stared. She had seen pictures of her mother as a young
woman of about eighteen but to see her own mother this young was a
shock. When Minako reached her daughter she embraced the girl and hugged
her tightly, crying softly all the time. "You came!" Minako got out
softly between sobs, "You came back." Kimeko returned the hug, hoping to
comfort her mother; it was an odd feeling to say the least.

When Minako started her mad dash towards the strange girl, Makoto put
the pieces together and concluded, "That has to be Kimeko." Ami nodded
in agreement, "They must be both from Crystal Tokyo." Makoto noticed no
reaction from Sakuya.

"Hai but what's with `Chibi-Ghost Serenity'," Rei asked. She was trying
to divide her attention between Usagi who was still carrying the little
girl who was looking curiously around and Minako who appeared to have a
vice grip on the strange teenage girl.

<I'm glad to see you happy, Minako,> Chibi-Usa thought she could feel
her eyes getting moist, <You were so sad when Sakuya came back alone...
Now you can have what we have.> Chibi-Usa took a seat but made sure that
Misako could see where she was. <I bet she's scared and the only thing
that's keeping her from crying is that everything's so new; I don't
think this was a good idea. Why would Mommy send her and Kimeko back?>

After a few moments Minako came back wiping tears from her eyes,
"Minna-san," she began, "This is my daughter, Kimeko."

"We gathered that," Rei grumbled. Ami jabbed her in the ribs, "I mean
I'm very pleased to meet you, Kimeko."

"Ah arigato..." Kimeko said and shot a questioning look at Sakuya who
was calmly sitting there as if this was a common occurrence.

Ami got up and greeted Kimeko, "I'm very pleased to see you here.
Minako's done nothing but talk about you ever since she came back from
the future."

"Really, Mom?" Kimeko asked Minako.

"Hai! I... well, and that's Makoto," Minako continued trying to get away
from a subject that would make her cry again.

"Hai... I'd always know Elder Jupiter," Kimeko said, "It's pretty hard
to miss her in a crowd, and I don't think this constitutes a crowd."

"And who's this young lady?" Minako asked, noticing Usagi for the first
time since seeing Kimeko.

Usagi tried to place her daughter on the ground but the little girl just
tightened her grip and hid her face. "It's okay, Miko-chan," Usagi spoke
softly, "They won't hurt you. These are my dearest friends; Sakuya and
Kimeko are here too." She tried again but Misako simply wouldn't let go.
"Come on Miko-chan, everybody wants to meet Chibi-Usa's sister."

"Really?" came Misako's muffled voice.

"Hai, now come on... You're a big girl, aren't you?" Misako nodded, and
let Usagi set her down. She looked WAY up at these strangers and over to
her sister who was sitting to one side.

<I don't know no one,> Misako thought and hugged her mother's leg.

Usagi reached down and unwrapped Misako's arms before pushing her
forward a little bit; proud as a peacock, she announced, "This is
Misako... MY OTHER daughter." The reaction from those gathered ranged
from outright shock to mild amusement.

"Not another rugrat," Rei mumbled out.

"Hey! MY IMOUTO isn't a rugrat," Chibi-Usa boldly stated, "Miko-chan's
very sweet." Rei flushed from being overheard.

Misako looked at all the strangers. "Who are they, Mommy?" she asked
Usagi. "I don't know no one."

"That's Ami and Rei. The one beside Sakuya is Makoto and the one beside
Kimeko is Minako."

"Oh she's so kawaii!" Minako cooed, "She looks just like Queen
Serenity."

"Well I say it isn't decent," Rei said gruffly. <It gives me the
creeps!>

"Oh come on, Rei-chan," Makoto protested while placing a hand on
Misako's head, "It isn't like she's a reincarnation or anything..."
Makoto turned to Kimeko, "Is she?"

"Iie, not as far as I know," Kimeko responded.

"She is sweet," Minako added but then turned back to something more
interesting, "Why did Neo-Queen Serenity send you back to the past
anyway?"

"I'm Misako's guardian," Kimeko answered, "I keep forgetting that in
this time you don't know stuff about the future."

Oblivious to either Minako or Kimeko, Misako was getting a thorough
going over, everything from Makoto and Usagi talking about how she
looked and HOW much fun it would be going shopping for her to Ami doing
a scan with her minicomputer and Rei scowling. For Misako's part she was
becoming terrified due to all the noise and confusion and the fact she
only knew a few people; finally something had to give, and it did.
Misako tore through an opening and clamped onto Chibi-Usa while she
cried her loudest.

Chibi-Usa wasn't surprised by the reaction, only that it had taken so
long in coming; she protectively wrapped her arms around Misako and
hugged to give reassurance. Chibi-Usa sniffled herself, <I feel guilty
about you having to come back here,> Chibi-Usa thought, <If I hadn't of
come back, then you wouldn't be scared... I missed you so much too. But
being a Senshi is important to me and I hope you can understand and
forgive me someday.>

Misako's reaction had caused the shrine grounds to go silent. Usagi took
on a guilty expression as she realized what she had done. Minako seemed
to not even noticed the commotion, but Kimeko did. She neatly peeled
herself away from Minako who finally got the hint that something wasn't
right and stopped talking.

Kimeko walked over and sitting beside Chibi-Usa hugged both girls while
saying, "It's okay Miko-chan. I'm right here." Chibi-Usa returned the
hug the best she could while keeping one arm around Misako; she needed
the reassurance from the future.

"I not know no one!" Misako cried out, her face red from crying, her
cheeks stained with tears, "I wanna go home!" she howled out.

Kimeko defiantly detached Misako from her sister and lifted the little
girl into a comforting hug, "It's okay Misako... I'm right here and so
is your sister and Sakuya; we would never let anything hurt you."

"That's right, Miko-chan," came Usagi's quiet reassuring voice from
beside Kimeko, "Gomen, Miko-chan, I shouldn't have brought you here."

Misako's crying abruptly stopped and she turned her head so she could
look at her mother, "'Cause I was bad?" she asked in a small voice.

"Iie, iie!" Usagi was quick to reassure, "Because I didn't think. You've
been a very good girl." <I feel really bad,> Usagi thought, <I should
have let you meet the others one by one...> She held out her arms
slightly hoping Misako would come to her. The little girl considered
this for several seconds before sliding from Kimeko over to Usagi. Once
in her mother's secure embrace she buried her head again and didn't look
at anyone else.

Kimeko walked back over to where Minako was watching, pride was showing
in Minako's eyes and stance. <I'm so very proud of you... You will make
a great Mom!> Minako thought. "I'll be right back," Minako said to
Kimeko, "I have to ask Chibi-Usa something." With that Minako walked
over to the trio of girls.

Sakuya snared Kimeko while Minako was talking to Chibi-Usa and began.
"That was pretty good. Polite and quiet, very nice." Sakuya gave a rare
grin and said, "I'm glad to see you here," Kimeko beamed, "Listen,
Kimeko-chan, you get settled, I need to talk to you about something very
important." Sakuya wrote Makoto's number on a piece of paper and handed
it to Kimeko, "That's Makoto's number."

"What is it, Sakuya-san?" Kimeko asked, "I mean what's wrong?" She
hadn't been expecting this from Sakuya... then again when did anything
Sakuya do surprise her?

"Not now, Kimeko," Sakuya said barely above a whisper, "Look it's just a
matter that WE need to take care of. Don't worry about it; you and I can
handle anything," Sakuya continued with a reassuring pat on Kimeko's
shoulder, "Just don't tell the Elders about it at the moment... No need
to have them worry."

Kimeko was about to say something but Minako came back and told her
about living arrangements that would be made. They had decided that
Kimeko would be a cousin and that Chibi-Usa would use Luna-P on Minako's
parents.

Sakuya heaved a sigh, <Things have just gotten complicated.  Now instead
of just Chibi-Usa they can go after Misako too... Problem is I don't
know exactly when or where it's going to happen.> Sakuya grimaced
slightly, <I do know that none of the Elder Senshi find out about it...
so that means me and Kimeko will have to take care of the threat
ourselves.>

"Oh look at the time," Usagi worried, "If we don't start for home now,
we'll be in serious trouble. Misako-chan?" Usagi asked, the little girl
raised her tear streaked face to Usagi, "Let's get you cleaned up and
then I'll take you to where I live."

"Kim'ko come too?" Misako asked softly.

"Kimeko's going to go home with Minako," Usagi replied while standing up
and heading towards the bathroom. Chibi-Usa got up and followed along
she wanted to keep close enough to stop Misako from blurting something
out.

"Want Kim'ko to come!" Misako said determinedly, "It's scary."

Usagi ran some water into the sink, "Now Miko-chan," Usagi reassured
softly, "I'll be there and Chibi-Usa will be there..."

"Who Chibi-'Sa?" Misako asked. Usagi pointed to Chibi-Usa, "That 'Sagi
not Chibi-'Sa."

"Your sister will be there." Usagi took the wet washcloth and was about
to wipe Misako's face when Misako jerked her head away and turned to her
face. "Miko-chan come on. We have to get you cleaned up."

"Iie," Misako protested and held out a warding hand towards the
instrument of cleanliness. "Iie play! Iie play yet!"

Usagi turned to Chibi-Usa and gave her a questioning look, "Onee-san,
Misako doesn't like getting clean... unless she's thoroughly dirty."
Chibi-Usa then suggested, "Should I go get Kimeko?"

"Iie!" replied Usagi and Misako together. Usagi because her pride
wouldn't let Kimeko handle something she should be able to do herself.
Misako's protest was because she knew that Kimeko would get the job done
with as little fuss as possible.

Re-wetting the cloth Usagi placed one hand on Misako's head and started
the cleaning process. Needless to say Misako didn't think too highly of
this tactic and started to protest with renewed vigor.

After a thorough cleaning Usagi, with her ears ringing slightly, said,
"Now, Miko-chan, we can take you to see Mom and Dad and Shingo."

"Who's Shingo?" Misako asked curiously. <Me not know him.>

"He's your older brother," Chibi-Usa answered for Usagi, "A real pest."
<I don't think I could explain that he's our uncle and make you
understand.>

Usagi glared at Chibi-Usa for a second before saying, "Shingo-kun is not
as much of a pest as Chibi-Usa's makes him out to be, Miko-chan. He's
your older brother."

"'Kay," Misako complied readily while clapping her hands. <Mommy never
look like that before.> She giggled at the expression Usagi was giving
her. Usagi was seeing too much of herself in these rapid mood shifts.
Eventually Misako gave a big yawn, "Mommy, I'm tired."

"Miko-chan, did you have your nap today?" Chibi-Usa asked. Misako shook
her head, "Well that's why."



Chapter 8 - Grandmothers, Grandfathers, and Other Relations

They had gone to Minako's first where Chibi-Usa had used Luna-P to
influence Minako's parents. After saying good-bye Chibi-Usa, Misako, and
Usagi headed home.

Adjusting the Tsukino's memories were fairly easy. The cover story being
essentially the truth that Misako had come to visit her sister because
she missed her a lot. She hadn't come before because her mother didn't
think she was old enough before. Since Misako was five now her mother
said she could come and visit.

Now standing in the kitchen the other Tsukinos were gathered around as
Usagi made the introduction. This time though she didn't set Misako
down.

"Miko-chan, this is Shingo," Usagi began.

"Hello," Shingo nearly growled out. <Great another girl!> he thought
sarcastically, <As if Chibi-Usa's not bad enough. Now she has a little
sister here too!>

"Hi Onii-chan," Misako replied ignoring the scowl that Shingo was giving
her. Usagi and Chibi-Usa giggled as he muttered something about being in
the minority before stalking out of the room. "He not like me, Mommy?"
Misako asked.

"Um..." Usagi was caught off-guard.

"Mommy?" Kenji asked somewhat annoyed, "I think you're a little young,
Usagi. What have you been saying to her?"

"Nothing, I've tried to tell her that I'm not Mommy but Usagi, or Onee
but..." Usagi shrugged, "Miko-chan, this is my dad."

"Hello Miko-chan," Kenji smiled, "You can call me Kenji-papa."

Misako shook her head, "Konnichiwa Ojii-san," Misako said politely.

Chibi-Usa covered her mouth to hide the giggle that crept out; Usagi had
a similar reaction; Ikuko was also openly smiling. Kenji deciding that
NOW wasn't a good time to push the point and retreated from the room.
"I'm Usagi's Mom. I'm happy you came to stay with us. I know Chibi-Usa
missed you."

Misako shook her head, "Iie, not 'Sagi's Mommy, Ser'n'ty is 'Sagi's
Mommy."

Ikuko lifted an eyebrow but before she could say anything Usagi
continued on as if nothing had happened, "Miko-chan, this is my mom."

"Konnichiwa Obaa-san!" Misako shouted happily, "Mommy says lots of nice
stuff about you." She reached out towards her grandmother who with a
flustered expression took her into a hug.

"Iie, Miko-chan. Call me Ikuko-mama," Ikuko pleaded. <Kami-sama, I'm not
THAT old!>

"Not allowed," Misako stated with conviction.

"What do you mean `not allowed', Miko-chan?" Ikuko asked. "I said you
could call me Ikuko-mama... I'm too young to be Obaa-san." <I hope!>

Misako shook her head again, "Iie Obaa-san, not allowed. You Mommy's
Mommy so that is sobo, ne?"

"Hai Miko-chan, if I was your Mommy's Mommy I would be your sobo... But
Miko-chan, your mommy isn't here."

"Iie Obaa-san, Mommy here," Misako stated adamantly and pointed at
Usagi, "There Mommy... 'Sagi said that Mommy. Kim'ko said that Mommy."
If Misako could say anything else to give Usagi and Chibi-Usa heart
failure, it was likely to come out soon. They were both flushed with
embarrassment.

Ikuko couldn't fathom the reason why Misako thought Usagi was her mother
but she'd get to the bottom of it, sooner of later. Now though she had a
extra place to set and dinner to watch over. "I wish the train hadn't
lost your clothes, Miko-chan," Ikuko said deciding to change the
subject, "I guess you could wear some of Chibi-Usa's older clothes that
we have until yours show up."

"Mom," Usagi said, "We told Misako's mom about that and she sent some
money." Usagi then produced an envelope with a large amount of yen in
it.

"Gracious Usagi!" Ikuko exclaimed, "You were walking around with that?!"

"Iie, just from the train station to here," Usagi answered. <Not really
just from the sidewalk to the house. Have to remember to have my future
self pay Sakuya back... I wonder where she got the money this time? I
mean she didn't rob another bank or anything... did she?>

"Well," Ikuko reasoned, "I guess since we have to get Misako registered
for school tomorrow, we can go shopping afterward. Chibi-Usa-chan, why
don't you take Misako up to your room and show her where things are.
Usagi-chan, set another place at the table please." With that Ikuko set
Misako down who took Chibi-Usa's hand and went to explore this strange
new place. <Obaa-san?! I'm not THAT old!> Ikuko thought once before
turning back to dinner.

                                  ******

Things were unfolding at around the same pace at the Aino home. Kimeko
was having the thrill of a lifetime meeting her grandparents. She wasn't
sad that she wouldn't meet them in a thousand years; it was simply a way
of life if you were the child of a Senshi. Kimeko did however have to
make a conscious effort not to call her mother "Mom" or make other such
slip ups.

The supper had been a harrowing affair for Kimeko. She hadn't had a lot
of time to practice her cover story and she was quickly realizing that a
slip up would blow her entire story out the window. Minako was trying to
help but seemed to know less of the cover story that Luna-P had used
than Kimeko did. The only possible good thing was that she had managed
to talk her way out of going to school. Minako pouted at this but didn't
say much.

It was later that evening when Minako finally realized something was
bothering Kimeko. The girls were in Minako's room; for the past half
hour Minako had been keeping up a mostly one-sided conversation about
what they could do together. There was no doubt what the first order of
business was: to go shopping and spend some of that money that Sakuya
had given them.

It finally sunk in that Kimeko wasn't getting involved in the
conversation so Minako rolled to her stomach on the bed and looked at
her daughter.  "Kimeko-chan, what's wrong?"

"I just..." Kimeko halted and considered how to put it delicately, "I
just wish Serenity-sama hadn't dragged me to the shrine like that."
<Poor Misako... It was really hard on her.>

"Serenity-sama?" Minako questioned, "You mean Usagi?"

"Hai," Kimeko replied, "She wants me to call her `Usagi-chan' but..."
Kimeko shrugged, "I'm having a hard time doing it; I was raised a
different way." Kimeko picked at the carpet, "I understand why she took
us to the shrine but I wanted to meet you by myself, if I hadn't had
Misako..." Kimeko ground to a halt while flushing, <Kami-sama! What a
thing to say!> She was fervently hoping that Minako wouldn't mention
that to either Sakuya or her godmother.

Minako walked over to her and sat down, "I don't think I've made it any
easier on you." Kimeko looked up and opened her mouth but Minako held up
a hand, "Iie, I was furious with Sakuya that only she came back. I
missed you so much after meeting you that day. I wanted you to come back
as well; I didn't listen to her explanation.  Actually she never gave
one. She simply said you couldn't have come back with her and avoided
the question after that."

Kimeko giggled, "Everything's so new and well... I mean... you're MY
MOM! I had my whole life with you being a great mom so I'm really just
going on instinct..." Kimeko flushed, "Did that make any sense?"

Minako considered for a moment, "Hai, you mean you're not sure how to
act around me because in the future I'm your mother?" Kimeko nodded,
"You're supposed to be my cousin, act like a cousin." Minako then stood
up while striking a Sailor V pose, "I am the Sailor Senshi for Love and
Family and I'm going to LOOSEN YOU UP!" Minako declared with a straight
face.

Kimeko groaned and covered her head, <What have I done?! She hasn't done
that since I was a little girl,> she thought as she started to giggle.
<I can tell this is going to be a blast!>

She raised her head as Minako tapped on it. Minako silently motioned her
up, when she stood Minako took a few steps back examining her daughter
closely then walked until she was only inches away from Kimeko. "Ah what
are you doing?" Kimeko questioned.

"You're taller than I am!" Minako whined out, "Kami-sama, at first I
thought we were about the same height but now..."

"That's not so bad, Mom," Kimeko quipped, "From what you've told me the
perfect guy is someone just tall enough so you can snuggle underneath
his chin without making him uncomfortable." Kimeko came suddenly to a
halt and reddened.

"You mean, Kimeko, I judge a guy by how well I can snuggle under his
chin?" Minako asked incredulously, "Seems awfully shallow to me."

"Hey that's just what you told me... which is a contradiction
because..." Kimeko ground to a halt and reddened even more.

"Because of why?" Minako pushed.

"Um... nothing, Mom," Kimeko said while red as a beet, "I've said too
much already."

                                  ******

Chibi-Usa walked over and closed the bedroom door, <Now before anyone
asks Misako any serious questions.> "Miko-chan, we need to talk."

Misako looked up at Chibi-Usa. She had been looking through a story book
trying to figure out which one she wanted her mother to read to her.
"Onee-chan? Talk?" <'Sagi look mad... I do somethin'?>

"Miko-chan, you have to stop calling Usagi `Mommy'."

"I not call you `Mommy', 'Sagi. I call you `Onee-chan'," Misako stated
with conviction and went back to looking at the book.

"Miko," Chibi-Usa began and tried to pull the book away from the child
who clung onto it for dear life, "We need to talk."

"My book! My book!" Misako protested but her sister's greater strength
won out. Misako's natural reaction to being bullied kicked in, in short
she began to wail at the top of her lungs. The response wasn't long in
coming.

Chibi-Usa hadn't even thought twice about taking away the distracting
object from her little sister but apparently that had been the wrong
thing to do. She was in shock from Misako's reaction. <Kami-sama, I've
got to quiet her down before someone comes.> Suddenly, the door swung
open. <Too late, aw man...>

"What's going on in here?" Ikuko asked and walked over to Misako who was
still sitting on the floor, "Now what's the matter, honey?"

Misako wasn't dumb. She knew when reinforcements had arrived; toning
down her wail somewhat so she could talk she sobbed out, "'Sagi took my
book!" She then pointed to Chibi-Usa who was still holding the book.

"Kami-sama, what's all the commotion about?!" came Usagi's voice from
the doorway.  Misako seeing the ultimate protection arrive scrambled to
her mother and clung to her legs.

"'Sagi took my book, Mommy," Misako sniffled out, "Not even ask for it."
She sniffled again and looked at Usagi with big round sad eyes. Her
little odango and pigtails seemed to droop. Simply put, she was either a
very sad little girl or an excellent manipulator. Ikuko could see which
it was but Usagi who hadn't had much experience with young children
chose wrong and picked up her younger daughter.

"There there, Miko-chan, it's okay now. It's almost time for bed. Did
you want me to read you a story?" Usagi asked consolingly. Misako nodded
her head with another sniffle. "And what story did you want?" Misako
pointed towards Chibi-Usa. "May I have that please?" Usagi said holding
out her hand. Chibi-Usa guiltily handed the cause of all the commotion
to Usagi and slipped out of the room. She felt sad that she had caused
her little sister such grief.

Ikuko followed Chibi-Usa out of the room and closed the door,
"Chibi-Usa-chan, did you really take that book?"

"Hai Ikuko-mama," Chibi-Usa replied, "I know it was wrong but I wanted
to talk with Misako and she seemed more interested in that book."

"If I know Usagi, she's going to scold you," Ikuko said, "I wouldn't pay
much attention to it. Misako suckered her in hook, line, and sinker."

"Nani?"

"It's just something that you can tell. Misako was more angry than upset
at you for taking her book. I'm not saying that it was right of you but
I wasn't about to jump to defend Misako without listening to your side."
Ikuko patted Chibi-Usa's head, "Chibi-Usa-chan, Misako suckered Usagi
into thinking you were the bad guy without giving you a chance to defend
yourself."

Chibi-Usa considered this, "So what do I do, Ikuko-mama?" Ikuko just
smiled and walked down the hall. <Great! One of THOSE answers.>

                                  ******

Chibi-Usa was sitting in Usagi's room. She was going to defend herself;
sure she had taken Misako's book but it was for an important reason.
<Yeah but where did it get me? I just made her cry and got Onee-san mad
at me,> Chibi-Usa thought, <I never even did get to tell Misako to keep
her mouth shut about the future.> She looked up when the door opened.

Usagi walked into the room and closed the door before making her way
over to the bed where Chibi-Usa was sitting. She sat down and looked at
Chibi-Usa for a moment before saying, "Gomen Imouto."

A shocked expression crossed Chibi-Usa's face, "But I thought you would
be mad with me, Onee-san?" <Why the switch? Ikuko-mama thought Usagi
would scold me...>

"Imouto, I didn't give you a chance to explain what happened. That was
wrong of me," Usagi explained, "I shouldn't have simply assumed that you
were picking on Misako." Chibi-Usa looked at Usagi with a guilty
expression, "Oh I know you took the book but I don't think you did it on
purpose."

"Well..." Chibi-Usa flushed slightly, "I was... Ah nuts!" Chibi-Usa
stared at the ground and swung her feet so they lightly struck the bed.
After a minute or so of silence Chibi-Usa continued, "Onee-san, I have
to make sure that Misako doesn't say anything about the future. She
doesn't know not to tell you or anybody else about anything that could
happen." Chibi-Usa grimaced without looking up, "She was interested in
that book but I had to get her to pay attention."

Usagi wrapped an arm around Chibi-Usa, "I know, Imouto, it's tough
having a little kid around, isn't it?"

"Iie," Chibi-Usa looked at Usagi, "I love it. She can do so much that
seems to surprise me." She hugged Usagi, "So are you mad at me?"

"Well I'm disappointed in you but I'm also disappointed in Misako. How
can I be mad at my imouto?" Usagi saw the questioning look that
Chibi-Usa sent her way, "She's five now. She should have came and told
me or Mom or Dad but all she did was scream and cry like you were
killing her."

"So... are we okay?"

"Hai, now would you like me to read you a story too?"

"Hai Onee-san." Chibi-Usa smiled. <Arigato Mommy.>

                                  ******

"Chibi-Usa-chan, it's time for bed," Ikuko told her, "Try not to wake
your sister up."

"Hai Ikuko-mama," came the reply from inside Usagi's room.

When Chibi-Usa stepped out into the hall Ikuko gave her a smile, "I'm
glad to see that you aren't calling me `Obaa-san'."

Chibi-Usa's eyes twinkled with mischief as she said, "I just don't want
to die young that's all," then darted down the hall to her room with
Ikuko in hot pursuit. Chibi-Usa managed to get inside and close the door
before Ikuko managed to catch up.

Ikuko stopped at the other side of the door and chuckled. She softly
opened the door and walked over to where Chibi-Usa was getting into bed,
"Get into bed you..." Ikuko whispered, "Now have a good sleep."

"Goodnight Ikuko-mama," Chibi-Usa said and gave Ikuko a hug. <Goodnight
Obaa-san!> She managed to suppress a giggle as she slid under the covers
next to her sister. Ikuko gave each girl another kiss goodnight and
slipped out of the room.

Sleep did not come easily to Chibi-Usa her thoughts kept her awake,
<I've missed her birthday party. Maybe I can talk Onee-san into giving
her another one.> She felt a small arm go across her as Misako snuggled
up against her, Chibi-Usa smiled and hugged her sister. <I remember
Mommy and Daddy and the Senshi gave me a surprise party for my fifth
birthday.> A sniffle escaped her, <I wish I could remember you being
there, Misako. It was great but it would have been better with you
there... even if you were in the terrible twos!>

The door slowly opened and Usagi crept inside, "Goodnight you two,"
Usagi whispered from beside the bed, "I'll see you in the morning." She
gave each girl a hug and left the room.

"'Night Onee-san, Misako," Chibi-Usa mumbled out.

"'Night Onee-chan," came the softly reply.



Chapter 9 - Hearts, Starlight, and Thunder Part 1

Misako was up with the sun. This considerably annoyed Chibi-Usa and
Shingo who grumbled constantly about the early hour. Ikuko though had
seen it coming. This made Ikuko wonder for the Nth time why Usagi had
reverted from a vibrant and rambunctious child like Misako to one that
constantly was looking for a nap.

<Well that isn't exactly true,> Ikuko thought as she poured Misako some
milk, <Usagi's certainly improved over these past few months.>

"Arigato Obaa-san," Misako said taking the plastic glass and starting to
drink. Ikuko frowned slightly she was about to say something but opted
to look into the toaster for gray hairs.

"Mom, what are you doing?" Usagi asked sleepily from the doorway.

"Um... Nothing... Would you like some juice, Usagi-chan?"

"Mommy!" Misako yelled cheerfully she put her milk down and hopped off
her chair. Her greeting had drawn a bleary eyed look from Usagi who
didn't really comprehend what was happening until Misako hugged her
legs. Usagi wobbled trying to keep her balance; her still asleep brain
stirred enough to realize that it was too much work so it opted to have
Usagi's body do the least strenuous thing. Misako giggled when Usagi
suddenly sat on the floor.

"Mommy," Misako asked, "Can I go school?" she settled herself into
Usagi's lap and gave her a hug, "Me go with Onee-chan?"

Usagi was saved from answering when Ikuko answered instead, "Iie Misako,
not today. We have to get you ready and do some shopping for you."
Seeing Misako's slight pout Ikuko continued, "Tomorrow Chibi-Usa can
walk you to school. Now come and finish your breakfast."

"Hai," Misako chirped and bounced, literally, off of Usagi who gave a
slight moan before standing.

<This is going to be tougher than I thought. And I thought Chibi-Usa was
a handful!> Usagi thought as she went to have breakfast, <This is my
child! Mamoru is just going to LOVE her... I think she's been hanging
around Minako WAY TOO long!>

                                  ******

Kimeko stepped into the neat and tidy apartment and looked around, <Yep
you can tell that Makoto decorated the place.> It was spotless and
everything was in its place. Or rather would be if not for the stack of
papers spread out over Makoto's otherwise neatly arranged coffee table.

"Did you have any trouble finding the place, Kimeko-chan?" Sakuya asked,
"Oh and don't think you're not going to school."

"Nani?" Kimeko asked, "How'd you know?"

"Makoto's at school, Minako's likely at school so you'll hustle yourself
over to the local high school and have them register you," Sakuya
ordered while shutting the door, "This isn't a vacation."

"Yeah but you're on vacation," Kimeko pointed out in a slightly whiny
tone.

"I'm also well over one hundred and have gotten several degrees
INCLUDING my high school diploma." Sakuya then grinned evilly, "Besides
there are lots of kawaii boys around high schools. You'll certainly give
your mother a run for her money." She then winked at Kimeko.

"Sakuya!" Kimeko was scandalized but also embarrassed with the implied
compliment. She made her way towards the couch while muttering, "Oh Hai,
I'll go down after we're finished here." Sitting down Kimeko asked,
"What's that?"

"This," Sakuya answered picking up one paper, "is what I wanted to talk
to you about." She handed the paper over to Kimeko who started to read
it.  She sat quietly while the younger girl read it once, then again.

"This is serious!" Kimeko said worriedly, "So what do we do?"

"We keep quiet and tail our respective charges until IT happens." Sakuya
continued, "I've done some other research. No use in running around and
getting to him before he actually does anything."

"We need to tell the Elders." Kimeko started to rise but Sakuya put a
restraining hand on her, "Sakuya-san, I know that we are the Princesses'
guardians but this indicates a possible threat to the Royal Family...
At least the Commander must be informed. She must coordinate the proper
Senshi response." <That's the standard operating procedure in situations
like this.>

"I wish it could be that simple, Kimeko-chan." Sakuya explained, "But
none of the Elders find out about this. Sailor Venus... Elder Venus is
not the `Commander' that we know. Right at the moment, I'm the best
qualified Senshi around with the possible exception of Pluto if she
somehow deems this situation important."

"But how can none of the Elders find out about it?" Kimeko questioned,
"I don't like hiding things... especially where Usagi or Misako are
concerned." <We shouldn't keep this from Mom.> "We could gather the
Elders and stop this thing right now."

"I'd love to do that, Kimeko," Sakuya began, "But the history books say
that none of them know... There's another reason as well. Princess Usagi
is needed in this time to help Sailor Moon defeat the Lemures of the
Dead Moon Circus; if Her Majesty found out what type of danger Princess
Usagi was in she would either become overly protective or do something
even more drastic."

Kimeko's scowl showed her displeasure, "So by `more drastic' you mean
Her Majesty might disrupt the timeline to save her daughter?"

"Hai," Sakuya stated. <I did it to save My Queen and it produced Misako
so only Pluto knows what would happen if Usagi found out.> "Would you
like some tea?"

"Hai," Kimeko replied. Sakuya got up off the couch and entered the
kitchen. The apartment was quiet except for the ticking of the clock.
When Sakuya brought back the tea Kimeko said, "Sakuya-san, we have to at
least tell Small Lady about this."

"Iie," Sakuya stated flatly, "Small Lady is not to be told either."

"Nani? But she has a right to know," Kimeko argued. Turning to face
Sakuya fully, "I understand about not telling the Elder Senshi and even
though I don't like it, I'll go along... But I think Small Lady has a
right to know."

Sakuya was surprised. It was the first time the Kimeko had challenged
her directly; it was both irritating and refreshing. <You wouldn't of
argued before... I understand your desire Kimeko but I can't allow that
to occur.> "Kimeko-chan, the last thing I want to do is put Small Lady
at risk but I will not have her finding out about it before hand."

"Are you ordering me, Younger Jupiter?" Kimeko stated angrily, "I know
you can be cold when you have to be but this is Small Lady we're talking
about, the person YOU are SWORN to defend. She is a Senshi now and
deserves to be treated as one. She is not a defenseless little girl
anymore who left for the past. Keeping this type of secret from her can
only hurt her."

"Damn it, Kimeko!" Sakuya snarled, "I no more like this than you but the
history books point to this incident. No wonder Pluto never came after
me."

"Nani?" Kimeko said surprised, "Why would Sailor Pluto... Oh Sakuya..."
Kimeko watched slightly horrified as her friend nodded, "You mean you?"

"Hai, I mugged Pluto for one of her Time Keys and came back. RH found
the police report on the incident and when I confronted Pluto with it
she basically confirmed my worst fears. I never really figured out why
Pluto hadn't come after me to drag me back to the future."

"That doesn't change the fact," Kimeko stated stubbornly, "Small Lady
should know." Kimeko got up, "I won't tell her but I think you should."
With that Kimeko stalked over out of the apartment, stopping only long
enough to put her shoes on.

Sakuya sat in silent thought, <What am I going to do?> as she stared at
where Kimeko had been. <Could she be right?>

                                  ******

Kimeko wandered around. She didn't really realize the time. Up one
street and down the other. She would not have likely been able to
register for school if she hadn't passed the high school in her
wanderings. She was both angry with Sakuya and confused. <Why won't she
tell Usagi? I can sorta see Mom not knowing but...>

Eventually she did the only thing she could think of; she went to her
mother. <Can't exactly wander around the high school,> Kimeko thought
and headed for the Aino home. With only Minako's mother home she told
her about registering for school and then bounded up to Minako's room.

Giving one deep sigh she flopped onto Minako's bed knocking over a
couple of stuffed animals and waited impatiently for her mother.

                                  ******

"Kimeko-chan?" Minako's voice eventually broke into her thoughts.

"Oh, Mom, is school out?" Kimeko asked groggily looking at her mother
who had a concerned look on her face. <I must have fallen asleep.>

"Hai, I've been home for ten minutes..." Minako answered, "Now what's
the matter, Kimeko-chan?"

Kimeko raised herself up and asked, "What makes you think something's
wrong? I was asleep."

"You were," Minako replied sitting down on the bed, "But your face just
had this expression on it... Now come on maybe I can help."

<Well...> "Mom, I need some advice."

"I'm good at that," Minako answered proudly, "I helped the others get
well when they were sick... Say is there any truth to that Royal
Decree?"

Kimeko giggled, "Uh well..." she left the answer dangling. <Can't tell
her that none of the family come around her when they're sick. From what
I was told when I had the flu when I was little, Serenity hid me from
Mom; not exactly sure how true THAT is but...>

Minako seeing she wouldn't get any satisfaction from Kimeko asked, "Well
what was it that you're having trouble with?"

"Com'on... Mom..." Kimeko wiped a hand across her face in frustration.
<Sakuya's right... She isn't really Mom.> "Minako-chan, can I ask you a
hypothetical question?" Minako nodded. "If you found out that someone
was going to hurt Usagi but you also knew that none of the other Senshi
could know about it, would you tell Usagi?"

Minako gave Kimeko an odd look, "Kimeko-chan, are you trying to hint at
information about the future?"

"IIE!" Kimeko said shocked, "Certainly not! I've gone through Pluto's
lessons same as you. Iie, this is just a hypothetical question."

Minako considered the problem for several seconds. "Would it matter if
Usagi knew about it?"

"Hai." Kimeko said, <It matters to me; only thing is we're talking about
two different Usagis.>

"Hai, I'd tell Usagi about it," Minako decided.

"Um, why?" Kimeko asked.

"Usagi is a very sweet and caring person; she just tends to blow things
way out of proportion. Because Usagi would blow things out of
proportion, I wouldn't tell Usagi about the danger UNLESS we needed her
to destroy it." Minako looked at Kimeko, "Does that make any sense,
Kimeko-chan?"

"So you're saying that UNLESS you couldn't handle this hypothetical
danger on your own, you wouldn't tell any of the Senshi or even Usagi?"

"Hai," Minako agreed hoping that it really was a hypothetical danger.
She began to smile thinking that she'd helped her daughter out of a
situation but it slowly faded when Kimeko's mood didn't improve.

This didn't help Kimeko in the least, certainly not to the extent that
she had hoped it would. Kimeko had been looking for Minako to give her
support to her case about telling Princess Usagi of the danger; instead
Minako had neatly supported Sakuya's argument. Kimeko desperately wanted
to confide in her mother, either one but that would mean breaking her
word that she wouldn't tell the Elder Senshi. The situation was
irritating Kimeko. <We're dealing with human lives here!> Kimeko
mentally shouted, <Small Lady can't simply be treated like one of the
masses. She's heir to the throne and a Senshi.> Kimeko unconsciously
sighed. She would not go against Sakuya no matter how much she hated it.
The reason was simple: neither the mother she knew nor Serenity was
here. Sakuya was in charge, like it or not.

"Kimeko-chan," Minako said, "This is really bothering you, isn't it?"

"First time we've had a fight," Kimeko admitted glumly. It hurt even
more knowing that the fight counted.

"We aren't fighting," Minako said softly. <It doesn't seem like one.>

"Not US, Minako-chan," Kimeko told her, "Me and Sakuya..." This shocked
Minako but before she could do anything Kimeko left the room. Minako
watched the door swing shut with a worried expression spreading across
her face.

Coming Next:  Chapter 10 - Hearts, Starlight, and Thunder Part 2
Doug

"I write in broad tapestries, interweaving characters lives leaving
 the little details to the reader unless the detials are important."
	- Anne McCafrey

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