A Gem
By Douglas "Candle Light Author" 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 "A Gem" are copyrighted
(c) 1998 by Douglas Helm & Will Wolfshohl.

This fanfic and over 360 other SM fanfics reside in "Tuxedo" Will's SM
Fanfics Archive at http://log.on.ca/users/helm/anime/index.htm

To get a the full picture here is a listing of those stories that make
up the "official" timeline:

Grandmother Makoto        - Origin of Sakuya/Younger Jupiter
Tales of Younger Jupiter  - Younger Jupiter's and Chibi-Usa's visit to
                            the past (SMR)
Tales of Younger Venus    - Misako's origin; Younger Jupiter's, Younger
                            Venus', Chibi-Usa's and Misako's visit to
                            the past (SMSS)

Other related side stories:

Faith                     - Origin of Makoto/Sailor Jupiter
A Gem                     - Origin of Kimeko/Younger Venus

Recommended reading order: Faith, GMM, ToYJ, ToYV, Gem, ToY?

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

Rating: PG


Part 1 - "Council of War"

They were gathered in one of Neo-Queen Serenity's private chambers.
Present were all the Elder Inner Senshi except for Venus. Also present
was Younger Jupiter, looking somewhat bored.

"Minna, it has to stop!" Mercury complained, in fact she almost came
close to whining. "I can't operate like this. Every bloody day the same
thing."

"Why don't you let one of the others take a look at her?" Mars asked.

"Because she wants THE BEST and, as far as she's concerned, I'm it,"
Mercury grumbled out and ran a hand through her hair. "Something has to
be done."

"She can't be that bad, Ami-chan," Neo-Queen Serenity remarked, "It's
just that pregnancy has strange effects on some people." <You should
know that Doctor.>

"Your Majesty, she's even pestering me," Younger Jupiter chimed in, "I
was quite willing to help out with some of Commander Aino's
responsibilities but she's become quite a pest."

<If it was any other person...> Serenity thought to herself. Younger
Jupiter had a very annoying habit. She was blunt and to the point.
However, she was always polite, unless she had a dislike for you. <I
know Makoto tried to curb her of speaking her mind but I doubt it
helped.> Serenity noted, <Too set in her ways. Just like I remember...>
"So what is your recommendation then, Sakuya-chan?" the Queen asked.

"Your Majesty, I would suggest someone talk to Commander Aino.
Preferably one who has been pregnant and aware of whatever situation
that seems to be affecting her," Younger Jupiter calmly stated. She knew
that something was bothering Elder Venus and it had to do with the
pregnancy but she was at a loss as to understand why secrecy was
involved.

Serenity smiled, "That sounds like a good idea. Rei-chan, I believe you
have the most experience among us. Might you have a word with Minako and
see if you can, tactfully, get her to calm down some?"

Mars glowered at Younger Jupiter for a few moments before nodding.
"Hai, Serenity-sama, I'll speak to her when we are finished here."

"Good, now onto other matters," Serenity said, "What's the next order of
business?"

                                  ******

Aino Minako looked out over a small garden. It was one of many that were
sprinkled around the Crystal Palace. The first signs of spring were
starting to show through in early March. The increased temperature was
certainly welcome and the multitude of colors, that the changing of the
seasons was bringing, was also welcome.

It had been a particularly hard winter. Not that it was unusually cold,
just that by January, Minako was starting to really feel the effects of
being pregnant. Minako had been miserable through the winter months and
had more than once made her displeasure known. Now as she entered her
eighth month of pregnancy, Minako could feel the first tingles of
excitement but they were also mixed with worry.

Giving a sigh, Minako turned from the window and looked around her
apartment. The decor was not as bright as she had wanted it to be but it
was still colorful enough not to be drab. Minako started to walk over to
the couch and then thought better of it. As she had grown bigger she
found it more difficult to get off of the rather plush cushions in her
quarters.

Choosing instead a comfortable armchair, Minako sank down with a sigh of
relief. Gently stroking her belly, Minako tried to work out what was
bothering her. It wasn't the idea of being pregnant itself. She had
given birth before. Her son also was looking forward to having a younger
sister he could play with. Minako hadn't quite figured that out. Masao,
her son, being almost seven didn't seem like the type of child to want a
little sister.

"But are you the little girl I'm looking for?" Minako asked the child
residing within her. It wasn't that Minako didn't want a baby girl. She
was looking forward to it. As the centuries passed Minako had always
looked forward to the day when Kimeko would be born. The difficulty was
there was no way of telling exactly when or even if that long awaited
birth would occur. When Sakuya had come to Crystal Tokyo almost a
century before, more than one had breathed a sigh of relief but Minako
gave the loudest sigh.

Sakuya's presence signified that things were going according to what
Minako knew of the future. She had counted down the years, privately
waiting. Kimeko had been such a glimmer of what could be to Minako that
at one point it had paralyzed her. <I was afraid to do anything that
might prevent you from being born,> Minako thought. <I know you might
not be Kimeko but... I try to think of you as that girl I saw so long
ago.> But the nagging suspicion wouldn't leave her head.

Minako's thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. With some
effort, she managed to get back up and over to the door. Opening it, she
found Rei standing outside. "Konnichiwa Rei-chan, how are things?"

"Konnichiwa Minako, pretty good. How's the expectant mother?" Rei asked
and at Minako's motion entered the apartment.

Minako walked into the kitchen, "Would you like some tea?" she called
out.

"Please," Rei said, taking a seat on the couch, "You didn't answer my
question." Her only response was the sounds coming from the kitchen. Rei
frowned but didn't say anything. Soon Minako re-emerged out of the
kitchen carrying a tray. After setting the tray down Minako lowered
herself back slowly into the arm-chair. "Arigato," Rei said taking her
cup.

"Rei-chan, how did you ever manage to go through sixty-two births?"
Minako finally asked, "I feel like a beached whale or something."

"I can't really answer that," Rei replied after a brief pause, "After
the first I kept promising myself I'd never go through it again but I
managed." <Sakuya made sure of that. Pluto's right about knowing the
future...> Rei looked at Minako intently for a moment before saying, "I
don't really think that your being pregnant is bothering you. You've
given birth before and Hiroshi is supportive."

"You're right, Rei-chan. I finally broke down and asked Ami whether the
baby was a boy or a girl," Minako admitted, "I thought I could go
through this without wanting to know. But the bigger I got, the more I
worried." Rei sent her a questioning look, "When Sakuya came I started
counting. I knew that Kimeko was sixteen and I could roughly guess
Sakuya's age so..."

"So you're worried whether this is Kimeko or not?" Rei asked. Minako
nodded. "Do you think that would change things?"

"You mean if it wasn't Kimeko?" Rei nodded, "Iie... I just don't want to
treat her differently if it isn't. What if I never see Kimeko though? I
saw potential and a bit of myself in her." Minako took a sip of her tea
and was silent for a few moments before saying, "When she was in the
past I was worried about her. You know how I was... That's why I think
you had it easier than me, Rei-chan. You knew the number but not when."

"That's true, Minako," Rei agreed, "But that number when I was fifteen
seemed very absurd. I wasn't about to believe Sakuya. I think you'll do
okay, even if it isn't Kimeko. You have to have some faith that things
will work out."

"I guess..." Minako said reluctantly, "Rei-chan, do you think it would
be safe to talk to Serenity? I mean she tries to be supportive but I
know that having us pregnant really gets her emotions swinging."

"Why do you want to talk to Serenity?" Rei asked. She had her suspicions
as to the reason but she didn't want to say anything.

"I want Serenity to be Kimeko's godmother," Minako explained, "Now I'm
not positive it is Kimeko but if I can add one more piece to support the
future..."

"Hold on," Rei chirped, "Minako, that wouldn't do any good." Minako took
on a hurt expression, "I think Serenity would be thrilled but there is
no set plan. Things CAN change. What if it isn't Kimeko? What you're
doing now is setting yourself up for a fall."

Minako didn't respond for a long time, "So what do I do?"

"Nothing, keep healthy and be a loving mother. Let Pluto worry about
time; that's her job not ours."

"But..."

"Mina, stop worrying!" Rei snarled. Minako took on a shocked expression
and stared at Rei. "Gomen," Rei said, "You're just causing yourself
stress and stress isn't good for the baby." <Not to mention that you're
driving even the most patient of people up the wall.>

                                  ******

April fifteenth found several people breathing a sigh of relief.
Minako's child was born and as far as any could tell it was Kimeko. This
seemed to have a calming affect on Minako who gently cradled her newborn
daughter in her arms.

However, as the months passed, Minako began her worrying anew. Being one
desiring an active role in her child's early years, Minako did not
return to most of her duties immediately. This just left a lot of free
time. The bad thing was Minako was never one to really sit around and
not do things. However, a baby of only a few months of age wasn't
something to be carted around; so Minako occupied herself with what she
could but spent a good portion of her free time worrying if it was truly
Kimeko.

Artemis had said that they couldn't detect a Senshi aura yet and it
would likely be several years until such a detection were possible.
Secretly, Artemis and Luna had long ago decided that they would leave
such detection until the child was old enough to understand at least the
basic concepts of what a Sailor Senshi was.

Six months after Kimeko's birth, Minako arranged to meet with Neo-Queen
Serenity and King Endymion to discuss some matters. She had already
spoken to her husband on the matter and he had agreed to the idea. It
was up to Minako though to approach the Royal Couple to see if they
would agree to the idea.

                                  ******

One afternoon that was bright and sunny, Minako stepped into one of the
many private rooms of the Royal Couple. Serenity directed her to a chair
and poured some tea.

"What did you want to talk to us about, Minako-chan?" Serenity asked
after taking a chair herself.

"Your Majesties, I and Hiroshi would like to know if you and
Endymion-sama would do us the honor of being godparents to Kimeko?"
Minako requested formally.

"Why would you want us to fill that position only for Kimeko?" Endymion
asked, "It hardly seems fair to treat her differently from Masao simply
because she might turn out to be a Sailor Senshi."

Minako squirmed, "I'm not treating them differently, Endymion-sama. It's
just that Kimeko will need your guidance if she is to take on the mantle
of Younger Venus. Masao is growing up and was never a Senshi. My love
for him won't change. There's just something that Kimeko can be for me
that Masao never could."

"How do you know?" Serenity wondered, "Did you ever let him try to
transform?"

"We only need one guy running around in a fuku, thank you very much,"
Minako said while pointedly staring at Endymion. Serenity giggled.

"That was your own fault, Minako-chan," Endymion retorted, "You were the
one who dared me to. Can I help it if your fuku colors clash with my
legs?"

"Hai but I didn't think you would do it," Minako protested, "Anyway back
to the subject at hand. Would you at least consider our request,
Serenity-chan?"

"Hai, we will consider it and tell you our decision a little later on."
Serenity nodded, "How's Masao-kun?"

"Fine, why?" Minako asked. Serenity just smiled knowingly, "Nani?!?"



Part 2 - "Growing Up is Hard on Minako"

Much to her parents' relief, Kimeko was not as active an explorer as
Masao was. As all babies and toddlers do, Kimeko explored her world but
at a slower pace. When she came upon something new she would study it
and try to figure out what it was. Kimeko was also very shy.

Whereas Masao would walk bodily up to people and ask, or rather demand,
to know who they were, Kimeko hid her face anytime someone new came into
the room. She would practically ignore them until Minako or Hiroshi made
the very difficult introduction.

This introvertive nature that Kimeko displayed grated on her brother.
Masao thought that he might gain a new playmate through the addition of
a baby but instead, all he got was a lump of stone. Sure, she was nice
to be around, for a while, but she never wanted to do anything that he
wanted to do.

As one year passed and then another, Minako found herself becoming
worried again. Kimeko really wasn't interested in being a Sailor Senshi.
She thought it would be neat but playing at being a Senshi or even
talking about being one didn't hold her attention very long.

What Kimeko wanted to be, at least when she was four, was a magician.
One who did magic to delight others. Old videodiscs of magicians and
illusionists would capture her imagination and take her on long journeys
through daydreams.

                                  ******

Five year old Kimeko sighed. The simple fact of the matter was that she
was lost. This didn't really bother her. She had confidence that her
mother would find her. Minako rarely left Kimeko out of her sight for
long periods. It was just that she was hungry. Masao had coaxed her out
to play with him but had soon lost interest. Instead, he had bounded off
with some of his friends leaving little Kimeko to fend for herself.

It being around noon, most of the halls were deserted and those few that
had people in them, Kimeko avoided. She had confidence in her mother but
being shy she wasn't about to ask for help. Her tummy grumbled slightly
at the lack of food in it and she giggled.

Kimeko continued to wander the halls for another five minutes before she
came to a door that appeared to be somehow familiar. <I see this 'fore.>
she thought, <Mommy has door like that.> After a few more moments of
studying it Kimeko decided that her mother might be in the room.

When the door swung open Kimeko did not see her mother. Instead, she saw
a very stern visage glaring at her. Gulping slightly, Kimeko started to
back away from the imposing figure. The person was dressed in a Senshi
fuku and seemed vaguely familiar. She was about to turn and run for her
life when the woman's voice brought her up short.

"FREEZE!" the voice thundered the command. Kimeko froze, every muscle in
her body tightened. It was if a giant hand had reached out and grabbed
her. "Who are you?" Not as loud but just as stern, "And what are you
doing wandering around here?"

Kimeko whimpered slightly. <Where's Mommy?!?> she thought. Instead of
answering the question, she sniffled and looked anywhere but at the
giant behind the desk.

"Now see what you made her do?" a male voice interjected, "You made her
cry! How big a meanie can you be?!?"

Kimeko's curiosity piqued, she raised her head to try and find her
defender but the only other person in the room was the woman. <So
where'd the voice come from?> Kimeko wondered.

"Don't listen to her, young lady." The voice seemed to be coming from
Sakuya's computer. "My name is RH."

"RH?" Kimeko asked quizzically.

"Hai, `RH' stands for `Randolf Humbug'." Kimeko giggled. "Oh you think
that's funny, ne?!?"

"Hai," Kimeko giggled again.

"Randolf Humbug?!?!" Sakuya mouthed to herself. <Sheesh! Well at least
he's being clean for once.>  "Oh for the... who are you?" again the
demand but softer.

"A-Aino Kimeko," Kimeko managed to get out. <Does she do magic?!?> the
little girl thought.

<She's grown since I last saw her.> "Konnichiwa Aino-san. I'm Rakurai
Sakuya. Now what were you doing around here?"

Kimeko blinked. She hadn't recognized the woman. Screwing up her face
slightly, she stared at Sakuya in disbelief. <Look like her but I not
know her...> She'd seen her mother with another lady by the same name on
occasion but these two looked different. Sakuya sighed. <She sounds like
Mommy sometimes,> Kimeko noted. It was a sigh of long suffering, or
exasperation.

Kimeko's eyes grew large as she saw Sakuya's clothes shift in a swirl of
brilliant color. They turned from a Sailor fuku into a royal blue skirt
and white blouse. Suddenly Kimeko recognized the woman but it was
subconscious. Clapping happily, Kimeko smiled. <It IS Rak'rai-san!>

"Nani?!?" asked Sakuya surprised.

"You do magic!" Kimeko crowed gleefully, "I not know you 'fore. Now I
do. Good trick! Do it again? Pretty please?"

"Gomen, Aino-san, I can't do it again. It only works once." A small pout
formed on the little girl's face, "But I have a better trick."

"Really???" Kimeko asked eyes sparkling, "Nani?"

"I'm going to find your mother."

"Aw... not wanna... see more tricks," Kimeko whined, "Mommy not like
tricks." Padding over to the desk, she looked into Sakuya's face and
asked, "Please show me a trick, Rak'rai-san?"

"Well... okay, one more," Sakuya agreed. <Kami-sama, why am I agreeing
to this?!?> Sakuya thought, <She's Minako's daughter but I hate kids.
They're snot-nosed, messy, and noisy!> But looking at Kimeko's face she
only saw a kawaii little girl. <Kids... ick!>

                                  ******

<Mom's going to kill me!> twelve year old Masao darkly thought as he
walked briskly down the corridor, <If I don't find Kimeko soon, I'll
really be in trouble.> Whether Masao liked to admit it or not, he WAS
worried about Kimeko. <If anything happens to her...> Turning the
corner, Masao stopped.

<What was that?!?> he thought, <I thought I heard Kimeko.> Listening
again, he could distinctly hear giggling coming from down the hall. As
he approached the door Masao's heart sank. <What's she doing in
there?!?> Carefully he reached out and knocked at the door.

"Enter."

Sheepishly, hoping that he had been hearing things. Masao slowly opened
the door. <Great,> Masao bleakly thought, <Just great.> "Konnichiwa
Rakurai-san, gomen if my imouto has been bothering you. Come on,
Kimeko-chan, we have to go home now."

"Not wanna go with you, Onii. You mean, run away from me. Leave me all
alone."

"Yes I've been meaning to ask you about that myself," Sakuya remarked,
her voice was calm but there was a definite edge to it. "So why exactly
did you leave your imouto to fend for herself???"

"'Cause she's only five. Why would I want to hang around a baby?" Masao
said, trying to put up a front, "I mean Mom always makes me play with
her. Why can't she find any of her own friends to play with?" <Gomen,
Kimeko.>

"So, Masao-kun, you're saying that you DON'T love Kimeko?" Sakuya asked.

"Uh well... iie," Masao stuttered out, "I mean I guess I love her 'cuz
she's my imouto and all."

"Then you're lying," Sakuya concluded, "You're only pretending to love
her because you are her onii. That's rather underhanded if you ask me."

<I didn't ask you,> Masao thought. "Look Kimeko, we have to go. We
should leave Rakurai-san alone." <Or Mom'd kill us.> "Gomen nasai,
Rakurai-san, if Kimeko was any trouble." <This is not a healthy place to
stay. Why does Mom like her?>

"'Kay, I had fun," Kimeko said hopping off of the chair, "Bye-bye!" she
called to RH and waving left the room, "Bye-bye, Rak'rai-san."

"Good-bye, Aino-san, you go straight home now," Sakuya waved back. <And
I'll be speaking with your mother.> Before she could say anything else
Masao had pulled his imouto from the room.

                                  ******

Masao groaned slightly. They had just escaped Sakuya's office when they
were spotted by Minako. Kimeko tore away from her brother's grip and,
running down the hall, skidded to a stop in front of her mother.

"Mommy!" Kimeko cried happily, "You come find me."

"Hai," Minako said while picking up her daughter, "Now Masao come along.
I want to have a talk with you." Masao sighed but followed his mother
who headed in the direction of their quarters. "Now, honey, what were
you doing here?" Minako asked her daughter as they walked home, "I bet
you're hungry."

"Iie Mommy, Rak'rai-san gave me somethin' to eat." She looked at her
mother seriously, "Onii wanted to play but he leave me all alone. I got
lost."

Minako clenched her teeth for a moment before saying, "Well Masao, is
this true?"

"Aw... Kimeko's no fun to play with. I didn't think she'd get lost."
Masao tried vainly to protest, "Come on Mom, she's fine. Rakurai-san
didn't seem upset that Kimeko was in her office." <At least I hope she
wasn't.> It didn't do well to have a Senshi annoyed at you.

"You were in Rakurai-san's office?" Minako asked her daughter who
nodded, "What were you doing in there, Kimeko-chan?!?"

"I thought you be there, Mommy, 'cause you got same door. Rak'rai-san
neat. She got 'puter that talks. Rak'rai-san show me tricks, neat ones.
She pretend to be somebody else but really it was her." Kimeko giggled.

Minako smiled at her daughter. <I'm glad you're starting to like Sakuya.
She needs you to be a friend and that's something that I can look
forward to.> "Don't even think about sneaking off, Aino Masao, I'm not
done with you yet," Minako said without turning around.

"Nuts!" Masao grumbled, "Do you have eyes in the back of your head,
Mom?!?"

"Something like that," Minako answered. <Just lots and lots of
practice.>

Later that evening Kimeko walked over to her brother's door and softly
tapped on it. At her brother's response she slowly opened the door and
entered the room.

"What do YOU want?" Masao asked in tones of annoyance. Masao was sitting
on his bed looking through a manga and not looking very pleased at the
sight of his sister.

"Gomen, Onii-chan, I not mean to tattle on you," Kimeko sniffled hugging
her stuffed animal, "I not want Mommy to get mad at you, Onii-chan."
Padding over, she gave her brother a hug, "You still like me?"

<Kawaii!> Masao gazed at his sister for several seconds before nodding,
"Hai, I love you, Kimeko-chan, because you're my imouto." <Even if you
are a pain sometimes.> He snaked an arm towards her and tickled one of
her sides, "You just wanted me to worry about you, ne?"

"Nuh huh," Kimeko retorted and shook her head.

"Uh huh," Masao retorted again sitting up.

"Nuh huh!" Kimeko responded and then for good measure, stuck her tongue
out. She giggled and sashayed from the room.

"Why you..." Masao trailed off and, jumping up, started out after his
sister. "Just wait 'til I get a hold of you!" he cried. It wasn't much
of a race considering that Masao was bigger but he allowed her to get to
her room before he could catch her. Skidding to a stop at her door, he
knocked.

"Go away!" Kimeko giggled out.

"Don't you want me to read you a story?" Masao asked. Then without
giving his sister time to respond, he turned and started to head back
down the hall, "Okay fine, see if I read you any other stories," he said
in a hurt tone of voice.

"Wait Onii-chan!" Kimeko cried running after her brother, "I want
story!" She grabbed onto her brother's arm and started to pull him in
the opposite direction.

"Okay squirt, what do you want me to read?" Masao said while allowing
himself to be pulled along the hall.

"Baka, the story you read 'fore," Kimeko said and handed him the
appropriate book. Masao sighed. He had read that story fifty-two times
already. Minako, who had been observing covertly, smiled and turned back
to the living room.



Part 3 - "The Skinning of Artemis"

Minako sighed. The summer heat was in everything. Of course, it was the
hottest day so far that summer and the air conditioning unit was
malfunctioning. Briefly, Minako wondered where her six year old daughter
Kimeko was. <Things are quiet, TOO quiet!> Minako thought. As most
parents do when children are quiet, they start to worry. Silence usually
means that kids are planning something that adults would disapprove of.

Getting up, she opened the balcony door and was nearly blasted backwards
by the yelling. Rushing inside to see what the problem was, she came to
a screeching halt in the living room. She gave a little gasp of shock
when she regarded the sight before her.

There was Artemis, as bald as a cue ball. Every piece of white fur had
been removed allowing pink skin to show through. He was yelling at the
top of his lungs at Kimeko who was looking in wide eyed confusion at
him.

Rushing over, Minako demanded, "What's going on?!?!"

Artemis turned angrily to Minako and said, "Just LOOK at what YOUR
daughter DID!!!" He indicated his naked body. "She shaved me clean with
that... that... MONSTROSITY!" He indicated the electric shaver that
Kimeko was holding.

"Are you all right?" Minako asked. She was having a difficult time
controlling her temper.

"WHAT DO YOU THINK?!? OF COURSE, I'M `NOT' ALL RIGHT! I'M BALD!!!"
Artemis snarled out. Both Minako and Artemis then turned to Kimeko who
gulped and started to back away, dropping the shaver in the process.

                                  ******

An inner sense of doom was telling Kimeko that she was in VERY serious
trouble. Her instincts were to run away and hide. Seeing her mother take
another step towards her, Kimeko tried her only defense. "Mommy, Artemis
said he not want his fur," she said meekly looking at her mother.

"I certainly did not!" Artemis growled out.

Kimeko looked pleadingly at her mother, "I didn't do it on purpose!"

"Aino Kimeko, don't you dare fib to me," Minako said sternly, "I don't
think Artemis asked you to shave him. Now did Artemis ask you to shave
him?"

Kimeko weighed her options carefully before saying sulkily, "Well...
uh... iie. But Mommy, Artemis said he was hot. If he doesn't have his
fur, then he can be cool." Kimeko saw the move coming but wasn't quick
enough. She tried to backpedal away from her obviously angry mother but
couldn't because Minako had a firm grip on one arm. "Please Mommy!"
Kimeko begged tears starting to appear. "I didn't mean to!!!" she
wailed.

"Young lady, you apologize to Artemis this minute. That was very
naughty," Minako demanded.

Hoping that it would save her, Kimeko turned to Artemis and pleaded,
"Artemis, I'm VERY, VERY sorry I hurt you! Please don't be mad at me!"
Artemis just flicked his tail and glared angrily at her. Her stomach
started to knot as Minako lifted her daughter up. With tears now flowing
freely, she pleaded, "Please Mommy, I'll be good..." She sniffled again.

"Gomen Kimeko, but what you did was very bad," Minako stated while
settling herself on the couch.

<IIE!> Kimeko desperately thought as she was placed over her mother's
lap. <I was just trying to help Artemis!> Any more coherent thoughts
were cut short by the first swat that landed firmly on her bottom. The
next few seconds were very uncomfortable for Kimeko as she was spanked.
In her estimation it was the worst spanking she had ever received.

Setting her daughter down, Minako said, "Now you go to your room and
stay there." Once free, Kimeko ran to her room, tears streaming down her
face. Once inside, her room she banged the door closed, her sobs
becoming muffled. <Gomen.>

                                  ******

A short while later Minako had a first-aid kit out and she was making
sure nothing was permanently damaged. "Are you sure you're okay?" Minako
asked as she checked Artemis over for any serious wounds. She was trying
not to laugh; it was after all, a very serious matter. However, Artemis
did look like a giant newborn rat. Every tuft of his once thick white
fur was missing. The only places where fur remained were the insides of
his ears.

"Iie, I'm not fine," Artemis sulked, "How am I supposed to do my job
like this? Luna will never let me live it down." Minako was about to
respond but giggled. This just caused Artemis to glare. "You gave birth
to her. I think you'd have a little sympathy for the victim of that
monster."

"My daughter is NO monster!" Minako hotly retorted, "She's been
punished, Artemis, or don't you think being spanked counts as a
punishment?"

"If I had my way, she'd be bald for the rest of her life," Artemis
grumbled out.

"Oh Artemis, I'm sure you'll get your fur back," Minako said while
packing away the first-aid kit. <Maybe Serenity can heal him with the
Ginzuishou or something...> "Kimeko apologized and she was punished.
What more do you want?"

"I want you to find her a cat. I refuse to have anything more to do with
her. Or at least until she's proven to be a Younger." <Let some other
poor cat be tormented.> He saw the look in Minako's eyes and stated
coldly, "Don't even think about it. You know our agreement. We leave
Kimeko alone until she's at least eight. Maybe by then, I'll be up to
speaking to her." Giving a flick of his tail, Artemis stalked as
gracefully as he could out of the room. Despite the hurt feeling that
Minako had developed at Artemis' overreaction, she managed a giggle.
"Baka Mina," Artemis growled before he disappeared around a corner.

                                  ******

Kimeko lay on her tummy. Her bottom hurt and her pillow was damp from
her tears. She couldn't understand why her mother was so upset, or why
Artemis had fibbed to her mother. "Baka Artemis," she said angrily her
voice thick from crying, "You said you didn't want your fur." So why
hadn't he said that to her mother? Burying her face in her damp pillow,
Kimeko gave a little sob before falling asleep.

Two days later a very depressed Kimeko sat in her room. Masao was off
playing with some of his friends. Artemis was ignoring her, her mother
was busy doing something and her father was at work. In Kimeko's
estimation, the entire world was mad at her.

Flopping onto her back, Kimeko lay staring up at her bedroom ceiling.
She didn't have anybody to play with and she wasn't allowed to watch
television for a whole WEEK. So she lay there and tried to think of
something to do when a gentle tap came at the door. Sitting up, she saw
her mother walk into the room.

"Hey Pumpkin, you sad?" Minako asked coming to walk over to her
daughter's bed. Kimeko nodded. Sitting down, Minako lifted her daughter
into a hug. She felt Kimeko reach her tiny arms around to hug her back
and Minako smiled. "Why are you sad?"

"Everybody is mad at me," Kimeko whispered out.

"I'm not mad at you, Kimeko-chan," Minako explained moving her daughter
so that she could see those sparkling mint green eyes. "Your father
isn't mad at you. I don't think Masao is mad at you." She brushed away
some loose strands of hair and gave her daughter a kiss on the forehead.

"What about Artemis?" Kimeko asked again in a soft voice.

"Well Artemis is mad at you because you shaved off all his fur and you
hurt him." Minako tried to explain, "I don't think he'll be mad at you
forever though."

"I got nobody to play with, Mommy," Kimeko said sadly.

"I think I can take care of that," Minako replied. Sitting her daughter
down on the bed, she continued, "You stay right there, Pumpkin, and
close your eyes."

Complying, Kimeko closed her eyes and waited. She heard her mother walk
out of the room and after a minute or so, heard her mother come back in.
"Hold out your hands but keep your eyes shut," Minako instructed. Kimeko
did as she was asked to. Moments later something soft, warm, and small
was placed into her hands.

"Nani?!?" Kimeko asked shocked when she opened her eyes and saw a bluish
tinged kitten curled up in a ball. She drew it close and started to
stroke its silky fur gently. Its two eyes opened and it mewed at Kimeko.
A look of delight spread across the young girl's face but with it also a
look of confusion.

"Kimeko-chan," Minako said sitting back down on the bed, "This can be
your cat. She's a what they call a `Russian Blue'." She watched happily
as Kimeko petted the kitten, "You have to promise to take good care of
her though."

"Hai! I'll take good care of her," Kimeko promised with a smile on her
face, then she frowned. "But Mommy why didn't you give me kitty if I bad
before?"

"Well Artemis is my cat. I think you should have one of your own..."
Minako said. She reached around and hugged her daughter, "Kimeko-chan,
you are NOT to shave this kitten, understand?" Kimeko nodded rapidly.
She had no desire to get another spanking. "So what are you going to
name her?"

"I'll call her, Mika," Kimeko stated after some considerable thought.
Much to her surprise, Minako giggled. <What so funny about Mika?>



Part 4 - "Aino Insanity"

"Konnichiwa, Rak'rai-san!" Kimeko called. She was just leaving school on
her way home when she had spotted Sakuya coming from the opposite
direction.

Sakuya winced, "Konnichiwa Aino-san, how are you?"

"Okay," the seven year old said, "School's boring though." She said this
last bit in a hushed voice. She didn't want Mercury-sensei to find out.
Much to her delight Sakuya smiled, "Do you like school, Rak'rai-san?"

"Hai, so if you don't want to go to school, what do you want to do
then?" <Why am I wasting time with this kid?!?> Although she had found
herself seeing a little more of Kimeko, Sakuya still couldn't understand
why she seemed to ACTUALLY like this child. She couldn't stand any of
the other children around the Palace.

"I want to do magic! Want to see a trick, Rak'rai-san?"

Sakuya winced again, "Aino-san, why don't you call me Sakuya-san?"

"Really?!?" Kimeko asked. Sakuya nodded, "Arigato, Sakuya-san." She gave
Sakuya a smile, "Want to see a trick?" <I practiced it all week.>

"Maybe later, you better go home or your mother will start to worry."

"'Kay," Kimeko said and skipped down the hallway. <I'll practice more
and show her tomorrow.>

"You like her, ne?" Mercury asked standing in the doorway of the
classroom. Her smile grew even wider when Sakuya glared, "So what can I
do for you, Sakuya-san?"

                                  ******

Kimeko pouted and crossed her arms. "I don't see what the big deal is,
Mika." She grumbled out to her cat, "I just wanted to see what Mommy was
talking about." Mika came up and rubbed her head against Kimeko's hand
looking for attention. Idly, Kimeko started to scratch the two year old
cat behind the ears.

"I'm eight now, so what the big secret about this Chibi-Usa?!?" Rolling
over to her back, Kimeko picked Mika up and while staring into the
feline's eyes, said, "What's the big deal about Serenity-sama being
pregnant?" As far as Kimeko was concerned, there was nothing exciting
about blowing up like a whale. It seemed like a lot of trouble to go
through just for a baby.

Giggling slightly, Kimeko looked towards the door. <I'm supposed to be
asleep but I want to know what the big deal is.> Setting Mika down, she
quietly climbed out of bed and headed for the door. Pressing her ear
against the door, she tried to listen but could only hear a low
murmuring, no clear voices. Softly, she turned the knob and slowly
opened the door before padding out into the hall.

Her brother's light was on but the door was closed. Padding down the
hall quietly, she slid up against the archway to the living room. Hoping
that no one would see her, she wrinkled her forehead. <They're still
talking about this `Chibi-Usa'! Who is she?!?> As she stood there
listening she could hear her mother's voice clearly.

"I'm glad to see you're pregnant finally, Serenity-chan."

"We all are," came the voice of Rei, "I don't think I could stand
watching you mope about if somebody beat you to being pregnant again."

"I certainly did NOT mope about," came the hot retort of Serenity, "So I
miss having Chibi-Usa about..." <I've waited so long for you...>

"Don't you mean `Small Lady'?" Minako asked and giggled.

"I suppose, it's just when Chibi-Usa left I got lonely," Serenity said
thoughtfully, "I guess I ought to start calling her `Small Lady' but I
want to think of her as Chibi-Usa."

<Chibi-Usa was here?!? And Serenity-sama knows her?> Kimeko thought,
<But I never saw her before.> Absorbed in her own thoughts, Kimeko
didn't notice the figure approach her hiding place.

"Well, look who we have here!" Kimeko started at the close voice and,
whirling around, came face to face with Neo-Queen Serenity. "I thought
you were in bed." Kimeko just stood frozen stiff, her heart pounding at
a furious pace. "Endymion, come read Kimeko a story," Serenity called
out into the living room.

"Is she up?" Minako asked. Kimeko could see her mother starting to walk
towards the hallway entrance.

"Oh Minako, I bet you snuck out to see who your parents were talking
to," Endymion interjected.

"I most certainly did not," Minako huffed as she came to stand beside
Serenity. <At least not much...> "Young lady, what are you doing up?"

"She's right," Artemis interjected, "Minako only snuck out to meet
boys."

<Boys?!? Why would Mommy do that? They're so icky. Well maybe not all of
them...> Kimeko blushed.

"Artemis!" Minako squawked.

"Come on, Kimeko-chan, let's go read you a story," Endymion offered and,
lifting the little girl up, headed for her bedroom, "Now what story
would you like to hear?"

                                  ******

The next day, as Kimeko was walking home after school with her mother,
she had a surprise. Sakuya was standing in front of their door. Grinning
broadly, Kimeko jogged over to Sakuya and said, "Sakuya-san, you came
back! You were gone a long time."

"Kimeko-chan," Minako started to admonish her daughter, "Be polite, call
her Rakurai-san." She was about to say more but Sakuya interrupted her.

"Konnichiwa Kimeko-chan, Minako-chan. It's all right, Minako-chan, I
said she could call me `Sakuya-san'." Sakuya then looked curiously at
Minako who beamed happily. <Odd...> "I didn't think it was that
important," she observed suspiciously.

"Oh it isn't, Sako-chan," Minako said quickly hiding her smile, "So did
you enjoy Europe?"

Sakuya grimaced slightly, "I think I would have preferred it if I had
only been touring for a couple of weeks. Although I can see the
practical value of having a Senshi serve at least one year with the
Diplomatic Corps. I would have preferred to be moved around. One year in
any place can be boring. Especially when you see everybody important
within the first five minutes."

"Sakuya-san, did you get to see any magicians?" Kimeko asked. She wanted
to keep the conversation interesting to her. She had spent some time
before with Sakuya and had found she enjoyed spending time with the
older woman.

"Hai," Sakuya replied. Digging through a pouch, she produced a small
video disc. "Here, this is for you, Aino-san," Sakuya said handing the
disc to Kimeko.

"Arigato!" Kimeko squealed in delight taking the disc. She then darted
into the apartment to watch the film.

"Really, you didn't have to get her anything," Minako said, "It's
appreciated though."

"Well... I don't know. She's okay, for a kid I guess," Sakuya mumbled
out and smiled at Minako. "Just don't go telling her I said that." She
smiled as Minako giggled, "Do you have a few minutes? There are a couple
of things I want to talk about, Commander."

"Hai, say six-thirty tonight?"

"Fine, ja ne," Sakuya responded and moved off down the corridor.

"Ja ne, Sako-chan," Minako called before entering her home. <This is
great! Sakuya's starting to like Kimeko and Serenity's pregnant!!!> It
was all falling into place and the only thing missing that would make it
perfect would be to have Kimeko declared Younger Venus.

                                  ******

"Can I go NOW, Artemis?" Kimeko demanded, "I'm bored."

"Not yet," Artemis instructed the eight year old girl, "You just sit
there until I'm done."

"Baka," Kimeko grumbled out as she folded her arms and pouted at the
ground. Shortly after her eighth birthday, Kimeko had noticed several
changes. One major one was the obvious size of her godmother Neo-Queen
Serenity. The other change was a shift in her mother's moods. All her
mother ever seemed to want to talk about was being a Sailor Senshi.

Sure it SEEMED appealing but Kimeko was at a loss as to why her mother
thought it was so important. In fact, the only Senshi who didn't appear
to be losing their minds were the Younger Senshi. All of the Elder Inner
Senshi she knew about were starting to act rather weird, not to mention
Luna and, to a lesser extent, Artemis.

"Why are you TALKING to me now?" Kimeko asked hostilely. She had been
rather surprised by Artemis actually talking to her of his own free
will. Usually he only said enough to her to qualify as being polite.
Ever since she had defurred him two years ago, Artemis had avoided her
like the plague and never forgiven her. That had hurt considering that
she had lost a good friend and playmate. She never meant Artemis any
harm. Sure her cat Mika was fun to have and Kimeko loved her, but
Artemis could talk and Mika didn't.

"Your mother's driving me up the wall so I figured I'd get it over
with," Artemis answered mysteriously, "Now be quiet, Kimeko, so I can
concentrate."

"Iie," Kimeko snapped and abruptly got up, "I've sat here for twenty
minutes. You can either tell me what you're doing or leave me alone!"
She glared angrily at Artemis, "You hate me so why are you even around
me?"

"Mika doesn't like me. I'm not a normal cat," Artemis protested.

"You're even lying to me!" Kimeko yelled, "I've seen Mika playing with
you. You and her get along really good." Kimeko placed her hands on her
hips and bored into Artemis with her eyes.

"I... I just couldn't trust you again," Artemis admitted after a long
pause. Kimeko balled her hands into fists and giving a little sniffle,
ran out of the room and into her own bedroom. <Way to go! Sure, crush
her little heart.> Hopping off of the table Artemis had been sitting on,
he padded into Kimeko's room and leapt up onto the bed.

"Kimeko-chan, gomen."

"Go away, Artemis," Kimeko sniffled out but kept her face hidden in her
pillow.

Artemis sighed. <May Kami-sama have mercy on my hide because when Minako
finds out I told this story, she'll kill me.> "Kimeko, I guess I
overreacted and I was wrong to be angry with you all this time." Kimeko
rolled over to stare incredulously at him, "I was acting rather silly.
I forgive you. Gomen nasai."

"I guess Mom never gave you any trouble then?"

Artemis snorted, "You'd be wrong." Checking to make sure that Minako was
nowhere around, Artemis said, "Would you like to hear a true story?"
Kimeko nodded but was still looking at Artemis warily, "This took place
during the Silver Millennium. As I remember it, your mother was a
climber; she would climb anything and everything. Especially if it was
`off-limits'."

Kimeko giggled. She could just imagine the scene. She had heard rumors
that her mother was a rambunctious child. "I bet she got into a lot of
trouble, ne?"

"When she was your age, say about eight. It wasn't so bad." Artemis
mused, "She knew what things would really set her parents off and which
things wouldn't. When she was six though... Minako got herself into
rather hot water. We're talking boiling hot."

"What'd she do?!?" Kimeko demanded, for the moment losing her hostility
towards Artemis.

"There was this giant tree outside her house. The tree was strictly
off-limits, mainly to keep Minako from falling off of the higher
branches and breaking her neck."

"So she climbed it?" Kimeko demanded.

"Don't rush me," Artemis said, "It was a long time ago. I have to
remember it." Pausing, Artemis took on a thoughtful expression, "Like I
was saying, climbing that tree was taboo and one that was strictly
enforced. You mother got her chance to challenge that taboo one winter's
day. She hiked herself all the way up to the furthest point she could
climb and sat there for a good five minutes."

"Good thing she didn't fall!"

"Hai, or there would have been Minako paste all over the ground. Getting
cold, she wanted to come down but couldn't. I suppose her parents heard
her calling out for help and rushing around spotted their little girl up
a tree, literally."

"I bet they were really mad," Kimeko stated.

"Mad?!?" Artemis asked in mock surprise, "Her parents were just about as
furious with her as she was with you when you shaved me." He smiled as
Kimeko giggled, "Correction, they were more furious with her."

"So what happened?!?!"

"I'm not sure I should tell you," Artemis began to worry. <If this gets
back to Minako...> "Urk!" he exclaimed as Kimeko snagged him and lifting
him up menacingly, glared daggers at him, "Well if you put it that
way..."

"I do. Now tell me what happened and if they simply rescued Mom, I'll be
VERY upset!" she hissed out to Artemis.

Artemis snickered then, "`Simply rescued'?!? Hardly. Kimeko-chan,
Minako's father had to hike up that tree three times. He fell out of it
twice before he managed to climb up far enough to get her." Artemis
grinned, "You, my dear, got off lightly compared to your mother. Don't
you ever tell your mom I told you this story."

"That was neat," Kimeko said. Artemis still looked worried. "Don't worry
I won't tell Mom, Artemis." Artemis looked relieved. "But what were you
trying to do?"

Artemis squirmed out of her hands and hopped to the floor, "Come along
and you'll find out," he instructed her and left the room. Shrugging,
Kimeko scooped Mika up and getting up, followed Artemis out of the room
and then out of their family quarters.

                                  ******

"Come in!" commanded Minako in a tight voice when she heard the knock at
her office door. When the door opened and she spotted Artemis, she
sprang up from behind her desk and, running over, scooped up the Lunar
cat. "Well?!?" she demanded

"Hai, it's confirmed."

"YIPEE!!!!" Minako yelled. She started to twirl and dance around,
Artemis still in her arms. "Oh Artemis, this is great! Just wait till
the others hear!"

Kimeko and even Mika watched Minako bounce around the room in apparent
delirium. <What in the name of Serenity-sama is going on?!?> Kimeko
thought as her mother let Artemis drop and instead clamped a hug onto
her. Mika having seen the insane mother coming towards her had smartly
bounded off of Kimeko's shoulder and over to the desk. <Urk! Can't
breathe!!!> Kimeko thought as her mother's hug forced all the air out of
her lungs.

"Kimeko-chan, just wait. This is SO GREAT!!!!" Hefting her daughter,
Minako twirled about before letting her daughter down. Kimeko staggered
back and slumped against the wall. "Who should we tell first...
Serenity? Artemis go tell Her Majesty. I'll call the others." With that
Minako completely ignored the phone and instead bounded out of the room
leaving a rather bewildered Kimeko staring after her.

It wasn't until later that evening, and the use of a few choice words,
that Kimeko finally got the answer she was looking for. From the moment
her mother had disappeared, things had started to move at a rapid pace.
She had been poked and prodded by Mercury-sensei. And some of those
instruments were colder than ice! Murmured over by Elder Mars and, if
she was reading expressions correctly, Younger Jupiter was bemoaning the
news. Through it all, Minako kept up her euphoric bouncing routine,
hopping from one person to another one with all the energy of a small
child.

Now after having been tucked in by her father, Kimeko finally got an
explanation. "Kimeko-chan, your mother's just excited because you're
going to be a Senshi... That's if you want to."

"I don't know..." Kimeko said dubiously, "If being a Senshi makes you
act weird, I don't want any part of it." <Mom's gone ballistic.>

Hiroshi chuckled and gave his daughter a kiss on the forehead. "You have
a good sleep and don't worry. Your mom will calm down. She's just been
hoping that you could have the choice for a long time, that's all."

"I don't know," Kimeko reiterated.

"Just think about it, ne?"

"Hai, 'night Daddy," Kimeko said and hugged her father.

"You have a good sleep," Hiroshi remarked and hugged his daughter back
before leaving the room. <I'm so proud of you.> Kimeko snuggled down and
was soon fast asleep. She was unaware that Minako had poked her head
into the room to check on her daughter and give a silent cheer. Things
were certainly looking up for the Aino clan.



Part 5 - "Births"

"MOM!" Kimeko whined as Sailor Venus fussed with the frilly dress Kimeko
was wearing. "Could you not do that?!?" Kimeko was starting to get
uncomfortable in the dress and her mother's tweaks were starting to
irritate the normally cheerful little girl.

"I just want you to look perfect," Sailor Venus said, "This is a special
day for you. You've only been to Court a few times but this time
everybody will be watching." <I'm so proud of you my heart's about to
burst.>

<I don't feel so good,> Kimeko thought as her mother reminded her that
there would be a lot of strangers watching her.

"Although why Artemis had to pick this time to find out you were Younger
Venus I don't know. Two weeks until June thirtieth and he has to pick
NOW to make the discovery."

"What's so special about that date?" Kimeko asked her mother
quizzically. <I think it's Serenity-sama's birthday. Maybe that's it.>

"Nothing, nothing really," Venus said trying to cover up her blunder,
"Now remember to call them `Your Majesty'."

"I know, I know!" Kimeko snapped finally losing her patience and batting
her mother's hands away. <Kami-sama, I'm eight not three.> "All this
fuss just because Artemis THINKS I'm Younger Venus." <It is kinda neat
though...> Kimeko had taken a "wait and see" attitude to the good news.
She knew her mother had to work and that Senshi did do magic but she was
rather dubious about all the pomp and circumstance that surrounded
becoming a Sailor Senshi. Her parents were really proud of her and that
was a great feeling too.

"Oh my little girl's growing up," Venus sniffled out.

<Kami-sama.> "Isn't Dad supposed to say that?" Kimeko asked then giggled
as Minako wagged a finger at her. "I'll be on my best behavior, Mom, I
promise."

"I know you will make me very proud, Pumpkin," Venus said.

"Commander, Her Majesty is about to enter," came the voice of Younger
Jupiter.

"Oh, okay honey, remember..."

"Hai, I will," Kimeko interrupted. Venus gave her daughter a hug before
disappearing down the hallway. Kimeko started to feel apprehensive until
Younger Jupiter came back up the corridor, "Konnichiwa Younger Jupiter,"
Kimeko said politely and curtsied.

"Konnichiwa Aino-san," Younger Jupiter replied and bowed formally, "Are
you nervous?" Kimeko nodded. Smiling, Younger Jupiter knelt and said,
"Don't be, just look straight at Neo-Queen Serenity and King Endymion.
All the other people will just melt away. You won't even know they're
there."

"Were you nervous, Younger Jupiter?"

"Hai," Younger Jupiter admitted after a pause, "I got rather sick come
to think of it." She smiled as Kimeko gazed at her with wide eyes, "It
was my first time in Crystal Tokyo and well... Her Majesty seemed a
rather imposing figure at the time." Standing up, Younger Jupiter looked
around before saying in a softer voice, "I'm confident you'll do very
well." <Kimeko-chan.>

"Arigato," Kimeko breathed out, "Do you like being a Sailor Senshi?

"Hai, you get to go all over the world. And you get to do `magic' I
suppose." Younger Jupiter didn't miss the spark of excitement in the
young girl's eyes, "We should be called in soon. Just remember, take
your time." <I'm almost as proud as Minako. Who would of thought that
little Kimeko would turn out to be a Senshi?>

Despite Younger Jupiter's words of encouragement, Kimeko still had
butterflies in her stomach. <I want to make Mom happy,> she thought,
<This does mean a lot to her... I think I could like being a Senshi
too.>

                                  ******

When she finally entered the Throne Room, Kimeko gaped in awe. She had
rarely been in the main room where formal ceremonies were held and it
was a spectacle to behold. The walls and high arched ceiling were made
of a crystal that dazzled the eyes but was not painful to look at. The
ambient light of the room was a softly glowing white while the walls
refracted it, texturing the separate crystals in differing hues and
blends to create ever shifting patterns.

Taking Younger Jupiter's advice, Kimeko focused her all of her attention
towards the Royal Couple. Sitting on the dais was Neo-Queen Serenity and
to her left King Endymion. Flanking the Royal Couple were the Elder
Inner Senshi but Kimeko barely paid them any attention. Stopping at the
proper spot, she curtsied respectfully before standing stiffly waiting
for them to speak.

A very pregnant Neo-Queen Serenity had to fight the urge to giggle.
Kimeko looked so tense that if a stiff breeze came along she'd be blown
over. As she stood the courtiers fell silent, expectantly waiting and
watching. "Honored guests, friends and family, we are gathered here to
bestow a special gift upon this young girl." Serenity graced Kimeko with
a small smile before continuing, "It has been several years since the
last Younger Senshi was located and brought to her rightful position.
Today marks yet another milestone as we formally recognize Younger
Venus, the newest of the Younger Senshi." There was polite applause as
Serenity sat down with some difficulty. She watched with hidden
amusement as Sailor Venus approached her daughter barely able to contain
the joy and energy she was obviously feeling.

As Sailor Venus finally turned to face her daughter she tried her best
to school her face into a mask of neutrality but it failed miserably.
<Kami-sama!> Venus thought as she opened her mouth to speak, <I've
forgotten what I'm supposed to say!> It was not a good situation. Not
only would it make her look foolish but it would certainly spoil the
moment.

Kimeko stared at her mother, her mouth dry, her throat tight. It seemed
like an eternity before her mother started to speak. She could hear
words but they were like a great rushing of water, the occasional
distinct sound but most was just a giant wall of noise. <I can't get
sick!> she thought desperately, <I'd be SO embarrassed.> Finally though,
the rushing stopped and was replaced by a noise even more terrible.
Silence. They were waiting for her to say something, but what? Meekly,
unsure of herself, Kimeko squeaked, "Hai." It appeared to be the right
answer because her mother smiled broadly at her and then abruptly left.

"Come forth, Aino Kimeko," Serenity commanded gently. She had risen
again with difficulty and had slowly walked down the first few steps of
the dais. Kimeko stood for a moment before tentatively walking forward
to stand just before the first step. "This is your transformation pen.
At first it allows you to transform but it is also the symbol of the
Office of Sailor Venus. Before the Henshin Pen can be received though,
this Court must know the true nature of your heart."

Thankfully Kimeko was prepared for this. She had practiced her speech
for days. She felt confident for the first time since the whole business
began. "I, Aino Kimeko, pledge myself to the duties and responsibilities
that are incumbent upon the Office of Sailor Venus." Pausing slightly
Kimeko continued, "I swear protection of and loyalty to the Crown of
Crystal Tokyo and will seek to further Their Majesties' causes." <What
the heck does that gobbledygook mean?!??> Kimeko thought. There were to
be two ceremonies if she understood correctly. This one today takes
place when she started her Sailor Senshi training. The other would take
place when she was older and could fully understand the implication of
the oaths she had just taken. To eight year old Kimeko though, it was
just a lot of boring complicated grownup stuff.

"Then take the Henshin Pen and speak the transformation words, SAILOR
CHIBI-VENUS," Serenity directed as she held the transformation pen to
her goddaughter.

"Hai, Your Majesty." Taking the item carefully, Kimeko took a step back,
held the pen up high above her head, and called out, "Venus Star Power,
Make-up!" and gasped as she was bathed in a vortex of swirling light.

                                  ******

Kimeko WAS NOT a happy camper. In fact she was rather put out by the
day's events. No sooner had a celebration started to commemorate her
being accepted as Younger Venus, then everybody that really counted took
off.

Her mother, her godparents, and the other Elder Inner Senshi left for
some retreat. What really irked Kimeko though was that her mother hadn't
even invited her on the holiday.

Feeling just a little sorry for herself, Kimeko was now sitting in one
of the more secluded gardens within the walls of the Crystal Palace and
thought over the ceremony that had happened that morning. It was like no
other feeling. The sheer power that had seemed to imbue her body tingled
and felt warm and friendly. She didn't really care for the outfit
though. It being almost identical to her mother's except in size. Kimeko
didn't mind it but the fuku wasn't showy enough for Kimeko's tastes.
Maybe she could put sparkles or something on it.

Hearing a noise to her right, she glanced over and saw Sakuya walking
towards her. She tried to smile sheepishly but only managed to flush in
embarrassment. However, it was a relief to see that the older woman
wasn't looking angry.

"Can I sit down, Kimeko-chan?" Sakuya asked.

<Kimeko-chan? What happened?> "Hai, Sakuya-san," Kimeko answered sliding
over a little to make room for Sakuya on the bench, "What are you doing
here?"

"Looking for you," Sakuya said, "Had a tough day, ne?"

"It just isn't fair, Sakuya-san," Kimeko said forcefully, "They make
this big fuss over me and then up and leave without any explanation at
all." She furrowed her brows, "All they kept talking about was somebody
named `Chibi-Usa' or `Small Lady'." <WHO IS SHE?!?>

"I know how you feel," Sakuya said.

"Nani?!?" Kimeko asked looking at Sakuya with disbelief.

"Kimeko-chan, they don't always let me in on their little conversations
either. I think it has to do with the baby the Her Majesty is going to
have but I'm more in the dark about it than you."

"Why couldn't I go?" Kimeko said, she nearly whined it out, "It's not
fair!"

"Well sometimes we aren't allowed to do things we want to do." Sakuya
reasoned, "I don't think your mother's trying to be mean. I'm sure she
still loves you and is very proud of you."

"Really?" Kimeko sounded dubious.

"Hai."

Biting her lower lip for a moment Kimeko eventually asked, "Sakuya-san,
where's your mom?"

Sakuya gave a soft sad smile, "Well Kimeko-chan, she died a long time
ago." <It's that bitch Pluto's fault.>

"I bet you miss her a lot," Kimeko said.

"Hai."

Reaching over to gently touch Sakuya's arm, Kimeko said, "We can share
my mommy if you want." The offer left Sakuya speechless. She wasn't
exactly sure what a good response would be. So she sat with the little
girl and watched the sun set into the west.

                                  ******

The next big event to transpire in the life of young Kimeko was the
birth of the Crown Princess. The announcement came in the early morning
hours of June thirtieth. The Princess was named "Tsukino Usagi `Small
Lady' Serenity". Although Kimeko was happy for her godmother, she was
still feeling put out about the way in which her mother and godmother
had left without warning. She hadn't even gotten one phone call from her
mother for over the past two weeks and when they arrived the Royal
Family along with all of the Elder Senshi were whisked away from the
throngs of general public. That evening, Kimeko cried herself to sleep,
more out of a sense of loneliness than anything else.

When Minako finally crawled into her own bed, she found a very chilly
reception. Hiroshi, who had awoke when Minako entered the bedroom, was
looking disapprovingly at her.

"Nani?" Minako yawned out.

"Did you go to see Kimeko?" he asked.

Minako cocked an eyebrow, "She's asleep, Hiro. I'll see her in the
morning." She was surprised when Hiroshi took on an angry expression and
rolled over. "What's the matter?!?"

"Odd how you care more for Serenity's child than your own," Hiroshi
quipped without mercy. He was also disgruntled by Minako's actions and
it irritated him that she could push her daughter off.

"Nani?!?" Minako demanded, "What are you talking about?" She felt her
temper rising, "I care a lot about Kimeko."

"Then you needn't've run off with Serenity to play for two weeks, at
least not without telling us," Hiroshi said without turning to look at
Minako. "As far as I'm concerned, that was terrible. Working Kimeko up
into a frenzy over all this Senshi nonsense and then taking off with
only a quick good-bye and no explanation worth mentioning. She's just a
little girl. How could she understand?"

"Hiroshi..." Minako sniffled out but there was no response. Sliding out
of bed, she donned her robe and walked out into the living room. <What
was that all about?> She hadn't expected that type of greeting. As she
stared out the balcony door at the starry sky, Minako pondered what her
husband had said and worried.

                                  ******

Minako's concern grew later that morning at breakfast. Kimeko barely
acknowledged her mother's greeting before completely shutting her out,
as if she wasn't even there. It was at times like this that Minako
cursed her foreknowledge of the future. She was duty bound not to reveal
anything and sometimes acting on that knowledge, led to sticky
situations.

They had actually planned the trip as soon as Serenity was deemed
pregnant. For security reasons she wasn't allowed to discuss it even
with her family and then with all the rush over Younger Venus, even
mentioning the trip slipped Minako's mind. Now she was paying for it.
Any attempt on her part to talk to Kimeko failed miserably. It was like
talking to a brick wall.

After wallowing for most of the day Minako decided that enough was
enough. She was finding, however, that she was on her own. Hiroshi was
keeping out of the matter and Masao said that he didn't have a clue what
was going on. That was a lie. He just didn't want to take sides,
especially when it came to his little sister.

At eight the evening Minako walked into the living room and said,
"Kimeko, it's time for bed."

Kimeko, who was watching a video at the moment, sighed. "'Night
Onii-chan," she said, hugged her brother, and got up. "Daddy, are you
going to read me a story?"

"Gomen, I have some work to do. Maybe your mother will," Hiroshi said.
Kimeko gave him a dubious expression but didn't protest his answer.
<Good thing she didn't insist. I hate to see them argue.>

"'Night Daddy," Kimeko said and gave her father a hug and a kiss.
Turning, Kimeko walked past her mother and, when she was entering her
room, called out, "'Night Mom."

Fighting the urge to yell, Minako followed her daughter into the room
and closed the door. "Kimeko-chan, don't you want me to read you a
story?" <Please sweetie?>

"Iie, arigato," Kimeko replied and crawled into bed. She didn't say
anymore as she closed her eyes. Minako walked over to the bed and sat
down. <Go away, Mommy. You don't care about me. You're just like Artemis
was.>

"Kimeko-chan, I'm very sorry if I hurt your feelings," Minako began
softly.  She laid a hand on Kimeko's arm and said, "Honey, you mean all
the world to me. I love you very much."

"Iie, you don't," Kimeko snapped without opening her eyes. Turning over
to lay on her side facing away from her mother, Kimeko whispered out,
"You went away."

"I couldn't tell you about that trip, Kimeko-chan. I wasn't allowed to,"
Minako tried to explain, "We don't want your godparents or the Princess
to get hurt."

<You'd rather hurt me,> Kimeko thought but remained silently.

"I'm trying to understand, Kimeko, honestly I am. Why are you so mad at
me?" Minako had a pretty good idea but at the moment, she didn't want to
take the chance at guessing wrong.

Kimeko jerked over to face her mother. Glaring angrily at Minako, Kimeko
shouted, "YOU WENT AWAY!" Minako flinched back, "You get all excited and
say how proud you are of me, then you left!" Kimeko's eyes started to
mist over but the hurt was still visible. "Everybody went away," Kimeko
said more quietly while looking down, "What's so great about being a
Senshi if everybody leaves and makes a big deal over some baby." Her
head snapped again and, looking at Minako, Kimeko shouted, "She wasn't
even YOUR baby!" Kimeko sniffled and as Minako pulled her into a hug she
started to cry in earnest.

"Gomen nasai," Minako whispered out as she held her daughter closely,
"I'm very proud of you, Kimeko-chan, and I love you." She stroked her
daughter's hair and could feel her own eyes misting over, "Kimeko, you
are very special to me." Kimeko just sobbed again. Minako was content to
give her daughter the comfort and reassurance she wanted. Soon the
little girl slipped into slumber still hugging her mother; Minako gently
laid Kimeko down, pulled up the covers, and kissed her daughter's
forehead.

<You are very special, Kimeko. I guess I never thought that you would be
competing for that slot with Chibi-Usa. I made the wrong choice.> Minako
sniffled a little and after brushing away a stray tear left the room to
do some thinking of her own.

                                  ******

In her eighth year of life, young Kimeko had experienced a lot in rapid
succession. Two major events were her naming as Younger Venus and the
birth of the Crown Princess. Another event, that would only later turn
out to be significant, was the appointment of Younger Jupiter as
Princess Usagi's guardian.

As Sailor Chibi-Venus stood at the very end of the line that consisted
of the Younger Senshi, her mind started to wander. She had tried to pay
attention to the ceremony that would confirm the appointment of Younger
Jupiter as Princess Usagi's guardian but to an eight year old, there
wasn't much to hold her interest.

It was memorable, however, because she DID get to stand nearer the
action than was normally allowed. She was, after all, the newest Sailor
Senshi and she felt some pride in being able to stand with her mother
and the others. Even her father and brother weren't permitted this
close! As her eyes wandered around the room they met her mother's and
for a brief moment they looked at each other. The gaze was finally
broken when Elder Venus gave her daughter a wink. Kimeko grinned back in
reply. She was also happy for Sakuya. Her friend looked dignified
standing before the Royal Family. It still was easy to let her
imagination run wild.

It had certainly been a full year but Kimeko was glad to turn nine.



Part 6 - "A Blink of an Eye"

By her ninth birthday, Kimeko had spent nearly a year in training. As
Younger Venus, or rather "Chibi-Venus" as she was officially known as,
Kimeko found that her days were fuller than what she was used to.

She still had to attend school with Mercury-sensei, then after supper,
she and the other Younger Senshi that were around the Palace gathered to
train and discuss current events. In those first few weeks of
information overload, Kimeko gained a new companion. Younger Mars, even
though much older, turned out to be just about as shy as Kimeko was;
however, she had one thing Kimeko lacked, confidence.

Quite willing to act as a buffer for the young girl, Younger Mars went
out of her way to make Kimeko feel at ease. However, there was one thing
even Younger Mars couldn't buffer, and that was Sakuya. Kimeko had
gotten a taste of Sakuya's personality before but nothing could truly
prepare anyone for training under the eldest of the Younger Senshi.

Younger Jupiter was the most blunt person that Kimeko had ever met. Not
to say that she wasn't polite but Younger Jupiter's lack of tactfulness
became very obvious. Although Kimeko wasn't inclined to believe it, the
other Younger Senshi said that their commander was mellowing. More than
one speculated that it was the appointment to the guardianship of the
Crown Princess that caused this apparent "mellowing" effect on Sakuya.

                                  ******

In nine year old Chibi-Venus' estimation that mellowing effect was a
load of manure. At that particular moment she figured that, if nothing
else, the guardianship was making Younger Jupiter a tad irritable.

"Do it again!" thundered Younger Jupiter's voice over the loudspeaker
mounted on the training area's wall, "It isn't THAT difficult!"

<Easy for you to say,> Chibi-Venus thought. Giving a sigh, she prepared
to start her attack sequence again. "Ready!" she called out as she
brought her hands into the first position. <I'm getting tired. It isn't
as easy as Mom makes it look,> she thought while yawning, <We've been at
this two hours.> There was a brief whirring as a fresh set of targets
moved into position.

"Now just remember to relax, Chibi-Venus," came the voice from behind
her.

Chibi-Venus jumped and saw Younger Jupiter standing behind her. "Wha..."
she started to ask, "Where's Princess Usagi?"

"His Majesty came and got her," Younger Jupiter said, relief showing in
her voice, "He said for me to go and help you." <He seems to be showing
a special interest in her training.>

"You mean Endymion-sama was watching?!?" Chibi-Venus squeaked out. At
Younger Jupiter's nod, Chibi-Venus flushed. <Great, I bet I looked like
a fool.> "Can we PLEASE stop, Sensei? I'm tired."

"Just try it once more, please?" Younger Jupiter flushed herself as her
stomach rumbled. She then scowled as her young pupil giggled. "Come on,
my stomach says that it misses Sobo's cooking and I agree."

Chibi-Venus could sympathize with that. Makoto's cooking was wonderful
but her mom's just wasn't up to the same standard. Giggling again,
Chibi-Venus turned back and taking careful aim called out her attack
phrase, "STARLIGHT SHIMMER!" She tried to resist the urge to shiver.
Every time that she attacked, her power would start to form sending a
tingling sensation through her entire body. The first pulses of her
attack hit the first target dead center, that's when things started to
go awry.

Giving a cheer of elation, Chibi-Venus lost her concentration.
Unfortunately, her attack hadn't finished. In fact, it increased in
intensity. Suddenly, Chibi-Venus found herself unable to aim her attack
and her starlight shots started to spray around the room at a furious
pace.

"MAKE IT STOP!!!" the young Senshi howled but there was no response as
Younger Jupiter had quickly taken cover behind a thick sheet of metal.
Eventually, much to her immense relief, Chibi-Venus got enough control
back to halt her attack. "Sensei?" she timidly asked while looking
around for Younger Jupiter.

<What potential!> "You know, Chibi-Venus, that could be effective,"
Younger Jupiter remarked as she carefully peeked around her protective
cover.

"Nani?!?" Chibi-Venus squeaked out, "That was terrible. I didn't hit
anything."

"Not true," Younger Jupiter pointed to the far end, "You either took out
or severely crippled several targets in very quick order. Mind you, I'd
save that type of attack as a last resort. It's too risky to chance it
with teammates around." She then looked quizzically at the young girl
who was staring disbelievingly at her, "Nani?"

<You're insane!> Chibi-Venus thought. "Um... are you serious?!?"

Younger Jupiter scowled. "Certainly," she said sounding insulted, "As I
said it would be effective as a last resort solution to multiple targets
with no nearby teammates." Noting the time, she added, "Well, we can
break for today, not bad. Tomorrow we'll run you through the obstacle
course with the others."

"Really?!?" Kimeko asked once she and Sakuya had transformed back.

"Hai, now go on." Kimeko gave Sakuya a quick hug. Sakuya shook her head
as Kimeko bounded happily out of the training area. <I can tell this is
going to be a LONG relationship.> Her stomach, however, decided that it
wanted some food and specifically food made by Makoto. <Hmph, I wonder
if Minako's stomach can control her as well.> Sakuya thought as she left
and headed for her grandmother's.

                                  ******

<Poor Sakuya,> Kimeko thought, <But it is pretty funny.> She covered her
mouth to hold the giggle in. It wouldn't do to laugh at Sakuya; she had
a tendency to get revenge in subtle ways. However, Princess Usagi was
perfectly content to give her guardian a large near toothless smile.
<She should be happy,> Kimeko thought and wrinkled her nose, <I'm glad
I'm not a guardian.> She, her mother, Sakuya, and Neo-Queen Serenity
along with Princess Usagi were sitting in one of the smaller gardens
enjoying the early summer weather.

"You did that on purpose, didn't you?" Sakuya demanded, exasperation
showing through. Princess Usagi just burbled happily, "I'll be very glad
when Your Highness is potty trained," Sakuya grumbled out. This time
Kimeko couldn't help but giggle.

"I think it's just bad timing, Sako-chan," Minako remarked, "Her
Highness is only a little over one. It'll take a little more time to
train her to use the potty."

<Gross!> Kimeko made a face and asked, "How can you talk about such
gross stuff, Mom?" Minako just shared a look with Serenity before
smiling at her daughter.

"Well come on, Your Highness, we should go get you changed," Sakuya said
and, lifting the Princess at arm's length, carried her down the path.

When Sakuya was out of sight, Kimeko commented, "What's so great about
being a baby-sitter?" She noticed that she had both adults' attention,
"I mean, Sakuya keeps saying that it's an honor but..." Kimeko trailed
off.

"But she also says that she's a Senshi and not a nanny?" Serenity
offered. Kimeko's eyes enlarged. She had thought that Sakuya wouldn't've
said such a thing in front of the Queen. "Habits are hard to break. In
Sakuya's case she says what she thinks no matter who she's speaking to."

Kimeko just couldn't even consider the possibility. <Mom's always
telling me how a person should act around Serenity-sama but... Sakuya
doesn't. I wonder if Makoto ever got mad at her.> "Yeah so why's it such
an honor then?"

"Well, wouldn't you want to be able to protect and help raise Usagi?"
Minako asked her daughter.

"Iie," Kimeko began. She noted the disappointment in her mother's eyes
and added, "Well I'd help protect her but I'm busy already. Mom, you
told me how much work a baby is." <That's why Serenity-sama hasn't been
spending as much time with me as she used to.> "I'm just wondering
what's the big deal?"

"I think when you get a little older, you'll understand," Serenity
explained and gave her goddaughter a hug. <Kami-sama, will you...> "Just
wait a couple of years and you should understand." Kimeko contented
herself by hugging Serenity, she knew she wouldn't get any clearer
answer than that.

                                  ******

The time seemed to pass quickly for Kimeko. She was kept busy with
school, practice, and a altered play schedule. She didn't mind it one
bit thought, although she still wanted to be a magician when she grew
older. Kimeko was quite happy to content herself with being a Senshi and
working at something that was obviously making her parents proud. Even
though she wouldn't admit it to her mother, Mom was right about how
great it is being a Senshi.

She also had a special status among the children in the Crystal Palace.
The status was also not due to her position as a Senshi-in-Training. It
was due to her growing friendship with Sakuya. She was, to anyone's
knowledge, the only child able to make friends with the abrasive woman.
Kimeko for her part didn't understand it. Yes Sakuya was gruff and blunt
but she was also caring and patient. Kimeko could see that in the
treatment that Princess Usagi received.

When Kimeko was eleven, three significant events took place. The first
was the birth of Serenity's and Endymion's second child. This time,
however, she didn't feel abandoned by her mother. She did feel slightly
put off that Sakuya got to go with the Royal Family and she didn't but
her life was full enough that she didn't really mind.

The other two significant events would make history. One would be as
important as Misako's birth. The other, however, would make castle
gossip that would rival even Kimeko's defurring of Artemis.



Part 7 - "Misako"

Eleven year old Kimeko stared with some disbelief at the furo. If she
wasn't hallucinating, then the entire furo was filled with... chocolate
pudding?!? Wandering out into the living room to report the discovery,
she noticed her mother coming in.

"What's so funny, Mom?" Kimeko asked her mother. Minako was red-faced
and appeared to be having trouble breathing.

"Oh Kimeko!" Minako said between chortles of mirth, "You should have
seen it!" <I heard the story twice but I never thought that it would be
THAT funny!>

"Should've seen WHAT?!?" Kimeko demanded. She then followed her mother
over to the couch, "What's so funny, and did you know that there's
pudding in our furo?" This just set Minako off into gales of laughter,
"I don't think it's funny." <I wanted to take a bath!>

"Sit... sit down Kimeko-chan and I'll tell you," Minako instructed after
calming down. <Oh Kami-sama, it's all true! Just knowing about it though
makes it that much funnier!> Snickering a little, Minako turned to her
daughter and said, "Well, Small Lady is rather jealous of her imouto."

"But didn't you say that Princess Usagi wanted to have an imouto?!?"
Kimeko queried.

"Hai," Minako said trying to calm herself even further, "I think Small
Lady never thought how much of her parents' time Misako would take. Her
nose is really out of joint." Before Kimeko could demand to know what
the connection was, Minako continued, "Usagi used Luna-P to fill all the
tubs and the pool as well with chocolate pudding when Her Majesty
wouldn't let her have any." Minako stopped and giggled again. "Serenity
was punishing Small Lady because she said that she wanted Serenity to
get rid of Misako. More exactly she said she `Not want that THING for a
sister and could Mommy get rid of it'."

"I bet Serenity-sama was really mad," Kimeko said eyes wide.

"I would say furious. Poor Ami went to take a swim and dove right into
the stuff." This produced giggles from both mother and daughter. Kimeko
imagined Mercury-sensei covered in pudding.

"What'd Serenity-sama do?" Kimeko questioned.

"You know, that's the strange thing." Minako observed, "That is one of
the very few times that I've seen Serenity spank Small Lady." She hid a
slight smile at the gasp that Kimeko gave, "Hai, Serenity didn't even
wait to pull Usagi back to her room. Just plucked her daughter up,
walked over to a bench, and seated herself. She then proceeded to spank
Small Lady."

"Where was Sakuya?" Kimeko questioned.

"Oh she was there. Serenity was not happy with her either." Minako
giggled, "She handed the very upset Princess to her guardian and told
her to take Usagi to her room. She'd be speaking with Sakuya later on."

"Maybe I shouldn't mention it to Sakuya then," Kimeko noted.

"Don't be silly. Sakuya thought it was hilarious. She was just polite
enough not to laugh about it in front of Ami." <I don't know how Sakuya
managed to keep a straight face, Ami was all covered in pudding!>

"Can I go see Sakuya?" Kimeko asked.

"Hai, but if Serenity's there don't mention it to her, ne?" <She knew it
was going to happen... I guess she never really believed it.>

"Hai, Ja ne, Mom!" Kimeko called and skipped out of the apartment.

<Almost time for Misako to get a guardian!> Minako thought, happily, the
future was looking up.

                                  ******

Elder Venus sat in a private chamber with Neo-Queen Serenity a few weeks
later waiting for Younger Jupiter to arrive. As the seconds passed Venus
rubbed her hands together. "What's taking her so long?" Venus asked
finally, not being able to stand the silence.

"She will be here, Minako-chan, don't worry," Serenity reassured her
friend, "Why so nervous?"

"Because she could refuse, Serenity-chan," Venus mused.

"Not if I make it a Royal Decree," Serenity countered. "But Sakuya is a
very intelligent woman. It won't likely come to that." But the look on
Venus' face indicated that there wasn't much confidence in that last
statement. Much to their collective relief, there came a knock at the
door. "Enter!" Neo-Queen Serenity commanded.

Younger Jupiter walked into the room and, bowing stiffly, said, "Your
Majesty, you wanted to see me?"

"Hai, Younger Jupiter, please come in and close the door," Serenity
directed.

Younger Jupiter did as she was instructed and closed the door. Turning
around, she acknowledged Elder Venus by saying, "Commander."

"Please sit," Serenity directed and waited until her guest was seated in
a chair, "Younger Jupiter, I called you here, along with Elder Venus to
discuss a very important matter. We wish to appoint a guardian to Misako
as we have done with Small Lady."

"Does Your Majesty have a specific Senshi in mind?" Younger Jupiter
asked.

"We wish to hear your opinion on the matter. Who would you recommend to
be a guardian to my youngest daughter?"

<I guess she wants to see if my recommendation matches Minako's. Smart
lady...> Younger Jupiter took a few moments to gather her thoughts
before saying, "The first candidate I would nominate would be Younger
Mars. She is very competent, has good tactical experience, and also has
excellent interpersonal skills."

"Any others?" Elder Venus questioned forcefully.

"Hai, the next likely choice would be Younger Neptune. She has
experience and I think that Princess Misako would gain a lot once she
undertook studies."

"Thinking far ahead I see," Serenity commented.

"Hai. Your Majesty, Princess Misako only deserves the best. Unless you
care to place her under my care, I would recommend those two. Younger
Saturn would also be a good candidate but with her taking over some of
my responsibilities for the time being, I believe that the additional
set of duties would be overtaxing." <Don't I know it.>

Elder Venus remained silent but did feel slightly hurt that her friend
didn't consider her daughter the best for the job. "Younger Jupiter, did
you ever consider Kimeko?"

"Iie," Younger Jupiter said without pause, "She does not yet officially
hold the title of Younger Venus and also her training is incomplete.
Tactically, she is more of a risk to Her Highness than a protective
measure."

"Younger Jupiter, we want Kimeko to be Misako's guardian," Serenity
stated calmly.

"I would respectfully request Your Majesty to reconsider. It would be a
poor decision in my opinion. If you insist upon having CHIBI-Venus as
Princess Misako's guardian, may I respectfully suggest appointing an
interim guardian until she has completed her training?"

"Are you saying Kimeko couldn't do her job?!?" Elder Venus demanded
angrily, her motherly feelings taking over, "Exactly what are you
saying, YOUNGER Jupiter?!?"

Younger Jupiter seemed unruffled by her commander's outburst,
"Commander, I have responsibilities for the Younger Senshi. I would feel
morally responsible if something were to happen to Princess Misako
because a Younger Senshi failed to do their duty properly. Chibi-Venus
neither has the training nor the life experience to handle such
responsibilities." <Gomen, Minako.>

"Gomen that you feel that way," Serenity said, "However, it is our wish
that Kimeko be appointed Misako's guardian." Sakuya looked unconvinced.
"Would you require me to make it a Royal Decree? I think you would hurt
Kimeko's feelings if you stood in her way. Both my daughter and Kimeko
have a similar personality and we are confident that you can train
Kimeko to be an excellent guardian. You are both learning and you both
can learn from each other."

"I know what you're trying to do, Younger Jupiter, Sakuya... but I have
to agree with Her Majesty. Kimeko as Misako's guardian is the best
choice."

Younger Jupiter sat silently for some moments before grinding out, "As
you wish, Your Majesty."

"You may go," Serenity said softly. Younger Jupiter rose, bowed to both
women, and then walked out of the room. Venus let out a sigh. "We've
both seen what a wonderful guardian Kimeko is for Misako. I wouldn't
worry, Minako-chan," Serenity said while looking at the floor, "I don't
think that Sakuya will hold this against you."

"I think it would make it easier," Venus said, "Damn this foreknowledge.
It puts us in the most damnable spots!"

"Hai," Serenity agreed but her thoughts were focused elsewhere, into the
distant past. <I wish I could tell you all, Sakuya. I wish I could take
away some of that pain. I wish I could take away some of Makoto's pain
as well.>

                                  ******

<Damn them,> Sakuya thought as she flopped into her office chair, <I
have enough problems with being a guardian. I don't even really want the
bloody job.> Turning her attention back to her paperwork Sakuya tried to
concentrate on anything but the decision that had been forced upon her.
It was no use, however, sighing she let the datapad fall and covering
her face sighed. After a few seconds Sakuya began to
uncharacteristically doze off.

Starting awake with a sudden jerk, Sakuya wondered for a moment where
she was. <This getting up at every hour of the night is for the birds,>
Sakuya thought. That's when she heard the knock at her door. "Come!"
Sakuya snapped.

Minako peeked into the office and asked, "Sako-chan, can we talk?"

"What is it, COMMANDER?" Sakuya said while getting up to bow, "I have
some work I'd like to catch up on." After giving a curt bow, she sat
back down and started rifling through her papers, mainly to avoid
looking at Minako.

Minako stepped into the room and said, "I can understand your concern,
but I'm confident that Kimeko will be best for the job." <I wish I could
explain why.>

"Are you speaking as the Commander of the Senshi or her mother?" Sakuya
asked. "Commander, she has just started to gain confidence in her
powers. Forcing this on her will only slow down her progress. Kimeko
DOES have potential but she lacks the experience."

"But if you protect her from the world, then she won't gain that
experience," Minako argued, "Kimeko is bright and will gain confidence
over time. Misako is still a baby and as she grows so will Kimeko."

"I fail to see your logic. I am having trouble adjusting to additional
responsibilities as well and I have several years going for me. I fail
to see how Kimeko could be able to adapt any better."

Moving over to take a seat in a chair, Minako said, "Sako-chan, your
troubles are different from Kimeko's." She saw Sakuya's questioning look
and so continued, "You lack the interpersonal skills that Kimeko has.
Misako will be a very different baby from Small Lady. We've seen already
that Small Lady is very aggressive and you are best suited for the
position. Not only because of your training or because Usagi is the
Crown Princess, but also because you won't allow Her Highness to walk
all over you. Misako will be more docile. Kimeko and her will bond much
better. I think if you were to place Misako with an overly aggressive
person, she would become frightened and that would stunt her potential
growth."

"Then place her with Younger Mars," Sakuya countered, "Younger Mars is
quiet but has more training. She's a far better candidate than
Chibi-Venus is, at the moment."

"I wish you could understand..." Minako began but Sakuya cut her off.

"Commander, gomen but I do understand. I watched you push being a Senshi
into Kimeko's head. Now that she is one, I'm beginning to think you want
her to have some fame. I honestly can not see Her Majesty choosing
Kimeko if she had been thinking objectively."

Minako bolted up and, glaring at Sakuya, leaned over the desk and
snarled out, "Serenity-sama was thinking with her heart. She knows that
Misako would be happier with Kimeko. She is concerned about people and
allows her feelings to her make decisions. Heart and mind, Younger
Jupiter, but I don't suppose you know anything about that!" Whirling,
Minako stormed out of the office, banging the door behind her.

                                  ******

<What's going on?!?> Kimeko thought as she sat in the private sitting
room with her godparents and her mother. <I wanted to go on that field
trip.> She had been looking forward to going with the other Younger
Senshi on a field trip to Imzumo that weekend but instead her mother had
made Kimeko stay at home. <This is boring!> Not only was she being
forced to wear a frilly dress but the adults seemed to have forgotten
about her.

"Kimeko-chan," Endymion said, "Why don't you go and look in on Misako.
If she's awake, you can bring her out."

"Hai, Endymion-sama," Kimeko chirped happily. <Finally something to do!>
She wasn't really interested in Princess Misako but she was bored enough
to be glad for anything to entertain her. Walking over to the nursery
door, she softly opened it and padded into the room. She was unaware
that the adults had stopped their conversation and were all watching her
intently.

Padding gently over to the crib, Kimeko looked down and simply stared.
Misako stared back, her blue eyes looking deep into Kimeko's. After a
few seconds Misako gave a soft smile and reached a tiny hand towards
Kimeko. Kimeko was mystified. She felt almost a tingling sensation.
Reaching into the crib, Kimeko gently lifted the little girl out and
cradled Misako protectively. Misako for her part burbled something
incoherent before shifting to get more comfortable.

Unnoticed by Kimeko, the three adults were standing in the doorway.
Endymion placed his arm around his wife's waist. Serenity and Endymion
were looking very satisfied while Minako had a huge grin on her face.
Her heart was nearly bursting with pride at her daughter. As Kimeko
gently stroked the tuft of silky white hair on Misako's head, she
mumbled out, "I get it now." It seemed Misako did as well because she
let out a small giggle and then grinned happily up at Kimeko.

                                  ******

As Chibi-Venus stood waiting outside the Throne Room, she started to get
nervous. She also felt a rush of excitement, not more than two days
before Kimeko had met Misako for the first time. Now she was waiting to
be appointed her guardian and Chibi-Venus couldn't wait for it to be
made official.

<But why isn't Sakuya happy for me?> Chibi-Venus wondered, <I mean Mom's
really happy and the other Senshi are happy but I thought that Sakuya
would be just about as excited as Mom.> Instead Sakuya had done little
but mutter darkly for the past two days and when the appointment was
officially announced, she became even moodier about the subject.

Chibi-Venus had to push her wondering aside as she was summoned into the
Throne Room. She tried to be dignified and not allow her jubilation to
get to her. As she approached the dais, she saw that her mother was
grinning broadly enough to almost touch both ears. Younger Jupiter, on
the other hand, was looking darkly at Elder Venus and to a lesser extent
her daughter. Stopping in the correct spot, she bowed but not as stiffly
as she had first done when appointed as Younger Venus.

Rising with grace, Neo-Queen Serenity smiled and waited for the
murmuring of the Court to die down. "Honored guests, friends, and
family, we are here to forge a special bond today. A bond that will last
for a life time and possibly beyond." Stepping forward, Serenity glided
down the dais steps to stand in front of Kimeko. "Aino Kimeko, Sailor
Chibi-Venus, do you understand what your role will be if you accept this
bond?"

"Hai, Your Majesty," Chibi-Venus said while looking into Serenity's
twinkling eyes.

"Then we are prepared to hear your oath," Serenity ordered motioning to
Endymion who moved down to stand beside his wife. In his arms was
cradled a content Misako. She had been looking around but when she saw
Kimeko, Misako gave a grin and a small burble, and reached out towards
the young girl.

<Don't mess this up!> Chibi-Venus thought as she took a breath. "I, Aino
Kimeko, as a Sailor Senshi hereby give an oath of fealty to Her Royal
Highness Tsukino Misako. I also pledge to guide Her Highness along the
road of life to the best of my abilities. I shall seek to prevent any
harm to her above and beyond my duties as a Sailor Senshi." She paused
slightly and looked towards Misako as if trying to decided something.
After a few seconds Chibi-Venus began again, "I pledge to place her life
before mine and to instill the values befitting a Princess of the Royal
House of Crystal Tokyo."

Endymion smiled broadly as he shifted Misako over to Chibi-Venus who
took the little girl gently. Serenity also smiled and drawing out the
Ginzuishou intoned, "May Kami-sama be witness to this bonding and may
the Holy Light of the Moon keep your oath and heart pure." As the
Ginzuishou flared so did the sigils of Chibi-Venus and Princess Misako.

And at that moment, both were alone as the other was caught in the
sudden intensity of the moment.



Part 8 - "Growth"

If Kimeko thought that being Misako's guardian would be all roses, she
was quickly dissuaded of that fact the first time she had to change
Misako's dirty diaper. At first she had to struggle with the new routine
and responsibilities. Sakuya was not being very sympathetic either; much
to Kimeko's immense confusion, Sakuya seemed very annoyed at her
appointment but didn't say anything.

As the days passed into weeks, however, it seemed as if Sakuya finally
gave in to the idea of Kimeko being Misako's guardian. At least Sakuya
didn't grumble and started to be more sympathetic towards the young
girl. Kimeko also made a shocking discovery, Small Lady was no "Lady",
in fact Princess Usagi was a terror and in some instances almost a
menace to her little sister.

Kimeko was rather shocked at the way in which Princess Usagi would go
out of her way to torment her sister. She came near to physically
attacking her sister but Sakuya and Kimeko always seemed to catch her
before Usagi could do any damage.

                                  ******

After putting baby Misako down for an afternoon nap, Kimeko walked back
out and found Sakuya trying to comfort a very upset three year old
Princess Usagi. <I wonder what happened?> Kimeko thought. She watched
silently as Sakuya took Usagi into her own room and after a few minutes
emerged.

"What happened, Sako-chan?" Kimeko asked after handing Sakuya a cup of
tea.

"Well the reason I wasn't around was that Elder Saturn was leaving today
and Her Majesty wanted Princess Usagi to spend the day with her friend."

"I don't get it," Kimeko remarked bringing up the point of debate
between them for some time now, "I still say it's not natural for Elder
Saturn to want to be around Princess Usagi."

"Kimeko," Sakuya admonished gently, "Hotaru is not that bad." Sakuya had
a passing acquaintance with Sailor Saturn but she had more of a
friendship with Sailor Saturn's daughter, Younger Saturn. "I agree that
it's unusual for her to be on assignment so frequently but still wants
to be around Usagi as much as possible when she's around the Palace."
<Not that I mind though. One good thing about being Usagi's guardian is
that it keeps Elder Uranus away from me.>

"So Elder Saturn's leaving?" Kimeko questioned, "What about the other
Elder Outers?" <Elder Neptune and Uranus seem to deliberately avoid
Misako and Usagi. They must hate babies an awful lot. Which brings up
the question of exactly how there's Younger versions but...> Kimeko
stopped herself from wandering down that path.

"Hai, Elder Saturn is heading to one of the war zones to oversee some
operation we have going. I didn't get much detail out of the
conversation, not really my department. I don't know where Elder Uranus
or Neptune are going but I wasn't inclined to ask either." Sakuya gave a
small smile. "Usagi was rather upset that Hotaru was going away."
Glancing at the partially closed bedroom door, Sakuya added, "At least,
we should have some peace until they both wake up."

                                  ******

When Misako was two and Usagi five something changed. Sakuya had
vanished leaving Kimeko to look after the two little girls for a few
minutes. Those were rather harrowing minutes. Usagi being five had a
routine developed, she'd take off and then circle back to torment her
sister. Kimeko was near her wits' end when Sakuya returned. Sakuya's
return brought relief but yet another shock to Kimeko, one she wouldn't
soon forget.

"Oh thank goodness!" Kimeko said as Sakuya entered the play room,
"Where'd you go?!?"

"Gomen Kimeko-chan," Sakuya said, "I was ensuring that Princess Usagi
wouldn't be hurting her sister."

"How???" Kimeko asked skeptically. <You need to tie her up.>

"Princess Usagi, come here please," Sakuya said sternly.

"Iie!" Usagi snapped, "Don't hafta!" Turning, she walked over to Misako
and said, "Hi poop-head!"

"Hi Onee!" Misako squeaked happily. That was another thing that Kimeko
couldn't understand. Misako was willing to forgive her sister for
anything Usagi did against her. Kimeko found that very infuriating.

"Princess, that's very rude," Sakuya admonished, "Now please come here."

"Don't hafta. I'm a Princess!"

Kimeko rolled her eyes. <Great, she's in one of THOSE moods.> She looked
towards Sakuya and found that one of the veins above Sakuya's right eye
was throbbing.

"Gimme that!" Usagi said and yanked the ball out of Misako's hands.

"Ball!" Misako protested and reached towards the ball but Usagi pulled
it away, "My ball! Please!" she said and reached towards the desired
toy.

"Usagi, give her the ball!" Sakuya ordered starting to walk over towards
Usagi.

"You want this ball, Misako?" Usagi asked. Misako nodded. Kimeko started
hoping that Usagi would simply give the ball back. "Okay, go get it!"
Usagi yelled and kicked the ball to the far end of the room. It sailed
high up and unfortunately disappeared through one of the open windows.

"BALL!!!" Misako said sadly as the ball disappeared from sight. Usagi
just laughed.

"Misako-chan, don't worry. We'll get your ball back," Kimeko said,
"Let's get your shoes on." Misako sniffled but allowed herself to be
picked up. She snuggled close to Kimeko who started to head for the door
but Sakuya brought her up short.

"Hold on a second," Sakuya said. Kimeko stopped and looked quizzically
at her friend, "Princess Usagi, I want you to apologize to your imouto."

"Iie, don't hafta! I'm a Princess!"

What happened next was a shock to almost everyone present. Sakuya
reached and drawing Usagi closer gave her a firm swat, "I said to
apologize!" Sakuya reiterated sternly to the very shocked Usagi.

Kimeko couldn't believe it! She didn't want to believe it but she had
witnessed the entire thing. She was even more shocked when Usagi
sniffled a little bit and then apologized to her sister for taking the
ball away. <I'm going to have to have a talk with Misako,> Kimeko
thought as she heard Misako forgive her sister. "Sakuya-san, where did
you go?!?" Kimeko asked as she started to get Misako ready to retrieve
the ball.

Sakuya didn't answer until she had finished putting Usagi into a corner
and having a quiet talk with the little girl. Whatever she had said had
Usagi nodding rapidly in agreement. Walking over to sit beside Kimeko,
Sakuya said, "I went to have a talk with Their Majesties." She didn't
elaborate anymore and Kimeko didn't press the point. She was just too
stunned.

                                  ******

Kimeko watched with some apprehension as Artemis introduced his daughter
Diana to Princess Usagi. The gray kitten was about a year younger than
Usagi was but just about as frisky when it came to adventuring. Artemis
had delayed the inevitable meeting between the two as long as he could.

Kimeko couldn't really blame him. He was worried for Diana's safety and
Usagi was at a stage where she could have seriously harmed the kitten.
<This is going to put Misako's nose out of joint. Maybe I should have a
talk with Artemis and see if he can convince Luna to have another one.>
Kimeko giggled at the thought.

"Kimeko-chan," Sakuya said softly, "What's that mind of yours thinking?"
Kimeko lightly flushed at her own thoughts and then flushed even more
when she discovered that she had been caught.

"Nothing," Kimeko responded innocently. Turning her attention back to
Princess Usagi and Diana, she saw that the two had struck up a
conversation and seemed to be getting along rather nicely.

                                  ******

At fourteen Younger Venus, now grown into a beautiful adolescent, smiled
happily as she looked at the decimated targets in front of her.
<Kami-sama, am I glad to get rid of the `Chibi' designation!> she
thought happily as she transformed back to her civilian garb. Shortly
after her fourteenth birthday, Kimeko's oaths she had taken when she was
eight were reaffirmed. It had been a long and demanding road and she
still had a long way to go but at the moment she was content to wear the
new title with pride.

She still wasn't as enthralled with being a Sailor Senshi as her mother
or Sakuya were but it was certainly something to be proud of. Her goal
to be a magician was in sight as she slowly gained proficiency in the
arts of prestidigitation and illusion. Certainly, both Princesses were
fans. Another, more private milestone for Kimeko had to do with Sakuya.
She had finally gone from "Sakuya-san" over to "Sako-chan". It was
enough to make Kimeko feel quite grown up. It had been a hard won
privilege. One few Elder Senshi shared much less Younger Senshi.

As she came into the control booth for the Senshi training area, she
stopped dead as she saw her older brother in uniform grinning at her.
Coming to attention, he gave her a snappy salute and said, "Very nice
work, Ma'am." His grin got even broader as Kimeko flushed brightly.

"Onii-chan!" Kimeko ran over and hugged her brother as hard as she
could.

<I'm so proud of you...> "Kimeko no baka," Masao said playfully but
hugged his imouto back, "I told you I would be back to see you."

"Yeah but you've been so busy with the Defense Force," Kimeko sniffled.
Not letting go of the hug, she looked up from his collar to her
brother's face and blinked. "You got promoted?!?" Kimeko questioned. She
was trying for shock but her pride shone through.

Masao chuckled as he waggled his brown mustache, "Hai, I'm only a
lieutenant junior grade but..." he trailed off looking sternly at his
imouto, "You know though, Kimeko, you should be careful who you
transform around. You might give some nice young fellow a nose bleed."

Kimeko blushed fiery red at the implication, "Onii-chan!" Kimeko whined
out letting the hug go and slapping him on the arm, "I'm your sister!"

"Hey, it's not my fault my imouto doesn't have any modesty." He chuckled
again as Kimeko glared balefully at him. "Gomen, Ma'am," he said but his
eyes twinkled with mirth.

"I'm afraid that you warned her too late, Masao-san. Although she didn't
transform, she did crush some poor miscreant soul's heart."

"SAKUYA!" Kimeko warned but it was too late.

"Nani?" Masao asked turning to look at Sakuya.

"Oh you know that young fellow in here that took off when he heard you
were her bother."

"You mean that Trevor guy?" Masao asked turning to stare wide-eyed at
Kimeko. Sakuya didn't have to answer. Kimeko was blushing furiously and
trying to look innocent; it didn't work. "Oh ho! So how long have you
been leading Trevor around? Maybe I should go have a talk with him."
Masao intoned the last sentence in a menacing tone of voice.

"You leave Trevor alone!" Kimeko commanded. "Trevor was in here?!?"
Kimeko asked Sakuya. Sakuya nodded and smiled broadly as Kimeko gave a
screech of protest and darted out of the room, "I gotta find him!!!
You're gonna pay for this, Sako-chan!!!" Kimeko called over her shoulder
before disappearing down the hallway, "You're gonna pay!!!"

"Did I say something to upset her?" Sakuya asked innocently.

"I don't think so," Masao remarked and gave Sakuya a smile, "But I
suggest we watch our step around Kimeko. She's likely going to want
revenge." <Kami-sama, but you're kawaii!> Masao blinked, <Now where'd
that come from?!?>



Part 9 - "War Zone"

She could hear Misako crying in terror. Crawling through the smoke on
her belly, fifteen year old Younger Venus made her way towards the
noise. "Misako!" she called out, "I'm coming, honey, stay there!"

"KIM'KO! I SCARED!!!" came the plaintive wail.

"Miko-chan, are you hurt???" Younger Venus called in concern. <Where's
Sakuya?!? Where's Mom?!?>

"I not know!" Misako cried her voice closer. Younger Venus scurried over
the pile of debris that was in her way and found the four year old
little girl sitting on the floor. Misako immediately crawled to her
guardian and hugged her, "What's happen'?!?" she asked, her little body
trembling.

"I'm not sure but we'll find out," Younger Venus replied, "First, we
gotta get you checked out, Princess." Carefully, she made her way
towards the room's exit and then down the dimly lit, slightly smoky
corridor, <I hope everybody's all right.>

                                  ******

The first news was not good. As more reports started to filter in, the
situation got much bleaker. The first thing that Younger Venus heard was
that King Endymion had been seriously injured and was in critical
condition. Not long after, Neo-Queen Serenity was found encased in
crystal. The Ginzuishou was missing. It appeared that Crystal Tokyo and
the rest of Earth had been invaded by a fleet of crystalline ships from
Nemesis.

Her search for Princess Usagi and Younger Jupiter was hampered by the
fact that they had fled back through time. She had heard that from Luna
and Artemis who were trying to reassure her that Princess Usagi and her
friend were all right. This just seemed rather confusing but at that
moment, there wasn't much she could do.

Younger Venus was also frustrated because she couldn't fight along side
the other Younger Senshi. Young Misako was her charge and her safety and
comfort came first. Although Younger Venus longed to help her friends,
she knew how much Misako was counting on her.

                                  ******

Gently stroking Misako's hair, Younger Venus cradled the dozing child.
Misako had finally cried herself to sleep worrying about her parents and
sister. Brushing away some of the tears off the little girl's cheeks,
Younger Venus sighed. <Please be okay, Mom. You have to hold out until
our forces drive them back.> Thinking of the fighters, an image came to
her, <Masao... Onii-chan be safe. I would be there to protect you if I
could but I have other duties.> She looked down at the little girl in
her arms. <Don't worry, Princess, somehow the ones we love and care
about will be safe.> Sniffling a little, Younger Venus said softly,
"Sakuya, I wish you were here."

And the Crystal Palace shook as the bombardment continued.

The End of "A Gem"


Author's Notes:  (By Douglas Helm)

First off, a warning. If I hear ANY complaints that there isn't enough
Kimeko in this story, I will not be a happy author. In fact I will
become very, very annoyed!

Now that's out of the way. Will figured that Kimeko needed to have her
own origin story told. It's certainly very different from Sakuya's.
This story should clear up some mysteries and add others. Certainly
thanks to our beta readers and our editor.

In some places it might seem to contradict already existing material.
This is unavoidable because this story spans, or rather crosses, over
different timelines.

This story also had some setup material for the next in the ToY series.
At this particular time the exact nature of the next ToY story is being
kept under wraps.

Oh yeah, one last thing. Artemis did grow his fur back. And yes I am
working on "Mama's Hand" :)


Author's Notes:  (By "Tuxedo" Will Wolfshohl)

I hope you enjoyed "A Gem". As Doug said, I thought Younger Venus'
earlier life needed to be told. It was somewhat complicated because of
the crossing of temporal boundaries. Hopefully, it'll clear up some
mysteries in ToYJ and ToYV but may add new ones for you to ponder. I
also hope there's enough Kimeko in this story since some felt there
wasn't enough in ToYV. ^_^ The next ToY story is well into the planning
stages will reference this side story and the official timeline.

Thanks to Doug, our editor, beta readers, and those of you who take the
time to comment on our stories.

-----------------------
Some Japanese words and phrases are used in "A Gem" 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)
arigato = thank you
baka = idiot or stupid
chibi = little
fuku = uniform
furo = large tub used for bathing
Ginzuishou = Silver Crystal
gomen = sorry
gomen nasai = very sorry
hai = yes or okay
henshin = transformation
iie = no
imouto = younger sister
ja ne = see you later
Kami-sama = God (Shinto)
kawaii = cute
konnichiwa = good day
minna = everyone
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?
obaa-san = grandmother
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)

Doug

"It is major decisions that change the course of our future but it 
is the minor decisions that shape the being who we are."

"I write in broad tapestries, interweaving characters lives leaving
 the little details to the reader unless the detials are important."
	- Anne McCaffrey
	  From the book "Get off the White Unicorn"

"I am Sailor Chibi-Earth! And I will sit you in the corner!"
	- Tsukino Misako, ToYV#6

http://log.on.ca/users/helm/anime/index.htm
http://log.on.ca/gbaac/index.htm