Tales of Younger Venus
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 "Tales of Younger
Venus" are copyrighted (c) 1997 by Douglas Helm & Will Wolfshohl.

This fanfic and over 350 other SM fanfics reside in "Tuxedo" Will's SM
Fanfics Archive at http://log.on.ca/users/helm/anime/index.htm

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


Part XIV
Chapter 38 - Bittersweet

"KAWAII!!!" Misako declared, "U-Sagi-chan look like Mommy in pretty
picture." She clapped her hands, "Very pretty!" She turned to Mamoru and
said, "You look pretty, too."

"Miko-chan, you mean he looks `handsome'," Chibi-Usa corrected.

"Hai," Misako agreed, "Daddy, you look ha-nd-so-me." Misako looked to
Chibi-Usa to make sure she had pronounced it right. Chibi-Usa nodded her
head and Misako smiled. Mamoru's heart had been beating at a rapid pace.
When Misako commented and called him "Daddy", it went into overdrive.
<Oops!> Misako thought covering her mouth with her hand, <Not supposed
to call Daddy `daddy'...> She looked sideways towards her mother but
Usagi wasn't looking at her.

"Dad?" Usagi asked tentatively. She was vaguely aware of Misako speaking
but was too focused on her father to make much sense of the little
girl's speech. "Are you okay?"

Kenji gave himself a shake and smiled. "Hai." Getting up, he moved over
to stand beside Usagi, "I was just thinking how much of a beautiful
young woman you've grown up into." His smile got bigger as Usagi blushed
furiously. "I'm very proud of you," he said more softly. Usagi sniffled
a little bit. "Now don't cry, Usagi-chan. Now let's get this party
underway."

"Hai," Usagi agreed and gave a wane smile, "You really like it?"

"I like it very much. I hope that one day when you and Mamoru have
children that they'll look like Misako and Chibi-Usa." Kenji took on a
confused expression when Usagi broke into a fit of giggles. Chibi-Usa
also seemed to find the concept fairly funny. "You, young lady,
shouldn't laugh." Kenji noted to Chibi-Usa, "You look like Usagi's
daughter."

"She is," Misako affirmed seriously. Chibi-Usa lost her mirth but Usagi
continued to giggle, this time at the expression on Mamoru's face.

"Chiba-san, you don't like the thought of fathering my daughter's
children?" Kenji asked also noting the expression on Mamoru's face. The
only thing keeping Mamoru on his chair was that Misako was sitting on
his lap, "Well?!?" Usagi looked to Mamoru with a smile on her face.

"Um well... Tsukino-san, we... uh... haven't even talked about marriage
yet," Mamoru managed to mumble out.

"Oh Kenji, leave the poor boy alone," Ikuko told her husband, "Usagi's
only fifteen, and she doesn't need that type of pressure." She turned to
Usagi, "Dear, when you get yourself under control, move the picture to
someplace that will be safe and out of the way."

Usagi snickered and, motioning to Makoto to help her, carried the
picture out of the room and up the stairs. Mamoru just sat there trying
to look unobtrusive but that wasn't any defense. Kenji pulled him aside
for a private talk while the other girls started to party. Chibi-Usa was
trying to control her nerves. She just DID NOT want to think about what
effect tonight would have on the timeline; she didn't think she could
handle it.

                                  ******

At the beginning of the party everyone was happy. However, as time
slipped by the mood slowly shifted. As first Mika and then Rei left.
Misako and, even to a lesser extent, Kimeko noticed that something was
amiss. As Ami and Makoto said their good-byes, even Misako seemed to get
the point that they were sad. She tried her best to comfort them but
that seemed to depress them even more.

However, Misako managed to get a smile out of Makoto when she said that
Sakuya would be sad if she saw Makoto cry. Kimeko was also in a somber
mood. She was realizing that Misako didn't really grasp, or want to
grasp, that she and Kimeko were going to be leaving in the morning.

A short time after Ami and Makoto left, Kimeko and Minako also departed
promising to meet at the Tsukino home early the next morning. As Usagi
led the girls to bed, Mamoru nervously waited. He knew that Usagi was
bound to ask him what he and her father had talked about. THAT
particular subject was making him nervous.

After Usagi had came back downstairs, he bid Usagi's parents good night
and the young couple walked out of the Tsukino home. As they turned onto
the sidewalk headed in no particular direction Usagi wrapped an arm
around Mamoru and sighed.

"Usako?" Mamoru asked softly.

"Mamo-chan, I think it's going to be rough on Chibi-Usa," Usagi mused,
"She took the news that Misako was leaving pretty hard. She's trying to
act brave for her little sister but I don't think she'll be able to do
it for much longer." Mamoru gave her a little squeeze and as they
walked, "By the way, what was Dad talking to you about?"

Mamoru was glad for the darkness as he flushed slightly. "Well
Usagi-chan, he wanted to know well... when I was going to make our
engagement formal." He decided not to mention that Kenji made it clear
that they couldn't actually get married until his daughter graduated
from high school. He was suddenly jerked to a halt and Usagi stopped
walking. Turning, he could make out that her jaw was wide open and she
was staring at him. Little flames of anger were starting to appear in
her eyes.

"NANI?!?" Usagi asked scandalized, "He wanted to know when YOU were
going to make the engagement formal?!?" Mamoru nodded, slightly confused
at Usagi's reaction. "I'LL KILL HIM!!!" Usagi snarled.

"Usako?!?" Mamoru asked, "Why are you so upset?!?"

"My dad has done nothing but grumble about you from day one. Now he has
the gall to ask you when you were going to..." Usagi suddenly trailed
off and blinked, "How'd he know that we..." She stopped talking and took
on a thoroughly confused expression.

"You're shocked that he even would ask when I was going to propose?"
Mamoru suggested. Usagi nodded numbly. "I suppose the clincher was that
painting. I mean, Usako, we looked like husband and wife. Chibi-Usa and
Misako were painted like our children."

"They are," Usagi pointed out softly. Mamoru drew Usagi into a hug and
sighed. "Mamo-chan? You know my dad wants grandchildren. He's the type
that would expect them from a marriage." Usagi returned his hug and
snuggled a little closer, "What are we going to tell them? If I don't
have Chibi-Usa for nearly a thousand years..." She stopped as he placed
a light finger to her lips.

"Let's worry about one thing at a time," Mamoru said, "First we have to
see one daughter off. Then the other, eventually." He gazed into her
eyes, "Then we can talk about marriage."

"Mamo-chan, I love you."

"I love you too, Usako," Mamoru stated softly, "With all of my heart."

And the world faded away as they kissed drawing warmth, love, and
security from each other.

                                  ******

The courtroom was packed. The air was filled with tension and
anticipation. Younger Neptune serving as bailiff announced, "All
stand... Hear ye, hear ye, the First Royal Court of Crystal Tokyo is now
in session. Their Honors Elder Venus, Elder Mercury, and Elder Mars
presiding. All persons who have business before this Court, draw near.
Kami-sama save Their Majesties and this High Court."

An almost deafening silence fell over the room as the three judges
walked into the room. Standing, all eyes trained onto the three Elder
Senshi as they made their way to the front of the courtroom.

As Makoto sat back down she caught a glimpse of their faces and
something in her stomach fell. <This is not good,> Makoto thought as she
sat in the first row of the gallery. Mercury and Mars were wearing
neutral expressions while Venus had a grim look on her face.

"This Court will come to order," Elder Venus announced banging her
gavel. After a brief pause, Elder Venus asked, "In the case of the State
of Crystal Tokyo versus Rakurai Sakuya, does the Prosecution wish to
withdraw its call for the death penalty?"

Elder Uranus stood and addressed the Court, "Iie, Your Honor. I believe
our case has shown beyond any reasonable doubt that the sentence of
death is warranted for the Defendant, Rakurai Sakuya." She turned to
Sakuya and smiled.

"Does the Defense Counsel have anything to add before the Court renders
its verdicts?"

Rising, Elder Saturn first glanced to her client before saying, "Your
Honor, my client has instructed me to wave her rights to any appeals."
As the courtroom exploded into chaos, a look of disbelief slid onto the
face of Elder Uranus.

"ORDER!" Elder Venus' voice broke through the shouts while pounding her
gavel, "I will have order in the Court!" She glared at the occupants who
sheepishly quieted down. "Now then, has Defense Counsel instructed her
client on the ramifications of such a waiver?"

"Hai, Your Honor," Elder Saturn said. <And I don't like it one bit!>

"Would the Defendant please rise," Elder Venus ordered. When Sakuya was
standing, Elder Venus announced, "Rakurai Sakuya, holder of the title of
Younger Jupiter, this Court will now render its findings on all charges
and specifications brought in the indictment... On the three counts of
assault upon an Elder Senshi, this Court finds you... guilty as charged
on all counts." There was a slight intake of breath but no other
reaction came from the crowd, "On the charge of high treason against The
Crown, this Court finds you... guilty as charged." <Gomen nasai,
Sako-chan.>

The courtroom was silent except for a muffled cry from Makoto. A huge
smile appeared on Elder Uranus' face. She had done it. She'd crushed her
enemy, completely and totally!

                                  ******

"Rakurai Sakuya, you have been found guilty on all charges and
specifications. Do you have anything to say in your own behalf before
sentence is passed?"

Straightening as best she could, Sakuya said, "Your Honor, I have
performed my duty to the best of my ability. I only ask that you
consider that and to also consider the ramifications of your sentence.
You are immortal, or close to it. There will likely never be another
case like this. Your decision will remain with you throughout the years
and will have far reaching implications; implications that will reach
into the uppermost echelons of Crystal Tokyo."

Elder Saturn smiled. To some that statement sounded like blackmail; to
her though it was music. <Clever, very clever. Now why didn't you tell
me about this?> she thought. Effectively, Sakuya was challenging the
Court to do its worst because, in Sakuya's heart, she never did anything
wrong and that was all that counted. <If they kill you, then you are
saying that they have killed an innocent. If they imprison you, they
will be imprisoning someone for doing their duty.> It was a very
effective tactic. Either way you could make the person feel miserable.

Now Sakuya would have argued with Elder Saturn's observations. She
wasn't doing it to challenge the Court's authority. She was just stating
the truth as she saw it. She was quite prepared to die for what she
believed in. The question was were the others willing to make the same
sacrifice?

"Is the State ready to submit any motions for sentencing?"

"Your Honor, our pretrial motions have covered all that the State wishes
to present in the matter of sentencing."

"Is the Defense ready to submit any motions for sentencing?" Elder Venus
asked.

"Hai," Elder Saturn answered. "Your Honor, this case is not cut and
dried. The Defendant has a sworn obligation to protect Her Royal
Highness Princess Usagi. One may argue with her choice of methods. In
fact, one might say that her methods were excessive in the extreme.
However, it is our contention that given past experiences with Sailor
Pluto that some of her actions were warranted in the pursuit of her
duties." She paused and gauging her next words carefully adding, "If you
sentence my client to death, then you will be killing her for performing
her duty."

"This Court stands in recess while we consider sentencing," Elder Venus
said and, banging her gavel, prepared to leave the room with Mercury and
Mars.

                                  ******

It was by far the longest time that Makoto had ever spent waiting. She
felt numb, as if watching the entire thing from a great distance. They
could actually be taking away one of her family and it hurt terribly. It
hurt even more because it was Minako who was considering condemning her
granddaughter to death. As time passed, she remembered talking to Sakuya
and Hotaru but not what she had said; it was like a dream. One that soon
came crashing back to reality when the three Elder Senshi judges
returned to the courtroom.

After the Court had been called back to order and Sakuya was standing
again, Elder Venus began to speak. "In the case of the State of Crystal
Tokyo versus Rakurai Sakuya, sentencing for the highest charge needs to
be taken into consideration first." She glanced down to her notes before
continuing, "The crime of High Treason against The Crown carries an
automatic penalty of death. However, due to the mitigating circumstances
surrounding this case, we have unanimously decided to set aside that
sentence. Therefore, the Court issues the following sentence. Rakurai
Sakuya, holder of the title of Younger Jupiter, you are hereby sentenced
to be imprisoned for no less than twenty-five years at hard labor. You
shall be stripped of all titles and responsibilities as Younger Jupiter
and Commander of the Younger Senshi and you shall be removed as Guardian
to Her Royal Highness Princess Usagi. Sentence to be commenced
immediately. This Court is adjourned." And with a gavel strike, Sakuya's
fate was sealed.



Chapter 39 - Endings

Early the next morning, much to the surprise of her mother, Usagi was up
and dressed. It was even more of a shock to Luna to see her charge up at
six in the morning. Usagi was becoming more responsible but given that
she came in at a rather late hour from her walk with Mamoru, it was a
wonder she could find the energy to even move.

Padding down the hall, Usagi softly opened the door to her daughter's
room and peeked inside. Chibi-Usa was curled up next to her sister, both
little girls hugging each other. A small smile came to Usagi face's and
she contented herself with simply watching her children's sleeping
forms.

After about five minutes Usagi padded over to the bed and gently shook
Chibi-Usa awake. "Chibi-Usa-chan, time to get up. Your sister has to
leave soon." Reaching over, she gently nudged Misako as well,
"Miko-chan, come on, time to get up."

Misako was the first to stir. She blearily looked at her mother and,
giving a yawn, rubbed the sleep from her eyes. "Mommy, don't wanna get
up," she mumbled out, "I sleepy."

"Come on, Miko-chan," Usagi said again reaching down and picking Misako
up, "We gotta get you dressed." Chibi-Usa stirred but only enough to
roll over. <Okay you can sleep a little longer,> Usagi thought as she
carried Misako over to the dresser, "Let's get you dressed." Misako
certainly didn't intend to make life easy for her mother. She wrapped
her arms around Usagi and rested her head on Usagi's shoulders. "Don't
think you're going to sleep," Usagi said softly but Misako only gave a
burble of contentment. <Oh brother!>

                                  ******

To her surprise, Kimeko found that she wasn't the first one awake. When
she awoke she found that Minako was not in the bedroom and, after
checking the bathroom, found her mother downstairs.

"Good morning, Minako-chan," Kimeko called after walking into the
kitchen, "What's got you up so early?"

"I wanted to see you off, Kimeko-chan," Minako said and took a drink of
her juice, "I guess I was just thinking too."

"Oh? About what?" Kimeko asked while she started to get her own
breakfast. Minako was silent for several seconds before sighing
slightly, "Minako-chan, are you trying to say that you're going to be
lonely?" Minako nodded but didn't respond. Setting down the pitcher of
milk, Kimeko walked over to sit at the table. "You know I have to go
back."

"I guess..." Minako said her voice seemed to tighten, "I like having you
here. I know you can't stay but I thought you might have stayed at least
a few months."

"I can't, Mom," Kimeko replied while touching her mother's arm, "The
only reason that Sakuya was here as long as she was is Sailor Pluto."
Minako looked at her quizzically, "Pluto wouldn't remove Sakuya from the
timeline when Sakuya demanded it." Kimeko shrugged, "I'm not sure why
though."

"I guess I won't see you again until you're born," Minako mused softly,
"That'll be a long time."

"Just think that Usagi has to wait even longer," Kimeko said but she
could see that it wasn't much comfort for Minako, "Gomen Mom, I wish I
could stay." Minako's response was to sniffle a little and hug Kimeko
tightly.

                                  ******

At about seven that morning Usagi found herself in a very uncomfortable
role, that of a "big meanie". Shortly before, Kimeko and Minako had
shown up at the Tsukino home and, soon after that, Mamoru arrived as
well. When Usagi suggested that Misako get ready to leave she suddenly
didn't want to go.

"NO WANNA GO!!!" Misako bawled again. Poor Shingo wasn't exactly sure
what to make of it. Misako was using him as a mooring point and had a
death grip on one of his legs. "I WANNA STAY HERE!" the little girl
cried out, tears running down her cheeks.

"But Miko-chan, I bet your mommy and daddy miss you," Shingo said,
<Please let this work. I'd like to have circulation back in my legs.>
"You can come for another visit." <I'll miss you.>

Misako sniffled and, raising her tear streaked face, gave a small pout
and allowed her eyes to become like a sad puppy-dog's in nature.
"Onii-chan want me to go away?" she asked, her odangos drooping, "Onii
not love me?" Her lower lip trembled again and she sniffled a little.

<Now what do I do?> Shingo thought as everyone looked towards him. It
was a difficult choice. <Either I can say I love her... which I'm never
likely to live down. Or I can say that I don't love her and have
everybody mad at me.> "Now Peanut, I care about you," Shingo said in
compromise, "I would like you to stay but your parents probably want you
home." Reaching down, he lifted the little girl into a hug. <Fabulous,
well let's hope none of the guys hear about this.> He couldn't miss the
sad smile Usagi gave him.

"But I miss you if I go," Misako said softly hugging Shingo around the
neck, "Please Onii-chan, make U-Sagi let me stay." She pulled back far
enough to gaze at Shingo. "I love you, Onii-chan," she added. Shingo's
eyes were becoming misty as Misako worked her magic.

Ikuko decided that she had better save Shingo. He was getting a first
hand look at a "kawaii attack", one that was up close and personal.
Walking over, she held out her arms, and explained, "Now Miko-chan, we
all will miss you. You had a nice visit, ne?"

After a few seconds Misako realized that she wasn't getting anywhere
with Shingo so reaching out transferred into her grandmother's arms
instead. "But Ikuko-mama," Misako protested gently, "I want to stay with
you! I want to stay with Onee. If I go home, then Onee-chan has to come
too!"

"Maybe when you're older you can come and stay longer," Ikuko offered
while brushing some of Misako's tears away, "Right now though, you have
to go on a trip and see your parents." Misako looked unconvinced, "Would
you want your mommy and daddy to be sad, Miko-chan?"

"But Mommy and Daddy see me all the time!" Misako stated. <Obaa-san
should know that.> "Mommy and Daddy not miss me so I can stay here and
go when Onee goes." She sniffled, "Kenji-papa, let me stay, please?"

"Misako, you have to go," Kenji said gently and gave the little girl a
hug, "You can come back for another visit."

"You send me away cause I bad?" Misako asked, her odangos drooped and
her eyes misted over. "I be extra good!" she promised, her bottom lip
trembling slightly.

<I have to put a stop to this,> Kimeko thought. "Usagi-chan, if we want
to catch our train, we'll have to hurry."

Usagi nodded, "Come on, Miko-chan, time to go," Usagi said coming over
to her daughter, "Let's get your coat on and your shoes."

"BUT I DON'T WANNA GO HOME!!!" Misako wailed. She started to struggle
but Usagi with Ikuko's help managed to get her coat on. The shoes were a
little more difficult to get on. "PLEASE MOMMY, I BE GOOD!!!" the little
girl howled, "I want to stay with Onee!"

"Good bye, Misako-chan, you have a safe trip home," Ikuko said with
tears in her eyes as Usagi carried Misako out of the house. <You really
were like a granddaughter to me.>

"IIE!!! I WANNA STAY HERE!!!" Wrapping her arms around Usagi, Misako
continued her demands to stay. After a short time though Misako's
wailing calmed down into sniffles and, after a few more seconds, she
asked, "Mommy, can I walk?"

"Are you going to stay with me?" Usagi asked. Misako nodded to Usagi who
allowed her daughter to stand on the ground. This was a mistake. As soon
as Misako felt herself settled onto the ground, she stomped on Usagi's
foot and took off down the sidewalk in the direction of the Tsukino
home.

"MIKO-CHAN!!!" Chibi-Usa bellowed after her fleeing sister, "Come back
here!" With that she took of after her sister leaving the others to gape
at the two retreating figures.

"Misako!" Kimeko called after the little girl. She started to move off
after Misako but Usagi held her back. "Usagi-chan, I should go and get
her." <I can't believe she did that!>

"Kimeko-chan, let Chibi-Usa try," Usagi suggested, "It'll help both of
them I think." Grimacing Usagi used Mamoru as support as she lifted her
injured foot, "I have a feeling that'll leave bruise." Usagi missed
Mamoru's expression but Kimeko caught it; he wasn't pleased one bit.

                                  ******

Chibi-Usa's longer legs allowed her to catch up to Misako easily.
Grabbing her sister around the waist, Chibi-Usa lifted the little girl
off of the ground. Misako kept flailing her arms and legs in a vain
attempt to get away.

"Miko-chan!" Chibi-Usa exclaimed, "Calm down, please." Misako stopped
her struggles and started to cry again, "Misako, I'll miss you a lot but
you have to go back home."

"Iie... I wanna stay!" Misako complained, "I-I..." She just didn't have
the vocabulary to express her feelings, "I not get to do what I want.
Mommy's different and I get into trouble and I'm not a S'nshi..." She
gave a little sob, "I not get to have any fun."

Still keeping her hold on Misako, Chibi-Usa allowed her sister's feet to
touch the ground. "Miko-chan, you're only five," Chibi-Usa explained
gently while hugging Misako, "You'll get bigger. You have all the time
in the world to be a Senshi. You had all sorts of fun, and I've gotten
into trouble too." Misako's only response was a little sniffle, "Imouto,
you are the best sister I know."

"I your only sister!" Misako huffed out and gave a hiccup, "Onee just
say that to make me go away." Turning the best she could, Misako looked
sadly at her sister, "You not want me in past. Onee want me to go away."

Chibi-Usa's features crumpled. "I don't want you to go away," Chibi-Usa
said croakily as a set of tears ran down her cheeks, "I'll miss you a
lot. I would like you to stay but you have to go home." <I want to make
sure you're there when I get home. I would like to keep you with me but
I can't.> Chibi-Usa sniffled, "Miko-chan, I'm sorry if you think I'm
being mean. I love you very much and I WILL miss you."

"Then tell Mommy I can stay," Misako pleaded once more, "Please
Onee-chan?"

"Iie, gomen nasai, Miko-chan, but I can't." Feeling the tears coming,
Chibi-Usa lifted her sister into another hug, <Gomen nasai, Misako. I
would let you stay if I could. Me and Usagi have some things to work out
still.> Misako hugged her sister back. She just didn't want to go but
there was no way of convincing them; she felt all alone.

                                  ******

"I'm going to go look for them," Kimeko stated, "It's been too long." As
she turned to head down the street she saw Chibi-Usa walking towards
them. Misako was holding her sister's hand as she walked and was looking
very depressed. <I'm glad Small Lady managed to talk to Misako. I feel
sorry for both of them. Small Lady will be lonely.>

Once the little girls were close enough, Mamoru snagged Misako's other
hand and drew her close. Kneeling down, he looked sternly at her as he
said, "Young lady, you apologize to your mother. That was very naughty
stomping on her foot like that!"

Misako lowered her head and whispered out, "Gomen nasai, Mommy."

Seeing Usagi nod, Mamoru lifted his youngest daughter into a hug and
said softly, "We have to go to the park. You have to leave now." That
said, he started off down the street while trying to comfort his
daughter. Chibi-Usa took Usagi's hand and they followed behind Mamoru.
Minako sniffled a little and then started off with Kimeko walking
silently behind her.

After another five minutes they had reached the heart of the park. It
wasn't overly packed this time of the morning but to ensure privacy the
small group found a secluded area.

"Miko-chan, I'll see you later on," Mamoru said, "You have a safe trip
home and don't be sad." He gave his daughter a hug and a kiss. "I'll
miss you." Misako returned the tender hug, feeling a bond that she
enjoyed.

"Good bye, Daddy," Misako said. Mamoru placed her on the ground and she
turned to Usagi, "U-... Mommy?" Usagi knelt in front of her daughter,
"Are you mad at me?"

"Iie, honey, I love you. You were angry and didn't want to go." Reaching
out, she hugged her daughter close before saying, "But don't you ever do
that again." <My foot will be bruised for a week.> Misako nodded rapidly
and hugged her mother back.

"Kimeko... I..." Minako seemed to be at a loss for words, "Good-bye."
She finished weakly and gave a choked sob, "I'll miss you." Kimeko
hugged her mother and gave a little sob herself.

After Chibi-Usa had given her little sister another hug, both Misako and
Kimeko stepped away from the group. After one final parting Kimeko
activated the Time Key and both disappeared in a wash of pink light. As
her sister faded away Chibi-Usa began to cry in earnest and clinging to
her mother gave vent to her own feelings that had been bottled up since
Monday evening. Minako wasn't far behind Chibi-Usa in the tear
department either.

So it was only Usagi and Mamoru that noticed the smaller pink cloud
form. They at first looked worriedly at each other but their looks
turned to surprise as a little gray ball of fur fell from the sky. It
landed with a thump on Chibi-Usa's head and tumbled to the ground.

"Ow..." Chibi-Usa said and looked around for what had hit her head.

"Princess, what's the matter?!?" came the voice from the kitten.

"Diana?!?" Chibi-Usa cried and, scooping up the little Moon Cat, held
her close. <Arigato Mommy. You must have known how lonely I'd get.> For
the moment Diana was content to tolerate the discomfort considering what
had been happening in the future.

                                  ******

As Kimeko and Misako materialized they were greeted with a grim sight.
Neo-Queen Serenity was looking haggard but managed to smile as her
youngest daughter ran to her. King Endymion was standing by her side.
Minako, on the other hand, was looking as if a spirit was haunting her.

"Mom?" Kimeko asked stepping towards Minako, "Where's Sakuya?!?" <I hope
she's all right.>

"Kimeko, um... well, she's gone," Minako squeaked out. "Oh dear..."
Minako said as she watched her daughter make a strangled noise before
fainting. "Maybe I should have worded that a little differently."


The End of "Tales of Younger Venus"


Author's Afterwards: By Douglas Helm

Phew! Done, what a massive project. I certainly had fun writing this
fic. I hope you had fun reading it. Actually if you've read everything
from the beginning to the ending you either like it enough to stay with
it or you like to torture yourself. Hmmm.... credits:

To Will Wolfshohl, he's suffered through a number of my rumblings. Some
of them were even good :) Seriously though Will makes writing fun and he
has a knack of adding to my rumblings to put a nice polish onto them.  I
certainly wouldn't have gotten this far without him. Or rather I could
have but maybe not with my sanity still in tact. As Will said in
"Adventures of the Chibi-Scouts", we don't know when to quite and we
have other works planned. Our capacities might be different but we'll
still be working together.

To our beta readers, I would extend my gratitude. Without them the minor
grammatical problems that pop up with the release versions would be more
numerous. Also they provide valuable feedback on plot points. At one
point or another the following have been beta readers: Jendra, Jeanette,
Allan, Greywolf, and last but not least Ethan.

A special thank you to Jeanette who took on the very thankless job of
editing our this massive work, chapter by chapter. She also provided
some excellent feedback.

To Rush, if they were going to make Cliff Notes for this thing, she'd be
able to write with her comments. She has given the most detailed and
thoughtful comments I have ever seen. I would estimate that her entire
comment contingent would total some 50KB by itself.

Thanks to those on the FFML that managed to find time to read this
piece. Special thanks to Luker-san, Sean, and Hotaru, Flashman and
God-Boy for providing hints and insightful commentary. Even if it wasn't
on this fic they help shape my writing style.

I didn't know I had a lot of people to thank. Only two more groups.  The
first is my distribution list. You people have shown enormous patients
with me and by sticking with me I'm honored.

Finally to the reader a large, thank you. If you haven't commented
please don't be shy. We don't bite... unless you bite first.

Current and Future works : (In order of priority)

A Gem                  - Origin Story of Younger Venus (roughly 50%
written)

Mama's Hand            - My truly serious dark fic. Rated "R" and not
recommended for children. As of this writing (December 21, 1997) part 5
will be out in a week or so.

ToY?                   - Yes I know I said I wasn't writing another in
the ToY series but demand was high that I continue. Currently there is
planning stages. Another one that is several months away will focus on
the Outer Senshi.

There are other things but I can't think of them now.

Douglas Helm
dhelm@log.on.ca
http://log.on.ca/users/helm/anime/index.html


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

ToYV is done. It seems hard to believe. It is by far the largest fanfic
project I've worked on. I've often thought about what we could of
removed to reduce the size but your comments tell us that you liked all
the various subplots within the ToYV.

For the future, Doug has commented on the next in the ToY series and "A
Gem". I am also continuing to do co-plotting and editing for a number of
other authors so I won't be bored. ;)

I would like to thank Doug Helm who is a wonderful person to work with.
We seem to be able to complement each other quite nicely. Doug kept me
on a grueling schedule. Who needs a life? :) Just kidding. Of course, I
was always amazed how Doug was able to continue producing quality
writing especially with ACS and the other fanfics he was doing going on
simultaneously. In addition, he is able to do all the site
administration for my SM Fanfics Archive.

I would also like to thank our editor, Jeanette, and our beta readers.
And finally, all those readers at large especially those who liked ToYV
enough to send us comments. Arigato.

"Tuxedo" Will Wolfshohl
wwolfshohl@logicon.com