In a message dated 96-09-01 03:25:08 EDT, you write:

<< She used these characters cuz it's fun!  =)  So I assume that
 her partner died in the past.  Let's say, WHO WAS HER???  Is it Kiyone?
  >>

CHIGAU! Really, Mihoshi herself admits these people's names are improvised:
"Let's just say the pirate's name was Ryoko" and
"I'm only using Miss Aeka to name the person in the story, not you"

....BUT....at the end she says "Kiyone, I will never forget your brave
sacrifice"

Yeah, right, Mihoshi knocked her in too.....Poor Kiyone, when she said
"Mihoshi....I WILL KILL YOU!" I felt much sympathy for her.