You Don't Remember How I Feel
By Doug Helm and "Tuxedo" Will Wolfshohl

Those characters that are original and the story "You Don't Remember How
I Feel" are copyrighted (c) 1999 by Douglas Helm & Will Wolfshohl.

This fanfic and hundreds of other Sailor Moon fanfics reside in "Tuxedo"
Will's SM Fanfics Archive at http://members.xoom.com/questails/gateway.htm
and http://rivendell.fortunecity.com/traveller/861/

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


Chapter 7 - The Little Princess

"Wain," Serenity cooed with delight as she watched the minute droplets
of water spatter against the back door window. She had ended the game of
riding on her father's foot when the first sounds of rain reached her
tiny ears. "Pway!" she exclaimed while pointing outside.

"Wait, Miko-chan," Misako said with a smile, "It's raining and we don't
want you to catch a cold, ne?" Serenity pouted a little. She loved the
rain, even the thunder and lightning. "Let's get you dressed," Misako
said.

"Pway," Serenity squeaked again but allowed herself to be carried into
her bedroom to be dressed for the day. She looked longingly out the
window while her father said something. Serenity couldn't really
understand what she was saying.

"Miko-chan?"

Serenity turned her head to regard her father.

"Want to wear this?" Misako asked.

<'Sagi wear that,> Serenity thought to herself as she looked at the tiny
princess dress. It was very similar to her sister's except it was
smaller, of course. <'Sagi gone.> "Iie, no wear. Bad dwess," Serenity
responded while pushing the dress away. She wasn't about to wear it if
she couldn't be with her sister. Most of all, she knew that she couldn't
play in that dress and that's definitely what she wanted to do. "PWAY!"
Serenity prompted her father. After a moment, she was dressed into a
purple tracksuit before being let down.

"Come get your hair done, Misako," Misako directed as she picked up a
picture book for her daughter to look at. "Then we can go and play."

"Hai," Serenity conceded while moving to sit on her father's lap to have
her hair put up into her normal round odangos. Holding her stuffed
bunny, Serenity looked through the picture book. "Quack! Quack!"
Serenity said while pointing to one picture.

"That's right!" Misako answered proudly, "That's a duck."

"Hop, hop, hop!" Serenity giggled.

"Iie, that's a frog," Misako corrected her young daughter. "R-ribbit."
Serenity stared at her for a moment perplexed. "R-ribbit!" Serenity
giggled a little before turning the page.

"Mommy!" Serenity squealed.

"Iie, that's a pig!" Misako countered. <Where on earth would she hear
that?!?> Trying not to laugh, Misako reached out and flipped the next
page.

"Bunny!" Serenity declared with delight. She always liked this
particular picture of a brown and white bunny hopping around.

"Mommy," Misako observed. <And your onee too.>

                                 ******

A short time later, little Serenity hopped around the living room
keeping out of the grasp of her father who was following her. "Hop! Hop!
Hop!" Serenity shouted, "Daddy hop!"

"You want me to hop, Miko-chan?" Misako asked.

"Daddy hop! Daddy be bunny!" Serenity directed. She squealed with some
surprise as her father stood and quickly swept her up into her arms.
"Daddy hop! Me hop!" Her surprise, and mild disappointment at not being
able to hop, disappeared as her father started hopping around the room.
Giggling, she clung to her father's neck as her tiny frame shook with
the motion and Misako kept her from falling off. "Fast'r!" Serenity
commanded and was delighted when her father sped up.

Abruptly her father stopped hopping. Looking around, Serenity tried to
determine what was happening. They were over by the stereo. "Daddy..."

"Hang on a second, Mesume," Misako remarked. <I need to catch my
breath.> Setting her daughter down, Misako asked, "Well, now what?" She
suppressed the sigh that wanted to escape as Serenity started hopping
again. <Kami-sama, I wish I had that much energy.> It was then the
doorbell rang. Wondering whom it might be, Misako started down the
hallway with Serenity tagging after her.

"Kitty!" Serenity squeaked with excitement as the door opened to show
Artemis and little Diana.

"Ohayo, Your Majesty, Your Highness," Artemis greeted, "I hope we aren't
intruding."

"Iie, Artemis, Misako and I were just playing," Misako replied, "Please
come in." Diana didn't waste any time and scampered into the Royal Suite
and down the hallway. Without concern, Serenity plopped onto her hands
and knees and sped after the gray kitten.

"D'ana!" Serenity said as caught up to the kitten, "Pway!"

"Play!" Diana responded before darting between Serenity's arms and legs
to the other side of the toddler. "No bunny," Diana said.

"No bunny," Serenity agreed. Of course, Diana wasn't a bunny; Diana was
a pretty kitty. She pouted slightly as Diana disappeared under the couch
before reappearing again.

                                 ******

Misako, sitting on the couch, watched in fascination as Serenity and
Diana played. They both seemed to have boundless energy. "Ne, Artemis,
how old's Diana now?" she asked the white cat.

"Hmmm, well in Mauian years, she's the same age as Misako," Artemis told
her, "Just between you and me, Endymion-sama, I'm glad I talked Luna out
of her notion of having Diana and Small Lady becoming close friends."

"Nani? Why?" Misako asked with some surprise. Diana was always her
sister's friend!

"Gomen, Your Majesty. It's nothing against Princess Usagi. It's just...
um... I'd be worried. She is older than Diana and so much bigger and...
rougher," Artemis indicated. A burst of giggles drew their attention. "I
don't think Small Lady would let Diana do that," he speculated as the
kitten continued to climb "Mt. Misako". The toddler was trying to hold
still, except for an occasional fit of giggles. <Misako will be a great
friend for her. Maybe some day, she can be friends with Usagi too.>

Misako smiled, "Well, Small Lady isn't bad, but I do know what you mean.
She'll need an advisor and when Diana gets older..."

"Of course, Your Majesty," Artemis agreed, "Gomen, I didn't mean any
offense. Diana will perform her duty as we've always done." Taking on a
sheepish expression, Artemis added, "It's just that Diana is so small
and my mesume and..." he trailed off and looked hopefully up at Misako.

"I know, Artemis," Misako replied. It was the jingling of a tiny bell
that announced that something was happening. The two fathers saw Diana
running rapidly towards the hallway with Serenity in pursuit. "Maybe we
should distract those two instead of gabbing, ne?"

"Hai!" Artemis answered, "I'm just glad we didn't have twins. One kitten
is quite a handful!"

"So's one toddler," Misako observed, <Or an onee for that matter.> She
wasn't going to give up her annoyance at Usagi for treating Endymion
differently so easily. <I thought that's what we came back here for, to
show them NOT to do that.> She was jerked back to reality when Serenity
gave a screech of surprise as the little girl tripped over Artemis.
Misako could never remember seeing Diana cry, or at least a small Diana
cry. Of course, she had no memories of Diana ever being so small. The
piteous wailing that the small kitten sent up was just as mournful as
any Serenity sent up.

"It's okay, Miko-chan," Misako reassured her daughter as she picked the
toddler up and held her close. "It's okay. You didn't hurt Artemis." She
turned Serenity so the little girl could see that Artemis was okay and
reassuring his own daughter. "And you're okay, too," Misako said with
some relief. "Let's go play with your blocks, ne?" Serenity sniffled a
little and nodded.

                                 ******

By the time her father had brought out her morning snack, Serenity had
all but forgotten her incident with Artemis. Sitting down at the little
plastic table she had, Serenity waited and wondered what today's snack
would be. It was always a surprise. But one of the best things about
snack time was that afterwards, her father would read her a story.

"There you go," Misako said as she sat the bowl down in front of
Serenity before placing a small spill-proof glass onto the table.

"Awigato," Serenity replied. She waited until her father was sitting on
the floor beside the table before she looked into the bowl. "Pwetty..."
she observed. Reaching in, she picked up a slice of banana and started
eating it. After it was gone, she picked up another slice and offered it
to her father.

"Iie, arigato, Miko-chan. You eat it," Misako requested. Serenity
obliged her father and put it into her mouth also.

After the banana was eaten, Serenity considered the rest of the fruit.
There were a couple chunks of skinless apple, some pineapple, and a few
chunks of a pear. With the tip of her pinkie, she pushed the pear to one
side along with the chunk of apple the pear had been touching. "Yick!"
Serenity squawked before picking up the pineapple and starting to eat
it. She saved the apple for last, not because it was her favorite but
because it took the longest to eat. She pointedly ignored the pears as
she picked up the apple chunk and popped it into her mouth.

Draining the milk from her glass, Serenity pushed up from the table and
said, "Stowy Daddy?"

"Not yet, you have some left," Misako observed and pointed to the
remaining fruit. Serenity looked with disgust at the pear chunks and the
one "tainted" piece of apple. "When they're gone, we'll read a story."

"Gone?" Serenity queried.

"Gone," Misako ordered. She then watched as Serenity reached down and
lifted the remaining fruit in her hand. To her surprise, Serenity
proceeded to throw the hated fruit in an overarm motion as far as she
could.

"Awl gone!" Serenity stated proudly, "Stowy Daddy!"

"Come here, you," Misako said while trying not to laugh. Reaching out,
she pulled Serenity into a hug and gave her a kiss on the forehead.
"That wasn't what I meant." It was a moot point though and she really
couldn't get mad at the child. It was her own fault for not being
more specific.

                                 ******

At about eleven o'clock that morning another visitor came to the Royal
Suite. This one shocked Misako to some extent for it was her cousin
Tomoe Yuki. The only thing was, Yuki was not the eleven year old preteen
that Misako expected. This Yuki was wearing diapers and she estimated
that her cousin was now two and a half years old. She had seen some of
Yuki's pictures when she was younger but she hadn't really given much
thought to how small Yuki would appear at that age.

"Please come in," Misako said as she led Yuki and her mother Lady Tomoe
into the living room. Serenity really wasn't interested in the grownup
although she knew who Yuki was. Beside this little girl, she was a big
girl and that gave Serenity a feeling of pride. What was even more
important was that Yuki listened to her. And as she sat and played with
her stuffed bunnies under the watchful gaze of the grownups, Serenity
told Yuki about her day so far. Yuki seemed fascinated.

As Misako chatted pleasantly with Lady Tomoe, she allowed Endymion to
take over more. It had been a long morning and Misako felt like she
wanted to go to sleep but she knew she couldn't. It was also getting
more difficult to keep Endymion's emotions and memories from
overwhelming her. The part that was Misako retreated even further when
the discussion turned to how Princess Misako's potty training was
progressing. It was the only thing she could do to stop from being
horribly embarrassed.

                                 ******

While both Endymion and Serenity were taking their naps, Misako
determined to speak with Usagi about the previous afternoon. Walking
into the living room after doing the dishes, Misako found her sister
sitting on the couch reading the morning paper. "Serenity, you're
staying with Misako today. Small Lady and I have some business to attend
to with Younger Jupiter."

"Honto?" Usagi asked as she lowered the paper and looked at Misako.
"What business, Endymion?"

"About yesterday," Misako began sourly, "I would have done it this
morning but you dragged her off to Court."

"Are you still upset with me about that?" Usagi asked in a mock pout.

"Serenity, you haven't spent more than five minutes a day with Misako
this week."

Usagi rose from the couch and turned to face Misako. "Now you know that
isn't true, Endymion. You know how busy I am... If you're mad about me
taking Small Lady to Court then say so but don't accuse me of ignoring
Misako."

"I still say that was wrong of you to do," Misako argued, "I plan on
keeping Small Lady out of your hair for the rest of the afternoon. I
want you to spend it with Misako." Grinning, she added, "I noticed the
rain's letting up so you can take Misako outside when she wakes up.
She's been wanting to go outside all day and she's been very good."

"Endymion..." Usagi began. <I hate getting dirty! It isn't fair sticking
me with this job.> "I do have things to do."

"What you need to do is spend this afternoon playing with Misako while I
handle matters that should have been taken care of this morning. If
you're willing to give a privilege like taking Small Lady to Court after
she's misbehaved, especially when you tell her that privilege was
contingent on her being good, then you can certainly spend some quality
time playing with Misako who's been extra good today."

She sighed a little and said, "Hai, Endymion, I... maybe I acted without
thinking; Small Lady was expected though." Moving closer to Misako,
Usagi wondered, "Is there something else bothering you, Endymion?"

"Iie," Misako replied. Then feeling a tad guilty, she gave Usagi a quick
hug before turning and walking down the hallway.

                                 ******

Some twenty minutes later, Usagi stood on the edge of the soggy grass
and watched as Misako played with a ball. The little girl had given up
trying to play catch. Usagi wouldn't chase the ball across the soggy
ground. "Misako!" Usagi bellowed. <Just what I need is her getting
filthy before supper! Bad enough she's splashing around.> "Get away from
that mud puddle!" Little Serenity paused then looked at the mud puddle
longingly for a full five seconds before reluctantly shuffling away from
it.

She picked up the ball she had been playing with and threw it into the
mud puddle before heading towards her target. "Misako..." came her
mother's warning voice.

"Bawl!" Serenity replied and pointed at the ball that was now partially
floating in the center of the mud puddle.

"Iie!" came the sharp reply. Serenity paused in her advance and observed
her mother gracefully stroll across the lawn to the mud puddle, bend
over, and pick up the ball. She watched as the ball was shaken free of
mud and then her mother came towards her while talking. Most of it was
above Serenity's understanding so she ignored it.

"Awigato," Serenity replied as her mother handed her the ball. "Pway
Mommy."

<I'll strangle Endymion for saddling me with this.> "You play with your
ball, Miko-chan," Usagi suggested while heading back to the stairs that
led up onto the deck. She thought back to her childhood years and
playing Youma Catch, <I do like the wet, I don't like the mud...> It
seemed so long ago. She stopped her revelry and turned around when she
heard a splash. "Misako, bad girl," Usagi scolded with some exasperation
upon seeing the ball floating in the mud puddle again.

Serenity halted her trek to the mud puddle and looked sadly up at her
mother with her huge sky blue eyes. Her tiny odangos seemed to droop.
"Pway Mommy, pwease?" She sniffled again when her mother, who was
obviously upset with her, marched over and took the ball before coming
to stand in front of Misako.

"Iie," Usagi lectured while pointing to the mud puddle, "Bad... Tsukino
Misako stay away or I'll spank you." She then handed Serenity the ball.
Seeing the little girl looking between her and the mud puddle, Usagi
shook her head and repeated, "Iie."

"Hai!" Serenity said angrily and threw the ball back into the mud puddle
again. <Mommy play...> Serenity thought. Much to her surprise, Usagi
didn't go to get the ball a third time. Instead, her mother lifted her
up and started walking towards the deck. "Bawl... Mommy, my bawl!" she
whined.

"Gomen, if you can't keep it out of the mud puddle, I'm not going to get
it," Usagi replied. Ignoring her daughter's growing protests, she sat
Serenity on one of the wooden steps of the deck and sighed. "Maybe we
should go in. What if I read you a story?"

"Me no wan' stowy! Mommy pway!!" Serenity implored while stomping one of
her booted feet. Why couldn't her mommy understand?

Usagi was starting to wonder what she could do. Things were not going as
smoothly as she had hoped. It was then the phone rang. "Sit right there,
Misako," she instructed her daughter and darted up the stairs and into
the Royal Suite. Quickly shucking her dirty shoes, she crossed the
living room and answered the phone. "Moshi, moshi. Serenity speaking."

"Konnichiwa Serenity-chan," Minako's voice sang brightly, "Listen, do
you have that chocolate fudge recipe handy?"

"Minako-chan, this isn't the best time. Could I call you back later?"

"Not a problem," Minako replied, "Hmmm... you could give it to Kimeko
when she drops in after school, ne?"

"Hai," Usagi said, "I really should go. I'm looking after Misako..."

"Oh?" Minako asked with interest, "How'd Endymion-sama con you into
that?"

Usagi really wanted to chat with Minako but she had to look after
Misako. After politely deflecting Minako's question, Usagi said good-bye
and hung up the phone. Everything was quiet, too quiet. Then the soft
pattering of rain began anew. <It's a good thing we came in... out of
the...> "Great Serenity's Ghost!" Usagi exclaimed while running for the
back yard, "Misako's still out there."

                                 ******

Rushing out onto the deck, Usagi came to a dead stop while giving a
strangled gasp of surprise. Little Serenity was completely covered in
mud and not wearing a stitch of clothing except for an extremely soggy
diaper. As Usagi watched in shock the little girl splashing about in the
mud, the spatters of rain made little clean areas that quickly became
covered over again. In that instant, reality seemed to shift.

"Mom?" Usagi asked. She shook her head, trying to clear it. <I feel like
I've been dreaming.> And then she remembered where she was and why she
was there. <I never thought...> she trailed off and walked towards her
tiny mother, her emotions warring with each other. <This is like Misako
and Youma Catch.> Misako always did like mud. She smiled at the memory.
Usagi had once joked that Misako would become a mud wrestler. At the
time, she didn't understand why her parents hadn't liked the remark, but
now she understood.

Little Serenity stopped her splashing and regarded her towering mother.
The little girl sniffled as her eyes enlarged and her odangos seemed to
droop. "Me bad..." she admitted in a soft voice, "Gomen."

<Oh Kami-sama,> Usagi thought, <How could Mom ever hurt anybody who
looks that sad?> She knew how. She understood now and with that
understanding came guilt. <I don't like what Mother did but... I know
now why she did it. Damn it, why didn't I see it before?>

"Didn't I tell you not to go into that mud puddle?"

"Me sowwy, Mommy," Serenity apologized. She got up, toddled over to her
mother, and hugged her mother's legs. She stared up with her blue eyes
that shimmered with tears. "No mad, Mommy, pwease?!"

<What do I do?> Usagi thought, <Do I follow through on what I told her,
or do I ignore it?> It was a situation that Usagi didn't like to be in.
"Tsukino Misako, didn't I say no mud puddles?" Guilt washed over her as
Serenity sat down on the ground and started to cry. <You weren't very
nice to her,> Usagi thought. <Kami-sama, you're supposed to be a good
parent!> With that thought, Usagi knew what she was going to do. Bending
down, she lifted Serenity up into her arms and said, "Miko-chan, let's
go have a bath before you catch cold."

"Iie, bath bad!" the muddy child replied while starting to struggle.
Usagi ignored her and headed for the house while picking up the
discarded clothing. "BATH BAD!" Serenity howled in protest and the
battle of wills began.

                                 ******

Usagi let out a little sigh and sat on the stool that was beside the
bathtub a short time later. <Why Misako likes being covered in mud and
hates baths, I'll never know,> Usagi mused as she watched the toddler
splashing in the water. <Looks like she's gotten over her sulk already.>
Usagi rubbed her forehead while closing her eyes for a moment.
<Kami-sama, what a strange week. It almost seems like a dream.> Opening
her eyes again to regard the toddler, she reflected, <But now I know...
I understand why Mother did it, even if I don't agree with it. Things
will be different this time.>

"Iie, Miko-chan, sit down. You might fall," Usagi warned as little
Serenity tried to stand up.

"Pway Mommy," Serenity replied while sitting back down. She was ready
for another romp in the mud.

"Iie, you've already played lots today. What about a story?" Usagi
asked. Seeing Serenity get a funny look on her face, Usagi asked, "Do
you have to go potty?"

"Hai!" Serenity answered after a second or so.

Usagi lifted the toddler out of the tub and in one fluid motion
deposited her onto the miniature toilet. Then Usagi promptly pretended
she wasn't there to give Serenity some privacy. <I wonder if Atsuko will
take this long?> Usagi mused. She turned her head when she heard
Serenity give a slight gasp of surprise. "Nani?" Usagi asked.

"Cold!" Serenity replied, her eyes wide.

"Are you done?" Usagi asked. When the toddler nodded, Usagi set about
cleaning her up. When that was done, she smiled at Serenity and
complimented, "What a big girl. That was very good." Serenity giggled
and smiled happily at her mother. "Come on, Mesume, let's get you
changed," Usagi said and picking up a towel, started drying the little
girl off.

                                 ******

"Iie," Serenity declared, "Me good. Me potty."

"Gomen, Misako, but I think you still need to wear a diaper," Usagi
stated. Seeing that Serenity was going to protest, Usagi quickly added,
"You were a very good girl. We'll get you changed and put a nice dress
on you so you can show Daddy how big you are, ne?"

"Iie, me pway!" Serenity protested as her mother slipped the diaper on.
"Me pway, Mommy, pwease?!?"

"All your play clothes are dirty," Usagi lied, "You'll have to wear a
puffy dress..." <That should keep her from running me ragged,> Usagi
thought with a tinge of guilt, <Besides, she'll like being a big girl
like her onee.>

Serenity was disgusted in having to wear a dress, especially a frilly
pink one. Her sister had one like it but Endymion wasn't here so there
really wasn't any reason why she should have to tolerate such an
injustice. Wearing the disgusting thing also prevented her from playing
properly, even if Mommy told good stories.

                                 ******

As Usagi read Serenity a story, she tried to ignore the distant rumbling
of thunder. <Where's Endymion?> she wondered <And Small Lady?> They had
been gone most of the afternoon since the girls' naptimes.

"Dwink Mommy, pwease?" Serenity said.

"Boy, you're thirsty, Miko-chan," Usagi remarked as she got up and
carried the little girl into the kitchen. "Want milk or juice?"

"Juice!" Serenity chirped.

"Okay," Usagi agreed and filled Serenity's little spill-proof cup. "Here
you go."

"Awigato."

Usagi smiled and giving Serenity a hug, returned to the living room.
Sitting Serenity down in front of her blocks, Usagi instructed, "You
play quietly until Kimeko comes, ne Miko-chan?" Serenity mumbled
something as she concentrated on her blocks. <I'll just go and find that
recipe.> A couple of minutes later, Usagi heard the running of little
feet. "Misako?" she questioned as she looked out into the living room.
"Misako?!" she questioned in a more authoritative voice upon seeing that
her youngest daughter was missing.

"Potty!" came the almost desperate response. Usagi hurried into the
entrance to the hallway and saw little Serenity standing on tiptoe
trying to open her door. "Pot-ty..." Serenity stopped her efforts and
froze in position for a long moment.

"Miko-chan?" Usagi asked, "Do you have to go potty?" Serenity's response
was to give her a sad look while sniffling. As Usagi stared down the
hallway, Serenity's eyes quickly filled with tears and the toddler burst
into tears. "Miko-chan, what's wrong?" She walked down the hall to her
daughter.

Serenity tried to tell her mother but it wasn't any good. Usagi couldn't
understand what Serenity was saying and that just frustrated the toddler
who plopped down onto the ground and cried even harder. When Usagi
reached Serenity, she lifted the little girl up and hugged her close.
"Are you wet?"

"Hai," Serenity said reluctantly, "Me bad, me wet... no potty."

"Iie, you're very good," Usagi said, finally realizing what was
distressing the little girl. "Your Daddy and I are very proud of you,"
she added as she opened the bedroom door and walked over to the change
table. <We'll just have to remember not to shut the door.>

"Me no big girl," Serenity indicated sadly, her odangos seeming to droop
in response to her mood. She wanted to be like her big sister but now...

Usagi didn't comment until she had put a fresh diaper onto Serenity and
sat her down onto the bed. Holding the little girl close, she said,
"Miko-chan, we're very proud of you and love you very much. It won't be
long until you're a big girl and we're glad you're trying. That's what
counts."

Most of what her mother said passed above Serenity's comprehension.
However, she did understand the tone and it comforted her to know that
her mother loved her and wasn't mad at her. Snuggling closer, she
started to feel better as her mother continued to hug her and talk to
her comfortingly. Her mood improved even more when Kimeko came walking
into the room.

"Why the sad face, Princess?" Kimeko asked Serenity.

<Kim'ko different...> Serenity thought as she stretched up her arms to
hug her friend. She remembered Kimeko acting different and looking
different but this Kimeko was much nicer and friendlier than the other
one.

"I'll just let you two talk about today, Kimeko-san," Usagi said as she
gave Serenity a quick kiss and another hug. "I can go write out that
recipe that your mother wanted."

"Uh... Serenity-sama, could you maybe... um... like lose it?" Kimeko
asked sheepishly. She giggled when Usagi scowled at her crossly for a
moment before smiling and leaving the room. "So what did you do today,
Miko-chan?" Kimeko asked.

"Pway!" Serenity responded. What other important things were there to
do?

                                 ******

Serenity woke up late that night and looked around. She wondered why she
woke up. She wasn't wet and Endymion was sleeping peacefully beside her.
Then she heard it, a low rumbling sound that was soon followed by a
sound like an explosion. Getting out of bed as gently as she could,
Serenity hurried over and climbed up on a chair to look out the window.
Her eyes glittered with delight as lightning streaked across the sky and
the thunder began to explode around them. <Pretty.>

She felt some pride in being able to watch the lightning and thunder.
She remembered being scared of it when she was little but not now. Even
her big sister and Mommy were scared of thunder but her daddy wasn't.
She giggled as a sudden peal of thunder shook the Palace.

"Hmmm...?" Endymion mumbled. Serenity saw him sit up in bed and look
towards her.

"Onee, wain!" Serenity squeaked before expansively yawning. Turning away
from the window, Serenity hopped off the chair, came over to the bed,
and climbed onto it again before lying down. "'Sagi scawd?"

"Iie, Imouto," Endymion replied, "I'm not scared." <And my name's
Endymion!> He knew he shouldn't have been but he was afraid though.
Trying not to show his fear to his sister, Endymion turned his mind back
to that afternoon. <I never thought I'd get out of that corner.> After
being made to apologize to the Younger Senshi for his misbehavior,
Endymion had been told to sit in the corner in Younger Jupiter's office.
That had been boring. <At least I got out of there.> After about an hour
of corner time, Endymion had spent the rest of the afternoon helping
Sakuya clean her office. That part had been fun. <The funny thing is,
she even hugged me.> And that had been nice.

A loud crash of thunder shook the windows as lightning lit the room
brilliantly. Endymion gave a yelp of surprise and after leaping from the
bed, hurriedly left the room. Little Serenity yawned again, picked up
her stuffed rabbit, and laid back down. After a short time, Serenity sat
back up again. She was lonely so she hopped from the bed and followed
her frightened sister.

"Mommy scawd?" Serenity asked as she entered her parents' bedroom and
saw that her father wasn't there. "Where Daddy?"

"Are you scared, Miko-chan?" Usagi asked as she tightly hugged a
trembling Endymion to her bosom. Serenity toddled over to the bed and
with her mother's help, climbed onto it. When Serenity shook her head,
Usagi added, "It's okay to be scared." <I have to be brave for them.>

"Me no scawd," Serenity answered indignantly. "'Sagi scawd." And to
prove her point, she crawled off the bed and started to walk out of the
room.

"Where are you going, Misako?"

"Daddy!" Serenity sang out as she ignored her mother.

<I wish Endymion were here,> Usagi thought to herself. <Why doesn't he
come and see if I'm okay? Kami-sama, I'm his wife!> She felt her eldest
daughter shiver in fear as the thunder continued. <I really should go
and find Endymion... I mean so he can help me with the girls. Hai,
that's right.> "Let's go find your father, Small Lady."

"Are you scared, Mommy?" Endymion asked.

"Certainly not! I'm not..." Usagi was cut off but a roar of thunder that
sounded like the sky was being torn apart. Giving a scream, she hopped
from the bed and dashed from the room.

"Mommy! Wait for me!" Endymion cried out and ran after his mother.

                                 ******

Misako's eyes flew open as she heard the door to her room smash open.
"Nani?" she demanded.

"Endymion, the storm's scaring the children," Usagi declared while
trembling. <Please Endymion, protect me!> she pleaded with her eyes.

"ME NO SCAWD!" Serenity stated with exasperation. "Mommy 'n' Onee scawd,
Daddy." Even before she had completed her sentence, Usagi and Endymion
had ran over and crawled into the bed. Endymion was hugging his father
tightly while shivering.

"What do you think you're doing?" Misako asked, "There's no room in this
bed for all of you."

"Don't be silly, Endymion," Usagi said, "The girls want to spend the
night with their father." She pointedly ignored the dubious look that
Misako gave her. "I'll sleep on this side, Small Lady can sleep in the
middle, and I think we can fit Misako in here too, and then you on that
side." <Please don't throw us out.>

As it turned out, they could not fit Serenity in the middle with her
sister but the toddler was quite content to fall asleep while laying on
Misako's stomach. Her little head nestled on her father's broad, flat
chest. Despite the uncomfortable position, Misako started to feel
content. It was nice having a family that needed her protection.

The contentment was washed away as another peal of thunder shook the
Palace and little Endymion screamed while tightening the hold he had on
her neck. <This is going to be a long night,> Misako thought to herself.
Oddly enough, both Endymion and Usagi were thinking the same thing as
the storm continued to rage outside.


Chapter 8 - Reflections of Our Souls

Usagi began to stir as the torrent of rain became a soft pattering
against the window; the thunder and lightning had faded off into the
distance. Blinking in the darkness of the room, she shifted slightly to
peer at her family. Endymion had long since fallen asleep, safely
snuggled against Misako who had placed a comforting and protective arm
around the little girl. Her other arm gently hugged Serenity who was
also asleep, her small form rising and falling as her father breathed.

<I guess the storm's over,> Usagi thought and then turned her thoughts
to her husband, <Endymion... did I do something wrong? I don't think I
did but you're acting so strangely.> Reaching out her slender hand, she
stroked Misako's dark hair before tracing her cheekbone. Sighing a
little, she lowered her head onto her arm and closed her eyes. Sleep did
not come though.

<If I didn't have a wall behind me, Small Lady would push me out of
bed,> Usagi thought as her eldest daughter pressed a small foot into her
stomach. <I wonder what she's dreaming about?> Usagi wondered as she
removed Endymion's foot. <We have to go and watch Kimeko test for her
Younger Designation tomorrow. And then, I have that Court session...>
She lay there for a few more minutes before deciding that she wasn't
going to be able to fall asleep again. <I need to get comfortable.>

Carefully climbing out of bed, Usagi looked down at her family with
tenderness. <Maybe I should go get the camera.> Smiling a little to
herself, she shook her head. <Iie, no reason to wake them up.> She was
about to turn and leave when something Misako had said came back to her.
Pausing only for a moment, she reached down and gently lifted Serenity
into her arms. <Maybe Endymion was right and I did make a big stink over
having to spend the afternoon with you. I don't know what came over me
though.>

Turning, she quietly left the room while carrying Serenity. <Let's just
check your diaper and then, we'll go see if Mommy can go to sleep,>
Usagi thought as she walked across the living room and then, down the
hallway to Misako's bedroom. <I should leave a note for Endymion too.
Rei did invite me for breakfast and I do need to talk to her. Maybe she
can help.>

After changing the little girl's diaper, Usagi entered the master
bedroom. Carefully lying down, she settled Serenity on the bed beside
her. Seeing little Serenity's eyes looking up at her, Usagi smiled.
Serenity smiled around the thumb she had planted in her mouth. "It's
still early, sweetheart, go back to sleep," she suggested while gently
stroking Serenity's silken blonde-white hair. The toddler gave an
expansive yawn, closed her eyes, and drifted back into slumber. <Let me
get through tomorrow and then, I'll make sure we spend some time
together,> Usagi promised as she lay back in bed and closed her eyes.

                                 ******

At exactly eight o'clock, Usagi knocked on the apartment door of Hino
Rei and family. After only a few seconds, Rei who was carrying the
newest addition to the family opened the door. "Ohayo, Your Majesty.
Nori-chan, say ohayo to Her Majesty." Noriko just stared up at Usagi as
she drank from her bottle.

"Noriko?" Usagi questioned.

"Hai!" Rei said, "Come in please, Serenity."

"Arigato. I appreciate this, Rei-chan," Usagi remarked as she stepped
inside and removed her shoes. She took the proffered pair of guest
slippers and started putting them on. "How old is she, Rei-chan?"

"About twenty months," Rei answered. "Ikado!"

"Hai, Okaa-san?"

"Please come say hello to Her Majesty!"

"But Moooom, I'm watchin' anime!" came the high-pitched whine. Usagi
tried not to laugh as Rei gave her a look of long suffering. But before
Rei could respond, her daughter came out of living room to Usagi's right
and gave a small curtsey. "Ohayo, Your Majesty."

<Nani?> Usagi blinked. <I thought she had a cold...> "How old are you,
Ikado-chan?"

"Six 'n' a half, goin' on seven!" Ikado stated proudly. "Can I go watch
my show now, Okaa-san?"

"Iie," Rei replied, "You aren't even dressed for school. Something I
told you to do five times already."

"You could take her in her pajamas, Rei-chan," Usagi suggested.

"Please don't encourage her, Serenity-sama," Rei chided her friend,
"Well, don't just stand there. Come in to the dining room." Turning back
to her daughter, she added, "And you, young lady, go and get dressed in
your fuku for school." Ikado pouted a little but wandered towards a
hallway where the bedrooms were located.

Usagi softly chuckled to herself. <Noriko is so small, not even two
yet.> It was certainly a change from the eleven year old friend of
Misako's she knew. <Ikado's different too. I wonder what Hana looks
like?> As she sat down at the table, she requested, "Rei-chan, may I
hold Noriko?"

"Hai," Rei agreed, "Arigato. I'd put her down but she's been acting
fussy lately."

"Anything the matter?" Usagi asked in concern as she took Noriko.
Noriko's eyes enlarged. "How are you this morning, Noriko-chan?" she
asked before smiling down at the child. Noriko smiled back shyly.

"Iie, I don't think so, Serenity. She might be starting to teethe," Rei
speculated as she poured some tea for Usagi. "I'm sure it's minor. I'll
have Ami look at her later on to be safe." Setting the cup of tea down
in front of Usagi, she asked, "So what would you like?" Usagi looked
over the selection of foods before her and wondered what to take.

                                 ******

Some time later, Usagi sat back in her chair with a sigh, wiped her
hands, and smiled at her hostess. "Rei-chan, that was excellent. Domo
Arigato."

"You're quite welcome, Serenity," Rei replied. Folding her hands, she
looked at her friend thoughtfully and wondered, "Is something troubling
you?"

Usagi smiled, "You always could figure out when I'm brooding, ne
Rei-chan?" Giving her hands another wipe and setting the napkin down on
the table, she took a sip of tea before saying, "Endymion's been acting
funny. It's like I've done something wrong but he won't tell me what it
is."

Rei was silent for a moment before she commented, "Serenity, do you
think it could be that he's worried that Kimeko might fail today?"

"Iie, this started even before Sakuya told us she'd be testing Kimeko
today," Usagi replied. After taking another sip of tea, she added, "I
think it might be this case that the Court is hearing, Rei-chan. I've
been so preoccupied with it. I've pretty much left Endymion running
everything. And with Small Lady under foot, that can be hard sometimes."

"Have you talked to Endymion-sama?"

Usagi blinked a little and smiled. "Well... um... not exactly... Maybe
that's what I should do." Rubbing her temples, Usagi continued, "But
that'll have to wait until after Court today."

Rei gave her friend a slightly sour look and said, "I think we should
have held Court this morning. I know how special Kimeko's examination is
to you and Princess Misako. But this is a matter of State,
Serenity-sama."

"I know, Rei-chan," Usagi admitted with an apologetic smile, "This is a
serious matter. But the delay does give Haruka a chance to take a look
around the Palace for serious storm damage. And I wouldn't want Minako's
mood to be spoiled."

Before Rei could respond, there was a knock on the door. "I bet that's
the worried mommy now."

"I bet you that's Luna looking for me," Usagi countered. They were both
wrong -- it was Misako and Serenity. Misako was wearing her lavender
tuxedo while Serenity looked less than pleased at having to wear a
frilly blue dress that had little pink roses around the neckline.

As Misako sat down at the table and took the offered cup of tea from
Rei, she turned to Usagi and remarked, "Serenity, that was awfully cruel
of you to tell Sakuya she could wake me up."

"Why what did she do?" Usagi asked innocently.

"She let Small Lady wake me up," Misako said sourly. Rei and Usagi
giggled.

                                 ******

Some time later, Usagi, Misako, and little Serenity took their seats in
the Observation Room of the Senshi Training Facility. "Are you sure
Misako should have came along?" Usagi asked as she glanced at her
youngest daughter, "They aren't letting Hiroshi in here."

"Serenity-chan," Makoto remarked from the row behind the Royal Family,
"Lighten up a little. Misako's only a baby and a princess. I bet you if
Small Lady wanted to come, you'd make sure she got in, ne?"

"Of course," Misako replied for her wife.

Usagi sniffed a little, "That's different. Small Lady is going to be a
Sailor Senshi someday. She needs to see Senshi in action."

Misako and Makoto rolled their eyes at this remark. "Well," Misako
countered, "Misako's needs to see Senshi too. She's going to cheer
Kimeko on, ne Miko-chan?"

"Kim'ko?" Serenity asked as she started looking around for her friend.

"Wait a little bit, Miko-chan," Misako said. Serenity obliged by
settling back onto her seat and looking around the strange room. "Did
you see Elder Venus?"

"Hai," Usagi explained, "She was having a battle of wills with Younger
Jupiter. Apparently Minako wants to be up in the Control Room when the
test is running and Sakuya's opposed to it." She had just begun
wondering who would win the battle of wills when Minako came stalking
into the room, her brow a thundercloud of indignation. "I take it she
kicked you out?"

"Iie," Minako replied, "I pulled rank on her." Flopping into a seat
beside Usagi, she added, "She pulled a dirty trick and used my own rules
against me." Usagi patted Minako on the shoulder sympathetically.

"You do want Kimeko to do well, ne?" Rei asked from her position beside
Elder Jupiter. Minako sat straighter in her chair and nodded. "And you
wouldn't want the other Youngers saying she got her new status because
her mom is the Senshi Commander, ne?"

"You're right, Rei-chan," Minako agreed. Leaning forward, she smiled at
Misako and Serenity and said, "Gomen nasai, Your Majesties, Your
Highness, I didn't mean to be rude."

"That's all right, Commander. How is Kimeko?" Misako asked.

"Worried," Minako admitted, "She couldn't understand why Sakuya called a
special practice session today." Grinning, she added, "She also didn't
like the fact that I was apparently in the dark as to why the practice
was being called."

"I hope you didn't give anything away, Minako-chan," Usagi countered.
<That would not do at all!> Minako was about to launch into great vocal
protest when a soft chime sounded. Immediately, the Observation Room
fell silent as tension filled the air. <Ami really should be here,> she
thought. Ami was busy with her duties, however. And as the lights in the
room dimmed, the simulation began below them.

                                 ******

Misako watched Kimeko's combat intensely. And with the passing of time,
Misako's pride grew. Even when Chibi-Venus fumbled, Misako couldn't help
but feel pride. <She's come so far. She'll make a great guardian for
Misako.> The ending was all anyone could hope for. Chibi-Venus executed
a graceful arcing leap while firing off two accurate shots to destroy
her final opponents.

Even little Serenity clapped when the others applauded although she
didn't really understand why they were clapping. The toddler was
startled though when Minako, in a burst of pent up energy, sprang to her
feet and started jumping up and down for joy.

"Commander," Misako began, "We don't even know if Kimeko passed." She
grunted then as Usagi dug an elbow into her side. "I didn't say she
wouldn't," she protested, "I just said we don't know."

"I don't care!" Minako remarked, "That was the best she's ever done!"
Smiling broadly, Minako bid her good-byes quickly and ran out of the
Observation Room.

"If she keeps that up, there's no way Sakuya's going to let her into the
debriefing," Usagi pointed out, "I can understand Minako's excitement
though. She was right. That's the best Kimeko's ever done." <I hope
Small Lady will do as well some day.>

"I know, Serenity," Misako agreed, "And I think we made a good decision
about having Kimeko as guardian for Misako." Lifting Serenity up so she
could look into the little girl's eyes, she said, "Isn't that right,
Miko-chan?"

Serenity gave an expansive yawn before whining out, "Me pway Daddy,
pwease?!?" This grownup stuff was so boring.

"Miko-chan," Usagi said, "Come here. I'll show you a neat game to play."
After a moment, Serenity went over to her mother who started
entertaining the little girl. "This gives me something to do while I
wait for the debriefing to conclude. I wish I could be there for
Kimeko." <I'm so proud for them both.>

"I wish I could be there too," Misako replied wistfully.

"Well, Endymion-sama, you could always wear Venus' Sailor fuku like you
did that one time," Makoto offered.

"What, and scare poor little Misako-sama to death?" Rei asked. She
smiled as Misako glared at her.

                                 ******

A short time later, Usagi was hugging Kimeko tightly. "I'm so proud of
you," Usagi declared, "That was very well done! Congratulations!"

"Arigato, Your Majesty," Kimeko replied while blushing deeply, "I
thought Younger Jupiter was going to like scold me for a couple of
things I did wrong." Smiling, she added, "And like then, when I saw the
extra Senshi in the debriefing, I never even clued in."

"You should be proud," Misako agreed, "You worked very hard." Shifting
Serenity so she was facing Kimeko, she continued, "Even Miko-chan is
proud of her guardian."

"Are you proud of me, Miko-chan?" Kimeko asked. She hoped so. Her desire
to be the best guardian for Misako kept her going through many a boring
training session.

"Kim'ko... good. Kim'ko pway," Serenity replied and held out her arms.
She was quite delighted when Kimeko came forward and gave her a big hug.

"I wish I could play, Princess. We'll play later on I promise. I have to
go to school now." Serenity pouted a little, she wanted to play outside.

"Don't worry, Miko-chan," Minako reassured the little girl, "YOUNGER
Venus will be quite happy to play with you after school." Turning to
Usagi, she asked, "Serenity-sama, will you please come to lunch with
YOUNGER Venus and I?"

"Gomen, Commander, I'd love to but Luna has already co-opted my lunch
time for research for Court this afternoon."

"Mom... I gotta go to school," the fourteen year old added, "I can't go
with you to lunch."

Minako pouted a little and then gave her daughter a large smile. "Well
that means I'll just have an excuse to cook you an extra special
supper."

"Take the lunch! Take the lunch!" Rei shouted good naturedly upon
hearing this remark.

"And here I thought you were proud of her," Makoto observed, much to the
annoyance of the red bowed one.

<I think it's time to go,> Usagi thought. Giving Kimeko another hug,
Usagi said, "Now you have a good day at school and I'll see you later
on, okay?"

"Hai!" Kimeko chirped brightly. <But what a choice, miss classes that I
can't afford to miss or eat Mom's cooking...> Sometimes it was not easy
being the daughter of Aino Minako.

                                 ******

Usagi spent most of the time she would normally be eating lunch
discussing State matters with Luna. She found it rather boring and more
than once, Luna had to scold her for letting her mind wander. Now, only
a short time before Court was to begin for the afternoon, Luna, Usagi,
Elder Mercury, and Elder Neptune were off in a small conference room
outside the Throne Room.

Luna sat on the large table facing Usagi, to her left was Elder Mercury,
and to her right was Elder Neptune. "I can only advise you,
Serenity-sama. The final decision is up to you, Elder Mercury, and Elder
Neptune."

"I am afraid, Your Majesty, that you will be setting precedence in this
case. There are a few similar cases but none that have such long
standing ramifications," Mercury explained, "My analysis was quite
thorough on the matter."

"A high ranking nobleman of your Court knowingly and with malice of
forethought plotted to remove you forcefully from the Throne," Neptune
stated, "This can't be the first time someone's tried to remove royalty
from a throne by force."

"So what do you recommend, Michiru-chan?" Usagi asked while rubbing her
forehead. <I can feel a migraine headache coming on.> As she listened to
the two Elder Senshi and Luna discuss their options, Usagi wanted
nothing more than to go home and talk to Misako.

"May I say something, Serenity-sama?" Luna interjected.

"Hai," Usagi replied, "What is it, Luna?"

"Serenity-sama, it might be kinder to sentence him to death. He is only
in his thirties and as far as we know, this is the only disloyalty that
he's ever shown towards you. Life imprisonment would be torturous and
unnecessarily cruel. A death might, in addition, deter others from
attempting similar crimes against the Throne."

"There are ten minutes until Court is to convene. Luna, could you please
leave us while we deliberate?"

"Certainly, Your Majesty," Luna said while standing. Giving her best
catty bow, Luna leapt from the table and left the room.

After the Lunar Cat was gone, Usagi looked at her Senshi with a grim
expression and declared, "We will vote. Elder Mercury, what say you?"

"Death," Mercury said.

"And you, Elder Neptune?"

Michiru paused for a long moment before saying, "Life imprisonment
without parole."

<I'm the deciding vote,> Usagi thought, <I wish I had different
sentencing choices. Put a man to death, or imprison him for life.> She
knew what her past self would do, what Usagi would do in that situation,
avoid the matter and talk to the fellow. <I can't avoid the matter. I
hate killing of any kind. Neptune's proposal would be a suitable
punishment... But we will be facing war in another couple of years.>
Usagi could feel the weight of her office bearing down on her.

"Serenity-sama," Mercury prodded, "Use this opportunity to deter
others."

"Who says it would deter others? And what if new evidence turns up to
prove that he's innocent? Serenity-sama, couldn't bring him back without
given up her own life," Neptune countered.

<I never wanted this job... I thought being Queen meant I could help
people not hurt them.> She had no choice though, the people wanted a
leader who was strong and decisive. <They'll need one when the Black
Moon Family invades.> The Throne had to be seen as secure. Usagi knew
she couldn't shrink from her duty. <Kami-sama, what be will be?>

"We can delay, Serenity-sama, if you wish," Elder Mercury suggested
after some moments of silence had passed.

"Iie," Usagi said after a short pause, "I've decided how I will vote."

                                 ******

It was almost four in the afternoon. The rain clouds had vanished,
allowing the day to end with a beautiful sunset. "Hop! Hop! Hop!"
Serenity shouted as she jumped around Endymion's bedroom. "I Bunny!"
Misako smiled as she watched her daughters.

"Small Lady, I'm going to the bathroom. Watch your imouto for a second."

"Hai!" Endymion replied, "You good hopper, Miko-chan." When Misako left
the room, Endymion skipped over to the door and peeked around the
corner. Seeing that his father was out of sight, Endymion quickly ran
over to the bed and climbed up on it. "I can hop higher than you can!"
he called out as he started jumping on the bed.

"'Sagi hop!" Serenity cheered. "Me hop, 'Sagi!" She moved to climb onto
the bed but Endymion stopped her.

"Iie, you're too little, Imouto," he warned.

"Me hop, pwease?" Serenity asked, her eyes drooping into a sad
expression. When Endymion shook his head, Serenity let her odangos droop
as well as her eyes started to fill with tears. "Pwease Onee, me hop?"

"Hai," Endymion conceded. <How does she do that?> Kneeling on the bed,
Endymion helped Serenity onto the bed before they both began to jump.

"Hop!!!!" Serenity shouted with a giggle. Endymion giggled in response.
"Onee bunny! Me bunny!" It seemed so appropriate for his sister to say
that. "Hop 'Sagi."

"Bounce!" Endymion replied and kicking his legs out from under him
landed on his bottom.

"B'unce!" Serenity replied with a giggle and attempted to follow suit.

"Miko-chan!" Endymion called out in warning but it was too late.
Serenity leaned back and vanished over the edge with a cry of surprise.
Endymion's shock vanished when the toddler started crying. "Are you
okay?!?" he asked while scrambling over to look down at his sister. <I
should have saved you,> he thought. Something stirred with in him, <When
I was bigger, I could have saved her.> Jumping off the bed, Endymion
knelt by Serenity who was crying loudly. "Serenity..." He felt his own
tears starting to flow down his small cheeks.

"What happened?" came the deep rumble of concern.

"She fell, Dad.... Misako," Endymion said with worry, "I'm too little.
Help her!"

Misako ran over and put her hands on Serenity's face. "Miko-chan, I'm
right here. Where does it hurt?" At the sound of Misako's voice,
Serenity's crying softened although it did not lessen. While talking
soothingly to the little girl, Misako ran her hands over the tiny body.
<No blood, and nothing seems broken.> Carefully lifting the toddler into
her arms, Misako hugged the little girl close to her. "Shhh... I'm right
here, Miko-chan."

"Is she okay?" Endymion asked, "Is SERENITY okay?" Misako blinked at
down at the little girl for a long moment before shaking her head.
"What's wrong with her?!?" Endymion asked, fear and worry plainly
showing on his face.

Smiling a little, Misako reached out and pulled Endymion into a hug.
"It's okay. She's got a boo-boo on her elbow. We'll go fix that up."
Serenity sniffled and snuggled closer to Misako but didn't say anything.
"I think she just got scared more than anything else." Slowly standing
up, she walked from the room, a very concerned looking Endymion
following close behind her.

<I'm Endymion,> Endymion thought, <I'm Endymion!> But that seemed so
distant now. They entered the master bathroom where Misako got out a
washcloth and a Band-Aid. <I used to do that,> he thought as he watched
Misako first wash the scrape, all the while talking to Serenity. Next,
she applied the bandage and gave the little girl a kiss on her elbow and
then her forehead.

"Are you okay, Serenity?" Endymion asked as he came over to stand beside
the toilet where Misako was sitting with the little girl on her lap.

"Mommy?" Serenity said and looked around. Not seeing her mother
anywhere, she added, "Pway 'Sagi, no cry." She gave a little sniffle
before smiling. She allowed Misako to wash her face and hands without
protest.

"How did this happen?" Misako asked.

"Miko-chan," Endymion explained, "We were jumpin' on the bed." He saw
Misako's face crease with a frown. "I didn't mean for Serenity to get
hurt. You have to believe me, Misako."

"Dad?" Misako asked, "Things are getting weird."

Endymion's worry over Serenity was now mixed with some hope. "Miko-chan,
it's time to go back. Until Serenity got hurt, I really thought I was
Small Lady. If that's what it takes to remember who I am, then I don't
want to 'member... but I have to!"

"'Sagi pway," Serenity squeaked. Her sister wasn't making any sense.

"Not now," Endymion replied, "Daddy, I mean Misako." He shook his head.
"It's gettin' hard again." He followed Misako out of the bathroom,
through the master bedroom, and out into the hallway. "Daddy, I know I'm
Endymion. I 'member being big 'n' strong like you but I'm a girl, ne?"
It was so confusing.

"I never wanted to see Mom cry, Otou-san," Misako admitted softly as she
entered Serenity's bedroom. Walking over to the change table, Misako
quickly checked Serenity's diaper before sitting on the bed.

He giggled. "Somethin' says that you look like Imouto but bigger and
that's funny," Endymion commented his brow furrowed as he sat on the bed
beside his daughter. "Please Daddy, we gotta go back!"

                                 ******

<Hai,> Misako thought, <We do have to go back.> She knew what her father
meant by difficult to remember. She had spent most of today as Endymion
and up until a few moments ago, she hadn't even remembered that she was
Misako. <I'm losing myself... and 'Sagi.> There was a strange and
disgusting desire that she couldn't readily explain.

"Daddy, I'm mixed up. I want to be like Mommy but I know I was big 'n'
strong 'n' stuff. I 'member Imouto lookin' like Mommy but that's silly
'cause I look like Mommy. Don't I?"

Misako could see the strain on Endymion's features as he strove to
explain concepts that were beyond his five year old mental ability to
grasp. <Small Lady's mind must be taking hold of him. Just like
Endymion's is doing to me,> Misako concluded. She glanced down as
Serenity started to squirm. The little girl wasn't saying anything but
she could sense the tension that was building in the room. <We need to
talk to 'Sagi.> Just where was Usagi? <How long before we slip again?>

"'Sagi pway," Serenity demanded simply.

"Hai Imouto," Endymion replied but was stopped from moving when Misako
placed a hand on his arm. "I'm sorry Misako got hurt, Daddy. Gomen
nasai. I'm her onee 'n' I know I'm s'pposed to watch her and stuff."
Tears once again sprang from his eyes.

"Iie, you're Endymion," Misako corrected, "Remember, you're my dad."
Serenity gave her father a confused look while Endymion twisted his face
in confusion. "I'm Misako. Otou-san, remember this is Serenity, your
wife. She got hurt. You're Endymion." Endymion nodded but the strain was
obvious. <Mom... Usagi should be home!> At that moment, they heard the
door to the Royal Suite open and after a couple of minutes, they heard
someone padding down the hallway.

Walking over to the door, Misako saw that it was Usagi, looking rather
tired and dejected. With only a vague wave of her hand in greeting, she
wandered into the master bedroom and closed the door.

                                 ******

"Endymion, is Kimeko here?" Usagi asked when she heard the bedroom door
open. She was lying on the bed, an arm across her eyes. "I have such a
headache."

"Iie," Misako answered. "She went out with her family for supper to
celebrate."

"Mommy sad?" asked a little voice. Usagi removed her arm and looked up
to see Serenity and Endymion looking at her seriously.

"Iie, sweetheart," Usagi said and held out her arms for Serenity. Misako
brought the toddler over and let her down as Usagi sat up. "What
happened to you? Did you get an ouchie?" Serenity nodded. Reaching up,
she caught Misako's hand and squeezed it. As Misako sat down on the bed,
Endymion climbed up and over to Usagi.

"Rough day, ne?" Misako asked.

"Hai," Usagi replied while reaching out to draw Misako towards her. "A
VERY rough day." She seemed to fall into the gulf of her husband's eyes.
<Oh Endymion...> "Did I do anything wrong, Endymion? Why are you mad at
me? Please tell me."

"I'm not mad at you, Serenity," Misako retorted. Moving forward, she was
going to give Usagi a hug when Usagi placed her hands along side her
face. "Nani?"

Usagi didn't answer. Instead, she drew Misako's face closer and closing
her eyes, kissed her husband on the lips. After first, there was no
reaction and then she felt Misako kissing back while a firm hand was
placed on her back. When Misako grunted and jerked away, Usagi felt her
frustration build. "What is it?"

"Usagi just kicked me!" Misako replied while glaring at down Endymion
who smiled sweetly back before becoming serious again. Then the
realization of what she had just been doing struck her. <I was kissing
'Sagi?!?> She scrubbed her lips in disgust. <I'm gonna have to brush!>

Misako saw Usagi take on a hurt expression but before she could do
anything, Usagi chided, "Small Lady, that wasn't very nice. Now
apologize to your father. Then go and watch television with your
imouto."

"Iie, it's time to go back, Mommy!" Endymion pleaded. Usagi blinked in
confusion. "Make me a boy like Daddy!"

"Silly... Small Lady, you're always going to be a girl."

"Iie, that isn't true, Onee-chan," Misako corrected, "Remember Small
Lady is really Endymion, our father. You used the Ginzuishou to change
him into a girl."

"Nani? Endymion," Usagi began in puzzlement while moving to get off the
bed, "what type of game have you been playing with them?" <His behavior
is so odd lately.>

"It's no game, 'Sagi-chan," Misako responded, "Misako's really Serenity,
our mother."

Usagi stood up and carrying Serenity, left the room at a brisk pace.
Endymion and Misako quickly followed her. <Endymion's gone nuts... See
what he gets for avoiding me all this time.> Setting the baby down by
her blocks, she turned and walked over to Misako. Wrapping her arms
around her husband, Usagi traced a finger over the firm jaw and
suggested, "What if we go out for supper, Mamo-chan? Just you and me. We
can even use the Disguise Pens. Just a couple of young lovers just like
the old days. Ne, what do you say?"

"Onee-chan!" Misako hissed with some disgust, "I'M Misako!"

"Endymion, I think you've worked too hard," Usagi assumed. <Maybe I
should see if he'll go see Ami for a check-up. Iie, he's still mad at
me. That's why he's acting so peculiar. I know...> "Why don't we make
reservations at a hotel for the night. Sakuya can stay with the girls."
Leaning forward, she whispered, "I'll even wear that green bikini I
bought."

"Bikini?!?" Endymion shouted, "Young lady, you aren't leaving this suite
with a bikini!" He wasn't exactly sure why that was bad but he knew it
was.

"Go get a Disguise Pen," Misako ordered. Usagi smiled and happily
obliged. As she left the living room, she could hear Endymion saying
something angrily to Misako. <I wonder what that's all about?> After
locating the Disguise Pen in the master bedroom, she returned to the
living room where Misako and Endymion were having a very intense
discussion. "What's the problem?"

"Nothing," Misako said and taking the Disguise Pen from Usagi, lifted it
over her head. "I'm sorry to do this, 'Sagi, but I think this is the
only way you'll remember." Even before Usagi could say anything, Misako
issued a command to the Disguise Pen and the room was filled with
magical light.

"Daddy?" Serenity called. She looked on in wonder at seeing an older
version of herself where her Daddy had stood. "Where Daddy?" she asked.

"I'm Tsukino Misako. I'm twelve, and I'm your imouto," Misako stated to
Usagi who was looking bewildered. "I'm not really Endymion. Small Lady
is Endymion."

"That's impossible..." <But it seems so familiar, why?> She simply
stared at Misako who looked back at her. <That's what Misako will look
like at twelve. Quite a pretty young lady.> She didn't even notice
Serenity who looked around her legs to see if her Daddy was hiding
behind Mommy. "Endymion..."

"Hai!" Endymion answered, a look of great concentration of his face,
"Hurry Daddy!" He didn't know how much longer he could keep from being
swallowed completely by Small Lady's persona.

"Small Lady..."

"Is you," Misako interrupted, "'Sagi-chan, I'm the real Misako."

"'Sagi, where Daddy?" Serenity asked her voice sounding worried.
Endymion went over and started comforting her. He couldn't do much.
Things were just too confusing for him to follow. It would be up to
Misako now.

Usagi shook her head as if trying to clear it. After scrubbing at her
face, she said, "Miko-chan? What's going on? I keep feeling like I woke
up from a dream."

"Is that you, 'Sagi-chan?" Usagi nodded. "What I figured out is that
when we changed bodies, we got each other's personalities. The longer we
remain, the more dominate the original personality becomes," Misako
explained, "'Sagi-chan, we HAVE to go back."

"But they can't hurt you here," Usagi pointed out as she looked towards
her tiny parents. "You're doing something important now, Miko-chan."

"I'm your imouto, Usagi. I know I'm doing something important but it
isn't me," Misako countered. "I like being an adult but I can't be Dad.
I have to be myself. You have to be yourself." <Dad has such high hopes
for us. I never really understood before but I know we'll grow up fine.>

"We can do it over again, Misako. We can do it right this time," Usagi
argued, "We can tell Pluto to forget breaking up the girls. They'll be
as close as they are now."

"That would mean we could never be sisters, Onee-chan. You told me once
that was all you wanted. Was that a lie? What you want me to be is a
husband and I can't... I WON'T do that."

Usagi closed her eyes. When she opened them again, she found herself
looking at "Endymion" again. "This really isn't me, 'Sagi. Do you think
Mom and Dad would spend so much time in separate bedrooms? I kept away
from you because I was your imouto, and I had feelings I shouldn't have
had. Feelings that Endymion has for Serenity."

"Misako..."

Misako smiled slightly and continued, "I want to be a Sailor Senshi,
'Sagi. I want to take my vows like all the other Senshi. I want to earn
my Younger Designation just like Kimeko and the others did. Like you
did. I want us to be the best Senshi team."

"Staying here will let you have that!" Usagi argued. "If we go back,
we're going to be grounded for life. Besides, you ARE a Sailor Senshi,
Misako. If you want to be a girl, I'll even use the Ginzuishou to make
you one. You can be the girls' oba." When Misako shook her head, Usagi
stepped towards her sister and declared, "Miko-chan, I want us to be
happy. We can be happy now. We won't have to worry about anybody hurting
us again."

"Please Mommy," came the high-pitched voice of Endymion, "I wanna go
back!" Usagi turned and saw tears in Endymion's eyes. She saw tears in
Serenity's as well. The toddler couldn't understand what was happening
but everything was very confusing.

"It's not fair..." Usagi began softly.

"It's not fair to our children, 'Sagi," Misako interrupted gently, "We
made a promise to go back and it's time to go back. We have to go for
them, Onee-chan. If you don't do it for me, think about Endymion and
Serenity. Think about the people you leave behind. Please Onee-chan."

<I did give my word,> Usagi thought, <Damn it, why hasn't Pluto come?>
That bothered her. <I can't go through the Black Moon Family War trapped
in crystal, but that's what will... must happen.> She gazed down at the
little girls and pondered, <I can't make them go through that again.
What I went through.> Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath. <I hated
sentencing that man to death.>

The decision was hers. <War is coming and I didn't have any choice.> She
had wanted to imprison him but what her subjects needed was strong and
decisive leadership. <Hard times are ahead of this kingdom...> And not
only the Black Moon Family War. <Could I watch Sakuya go through her
trial? Could I risk her being sentenced to death for her act of treason?
Could I just sit by and watch my children go to the past and into harm's
way for years?> She knew she couldn't unless, of course, the Serenity
persona had completely engulfed her. <I thought being Queen would be
easy. I thought Okaa-san had an easy decision to split me and Misako
up.> Opening her eyes, she looked at the toddler that was her mother. <I
will never agree with your decision, Mother, but I understand that you
did it for our people.> Still, that didn't answer why Pluto made the
demand of her in the first place.

"'Sagi-chan," Misako spoke softly, "Do you think Okaa-san would really
hurt herself?"

After a long pause, Usagi drew out the Ginzuishou. "All right, minna,
we're going back."

Endymion gave a cry of delight and hugged his little sister who was
still looking very confused. And as she watched her mother, the room
once again became awash with magical light.

End of Chapter 8

Coming next in Chapter 9 - Tide of Change