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

Those characters that are original and the story "The World Turned
Upside Down" 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 5 - Motorcycle Madness

Little Serenity felt warm and secure as she started waking up the next
morning. She was cuddled close to someone and it felt nice. She knew it
wasn't her sister though. This person was much bigger than her sister
was. After opening her eyes and scrubbing some of the sleep away from
them, Serenity saw that it was her mother.

"Mommy," Serenity said softly. When her mother didn't answer, she gave
her mother a little push and said a little louder, "Mommy..." Her mother
mumbled something and rolled over to her back freeing Serenity from the
hug. <Aw... Mommy no play.> And her father wasn't around. <'Sagi play,>
Serenity thought as she carefully crawled from underneath the covers and
crept over to the edge of the bed. She didn't want to wake her mother
up.

Getting off the huge bed was a bit trickier. It was a bigger bed than
she was used to but it wasn't impossible. Once off the bed, Serenity
turned her attention to the door -- it was definitely closed. Walking
closer, a little frown on her face, she wondered how she was going to
reach the knob. Then her eyes came to rest upon a chair that was close
to the door.

Her first attempt at reaching the doorknob while standing on the chair
was thwarted because the chair was too far away. After some grunting and
grumbling about the baka chair, Serenity with difficulty managed to pull
it close to the door. Her efforts were rewarded though when she managed
to open the door and get out into the hallway.

Since her room was the closest to the master bedroom, Serenity walked up
to the partially closed door and pushed it open. She blinked at the
brightness of the room. The early morning sun was just beginning to peek
over the wall in the back yard and had started to stream in under the
drawn shade. She smiled as she saw her older sister asleep in her bed.

Walking over to the bed, she climbed onto it and crawled towards her
sister's head. Endymion was on his side hugging a stuffed pink bunny to
his chest. It was only then that Serenity gave the matter of waking her
older sister up any consideration. She could not sit on her sister's
back like last time. So what to do?

"'Sagi?" Serenity called out while shaking her sister, "Pway!" Endymion
grumbled and rolled to his back, still clutching the bunny. Taking her
finger, Serenity poked it up one of Endymion's nostrils and started
wiggling it. That had the desired effect. As Endymion batted her hand
away, he sat up and stared bleary-eyed at his baby sister.

"Hey!"

"Pway!"

Endymion scowled slightly before getting up on the bed. Walking
carefully, he hopped off of it and headed for the bathroom. Serenity, of
course, followed him. "Ne, Imouto, are you wet?" he asked. For the first
time, Serenity thought about it and shook her head. "Maybe you should
go."

"Go where?" Serenity asked confused.

"The bathroom," Endymion replied, "Just wait until I'm done and then you
can try. Okay?"

"'Sagi, pway... pwease?!?"

"Hai," Endymion thought, "But just wait a little bit."

                                 ******

Usagi groaned a little bit as she rolled onto her side. <What is that
noise?> she wondered to herself. Her eyes opened and she asked,
"Miko-chan?" When there was no answer, she pushed herself into a sitting
position and looked around. "Misako?" she called out in a louder voice.
The only response that she could hear was that strange noise again. Upon
listening closer, she realized that what she was hearing was giggling.
Climbing out of bed and putting on a bathrobe, she left her room and
looked up and down the hallway before peering into Misako's bedroom.

Seeing it was empty, Usagi turned and walked towards the other bedroom.
<What are those two up to?> Usagi thought with some annoyance. The
giggling was definitely coming from Usagi's bedroom and it was way too
early for them to be having that much fun. When she looked into the
room, Usagi's anger flared slightly at the sight of her two children
jumping up and down on the bed.

Then their giggling worked its way into her heart and she couldn't find
it in her to yell at them. She fondly remembered doing the same at their
age and could hardly blame them. She stood watching as both little girls
bounced up and down on the bed in sheer joy; the bedframe giving an
occasional groan of protest. It was Endymion who first spotted Usagi
watching them. In mid-jump, he jerked suddenly and sat on the bed.
Serenity who had her back to Usagi continued to bounce.

"Hop! Hop! Hop!" Serenity giggled out, "Hop 'Sagi!" Serenity became
concerned when her sister just sat there and stared. Stopping her
bouncing, she turned around and looked to see what was distressing her
sister. A tingle of electricity shot through her as she saw their mother
standing in the doorway. Self-preservation caused Serenity to sit
suddenly putting her bottom out of easy reach.

"Ohayo, Mesume," Usagi said with a smile.

"Mommy, I went potty!" Serenity declared, hoping it would distract her
mother from their misbehavior.

"And I helped, Mommy!" Endymion quickly added following his sister's
lead.

"Honto?" Usagi asked, "Sugoi, Miko-chan. Come on, I should change your
diaper though." Serenity sat on the bed looking reluctant. <They think
they're in trouble,> Usagi mused as she walked over to the bed. Sitting
down, she lifted both daughters onto her lap and hugged them. "You're a
really good onee, Small Lady. Do you want to help me wake up Daddy?"
Both girls nodded. "All right then, let's get Misako's diaper changed
and then we'll go wake up Daddy."

"Hai!" both children responded knowing they'd dodged a bullet.

                                 ******

The time between her world exploding into noise and her head exploding
into pain was so short that it was nearly instantaneous. "DADDY! DADDY!
WAKEY DADDY!" thundered through Misako's brain as it screamed in
protest. Her bloodshot eyes were jabbed with painful points of light as
the curtains were unceremoniously flung back. Her stomach rolled as two
small bodies collided with hers.

"WAKE UP, DADDY!" Endymion's high-pitched voice seemed to be like a
razor cutting across her brain.

"PWAY DADDY!" Serenity's higher-pitched voice shouted as she bounced up
and down on her stomach. Her small rear sent shockwaves through his
already protesting stomach.

"Now girls..." Misako began softly but had to clamp her mouth shut to
keep the bile down. Catching Serenity, she firmly pushed the little girl
to one side. "Please stop that," she instructed by way of apology and
sat up. That was a mistake. Immediately her head felt like it was
exploding once again.

"Time to get up, Endymion," Usagi announced coolly.

Misako winced. <So, she's really ticked off with me.>

"You're stinky, Daddy," Endymion observed as he backed away from the
smelly breath.

Misako flopped back onto the bed before pulling her pillow over her
head. <How am I gonna live?> Misako moaned to herself, <I just want to
die! Somebody kill me!> She felt horrible. She felt even worse than when
she was fading away.

"Come on, Mesume, let's go get breakfast," Usagi commanded. It was with
some reluctance that the girls left the room. <Some example he is for
our mesume.> "I'll expect you up in five minutes, mister, or you can get
your own breakfast," Usagi announced to her husband and emphasized her
point by slamming the door on the way out. The noise caused another stab
of pain to shoot through Misako's already throbbing head.

Misako just lay there, not caring whether she ate or not. <But I have to
get up.> A small part of her mind, one that didn't feel like it was
being attacked by the forces of evil, wondered how Hiroshi was making
out. Another part felt the bile returning so she ran to the bathroom.

                                 ******

Endymion's kindergarten fuku top was white, its collar expanding out to
a square-edged flap at the back. A tiny line of gold trim was set into
the collar a short distance from the edge. A small gold bow set off the
front. The fuku's skirt was a dark green; the hem of the skirt was
trimmed with gold similar to the fuku top while a green bow was centered
on the waistband at the back.

Endymion had mixed feelings about the fuku, both good and bad. He had,
however, resigned himself to wearing it. Sakuya hadn't shown any
sympathy at him having to wear it. And she'd been mildly surprised that
he was having trouble dressing. She seemed to expect him to be eager to
see his friends at school.

His life wasn't all bad though; Hana was a great friend. Despite his
desire to get back to being a big boy, Endymion found himself slipping
further into the role of his eldest daughter when Hana was around. It
was easier and seemed more natural somehow. His friend also made
kindergarten more endurable. He just wished his sister were old enough
to be there with him.

Most of Tuesday morning had passed enjoyably. Not being in trouble for
bouncing on the bed, and even being allowed to bounce on another one,
had been an excellent beginning to the day. Now the class was
finger-painting.

"Bunnies aren't that color," Endymion commented as he looked at one
little girl's picture. "Bunnies ain't yellow."

"Don't be bossy!" Hana admonished her friend.

"I'm NOT bossy!" Endymion retorted, "I'm a princess." He felt a little
irritation as Hana rolled her eyes. "Well, I am," Endymion muttered as
he turned back to his picture.

"Look Usagi-chan!" Hana directed, "It's your imouto."

Endymion looked up and blinked. Most of the paper was covered in a slimy
looking mess of green and brown paint. "Nani?"

"Your imouto's gross!" the little girl with the yellow bunnies piped up,
"She likes mud!" This sent giggles through the other girls that were
close to Endymion. "Muddy Miko!" she added. That produced even more
giggling.

"Hey!" Endymion protested, "Misako isn't gross!"

"Girls," their teacher warned, "let's just paint."

Grumbling under his breath, Endymion went back to his painting. <That's
really mean. Misako isn't gross. She's... She's...> He stopped for a
long moment and then looked at his hands. <She's my mesume.>

"Nani?" Hana queried, "What's that?" She pointed to a tall thin stick
figure.

"Me," Endymion replied.

"You?" Hana asked looking between her friend and the picture,
"Usagi-chan, you're not that big."

"Am so. I'm the King!" This response got the girls giggling again, even
some of the boys laughed. "I am!" Even Hana didn't believe him.

"Iie, you're a girl."

"I'm a boy!" he tried to correct his classmates.

"And bunnies are yellow," the girl beside him chimed in. This game was
getting old.

"BUNNIES ARE NOT YELLOW!" Endymion yelled back.

"Bossy Usagi and Muddy Miko!" Hana giggled as she held up her artwork
again. She gave a cry as Endymion lunged, his eyes sparkling with anger.

                                 ******

"Arigato," Misako sighed as she took the teacup and, with a sigh,
slumped back into her chair. Taking a sip, she rubbed her throbbing
temples before looking across the table at Hiroshi, "All right,
Hiro-san, what's next?"

"The CTDF briefing with Elder Jupiter," Hiroshi replied as he looked at
his PDA.

"Let's order in lunch," Misako decided, "I don't think I can handle
going out at the moment."

"I'm afraid Her Majesty has already taken care of lunch, Endymion-sama,"
Hiroshi replied. Seeing his monarch's questioning look, he continued,
"She's scheduled you to host a luncheon for that visiting Scottish band
today." Misako covered her face with her hands.

Misako moaned as Hiroshi kept on detailing the rest of the day and it
seemed to be going from bad to worse. <I want to go away and find
someplace to sleep in peace,> she thought, <I promise never, ever to
drink again!> Her face contorted in pain as the phone rang shrilly.

"Moshi moshi?" Hiroshi answered. After a brief pause, he turned and said
to Misako, "Endymion-sama, it is Elder Mercury. She requires you at the
school, as soon as possible."

"Small Lady? Is she hurt?" Misako questioned, fear starting to rise
within her.

Hiroshi inquired and after another brief pause, answered Misako by
saying, "It appears Princess Usagi has gotten into a fight."

                                 ******

When Misako entered the outer part of Mizuno-sensei's office, her eyes
automatically traveled to the hard wooden bench. To her surprise, it was
empty. <Is Small Lady in the infirmary?> No or Ami would have told her
that. Swinging her gaze around, she spotted her wayward daughter in the
corner standing on some newspaper with his head bowed. The little girl
was covered from head to toe in paint of a variety of colors. <Well that
would explain why she isn't sitting on the bench.> The other corner
contained similar sight. <Hana?!> Misako wondered. She's so little!
Certainly not the sixteen year old girl she remembered.

"Konnichiwa, Your Majesty," a secretary greeted her. Small Lady only
shifted his feet but didn't raise his head. "Mizuno-sensei is waiting
for you... This way please."

Misako gave Small Lady one more look before following the secretary into
Mercury's office. Elder Mercury rose and greeted Misako with due
formality before sitting back down. Once Misako was seated and the door
closed, Mercury sighed a little and said. "Gomen, Endymion-sama, I
didn't want to pull you out of anything important but I just couldn't
handle this internally. Starting a fight is a serious matter."

"Hai, I know, Mizuno-sensei, but are you sure Small Lady started it?"

"Hai, quite sure," Mercury replied, "Endymion-sama... Small Lady was
saying she was King..."

"You don't believe her, ne?" Misako asked, a sense of panic starting to
build.

"Of course not, Your Majesty, although I do find it odd," Mercury
admitted, "Has anything strange happened lately?"

The panic rose a little more as Misako racked her brains. The headache
that had started to recede rushed back again stronger than ever. Closing
her eyes for a moment, Misako rubbed them before opening them again.
Looking directly at Mercury, she remarked, "I think it's because Small
Lady and Serenity are quarrelling. Small Lady wants Serenity to do
something and Serenity is refusing."

"Hmmm..." Mercury said. <I wonder what it could be?>

"Sensei, could we get back to what she did?" Misako asked.

"Oh!" Mercury replied while blushing, "Gomen, Your Majesty, well let me
read to you what her sensei reported..."

                                 ******

When Misako, carrying a struggling Endymion, entered the Royal Suite,
Younger Jupiter and little Serenity came from the living room to meet
them.

"'Sagi pway?" Serenity asked. She had waited for what seemed forever for
her sister to return from school.

"Iie, Miko-chan, Small Lady won't be playing with you," Misako told her
grimly, "She's been very naughty." Putting Endymion inside his bedroom,
Misako added, "Miko-chan, why don't you go play while Daddy talks to
your onee."

"But me want Onee pway!" Serenity protested. There were tears starting
to form.

"I said go and play!" Misako commanded. Serenity's eyes enlarged and she
sniffled a little bit. It was Younger Jupiter who took Serenity's hand
and led her away. <I'm not in the mood to deal with this!> she thought
but she was the one who had to. Her wife was off being Queen. Walking
into the bedroom and closing the door, she looked sternly down at the
little girl and said, "Young lady, that was very naughty of you."
Endymion just crossed his arms and pouted. "Don't you have anything to
say for yourself?"

"Hana started it."

"You'll apologize to Hana tomorrow, Usagi," Misako instructed as she got
one of Endymion's small chairs, "Now come here and sit in the corner."

"How long?" Endymion asked sulkily as he walked over to the chair and
sat down.

"Until lunch. Then you can sit here until it's your naptime. Young lady,
I don't want you to give Sakuya any trouble."

"Or what?" Endymion asked.

"I'll let your mother handle it."

Endymion paled slightly and asked, "Are you gonna tell Mommy?"

"Hai, I have to, Usagi-chan," Misako replied, "But if you don't give
Sakuya any trouble, I don't think Mommy will be too upset... So be
good."

"Hai, Otou-san," Endymion agreed reluctantly.

                                 ******

Later that night, Misako's mood hadn't improved any. And as she listened
to Usagi's whining about how her day had gone and why Misako should have
been glad about the luncheon she'd scheduled, Misako's mood grew even
darker. Slamming down the newspaper, which caused Usagi to pause in her
ranting and caused the children to jump from where they had been
playing, Misako pushed herself up and started walking towards the
hallway.

"Where are you going, Endymion? I'm not finished with you," Usagi asked.

"Out," Misako growled and stalked down the hallway to the master
bedroom. After digging through the closet for her leather jacket, she
left the bedroom. "I won't be long," she called out.

"I wanna come!" Endymion squeaked as he ran up to his father,
"Please?!?"

"Iie," Misako replied. Bending down, she gave Endymion a hug and then
she hugged Serenity as well. "Now you two be good, Mesume." Both
children gave her a sad look but nodded agreement. She looked toward
Usagi who had her arms crossed and was scowling. "I said I won't be
long, Serenity."

"I don't want you to go," Usagi stated. After a second or so, her face
softened and said, "Please Endymion?"

"Be good for Mommy," Misako reiterated to the children before heading
out of the Royal Suite. Once out into the main corridor outside of the
Royal Suite, she gave a sigh. She shrugged on the leather jacket and
headed for the Royal Garage where her motorcycles were kept. <I don't
know how to ride them,> she thought but she knew she did, if she allowed
her father's memories and experience take hold. That was what she had
done for most of the day. But now, she just wanted a little peace and
quiet. <Usagi should know I'm not going to ride it.>

But the jacket was part of the experience and she figured that if she
sat on the motorcycle without the jacket, she'd somehow feel naked.
<Besides Haruka would chew my head off for making her round up guards
for a ride this late. Not to mention she'd have to drop what she's
doing.> It wasn't too late, only around six in the evening. <The girls
will be heading to bed soon.> And she didn't want to miss saying
goodnight.

The garage where the few private vehicles the Royal Family did own was a
good walk away from the Royal Suite. It held a boat and a couple of jet
skis, neither of which saw much use. A car that hadn't seen any use
since Endymion had bought it and three motorcycles. One was a sleek red
one, its surface lovingly polished to a brilliant shine. The other one
was simply a classic. Something from before the Great Darkness swept the
Earth. The third one, however, wasn't meant for show or to run. It was
simply something that Endymion could tinker with if he had a free moment
and nothing to really do. Or if he needed something to swear at to work
out his frustrations when riding wasn't really viable.

Tonight though would be a perfect night for a ride. The weather was just
a little chilly but the sky was ablaze with the setting sun. The trees
created a more subdued backdrop of color.

The guards at the Royal Garage greeted their king with mild surprise.
They hadn't seen His Majesty in quite some time and nothing had been
scheduled. Misako smiled as Endymion's memories were allowed forward.
She responded with, "So who's cleaning up tonight?" The question seemed
to take the guards aback for a moment before one of them started to
laugh.

"Can we deal you in, Your Majesty?"

"Iie, gentlemen," Misako answered with good humor, "I need a little
stress relief."

"Money causes stress and I'm sure we can relieve you of some of it,"
another of the guards joked. His face flushed as he realized that he
shouldn't have said such a thing but Misako just smiled again and urged
them to go on with their game.

Walking over, she ran her hand gently over the seat towards the
handlebars. <'Sagi... Mom... Dad... things are going so strangely.> She
needed to think. Carefully she swung her leg over the bike and settled
herself onto the seat. <This seems so familiar.> She could ride this. It
was no longer so daunting. <Usagi's so bossy!> She was King after all.
Why did she have to listen to Usagi? <Aren't we supposed to be
partners?!?>

She placed her hands around the handle grips and she closed her eyes.
She pictured herself racing down the highway, the wind howling around
her, and the vibrations coursing through her body. She had sat on her
father's motorcycle once or twice, even once when it was running but the
sensations that came to her now were more intense. A longing came over
her, something that no words could describe.

The strangest part of the longing was that it wasn't coming from
Endymion's memories, it was coming for deep within her own soul. <'Sagi
never would do this.> She just couldn't picture her sister driving a
motorcycle. <This could be all mine.> It didn't matter what the others
thought. It would be something that Usagi would never try; she was sure
of it.

Tentatively she reached forward and inserted the key into the ignition.
With only a quick look around, she turned it and the beast below her
rumbled to life. The new noise drew the guards' attention away from
their card game and they looked between one another wondering what to
do. Slipping on the helmet, Misako smiled. "Open the door!" she called
to them.

"Your Majesty?" one of them asked uncertainly.

"I'll just drive to the gate and back. Now open the door," she
commanded. The one who had spoken bowed and moved off to a small box
beside the garage door. After a moment or so, the door started to open
and Misako revved the engine in anticipation. Excitement grew as the
door rose higher and when it was just barely high enough, she raced
forwards and out into the oncoming night.

Down the long driveway she rode enjoying the sounds, smells, and feeling
of riding the powerful machine. It was like being free. <Mom and Dad
wouldn't like me doing this! 'Sagi wouldn't either,> she thought to
herself as she sped up. <This is so great!> But soon enough the Palace
gates came into view. <I'm King Endymion. I can ride if I want.>
Slowing, she shouted, "Open the gates!" When the guards hesitated, she
added, "DO IT NOW!" And as the large gates swung open, Princess Misako's
spirit roared past them and out into the city.

                                 ******

Younger Jupiter and Elder Uranus could never see eye to eye on a social
level. But when it came to their jobs, they managed to put aside their
mutual dislike for each other.

"Kami-sama, Jupiter!" Elder Uranus shouted, "What were your people
thinking?!?"

Younger Jupiter frowned as she rushed down the hallway beside Elder
Uranus. "They didn't have much choice but at least they notified me when
he went past the Palace gates. An APB has been issued and air ops is
currently searching the surrounding area. All my people have been placed
on alert and I have advised the Commander of the situation." <What a
mess!>

Elder Uranus grunted, "Good, that'll save me having to issue orders. My
security teams are standing by and we'll go out searching too. Give Air
Control and the Civil Authority my frequency. I want to know the instant
he's found!"

"Hai!" Younger Jupiter replied, "This isn't like him at all, Uranus."

"I know, and I don't like it either."

"Her Majesty has been informed. She didn't take it very well." <Minako
was none too happy either.>

"I would think not," Uranus responded, "All right, Younger Jupiter, keep
me posted. He can't have gotten far if he wants to keep out of sight."
<Let's just pray that that's what he wants to do.> There was no telling
what the public would do to Endymion without an escort around him.

                                 ******

The grin on Misako's face was almost feral. Her cares had been torn away
by the howling wind and the feel of the road beneath her. Her worries
and doubts left behind in a wash of noise and exhaust fumes. <'Sagi
doesn't need this, she has everything!> Misako thought to herself as she
sank further into the rumble of the engine beneath her. "I'm Misako!"
she shouted out to the world, "I'm Misako, not Usagi!"

<People know that,> the thought came to her. It wasn't hers but
Endymion's. <You're in a tough spot but you'll grow up and be a fine
young lady.> But she didn't want to wait. <People think I'm 'Sagi...>
The thought though had the hollow ring of a lie. <People wouldn't care
if I vanished!> That sounded even more ridiculous to her now. <We did
this to make them see how much they hurt us,> Misako thought sullenly,
<But it isn't working. Usagi's so bossy, even worse than Mom.> Besides,
she was just as good as Usagi. Resentment flared within her again and
she sped up. "Why can't my parents see that?!" <But they can... Things
would be different if we weren't a Royal Family.>

She couldn't solve all the problems, but she was going to solve hers at
least. She wanted to simply be. Repressing any further thoughts about
the dilemmas she was facing, Misako plunged deeper into the city through
the darkening night. As she rounded a bend, sirens began to blare behind
her as flashing lights came on. Snarling to herself, Misako increased
her speed further and raced into the thickening traffic.

                                 ******

Sometime later, Misako walked down the corridor towards the Royal Family
Suite. Sighing deeply, she wondered if Haruka got her kicks at yelling
at people. <And what gives her the right to yell at me? I'm a grown man
and I'm the King!> The little ingrate should have been thankful for not
bothering her. <And Sakuya's just as bad, the traitor!>

When she reached the Royal Suite, she gave a little sigh and opened the
door. <I hope Serenity's in a better mood,> she prayed while taking off
her boots and putting on her slippers. When she turned around, she came
to face with a very angry looking visage of "Serenity". "What's got you
all bent out of shape?"

It took all Usagi's strength not to run into her husband's strong arms.
She had been extremely worried fearing the worst but she was also angry.
"Of all the bone-headed, irresponsible, childish things to do!" Usagi
yelled, "I asked you not to go... You told me you weren't going to ride,
Endymion, but iie, what do you do?!?"

"I am a grown man!" Misako shot back.

"If you were the man you say you are, you'd have spent the night with
your family instead of running off Kami-sama knows where!"

"Don't have kittens, Serenity," Misako remarked dryly as she pushed past
her wife.

"Kitties?" came a high-pitched voice to Misako's right. Turning, Misako
saw that Serenity and Endymion were standing in Endymion's bedroom door.

"Mesume, go to bed this instant!" Usagi shouted.

"Hey, don't shout at them, Serenity," Misako retorted as she whirled
around to face Usagi, "They didn't do anything wrong."

"You're right of course, Endymion," Usagi stated coldly, "You're the one
that snuck out of the Palace."

"Was Daddy bad?" Endymion asked. Serenity was beginning to tear up. She
didn't want to see her parents fight.

"Iie!" Misako answered.

"Hai!" Usagi countered.

"You gonna spank him, Mommy?" Endymion asked. Everyone seemed to freeze
as they looked at Usagi expectantly.

"Nani?" she asked.

Misako, scowling, commanded, "Small Lady, go to bed!"

"Don't get angry with her just because you broke the rules!"

"Enough!" Misako replied tersely, "Don't be such a wool-headed woman. I
knew exactly what I was doing, Serenity, and I'm a grown man... I'm also
married to you. I will not, under any circumstances, kneel and scrape
before you!"

Usagi's fists clenched so tightly that her knuckles turned white.
Nostrils flaring and eyes sparking with rage, she stood there, her
entire body shaking from the tension it was under. "Endymion..."

"Iie," Misako retorted, "I've listened to you belly-ache long enough
today. If you wish to have a reasonable discussion, I will, but I won't
listen to you nag me like you were my mother."

With her lips compressed into a severe line of disapproval and her brow
a massive thundercloud of rage, Usagi stalked down the hallway and into
her bedroom. There was a short pause before the bedroom door was shut
with such force that it was a wonder it remained on its hinges. Misako
stood there, dazed for a moment.

And then the crying brought her back. Not just back to the present but
back to herself and out of Endymion's influence. Shaking herself, she
stared down at the two little girls who were crying. Serenity's little
face was a mask of confusion and fear. Endymion's though was of sorrow
and confusion.

Bending down, Misako held out her arms and said, "Come here, Mesume."
Serenity went to her father without further prompting and Endymion
quickly followed her sister. Both little girls clung to Misako as she
lifted them up and carried them down the hallway to the living room.
Sitting down, she settled both girls on either leg and started stroking
their pigtails. "Shhh... I didn't mean to scare you."

"You don't like Mommy?" Endymion asked sadly.

"I like Mommy very much," Misako replied while trying to reassure her
daughters. "Mommy and I had a fight." Reaching over to an end table, she
got a Kleenex out and had Serenity blow her nose. "There we go. I didn't
mean to yell. Mommy was just very upset with me." While Endymion seemed
to want an explanation, Serenity simply wanted to be hugged. She
snuggled closer to her father and closed her eyes.

"Are you gonna say sorry to Mommy?" Endymion asked.

"Hai, tomorrow. See, even grownups have to apologize. And you're gonna
say sorry to Hana, ne?"

"Hai!" Endymion responded. Then laying his head against Misako's chest,
he closed his eyes like his sister and drifted off to sleep.

                                 ******

Endymion watched his parents warily as he ate his breakfast. His parents
were acting strange. Eventually his father put down the newspaper and
getting up, walked around the table where his mother was sitting. His
sister was also watching wondering what was going to happen.

"Serenity... Usako," Misako began, "Gomen nasai." Calling up some of
Endymion's knowledge and power, she produced a beautiful red rose. "This
is for you."

Usagi took it after looking at it for a long moment, she brought it to
her nose and smelled its delicate scent. "I care so much about you,
Endymion."

"I know, but things have been so crazy lately... Please Serenity... I
love you with all my heart." Misako reached out and hugged Usagi. <Gomen
nasai, Onee-chan.> Something had simply gotten a hold of her last night.
"I'm sorry I yelled at you. Gomen nasai." She was startled out of the
warm and fluffy mood that was beginning to develop when Usagi reached up
and pulling Misako's head down and kissed her on the lips passionately.
Jerking back slightly, she saw that Usagi was pouting. <What's Onee-chan
trying to do?> But the answer came to her and it made her blush. <This
is getting outta hand... Maybe we should go back.> Things were not going
as they had been planned. It was with some effort that Misako
straightened without revealing what was causing her discomfort.

"You're going to be late, Serenity," Misako reminded her sister.

"I have lots of time," Usagi cooed, "But I guess I should get ready. I
do have things to do before I leave. We'll talk more of this...
tonight." She gave Misako a suggestive wink. Then sliding the last piece
of toast into her mouth, Usagi turned to Endymion and said, "If you're
extra good today, Small Lady, I'll take you to Court tomorrow."

"Honto?" Endymion asked. When his mother nodded, he gave a giggle of
delight and jumped from his chair. Coming around the table, he hugged
his mother tightly and declared, "You're the bestest, Mommy!"

"But you have to be good today, Small Lady," Usagi repeated firmly, "Now
I won't be home this afternoon."

"Why not?" Misako questioned, "Serenity, this was your afternoon off,
ne?" <Damn staffers and their baka schedules!>

"I and a few of the Elder Senshi are getting together and having some
tea and pastry. I think there'll even be a chocolate cake." She licked
her lips in anticipation.

"I wanna come, Mommy!" Endymion pleaded. The thought of that chocolate
cake made his tummy rumble.

"Cake!" Serenity added.

"Iie," Usagi said firmly, "It will be when you're taking your naps,
Mesume."

"Where's it being held?" Misako asked.

"On Ami's terrace, she's had a new koi pond put in. You should stop by
if you have the time." Usagi giggled as Misako glared at her. "Are you
still sore at me for the Scottish band?"

"I'm worried you aren't..." Misako trailed off and smiled. "Have a nice
time," she remarked and after given Usagi another hug, left the room.

                                 ******

"Ne," Sakuya wondered as she and Endymion were walking to school,
"What's the matter?"

"Nothin'," Endymion replied. <Not fair Mommy gets yummy chocolate cake
and I gotta take a nap! Kami-sama, I mean it isn't fair that USAGI gets
to eat cake.> But why was he thinking it was unfair to him? <I didn't
get invited.> And maybe that was what he found unfair. He was a
princess, wasn't he? <Princess? I am Endymion! KING of Crystal Tokyo!>
he told himself furiously. <Am I losing my identity?> he wondered,
<Sometimes it feels like it.> Like last night. He hadn't snapped out of
his role of Small Lady until well after he had been put to bed. <Now I
know why they don't let me drink before bed,> Endymion thought, <It's a
wonder I don't wet the bed every night.>

The truly embarrassing part of wetting the bed was having Serenity find
it out. Certainly she had slipped fully into a shell he couldn't crack
but it was still embarrassing to Endymion. Even the part of him that was
his daughter was embarrassed but for different reasons. Wetting the bed
reminded Small Lady of how little she really was.

Sakuya's voice broke into his thoughts and Endymion was pulled out of
his brooding. "There's Hana, Your Highness. I'll just take you over so
you can apologize. Her mother's with her so this would be a good time to
do it." Endymion would have hesitated but Sakuya gave him a gentle push
forward.

Walking over to Hana, he stopped a few feet away and said, "Hana-chan...
gomen nasai."

Hana gave a little curtsy and began, "Gomen nasai... Your Highness." Her
mother had rehearsed this with her. It seemed silly to be so formal but
grownups were awfully confusing sometimes. "I won't make fun of Princess
Misako no more." <She's a nice imouto even if she likes mud.>

"Friends?" Endymion asked hopefully. When Hana nodded, he smiled and
added, "I guess I was bein' silly 'bout bein' a boy."

"You're a princess..." Hana answered simply as if that explained
everything.

Endymion shook his head and walking up to Hana, said, "I'm your friend,
Hana-chan." He knew they'd be friends forever. After a moment, Hana
giggled and hugged him and Endymion hugged her back. By snack time that
morning, he had patched things up with the rest of his friends at
school.

                                 ******

Endymion and Hana giggled as they skipped out of the Royal Suite's
private dining room after school that day. Hana had been allowed to stay
with Endymion so that they could ride bicycles together out in the
corridor until it was naptime.

"Ja Daddy!" Endymion called out to Misako who was hugging Serenity.
Misako turned and after walking towards her daughter, lifted Endymion
into a hug.

"Ja, Small Lady, I'll be back in a bit. Now that Sawa is here to help
Sakuya out, I have to go." Hugging Endymion again, Misako added, "Now
you and Hana have fun riding your bikes. And don't give Younger Jupiter
any trouble."

"Promise!" Endymion replied. At that moment, he did want to be good. He
wanted to go with his mother to Court tomorrow. That would show his
mommy what a big girl he was.

When he was let down, Endymion rushed down the hall to his room, so he
could brush his teeth. He changed out of his fuku into a yellow sundress
her father had set out. There was some serious playing to be done and he
didn't want to waste any time. Serenity wouldn't be coming with them
though, she was too little and it seemed strange to him that she would
find riding bikes scary. Instead, she and Younger Mars were going out to
play outside.

"If I tell you to come back, you come back or you'll go straight to bed
and I'll send Hana home," Younger Jupiter warned as they left the Royal
Suite.

"Hai!" both girls chirped.

Endymion's bike was a small girl's bicycle with twelve-inch tires that
had training wheels attached to the back. It was bright pink with a
little basket on the front and a bell on the handlebars with streamers
from the ends. Hana's bike was similar to Endymion's except it was
powder blue in color and more importantly to Endymion, she didn't have
the training wheels. He was envious of that in some respects; it was
like his daddy's big motorcycle.

The corridor outside the Royal Suite was well suited for riding small
bikes. It was long, wide, and almost free of things that could be run
into. It also provided for the needed security for the Crown Princess.
Up and down the girls rode, their legs pumping, and their voices
giggling and calling to each other, with the occasional bit of singing.
All of it occurred under the ever watchful eye of Younger Jupiter.

Endymion stopped dead at the corner. Younger Jupiter had set up this
boundary. Grinning, he turned his bike to wait for Hana who was
leisurely zigzagging down the hallway. When his friend came to a stop
before him, Endymion inquired, "Wanna go down there, Hana-chan?" He
motioned with his head towards the hall that was around the corner.

"Iie," Hana told him, "Mommy told me to be extra good... or else."

"My daddy can't do that!" Endymion declared, "He's scared."

"Let's just ride back, Usagi-chan," Hana suggested.

"I'm bored. This is boring," Endymion whined, "Ne, Hana-chan, help me."
Hana gave Endymion a dubious look. Almost every time she helped her
friend, it got her into serious trouble. "Pleeeeeaaase?"

"I can't go. Mommy'd be really really mad."

"Keep her busy," Endymion directed her towards Younger Jupiter.

"Girls!" Younger Jupiter called out, "Come back this way."

"Please?!?" Endymion pleaded, his dark blue eyes growing large, his
rabbit ear odangos seeming to droop slightly.

"Hai," Hana agreed but she promised herself that this would be the last
time she'd let Usagi get her into trouble. Turning her bike, she shot
down towards the now advancing figure of Younger Jupiter.

"Hai..." Endymion cackled as he turned his bike and raced around the
corner. <Now I'll get some yummy cake!> But first he'd need a better
bike. It was too far for this little bicycle. Hopping off, he called to
Luna-P, "Luna-P Henge Yo!" When the puff of pink smoke cleared, Endymion
looked on with mild disappointment. Instead of the big, fast motorcycle
like Daddy's he had wanted, Luna-P had given him a tricycle with... an
engine.

Its frame was a brilliant neon-pink and little sparkly tassels hung from
the handlebars. A pink bunny was also present, seated inside the pink
frosting colored basket. It had three wide low tires. But the best thing
about this new bike, in Endymion's opinion, was the pink helmet with a
rabbit head symbol that was now on his head. It was like Daddy's and his
odangos were squished up inside of it while his fluffy strawberry-blonde
pigtails jutted out of holes in the sides.

"Small Lady!" came the booming voice of Younger Jupiter. A crash and cry
of two voices shortly followed it.

"Poop!" Endymion squawked with annoyance. Hopping onto the tricycle, he
turned the little key and the tiny motor roared to life. Pulling the
pink tinted visor down, Endymion took a moment to get comfortable.
<Maybe this ain't so bad,> he thought with an evil grin. "Revving" the
engine, he set out at a breakneck speed of five miles per hour. Not fast
by motorcycle standards but to Endymion, he was like Daddy on a fast
motorcycle. Nobody could catch him!

                                 ******

"Out of the way!" Endymion howled to the people in front of him. He
risked a glance backward to see an enraged looking Younger Jupiter along
with six or seven guards chasing him. "Move!" he yelled and sharply cut
across one woman's path. She gave a yelp of pain and tumbled to the
ground.

"Stop her!" Younger Jupiter shouted. Endymion looked upwards and saw
three guards awaiting him. Hunching low, Endymion prayed and coaxed all
the speed he could muster out of the little bike.

It was like some old silent era comedy, Younger Jupiter would remark
later. Endymion flashed through one of the guard's spread legs and was
down the corridor before they even knew what had happened. Turning, the
three guards simply stared at the little girl on the soupped up pink
tricycle. This, of course, led to the other pursuers slamming into the
human roadblock and everybody toppling to the ground.

Endymion laughed hysterically and turned a corner. His mirth gave way to
a shriek of alarm as he suddenly, and unexpectedly, raced down a ramp,
down a short hallway, and into a double set of doors. <Where am I?> Then
his nose picked up the unmistakable signs of food. It was one of the
cafeterias that were dotted around the Palace complex.

Giggling mischievously, he went to see if he could locate any chocolate
pudding. <Then I'll go find Mommy and get some cake.>

                                 ******

The chefs cried in alarm as a little girl raced through their kitchen
soon to be followed by a dozen or more grim looking Palace guards and
Sailor Senshi. "Split up!" Younger Jupiter ordered Younger Neptune and
Younger Saturn, "She can't have gotten far. Neptune, head back towards
the Royal Suite. Saturn, go see if you can locate His Majesty and tell
him what's happening. I'll go inform Her Majesty and the Commander about
this." The others nodded and moved off on their assignments.

                                 ******

Endymion tried to cover his mouth to hold in his giggles as Younger
Jupiter ran past his hiding place. He waited until she was far down the
hallway before following her. <She'll lead me to Mommy,> he thought with
a giggle, <And that cake!> To his disappointment, there hadn't been any
chocolate pudding.

He could easily keep up with the grownups. In fact, he found the entire
situation very funny. When Younger Jupiter turned a corner, Endymion
continued straight on; he'd sneak in the back way. Once at a side door,
Endymion got off the tricycle and Luna-P reverted back to normal. "Come
on and be very, very quiet," he told his floating companion.

After entering the room, he snuck silently across to the large table
where the food sat. Sliding underneath the tablecloth, he peeked from
under it so he could watch the grownups talking.

"Oh!" his mother exclaimed, "Well come on, girls, let's go help them
look. Just wait until I get my hands on Usagi!" Endymion watched with
delight as his mother and the other grownups swept from the room.

Now that the room was empty, Endymion could eat all he wanted and not be
disturbed. Crawling up from underneath the table, he used a chair to get
onto the table and started to carefully pick his way towards the
chocolate covered treasure.


Chapter 6 - Just Desserts

As the last of the red fruit punch drained from the crystal ladle,
little Endymion let out a sigh of contentment before belching. He
giggled at the strange sensation and the behavior he knew would meet
with his parents' disapproval. Then ever so slowly, Endymion lifted
another fork full of chocolate cake to his mouth and popped it in.

"Hmmm..." Endymion announced, "Good cake!" Turning to Luna-P, he asked,
"Want any?" When Luna-P just floated there, he shrugged and declared
with delight, "Just more for me!" But he was starting to feel so full!
<But there's so much cake left... I'll take it home.> He'd save a little
for his sister.

As the moments passed, Endymion slowed in his eating but he didn't stop.
Nor did he limit himself to just the cake, although that was his main
focus. He sampled everything that was on the table and especially
enjoyed the fruit punch that was in the pretty bowl with the little
glasses that hung on the sides. These he didn't use. Instead, he used
the ladle. After all, it was just a funny looking cup and much bigger
than the rest. He assumed it was meant for his mommy. She got all the
good stuff.

Finally after he felt like if he took one more bite he'd burst, Endymion
called Luna-P over to make him a pillow so he could lay down and take
his afternoon nap. He was just starting to drift off into slumber when
he heard the door open and some very worried voices. The voices stopped
for a moment before a startled cry split the air.

"Tsukino Usagi `Small Lady' Serenity, what in the name of Serenity's
Ghost do you think you're doing?!?" came the angry voice of his mother.

Endymion sat up staring wide-eyed in surprise at the angry expression on
his mother's face. "Takin' my nap, Mommy," Endymion replied simply.

"On Ami's table?!?" Usagi questioned, then she noticed the feasting
that had occurred, "Did you eat that cake, Usagi?"

"What cake, Mommy?" Endymion asked innocently.

"That cake!" Usagi intoned as she stepped close to her daughter and
jabbed at the half-eaten chocolate cake. Her eyes widened as Endymion
gave the plate a shove, sending the cake sailing off the table and onto
the floor below.

"There's no cake there," Endymion remarked.

"Young lady," came the stern tone of his father's voice, "I thought I
told you to be good for Younger Jupiter."

"I was, Daddy. I listen' to her," Endymion responded, his eyes
enlarging, "I not fib, Mommy, fibbin's bad!" <What they so mad about?>

"Fibbing is very bad," Usagi lectured, "Just who told you, you could eat
that cake?"

"What cake?"

Usagi looked as if she was about to explode but held her temper. She
marched over and with indelicate care, picked up the remains of the
chocolate cake and plunked it down beside her daughter. "That cake!"

"Oh..." Endymion said while sticking an icing covered finger into his
mouth. "But, Mommy, you said I could go with you."

"Small Lady, I said you could come to Court with me tomorrow," Usagi
countered.

"Gomen nasai, Okaa-san, Otou-san," Endymion apologized while standing on
the table. He bowed and added, "I not mean to be bad."

"What you did was very naughty," Usagi scolded, "You didn't listen to
Younger Jupiter when she told you to come back, ne?"

"I didn't hear her," he fibbed. He decided he was already in enough
trouble.

"You didn't stop for the guards either, Usagi," Misako countered gruffly
as she went to join her wife.

"I thought they wanted to play with me," Endymion said and sniffled a
little. "Gomen nasai. I'll be really really good, promise!"

Usagi opened her mouth when Aino Hiroshi came quickly into the room and
bowed. "Your Majesty, you're very late." She looked between Hiroshi and
Endymion for such a long time that Hiroshi said again, "Gomen, Your
Majesty, you are very late. Luna-san is very upset."

<She would be,> Usagi thought sourly. "Arigato Hiroshi-san," she finally
answered. Turning and waving her finger at Endymion, she added, "I have
to go now but your father is going to deal with you. I think you deserve
a good spanking." Misako didn't appreciate being put on the spot.

"IIE!" Endymion cried, his eyes starting to overflow with tears, "I not
mean to be bad!" He hopped off the table and went to hug his mother who
immediately stepped backwards. "Don't you like me, Mommy?"

"I love you very much, Mesume, but you've been very naughty. And you're
covered in cake," Usagi observed. Then turning to Hiroshi, she added,
"Let's go, Aino-san. Gomen nasai, Mizuno-san."

"But Mommy!" Endymion cried as he tugged at her dress with a sticky
hand, "I wanna go with you!"

"Behave yourself," Usagi barked as she pulled the dress out of his
hands, "Your father's going to deal with you." Turning again, she and
Hiroshi left the room. The other Sailor Senshi, who had been standing
mostly in the doorway, got out of the way.

"Before we go home, young lady, I want you to apologize to Mizuno-sensei
and her other guests," Misako demanded sternly.

"Iie!" Endymion squawked in a petulant tone as he crossed his arms and
started pouting. "I wanna be with Mommy, be a big girl." When Misako
advanced towards him, he added, "I sorry I run away and not listen to
Younger Jupiter. Gomen nasai."

"Hai, I'm going to have Sakuya speak to you about that on her own,"
Misako promised sternly as she took her daughter's wayward arm, "Now
apologize like I told you to do."

"Iie!"

"Come along," Misako directed and led, or rather pulled, her daughter
towards Ami. Bowing, she said, "Gomen nasai, Mizuno-san, I will ensure
that Usagi is punished." Endymion's crying, which had slowed somewhat,
increased again and he sat down on the floor.

"I hate you!" he wailed at his father, "I not be bad!"

Grimly Misako lifted her young daughter up and after giving some more
apologies, left for home, all the while Endymion pleaded his innocence
and cried.

                                 ******

When Misako, pushing a very unhappy little girl ahead of her, got into
the Royal Suite, little Serenity appeared looking worried. "'Sagi no
cry..." Serenity said as she gave her sister a hug. "Daddy no make Onee
cry!"

"Miko-chan, go and play," Misako directed gently. "Get those shoes off
now, young lady."

"I'm terribly sorry, Your Majesty," Younger Jupiter said and bowed after
she came into the Royal Suite behind Misako and Endymion, "I should have
known something was up."

"Don't worry, Younger Jupiter, you may speak with Small Lady about her
behavior tomorrow. At the moment, I am going to have a talk with her.
I'll be staying with the girls now. Sawa-san, you may go as well. I'll
just have to keep Misako with me."

"Hai, Your Majesty," Younger Mars responded and after saying good-bye to
the little girl, left with Younger Jupiter.

"Misako, come and show your onee how a big girl washes her hands."

"I can wash my hands!" Endymion replied petulantly and ran into his
bedroom, little Serenity hurrying to follow.

<That worked better than I thought,> Misako thought as she came into the
bedroom and got out her daughter's pajamas. She put the pajamas on the
bed when Endymion came out of the bathroom. "Usagi, put these on," she
directed.

"Aw... I promise be good, Daddy. I wanna play with Imouto."

"You won't be playing. You'll be taking your nap. Now put on those
pajamas," Misako directed again. Serenity sniffled slightly but didn't
say anything. She watched with some apprehension as her big sister
stared at her father.

"I good nap," Serenity offered.

"That's right, Miko-chan, you've been a very good girl," Misako replied,
"Usagi, I said get ready for your nap."

"Iie," Endymion snapped again.

"Fine," Misako replied. Reaching out, she snagged Endymion's arm and
pulled him towards her. The little girl squirmed and screeched in
protest but to no avail. It was quite obvious that he was going to be
put down for his nap whether he liked it or not. The filthy yellow dress
came off and was set aside to be washed.

"I wanna play!" Endymion stated coldly, "I don't wanna nap!!!" Having
noticed that tears weren't working, Endymion resolved to give his father
the silent treatment. That always worked. The slip quickly followed the
dress and then he found himself being put into his pajamas.

"What you did was very naughty," Misako explained sternly, "You're
supposed to listen to your elders, especially the Sailor Senshi... and
especially Younger Jupiter!" Endymion just pouted and turned his head.
"You were very rude to Mizuno-sensei and her other guests and you fibbed
to us." Again, there was just cold silence. "I'm going to have to punish
you, Usagi."

He had already figured out his fate and wanted to get it over with. "I
don't mind sittin' in a corner," Endymion sneered out and took a step
toward the corner.

"I'm not going to sit you in a corner," Misako said firmly. The grin on
Endymion's face slipped away and he momentarily froze.

Large sad eyes turned to stare pleadingly up at Misako. He put his arms
around his father's mid-section and hugged her as hard as he could. "I
sorry. Gomen nasai. Not be mad at me, Daddy? Please?"

"Gomen, I don't have any choice, Mesume," Misako replied, then patted
the bed beside her, "Miko-chan, come sit on the bed." Serenity quickly
padded over to the bed and climbed up on it. "I want you to stay right
there," Misako directed her youngest daughter.

"Hai!" Serenity squeaked.

"Come with me, young lady," Misako directed as she stood and guided
Endymion towards the bathroom.

"Daddy, 'Sagi sorry!" Serenity begged.

"Gomen," Misako said softly as she reached out a gentle hand to her
youngest daughter and stroked her cheek. "Usagi was very naughty today."
Serenity sniffled and looked at her with her round pleading sky blue
eyes. "Stay there, please."

"Hai," Serenity chirped softly.

"I be extra good!" Endymion promised. He sniffled as Misako slowly shook
her head. Anger and defiance flared into life once more when his father
guided him into the bathroom and closed the door. "I say sorry!"

"Hai, you will, Usagi," Misako agreed. "I'm very happy you decided to
apologize on your own." That did not sway her from her course. Sitting
herself down on the stool that was in the bathroom, she lifted Endymion
up and put him on his tummy across her broad knees.

"I not naughty!" Endymion howled in protest. His struggles increased
even more when he felt Misako tighten her hold slightly. He didn't feel
any consolation at the fact that the trap door of his bunny pajamas
wasn't being opened. It mattered little. Neither the pajamas or the pink
underpants beneath would offer much protection against parental
displeasure.

The first swat made Endymion determined not to cry. He had to be brave
for Serenity. The second swat only elicited an out rush of breath. The
third though stung just as much as the other two and Endymion yelled and
wiggled in an effort to get away. It was the fourth that brought tears
and Endymion started crying as loudly as he could. He lay there crying
while Misako rubbed his back; when he was calmer Misako stood him up
right.

                                 ******

Serenity's little hand wiped at her eyes trying to clear some of the
tears out. <'Sagi sad...> she thought as she heard her sister crying. It
was boring sitting on the bed but Serenity didn't want to upset her
father, especially not after being told by her that she had been very
good. She sniffled again and shifted on her bottom. When the bathroom
door finally opened, Serenity slipped from the bed and started towards
her sister.

"Iie," Misako said gently and held up her hand to Serenity who stopped.
"Now you have your nap, Usagi-chan," Misako directly gently as she
pulled the sheets back and settled Endymion onto his stomach. "Shhh...
go to sleep," she suggested softly and pulled a single sheet up around
the little girl's shoulders. Before standing, she undid his odangos and
smoothed out his soft and fluffy strawberry-blonde hair. Endymion hid
his face in his pillow and cried profusely. "Come on," Misako directed
as she lifted her youngest daughter up. Serenity, who was also openly
crying now, snuggled close. It was quite obvious to her what had
happened.

Sighing a little, Misako turned and left the room, closing the door
partially while walking down the hall to Misako's room. Entering it, she
walked over to the rocking chair. She sat down while continuing to
soothe the toddler and as she started to rock.

<Oh Otou-san... What have I done?> The part of her that was Endymion
thought, <I don't like to punish the girls but sometimes, I have to.>
Misako shook her head angrily. <I'm Endymion's mesume! He isn't mine!>
And then, <Usagi had to handle this in the past... I'll talk to her when
she gets back.> The question nagging Misako was would it be her sister
she was talking to, or her mother? <Maybe it's time to leave.> Things
were definitely not going as they had planned.

                                 ******

When Kimeko arrived for her afternoon visit with her charge, Misako went
to wake up Endymion. It was with some trepidation that Misako approached
the bed. Sitting down, she gently shook Endymion and waited. After a
moment, the little girl stirred. A tear-stained and very unhappy looking
face turned to look at her father.

"Gomen," Misako said softly and held out her arms. Endymion only waited
a split-second before moving quickly to be hugged. He wrapped his little
arms around Misako's neck, his tiny face against her strong shoulder and
started to cry.

"Gomen!" Endymion got out through his tears, "Gomen nasai, Misako-san!"

"Otou-san, gomen," Misako responded while hugging her father tightly.
She held him close and rubbed his back soothingly.

"I not mean to!" Endymion cried.

"I know," Misako answered softly as she began to gently rock him. "I
know. I'm going to give you a bath since you're going to be put to bed
right after supper."

"Hai," Endymion squeaked mutely. "Gomen..." <Why'd I do such a baka
thing?> he wondered. <This feels nice.> His feelings from before seemed
so far away. The anger and the hurt were still there, still remembered,
but he somehow felt better with Misako there. "Miko-chan okay?"

Misako wasn't sure if her father was referring to her or his imouto.
"Your imouto?"

"Hai!"

"Hai," Misako indicated. Hugging him, she added, "I'll just tell Kimeko
what we're doing and then, I'll come and give you a bath..."

"Aw..." Endymion whined but not very convincingly. One part of him
wanted to take a bath by himself. The other part wanted to be cuddled
and reassured. "Hai Daddy," he replied after a moment and hugged Misako
tightly.

                                 ******

He stood in the tub with warm water around his ankles, his little hands
resting on Misako's shoulders to balance him, as Misako scrubbed soap
over him with a washcloth. His bottom was still a little tender but that
minor discomfort was slowly being pushed aside by a new one.

"You okay?" Misako asked, "The water too hot?"

"Iie," Endymion answered, "Daddy, I don't feel good." After a moment, he
continued, "My tummy hurts."

"Can you point to where it hurts, Mesume?" Misako asked. When Endymion
pointed to his stomach, she said, "That's from eating all that stuff you
weren't supposed to. And you didn't brush your teeth!" She reached out
and stroked Endymion's hair as he looked towards the ground. "Gomen...
I'll rinse you off and then we'll take care of that tummy-ache, okay?"
Endymion nodded and sat down with Misako's help. "Does it really hurt?"

"Hai," Endymion replied. Sitting down made it feel even more
uncomfortable. Soon though, he was rinsed clean. Misako lifted him from
the tub and wrapped his small frame in a large and fluffy towel. His
mind was drawn from his stomach trouble as he giggled while Misako
vigorously dried him.

"Let's get you dressed," Misako told him as she set the towel aside and
held up clean pair of panties. Endymion didn't complain and put them on
and then put on his bunny pajamas. "I made soup tonight. Come and try
and eat a little, okay?"

"I'm not hungry," Endymion said. He snuggled closer to his father as he
was lifted into a hug.

"Okay, but if you get hungry you come and tell me, ne?"

"You gonna leave?" Endymion asked sadly.

"Iie," Misako responded as she hugged Endymion and rubbed his back
gently, "I'll stay with you, Small Lady. Kimeko's mommy said she could
stay for supper and she's helping Misako." After about five minutes of
this, Endymion still didn't feel any better so Misako said, "How do you
feel?"

<I feel sleepy,> Endymion thought. The warm bath and the cuddling had
made him want to sleep. It was only his tummy that was keeping him
awake.

"Your tummy still hurt?" Misako asked. When Endymion nodded, she gave
him a sympathetic smile and declared, "Let's try something else." She
cradled him like a mother would a baby and started to rub his tummy
gently. "There we go," she said softly. Occasionally she stroked his
forehead and as she watched with tenderness and love, Endymion's eyes
started to slide shut and eventually he relaxed into sleep.

                                 ******

Misako was in the master bathroom taking a shower. She allowed the
waters of the hot shower to cascade over her body. The pulsing water
soothed her and massaged her. <Hmmm... I didn't think showers were so
good,> she mused, <But I like furo's too much to shower all the time.>
She would have bathed but Misako found it more expedient to take a
shower. Even if her girls were asleep, Misako didn't want to take too
long. That and she thought she might fall asleep if she climbed into the
furo.

Running her hand through her short, black hair, Misako gave a little
sigh as she turned her face into the stream of water. <I need to talk to
'Sagi.> It bothered Misako that Usagi wasn't spending enough time with
her youngest daughter. <I thought our plan was to show them how to be
GOOD parents!> If it hadn't been for the past, Misako would have thought
that she and Usagi were brought up by nannies. <How do they keep
everything straight?> The easy answer was that Hiroshi kept everything
straight and told Endymion and Serenity where to be. With a snort,
Misako thought, <And we're supposed to be the King and Queen. Baka
bureaucrats!>

"Endymion?!" came the voice of Usagi.

"I'm in here, 'Sagi!" Misako called out. <Maybe I can get her to scrub
my back.>

"What are you doing?" her sister's voice was now closer to the bathroom
door. "Are you taking a shower?"

"Hai! I'll be out in a second, Onee-chan!" Misako called out, "Ne, would
you scrub my back?"

"Hai! I have something to show you," Usagi replied, "I'll bet you really
like this, Endymion!" Misako reached out and shut the shower off. In the
bathroom, she heard a rustling noise before Usagi requested, "Close your
eyes."

"I'm not decent..."

"I'm your wife!" Usagi laughed gently, "Aw... And I thought you wanted
me to scrub your back?" Misako was silent, not sure how to resolve her
feelings. After a moment, Usagi called out, "Come on, Mamo-chan... don't
be a spoil-sport."

<I DO need to talk to her. She's carrying this "wife" stuff too far,>
Misako thought but decided to play along. "Okay, USAKO, I'll shut my
eyes." She closed her eyes and waited. The air evaporated the water on
her skin causing her to shiver. "Could you hurry please? I'm cold."

"I can take care of that," Usagi's voice purred from just inside the
bathroom door. There was the sound of bare feet walking towards the
shower and stopping. "Okay, open your eyes," Usagi directed.

Misako complied and opened her eyes. "Na-ni...?" she asked while staring
at Usagi, "Aren't you cold?"

"Silly... It's a bathing suit," Usagi remarked.

"THAT'S a bathing suit?" Misako asked dubiously, "Kami-sama, it's only
three little triangles and six pieces of string!"

"Do you like it?" Usagi asked in a silky voice. She could tell by her
husband's physical reaction that it most assuredly WAS liked.
"Mamo-chan, is that a henshin pen or are you just happy to see me?"

Misako gulped and stepped backwards as Usagi stepped forward. Blushing
deeply at the reaction she couldn't control, Misako covered herself with
a washcloth and turned away. "This isn't funny, Usagi," she rumbled.

"Speaking of Usagi, are the girls asleep?" Usagi asked. It wouldn't do
to have them underfoot now.

"Hai," Misako said as she slid out of the shower stall and tried to make
her way towards the door. "Usagi had a tummy-ache. It went away and she
did have a little soup later on. She'll probably be hungry tomorrow."

"I'll make pancakes then," Usagi decided.

"I don't think Small Lady needs anything special, especially because of
the way she acted. Ne, when are you going to spend some time with
Misako?"

"When I have a free moment and she's awake. We have better things to do
right now, Endymion," Usagi cooed as she trapped her sister into a
corner. "Don't you want to kiss me?" Misako's response wasn't what she
had intended. Catching Usagi up into a warm embrace, she lowered her
head before kissing her deeply.

It was several seconds before Misako could overcome the excitement that
had started running rampant within her large frame. <What am I doing?!>
Firmly but gently, she pushed Usagi away and took several gulping
breaths before saying, "I... er... um... I need to... um... finish my
shower."

Usagi began to take off her bikini top. "Sugoi! I'll join you." Misako
violently shook her head.

Usagi pouted slightly but Misako was firm. "Iie! I want to do it alone."

"All right," Usagi replied with reluctance and left the bathroom. Misako
closed and locked the door before stepping over to the shower.

<Oh, Kami-sama, forgive me!> Misako thought. With great solemness,
Misako turned the valves so that the water would be as cold as possible
before she stepped into the icy stream. <This is getting ridiculous.>

                                  ******

Little Serenity knew that something was wrong. Her father was brooding,
a deep scowl marring his face. Her mother was happy, and more
importantly, so was her sister. She picked up another sticky piece of
pancake with her hand from her plate and placed it into her
syrup-covered mouth. "'Sagi pway?" she asked.

"Iie," Usagi announced, "Your onee's going with me to Court."

"Me wan' 'Sagi pway!" Serenity said. <'Sagi no play 'fore...> The only
thing she had understood from her mother's response was that her sister
couldn't play because she was going somewhere.

"Misako, I said your onee is coming to Court," her mommy repeated.

"After what Usagi did yesterday?!?" Misako questioned, "Serenity, you
said she had to be good to go to Court." Most of this was above
Serenity's understanding but she knew her father was upset. So she put
some more pancake into her mouth, chewed it, and quietly watched.

"I wanna go, please?!?" Endymion asked, "I be really really good, Daddy,
promise!"

Serenity soon lost interest in the adult discussion that was going on
between her parents. It was only her big sister's additions that she
could make any sense of and they seemed to be repeated over and over.
Eventually it seemed to be settled because her father got up from the
table and walked out into the kitchen.

"Small Lady, come and get ready for Court," Usagi directed.

"Me go?" Serenity asked hopefully as Endymion slipped from his seat.

"Iie," Usagi responded, sounding almost offended, "You're too little."

"Me go 'ith Onee!" the little girl pleaded.

"Iie! Now come along and Daddy will wash your hands and help you brush
your teeth." Serenity pouted and crossed her little arms while her
mother lowered her off of the booster seat. "Come on," Usagi directed,
motioning the toddler to walk before her.

What seemed like a long time later, Serenity waved good-bye to her
sister and mother as they walked out of the Royal Suite. She stared up
at her father who wasn't looking happy. <Daddy pway...> she thought and
walking forward sat down on one of her father's feet and wrapped her
little arms around his leg.

"Oh no," Misako said in mock fear, but she had a smile on her face,
"There's something on my leg. Who's got a hold of my leg?"

"Misako!" Serenity giggled. She giggled even more as her father started
walking down the hallway with her riding on his foot. Maybe today
wouldn't be so bad after all.

End of Chapter 6

Coming next in Chapter 7 - The Little Princess