Chapter 1

“I want to thank you for doing this, Darien,” Andrew said. “A lot of people don't realize how many orphaned children we have in this city.”

Darien shrugged and glanced out of the window. “I know what it's like to be an orphan. It's the least I could do.” Andrew smiled and handed him a photo.

Darien gazed at the picture for a few seconds before asking, “What happened to her family?”

“That's part of why I wanted you to talk to her,” Andrew said with a sigh. “Her family died in a car crash, and I thought--”

“That I could tell her how to deal with the pain,” Darien interrupted. “I'd be glad to, but I'd better talk this over with Serena first.”

Andrew placed a firm hand on Darien’s shoulder. “Just remember,” he said, “she doesn't have anyone else. Now, you're all she has.” Darien nodded and walked out of the room.

“Sailor Moon, can you hear me?”

Serena looked up to see an iron-clad figure standing over her. “Who are you?” she asked in a nervous voice.

“I am a friend that has come to advise you.”

“Advise me? What for?” she asked.

“You must protect the child,” he said, his voice echoing in her head.

“You mean Reenie?” she guessed.

He only shook his head and repeated, “You must protect the child.”

“Wait, what does that mean?!” she shouted as he faded away. Serena angrily stomped her foot. “That's the problem with these Outer Scouts. They think they're so wise, but they can't ever give you a straight answer!” It was then that she realized she was only wearing a see-through nightgown. “AH! He saw everything!” Serena wailed. She walked over to the couch and picked up her communicator. “Well, if you won't give me an answer, I know someone that will!”

"Reenie, slow down! Serena and Darien are not going to abandon you!"

"Yes, they are, Amy!" Reenie shouted. "Serena thinks I'm just a little brat, and Darien will do whatever she says!"

Amy sighed. "I know you don't think much of Serena, but she really is a good person. She's been my best friend for years, and I really don't think she'd ever abandon you."

Reenie frowned but finally settled down. "Anyway, what would make--" Amy was interrupted by a loud beeping. She picked up her communicator and pressed a button. "Go ahead, Serena." She could easily spot the grimace on Reenie's face as Serena began.

"Amy, as Sailor Scouts, don't we have a rule against people just appearing in our apartments? Today's the seventh time Sailor Earth popped in, and the third time he's caught me in my underwear! I really don't think it's a coincidence anymore."

Amy chuckled and said, "Serena, it's not like he forces you to walk around half-naked."

"You don't understand!" Serena cried. "I was wearing the outfit that Raye gave me for my birthday!"

Amy's eyes grew wide. "That one? What were you thinking?! He must have seen everything!"

"Don't say that! I was sitting down, so maybe he didn't see everything..."

"Well, he must have seen something he wasn't supposed to!" Amy said.

"Stop saying that! I feel bad enough already. How am I going to tell Darien?"

“Tell him what?” Reenie asked, peeking over Amy’s shoulder.

Amy shushed her and turned back to her communicator. “Why did Earth come to see you, anyway?”

“He said I had to take care of some kid, but it wasn’t Reenie.”

“Hey, I heard my name! You’re talking about me!” Reenie shouted.

“Hush, Reenie! Serena, do you think it’s that little girl that Darien was talking about the yesterday?”

Serena blinked. “I guess so. I can’t think of any other kids he might be talking about.”

Interlude

Sailor Earth pushed the heavy rock away from the cave. Once he was inside, he rolled it back to block the entrance. However, he soon found that the boulder was no longer doing its job when he spotted a young woman sitting on his bed. Without thinking, he drew a sword from the wall. "Who are you?" he asked suspiciously.

"Calm down, Earth! Don't you recognize me?"

He stared at her for a few moments before putting away his weapon. "Sorry, Pluto. Didn't realize it was you. You look...good." She smiled and patted the spot next to her.

"Now, why have you graced me with the honor of your presence?" he asked as he sat down.

Sailor Pluto smiled and laid her head on his shoulder. "You could say I missed you."

Earth turned his head, trying to ignore the way her perfume smelled. "Honestly, Pluto. You never resorted to lying before. Why are you really here?"

Pluto sighed, and Earth nearly shuddered when the sensation hit his neck. "It's the little girl again. She must be cared for by the right people."

Earth nodded and said, "I'll care for her as if she were my own. Anything else?"

Pluto nodded solemnly and placed a soft kiss on his cheek. "I really did miss you," she whispered in his ear.

He closed his eyes and finally admitted, "I missed you, too."

"I know," she said, but when Earth opened his eyes, she was gone.