Notes: The Sailor Moon aspect of this story is a little AU, but other than that, things are pretty much the same.

This is supposed to take place shortly after Chibi-Usa is born and not long after things begin to normalize in the Shire after the war (but before Frodo goes to Valinor).

This story is not a romance, so if that's what' you're looking for I suggest you look elsewhere. This is Hotaru-centered and she is only supposed to be about six years old. Please don't make suggestions of pairings because it will only be a waste of your time.

If you're unhappy with something, let me know. It doesn't necessarily mean I'll change it, but I appreciate any feedback.

I think that's about it. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Prologue

Hotaru woke up with a start as she heard a commotion outside of her bedroom. She looked at her clock, but it didn't seem to be working, which only made her more anxious. She attempted to turn on the lamp next to her bed, but it also failed to serve its purpose. Tears welled up in the small child's eyes and she wondered if she should get up and look for Setsuna, her adoptive mother, or to wait.

Explosions could be heard in all directions and Hotaru's thoughts turned to the new member of the Royal Family, Chibi-Usa. When the baby was born Hotaru was ecstatic as she was no longer the only child living in the castle. Now, only four months after that momentous day, Hotaru felt concerned. She knew that the Sailor Senshi would do their best to protect their princess, but deep down she also knew that something was wrong.

Within moments, her concern was confirmed as Sailor Pluto came running into her room, carrying Chibi-Usa in her arms. Screaming could be heard in the hallway and Sailor Mars ran in as well, shutting the door behind her.

"Are you sure she can handle this?" Mars asked Pluto.

Pluto gave the Inner Senshi a look of sadness. "I hope so," she whispered, then turned to Hotaru who looked confused. She wondered what they would expect her to handle.

"Hotaru, Honey." Pluto said, kneeling down beside the child's bed and ignoring the sounds of fighting outside the door, "The Queen needs our help and we need somebody to take care of Chibi-Usa for us."

Hotaru was shocked. She was only six years old and they were asking her to baby-sit! She looked at Mars whose eyes were set on the door as if she were ready for someone to come charging in.

"What if someone comes in?" Hotaru asked.

"Well, Hotaru, you won't be here." Pluto said. "I am going to send you to a place where these Youma should not be able to find you two, and when it's safe I'll come and get you, okay?"

"But who's going to come with me?" Hotaru wondered, knowing full well that she was too young to be on her own.

"You are a big girl, Hotaru, and I believe that you can handle this." Pluto reassured, but the child didn't look comforted. Pluto handed her a piece of paper.

"This paper has everything you need to know. It holds instructions for where you must go and who you must seek. This person is my cousin and will give you the protection you need. Also," Pluto said, handing Hotaru a small stick-like object, "this will help you if you need it. You'll know what to do when the time comes."

Tears filled the child's eyes as she took the baby into her arms. She was scared and was not nearly as confident in herself as Pluto seemed to be. How could she take care of a four-month-old baby? Nevertheless, this was a task that Pluto was giving her and she couldn't refuse. The Queen was counting on her and Hotaru didn't want to let her down.

Just as Pluto raised her staff into the air, the door to the room shattered, spewing chips of wood throughout the room and embedding themselves into the skin of all those present. Mars began to fight the Youma who were pouring in and Pluto quickly opened a time portal. Hotaru,with Chibi-Usa held tightly in her arms, began to float up into the small cloud that had formed overhead. Tears streamed from her eyes. Blasts of energy were flying throughout the room and one managed to collide with the older child's head, carrying her into unconsciousness. As the bodies of the two children fully entered the portal, Pluto became distracted by a Youma tackling her. Before she could close the portal two Youma jumped in after the princess and her caretaker. Pluto had no idea and caused the cloud to disappear.

Notes: So, what did you think? Let me know if you'd like to read more – I'd be happy to accommodate. If you noticed any typos or spelling mistakes, let me know because I want to fix them. I've edited this as best I can, but I'm sure there are a few that have escaped my eye.

Anyway, please review!