(thanks to reviewers: MJ, James Birdson, and inufan155687 (technically yes, but also technically no, it wasn't her fault. She did not do it on purpose, but she had possession of the silver crystal and it was becuase of her reaction to Endymion's death that the crystal destroyed everything. I've already started the sequel for this story (or rather started the actual story since 'change' was just the prequel), and the whole destruction thing will be given more details then.)


Darien leaned in the doorway to Hotaru's room as he watched her sleep. It was well into the night, but Darien found himself unable to sleep. The princess had been plaguing his thoughts since seeing Sailor Moon. He'd been tempted to stick around after the battle, just to see what she knows. However he'd been more concerned about Hotaru at the time and had quickly de-transformed in order to check on her.

Leaving his sister's doorway Darien returned to his own bedroom, picking up the red rose he'd set on the nightstand. It had appeared after the first dream about the princess. For some reason Darien was beginning to believe the rose was meant to help him in finding the crystal. He'd been able to move more stealthily and quickly than he ever could as just Darien.

Deep in thought Darien picked up the rose, not only could this rose help him in getting Sailor Moon's attention, the disguise could aid in finding the crystal and getting it to the princess. A sudden idea struck as Darien glanced at an ad for a jewelry store advertising crystals. He walked out onto his balcony and he transformed into the tuxedo and white mask again.

Jumping from rooftop to rooftop he made his way downtown. He ignored the alarms that blared as he threw the rock through the glass and dove into the jewelry store. He snagged the most promising looking jewels before sneaking past cops.

He was halfway back to his apartment when the scantily clad scout dropped in front of him.

"Going somewhere?" she asked.

Darien remained silent.

"Don't you know stealing is wrong?"

"I was trying to get your attention," he replied.

Sailor Moon eyed the bag in his hand. "What are you doing with those? I thought you were one of the good guys. You're a jewel thief?"

Darien shrugged. "One time doesn't define me as a jewel thief, Sailor Moon."

"Hand over the bag."

"I'm just looking for the silver crystal."

Sailor Moon's eyes dangerously narrowed. "What do you know about the silver crystal?"

"I'm fairly sure you know where it is."

Sailor Moon dove forward and grabbed the bag before Darien could step back. "Look…Tuxedo…Mask…I highly doubt the Imperium Silver Crystal is something you will find in just any jewelry store. If it's so important to you maybe you should try talking to the salespeople during regular business hours."

"So you do know what the crystal is?"

"No."

Darien stepped forward, grabbing Sailor Moon's wrist and forcing her back against the wall. In surprise the bag of jewelry fell to the ground.

"I never said it was the Imperium Silver Crystal," Darien whispered in her ear.

"I just assumed," she quickly said.

Darien pulled back. "Who are you?"

"No one."

"That can't be true. I just want to find the crystal. Maybe we can help each other."

"You're robbing jewelry stores, and I'm trying to stop an evil queen from destroying earth. How can we help each other?"

"I'm looking for someone."

"You're not my type."

"I'm not a criminal and that's not what I meant. What do you know about a princess…"

"Princess?"

"I don't know who she is. She keeps telling me to find the crystal, to protect it."

"Endymion," Sailor Moon whispered softly.

"What?"

"Nothing. I…I can't help you." She ducked under his arm and walked away. After a moment she turned back. "Thank you, by the way. For helping me in the battle, but I didn't need it. I can handle myself. Goodbye...Tuxedo Mask."

Darien watched her run off into the night. He glanced at the bag of jewels before leaving it where it was and returning to his own apartment.


Serena snuck back into her aunt and uncle's house by climbing a tree to her cousin's second story window. She closed the window back and sat down on the sleeping bag she'd been sleeping on.

"Where've you been?" Mina mumbled.

"No where."

"I heard the window, Serena, where were you?"

Serena laid down, zipping herself into the sleeping bag. Mina sat up and sleepily wiped her eyes.

"Serena, I'm serious. I heard the window. You snuck out."

"So what? Go back to sleep."

"My parents are going to kill you."

Serena bolted up. "Do they know?"

"Not yet."

"Please don't tell them."

"You snuck out! What do you expect me to do? You could've been hurt!"

"I wasn't. Let it go. Please don't tell."

Mina frowned and watched Serena carelessly lay back down and fall into instant sleep.


The next morning Mina went down in the kitchen to find Serena already eating breakfast.

"Hey, Sere," she said.

Serena smiled at her. "You ready to go to school?"

"I-"

"Good, let's go."

Serena grabbed her cousin and pulled her out of the house.

"Serena, what's wrong?" Mina asked.

"You can't tell them," Serena repeated. "Please, Mina."

"You snuck out! Where did you go?"

"I just needed some air," Serena told her.

"That's a lie," Mina accused.

"We should get to school. Before we're late."

"You're always late."

"Even more reason to be on time." Serena smiled and walked ahead.

Suddenly worried, Mina followed closely behind. Serena went straight to class, not even stopping to talk to Molly.

"What's going on?" Lita asked. "I thought Serena was coming back today."

"She's already inside," Mina replied.

"Is she okay?"

Mina shrugged. "I guess. We should be getting to class too."

Lita frowned when Mina left her behind to enter the school. The taller girl entered the classroom to see Serena already sitting in her seat. Lita walked over and sat next to her.

"Hey, Serena," she said.

"Oh, hello, Lita," Serena replied.

"Did Mina mention the sleepover?"

"Yeah, she mentioned it."

"You're in, right?" Lita asked.

"I don't know."

"It'll be fun. Just like we planned. We could do each others' hair and nails, and makeovers. Raye said we could even play music, just not too loud since it would be at the temple. So, what do you say?"

"I'll try to be there."

"Great." Lita smiled. "See you there then."

As Lita went to her seat, Serena sensed another youma. Without hesitation, she picked up her schoolbag and ran. Lita and Mina exchanged wary glances. Mina was about to go after her when the students were all ordered to their seats. Mina grimaced as her cousin was marked absent.


Darien had just arrived at school when he heard the screams. He might have ignored the sound and gone on with his day, until he felt Sailor Moon transform. He threw his books back in his car and ran towards the youma, transforming while he ran. When he arrived at the scene Sailor Moon was already there, in the middle of her little rant. He rolled his eyes as the youma took its chance and struck at her. Sailor Moon clumsily stumbled out of the way.

"Give up!" Sailor Moon warned. "I won't let you steal the energy of the innocent people of earth."

Shaking his head, Darien readied a rose. When the monster closed its claws around Sailor Moon, he threw the rose. It soared above the unconscious humans and into the arm of the youma. The hideous creature looked to him.

"Big mistake, tux boy," the youma snarled.

Darien managed to duck away from the attack aimed at him. When he was on his feet again, the creature had focused back on Sailor Moon. The girl stood frozen in fear as an energy ball was hurled her way. Pulling his cape so that it was protecting them, Darien pulled Sailor Moon into his arms. He heard her gasp in surprise, and felt her tilt her head up to look at him.

"Get ready to use your tiara," Darien told her.

She had a look of confusion until Darien attacked the monster. Taking advantage of the sudden distraction, Sailor Moon removed her tiara.

"Moon Tiara Action!" she shouted, taking aim and throwing it.

The creature screamed as it fell to moon dust. Darien stood unharmed beside it.

Sailor Moon gave him a thankful glance before running off. Darien followed, sticking to the rooftops until he could drop down to block her path.

Sailor Moon gasped and took a defensive stance.

"The rose garden of the park, midnight. I'll meet you there," Darien said before running off himself.

Sailor Moon stared after him for a moment before nodding to herself.