Disclaimer: I don't own anything but the plot. ISN'T THAT SAD? sobs

Chapter 1: Decision Time

Darien's mind was racing. How would he do this? How COULD he do this? He wasn't sure. All he knew was that she was worth the risk. After all, he loved her. That's why he was meeting her in the park, at the lake, under the stars. She would say yes, he knew it. Then again, she didn't have much of a choice. It was her destiny.

Serena sat on the dock, waiting for Darien. But she wasn't concerned with him. She was thinking about the Starlights. She hadn't seen them in three years. Since the tragic day they left, she had graduated high school with a 3.5 GPA. Everyone was surprised. She had, since then, secretly applied to Tokyo University's nursing program. Serena also had a small apartment.

But while she sat there on the dock, she came to a conclusion. She would follow her heart. No matter what. "But that means…" she whispered. She would not finish that thought. She didn't have to because at that moment, she spotted Darien.

"Hey, Serena!" he called.

"Hi!" Serena said brightly, going to give her boyfriend of 4 years a kiss. They sat down on a bench, and Darien reached inside his pocket.

"Serena?" Darien began, "I have to ask you something."

"Ok," she said, fearing what the question would be, "Shoot."

Suddenly Darien dropped off the bench and onto one knee. He whipped out a small black box and opened it. Inside was a large diamond ring in the shape of a heart.

"Serena Renee Tskino, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" Darien asked nervously.

Serena's eyes glazed over as she thought about the promise that she made to herself. Half of her heart was with Darien and her future with him. But the other half… The other half of her heart was on Kinmoku. With Seiya. Her heart was in two different places. Which half of her heart would she follow?

"Yes, Darien. I will marry you," Serena said finally. She had decided her fate. She would choose Rini. She didn't love Darien, but she loved her future daughter with every fiber of her being. She wouldn't forsake or sacrifice that for anything. Serena knew that she wasn't being fair. To herself or Darien. But in her heart, she knew that she would always protect her daughter. No matter what the cost.

Darien beamed as he slid the ring on her delicate finger.

AN: Remember to review or else I won't update!