Author's Note:

Hey readers! Sorry it's been so long since my last update but I've been busy. In late September, my boyfriend of nine months dumped me by "unfriending" me on a popular online social network. That in and of itself has put me in a bit of a slump when it comes to writing. I have been able to refresh my creative flow recently by catching up on the Bloodlines series by Richelle Mead and by reading the Nightshade series by Andrea Cremer (not including the two prequels).

Chapter two received a review by a faithful reader of this story about Trista's last name that I would like to address for all to see so as there is little confusion. I used the English spelling of Sailor Pluto's civilian last name of Mayo. In Japan, the spelling is Meioh. I thank this reader for wanting to make my story more accurate however, as I am more familiar with the English dubbed versions of the anime I will continue to use the English names and there spellings so as to cause myself less confusion. I hope you all understand.

You know you love me,

XOXO,

Alyss


Chapter Four

Two Months Later

The eight Sailor Scouts and their prince were at the wits end. They were so certain that their princess would have been involved in in the Starlights lives since their return to Earth to protect her, but they have come up short with any findings. So desperate they were to find their princess that they had accused one of the wealthiest people in Japan of being a fraud two months ago. The manner of which Lady Ogasawara had calmly addressed, and denied, Darien's claims of her being Serena had convinced the scouts that she was indeed not Serena but Darien still had his doubts. There was something about those sad knowing hazel eyes that told him that the young heir was hiding something. Then there was the fact that her hair was the exact strawberry blond shade of his future daughter's that lead him to believe that there was something that connected Serena's disappearance and the closed off heiress's suddenly opening her home to so many charity's social events.

"Stop worrying about Mom's absence and focus on keeping the Earth safe until her return, guys." The sound of Rini's voice startled everyone at the now daily scout meetings. "And before you ask, I'm not allowed to tell you where she is either. I'm here only to help you fight any big bad that may come your way since Sailor Moon will only help if she is absolutely needed and will only fight with the Starlights by her side. My disguise this time around is being Darien's younger sister. Don't really know how Pluto pulled that one off but she did."

"Rini, you know where she is?" Hotaru asked eyes wide as she took in her best friend.

"Of course I do," she replied evenly. "But as Pluto already explained, it's vital that her new identity and whereabouts remain kept from you until she is ready to become the queen and leader she was born to be; until she becomes the person I am proud to call my mom. Whether you understand this or not you must trust that our princess and Sailor Pluto have thought this through and have come to the best possible option available in this predicament."

"I don't understand," Raye spoke up for the first time since the beginning of the meeting. "You teased her over her clumsiness almost as much as I did. How can they trust you with this huge secret?"

"She's my mother, Raye. That's a bond no amount teasing could ever break. The way we show our love in this time doesn't affect our feelings toward each other. If I ever acted differently it would worry Serena."

"It makes sense," Amara said. "If Small Lady ever let the princess get away with acting childish our being clumsy, Serena instantly knew something was bothering her and would be the mature one in a second."

"And if Serena ever let Rini slide on anything, Rini would know something was up and either try to help or come to one of us," Michelle finished for her partner.

"Exactly. Now Darien, we need to get me enrolled at school." Rini grabbed her father's hand and before he, or anyone could object, pulled him out of the room.


On the other side of Tokyo, Sailor Moon trained vigorously against the Starlights. They did this for three hours each morning and Serena's fighting skills were evolving rapidly. She had just "taken out" healer when Fighter caught her off guard sending her flying into the padded wall, finishing the fight.

"You can't let your guard down, Dumpling," Fighter said helping his team mate up.

"It leaves an opening for any assailant," Maker said helping the young princess up.

"I know," she replied. "I just can't stay focused today. Pluto stopped by just after I got up. My future daughter, Rini, is coming to our time to help my scouts out during my absence. I don't know how I will be able to not react to her once I see her."

"If she's from the future," Yaten began, having returned to his civilian form, "won't she just tell them were you are? Can she keep something that big from Darien?"

"She won't tell," she snapped after returning to her current civilian form as well, her voice rising slightly. She took a deep, calming breathe before continuing. "She knows what's at stake. It's something she won't risk. As for Darien, she knows how to get him to back off."

"He didn't mean to upset you, Ser"

"Seiya, do I look like Serena?" she asked him calmly. "No, I don't think I do. I will only appear closely to her when I am in uniform. We've been over this you cannot keep slipping up."

"Sorry, Short Cake." "I need to shower before Ms. Wick arrives for my sessions. Will you guys keep down in here while you do your team training during my torturing? I'm only a year ahead right now, if I am going to graduate before Crystal Tokyo, then I cannot afford anymore detractions. And please be showered and ready for the Children's Home function tonight. My scouts will be there as will my daughter and I cannot afford for you three to be late, again."

"We won't let you down, Moon Princess," Taiki replied giving her a reassuring smile.

"You'd better not."