A/N: Definition of FanFic: FICTION (a non realistic story) made by a FAN (an ardent follower and admirer) of another person's work, using that person's ideas to make an original story. As such, the only thing the FAN owns is their respective original story and original characters; NOT the object(s) of their FANdom.

The staff at the hospital were utterly amazed with the change in the two girls. No one knew how, but it was obvious that Saeko's efforts to get open the children's hearts had begun to pay off. Although the children made it obvious that they didn't trust anyone, they were now on speaking terms with her. At least, Usagi was. Hotaru, on the other hand, would only speak the bare minimum to her. Ami on the hand was the other exception. It seemed that now that they had decided to speak at all, they were completely comfortable talking with the child of Saeko.

At first, Saeko was worried about what the children would talk about; there were many things that the two orphans knew about that children shouldn't, but her worries were in vain. The two children were at least adapt when it came to talking to other children, and were very good at hiding things that they felt people their own age shouldn't know.

Then came then matter of their future. Needless to say, the two children had no way of personally covering the hospital fees. That in itself was okay, because the government would cover their expenses.

The problem came with what would happen to them after the were released from the hospital. Even before they were on speaking terms, Saeko had every intention of adopting the two children. She knew it would be difficult to raise three children on her own, but she was determined to do whatever she could for those two, especially Usagi. She had saved little Ami's life, after all. And she and Ami got along very well. However, when she asked the children themselves, she got a surprising response.

"We're waiting for someone." That's what they had said. When Saeko had asked them who they were waiting on, they said they didn't know. Only that they were waiting for 'The Guardian' and that they would make their decision after she came.

Of course, Saeko was skeptical about this 'Guardian' actually existing, but she decided to wait a few days before talking to them about it. As it happened, a few days later, 'The Guardian' appeared.

It was night when it happened. Usagi and Hotaru had fallen asleep while reading a book, along with Ami. Putting Hotaru back onto her own bed, Saeko suddenly spun around when she sensed someone else in the room. "...Who are you?"

The woman, who was gazing at Usagi turned to face her. Her skin was darker than the average Japanese person, and her hair was dark olive. But what stood out about her was the strange sailor uniform and skirt she wore, along with the staff that rested in her hand. The woman looked at Saeko for a moment, and then nodded. "I am Pluto, the Sailor Senshi of Time, and protector of the princess. Although, you may have heard of me simply as 'The Guardian'."

"'The Guardian!' Then you must be the woman the girls were talking about! But what do you mean by Sailor Senshi? And what princess do you speak of?"

"We Sailor Senshi are the guardians and princesses of our own respective planets, as well as the solar system. Our princess and the one we have sworn loyalty to is the princess of the moon. Long ago, there was an era known as the 'Silver Millennium'. During this time, all of the planets in the solar system save Earth were members of what was known as the 'Silver Alliance', where the Moon kingdom has the highest authority and the most power, as well as a wonderful queen. It was an era of great prosperity and power for the entire solar system. However, all good shall always attract evil, and The Alliance was attacked by the Dark Kingdom, completely destroying it. However, The Moon Queen used her powers at the last moment to seal away the evil, and send them, along with her daughter and her protectors and people into the future to be reborn on Earth, that they might be able to live out their lives in peace."

I alone have lived throughout the ages, have seen the end of the Silver Millennium, and have watched the Earth grow and prosper, always awaiting the time when my comrades and our princess would be born again, and always fighting to keep the darkness from returning."

Saeko had remained silent until the woman, Pluto, had finished. By all accounts, her story would normally seem ludicrous to anyone, however; whether it was the aura of power that radiated from the young woman or the fact that she had recently been attacked by something that practically screamed 'Dark Kingdom', she couldn't help but feel this woman was telling the truth. But still...

"And why have you come here? Don't tell me..."

Pluto nodded, "Yes, I have come here because of the children in this room. Before we continue, allow me to change..."

There was a small burst of light, and Pluto was now wearing a generic business suit, her staff nowhere to be found. "In this form, you may call me Setsuna Meioh. And yes, I really am a business woman. Here's my Identification Card."

Taking the card, Saeko continued, "About the children..."

Setsuna walked over to the bed, where Hotaru was sleeping, and gently patted her head. The moment she did so, the symbol of Saturn began to blaze on her forehead in a powerful orange light; a light that was both terrifying and soothing. "This child, Hotaru, is the reborn Sailor Saturn, one of the more powerful Senshi. And this girl..."

Instead of walking over to Usagi, like Saeko expected, instead Setsuna walked over to Ami and placed her hand on the top of her head. Like Hotaru, a symbol began to glow on the child's forehead. However, instead of a powerful aura like Saturn's, it was a soft blue light that radiated from the symbol of Mercury. "And little Ami here is the reborn Sailor Mercury, the Senshi of water. She is also a member of the princesses' personal guard, sworn to protect her from all harm."

Saeko was more than a little surprised, "You're telling me that my little Ami is really the reincarnation of a guardian of the solar system. And that she was a princess in her previous life, and that she is a personal bodyguard of the moon princess. Are you telling me that my daughter is not really my own?"

"That is up for you to decide," Setsuna replied, "But regardless of anything else, you were the one who gave birth to her in this life, and you are the one who is currently raising her to be a fine young girl."

Saeko took all of it in, "I see. Does this mean that the 'Dark Kingdom' is active again? Even if they were Senshi in their past lives, children such as themselves cannot possibly defeat such evil! They're barely old enough for school!"

Setsuna patted Ami's head once again before answering, "Senshi are always very young when they first begin their training. And they were around the age of nineteen when the Dark Kingdom attacked and they died fighting.

Setsuna's expression softened slightly as she looked at Saeko's shocked expression, "Do not worry. While it is true that the Dark Kingdom has began its activities once again, it will be a while yet before they will come back into the power that they had before. Until that time comes, I will deal with them as they come while training young Hotaru and Ami in the ways of a Senshi so that history may not repeat itself. The Dark Kingdom must not be allowed to prevail in this era. It will mean the end of everything and everyone on this planet."

Saeko realized the logic and the seriousness of what Setsuna said, "And how will this happen? Do you intend to adopt Hotaru? I will not just give up my daughter Ami."

Setsuna shook her head and pulled out a folded piece of paper. Saeko took hold and read it. "You already have legal guardianship of both Hotaru and Usagi!"

Setsuna nodded, "I have been watching over them all of their lives. However, as the guardian of time, I am do not have the ability to interfere with what is to happen; only to forge my own path in what I think is the best way, without looking into the future. That is why I could not come to them before now."

"I see," Saeko replied, "Then, when will the training begin? And where will it take place?"

"I have a home that is not too far from here. That is where we will begin our training. However, little Ami's training will not begin for a few years, yet. Her power will not be needed as soon, and it will be best for her to grow up more before she becomes a Senshi."

"So you will be taking Hotaru and Usagi then?" Saeko tried to keep the sorrow from her voice.

Setsuna smiled slightly, "I will be taking complete custody of Hotaru. But as for Usagi..."

Saeko realized for first time that throughout the entire conversation, Usagi had been the only one who had not been mentioned. "And what of Usagi? You didn't mention at all before. Is she not a Sailor Senshi as well?"

Saeko noticed how Setsuna's expression changed ever so slightly as she looked at the blonde child. It was a soft, warm expression that she had yet to see from the woman. "Little Usagi is... special. Very special. She is not a Sailor Senshi, nor was she one in her previous life. On that note, I am assuming that be content with taking custody of her?"

Saeko was surprised, "You're asking me to take custody of her..?"

"Yes. You were already planning to do so, were you not? However, I will be keeping care of little Hotaru. Are you fine with taking care care of Usagi?"

"Of course I am fine of taking care of Usagi!" Saeko replied immediately, "But, is it okay to separate the two children?"

"No, we cannot just separate Hotaru and Usagi from each other. However, my home is not far from yours. Usagi and Hotaru will be able to see each other whenever they wish, especially when Hotaru and Ami begin their training. That, and I will be handling both Hotaru and Usagi's education myself."

Even if at this point she couldn't be surprised further, Saeko was certainly startled. "You will take care of their education? So you will be teaching them personally?"

"Yes, I have a Doctorate degree in both education and child psychology. I would also be happy to pick up Ami from school when you have to work late at the hospital. I know that your work keeps you busy, and I'm sure that the children would love to spend time together. I wouldn't mind teaching Ami as well, even if you simply want her to get some extra lessons. I fear that cram schools these days simply prepare one to pass a test, and not to achieve true knowledge and wisdom.

Secretly, Saeko had also thought that about cram schools, but had never bothered to mention it to anyone. For some reason that she could not fathom, she felt that she could completely trust Setsuna. "That would be nice. It would definitely be easier than looking for a cram school, or paying someone to look after them."

"Yes, besides, it is important for them to become closer to each other, because they will have to work together in the future. It will be their roles to protect the princess once again in the near future."

Saeko nodded, then thought of something, "I almost forgot to ask, but about the Moon Princess. If everyone is to protect her, do you know where she is? Has she been reborn as well?"

"I cannot give you information about her, for her own safety," Setsuna replied, "But I can tell you that she has been reborn, and that she is fine. I am always watching over her, as well. She is our princess, after all."

Saeko smiled to herself, "That is good to know. But as for the children, do you think they will agree? Hotaru and Usagi seem pretty inseparable. Will they really be okay with living in different households?"

Setsuna smiled, and then turned to the hospital beds, "Well, what do you think, Usagi-chan, Hotaru-chan?"

After a moment, the two children slowly sat up, having listened in on the whole conversation quietly, to the shock of Saeko. "See, Ho-chan?" Usagi giggled, "Just like the queen lady said!" Then she turned to Setsuna and Saeko, "I like it! Because I like Ami-chan, and Saeko-okaasan, too. But, if Ho-chan doesn't like it, then I will go with Puu, too."

Setsuna couldn't help but to smile at the childish nickname.. No matter how much time passed, some things never changed

Hotaru looked straight at Setsuna, "Setsuna-san. Will going with that lady and Ami-chan be good for U-chan?" Setsuna nodded. Then, Hotaru spoke more quietly, "Will being this Sailor Saturn help me protect U-chan?"

Setsuna patted her head, but her expression was serious, "How strong you become will be up to you, but if you really want to protect her, you will become strong for her sake. Although, our primary objective is to protect the princess and to keep peace in the solar system."

Hotaru thought for a moment, "...You said I can visit her whenever I want, right?"

A nod.

"And we will be together in the day time?"

More nods.

"...Then, I guess it's 'kay. But..."

Her eyes turned back to Saeko, and there was a dark glare on her face, "Don't you dare hurt Usagi-chan. If you do, I'll-ow!"

The Usagi-chan in question threw a pillow at Hotaru, "It'll be 'kay, Ho-chan. Just wait and see; I have a warm feeling!"

And so, it happened. Hotaru was taken into the custody of Setsuna while Usagi was adopted by Saeko and became a member of the Mizuno family (Much to the displeasure of Hotaru; she had quite liked Usagi's last name). During the daytime, Usagi would be picked up by Setsuna and taken to her home (Which was actually not that far away from Saeko's home) and would together with Hotaru be schooled on numerous subjects ranging from standard classes to lessons about the universe that none but one who had spanned eternity could teach.

The two families grew only closer as time passed, and people in the city and local restaurants became accustomed to seeing the three children, with either Saeko or Setsuna. Hotaru let go of her dislike of Usagi's new mother, although she had made it clear that her original threat still stood. And with her new found training as a Senshi, it was a threat that held much force behind it.

As for the training itself, it began with simple training exercises that both Ami and Usagi were allowed to participate in, involving mainly meditation and other mental exercises. When it became more intense and personal, Ami and Usagi were not allowed to watch or participate; instead they opted to either study or read unless Saeko was present. Then they would go out for a stroll to various places.

Saeko took very good care of Usagi. She always took the time to take her out around the town in a wheelchair, alongside Ami and often Hotaru. Everyone in the neighborhood absolutely loved her, and Ami had had a large influence on her demeanor. She had always shown that she was quite sharp-minded, but Ami's eagerness to learn began to rub off on her, and she became more interested in learning as a result.

Of course, there were ups and downs, especially for Saeko. She had been warned explicitly by Setsuna to never mention anything about Senshi or the Silver Millennium by Setsuna, and she had also been warned about the children themselves. Or rather, some of the differences between them and ordinary Earthlings. And it was about one such occasion that Setsuna had gotten a surprise visit from Saeko.

It was mid afternoon, and Hotaru and Usagi were working on ancient languages of the solar system when Saeko and Ami came over. The unusual part was that it was a school day for Ami. Saeko seemed agitated, so Setsuna sent the children upstairs while they talked.

The school Ami attended had their annual school physical. Being a better-than-average school, the physical included blood tests to look for known diseases. The problem had come when Saeko got a call from the school stating that there was something wrong with Ami's blood. To put it simply, they couldn't even determine what blood type it was. Saeko had managed to alleviate the situation by stating that Ami was taking part in a clinical research that was attempting to find a new cure for blood transmitted diseases, and that the medicine had an effect on her blood. However, she had remembered Setsuna mentioning something similar and decided to come straight over.

Setsuna did a check-up on Ami and revealed that the Mercurian blood inside of her had awakened, along with her inner Senshi. Most likely due to her constantly being around two awakened Senshi. As a result, the blood inside of her body had changed, along with a few other features. It was then decided that both Saeko and Setsuna would install small medical facilities in their homes. It would be far too much of a risk to have to take her or Hotaru to the hospital, and would bring up many unwanted questions. Shortly after that, Ami began her training as a Senshi.

After a while, Setsuna had Usagi stop participating in the others' training. Instead, while they were training as Senshi, she was taught many other things. Precognition, slight telepathy, laws and customs of various nations and planets, a light ability to heal small injuries, many things. Usagi never questioned why she was not a Sailor Senshi. From the information that she was given by Setsuna, she came to the conclusion that she was a good friend of all of the Sailor Senshi, or perhaps a relative of one. But she was not sad. She had already realized that even if she had been a Senshi, her legs would never allow her to move and train the way Ami and Hotaru did. Besides, she was simply happy that she and Hotaru had found people that they could trust, and that they could be like the other children with homes and families.

Ami was especially aware of this. As the child grew, she began to realize more and more the sacrifice that Usagi had made to save her life. She became a kind, doting older sister, who was almost as protective as Hotaru. Between the two children and the two adults, Usagi was almost never by herself, and never felt left out.

But sometimes, she would suddenly decide to stay in her room at Setsuna's home, and stare out of the window all day with a forlorn expression. During these times, she would refuse to talk to anyone except Setsuna. Not even Hotaru. She'd confided in Setsuna that sometimes, she would feel as if there was something missing in their lives, like there were people that were supposed to be there who weren't. Setsuna told her that her heart was beginning to remember her friends of the past, and that the feeling would go away as the other Sailor Senshi and the princess were found. This greatly relieved the young child.

And yet, she was also warned along with the others. About how there were people in the world who's goal was to harm them, and that they should always be careful around people that they didn't know.

As if Hotaru and Usagi needed to be reminded of that.

The two never let their guard down. Hotaru especially. Usagi wasn't sure what, but there was something that Hotaru wasn't telling her. And it had made her even more protective of Usagi then before, to the point where she wouldn't let anyone outside of their family anywhere near her. But Usagi didn't mind. When the other Senshi arrived, Setsuna would let them know. And she didn't have a reason to talk to anyone outside of their family anyway. And so, time passed.

And thus, life continued.

A/N: And here we are, the final chapter of the opening, the Darkness Arc. With this, the die has been cast and the characters have began to assemble by the invisible hand of fate. And yet, how will this performance play out..?

As always, I want to hear from you about how you feel thus far! And also as always, if you have any questions, PM me. I'm always willing to answer any questions readers may have.

Until next time!