"So we need the Golden Crystal to save the Earth from the Dead Moon, huh?"

I sat with the four senshi and Chibiusa at the park where I had been critically wounded. While I had been unconscious, Mamoru's condition had been linked to a curse shared between him, the planet and the little flying pony.

AKA Helios.

The task was now, in order to save everyone, the Golden Crystal needed to be found and used against the enemy. Usagi had stayed with Mamoru and Chibiusa and Makoto had told us the news.

"I can't believe what's happening to Mamoru-san," Ami said.

"From now on," Makoto said, "we five need to be strong to protect Mamoru and help Usagi fight."

There were nods and a unanimous yes. I cleared my throat.

"Six."

Everyone looked at me. "Nani," Makoto asked.

"There are six of us," I said. "The six of us need to be strong."

All their mouths fell open.

"You are seriously not considering fighting again," Rei asked. "You were almost killed last time!"

I huffed and took a drink out of the juice box I had bought before meeting with the others. "And I would have died with honor and the greater good."

"Caden-chan..." Minako said softly.

I glared at them. "I'll fight. You can't stop me."

"Wanna bet," Rei hissed into my ear, low enough for only me to hear. "I'll tie your ass to a bed!"

I smirked. "It's not really punishment if I'd enjoy it, dear." Her face turned red and I laughed when the others had heard what I said, their faces turning red, too. Only Chibiusa hadn't gotten the joke, but smiled and jumped into my lap.

"I agree with C-chan," she said proudly. "If she wants to fight, let her. We'll need all the help we can get anyway if we're to help Usagi and Mamo-chan and Helios."

I smiled and wrapped my arms around the pink haired child. "Thanks, Chibiusa."

Makoto looked up at the bright sky. "I wish those three were still here."

"Who," I asked, sipping at my juice before it was stolen by Chibiusa.

"Haruka, Michiru and Setsuna," replied Makoto.

"Don't forget little Hotaru," I said, pulling my hat down, shielding my eyes from the sun.

"She isn't a soldier," came Ami's voice.

"Not yet," I said. "She will be. And sooner then you guys think. I do remember that much."

"What do you mean," asked Minako.

"Little Hotaru's growth, eventually, is going to speed up until she's back at the age she was when she died. It's gonna be one hell of a growth spurt," I said. "Sailor Saturn is going to reappear and sooner rather then later."

"Does that mean she will...?" Makoto's voice trailed off.

"Iie," I said. "Won't be like last time. She'll be an actual soldier to help us fight. She's not going to destroy us this time."

"Hotaru-chan is coming back," asked Chibiusa excitedly. "And as a regular soldier??"

I smiled and nodded, patting the girl on the head. "Yup!"

"Alright!" I heard her sip the rest of my juice down before handing the empty carton back to me.

"Thanks...." I looked at it before throwing it into a nearby trash bin. "So what are we gonna do?"

"I say we head back to the circus, see if we can't find something," Minako suggested.

It was agreed on and we all went our separate ways.

As I went to head back to my apartment, a soft hand sliding into my hand hand made me look to see Rei walking beside me.

"Following me home," I asked, intertwining our fingers together.

She smiled. "I wish you wouldn't fight."

I squeezed her hand gently. "I'll be okay. I promise."

She gave me a look. "How can you promise that? You were almost killed last time."

I sighed and removed my ball cap then ran my fingers back through my hair. I went to put my hat back on, but Rei stopped me only to run her fingers through my hair as well.

"What are you going to do when you get back home," she asked.

I shrugged as we turned out of the park and walked down the street. "Curl into a ball and cry with the realization I was happier in a place that technically doesn't exist?" I replaced the hat back onto my head.

"You wouldn't, ya know..."Rei stumbled over her words.

"I wouldn't what?"

"Hurt yourself again?" I looked down at her and sighed. She seemed like she regretted asking the question, but pressed it anyway.
"Caden, please tell me."

"I can't," I said honestly. "I can't because I don't know." I shook my head. "Can we drop this please? I don't even know how I'm getting home so why discuss it anyway?"

We walked the rest of the way to my apartment in silence. I popped into the flower store to say hello to Ichida-san since I hadn't seen her in over a week. She was relieved to see me and said so. She asked who Rei was and before I could answer, Rei cut in.

"I'm her lover," Rei said smugly.

My jaw dropped.

But Ichida-san looked from me to Rei-chan and back before saying how proud she was that I had picked such a lovely woman. I grinned, bowed and ushered Rei up the stairs to my apartment.

As I fumbled with my keys, Rei leaned against the railing and smirked. "Why are you so embarrassed, Caden?"

I sighed and as I finally unlocked my door, Rei shoved me inside and kicked the door shut with her foot.

Rei pinned me against the wall and crushed her lips to mine. I growled into the kiss, wrapping my arms around her and pulling her close. I felt her hands knock my hat away into the floor then tangled themselves into my hair. Since I was taller then she was, Rei tugged my hair and pulled me down.
Leaning against the wall, I squatted down until I was just shorter then she was. Rei wrapped her arms around my head and deepend the kiss. Growling,
I pulled at the back of Rei's shirt, taking fists full of the accursed material.

Something was buzzing at the back of my skull. But my foggy brain couldn't figure out what it was.

Rei broke the kiss and began kissing down my neck. A moan escaped me before I could help it, and I tilted my head back against the wall. I dropped my hands down to Rei's hips and squeezed them, pulling her closer to me. I heard her giggle and I smirked then hissed and groaned as she bit at my skin. Girl was hitting all my happy places.

Rei brought her hands down from my head and over my sides. I could tell her touches were light and I would have squirmed had it not been for my hoodie. But I had the sleeves pushed up and as Rei reached my skin, she drew her nails down my skin, gently on my left arm due to injuries. But she drew blood on my right arm.

I growled and pushed against her but she brought her hands up and slammed me against the wall before kissing me again. She was an assertive little snot. But part of me wondered if that was really a bad thing.

Rei smirked into the kiss as she brought her hands back down over my sides, resting them on my hips. She pulled away and flicked her tongue over my lips teasingly and I growled and snapped at her playfully. She reached up to kiss me again as her hands slid underneath my heavy hoodie and I felt her fingertips caress over my stomach.

I sighed and melted at the touch.

Rei's hands moved farther up still until she reached my breasts. Her hands moved to cup them, her thumbs rubbing over my nipples and that's when I realized what was buzzing in my mind.

I brought my hands up under my shirt and grabbed her wrists. Breaking the kiss, I looked at her, my breathing ragged. "I thought we agreed, dear?"

Rei's face was flush, just as mine was, I'm sure. But she smirked. I think she enjoyed having such power over me. "I never agreed to anything." But she she pulled her hands from out under my shirt and wrapped her arms around my waist, resting her head on my chest.

I moved my arms to drape them around her and kissed the top of her head. "I'm sorry, Rei."

She nuzzled my chest and leaned into me more. "It's really silly," she said. "I didn't think I could ever be this attached to one person."

I sighed and began stroking her hair. "Sucks, doesn't it?"

I leaned my head back against the wall, closing my eyes, but I felt her nod against me. "I don't know how Michiru and Haruka do it. How they can stand it."

I tightened my grip around Rei. She seemed so tiny compared to how she was just moments ago. "They do what they have to," I said. "It's just part of who they are."

I pushed away from the wall, gently kissed Rei's lips and broke contact. True, I was beginning to feel better, but I was still weak. I walked to my futon, which was still laid out in it's bed form. I bent over to pull it upright and groaned a bit. Rei quickly came over, scolded me and pushed me aside. She then brought the futon up into it's couch form and locked it into place and we both sat down on it.

"They put up a good front," I said. "But Michiru was a wreck without Haruka when I was there."

Rei looked at me, her eyes wide with surprise. "Really? She always seems so cool and level headed."

I leaned back, propping my legs up on the table in front of me, crossing them at the ankles. "She is. But she lost the one thing that mattered more to her then life itself." I shrugged. "But I think it was even harder on her because the thing she wanted was still walking around. Its just wasn't Haruka's personality."

Rei nodded and took hold of my right wrist. Lifting it, she moved into my side and brought my arm around her shoulders. I just smiled at her as she closed her eyes.

"It's just hard knowing the one you love could be gone, poof, all in an instant," I said. I didn't realize it, but I had actually tightened my grip around Rei when I said it.

"I've never really thought about it," she said quietly. "It's like we always come out of stuff more or less unscathed." I nodded in agreement.

We sat in silence for a while before Rei clutched at my shirt, tugging it to get my attention. I looked down at her tiredly.

"Hai, love?"

She looked up at me then lowered her face to my chest again. "Why don't you stay here?"

"I do stay here," I answered. "I rent the place, remember?"

I heard her groan. "That isn't what I meant." She sighed. "Why don't you stay here, with us? Why do you have to leave?"

I looked at Rei then down to the floor. Why didn't I stay? I was more welcome here and more at home.

"It's just not that simple," I finally said. "What if I die in the real world and it kills me here? I heard those doctors, Rei-chan. I'm on life support. They pull the plug and that's it."

"What about me," she asked quietly, curling into my side.

My heart was breaking. I closed my eyes and felt them burn. I brought my left hand up and brushed away the unshed tears before they could fall.

"Rei-chan," I started, but I had no idea what to say. I didn't want to do anything to hurt her. Ever. But leaving would cause her pain. But so would staying. I looked down at her and tried again.

"Rei-chan, I..."

I just couldn't get anything out. I didn't know what to say to make Rei believe me that I didn't want to leave her.

Rei looked up at me and smiled. "It's ok, Caden. I understand. It's just something you have to do, right?"

I thought about it and nodded. "Yeah," I said. "Its just something I have to do."

"Aw, man, this summer is so hot!" exclaimed Minako as we entered the square the Dead Moon Circus called home. The four senshi and I came to check out the circus as agreed on. Minako turned to look at me and grimaced.

"How can you wear that heavy looking thing," she asked, referring to my hoodie.

I smiled and moved my hand back behind my head, tapping my second katana. "Hides my toy," I said simply. But as we walked, I groaned a bit and Rei smiled, catching my hand and squeezing it gently.

"You okay," she whispered.

I smiled. "Just very warm." I smiled more and making sure the others weren't looking and gave her a quick kiss. It had occurred to me no one knew yet we were dating. And since Rei wasn't announcing it, I wasn't going to either.

Rei smiled more and let go of my hand, catching up with the other three that had walked ahead of us. I smiled and caught up as well.

As we walked around, we caught a glimpse of two young men fighting. The five of us stood and watched while security tried to break it up.

"I guess the hear makes people nuts," Makoto said.

"No," Rei said. "I'm sensing something unsettling. It can't just be the heat."

The girls began debating amongst themselves and I caught sight of Minako. She wasn't part of the conversation and in fact seemed to be withdrawn. I walked over to her and threw my arm around her, pulling her close. It surprised her and I smiled.

"You alright, kiddo," I asked.

She forced a smile and nodded. I lowered my head, placing my lips next to her ear. "Ya know, one so beautiful shouldn't look so sad," I whispered. I pulled away and saw she was blushing. I laughed.

I looked over my shoulder to the others who were still talking. "Me and Mina-chan are gonna go get drinks. We'll be right back!" The others looked up as I began to usher Minako toward a beverage vendor. "Five bottled waters, please," I said to the vendor. He smiled, got the drinks and I paid. While waiting for my change, I turned back to Minako.

"You can't transform," I said. It wasn't a question. She looked at me, shocked to say the least. I got my change and took the bottles, handing one to Minako.

"How did you know," she asked, taking the water from me.

"You were acting funny the other day," I said, slipping three bottles into my large pockets and opening the fourth for myself. After taking a sip, I looked back to the blond. "I started thinking about it and I remembered you guys all lost the ability but, in the end, regained it."

Minako took a sip of her water. "The others don't know," she said softly.

I nodded. "I know. And I won't tell them," I said, seeing the question in her eyes.

"Thank you, Caden-chan," she said as we stepped up to the others. I fished out the water and gave one to the others.

We continued to look around, both as a group and separately. But when nothing happened, we all left to go home. I caught Minako by her arm before she went her own way.

"If you need any help," I said, trailing off.

She smiled and nodded. "Thanks again, Caden-chan."

The next day, as I answered my knocking door, I was shocked to see Minako standing there.

"Hey, Mina-chan," I said. "Whats up?" I moved aside and let her into the apartment. She seemed nervous.

After several moments, she turned to me and said, "Will you go with me?"

I stopped, my mouth hanging open. "Will I what...?"

"Well, you see..." She was biting her bottom lip. Finally, she said, "Well, I was scouted yesterday when we split up to look around the circus. I want to go to the audition but the others think I'm stupid. They think I honestly believe it isn't a trap. But I do think it is and I want to check it out but since I can't transform..."

I finally understood. "And since the others don't know you can't transform, you want me to go as your back up?"

She nodded. "I don't want to ask you to go. I'm worried you'll get hurt but..."

I smiled. "Don't worry about it, Mina-chan. I said I'd help and I meant it. When is this shindig anyway?"

Minako checked her watch. "In about an hour."

I nodded and walked past Minako to the corner beside my bed and picked up my katana. Sliding one home made strap over my shoulder and fastening the other around my waist. I smiled at Minako as I walked back to the door and took my hoodie from the rack, took my hat off and slid the garment on over my head and replaced the cap back on my head, bill facing back.

I opened the door and smiled again. "Ready when you are."

I walked Minako to the audition. The auditions were being held in a large tent near the Circus Square and as we reached it, we saw a large crowd already gathered outside.

"Oh, no," Minako whimpered. "There are so many women here!"

I gently wrapped my arm around her shoulders. "Focus, Mina-chan," I said.

She sighed and nodded. "You're right." We walked to the back of the crowd and Minako cleared her throat. "Is it me, or does it seem like the heat is stifling our breathing?"

I shook my head. "I don't know if it's the heat, but something's definitely up."

Minako nodded. "Just making sure it wasn't just me."

We mulled around for a few moments outside. The tent seemed to be closed.

"I wonder what's taking so long," I asked.

Minako shook her head. "I don't know." I heard her giggle before nudging. "Those girls are looking at you."

I looked to where she was indicating and chuckled. "Wow."

Minako smiled. "What, do you think they're cute?"

I laughed. "No, just the fact anyone would think I was cute just baffles me."

"Rei thinks you're cute," Minako said smoothly.

"Yeah, well, that's beside the poi-Wait a minute," I said. I looked at Minako stunned. "What do you know?"

Minako smirked at me. "I'm not the senshi of Love for nothing, ya know," she said.

"Oi," I said, rolling my eyes.

"Welcome, ladies!" came a booming voice somewhere in front of the crowd. "Please enter the tent for the audition!"

The crowd began to thin out as the women around us began to file into the tent. I followed Minako to the tent, her hand in mine for reassurance. But, as we reached the entrance we were stopped.

"I'm sorry, sir, but ladies only," said the same voice. I looked to my left and saw a creature I wasn't sure was male or female. Eyeing the alien,
I thought if they actually thought they were fooling people into believing it was human.

"Oh, um, Caden isn't-" Minako started, but I cut her off.

"It's okay, babe," I said, dropping my voice low, poorly imitating a man's voice. Minako bit her lip to keep from laughing. "I'll be waiting for you out here, sweet cheeks."

Minako's face fell. I placed myself between her and the dude-thing. I bent down and, pretending to kiss her, I whispered into her ear, "It's just a tent. I'll find a way in." I placed a quick kiss on her cheek and stepped away, watching Minako step inside into the tent.

The trannie-looking clown stepped inside the curtain and pulled the flap shut.

I rolled my eyes and walked around to the back of the tent. I hooked my foot underneath the tarp and kicked up, pulling the tent loose from the ground.

"Whoopsie."

I lifted the tarp and slid beneath it and inside.

As I stood from sliding inside, I was smacked in the face by jungle flora. Blinking, I lowered it and looked around. The entire tent was set up like a jungle

"What the hell," I mumbled to myself. I pushed the offending plants aside and walked deeper into the faux jungle, stopping at a path. I stuck my head out of the plants and looked right then to my left. I felt the ground shake and as I stepped into the clearing, I was nearly trampled by a group of women.

"Wait everyone!"

I turned to my left and saw Minako trying to stop the herd. She caught sight of me peeking out of the foliage and gave me an exasperated look. I walked out toward here and the ground began rumbling again. But it wasn't a group of people this time.

The boulders seemed to come from no where. They came bouncing toward Minako and I ran toward her. I jumped and caught her around the middle, causing us both to fall back and into the jungle leaves again. I had landed on top of her and I quickly pushed myself up and smiled down at her.

"Okay?"

Minako nodded. "Hai."

I smiled and an explosion behind us made me turn. Sailor Jupiter stood near the opening of broken leaves where Minkao and I had fallen into the jungle.

"Caden, what are you doing here," she asked.

I stood and helped Minako stand. Sailors Mercury and Mars came to stand beside Jupiter and Minako's face fell.

"Minako, come on, transform!" Mars said.

Minako looked to me but I could only look at her. Sighing, she threw her hand up.

"Venus Planet Power MAKE-UP!"

I felt the familiar static in the air wash over me as Minako called out her transformation. But nothing happened.

"Minako.." Mercury said softly.

Minako turned and took off toward the back of the tent. We all called after her but she didn't stop.

Mars came up to me and tugged on my sleeve. "What are you doing here?"

I sighed. No sense keeping it to myself now that the other knew. "Minako knew she couldn't transform. So she asked me to come with her today." I glared at them. "She said something about you guys saying she was stupid for wanting to come here?"

"Yeah, to audition," Mars said, defending herself as well as the others. "We wanted to come but she ran off before we could form a plan. She was being unreasonable."

"Unreasonable or not," I said. "You guys handled this bad." I sighed. "But then again, so did she. She should have told you she couldn't transform."

We heard crying and looked up and saw several children atop a scaffold crying for help. We watched as a lone figure climbed the structure. It was Minako and she was almost at the top.

We saw another figure up top. He raised his hand threw something down. Several blades fell and struck the ground at our feet. We all looked at one another before Mars screamed, "Minako! Watch out!"

More blades came flying from another direction on the ground, flying by our faces and landing into the tree behind us. The she-male clown from outside came from the shadows, smirking at us and holding more blades.

"It seems that there are some non-participants roaming around."

I growled and reached behind my head, drawing my katana from its hiding place. But before I could do anything, the clown moved toward me and held a blade at my throat.

"Move and that non-transforming friend of yours is dead." The clown smirked as I swallowed hard. I felt arms encircle my waist and pull me gently back away from the knife. I looked down and saw Mars' hands clutching at my shirt.

I turned to look at her behind me. She wore a worried expression on her face. I smiled gently at her.

A bright flash above us made us all turn, even the clown. Minako had finally transformed!

Now was my chance.

I tore from Mars and slashed at the clown. It screamed in pain and dropped its knives, clutching at it's chest.

I readied my blade. The beast stood straight again, producing another blade and came at me. I dodged it and sliced it across the back.

It turned quickly and threw a blade at me. It missed hitting me, but still cut my left arm. I growled but ignored the pain and charged the beast, my katana pointed at it.

I caught the creature in the chest and slammed it against the tree I and the others had been pinned against. Luckily, they, too, had moved.

The beast screeched out before vanishing in black smoke. I tugged my blade out of the tree and smiled at the Senshi.

Grinning, I asked, "I wonder if this means I'll be king of England?"

Mars and Jupiter looked at me oddly. But Mercury got the joke and smiled.

Another bright flash above us, followed by a scream meant that Venus vanquished a monster as well. She lept down from the scaffold and I smiled at her.

"I see you got your miniskirt back," I said.

Venus blushed. "Thanks for helping out, Caden."

I smiled but didn't get the chance to reply before large vines came from the ground, capturing us all in a death grip.