AN: Just a quick one to begin - there's a bunch of in-universe switching between Japanese and English, especially in the opening. As a rule, just look at who's speaking to who, and it should be apparent what language they're speaking. I've tried to make a note of it whenever possible (despite the entire chapter technically being in English, of course, lol). Enjoy.

"Hi, mom. I, uh...brought some friends home for dinner."

Minako resisted the urge to slap him across the back of the head. Really, Corey? You go with a terrible joke like that to break the ice? She's gonna kill you!

Sam raised a trembling finger towards him. "Corey McLeod!"

The blonde cringed. Oh, yeah. She's mad!

"What the hell is wrong with you?" Sam demanded. "You can't pick up a phone and let me know you're coming? You thought you'd just show up and scare your poor mother half to death?!"

"Er...that's...I mean..." Corey seemed completely thrown; he obviously hadn't expected such a vitriolic response. "We...time...the moon...I thought..."

"Spit it out, Corey! What were you thinking?!"

He shrugged helplessly. "Uh...it was...an accident?"

Minako let out an exasperated sigh and shoved him aside. Someone had to take charge. "Hi, Sam!"

"Minako!" The older woman's anger seemed to fade almost immediately, replaced with a brilliant smile. "It's so good to see you again, dear."

Sam's warm reaction never ceased to amaze her. "What Corey's trying to say is he's very sorry we startled you like that, but we didn't have much of a choice." Her own smile faded quickly. "We're in a lot of trouble, Sam, and we need your help."

The older woman took a deep breath in and nodded. "Alright. What's going on?"

"What?!" Corey clearly couldn't believe it. "You're pissed at me, but Minako starts talking and you're all smiles again, just like that?!"

"Minako got right to the point!" Sam growled. "It's all about eloquence, Corey; something you've always lacked!"

Minako just couldn't resist prodding him. "I keep trying to tell you that…"

He glared back at her. "Now is not the time, Minako."

"Don't you get mad at her. It isn't Minako's fault you decided to startle me then cover it with a bad joke!" She pointed to a nondescript door in the corner. "Kitchen. Now!"

Corey hung his head and slunk away. "Yes, ma'am…"

Sam turned back to Minako. "I'll get him straightened out and be right with you. You and your friends feel free to sit down."

"Thanks, Sam." She turned to face Corey and smiled cheerfully. "Be brave, cutie!"

Her boyfriend muttered something under his breath; it sounded distinctly unkind.

"I heard that, young man!" Sam snapped. "Minako's such a sweet girl! How can you even consider using language like that around her?!"

They disappeared through the door and Minako turned to face the rest of the girls. Rei, Ami and even Mamoru looked as amused as she felt, while Usagi and Makoto had obviously gotten lost at some point in the conversation. Chibiusa and Hotaru seemed worried for Corey...and Setsuna and Michiru were their usual unreadable selves. Haruka though...

"Wow," she said slowly, her lips pulled right back in a huge grin. "I'm just so happy right now! Is it my birthday? It feels like my birthday!"

Corey felt like he was fifteen again. He was leaning against the fridge with his arms folded across his chest; his usual position for one of these 'kitchen talks'. His mother stood over by the oven, her hands resting on her hips. At least she didn't look quite so mad anymore.

"If you're done acting like an ass," she said testily, "I'd like an explanation now. What's going on? Why are you all here?"

He let out a long sigh. Where to begin? "It's like Minako said, mom. We're in trouble."

"What kind of trouble?"

Corey launched into a brief explanation of everything that had happened since her visit to Tokyo. Avan's sudden appearance; the rise of the Revenant Knight as Prime Minister and his efforts to turn the public against them; the return of Pride and Terror...and finally their retreat to the moon. He left out his little trip through time, though. He wasn't sure where to even begin explaining that one.

"So," he said wearily, "we wound up on the moon with no food, no water, and nowhere to go. I figured we could hang out here for a little while. Lie low, rest up...figure out some kinda plan."

She remained silent, but he could see her jaw working as she considered his words.

Corey sighed again. The guilt was beginning to take a toll now; she'd always had a special knack for making him feel bad when he'd done something wrong "I'm sorry we startled you...and I'm sorry for the stupid joke. It wasn't very...well, funny."

His mother smiled faintly. "I never could stay mad at you for long, Corey. Even when you deserve it." She reached up to rub the back of her neck. "This is a heck of a lot to spring on me at once, you know."

"I know, but we don't have many other options."

She brought her arms up and hugged her own elbows. "Are things really that bad?"

Corey nodded reluctantly; he really wished he could say no right now. "Wrath, the guy who grabbed you in Tokyo? The Revenant Knight makes him look like a bitc-" He coughed quickly to cover his slip-up. "...bit of a snowflake."

Her reproving look made it clear she'd caught his mistake. "Tell me the truth, Corey. Should I be scared?"

That was a loaded question if he'd ever heard one. The Revenant Knight was certainly the toughest opponent he'd ever faced...and from the sound of things he was near the top of the girls' list as well.

But does mom really need to know that, he asked himself. The answer was an easy one. She'll just worry herself sick...and I don't want that. He flashed her a cocky smile as he looked up. "Nah. He's tough, but we've got Sailor Moon on our side. She's gonna kick his smoky a-" Yet again, he caught himself just in time, "…butt right back into space!"

A faint smile formed on his mother's lips. "You're lying, Corey…but for once, I actually appreciate it." She took a deep breath and nodded. "Of course you and your friends are welcome to stay here as long as you need. I'll help anyway I can."

He took three steps forward and kissed her on the cheek. "Thanks, mom. You're the best."

"Of course I am," she said, laughing quietly. "Now...let's get back out there and make sure your friends are okay. We need to figure out where they're all going to sleep, for one." That gave her pause. "I never thought you'd actually have enough friends for that to be a problem!"

"Thanks, mom. That's great."

Minako glanced around at her fellow Sailor Senshi; they'd taken Sam up on her offer to sit and had cautiously brought dining chairs over to supplement the limited seating on the couches.

"We should probably detransform" Usagi said abruptly. "It feels like I've been wearing this uniform forever!"

"Tell me about it," Chibiusa agreed. "Mine's all dirty."

"That's what you get for crawling around in the dust," Usagi muttered.

"It may even help Corey's mother relax," Luna added. "She seemed quite upset."

Minako waved her concerns off. "She'll be fine, Luna. Sam's tougher than she looks; she was just surprised." She tapped a finger on her cheek thoughtfully. "I wouldn't mind ditching my uniform, either. Visiting your boyfriend's house for the first time in such a short skirt isn't exactly proper..."

"Since when are you concerned with being proper?" Artemis murmured.

She glared down at him. "Who asked you, furball?!"

One by one, the girls released their transformations and returned to their civilian clothing. Minako glanced down and blushed immediately; she'd forgotten she was still wearing her pyjamas. That jerk Terror attacked Corey's apartment at, like...four AM! A camisole and sweatpants are definitely comfy but I feel a little underdressed now.

Rei noticed her embarrassment. "Everything's going so well for you, Minako! You have a choice of your sleepwear or a really short skirt!"

The blonde let out a tortured groan and dropped her head into her hands. "The universe just hates me!" She snapped her head around as the front door opened behind them and Corey's sister walked in.

She stopped and stared at the assembled Senshi with wide eyes. "Oh. H-Hello?" Her eyes came to rest on Minako, though, and her confusion melted away in an instant. "Minako!"

The blonde leapt to her feet. "Jess, hey!" Her boyfriend's sister practically tackled her but she didn't mind in the slightest - even if it was a little hard to breath. "How are you?!"

The brunette stepped back and looked her over. "I'm great, and you're...in your pyjamas?"

"It's a long story," Minako said, breathing a heavy sigh. "Anyway, never mind that! I'd like you to meet my friends, the Sailor Senshi."

Usagi coughed loudly. It sounded suspiciously like 'Mamoru'.

Minako rolled her eyes in an exaggerated fashion. "And Mamoru."

He managed a pained smile. "Thanks for the awe-inspiring introduction, Minako."

Jess waved cheerfully. "Konnichiwa!"

Usagi seemed almost relieved. "You speak Japanese?"

"Um, iie," Jess replied, shaking her head. "Suko...shidake?" She glanced at Minako hesitantly.

Minako nodded in approval. No, only a little. Her accent was pretty good, too. "You've been learning!"

"I decided to start studying after we got back from Tokyo. I thought it might make you feel more welcome when you came to visit." She reached back to rub the back of her head as she laughed nervously. "I wasn't expecting you to come so soon, though!"

"Aww," Minako cooed. "That's so sweet, Jess!" It was her turn to do the hugging now. Corey's family is just so awesome, she thought happily. I can't believe I was ever worried about meeting them! She continued with one-on-one introductions, working her way around the room. "And last, but certainly not least, we have Mamoru...also known as the overly-enigmatic master of the obvious, Tuxedo Kamen!"

"Overly-enigmatic master of the obvious?" he repeated furiously.

Minako rolled her eyes again. "Oh, please. You know it's true!"

Rei snorted derisively. "That's such an understatement."

"You do have a history of using cliches," Ami agreed apologetically.

"Usako!" Mamoru turned to his girlfriend. "A little help, please!"

She turned bright red, suddenly very interested in the floor at her feet. "Some of your advice was helpful, Mamo-chan...sometimes."

His jaw dropped. "But you said you loved my little motivational speeches!"

Chibiusa shrugged. "Sorry, Mamo-chan. I love you but even I think Tuxedo Kamen's advice can be kinda pointless."

Rei cleared her throat and launched into a rather accurate impersonation of him. "Even a lovely flower will soon wilt if a poisonous energy eats away at it. Those who toy with pure hearts will one day be tried by pure hearts!"

"Oh, wow!" Haruka burst out laughing. "Really?!"

Mamoru sank back onto the couch between his girlfriend and future daughter. "I feel so betrayed..."

Minako turned back to Jess and laughed awkwardly. That went a little further than I intended, she thought. Oh well. She clapped her hands together and smiled. "Anyway...that's everyone."

Jess had obviously lost track of their rapid-fire Japanese, but she smiled all the same and bowed formally. "Hajimemashite, min'na." She dropped into a crouch beside the three cats, reaching out to pet Luna and Artemis. "And who do we have here?"

Usagi gestured to each feline in turn. "That's Luna and Artemis."

"Aww, aren't you two just the cutest?" They purred appreciatively in response to her attention, as Jess turned her gaze to the third cat. "And who are...Titus? You're black now?"

"Finally," he said haughtily. "Someone actually recognises me without that infernal ginger fur!"

Rei folded her arms across her chest and glared at him. "That's what you get for literally hiding your true colours the entire time we've known you!"

"That's right," Makoto agreed. "You've always been ginger!"

"No, I've always been black," Titus countered. "A fact apparently lost on you people!"

Minako was getting a headache; she already knew how stop the arrogant cat's grumbling. But unfortunately, it means stroking his already inflated ego. She dropped into a crouch before him and forced a smile. "Come on, Titus. You and I may not get along so well but you're a smart cat. I'm sure you understand this is a pretty big change for us. I mean, think about it. What if I suddenly went brunette?" Not that I ever would, she added silently.

The cat stared back at her mutely.

"And for what it's worth," she continued, "I actually prefer your black fur. It really makes your eyes pop, you know?"

Those same eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Really?"

"Uh, yes!" Ami said quickly, catching on to what Minako was trying to do. "I really like your new, uh, old look! It's just going to take a little getting used to, that's all."

"Well…" He sniffed dramatically, and the fur on his back smoothed down. "I suppose some confusion is to be expected. You're only human, after all."

"That was pretty sneaky," Corey said from behind her.

She turned and shrugged, noting his amused smirk. "I was getting sick of his whining. It was that, or threaten to have him neutered again."

His eyes nearly popped out of his head. "Again?!"

She waved her hand. "Oh, it's fine. I wouldn't actually take him to the vet...probably."

Jess pressed against Corey in a tight hug. "Hey, big brother."

"Hey, Jess," Corey said, wrapping one arm around her in return. "You've met everyone?"

"Yep. Minako introduced me..." Jess frowned as she looked Minako over; she was easily distracted too, it seemed. "Hey...I'm not criticising, but explain to me again why you're wearing pyjamas?"

The blonde pressed her fingertips together, fidgeting in embarrassment. "It's what I was wearing when this whole mess started...and I haven't had a chance to grab other clothes."

"Hmm, I'm pretty sure we're about the same size..." Jess' eyes lit up as she reached out and grabbed hold of Minako's hand. "Come up to my room, I'm sure we can find something else for you to wear!"

Minako returned her smile with one of her own. "You're the best!"

The two girls disappeared up the stairs, leaving everyone else in stunned silence.

"It's no wonder they get along so well," Rei muttered in English. "They're basically the same person!"

Haruka nodded. "It sure seems that way, huh?"

Mamoru let out a loud sigh and slumped further down on the couch. "Overly-enigmatic master of the obvious? Really?"

Usagi reached out to pat his shoulder gently. "There, there, Mamo-chan...someone had to tell you eventually."

Corey looked on in confusion. "What the hell happened to him?"

Setsuna massaged her temples wearily. "Your girlfriend."

Minako leaned back in her chair, completely stuffed. The dining table was crowded with pizza boxes, though everyone seemed to have had their fill for the most part. She looked over at Corey and smiled faintly; he was busy mediating. Chibiusa and Hotaru were complaining again about being seated at the 'kids table' - the small fold-up Sam had dug out for some extra room.

"We're not kids," Chibiusa grumbled. "This is humiliating!"

"I want to sit at the big table too," Hotaru agreed quietly.

"It's like I told you both before," Corey said patiently. "It's not a matter of age, it's a matter of height. McLeod family tradition states that in the absence of children, the shortest people sit at the folding table. Now, we were two seats short at the dining table, so as the two shortest people here you got stuck at the fold-up. It happened to me and Jess growing up, and now it's your turn."

"Well, if you sat here once…" Hotaru managed a smile. "Then I don't mind so much."

"No, 'Taru, come on!" Chibiusa cried . "We're supposed to stick together on this!"

Minako leaned over and kissed Corey on the cheek as he slipped back onto the chair beside her. "You've gotten a lot better with them."

"Yeah, well...the moon helped. It was sorta sink or swim up there, and I don't like the idea of sinking."

Minako allowed herself a quiet giggle. "I don't blame you." She composed herself and leaned in closer. "Now, since we're done eating, how about you fill us in on your trip to the past? You said you had a plan for dealing with the Revenant Knight?"

"Yeah!" Rei agreed quickly. "Enough suspense already! It's time for an explanation."

"Alright, alright, that's fair." He turned to Sam and Jess. "Sorry, you two, but I'm gonna switch to Japanese for a while. It just makes things easier."

Jess replied with a nonchalant shrug. "That's cool. I was thinking I should probably grab a shower anyway." She smiled at Minako as she pushed her chair back. "Come hang out with me after, if you're not too tired."

Her excitement was contagious. "I will."

"I'll leave you all to it as well." Sam rose to her feet and gave Corey a kiss on the cheek. "You know where the spare blankets and pillows are."

He groaned. "Yes, mom…"

Minako held back another giggle as Sam followed her daughter upstairs. Despite all his tough talk, Corey was such a momma's boy. It was adorable!

"Alright," Haruka called, leaning forward over the table. "Lay it on us, Tinman. What's the deal?"

Corey nodded and stretched carefully. "I know Minako probably filled most of you in already, but I spent three weeks in the Silver Millennium."

Minako was pretty sure she'd told everyone too.

"I met my past-self," he continued, "and convinced him to give me access to the Guardian Knight archives." His hand disappeared behind his back, reemerging a second later holding the old katana from his apartment. Minako looked on, puzzled, as he placed it on the table before him. "It took me pretty much the entire three weeks I was there, but I finally found these." He produced two thick, leather bound books next; they hit the table with an audible thud; Corey began flipping through the first one immediately. "To cut a long story short, I discovered a technique that combines the power of my Judicial Flames with the Silver Crystal itself."

"What?!" It was a pretty common reaction, one Minako found herself joining in on. Corey slid the book over to Usagi and pointed out one line in particular.

She peered down at it curiously. "Divine...Judicial...Ordination?" Her eyes widened. "I've never heard of it."

Ami slipped her reading glasses on and reached for the book herself. "Hmm…it looks like it doesn't just combine your powers...it amplifies them." Her fingers drummed against the table as she read. "Perhaps they develop some kind of resonance pattern, resulting in a phase cascade convergence that causes…" She trailed off, finally noticing the blank stares she was getting from everyone else. A tired sigh slipped from her lips as she removed her glasses again. "So...it amplifies them."

"Usagi!" Rei's sharp rebuke cut through the silence like a knife.

The ponytailed blonde froze, her fingertips hovering just over another slice of pizza.

The miko shook her head in disbelief. "That's like your seventh or eighth slice! If you keep putting it away like that you're gonna get fa-"

"Don't you dare finish that sentence, Pyro!" Usagi snapped.

Chibiusa snickered loudly behind them. "Look out, it's Sailor Pizza!"

"What'd you just say, you brat?"

Corey sighed in frustration. "If we could just-"

Setsuna slammed her palm down hard on the table; Minako jumped just like everyone else. "Can we all just focus, please?!"

It had the desired effect; everyone went silent again...though Usagi did end up with another slice of pizza.

"So we have a weapon against the Revenant Knight," Mamoru said hastily. "How do we use it?"

"I'm not sure," Titus admitted. "The Revenant Knight is simply using Noboru Hayashida's body."

"He's possessing it?" Rei asked. "Like he wanted to do...to me?"

"I believe so," the cat replied. "Even if we did manage to destroy him, he would likely just return to his real body."

Luna frowned as she looked over at him. "And we would have revealed our secret weapon for nothing."

"So we hit him where he'll really feel it." Haruka raised a clenched fist. "His true form."

"That does seem to be the logical conclusion," Ami agreed.

"Aren't we forgetting something?" Makoto leaned forward, resting her arms on the table. "He's up in space somewhere...well out of our reach."

"Most likely between Jupiter and Mars," Titus said quietly.

Corey seemed to hesitate. "He may be in space right now...but we know where he's headed."

"Earth," Hotaru whispered.

Minako realised she was being unusually quiet, but she didn't really have anything further to contribute. It seemed they had two options. Return to Tokyo immediately and take the offensive, or wait for the Revenant Knight's true body to arrive and try to land a crippling blow then. She had to admit she wasn't sure which choice was right either.

Artemis sounded pretty doubtful. "So, what? We actually let him come here? Wasn't the original plan to prevent him from getting anywhere near Earth?"

"Plans change," she murmured. It sounds like we don't really have a choice.

"Haruka's actually right." It seemed to physically pain Corey to admit it, too. "We have to hit his real body, surprise him...and destroy him."

"And we can't do that from here," Usagi agreed reluctantly. "So we have to wait for him to arrive."

Makoto rubbed her face wearily. "That sounds like suicide...but when has that ever stopped us?"

"It does seems a touch irrational," Michiru said with a frown.

Artemis' eyes narrowed. "All we've heard from Titus this entire time is how bad it will be if the Revenant Knight actually makes it to Earth. Now we're talking about waiting for his arrival?" He sighed wearily. "Are we sure this is what we want to do?"

"I don't think we should rush into a decision," Rei agreed. "I'll admit it sounds like this is our only real course of action, but it won't hurt to consider all the possibilities."

Michiru wasn't that calm. "We barely managed to defeat Wrath and Ruin! Minako and Ami were nearly killed, and you were only facing three of the Sailor Marauders! Now you want to let their master approach Earth with his full power?"

"What do you suggest we do instead?" Usagi asked softly. "I'll gladly hear any suggestions you might have. Any of you."

Ami glanced around anxiously. "We don't have to come up with the entire plan tonight; we have time to think things over."

"Everyone is tired," Luna agreed. "We have the answer now, thanks to Corey; perhaps we should sleep on it and revisit this in the morning?"

Setsuna slid her chair back and stood, leaving the room without another word.

"Setsuna?" Hotaru called. "Where are you going?"

Usagi shrugged. "Looks like that's it for tonight." She stifled a yawn. "Wow, I am kinda tired."

Minako turned to Corey as he stood. "Cutie?"

"I'm gonna go check on Setsuna."

"Want some company?" she asked.

"I'm good." He smiled back at her reassuringly. "I've been meaning to check in with her since I got back from the past. Now seems like as good a time as any."

"Oh, okay. I'll see you in a bit, then." She let out a quiet sigh as he walked away, before pushing her own chair back. I guess I'll go see what Jess is up to.

Corey found Setsuna without too much trouble; she was sitting on the back porch. She glanced up at him silently as the door closed behind him. In truth, he wasn't really sure where to begin either. How do you go about asking if you somehow messed up time?

Thankfully, Setsuna saved him the trouble and broke the ice. "I can feel a rather nasty headache coming on. I just needed some quiet; things were becoming quite animated inside."

"Want some aspirin?"

"I'd prefer a good night's rest. It should suffice." She paused just a moment. "I've actually been waiting for a chance to speak with you privately, Corey. I...wanted to thank you."

"Thank me?" he repeated. "For what?"

"You showed impressive restraint during your time in the Silver Millennium." Setsuna graced him with a rare smile. "Most would not have been able to resist such temptation."

He sighed heavily. Damn it. He actually felt guilty for lying to her - even if it was only a lie of omission. "I have to confess, Setsuna, I did try to change Garrod's path...but it didn't work out so well."

"I already know." She raised an eyebrow. "I was curious whether you would tell me or not...and in turn I'll admit to being pleasantly surprised by your honesty. I appreciate it."

He swallowed nervously. "Then…I didn't...?"

"Rest easy, Corey. You changed nothing of consequence."

Nothing of consequence, he thought. "So did I change anything in our time or not?"

"Princess Mina didn't die alone," Setsuna reminded him. "But the only change that resulted in was granting you some bonus points with Minako. There was no harm done to the timeline."

Corey breathed a sigh of relief. "There was so much I wanted to change," he admitted. "You have no idea how hard it was to hold back!"

Setsuna surprised him with a somewhat bitter laugh. "That's where you're wrong, Corey. I'm quite literally the Guardian of Time; I wield the Garnet Rod and I stand on guard at the Space-Time Door, but I am forbidden from using the bulk of my power." He detected a clear note of frustration in her voice. "I've seen so much in the course of my duties; so many things I wish I could change. So many wrongs I wish I could right. It is...maddening." She turned back towards him, a wistful smile on her lips. "I assure you...I know all too well how tempted you were."

Corey was surprised by her frank honesty and the glimpse into her role as Sailor Pluto. "Perhaps I'm the one who has no idea. I can't even imagine how frustrating that must be." He hesitated a second time; this had led him to a question he'd had since first meeting Setsuna. "Just how much do you know about what's coming?"

Setsuna remained silent for several seconds; he wasn't sure if she was just gathering her thoughts or preparing a lie. "I do know something of the future, but…"

"But you're forbidden from discussing it."

"As always," she agreed.

"Maddening," he said suddenly. "I get it now." He looked up at the half-moon overhead, and let another gentle sigh slip from his lips. "I think, maybe, the Moon Kingdom was meant to fall. But then I worry that's just me being selfish...trying to justify my silence to Corval."

Setsuna raised an eyebrow. "What do your instincts tell you?"

"They tell me...even if we had managed to save the kingdom from Metalia there just would have been something else. Some other crisis to defend against. The nobles would have revolted...or perhaps some new threat would have arrived from outside the solar system." Corey let his head fall forward slowly. "It was the Moon Kingdom's time. Its fall, all that death and destruction? It paved the way for the lives we live now. That was ultimately what made up my mind; I couldn't risk the world we live in for just a chance at saving the one we knew."

Setsuna rose to her feet slowly, and smiled again. "Queen Serenity once told me of a young and inexperienced Guardian Knight of Justice who was wise beyond his years. I admit, Corey, I judged you an arrogant fool on our first meeting…but I think I'm finally starting to see what Her Highness was referring to."

"Are….are we having a moment right now?" Corey asked, feeling a smile of his own spread across his face. "No taunts, no barbs. Just a nice, friendly conversation?"

"Why, I do believe we are," she agreed.

He chuckled quietly. "You're a frustratingly enigmatic woman, Setsuna…but I'm glad to know you all the same."

"My thanks, Sir Justice."

He glared at her in mock irritation. "Oh, don't you start that too."

The door swung open behind him and Hotaru joined them on the porch. "Setsuna? Are you coming back inside soon?"

Setsuna nodded gently. "Yes. I do believe we're just about finished out here." She paused. "Have the others stopped bickering yet?"

Hotaru managed a quiet laugh. "For the most part, but Usagi went for her ninth slice of pizza. Rei and Chibiusa called her Sailor Pizza again and she wasn't very happy."

"I'll bet," Corey murmured.

The Guardian of Time let out a weary sigh. "The future queen of Earth..."

"To be fair, she pulls it together when she needs to." Corey stretched carefully, his back protesting at first before loosening up. "That's all that really matters, in the end."

"I suppose you have a point," Setsuna admitted. "Well then, shall we return to the others?"

"Lead the way."

Minako heard familiar footsteps climbing the stairs and flashed Jess and Rei and smile. "Alright, I think I'm off to bed. 'Night, girls!"

"Night, Minako!" Jess cooed.

"Goodnight," Rei agreed.

She opened Jess' bedroom door and spotted Corey just as she'd thought; he was carrying the old katana from his apartment. She flashed him a radiant smile. "Hey! How'd your talk with Setsuna go?"

"Surprisingly well," he admitted. "We actually had a moment." He panicked a moment later. "Uh, I mean a friend moment!"

She giggled. "I knew that, silly. The idea of you and Setsuna together is just...well, it's hilarious! It would become an exercise in patience, really. Who kills who first?"

Corey considered that. "If I was dating Setsuna...I'd probably kill myself."

"My point exactly," she said cheerfully. "So, no jealousy." That was when she remembered Makoto's overly-affectionate hug back on the moon...which soured her mood. I don't know what's up with her, but she'd better not be trying to steal my cutie or there'll be hell to pay!

"Well, goodnight. I'll see you in-"

"Goodnight?" she echoed. "Why? Are you going somewhere?"

Corey was clearly confused. "Aren't you sleeping in Jess' room?"

"Nope!" She shook her head emphatically. "I swapped with Rei, and she swapped with Mamoru. So he's in the guest room with Usagi and Chibiusa, Rei's bunking with Jess, and I get to share with you!"

Much to her surprise, there was no 'uh' or stammering; Corey just shrugged. "Okay." He pushed open the door at the end of the hall marked 'Keep Out' and stepped inside.

Minako followed him in and stopped in the doorway. This is Corey's room. His real room, where he grew up. She began flitting about, staring at everything in wide-eyed wonder. Her fingers reached out to pick at the strings on a beaten-up guitar in the corner. "You play?"

He glanced over. "Yeah, a little. Not as much as I'd like, though. Not for a while."

She'd already moved on to his desk, scanning the shelves above it. Books on Rome, historic battles, knights, swordplay...Corey certainly keeps to a pattern. Another sword hung on the wall, similar in design to Justiciar but nowhere near as beautiful. "Is this…?"

"It's just a replica," he called, rummaging through one of his drawers. "I got it from my uncle when I was sixteen."

She smiled as she ran her fingertip along the back of the blade; she'd learned that lesson the hard way with his katana. "So, bedtime?"

"Almost," he agreed. "I just need to take care of something first."

She dropped her pyjamas onto the bed and tugged her shirt over her head without even thinking about it.

Corey blushed furiously. "Minako! What the hell are you doing?!"

"What?" The blonde glanced down at her chest and frowned. "Isn't it a little far into our relationship to be getting embarrassed about my boobs?"

"It's just kinda weird...my mom's right down the hall!"

The blonde shrugged as she slipped into her camisole."Okay, okay...I can understand that, I guess. I'll keep the girls under wraps from now on."

Corey grunted noncommittally as he pulled a couple of cloths and a small bottle from the drawer in front of him. He sank to the floor cross-legged and arranged them around him, before reaching up for the katana.

"That sword really does mean a lot to you, doesn't it?"

He nodded gently as he drew it carefully from its sheath. "It's all I really have left of Dawkins...and it served me well when I was stuck in the past; kinda like he was looking out for me one last time."

Minako settled down on her knees behind him and wrapped her arms around his neck, watching as he began wiping the blade down with one of the cloths. "I'm sure he was looking out for you, Corey. Now...talk me through this. What exactly are you doing?"

"You don't need to-"

She smiled and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek. "It's important to you, so it's important to me." Minako slipped around and settled down beside him. "So explain it. I want to know. How do I clean a katana?"

A faint smile crossed his lips. "Alright. You have to get all the oil and debris off the blade first - anything that could cause it to rust. You take a fine cloth and work your way down from the hilt…"

Minako smiled contentedly as she listened to him talk. She'd been driven from her home, all the way to the moon and back...but here, with Corey, she knew it was all going to be okay.

AN: The planning begins for the battle with the Revenant Knight, and rampant silliness ensues in typical Senshi fashion. Corey and Setsuna have also taken their first real steps towards the friendship on display in Nostalgia Trip. Going by my outline, we've got another chapter in America before gearing up for the finale of Act Three, and Last Guardian Knight as a whole. Thanks as always to my regular reviewers, you guys keep me on target and motivated! Back with the next installment soon!