Accepting directions from Mina, Ryan soon found his way to the apartment building that he already knew she was staying at. In a most gentlemanly fashion, he escorted Mina to her floor and room, carrying all her luggage. Mina assisted him in setting the suitcases down. As she inserted the key of the apartment into the doorknob, Ryan asked her; “Do you think you and I could go out to dinner some time?” His eyes resembled those of a puppy begging for a home.
        “I’m sorry, but it’s wrong for me to date someone who can control my career.” She was more sorry now for breaking his heart than any man before him.
        “I understand.” He said. She was glad that he could be so understanding. He turned down the hall and began to leave. Mina turned the key to her apartment. The apartment was filled with twelve dozen roses, all in full bloom.
        “I can’t remember the last time a man gave me roses.” She whispered, smiling. Tears of joy were welling up in her eyes. She turned around slowly to see Ryan, still walking away. “How about tonight at seven?” She shouted down to him.
        He turned around, showing her the biggest smile he ever had. “That would be fine. I’ll pick you up then.”

        The torturous hours spent between then and seven o’clock were a combination of a near eternity and a split second for Mina. The anxiety of waiting for him and the endless list of things to do before he came continually clashed like vinegar and baking powder. Mina took painstaking measures as she prepared herself for the date. Despite his outwardly kind demeanor, she could tell that he expected perfection, and would in return give perfection.
        On the radio, Mina overheard a news report of a victim of someone who suffered from extreme exhaustion. She gasped for air. Her legs turned to jelly and she sat on her bed. To many times she heard that same report. Every time it was always a Negaverse attack. Always. But this time, she was all alone. The Negaverse is back, but this can’t be. She is the only Sailor Scout there. With the others away in another country, how could she possibly defend against the Negaverse?
        “I heard it too, Mina.” Artemis chimed in. “I know what you think, but remember, they always steal energy first, attack later.”
        “You’re right. Besides, the others will be back soon… Oh my!”
        “What is it?”
        “They always find us. Always.”
        “Better put your transformation stick in your purse.”

        Mina’s furrowed brow brightened when the apartment’s doorbell finally rang. She rushed to the door as fast as she could with her dress, and fought to regain her ladylike composure just before opening it. There before her stood Ryan dressed in his gray Armoni suit, holding a four rose bouquet wrapped in plastic and tied with a ribbon.
        “Sorry, the flower shop only had 140 flowers on hand, so I hope these make up for the difference.”
        A smile came over Mina as she thought; What am I going to do with you?
        Ryan was indeed impressed with Mina’s effort to look good for him. She was naturally dressed in the sleek golden silk dress he got for her. Ryan thought that she amplified the beauty of the dress. Her naturally straight hair was curled, but still hung freely both in front of and behind her shoulders. Their golden tips blended into the dress. The dress fit perfectly, it hugged its way down her feminine curves giving a very sexy appearance. The dress came down below her knees, with slits up to mid thigh to leave room for movement. Her face was not overdone with makeup. Her lips were not too red, her eyelashes not too dark, and her eyelids not too blue. But Ryan thought that her smile was the most beautiful feature of all.
        As she took the flowers from Ryan, he said, “I am honored that you spent more time making yourself more beautiful than you already are, more than I am worthy of. In short, I just tried to compliment you on your appearance. I am not that good at it.”
        Her cheeks flushed a little, “I could tell it was a compliment, and I thank you for it.” Standing aside, she motioned for him to enter her apartment.  “Won’t you come in?” He entered and saw that she managed to store the flowers in a better place than even he could think of. He watched as Mina placed the four roses in four different vases. He noticed that each one she put them in only had eleven flowers in them before. She knew about the flowers!
        “Let me get my purse, and we can go.” She went into her bedroom where Artemis was anxiously awaiting his trip with them. “You’re not coming.” Mina whispered to him so Ryan wouldn’t hear.
        “Mina, I have a funny feeling about him.”
        “He’s perfectly harmless. What could he possibly do to me?”
        “Mina, remember a long time ago? Back when we began fighting the Negaverse?”
        “What about it?” She was about to leave the room.
        “You promised to listen to me when I am deathly serious.”
        “And?”
        “I am deathly serious now.”
        “Don’t get cat hair on my dress.”

        “He always comes with you?”
        Ryan was still a little upset that Mina brought along her cat. They drove down many avenues without any serious hassle. Artemis sat in the backseat this time, there were no boxes in his way. As Ryan drove, the sun began to sag in the sky, stretching the sky with lines of color.  New smells always seemed to find their ways to the open in the fading light of Tokyo. Not all of them were unpleasant. Their aroma tingles each of the other senses, not only the nose. Some believe that it is these night time smells that are what calm us to sleep. They were currently calming Mina as she sat peacefully in the passenger seat of Ryan’s red convertible.
        “Not always, but this time he was very persistent.” She said, apologetically. “In his own way, he threatened to tear up my clothes if I didn’t.”
        “Some animals have a way of getting what they want. Cats more than any other.” Ryan said this half to himself. They continued down the road.

        The car stopped in a small parking lot just outside of an American food restaurant. Before Mina could blink, Ryan had already opened the door for her.
        “How gentlemanly,” She complemented him. Looking up at the sign, reading; BURGER KING, Mina continued, “I think I overdressed.”
        “No.” Ryan said cunningly. “You are dressed fine, I only parked here so we could take a walk.” He raised an inviting hand, pointing to the park across the street from them.
        “Ah,” escaped her lips as they formed a pleasant smile. They crossed the street and entered the park through a gate which had words shaped in metal, reading GREENSIDE PARK, arching across the top of it. A concrete path forked and curved around trees and park benches. Flowers in full bloom possessed a unique aura from the fading light of the setting sun. Park lights’ luminance slowly gained some dominance over the shadows that creeped from their daytime hiding places.
        “I like it better here during the night than the day,” Ryan stated. “I think it’s more lovely.” A bed of carnations glowed with a pink aura. Trees, rich with green leaves, blocked the starlight in small patches across the sky. Ryan risked a bold move by taking Mina’s hand. He was rewarded for his bravery by her returning the action. Motioning to a bench, Ryan led Mina to a place they could sit, hand in hand.
        Mina didn’t want the mood disturbed, but despite her desires, she whispered to Ryan, “I think you’re right.” He smiled a gentle smile.
        Ryan gazed at the moon, and Mina’s eyes followed. As Mina let out a contented sigh, Ryan inched closer to her, his arm finding its way around to her shoulder. To show appreciation for the attention he gave her, she rested her head on his shoulder. He then let his head rest on hers.
        Artemis looked up at the couple, and saw something very odd. Mina’s forehead, the symbol of Venus was glowing, but the odd thing was that Ryan had the same symbol on his forehead, too. Both Mina and Ryan didn’t seem to notice.
        Another thing they did not seem to notice was a pair of red eyes, staring at them from the cover of a bush. Those eyes belonged to Tybek, who was waiting for the right moment to strike. No, Tybek, a voice sounded in his head, they must be saved for later. She is one of THEM. They left the park bench, and the park as well. They didn’t see the next pair of lovers walk in being drained of their energy.

        “Excellent my friend.” The hulking behemoth told his short companion. “I will make my attack now while you two will sending the energy to me. You know what to do.”
        “I still think this is a bad idea.” The humanlike one said.

        I think I’m in love. This can’t be good. But I don’t care.
        Both Ryan and Mina were having the same thoughts, and were both wondering what the other was thinking. Their meal was a silent one, but not a stressful silence, more of a peaceful silence. Mina was somewhat used to the environment of the el’ Bavion. She had been in classy restaurants before. Ryan had the same experience with such events. Neither of them made any mistakes in manners. Ryan was the first to break the silence.
        “If you are unhappy at any time, please don’t hesitate to tell me how I can make things better.”
        “Oh, this is wonderful,” Mina answered. "You have helped me in so many ways. I needed this break for so long, you can't imagine."
        “I’m glad, whatever I’ve done, I’m glad.” Ryan glanced to the side, then lunged for Mina, knocking them both to the ground. At that moment, a scream pierced the tranquillity as a small car was hurled through the window of the restaurant, landing where Mina’s chair had been. Mina didn’t even hesitate to leave her date to find out the cause of the chaos. “Oh no,” Ryan said to himself, “I’m not letting my star attraction get herself killed.” He ran out to follow.
        Mina could quickly tell that the huge creature was from the Negaverse. Ducking into an alleyway, she removed her power stick from her purse. She cried her words of power, and transformed into Sailor Venus. She didn’t know that Ryan watched the transformation. I thought she was just a story.
        Running from the alley, she yelled at the monster. “If you’re looking for trouble, you’ve just found it. I am Sailor Venus.”
        Holding up a bus loaded with people, he replied, “As a matter of fact, it is you I’m looking for.” Setting down the bus, he continued, “No need to hurt anyone else. Let’s play!”
        Venus cast her love whip and wrapped it around the creature’s arm. He grabbed the whip, and swung it around so hard that Venus crashed into a concrete building. She was prepared for this action, and cast her meteor shower at him. After the smoke cleared, he still stood there, his arms in an X fashion.
        “Impressive. Almost.” He said, mockingly. “Is it my turn yet?” With that, he lunged forward, punching Venus deeper into the wall.”
        “I’ve got to do something.” Ryan said to himself, running towards the fighting.
        “Stop!” Ryan stopped not seeing who the voice belonged to. “Hey, down here!” Ryan looked down to see Artemis, looking up at him. “Listen to me!” He said.
        “This is getting weird.” Ryan said.
        “I’ll explain later.” Artimis told him. “Take this crystal, and shout ‘For the Kingdom of Venus.’”
        “What?”
        “Just DO IT!!”
        Ryan took the crystal at Artemis’ feet and did as he was told. The crystal created a blinding flash, and attracted the attention of the creature. Standing in Ryan’s place was a man in full golden plate mail armor, and a sword in his hand, the crystal imbedded deeply into the hilt.
        “Pick on someone your own size!” Ryan taunted.
        “I would, but everyone’s smaller than me.”  The creature replied, jocularly, “But if it’s ‘you’ you mean, then let’s get on with it.” With that, he closed the gap between both of them, and said, “Take your best shot.”
        Ryan rushed the creature, swinging his sword just as he came into range. The blade would have cut the creature in half, if he didn’t punch the flat of the blade so hard that it only scarred his leg. “Impressive, you are the first person in over five thousand years to touch me. Try it again.”
        Enraged by his opponent’s calmness, Ryan rushed him again. Leaping high in the air, he brought his sword down hard. The creature sidestepped to dodge the attack. The asphalt where the creature had been standing now had a sword buried three inches deep into it. Cracks flowed from where the sword struck.
        “Strike two.” Ryan forced the sword out of it’s hole.
        “Use your Venus Magic Entrap!” Artimis shouted to him. Ryan didn’t understand why he understood what he just heard, but his was too busy with the present concern to care. He sheathed his sword in his scabbard, and began to gather energy. He drew back his arms and small balls of flowing energy appeared in his hands. He brought his hands together, merging the balls into one. He now held a bowling ball sized sphere of magical energy in his right hand. The creature’s eyes doubled in size as he watched the attack develop.
        Master, defend yourself! his minions told him, telepathically. Ryan cried out the name of the attack, and threw the energy ball to the ground. The sphere shattered into five smaller balls, and bounced at the creature. A blinding flash of light occurred as they struck.
        The smoke soon cleared to reveal the creature, smoke rising from him, and his arms up in a defensive position. “Strike three, you’re out.” With that, he rushed Ryan with full speed, and began punching and kicking at him with such a speed and so repetitively that it was unbelievable for a creature of his size. Ryan managed to block four out of each five blows, and endured each fifth. However, despite the onslaught, he drew his sword and stabbed at the creature’s face.
        Seeing the sword in time, the creature turned his to dodge the attack. A small squirt of green blood was pushed out of his face as the tip of the sword scarred his cheek. If it were possible, his eyes turned a deeper color of crimson than it already was. Growling, he began to glow with a red aura. Much like Ryan did before, he gathered energy into a power blast. He hurled a ball a yard in diameter, directly at Ryan. Not knowing how to react, Ryan froze. To his surprise, the blast of white hot energy turned at the last minute, and was now heading for Sailor Venus, who was still half unconscious, and still stuck inside the body shaped crater in the concrete wall.
        Ryan instinctively moved in the path of the destructive sphere, willing to die to save Sailor Venus’s live. He held his sword in front of him, pointing skyward, in a defensive position. As the energy blast hit his blade, the blade split it in two, both halves forced to a new angle.
        When it was all over, Ryan’s shoulder armor plates were charred and smoke rose from them. On the walls on both sides of Mina were huge burn marks, almost four yards in diameter. Trembling slightly, Ryan was gasping for air. The shock wave knocked Mina out of the crater.
        Enraged that the attack failed to kill them, the hulking monster powered up to do another attack. Master, please calm down. You’ve already burned out half of the crystal’s energy. If the other scouts show up, you won’t have enough energy to fight them!  He calmed down, and ran straight through a building wall, and disappeared.

Unbelieving, Ryan watched the creature vanish. Feeling finally safe, Ryan’s stiff body went from being like a stone statue to a slumping exhausted mass of flesh and armor. He gathered a little more energy to get his nearly motionless body strength enough to walk. He sheathed his sword and gathered the limp body of Sailor Venus in his arms. He laid the body carefully down in the back seat of his car. He drove her to Mina’s apartment complex. Carrying her up to her door, he took her into her home, and gently set her battered self on her bed.
Bent on one knee, Ryan never left his vigil over her. He was slightly relieved as he watched her chest rise and fall with each breath she took. He placed a damp cloth on her forehead and treated the bruises and cuts properly.
After one hour of healing her, she finally showed some signs of recovery. She opened her eyes, and moaned. Ryan tightened his grip on her hand as he saw her improvement. She smiled dimly, and her Sailor Scout uniform disintegrated into her silk dress. At that same time, Ryan’s armor melted away, returning him to his suit.
“Who are you?” She asked him, faintly.
He softly whispered back to her. “I am the light of the morning star.”

“Forgive me, master. I tried. I came very close, I swear. Please understand. I give you my oath of blood that I will not fail you again. I will kill those Sailor Scouts if it is the last thing I do! This I vow. Please forgive me, my master… My father…”

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