A/N 1: Some scenes go back and forth between times. Also includes implied pairings.
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‘Got up this morning
On the right side of my bed
With all these crazy thoughts
Screaming though my head…’
Kaiya’s POV, Michiru’s House, Morning
“Wake up Kaiya. It’s morning.” I felt someone prod me.
Nudge nudge.
In response I rolled over, turning my back away from whoever it was trying to disturb my sleep. It was probably Haruka or Michiru…
“WAKE UP.” The voice bordered exasperation now. Two hands gripped down on my shoulder and pushed me hard.
“Go away Haruka.” I mumbled as I lazily tried to swat the hands off.
“…I’m not Haruka.”
“Michiru?”
“Not even close.” Whoever it was, they sure sounded annoyed now. “You’re doing this in spite of me aren’t you?”
But…who else could it be? I really had no idea.
“Mmmmm…?” Through bleary eyes I looked up, willing them to adjust to the light level. As the picture came into focus, I remember thinking that the person had really long hair. REALLY long hair. Which meant that it wasn’t Haruka or Michiru after all. Besides, I’d doubt Haruka would have let me sleep and ignore her this long without her start some sort of wrestling match. And Michiru would’ve probably laughed at me if anything. I blinked again as the figure came into focus. Crimson eyes? I snapped awake. “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!”
WHOOOOSH
THUD! THUD! THUD! THUD!
Haruka came barreling into the room as I was on my way out. “What’s going on-“
WHAM!
“Oof!” We both fell over. “Kaiya what the hell is wrong with you? You’re going to wake the baby!”
“T-t-t-there’s a s-stranger in the house.”
“A stranger?” Haruka repeated my words, seemingly shocked by my own surprised state. She blinked and then looked up at the tall figure standing directly behind me now.
“Is she like this every morning Haruka?” The ‘stranger’ asked. There was a touch of amusement lacing her words as she said this.
Sighing, Haruka had somehow pried me off of her and calmly explained to me, “Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten Setsuna already! You know, Sailor Pluto? Keeper of time? Gorgeous-”
“You can stop right there, I think she gets the picture.” Setsuna cut in.
“Yes ma’am…”
I slowly turned around and stood up to take a good look at Pluto. She looked very different from all the other times I’ve seen her. For one, this must have been the first time I’ve seen her without her Sailor fuku in real life. That one time in the vision didn’t count.
Okay, okay, I admit that I’ve forgotten that she was staying with Haruka and Michiru.
Meioh Setsuna…My memory came back to me.
“So you’re going to be Hotaru’s third parent?”
“That is correct.”
“A mom or a dad?”
“Second mother. Haruka is playing the ‘father’.”
“So…do I call you Aunt Setsuna? Or do I get a third parent too?”
There was an awkward silence. The look on the keeper of time’s face was hilarious! It was just screaming ‘OH KAMI, ANOTHER KID?’
“Kaiya, I don’t think Setsuna would want to be related to you.” Haruka finally mumbled.
“What’s that supposed to mean? If she’s Hotaru’s mom too, then she’d have closer relation ties to you. If anything, I think that’d be more torturous!”
“Why you…”
“Ah, ah, you might wake the baby.” I grinned. Haruka dropped the thought of fighting immediately with horror to what Michiru may do if the unthinkable did occur. Instead, the tall blonde glared, probably thinking along the lines of ‘I’ll get you for this.’
Heh…
“Erm, either one is fine Kaiya. I’ll leave it up to you.” Setsuna finally replied.
“Yay! So I get another mom! Or can I trade Haruka for you to be my dad?”
“KAIYA…” The taller blonde fumed behind me.
Before I could argue back we all suddenly heard a, “Waaaaaah! Waaaaah!”
Uh oh.
Haruka, Setsuna and I all exchanged glances.
Tup, tup, tup…
A very annoyed looking Michiru stared at our trio from the doorway. Did I ever mention that Michiru wasn’t a morning person? “Who woke the baby?” Her voice was sweet as usual… Which would have fooled anyone if they hadn’t seen that murderous glint in her eyes.
Without thinking Setsuna and I pointed to Haruka. “She did it.”
“Haruka…” Michiru slowly walked forward.
“W-wait. I-it wasn’t my faul- well, okay, maybe a little but I mean…Eep.”
“Setsuna, will you please care for Hotaru for a minute?” The aqua haired woman handed the baby girl over to the green haired woman before the other party could protest. In a way, why would Setsuna even THINK of saying ‘no’?
With the baby in one arm and me in the other, Setsuna quickly pulled us out of the room muttering, “…not something children should see…”
WHACK! KAPOW! WHAM!
Outside of Rei’s Place
‘I can’t wait to see
What this world holds for me.
Oh, it’s a new day
Oh, it’s a new day’
Setsuna and I calmed Michiru down enough to let Haruka live…And it was no easy task! Believe me. I never knew Michiru in the morning could be that violent! It must have something to do with becoming a mother of two, overnight.
It was scary yet it had to be done. Today everyone was going to meet at Rei’s place before we all head out to the park grounds for Family Day. That meant Ami, Rei, Makoto, Minako, Usagi, Chibi-Usa, Mamoru and well, you get the idea. We’re all going to be there. Their families are going to be there too but we all agreed to spend the second half of the day together as a group of friends. Or I should say as the Sailor Senshi family in Michiru’s terms.
The thought excited me. It was going to be my first time being with a group of friends and my parents for something like this! But I’m also a bit nervous. Not only will I get to see everyone today for the first time since that crazy fight, but today was also the day Haruka, Michiru and I would do that scheduled performance at the event. I wonder how many people will be there…I hope I don’t screw up my parts. We did lose a few practices due to ‘technical complications’ after all.
“Kaiya! You. Are. Late!” I heard Rei roar as we arrived.
“Don’t look at me. I didn’t drive. Haruka-”
I paused when I noticed all of the younger girls staring at me. Rei had stopped screaming as well, adopting that same expression the others had. Usagi, Minako, Rei, Makoto, Chibi-Usa and even Ami were giving me this weird, spaced out expression.
“Guys? Is… there something on my face?” through the corner of my eye I noticed my parents giving each other a thoughtful expression before a grin lit their faces. That wasn’t a good sign.
“Aw, look. They missed you.” Haruka whispered to me. “So why don't you go say HELLO?”
“EH?”
Boot!
I fell forward into the group of younger girls thinking, hugs everywhere! I’m doooooooomed!
“Heh heh heh, revenge is sweet.” The tall blonde chuckled, making Setsuna step back warily. “And don’t think you’re getting away either Setsuna!”
Family Day site, Stage
The park when we got there was absolutely packed! There were families everywhere. People were having picnics all over the place- on the grass, up on the hills, under the trees in the shade and by the park but mostly beside the stage.
Seeing so many faces at once nearly put me into a state of shock. Not because the sheer number specifically but because everyone was happy and enjoying themselves. Not to mention, the weather was amazing as well! It was no doubt boosting the people’s moral.
“Introducing the Tenoh family!” The announcer boomed over the speaker. A thunderous sound of claps could be heard following our introduction.
Haruka had changed our name over the phone this morning with Michiru’s full approval. Although many people wouldn’t understand the meaning to that name, at least some of us did. And it was important to all of us. Speaking of family, Haruka got her revenge on Setsuna by having the new mother take over baby duty for the entire performance. ALONE. In fact, I could see the two sitting up front along with the entire gang!
‘Any time or any place
You are the reason
For the smile on my face’
“Ready Kaiya?” I felt Haruka and Michiru hold my shoulders. Their gesture greatly eased the butterflies in my stomach.
‘’Cause you make me feel
All my dreams can be real’
“Yup!”
Performance Starts
Everything went going off without a hitch.
To all of our surprise, the entire show went throughout the first part of the day. So afterwards all of us got together and headed over to take a look at the booths in the park’s center. It was like another festival. There were booths selling food, some hosted carnival games, others had fortune-tellers and pretty much everything else that you could think of.
Of course Haruka and Mamoru managed to win a gazillion plushies for everyone. Surprisingly enough, Michiru also won me something too. She said it was for giving her my bear earlier.
And as usual, Usagi and Rei got into another fight… this time it was at the goldfish catching place though.
“You never listen to me! You have to do it like this Odango!”
“But REEEEEI, I want to do it myself!”
Couldn’t they ever get along?
‘Oh, it’s a new day
Oh, it’s a new day’
Makoto and Ami also entered together in a baking contest.
We all went to watch except for Rei and Usagi who still were bickering about how to catch a goldfish.
Baking contest
Ami and Makoto were at one counter trying to chocolate chip cookies.
“2 cups of flour? Do you think that’s enough Makoto?” Ami asked her partner, looking up from the cookbook for a second.
“Of course.” The chestnut haired girl mixed the ingredient in and stirred the entire batter together thoroughly. “These people take a lot of care and time to make these recipes. It really takes a lot of heart if they want to cook. Or I think so anyway.”
“Makoto…”
“Besides! If all else fails, you taste it!” She held out a spoon with some of the chocolate batter on it to Ami.
Ami’s cheeks turned bright pink as she took a taste, although I wasn’t sure if that was the only reason. “I-it’s very good.”
“I’m glad you like it!” Makoto beamed.
‘It feels so good to be alive
Even if a little rain should fall’
Somehow both Usagi (with fish in hand) and Rei arrived in time to catch the end of the contest as Makoto and Ami won first place. Too bad we didn’t stay around long, because Rei immediately dragged me off to participate in some archery contest with her. Or to be more precise…against her. (She knows I’m not good at it!)
Archery Contest
Zing!
“Hino Rei takes first!” The announcer boomed.
For awhile there, I actually was able to keep up. Somehow I managed to pick up most of Rei’s technique by watching her and then stumbled through the other novice’s with luck (actually they were all novices except Rei and this other guy). I made it to the top three and then got knocked out before Rei took out the poor guy out. He never stood a chance.
“Whew…”
As I walked off to get a drink of water, I saw a color of blonde and a red bow hiding behind a tree.
“Minako?” I tapped the shorter girl on the shoulder.
She nearly jumped out of her socks and nearly startled me in the process. “W-What?” She stammered.
My eyes trailed from her face down to her hands where she held a small box. It was decorated in red wrapping paper and it had an unique touch of having a red bow on it, similar to Minako’s own.
“Rei’s still a little busy receiving her award, but I can tell her to meet you here if you like.” I offered.
“Hey, it’s not like I’m waiting for her or anything.” The girl turned her head and pouted.
She can’t fool me. “Great, then I’ll tell her to meet you here in five. Good luck.” I patted her on the shoulder as I turned to walk back.
Minako turned a deep shade of red with embarrassment and then yelled, “Kaiya!”
As I said I’d do, I found Rei and told her just that. The fiery tempered miko looked very confused as to ‘why’ I told her to wander over to the tree backstage but at least she didn’t argue. All she needed to know was that she’d get a surprise. I didn’t say what though, that was a secret.
Rei wandered to where I told her to, still shaking her head as she wondered what was going on. “Mina-chan?” She had spotted the other girl.
“Hi Rei chan. I-I wanted to give you something.”
‘’Cause every moment
Bring a new surprise to us all’
Rei opened the box, her eyes going wide with surprise. “Mina chan…do you really…?”
The young blonde gave a small definite nodded and then continued to look down, blushing. Yet she was so caught up into her own state of embarrassment that she was tackled to the ground by Rei’s embrace. For awhile, the two of them held each other, crying tears of happiness.
Flashback of the group hug earlier
“No, Usagi, I didn’t bring you any food. Sorry.” I sweat dropped seeing her puppy dog expression.
“That’s all right. I’m just glad you’re back with us!”
‘Oh, it’s a new day’
“Kaiya, you’re such an idiot! You think you can just disappear without telling me?” Rei screamed.
“Rei means that she missed you.” Usagi translated in a cheerful voice.
“Since when do you know what I’m thinking Odango? Do you read minds too?” The fire senshi snapped at her friend.
“You’re so mean Rei!”
“Oh no, those fake tears won’t work this time!”
Oh jeez…
‘Oh, it’s a new day’
“It’s good to see you again.” Makoto gave me a hug as well. As tall as I was, Makoto still felt a lot stronger than me.
“So we have to have another match sometime right?” I asked.
“You bet. I’ll take you on anytime.”
‘Oh, it’s a new day’
“GOTCHA!” Minako leapt up and tackled me from behind.
“Hi there. So, you are going to ask her today right?” I whispered.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about!” She squealed as her face turned bright red.
‘Oh, it’s a new day’
Ami stood back, looking a little nervous after Minako’s entrance.
“Hi Ami.” I walked up and gave the timid girl a hug. It took her another few seconds to hug me back. I knew people like Ami tend to keep to themselves and stand around instead of joining the group so I hugged her instead of waiting.
“I’m glad you’re back.” She finally replied.
“Me too.”
Music Performance end
CLAP! CLAP! CLAP! CLAP! CLAP! CLAP!
Park playground
Spending the day with everyone was the best time I ever had. It was fun. I got to try out a lot of things and got to know people even better. The best part though, was spending time with Michiru, Haruka, Setsuna and Hotaru. We did a lot of stuff together with the group and outside of the group. Like right now, Michiru was watching Haruka attempt to make a sand castle.
Only…It was too bad that everything has to come to an end.
Setsuna walked up to me from Michiru’s side and bent down to quietly whisper, “Are you ready to go?”
“Yeah…”
Setsuna let me stay this one day with everyone for a final time before she would take me back. Things back at home were really on the edge I heard. But I was still happy I was allowed this one chance.
Outside park limits, away from the crowds, late afternoon/early evening
FLAAAAASH
The time portal opened up at the guardian of time’s command.
“Are you sure you do not want to say goodbye to them?” I heard the tall woman say.
I wanted to but I couldn’t. “I…I don’t think it would be a good idea.”
“Why not?”
Because I’ll cry.
Tup! Tup! Tup! Tup!
“Kaiya! W-wait up!” Haruka had somehow caught up to us. She was panting heavily as she came to a slow. Michiru was right behind her with Hotaru in her arms. “Where are you going?”
I knew they couldn't come back with me. Because of their decision they were stuck here to live everything all over again… Besides, once I leave Pluto would probably use those memory seals on them again. Who knows if they’ll remember me after I leave? It would’ve save us all a lot of trouble and emotional stress if they hadn’t came.
“Home.”
“Right now?” Michiru looked surprised.
I nodded. “There’s something I have to take care of. Something only I can do. I wish I could stay longer, I really do but I can’t. I’m sorry…Haruka?”
Haruka silently walked to up to me before embracing me in a tight hug. Right on contact I could feel her emotions. They were raging, torn between regret and sadness. But she was strong, I know she would be all right after I leave.
“You better take care of yourself. If you have any trouble, you can call for Setsuna. Please take care of her.” The tall blonde addressed Pluto.
“I will.”
Michiru handed Hotaru to Haruka before embracing me as well. I noticed she was gentler than her ‘husband’. From what I felt from her, she could cry at any moment.
“We’ll miss you.” She whispered softly. “Don’t forget your bear.”
I took the plushie Michiru had won for me from her hands. I had almost forgotten it, trying to leave as soon as possible. “I know. I’ll miss everyone too, especially you guys. Hotaru as well.”
I looked over to the baby girl. She was wide-awake to my surprise. I walked up and held out a finger to her small open palm and in turn she gently grasped it. It made me wish that I could be here to watch her grow up.
But…that’s not meant to be either.
Gently I pull my hand away and then stepped back to Pluto’s side. So that means I’ll just have to try to be there for her more in the future!
I felt Pluto take my hand gave me a small tug towards the portal. I knew it would not last much longer.
As I was about to step in, I turned around to tell my parents one last thing. “Mom! Dad!” I watched as they both cried freely now. I was able to find them after all this time. To see them and myself grow as we became friends and then eventually best friends. Everything we’ve been through taught me so much. Especially one thing in particular…that I didn’t hate them. Despite my own tears and all of our hardships, I was finally able to say, “I…love you guys too.”
FLAAAAAAASH
‘Here in you I found a friend
You’ll be with me till the end’
Haruka’s POV, one week later, sitting together in the park, sunset
“Has your headache disappeared yet Ruka?” Michiru worriedly asked me.
For the last week, oddly enough the both of us had these mild headaches that just wouldn’t go away! Michi had only recovered from hers recently though.
“For the most part, I suppose so. Still…I sometimes get these images. Setsuna said it was normal though, although she never explained why it was normal for people to get sudden headaches for an entire week.”
“I heard her speaking to herself the other day about time being put on the right track again. Do you know what she meant by that?”
“Nope. But you know Sets, she tends to be a perfectionist when it comes to time. It could be anything.”
“…Speaking of which…Ruka, do you remember anything…unusual?”
“Like a blonde brat with aqua eyes?”
Michi’s eyes widened momentarily before I pulled her closer into me. “Something like that.” She smiled and gave a content sigh.
Like I could forget. I doubt any of us could.
“I’m sure…we’ll meet her again someday.”
‘Oh, it’s a new day…’
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