Chapter Text
Haruka drove at full speed towards her house. The call she had a few minutes ago filled her with terror. She stepped on the pedal of her Ferrari at full speed. Setsuna, as appalling as ever, had requested the blonde to interrupt her training at the race track and summoned her home, for Michiru's sake. Then the senshi of time hung up without telling Haruka anything else.
The blonde fruitlessly tried to contact the Outer Senshi several times by using both her communicator and cellphone. Haruka slapped the steering wheel.
Just what in the world happened? Why weren't they picking up her calls? Were they in danger? Had a youma or daemon spanned out of nowhere?
She grunted and clenched her teeth as nasty thoughts flooded her mind.
Avoiding every possible car and obstacle in her way she eventually spotted their house by the ocean. Drifting her Ferrari into the drive way like the pro she was, Haruka stepped on the brake coming to an abrupt halt; then taking out her henshin stick, jumped out of her car and rushed towards her house.
Just as she was heading to her room she stopped in her tracks when she saw both Michiru and Setsuna kneeling on the floor of the living room. Haruka gulped and looked at them in horror. The dark green haired woman cradled the smaller woman in an embrace while the aqua haired cried inconsolably.
At least they were not transformed or seemed to be in apparent danger. The blonde closed her eyes for a few seconds but couldn’t feel any malignant presence around. At least that was a good thing. Her teal eyes then opened, and she pondered upon the women in front of her.
What possibly could have happened to leave her Michiru in such state?
Taking a deep breath, she approached her family with caution. Knelling next to her grief-stricken girlfriend she gave Setsuna a questioning look. Crimson eyes looked at worried-filled teal ones with sadness. Haruka placed a hand over Michiru's shoulder not sure of what to say or what to do.
"She received a call from her family in London." The wise woman replied in a glum voice.
The blonde had a puzzled look at first but then recalled that indeed at some point in their lives her girlfriend had mentioned to her that her human family lived somewhere in Europe. By the sound of Setsuna's voice and Michiru's reaction it seemed like whatever happened was very grave.
Setsuna scowled at Haruka’s henshin stick and indicated to the blonde that it was safe to put it away.
"M-mother…" Michiru began saying between sobs. The aquamarine haired inhaled deeply while trying to regain her composure. Haruka looked at her girlfriend very concerned, her voice calm and tender, “Take your time love…” The blonde put her hand under Michiru’s chin and lifted her face, sapphire eyes were still downcast.
“Your mother…?" Haruka continued.
The violinist slowly rose her sight and her puffy blue eyes met those of Haruka’s. The blonde gave her an affectionate smile and carefully wiped away Michiru's tears. Michiru took a deep breath and between sniffs and sighs spoke to her lover with a trembling voice, "Mother passed away…"
The violinist couldn’t retain her poise no more and cried once more, this time embracing her lover tightly.
"Oh Michi-chan…” began saying Haruka with the sweetest and most intimate nickname she gave her lover, “I—I am sorry…" replied the sky senshi as she kissed the head of the sea senshi. Wind and time embraced the distraught sea.
XxX
Haruka gave Michiru a last look before carefully closing the door to their room.
Teal eyes watched painfully at the sniffing violinist, whom even in her dream wept sadly. Soon after the blonde’s arrival, both women helped soothe Michiru, and after a comforting chamomile tea and some shortbread crackers, they insisted that the smaller woman had some rest. Michiru refuted, but after a few fruitless minutes of telling Haruka and Setsuna that she was alright she finally agreed.
The women ended up in bed, Michiru in the middle. The aqua-haired tried to fight off the overwhelming exhaustion that overtook her, but the gentle hair strokes and soothing caresses of her lover and best friend didn’t help her struggle. She was soon fast asleep.
XxX
Close-eyed, Setsuna remained silent while resting her head against the cool hallway's wall outside of her friends’ room. Even though she had agreed to discuss with Haruka more about what had happened, she contemplated if the blonde would even be able to emerge out of the room at all.
Setsuna giggled lightly when she remembered the semi-distressed look teal eyes had given her. Slipping out of bed was a rather easy thing for the senshi of time to do, but the blonde had a far more herculean task in hand since Michiru had decided to cling to dear life to her favorite body-pillow.
Then Setsuna’s brow frowned as she considered the recent events. A few minutes after her crimson eyes slowly opened at the slightest sound the twisting of a doorknob and an opening door did.
The blonde ever so carefully made her way out of her room and paid similar care to closing the door behind her.
“Mission success?” the time keeper joked lightly.
“Yeah. Somehow managed to escape her bearhug without waking her up.” Responded the blonde while she stretched her sore limbs and while absorbing the fact that she had indeed managed to loosen to her lover’s embrace.
“Skillful as always.” Setsuna smiled ruefully.
Resting her back against the wall opposite of Setsuna’s, the blonde took a deep breath. "Now… Do you mind telling me what happened?" she asked the wise woman.
The green haired swept some hair behind her ear before giving Haruka a serious look.
“We were preparing supper when Michiru got a call. I noticed the strange look she gave her phone, yet she ignored it and told me the number was from overseas. The couple of rings were then replaced by a text message of her youngest brother. Color left her when she read the text.”
Still, attentive teal eyes looked at regretful crimson ones.
“Then the phone rang again, still appalled as she was, she decided to answer the call. Then she was so flabbergasted that her cellphone fell on the floor. Worried as I was, I picked it up and inquired who it was. After introducing himself as the main butler of the Kaiou family, Katsuki-san announced his mistress's passing."
The staggered wind soldier looked at her friend, words still unable to emerge from her lips.
"It seemed that Michiru's mother suffered from heart illness for some time, thus making her very fragile. As time passed, she got weaker. For what Katsuki-san said, Kaiou Yuri-san was found dead in bed early in the morning."
"Wow…" Haruka combed her fingers through her hair. No wonder her girlfriend bereaved like she did. She felt a quick sting in her heart when she remembered her own mother's passing and how distraught it had made her. The blonde gave the floor a low-spirited look.
"Katsuki-san wondered if Michiru could make it tomorrow to London for Kaiou-san's funeral service."
Haruka was dismayed and shocked. "L-London? Ah… I guess… Did he mention time?"
"Tomorrow at six in the evening to allow the son and daughters of the Kaiou family to be able to assist."
"In London?"
"Yes. Lambeth, London."
"Isn’t that… Like a little far away?" the blonde pondered scratching her head, her mind researching all the data she remembered about time zones and prior flights she had to Europe.
"Yes. With luck it could take you two twelve hours or so to get there. The oldest sister, Shioko-san is currently in United States, promoting her latest line of shoes and Aizen-kun, the youngest Kaiou, had a concert in South Korea. He should be boarding the plane towards London by now."
Haruka blinked startled. “Wow, you are quite informed, aren't you?”
Setsuna gave her a doleful smile. "Gathering information has always been one of my fortes, and besides, Katsuki-san sounded like such a polite and amiable man over the phone. The spared no expense in providing details."
Haruka returned her saddened smile and looked at her watch. It was 8:18pm. She originally had in mind getting home after a long day at the track and after eating a delicious homemade supper and taking a warm, well deserved bath, she had high hopes of cuddling with her lover while her family watching their favorite TV series. Sadly, that was no more. She had to arrange transportation to London, prepare their suitcases and travel bags, cancel appointments for the next days and take care of other arrangements, all these while supporting the afflicted Michiru.
Haruka frowned and face palmed as she took another look at the clock and realized Hotaru's absence.
Already knowing what the blonde had just recognized, the wise time keeper spoke, "Hotaru called a little after Katsuki-san's call, she requested to stay over in Small Lady's home for the night, which of course and especially due to recent events, I agreed to without further ado."
"Oh, thank you Setsuna. I… it completely skipped my mind.” Haruka replied a little ashamed, for that she was the one meant to pick up their daughter from the little princess's house. After Setsuna's call she only had in her mind to get to her lover as she expected the worst.
"Take a bath and get some sleep, I will arrange for the particulars of your trip." Said the green-haired with sympathetic eyes.
Scratching her head, the blonde gave her a shy smile and a quick hug. "Thanks, you are the best." Setsuna smiled reassuringly.
Haruka turned around and entered her room.
Setsuna brooded and sighed. She had a few things to take care of before going to sleep.
XxX
Michiru frowned and moaned in her sleep. Her heart raced rapidly, and her features were full of sweat.
A little aqua haired girl ran through hollow, darkened hallways. Tightly, she held her dolphin plush against her terrified, little chest. The more she ran the more endless the somber hallway seemed. Old chandeliers and lightning lit her way as she kept running. She made sudden stops at every door she could find and would try to open them all without luck. Breathing was beginning to become difficult and the lack of light didn't help the troubled child much either. Gust, rain and lightning raged on the grounds of the olden manor. Her deep blue eyes filled with terror and tears when she heard hard, unsteady footsteps and wicked laughter. She clenched her teeth and her eyes darted all ways trying to look for a way out.
"I am home little princess."
The windows abruptly hit the wooden frames as the gusty night forcefully sprung them open. Lightning and thunder fell as the storm seethed. She gulped deeper and fastened her pace. The little girl grimaced at the foul smell of alcohol and perfume.
"Playful, aren't you? Stop playing games and greet your papa." The man gnashed his teeth.
Blue eyes stared in terror at the wall in front of her; she had reached the end of the hallway. Her little heart raced faster than ever, her breathing increasing rapidly. The footsteps that followed stopped. She froze. She could hear mocking giggles. Dark sardonic eyes glared at the little girl. She slowly turned around.
Haruka exited the bathroom and snuck into bed. Lifting their comforter carefully, she got into bed and resting on her side, she looked at the violinist with empathy and worry. Her knuckles feathered her girlfriend’s cheeks. Michiru seemed restless.
"No, go away. Leave me alone—"the aqua-haired bemoaned in her sleep. Giving her lover a grave look, the blonde swiped into place some wet locks of aquamarine hair from the fidgety Michiru. Haruka winced.
The tall man stood in front of the little girl, his grin showing vicious teeth. Her little nose sneezed away the stench that emerged from him. Lightning fell; an almost empty crystal bottle was on the man's hand; his garments were unsightly. The little girl stepped backwards as much as she could until she hit a wall. She looked at him with fright and repulsion. The man took the bottle to his lips and grunted irritated when he noticed there was no more to drink from. Maddened, he threw the empty bottle to the floor. The aqua-haired girl jumped terrified at the noise of the shattering object.
"How bothersome. Well no worries, I have my little princess to cheer me up." He licked his brittle lips.
The man grinned sleazily as he leaned towards the child, his hand trying to reach her. The girl was aghast. Feeling nauseous and sick, her little body could barely keep up with her quickened breaths.
"Michiru…"
Crouching, she took her little hands to her head. The little girl's eyes flinched as she expected the worst.
"Michiru…"
Distraught, the blonde gave Michiru repeated gentle kisses and snuggled the smaller woman tightly. "I am here love." Haruka replied over and over in a low, husky tone, reassuring her partner. “I don’t know what’s troubling you, but I am here Michiru. I will protect you no matter what." Closing her eyes and intertwining her hands with those of the smaller girl their foreheads lightly touched, their planet signs shone.
Then the gusts and rain began giving out.
“Go away.”
The loud, frightening noises began fading away.
The skies were clearing up.
The windows slowly stopped flapping.
Stormy squalls were soon replaced by gentle breezes.
The reek, revolting air was soon transformed to carefree, liberating fresh air.
With her heart in her throat the little girl gulped and dared to open her eyes. She gasped surprised. The tempest had unexpectedly stopped. The man was no longer in front of her; instead a small figure dressed in simple long-sleeved white shirt and blue pants stood in front of her.
The boy’s stern features relaxed and his little hand let go what had seemed to be a scimitar like looking sword; it faded into stardust before hitting the ground. The little girl looked at him astounded. The little boy turned around, teal eyes looking at her warmly. Smiling at her ever so amiably he approached the still shocked girl and kissed her forehead. The blonde boy held the aqua-haired girl in a tight, reassuring embrace.
"I am here… Michiru." The boy sweetly replied.
"I am here." Reassured Haruka hoarsely.
Startled, Michiru opened her eyes. Her heart raced, her breathing was frantic, she was soaked in sweat.
Apprehensive teal eyes contemplated her, the blonde embraced the smaller girl firmly. The aqua-haired sighed relieved; her savior was there. Just as she had been in her dreams.
"Michiru… are you, better?" asked Haruka worriedly as she kissed Michiru's tears away.
The violinist slowly nodded her head, "I am… because you are here." Michiru gripped tightly Haruka's pajamas.
The blonde gave her girlfriend a brooded stare; she wondered what or who had troubled the aqua haired so much in her dreams, though a part of her told her she wouldn’t know the answer yet.
"Love, what happe-"
"P-please… don't. Not now." Michiru slowly shook her head; knowing what the blonde craved to inquire. The sea senshi winced while trying to oppress a yawn; the nightmare had left her worn out, the passing of her mother astonished and the fact that she knew she had to return to the Kaiou Manor… mortified. All these facts had left her usually composed mind stressed and overwhelmed, for now all she wanted was to be held tightly and comforted by no other than her wind soldier.
The blonde sighed deeply, concern etched in her face. Haruka decided not to push it any further and just be there for the sullen Michiru. The sky senshi tried her best to soothe her lover with kisses, caresses and loving words. The blonde smiled heartwarmingly at her mermaid.
This is all she could do until the aqua-haired felt good enough to openly discuss her feelings and worries. Haruka kept shushing and kissing and cradling her lover until the aqua haired fell asleep again.
The senshi of the sky saw over Michiru's dainty body to get a better glimpse at the clock on the night table.
9:56pm.
The blonde couldn't believe she felt so tired at that hour. Even though every inch of her body ached for sleep, her weary-self had to stay vigilant and make sure her girlfriend didn't go through any other nightmare. Wrapping her arms around Michiru's waist she held her in a tight embrace. She rested her chin on top of the smaller girl’s head and let her mind run wild with thousands of thoughts.
XxX - 2:33 a.m.
Haruka whimpered. Her eyes itched and her head ached. Maybe she thought too much. As the early morning approached, it became harder for her to stay awake. Feeling her undeniable defeat approaching, she made a small, satisfied grin; at least she had made sure her lover had a couple of decent hours of rest.
Whatever was tormenting the dreams of her mermaid had decided to let her be, at least for now. After a long struggle with tiredness and miserably trying to shake off the exquisite feeling that sleeping cuddled to her soulmate always gave her, the wind soldier lost the fight with Morpheus.
A few minutes after Haruka fell asleep, Michiru slowly opened her eyes when she felt her lover's embrace relax. Resting her head on the blonde’s chest she could hear the eased yet, steady and strong rhythm of the blonde's heart.
She blushed when she remembered the little Haruka of her dreams; the one who gallantly protected her from her pursuer. Smiling shyly, she tenderly pecked her lover’s lips. She figured she must had fallen asleep and her lover had been vigilant of her until just a couple of minutes ago. The blonde had a long, tiring day as well after all.
Michiru's eyelids became heavier and the soothing ups and downs of Haruka's chest made it very difficult for her to stay awake. Even though she had a few hours of sleep, she still felt drained, she considered. Resisting was futile. Before knowing it, she had already joined her girlfriend in deep slumber.
XxX
Michiru's brow twitched as she heard light knocks. She pouted at the door and at the silent woman that entered the room. Setsuna reached for the lamp on the table and turned it on.
Sitting next to Michiru, she smiled sympathetically at the aqua-haired and then gave the worn-out blonde a look.
"I thought she was going to keep watch on you." Setsuna teased sadly.
Carefully letting go of Haruka's embrace, Michiru rubbed her sore eyes.
"What time is it?" Michiru asked in a voice full of sleep, her aquamarine locks disheveled. She tried to get her eyes adjusted to the light.
“Three in the morning my dear." Replied Setsuna affectionately as she fixed Michiru's bed hair. The wise woman couldn't help but smile at the fact that her friend looked adorable like that.
“She lasted as long as she could. I woke up soon after I felt her fall asleep, and that wasn't even half an hour ago." Michiru kissed her beloved on the head and then sat.
After stretching, she brought her knees to her chest and rested her head on them.
"How are you feeling?"
Michiru embraced her arms around her legs. "I am doing better, thank you."
"Glad to hear so."
"I—I apologize for reacting the way I did." Shrugged Michiru with pained far-away sapphire eyes.
Setsuna smiled and embraced the aqua-haired, "No worries. Your response was a natural reaction to sadness and loss."
Was it? Michiru wondered. Yes, her mother's death disturbed and shocked her, but that still shouldn’t have been enough to derange her emotionally the way it did. She was feeling a mixture of emotions and she could point out that sorrow for loss wasn't what pained her the most.
Unresolved business?
No. There was the issue about going back to her childhood house and meeting with the rest of the Kaiou. And dreadfully that meant she surely had to deal with the man that haunted her in her dreams.
Michiru held her legs tighter. Setsuna glared at her worriedly, she saw increasing unease and tension in the sea senshi's eyes.
"Michiru…"
The violinist snapped out of her trance. 'Y-yes?" she asked Setsuna.
The time keeper placed her hand under Michiru's chin lifting the smaller girl's face. Concerned garnet eyes met troubled sapphire ones.
"You don't have to go if you don't want to." The green-haired replied sternly.
"But she's my mother and I—"
“I have a feeling there’s something else going on other than your mother’s passing. What's wrong? What's troubling you besides her death?" asked Setsuna.
Michiru knew she could hardly deceive the gatekeeper of time. The sea senshi lowered her gaze and remained silent.
“Sometimes those that are alive torment us far more than those that are dead, Michiru. Is someone over there that displeases you?”
Michiru winced and sighed. Setsuna glowered. She hated to see the soldier of the sea in such shape.
"I got you and Haruka airplane tickets to London, but if yo—"
"You got two tickets?" Michiru asked alarmed quickly lifting her gaze.
Setsuna staggered, "O-of course. One for you and one for Haruka."
Michiru backed away and looked at the sleeping blonde with troubled eyes.
"She can't go." She immediately said.
Setsuna recoiled with a bit of shock, but swiftly recovered. Michiru was usually calm and collected. Grace, selflessness and kindness were always depicted in her every action. Seeing this fragile, helpless Michiru concerned the green-haired. Neither Haruka nor her aqua-haired partner had mentioned much about their human families or the past that belonged to them. The time keeper had ceased to inquire about such things after trying a couple of times. She came to the realization that insisting and meddling only aggravated the pair.
"You know she won't let you go by yourself. Especially after she knows how all this situation has affected you."
Michiru exhaled despondently. Setsuna was right. The aqua haired tidied up some ruffled bangs of Haruka's face and gave her a gentle smile.
"I know Setsuna…" Michiru sighed. "I wouldn't have it any other way. I need my guardian angel by my side… it's just…" said Michiru, trying to keep her serenity.
"It's so complicated. Just when I thought I had turned the page of my terrible childhood I learn my mother passed away and I know I have to go give my farewells to her… and—after many years I will get to see people that I haven't seen it what seems to be forever... Katsuki-san, Momoko-san, my siblings and… him.”
Silent and apprehensive, the green-haired gave the smaller girl a grave yet questioning look.
“For heaven’s sake… my father." Michiru held her face.
Setsuna looked at Michiru with troubled eyes.
"I am an emotional wreck right now… I am sorry…" The aqua haired sniffed, unable to hold fresh tears from falling through her rosy cheeks.
Taken by sudden overprotectiveness, Setsuna gritted her teeth and glared as she saw through the sobbing woman. She believed she was already able to pin point what troubled her mermaid, then making a fist and her staff began materializing in her hand.
Thoughts of anyone molesting her beloved family were most unnerving. Seeing how Michiru was now she could feel her self-control seeping away from her.
What the heck had that bastard done to Michiru to make her be like this?
Angered flames flared in her eyes as she held her staff tightly. All it took was a flicker of her staff and…
Then her innate self-awareness returned to her. She knew better than anyone that getting involved in the affairs of the human lives of her friends and adopted family, was forbidden. Yet, she couldn’t help but feel despair and disgust at her impotence.
Closing her eyes, and feeling a little embarrassed at her impulse, she took a deep breath and sent the staff away. She embraced her friend tightly.
Grievous crimson eyes stared at Michiru; she moved some wet strands of hair behind Michiru's ear and tenderly brushing her thumb she took away some tears. "You are not alone mermaid. You have me, a wise time keeper. You have Hotaru, our sweet daughter and Soldier of Death and Rebirth; and then you have… her. See that childish looking blonde next to you?" asked Setsuna pointing at the sleeping Haruka.
Michiru followed the older woman's finger.
"There is no one in this Universe that adores you more than she does. When a Uranian falls in love, the devotion towards their loved ones transcends all obstacles. She will take down the sun, the stars or the moon if you request so. She will protect you and make sure you are alright at all costs, even if it means endangering herself; and may the heavens have mercy on those that dare hurt or oppose their loved ones for that they are unforgiving to them."
Michiru blushed and smiled bashfully. She looked down at her lover with amorous eyes and then looked at friendly and caring red-ones. She took a deep breath.
"You see… soon after I awoke as Sailor Neptune and had visions of the silence, I left London. As expected, my parents didn't take the news well. Not that my parents really cared about me, but because my absence would hurt the family name.” Michiru began explaining.
“With their exceling performances the Kaiou take their name to farther heights. Excellence is always expected of their family members. Yet, we are far from perfect. Lambeth is the dwelling of the highly dysfunctional Kaiou family. And that includes my father of course, the always drunk, egoistical, abusing man that had tormented me, my siblings and mother for most of our lives." Michiru sighed agonizingly, swallowing her tears.
Sternly, Setsuna looked at the smaller woman before her and opened her mouth then decided against speaking. Perhaps allowing Michiru to vent was the best she could do for the sea senshi now, besides, the aqua-haired had finally decided to open up to her and disclose some facts about her past, even if that had only been but a result of her actual fragile self. There was silence for a couple of minutes.
“I figured the best approach to deal with the ‘incoming Silence’ and the ‘shackles’ imposed by my family was to outcast myself. By the time I arrived to Tokyo I dreamed more of the incoming catastrophe and of Haruka. As the silence approached and the enemies increased in numbers and strength, I realized my always and usual self-sufficient persona needed assistance in this overwhelming mission of saving the world.”
The senshi of the seas brushed her knuckles against Haruka’s cheek, “As I kept on getting fragments of my prior life back, I realized the tomboy I kept on dreaming with was a very important person. I needed this partner to help me fulfill our mission. Little I knew that day I left London that I had embarked on the quest of finding my soul mate as well." Michiru replied in a low voice, her cheeks reddened.
"Does Haruka know of this? Of what happened with your father?"
Michiru shook her head, "I have never wanted to trouble her with such petty things."
The wiser woman gave the smaller woman a pitying gaze, "Petty things? Oh Michiru…"
"It's alright… I have grown up, and besides... it's not like… I can run much from it anymore, no?" asked Michiru weakly while trying to force a smile.
Setsuna sighed. "After having told me this, you are still willing to go? Would you like me to accompany you?"
Michiru shrugged. "No, that's alright. I know you have many things to take care of, and I wouldn't like to trouble you any further. Thank you really, I am deeply moved by your kindheartedness. I will be fine since I will have my bouncer by my side." Kidded Michiru lightly.
Setsuna looked at her concerned. Michiru hugged her older friend and kissed her cheek, "Thank you for caring and listening. I feel much better now."
The time keeper smiled feebly. "Fix your luggage while I prepare you some tea and snacks. We have to leave soon if we want to get to the airport in time." Reminded Setsuna giving Michiru a quick hug. Standing up she walked to the door, “Also, wake her up." Michiru nodded and sighed.
Setsuna gave her friend a last solemn look.
What brutalities had that man caused Michiru for her to be this broken? Dysfunctional Kaiou? An abusive father?
Crimson eyes fiercely looked ahead as Setsuna walked out of the room. Troubled and still angered at the same time, she pondered that perhaps it wasn't such a good idea for the sea senshi and her partner to go to London.
Michiru threw herself on her back and stared blankly at the cloud-painted ceiling. This was one of those things you didn't want to do but had to do. She looked at the blonde next to her and loathed the fact that she had to wake her up.
Haruka was so deeply asleep that she hadn't heard the conversation that the time keeper and the violinist held. With pain in her heart and realizing that procrastinating wouldn’t help, Michiru began giving her girlfriend light kisses.
XxX
Haruka looked groggily out the window, resting her face on her hand. Little lights embellished the city at dawn. The city of Tokyo began looking smaller as the airplane immersed into the clouds. The blonde tried to oppress a yawn and rubbed her puffy eyes.
Michiru looked at her lover with pity and lightly squeezed her lover's hand. Haruka looked at her lover with reassuring hooded eyes and gave her a sleepy grin.
"Thank you for keeping me company." Michiru gave her lover a bashful, wholeheartedly smile.
Haruka’s heart filled with emotion at Michiru’s words of gratefulness, “You are welcome.”
“Try to get some rest love.” Encouraged Michiru as she brushed her knuckles against Haruka’s cheek.
The blonde lightly shook her head and smiled encouragingly. "You get some rest." insisted Haruka.
The quickest route Setsuna could employ for them consisted of a one-way trip from Tokyo to London, a twelve hour and 18 minutes flight, or so the ticket stated. In a couple of hours, they would reach the place where she grew up, and though that could bring comfort to many, it didn't to her. Not so long ago she thought forgotten that painful past.
There was no more Silence, no Dark Moon Circus and no more Galaxia to trouble her or her loved ones. Now she could enjoy herself with her family and friends. After winning so many battles all she had to worry about now was coping with ordinary life issues like thinking what meal she would prepare that evening.
Michiru scoffed… how ignorant of her part.