Wake up
The Hikawa shrine was completely covered in snow. It was a cold, windy afternoon in mid-December. Black clouds were beginning to form in the sky, a breeze filled with electricity whistled through the trees, a fierce snowstorm was surely on it's way. But the white snow filled canvas was beautiful, leafless trees swayed elegantly against each other, crows flew low over the scenery aware the storm was coming. On top of the Shinto structure, a girl with long black hair caught her balance after being hit by an icy snowball.
"Usagi! Would you stop that! I could fall and break my neck!" cried Rei in exasperation. She was perched on top of the temple, along with Makoto, putting up Christmas lights against her wishes.
Usagi howled with laughter. "Sorry Rei! I just don't want you slacking off!", she snickered pointing at the shaken priestess. Fortunately the blonde quickly lost interest in throwing snowballs, instead her breath rose in a mist before her and she pretended to be smoking which she found quite entertaining.
"I think you guys should come down now. There's a storm coming" suggested Ami. She looked up at the dark sky, snow had begun to fall over their heads. The swift, cold breeze grew instantly.
"No! we have to put up all the lights! It'll look gorgeous!" shrieked Minako excitedly. For the past hour she had run around calling out orders on how to place the colorful lights, she would change her mind drastically every now and then, which to no one's surprise, annoyed Rei terribly.
Taking Makoto's hand, the priestess crossed over to where the tall girl stood. "Mina-chan, it's dark and we're tired. I still don't understand why we have to decorate the shrine, it looks so…tacky!", she complained almost losing her balance again on the slippery roof.
"Because! It's Christmas! Every year the temple looks so gloomy! I just thought it would be nice!", pouted Minako, for a moment she tilted her head and studied the arrangement of the lights. Deciding they were fine she went back to moping like a child.
Makoto, careful as always, placed the lights perfectly straight. "Don't worry Mina-chan. We'll put them all up. It'll look great thanks to you", she said kindly. After making sure they were secure, she looked down and winked at the blonde who blushed profusely.
Rei, with the help of the brunette, nailed the remaining cord of the lights to the wooden roof. Proudly but unhappy, she raised herself high, chest swollen arrogantly. "There. We're done. FINALLY!", she exclaimed. Her tired legs gave in a little and in a moment of clumsiness, she slipped.
"REI-CHAN!", yelled Usagi worriedly. She quickly placed herself under the roof, completely convinced she could catch the girl.
After having slid a little down the inclined rooftop, the priestess opened her eyes. She did not fall. her outstretched hand was secure in Makoto's who had dived on to her stomach to grab her. The brunette grinned teasingly at her.
"Sorry Rei-chan. You can't blame Usagi for that one", said Makoto sarcastically but kindly as she began to hoist Rei up to her.
Kicking herself up, flushed with embarrassment, the priestess grabbed on to the taller girl and secured herself. "Stupid lights. What was I thinking? and in this weather!" she cursed under her breathe which made Makoto giggle.
"Be more careful you two! Come down now, the storm is almost here!" demanded Ami. Her heart raced from the sudden scare, she urgently needed her two friends to be on the safe ground.
"Now who's the clumsy one?", snickered Usagi. Despite her cool demeanor, her hands shook and her insides ached with unease.
"Shut up!" snapped Rei still clutching Makoto's arm.
"Relax Rei, Mako-chan is up there with you. She'll make sure you don't mess up again", teased Minako. Her eyes met the brunette's, the two smiled at each other. Makoto suddenly felt warm all over, her heart slammed powerfully against her chest, nervousness eating at her insides. Feeling light headed, she bent over and grasped the roof under her, Rei following her every move.
"Are you okay?" asked the priestess. She quickly examined her friend's pale face. "What's wrong?".
"Nothing. Just tired"
Minako danced around nervously. "Mako-chan! Is everything alright?", she asked clutching her scarf tightly, her eyes never leaving the bent over brunette.
Makoto straightened up. Avoiding the blonde's worried gaze, she gave Rei a weak smile. "Don't worry, I'm fine". She waved her hand dismissively at the fretful girls below her. Her eyes bouncing from Usagi to Ami and only catching fast glimpses of Minako.
"Come down now" insisted Ami.
"Not before you turn on the lights. Let's make sure they look alright", said Makoto feeling a lot better. With both hands on her hips she stood proudly, waiting to marvel at her own accomplishment. Waiting for Minako's eyes to light up gorgeously. She wouldn't mind falling over and breaking every bone in her body just to see the blonde smile.
Usagi took the extension cords that lay on the spotless snow. "Ready?", she asked smiling all around. Once everyone nodded she plugged them in and bowled over at the wonderful sight.
Hundreds of twinkling lights illuminated the ancient shrine. The cords sustaining the delicate bulbs were placed in a perfectly straight line, they covered the inclined rooftop from top to bottom with no sign of any flaw. Red, blue, yellow, green and white sparkled over the grayish temple. It was now completely dark except for the colorful spectacle and bone colored moon shining over them. The wind picked up and the snow was now gushing down. The freezing breeze traveled through the trees creating a somber whistling, nevertheless the night was dazzling.
"It's incredible! Good job Rei!", cheered Usagi as she looked at the priestess who rolled her eyes but wore a satisfied smile.
Ami checked her watch anxiously. "It is lovely. How about we go inside now", she suggested. The restless sky above them grew fiercer.
Makoto grinned. "Hold on Ami. It's a nice night and from what I can see it looks great. Right?", she asked looking around at the pleased smiles. Lastly she looked at Minako.
The blonde was on total awe. Her blue eyes glistened stunningly against the flickering lights, it was as if she were moments away from crying. Minako's smile invaded her entire face which shun brilliantly. She clutched her scarf tighter, completely speechless.
"Mina-chan?" asked Usagi who stood beside her.
Minako didn't move. Instead her eyes traveled to look at Makoto. "It's beautiful…" she said slowly. She lost complete interest in the lights, her gaze was captured by the brunette who looked at her just as dazed. The two stood silently watching each other, everything around them disappearing, the moment was odd but wonderful.
The storm unexpectedly hit. A powerful wind from the West attacked almost taking Rei with it. Usagi yelped a little. Despite the mighty current of air, Makoto and Minako stood unmoving, their eyes never parting.
"Please! Come down you two!" urged Ami, she held on to the latter waiting for Rei to make her way over and down.
Makoto felt dizzy again. Her once warm body was now shivering with cold sweat. A tingling sensation rose from her feet up to her aching forehead. The brunette began to shake, little by little her legs gave into weakness. She tore her gaze away from Minako and blinked a couple of times. She looked again but her eyes had lost focus, she could only see a yellow blob moving around where the blonde was standing. The world around her was turning dark, she waved her arms at her sides attempting to grab on to something. She could hear shouting but couldn't decipher what was being said. Unable to stand any longer, Makoto closed her eyes as she lost complete control of her body. With a loud thump she crashed on to roof and rolled down, on the edge her limp body swayed a little before falling to the snowy ground. Her abrupt landing was followed by a horrifying crunch.
"MAKO-CHAN!", came a heart-piercing scream. Minako raced to the unmoving body and almost passed out. Makoto's limbs were sticking out in odd angles, bone could be seen on her right arm, a trail of blood began to paint the white snow around her head. Crying desperately, Minako knelt beside the unconscious girl and lifted her head, she grimaced feeling her hand wet with warm blood.
"Don't move her!", demanded Ami as she made her way over, Usagi hot on her heels.
"Do something! Anything! Help! HELP!", wailed Minako uncontrollably. Her cries for help echoed through the whistling night. The only response was a disturbing silence.
"Minako please!", snapped Ami who was kneeling next to her. She carefully took Makoto's mangled arm and checked her pulse. She sighed relieved that the girl was still alive.
From a short distance, Rei jumped off the latter next to them. "I'll call an ambulance", she said with one look before dashing off into the temple.
"What - what happened?" stammered Usagi. She stood behind Ami, unable to bring herself any closer.
Minako looked up, her tear filled eyes ached for comfort. "-she-she-was-fine. And-and-then…", her lame explanation was cut short by an explosion of earth shattering sobs.
Usagi quickly wrapped her arms around the distressed blonde. "Sshh, don't worry. It's going to be fine. She's strong. Calm down", she whispered soothingly, tears began to form in her eyes as she looked at Makoto's blood drenched body.
Rei came running up to them. "They'll be here in a few minutes. How is she?", she asked between breathes.
Ami looked up at her with a dour expression. "Her pulse is weak but there. She's losing too much blood from her head injury. She needs urgent medical attention or else…", she couldn't finish the sentence, her heart turned to ice at the thought of losing her friend. The priestess smiled at her warmly as she placed her hand on the blue haired girl's shoulder and squeezed gently.
Meanwhile Minako had taken her scarf off and placed it under Makoto's bloodied head. Her hand trembled from under the soaking garment. Her head spun from looking at the brunette's pale, expressionless face. Her insides stirred so badly she had to close her eyes for a moment to stop herself from throwing up.
The following minutes felt like an eternity. The storm picked up, filling the air with a howling whistle. Hair blowing in their faces, the four girls waited anxiously around the stiff body. Minako reluctant to let go. In the distance they could hear a siren. The penetrating sound growing closer and closer. In seconds a revolving red light illuminated the scene. The ambulance screeched as it came to a sudden stop a few feet away from the girls. Two paramedics, one holding a long stretcher, jumped out the back and rushed to the accident. Usagi, Rei and Ami moved out of the way but Minako didn't budge.
Rei bent over the blonde and squeezed her arm. "Come on Mina-chan. They need to help Makoto", she said gently pulling her up. Minako held the priestess tightly as she watched the fast moving paramedics.
Quickly but carefully, Makoto was secured into the stretcher. The tall girl, much to everyone's surprise, began to stir as the moving bed traveled across the bumpy snow to the ambulance. Unaware that her presence was obstructing, Minako had launched herself onto the protecting bars surrounding the agitated brunette.
"Mako-chan! Can you hear me? It's Minako. Don't worry, I'm here", said the blonde warmly. Tempted, her hand reached for Makoto's ashen face.
The paramedic, annoyed and rushed, gently but sternly slapped her wrist. "Miss, I have to insist that you stay out of the way", he growled as the backdoors of the white truck flew open. From inside a third paramedic was ready to hoist the patient up, which was done so in seconds.
Ami, shaken and apprehensive, explained to the Ambulance Technician what had happened. Furthermore, she gave her own medical criteria; short and amateurish but nevertheless helpful. The man thanked her and even invited her with some seriousness to ride with them.
Before Ami could respond, Minako rushed over and tugged her arm. "Please Ami, let ME go with her. Please", the blonde begged, her eyes glistening with despair.
The blue haired girl smiled gently and nodded. "Yes, of coarse. We'll meet you at the hospital", she said receiving a grateful embrace from the blonde.
Minako quickly climbed into the cramped space where, she and the paramedics, fitted themselves uncomfortably around Makoto. The strident siren boomed from outside and a flashing red light could be seen from the compartment's small windows. With that, they were off.
The sudden explosion of activity inside the ambulance was confusing. The two men worked diligently and didn't seem to notice the blonde's presence as they shifted from one spot to another, inserting IV's and connecting strange looking tubes all over the place. In spite of her grim state, Minako found herself blushing when one of the men tore Makoto's shirt open and began placing leads on her slow rising chest. The other man sensibly shoved the blonde aside as he placed himself at the unconscious girl's head.
"Ready for intubation"
"What?" asked Minako, sounding scared.
Her question was ignored as the man carefully tilted Makoto's head and opened her mouth. With a steady hand, he inserted a long transparent tube which slowly slid past her mouth and into her throat. Just as he was connecting the ventilator, the brunette's eyes unexpectedly burst open. She tried to move but found it was impossible, instead she moaned painfully as her head lulled from side to side in an attempt to break the straps holding her down. The two men jumped but Minako was fast to take hold of the girl's twitching hand.
"Mako-chan. Calm down. It's me Minako", said the blonde, feeling brave.
Makoto stopped moving. Her eyes were scared and confused as she turned to look at Minako who gave her a gentle squeeze and a confident, yet, forced smile. A single tear fell from the brunette's tired eye.
"Don't cry. I'm here with you". The blonde fought hard against her own returning tears. "You had an accident…we're going to the hospital so they can take care of you. I'll be with you all the way, don't worry. You'll be fine…" she managed to say before turning away to hide her sudden outbursts of tears.
Makoto squeezed her hand until she got her attention. Unable to move her mouth because of the plastic tube lodged into it, she smiled at Minako with her eyes; longing and hope penetrating the watery blue orbs. The two were so lost in each others gazes that they didn't even realize the ambulance had come to an abrupt stop. The tender moment was interrupted by the hustle of the two paramedics. The backdoor flew open, two doctors waited impatiently outside to take the patient. After making sure she was secure, Makoto was delicately taken out, Minako never letting go of her hand.
The next moments were a blur of shouts and movement. Minako ran alongside the doctors, still holding Makoto's hand, as they pushed the stretcher through the narrow and light filled corridor of the hospital. Her head spun as she tried to keep up which, she found difficult due to the numerous people buzzing around them and the loud orders given out which she did not understand. But the blonde persisted in locking her eyes with Makoto's who looked back at her with courage and lovingly. The latter went completely unnoticed by Minako who was too overwhelmed by the situation.
The corridor came to an end where two swinging doors were. The stretcher picked up speed as it rammed into the two doors which slammed open. Minako felt her hand leave Makoto's as a nurse pulled her away. Releasing herself from the woman's strong grip, the blonde ran up to the swinging doors but was unable to enter as the nurse automatically locked them.
"Mako-chan! You won't wake up alone! I promise! I'll be right here!", scram Minako as she watched through a small window on the doors, Makoto and the doctors faded away into another room. She lingered there a little while, a nurse tugged on her arm the entire time but after a few minutes gave up and left. The blonde, too lost for words or possibly anything else, stood with her body pressed against the cold doors and stared blankly at the room Makoto had been taken to. Her shaken mind decided she would stay there until the brunette came out.
"Mina-chan!" shouted Rei as she ran up to Minako who slowly turned around, her face soaked in tears. The priestess immediately swung her arms around the blonde and allowed her to sob against her chest.
Usagi and Ami jogged up to them. They said nothing. Instead the two girls joined the embrace and cried softly but whispered reassuring words to each other; the rest, they hoped but feared, was up to Makoto.
Hours filled with anxiety passed. The fours girls had moved to the waiting room but only at the insistence of several nurse and even a few doctors. Usagi and Ami, leaning against each other, had fallen asleep. The pig tailed blonde's wheezing snores was the only sound in the white depressing room. Rei sat next to them, her gaze fixed on the floor, she nervously played with her fingers.
On the far side of the room, Minako sat on the window. Her face was flushed and wet. Tired of wiping the tears away she decided to let them fall freely onto her lap. She looked out into the billowy vastness, the untouched snow reflected against the moonlight was beautiful, but she didn't notice. The impending blizzard never showed. It was almost as if the storm had waited to strike at the moment Makoto fell and then, satisfied with the morbid scene, decided to leave filled with perverse pleasure, leaving a trace of dancing snowflakes in it's place. The horrible scene replayed in the blonde's head, over and over.
Shocking images of Makoto's broken body attacked her with awesome force. She looked at her hands, a sickening red smeared across them. The blood meant something, she didn't know what but soon found herself fascinated and at the same time repulsed. If Makoto…died, would this be the last of her? The last given proof that she was once alive? Would this be…the last traces of love she could ever hope for from Makoto? Her philosophical questions faded as she returned to staring blankly out the window, saddened even deeper by her poetic moment, tempted to wipe the blood off.
The door creaked open and the four girls jumped. A man holding a writing board and sporting a white jacket stood there, his face stern but empathetic. "Are you Ms. Kino's friends?" he asked turning to look at their anxious faces. Minako jumped off the window still and fearfully walked towards him, nodding she looked up at the serious man.
"Does she have any immediate relatives we can call?", asked the doctor ignoring the blonde's desperate stares.
Ami stood up and walked over to him. "No. Not in Tokyo anyway. We're, in a manner of speaking, her sisters. She lives alone you see but nevertheless we are her family", she explained convincingly.
The doctor stared at her impassively, not sure whether to see past this unusual situation, he sighed before returning to his papers. "I see. Your sister…" he said sounding much friendlier, "…has suffered severe head trauma, apart from other serious injuries. We had to operate immediately to stop the effusive bleeding but I'm happy to report she's stable". He looked up at the beaming faces and sighed again. "Unfortunetely…she fell into a coma seconds after she was taken into the Emergency room".
The room was silent, except for Usagi's whimpers. Ami fell back into her chair, trying to absorb what she had just heard. Rei also sat down and buried her face in her hands while shaking her head.
Minako stood transfixed, staring at the grim faced doctor. "Will-will she wake up?", she stuttered.
"It's hard to say with these matters. She could wake up in the next ten minutes or in the next ten years. We'll have to monitor her brain activety to see any change developing but…", he paused, "…there's still a level of uncertainty with comas we don't comprehend. I'm sorry."
"Can we see her?", asked Minako hopefully, she involuntarily caught his sleeve.
"It would be hightly inappropriate since you are not…directly related. Visiting hours are over but if you'd like to come tomorrow then…"
"Please…", begged Minako, her eyes ached for approval as she tugged harder on his sleeve.
He looked at her thoughtfully. "Alright but only one of you. And no longer than five minutes. Understood?", he said with the air of a parent allowing his child to have a single piece of candy.
After receiving approving nods that she should be the one to go, Minako nervously followed the doctor to Makoto's room. The hospital was unusually quiet and displacing, the scent of death loitered unwelcome but always there, blood drenched scrubs draped the floors giving the most unpleasant of feelings. The blonde looked at her hands again. Makoto is alive, she thought wiping off the red evidence against her equally dirty jeans. She almost bumped into the doctor as he suddenly came to a halt.
"This is it. I'll be back in five minutes", he said ftatly, leaving Minako standing alone in front of a large bluish door. She hovered nervously before slowly entering.
Makoto lay, unmoving and expressionless, on a white linen bed surrounded by beeping machines. Both her arms in casts were suspended in the air like a puppet, hanging loosely from metal bars. Her left leg was also displayed in the same fashion. Her brown locks of hair, protruding out from her heavily bandaged head, fell over her shoulders.
Minako's heart instantly stopped. A gut wrenching feeling took over and filled her with malaise. Who is this person lying on the bed? Surely not strong Makoto. No. Never. She took a few quivering steps towards the bed, staring confused at the unfamiliar face, scared to accept the painful fact that the girl she loved was, as well as herself, mortal. Had the fall really been that bad?
She pulled up a chair and sat next to the fragile body. The silence worsened her sickened state. Powerless against her emotions, the blonde broke into tears. "M-a-ako…I'm…I'm…sorry! Please! Wa-ke up!", she wailed, the night's events finally processing in her mind to a disturbing rate.
She looked up hopefully but nothing changed. The brunette's stiff face looked dead. Minako put a shaking hand on Makoto's breast and felt through warm skin the slow thud of her heart. It was comforting.
"I'll be right here until you decide to wake up…", whispered Minako. The rhythmical thumping against her palm was so soothing that she fell asleep within minutes. She drifted into wonderful dreams where, Makoto, fully alert and healthy, kissed her longing lips…
To be continued…