Ok guys, please bear with me during these first few chapters. I'm trying to get the back-story out of the way. We'll get to the action soon I promise!
1
Neither Hayate nor Himeno knew how long they had remained in their embrace before they realized that Mannen, Hajime, and Shin had thrown themselves on top of them. They suddenly found themselves surrounded as everyone rushed to see if Himeno was really all right. Hayate stepped back to allow everyone to properly greet her. Her father hugged her sobbing, "Himeno, thank God! I don't know what I would have done if I would have lost you." I'm all right Dad, it's ok," Himeno reassured him.
It was a joyous reunion. Her stepmother Natsue couldn't stop telling Himeno how proud she was. Mayune sobbed into Himeno's shoulder repeatedly calling her an idiot, Himeno understood what she was trying to say. Mawata smiled for the first time in a very long time making the Himeno very happy. Takako, Sasame by her side, couldn't stop sobbing, although now they were tears of joy. Meanwhile all of the other Leafe Knights were exclaiming about how amazing Himeno was for having turned into the legendary White Pretear.
Hayate stood back and smiled to himself feeling like the luckiest man in the world. Today he had received the greatest of gifts, a second chance. He would not make the same mistake twice, he would tell Himeno what she meant to him.