A/N: Welcome back to Summer Diaries: Special Edition.
The following chapter is chronologically fourth, but was posted third, exactly the opposite of last chapter.
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Hotaru
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I am Hotaru Tomoe, Hotaru-chan to my friends, but I am also Sailor Saturn, Senshi of Destruction and Rebirth. Naturally, when not slaying my enemies, I am a kind person and dedicated to my Senshi responsibilities.
Today marks the birthday of Rei Hino's and Hiei's precious twins: Ryuuhi and Koori. I also learned that baby Chibi-Usa would be there, too. There was no way I would pass this invitation up.
Unfortunately, I had to go alone.
"What? You mean you two aren't coming?" I asked, a bit taken aback by Haruka and Michiru's declaration. "But, weren't we all supposed to go?"
"As much as we'd like to go, dear, something has come up," Michiru said regrettably, and I could easily judge the distraught look on her face. "Do you mind going alone?"
I shook my head, facing the couple with a somewhat perturbed look. I withdrew any urge to retort as Haruka walked over by me. She lightly and playfully punched my shoulder, wearing a reassuring smile to lift my spirits.
"Go on and take some pictures for us, ok? The kiddos will be waiting for their auntie Hotaru."
Rubbing my shoulder, I curved my lips into a smile. "Right. I'll be sure to get a lot of pictures."
"And tell everyone there we're sorry we couldn't make it. We'll make it up to them."
"I will," I nodded and looked up at the clock. It was a quarter 'til 11:00. "I better get going. I'll see you later!" With that, I hugged both of my adoptive parents before heading out the door, picking up my violet knitted beret and slipping into my dress shoes.
I live in a household consisting entirely of women. There's me, Setsuna-momma, Haruka-poppa, Michiru-momma, and Karin-chan fitting into a two story household. Michiru-momma comes from a wealthy family and has managed to afford a very luxurious home. She acts as the head mistress. Haruka-poppa fits the role as the 'man in charge.' Setsuna-momma is more of the grandmother who we all go to seek for answers and advice. That makes me and Karin-chan the children of the household.
Naturally, an all-female family may seem awkward, but there have rarely ever been any hostilities or domestic incidents. Personally, I find Haruka-poppa and Michiru-momma to be more romantic than any heterosexual couples I've ever seen. I admire their strong bond and don't see anything ever severing their relationship.
Of course, every now and then, I'd go see my real father, Souichi Tomoe, who lives on the other side of Juuban. He's managed to recover after the Death Buster, Mistress 9, and Pharaoh 90 events, living his life as a world renowned botanist.
Overall, I couldn't ask for a better family and there's no replacing them.
I'm happy where I am now. And I'm sure Usagi and the others will be thrilled to see me at the birthday gathering.
It took me less than an hour to reach Hikawa Shrine by bus. I arrived to find Usagi, Mamoru, Rei, Hiei, Yusuke, and Keiko watching their kids walking on their own. Ami and Vega, Makoto and Mako, and Minako and Rio were all there, as well as Naru and Umino, married almost a full year now, and their nine-month-old daughter, Miaka.
"Everyone! Sorry I'm late!" I called out, carrying two boxes of gifts for the twins.
Usagi quickly turned, waving toward me. "Hotaru-chan!"
"You came just in time!" Minako laughed as she ran up to and embraced me. "We would've held off a little longer, but so glad you could come."
"Thanks," I said, returning an embrace to the cheery and energetic blonde.
"Where are Haruka-san, Michiru-san, and Setsuna-san?" inquired Makoto, who towered over me with her tall presence. "Weren't they supposed to come?"
"Unfortunately, something important came up," I answered. "They apologize for their absence and promise to make up for it."
Rei walked over and took the gift box from my hands. "Don't worry about it. You don't need to apologize for them. We understand if they couldn't come."
"At least you're here in their place, Hotaru-chan," Ami said, providing me with a genuine smile.
"Look kids! Auntie Hotaru came to see you!" The odango girl happily pointed toward me. She quickly got behind me and lightly pushed me forward as Chibi-Usa, Raizen Jr. Ryuuhi, and Koori walked around my legs.
I gave them a smile and knelt over as they embraced me.
"Hi, guys. Have you four been behaving?" I especially hugged Chibi-Usa before ruffling Raizen Jr.'s hair. I pivoted my head and faced the birthday twins, giving them hugs. "Happy birthday to you, two!" Ryuuhi embraced my right arm as Koori grabbed my left one. "Now, let's not go and pull my arms off. Hehe."
"Let's all go inside then," Mamoru announced to everyone. "We can catch up on everything while the kids enjoy themselves."
"Helena and Cammy-chan cooked up some really tasty snacks for us," Rei offered to everyone. "So, help yourself."
Hearing this, I shifted my view toward Rei and answered. "Thanks for your hospitality, Rei-san."
"Come, guys! Last one in has to clean up!" Vega hollered as I watched him beeline right toward the shrine. Before I realized it, Hiei flickered from my view and reappeared in front of Vega, preventing him from running across the steps.
"No running," Hiei muttered, cutting off Vega from the pass.
Vega scoffed. "C'mon, man."
"Sorry Vega, but the last time you ran like this, you ripped right through my door," the Miko walked up, shooting Vega one of her peeved looks while carrying the twins inside. "Hiei's just trying to protect you from me."
"Um... yeah. Sorry," the Warrior of Wood scratched his head.
Ami sighed, putting an arm around Vega's shoulder. "Let's just get inside."
"Right."
Yeah. That's Rei-san for you. She's very protective of the shrine she and Cammy will inherit one day. Vega had to fix the damaged door himself. I resisted the urge to laugh at Vega's expense and walked into the shrine with the others.
Before I knew it, everyone was already striking up conversations while the kids were playing with the birthday gifts I gave the twins. It was two Digimon plushies. The kids seemingly enjoyed the toys as I sat on the dining room floor sitting in solitude as the couples laughed and carried on conversations related to their lives.
Hiei and I were the only silent ones.
"Hey, Hotaru-chan, you look bored," Usagi said, catching me by surprise as she stuck her face in front of mine.
Taken aback, I flinched. "Oh, Usagi-san... sorry, I just didn't want to be a bother with any of you."
"What are you talking about?" she blinked. "You're no bother at all. Just butt in and say something that comes to mind."
But, what could I say to a bunch of couples? I'm the only Senshi in the gathering without a boyfriend or a partner. I mean, sure, I could strike up a mental chat with my spirit animal, but it's not the same.
"Hotaru-chan," Naru walked over and sat beside me with her child in arms. "You can talk with us."
Umino nodded, grinning from ear to ear. "Certainly. We don't want you to get left out."
Turning my eyes to their nine-month-old child, my mind reflected back to when I was a baby in my father's arms. The second time, I mean, after I had awakened as a Senshi and was fully aware of myself. How fragile we all used to be. Me being no exception. It brought a smile to my face seeing newly born children. Miaka opened her eyes and greeted me with an innocent smile while poking her tiny little hands toward me.
Naru noticed the child smiling to Hotaru. "She's greeting you, Hotaru-chan. I think she likes you."
"You think?" I couldn't help but giggle and touched Miaka's soft hands. Our smiles beamed and met, forging an inexplicable bond. "You're right..."
"See? She's taken a liking to you, Hotaru-chan."
"So, Hotaru-chan," Umino interjected, adjusting his glasses as he shifted his view toward my direction. "Got a boyfriend yet?"
Upon hearing this, my heart literally stopped as nearly all eyes fell on me. I was at a kids birthday celebration and now someone's popping me an unexpected question. What was I supposed to say? I mean, I look at each of my Senshi seniors, they have a partner to depend on.
Usagi-san obviously has Mamou-san. Rei-san has Hiei-san. Ami-san and Vega-san are a great polar opposite couple. Makoto-san and Mako-san were usually lovey dovey every time I see them together. Minako-san was the last of the five to wind up with Rio-san. Yusuke-san and Keiko-san have known each other since their school days. Of course, Haruka-poppa and Michiru-momma have each other.
Setsuna-momma and I are the only single Senshi out of the original group.
Setsuna-momma has become too dedicated to her duties to even bother with finding a lover.
That just leaves me without a partner.
Maybe that's a good thing? I have no clue.
Taking a few deep breaths, a nervous chuckle escaped my mouth with eyes looking over me. Before I could speak, Rei interjected and flat out told everyone to drop it, practically defending my case.
"C'mon, guys, leave her alone. If she doesn't have a boyfriend, that's ok. She probably has no interest in one right now. Right, Hotaru-chan?"
"Yeah..." Was all I could say. "I'm too preoccupied for that."
"Do whatever works for you," Keiko said, approving of my choice.
Yusuke added, putting an arm around his lover. "Yeah, and who knows? You might find the right guy for ya in college. Heh." He winked toward me.
"Anyway, change of subject!" The bubbly Usagi rang out as I stood up from my seated position. "Hotaru-chan?"
"May I be excused?" I asked before turning away and storming outside the shrine. I stopped to take a deep breath. Why was I so hesitant to say anything? I could've just told them I have no boyfriend. Withdrawing my hands from my face, I heard steps approach behind me. Alarmed, I whirled around and saw Naru carrying Miaka behind me. "Oh, Naru-san..."
"I always figured you were a cute enigma, but you aren't as subtle as I believed."
"Is that bad?"
"Not at all. That just means I can get a good idea what you're thinking. Please don't mind Umino's curiosity. He's always been like that as far as I can remember."
"Is it wrong if I don't have a partner?"
"No, but I do hope you'll find a suitable partner one day."
"We'll see."
"But, I'd love it if you'd like to come and babysit Miaka. She seems to really like you."
Hearing this brought comfort to my heart as I happily waved to the child. Miaka barely squeaked out baby talk, waving her hands at me.
"I'll even let you hold her."
"Are you sure?"
"Don't be so modest," she walked forward and placed Miaka in my arms. "You can hold her however long you want."
I held the nine-month-old in my arms while Naru led me inside the shrine. Everyone gathered to watch the children speaking. Ok, they weren't actually speaking full sentences, but it was a heartwarming moment. But, what was most adorable was seeing Raizen Jr. and Chibi-Usa sharing the Gabumon plush I bought for the twins. I watched Usagi, Mamoru, Yusuke, and Keiko kneeling beside their kids whilst Minako taking pictures from them with her cell. I offered to take a picture with the kids.
Before I realized it, the children were placed around me for a group shot.
Minako giggled, taking a perfect picture of me with the kids. "Awww, I'm definitely posting these pictures on my website!"
"Make sure you put it in an album, too," suggested Rio. "These precious moments are meant to be remembered."
"Right. I was planning to print these pics out, too."
I heard Miaka burp a bit as she began sleeping soundly in my arms. Naru crawled over to take Miaka off me and cradled the baby. Rei scooped up both twins in her arms, handing Koori to Hiei. I heard Rei singing a charming lullaby to Ryuuhi. I crawled over next to where the Miko held the child and ran my hand over Ryuuhi's short, spiky black hair.
"Rei-san, I have a question."
"What's up?"
"What's it like being a mother?"
Rei chortled as the child closed his eyes and uttered a soft purr. "I don't think about it. It just comes naturally. Personally, I never viewed myself as someone who would end up with my own children."
"Really?" I curiously inquired, resting my hands on my lap. "Well, I suppose that makes sense."
"You don't need to rush finding your prince charming, Hotaru-chan. These things come when you let them and want them."
"Right. But, what about marriage? Didn't you want to get married?"
"Ha, ha, yeah. I have to admit that was kinda juvenile of me. I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life, because... well, I was still in school. Like any teenage girl, I wanted everything. I was a dreamer. I wanted to be many things I knew I would never become. Marriage is so far out of my reach right now. It's not even on my mind anymore."
"But, why? You and Hiei... you two have grown to know each other much better."
"Yeah, but our love evolved from admiration and respect than anything else. You won't expect any lovey dovey stuff from us. Besides, I feel involving Hiei in matrimony would be too much of a burden," she went on, explaining her reasoning for not pushing forward with holy matrimony. "I'm willing to let Hiei to be a free spirit and not be tied down by marriage."
I glanced over to Hiei holding Koori in his lap whilst the girl slept peacefully.
"Yes, I understand now," I said, folding my arms. "I do agree not every couple is required to pursue marriage."
"But, I do feel maidens who really want to pursue it shouldn't give up."
Nodding, I made sure to process all this into my thoughts and record the conversation we've been having. However, curiosity just wouldn't let go and I was adamant to inquire even further.
"Since you and Usagi-san have experienced motherhood, I wonder... will Minako-san, Makoto-san, and Ami-san have children?"
"I do believe they will," Cammy said as I heard her walk behind me. I saw her sit down next to me and unfold a white sheet. "I mean they're probably already thinking about their futures. You know if there are any girls born, they'll become the next generation of Sailor Senshi."
"Chibi-Usa-chan is proof of that," I added, pivoting my head and watched Usagi giving goofy faces to her daughter. Giggling, I withdrew my view of Usagi and Mamoru while glancing toward the other couples. "I guess we'll have to wait another year or two before birthday cake, huh?"
"Not quite. Helena and I did bake some cupcakes for all of us," Cammy stated. "I'm sure feeding the kids some cupcake shouldn't be too bad."
"Nah," Rei replied. "The twins have all their teeth, but let's just give them small pieces."
"Right."
"By the way, where are Helena and Tyra?" I asked the sisters.
Cammy was the first to answer. "I heard Helena's old friend from Brazil is in Japan for some international martial arts tournament. They probably went to see him."
"I see," I answered. "Too bad they're missing out on seeing the kids here."
"Oh, believe me," Rei smiled deviously. "Those two are especially used to seeing them every day."
I sweat-dropped, flinching back. "Oh dear."
"Ha, ha. All in a day's work in the Hikawa Shrine," Cammy added, chortling as she finished laying out the white sheet. "Ok! Time to get the cupcakes!" With that, I watched her get up and head back into the kitchen to bring over a tray filled with delicious frosted-covered cupcakes. There were multiple colored frosting covering the top layer of these tasty desserts.
Wasting no time, Usagi hurried over toward the tray and hungrily laid her eyes on the cupcakes. Her mouth widened as she counted each cupcake.
"Usagi! Remember, those are for everyone!"
I heard Rei scold her like a nagging mother.
"Right, right."
"I mean it. Unless you want to really gain weight?"
"Ouch! Sick burn!" Vega added his own jab.
Usagi sighed in defeat. "Ok, ok, whatever you say mother."
"Wow, those really look good," Minako gazed over the desserts.
"It was all thanks to your recipe, Makoto-san," Cammy said, nodding toward the brunette. "We couldn't have done it without you."
Makoto winked to Rei's sister. "No problem. I'm always happy to help anyone interested in the culinary arts."
"So, shall we dig in?" Yusuke asked.
"Not yet," Ami insisted. "We should sing happy birthday."
"Got that, right," Naru said, turning as she faced her husband. "Umino, would you like to do the honors?"
"Me? Well, sure... I guess..."
I sat down as Umino began singing happy birthday while everyone, including myself, joined in. This was a touching occasion and a moment I'll cherish because I can look back and remember the fond memories of taking pictures with the kids. But, most importantly, it was the day my friends got me to open up about my relationship status.
Sometimes girls usually wait until the right moment when that lover shows up.
I watched everyone dig in and consume the cupcakes. Usagi, especially, inhaled two until the others chided her gluttonous appetite. Things never change. I picked up a pink-frosted cupcake and bit into it.
Strawberry. Mmmm, this is good.
"Makoto-san, your recipes rarely disappoint."
"Glad you like it, Hotaru-chan," Makoto replied as she sat down next to Mako.
"Have you considered marriage already, Makoto-san?" I asked.
"Heh, funny you ask that," Mako smiled proudly as he pointed to Makoto's right index finger.
My eyes widened in disbelief as Makoto showed off her wedding ring.
"When's the wedding?" Minako inquired.
Smiling cordially, the brunette answered with her eyes brimming with joy. "Next year. June 11, 2009."
"We're counting down the months, babe," Mako smiled as he and Makoto shared a passionate kiss.
"C'mon, get a room you two!" Minako laughed, pointing at the two.
Ami added, smiling. "We're looking forward to the wedding day."
"And it's going to be out near the port where I was raised," Mako said as he withdrew his lips from his fiancée's.
"What a fitting setting for the wedding," Keiko remarked.
I couldn't believe it. How did I not notice until now? Makoto and Mako are engaged with their tentative wedding date coming up. I knew time was rapidly approaching us, but this is mind-boggling. Simply put, maybe I shoulder reconsidering holding off finding a boyfriend.
Or, perhaps not. I'm in no hurry.
For a moment, my mind clicked as I sensed an ominous foreboding. I noticed Rei and Hiei had sensed the same thing, too. They stood up and walked outside of the shrine, promptly excusing themselves from the party. I stood up and followed them outside. I stepped out and found the duo fixating their gaze toward the distance.
"I take it you felt it, too, Hotaru-chan."
I addressed the Miko. "I did."
Hiei narrowed his eyes coldly, almost driven to draw his sword and scour the city to search the source of this ominous presence. "Whatever it is, I'm going to investigate."
"You mean we will investigate," Rei corrected the demon. "You're not the only one to sense something wrong."
I furrowed my brows and bit my bottom lip. "You, too? I've felt weird vibes emanating before coming here. May be this explains why Haruka-poppa and Michiru-momma didn't come to the party."
"Guys! What are you all doing?" Usagi shouted from the shrine.
"Should we tell the others?" I asked.
Hiei simply nodded. "Not unless anything worse turns up."
"I agree," the Miko stated. "It might not be a big deal, but it doesn't hurt to stay alert."
"Right," I replied, staring aimlessly across the shrine.
On my way from the party, I bid my farewell to my friends and headed off to meet with Setsuna-momma. I had a good time, spending most of the afternoon with friends and taking a lot of pictures. However, this day could've ended better. My recent premonitions have presented me with a foreboding from an ambiguous source, possibly something not from this world.
Whatever it is, I was adamant on finding this mysterious source.
Before I turned the corner, my head throbbed and I sank to one knee. My face contorted as a billowing wind brushed past me. I found the presence I felt earlier and traced it.
It hurried off and followed it, but as I ran faster, it was moving completely out of my reach. I couldn't catch up at this rate, so I swiftly suited up for battle.
"Saturn Crystal Power! Make-Up! "
I transformed into Super Sailor Saturn and dashed ahead, picking up the pace. While in my Senshi form, my power and speed were augmented. I ran and jumped over a barricade. Pivoting my view, I isolated the ominous source atop the nearest building. Pressing my heels down, I sprang up and flipped over, somersaulting on the rooftop.
I dropped into a battle stance and faced the forefront, facing what I thought would be the enemy.
But, my eyes blinked thrice before I realized nothing was there.
"Nothing? But, I traced it here."
"Well, seems you've already caught on, too, Saturn."
My ears picked up the familiarity of the voice behind me. I slowly turned as Sailors Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto approached me.
"Now I know why you decided to skip out on the party today," I addressed them.
Uranus nodded. "Something's in the works."
Neptune added, placing a hand on my right shoulder. "Let's work on finding what this presence really is."
"The only detail I can confirm is that this source is not from this universe," Sailor Pluto clarified, firming her hands around her Garnet Rod. "We've already gotten word from Mars and Hiei. They're investigating this, too. I recommend we stay vigilant."
"I know," I stated. "For the record." I flashed a devious smile. "You missed a fun birthday party. I'm now Auntie Hotaru to those kids. Oh well, next time you three will join me and see the kids." Withdrawing my Silence Glaive, I turned my back to my seniors and chuckled under my breath. "Auntie Hotaru, huh? May be I really need to start growing up more."
"Like finding a boyfriend?" Uranus added, snickering at my expense.
I blushed and stammered. "Yeah about that..."
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LazerWulf's Commentary: Part of the problem with posting this series anachronistically is that we couldn't date the chapters like we usually do because we didn't want to just "give away" the order. However, we did leave hints that, to the astute observer, would reveal the order. This chapter contained one of the biggest hints, clues that would lead to an actual date. The last chapter of The Taiyoukai Awakening contains the birth of Rei's twins, Ryuuhi and Koori, and since this is their first birthday party, it would take place exactly one year later, on July 27, 2008 (which just happened to be a Sunday, btw. If it had fallen in the middle of the week, we probably would have pushed this chapter to the weekend anyway, but fortunately, we didn't have to).
Knowing this date had some bearing on the chronological order of the preceding chapters. Japanese school lets out for summer break in late July, and Sara's chapter takes place on the last day of school, which for the purposes of this story, is the 26th (Japan has school on Saturdays). Kazu's chapter also contains a school scene and so would have to be before Sara's, but the majority of the chapter takes place on a Sunday, placing it exactly one week before Hotaru's. Kuwabara's chapter, at this point, hadn't been written, but would have a bit of leeway in its date since it only needed to be before Kazu's, and on a weekday (or, more accurately, a workday).
The Arcadian Cross battle was to take place on the O-Bon festival, which is either the 15th of July or the 15th of August. Technically, Tokyo celebrates it in July, but since that date fell before the twins' birthday, we had to go with the August date. Cammy's chapter takes place on the last day before school gets back in session, which would be the 31st of August. That just left 4 chapters of the planned 10 without dates, and a little less than three weeks between Hotaru and Arcadian Cross in which to fill them. Their dates were arbitrarily chosen, roughly evenly spaced, but the exact dates don't really matter, just their order.
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