The Song of the Cherry Blossoms
Chapter 7
The morning sun shined down upon Hotaru as she walked in between Michiru and Haruka heading to school. Hotaru's face still held so much joy, her family was almost together again, she just had to be a patient for she was confident it would all come together.
Soon the three of them finally reached the elementary school gate, Hotaru received a hug from both Michiru and Haruka before heading inside. The two of them stood by the gate until Hotaru was safety inside, then they began the long walk to their school. The two of them walked hand in hand as continued walking by the park where a few cherry petals breezed by them and tickling Michiru's nose is causing her to stop and sneeze.
"Bless you," Haruka said.
"Thank you," Michiru said.
The two of them looked at each other and continued on walking toward school. They wondered where Usagi was she would normally walk with them it was like her to be late. But then maybe she was already there, not thinking about it any longer as they continued on to school.
Standing on the rooftop of At Mugen Academy, Usagi looked to the sky as her heart ached over hardship of her mission for it connected to a painful memory of her past.
Flashback:
The hot summer shined wonderfully for Usagi and Setsuna. The two of them spend many days in the park under the cherry blossoms trees talking and enjoying life together for once in a lone time Setsuna was happy and wished this would never end. All good things must end. Summer slowly diminished more and more cherry blossoms fell as autumn rolled in.
Setsuna ran toward the park. School had just let out, and she hoped she didn't miss her. She was happy that Usagi shared her secret of being connected to the cherry blossoms trees with but she was also sad for autumn was here and it meant that the petals would fall and the trees would sleep. Setsuna finally made it to the park, out of breath but determined the lass found to her Usagi sitting on their signature bench. Usagi smiled weakly as Setsuna sat down beside her, the pale blond gently touched her friend's hand.
"Your still here," Setsuna said.
"Of course silly, I was waiting for you," Usagi said.
"I guess this is it," Setsuna said.
"Yeah, I've had so much fun with you..." Usagi wheezed.
Setsuna's eyes teared up when Usagi became transparent. She continued smiling through it all. Usagi slowly raised her hand and caressed Setsuna's cheek.
"I wish you didn't have to go," Setsuna said teary eyed.
"I'm afraid that's one wish, I can't' grant," Usagi whispered.
Setsuna nodded tearfully as the final cherry blossom petal hit the ground, causing Usagi to disappear before her eyes.
End of flashback
Tears overwhelmed Usagi as it became too much to bare.
"You know, I hate to see you cry," A familiar voice said.
Usagi looked to the door to see Setsuna leaning on the door frame.
"I was remembering our departure, I've tried to burry that memory deep inside, but it looks like I can't anymore," Usagi said.
Usagi turned back around and looked upon the morning sky, Setsuna took a long deep breath before walking toward the young blond. In a matter of moments, they stood their side by side looking out upon the morning sky.
"So, they are finally together. What about Hotaru, how is she?" Setsuna asked, changing the subject as she sat down.
"She's good, very mature for her age, but she misses you," Usagi replied.
Setsuna sat down hearing those words; she looked away, blinking away a few tears. Usagi sat down beside her. She wanted to touch her hand but forced herself not to.
Setsuna look to the ground and shook her head she didn't know what to say. Usagi shook off her fear as she laid a gentle hand on her friend's shoulder.
"You should see how much they changed," Usagi said
Setsuna's position remained unchanged, She had been monitoring Haruka, Michiru and Hotaru since she left and she saw was nothing but yelling and crying. She wanted to step out of the shadows and hugged Hotaru every time she walked home alone from school or whenever she witnessed one of Haruka's and Michiru's shouting matches. But she remained in the shadows where it was safe. She didn't think she could handle another altercation between her and Haruka. So she stopped watching them, for it hurt too much. But from what she saw from following Usagi around, their attitudes have softened towards one another. Perhaps it's worth it to see them again. But the thought of not watching from the shadows made her shiver.
"I don't think I could go alone," Setsuna said with a quiver in her voice.
"You won't have to I'll go with you," Usagi said.
Laying down Setsuna finally nodded she felt much better with Usagi being there plus she would make sure she didn't run away.
"Alright, we can visit them this weekend,"
"Great, you won't regret it,"
The first bell rang and Usagi was about to get up when Setsuna reached up and grabbed her hand, Usagi looked to Setsuna who stared right back at her.
"Stay…I don't want to be alone," Setsuna said.
"But we'll be late for class," Usagi said.
"I don't care in fact I didn't plan on attending anyway,"
Unable to resist wanting to spend more time with her, Usagi laid down beside Setsuna, their hands still touching as they looked up at the morning sky. Neither one of them wanted to move, so when the second bell rang they both ignored it. For this was their time, their moment to be together before everything changes.
It's done, little one your wish will finally come true.