Chapter 2: A Surprise Trip
The Hiiragi ResidenceA few minutes later, both the Hiiragi Twins arrived at their home and let themselves in with the house-key they had on their persons.
"We're home!" Kagami and Tsukasa said out loud as they entered. Both Twins unzipped their jackets, and slid them off, carrying them as they made their way to the kitchen.
"Ah, welcome home, Girls." Their Mother greeted themselves with a smile as she made dinner.
Their Mother, Miki Hiiragi, age 47, had Violet-Blue eyes, a trait both Twins inherited, and long, Violet hair that was riddled with messy bangs, which Kagami inherited, as well as her eye-shape, whereas her personality was as sweet as honey, which Tsukasa took on. She, as well as the rest of the Family, run the Takanomiya shrine which was near their home, though it was usually part-time volunteer work. She always was supportive of Kagami and Tsukasa and the effort they put into their studies.
"So, how was the exam?" Miki asked sweetly.
"Well, I got a 77 while Tsukasa got a 65, both of which are good marks." Kagami explained while Tsukasa just shrunk back at the comparison between her marks and her Sister's marks. She then remembered Miyuki's wise words and instantly felt better before anyone noticed.
"Really? That's great, you two." Their Mother praised them with a smile. "Oh! I almost forgot. Your Father and I have something important to tell you."
"Oh? What's that?" Both Twins said in sync.
"We'll tell you later once I've finished making dinner, and while your Father is taking a bath." Miki informed them. "Why don't you two go and change while waiting for your Father to finish."
Both Twin nodded and went to their appropriate rooms to hang their coats and change into their pajamas.
(V)
In the Dining room, when Dinner was ready, the whole Family was gathered around the table. The Hiiragis consisted of the Mother: Miki, the Father: Tadao, the Eldest Daughter: Inori, the middle Daughter: Matsuri, and the youngest Twins: Kagami and Tsukasa.
Tadao, also 47, had Brown eyes, with an eye-shape that Tsukasa somewhat inherited, Dark-Brown hair, who was the only male in the house, the responsible, yet calm Parent of the Family, and was the only Family member that was right-handed compared to his Wife and Daughter. He was an inch taller than his Wife and the rest of the Family, and he usually encourages Kagami and Tsukasa to do their best. He is the one who works as a full-time volunteer at Takanomiya Shrine.
Inori, age 21, had short, Purple-Brown hair, and also had her Mother's eyes, in both eyes-shape and color, and had her Mother's height as well as her Mother's gentle demeanor with a touch of a carefree nature, which was similar to Tsukasa's personality. She always gives out a helping hand to either of the Twins if they needed some School work done. She possibly works full-time as a miko at the Shrine with her Father.
Matsuri, age 19, had short Light-Brown hair and Hazel Eyes, and she was taller than the Hiiragi Twins, yet was still shorter than the Elder Sisters and Parents. Like Kagami, she has a hot-blooded personality and tends to take things too seriously, yet was more hot-headed than Kagami, though she tends to be mostly lazy, usually regarding School and marks, making her less dependable than Inori, and she usually tries keeping things she borrowed from her Sisters. She, like her Mother, works part-time at the Shrine as a miko, like Inori.
"So, what did you and Dad wanted to tell me and Tsukasa?" Kagami started with curiosity clouding her mind.
"Well, we were saving it for a surprise for the two of you." Miki responded with a warm smile. "We already told your elder Elder Sisters."
"Told them what?" Tsukasa asked, tilting her head cutely.
"You'll see…" Matsuri said slyly, making Kagami feel a bit uneasy, but mostly unamused at her second-eldest Sister's line delivery.
"Now, Matsuri…" Tadao reproved her lightly yet firmly, causing his middle Daughter to pout.
"Anyways, we are all going on a trip." Tadao continued with a smile, causing both Twins' eyes to widen in astoundment.
"A trip???" Tsukasa instantly replied astonishedly.
"To where, exactly?" Kagami followed, equally dumbfounded.
Both Miki and Tadao smiled warmly. "To England." The Parents answered at the same time, putting the Hiiragi Twins into further astonishment, almost reducing them to speechlessness.
"England???" Both Twins let out breathlessly.
"That's right." This time, Inori replied to them with a warm smile. "We'll all be in London, visiting as many of the historic landmarks during our vacation."
Tsukasa was both excited and awestruck. She had always imagined going to England ever since she was a young child. This particular intrigue for the Country all started when she watched a particular animated Fantasy-Family Film as a child that began in London, England, which inspired her childlike wonder and imagination. And that film was about a boy who-
"Are you sure it doesn't have to do with Dad's job?" Kagami suddenly interposed doubtfully, derailing Tsukasa's train of thought.
"Of course not, Kagami." Inori insisted. "Mom and Dad have been planning this trip for months, and have been saving up for our flight to England."
"Inori's right, Kagami." Miki added. "We've been saving up since September and we had just ordered tickets for both our journey to London and our return trip back to Japan, and we've already received British currency for us to use while we're there."
"And I got the OK from my workplace to spend time with you all." Tadao mentioned lastly.
"Really??? That's great, Dad!" Tsukasa cheered.
"Isn't it?" Inori chimed in. "It's about time we had a vacation together as a Family."
"And not only that…" Matsuri interjected excitedly. "We're gonna see Grandma and Grandpa!"
Kagami just sweatdropped at this response. 'Oh brother…' She thought blankly. 'She's so childish when it comes to Grandma and Grandpa…'
It's not that Kagami hated her Grandparents, she just felt they didn't take anything seriously except for fun and always gave her and the whole Fam' gifts that were basically toys and fairy tales that are meant for children each birthday or holiday.
Tsukasa, however, was over the moon with this claim. "Really???" She exclaimed exuberantly. She hadn't seen her Grandparents since she and Kagami were 7. "We're gonna see Grandma and Grandpa again???"
"That's right~." Miki sang playfully. "We're all going to meet your Grandparents again, and we're all going to live with them for our trip. They'll be thrilled to see how much you've all grown."
All of the Hiiragi Daughters, except one, just beamed and were very excited to meet their Grandparents again, while Kagami just sighed quietly to herself, yet accepted the fact they we're all going to share a roof with their Grandparents for the remainder of their holiday.
"Now, finish up your Dinner, and start packing for tomorrow, everyone. Mother and I will help each of you." Tadao informed the whole Family. "We'll have to leave by 5 A.M., alright?"
'5:00 in the morning?!' Kagami exclaimed in her thoughts before instantly defusing her mental rant. 'Well, I guess that's expected… There's no use crying over it…'
"Oh! I better set my alarm for 5 A.M. then…" Tsukasa expressed out loud, causing Kagami to do a double-take at her. Tsukasa? Waking up early? Did she hear that right?
Kagami only shrugged to herself, and decided to finish eating her supper and then have her Parents figure out what to take on the Family trip.
(V)
The Izumi Residence
At the same time when the Hiiragi Twins arrived home, Konata, unlocking the door, had just entered her house, slipped off her shoes, and trudged slowly into the Dining room.
"Mom, Dad, I'm home!" Konata called as she took off her coat and placed lazily on one of the chairs as she sat in it at the table.
"Yo! Welcome home, Konata!" Her Father said from the kitchen, making curry for Dinner.
"How did the test go, Dear?" Her Mother soon followed, who was also helping out her Husband with the curry.
Both their faces were obscured by the steam of the boiling curry from the pot, despite having turned on the kitchen's fan to dispel it.
"Great." Konata responded with her usual cat-like smile. "I passed."
"You did? That's great!" Konata's Mother replied back with enthusiasm. "Your Father and I knew you could do it."
"You must've done your best." Her Father added. "No matter what would've happened, we'll still love and support you."
"Thanks, Daddy." Konata beamed.
Just then, she heard footsteps from upstairs now heading into the Dining room, and was pleasantly surprised to see her eldest Cousin, whom she sees as an older sister, now off from work who was followed by her younger Sister, Konata's youngest Cousin, who was living with her.
"Oh! Hi-ya, Yui! Good evening, Yutaka." Konata greeted both her Cousins.
Her Cousin, Yui, smiled. "Well, Hello to you too, Konata."
Yui Kobayakawa, aged 24, had short dark Emerald-Green hair, Light-Amber Colored eyes with small, oval-shaped glasses and an average physique, and a cat-like smile, which was similar to Konata's own catty grin. She works as a Policewoman, but was currently off-duty so she could hang around with her Family. Despite being Cousins, Konata sees her as a Big Sister. She usually works as a traffic cop, but was ironically a reckless, carefree driver when she goes off-duty driving.
"Welcome home, Big Sis'." The youngest, Yutaka, greeted back.
Yutaka Kobayakawa, aged 15, had Green Eyes and Reddish-Pink hair made of messy bangs which she usually ties into pigtails with either White or Blue Ribbons, but she currently had her hair down as she was getting ready for bed. She is Yui's younger Sister and Konata's youngest Cousin, yet (like Konata was with Yui) she always sees Konata as a second big Sister to her, and she is innocent as a rose. She was shorter than Konata, and had (what some called) a "sickly" physique, which didn't help the fact she often gets sick due to her weak immune system, yet she tries her best to pull through her condition.
"How are ya doing, Yutaka?" Konata questioned heartfeltly.
"I'm doing fine, Konata." Yutaka reassured her surrogate Sister happily.
"I heard you've passed the test. Good job!" Yui praised Konata while giving her a thumbs up.
"Thanks, Big Sis'…" Konata said enthusiastically.
"Alright, children…" Konata's Mother/Yui's and Yutaka's Aunt vocalized. "Dinner's ready."
"Auntie… not all of us are children…" Yui whined to her Aunt.
"You're all still children to me." Her Aunt countered playfully. "Now, help us set up the table… then we can eat."
Konata and Yutaka saluted in a lively manner, whereas Yui did it in boredly fashion, and the trio went into the kitchen to gather the right amount of utensils for the Dinner table.
(V)
After setting the table, the whole Family was now seated, with Konata's Parents now visible after the curry's steam settled down, and were now chowing down on the curry both the Izumis had made.
Konata's Mother, Kanata Izumi, 47 years old, the stay at home Mom, looked exactly like her own Daughter, except for the non-tan complexion. She had long-Blue wavy hair, green eyes, and was shorter than her Husband, yet was an inch taller than Konata. She has a kind, and loving personality that could melt anyone's heart, and she always supported her Husband and Daughter no matter what forks on the road they'd face down the line.
Konata's Father, Sojiro Izumi, 43 years old, surprisingly a few years younger than his Wife, had short hair that was also Blue, had a tan-like complexion and a mole under his left eye, and has personality traits that Konata clearly inherited, as in having expertise in both Anime and Manga, including the catty smile (though his cat-like grin was less pronounced), and was the tallest of out of all the Family members that were seated around the table. He's an author who makes a living writing Light Novels, and he usually is an avid Gamer, which Konata also inherited.
"Now then…" Kanata voiced out randomly. "Once we finish up our Dinner, we better start packing."
Konata seemed caught off guard by this proclamation. "Pack for what, Mom?" The short Bluenette questioned.
"Oh, right! We didn't tell you… Silly me…" Kanata verbalized humorously while doing a cute head-knocking gesture, making Konata and Yui sweatdrop, while her Husband tried his best not to get over-effusive at the adorable action, while Yutaka just paid attention to her curry.
'Mom…' Konata groaned in her head.
'Adorable as always, Honey…' Sojiro gushed in his mind.
"Anyways, We've already told Yutaka and Yui the news, now we're going to inform you, Konata." Kanata said cheerfully.
Sojiro instantly snapped out of his musing over his Wife's adorable display. "Oh, Right!" He immediately pronounced before continuing.
"Konata…" Sojiro said seriously before finishing excitedly. "We're all going on a vacation!"
Konata was surprised by this. "A vacation???" Konata asked incredulously. "To where???"
"To England, of course." Kanata added with a smile.
Konata's jaw dropped at this answer. "England???" She gawked dumbfoundedly.
"Yes." Sojiro replied. "The country that originated The Beatles, James Bond, 101 Dalmatians, The Rolling Stones, Sherlock Holmes, P-"
"Um- Uncle…" Yui interrupted lighty. "You're getting side-tracked again."
"Oh! Am I? Sorry about that…" Sojiro apologized sheepishly, earning a sweetdrop from his eldest Niece, before continuing.
"Well, anyways, we have already received the tickets and some British cash from your Uncle Ryu so we could all buy some souvenirs." He informed Konata. "And we're going to visit your Grandparents from both sides of the Family, as well as staying with one of them."
Konata's Eyes lit up with both excitement and joy. Not because of the Money, but because of the news she was given.
"We're gonna see BOTH our Grandmas and Grandpas???" She asked eagerly.
"As well as your Aunties and Uncles from all sides." Sojiro finished.
Konata couldn't contain her excitement any longer.
"Yay~!" She cheered like a little Kid. When it came to seeing her Grandparents and extended Family, Konata couldn't help but turn into a joyful Five year old Child.
Her Mother just smiled at her Daughter's exuberance. 'She always loved them all equally.' Kanata thought good-humoredly to herself.
"When will we be leaving??? What do we pack??? What should I get for them??? Where will we be staying???" Konata cross-questioned zestfully and rapidly, almost making it almost impossible to keep up with her rapid-fire of questions.
"Whoa! Slow down there, little Sis'!" Her Cousin, Yui, told the overly-excited Bluenette. "Take a breather…"
Konata listened to her and took a few deep breaths to calm herself down. "Heh-heh… Sorry…" She said whilst scratching the back of her head.
"It's alright." Her Father informed her before answering one of her questions. "Well, we'll be leaving first thing in the morning at 5:00 A.M. tomorrow."
"5 A.M.???" Konata questioned in disbelief. "That early???"
"Yep." Kanata said simply. "The same time as Cousin Yuki, that's for sure."
"Your Mother and I will help you pack. We already helped out Yutaka and Yui." Sojiro added.
"Uncle! You didn't need to tell her that!" Yui whined, but Konata already had her usually sly catty grin gracing her face.
"Wow… You're an Adult, yet you still need help packing." Konata said teasingly.
"Konata…!" Yui dawdled out miserably, hiding her blushing face in her hands. Konata just did a mock 'Noblewoman's Laugh', making Yutaka, Kanata, and Sojiro sweatdrop.
"Big Sis'…" Yutaka said weakly.
'Well… she's our Daughter after all…' Both Kanata and Sojiro mentally quoted.
(V)
The Takara Residence
Meanwhile, Miyuki had just turned up to her house exactly the same moment her Friends and Cousin reached theirs, and crossed the threshold of her front yard before setting foot into the confines of her home.
"I'm home." Miyuki announced, who was just getting out of her parka and putting it in the coat hanger, hanging it neatly as well.
"Ah, Miyuki! Welcome back." Her Mother, Yukari, called out from the dining room.
"How was your day?" Her Father, Ryu, inquired from the kitchen.
"Fine." Miyuki chimed brightly as she entered the room, not far from the kitchen.
Yukari Takara, 46, also a stay at home Mom, had Pink, wavy hair that Miyuki inherited, yet it was shorter than her own Daughter's hair, just reaching up to her shoulders. She was around the same height as Miyuki, yet her Daughter was about a centimeter taller than her, that some even mistake her for Miyuki's Sister due to her appearance. She has a well-mannered and cheerful personality that made her warm and friendly to other, while also retaining some clumsiness in her nature, making her a bit of a klutz like her Daughter, but she also had a mischievous sense of humor that wouldn't fit Miyuki's mannerisms, and wasn't skilled in chores or any other household items, which her Daughter also inherited, though it was much to a lesser extent. She had Magenta-colored Eyes, but they weren't seen as much because she was often squinting all the time, which made her look like she was keeping them shut. She was currently setting up the table.
Ryu Takara, 47, the Man of the house, had Light-Black hair styled into a Pompadour, was an inch taller than his Wife and Daughter, and had Purple Eyes that Miyuki clearly inherited. He was a bright and sharp fellow, equivalent to Miyuki's perspicacious intellect. He's the one who usually does the domestic housework around the premise, which Miyuki does occasionally help out while she could, and is an expert cook, a trait Miyuki had fully inherited. He works in a business that promotes best selling novels, and even is well-liked by his superiors and colleagues at his day-job due to his open and compassionate charisma, which matches Miyuki's understanding personality, and is the prime definition of a true Gentleman. He was the one who was cooking some stew in a pot from the kitchen.
"Well? How did the test go?" Yukari quipped curiously.
"100% as usual, Mother." Miyuki answered simply.
"Oh! That's nice, Sweetie." Her Mother answered in a lively way.
"Oh! By the way…" She continued. "Your Father and I have some wonderful news to discuss during dinner."
"Wonderful news?" Miyuki was now curious. Whatever news could this be to make it sound so wonderful? Yet, she knew she'd receive it once dinner was on the table.
"Supper's ready!" Ryu announced.
(V)
The three members of the Takaras were all seated at the dinner table, taking a sip of their stew every few seconds, dining in comfortable silence.
Then, Ryu spoke. "Well, Miyuki, it's time we tell you the News."
Miyuki looked over to her Father, patiently waiting for him to deliver it.
"We're going on a trip to England, tomorrow, at 5:00 in the Morning." He finally said, getting straight to the point.
Miyuki went wide-eyed at this information. "A trip to England??? At 5 A.M.???" She parroted in disbelief. Both her Parents only nodded with soft smiles.
Miyuki had always dreamed of going to England ever since the age of 6. She always used to read children stories with her Mother during bedtime, which usually end up with her Mother sleeping and the intelligent Pinkette to finish up the book herself, and Miyuki started to let her mind wander off to one story she read in her childhood that inspired this fascination for the country was a fantasy story that began in Britain before being whisked away to a place called-
"His boss decided to give him a vacation instead of a vocation this time around." Yukari quipped playfully, snapping her Daughter out of her musing. Miyuki just sweatdropped at her Mother's pun.
Despite that, Miyuki continued to ask. "What's the occasion?" She asked them both.
This time, her Father responded. "Why, to visit Grandmother and Grandfather from our side, of course." He said with a grin before continuing. "As well as all of our extended Family."
Miyuki couldn't believe what she heard. They were all going to visit her Grandparents and the rest of her Family from all sides. She was completely overwhelmed with pure happiness.
"This is wonderful!" Miyuki cheered happily.
"And that's not all." Yukari answered with a smile. "We're not the only ones going."
"Really? Who else?" Miyuki questioned curiously.
"You Cousins, Konata, Yui, and Yutaka, of course." Ryu replied. "And your Aunt Kanata and Uncle Sojiro too."
"Them too???" Miyuki's eyes widened at this new bit of information.
"We've sent them the tickets and some Pounds for their joint trip with us, and we'll be staying with Grandma and Grandpa." Yukari interjected jovially.
Miyuki only stayed silent for a bit. "Wow…" She breathed out. "This will be a BIG reunion."
"My, My…" Yukari giggled lightly.
Ryu only chuckled heartfully. "This will definitely be a great trip."
But, unbeknownst to the three Families, this was a trip that was going to change the course of their lives forever.
(V)
Hi, everyone. I'm truly sorry for the long wait in posts and updates. I've just hit a huge writer's block, making it hard to write new chapters for my various stories and find the inspiration for each and every chapter within all my stories. I had to look up each and every Lucky Star character to describe their personalities correctly, while also putting my own twist to them too. Originally, this was supposed to be a longer chapter, but I've decided to split it into separate chapters since the other half is still missing some elements. I hope this will make up for the days I've missed for all you readers. As you can tell from the title, you all already know what character and story each and every character is referring to even if they didn't get to say it.
Remember, stay safe and healthy, and most of all happy.