In a modest-sized master bedroom, the morning sun was shining brightly across the room. It cast a spotlight on the cream-colored floor, crawled up the side of the navy blue bedspread, and finally inched over onto a broad man's face. The man was snoring away as he faced the window, but when the rays of sunlight reached his eyes, he abruptly stopped with a snort. Blinking a few times, he sat up, stretched, and silently got out of bed to get ready for the day.

As he headed for the shower, he briefly looked over his shoulder at his wife, still asleep, with her back to the window. Her curly blonde hair was splayed over the pillow, the thick covers drawn all the way to her chin, and he could faintly see the bright colors of her earplugs. He chuckled briefly, grabbing his towel before entering the bathroom.

Five minutes later he reentered the room, toweling his close-cropped hair dry and already wearing a fitted tee shirt and gray sweatpants. His wife had woken up, and he could hear her downstairs starting on breakfast.

So that left Ayuko to him.

Shotarou Kumagai headed down the hall and into his daughter's room, the sudden transition from cream and navy to pastel pink and white not even phasing him at this point.

Ayuko stood up in her crib, gripping the edge of the barrier. She shrieked and began bouncing up and down when she saw Kumagai. "Daddy!" she cried, lifting her chubby hands for him. "Daddy, Daddy, Daddy!"

"Mornin', princess," Kumagai grunted, the faintest trace of a smile on his lips. He bent down and lifted her out of her crib; Ayuko immediately grabbed fistfuls of his shirt.

"Shotarou, love?" Kotoko's voice drifted from downstairs. "Is that you?"

"Yeah, we're up, babe!"

"Aaaaaah!" Ayuko shrieked in agreement.

"Can you grab Ayuko's bunny overalls today? The ones Granny sent!"

"Uh-huh." Kumagai grabbed a pink pair of overalls with a fluffy white bunny face on the front, a white and pink polka dot blouse, and her pink socks.

He made an amusing mental image. A huge, boulder-like man with such an adorable wife and daughter.

OP: "Hello, Everybody!" - day after tomorrow

"Alright, all of you, let's see some hustle out there!" Kumagai roared from where he stood next to the soccer field. "Just because it's summer break next month doesn't mean you can slack off! Be happy we're outside today!"

Yumemi used her toe to stop the soccer ball as Aya Munemoto kicked it towards her, then kicked it at the goal as hard as she could. Rino, the other team's goalie, leaped onto it like an Olympic athlete before flinging it back onto the field. "You gotta do better than that to get one over on me!" she crowed.

"Whooo! Rino's our girl!" Daizo cheered, pumping his fist.

"I told you she was great at sports," Rin chuckled. "Okay, now where's the ball?"

PHWEET! A sharp whistle sounded. "Segawa! Kudo! You have time to gossip, you're not playing hard enough!" Kumagai shouted. "Get in the game!"

"Ugggh…" On the other side of the field, Moe flopped down in the grass with a heavy thump. "Does he have to make us sweat this hard? I swear, we can never catch a break with this guy."

"You know…" Lyka began, her voice dropping to a whisper. "I heard some upperclassmen talking. They said Kumagai used to be a drill sergeant before he became a teacher."

"Really? Keiko and Daisuke said they heard he used to be one Emperor Akihito's bodyguards."

"Etsuko, I don't think he's that old…" Moe said, flabbergasted.

Ushio Nagato, who happened to be nearby re-tying her shoe, looked up to join the conversation, tossing one of her pigtails over her shoulder. "You know, my sister used to say he was a wrestler, and retired in disgrace after he accidentally disabled an opponent for life."

"We'd have heard about that, though…" Lyka said.

Ushio looked past the three girls, squinting at someone approaching the field. "Hey, not to change the subject, but who's that over there? Someone's mom?"

The trio looked, spotting a familiar face. She was very cute and petite, with curly blonde hair held back with a pink headband and a face full of freckles. She wore a pink tee shirt and blue jeans, and was pushing a stroller with a sleeping, pigtailed brunette toddler inside. The woman smiled sweetly, lifting a hand to wave. "Sho-ta-roouuuu~!" she called out.

The soccer game came to a halt as everyone stared at the mystery woman. "We don't have a Shotarou in this class," Yumemi whispered to Fuyuko Nakajima.

Everyone's shock grew even more when Mr Kumagai turned to address the woman. "What is it, Kotoko?"

"You left your lunch at home. I thought, since Ayuko and I are going on our walk, we'd bring it to you." The woman, Kotoko, smiled and passed him a bento wrapped in a cream handkerchief with bright daisies on it. "

"Ehhhh?" the class chorused in hushed whispers.

"Thanks, Kotoko," Mr Kumagai grunted, taking the bento.

"...you think he's still a bodyguard and that's the woman he's protecting, Etsuko?" Ushio asked after a heavy pause.

"Oh, no," Moe said, her voice carrying to her classmates. "We've met her before - that's his wife and daughter."

There was another long pause.

And then…

"Ehhhhhh?!"

Joyful Pretty Cure

Episode 17: The Terrifying Bear Is…?!

"Dude, did you see that cute lady at the soccer field today?"

"Yeah, she's Kumagai's wife, isn't she?"

"I didn't know he had a wife!"

"I didn't expect her to be so adorable."

"And a kid!"

"It's like a Beauty and the Bodybuilder thing, isn't it?"

"What are you talking about? This isn't a fairy tale."

Mr Shinoda stood at the blackboard, frowning deeply as he tried to finish writing some math problems. The moment he had turned his back, everyone had started whispering, and loudly at that. It wasn't only distracting, it was disrespectful. With a frustrated sigh, Mr Shinoda set the chalk down and whipped around. "Al-right, all of you knock it off," he said, a bit more tensely than he intended. "Your teacher's personal lives are none of your business. Am I clear?"

"Yes, sir…" everyone chorused.

"One more peep about the Kumagais out of any of you and I'll be assigning double homework tonight. Now quiet." He prepared to turn back.

"Hey, Mr Shinoda-"

"I meant what I said, Nakajima."

"No, it's just I have to go to the bathroom."

Mr Shinoda sighed again. "You are excused…"

As Fuyuko left the room and the class forced themselves to get back to studying, the person behind Moe nudged her. She turned around, coming face to face with Aya. "Hey, Moe," Aya whispered. "You saw Kumagai's wife before? Spill the details!"

"No way," Moe whispered back, keeping her voice lower than she usually would. "And it's not even a big deal."

"Yeah," Etsuko whispered back. "Everyone already gossiped a lot about the two Rins, and that was no big deal. Just leave it."

Aya huffed, but she appeared to agree because she leaned back into her seat and got to work copying the problems on the board.

In Moe's bag, Velvet giggled with Rosie. She may not have known the word 'hypocrite,' but she couldn't help but find it funny how Pretty Cure was specifically avoiding doing exactly what they'd done a few days ago.

And… It really did seem that the rest of the class had a similar mentality to Moe. Or maybe Aya just spread the word about what Moe said and that made everyone drop it. But in any case, the gossip about Kumagai and his wife quieted a lot by the time class let out and everyone was heading to clubs, cram school, or heading home. A few people did toss out their own comments, but a lot of it was similar to Moe's earlier comment: "It's not a big deal, really," Aoi Sakura said as he and Fuyuko headed out together. "Besides, my uncle's like a craggly mountain and my aunt looks like a supermodel. It happens."

"Whoa, how did that one happen?" asked Fuyuko.

"Okay, so she loves telling this story - see, one day she went out with her coworkers for a Singles' Night, and one of the guys suggested arm-wrestling…"

Mr Shinoda sighed and shook his head as he gathered his papers to head into the teacher's office. Honestly, his class sure liked their gossip, didn't they? But he supposed that was high school, after all. If it wasn't about relationship drama or friendship gossip, it was about their teachers' personal lives. I shouldn't be so surprised, though, he thought to himself. I remember doing that myself.

As he gathered his papers and exited the classroom, he looked up to see Kumagai walking down the hall in his direction. He straightened up, nodding in greeting. "Oh, afternoon, Kumagai. Are you leaving early today?"

"Yeah. Soccer practice isn't til tomorrow," Kumagai grunted. He walked up to a vending machine and swiped his card, quickly punching the buttons to purchase a sparkling water. "I'm just gonna get some groceries and head on home."

Mr Shinoda nodded. Then one corner of his mouth quirked up into a smile. "I heard your wife brought your lunch over today. It's really gotten the kids talking."

"I'm used to that." The bottle of water tumbled down and Kumagai retrieved it, cracking the cap open with a satisfying pst! "Got it all the time in school, too."

Mr Shinoda waited to see if Kumagai would elaborate, but he didn't. So, assuming the conversation was over, he just nodded and said "Well, I'll be seeing you tomorrow, Kumagai. Are you still joining Hatsumomo and I for drinks this weekend?"

"Uh-huh."

"Great. See you." And with that, the two teachers parted ways.

But as Kumagai walked off, and Shinoda was about to turn around, the math teacher spotted something fluffy and pink in Kumagai's sweatpants pocket. As he looked closer, he could see a soft plush heart with a smiley face.

Shinoda chuckled at the sight, and then walked off.

Rags fluttered listlessly through the halls. He was tired.

Not physically, of course. He couldn't be, he was a toy. But emotionally, he felt drained.

Pinocchio had been all too happy to play with him, especially with Bogeybox and Cappelia both being so scarce. Rags was normally fine to play with Pinocchio, but after five games of hide-and-seek, three different board games, an hour-long round of tag, charades, and a very weird game that involved running and throwing a ball that Rags was sure Pinocchio was making up as he went along… Well, he was exhausted.

Pinocchio didn't take 'I don't want to play' very well, though, so Rags had to wait until the other toy had gotten too bored to play, and left him to his own devices. The jester doll was cheerfully riding his giant train around his playroom when Rags quietly excused himself.

What he really wanted right now was to spend some quiet time with Cappy.

…if only he could find her.

Rags floated through the dining room, the entrance hall, the foyer, in and out of the myriad of empty rooms that served no purpose but Pinocchio insisted upon. No Cappelia. He checked each of their own bedrooms in turn. Still no sign of her.

He looked into the newest room that had appeared, a movie theater. Knowing Pinocchio it would disappear when he got bored of it.

She wasn't there either.

He was beginning to give up, when he spotted her up ahead. She was heading for the door, donning the wide-brimmed sun hat he'd seen sitting on a small trunk once. Rags put on a slight burst of extra speed, gliding towards her. His expression didn't appear to change, but Cappelia would be able to notice the small signs that he was happy to see her. "Cappy," he said simply, his raspy voice carrying down the hall.

Cappelia stiffened for the briefest moment, flicking her wrist towards herself before she turned to face her friend. "Rags."

Rags's tatters fluttered a bit as he slowed down, then rested over one of her shoulders like a cape. His cloth gently encircled her arm so he wouldn't slide off, and he sighed a bit. "I was looking for you," he said. "I was getting tired."

"...you can't get tired." There was a note of amusement in her voice.

"I felt like I'd get tired." Rags sighed, the movement traveling throughout his fabric body. "I've been playing with Lord Pinocchio all day. Bogeybox hid himself away because he doesn't like too many games… I need to refresh, Cappy."

Something flickered in Cappelia's expression at the mention of Bogeybox. "Have you spoken to him recently?"

Rags shook his head, his tatters ruffling a bit, like an angry bird ruffles its feathers. "I don't like him," he rasped. "He's mean."

Cappelia held back a short laugh. No, no, it was rude to laugh at Bogeybox, especially after he'd so kindly offered her his help. "He's not mean," she said. "He's just… he's aloof, is all. He doesn't know how to show he cares."

"He insulted us for playing games. He suggested we don't care about Lord Pinocchio and our goals." The mention of Pinocchio made Rags sag a bit, as he thought about all the games he'd been playing. He hoped Pinocchio's train would keep him occupied until he was finished resting. He didn't want Bogeybox to play with Pinocchio - Pinocchio liked to play with him, yes, but the other toy was very bad at games.

He wasn't a very good toy, Rags thought to himself. Maybe that was how he'd come to be here.

All four of them had their own reasons for being who they were, wanting what they did. Bogeybox had never deigned to share his, but Rags suspected it must have been very lonely.

But that didn't mean he could say whatever he wanted to them, Rags thought to himself, tightening his hold on Cappelia. He snuggled against her head a bit, sighing quietly. "I missed you lately," he muttered. "You've been gone."

Cappelia paused. "I had to go to the human world, Rags. I'm sorry. I'll take you with me next time-"

"Next time?"

"I have to go again," Cappelia said apologetically, as the floating cloth doll drew back to stare into her eyes. "I'll return soon, I promise."

"Can't I go with you now?" he rasped. "I won't ask to do anything with you. I just want to be close."

Cappelia hated lying to him. She truly did. But she had made a promise to keep things a secret. "Not this time. Another day."

Rags huffed, drawing backwards. His face didn't change, but his tatters fluttered ominously. "I'll go to my room, then," he said. "Find me when you come back?"

"Of course, my friend." There was a slight pang in her chest, which she did her best to ignore. I'll tell him later. Afterwards. "Of course."

Aika lounged on the couch in the living room, eating potato chips while they watched a daytime drama on tv. Peach curled up at their feet, snoring quietly. Aika briefly looked at the golden poodle, nudging him with a socked foot. "You're lucky Mom can't see you," they chuckled.

Peach just huffed in his sleep.

Aika chuckled again, turning their attention back to the tv.

"I can't believe you, Brother… Hachime and I are in love! What could you possibly have against him?"

"He's no good for you, Sachi. You don't know this because you only moved here two months ago, but that man…is actually The Bloody Dragon!"

"It can't be true! He's so kind!"

"He's the leader of the town's most notorious gang! I refuse to believe he's anything more than a brute!"

"Aikaaa!" Yuzuki called out. "Can you do me a favor and head down to the store for me, please?"

"Sure, what do you need?" Aika asked as they pushed themself off the couch. They glanced at the tv as they headed for the kitchen, not wanting to miss more than they absolutely had to.

Yuzuki was fumbling in her purse for her debit card when Aika came in. "I just need some bread and canned coffee. I didn't realize your father had eaten it all, and I don't want to forget to buy some in the morning." She found her card and passed it to Aika. "And while you're there, if you could pick up some pads?"

"No problem."

"Hmmm, and you know, get a little something for yourself, too. Maybe something you can split with Moe tomorrow."

Aika laughed, cheeks tinting pink. "You know me too much," they chuckled. "Okay, I'll be right back."

"Take your time!"

With that, Aika headed for the door, though they slowed down just a bit as they passed the entryway to the living room, wanting to catch one more glimpse of what was happening on tv. Sachi was confronting Hachime, who had finally confessed he was indeed the local and feared gang leader, but was trying to convince her that his feelings were genuine. Aika inwardly cursed at the timing, but shrugged it off. They could just find the episode online the next day.

The store wasn't too far, and the streets weren't too crowded, so Aika made it before the sun had even begun to set. The store wasn't as crowded as they feared, either, so they were able to find their items and put them in their handbasket no problem.

As they browsed the aisles for something to split with Moe, Celes peered out of their skirt pocket, looking around curiously. The movement caught Aika's attention, and they subtly looked down at the Poppet. "Don't let anyone see you," they whispered.

Celes squeaked affirmatively, paused, then squeaked again. This time it was a question.

"What? Oh, these." Aika realized they were staring at some brightly pink packaging with a cheery magical girl on the front. It wasn't a Beauty Warrior snack, but a similar franchise, Fairy Lala. Aika was pretty sure the show was Korean. "Moe and I used to split these cookies between us," they said, picking up one of the packages and checking the flavors. "We liked both the vanilla cookie with chocolate cream, and the chocolate cookie with the chocolate cream, you see. But we didn't want to risk breaking the cookies in half and not having equal parts. So what we'd do is each buy a different flavor, take one cookie off, and switch that cookie. That way we got both flavor combinations, and it was the same amount for both of us." Their smile softened a bit as they remembered, idly tracing the outline of the cookie on the front. "I didn't realize this was the one I was looking at… I should buy them, for old time's sake."

Celes squeaked something.

Aika's glasses slipped down their nose a bit as their cheeks reddened. "And I mean, of course I'll buy some for Etsuko and Lyka, too! And Velvet! It's not just the two of us." They grabbed the cookie sandwiches they'd mentioned and tossed them into their basket. Then after a brief bit of contemplation, they also grabbed the strawberry, matcha, and coffee flavors. "This should be enough for all of us."

At that moment they noticed that with this, there was only one strawberry cookie left… and Velvet did seem to like strawberry. After a moment's pause, they reached out to grab it…

…and bumped hands with another customer.

"Oh, sorry," Aika said quickly, looking up. "You can have-" Their eyes widened in recognition. "Wait… you're Mr Kumagai, aren't you?"

The large, mountain-like man stared down at them, frowning. At first Aika worried they'd said something wrong, or that he had a headache, but then Kumagai spoke. "You're not one of my students," he grunted.

"Oh, no. I go to Koigokoro Academy," Aika explained, waving a hand in front of themself. "But my friend, Moe, she-"

"Ahhhh, Aito. Yeah, I have her. You're her friend, right?"

"Yes, sir." Aika smiled. "It's nice to meet you properly. We met at the toy drive, but…"

"Yeah, we had to keep moving. The ladies wanted to look at some of the other toys." Kumagai reached for the display of cookies again, but this time he grabbed a salted caramel one, leaving the last strawberry behind.

"Did you find something you liked?"

"Oh yeah. Kotoko found an antique doll, Ayuko got real attached to this teddy bear… We were gonna leave when Kotoko also found even more stuff." The pair began walking down the aisle towards the checkout, and Kumagai's mouth curled into a slight smile. "Wouldn't let me refuse. Eh, but that's Kotoko. Once she got something in her head, there's no talking her out of it."

Aika giggled. "Moe's like that."

"Not in my class, she ain't."

Aika laughed again. The pair joined the back of the line at the checkout stand, and after another moment Kumagai stepped back. "Get in there, kid," he grunted. "You got less than I do."

"Really? Thanks." Aika smiled gratefully, stepping in front of Kumagai. They noted how the light seemed to dim when Kumagai took his place at the end of the line, his form blocking some of the light. Yeah, he seemed like a gym teacher alright, Aika thought to themself. Or a mountain man, without a beard.

"You're a good kid," Kumagai muttered, breaking Aika out of their daydream.

"Hm?"

"The kids I teach at Omocha High are nervous around me. You're probably the only kid who hasn't jumped at the sight of me, 'cept for my daughter."

"Oh, I'm sorry…"

"Ehn. I'm used to it. Always been a big, scary-lookin' guy." Kumagai looked into the distance and smirked. "'s'how I ended up dating Kotoko."

"Oh, really?"

"Next in line, please!" the cashier suddenly said, waving Aika down.

"Oh! Sorry!"

The conversation fizzled out around that point, Aika paying for their items and heading off for home just as Kumagai began unloading his groceries.

As they walked across the parking lot, Celes paused, and peered anxiously out of their pocket. Something didn't seem quite right…

Eyecatch A: Moe sleeps comfortably in her bed late at night, holding Velvet and Rosie like dolls. She yawns and snuggles them in her sleep.

Eyecatch B: As the sun shines through the window, Moe sits up in bed, tossing Velvet and Rosie into the air before catching them in a hug, nuzzling them and laughing.

Fifteen-year-old Kotoko walked home from the mall one evening, her pale pink umbrella shielding her from the rain. She stood out amidst the gray backdrop of the street, with her long blonde hair and her shocking pink clothes, carrying sparkly clothes bags. She hummed faintly as she walked, enjoying the pitter-patter of the raindrops against her umbrella. Even if it wasn't a sunny day, it still felt like a great one.

There were few other people about, nobody else wanting to brave the chilly rain. Kotko understood - her own socks were getting a bit damp as the puddles soaked through her shoes. She sighed to herself a bit. Maybe she shouldn't have worn her canvas sneakers today…

A slight noise gave her pause as she passed an alley. She stopped, listening. After a moment, she heard it again. A tiny squeak. Kotoko anxiously looked over, spotting someone kneeling down, facing the dirty brick wall. She twirled her umbrella slowly as she leaned over, trying to see who it was. Their uniform was for Omocha High School… so a classmate, then.

Another squeak sounded, and Kotoko realized what it was.

Eagerly, and a bit anxiously, she walked into the alley and towards the person and the sound. Sure enough, as she leaned over their shoulder to look, she saw a little black kitten eating from the student's hand.

"Did you find them?" Kotoko asked quietly.

The figure stiffened, as if they didn't realize she was there. Then they looked over their shoulder, and Kotoko spotted the stern, fearsome face of Shotarou Kumagai, one of the most feared boys in her year.

He had never done anything, not that she knew of, but rumors flew around him, about how he could punch a hole in a telephone pole, how he was the youngest yakuza member in secret, how he once took on an entire group of street thugs with only a jump rope.

Of course she had heard of all those things, but had never seen any of it. And he'd never really bothered anyone.

And besides, here he was with a kitten!

Shotarou scooped the kitten up in one huge palm and slowly rose to his full height. Kotoko had to tilt her head back and move her umbrella to even look at his face. "I heard 'im on my way home," Shotarou said. "He seems friendly."

"You think someone just dumped him out here?"

"Probably. People are asses."

Kotoko hummed, neither agreeing nor disagreeing. She reached into one of her shopping bags, pulling out a handkerchief she'd meant to use to wrap her bento in. Instead, she handed it to her classmate. "You think we can use this as a towel? Or a blanket?"

"Good idea. Thanks, eh…"

"Kisaragi. Kotoko Kisaragi." Kotoko smiled kindly. "I live just down the street. If you want, we can take him to my house and you can both get warm and dry!"

"Yeah. That'd be cool."

"Let's go then," Kotoko said, and together, the pair of them headed out of the alley, a bright pink umbrella just barely managing to shield them both.

The Kotoko of the present smiled to herself as she sat Ayuko in front of the tv. "Okay, now you watch your shows, okay, princess?"

"Bluey!"

"That's right, you watch Bluey."

Kotoko looked up at the sound of keys jingling in the lock, followed by the door pushing open. "Hey, I'm back," Shoutarou Kumagai grunted.

"Hi, hon! How was your day?"

"Fine. Nothing weird." Kumagai set the two bags on the counter with a heavy thud. Kotoko winced a bit - it always astounded her (and drove her a little batty) the way her husband would put everything into two bags and carry them in like nothing. "I got your favorite coffee."

"Ohhh, thank you!" Kotoko squealed, jumping up for a hug. "You're a sweetheart."

"Nah, I just - wait." Kumagai had been moving to drop his keys into his pocket when he froze. He quickly patted his pocket, then the other one. He swore under his breath. "My heart fell out!"

"What?"

"The plush heart!"

"Ohhh… you still carry that?" Kotoko gasped, blushing with starry eyes as she drew her hands up to her mouth. "That's so sweet!"

"Well, not right now it ain't, because I dropped it! Ugh, it must still be back at the store." Kumagai withdrew his keys and turned back for the door.

"Wait, you're not leaving already?"

"I gotta get that plush back, Kotoko. I'll be back."

"Dear, it's not a big-" Kotoko was cut off by the sound of the door closing. She sighed, folding her arms and shaking her head. "That sentimental man…" she said to herself.

Dusk was falling throughout Omocha Town. Cappelia walked slowly through the store parking lot, dragging her feet as she hugged herself. She'd been out for hours, and… well. She hadn't even attempted to use her Pulse Marbles.

She couldn't help it. She'd intended to, of course, but then she'd actually stepped out into the town, adjusting her hat to see better.

It was beautiful here when it got darker. The sky was a lovely mix of dusty purple and orange and pink, stars dotting it like small diamonds atop a blanket. The air was cooler, crisper in a way. Soothing. She loved how the lights in windows were looking more like gold. The twinkling of streetlights in the distance.

Why had she never seen a modern city at night before, she thought to herself as she admired her surroundings. The village she had been created in existed a long time ago, the only things they had were torches that were lit when night fell.

Torches that had been lit when they tried to find her. Find the living doll.

Cappelia shook her head hard, hugging herself. No. She would be human. She would be.

Just like she had wanted!

As she should have been!

Her foot landed on something soft and squishy.

She withdrew her foot and stared down, her gaze meeting a soft, bright pink plush heart. It had a cheery, cute smile on its front, and looked almost new.

No, not new, she realized as she bent low to pick it up. It was… it was decades old. Now that it was in her hand, she could feel how worn the fabric really was, she could see where some of the threads had begun to loosen, forming loops instead of tightly-pressed lines. She could see the subtle wear and fade of the colors, feel where the cotton had compressed and lost its fluff over the years.

This was a beloved toy. It was loved so much, it was nearly Real.

So similar to her.

Cappelia felt a hot wave of anger in her chest as she stared down at the pink, cheerful thing. In her mind's eye, she saw the rest of the parking lot fall away into blackness, so there was nothing but her and this doll. Pink and gold sparks danced around it, a happy aura pulsing like the beat of a real heart.

She heard its voice in her mind, the voice of a happy, well-loved thing.

"Shotarou and Kotoko together forever! Together forever! Just like me!"

"Hey, kid."

Cappelia blinked, snapping back out of it. She looked up and saw a huge, muscular man approaching her from his parked car. He looked relieved, holding a hand out towards her. "That's mine. I dropped it when I was gettin' groceries," he rumbled. "You mind if I have it back?"

More heat churned in her chest, like a building fire.

"You came back for it," she said simply, voice flat.

The man frowned deeper. "Yeah?"

"You… came back. You still wanted it." Cappelia's hand gripped the toy tighter, her form slowly trembling.

Cappelia and Drosselmeyer were in one of the palace gardens. Drosselmeyer sat on a bench beneath a sugar rose tree, carefully stitching together a plush bunny rabbit, his sewing box at his side. The sound of toys laughing and playing together gently flowed through the air, making him smile. It was always nice, hearing the toys so happy. In front of him, Cappelia elegantly danced, the sunlight forming a natural spotlight that seemed to make her glow. Sitting idly wasn't something she liked to do at this time; she wanted to dance. Like she was made to.

Like she would dance in front of humans.

"The Toymaker will come back for me, someday," she told Drosselmeyer as she slowly twirled on one leg. "He made me. He built me. If I'm Real then surely he poured enough feelings into me to care at least a little."

Drosselmeyer frowned sympathetically. "Cappelia…" he began.

"He was… he was only frightened because I started moving and talking. Anyone would be. Once he knows why I could move, he'll come back for me. Or - or perhaps one of the villagers would-"

"Cappelia… they don't understand toys who can move," Drosselmeyer gently interrupted. His expression and tone were remorseful, sympathetic as he stood up and approached her. He put a hand on her shoulder, but pulled back when she moved to slap it away. "They won't come here."

"But… then someone else-"

"Someone else, yes." Drosselmeyer's face grew bittersweet. "A child in need of a toy will call out to you, and you'll feel the pull to Earth. You'll find someone whose heart resonates with yours, someone who will make you even more Real. Just like the other toys and bears and dolls here."

Cappelia glared at her shoes. "But… I don't want it to be that way. I don't want a child, I want a family. I want friends. I'm supposed to be human, that was how I was-" She didn't finish, instead snarling bitterly and storming away. Behind her, she heard Drosselmeyer calling out to her, asking her to please wait, but she ignored him.

All he cared about was sending toys back to Earth to be children's playthings and companions. Nothing about what she wanted. Nothing about becoming real - truly real. Nothing about belonging.

Was that how he saw toys? As just things to bring joy to children? What about what they wanted? Did he ever ask? Did he care?

Cappelia bit back an angry, bitter sob.

In the present, Cappelia heard roaring in her ears, felt her chest tightening and her eyes stinging as she looked from the man to the plush heart in her hands. He wouldn't look after this heart, she knew. He wouldn't.

"You don't deserve this," she intoned, tightening her grip. "You don't."

"Kid, what's your problem? Give it back-"

Cappelia flicked her wrist and a Pulse Marble slid into her palm. With a furious cry, she slammed her hands together, shoving the Pulse Marble to the plush toy. "You don't deserve this back!"

The heart was quickly overtaken by dark purple spores, its blush pink fabric turning purple-black. At the exact same time, Kumagai gasped harshly, like he'd been soundly punched in the gut. He dropped to his knees, feeling the world fall away around him, his colors fading to pale gray, while the plush toy began to grow.

A few customers in the store, alerted by the commotion outside, began to rush out. "What's going on?" one woman said. "What's-"

She wasn't able to finish. In a burst of dark purple that momentarily blinded everyone's vision, a black heart Gomingyō appeared in the middle of the parking lot, the force of its sudden appearance knocking several shopping carts away and into nearby poles. The sound of crunching metal briefly filled the air, only to be drowned out by the monster's triumphant but furious roar.

"GOMIII!"

"Gomingyō! Do whatever your heart desires!" Cappelia shouted furiously. Her brooch began to glow with dancing motes of gold as Kumagai began to resemble a marble statue more and more, dropping to his side in the middle of the lot. "Go wild!"

"GOMIII!" the Gomingyō sounded like it was answering her as it shrieked. It turned around, spotting a few people still in the parking lot. Many had run back into the store, as far away from the windows and the door as possible, but others were unable to get past. And now, they stood frozen in fear, staring up at the murderous glare on the giant heart's face. "GO-MIIII-!" it roared, lifting an arm and bringing it down-

–suddenly, there was a blur of blue and periwinkle, and one of the Pretty Cure was standing before it, their hands gripping its mitten-like fist, preventing it from connecting. "A blue heart is kind! Joyfully yours, Cure Kindness!" Kindness shouted, their hands glowing blue as Celes hovered overhead, their fabric body ruffling angrily. "You're not hurting anyone!"

"It's too late!" one man yelled, peering out from behind the car he'd taken refuge by. "That man there- that girl did something to him!"

Kindness quickly looked to one side, spotting Kumagai on the ground, looking a lot like Rino had on that day in the mall. Their eyes widened briefly, and then they looked to the other side. There, they finally saw Cappelia.

"You- you're that doll from before!" Kindness gasped. "From the park!"

Doll.

Doll.

Doll.

Cappelia's expression, once startled by the sight of Cure Kindness, morphed into an outraged, bitter one. "Don't call me that!" she shouted. "I'm going to be human - I'm going to be human, as soon as I take that man's soul!"

"His soul…?" Kindness echoed.

The Gomingyō roared, trying to bring its other fist onto Kindness. But with a short cry, they tossed the Gomingyō's fist into the air and backflipped out of the way. They landed on top of a nearby cart corral, Celes flying to join them. "I don't know why you think you can do this, but taking someone's soul is wrong! What'll happen to Kumagai if you do that?"

"I don't care!" Cappelia shouted, her voice tightening, much like her hands tightened over her brooch. "I need to do this - it's the only way!"

"That can't be true!" Kindness yelled back. "There's always another way!"

"You don't know me! I don't have to explain myself to you!" Cappelia flung her arm out. "Gomingyō, crush them! Crush them all!"

"GOOOO!" The Gomingyō began to run forward, charging for the cart corral like a linebacker. Kindness almost jumped aside again-

-but then they remembered. Velvet wasn't here. Velvet couldn't undo any damage done. They had to prevent the worst from happening!

Kindness jumped off the corral and ran for the Gomingyō, moving past Kumagai in a blur. The Gomingyō roared in fury and brought a fist down-

-Kindness gripped it tight, wrapping their arms around it like they were giving a great bear hug. They gritted their teeth, digging their feet into the concrete. "Don't…" they grunted, "hurt… anyone!"

Behind Kindness, Celes squeaked urgently, pressing her head to Kumagai's chest, trying to push him out of the way. But she was too small to do anything.

Cappelia flinched, gripping her brooch with one hand.

"Either of you! T-This Gomingyō… this toy - it represents happiness, and love, and a close bond! It shouldn't be hurting people! And you - I don't know your story! I don't know what you've been through or how you feel! But what you're doing - taking someone's soul, trying to destroy things, trying to hurt others, it's wrong! You can't do this!"

"Shut up… just shut up!" Cappelia shouted, her voice raw. "Gomingyō, kill them!"

"GO-MIIII-"

Whatever the Gomingyō was going to do, it never happened.

CLANG!

A heavy soda can flew through the air, solidly striking the Gomingyō in the side. It paused, turning towards the source of the projectile. Kindness gasped as well, opening their eyes and looking towards the front of the store.

A small crowd of civilians had gathered, their arms laden with grocery items. Canned goods, tomatoes and potatoes, one large man had grabbed a small melon and a young boy was holding a baseball bat. Their jaws were set, their eyes blazing as they stared up at the Gomingyō.

"Leave them alone!" one man roared, grabbing another can and throwing it. "Let them go!"

"Stay back!" Kindness called. "All of you, please-!"

"No way! You can't fight by yourself, even with powers!"

"Yeah, you're always trying to save us! We have to help!"

"Leave Pretty Cure alone! Leave that man alone!"

Cappelia stared, awe and disbelief warring in her face. They're… helping? A crowd has formed and they're helping that Cure? They don't… they're not chasing them off? But-

The people continued to throw things at Cappelia's Gomingyō, taking care to avoid hitting either Kumagai or Cure Kindness. The Gomingyō roared in annoyance and pain, lifting its arms to try and shield itself as it staggered back.

And gave Kindness the opening they needed.

Kindness drew in a deep breath as they jumped back, briefly shaking their arms to get the feeling back in them. "Here we go! Pretty Cure Kindness Links!"

The parking lot lit up with bright blue light, like a sunny summer day. In no time at all, the Gomingyō was gone, and a soft, delicate plush heart was floating back into Kindness's hands.

The magic around Cappelia's brooch flickered out, but this time she barely noticed. She didn't even notice as the color abruptly returned to Kumagai, and he sat up with a startled shout. She was too busy staring at Kindness. As the blue Cure slowly approached Kumagai, Cappelia began walking backwards, shaking her head in disbelief.

None of this can be true… she thought, before melting into the shadows and vanishing from view.

Meanwhile, Cure Kindness and Celes were speaking with Kumagai.

"I believe this is yours, sir?" Kindness said, holding the heart up. "The only reason you would be affected would be if it was, so…"

A soft smile appeared on Kumagai's face. "Yeah. Thanks, kid." He took the plush heart from Kindness, as the store manager walked up to them. "My wife gave me this when we started datin', you know… I can't lose it."

Kindness smiled sweetly, a slight blush on their face. "That's wonderful, sir…"

"Excuse me, Pretty Cure?" the store manager gently interrupted. "I wanna thank you for what you did here."

"O-Oh! It was no trouble at all! I'm just sorry for… er… all this." Kindness looked at the items strewn in the parking lot. "And for your shopping carts… See, normally we have a friend who can undo everything but tonight-"

"Aw, it's just a couple of carts and goods. No harm done." The manager smiled brightly. "Actually, I was wondering if I could repay you somehow? You need any groceries? It'll be on the house!"

"Oh, I don't-" Kindness suddenly gasped in horror, pressing their hands to their face. "My groceries! I left them behind!"

"Huh?"

"Sorry, everyone, but I gotta go now! Celes, come on!"

As Kindness ran from the parking lot, Celes squeaked loudly and flew after them, the pair leaving behind two very confused men and a crowd of shoppers congratulating themselves on their victory over the monster.

Cappelia didn't know how long she had run for. She had just backed away from the grocery store, and as soon as she was out of the streetlight, she had turned to run.

She could have teleported.

But humans couldn't teleport.

And she was too upset, too torn and lost and confused.

Cappelia's feet hit the pavement hard as she continued to run, cold night air stinging her face. She grit her teeth, lowering her head. Why was this so difficult? Why did that blue Cure say all those things? Why did a crowd of people gather to help someone instead of chase them off?

It made no sense.

And she hated that it made no sense, hated that she didn't know what she was feeling, that she was so angry at humans but wanting to be one at the same time, nothing made sense-

Cappelia collided with something firm, and was sent sprawling onto her rear.

"Oh! Oh my gosh - are you okay, kid? Here, let me…"

A hand came into her view. Cappelia looked up.

And Hikaru stared down at her. "Are you hurt?" they asked. "Are you in trouble?"

For a few more moments, Cappelia stared. Then she scrambled to her feet, without accepting the vet's hand. She shoved them away, ignoring their startled cry of "Hey!" and ran past them.

Hikaru - the kind person from the aquarium, she remembered - was the last person she wanted to see.

Hikaru stared after her for a few moments, then sighed and continued on their way home. "A cosplayer… She seemed so familiar…" they muttered.

ED: "Joyful" - NiziU

Etsuko: "I swear, my sister and her boyfriend are like, ridiculously lovey-dovey."

Moe: "Says the girl with a giant crush on Venus Angel…"

Etsuko: "No, no, you don't get it! He sleeps over at our house, he snuggles her at breakfast, they watch romances together… and now he's trying to get her a gift just because."

Aika: "I think that's sweet, actually…"

Lyka: "I wish we had people who would do that for us."

Moe: "Ehh… Aika, how come you're all red?"

Etsuko: "Next time on Joyful Pretty Cure; 'Lovey-Dovey! A Gift From the Heart!' See you soon, bye bye!"