Author's Note:
What did you think of Rukia Rengoku? I quite enjoyed putting her together as the mother of sweet Kyoko. I chose an image of Jean and Klee from Genshin Impact because they just look like a mother and daughter. I've been rewatching my hero and really diving deep on developing my characters. I'm still fleshing some things out and am researching a lot for future reference. For the most part, I have prepared lore for this story and hope that the execution goes smoothly.
I was dreaming about fireworks. They are so mesmerizing and beautiful that I have to pause in quiet wonder as they burst across the sky. My father, Shou Rengoku, has taken me to watch the local firework displays every year. I would talk about how I loved the way fireworks sparkled in the sky. "They are pretty incredible aren't they." father would reply with a fond smile. He only slightly spoils me as he carries me in his arms when I get tired, even though I was old enough to walk on my own. "It's a special occasion," he would say. When we would eventually head home, mother would be waiting there with a teasing smile, hot cup of coco in hand. She might say something like, "Question time! So, what should you do after watching fireworks all day? Hehe, the answer is... to watch them again in your dreams, of course!"
Then, I opened my eyes. My senses felt numb as I slowly woke up. The room was cold and silent until I finally registered that I was lying in a strange bed. "Uhh.. mmm.. mama– MOMMY!" I started bawling as my head swiveled around in a panic. My arms were bandaged tightly and I could hardly breathe as my cries grew louder.
Instantly, the door flew open as my father appeared with a frown and concerned eyes. "I'm here. Papa's right here, Kyo." said father as he kneeled by my bed and pulled me into a delicate embrace. I threw my arms around him and continued "(hiccup) W-where am I- (hiccup) I was stu-UCK!" as I heaved and hiccuped into my father's coat. He caressed my head delicately, "Kyo, ...you're safe." said father. I felt the slightest tremble of his hand when he cupped my face to wipe my tears. I slowly calmed down and almost fell asleep again in my father's embrace. "The nurse says you're free to go home after they check your injuries–" he began. My head snapped up as I said, "Wait! Where's mommy? She left me... She said she would be back soon." The next few seconds were so silent that I thought he didn't hear me.
"Your mother... saved a lot of people yesterday," father quietly spoke in a fragile voice. "She got hurt and the doctors need to watch over her for a while." Oh no! My mother was hurt by the villains! "I want to see mommy!" I exclaimed. "Kyo, she's resting right now. You can visit her tomorrow, so for now, Kosuke will be taking you home. Your sisters have been worried sick about you," he said as he stood up.
Then he opened the door and Kosuke, the butler, walked in with a wheelchair. "I'm glad to see that the young miss has woken up. Everyone is waiting for you back home!" said Kosuke lightly. He was old enough to be my grandpa and he had a warm wrinkled face. "I'll be staying here with your mother. Kyo, please try to get some rest. I'm sure your mother will be so happy to see you well rested. I love you, Kyoko," said my father as Kosuke sat me in the wheelchair. "...okay. Love you too, daddy!" I said as he walked away.
At the time, I didn't know it but my father's hands began to shake even more violently and his walk staggered slightly. All I understood was that the sooner I got home, the sooner I could go to sleep to wake up and come visit my mother. She saved people! That made her a hero. I can't wait to see her and tell her that I missed her.
Kosuke told me that Hana, the maid, is preparing my favorite meal, ramen! Apparently my two older sisters, Hina and Homura, have been dying to visit me but were told to stay home with Hana for the time being. My sisters were fraternal twins with Hina being born two minutes before Homura. They bickered quite a lot and were pretty disruptive when they were together. I don't blame my father for wanting them to stay under Hana's capable watch. Hana is actually Kosuke's niece, who he adopted when she was very young after her father died in a villain attack.
"Kyo-chan is home!" exclaimed Hina excitedly as Kosuke carried me through the front door. According to Hina, Kosuke has been working as a butler since father was born. But he's quite tall and I've seen him lift the entire couch with one hand to vacuum the carpet enough times to know that he's no weak old man. "Welcome home, little miss Kyoko. I'm so relieved to see you are alright." said Hana tearily as she sniffled slightly. She came forward to pat my head softly. Hina ran up the stairs, probably to tell Homura that I was home.
Soon, the twins were racing down stairs and stepping over each other as they both screamed, "KYOKO! WAA!" Kosuke placed me on my feet and the twins brought me into a group hug. As they were two years older than me, they slightly lifted me off my feet into the air as they grabbed me. "Waa Kyo-chan! You're finally home! I won't let anything happen to my baby sister ever again," cried Hina as Homura patted my head, brushing hair out of my face. I felt so warm and secure in the middle of their hug. Then Homura said, "You're safe now, Kyo-chan. Father said you were stuck all by yourself when they found you. Apparently your quirk activated because of how stressed you were. Do you remember what happened?" I stayed quiet for a second, considering how to describe the cold dark dumpster, which made me shudder in remembrance. "Everything hurt. It was scary and dark. I couldn't get out," I said in a small voice, closing my eyes and leaning further into Homura's arms. They all glanced at each other with worried expressions. "Why don't we get you something to eat before bed? It's quite past your bedtime young ladies," said Hana. Then Hina complained, "Aww Hana, but Kyo-chan just got home." Kosuke replied, "If you want to come along to visit Madam Rukia, then I suggest you girls get to sleep as soon as possible. We'll be leaving for the hospital bright and early."
Later, after Hana made sure everyone ate and were ready for bed, Hina and Homura snuck into my room. I had been staring out the window in silence from my spot on the bed. "Kyoko. We didn't want you to be alone so we're staying here tonight." whispered Homura as they approached my bed. "Now, scoot over because Homura starts kicking in the middle of the night and I do not want to be near her," Hina whispered urgently. "Excuse me. I wouldn't have to if you didn't cling to me so much. I'd rather be next to Kyo-chan anyway." replied Homura in exasperation. Then the three of us finally went to bed and fell asleep, Hina and Homura creating a warm cocoon around me.
The next morning, the twins helped me get dressed into my favorite red dress with white frills and small yellow flowers on the skirt. Hina brushed my strawberry blonde hair, pulling them into two short pigtails. I also wore brown boots and my favorite red hat, decorated with a white four leaf clover patch and two white feathers on the right side. Hina also had her golden hair pulled into two long pigtails, wearing a pink blouse under a denim jacket with a pair of yellow shorts. Homura put on a mint green turtleneck with a yellow top tied in a knot at the front and a pair of denim jeans. Her long black hair was loose. "Hurry! Mommy's waiting~" said Hina on her way out the front door. "Wait for us, Hina! Here, Kyo-chan, quickly put your coat on. It's chilly outside." Homura said as she handed me a red coat.
As I put the coat over my shoulders, I remembered the excitement I felt wearing it for the first time. My mother had it made for me last Christmas. It was a bright red wool coat with a white fleece collar, there was beautiful embroidering of fireworks on the hem and sleeves. As my family recognized my growing love for the sparkling wonders in the sky, my mother fondly dubbed me her adorable little "Spark Knight". She had a habit of referring to my father as her knight in shining armor (whatever that meant). So I would always say that I also wanted to be a knight if they actually do shine, maybe even sparkle.
"Kyo-chan~ If you're ready, then let's go. I want to see mom this year!" called Hina from right beside Homura outside. Kosuke was already seated in the driver's seat of the car. "Coming! Don't leave yet!" I yelled back, rushing toward the car as Hana locked the front door behind her. We set off for the hospital soon after.
"Shh– lower your voice Hina." whispered Homura on the seat to my left. "Sorry! I just feel so impatient. Why do we have to wait for permission to see our mom anyways?" replied Hina in a softer tone from the right. "Maybe papa forgot ... ?" I said in concern. We were waiting in the lobby for what felt like forever. Kosuke went off to park the car, while Hana accompanied us inside. "Girls, no need to worry. Your parents are definitely expecting to see you today. The nurse said Madam Rukia woke up a bit late is all. Just a few more minutes and someone will escort us in." reassured Hana from her seat to the right of Hina. "Hana, is mommy okay? Papa said she got hurt and they have to watch her now. She can just come home with us and we can watch her too." I questioned after a thought occurred to me. "..." Hana took a breath. "Family of Rukia Rengoku?" a nurse called near the front desk.
We were escorted to room 137 on the second floor, Kosuke having joined us after a moment. No one spoke until we finally entered the room where my mother laid in a bed connected to a bunch of machines. She had bandages covering every inch of her and her leg was in a cast. "Oh! Hina and Homura, Kyoko too! Even Kosuke and Hana came. I'm sorry you had to wait a while because of me didn't you?" said mother apologetically. "It's okay, mama. We just wanted to see you!" said Hina excitedly. "We're so glad you are looking well, madam. The girls have been worrying so anxiously." Kosuke spoke earnestly in his low soothing voice.
"I see our lovely twins and little Spark Knight have arrived. Wait a minute. ... Your coat is on backwards, dear." my father said lightly as he entered the room as well. "Daddy! Why did you have to point it out! So embarrassing." I said as a blush overtook my face. Homura helped me wear the coat properly and said, "Papa, where were you just now?" He shared a glance with mother before replying, "I was speaking with the doctor. Kosuke. Hana. Can we have a moment alone with the girls?" They promptly exited the room without a word. Father went to sit beside the bed on the right side, where his coat and tie hung on a chair. I went to sit in his lap, while the twins sat on the vacant seats nearby. Mother's eyes watered and her face tightened as she said, "I'm very sick now, so I'll be staying in the hospital for quite some time..."
End Notes:
Surprise! Rukia survived the tragic incident, but at what cost?
I hope I didn't over do it with the twins. But I really wanted to bring out some personality. Also I realize that the situation is quite a mystery but as Kyoko is only four years old, I felt that she would most likely have a hard time understanding the severity of the situation. Also, the twins are very much inspired by Sailor Moon and Sailor Mars. It just made sense at the time but remember they are only two years older than Kyoko.
