Chapter 8:
Memories Return
When it was time for the concert, Emochan hurried to Juuban to meet up with her friends. As a group, they walked to Koubashii Café, where Toshira, Homoto, Mamoru, and Daichi waited.
"You look beautiful tonight, Emochan," Toshira complimented, making Emo blush.
"Arigato, Toshira," she replied. As everyone went inside the café, Sakura and Reiko were entranced by the decorated stage. Streamers and lights covered the area to bring out a light-hearted mood in the audience. Homoto sat down at a booth with a mug of hot coffee in his hand. Usagi slid in; her arm wrapped around Mamoru's tightly. The other girls sat around them and Toshira pulled Emochan on his lap at the end of the curved seats. They made light banter as they waited for the performance to start. The lights began to lower and Mai walked across the small stage with the rest of Split Time. Cheers erupted from the crowd.
"Testing…ichi…ni…san…Kobanwa everyone! I am the lead singer of Split Time. My name is Mai and these are my friends, Leon, Toma, Wes, and David. Tonight, we will be celebrating winter and our last weekend of Christmas vacation! I hope all you guys are ready! Our first song is a cover of 'Eyes On Me'. Let's hit it!" Mai cried out into the audience. The lights around the stage started flicker as her voice carried through the room, with Tomaru and Leon strumming their guitars. Everyone in the room began to dance with each other, and Emochan smiled as she danced with Toshira. The song was so electric, and even though Emochan heard the same song many times before, it sounded so great on the stage and with all the audience participating and cheering them. Reiko and Sakura jumped up and down along with Usagi and her friends, singing with Mai and smiling.
" Whenever sang my song
On the stage, on my own
Whenever said my words
Wishing they would be heard.
I saw you smiling at me
Was it real or just my fantasy
You'd always be there in the corner
Of this tiny little bar
My last night here for you
Same
old songs, just once more
My last night here with you?
Maybe yes, maybe no.
I kind of liked it your way
How you shyly placed your eyes on me
Oh did you ever know?
That I have mine on you
Darling, so there you are
With that look on your face
As if you're never hurt
As if you're never down.
Shall I be the one for you
Who pinches you softly but sure
If frown is shown then
I will know that you are no dreamer"
When the song was over, everyone cheered and applauded the band. They all bowed and smiled. "Thanks guys! Our next song is an original and is called 'Lost like a Firefly'. Hope you like it!" she said with a cheer and a subtle guitar solo by Toma started the song. Then a drum backup by Wes sped the song up a little, and Mai began to sing.
"My heart beats…
My soul aches for your hands to be held in mine,
Your voice makes me cry out to the heavens
To pray to the gods for eternal love...
I'm lost like a firefly deep in a mist of darkness,
I'm higher than any eagle in the light blue sky,
Your smile makes me glide through the air like a dragonfly…"
The song set a slow-dance mood in the room, and Emochan rested her head on Toshira's chest. Emochan kept the thought of Toshiro in her mind, not letting her guard down even for an instant. I know you're going to show up, Toshiro. I'm not afraid of you. Mai's talented voice swayed Emochan's thoughts a little, making her relax in Toshira's embrace .
"Love like ours might last forever,
Our souls forever in-ter-twined,
Your hold makes me want to sing this song
Your love for me makes me want to fly...
I dedicate this song to you, my lover,
I'm lost like a firefly deep in a mist of darkness,
I'm higher than any eagle in the light blue sky,
Your smile makes me glide through the air like a dragonfly,
I hope this message reaches you in time,
Never lose your faith in your eternal love
And I'll never lose faith in mine...."
It ended with a slow guitar duet from Toma and Wes, and it fizzled out into silence. They had even more cheering than before, and Mai smiled at all the positive vibes being thrown at her from the crowd. "Thanks everybody! We worked really hard on these songs! Our last song for the night will be…" Mai began to say, but was stopped by a loud boom from above her. People began to scream as beams from the ceiling began to fall onto the crowd. Sparks flew on the stage, scattering the band members into the panicking crowd. Emochan got up and looked at the other girls with narrowed eyes.
"Dai-chan!" Toma cried as he ran towards the others, his hand tightly around Mai's wrist.
"Get down and stay covered!" Emochan exclaimed to them. In the panic, it was easy to run off. Emochan and the others ran out of the crumbling café to henshin.
Once transformed, Sailor Earth ran into the main street with the others and looked up in the moonlit sky, to see Toshiro laughing on top of a nearby building. "Toshiro! You are a coward!" She screamed out, running in his direction. The others followed. They turned the corner and saw him jump down to the concrete; a long, black cape falling along his shoulders as he landed.
"Coward, eh? What a pitiful insult, Princess," he said. He held out his hand and a long sword materialized in his palm. The blade was crimson-red with a black handle. Sailor Moon took her Moon Rod and raised it up.
"MOON PRINCESS HALATION!" She cried and shot energy at Toshiro. He swung his sword at the energy and the blade deflected it, firing it towards Mercury. Sailor Mercury rolled across the ground in order to dodge the deflected energy. Sailor Earth clenched her fists and summoned her dragon glaive.
"You aren't going to win, Toshiro." she said. Sailor Mars ran past Toshiro and shot fire energy at his back, but it bounced off of him and rushed at her. She rolled on the ground and it missed her, hitting a tree and burning a couple branches before it died out. He ran up to Sailor Earth and swung his blade at her, clashing it against her glaive.
"You are pretty strong for a princess," he said and pulled back the sword. "But not strong enough, I'm afraid." He held out his free hand and closed his eyes. "From the pits of the blackest hell, Kumori demons, come to my aid and destroy these pests!" His voiced echoed into the night as the concrete below began to shake underneath the senshi. Large, transparent shadow demons rose from the ground and flew at the warriors. Sailor Earth watched as the other girls fought them. Her body was frozen in its spot.
"SHINE AQUA ILLUSION!" Mercury cried and shot her water attack as a shadow, but it only went through it. "This isn't good, guys…" she said.
"Tell me about it!" Jupiter remarked, shooting her electric energy at the two demons around her, but it flew through them.
"What should we do?" Sailor Moon cried as she kicked at the demons. Sailor Earth looked at Toshiro.
"What do you want from us?" She cried, trying to wiggle free.
"Revenge, Princess. Morgana wants to punish you for destroying her only chance at ruling the planet."
"But Toshiro, don't you have a brother?" Earth said. "He's alive and cares about you! Don't you want to be with him instead and live a healthy, normal life?"
"Brother? What are you talking about?" Toshiro snarled. His eyes twitched for a second.
Toshira's name seems to penetrate Morgana's spell on him! Sailor Earth smiled. She suddenly felt herself become free from his magic and she ran to the others.
"Time to die, you wretched princess!" Toshiro screamed and charged at her with his sword. Sailor Earth blocked it with her glaive again.
"You had a twin brother long ago, Toshiro! His name is Toshira! Please, remember him!" Sailor Earth said. Toshiro grew angry at her and spun his blade and whipped it at her arm, slicing into her flesh. She cried out in pain but then swung her glaive, creating a gash up his calf. Blood seeped through his lower armor and he fell to his knee. "Toshiro, you're not evil! Morgana is just controlling you! Let me help you! I can heal you!" Sailor Earth pleaded, wincing as blood ran down her arm. Toshiro grabbed the sides of his head.
"I never had a brother…I NEVER HAD A BROTHER!" The shadow demons grew angry and merged into three larger shadows. "KILL THEM!" Toshiro ordered and they all sent powerful black energy at the senshi.
"Damnit!" Sailor Earth growled.
"Emochan!"
Toshira..?! No! Sailor Earth saw Toshira running towards her with Reiko and Homoto holding an injured Sakura. Daichi was carrying an injured Toma behind them.
"Sailor Earth! Have you seen my girl-" He began to say but screaming from the girls distracted him. The shadows were chasing the senshi and shooting out energy everywhere.
"You need to get out of here! Hurry!" Sailor Earth yelled at Toshira. One of the shadows flew towards them. She ran in front of Toshira and her wings opened up behind her. "EARTH HEALING HEARTBEAT!" She cried and shot pink and blue energy at the shadow. The energy encased the shadow in a ball, as well as the other two "Sailor Moon!" she said.
"MOON PRINCESS HALATION!" Sailor Moon chanted and pink energy shot through the bubbles of energy, disintegrating the shadows. Toshiro stood up. His eyes were wide and he looked as though he was in immense mental pain.
"You will not better me again, Princess…" His voice was shaky. A red aura surrounded him as he glared at Sailor Earth. He smiled wickedly and held out a hand. "…or should I say, Emochan?"
"Emochan?" Toshira said and walked out from behind the senshi.
"I-I'm not Emochan..." she said hesitantly.
"Seems like your secret is out, you stupid girl," Toshiro chuckled. Then his eyes rested on Toshira for a moment. "You…you are…" His mouth fell wide open in shock.
Suddenly, the ground shook and a large ball of white energy floated down from the clouds above. White light flew at Toshiro, making him scream. His body dissipated into energy and disappeared. The energy ball grew into the form of a woman in a golden gown. Long, brown hair flowed down her back. She opened her brown eyes and smiled at everyone. Sailor Earth looked up at her in awe as the other senshi fell to their knees and bowed their heads. Toshira, Homoto, and the others watched in silence; their own shock making them speechless.
"M-Mother?" Sailor Earth said. The woman smiled softly and gave a slight nod in response.
"Yes. I am Queen Serendipity. The time has come for you all to regain your memories of the past," she said. She held out one of her gentle hands and golden light washed over Sailor Earth, Toshira, Reiko, Sakura, Homoto, Daichi, and Tomaru. "Let the memories flood back to you and you will understand everything…" Everyone closed their eyes.
When Sailor Earth opened her eyes again, she was petting the head of a large dragon. It was poking its head through a large window and rubbing it's snout against her chest. "Oh Danklezhan, you're so cute..." she said sweetly and he groaned a little in response. His silver eyes blinked and his green and blue scales shined from the candlelight in her bedroom. She heard a knock at her door and she got up to answered it. Two young women who looked exactly like Reiko stood before her in colorful gowns.
"Princess! There you are," The Reiko look-alike said. "We were growing worried about your absence."
"I'm sorry, Estineon and Astinia. Danklezhan wanted some attention," Serendipity said.
"It's quite alright, Serendipity. It is just that tonight is such an important night." Princess Astinia said. "We don't want you to miss any of it."
Estineon nodded and took hold of Serendipity's hand. "The celebration is about to start! We must hurry!"
The three then rushed down a long, winding staircase and Serendipity saw four young men waiting for her. The Queen stood in front of them, extending her arms out in a hug for her daughter.
"Good evening, Darling. Thank you for finding her, girls." she said to Estineon and Astinia.
"Our pleasure, Your Majesty," The two said as they bowed. The Queen smiled and led Serendipity to a man who looked exactly like Toshira.
"Zecon has been waiting for you, Dear," she said. Zecon smiled as he took hold of Serendipity's hand. He kissed it gently, making the princess blush.
"I'm sorry to have kept you all waiting," she said to him and the others. Estineon and Astinia smiled as they walked into the ballroom next to the bottom of the staircase. The queen turned to one of the other men.
"Homoto, you should go to your post outside and watch for any trespassers. When the ceremony begins, you may come inside and watch."
"Yes, my Queen," Homoto said before walking out. The Queen looked at the other two and smiled.
"Daichi, you two better go into the ballroom. We will be in there in a moment," she said. Daichi nodded and took hold of the other man's hand.
"Let's go in, Tomaru," He said, flashing a smile to him. "Good luck, Sister," he said. The queen returned her gaze to Serendipity and Zecon.
"I know you two will have a happy future," she said and the two nodded happily. "It is time for us to celebrate it." Queen Serendipity walked into the ballroom as soft music began to play. Princess Serendipity slid her hand into Prince Zecon's and led him in after her mother.
"Now arriving, Queen Serendipity! Behind her comes Princess Serendipity and Prince Zecon of Blunagi!" A young man announced as they entered. The crowd before them split in half as they approached a podium at the end of the ballroom. The queen smiled at her people as she began to speak,
"Welcome, everyone. I am glad that you all could be here today to witness the bonding of two great powers. Like Serenity and Endymion are doing so on this very night; my daughter and Prince Zecon of the planet Blunagi are to be specially bonded in holy engagement. Their power is strong; their love as true as this very kingdom. With this bind, they will be able to rule righteously and honestly in their future years. Their children will become heirs to the thrones of these kingdoms, and together they will continue the peace of the Silver Millennium…" The queen received applause from the people. Serendipity glanced quickly at the crowd before tilting her head towards Zecon.
"Where is your brother?" She whispered.
"Toshiro is always in the shadows. He doesn't care much for large gatherings. Knowing him, he is on the roof watching nearby," Zecon replied.
"Ah…I see. Actually, I'm surprised he'd even come this close. I always felt as though he hates me."
"Deep down, he cares about you and your planet. He just has a hard time showing it. Furthermore, I believe he has feelings towards your protector, Estineon."
"Really?" Serendipity smiled.
"…and so tonight, join me as I consummate the bond of love between these two. Princess Serendipity and Prince Zecon, take each other's hands." The queen requested and the two did so. They turned to face each other, staring into each other's eyes. "Now, Prince Zecon of Blunagi, do you take my daughter's hand in marriage, to be with her always?"
"Yes." The Princess blushed.
"And do you, Princess Serendipity of Earth, take Prince Zecon's request as your husband?"
"Yes, Mother."
"I now consummate your engagement. We will hold the wedding in a week. Now it is time to celebrate!" The queen finished as the room filled with cheers and clapping. Music began to play once again. Serendipity and Zecon kissed each other briefly before joining the others in dancing. Serendipity smiled at her prince as he gracefully pulled her into a waltz position.
"This night is so perfect, my love," she said. Zecon smiled warmly and looked down at her.
"Yes it is, Princess. Soon we will be together forever and always," Serendipity blushed as she stared deeply into his eyes.
"I cannot wait…"
"Neither can I, Love," Zecon said. As the couple danced around the spacious ballroom, Serendipity felt as though time was slowing down around her. Smiles from her friends and family surrounded her as their bodies swiftly twirled and dipped around her and Zecon. She rested her head on Zecon's chest as her eyes caught sight of a messenger from the Silver Kingdom rush to her mother .Her mother's eyes widened as the messenger whispered something into her ear. Serendipity watched in puzzlement as her mother dashed from the ballroom. Time went back to normal and before Serendipity could do anything, energy blasted through the roof and windows of the ballroom, causing people to scream and scatter about. Zecon grabbed Serendipity and rushed her to Daichi's side before running up to Homoto.
"Zecon!" Serendipity cried as he run out of the castle along with Homoto, Estineon, and other girls ran out with them as well. Serendipity and Daichi ran to one of the window to see what was happening. Serendipity's face filled with horror.
Hundreds of minions ran amuck around the gardens of the Golden Kingdom, destroying everything and killing anyone in their path. Estineon and Astinia transformed into senshi and began fighting along with the other two senshi. All sound faded into silence as Serendipity watched on.
"Stay here, Serendipity," Daichi said before running out to join in the fight, pulling out a sword from its hilt on his side. He joined up with Prince Tomaru, fighting a small cluster of soldiers. The smell of burning embers and rotting flesh filled the princess's nose as the chaos spread into the castle itself.
"I can't stand here and do nothing!" Serendipity cried to herself and ran from the ballroom and into the foyer. People were being slaughtered before her eyes, screaming for help. Serendipity caught a glimpse of her mother's long hair in the wind outside. "Mother!" She screamed out, following the running figure. As she got outside, she noticed bright-green light surrounding the sky.
"Tomaru! No!"
Daichi's voice grabbed the princess's attention and she ran to her side to see a soldier laughing hysterically. Prince Tomaru was shielding Daichi as the soldier morphed into a hideous, wolf-like creature. It sent energy into Tomaru's body, killing him instantly. His body swung into Daichi's arms, making him fall to his knees. Blood was everywhere. The salty smell made Serendipity cringe. Serendipity's hands shook as they grasped the sides of her blood-soaked gown. As Daichi sobbed into Tomaru's shoulder, Serendipity watched a strange woman appear before them. The woman had long, curly, red hair and bright-green eyes. She had fangs and wore a dark red and black gown made of velvet, which covered her red high heels. Her scarecrow-like hands had long black finger nails at the ends, making them look like claws. The woman smiled turned her attention to the princess, her eyes making Serendipity's own ache in pain.
"What…what is this?" Serendipity whimpered as she covered her eyes in pain, hunching over.
"Serendipity!" Zecon's voice vibrated through the princess's head as she felt a strong wave of heat come towards her. Her body was pushed downwards and the bloody concrete beneath her hit her back harshly. The pain in her eyes was gone, but when she opened them, they laid upon an injured Zecon lying on the ground before her. Blood was oozing from a hole in his chest.
"Zecon! No!" Serendipity shrieked as she crawled over to his body, pulling him up on her lap and holding his head in her arms. Zecon's eyes were glazed over, with very little life left in them. He smiled at her before coughing.
"I love you so much....never forget that, my princess..." His voice was coarse but very quiet. One of his arms struggled to lift itself. Serendipity saw a small pendant fall along his fingers, into her hand. "I…wanted to give it to you…earlier…but no one could find you…so I waited…"
"Please stop talking, my Love. You'll be fine!" Serendipity pleaded.
"Remember my love for you…my beautiful princess…"
"No, Zecon! Don't leave me!" Zecon lifted his head slightly, touching her quivering lips with his own. As they kissed, Serendipity felt his body fall limp.
She looked over at Morgana and her eyes widened in shock as Toshiro appeared beside her. His eyes were looking at Zecon in shock before he turned to Morgana. She held out her hand and he stared deeply into her eyes. His hand reached out and took hers. His prince garb changed into black armor with a black cape. His blue eyes became green and he smiled evilly. Toshiro then raised his hand and blasted black energy into the nearby Daichi, immediately killing him. Serendipity was speechless as she watched the corpse of her brother twitch on the ground. Her body ached as she tried to stand up; placing the pendant Zecon gave her around her neck. She gazed up at the darkened sky and closed her eyes. Her body began to glow brightly as her angelic wings spread behind her.
When her eyes opened, she only saw Morgana and Toshiro. They looked as if they were utterly shocked. She held her hands out in front of her and her eyes became purely golden. "You will die…" Serendipity whispered and golden energy burst out of her body in all directions. As soon as it touched any of the enemies, they instantly melted away. Morgana and Toshiro screamed in agony as they too, began to melt away. The golden light covered the planet and nature began to re-grow. Her wings fell as the golden energy died down from her. "Zecon…" Her lips whispered as her own body fell limp on top fo her beloved. All was silent. From the top balcony of the castle, Queen Serendipity sobbed. She looked on as her kingdom, people, and children were decimated. Her eyes gazed up at the moon above and she nodded.
"Sister…I hear your request, and I shall follow it. Farewell, everyone. I hope this will provide you all with a better future…" she said and took out the golden crystal. "My last bits of energy will send you all into the future, to live a peaceful life." she said and summoned the last of her power to encase everyone into golden bubbles. The bubbles floated into the air and faded into space. With one last gasp of air, the queen wished them happiness, and she dropped the crystal, now dead. The crystal floated upwards and joined the bubbles in space.
Sailor Earth opened her eyes and found herself in the street as if time had not passed. She de-transformed.
"What…just…happened?" Toshira asked.
"I have awakened your memories of the past life," she replied.
"This is too weird!" Reiko exclaimed. Sakura slipped out of Homoto's arms and stretched out, inspecting her now-healed wounds.
"I have also healed you from your wounds," the queen said.
"So, I'm your brother?" Daichi said, looking at Emochan. She nodded.
"Yes. One of my missions was to find you and regain your memory. I am also supposed to find the rest of my court," she said and looked up at the queen. "I had a dream the other night and two figures said that I have to still find two more senshi. Is that true?"
"Yes it is. You and your cousin both had a court of four senshi protectors," The queen replied. "But do not worry, you have two now to help you find the others." Emochan smiled at Reiko and Sakura. "My time here is growing short. I have something to give you all," the queen said and raised her hands into the air. Small wands appeared in front of Toma, Daichi, Toshira, Homoto, Reiko, and Sakura. Toma's was in the shape of the sun. "Tomaru of the Moon, you have the power of the sun. When you transform, you will become the Sunlight Knight." Toma looked at his broach and nodded.
"I understand."
Daichi's was the shape of a star. "Daichi, you have the power of the stars. You will become the Starlight Knight. Your pendent that you couldn't open before, you can open now." she said.
"Really?" Daichi pulled out the pendant and it snapped right open, revealing a picture of Princess Serendipity and himself as children, and a photo of Prince Tomaru and himself. "Wow…thank you," Daichi replied.
Homoto's wand was in the shape of a half moon.
"Homoto, you have the power of the moon knights. When you transform, you will become the Moonlight Knight." Homoto nodded and smiled.
The queen smiled at the twins as they looked at their wands in awe. Their foreheads began to glow as their symbols appeared. "Reiko and Sakura, your wands are those of a senshi's. They hold much power, and you two will become…"
"Sailor Estineon," Reiko said, holding her wand tightly. It had a star on it, with her symbol in the middle.
"Sailor Astinia," Sakura said. Her wand had the shape of a flower on it, and it had her symbol in the middle as well.
"Finally, Toshira, your power is stored in a sword-shaped broach. Inside holds a remaining shard of your planet's power. When you transform, you will become Dragon Mist," the queen said.
Toshira was still in a lot of shock. His body was shaking as he stared blankly at his broach.
"My brother….evil….he…he can't be…" he murmured. Emochan walked over to him and placed his broach in his hands.
"Don't worry, Toshira. We'll get him back," she said. The queen smiled at them and as Emochan's locket floated out from beneath her t-shirt. It was glowing.
"I-It's the locket I bought you from the jewelry shop!" Toshira exclaimed. The queen smiled.
"The reason it called out to you was because it was the same locket that you gave her back in the Silver Millennium…It survived time and space." Toshira's eyes rested on the locket for a moment.
"I…I remember giving it to you…" Toshira said. His hand touched the locket and it fell against Emochan's chest. "I…remember it all…Princess…" His voice was only that of a whisper. Emochan smiled as tears ran down her cheeks.
"Oh Toshira…"
"I must go now. Farewell, my children. I have faith that you will save the planet," the queen said as she faded away into the night. Emochan looked at the others, remembering the roof's collapse.
"The club! Let's see if everyone is alright!" she said and ran with the others to the club. The other senshi de-transformed before going inside. Toma spotted Mai with the other band mates trying to help people who were crushed under the rubble.
"Is everyone alright?" Emochan cried, helping someone out from under a fallen counter-top.
Sirens blared around the area as medical staff ran into the café. Everyone got into a group and helped Mai and Split time try to salvage as much equipment as possible. When they did all they could do, they left the café.
"I think we should all get a good night's sleep. Let's regroup tomorrow and figure out what to do," Emochan said, knowing everyone was overwhelmed.
"Thank goodness no one was killed in that collapse…" Usagi sighed.
"I know I need to let this whole thing soak in…" Reiko said. Sakura nodded.
"We'll call tomorrow, Emochan," Sakura said as the two walked off. The other girls did the same.
Daichi and Toshira looked at Emochan.
"So, I'm a prince?" Daichi said.
"Yeah…" Emochan replied. Daishi smiled.
"I'm glad you're my sister." He said before hearing Toma's voice call out from inside the café.
"Dai-chan! Can you help us move this stuff back into David's truck?"
"Yep! Coming!" Daichi waved at Toma and looked at Emochan. "I'll see you tomorrow, okay?" he hugged her and ran back.
Toshira took hold of Emochan's shoulders, pulling her closer to him. She gazed up into his eyes.
"Why did you keep all of this a secret?" He asked her.
"I didn't want to endanger you," she said. "I didn't know the enemy and didn't want you getting hurt by knowing my identity…" she replied.
"So what are we, a big bunch of super heroes?" He chuckled a little. Emochan took his hands and pulled them off of her shoulders, holding them at her waist.
"I don't like the sound of that. How about just…protectors?" She said with a small smile. Toshira nodded.
"Come on, I better walk you home."
Toshira took her hand and led her down the street towards her house.
"I can only imagine how clingy my mother will be once she hears about the roof collapsing." Emochan winced at the thought. As the two approached Emo's house, she felt her heart begin to pound.
"Are you alright? You're shivering," Toshira pointed out. Emochan blushed and shook her head.
"I'm alright…I guess I've just been so stressed because of all this…and now my mind isn't sure what to think now since you've regained your memories."
"I'm glad…that we had a past life together. I felt very alone when my brother died…now I have you to help me get through the days. And now that I know that our love was true even a thousand years ago…I believe that I can do anything…even bring Toshiro back," Toshira said. Emochan nodded.
"I promise we will." Emochan smiled at Toshira as he leaned in to kiss her. Their kiss was soft but passionate as waves of past emotions washed over them. Emochan held onto him tightly. But it was now time to go. And Emochan reluctantly let go of him.
"Goodnight, my princess," he said and tapped on her nose playfully. "See you tomorrow."
"Goodnight…" Emochan whispered back as he left her at her front door.