Chapter 9
Babysitter Blues
"Check this out, guys!" Hayato showed her friends, Naomi and Yuki, three tickets for something.
"What are these tickets for?" Naomi asked, looking at one of the said tickets while eating her lunch.
"These tickets are for the Mechatropis Tomorrowland," Yuki analyzed.
Hearing that news made Naomi smiled widely. "Wow! Really? These are for Tomorrowland?!"
"Yup!" Hayato exclaimed. "An old senior of mine was planning to go with her family, but she got into an accident, so she couldn't be able to go anymore. So these tickets are special tickets to have a free ride for all day."
Naomi gasped. "All…day?"
"All day," Hayato repeated.
"Oh my god! This is just awesome, Hayato! I want to go to Tomorrowland!" Naomi exclaimed.
"Of course!" Hayato agreed. "I was suggesting inviting you guys, anyway."
"I am indeed available for this weekend, so I will accept this and go with you both," Yuki stated.
"Thank you so much for this, Hayato. You are awesome!" Naomi praised.
Hayato smiled. "Don't mention it. What a friend for."
After school was over, Hayato walked home alone, looking giddy and excited for the weekend plan with her friends at the city's amusement park, Tomorrowland. She imaged herself with her friends at the park, enjoying all the rides, like the speedy roller coaster, bumper cars, water guns, and scary rides. Finally, she gleamed to herself in front of her door. She opened to enter the house.
"I'm home," Hayato announced.
"Welcome back home, Hayato," both his mothers greeted.
A little later that day, Hayato and her family enjoyed a nice dinner.
"Hayato," his birth mother spoke up. "We need to talk about the weekend."
"Oh yeah! Actually, there is something I want to say about the weekend too," Hayato remembered. But, first, she wanted to let her moms know that she's going to the amusement park with her friends.
"You see, Hayato. Your mother and I have our date this weekend, so if you don't mind, could you take care of Takao?" Her second mom asked.
Hayato also remembered that, too, as she felt her heart shattered.
"Wait…what?" She gasped.
Her mothers looked at her awkwardly, so she quickly changed her mood. "Ah, I mean, sure!" She falsely grinned.
Her mothers looked relieved. "Thank you, Hayato! We're glad to hear you can take of Takao over the weekend."
"I was worried that you would be busy over the weekend. Your mom has been working so hard, and this weekend is her break for the first time in a while," her second mom said.
"No problem. Moms can enjoy the date. I can keep an eye on Takao," Hayato noted. She couldn't be able to say no to her moms. On the other hand, she knew that they haven't gone on a date together for a long time, so she didn't want to make them worried. Hayato was in a dilemma.
She thought to herself, alone in her bed.
"What am I gonna do?! I didn't even explain to my moms that I am going to Tomorrowland with Naomi and Yuki, but I didn't want to say no to them," she mumbled.
Then, as if a lightbulb appeared over her head, she got an idea.
"Of course! I know what to do!" She realized.
After a couple of days, the school was closed, and Sunday had finally arrived. Naomi and Yuki waited for Hayato at the city's monorail station. It was almost ten minutes before 8 am, and they were looking a bit worried.
Naomi looked peppy, though. "I can't wait for this! Today's going to be a lot of fun!"
"I wonder if Hayato will make it. It is almost time, and she's usually the earliest," Yuki stated.
"Oh, I'm sure she'll come," Naomi assured.
"Hey, girls!" Yuki and Naomi turned around to greet Hayato, but they were surprised by something else.
"Huh?" Yuki looked perplexed.
"What the?!" Naomi gasped.
"Hey, what's up." Hayato greeted as she pulled a baby's cart, and on it was her baby brother, Takao.
"Mwah, mwah," Takao greeted as he smiled.
"Hayato, what is up with the baby?" Naomi asked.
"Oh, he is my baby brother. His name is Takao, and long story short, my mothers asked me to take care of him for the weekend," Hayato admitted.
"Say what?!" Naomi gasped overdramatically.
"You don't have to be that overdramatic," Yuki pointed out before she turned her attention to Hayato and the baby. "I see. In other words, you think you can multitask today by taking care of your baby brother while hanging out with us."
"Hey, what's that supposed to mean?" Hayato looked a bit offended. "But yeah, that's the point! I can handle it! Besides, the amusement park allows free admission for underage kids of five. So it is gonna be fine."
"Are you sure, Hayato?" Naomi asked. "I mean, I don't mind for you to bring a baby with you, but still."
"Don't worry! It's gonna be perfect," Hayato said before she realized the train was just arriving. "Oh, look! There's our train. Let's get on."
Hayato pushed the cart to get onto the train. Naomi and Yuki glanced at each other briefly, looking a bit concerned, but shrugged the thought for now and hopped on to the monorail train.
The monorail moved through all sections of the city. It was very convenient if the people wanted to get to places faster than driving on-road or walking. The trains were controlled by robots, including maintenance too. It was very high-tech, but nothing too unexpected if you live in Mechatropolis long enough.
They arrived at the amusement park's station. Naomi and Yuki helped Hayato with getting the baby's cart over the gap. They passed through the gate and encountered a main entrance gate for the amusement park.
It had a big neon light that spelled out the name of the park, "Tomorrowland." It was the number one most popular place in the city with its futuristic-theme ride.
"We're finally here!" Naomi exclaimed. "Come on, let's go inside!"
"Settle down, Naomi. Remember that we have Takao with us, too, you know," Yuki reminded her.
"Bwah, bwah! Vrroooooom!" Takao chirped as he tried to move forward.
"It looks to me that Takao wants to get inside, too," Naomi stated. "Let's go!"
Hayato chuckled. "Alright then. Let's go inside."
They approached the gate. "Welcome to Tomorrowland. Please present your tickets," said the robot.
Naomi, Yuki, and Hayato showed their tickets to the gatekeepers.
"Three tickets scanned, confirmed to be special VIP tickets plus one free admission for a child under the age of five. You may enter," the robot stated. "Enjoy your time."
Once they got through the tickets, the girls and baby Takao's eyes widened. There were many futuristic-theme rides. They all looked excited.
"Oh boy! This place looks even more amazing than I thought!" Naomi exclaimed. "I don't even know which side I should go on first!"
"Well, I have downloaded the official app for Tomorrowland before we come here," Yuki said as she looked over her phone. "There is an order of rides we can take, which is what is suggested by the official…."
"Uh, let's go ride on that one!" Naomi pointed as she headed in the direction she told.
"Wait up, Naomi!" Yuki shouted while Hayato chuckled, and Takao laughed and grinned.
The first ride they tried was the bumper cart. Yuki and Naomi played in this one. Unfortunately, Naomi bumped against other people. Yuki tried her best to control the car, but it was difficult to do so as she got bumped by other people, left to right. On the other hand, Hayato didn't ride on this one as she kept her eyes on Takao. She carried him in her arms so that Takao can see.
"Look at me, Hayato and Takao-kun!" Naomi waved at them until she was bumped hard. "Gah!"
"And that's why you have to keep your eyes out, Takao," Hayato stated as the baby boy laughed in response.
The next ride was a roller coaster. Naomi loved the thrill, while Yuki didn't look too well with how fast it moved and all the twists and turns it go. Hayato stated behind as Takao watched in amazement at the moving roller coaster. Naomi and Yuki returned shortly, but Yuki moved away to release sickness in the trash can.
The next place they visited was the game stand, where Naomi and Yuki fought for a prize. Naomi missed most of the targets, but Yuki scored a higher point than she won. The game stand owner gave her a special doll, their mascot, an AI robot named "Happi." It was a big blue and silver doll with a smiley face for the face and a tiny claw for hands. The girls enjoyed their time at the park, but Naomi couldn't help but notice that Hayato spent most of her time keeping an eye on Hayato.
They decided to take a little break at the table.
"Hey, Hayato." Hayato looked over to Naomi. "Why don't I keep an eye on Takao for a little while?"
"Oh, why?" Hayato asked as Yuki looked a bit interested.
"Well, it's just that you've been with him since we came here, and you never got to ride with us on the rides we had so far," Naomi pointed out.
"Naomi is right. I have noticed that you spend quite a lot with Hayato, never giving you a chance to get on any of the rides or play any games," Yuki noted.
Hayato grinned lightly. "Thank you for thinking about me, you two, but I am fine."
"No, it's not fine, Hayato," Naomi suggested. "You may think it is, but you should have fun. Either Yuki or I can keep an eye on Takao. So you don't have to worry about him."
Hayato thought to herself and then looked at her baby brother, who looked back. She nodded, making up her mind. "OK. Naomi, could you keep an eye on her?"
"Sure thing!" Naomi agreed as Hayato handed Takao to Naomi.
"Bwah?" Takao looked a bit confused as he was handed from his sister to Naomi.
"Takao, you be good with Naomi, OK?" Hayato said.
"I will stay around here to keep an eye on Takao while you and Yuki go and have fun catching up," Naomi stated.
"Thank you so much, Naomi," Hayato said. "I will see you two soon!"
"OK. Have fun!" Naomi waved bye at Hayato as she and Yuki went off.
Yuki glanced back and then at Hayato. "Are you sure it was fine for you to let Naomi watch over your brother?"
"I trust her. Takao is nice around with other people, especially girls," Hayato assured. However, she did feel a bit worried for her.
"So, what should we do together, for now, Takao-kun?" Naomi asked.
Suddenly, Takao began to tear up, which Naomi noticed. Then, he started crying, which made her panic.
"Ah, what's wrong? Are you hungry? Do you need to change your diaper?!" Naomi asked as she scrambled into Takao's bag. "Oh! Here! Have a bottle."
She gave him a bottle and shoved it into Takao's mouth, who began sipping it and then started drinking it.
"Phew… Thank heaven," Naomi relieved as she put Takao down in his baby crib, but she didn't tie him up to it.
After the little chaos, she started to hear music. "What's that?" She asked herself as she headed to where the music is coming from. She walked for less than five minutes until she found the source of the music. It was coming from a stage, where there was a music box playing and one lone Clown doing some performance.
"Oh! It's a clown's show. This looks interesting," Naomi said as she sat down and watched the Clown's performance.
"Now, who would like some balloons?" The Clown asked, even Naomi was the only one around.
"Oh! Oh! Pick me! Pick me!" Naomi raised her hand.
"Hmmm, how about… you there, young lady?" The Clown pointed to Naomi, even though she was the only one at present.
"Yeah!" She cheered.
"What kind of balloon you want, young lady?" The Clown asked.
"Well, what can you make?" Naomi asked.
"Ah, well, I can make a lot of things," the Clown stated as he demonstrated his balloon craft skills. "I can make a poodle, bird, T-Rex. or better yet, an Eiffel Tower! Or is the Tokyo Tower?"
Naomi laughed a bit. "Wow, that's amazing! I would like the poodle then, please."
"Sure thing!" The Clown made a pink poodle and attached it to a string for Naomi to hold on to. "Don't let it go."
"Thank you, sir," Naomi said, thanking the Clown and walking away.
The Clown smiled but then quickly sighed as he left and went backstage. He sat down, looking a bit moody and sad.
"Haarr, only just one person to give balloon away. Nobody appreciates balloon arts or clowns nowadays. Maybe I should hang up my sleeve and retire…." The clown guy moaned.
"Oh, but I have a job for you to do." He jumped by the voice out of nowhere.
Behind him, Lodestone approached him and staved something inside the Clown. "Now, serve me and use that feeling of neglect and unappreciation from others to become into my Tainted!"
Meanwhile, Naomi returned to the spot but realized something. The baby crib was empty.
"OH NO! Takao is not here, and I left him alone!" Naomi shouted. "Holy Carrot, what am I going to do?! I got to find Takao quick!"
Naomi went around the amusement park to find Takao. She checked under every bench, in the bushes, in the trash bin, and everywhere she could think of, but he was nowhere to be found.
"Ah! Monster!" Someone screamed nearby.
"A monster? At this place and time?!" Naomi started as she ran to the commotion.
She then found the said monster, who looked like a terrifying version of a clown from a particular horror film. It had sharp rows of teeth in a twisted smile, red hair, and black and white makeup with glowing yellow eyes.
"Behold, ladies, and gentlemen! I present you, my hound-dog balloons!" The Clown Tainted created a red balloon of hound dogs, and as he did, it came alive and began attacking people.
"Help! Get away!" One of the bystanders screamed.
"I got to stop this one before I go back and look for Takao!" Naomi declared as she got her Cure Bracelet ready. "It's Hero Time, Pretty Cure!"
A pink light covered Naomi's body, making a white uniform appear to replace her clothes. Pink high heels replaced her shoes. Naomi put her hands over her chest, making a pink bow with a purple button, and the heart in the center appeared. Her ponytail extended and grew down to her thighs, turning into a pink color. A pink tiara with a red star in the center formed over her head as the front portion of her hair split into two bangs to make it look like an upside-down V. Her eyes became pink like most of her uniform.
Naomi punched in the air and did some kicks as she chanted. "The hero of strengths who protects and fights for justice and love! I am here, Cure Power!"
"Hey, you!" The Clown Tainted turned around and smiled evilly at Cure Power as she looked back firmly and heroically. "Stop terrorizing the people at this park and leave!"
It chuckled evilly. "Then, you will face the wrath of my balloon arts power! Go, my bloodhounds!"
The bloodhound balloon creatures ran towards Cure Power, jumping in for an attack.
Meanwhile, Yuki and Hayato just got off a roller coaster when they heard an intercom announcing the monster.
"Attention, everyone! There is a mysterious monster attacking near the Ferris Wheel area. Please do not panic and exit out of the park immediately."
"Monster?" Hayato said as her eyes widened.
"Ferris Wheel area? That's where Naomi and Takao are!" Yuki exclaimed.
"Takao!" Hayato dashed away.
"Ah, wait up!" Yuki shouted as she chased after Hayato.
Hayato had her two Cure Rings ready and touched them together as she chanted. "It's Hero Time, Pretty Cure!" She automatically transformed into Cure Dash and then ran off at superspeed.
Yuki quickly put on her Cure Ribbon, transforming into Cure Freeze. Then, she used her ice power to create an ice slide for her to ski over to move faster, but not as fast as Cure Dash.
Meanwhile, Cure Power punched every bloodhound balloon creature. Just one punch was enough to pop the balloon, but they kept coming.
"OK, now I'm starting to hate balloons," Cure Power commented. "They just keep coming!"
"Feel my wrath!" The evil Clown Tainted chuckled.
Suddenly, something zips past the balloon creatures, popping all of them. Unfortunately for the enemy, the something that did zip past was Cure Dash.
"Dash!" Cure Power exclaimed.
"Power, where is Takao?" She asked, looking worriedly.
"Um, well… I…. I am sorry, but I lost him!" She admitted.
"What?!" Dash gasped. "Naomi!"
"We will worry about Takao later, you two!" Freeze chimed in. "We have to focus on dealing with the Tainted first!"
"You will all finally appreciate my balloon art skills!" The Clown Tainted exclaimed as he created a pair of giant balloons for his arms. At the end of the peninsula was a huge inflated hand.
"It's showtime!" He declared as he held the balloon hand into a fist and began punching at the Cures.
"Watch out!" The trio dodged as the punch hit one of the attractions, destroying it.
"If we get hit by that thing, we're doom!" Cure Power exclaimed.
Cure Dash couldn't agree with her more. As much as she worries for her brother right now, they needed to deal with this Tainted first, but what can they do? She looked around and then found something. There was a broken metal pole that the Tainted Clown created, and it had a sharp point at the end.
"I have an idea!" Cure Dash dashed and grabbed the broken metal pole. "Hey, clown!"
The Clown Tainted turned over and looked at Cure Dash with a frightening expression.
"Come at me!" She dared. The Clown Tainted threw another punch, this time at Cure Dash. She pointed the metal pole at the balloon fist. It struck through and popped the balloon fist, including the arm part.
"No! My arm!" The Clown Tainted cried.
"Now, girls!" Cure Dash called.
"Icy Wind!" Cure Freeze unleashed a cold icy wind attack that blew over the Tainted, freezing him in place.
"Now, it's my time!" Cure Power had her fist charged up with energy. "Pretty Cure Heart Punch!"
Cure Dash spun around fast, creating electrical friction on her right foot. She dashed towards the Tainted and then jumped up into the air.
"Pretty Cure Heroic Kick!" Cure Dash kicked towards at the Tainted.
The Tainted Clown was immobilized by the ice, thanks to Cure Freeze. Then, Cure Power and Cure Dash attacked the Tainted, causing his balloons to pop and blown him away.
"Nnnooooooooooo!" He cried as he ran out of air and turned back into an average person.
"Mmff… What had happened?" The Clown moaned in pain before he fainted.
"Alright! The Tainted is defeated, and we saved Tomorrowland!" Cure Power chirped.
"Now we have to find Takao," Cure Freeze reminded her but then noticed something or rather someone else was missing. "Hey, where is Dash?"
"Dash? Dash!" Cure Power called out to her.
Cure Dash zipped and zapped around the entire park, trying to find her lost baby brother. "Takao! Takao, where are you?!"
She searched for him everywhere, but couldn't find him. "Takao…." She fell to her knee, transforming back to her usual self as the sun was setting down. Naomi and Yuki approached Hayato.
"Hayato, I… I'm so sorry," Naomi apologized. "If it weren't for me, Takao would not have…."
"No, Naomi. I am not upset with you for losing him. On the contrary, it is all my fault," Hayato sadly said. "I thought I could watch over him as well as hang out with you and Yuki at the same time, and there won't be any problem, but…. I guess it was too much for me to handle."
"Hayato…" Naomi felt awful for her. Yuki felt sympathetic. She remembered the time when she got lost when she was a very young girl. Her older brother managed to find her, and he was felt horrible that he blamed himself for failing her. So she understood what kind of feeling Hayato was going through now.
"Hayato?" Hayato jumped a bit and looked to her left. So did the girls, too.
There they saw Hayato's two mothers, along with Takao in the arm of her second mom.
"Bawa, Bawa," Takao happily greeted.
"Takao!" Hayato exclaimed as she ran towards him and hugged the baby. "I am so sorry, Takao! I am so sorry!"
Naomi and Yuki felt very relieved that Takao was found. He was with his and Hayato's parents. Hayato's mom explained that while they were on their date and heard the announcement about the monster attacking, they evacuated with other people, but then her second mother noticed Takao moving around on his own and picked him up. They were surprised that he was here at Tomorrowland, but seeing Hayato and her friends explained it all.
"Mom, I am sorry. I wasn't honest a couple of days ago. I wanted to hang out with my friends, but I didn't want to say no in watching over Takao while you two go on a date," Hayato apologized.
Her birth mother sighed. "Well, at least he is safe now. I know you don't want to make others worry, but that means you can't be honest with people about how you feel. So promise us that you are honest next time, OK?"
"Yes, maim," Hayato agreed.
"Well, now that settles, why don't we have something of a treat?" Her stepmother suggested.
"Oh! I know a perfect place where we can get some treats!" Naomi said excitedly. "Let's go to Yuki-chan's ice cream shop."
"I suppose that is a good idea," Yuki noted.
Along with Hayato's parents and her baby brother, the girls headed out of the amusement park to get some ice cream for some treats.
Hello, everyone! Another update for Pretty Cure Heroz! Like how the last chapter focuses on Yuki, this chapter focuses on Hayato/Cure Dash. In this chapter, we learn a little bit more about Hayato that she is helpful, but she couldn't able to say the word "No" to a request that gets in her way for her original plan. I think this is something we can agree on.
With that said, there is nothing much to say, but the next couples of chapters are going to be interesting. Please look forward to it when that comes.
Until next time, stay safe and enjoy the summer. See you later.
