Wow. This didn't take me, like, nearly THREE WHOLE MONTHS to post! My god! I'm super sorry for the long wait. I was busy was exams and life and all that fun stuff. I sincerely hope that this new episode was worth the wait. I sure hope so. I would also like to say a big thank you! I got 9,000 views on this story and I'm super happy. I also want to thank enarmonios, AnimeGirl4Ever, and Cold-heart-Angel 23, and MonoTheMonochrome for their reviews and support :)
I hope you enjoy and I promise the next episode won't take three months to post. Pinky promise ;p
*Please excuse any grammar or spelling errors
OP: Your Story Fairytale Pretty Cure – written by SAYkokoro
ED: DREAM! DREAM! DREAM! ~Waking Up Your Future~
Episode 26: |Family Reunion! Toshihiro and Tomokazu!|
Ryoma places himself promptly outside of Bell-Bell Café. With one legs crossed over the other, the Dark Charm Knight examines himself in the reflection of the display window where the Suzukawa Family have set up things from chocolate layered cakes to berry parfaits. Honestly, the bright colours were revolting to Ryoma as he tries to fix his bangs through the poor reflection. It didn't matter how many times he looked at himself, he couldn't get use to the face staring back at him. Human faces are just so blah.
"Tsk. Whatever. It looks fine," huffs Ryoma as he steps back and straights his leather jacket. "You just gotta wear this ugly mug for a little while longer." But, Ryoma can't help himself and desperately looks back at his reflection, trying to control his hair, to make it sweep over the way he wants it to. "God, when did I become so freaking narcissist?! It's fine, it's fine. Stop touching it for the love of—oh god now you just made it worse! You idiot, idiot, idi—!"
"—Can I help you with something?" Imari's curious face pops out from the front door of the café with a dollop of butter cream on the tip of her nose.
Ryoma jerks his head up and tries to casually lean up against one of the patio tables nearby. "Hey, Suzukawa…uh…w-wonderful weather we're having…huh?"
On the inside, Ryoma was dying after the words left his mouth. That's it?! That's how you're starting this?! Jeez. What. A. Charmer. Was that seriously the best thing your tiny mind could think of?
"Ryoma!" Imari bursts into a wide smile and ambushes the Dark Charm Knight with a huge hug. "It's so good to see you! Supreme smile power!"
Ryoma tensely holds his arms at his sides. Dear god she scared the crap out of me I almost shot her with dark magic! That would have been kind of a big problem. "Um…y-yeah it's, uh, g-good to see you too, Suzukawa. Uh, s-supreme smile power and all that."
Imari waves her finger in Ryoma's face, "Nope, nope, nope, nope. None of that formality nonsense. It's Imari. I~M~A~R-~I!"
Ryoma gives her a frightened smile. "I-It's g-good to see ya, I-Imari."
Instantly, Imari annoyed expression snaps back to her vivid smile. "There you go. Was that so hard, R~Y~O~M~A?"
"Jeez, you don't have to keep milking it," snorts Ryoma as he rolls his eyes. But, he stops as he looks down and sees that Imari's left arm is wrapped up in a white bandage cloth. "Uh…w-what happened to your arm?" he bursts out.
Imari gingerly looks down at her bandaged arm. "Oh, um, an Endingu attacked the school a week ago and I sprained my wrist trying to get away." Technically not a lie. "It's really not that bad. I did have it in a sling easier, but the doctor said I should be fine without one. It'll be good as new in another week or so."
"Oh," is all Ryoma manages to say, but doesn't take his eyes off Imari's harmed arm. Humans are quite...fragile. Of course, if I ever injured myself, I could simple heal it with dark magic. But, it appears humans are non-magic creature and don't possess such luxuries. How strange. Easily breakable, non-magic creatures…such weak beings. How have they not been destroyed yet?
Suddenly, a puzzled look comes over Imari as she zeroes in on Ryoma's face. "Your… your eyes?"
Ryoma froze. Oh no. What is it? What is it? Did my Disguise Spell wear off? Can she see Thames's eyes? What, what, what?! Tell me? "W-What's wrong with my eyes?" swallows Ryoma, trying to hide his panic.
Imari frowns confusedly, "N…nothing. I thought I saw something but…I guess the cupcakes are making me see things."
"Cupcakes?" echoes Ryoma.
With her unhurt arm, Imari cheerfully holds up a basket pillowed with a pink-and-white checkerboard blanket. Ryoma takes a peek inside to see a batch of small cakes cupped in polka dot paper dressed with fluffy white frosting and rainbow-coloured sprinkles with a tiny fondant heart in on top of each one.
"Aren't they cute?" beams Imari, tipping her head to the side sweetly.
The scent of vanilla hits Ryoma's nose as he fights back a disgusted hiss. "Y-yeah, super…that, yeah."
"I'm heading over Tomoka's to drop them off," explains Imari as she covers the cupcakes back up in the blanket. "Kind of as a 'thank you' after she tried to back me chocolate chip cookies a couple weeks ago."
Ryoma's ears prick up at the sound of Cure Mythical's name. "That's real…nice of you," he says, practically gagging out the word nice. "I didn't know you were close with Fukumoto. I mean, I never see you two hanging out at school."
Ryoma got a small reaction from Imari. It wasn't much, just a small nervous fidget as she sheepishly scratches the back of her head, but enough to make him smirk. "Well, you know. The one and only Club Flunk hanging around with the student council vice president would look kind of weird, you know. Haha."
"I suppose so," Ryoma simply shrugs. The Dark Charm Knight was more than tempted to dig his nails into it, but right now he needed to play his next hand carefully. The chance to snatch the Pretty Cure of Wisdom's PreHeartBook depended on it.
He lets out a fake sad sigh. "Man, I can just imagine Fukumoto's face when she sees these…a-adorable…cakes. I'm sure she'll…l-love…them." Ryoma chokes out the words adorable and love. Honestly, he's starting to become physically ill with all these flowery words.
As Ryoma hoped for, a bright smile pops up on Imari's face. "You don't have to imagine it, Ryoma. Why don't you come with me to Tomoka's and have cupcake with us!"
He could scoff at her gullible heart. I swear it's like they're begging me to steal their PreHeartBooks. "Are you sure I won't be intruding?"
"Of course not," Imari happily gleams. "The more the merrier!"
It's just too easy, thinks Ryoma with a cocky smirk. I mean, honestly, humans are so stupid—! Ryoma's thoughts are interrupted as Imari staggers where she stands and starts to fall over. Without any time to think, Ryoma reaches out and lets her falls against him. "I—uh—I—just—are—a-are you okay?"
Imari gives her head a quick shake and regains her footing. "Uh, yeah, yeah. I just…I just got a little lightheaded there for a second there. But, I'm fine." She looks up and gives him a sheepish smile. "Thanks for the save, Ryoma."
"N-n-no problem," stammers Ryoma, scratching the side of his nose awkwardly. "D-don't mention it." W-what the heck? W-why am I s-stuttering all of a sudden?
Ryoma's mind snaps back to the present as Imari seems to have already regain her energy as she dramatically thrusts the basket of cupcakes into the air. "Aaaalright! No more idle chitchat, Ryoma! Off to Tomoka's house we go!"
Before Ryoma has time to react Imari loops her arm around his and pulls him along. Ryoma feels his face heat up for a moment, but just blames it on the summer sun hanging over their heads as he struggles to step in line beside her.
"Oh! So, I've been meaning to ask, how's Yūkibarano been treating you?" says Imari as they head down the sidewalk. "I'm sure it must be hard getting use to your new surroundings and all."
Ryoma bite his tongue. Well… this stupid city is standing in the way of Kuroizado-sama trying to take over the world 'cause of you pig-headed PreCure. For obvious reasons, Ryoma doesn't say this. "Um…it's fine."
Imari sweetly tips her head to the side. "Well, I hope everyone has been giving you a warm welcome."
Aw, yes. Such a warm welcome that it's making me wanna gag every ten seconds. "Uh…yeah…everyone's been very…direct?" Especially the chicks for some strange reason.
Imari giggles at this. "Yeah. They can be a bit nosy, I must admit, but that's good! That's great! That just means everyone wants to be your friend and get to know you a little better."
Humans trying to make friends with a being of pure dark magic, Ryoma snorts. What a joke. "Why?"
Imari gives Ryoma a puzzled expression, "'Why' what?"
Ryoma bites down at his bottom lip, "Um…w-why is it that people want to make friends?"
To Ryoma's surprise, the energetic Imari doesn't answer straight away. She puts her finger to her lips as if she's really thinking and taking his question seriously. It's probably a silly thing to notice, Ryoma had seen this serious expression of Cure Fable's face before, but this was the first time Ryoma had seen it on Imari Suzukawa. It made it more…real.
"That's a tuff one," admits Imari finally as she locks eyes with Ryoma. "Well, to me, friends make you stronger."
Ryoma wobbles in the middle of his stride and feels his throat tighten for a brief moment. H-how? How does something as frivolous as friends make you stronger? What nonsense. There is only one thing in this world that makes you stronger. And that is power. "That's ridiculous," snorts Ryoma, rolling his eyes to look away from Imari.
Imari laughs as she looks straight ahead. "Yeah. You're probably right."
The two of them walk on in silent for a while after this. Imari can't feel it, but Ryoma senses the battle between them, even with ten centimetres between them. The clash of light and darkness, love and hatred, heart and mind, freedom and control. Ryoma can feel is bubbling inside, reaching every inch of his body. An itch to strike the feeble girl down, taking her heart and hope with her. An itch to hear her scream with burning tears streaming down her face as he towers over her.
Ryoma licks his lips deliciously. He can do it. Right now. She can't transform, she can't fight back. He could destroy her right now. But, he can't. He still needs her. This fact burns in his mind.
Suddenly, a cold wave of music fills the Dark Charm Knight's ears. All he can hear is the soft sound of a violin and his volition fizzle away like a stream of aurora-coloured bubbles softly floating away in the breeze.
Whisper to your heart
It will never lie to you
Murmur sweet nothings
To the dreams dancing inside
Let it cry out at last
The voice in your heart
The beautiful song makes Imari stop dead in her tracks. Her puts her hand to her heart and gasps. Her heart is pounding. It feels like the velvety sound of the violin struck her right in the heart and she can feel herself become as light as a feather, like she could leap into the air and just fly away into the bright blue sky.
Before she had time to think, Imari races forward, her heart guiding her towards the song. She thinks she can hear Ryoma call out to her followed by his footsteps racing after her, but her mind is swimming in the melody of the violin that she can't be too sure.
Imari finds herself stopped at the corner of the street, just a block away from Tomoka's house with the origin of the elegant tune standing right in front of her. The violinists is a boy, at least six years her senior, with an appearance that surprisingly clashed with the old wood of the violin in his hands.
He has a pale complexion with dark brown hair slicked jaggedly over to one side and buzz cut on the other. He has striking indigo-coloured eyes with notches on his thick eyebrows. Although only one is visible, the boy's left ear has three grey earrings; one on the earlobe, one just above, and other is a helix piercing.
The boy wears a black leather jacket with an unbuttoned grey dress shirt and dark blue tank top underneath, dark ripped jeans, and worn-out sneakers. The ragged musician in front of Imari is honestly the last person she expected to be playing such a delicate instrument like the violin. And yet, somehow, it looks perfect.
With closed eyes, the boy's fingers look they were created to play the violin in his hands. Like two puzzle pieces clicking together. The boy and the violin move together as one as the bow in his other hand effortlessly gliding across the strings, forming that graceful melody.
"Wow," gasps Imari breathlessly a bit too loud. The boy snaps his eyes open and the gorgeous song stops. Internal panic begins. "Oh! I'm sorry! I-I didn't mean to interrupt you! I-it's just…that was just so beautiful!"
To Imari's relief, the violinist lets out a lighthearted chuckle and set down his old violin. "Thanks. I can take a compliment."
Ryoma comes up behind Imari and rolls his eyes. "I think she was talking about the violin there, buddy."
The boy snickers. "Aw, come on, man. What's hotter than a guy playing the violin?"
"A guy getting thrown into a volcano," grunts Ryoma.
The boy bursts in laughter, "Fair enough." He crouches down on the ground and opens up his violin case that was leaning up against the sideway.
"Is this your first time in Yūkibarano?" asks Imari curiously.
The violinist shakes his head as he places his violin inside its case. "Nah. I grew up here. But, I've been away for far too long. Just here I'd stop by to visit the family."
Imari nods her head. "Ah, I see. That's great! You know, family is the most important thing in the world!"
The boy stands back up and gives Imari a grin. "That it is." He reaches out and pats her lightly on the head. "Well, you two have yourself a great day."
"You too," beams Imari.
The guy gives Ryoma a pat on the shoulder before swinging the violin case over his shoulder and setting off. The second the boy's hand touched Ryoma, he jumps back in alarm as a massive wave of light magic shoots through his body. Ryoma bites back a painful hiss as the touch burns through his jacket to his skin. His instincts take over as he feels his claws and fangs unsheathe. Ryoma grabs at his left arm where the violinist touched him and tries to calm his nerves, taking shaking breathes.
This doesn't go unnoticed by Imari who blinks up at Ryoma with worried eyes. "R-Ryoma? Are you okay?"
"J-just peachy," growls Ryoma as he tries to take back control.
Unsure with what to do, Imari anxiously puts her hand on Ryoma's back. Luckily, Imari no longer possessed any light magic so her touch didn't hurt Ryoma like the other man did. Her touch was actually surprisingly comforting as she starting rubbing in small circles.
Ryoma, concerned that Imari would look down and see his claws, is more than thankful to see that her attention was solely on his face. Relief washes over Ryoma as he feels both his claws and fangs retract. Back to acting like a normal junior high school student.
Then Ryoma remembers that Imari's hand is still on his shoulder and he quickly shrugs her off. "I'm fine. I'm fine," he reassures her, taking a step away from her to fix his jacket. "It's nothing, alright."
Imari took a long moment, her eyes darting all over Ryoma's face before nodding her head. "Okay."
But, of course, it wasn't nothing. Ryoma knew that much. He turns and glares down the violist as he turns a corner and disappears out of the Dark Charm Knight's sight.
That guy…that guy was overflowing with light magic, realizes Ryoma. How is that possible? He's just a normal human being. How could a human possess such strong light magic? That was strongest light magic I have ever sensed before! That kind of power…that immense level of light magic could rival Kuroizado-sama! But, that's impossible! The only thing that can match Kuroizado-sama is—!
Then, Ryoma's whole body goes numb. Only one explanation pops into his head and it makes his blood run cold. He was just in the presents of one of the legendary Fairytale Instruments!
This was not good.
"There you go, Tomoka-sama," grins one of the maid as she finishes that last ringlet of Tomoka's hair. "Now, you look perfect~!"
"Thank you very much," Tomoka smiles to the maid. She gives herself an onceover in the giant mirror in front of her. "I think this is the best job you've done yet!"
The maid beams widely. "Oh, thank you so much, Tomoka-sama! I'm so glad you like it so much!" She starts cleaning up, putting away the curling iron, hairbrush, and other hair products Tomoka couldn't even begin to name. There was this kind of cream that the maid always put in her hair that smelled like coconut and always made her hair look shiny after it dried.
"You seem a lot happier lately," murmurs the maid.
Tomoka's snaps her head. "What?"
The maid's eyes widen as if she didn't mean to say that last part out loud. "No, no, no. I-I just meant t-that you s-seem more…relaxed. M-more sure of yourself t-that's all."
Tomoka takes her glasses off of the counter in front of her and puts them on. She always thought that her thick round glasses made her more dorky that pretty, but Imari, Nijiko, Bukku, and Kuiru pop into her mind and she can't help but grin back at her reflection. They love Tomoka for who she was, flaws and all and Tomoka loved them and all their flaws just as much.
Tomoka lets out a sweet and short sigh. "Actually, I…I have been feeling a lot happier."
The maid breaks into a warm smile. "Tomoka-sama, I'm so glad to hear that." She politely bows her head and head for the door. "I'll let you get dressed now."
"W-wait!" calls Tomoka before the maid can close her bedroom door. Tomoka fidgets with her fingers before she looks back up at the maid. "C-can…y-you can just call me Tomoka."
The maid blinks in shock, but gives her mistress a soft smile as she closes the door quietly behind her. "As you wish, Tomoka."
Tomoka puffs out her chest. A warm sense of pride filling her heart as she reaches for her summer dress neatly folded on her bed and slips it over her head. It was a simple dress. Pure white with spaghetti straps and beautiful frills across the bottom and sweetheart neckline with a silky sky blue ribbon tied around the waist.
For five seconds, Tomoka pretended she was a little girl again and gives herself a quick spin in the mirror, letting the dress open like a bright white flower and twirl with her. Tomoka giggles at how childish she's acting before slipping on her matching white heels and dancing out of her bedroom.
It doesn't take long as Tomoka heads down one of the corridors for Masato to appear and step in line beside her. Tomoka can't help but grin when she looks down at Masato's lopsided bowtie. He must have been off to the side trying to fix it. And it's bugging him like crazy. Tomoka holds back a giggle as she watches Masato's grey eyes flicker from her to the crooked bowtie.
"So, what's the special occasion?" asks Masato, trying to distract himself from his poor excuse of a bowtie. "Moriki-sama picked it out, didn't he? The white-dress-that-shows-your-family's-perfection."
"Ding-ding-ding! We're got a winner ladies and gentlemen," laughs Tomoka as she starts skipping down the hallway.
"What are you so excited about?" teases Masato. "Did the next book of Colour My Heart come in today? Or, did the maid slip sugar into your tea this morning?"
"Nope, nope, nope~," sings Tomoka as she waltz down the corridor. "Hiro-oniisan is visiting~! He finished his college exams and is stopping by~!"
Masato narrows his eyes puzzled. "You're excited to see Toshihiro-sama?"
"Of course," Tomoka grins. "Why wouldn't I be?"
Masato pushes up his glasses. "I don't know. I know you guys were close growing up, but…I'm just…surprised is all. I mean…you haven't seen Toshihiro-sama since…you know."
Tomoka falters for a moment, but is determined today to keep it glued to her face. "Do you know what surprises me?" She pokes Masato hard in the chest, "That sad excuse for a bowtie."
Masato rolls his eyes and bats her hand away, earning a little giggle from Tomoka. "Bug out. I'm just having a bad bowtie day."
Tomoka shakes her head. "Here, let me fix it." She quickly unties all of Masato's hard work and loops the black tie around Masato's neck again.
Masato lets a chuckle slip from his lips as he scratches the back of his neck. "Hey, I remember when I first started working here, I had zero clue how to tie a freaking bow. So you always had to do it for me until I got the hang of it. Hehe."
"Yep," grins Tomoka as she finishes the last loop. "And apparently, five-years-later, I still have to do it for you."
Masato hangs his head back and lets out a laugh. "No way, I'm a bow-tying master."
Tomoka pats Masato on the shoulder. "Whatever helps you sleep at night, Kashima." Then, she takes a step back to admire her work. "There, perfect. Now look how sharp you are." Tomoka starts dancing around Masato, making pictures with a make pretend camera making click sounds. "Watch out ladies~! Here comes Yūkibarano's heartthrob, Masato Kashima~!"
Masato's face turns bright red and Tomoka can't help but burst out laughing. "Y-you're—shut up!" That only makes Tomoka laugh harder.
"You look like a boiled lobster," giggles Tomoka, clutching her stomach. "I wish I had a tub of butter sauce right now."
Masato looks away and stares concentrated on a painting hung on the wall. "I haven't heard you laugh like that in a long time." He crosses his arms. "Is…is that Imari's doing?"
Tomoka's chest tightens as a wave of anger suddenly pounding in her heart. "Oh, so you call Imari by her first name in front of others but not me!"
Masato blinks in surprise, "W-what?"
Tomoka fidgets with the hem of her dress. Hold up a second. Why did I just snap at Masato for that? Why am I so mad all of a sudden? All he did was mention Imari. She puts a hand to her chest. So then…why does it feels like my heart is about to crumble? "I-I-I'm sorry. I-I d-didn't mean too—"
"—Tomoka."
Tomoka and Masato jump apart and spin around to see her father, Moriki, standing like a statue at the end of the hall.
He looks at Masato with his cold, grey eyes. "If you are done chatting my daughter's ear off…" With a swift flick of his hand, he dismisses Masato.
Masato quickly bows his head. "Apologies, Moriki-sama."
Moriki glares down the young butler. "I didn't ask for your trivial apology. Now, get out of my sight."
Masato meekly bows his head again, not ever looking Tomoka in the eye as he scurries away. But, that doesn't stop her throat from tightening as anger burns in her chest.
She turns to her father and lets out a riled huff. "Father, Kashima is my best friend. You can't talk to him like that!"
Moriki's cold posture doesn't even waver. "When that young man is in my home, he will be treated like I treat all of my servants."
Servants. Tomoka has heard that word get tossed away by her father a million times, and every time it always left a bitter taste in her mouth.
"He's not that young man, father. He's Masato Kashima. And if you treat all of our maids and butlers like that, then maybe you need to change your ways."
Moriki puffs out his chest. "Where is this new bravado of yours coming from? Do not disrespect me, young lady." It's only for a moment, but his gaze flickers to the ground. "You better watch your tongue. You're beginning to sound like Tomokazu."
Tomoka opens her mouth, but closes it. She drops her head, all of this newfound boldness deflated under her father's eyes. "Y-yes, father."
Staring down at her feet, Tomoka saw only for such a short moment that it could have been a hallucination, but she thought she saw her father reach his hand to her. To gives her a pat on the head. However, he quickly swipes his hand away and stands before his daughter, unsure with what to do with himself.
"You…you look very beautiful in that dress," murmurs Moriki.
Tomoka lifts her head and tries to give her father a smile, but it was a sad effort. "Thank you, father."
Moriki nods his head. "Now, come on, Tomoka. Your mother is waiting for us."
"THIS IS FUKUMOTO-SENPAI'S HOUSE?!"
Imari lets out a laugh. "That was my first reaction too. It's, like, ten times the size of my house."
Ryoma nods his head in agreement. It's almost the size of Desolate Castle! Not quite, but too close for comfort. "Sooooo…we just walk in?"
"Ummmm kind of?" Imari hesitantly replies. "But, I don't think we'll have to. Look." Imari points her finger through the ivory gate and Ryoma follows her gaze. There was an all-white limousine parked in the front of the mansion on the opposite side of the entrances fountain. "That's Tomoka's parents, Moriki and Kana Fukumoto. But, I can't quite make out what they're doing."
Lucky for Ryoma, he can. With a body made of magic, all of his senses are heightened and are far more superior then that of a dull human. It takes a second to zero in, but Ryoma quickly spots the indigo hair of Tomoka and the thick glasses of her best friend Masato standing beside her alongside a man and a woman. They don't share Tomoka's striking indigo hair, but Ryoma easily recognizes them as her father and mother.
Tomoka's father is a strong, tall-looking man with a pale complexion and dark brown hair slicked over silver-coloured eyes. Just being about to sense Moriki's aura, Ryoma could tell he was a very grim-faced and hardhearted man. Tomoka's mother, Kana, on the other hand, had a far more soft and graceful aura. She has long, wavy black hair that she lets flow freely down her back with dark blue eyes behind rectangle-shaped glasses.
But, there is one more piece to the puzzle. Another man was standing with the Fukumoto family. His back was facing Ryoma so all he can make out is black-coloured just like Tomoka's mother.
"They seem to be talking to that man there," explains Ryoma as he glazes over to look at Imari. "I think he might be—!"
There is empty air where Imari was standing just a second ago. Ryoma looks around confusedly for the pretty-in-pink girl. He doesn't have to look fair. A couple of meters away, Imari is trying to jump up onto the white-coloured brick wall surrounding the mansion. Despite her efforts, even putting down the basket of cupcakes so she can use both hands, Imari can't reach the top of the wall and continues to slide down, scrapping the sides on her arms and a bit of her cheek that gets smushed up against the wall.
Ryoma rushes over. "What the actually heck are you doing?"
"I'm trying to get in and say 'hi' to Tomoka!" Imari sighs, a bit out of breath.
Ryoma folds his arms. "Can't we just get in through the gate?"
Imari playfully sticks out her tongue. "But this is more fun! Now help me up!"
With the hundredth eye roll of the day, Ryoma helps hoist Imari up and over the wall. He hears her feet land hard on the other side. Before Ryoma has time to over think things, he picks up the basket of cupcakes and effortlessly flies up into the air and plants himself on the opposite side of the wall with Imari.
"Wow!" beams Imari. "You made that look so easy!"
Ryoma smirks as he holds out the batch of cupcakes out to her. "Yeah, I know. I'm amazing, but let's try to stay on track."
"Right!" nods Imari as she takes the cakes. "I sure hope Moriki-san likes butter cream."
"Somehow, I can't picture a man of his stature jumping at the chance to eat a rainbow-coloured cupcake."
"Nonsense!" protests Imari, clutching her hand into a proud fist. "Everyone loves cupcakes! What's not to love?"
"Literally everything else," Ryoma mutters to himself as his comment falls on deaf ears as Imari makes her way over to the Fukumoto family. Ryoma trails behind.
Imari looks back and smiles at Ryoma. "I can't wait—"
Whatever she was going to say is completely drowned out by a voice that boomed through the whole courtyard.
"—WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!"
It makes Imari and Ryoma stop dead in their tracks. That's when Ryoma realizes that Moriki and Kana Fukumoto weren't just talking to one man. There was another too, but at a much farther distance that made him look like he could have been on a completely different planet.
"What? Can't a son pop by to say 'hi' to his family?"
Finally, Ryoma catch a glimpse of the black-haired boy. He could see now his dark hair was perfectly straight bangs which a bit parted to the side, revealing his thick eyebrows. Longer strands cupped the sides of his face with the rest of his hair slicked down his neck. Despite his icy blue eyes and thick-framed glasses, he was practically a clone of Moriki with his pale complexion, tall posture, and glaring expression that makes it look like he's never smiled a day in his life.
Imari and Ryoma exchange a look and both venture to take a step closer.
"Dang, Hiro-oniisan. Where has the time gone? Are you really 24 already?"
The icy blue-eyes boy pushes up his glasses. "I can see your math is as sharp as ever, Tomokazu."
"Awww. Ice cold, Hiro-oniisan. Now, it that any way to great your baby brother?"
Then, Imari and Ryoma see the face of "Tomokazu". A face they recognize all too well. Jagged brown hair, indigo-coloured eyes, and pierced ears with a violin case in hand.
"No way," whispers Imari with wide eyes. "That's Tomoka's brother?! He's so much different from everyone in his family! Like the black sheep or something!"
Ryoma wasn't listening to Imari's rambles. His emerald-green eyes were glued solely to the violin in Tomokazu Fukumoto's hand. Even though he was standing so far away, he could feel the light magic pulsating out of the black-coloured case with the old violin inside—with the legendary Fairytale Instrument inside.
Ryoma illuminate with desire. In the name of dark magic, I will smash that dusty old violin into a thousand pieces!
Tomoka was 8-years-old and her big brother, Tomokazu, was 13-years-old when their elder brother, Toshihiro, graduated from Minwa Academy and followed in their parents' footsteps by going to medical school to become a doctor.
Tomoka was 12-years-old and Tomokazu was 17-years-old when their father disowned him and he left home to pursue his love of music with his violin slung over his back.
Now, Tomoka is 14-years-old and Tomokazu is 19-years-old and he has returned.
And the first that came out of their father's mouth was, "So, you've finally given up on that ludicrous dream of yours. Better late than never."
Tomokazu shook his head. "Actually, I've got a gig here in town and wanted you to come watch."
Moriki's face hardened. Masato reaches out and grabs Tomoka's hand. Tomoka squeezes back. This is too much. I don't think I'm strong enough to handle this.
The tension between Moriki and Tomokazu is almost unbearable. She felts her throat tighten and tries letting out small gasps to breath.
"Just breathe, Tomoka," Masato murmurs into her ear. "Keep squeezing my hand and just keep breathing." Masato lightly strokes his thumb over Tomoka's knuckles. "Count to ten. You can do that, Tomoka. Just count to ten."
Tomoka bobs her head to let Masato that she can hear him. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7—
"—You just couldn't be a good son could you," snaps Moriki as he raises his voice. "It's just too hard for you to listen to your father! Music isn't a career, Tomokazu! It's a cute little hobby at best!"
Tomoka squeezes Masato's hand harder. 1, 2, 3, 4—
"—Dad, music is real career! Just look at Juno Light! She gets to do what she loves!"
"Juno Light? Of course she's some form of delusional inspiration to you! That foolish lady got lucky chasing that fantasy of hers," shouts Moriki, his grey eyes cold as ice. "She was the heiress of the Ōmitsu name. But, instead, that foolish lady got lucky chasing that fantasy of hers! Do you hear me? Luck!"
"Just stand down, Tomokazu," says Toshihiro, pushing up his glasses. "Maybe it's time to face the facts. Realistically, sitting around playing on your little guitar isn't going to get you anywhere."
1…2…3…Tomoka closes her eyes. She's heard it all before. This continuous argument that ends with someone storming off. Storming off and never coming back. Tomoka couldn't go through it again. She can't lose Tomokazu again.
"Tomoka?"
Tomoka's eyes burst open and she looks up. At first, she thought she hallucinated this, but then her whole family turns their heads. "I-I-Imari?" Sure enough, the chestnut brown-haired girl with the crisscross hairclip is racing towards her alongside a boy with dark purple hair and matching green eyes, "A-A-Aisaki?"
"Hey," smiles Tomokazu, pointing over to them. "I remember these two. I bumped into them on my way here. Are you one of my sister's friends?"
"Yeah," beams Imari. "But, geez, I had no idea you were Tomoka's brother. It's nice to mean you properly."
The warm welcome doesn't last long as Moriki eyes down Imari. "You. I remember you. Imari Suzukawa. This isn't the first time you've graced me with your presents. How did you get inside?"
"We climbed over the wall," states Imari bluntly. Masato smacks his forehead beside Tomoka.
"That's nice," says Moriki coldly. "Now…get out."
Imari frowns. "But, we come baring sweets!" Imari holds up the basket of cupcakes. "You never know, a little bit of sweetness might help."
Moriki's eyes fill with rage. "Did you not hear me you pigheaded girl? I said GET OUT!" With a strong swing of his arm, Moriki knocks the basket out of Imari's hand, sending it and the cupcakes flying into the fountain.
Imari looks down in dismay at the basket floating upside-down in the water and all off her hard work sinking to the bottom of the fountain.
"Imari," murmurs Tomoka. "I-I'm so…" Tomoka shakes her head and, with her body moving on her own, she bundles up her dress so it comes up passed her knees and steps into the fountain.
"Tomoka!" gasps Kana. "Oh! Don't do that, honey! You're gonna get all wet!"
But, Tomoka doesn't care as she walks deeper into the water. She reaches down and picks up the basket, the pink-and-white checkerboard cloth falls out soaking wet. She quickly picks it up and places it back inside the basket before she squats down to pick up every single ruined cupcake. The frosting had slid right off the cakes in the water, but Tomoka still places all of the sweets back inside the basket before stepping out of the fountain, her legs and the hem of her dress soaking wet.
"Kashima," says Tomoka as she clutches the basket against her chest. "Can you help me find some dry clothes inside?"
Masato blinks, before giving her a nod and leading her towards the mansion. Tomoka reaches out and grabs Imari's hand and leads her and Ryoma with her.
As she passes by her father and looks up and frowns. "We are not going to lunch, father! Not until you apologize to my friend and drop this stupid feud with Kazu-oniisan!"
Before her father has time to reply, Tomoka stomps up the stairs with Masato, Imari, and Ryoma and closing the door front door loudly behind her.
"Oooooomigod!" gasps Imari as the group makes it to her friend's bedroom. "Tomoka, that was amazing! You were all 'I'm standing up to you!' and your dad was like 'whoa!'"
Masato nods his head, "Yeah, Tomo—um—Fukumoto-san! That was crazy! I've never seen you so bold—!"
Tomoka leans up against her bedroom door and looks up at Masato with huge puppy dog eyes. "—I can't believe I just did that! Why? Whhhhy?!" She sinks down to the ground, worry and depression lines swarming her. "I'm doomed! Father is going to kill me! What have I DOOOOONE?!"
Masato and Imari both share a sweat drop on the side of their heads, "Uh, never mind."
Ryoma, on the other hand, isn't paying attention to Tomoka's incredibly hilarious freak out or Masato or Imari, he's face one of the walls of Tomoka's room. He has a warped smile on his face and his right eye is twitching like a mad man. "Um…Fukumoto…what the heck is this?"
Imari glances over at what Ryoma's looking at and her jaw hits the floor. The entire wall is filled head-to-toe with romance manga framed in hearts and lights. Hundreds upon hundreds of girls with boys, girls with girls, and boys with boys either holding hands, kissing, or about to kiss.
Tomoka lets out a squeak as she bolts from the door and leaping over to try and cover Imari and Ryoma's face. "Don't look! Don't look! Omigod! So embarrassing! SO EMBARRASSING!"
"That. Is. A. Lot. Of…yeah," stammer Imari and Ryoma in unison. "You need help, Tomoka. Or a boyfriend. Stat."
"It's not that bad," pouts Tomoka, trying to drown her blushing face in her hands. "I-I'm a hopeless romantic, alright!"
Ryoma points to one of the manga on the hurricane of bookshelves. "Colour My Heart. Hey, that's the one that you had on you when we first bumped into each other. Literally, might I add."
"Yes!" gushes Tomoka, grabbing hold of Ryoma by the shoulders. "But, gosh, has this series gone downhill!"
"I don't really care," says Ryoma.
"Momoko and Minato should become a couple!" exclaims Tomoka, deaf to Ryoma's comment. "I mean, their childhood friends and are best friends! Momoko is in love with Minato, but he's completely oblivious and just sees her as a little sister! It's so annoying!"
"Uh huh," moans Masato.
"But then, but then Minato starts having feelings for Iori!" whines Tomoka. "I mean, he didn't even like her when they first met!"
Imari and Masato exchange a worried look for their friend's sanity.
"I love Iori, don't get me wrong, but she should be with Ryuta! They're a much better match and bring out the best in each other!"
"I mentioned that I didn't care, right?" hums Ryoma as he shares a glance with Imari.
"None of you understand!" Tomoka dramatically whimpers.
Masato pats Tomoka on the top of her head. "There, there."
Tomoka hangs her head back and lets out a well needed sigh. "I think I need to be alone right now before father finds me and kills me." Tomoka grabs one of the mushy cupcakes from basket.
"Um, Tomoka? Those cakes are ruined now," points out Imari.
Tomoka takes a bite anyways. "You had to eat one of my disgusting cookies; this is payback for you having to do that." With that, Tomoka pops the rest into her mouth and heads out the door.
Imari, Ryoma, and Masato stand in silence for a long moment after that.
Imari eventually turns to Masato. "Sooooo…do you guys have a bathroom I could use?"
Luckily, Tomoka found the nearest balcony was empty. No father. No mother. No big brothers. Just Tomoka and the view of the private garden below her. But, she wasn't alone for along.
"Moka-chan?"
There was only one person in the world who calls her Moka-chan. Tomoka face lights up when Tomokazu appears beside her, leaning his weight on the irony railing. "Sooooo. Things have been going well sense I've been gone."
Tomoka lets out a bitter chuckle. But, takes a minute to think it over. "Actually, things…things outside of the house have been a lot better."
"Everything is better than being inside of this house," Tomokazu snickers, gingerly scratching the back of his neck. "But, I probably made things worse though." He shrugs. "You know, by coming back."
Tomoka shakes her head. "Don't say that, Kazu-oniisan." She feels tear pricking her eyes. "I missed you, oniisan."
Tomokazu doesn't even hesitate as he slings his arm over his baby sister's shoulder and pulls her into a hug. "God, I missed you too, Moka-chan. I…I should have some back sooner. I'm so sorry."
Tomoka buries her head into her shoulder and frantically shakes her head. "No, no, no. P-please don't apologize. I-I would never have wanted you to stay if that meant you had to become something you're not."
"I still should've come back sooner," murmurs Tomokazu as he rests his chin on the top of her head. "I abandoned you. I left you to pick up the pieces I felt behind. I should never have done that. What kind of a big brother am I? I pretty lousy brother. That's what I am."
Tomoka shakes her head. "No, you're not a lousy brother. Because…because you did came back." Tomoka hugs her brother tighter. "You came back to fix things."
"I wish it didn't take me two years to do it," mutters Tomokazu before letting a laugh of disbelief. "Two years! I can't even believe it's been two whole years!"
He pulls away and smiles down at his little sister. "God, I can't believe how big you've gotten though! You're almost as tall as me now, Moka-chan! You look so different!"
Tomoka lets out a bright laugh. "I look different? Look at you, Kazu-oniisan! You have spiky hair and pierced ears! And contacts too! You look so cool! Like a rock star!"
"God, I sure hope so," laughs Tomokazu. "I mean, that's what I was going for." The two share a lighthearted laugh before reality has to tap them on the shoulder.
Tomokazu's clenches his jaw and looks out at the garden. "So, you here to kick me out, Hiro-oniisan?"
Tomoka frantically shakes her head as she looks up at her eldest brother with pleading eyes. "Please don't, Hiro-oniisan! It's not fair! Can't I just talk to Kazu-oniisan a bit longer?"
Toshihiro, despite his strong and towering figure, looks down at the ground and shoves his hands into his dress pants as he steps out onto the balcony. "I'm not father," he murmurs. "If he wants to kick you out Tomokazu, he can come do that himself."
Tomoka and Tomokazu open up to their elder brother and he slouches between them, leaning his elbows on the railing.
"The Fukumoto Siblings reunited at last," jokes Tomokazu as he swings an arm over his older brother's shoulders, earning a half-hearted chuckle from him. "So, how's medical school going for ya, Hiro-oniisan? Got to cut anybody open yet? Feel their heart beating in your hand?! Come on, oniisan! Give me the gruesome details!"
Tomoka can't help but smiling quietly, seeing her brothers together again sharing an overdue laugh. Toshihiro fixes his glasses as his younger brother shakes him eagerly. "You make it sound more fun than it actually is."
Tomokazu leans his head back and laughs. "What? Being a doctor for daddy not what you dreamed it would be?"
Toshihiro shakes his head. "Believe it or not, I didn't want to become a doctor because of father or mother."
"You're right, I don't believe it," says Tomokazu, sticking out his tongue, making Tomoka let out a giggle.
Toshihiro snickers. "No, I'm serious. Well…maybe not at the beginning. But, now…I think this is something I want for myself. To save people. To heal people. I think that's something I actually want to do. Something I think I can do." Toshihiro scratches the back of his neck. "Sorry, I'm rambling. I've just had a lot of…troubles?—argh! I don't know! My mind is kind of all over the place right now."
"What?" Tomokazu teasingly blinks at his brother, "Our cool and level-headed big bro being scatterbrained? I've seen it all folks."
"Shut up," pouts Toshihiro, whacking his younger brother in the arm.
Tomoka bit her bottom lip. "I missed this," she blurts out. Both brothers snap their heads to look over at her. She looks down and starts fidgeting with the hem of her summer dress. "I-I-I mean…I missed this"—she swirls her finger between them—"us. Together l-like when we w-were kids. I-I've really missed this."
"Awwww," teases Tomokazu, reaching over and patting his baby sister on the head. "You getting emotional all us, Moka-chan?"
"M-maybe."
Toshihiro sheepishly combs his fingers through his bangs. "I…I missed this too."
"Argh! I'm surrounded by emotional trainwrecks," complains Tomokazu.
Toshihiro jabs his brother in the arm with his elbow.
"For the one-millionth time, the washroom is just around the freaking corner! How is that so hard to understand?"
"There is no way in heck I'm using that nightmare of a bathroom," gasps Imari as she pins herself against the wall of Tomoka's bedroom. "That toilet didn't even look like a toilet! It was so kind of brain control machine from the future! I swear I even heard it growl at me! And since when do you need buttons to do your business?"
"Would you stop being a baby and just go," groans Masato, taking off his glasses to rub his eyes irritably.
"No! I've decided I'm just gonna hold it in," pouts Imari.
As Imari and Masato bicker back-and-forth, Ryoma stand there ready to explode. I just need these idiots to leave the room! Just for minute so I can look around. This is Cure Mythical's private champers, her PreHeartBooks has to be in here somewhere!
Ryoma takes a shaky breath. And then…and then I can go after the PreCure's brother and destroy that Fairytale Instrument with my bare hands! I just need to think! Think, Thames. THINK!
"Ryoma? Are you okay?" asks Imari suddenly, blinking at him with worried eyes. "You're breathing started getting all weird."
Ryoma covers his mouth with hand, hiding a mischievous smirk. Oh, sweet and innocent Cure Fable. Always worrying about others when you should be selfish and think just about yourself. That's how you lost the ability to transform and now your naïve kindness is gonna cost you your teammate's powers too. "Actually…no. I'm feeling kind of lightheaded. I think…I think I need to sit down."
To make it more believable, Ryoma faults a bit, presses himself up against Imari who quickly reaches out to support him and lead him to the nearest place to sit down which was Tomoka's bed.
Even Mr. Spick-and-Span was starting to look considered. Ryoma places a hand over his forehead. "I think…I think I'm a bit dehydrated. The walk here in the sun was kinda thing, you know."
"I'll go get you some pain killers," says Masato as he walks over to the bedroom door.
"And I can fetch you some water," nods Imari as she follows the butler. "You just sit here. We'll be right back."
Ryoma bobs his head weakly and smiles up at them. "Thanks."
Imari leads the way out of Tomoka's room and Masato closes the door gently behind him. Ryoma immediately stands up and puts his ear to the room. Just as he hears the sound of their footsteps quiet down, Ryoma makes his move.
Ryoma quickly scans the room. Desk. He races over to Tomoka's writing desk and starts frantically searching through all her drawers. Nothing but school papers, pens, pencils, erasers—no PreHeartBook. Bed. Ryoma lifts up the mattress—nothing. He gets down and his hands and knees to look under the bed—zilch. Dresser. Ryoma opens up each drawers—zero. Closet. Ryoma opens up the walk-in closet, but comes out empty handed.
"Where is this stupid book," curses Ryoma. "I mean, is Cure Mythical really that smart or am I just that dumb? No, definitely not the second. For sure."
Just then, Ryoma darts to something on the floor. A ribbon? Ryoma gets down on his knees and picks up the sky blue ribbon. It very incredibly soft as he rubs his fingers across it and, somehow, miraculously warm.
Oh wait, realizes Ryoma suddenly. I recognize this ribbon. Yeah, it was the blue ribbon Tomoka had tied around her waist. It must have fallen of as she stormed out of the room.
Just as Ryoma is about to toss the blue ribbon aside, the smooth ribbon illuminates a soft pale blue glow. Ryoma lets out a very unmanly squeak and stumbles back in surprise, pressing his back up against the bed, dropping the ribbon as he does.
To Ryoma's wonder, the sky blue ribbon morphs into a book. But, not just any book, Cure Mythical's PreHeartBook!
"Those sneaky PreCure," chuckles Ryoma as he reaches out for the PreHeartBook. "That's sure a fancy trick you got there. But, not tricky enough."
But, just as Ryoma's fingertips brush the PreHeartBook, the book suddenly snaps open, making Ryoma flinch in shock.
"Geez, is there already another Endingu attack, Tomoka?" asks a voice from the pages of the PreHeartBook.
A ball of light pops out of the PreHeartBook and the one and only Prince Bukku De La Hope Wish Von Dream Star appears, fixing the oversized crown in his head.
"Man, these Dark Charm Knights just don't know when to quit~buku," says Bukku as he looks up. "I swear, if I could, I'd give them a big punch right in the—!"
Bukku blinks.
Ryoma blinks.
Bukku tips his head to the side.
Ryoma tips his head to the side.
Bukku points up at Ryoma. "You are definitely not Tomoka."
Next Time on Fairytale Pretty Cure!
Imari: Do you think your dad is gonna re-disown your brother?
Tomoka: Re-disown? Is that even possible?
Bukku: Uh…guy~buku.
Tomoka: And also, re-disown isn't even a real word.
Bukku: Guys~buku. Girls~buku! Hello~buku? Cute fairy prince here~buku.
Imari: Well, I'm making it a real word today.
Bukku: GUYS~buku! We have a big problem~buku!
Tomoka: I know. I'm not going to let father kick Kazu-oniisan out! Not again!
Bukku: NO~buku! Not that~buku! I'm talking about—argh~buku! Forget it~buku!
Tomoka: The Melody of Wisdom! Secrets We Share!