A/N: Decided it was time for another Gaiden entry. Now this one came to me partly because this particular character hasn't had any backstory and she's set to have a somewhat key role in a forthcoming Valkyrie Advent chapter. Partly because it's a Gaiden I've had my mind on and it's an expansion on a friend's plot bunny (Belletiger!). Also partly to show this character's role expansion outside the Character Corner universe stuff. This is her official YYGDM-canon backstory!
This tale will tell the story of one Hina Inuki, little sister of Aoshi!
(Edit: Lazer helped me fix a few errors and tweak Hina's 2-year-old dialogue in the 2004 section.)
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Hospital/August 1, 2002
(Cue Wolf Children OST - Meguri)
The day of her birth was finally here. The loving Inuki couple, Okami and Suzuno, gazed over their newly born second child. Suzuno held the small pale child with tufts of light bluish hair. Unlike most other newborns who were crying, Hina was asleep in her mother's loving embrace.
"We've given life to a beautiful-looking child, Okami," Suzuno said, cradling the infant in her arms.
"She has your face."
"And she has your eyes."
Okami asked his wife. "Have you decided a name for her honey?"
Suddenly, a small boy, no older than eight, walked in and noticed his mother holding the newborn. He curiously approached his mother's bedside and eyed the baby.
"Aoshi, say hello to your sister," Suzuno greeted her son with a warm smile. She let Aoshi lean over to touch the infant's face.
"Whoa, she's so soft!"
"Of course, because she's a baby, silly boy!" Suzuno giggled over her son's innocent reaction.
"Poppa, is she like us?" Aoshi turned to Okami.
Okami nodded and replied. "Yes, but she may even be more special than either of us."
"Special? In what way, poppa?"
Okami walked over and asked Suzuno to hold their child. As she did so, Okami cradled Hina in his arms.
"My beautiful daughter, one day you're going to stand out among all other Lycans of our time," Okami nuzzled his nose against hers, causing her to awaken.
Suzuno smiled to her husband. "Do you see great things coming out of our daughter, dear?"
"Indeed, Suzuno. And we will do our best to guide her down the right path." Okami turned around facing Aoshi.
"And you'll help set a good example for your sister. Aoshi, be the best big brother you can be."
"I will, poppa," Aoshi nodded obediently. He approached Okami, who lowered Hina over to his level. He grabbed her tiny pinky finger. "I promise I'll be the best brother you'll have, Hina!"
"Hina?" Suzuno suddenly taken a liking to the name Aoshi given her. "Yes, Hina Inuki. What do you think, dear?"
"I like it. Aoshi, you've saved us the trouble, my son."
"You're welcome, father," Aoshi grasped Hina's tiny hand. "Welcome to our family, Hina!"
(End theme)
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Hina Inuki: A White Wolf's Tale, Part I
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Shibuya District/Inuki Dojo & Residence/August 20, 2004/4:45 PM
"Heheheh!" Loudly giggled an eccentric bundle of joy, who just recently reached the terrible twos.
Aoshi darted through his family's garden searching for his little sister.
"Where are you, Hina?! Come on out!"
"Hehehe, here!" The child, a dark blue and short-haired girl in a light blue yukata, squealed out behind him.
(Cue Wolf Children OST - Ne ne)
As Aoshi turned around, his sister vanished in a blur. He headed straight into some bushes. He stopped for a moment and used his nose to pick up Hina's scent. His nose twitched so much he could recognize his sister's particular scent.
"Ok, Hina, it's over. You know my nose is very good at finding things!" Aoshi boasted as he opened a vase to find nothing. He turned around and opened another. Nothing. He stopped at another. Instead of opening it, he whistled and walked away. "Ok, I give up, Hina. You win!" He started off leaving the vase behind.
Taking heed of her brother's defeat, Hina poked her head out. She scanned around and sighted no signs of her brother. With a sneaky grin, Hina popped out of the vase giggling.
"Aoshi!"
Then, when she turned, she bumped right into Aoshi. Aoshi looked down at her grinning from ear to ear.
"Hi, Aoshi!"
Aoshi mocked her. "Hi, Aoshi!" He quickly scooped her up under an armpit and carried her back into the dojo. "Hey, dad! Little sis is becoming a sneak! This is the third time she's slipped past me today!"
Having finished teaching his last class, Okami sipped his tea on the porch. He saw Aoshi carrying Hina under his arm.
"Did she sneak off under your watch again?"
"Because she's always on the move! Seriously I wasn't this bad!"
"Oh believe me, you were, Aoshi."
"No way."
Hina giggled.
"You should respect your big brother!"
"Bleh!"
"Ok, you two. Knock it off," Okami sighed as she took Hina off from Aoshi. "Go help your mother around with some chores. Leave Hina with me."
"Fine ok." He sighed and walked off, getting a cute raspberry from his little sister. He growled between his teeth and stormed off.
"You like giving your big brother a hard time, don't you?" Okami chuckled as he patted Hina's head.
"Yeah!" Hina laughed out.
(End theme)
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Inuki Dojo & Residence/September 11, 2004/Midnight
(Cue Underworld: Rise of the Lycans OST - The Wolves Den)
On one night, the young child awoke with a cold sweat in her bed. She felt a painful sensation swept through her body. Initially, she didn't scream, or utter a single sound. Then, the pain became overbearing. Hina shifted back and forth in her bed, yelping and howling. This alarmed her parents and brother, who entered her room. They saw Hina sitting up crying.
"Hina!" Aoshi cried out.
"HINA!" Suzuno screamed in horror as she and Okami rushed over to her side.
As they approached their daughter, they smelt a horrendous scent leaking out of Hina. Aoshi's nose knew this all too well. He remembered this scent when he transformed into his Lycan form the first couple of times, and he remembered exactly how painful it was to endure.
"Poppa… momma… Aoshi…" Hina whimpered painfully like a puppy. She looked down at her PJs and noticed white hair forming along her arms and legs.
"Hina!" Suzuno teared up as she reached for her.
Hina instinctively rolled out of bed and bolted out the door.
"Hina!" Aoshi cried out and rushed after her.
As Okami tended to his crying wife, he knew this was the sign of her first transformation.
"So, it's happening now. The exact same thing happened to Aoshi when she was his age."
"Hina…" Suzuno cried.
(End theme)
xxxxx
Upon arriving outside the dojo, Aoshi confronted Hina, who was on all fours near the garden. He saw the torn pajamas lying beside Hina. The boy's eyes widened as he sighted his sister, who was no longer in human form. In place of the dark blue-haired girl was a small white wolf pup with silver eyes. She looked frightened as evident by her ears bending back and her tail folded between her legs.
"Hina," Aoshi whispered as he walked over to her.
"Big brother…" Hina whimpered, turning her head away and not giving him a glance.
"You're…. You're a white wolf like dad said you'd be!"
"Huh?"
"I'm a wolf, too, and you're my sister," he genuinely said, crouching over to meet her at eye level. He reached out to caress her face and snout.
(Cue Fruits Basket OST - Secret)
As she felt her brother's genuine touch, Hina's anxiety slowly subsided. Not once did her brother give her a judgmental look for turning into a wolf. Hina was reminded she was in a family, besides her human mother, of Lycans.
To further emphasize his assurance, Aoshi let his ears become wolf's ears. Hina blinked twice and yelped excitedly at Aoshi's wolf ears. He made them twitch, eliciting some laughter from her.
"They do a lot of funny tricks. I can even make them fold." Aoshi made his ears fold down and point up.
"Heheh!"
"Glad you're amused," Aoshi muttered, feeling embarrassed right in front of their parents, who watched the sibling bonding.
Hina wagged her tail and raced around him. "Love you, Aoshi!"
"Me, too, Hina."
Suzuno's tears went away as she watched her children interact. Okami observed quietly happy for his daughter.
"Her transformations will take some getting used to, but don't be alarmed if the next time she transforms in this manner, Suzuno. You remember Aoshi's transformations?"
"Yes, and you had a bracelet forged to subdue his Lycan transformations. Will you do the same for Hina?"
"Once she's ready to go out into the real world, yes, but I won't be enforcing harsh restrictions like I did with Aoshi."
"Dear, but aren't white Lycans rare?"
Okami nodded to his wife. "Yes, there were once clans of white Lycans that inhabited the Makai ages ago. However, they were hunted to near extinction for their pure beautiful white fur. Legends state their fur has healing and magical properties, but there's greedy individuals who want them for profit. That's why we must conceal her presence from greedy demons, demon hunters, and Black Club members. They're the scum that will stop at nothing at seeking Hina for profit."
Hearing this, Suzuno became fearful. "Then, yes, I'm ok with forging another bracelet for her safety."
"Hina is but only one of two white Lycans remaining alive today. The other is an elder of a clan. One day, when she becomes of age, she will be required to see him."
"But, that time isn't now?"
"No, she's still a child now. Let's allow her to enjoy her childhood until then," Okami smiled watching Aoshi chase Hina around the garden.
(End theme)
Hina hopped over Aoshi and landed on his head. As Aoshi fell back, Hina leaned her face over his and licked him.
"Oh, you've got me!"
Hina barked. "Yeah!"
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Inuki Residence & Dojo/February 17, 2005/3:45 PM
Sitting on the sidelines, Hina watched her father teaching a class. On her right wrist is a silver bracelet, which helped to suppress Hina's Lycan nature. Every once a while, Hina is given permission to remove it to release her Lycan form to better adjust her transformations, unlike Aoshi, who was forbidden from ever taking his suppression bracelet off until his father forced it off him.
With keen eye, Hina watched her father throw punches, kicks, and karate techniques. This became a frequent routine for her. She'd watch her father train and spar with students. Her Lycan senses picked up on the movements faster than the students her father was teaching. She studied each moves and asked for a private spar session.
Hesitant to physically throwdown with his child, Hina insisted to become strong like him and his brother. Naturally, Suzuno was against it, but was constantly reminded their children were physically stronger and durable than normal human children. However, he vowed to restrain from going too far.
(Cue Wolf Children OST - Gasabura Taata)
One day, Hina and Okami met in the dojo alone.
"Are you sure you want to do this, Hina?"
"Yeah, I wanna be strong like you, poppa!"
Okami smiled. "Then, do your best to catch me."
Nodding, Hina rushed at Okami and tried to grab him. Okami parried his daughter's hands quickly and lightly brushed her aside. Hina whirled around and sprinted toward him. She lunged for his legs, but he sidestepped her. Hina landed on all fours and jumped at him.
"Not bad, Hina, for your first try!"
"I will get you, poppa!" Hina shouted.
Okami beckoned his daughter to get him. Like the naive child she was, she took her father's bait and ended up getting swept off her feet. Hina landed on her butt hard. Rather than cry, she got up and turned to meet her father's determined glare.
"I won't give up, poppa!"
Okami smiled. "If you can catch me, then I'll teach you."
"You promise?"
"I promise."
Hina pointed to him. "I will get you!" She rushed forward to live up to her promise.
Looking on from a corner, Aoshi and Suzuno watched father and daughter spar.
"Sheesh, father rarely did this with me."
"I hope Hina will be ok."
"Ah, she'll be ok, mom. Any normal kid would be crying about now, but not Hina. She's a Lycan like me!"
After another failed attempt to catch Okami, Hina stood and adamantly dashed forward to get her father.
(End theme)
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March 24, 2005/5:50 PM
With time, Hina didn't give up. After time and time, she'd try to catch Okami to learn self defense under him. Each time Okami would leave Hina in the dust and laying on her bottom contemplating how she would catch him.
Then, one day she finally caught him. When he dodged her, Hina hopped on a barricade. Using it like a springboard, she launched herself into Okami's back and grabbed his waist. This tactic proved effective and enough to catch the martial art's master off guard.
(Cue Wolf Children OST - Taiyou wo Motta hi)
"Well done, Hina! You've finally caught me!"
Hina grinned. "I did it! I did it!" She cried out excitedly.
"Now, we can start your training, but let's take it a little at a time."
"Yay!" She cheered and hugged her father while still hanging on his waist.
Aoshi watched proudly. "Well done, Hina."
xxxxx
Shortly after completing her test, Okami sat down to teach his daughter the basics. Much to his surprise, Hina picked up on his techniques very quickly. Though, he also wasn't too shocked since Hina was always there to watch him spar with and teach his students.
Okami and Hina stood side by side throwing punches together. Hina mimicked her father's every single move.
"Hee-ya!" Hina screamed out, kicking into the air. "Whoa!" She nearly tripped and fell back until Okami caught her.
"Be careful with your balance, Hina."
"Thank you, poppa."
"You want to continue?"
"Yeah… I mean…" Hina stood and replied politely. "Yes, poppa-sensei."
xxxxx
July 9, 2005/4:30 PM
Months after her first training sessions, Hina was actively getting involved with her father's classes. She helped clean the dojo after classes and sparred with child students.
Hina quickly judo slammed a boy to the floor. The boy couldn't take losing a spar with a girl and tried to tackle her from behind. As Aoshi attempted to intervene, Hina swept the student off his feet and pinned him down.
"That wasn't nice!" Hina reproved the boy's cowardly attack. "Say you're sorry."
"I...I'm sorry…! I'm sorry! I won't do it again!"
Hina got off the boy and helped him up. "Good, let's train hard again."
Suzuno was taken aback by Hina's responsible demeanor. "She's definitely taking after her father."
"Yeah, I was never this responsible around the dojo," Aoshi was seemingly impressed.
The students left bowing to Okami and Hina.
"Hina, I'm proud you're becoming a responsible young lady. Responsibility is a defining character you'll need in life."
"Thanks, poppa! I'll keep making you proud!"
Okami reached down and patted Hina's head, causing her to blush. If there was anything she enjoyed as much as praise, it was head pats. It was an adult's message of telling her, 'Well done. I'm proud of you.'
"And guess what, poppa? I do feel a little stronger now."
"That's good to know, Hina. I hope you become a strong and beautiful lady one day."
(End theme)
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Azabu-Juuban Park/April 3, 2006/3:30 PM
It was the beginning of the school year and a turning point in Hina's life. She had left from her first day at grade school. She walked along with her parents as they took her to the park. They didn't give her an exact reason, but it was to meet with an old friend of Okami's.
(Cue Wolf Children OST - Anata ga Amu Sekai)
"Poppa? Momma?" Hina curiously asked as the couple approached a tall and exotic-looking beautiful woman with long dark green hair. She was garbed in what looked like a white lab coat.
"Setsuna, you might remember my daughter, Hina? She was but an infant the last you met her," Okami reintroduced her to Hina. "Now, Hina, you might not remember her, but Miss Setsuna came to visit when you were born."
Hina stared in awe at Setsuna's exotic and mysterious presence. Normally, she'd be nervous around unfamiliar people, but she felt good vibes emanate from Setsuna.
"Why hello, Hina Inuki. My, you've grown into a cute little lady," Setsuna patted Hina's head.
"H-Hello, pretty lady," Hina replied.
"Her name is Miss Setsuna, dear," Suzuno corrected her.
"Oh, it's quite all right. She may call me however she wishes." Setsuna caressed Hina's cheek.
Hina smiled and nodded. "Miss Setsuna, you feel and smell very nice."
"Must be my perfume," Setsuna joked, eliciting a laugh from Suzuno.
"Hina, do you like clocks?" Setsuna asked the child.
She nodded, to which Setsuna opened Hina's hand and placed a locket shaped like a clock in her hand. Hina scanned the locket and noticed a necklace string attached to it.
"May this give you good luck, Miss Hina, and may it help you in school. You'll have to get on time to classes, yes?"
Hina stared at the locket and nodded. "Yeah. Thank you, Miss Setsuna!"
"And you've raised her to be very polite. You've done splendid work, Okami and Suzuno," Setsuna patted Hina's head and genuinely smiled to the couple.
"I can't take all the credit with teaching her manners. I taught her responsibility."
"Even better," Setsuna said.
"Will I see you again, Miss Setsuna?" Hina asked her.
"Perhaps. I think we'll be seeing each other more often."
"Yay!" Hina cheered as she hugged Setsuna's legs.
(End theme)
Okami and Suzuno watched their daughter bond with a woman, who'd become like a godmother for her. With time, Hina and Setsuna would have more fated encounters.
However, there was one encounter neither would've foreseen.
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Hina's Room/Inuki Dojo & Residence/March 10, 2009/10:30 PM
One evening, it was Hina's bedtime. After her mother tucked her into bed, Hina feel deep asleep to prepare for another day by sunrise.
Unbeknownst to Hina, she didn't count on her locket moving on its own and emitting a subtle blue glow. Hina's ears twitched as she awoke to the ground of the locket moving about.
(Cue Sailor Moon Crystal OST - Omen of Doom)
"Huh? What?" Hina watched the locket move. "It's moving?" She reached for the locket and accidentally opened it, which released a bright flash of white light. "Ah! What's happening?!" She watched as the light enveloped her from head to toe. "Momma, poppa, Aoshi!"
The couple and Aoshi bolted into the room as they saw Hina being engulfed by the mysterious light.
"HINA!" Okami and Suzuno shouted together.
"HINA! HOLD ON!" Aoshi rushed forward to pull Hina away from the light.
When Aoshi attempted to grab Hina, the light repelled him. Hina's body froze instantly as the light swallowed her up and made her vanish. The locket, too, went with Hina in the blink of an eye.
"Hina…" Suzuno sank to her knees crying as Okami comforted her.
Aoshi came to and sniffed for Hina's scent. "She's gone. I can't smell her anywhere!"
"No… Hina…"
"That locket Setsuna gave Hina… how and why did it do this?" Okami wondered. Recalling Setsuna giving Hina the locket as a gift. "It hasn't done this until now. We need to ask Miss Setsuna to help us." Hina, we'll find you! No matter what it takes!
(End theme)
xxxxx
?-?
Hina awoke in the center of an endless white space. There was a thick fog shrouding the limitless vicinity. Hina scanned her surroundings.
"Where am I? Momma? Poppa? Aoshi?" Hina begged for her family to come for her. When she got no response, she worried. As she failed to find their scent, she cried. "Please, poppa, momma, Aoshi!"
(Cue Sailor Moon Crystal OST - Anxiety and Impatience)
Suddenly, she looked down and noticed her hands were covered with white fur. She looked over herself. She was covered in a familiar white coat and without her pajamas.
"I… I'm a wolf?!" Hina gasped. "But, the bracelet… the one poppa gave me!" She saw the bracelet was not attached on her arm anymore. "Gone?!" She scrambled around scared out of her mind. She whimpered sadly searching for her bracelet and for a way out.
In what seemed like eternity, she kept endlessly moving forward until she reached a giant pair of doors. They were white and surrounded by columns on opposite sides. Its outward facade appearance made it resemble the entrance to temple. She approached the doors and sat in front of them.
She assumed whether this was her exit out of this endless space.
(End theme)
Then, her thoughts were interrupted by a harsh woman's voice.
"How did you get here, beast?!"
Hina whirled around fearfully and sighted a tall woman in black and white Sailor garb. She had a dark crimson bow on her chest and long green hair cascading over her back. She wielded a staff-like instrument resembling a Keyblade with a red garnets on the head of this staff. Her red eyes fiercely glared down Hina, not even recognizing the child she's met and interacted with.
"Who are you?!"
"I… I'm lost! I need help!"
"Your deception won't deter me, beast! For trespassing on these ground, you must be eliminated!" The woman shouted, swinging her staff. She rushed at Hina and swung her staff at her.
Hina narrowly dodged the woman's ruthless attack.
"I am the Guardian of Time Sailor Pluto! You are not permitted here!"
"Please, I need help! Sailor Pluto!"
Pluto cried out fiercely and raised her staff over Hina. Suddenly, and relying on animal instinct, Hina growled and snapped at Pluto. Pluto backed away, swinging her staff over Hina. Hina tucked her head back, evading Pluto's blows.
Hina lunged at Pluto and bit into her staff. Pluto struggled and kicked Hina off, prying the wolf's jaws off her weapon. Pluto's Garnet Staff powered up and unleashed an energy ball. Hina barely avoided the blast. Sailor Pluto bumrushed Hina and knocked her down with the staff. She quickly pinned Hina down with her foot and lowered her Garnet Orb near Hina's face.
"Do you surrender, beast?!"
"Please… don't…"
"Your life ends here…!" Pluto paused as her eyes fell on a familiar object hanging around Hina's neck. It was the locket she gave Hina. "But, that's…!"
Suddenly, Pluto's spirit animal, Lupe the wolf, materialized next to Hina and sniffed her.
"Pluto, do not be alarmed. It's the child."
"Hina…?" Pluto realized as she seized her attack and jerked her staff away. Lupe then vanished into thin air.
Hina raised her head and yelped excitedly. "Yes! But, how do you know my name?"
"Well, because… I… I'm Miss Setsuna, Hina. So, this is what you look like as a white wolf. Your father told me…" Pluto recalled a late-night conversation with Okami about Hina's unique Lycan nature. "You're the rare white Lycan born every generation."
"Yep, it's me, Miss Setsuna! So, you're really Sailor Pluto?!"
"Yes, as you can plainly see, Hina. But, how did this happen? Why did you change into your Lycan form?"
"I… I lost my bracelet. I don't know how I got here! I was asleep and then the clock you gave me glowed. And I'm here 'cause of the clock!"
"The locket," Pluto crouched over to examine the locket tied to Hina's neck. "A light came out and brought you here?"
"Yeah, it was weird and scary. Now I'm scared and wanna go home."
Strange, the locket shouldn't have any power to send beings to my realm. That is unless… Pluto paused and assessed Hina's situation. Unless she was brought here because there was a purpose. What role does Hina have with me and this dimension?
"Miss Setsuna, can you help me?"
"I can, but we need to find your bracelet first," Pluto said, watching Hina run around her. "Ok, calm down."
"Sorry! I just get very excited as a wolf!"
"Can you use your nose to find the bracelet?"
Hina slapped herself with her paw. "Oh! Why didn't I think of that?!" She then put her nose to the floor and sniffed for her bracelet.
(Cue Sailor Moon Crystal OST - Door of Time)
It took a little while, especially with fog obscuring their view and dulling Hina's nose. They finally stumbled on Hina's bracelet. Pluto picked up the bracelet and closed it over Hina's right wrist. As the bracelet's magic ignited, Hina got covered in a silver mist. In place of the white wolf was a naked little girl. Pluto used her Garnet Staff to create a black dress for Hina to wear.
"Thanks, Miss Setsuna. I really like this dress."
"And you may keep it. Consider it a reminder you were here."
As she finished adjusting her dress, Hina handed the locket to Pluto.
"So, why did it bring me here, Miss Setsuna?"
Pluto examined the locket and nodded. "I can't say for certain, but I think you were brought here for a reason."
"What reason?"
"I don't know."
"You don't? Then, maybe we can go home?"
"Of course," Pluto handed the locket back to Hina. "Your family has to be worried sick. Let's go." She grabbed Hina's hand and escorted her toward the Space-Time Door. "Did you know you're not the first child visitor I've had here?"
"I'm not?"
"No, someone I consider a daughter came here of her volition."
"Vo-what? Sorry I don't understand."
Pluto chuckled. "She came here on her own."
"Oh! I get it!"
"She'd be a little younger than you are, but still a child shouldn't be here. If you wander off too far, you'll get lost in this dimension for all time. You're lucky you found the doors the way you did."
"Me get lost here?" Hina scanned the endless white space. "Is it just you here alone?"
Hearing this, Pluto's face conveyed sadness, which Hina noted.
"Yes, I'm the lone guardian of this realm. I've been assigned the duty to guard the Gates of Time."
"But, do you have any friends come visit you?"
"Not too often. Anyone else would be an enemy that I'd have to stop."
"You shouldn't be alone. No one should ever be!"
Pluto and Hina stopped right in front of the doors. The woman looked down at the child, who had tears in her eyes.
"It's sad anyone has to be here alone. Miss Setsuna, you need someone to stay with you."
"But, I'm not permitted. I have a duty…"
"Then, maybe I can stay? I don't want to go home after all."
"No, you must go home. Your family will be worried. I have to ensure Okami that you're safe."
Hina gripped Pluto's hand hard. "Oh, ok, but you never said what reason I came here."
"I'm trying to figure that out," Pluto looked at Hina again. For a moment, she wondered if her mind played tricks with her, but she visualized Hina garbed in a Sailor garb. C-Could that be the reason she came here? Am I to take this child as my successor? But, as a Sailor Senshi or a Time Guardian?
"Miss Setsuna?" Hina blinked in confusion. "Are you ok?"
"Hina, it appears I'll be coming back with you. I need to speak to your father."
The girl nodded, broadening an innocent smile. "Ok!"
Hefting her Garnet Staff, Sailor Pluto willfully forced the doors open and walked through with Hina. They made entry back to Hina's time, but more specifically her family's dojo.
(End theme)
I wonder how you'll take to the idea of your daughter becoming a Sailor Senshi, Okami, my friend. Pluto thought, walking forward with Hina holding on.
xxxxx
Inuki Dojo & Residence/12:30 AM
Setsuna and Hina returned to the Inuki family. The family were very much relieved their daughter returned safe and sound. Okami thanked his friend for ensuring Hina's security.
As Hina was placed in bed again, Setsuna sat to talk with Okami on the porch. She recapped him on everything up to the point when they returned to the present.
(Cue Princess Mononoke OST - Princess Mononoke)
"So, you saw her true white Lycan self?"
Setsuna replied. "I did. I had just remembered you telling me that one evening. Prior to recalling that, I had no idea."
"I'm very thankful you've returned our daughter, Miss Setsuna. We are in your debt."
"Okami, there's another reason why I'm here."
"Oh? What is it, old friend?"
Setsuna informed Okami about her vision of Hina being her possible successor.
"Wait, so let me get this straight, you think the reason Hina was transported to your domain is because she might be destined to be your successor? As the next Sailor Pluto?"
"Don't take my vision at face value, but what other reason would your daughter end up in my dimension? That locket I gave her was never intended to do what it did to Hina. I had no earthly idea it'd do that."
"She's much too young."
"So was Small Lady and she was younger than Hina was when she became Sailor Chibi Moon. How old is your daughter now?"
Okami answered plainly. "She'll turn seven some August 1st."
"I was her age when I became a Sailor Senshi ages ago."
"But, you had training from Lord Chronos, the former Guardian of Time, and Lady Ananke, the previous Sailor Pluto. You were selected over your sister Charon to carry after both your parents."
"My fate was preordained. I wasn't given a choice given certain circumstances. I was never allowed to have a childhood. Hina, at least, has had that opportunity to live like a normal child. I'm not demanding Hina to be my successor. I'd rather not she be. I wouldn't want anyone to take on the responsibilities and burdens handed to me. However, your daughter just may be destined for great things."
"But, shouldn't you have a daughter of your own to pass your inheritance to? Shouldn't she inherit your powers, too?"
"Yes, but I think it's possible children outside a Senshi's bloodline to inherit their power," Setsuna pressed her hands together, forging a red orb of glimmering light. In her right hand, the Garnet Orb materialized and glowed with life. "Perhaps with my Garnet Orb, I can pass a portion of my power to Hina."
"I'm not for this, Setsuna."
"And you don't think I agree? I'd rather not do this, but perhaps you should ask Hina herself."
Okami eyed the Garnet Orb and thought about Hina's well being. He turned to Suzuno, who was behind them eavesdropping on their conversation.
"We'll discuss this. Give me a few days."
Setsuna nodded, closing off her Garnet Orb. "Very well."
Okami started toward Suzuno.
"Dear."
"Suzuno, we need to sit down with Hina and ask her if she wants this."
"But, our daughter becoming a Sailor Senshi? It's too dangerous."
"Our daughter's a Lycan, she's already stronger than the average human child. I've trained her and will continue to do so, but perhaps this way she won't need to fight relying primarily on her Lycan power. She'll have another source she can rely on and we know we can trust Miss Setsuna to supervise our daughter."
"Hina already looks up to her as a godmother."
"Exactly, Miss Setsuna has been very close to our family and brought our daughter back."
"Yes, I know that, but as Hina's mother, I can't help but worry."
Okami grasped his wife's hands and kissed her. "We'll ask Hina. If she doesn't want it, then she can stay the way she is."
"Very well, dear. Hina can decide what she wants to do."
"When Hina is ready to give her answer, you know how to contact me," Setsuna said, bidding farewell to the family. She summoned her Garnet Staff and turned back into Sailor Pluto. She raised her staff and opened the doors returning to her realm.
Watching from her bedroom window, Hina was left in awe of Pluto's empowering presence and method of leaving. She slipped back under her covers and couldn't shake off her smile.
"I know what I want more than anything. To be just like you."
xxxxx
Inuki Dojo & Residence/April 5, 2009/5:00 PM
The meeting was unfortunately delayed due to Pluto being captured by her evil sister, Sailor Charon, and the advent of the Dawn of Chaos events. Hina worried something had happened to her godmother. She was kept in the dark and protected by Suzuno while the enemy factions attacked Tokyo.
Shortly after Charon and Millenniummon were defeated, Pluto and the other heroes celebrated their victory.
After their hard fought victory, Setsuna wasted no time to meet with the Inuki family.
Hearing the heroic accounts of her brother and Pluto, Hina made her choice.
Setsuna greeted Okami, Suzuno, Aoshi, and Hina. Hina walked over and greeted the Time Guardian.
"Hina?"
"Miss Setsuna!" Hina pointed to the Time Guardian.
"That's correct, little one."
"Setsuna, when will you need our daughter for begin her Senshi training?"
"I'll let you know, Suzuno," the green-haired woman addressed her. She pivoted over to Okami. "You're ok with this I take it?"
"We discussed things thoroughly and I do. Make her the best Pluto successor you can possibly make."
Nodding, Setsuna crouched over and summoned her Garnet Orb, which materialized and floated in her hands. She let it hover over to Hina, who took the orb and stared in awe at it.
"So pretty!" Hina gleamed over the object.
"Hina, when you touch this orb, it will pass on some of my power over to you and grant you magical powers."
"Magic powers?"
"Yes, and I will teach you to use them to protect people. Will you be ok with becoming my successor of the Pluto title, Hina?"
Hina grasped the object as mystic energies began seeping into the child's body. Her eyes shot open as a faint Pluto symbol adorned her forehead.
"I will, Miss Setsuna."
Setsuna smiled and patted Hina's head. "Good girl. I've given you the power, but to bring it out I'll have to teach you to unlock and utilize them."
Although she didn't understand much, Hina just complied. "Yes, Miss Setsuna." She turned to her family and excitedly addressed them. "Did you see? She gave me some magic powers!"
Suzuno smiled proudly. "That's great, dear. I'm proud of you."
"Hina, be sure and listen to what Lady Setsuna tells you, ok?"
"I will, poppa!"
Aoshi walked over and confronted Setsuna. "How long until sis dons the skirt and the uniform?"
"No telling. It all depends on her now." Setsuna turned and from the corner of her eye Hina sat down caressing the Garnet Orb. "But, I promise will be the next Sailor Pluto when it's all said and done."
"We look forward to great results, Setsuna," Okami said. "Would you like to join us for dinner?"
"Thank you for the offer, but I must leave and attend to..." She paused when she felt Hina grasping her hand. "Hina?"
"Please stay for dinner with us? Please?"
Setsuna was easily won over by the innocence in Hina's eyes. She nodded and accepted. "Is there room for one more?"
"Yes, indeed, my old friend," Okami said as he and the family walked her into their household.
Hina grabbed Setsuna's hand. "I won't let you down, Miss Setsuna."
Setsuna answered genuinely and lovingly. "I know. By the way, how do you like the sound of Sailor Gao Pluto?"
"Sailor Gao Pluto? I like it."
(End theme)
xxxxx
A/N: That last scene was taken straight out of Dawn of Chaos chapter 63 (if you can find out) with some added dialogue.
Big thanks to Belletiger for Hina's birthdate and white wolf description. She also came up with the name Sailor Gao Pluto, so credit to her. Gao in Japanese means 'growl', a sound from a beast. So, since she's a wolf, the name sounded fitting.
Overall thoughts on Hina's backstory so far? Well, we're not done yet. Next chapter will entail her first transformation into Gao Pluto, at least one training scene, and an encounter with Athena Osaka-Ishida, Karin and Dimitri's daughter.
As I'm writing Hina, I'm constantly reminded of Wolf's Children, a wonderful Mamoru Hosoda film. And no surprise I use and listen to some of its score for this tale.
Anyhow, part 2 will be coming your way soon! Comment and review!