The windows were closed, but the bright sunlight shinning into the room dazzled them, nonetheless. Haruka staggered and knew that she would have crashed into the desk if this world had been hers. Kakyuu next to her only held her tight, didn't care about the furniture nor any other laws of physics that had stopped to apply to her long ago.
"He should be in hospital!" The blonde walked over to the bed in the room's middle, dragging the red haired princess with her. They both recognized the hotel suite immediately. "What is he doing here?"
"Let's see…" Kakyuu glanced at the sleeping young man under the blankets before her eyes searched the room and finally found what she had been looking for. A small calendar stood on the desk. It showed the snow covered top of Mount Fuji and most of the dates below were crossed out, an old habit as the princess knew from their childhood.
"Two weeks have passed since we've been here, Haruka-san. Probably he's healthy enough to leave the hospital, even though he obviously has to stay in bed." Kakyuu studied the white walls around them. "This room isn't really friendly, but it's a lot more cosy than the hospital's room, if you can call these sterile rooms which are always the same cosy." She shivered slightly, having seen too many of these suites.
"Two weeks?" Haruka opened her dark green eyes wide in surprise. "Didn't you tell me that you visit them on a daily basis, sometimes even more than once a day?"
"Hai, normally." Kakyuu shrugged her shoulders and bent over the sleeping form to stroke through silver strands. The young man was still very pale, but he looked a lot better. There were no scary machines connected to his body and he didn't need the help of the oxygen mask any longer. His breathing sounded normal and healthy in their ears and there was no fever colouring his cheeks in an ill way. "However, Sailor Galactica's search was longer than normal and we had to run longer through her darkness than necessary."
"But it only felt like an hour to me."
"Hai, I know." Kakyuu sighed and thought not for the first time about letting go. As always, the blonde strengthened her grip around her hand to indicate that she shouldn't dare to let her go. There was a way to get out of the shadow land and to reach the Three Lights in the real world. There had to be a way; and she was determined to find it.
Both, Kakyuu and Haruka, raised their heads when they heard the door carefully open. Sejya peered through the gap before he closed the door again quietly. The princess followed him immediately. Haruka wanted to stop her, to remind her that they weren't able to touch the wood, but they went right through it before the blonde had any chance to protest.
"That sure was strange." Haruka stared at her hand and jumped a little bit when she waved at the door and saw her finger tips disappearing for a second.
"It gave me quite a fright in the beginning, too." Admitted Kakyuu and walked straight over to the living room's couch. As expected, the TV was switched on and as always, no one was watching it. Instead, Tahiki heaved some bags and a big suitcase on the cushions. Michiru followed him like a small puppy. Her arms were full with her summer clothes and her beloved camera hang around her neck.
-Why can't we wait for another week?- Pleaded the young violinist. -Or at least for another day, Tahiki-kun? Please.-
-Because it won't make a difference.- Explained the oldest member of the Three Lights in a voice that told Haruka and Kakyuu that this wasn't the first conversation he had had with Michiru about this topic; and probably it wouldn't be the last. -Haruka-san wrote you that whatever business she has to attend to might take longer, but we don't know how much longer.- He opened one of the bags, rummaged in it and closed it again. Then he turned to the young woman, showing his understanding in his open face. -Setsuna-san and the others invited us to come back and I'm sure that Yaten-chan's able to recover better in Usagi's house with all those crazy girls around than in an impersonal environment of the hospital or of this suite.-
-But what if she comes back tomorrow and we aren't here any longer?- Michiru kneaded the white top in her hands. The white top with the Japanese sign of water right in the middle. The young violinist had worn it in combination with a short, blue skirt during their visit in Florida and Haruka had liked that outfit a lot.
-I gave the hotel manager an envelope with a blank check. He's supposed to give it to her so that she can buy herself an air ticket. Furthermore, I've added a letter with Usagi-san's address and telephone number.-
Michiru blinked at him and suddenly Haruka knew why the young man was the one organizing their concerts and their tours.
-Wow, why didn't I think of that?- asked the young violinist surprised.
-Because I'm your manager, Michiru-san.- Tahiki smiled and searched another bag for something. -Don't worry so much. She's an adult and she has our cell phone numbers. If there's anything, she can call us anytime and she knows that.-
-Still…- Michiru wasn't convinced; maybe she'd never be. -Just to fly home and leave her behind like that.-
-She'll understand; she's not stupid. I don't think that she's taken Sejya's words seriously. Certainly, she's got something to do here in America and since she hasn't had one day off in over six months, let's just declare that as her vacation.-
-He's still asleep.- interrupted Sejya their conversation. He leaned against the door of his bedroom, holding a backpack in his hands. It looked like he couldn't wait to go back to Japan, too. Maybe he wasn't concerned about Haruka or maybe he just thought that whoever was stronger than he was would be able to get along quite well, even if they'd left America.
Tahiki paused in what he was doing and glanced at his wrist watch.
-That's okay. Let him sleep for the next two hours and let's pack our stuff instead. We can pack his bags once he'll has to wake up in order to take his medicine.-
-Okay, Niisan.- Sejya turned around and walked back into his room. Michiru watched him go and sighed deeply. Then, she nodded.
-I still don't like it, but I guess you're right.- muttered the young violinist. -I can try to call her again, maybe she'll answer.-
-Hai, do that.- Tahiki smiled in understanding before he turned to his own bags. Haruka and Kakyuu followed Michiru and the blonde pulled her cell phone from her black trousers, but there was no incoming phone call, even though Michiru had already dialled her number and held her own phone to her ear. Haruka sighed at the same time as the young violinist as she saw that there was no signal and therefore no chance for Michiru to reach her.
"It's senseless, Haruka-san. Nothing can reach this world." Kakyuu shook her head and they both stood silent next to Michiru who sank on her bed and stared at the blue phone in her hands. The small dolphin, a gift the blonde had bought her in Disneyland, swung slowly back and forth and seemed to match Michiru's sad look.
"I thought I'd be back sooner." Whispered Haruka and this time it was her who tried to reach out for a beloved person. However, she wasn't any luckier than Kakyuu. Her hands couldn't touch soft hair, either. "I didn't want her to worry about me."
"Even if you'd only been away for a day, she'd have been worried, Haruka-san, because she loves you."
Haruka blushed slightly at that statement and looked away from Kakyuu's knowing eyes to the young violinist who took a deep breath and decided to finally pack her clothes. She stuffed them into her bags, not really caring if she crumbled them all. She didn't really want to leave, at least not without Haruka, but had no other choice, because Tahiki had been right, of course, as he was always right. She couldn't take out her anger on Tahiki or his brothers, but no one forbid her to take it out on her summer dresses, t-shirts and concert clothes.
And I love her, too.
"You only have to let go of me and you'll be with them again." Said Kakyuu so softly that Haruka almost missed her words. Stunned, she turned her head and stared into a pale face, seeing that the young woman meant her words.
"Forget it!" said Haruka with a firm voice and shook her head. "There's a way and we'll find it."
"I've tried it for over five years to find that way, Haruka-san. I don't want you to waste your life in that stupid way."
"Together we'll find a way." The blonde wanted to say something else when the shadows thickened around them once more. Kakyuu reacted instantly and before Haruka could react, could cast a last longing look at her Michiru, they had disappeared into the darkness again, to run away from something she still couldn't define, although it had to bee something really terrible judging Kakyuu's fear.
dbdbdb
She knew that this wasn't a tradition in this land, nevertheless, she bowed and went on her knees. Carefully, she put the flowers on the ground before she put a joss stick into the earth and lit it. The smoke floated upwards and was carried away by the upcoming wind. The sky was covered by dark clouds and the horizon looked like a thunderstorm was approaching, hopefully taking away the late summer's sultriness. You could cut the air, but the wind made it bearable. It rustled through golden leaves above and for a moment Michiru felt like a mermaid sitting in a cave full of treasures.
"I'm sorry that I never had the chance to meet you, Akito-chan." The young violinist clapped her hands in a short prayer and bowed again before the grave. Dr. Jones told her shortly before his departure to Europe where the cemetery was where Haruka's brother was buried. First, she had been sceptical, because the cemetery was quite big, but she found his resting place almost immediately for it was the only gravestone with a Japanese inscription.
"But don't worry, Akito-chan, when your older sister comes back, I'll take good care of her." Michiru bowed again and placed a photo next to the little blue teddy bear on the white stone. It showed the Three Lights and Michiru in front of the Grand Canyon, waving at the camera that had been held and operated by Hashitzou at that time. Haruka stood next to the young violinist. She was laughing, as well, because the crew captain could make quite funny jokes. The blonde looked happy.
"We'll be her new family if she wants us, Akito-chan."
dbdbdb
"I've been afraid when they've used this kind of transportation for the first time." Confessed Kakyuu as they walked through the well-lit airport.
"Didn't you say that you come from another solar system?" asked Haruka in surprise and quickly looked away from Michiru dragging her bags behind her. She refused every offer from Tahiki and Sejya and even from two nicely smiling Americans. It was obvious that she was deeply disappointed for Haruka not having appeared out of thin air the previous night and this morning and decided to get rid of her surplus energy by hauling her heavy luggage all on her own, cursing under her breath and trudging with her sandals on the hard ground.
"Hai, but that's something different. We were able to come to earth by using our own powers. To use an airplane, however, means to trust completely in a stranger and his mechanical powers." Kakyuu shrugged her shoulders. "But nothing ever happens so I guess it's safe."
"Statistically, it's safer than going by car." Haruka raised two eyebrows when she saw the reporters approaching. Their flashlights danced through the air before they even reached them.
-You'll go ahead. I'll take care of them.- Tahiki's voice was calm. Right now, he was the only one wearing his patented yellow suit. Sejya decided for his blue jeans and a sweatshirt showing the Statue of Liberty. Yaten, on the other hand, opted for a white tracksuit. It had been too expensive for his licking and he didn't understand the symbol, a kind of a half-wave, on its top, but it was soft and warm and he didn't have to fight with any buttons when he had to use the restroom. Michiru wore her white summer dress and nodded before she changed directions and kicked her biggest bag when it didn't cooperate at the very instant. Sejya suppressed a laugh and pushed his cart instead, always looking around to see that Yaten was still by his side; that he didn't get lost, or worse, that he didn't faint. The young man had taken his medicine this morning and he didn't have a fever any longer, but the scene on the stage two weeks ago had given the lead singer quite a fright which he wasn't very keen on repeating.
It took them some minutes to arrive at the check in. There was an outcry behind them and even more clicking cameras and flashes dancing through the air.
-They're like vultures.- Michiru shook her head and handled her luggage to the friendly smiling woman who also controlled her passport. Tahiki didn't want to bother their pilot who had flown them through America during their tour. His wife gave birth to a baby girl one week ago and the oldest member of the Three Lights didn't want to tell the young father to fly all the way to America and back. Therefore, they had tickets for the first class in a normal airplane. Michiru only hoped that the people there would leave them alone and not ask stupid questions or try to take even more photos.
"I haven't seen one of those crazy tabloids the past two weeks." Commented Haruka who hadn't noticed the strange lack of newspapers with big pictures but small printing on Tahiki's desk before. "Normally, they buy them to make fun of the stupid articles the journalists always write about them."
"Maybe they couldn't laugh about them this time." Thought Kakyuu aloud and peered over Michiru's shoulder to see what the nice smiling woman behind the counter was doing with the heavy luggage. "It's funny to read about rumours informing them about their last love affairs or their illegitimate children. However, Yaten-chan was very ill this time. It's not funny to read an invented story about his fatal illness when he really lies in a hospital bed and is connected to dangerously sounding machines."
"Guess you're right, Kakyuu-san." Said Haruka and nodded, raising one eyebrow when she saw how heavy Michiru's luggage actually was.
She bought a lot of souvenirs for herself and for her friends.
The tumult increased behind them as they passed the security check. All of them had to confirm that they didn't carry a gun, that they didn't have drugs and that they surely didn't try to smuggle a terrorist into the airplane. Michiru only rolled her eyes when Sejya's belt buckle triggered the alarm and he started to strip before a red faced young woman stopped him and explained the procedure to him for a second time, very slowly. They didn't want to have all his clothes; they only wanted to examine his belt again.
-That's ridiculous.- muttered Michiru next to Haruka and Kakyuu had to chuckle when the young woman stepped through the security check. -It's only a belt buckle, for Christ's sake!- The young violinist had to unpack her backpack again, because the security X-ray couldn't see through all the stuff she had packed into it. When a security guy wanted to take her beloved Canon to shove it through the X-ray, as well, Michiru was boiling inside and it was only Yaten's weak form trotting through it all as if he were sleep walking that kept her from exploding and hitting some of those jerks on their heads. Very hard. If they were searching so desperately for a terrorist or a madman, why not give them one? But then again, neither Seyja nor Yaten would have been happy to miss the next airplane and not to get home as soon as possible, so she gave the security guys a forced smile and played along.
"I thought it was the hectic on our flight to America that she behaved so oddly." Observed Haruka and chuckled when Michiru literally tore her beloved Canon out of a young woman's hands to carefully hang it around her shoulders again.
"She's always this way on an airplane that leaves Japan." Giggled Kakyuu. Her smile, however, died on her lips when she saw Tahiki approaching. He looked pale and seemed to flee from the mob of journalists behind.
-Is it true? Do you really want to quit giving concerts?-
-Do you really want to stop singing your songs?-
-Does that mean the end of the Three Lights?-
-But you've had a number one hit in America only last month.-
-Does it have anything to do with…-
Tahiki stepped quickly through the security check and didn't turn around to the journalists again. He saw the astonished questions in his little brothers' eyes, but shook his head, firmly. Instead, he walked determinedly over to the lounge where they would wait until they had to board their plane.
"What was that?" whispered Haruka in astonishment, voicing Sejya's, Yaten's and Michiru's thoughts judging their confused faces. Only Kakyuu smiled sadly. She wasn't surprised; even seemed to understand what was going on.
-Tahiki-niichan?-
-Tahiki-niisan?-
-Tahiki-kun?-
The oldest brother glanced around and decided for a table at the very far corner. The entrance door was as distant as possible and from their table they could see the runway; the planes started and landed regularly, but they didn't pay them any attention. A water bottle and four glasses already stood on the table, as well as some snacks, but neither of them drank or ate something.
-What did you tell them, Tahiki-niisan?- It was Sejya who broke the strange silence that had evolved after they had sat down. His older brother took a deep breath and they leaned closer, including Haruka who automatically dragged a very sad looking princess with her.
-I've told them that there won't be any more concerts in the near future.-
-Nani?-
-That's a joke, Tahiki-niisan, right?-
-No, you mean it.- Michiru narrowed her eyes and watched the oldest member of the Three Lights closer.
-Hai, I mean it.-
-If it's because of my breakdown, it won't happen again.- Yaten's light green eyes were wide open in panic and he rowed with his arms to indicate how absurd that very idea sounded to him. -I'm fine again and I won't let you down again, I promise.-
-You didn't let us down.- Sejya's answer was immediate and he ruffled lovingly through silver strands, before he turned again towards his older brother.
-Why?- was all he asked.
-You didn't let us down, Yaten-chan. I'm the one who let you down, all of you.- Tahiki sighed deeply and took one of the glasses standing in front of him. However, he didn't pour water into it, but merely pushed it from one hand to the other. -I've forced you to do nothing else than to perform those stupid songs and to rush from one concert to the next one. There's hardly been a week without a concert during the past five years, you know? There hasn't been a break, no vacation, nothing. We didn't even slow down over Christmas or other public holidays.-
-But we wanted it that way, Tahiki-kun.-
-No, Michiru-san, you did it, because I wanted it, and I never saw just how much I've demanded from you. I've brought you to your limits and if it hadn't been you, Yaten-chan, who broke down during our last concerts, it would have been Michiru-san or you the next time.- He nodded at Sejya who shook his head.
-That's not true, Tahiki-niisan, and you know that. We have to sing to find our princess. To find Kakyuu-neesan!-
Tahiki was silent for a long time, but no one dared to say something. Haruka glanced at Kakyuu by her side when she felt the hand in her fingers start to tremble. The young woman tried to suppress her sobs; crystal clear tears were running down her cheeks.
"What…?"
-We've done our best during the last years, but what's enough is enough.- he whispered and put the glass down on the table again. The noise the glass made on the wood was suddenly very loud, almost like a gunshot.
-That's not your seriousness, Tahiki-kun.-
-We just have to search harder.-
-Kaki-neechan…-
Tahiki shook his head firmly.
-We've searched for her for over five years now but we couldn't even reach her. There hadn't been the tiniest sign of life in that time and I'm not willing to risk everything for a dream that might never come true.-
-But, Tahiki-niichan, we can't just give up on Kaki-neechan.-
-This is not just, Yaten-chan, and believe me, it's not an easy decision, but you're more important to me.- Tahiki leaned forward and put his hand gently on Yaten's shoulder, saw the tears shimmering in light green eyes. -I let you fall so ill, Yaten-chan, and it's been my fault, because I didn't take as good care of you as I'm supposed to do.-
-But Kaki-neechan is your fiancée. You've promised her…-
-I've promised our parents to take care of you first.-
-That's ridiculous, Tahiki-niisan! She's our princess and she's your girlfriend, we can't simply abandon our search!- shouted Sejya in disbelieve and pulled at his black plait; he held its end in his hands.
-We can and we will. It's more important to destroy Sailor Galactica; and we'll be able to if we hold together and work with their princess.-
-We should try it one more time, with one more concert!- Now, Yaten was crying, too. He looked really crestfallen while Sejya was angry. Michiru watched them in a morbid fascination, as if she weren't part of that conversation, all the time thinking of what she would do if Haruka wouldn't turn up again. Would she search for her, as well? All those long years? Right now, the young violinist didn't have an answer, but she knew for sure that she'd go till the end of the world, until the end of time in search for Usagi, for their princess, just like the other Senshi would do. Immediately, without hesitation.
-It's been five years, Yaten-chan.- Tahiki bit his lower lip and seemed to fight with his own emotions. His voice shook slightly when he continued to speak. -We don't know if she's still alive. Maybe she's long dead and we're chasing a ghost.-
There.
Finally, he had said it, had spoken out loud his darkest nightmare, had voiced his deepest fears.
It was out.
Yaten sobbed louder while Sejya stared at him in utter horror.
"What?"
-Nani?-
-Right now, it's more important to defeat Sailor Galactica and go back home in one piece.- Tahiki rose when their flight was pronounced on the loudspeaker. Sejya shot from his chair, too, and grabbed his older brother's yellow jacket's collar.
-What's wrong with you? Fuck! She's our princess and the woman you love. You can't simply give up on her!-
-I can't give up on you, either, little one.- It was extremely rare for Tahiki calling Sejya this way. Normally, it was a nickname he only used when he talked to Yaten. -I'd risk to lose you, too, if we were to continue this Three Light business. This time, Yaten-chan had pneunomia. What's next? And what'll happen when Sailor Galactica attacks right then? It is true, Kaki-chan is my fiancée, but you're my brothers and I'm responsible for you.-
-Niisan…-
-Niichan…-
-You'll always come first, the both of you.-
"That was cruel!" exploded Haruka and wanted to kick him, but of course she couldn't touch him as he couldn't hear her. She didn't really understand what their concerts had to do with the princess beside her, but obviously it was a way for them to search for her. Hadn't she seen the young woman for the first time when she sang karaoke with Yaten? But to simply give up on their search when they had achieved so much! Kakyuu was there, right in front of them! They only had to stretch out their hands and take her, just like Haruka had done. They couldn't give up on her just like that! Not when she was alive. Not when she was so near. Not when they needed her so much!
"Hai, it was very hard for him." Sobbed Kakyuu and wiped some tears from her pale cheeks. "I've always known that he'd chose his brothers over me."
"Hard for him? Hard? And hey, you're his girlfriend, aren't you?"
"I am and he loves me a lot." Kakyuu tried to take Tahiki's hand when the young man turned around and walked towards Gate 51 that would take them to their plane and back to Japan to recover from their exhausting tour and to think about their future.
"He loves you? He just abandoned you!"
"He truly loves me, Haruka-san, because he needed over five years to make this hard decision." Kakyuu sobbed silently and a fragile smile curved her lips. "I'm happy that he's chosen his little brothers. They need him more than I do."
Haruka stared at her in disbelieve and then at the Three Lights and Michiru walking over to the gate. They all looked as if they'd just seen a ghost, or heard that someone dear had just died…
"That's bullshit!" Now, Haruka was even more determined to find a way out of the shadow land – together with Kakyuu to reunite her with her boyfriend and her future brothers-in-law who already saw in her the older sister, probably she had been that all her life for them.
She belongs to them and I'll take care that she'll be with them again!
"Let's go, Haruka-san."
"Hm…" The blonde looked up and cursed silently when the darkness swallowed her again. No, she had wanted to go with Michiru and the others to the palne and listen some more to their conversation, but there was nothing she could do when the shadow land caught up with them again. Kakyuu already dragged her with her and she run again, even though she would have preferred to fight against the shadow or whatever it was that was chasing them. However, she had to agree with the princess that a fight would be pointless as long as they hadn't found a way out.
dbdbdb
Yaten tried his best to relax, to think of little, cute sheep hopping over a small fence, to press his eyes hard together, but sleep wouldn't come. He felt incredibly tired and didn't want to do anything else than falling asleep, but it wouldn't happen. It wasn't the stewardess' fault; they were all very nice to him. They even gave him a soft pillow and a warm blanket, but it was no use. The airplane hadn't made one funny move after they've started and it was nicely quiet in the first class and he surely had enough room in his seat; he even could fold back his seat into a lying position, but that seemed only to increase his dizziness.
Shit!
Although he had taken his medicine, he felt cold and his head started to ache again. Maybe it hadn't been such a good idea after all to fly back to Japan, but he had wanted to be home again. To talk to Usagi and to laugh with all those other crazy girls, or rather young women. The last days had been extremely boring in his hotel room and he knew that it would be so much better in Usagi-neechan's house. He simply had to survive this stupid flight. Somehow…
"Did you take your medicine?"
Yaten opened his eyes to blink sleepily at Sejya who sat down next to him. Hell, he was so tired, why couldn't he sleep, then?
"Hai…" he whispered and nodded his head, regretting the motion immediately when the dizziness increased. He seized his chair's arm and almost knocked over the mineral water with which he had swallowed his pills about ten minutes ago. Yaten felt Sejya's arm touching his shoulders in case he'd fall forwards.
"Everything alright, little one?" The older man's voice was soft, tender, comforting; just the way it had been so many times when Yaten had been a small boy.
"Just a little bit dizzy." Admitted the young pianist and swallowed. "And I can't sleep." He hadn't intended sounding so weak, but it came out as a whine.
"No wonder with our crazy brother deciding such crazy things, huh?" Sejya made himself home on the seat next to Yaten's. There were many empty seats in the first class and no one seemed to mind where he actually sat. First, he tried to talk more to Tahiki but when he had to see that the young man wouldn't change his mind so easily and wanted to read a Japanese newspaper instead, he decided to have a look after their patient. Yaten was still too pale in his eyes and looked too weak. The flight would be a long one and would tire him out if he wouldn't be able to find some sleep. Sleep was important to recover. He didn't know a lot about medicine, but that was something he did understand. Sejya looked around and found a pillow in the seat in front of him. He leaned forward and took it to put it onto his lap.
"He can't give up on Kaki-chan so easily." Sighed Yaten and winced as the other young man wrapped his arms around his shoulders and gently pulled him towards him.
"He won't do that. Right now, he's still scared about your breakdown. He feels guilty for not having seen your poor health in the first place and overreacts a little bit. He'll come to his senses soon enough."
"You think so?" Yaten wanted to struggle against Sejya's arm, but found again that he was still weak from his illness. Although that didn't really matter; he'd always been weaker than his older brothers. He blinked again, this time in surprise, when he lost balance and suddenly laid on his seat and on Sejya's seat. And on Sejya, or, to be more precise, on the pillow on Sejya's lap.
Nani?
Yaten blushed and tried to get up, but strong hands on his shoulders held him back.
"Stretch your legs and try again to get to sleep. It's a little bit more comfortable this way than being stuck in the middle of the air in your own seat." The lead singer's hands left Yaten's shoulders when the younger man gave up in his struggle. After a moment in silence he closed his eyes and didn't open them when he felt soft fingers stroking through his silver strands. As if he were a small boy again. As if Sejya and he were both back in their parents' castle and the older boy would comfort him from a nightmare. And a long and dark nightmare it had been, indeed.
That feels so good.
The tiredness grew, but he could still hear the angry voice whispering from afar, trying to break through the wall of comfort and love that seemed to have been established around him while he laid there. To protect him in his sleep, to accompany him in his dreams.
"Is it okay this way?" whispered the young man drowsily and stifled a yawn. The fingers in his hair stopped for a moment before they continued in their gentle task.
"Of course."
"You're not disgusted by me… because of what I've told you… then?" Yaten was too tired to open his eyes. If he had, he would have seen the pain in blue eyes and the sad expression on Sejya's face.
"Of course not, little one." The lead singer took a deep breath. Yaten felt it and curled up a little bit on the seats. "I've said a lot of stupid things that night that I didn't mean to say. I was angry with myself and instead of kicking myself I've left it out on you and screamed a lot of bullshit at you." Sejya saw the small smile on Yaten's face and chuckled softly. Obviously, his younger brother was imagining him kicking himself.
He looks like a little kitten.
Sejya even waited some moments for the young pianist to purr what he probably would have done had he felt a little bit better and not so sick.
I wish he were my little kitten.
Yaten yawned and stretched his legs. He felt the warm blanket being wrapped around his sleepy form and missed those gentle hands during those moments before they returned to his hair again.
I wish he'd be like that more often.
Slowly, very slowly, did the angry voice die in his head, disappeared further with each loving touch running through his strands, over his cheeks and back to his hair. It soon became an action of which Sejya probably didn't concentrate any longer, but it was still so gentle, so comforting that Yaten silently hoped that his older brother wouldn't get up again during their flight to Japan. Suddenly, the young pianist was quite happy that their flight from America home would take so many hours. Would Sejya stay by his side all this time? Or would he at least return quickly when he had to get up for a while?
That's how it should be.
Yaten had felt too weak in the hospital and during the days in the hotel room after he'd been released. Now, however, he realized suddenly how much he'd missed Sejya. How much it had hurt to avoid him during those days shortly before the last concert. During all those hours after they'd had one of their stupid fights about meaningless stuff. Things Yaten couldn't even remember any more. Hell, he even put a chair in front of his door to lock his older brother out. Now, he felt the pain intensified in his chest and had to gasp for breath when his headache increased even more.
They had always been together since the moment when Yaten came to Lord and Lady Kou's castle. Together, they had played so many tricks on the servants and on Yaten's new family. Sejya taught him how to swim and how to ride a horse whereas Yaten tried to teach him how to draw and at least to love music, even though he wasn't able to play the piano like Yaten did once Lady Kou discovered that he was talented and actually bought this expensive instrument only for him! They had spent many afternoons in the winter after sunset in the music room; Yaten played his piano while Sejya sang along with his clear voice. They could do that for hours and Yaten would never tire of the melodies belonging to a foreign country that slowly became his home. Until Sailor Galactica came. Until they had to flee to save their lives. Until they started this Three Light business as Tahiki had called it only hours ago. In the beginning, they tried to behave like they had always done: Doing their music together, joking around, taking care of each other. During their first year, Yaten had even been allowed to creep into Sejya's bed when another nightmare about Sailor Galactica haunted him. To feel as safe and secure as he felt right now on the pillow, feeling Sejya's soft hands again in his hair, on his cheek, sometimes on his neck, tickling him a little bit, causing goosepimples on his arms beneath his tracksuit's warm sleeves.
Don't leave me again, Sej.
But then, everything changed. Everything turned for the worse. They started to seriously fight with each other and Sejya threw him out of his room whenever a really scary nightmare woke him up in the middle of the night. Literally, his older brother threw him out of his life. Until, only two weeks ago, he really thought that Sejya would hate him.
Tahiki forced me to accept you as my little brother, although I never wanted you as my brother. I already had Tahiki, you see?
The voice in his head managed a last, loud outcry and he tried hard to shut it out. To ban it from his thoughts, from his memory, forever. Sejya had been angry and he said himself that he'd only talked nonsense, hadn't he? He didn't mean it, did he? He didn't hate him, did he?
Did he?
Yaten tensed and tried to curl up even further.
Did he?
"Hey, little one, what's up? Are you in pain?" The concern in Sejya's voice was so wonderful, soothing the pain and making him almost laugh about the absurdity of his own thoughts. No, his Sej would never hate him. He could be pissed off, extremely, but he'd never hate him. As he'd always forgive him his stupid remarks, his senseless fights and his ill-considered words. They had sworn to stick together against the evil world. They wouldn't break this holy promise just because they were stressed out by their concerts and freaked out by the prospect of never seeing their princess again. Scared to death by the thought of going back and having to bury their parents.
"You won't leave me, right?" whispered Yaten and Sejya's eyes grew wide when he heard the silent sob, felt the slim form tremble next to his body.
Not like mommy and daddy.
Not like Kaki-neechan.
Not like my real parents abandoned me.
Right?
"Nani?"
"You didn't mean it when you've said that you don't want to be my brother, did you? You won't just go and leave me behind, will you?"
Sejya gulped and shook his head, although Yaten couldn't see his movement.
I've been such an asshole!
"Of course not, little one." Sejya gently wiped away the two tears running down slightly reddened cheeks and corrected the blanket, even though it hadn't slipped out of place. However, this way it was easier to hug the younger man in his arms without letting it look too obvious for the other guests, for Tahiki and especially for himself. No, Yaten couldn't be is younger brother, no matter how much he wanted him to be. He'd tried for so many years, but he simply wasn't able to see him this way. It wasn't Yaten's fault. If someone was to blame it was him and him alone. But he'd always be there for him. No, he'd never seen a little brother in the young man, but he could try to be an older brother instead. To protect him just the way Tahiki did, even though his feelings for him would always be completely different.
When he's recovered, try to show him your love in a different way, baka.
That's what Haruka had said to him when she pushed him into the intensive care unit to visit Yaten and to watch over him until he woke up again. He didn't really know what she had meant by her words. Did she talk about his true affection or did she mean the feelings he should have have as an older brother? Either way, she was right. He had behaved like a total ass during the past weeks, maybe even months. It was time to treat Yaten the way he deserved it. Otherwise, he'd lose him as part of his family, too.
"I'd never leave you behind, little one." Said Sejya very softly and knew that his heart beat didn't quicken because of the little jump the airplane did when Yaten groped for his right hand and held it tight with a relieved sigh.
Yaten's breakdown had scared him, but what really freaked him out had been his lifeless form in the hospital bed, connected to IV-drips and dangerously high peeping machines. Having a tube down his throat. Looking like a wax figure. Looking like a corpse…
They were the Star Lights and they were used to fight against youmas and Sailor Galactica. Their fights were dangerous and every attack could be their last. They always danced on death's scythe whenever they had to face Sailor Galactica and were more or less prepared to give their lives for the battle. However, it was completely different to see Yaten in so much pain because of a stupid illness. Because of a pneumonia that hadn't been caused by an evil force attacking him, but by their own stupidity. Sejya knew too well why Yaten hadn't told them that he felt so sick, as Sejya knew too well, too, why he hadn't noticed Yaten's poor health by himself. Because he hadn't looked closer at the young pianist. Because he hadn't cared how the young man felt after their fight on the street. Because he hadn't dared to look into light green eyes again after he had hit him.
I've almost lost him.
It were the concert and Haruka's quick reaction that had saved him. Without his performance and his breakdown they would have never found out about his bad condition and without Haruka they wouldn't have got the best doctor so quickly. Who knew what would have happened if they'd went back to Japan, not noticing Yaten's high fever and his difficulties in breathing? Would there have been a doctor on board to help him or would he have chocked to death? Would he…
Sejya closed his eyes and forced himself to snap out of his dark thoughts, of this vicious circle that would lead him to even worse scenarios. Yaten was right here. In his arms. Weak, but alive. He'd recover. And he, Sejya, would never let something like that happen again. Ever!
I've almost lost him…
"You'll always belong to me, little one. Just kick me the next time I'll tell you such nonsense, okay? Or better, tell Haruka-san to kick me. She's pretty strong, you know?" He felt Yaten's giggle more than he actually heard it. Sejya tightened the embrace for a moment before he let the younger man go, leaned back in his chair and returned to stroke silver strands instead. Yaten's smile looked almost angelic and Sejya felt the slim form relaxing completely, welcoming a deep and healthy sleep, not caring for the airplane's movements, because he knew that he was safe here. In his brother's arms.
Yaten snuggled closer and could feel Sejya's steady heartbeat. Happily, he yawned widely.
I love you, Sej.
"Go to sleep, little one." Sejya bowed forward and placed a soft kiss on Yaten's forehead before he leaned back again. "I'll be right here when you'll wake up again."
He looked out of the window but since it was getting dark outside since they flew back into the night, he couldn't see the clouds outside but his own reflection with his Yaten sleeping deep and tight right next to him. Trusting him completely.
I love you, little one.
dbdbdb
They felt blinded when they stepped into the bright room. One wall seemed to consist of glass, facing the ocean, letting the sun in. Haruka and Kakyuu staggered disorientated through the room until their hurting eyes got somewhat used to the light.
"Where are we?" Haruka blinked and longed for her sunglasses, cursing herself that she'd left them behind when she took the princess' hand.
They were in a living room, and at least the three-piece suite on the low glass table gave her some hints where exactly, even though there were far too many music instruments shattered on the ground near the glass to be really sure. There was even a black grand piano near an opened door that lead to a big balcony. From there they could hear voices, happy voices and light laughter.
"That's Kaioh Sonoko's house. She's a great opera singer." Explained Kakyuu and automatically followed the noises that lead her out to the balcony.
"Kaioh? So she's Michi's mother?"
"Oh, no." Kakyuu shook her head. "Although she looks quite young, she's actually seventy and therefore Michiru-san's grandmother."
"But they both have the same surname."
"I don't really understand all the details, Haruka-san, even after five years, but from what I understood did Michiru's father marry into the family. The Kaioh's seems to be a pretty well-known family of musicians and so he took his wife's name when they got married."
Kaioh hadn't rang a bell before in Haruka's mind and she had thought that she knew a lot about Japanese and American musicians, but probably she had lived too long in the big country and forgot a lot about the musicians from this island state.
"But Michiru-san always visits her when she comes back from a tour. Sometimes, my boys go with her, because Michiru-san's grandmother is not only a highly gifted opera singer, but also a great cook. I could never try them, but her cherry cakes are said to be legendary."
They slid through the glass door and sure enough, the Three Lights and Michiru sat on the balcony around a table, drinking coffee and enjoying cake. They all wore summer clothes and even though Haruka couldn't feel the sun on her skin, she was sure that it was a late summer day, one of those days that were long gone in Chicago. Here in Tokyo, the leaves of the trees were still green and only started slowly to colour. The only exception was Yaten who wore one of his white tracksuits and had a blanket wrapped around his legs. A big sunshade protected him from the burning sun. He still looked pale, but his happy laughter told them that he recovered, and that it had been the right decision to leave the cold, rainy Chicago behind and go home.
-You told me in your letters that you made many nice pictures. May I see them, Michiru-chan?- Kaioh Sonoko looked more like fifty, fifty-five at the most. Her hair had the same sea green colour as Michiru's, but hers was shorter, hardly touching her shoulders, and streaked with silver. She wore a long, dark dress that stressed her slim figure, and had a brilliant smile on her porcelain face. Suddenly, Haruka knew from whom Michiru had inherited her beauty.
-Of course.- Michiru put down her fork and reached for her backpack to pull out a big photo album. The photos of her digital reflex camera were already developed and neatly put on the pages. As Haruka looked over the young violinist's shoulder, she could see names and dates written in Michiru's nice handwriting beneath. Obviously, they had again spent a long time in the shadow land. Maybe not only days, but even weeks.
However, there was no calendar around this time to tell them the date and Haruka didn't really care. Right now, she was too curious to finally see some of the pictures Michiru had taken not only on the small camera's screen, but as a real picture.
-That was in San Francisco.- explained Michiru while she handed the open album to her grandmother. The Three Lights leaned automatically forward to have a better look. At least Yaten and Tahiki did while Sejya used his chance to get another big piece of the delicious cherry cake.
-That reminds me of my America tour.- Sonoko stroked lovingly over the photos, certainly revelling in old memories.
You've been in America, Kaioh-san?- Tahiki raised one eyebrow at his younger brother's appetite, but didn't say anything.
-Hai, but I've been fairly young, then, hardly older than Michiru-chan is right now.- The old lady sighed, but it wasn't a sad motion. -Actually, I met my husband on that tour. He was a famous opera singer. He lived in Osaka, then, and went to America to give some concerts, as well. It was chance that we met, but we fell in love immediately. Shortly afterwards we got married and when little Aiko was born, I decided not to leave Japan so soon again.- Sonoko turned the page and smiled when she saw her granddaughter and the brothers posing in front of the Grand Canyon.
-Why don't you go now?- Yaten stirred in his chocolate and earned one of Sonoko's warm smiles.
-I'm too old now, Yaten-chan.-
"I think she looks young enough to infest the entire world." Muttered Haruka and heard Kakyuu's amused giggle beside her.
"I guess she likes Japan too much, as she likes her granddaughter a lot."
-That's Disneyland.-
-I would've never guessed.- Chuckled Sonoko and shook slightly her head. -But the Mickey Mouse caps and the big mouse standing next to Yaten-chan give me a kind of a clue, Don't they?-
-We had a lot of fun there.- Michiru smiled bravely at the photo that showed Yaten, Sejya and Haruka, all wearing those funny caps. Right now, her grandmother hadn't asked who the blonde was and she hoped that she never would, hoped that she'd think that Haruka belonged to Usagi's team, as Sonoko often called Michiru's friends, being happy that her granddaughter had so nice friends.
-So, where do you want to go next? China? Europe?- Sonoko turned another page and the album slipped from her hands when she heard Tahiki's serious answer.
-Nowhere, Kaioh-san. I've decided to stop with the Three Light business.-
-Nani?-
-We only take a pause until Yaten-chan's fully recovered; and it's been a long tour for the rest of us, as well.- was Sejya quick to add and glanced at his older with a look that clearly said that the last word hadn't been spoken on that topic and that he didn't want to discuss the reasons for their resignation with Michiru's grandmother who didn't know about the Sailor Senshi, about the youmas and definitely didn't have a clue that a monster like Sailor Galactica even existed.
-So desu ka.- Sonoko nodded and Haruka turned to Kakyuu when she felt her hand getting suddenly very cold. The princess was very pale and seemed to have difficulties to stand up tall.
"Kakyuu-san?"
"I'm just… just a little bit dizzy." Kakyuu shivered and leaned closer to the blonde who tried to support her the best she could.
"Should we go back?" Haruka wasn't very keen to return to the shadow land, because she didn't know how much time would pass until they were able to visit Michiru and the Three Lights again, but then Kakyuu's health was more important. Her health and to find a way out of this strange world.
"No…" Kakyuu shook her head and her blue eyes sparkled determinedly. "No. I want to stay, even if it's just for a little bit longer."
"Okay." Haruka wasn't convinced, but it was Kakyuu's decision when to leave and to run; she had lived much longer in the shadow land than she had.
-I've been really concerned when Michi-chan phoned me and told me that she'd come back to Japan later, because you fell ill.- Sonoko bowed to pick up the photo album. She put away her coffee and her used plate to lay it open before her on the table. Compassionately, she looked at Yaten who smiled a brown smile back at her. Tahiki automatically handed him a handkerchief and the young pianist laughed when he realized that he had a chocolate beard from his drink.
-I feel a lot better, Kaioh-san, thanks for your concern.- He watched Sejya taking another piece of cake and held his empty plate out to him. His older brother didn't growl, he didn't even roll his eyes, but gave him another piece without protest. Since his breakdown almost four weeks ago, Sejya had treated Yaten like a small child, spoiling him at every opportunity. The young pianist didn't mind one bit.
-Pneumonia sounds quite dangerous to me.-
-I was in a very good hospital and had an excellent doctor.- Yaten played with his piece of cake a little bit, separating the batter from the cream, pulling free the little cherries. No one seemed to notice or at least no one seemed to mind.
-Take care of you, Yaten-chan. You made me worry back then.-
-I will.- Yaten put a spoon full of cream in his mouth and smiled happily when he tasted the sweet flavour.
"You made us all worried."
-Nevertheless, you seem to have had quite a nice time in America. Where else…- Sonoko looked back at the photo album and stopped short.
-What's wrong? Did I accidentally put a blurred photo in there?- Michiru looked up from her inner battle and nodded when Tahiki offered her to share another piece of delicious cherry cake with her.
-Who's that?- Sonoko slightly turned the album to let the three young men and her granddaughter have a better look at the picture she was pointing at. It showed a blond person wearing dark clothes and a contrasting white cowboy hat, sitting behind a grand piano on an illuminated stage.
-That's Haruka-san.- explained Tahiki while balancing the half piece over to Michiru's plate. He flinched when it tumbled over, nonetheless, messing the crème and the cherries irretrievably.
-She accompanied Yaten-chan in his solo on the piano.- added Sejya, helping himself to another cup of coffee.
-She always says that she's not very good in her piano play, but actually, she's better than I.- Yaten shrugged his shoulders, chasing a cherry over his plate until he lost his patience and picked it up with his fingers to put it into his mouth. -Right now, she's still in America.-
"No, I'm here, Yaten-chan."
-She's a very good friend.- Michiru's smile was brave again, hurting Haruka who couldn't tell her that she was right by her side. Who couldn't explain her why she had left so suddenly. Who couldn't return; not as long as a very pale and trembling Kakyuu needed her help.
-She's travelled with us through America and we had a lot of fun.- Michiru didn't tell her grandmother that she hoped that Haruka would be her girlfriend once she returned. As long as she hadn't talked to the blonde, as long as she hadn't kissed, hadn't held her again, she wouldn't make her grandmother too hopeful that her granddaughter had finally found someone nice. Because then Kaioh Sonoko wouldn't feel too bad when it didn't work out; just like she had tried to comfort her granddaughter after Sailor Uranus simply turned around and left.
-Haruka?-
-Tenô Haruka.- nodded Michiru and frowned when her grandmother raised her head and looked sharply at her.
-And she played the piano?-
-Hai, really well, I might add.- Yaten nodded and enjoyed another spoon full of crème, already plotting how to exchange his batter against Sejya's crème. He was even willing to do without the cherries in it.
-Why? What's up?- Michiru sensed Kaioh Sonoko's unease, as did Haruka who held Kakyuu a little bit tighter, glancing worriedly between the hard breathing princess and the confused looking opera singer and back.
-I once had a very promising student. She was a little bit younger than your mother, Michiru-chan, but they got along very well, because she played the violin, too. She came to me to get some singing lessons and I have to admit that she wasn't very talented in singing, but her violin play was incredible. She and your mother played a lot together and I managed that Aiko-chan's teacher gave her some lessons, as well.- Sonoko shook her head and looked suddenly sad. -She was a very promising musician and composed the most wonderful music I've ever heard. However, she gave up on all that when she met a young musician during a tour through America she took part at together with her orchestra.-
-Why did she give up her music?- asked Tahiki, clearly interested in the old story. Michiru only sat there, silent, suddenly as pale as a trembling Kakyuu.
-Because she married that guy. He was an excellent pianist, that's right, but she married him, although she was only twenty years old, and went to America to live with him. She retired and never ever gave another concert, which is a real pity. Over the following years we lost contact and I never heard of her again, although I did so much to support her and Aiko-chan was sad that she didn't write her a letter or called her, not even once.- Sonoko shook her head again and glanced at the picture in front of her.
-What's that to do with Haruka-neechan?- asked Yaten and beamed when Sejya finally pushed his plate closer to his so that they could indeed exchange sweet crème against dry batter.
-Yakoo, that's my former student's name, Yakoo's husband wore during his concerts only black clothes. I haven't seen many of his concerts, but I've read some articles about him after Yakoo left, and he looked exactly like your Haruka.- The old opera singer rose and even though she didn't look like seventy, she moved quite slowly, exposing her old age and the reason why she stayed stubbornly in Japan and didn't want to travel the world again. Haruka could hear the ocean and the seagulls' cries and knew that this was Sonoko's home and that she wouldn't leave it until her death.
-I have a CD of him here, somewhere…- They could hear the old lady's voice emerging from the living room and after the noise of falling paper and some broken CD cases died away did Sonoko return and sat down on her chair. She pushed the CD in Michiru's hands and the three brothers now leaned closer to her instead of her grandmother.
All four of them blinked when they saw an attractive young man sitting behind a grand piano, smiling dreamily while he played the shiny instrument. He wore black clothes and a contrasting white cowboy hat laid on his back. Even though his make-up artist probably had tried her best, his blond hair was still a messed mop. The resemblance with Haruka on the picture that Hashitzou had taken shortly before Yaten's breakdown was striking. His face was, of course, a little bit more angular and her body looked more female under the dark clothes, but otherwise they could have been twins. Or at least very close relatives.
Michiru gulped and turned the CD to look at its title.
Songs From The Heart.
It wasn't a very unusual title, nor was it very coining. However, what caught her eyes was the pianist's name.
Jonathan Miller.
-He was one of America's most popular pianists at that time.- sighed Sonoko as she watched her granddaughter reading the title. -I guess he made her happy, but he also forced her to quit her music and that's something that I'll never forgive him!-
"She never quit her music." Whispered Haruka, although she knew that the old opera singer couldn't hear her. "Mommy still played her violin at home, for him, for us." She gulped and looked at the CD in Michiru's hand, seeing her father's photo. I had been taken when he had been as old as she was now. He couldn't have been older, because he looked the same he had looked on his wedding photo at the age of twenty three. "Mommy didn't want to play on a huge stage any longer, but she always loved her music."
-What's her full name? -
-Tenô Yakoo.-
Michiru nodded, not really surprised. After all, it was a trick she had used often, too. Her name was Aiko, after all, whenever she was in disguise and didn't want any one else to know that she was indeed Kaioh Michiru, the Three Light's famous violinist. Considering all she had heard about Haruka from Dr. Jones made her understand why the blonde chose for her mother's name when she came back to Japan.
-That's why Haruka's piano play was so good; she obviously had the best teacher you could find in America.- whispered Michiru and held the CD tighter in her suddenly cold hands. Just the way she had held the photo of little Akito and his older sister tight in Dr. Jones' office in Chicago.
-You mean…-
-Haruka's full name is Francis Haruka Miller.-
Tahiki took the CD from Michiru and looked at it closely while his two brothers leaned closer to examine the cover, as well. Sonoko stared in disbelieve at her granddaughter.
-How do you know that?- Tahiki was curious, but not nearly as shocked as the old opera singer. He had never heard of that pianist before, but that was nothing special for he had spent most of his life in another solar system, on another planet where they listened to different kinds of music.
-I've talked to Dr. Jones who took care of her little brother.-
-They have a son?-
-They had…-
Haruka shook her head and stepped automatically back. Only Kakyuu's suddenly heavy form hindered her to turn around and run away.
"She knows?" she whispered and gulped.
Bill told her?
"Let's go, Kakyuu-san." The blonde held the princess tighter and her eyes grew wide when she turned her head and saw that the other woman looked very sick now. She gasped for breath and sweat stood on her white face. "What's wrong, Kakyuu-san?"
"It's Sailor Galactica…" panted the princess and went on her knees when they wouldn't support her any longer. "I can't fight her any longer; not without them." With those words, she fell forward and would have hit the shadow land's ground hadn't Haruka held her back.
"Kakyuu-san?!" cried the blonde, but didn't get any answer. "Kakyuu-san?!" Haruka pressed the unconscious princess against her body and tried to shield her from the shadow as the darkness descended upon them once more.
dbdbdb
Well, what's more to say? I hope you enjoyed it (hopefully again :)). There are only three more parts to come (2 for the rest of this chapter and the epilogue), so you'll get to know the end before Christmas (isn't that a nice present:)).
Thank you all VERY MUCH for supporting me with all your nice comments. They often make my day (after long hours at university, library and other such nice places). I try to answer your last comments (because some of you asked me a couple of questions) as soon as possible (because this week, there's a bank holiday in Saxony. YES!!!).
See ya next week :).
April