Come to Me (Hiro's Story)

I will always love you no matter what...
No matter where you go or what you do.

"Wow! That car…"

Grinning, Usagi stepped away from the window, shutting its curtains before hurrying to the front door. She waited and watched, bobbing on the spot. The door opened with a slow creak and Chibiusa entered in with her head bowed, her pink bangs draping over and hiding her face.

"CHIBI-CHAN!" Usagi chirped, her hands on her hips. "Who was that boy just now? Was that the boyfriend?"

Chibiusa didn't respond.

Usagi chortled, deciding Chibiusa was putting on airs, attempting to be sneaky but she wasn't fooling anyone.

"You didn't even mention he was RICH. And to think he came all this way and you didn't introduce us."

Chibiusa still hadn't spoken, but Usagi noticed that in her arms was a small cat that stared back at her. The woman gasped, edging closer and leaning in to look at it. "Wah! A cat? How cute! Your rich boyfriend must have gotten you it as a gift, right? What a nice boyfriend you have, almost as nice as Mamo-chan is to Mama. But you know before bringing home pets you really should get permission first…"

Chibiusa looked up suddenly, and Usagi felt her breath hitch and words stick in her throat as she saw her daughter's face at last. Her cheeks were blotchy and damp, her eyes gleaming with tears. Usagi felt her heart drop.

"You're…crying?" she murmured weakly.

"You've never been helpful with anything…" Her daughter's upset appearance quickly became one of anger. "JUST GO AWAY! THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!" she snapped. She breezed past her for the stairs and to her bedroom, leaving her to stare in confusion.

Diana sat despondently at the foot of the bed, watching as Chibiusa dug her face in her pillow, her shoulders rattling with her sobs.

"He asked me out on a date just to tell me to stay out of his life? Who does something like that?" Chibiusa snivelled angrily.

Diana sighed. She felt there were no words to ease the girl's pain, but she knew she had to at least try.

"I never thought he would do something like that," Diana said. "I'm surprised by it as well."

Chibiusa sniffed. "He's wrong about not being different. He's completely different. He's a total jerk now."

Diana frowned, thinking back to her time at the large mansion. This Trunks was an interesting boy, more complicated than one might give credit for. Yes, that was right. He was only a boy.

"He's just scared," Diana thought aloud. She considered it through his eyes. Perhaps he wasn't ready to deal with the past just yet. Maybe he was too young like he said and these grand ideas of a heroic past, legacy and all else was just too much for him. He tried to tell her. Maybe, Diana had taken his feelings for granted. "Things are uncertain. Life is complicated. In the end… he's just a kid."

Chibiusa lifted herself up, spinning to face her. "I'm just a kid too! That doesn't mean he should just run away from everything! I know it's a new life but why can't we at least be friends? Why does he have to be like this?"

Diana lowered her head, frowning with thought. Chibiusa raised a good point. Why had Trunks chosen to be so extreme?

"There's no use crying over it,' Diana said finally.

Chibiusa frowned, turning her head away angrily. "I'll cry if I want to."

Diana sighed. Well, if one thing remained the same, it was Chibiusa's attitude. Trunks was this way as well. It seemed they really were meant for each other, but getting two insanely stubborn people to act rationally was no easy task.

"This wasn't how things were supposed to turn out. It's disappointing actually," muttered Diana.

Chibiusa regarded her suddenly with a puzzled stare. "What do you mean? How were things supposed to turn out?"

Diana began to explain everything to her about long-ago, what both of their past selves had done and how they ended up in a new life on Earth, as she had explained it to Trunks.

"That's how you came to be," Diana finished. "Your mother used the Silver Crystal with her final breath. She knew being of two kingdoms and your burdens as heirs made things impossible for you. She knew that she had prevented your happiness."

Chibiusa stared in awe. The Prince had eliminated Frieza and his army and he had destroyed the wicked Queen Beryl's army on Earth. He was a hero. Because of this, her mother had had a change of heart. She fulfilled Princess Small Lady's wish. The Princess believed that if she had only been normal, an Earthling, things would have been different. Well here she was on Earth, and things were different indeed—but in the wrong ways. She was forced to study and get good grades, her mother was an idiot, and Trunks hated her. If this was how it would turn out, what was even the point?

Chibiusa sulked. "He's right. Everything for me changed."

Diana tilted her head thoughtfully. "Well, you haven't noticed that your current mother looks just like the Queen?"

Chibiusa scoffed. "I did notice. But if my parents were reborn as my parents all over again, then they've also changed. Papa is still papa but…"

Diana nodded. "Well, for some reason Queen Serenity allowed herself to be reborn, but perhaps without the responsibilities of royalty she turned out to be a different person. Her memories weren't awakened. I believe it to be intentional. Although…" Diana gave pause, considering this. Trunks had mentioned that his own parents were the same as those in his past life as well, yet, they too remembered nothing. Trunks' friend Goten who was also reborn didn't remember either. Things were more confusing than she imagined it would be. Diana was certain that once Chibiusa and Trunks were awakened, everyone else would be too.

Chibiusa frowned. "Is this what the Queen intended then? Is she punishing me?"

Diana frowned. "No! Of course not."

"You too, Diana. You must be happy. You all wanted this, right? You told me that me and Trunks shouldn't be together back then. You told me we would have been better off forgetting each other."

Diana shook her head emphatically. "Are you kidding? I was reborn to help you! We all made mistakes. But I knew you'd be upset with me; that's why I sought out Trunks instead."

Chibiusa stuck her nose in the air with a "hmpf" and crossed her arms. "I suppose you had to do what was in the best interest of the kingdom, right? Even if it meant disagreeing with me like the others."

Diana sighed. "It's alright if you're upset with me, but your mother loved you. And your current mother loves you. Can't you see that, Small Lady?"

Chibiusa remained quiet. Usagi loved her? When she thought about it, all those annoying ways of hers was just her way of showing concern. Chibiusa knew that. She always did. She was the one who always pushed her mother away. Usagi had the qualities Chibiusa most disliked in herself; a symbol of her insecurity in sharp contrast to Neo-Queen Serenity who she always admired. But one thing remained constant: in all forms, her mother cared. No, Usagi wasn't the best at everything, she even cried a lot, but Chibiusa always knew…she meant well. Chibiusa wondered if she even deserved to be loved by anyone with her poor, judgemental attitude.

"I've made a horrible mistake, Diana-chan," Chibiusa whispered.

Diana sprang up on all fours, watching curiously as Chibiusa turned suddenly and stamped down the stairs. Chibiusa journeyed through the hallways and stepped quietly through the kitchen. The yellow-haired woman stood with her back to her, looking out a window.

"Um…" Chibiusa murmured, absently rubbing her arm.

She watched as Usagi turned around, clearly surprised and not expecting her. She stood feebly, her arms at her sides. She didn't speak, but Chibiusa could see that her clear eyes were moist, and her cheeks were stained with the remnants of salty tears. Chibiusa felt her own eyes water. She had made her mother cry. She rushed forwards, plunging into her mother's arms. She suddenly broke down again, and she couldn't stop the steady stream of tears. How long? How long had she yearned for this embrace from her mother?

"I'm sorry! I'm really sorry!" Chibiusa bawled. She was a terrible daughter! Even in her past life she had lied to her mother and she had hurt her, always doing as she pleased. She had done it again. It felt no amount of apologies could be enough. Her mother's arms slowly wrapped around her, returning her hug and patting her gently on the back. It was comforting.

"There, there…" Usagi said, in a calm, gentle voice. "Everything will be okay."

Chibiusa glimpsed upwards. She saw that her mother's eyes were compassionate; her smile was kind and loving. Usagi didn't know what Chibiusa was feeling inside, and she didn't pry; but, she understood Chibiusa was upset and tried to console her. For a minute Chibiusa felt she was looking into the eyes of Queen Serenity once again. Chibiusa smiled, then lowered her gaze, burying her head into her chest. Everything really would be okay. At least she hoped.

Knowing you
You're gonna have to do things your own way;
And that's okay.
So be free, spread your wings.

The boy skulked through the large foyer of Saiyatsuki Junior High. His hands were tucked in the pockets of his dark blue pants; his gaze was empty as he regarded those he went by. His usual group of friends no longer interested him for he passed them and didn't bother to stop to say "hello". Once he found his way to his classroom, he froze at its doorframe. He turned his head and stared down the hall. Down the hall was a pair of chatting first years. That was the same place where she would walk on her way to her class. He felt annoyance tug at his conscience. It had been a little over a week since he'd last spoken to her.

"Uh, Erishi-kun?" someone said, interrupting his thoughts. "You're blocking the door."

Hiro flinched slightly, then smiled, apologizing as he continued into the room and allowed for his classmate to follow behind him.

Erishi Hiro.

That was his name in this life.

In his past life he was Helios of Elysion. A priest. A magical being of Earth, a guardian and protector of Earth's treasures stored at the Golden Temple. Yes, he was truly magnificent in his past life. Yet, here he was reborn as a simple teenaged boy attending a simple school.

"Okay, can I have the class representative make her announcement?" the teacher said.

Hiro stared dully as a thin girl with two long, dark braids started towards the front. As her mouth moved, he heard no words, but only his own thoughts...

Ever since that day Hiro had felt nothing but surges of envy and disbelief. Who was Helios? He wasn't just some fascinating, mystic character that guarded the Golden Temple. He was also the man once chosen to wed the beautiful Princess Small Lady Serenity, selected by her father, King Endymion. Unfortunately, fate had something else in store—that Saiyan prince, Vegeta III. Worse still, Helios had been the one to unwittingly bring them together. And in the end, Helios had been the one to find Princess Serenity's lifeless body beyond the ruins of the Golden Palace. He'd been the one to retrieve the Silver Crystal she had used for Neo-Queen Serenity. It was a traumatizing image that he couldn't shake from his memory, though he tried. For days, Helios was wracked with despair. He blamed himself. Ultimately, once given the chance, he ended his own life with the Sword of the Silver Crystal.

The Class Rep finally retook her seat, and the teacher returned to her podium to speak. Hiro scowled, picking up his pencil and allowing it to nest limply between his fingers. For a week now, Hiro was forced to focus on all that Helios had gone through, and for some reason, here he was, allowed to live again. He puzzled over what it all meant.

What could it mean?

"Change," the teacher uttered, scratching the word on the board. "What comes to mind when you hear the word?"

Hiro stared, idly prodding the eraser-end of the pencil against his chin. Helios was helpless as the Princess ran off with the Prince, and Hiro had been forced to watch as Trunks stole a kiss from his current love, Chibiusa. He'd been rejected that time. He'd been rejected this time. Again. Twice. It was obvious what everything meant. Everything was happening for a reason.

Hiro raised his hand.

"Erishi-kun?" the teacher called.

"Change means rebirth. Change means starting over. Change means making a difference."

The teacher nodded, looking impressed. "Ah! Excellent answers."

Hiro smirked to himself.

No.

He wasn't Helios, he was Hiro and Hiro wasn't going to stand helplessly by like Helios had. He wasn't going to give up on Chibiusa. He would be the one to capture her heart in the end.

And the first order of business?

Eliminating, at all costs, the threat of Trunks Briefs.

I'll be waiting for you.
Here inside my heart,
I'm the one who wants to love you more.

The room was alive with the sounds of excited chatter, scraping chairs and slamming books as students scrambled to leave their classroom. Their school day was over. Chibiusa responded with the usual good-byes as her friends went their separate ways for their after school clubs. Hotaru, though, was absent with a cold. Through the corner of Chibiua's eye, she observed as Trunks and Mana spoke, looking engaged in deep conversation as they left the room. Together. Chibiusa fumed, narrowing her eyes in disgust. They were getting pretty close, weren't they?

"Oy, Chiba-chan."

Chibiusa blinked, glancing over in surprise as the source of the voice approached her. She felt her stomach squirm. Kabuto.

"K-Kyabetsu-kun…" she murmured meekly.

He frowned, a hand on his waist as he neared. "Hey, why so formal? Everyone calls me 'Kabuto', anyway."

Chibiusa backed herself up further, feeling the sudden thud of her back hitting the wall. Now directly in front of her, he slapped a hand against the wall, cornering her. She peered over his shoulder, noticing everyone else had left.

They were alone.

"W-What do you want?" Chibiusa demanded, though her voice in its sudden shrill tone sounded more mouse-like than threatening.

Kabuto chuckled. "I don't want anything, but I wonder. What's so interesting about Briefs-kun, huh?"

Chibiusa rasped, "What?"

"You're always staring at him, aren't you? Why don't you ever look at me like that?"

Chibiusa stared nervously back into his face, his dark, round eyes boring into hers. From up-close she could make out every small freckle on his face, the distinct "v" shape of his sloping hairline, the wispy hairs of his black sideburns, even the slightest glob of gel that he had used to spike his hair staining the edge of his forehead. He was close. WAY too close. Chibiusa snapped her head away, eyes squeezed tightly as she thrust her arms out.

"Get away from me!" she cried, pushing him back.

Kabuto stumbled back only a tiny bit, but he maintained his ground.

"Yo, Kabu! Are you still in there?" another voice called.

Chibiusa flung open her eyes, seeing as Matomo had poked his head in the doorway just in that moment. He directed a bemused look at them both. Chibiusa returned her attention to Kabuto who seemed stunned, gaping, his eyelids coming down in slow, exaggerated blinks. Matomo sauntered into the room, chuckling as he clapped a hand on his friend's shoulder. "You wanted alone time with, Chiba-chan, eh? How adorable."

Chibiusa glared. "Shut up! You two are idiots!"

Matomo laughed dismissively. Both boys were much taller than she was and so he took it upon himself to pat Chibiusa lightly on the head as though she were a puppy. "What a feisty little thing you are," he mocked.

Finally having had enough, Chibiusa smacked his hand away and twirled to slap him. Yet, just as she raised her arm to strike, he startled her by firmly catching her wrist. Her eyes widened in terror—his grip was strong. Everything that followed, happened quickly. Before Chibiusa knew it, Kabuto rounded on Matomo, demanding he not touch her. He shoved him roughly at the shoulder and he fell into a desk. Angrily, Matomo pushed him back. Chibiusa stumbled away, screaming as the two boys began a fistfight with each other. She tripped and fell onto her bottom. She was too stunned to think about whether or not to call for help, when suddenly two other students rushed into the room. Chibiusa cocked her head in a daze, seeing red as it was none other than Trunks and Mana. It was like she were in a dream, there but not there, watching Trunks pull the boys apart, instantly wrestling and flipping them to the ground. She felt a mild tap on her shoulder.

"Are you alright?"

Chibiusa slowly crooked her head, her eyes meeting Mana's dark, midnight-black ones. Chibiusa saw her own sordid reflection in them. Mana seemed nearly as stunned and uncomfortable as she was, for she redrew her hand quickly and got to her feet. Chibiusa staggered onto her own as well. At last, she was able to take in the scene. Kabuto and Matomo were on the ground, rubbing their heads and limbs. Trunks stood over them with folded arms. Mana stood, unmoving and silent.

Something about all of this was odd.

They were all together. Trunks was hanging out with Mana and seemed overly familiar with all of them. Why?

This couldn't just be a bunch of rich kids who just 'happened' to know each other.

Trunks looked over at her suddenly, his blue eyes holding that same unreadable stare she had for so long mused over, loved, yet at the same time, despised.

"What?" he asked, as though questioning her reason for still being there.

Chibiusa parted her lips, searching for the words she wanted to say, the right kind of words to express what she was feeling at the moment. But there was nothing she could say. The words didn't exist. All she could feel was a burning sentiment of confusion and rage. And a hatred for Mana.

She glowered at Trunks. This person was a stranger.

"Who are you?" Chibiusa asked, the words spilling out in a hushed tone. "Seriously, who are you, Trunks?"

Not awaiting his answer, she straightened her blue sailor uniform collar and stormed out the door.