Understanding

Haruka was getting closer to where Kiyoko stood, still moving as stealthily as possible. But of course Kiyoko knew she was there. She waited until she was within earshot and spoke, never looking away from Earth, "The view from this balcony is incredible, isn't it? The Earth is so beautiful and full of life. Did you know that this was my mother's room… Once upon a time."

This calmness confused Haruka, but she responded regardless, "Yes, the view from here is incredible, though perhaps a bit overwhelming. And no, I didn't know this was her room." She looked again at the sky and then back at Kiyoko.

Kiyoko continued gazing upward, "I understand how it is my mother fell in love with Earth… Why she couldn't help herself…. Seeing this view every day of your life…." She sighed deeply.

Haruka chuckled softly, "Your mother has always had trouble following the rules." She took a few tentative steps closer to Kiyoko.

"That is what everyone says. But it wasn't just her. My father did too… by falling in love with her…." Kiyoko leaned forward just a little, making her dress' shimmer even more noticeable.

Haruka was so afraid that Kiyoko would run off that she stepped forward and grabbed her wrist. She held her breath, waiting for the angry reaction but it didn't come. Kiyoko didn't move an inch and didn't say a word. Haruka wasn't sure how to take her stillness. After a moment she came to stand next to her, holding her hand. Even though it made Haruka restless, she stood like that and waited. That seemed like the best thing in that instant.

Eventually Kiyoko looked away from the Earth, at Haruka, and spoke, "I didn't mean to make you cry. I'm sorry." She hoped Haruka wouldn't notice that her own eyes were puffy from crying. She'd cried from the moment she landed on this balcony until she'd sensed Haruka's presence. Quickly Kiyoko looked back up at the Earth, still holding Haruka's hand.

"I know you didn't Kiyo-chan, " Haruka said as she gave Kiyoko's hand a squeeze, "And I am sorry that you feel so alone in this."

It was as if Haruka's words forced the flood gates of Kiyoko's heart open and she began crying… again. She started to pull away from Haruka, but Haruka held tighter. Kiyoko knew Haruka was right earlier in that if she wanted to break free of her hand, she could. But she didn't. She just stood there, letting the tears run down her cheeks. Haruka was the one who moved. She came to stand in front of Kiyoko and put her arms around her, stroking her hair to sooth her. Neither one of them said anything, Kiyoko leaning into Haruka.

It seemed like Kiyoko cried for a long time. But once she was able to stop she spoke, "You don't have to do this just because everyone is frightened. I know they are." She started to pull away again.

However, Haruka held tighter, "I know I don't. That isn't why I'm doing this. And they're worried about you. I am too." She brushed her fingertips against the wings that had sprouted, "What happened?"

Kiyoko looked up into Haruka's eyes, "I don't know. Michiru came to see me… To fight me like most everyone else. But something in me…. I don't know… Something just snapped. And then they appeared and I wanted nothing more than to be back here. I came here with Minako. I was actually happy for a little while." A few more tears escaped from Kiyoko's eyes.

Haruka's heart was breaking, "I'm sorry that we've made you unhappy, but we love you. None of us want to lose you." She looked into Kiyoko's eyes, so full of pain.

Kiyoko swallowed and broke free, turning away from Haruka, wrapping her arms around herself, "I understand that Haruka. I don't want to leave anyone either. But I know I can do this. I can feel my power growing, just look at me!" She made her wings flutter lightly to emphasize her point.

"I am looking at you Kiyoko. You look amazing, stunning, and a little frightening. This transformation was so sudden," Even from behind she could tell that Kiyoko was hurt by the word frightening. She continued, "Don't misunderstand me Kiyo-chan. You look so beautiful and so powerful right now it's as overwhelming as the view of Earth from here. Somehow you've truly grown up and transformed into an ethereal goddess."

Kiyoko actually chuckled, "Every time I do something unexpected you say something about me growing up, as if unless I shock you, you still think of me as a child. Is that it? I'm still a child to you?"

Certain her answer would likely upset Kiyoko, Haruka responded anyway, "Yes, in a way you are. In the same way that a small part of you will always be a child to your mother. The same way Endo and Ruka will always be your children. But that doesn't mean that I completely ignore the fact that you've grown into one of the most beautiful, powerful, and strong women I have ever had the honor of knowing." Something was brewing inside Kiyoko, Haruka could tell. She wasn't sure what it was, but she tried to ready herself.

Speaking in a very small voice, Kiyoko replied, "Thank you. I want to ask you for something…. To show you something… But part of me knows it's wrong on so many levels…. I just can't." Letting her arms drop, Kiyoko started to step away.

Again, Haruka took her by the hand, "Ask me Kiyo-chan. Even if I say no, I want you to be able to ask me anything." She tightened her grip, despite knowing that Kiyoko could still get away effortlessly if she wanted.

Not turning, but not pulling away, Kiyoko spoke, "I love Seiya. I want to spend eternity with her. I am not questioning that desire, those feelings at all, but…" She trialed off, unable to bring a voice to what she wanted.

Haruka was confused more than when Kiyoko first spoke, "What do you want Kiyo-chan? Name it and I'll do it." She wanted so badly to mend things here. Haruka walked around to face Kiyoko, noticing how the light from Earth made her look even more ethereal.

Kiyoko swallowed, "I want you to understand EVERYTHING. But I can only think of one way to show you, especially as emotional as I feel right now…." She looked into Haruka's eyes. Haruka who'd been her mentor and closest friend her whole life.

Haruka saw a broken desperation in Kiyoko's face, "Anything. I want to understand. So whatever you have to do, do it." Kiyoko nodded and her wings fluttered as she stood on her tip toes and kissed Haruka. Kiyoko's eyes were shut tightly while Haruka's grew very wide. A flood of information, images, and feelings flowed into Haruka through that kiss. It was as if she were seeing Kiyoko's entire existence through her eyes, feeling all of her feelings.

It took but a few seconds and then Kiyoko pulled away silently. Haruka dropped to her knees under the weight of it all. Tears started trailing her cheeks as everything continued to crash into her. Kiyoko stood silently, waiting. After some time Haruka was able to speak, her voice ragged, "I don't know what to say Kiyoko, except that I'm so very sorry and I'll never doubt you again…."

Kiyoko extended her hand and Haruka took it, getting to her feet. Smiling, Kiyoko replied, "You see, I can do this. Now let's go home. We shouldn't keep the others waiting any longer," Haruka nodded weakly, still distraught from the onslaught of magic she'd just experienced and Kiyoko's sudden change in mood. She wondered idly what she'd tell Michiru. It wasn't like they were in love, but there'd been a kiss nonetheless. Kiyoko still held her hand and focused enough energy for the two of them, knowing Haruka was still disoriented. She told her, "Your understanding is what made me happy." Before Haruka could respond, they were on their way back to Earth.

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