Request
Kiyoko had spoken to her mother and sister before leaving the courtyard, both instructing her to get her rest for tomorrow. Kiyoko returned the sentiment and retired to her chambers, wondering where Yaten had gone off to this time. She had decided to simply change into a nightgown and bathe in the morning before leaving. She'd decided on a forest green one that tied around the back of the neck and went to her knees that was silky and thin.
She sat at the table with the spell for tomorrow open, studying it one more time before trying to go to sleep, starting to feel anxious. However, as Kiyoko read it and reread it, she felt more confident than ever that she and Serenity could do it. Though secretly she knew that unbinding that darkness and releasing those star seeds could be very dangerous for her. But if she was able to do it, she had no doubt Serenity could revive them. That was the important part after all. As she closed the book, Kiyoko heard a knock at her door. She wasn't surprised to sense this visitor. Kiyoko stood and said, "You may come in Haruka. I was sure I would see you before leaving."
Haruka entered and quietly shut the door behind her, "You would think that after 200 years I'd be used to not having to knock. Thank you for seeing me."
Kiyoko would've thought Haruka was being cold, but her face and her emotions said otherwise. She was nervous, worried, and feeling a bit awkward. This perplexed Kiyoko, "What is going on Haruka? You're upset."
Gathering her courage Haruka walked over to Kiyoko and stopped, standing very close to her, "I understand why you don't want the entire guard there, but let me go with you." She took Kiyoko's hand, sensing she was about to walk away from her.
Jolted by the conviction in that touch, Kiyoko looked into Haruka's eyes, "Trust me Haruka, I would love to have you there. But I told everyone why I chose the people I did." Kiyoko could sense anger mixing in with the other emotions she was feeling.
Haruka took Kiyoko's other hand, "This is going to be dangerous, especially for you. How can you say no?"
Unsure of what else to day, Kiyoko replied bluntly, "As I keep telling people…. It is for their sake, the Shitenou. That is how I can Haruka." She was surprised to see tears pooling in Haruka's eyes.
The angry tears that threatened to leak out, spurred Haruka on, wishing Kiyoko would just listen to her on her own merit, but so be it. She retorted, "If you won't listen to me, then listen to Seiya. Yaten found me after the meeting and asked me to be there with you on Seiya's behalf."
Stunned, Kiyoko didn't say anything. She knew Haruka was being honest. She could sense it. Kiyoko could imagine how much it must have pained Seiya to ask for this, especially from Haruka. It was also obvious that it hurt Haruka to have to use this information, hoping Kiyoko would've agreed without it. Her own emotions became a storm: sympathy, compassion, love, and anger. The anger was a clearer picture, giving her something to focus on. So that is what she chose to express, "I do not need a babysitter, despite what the two of you think…. Not that I ever thought I would see the two of you agree on anything!"
Haruka pulled Kiyoko closer, thinking it was ironic that they were both angry, but she still felt like she needed to hold her tightly… the fear that Kiyoko might vanish stronger. She spoke softly, "No one is implying that you need a babysitter. But I want to be there to support you and I know Seiya does too. But since she can't be there herself, Seiya asked me to stand in for her. Please Kiyoko, if I don't go, the worry might drive me mad anyway." A few tears escaped her eyes.
Kiyoko thought about how so few saw this softer side of Haruka, and it helped to calm her, reminding her of how special and lucky she was. She didn't know how the others would react, but if Seiya had asked this… and Haruka was pleading with her…. How could she say no? So she sank into Haruka's arms and whispered, "Fine. You can come. Do you think Michiru would mind if you stayed? I want to be able to sleep tonight."
Kissing the top of Kiyoko's head, Haruka replied, "Michi won't mind, luckily…." She pulled Kiyoko back slightly so that she could get a better look at her, a smiled playing at her lips now that things were settled, "Do you have something I can wear to bed or shall I go back and get something of my own?"
Not entirely sure why, but Kiyoko didn't want Haruka to leave now. She shook her head, "You're welcome to anything in my closet." She motioned toward the huge walk-in closet. So Haruka went in and came out a few minutes later in what was actually one of Kiyoko's favorite nightgowns. It was like a sundress that went to Kiyoko's knees, but it was black and made of a cottony material. Though with the height difference it only went to about Haruka's mid-thigh. Kiyoko smiled and held out her hand, "Let's go lay down, I need to sleep."
The two of them laid down the same way they had the night before, it was so comfortable to be near Haruka, Kiyoko could only think of one person she felt more comfortable with, and she was marrying her. Even after she'd closed her eyes she felt Haruka staring at her as she drifted off, watching over her as always.
The morning came far too quickly and Kiyoko woke before Haruka. Luckily no one was at the door because somehow the two of them had managed to become very tangled up in their sleep. If anyone walked in at that moment Kiyoko was certain they'd assume the worst. Though she did lay there a few minutes enjoying how at peace Haruka was. The look on her face was so relaxed and the emotions Kiyoko sensed were contentment and peace. However, eventually she had to wake her. Despite how happy she was that Haruka had stayed last night, Kiyoko knew she had to kick her out so that she could see Michiru before they left. It took some prodding to get her up, but Kiyoko did it. She sent Haruka on her way, promising not to leave without her.
Then Kiyoko set to work readying herself for departure. She bathed and put on a navy blue gown that stopped just below her knees. It was made of a thick velvety material and had a high neck with very short sleeves and a large opening in the back. Kiyoko also wore matching tights, black mid-calf boots, and long black gloves. Intentionally she'd brought the cross neckwear she'd had made for Endo. It and her tiara completed the ensemble. She hoped that she looked powerful, yet gentle. That was what she felt was needed today.
She walked to the throne room and found everyone assembled. Kiyoko felt a bit bad to be the last one to show up, with the exception to the last minute addition to the list. When she reached the others Helios approached her first, hugged her, and handed her a leather pouch with a long cord that would allow her to wear it around her neck. There was a symbol of protection burned into the front of the pouch. Helios told her, "That should allow for a little extra protection from the dark echoes in that place."
Kiyoko bowed and put the pouch around her neck, "Thank you so much brother. Take care of Crystal Tokyo while we're gone." She turned to the others, who all wore the mixture of fear and excitement that always preceded something like this.
Usagi came and stood close to Kiyoko, a smile on her face, "You look lovely. Your father would be proud. Shall we go?"
Chewing on her lip, she looked at her mother, "About that….. We're actually still missing someone." She saw the perplexed look on her mother's face turn to anger as she looked over Kiyoko's shoulder. As she turned her sight matched her magical senses. Haruka had just entered from the other side of the throne room.