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Night fell upon the canyon, and as anxiety rose within Nagisa's rapidly beating heart; the conflict to speak or even meet the eyes of her crush beside her was conflictingly overwhelming. Nagisa did not expect Honoka to be here and see the destruction she had done to the canyon. The canyon was especially beautiful in darkness, and calming in daylight. Even if things between them were volatile, Nagisa at least wanted Honoka to witness the beauty of the canyon she resided.
Now, it was a messy canyon of debris and shattered spires, dented walls of rocks, splits of the rivers unaligned and uneven. However, the canyon's true beauty and enigma was its uneven inertia and gravity. The obvious sight was the river, flowing diagonally and cutting in an X-section, making an isle for Nagisa's hut. The walls of the canyons were tall, so tall that darkness easily coated the river and anything within.
Honoka cast her sight down to the canyon. In the darkness, glowing-rivers flowed calmly in a mysterious diagonal angle – like a slope. The water did not seem to spill or fall from such an angle, it simply stayed as it curved and bend around the canyons. Unfortunately, Honoka could not see anything else except the river to move.
Suddenly, a faint yellow glow from the side of Honoka's eyes lit up. In the palm of Nagisa's hand was a yellow orb encased in a black fire. Honoka gaped in awe as she examined the curious flame on Nagisa's palm. Nagisa's face was half-hidden as she stared at Honoka's beautiful face. The pale-skin and the silky blue hair cast in the yellow light was as if a moon glowing in the sky. Honoka looked radiant, in both day and night. Nagisa admired and aspired to achieve the beauty Honoka possessed, but the reminder that her body was different conflicted her.
"It's amazing, Nagisa. It's like seeing a star." Honoka said, turning her gaze to Nagisa's half-hidden face.
Nagisa swallowed a lump in her throat, and spoke with a slight nervousness in her voice, "I-is that s-so? I mean… t-this is just yellow energy in black fire."
Honoka smiled, "However, stars are luminous spheres of plasma held together by its own gravity. Plasma – a fusion of energy and heat – was what stars were made of and that gravity-" She trailed off explaining about the stars and the theory she thought it could possibly be made.
Nagisa held back her broadening grin, but it adorned her lips as she listened to Honoka's warm and clear voice. It soothed Nagisa time and time again whenever she hears Honoka's voice, and conversations with her friend (crush) made her smarter too – if she could keep up. Nevertheless, Nagisa watched as Honoka animatedly explained the circumstances and process of making stars. Thus, the two women easily fell in conversation with Honoka discovering how to make stars, while Nagisa provided the elements and did the procedures with her guidance.
The nervousness inside Nagisa dissipated over time as they experimented making a star. Focused and absorbed in the process of making a star with their magic, they were able to look into each other's eyes and talk. Nagisa no longer felt timid or scared, because she cherished the light of Honoka's happiness and wonder with each step and success in making a star. Honoka's smile was bright in the semi-darkness and the faint yellow glow on her face. Then, Nagisa thought of something amazing in the dark depths of the canyon.
"Honoka, I want to show you something. Please wait here." Nagisa excitedly turned around and brought the source of light to the bright river, streaming like curved bridges across the canyon.
Honoka was enveloped in darkness, barely able to see herself or Nagisa. It did not feel frightening or threating. Rather it was a calm and cool sensation washing over Honoka. Looking around the canyon without moving, Honoka absorbed the artistic enigma of the night-sky divided by the dark depths within the canyon, except for the bright stream of rivers. Then, the river turned completely black as Nagisa put the black flame into the river.
The moonlight did not seem to light up the canyon, but perhaps it was the nature of the canyon. Honoka could still feel her feet on the solid earth, but the gravity was different – loose and unsteady. It almost felt like standing in the abyss, were it not for the stars and the moon in the sky. Looking or searching for Nagisa required a squint of Honoka's eyes to see the faint silhouette of her form. Nagisa appeared to be doing something, as purple electric sparks snaked across her arms.
The purple kinetic energies around Nagisa's arms were being tuned for her purposes. The kinetic energy would be sent into the river, and then the current would instantly sweep across the streams and splatter 'stars'. At least, Nagisa hoped that it worked after listening to Honoka's theories and putting them into practical conduct. It worked of course, but it was a temporary 'star' and unlike the ones seen at the sky or space.
Soon, Nagisa was ready and crouched down next to the slope of the river. As Nagisa put the tips of her fingers onto the layer of black water, the purple energy sizzled intensely as soon as it touched the surface of the river, sprouting furiously like a geyser of electricity. Honoka's eyes were glued to the fierce electric energy that briefly lightened up the darkness, and then it slowly resided. Darkness swarmed the canyon once again, except for the stars, sky, and moon above it.
Suddenly, as Nagisa immediately pulled her fingers away from the river, the water splashed outwards and drenched the walls of the canyons in a strange gradient of purple and green. The dark depths were coated in random trails of cloudy greens and purples, as if auroras filling the void. Then, glittering yellow orbs sparkled across the void.
"I did it." Nagisa muttered to herself, grinning proudly as she looked across the canyon that turned into a pseudo-space.
Nagisa turned around to see Honoka dazzled and in awe of the colours, lighting, and gradients of the canyon. The canyon was lit up in prismatic colours of yellow, green, and purple. It was a fantastic sight, and a fantasy to be within it. Honoka's heart raced with the excitement of a young maiden as she bathed in a dreamy, beautiful world.
Nagisa held back a chuckle as she watched Honoka look all around the canyon. Neither Pretty Cures could explore the world freely, lest they put their curse on another unintentionally. Even then, there was little time to wander about during a Beur hunt.
Nagisa smiled as Honoka head over to the side of a river and looked at its reflection. Honoka kneeled and squinted her eyes as she examined the change in the river. The river looked clear but beneath it, something shimmered faintly. Then, it dawned upon Honoka what Nagisa did to the river.
Honoka looked to Nagisa with a knowing grin on her face, "It's an illusion, isn't it?"
Nagisa smirked and sat down beside Honoka, "Yup. The water acts as a reflection, while the heat spreads out and produces steam. Then, the kinetic energy surged across the rivers to make contact with each scattered orbs beneath the water."
"Which you dissolved the yellow orb in the river and had them vibrating from underneath. Thus, causing ripples underwater and the steam to stir, which then reflected the moonlight onto the surface of the river while passing through the steam creating an illusionary auroras and stars." Honoka deduced and earned a warm chuckle from Nagisa.
"Something like that." Nagisa said and looked to the auroras reflected on the walls of the canyon.
Honoka smiled and sat down beside Nagisa to watch the auroras and stars along the canyon's walls. A comfortable silence surrounded them, as a peaceful and tender breeze blew across the depths of the canyon. They were dressed lightly, but their bodies have been trained, experienced, and exposed to several different hazards, environments, and terrains.
Honoka wore a white dress and pale blue soft pants. Nagisa wore a black tank top and purple shorts. Both women were not wearing any footwear, as they were in their pyjamas. Nagisa wanted to sleep early, but she became restless when her secret had been found out. While Honoka wanted to see Nagisa and talk before she went to sleep. Casting a sidelong glance, Nagisa decided to speak up and apologise.
"H-… Honoka…" Nagisa's voice wavered as her lungs constricted.
"Nagisa." Honoka softly smiled and replied as she turned her head to Nagisa.
Nagisa swallowed an invisible lump in her throat and turned her head to look at Honoka in the eyes. The warm, beautiful, and tender expression almost made Nagisa choke her words.
Nagisa blushed and cleared her throat, "A-Ab-about yesterday… I didn't meant to… blow up on you. I'm sorry for getting mad at you. I didn't want you to find out about my… s-secret." She said sombrely as she resisted the urge to look away.
The corners of Honoka's lips lowered a little, "Nagisa… Please, could you tell me how you felt when I saw you?" She asked gently as her gaze softened.
Nagisa's breath stilled for a moment as she hung her head down. At that moment, when Nagisa's secret was exposed, she felt anxious, restless, afraid, sick, panicked, sad, and probably a little cornered. Nagisa felt like she was squashed between two walls and her very being turned into mush, alive. Yet, all Nagisa could think of was Honoka and the future of their relationship. Nagisa sighed and pulled her knees to her chest, wrapped her arms around her legs, and laid her chin on her knees.
"Honestly, it was unbelievable… I felt heartbroken and devastated. I thought I could keep my secret and continue to be your friend. I was careless… I didn't expect you to return so soon and see me like that." Nagisa clenched her hands as she remembered the shocked look on Honoka's face, and then running away with her heart pounding painfully.
Honoka resisted the urge to place her hand on Nagisa's shoulder. Honoka did remember the pale and ghostly expression on Nagisa's face, after an accidental brief look at Nagisa's crotch. They were immensely injured after the fight with a Beur, and they needed to help each other to medicate their wounds. They healed themselves inside a tent, but they ran out of bandages and medicines. Honoka offered to get them as she suffered the least amount of injuries, thanks to Nagisa defending her as she charged her magic.
After returning with some medical supplies, Honoka returned to the tent and heard the rustling of clothes being removed. Since they were both women, there was nothing wrong seeing each other naked. So, Honoka entered the tent, and saw what she should not be seeing on Nagisa. Honoka was so shocked and silent, she was not aware that she dropped the supplies in her arms.
The sound startled Nagisa and to her horror and fear, Honoka was in front of her. Nagisa could not muster or utter a word that has had her heart clenched. So, Nagisa ran off and shrouded herself in an orb of darkness, zipping off into the sky. A few seconds then, Honoka recovered from the shock and was too late to stop Nagisa. It dawned upon Honoka why Nagisa only allowed hugs from the sides or the back, never the front.
"Mepple knew about my condition." Nagisa gave a short snort.
"He thought I was some exotic and rare species; said the something back at him." The corner of Nagisa's lips rose a little in amusement as she briefly tapped her index finger to her forehead.
Honoka smiled amusedly and noticed the incorrect male-gender symbol on Mepple's forehead.
"Before him, the Queen knew about me too, and she was kind to me… made me feel safe and confident about myself." Nagisa added, and then she looked at the auroras.
Upon hearing that, Honoka was a little jealous of the Queen and Mepple to have known Nagisa earlier than her, but she was grateful of their friendship and support for Nagisa.
"Then I met you…" Nagisa mumbled, closing her eyes as she took a steady breath.
Honoka expression softened, as she turned wistful.
"I didn't want to be friends with you at first, but as Pretty Cures, it's important that we work together to fight Beurs. Yet, you surprise me sometimes Honoka, even if you are a little nosy sometimes." Nagisa grinned as she could feel the glare coming from her side.
"I had you to stop and reprimand me from going over the line." Honoka said, her cheeks blushing a light pink hue.
Nagisa opened her eyes and smiled amusedly, "You were really infuriating. Always butting your nose in people's dilemma, but I like that you're supportive, even if they gave you the cold shoulder."
Nagisa sighed, "It makes me want to punch them though."
Honoka giggled, "I have gotten used to it. Besides…" She clasped her hands together and put them on her lap.
"I was happy that you listened and talked to me. I might get – be overbearing, and I do it to make sure we have things considered and thought out. I don't want anyone or either of us to regret or suffer from something that is overlooked." Honoka said with a tight smile and her hands clenching.
Nagisa glanced at Honoka, "You're amazing, Honoka." She said and turned her gaze towards the fading auroras.
Honoka looked inquisitively at Nagisa, as the auroras and stars soon started to dim and fade. Nagisa raised her head and looked at Honoka directly in the eyes.
"You kept people safe and distant from danger. Saved them from a danger they knew little about. Yet, you took the blame for the arrogance of some fools who think they can defeat the Beurs." Nagisa seethed with an exhale of her breath.
"Nagisa…" Honoka softly called.
"We are Pretty Cures. It is our duty and responsibility to protect people from the Beurs, regardless of the hostility or disposition of us." Nagisa said in an impersonation of Honoka's voice.
Honoka huffed dismissively as she rolled her eyes, "I should spread a propaganda to repeat those words."
Nagisa laughed and shook her head, "Oh no! Endless lectures." She gasped in a playful manner.
Honoka pouted, "It is not!" She rebutted, as the corner of her lips twitched amusedly.
"Heh. Whatever you say Honoka." Nagisa smiled and stood up, making another source of light just as the auroras and stars died out.
Honoka rose up and turned to face Nagisa, "Nagisa…" She called and reached out for Nagisa's hand.
Just as the black flame was about to appear on Nagisa's palm and Honoka reaching out for her hand. With a panicked and sudden reflex, Nagisa stepped in and slipped her hand around Honoka's back and shot jets and sparks of black flames and yellow lightning behind Honoka. The roaring sounds and sudden flash of lights behind Honoka startled her, wrapping her arms around Nagisa and burrowing her face on Nagisa's shoulder.
Nagisa's heart skipped a beat as her body touched Honoka's body, who was clutching and holding onto her as the force and blowback of her attack whipped and destroyed her hut. The flames and energy stopped shortly after, scattering tiny flakes of ashes and glowing, shimmering yellow dusts from the destruction of Nagisa's hut. Nagisa was less worried about the hut but Honoka.
"Are you okay? Honoka?" Nagisa gently pushed Honoka off her, but she was pulled in a tighter embrace.
"I-… Honoka, I'm not-… I'm not even sure-…" Nagisa stammered, torn between pushing away from Honoka or staying wrapped in the yearning embrace.
"You're wonderful, Nagisa." Honoka whispered, her words breezing on Nagisa's shoulder.
Nagisa shuddered and felt her heart hammering out of her chest. Honoka placed her hands onto Nagisa's back, and leaned away from Nagisa's shoulder to face Nagisa. Their faces were so close; Nagisa fell still at the scent and sight of Honoka looking at her with warm and tender blue-eyes.
"It's alright. You are still the friend and person I knew, Nagisa." Honoka gazed at Nagisa's dimming brown-eyes that turned away from her.
"A friend that hides her anatomy." Nagisa pointed out, as she clenched her hands into fists and lowered them to her sides.
Honoka giggled and shook her head, "Do you even hear yourself, Nagisa?"
Nagisa frowned and opened her mouth to speak, but she was silenced by Honoka's finger. Both woman defiantly stared at each other to have a say. Amusingly, Honoka outstared Nagisa with a piercing gaze that she would use to shut up people. Nagisa's challenged gaze was mostly met with provocation or intimidation, which did not work on Honoka. Honoka expression softened as Nagisa's shoulders sagged.
"As I said, do you even hear yourself? You are a woman Nagisa, and I know that because you have the cutest clothes picked out for girls and women. Moreover, I've seen you eyeing the earrings they wore." Honoka smirked as Nagisa blushed with a pout and arms folded.
"So? I like them." Nagisa defensively retorted, puffing her cheeks with her nose wrinkling as Honoka's smirk broadened.
Honoka giggled and stepped back from Nagisa, "Yup. And as your friend, I have a present for you – only if you come with me."
Nagisa raised a brow, caught intrigued by the curious present Honoka was leading her. However, before she could reply, a shrilling roar caught their attention. Nagisa groaned as a Beur interrupted them both, while Honoka laughed to her amusement.
"Let's take care of that first. Are you ready, Cure Black?" Honoka smiled and offered her hand out Nagisa.
Nagisa huffed and clasped her hand to Honoka's offered hand, no longer hesitant or anxious, but eager and excited.
"Yes, Cure White. Let's finish this and go get your present." Nagisa eagerly answered.
Honoka giggled and shook her head amusedly, knowing that Nagisa was looking forward to the present rather than fighting the Beur. Pillars of prismatic lights encased both women, and further down the canyon, a mysterious and ominous light was heading towards them with a shrilling roar.