Intro Comments (14 May 2023)

This chapter (probably) won't take the crown for having been in development for the longest amount of time, but it does certainly push up the average amount of days between a first start and reaching chapter completion. Sorry for keeping you waiting so long. ;-)

Note: If you want to comment on this story, or any of my other stories, please do leave a review. This also applies if you have a question for me, or something else. Even just a few commenting words will already be really appreciated. So, don't be shy, feel free to comment, like, criticize. Your feedback is extremely useful to correct errors, and even can be inspiring. Looking forward to hearing from you!


Chapter Intro:

As the private jet with our friends is approaching their (well at least for most of them) homeland, the question arises…


"So, now what?" (Chapter 28)

'It shouldn't be long now, before we get back into Japan airspace,' Nasa thought, his eyes still closed.

As no one was talking, everyone was probably also resting their eyes, all he could hear was a faint rustling noise in the background; a bit like a storm when inside a building, but more constant in pitch and intensity. Even though Nasa still felt a little drowsy, it didn't take him long to identify the source of the sound as the turbine engines of their private jet, combined with the air moving over the plane's outer surface.

'Though technically, we are moving through the air, and only a very small component of the total air velocity factor is actually the result of the air moving as well, also depending on the wind direction and wind speed…' he further deducted from the situation.

"Are you doing some science analysis again, dear?" a familiar voice spoke.

"Ts-Tsukasa-chan?" Nasa said, startled; "Was I thinking out loud?"

"Hmmm, yes…" his wife responded; "I was trying to rest for just a little longer, but it's quite hard with someone right next to you doing a scientific lecture on the wind blowing around an airplane."

"I-I'm sorry…" Nasa stuttered.

A short silence fell, and Nasa soon nearly dozed off again.

"Look, darling! It's mount Fuji!" Tsukasa's voice rang in his ears.

"You're right," Nasa confirmed, as he leaned forward a bit to get a better look.

"We're having a good view from up here, right dear?"

"Yeah, the sky is also really clear, that helps a lot too."

Tsukasa nodded, then continued looking at the famous landmark. Meanwhile, Nasa briefly closed his eyes. 'It has been a while since we were that close to this place… Tokiko-san was still alive, and all our friends had arranged to celebrate our marriage. Tsukasa-chan looked so cute with that veil…'

"Husband, you seem to be enjoying yourself?"

"Sorry, I got distracted…" Nasa apologized.

"You need to relax a bit more, we've returned safely, after all," Tsukasa said, with a smile.

'That may be true, but Tokiko entrusted me with making Tsukasa-chan's wish come true…' Nasa pondered. 'Technically, I did but it hasn't really brought us much yet…' he sighed, while looking at Tsukasa for a moment. 'No, I can't give up hope, I have to keep pushing!'

"This is your captain speaking. We are preparing to land. Please fasten your seatbelts and put your seats in the upright position!" the pilot's voice sounded through the passenger cabin.

"And that goes for you too, senpai; so no more smooching with Tsukassan," a second voice spoke.

"I-I wasn't!" Nasa instantly defended himself against the remark that Kaname had uttered using the second microphone that was installed in the plane's pantry.

"Kaname didn't say anything about holding hands, right dear?" Tsukasa whispered in his ear, as she slid her fingers between his.

"Y-yeah…" Nasa said softly, with a slight blush on his cheeks.

The pilot configured the jet for final approach. Even though he wasn't flying the plane, Nasa found himself playing back the landing checklist in his head; the flaps settings, when to extend the landing gear, it had all been part of the special flight training he had taken in order to be able to control the spacecraft that was to bring them to the Moon, and back. Though that part had turned out a 'little' different than expected…

'Fifty… fourty… thirty…' Nasa silently made the altitude callouts, as he checked his smartwatch. Seconds later the plane touched down smoothly on the runway and started slowing down.

"Welcome to Japan and thanks for flying with us," the captain's voice sounded over the intercom.

The aircraft taxied to its designated spot and the engines were shut down. Everyone stepped outside and walked towards the limousine that was already waiting. Chitose instructed the driver to darken the windows, so the princess' somewhat 'special' appearance wouldn't attract any attention, as they moved through the busy traffic.

Tsukasa thought about the large mansion they were heading towards. It had been a while since she had last been here.

"Husband, are we nearly there yet?" Tsukasa suddenly asked.

"I think we are about fifteen minutes away; but I can check, if you want," Nasa replied.

"No need, I believe you, dear…" his wife replied, knowing that Nasa usually had an excellent sense of time.

"If you wonder if the game room is still there, it is…" Chitose stepped in on the conversation; "… we added a few new titles too, in case you would get a divorce and move back in."

Nasa shivered at hearing the word 'divorce'. Although he knew Chitose had accepted him marrying Tsukasa and was only joking when she hinted at his wife and him breaking up, he still couldn't help but react this way to such teases.

As predicted by Nasa, soon the limousine turned up the driveway to the mansion. The large garage doors swung open, and the vehicle entered the garage.

'That last part went pretty smoothly…' Nasa thought. They had gone to great lengths to try keep this whole operation low profile. During her career, Tokiko had established contacts in high places, which had come in handy. Still, in these modern times, it had become harder to keep something under the radar.

Chitose had prepared a two-person guest room for the Yuzaki couple, and the room closest to the one with the Moon stone had been reserved for Kaguya-hime. Even though our friends had tried to get some sleep during the journey, everyone retreated to their quarters, to get some additional rest.

'I do hope my theory proves to be correct…' Nasa pondered, as he stared at the ceiling, while lying on the king size bed, listening to the steady breathing of his wife, next to him…

(To be continued…)


Chapter Afterthoughts (14 August 2023)

I guess the title of this chapter also applies to the story at this point. I have a pretty clear idea about key events to come, as well as the ending, but the 'journey' towards reaching that point, is not etched in stone. I'll do my best to make it a good one.


Disclaimer

Btw, since I am not a native speaker, there will likely be some silly mistakes in this story. Hope you can bear with me and see through that. Helpful tips and suggestions for improvements are welcome.

Stay safe, and maybe until soon!