(GS3) Home Field: Espoir Mansion

[Hope]

Hana started off the morning with her usual routine, running around a few times around the manor, and then doing the drills that Dad-san had set up. After that, she ate a quick breakfast and returned to her room to take a shower. The rest of the morning was spent insid her room, talking to the council about the current state of the War of Liberation. As it stands, Gold Paladins so far are ahead of the game with multiple fighters showing the potential to activate the power which can unseal the clans. After that, the rest of the time was used for casual chit chat, one that the council had all planned due to their concern for Hana's well-being due to her sudden leave.

"I feel like someone is talking about me..." Garmore sneezed, "Wait, where's the damn Lion!?"

"WELL YOU SEE PRINCESS, I AM ACTUALLY AS OLD AS NOCIEL." Juggernaut Maximum commented.

"Wha-..." Hana was at a loss for words.


After a good time, Hana opened her eyes back on Earth and headed to the Dining Hall. Right in time for lunch, and it seems like the rest of the day had lots of time in it to spare as well.

[Cherry]

"I hate you", hissed the queen.

"No you don't", jeered the lion.

Yukino made her way downstairs. She was going to regret this with every fiber of her being, she just knows it. Unfortunately for her, the red lion heir makes a compelling argument: "deal with it". Seeing Hana, this was probably the best place to start.

"Hey there", she greeted the princess.

[Hope]

She enjoy a nice breakfast, pancakes and eggs. On the side was omelette with eggs. Perfect. She dug into the food trying free her mind of worries, though with no success. There was still the bothered feeling from the back of her mind and knowing that things weren't at all back to the way they were making her feel discomfort altogether. Eventually she just stopped eating, not because she was full. She had only taken a few bites, but suddenly she just felt full. The Angel Feathers realized this and tried to console her, attempting to make their dear patient and friend feel better.

"Thanks..." Hana said in reply.

She then suddenly heard a voice which brought her mind back out into the dining hall. It seems that Yukino had made her way in and was the one who had greeting her.

"Hi..." she weakly greeted in return.

[Cherry]

"How are you feeling?" Yukino asked this, already knowing the negativity from Hana's tone. Still, the woman wanted to ease back into helping girl in turn for how she helped her. A fear of the princess not actually speaking her mind was present, but it was to be expected.

"You know what to do either way", Ezel reminded.

Yugure wanted to punch him in the face, yet, had no alternative for her mood.

[Hope]

"I'm ok," she responded. Which was somewhat of a lie. Her head and heart felt like they were being dragged down altogether, the sight of Yukino made it worse. Hana dealt with these feelings by constantly shoving them back in her mind. Letting them out would help, but they really wouldn't go away unless the problem is dealt with first hand which is why she actually more active when she is sad than when she is feeling well. She signaled a worker to come and take her full plate of food. She then stood up from her chair.

[Cherry]

As expected, a lie. Yukino internally groaned, but it couldn't be helped at the moment. Seems the plan she made with Ezel was the one way out, but the queen was going to try and steer away from the suggested literal hotspot.

"Do you want to head out today? Just to do something. Like maybe the beach? Or somewhere else...? We can have all our friends tag along too."

That "somewhere else" was a little too hopeful.

[Hope]

"I don't mind going anywhere to get my mind off of things..."

Hana didn't mind nor care about where it was, as long she wasn't alone at least, that could be fun. She walked out of the dining area and turned back at her Yukino.

"You can choose where and then we can call your friends to come I guess."

[Cherry]

"They're your friends too. Though, I suppose Miyuki might be a bit more", Yukino let out a playful jest about her sister's obvious crush.

"Beach", Ezel bugged.

"No."

"Beeeeaaach."

"Nooo."

"Beeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaacccccchhhhhh."

After annoying her for five minutes straight, she caved in. A mental note to buy a hefty amount of sunscreen was formulated while asking servants to gather supplies. Umbrellas, beach chairs, and the sisters could go shopping for new swimsuits. The previous times this year Yukino had gone to the beach, she hadn't worn one. Just a sundress and then her regular attire. Thinking to herself, she blushed a little, curious about Haruka's opinion toward her in one. Then again, hopefully he drops the scarf for two seconds so she can stare at his form for a few seconds... minutes... maybe not a few.

"You guys wanna go to the beach with Hana and I today?" Was texted to Satoshi, Haruka, and Miyuki.

[Hope]

Hana sighed. Last time she went to the beach was a pain in the ass too. She'd rather not remember how or why, at least, she didn't remember all the details as it was two months ago. It was probably where Vanguard started being a pain as well, but she supposed that this could be different. Since it seems like Yukino was making arrangements, she decided to start to make her way upstairs and arrange things for herself and get her own things ready. There was already a swimsuit that she had bought because Pacifica suggested it for her awhile back, but she had never worn it. Now was probably a good idea to try and look for it.

"Just call me when we're going, thanks."

[Beryl]

Satoshi popped a quick message to Yukino on his way to the Shopping District.

Hey, I need to buy some stuff for this world championship we're all flying out to. You wanna come with today? It'll give us a chance to talk. I'll send Haruka a message as well, not really sure where he went off to today.

After sending, he then prepped another one for his well-intentioned rival:

Hey, man, let's get some stuff together before we fly out to New York. I sent Yukino a message about it. See you there.

[Cherry]

"Can't today, another time. Sorry!"

It took Yukino a full hour to text that. Her phone dropped to the floor, smoking from the back. The queen's body was enveloped in the same golden glow that it was back in the rift with Ezel. It was almost like being on fire, and being able to sympathize that with Haruka wasn't something she ever asked for. A quiet cry of agony escaped her lips, unable to move from the unrelenting heat. Panting and sweating, rolling around in bed was about all she could do.

Garmore and other knights witnessed the red lion heir under the same conditions, not being able to stand as he was cloaked in the same heat as well.

What the hell... is happening to us...?!

[Cherry]

The rift in the sky had closed, without Yukino leaving into it. She didn't tell her avatars why, but it was simple to guess at. The woman returned home to explain the circumstances to her family and how her mind wouldn't be changed. Father Espoir gave a sigh, saying that he believed this would happen eventually. However, she would have to find another way in if Cray was her destination for a "vacation" of becoming a knight of the sanctuary.

He'd look into it.

In the meantime, the woman attempted to call Haruka a multitude of times, leaving several texts.

"Hey, are you alright? You passed out at the stage and Sera took over..."

"Haruka? Please answer me when you can."

"Hey, are my messages getting through?"

"Haruka, anything works, just respond!"

"Are you okay?"

"I love you."

Yukino thought going to Cray would be less painful, as she simply wanted to get out of everyone's sight. Unfortunately, she was unable to leave on a good note with him like this, and things unfinished with Hana.

[Beryl]

Satoshi walked up and rang the bell, putting his hands back into his pockets.

He hadn't planned on doing this when he got back, because he had assumed Yukino would've gone to Cray by now. But a text from the butler said she was having a short visit at home. Settling things was going to be now or never.

[Jello]

Back in New York-

Sera finally found himself at a coffee shop near the hotel. He had knowledge of Haruka's coffee addiction and decided to take a seat there and order some. Perhaps Haruka would come back out if his favorite drink graced his lips. Without knowledge of his favorite brew, it suddenly struck Sera as a catastrophe. He needed something to bring the host of the body back to his senses. He was in something of a comatose state right now and Sera was half-panicking. He never panicked. This was worst case scenario-

Hmm...?

A text from Yukino had hit his phone. Then another. Then several more. His phone also had missed calls, probably because Sera was so concerned with disappearing from that fight hall that he didn't bother to check the contraption buzzing in his pocket.

Sera read all the messages, then frowned. These are the words Haruka wants to see. He would immediately cling back to Yukino like she never hurt him, because he's so air-headed. Sera was left at a crossroads, save the messages for when Haruka woke up, or avoid the problem entirely and message her back himself. He chewed his lip as the cup of coffee made it to the table.

He breathed in the rich aroma and smiled. Then frowned again when his phone buzzed.

"I love you."

"No you don't." Sera spoke into the reflection of his coffee. He had discarded the scarf Haruka was wearing, finding it abominably uncomfortably. The reflection showed nothing but a ghost in the shell of a boy. Sera sighed, sipping his hot coffee.

Haruka resurfaced... momentarily. He was frightened to open his eyes and see the world from first person again. He had been seeing a panorama earlier, but this was him in control once more, terrified. Sera said nothing, but directed his attention to his phone.

He picked up his phone and read through the texts. Haruka's hands shook, staring at the list of messages and missed calls. He almost wish he hadn't read them. All he wanted to do was shut out everything, and forget everyone. But he couldn't escape reality so quickly when the girl he happened to be in love with, or so he thinks, is still out there.

"im fine. where are you -haru" Haruka hit send and dropped his phone on the table. His attention returned to the coffee. The reflection showed the shell of the boy, and the ghost inside who wanted to save him.

[Cherry]

One of the butlers let Satoshi in.

"I'm at the manor. Can you call me?"

Yukino closed her phone after staring at it for a little bit. She was told by the servants that a guest arrived to see her. Best to settle everything that's left, so the queen left to go see. It was likely Satoshi, as Haruka didn't seem to be home, and she doubted Hana wanted to look at her.