Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ Angel Tears ❯ Abandoned ( Prologue )

Prologue: Abandoned

The orange tint of the sky reflects as it hits the vast mirrored

ocean. Peaceful. Hai. It is. The wind and the sea in their perfect harmony. Overflowing with power, yet gentle enough to blow away every fear. A comforting breeze, and a soothing melody. Nothing to be afraid of. Everything is fine. Even in the crowded city of Tokyo.

But nothing could be more peaceful than being at your home. Your own place. The surrounding that you've grown up with, and learned to love.

Outside the city skirts, where trees grow abundantly and the land facing the wide ocean, a huge mansion stood atop the cliff that hovers over the beach, well hidden amongst the trees. Surrounded by a garden fit enough to be of a princess. Nobody, but a few saw that place. No one ever dared to enter, to come and drop a few hellos.

A young girl, about the age of 11, was trudging the sands down at the beach. It was a private one, though. And many long to go for a dip in that place for it has such a beautiful view. But no one wants to. Nobody has the heart to ask for permission from the owner, or even enter without asking. Mainly, people who travel by the direction try to avoid the house that stood on the top. True, they have marveled the beauty of the house. No one was ever

brave enough to pay visit, or a social call. As every man knows

who live in such a house, only the wealthiest person who owns half the town banks' shares, and runs a huge business down the city of Tokyo, Tenoh Masaki.

The edge of the cliff was the end of the garden that surrounds the mansion. But it isn't the end of Tenoh's residence. The whole area of the beach was his. His and his family. And he works hard to protect the property. To maintain it. He'd give anything just to make his business prosper. Even allotting all his time and attention to his job, to provide his daughter of everything. His 11-yr old daughter who was used to running the beach length five to ten times a day. Who was used in having her own ways. Who was independent as such a young age.

"Haruka!" a voice shouted from the mansion. It was shrill, yet commanding. The young tomboy has been walking down the beach all day. Having with her her bicycle, which she was dragging through the sand. It was such a warm day to be spent indoors that the young girl spent all her time at the beach. Of course, there are no classes to worry about. It was summer. And everybody is taking their rest. In spite of her family's richness, her father chose to enroll her in a local school. His reason being her activeness that even the teachers in a high class school could not endure her. She was bright in all subjects. Lazy sometimes. But always ready to answer any question asked. And friendly.

The young tomboy was already in the garden when she heard the shout. Hurriedly taking her bike into the garage, she went up the house, directly to Yuno Kazui, her maid, or rather, helper to get her clothes for dinner.

"Where's mother?" Her eyes were eyeing the clothes that were handed to her and frowned. It being a dress. She hated dresses ever since she was a child and nobody seemed to have taken notice of that obviously. Her eyes asking Kazui.

"In the study room. Talking to your father." The servant answered, and lowered her head to bow down to her young mistress.

"Take this," Haruka said, pushing the dress back to her servant. "I'll take care of my own clothes." Turning around toward her own room, Haruka locked her room. The wooden door's frame cracked, but she didn't care if the sound reached her father or mother.

The room is a real mess. As a child, the young girl haven't found the habit of arranging things yet. But she always knew where to find this and that in her room.

"Haruka, why did you send back the dress the maid brought you?" Her mother was speaking. It was already dinner time and she went down wearing black slacks and a light blue long-sleeved polo over a white shirt. They had just finished the main course and her mother took the chance to notice the clothes the young lady wore.

"I'm much comfortable with this, mother." Haruka responded. Quickly ending the conversation. Her mother just looked at her father in silence. A thin line of understanding forming between them. Haruka knew too much to let the conversation go on. She knew her mother would like to get all the answers from her whenever she wants to. But she was also stubborn enough to resist her mother's questioning. Her father on the other hand, busy with his business, didn't mind his daughter very much as long as she's still alive and with them.

"Masaki, don't you think Haruka's getting too boyish?" Dinner was over and Haruka was already in her room. Ki and Masaki was in the study room. Poring over the papers of the company.

"Don't talk to your daughter like that. She's still growing." Masaki replied, looked at his wife and returned to the papers. Ki just frowned and turned back to the pile before her husband.

Monday. Start of the dreaded class, Haruka thought for herself. It is not that she didn't like school. She's just bored by the fact that she knew almost entirely what the teacher was saying. She just didn't understand why of all the schools around her home, she was sent to the public one. Being a rich girl herself. NO one practically came around her. Each of her classmates were busy with another 'common' person. Nobody wants to notice her. They all thought that this girl is just a silly, spoiled brat who wanted to brag about her parents richness in the public school.

She didn't want this. She needs a friend. But couldn't find one. She usually stays by the lake on the nearly secluded place of the school. The one behind all the buildings and a huge garden. Strangely, she always felt attached to the lake. Here, she always find her comfort. With the wind brushing against her face and the water dancing with it. Soothing her bored mind and tired body of all the 'unnecessary' activities that she has to take up in school.

Her mind began to drift off to far away places. No one would bother her here. No one dared to approach her. All of her classmates being afraid of her family. Although she wanted to have a friend. She wanted someone to talk to. But nobody saw that. All they see is a rich kid who can have anything she wants. That her parents provide her with everything. Being the only child.

"Excuse me?" Lost in her own world, Haruka didn't notice a girl with short dark hairs, but longer than her own, wander by. She didn't take notice of the voice that was speaking to her. The girl looked down and saw that the other was deeply in thought, but she didn't give up on shaking the blonde back into reality. "Hello?" The girl spoke again. This time a little louder. Haruka didn't look up but heard the voice. Not until she felt a tap on her shoulder.

The girl was now kneeling beside the stretched form of Haruka, looking down on her and smiling. "Hello. I'm Sidny Kazemo." The girl with dark hairs was reaching out one hand toward Haruka who looked surprised at the girl beside her. Normally, everyone would see her laying on the grass but wouldn't go to her. And introduce themselves.

Haruka sat up and looked carefully at the young girl beside her. Looking closely so she could tell if she's hallucinating or not. Examining the other girls' features. Her short black hair, her blue eyes, and her honest smile. Before introducing herself. "Haruka Tenoh." She replied at last, shaking hands with the girl. Withdrawing, she made herself sit in a more comfortable position as not to be impolite to the other girl. Sidny, her name.

All had been well after that first meeting. The two girls was inseparable, though having different classes. They were friends, and at last, Haruka could proudly say that she had an achievement in school.

"Kaioh-san" The postman looked at the letter in his again. It was a small envelope. A small little package. He didn't know what was in there. He was only a delivery boy anyway. But something about the letter made him shiver. He suddenly feared for the person who will read the letter. As if, fearing for his own health.

The house he was standing in front of is somehow like a mansion. But much smaller than that. Complete with a small garden outside and a pond in the middle. Different kinds of trees are growing around the house. Flowers are scattered everywhere. Different kinds, too. Ranging from roses to lilies. A beauty that could only be taken cared of by a loving person. The house was decorated inside and out. Paintings are displayed everywhere. Pictures of the rushing sea and of a loving family. But only a single person now occupies the place. A child. Of ten-years. In the care of the servants whom the parents trust wholly.

"Michiru!" A chubby lady called from the stairs. She was the caretaker of Michiru, the only daughter of Anaka and Masanori Kaioh. She had been serving the family for almost twenty years now. Even when the parents of Masanori was still alive.

A young girl with aqua locks came striding down the stairs. Hurrying to meet her 'auntie' as she had grown to call the caretaker. "Coming, Auntie Hikari!" She young girl shouted. She's still a child but one can see the elegance the family was used to teach in bringing up the child. Both her parents were musicians. Her mother, Anaka, played the violin while her father accompanies with the piano. The music that filled the house whenever the owners were present was superb. No one could describe it. The melody simply enchants. And the harmony was melodious. Michiru always watched her parents play. Sometimes her mother would teach her some strings in the violin, and she eventually grew to love the instrument.

"What is it, Auntie?" Michiru asked her caretaker. Curiously looking at the letter in the older woman's hands. "Nani? Auntie?" she asked again after noticing the lines that are visible in her auntie's cheek.

She's crying? Doshite?

But she couldn't answer herself. She just watched her caretaker held back the tears in her eyes. Why?

The older woman held her close and tight. Michiru placed her small arms around the Hikari in return, trying to comfort the woman whom she had grown up to. Her parents do not want her to come with them always. They did not want her to get tired as much as they do. That's why they often leave Michiru at the house with Hikari. They knew that the woman would do anything to take care of their daughter.

"Michiru… Listen to me." Hikari cleared her voice, forcing back a sob from escaping her throat. "Michiru, there has been an accident." Michiru looked at her auntie for a long time, not moving a twitch. Wishing what she think is not true. But a confirmation was said. "Your… Your parents… They're… gone. I'm sorry…" Hikari couldn't contain herself much longer. She burst into tears again while Michiru still hugged her, not a tear escaping from her eyes. Determined to hush the crying woman beside her… But she knew, she'll break down, too sooner or later.

Hikari cried but soon regained composure and gave the letter she was holding to Michiru. The small girl read it. Her parents died in an accident after their last performance in Europe. The streets were slippery and the car they were ridding skidded and crashed into a large tree. Both were alive when the paramedics got there but they didn't survive the damage done by the crash. Her parents' corpses were to arrive the coming Thursday in the airport…

Haruka and Sidny were fast friends. They would sneak around each other at school and try to pull a joke on the other. Of course, Haruka often won. Fast, she is. But when it was Sidny who caught the young blonde girl in a surprise, it is always a huge laugh.

"Haruka!" Sidny laughed as the other girl tickled her. It was a game for the two of them whenever they were at the Tenoh's residence. Sidny was the only outsider who ever comes in and out of the house as she pleases, being Haruka's best friend. "… Stop it…!" She continued to laugh as she stumbled down the huge bed in the middle of the room. Haruka jumped beside her and laid down. Sidny looked over and watched her friend who was looking at the ceiling with empty eyes. But with a smile on her face. "Anything wrong?" Haruka didn't answer. Just continued staring at the ceiling of her room. Sidny kept silent and let Haruka take her time. For a very short while, she already knew how Haruka thinks and acts. The blonde girl didn't want to be pushed around. She has her own independent will. Sidny closed her eyes and listened to the soft music that filled the room.

"Sid," Haruka started. "are dreams true?" Sidny opened her eyes and looked up as Haruka waited for an answer.

"I don't know about that, really…" Sidny looked at Haruka who was staring at her. Eyes filled with uncertainty and confusion. "Some says that dreams are either our greatest desires or fears. But my mom told me that they reflect our future. And I believe her. Why?"

"… nothing. It's just that there are times when I dream about the darkness. That it will come someday and all will be destroyed." Haruka said rolling over her bed. Sidny looked at her friend, not wanting to believe her but she could see the truthfulness of what had been said in her eyes.

"Haruka… look at me," Sidny reached for Haruka and forced her to look into her eyes. She was trembling. "Be strong, Haruka. Don't let your fears get enough of you… Don't let it be your weakness. If ever that time comes, you should be strong, okay? I will always be here for you… understood?" Haruka smiled, nodding.

"Promise?" She wanted to make sure that her friend wouldn't leave. That she wouldn't leave her all alone to go back into her world of loneliness again.

"Hai."

Michiru sat down on her parents' bed, trembling. She had been crying all night. Her parents had been buried the previous day.

I miss you…

"Michiru?" A soft voice trailed into the room. Hikari was standing behind the half-opened door. Michiru didn't look at her. She doesn't even seem to notice her. She just laid down on the bed and cried. Hikari went over and pulled the child into her arms, as Michiru hugged her tight. "Hush, little one. They will always watch over you…" Michiru nodded as Hikari stroke through the young girl's hair, until the sobs subsided.

"I miss them…" Michiru said between sobs.

"I know, I miss them, too." Hikari said. "But I know they'll take care of you from where they are. They'll always watch over you."

"They promised me that before they left… They… mother said she'd come back… But…" Tears again trickled down the young girl's face. Hikari wanted to cry too but she must be strong for the young orphan. She made a promise that she wouldn't leave Michiru at the Kaioh's funeral. That she will always be there. She will act as her parents even if she couldn't fill the emptiness the young girl was feeling now. The sadness that fills her heart when she knew about her parents' death. All of the properties was left to Michiru. And she vowed to help her in managing everything to order.

"They will… Michiru, they will," Hikari assured. She was the only person Michiru asked to stay with her together with two or three servants to run the house. The young girl would depend on her parents' money for everything that has to be spent. And she wanted to minimize the expenses they have each month. After saying pardon to all servants who had to go, she went to her room and played her violin. She already asked Hikari to arrange her papers at the private school she went to before the accident and decided to attend the local school just outside the city. Where she wanted to have a new beginning.

A beginning she wasn't expecting.

Haruka left the gym and rushed to the hospital. Her teacher called her into her office and told her that the hospital called and informed the school that her parents were there. They were attacked by some men in the dark streets of the city. Her parents had just arrived from America, having a business meeting there. They were driving home when a gang of five men in black stopped the car and forced them to come out, leading them to a small street at the back of a building. Luckily, someone spotted them and called the police. But when they arrived, the men already had done their damage and left.

"Miss Tenoh?" a doctor approached her as she neared the operating room her parents were taken to. Both of them have severe damage to the skull, possibly from being banged with a bat on the head for several times, and have about twenty lacerations all around. Haruka looked at the doctor, wanting to push him out of the way.

My parents are in there! She wanted to scream. I want to see them!

"I'm sorry but you can't go in. They are still performing operations." The doctor held her right arm so she wouldn't barge right into the operating room.

"I need to see them!"

"Miss Tenoh, you can't go there. It's restricted when an operation is going on."

"You don't understand! My PARENTS are in there!" Haruka screamed at the doctor who was holding her, attracting the attention of all who are in the same corridor. The doctor sighed and nodded to the nurses. Two of them approached and took hold of Haruka, firmly. The young girl was strong but with three older and taller persons holding her, she couldn't struggle for her freedom. She silently sighed defeated, bowing her head down. Trying to keep her tears from falling.

The operating room finally opened after five minutes that Haruka was there. The doctors went out one by one. Each having the same gloomy face fixed. Haruka glanced up at them at they passed, talking to doctor who stopped her from entering the operating room. She was now seated near the door, opposite the nurses' station. As she saw those dressed in green come out looking depressed, she quickly understood.

NO! Her mind screamed. She stood up from her chair and ran into the operating room, unnoticed by the nurses who were busy with other patients. Two bodies covered in white cloth greeted her. No parts of the body exposed. Holding back the sobs she's containing, she stepped between the beds and looked at each of the corpses that lay there… Finally, tears started to flow from her eyes.

"No… why…?" Haruka said. She eventually sat down between the bodies, holding her knees, tucking them near her. Crying…

Please, come back… Don't leave me…

Earlier that week, Sidny came to her house and bid goodbye. Her family was going back to Europe. Her grandfather was ill and asked for them to come. It was near the end of the school year and her mother didn't want to go, but her father finally convinced her. They would finish school there and live there with her grandparents. Haruka sadly nodded and hugged Sidny for the last time before she left the house. They were scheduled for the flight that afternoon. She just dropped by before going to the airport.

Why did you all leave me…? You all said, you would always be there! Yet, you left!!! All of you…! Why?