The Black Flower

The Man In The Silver Jacket

[GaoSilver's POV]

It's a lovely summers day, just like any other. I've decided to have a nice stroll through the park opposite my house. 

As I look around, I find myself smiling from ear to ear. I love the view of parents playing with their children, people fishing, dogs going for walks, kids feeding the birds, etc..
So nice..so peaceful..Life has been this way for a few years now. Not a single monster in sight. Not to say I don't use my Ranger powers tho. I use them to protect the innocent from human scum.

I head into a small, cosy flower store. The woman at the counter turns to look at me with a smile. "Welcome back Tsukumaro" 
She's interrupted by my raised hand. "Please, call me Lunar" I reply with a gentle tone. 
"Lunar? That's the name you're going with this week?" She asks with a giggle, making a joke about me changing my name every so often to seem more 'mysterious', as she puts it. When actually, it's to keep what little family I have away from trouble. "You're not fooling anyone, y'know? I like Tsukumaro!"
"And if we were to get attacked? I can't just hand out my name to some Yakuza"
"That's where you use your Ranger name, silly"
I quickly shush her, not wanting her to spill my identity to any possible listeners nearby. She says it's well known information around the area..but it can't be, right? "Anyway..do you have any roses? I have a date tonight"
"Oooo!~ Who's the lucky girl?" She asks, getting excited yet somehow teasing me at the same time. I follow her to the roses section and I can't help but smile at the simple thought of my date.
"Her name's Sakura..She's so sweet, kind and gentle..She embraces the fact that I'm a Ranger and has been a fan of me for a while.." I let out a chuckle. "She even made a costume to replicate mine but in pink"
"Hmm..pink, you say? Does she like the colour pink?"
"She loves it"
"In that case..Ah-ha! How about a beautiful pink rose?" She turns to me, presenting the dark pink rose. My eyes light up. It's perfect "She'll love it" I quickly reach into my pocket for my wallet "How much?"
"Well...normally I would give you a price, but because you're a regular and this is for a special occasion..you can have it for free!" She replies with a bright smile, forcing the rose into my hands. I didn't expect her so say anything like that. A discount, sure..but..
"F-For free? Are you sure? I don't mind paying, really-"
"No no! I insist! Now go, get ready for tonight! Women love their men looking dashing on a first date!"
"But I-"
"Just go!"
She pushes me out of the store with a giggle. I..have no choice but to obey her rules. It is her store after all. If she says it's fine, then it must be okay. 

Taking a deep breath, I return home to get ready for the date. 

I live in a pretty generic two bedroomed house in a small village near the park. As I head inside, I call out "I'm home!" Instantly, my wolf dog rushes down the stairs and starts to jump all over me to greet me. I try not to let any of his slobber get onto my new jacket. I let out a laugh as I pet him with my cute dog voice. You know the one "You're so cute, Yoshi. Yes you are. Yes you are! Now..where's mummy?" 
I look up at the silent stairs and lets out a small sigh, resting a hand to my hip "Is she hiding again..?" 

Setting the rose on the counter, I head upstairs to my sister's room. I give the door a gentle knock "Knock knock" My sister's quiet voice can be heard from the other side of the door
"I'm not home.."  
"Alrighty then, guess you're not getting any pizza~" I smile as I hear footsteps instantly get up and rushes closer until the door swings open. Revealing a young woman with long brown hair and excited brown eyes. "Pizza??" Her smile soon drops tho, as she realises it was a trick. But me, I'm just happy to see her "May I come in?"
"If you want.." She returns to her wall and sits down, hugging her legs. I close the door behind me, so Yoshi doesn't interrupt. Heading over to my sister's side, I sit down next to her. "You sure do like this spot, huh?" 
"You sure do like hanging out with me, huh?"
I let out a chuckle. "Of course I do. You're the only sister I've got. I gotta look after you until you go to college" She sighs and hides her face in her knees, muffling her voice "But I don't wanna go to college..I'll be away from home. Away from Yoshi..Away from you...I don't want to leave you..Why are you making me go..?"
Her quivering voice makes my heart ache. I don't want her to go either..but I've sheltered her for too long. I have no other choice, if I want her to live a long, happy life "I promised mom that I'll raise you right..to be a wonderful, confident woman. I know it'll be hard at first, but you'll soon make a friend, then time will fly by."
"Promise..?"
I lovingly wrap my arm around my little sister, resting my head against hers and speaking softly to her gentle heart "I promise.." She instantly turns to give me a hug, and I hug back without hesitation. Holding her close. Comforting her..Protecting her..like I always have. After our parents died, I didn't want anything to ever come between us. I've always wanted the best for her, but I've always found it difficult to allow her to spread her wings in fear of her getting hurt. College is my last chance to finally let her fly before it's too late "I'll always be there for you, Aya. I'll always protect you, no matter what. If someone hurts you, just give me a call and I'll be straight over to kick their ass" Aya lets out a giggle at that comment. "I don't want you getting into trouble"
"I'm a Ranger, getting into trouble is my job"
She gently hits my chest "Stupid.."