Mint could feel the coils of the chimera animal tightening around her. She was suffocating and couldn't move an inch. Tears began to spill over and fear raised throughout her body like a large wave.
Suddenly Zakuro appeared in the room looking stern. She stood in front of the creature and simply watched as it strangled Mint.
"Zakuro-san!" Mint cried desperately. She didn't want to die like this not when she had found love with a great man.
Zakuro simply sighed heavily then used her spear to free Mint and destroy the Chimera animal. She then turned to leave without saying a word to her.
"Wait!" Mint cried anxiously reaching out for her teammate.
"What?!" Zakuro said coldly. The anger in her voice scared Mint and she didn't know what to say.
"T...Thank you" Mint stammered shyly.
"Don't act like a bitch just coz your dating Ichigo's ex" Zakuro snapped and then leapt out of the room.
Mint was both relieved and yet confused. Why had Zakuro saved her only to act so mean towards her afterwards.
At Masaya's place
Masaya had managed to use his alien powers to free himself of the chimera animals grip. He was very angry about Kisshu's attack and vowed to get revenge.
"You'll get yours Kisshu! I swear" Masaya growled angrily.
At Ichigo's place
Ichigo was curled up on the sofa with a blanket and a cup of tea. She was relaxing and enjoying watching her Fave show "Kitty comedy".
Suddenly Kisshu teleported into the living room wearing a large smile "Hey Koneko-Chan" he said sweetly. He floated over to her and kissed her forehead gently taking her b surprise.
"Welcome home Kisshu" Ichigo said sweetly. She had missed him and it wasn't the same being alone.
"What you doing?" He asked curiously.
"Watching cats do funny stuff" she said and patted the sofa cushion beside her.
"Yay!" Kisshu cried happily and leapt onto the sofa beside her. He wrapped his arms around her waist
Ichigo smiled and held his hands gently. She loved Kisshu and was grateful for his kindness and support. She was dreading the engagement party but was glad he was coming as her date then she could get through it easily.
Zakuro, Lettuce and Purin had also been invited much to her joy. It would make her feel better knowing her friends would be there to support her during the party. She was over Masaya but he went to lengths to torment her and Mint was clingy.
Zakuro was taking Pai as her date. She had assured Ichigo she would keep an eye on Mint to make sure she didn't pull any funny business with her. They had gotten closer during the whole situation and even went out for coffee now and again.
Lettuce was being taken by Keichiiro as she and Ryou had split up. They were still friends but he was forced to because eventually he was going travelling for scientific research. She had taken it well and wished him luck.
Purin was no longer friends with Mint as she felt she had betrayed Ichigo's trust. She had backed Ichigo up 100% and often shot Mint dirty looks. Her date for the party was Taruto and it was their first REAL date as they were a couple.
"Say Kitten" Kisshu said gently.
"Mmm?" Ichigo answered still watching TV.
"Wanna take a bath together?" He teased blowing in her ear.
Ichigo blushed "Well...I...Not now.." She stammered nervously. She was in love with Kisshu but still nervous about bath time since he got frisky.
"AWWWW please?!" Kisshu pleased eagerly. He wasn't going to back down until she agreed.
"NO! I know what you're like in the bathtub!" She said firmly.
Kisshu pouted his ears drooping "Fine" he muttered crossly.
"Good boy" Ichigo giggled and kissed his cheek lovingly.
Kisshu smiled to himself. He would get her back later but right now he wanted to enjoy the moment.
later that evening
Kisshu was laid in Ichigo's bed and burying his nose into her soft pillow with great joy.
"Settle down would ya!" Ichigo teased in a stern yet gentle voice.
"I can't help it your bed is so soft...and it smells like you" he teased playfully and winked.
Ichigo blinked shyly and turned red. She loved Kisshu deeply but was really embarrassed by what he said sometimes.
She finished putting on her pyjama's and settled into bed beside him. She smiled as he wrapped his arm around her waist "Goodnight Kisshu" she said softly.
"Goodnight kitten" Kisshu said gently and nuzzled into her back lovingly.
outside
Zakuro was sat in a tree outside Ichigo's window watching the two lovebirds settle down for the night. A small smile spread across her face and she felt pleased that Ichigo was finally happy with someone.
"You look pleased with yourself" Pai said from behind her.
Zakuro stood up slowly "I am. I can rest easy knowing she's ok".
"Me too. Kisshu may be a childish moron but he loves Ichigo immensely" Pai said smiling.
"Thanks for your help Pai. I appreciate it" Zakuro said fondly.
Pai took her hands "Zakuro I trust you and care about you. Aside from our duties to our kind we need to work on our relationship" He said sincerely.
Zakuro smiled "I know...but right now I need to make sure Ichigo is safe" she said gently and then kissed his cheek.
Pai gazed at her gently. She was an amazing girl and he needed to be with her. If only their duties didn't get in the way.
