\AN/
Today is the last day of winter break, so I'm celebrating with an update! ^ ^ Enjoy!
Chapter 11: This is Mewllaween
The eight critical victims of last weeks plant attack are still hospitalized. Extraterrestrial activity has remain at minimal since then, but the civilians of Nagoya are panicking. They fear for their safety, and their lives, and the drop in the economy this could cause. They are wondering, who are these aliens, what do they want, and what'll it take for them to leave our city alone?
The only other thing causing as much buzz as these attacks, are the new group that has assembled just to take care of these incidents. Nagoya Mew Mew, they call themselves, a group similar to that of Tokyo Mew Mew, a group of girls who look like animals and have the ability to battle against the threat against Nagoya. They remain anonymous, and avoid the media, but that only raises the curiosity of individuals everywhere. Man young girls, and even boys are asking how they can join the group, and join the resistance against the aliens.
The mayor is doubting that Nagoya Mew Mew can protect their city, and is questioning whether to ask for help and multiply the numbers of policemen in the city, and even bring in armed forces when if the attacks worsen. All we can hope for is that not too much more blood is spilled, and that this is solved quickly.
I'm Arina Minomi.
Aneeta turned off the television with the remote, and placed it gently on the counter. This is getting more out of control than I thought, she said silently, mixing paint. There were actually a lot more attacks than what the media was aware of, thats because they've become more discrete. I guess they don't want to be seen anymore just as much as us, she thought, fixing up the yellow.
"Okay its stiff!" Jay grinned, bounding into the room with Makoto tailing him. Those two were practically joined at the hip. When ever Jay left the house, Makoto would sit on the couch and wit for him to return. He was also a good sensor for aliens. He could sense them coming and give them good enough warnings so they could prepare. Jay sat on the chair she had pulled out from the table. His hair was sticking up in the back thanks to an extensive amount of hair gel, and his bangs were sectioned and jagged.
"Okay, the paints ready for your bangs," she smiled, whipping up the yellow paint. "I'll miss the red when I finish with your bangs."
"This is so cool!" Jay cheered, flailing his arms in excitement, almost knocking the paint tub out of his older sister's hands. "My costume is gonna be the best out of everyone's!"
"Let's see what the judges think then huh?" Aneeta grinned, beginning to cover his bangs with yellow paint. "Did you get your puzzle finished?"
"I'll just need to glue it," He nodded in response, almost yanking his lock of hair from her hands.
"And your clothes?" she asked, lifting her eyebrow as she moved onto the next section.
"They are laying on my bed," Jay announced proudly, ready to jump out of his chair in excitement. "I'm soooo going to win the costume contest!"
"We'll see," she smirked, dipping the paint brush into the die.
"So how many layers of this stuff do you need to put in?" he asked, getting antsy.
"Just two," she shrugged. "You want to look legit right?"
"Of course," Jay grinned, making Makoto bark in agreement.
"What is that smell?" Their dad, Denis asked, coming into the room with his nose plugged with his hand.
"It's the hair paint dad," Aneeta smiled apologetically. "Don't worry, I'm almost done. I just have to add the red to the tips of his hair."
"Guess who I am?" Jay grinned.
"Hmm," He took a second to look at his hair. "A colorful porcupine?" He guessed with a shrug.
"No," he laughed. "I'm gonna be Yugi Moto! The King of Games!"
"Oh, oh I see it now," Their dad nodded, taking a step back as if trying to see the whole picture. "Yes, yes I see it. You'll have the puzzle thing hanging from your neck, and the cool outfit."
"It's all thanks to Neeta," Jay smiled. "She's awesome."
"Now stop moving or I wont finish," she warned, mixing the red paint now.
"What are you dressing up as Aneeta?" Denis asked, opening the fridge.
"I'm just going to wear my uniform," she replied, streaking the ends of his hair with the paint.
"That's it?" he blinked in surprise, pulling out a carton of juice. "Why don't you dress up?"
"I don't feel like it," she shrugged. "I never did like dressing up."
"You and Jeremy can match," Jay suggested.
"I'm not even sure if he's dressing up either," she sighed, redipping the paintbrush. "But it doesn't matter."
"Is he going to come still?" Jeremy gasped. "He's suppose to take me trick-or-treating while you get the party ready."
"More like you're dragging him around town," she corrected, lifting an eyebrow at him. "Just because he's my boyfriend doesn't mean he has to do stuff for you."
"He offered," He snapped, sticking out his tongue.
"After you were on your knees begging me to skip work to take you," she snapped back, poking his tongue with the other end of the paint brush.
"Kids," Denis sighed delightfully, leaving them to their bickering. With a few more strokes of the brush, Jay's hair was done.
"Alright, now sit here until it dries," she ordered, closing up the tubs.
"Not more sitting," he whined, looking over at the clock. "He's going to be here in a half hour!"
"It only takes ten minutes for it to dry," she explained, cleaning off the counter. "Now sit still and be quiet." Jay slouched in his chair, and petted Makoto's head while he waited. The dog barked once before there was a knock on the door.
"He's good," Aneeta grinned, going to answer it.
"Can I move yet?" cried after her.
"No," she answered in a light tone, before opening the door. She nearly jumped out of her skin when she saw who was standing there. It was a boy, looking about her age, and he was dressed up like Jack Skellington. He had on a black pinstripe suit, his face was painted paper white, with make up used to make stitches extending from his mouth and dark circles around his eyes, and he looked bald with that top hat on.
"Trick or treat," he grinned.
"Um," she stammered, blinking rapidly. "W-we don't have candy right now. It's a little early for-" The boy broke out into hysterical laughter which made her inch back, ready to slam the door in his face.
"It's me, Jeremy," he laughed.
"Huh?" He took off his hat, and his brown hair fell out and in his face.
"Cool costume huh?" he grinned, putting the hat back on but not bothering to stick his hair back in it.
"Oh, yeah," she nodded, trying to slow down her heart rate.
"You should have seen your face when you opened the door," he chuckled, hugging her. "You looked like you were seeing a ghost."
"I-I'm not a real fan of Halloween," she shrugged.
"Alright your here!" Jay sheered, jumping into the hallway.
"Sit down!" Aneeta snapped. "So you want it to stay or what?" Jay stuck his tongue out and stomped back into the kitchen.
"Took a while?" Jeremy asked, closing the door behind him.
"The styling did yes," she nodded. "The coloring not so much, but I want it to stay, or else he'll be complaining later."
"Ya that'd be pretty bad," he agreed. "So, what are you being?"
"I'm going to be a waitress at Cafe Mew Chi Lou," she grinned trying to look enthusiastic as she went back into the kitchen to put the tubs away.
"You aren't dressing up?" He asked, looking disappointed.
"I know huh?" Jay nodded. "She's got no spirit."
"I...just never liked dressing up ridiculously," she shrugged.
"It's not ridiculous," Jay protested.
"No, it's just, not enjoyable for me," she sighed, taking the tubs to the living room.
"She got scared when she was little didn't she?" Jeremy whispered.
"No, it's just she gets nervous when dressing up," he whispered back.
"Stop whispering about me," she shouted form the other room.
"Does she always do that?" Jeremy asked, blinking in amazement.
"Yeah, but she only started recently because-" Jay cut himself off before he said too much.
"Because what?" he urged.
"Because I've started working," Aneeta finished, coming back in. "I've gotten better hearing since working there. Alright squirt, you can go get changed now."
"Yes!" Jay cheered, jumping from the chair. "Freedom!" He didn't hesitate to book it up the stairs as fast as he could, with his dog in tow.
"Are you sure you're not dressing up?" Jeremy asked, lifting an eyebrow. "Dressing up isn't all that bad. You don't have to walk around in a Banana suit or something."
"I'm sure," she nodded, picking up towel Jay dropped when he left. "I only help others with their costumes and decorations. I leave myself plain."
"Well yo-"
"ANEETA!" With a loud bang the front door burst open, and a blur of light blue bounced off the walls, landing on the counter. Aneeta had fallen back and almost hit her head on the sink.
"Oops, sorry about that," giggled the bubbling girl. "It's Halloween!"
"Kita?" Aneeta gasped, holding her chest.
"What, did the hair give it away?" she grinned brightly from ear to ear. She was wearing a light blue dress that ended at her thighs, with a white apron that had the four suits of a deck of cards on the bottom, a pair of small black shoes and black and white striped tights that went all the way up. Her bangs were pinned back with black clips to make it look like two long ponytails and she wore a little mascara.
"Alice in Wonderland," Jeremy guess, helping Aneeta onto her feet.
"Yes," she grinned, clapping excitedly. "And you're Jack from the Nightmare Before Christmas! And....Aneeta where's your costume?"
"She's not wearing one," Jay said, coming into the kitchen in full costume.
"Wow, that puzzle looks so real," Kita gasped, jumping down to touch it.
"Careful, the chains thin so it may break," Jay warned.
"Wait Aneeta, you're not dressing up?" Kita asked, the information finally setting in.
"No," she sighed, putting her hands on her hips. "I'm not."
"But you have to!" she gasped. "You're the host! You have to be dressy! You have to look cool!"
"Kita-"
"No, it's a tradition!" Kita shouted, hopping up and down. "You have to dress up! You'll be the only one! And...and..!" The little mew looked like she was going to explode in excitement and disbelief and from excess energy all at the same time.
"Kita, why don't you-" Jeremy began but was cut off by a light, "poof". Aneeta recognized the sound, but it didn't come from her, because she didn't feel anything. It came from Kita.
"Hey, where did-"
"Come on Kita!" Aneeta shouted, putting on a fake smile, and covering the girls head with her hands. "Let me show you to the living room. I'm sure there's some family pictures you havn't seen. Like a Halloween one when I was forced to dress up."
"Can I see?" Jeremy asked, giving her a strange look.
"You have to take me Trick or treating now," Jay insisted, catching onto what she was doing. "Come one! I wanna catch all the good houses before there's no candy left."
"I'll show you another time," Aneeta nodded all too eagerly.
"My head!" Kita grunted, being pushed away into the next room.
"Have fun!" Aneeta called. "I'll see you at the Party!"
"Bye Neeta!" Jay shouted. "Oh wait, Makoto! Come on boy!" The dog answered, and bounded down the stairs, not stopping for his leash.
"Come back!" Jay shouted, running out after him.
"Bye," Jeremy added, before closing the door behind them.
"He didnt sound too happy," Kita said, blinking at the front door.
"Yeah...I'll have to apologize later," Aneeta nodded sadly.
"What was that for?" Kita insisted, finally swatting her hands away.
"Your ears popped out," Aneeta sighed, gesturing to the mirror next to the couch. Kita bounded over eagerly, and put her face so close her nose was almost touching it.
"Oh, they look so cute with my natural color," she giggled, twitching her tiny ears.
"Well pop them back," Aneeta said urgently. "We gotta go to the Cafe."
"It's not like they have an on/off switch," Kita sighed, twitching them again. "I don't know how they popped out."
"It happens whenever you get excited or nervous," she explained. "Well try to calm yourself down while I go get changed."
"You're getting a costume?" Kita gasped, hugging her excitedly.
"No, I'm putting on my uniform," she said, patting her head. "Please Kita, calm down now."
"Okay, okay," she nodded eagerly, hopping around the room. Aneeta could help but smile as she took off up the stairs. When she was out of sight, Kita whipped out her Mew Phone.
"Can't believe I'm doing this," she sighed, dialing speed dial 2. It ringed a few times before being answered.
"Hey Stick," she said, putting a hand on her hip. "I'm going to need some help."
\NMM/
"Where is Tiffany?" Eliot demanded, looking at his watch again. "She's late by a full hour!"
"How am I suppose to know?" Aneeta asked, shrinking back at his anger. It didn't help that he was dressed up like Dracula, so it made him look even more scary. His face was pale, with dark make up around his eyes, and two blood streaks down his chin.
"She'll be here," Kita assured over the spooky music, taking a tray of snack from the Zombie Wesley. "She's coming. She called me earlier."
"She's getting her pay docked," Eliot growled.
"She'll be here," Aneeta smiled, before walking away. The Halloween Party was in full swing, with flashing lights, pounding spooky music, and a ton of people. They had apple bobbing in one corner which was monitored by Kotona who was dressed like a cat, kids coloring center in another who were being monitored by Amaya who was dressed as a female robin hood, there was a pinata in as well, and it was being run by a volunteer Frankenstein since Tiffany still wasn't here, a large table filled with food, and the center was cleared for dancing. Aneeta made her routine round to make sure everything was moving smoothly. There was a bit of shoving over at apple bobbing because one kid splashed another with water, but their parents sorted it out, one guy thought he be smart and try to hit his friend with the pinata bat, but ended up knocking over a bowl of punch. Eliot had him clean it up himself, but then gave the kid a coupon afterwards.
"Neeta! Neeta!" She was passing by the front door when Jay and Jeremy came through the door. Jay was lugging a huge bag of candy, and Makoto had a small bag of his own around his neck, and a batman mask on.
"Have good hunting?" she asked, ruffling Makoto's fur.
"Oh yeah," Jay grinned. "Where can I keep my bags?"
"I can put them in the kitchen," she offered, taking his bag. "What about you Makoto? You want me to put your candy away too?" He happily barked in reply.
"Great turn out huh?" Jeremy said, taking off Makoto's bag.
"Yeah, a lot more people than I expected," she nodded with a smile. "Kita put flyers up everywhere. Her school, her neighbourhood, even other elementary schools."
"I'm a very good advertiser," Kita grinned, popping out of no where. "I got everyone to come!"
"Oh Apple Bobbing!" Jay gasped, grabbing Jeremy's arm. "Come on! Come on!"
"Alright, alright," Jeremy grinned, following willingly.
"Are you dating him, or your brother?" Kita asked, making a face.
"Don't worry, it's still me," she shrugged.
"Doesn't that kind of make you jealous?" she asked, following close behind.
"Of who? Jay or Jeremy?" Aneeta laughed, walking around the dance floor.
"Both," she replied. "Jay's is spending more time with a brother-life figure than you, and Jeremy is being stolen from you whenever Jay's around. Its like your having both of them taken away form you by each other."
"It's fine," she shrugged, walking into the kitchen. "I have a lot of time with him at school."
"Yeah, but outside," she pointed out with wide innocent eyes. "You need to make more time for him."
"Well I have work, and he's got baseball and kendo, and we make time when we can," She said, giving her an evil look. "Don't be so nosey."
"Sorry," she grinned scratching her head. "I guess Stick is rubbing off on me."
"You still call her that?" she asked putting the candy on the shelf.
"Does she still wear revealing clothing and tries to always be fashionable?" Kita countered.
"You will not believe this!" Tiffany shouted, coming through the kitchen doors suddenly. She was wearing a witch costume, with a violet dress on that was really tight at the top, with the hem ended half way down her thighs, and her legs were bare except for the high-heeled ankle boots she had on. Her sleeves were long, but cut so they flowed from her shoulders.
"I rest my case," Kita sighed, gesturing to her outfit. Aneeta tried stifling a laugh.
"Have you seen what Kotona is wearing?" she gasped in fury.
"She's dressed as a cat," Aneeta said, lifting an eyebrow.
"Exactly!" she shouted in an accusing voice. "First she steals my color, and thats not enough for her, so now she's gotta steal my animal too?"
"Calm down," Kita said, waving her hands up at her. "It's just a costume."
"To you it's just a costume," she gasped dramatically, throwing down the big bag she had in her hands. "But to me its everything. It's like she's trying to my identity." Her eyes started to glisten, and she stamped her foot, waving her hand in front of her face.
"Cupcake?" Wesley offered, out of the blue, causing Aneeta to nearly faint at the sight of him.
"No thanks," Tiffany replied, shaking her head. "I had enough sweets. Shieru and I bought chocolate bars."
"How romantic," Kita whispered, rolling her eyes.
"I thought you didn't eat chocolate?" Aneeta asked, folding her arms, and giving her a playful smirk.
"There are some sacrifices a girl is willing to make," she said, fluffing her hair. "Besides, they were really good."
"Your accusing Kotona of steal, while you're stealing her brother?" Kita said, folding her arms to imitate Aneeta.
"MM!" MAL nodded, mimicking them.
"That's different," Tiffany sighed, waving her hand dismissively. "MAL, that is a cute outfit BTW."
"MM!" She chimed, twirling on air. She was dressed like Tinkerbell, with the green dress, a blond wig, and she even sparkled when she flew.
"Maybe she can make us fly too!" Kita grinned excitedly.
"M! M!" The android giggled.
"Will you guys get out here and work already?" Eliot snapped, through the window. "And Tiffany you're docked an hour."
"Whatever," she sighed, rolling her eyes.
"I'm guessing that's the stuff huh?" Kita smiled, winking at her.
"What stuff?" Aneeta asked, picking up a tray of mini sandwiches. Tiffany winked back, and the two girls turned to face Aneeta.
"What?" she asked, getting nervous. "What are you guys thinking?" Her heart was pounding anxiously, not wanting to know, but before she knew it, the tray was taken from her hands, and she was being pushed out the door.
\NMM/
After watch Tiffany calmly harass Kotona about her costume, Amaya didn't feel in the spirit anymore. She really didn't feel it in the first place, but watching that made her feel worse. Kotona looked alright though, she shrugged it off pretty well, but Amaya knew it would hurt in the long run. The kids at her table were well behaved. She didn't mind babysitting, she actually preferred it to dealing with adults. A little girl caught her attention when she came up to her, her eyes wet and her face red. She was dressed like Cinderella.
"What's wrong?" she asked, lowering herself to her level, careful so her green skirt didn't rip.
"I lost my daddy," she sniffed, rubbing her eyes. "I can't find him."
"Don't worry," she said taking her hand. "I'll help you find him."
"Thank you Miss Robin," she sniffed again. Amaya stood up again, and scanned her table of kids. She found the oldest one there and tapped him on the shoulder.
"Can you look after the table until I come back?" she asked, giving him an expressionless look. He only nodded under his rocker wig, and Amaya left him to walk around the cafe with the little girl.
"Hey Kotona!" Kotona turned toward the girl saying her name in surprise. She was dressed as a pink musketeer with a black mask over her eyes. She barely recognized her as Jenny Fuller, their class president, and head of the girls' basketball team. She'd never exchanged words with this girl before, so she was genuinely surprised when she knew her name.
"H-hey," she stammered, blinking rapidly.
"This is such a great party," she grinned. "Thanks for giving Ryoichi those fliers. We put them all over, and even made an announcement. I didn't think it'd be that cool, but I have to say I'm impressed."
"Yeah, I heard," she nodded nervously. "Thanks for coming."
"It was nothing," said a guy in a Scream mask that came up to them.
"H-hi Ryoichi," Kotona stuttered when he lifted off his mask.
"Hey," he grinned. "See I told you this would be an amazing party."
"Yes you were right," she nodded, grinning up at him when he put his arm around her waist. Kotona felt her heart drop down to her stomach. Oh...so they're....
"We'll see you later," Jenny said, with a small wave, but Kotona barely heard her. So he's got a girlfriend...., she thought, swallowing the lump in her throat. Okay then...I didn't really expect him to like me even if didn't... Not feeling in the mood she sat down against the wall, next to Jay's painting.
\NMM/
"Hey, HEY!" Aneeta shouted, trying to struggle against her captives. "What are you doing?" Kita and Tiffany shoved her into the staff lounge.
"You are going to dress up Missy," Tiffany ordered, clearing off the table, and slamming her big purse on it. "You are the only one who isn't dress up."
"But I don't wanna dress up," Aneeta grumbled, scratching her arm nervously.
"Don't worry," Kita grinned holding up her bag of clothing that she pulled from the kitchen. "We got you something pretty to wear. Don't worry, you won't look ridiculous."
"B-but I-"
"No but's!" Tiffany snapped. "Now take off your uniform."
"WHAT?!?!" She shrieked, jumping away form the all too eager girl. "B-But your watching!"
"We need to help you with your costume," Kita insisted, folding the bag over one of the chairs. "We're all girls here. Come on." Aneeta groaned, but hesitantly slipped out of her shoes.
"You have to go faster than that," Tiffany sighed in irritation, coming over, and trying to yank the uniform over her head.
"Not so hard!" Aneeta insisted, trying to pull through. "Ow, ow stop! My hair's caught!"
"I have scissors," Kita chimed.
"NO!" Tiffany and Aneeta shouted in exasperation. Kita only blinked and shrugged, opening the bag to make sure her whole costume was there.
"Hey, where'd the veil go?" Kita asked, pulling the entire dress out.
"Veil?" Aneeta squeaked when Tiffany pulled too hard.
"Yeah, the dress isn't complete without the veil!" she insisted, searching the floor frantically. "I never took it out of the bag."
"Tiffany, my hair!" Aneeta whined.
"Quit complaining," she snapped. "I'm trying to unhook you."
Outside Jeremy had lost sight of Jay amongst the chaotic kids. He felt bad, but kind of relieved. That kid sure is a handful, he thought. I have to give Aneeta props for looking out for him all the time. Where is she by the way? He zig zagged through the crowd, trying to find the other employees of the Cafe to point him in her direction. He couldn't find the hyperactive Alice, the preppy witch, the serious Robin Hood, or the shy cat. He did however find the obnoxious vampire.
"Hey, have you seen Aneeta?" he asked Eliot.
"She went into the Staff lounge I think." He shrugged, picking up a tray of cupcakes Wesley had just passed. "If you find her or the others, tell them to get their butts back out here. I'm not paying them for nothing."
"Okay then," he nodded, making a face when he turned around. "That guys a great host." He made his way to the Cafe, following the walls since they were the less crowded. Hey, whats this?, he bent down and picked up a thin black piece of cloth. Looks like part of some ones costume. Maybe Aneeta will know who it belongs to. When he got to the door he heard a lot of noise, and muffled shouting. He let his curiosity get the best of him, so he opened the door and looked inside.
"There!" Aneeta shouted, throwing her arms up triumphantly, finally pulling free of the uniform. "My hair is free, but tangled." She turned to go to her locker, but froze, when she saw him. She couldn't even scream thats how shocked she was. Jeremy was standing in the door way, eyes wide in surprise, gawking. And there she was, in nothing but her bra, underwear and socks, wishing she were invisible.
"GET OUT!" Tiffany screeched, throwing Aneeta's uniform at his face so hard that he fell out the door. Kita sped to the door slamming it shut on him.
"Oh, my, GOD!" Aneeta gasped, finally finding her voice.
"Hey, I think he had the veil," Kita said, opening the door again, but only enough to stick her head out.
"Who knew she had a strong arm," Jeremy groaned, rubbing his head.
"Shieru taught me," Tiffany grinned, sticking her head over Kita's.
"It is!" Kita shouted in joy, grabbing the black fabric from Jeremy and rushing back inside.
"You should be ashamed of yourself," Tiffany scoffed, yanking Aneeta's uniform and strutting back inside.
"I-I didn't mean-" She kicking the door shut behind her, cutting him off.
"He...he..!" Aneeta was sitting on the couch hyperventalating, her heart racing faster than she ever thought possible. "He saw...."
"I'll kick his butt after don't you worry," Kita reassured with a determined face.
"He saw my...."
"I know, I know," Tiffany nodded in understanding, patting her back. "And you aren't even matching."
"Tiffany!" Kita shouted in disbelief. "How can you say something like that right now?"
"Well, her bra is white, and her underwear has penguins on it," Tiffany shrugged. "It would have been nicer if he had seen her when she was matching."
"PENGUINS!" Aneeta shrieked, burying her face in a couch cushion. "Penguins! I had to wear penguins! And why did I allow myself to get pounced on and my clothes yanked away from me?" Kita rubbed Aneeta's back to allow her to freak, and gave Tiffany evil don't you dare say a word looks. The door opened again, allowing the music to flood in, and causing Aneeta to scream in alarm, jumping behind the couch.
"Whoa, she's jumpy," Kotona blinked, closing the door behind her.
"How can you blame her?" Kita sighed. "Jeremy walked in when she was changing."
"Wow," Kotona replied. "That's worse than what happened to me I guess."
"What happened to you?" Tiffany asked, folding her arms. "Did someone give you a litter box?"
"No," Kotona sighed, rolling her eyes. "Never mind for right now. Aneeta, Eliots been looking for you. We've gotta announce the winners of the contests."
"NO!" She shouted, cowering behind the couch. "I'm not going outside!"
"He just saw you half-naked," Tiffany snapped, reaching behind the couch. "Grow a backbone."
"And you wouldn't mind being seen half-naked?" Kita asked, raising an eyebrow.
"That's not the issue right now,"she said. "Come on Aneeta! Put on the dress and own it!"
"I'm not going!" She shouted, slapping her hand away.
"Don't make me go all Mew Mew on you and make it worse," Tiffany threatened. "I'll use my microphone and announce your arrival when I finally get you in that costume. So what's it going to be? Resist and make it worse, or give in and put the dress on?" Aneeta stared at the wall, swallowing a lump in her throat. Oh god..., she thought shaking her head.
"Fine," she sighed.
"Great!" Tiffany shouted, pulling her out and dragging her over to the table. Kita seated Aneeta at the table while Tiffany went browsing through her big bag, pulling out two wireless curling irons.
"Time for one of my infamous 5 minute miracles!" she announced, turning them on.
\NMM/
Eliot was furious now. None of the girls were to be found at any of the stations, and he was left bringing replacement food over to the tables. I'm docking their pay an hour, he thought to himself, bringing back an empty tray.
"Excuse me sir," a man called, pushing through the crowd. He wasn't dressed up, but wore a simple sweater, and jeans.
"Can I help you?" Eliot asked.
"I'm looking for the owner of this cafe," he said, adjusting his glasses.
"I'm one of them," he nodded.
"I'm the other," Wesley waved from the kitchen.
"Denver Cunningham," the man grinned, shaking Eliot's hand enthusiastically. "And boy do I have an opportunity for you."
"What kind of opportunity?" he asked lifting an eyebrow.
"Have you ever considered catering?" Denver asked. "I mean with your desserts, not an actual meal."
"Keep talking," Eliot said, sounding very interested, and leading him into the kitchen.
\NMM/
"Can I have everyone's attention please?" Aneeta said into the microphone Eliot had set up at the front of the Cafe. The music was turned off, and every stopped what they were doing and turned toward her. The room fell silent, and Aneeta felt her pulse quickened. I can't believe I allowed them to put this on me, she thought. She was wearing a black and red ball gown, that was very tight at the top, and very big and poofy at the bottom, reaching the floor. Her hair was thick with curl volume, with the black veil trailing down her back. The only make up she allowed Tiffany to put on her was black lipstick, and mascara, which she used to make fancy designs around her eyes. She did her best not to look too much into the crowd, cause she knew if she she saw Jeremy she'd clam up and run off stage.
"I'm going to announce the costume contest winners now," she announced, shaking away her nerves. It's alright, she told herself. You've done this before, it's just like public speaking, except its to a bunch of masked people.
"The winner of the most original costume," she began, taking out a list that Eliot had given her. "Is actually two people. The Pac Man and Ghost." People clapped and whistled, making way for a blue sheeted ghost being chanced by a yellow Pac Man.
"Now, for the best kids costume," she continued, feeling more relaxed. "Is Yugi Moto."
"YES!!" Jay shouted, extremely loud, making the crowd laugh before clapping.
"Best teenage costume is-"
"RAAAAAAA!!!!!" Deep ground shaking roar filled the room, causing Aneeta's heart to jump, and everyone in the room to look around in anxiety.
"Oh, no," Kita whispered, pulling at her skirt. "Not now." The girls tensed and looked around, ready to take on what crashed through the walls of the walls of the Cafe. Except nothing crashed through, but more like floated through the walls. A ghost that resembled a form that resembled the Grim Reaper floated through the wall, followed by four more.
"Whoa, cool effects!" Some guys shouted, making the others nod, and marvel over them..
"Those aren't part of the display are they?" Kotona asked Wesley, swallowing a lump in her throat.
"No," he replied with a concerned face, as MAL began to shout from the kitchen.
"Smells like Maken to me," Tiffany grimaced as the forms floated over the crowd. "Did you even find anymore information on them?" She turned to Eliot who was squinting his eyes, waiting for them to attack.
"Almost," he said simply, his jaw clenched.
"Those are scary," the little girl whispered, squeezing Amaya's hand. She knew they weren't friendly, so she kept herself between the girl and the Reapers.
"I wonder if-" Someone tried reaching up and grabbing them, and their hand actually touched cloth. At the contact, the Reaper roared, swinging a scythe from under its cloak. This raised panic, causing the crowd to scream and disperse. The girls spread out too, trying to find a place so they could transform. Kita and Kotona ran for the kitchen, Tiffany ran for the staff lounge, and Aneeta was about to follow when she heard her name. Oh, no, no, no, she cried to herself.
"Neeta!" Jay gasped, wrapping his arms around her. "Make them go away!" Makoto was barking furiously, tugging on the leash Jay had him on. He's putting on an act, she thought, knowing who was right behind him.
"We have to get out of here," Jeremy shouted over the screaming. People were falling over each other, trying to get out the exit, and ducking down under tables to avoid being seen by the Reapers. All of them now had scythes, and they were swinging them at people and cutting the decorations that hung in their way.
"Ah!" The little girl screamed when one came too close. I have to transform, Amaya thought desperately. No one certainly look at her, only the floating cloaks that threatened their lives. She knew it was a gamble, but she had to take it, because one Reaper brought up its scythe and swung down at them.
"Mew Mew Icing! MEWTAMORPHOSIS!"
"Blizzard Katana!" She summoned her weapon just in time, bring it up to intercept the large crooked weapon held but thing boney hands. The little girl was staring up at her in awe as she pushed forward, knocking the deadly weapon away.
"Stay here," she told the girl, nudging her under the table. "I'll be right here, but stay under there." She nodded, and pulled the table cloth down to hide herself. Icing took a defensive stance in front of her,ready for the Reaper to attack again.
"COTTON CANDY GLOWING PUTT!" Cotton Candy bursted from the kitchen with her rod at hand, and a glowing orb floating in front of her. With a strong swing, she hit it so hard it flashed a blinding light on impact, sending it vaulting at one of the Reapers. The creature cried out in pain on impact, falling to the ground, but it was moved in its crumpled position, struggling to stand again.
"Stay down, like you're suppose to!" Licorice shouted, running out after her with a giant pain brush in her hands.
"LICORICE RIBBON PAINT BLAST!" she shouted, aiming at the grounded heap of cloth. It was covered with rainbow colors, and attacked with the force of a million wasps.
"Score!" Licorice shouted, shooting a fist up into the air.
"Time for me to take one out!" Rose chimed, sliding in next to them.
"You going to scream them out of the sky?" Licorice laughed.
"Don't hate on the Microphone," she snapped. "I...I have to think about what I'm going to do. You know, get creative."
"Make sure not to take too long cause there's four more," Cotton Candy said, readying to take aim again.
"ICING SHATTERING STAR CRASH!" A six pointed star of energy sliced through the air, shattering a second Reaper.
"Make that three," Cotton Candy corrected herself.
How do I get away? How do I get away?, Aneeta freaked as she, Jay, Makoto and Jeremy were trapped in the corner opposite of the Staff lounge. The Mews looked like they were okay, but every fiber in her body was telling her to fight. To stop cowering in the corner and fight! But she couldn't. She couldn't reveal herself to Jeremy. Ah, he walked in on me, she thought. No no! Don't think about that right now! You're in danger!
"Those are those girls from the circus," Jeremy said. "The ones that we saw at the Museum."
"No, thats Nagoya Mew Mew," Jay corrected.
"Oh, that's who Nagoya Mew Mew are," he nodded. "I think I saw a purple one on TV once." A purple one?, Aneeta thought. Oh, I hope he doesn't make a connection.
"AH!" Jay screamed when a Reaper appeared in front of them suddenly, the scythe close to his face. With a grunt, Jeremy pushed himself to his feet and tackled the Reaper. Makoto was sent into another flurry of barks as Jay jumped to his feet.
"Whoa," Aneeta gasped, eyes wide in amazement.
"Run, run!" Jeremy urged, and the three of them took off.
"Stay down, I'm going-"
"To do your thing," he grinned, sliding under a table with his dog, while she ran into the kitchen.
"Mew Mew Plum! MEWTAMORPHOSIS!"
Outside, the Reaper swung Jeremy off of him, and he hit the wall hard, knocking the wind out of him. His sight went funny after his head smacked off of the wall, and his breathing became labored. The Reaper loomed over him, casting a deathly shadow. He lifted his scythe above his head, aiming for Jeremy's neck. Jay watched in horror, begging silently for Aneeta to hurry up. He stared at the kitchen doors, waiting anxiously for her to burst through them and stab the creature. But there was no movement made by the doors as the scythe swung down, and Jay had to cover his eyes, not baring to watch, feeling Makoto nuzzle him in concern. He heard wood splinter, heard a jingle and a grunt. He opened his eyes and saw the window cover was shattered, the scythe was tied up by jingling nunchucks, and Aneeta stood on the other end of the weapon.
"Haven't you heard you shouldn't pick on someone who's defenseless," she snapped, yanking on the nunchuck to pull the weapon away, but instead he pulled on the nunchuck, causing her to be pulled toward him and nearly loose her footing. When she almost crashed into him, she swung her foot out and kicked him in the head.
"Plum!" Licorice cheered, bouncing over. "Nice hit."
"Thanks," she grinned, but worried looked back at Jeremy, who hadn't moved at all. "You think he's okay?"
"Of course," she nodded, poking her with her paint brush. "You saved his life. Now come on, let's finish this guy off."
"Alright," Plum nodded, whipping her nun chuck loose and spinning it around. Licorice held her paint brush out like a bazooka, aiming for the Reaper that was turning around ready to slice them with his scythe.
"PLUM NIGHT PIERCE!"
"LICORICE RIBBON PAINT BLAST!" They sent their attack at him simultaneously, leaving him a heap of dust that disintegrated instantly.
"COTTON CANDY GLOWING PUTT!"
"ICING SHATTERING STAR SCRASH!" The last two Reapers were taken care of easily, leaving Rose standing there with her mouth hanging open in disbelief.
"No fair!" she cried, stamping her feet immaturely. "You didn't leave me one!"
"You took too long to think," Cotton Candy said, rolling her eyes at her.
"Transform back," Licorice ordered Plum, pushing her toward the kitchen. The room was left in a messy disarray. Only the little girl, Jay, Makoto and Jeremy were the only non-Mew people left. Amaya didn't bother hiding, changing back right then and there, and moved the table cloth to check on the little girl. Her light hair was all over, and her eyes were stained with tears.
"It's okay," she said calmly. "They are all gone." She took her hand and helped her to come out and stand up. How could someone abandon their daughter? she asked herself. Huh, why should I even bother wondering?
"Where's my daddy?" she asked, whipping her eyes.
"He must be looking for you outside, hoping you got out," Amaya replied, though she was highly doubtful. "I'm sure he-"
"Gloria!" a male voice shouted, coming from the doorway.
"Daddy!" the girl shouted, pulling from Amaya, and running across the chaotic room into the arms of her dad. Huh, Amaya thought. I guess he was look- She felt her heart stop, and she lost control of her breathing.
"Oh I'm so glad you're alright," he sighed in relief.
"She helped me," the girl said, turning to point at her. Her dad looked up with a smile, but it slowly faded. NO!, she shouted internally, keeping her face straight, and quickly making her way to the back of the Cafe. Her heart was working again, and it was racing a million miles an hour, and tears were threatening to spill over. NO!, she shouted again. No! No! She was running now, and she ran into the Staff lounge, slamming the door behind her.
"Jeremy," Aneeta whispered, shaking his shoulder lightly. "Jeremy, wake up." He groaned, and lifted a hand to his face.
"Can you sit up?" she asked, moving her dress so she could kneel.
"Y-yeah," he stuttered, pushing himself up, and leaning against the wall.
"Are you okay?" she asked uncertainly.
"Just dizzy," he sighed, giving a weak smile. "What about you?"
"I'm...in one piece," she nodded, giving a half smile. Oh, this is horrible, she thought. It's becoming awkward now! Oh goodness, why did he have to walk in?
"Look, I didn't mean to walk in on you," Jeremy said as if reading her mind. "I was just looking for you and Eliot said you were there." I'll kill him later, she thought.
"Uh, it's okay," she stammered, trying to keep cool, but couldn't stop her face from getting hot. "I-I know you didn't mean to."
"I have to say to say though, I thought your underwear was cute," he snickered.
"AH!" she shouted, covering her face with her hands as her face turned even more red. He saw! He actually could see the penguins!
"They're unique," he grinned, pulling her into a tight hug. "I've never seen bluebird underwear before."
"You've seen other girls in their underwear?" she asked an accusing tone, raising an eyebrow.
"No, uh, not on them," he stammered, his tongue tied. "I mean, like I've seen them in stores-"
"There are girl underwear models in the stores," she interrupted, giving him accusing looks.
"But how many of them wear any color but white?" he asked. "I mean, you can't help but see them since they are blown up. There are guy models in underwear too."
"True," she nodded, finding this all too amusing. "And they are penguins by the way. Not blue birds. They are blue penguins."
"Oh, even cooler," Jeremy grinned, still looking guilty. "So you forgive me?" Aneeta pretended to think it over, "hmmm"ing a lot.
"I guess I can," she shrugged. "But promise you'll knock from now on?"
"Scout's honor," he nodded. "I've learned my lesson."
"Good," she grinned.
\NMM/
"What the hell are you doing Rinya?" Maken demanded, walking into the dim room where she was gazing down at the Earth.
"Can't I have a little fun?" she asked, not turning toward him.
"You are off duty still," he snapped.
"That doesn't mean I can't send my own pets out to have fun," she shrugged nonchalantly. "Are you going to tattle on me?"
"Dlender already knows," he huffed, staring at her with a clenched jaw. "And she told me to ask you not to send out any more Pets until asked to."
"Yessir," she replied, scratching her head. She continued to stare out the window, and he continued to stare at her from about a few more minutes, until he finally exited. A triumphant smile grew on her face, as she pulled out a folded up piece of paper.
"Let's see what Dlender has been keeping from us shall we?" she snickered, unfolding it.
\NMM/
"That broken window cover is coming out of your paycheck," Eliot said shaking his fist at Aneeta. It was only the Mews and Eliot and Wesley now, sitting around a table that didn't get broken.
"That's no fair!" she shouted. "I had to! That thing was going to kill Jeremy! And where did you guys go? You just disappeared on us!"
"We went down to make sure the computers were unharmed," Wesley replied, his make up faded away. "Someone copied our files before we got there."
"Who would do that?" Kotona asked.
"Maken of course," Tiffany said, rolling her eyes.
"My money's on Rinya," Kita yelled, slamming her fist down. "This seems like something she'd do."
"And you know them that well?" Amaya asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Well, it just seemed to simple to be Maken," she shrugged.
"Regardless, files were copied," Eliot snapped. "Files I had under several different coded passwords. Who ever crack it was really smart at using computers."
"Okay, then I don't think it's Rinya then," Aneeta sighed, taking off her veil.
"I'll figure out who it was," Wesely said reassuringly. "Don't you worry."
"And in the mean time, we gotta prepare for our first catering job," Eliot said.
"Catering?" Kotona gasped. "Really?"
"A man by the name of Denver Cunningham came in today," Eliot nodded. "He said his friend owns a car repair shop, and they are hosting a car show on Thursday. He asked us to cater it."
"But Thursday's out day off," Tiffany whined, stamping her feet under the table.
"You'll live," Eliot snapped. "So I'll have special uniforms made for that day. Uniforms that I'll have paid for by taking a little out of each of your paychecks."
"Why do you constantly take out money?" Kita shouted, slamming her fist again. "You're mean!"
"It's life," he shrugged. "If there are no other objections, I'll see you tomorrow."
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters used as costumes in this chapter.
Preview of Chapter 12:
Mewl Efficiency
Kita – I've never been to a car show before! This could be exciting!
Tiffany – It's just cars. Nothing exciting about them.
Kotana – My bro's friend is a car junkie, so I hear them talking about technical stuff all the time. It's actually quite cool.
Tiffany – Don't cars run on Cow Power or something?
Kotana – It's Horse Power.
*Aneeta runs in with an envelope*
Aneeta – Hey guys! There's gonna be another new Mew!
Kita – Finally! Who? WHO?
Aneeta – I didn't look yet
*Kita snatches envelope and rips it open*
*The group looks over her shoulder and stares at the paper*
Aneeta – WHAT!?!?
Kotana – That can't be right!
Kita – ELIOT!!! Why's there a Y on here???
\NMM/
Author's Note: lol Catch the hint? ;)
And as a random note you probably dont care to hear: I am the proud owner of Penguin Underwear!! ^ ^