I never actually meant to delete this. However, like a few others I also accidently deleted, I'm glad I did because I was able to properly edit them.
When Keiichiro was 13, tragedy struck: his parents were killed, leaving him an orphan. & on top of all that, his 3 year old sister was kidnapped.
Now 12 years later, they are reunited. & as soon as Ryou lays eyes on her, he falls for her & vice versa. How will Keiichiro take that?
Masaya is cheating on Ichigo-but w/ who? When the shocking truth comes out, will Ichigo give our favorite green-haired alien a chance?
I DO NOT OWN TOKYO MEW MEW OR ANY OF ITS CHARACTERS! I ONLY CLAIM THE STORY & CHARACTERS I CREATE!
· Ryou-19 x Kohana-15
· Keiichiro-25 x Haruna (Haru)-19
· Kish-16 x Ichigo-15
· Pie-18 x Lettuce-16
· Tart-14 x Pudding-13
· Hikaru-24 x Zakuro-19
· Koichi-17 x Chihiro-17
· Tasuku-13 x Berry-13
· Masaya-15 x Mint-15
· Dallas-19 x Nashi-19
· Niko-14 x Keki-13
"Such a lovely day, isn't it?" Mint asked, drinking her tea.
"It would've been lovelier had you actually gotten off your ass and done something." Ichigo growled, annoyed.
"Girls, could you not fight right now?" Keiichiro asked, kind of gloomy.
"Keiichiro, is everything ok?" Lettuce asked, concerned.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Or—I will be after a day or two." Keiichiro mumbled, walking to the kitchen, leaving the girls concerned and confused.
"Let him be; this is just an extremely hard time for him. It's personal; don't go asking him." Ryou sternly told the girls, standing there.
Knock. Knock.
"Hello?" An older woman in her mid-forties asked, walking in.
"Sorry, we're closed; you just missed us." Mint spoke in a snide tone, looking over her teacup.
"Yes, I know. I'm actually looking for a Mr. Akasaka, Keiichiro." The lady calmly informed the girls.
When he heard a familiar voice, Keiichiro walked out of the kitchen and into the main area.
"Stella Star?" Keiichiro asked, somewhat shocked.
"I'm kind of surprised you remember me; it's been such a long time." The lady, Stella Star, noted with a soft smile.
"With our history, it's kind of hard to forget you. What brings you here?" Keiichiro replied and then asked, still shocked—but was now confused.
However, not as confused as the girls, who were standing there, watching Keiichiro and Stella.
"Following up—and checking up on you; I haven't heard from you in quite a few years. You are not easy to find. Although, maybe that's what you wanted; you haven't submitted your address in a few years." Stella calmly answered, watching Keiichiro closely.
"I sent my address in a few years ago—when I first moved here." Keiichiro replied with a blank look on his face.
"Are you sure? Neither the agency nor I have any records of you moving or anything. The only record of your last move we have, was when you were fourteen—when you moved in with the Shirogane family. After an accident, you just kind of disappeared. The only reason I was able to find you now, was because of Mr. Shirogane. The same Ryou you've been watching over since an accident took his parents?" Stella asked, looking through some papers.
"Yes, that's correct." Keiichiro and Ryou answered.
"What are you really doing here now—after all this time?" Keiichiro suspiciously questioned, watching Stella.
"Right. Yes. I really am here to see how you are doing; it has been precisely twelve years since your parents were murdered and your sister was kidnapped." Stella started, shocking all the girls while Keiichiro just stared at her.
"I'm doing fine. Has the person been found?" Keiichiro questioned, folding his arms across his chest; he didn't want to have to remember any of that anymore.
"Yes, they have. They were a cult or something like that. Some of them have been apprehended; a few are still out there. But I'm really here about Kohana." Stella answered. She then mentioned a young girl's name, causing Keiichiro to sigh, turn around, and start walking to the kitchen.
"She's been found—alive." Stella quickly spoke up as soon as Keiichiro turned to the kitchen, getting his attention right away.
"What?" Keiichiro asked, incredibly shocked.
"Kohana—your sister; she's alive." Stella repeated.
"Are you serious?" Keiichiro questioned, looking directly at Stella.
"Yes. I promise you; I'm not lying—and this is real. Several girls were found in an underground bunker—alive. Unfortunately, there was a crematorium right next door. While it's true, the police had checked the place and surrounding areas a few times; they never came up with anything. However, after two of the older girls and your sister were able to escape, FBI got involved. All, but for four girls have been reunited with their families. Yes, there were guys as well; although, they were there under their own volition. None of the guys—unless they tried helping the girls, were not treated, or kept as the girls were; they were there for other reasons—if you get what I mean. But moving on; I'm not actually allowed to tell you that information. Your sister and three other girls are the only four to not be returned to their families. Now, because we hadn't heard from you, my bosses weren't sure if you were interested in taking custody of Kohana. They're ready, and willing to stick her in the system—which will stick her in a mental home. And she would most likely be there until she ages out. However, seeing as you are the only family she has left—and you are of age; you have to legally sign your rights away." Stella explained to a dumbfounded Keiichiro.
"I'm not signing my rights away. I have been looking for Kohana almost nonstop for the last twelve years. Mainly online, but I've still been looking. She is my sister, and I will do anything I can to take care of and make sure she's safe." Keiichiro replied, dead serious.
"I almost thought so. Still, I also wasn't sure. Maybe stuff got lost or something. Oh, well. So, you want custody of your sister? You're sure that's what you want? Don't give me that look; you know better than anyone that I have to ask these questions." Stella noted, looking directly at Keiichiro after asking him if he was sure.
"*Sigh…* Right. You're right; I'm sorry. Yes, I want custody of my sister." Keiichiro sighed after apologizing.
"It's ok; I understand. I'd probably be the same way. You live here, correct?" Stella replied with a smile and then asked.
"Yes, that's correct." Keiichiro answered.
"With Mr. Shirogane?" Stella calmly asked, looking from Keiichiro to Ryou.
"Yes, that is also correct." Keiichiro answered. He and Ryou saw exactly where this was going.
"There are two extra rooms upstairs; she can always stay in one of those." Ryou spoke up.
"That's perfectly fine. But I see you run a business down here—a café, correct?" Stella asked, looking at Ryou.
"Yes, that's correct." Ryou answered.
"I'm only asking because she has two kittens, she seems to be very close with." Stella calmly explained.
"That's perfectly fine. The kittens can stay in her room or the spare room during the time the café is open. And then they can roam around whenever we're closed." Ryou immediately spoke up; he knew how much this meant to Keiichiro. And with all that he's done for him, it was the least he could do for him.
"Great. Well…" Stella started only to be interrupted.
"You said if she were put into the system, she would be put into a mental home or something like that. Why is that?" Keiichiro asked, remembering what Stella told him earlier.
"Yes. That's something I need to discuss with you."
"Most of the girls handled things differently; all were very young when taken. A good chunk of girls succumbed to Stockholm Syndrome and adapted or became who these people wanted them to be. I'm guessing the girls who were cremated, didn't succumb, listen, or weren't useful. Girls like your sister, two of the girls with her currently, and several others were resilient but valuable; so, they lived. The three girls with Kohana are all older and have all been with those people the longest. The oldest girl among them is probably the only reason Kohana is alive and knows who she is."
"Be that as it may; none of the girls, including Kohana, were unharmed or unaffected. Unfortunately, your sister suffered a lot—and now sufferers severe PTSD—and does not talk. If you don't know how to sign, I would learn; that's how she communicates. The oldest girl: her name is Haruna. She, and the second oldest girl, Chihiro, taught her sign language so they could communicate without their captors knowing what they were saying."
"We have yet to find out how, but Kohana also has some breathing problems; she was given a low-grade inhaler. I'm not one hundred percent sure because I wasn't told: we don't know if it's serious; the doctors couldn't figure it out. But it is there, so it should be monitored. I'm sure I don't need to tell you that if it gets to a point where not even her inhaler is helping, you need to get her to a hospital. Right now, that's all we really know. She won't talk, so doctors can't figure out if she has anything else mentally "different" with her—other than the PTSD."
"Now, the final thing before I get her for you… You are now her legal guardian, so it's entirely up to you, but it is recommended she see some kind of help: professional or otherwise. She, like all the other girls, needs someone to talk to. If you think that can be you, that's fine. However, my boss tells me that I should highly recommend her legal guardian not talk to her—or, that her legal guardian gets her to see a professional. Personally, I don't care as long as she gets the help she needs. But that's all I can tell you. Do you have any questions—not related to what I just told you?" Stella explained, pausing to take breaths here and there before thoughtfully asking.
"The only question I have is: when can I see her?" Keiichiro asked as calmly as he could.
"Give me a few minutes, and I'll go get her. While I'm out there, you need to sign these papers; everything is highlighted, so you know where to sign. Long lines with uppercase X are full name. Short lines with lowercase x are initials only. I'll be right back." Stella thoroughly explained, handing Keiichiro a clipboard with a few pages for him to sign; she then left with a soft smile.
"Ok." Keiichiro replied, taking the clipboard while taking a deep breath. He was so nervous; he has been anticipating his sister's return for years.
"You have a younger sister?! Na no da!" Pudding asked, nearly yelling after Stella was out of the building.
"Why haven't you told us about her?!" Mint and Berry asked, pretty much demanding, as Keiichiro sat down to start signing the paperwork.
"Maybe it was none of our business." Ichigo started, seeing a look on Keiichiro's face she had never seen before.
"How is this none of our business, Ichigo? He has a younger freaking sister! And what about you? Why didn't you say anything?!" Mint furiously yelled at Ichigo before looking at Ryou.
"Yeah?!" Berry asked, demanding an answer.
"Oh, my God! For crying out loud, look at him! He just found out that his sister, who had been kidnapped years ago, is alive! And that he's getting custody. Granted, yes; that's his choice. For all we know, he could've thought she was dead all this time. Point is, he didn't know. Put yourselves in his position: would you want to tell people any of that if you didn't know for sure? If he had wanted us to know, he would've told us. Am I usually a nosey person? Yes. Yes, I am. But this is something that, just by looking at his face, hurts him. As for Ryou not saying anything? It wasn't his place to say anything. Not to mention, Ryou wouldn't say anything unless he had Keiichiro's permission in the first place—which he obviously didn't have. This was none of our business; we just need to accept that and leave him alone." Ichigo explained as calmly as she could.
"What makes you so damn righteous all of a sudden?" Mint asked, looking directly at Ichigo.
"That's enough! Ichigo is right; leave him alone!" Zakuro yelled, surprising and shocking Mint.
"But this is big." Mint and Berry stated at the same time.
"Yes, it is. But this is his personal business. He and Ryou already share enough with us as is. Stop being so damn nosey and start respecting his privacy!" Zakuro yelled, beyond pissed off.
"But…" Mint started.
"No buts! Keep it up, and you won't be coming to the awards show next weekend!" Zakuro yelled, standing there, glaring at Mint; Mint immediately shut up.
Knock. Knock.
"Hello again. She'll just be a little bit; I think she's a bit nervous." Stella informed Keiichiro with a soft smile.
"But she's coming, right?" Mint asked right away, earning looks from everyone.
"Yes, she's coming. As are her kittens. Oh? All done?" Stella calmly answered and then asked when Keiichiro handed her back the clipboard and papers.
"Ok. And yes." Keiichiro answered as she started looking through the papers to make sure everything was in order.
Five Minutes Later:
"Are you sure she's coming?" Mint asked, drinking her tea while they all sat there—five minutes after Stella walked in.
Zakuro was about to say something when the café's main doors opened.
Everyone held their breath as in walked a girl with short, messy, all over the place, dark blue hair, brown eyes, tan skin, and random bandaids all over her face. She was wearing a white shirt with blue stripes and blue overalls and had a single simple red ribbon tied in her hair with a dog tag; she was carrying some type of cat carrier.
"Chihiro, what are you doing? Where's Kohana?" Stella asked in disbelief.
"She's coming. The carrier—with both cats in it, was just a little too heavy for her. That—and I couldn't stand to stay in that vehicle with that bitch anymore." This girl, Chihiro, honestly answered.
"Seriously Chihiro… I don't know what your issue with Gigi is. She was in the same situation as you and the others." Stella sighed.
"Actually—that would be false." A female voice calmly spoke up.
"Not you too. Wait. Haruna, what are you doing here?" Stella asked as a taller girl with light tan skin walked in. She had long dark red hair tied in a long ponytail with a bow-shaped bun, short bangs above her yellow eyes, and longer bangs down the sides of her face with freckles on her nose. She was wearing a beautiful black shirt with blue jean shorts, a black choker, and what looked like a dog tag; she also had a girl hanging over her shoulder.
"I come in peace. I also bring Kohana—who is very nervous and was, at the time, frozen. Also, my name is Haru. I prefer to be called Haru; you know this. And Chihiro is right; Gigi is a bitch." This girl, Haruna, or Haru calmly stated.
"Girls… You may not like each other, but it's only going to be a little while longer. Chihiro, your family is waiting for you; they just live a little ways away. And Haruna, I've found you an apartment nearby, close to your family and Kohana; rent is paid for the next year. You're all set for a year, so it gives you time to get settled and find a job. Also, I understand you prefer to be called Haru. But it is unprofessional of me to call you by that; you know I have to call you by your legal name. Don't look at me like that. You know exactly what your name is; you never used the name they tried giving you. Now, all that's left is trying to find Gigi's family. You girls should all stick together; you all went through hell." Stella calmly explained.
"False. Gigi didn't go through what we all went through—at all. And you just have to find her parents—who are on the run because they were busted; their family and other accomplishes were arrested. Ma'am and Sir are Gigi's parents." Haru explained as calmly as she could as the girl, who everyone believed to be Kohana, hung from her shoulder.
"Who?" Stella asked, confused.
"Ma'am and Sir. They were the main people who had us; they wanted us to call them "Mom and Dad," or "Ma and Pa," or any other variations of those. No, we never did; Gigi, however, did. And that would be because she's their biological daughter." Haru calmly but sternly explained.
"Their children were all captured; they admitted to taking you and several other girls—and that every one of you down there, were the only victims." Stella calmly explained, looking at Haru.
"Oh, my God, woman! Open your damn eyes! Gigi was down there, trying to convince us that what was about to happen, was a good thing—like always. She is their youngest child; they knew she was down there. Of course, those people are going to say she was one of us. Because then she could get away and no one would even bat an eye. Clearly, Chihiro and I went along with their act because they had taken Kohana—who you know damn well couldn't fight them off herself. No offence meant. If it weren't for us, that man would've succeeded in raping her—and she'd be pregnant and gone. Gigi was nowhere near us at the time; she was too busy trying to get the next batch of girls for their bidders."
"Yes, to answer your question—the question everyone asks me: yes, I threw burning hot coal on that man's back and in his face—along with two others. And as I said before, that was not for me; that was for Kohana. Chihiro and I can take care of ourselves; we've been through all that crap. Kohana, on the other hand, had not. We knew the oldest son wanted Kohana; we also knew how he is—or was. For all the "special" girls; he's their first. Unfortunately, he was my and Chihiro's first; he was not kind, caring, or gentle—not even close. I sure as hell was not going to let him get his dirty, grubby hands on her; he would've killed her with how tiny she is."
"Gigi was stupid, and always fell for it when Chihiro or I said Kohana wasn't feeling well or on her period. Even though her parents forced us to take birth control—at least until we turned eighteen. How did I get lucky enough to not become pregnant? I was able to find the birth control of the girls they killed."
"Eventually, the brother came down and got Kohana himself; that's when we had to take action. I had stolen some sleeping pills a few nights before and doused Gigi's soda with it. Nobody ever asked me who Gigi was because they didn't believe that there was a girl like her there. Right now, I don't care if you believe me or not; I am not getting back in that van with her. I know where the apartment is; placement told me. I'll walk from here. I'm nineteen; if my family wants anything to do with me, someone can tell them where to find me. They can come find me." Haru informed Stella, pausing here and there to breathe; she was dead serious.
The look on Haru's face shocked Stella because it read the truth.
"Kohana—is this all true?" Stella asked, looking at the girl, hanging upside down, hoping it wasn't true.
'Yes.' Kohana signed slowly.
"I guess I'll have to talk to the agency and such. I'll also have to talk to Gigi and get DNA." Stella sighed as she stood back up.
"Good luck there, seeing as she's taking off." Chihiro stated, glancing out the window.
"Great… I'll be right back. You stay here—or right outside and wait for me. Haruna, take Kohana to her brother; he's the one…" Stella started only to be interrupted.
"Yeah, yeah… It doesn't take a genius to figure out which one he is. I got this." Haru interrupted Stella, waving her off before walking over to Keiichiro while Stella left the building.
"Ok… Normally, I don't like to assume things—anything. However, I'm going to make an exception and assume you're the brother." Haru stated, standing in front of Keiichiro, looking directly into his eyes.
"Yes, I'm Keiichiro Akasaka." Keiichiro calmly replied, looking from Haru's eyes to Kohana's feet.
"I figured as much. You both—when she's not forced to wear contacts, have the same eyes. You also have the same skin tone and facial features—except she has more of a flush to her cheeks, and you don't. Finally, your hair color is almost exactly the same: you both have brown hair. However, hers is a little more of a milk chocolate-color type of brown. Whereas yours is more of an unsweetened type of chocolate-color type of brown." Haru calmly noted, looking Keiichiro over.
"You and your damn chocolate." Chihiro mumbled.
"I heard that… Shut it! I can't help it if they have chocolate-colored hair; that's just how I see it." Haru growled, turning a little to look at Chihiro, getting stares from Ryou and the girls.
"Now, where are you going?" Haru asked when she saw Chihiro open the doors.
"Out—for a walk. Don't worry; I'll stay in the area." Chihiro cheekily stated, smiling as she walked out and shut the door behind her.
"I'mma kill her, I really am. Oh, but first." Haru grumbled, slowly and carefully flipping Kohana up, over her shoulder, and onto her feet.
'Don't kill her too hard.' Kohana slowly signed.
"Oh, don't worry about us; she's not Gigi. Now, if I see her, I'mma-kill-a-bitch. Now, you: relax and breathe; everything will be just fine." Haru sternly told Kohana but calmed down when she saw her nervous face.
Kohana was a short, thin girl with light skin, blue-gray eyes, a natural light flush on her cheeks, with uneven brown hair. Her hair was shoulder-length, straight, and even in the back while the sides were longer, down to a little past her waist, tied up with blue ribbons, in thin, wavy pigtails. Her bangs were also slightly uneven: short, just above her eyes, separated a little and longer down the sides, just under her eyes, and then a finally stops just below her chin. She was wearing a frilly blue skirt with blue jean shorts underneath, a long, loose-fitting blue shirt, and pink socks, with a black heart choker and a red heart pendant.
'What if he doesn't remember or want me?' Kohana signed to Haru, scared.
"Umm…" 'I don't think that's the case; I don't think Stella would have you meet him otherwise. I think he wants and remembers you just fine; he looks genuinely concerned. Besides, I think he's probably thinking the same about you; he's probably wondering if you remember or want to be with him. Just relax, breathe, and everything will be just fine.' Haru signed to Kohana.
"Do you want to share with the rest of the class?" Mint asked, annoyed.
"Umm… No, not really. That would be why we're signing; we don't know you. The only one that concerns her, is Mr. Akasaka. By the way, I can read it in your face: call me rude or a bitch all you want. I know for a fact that I'm a bitch; I'm very proud of the fact. It's one of the things about me that kept me alive all this time. As for if you want to call me rude: that's perfectly fine because I know it wouldn't be true. Because the truth is, you're the one being rude by trying to butt into something that doesn't concern you." Haru answered, annoyed.
"Why you… Who do you think you are? You don't know me. I'm a friend of Keiichiro's." Mint argued right away, becoming defensive.
"I'm so glad you asked; my name is Haruna Yamamura. Yes, I'm a bitch and one of Kohana's best and only friends. And yes, I do know you. Maybe not personally, but I know your type; I've seen it plenty in and out of that hell hole. My guess is a rich, prima ballerina type, who thinks she's all that, and a bag of chips. Maybe you're a good person, I don't know. Mr. Akasaka seems like a good guy. He looks like a good guy. So, you must not be horrible. Because you are her older brother, I mean no offense to you when I say any of this this, Mr. Akasaka."
"Back to you, Ms. Prima Ballerina: Kohana and even Chihiro are like my younger sisters. I care for them both very deeply—even if one of them pisses me off. Whenever I can, I will make it my business to visit Kohana and make sure she's doing ok. I get that you work here. Oh… Well, maybe not." Haru started, only to stop and wonder when she heard Ichigo huff and snort a little.
"But anyway, if I do come to visit her here, you might want to avoid me. Like I said before; I'm a bitch, and I'm very good at it. I actually take great pride in it. I generally don't like people—and I tend to get under their skin very easily. I have always been like that. Occasionally, obviously, I make exceptions. Sure, I didn't think I'd ever get as close to Kohana and Chihiro as I did, but I did. There was just something about them—especially Kohana. So, as long as it doesn't bother Mr. Akasaka, I will do what I can to keep Kohana safe. Also, aside from two other girls my age, I was the oldest girl there." Haru continued.
"So, you'll just stop by at random, out of the blue—not caring what Keiichiro thinks?" Mint questioned, looking directly at Haru.
"Yeah, pretty much—after a few weeks or even months. I've known Kohana for twelve years now. That would mean they haven't seen each other in twelve years. They need their time; I get personal boundaries. Oh, and going back to that first part; yes, I will show up. However, I won't stay if he says they're busy or have plans. Believe it or not, I may not remember my family all that well; I do know it's one of the most important things out there. The thing about my family I remember is that I was a brat, and my name. I wouldn't ever forget that; I made sure of that. Kohana, on the other hand, I wouldn't let her forget ANY of that or her name. Every morning and night—before and after they tried drilling who or what they wanted her to be into her head, I repeatedly made her tell me about her family until she fell asleep. She may not remember everything, but she sure as hell remembers names and essential things like that. Ms. Prima Ballerina, before you open your mouth to say what you plan on saying next, don't. Maybe you've been through some shit. But you sure as shit don't know what we went through; don't pretend like you do. I hope to God, that you or anyone else don't have to go through that. So, Sweetie, don't fuck with me."
"Now, going back to Mr. Akasaka—before I become even more pissed off. Kohana knows how to read, spell, and kind of write; anything beyond that is not there. So, if you want her to have some sort of education, I would highly recommend homeschool or something along those lines. Also, don't mind that she doesn't have any shoes on; she doesn't like them, as they hurt her feet. So, good luck finding some that don't. But anyway, before I get myself anymore riled up any more than I already am, I have to find Chihiro. Mr. Akasaka, it's nice to meet you and have a face to the person. Albeit an older face than what she described twelve years ago. And you, take a deep breath, and you'll be fine." Haru explained a lot before slowly backing away.
A Few Seconds Later:
"Of course, this will only work if you turn around." Haru gently sighed, walking over to Kohana; she picked her up and turned her around to face Keiichiro. Kind of; she was looking down.
"Well, it's a start. Maybe now she'll gain some weight. See ya!" Haru exclaimed before running out the door.
"What the hell was her problem?" Berry asked, watching the door.
"I don't know." Mint mumbled.
"You were nosey and tried to get in on their conversation." Ichigo answered in a dull tone.
"It's rude when they're talking in some strange language in front of a bunch of people who don't know it as well." Mint stated in a snobbish tone.
"Enough! Keiichiro's sister has already been through enough shit; she doesn't need your crap to make her feel worse! Today is supposed to be a good day for not only her, but Keiichiro as well! I don't know what's with your piss-poor attitude as of late, but it needs to end! When you decide that you want to lose it, you may come to the awards show; but until then, you're not allowed to attend! I have to head out and make it to my next shoot. Keiichiro, I'm so glad you finally found your sister, and I sincerely hope you're happy—the both of you. Kohana, was it? It was nice to kind of meet you. And Kohana, you have a great brother; he really is a fantastic guy. I hope you find happiness and everything you want. See you all later." Zakuro snapped before calmly talking to Keiichiro and Kohana. She then left the café, leaving the others shocked—mainly Mint, who, after Zakuro left, ran away crying.
"That was uncalled for." Berry sighed, standing there.
"She did it to herself." Ichigo replied, referring to Mint.
"I was referring to Zakuro; she knew how excited Mint was to go to that award show and watch her possibly win some kind of award—and accept it." Berry shot back.
"Mint shouldn't have been so damn nosey." Ichigo sternly replied.
"It's a legitimate concern. I mean no disrespect Keiichiro, but how are we supposed to understand or communicate with her when she only does sign language? She doesn't physically speak. Are you sure you're the right one to care for her? I mean, I understand she's your sister and all, but how are you supposed to communicate with her? You're not doing this because you feel guilty, are you?" Berry stated, defending herself before asking, causing Kohana to flinch a little.
"Berry…" The girls and Ryou started.
"No, don't; it's her opinion—and everyone is entitled to their opinion. But Berry… Understand this: I'm not taking Kohana in because I feel bad, or whatever, or because I don't want her going into the system. I am taking her in because she is my sister, and I missed out on twelve years of her life that I can never get back. However, starting today, I can have however long she is willing to give me. No, I don't want her to go into foster care, but it's not because I feel bad or guilty. I'm doing it because she is my family, and family is everything to me. I have been looking for her for the past twelve years; I never stopped unless it was to work or whatever. As for her not talking, I'll figure something out; I will learn sign language no matter how long it takes." Keiichiro stopped the others before informing Berry—dead serious, causing tears to start falling from Kohana's eyes.
"Fine. Can I go home? I have a date with Tasuku." Berry asked and then stated.
"Yeah, that's fine; go home. Girls, you all go home as well, and take the next few days off. Come back Monday, and Keiichiro can introduce you all to his sister." Ryou sighed, watching Keiichiro and Kohana.
"Ok." The girls complied before they left.
"Good luck." Lettuce softly told Keiichiro.
"Welcome to the family. Na no da." Pudding happily told Kohana as quietly as she could.
"Keiichiro really is the best; he is so kind and patient." Ichigo sincerely told Kohana before leaving with the others.
"Well, I'll let you be." Ryou sighed before he started up the stairs.
"No, wait. You can come meet her now; it's just you. It's fine." Keiichiro stopped Ryou, allowing him to stay, kneeling in front of his sister.
"Are you sure?" Ryou asked, kind of shocked. He knew how much having his sister back meant to Keiichiro; he didn't want to take anything away from them.
"Yeah, I'm sure. You did your best to help me look for her all these years." Keiichiro calmly answered, looking from Kohana to Ryou for a second.
"Ok." Ryou replied, slowly walking down the stairs.
"Kohana?" Keiichiro gently asked as Ryou stood next to him; she looked up.
"Please don't cry; everything's going to be ok. I don't know very much sign language, but I do know the alphabet and a few words. I know it may be an inconvenience for you, but if you could use the alphabet when you talk to me—just until I can learn more—so that we can communicate. What are you looking for?" Keiichiro calmly told Kohana before asking when he noticed her looking over his shoulders.
'Mom? Dad?' Kohana slowly signed, still looking around.
"Oh… Kohana, I'm sorry, but they died the day you were taken." Keiichiro slowly answered his sister; he had to catch her when she fell to her knees.
Keiichiro and Ryou noticed right away that there were no tears; she looked like she was trying to remember and was in shock or something.
'I can't remember what they look or sound like.' Kohana signed before tears started forming and slowly falling down her cheeks.
"I can't help with what they sound like, but I do have pictures if you'd like a few." Keiichiro calmly told Kohana, looking her in the eyes.
'But those are yours.' She signed slowly.
"I have enough. And even if I only had two, I'd give you one—or I'd make copies. You don't have to worry about any of that; you deserve to have pictures as well." Keiichiro stated, causing her to cry even more; they figured she didn't know how to react—how to manage her emotions.
'Can have hug?' Kohana signed with shaky hands, forgetting a few words; Keiichiro still understood what she meant.
"I was about to ask the same thing. You don't ever have to ask that." Keiichiro replied, pulling her into a hug; she clutched onto his shirt and cried into his shoulder. Ryou placed his hand on his other shoulder and patted, watching the two.
"Ok. Oh." Stella sighed and then said when she saw Kohana and Keiichiro.
'Did you find Gigi?' Kohana asked, signing at a steady pace.
"No; she's in the wind. I had her, and then she turned a corner and just disappeared. Where are the other two?" Stella explained and then asked.
'Chihiro went outside and Haru went to find her.' Kohana signed.
"Of course, they did. I tell them to stay put, and what do they do? They take off." Stella sighed, exasperated.
'Sorry.' Kohana signed, looking down.
"It's not your fault. Now, I have to go searching. You two are all good?" Stella sighed and then asked.
"Relax. We didn't leave the area; we could still see you." Chihiro informed as she and Haru walked in—both dripping wet.
"What happened to you?" Stella questioned, looking at the two girls in front of her.
Kohana turned away, hid her face in Keiichiro's shoulder, and tried not to laugh. Keiichiro couldn't help but smile a little—not at the two wet girls, but at Kohana trying and failing miserably not to laugh.
"I tripped and fell in a pond down the way a little ways." Chihiro answered, looking down, slightly embarrassed.
"And you?" Stella asked, looking at Haru.
"I laughed at her, so she pulled me in after her. But it was worth it." Haru calmly admitted with a smile.
"What are you laughing at?" Chihiro asked when she finally noticed Kohana giggling.
'Frog.' Kohana signed, smiling, pointing to the top of Chihiro's head. Indeed, there was a small, green frog on top of her head.
"Will you look at that; there is a frog on your head." Haru stated just before Stella could get it off.
"Cool. Do you think I'll be able to keep it?" Chihiro asked, reaching up; the frog just jumped into her hands.
"Ok you two, out to the van." Stella sighed in disbelief.
"Fine." Both girls sighed, but not before they both gave Kohana hugs, getting her wet with pond water as well.
"I'll see you in a month or so." Haru told Kohana with a smile.
"Why a month or so?" Chihiro asked, confused.
"We're going give them time to get to reconnect. Now, come on with your frog." Haru answered, dragging Chihiro out the door.
"See you later!" Chihiro dramatically called just before the doors shut behind them.
"Those two. But anyway, you have what you need? You don't have any questions or anything for me?" Stella calmly asked.
"No, we have everything. Sure, we'll have to go clothes shopping and everything. But we're all good." Keiichiro answered, thinking about everything.
'Thank you. For everything.' Kohana signed, taking a deep breath.
"You're welcome. I'm just glad your safe and with family now." Stella replied with a smile.
"Aren't we all?" Keiichiro asked with a smile.
"Well, I'll see you around. Bye." Stella bid farewell.
"Do you remember me at all?" Keiichiro asked after a minute or two, looking at Kohana when she turned back to face him.
'Your hair got longer; you had short hair before. And you got taller. You were always nice and watched me a lot because it was usually just you and me. Me?' Kohana signed, looking at Keiichiro.
"Yes, that is true. And of course, I remember you; I never forgot about you. I will say, I'm surprised your hair isn't longer." Keiichiro replied, looking at her hair.
'They had someone come and cut it. They were weird.' Kohana slowly signed; she didn't look like she wanted to talk about that.
"So, you have friends moving in with as well? Two kittens?" Keiichiro asked, changing the subject.
'Yes. Jexi and Kilala.' Kohana signed, looking back at the carrier.
"Jexi and Kilala; where did you get them?" Keiichiro asked, looking at his sister.
'Haru, Chihiro, and I found them in the fireplace or furnace thing a few days before the oldest son came to get me. The mama cat and four other kittens were no longer living.' Kohana started signing, becoming incredibly shaky.
Keiichiro and Ryou assumed it wasn't a pretty death—especially with where they were found.
Kohana was lost when Keiichiro gently placed his hand on her shoulder, causing her to jump and look at him.
"Kohana, you don't have to talk about that right now; we can talk about it later." Keiichiro sincerely told her; he knew, if he weren't going to send her to someone, they would eventually have to talk about everything—but not now.
'Chihiro doesn't really like cats. Haru—she likes cats, but prefers dogs; she got them out, and I took care of them. I don't know how, but they got them the night we got away and got help. Can I keep them?' Kohana continued explaining and then asked.
"Of course, you can keep them; they'll have to stay upstairs a good chunk of the time because of the café, but we're not going to make you get rid of them. Are they girls or boys?" Keiichiro explained and then calmly asked.
'Jexi is a boy and Kilala is a girl.' Kohana answered right away.
"Are they both fixed?" Keiichiro asked, concerned. She could have her two cats, but he'd hate to see what would happen if they had kittens. He wouldn't know if he'd be able to tell her she wouldn't be able to keep them as well.
'Fixed? I didn't think they were broken.' Kohana signed, clearly confused.
"Never mind that for now. Well, this is where we will be living—well, upstairs. For the most part, the downstairs is a café. And we won't be here alone; one of my very best friends lives here as well. Actually, he owns this café." Keiichiro explained as best as possible.
'The man with blonde hair and pretty blue eyes?' Kohana asked, looking at Keiichiro.
"Yes, the man with blonde hair and blue eyes; his name is Ryou Shirogane. I have known him since I was fourteen, when his family invited me to live with them." Keiichiro started explaining.
'Do they live here too?' Kohana asked, tilting her head a little.
"Uhh… No, they do not. Unfortunately, his parents died in a horrible accident years ago. Umm… Along with looking for you, I had been taking care of and watching over him. Well, for the most part he could and can take care of his self; he is incredibly smart, and he helped me do my best to try to find you. However, as smart as he is, he still can't cook." Keiichiro told Kohana with a smile.
"Oh, hahaha." Ryou sarcastically laughed, narrowing his eyes at Keiichiro, causing him to smile.
"Anyway, this is him. Don't let his demeanor fool you; he's actually very caring and kind. Ryou, this is my younger sister, Kohana." Keiichiro calmly informed Kohana, with a smile, introducing the two.
"Hey." Ryou greeted, red in the face, half looking at her, half looking away; Keiichiro was embarrassing him like no other.
'Hi.' Kohana shyly signed, looking down, a slight blush creeping across her cheeks.
Keiichiro noticed both of their reactions when their eyes met right away; he could tell there may be something in the future. He also saw something on her wrist—both of them.
"What is this?" Keiichiro asked, looking at her left wrist; there was a decent-sized cut, plus a few smaller ones.
She held her wrist for a few seconds before she started signing.
'The oldest brother—his room was on the top floor; Haru calls it a second floor. She and Chihiro came to his room; he had something that held hot coals in it. Haru used a little black shovel and threw a bunch of very hot coals on his back; he got off of me very fast, and jumped around a lot, but then fell to the floor when she threw coals at his face. Chihiro locked the door; Ma'am, Sir, and other family were banging on the door. We were trapped. Haru broke the window; she sent Chihiro down first so that she could catch me if I fell—or something happened to the horse whips. I didn't see some glass and got my hand, and then, I smashed my wrist down because it was a shock and hurt. But I got out; Haru was out as soon as I was on the grass. We then ran away. The policeman gave me a blanket because I was cold. The oldest brother ripped my clothes and pulled them off.' Kohana explained before trailing off.
Keiichiro was also becoming increasingly upset; however, it was the reaction Ryou had that shocked him.
Sure, Ryou was his best friend, almost like a brother; he expected some anger, but he looked beyond pissed. He started to suspect that Ryou liked his sister—even though he didn't know her.
Keiichiro had seen somewhat of the same look when he liked Ichigo; however, this was different—more intense, maybe.
Ryou got over Ichigo a little over a year and a half ago; he hasn't looked at another girl like he was looking at Kohana now.
Keiichiro and Ryou then heard a noise that brought them back to reality; Kohana was desperately trying to use her inhaler.
"Can I see that, please?" Keiichiro calmly asked, holding out his hand.
When Kohana handed Keiichiro the inhaler, he noticed there weren't any puffs left.
"Kohana, this is empty. How long have you had this?" Keiichiro asked, looking from the inhaler to her.
'I don't know. When we were taken to the hospital for the first time after finding the police people.' Kohana signed, confused.
"When did you, Haru, and Chihiro escape?" Keiichiro tried again.
'I don't know. A while ago.' Kohana signed, trying to think.
"If I showed you a calendar, do you think you'd be able to show me?" Keiichiro asked, pulling out his phone.
'I think so.' Kohana signed.
"Ok. So, this is today's date." Keiichiro explained, showing her the small square of his calendar on his phone.
'July.' Kohana signed, looking at the month.
"Yes, July 12th. Do you know how to use a cell phone?" Keiichiro asked calmly; she shook her head no.
"I didn't think so. Ok… Take your finger and scroll down, like this, to the date you remember going into a hospital." Keiichiro explained, showing her what to do; she caught on pretty quickly as she began scrolling.
She went slowly and eventually stopped after a minute.
'May 10th; it was cold that night and started raining when we got to the hospital. The doctor gave me that on May 15th and said that I needed it to breathe because something made my lungs weak, but not to worry, because it wasn't cancer or anything deadly like that. I will be fine if I use it every day. Stayed there until June 5th in the morning; it was hot and gray, but not raining. Then we went to a place called "Placement." They said they had to figure stuff out and find family or foster family. Stayed there until July 4th, then started returning girls to their families. Miss Stella argued with a few people because they didn't believe that Haru, Chihiro, or me had people who cared. They said we should be put into the system and then into a special home.' Kohana signed, explaining as best as she could.
"Did you get a new one?" Keiichiro seriously asked; she shook her head no before she started gasping for air.
"Ok, hold on." Ryou instructed, quickly going to the kitchen.
When he came back out, he had a brown paper bag.
"Breathe in and out of this, slowly. Nice, even breaths." Keiichiro instructed when Ryou handed her the bag.
After a few seconds, she started relaxing, and her breathing went back to normal.
Knock. Knock.
"Hey, me again." Stella informed, walking in with a box.
"What brings you back?" Keiichiro asked as calmly as he could.
"I just got a package sent to my local temporary mailbox. It contained every prescription for each girl who lives here, in Tokyo. I have thirteen inhalers and a years' worth of her PTSD medication. Technically, it should only be twelve inhalers, but apparently, she never got her second inhaler after finishing the first one. The instructions are in the box. Sorry about this; I have to get the rest of the girls their medications, and I still have to get Chihiro to her family—and Haru to her new apartment. This just happened to be on the way. Feel free to call if you need anything. Bye." Stella quickly explained before leaving again.
"Well, here we go. I have one more question before I take you to look around your new home." Keiichiro told Kohana, setting the box on one of the tables.
'K?' Kohana asked, looking at Keiichiro.
"Do you know what this is?" Keiichiro asked, holding up her right wrist; she had a mew mark—the same mew mark as Ryou and Ichigo.
'That?' Kohana asked, pointing to the pink mark.
"Yes." Keiichiro answered while Ryou sat in a chair, staring at her wrist in shock; he had only created five mew mews initially. Then, by accident, they created Berry.
'It's an invisible tattoo. Or we thought it was invisible to people; none of the other girls could see it. Only Haru, Chihiro, and I can see them.' Kohana signed, explaining.
"Them?" Keiichiro asked, shocked.
'Yes. Haru has one on her back, just above her butt, and Chihiro has one on the back of her neck. But theirs are different than mine. Other girls started calling us crazy, or that we must've really been special. Some of the girls were burned alive, and some were given to men who gave Ma'am and Sir lots of money. And then there were girls like me, Haru, and Chihiro, who were considered special; Ma'am and Sir's sons, and sometimes Sir picked out girls they really liked and kept them. We all just figured they must've marked us as their personal girls, or something like that. Can I stop now? I don't want to talk about this anymore.' Kohana explained before she started shaking and crying.
"Of course, you can stop for now. It's ok; we're here for you. The marks on your wrist, Haru's lower back, and Chihiro's neck—they're not what you think they are. The girls who were here before; they have marks like that as well. Ryou has one as well. But like you said, they're all different. Well—except for yours, Ryou's, and Ichigo's; you three all have the same exact mark. But for now, we'll leave that alone; we will explain it all to you when Haru and Chihiro are here as well. Ok?" Keiichiro explained and then asked.
'K.' Kohana signed before her stomach growled, and she turned red.
"Ok, let's get you something to eat and then we'll show you around. You don't have any other clothes, do you?" Keiichiro asked, looking at her.
'They got lost.' Kohana signed.
"Ok. Well, we'll have to take you shopping." Keiichiro sighed; he had no clue what she would like or what would even fit her.
"Ichigo, what are you doing here?" Ryou asked when Ichigo came walking back in.
"Sorry; I know. But I forgot my bag." Ichigo answered, heading into the changing room.
Ryou and Keiichiro just looked at each other.
"What?" Ichigo asked when they looked right at her when she came out.
"How would you like to go shopping to help Kohana find some new clothes and such?" Keiichiro calmly asked while Ryou watched Kohana…