One Last Breath
~By: Lauren~
M E I M I ,
I
U N D E R S T A N D
"I just don't understand." Tammy's vision blurred as she stared down at the cold, brown earth. "Why can't I let go? Why can't I let go of my past? Why can't I let go of my mistakes? I regret so many things...I left so many words unspoken. I just don't understand why can't I let them go? I try and I try...I want to get over it all. I'll cry but my tears mean nothing, they're only in vain. I want to let go but I can't and I don't know why. These memories always haunt me...I want to forget it all but it won't leave me alone. It brings me down every time I even have a fleeting thought of it. Mom...Celeste... I'm so sorry I couldn't protect you. I want it all to go away. I want to be free. I want to be with everyone...where I can let go of it. Where I can relax and be... happy..." Her choked words ended roughly as a voice cut her off.
"Stop babbling nonsense. Some people here would like to sleep."
Judging by the male tone and anger in the voice, it was Rei. Tammy sighed, as an ache for sleep seemed to over well her body. She felt such a strong yearning for Tony to be there with her right now. Tony was different than any other guy she had met. He always would be. Pigheaded, arrogant, gentle, shy, uncertain, clumsy...sometimes crazy and reckless. Her confidant and support. Her love...
~*~
Meimi felt her entire body shaking as she clumsily pulled a black satin glove over her hand. It wasn't completely midnight black for the material had faded a bit gray after not being used for so long. Was this right? Would she dare to do the impossible? Would she even be able to go through with it? Meimi just wasn't quite sure. Her eyes quickly adjusted to the fading darkness. She hadn't gotten much sleep but the redhead didn't except to. After her night wanderings and running into Asuka Jr. she had returned to sleep for only an hour or so before she woke up again. The sun was beginning to rise. She absently rubbed her tired eyes under her sunglasses before letting them focus. Her footsteps ceased as she neared an old, wrought iron gate. Meimi took a deep breath, unsure of whether she could really go through with it all. She silently shook her head. "I've put this off all too long. I have to do this. I HAVE to." She reassured herself. Taking an uneasy step, Meimi pushed open the gate and stumbled into the cemetery. The world was a blur around her as she hastened her steps, following the cement pathway that criss-crossed through the hundreds of graves. Meimi knew where to go, she didn't need to think or wonder or look for directions or lastly, look for clues. Her feet knew where to take her, without her asking. Even though it had been years since she had last gone there, she still knew exactly where they were located. Finally, her feet came to a halt before two marble gray headstones. They were layered with a coat of dust and a few vines twisted up and around them. Reaching forward with her ungloved hand, Meimi wiped away the dirt. Etched into the two headstones were the names "Eimi & Genichiro Haneoka"
After a few moments, Meimi cleared her throat. "Hi Mama...Papa. I know it's been a very long time since I've last visited you. Too long. I couldn't bring myself to return here until now. I wasn't sure where I was going but then I just ended up here. It seems like I've just been wandering through the dark but now...I have a glimmer of hope, a sparkle of light. It may be just enough for me. I've met a boy. In fact, I think you both already know who it is." But Meimi stopped. She felt the end of her sentence freeze in her throat and she was unable to complete it. The hot tears filled her eyes, spilling down into the grass before her. "I'm... so sorry it was all m-my fault!!" She cried harder. "Has my whole life been for nothing? Why didn't I die that day also? After you both left all I wanted to do was to find peace but I couldn't find that in this city. I thought that if I could eliminate the problem, I would find the solution. So I wandered the sweeping towns, looking for my answer. And I found Tammy, Tony, Marie and Aaron." Meimi's eyes turned to the left, focusing on a purple wild flower that has sprouted near her father's grave. It was only because she could not look around. She would see her father's grave and then her mothers. There was an awful truth to them, a miserable aura that came to her when she looked at them, and so she didn't. She escaped to her motorbike, to running away from the choking impressions she received from two old headstones. And yet, they were everything to her, because it showed everything that meant anything to her, in its most simple of ways. Meimi couldn't take much in that graveyard. She just couldn't. Or else her eyes would water, and her hands would shake and she would wail in all of her self-pity. But Meimi was a strong woman. She didn't do such feeble things, at least, she tried not to. She would fight this pain, even if it meant denying it for as long as her weak little heart could bear. The redhead shook her head with determination. She had come to this place for a reason and she wasn't about to be chased away by negative feelings. She had to face this before she could possibly become Saint Tail. Clenching her fists, she restarted her conversation with them, even if she didn't gain a reply.
"How's it going mama? Papa? How's the heaven life?" The tears started to come right about then again. "I might lose somebody I'm in love with. I just told him goodbye, and I might never get to see him again." The crystal water made two streams down her cheeks, staining her shirt.
A voice suddenly spoke up. "Well, what did you turn him loose for?" It was her mother. At first, Meimi was shocked but it gradually faded away. "I never saw you turn loose anything you wanted." Mama wanted to know. By now, Meimi was use to mother's comments and questions that mysteriously seemed to appear in her mind. And no, she wasn't going crazy.
The left side of Meimi's mouth curled up in a half-smile. "This is different mama. He isn't mine to have...I'll just cause him pain. I don't deserve him." Meimi whispered to the gravestones before her while the half- smile disappeared. "Mama...I feel like, I don't know what. Like I've died."
Meimi couldn't see it but she felt her mother smile. "I know. You feel like you'll never run into another one that's worth turning your head around for. But if it's love, it'll work out somehow, I'm sure. You can't just give up. And if, no matter how hard you try, it doesn't work out, there are plenty of other men for you out there." Mama quietly replied.
"No, it's worse than that. I don't care if I ever run into anybody else. I don't know if I even want to. He was always by my side and I was the one who left him. He probably always wonders why I left him, I pray he doesn't blame himself. It was my fault and my action and I should pay for it." Meimi bit her lip to keep from trembling.
"Then don't look for others. Go after him. Don't blame yourself either Meimi, you were going through a rough time, you had to deal with it somehow. Just be glad you have a second chance and he still wants to be with you, that's what matters. The past is the past, learn from your mistakes and look towards the future." She heard her mother's voice chuckle. "You both sound just like your father and I."
The sun was beginning to climb inch by inch into the sky, turning it a golden bronze mix of colors. It truly was a magnificent sight. The giant yellow orb was halfway up the crest of earth, peeking out from behind some far-away mountains. Its rays reached out, touching anything and everything, bathing it in its light, including Meimi. She shaded her eyes against it, staring out at it all. It was almost like the sun was congratulating her, or maybe it was a blessing. Whatever it was, Meimi liked it. It felt as if her soul had been chained down for the last few years and now, out of the blue, it had finally broken free and was soaring through the sky with the sun. The redhead suddenly broke into a smile. A pure, simple smile that seemed to reach up to her eyes. "Thanks Mama and you too Papa. I understand now. I know what I must do. I love you both. " Spinning on her heels, Meimi turned and sprinted through the grass, which was still moist from the morning dew. Her long ponytail fluttered behind her in a dance with the wind while a black ribbon held it up in place. Her raven boots clicked with each step and her pink skirt rustled in the wind. Meimi had grown a lot but she was lucky. With a bit of magic, her outfit now fit her perfectly. It matched every single curve. She fidgeted with the necktie before smirking. It felt almost...good to be back. The redhead felt bad for ditching her friends (Tony, Marie and Aaron) but she didn't want them to get hurt, so she figured she'd arrive to make sure everything went safely and to help out. She shut her eyes, clearing her mind. "1...2...3..." Meimi whispered to the wind.
~*~
Asuka Jr. was sprawled out on his bed with a bit of drool coming out of the corner of his mouth. Suddenly, there was a loud pop, causing him to jump awake. "W-what?!" His eyes surveyed his room. Right above his bed was a gigantic pink heart shaped balloon. In the center, written in black pen, it said:
"At dusk I will come for Tammy who is being held by the Lost Souls and the one who robbed the bank. I believe they are located on the edge of town, somewhere in the garbage dump. -Saint Tail."
Asuka Jr. tried to stop himself from trembling but it was impossible. He couldn't begin to believe what he thought was true.
Saint Tail was back.
~*~
"Where's Meimi...?" Aaron grumbled while yawning at the same time, causing the words to come out sounding strange.
"I don't know. Is she still asleep? We need to get ready for Operation Cheese." Marie bit into an apple, chewing slowly.
"Operation what?! And no, she's not in the car." Aaron gave Marie a weird look, as if saying 'Are you crazy?'.
"Operation Cheese AKA Rescue Tammy. I came up with it last night." Marie smirked, giving him a glare to challenge her authority.
"Either way, check around for Meimi. She might have gone to the bathroom. We need to get ready to get the Lost Souls later and rescue Tammy!! Tony, do you have the tape recorder?" Aaron glanced around the area to find the Italian boy slumped down in one of the couches.
"Yeah, I have it." Tony sighed, holding up a small black box. "And I know how to work it. And I have a tape."
Aaron nodded to each of Tony's words. It was a bit weird but the youngest of the group was taking control and running everything smoothly. Everyone knew if everything fell apart, he'd have a plan. "I'm going to go finish up some of my, erm, home made weapons." An evil smirked played across his face as the blonde disappeared behind some cars. They could hear him muttering, "I love living in a junkyard. You'd be amazed at the things people throw away."
"You sure about this Tony?" Marie looked at her brother with genuine concern.
"I'm as sure as I'll ever be. Those jerks are going to pay." The look of hate on Tony's face scared his sister but she couldn't blame him completely. They HAD killed Celeste and now kidnapped the girl he loved. He had every right to me angry. In fact, he had every right to be furious. She was surprised he had held himself back for so long. Usually, if a situation involved someone he loved, he'd run in blindly to save them, no matter what the risk.
"When are we heading over to the garbage dump? It's just like them to be in a place like that, I'm sure of it." Marie questioned Tony, her eyes flickering between the ground and her brother.
"We'll leave in an hour and booby-trap the place. We'll locate Tammy and get into place, waiting for them. If one of them wanders off, we'll get that one. Then the other might wander off to look for the missing one and we'll get them too. Or we'll just bombard them! Right?" Tony's eyes looked at his sister but they seemed to be looking above her head, as if there was something behind or above her. His eyes seemed lost in a broken gaze.
"We'll get her back Tony." Marie sat down gently next to her brother, placing her hand in his. "I promise. Mom would be proud of you right now...if I hadn't have killed her."
"Don't say that Marie." Tony hissed at his sister. "It's not your fault she died giving birth to you, it's no ones. If she was here right now, I know she'd say she loved you. She'd say how proud she is of you and how she's so happy to have given birth to you, even if it did cost her life. A mother's love is endless, even if they aren't good at showing it. So don't ever blame yourself again or else I'll be forced to beat you up." Tony joked at his sister, wrapping his arm around her shoulder while giving her a warm smile.
But Marie couldn't see his smile for her eyes were blurred with tears. She nodded, letting her ebony hair fall into her face while a single tear streamed out of the corner of her eye. "Tony... do you think you could tell me about her...?"
"Of course." Tony's face lit up as he recalled his old memories. "She had a beautiful, big smile and she loved life. She always praised me in what I did, as long as it was a good and righteous thing. Even if my art was only a squiggly line, she'd act like it was the best thing since sliced cheese. She made the yummiest Italian food with these delicious meatballs and dad would always beg her to make more. They were truly in love and...I think after her death...he kind of lost it. He lost his will to go on which...I think is really sad because he had us...yet he was blind to even that. He got wrapped up in his 'work' until it was the end of him. Mother wouldn't have liked that, not one bit. She always did the right thing too and she would help others any chance she got, even if she had to go out of her way to do it. Her eyes always seemed to sparkle and lit up as if they were laughing and smiling at you. She was so full of energy, running around doing anything and everything but she made sure to include everyone. Her face was filled with pure joy when she held you for the first time and...the last. You remind me a lot of her. In fact, I see her in you all the time." Tony's eyes now seemed to be staring into the past, remembering all the things he longed for.
Marie tried to hide her tears but they would never go unnoticed by Tony. He tenderly brushed them away with his thumb. "I wish I could have met her...I can't remember her at all."
"One day, in the far future, you'll meet her. Maybe, even through you don't realize it, you have already met her. She's in here." Tony pointed to his heart and then to Marie's. Marie smiled; sniffing up her now ended flow of tears. Slowly, she sank towards Tony until she was snuggled in the notch of his arm. He smiled for a second, enjoying the peace and relief of the moment.
But it only lasted for a brief moment. Aaron stepped out from the shadows carrying a large trash bag stuffed to the top, held over his shoulders. "Sorry to break up the sweet moment and all but...I believe we've got a place to be soon."
"What's in there?" Marie stood up, stretching out her sore muscles.
A tiny chuckled escaped Aaron's lips. "Just things to have some fun with..."
Marie shrank back at the evil glint in the boy's eyes. "You need a hobby Aaron...So any ways, where's Meimi? We need to leave in a few minutes." The Italian was clad in black pants that were flared at the bottoms and a black long sleeved shirt. Over her hair was a black baseball cap and she had on leather boots but they were hidden under her pants. Yes, she was hot in the dark color but they had to blend in with their surroundings and sweating was something Marie was willing to do. She wouldn't risk being caught just for the sake of fashion or comfort. But she could kick some major butt in her heels. Tony stood up next to her. He was wearing black jeans that were a bit baggy but not enough that it would get in his way. He was wearing a black undershirt that would have shown off his muscle if it weren't for the black jacket he wore over it, concealing the tape recorder. Lastly, he wore tennis shoes and in his back pocket was his handy pocketknife. Aaron was clad in black pants also, along with a long sleeved black shirt. He had a dark gray baseball hat that hid his brightly colored blonde hair. Under his eyes he had chosen to paint a thick black line. He was the mastermind of it all.
Aaron let out a soft sigh. "I couldn't find Meimi. She's probably off with that stupid cop making out or something. I just hope she doesn't tell them of our plan. After all we've done for her too and then she disappears at the most crucial moment. I had faith in her but...not anymore." Aaron sighed, plainly showing his disappointment. "I didn't want to believe she'd abandon us but...after this...I guess I can't deny the truth anymore." Marie rested her hand on the boy's shoulder, giving him a kind look. He perked up a bit.
"Let's go." Tony spoke up quietly but just enough that he'd be heard. The two teenagers nodded and with that, they all disappeared out of the junkyard.
~*~
It's calling, somewhere deep in my heart.
I want to have an exciting dream always.
There are countless sorrows,
But I will surely see you beyond them.
~*~
Lauren: Hehe, I changed the song again. I found this one and I liked the lyrics a bit better. I forget where I found it though, all I know is it's a Japanese song and I'm not sure if it's from any anime or not. But I don't own it! So what do you all think of the new chapter? OH MY GOSH!! I'VE GOTTEN MY FIRST 100 REVIEWS!! THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!! When I saw I had one hundred reviews, I screamed! My mom got freaked out because she thought something was wrong!! ^_^;; I scared her. =) Thank you all so much! *hugs* Sorry it took forever to get this chapter out, I started working on it last night but I got caught up watching "Everybody Loves Raymond" then I had to get my shower and then I watched "Tokyo Babylon" on TV and by then it was late and I had no energy to write more, that is, until now!
~By: Lauren~
M E I M I ,
I
U N D E R S T A N D
"I just don't understand." Tammy's vision blurred as she stared down at the cold, brown earth. "Why can't I let go? Why can't I let go of my past? Why can't I let go of my mistakes? I regret so many things...I left so many words unspoken. I just don't understand why can't I let them go? I try and I try...I want to get over it all. I'll cry but my tears mean nothing, they're only in vain. I want to let go but I can't and I don't know why. These memories always haunt me...I want to forget it all but it won't leave me alone. It brings me down every time I even have a fleeting thought of it. Mom...Celeste... I'm so sorry I couldn't protect you. I want it all to go away. I want to be free. I want to be with everyone...where I can let go of it. Where I can relax and be... happy..." Her choked words ended roughly as a voice cut her off.
"Stop babbling nonsense. Some people here would like to sleep."
Judging by the male tone and anger in the voice, it was Rei. Tammy sighed, as an ache for sleep seemed to over well her body. She felt such a strong yearning for Tony to be there with her right now. Tony was different than any other guy she had met. He always would be. Pigheaded, arrogant, gentle, shy, uncertain, clumsy...sometimes crazy and reckless. Her confidant and support. Her love...
~*~
Meimi felt her entire body shaking as she clumsily pulled a black satin glove over her hand. It wasn't completely midnight black for the material had faded a bit gray after not being used for so long. Was this right? Would she dare to do the impossible? Would she even be able to go through with it? Meimi just wasn't quite sure. Her eyes quickly adjusted to the fading darkness. She hadn't gotten much sleep but the redhead didn't except to. After her night wanderings and running into Asuka Jr. she had returned to sleep for only an hour or so before she woke up again. The sun was beginning to rise. She absently rubbed her tired eyes under her sunglasses before letting them focus. Her footsteps ceased as she neared an old, wrought iron gate. Meimi took a deep breath, unsure of whether she could really go through with it all. She silently shook her head. "I've put this off all too long. I have to do this. I HAVE to." She reassured herself. Taking an uneasy step, Meimi pushed open the gate and stumbled into the cemetery. The world was a blur around her as she hastened her steps, following the cement pathway that criss-crossed through the hundreds of graves. Meimi knew where to go, she didn't need to think or wonder or look for directions or lastly, look for clues. Her feet knew where to take her, without her asking. Even though it had been years since she had last gone there, she still knew exactly where they were located. Finally, her feet came to a halt before two marble gray headstones. They were layered with a coat of dust and a few vines twisted up and around them. Reaching forward with her ungloved hand, Meimi wiped away the dirt. Etched into the two headstones were the names "Eimi & Genichiro Haneoka"
After a few moments, Meimi cleared her throat. "Hi Mama...Papa. I know it's been a very long time since I've last visited you. Too long. I couldn't bring myself to return here until now. I wasn't sure where I was going but then I just ended up here. It seems like I've just been wandering through the dark but now...I have a glimmer of hope, a sparkle of light. It may be just enough for me. I've met a boy. In fact, I think you both already know who it is." But Meimi stopped. She felt the end of her sentence freeze in her throat and she was unable to complete it. The hot tears filled her eyes, spilling down into the grass before her. "I'm... so sorry it was all m-my fault!!" She cried harder. "Has my whole life been for nothing? Why didn't I die that day also? After you both left all I wanted to do was to find peace but I couldn't find that in this city. I thought that if I could eliminate the problem, I would find the solution. So I wandered the sweeping towns, looking for my answer. And I found Tammy, Tony, Marie and Aaron." Meimi's eyes turned to the left, focusing on a purple wild flower that has sprouted near her father's grave. It was only because she could not look around. She would see her father's grave and then her mothers. There was an awful truth to them, a miserable aura that came to her when she looked at them, and so she didn't. She escaped to her motorbike, to running away from the choking impressions she received from two old headstones. And yet, they were everything to her, because it showed everything that meant anything to her, in its most simple of ways. Meimi couldn't take much in that graveyard. She just couldn't. Or else her eyes would water, and her hands would shake and she would wail in all of her self-pity. But Meimi was a strong woman. She didn't do such feeble things, at least, she tried not to. She would fight this pain, even if it meant denying it for as long as her weak little heart could bear. The redhead shook her head with determination. She had come to this place for a reason and she wasn't about to be chased away by negative feelings. She had to face this before she could possibly become Saint Tail. Clenching her fists, she restarted her conversation with them, even if she didn't gain a reply.
"How's it going mama? Papa? How's the heaven life?" The tears started to come right about then again. "I might lose somebody I'm in love with. I just told him goodbye, and I might never get to see him again." The crystal water made two streams down her cheeks, staining her shirt.
A voice suddenly spoke up. "Well, what did you turn him loose for?" It was her mother. At first, Meimi was shocked but it gradually faded away. "I never saw you turn loose anything you wanted." Mama wanted to know. By now, Meimi was use to mother's comments and questions that mysteriously seemed to appear in her mind. And no, she wasn't going crazy.
The left side of Meimi's mouth curled up in a half-smile. "This is different mama. He isn't mine to have...I'll just cause him pain. I don't deserve him." Meimi whispered to the gravestones before her while the half- smile disappeared. "Mama...I feel like, I don't know what. Like I've died."
Meimi couldn't see it but she felt her mother smile. "I know. You feel like you'll never run into another one that's worth turning your head around for. But if it's love, it'll work out somehow, I'm sure. You can't just give up. And if, no matter how hard you try, it doesn't work out, there are plenty of other men for you out there." Mama quietly replied.
"No, it's worse than that. I don't care if I ever run into anybody else. I don't know if I even want to. He was always by my side and I was the one who left him. He probably always wonders why I left him, I pray he doesn't blame himself. It was my fault and my action and I should pay for it." Meimi bit her lip to keep from trembling.
"Then don't look for others. Go after him. Don't blame yourself either Meimi, you were going through a rough time, you had to deal with it somehow. Just be glad you have a second chance and he still wants to be with you, that's what matters. The past is the past, learn from your mistakes and look towards the future." She heard her mother's voice chuckle. "You both sound just like your father and I."
The sun was beginning to climb inch by inch into the sky, turning it a golden bronze mix of colors. It truly was a magnificent sight. The giant yellow orb was halfway up the crest of earth, peeking out from behind some far-away mountains. Its rays reached out, touching anything and everything, bathing it in its light, including Meimi. She shaded her eyes against it, staring out at it all. It was almost like the sun was congratulating her, or maybe it was a blessing. Whatever it was, Meimi liked it. It felt as if her soul had been chained down for the last few years and now, out of the blue, it had finally broken free and was soaring through the sky with the sun. The redhead suddenly broke into a smile. A pure, simple smile that seemed to reach up to her eyes. "Thanks Mama and you too Papa. I understand now. I know what I must do. I love you both. " Spinning on her heels, Meimi turned and sprinted through the grass, which was still moist from the morning dew. Her long ponytail fluttered behind her in a dance with the wind while a black ribbon held it up in place. Her raven boots clicked with each step and her pink skirt rustled in the wind. Meimi had grown a lot but she was lucky. With a bit of magic, her outfit now fit her perfectly. It matched every single curve. She fidgeted with the necktie before smirking. It felt almost...good to be back. The redhead felt bad for ditching her friends (Tony, Marie and Aaron) but she didn't want them to get hurt, so she figured she'd arrive to make sure everything went safely and to help out. She shut her eyes, clearing her mind. "1...2...3..." Meimi whispered to the wind.
~*~
Asuka Jr. was sprawled out on his bed with a bit of drool coming out of the corner of his mouth. Suddenly, there was a loud pop, causing him to jump awake. "W-what?!" His eyes surveyed his room. Right above his bed was a gigantic pink heart shaped balloon. In the center, written in black pen, it said:
"At dusk I will come for Tammy who is being held by the Lost Souls and the one who robbed the bank. I believe they are located on the edge of town, somewhere in the garbage dump. -Saint Tail."
Asuka Jr. tried to stop himself from trembling but it was impossible. He couldn't begin to believe what he thought was true.
Saint Tail was back.
~*~
"Where's Meimi...?" Aaron grumbled while yawning at the same time, causing the words to come out sounding strange.
"I don't know. Is she still asleep? We need to get ready for Operation Cheese." Marie bit into an apple, chewing slowly.
"Operation what?! And no, she's not in the car." Aaron gave Marie a weird look, as if saying 'Are you crazy?'.
"Operation Cheese AKA Rescue Tammy. I came up with it last night." Marie smirked, giving him a glare to challenge her authority.
"Either way, check around for Meimi. She might have gone to the bathroom. We need to get ready to get the Lost Souls later and rescue Tammy!! Tony, do you have the tape recorder?" Aaron glanced around the area to find the Italian boy slumped down in one of the couches.
"Yeah, I have it." Tony sighed, holding up a small black box. "And I know how to work it. And I have a tape."
Aaron nodded to each of Tony's words. It was a bit weird but the youngest of the group was taking control and running everything smoothly. Everyone knew if everything fell apart, he'd have a plan. "I'm going to go finish up some of my, erm, home made weapons." An evil smirked played across his face as the blonde disappeared behind some cars. They could hear him muttering, "I love living in a junkyard. You'd be amazed at the things people throw away."
"You sure about this Tony?" Marie looked at her brother with genuine concern.
"I'm as sure as I'll ever be. Those jerks are going to pay." The look of hate on Tony's face scared his sister but she couldn't blame him completely. They HAD killed Celeste and now kidnapped the girl he loved. He had every right to me angry. In fact, he had every right to be furious. She was surprised he had held himself back for so long. Usually, if a situation involved someone he loved, he'd run in blindly to save them, no matter what the risk.
"When are we heading over to the garbage dump? It's just like them to be in a place like that, I'm sure of it." Marie questioned Tony, her eyes flickering between the ground and her brother.
"We'll leave in an hour and booby-trap the place. We'll locate Tammy and get into place, waiting for them. If one of them wanders off, we'll get that one. Then the other might wander off to look for the missing one and we'll get them too. Or we'll just bombard them! Right?" Tony's eyes looked at his sister but they seemed to be looking above her head, as if there was something behind or above her. His eyes seemed lost in a broken gaze.
"We'll get her back Tony." Marie sat down gently next to her brother, placing her hand in his. "I promise. Mom would be proud of you right now...if I hadn't have killed her."
"Don't say that Marie." Tony hissed at his sister. "It's not your fault she died giving birth to you, it's no ones. If she was here right now, I know she'd say she loved you. She'd say how proud she is of you and how she's so happy to have given birth to you, even if it did cost her life. A mother's love is endless, even if they aren't good at showing it. So don't ever blame yourself again or else I'll be forced to beat you up." Tony joked at his sister, wrapping his arm around her shoulder while giving her a warm smile.
But Marie couldn't see his smile for her eyes were blurred with tears. She nodded, letting her ebony hair fall into her face while a single tear streamed out of the corner of her eye. "Tony... do you think you could tell me about her...?"
"Of course." Tony's face lit up as he recalled his old memories. "She had a beautiful, big smile and she loved life. She always praised me in what I did, as long as it was a good and righteous thing. Even if my art was only a squiggly line, she'd act like it was the best thing since sliced cheese. She made the yummiest Italian food with these delicious meatballs and dad would always beg her to make more. They were truly in love and...I think after her death...he kind of lost it. He lost his will to go on which...I think is really sad because he had us...yet he was blind to even that. He got wrapped up in his 'work' until it was the end of him. Mother wouldn't have liked that, not one bit. She always did the right thing too and she would help others any chance she got, even if she had to go out of her way to do it. Her eyes always seemed to sparkle and lit up as if they were laughing and smiling at you. She was so full of energy, running around doing anything and everything but she made sure to include everyone. Her face was filled with pure joy when she held you for the first time and...the last. You remind me a lot of her. In fact, I see her in you all the time." Tony's eyes now seemed to be staring into the past, remembering all the things he longed for.
Marie tried to hide her tears but they would never go unnoticed by Tony. He tenderly brushed them away with his thumb. "I wish I could have met her...I can't remember her at all."
"One day, in the far future, you'll meet her. Maybe, even through you don't realize it, you have already met her. She's in here." Tony pointed to his heart and then to Marie's. Marie smiled; sniffing up her now ended flow of tears. Slowly, she sank towards Tony until she was snuggled in the notch of his arm. He smiled for a second, enjoying the peace and relief of the moment.
But it only lasted for a brief moment. Aaron stepped out from the shadows carrying a large trash bag stuffed to the top, held over his shoulders. "Sorry to break up the sweet moment and all but...I believe we've got a place to be soon."
"What's in there?" Marie stood up, stretching out her sore muscles.
A tiny chuckled escaped Aaron's lips. "Just things to have some fun with..."
Marie shrank back at the evil glint in the boy's eyes. "You need a hobby Aaron...So any ways, where's Meimi? We need to leave in a few minutes." The Italian was clad in black pants that were flared at the bottoms and a black long sleeved shirt. Over her hair was a black baseball cap and she had on leather boots but they were hidden under her pants. Yes, she was hot in the dark color but they had to blend in with their surroundings and sweating was something Marie was willing to do. She wouldn't risk being caught just for the sake of fashion or comfort. But she could kick some major butt in her heels. Tony stood up next to her. He was wearing black jeans that were a bit baggy but not enough that it would get in his way. He was wearing a black undershirt that would have shown off his muscle if it weren't for the black jacket he wore over it, concealing the tape recorder. Lastly, he wore tennis shoes and in his back pocket was his handy pocketknife. Aaron was clad in black pants also, along with a long sleeved black shirt. He had a dark gray baseball hat that hid his brightly colored blonde hair. Under his eyes he had chosen to paint a thick black line. He was the mastermind of it all.
Aaron let out a soft sigh. "I couldn't find Meimi. She's probably off with that stupid cop making out or something. I just hope she doesn't tell them of our plan. After all we've done for her too and then she disappears at the most crucial moment. I had faith in her but...not anymore." Aaron sighed, plainly showing his disappointment. "I didn't want to believe she'd abandon us but...after this...I guess I can't deny the truth anymore." Marie rested her hand on the boy's shoulder, giving him a kind look. He perked up a bit.
"Let's go." Tony spoke up quietly but just enough that he'd be heard. The two teenagers nodded and with that, they all disappeared out of the junkyard.
~*~
It's calling, somewhere deep in my heart.
I want to have an exciting dream always.
There are countless sorrows,
But I will surely see you beyond them.
~*~
Lauren: Hehe, I changed the song again. I found this one and I liked the lyrics a bit better. I forget where I found it though, all I know is it's a Japanese song and I'm not sure if it's from any anime or not. But I don't own it! So what do you all think of the new chapter? OH MY GOSH!! I'VE GOTTEN MY FIRST 100 REVIEWS!! THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!! When I saw I had one hundred reviews, I screamed! My mom got freaked out because she thought something was wrong!! ^_^;; I scared her. =) Thank you all so much! *hugs* Sorry it took forever to get this chapter out, I started working on it last night but I got caught up watching "Everybody Loves Raymond" then I had to get my shower and then I watched "Tokyo Babylon" on TV and by then it was late and I had no energy to write more, that is, until now!