Author's Note: Back on track! I'm trying to update a lot more. So please forgive me for the long waits.
Disclaimer: Saint Tail is not owned by me. Ohh! Passive voice!
Chapter 5
Up, down
Up, down
Up, down
The gentle elevating and falling motion of Female Asuka's chest left the hospital room cold and silent. Asuka Jr. sat impatiently in a chair next to the girl's motionless body. He watched the mist of her breath fog the oxygen mask. It slowly disappeared as she breathed in. Seira stood in the doorway, her shadow caught in the light beaming into the quiet room. Takamiya, reluctantly worried, leaned against the wall outside.
Asuka Jr. slowly bowed his head in the space between the bed's edge and Asuka's leg. Seira smoothly made her way to him. She put a comforting hand on his back.
" Everything will be fine. Her mind was just overstressed. All she needs is a little sleep." Seira cooed. Asuka Jr. sat for a moment before standing up and embracing Seira in his arms. He rocked slowly allowing her to move with him.
" It was that picture of Saint Tail…the one in my office." He mumbled. Seira lay her head back against his chest and shut her eyes.
" It may be her yet." She said in a sad voice. He murmured in agreement. " Just promise me something."
" What?" Asuka Jr. asked bending over to kiss her neck.
" Promise me that you won't-"
" Ooh…" A groan from the bed interrupted. Asuka Jr. released Seira and quickly sat down next to the bed. He grabbed Asuka's hand and squeezed it tightly.
" Asuka Jr…" She whispered. Her eyes were reluctant to open.
" I'm right here." He assured her.
" I'm…" Asuka said. Her voice died momentarily before picking up again. " I'm sorry…"
" What?" He asked his eyes widening with surprise. Asuka's eyes flickered open and wandered around the room until they rested upon Asuka Jr.
" Hmm? Did I say something?" She said sitting up.
" Um…no." He said releasing his tension. He released her hand and leaned back in his chair.
" Now, Asuka you shouldn't be sitting up yet." Seira said walking closer to the bed. Asuka obeyed and lay back against her pillows.
" It's nice to see you again Miss Mimori." She said and smiled.
" It's nice to see you too Asuka." Returning the compliment. " I have to go check up on other patients. You stay here and rest all that you need to." And with that, Seira left the room in a hasty pace.
" I've got to go pay the bill. I'll come back later." He told Asuka. She shook her head understandingly as he left the room.
" In the hospital twice in a day." She said to herself. " I wonder how I got here. Or even why I'm here? I don't feel sick and nothing hurts."
(Close your eyes.) A voice rang in her ears.
" Who…Who said that?" Asuka asked looking around quickly.
(Close your eyes and you will see me.) The voice said again. She scanned the room again before cautiously closing her eyes. A girl in a pink and black outfit appeared in the blackness.
" Saint Tail…" Asuka said wearily. " You're that girl I saw in the picture."
" Yes. But you don't remember knowing me?" The image said. The picture flickered as if unsure about its existence. She thought for a moment and then shook her head.
" Maybe this form will make it easier for you." The pink-skirted girl disappeared and in her place came a young girl with long orange hair.
" You're me." Asuka said in awe.
" A younger version, but still, yes, I am you."
" Why am I talking to you? Why are you in my head?" She asked curiosity getting the best of her.
" Part of you still wants to hold onto your past. Part of you wants to sustain the character you once were." The smaller version walked closer to her. " Meimi wants to come out again."
" Meimi?" Female Asuka asked. Her ears began to buzz and images of herself popped up all over the inside of her eyelids.
" Yes. Meimi Haneoka wants to live again."
" Are you her?" She asked. The girl nodded her head slowly.
" I'm tired of sleeping. I miss everyone." Meimi said and smiled somberly.
" But I still don't remember…" Asuka said her voice fading.
" That's what I'm here for. Just keep your eyes close and dream. Dream of your past, dream of me." The girl said disappearing into the darkness.
" Wait! Who is Saint Tail?" Asuka called out into the darkness.
" Don't concern yourself with her. For now, just dream and remember." Meimi's voice boomed. It echoed a few times before it diminished. Asuka opened her eyes. The room was empty. She sighed and lay against her pillow.
" Meimi Haneoka…" She whispered. Asuka slowly drifted into a sleep. Dreams of her past swarmed her head.
(Sawatari invited you to the aquarium with Seira Mimori, Lina Takamiya, and Asuka Jr.) Meimi said filling Asuka's brain with their memories.
" I was happy, wasn't I?" She asked. Meimi smiled and nodded.
(The elevator had too much weight so you got off. Asuka Jr. grabbed your hand and pulled you back on.)
" I'm…I'm beginning to remember." She told her counterpart. Asuka fell into the pool of memories.
Lina was still leaning outside in the hall. She had overheard the whole discussion Asuka had just had with herself.
" Just as I thought." She said to herself. " If I can help it, she won't regain her memories."
(You already had your chance with Asuka Jr. so back off Haneoka!) Lina angrily thought.
" I am Meimi Haneoka." Female Asuka told herself over and over again.
Author's Note: Just the fact that you people are still reading makes me so happy! But that doesn't mean stop reviewing. In fact, here's a math formula for you
Reviews = happy = more chapters – time = happy reviewers. See we all win!