"NIKA!" Ichigo called as she ran with all her might to the sound. Ryou and Keiichiro ran after her. And at the café, everyone stared at Nika who was hugging someone with the same hair tone but shorter…then Nika removed her arms and laughed. "TWO NIKA'S!" Ichigo exclaimed, imagining the possibilities—two people destroying plates and lounging around--!
"Excuse me ladies, but would you please follow us to the basement…we have some things to tell you if that would be alright…."
"That would be fine! C'mon Nori-chan! WHOO-HOO!" Nika laughed as she lugged the emotionless girl to the basement, Ichigo followed, examining the girl. She didn't even look alive!
"This would be Nori, Nika's twin sister am I right?" Ryou asked as he sat in front of the computer.
"Yep! We're twinnies!" Nika twirled and laughed.
"But you seem like complete opposites!" Keiichiro rubbed the back of his head and smiled.
"We are! Nori's always so cold and emotionless—oh! And she only wears black! She's reaaaaallllllly strong!" Nika explained as if these qualities were nothing.
"You were the one that saved me!" Ichigo exclaimed, pointing at Nori.
"Nori is fused with the white tiger." Ryou passed her power pendant, she caught it and even without looking at it stuffed it in her pocket. "Nori, you are a mew mew, if you have heard of them…."
"Nika had told me everything." Nori said, her words were also emotionless and almost tired.
"Nika, you can't go around telling people everything about your mew mew identity, it's not safe! If any cyniclons found out--" Ichigo explained angrily but Nika put a hand over Ichigo's mouth.
"Chill out cat girl, I can trust Nori! She doesn't talk much anyway!"
"Then you can get straight to work." Ryou held out a black uniform.
"Work? Who said I wanted to work at this pink and perky café?" Nori's blank face showed a very small amount of irritation.
"You're a mew mew Nori! Working here is part of the package…" Nika explained, trying to laugh.
"I never asked for this. Therefore I don't wish to participate. I don't want to be in your 'mew mew' team." Nori had a full frown now and was walking towards the door. Not another Zakuro!
Her words hit Nika like a brick. Her eyes turned as blank as Nori's (if possible) and her mouth dropped open half an inch.
"Wait!" Ichigo grabbed her arm, Nori looked back slightly, waiting and chancing she had something good to say. We're strongest when together and even if we don't have all the mew mew's right now, we could really use your help! Please Nori!"
Nori yanked her arm away and continued towards the door, Ichigo scowled and ran in front of her, holding her hands out, blocking the door. "Why did you save me if you hate being a mew mew so much!"."
"I never said I hated it. I did say that I didn't want to join your group. And you needed help. Now move." Nori ordered.
"No!" Nori doesn't even realize that she just risked her life by exposing herself to Kish! I won't let her leave until she trusts me—I couldn't bear facing her if she knew….
"Ichigo…." Nika said in a sympathetic voice no one had ever heard before. "You're crying…."