Haven't written anything for fun, especially for the likes of the Pucca fandom, for some time so excuse me if my skills are a little rusty in places. This story came from reading another title on here from another fandom. Strange how that happens, huh? Anyhow, please enjoy!

Authors note: Please be aware that this story will contain heavy sexual insinuations, allusions to self harming and attempted suicide. If any of these topics make you uncomfortable, please extend caution while reading.

Shooting Star Part 1

It was meant to be a wonderful day: posing for a famous photographer, dressing up in gorgeous attires, her friends waiting in the wings cheering her on making her smile become brighter and more dazzling. It was meant to be a wonderful day. Until she saw it…

Brilliant blue ringlets bobbed into view and a devilish smile crept onto the little girl's face. Ring-ring gave her a little nod, almost trying to communicate something with her dark narrowed gaze. Pucca maintained her smile and tried to follow the photographer's instructions. Ignore her. Ignore her.

"That's it, Pucca. Chin up a little more – smile! That's lovely!"

Pucca's lip trembled ever so slightly. Her eyes flickered back, behind the flashing lights before her, searchingly. Ring-ring was talking to Ching. Ching didn't look too happy.

"Turn your face to the right, Pucca. Like you're dreaming of your first love." Pucca obliged reluctantly. She looked at the other staff members on set. A few she recognised, most she didn't. "Relax your expression! Pretend you're looking at the most important person in your life – relax. Smile gently. Yes, that's it. Just a bit more gently, Pucca." Pucca took a breath. Just a few more to go. Ignore it. Ignore her.

"Ah! Garu!"

Pucca's head moved instinctively. Pivoting, Pucca looked hopefully into the crowd. Garu… Her eyes focused – she wished they hadn't. Garu, looking as dashing as ever, stood among the crowd with Mio stirring in his arms. Garu, stood rigidly, as Ring-ring lent in and… her lips delicately pecking at his cheek. Garu… Pucca's chest felt tight and she couldn't help but place a protective hand over it. It hurt. She waited. Waited for Garu to pull away, to give Ring-ring that look of disgust she was so used to seeing, for him to do anything to reject Ring-ring's advances. But it didn't come. His eyes were wide, shocked, and yet none of that disgust appeared. Instead, there was only a slight rosy blush fluttered across his features. He quietly looked at Ring-ring, that bright pink kiss shape clearly etched onto his cheek for all to see. Pucca felt her legs go weak and her head become fuzzy. She tried to swallow. Her breathing was no longer even and eyes suddenly blurred. So much so, Pucca didn't see Garu walk away slowly with no discernible reaction to all that occured. No, Pucca saw nothing for a moment. Suspended, she kept running the awful, gut-retching image in her mind on loop. Again. Again. Again.

"What's wrong, Pucca? You're not acting perfect." The high-pitched sneer broke through to Pucca. Reality snapped back into focus. Pucca felt her face twist and something fill her veins, fill her vision, her very being was brimming with it: rage.

Truthfully, Pucca doesn't recall the rest of the confrontation. Even now, sitting in her room with the candles burning low, Pucca found it difficult to piece together the events thereafter. Did they fight? Did she win? How did she get home? Did she eat dinner with her Uncles? Did… Did Garu like it? Pucca bit her lower lip, her hands subconsciously smoothing over her bruised and scabbed knuckles. That final question haunted her the most. If it were any other night, she'd have run out of the house and marched herself over to Garu's to get an answer. If it were any other night, she'd have forgotten the heart-ache and would have went to bed already. Yet, tonight, something made her pause.

Pucca couldn't help it. Her mind was playing its own little cinema blockbuster, running past all of her moments, big or small, with her friends. With Garu. It hurt but she had to. Her birthday. Next. The Halloween party. Next. The Miss Little Miss Sooga competition. Next. Next. Next!

She didn't know what she was looking for. Was she looking for… evidence? Evidence of any, any, positive interaction with Garu. Anything close to today. Breathless, she closed her eyes. Behind the darkness, hidden and awaiting the perfect moment to pounce, Garu's face loomed. Flushed and almost… tender? Pucca gasped. No! Her eyes flew open to scan her room. Her gaze naturally rested on the numerous pictures of Garu decorating her room. His various faces, various moments, caught on camera and carefully arranged on her walls. They were the last thing she saw when she closed her eyes at night and the first thing she'd see when she awakens. It had been this way for so long…

Numerous pictures but not one which compared. Pucca blinked hard. Has she never noticed? She scanned each image but, with dread, it confirmed her sudden epiphany. Garu never smiled. At least, he never smiled with her.

Pucca felt like she was being crushed. Her face was damp and her hands were beginning to cramp after holding onto her forearms too hard. Wish a shuddering sigh, she released her grip and saw the tiny crescent moon shapes begin to bead with blood. She stared at it as it trickled down her smooth porcelain white arms. How did she never notice? Garu… Garu hated her. Garu, the honourable and brave young teenager, despised her and yet he never retaliated. He had never harmed her or did anything to hurt her and yet… He did whatever it took to stay away from her, even avoiding his own home to not meet her. How – how have I been so blind? Her world was crashing around her. Oh my – I'm a horrible person!

Three short, rapid knocks sounded at her door. A warm and loving voice seeped through the frame, "Pucca, honey, it's getting late. You should go to bed now." Uncle Ho. Pucca tried desperately to stifle her cries. One hand over her mouth, she quickly leaned over to her remaining candle and snuffled the light out. She held onto her mouth firmly but her trembling form refused to be calmed. "Pucca?"

Gaping open her mouth, Pucca took a few long shallow breaths. "Night, Uncle." Her whisper was quiet but Uncle Ho heard it. He froze. It had been a while since he had heard his niece's soft voice. It made his body jerk and gasp.

He placed a hand on the door handle. "Pucca… Pucca, sweetheart. A-are you okay?" Something didn't feel right. No, something really wasn't right. His niece was usually much chipper than this and she… she didn't talk.

Pucca allowed her tears to fall freely but she steeled her voice. "Fine, Uncle. Just tired. Goodnight."

His hand remained. A few moments of silence passed between them. He leaned against the white wood and spoke softly. "Get some sleep, honey. We're just down stairs if you need anything, alright?" A quiet hum replied. Brows knitted, Uncle Ho released his hold of the door and slowly walked downstairs. He promised himself to question her tomorrow.

Pucca heard the steps creak and knew he had left. She didn't dare light the candle again but the darkness made her feel like she was drowning. So, quietly and carefully, she crept towards her window. With a timid creak, the window gave under her meticulous attention and graced her with the sight of the glowing moon and glittering stars. The air was crisp and cold against her damp face and it burned her throat as she sucked in greedily. Gradually, the cold enveloped Pucca and she felt herself grow steadier on her feet.

She gingerly sat on her windowsill and gazed up at the moon. The stars peered back at her, noting her reddened eyes and chewed up lower lip. Pucca sighed and watched her breath float into the sky before disappearing. If only she could… She stopped that thought. No, she would never do that to her uncles. Just the thought made her blood run cold.

Pucca didn't know how long she sat there listening to the night. All she knew was that, all of a sudden, a bright shining light began to streak across the sky. She watched it in fascination. She'd never seen a shooting star; she wasn't sure why a thought abruptly occurred to her. When she was even younger than now, perhaps three years ago when her uncles first brought her into their home, they told her stories about shooting stars.

"They're called wishing stars," Uncle Linguini whispered to her as Uncle Dumpling rocked her in his arms. She had been crying about starting a new school, scared about not making friends. It had only been a few days since she had turned up at their door, soaked and shaking, with nowhere else to go. Uncle Ho placed a warm cup into her hands and gently nudged her to take a sip.

"What can you wish for?" She timidly asked. These quiet moments were before she had ever met Garu. Before she made the vow of silence to foolishly show her affection for him.

Uncle Dumpling laughed. His warm laugh rumpled into her back and she looked up at him curiously. "Anything you want, sweet girl."

"Anything?"

"Anything," Uncle Linguini confirmed. Pucca looked at his dubiously. She had a wish back then too but she'd never dare say it allowed for fear of hurting her uncles. "Don't believe me?" She shook her head timidly. He smiled. "Look at 'er, brothers! Can't even believe her own uncle." His brothers gave a light-hearted laugh.

"Maybe we just need to convince her," Uncle Ho teased.

Uncle Linguini slapped his leg in agreement and gave a dramatic declaration, "Indeed! In which case, we won't be going to bed until our little Pucca believes this magnanimous truth!" Uncle Dumpling jostled Pucca and got her laughing. "I know. I'll tell you a story."

This got Pucca's attention, "a story?"

He nodded with a wide grin. "Now, let's see… It all began with a little girl. A girl so sweet and kind that everyone in the village couldn't say a bad word about her. Then one day…"

Pucca, despite herself, smiled at the memory. And, almost instinctively, Pucca made a wish. A wish so secret she would never say it allowed.

I wish I never feel anything like this again. I wish I never felt anything for Garu!

...

The next morning, Pucca's uncles found her snoozing by the windowsill. Her bin was overflowing with crumpled pictures and notes. Uncle Linguini chastised her, telling her how dangerous that was for her heath sleeping by the open window. Uncle Dumpling quietly wrapped her up in a fluffy blanket to fight of the chill which clung to her skin. Uncle Ho, in a panic, brewed her some hot tea and didn't let her leave for school until she had drunk the entire cup.

"Honestly, how could you fall asleep half out of the window!" Uncle Linguini continued.

"She wasn't half out of the window-" Uncle Dumpling began but Linguini cut him off.

"She might as well have been!"

Pucca shrunk her head during the argument, focusing on sipping at her warm Chi tea. Uncle Ho watched Pucca with great interest. While his brothers were still bickering, he leaned in towards Pucca.

"Pucca… Are you alright?"

Pucca looked at him and blinked.

"I… I'm…" Uncle Ho took a breath. He didn't know how to bring up the fact that he was worried as he didn't want to push Pucca into revealing something she didn't want to but… "I'm just wondering if you are busy after school today?" Coward, he thought to himself.

Pucca shook her head. "No, Uncle. I'll be coming straight home." She paused. "Why? Do you need me to pick up anything?"

He leaned away and waved his hand in the air, "Oh, no, no. That's not… I just wanted to see if you'd be free to work at the restaurant today, 'tis all." Pucca nodded.

"I'll complete my homework at school and I will be back by 4 o'clock to help out at the restaurant."

Uncle Ho watched her expression carefully. Pucca had always been an obedient child, never fussing when told to do something and always willing to help out her uncles. But even so, Uncle Ho's gut didn't feel right watching his niece slowly finish her tea. She gently laid down the cup and stood up and grabbed her school bag from the back of the chair. "See you later, Uncle." She began walking towards the door and called out to her other uncles, wishing them goodbye. A chorus of shocked and confused 'goodbye' echoed in the house which fell silent with the door's silent click. The three brothers looked at one another, neither knowing what to say. Their niece was talking.

...

School was relatively uneventful. Pucca had to deal with Ching and her attempts to talk to Pucca about yesterday's occurrence but Pucca was quickly able to change the subject. Ching eventually gave up and gave Pucca the space she cleared wanted, since she was willing to tell her as much. Ching stewed quietly that day, sending quick glances at her friend, wondering what made her break her vow. Maybe it was because of yesterday? She thought.

Pucca listened to the teachers and completed the work in classes; then she stayed back in school to complete her homework and, as promised, she was back at the restaurant by 4 o'clock. It was bustling and loud as usual. She walked into the kitchen and greeted her uncles. She wrapped her apron around her middle and collected her pad and pen before beginning to take and deliver orders to tables; she knew Dada wouldn't be able to handle such a crowd alone so she quickly fell into place and picked up the slack. Haven worked in the restaurant since she came to Sooga Village, serving tables with a smile was as easy as breathing. She greeted customers and made light conversation. She was the perfect picture of a waitress. At the end of the evening rush, everyone was complementing how efficient Pucca had been today and she meekly accepted their praise.

"Pucca, we have a few orders in for delivery. Think you can send these last orders before you head home?" Uncle Linguini called from the kitchen.

"Yes, Uncle." Pucca replied and readied the delivery trays.

"No, it's alright Pucca. I can do it. You've worked hard tonight and you've got school tomorrow," Uncle Ho tried to take over packing the orders.

"I'm alright, Uncle." She quickly tucked everything away and closed the little hatch. "It won't take me long. See you at home?" She swiftly walked out of the restaurant before Uncle Ho could contradict her again. He stared after her and tried to shake the strange feeling that was settling into his gut, sending him sharp pains every time he looked at his niece.

...

A few days passed in this same manner. Pucca got up, conversed with her uncles, went to school, did her work and then worked at the restaurant in the evenings. Her attitude was nothing out of the usual. Except that she never sought out Garu. Not once. One day, Ching pulled her to the side before their next lesson (Advanced English) with a worried expression.

"Pucca, are you feeling okay?"

Pucca perked up a brow. "Yes?"

Ching stared at her. "It's just…"

"What Ching? We're going to be late to lesson at this rate."

Ching bit her lip. "It's just that you haven't mentioned Garu for a while now. And we never talked about what happened…"

"Oh, that." Pucca tilted her head and her eyes wandered the tiled roof as if searching for an answer. "I suppose I've been too busy. We have our mid-term exams coming up, after all."

Ching huffed, unconvinced. "Pucca, you never have to worry about exams. You're always in the top five in our year. What's really wrong?"

Pucca brought her head back down to look at Ching in the eye, level as can be. "I've decided that I want to study abroad."

Ching gaped. "W-what?"

Pucca smiled. "I've seen how hard my uncles have been working since I came to live with them. Having a dependent niece has put them into such a strenuous situation."

"Pucca, you haven't! They love having you, you kno-"

"I know they love me." Pucca smiled gently. "But I'm not blind, Ching. I know taking care of a child is something they never signed up for. And I want to work just as hard and be able to repay them."

Ching opened her mouth to say… something.

"I've found a university in England which I think will be very beneficial." Ching's mouth closed and opened but nothing came out. Pucca found this rather amusing and showed her dazzling smile. "I think I might become a doctor. I've always liked helping others and I think I'd really enjoy it."

Seeing Pucca's determination and joy at the notion of becoming a doctor, Ching couldn't bring herself to argue. "Will you… will you stay in England?" Pucca shook her head.

"Just studying." The bell gave a loud claaannnng. "Shoot, we're going to be late!" Pucca grasped Ching's hand and both girls ran through the hall hoping that their teacher won't punish them too much for being late.

...

"Heads up!"

Garu, who had previously been meditating in the forest surrounding his home, twisted his head to see a dark figure pouncing at him from above. Garu quickly and smoothly dodged the attack, landing his footing with an unnatural grace. He turned on his opponent.

Abyo, cheeks flushed and budding, grinned widely. "Ah, almost got you that time!"

Garu shook his head slowly. Abyo never seemed to understand the concept of 'stealth' and had a nasty habit of yelling out his attacks. It was a good thing that Abyo wasn't serious about becoming a ninja like Garu – he'd have failed on day one.

"Get ready for this one! Today's the day I beat you, Garu!" He declared with confidence. He sprinted forward, his nun-chucks spinning furiously. Garu spun and dodged with ease. He waited for an opening. Left, right, left, above, right. Blow after blow Abyo missed his target. In frustration, Abyo swung and turned to give a grand kick, like the one he'd seen on his favourite show.

NOW! Garu took his opportunity and grasped Abyo's outstretched leg and gave a heave, sending him spiralling to the ground with an ungraceful thud. He smirked down at his friend before offering a hand. Abyo huffed but allowed Garu to pull him to his feet. "Dang it. Thought I had it this time." Abyo dejectedly swung his nun-chucks around. Garu only smiled slightly. "Oh! I forgot to ask – Our teacher wanted to know if you'd be returning to classes any time soon. I know you quit after Pucca began obsessing with you but it's sooooooo boring without you there. We've been learning about quadratic equations. Do you understand how boring that is?"

Garu blinked a few times. Yes, he'd attended the village's small school when he first arrived at Sooga but within two weeks he'd quit. His excuse was that he had to focus on his martial arts but in reality, he had been harassed by Pucca so much, he was actually frightened about returning to school. Abruptly, a frown had appeared on his face. Speaking of Pucca…. Garu subconsciously surveyed the area trying to spot anything suspicious. A ruffling bush. A flash of red hiding behind a thin bamboo tree. A giggle just before the oncoming attack.

Now that Garu thought about it, despite being on guard at all times, he hadn't encountered Pucca and her horrible kissing attacks for a while now. Garu's frown deepened as he counted. Four days. It had been four days since he'd seen Pucca and yet he still jumped at any rustling or footsteps he heard while training. Abyo's droning about school, the issues he was facing with his failing academics, the numerous girls who had their eyes on him, all became white noise as Garu's thoughts spiralled. Why hadn't she bothered him? Was she ill? Was she waiting to do something big – something he couldn't predict and prepare for? He gulped and his eyes narrowed at the swaying grass below his feet. Garu felt really uneasy. He had to find out.

Without making a sound, Garu turned and ran towards Sooga Village. Abyo called after him but Garu didn't stop. If he didn't find out, this sinking feeling inside Garu would only grow and keep him up at night.

...

Pucca felt a little lighter that night. In fact, as she went around and collected the dishes from table 8 (Officer Bruce and two of his colleagues were toasting to another mission accomplished), the smile on Pucca's face was particularly cheerful. She floated across the floor, delivering and collecting dishes like a goddess blessing all she came across; she felt so confident on her feet she felt at ease as she spun and danced as she passed a few leaving customers and entered the kitchens again to call out the next orders.

She began humming as she gently placed the used dishes into the sink for Dada, soapy and miserable, to wash up. She pinched his cheek. "Only an hour left of service, Dada. Cheer up! You've done so well tonight; you haven't broken a single dish." Her praise caused his face to flush and for him to stutter a response. She smiled and walked over to her uncles who were busy with their individual task: spinning noodles with grace, cutting the vegetable expertly, cooking the dishes with fabulous flares of fire. "Anything I can do to help?"

Uncle Ho smiled at her, truly grateful that her cheerful step had returned, "You're doing enough as it is, Pucca." The phone rang.

Uncle Dumpling called over to her, "Pucca, can you get the phone? Dada will only break it by dropping it into the cleaning bowl again." Dada, who had previously been brimming with confidence due to Pucca's praise, deflated quicker than a popped balloon.

"Of course!" Pucca twirled over and answered the receiver. "Hello, Goh-Rong restaurant, Pucca speaking. What can I get you tonight? Ah ha… hmmmm… yep… Okay, so that's three bowls of Goh-Rong's signature noodles with a side of Soy Sause Fried Rice. That'll be 80 yuan. Thank you for ordering from Goh-Rong! Your order will be with you in 40 minutes. Bye!" Pucca placed the received back and quickly wrote down the order and hung it up.

"Pucca, table number 16!" Uncle Linguini called out. Pucca pranced over and collected the dishes. She left with a skip in her step and quickly delivered the food. She placed down the dishes and caught sight of table 17's three-year-old about to flip the bowl onto the floor. She slid across the floor to just catch the bowl before it smashed on the floor. She carefully placed it back down on the table, waving off the parents' grateful and apologetic sentiments, and gave the toddler a napkin to play with before she walked away.

Just then, the great doors to Goh-Rong were pushed open to let a cold draft rush in and circle Pucca's form. She took a breath and turned to greet the new customer.

And she froze, mouth open.

Garu stood obediently besides the reception desk. He caught sight of Pucca and steeled himself for the oncoming onslaught. At least she wasn't ill. He watched her expression change but couldn't quite figure it out. His breathing was a little laboured when she finally decided to walk over and greet him.

"Hello, welcome to Goh-Rong. Table for one, or are you waiting for anyone?" Pucca calmly said.

Garu stared, stunned, eyes wide.

"If you are waiting for other members of your party, please wait over there. Otherwise, please follow me to your table." Without waiting for any confirmation, Pucca turned curtly on her heel and walked towards an empty table and set down a menu and laid out fresh chop-sticks. Pucca pulled out her notepad and pen as Garu seated himself at the table. He couldn't take his eyes off her; it was like a gazelle who was confused as to why the lion had let it live another day. His eyes warily watched her every move. Pucca turned her cold eyes to him, "Please take your time choosing your meal. I'll be back in a moment to take your order." She walked away to another table whom were flagging her down for the check.

Garu was left bewildered. Surely… that wasn't Pucca? Pucca never interacted with him so coldly. Garu watched her retrieve the check for another table and was amazed. She didn't even glance at him. He felt more uneasy than ever. What was she planning? Was there going to be a surprise? Should I even stay and order? But seeing Pucca's delicate smile at the small child, who was excitedly gifting Pucca the drawing she had been working on during her meal (it looked like a mother panda with a baby panda), he couldn't bring himself to leave. He had to see this through. If there was going to be a surprise, he'd face it with bravery and honour.

Pucca brought herself back over to Garu's table with reluctant steps. She stared at him. "Have you decided on your order, sir?"

Garu felt that like a punch to his gut. He maintained eye contact as he silently pointed to the Goh-Rong special at the top of the menu. Pucca scribbled it down.

"Anything else?" Garu shook his head. "Alright, I'll be back with your meal soon." She gave a nod and walked towards the kitchen to relay the new order.

Garu felt his world shifting and, truthfully, he felt a little sick. What's going on?

Minutes later, Pucca came back and placed his meal on the table and with a quick "enjoy your meal, sir" she was gone to serve another table. Like he was just another customer. Like she hadn't been bugging him for three years straight: Every. Single. Day. Garu's mouth felt like sandpaper, however, he was grateful that the Goh-Rong's food was so delicious it was easy to devour rapidly.

Rather than waiting for the bill, Garu placed the money on the table and left just as quickly as he appeared. Pucca was a little surprised to see his table empty but was swift cleaning away the table and continuing on with her shift as if nothing had happened.

Garu, on the other hand, walked slowly back to his home in the forest. His mind was fully of questions and he had none of the answers. He had just reached the edge of the forest when his footsteps faulted. He paused and stood rooted on the spot.

Pucca acted like she didn't really know me… she didn't react to me whatsoever. Does that mean… it's over? He looked towards the sky. Is my suffering over? The ink spilled sky gave a thunderous response. Slowly, rain fell to the ground, splashing off Garu's upturned face.

Am I free?

Garu smiled towards the heavens, a sigh of relief exiting his body.

The rain that night fell heavily and unmercifully. The ground wept at the onslaught, the trees shifted their roots in protest, and the residents of Sooga Village slept ignorant of the change in the winds – the fates had changed. And they were not happy.

Dang, Garu. Could you be any more dramatic?

So, Garu's free. Pucca's moving on. What could go wrong?