Chapter 2: A.Q.U.A.

After one week, Ichigo got out of her bed and grabbed he pre-packed suitcase. Ichigo did all the hygiene stuff. She kissed her parents goodbye and headed out the door. The reddish-haired girl couldn't wait until she got to the lodge.

Still, why did all of our features pop out last week? Ichigo thought.

Ichigo checked the nearest clock, "OH MAN! IT'S ALREADY 7:57?!"

Ichigo ran at lightning speed.

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At 8:00, Ichigo made it at the second that it was gonna turn 8:01.

"I…made…it…" Ichigo panted.

"You should've arrived earlier," Ryou said.

"Well, I made it, didn't I?"

"Everyone is already in the helicopter! Come on!"

"Helicopter?"

"Yes, I own a helicopter. Now get in!"

Ichigo got in. She was too tired to look behind her, but she looked around anyways. Everyone from her team was asleep.

It's not that early. Why are they asleep? Why am I sleepy? Ichigo thought as she yawned. Ichigo fell asleep.

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"Did you run the program right?" Ryou asked Keiichiro.

"Yes, but it seems it is impossible to study her."

"Hmm, then we have no choice. Get program A.Q.U.A. ready."

"Initiating A.Q.U.A."

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Ichigo woke up and found herself in the helicopter still. Everyone had woke up,too.

"Everyone, welcome to the Mew Lodge!" Keiichiro opened the helicopter door. Ichigo couldn't believe her eyes. It was a beautiful beach with a beautiful lodge. The sea was also beautiful.

The five girls had their luggage in their hands as Keiichiro and Ryou guided them around the area.

"This place also has a base in the basement, just like the café," Keiichiro explained.

"So, where are the rooms?" Ichigo asked.

"Oh right. Silly me! I forgot to show you five the room! You're rooms are upstairs. This lodge is almost exactly like the café except the second floor is your bedroom. You will all have to share a room, but the room is very big. Your beds are already set. The trip took 4 hours, so if you want, you can sleep a while," Keiichiro showed them to the second floor, "We will be in the lodge across from here. If you need us, push that button."

The two men left the girls. For some reason, the girls were very tired. They did not want to talk to each other. So as soon as they unpacked their stuff, they plopped onto their beds and fell asleep. Only Ichigo was still awake; or so she thought.

"Ichigo-oneechan?"

Ichigo froze, Who is that? Pudding's the only one who calls us oneechan but…the voice is too…this sounds like…

"Ichigo-oneechan, are you still awake?"

Ichigo couldn't believe her ears. Oneechan was used by Pudding to show affection (I think). Mint used oneesama to Zakuro to show affection ,too. She couldn't believe that it was who she thought it was. Ichigo turned her head. Sure enough, Mint was staring at her.

"Mint?" Ichigo paused.

"What do you think is happening? Oneesama, Lettuce, and even Pudding haven't talked since they got to the café."

"Really?"

"Yeah." Minto waited for a reply. "Ichigo?"

Ichigo was asleep. A few moments later, Mint fell asleep too.

Through a hidden camera that the two men had placed in the room, Keiichiro scanned the girls' bodies.

"Ryou, it seems our predictions were right on the mark."

"Hmm, I see. If Ichigo's progress changes, initiate A.Q.U.A. on her immediately. She cannot fail."

"Understood, but what about the others?"

"Their progress is not likely to speed up as much as Ichigo's. Two months may not be enough."

"And Mint's friendship may effect Ichigo's unstable progress, in good ways and bad, too."

"Yes, it might. But if all of them have the drowsy effect now, it might not be far from now that we have to use A.Q.U.A. a lot more in the future."

"Only time will tell."

"They may sleep for the whole day. Set up a meal for them so that when they wake up, there will be something for them to eat from."

"Understood."

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