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Valediction
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Disclaimer
If I owned TMM, do you honestly think Ichigo wouldn't be with Ryou? Yeah, that's what I thought. I don't own TMM.
Summary
On the flight to England, Masaya comes to a startling realization. Ichigo returns from the airport changed, and this could mean the downfall of the others. Are the recent attacks the work of Kirema Animas, or perhaps...One of themselves? IchigoxRyou
Author's Note
Medical stuff in this chapter? Don't trust me on it – I'm not first aid savvy, but I do hope I get it right, at least sort of. But don't go doing this stuff on your buddies when they're in mortal peril 'cause I can't guarantee it'll help, if not make things worse. ;;;
During hectic moments, sentences can get kinda...run-on-ish. This is purposeful, really.
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Chapter 12
White
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"Mint Arrow!" I cry as I summon my weapon – a good idea seeing as that monster had completely broken free of Purin's Pudding Ring.
She lunges toward me as I simultaneously shout, "RIBBON MINT ECHO!" Her outstretched arm and my ball of energy meet in midair, the force sending both careening backward. I thankfully dodge my own attack, but the creature is sent crashing into one of Ryou's many computer systems, sending various machinery from their place to atop herself. I can't even see her, there's so much piled up.
For a while, all is still, but then the rubble stirs and a figure rises in its wake.
"Pretty good, little birdie," she begins, her tone mocking despite her state.
"But cats have nine lives."
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-x-
Keiichiro
-x-
I ran from the room as fast as I could, Rettasu-chan's unmoving body in my hands. Her injuries were fatal and I could only hope that perhaps some of the animal DNA residue had given her higher stamina; if not, she wouldn't survive.
I pressed forward, ignoring all stunned faces of the customers loitering around wondering where the service could possibly be. I must've looked fairly gruesome, carrying a half-dead girl with her blood still spilling and my clothes already quite bloodstained. I didn't worry about that however; much more pressing matters were at hand.
If the wounds were not so severe I would have cared for Rettasu-chan myself for fear of doctors finding animal DNA, but I am no surgeon – I could not doctor these injuries.
I finally arrived to the limo and hastily jumped in, though being as gentle as possible with Rettasu. Once inside, I opened a compartment and quickly retrieved some gauze that I tightly wrapped around the poor girl in a hope to stifle the bleeding. With utmost speed I made a tourniquet, though how much that can actually help is questionable with this sort of injury. She wasn't conscious, not that I'd expect her to be, but that wasn't a positive sign when so much blood loss was involved.
I arrive at the hospital after driving like a madman through the streets. Rushing in with Rettasu-chan in my grip, the executive at the front desk gives me a questioning glance, though says nothing as she pages the doctors noting that an emergency patient had just arrived. I anxiously follow an urgent doctor, who leads me to an emergency room where I drop Rettasu-chan off. I'm not allowed back in the room, so I leave the front executive my private phone line and head back to the café.
Ryou, Ryou, Ryou!
My mind wanders back to the image of him unconscious on the floor sitting in a pool of his own blood. I wanted to help him too, but there really was no way at the time. I can only hope, as I speed through the streets, that a miracle has occurred.
-x-
Minto
-x-
There is no way. I want to triumph so bad, I want to see Ichigo back to her normal cheerful self, I want to see all my friends again, and...I want to live. All circumstances considered, however, I see a slight chance of any of the above happening.
A feral glint in the creature's eyes sends a shiver down my spine as she stalks closer to my unsteady form.
In all actuality, there is nothing more I can do. I tried my attack – she countered it and remained unscathed. Without a Mew Aqua or Ichigo, I don't have anything else, do I? This Mew Mew deal isn't all it's worked up to be.
I release a choarse laugh, causing her to pause slightly in surprise as tears run down my cheek. Purin runs to me, tightly grasping my hand.
"What can we do, onee-chan?" she looks at me, eyes shining with fear and tears. What am I supposed to say? 'Sorry, Purin, but there's actually nothing we can do except resign ourselves to death.' No, that would not be the way to go.
But looking at that young child face gave me new resolve. I needed to this not just for Ichigo, but for all who may cross this beast's path in the future. I had to think of something; I was the only one left.
My mind raced a mile a minute running on pure adrenaline. Maybe I was going about things too directly. Think, Minto, think. Ichigo has the DNA of an Iromote cat. What can you do to the Iromote cat to get the human back? Cats...hate water? No, that's not enough; besides, most wild cats aren't opposed to swimming. Cats...
I was instantly knocked out of my stupor when the creature violently lunged in my direction, obviously growing too impatient for me to make the first move.
"Ribbon Zakuro Pure!"
It was a saving grace. Light streaks from Zakuro's attack as the monster is once again temporarily disabled.
"Purin! Ring, now!" she shouts, swiftly adapting to the situation.
"How...?" I stammer, still in shock that Zakuro had saved us.
"Not now. Charge up your attack until the ring dissolves. Then we strike together."
It's amazing how cool and collected she can be. I hope to be that way some day, instead of just pretending. But I suppose she could be pretending too, but with more years of practice.
I summon all my energy, focusing as hard as I can manage. I think I'm beginning to tremble, but I give it no consideration. All I can think is...
"RIBBON!"
"MINT!" "ZAKURO!"
"ECHO!" "PURE!"
-x-
Ryou
-x-
Ichigo...
So much...screaming.
Is it...?
Can't...move. Can't...think.
"You can bec-... just li- me, R...;"
"Ju...like m-."
"I can just think it, and it will happen?"
I open my eyes and see red. But that was the last thought that was my own.
-x-
Zakuro
-x-
It was weakened. But not enough.
I glance at my companions, who are both kneeling on the floor like me from extreme exhaustion. So young. I wish I could've protected them better. Just another thing to add to my long list of regrets.
The creature, whatever it is, stalks toward me with a cruel smirk on her feline face. There's something familiar about her. My first thought then was, 'Where are Ichigo and Rettasu?'.
The second thought, as the creature stooped beside my body and my vision began to fade was...
'I'm going to die.'
-x-
Keiichiro
-x-
When I rushed in, I was greeted with a scene that stopped me dead still. All the girls, including a newly added Zakuro, were – dead? Oh, please no – on the floor and beside the monstrous form of Ichigo there was...Ryou.
He was...the same as her. He had those eyes, those claws, those sharp canines. He was covered in blood, but he was smiling. She turned to him and she started to grin as well. The monster rose from the floor and she stalked over to Ryou with a confident air despite her limp.
I was too late.
But, really, what could I have done?
"I knew you'd come around eventually, Ryyyyou," she purrs, sliding one finger under his chin as he smirks in return.
I don't want to watch. I do anyway.
He raises his hand to her face as well, his cat-like eyes closing a bit in what seemed to be...happiness. It was terrible. He put his hand, complete with claws, to her face.
Then he swiped.
She recoils in pain, clutching her bleeding face and her golden eyes widening in fury. Ryou's eyes are red, by contrast, as he takes the pause as an invitation to continue.
Should I still call it Ryou? He slashes and scrapes in such a fury it's inhuman. If Ryou was backing the actions, I should hardly think he had any self-control. The girl, obviously previously weakened, could only take the blows with a feeble counterattack every now and then.
She...didn't have a chance, I suppose.
She is lying on the floor, and I don't ever think I've seen so much blood with Her's and Ryou's and Rettasu's and Everyone's just pooling together and stained on the walls. It was truly more gruesome than anything I had ever seen dealing with the Kirema Animas.
And this whole situation was partially our fault. Humans can cause so much destruction.
She lays there with Ryou stooped over her and her chest heaving, and I think I saw her tired eyes begin to close. When they opened again, they were brown.
Ryou's feral smirk suddenly falters as he screams in what I assume to be anguish. It's Ichigo. She's there, isn't she? Ryou...
He clutches his head and he just keeps screaming and screaming and I think his eyes are blue again, but it's hard to tell. Ryou falls to his knees – yes, Ryou is definitely in control – and maybe he's crying, but his hands are covering his face.
"Ichigo..."
It hurt. I hated hearing him so broken. I could never protect him. Ryou...
There's a bright light, and where the monster once lay is Ichigo, in relatively the same condition as her counterpart. Thank goodness she finally changed back.
...Changed back?
Ryou!
"Ryou can change into a cat at will, but he won't be able to regain his human form if he remains a cat for more than ten minutes."
The same concept could still apply! I rush to Ryou, who is trembling and shaking.
"Ryou! Ryou, you have to change back!" I place my hands on his shoulders in an effort to calm him down. He lowers his hands from his face and his wide blue eyes look up at me. He looks so broken.
"Ryou, please. Ryou..."
He sighs, reverts back to his form, and collapses into my arms. The last time I held him like this, his father had died in the attack and his mother went to join him.
Sometimes I wonder if she's still here, watching us. But I'm not exactly one to believe in spirits. It's just...a feeling.
As I hold Ryou in my arms, I look around the room. I see bloodstains, destroyed equipment, ash, and bodies. Lots and lots of bodies.
This...could take some time.
-x-
Zakuro
-x-
I was the first to wake up, naturally. Following me were Minto and Purin. It was to be expected; after all, we were simply suffering from severe exhaustion much to Akasaka-san's relief.
I heard from him what happened. It was unexpected, but wasn't just about everything that involved these people?
Minto asked me how I got to the cafe. I simply told her that my mark was glowing and I passed out. When I woke up, I knew something was wrong. Luckily, we were shooting near this part of Japan. My story is anything but interesting, really.
All we can do now is wait.
-x-
Ryou
-x-
White. The hospital room was very, very white. I blinked a couple of times, then tried to hoist myself up.
The first time was a complete failure.
"Ryou! You're awake!" It's Keiichiro, of course. What would I do without him? I turn my head to the side (at least I can manage that) to look at his face. Full of concern, of course.
The last person we should be concerned about is me.
"How is she?"
He chuckles just a bit, probably because he knew all along that's the first thing I would inquire about. He knows me too well. This can be a blessing and a curse.
"Ichigo's in fairly good condition. Better than you, actually. I'm surprised you woke up before her, really."
"And the others?"
"Everyone's fine except," a sigh, "Rettasu. You were probably out of it at the time, but...Ichigo...ah, well, Rettasu's not in good condition. Thankfully, there was enough residue from her animal genes to keep her alive. The doctors can save her, but...she won't be the same."
My face contorts. It's terrible news, but at the same time I'm relieved. At least she's alive. At least we're all alive. But...
"It's not your fault," he reassures me.
He knows me too well.
In a burst of energy, I manage to shakily sit up. Keiichiro reaches out a hand, but I politely ignore it. I'll do this myself. I make a move to rise from the bed, but this time Keiichiro forcefully gives me aid. I guess I did need it, anyway.
He takes me out of the room, leading the way. He is aware of where I want to go.
He knows me too well.
-x-
Ichigo
-x-
White. When I woke up in the hospital room, that's all I saw.
What...happened? My head is pounding and its all a blur...
"Oh I-Ichigo...It's so nice to see you feeling better!"
That's right. Things were looking up. I went to school. Everything was running smoothly – no speed bumps here! At least, it was..
It worried me; something urgent must've happened.
What worried me? Where did I go after I visited the cafe. Who...?
"Awake, I see."
I turn to the voice, flinging IV lines and regretting I jerked so violently soon after. He's staring at me - He wasn't saying anything; just staring. - and leaning back against the wall. He looks so tired.
"Ryou-"
"I'm sorry."
He stops me short, he eyes all glazed over and he looks so sad – but why?
"Ryou? Um...I don't remember," I manage to blurt out sheepishly. At the look on his face, I assume I said something wrong. Well, I can't pretend like I have any idea what's going on.
He covers his face, and his eyes get dark. He laughs, but it's not all 'happy-fun-laugh'. To be blunt...it's scary. It's just a brief snicker, so I don't have to fret for long.
"Don't remember, eh? I should have expected this,"he sighs.
But Ryou, why would you expect – WHAM. It (How could I have not realized?) hits me so hard; of course, what else could it be?
I did it. Again. Hospital, of course. I attacked again. It hurts.
My eyes tear up, but I don't think I'm crying. Crying has gotten really tiring.
"Ryou, I'm sorry! I hurt you again, I know it!"
"Ichigo, look at me. I'm doing fine." He says that, but he obviously hasn't looked in a mirror. He's pale, he movements are difficult, and even his voice seems weak. What kind of condition was he in when he arrived? I shudder to think.
"But why did it happen? Ryou, I was doing so well! I went to school and I could smile for real and I bounced when I walked! I don't understand!!"
-x-
Ryou
-x-
She looks so desperate. This...is so hard. I wasn't prepared for her memory loss. I had everything ready, otherwise. But now...
Her eyes are red and teary, and even sitting up is draining her strength. But her eyes are also bright and strong and brown – I can at least be that strong, too.
"It was my fault."
-x-
Ichigo
-x-
"Ryou...? I don't...I can't think of anything you could've possibly..." I trail off. I'm not really sure what to say. It couldn't be his fault. What could he do to possibly make me so...
He says nothing, but looks down in a contemplative manner. He rises, hand leaning on the wall, then walks toward my bed. For a moment, without guidance, he stumbles. But Ryou is strong – he catches his balance on the edge of my bed. His arms are shaking, holding up his weight, and he leans forward with his eyes overcast and –
HE KISSES ME. SHIROGANE. KISSES. ME.
Suddenly, it happened.
Faster than I could comprehend, I found myself enveloped by a pair of strong arms. "I love you…" he spoke with utmost conviction.
As for me, I felt as if my heart stopped right then and there.
I retreat. He pulls away from me and does not meet my eyes. And I hear that laugh again – oh, please make it stop.
"Get it now? I'm...sorry."
He's still avoiding my gaze, and tears trickle down my face. He looks so sad; why is he always like that? He's so impulsive, so unpredictable, so...Ryou Shirogane. I cry more.
He finally spares me a glance and suddenly goes very wide-eyed. "Wait, Ichigo, don't cry! I – I'm sorry, ok?"
I close my eyes (he's sitting now) and I do something very weird. I reach over to him, and wrap my arms around him. I lean on his shoulder, getting his attire soaked, I'm sure. He freezes in my arms, surprised, but settles.
"Ichigo...?"
"Ryou Shirogane," I mumble into his clothes, "I have half a mind to slap you, but I can't. Don't you ever assume how I feel or what I think. Ever. You understand?"
Is he smiling? Grimacing? I can't tell.
"You said I transformed when I got sad, but you've got to be wrong. I wasn't sad when you told me, Ryou, I wasn't! I was just shocked, that's all! I promise!"
I feel a hand on my back, and I look up. He's got that look on he face – you know, all serious and enigmatic and his mouth is parted open – and I start acting weird again.
I kiss him.
And then, the tiredness finally kicks in and I'm out.
-x-
Ryou
-x-
"Shocked? It's plausible."
I turn to Keiichiro, ever the nosy one. I am reasonably miffed.
"I wasn't trying to eavesdrop. But Ichigo does tend to get loud."
I remain silent. If I could talk, what would I say? Everything is so confusing now – I mean, did Ichigo really...? Was I just dreaming, because it's just so...
"It fit's doesn't it? When in shock, your heart momentarily stops. I should certainly think that has more extreme effects than simply slowing down."
I gaze at his face, and he smiles.
"The doctors want to run a final check, so unfortunately I'm afraid we need to take our leave. But...we'll be back."
He laughs mildly as I wordlessly take his back and he helps me from the room. I look back again at Ichigo, who is sleeping soundly.
I...have a lot to think about.
-x-
Doctor
-x-
The girl is doing extremely well, considering her former condition. It's really quite remarkable how well and fast she recovered.
In fact, it's uncanny. I have a nag to investigate, but why should we restrain her when she's clearly healed? My curious nature can cope.
I continue checking various vital signs when she begins to stir. "Love you, too," she mumbles and I smile slightly. Such a young girl, really. How she received such injuries is beyond me. Once again, my nature calls me to investigate, but it can cope. I'm a doctor, not a policeman, after all. If the patient is healthy, my job is complete.
With her in such a relatively good condition, it seems fruitless for me to linger. I exit the room and softly shut the door.
Such a young girl, really.
-x-
Ryou
-x-
The sheets are white, the walls are white, everything is white. But I like it. It's pure.
I smile (I believe) and close my eyes. I think of all that's happened. Where do I start?
Did it start when Aoyama left? When I gave the girls the DNA? When I began my research? Was it when I lost my parents, when Dad first began his research, or when the Kirema Animas first set their sights on this planet?
Does it matter where it began? No, I suppose not. Instead of dwelling that, on the actual events, I'd rather think of the people.
Mom and Dad: they loved me until the end, and I loved them too. That's what being a family means. Keiichiro: always there to help and understand me. Minto: level and observant, but still a bit immature. Rettasu: kind, though clumsy. Purin: so energetic and positive. Zakuro: ambiguous and protective.
And...
Ichigo.
The girl I love.
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Authors Note II
Yeah, that's it, it's over. JUST KIDDING. There will still be an epilogue, and it's not one of those non-essential-just-sort-of-an-alternate-ending ones. This one is pretty essential. And it contains the real (And yes, MUCH better) ending. It really shouldn't be called an epilogue, but it's just such a grand leap in time I couldn't help to call it anything else.
Sorry for not getting this out sooner. In all honesty, I was very excited to do it at first (And I still loved writing it, don't get me wrong) but when I have so much to worry about it does get a little tedious. Hopefully that factor didn't make the writing too hollow (I sort of feel that way).
I love you all! Thanks SO much for your kind reviews that really get me back to writing! I couldn't have got this far without readers and reviewers like YOU!
P.S. I really don't like the word 'chuckle'. And I don't like using it either. It makes me feel dumb. But I had to do it anyway.
