I listened to some stuff. I think "Cherry Pie" by Jennifer Lopez helped me get back into the mood the best (fun stuff), but I was also listening to some other submitted music videos to my site, including "Gattomatto" and "Silenzioso Imbroglio". I have "Because You Live" stuck in my head by the way. -.- I also listened to Maroon 5 music and my beloved "Life is Like a Boat". I dunno why, but I adore that song. It's so Ryou-ish. Me weird, I know. x-x So I had to add some lines from that there at the end. On the note of songs, please consider entering TOKYO IDOL. It's much fun.
Forgive me, I stink at writing battle scenes... I tried really hard though... and by the way, Ryou's ten in the flashback and Ichigo's eight. You'll notice I upped the rating a bit since there's a new rating scale. This was mainly because of the violence in this battle. It's not really too bad, but some children might not want to be reading it (I don't like violence myself, but a fight was kind of necessary here). No cursing. I don't think I really have anything suggestive either, but I just wanted to be on the safe side. X.x Enjoy and Happy Easter, nya.
Chapter Fourteen - Believe
The elevator rose slowly up into the darkening atmosphere, allowing Tokyo to spread out below us like a map.
"Are you scared?" Ichigo's question penetrated my thoughts.
I blinked at her, trying to keep my nervousness from showing, "Not really. Are you?"
"Yeah... I am..." she admitted slowly, examining my face to see if I was really as brave as I said.
"...that doesn't mean I'm not a bit anxious," I conceded. She looked surprised, so I added quickly, "But don't worry. No matter what happens, I'll be your shield."
Ichigo appeared thoughtful, but her expression saddened, "Shirogane..."
"Hurry up and transform," I ordered sternly, "We're almost there."
"Right... wait..." her eyes widened in panic, "But I don't have my pendant!"
"WHAT? How could you not have it?" I shouted.
"I don't know! You never gave it to me!" she snapped.
"I never took it from you to begin with!" I snapped back.
Ichigo's voice grew louder, "But I don't have it!"
"Good thing I do," I growled, tossing it to her, "You almost forgot it."
The catgirl's mouth dropped open as she caught the metal dog tag in her palm. Cutting her eyes up at me, she frowned her disapproval. She'd deal with me later.
"Now do it!"
"Mew Mew Strawberry, Metamorpho-sis!" she shouted, bringing the pendant to her lips. Five seconds later, ten seconds later, thirty... and nothing had changed.
"Oh my god! Shirogane, why isn't it working? Is this a fake? Are you tricking me again?" she hissed through closed teeth.
"No, it should be working..." I answered. This wasn't good. Maybe I had somehow been wrong? Maybe Ichigo didn't still possess the Iriomote Wildcat DNA after all. I fumbled around in my suitcase for the injection device. "Just forget it, as soon as we hit the top, head right back down, Ichigo."
"No!" she argued, shaking her head vigorously. Her ponytails had come loose and a few whisps of hair floated freely around her face, "I'm not going."
"Quit being hard-headed!"
A sharp vibration ran down the length of Tokyo Tower, knocking the elevator car from its usual alignment. Ichigo screamed as we were tossed about and eventually lodged between two of the platforms. Ichigo grabbed the pendant she had dropped in the process and crawled out slowly, rubbing her head, "Owww!" Stumbling up to my feet beside her, I glanced around for our target.
"Where is it?" I growled, turning to check another angle.
There was a shattering of glass and the world turned into jelly. Whirling, I saw the Chimera shrouded in a wave of broken glass. The pieces showered down around us, glinting from the tower's artificial light like daggers. Her weight slammed into me, knocking me backwards and into the wall.
"Shirogane!" Ichigo screamed.
Above the pink-headed girl's cry came a deafening noise as the Chimera Anima tested her vocal cords, her eyes burning into me. She raised an arm and slashed down at me with her claws. Reflexively, I rolled out of the way. Fingertips hit metal, creating an awful nails-on-chalkboard-like sound. Gripping my ears in pain, I kicked out with my leg, landing a blow square in her stomach. With another foreign yell, she rammed into my side, almost knocking the breath out of me.
Realizing I wasn't going to fight back so soon again, she turned her gaze on the strawberry. Ichigo was running towards us, but came to an abrupt halt as she noted that she still hadn't transformed... and that the Chimera was targetting her.
"Ichigo, get out of here!" I yelled. Too late!
The nightmare creature spun quickly, whipping her tail at Ichigo and sending her rolling backwards across the floor. She didn't move.
"ICHIGO!"
Amber eyes slowly raised as the redhead revived and struggled to her feet. This action only caused another shrill declaration from the Chimera's throat as she sped towards the other end of the deck. There was no way that Ichigo could dodge that. I could see her mentally prepare for impact. She took a clumsy step backwards, shutting out the horrible vision which was about to strike. Accepting her fate. A fate which would not come...
This would be the last time that Alto ever came to Mew Ichigo's rescue. I raced towards them on four stubby little cat legs, still without my bandanna, a silver missle. My ears told me exactly where she was going to hit, how far the distance was between them. Leaping, I placed myself between the devil and the girl who had come to mean so much to me. Why? What exactly is it about you, Ichigo? Why do I even care...?
SLAM!
We collided. Somehow the impact had knocked both me and the monster to the side, travelling away from the un-henshined catgirl. My body ached. We sailed through the air towards the side of the tower.
CRASH!
The window behind me gave, glass crumbling to a dust. She flapped by above me as I tumbled backwards, but there was nothing to break my fall. Absolutely nothing in a long journey down to the ground. The Chimera looped above me like a vulture, as everything began playing in slow motion. Was this really the end?
An incomplete life seemed to flash before my eyes as wind whistled by me. My cat reflexes kicked in, twisting my body like taffy so that I was now falling in an upright position. Even if I landed on my feet, there was no way I'd survive. It's really... over...
"MEW MEW STRAWBERRY, METAMORPHO-SIS!" There was a bright pink flash from the broken side of the observation platform. 'So she finally managed to transform...' were my thoughts as eyelids fell shut, awaiting impact.
Two arms wrapped themselves around me clumsily and there was a sudden jolt. Opening my eyes, I found myself in Ichigo's arms. On the ground.
"Are you okay? Shirogane?" she inquired nervously. She looked rather shaken herself.
"Nyao nya... nyan nyao nya nyawr..." (I'm alive... let that be enough...)
Aquamarine light bloomed around me as I returned to normal. The added weight made Ichigo lose her balance and she fell forward onto me.
"You could have warned me first!" she growled, reddening as she backed away from me.
"You're still heavier than you look..." I announced lightly.
"Whatever! Now what are we going to do?" came her question.
Leaping to my feet, a hand plunged into my pocket to retrieve the device.
"Now we fight."
"Strawberry Bell!" Ichigo murmured, summoning her weapon.
The air rippled as she came back for us, intent on our demise.
"Ichigo, keep her busy! If you can weaken her enough, or atleast get her distracted, I can get close enough for the injection," I explained.
Ichigo grumbled, "What am I? Bait? Geez..." Even so, she jumped into action.
"Ribbon Strawberry Check!" she cried, aiming the heart-shaped weapon at the Chimera. Rearing, the Chimera took a swing at her. Quickly, Ichigo leapt to avoid it, delivering a kick to the monster's head. It snapped backwards from the impact, but that wouldn't be enough to stall her.
The Chimera growled, thrashing out. Ichigo fell backwards, flipping back onto her feet. "Nya!" She dashed forward again, scratching at the monster with her claws, but not managing to do much with that technique.
"Ichigo! Her scales are resistant to minor attacks like that, stick to the bell!"
"Don't tell me how to fight! RIBBON STRAWBERRY CHECK!" Pink light shot towards the monster again causing her to scream out in pain.
Now!
I sprinted forward, prepared to plant the injection device in the creature's side. Dark wings beat against me before I could reach her, knocking me silly. The device clattered to the ground.
"Ribbon Strawberry Check!" Mew Ichigo yelled again. The bell on her tail tinkled harshly, bringing me back from my trance.
"Get up, Shirogane!"
"Don't tell me how to fight!" I echoed. She grinned slightly then focused again on the Chimera. She wasn't too amused that we were ganging up on her. Dragging her dragon-like tail across the ground, she set it afire. The flames licked at the sky, crackling dangerously. This must have been how it happened... back home in New York...
I cursed mentally. How was I supposed to get close to her now?
Ichigo and the Chimera continued fighting. I stood there waiting for a chance to complete my mission. My mind had begun to wander.
This is really it... the end is right here in front of me if I can grasp it... and yet... I'm not happy about it. What would Mama and Papa think of me?
"Ryou, I'm so proud of you... we both are... but you seem upset. What's wrong?"
"Why have you locked part of yourself away, Ryou? Why are you hiding the best part of yourself from others?"
"Are you so afraid of what others will think? Just be yourself. I'm sure once they get to know you, Ryou, they'll see what a wonderful person you are. Really."
"Mama... you're just saying that because I'm your kid..."
"Why are you being so hard on yourself, son?"
"I'm not, Papa... I'm not..."
"No one's going to laugh at you for loving them."
...
"Hmm? Is that you, Aruto? Didn't think I'd see you again after the other day," I commented, sitting down on the ground near the smokey-colored kitten.
"Nyao."
"So I've convinced you that I'm a friend, huh?" I asked, petting his head lightly with my fingertips.
The kitten began purring softly, but that noise was soon broken by a girl's voice.
"Daddy! Mom! Why do I have to move to a new neighborhood? I don't know anyone here!" the voice protested. The person it belonged to slowly came into view, her hair up in high pigtails that bounced up and down as she walked behind her parents, carrying a small box with some of her things in it.
"Now, now!" her mother announced in a sing-song voice, "I've told you we have to move because of your father's job. You'll meet lots of new friends in no time!"
"Yeah, so quit complainin' and stuff. You're a cheerful girl," the father scolded.
"Well maybe it seems easy for you, but it's not so easy!" the daughter shot back, face reddening, "It's a good thing Moe and Miwa live close or I wouldn't have any friends anymore!"
"Ichigo..." her mother tried to console.
I watched silently as they disappeared into the house. That whole argument sounded familiar, like the one I had had with Keiichiro.
"I'd better go Aruto, it's getting dark..." I appologized, shuffling off towards the apartment. My loss was still fresh in my mind and planning the base was one of my top priorities. Not the cafe, no, the basement. What would a ten-year-old boy care about a stupid pink cafe?
I was walking home by way of the park. The setting sun was reflecting yellow and orange through the shadowed tree branches. I don't know what it was about one tree in particular. It was no bigger or fuller than the others, but I paused briefly to observe it. It was then that I realized the movement at its base that had attracted my interest. Maybe someone was in trouble...?
I walked cautiously across the uneven ground. As I neared, I found that the person was crying. A very small person that couldn't be any older than myself.
"Ne... are you okay?" came my voice shakily.
The head of the girl who had been whining to her parents shot up in surprise. The sun glinted off her tear-stained face, and she wiped them away quickly, sniffing.
"If you're lost, I can take you back home. I saw you with your parents before and it isn't far..." I continued.
"Just leave me alone!" she sniffled.
"How can I leave you alone when you look so pathetic crying under this tree?"
"Pa-what?" she hissed, "You're mean! Go pick on someone else, you bully."
"I'm not trying to be mean..." I defended.
The girl sniffled again, hugging her knees closer to her and resting her chin on them.
I stood there awkwardly. It was rude, yes, but it'd also be rude to leave, too. Finally, I sat down in the grass a little ways away from her, "You want to talk about it?"
"You wouldn't understand!"
"Why wouldn't I understand? Atleast you have friends. I only have one, and he's the person taking care of me."
Her eyes widened slightly as she raised her head to look at me again, "What?"
"That's right. I moved here from New York."
"New York? That's in American right? My teacher last year was from Cowlifornia..."
Apparently she was a little younger than I was, seeing as how she mispronounced some things. Then again, she was probably from Japan and the states' names would sound weird to her.
"Yeah, it's in America."
"I hear it's pretty..." she added slowly.
"I guess it is," I admitted.
She smiled softly and extended a hand without warning, "Well then whoever-you-are, I'll be your friend since you aren't a meanie. I'm Ichigo!"
I jerked back slightly, "Um... okay. You can call me Ryou." I took the offered hand and gave it a light shake.
"So, what sort of stuffs do you like, Ryou?" she asked in a much more cheerful voice.
"I dunno. I like watching the stars and making things..."
"That sounds fun," she giggled, "I like making things too. My mom's teaching me how to knit. I also like the color pink, and dressing up, and bunnies, but I like cats better!"
"I like cats too..." I admitted.
"Really?" she grinned, "I always wanted a cat, but Daddy's allergic! It's really not fair."
"I used to have a dog... but I never had a cat."
"Maybe one day we can both get cats together!" she suggested excitedly.
I blinked at her. Such a simple, yet cheerful and kind-hearted girl. "Sure, maybe."
"Shall I take you home now, Ichigo?" I asked, climbing to my feet and brushing the dirt off my shorts.
She hopped up, grinning happily at me, "Okay! Let's go."
By whatever coincidence, I had never bumped into her again. We lived in the same city, yet we had only crossed paths once. I had revisted the tree, though I had never ventured back to her house. That, and I was busy with the Mew Project. Maybe I would have tried had it not been for that...
...
The flames crackled wildly infront of me, reminding me that I had a job to do.
Ichigo and the Chimera Anima were still going at it. Both looked a bit battered, but so far no one had gained the upper hand. The fire hadn't continued to spread, but it was still roaring with life around the three of us.
The Chimera lashed out with her tail and knocked the Mew Mew off her feet. She landed awkwardly on the ground, using her Strawberry Bell to block the next attack. The monster knocked it from her grip. The cat struck at her with both feet, forcing the winged beast back into a wall, while she found her footing again. R2000 hovered a ways off, recording the battle.
The Chimera recovered, stretching those dark wings of hers and shot once again for Ichigo. Dodging quickly, the catgirl leapt for her weapon, grabbed it, and turned. However, a clip with the wings and Ichigo again fell backwards, landing on her back.
"Ouch..." she complained. Spinning, the Chimera landed infront of Ichigo and smacked her hard. I could see her wince from the blow and sink back onto the ground. It was then that I realized Ichigo wouldn't be able to win. She was growing tired; the Chimera hadn't weakened at all. And I could do nothing. I had no special powers, save Alto. I couldn't help fight. I couldn't even throw a Strawberry Check... I was basically useless... all I had was the device... and I was standing by watching Ichigo take all the hits for me. That's what it was really.
"Why do I always stand by and watch others fight my own battles? It's just like in grade school..." I muttered to myself. It had begun to rain, drowning out the destructive flames around us. "Why?"
Ichigo let out a yelp as the Chimera pinned her to the ground with her weight, preventing her from moving. Ichigo tried to wriggle away anyhow. I could feel my jaw trembling. It was an awful scene to watch, one that I couldn't watch. It made me mad. So mad... at myself... at the Chimera... but mostly, at myself. A hissing noise came through the monster's teeth, causing Ichigo to pale nervously. Fear.
"No... you won't..." I growled.
The Chimera Anima ignored me, scratching at Ichigo again, and I heard her scream from the pain.
My shoulders shook in anger. No. I wouldn't let this happen!
"I won't let you hurt the person most precious to me!" I shouted. I grabbed a piece of sharp glass off the ground and chucked it at that hideous face. I had cut my own fingers in the process, but I didn't care. The glass struck its target which was one of the Chimera's eyes. It began to ooze a whitish liquid, and squinted shut. She raged, grasping at her eye to try to figure out why it was burning. It had served its purpose, atleast, because in her rage, the Chimera had risen into the air again, and enough off of Ichigo so that she could scamper out of the way.
My fingers wrapped tightly around the injection device as she wheeled in the air and came back towards me. I was the one who had done this to her, and she knew it. As she neared, I didn't see myself, but Ichigo, reflected in her one good eye. WHAT? She quickly changed direction. She'd destroy everyone else before she got to me. To make me suffer even more.
Not this time. With a swift motion I leapt in front of Ichigo.
I've been going far away / And I seem to have become invisible / My feelings head towards darkness, but / it is only a mask.
"Take this!" I yelled. Claws struck roughly at me. Her breath stunk of decaying matter, and her voice set my ears on fire. I swung my arm and the injection device with as much force as I could muster. There was another ear-shattering scream as the Chimera reeled backwards, the needle deeply embedded into the center of her chest. Drops of blood splattered to the ground, but they weren't from her. It was my blood. I felt my legs getting weak, threatening to drop me. My mind fogged up and I stumbled.
I want you to know who I really am / I never thought I'd feel this way toward you / And if you ever need someone to come along / I will follow you and keep you strong.
Ichigo must have just realized what happened, as I heard her shaky voice faintly behind me, "Shirogane?"
I turned to look at her. Her face was a ghostly shade of white.
And every time I see your face / The oceans lead out to my heart / You make me wanna strain at the oars / And soon I can't see the shore...
Oh, I can't see the shore... / When will I see the shore..?
"I'm sorry, Ichigo... I... love you." My vision was cut off and I felt myself let go. I was falling. Falling into darkness. The last thing I remember was Ichigo's voice. She was screaming my name. Then the darkness consumed me.
Notes: Lyrics from Life is Like a Boat, the first BLEACH ending. It's a really pretty song.
A/N: Chapter 15, "Fairytale" is almost done, but I have to wait a while before I put it up. Gotta leave ya hangin', ya know? Don't hurt me... Anyways, I hope you liked it? The next chapter differs slightly, as it's told from Ichigo's point of view, because Ryou obviously can't tell the story at this point.