Chapter 9: The Meeting
"Alright, as I'm sure most of you are aware, things didn't quite go as planned." Ryou announced to the group assembled before him, opening the meeting he had called. He tried to gaze boldly at them as he usually did, but Ryou found himself unable to meet the eyes of any one of them. "I was unable to find any fully compatible people, only two that were semi-compatible. I took a risk, and well…the results are here. Rika," Ryou continued with a nod in the goat's direction, "has been overtaken by the goat's DNA. I will see what I can do to reverse it." Here he paused to inhale deeply. "Now Nausicaa…Nausicaa is fighting her infusion. She is not a Mew, because she has no power over when she transforms. For now, she remains in control, which is why she appears human. However, the bear DNA is bound to win over eventually, judging by the rate her body is weakening. Nausicaa cannot hold it back forever, and I don't know what will happen when it does take control of her. One thing is certain: we must watch her carefully. Nausicaa will remain with us until a cure is discovered. You are dismissed."
Lettuce waited until everyone had left, then walked slowly up to Ryou. "Um…Ryou...I would like to talk with you." He seemed slightly surprised, but nodded and motioned for her to go on. "What happened with Rikai and Nausicaa…it wasn't your fault. Some things just happen that way and someone ends up taking responsibility for them, and feeling horrible about it. That person…used to be me. I used to feel like…like I was clumsy, like I wasn't smart, like I couldn't do anything right. But…what I didn't notice…is that I really was trying my best. Remember that time on the cruise ship? You made me see that it was useless to take responsibility for things I hadn't done so take some of your own advice, and have more confidence. You've earned it."
Ryou's stressed expression lightened, and a slow smile overtook his mouth. Lettuce sure had changed from the girl she had once been. "Thanks lettuce. In fact, there's something I would like to show you." He then fished a small device out of his pocket. It was round, with five vials set in its surface. Each was colored in coordination to the garment which it's mew wore when transformed, and held a miniature version of the girl's endangered species surrounded by liquid. A small, round white handle sprang up from its center, attached to a tube. On the bottom was a thin white lid which could be slid to one side for vials to be inserted.
"This device allows you to transform into your infused species. Unlike Ichigo's black cat form, you are much stronger, and will turn into the actual species." He explained. Lettuce couldn't help but think of Rika, stuck in a form she couldn't communicate from. As though he had heard her thoughts, Ryou reassured her. "Oh, you'll be able to transform out at will." Lettuce wasn't completely placated, but it did help to assuage her fears a bit.
"What are we using it for?"
Ryou glanced at the clock. "As for that, I'll hold a meeting and explain it to everyone tomorrow. You should go home." Lettuce nodded.
"Thanks Ryou." With that, she turned and left the café. Ryou stalled, watching her exit, then stood for a moment gazing at the strange device. His eyebrows narrowed as he scrutinized it. Was it ready for use after all? What if he brought on another disaster, and instead of giving the Mews a new weapon, turned them all into animals permanently and eliminated all hope? Lettuce's words drifted back to his mind. What if he hurt her somehow with his experiments? He could never live with himself if he did. "I need to do more work." Ryou remarked to himself, and walked back to the lab to check it for flaws again.