Oh my goodness you will like this chapter. :D That's right, I'm THAT confident about it. I decided that this was long enough to be its own, despite my previously stated fact, so I hope you will bear with me as I now change this (PRESTO!) into its own chapter. Quick recap before you begin, Lettuce is making her escape with the help of Ryou. Pai, as he tries to protect his project back on earth, realizes this and hurries back to the ship. Both Kish and Ichigo notice this, and as Kish teleports back, Ichigo tags along through his portal unnoticed. Enjoy, I know you will!
Kish quickly teleported into the room meant for the bookworm mew where he assumed he'd find Lettuce.
And found that she was not there.
Kisshu's eyes darkened, the gears in his head whirling like crazy. This isn't good. "Pai, where'd you put the mew?" The door was open, and he quickly ran out to find where his friend had gone, his narrowed eyes searching the corridors. "Pai! Pai! Where are you!"
Xxx
When Ichigo had jumped into Kish's teleporting hole, she hadn't expected the terrible shock of cold that had hit. It was like the air was rippling around her. Then all at once it ended and Ichigo found herself falling into a completely strange room directly behind Kish. It was mere luck that she kept herself from making a sound and her cat reflexes had kicked in to aide her in landing silently.
She wasn't sure where she was, but it must have been his room, or one of the Cyniclons' living quarters. They have remarkably human like homes, I dunno, I was expecting something more strange… Argh! What am I thinking? I need to find Lettuce! The thought of her best friend being captured by the Cyniclons and her not being able to get to her in any way made Ichigo despair all the more. She gnawed at her lip in worry. Lettuce… She quickly ran to the door and looked out, but no one was there. Great going Ichigo. You ditched all your teammates and just used stupid Kish to get you to the Cyniclon mother ship with no real plan other than to save your best friend but having no clue where she is OR where the Cyniclons went! What am I supposed to do now?
Xxx
Pai had dropped into the training room to find it filled with water and shattered glass. No! Cursing he looked up to discover the viewing window to be broken through. She's already escaped! He flew up to the room to find more water and glass strewn across the floor, but otherwise nothing was damaged. Seeing no sign of the green mew, Pai headed for the doorway. She couldn't of gotten far, but with our ship the way it is, she'd sooner be lost than anything, with no hope but that scientist's guessing to guide her. He saw a blinking in his peripheral vision and turned to find the monitor screen reading DOWNLOAD COMPLETE. In an instant he was typing away at the computer until a file opened up showing what had been taken. He felt his gut sink further and his face pale as he scanned the too long list. I've completely underestimated the mew leader, blast that human! How could I have been taken so unawares? There's no time for this! I need to focus. He looked over the list again. Shirogane needed some of these probably in order to help Lettuce find a way off the ship, and if that's the case, there's no mistaking where he's leading her!
He hurried out the room and began to follow the same path Lettuce had taken only minutes before.
Xxx
Come on fingers, type faster! Ryou said to type where the letters G-I-B-Q-S-D and 5 normally are located and then hold down… hold down…! Lettuce frantically searched the keyboard. She didn't have much time left, and who knew if her friends were still safe, or if the Cyniclons had hurt them! Or just as bad, the aliens were on their way back to the ship even as she failed to find- The symbol that looks like a broken heart with two dashes through it! Right there! Retasu quickly pressed the button, opening three knew screens on the monitor.
"What's next Ryou?"
"There should be an upper right hand panel that's asking for a key phrase. I need you to type in the characters where V-J-A-A-K-Q would be on a regular keyboard. When a box opens on the center screen, type in the coordinates I told you earlier."
Lettuce acted as quickly as possible, but instead of opening on the center screen, another box popped up on the left side. "Ryou, it's not processing the correct data, what do you want me to do?"
She heard Ryou groan on the other end. This had already happened twice already. But she so nervous! If she didn't hurry… if Pai came back before she escaped…
"Alright, alright, don't panic. Press the far upper right symbol that looks like an eight with a slash through it, press it until the box you previously had shows up."
Calm down Retasu, calm down! You'll get out of here; you'll see your family again! Just keep your fingers steady. Doing just as he said she waited until the previous panel opened again and began to retype what he had instructed. This time the center box did appear. "It's open! I'm typing in the coordinates now, please repeat them."
"Great, the first one is…"
Lettuce did as she was told, her heart beating so fast she feared she might faint. Hold out for me a little longer girls, just a little bit more and I can see you again!
Xxx
Pai raced down the halls faster than ever before. How could I not have seen this outcome before? If Lettuce gets away this time- AH! "Kisshu!"
The cocky Cyniclon had teleported right in front of him. "Finally! What the heck is with you man? You left us fighting the whole mew team back there!"
Pai's eyebrows furrowed dangerously. "You fool! We've been played! The fight was a diversion so the Mew team creator could try and save Lettuce!" He turned to continue down the hall.
Kish's golden eyes widened in shock. "What! You mean the guy outwitted you? Boy, that must have been a blow to the ego."
Pai whirled on him dangerously. "KISSHU! I have put up with your idiotic banters and 'humor' long enough! Mew Lettuce has been all over this ship, think of everything that she could tell them if she escapes! All our chances of having the upper hand rest on that hostage's head!"
"So she's back to being a hostage now, not just 'Lettuce'?"
Pai barred his fangs at his comrade. "If you hadn't been up to your stupid pranks with that amphibian all this time, I never would have made such an error in judgment!" He hurried down the hallway. "We've wasted enough time as it is, are you going to help me or not?"
Kish caught up quickly. "And if we catch her?"
Pai stayed silent for a moment. "… then we do what is necessary."
Xxx
You're almost there Lettuce, keep going! Ryou ran his sweaty palm down his pant leg before quickly typing in more figures into his computer. All the data had been retrieved, but still he hadn't managed to help Mew Lettuce escape. I'm responsible for her! Please lady luck, smile on us just a few moments more…
"Ryou! Phase one is disrupted, Ryou!"
The mew scientist was so tense that he jumped at the sudden sound of Minnie Mew. He stared blankly at the monitor before realizing what had just been said. "What?" Ryou frantically connected with Masha. "What's going on over there Masha?"
"Minnie Mew can't find tall Cyniclon, and now mean green Cyniclon has left as well! Phase-one disrupted!"
No! Not now, of all times! Ryou tuned back into Lettuce. "Retasu, can you hear me?"
"Yes Ryou! I've just about placed the coordinates."
"Lettuce, listen to me, get out of there, the aliens have disappeared, they could appear at any moment!"
There was no mistaking her gasp of fear. "They're coming back?"
"Yes, just hurry and finish the coordinates."
"I'm almost done, just this last one…"
When Ryou found no sign that she had teleported, he waited a moment, his heart pounding. Then another moment. Then another.
And another.
And another.
"Lettuce! Answer me, Lettuce!"
Xxx
I've no time left! I need to leave, now! Retasu quickly typed the last coordinate and went to press the final key to her escape.
"Don't do it bookworm."
Lettuce gasped, her eyes widening as she turned around to find that time had run out. No!
Kisshu was walking towards her from across the room, his dragon swords at ready. He was grinning like always, but there was a hard glint to his eyes that sent shivers of fear running down the mew's spine. Worse yet, she could see that Pai was there as well. His face was void of all emotion as he watched her from the entrance.
Kish looked Lettuce straight in the eye. "You pulled a fast one on us. But nobody gave you permission to go home, did they?" He shook his head mockingly. "You couldn't just stay the meek little mew, could you?
"Lettuce! Answer me, Lettuce!"
Retasu's mind raced in growing panic. She was so close, so close to escaping! I still can! She looked down to where her hand hovered over the enter pad. All I need to do is press it, and I'm teleported out of here, I'm free!.
"Don't."
Lettuce looked up sharply at Pai, his voice making her heart flutter like a caged bird.
There was no emotion playing on the eldest Cyniclon's face. No anger, no hurt, no feeling at all. He gazed at her steadily, and Retasu noticed out of her peripheral vision Kish had stopped closing in and was watching the exchange. "If you press that key Mew Lettuce, you will not escape." Pai held her eyes captive with his deep grey ones. "Once you teleport, we can follow you in a heart-beat. Where is Ryou sending you? Your headquarters? We'll follow behind and destroy you there. Perhaps in the park? Where all those innocent people are gathered? No matter where you go, we will follow, and your actions will cause harm to many innocent bystanders."
A mask of horror swept over the mews delicate features as this realization dawned on her. He's telling the truth! No matter where I go, they can follow right behind with their machine and hurt anybody near me! What if Ryou does transport me to the café? What if the girls returned? We might have a fighting chance, but Ryou and Keiichiro would probably be harmed in the cross-fire! I… She hung her head in defeat. I can't seal the fate of innocent people; I don't want anyone hurt for my mistake of getting captured in the first place.
What could she do now? Knowing if she left she would endanger others? The only way I can escape… She felt her stomach sink in despair. The only chance I have would be to fight them myself and defeat them. Retasu didn't even allow herself to contemplate her chances, she already knew the answer.
Ryou was still trying to communicate with her, still trying so hard to help her in her hopeless state. "Lettuce, why haven't you teleported back yet? Lettuce!"
"Ryou," her voice cracked slightly. She wasn't going home, in fact, this was probably the last time she'd ever speak to Ryou, the man who she had secretly admired, ever again. "Ryou, I'm sorry for all the trouble I've caused."
"What are you doing? Teleport out of there! They'll kill you if you stay!"
Her eyes filled with tears. "Please, tell the girls, and my parents, tell them that I love them."
"No! Lettuce listen to me, you can escape, just press the button and get out!"
She shook her head sadly. "I'm sorry, forgive me, Ryou."
"Lettuce! Let-" Her fingers pressed lightly down on the key ending the communication signal. She had begun to tremble, tears rolling down her cheeks. This was it, this was the end.
"Wow." Kisshu smirked at the back of her head. "You're seriously too afraid to teleport away? Man, I was hoping I could thrash Blondie." He shrugged. "But I guess I should've expected this from the bookworm who has no confidence whatsoever. 'Ey, Mew Lettuce?"
Lettuce stopped trembling.
Is that all she was? The quiet mew? The frightened mew? The bookworm? The meek one? The one who held the team back? Who couldn't do anything correct? She clenched her fist. "You're right, Kisshu. I didn't teleport away when I could have." All at once she whirled around, her eyes flashing. "But it was never because I was too afraid to do so!"
Kisshu backed up slightly, surprised at the force of tone coming from the porpoise girl. "Woah, woah, take it down a notch."
She glared angrily at him, the tear trails visible on her cheeks. "I may not have confidence like Ichigo, nor have the same fighting ability as Zakuro, but I will never forsake my duty to saving the earth! I will not teleport back because I will not risk the lives of innocent beings that have no real way to defend themselves against you!" She placed her hand over her heart, fiercely willing them both to understand. "My friends, my family, they are what's most important. And I will not bring them closer to harm because of my mistake!" She drew the hand that was over her heart away to show the mew pendant nestled inside her palm, quickly bringing it to her lips. "Mew mew Lettuce, METAMORPHASIS!"
Xxx
When Pai had entered the room, his mind had registered two things. One; all the effort that Shirogane had gone through to save one of his team members was wasted. Two; this was the end, and though it was lucky she didn't escape to give even more knowledge to the enemy, he would now have to make good on his threat. Mew Lettuce had become a liability to taking over the earth and had to be taken care of, permanently.
When she had looked at him, his heart had actually wreathed in torture. The foolish thoughts and inconceivable hopes of her seeing him as something more than a Cyniclon, an enemy, even more than a friend were slashed into ribbons by the razor sharp blade of reality. Her frightened gaze and beseeching eyes messed with him, part of him even wanted to knock Kish away and let her escape! But he couldn't.
And he wouldn't.
His face remained an indecipherable mask, a relaxed façade of control. He had watched her eyes as they wandered down at her one-way to freedom, and then how they dimmed in defeat when he tore her down with more threats of innocent blood being shed because of her. When she turned away and shut out Ryou, part of him couldn't help but be surprised. She didn't flee? Sure, he meant it when he said they'd follow. But her life was in danger, at least if she teleported back to earth, there'd be some chance.
Were complete undeserving strangers really worth what she just sacrificed?
As Kish had started to taunt her, he could almost feel the sting of his words. Pai almost opened his mouth to tell him to be quiet. It was better to just end this nightmare quietly, why torture the poor girl further? (Or himself for that matter?)
But then Lettuce spoke. Not in fear, not in her wavering, unsure voice. Mew Lettuce whirled on them, her very gaze and tone commanding. Her every breath released the fire of passion she felt in her heart towards her duty. This was not the hostage Pai knew, this wasn't the weak and timid girl anymore.
She was Mew Lettuce.
Pai felt struck with awe he had never felt before. Lettuce had always been an exceptional example of humanity. But now Pai had to wonder how he had ever doubted her strength. Truly it was not outer strength, but inner.
She now looked to him, fully transformed into the elegant Mew Mew she was, her eyes holding a look of regret that Pai couldn't fathom, and maybe something more. Kish had already taken his fighting stance, a curved grin spreading on his face. Pai materialized his fan into his left hand. "Is this how it is to end then, Mew Lettuce?"
Her emerald eyes softened, and for a moment, it seemed as if she could see inside his very heart at the pain he was feeling for doing this. Then it was gone, her eyes hardening, ready for battle. "It is."
Pai nodded his head to her, lifting the fan above his head as it grew larger. "Ku Ryu Sen!"
Xxx
Lettuce had no time to consider the look she had seen in Pai's eyes a moment before. Once again she was battling the Cyniclons. And this time, there wasn't likely to be a good outcome. She dodged to the side of the attack, moving at a curve so she could still face both opponents at once.
If I can just keep them both in my line of vision, I might be able to make an attack wide enough- She gasped as Kish's fanged grin disappeared into thin air. Of course, I forgot the teleportation! But where-?
"Heads up Mew!"
Lettuce looked up just in time to see Kish diving down with his tonfas pointing with deadly accuracy at her. She dived out of the way of his attack just a split-second before his weapons hit right where her heart had been. That was too close. Sensing movement behind her she turned and found Pai about to hit her with another attack. Dodging to the right it safely hit out of her range. And so was that! I need to think of a strategy. Come on Lettuce, use your head!
Kisshu grinned in that maniac-like way when he started a battle. "Let's see if you can dodge this!" Kish ran in for an attack again, but this time Lettuce practiced dodging at close range and then throwing in a few swings and kicks of her own before jumping away. Pai never tried to get close, but waited for the right moment to throw a lightning attack her way. So Kisshu prefers close combat, while Pai is used to long-range. She cried out slightly as one of Kish's dragon swords grazed her back. Agh! I can't believe after all I've gone through a small attack like that could hurt! Her eyes widened in realization. No, wait! I can use this! If I wait for Pai's next attack… She jumped towards an opposing wall. Kisshu laughed at her. "Distance isn't going to help you mew!" He began to run towards her just as Pai sent another bolt at her. Her waiting payed off, and she quickly jumped up and over Kisshu towards the lightning. She moved to dodge it, but went a little too late and had the attack hit her in the shoulder. She cried out even louder than before, unable to contain the anguish settling over her. Ow ow OW OW OW! It hurts… so much! No, I have to use this opportunity, if I just angle my fall carefully… Retasu allowed her body to go limp and fall to the floor, not even cushioning the landing so nothing would give her away. Of course, this didn't much help reduce the pain. She stood up quickly, clutching her arm where she had been burned. Pai was looking right at her. Kish is coming back, soon he'll be close enough, just a little longer!
The purple haired Cyniclon now brought forth his second fan, his face set in stone as he positioned them. "Ku Ryu SEN!"
Now! Just as the lightning lashed out at Lettuce, she jumped as high as she was able and dodged to the side. Kish watched her jump up then looked on in astonishment as the attack meant for the mew came and hit him straight on. He cried out in pain as much as surprise when the hit sent him flying into the wall. Pai's composed face gaped in astonishment. Any other time the sight might have proven humorous to the green mew, but she could only feel the pang of guilt.
It's no use regretting, I need to finish it! Lettuce turned and aimed her castanets at Pai. He turned to see what she was about to do, his face going white. Despite herself, Lettuce felt her eyes beseeching his. I'm sorry Pai, if there was any other way… "Ribbon, Lettuce RUSH!"
Her signature move blasted into Pai and sent him careening into the far wall. However, he was not knocked out.
Lettuce fell to her knees gasping for breath. She had been counting on taking him out. She had used her strongest attack three times now in one day, half a day, less than an hour! Her next one probably wouldn't even be strong enough to push him over. How much longer could she push on? As long as it takes Lettuce, until you can't stand anymore. With an effort Lettuce forced herself to her feet.
Pai had recovered himself and had also stood; his stance weary, waiting for something. The stormy eyes stared into hers, and once again she felt helplessly entranced. "I will admit Mew Lettuce," he spoke with humble respect, "you took me completely by surprise. But don't forget, it's a two way strategy."
Just as he finished speaking she felt the air ripple behind her. No! I forgot about Kisshu! Before she could do anything she was shoved from behind towards Pai, who held his fans at ready. In one swift move he swept them down in front of him, creating a wind that picked Lettuce up again and threw her high into the air, swirling her in every direction.
Amidst the tumults Retasu was going through, she could see the wall on the far side of the room quickly coming up to embrace her. No! She blasted water from her castanets, but it only slowed her down a fraction due to the constant spinning. Hitting against the structure with her back and head, she fell the ground barely conscious. Ugh… no… I… I can't focus… Through her blurred vision and the spots dancing in her eyes she saw Pai and Kisshu approaching her. Have to… get up…
She heard Kish scoff as she struggled to raise herself. "Seriously? Pai just sent you blasting full force into a wall and you're still not giving up?" He bared his fangs in a menacing grin. "Even I have to give you credit. Too bad your team will never be able to appreciate this."
Retasu picked herself up into a kneeling position and brought her castanets up. I-I have to keep trying! "Ribbon, Lettuce –ahh!" In two swift movements, Kisshu had thrown his dragon swords and knocked both of her weapons out of her hands and out of her reach. Lettuce looked over to them in dismay, her last ditch effort lost for good. A shadow descended on her and she looked up to see them right in front of her.
Xxx
Kish glared down at her for a long moment, the wheels in his mind turning fast. He slowly moved out of the way for Pai. "You're the one who brought her and almost let her escape Pai, you finish her."
The eldest Cyniclon looked at him with temporary shock, but quickly covered it. "May I remind you that your antics were what caused the total outcome of this dilemma."
The green-haired alien's eyes looked at Pai with fuming challenge. "So I should kill her instead."
A long silence played out in the room, the noise of humming technology doing little to mask the tension. Kish could see out of the corner of his eye Lettuce's eyes searching, perhaps even desperately hoping. But then- "No, I will kill the hostage."
Kisshu's golden eyes glowed as the wheels in his head turned ever faster. He waved dramatically at the bruised and crumpled mew. "All yours." He moved back so the lightning shards couldn't bounce off the walls and hit him.
Xxx
Lettuce started to tremble as Pai walked the too few steps between them. Her head hung in shame. This was it. Her parents probably would never know what really happened to her. How could she be about to die? There was so much, so much left! She'd never attend college. Never take that nature hike she and her dad had been planning together. Never hear Pudding's laugh or Minto's complaining when her tea time was interrupted. She never got to say good-bye to Keiichiro, or see Zakuro's movie debut. She'd never go with Ichigo on a shopping spree or knit a new sweater with her mom again. She never even got to kiss a boy.
Lettuce watched his steps stop just short of where she was. He never wanted this either. It was a rather bold assumption, but something told Retasu that she was right. Because of me, he's hurting. If I had simply never fallen off the path, or even had been able to escape, Pai would have never had to be in this position. 'But you never would have gotten to know him then.' A small voice echoed faintly inside her.
"Mew Lettuce."
She looked up at him, wishing she had the courage to dash the tears from her eyes, but she was too afraid. Her breath caught slightly as she looked into his eyes. He looked so pained, so full remorse. "Pai," her voice broke as the tears flowed down again. He's hurting just as much as me. "Pai, I'm so sorry."
Xxx
He looked down at Mew Lettuce, her tears overflowing and running down her cheeks. Even broken and bruised she looked angelic, like a fragile flower. A flower that he would soon crush in his hand. "Pai," He felt her voice send a jolt through his body, her broken and scared voice like a physical hit. End this, now. Pai felt logic struggling to remain in control. End it quickly so she'll hurt only for a moment. It would be done, just one word, one gesture, and his problems ended. She looked up at him again, her emerald eyes blurred in the salty flow of water. "Pai, I'm so sorry."
It felt as if his heart stopped. Sorry? She's sorry? Why would she say something so ludicrous! His eyes widened in realization. Because I have to kill her? She's thinks she put me in this position? I'm about to end her life, and she's worried about how I feel? He felt self-loathing fill his throat like bile. But still, he could not alter his choice. The mew's fate was sealed. I am not Kisshu, I can't allow my feelings to get in the way of our mission. I must do what must be done.
"Mew Lettuce," he looked down on her sadly, "it is I who should be sorry. I don't blame you for trying to escape." He raised his fan. It has to be done. "Good-bye."
Xxx
Lettuce squeezed her eyes shut as he raised his weapon for his final attack. "Good-bye."
"Ribbon Strawberry SURPRISE!"
Retasu's eyes shot open in astonishment as Pai fell with a cry to the ground. It can't be… how…?
"You think you can get away with hurting my best friend? Like heck you can!" Ichigo dropped from the air and landed between Lettuce and the Cyniclons, her teeth clenched in fury. "There's only one way you're getting near Lettuce again, and that's over my dead body!"
YYYEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAHHHHHHH! Kick butt Ichigo! You rule! I must say, I think these cliff hangers are an addiction for me. ;) Till next time! :D ah, this was a good chapter… very fun to write.