Hey:)

It's not long, I know. Sorry. Enjoy though.

Ichigo p.o.v.

I walked through the clearing, trying not to trip and seem graceful at the same time. I made it to the elder, and bowed my head. She nodded to me, and started the ceremony.

'Momomiya Ichigo,' the elder said with a grave voice. 'You are one among five who have been chosen to wield powers beyond your imagination. These powers have been given to you to protect the animal race as well as the human race.' She gave me a minute for that to sink in.

'Wait, the human race?' I asked, dumbfounded.

The elder nodded. 'Our race used to be friends with theirs. However, some of us grew corrupt, and the humans lost faith in us. Now they fear us because of the actions of some criminals.' she looked at me with a gentle smile. 'I know the humans have put you through many hardships, separating you from your family and torturing you. But it was because of their fear of us. You have already witnessed how forgiving the humans can be.' I thought of the family I had rescued from the burning house. 'And one human has helped you find us, even though it meant suffering serious consequences once he returns.' I looked around till my gaze caught Kishu's and we smiled at each other. 'I know you can forgive the humans, Ichigo. I see it in your eyes. I ask you to accept these powers we grant you. I ask you to restore the humans trust in us, by protecting them and us. I ask you to become a mew.'

The pendant around my neck began to pulse and emanated a warm glow. Soon enough my whole body was glowing with the same vibrant blue light as the day before. I wrapped the pendant in my fingers and accepted the power that it was trying to release.

'For the future of earth...' the words popped out of my mouth without my consent, but I didn't mind. This was how it was meant to be. 'I will serve!'

I walked through the tall bushes the next morning, a little drowsy from yesterday. Apparently, there were after parties after this kind of thing, and there had been a lot of dancing. Mostly with Kishu, because one, I didn't know any other boys in this tribe and two, well, you know, the whole in love thing. I blushed a little as I thought about how close me and Kishu had been yesterday. We hadn't said anything, just enjoyed each others company for as long as possible. Because today would be the last day we could.

I finally made it to the clearing where the van I had lived in the past month was parked. Kishu was there, loading some last minute supplies into the back. The sight of him preparing to leave brought tears to my eyes.

He noticed me hiding in the bushes after a little while, and smiled, beckoning me over. I walked over, trying to hold back tears.

'You look like a cat,' Kishu smiled as I stepped into his embrace. He traced the outline of my ears, and I shivered. 'They're soft.'

'I don't have to hide them here. And my mom washed them last night with some gross smelling stuff, so they feel extra soft.' my voice broke a few times saying these two sentences, and I reached a hand up to wipe away a few tears. Kishu rubbed my back soothingly.

'It's okay. I'm not dying or anything.'

'It feels like it.' I looked up into his eyes. 'I don't know if I'll ever see you again.'

'You can't get rid of me that easily,' he smiled down at me. 'I'll be watching too when you save more people from burning houses. And who knows, maybe you'll save me too once or twice.'

I shook my head, laughing through my tears. 'Wouldn't that put a dent in your manly pride?'

'I think I'll live.' he patted me on the head. 'I'll miss you, kitten.'

'Me too.' We slowly released each other, now only holding each others hands. 'Could you promise me something?'

'Anything.'

I bit my lip. 'You have to confess to the girl you're crushing on the moment you see her again.'

His smile wavered, but he nodded. 'I promise.'

'Good. Now go,' I said, releasing his hands. 'Your carriage awaits.'

Kishu grinned. 'Farewell, kitten. See you later.'

I watched as he got in the van, taking a few steps back when it started. He drove back slowly, then turned around. He waved one last time, and I waved back. I watched the van drive away, taking my heart with it.

'Don't forget me,' I whispered to the wind. I turned around and walked into the forest, without looking back.