Angel's Note: 1. hallo, been a while, ne? you missed me didnt you. ...no? whatever.
2. id like to point out that its 2: 05 am, im very tired, and im sure there are few mistakes here and there, but neh i was just too lazy to re-read and correct. =n=
3. this chapie is long. idk how that happened, i even lost track of time D8 *hence the 2: 05 am part*
4. the title is french for "let the show begin!"..or something. it was said by Kisshu in the french version of the show. i just happened to remember it even though its been like 6 years since i had watched it ._. i re-watched it in japanse recently though.
5. i thank the reviewers/favs. i know i shouldve mentioned that earlier but neh, too tired to change it now. =n=
6. dont you just love Kisshu's laugh? i love it. i really do.
7. *finally* have fun~
8. EDIT: so i was reading what i wrote and saw there was a sentence cut off. why? idk. i can SWEAR i wrote it correctly. =w= *irritated she had to leave bed to get her laptop*
Unexpected
Chapter five: Que le spectacle commence!
During the whole period, Ichigo couldn't help but to look back and forth checking on the alien. As much as she wanted to believe his sleeping form, she kept having the feeling he was going to disappear as soon as her attention gets diverted to create a Chimera Anima and try to take over the school. Well, that was what she thought in the beginning, but the idea of him not immediately attacking and attending the school officially; with the principal's affirmation -how did he even get that?- confused the girl. This time she lay her face on her palm and kept staring at the sleeping boy; his serene face, slow breathing and immobile figure, he was asleep. But—
Why can I not be convinced?
It wasn't as if she should be blamed; not every day you have your enemy this close to you without being in the middle of a fight. Not every day you have your enemy talking to you casually as if nothing of the previous had occurred. And of course, not every day you have your enemy sleeping this defenselessly in front of you as if there was no adversary whatsoever between you. How could he allow himself to let his guard down –if he was actually snoozing- knowing that there was a Mew-Mew two feet ahead of him? Didn't he really cherish his life? Or—
Does he not see me as a good of a threat to him? She thought narrowing her eyes. Was that why he didn't seem to care? It had to be it. Everything else didn't make sense. He knew, as long as she was at school, she couldn't transform. He knew she was harmless. Even as an invader, she couldn't believe he would go this low. Yet despite all that, in a small portion in the very back of her mind, that was impressive for her. Typical Kisshu. Always has something up his sleeve.
That jerk.
Ichigo made a resolution before facing the board and the teacher with his incoherent words. As much as she didn't want to have any kind of interaction between them, she had to talk to him, as soon as she gets the chance to, and try to find out as much as she can the reason behind his appearance there and why he wasn't making any move yet. His wayward nature would never tolerate that. Even if his intentions did not contain any harm, damage or even distress to any of the students around the school, he would still be a nuisance and cause trouble one way or another.
He just didn't belong there. And would never do.
He actually thought he would fit in? Hiding his ears would never hide his true identity and his sole purpose on earth. And a small treaty to maintain peace in this place would never modify it. He was still her enemy, and she was still his.
Yet in spite of all that, she couldn't make up her mind. She never, ever, imagined he would resort to such method. Personal life was usually off-limits. She would have to go to school normally every morning, get back to the café to work, fight off some Chimera Animas, then return to her house to sleep. That was her typical life style these days; her routine. And on days-off, she went out with her friends or Aoyama; only to be interrupted again by the aliens.
However, how her encounter with the alien came about today, without drawing on souls and weapons –yet- provoked reconsideration; it didn't occur to her at all how those aliens lived their own lives when they weren't in battles. As far as she knew, they were always planning things. As vicious and belligerent as they seemed to be during combat, they most likely weren't the same ordinarily between each other.
Yes, probably worse. She mused.
She wanted to believe that mere possibility. But she couldn't. Because the way Kisshu's head was nested between his arms on his desk, back slowly going up and down with every breath he took that caused his green locks next to his face to sway, even his little open mouth, these all did nothing but prove her theory wrong. In reality, everyone has a tender side, and just like his hood, he must be hiding his under his thick plies of presumptuous guile and imperiousness.
Time seemed to fly by as the bell was soon heard outside the class followed by the noise the instructor made while gathering his belongings –many many books and papers- and leaving the place. Ichigo looked around stunned; on one hand, usually it took torturing endless hours for a minute to pass, however in the last couple of days, that didn't seem to be a problem. The matter was, on the other hand, how was she supposed to decipher those meaningless marks filling the whole board? She would surely have to ask one of her friends to do so.
"That's so hard and confusing, ne? I didn't get a thing." Moe proceeded, turning towards the redhead. Seeing her friend shared the same clueless face, she continued before giving her the chance to do so. "I'm guessing you didn't too. I suppose we're gonna have to count on Mi-"
Moe was about to address to her brown-haired friend had she not been cut off by said-girl's distracted attention. Both girls turned their focus to meet Miwa's curious face illustrated by two considerably raised eyebrows at the sight behind her. Following her startled gaze, Moe mirrored her friend's reaction while Ichigo kept the dull face on after taking notice of -not in Ichigo's case- the sleeping alien.
"I-is...Kisshu-kun okay?" Miwa wondered out loud, not taking her eyes off the boy.
"He probably doesn't take things seriously and only came here to mess around." The cat-girl shrugged and replied, not really an answer to her question.
"Honestly Ichigo, just give the poor guy a break." Moe retorted, eyebrows furrowing. Before Ichigo could have the chance to argue, the sound of a heavy object meeting the surface of the teacher's desk attracted the attention of the girls –and the whole class- to the woman formally dressed before them with her grip still attached to her black case. Whines and complaints were slowly hushed until there was nothing heard in class but the non-stop ticking sound of the clock. Ichigo pouted and rubbed her temple with her fingers; she was in no mood for history. Who could like it anyways? It is so...yesterday. And she only cares about the future.
Aoyama-kun...
Aoyama's face flashed for a couple of seconds in the girl's head as her cheeks were slightly colored in pink. Her ponders were washed off as fast as they came to her after her teacher's remark.
"Who's that sleeping in my class?" She asked straightforwardly, tilting her head to the side and narrowing her eyes to get a better view of the sleeping student in the back. Everyone looked back and forth between the alien and the instructor; she was the kind of teachers that every student agreed on calling her strict and mean. Even for such an unnecessary matter as history –which she considered to be one of the most important ones; something Ichigo hadn't fathomed yet since it was no way it could be compared to math or science- the woman refused to have anyone degrading this subject or claiming it was a 'waste of time' since she took her job really seriously. And seeing someone sleeping in her class was definitely not placed in the top of her liking list.
Everyone remained silent, staring at one another waiting for someone to answer her question.
"You in the back, get up!" The woman raised her voice high enough to reach the back of the class. When the boy didn't budge, the student in front of him turned around and poked his shoulder a couple of times or even three to wake him up. And he succeeded. Kisshu's eyes –still closed- twitched as his lids shut even tighter trying to ignore the rude interruption of his slumber. When the poking didn't seem to have an end, he blinked several times before slowly opening his eyes a tiny fraction to take a look at his surroundings. And that was what made Ichigo, once again, begin to tense. Even if she wasn't reassured earlier about his posture, it was hell a lot better than having him lively awake now. Adding his expression; yeah that wasn't going to be pretty either. Apparently he was enjoying his little nap.
The redhead's grip around her charm was tightening by the second while watching every move the alien did. As far as she knew, Kisshu was mutinous and so didn't like being controlled or told what to do. Especially by a mere human. Was he going to do anything about it? If that was the case...
She watched as he propped himself up against the back of the chair, a yawn escaping his lips while stretching his arms casually ignoring everyone's surprised stares. Loosening his muscles and heaving a long heavy sigh, he took a glance around him, allowing a questioning look to form on his face that matched his classmates'. It was as if he didn't know what was going on, where he was or why everyone was staring right at him.
"What's your name?"
Kisshu was wondering for a split second who the owner of the voice was before leaning to the side to come face to face with a sulky woman. He raised his eyebrows at the sight before him and childishly pointed an index at himself, making sure this being was really addressing to him.
"Yes you. Stand up and remind me of your name." She commanded, crossing her arms and impatiently tapping her foot on the wooden floor.
Every single student was paying attention to the two persons making the scene that wasn't quite common in those classes. Takahashi sensei was fairly known for her stern behavior and harsh teaching methods between the students there. She had a passion in regimenting children. No one really seemed to oppose her or even argue for they knew it was futile. They just didn't care and went along with it. How unfortunate for the new guy, she was surely going to inflict some sort of punishment for 'disgracing her subject'.
Ichigo fixed her gaze on the alien. Among all the students who seemed to be interested in what was about to happen she was the only one who was quite worried about the outcome. Kisshu, on the other hand, didn't hang back in showing a frown that illustrated his irritation. Who did that human think she was talking to him like that?
"Ikisatashi Kisshu, old hag." He shot folding his arms as well.
The teacher, taken aback by his audacious reply, looked at the students only to see them suppressing a laugh, which aggravated her more and made her stand firm on her ground without losing her hostile seriousness.
"Don't underestimate the value of our history, kid! And such attitude will not be tolerated in my class! To the principal's office!" She shouted, losing control of her composure bit by bit.
"I already know your pathetic history, humans." He announced darkly stepping aside from his desk. "And I was already going anyways. I don't like your attitude either, you're so cranky. I'm going to have to talk with Eiji about this." The tips of his lips curved up in almost a smirk; something that wasn't quite visible or noticeable by the others. If it wasn't a trademark of his Ichigo would have missed it as well.
Kisshu placed his hands in his pockets and coolly walked towards the door, not bothering to turn around to check his classmates' amused faces for he knew that he had just called the principle by his first name and didn't really care. Their giggles only made him more and more pleased and gratified. Even for Ichigo, she couldn't restrain herself from forming a smile, even if it was faint, and trying to hide it with her fingers.
Confused by the boy's attire as soon as they caught her eyes, she frowned in concentration, barely pointing a finger at him in an attempt to recall what the principal had informed her earlier in the morning.
"Y-you're...the new student?" She hesitated while wording the statement that was not a question. "Sorry about that, Ikisatashi-san. I didn't know, I—"
"Mou whatever." He cut her off reaching for the doorknob and opening the door, amusement never leaving his face. "I'm just going out for fresh air."
Heh. Such an obediant old man.
His gesture brought Ichigo back from her bewilderment to reality. However, before he stepped out of the room, he looked towards Ichigo –who held his gaze- then winked, once again, and exited at once. That was when the redhead knew, he was indeed up to something, and now it was the time for it.
I have to go after him! He can't get out of my sight!
Working every cell in every muscle in her brain to come up with a fine logical excuse, she raised her hand high up in the air just enough for the anxious/nervous/confused teacher standing still before her to see.
"Sensei!" Ichigo shouted out of the blue, succeeding in catching the woman's eye whose answer was nothing but a simple "hm?". That was not just the teacher's reaction; all of the students shared the same perplexed look. Why on earth, would a teacher act like that and apologize for waking up a student during class? And Mrs. Takahashi out of them all? Had their minds not been so worked up by these facts they would have even heeded his little 'human' remark. Nevertheless, there were exceptions.
Gulping and trying to ignore everyone's stares, Ichigo took a deep breath.
"I really have to go to the bathroom." She announced getting on her feet, drawing up her legs even closer in an attempt to prove her point. She could almost feel the heat vaporizing the little droplets of sweat that made their way to her temple at her random request.
The question seemed to bring the instructor's brain back to its normal function for she was soon back to her old self and recovered from the unexpected misunderstanding that almost cost her her job. And possibly, life –but she did not know that and needn't to.
"You can hold it, Momomiya. I'm starting the lesson." She refused opening the book she had been holding and searching for a particular page.
"But-!"
Ichigo was not going to take a no as an answer. It was bad enough she had to humiliate herself in front of her classmates. It was not the first time she had to take such measures. She had made a lot of sacrifices for the sake of her stupid mission to confront their enemies. To save the planet. It was not something she could disregard or ignore. And she would not let a single woman stand in her way. Plus, she would not pass an opportunity like that; now was the perfect time to talk with him alone to at least try to glean anything out of the alien to obstruct whatever plan he had in mind. That was why she had to get to Kisshu before it was too late. Waiting was definitely not an option. And there was nothing that would stop her from going no—
"You're not going anywhere, Momomiya. Sit down."
Or maybe there was.
"Hai." It didn't take her a second thought to take her seat. She hung her head over her shoulders and exhaled in desperation.
o-o-o
kisshu made his way through the hallways at a crawl. His hands were still hidden in his pockets and, despite his previous amused state, his mind was absolutely distant from any of that. He didn't take his eyes off the floor as he walked past the classes into another hallway. Nothing could be heard in the area other than his slow light steps.
Rolling up the gate that connected the building to the back-park of the school, he pushed open the metal door and allowed the delightfully warm sunrays to brush his face and the autumnal breeze to caress his cheeks and hair. He looked around the deserted place, in search of something that he wasn't bound to know exactly the reason behind it. He descended the couple of stairs and headed towards the bench as soon as he spotted it, and flopped on the seat before heaving a sigh and letting his head fall back facing the sky.
"What should I do now, eeh. It's harder than I thought." He murmured to himself closing his eyes just in time to prevent the little particles of dust blown by the wind to hurt his eyes. As soon as he heard the once-swaying leaves rest gently on the ground, he re-opened them and looked up towards the window of a certain class, eyebrows furrowing in deep thought.
"I have to get Ichigo to come with me or Pai would never let it go for as long as I'm living."
Yes, he would not. That was his chance to show his competence and worthiness. He had to convince Ichigo somehow to join forces. She had very interesting powers. So much that maybe they could help with Deep Blue's awakening.
How could he make sure?
He had to bring her with him.
He sat up, resting his elbows on his knees and bringing his hand close to his face then rubbed his chin with his fingers. Although he was intensely contemplating what was ahead of him, he paid absolutely no focus at all.
"But," He whispered, his fingers pressing deeply into his palm
'Aoyama-kun, I'm so glad!
Oh Aoyama-kun!
You're so kind, Aoyama-kun!'
"...there's this problem of this Aoyama guy." He spoke his name ever so bitterly, a small "Che." escaped his lips.
The alien laid back again, his eyes following a certain puffy cloud. His face softened a bit at the serene scene in front of his eyes into an impassive one. Then, as if a magical radiating light bulb had appeared on top of his head, he expanded his eyes as realization hit him, and bit his lip thinking it through before talking himself into it.
"I-is it possible...could it possibly work..?"
At the idea that just popped in his head, his ears perked up in excitement, and his mood was immediately replaced by zealous, fervent hope. It was about time he starts with his plan, and if it successfully works, he won't be able to just prove his theory right, but also get his kitten to stop her snub and come along.
With his life goals being so close to materialize, he made his mouth to draw out in a wicked grin only to stop when it reached its maximum limit. It was soon followed by an evil yet childish laugh that completely occupied a good portion of time.
"This is going to be so much fun! Ahahaha!" He shrieked, grabbing his stomach which started to ache. Placing his hand on his forehead to calm himself down then extending his arms and legs in a stretch, he jumped on his feet and placed his hands on his waist looking around.
"I better hurry and proceed with my preparations." He spoke flying up in the air. Just before he disappeared to his other dimension, he paused and shook his head, causing his hood to fall back over his shoulders.
He wouldn't want Pai to ask about it.
o-o-o
C'mon! C'mon!
Ichigo was desperately looking up at the clock, counting the seconds till the end of her class and the beginning of the break. If stares could put holes in things, or set them on fire, she would have probably succeeded. She just hoped from the bottom of her heart that Kisshu didn't hurt anyone or take someone's soul. But since nothing could be heard from Masha –yet- she could say the world did not end yet.
It was only after the first ringing of the bell when she stood up pumping her fists in the air and shouting a "FINALLY!".
At her sudden cry, everyone turned their gazes towards her, including Moe, who stared at her oddly mumbling her name.
"Sorry guys, but I remembered I have something to do!" She apologized waving at her friends and leaving her seat to the door.
Both girls faced each other and shrugged. She must be hurrying to catch up with Aoyama again. However, that was not a look of eagerness or enthusiasm, heck, even nervousness, which she usually wore before meeting the boy. It was somewhat a look of...alarm? Concern? Real urgency? What could it possibly be? Why was she acting so weird today?
In fact, it was not just today. She was acting in such bizarre manner ever since the previous day. After she showed up late. After Kisshu had appeared.
Could there be a connection? Or was it just a coincidence?
They had to find out.
Ichigo sprinted her way between the students, failing at making it without hitting a couple of persons per hallway. She yelled Kisshu's name several times, hoping the alien would hear her and save the searching effort, when he made no sign of his presence anywhere, she bent down hands on her knees, in order to catch her breath.
I'm just going out for fresh air.
His voice replayed in her head.
Is it possible...?
The redhead straightened up, exasperation quite visible on her features. That was what she needed; work even in school. What had she ever done to deserve such thing?
Sigh.
She needed help.
As if someone had answered her silent prayers and sent her a sprinkle of help, something clicked in her brain.
"Masha, can you scan for aliens in here?" She asked following the fluff ball as it puffed bigger in the size of her face.
Fluttering its tiny wings eagerly for being asked for assistance, it replied, "Masha can! Masha can!"
And so Ichigo ran to one of the school doors, exiting the building to the park. Looking around in search of "green and brown", she descended the small steps without lifting her head off the students, examining each one with furrowed eyebrows. She walked a distance then stopped, turning to Masha who dismissed her hopes with a look of apology.
I guess he already left...
The cat-girl didn't know what to do. Even though part of her was totally relieved at the idea of Kisshu leaving, well, why wouldn't she be since he was nothing but a nuisance, another part was rather disappointed; she wanted to clear her doubts and talk him out of whatever stupid and immature thing he was pulling. Now she had to wait for tomorrow. She could have ended it right here, right now.
Ichigo was about to head back had she not heard a rustle behind her in the bushes. Raising an eyebrow at the unexpected noise, she stepped closer carefully in case of a sudden movement. Maybe she was mistaken. Maybe Kisshu had decided to come back after all.
Another wave of disappointment hit her as her guess was awfully wrong. As she bent down to examine the bush up-close, she was startled when a panicked squirrel jumped on top of her head and fled away in the opposite direction, causing her to fall flat on her butt.
I guess I'm being so paranoid that I started imagining things...Ichigo thought, a light chuckle somehow managed to lighten up her mood.
The girl stood up and dusted herself, ready to go back and meet up with her friends.
She turned around and—
"Ko-n'ni-chiwa, Ko-neko-chan~"
If it wasn't for her quick cat-reflexes, she would not have been able to avoid the most-likely-to-be-uncomfortable bump in the head. The girl was so stunned she could not prevent herself from gasping and trying to hide it with her hand as she stumbled backwards.
Kisshu's face -once close to such an extent- was grinning at her upside -down as he kept observing every move and motion the girl did.
"Ichigo! Alien! Alien!"
"A little too late you floating ball of pink." He mocked propelling the creature away.
"K-Kisshu!" Was what the girl managed to say, bewildered by his presence and the fact that he was flying on top of her upside-down. At her wavering, the alien could not help but lift his lips up in a wider smirk accompanied by his childish laugh.
"You were looking for me, weren't you, Koneko-chan? You needn't to worry about me!" He uttered taking out his hands from his pockets then crossing them behind his head.
The redhead, realizing what had just happened, immediately returned to her senses and looked around, afraid in case someone had seen the alien floating in mid-air. Wasn't he supposed to be a human student? Didn't he know what he had put himself into? Unless he intended to cause a tumult or some sort of chaos...
"W-what the hell do you think you're doing? Get down!" She ordered grabbing his clothes and pulling him down.
In spite of her fear from someone discovering his identity, she hesitated with her gesture. Why should she bother to worry about such ridiculous thing? Perhaps, it was better if people find out. Perhaps, she would not have to deal with all of that anymore. If any of the student council were to discover such unnatural being walking among the students, they would try their hardest to kick him out and keep him away. It was their duty to ensure the kids' safety after all.
It didn't take long for the alien to stand back upright on his feet. Ichigo was at loss of words; she didn't know which question she should start with. All those queries she had wandering in her mind, they all wanted to come out at once. An awkward silence reigned before Ichigo started to form her phrase.
"Wh...just what...you...what are you doing here? What do you want?" She spat desperately, fingers joining together in a fist.
Kisshu was taken aback by her query for he curved his eyebrows up questionably. Other than that, he didn't lose his cool. He only let his arm fall back to his side while the other rested on his hip. As hard as he tried to fake an aggravated face, he could not hide the trace of his customary smirk.
"I thought I told you that I'm here to-"
"Cut the lies, Kisshu! Give it up already!"
The alien only eyed the unstable-looking girl down impressively, not managing to control his amusement anymore for his lips immediately pulled back to the sneer Ichigo was used to see. His lips parted; prepared to give away his retort, but then stopped, as his eyes flickered for a millisecond to his side. His malicious grin was sickening.
"Fine, Ichigo! Stop begging I'll go out with you!"
.
.
.
Ichigo gave him a blank stare, repeating his words over and over in her head to make sure he had just said that. It wasn't that his answer was far away from the one she had expected, but the topic was completely off as well! Was he hallucinating? Did he become that crazy?
The redhead was about to inquire about it had a voice too familiar not cut her off.
"I-Ichigo...?"
Isn't that...?
The cat-girl turned to where she had heard the voice only to jump out of her place letting out an "EEEP." by surprise of seeing both her friends slowing their pace towards her. They were as shocked and confused as she was, but their astonishment was more important for they had obviously got the whole thing wrong just by looking at their faces. Exactly like how the alien wanted it to be.
Both Ichigo's friends were curiously watching the alien, nodding a silent greeting when he took notice. For Ichigo to ask some other guy out –other than Aoyama-kun for heaven's sake- only seemed unquestionably illogical! What could it be in that new student that made her change her mind all of a sudden? They turned their focus back to the redhead as soon as they heard their names.
"M-Moe...Miwa..." She stuttered, saliva suddenly becoming so hard to swallow. She wasted no time in thinking up of an excuse, but nothing appeared to be decent enough to believe.
"Are you...and...Iki–Kisshu-kun...?" Moe started but didn't need to continue.
This whole scene replayed in Ichigo's mind. It took her agonizing fifteen seconds of consideration before she understood it all. Before her eyes were shot wide open in disbelief.
Insert very loud gasp. "EEEH? He was just...I didn't...YOU GUYS UNDERSTOOD IT ALL WRONG I DID NOT ASK HIM OUT I SWEAR! HE MADE THAT UP! HONEST!" The girl panicked, moving all around them with her hands pressing against her skull. " ...tell them!" She finished addressing to Kisshu, whose demeanor was the absolute opposite of the girl. The redhead was almost certain she was at the point of a breakdown. She sent the alien diverse signs, gestures, anything to show her pleading of mercy to this one particular situation. He could torture her any other time he wanted.
Kisshu faced the girls waiting for his answer with an emotionless face that softened into a light chuckle.
"Ahah. Koneko-chan is right, I was just kidding!" He spoke ever so innocently holding out his index and middle finger in a peace sign.
Ichigo heaved a very large sigh of relief. It was as if her life was depending on it. Well, it did, in a way. Since all her life revolved around Aoyama. If she loses him, she might as well jump off a building. And as content as she was, she knew Kisshu would hold this thing against her forever. He would never let it go. She owed him.
"Oh, I see..." Miwa finally replied, smiling in understanding.
"Say...Kisshu-kun," Moe started, bringing a finger up next to her mouth. "...why do you call Ichigo "Koneko-chan"?"
Aforementioned girl got alarmed. She had to get him out of there. Or else...
"Eh? Isn't it obvious? It's 'cause she's—"
"AHAHAHA! I just remembered I still didn't show Kisshu around!" Ichigo interrupted shutting the green-haired boy's mouth with both her hands. She kept pushing him further and further until they were separated with the girls by considerable distance.
"I'll see you guys later!" She shouted disappearing with the boy in a corner. The girls were only left staring at nothing.
Right after they walked in a bypass Ichigo thought was isolated enough to talk some sense into the alien, she let out the breath she had been holding and calmed herself down, before looking up at the alien again with a furious face that Kisshu had never seen before.
"How can you be this inconsiderate! I can't believe you have gone this far you—!"
"Shh...just calm down Koneko-chan." He muttered, placing his index in the middle of his smirk.
"Calm down? CALM DOWN?! You almost exposed me as Mew Ichigo! You almost ruined my chance with Aoyama-kun! And you can't believe the anxiety you have caused me by just being here! Why should I actually calm down!?"
"Because, Koneko-chan," He answered rising slowly off the ground with his bangs hiding his eyes. "...the show is about to begin!" He snapped throwing his hands out in the air, progressively increasing the volume of his sinister laugh.
A loud explosion coming from behind the building soon followed his gesture.
review, it barely takes a minute but it makes me so happy. D: