Angel's Note: 1. okay, before you all kill me for my lateness, IM SO SORRY! i swear i had school exams, and uni exams..and and..it was all horrible! i really didnt have time! ;n;
2. I REALLY THANK ALL OF THE REVIEWERS. TuT they really really REALLY make me happy. and they motivate me into updating faster. i wasnt actually planning on submitting one any time soon cuz im really busy, but i managed to write this one because i didnt want to let you down! - so sorry if it was kinda bad-written. i really apologize! *1: 30 am*
Charlie'Rocker: IKR! i still cant believe it too! hes waaay better than him! im so glad were on the same page here. im also glad that i seemed to satisfy you by keeping them in character, im trying my best! :33
MigleA: yes, reviews DO make the writer happy. see? *points at self* IM SO HAPPY!
i thank everyone else who reviewed, i really love you guys. *w*
3. i wanna clarify that the stuff written in bold are what the Chimera Anima is saying. (you know, the few words it talks... thing. and yes, this chapie has a Chimera Anima) just so you wont get confused. :3
4. lets review on some japanese in case youre not that familiar with the vocab!
-iie: no.
-yappari: i knew it, as i thought.
-temee: insult. i wont be using any swear words in here. :3
-saa: well then, cmon. (the meaning used in here.)
-shikkari shite: hang in there. be steady.
-nanda: what.
-kuso: shiz. again, no swear words. xD
-yokatta: im so glad.
those are it i guess..owo
5. have fun!
Unexpected
Chapter six: compromise
Ichigo gasped and immediately turned around to face the location of the explosion that shook the grounds beneath her feet. Her eyes slowly widened at the sight of the thick gray smoke making its way to the sky, and coming all the way from the left side of the school building. A.k.a. the side which contained her classroom.
"Oh my god...Moe..! Miwa..!" The girl started, horrific thoughts beginning to form in her mind. "...Aoyama-kun!"
A mischievous laugh broke her thoughts as it escalated by the second.
"Ichigo! Chimera Anima! Chimera Anima!"
Ichigo looked back and stared at the alien with half shocked half disgusted eyes. She opened her mouth to yell, scold, anything insolent towards Kisshu's unforgivable actions. When her anger and urgency thwarted her from using any of her colorful words, she clenched her fists and spun on her heels completely ignoring the amused boy behind her who apparently found the whole situation "enjoyable". How could he aim at a bunch of innocent helpless students? How could he ever live with himself? It was true his goal was eliminating the humans...but still!
Ichigo ran back towards the building looking left and right in search of her friends and her lover between the panicked crowds escaping the place. Turning around the corner to the main gate, the redhead froze as her shock was taken to another level. She couldn't move her eyes off the creature standing still in front of her. It was huge; about four times her height. Its black and white plumage were thick and puffy, so much that feathers almost as much hair as she had scattered around the area without making it seem it lost any at all. And next to those feathers on the ground, several students lay unconscious as well. It appeared somewhat familiar, but she couldn't put her finger on it. Something was strange though. It looked like as if the Chimera Anima was searching for something with its abnormal-looking hands coming out of its ostrich-like body. It wasn't attacking anyone at all. It had its head into the building, into one of the classes to be precise. Its arms moved so quickly they were difficult to see, fumbling inside the room and throwing everything that didn't seem to be its target outside.
A familiar snicker made Ichigo furrow her eyebrows and turn around to meet its owner, only to get more aggravated when she saw him approach her casually with his hands in his pockets as if nothing was wrong at all.
"That's entertaining, ne?" Kisshu said gazing at the debris then up at his Chimera Anima.
The cat-girl clenched her teeth as she showed no hesitation in grabbing her pendant and holding it close to her chest.
"Oh we'll see how entertaining it is alright!"
Making sure the coast was clear from any unwanted person who might see her transform, she kissed her metamorphosis charm and held it up in the air as she yelled the following.
"Mew-Mew Strawberry! Metamor-"
"As if I'd let you ruin my plan yeah!"
And with a swift movement of his hand that hit Ichigo's wrist, he sent her pendant flying away from her and the girl was left shocked rubbing her sore hand with the other.
"Y-you..!" Ichigo started addressing to Kisshu, but then let it go in favor of running after her golden charm. Stumbling on her way over the rocks and stones, little relief took over her as she let out a victory smile at the sight of her belonging lying on the ground. She extended her arm towards it, a couple of meters separating her from the object, before—
Thump.
Ichigo didn't realize she had shut her eyes until she opened them again, figuring out the reason of the sudden pain all over her body. She tried standing up but alas, her endeavor failed big time.
"Get off of me! Let go! L-let...g-go..!" Ichigo shouted, moving in all directions in an attempt to shake the guy off her back.
"Never!" Kisshu shouted, fixing his grip around the girl's waist to prevent her from going any further.
Trying as hard as she can to suppress the pain, Ichigo extended her hand to reach her pendant four feet ahead of her. She dug her nails into the ground and began pushing herself forward, only to be impeded by Kisshu's weight on her.
"L-let..me..go!" She shouted, kicking the alien down in his stomach.
The green-haired boy grunted in pain as his hand wrapped itself around his sore stomach. Ichigo took advantage of his situation and crawled closer to her charm. Centimeters separating it from her fingers, tears of joy almost escaped her eyes at her victory; all she needed was to transform and everything could be over. She also gets to kick Kisshu's derriere for everything he had caused her lately.
"What! Blue panties? I always thought they would be pink!"
The redhead stopped in her way and raised her eyebrows. What was Kisshu talking about now?
She looked back towards the alien lying on the ground behind her. She gave him a confused look before taking notice of his line of vision. Other words; where he was staring at.
"E-EEEHHHHHH" Ichigo cried, immediately shifting her position from lying on her stomach to her back. "...YOU PERV!" She pulled her skirt down to a lower level and gave him multiple kicks that intended to reach his face, however he was able to dodge them easily.
Kisshu's smirk widened when he sat on his knees on top of her and pinned her to the ground. He chuckled in amusement when he came face to face with Ichigo's red visage that almost matched her hair.
"Soon we'll be together, Ichigo." The alien whispered, his eyes –once so fierce and menacing- softening in a warm gaze.
Under his firm grip, Ichigo was avoiding the would-be-awkward eye contact with the boy who seemed to scare her bit by bit. She couldn't waste any more time, she had to save her classmates from that creature, she had to transform, if only Kisshu would get out of the way!
Kisshu grabbed the girl's chin and stared at her for while. He started leaning closer afterwards.
"Iieee!" Ichigo exclaimed slapping his hand away and shutting her eyes, as if that would erase the horrible image in front of her. Loud cries escaped her mouth as his hand re-took its place around her wrist and his fingers tightened strictly around them.
Struggling to get out of the alien's grip, the redhead saw something –someone- moving out of the corner of her eye.
"Please Kisshu get off ! G-get...off..." The cat-girl's whines and complaints were hushed down at the scene before her.
"Hang in there! I got you!" The person said from afar, aiding an injured student stand up while using his shoulder to support his arm. "Don't worry you're gonna be okay!"
Ichigo watched as her lover walked the tired student and helped him sit down on a nearby bench far from the monster. She saw him run back again towards the other couple of students, and didn't miss the earnestness in his features mixed with worry and concern.
Oh Aoyama-kun, it's too dangerous, why won't you run away and save yourself?
"Aoyama-kun..." Ichigo whispered simmering down.
You're the most caring person I know...you always choose others before yourself, yappari you are the most perfect person I know! And I love you so much...
As much as Ichigo was scared and concerned about her crush from being involved and getting harmed, she let out a kind smile. Something she got used to do around Aoyama. Nothing he had ever done upset or bothered her. It was always the best of times when it included him.
Kisshu noted the change of behavior in the girl beneath him. Did she give up that fast?
The alien tilted his head in confusion and gazed at his love for a second. At this very moment he couldn't explain the complacence and happiness that filled every bit of his body. He never thought he would be this relieved and satisfied; now that Ichigo was on his side everything was so much easier, rescuing his people was surely more possible now!
The green-haired boy laughed in felicity. He opened his mouth to say something, but got perturbed when he took notice of Ichigo's distracted gaze. Following her stare, his mouth dropped after seeing what he had seen.
There he was.
The one he hated the most.
The one because of whom his plans were failing.
His contentment got crushed by the heavy weight of wrath and fury. His mouth once curved in a delightful smile was replaced by raged lips that hid half of his clenched teeth. Why did he have to appear now? Why him?
"Temee..." Kisshu murmured, fists shivering by his side. He took a deep breath to calm himself down, for this human was totally not worthy of his pique.
"But it's okay..." He began, a faded smirk taking the place of his frown. "...because I was ready for this! SAA CHIMERA ANIMA!"
The shout couldn't be missed by Masaya who looked up from the guy he just helped then around in search of the source of the sound.
Aoyama. Aoyama.
Ichigo couldn't miss the bird-like creature taking its head out of the building then standing still examining the area.
Aoyama. Aoyama.
Perceiving the human in front of it, the Chimera Anima charged towards him, unknown to Aoyama what was behind him.
"AOYAMA-KUUUN!"
That voice...Aoyama thought.
"Momomiya-san?" Masaya asked catching Ichigo's eyes.
For the whole couple of seconds when they acknowledged each other's presence, the dark-haired boy was wondering why Ichigo had this terrified look in her eyes, and wait, was that Kisshu on top of her!?
Ichigo...I have to protect Ichigo...
Aoyama intended to walk towards the redhead, but things didn't go the way he thought it would.
Aoyamaaaaa.
With a blink of an eye, Masaya was no longer standing on his feet for he was now flying in mid-air.
"WOAAHHHH." The boy screamed, terrified from the long distance separating him from the ground.
"AOYAMA-KUN! I'M COM—!" Ichigo turned her gaze back towards the alien, only to find him missing.
"That's so fun, ne Ichigo?" His playful voice answered her wonders and she looked back; back at the alien standing on his ground with her charm being thrown in the air then caught with his hand as if to taunt her.
Ichigo stood up at once and glared at him with a look that didn't show any threat but complete concern and urgency.
"Give me my pendant back Kisshu! I..I have to save Aoyama-kun!" The cat-girl ordered, closing the distance between them.
"Why should I? I already went through the trouble of making this Chimera Anima, even though it helped me get rid of that hag!" The alien replied, pointing a thumb behind him then breaking into hysterical laughter.
Ichigo side-stepped and took a look behind him in the bushes. She gasped when she saw the familiar face and formal clothes of no other than her history teacher.
"K-Kisshu! You...! You said you wouldn't hurt anyone!" Ichigo yelled, looking back and forth between the alien and her lover to check up on his wellbeing.
"Mou Ichigo! That was yesterday! You didn't think I meant that for ever did you? Oh you silly Koneko-chan!" He made a cute face at the end of his talk, which made Ichigo more and more aggravated. "...well I better catch my first seat to the show! Jaa Ichigo! Hahaha!"
"No wait!" The redhead tried catching the alien before he disappears, but she was too late.
"Kisshu? Kisshu!? Kisshu!"
A pained scream reverberated through the place, and Ichigo found herself lost as for what to do. What was she supposed to do now? She couldn't transform, how could she help Aoyama?
The redhead bit her lip and dashed towards the creature. She had absolutely no idea what she was doing, but she had to do something to save him.
Another scream escaped the poor human's lips as the monster pressed against his body even tighter, and Ichigo's heart was torn to pieces.
"Aoyama-kun! Shikkari shite! Aoyama-kun! Aoyama-kun!"
She looked around her, searching for any object that could be used as a weapon. When she found none, she began picking up rocks then throwing them at the creature. She had to distract it to make it let Aoyama go since she couldn't do anything to get rid of it. It was all in the other Mews' hands.
"Do you actually think that'll work Ichigo?" His amused voice popped out of nowhere however Ichigo couldn't identify his location. "...give it up! You'll get over it! He has no chance of surviving anyways, hahaha!"
Ichigo's lips started to tremble as all her attempts at suppressing the tears were failing. She took a deep breath to settle her composure and tried again, this time all the way while calling out his name. He wouldn't die on her right? That wasn't the way her love story was going to end...right? She will save him in the end. One way or another...she will. She always saves people, he had to survive...
"Run..away..Momomiya..san.." Masaya managed to whisper through his smiling lips. His eyes soon closed afterwards. Seeing that made Ichigo incapable of holding the tears in anymore.
"Aoyama-kun? Aoyama-kun?! AOYAMA-KUN!"
Aoyama?
When no answer was received, the girl fell on her knees tears running down her cheeks.
"K-Kisshu! Where are you?! PLEASE! Save him! Don't take him from me! I beg you!"
Kisshu clutched his fists tighter.
"Saa finish him off, Chimera Anima!"
"NO! Aoyama-kun! AOYAMA-KUUUN!"
Aoyama. Aoyama.
Aoyama's body falling nimbly to the ground was unexpected to Ichigo. She gasped when she saw him meet the ground, however she felt a mountain get off her chest after hearing his continuous coughs. He was still alive.
"N-nanda..?!" Kisshu exclaimed, appearing ten meters away from the twosome. "What the hell's wrong with..?!"
Aoyamaaa.
Had she not been so occupied with Aoyama's safety she could have easily dodged the monster's fingers reaching for her. Instead, she found herself in the merciless grip of the creature getting pulled away from Masaya towards whom her arms were fully extended.
"AAAHHHHH."
Aoyama! Aoyama!
"You piece of..!" Kisshu shouted taking a step closer with a fist raised next to his face. "...that's not Aoyama you tard!"
The alien was ready to fly to command his monster, if voices didn't interrupt him from doing so.
"Aoyama-kun!"
"Someone help him!"
"Aoyama!"
"Momomiya-san!"
"Oh my god!"
The green-haired boy hesitated for a moment. A lot of students were gathering behind him panicking at the matter, while others just stood there and watched.
"Kusoo..!" Kisshu cursed under his breath.
What made things even worse for him was the guy whom he intended to kill getting up and propping himself on his elbows.
"M-Momomiya-san? Momomiya-san!" He yelled, pain compelling him to fail his attempt of getting up.
"The hell made you think that I'd let you save her temee!"
Kisshu was about to summon his swords, if he wasn't quickly reminded of the human crowd watching behind him. He was supposed to be one himself. If he wished to stay with Ichigo in that school, he couldn't blow his cover.
"KUSO!"
The alien looked around, scanning the place for any decent weapon. His eyes landed on a bamboo sword, which was more than enough to ask for. He snatched the shinai from the student's hand ignoring his complaints and charged towards the monster, without forgetting to send a death glare to Aoyama when passing next to him.
"Hang in there Ichigo! I won't let it hurt you!"
The alien succeeded in landing several hits and kicks on the Chimera Anima's long legs. Finally losing its balance, the creature let Ichigo go from its grip and fell backwards, smashing a couple of cars and a tree on the way.
"Aaaaahhh!" The redhead screamed closing her eyes while falling down.
"Don't worry I got you!"
Thump.
The cat-girl hesitantly opened her eyes to come face to face with a grinning, satisfied Kisshu.
"No need to thank me, Koneko-chan!" He teased, his innocent face not prospering in fooling the young girl.
"You—!"
Ichigo opened her mouth to scold him and pushed him away to get down, but everyone gathering around them in a circle made her stop in her way. Both human girl and alien boy looked from one student to another, cheers and applause occupying their mouths and hands.
"Great job dude!"
"You saved Momomiya-san!"
"You did it!"
"You're the man!"
To say Kisshu wasn't taken aback by all of the compliments would be a complete lie. The surprising part about it, would be Kisshu actually enjoying it. He laughed at the crowd, nodding in approval at everything they said. He even held Ichigo tightly and rose her a bit high up in the air as if she was the golden trophy of his victory.
"Thank you, thank you, that was nothing, really!" He replied, arrogance sickening the redhead to the bone. She pushed herself up and freed herself from his grip, making her way through the large groups of students enclosing them.
"Ribbon, Minto Echo!"
"Ribbon, Lettuce Rush!"
Ichigo turned to where the alien monster was once lying only to see it vanish letting out "Aoyamaaaaaa" behind worried looking Minto and Lettuce. The girls, still in their Mew-Mew form, ran towards Ichigo who sighed in relief at the sight of her comrades.
"Ichigo! Are you okay?!" Minto queried, checking her up and down for any cuts or injuries.
"Shirogane-san informed us there was a transformation signal that was cut off. And why are your eyes this red? What happened?" It was Lettuce's turn to question.
"I'm fine, I'm fine, thanks guys! It was just—"
"ICHIGO!"
Aforementioned girl turned around to get pulled in a tight hug by one of her best friends.
"I thought I was never gonna see you again Ichigo!" Moe cried, staining the redhead's uniform with her tears.
The cat-girl giggled at her friend. "I'm fine..Moe..I really am." She patted her back, nodding at the Mew-Mews a silent "I'll-talk-to-you-later-you-should-leave-now".
Minto and Lettuce nodded at each other in their turn, then took one last glance at Ichigo before taking their leave.
"Don't ever scare us like that!" Miwa scolded, pulling Ichigo in another hug.
"Eheh...I guess I always have bad luck, ne?" She tried joking around, however she immediately got reminded of a matter. "Where's Aoyama-kun? He did make it right?!" She asked running to where he was last seen.
"Don't worry Ichigo! They took him to the hospital, they said he's gonna be okay!" Miwa answered, a smile lifting her lips.
"Oh, yokatta..." Momomiya sighed placing her hand on her heart. She couldn't describe how relieved she was knowing that Masaya was okay and he wasn't badly injured, which, if it was the case, would have made her go on a rampage.
"I think you should go home and rest for now Ichigo, you've gone through enough for one day..." Miwa suggested, placing a hand on her shoulder.
The redhead stared at the spot Aoyama was once lying on then nodded, faking a smile to her besties and giving them one last hug.
"I'll talk to you guys tomorrow then alright? Jaa ne!" She said lifting her hand in a wave.
Both girls waved back and headed their way, turning to check up on Ichigo few seconds afterwards.
"Poor girl, I hope she's really okay..." Miwa started, a look of concern replacing her usual smiley face.
"I know...not every day you get caught by a monster like that...that must have been terrifying for her!"
If only they knew.
o-o-o
Unlike her mundane walks, this time Ichigo could barely be considered walking. She kept stopping in her place every five seconds to make up her mind, which apparently was a hard task. She still couldn't believe it, how close she was about to lose Aoyama. She barely fathomed how the monster had let him go and he was able to make it in the first place. The girl should have expected that. Why didn't she? She swore she wouldn't be letting her guard down. But it wasn't as if she did let her guard now, she knew something was up, nevertheless she never considered it would be after Aoyama.
Gome ne, Aoyama-kun, this was my entire fault and I dragged you with me...
Ichigo rubbed her eyes to prevent the tears from falling. All she did was causing him pain. How could she ever be a good girlfriend?
Again, it wasn't as if she had the choice. Plus, it was that alien's entire fault anyways.
"UGH that Kisshu!" Ichigo yelled rising her fist. "...next time I see him I'll—!"
"Thank me for saving you from that monster of doom? No need to honey I'm always there for you!" The boy appeared next to her putting his arm around her shoulders. "But if you do insist on recompensing me I do have an ide-"
"You..!" Ichigo shouted vigorously moving his arm away. "...unless you wanna have your butt kicked you better—!"
"What? Leave you be? Jee that's not very nice of you Ichigo." The alien faked a heartbreaking face, which, of course, the girl did not believe.
"Oh, because attacking my school and Aoyama-kun was nice at all?!" She stepped in front of him and slammed her foot on the ground, something that made Kisshu take a step back.
"I love you Ichigo and I want to be with you." His face darkened as well matching Ichigo's face.
"Okay, so far, I was really being nice! but now, that's it! Leave me be or else I'll make you!"
Kisshu snorted. "I don't think you can without this." He smirked taking out her pendant and holding it in front of her with his two fingers for her to see.
"Give me that!" The redhead said going for the charm that got held up high out of her reach.
"Not until you promise you won't keep trying to kick me out of the school and treat me like a friend!"
"What?! And repeat today's incident? No way!" The girl tip-toed and jumped higher, she still couldn't make it. "You'll only gonna cause trouble! Embarrass me! Worry me! Expose me! I seriously don't have to go through any—"
"I'll stop." Kisshu interrupted, voice flat and determined. "I promise I won't attack anyone while I'm on the school grounds. And I promise I won't expose your identity."
Ichigo was taken aback by the alien's words. She never really considered he would say such thing, not that it mattered.
Aoyama-kun...
"No way!"
The alien sighed in exasperation. He snapped his fingers and her charm disappeared, which made Ichigo take a step back.
"Fine then, you better go make another one of those. And think of a way to stop me from coming every single day and make a new Chimera Anima that will follow your precious little Aoyama—"
"Don't you dare touching him!"
"You wanna bet, Ichigo?"
Silence.
Silence followed after that.
At that very moment, Ichigo wished she could stab herself to death and end this tormenting nightmare. She hated it. She really really hated it. After figuring out Ichigo's only weakness, he had already won, and she couldn't do anything about it.
"Fine." The redhead murmured. Her voice was so low even Kisshu's long ears couldn't detect it.
"What?"
"I SAID FINE. WHATEVER. As long as you keep your promise! And not embarrass me in front of Aoyama-kun or try anything suspicious!"
"What? No wa—" Kisshu was about to object, if Ichigo's glare wasn't as threatening as ever. "Fine. Then you have to keep it a secret, which means, none of the other Mew-Mews should know. I'm not in the mood for a fight every day. And even though I'm giving you your pendant, you must not try anything against me. If you break one of those rules, the deal's off and I get to kill whoever I want. "
Even though it was not specified, the cat-girl knew whom he was talking about.
"FINE!" She shouted, turning back to her way.
Okay, calm down Ichigo, it's not that bad, you can take care of it, as long as Aoyama-kun is safe. Yes, you can do it. You...can do it...
Said-girl took a deep breath then exhaled, clearing out her mind from all the negative thoughts. She raised an eyebrow at the sound of footsteps behind her, which made her look back to see none other than the alien boy himself.
"WHAT?" She asked/yelled. A vein popped out of her forehead.
"What do you mean "what?" koneko-chan? As your new good classmate, I get to walk you home!" Kisshu exclaimed hugging her from behind. Ichigo's eyes widened.
dont you wanna know whats gonna happen in school now that Kisshu is there with Ichigo's satisfaction? REVIEW! XDD im really starting to get ideas for this fic im loving it. ;DD