A/N:Thank you for reviewing and for the hate mail! I love you too! And sorry to leave you hanging but I kinda have an agenda to attend to. I managed to update I think 3 of my stories in one day. And my mom made me get off the computer. Please dont hate me. Enjoy! And please review!

Disclaimer: I do not own Tokyo Mew Mew or any of its characters.

"C-cursed?" he asked. Pai nodded solemnly.

"It has passed down from generation to generation of young aliens. It does not attack only a single clan. It chooses aliens completely at random. And it always strikes in the time from birth to age 15. Never any later than 15. Our people live in fear of catching it."

Tart remained silent, but nodded for him to continue.

"There...have been researchers on our planet, looking for a cure. They thought they had found it. You were their first test subject. It seemed to work. But now I can see that it failed."

Taruto finally unfroze, regaining feeling in his body. "What does it do? How does it start? Am I going to die?" Pai motioned towards the nearest chair.

"Sit down. This might take a while." He sat down reluctantly and and fidgeted in his chair.

"Okay. Now explain." Pai sat across from him and seemed to struggle with his wording.

"It starts almost immediately after birth. The only noticeable sign is the strange orange glow surrounding the child like an aura. It fades after a few days. It shows no other effects for a while after that. And it is not contagious. But as the child grows, they develop a great power."

"Isn't that good, though?" he asked. Pai shook his head.

"Normally, yes. But under these circumstances, no. The power is triggered by intense emotions, which is why yours showed when you got defensive around Pudding's fiance. The only problem with this power is that it seeps into your mind, takes over and eventually consumes you. No alien has ever been able to overcome it."

He hesitated for a minute before continuing.

"W-we usually...destroy them. Before they go mad with power. I'm sorry, Taruto. I thought you had been cured. I never thought this would happen. Believe me, I will do anything I can to help. Although there is no guarantee."

He refused to meet Tart's gaze, instead studying the table's surface.

"I-I'll get through this. I have to. For Pudding. I can't leave her alone now. Not when her siblings are gone. Pai, you have to promise me something."

Pai glanced up quickly. "Anything."

"If this curse consumes me, take care of Pudding for me. A-and, if things come to the worst-" He took a deep breath. "-I want you to end it. Quickly if you can. But I want you to do it. No one else. Promise me."

"Taruto, are you sure?"

Tart closed his eyes and inhaled slowly.

"Yes. Pai, I want you to kill me if this curse consumes me and I go mad. Promise me. Now." He looked uncertain at first, but finally nodded.

"I promise." Tart nodded.

"Good. Thank you. Is there anything else we can do in the meantime?" Pai stood and walked over to one of his work tables. He traced a symbol on the surface and a section popped up, revealing a small compartment. Inside was small vial of purple liquid. He pulled it out and handed it to Tart.

"This will supress the effects for a while. Take it only when you absolutely need it."

"Alright. Thanks. One more thing."

"Yes?"

"Don't tell Kisshu. He's already suffering enough because of the old hag. I have a feeling this would only make it worse."

"Yes, I know. I won't say a word. Come back tomorrow. Meanwhile, I shall search for a cure."

He nodded. "You know where to find me if anything comes up." He walked back to his room to grab a few things. He was rummaging through his closet when he heard a noise. Tart turned to see Kish standing in the doorway.

"Leaving so soon?"

"Yeah. I just came to talk to Pai about something." He went back to lookig through his closet.

"About what?"

"Nothing important."

"Your health isn't important?"

Taruto slammed the closet door and leaned back against it.

"You were eavesdropping."

"Our rooms aren't exactly soundproof."

He sighed. "Fine. Im cursed. Now what? Are you gonna dance around me in circles? It's not gonna make me any better."

Kish seemed to ponder that for a moment. "I want to help. But I'm not dancing. Listen. This curse has been around forever. There are myths that say it can be transferred from one alien to another. I want to try it."

The younger alien shook his head. "No. I'm not letting you. No matter how depressed you are. Besides, Pai's already looking for a cure."

"And if he can't find one? What're you going to do?"

"Take it like a man. You taught me that. Remember?"

Kish nodded. "At least let me try it. You're still young. And you have Pudding to worry about. Come on. I have nothing to live for anymore. Ichigo's happy with Masaya. And I serve no purpose. Plus there's a chance it'll go away all together. I am 18. Well past the age the curse stops striking."

He looked at him pleadingly. Tart sighed. "Wait here." He teleported back to Cafe Mew Mew to find Ichigo still in the kitchen, 5 empty plates on the table and a 6th in front of her. He crossed his arms and levitated slightly above the table.

"Think about what I said yet?" She looked up and glared at him but stayed silent. "Because if you have anything to say, you should say it now. He's waiting. What's with the plates?"

She pushed her plate aside. "I broke up with Masaya. Decided to give Kish a chance, you know? I have been a real witch to him." Ths is what he'd been hoping for.

He looked at her. "...You did all that. In the span of an hour?"

"Hey, I get around. So are we going or not?" He offered his hand and she took it. They teleported back to the ship. Kisshu looked shocked.

"I brought you a present." Tart pushed Ichigo toward him. He caught her before she landed face first on the floor. "She's giving you a chance, man. Now you have a purpose. And I'm still not letting you try-" He glanced at Ichigo. "-doing you-know-what. I'm going back to Pudding's. I'll be back tomorrow. Have fun."

He teleported back to Pudding's house. She was in her room watching a movie.

"Hey. How'd it go?" She greeted him witha hug.

"Fine. Just fine. Feeling better?"

"A little."

"Good. I have a feeling this will help a little." He leaned over to press his lips to hers. Right before they met, the doorbell rang. He frowned. She laughed at his expression. "I'll get it." She gave him a quick peck on the lips before standing and leaving the room.

He followed her, curious as to who would be visiting. She opened the door with a huge smile.

"Pudding-chan!" Her face fell.

"Oh no..." she whispered. He sighed. Not more drama.

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