I Need Your Help Part 2:
Shopping
When Ichigo and Kimiko were ready, they said goodbye to Kisshu, and got in Zakuro's car. Ichigo got in the back with Kimiko, who looked a little nervous. "What's wrong?" Ichigo asked her.
"I've never really been around humans," Kimiko said. "Are they friendly?"
"Some are, some aren't," Zakuro said. "No two people are alike."
"Oh…" Kimiko said.
"You'll be fine if you stick close to us," Ichigo said. "Don't worry about it."
Kimiko nodded as Zakuro pulled into the mall's parking lot. "Kimiko, how old are you?" she asked.
"I'm four," Kimiko said. "But Aunt Yuki says I'm small for my age."
"Let's go to one of the younger kids' stores," Zakuro said. "I think we'll find more stuff for you than in a regular department store."
"Okay," Kimiko said. "Are there lots of stores?"
"Yep," Ichigo said. She took Kimiko's hand as they started walking to the store.
Zakuro led the way to a kids' clothing store, and asked, "Kimiko, what colors do you like?"
"I like green and yellow," Kimiko said. "And blue."
"Alright, let's go look for those colors," Zakuro said. She led the way to the girls' section, and said, "Start looking around, and let us know if you find anything."
"'Kay," Kimiko said. She hesitantly let go of Ichigo's hand, and went over to a rack of pants. Then she looked puzzled, and asked, "Why are there pants in the girls' section?"
"Some girls like pants," Ichigo explained. "If you don't, though, there are lots of dresses and skirts."
"Can I try pants?" Kimiko asked.
"Sure," Zakuro said. "Do you see any you like?"
"I see a green pair," Kimiko said. "I can't reach, though."
Ichigo took the pair she pointed to off the rack, and held them against Kimiko's waist. "I think we need a different size; these might be too big for you," she said. She put the pants back, and looked through the different sizes. She came up with a 'Small', and held them up to Kimiko's waist. "These should work, but you should try them on before we buy them," she said. "Do you want to see if they have yellow pants?"
"Yes please," Kimiko said.
"I found a green dress and a few blue and yellow skirts," Zakuro said. She came over and showed Kimiko.
"They're so pretty!" Kimiko said happily. "Can we get them?"
"Sure, but you have to try them on so we can see if they fit," Zakuro said. "Do you want to look at shirts now?"
"Okay," Kimiko said.
The older girls helped her pick out some shirts, a few more pairs of pants, some socks, and underwear. "Do you want sneakers?" Zakuro asked.
"What are those?" Kimiko asked.
"They're a type of shoe," Ichigo said.
"I like my boots," Kimiko said.
"Alright," Zakuro said. "Let's go to the changing rooms; you can try these clothes on."
"Yay!" Kimiko said happily. Ichigo and Zakuro smiled, then took her to the changing rooms, and started helping her try the clothes on.
"These all fit you really well," Ichigo commented after they finished.
"They're really nice," Kimiko said happily. "Thanks!"
Zakuro smiled and said, "Let's go pay for these." She led the way to the checkout, and put Kimiko's new clothes on the counter. The cashier rang it all up, and said, "That's ¥4921.08, please."
Zakuro handed over a debit card, and the woman scanned it. "Thank you," she said, and handed Zakuro the bags.
Zakuro handed some of the bags to Ichigo, and said, "Do you two want ice cream?"
"What's that?" Kimiko asked as they left the store.
"It's a type of dessert," Zakuro said. "It's sweet."
"I have to ask Oniichan before eating sweet things," Kimiko said.
Zakuro looked at Ichigo, who said, "Apparently sugar is a drug to Cyniclons."
"Oh… well, we have to go put these bags in the car anyways," Zakuro said. "I noticed there's an ice cream parlor near your street; we could take the clothes back, ask Kisshu about ice cream, and then go, if it's okay."
"Thanks Zakuro-oneechan!" Kimiko said happily. Zakuro smiled and picked her up, and they went to the car. They put the bags in the trunk, and Ichigo climbed into the backseat with Kimiko, helping her buckle her seatbelt as Zakuro started the car.
Just as they turned down Ichigo's street, Ichigo felt like she couldn't breathe. Kimiko noticed she was having trouble breathing, and asked, "Ichigo-oneechan, what's wrong?"
"Can't… breathe…" Ichigo gasped.
Kimiko concentrated as Zakuro pulled into Ichigo's driveway, and said, "Oniichan's in trouble!"
"Kimiko, stay with Ichigo," Zakuro said, and jumped out of the car. Ichigo's breathing was getting fainter.
Zakuro ran into the house, and saw Ryou strangling Kisshu, who was unconscious. She ran over and punched his wrist, snapping the bone. He let go of Kisshu with a howl of pain, and stumbled back as Zakuro caught Kisshu. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" she snarled. "And how did you get out of cat form?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Ryou asked. "I'm trying to get Kisshu out of the way."
"You nearly killed Ichigo too!" Zakuro snarled. "Didn't you listen when they said if you kill one of them, the other will die too?"
"I didn't really believe that," Ryou said.
Zakuro snarled, and knocked him out, then knelt next to Kisshu, whose breathing hadn't gone back to normal. She grabbed her cell phone, and immediately dialed Keiichiro's number.
Two rings later, she heard, "Zakuro, what happened?"
"Ryou almost strangled Kisshu, and I was wondering if you know where Pai is," Zakuro said. "If we don't help him, Ichigo will die too."
"Last I checked he was at Ichigo's house, but I can call the ship, and call you back," Keiichiro said.
"Hurry," Zakuro said, and hung up. She ran upstairs, and looked in the rooms. No sign of Pai. Going back downstairs, she looked in the living room, kitchen, and basically everywhere. Still no sign of Pai. Then her cell phone rang, and she picked up.
"Pai's on his way," Keiichiro said as soon as she picked up.
"Thanks," Zakuro said, as she heard teleportation. Pai appeared, and ran over to Kisshu, then put a hand on his chest. His hand began to glow brightly, and Kisshu's breathing got stronger. Twenty minutes later, he took his hand away, and said, "That should do it. Go check on Ichigo, and see if that helped her."
Zakuro nodded and ran out to her car. She found Ichigo unconscious, and Kimiko crying. Opening the door, she asked, "Kimiko, is Ichigo any better? Pai healed Kisshu."
Kimiko looked over at Ichigo, and said, "She's breathing better. Is Oniichan okay?"
"Pai said he'd be fine," Zakuro said. "Do you want to go inside?"
"Yes please," Kimiko said. Zakuro gently helped her out of the car, then picked up Ichigo, and went inside with Kimiko.
Pai was waiting for them, and he said, "I put Kisshu upstairs; why don't you put Ichigo up there too?"
"Which room?" Zakuro asked.
"The green one," Pai said. He put a hand on Ichigo's chest, and said, "The healing worked on her too, but they both need to rest."
"Alright," Zakuro said. She took Ichigo upstairs, and went to the guest room. Kisshu was lying in the bed, and Zakuro took Ichigo's shoes off, then tucked her in next to him. As she was leaving, she heard a soft whisper, and went back to see that Kisshu was awake. "What happened?" he whispered when he saw her.
"Ryou tried to strangle you, but I got there in time to stop him, and had Keiichiro call Pai," Zakuro said.
"How did you know?" Kisshu whispered.
"Ichigo was having trouble breathing, and then Kimiko said you were in trouble," Zakuro said. "We just got back from shopping."
"Good…" Kisshu said.
"Go back to sleep," Zakuro said. "Pai said you and Ichigo both need to rest."
Kisshu settled back, and fell asleep within minutes. Zakuro quietly left, and went back downstairs.
Pai was trying to calm Kimiko down, and looked up when Zakuro came in. "How long will it be before they're recovered?" Zakuro asked.
"They should be fine by tomorrow afternoon," Pai said. "But I have to get back to the Café; Keiichiro told me he needs me to do something about Ryou."
Zakuro looked worried, and said, "I've got a job to do in a few hours…."
"What is it?" Pai asked.
"An interview," Zakuro said. "This company wants to know my thoughts on children's hospitals as opposed to just having hospitals for everyone, where everyone is treated the same."
"And what are your views?" Pai asked.
"I think children's hospitals are a good thing, because children need different treatment than adults," Zakuro said. "I'm hoping they'll listen to me."
Pai looked like he was thinking, then said, "Bring Kimiko with you. I can't take her; she shouldn't see what I'm going to do to Ryou."
"Kisshu won't mind?" Zakuro asked.
"Kisshu won't really be conscious till tomorrow," Pai said. "And I'll come straight back here after killing Ryou to look after him and Ichigo."
"I'll call my manager, and let him know I'm bringing a friend," Zakuro said. She took out a cell phone, and dialed a number. Her manager picked up after one ring, and asked, "Where ARE you? The interview's going to start in two hours!"
"I'm at a friend's house," Zakuro said. "Her little sister is coming with me, since she's sick and her parents are away."
"Fine, but get here soon," the guy said.
"Oh, and Kimiko can't eat sugary foods, so no candy, got it?" Zakuro said.
"Did you learn to read minds or something?" her manager asked.
"No. See you soon," Zakuro said, and hung up. She looked over at Pai, who was talking softly to Kimiko, and said, "It's fine."
"Good," Pai said. "I have to go."
"Alright," Zakuro said. "Kimiko, let's go get in my car, okay?"
"Okay," Kimiko said a bit nervously.
Zakuro smiled at her and picked her up. "I'll stay with you, okay?" she said gently.
"'Kay," Kimiko said, sounding a bit happier. Pai teleported out as Zakuro carried Kimiko out to her car. She gently helped Kimiko strap in, and then got in the driver's seat, and backed out of the driveway.
On the highway, Kimiko asked, "What's an interview?"
"Someone asks me questions and I have to answer them," Zakuro said. "Remember, you can't say anything about being a Cyniclon, okay?"
"'Kay," Kimiko said.
"What's your last name?" Zakuro asked. "If someone asks, I can answer for you."
"Ikisatashi," Kimiko said. "I don't have to talk to lots of strangers, right?"
"No, you just have to stay close to me," Zakuro said.
They pulled into the parking lot of the studio a few minutes later, and Zakuro got out, then got Kimiko out, and carried her into the studio. Her manager was waiting, and looked relieved when he saw her. "Zakuro-san, it's good you're here," he said. "Who's your little friend?"
"This is Ikisatashi Kimiko," Zakuro said. "Kimiko, this is my manager, Mr. Fukuyama."
"Hi," Kimiko said shyly.
"It's nice to meet you," Mr. Fukuyama said. "Zakuro-san, you need to change into something more suitable."
"Alright," Zakuro said. "What did you have in mind this time?"
"Come with me," Mr. Fukuyama said. Zakuro followed him to a dressing room, and found a pair of black designer jeans, black boots, and a purple peasant top, with white embroidery on the sleeves and low scoop neck.
"The shirt is so pretty!" Kimiko said. Zakuro smiled, and said, "Wait just a minute, I have to change."
"'Kay," Kimiko said. Zakuro set her down, and went into the dressing room, closing the door behind her. As she quickly changed and brushed her hair out, she was wondering how well Kimiko would do with the cameras. She had been told there wouldn't be any flash photography, but she still worried. She sighed slightly, and came out of the dressing room.
Kimiko was playing with what looked like a silver bracelet, and she looked up. "Zakuro-oneechan, you look great!" she said happily.
"Thanks Kimiko," Zakuro said. "What's that you're playing with?"
"Mr. Fukuyama said I could have it," Kimiko said. "He called it a bracelet."
"Good," Zakuro said. She looked up as Mr. Fukuyama came over and said, "It's time. I assume Kimiko is staying with you?"
"Yes," Zakuro said.
"Good, maybe that will help this company change their minds about children's hospitals," Mr. Fukuyama said. "They're being stubborn."
"Great…" Zakuro sighed. "Let's go." She picked up Kimiko, and followed Mr. Fukuyama to another room.
A man was waiting in the room, and he came over as Zakuro walked in. "Miss Fujiwara, welcome," he said. "Who is your little friend?"
"This is Kimiko," Zakuro said. "She's going to be sitting with me."
"Alright," the man said. "I suppose it's a good thing we requested that there be no flash photography?"
"Yes," Zakuro replied. "Shall we start?"
"Yes," the man said. "Have a seat on the sofa."
Zakuro walked over and set Kimiko down, then sat down next to her. The man sat down in a chair, and said, "Let's begin. Miss Fujiwara, you have been a strong supporter in the past of children's hospitals. Can you tell me why that is?"
"I believe that children's hospitals are better for children than regular hospitals because the children get the treatment they need at a children's hospital," Zakuro said. "The doctors and nurses there understand children's needs better than at a bigger hospital, where there are all ages, all needing care, and the caregivers treat them all basically the same. Children have different needs than adults, and should be able to recover in a safe, comforting environment- which isn't always what they get at the big hospitals. The chance of recovery is slimmer if the patient is scared or uncomfortable."
The man looked thoughtful, and then asked, "How do you know all this?"
"I've been to children's hospitals for charity, but I was hospitalized as a child, and I remember the hospital being a really nice place," Zakuro said. "The staff there was friendly and understanding, and it was a good environment for me and the other children there. No one likes being sick, of course, but it was nice that the doctors were so understanding, especially for the kids who were away from home for a long period of time. A regular hospital can't do that; they simply have too many different ages to treat them all differently. That's why I believe children's hospitals are important, and perhaps essential, to the children who need them."
The man had been listening intently, and he said, "I see what you mean, but what about funding for them?"
"The bigger hospitals are supported by the government, and some children's hospitals are as well," Zakuro said. "The smaller local children's hospitals, however, need more funding, and while donations and fundraisers help, sometimes it isn't enough. I believe your company is looking for a good cause to fund, am I right?"
"Yes," the man said. "Our president was considering funding some experimental research foundation for medicine, but that idea isn't too popular."
"I can see why," Zakuro said. "The word 'experimental' alone would be alarming for me. If you invest in something experimental like that, and it fails, how will that reflect on your company's reputation?"
"Very badly," the man said. "I will take your ideas to the president of my company, and see what he thinks. I think we should end here; your little friend fell asleep."
Zakuro looked down at Kimiko, who was asleep in her lap, and smiled. "Very well, let's end here," she said. "Good luck."
"Thank you, Miss Fujiwara," the man said. He got up, and Zakuro did the same, gently lifting Kimiko in her arms.
Mr. Fukuyama came over and asked, "Do you have a carseat?"
"Unfortunately, no," Zakuro said. "I kept thinking I was going to get pulled over on the way here, to be honest."
"Go to the lobby, I'll take care of it," Mr. Fukuyama said.
"Thanks," Zakuro said, and carried Kimiko back to the lobby. She put the little girl in her lap, and started stroking her hair.
Twenty minutes later, Mr. Fukuyama came back with a carseat, and said, "I'll help you get this in your car."
"Thanks, but where did you get it?" Zakuro asked.
"It was on its way to be donated, since my daughter's too big for it," Mr. Fukuyama said. "You're welcome to keep it."
"Thank you, that's a big help," Zakuro said. She picked up Kimiko again, and went out to her car with Mr. Fukuyama. He put the carseat in the backseat, and Zakuro gently put Kimiko in and strapped her in.
"I'll see you Wednesday, for the photo shoot," Mr. Fukuyama said. "Will Kimiko be coming again?"
"Probably not, but maybe," Zakuro said. "I was just taking care of her for today. And her brother's pretty overprotective."
"Please don't tell me he's your boyfriend behind the press's back," Mr. Fukuyama said.
"No, he's a friend of mine's boyfriend," Zakuro said. "I should get back, I will see you Wednesday."
"Alright," Mr. Fukuyama said. Zakuro got in her car, and started it up, then drove off.
They reached Ichigo's house twenty minutes later, and Zakuro parked, then took Kimiko out of the carseat. She was still asleep. Zakuro felt her forehead, but she didn't have a fever. I guess she's just tired out, Zakuro thought. She carried Kimiko into the house, and looked around. Then she heard footsteps on the stairs, and Pai came in. "What happened?" he asked.
"I think she got tired out, and the interview was probably boring for her," Zakuro said. "I thought I'd put her to bed in Ichigo's room; is that okay?"
"That's fine," Pai said.
"How are Ichigo and Kisshu?" Zakuro asked as she and Pai went back upstairs.
"Ichigo's still unconscious, and Kisshu's not able to stay awake for very long," Pai said as they went into Ichigo's room.
"Well, I'm not due back for more work till Wednesday, so I can stay for a while," Zakuro said.
"Good, since I can't cook," Pai said.
Zakuro tucked Kimiko into Ichigo's bed, and settled down next to her. "I'll go back to Kisshu and Ichigo," Pai said, and left.
Zakuro started stroking Kimiko's hair, and smiled when she sighed happily.
This might be it on this story; I hope you liked it! Review plz!