OTDE: Into The Deep Chapter 9- Slime, Spit and Secrets
So some of you may be a little mad at me after last chapter with Ichigo I mean I-
Ichigo: Yes I am
Me: Oh no. Why can't I get through an intro anymore?
Ichigo: You know where you're going with this story and you're getting mad at me? YOU'RE GONNA-
Me: *Covers her mouth with my hands* *Winning Smile* Nothing to see here! Read on!
Me: But Ichigo did remind me that there is a trigger warning at the end of the chapter so be a careful reader please! I will warn you when the trigger warning goes into effect!
"You guys get the spider and well get this slime ball!" Mint yelled, drawing her bow back. Kisshu nodded, though she had already turned toward her target and couldn't see him
"Why do we get the giant spider?" Tart complained loudly. There was a reason he preferred working with plant chimeras.
"Zakuro hates bugs." Mint recalled her years of memorizing Zakuro trivia and the disastrous Cockroach Chimera fight.
"At least it doesn't have acid slime!" Lettuce yelled back as she dodged a falling glob of the stuff. She raised her castanets but before she could begin her attack the slug's tail whipped around towards her and she had to jump back to avoid getting hit.
Of course it couldn't be slow like a real slug.
The slimy chimera's eyes swiveled on stalks, watching the Mews on both sides. Pudding was flipping quickly around the creature, having to do some serious acrobatics to avoid puddles of caustic fluids. One eye followed her movements while the other watched the group of Mews who were trying to decide their next attack.
The Cyniclons weren't having much luck on their side of the room either. Their enemy had just showcased that it was just as dangerous as its slithering counterpart.
"It may not have acid slime but it does have acid spit!" Karma swiped her sword at one of the spider's legs. The creature's head whipped around, its multiple eyes focusing on the silver haired girl. Its mouth opened and a stream of liquids shot out, scorching the ground where Karma has been standing a moment before.
Kish glanced back, trying to get a glimpse of how the Mews were fairing.
"RIBBON MINT ECHO!" Mint's arrow arched towards the creature. One of the eye stalks swiveled towards her while the other watched Pudding.
"RIBBON PUDDING RING INFERNO!" Pudding's attacked spiraled towards the creature as well, the eyes watching as both attacks moved quickly towards it.
In a move almost too fast to see the slug flattened itself, its goo spreading across the floor and causing the Mews to scramble away from the acids. Pudding was thrown backwards as Mint's arrow slammed into the ground at her feet, exploding underneath the monkey Mew. Likewise, Pudding's attack smashed into Mint, encasing her in a suffocating yellow gel.
The slug popped back up, somehow managing to look smug as the other Mews readied themselves to attack. Eye stalks swung to look at Pudding, who had been thrown into a wall, her head smacking loudly against it. The young girl slumped to the ground and didn't move.
Roaring with triumph, the slug retracted its eye stalks and rolled into a ball, bearing down on Pudding's still form.
"Pudding!" Lettuce and Zakuro yelled, trying to beat the Chimera to her though they knew they couldn't outrun it.
Their only hope was to distract it.
"Ribbon Zakuro Pure!" Zakuro's whip shot out, slashing across the back of the creature. The Chimera halted its movement towards Pudding and sprang out of its ball, slinging its dangerous slime everywhere. Some of it landed on top of Mint's jelly prison, the yellow substance sizzling as the acid began breaking it down.
"Zakuro! Someone needs to get above it and hit it right behind its eyes. That will be the only place it won't be able to see." Lettuce panted as she stopped by the wolf Mew's side. The older girl nodded.
"You take care of Pudding and I'll work on it."
*****Scene Divider*****
The giant spider stomped across the ground, crunching parts of the wall and table underneath its long legs. The Cyniclons had discovered that in addition to the acid spit from its mouth, it shot a sticky web from its other end.
Tart had discovered the hard way that the web was glue like and hardened quickly, having been caught unawares as he hovered behind the creature. The alien had crashed painfully to the floor, being unable to move anything but his eyes as he tracked the action and prayed to whoever was listening that he didn't get stepped on. He strained to see how the Mew team was doing, more specifically to see if Pudding was okay, but a certain hairy creature was blocking his view.
Pie stood in front of him, trying to think of ways to defeat the Chimera while blocking his younger immobile brother from its thrashing legs. All of their efforts to injure the creature had bounced off of its body like it was wearing some sort of armor. The twins sported some singed hair due to the redirection of Semoka's lightening and Toge had a nasty cut on his cheek from when his throwing knife had rebounded back at him.
"The eyes." He whispered, finally realizing the one spot that wouldn't be protected.
"The eyes!" Pie yelled louder, alerting the aliens to his theory. "Go for the eyes!"
Kisshu nodded, adjusting his grip on his dragon swords and steeling himself for whatever plan he had in his head.
"Hey!" He yelled up to the Chimera who was currently focused on Nile as he teleported around the creatures head. "I'm feeling a little left out down here."
The green haired alien smirked as the spider's eyes rolled down to look at him, it's pinschers snapping at the thought of driving into his pale flesh. Kish was suddenly serious, his amber eyes hard and determined as he launched himself up wards and into the Chimera's awaiting jaws.
******Lot's Apartment******
Ichigo awoke, her head pressed to something solid and warm. Her bones cracked as she moved, sore from being in an awkward position as she slept.
Her cat ears popped out as she realized where she was.
She was curled up in Lot's lap, his arms wrapped around her body and holding her close to his chest. Her human ear rested on his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heart.
Lot's eyes were open as he watched her come to, a small grin adorning his face.
"Good morning again." He whispered as if he was trying to preserve the moment. Ichigo, however, was not as eager to keep their position and the possessiveness of his hands on her was making her feel uneasy.
At some point her tail had joined her ears and it lashed behind her.
One of Lot's hands went up to her cat ear, stroking the fur. Kisshu had done the same thing many of times and from him, it had been almost as pleasurable as kissing him. But with Lot's hand there something seemed dangerously off, and the feel of his fingers on one of her most sensitive features sent shivers down her spine.
She didn't know why alarm bells were ringing in her head, but she allowed the instinct to unfurl her away from Lot, standing up and stretching out. Everything about the moment had been wrong and she vowed to keep her distance from Lot until she could figure out why.
With space in between them, the red heads ears fused back into her head, her tail disappearing as well, and some of the bad vibes receded.
Despite however long she had napped on Lot, she still felt exhausted. She couldn't remember how she had come to be in Lot's arms. All she could recall was Lot's explanation of everything and what he had found out about Kisshu.
It was a far fetch for her to believe, even when she was as angry with Kish as she was, but for some reason it stuck in her head. Lot's description of the green haired alien's true plan replayed in her head over and over like some broken record.
Whatever had happened to her, whatever was causing her to black out so often, it was taking its toll. The redhead felt weak and tired, she had a feeling that if her ears were still out they'd be drooping.
"I'm going to sleep for a little longer." She informed Lot, forcing a smile to assure him she was okay. He got up and took her hand, squeezing it in a comforting gesture, or what would have been comforting if his touch hadn't triggered the warning bells again. Ichigo forced herself not to jerk her hand back and wipe it on her shorts.
"That's fine. I need to run some errands if we're going to stay here any longer." He released her hand, and smiled before Ichigo turned away. She wanted to tell him to forgo the errands, that she didn't want to stay at the apartment anymore.
That she wanted to go back to Kisshu.
But Ichigo said nothing as she retreated into his bedroom. The walls were bare and she focused on the nothingness as she tried to clear her mind.
Despite her rushing thoughts, sleep claimed her not long after.
*****Ikisatashi Manor******
Mint watched as the acid ate its way through the jelly towards her frozen form. Being stuck in Pudding's gel was uncomfortable and annoying. She could somehow breathe, though she could feel the gel working its way into her open mouth and nostrils. Trying to move her limbs was like trying to walk in a pool but quite a bit slower and much more ineffective.
Something smashed into the jelly, slicing away the top half and sending the rest of it, and her, jiggling. She saw the light of Zakuro's whip just as it cut into the jelly again, not even able to wince as it swung dangerously close to her face.
Zakuro's hands clawed away the remaining gel, not trusting her aim enough to continue cutting at it with her whip. As soon as her hands were free, Mint ripped at the jelly around her face, gasping once her mouth was out even though she had not been out of air.
Once the bird Mew was free, Zakuro explained Lettuce's theory. The slug was currently trying to find a way past Lettuce to the still unconscious Pudding, and the Ribbon Lettuce Rush attacks seemed to be irritating it more than anything.
The oldest Mew rejoined the fight, drawing the Chimera's attention back towards her and Mint prepared herself for her role. She wiped jelly off of her bow and notched an arrow, taking a deep breath to steady herself.
Mint jumped, impossibly high for anyone not infused with bird DNA, and in the arc of her jump, released her arrow.
It lodged in the slug's head, the tip sinking slowly through the sticky flesh. Mint landed by Zakuro, having jumped over the Chimera and watched as the arrow disappeared into its skin with a sickening slurp.
"It should have worked!" Lettuce yelled in dismay from her position over Pudding. The slug turned back towards her and she raised her castanets threateningly. She wouldn't let this creature hurt Pudding, especially when the young girl was unable to defend herself.
The slug lurched forward, its caustic slime leaving a rut in the floor as it moved.
Suddenly, it stopped the eyes swiveling on their stalks as though looking for some unseen enemy and the creature fell.
A giant acidic slug does not fall easily or gracefully and in its descent, a leg of slimy flesh entrapped Lettuce, pulling her along with it. The green Mew shrieked in pain as the slime sizzled against her flesh, an unpleasant burning smell filling the air.
The Chimera lurched sideways, its large body crashing through another row of windows and Lettuce was plucked free from her poisonous cage….by momentum. As the slug continued toward the ground, the parasite separating from the traumatized slug victim, Lettuce was flung up and over its body, landing out in the garden.
She looked up, surrounded by more Chimeras than she had ever seen,
Raising her castanets, she felt the effects of the acid all over her body. The fish Mew was forced to her knees by the pain, her weapons falling to the ground from her limp hands.
Sensing her vulnerability, the creatures moved in.
***** Scene Divider*****
Kisshu launched himself upwards and into the awaiting pinschers. Just as they snapped close the alien teleported, landing himself on the very top of the spider's head.
Yelling in triumph, the Cyniclon slashed his blades across the many sets of eyes. He barely had time to concentrate on hovering before the parasite separated from its host, leaving Kish suspended in the air.
Masha, who had been munching on the slug's parasite, flitted over and swallowed the newest one as Kish lowered himself to the ground and began assessing the damage.
Tart was lying on the ground, surrounded by some sort of webbing. He swiped his blades across the stuff, the substance dissolving as soon as the sai metal touched it. His younger brother launched himself off the ground as soon as he was free, teleporting to Pudding's side. Kish grimaced as he noticed that the girl was lying still on the opposite side of the room. He wanted to check on her but she was surrounded by Mews. The girl was being taken care of and Kish needed to ensure the well being of the rest of his teammates.
Nile was sat on one of the only surviving chairs, blood seeping through the back of his shirt. A quick check over proved that he had sustained no new injury but the scratches from the Tokyo battle had reopened and would need a healer's attention.
The twins were annoyed that their hair was damaged but otherwise unharmed. Semoka and Loki had gotten off with only a few scratches. Toge only had the one scratch from his own knife while Maya had gotten a face full of acid spit. Narcis looked ruffled but unharmed as she held her friend's hand, assuring her that one of the healers would be with her soon. Fell was across the room checking on Mint while Emzie and Larka, who had a little healer training though they were nowhere near as talented as Pie or Mrs. Ikisatashi, were attempting to help their new teammates. The Mews, minus Pudding, seemed fine though as he watched them he realized someone was missing.
His amber eyes widened as he realized he had missed someone on his side as well.
Both Pie and Lettuce were nowhere to be seen.
*****Scene Divider*****
Lettuce groaned as she felt the hot pricks of acid against her skin, her arms screaming in pain as she tried to grip her castanets again. Her legs protested as she shoved herself up, biting her lip to keep from screaming out loud.
She refused to die while lying down. She would go out as a fighter, no matter what it took.
Lettuce knew the others wouldn't get out in time to save her and she didn't have the strength to call a Ribbon Lettuce Rush. The ring of Chimeras tightened around her, as if reminding her that time was running out.
I'm so sorry Pie. I love you.
She awaited the feeling of their claws and teeth, her eyes clenched so as not to see her final moments.
It never came.
The green haired girl opened her eyes in surprise, gasping when she saw the tall figure standing in front of her. He gripped a long stick, his scaled armor glinting in the sunlight and his hair flickering between hues.
The Dragon Warrior had come to save her.
"My brave Lettuce," He said, his voice comforting and familiar. "Please allow me to protect you."
One of the chimeras lurched forward, obviously done with waiting. The Dragon Warrior began twirling his staff and as he spun it a huge blade unfolded moving as fluidly as a sheet.
He met each monster with ease, slicing through them and separating the parasite with a flick of his wrist. Before long, Lettuce and him were the last things standing. He thumped his staff against the ground and the blade retracted as he approached her.
His fingers pulled her chin up, forcing her to look him in the eyes.
"It is not weak to ask for help my love. You are strong but you are not alone." He whispered, his thumb ghosting over the skin of her cheek. Her eyes closed automatically at the feel of his touch and when she opened them again he was gone.
"Lettuce!" the Mew turned back towards the house to see her boyfriend running to her, seeming to forget about his teleporting power in his worry for her.
If she knew what he was thinking she would have blushed scarlet.
Beneath his worry and relief over her safety, Pie thought Lettuce looked like an avenging goddess in the midst of the fallen chimera, beautiful and strong.
****Scene Divider*****
More damage had been done to the dining room than to the team itself. Once Pie had returned he had been able to heal Nile's scratches and coax Pudding from her unconsciousness. Lettuce's burns had been fairly superficial as had Toge's cut.
Maya was not so lucky. Even with his healing, Pie reported that it would be a few days before the wounds to her face would heal and she would probably have extensive scarring.
"If we had access to the machines at the capital hospital we could probably even prevent that." He had stated dejectedly. "But I can't even heal her completely on my own."
Lettuce had led him away to rest after that, knowing that healing always took its toll on Pie both mentally and physically.
Kish was checking the kitchen, only separated from the destroyed dining room by a thin wall, and was pleased to find that their food supply didn't seem to have sustained any damage. He closed the door to the industrial fridge and jumped slightly when Keeka's face appeared, though he tried to hide it.
"Karma had an idea." She said gesturing to her twin who was sitting on the counter. Kish nodded and waited for them to speak.
"I think we may have a way for you communicate with Ichigo." She said slowly but held her hand up when she noticed her adoptive brother perk up. "Don't get your hopes up. We don't know if this will work for anyone besides Keeka and me."
Kish shook his head slightly, his green hair escaping its ties and cascading around his hopeful face.
"Trust me, I'm willing to try anything."
*****Lot's Apartment******
Ichigo awoke, gasping and gripping her head. Her dreamless sleep had been interrupted at the last second by visions of her team being attacked by horribly huge creatures. She remembered the hopeless feeling as she had looked out the window to seem many more waiting to replace them.
She calmed slightly as she realized she was safe in Lot's apartment, though the feeling that something was very wrong with Kish and the others didn't lessen. She rolled out of the bed, noticing for the first time the lack of personality in the room.
Maybe it was an after effect of the dream but she found the realization disconcerting. Lot seemed like the person to keep photos and trinkets but the walls and wardrobes were barren of any sort of decoration or nick knack. She reached over and jerked a drawer open and then frantically pulled every drawer and door open.
They were all completely empty. The sort of empty that spoke of never having been filled.
"Looking for something?" Ichigo jumped and spun around to see Lot standing in the doorway, his lips curled as if amused but his eyes hard and searching. Ichigo's heart pounded as thoughts whirled in her head.
She was stupid. So so stupid.
A/N: TRIGGER WARNING
"I want to go back to the Manor." She said, cursing internally when her voice came out meek and quiet. Lot gave a humorless chuckle and stepped away from the door and into the room, his body suddenly intimidating to the redhead.
"Oh Ichigo," he sighed and shook his head as if she was some child who wasn't in on the joke. "Don't you understand?"
He stepped towards her again, his face alight with glee but his eyes dark and menacing. Ichigo stepped back, her ears unfolding and flattening against her skull in fear as her back collided painfully with the wardrobe she had been standing in front of.
"You're not going anywhere."
I'd like to let you know that the beginning of next chapter will be a big trigger warning (nothing will happen to put it over a T rating but I wanted to warn anyone who might need it). Please read with caution if anything like the above scene could trigger something for you. I would not be at all offended if you skipped to after the scene (I will let you know when the scene starts and ends so you can skip it if you need to).
Please please please review and let me know what you think. I really do appreciate reviews because it lets me know if you're enjoying the story and what you want to happen. It really does mean a lot to me to read your ideas and reviews so please go down and add your thoughts to the page Also favorites and follows are greatly appreciated so you can know when I update!