Taruto's first love

Montana, the fourth day of Zoey's winter vacation

It seemed Zoey's mind had been elsewhere all day. She couldn't really think of anything else but Kisshu and that odd feeling from last night. This distraction went so far that she didn't even notice it when the loud speaker warned the people not to get on any ski lift, or get in any cable car as a huge storm was coming. The electronic voice said that, due to malfunctioning, the lifts wouldn't stop for ten more minutes, but they advised everyone not to use them.

However, Zoey of course hadn't perceived any of this. Her friends slid down on a different slope this time, so they were not there to stop her. She kept on staring into the distance and got in a cabin of a ski lift before anyone had noticed. Even the security hadn't noticed until the cabin was half way to the mountain top. This lift headed to the highest pike, by the way.

She didn't actually noticed that something is wrong, until the upward motion of the cabin stopped a few hundred meters before the final stop of the ski lift. Then she looked around and realized that she was alone in the cabin. That wouldn't have been so strange, but… when she looked out of the windows, she saw that there was no people in the other cabins as well. She didn't get it at first. Glimpsing at her cell phone she ascertained that it was only 4 pm. The lifts and thus the slopes usually were closed by 4:30 pm.

- Then why have we stopped? – she asked, but knew that no one will answer. She started to be a bit worried and insecure, but tried to push those feelings aside. – This must be some electronic error! – she assumed and laughed at the situation. She had no idea that the cabin wasn't about to start moving until the next morning. Not even mentioning the storm ahead! – The cabin will move on soon! – she guessed.

…

Montana, Tectum

Taruto has just returned from his journey to Japan. His first goal was to find Pai and Kisshu and tell them what happened. It was awesome! After a few minutes of flying around the city, he noticed them hovering high above the main square. He didn't want to waste any more time, so he just teleported himself next to them. They seemed a bit surprised that made Taruto laugh.

- Hey, wassup guys? – Taru asked with a wide grin on his face. – Have you two swallowed some flies? – he laughed again.

They looked at him with astonishment at first, but then they smiled back at their youngest co-leader, and joined him in laughing.

- You never change, Taruto! – Pai stated shaking his head and smiling.

- And… have you found your little monkey? – Kisshu asked with a cunning smile.

That was the moment when Taruto's face went red, and he started to laugh loudly.

- Well…, actually…. – he tried not to laugh so hard.

- Well, I guess it's a yes – Pai deduced.

- An it-was-more-than-just-finding-her yes! – Kisshu claimed grinning at his friends. – Tell us everything! – he ordered to the young boy.

- Alright, alright! – Taru promised. – After all, that's why I've been looking for you two…

Tokyo, a few days ago

It took him a while, but he was finally there. Taruto was hovering in the air above the Mew Mew Cafe. He had been so eager about this reunion, but now he's got a bit scared. What if she wouldn't even remember him? It had been six years, after all. Fortunately, he didn't have to hesitate anymore.

- Taru-Taru! Is that you? – a blonde haired girl asked, looking up at him from the balcony of the Cafe. – How can you be here? – She didn't realized why, but she felt even more liking towards him now than six years ago. Maybe it was because he wasn't a kid anymore. He was the cutest boy she'd ever seen.

- Kikki?! – Taruto glimpsed her from above. It was her indeed, although, she had changed since then. Her hair was almost the same, also the warm twinkle of her big brown eyes. But she looked so much mature and a bit taller too. – You have grown up – he stated.

- Do you like it? – she asked with a large smile on her face. She spun around to show him her whole body in her yellow waitress uniform. – And you have grown as well! – she noted.

Taruto couldn't resist getting closer to her anymore. Her kind, warm personality was more engaging than ever. So he landed on the balcony right in front of her. Then he couldn't help but to put his hands above her forehead and measure her height.

- I'm finally taller than you! – he claimed proudly.

- Only with a few centimeters! – Kikki laughed joyfully. Taru find her so sweet doing that.

- You are really pretty today! – he flattered her. He didn't recognize himself. He found it so amusing to tease her back in the days, and now… he would give everything just to be able to flatter her all day.

- You too are looking great! – she smiled. – But I still don't understand… How can you be here?

- Isn't that obvious, little monkey? I have travelled light years on a spaceship just to be able to see you again! – He did exaggerated a bit, but that's how it's like when you're falling in love for the first time in your life.

- Have you really? – she asked with suspicion. - Have you really returned to Earth just to be with me?

- I wish I had. But I did exaggerate a bit – he admitted. - There had been another reason for my return.

- What reason? – she wondered. – And are your friends here as well?

- Not in Japan, but…

- Hey! Why don't you come inside the Cafe? – she offered. – And we can talk about it over some tea and cake!

- Cake… - he sighed licking his mouth. – You've got me here! I haven't eaten cake since six years.

- Then come with me! – she smiled putting her arm around his shoulders, and guided him inwards. – You cannot know but I'm running this amazing place now…, so…

- Really?! – he glared at her in surprise. They entered the building. – You must have worked hard to earn this right!

- I did – she smiled. They were walking through the corridors. – And this way we can have any kind or amount of cake we want!

- I think I'm gonna like it here – he assumed, putting his arm around her shoulders too. Now, it was like they were embracing each other.

…

After many cakes and many cups of tea, they finally started to have a more serious conversation. Firstly, Taruto asked her about her life and she felt so great talking to him that she talked for about three hours.

She told him about how high school was (she finished it a half year ago). She mentioned that the Mew Mews have parted, and she has rarely used her power ever since. She told him that Elliot and Wesley are on a mission to find out more about Earth's, and thus the Cyniclons' past. She talked about her hard work at the Café as well, and she did not miss out her sibling too. She talked so much about her beloved brothers and sister, that finally Taruto had learned all of their names.

- So you've been working so hard and persistently for years only to be able to bring them up? – he asked with true amazement.

- They are my family – she smiled. – I would do everything for them.

- But you were a child yourself… - he said.

- That didn't stop me from taking care of them.

- I see. Actually, I get your situation more than you'd think.

- I believe you, Taru. After all, you were a kid as well when you tried to acquire a whole planet for your people – Kikki remembered.

- My service didn't end with that. – Taruto looked above and sighed. If only she knew…

- Why wouldn't you tell me then what happened? – she asked with a kind smile.

- Fine, but… not here! – he stated. – Let's go outside! People are already whispering mean stuff about my ears.

- Okay, let' go! – she agreed. – But don't even care about them! They must be thinking that you've come from a cosplay.

- A cos… what?

Kikki then told him what a cosplay was. After that, they left the Café and walked through the park. They sat down on a bench by the lake. That is where Taruto told Kikki everything as well: The unlivable planet, the there-had-been-no-other-way journey to Earth, the secret city inside the secret dimension and their plans to move on soon.

- So all of your people are living inside a secret dimension attached to Montana? – she tried to summarize what she's heard about.

- Yes, but… We won't hurt anyone, I promise!

- It's alright, Taru-Taru – she smiled warmly at him. – Your people didn't have a choice. And also I trust you!

- Do you? – he had to make sure. Her understanding meant very much for him.

- I do.

- Than you need to promise not to talk anyone about us! – Taruto requested.

- I promise I will keep your secret! – Kikki smiled. They were staring into each other's eyes for a while. - And… You are a leader now, right?

- I am. It's not as easy as people think at first, but that's what I got to do for my folk.

- I understand how you feel – Kikki said. - Isn't your situation similar to mine?

- What exactly?

- You had to become a leader to help your people. I had to become the chief of the Café to help my siblings…

- And both of us had to do so at such an early age – Taruto finished. He got it now. It was thrilling how many similar details they had in their lives. – We haven't even lived yet! – he guessed.

- You might be right. My siblings, being a Mew Mew, and now a chief… I never really had much time for myself. But I couldn't leave my siblings. They need me and…

- You don't have to!

- What are you planning, Taru-Taru? – she asked as she discovered the cunning gleam in his eyes.

- We should go and do some fun things together! – Taruto suggested looking into her eyes deeply. – Let's finally play with each other!

Kikki first didn't get it, but… Playing together is what she'd always suggested to him instead of fighting. And he remembered… She got so emotional that even a few tears rolled down her face. Taru first misunderstood it.

- Hey, are you crying? – he put his hand over her back trying to solace her. – What is it? – Kikki just sat there and kept on looking at him with her tearful eyes. – Have I said something wrong?

- No – she managed to speak at last. – I'm only crying, because… you've made me so happy, Taru-Taru!

- Does it mean you're up for some fun? – he asked in excitement. – Your siblings can take part as well!

- Definitely! – Kikki grinned at him happily. – Completely! Absolutely!

They spent five days together and those five days were amazing. Kikki introduced him to her siblings, who really liked him. They played with his long ears and were amazed about the stories he told them about the stars. Heicha especially liked to sit in his lap from time to time. But the one Taruto grown really close to was Kikki, of course.

They went hiking in the mountains, cycling in the city, swimming in the ocean. By the way, the ocean was way too cold at winter, so they jumped out of the water after a few minutes. And they only stayed that long because they were having a who-could-stay-longer-in-the-cold-water competition. Naturally, Taruto was about to win, but Kikki was so desperate that he rather gave up just to save her from catching a cold.

Her siblings were around them most of the time, but he didn't mind. He did not have siblings of his own, and it was a pleasant experience. He helped out at the Cafe as well. People started to recognize him as the long eared cosplay guy who just wouldn't take his fake-ears off. But, it was better than revealing himself to more people. And even besides their busy, crowded schedule, they managed to get closer to each other.

During the final day, Kikki and Taruto actually kissed a few times. And they embraced each other even more frequently. Both of them were happy about it, however, it only made it harder to say goodbye. Taruto really wanted to stay for longer, but he knew, if he stayed any longer, his friends would be worried about him. Also, he was a leader who had to be with his people.

Kikki wanted him to stay as well, but she also understood him. "His people are counting on their leader." If only, she could helped them, but she knew she couldn't do anything useful for the Cyniclons. So they shared a last kiss, hugged each other for a little more and said their goodbyes.

- I'm really gonna miss you, Taru-Taru! – Kikki said with a few tears on her face.

- I'm gonna miss you too, little money! – Taruto replied. – Take care of yourself and your siblings!

- I will. I promise – she smiled with tearful eyes.

Taruto then raised his hand and wiped away some tears from her face.

- Do not be so sad! – he tried to give her a cheerful smile. – You're gonna be okay and I'm gonna be fine too.

- But in the other end of the galaxy…

- I have to go now, Kikki. Be good! – he said and soared into the sky.

He took a last glimpse at her and teleported away. It was better not to make the farewell too long. By the time he'd got back to Tectum, he was only focusing on the good things they'd experienced together. And he couldn't wait to tell his friends that he had finally kissed a girl!

Montana, now

After Taruto told them the whole story…

- So you two got along quite well – Kisshu concluded, smiling. But soon his face showed more concern. – But you're aware that we're going to leave in a few months, right? – Taruto sadly nodded his head. – And that we're probably never coming back again?

- I'm aware! – Taruto answered nervously, perhaps with a bit too much passion. – But I like her so much!

- So what are you going to do? – Pai asked worriedly.

- I don't know… - Taruto sighed sadly. Even though, he already said goodbye to her once… He looked up at his friends' faces in despair. – Is there any way for me to stay here with her?

- We won't stop you, if you decide not to come with us… - Pai said, but it didn't sound like he approved.

- But if you stay, you'll never see us again. Nor will you see your parents or the others of your kind! – Kisshu declared.

- I'm a big boy now – Taru claimed. – I guess I could live with that… - That's what he said, but it was obvious he was suffering inside. How could he say goodbye to everyone?

- You're a leader of the Cyniclons now – Kisshu continued. – Staying here would also mean letting them down. Could you live with THAT?

Taruto stared at his friends for a while. His face became more and more distressed. Kisshu and Pai really started to feel sorry about him, but they needed to hear him answer first.

- No! No, of course I couldn't! – Taruto exclaimed at last. – That's exactly why I've returned from Tokyo in the first place! I would never betray my people!

- We know – Pai said firmly and put his hand on Taru's shoulder trying to calm him down.

- You would never do such thing – Kisshu claimed, putting his hand on Taru's other shoulder. – But, heads up! – he tried to cheer his friend up. – You'll find the right girl for you in the future.

- But she is right! – Taru disagreed in sorrow. He was starting to cool down, though.

- Come on! – Pai said. – We'll give you permission to go and see her one last time before we leave! – he promised.

- That's right! – Kisshu smiled. – You'll be able to play with her one more time.

- Fine! – Taruto finally agreed with a sulky face. – And I do not need permission to do so! – he stated. – I'm a leader now!

- A co-leader! – his friends reminded him firmly. But soon they looked at each others' faces and laughed joyfully. Finally, Taruto could cheer up as well. The support of his brothers made him feel truly comfortable.

- Aaa-and… - Taru turned to Kisshu after a while, - what's up with your kitty girl?

- Wee-ell… - Kisshu wasn't sure what to say.

- Hey! – Taru complained. – I told you two the truth, so now it's your turn!

- Fair enough! – Pai agreed. – So, Kisshu! Have you seen her recently?

- I did, okay! – Kisshu admitted. – But it was by accident!

- Oh, was it? – Taru grinned.

- Yes, it was! – Kisshu replied. – I was just about to breathe some fresh air, outside this dimension, when I saw her standing on a tall ponderosa pine.

- What was she doing there? – Pai asked with suspicion. – Didn't you tell us that she was living in New York?

- I did. – Kisshu sighed. – She must be on a winter vacation…

- How convenient, isn't it? – Taruto asked meaningly. – She's chosen the exact same place for her winter vacation our secret dimension is attached to!

- It's kinda suspicious, isn't it, Kisshu? – Pai asked.

- You tell me, Pai?! What do you guys think was my first thought when I noticed her last night?!

- Feels like it couldn't be a coincidence! – Taru assumed.

- What if the Mew Mews have found about our secret city? – Pai said worriedly. – They'd probably wish to fight us again.

- It couldn't be the case! – Taru objected. – Kikki didn't seem like she'd known anything until I told her. And she wasn't about to do anything against us after that.

- But she isn't the only Mew Mew, is she? – Pai highlighted the point. – And what's about their annoying bosses, Wesley and Elliot? You told us that, according to Kikki, they went on a mission trying to unravel the Cyniclons' past!

- Do you guys think… – Kisshu looked at them incredulously, - that Zoey came here because her ex-bosses have found our secret dimension, and they're trying to destroy us, again?

- I'm not sure… - Pai shrugged.

- But we cannot reject the possibility – Taruto said. – So perhaps, you should go and check the truth out!

Kisshu kept on thinking for a while, but then he looked up at them with determination. At least, this way he would have a good reason to spy on her. After he decided about this, passion gleamed in his golden eyes.

- That's exactly what I'm going to do! – he claimed. – I will go and find out whatever this kitty has to hide! And you can be damn sure no human will ever touch this dimension, neither our people inside it! – Saying this, he and the others looked down on the city below them. People were moving on the streets like busy ants. – We shall be safe here! – Kisshu concluded.

Pai and Taruto nodded in agreement.

…

To be continued…