Song – Sakura by Ikimono Gakari

In order to get the entire performance, I highly suggest you open a new tab and go to Youtube right now! Hee hee...

The song's so cute and I can totally see Karin performing it!

"Himeka-chan."

I'm not sure how no one cared to think all of this wasn't overwhelming for just one girl. My sixteenth birthday was supposed to be.. normal.

The only thing major that was supposed to have happened today was that I would finally go to one of my favorite band's concert with my best friends.

Well... I thought they were my friends.. I mean, they are, it's just...

How could they keep everything a secret like it's no big deal?

I made a wish to see my childhood friend and I get him and some kind of performance I'm supposed to make to save the world before they all turn into cat people.

Wow.

Amazing.

And now my hair's turning white!

Himeka was standing in front of me, showing me all kinds of outfits in the dressing room. She looked flustered and trying to find out what I should wear.

It was as if for the first time I realized she was dressed rather oddly.

Her dark hair, which she usually wore down, was pulled into a messy bun with a french braid wrapped around her head like a crown. She had rabbit ears just like Kazune, except they were lop eared ones, big, cute ones that hung down either side of her head. Covering most of her body was a white corset with puffy sleeves wrapped just under her shoulders. To match, she wore a short frilly white skirt that just about covered her thighs. Several times when she'd turned around, I caught sight of her fluffy tail.

Himeka had a pink ribbon tied around the waistband of the skirt and a bow tied tightly behind her. You could hear the soft click clacking of her white knee length boots every time she darted across the room, searching for the perfect outfit.

Himeka stopped trying to fit me into a blue sweater and tossed it aside. When she noticed my serious expression, her expression changed to a little bit of sadness.

"Please don't look at me like that, Karin-chan."
I balled up my fists, "How dare you! Do you just expect me to go along with this?! Kazu-chan hasn't told me anything about this, and you won't either? And then you drag me into a dressing room and expect me to walk out onstage and sing a song to protect the world from turning into cats?! This is crazy! I haven't seen Mii-chan since I was 4 and he suddenly shows up at the concert with you! Obviously, he's in on whatever you and Kazu-chan are, but why do I have to do all this?"
Himeka looked torn, "I'd tell you, but... there's no time, Karin-chan.."

"Yes there is! You either tell me, or I'll let whatever you don't want to happen, happen!"

I panted. I had finally gotten out everything I'd wanted to say. I hadn't realized how frustrated I was until now.

I had missed Kazu-chan the most, but he suddenly showed up telling me I had to protect the world.

I just wanted to go back to the old times with him... This wasn't at all what I wanted.

"You were just a baby."
"Huh?" I un-balled my fists and my expression softened a little.

"You were just a baby when you were sent to Earth."
"Sent to Earth? What do you mean?"

"Karin-chan, you were originally born on a planet populated by cats and rabbit people. You're mother was the Queen of the entire planet, but when it was being taken over by the Kitty King, she sent you to Earth so you would be safe. Me, Kazune-chan, Mii-chan, and Miyon-chan are from that planet. We were brought up training for an important mission, and that was to help you prepare to protect Earth with your voice when you were discovered."

"Who's this Kitty King you all keep talking about?"

"He's...a vile person who hates all things cute. He was rejected by your mother when he proposed to her. His true intentions were to take over the kingdom and rule, but after his plan failed, he passed it on to his son. The Kitty Prince will be the new king if he marries."
"Oh.."

So that's what Chesire-san kept talking about earlier..

"However, when he found out you were on Earth, he sent minions immediately to come and get you. Also, since humans are very easy to possess because they are not magical creatures like us, the Kitty minions decided to have a little of their fun. But you can stop them. You see, you have magic in your voice."
"My voice...?"

I thought back to the one time in Kindergarten I had gotten a role in a play for my voice. The music teacher was so impressed, she had my name down for solos in all the musicals. Whenever the school had a singing competition, she made sure I signed up. I won so many trophies, they're stacked up in my closet as we speak.

But when I reached Middle School, people started to get change, saying things like "Who does she think she is?" or "She must bribe the judges, because she's not that good of a singer anyway."
I stopped singing when the rumors started to get worse.

And then I transferred schools.

I haven't sang since then. Even when I'm alone..

I've never been able to figure out why, but I think I might be afraid to let anyone else hear my voice. I don't even know if I sounded the same.

"Oh, no, Himeka-chan, I can't sing."
"Yes you can! What do you mean, just because those idiots started talking about you because they were so jealous?! Who cares about them?"
"If you haven't noticed, I'm very cautious about myself... and... I care what others think. I never had a reason for singing in the first place, so it's okay. It doesn't matter."
"But I know it made you happy!"

Himeka placed her hands on my shoulders. "I remember me and Miyon going to watch all of your musicals in school. You're smiles when you sang weren't fake. You were always shining so beautifully. You warmed the audiences' hearts with all the fun you were having, Karin-chan. You're voice is precious."

"But-"

I shuddered suddenly, and my body began to grow.

Himeka stared at me a moment, her eyes widening in awe.

"Oh, my, you've transformed..." she sort of said this like it wasn't as surprising as it should have been.
"I what?!" I whirled around to look at my half nude self in the mirror.

My breasts were spilling out of my bra, the waistband of my underwear was stretching from the perfectly round curve of my hips, my legs had grown long and slender, my skin had paled to a lovely olive color, my waist was narrower, my eyes were a softer green, and my curly white hair was glowing!

I reached up to touch the face of the woman in the mirror that looked like an older me and let out a quiet gasp.

"I... I'm so... much older.."

"This is what you will look like every midnight." Himeka explained. "Only, this side of you has been born early. It's very confusing, but... this is the one you will see in the mirror at night."

"Whaaaat?! This is strange! I... I don't... but I'm... what in the world...?"
I flinched when I heard the thousand terrified screams of the audience just outside the dressing room door. I had almost forgotten that we were all trapped in the building.. but.. what was happening now?

Himeka met my gaze in the mirror.

"There are vocal pheromones in your voice. Whatever song you sing, whatever wish you make while you sing it, will come true. It's your special power. Back on our planet, this was very rare, but only the royal family was known for having it."
"Vocal pheromones...?" I continued to stare at myself in the mirror.

"Ye-"

"Chesire. You don't have to do this." I heard Micchi's voice echo over the screams.
"There are so many innocent people in the audience!" Kazune spoke after him.

"Hahahahahah! You think I care about their innocence?! They don't even take care of their own planet! I don't understand you fools! What's the big deal if someone finally takes charge over all of these useless humans? If you want me to spare all of these selfish creatures, why don't you all get on your knees and beg?" the familiar, deep voice of our enemy boomed the loudest of all.

"It is you who should be begging. We're giving you one last chance."

"Just leave with your minions and we won't have to fight."

"We wouldn't have to fight if you idiot knights would just go back home and let us do our work." the last voice was different, but familiar. I gasped when I realized who it was. It was Reiko – one of the singers in the girl group performing at the concert. She'd been turned into one of those weird cat people!

"Oh, no, that sounds like Reiko..." I gasped and stared at the stage door.

"...and she's an ordinary human being poisoned and controlled by those monsters, Karin-chan. I truly am sorry that this is so overwhelming, but you're the world's only hope."

I turned to look back at myself in the mirror, thinking hard.

"This whole thing is being filmed live... if the manipulative voices of the cats ring out, the entire population of Tokyo will turn into cats and pass the infection around."
My sad, worried green eyes stared back at me.

I was so confused, so frustrated... so angry.

Why did all of this have to happen to me, on MY birthday? It's as if I would never have this one question answered. I didn't want to be one of those girls in TV shows or movies that had to save the world because it was their destiny. It wasn't fair... none of this..

"It's not fair." I said out loud.

I felt Himeka's hand on my shoulder and I turned to stare at her in the corner of my eye.

"I... I don't know if I can do this.." I bit back frustrated tears.

"Don't be afraid. We'll protect you the whole way, all you have to do is sing. Karin-chan, we all want to hear that precious voice of yours. You may not have thought much of it, but...every time you sing, it gives others hope."

Himeka turned me around and hugged me. I breathed in her scent. It was hers, of course, but this was the only thing of hers that hadn't changed all in one day.

I was taller than her now. At least 5 foot 9.

"Do you remember? When you sang for everyone when you were little?"
I searched for the brief memories in my mind. I remembered when I was a child, my aunt used to take me out shopping. I was so happy to have gotten knew clothes and jewelry, but when we walked outside, the world seemed so.. dull...

No one outside had been smiling. They all looked busy and caught up in work. Children were crying and dogs were barking. Not a single smile..

I thought, Maybe if I do something, they'll all smile.

Just like that, I put on the jewelry my aunt had bought me, slipped away when she wasn't looking, and climbed atop somewhere high.

"Karin, get down from there!" my aunt yelled as I climbed on top of a fountain. "It's dangerous! What will you do if you fall?"

"I won't!"

"What are you doing, then?!"

"I'm going to sing so everyone will smile!" I yelled, then started to do the dance to the song of Renai Circulation by Kana Hanazawa.

"Se~no! Demo sonnan ja dame, mou sonnan ja hora! Kokoro wa shinka suru yo motto, motto!" I couldn't be heard over the busy clamor, but I wouldn't give up. My dancing was a little off, and my voice wasn't all that good, but... a part of me encouraged me to keep going.

"Karin.." my aunt started laughing, "Honey, what are you doing..?"

It wasn't one of those mean laughs, it was a very happy one. Eventually, someone heard her, and then all eyes turned to me.

It was like the world regained color as people stopped to watch me. Their smiles brightened the day. Everyone laughed, clapped, even some girls who knew the song sang with me. My heart pounded in excitement.

"Thank you! I'm glad you're smiling!" I shouted over the cheers when I finished. From then on, if I saw someone was sad, I would ask them :

"Can I sing for you?"

It sounded a little strange, but it was all I could do.

"You make everyone happy when you sing. So will you, even if it could be for one last time?" Himeka's sparkling golden eyes were pleading.

"Do you.. do you honestly think I can do it? Can I save everyone before Chesire-san turns them all?" I looked down at my feet, hoping for more encouragement. I gulped.

"I'm positive."

I put on a braver face, looked up at Himeka seriously, and nodded.

"Then let's look for something to wear. I'm going to be performing tonight after all."
Tokyo's POV

Although the audience in the concert auditorium were frightened and almost fully aware of what was going to happen to them, they stayed dead silent, none of them daring to move.

People in the streets of Tokyo stopped their busy walking to stare up in horror and curiosity at the screen revealing the crazy cat man and the famous singers turned into cat people.

"What is that?"
"Is it real?"

"Is this some kind of performance?"
"He's got cat ears, mama!"

"What is that crazy man going to do with all of them?"

"Those two boys on stage are so cuuuute...!"

"Are they all famous?"

"This is an act... right?"

News reporters were trying their best to explain the conflict going on inside of the concert, but were left speechless. The police were unsure if the man who resembled a human Chesire cat was a threat because he hadn't made much of a move.

At home, Karin's aunt was holding her daughter closely, fully aware of what was actually going on, and silently praying she was left in the protective hands of her knights.

Suddenly, a girl ran out on stage, dressed like a black rabbit, and whispered something to the two knights on stage.

And then the lights on stage shut off.

All talking ceased. No one in Tokyo moved. The reporters even stopped talking, shaking their heads in confusion.

A short moment later, a ray of light shone back down on the stage, resting on a beautiful woman no one had seen before.

The white light made her beautiful skin glow, her sharp, alluring green eyes brighter. Her curly, crystal white hair cascaded like waved all the way down to her knees. On her body she wore a simple white gown that flowed down to the ground and covered her feet. She was tall, like a supermodel, and her body was built like one. Her wonderful curves were very obvious through the loose white fabric of her dress.

She stared out into the darkness of the audience bravely, a microphone in her hand.

Entranced by her beauty, all Tokyo could do was watch.

Was she going to sing? The people wondered. But why at a time like this?

Taking a deep breath, as if to calm herself and let out any kinds of pressure, the young woman began to sing. Her voice echoed throughout the city, catching everyone's attention. Her voice was sweet, unlike any voice anyone had ever heard, unique and beautiful. At once, their hearts were full of joy. Everyone pushed aside everything to hear her sing in her attractive way.

The music played as the "Princess" sang over it, the familiar song "Sakura" by Ikimono Gakari...

"SAKURA hira, hira maiorite ochite, yureru omoi no take wo dakishimeta. Kimi to haru ni negai shi ano yume wa... Ima mo miete iru yo... SAKURA... maichiru..."

It was as if every worry vanished from the sound of her voice, from the words of this angel. The only thing any felt was happy as she sang. Everyone stayed to listen to the rest of her song. She was so beautiful, so talented, how could they not?

Back to Karin's POV

I hadn't sang in so long. I had forgotten how important it was that I was happy on stage. My voice was flowing out of me now as I sang the words. My confidence was high.

I knew thousands of eyes were on me, but that only made me happier.

"Sorezore no michi wo erabi futari wa haru wo oeta... Sakihokoru mirai wa atashi wo aserasete.."

I could hear groans next to me, and flashes of bright light.

I was the only one to hear it, but Chesire whispered next to me, avoiding the light so no one would see :

"You've ruined my plan..I will be back. You just watch yourself, princess."

I ignored him, and kept singing. The lights in the auditorium turned back on, and when I glanced next to me, Chesire and his minions were gone. The singers who had been transformed into cat girls were lying on the floor, unconscious.

"Kimi to, haru ni negai shi ano yume wa... Ima wo miete iru yo SAKURA maichiru..."

I sang the rest of my song carefully. I could see the audience now. Everyone was smiling!

A part of me that had been broken mended back together as I remained on stage, singing for everyone. I felt all negative energy like fear vanish from them and felt the room brighten from their smiles.

"Mune ni daite SAKURA maichiruuuu... aaaaaaaaaaahhhh."

As the song finished, I felt the walls of the concert shake as everyone roared in applause. I smiled back, thought quickly, and bowed.

"Thank you for smiling!"

"Karin-chan!" Himeka ran out on stage with Micchi, Miyon, and Kazune. They all pulled me off of stage and into the guest room. I was instantly pulled into 4 warm embraces once we were all in the same room.

"That was amazing!" Micchi kissed me on my forehead.

Himeka wrapped her arms around my neck and held me tightly, "I knew you could do it!"

Miyon kissed me on my cheek, "You looked so beautiful on the stage tonight! Please forgive us for forcing all of this on you.."

Kazune pouted and pushed everyone out of the way to hold me in his arms tightly. My heart skipped a beat and pounded against both of our chests.

"You should have let me hug her first..." Kazune said in an annoyed tone, "I've been trying to get her all day.."

"That's not fair!" Micchi crossed his arms over his chest, "I haven't seen Karin-sama in like, 10 years!"

"We haven't seen her in hours!" Miyon rolled her eyes.

A knock on the door interrupted us.

"This is the police. Come out with your hands up!"

I gasped and clung to Kazune, "Wh-why are the police here?"
"They probably want us for questioning. We need to get out of here."
"I'm on it!" Miyon told us all to join hands and closed her eyes. Her body began to glow and soon the light consumed us all until...

Woooosh...

I opened my eyes.

We were back in my room! Which was in my house, of course!

"But- how-" I started. I turned around, but saw no one.

Did they just.. disappear, or something?

I felt something touch my leg and glanced down.

At my feet were 4 rabbits, staring up at me with familiar pairs of eyes.

"Y—you guys?!"