Hey Guys! I'm back yet again carrying Chapter 4 with me! Yup, really updating faster than I've ever been. I guess it's much easier to write in the laptop than computer for me. Anyways, if you all read my former (which I still cringe when reading the first few chapters) you should all probably know who Hotaru is. But if you're not, well, just read this story and you'll find out.
Anyways let's stop the blabbering and get on with the story!
Chapter 4: Letting Go
''Is she here?'' Buttercup asked flying around the area of the tower. Bubbles shook her head and said ''we should probably contact the boys and ask if they had any progress. Buttercup nodded and took out her compact.
''Yo, what's up'' Butch answered. ''Have you found Blossom yet?'' Buttercup asked. Butch shook his head and said ''Boomer and I are still searching the park.''
Buttercup nodded ''we'll go there and help you guys out.'' Butch nodded in thanks. ''Why don't you go call Brick while we go there? That way we can have more information when we get there.'' Bubbles suggested.
Boomer came in the end said ''I'll call him. We'll wait for you guys here.'' Buttercup shook her head in positive and closed her compact. ''Well Bubbles, let's go.''
Bubbles nodded and together they flew towards the park.
''Momoko…Please be safe.''
With Butch and Boomer
Butch closed his compact and began to fly upwards to wait for the two girls while Boomer opened his own compact to contact Brick.
''What's up.'' Brick's voice said.
''Yo bro. Have you found Momoko yet?'' Boomer asked. ''The school is the farthest you know and I'm still not used to flying yet but I'm getting the hang on it. I'm still heading there.'' Brick replied.
'' Ok bro. Butch and I are still getting used to flying too. Contact us when you found her ok?'' Brick nodded and ended the call. Boomer closed his own compact and was about to fly up until a scream was heard at the other side of the park. He and Butch looked at each other and nodded as they flew towards the source of the scream.
With Momoko
Momoko was lay down by Natsuki as they both sat and watched the sunset. With the beautiful view in front of her and the fresh air warming up to her, she could finally think to herself.
''Momoko…Just who is she?'' She thought to herself. ''Is she really the boy-crazy, sweet loving and hyper girl? But what about me?'' Momoko looked at sunset and saw a reflection of herself. ''I've always been in this mask for 5 years…Nothing's bad has happened. Maybe I should just follow myself for once.''
Natsuki looked at Momoko thoughtfully. He knows that she is thinking about something and decided to try and ask her. ''So, what's with you?''
''What do you mean?'' Momoko replied. Natsuki smirked playfully and said ''obviously you have some problems within you.'' Momoko eyes slightly widened ''Does he know?''
''Care to share it to me?'' He grinned ''I can be a pretty good listener.''
''Well, he is the only one with me right now…but can I trust him?'' Momoko looked at him doubtfully. Natsuki saw the look and lays his back on the fence and looked at the sunset. ''The scenery is perfect right?'' He chuckled ''Sometimes it's better to open up with the mood set in right now.'' He took a side glance to her and saw that she was still staring at the sunset, probably thinking about what he said.
''…Sometimes it's better to have some shoulder to lean on than keeping it all to yourself'' Natsuki whispered softly enough for Momoko to hear. ''You can't hide it forever.''
''…He's right. I can't keep this up forever. I know one day I'm just going to explode and go crazy if I didn't take this off soon…Why not now?'' Momoko thought, not noticing the silent tears falling slowly. ''I'm so tired…tired of hiding.'' She hid her eyes with her hair and…slowly lean her bandaged head to Natsuki's shoulder.
Natsuki stiffened a bit but relaxed afterwards ''this is what I wanted from her for so long ever since we were kids.'' He thought ''Now to confirm my suspicions.'' He looked at Momoko and was surprised to see her crying silently. He stayed quiet knowing what was coming next and they just both stared at the sunset.
Back at the park
''Man this is hilarious!'' A green colored man with sunglasses cackled as he and his gang bullied the people around the park. ''I really missed thissss. Causing havoc to the city really takes me back.'' A snake like person hissed.
''Did I do good Ace? Did I, did I?!'' The shortest member of their group, Weevil, said jumping up and down.
''Eh, it was fine.'' Ace said with a bored tone. Big Billy, a big green fat guy of the gang, then lifts the ice cream shop at the park and threw it away. The vendor inside of it screamed when his shop was lifted up in the air.
''Nice job Big Billy!'' Ace laughed as they all cackled at the scream of the man selling the ice cream except Lunk, the weird guy with his big eyes and tonge sticking out, just staring at the scene before him. ''Come on Lunk! Wasn't that funny?'' Ace said slapping Lunk's back who just stared at him. Ace laugh died down and sighed ''Sometimes I wonder why you're even with us'' He mumbled
The seller braced himself for the impact but it didn't come. He slowly opened his eyes and saw two boys catching his shop. ''You ok there man?'' Butch asked as he and Boomer slowly landed with the ice cream
The vendor fearfully nodded ''you should get out of here. Things are about to get ugly.'' Boomer said and again the man nodded and run out of his shop and away from the park.
''Well, well. If it isn't the boys.'' Ace sneered in disgust ''what playing the hero now?''
''More like choosing the right thing to do unlike you guys.'' Boomer said eyeing their malicious black aura emanating from them. ''Teaming up with those girls I see.'' Ace noticed the belts around their waist ''Where's your leader by the way? You know the boy with the red cap.''
''It's none of your business.'' Boomer said nonchalantly. Ace's face took on with a scowl ''I never did like you in the first place.'' He growled as Butch smirked back ''the feelings mutual, you stupid gang.''
Ace gritted his teeth and signaled everyone to attack them. All of them charged as Boomer and Butch was about to retaliate but a voice stopped them.
''Megaton Dunk!''
''Bubble Champagne!''
Energized bubbles flew towards a hammer as the hammer energized the bubbles even more and send it straight towards the Gang Green Gang. Said villains shouted out in pain and flew back due to the force of the attack.
''Took you long enough.'' Butch said just as Buttercup and Bubbles flew right next to them. Buttercup rolled her eyes and said ''Looks like we have to beat this gang first before continuing our search.''
Apparently Ace heard it and decided to provoke them seeing that the girls' other leader is missing as well ''Looks like your so called leaders decided to leave and hook up instead. '' He laughed maliciously. That being said, Ace made the biggest mistake his mouth has ever let out. Two boys glaring at him that could make anyone freeze in fear and gripping their weapons hard while the two girls started charging their respective weapons in response to their anger. ''How dare he..!'' They thought in anger.
''Uh oh…'' Ace murmured. One thing is for sure, Never ever provoke or mess around a RRBZ or PPGZ especially concerning their friends. You will surely be going to hell along with it.
With Brick
Brick sneezed making him ran a finger to his nose and rubbing it. ''Someone must be talking about me.'' He said to himself and then he saw the structure of a school ''Finally! I hope Momoko is there. Flying is something I need to get used to soon.'' With that, he continued flying towards the said school.
Back with Momoko and Natsuki
It's been a few minutes since they both stopped talking. Natsuki is waiting patiently while Momoko was still thinking if she should open up to the boy her head was leaning into. ''Wait…leaning into!?''
Natsuki felt Momoko stiffened up and looked at her ''Are you oka-'' He was cut off when Momoko suddenly lifted her head up away from his shoulders. The bandaged head hit Natsuki's chin as he let out a yell in surprise and pain. Momoko felt the chin at her own sudden movement and held her head in pain also.
''I'm so sorry! I didn't know what came over me and oh god I'm so sorry.'' Momoko rambled but can't make a proper sentence to explain the situation due to the pain in her head. Instead, she held his chin in a careful manner and looked at it. ''Are you okay?'' She asked worriedly ''I didn't hurt you did I?''
Natsuki felt the warm hand touching his chin and looked at the owner of it. His heart started beating a bit fast and said ''I-I'm fine. I can take a hit like that. I was about to ask you the same thing actually.'' Momoko let go of his chin and nodded in approval signaling that she is ok. She then suddenly looked at ground as the feeling of being vulnerable claimed her.
''…I just can't take it anymore.'' She whispered. Natsuki then felt that she was opening up to him and stayed silent.
''This is not really me you know?'' She chuckled weakly ''that boy-crazy, sweet loving and hyper Momoko that you all knew? It was all just an act.''
Natsuki's eyes slowly widened ''that confirms my suspicions. She is her! Finally I've found her after so long. I thought it was just a coincidence that she has the same name but…'' He looked at her with a glint in his eyes ''Well, my powers did took a huge blow after doing something like that 5 years ago… and I still haven't recovered yet. So maybe that's why I brushed her off. Anyways, it's all part of the plan anyway.''
''Sometimes I'm wondering who I really am…But one thing is for sure that the Momoko that you all knew is just a shadow of me.'' Momoko said ''I just want to be free from all of this. I don't want to hide myself anymore!'' She slightly shouted at the end, feeling slightly proud of herself for not spilling the real reason
Natsuki closed his eyes and thought about what he was about to say. ''Why hide yourself?'' Momoko sighed, tiredness in her face ''…My parents said it was for the best of me.''
Natsuki's eyes narrowed ''so they are hiding her….Too bad I found her.''
''Why let them interfere with your life.'' He said almost robotically ''you are you Momoko. Don't let others control your life, your wants!''
Momoko slightly widened her eyes of what he said ''He's suddenly different…it's the same feeling when I sensed after my first transformation.''
''Why are you letting them change you like that?'' He asked, his voice a bit stinging to the girl. Momoko flinched and looked away ''It's because I owe them so much.'' She whispered low enough for Natsuki to hear.
Natsuki's features softened ''I'm sorry. It just, it infuriates me that someone as strong as you is hiding herself.'' He patted her head affectionately as Momoko looked at him questioningly ''Earlier we were just exchanging annoyed words with each other and then he was scolding me and now…he's suddenly acting like we were best friends a long time.'' She thought
''Stop hiding yourself Momoko.'' Natsuki closed his eyes. ''Do what your heart wants and show the world who you really are, how strong you are. You're not weak. Think about yourself for once.''
''He's right…Why am I hiding myself? I'm not weak! So what if someone is after me? I'm strong enough to defend myself!'' Momoko steeled her eyes as determination fixed itself to it. ''Besides I have my friends with me.'' She remembered Miyako's words that they were there for her and that made her decision ''It's time to let go and be who I really am. But first,''
''I better apologize to Kaoru and Miyako.'' She murmured herself ''they must be so worried now.''
Natsuki smiled and stood up, dusting imaginary dust at his pants ''let's go princess?'' He said teasingly.
''Now where have I heard that before?'' Momoko mused remembering Butch's words. Natsuki held up his hand as Momoko grabbed it with a small smile. He pulled her up a bit strongly at the same time Momoko stumbled a bit. He held her in his chest as she adjusts herself to stand up.
Natsuki blushed a bit, taking in the strawberry scent entering his nose. ''Sorry about that. A bit dizzy'' Momoko said smiling. ''Now that's different.'' Natsuki looked at the smile ''her smile seems…much livelier now.''
''No problem. I can carry you back to your house if you want.'' Natsuki said. Momoko raised her eyebrows and just laughed ''whatever prince'' She winked at him.
''Prince eh?'' Natsuki smirked mischievously and suddenly carried her in bridal style making her yelp in surprise. ''Hey! Put me down!'' Momoko yelled ''I can walk you know!''
''Yeah sure princess'' Natsuki rolled his eyes as he started to walk away from the roof and going downstairs.
Momoko sighed and let him be. ''Hey Natsuki?'' Natsuki looked at her quizzically '' Thanks for being there for me.'' She whispered but Natsuki heard it anyway and smiled. ''With that part done, it's time to move on to the next stage.'' He looked on ahead ''Just you wait Momoko, you'll be mine after all of this.'' He thought darkly
Back with Brick
''Finally I'm here.'' Brick sighed simultaneously landing at the ground. ''Now to find her around the school.'' He stared at the big building in front of him ''this might take a while.'' He sweat dropped and run around the school first.
The Park
''That will show them.'' Buttercup snorted. Butch and Boomer nodded looking at the beaten up gang. ''Anyways, let's continue searching for Momoko.'' Bubbles suggested making the others nod their head in approval.
Back with Momoko and Natsuki
They were now nearing outside the school as the orange light of the sun enveloped them. ''Hey Natsuki, earlier you seem to know who this Hotaru is.'' Momoko asked and she felt Natsuki stiffened. ''Yeah, I kind of know him.'' He replied in a monotone voice. ''How did you even know him by the way?''
Momoko shrugged and said ''It was just mentioned in my dream earlier. There were like I think four voices and the one in the end that sounded so…cold.'' She shivered as she remembered it. ''So, it finally started appearing.'' Natsuki thought.
''Momoko! There you are!'' A voice yelled.
With Brick
''Just where is she?!'' He scratched his head in frustration. He returned at the gate of the school and there he saw an orange hair with a pink bow. There's only a person who has a hair and bow like that. He decided to contact the others before going to her, not noticing another person carrying her.
''Guys! I've found Momoko and she's here in the school.''
''Ok! We'll be right there bro!'' Butch said while informing the others and ending the call.
''Momoko! There you are!'' He yelled running towards her and there he finally noticed that someone was carrying her. ''Who is this guy?'' He thought in suspicion
Back with Momoko and Natsuki
''Brick! What are you doing here?'' Momoko exclaimed. ''Finding you of course! Who's this guy?'' Brick said sending a look at Natsuki. ''You can let her go now.'' He said, stepping closer. Natsuki raised his eyebrow at the newcomer and said ''I'm sorry but I'm afraid I can't since I don't give Momoko to some stranger I don't know.''
Brick gritted his teeth and started clutching his beyblade ''this guy is pissing me off.''
''W-wait! It's ok Natsuki. Brick is…a friend.'' Momoko said, still not sure what the label of their relationship since they were enemies earlier. Well since he's searching for her, might as well consider him as a friend. That's a thing that friends do after all.
''You heard her man. Let go of her now.'' Brick almost growled at him. Natsuki sighed and let Momoko go gently and carefully stood her up. Momoko rolled her eyes and said ''I'm not a doll Natsuki. I can stand by myself.''
Brick quickly took hold of her as soon as Natsuki let go of her ''Come on Momoko…The others are worried sick.'' He said softly. ''I'm sorry…'' Momoko apologized sincerely.
''Don't worry Natsuki. Brick can take me where my friends are. After all I still need to apologize to them.'' She smiled softly at him. Natsuki nodded ''Just be careful ok.'' Momoko nodded and smiled at him sending a small thank you to him. He maybe the crush of her mask, but one thing is for sure that something is definitely going to change between them.
Natsuki smiled and then looked at Brick. Brick stared back intensely as if saying he should leave Momoko alone while gripping Momoko a bit tightly making Momoko looked at him quizzically. Natsuki got the look and just smirked as he turned back and walked away.
''What were you doing in this school?'' Brick asked creating a conversation with her. ''I just needed some fresh air. I'll explain everything later when all of us are at Professor's lab.'' She replied
''Then why is he with you?'' Brick asked gesturing at the walking brown haired boy. Momoko looked and said ''Oh Natsuki? It just so happens that I bumped into him and he offered help for me to go to the rooftop since my head is making me stumble a bit''
Brick sighed and mumbled ''Just please be careful next time.'' Momoko looked at him surprise and was even more surprised when she was engulfed in a hug. ''I worried them too much…'' She thought sadly in regret. She softly returned the hug and decided to change the subject. ''So, what's up with the new get up and weapon?'' She winked at him when he let go of the hug.
He blushed a bit and replied ''Professor gave us some Chemical Z so that it will be easier for us to find you since you kind of disappeared when you undo the transformation.'' Momoko looked at him questioningly ''How do you know that? And what do you mean by disappear?''
''Oh right you didn't know'' He chuckled ribbing the tip of his nose ''Professor got some kind of tracking device at your belts but it can only work when you transformed.'' Momoko nodded in understanding, she was about to speak up when a voice yelled at them ''Momoko! There you are''
Momoko turned to look but a flash of light blue was all she could see before she was engulfed in a hug. ''We were so worried about you… Please don't do that again.''
''I'm sorry Bubbles.'' Momoko smiled then she saw Buttercup, Butch and Boomer. ''I'll explain everything at the lab. I think I owe you that at least.'' Buttercup nodded and said ''we're just glad you're safe and sound.''
''I'm sorry Buttercup. My anger got the best of me and I kind of exploded it to you.'' Momoko apologized to her best friend in life. Buttercup was surprised at this. She and Momoko almost never apologized to each other and just kind of just went with it. Nevertheless she nodded and said ''you still owe us some explanation.'' She smirked
Momoko laughed softly ''same old Buttercup'' She thought. She started to transform but someone stopped her. ''Wait! Are you sure you can transform now?'' Boomer asked a bit worried. Momoko smiled at him and nodded ''Yeah I think I can do it now. Thanks for the worry.''
Boomer blushed and rubbed the back of his head sheepishly as he mumbled a 'no problem' Butch rolled his eyes ''Boomer, what a sensitive guy.'' He shook his head.
''Hyper Blossom!''
The pain in her head still there but tolerable. ''Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go!'' Blossom laughed cheerfully as she flew away.
''I never seen Blossom so…cheerful like that. She's much livelier it seems.'' Bubbles commented with a small smile. ''Let's go follow her then.'' Brick exclaimed while following after to Blossom with other others quickly following by.
Blossom looked behind her and smiled widely ''Tomorrow. Tomorrow they will meet the real me! I can't wait for it. It's time to show them who the real Momoko is!'' With that thought, she slowed down to let the others catch up to her as they both fly together, smiling and laughing at each other's company.
With Natsuki
He watched as Bubbles hugged Momoko while saying something. He frowned at the conversation taking place and the smiles around them. ''This can get a bit longer than I thought. No matter.''
He then saw Momoko smiled at Boomer while saying something that made the said boy blush. With this, his eyes hardened ''Oh I can't wait to take her away from them. But it's going to take some time.''
He saw Momoko transformed to her hero self as she fly away from the school with the others quickly following by. ''Soon…Very soon. I will have the ultimate power with me and I'll make sure to make the darkness permanent here in this world.'' He looked at the flying Blossom who is smiling cheerfully ''and you'll be helping me…Momoko.'' He smirked darkly and disappeared at the same time the sun has set.
Anddd cut! What is Natsuki's planning? And Why is Momoko involved in this? We'll find out as the story progresses on! R&R guys! Don't forget to favorite!