Love and Thunder
The Saga Prefecture certainly had it rough, having survived not just one but two disastrous events in such a short period of time. Was it really man vs. nature or was something way more diabolical in play?
Romero ran as fast as his stubby legs could take him. Each thunder strike sent the small zombie dog on edge. He saw Franchouchou's dorm room as a safe haven.
Using his head, he pushed the door open and crawled in. The dog donned his head sideways, wondering which girl can protect him.
His answer was straight in front of him.
Ai Mizuno sat on top of her futon, hugging her bandaged legs close to her chest. Her head was resting on her knees as her entire body shook from fear.
"…Stop." She pleaded.
Ai couldn't move. She saw a helicopter rotor flew overhead. The raindrops were still raining on her.
There was a distinct smell, like electricity that had coursed through her. Her body was coal black.
Four entities with large trench coats came to her aid. She couldn't make out any of their facial features on account of the hoodies they've worn.
But their glowing eyes and shrieking voices immediately set her uneasy.
"Oh Doctor, Doctor, is there a Doctor in the house."
"We need to get her to the ER ward, stat!"
"Wait, isn't she from Iron Frill?"
They pushed her inside the building where the downpour had ended. The hallway was pitch black except for the occasional flickering lights.
"Just fall in love ehh eh ehh just fall in love!"
It felt like a merry coaster ride that she had no control of.
Beep. Beep!
"Oh Doctor, Doctor. She's flat lining!" The hooded person exclaimed
"No need to fear Nurse. I am here!" The other one proclaimed. Frying volts were emitting from his sleeves. "Hehehe 3,2,1, clear."
Ai had no idea what was being used but it was so painful that her body jerked as a response.
Those red beam orbs widened in surprise, "No response?"
But the gleefully closed, " Okay! 3, 2, 1, clear!"
Her body was shaking even more as the electro current passed through every vein from head to toe.
"Damnit! Don't die on us!"
The sadist rubbed his paws together, a friction making the electricity voltage a different colour. "Clear!"
This time her body sat up right by impact, then immediately collapsed back down on the gurney.
"Your call, Doc."
"Time of death: 23: 45"
His head sagged down in defeat. He threw in the towel, strolling off and muttering to himself. "What a waste. She was so talented."
The hooded female followed him. "You think they'll replace her?"
"If there's money to be made, I guarantee they'll announce a new lead vocalist in the next few days. That's how capitalism works."
The other two mysterious hoods took their leave after them. "Hey wait up! Just fall in love eh eh just fall in love!"
They left her. She was alone. All by herself. Isolated. Excluded. Thrown away like a broken toy.
It was just her with the flickering bulb at the long endless hallway.
"Someone…anyone…help."
But no help came.
Hours have passed where it was nothing but the dead stillness to company her. Eventually, she lost track of time, just laying there in eerie quietness.
Slowly, the blanket that covered her lap was being tugged off. There was nothing by the edge of the gurney.
And yet it seemingly continued to glide off her until it fell on the floor.
It was cold. She was wrapped up, literally mummified with bandages covering every part. She couldn't move her body. It was like she had sleep paralysis. Ai used her eyes to decipher what's going on.
Two red hands reached out and grabbed her ankles. Whatever it was, its nails were sharp and filthy.
It pulled Ai to the floor with such a feat of strength that all her IV drips were still attached on her arm and dragged alongside the idol.
"Stop!" She pleaded. Her voice hoarse, step and desperate.
The monster could not have been reasoned with. It dragged Ai on the ground. Its proportions were not human. The back was bloated and spikes were protruding down his spine. It growled violently as Ai could only hopelessly watch herself being dragged to the double doors that opened by itself.
Morgue.
Romero whined, his head was head butting Ai's legs as he donned his head sideways in question. He looked on in curiosity as number three woke up in cold sweat, shaking.
Her ruby red zombie eyes thwarted to the small dog who immediately whined again.
Despite the fact that a blinding white light was by the window and her nightmare, Ai Mizuno still managed by muster a smile.
"Hey buddy, can't sleep? Me too."
Romero smiled with his sharp teeth before sneezing. He wiggled his tiny floofy butt before jumping on Ai's lap.
He started having happy sighing noises and snoring contently in Ai's arms. He looked up in amazement.
She felt like crying but knew she couldn't. She was their leader so she could not show any weakness. What kind of example would she set?
So, Ai simply hugged Romero for comfort, kissing the top of his head.
"Oii count me in too!" A sudden voice intervened. "I shouldn't have slept on our way back."
Saki Nikaido was laying on her side on her futon besides Ai. Her long blonde hair was down. She was in her oversized comfy pajamas. The biker girl took a long yawn without covering her mouth.
"Sup girl! Is it those pesky nightmares again?"
She, however, was the only one aware of her dispositions. During a fierce spat with Junko, Ai stormed out but with her luck it was raining. She was caught in a storm and sought refuge in one of the playground tubes.
Saki came to her aid and there she spoke the truth, about how one single ten-year-old news article and bad weather jogged her memory.
Ai nodded. It was no use in lying. Romero was still happily sitting in her arms.
Saki gave a supportive smile. "Let's get a warm drink!"
"Now this shit hits the spot!" Saki brought two steaming mugs of hot milk out of the microwave.
Ai gave Saki a sad smile while the biker downed her own milk and sat across the troubled idol.
She was still holding onto Romero with one hand while drinking with the other.
Saki had a more serious demeanour now. " I never seen you this shooked up girl. What gives?"
Ai looked uncomfortable, not giving any eye contact,
"You don't have to talk about it. We can just stay here and enjoy each other's company."
But she wanted to. " No, it's fine. It just felt so surreal."
"Saki…" Ai petted Romero's head. "Am I expendable?"
The rebel only raised her eyebrow in bewilderment.
"Six weeks after I died they found a replacement for Iron Frill,"
Saki's heart dropped hearing that.
"If they can find someone so easily and that person can excel my brand to heights I could never…"
Ai trailed off before continuing. "Then maybe I'm not fit to lead Franchouchou."
Tears were running down her bandaged cheeks. "I'm just dead weight."
She laid there like a broken doll on the dirty morgue floor. Her eyes were lifeless.
She looked down in shame. "Do you know how many get a second chance? Even in death?"
Saki didn't interrupt.
"Why should you girls waste your time with me? You're better off with someone else. Anyone else really."
Ai hugged the soft Romero. The floppy eared companion whined sadly. Saki on the other hand sighed, casually taking another swig of milk. It was then followed with another sigh.
She gave Ai a glare. "You smell that?"
"Huh?"
"The absolute bullshit coming out of your mouth!" Saki fiercely slammed her fist on the kitchen counter.
The sudden action made Ai and Romero jump.
"Woof!" Romero barked. He was shaking like a leaf in the idol's arms.
Ai was definitely taken aback. "Saki."
"I have zero tolerance towards people looking down on my friends, and that includes them being mean to themselves."
She cracked her knuckles. "You wanna die idol?"
Mizuno blinked in confusement. "…No?"
"You want to know your worth? Fine, I'll school your ass. You're the legendary Ai Mizuno, man! The girl who rose to fame in months! You inspired hundreds of thousands of girls to believe in themselves. You're smoking hot! You sold out huge ass stadiums by your debut! You don't see that shit ever happening! Who cares about crummy old boomer executives!? That's right, no one! They tried to capitalize on your success, but guess what? You can't imitate a masterpiece like you girl! They only got cheap carbon copies now! You're the badass chick who gave the lightning rod a middle finger, got right back up and started from scratch all over again. You took six girls under your wing under the worst of circumstansecs. Yeah, you're stubborn sometimes but you always take what we say into consideration! I don't want to know what a world without you is like. Maybe we'd still be stuck in start up metal concert gigs. You ever thought how awful our dancing would be if you weren't directing us? We'd be flopping sea otters just like Kotaru-san at the talent show. You remember how awkward that shit was? Your flower head is so obsessed with what you couldn't do that you've blinded yourself to what you've already accomplished! IT SERIOSULY PISSES ME OFF! DO YOU WANT A PIECE OF ME!?"
Saki gasped for breath. Not that she is in particularly need of it, on account that she is zombie. Nevertheless…
Ai and Romero blinked. Their eyes were as wide as UFOs. They've seen Saki fuming before, more times than they can possibly count; girl has a short fuse, but not like this.
Saki sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Listen, what I'm trying to say is, the world is your oyster, girl and you're the pearl."
She looked at Ai who was blushing really hard. "If you want something then you take it."
"Saki…" The girl was speechless after she witnessed what is one of the most motivational, demotivational, constructive and deconstructive speeches she had ever received.
Ai Mizuno started feeling something, a feeling that shouldn't be shared by people who were just friends.
And the more she looked at the brush, blunt and disobedient to societal norms girl, the harder those feelings she harboured grew.
Ai's cheeks reddened further. She only hope it wasn't visible through all those face bandages.
" I love you Ai."
This wasn't helping the case. She could feel her stomach tying a tight knot.
Ai's expression told Saki that she might've been too vague on love. It can be interpret a lot of ways….
The tough girl found her bruised zombie cheeks turning the exact same rose red colour. "I mean we all love you!"
Ai casually drank her hot milk. For a second she thought Saki meant the other thing. Not that it would be a bad thing. Still, it made her smile.
"So we cool now?" Saki attempted to brush it off in a masculine manner. "You going to stop acting so hard on yourself?"
While she wouldn't say "cool" or that she'll stop being critical on herself. Otherwise, how would she know on which aspect of her needs improving? Maybe Ai will give herself a bit more leniency for the sake of Franchouchou, especially for Saki.
Ai was twirling her flower hair in her finger. Did she really just think the last part? "…I'll try."
Saki smiled, feeling satisfied enough. She stretched out and gave an exhausted yawn. "Anywhooo… I am bushed. Let's hit the hay."
After Sakaru's lost hope encounter, Franchouchou made a pledge to snuggle close to any member who felt melancholic. They'd latch onto them from dusk till dawn refusing to let go.
Saki was more than happy to volunteer. The tomboy instructed the flustered Ai to hop into her futon with her. Those yellow little flowers that bedecked her hair were prancing around.
By the very second a loud thunder strike hit the roof, Ai dove in like a majestic dolphin. Saki joined in. Mizuno couldn't believe this.
Saki wrapped her arms around Ai's waist and pulled her close. Her scarred forehead from the motorcycle accident was resting against Ai's bandaged forehead. It felt so calming. As if it had given her absolute clarity. Nothing else mattered. Heck, the thunder was nothing more than fading background noise by now.
Romero wiggled under the futon's opening. He rested by their feet for the warmth.
Ai felt that sleep she desired so much creeping up to her. Her eyes were starting to feel heavy. She was slowly drifting off in Saki's strong biceps.
Ai's head was resting on Saki's chest. The blonde girl couldn't help but chuckle. " See there is nothing wrong with relying on others, you silly idol."
Nikaido's chin rested on her ally's dark blue floofy hair. She too had eventually fallen asleep.
As if angered by their moment of respite, the thunderstorm grew even more, but all seven girls slept like rocks. They were like an anchor refusing to falter under the current, for even if it did, they would simply rise again.
Around noon Ai was still asleep in Saki's futon. Last night's lack of rest had finally taken its toll. The resident's dog, Romero slept upside down with his leg twitching. Both couldn't care less.
"Oiiii.." Saki kicked the bed. "Stop slacking and get your butt in gear sister!"
Ai growled like a bear. "Mmmmm…just five more minutes."
Saki couldn't believe the ironic turn of events. Usually It's Ai who would be the punctual one and wake her up. 'This is some Freaky Friday shit!' She thought.
"You said five more minutes an hour ago!"
"What!?" Her eyes shot open. Ai Mizuno was never late.
"Eh it's no biggie." Saki's hands were on her hips. "It's our Sunday off but we prepared you something special!"
Ai sighed with relief. However, it was still out of the ordinary to sleep so long. Since she was little, she had to learn to settle for less sleeping. It eventually became second nature for her.
"Get ready. The rest are waiting on us!"
She had a dog leash in one hand. Romero's tail was immediately waggling in response. "Come boy, you too! It's too nice of a day to spend it inside."
At least the rain had stopped.
The Saga Prefecture had a sunny forecast. Any overcast was long gone. The future hasn't looked brighter.
Things weren't sunshine and flowers for the flower haired girl. It was still a work in progress but for Franchouchou's case she forced a smile.
They were strolling side by side on the sidewalk. Ai decided to wear a navy blue hoodie with a small jacket over. For its normal climate she had a polka dot skirt that showed off her model legs.
Saki on the other hand had a more punk trend going. An orange shirt with purple logo inscribing the location 'Saga' She had an open football jacket over it. Her legs were covered in black leggings and short shorts over them.
Romero was jumping in the wet puddle. He was extremely happy.
Ai tucked her hands in the hoodie pockets. She simply sighed. "So what are we meeting at the park for?"
"Wouldn't you like to know!" Saki smirked. It was a secret she didn't intended on sharing.
Ai clicked her tongue. "Tsk. Come now, spill it, what's the occasion?"
"Girl stop being such a wet fart. It's a surprise. You'll find out when we get there."
Last time she was surprised, thunder struck her and an iron fire poker found its way through her head, but if that's the game she wanted to play…. "Fair enough…"
She really didn't want to come across as conceited and ungrateful. "Saki thank you for what you said. I really needed to hear that."
"Don't sweat it." Saki gave Ai and assuring smile. "You just need to take the good with the bad."
She was pretty sure she was blushing behind that entire human make up. The more Ai attempted to fight these feelings the more it flourished.
Her lips pursed. Maybe passers-by will confuse them for a couple taking their dog for a walk? Ai perished the thought. Romero was already drenched in mud.
The trio finally arrived at the playground but not a single living or dead person was here.
"SUPRISE!"
The Franchouchou girls jumped out of their respective hiding spots. Sakura Minomoto sprung out of the play tubes. The egghead had a big smile.
Yugiri and Lily Hoshikawa crawled out from under the slides. The child star waved frantically towards them. The Legendary Courtesan gave her warmest smile and regards.
Junko Konno appeared out of the Igloo. The Showa Idol blushed when she saw Ai. She timidly waved towards them. The Legendary Tae's head emerged out of the sandbox.
Ai couldn't help but smile. She waved back. The joyous feeling was overwhelming. It felt even more electrifying than being surrounded by thousands of fans on stage.
Mizuno scratched the back of her hair. She was speechless. However, she wasn't sure what the reason of this was, but if this was a way of cheering her up then they were really winning her over.
"SUPRISE SAGA JUENE!"
"AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
Kotaru Tatsumi's head popped out underneath the trash can lid. He was so in your face that it scared the flowers and outline off Ai's body.
The producer was losing his balance, hopping back and forth in the trashcan. He kept tilting in his opposite intended direction.
"Oh Oh Oh Ahhhh!"
He fell face first on the ground. A banana peel was on his hazel hair.
"Soooo…" Sakura joyously glasped her hands together. "We heard you were feeling down, Mizuno-chan."
Ai gave shifty eye to Saki. 'Gee I wonder where.'
In truth, Saki did not have to say anything to them. Her iron lungs woke everyone up last night.
They let the eccentric bubbly girl speak. "We decided to put something together to cheer you up."
She bowed her head before her role model. " We hope you enjoy it!"
Franchouchou sat huddled up together. They were cuddled up especially against Ai so they could see her reaction. Their producer Kotaru, who after much struggle finally got out of the trash can, was busy setting up a projector that would be displayed on the wall.
Junko reached to Ai's hand, soft and affirming squeezing it. Ai gave her a warm smile.
Saki threw her arm around Ai's neck as if they were conjoined twins. All the seven girls were waiting in anticipation.
"ANnnnnnnnnddd Action!" Kotaru dramatically aimed the remote to the projector, pressing play.
It cut to an old movie countdown style with the number inside a circle as a shadow ran like a dial.
5…
4…
3…
2…
1…
Ai gasped.
It was someone she knew.
"Today marks the 9th anniversary of Iron Frill's lead vocalist Ai Mizuno's death." A news reporter spoke. "How did Iron Frill's original inspire you?"
"Nina…" Ai spoke.
A woman with light brown hair sat on a sofa. Her hair was done in twin tails with easily recognisable yellow hair clips on each of them. She looked much older now.
"When everyone else didn't give little' ol' country bumpkin like me a chance, Ai Mizuno saw potential. I guess I was a diamond in the rough back then."
She gave a sad smile and chuckled. " The judges for the recruitment centre unanimously voted no on me. I was such a nervous wreck. I kept tripping over my own words. Before I knew it. I was done. I lost."
"Not going to lie, I was crying so bad! And then all of a sudden, Ai just bursted through those doors and told me. "You're hired!" Hehe can you believe that?"
Nina continued. "She helped me fight my stage fright. She helped me when others kicked me down. Ai Mizuno inspired me by being my inspiration."
It cut to black with the text. Nina has established a school in memory of Ai Mizuno. The Idol Development Performance School helps train young girls who wants to pursue a career in the idol industry.
It made Ai's eyes watery.
"What was it like working for Mizuno-chan?" The news reporter asked the next former Iron Frill's member.
Miyu's brown hair had reached past her shoulders now. She had the same trademark yellow flower pins on her ears as accessories.
"Hmmm." She pondered a bit and laughed. "Tough but fair! She gave credit where credit was due. We worked very hard on parts that really desired a lot more attention. Ai-chan wasn't afraid to let you know how to improve. We listened to her and she listened to us. She was our shoulder to cry on."
"Even when the rest of us took breaks we never saw Mizuno taking one. She'd still be hard at work. The person she was always hardest on was herself. Yet, she never saw failure as a bad thing. Just a means to become a better version of who she already was."
Miyu graduated high school and entered the corporate world. She still keeps regular contact with other Iron Frill band members.
Koaru still had her short bobcat green hair. The yellow hair emblem was attached in her hair. She held a newborn in her arms.
"When I heard they were replacing Ai, I was sick to the pit of my stomach. We were busy grieving and all those heartless money hungry bastards were thinking was money. I just couldn't let them disrespect Ai's memory like that. Our fight with the top suits in the company…"
She smiled, sheepishly. "May have sort of gotten out of hand."
"Sort of?" The reported was baffled. "Koaru-san, you were arrested for assault!"
She smiled passive aggressively at the camera while simultaneously handling her baby with utmost diligence.
"Well if he didn't want to spit out his teeth then he shouldn't have done the metaphorical equivalent of spitting on my friend's grave."
"You go sister! Girl power!" Saki's shadow raised her fist in unity.
"Sshhhh!" Lily hushed her.
"Don't shush me shrimpy!" Saki whispered.
"Isn't that right, Ai-chan?" Koaru asked.
The baby cooed with joy as her small hands tried to touch her mother's face. Ai's heart fluttered like butterflies and bloomed like the petals on her hair. 'She named her child after me…?'
Koaru was blacklisted by record studious due to her actions. She still keeps contact with all original Iron Frill members and remains good friends.
Last but not least, being interviewed was Nono. Her creamy hair was done in a side ponytail to show her playful side despite being much older.
"FANTASTIC LOVERS was such a huge hit for years but I guess big shot companies weren't happy with a lot of money, they wanted ALL the money."
"So they came to you for the revival?" The interviewer asked.
Nono fidgeted. "Yeah. The studio tried for years to revive Iron Frill. Eventually, they were like, "Hey, bad publicity is still good publicity so let's do it anyway."
She looked uncomfortable as she delved. " I received a call. They wanted me as a mentor for the "newer generation of Iron Frill." They figured if someone from the original worked on it, it would lesson the fallout of the backlash."
She hanged her head in shame. "So I took the job."
Nono wouldn't look up. "I had this really special big project in my head for Ai but I needed a lot of money."
"Nono.." Ai felt more surprised than "betrayed."
It was a beautiful large garden. Grass was greener than green. Hills went on forever. It could very well gave been in Saga with how adaptive the vegetation grew.
Orderlies were holding onto children. They had difficulties walking as to how severe their scars were. Some couldn't walk so they had to be pushed in a wheelchair. Many had bandages around them much like Ai Mizuno herself.
Ai gasped. She couldn't believe it.
A huge hospital building was overlooking the garden, a monument in memory of her.
Nono was inside wearing a long white coat. "So I built this place. Pretty neat, huh?"
The cameraman and interviewer remained silent.
She felt shy, rubbing the back of her head. "The Mizuno chan Emergency and Rehabilitation Clinic is an organisation that helps people who suffers from natural disasters like fire, thunder, earthquakes and otherwise."
Nono walked through the ward. The media followed her. "We are fast responders. Time matters, every minute especially when treating our most critically dire patients. We even have our very own helicopter."
Nono proudly stretched out her arms to show the helicopter by the helipad. Men were smoking cigarettes and already on standby with the pilot should someone call. They gave an acknowledge nod to Nono.
A male with shoulder length black hair was laying in the bed. He had a stubbled beard on his face. His forearms were draped around with bandages that covered his burnt wounds. Despite his condition he felt more than obliged to be interviewed.
He gave a big smile. "Of course I know about Mizuno chan. I've been a fan since day one.
He scratched the stubbles. "I guess you can say I had the biggest crush on AI when I was a teenager."
Ai blushed hard; She certainly had a lot of boy admirers.
"Hey, hey, hey," Saki coached Ai on with repeated pokes,
There was a massive chemical leak at the facility where the guy worked. It spilled on both his arms by accident. He also explained how resourceful and fast Mizuno's emergency care unit was to help him.
He was smiling brighter than before. "When you think about it it's not just Ai's music that saves people now. Her hospital does too. She really is an angel."
"Yeah bozo, we know what those hands will be doing when they're all healed up." Saki blurted, spoiling what is a very tender moment.
The main new vocalist of Iron Frill, Shiori, laid on half the bed. She was dressed in casual clothes. She worn a light blue hoodie with a light blue skirt go with it. Her red hair was in a ponytail.
A girl who had bandages all over her from head to toe laid next to Shiori. The injured girl's head was resting on the idol's shoulder while her arms held onto an Ai Mizuno plushie for comfort. Shiori read a children's book with a smile on her face.
The often-controversial girl, but who only has good intentions, spoke to the interviewer.
"This poor girl was struck by thunder twice." Shiori combed the girl's hair back. She fell asleep on the idol's arm. "She's going to pull through and with the rehabilitation centres here, she'll be back on her feet in no time."
"She's going to live." The experience gave Shiori post trauma when she witnessed it first on live television and she was merely six. It was Ai Mizuno all over again.
Shiori gave the interviewer and cameraman a glare, knowing well what they're going to ask before they opened their mouths. When you get recorders shoved in your face on a regular basis you get used to it. It was definitely her least favourite aspect of being an idol.
"Not here." Shiori said boldly.
Instead they went outside. The beautiful view of the garden set her on ease. She was much more collected and calm.
Shiori was still overlooking the breath-taking view. I did not pick this job to replace Ai. There is, was, and will only ever be one Ai Mizuno. I chose this career because I love her."
Ai blinked. The girl that she maybe felt a bit intimidated towards was her inspiration? She couldn't help but feel guilty for having such negative thoughts prior. A red blush on her face replaced it.
"Everyday I stand up, everyday I cry but move forward is a tribute to my idol. " Shiori touched her heart. There was no false pretence in her words. She spoke the truth.
"She gave every thing, her life included. I am not doing this for me. I am not doing this for the money. This is all for one girl who showed that anything is possible."
She closed off. "I don't mind living in Ai's shadow. It's comforting to know she has her angel wings over me."
Nono held onto a clipboard. "True to her word, she really did hand over all her salary. Shiori donated everything towards our organization, on her own volition."
"I know some of you find it apprehensive but please give Shiori a chance!" Nono placed a hand on Shiori's shoulder. "This is for her role model, after all."
Shiori gave her mentor a smile in return.
"What would you say to Ai Mizuno now?"
A sad smile across Nono's face. "I really hope all this makes you happy. You inspire us to this very day. We love you Ai Mizuno."
Hundreds of people were now present outside. Their hairs were also bedecked in those very same yellow flowers that are over Ai's head now too. An older doctor knelt down. The two girls, who were patients, helped by placing flowers on his grey thinning hair. The children's hair was drowning in the yellow flowers.
All of the former Iron Frill members were present the garden. They laid out on the hill making flower angels with the crazy volume amount that was on the ground.
Despite one girl's injuries, she jogged to the absent minded Shiori on a limb.
"Whoah!" Shiori broke out of her daydreaming just in time to grab the falling girl. "You gotta be careful!"
"Hahaha!" The girl giggled at her own clumsiness. She boobed Shiori's nose. On her small index finger was a yellow flower. It remained on the tip of Shiori's nose.
Leaving Shiori blinking in amazement. Maybe they were finally warming up to her.
A bronze statue was in the centre. It featured Ai Mizuno in her Iron Frill gear standing tall and proud. She clutched onto a mic stand singing her heart out that very day.
As the movie had ended, Spring has come to a peak. Full blossomed cherry tree petals started to fly one by one of it branches.
A tear rolled down on Ai's face, followed by another. She couldn't stop the waterworks. A new era of Saga has begun.
All her friends and family both new and old have gone through so much trouble for her. Ai wiped the tears off with her sleeves.
"I don't deserve it!" An oxymoron after the entirety of the video about her legacy and worth.
Ai Mizuno was crying the hardest she has ever been. A combination of joy and sadness overwhelmed the girl. A stoic idol seen as a leader broke down in front of her Franchouchou group.
She tried to wipe her tears but more would come. It just wouldn't stop. Being so strong for so long had its limits.
"Mizuno-chan! AHHHHHHHH" Being empathic, Sakura started to cry too. It was too much seeing her friend and role model cry.
The egghead hugged Ai and so did the rest of Franchouchou. She wasn't alone.
"May Lily's warmth and love heal you." Lily's arms went around Ai's leg.
"Just know we're here for you." Junko held onto Ai's arm, giving her hand a reaffirming squeeze.
"You're our national treasure." Yugiri hugged her from behind. The courtesan's slender arms like a mother protecting her own child. "There, there, let it all out."
"RAARRRRGGHH!" Tae yelled looming over the embracing girls. The Legendary girl dived on top of them. Her arms were outstretched, trying to hug all her friends at once.
"Geez, you guys I don't know what to say!" Ai had the biggest smile throughout all her tears that were dampening her bandages.
Romero was beyond ecstatic that every one was happy. A burst of energy happened inside the small blue dog. He was running around in circles around them. A sharp smile was on his smile.
Cherry blossom petals continued to shower onto Franchouchou. Instead of rain and thunderstorms. They held onto Ai refusing to let go.
Saki sat there, admiring her actions. "All in a day's work!"
Ai stopped crying. "I don't know how to thank you all."
Saki found her undead heart beating for an unfathomable reason she couldn't understand but played it cool. "Well yeah maybe you can start by giving yourself more credit you damn preppy idol!"
She remembered pretty well. Ai felt that they deserved a definitive answer. "I know my worth and my past. I'll lead Franchouchou and together we'll beat this curse."
Like music to her hers, Saki smiled. "Now that's what I wanted to hear. Franchouchou is back in business baby!"
"Just one little thing…." Ai had a stipulation. She shyly rubbed the sole of her shoe in the playground. She doesn't want to feel like she's looking the gift horse in the mouth for asking more.
"What is it?" Sal arms crossed.
Ai pulled of a pouty face while her puffed up cheeks reddened. It was one of the most adorable things Saki has ever seen. Although, she won't be broadcasting it anytime soon.
"Well…..you were the only one here who hasn't hugged me now so…" Ai's arms were spread out. Her face was getting more flushed by the second.
They had the same shade of cheeks. "About that it'…"
Literally last night she held onto her. She and Ai were so close to one another, they could have heard and felt their breaths. So what happened between now and then that made it so problematic?
Saki's lips were quivering.
The issue resided with the fact that she had very strong feelings, the more than platonic kind. Saki Nikaido was falling for Ai Mizuno, her complete polar opposite.
"Well you were so cramped in that group hug, I figured I'd give you some…well…y'know.. personal space."
Saki used self-deception; even she wouldn't buy the snake oil she's selling. Ai gave her a puzzled look. Her finger was twirling in her short blue wavy hair.
'Damnit!' Saki balled her fist. 'Why does she look so cute even when she's all mopey.'
The petals were dancing in the air, the skies were blue, Ai was still the most beautiful view there.
A realization struck her. 'Why am I so worried about what others would think about me? I am Saki Legendary Nikaido, second in command of the Dorami Bikers. I eat chicken and bitches for breakfast! WHO cares if I like cute girls!?'
Still, it made her palms sweaty. "Fine! Since you want it so badly, get your ass here and hug me you, you idol!"
And that's all she had to hear.
As soft as the flower she represents, Ai embraced the hotheaded girl. That tough interior and exterior she had built for years with an iron fist was slowly breaking down, melting soft like flan.
Those rigor mortis frozen shut arms were in the exact same position as when she cordially accepted the hug invitation.
Slowly, Saki's arms responded. She felt Ai's back and pushed her in the hug deeper. Saki's arms went around Ai's shoulders. She buried her nose in her neck. Mizuno responded by wrapping her arms around Saki's waist.
Ai smiled. Saki closed her eyes. For now, even if it is just for a brief moment, they knew they would be safe in each other's arms. The embrace was so fortified that no curse would separate them.
Sakura wiped a tear from her navy blue eye. She couldn't be more proud of her team. Junko, Lily, Yugiri, and Tae all proudly smiled too.
Eventually, they had to break the hug but not in their mind. The tension was so thick that Romero's fangs could chew threw them like dried squid.
"Happy now?! Just don't tell anyone about this. Capiche! I got street cred to maintain, you know!"
Saki attempted to uphold her bravado under the severe cuteness of Ai Mizuno's charm, but with little results. "Tell anyone about this and I'll pound you, you hear!?"
"The good kind or the bad one?" Ai asked. She got up all in her face. Saki's intimidation technique failed.
"Just give me this." Ai closed her eyes on any distance their mouths had.
Saki's eyes widened when her lips connected with Ai's lips. They were so softly pressing against each other. Almost as if a thunderous lightning bolt had hit them as they touched.
Ai cupped both of Saki's warm blushing cheeks, refusing to break the kiss. She took the lead, deepening it.
'All righty Missy, you want a kiss. I'll kiss you so hard your zombie brains will fall out!'
Saki's corroded arms came back to life, fiercely grabbing Ai's arms and kissing her ten fold the passion back.
It only made Ai eager to return the favour with the exact same intensity. Her fingers were running through her long slick blonde hair. Saki and Ai kissed so hard that their lip make up was slowly coming off.
They broke the kiss. It left the entire Franchouchou silent.
"Ai…." Saki wasn't sure how to respond let alone figure out what the future held for them both.
Ai pouted. "What? You told me if I wanted something I had to take it."
Author's Note: The beauty of Franchouchou is that all the members have such great chemistry whether it's romantic or platonic relationships. For me Saki x Ai is the pinnacle of them all. Although, I am also a hard-core Ai x Junko stan. More Franchouchou to come. Thanks for taking time out of your day to read this. It means a lot!
Disclaimer: I don't own Zombieland Saga.
Aidan.