Posted originally on the Archive_of_Our_Own at https://archiveofourown.org/ works/12031047. Rating: Explicit Archive Warning: Graphic_Depictions_Of_Violence, Rape/Non-Con, Underage Category: F/M, M/M Fandom: Tokyo_Mew_Mew Relationship: Shirogane_Ryou/Original_Character(s), Ikisatashi_Quiche/Momomiya_Ichigo Stats: Published: 2017-09-08 Updated: 2018-01-30 Chapters: 3/? Words: 8368 ****** Who I Am Is Who I Am ****** by SarT55 Summary New Mew Mews. New Friends. New Relationships. A horrible Past. Please Review. ***** Chapter 1 ***** Who_I_Am_Is_Who_I_Am =============================================================================== Kittelya_and_Ami! Characters: Kittelya-15/16-Snow Leopard Ichigo-16-Irimote Wildcat Minto-16-Blue Lorikeet Lettuce-15-Finless Porpoise Pudding-12-Golden Lion Tamarin Monkey Zakuro-18-Gray Wolf Berry-15-Andes Mountain Cat/Amami Black Rabbit Ami-12-Red Panda Kari-19-African Wild Dog Ginger-25- Southern Somali Garter Snake Ryou-18 Kish-18 Keto-17 Pie-20 Tart-14 Keiichiro-24 Tasuku-15 Haru-14 Masaya-16 =============================================================================== Pairings: Kittelya/Ryou Ichigo/Kish Minto/Keto Lettuce/Pie Purin/Tart Zakuro/Keiichiro Berry/Tasuku Ami/Haru Tashi/Masaya =============================================================================== Flashback: "Hey there little girl, what's wrong?" Ryou asked seeing the little girl cry. "I'm lost and I'm 'spose to get help; daddy's hurting my bigger sister again. He's going to do more stuff to her!" the little girl cried. "Hey, I'm Ryou and this is my cousin Haru. What's your name?" Ryou asked. "I'm Ami." Ami cried harder. "Ok Ami. I wanna help you, but you need to tell me what you daddy does to your sister and you mother." Ryou said as Haru nodded. "Mommy's a bad person too. She tried to sell us for drugs." Ami said. "Nice. Ok then, what does your daddy do to your sister?" Ryou asked. "He always touches her and she cries and begs him to stop, but he doesn't, he just hits her and starts to touch her harder." Ami cried. "Can you tell me where he touches her?" Ryou asked. "He touches her where she pees, and her chest, and her stomach, and her butt, but mostly where she pees and her chest. He just killed mommy and he said he was gonna do more to her. He said it would only hurt for a while, and then she would enjoy it. Then he said that if she doesn't enjoy it, it would hurt her more than it would him." Ami cried. "That means he gonna try to rape her. Ami, do you know what your house looks like? What numbers are on the wall?" Ryou asked. "4345 Maple Wood." Ami said. "I know where that is. Just let me call the police." Ryou said dialing 911. "Yes 911 how may we help you?" A lady on the other end of the phone asked. "Yes. I've just been told by a little girl that her father is gonna try to rape her older sister." Ryou said. "OK sir. Is the little girl's name is Ami?" The lady asked. "Yes." Ryou said. "Is her sister's name Kittelya?" The lady asked. "Ummm. Just a second. Ami, is your sister's name Kittelya?" Ryou asked. "Yes." Ami said. "Yes, her older sister's name is Kittelya." Ryou said. "That's what I thought. This is probably the twelfth time we've gotten a call about Kittelya and Ami, but Kittelya always denies it, and Ami doesn't talk much." The lady said. "Why?" Ryou asked. "Because they're afraid of their dad and what he might do to them." The lady said. "Well, that's a reasonable reason. Ami just told me that he's been touching her for a long time, and that he just killed her mother and her father was gonna do more than just touch Kittelya." Ryou said. "Thank you sir. We'll send someone right away." The lady said. "Thank you." Ryou thanked. "No, thank you." The lady said as they hung up. After that, Ryou called Keiichiro, who came running from the park, once Ryou told him everything. =============================================================================== At_The_House: When they got to the house, they found Kittelya naked and half conscious with her dad on top of her, almost in her. "Hey get away from her!" Ryou yelled as Keiichiro pushed him off the young girl. After Ryou got her away and covered in blankets, Ami came running up. "Kittelya, Kittelya wake up!" Ami cried trying to wake her older sister while Ryou shook her gently. A few seconds later the police were there and took their father to jail, and within a few minutes after that Kittelya awoke startled. "WHAT?! WHAT'S GOING ON?!" Kittelya asked looking around and then at herself remembering what happened. "Big sister Kittelya! This is Ryou, Haru and Keiichiro. They saved you!" Ami said pointing at each of them. "Thank you." Kittelya said quietly. "Hey no problem. Your sister told us and the cops took your father away. We're just glad you're ok." Ryou said trying to put his hand on her shoulder, but she moved away. "I appreciate what your trying to do, but please, please don't touch me." Kittelya said softly. "Ok." Ryou said. "She's probably gonna be afraid of guys for awhile." Keiichiro said. A few weeks later Kittelya and Ami went to stay with their grandparents in America. Present_Time:_Three_And_A_Half_Years_Later: "I wonder what ever happened to them." Ryou wondered out loud sitting at one of the tables. "What happened to who?" Ichigo asked walking past ready to go home, followed by the rest of the girls. "Huh? Oh nobody." Ryou lied. "Just some girls that we saved a few years ago. They moved to America with their grandparents. It's not our business to say what happened, but because of Ryou, one of the girls survived." Keiichiro said coming out of the kitchen. "Wow. Well, I gotta go; if I don't get home soon my parents will kill me; my cousins are coming for a few days." Ichigo said heading out. "Ok. See you around. Make sure you're on time tomorrow." Ryou said as they all left. "Hey Ichigo, before you go." Keiichiro called stepping out the door. "Yes, what is it Keiichiro?" Ichigo asked curious. "Why don't you come by a little early, bring your cousins? They can try some of our pastries. I could probably get Ryou to let you have the day off to show them around." Keiichiro said winking. "Ok, sure, that'd be great." Ichigo said running off. At_Ichigo's_House: "Oh Ichigo, there you are. Your cousins are here." Sakura said as motioned for Ichigo to the living room. "Ichigo! It's so good to see you again!" One of the girls called, running up to her and giving her a hug. "Ichigo, it's so good to see you, it really is." The other girl said shaking her hand. "Kittelya, Ami, I missed you. How have you guys been?" Ichigo asked hugging and shaking their hands back. "We've been good." Kittelya said simply as Ichigo's parents went outside to talk. "I've been great! It's great to be back in Tokyo, Japan. Kittelya has gotten better too; she can shake hands now. But she still can't hug, and still doesn't have a boyfriend!" Ami blurted out. "AMI!" Kittelya exclaimed clearly embarrassed. "It's ok Kittelya. With what happened to you, it's understandable." Ichigo said simply, being polite. "Thanks." Kittelya breathed. "No problem. Say, I'm supposed work tomorrow, but one of my bosses said if I come in early, I could have the day off and show you guys around town. That is if I brought you guys along and if you want to that is. A lot has changed in the last since you were last here. What do you say?" Ichigo asked hoping at least Ami would say yes. "I would love to!" Ami shouted. "What would you love to do?" Ichigo's parents asked coming into the room. "Ichigo offered to take us to her job and the show us around town. We'd love to!" Ami exclaimed excited, speaking for both her and her older sister. "That's an excellent idea. You should all go and have a great time!" Shintaro said simply, as he and Sakura walked away before Kittelya could say anything. "Kittelya, you don't have to go if you don't absolutely want." Ichigo said, noticing her hesitation. "Yes she does! She never goes out anymore! Not since daddy did that! Because of him she doesn't go out and can't be touched! She needs to go out to see that the world isn't a bad place! Come on Kittelya!" Ami whined. "I-I'll think about it. Ok. I make no promises." Kittelya said calmly and quietly. "No, you have to promise! And you have to go!" Ami whined more, now stomping her feet. "Ami…if you don't stop, I'm not going to go at all. And that's that." Kittelya said heading off to the bedroom where she would be staying; Ichigo's room. Her parents figured since they were about the same age, nine months apart, they could stay in the same room; Ami got the guest bedroom. Kittelya had said the couch would've been fine, but everybody insisted; they'd even put a cot or something in Ichigo's room. They ended up finding a single futon for her, which Kittelya was grateful for. Kittelya is currently fifteen, but will be sixteen in just a few months on Christmas. She has long auburn hair and green eyes. She is pretty quiet and reserved and loves to read, write and do any kinds of arts and crafts. Kittelya loves cats and has two of her own; a female torbie named S'mores and a black, brown and orange male tabby named Buttons, both fixed. She also graduated school early due to special programs. Ami has just turned twelve a month ago on July twelfth. She looks like a mini Ichigo, red hair and brown eyes, just a little longer hair. She is the exact opposite of Kittelya and is loud and outgoing and loves sports and acrobatics. She loves bears, but she doesn't have any of those, well except for teddy bears. She is still in school and is a little behind others. So the night came and went and it was the next day. "I'm sorry if I kept you up last night with my screaming." Kittelya said sitting at the table. "It's ok dear, you only screamed once anyways. Those cats must really help you at night; that's what Ichigo said anyways. Pancakes, French toast or Waffles or a combination of the three? I know you're not a fan of eggs." Sakura asked and then said getting her some breakfast. "Umm, one of each I guess. Is there sausage?" Kittelya asked. "Of course there is? Any bacon for you and what would like to drink? We have coffee, milk, apple juice, grape juice or orange juice." Shintaro asked as he sat down. "No bacon and orange juice please." Kittelya said as she stood up. "Uh-uh-uh. No, no, no. You just sit down and relax; I'll get you everything you need." Sakura said as she made Kittelya sit down and brought her food. "Thank you." Kittelya said a bit uneasy; she was used to doing everything back her grandparents. "No problem and what would you like Ami?" Sakura asked kindly. "Everything please! Pancakes! Waffles! French toast! Eggs! Sausages! Bacon! Apple juice! Ohh ohh! And toast please, for my eggs." Ami cried in excitement. "Of course. How would you like your eggs?" Sakura asked. "Sunny side up please." Ami said as she waited. "Of course." Sakura said making her food. A few minutes later she brought Ami her food. "Is there anything else you would like?" Sakura and Shintaro asked. Ami sat there for a few minutes before answering causing Kittelya to nearly choke on her food, "For Kittelya to come out with Ichigo and me. You can make her, can't you?" "While I think it'd be a good idea for her to go out with you two, we can't make her." Sakura said sadly. "But. Please Kittelya, please! You never do anything fun anymore! Please, just this once!" Ami begged. "…fine…just this once and just for a little bit." Kittelya said sternly. "Woohoo!" Ami yelled shoveling down her food before going to get dressed. "You made her very happy, you know that right?" Shintaro asked. "Yes, I know." Kittelya said simply, finishing her food and went to go get dressed with Ichigo. "Hey, what's that mark?" Ichigo asked noticing a small mark on Kittelya's lower back. "Oh that? I don't know; I just woke up with it one day about two years ago. Ami has one too; hers is on the back of her neck. You have one too, I see." Kittelya said quickly getting dressed, noticing Ichigo's mew mark. "It's a good thing you decided to meet my bosses." Ichigo said simply. "Why?" Kittelya asked confused. "Because, they can explain what those marks are." Ichigo said simply. "Oh. Will they have to look at it?" Kittelya asked scared. "Umm, oh I got an idea. Can I take a picture? That way they can see it without you having to show them your back." Ichigo said getting her camera. "Sure." Kittelya said lifting her shirt just enough to show the mark. "Ok. Well let's get going." Ichigo said as they left her room to meet Ami outside. About fifteen minutes later they were standing outside of Café Mew Mew. "Ok girls, wait here. Let me see if they're ready." Ichigo said going inside. "Oh, Ichigo, you're here." Keiichiro said with a smile. "Keiichiro told you me you wanted the day off. Did you bring your cousins? That's the only way you're going to be able to get off." Ryou said walking out of the kitchen. "Yes, I did. But there's something important I need to say and I don't think we should open at all today." Ichigo said simply and quickly. "And what would that be? I'm not just going to close down my café because you brought your cousins along." Ryou said starting to get annoyed. "THERE is a good reason." Ichigo said standing her ground. "And that would be?" Ryou asked suspiciously. "They're mew mews." Ichigo said simply. "Excuse me?" Ryou asked shocked. "What do you mean Ichigo? You and the others are the only mew mews we know about." Keiichiro said equally just as shocked. "I know, but they both have marks, see?" Ichigo asked showing them the picture of Kittelya's mark. "That kinda looks like our marks, Ichigo." Ryou said somewhat annoyed. "It does, but this is on someone's back. See, look Ryou." Keiichiro said pointing it out. "I see. Well, bring them in then." Ryou said simply. "Ok, but I have to warn you, my one cousin is very shy and doesn't like to be touched. That's why we took the picture." Ichigo said going to the doors to let them in. "Ok." Keiichiro and Ryou said simply. Once the girls came in they looked at Ryou and Keiichiro face to face. "You!" Kittelya, Ami, Ryou and Keiichiro said at the same time. ***** Chapter 2 ***** Chapter_2: ===============================================================================   Ryou’s_P.O.V.: There at the entrance of the café, the two girls from just a few years ago. The older one, Kittelya, wow. I mean holy crap she got taller and her hair got longer and darker. When I first saw her hair was only at her shoulders and light orange and now its longer and dark orange, almost brown…so more of an auburn I guess. She’s still tiny though, but boy is she cute. And her eyes; did she always have glasses? But I can still tell what color they are, emerald colored, so mesmerizing…Ehem, sorry about that; kinda lost my train of thought there. What am I even thinking; she’s probably not that interested in me. She’s got to be around like what, sixteen now? The younger one, Ami, well she got a little taller as well, but not by much. I think her hair is about the same, a little past the shoulders, dark chocolate brown in color with sandy brown eyes; she also has glasses. She was about eight I think the last time I saw her, so I think she’s got to be around twelve. I’m not even sure. I can’t wait until Haru sees them. Wait, is someone hugging me? Oh, it’s Ami; boy she’s friendly. End_P.O.V.: “Wait, am I missing something? Do you know each other? Whoa, Kittelya are you ok?” Ichigo asked concerned as Kittelya fell to the floor staring wide eyed at Ryou and Keiichiro. “Do you guys know my cousins? Did you do something to them?” Ichigo asked but then stopped and stared in shock when Ami ran up to them and hugged them. Kittelya’s_P.O.V.: What the hell? I didn’t think I’d EVER see these guys again…like ever. They look almost exactly the same. I guess I shouldn’t say that; the youngest one isn’t here. The youngest one, Haru isn’t here…well as far as I know. Last I saw him he was shorter than me and he had black hair and brown eyes. I know Ami has been missing him; she never shuts up about him. The oldest one, Keiichiro he still looks the same, exactly the same. Except maybe his hair got longer…I don’t know; it was pretty long back then. The middle one, Ryou, he got taller, but not by much. His hair might be different; it looks…I don’t know; maybe he parted it differently…or maybe it got darker, I don’t know. I don’t know if his eyes changed; I didn’t really notice back then, but I also didn’t have my glasses on; everything is fuzzy without them. But seeing them now…whoa they’re a pretty shade of blue…maybe aqua marine. Or maybe even a sky blue…I don’t know maybe it’s just how the light hits them. Oh no, I have to stop thinking like this or I’m going to blush. What is wrong with me? I’ve never felt like this before around guys. Usually when I’m around guys I freeze or freak out. This is different; I feel kind of warm. What is that noise? Oh it’s Ami yelling…again. End_of_P.O.V.: “It’s you guys! I thought we’d never see you again! Look Kittelya! It’s Ryou and Keiichiro! Hey where’s your cousin? What was his name again?” Ami asked herself out loud. “Haru? He’s not here right now, but he’ll be here in a few hours.” Ryou said answering her question…even though it wasn’t really towards him. “Yes Haru that’s it. He’s not here? I wonder if I’ll get to see him again. Hey Kittelya, aren’t you going to come say hi?” Ami asked looking at her sister. Kittelya just sat there shocked, unable to move, only able to say “you.” “Kittelya, come on!” Ami said walking over to her sister and that’s when Ryou and Keiichiro noticed her mark. “Hey, Ami. Why don’t you let her be for a minute and come here, please?” Keiichiro said politely as Kittelya slowly found her footing. “Are you ok?” Ichigo asked Kittelya once she was standing. “Yes, I think so. It’s just I haven’t seen them in years. These guys are your bosses?” Kittelya asked still in shock. “Yep. You know them?” Ichigo asked. “Yes…well sort of…if it weren’t for them three and a half years ago my step dad would’ve have succeeded in ra-ra-that at that time. Well them and Ami. Ami is the one who went out and found help. She found him and his cousin and the other guy. That’s one of the things I regret…is not remembering their names, but mostly I never got to properly thank them.” Kittelya said softly. “Well why not now? They’re right there. Wait. Step father?” Ichigo asked shocked. “yeah, I don’t know who my real dad is. Before my mom married Ami’s dad she told me I’m a product of a one night stand. And as for saying thanks, I wouldn’t know where to start…I feel bad that I didn’t do it back then when it should’ve been done. I don’t know. I know it sounds stupid though. I don’t really know how to say thank you to someone who latterly saved my life and made sure I had one…even though I almost didn’t at one point…” Kittelya said softly watching Ryou, Keiichiro and Ami. “You don’t mean you tried to?...” Ichigo started, but couldn’t finish. “I tried to end it all. Yes, I was contemplated suicide; I was going to slit my wrist. I even started to, I’ve still got the scar and I’m embarrassed by it; it was a stupid thing to do. And that’s why I keep it hidden under my wristband thing.” Kittelya said softly pointing to her wristband. “What made you stop?” Ichigo asked with sincere curiosity. “I couldn’t take the pain…also I had others like Ami, you and them to think about. I don’t think that they would be too happy with the fact that they saved me just for me to end it all for nothing. I didn’t want to leave Ami alone and then there’s you and your parents; you guys never blamed me for what happened to me. Never called me a slut or anything like that. That and Ami walked in just as I stopped; she still hasn’t forgiven me for that…and I can’t blame her.” Kittelya explained. “Who was calling you all those stuff? Don’t they know he was trying to force you?” Ichigo asked shocked. “A lot of people; other students I went to school with, that’s one of the reasons I was put into a special program so I could graduate early…that and my grades were really hi; no I’m not the smartest person out there, but my grades were enough to get me there…that and all the bullying…being pushed into lockers and other things, getting my head pushed into toilets and so on and then there was all the names…slut, whore and whatever else people could come up with. Pretty much all of dad’s friends called me stuff usually behind my back, but sometimes to my face. And worse of all my grandparents who we live with…I think I live with our grandparents on my dad’s side…because I think my mother was related to one of your parents, but I’m not sure. All I know is that they didn’t talk to terribly much.” Kittelya said softly. “Yeah, your mother was my brother’s sister. He tried to fight for you; both my parents did. They were going to try to get custody of you guys so you could live with us, but I guess grandparents won the custody battle somehow…” Ichigo said simply. “It all has to do with the fact that I couldn’t handle living here after that happened; that’s how my grandparents explained it to the judge. That’s what I understand anyways. It was all smiles and everything until they got us to their home. Well with me anyways…Ami was treated very good and to me, that’s all that mattered…I will be sixteen in a few months; I was just going to leave, run away. I could easily move back here, get a job and find an apartment. That was the plan anyways…then they found out that Ami was another reason that their son was put in jail so they started treating her like crap too…I figured I’d bring her with me when I moved away. We’re here now…I just have to find a job and a place to live and prove I can take care of myself and Ami…I already proved my grandparents were unfit to care for us. Who knew that recording devices would come in so handy?” Kittelya explained. “Right…” Ichigo agreed sadly; she had no clue whatsoever that her cousin was going through so much. She really couldn’t blame her for being so depressed and wanting to die; Ichigo wasn’t the happiest to learn about that, but she understood…in a way. “So Ami, do you know how long you’ve had this mark for?” Keiichiro asked politely as he and Ryou looked at the mark on the back of her neck. “Umm…yeah, sometime two years ago. Kittelya has one as well, see!” Ami called running over to Kittelya pulling her over to them and made her turn around. “What are you doing…ahhh!” Kittelya asked and then screeched as Ami pulled up her shirt to show them the mark. It took Kittelya a few minutes before the shock faded away and she pulled away from Ami and fell to the floor in a complete panic attack. “Kittelya!” Ichigo yelled running to her cousin, trying to calm her down as she hyperventilated. “What was that all about? I was just showing them her mark; they needed to see it like they saw mine.” Ami said innocently. “Ami…I know you mean well, but that’s why we took a picture of it. You of all people should understand why she can’t physically show skin…especially to guys…” Ichigo said simply. “How was I supposed to know you took a picture?” Ami asked innocently making Ichigo smack her head. Ichigo was about to say something, but Kittelya beat her to it. “Because we told you that when we left the house! Ichigo, it was nice to see the place you work and it was nice to see you two again, but I think I need to go back home…and don’t worry, I know the way back; I can go myself so that you can show Ami around…I think I need to be alone.” Kittelya said as she managed to get back up to her feet. “Ok…are you sure?” Ichigo asked a bit worried. “I’m sure. And thank you either way; it was kinda nice.” Kittelya said smiling. “Ok.” Ichigo said softly, watching Kittelya walk to the doors, but was stopped by Ami. “NO! You can’t go home! You promised! You promised me you would go out for a little bit!” Ami yelled. “And I did. I left the front porch of the house and I’m here! I made it here!” Kittelya shot back. “That’s right! You did make it here! But you promised to go around town with Ichigo and me!” Ami yelled. “No…I promised I would go out for a little bit and I did. And if I’m correct, before we got here, we had to go through town and Ichigo did show us a few places and we stopped to get a drink before we got here. I know this because you downed yours so fast that you had the last half of mine just before we got here. You’re lucky I even came out at all. Now if you’ll excuse me I’m going home.” Kittelya said making her way to the door. “Coward!”Ami yelled as Kittelya walked out and shut the door behind her. Ten minutes later the doors to the café opened back up and Kittelya came back in. “Yay! You came back! You realized I was right didn’t you?” Ami asked, but shut up when she saw Kittelya’s face…she had been crying…again. “Do you have a bathroom I could use?” Kittelya asked right away. “Yeah, right over there.” Ryou said simply. “Thank you.” Was all Kittelya said as she rushed to the bathroom. Ten_Minutes_Later: “Hmm…I better go check up on her. Ami stay here; we don’t need another argument happening.” In_The_Bathroom: When Ichigo went to the bathroom she stood there shocked; Kittelya was crumpled up on the floor crying. “Kittelya…” Was all Ichigo managed before sitting on the floor next to her. “She’s right, I am a coward.” Kittelya said softly. “No, you’re not; you’re actually really brave.” Ichigo said simply. “How so?” Kittelya asked looking at Ichigo. “You came out; you made it all the way to the café without having a panic attack…well until you got here anyways. But that’s on Ami; she shouldn’t have pulled your shirt up like that. With what happened to you three and a half years ago, almost four; some people can’t even come back to the same city. It’s true you moved away, but you didn’t have a choice. But you had a choice to come back here or stay with your grandparents. And you chose to move back and not only that but you also brought Ami with you. So in making that choice to move back here WITH your sister, that makes YOU brave.” Ichigo said with a big smile. “But lots of people do move back.” Kittelya said simply. “Yes, but they either move in with family or if they don’t they never leave their house. Ok well a lot of people do move back and lead pretty normal lives with PTSD. But you had other issues going on and your dad had been doing that to you for a long, long time, right?” Ichigo asked looking directly at Kittelya. “Yes, that’s right.” Kittelya said simply. “And you never ONCE called the police to get help. Most people would ask, “Why? That’s just so stupid. Why wouldn’t you get yourself help?” So why did you get any help?” Ichigo asked simply, not criticizing. “Because I was trying to keep Ami safe; I couldn’t let anything happen to her.” Kittelya said simply, wiping tears away and rubbing her nose, sniffling. “Exactly! You were just trying to protect Ami. You, staying there taking all the crap may have been stupid, but it was also really brave. I think that protecting a loved one is the bravest thing one can do. And besides you’re a survivor; you survived. You weren’t raped and that’s because Ami is also really brave. She went out to find help in spite that if she failed she would be punished equally as bad as you. And true she had to go find help to save you, but she did it. You two are both some of the bravest people I know. And yes, you weren’t raped because of Ami, but it’s also because two cousins and their friend listened to a little girl, when they could’ve just left, not thinking anything of it. They could’ve just thought it was some child who was making something up to get attention because sadly that does happen. But if it weren’t for Ryou, Keiichiro, Haru and Ami…who knows where you would’ve ended up? Who knows if you were really raped if you could or couldn’t handle it and then did or didn’t go through with finding a way to kill yourself? You, you Kittelya are a survivor and a brave on at that. And I’m proud to call you my cousin. Can I?” Ichigo asked as she held her arms out for a hug. “Thank you for all that Ichigo. And yes…you can be the first person, who is not my sister to give me a hug. And who the hell are you; Martha freaking Stewart?” Kittelya asked as the two started laughing while they hugged. Outside_In_The_Main_Part_Of_The_Café: “I hear laughing. I wonder what’s going on in there.” Ryou asked looking at Keiichiro and Ami. “I don’t know, but it sounds like a good deal.” Keiichiro said smiling. “I don’t know either, but Kittelya never laughs like that; she never has before, never.” Ami said softly. “I’m sure everything is fine. Kittelya is still your older sister, but Ichigo and her about the same age so it’s probably easier for them to open up about certain things with each other. I’m no expert because neither Ryou nor I have siblings, but I don’t think siblings share everything.” Keiichiro said smiling politely. “Not unless they’re really super close. And no offence, you don’t seem super close.” Ryou said not trying to be rude. “Ryou!” Keiichiro shot out. “What I’m just saying, with how she pushes her. Look, I understand you want your sister to be…more outgoing and to have a fun time. But with what she went through it’s probably really hard. I don’t think you really understand what she went through to the full extent and I hope to god or whatever is out there that you don’t. Maybe you do know what she’s going through more then you let on and maybe you don’t. But if you do I’d probably start talking to her about it. And even if you don’t, you should still try talking to her about it instead of pushing her. And, if I’m not mistaken, you’re the younger sister; it’s not your job to take care of her. When she’s ready she’ll be ready for whatever it is she’s ready for. As for you, be a kid and have fun. Except for when you’re working here and saving the world.” Ryou said simply putting his hands behind his head, ignoring Keiichiro. “You two act like brothers…and no, we’re not all that close. And I don’t know what she went through because dad would never do that to me, not to his own flesh and blood. And what do you mean working here and saving the world?” Ami asked completely confused. “That mark on the back of your neck; it’s a mew mark. It means you’re a mew mew, a savior of the world…like your sister, you cousin and a few others.” Keiichiro said with a polite smile, as always. “What do you mean by he won’t do it to his own flesh and blood?” Ryou asked. “I mean…well…” Ami started, but didn’t want to finish; she didn’t want Kittelya to be even angrier at her then she already was. “What she means is that we don’t have the same dad. That man is Ami’s father, but he’s not mine. I don’t know my father; my mother, before meeting that man, said that my dad was a good man, but was just a one night stand.” Kittelya said coming out of the bathroom with Ichigo. “Oh, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.” Ryou said apologetic, meaning every word. “Then why did you? Its’ fine, really. I’m used to people asking that; Ami was the first to ask. I remember clearly; she asked her father why he did that and he told her that it was ok because I wasn’t his in any way, shape or form. That I wasn’t his daughter and that Ami was and for her not to worry because she was his flesh and blood so nothing like that would happen to her. If he ever found out that anybody was doing that to her he’d kill ‘em. It’s not Ami’s fault; I don’t blame her. I mean I was angry because she never told me any of this until after we moved out. Had I knew that I would’ve left a long time before any of that crap happened. Not only that, but I would’ve taken Ami with; she’s still my sister after all…even if she’s a huge pain in the butt.” Kittelya explained. “Who are you and what did you do with my sister?” Ami asked shocked; Kittelya had never said anything like that before. “I’m just me. Oh and before I forget. I’m not really good at this kind of stuff, nor do I really know how to put this. Umm to Ryou and Keiichiro and if you see your cousin Haru, tell him that I say thanks…for all those years ago...well actually not years, but three and a half years ago. For listening to an eight year old and actually coming to stop that from happening.” Kittelya said saying thank you the best she could, turning a bit pink in the face. “Hey are you ok? You look a little flushed.” Ryou said looking at her, thinking about how cute she looked. “Oh no, no. I’m fine, thanks for asking.” Kittelya said putting her hand to the back of her head, while thinking, ‘what am I doing? I’m acting like a fool, that’s what I’m doing. They must think I’m a total idiot.’ Just then the doors to the café opened and in walked the rest of the girls; Mint, Lettuce, Pudding, Zakuro and Berry. “What’s going on here?” Mint asked suspiciously. “Are they the other mew mews?” Ami asked right away. “Mew mews? Like on the T.V.?” Kittelya asked confused. “Hey, how do you know about that? It’s a secret!” Pudding cried out. “We told her…which reminds me, Kittelya, you’re also a mew mew; that’s what the mark on your back means.” Keiichiro said softly. “WHAT?!” Everybody but Ichigo, Ami, Ryou and Keiichiro yelled shocked; Kittelya had to sit down before she passed out. “Hey are you ok?” Ichigo asked as Kittelya put her head down. “I don’t know…I’m not anything special, how did I get picked for this? I’m just Kittelya.” Kittelya said softly shaking her head. “Well, just Kittelya, join the club. We were just us when we started. It’s your DNA that makes you a mew mew by the way. Which by the way...we have new mew mews? I thought Berry was the last one. Who are these girls anyways?” Mint asked slightly annoyed. “They’re my cousins.” Ichigo said equally as annoyed. “And yes, Berry was the last mew mew as far as we thought. But as you can tell we were wrong. Meet your new team member or members, Ami and Kittelya.” Ryou said introducing them. “Well at least there’s more help around the café; we really need more hard workers around here.” Mint said sipping her already made fresh tea. “Excuse me! You’re the only one around who doesn’t work; you just sit around on your butt all day drinking your damn tea!” Ichigo yelled very annoyed by now. “Ummm…what do you mean by member or members? Aren’t there two of them? Shouldn’t it be members?” Lettuce asked quietly. “Oh about that…Kittelya has the choice to do this or not…” Ryou said simply. “WHAT!! NO WAY!! WHY DOES SHE GET A CHOICE?! WE DIDN’T HAVE A CHOICE!” Mint and Berry cried out angry now. “Because she has deep rooted personal issues.” Ryou said simply. “But she has to join! We’re sisters who need to stick together! And now that we have super powers there’s no way anyone will come close to raping you again!” Ami yelled with a big smile, super happy. Kittelya on the other hand had a bad reaction and barely made it to the bathroom to throw up. “Well now you know…Ami, you need to learn not to blurt stuff out like that.” Ichigo said simply sighing. “I’m sorry.” Ami said sadly. “Don’t tell me, tell your sister.” Ichigo said simply as Kittelya came back out of the bathroom. “Sorry about that.” Kittelya said softly. “No, I’m sorry…I shouldn’t have said that out loud. I’m sorry. I wish you would just consider joining. You never know, it might be fun! Maybe we could actually make friends. I mean since we’re staying here that is.” Ami said with a smile. “What are you talking about?” Kittelya asked confused. ‘There’s no way she could know that right?’ Kittelya thought. “Well we’re moving back home right? You said so yourself. You were going to find a place to live back here and bring me with.” Ami said with a smile. “How did you…? I mean I never…” Kittelya stuttered out. “I heard you talking, well arguing with grandma and grandpa. And then the lawyer said it would be fine. And you know what? You have a job already. Ryou and Keiichiro said we’d be working here so you can get money to get an apartment. I’m sure Aunt Sakura and Uncle Shintaro won’t mind keeping us for a few weeks or months; they love us. Huh? Could it be? Haru!” Ami yelled as soon as she saw Ryou’s cousin, Haru walk though the café doors. “Huh? Do you I know you? Wait aren’t you that girl from a few years ago? And that’s your sister. Wow, you two are still alive. This is great. Ryou hasn’t stopped asking about Kittelya. Where is she? I hope she’s ok. Do you think she’ll come back?” Haru said mimicking Ryou, or rather his own impersonation. Haru still has jet black and brown eyes, but he sure as hell shot up in height. “Shut up! What about you? You wouldn’t shut up about Ami!” Ryou yelled annoyed and embarrassed. “Yes, but I can admit it; you can’t.” Haru shot back. “Oh you think that’s bad? You should hear about Kittelya; she kept asking if she should come back to see if they still lived around here? She’ll say it’s so she can thank them properly, but even she had a difficult time with that when she did. She wouldn’t shut about him. And yes, true I always talked about you and seeing you again. But I didn’t keep it bottled up so much that I started talking in my…” Ami started, but was cut off by Kittelya covering her mouth up with her hand. “Shut up…” Kittelya said quietly, quite red from embarrassment. “What? So you talk in your sleep; its better then you screaming all night! But when she talks you should hear what she has to say.” Ami shot out as soon as her mouth was free and before she could say anything else Kittelya was chasing her around the café. That was it; Kittelya was redder then a Christmas light and the chase was on. “Get back here you little…grrr!” Kittelya yelled running after her sister. The others didn’t know what to do so they just stood back, watching the scene in front of them. With all the chaos nobody heard the door open until Ami darted into the kitchen and Kittelya had to stop for a minute to breath; that’s when she noticed someone standing a few feet from her. “Kittelya, it’s so good to see you again.” The voice of a man said kindly. Although the voice was kind, it made Kittelya freeze in her spot, frozen in fear. “What, did you give up already? I thought you were going to make me…” Ami started but stopped, also frozen in place. “Ami. How are you? I’ve missed you very much.” The man said with a smile on his face. The others didn’t really know what was going on, but it only took a minute for Ryou, Keiichiro and Haru to figure out who the man was. “Dad…” Was all Ami said in shock while Kittelya stood there shaking, frozen in absolute fear. ***** Chapter 3 ***** Chapter_3: ===============================================================================   “Dad?” Everyone, except Kittelya, Ami, Ryou, Keiichiro and Haru asked shocked. “Oh yes, I’m Kazuya; I am Ami’s father and Kittelya’s stepfather. And, Zoey right; you’re the girls’ cousin correct?” The man, Kazuya asked. Zoey just stood there in shock; not because of who he was, but as to why he’s not in prison. “Wha-what are you doing here?” Ami asked as he hugged her tightly. “What? Can’t I see my favorite girls?” Kazuya asked letting her go and went to hug Kittelya, who after a few seconds managed to pull away. “No…” Kittelya said quietly. “What was that?” Kazuya asked kind of shocked. “I said no! No, you cannot see us; we have a restraining order against you! How did you even find us anyways; are you stalking us?” Kittelya asked/screamed trying to breathe as she stood as far away from him as she possibly could. “That’s not very nice of you. Did you hear; the judge that originally granted the restraining order made a mistake and everything on our case was dismissed. So the restraining order that was wrongfully placed has been destroyed. Now I just have to get that social worker to understand that; then we can all be a “happy” family again. And that’s where you come in. All you have to do is tell her that what happened four years ago was just a big misunderstanding. I mean you were just a kid and you were confused; you watched too much TV and with your night terrors and such you accused me of something I didn’t do. And you, my little princess; you were just under the influence of what your big sister was saying. You always followed and did what she said; you looked up to her that much. What do you say; can we make this right and be a family again?” Kazuya asked a very pale, very, scared and confused Kittelya and Ami. He figured even if he couldn’t get Kittelya; his little princess would do anything for him. “So, it was a misunderstanding that you nearly raped your stepdaughter? Was it also a misunderstanding when we her barely conscious with all her clothes off and you on top of her trying to rape her?” Ryou asked pissed off getting Kazuya’s attention. “Who the hell do you think you are saying that? Oh, you’re the ones who came to save my stepdaughter. You’re just misunderstanding the situation; I was trying to save her from the real culprit who ran away as soon as I got home. I’m so glad I ran into you as well; I just didn’t know your names. So now I ask that you tell the case worker what really happened.” Kazuya said simply as Kittelya fell to the floor. “I did and told the judge as well; I saw you trying to rape her.” Ryou said simply. “And I was the one who told them to come around and help; I didn’t like what you were doing to Kittelya and I knew what you were doing. I’m not stupid Mr. Kazuya. And if I have to talk to a social worker again I will tell her what I told her the first time and any other social workers you find.” Ami said confidently. “Sir, I think you should leave now.” Keiichiro said politely, trying to not have a fight break out. “Yes of course; I’ll see you girls later. Have a pleasant day.” Kazuya said with a smile as he left. “Now what; will we have to go live with him again Kittelya?” Ami asked a little scared; the first time in a few years. “Kittelya? Kittelya, what’s wrong?” Ami asked again, after a few seconds when Kittelya didn’t answer. That was when everyone noticed that Kittelya was in shock, frozen in fear; she then passed out a few seconds later. “Kittelya!” Everyone yelled worried about her running over to her. “Wait, wait, wait; don’t move her.” Keiichiro said walking over to her and checked her pulse. “What’s wrong with her; is Kittelya going to be ok?” Ami asked scared. “She’ll be fine; she just passed out.” Keiichiro explained. “But why?” Ami asked, demanding an answer. “I’m guess do to the shock and stress of your father showing up. Ichigo, call your parents and let them know what’s going on. Tell them that everything is ok and that we’ll bring Kittelya home later. Ryou, take Kittelya up to your room and keep an eye on her.” Keiichiro said simply. “Ok.” Ichigo said simply going to the kitchen. “Ok.” Ryou said as he gently and carefully picked up Kittelya and carried her upstairs. Once in his room he gently laid her onto his bed and covered her up; he then removed her glasses. He just sighed, “this poor girl; she can’t seem to get a break.” He said to himself as he sat in his computer chair. “Ryou?” Ichigo asked as she and Ami walked into his room. “Yeah, what is it?” Ryou asked. “I think I want to work today; I was wondering if I could get a ride home as well. My parents would be more at peace if we all got a ride. And Ami wants to know what she can do.” Ichigo said softly. “Yeah, you can work; we can always use you. Talk to Keiichiro and have him figure out what Ami can do for the day; she can do something in the kitchen or something. And as for giving you a ride home; of course we’ll give all three of you a ride home. We’re not going to let you leave with that psycho out there; he seems to know you as well. I was going to say something, but I guess you beat me to it.” Ryou said as he watched Kittelya. “Ok. Ami, go down and talk to Keiichiro; I need to talk to Ryou. Don’t worry; I’ll be down in a little bit and the others are there as well; they won’t let anything happen to you. And Kittelya will be fine.” Ichigo said simply with a smile. “Ok...” Ami said quietly as she walked away. “Ok, what do you want Ichigo?” Ryou asked somewhat annoyed. “You should ask her out?” Ichigo said simply. “Who?” Ryou asked confused. “Kittelya.” Ichigo said simply. “Excuse me! I don’t think she wants to be in a relationship right now; possibly ever. Why on earth would you ask me that?” Ryou asked shocked while he turned red. “I think a relationship would be good for her; plus I think she likes you. No, I’m not sure for sure; it’s just what I think. With you; it’s obvious you like her. I can tell just by how you look at her; and with how you look at her instead of me and Ami. Regardless of what you say; you like her. Another reason I know you like her is that yesterday you said you wondered if she was ok; that was before I knew who you were talking about. I get you saved her, but you’ve been thinking about her since that day. If you didn’t care you would’ve just looked her up online; but instead you just drove yourself crazy for almost four years just thinking about her. That’s evident by what Haru said.” Ichigo said simply, with somewhat of a smirk on her face. “Ichigo…” Ryou said simply. “Yes?” Ichigo asked softly. “Get to work.” Ryou said calmly, with a bit of annoyance laced in his voice. “Fine. But I still think you should ask her. Oh, and also…Keiichiro said you should talk to her about her moving.” Ichigo said heading out. “Ok.” Ryou said as he watched her walk out. ‘Maybe I should ask her out. the worst thing that could happen is she says no.’ Ryou thought to himself as he sat down… Please drop_by_the_archive_and_comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!