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[America Mew Mew] Episode Thirty Seven
This is the series ending that never wants to end. I swear, next story, the ending will not be this dramatic or heavy-handed. (And I know it lost its original message somewhere around here...)
Title: Episode Thirty Seven: Subdue Cartel at All Costs
Fandom: Tokyo Mew Mew [but so very, very AU]
Summary: Sorrel and Panforte are dead. So who else is going to die before this is all over? All Mew Mimi knows is that no one's playing nice anymore.
Claimer: Tokyo Mew Mew was the brainchild of Reiko Yoshida and Mia Ikumi. I'm just a fanwriter having fun with a very "what if?" story, okay? ♥ Y'all know what's mine at this point.
Ryou was right: Cartel was a lot stronger than he looked. Mew Mimi groaned, staring at the warehouse ceiling. Not only had he broken free from Mew Primrose's barrier and dispelled Mew Lettuce's water, but he'd broken through their defenses and smashed through the warehouse doors. Twice!
And he didn't break a sweat!
Slowly rising up, Mew Mimi gripped her meteor hammer. "Wh-what was he expecting to find outside?"
"Probably Panforte and Sorrel," Ryou groaned, rising from the top of a nearby cardboard box. Mew Mimi helped him up with her hands, then led him towards the hole in the wall. Her entire body was shaking - she'd never seen someone as hysterical and crazy as Cartel - and yet, she was a little curious. What could've possibly made him so angry in the first place?
They carefully treaded over the debris as they walked towards the grass. It didn't take long for them to see blood strewn everywhere. Wait a sec. Were those... no, it couldn't be! Mew Mimi gasped, her hands flying instantly to her mouth as she knelt beside Sorrel and Panforte. Their hands were clasped together, yes, but she couldn't hear them breathing. Ryou knelt too, pressing his fingers against Sorrel's wrist.
His face paled. Solemnly, he whispered, "... It's no use. They're gone."
Gone? Was Cartel really that strong? Could he really kill people like that? Roy clenched his fists as he cursed under his breath; the other mews stood there in silence.
"Panforte's dead?"
Everyone parted to let Briar kneel before his mentor. Strangely, all looks of confidence disappeared from the boy's face as he stared at Panforte's lifeless body.
"I'm so stupid," He grimaced, punching the dirt beneath him. "Stupid, stupid, stupid."
"Briar," Mew Primrose put her hands on his shoulders. He didn't flinch, so Mew Primrose continued, ignoring the tears rolling down her face, "... I'm sorry. We couldn't save him in time."
"It's not your fault," Briar managed to say, staring down at the now-wet grass. "If it's anyone's, it's mine."
Roy and Ryou exchanged nervous glances before saying in an uneasy unison, "How is it your fault?"
"I told Cartel that we shouldn't invade Earth," Briar grumbled. "I told him that Earth was going to die anyway - and that we should just steal its resources and bring them back home."
He paused, staring down at Panforte. "... That's what Panforte told me to say. But Cartel - Deep Evil's more like it - saw through our words. He's probably punishing us for growing to like this stupid planet with its stupid people and its stupid..."
Trailing off, he fell into Mew Primrose's arms. The two children gave up all sense of barriers and walls as they burst into hysterical sobs. No one had the heart to tell them to be quiet.
Rather, as Roy motioned Shuugo and a tall purple-haired man to finally join the mourning, no one noticed how the two lifted the bodies off the ground and onto the nearby coffins.
It was only when Mew Celsia noticed the conspicuous lack of Sorrel and Panforte that she murmured, "Shuugo. How long have you been there?"
"Long enough to lay them to rest, yerf," Shuugo closed his eyes. "I brought my mentor's boyfriend to help me carry them away. ... You guys, you do realize the stakes are much higher now that we know Cartel's capable of killing people?"
Mew Mimi nodded, "Yeah. But that doesn't mean I'm going to give up. Not now, not anymore. Shuugo... I think you won't be overkill anymore either. I... honestly think we'll lose unless you, Roy, and Ryou actually help us out."
"Hey," Ryou's face softened. "You actually know how to pronounce my name."
Mew Mimi blushed, turning away from him, "Well, don't expect it every time. It's just... I don't know when I'll see you again, yanno?"
"Understood," Roy smiled. "Ryou, I'm not holding back anymore. Let's avenge Sorrel's and Panforte's deaths and get down to the root of things."
"Agreed," Ryou and Roy shook hands. Everyone smiled as they watched the scene together.
"So," The man coughed, glancing over at everyone. "Where'd Deep Evil run off to?"
Ack. Everyone exchanged nervous glances. Shuugo smiled, gesturing towards the man, "Seriously, don't freak out. This is Grey Duskharte. He's one of my dad's good friends and um, he promised he'd help me protect and watch over the bodies of the deceased."
"Gotcha," Mew Mimi grinned. "So he's part of the Harry Potter cult too."
"Cult would actually be a more accurate way to describe me than your friends," Grey laughed, "But yes. I'm a mage too."
Mew Celsia sighed, "How many of these mages exist, anyway? And how come they're not helping us?"
"Deep Evil's only attacking places and people related to the Mew Project," Grey crossed his arms. "Shuugo and Ryou were smart when they decided to keep the pool of people involved at a small number. They probably didn't suspect that this would happen, but we don't have to have huge battles because the places that are being trashed can be easily contained."
He paused, then adding, "Oh, right. Kotoko said that she's got the flower shop under control. Liz and Shou still don't know about magic - so we're trying to figure a way to evacuate them - but everything else is fine."
"So they're just leaving Cartel to us," Ryou nodded. "Understood."
"I'm not letting you fight this by your lonesome," Grey tilted his head to the side. Smiling amusedly, he added, "That's why I brought some help."
He stepped aside, letting the other people come into the field. Shuugo's face lit up. He immediately ran into the arms of a white-haired teen, grinning, "Nilos! Noru! Nel! You guys actually came!"
"Don't forget me," Fuyuki teased, waving his flute around as he appeared beside them. "And Briar? What do you say? You wanna come avenge Panforte's death with us?"
Briar didn't respond for a while. He stared at his mentor - or what little he could see of him - before slowly nodding. Rising from the ground, he said, "Yeah. It's my fault he's dead. If anything, I need to take responsibility for it."
Mew Primrose beamed, "Then I'll come too!"
"Last I saw of Deep Evil," Roy looked thoughtful. "He'd knocked us out and then killed two people. If I were the alien of a strange, foreign planet out for revenge against one man... would I go to his household?"
"Not his household," Grey shook his head. "I'd try the Shirogane household."
"Makes sense," Ryou nodded. "Grey, can you do us the honors of teleportation?"
"It would be my pleasure," Grey mock-bowed. Everyone instinctively held hands (yes! everyone!) as Grey held out his hands. He chanted, "Flames from the depths of the earth, take my allies to their final battle. Quick Jump!"
... Oh dear. Mew Mimi cursed as she felt her body go limp from the sudden lack of gravity. Please don't barf all over people this time... it wouldn't be very cool...
And then she opened her eyes. Gasping, she stared up at the burning mansion. "Ryou... I'm so sorry."
"Don't be," Fuyuki chided. Bringing out his flute, he played the first few measures. A small raincloud began to slowly douse the fires, but Nel just rolled her eyes.
"This is going nowhere," She murmured as she and Nilos stood next to Fuyuki. Touching his hair, they chanted, "Amplify!"
The raincloud grew larger, and within seconds, the fire ceased. The raincloud dispersed, and the party was left standing before a charred mansion. Ryou shook his head as he called, "Let's go."
Shuugo hung his head as he followed. Mew Retasu gently patted him on the shoulder as she murmured words in Japanese. No one besides Shuu knew what she was saying, but it didn't seem to matter. He seemed content enough with her beside him.
Maybe it was just Mew Mimi's imagination, but the house seemed smaller with the flames. The walls lay to the side, their formerly pristine colors gone with the fire that claimed its life. No one seemed to be in the house, but everyone could sense the uneasiness in Fuyuki's, Ryou's, Shuugo's, and Retasu's eyes.
Their memories, their items had been claimed in the blaze. Who could blame them for looking so down?
"Ryou! Shuugo!"
Ryou and Shuugo stared at the man standing before them. "Keiichiro?!"
"It's been a while," Mew Mimi smiled softly. "But what're you doing here?"
"The Professor insisted on staying---"
"WHAT?!" Ryou's eyes widened. He immediately grabbed Keiichiro's collar as he growled, "Where is my dad? Don't tell me he was here when this happened!"
"Don't be silly," Keiichiro blinked, letting Ryou go. "We were at the Bancrofts when this happened... I must say, it was lucky none of us were home."
Ryou let out a sigh of relief, "Thank god."
"Keii, we hafta check out the damage," Shuu pouted, flailing a little as Keiichiro started to walk beside them. "It sorta-kinda involves Mew Project stuff, you know? But we didn't wanna involve Mom and Dad."
"I'm aware," Keiichiro ruffled his friend's hair. Chuckling softly, he added, "But I'm more than capable of protecting myself. I'm just going to check the damage in the lab and then report back to the Professor."
"Makes sense," Ryou nodded, taking out a vial with blue liquid inside. Chugging it down in a matter of seconds, he grinned, "Then why don't we split up? Half of us should check out the first floor while the rest of us give what's left of the second floor the once-over."
Everyone nodded, letting Ryou and Roy each pick their separate groups. In the end, Mew Lettuce, Cornelia, Mew Mimi, Keiichiro, and Minoru headed down towards the kitchen with Ryou while Mew Celsia, Mew Primrose, Nilos, Shuugo, Briar, and Fuyuki followed Roy up the stairs towards the second floor.
Barely dodging the debris on the stairwell, Roy snapped and let the wood repair itself. Mew Celsia sighed, shaking her head as she flew over the obstacle.
"You're a gentleman, but you forget," She teased, winking at him, "I can fly."
Nilos made a face as he jumped over the hole, "Is she always like that?"
"Who knows?" Shuu shrugged, easily making his way to the top of the long flight of stairs. "But we're supposed to check for signs of Cartel. If he checked my bedroom--" Shuu's face paled. Immediately, he ran past the charred paintings as he shouted, "Give me back-up! I don't know what Cartel would've done if he'd been through my stuff!"
"Assuming his stuff's still there," Fuyuki sighed forlornly, struggling to keep up with his cousin. "We don't know how long the fire was here."
Fuu! Stop being so cynical!
Fuu jumped. Blinking, he then groaned to himself, "Ryou. Not only do you fail at lying, but could you please yell at me like normal people?"
It wasn't hard to picture Ryou sticking his tongue out as Ryou telepathically replied, No way. It's more fun to see you like this, squirt. Speaking of which - make sure Shuu gets the book. I'll repair it once you're done.
Fuu nodded to Ryou. Mew Primrose and Mew Celsia exchanged nervous glances as they watched Fuu speak to thin air.
"You think he's got an imaginary friend?" Mew Celsia scratched her cheek.
Mew Primrose shrugged. "Maybe~ But he could also be talking to himself. That does happen a lot."
They paused upon reaching a charred doorway. Mew Primrose gasped as she saw the charred remains of... well, everything. Not even the photographs and the posters on the walls were unharmed. Of all the rooms in the Shirogane mansion? This must've been the hardest-hit room in the place.
Shuugo was searching through his tall bookshelf. He pulled out books furiously as he muttered to himself, "Come on... I know it looks like a book from Ion's place, but it definitely was here last night! I was sure of it!"
Nilos sighed, standing in the middle of the room. "You mean that diary you were showing me?"
"Yeah," Shuu grumbled. "You've seen it, Nilos?"
"No," Nilos shook his head. "But surely you remember the spell for finding things."
Shuu stared at Nilos blankly. "What spell?"
"Chronos, Retrieve?" Nilos sighed exasperatedly, summoning a light, but incredibly ancient book in his hands. Shuu stared at the book for a moment, then eagerly flipped through the pages before his face turned pale again.
"Man," Shuu whistled. "He basically stole the most important parts of the diary. Not cool."
"But we've found what we were looking for," Roy nodded. "And that diary's important if we're gonna subdue Cartel. Mew Primrose, Mew Celsia. You didn't see any parasites or signs of alien life, did you?"
The two mew mews shook their heads as they responded, "Nope."
"Good," Roy smiled. "Now we can just inspect the rest of the floor more carefully and let Ryou and the others deal with the lab damage."
Even someone who wasn't used to dealing with fires could tell that the first floor wasn't badly affected. Mew Mimi tilted her head to the side as she commented, "Hey. The kitchen looks perfectly normal. Wellll... as normal as a house that was just on fire could be."
"Yeah," Minoru nodded. The blond stuffed his hands in his pockets as he navigated the room and walked towards a wooden door. It would've seemed normal if Keiichiro and Ryou didn't seem so intent on reaching it as soon as possible.
Minoru blinked, but stepped aside to let his neighbors pass. "Jeez," Noru sighed. "Shouldn't we check the rest of the house first?"
"No need," Cornelia shook her head. "Cartel hates Luciano Alesci, not Jishou Shirogane. There was no reason for him to brutally attack the rest of the Shirogane house besides what contained information about Alina."
Noru blinked, "Then why was the second floor hit so hard?"
"Because we had Alina's diary," Ryou called from the stairwell.
Briar stared at Mew Primrose with an exasperated look, almost as if to say, 'how come you didn't tell me?' Shrugging, Mew Primrose mouthed, "Because I didn't know."
"Now hurry up and come down here!" Ryou yelled, his voice becoming more faint with each step. "I hope this place wasn't attacked as badly as I think it'll be---"
A large gasp cut Ryou off. Mew Mimi summoned her hammer as she and Mew Lettuce rushed down the stairs and towards their boss. The basement was... completely and utterly trashed. Mew Mimi hadn't actually ever seen the basement of the Shirogane household, but it actually resembled the basement of the flower shoppe in more ways than one.
They both had those metallic soundproof walls on all four sides. Machines were strewn everywhere; tools were scattered right and left; and that computer off to the side? Knives were thrown into every surface possible.
Ryou grumbled, "Well. I'm glad tousan decided to be a social butterfly today."
"He was going to work, but I convinced him not to," Keiichiro sighed, shaking his head as he knelt down to inspect some tools. "Thank god."
"Yeah," Minoru whistled. "This is worse than the Sacred Beasts that broke free from my grandmother's lab." Shaking his head, he knelt beside Keiichiro and helped the adult with the stray tools.
Mew Lettuce, instead, decided to inspect the computer more closely. "... Sh-shirogane-san? The computer was on."
"It was?" Ryou blinked, making his way over to her. He gestured towards Keiichiro; Mew Mimi instantly knelt down and started picking up more tools. Quickly, Ryou held his hand over the computer as he whispered, "Chronos, Reverse."
The knife flew from the computer and restored itself to its rightful place among the other dissection knifes in the corner of the room. Sighing, Ryou then typed a few commands into the computer. Crossing his arms as he waited for the information to load, he sighed, "Okay. well."
"What's up?" Briar asked as he floated beside the blond. "Computer acting up?"
"Not really," Ryou shook his head. "It's just that most of the data relating to the Mew Project vanished. Cartel did all that damage and he bothered to clean his trail this time?"
"That was probably the Professor," Keiichiro remarked, setting the tools on a nearby table. Pulling a box from one of the nearly-broken shelves, he, Mew Mimi, and Minoru neatly put the tools back together. As they organized the box, Keiichiro added, "He had recently done his spring cleaning. And you know he practically gave up on the Mew Project after Alina's death."
"Yeah," Ryou crossed his arms. "But I thought he left the data in his computer. That's how I stole the files, anyhow."
Mew Mimi gasped, "You mean you weren't actually allowed to perform the Mew Project? So we're like illegal?"
"Not exactly," Keii shook his head. "Ryou thought finishing the Mew Project would clean up all the skeletons in the closet, so to speak. And from what I can tell, it's certainly cleaning up loose ends."
"Yeah," Ryou bit his lip. Shutting the computer down, he replied, "... Thanks, Keiichiro. For helping me out and everything, you know?" He paused for a second, before adding, "Oh, and Noru. I have a feeling your grandma's Sacred Beast research tied into our Mew Project."
Briar tilted his head to the side, "Sacred Beasts?"
"They're mythical creatures my team and I summon in competitions," Noru explained, smiling slightly as he turned to look at Briar. "But yeah, I think I already knew. It'd certainly explain why Uncle Shou and Grandma were always on such good terms."
"According to the notes Dad left about the Sacred Beasts, your grandma's research fueled the Mew Project."
"That's nice an' all," Mew Mimi furrowed her eyebrows, "But what does that have to do with anything?"
"Minoru was a test subject for the Mew Project and the Sacred Beasts," Keiichiro shrugged. "He might be the reason the Mew Project even exists today."
Noru stared at Keiichiro in alarm, "Wait, what? But I don't remember Grandma or Uncle Shou saying anything--"
His shirt sleeves slipped at that moment. Mew Mimi raised an eyebrow, commenting, "Then can you explain that blue star?"
"Dad said it was a result of the accident," Noru shrugged, pulling his sleeves back up. "But really? I was part of the Mew Project too?"
"It's news to me too," Ryou whistled. "I knew 'bout Shuu, but Noru's a new one."
Mew Primrose immediately called, "Ssssh! I hear something."
Briar winced, nodding, "Yeah. Guys, shut up. I think something's coming."
A low growl resonated throughout the lab. Mew Lettuce and Cornelia's conversation in the background immediately ceased as the two summoned their weapons; everyone else slowly converged towards the center of the room.
"Where is Luciano Alesci?!"
Red lightning flew throughout the room. Nel cried, "Barrier!" at the same time Ryou cried, "Guardian!"
Mew Mimi winced, watching the lightning bounce off the temporary barriers from one eye. Cartel was back here? Again? This couldn't be good news.
Walls crumbled; they could feel the earth shaking underneath them. The debris threatened to loom over them... Minoru scrunched his face up as he growled, "Not cool."
The earth rumbled even more as Noru stomped on the tiles. Mew Mimi's eyes widened. The earth was rising to kick the debris out! Mew Lettuce called, "Reborn! Lettuce Aqua!" and shot water out of their view.
Ryou stabbed his staff into the ground as he chanted, "Reinforce." The barrier gained another layer; the lightning just bounced off the walls. The walls fell down, and Cartel floated towards them. His entire face was gaunt; his eyes even more bloodshot than usual.
Cartel snarled, "Where is Luciano? Let me kill that bastard--"
"Hey! You don't call Miles' dad that!," Mew Mimi retorted, crossing her arms as she stared the man down.
He broke out into a hysterical grin, "Is that so, weird child? Then what am I supposed to call him?"
Her attention was diverted by the sudden yellow blur that sped past them. Was that...? No, it couldn't be. Shuugo specifically said that he wasn't available. Mew Primrose too stared at the blur before it vanished out of sight. Shaking her head, the yellow mew commented, "Those squirrels get faster every year."
Everyone stared at her with confused looks.
"Forget it," Ryou sighed. "It's not worth asking this time."
Briar snorted in agreement; Cartel turned his attention towards the young alien. Floating towards him, Cartel gently cupped his chin as he sneered, "And what're you doing here, little Briar? I thought you were supposed to be out looking for the Alescis."
"The daughter's not worth your time," Briar disgustingly stepped back from his leader. "She's the second wife's kid, not Alina's."
"What about the son?"
"He's back at the base," Briar tilted his head to the side. "I don't know why, but I think someone possessed him to go there. You planning to do something with him, Commander?"
"Just checking," Cartel tapped his fingers against his arm. Smirking, he then added, "... What about the wife? Any chance she's with her husband?"
"That... I don't know," Briar admittedly shrugged. "The husband and wife are hard to find down."
Mew Mimi whispered to Cornelia, "You mean we actually have to listen to a report?"
"It's not bad so far," Cornelia whispered back. Smiling gently, she said, "I bet Ryou's taking full advantage of the lull."
That he was. Disappearing from the barrier, Ryou edged towards the stairwell. Muttering something under his breath, he waited for a pair of black wings to spring from his back. And then? He disappeared towards the first floor.
Great, he was abandoning them. Briar was still giving his report - and admittedly, when he was listening, Cartellate did look like a leader. His clothing was still regal (if not downright Victorian), and there was a solemn, appreciative look on his face when he nodded and asked appropriate questions like, "You sure that the wife was at the school?"
Briar seemed more nervous, so Mew Primrose did what she thought was only natural. She gently leaned towards him and squeezed his hand.
Cartellate froze. "What do you think you're doing, little human?"
Mew Primrose blinked. "Making Briar feel more at ease. No offense, sir, but he doesn't get nervous easily."
"Stupid girl," Briar retorted, narrowing his eyes as he let her hand go instantly. "I'll be fine. Just let me finish my report in peace."
Mew Mimi couldn't help noticing the odd look of contentment in Cartel's eyes as he watched Mew Primrose sniffle and nearly start crying again. Rushing towards Mew Primrose, Mew Mimi backed away and let Mew Primrose bury herself in her comrade.
"Good to see you weren't like your dear mentor," Cartel praised. "How he could've actually felt something for that Earthling was beyond me."
Briar's eyes widened. "So that's why you killed him?"
"He was acting like Alina," Cartel stared the boy down. "Earthlings and our kind will never get along."
"Well, duh," Minoru laughed hollowly. Staring Cartel down, Noru pointed to him as he proclaimed, "You're too busy killing us off to learn how we can get along with others."
"Aren't you a riot," Cartel sarcastically commented. "Finish the report, Briar."
Noru groaned, "... And he wasn't even paying attention."
"Let it go," Cornelia advised. "You should make sure your weapons and everything are ready."
Briar finished the report, after what seemed like forever, and then Cartel turned towards everyone. "So I repeat: where's Luciano Alesci?"
It was hard to stare at someone who had red bolts of energy shooting out from his hands. Minoru gulped, "How'm I supposed to know?"
"You're not," Mew Mimi yelled back. "Noru, don't give in!"
"Got it," Noru nodded, stepping away from Cartel. He waved his hands; the earth rose with his every step. Cartel shot bolts; Noru dodged effortlessly.
"You just won't stay put, will you," Cartel growled, shooting more bolts as he floated towards Noru. Noru didn't answer. He raised his hands and hurriedly thrust rocks in Cartel's direction. Cartel disappeared into thin air.
Reappearing beside Noru, Cartel pushed the boy over. "Checkmate."
"Not really," Noru grinned, holding his arm to prevent more blood from gushing out, "For I wasn't who you needed to worry about."
Cartel jumped, seeing the sword pointed at his throat. Roy stood behind him. Lightly tearing Cartel's neck collar, Roy then inched the rapier closer to Cartel's throat. Roy then growled, "You who hurt my little brother, prepare to die."
Disappearing again, Cartel spun, throwing more bolts carelessly around the room. Everyone flinched as the lightning hit them. Cornelia hastily called, "Grand Barrier!" and winced as more bolts bounced off their barriers and towards the property.
Trees scorched from the fire; grass blackened and crumbled at the bolts' mere touch. Noru panted for breath as he rose above everyone else. Shuugo easily jumped onto the rock. Pushing some green liquid down his friend's throat, Shuu muttered, "I'm glad I got here in time, yerf."
Letting Noru go, Shuu jumped off - and that was when the beam hit Minoru squarely in the stomach. Shuugo stared, nearly falling on his back. Cornelia and Roy stimultaneously jumped towards Noru. Letting him rest on their arms, Noru weakly smiled, "Sorry. Guess I wasn't that great of back-up after all."
He closed his eyes and the rock hastily crumbled to the ground.
Roy and Cornelia averted their eyes from their neighbor's body (corpse?); Shuugo nodded solemnly as he carried it towards the edge of the property.
Mew Celsia bit her lip, "But he wasn't even part of the Mew Project."
"Correction," Cartel sneered. "He was what fueled the Mew Project. If he didn't exist, my Alina would still be here today."
"You don't know that," Roy growled, now focusing all of his attention on Cartel. "The future has tens of thousands of possibilities."
"Do you dare to silence me?" Cartel sneered, pointing the sword towards the sky. Effortlessly circling Roy, he snickered, "Your little brother died in vain."
"Not in vain," Shuugo numbly replied as he walked back into the fray. "You shouldn't have worried about him."
Cartel didn't respond, choosing instead to narrow his eyes at Shuugo. Mew Mimi knew she should've attacked then - but something innate within her said that she shouldn't be the one to openly fight him next. Weren't they supposed to subdue him?
Ryou was planning something. She knew that was why he disappeared and left the battle to everyone else. This was what he meant: he couldn't fight this battle. Cartellate would have to be subdued using everyone else's methods and trickery.
Mew Celsia flew behind Cartellate; her eyes watered as she summoned her crossbow. Putting an arrow into her quiver, she aimed it at her enemy.
"You killed my best friend," Mew Celsia cried. "How can you look yourself in the mirror?"
"Your best friend was going to die anyway," Cartel casually glanced at the crossbow. "I just sped it up."
Mew Celsia let out a gasp of disbelief, "You liar."
Circling Mew Celsia, Cartel shrugged, "I've been called a lot of things. Was that supposed to hurt me?"
"Not those words," Fuyuki smugly smiled. "Hope you're ready to undergo some severe pain." Putting his flute to his lips, Fuu closed his eyes and played a melody. Cartel snorted at first, leaning back in slight amusement - and that was when he noticed the rain falling from the sky.
"It was you," Cartel blinked.
Fuu didn't respond; instead, the rain continued to pour down on Cartel (and Cartel alone). Plants sprung from the ground and seized Cartel's arms. He easily split them into pieces as he flew higher into the sky.
"Is this how to plan to subdue me? Because it's not working."
He shot beams from his hands. The plants crumbled at his mere touch; Cartel blankly stared below him at the dying plants before his eyes widened in realization. "Y-you made me..."
"I can control plants too," Roy shrugged, his shaky voice betraying his calm and collected demeanor. "So if you think you're getting away, you're going to destroy innocent plant life."
"Innocent plant life that's doing your bidding," Cartel turned upon Roy. Staring the boy down, Cartel whispered in his ear, "So what were you planning on doing next, little boy? I know you can't hurt me."
Roy seized Cartel's wrist. Pushing on the alien with all his strength, Roy twistedly smiled, "I was planning on making you weak the old-fashioned way."
Mew Celsia waved as she winked, "Checkmate."
"Wh-what---"
Briar gasped. "Commander! You're... you're...." The alien didn't even get a chance to finish his sentence; he just stared as his commander's skin changed colors. Cartel stared down at his now-green hands before he leapt up and grabbed Roy by the collar.
"You're going to die."
"Reborn, Celsia Tripleshot!"
Cartel groaned; he knelt over as each arrow hit him perfectly in the back. Coughing, he swore, "Why didn't I...?"
Roy knelt down as well, loosening his grip on the alien leader. "Plant toxins," Roy simply explained. "They numbed your sense of perception and depth. You probably can't feel the blood coming from those arrows... or the rain still falling all over you."
Nothing but swear words escaped Cartellate's lips. He rose and clawed at Roy's face. The orange-haired teen winced as he jumped back, but he could feel the drops of blood trickling from the fresh wounds.
"Reborn! Primrose Enforce!"
A barrier immediately surrounded Panforte. Mew Primrose - and the newly appeared Ryou - stepped forward. Ryou then solemnly pressed his fingers on the fallen leader's forehead; his free hand pushed a giant staff into the ground.
"Mew Mimi. Hold his other arm for me."
She obeyed, running to Cartel and tightly gripping his other arm. "Just say when."
Ryou ignored her. A giant yellow circle appeared below the three of them. Staring into Cartellate's eyes, Ryou then softly murmured, "Kairos. Recreate."
And then the world they knew disappeared beneath their feet.
Title: Episode Thirty Seven: Subdue Cartel at All Costs
Fandom: Tokyo Mew Mew [but so very, very AU]
Summary: Sorrel and Panforte are dead. So who else is going to die before this is all over? All Mew Mimi knows is that no one's playing nice anymore.
Claimer: Tokyo Mew Mew was the brainchild of Reiko Yoshida and Mia Ikumi. I'm just a fanwriter having fun with a very "what if?" story, okay? ♥ Y'all know what's mine at this point.
Ryou was right: Cartel was a lot stronger than he looked. Mew Mimi groaned, staring at the warehouse ceiling. Not only had he broken free from Mew Primrose's barrier and dispelled Mew Lettuce's water, but he'd broken through their defenses and smashed through the warehouse doors. Twice!
And he didn't break a sweat!
Slowly rising up, Mew Mimi gripped her meteor hammer. "Wh-what was he expecting to find outside?"
"Probably Panforte and Sorrel," Ryou groaned, rising from the top of a nearby cardboard box. Mew Mimi helped him up with her hands, then led him towards the hole in the wall. Her entire body was shaking - she'd never seen someone as hysterical and crazy as Cartel - and yet, she was a little curious. What could've possibly made him so angry in the first place?
They carefully treaded over the debris as they walked towards the grass. It didn't take long for them to see blood strewn everywhere. Wait a sec. Were those... no, it couldn't be! Mew Mimi gasped, her hands flying instantly to her mouth as she knelt beside Sorrel and Panforte. Their hands were clasped together, yes, but she couldn't hear them breathing. Ryou knelt too, pressing his fingers against Sorrel's wrist.
His face paled. Solemnly, he whispered, "... It's no use. They're gone."
Gone? Was Cartel really that strong? Could he really kill people like that? Roy clenched his fists as he cursed under his breath; the other mews stood there in silence.
"Panforte's dead?"
Everyone parted to let Briar kneel before his mentor. Strangely, all looks of confidence disappeared from the boy's face as he stared at Panforte's lifeless body.
"I'm so stupid," He grimaced, punching the dirt beneath him. "Stupid, stupid, stupid."
"Briar," Mew Primrose put her hands on his shoulders. He didn't flinch, so Mew Primrose continued, ignoring the tears rolling down her face, "... I'm sorry. We couldn't save him in time."
"It's not your fault," Briar managed to say, staring down at the now-wet grass. "If it's anyone's, it's mine."
Roy and Ryou exchanged nervous glances before saying in an uneasy unison, "How is it your fault?"
"I told Cartel that we shouldn't invade Earth," Briar grumbled. "I told him that Earth was going to die anyway - and that we should just steal its resources and bring them back home."
He paused, staring down at Panforte. "... That's what Panforte told me to say. But Cartel - Deep Evil's more like it - saw through our words. He's probably punishing us for growing to like this stupid planet with its stupid people and its stupid..."
Trailing off, he fell into Mew Primrose's arms. The two children gave up all sense of barriers and walls as they burst into hysterical sobs. No one had the heart to tell them to be quiet.
Rather, as Roy motioned Shuugo and a tall purple-haired man to finally join the mourning, no one noticed how the two lifted the bodies off the ground and onto the nearby coffins.
It was only when Mew Celsia noticed the conspicuous lack of Sorrel and Panforte that she murmured, "Shuugo. How long have you been there?"
"Long enough to lay them to rest, yerf," Shuugo closed his eyes. "I brought my mentor's boyfriend to help me carry them away. ... You guys, you do realize the stakes are much higher now that we know Cartel's capable of killing people?"
Mew Mimi nodded, "Yeah. But that doesn't mean I'm going to give up. Not now, not anymore. Shuugo... I think you won't be overkill anymore either. I... honestly think we'll lose unless you, Roy, and Ryou actually help us out."
"Hey," Ryou's face softened. "You actually know how to pronounce my name."
Mew Mimi blushed, turning away from him, "Well, don't expect it every time. It's just... I don't know when I'll see you again, yanno?"
"Understood," Roy smiled. "Ryou, I'm not holding back anymore. Let's avenge Sorrel's and Panforte's deaths and get down to the root of things."
"Agreed," Ryou and Roy shook hands. Everyone smiled as they watched the scene together.
"So," The man coughed, glancing over at everyone. "Where'd Deep Evil run off to?"
Ack. Everyone exchanged nervous glances. Shuugo smiled, gesturing towards the man, "Seriously, don't freak out. This is Grey Duskharte. He's one of my dad's good friends and um, he promised he'd help me protect and watch over the bodies of the deceased."
"Gotcha," Mew Mimi grinned. "So he's part of the Harry Potter cult too."
"Cult would actually be a more accurate way to describe me than your friends," Grey laughed, "But yes. I'm a mage too."
Mew Celsia sighed, "How many of these mages exist, anyway? And how come they're not helping us?"
"Deep Evil's only attacking places and people related to the Mew Project," Grey crossed his arms. "Shuugo and Ryou were smart when they decided to keep the pool of people involved at a small number. They probably didn't suspect that this would happen, but we don't have to have huge battles because the places that are being trashed can be easily contained."
He paused, then adding, "Oh, right. Kotoko said that she's got the flower shop under control. Liz and Shou still don't know about magic - so we're trying to figure a way to evacuate them - but everything else is fine."
"So they're just leaving Cartel to us," Ryou nodded. "Understood."
"I'm not letting you fight this by your lonesome," Grey tilted his head to the side. Smiling amusedly, he added, "That's why I brought some help."
He stepped aside, letting the other people come into the field. Shuugo's face lit up. He immediately ran into the arms of a white-haired teen, grinning, "Nilos! Noru! Nel! You guys actually came!"
"Don't forget me," Fuyuki teased, waving his flute around as he appeared beside them. "And Briar? What do you say? You wanna come avenge Panforte's death with us?"
Briar didn't respond for a while. He stared at his mentor - or what little he could see of him - before slowly nodding. Rising from the ground, he said, "Yeah. It's my fault he's dead. If anything, I need to take responsibility for it."
Mew Primrose beamed, "Then I'll come too!"
"Last I saw of Deep Evil," Roy looked thoughtful. "He'd knocked us out and then killed two people. If I were the alien of a strange, foreign planet out for revenge against one man... would I go to his household?"
"Not his household," Grey shook his head. "I'd try the Shirogane household."
"Makes sense," Ryou nodded. "Grey, can you do us the honors of teleportation?"
"It would be my pleasure," Grey mock-bowed. Everyone instinctively held hands (yes! everyone!) as Grey held out his hands. He chanted, "Flames from the depths of the earth, take my allies to their final battle. Quick Jump!"
... Oh dear. Mew Mimi cursed as she felt her body go limp from the sudden lack of gravity. Please don't barf all over people this time... it wouldn't be very cool...
And then she opened her eyes. Gasping, she stared up at the burning mansion. "Ryou... I'm so sorry."
"Don't be," Fuyuki chided. Bringing out his flute, he played the first few measures. A small raincloud began to slowly douse the fires, but Nel just rolled her eyes.
"This is going nowhere," She murmured as she and Nilos stood next to Fuyuki. Touching his hair, they chanted, "Amplify!"
The raincloud grew larger, and within seconds, the fire ceased. The raincloud dispersed, and the party was left standing before a charred mansion. Ryou shook his head as he called, "Let's go."
Shuugo hung his head as he followed. Mew Retasu gently patted him on the shoulder as she murmured words in Japanese. No one besides Shuu knew what she was saying, but it didn't seem to matter. He seemed content enough with her beside him.
Maybe it was just Mew Mimi's imagination, but the house seemed smaller with the flames. The walls lay to the side, their formerly pristine colors gone with the fire that claimed its life. No one seemed to be in the house, but everyone could sense the uneasiness in Fuyuki's, Ryou's, Shuugo's, and Retasu's eyes.
Their memories, their items had been claimed in the blaze. Who could blame them for looking so down?
"Ryou! Shuugo!"
Ryou and Shuugo stared at the man standing before them. "Keiichiro?!"
"It's been a while," Mew Mimi smiled softly. "But what're you doing here?"
"The Professor insisted on staying---"
"WHAT?!" Ryou's eyes widened. He immediately grabbed Keiichiro's collar as he growled, "Where is my dad? Don't tell me he was here when this happened!"
"Don't be silly," Keiichiro blinked, letting Ryou go. "We were at the Bancrofts when this happened... I must say, it was lucky none of us were home."
Ryou let out a sigh of relief, "Thank god."
"Keii, we hafta check out the damage," Shuu pouted, flailing a little as Keiichiro started to walk beside them. "It sorta-kinda involves Mew Project stuff, you know? But we didn't wanna involve Mom and Dad."
"I'm aware," Keiichiro ruffled his friend's hair. Chuckling softly, he added, "But I'm more than capable of protecting myself. I'm just going to check the damage in the lab and then report back to the Professor."
"Makes sense," Ryou nodded, taking out a vial with blue liquid inside. Chugging it down in a matter of seconds, he grinned, "Then why don't we split up? Half of us should check out the first floor while the rest of us give what's left of the second floor the once-over."
Everyone nodded, letting Ryou and Roy each pick their separate groups. In the end, Mew Lettuce, Cornelia, Mew Mimi, Keiichiro, and Minoru headed down towards the kitchen with Ryou while Mew Celsia, Mew Primrose, Nilos, Shuugo, Briar, and Fuyuki followed Roy up the stairs towards the second floor.
Barely dodging the debris on the stairwell, Roy snapped and let the wood repair itself. Mew Celsia sighed, shaking her head as she flew over the obstacle.
"You're a gentleman, but you forget," She teased, winking at him, "I can fly."
Nilos made a face as he jumped over the hole, "Is she always like that?"
"Who knows?" Shuu shrugged, easily making his way to the top of the long flight of stairs. "But we're supposed to check for signs of Cartel. If he checked my bedroom--" Shuu's face paled. Immediately, he ran past the charred paintings as he shouted, "Give me back-up! I don't know what Cartel would've done if he'd been through my stuff!"
"Assuming his stuff's still there," Fuyuki sighed forlornly, struggling to keep up with his cousin. "We don't know how long the fire was here."
Fuu! Stop being so cynical!
Fuu jumped. Blinking, he then groaned to himself, "Ryou. Not only do you fail at lying, but could you please yell at me like normal people?"
It wasn't hard to picture Ryou sticking his tongue out as Ryou telepathically replied, No way. It's more fun to see you like this, squirt. Speaking of which - make sure Shuu gets the book. I'll repair it once you're done.
Fuu nodded to Ryou. Mew Primrose and Mew Celsia exchanged nervous glances as they watched Fuu speak to thin air.
"You think he's got an imaginary friend?" Mew Celsia scratched her cheek.
Mew Primrose shrugged. "Maybe~ But he could also be talking to himself. That does happen a lot."
They paused upon reaching a charred doorway. Mew Primrose gasped as she saw the charred remains of... well, everything. Not even the photographs and the posters on the walls were unharmed. Of all the rooms in the Shirogane mansion? This must've been the hardest-hit room in the place.
Shuugo was searching through his tall bookshelf. He pulled out books furiously as he muttered to himself, "Come on... I know it looks like a book from Ion's place, but it definitely was here last night! I was sure of it!"
Nilos sighed, standing in the middle of the room. "You mean that diary you were showing me?"
"Yeah," Shuu grumbled. "You've seen it, Nilos?"
"No," Nilos shook his head. "But surely you remember the spell for finding things."
Shuu stared at Nilos blankly. "What spell?"
"Chronos, Retrieve?" Nilos sighed exasperatedly, summoning a light, but incredibly ancient book in his hands. Shuu stared at the book for a moment, then eagerly flipped through the pages before his face turned pale again.
"Man," Shuu whistled. "He basically stole the most important parts of the diary. Not cool."
"But we've found what we were looking for," Roy nodded. "And that diary's important if we're gonna subdue Cartel. Mew Primrose, Mew Celsia. You didn't see any parasites or signs of alien life, did you?"
The two mew mews shook their heads as they responded, "Nope."
"Good," Roy smiled. "Now we can just inspect the rest of the floor more carefully and let Ryou and the others deal with the lab damage."
Even someone who wasn't used to dealing with fires could tell that the first floor wasn't badly affected. Mew Mimi tilted her head to the side as she commented, "Hey. The kitchen looks perfectly normal. Wellll... as normal as a house that was just on fire could be."
"Yeah," Minoru nodded. The blond stuffed his hands in his pockets as he navigated the room and walked towards a wooden door. It would've seemed normal if Keiichiro and Ryou didn't seem so intent on reaching it as soon as possible.
Minoru blinked, but stepped aside to let his neighbors pass. "Jeez," Noru sighed. "Shouldn't we check the rest of the house first?"
"No need," Cornelia shook her head. "Cartel hates Luciano Alesci, not Jishou Shirogane. There was no reason for him to brutally attack the rest of the Shirogane house besides what contained information about Alina."
Noru blinked, "Then why was the second floor hit so hard?"
"Because we had Alina's diary," Ryou called from the stairwell.
Briar stared at Mew Primrose with an exasperated look, almost as if to say, 'how come you didn't tell me?' Shrugging, Mew Primrose mouthed, "Because I didn't know."
"Now hurry up and come down here!" Ryou yelled, his voice becoming more faint with each step. "I hope this place wasn't attacked as badly as I think it'll be---"
A large gasp cut Ryou off. Mew Mimi summoned her hammer as she and Mew Lettuce rushed down the stairs and towards their boss. The basement was... completely and utterly trashed. Mew Mimi hadn't actually ever seen the basement of the Shirogane household, but it actually resembled the basement of the flower shoppe in more ways than one.
They both had those metallic soundproof walls on all four sides. Machines were strewn everywhere; tools were scattered right and left; and that computer off to the side? Knives were thrown into every surface possible.
Ryou grumbled, "Well. I'm glad tousan decided to be a social butterfly today."
"He was going to work, but I convinced him not to," Keiichiro sighed, shaking his head as he knelt down to inspect some tools. "Thank god."
"Yeah," Minoru whistled. "This is worse than the Sacred Beasts that broke free from my grandmother's lab." Shaking his head, he knelt beside Keiichiro and helped the adult with the stray tools.
Mew Lettuce, instead, decided to inspect the computer more closely. "... Sh-shirogane-san? The computer was on."
"It was?" Ryou blinked, making his way over to her. He gestured towards Keiichiro; Mew Mimi instantly knelt down and started picking up more tools. Quickly, Ryou held his hand over the computer as he whispered, "Chronos, Reverse."
The knife flew from the computer and restored itself to its rightful place among the other dissection knifes in the corner of the room. Sighing, Ryou then typed a few commands into the computer. Crossing his arms as he waited for the information to load, he sighed, "Okay. well."
"What's up?" Briar asked as he floated beside the blond. "Computer acting up?"
"Not really," Ryou shook his head. "It's just that most of the data relating to the Mew Project vanished. Cartel did all that damage and he bothered to clean his trail this time?"
"That was probably the Professor," Keiichiro remarked, setting the tools on a nearby table. Pulling a box from one of the nearly-broken shelves, he, Mew Mimi, and Minoru neatly put the tools back together. As they organized the box, Keiichiro added, "He had recently done his spring cleaning. And you know he practically gave up on the Mew Project after Alina's death."
"Yeah," Ryou crossed his arms. "But I thought he left the data in his computer. That's how I stole the files, anyhow."
Mew Mimi gasped, "You mean you weren't actually allowed to perform the Mew Project? So we're like illegal?"
"Not exactly," Keii shook his head. "Ryou thought finishing the Mew Project would clean up all the skeletons in the closet, so to speak. And from what I can tell, it's certainly cleaning up loose ends."
"Yeah," Ryou bit his lip. Shutting the computer down, he replied, "... Thanks, Keiichiro. For helping me out and everything, you know?" He paused for a second, before adding, "Oh, and Noru. I have a feeling your grandma's Sacred Beast research tied into our Mew Project."
Briar tilted his head to the side, "Sacred Beasts?"
"They're mythical creatures my team and I summon in competitions," Noru explained, smiling slightly as he turned to look at Briar. "But yeah, I think I already knew. It'd certainly explain why Uncle Shou and Grandma were always on such good terms."
"According to the notes Dad left about the Sacred Beasts, your grandma's research fueled the Mew Project."
"That's nice an' all," Mew Mimi furrowed her eyebrows, "But what does that have to do with anything?"
"Minoru was a test subject for the Mew Project and the Sacred Beasts," Keiichiro shrugged. "He might be the reason the Mew Project even exists today."
Noru stared at Keiichiro in alarm, "Wait, what? But I don't remember Grandma or Uncle Shou saying anything--"
His shirt sleeves slipped at that moment. Mew Mimi raised an eyebrow, commenting, "Then can you explain that blue star?"
"Dad said it was a result of the accident," Noru shrugged, pulling his sleeves back up. "But really? I was part of the Mew Project too?"
"It's news to me too," Ryou whistled. "I knew 'bout Shuu, but Noru's a new one."
Mew Primrose immediately called, "Ssssh! I hear something."
Briar winced, nodding, "Yeah. Guys, shut up. I think something's coming."
A low growl resonated throughout the lab. Mew Lettuce and Cornelia's conversation in the background immediately ceased as the two summoned their weapons; everyone else slowly converged towards the center of the room.
"Where is Luciano Alesci?!"
Red lightning flew throughout the room. Nel cried, "Barrier!" at the same time Ryou cried, "Guardian!"
Mew Mimi winced, watching the lightning bounce off the temporary barriers from one eye. Cartel was back here? Again? This couldn't be good news.
Walls crumbled; they could feel the earth shaking underneath them. The debris threatened to loom over them... Minoru scrunched his face up as he growled, "Not cool."
The earth rumbled even more as Noru stomped on the tiles. Mew Mimi's eyes widened. The earth was rising to kick the debris out! Mew Lettuce called, "Reborn! Lettuce Aqua!" and shot water out of their view.
Ryou stabbed his staff into the ground as he chanted, "Reinforce." The barrier gained another layer; the lightning just bounced off the walls. The walls fell down, and Cartel floated towards them. His entire face was gaunt; his eyes even more bloodshot than usual.
Cartel snarled, "Where is Luciano? Let me kill that bastard--"
"Hey! You don't call Miles' dad that!," Mew Mimi retorted, crossing her arms as she stared the man down.
He broke out into a hysterical grin, "Is that so, weird child? Then what am I supposed to call him?"
Her attention was diverted by the sudden yellow blur that sped past them. Was that...? No, it couldn't be. Shuugo specifically said that he wasn't available. Mew Primrose too stared at the blur before it vanished out of sight. Shaking her head, the yellow mew commented, "Those squirrels get faster every year."
Everyone stared at her with confused looks.
"Forget it," Ryou sighed. "It's not worth asking this time."
Briar snorted in agreement; Cartel turned his attention towards the young alien. Floating towards him, Cartel gently cupped his chin as he sneered, "And what're you doing here, little Briar? I thought you were supposed to be out looking for the Alescis."
"The daughter's not worth your time," Briar disgustingly stepped back from his leader. "She's the second wife's kid, not Alina's."
"What about the son?"
"He's back at the base," Briar tilted his head to the side. "I don't know why, but I think someone possessed him to go there. You planning to do something with him, Commander?"
"Just checking," Cartel tapped his fingers against his arm. Smirking, he then added, "... What about the wife? Any chance she's with her husband?"
"That... I don't know," Briar admittedly shrugged. "The husband and wife are hard to find down."
Mew Mimi whispered to Cornelia, "You mean we actually have to listen to a report?"
"It's not bad so far," Cornelia whispered back. Smiling gently, she said, "I bet Ryou's taking full advantage of the lull."
That he was. Disappearing from the barrier, Ryou edged towards the stairwell. Muttering something under his breath, he waited for a pair of black wings to spring from his back. And then? He disappeared towards the first floor.
Great, he was abandoning them. Briar was still giving his report - and admittedly, when he was listening, Cartellate did look like a leader. His clothing was still regal (if not downright Victorian), and there was a solemn, appreciative look on his face when he nodded and asked appropriate questions like, "You sure that the wife was at the school?"
Briar seemed more nervous, so Mew Primrose did what she thought was only natural. She gently leaned towards him and squeezed his hand.
Cartellate froze. "What do you think you're doing, little human?"
Mew Primrose blinked. "Making Briar feel more at ease. No offense, sir, but he doesn't get nervous easily."
"Stupid girl," Briar retorted, narrowing his eyes as he let her hand go instantly. "I'll be fine. Just let me finish my report in peace."
Mew Mimi couldn't help noticing the odd look of contentment in Cartel's eyes as he watched Mew Primrose sniffle and nearly start crying again. Rushing towards Mew Primrose, Mew Mimi backed away and let Mew Primrose bury herself in her comrade.
"Good to see you weren't like your dear mentor," Cartel praised. "How he could've actually felt something for that Earthling was beyond me."
Briar's eyes widened. "So that's why you killed him?"
"He was acting like Alina," Cartel stared the boy down. "Earthlings and our kind will never get along."
"Well, duh," Minoru laughed hollowly. Staring Cartel down, Noru pointed to him as he proclaimed, "You're too busy killing us off to learn how we can get along with others."
"Aren't you a riot," Cartel sarcastically commented. "Finish the report, Briar."
Noru groaned, "... And he wasn't even paying attention."
"Let it go," Cornelia advised. "You should make sure your weapons and everything are ready."
Briar finished the report, after what seemed like forever, and then Cartel turned towards everyone. "So I repeat: where's Luciano Alesci?"
It was hard to stare at someone who had red bolts of energy shooting out from his hands. Minoru gulped, "How'm I supposed to know?"
"You're not," Mew Mimi yelled back. "Noru, don't give in!"
"Got it," Noru nodded, stepping away from Cartel. He waved his hands; the earth rose with his every step. Cartel shot bolts; Noru dodged effortlessly.
"You just won't stay put, will you," Cartel growled, shooting more bolts as he floated towards Noru. Noru didn't answer. He raised his hands and hurriedly thrust rocks in Cartel's direction. Cartel disappeared into thin air.
Reappearing beside Noru, Cartel pushed the boy over. "Checkmate."
"Not really," Noru grinned, holding his arm to prevent more blood from gushing out, "For I wasn't who you needed to worry about."
Cartel jumped, seeing the sword pointed at his throat. Roy stood behind him. Lightly tearing Cartel's neck collar, Roy then inched the rapier closer to Cartel's throat. Roy then growled, "You who hurt my little brother, prepare to die."
Disappearing again, Cartel spun, throwing more bolts carelessly around the room. Everyone flinched as the lightning hit them. Cornelia hastily called, "Grand Barrier!" and winced as more bolts bounced off their barriers and towards the property.
Trees scorched from the fire; grass blackened and crumbled at the bolts' mere touch. Noru panted for breath as he rose above everyone else. Shuugo easily jumped onto the rock. Pushing some green liquid down his friend's throat, Shuu muttered, "I'm glad I got here in time, yerf."
Letting Noru go, Shuu jumped off - and that was when the beam hit Minoru squarely in the stomach. Shuugo stared, nearly falling on his back. Cornelia and Roy stimultaneously jumped towards Noru. Letting him rest on their arms, Noru weakly smiled, "Sorry. Guess I wasn't that great of back-up after all."
He closed his eyes and the rock hastily crumbled to the ground.
Roy and Cornelia averted their eyes from their neighbor's body (corpse?); Shuugo nodded solemnly as he carried it towards the edge of the property.
Mew Celsia bit her lip, "But he wasn't even part of the Mew Project."
"Correction," Cartel sneered. "He was what fueled the Mew Project. If he didn't exist, my Alina would still be here today."
"You don't know that," Roy growled, now focusing all of his attention on Cartel. "The future has tens of thousands of possibilities."
"Do you dare to silence me?" Cartel sneered, pointing the sword towards the sky. Effortlessly circling Roy, he snickered, "Your little brother died in vain."
"Not in vain," Shuugo numbly replied as he walked back into the fray. "You shouldn't have worried about him."
Cartel didn't respond, choosing instead to narrow his eyes at Shuugo. Mew Mimi knew she should've attacked then - but something innate within her said that she shouldn't be the one to openly fight him next. Weren't they supposed to subdue him?
Ryou was planning something. She knew that was why he disappeared and left the battle to everyone else. This was what he meant: he couldn't fight this battle. Cartellate would have to be subdued using everyone else's methods and trickery.
Mew Celsia flew behind Cartellate; her eyes watered as she summoned her crossbow. Putting an arrow into her quiver, she aimed it at her enemy.
"You killed my best friend," Mew Celsia cried. "How can you look yourself in the mirror?"
"Your best friend was going to die anyway," Cartel casually glanced at the crossbow. "I just sped it up."
Mew Celsia let out a gasp of disbelief, "You liar."
Circling Mew Celsia, Cartel shrugged, "I've been called a lot of things. Was that supposed to hurt me?"
"Not those words," Fuyuki smugly smiled. "Hope you're ready to undergo some severe pain." Putting his flute to his lips, Fuu closed his eyes and played a melody. Cartel snorted at first, leaning back in slight amusement - and that was when he noticed the rain falling from the sky.
"It was you," Cartel blinked.
Fuu didn't respond; instead, the rain continued to pour down on Cartel (and Cartel alone). Plants sprung from the ground and seized Cartel's arms. He easily split them into pieces as he flew higher into the sky.
"Is this how to plan to subdue me? Because it's not working."
He shot beams from his hands. The plants crumbled at his mere touch; Cartel blankly stared below him at the dying plants before his eyes widened in realization. "Y-you made me..."
"I can control plants too," Roy shrugged, his shaky voice betraying his calm and collected demeanor. "So if you think you're getting away, you're going to destroy innocent plant life."
"Innocent plant life that's doing your bidding," Cartel turned upon Roy. Staring the boy down, Cartel whispered in his ear, "So what were you planning on doing next, little boy? I know you can't hurt me."
Roy seized Cartel's wrist. Pushing on the alien with all his strength, Roy twistedly smiled, "I was planning on making you weak the old-fashioned way."
Mew Celsia waved as she winked, "Checkmate."
"Wh-what---"
Briar gasped. "Commander! You're... you're...." The alien didn't even get a chance to finish his sentence; he just stared as his commander's skin changed colors. Cartel stared down at his now-green hands before he leapt up and grabbed Roy by the collar.
"You're going to die."
"Reborn, Celsia Tripleshot!"
Cartel groaned; he knelt over as each arrow hit him perfectly in the back. Coughing, he swore, "Why didn't I...?"
Roy knelt down as well, loosening his grip on the alien leader. "Plant toxins," Roy simply explained. "They numbed your sense of perception and depth. You probably can't feel the blood coming from those arrows... or the rain still falling all over you."
Nothing but swear words escaped Cartellate's lips. He rose and clawed at Roy's face. The orange-haired teen winced as he jumped back, but he could feel the drops of blood trickling from the fresh wounds.
"Reborn! Primrose Enforce!"
A barrier immediately surrounded Panforte. Mew Primrose - and the newly appeared Ryou - stepped forward. Ryou then solemnly pressed his fingers on the fallen leader's forehead; his free hand pushed a giant staff into the ground.
"Mew Mimi. Hold his other arm for me."
She obeyed, running to Cartel and tightly gripping his other arm. "Just say when."
Ryou ignored her. A giant yellow circle appeared below the three of them. Staring into Cartellate's eyes, Ryou then softly murmured, "Kairos. Recreate."
And then the world they knew disappeared beneath their feet.