Full Moon wo Sagashite does not belong to me! The creator of this wonderful manga/anime belongs to Tanemura Arina, all credits do belong to her. The song “Myself” belong to Myco—who does sing it beautifully. Enjoy!

Fallen Angels

Chapter One

By: Lazuli

lazulidreamer@yahoo.com

Sunlight streamed through the hospital windows, lighting up the blandness of the room as Mitsuki woke up suddenly. "Nani...?" She whispered. Her eyes widened as she touched her throat. She still... still had her voice! Her eyes filled with tears as she realized that it meant that her friends were no longer there for her. Takuto and Meroko... her companions for the last year... The Shinigami would no longer be there--her fate had been altered and they would have some other assignment--watching over another child to make sure their fate wasn't altered.

A tapping on the door made her look up, almost expecting to see Takuto there, a grin on his face, Meroko close behind, demanding him to wait up... to be with her. It was only Wakouji-sensei--but he looked pleased and she tilted her head in inquiry. "Wakouji-sensei, nani?" She sat up a little straighter in bed when another person followed the doctor into the bedroom, a tender smile on his face. It only too her a moment to recognize her childhood friend... the one that she had loved. "Eichi-kun!"

The older boy smiled and sat on the edge of her bed, eyes warm. "Mitskui-chan... I heard... about your voice." He said softly. "Do you still want to become a singer?" Mitskui looked up at him wide eyes, then over to Wakouji-sensei. He and Ooshige-san were the only ones that knew she was Full Moon--or was. She realized with a pang that she couldn't be Full Moon again... that there was no Takuto to change her into the body of the sixteen year old idol.

"Hai... I want to sing more than anything!" Her voice was passionate and she looked determined. "I... I may be only twelve, but in a few years, I'll be a famous idol! I'm close to realizing my dream, Eichi-kun!" She hugged him tightly. "Are you? Did you realize your dream yet?"

Eichi smiled. "I'm studying in America--they think that I can do a lot of things. Especially Aiko." He looked ever more proud, but Mitsuki looked confused. "Aiko? Who is that, Eichi-kun?" Her eyes pleaded with him not to tell the truth.. that she wasn't... no...

"Aiko is my fiancée. We met at the program a year ago... she's wonderful, Mitsuki." He smiled again. "She reminded me so much of my little sister here in Japan." He was unaware of shattering her heart--he was already pulling another girl into the room, long dark hair pulled back and a searching look on her face. It only took a moment for her to hug Mitsuki fiercely.

"So you're the little Mitsuki that Eichi kept on talking about!" She giggled and nearly squeezed the breath out of her. "You're so cute!" She finally pulled away, poking Eichi-kun. "I can see what you saw in her. So cute, just like one of my little sisters."

Mitsuki blinked and tried not to cry, Wakouji-sensei catching her look. "I think it would be best for Mitsuki to lay down for awhile and rest her voice. She just came through a long operation and I don't want her to strain herself. She'll be in testing most of today." Eichi looked disappointed, but squeezed her hand.

"Once you get out of testing, then you have to come and see me. I want you to be in the wedding." He kissed her cheek and then took Aiko's hand, walking out of the room with a cheerful wave. Mitsuki kept on her happy expression until they were out of earshot. It was only a few moments after that she broke down and cried, Wakouji-sensei holding her and wondering what was going to happen next.

*She's already lost her Shinigami friends and her career as Full Moon. Now Eichi-kun is taken away from her as well. Mitsuki... *

“Mitsuki-chan… what are you going to do about Full Moon?” He asked, not turning around as he typed her information from the tests into the computer. “Did you talk to your manager about it?”

“Hai… Full Moon is vanishing for a few years… no one knows where she went, but will make a comeback someday.” Mitsuki’s expression was determined. “I’ll sing again. I can sing, right, Wakouji-sensei?” She asked. “My throat… the cancer is all gone, right?”

If it wasn’t, Takuto and Meroko would be there. They would be telling her that she was still going to die. But…she hadn’t seen them since Meroko had hugged her and Takuto… Takuto… She blushed at the memory and repeated her question to keep her mind off of what happened.

“The cancer is all gone, Mitsuki-chan. I’m sure that if you keep on training your voice like you have been as Full Moon, that you’ll be able to be a singer again. You have a beautiful voice, Mitsuki-chan. Even if one dream is gone, there are still others.”

Her mouth dropped open and she nodded enthusiastically. “Hai! I’ll never give up on my singing, Wakouji-sensei.” She jumped up and hugged him tightly. “Arigtatou.”

She wouldn’t give up. Singing had always been her dream, not just something that she had done for Eichi-kun. She waved at Wakouji-sensei and left the room, a smile on her face as she realized that her life was just beginning…

Mitsuki curled up on her side in her bedroom, staring up at the 2000 Moon calendar. Eichi-kun had given it to her... so that she could always look for the moon... that was where Takuto and Meroko had first appeared. Her eyes filled with tears. "Takuto..." She missed the cat eared Shinigami. The one that gave her the means to achieve her dream. He had given her the first kiss… not just when she had passed out—but… before he had left for the last time.

Her hands went up to her lips as if she could still feel the gentle pressure. He was so gentle.. and the look in his eyes. I … didn’t realize… He had promised her… promised her with all his being that he would find a way to her—

But I’m no longer… going to die young. And Takuto is a Shinigami—Meroko said that even if Takuto and her could be around, Mitsuki would no longer be able to see them. They would be invisible to her, because she wasn’t going to die prematurely anymore. I’ll have to wait until later, and will I even remember Takuto then?

“I’ll remember you, Takuto. I promise… always.” She was unaware of the Shinigami sitting next to her, a sad, tender smile on his face as he looked at her. “Mitsuki…” He closed his eyes. “I wish… that we could be together.” Lights and feathers surrounded Takuto until he vanished from the room, Mitsuki unaware of the whole process, or that Takuto was even there.

Love can do amazing things.. and those that deserve it the most are sometimes granted a second chance.

Six years later…

“Mitsuki-chan!” Ooshige-san latched on to her as soon as she made it in the building. “I’m so happy to see you again! We’ll make you an idol again, I know we will. You made it for a year, now a new type of idol will be born!” She thrust her fist up into the sky and looked determined while the various people in the waiting area stared.

Ooshige-san seemed oblivious to it all and instead commenced dragging Mitsuki up to her offices. “We’ll get you set up right away… a new image of course…” She started babbling and Mitsuki smiled. She hasn’t changed at al…even though we’ve kept in contact, her visiting me and me going over to her apartment—it’s nice to see that she’s still the same, even as a manager. That she still treats me the same.

She blinked when she saw what looked like a familiar figure waiting for the elevators, but she shook it off. I can’t see Takuto anymore… he hasn’t shown himself for the last six years, and he’s not wearing his jacket or cat ears…

“Oi, Ooshige-san, new talent?” Mitsuki turned abruptly at that. It’s not possible… you… I understand looks, I’ve been thinking about Takuto so much … even now.. that I think that any guy that looks close to him is him, but that same voice?

“Hai… this is Kouyama Mitsuki.” Her smile was broad. “She is a wonderful singer…you’ll love hearing her voice.” Mitsuki had automatically gone into the bow, but she froze in shock when her eyes met the amused ones of the boy standing in front of her. “Mou.. you shouldn’t tease about new talent. You’re pretty fresh yourself.”

“Takuto…” It was unmistakably him—it had to be… but.. Ooshige-san knew him, could see him and he was … but… Her eyes were filled with confusion as she looked at him and Ooshige-san’s eyes were filled with amusement.

“She knows you already! Mitsuki-chan, how come you never told me that you knew Takuto?” She poked her playfully. “I was going to introduce you two.” She winked. “You would look cute together.” She whispered.

Mitsuki immediately blushed. “Anou… Ooshige-san… can we go to your offices now? I… I have to talk to you about something.” She hid her face from Takuto’s surprised look, not wanting to, not even able to say anything to him. How could this be?

“Are you saying that Takuto looks exactly like that… that.. Shinigami?” Ooshige-san’s voice was filled with disbelief. “Are you sure it’s just not because of the name, Mitsuki?” Ooshige seemed to want to forget all about the Shinigami—she had never liked the fact that Mitsuki was about to die, and seemed relieved when they had left. Death gods made her nervous. Who knew when one was going to visit her and tell her when she was going to die?

“It’s not just the name!” Mitsuki protested. “I knew Takuto for a year.. I’d.. never forget what he looks like.” She said shyly. “I…” She fell silent as she looked at her manager. “Gomen ne, Ooshige-san. How long has Takuto been here?”

“He’s a pretty new talent, but he’s like you.. one of the best singing voices that I’ve ever heard.” Ooshige-san’s eyes were starry. “And I have both of you under my management!”

Mitsuki gulped. “So I’ll be working with him a lot?” She asked tentatively. “Really?” Nodding, Ooshige-san smiled. “It will be such a great experience for you, Mitsuki! Imagine singing next to that handsome…” She stopped and blushed as it was obvious that Takuto had followed them up and was now leaning against the door, a smirk on his face.

“Drooling over me again, Ooshige-san?” His voice was playful as he stepped closer to them, no sign of recognition on his part when he looked at Mitsuki. It was like he had never met her before.

Ooshige-san was probably right. I’m just seeing things because of the name, because he looks a little like Shinigami Takuto. But Shinigami Takuto is helping another child, still being Negi Ramen with Meroko. How silly of me…

“Mitsuki—Mitsuki!” Ooshige-san’s voice broke through her thoughts and she blushed deeply, realizing that both her and Takuto were staring, obviously waiting for her to say something.

“Ah.. ah… gomen nasai!” She bowed quickly, keeping her face down. What a bad impression to make… I was too casual because I thought he was Takuto. I have to remember that he isn’t. I’m a professional. “What… what did you say, Ooshige-san?”

Takuto grinned. “Just that we were going to the studio to match our voices, chibi.” Mitsuki held in her shock only barely. “Are you ready, or do you need more time to talk to Ooshige-san?”

Shaking her head quickly, Mitsuki followed the two of them to the stage, where microphones were already set up. “Now, Mitsuki… I already know how you and Takuto sing alone, but I want to hear Takuto.” Her grin was mischievous. “You’ll both be singing one of Full Moon’s songs for practice.”

“Ooshige-san! Full Moon? What… what song?” She asked. Not the one I wrote myself.. please not the one I wrote myself…

“Her debut song… “Myself.” Ooshige-san was clearly enjoying herself and patted Mitsuki on her shoulder. “I’m sure you’ll like how Takuto sings it.” She whispered to her. “He sings it quite well, Mitsuki.”

Mitsuki nodded. Her Takuto sang it wonderfully… more beautiful and poignant then she had managed—he had the pain of no one being able to hear him as he sang, to hear his words. She doubted that this Takuto… had the same emotion behind the words. It was wrong to judge on a first meeting, but … this Takuto wasn’t a Shinigami. People could hear him sing. He hadn’t been forced to forget music until… until he had met me.

“Were you a fan of Full Moon?” Takuto raised an eyebrow. “That was quite some time ago… you would have only been twelve.” He gave her a sheepish grin. “Not that I was much older. Only thirteen at the time.” He ran a hand through his hair, stepping up onto the stage, one hand lifting her up.

“I always liked this song… it makes me think of how sad she must have been when she wrote it…” He touched the mike stand lightly. “Of course, like any teenage boy, I had a crush on her.”

Ooshige-san was having a hard time trying not to laugh, while Mitsuki blushed. “Eh… ah… “ She stepped away. “Let’s hear you sing. I am the best authority of Full Moon. I want you to sing it right.”

And I’ll judge you by the Takuto I knew. Gomen ne.. but he is the only other one that I would want to sing my song. He was the only one that understood my song…

The lights dimmed as he stepped up to the microphone, eyes closed as he began to sing. Even at the start, Mitsuki felt there was a wrong tone in it, and barely let him get a few words in before shaking her head at Ooshige-san. “It’s not right…” She whispered softly.

She moved to Takuto before realizing that she was about to lecture him about singing. “You’re singing like you have a crush on Full Moon-san still.” She said gently into the silence. “It doesn’t sound as right as it should.” She was blushing deeply as Takuto continued to stare at her in amazement. “Try… singing it as if everything was taken away from you—and no one could hear your song.”

He blinked and a strange look crossed his face. “That no one could hear it, hmm? And that you still love… singing…” His eyes closed and he nodded, starting off at a different part of the song.

 
 “Ano koro ha ushinau mono ga oosukite nani mo utaenakatta
 sukoshi hanareta basho soko ga watashi no ibasho data
 
 kimi no hitomi no oku ni ano hi samishisa wo mitsuketa
 futari niteru no kana?
 kitsukeba itsu mo tonari ni ite kureta.”
 

Mitsuki blinked in shock at the change in the tone and the melody, and tears came to her eyes as she again saw Takuto on the beach, singing just to sing…the words and emotions flowing from him. Her throat closed up as he opened one eye to peer at her.

“Aa, was that better?” He asked. He seemed curiously shaken himself and even Ooshige-san was amazed.

“That was amazing, Takuto! You…you really sang that well.” She looked at the ground. “Even better than Full Moon-san.” She teased. “Sing like that always… not for someone else, but for you.” Hai, Takuto… it’s more pure when it comes from the heart. I should have never sang for Eichi-kun, but for myself.

Ooshige-san hugged them both. “Can you sing like that, Mitsuki? Sing with Takuto like that… it will be great!” Her eyes were lit up again. “I have two of the best singers… I’ve finally made it!” She practically danced as she went back to observing them, starting the melody again.

Mitsuki took a deep breath as they took up the next line, relaxing her body as she sang the words she had written, this time with a different emotion. Takuto… Takuto of her past was in her mind, silently telling her to sing from the heart, to sing where everyone could hear her song, her words. Takuto that was never able to be heard…

This Takuto was already starting the melody and her voice blended in with his effortlessly as she held on to that precious emotion.

“Doushite konna ni suki nan darou

kimi no koe kanshii hodo hibiiteru yo

ima made nani ga sasae datta ka

ooku hanarete wakatta yo.

Nakinagara sagashi tsuduketa maigo no kodomo no you ni

kedo soko ni ha eien nante aru wake nakute

"Dare ni mo shinjinakereba iin da yo" tsubuyaita ne

futari niteru no kana?

ano toki kimi wo mamoru to kimeta no ni

Doushite konna ni suki nan darou

toosugite chikasugite todokanai yo

"wasureyou" tte omoeba omou hodo

kimi ga ookiku natteku yo…”

Mitsuki let her voice trail off as she stared at Takuto in amazement. She had never sang so well in her life… never had a voice that fitted with hers so well. It was as if Takuto really was beside her.

“Mitsuki…” Ooshige-san stepped forward. “I wish I had that recorded, it was wonderful!” She smiled at the both of them. “If you can continue singing like that, you’ll be the best partners!”

“Eh? Partners?” Mitsuki fell back a step. “Oo..oshige-san…” She mumbled. “I’ve never sang with a partner before.” She mumbled. “Do you think… I’m good enough?”

Ooshige-san nodded. “You still have a beautiful voice, Mitsuki. That hasn’t changed. And Takuto is the perfect singing partner for you.” She elbowed her slightly. “Lucky.. not many idols can have a singing partner…”

“Isn’t that bad for the idol?” Takuto spoke up. “Her fame will be split.” He was looking at Mitsuki as if his words were a test. “Doesn’t she want all the attention?”

He got the wrong reaction. “Iie! I sing to sing, not for the fame! Before I wanted people to hear my song, for it to reach someone! Now I realize that my song should reach everyone…it should touch everyone’s hearts…”

“What song, Mitsuki?” He raised an eyebrow. “I thought you were a new idol.” Mitsuki shook her head at him.

“Nothing.. Nevermind. I want to sing, Takuto. I don’t want to stop singing. I don’t care how it is… but I want to sing.” Her smile was sad. “I would rather die then stop singing…” She looked up at him. “It almost happened once. Six years ago… I had throat cancer. I couldn’t sing or even speak loudly. I was going to die.”

“How did you know that, Mitsuki?” His voice was quiet. No wonder she sings with such emotion. She only grinned at him.

“If I told you, you wouldn’t believe me.” She ran a hand through her hair. “And I don’t have the proof now, ne Ooshige-san?” Her manager’s response was to blanch slightly, as if she knew exactly what Mitsuki was talking about.

“Hmph… don’t judge so easily.” He looked at her with one eye open. “I may just surprise you.”

She stared at him and laughed weakly. “Who knows, you may just yet—you already have…”

To be continued