Crossover Fan Fiction / Bleach Fan Fiction / Saiyuki Fan Fiction ❯ Aint Nothing But Magick (reverse) ❯ 14 ( Chapter 14 )

Title: Ain't Nothing But Magick (Reverse)

Author: J'dee, Mabelle, & Tobias

Rating: PG-13 some smoking and drinking refs…

Genre: Drama / Humor/ Action / Adventure / Romance

Author's Note: The original ANBM was a fic where 25 authors + were pulled in to the DBZ/GT world, the reverse is just that… a reverse where a select number of anime characters are yanked in to the real world, with not a true reason why, and no idea how to get back to their home…

 

 

Chapter 14

 

~*~*~*~

 

The realm of her dreams held her tightly. She couldn't understand why she felt like she did at that moment.

She wasn't sure when the dagger had landed on the floor or when he had crossed the room and crouched in front of her.

His crimson eyes had looked in to her own and he had balanced her chin between his thumb and forefinger; he had looked in to her tear filled eyes before their mouths had met slowly at first.

She had never felt such kindness behind a mouth before as it danced over her skin, then down her neck.

The tears were still fresh as she had let herself fall in to bed with him. Her emotional pain woken up by the memory that the man she was supposed to be seeing had never loved her. Never touched her like this man had. He never once showed her this concern, this tenderness. He was a full blooded demon so how could she get so emotional over a man who was only half. How could a half breed be more of a man than a full blooded demon?

 

Gojyo woke and he looked at J'dee in his arms sound asleep, he saw the tears falling down her face and he pulled her close. He hadn't seen her cry like this or felt that emotion from her before.

“Beautiful.” He whispered shaking her slightly.

She woke easily and looked at him blinking of confusion, he felt her arms wrap around him suddenly and he let her hold him.

“Easy honey… what's wrong?” He asked.

“I dreamt of her…” The look on her face he knew who it was without her saying a name.

“Kougyoku…” He whispered.

“I'm sorry…” She went to move from the bed.

Gojyo grabbed her wrist. “You were crying for her?”

“I understand, she could never love anyone or have anyone love her.” J'dee whispered. “She felt she had to stay with him. It's a painful echo.”

Gojyo pulled her in to his arms. “Beautiful.”

“Her fear, her pain, and her hurt it's so strong. I feel like I'm going to break.” J'dee whispered.

“You're stronger than that I know you are.” His thumb and forefinger caught her chin tilting her head to look him in the eyes.

 

J'dee blushed seeing the sincere look behind his eyes and she blinked her face heating up before she looked to the side seeing the faint morning sun in the distance out the window as it slowly began to rise over the buildings in the distance.

She felt Gojyo's hand roll down the side of her face and she turned to look at him, taking him in. He had been so well behaved alone with her the entire night and nothing, he'd just held her.

She normally found she couldn't sleep in the same bed as a man her body went in to paranoid mode and didn't relax, she never slept for fear of situations she couldn't control occurring. But last night her body just crashed in his arms.

“Why does everyone keep telling me that?” J'dee whispered.

“Because they can see it.” He lent down.

J'dee blushed realizing how close he was moving and she sucked in a gasp as his mouth moved over hers slowly, his hands rolling down her sides and lifting her up to lie under him. Blinking she looked up; they just looked at each other.

She felt her hair fall over her right eye and his hand moved pushing the wavy locks from her face. He stopped suddenly and he pulled back.

“I should go beautiful… Before I do something that could hurt you.” He went to move.

She found her hand clutching on to the base of his white singlet top. “It's okay… I don't mind.” J'dee confessed. “I'm sorry I hurt you.”

 

Gojyo looked at her. “Honey you never…”

“I asked you to bury me next to that asshole… then I died… and this time I slept with Havoc…” Her hand moved behind his head pulling him down. “I'm sorry… that this time round I seem to echo the pain of your past. That I could probably never fully love you… but know that it's not you it's just because I can't love anyone.”

Gojyo's face softened for a moment. “What is love anyway?” He smiled leaning down his mouth capturing hers, he felt her pulling his white singlet top up exposing his sculptured chest to her eyes.

“Something more than either of us could take right now.” She whispered against his lips.

 

~*~*~*~

 

Belle yawned as her alarm went off. She pushed Grimmjow's arm off her waist and got up to cross the room. She hit the alarm and sighed as she shivered in the morning chill, wishing she could crawl into her warm, if crowded bed.

“Cold,” Grimmjow grunted as he looked at her and Belle sighed as she grabbed her clothes and headed to the bathroom to get dressed while her toast was prepared. She was quickly dressed and she tossed her pajamas onto the foot of her bed, ignoring the sleeping occupant.

Belle ate her toast and became aware of some movement in J'dee's room. She was surprised since J'dee should have been able to sleep in that morning but she ignored it before going to brush her teeth.

 

~*~*~*~

 

“Morning.” Tobias said to Washu. He was passing through the kitchen to fix a cup of coffee after training with Shinji. Washu herself was sitting at the kitchen table, eating breakfast.

 

“Good morning to you as well.” She said, and finished her bowl of cereal. As Tobias fixed his coffee, Washu placed her bowl in the sink, looking around to see if the others were nearby.

 

They weren't.

 

“I have good news. I was able to finish my scans for your route ahead of schedule. I think we can set up for launch at the end of this week.” Washu informed him. Tobias paused, and fixed her with a look.

 

“How were you able to finish so soon?” He asked, puzzled. He got a smirk in return.

 

“Military satellites.” She said smugly. Tobias's eyes grew wide.

 

“Military-?” He trailed off as she nodded vigorously. He sighed and picked up, heading for his bathroom to shower.

 

“I don't think I want to know.” He muttered.

 

~*~*~*~

 

J'dee moved from the room trying to tie up her kimono robe over her naked body. Her stomach had started making a Goku like sound just as she was drifting off back to sleep in his arms.

She made it in to the hallway on the way to the kitchen when she was flanked from behind pushed up against the wall. A frisky hand slipping in to her robe, a hand rolling over her skin and she flushed.

“G-G-Gojyo… what are you-?” She trailed off feeling the mouth against her neck.

“Eating…” He purred.

J'dee flushed. “Not the breakfast I was hinting at getting for you to eat.”

Gojyo chuckled licking up her neck and she was sure she was going to collapse in a puddle of mess right then.

Arms wrapping around her and she felt herself turned round pinned up against the wall with a sudden thump. His hips grinding up against hers as his mouth sucked on her neck.

“Not here.” J'dee gasped, her arms hooking around Gojyo's neck. “I'm not into voyeurism…” She clutched on to Gojyo's neck tight having the feel of his hand rolling over her naked flesh under the robe. “Much.” She found herself adding.

Belle's voice cut them off. “What's going on out here?”

J'dee stopped her face blushing as she looked to the side seeing Belle as she emerged in the hallway, before stopping the expression of shock clearly written on her face, her mouth round a toothbrush, the shock still seemed to remain.

J'dee pulled back from Gojyo and he stepped back with a grin on his face. Obviously he was more in to voyeurism than she was.

 

~*~*~*~

 

Belle stared at J'dee and Gojyo as they stood in the hallway staring at her. Belle had to take a moment to keep from inhaling her toothbrush as she pointed at them.

“J'dee!” Belle cried as she pointed at the topless Gojyo while staring at her friend in a mix of shock, anger, and concern. “What happened?”

“What do you think, honey?” Gojyo asked as he wrapped around J'dee. Belle's eyes widened more.

“J'dee! What were you thinking?” Belle cried as she looked at Gojyo before grabbing her friend. “Tell me you used protection.”

“Well…about that…” J'dee stated, laughing nervously.

“J'dee you could be pregnant!” Belle cried as her fingers clenched and relaxed.

“Don't worry, I'm shooting blanks,” Gojyo chuckled and Belle felt the urge to throttle his skinny neck.

“You idiot do you know that for a fact?!” Belle cried. “The worlds haven't merged yet, for all we know you're the king of procreation in this world!” J'dee paled at the thought and Gojyo laughed but there was an obvious light of concern in his eyes. “Let's not forget the STD factor!”

“Hey, I'm clean!” Gojyo cried and Belle gave him a look.

“Again, can you guarantee she won't get some tran-dimensional form of Chlamydia?” Belle demanded and Gojyo looked down obviously not certain. Belle was getting ready for murder. “How could you do this J'dee? After Havoc, I mean, I knew you'd probably start opening up to someone but I never thought you'd sleep with them!”

“I just…you know…” J'dee sighed and Belle sighed as well, not so strangely she did know her friend and she knew she should drop it now before she made J'dee feel worse and run from Gojyo too.

“I'm sorry I yelled but that was so reckless and foolish and we don't know what sex with them is going to do,” Belle began unaware of their new company.

 

~*~*~*~

 

“What are you doing?” A curious voice asked. Tobias jumped in his seat and looked up. He saw Misato standing in the study doorway, dressed in her sleeping attire of shorts and tank top. Her hair was tied back in a ponytail, and she looked mussed from sleep. To Tobias, he thought she was one of the most beautiful things he had ever seen.

 

“You slept in late.” He commented, noting it was 10 already. When Misato didn't drink much before bed, she was usually up before 8.

 

“Had trouble sleeping, a lot of things on my mind.” Misato said, and it was true. She'd spent part of the night thinking about Shinji and Tobias arguing in the kitchen. The worst part of it was, the more she tried focusing on Tobias, the more she felt like she had forgotten something. Just before she had fallen asleep she remembered something vague.

 

“Stay?”

 

“I can't.”

 

Shaking her head, she smiled at Tobias.

 

“What are you working on?” She asked again. Tobias hit save and brought up a different document as she came over to look.

 

“Got a phone call early this morning, I got offered a pretty good job. I have to fly out there for about a month. The only problem is I'll be out of contact, the area is pretty remote.” Tobias replied. As Misato looked over his shoulder, he gestured to the screen that had a daily schedule laid over a week. “So I'm setting up something for Shinji.”

 

“You're leaving and you weren't going to tell us?” Misato asked, a bit hurt. Tobias winced.

 

“Opportunities like this one don't come around that often, and I was going to tell you guys during lunch.” Tobias admitted.

 

`Just not where I was going.' He thought.

 

“Oh. Well I think we'll be okay while you're gone. We can't get into too much trouble. I promise we'll clean up the house the night before you get back.” She teased. Tobias laughed.

 

“I'll hold you to that.” He chuckled. He saw Misato turn her gaze to the photos taped to the edge of his monitor.

 

“Hey, what's this one?” She asked. Tobias's eyes widened as he remembered he had taped the photo Jim had given him there as well. He quickly snatched it from the monitor and stuffed it in his middle desk drawer, locking it.

 

“Nothing!” He blurted and Misato narrowed her eyes at him.

 

“That looked like you with a baby and a woman!” Misato accused. Tobias swallowed thickly. What could he tell her, she was the woman in another world?

 

“It wasn't anything, Misato, I swear!” Tobias said, sweating. She gave him a piercing look before sniffing and stomping out of the room. Despite knowing he'd pay for it later, he sighed.

 

That had been too close.

 

~*~*~*~

 

The blue haired figure slipped up behind Belle and J'dee stared in shock as the Espada came out of Belle's bedroom.

“Hooooooo you were saying.” J'dee motioned at Grimmjow.

“Morning.” Gimmjow flashed a grin at her and J'dee knew he could probably smell the sex in the air wafting from them.

“Dude who's this guy?” Gojyo asked.

“Grimmjow is from Bleach Gojyo.” J'dee explained.

“Oh so he's friends with those shinigami guys?” Gojyo asked.

“No.” J'dee shook her head at Gojyo before looked at Belle. “Why did Grimmjow come out of your bedroom?”

“You're so the poster girl of safe sex.” Gojyo teased. “Sleeping with the enemy… oooh yeah, I knew you were a bad girl at heart.”

J'dee felt her hand slip into Gojyo's. She really didn't like Gimmjow much, well she liked his character and felt sorry for him, but she just didn't see him the way Belle obviously did to share a room and a bed with him.

 

~*~*~*~

 

Belle hung her head as Grimmjow wrapped his arm around her shoulders while Gojyo and J'dee got their hits in.

“You had to pick that moment didn't you?” Belle growled and Grimmjow let out a husky chuckle.

“You shouldn't have woken me up and reminded me how hungry I am,” Grimmjow stated and Belle jabbed him in the side with an icy, cold finger. Grimmjow yelped, more from temperature than any pain. Belle sighed as she grabbed her bag.

“J'dee, don't let Grimmjow get into trouble, we'll formally introduce him to the others tonight. I will see you all later,” Belle sighed as she stepped into the hallway in time to see Hugue and Abel getting off the elevator. “Let's get to work boys.”

“Oh my, you look flushed,” Abel stated and Belle let out a harsh laugh.

“You have no idea, the only way this day could get worse is if we fell into a pile in front of the school where it looked like we were engaged in a three-way,” Belle sighed. She turned bright red as she realized that that particular thought had not been in her head. “Uh…that came out wrong.”

“Somehow I think that wasn't meant to come out,” Hugue stated and Belle blushed more.

 

~*~*~*~

 

J'dee heard the door shut and she blinked then looked at Grimmjow. “Oh great so I have to feed you.”

“Can you cook?” Grimmjow asked.

“Rice, chicken, steak, lamb, vegetables. Take you pick.” J'dee replied.

“Fish?” Grimmjow asked.

J'dee sighed. “You can eat from a can for that.” She walked down the hall in to the lounge and open plan kitchen aware that she was followed by Grimmjow, he was like some kind of cat, he reminded her of her mother's cat, even when he wasn't hungry if you went in to the kitchen he followed and expected feeding.

“So are you two going to make out in the kitchen?” Grimmjow asked.

Gojyo chuckled. “I'd like to.”

“I bet you would. But I'm hungry so I'm making breakfast.” J'dee stated.

 

She watched as Grimmjow sat at the table waiting expectantly and she let her head drop. “I'm going to need a smoke after this… or five.” She complained.

The sliding door opened and she looked at Zack walking in from the balcony. “Zack sweetie can't you use the door in the hallway like normal people?”

Zack blinked for a moment. “But I like the balcony…”

“Kitty meets the puppy….” J'dee motioned.

Gojyo just snickered.

“Awww you had to mention that nickname.” Zack whined.

Grimmjow looked at Zack wearily for a moment. “Puppy?”

“My mentor and trainer gave it to me.” Zack sighed before flopping on to the couch and picking up the playstation remote.

“Oooh good idea Grimmjow go play some games Gojyo and Zack will show you how while I make breakfast.” J'dee remarked hoping that Grimmow's attention would be like that of Ed and Goku. When those two played games they forgot about eating for once because they were too busy trying to beat each other.

 

~*~*~*~

 

“ADA, please confirm that the current flight plan has been uploaded?” Tobias asked, sitting in Jehuty's cockpit. Deciding to lend Washu a hand, he was helping her to upload the flight plans plus run a few training simulations. It was frustrating to say the least. The recent experiences must have helped ADA to grow a bit because she was questioning everything Tobias asked for and was recommending safety procedures, TWICE, before even doing it.

 

<Are you sure these numbers are valid? Perhaps you would like to run them through my course correction system before I add them to my flight plan? I could run them if you wish, through the course correction system.> ADA said, her tone a bit patronizing. Tobias growled. It was like working with a four year old!

 

“ADA, upload the FUCKING data!” Tobias snapped. There was a beep.

 

<Data uploaded.> ADA responded, and Tobias sighed, rubbing his forehead.

 

“Please run combat simulations at last level and increase level gradually.” Tobias said, settling in and checking the settings to make sure ADA would not move while he ran the simulations in the cockpit.

 

<Are you sure you are ready to run the simulations at their current level? Perhaps you should be checked out for metatron sickness or space vertigo before starting training? Then perhaps you could start off at combat level one?> ADA suggested.

 

“GOD, DAMN IT!” He screamed, and slammed his arms down on the arm rests.

 

“Some one is having a bad day.” Washu commented and Tobias' head snapped to the right, to glare at the small scientist.

 

“It's like working with a toddler! She's questions everything I ask for or command her to do, twice! Watch!” Tobias turned back to the center monitor.

 

“ADA, run the combat simulations at the parameters I stated earlier.” Tobias ordered.

 

<Are you sure you are ready to run the simulations at their current level? Perhaps you should be checked out for metatron sickness or space vertigo before starting training? Then perhaps you could start off at combat level one?> ADA suggested, again.

 

“You see? Word for damn word! If I did end up in combat, I'd be killed before I could get her to go to combat mode!” Tobias complained, and Washu frowned.

 

“When did she start doing this?” She asked.

 

“Yesterday, why?”

 

“Doesn't it strike you as odd that ADA starts acting funny the day after the party?” Washu said. Tobias frowned.

 

“I was next to Jehuty the whole time we were in here. No one fiddled with anything.” He said.

 

“What about when we weren't here? Plus I saw you horsing around with J'dee. You couldn't possibly be watching then.” She pointed out. Tobias rubbed his chin.

 

“You have a point. Here, why don't you try and get the info from her.” Tobias said, hopping out. Washu climbed in and tapped a few things on the center monitor.

 

“ADA did you receive any commands from anyone besides me or Tobias on this past Saturday?” Washu asked.

 

<Affirmative.>

 

“Now why the hell did she answer you right away?” Tobias snarled. Washu waved him silent.

 

“Please show any written or playback verbal commands.” Washu asked. There was a beep.

 

<One command entry found and was self designated priority to safe guard the safety of this frame. Commencing playback.> There was a short pause before the speakers sprang to life, this time with ADA's voice and one other's.

 

“ADA, I have an order for you to follow as long as Toby is trying to fly you to ensure your safety.” Belle's voice rang out.

 

“Son of a bitch!” Tobias shouted, shocked. Washu shushed him.

 

<Please enter command.> ADA's voice asked.

 

“Question every command Toby gives you as well as recommending all safety procedures at least twice.” Belle said.

 

<Command understood and enabled.> ADA's recorded voice confirmed. There was another beep.

 

<End of command entries for…> ADA rattled off the date of the party. Tobias fumed while Washu typed away.

 

“Since Belle said it was to ensure ADA's safety it got inserted into the safety protocols, and since you're sitting in the cockpit counts towards pre-flight tasks, ADA has been following the order. I'm just glad the Aumaan self-destruct directive has been resolved. That could have caused some serious programming conflicts.” Washu said, typing away.

 

“Oh THAT's good news.” Tobias said, sarcasm lacing every word. “When do you think you can fix it?”

 

“Well I can't remove it entirely; it's enabled as a safety command. I can reword it however.” Washu assured him.

 

“Good, because as soon as Jehuty is ready I'm going to blow her fucking car off the face of the Earth!” Tobias growled. Washu paused to shoot him a look. “Okay, I won't.”

 

“You know she was just trying to protect you.” Washu chastised him, as she resumed typing.

 

“Yeah right, she said to ensure ADA's safety not mine, remember?” Tobias said, leaning against the railing, crossing his arms. It was silent for a bit as Washu typed away.

 

“She was just trying to help, she had no idea it's caused a problem.” Washu scolded him, and Tobias snorted.

 

“Well you don't see me rewriting her lesson plans to “help her out” do you?” Tobias muttered, and Washu snickered.

 

“There that should do it.” Washu said, leaning back to stretch. “ADA please verbally state the Tobias safety protocol command.”

 

<When Tobias Fiften is piloting this frame, I am to offer any safety measures I can, to ensure the safety of this frame while the frame is in flight status. However, I will obey all commands given instantly.> ADA stated. Tobias sighed in relief, and stood up to help Washu down.

 

“Thanks Little Washu, you're the best.” Tobias said. Washu laughed.

 

“You silly little boy, go back to playing with your toy.” Washu teased. Tobias shot her a goofy grin.

 

“Okay!” He said childishly and hopped back into the cockpit.

 

“ADA, run the combat simulations at the previously set protocols.”

 

<Acknowledged.> ADA said, closing the cockpit.

 

~*~*~*~

 

The day had gone quick and surprisingly well, even thought both Abel and Belle had been avoiding relationship questions. Belle had been amused by one student asking why teachers were so mysterious about their personal lives.

`Yeah, who wouldn't want to let the students make commentaries on their lives,' Belle sighed as she got her mail with Abel and Hugue flanking her. `I should invite Grimmjow to be the Dean of Students, and then he can brag about how cold my feet are to the students.' Belle laughed at that thought and Hugue and Abel gave her the same look.

“What?” Belle asked and Hugue looked away before Abel gazed at her sadly.

“Noelle would do that, she'd smile and then burst out laughing without explaining it,” Abel stated and Belle blushed. It was weird and lately Belle had been worrying that her soul might not really exist unless it was made up of all those others.

“You need to come to the apartment after you change,” Belle stated and the two looked at her. “Bring Havel and Tres, if you could grab the shinigami it would be great. I have someone to add to our group and you need to meet him.”

“Oh, another protector?” Abel asked and Belle shrugged.

“Maybe, if I keep feeding him,” Belle stated and the two looked more confused as Belle headed to her apartment.

As she entered the apartment she stared at the sight of Grimmjow beating the crap out of Edward on the DBZ game. Ed was screaming and looking at the expression on Goku's face, he had probably just been pounded.

“Take that you midget!” Grimmjow laughed and Belle looked over at J'dee who was sitting with Zack, Gojyo, Hakkai, and Sanzo.

“WHO ARE YOU CALLING…” Ed began.

“Edward he's trying to get to you that way, concentrate on the game and ignore what Grimmjow's saying,” Belle sighed as she put her bag down and flopped into a chair. “I need a break.”

“So, is he as much fun to sleep with as he is to teach how to kick ass in Budokai?” J'dee asked and Belle shot her a glare.

“Don't make it sexual, he's more like a stray cat that you let into the house when you shouldn't have,” Belle stated before Hakkai placed a cup of hot chocolate in front of her.

“Miss J'dee said you didn't drink tea,” Hakkai said and Belle smiled.

“Thank you,” she took the cup and let the heat warm her hands.

 

~*~*~*~

 

The figure stood in front of the glass like tube holding the unconscious blonde inside. The hand moved over the glass up to settle opposite the wild blonde spikes.

“He fell pretty easy for being the strongest of that world.” One of the other two remarked behind the figure.

The other shrugged. “She's been in his dreams distracting him… he's always unsuspecting and sluggish after dreams of her.”

“One down… eleven to go…” The hand moved over the glass slowly, looking at the figure as it hovered inside.

“Are you sure this will work?” The other asked.

“It'll force the souls to merge. Trust me. It's time to start on collecting the others…” The second stated.

 

~*~*~*~

 

Belle sighed as she watched the Shinigami and Grimmjow argue and then she decided to show them her inner teacher.

“WILL YOU ALL JUST SHUT UP!” she screamed and there was a moment of silence. “Thank you. As far as we're concerned we all need to work together, who cares what else, for now, you need to get home and until we find out who sent you here, that's not going to happen. So shut up and put up, we need to work together. Personally, I think everyone who wants to go home and is willing to help us should be part of our group.”

“I just want food,” Grimmjow stated and Belle shrugged.

“I'll feed you,” Belle stated and Grimmjow smirked.

“Then I'll help,” he grinned.

“Good, then let's work together till we can send you all home,” Belle sighed.

 

~*~*~*~

 

J'dee cleared her throat. “Speaking about working together… I think now would be a good time to mention that I owe Kougaiji a favor.”

“What?!” Sanzo snapped turning to look at her.

J'dee moved to the safety between Zack and Gojyo to stop Sanzo from shooting at her.

Hakkai just smiled pleasantly. “Well the battle at Hotu castle is over. Kougaiji should be living his own life. Though if Grimmjow is the Shinigami's enemy we should have expected Kougaiji to be pulled through.”

Sanzo shot Hakkai a look. “You knew about this didn't you?”

“Actually yes. I healed Miss J'dee's wounds after Kougaij's first attack on her.” Hakkai continued to smile.

 

Gojyo looked at J'dee. “Honey why… didn't you say anything earlier?”

J'dee grabbed his hand. “I'm sorry I didn't want to worry you.”

“I'm not worried, hair do is hair do. He'll do what he wants when he wants.” Gojyo remarked.

“I wonder if he still wants that rematch.” Goku mused.

J'dee shook her head. “He wants my help…”

Gojyo could see Sanzo glaring at J'dee. The monk was not happy. Not that he was ever happy but this was more of his defiantly not happy mood.

“What for?” Belle looked at J'dee. “Kougaiji doesn't seem the type to ask for help.”

“I'm a witch. He knows this. They lied to him, they said I cursed Lirin and my death would reverse it.” J'dee explained.

Gojyo nodded. “That explains that then.”

“He realized when I was asking about the curse that I didn't know what curse it was, so he then decided that I would help him. So he saved me from Roy and now I have to help him save them.” J'dee remarked.

“Them?” Belle spoke up.

“Doku and Yaone too, they all apparently just collapsed and wouldn't wake up. Kougaiji is really worried.” J'dee explained.

Gojyo froze. “Doku…”

He saw J'dee look at him like she realized she'd let it slip. “Gojyo… I…”

Gojyo squeezed her hand, even if they were on opposite sides Doku was still his older brother, he wouldn't stop caring just because the assholes they choose to follow hated each other's guts.

“Can you… save him?” Gojyo asked.

“I can try.” She looked to the side. “But I think I need to do some quick research.”

 

~*~*~*~

 

Belle sighed as she lay in her vacant bed. Grimmjow was pulled away by the Shinigami. Probably a bad thing, but Belle didn't mind having the bed to herself. She closed her eyes and let sleep overtake her.

 

Belle dreamt of a dark room with a simple bed, a large dresser, a rocking chair, and a mirror. She was lying on her side staring at the mirror before a warm body pressed to her back. She was about to yell at Grimmjow when she was gently forced onto her back and a large body was over her.

The man was not the most handsome, but he was striking. His jaw was broad and his eyes were hooded, but somehow he was incredibly handsome to Belle. His long, tarnished gold hair fell around his shoulders and his beard was in need of a trim. Belle was struck by how lion-like the man seemed.

“Van Hohenheim,” Belle whispered as she looked up at the man and his golden eyes darkened in pleasure as he pulled them closer together. Belle's heart raced as she recognized the man and he lowered his body over hers. Without her consent, her body cushioned Van Hohenheim's and they were closer together than Belle had ever been with a man.

“Trisha,” he whispered and then kissed her, Belle's eyes shot open in shock at how real the kiss felt but she couldn't deny how it made her feel. Her hands gripped his shoulders tightly as she returned the kiss. The coarse hairs of his beard did not deter her but actually aroused her. Van Hohenheim moved from her mouth to kiss her neck and Belle's back arched, exposing more of her pale throat to him. He knew her weakness well and ruthlessly attacked her neck while she gasped and whimpered at the feeling. As his fingers began to yank and pull at her nightgown Belle's eyes opened. She was facing the mirror and instead of seeing Van Hohenheim and herself there was a dark scene.

While her dream Hohenheim was preparing to ravish her, Belle watched as the mirror began to change, showing a small camp in the middle of the forest. A man sat in front of the flames looking at a picture. The mirror got closer to the man slowly and Belle gasped when she realized she was staring at Van Hohenheim. She lost the connection with the dream Hohenheim and was now kneeling before the mirror, her nightgown rumpled and her neck hot.

The Hohenheim in front of the fire was staring at a picture and slowly it was if the mirror was standing behind him and Belle could see the picture. Hohenheim stood with Edward in his hands, while Belle stood next to him with a small toddler, Alphonse, in her arms. No, not Belle, it was Trisha in the picture, but the resemblance was startling. Belle wanted to reach out and touch the photo, to stare at it.

Suddenly Van Hohenheim turned, his eyes flashing behind his glasses and Belle was again astonished by his appearance.

“Who's there?” Van Hohenheim called his voice deep and rough. Belle's heart fluttered at just the sound and Belle knew part of her soul, the part that was Trisha belonged to this man and thus, a part of Belle belonged to the man before her. There was no answer and Belle suddenly worried for Van Hohenheim. “I know you're there.” Belle wanted to go to him, to warn him, to protect him, but Belle wasn't there.

The shadows themselves seemed to come to life and Belle covered her mouth in horror as the shadows flew at Hohenheim. They found no easy target, he fought, light danced from his fingers and for a moment he was beautiful. He looked like an angel, lightning dancing from his fingertips but even Hohenheim of the Light was no match for the shadows that danced around him. As if it were a magic trick, one moment Hohenheim was there and the next all that remained was the fire and the bedroll.

 

Belle gasped as she sat up in the darkness of her room. Her hand was clutched over her heart and she looked around the room and she felt the tears well up in her eyes. Something horrible had happened, but she had no idea why or how. She curled up in her bed and wished for a smell, a smell of man and alchemy.

 

~*~*~*~

 

The days passed quickly and the shadows watched the three souls, preparing for their capture. The three souls had no idea about the shadows, only the slightest unease, which was quickly dismissed by their current…guests.

 

~*~*~*~

 

Saturday morning Belle woke up early and prepared waffles, eggs, bacon, and hash browns. She heard a knock on the door and smiled as she opened it to reveal Edward and Alphonse. Since her dream of Hohenheim, she had been touching and holding the boys more often. As she saw the two she hugged them, it was painful to touch Alphonse, because all he was, was emotion and thought, he had no body and all Belle wanted to do was sweep Alphonse into her arms and hold him close and safe.

“Hello Edward,” Belle said, embracing the teenager and closing her eyes. Her nose could pick up a faint scent, a scent that made Belle's heart flutter and then soar. It was her and something.

“Um…hi,” Ed said but he didn't push her away, he actually embraced Belle as tightly.

“I made you breakfast, I'm going to guess that Goku is going to be over shortly,” Belle said with a smile as Gojyo walked into the kitchen. “You slept over again?”

“Awww are you jealous?” Gojyo teased and Belle turned her nose up.

“You just want my cooking, why should I feed you?” Belle asked and Gojyo gave a sultry look.

“Come on, honey, I can make it worth your while,” Gojyo stated.

“Eww Gojyo, you just came out of J'dee's room,” Goku cried from the door and Belle smirked as she entered the kitchen.

“Get lost you player,” Belle stated sticking her tongue out at him before getting the boys food.

 

~*~*~*~

 

“Toby?”

 

Rapid typing. Tobias was focused on his computer monitor, writing the second letter. Honestly what did you put into a letter like this. He groped for his coffee cup.

 

“Toby?” The voice asked, closer. Tobias ignored it, taking a large slurp of his coffee. He had to get it down somehow; he'd been up all night working on this letter. But how did you really express your feelings in a letter?

 

“Tobias?” The voice was concerned now and a hand reached out, shaking his shoulder. Tobias gave a start and jerked, dropping his coffee cup to the floor, spilling all over the hardwood floor. Tobias turned to the owner and blinked, seeing Misato there, watching him with worry.

 

“What is it?” He asked, suddenly feeling extremely exhausted.

 

“You've been in here since late yesterday. I know you have to get ready for your trip tonight, but you can't take off exhausted. You don't know where you'll go.” Misato said, gently placing a hand on his arm.

 

“Take off?” Tobias asked, sharply glaring at her. Misato looked surprised.

 

“Well yeah, you might get on the wrong plane.” She said, concerned. Tobias sighed and rubbed at his eyes.

 

“The plane, right.” Tobias muttered, feeling his brain sluggishly responding.

 

“Tobias, are you sure you're okay?” Misato asked. Tobias sighed and grabbed a couple of napkins from his midnight kitchen raid to mop up the coffee soaking the floor.

 

“I'll be okay. I just have to get these papers done.” Tobias said. Misato crouched down next to him to help, and gave him a one armed hug as they worked.

 

“Try to get some sleep.” She scolded.

 

“I will, as soon as I'm done.” Tobias said. He saw her frowned at him and couldn't help but smile. “I think I know what to finish up now. Thanks, Misato.” Misato grinned at him.

 

“Well you are our bread winner.” She teased, kissing him on the cheek before taking the soaked napkins and dishes with her, closing the door after her. Sighing, Tobias went back to his chair and sat down heavily. He quickly finished typing the letter, and printing it out. Sealing it an envelope, he labeled it and set about the final document. He'd put it off for last but he knew he had to finish it and send it off to his lawyer.

 

“I, Tobias Fiften, being of sound mind of body, leave this last will and testament…”

 

~*~*~*~

 

J'dee moved round the apartment looking at the text message on her phone and she let out a breath. Zack had gone back to Seventh Heaven again. He seemed to think he could make some kind of contact with Tifa to let her know he knew what had happened to Cloud. But each time he tried to leave a post it, a phone call he got nothing in reply, he couldn't find that thing inside the bar that linked the two worlds together.

“If he spends anymore time there, he's going to look like an alcoholic.” Gojyo remarked pulling her from her pacing to the couch.

 

J'dee looked at Gojyo and he just smiled at her a comforting `It'll be alright' smile.

“More than you?” J'dee teased.

“Ouch.” Gojyo feigned mock hurt.

J'dee couldn't understand how it had happened so suddenly and why it kept happening. She just kept falling in to bed with Gojyo. Over the past week Kougyoku's memories a lot of things just became so vivid so real and something she hated the idea of knowing. Each time the memories were bad Gojyo would stay and remind her she wasn't in his world anymore it was a new life a new chance at just living.

Zack just kept his distance during this time. J'dee knew he was waiting for her memories of Aerith to wake up and she found herself worry what would happen when they did. She doubted knowing how to arrange flowers would be a good skill to have when she knew she had to get back into her training.

 

~*~*~*~

 

“Damn it you brat, that's cheating!” Grimmjow cried as he played Alphonse while J'dee, Goku, and Gojyo cheered. Belle watched before noticing Edward had finished his fifth helping of waffles, the last one which Goku had lost the coin toss for.

“Edward, could…could I ask you a favor?” Belle asked and Ed paused.

“Sure, Mom,” he said and Belle smiled as she looked down.

“Could you…could you show me your alchemy?” she asked and Ed stared at her for a moment.

“Are you sure?” he asked and Belle nodded.

“I want to see it in action,” Belle said and Ed looked around before grabbing a pile of magazines.

“I know what you'd like,” Ed said as he clapped his hands together and he placed his hands on the papers. Belle watched and her heart pounded harder. It was amazing and the energy played over her skin in a way that made her feel strange. Belle stared at the magazines as they changed from paper into a bouquet of flowers. A memory passed through Belle's mind and she reeled.

`I love you, Trisha,' the husky, gravelly voice asked as Belle stared into golden eyes while the scent of flowers filled her nose and her heart overflowed. Belle's memory flashed between kisses and embraces to the screams of a baby after she felt spent and weak. It didn't end there, there was sorrow as she watched two boys playing, there was fear as she felt her body give out, and there was terror as she knew she was dying.

“Belle!” J'dee's voice cut through the dizzying memory.

“Out of the way,” Gojyo's voice spoke as Belle felt herself being lifted and then deposited on something soft.

“White flowers,” Belle said as she stared into concerned gold eyes. She caught Ed's cheek in her hand and felt the tears rolling down her cheeks. “He would always make me white flowers.” Ed's eyes widened and there was hurt. Belle moved without thinking, pulling Edward into a hug as she sat up. “I'm sorry Edward, I wanted to see the alchemy from a scientific stand point. I didn't realize I would remember so much.”

“You remembered him?” Ed asked as if he was hurt and Belle laughed and sobbed in the same moment.

“Oh Edward, I remembered so much more than him,” Belle sobbed as she pressed Edward's face into her neck. “I'm sorry, I'm sorry she couldn't tell you. She wanted to, but you were so young, so very young.” Belle cried for two women, one who lost her life and the other who had to see the effects of that loss.

 

~*~*~*~

 

“He's exhausted.” Shinji commented to the others. They were watching Tobias sleeping outside in his hammock. He was smiling a strange little smile as he did.

 

“He's been working constantly as well.” Misato added. “Do you know anything about it, Washu?”

 

“He has mentioned the trip there will be rough, maybe it's just got him worried.” Washu commented. Being the only one in the know about this trip, she had her fair share of doubts. She'd done everything she possibly could to make it as safe as possible, but there were thousands of unknowns involved in space travel in this time period and world.

 

“Let him sleep. He needs the rest.” Misato said. She saw Shinji smirking at her.

 

“And what's with that look, mister?” She demanded.

 

“Misato likes Tobyyyyyyyyyy!” He teased and Washu burst out laughing.

 

“Shinji Ikari! When did you get so bold?”

 

“Must have been when you started prancing around the house half naked!”

 

“Did it give you ideas Shinji? Do you need to have the birds and the bees talk?”

 

“MISATO!”

 

“Heh, I still got it.”

 

~*~*~*~

 

J'dee moved on to the balcony to get some fresh air and she lent on the railing a cigarette in her hand.

“I hope my memories won't do that to me.” She mumbled to herself.

J'dee looked over the edge of the balcony and blinked seeing Zack walk in to the view. He stopped for a moment and looked up at her; she saw that smile he had for her before he leapt jumping up and he grabbed on to the iron bars of the railing and flipped on to the floor of the balcony.

“Zack…” She looked up at him. “Are you… did you-?” She stopped.

Zack shook his head. “Tifa's there I can feel her so strongly, but she's not getting a single message.”

“I know it might sound stupid… but have you tried writing her a letter and posting it to that address?” J'dee asked.

Zack stopped. “A letter huh?” He looked thoughtful for a moment. “I guess I could try that. That way she knows it's me.”

J'dee smiled and she saw Zack look at her worriedly for a moment. “How are your memories?”

“Jumbled. I have so many at the moment. Past life combined with other world memories not the best combination.” J'dee shook her head.

Zack placed a hand on her shoulder. “I have every confidence once you get Aerith's memories it will be easier for you to control to filter through. Trust me on this.”

J'dee looked at Zack. “How do you know?”

“I just do, we were dead together for three and a half years.”

J'dee raised a brow. “You make it sound like you were zombie dating.”

 

~*~*~*~

 

Belle was sitting in her room staring at herself in the mirror. It was so strange to see herself after having those memories suddenly appear to her. She touched her face again and again, unsure which was weirder, thinking she looked younger or knowing how she would look when older. She ran a hand down to her stomach; she could remember the feeling of having Edward and Alphonse inside of her when she was pregnant with them. So many memories and yet it was like she had only forgotten the ones about Trisha's life, not like they were brand new, just forgotten.

“Mo-Belle, are you alright?” a voice asked and Belle looked to see Edward in her doorway.

“I'm fine Edward, just…overwhelmed,” Belle sighed as she looked at him.

“I'm sorry, I didn't mean to…do whatever happened,” he said and Belle shook her head before she wrapped her arms around Edward.

“It's not your fault Edward,” Belle sighed as she held him and rested her head on his. “I'm just amazed by my memories. I can see you as a child, a baby, I can see you growing. I just…I can't believe it all.” Edward looked up at Belle.

“You…you remember?” Edward asked and Belle nodded.

“It's amazing, I can remember two lives but it feels right to have her memories,” Belle stated as she stroked Ed's cheek.

“Does she forgive us?” Edward asked suddenly and Belle smiled at him as she held his face between her hands.

“Of course I do, I love you Edward, you were…you are one of the most important people in my world. How could I not forgive you,” Belle said and Edward looked up at her. She kissed his forehead and hugged him tight. Slowly Ed's arms wrapped around Belle and he squeezed her. Belle felt a wet spot forming on her shoulder and she simply held Edward, singing softly as he wept.

 

~*~*~*~

 

“Take care, Toby. Have fun on your trip.” Washu said, smiling quietly. Shinji handed him a small package.

 

“To avoid the airline food.” Shinji said, taking on a wise tone. Tobias chuckled.

 

“Thanks Shin-man. Remember, you're the man of the house while I'm gone. Order pizzas, call strippers over, and always, always shoot first, ask questions later.” Tobias said, smirking. Shinji blushed, as was his custom, but he did grin back.

 

“Why does he need strippers when he has me?” Misato pouted, striking a pose. Tobias smiled at her.

 

“You definitely put most women to shame, Misato.” Tobias confirmed. She pretended to get sad and sniffled.

 

“What do you mean most?” She cried, and Tobias rolled his eyes. He picked up his duffel and looked at Washu.

 

“You'll pick up the car later?” He asked. Washu nodded. This was all for show of course but he hoped no one would know he had gone until he came back.

 

“Later folks.” Tobias said. He got into the car as they called their goodbyes. His heart pounding, Tobias drove his car down the street to leave it at the park for Washu to pickup later. He made his way back around to the barn and when he got there, Washu was waiting for him.

 

“Clear skies and all air traffic have been routed away from here for the next hour. Time to get this show on the road.” Washu said, handing him the flight suit. Nodding, Tobias headed into the changing room to get ready. Stuffing his plain clothes in a locker, Tobias stood there in his boxers, and fingered his father's dog tags. He hoped his family was watching over him, while he did this. If he hadn't had bad eye sight when he was younger he might have followed in his father's footsteps to become a military pilot. He hoped his dad approved of what he was doing.

 

“A bond forms between a man and his machine.” His father had told him once when he was younger. “They become in tune with each other. You know her slight nuances and she seems to get used to your ways. I've seen men take up other aircraft instead of their regular planes, and they always complain about this and that. But when you fly your fighter, son, it's like you have wings and God made the sky for only you.”

 

Thinking of his father seemed to steel his resolve and he headed out feeling ready. He handed Washu the two letters.

 

“One is if the others figure out where I went. The other is if I don't come back in two months.” He said, firmly. He began climbing up the white box that was now firmly attached to and around the cockpit. Jehuty's hands were firmly attached to it and it looked like the mech was carrying a heavy package in front of it.

 

“Good luck, Toby!” Washu called. Tobias gave her a salute and ducked down the hatch, closing it firmly. He climbed down the ladder through the airlock, sealing it shut, and the climb into the area where the cockpit was. He climbed into the cockpit and it closed around him.

 

“How are we doing ADA?”

 

<All systems are nominal. I am ready for launch.> The A.I. responded.

 

“Okay ADA, open the roof and begin countdown as soon as the doors are open.”

 

<Roof doors are opening.> A pause. <Countdown in 10…9…8…7…>

 

`This is it.' Tobias thought. `I'm really going to Mars. Oh lord they are going to be so mad at me if I make it back, Belle especially, and I better not even think about what Misato is going to do.'

 

<…2…1!>

 

“LAUNCH!”

 

~*~*~*~

 

J'dee stayed on the balcony just sitting there looking at the night sky, Zack had wandered inside and raided some leftovers Belle didn't seem to mind too much because he didn't eat like Ed, Goku or Gojyo.

J'dee knew that Zack was sad that Kougyoku's memories seemed to come through first over Aeith's. But what could she do? It was like Aerith wasn't showing her anything or letting her feel anything but possibly worry for Cloud's safety and Zack's well being.

“Looks like a serious train of thought.” J'dee heard Belle remark.

She looked up at her friend as she moved out onto the balcony to sit down next to her.

“Yeah… I'm remembering things Kougyoku went through and it's painful.” J'dee looked to the sky. “She suffered like I suffered. Her past is the same as mine to a point. I never thought an anime girl's past would echo mine, especially the feeling that you're too old to love.” She glanced over her shoulder seeing Gojyo waving a pack of cards about trying to draw Zack into a game.

“You're not old… grandma.” Belle teased.

J'dee looked at Belle with flat eyes. “Geee thanks… All I know is that right now I'm so emotional and I'm really scared.” She sighed. “But I want to just let her go, yet I feel her pain has latched on to me.” Truth was she was afraid of letting go in case Zack was right and Aerith's soul was the next to memory slam her an angsting emo moment that would do Cloud justice.

 

~*~*~*~

 

“I just know, I love Edward and Alphonse so much, I would die before letting them get hurt. I'm so happy to have this chance to be with them again…” Belle sighed as she watched the orange hue of the sky turn to violent and then dark blue. “I feel so…whole right now, I'm curious to see if any of the other souls will try to return their memories to me.”

“It may just happen,” J'dee stated as she stared at the sky as the stars began to change. “I'm glad you're feeling at peace, that's probably a good thing.”

“I think we're supposed to be at peace, we're one soul and even if the pieces are coming back together, we should feel more as one,” Belle said.

“I think I'm living a similar way as she did,” J'dee said and Belle hugged her friend.

“That's not a given, besides you're still alive and as long as you are alive, there is a chance you'll find love,” Belle pointed out before seeing a flash of white light on the horizon.

“Oooh a shooting star!” J'dee said and Belle stared at it.

“Make a wish,” Belle muttered as she stared at the star. There was something weird about it, but she couldn't decide what as she heard a crash from the apartment.

“I wish all our stuff survives this,” J'dee laughed and Belle rolled her eyes. Wishing that all this would end well.

 

~*~*~*~

 

<We have successfully cleared Earth's atmosphere. Preparing for burn in 15 seconds.>

 

“That wasn't too bad.” Tobias muttered, grimacing a bit. He glanced at the monitor showing Earth. He dearly hoped he'd see it again one day.

 

<Burn in 5…4…3…2…1!> ADA counted down, and Jehuty's engines hit full thrust.

 

“I spoke too sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooon!”

 

~*~*~*~

 

To be continued….