Cyborg 009 Fan Fiction ❯ Ad Astra ❯ Chapter One ( Chapter 1 )

Ad Astra

By: Wildfire Sky

Yes, yes…I know that I haven't finished Ante-Mortem yet, but give me a break ok?? I think it might be better if I let it slide for a while and gather my thoughts for it. Who knows, it might help? And if you're still really that anal about it, this one'll be put on the back burner until Ante-Mortem is finished, and then I'll kick this puppy into high gear.

And, as I would do, this fic also has a Latin title. "Ad Astra" means…ha!! Don't you wish you knew!! Tell you what; let's have a contest…whoever can guess the real meaning of the title wins!!

Believe it or not, this might actually have only a few chapters!! Oh my goodness!!

Ok, now that I've gotten that out of my system, here comes the disclaimer!!

I do not own Cyborg 009 (duh) or any of its characters. The only characters that I own are the ones that I make up.

Warning!!!!! Citrus flavoring!!! Read with caution!! Not enough to make it and 'R' fic, but enough to where if you're offended by this sort of thing (although I don't know why you would be), scroll down past it!! THERE WILL BE A LEMON!!!! Thanks!!

Ad Astra

Chapter One

By: Wildfire Sky

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Joe slowly shifted down the smooth sands of the beach, his hands shoved into his pockets, the wind fluttering through his vest and hair. The sun was setting to the west, his cinnamon eyes catching the gleaming rays as the fiery orb sank behind the horizon.

Dr. Kasumi's house stood behind him, the buttery lights from within filtering down onto the sands, casting dancing shadows thrown down by the occupants inside. Everyone was inside celebrating the final defeat of Black Ghost and his evil organization.

The years they spent, chasing one another around the globe, constantly trying to kill each other…his death was an enormous weight off of 009's shoulders. Finally, he could relax and live a normal life away from the pain and suffering he'd grown to know.

Joe walked to the edge of the beach, down to where the waves lapped up onto the sands, pulling and giving, making love to the Earth.

He sank to the ground, drawing his knees up to his chest and wrapping his arms around them as he titled his head forward. The waves seemed to feel his growing discomfort and began to push up around his bare feet, giving him the support that he sought.

Despite the fact that they were free from the evils of Black Ghost, they were not free from life. Dr. Gilmore had told them to go back to the life they knew. To settle down and live normally again. Most everyone was happy…but Joe…Joe's past life was filled with pain and misery already. How could he go back to a life he never had? Never experienced before?

To him, the entire thing was a cruel joke that Fate had pulled on him. Just make everything worse for the Japanese mutt without a family. Just send the boy back into that uncaring world to try and struggle off of the streets again…go back to stealing, plotting, fighting, hiding…a cruel endless cycle that seemed to keep playing over and over.

Yes. He was happy Black Ghost was dead…but still, he couldn't help but realize that while Black Ghost was alive, at least he had three square meals a day and a warm bed to sleep in. With the team, he felt safe and secure.

They were his family…a family he would soon lose.

Jet was leaving back for America the very next morning. Back to that girl he'd met there, whatever the hell her name was. Back to hopefully start a family with her and settle down with a new job as a mechanic for an up and coming car company. Even though Joe didn't think it fit his style very well, Jet seemed happy enough.

Pyunma was going back to a changed Africa. His republic had finally earned their freedom and a new nation was born. He was going back home to help rebuild the villages there and continue to assist in ridding the populace of any wrong doers who still wanted civil war. He swore that war would never again tear his country apart.

Albert was leaving for Germany next week. He said he had something important to do there…something he hadn't done for years. Joe had some idea of what that thing was…Albert had mentioned a woman named Hilda once or twice to him in the more private situations that they shared together. Joe knew all about the death of his wife and the suffering he still endured because of it. Yet, he was returning home to face his past and let it die out for good.

As for Geronimo, the giant had found himself manager of his own private construction company in Arizona. It was small, hardly known at all, but at least Geronimo had more of a chance that he did.

Great Britainand Chang? Well, the two had grown remarkably close over the years and had decided to remain in Japan, maintaining Chang's hip new restaurant that was attracting admirers from around the globe. Needless to say, they would be very well off in the years to come. Already, Chang was considering opening a chain of restaurants to keep up with demand. No doubt out of pure pity, Change offered Joe a job at one of his restaurants, promising to pay him well.

Lord knows he doesn't want the job, but being an orphan with a less than shitty upbringing, his education didn't lead him very far with the skills needed for anything other than a burger flipper. At least in Chang's restaurant, he didn't have to worry about being fired. Tonight he would tell 006 he'd accept his offer. The sooner he started, the better off he'd be in the long run. Maybe if he earned enough money, he could move out of Dr. Kasumi's place and own an apartment downtown.

Joe groaned miserably and fell back in the sand, his arm falling over his eyes as he heaved a heavy sigh. His years as an orphan had taught him how to survive on the streets and not much else. Suddenly, he found himself regretting ever dropping out of school to live on the edge.

It seemed so appealing and adventurous back then when he was only fifteen. Not any more.

"Enjoying the sunset, Joe?"

Joe cautiously peeked out from behind his arm, a smile instantly flashing across his face. "Not anymore…something else has caught my attention…"

Francoise face flushed with color momentarily and she took a step back, "Sorry. I didn't mean to bother you…"

"No!" Joe exclaimed, turning over and making a reach for her arm, "Don't go just yet! It's alright if you want to talk, I was just thinking."

"I really don't want to bother you…"

Joe pulled the flustered girl down to sit beside him, a dare devil smile beaming across his face, "It's no problem."

They sat there together, staring out into the setting sun, admiring the fading oranges and yellows as the stars began to blink to life. As beautiful as the sunset was, Francoise only made it that much better. The rays caught her hair as it fluttered out behind her in the cold breeze. A shower of golden strands that caused Joe's heart to reign with desire.

How could such an innocent creature be so absolutely stunning and beautiful? It seemed to him the God poured all of Earth's beauty into this one girl…this one girl that now sat beside him, staring out over the smooth waters of Japan, her aqua eyes seeming to control the waves that lapped up around them.

Nervously, Joe slid his hand across the sand, seeking out the soft hands of the woman beside him. He took her hand in his own, giving it a gentle squeeze. He felt Francoise shift, fear rolling over his body that she might pull away. But no, Francoise only squeezed back, a small smile crossing her face as she turned towards Joe.

"It's beautiful isn't it?"

"Uh huh…" Joe nodded numbly, his attention captivated by Francoise.

Francoise sighed and shook her head, "I wish that I could stay here forever. Japan is so peaceful and beautiful…such an amazing place to live."

"Then why don't you?"

Francoise shook her head solemnly, "Oh, Joe…I can't. Could you imagine me living here? What would I do? Sure, I've gone to school but that was way back in the 1930s! I think things have changed since then…"

Joe scooted closer, bringing an arm around her shoulders, "Francoise, I have to be honest with you…I don't want you to leave me."

There was a sharp intake of breath from Francoise, the French woman's eyes widening. Bravely, Joe charged on, not wanting to lose the moment while he still had it.

"What I'm trying to say, Francoise…is that I'm in love with you. Madly in love with you and I can't help myself. Every time you're near me, I can savor your beauty…see the love in your eyes and I can't help but pray that some of that love is for me."

"But Joe…"

"I know you might not feel the same way," Joe said quickly, cutting off 003's protests, "And you don't have too…I just wanted you to know how I felt and that maybe, just maybe, you'd be willing to live your life with me someday."

Francoise was at a loss for words. She knew she should reply…he'd just declared his love for her! But how does someone respond to such an unexpected testimony? She'd been taken completely by surprise…and now she simply sat here, her jaw open like a fool. Say something Francoise!!

"Uh…Joe…"

The boy looked up, his eyes shining with hope.

She couldn't look into his eyes. If she did, she'd never be able to say anything. Quickly, Francoise turned her head away, staring out over the dark ocean, the moon reflecting across the smooth waves. This was happening way too fast for her. She'd loved him…wanted him ever since they first met on that rock outcropping. But…she never could have imagined he'd pick an old woman like her to love. For all the other women he's met, he still turns to her for love?

No.

This made no sense.

It was some cruel joke.

But what if it isn't?? What if he really does love me?

Francoise clutched her head. All of these thoughts were clouding her mind…making her head feel light and out of control. Love wasn't possible for a cyborg…a machine could never love as a real human does. As much as she hated it, she had to face the facts. They were nothing but ugly, horrendous robots with the minds of a human being…a real human being.

Francoise slowly turned, staring into Joe's hopeful and welcoming eyes, her thoughts lost in the deep purity of them. He such a beautiful person…so kind and innocent. An innocence that had been cruelly taken away from him, from both of them, from so young an age. And she pitied him.

"…all right, Francoise?"

The girl blinked in response, her mind taking a moment to register that Joe was saying something. Feeling a warm touch against her, she looked down to see Joe's hand gently running up her arm.

"What?"

Joe smiled softly, "I asked you if you were all right. You seemed kinda shaken for a second. Do you want to go inside?"

Francoise shook her head slowly, a soft smile crossing over her features. "No, I'm fine…just thinking a little bit…"

"About what?"

Francoise's head fell slightly, her entire posture stiffening. What she was thinking really wasn't any of his business, but Joe looked so sincere and worried about her…it was like her brother Jean Paul...so protective, yet so loving at the same time. That's why Joe made such a strong leader. He was confident in himself and that confidence drew people to him. But, leader or not, she wasn't sure if she should voice her opinions aloud.

Joe's hand fell to 003's and he gently squeezed her hand, trying to get her to look at him and talk to him. "Please…I'm only trying to---"

"How can you love me?"

Joe was taken aback, blinking in surprise as the French woman cut in, "What?"

Francoise shut her eyes against some internal pain, "I asked you how you could love me? How could you love a cyborg?"

"Francoise…just know that I love you…"

"But how??" Francoise screamed at him, tears beginning to squeeze themselves from her eyes, "You're nothing but a machine…nothing but-but metal and wires!!" her aqua eyes shifted to his face, her voice dropping, "How could you love something like that?"

The Japanese cyborg didn't know what to say. His whole world suddenly came crashing down around him as he realized the truth in what she was saying. Could a cyborg actually love another person? Technically, yes. Or else, how could their team stay as one as long as it has? There must be some level of a loving relationship there. But still…

"Francoise…" Joe took the shaking woman into his arms, crushing her against his body, "Francoise, it doesn't matter to me that we're cyborgs…not one bit. I'd have hoped that we would be able to see past the obvious truth that our bodies have been replaced with metallic skeletons…but as far as I can tell, I still have a heart." A small chuckle funneled up from his throat, "I'm not the Tin Man, you know. I don't need some wizard to tell me that I have one."
Francoise smiled slightly at this and the memories it brought back. When the team had visited New York, less than a month ago, she had taken Joe to a dollar theatre to see the Wizard of Oz, a movie she'd seen long ago. To her, it was still fascinating, but she'd seen movies before in her life…But Joe, it seemed he had never seen a movie in his life. From the moment he stepped into the theatre, he was like a little kid at the zoo for the first time…amazed at everything he touched. And once the movie started, Joe was on the edge of his seat the entire time, eyes glued to the screen as the tape rolled.

That was a time when Francoise saw Joe not as some killer cyborg, but as a real human being. The amazement and wonder in his eyes, the excitement that poured from his lips when he talked about it…it reminded Francoise of when she saw a movie for the first time, and she could only love Joe even more for that.

Joe sat back, relishing in their closeness, not wanting to lose the contact that they shared. He could have kept his arms around her forever, through the ends of time if it meant he could spend the rest of his life with her. Slowly, cautiously, he allowed his hand to slowly travel up from Francoise's shoulder, cupping her chin and lifting her face to his own. They were so close now…the tips of their noses nearly touching.

Silently, they stared at each other, Francoise curled in Joe's lap, and Joe wrapped arms about her, protecting her from whatever elements might interfere with this moment in time. He inhaled her deep and captivating scent…felt it wrap around him like a heavy cloak, drowning him with wild emotions that filtered through his body, down to his very core.

Should I…?

He'd never really kissed a woman before…not in love anyways. Sure, he'd been 'kissed' by various women in the heat of the moment, and he definitely wasn't a virgin…but all of those other times were just for show. To prove to the other guys that he could 'perform' to standards. It was disgusting, yes, but he was a man…had been a man…and back then, it only came natural.

Still fighting his emotions on the inside, Joe began to lean forward, his lips twitching in anticipation.

Would she let him kiss her?

Will she like it?

Had she ever been kissed before?

They were so close now, her big blue eyes staring up at him expectantly, waiting for his lips to touch her own. She could feel her heart thudding against his chest, her eyes never leaving his hooded red ones.

Then it was ecstasy…their lips touched, timidly at first, then escalated in to a flurry of passionate love. Joe crushed her to his body, his lips abusing her own as she opened her mouth to allow his tongue access. It was so fast…so irrational…but at the same time, it felt so good. So right.

Francoise rolled her hips in Joe's lap, succeeding in drawing a harsh moan from her passionate love. The boy was highly aroused at the moment…she could feel it. Oh yes…he was very excited.

Joe broke the kiss, quickly diving into the curvature of her neck, his teeth gently nipping at the soft flesh and his tongue soothing the reddening marks. Francoise's head was tilted slightly, exposing more of her neck for Joe's wandering mouth. The boy could feel the pressure boiling up from his lower regions as Francoise rolled her hips against his own.

"Oh Jesus…" he growled. Was this really happening?? He needed to take it slowly but…

The Japanese youth's hands shot up to the front of Francoise's shirt, fumbling at the buttons that blockaded him from absolute pleasure. He needed it…wanted it…it was his and he was so close to having it…

"Joe."

The boy froze, his heavy breaths returning to a normal pace. Slowly he looked up at the softly smiling Francoise.

"Joe," she repeated, leaning her head against his shoulder, "Joe, let's take this slow…I…"

Joe stared at her momentarily. So she is a virgin…

A small blush was creeping across the French woman's cheeks, "Joe, don't think that I don't want this…because I really do…it's just that….well…"

Joe's soft lips silenced her struggling words. He flashed a smooth smile, nuzzling against her neck, "Don't worry Francoise…it you're not ready for this…I won't rush you…"

She could hear the disappointment in his voice, could still feel his heated need…but to her, it just didn't quite seem to fit…she need to think about this, they both did, before moving on.

At least there's one good thing about all this… she thought with a small smile, at least I know he loves me!!

They simply sat there on the beach, embraced, both hearts beating a rapid drum. Joe wanted to show her how much he truly loved her…but he had enough respect left in him to allow Francoise her own decisions when it came to love. If she wanted it, all the better, but if not…well, he was willing to wait a million years if need be. That was how much he cared about her.

"009! 003!!"

Joe looked up as Chang's high voice carried out over the sands. The chubby man could be seen in the distance, walking towards them, GB right along side.

"00---ah, there you two are! I just wanted to tell…"

006 trailed off as he spotted to two embraced lovers. He quickly turned, pushing back his British companion before he could get a clear look.

"Hey, what gives?!" GB exclaimed as his friend shoved him away from the two, "I thought you said you saw 009!"

Chang quickly covered for the two, "Nope. There wasn't anyone over there. Let's go back to the house, maybe they went back inside."

"But…"

"Let's go, 007!"

Never letting Great Britain get in a word edgewise, the two friends sauntered off back towards the house, Chang occasionally having to pull GB away from going back. Joe let out a quiet sigh of relief. Luckily it was only Chang who had seen them…if GB had clamped eyes on the two…well, Joe would never hear the end of it. It suddenly seemed like a very good idea to go back to the house before anyone else came searching.

"Francoise," he whispered, giving her a small hug, "Let's go back inside for awhile."

The girl smiled slightly, and gave him a small nod of her head, "Yes, let's. I'm sure it will be a lot more comfortable in there than out here."

As the two stood, Joe couldn't help but wonder if that seemingly innocent remark had a double meaning…

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Happy Easter!! I hope you enjoyed the big chocolate egg that the Easter bunny dropped off!! Oh, but don't eat it too fast, because there's more to come!! So for now, enjoy the piece you've got…I think Mr. Rabbit'll be paying ya'll another visit in the near future!!

Don't forget to check out Ante-Mortem!! And also, let's see who can figure out what Ad Astra means!!! Let the games begin…

Thanks for everyone who read and a SPECIAL THANKS to GoldAngel2, my very good friend and advisor who has helped me make this fic what it is. I love ya girl!!

LOOK OUT FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER!!!