Naruto Fan Fiction / Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Since When Do Heeros Have a Sense of Humor? ❯ Moving Right Along ( Chapter 8 )
[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]
By: Armina Skitty 
Just as the title says, oh and we meet someone special.
Anime/Manga: Naruto Fan Fiction / Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure / Comedy | Type: Crossover | Uploaded On: 10.21.2005 | Updated On: 03.06.2006 | Pages: 4 | Words: 6.4K | Visits: 312 | Status: Completed
Just as the title says, oh and we meet someone special.
Anime/Manga: Naruto Fan Fiction / Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure / Comedy | Type: Crossover | Uploaded On: 10.21.2005 | Updated On: 03.06.2006 | Pages: 4 | Words: 6.4K | Visits: 312 | Status: Completed
Chapter 8
Disclaimer: How often do I got to say it?! I don’t these guys, only the ones I, myself and me created! Go sue someone else! Like someone who actually has a life to disrupt!
A.N.: Enter the Original Character. And some other stuff.
“That’s nice”
“I hate you.”
“Uh-huh”
“I hate you”
“Sure, that’s great.”
“You suck. I hate you. I hope your limbs are ripped off and that you rot in hell with maggots-”
“Hey, Virg? That’s getting a little extreme…” Yusuke said uneasily. Not with the description, he knew Virgil well enough to know that the Trainer didn’t really mean it, mostly. Nor was he afraid of Armina’s feelings being hurt, he could see how she was struggling not to laugh clearly enough. No, what was making the Bish uneasy was the way that Kiba was ‘grinning’ and the way that Uh-Mu was stretching his arms.
“Okay, but still! You suck! 100 yen! That was all I needed! A measly 100 yen, and you have it to spare, easy!” Virgil yelled, pointing fiercely at ‘Mina. It’s a real good thing Heero decided to hide in his Ball along with Ranma and Sasuke. Yusuke thought to himself.
“Virg,” ‘Mina said patiently, “one yen in this world is equivalent to $20 dollars in the Old World. I am not lending you $2,000 dollars.”
“But I’d pay you back! You know I’m good for that!” Virgil cried out.
“I have Bish to feed. You have Bish to feed. I am not lending you money so that you can buy a tank.” Yusuke, Kiba and Lina all choked and stared at the Trainers. This was new.
“Where did you…?” Lina started to ask but was interrupted.
“But it was a FireStorm Model Three! With Capsule capability! Do you know how much fire power that thing has?!”
“Sure. A lot. Great. You can blow up the mall then Capsulize your tank so it’s travel size for your convenience.” ‘Mina drawled.
“Exactly!” The group had to pause so that ‘Mina could pound her head against a tree by the side of the road.
“So, um,” Lina started to ask Virgil, “when and where did you find a tank for sale?”
“At that Army/Navy Surplus that ‘Mina went into with me.” Virgil explained with complete composure.
“I went in with him to make sure he didn’t buy a tactical nuke.” ‘Mina groaned from by the tree. She’d stopped pounding her head, but now was clinging to it as if it was her last hold on sanity. She probably wasn’t too far off.
“They didn’t have one for public sale.” Virgil sulked, “I checked.” #wonk# #wonk# #wonk#
“’Mina, that can’t be good for your head.” Lina said, going over to console her friend. Kiba was already there trying to do the same thing.
“But why were you in an Army/Navy Surplus, without us?” Yusuke asked.
“You guys were eating.” Virgil said.
“Oooohhhh” The three Bish that were out said in unison. That did explain it all.
It was three days after the mall fiasco and the group was on the road again, traveling together, but only to the crossroads. The first two days after the fiasco had been spent in the local gym for the first half of the day, then spent doing whatever in the second half. Usually the second half was spent back in the gym. But today they had left the city and were now one hour away from the exit checkpoint (yes, checks in and out). Ranma, Heero and Sasuke had decided that going through the hassle of the checkpoint was too much to bother with and had hid in their respective Balls. This check was much easier to deal with than the last, just a showing of the Dex, showing of the Bish, and they were on their way with a “Have a nice day.”
Virgil hadn’t shut up about the 100 yen for the entire trip.
“I don’t even want to know what you want to do with a FireStorm tank in the first place.” Lina declared loudly.
“You know that mall that we went into?” ‘Mina asked.
“Er, yeah?”
“You could kiss it good bye, and you had better do it before the tank comes into his hands.” ‘Mina bopped her head against the tree again as Virgil chuckled maniacally. “I do hope you realize that blowing up public property is illegal, right?”
“Feh, petty details.” Virgil shrugged off the statement.
“And that you could get arrested?”
“Like you’d turn me in.”
“You do realize you owe me for keeping quiet about the tear gas in the jail cell right?”
“Tear gas? What tear gas? I know nothing about a live tear gas grenade landing in the asshole guard’s cell.” Virgil said, looking around with exaggerated caution. “But do you know how much those grenades cost?”
“No, because unlike you, I am not a munitions freak.” ’Mina drawled as Lina and Kiba stared at Virgil, sweat drops decorating their heads. Yusuke was busy pretending he didn’t know his Trainer.
“Really expensive and I wouldn’t have had to pay that if mister-I-can’t-do-that-Yusuke would just shoot off a few Rei guns!” Virgil complained as he strangled said Bishonen.
“But I #ack# really can’t #choke# do that! It’s #strangle# forbidden in #gasp# the code!” Yusuke managed.
“Code? What code?” ’Mina and Virgil chorused. Lina dug into her pocket and withdrew a Bish-dex.
“Bishonen and Bishoujo Code of Conduct in the Circumstance that the Afore Mentioned Should be Captured.” She read solemnly as ’Mina and Virgil blink-blinked at her. “Code 26, paragraph 6, item 94: No Bishonen or Bishoujo, with the qualification of having the necessary power, magic, munitions, etc, will willfully and with full intention of, destroy the property of another, ie: a building, vehicle, baggage, etc, with the only exclusion being the immediate protection of said Bishonen or Bishoujo’s Trainer, the Trainer of another Bishonen or Bishoujo, and/or another Bishonen or Bishoujo that may, for whatever reason, is unable to defend his or her self.” Lina lowered the Dex and looked at the glaze-eyed Trainers and Bish staring at her, “In other words, we can’t blow anything up unless we’re in the process of protecting you guys or someone else.”
“But, er, um, okay…” ‘Mina said intelligently, “But wait a sec! I know that there are guys out there that don’t give a fat damn about rules or codes or whatnot! How come they don’t blow everything to kingdom come?”
“Yeah, your kind’s pretty free about that Dragon Slave spell and can you imagine Sephiroth not destroying anything that he doesn’t like the look of?” Virgil asked.
“It’s part of the Coercion spell.” came a muffled voice from the vicinity of ‘Mina’s waist. The entire group blink-blinked at the Ball that held Heero as ‘Mina let him out. Heero immediately indulged in a good stretch.
“Coercion spell? What the hell is that?” ‘Mina demanded fiercely.
“The reason I really didn’t want to be caught in the first place.” Heero growled, “Until I got to know you better, that is.” ‘Mina opened her mouth to demand a real answer when Kiba spoke up.
“It’s a basic spell of obedience that’s placed on each and every Bish the moment he or she is captured.” ‘Mina snapped her mouth shut and stared at Kiba, her expression almost distraught, but then so was Virgil’s.
“What?! What kind of bullshit is this?!” He snapped.
“To insure that Bish don’t do anything counterproductive to a thriving civilization, certain limits and limitations are placed on Bish to make sure that we don’t kill anyone needlessly, protect our Trainers and maintain public peace.” Kiba explained, “I ‘m surprised you haven’t heard all of this already. It’s a basic part of this world and the way it works.”
Heero and Yusuke nodded. “Remember how pissed I was when you first caught me?” Yusuke asked Virgil, “But I protected you against Ranma when you cornered him, anyway? That was the coercion at work. If a Trainer dies, the binding on the Bish Balls immediately dissolves, freeing all of that Trainers Bishies. So, to insure that no Trainers were murdered through neglect, the Coercion spell was made, so that all Bish had to protect his or her Trainer regardless of what he or she really wanted to do.”
“And then more things were added to the Coercion as other problems were revealed and the spell is as it is today.” Heero finished.
“So basically not only are you bound to follow your Trainer within a three mile radius or suffer going insane, all of your behavior is predetermined by a board of petty bureaucrats.” ‘Mina stated in an icy tone. “Oh, that’s just lovely. That’s perfectly wonderful.” Her face was completely devoid of any expression. Except for her eyes, they nearly gave basis to the saying ‘if looks could kill’. Everyone save Uh-Mu backed away from her cautiously. “This is a completely and wonderfully fucked up world you have here. Glad I could experience it. I’m going to the capital to beat the crap out of the leaders now.” She glared at Heero and Kiba, who suddenly appeared right in front of her. “Please get the hell out of my way, now. Before I beat the crap out of you first.”
“Now ‘Mina, it’s really okay. You really, honestly don’t have to do that.” Heero said voice and knees shaking.
“Yeah, really, the spell is there for a good reason.” Yusuke said from behind Virgil-the-human-shield (‘don’t hide behind me you idiot’ ‘if you think I’m going out into her line of fire, you’re crazy’). Yusuke ducked behind a rather panicked-looking Virgil as ‘Mina glared in his direction. She then transferred her glare to Lina as the Bishoujo stepped in front of her.
“Look, before you blow anymore gaskets, pick up a book on the history of this place and learn the reason there are restrictions on us. Because there are some very good reasons, a lot of people died before the Coercions were made, and the only time we even know that they’re there is when we try and violate one of the Conduct Codes.” The sorceress said with utter seriousness. The other three Bish nodded enthusiastically.
“Really, I didn’t even notice it when I was goaded into protecting Virgil, all that happened was I thought, ‘If he gets killed then there goes my meal ticket’” Yusuke said in a hasty, nervous voice. “Really, that was all, and now nothing happens ‘cause I want to protect Virg, he’s a nice guy, and we got a lot in common.”
“’Mina,” Heero said softly, attracting her attention, “I’ve never once felt compelled to do something I didn’t already want to do, and I haven’t regretted a single moment of being with you.” The two stared into each other’s eyes for a while, then ‘Mina turned and started walking down the road in the direction that they had been going.
“Well? You guys gonna stand around all day or are we going to try and make the crossroads before nightfall?” She called over her shoulder. Heero and Kiba perked up and trotted after her, soon followed by a Lina who was rubbing her head muttering about how friends were too much trouble followed by Uh-Mu. The last to follow were Virgil and Yusuke, who stood there for a while before heaving huge sighs in unison.
“You have scary female friends, you know that?” Yusuke said.
“Now do you see why I like to hide whenever there’s a girl around?” Came Sasuke’s muffled voice from his Ball.
“Coward.” Virgil said without a drop of sincerity.
“Selective coward, please.” Sasuke replied.
“Doesn’t change the fact that you’re a coward.” Ranma quipped, with a bit more sincerity than Virgil.
“I didn’t see, or rather hear, you come out to help our Trainer.” Sasuke replied while Yusuke and Virgil snickered.
“I’m going to see if I can’t get Uh-Mu a brain.” She had said. ‘Mina was pretty sure she was only half joking. ‘Mina knew she was going to miss her old friend’s and new friends’ company, but she was glad that they were parting ways for a while, it was much more peaceful this way. And it’s not like I can’t talk to them anytime I want I got their Dex numbers after all.
Kiba was out hunting to bring ‘Mina some fresh meat for dinner, Heero was refilling the Capsule house cistern since there was a clear spring nearby and ‘Mina was getting dinner ready. All in all, she was feeling rather content. Heero and Kiba had both convinced her that the Coercion spell wasn’t as bad as it sounded. I still don’t like it though, but there’s really nothing I can do about, so I might as well pretend I never learned about it. That way I won’t get pissed. And really, aside from that ugly little stain, everything was going perfectly. During the training sessions in the gym, ‘Mina had realized just how lucky she was to have Heero and Kiba as her voluntary Bish. They were both insanely powerful, especially Heero.
Yusuke had wanted a play-fight with Heero, not a real Bish-battle, but a serious enough fight that they could both see who was strongest. Now, Yusuke was a strong Bishonen, an older San on the verge of evolving, Virgil’s first Bish and strongest fighter. He had gotten his ass handed to him by Heero. Ranma had wanted to redeem his best friend’s honor by defeating Heero’s partner, proving that Virgil’s party was just as strong as ‘Mina’s. Ranma was Virgil’s second Bish and was almost as strong as Yusuke, although not as old and therefore not as close to evolving. Kiba had sent him sprawling within five minutes.
This said nothing of Virgil’s strength as a Trainer however, but everything about how strong and experienced Heero and Kiba were. Heero was dead serious about his ambition to become Sama, and Kiba had been widely battled by his previous Trainer, and was now putting all his effort into his battles for his new Trainer’s sake. But I think the real reason Heero won his fight with Yusuke within two minutes is that Heero is deceptive.
It was bad of ‘Mina, but she couldn’t help but compare her Bish with Pokemon. Heero’s like one of those Pokemon that doesn’t evolve without a Stone, and Kiba’s like one that looks weak, but is really very powerful. Most people, Trainer and Bish alike, thought: Chibi - weak, non-fighter, San - moderate, still growing, Sama - strong to super-strong, top level. If Heero had been any Bish other then a Gundam Wing pilot, he would be well past Sama stage due to his strength and experience. But since he was a gundam pilot, and he was stuck in San stage, others like Yusuke underestimated his strength, started to go easy on him, and got their ass whooped before they knew what happened.
Kiba was equally deceptive. He was in Sama stage, but you really couldn’t tell because he was in wolf form. He could have been anywhere from young San to mid-Sama. So other fighters usually tested him to gauge his strength while Kiba sniffed out their strength right away and fought accordingly, resulting in the same outcome as Heero’s fight, the opponent laid out cold before they realized what hit them.
So quite by accident, ‘Mina had a devastating pair of fighters, making her a very deceptive Trainer to go with her deceptive Bish. No other Trainer would expect a newbie like her to have strong Bish yet. My boys are worth everything I can give them, I’m lucky to have them as my friends. I don’t know what I would have done if I hadn’t met Heero that first day. If he hadn’t been with me I would never have noticed Kiba, and would never have met my other best friend. Speaking of Kiba…
‘Mina heard a discreet #scritch# at the door of the Capsule house and went out to the front ‘lawn’. The temporary lawn at least. Kiba had two rabbits in his mouth, and his tail was wagging. ‘Mina chose not to mention that as she took the two rabbits to clean them. Most people would have been squeamish about the thought of cutting open two bunnies to take out their guts and cut of their cute little heads, and ‘Mina had been a little queasy at the thought at first. But the doubled aspects of growing up on nature programs, watching lions and hyenas tear apart gazelle fawns and sharks rend seal pups almost daily, then living in the country getting all kinds of lovely disemboweled presents from her many cats; ‘Mina learned to deal with blood and gore on a small scale rather quickly. Cutting up already-dead bunny-rabbits was more than tolerable. The only problem was with Kiba.
“Do you think you could not drool on me while I’m doing this?” She asked the captivated Kiba.
“Huh?” he asked, not taking his eyes off the opened belly of the rabbit. ‘Mina sighed, it was times like this that she truly realized that Kiba was a wolf and not a human in the form of a wolf. There was a genuine difference between the two. ‘Mina finished cleaning the bunnies and left the offal for the very obliging Kiba to clean up.
“That’s really gross you know.” Heero commented as he passed the feasting Kiba. Kiba grunted, Heero had said this before, when they were traveling to reach Llamgib and Kiba had gone hunting.
“Shouldn’t I be the sheltered one?” ‘Mina asked from the door. Heero grimaced at the sight of the headless, skinless, gutless bunnies hanging from her hands.
“I’m not answering that.” Heero replied as he poured the two buckets of water into the cistern.
“Dinner should be ready in fifteen minutes.” ‘Mina said instead of all the others things she could have replied with. She was trying to be nice, every now and then. Heero gave her a drawl look, he knew her well enough to know that she was restraining herself from teasing him.
“That’s nice. I take it the mutt won’t be having any since he’s already eaten?”
“You know, the hunting here’s real good.” Kiba said evilly, “I could always go get another rabbit and eat it in front of you. The floor in the front rooms is linoleum, it would be easy enough to clean up afterward.”
“Kiba, stop. Heero’s turning green.” ‘Mina said, stifling a giggle.
“Thanks, I’m going inside now. I’ll leave you to your intestines-”
“Already had them, thanks.” Kiba said, licking his red muzzle. Heero shuddered and gagged.
“I still say it’s gross.”
“But think of all the culinary experiences you’re missing out on!” Kiba said wickedly, “Oatmeal-and-lung stuffed intestine, stewed pig fetus, kidney pie and-”
“Urk!” Heero rushed inside. There was a downside to having a vivid imagination.
“Kiba, that was mean.” ‘Mina said, a little astonished. Kiba was usually a little nicer then this. “Is something wrong, that you’re taking it out on Heero?”
“Nothing in particular, just getting him back for yesterday.” Kiba said calmly. ‘Mina stared hard at the wolf for a moment then turned to go inside.
“You know, I really don’t want to know what happened while Virg and I were shopping for Weapons of Mass Destruction, I really don’t. Just be nice to Heero during dinner, I don’t want to have to clean up any unnecessary messes.”
“Of course” Kiba said, washing his paws with perfect composure. ‘Mina took one more glance outside, as if she was trying to decide something.
“Could you gather some wood while I cook? It’s a nice night, I’d like to have a fire outside and star gaze a bit.” She requested.
“Sounds nice,”
“Provided you don’t harass Heero anymore”
“Would I do that?” Kiba affected wounded trust. ‘Mina gave him a steady look and Kiba chuckled and duck his head. She finally turned in to actually make the anticipated meal.
I shouldn’t think about that, not with as happy as life is right now. I should think about happy things, to go with this happy life. Like yesterday! ‘Mina grinned up at the bright stars. The morning had been training, then had come lunch, next trying to keep Virgil from buying enough explosives to blow up the entire city. After that ‘Mina had said that since they were going to be heading out early the next morning, they should turn in early. So ‘Mina had drug her two Bish back towards the hotel they were staying in, and passed by a playground on the way. There was a little ice-cream cart next to the playground, and ‘Mina decided to give into temptation and buy herself a cone. She had turned around to ask if Heero or Kiba wanted any, and found that they weren’t there. Instead of being next to her, they were in the playground, Kiba being clambered over by the youngest children, Heero playing a game of tag with the older. It was the last thing ’Mina had ever expected to see.
‘Mina didn’t have the heart to call Heero and Kiba away from the kids when all involved seemed to be having so much fun. Instead of the early night that she had planned on, they didn’t leave until sunset when the last child was collected by her amused parents. The memory was a definite warm-fuzzy in ‘Mina’s mind. She had had no idea her Bish were that soft on kids, but there was no argument about it from her. She chuckled a little at the memory.
“What are you thinking about that’s got you so amused?” Heero asked, sitting up from his stargazing sprawl.
“Oh, just the vision of you being pulled down by a half-dozen kids and Chibi’s. I hadn’t known before that the great Heero could be so easily defeated by warriors under the age of six.” ‘Mina replied. Heero chuckled and Kiba snickered.
“The ‘Great Heero’ is hardly about to use his full strength against such young, potential pupils.” Heero said loftily, “After all, I do have a grand reputation to maintain.” That caused Kiba and ‘Mina both to choke.
“Grand Reputation? What ‘Grand Reputation’?” Kiba demanded.
“A mere peasant such as you would know nothing of it.” Heero replied, laying it on thick. ‘Mina struggled to breath, she was laughing so hard. Kiba wasn’t too far behind her. But the merriment was abruptly interrupted.
‘Mina had no idea what triggered them, but Kiba and Heero both jumped to their feet, Heero unsheathing the long belt knife ‘Mina had bought for him along with the throwing knives after much begging. Every strand of fur on Kiba’s back was on end as he glared into the woods surrounding the campsite.
“What-?” she started to ask quietly. Heero waved her silent as he moved between her and the suspect woods, his gaze never leaving the trees. But the first thing to appear from them was hardly worth all the tension. A tiny, pale grey shape emerged; a Chibi.
‘Mina had risen to stand just behind Heero when the Chibi came out. The little one was panting from exertion and panic, small whimpers coming in between the pants. That, paired with the tear-streaked, frightened face, was too much for ‘Mina to resist. She may not have liked kids very much, but she wasn’t completely devoid of maternal instinct. She crouched and held out her arms to the tiny one, who took one look at her, then lunged into her arms. Heero and Kiba barely spared the Chibi a second glance and the reason was soon apparent. What appeared to ‘Mina to be a small army of Bish-warriors appeared out of the woods after the child. The look the warriors gave the Chibi was less than appealing.
“So, you going to harbor that half-blood filth?” The first one sneered. He was Demon-Eyes Kyo, for Samuri Deeper Kyo, in his true form. The red fire light casting shadows on his blood-red-eyed face gave ‘Mina chills, not that she was going to reveal that!
“I don’t recognize this term, ‘half-blood filth’, that you speak of.” She said as she stood proudly, cradling the child in her arms. She could feel his heart pounding hard and heard a pathetic, terrified whimper. That made her hold him tighter against her chest, determined to protect him. From the way Kiba deepened his growl, and the way that Heero raised his long blade and brought out one of the throw knives, the whimper had the same affect on them.
“That trash you have there is a Half-blood bastard, only worthy of being meat for scavengers.” Growled the second warrior, Demon-Eyes Kyo in Kyoshiro’s body.
“The hell you say,” Heero said in a voice that ‘Mina never heard before, mechanical and cold, devoid of any kind of emotion. The Chibi shivered harder, burrowing deeper into ‘Mina’s embrace. “A child is a child, regardless of birth. He hardly asked to be born as he is, and if you hold such a thing as birth and blood as a crime, then you hardly deserve the classification as a sentient being.” No profane language, no real name calling, but coldness of tone, as if the enemy was unworthy of such a thing, made ‘Mina shiver in sync with the child. She and Kiba both looked at Heero with astonishment. Heero’s eyes were glowing a yellow-gold, truly glowing. Zero-system. The two Kyo’s and their crew seemed to recognize the fact that their opponent was in an honest-to-God, deadly mood.
“Feh, if you think such a thing, then keep that garbage.” The first Kyo said the mock bravado in his voice too loud and fake to be believable.
“We will. Now go, we are on Trainer territory here.” Heero said, knives lowered, but still clearly ready. The Kyo’s and the others with them uttered empty threats and insults as they melted back into the forest. Heero closed his eyes, took in a deep breath and slowly let it out. Then he shook himself in a way that would have been comical had the situation been different and opened his eyes to look over at ‘Mina. They were again the familiar dark blue that ‘Mina knew best.
“Well, that was uncomfortable.” Kiba said cryptically, carefully not saying what was uncomfortable. ‘Mina looked over at the wolf, and giggled. Kiba’s fur was completely puffed out, and since he wasn’t snarling he didn’t look in the least threatening.
“You look like a giant fluff ball.” ‘Mina said. The Chibi cautiously peeked out due to the light tone of ‘Mina’s voice and giggled as well at the sight of Kiba. “But let’s go inside. We need to figure out where you came from, little one, and how to get you back home.”
“Don’t… don’t gotta home…” The Chibi mumbled as ‘Mina carried him into the well-lit front room. ‘Mina set him down on the loveseat and got a good look at him while Heero grabbed a bucket to put out the campfire (safety first!).
‘Mina couldn’t figure out if the Chibi looked more like Youko Kurama or Inuyasha and finally decided it was neither. The Chibi had long, thick grey hair, with fox ears poking out on the top of his head. His eyes were a darker grey, and he was wearing an old style Japanese gi, the baggy pants with the long kimono-like robe, in a pale grey. He’s all shades of grey. ‘Mina thought in surprise. The little one shifted a bit and pulled a long fluffy tail into his lap and hugged it like it was a security blanket. The fur on the tail was the same color as his hair, so it was clearly his, and not a fake tail like the ones that could be found at Renaissance Faires. But something about the way he looked tugged at ‘Mina’s memory, but she couldn’t figure out why…
“What’s your name?” She asked, “Can’t keep calling you ‘little one’ and ‘Chibi’, it would be rude.” The Chibi looked up at her with wide, liquid eyes and ‘Mina just about melted.
“Ketric…” He whispered, “My name’s… Ketric.” ‘Mina blinked. That’s not possible! Ketric is the name of the character I created! But I never wrote more than half a chapter of his story, and I didn’t share it with anyone. There’s no way anybody but me knows that name! But ‘Mina stifled her shock, and rationalized. In this world, why not a child named Ketric?
“Where are you from Ketric?” Kiba asked as he sat next to ‘Mina, who was crouched in front of the loveseat. Ketric shook his head and hugged his tail tighter. ‘Mina and Kiba traded glances.
“Well, how about this, where are you parents from?” Heero said from behind his Trainer and friend. Ketric shook his head harder and hunched his young face a study of misery. ‘Mina bit her lip.
“Can you tell us the very first thing you remember?” She asked softly, placing a gentle hand on his hunched shoulder. Ketric looked up, and she did her best to look reassuring.
“I remember bein’ in the woods. I was alone, an’ I was scared.” He said softly, “I was alone all day, an’ all night an’ all the next day too. Then those mean people came. I wanted to be friends, but they chased me an’ called me ‘half-Bish’ an’ other stuff…”
“You’re not half-Bish,” Kiba stated firmly. The others looked at him sharply, “I have a very keen nose, and I can tell you straight out that you are full Bish. Half-Bish and full Bish smell very different.” Ketric looked at Kiba wide-eyed, sitting up and loosening his death-grip on his tail. Huh, well that’s interesting. I’ve never heard of a character called Ketric before, but that means nothing. This world holds all fictional characters ever created, and there is no possible way anybody could know all the fictional characters, let alone me.
“And I’d guess that you have amnesia, too.” Heero said, interrupting ’Mina’s thoughts.
“Amenisa?” Ketric asked, mangling the word in typical child fashion.
“‘Amnesia’ It means that you lost your memory, probably from hitting your head.” Heero explained, “Do you have any bumps on you head that hurt?” Ketric shook his head, clutching his tail again. He gets tense if he has to answer in the negative, but relaxes if he gives an answer in the positive.
“K-chan,” ‘Mina said gently, “it’s okay for you to say you don’t know something. We want to help you, that’s why we’re asking so many questions. All we want is the truth, and how could we be angry if the truth is an ‘I don’t know’?”
“And the truth is,” Heero whispered into ‘Mina’s ear, “that if we want to live through the night, we have to leave- now!” ‘Mina looked over at Heero and nodded slowly. She had read the SDK manga, she knew how scary its hero/anti-heroes were. The main characters were, to not put to fine a point on it, bloodthirsty killers.
“Are you hungry?” She asked Ketric. The Chibi opened his mouth to answer only to be beaten to it by his stomach. “Silly question, kids are always hungry, even when they’re big kids like Heero. Especially when they’re big kids like Heero.”
“Hey, just because I eat my weight in food each day-” Heero retorted with a wink towards Ketric.
“See what I mean?” ‘Mina said with a sigh and a shrug. Ketric giggled a little, making the three adults very relieved. A happy kid was a much better thing than a scared kid. “Let me get you something to eat, and then we’re going to go for a walk.”
Ketric cocked his head to the side in a way that made ‘Mina want to squeal ‘Kawaii!’ “Why? Why do we gotta walk?” Damn, I don’t want to lie to him, but the truth might upset him!
“Because the mean people are stupid cheats that like to fight in the dark.” Kiba answered.
“But why do they wanna fight? I’m not buggin’ them still, am I?” Ketric’s eyes became liquid again, but this time with hurt.
“K-chan,” Heero said, kneeling in front of him to look at him, eye to eye, “there are people in this world that feel that anyone who is even a little different from them is bugging them with their mere existence. And they will want to kill those different people.”
“But… Why?”
“I wish I knew, I really do. Then I might be able to get them to leave different people like all four of us alone.” Heero answered with earnest sincerity.
“But… you’re not different. An’ she’s not different.” Ketric said confused. Heero grinned and leaned close to share a secret.
“K-chan, trust me, ‘Mina is the most ‘different’ person in exista-ouch!” Heero had just gotten smack by ‘Mina’s paper tessen.
“I knew this thing would come in handy.” She drawled, then grinned and winked at Ketric while Heero made an over-exaggerated pouty-face. “Here’s your snack, K-chan.” She said, handing the Chibi a sandwich cut into quarters. Ketric snatched it with a sunny ‘Arigato!’ ‘Mina couldn’t take it anymore. She glomped him.
“K-chan, you are too dang cute!” She cooed while she snuggled him. Ketric froze for about a second and a half before snuggling back, beaming. Heero and Kiba watched with approving smiles, thinking the same thing. These two are worth fighting for.
Disclaimer: How often do I got to say it?! I don’t these guys, only the ones I, myself and me created! Go sue someone else! Like someone who actually has a life to disrupt!
A.N.: Enter the Original Character. And some other stuff.
~*~*~
“I hate you”“That’s nice”
“I hate you.”
“Uh-huh”
“I hate you”
“Sure, that’s great.”
“You suck. I hate you. I hope your limbs are ripped off and that you rot in hell with maggots-”
“Hey, Virg? That’s getting a little extreme…” Yusuke said uneasily. Not with the description, he knew Virgil well enough to know that the Trainer didn’t really mean it, mostly. Nor was he afraid of Armina’s feelings being hurt, he could see how she was struggling not to laugh clearly enough. No, what was making the Bish uneasy was the way that Kiba was ‘grinning’ and the way that Uh-Mu was stretching his arms.
“Okay, but still! You suck! 100 yen! That was all I needed! A measly 100 yen, and you have it to spare, easy!” Virgil yelled, pointing fiercely at ‘Mina. It’s a real good thing Heero decided to hide in his Ball along with Ranma and Sasuke. Yusuke thought to himself.
“Virg,” ‘Mina said patiently, “one yen in this world is equivalent to $20 dollars in the Old World. I am not lending you $2,000 dollars.”
“But I’d pay you back! You know I’m good for that!” Virgil cried out.
“I have Bish to feed. You have Bish to feed. I am not lending you money so that you can buy a tank.” Yusuke, Kiba and Lina all choked and stared at the Trainers. This was new.
“Where did you…?” Lina started to ask but was interrupted.
“But it was a FireStorm Model Three! With Capsule capability! Do you know how much fire power that thing has?!”
“Sure. A lot. Great. You can blow up the mall then Capsulize your tank so it’s travel size for your convenience.” ‘Mina drawled.
“Exactly!” The group had to pause so that ‘Mina could pound her head against a tree by the side of the road.
“So, um,” Lina started to ask Virgil, “when and where did you find a tank for sale?”
“At that Army/Navy Surplus that ‘Mina went into with me.” Virgil explained with complete composure.
“I went in with him to make sure he didn’t buy a tactical nuke.” ‘Mina groaned from by the tree. She’d stopped pounding her head, but now was clinging to it as if it was her last hold on sanity. She probably wasn’t too far off.
“They didn’t have one for public sale.” Virgil sulked, “I checked.” #wonk# #wonk# #wonk#
“’Mina, that can’t be good for your head.” Lina said, going over to console her friend. Kiba was already there trying to do the same thing.
“But why were you in an Army/Navy Surplus, without us?” Yusuke asked.
“You guys were eating.” Virgil said.
“Oooohhhh” The three Bish that were out said in unison. That did explain it all.
It was three days after the mall fiasco and the group was on the road again, traveling together, but only to the crossroads. The first two days after the fiasco had been spent in the local gym for the first half of the day, then spent doing whatever in the second half. Usually the second half was spent back in the gym. But today they had left the city and were now one hour away from the exit checkpoint (yes, checks in and out). Ranma, Heero and Sasuke had decided that going through the hassle of the checkpoint was too much to bother with and had hid in their respective Balls. This check was much easier to deal with than the last, just a showing of the Dex, showing of the Bish, and they were on their way with a “Have a nice day.”
Virgil hadn’t shut up about the 100 yen for the entire trip.
“I don’t even want to know what you want to do with a FireStorm tank in the first place.” Lina declared loudly.
“You know that mall that we went into?” ‘Mina asked.
“Er, yeah?”
“You could kiss it good bye, and you had better do it before the tank comes into his hands.” ‘Mina bopped her head against the tree again as Virgil chuckled maniacally. “I do hope you realize that blowing up public property is illegal, right?”
“Feh, petty details.” Virgil shrugged off the statement.
“And that you could get arrested?”
“Like you’d turn me in.”
“You do realize you owe me for keeping quiet about the tear gas in the jail cell right?”
“Tear gas? What tear gas? I know nothing about a live tear gas grenade landing in the asshole guard’s cell.” Virgil said, looking around with exaggerated caution. “But do you know how much those grenades cost?”
“No, because unlike you, I am not a munitions freak.” ’Mina drawled as Lina and Kiba stared at Virgil, sweat drops decorating their heads. Yusuke was busy pretending he didn’t know his Trainer.
“Really expensive and I wouldn’t have had to pay that if mister-I-can’t-do-that-Yusuke would just shoot off a few Rei guns!” Virgil complained as he strangled said Bishonen.
“But I #ack# really can’t #choke# do that! It’s #strangle# forbidden in #gasp# the code!” Yusuke managed.
“Code? What code?” ’Mina and Virgil chorused. Lina dug into her pocket and withdrew a Bish-dex.
“Bishonen and Bishoujo Code of Conduct in the Circumstance that the Afore Mentioned Should be Captured.” She read solemnly as ’Mina and Virgil blink-blinked at her. “Code 26, paragraph 6, item 94: No Bishonen or Bishoujo, with the qualification of having the necessary power, magic, munitions, etc, will willfully and with full intention of, destroy the property of another, ie: a building, vehicle, baggage, etc, with the only exclusion being the immediate protection of said Bishonen or Bishoujo’s Trainer, the Trainer of another Bishonen or Bishoujo, and/or another Bishonen or Bishoujo that may, for whatever reason, is unable to defend his or her self.” Lina lowered the Dex and looked at the glaze-eyed Trainers and Bish staring at her, “In other words, we can’t blow anything up unless we’re in the process of protecting you guys or someone else.”
“But, er, um, okay…” ‘Mina said intelligently, “But wait a sec! I know that there are guys out there that don’t give a fat damn about rules or codes or whatnot! How come they don’t blow everything to kingdom come?”
“Yeah, your kind’s pretty free about that Dragon Slave spell and can you imagine Sephiroth not destroying anything that he doesn’t like the look of?” Virgil asked.
“It’s part of the Coercion spell.” came a muffled voice from the vicinity of ‘Mina’s waist. The entire group blink-blinked at the Ball that held Heero as ‘Mina let him out. Heero immediately indulged in a good stretch.
“Coercion spell? What the hell is that?” ‘Mina demanded fiercely.
“The reason I really didn’t want to be caught in the first place.” Heero growled, “Until I got to know you better, that is.” ‘Mina opened her mouth to demand a real answer when Kiba spoke up.
“It’s a basic spell of obedience that’s placed on each and every Bish the moment he or she is captured.” ‘Mina snapped her mouth shut and stared at Kiba, her expression almost distraught, but then so was Virgil’s.
“What?! What kind of bullshit is this?!” He snapped.
“To insure that Bish don’t do anything counterproductive to a thriving civilization, certain limits and limitations are placed on Bish to make sure that we don’t kill anyone needlessly, protect our Trainers and maintain public peace.” Kiba explained, “I ‘m surprised you haven’t heard all of this already. It’s a basic part of this world and the way it works.”
Heero and Yusuke nodded. “Remember how pissed I was when you first caught me?” Yusuke asked Virgil, “But I protected you against Ranma when you cornered him, anyway? That was the coercion at work. If a Trainer dies, the binding on the Bish Balls immediately dissolves, freeing all of that Trainers Bishies. So, to insure that no Trainers were murdered through neglect, the Coercion spell was made, so that all Bish had to protect his or her Trainer regardless of what he or she really wanted to do.”
“And then more things were added to the Coercion as other problems were revealed and the spell is as it is today.” Heero finished.
“So basically not only are you bound to follow your Trainer within a three mile radius or suffer going insane, all of your behavior is predetermined by a board of petty bureaucrats.” ‘Mina stated in an icy tone. “Oh, that’s just lovely. That’s perfectly wonderful.” Her face was completely devoid of any expression. Except for her eyes, they nearly gave basis to the saying ‘if looks could kill’. Everyone save Uh-Mu backed away from her cautiously. “This is a completely and wonderfully fucked up world you have here. Glad I could experience it. I’m going to the capital to beat the crap out of the leaders now.” She glared at Heero and Kiba, who suddenly appeared right in front of her. “Please get the hell out of my way, now. Before I beat the crap out of you first.”
“Now ‘Mina, it’s really okay. You really, honestly don’t have to do that.” Heero said voice and knees shaking.
“Yeah, really, the spell is there for a good reason.” Yusuke said from behind Virgil-the-human-shield (‘don’t hide behind me you idiot’ ‘if you think I’m going out into her line of fire, you’re crazy’). Yusuke ducked behind a rather panicked-looking Virgil as ‘Mina glared in his direction. She then transferred her glare to Lina as the Bishoujo stepped in front of her.
“Look, before you blow anymore gaskets, pick up a book on the history of this place and learn the reason there are restrictions on us. Because there are some very good reasons, a lot of people died before the Coercions were made, and the only time we even know that they’re there is when we try and violate one of the Conduct Codes.” The sorceress said with utter seriousness. The other three Bish nodded enthusiastically.
“Really, I didn’t even notice it when I was goaded into protecting Virgil, all that happened was I thought, ‘If he gets killed then there goes my meal ticket’” Yusuke said in a hasty, nervous voice. “Really, that was all, and now nothing happens ‘cause I want to protect Virg, he’s a nice guy, and we got a lot in common.”
“’Mina,” Heero said softly, attracting her attention, “I’ve never once felt compelled to do something I didn’t already want to do, and I haven’t regretted a single moment of being with you.” The two stared into each other’s eyes for a while, then ‘Mina turned and started walking down the road in the direction that they had been going.
“Well? You guys gonna stand around all day or are we going to try and make the crossroads before nightfall?” She called over her shoulder. Heero and Kiba perked up and trotted after her, soon followed by a Lina who was rubbing her head muttering about how friends were too much trouble followed by Uh-Mu. The last to follow were Virgil and Yusuke, who stood there for a while before heaving huge sighs in unison.
“You have scary female friends, you know that?” Yusuke said.
“Now do you see why I like to hide whenever there’s a girl around?” Came Sasuke’s muffled voice from his Ball.
“Coward.” Virgil said without a drop of sincerity.
“Selective coward, please.” Sasuke replied.
“Doesn’t change the fact that you’re a coward.” Ranma quipped, with a bit more sincerity than Virgil.
“I didn’t see, or rather hear, you come out to help our Trainer.” Sasuke replied while Yusuke and Virgil snickered.
~*~*~
It was several hours after the crossroads had been reached and the three groups had parted ways, when ‘Mina and her two Bish set up camp for the evening. The crossroads was a spot where two roads, one running perfectly North and South, the other running perfectly East and West. ‘Mina was heading West, to a city that held a very large gym, Yrotciv or something like that. Virgil was heading South, to an area that was supposed to hold a lot of Cowboy Bebop characters. To get there he was going to have to go through a lot of rough territory, but that was just the way his Bish wanted it. Lina was heading North, to Oz territory she said.“I’m going to see if I can’t get Uh-Mu a brain.” She had said. ‘Mina was pretty sure she was only half joking. ‘Mina knew she was going to miss her old friend’s and new friends’ company, but she was glad that they were parting ways for a while, it was much more peaceful this way. And it’s not like I can’t talk to them anytime I want I got their Dex numbers after all.
Kiba was out hunting to bring ‘Mina some fresh meat for dinner, Heero was refilling the Capsule house cistern since there was a clear spring nearby and ‘Mina was getting dinner ready. All in all, she was feeling rather content. Heero and Kiba had both convinced her that the Coercion spell wasn’t as bad as it sounded. I still don’t like it though, but there’s really nothing I can do about, so I might as well pretend I never learned about it. That way I won’t get pissed. And really, aside from that ugly little stain, everything was going perfectly. During the training sessions in the gym, ‘Mina had realized just how lucky she was to have Heero and Kiba as her voluntary Bish. They were both insanely powerful, especially Heero.
Yusuke had wanted a play-fight with Heero, not a real Bish-battle, but a serious enough fight that they could both see who was strongest. Now, Yusuke was a strong Bishonen, an older San on the verge of evolving, Virgil’s first Bish and strongest fighter. He had gotten his ass handed to him by Heero. Ranma had wanted to redeem his best friend’s honor by defeating Heero’s partner, proving that Virgil’s party was just as strong as ‘Mina’s. Ranma was Virgil’s second Bish and was almost as strong as Yusuke, although not as old and therefore not as close to evolving. Kiba had sent him sprawling within five minutes.
This said nothing of Virgil’s strength as a Trainer however, but everything about how strong and experienced Heero and Kiba were. Heero was dead serious about his ambition to become Sama, and Kiba had been widely battled by his previous Trainer, and was now putting all his effort into his battles for his new Trainer’s sake. But I think the real reason Heero won his fight with Yusuke within two minutes is that Heero is deceptive.
It was bad of ‘Mina, but she couldn’t help but compare her Bish with Pokemon. Heero’s like one of those Pokemon that doesn’t evolve without a Stone, and Kiba’s like one that looks weak, but is really very powerful. Most people, Trainer and Bish alike, thought: Chibi - weak, non-fighter, San - moderate, still growing, Sama - strong to super-strong, top level. If Heero had been any Bish other then a Gundam Wing pilot, he would be well past Sama stage due to his strength and experience. But since he was a gundam pilot, and he was stuck in San stage, others like Yusuke underestimated his strength, started to go easy on him, and got their ass whooped before they knew what happened.
Kiba was equally deceptive. He was in Sama stage, but you really couldn’t tell because he was in wolf form. He could have been anywhere from young San to mid-Sama. So other fighters usually tested him to gauge his strength while Kiba sniffed out their strength right away and fought accordingly, resulting in the same outcome as Heero’s fight, the opponent laid out cold before they realized what hit them.
So quite by accident, ‘Mina had a devastating pair of fighters, making her a very deceptive Trainer to go with her deceptive Bish. No other Trainer would expect a newbie like her to have strong Bish yet. My boys are worth everything I can give them, I’m lucky to have them as my friends. I don’t know what I would have done if I hadn’t met Heero that first day. If he hadn’t been with me I would never have noticed Kiba, and would never have met my other best friend. Speaking of Kiba…
‘Mina heard a discreet #scritch# at the door of the Capsule house and went out to the front ‘lawn’. The temporary lawn at least. Kiba had two rabbits in his mouth, and his tail was wagging. ‘Mina chose not to mention that as she took the two rabbits to clean them. Most people would have been squeamish about the thought of cutting open two bunnies to take out their guts and cut of their cute little heads, and ‘Mina had been a little queasy at the thought at first. But the doubled aspects of growing up on nature programs, watching lions and hyenas tear apart gazelle fawns and sharks rend seal pups almost daily, then living in the country getting all kinds of lovely disemboweled presents from her many cats; ‘Mina learned to deal with blood and gore on a small scale rather quickly. Cutting up already-dead bunny-rabbits was more than tolerable. The only problem was with Kiba.
“Do you think you could not drool on me while I’m doing this?” She asked the captivated Kiba.
“Huh?” he asked, not taking his eyes off the opened belly of the rabbit. ‘Mina sighed, it was times like this that she truly realized that Kiba was a wolf and not a human in the form of a wolf. There was a genuine difference between the two. ‘Mina finished cleaning the bunnies and left the offal for the very obliging Kiba to clean up.
“That’s really gross you know.” Heero commented as he passed the feasting Kiba. Kiba grunted, Heero had said this before, when they were traveling to reach Llamgib and Kiba had gone hunting.
“Shouldn’t I be the sheltered one?” ‘Mina asked from the door. Heero grimaced at the sight of the headless, skinless, gutless bunnies hanging from her hands.
“I’m not answering that.” Heero replied as he poured the two buckets of water into the cistern.
“Dinner should be ready in fifteen minutes.” ‘Mina said instead of all the others things she could have replied with. She was trying to be nice, every now and then. Heero gave her a drawl look, he knew her well enough to know that she was restraining herself from teasing him.
“That’s nice. I take it the mutt won’t be having any since he’s already eaten?”
“You know, the hunting here’s real good.” Kiba said evilly, “I could always go get another rabbit and eat it in front of you. The floor in the front rooms is linoleum, it would be easy enough to clean up afterward.”
“Kiba, stop. Heero’s turning green.” ‘Mina said, stifling a giggle.
“Thanks, I’m going inside now. I’ll leave you to your intestines-”
“Already had them, thanks.” Kiba said, licking his red muzzle. Heero shuddered and gagged.
“I still say it’s gross.”
“But think of all the culinary experiences you’re missing out on!” Kiba said wickedly, “Oatmeal-and-lung stuffed intestine, stewed pig fetus, kidney pie and-”
“Urk!” Heero rushed inside. There was a downside to having a vivid imagination.
“Kiba, that was mean.” ‘Mina said, a little astonished. Kiba was usually a little nicer then this. “Is something wrong, that you’re taking it out on Heero?”
“Nothing in particular, just getting him back for yesterday.” Kiba said calmly. ‘Mina stared hard at the wolf for a moment then turned to go inside.
“You know, I really don’t want to know what happened while Virg and I were shopping for Weapons of Mass Destruction, I really don’t. Just be nice to Heero during dinner, I don’t want to have to clean up any unnecessary messes.”
“Of course” Kiba said, washing his paws with perfect composure. ‘Mina took one more glance outside, as if she was trying to decide something.
“Could you gather some wood while I cook? It’s a nice night, I’d like to have a fire outside and star gaze a bit.” She requested.
“Sounds nice,”
“Provided you don’t harass Heero anymore”
“Would I do that?” Kiba affected wounded trust. ‘Mina gave him a steady look and Kiba chuckled and duck his head. She finally turned in to actually make the anticipated meal.
~*~*~
The dinner was made and eaten, and Kiba gave an apology to Heero, which was accepted with a return one for the mysterious event that had happened the previous day. The trio then went out to make and enjoy a campfire. ‘Mina felt a strong sense of peaceful contentment steal over her as she gazed at the cheerful little fire. If I could keep things like this, I would be happy for the rest of my life. A dark whisper then crept up from the depths of her soul. But it never stays the way you want, does it? The darkness murmured to her. The better your life is, the more peaceful, the harder and crueler the chaos will be when it comes. And it will come. Good luck is always balanced by bad. You will always catch it in the end. Just like last time. The happy crackle of the fire seemed to turn angry. ‘Mina shook her head to chase out that dark whisper and leaned back in the folding lawn chair she had brought out. She didn’t notice Kiba’s curious, worried look.I shouldn’t think about that, not with as happy as life is right now. I should think about happy things, to go with this happy life. Like yesterday! ‘Mina grinned up at the bright stars. The morning had been training, then had come lunch, next trying to keep Virgil from buying enough explosives to blow up the entire city. After that ‘Mina had said that since they were going to be heading out early the next morning, they should turn in early. So ‘Mina had drug her two Bish back towards the hotel they were staying in, and passed by a playground on the way. There was a little ice-cream cart next to the playground, and ‘Mina decided to give into temptation and buy herself a cone. She had turned around to ask if Heero or Kiba wanted any, and found that they weren’t there. Instead of being next to her, they were in the playground, Kiba being clambered over by the youngest children, Heero playing a game of tag with the older. It was the last thing ’Mina had ever expected to see.
‘Mina didn’t have the heart to call Heero and Kiba away from the kids when all involved seemed to be having so much fun. Instead of the early night that she had planned on, they didn’t leave until sunset when the last child was collected by her amused parents. The memory was a definite warm-fuzzy in ‘Mina’s mind. She had had no idea her Bish were that soft on kids, but there was no argument about it from her. She chuckled a little at the memory.
“What are you thinking about that’s got you so amused?” Heero asked, sitting up from his stargazing sprawl.
“Oh, just the vision of you being pulled down by a half-dozen kids and Chibi’s. I hadn’t known before that the great Heero could be so easily defeated by warriors under the age of six.” ‘Mina replied. Heero chuckled and Kiba snickered.
“The ‘Great Heero’ is hardly about to use his full strength against such young, potential pupils.” Heero said loftily, “After all, I do have a grand reputation to maintain.” That caused Kiba and ‘Mina both to choke.
“Grand Reputation? What ‘Grand Reputation’?” Kiba demanded.
“A mere peasant such as you would know nothing of it.” Heero replied, laying it on thick. ‘Mina struggled to breath, she was laughing so hard. Kiba wasn’t too far behind her. But the merriment was abruptly interrupted.
‘Mina had no idea what triggered them, but Kiba and Heero both jumped to their feet, Heero unsheathing the long belt knife ‘Mina had bought for him along with the throwing knives after much begging. Every strand of fur on Kiba’s back was on end as he glared into the woods surrounding the campsite.
“What-?” she started to ask quietly. Heero waved her silent as he moved between her and the suspect woods, his gaze never leaving the trees. But the first thing to appear from them was hardly worth all the tension. A tiny, pale grey shape emerged; a Chibi.
‘Mina had risen to stand just behind Heero when the Chibi came out. The little one was panting from exertion and panic, small whimpers coming in between the pants. That, paired with the tear-streaked, frightened face, was too much for ‘Mina to resist. She may not have liked kids very much, but she wasn’t completely devoid of maternal instinct. She crouched and held out her arms to the tiny one, who took one look at her, then lunged into her arms. Heero and Kiba barely spared the Chibi a second glance and the reason was soon apparent. What appeared to ‘Mina to be a small army of Bish-warriors appeared out of the woods after the child. The look the warriors gave the Chibi was less than appealing.
“So, you going to harbor that half-blood filth?” The first one sneered. He was Demon-Eyes Kyo, for Samuri Deeper Kyo, in his true form. The red fire light casting shadows on his blood-red-eyed face gave ‘Mina chills, not that she was going to reveal that!
“I don’t recognize this term, ‘half-blood filth’, that you speak of.” She said as she stood proudly, cradling the child in her arms. She could feel his heart pounding hard and heard a pathetic, terrified whimper. That made her hold him tighter against her chest, determined to protect him. From the way Kiba deepened his growl, and the way that Heero raised his long blade and brought out one of the throw knives, the whimper had the same affect on them.
“That trash you have there is a Half-blood bastard, only worthy of being meat for scavengers.” Growled the second warrior, Demon-Eyes Kyo in Kyoshiro’s body.
“The hell you say,” Heero said in a voice that ‘Mina never heard before, mechanical and cold, devoid of any kind of emotion. The Chibi shivered harder, burrowing deeper into ‘Mina’s embrace. “A child is a child, regardless of birth. He hardly asked to be born as he is, and if you hold such a thing as birth and blood as a crime, then you hardly deserve the classification as a sentient being.” No profane language, no real name calling, but coldness of tone, as if the enemy was unworthy of such a thing, made ‘Mina shiver in sync with the child. She and Kiba both looked at Heero with astonishment. Heero’s eyes were glowing a yellow-gold, truly glowing. Zero-system. The two Kyo’s and their crew seemed to recognize the fact that their opponent was in an honest-to-God, deadly mood.
“Feh, if you think such a thing, then keep that garbage.” The first Kyo said the mock bravado in his voice too loud and fake to be believable.
“We will. Now go, we are on Trainer territory here.” Heero said, knives lowered, but still clearly ready. The Kyo’s and the others with them uttered empty threats and insults as they melted back into the forest. Heero closed his eyes, took in a deep breath and slowly let it out. Then he shook himself in a way that would have been comical had the situation been different and opened his eyes to look over at ‘Mina. They were again the familiar dark blue that ‘Mina knew best.
“Well, that was uncomfortable.” Kiba said cryptically, carefully not saying what was uncomfortable. ‘Mina looked over at the wolf, and giggled. Kiba’s fur was completely puffed out, and since he wasn’t snarling he didn’t look in the least threatening.
“You look like a giant fluff ball.” ‘Mina said. The Chibi cautiously peeked out due to the light tone of ‘Mina’s voice and giggled as well at the sight of Kiba. “But let’s go inside. We need to figure out where you came from, little one, and how to get you back home.”
“Don’t… don’t gotta home…” The Chibi mumbled as ‘Mina carried him into the well-lit front room. ‘Mina set him down on the loveseat and got a good look at him while Heero grabbed a bucket to put out the campfire (safety first!).
‘Mina couldn’t figure out if the Chibi looked more like Youko Kurama or Inuyasha and finally decided it was neither. The Chibi had long, thick grey hair, with fox ears poking out on the top of his head. His eyes were a darker grey, and he was wearing an old style Japanese gi, the baggy pants with the long kimono-like robe, in a pale grey. He’s all shades of grey. ‘Mina thought in surprise. The little one shifted a bit and pulled a long fluffy tail into his lap and hugged it like it was a security blanket. The fur on the tail was the same color as his hair, so it was clearly his, and not a fake tail like the ones that could be found at Renaissance Faires. But something about the way he looked tugged at ‘Mina’s memory, but she couldn’t figure out why…
“What’s your name?” She asked, “Can’t keep calling you ‘little one’ and ‘Chibi’, it would be rude.” The Chibi looked up at her with wide, liquid eyes and ‘Mina just about melted.
“Ketric…” He whispered, “My name’s… Ketric.” ‘Mina blinked. That’s not possible! Ketric is the name of the character I created! But I never wrote more than half a chapter of his story, and I didn’t share it with anyone. There’s no way anybody but me knows that name! But ‘Mina stifled her shock, and rationalized. In this world, why not a child named Ketric?
“Where are you from Ketric?” Kiba asked as he sat next to ‘Mina, who was crouched in front of the loveseat. Ketric shook his head and hugged his tail tighter. ‘Mina and Kiba traded glances.
“Well, how about this, where are you parents from?” Heero said from behind his Trainer and friend. Ketric shook his head harder and hunched his young face a study of misery. ‘Mina bit her lip.
“Can you tell us the very first thing you remember?” She asked softly, placing a gentle hand on his hunched shoulder. Ketric looked up, and she did her best to look reassuring.
“I remember bein’ in the woods. I was alone, an’ I was scared.” He said softly, “I was alone all day, an’ all night an’ all the next day too. Then those mean people came. I wanted to be friends, but they chased me an’ called me ‘half-Bish’ an’ other stuff…”
“You’re not half-Bish,” Kiba stated firmly. The others looked at him sharply, “I have a very keen nose, and I can tell you straight out that you are full Bish. Half-Bish and full Bish smell very different.” Ketric looked at Kiba wide-eyed, sitting up and loosening his death-grip on his tail. Huh, well that’s interesting. I’ve never heard of a character called Ketric before, but that means nothing. This world holds all fictional characters ever created, and there is no possible way anybody could know all the fictional characters, let alone me.
“And I’d guess that you have amnesia, too.” Heero said, interrupting ’Mina’s thoughts.
“Amenisa?” Ketric asked, mangling the word in typical child fashion.
“‘Amnesia’ It means that you lost your memory, probably from hitting your head.” Heero explained, “Do you have any bumps on you head that hurt?” Ketric shook his head, clutching his tail again. He gets tense if he has to answer in the negative, but relaxes if he gives an answer in the positive.
“K-chan,” ‘Mina said gently, “it’s okay for you to say you don’t know something. We want to help you, that’s why we’re asking so many questions. All we want is the truth, and how could we be angry if the truth is an ‘I don’t know’?”
“And the truth is,” Heero whispered into ‘Mina’s ear, “that if we want to live through the night, we have to leave- now!” ‘Mina looked over at Heero and nodded slowly. She had read the SDK manga, she knew how scary its hero/anti-heroes were. The main characters were, to not put to fine a point on it, bloodthirsty killers.
“Are you hungry?” She asked Ketric. The Chibi opened his mouth to answer only to be beaten to it by his stomach. “Silly question, kids are always hungry, even when they’re big kids like Heero. Especially when they’re big kids like Heero.”
“Hey, just because I eat my weight in food each day-” Heero retorted with a wink towards Ketric.
“See what I mean?” ‘Mina said with a sigh and a shrug. Ketric giggled a little, making the three adults very relieved. A happy kid was a much better thing than a scared kid. “Let me get you something to eat, and then we’re going to go for a walk.”
Ketric cocked his head to the side in a way that made ‘Mina want to squeal ‘Kawaii!’ “Why? Why do we gotta walk?” Damn, I don’t want to lie to him, but the truth might upset him!
“Because the mean people are stupid cheats that like to fight in the dark.” Kiba answered.
“But why do they wanna fight? I’m not buggin’ them still, am I?” Ketric’s eyes became liquid again, but this time with hurt.
“K-chan,” Heero said, kneeling in front of him to look at him, eye to eye, “there are people in this world that feel that anyone who is even a little different from them is bugging them with their mere existence. And they will want to kill those different people.”
“But… Why?”
“I wish I knew, I really do. Then I might be able to get them to leave different people like all four of us alone.” Heero answered with earnest sincerity.
“But… you’re not different. An’ she’s not different.” Ketric said confused. Heero grinned and leaned close to share a secret.
“K-chan, trust me, ‘Mina is the most ‘different’ person in exista-ouch!” Heero had just gotten smack by ‘Mina’s paper tessen.
“I knew this thing would come in handy.” She drawled, then grinned and winked at Ketric while Heero made an over-exaggerated pouty-face. “Here’s your snack, K-chan.” She said, handing the Chibi a sandwich cut into quarters. Ketric snatched it with a sunny ‘Arigato!’ ‘Mina couldn’t take it anymore. She glomped him.
“K-chan, you are too dang cute!” She cooed while she snuggled him. Ketric froze for about a second and a half before snuggling back, beaming. Heero and Kiba watched with approving smiles, thinking the same thing. These two are worth fighting for.