Disclaimer: The Gatekeepers series and its characters are owned by Gonzo.
Microsz presents: A Gatekeepers Fanfiction
Gatekeepers: Revisited
Chapter 1: BACK to FRONT
"Tempus Fugit," Ruriko Ikusawa muttered to herself as she followed a mass of students heading towards the exit of the hall in which she took her Business subject. 'Yes, time sure flies,' she lackadaisically thought.
And why not? It has been a good three years since Ukiya-kun and the rest of the Gatekeepers defeated Shadow and the invaders at the Diet building. Since then, it has been relatively peaceful in Japan and in the rest of the world. The world in general is enjoying economic growth and the tension that gripped the Japan (which the rest of the world was able to witness) was almost forgotten, except for the few paranoid crackpots who kept on babbling that the world was soon going to end.
Ruriko is now a beautiful, 20 year old lady, and she is one of the top students at the Central University in Tokyo. Gone were the days when she used to wear a yellow ribbon on her hair, as she now feels comfortable in letting her long hair (which was up to her waist) hang freely. Gone were the days when she used to be a Gatekeeper, a member of a secret organization AEGIS that was tasked to protect the earth from an enemy simply called the 'invaders' She is now just a regular girl, a normal student.
"Ruriko-san, wait up!" and Ruriko turned around to see a brown- haired girl, much taller that her, come to a stop to catch her breath. "Whew, I am sure glad that I found you," exclaimed Reiko, followed with her usual albeit smile. Reiko Asagiri, 21 is one of Ruriko's closest friends from her high school and gatekeeper days.
"Nani?" replied Ruriko. "Well. um. I was wondering if you could help me out with these," as Reiko showed her a folder with various notes and research about subjects ranging from witches, to magic and sorcery.
"What is this about?" asked Ruriko. "It's for my literature project. We have to write our own story and present it to class. I have always been fascinated by witches so I decided to write a story about them," she replied.
"I see, and you want me to help you write it, neh?" Ruriko smiled. "Hai, that is if you're not too busy?" as Reiko cupped her thumb and index fingers together. Ruriko again gleefully smiled and said, "Sure, I will help you."
"Honto? Arigato gozaimasu Ruriko-san!" exclaimed Reiko as she gave her friend a big hug. "I'll see you later ok?" and she was off.
Ruriko again couldn't help but think how time passed by so quickly. Reiko is also in college with her. Reiko! And to think that she once went to school completely forgetting to bring her books and notes with her, the same Reiko who was surprised when she got a 50 percent on her biology exam when her previous high was 37 percent. Even though Ruriko knew that her best friend was a bit slow academically, she was an extremely caring and loyal friend and one heck of a piano player. Her performances were always packed, not just because she still uses her 'gate' ability to make the audience see wonderful illusions, but because she puts her heart and soul into her performance.
Yet, despite the fact everything in her life seemed well; Ruriko couldn't help but feel that something in her life was missing. Or was it someone? "Ukiya-kun," she suddenly blurted and she began to blush.
Shun Ukiya, a fellow Gatekeeper, her childhood friend whom she had always and still love, was gone - gone overseas to be specific, to New York - USA - to be more precise.
- FLASHBACK -
"Honto? They're offering me a scholarship to study in America?!" exclaimed a very excited Ukiya, who still couldn't believe what he just heard. "Yes, Ukiya. New York State University is prepared to offer you a scholarship after you graduate from high school," said a man in his 40s, wearing a slightly tinted glasses and a black uniform. It was their commander, 'shirei' as he and his fellow Gatekeepers liked to call the head of the AEGIS Far East branch.
"But why me? I'm nowhere near as smart as Rurippe, Megame-kun (Specs) or Megumi-san," Ukiya looked at Ruriko who was seating beside him.
"Think of it as furthering relationships with America. After your final battle with Shadow, Japan was unofficially being given credit as the savior of the whole world. America is arguably the most powerful country in the world, and it had very little hand in the events that stopped the invaders. Our government does not want this 'issue' to sour relations with that country," replied the commander (or principal as he was also the head of Tategami high school.)
"I see, but I still don't get why are you sending me? Surely there is someone else more qualified than me," Ukiya quipped.
"On the contrary Ukiya-kun, you are the perfect person to represent our country," said a voice behind him. Ukiya and Ruriko turned to see a woman in her mid 20s, wearing a brown dress, and clutching a bunch of folders in her right arm as she walked past them and stood beside the commander.
"Ochiai-kun is right. You are the captain of the Far East Gatekeepers and you defeated Shadow. It shows America our deepest respect that we are sending our very best," he said as Ms. Ochiai gave her the folders which she was carrying. "So, Ukiya-taicho are you interested?"
"Of course I am!!" exclaimed Ukiya. "Isn't this great Rurippe?"
"Hhhai," was all that Ruriko managed to say.
Ukiya and Ruriko left the principal's office, and started to walk back home. It has been nine months since their last battle, and things have been peaceful since then. The school was already repaired, (it was badly damaged when the invaders attacked the AEGIS Far East Base, which was located beneath the school) and the rest of the district almost showed no sign of damage caused by the numerous invaders which fused into objects of destruction.
As they both strolled along towards Ruriko's house (Ukiya lived in a dormitory beside her house) Ukiya couldn't help but notice Ruriko's silence.
"Rurippe, are you all right? You seem awfully quiet since we left the school."
But Ruriko wasn't listening at all. She seemed to be lost deep in her thoughts.
"Rurippe!! Ruriko-chan!! Hey!!" that seemed to snapped her out her thoughts and she was able to say, "Yes? What is it?"
"What's wrong with you? You haven't said anything in a while. Is there something wrong?"
"N-No, it's nothing at all," she quipped. "I just wanted to say congratulations about the scholarship, I'm sure your mom and Saemi would be happy," as she managed to make a smile.
"Yeah, I'm sure they will be. However, I'm now having sec..," Ukiya was cut short by a cheerful voice that he had become accustomed to.
"Ukiya-senpai!!! Ukiya-senpai!!!," shouted a girl as she leapt and gave Ukiya a big hug around the neck. "Kkk-kaoru-chan you're choking me to death!!!," muttered Ukiya as she tried to make the brown-haired girl to let go.
Kaoru Konoe isn't your ordinary run-of-the-mill girl. Despite her petite body, and beautiful looks, this girl is probably the strongest female in the planet. This is because of her ability to summon enormous energy from alternate space giving her superhuman strength and speed - the Gate of Close Combat.
"Senpai, I heard the news from the commander. Are you really going?" asked Kaoru.
"Well, I.." he was again cut short by deep-baritoned cry.
"Waaaaaaah. waaaaah., Ukiya! I'm so sad and jealous that you are going to America! You are going to meet many blond-beauties there!! I'm so jealous! Waaaaaah." cried Bancho as tears flowed from his eyes as if it were a faucet.
It is not a pretty sight to see such a guy cry so openly, but then again this is Banba Chotaro. A burly young Japanese teen-ager in a military style beret and wooden slippers who managed to join the Gatekeepers by hanging onto the wheels of a helicopter after Ukiya and Ruriko tried to recruit him. Even though it took him quite a while, he did prove that he indeed is a Gatekeeper - the Gate of Power as Bancho himself proclaimed.
"Bancho, I'm not going there to meet girls. I'm going there to study," explained Ukiya.
"That's right!! Senpai is not that kind of guy!! Neh, senpai?" Kaoru said as she defended Ukiya. It is no secret that Kaoru really liked Ukiya, and she has always been protective and supportive of him.
"Aaya, I sure wish Reiko-san was here for this." said a cute Chinese girl who styled her hair into buns. Feye Feiring is the youngest among the Gatekeepers in Japan. She was originally a Gatekeeper from Shanghai, but later decided to join the Far East branch. Despite her young age, she is already a high school student and is Kaoru's classmate.
"I miss Reiko too, by the way, how is she doing?" asked Ruriko. "She's somehow managing to do fine at the Central University, which is a surprise considering we all used to help her in her studies," smirked Feye.
"To be honest, I was kind of surprised that she managed to graduate from high school," quipped Ukiya.
"Ukiya-kun!!" said Ruriko as she admonished Ukiya.
"I'm just kidding Rurippe!! You know that I like Reiko-san."
"Ukiya-senpai, you won't forget about us right?" asked Kaoru who had a concerned look on her face.
"Of course not! I'll write to you guys every month," Ukiya confidently replied.
"Just every month?!? I want you to write to us every day!!" Kaoru demanded.
"Now, now Kaoru, Ukiya-kun won't have anything much to tell us if he wrote to us everyday, neh?," said Ruriko.
"Hey Ukiya, how about treating us to some noodles to celebrate?" Bancho slyly requested. "It's only a month before we finish high school, so you better start to treat us out often," he continued.
"Wakatta. Alright, just this once," said Ukiya as he tried to feel his wallet in his back pocket.
The rest of them started to leave for the noodle house when Ukiya noticed Ruriko was again lost in her thoughts.
"Rurippe," said Ukiya as he gave her a slight nudge. "Let's go."
"Hai," Ruriko replied. 'I couldn't ask him to stay. I have no right to. Do I?' she thought as she followed the rest of her friends to their favourite noodle house.
- END OF FLASHBACK -
And life went back to normal. After ascertaining that the invaders no longer pose a veritable threat, the top leaders of AEGIS decided to release their Gatekeepers from active duty. AEGIS remained intact as a safeguard against the unlikely return of the invaders. Ukiya, Ruriko and Bancho finished high school. Ukiya went to New York to pursue his studies, Ruriko went to study at the Central University in Tokyo together with Reiko, and Bancho went back to Nagoyama to help Mr. Hachiman in his business. As for Kaoru, with Ukiya's departure, she went back to her family and is also planning to study at the Central University. Feye, went back to Shanghai to finish high school but is coming back to pursue her college studies.
'Ukiya-kun,' Ruriko thought. 'Why hasn't he answered my letters? It's been almost three months since he last wrote to me. Could he have forgotten about me? Has he found someone else? No, Ukiya-kun isn't like that' she further mused as she neared the dormitory in which she was staying.
'Or is he? After all we are not lovers, we're just good friends. Oh come on Ruriko, we both know that you love him. Why don't you just call him? I'm sure he'll be glad you did?' thought the black-haired girl as she silently conversed with herself.
She pulled out her keys from her bag and was about to open her dorm room which she shared with Reiko when she noticed that it was already open. "That's odd, Reiko still has classes. Well. she probably just forgot to lock the doors again," she said casually as she closed the door behind her.
"Long time no see Ikusawa-kun. I am glad to see that you are doing well," said a familiar voice. It belonged to someone she hasn't seen since she graduated from high school.
"Shirei, how are you doing?" said Ruriko as she went towards the commander of the AEGIS Far East Branch who was comfortably sitting in a sofa beside Ochiai-kun.
"I'm fine, where is Asagiri-kun?" asked the commander who had a more serious look to him than what Ruriko had expected from a visiting friend. "She still has a class left, so she won't be back until later," she replied. "Would you like some tea, Shirei?"
"Thank you, that would be nice," he said. "Keiko, why don't you help Ikusawa-kun? The commander was referring to Ochiai-san who is now his wife. They got married before the Gatekeepers went on their separate ways.
"Hai, anata," as Ochiai-kun smiled.
After a few sips of tea and some servings of cake, the commander once again spoke, "First of all Ikusawa-kun I must apologize for coming here so suddenly since we haven't seen each other for a long time. However, I decided that it would be best to tell it to you in person rather than by phone."
Ruriko suddenly felt that something bad was going to happen and for some reason she began to think about Ukiya.
"It about Shun Ukiya. He's missing."
- END OF CHAPTER 1 -
Translations:
Hai = yes Anata = darling, beloved Honto = really Arigato Gozaimasu = thank you very much Shirei = commander Wakatta = I understand Nani = what? Senpai = senior, a form of respect
[Authors Notes: Well that's it, the first chapter of my first fanfiction ever. Well if the chapter 1 seemed all talk, it supposed to be since I'm still trying to establish the storyline. But don't worry; you'll get some action by the third chapter. And since it's my first time to write a fanfic, I hope that you guys who read it will give me some slack. I'm sure it will get better as time goes by. See you guys next time as the Gatekeepers: Revisted continues. Chapter 2: Reunion - coming out soon!!]
Microsz presents: A Gatekeepers Fanfiction
Gatekeepers: Revisited
Chapter 1: BACK to FRONT
"Tempus Fugit," Ruriko Ikusawa muttered to herself as she followed a mass of students heading towards the exit of the hall in which she took her Business subject. 'Yes, time sure flies,' she lackadaisically thought.
And why not? It has been a good three years since Ukiya-kun and the rest of the Gatekeepers defeated Shadow and the invaders at the Diet building. Since then, it has been relatively peaceful in Japan and in the rest of the world. The world in general is enjoying economic growth and the tension that gripped the Japan (which the rest of the world was able to witness) was almost forgotten, except for the few paranoid crackpots who kept on babbling that the world was soon going to end.
Ruriko is now a beautiful, 20 year old lady, and she is one of the top students at the Central University in Tokyo. Gone were the days when she used to wear a yellow ribbon on her hair, as she now feels comfortable in letting her long hair (which was up to her waist) hang freely. Gone were the days when she used to be a Gatekeeper, a member of a secret organization AEGIS that was tasked to protect the earth from an enemy simply called the 'invaders' She is now just a regular girl, a normal student.
"Ruriko-san, wait up!" and Ruriko turned around to see a brown- haired girl, much taller that her, come to a stop to catch her breath. "Whew, I am sure glad that I found you," exclaimed Reiko, followed with her usual albeit smile. Reiko Asagiri, 21 is one of Ruriko's closest friends from her high school and gatekeeper days.
"Nani?" replied Ruriko. "Well. um. I was wondering if you could help me out with these," as Reiko showed her a folder with various notes and research about subjects ranging from witches, to magic and sorcery.
"What is this about?" asked Ruriko. "It's for my literature project. We have to write our own story and present it to class. I have always been fascinated by witches so I decided to write a story about them," she replied.
"I see, and you want me to help you write it, neh?" Ruriko smiled. "Hai, that is if you're not too busy?" as Reiko cupped her thumb and index fingers together. Ruriko again gleefully smiled and said, "Sure, I will help you."
"Honto? Arigato gozaimasu Ruriko-san!" exclaimed Reiko as she gave her friend a big hug. "I'll see you later ok?" and she was off.
Ruriko again couldn't help but think how time passed by so quickly. Reiko is also in college with her. Reiko! And to think that she once went to school completely forgetting to bring her books and notes with her, the same Reiko who was surprised when she got a 50 percent on her biology exam when her previous high was 37 percent. Even though Ruriko knew that her best friend was a bit slow academically, she was an extremely caring and loyal friend and one heck of a piano player. Her performances were always packed, not just because she still uses her 'gate' ability to make the audience see wonderful illusions, but because she puts her heart and soul into her performance.
Yet, despite the fact everything in her life seemed well; Ruriko couldn't help but feel that something in her life was missing. Or was it someone? "Ukiya-kun," she suddenly blurted and she began to blush.
Shun Ukiya, a fellow Gatekeeper, her childhood friend whom she had always and still love, was gone - gone overseas to be specific, to New York - USA - to be more precise.
- FLASHBACK -
"Honto? They're offering me a scholarship to study in America?!" exclaimed a very excited Ukiya, who still couldn't believe what he just heard. "Yes, Ukiya. New York State University is prepared to offer you a scholarship after you graduate from high school," said a man in his 40s, wearing a slightly tinted glasses and a black uniform. It was their commander, 'shirei' as he and his fellow Gatekeepers liked to call the head of the AEGIS Far East branch.
"But why me? I'm nowhere near as smart as Rurippe, Megame-kun (Specs) or Megumi-san," Ukiya looked at Ruriko who was seating beside him.
"Think of it as furthering relationships with America. After your final battle with Shadow, Japan was unofficially being given credit as the savior of the whole world. America is arguably the most powerful country in the world, and it had very little hand in the events that stopped the invaders. Our government does not want this 'issue' to sour relations with that country," replied the commander (or principal as he was also the head of Tategami high school.)
"I see, but I still don't get why are you sending me? Surely there is someone else more qualified than me," Ukiya quipped.
"On the contrary Ukiya-kun, you are the perfect person to represent our country," said a voice behind him. Ukiya and Ruriko turned to see a woman in her mid 20s, wearing a brown dress, and clutching a bunch of folders in her right arm as she walked past them and stood beside the commander.
"Ochiai-kun is right. You are the captain of the Far East Gatekeepers and you defeated Shadow. It shows America our deepest respect that we are sending our very best," he said as Ms. Ochiai gave her the folders which she was carrying. "So, Ukiya-taicho are you interested?"
"Of course I am!!" exclaimed Ukiya. "Isn't this great Rurippe?"
"Hhhai," was all that Ruriko managed to say.
Ukiya and Ruriko left the principal's office, and started to walk back home. It has been nine months since their last battle, and things have been peaceful since then. The school was already repaired, (it was badly damaged when the invaders attacked the AEGIS Far East Base, which was located beneath the school) and the rest of the district almost showed no sign of damage caused by the numerous invaders which fused into objects of destruction.
As they both strolled along towards Ruriko's house (Ukiya lived in a dormitory beside her house) Ukiya couldn't help but notice Ruriko's silence.
"Rurippe, are you all right? You seem awfully quiet since we left the school."
But Ruriko wasn't listening at all. She seemed to be lost deep in her thoughts.
"Rurippe!! Ruriko-chan!! Hey!!" that seemed to snapped her out her thoughts and she was able to say, "Yes? What is it?"
"What's wrong with you? You haven't said anything in a while. Is there something wrong?"
"N-No, it's nothing at all," she quipped. "I just wanted to say congratulations about the scholarship, I'm sure your mom and Saemi would be happy," as she managed to make a smile.
"Yeah, I'm sure they will be. However, I'm now having sec..," Ukiya was cut short by a cheerful voice that he had become accustomed to.
"Ukiya-senpai!!! Ukiya-senpai!!!," shouted a girl as she leapt and gave Ukiya a big hug around the neck. "Kkk-kaoru-chan you're choking me to death!!!," muttered Ukiya as she tried to make the brown-haired girl to let go.
Kaoru Konoe isn't your ordinary run-of-the-mill girl. Despite her petite body, and beautiful looks, this girl is probably the strongest female in the planet. This is because of her ability to summon enormous energy from alternate space giving her superhuman strength and speed - the Gate of Close Combat.
"Senpai, I heard the news from the commander. Are you really going?" asked Kaoru.
"Well, I.." he was again cut short by deep-baritoned cry.
"Waaaaaaah. waaaaah., Ukiya! I'm so sad and jealous that you are going to America! You are going to meet many blond-beauties there!! I'm so jealous! Waaaaaah." cried Bancho as tears flowed from his eyes as if it were a faucet.
It is not a pretty sight to see such a guy cry so openly, but then again this is Banba Chotaro. A burly young Japanese teen-ager in a military style beret and wooden slippers who managed to join the Gatekeepers by hanging onto the wheels of a helicopter after Ukiya and Ruriko tried to recruit him. Even though it took him quite a while, he did prove that he indeed is a Gatekeeper - the Gate of Power as Bancho himself proclaimed.
"Bancho, I'm not going there to meet girls. I'm going there to study," explained Ukiya.
"That's right!! Senpai is not that kind of guy!! Neh, senpai?" Kaoru said as she defended Ukiya. It is no secret that Kaoru really liked Ukiya, and she has always been protective and supportive of him.
"Aaya, I sure wish Reiko-san was here for this." said a cute Chinese girl who styled her hair into buns. Feye Feiring is the youngest among the Gatekeepers in Japan. She was originally a Gatekeeper from Shanghai, but later decided to join the Far East branch. Despite her young age, she is already a high school student and is Kaoru's classmate.
"I miss Reiko too, by the way, how is she doing?" asked Ruriko. "She's somehow managing to do fine at the Central University, which is a surprise considering we all used to help her in her studies," smirked Feye.
"To be honest, I was kind of surprised that she managed to graduate from high school," quipped Ukiya.
"Ukiya-kun!!" said Ruriko as she admonished Ukiya.
"I'm just kidding Rurippe!! You know that I like Reiko-san."
"Ukiya-senpai, you won't forget about us right?" asked Kaoru who had a concerned look on her face.
"Of course not! I'll write to you guys every month," Ukiya confidently replied.
"Just every month?!? I want you to write to us every day!!" Kaoru demanded.
"Now, now Kaoru, Ukiya-kun won't have anything much to tell us if he wrote to us everyday, neh?," said Ruriko.
"Hey Ukiya, how about treating us to some noodles to celebrate?" Bancho slyly requested. "It's only a month before we finish high school, so you better start to treat us out often," he continued.
"Wakatta. Alright, just this once," said Ukiya as he tried to feel his wallet in his back pocket.
The rest of them started to leave for the noodle house when Ukiya noticed Ruriko was again lost in her thoughts.
"Rurippe," said Ukiya as he gave her a slight nudge. "Let's go."
"Hai," Ruriko replied. 'I couldn't ask him to stay. I have no right to. Do I?' she thought as she followed the rest of her friends to their favourite noodle house.
- END OF FLASHBACK -
And life went back to normal. After ascertaining that the invaders no longer pose a veritable threat, the top leaders of AEGIS decided to release their Gatekeepers from active duty. AEGIS remained intact as a safeguard against the unlikely return of the invaders. Ukiya, Ruriko and Bancho finished high school. Ukiya went to New York to pursue his studies, Ruriko went to study at the Central University in Tokyo together with Reiko, and Bancho went back to Nagoyama to help Mr. Hachiman in his business. As for Kaoru, with Ukiya's departure, she went back to her family and is also planning to study at the Central University. Feye, went back to Shanghai to finish high school but is coming back to pursue her college studies.
'Ukiya-kun,' Ruriko thought. 'Why hasn't he answered my letters? It's been almost three months since he last wrote to me. Could he have forgotten about me? Has he found someone else? No, Ukiya-kun isn't like that' she further mused as she neared the dormitory in which she was staying.
'Or is he? After all we are not lovers, we're just good friends. Oh come on Ruriko, we both know that you love him. Why don't you just call him? I'm sure he'll be glad you did?' thought the black-haired girl as she silently conversed with herself.
She pulled out her keys from her bag and was about to open her dorm room which she shared with Reiko when she noticed that it was already open. "That's odd, Reiko still has classes. Well. she probably just forgot to lock the doors again," she said casually as she closed the door behind her.
"Long time no see Ikusawa-kun. I am glad to see that you are doing well," said a familiar voice. It belonged to someone she hasn't seen since she graduated from high school.
"Shirei, how are you doing?" said Ruriko as she went towards the commander of the AEGIS Far East Branch who was comfortably sitting in a sofa beside Ochiai-kun.
"I'm fine, where is Asagiri-kun?" asked the commander who had a more serious look to him than what Ruriko had expected from a visiting friend. "She still has a class left, so she won't be back until later," she replied. "Would you like some tea, Shirei?"
"Thank you, that would be nice," he said. "Keiko, why don't you help Ikusawa-kun? The commander was referring to Ochiai-san who is now his wife. They got married before the Gatekeepers went on their separate ways.
"Hai, anata," as Ochiai-kun smiled.
After a few sips of tea and some servings of cake, the commander once again spoke, "First of all Ikusawa-kun I must apologize for coming here so suddenly since we haven't seen each other for a long time. However, I decided that it would be best to tell it to you in person rather than by phone."
Ruriko suddenly felt that something bad was going to happen and for some reason she began to think about Ukiya.
"It about Shun Ukiya. He's missing."
- END OF CHAPTER 1 -
Translations:
Hai = yes Anata = darling, beloved Honto = really Arigato Gozaimasu = thank you very much Shirei = commander Wakatta = I understand Nani = what? Senpai = senior, a form of respect
[Authors Notes: Well that's it, the first chapter of my first fanfiction ever. Well if the chapter 1 seemed all talk, it supposed to be since I'm still trying to establish the storyline. But don't worry; you'll get some action by the third chapter. And since it's my first time to write a fanfic, I hope that you guys who read it will give me some slack. I'm sure it will get better as time goes by. See you guys next time as the Gatekeepers: Revisted continues. Chapter 2: Reunion - coming out soon!!]