(AAN: I don't own MR or any of the characters.)
Where My Heart Rests
By Ripitupgenki
Chp. 1: Back to the Home Range
A lone figure moved along in the dim morning light of dawn. His steed carrying him effortlessly. Though he had lived here for years, its beauty still amazed him. Yet he still felt out of place. His mind drifted to his earlier year when he had met her. The girl he wanted to be with now more then ever. He missed her dearly along with his other friends. He silently wondered if any would remember him or if the monsters would still be living. After all in his game they only lived a max of 5 years. But he wasn't sure everything was the same. After all several of the monsters looked different and the most powerful of all had not been in the original game. He had contacted the company giving them an idea for the monsters but they were still not right. Genki longed so much to see Holly and Mocchi again. The two he kept close to his heart. He wondered how his young monster was fairing.
"Genki there ya'er. I've been lookin' all over for ya." A female voice came to him making him look over at the familiar face of his cousin.
"Sorry to worry you Niki. Just needed some time alone."
"Aww… don' tell me your still gloomy cous."
"A little. Don't worry bout it girl. I'll be alright just miss a few things from my past."
"You know anyone else wouldn't have believed a word ya said."
"I know." He smiled "and that's why I trust you."
"Well then" she smacked him on the back nearly knocking him off his horse. "Lets get back. Ma made us supper."
"Alright" he urged his steed after her enjoying the feel of the wind as they galloped home. Didn't take long before they slowed their horses and dismounted. Genki lead his rather large steed into the stables as his cousin followed with her smaller mare. His large stallion named Sun Dancer was of the Arabian line. A tall horse built for running though the dessert sands. His auburn fur clashed with the racing strip on his head then went all the way down to his nose. Though Arabians were typically all one color his was special in a sense. Niki on the other hand had a Paint mare named Moon River whom she dearly loved. After unsaddling the horses they removed their bridals and let them into the pen with the others. Happily going inside and washing up for dinner. When they sat down Niki's mother, Laura, had a full meal on the table. Roast chicken, cornbread, mash potatoes, and green beans. As usual Laura gave them grape juice to drink. With one sip Genki smile.
"Made some more today didn't ya?"
"Yes I'm glad someone can tell."
"Being a city boy helps in some ways." She chuckled, he'd always been teased about such but had adjusted well to ranch life in the US. Niki giggled and lapped him on the shoulder.
"Well least we broke this city boy into ranch life." All three laughed.
"What's so funny?" a low gentle voice came.
"Nothin' much pa just talking bout our city boy here." The man clad in light tan cotton shirt walked in taking his hat off and putting it on the coat rack. His jeans were wrinkled as usual showing that he'd been trying to break a certain steed that would not be broken.
"Come sit down Randy. We're just about to start eatin'?" her husband complied. Once ready all bowed their heads and folded their hands.
"Lord we thank you for this day and this food. Bless this food to our bodies and bless us. In your holy name amen." With that they all passed around the plates. Genki had learned manner quite well after his time there and waited patiently for the food to be passed around before eating. He always enjoyed the food Laura made. Considering her and excellent cook especially since his mother had usually made boxed pasta and such. As dinner progressed Genki sensed that Randy had something on his mind.
"Genki I would like to ask you and Niki to go pick up a new horse I'm buyin' from Nelson Michealson. I know it's a long ride but I also know both of you are very capable of handling it. After all you know the way and you have been on many long rides includin' several cattle drives. Take Zev with you."
"I'd be happy to pa." Niki was overjoyed at the responsibility.
"Me as well. Give me something to do round here besides the usual."
"you don't like the usual?" Laura teased.
"Just need a change in pace a bit. You know thin's is slow round here since the cattle drive last fall. Besides I haven't givin' old Sun Dancer a long run in awhile."
"Glad to have you both then. You'll leave tomorra'." They both nodded. Finishing up they went to ready themselves for the long ride ahead. Genki and Niki both packed light as always but took the essentials. Later that night Genki lay in his bed, a tear slipped down his cheek as he remembered the past. He whipped it away and turned over to sleep.
In the morning both rose at their usual time round 6 am. Of course Genki was sluggish as he always was in the morning. After eating a hearty breakfast they set out together riding sis by side on horse back. Despite Moon River being smaller she kept up with Sun Dancer fairly easily. Genki's stallion had a rather laid back personality and rarely out ran the mare. Zev a pet wolf Genki had acquired now accompanied them. After a full days travel they stopped for the night. Genki took shelter against and old saguaro. Tilting his hat down to snooze as Niki made some dinner. Once done she came over to him kicking him in the foot. His hands came up accepting the meal even before this eyes opened. Titling his hat back up he ate silently.
"Yer getting' that down trodden look again."
"Hmm? Sorry I have a lot on my mind."
"Ya need to stop thinking' of the past. It only make thin's worse on yer heart."
"I know just some matters were brought up recently…." Her eyes softened knowing what was bothering him now.
"Don't listen, what do they know bout who ya are anyway?"
"I suppose your right." He finished up grabbing his bed roll he lay down using it as a pillow. The night was nice and cool, no need for blankest at the moment. With a sight she put the bowl near the fire and rinsed them out. Then lay down her self.
Morning came quickly and they were soon up and on there way. Genki took to listening to his CD player on the way as Niki thought of how she might help him. What he needs is a nice girl to distract him and help heal his heart. But he rarely pays attention when a girl asks him out. she sighed again knowing it would be a long ride.
"Moon River looks like yer the only one I have to talk ta at the moment." The mare snorted to her rider shaking her head slightly. Zev whimpered making her smile. "and you as well Zev."
After a 6 hour ride they come to Nelson's place. Being welcomed in eagerly. Genki paid the money and the Appaloosa stallion named Cloud Runner was placed under their care. After a nice night of talking with the Michealson's both retired to the guest room. When morning arrived they thanked their hosts well and departed with their new charge in tow. After a days travel they stopped once again Genki pulled out his harmonica and entertained his cousin till she grew tired. When they started up in the morning Genki had the feeling something was wrong but couldn't tell what was wrong. Caught I deep thought his cousin sighed.
"does he ever not think on the past?" she whispered to her self.
Meanwhile….
In the monster world Genki's feeling was right. Holly screamed narrowly dodging a Hangar's attack. Golem flamed his fist into the robot sending him into a couple of rocks that dismantled him. Tiger fried another as Hare knocked a second around. Luckily for them a retreat was ordered and all enemy monsters fled. Holly sank to the ground as he knees gave way. Suezo came out of hiding with Mocchi dragging him along.
"Suezo hide chi."
"Suezo!" tiger growled.
"What happened to the team effort?" Hare added Holly looked at her childhood companion rather miffed.
"I was looking for scouts?"
"my ass you were." Tiger growled till Holly stroked his back.
"Lets not fight. That won't help us right now." They nodded.
"You hurt?"
"No just tired."
"I cook chi!" they all watched the younger monster go to find fire wood. Amusement on their faces.
"Genki would be proud of him I think."
"yes he would…" Holly realized it'd been far to long now. He wasn't coming back. But she still missed him no matter what. Their hearts were always together right?
In the mean time….
Genki and Niki both notice a strange aura in front of them. But before either could react it enveloped them. Next thing either knew they were in a different place then they had been.
"Well this is weird…" Niki said thinking out loud.
"Yeah. Still in the desert but in a different one. That rock formation wasn't there before."
"Yeah yer right. What happened?"
"I hope its not what I'm thinkin'…."
"What? Are…" but she was interrupted by a scream. Genki wheeled his horse around seeing the problem. A Black Zuum was trying to bit a young woman. Though several other monsters were fighting. "what the hell?"
"We're in the MR world Niki deal with it, we have to help." She nodded as he let the spare horse flee to a near by rock out clef to hid. Genki urged his horse forward as Zev ran along side him to help. Niki making her mare move as well, as she unstrapped a tomahawk she carried with her. Genki pulled out his dagger he'd bought readying himself for the fight. Holly dodged the man on his monster scared but hoping eh was there to help. Genki slashed deep into the Zuum's throat making him into a lost disk. Zev launched himself at another killing him in record time with a single bit. Holly glanced over seeing a female rider clubbing a few others killing them with one blow. Once several realized the impending danger they retreated. Niki sighed in relief not really wanting to deal with this. A sudden cry for help made Genki turn his steed seeing Mocchi being hurt he loosed his rope.
"Heya" his stallion reared and took off. Flipping the rope out he looped it above his head gain speed and width as he did. The threw it catching the Zuum by surprise he dropped Mocchi and continued running when Genki was sure the young monster was out of danger and in the woman's arms he smiled. "Halt" he yelled his steed complied tightening the rope and pulling the Zuum right off his feet. Trained for cattle roping his horse pulled backwards slowly keep the Zuum on the ground as Genki walked to the Zuum. Zev trotted over to Genki's side. The monster glared at him till he saw the large dagger in the mans hand and the large creature beside him. "What do ya want with them?"
"I'm just following orders form the boss…" he stammered.
"Who's yer boss?"
"Lord Nivar"
"Well ya tell this Lord Nivar ta pick on someone his own size alright?" the Zuum nodded dumbly as Genki slipped the rope away then he ran.
His steed bumped his arm. With a smile Genki rubbed his neck. "Good work" Zev whined making his master look over at him. "you as well boy." Holly became curious and approached. Slowly but Tiger growled at the man as the others glared at the woman rider.
"What do you want?" tiger snarled.
"Easy. Ya just looked like you might need some help. I want nothin' from ya." Holly watched him. "if yer going to approach do it from the side. Horses instincts is to kick if they are startled. I wouldn't want to be in back of him if I were you." Nodding she came around the side. Tiger doing the same but watching the animal, soon as he saw Zev he began to snarl. Zev snarled, "Zev don't you dare." His voice so stern that the wolf reluctantly sat at his side eyeing Tiger.
"Who are you?" Holly ask cautiously now within a few feet of him.
"I think ya should know Holly. Ya knew me before." Her eyes widened.
"Genki?"
"Yep." Forgetting she still had her dagger in hand she approached setting Zev off. "Zev no" he jumped in the way only having the wolf bite down on him instead of Holly. Realizing who he'd gotten Zev released. "Lay down Zev!" Genki growled making the wolf cringe and lay down right where he was. "you stay there" he turned to Holly. "might want to put your dagger away. Tiger stop growling he was trying to protect me." Holly put her dagger way scared of the wolf.
"From what?"
"He doesn't know you. Seeing Holly with a weapon made him react."
"Is he so stupid not to realize when friends are speaking?" Genki's face grew very serious.
"Tiger he is a wolf. Not a monster. Wolf's are animals they mostly react to things by instinct. He is very intelligent for his kind." Tiger was silent "just like my horse there Sun Dancer." Genki indicated his steed who was watching ears perked forward. He instantly looked over at Niki who had come up shkign her head. Sliding off her mare she pulled out her first aid kit.
"Always getting hurt aren't ya?"
"Maybe just a little."
"Well lets take a look before ya get infected. Who knows what's been in old Zev's mouth." Genki rolled up his sleeve making Holly wince as she saw the deep bite marks. "well not as bad as I thought but deep enough. He could have rushed yer arm ya know."
"I am well aware of the power in his jaws. He can break my arm in a single bite with out hardly tryin'. Ya don't have to remind me. I have dealt with wolves many times." Taking care of the wound she was careful despite her cousins stupidity. Taking out a syringe she filled it up to 50 ml with penicillin. "do ya have ta use that?"
"Would ya rather not and get yer arm amputated later?" Genki just groaned as she gave him the shot. Stuff burned like all hell but he knew it would help. "now be careful. I'll go get Cloud Runner where ever the coward bolted to."
"Take Zev he will be able to track him." She nodded and remounted whistling for him. Zev looked at Genki who nodded and took off after his mistress.
"Genki is Zev always like that?"
"He's protective but once you are introduced he will behave." Hearing a whistle he looked over toward his cousin sighing. Zev came over and took his sleeve pulling. "Alright Zev I'm coming. Excuse me seems she can't handle the coward as she thought." Sun Dancer was instantly at his side. "No need I'll get him." The horse neighed his protest but only mad Genki chuckled. "Take it easy Sun Dancer." The horse pouted in a fashion snorting once and looking off in another direction as he walked over to check out a cactus. Holly watched as she saw flailing hoofs almost hit Genki.
"What on earth?" Suezo asked with no reply form the others.
"Momentai now Cloud Runner. Its alright the Danger has passed." Holly thought for a moment the creature would hit Genki. But slowly the horse as he called it dropped to all fours again. "that's a boy. Come now lets get ya some water and oats huh?" taking the stallions lead he lead him back Niki shook her head and walked beside him her mare instantly following with Zev. Genki lead the blue gray and white speckled stallion over to where Sun Dancer was. Cutting open the large round cactus Sun Dancer was pawing at Genki took the top off. Letting the horses drink. "You going any further today?" He asked the group.
"No I think we're all tired." Holly glanced around the group getting nods.
"Alright then I propose using they rock clef as a shelter from the sun."
"Sounds good to me" Hare interjected, walking to it.
"I'll find another barrel cactus." Niki comment.
"Alright. I'll take the gear off the horses so they can relax." Niki turned to Holly
"If you have a pot ya want water in then give it ta me while I'm out I'll fill it. Save a trip for ya." Holly got the pot from Suezo and Niki took it walking off toward another cactus. She and Mocchi stayed to watch Genki take the gear off the horses. Fascinated by what he was doing. Genki pulled out some oats he had in his saddle bag fro the group. Patting each one before walking over to Holly. She turned following him back.
"You always do that?"
"Yes it takes the burden off their backs though they'll do better if we're not in the dessert for long."
"Genki I that your girl friend" Hare asked making Genki look at him.
"No she's my cousin. I was with her and her family on there ranch. I'll introduce you when she gets back." He wlaked over sitting down the rest against the flat rock of the clef.
"So why were you with them chi?" Holly saw Genki's eyes grow distant."
"It doesn't really matter. I'm glad I was there. If I hadn't been I wouldn't be here now." Mocchi came over hugging him. Genki saw hism smile gently. Zev came back over panting as he walked to Genki. He whined and pinend his ears back when he saw genki's arm wrapped. "yeah ya know ya did that don't ya? Well behave yer slef now Zev." Genki extened a hand ot scratch Zev head, in return the wolf came over to lick his face making him laugh. "Zev cut that out. I get it yer sorry and yer forgiven." Zev stopped looking over at Niki who smiled.
"Playin' kiss and make up Zev? You goofy mutt. Come here." The wolf complied catching what was thrown to him and taking it over to eat it. She tossed something at Genki starling him. Picking it up he chuckled.
"What'd ya need another one for yer collection."
"Nope just got in my way. figured make a good snack for our wolf."
"figures with you. Just can't leave them poor snakes alone can ya?"
"he wasn't leaving me alone really. And unlike you I'm nto going to move him until he's dead. Remember you landed in the hospital after you got yer self bit. Then ya got the bright idea to go learn from that snake lady, what's her name, down the road."
"Yes I remember and her name is Martha. And she taught me more then you think bout our reptilian friends." She scoffed at his comment.
"Big goof ball."
"Whatever. Niki I want you to meet the friends I told ya bout. Holly, Tiger, Mocchi, Hare, Suezo, and Golem. He indicated each."
"Nice ta meet ya. My full names Nichole but you can call me Niki like Genki if ya want." They all nodded.
"Holly come her a moment." She complied. Genki whistled and Zev trotted over. "Hold out yer hand. Trust me he'll be fine. Zev this is Holly, ya be nice ta her got it?" Zev sniffed her hand for a few moments getting her scent then licked her hand and nudged it. "he wants you to pet him. He's a bit spoiled." Holly gentle petted Zev realizing now that he was just protecting Genki.
"Genki why do you and Niki talk so funny now?" She asked curious.
"Oh cause she grew up in the west. Her dads a cowboy. All the people in that area have an accent like that and I just picked up on it after being there awhile." She nodded.
"Holly hungry chi" Holly smiled to the young monster.
"ok let get something to eat."
"I can help if ya want."
"Sure I'd appreciate that."
It wasn't too long till every one had a bowl in front of them of Holly's delicious soup. Niki was impressed and it showed but also distracted.
"Missing Kody there Niki?"
"No I'm not. I told ya were aren't in a relationship anymore." He smirked. Making her raise and eye brow.
"Don't me that you don't still like him. I know you too well."
"Your crazy. Now but out mister I won't get a girl friend."
"Never said I couldn't though. I just don't see a point in it if I don't like'm in the first place. Besides since when did you start acting like grandma bout that?"
"Since never" she tossed a rock at him. He shook his head.
"Genki you never told us why you were with her and her parents." Hare reminded. Genki looked over at him his face emotionless. But Holly saw sorrow in his eyes. hearing the hoses stir he used it as his excuse.
"Excuse me sounds like something is disturbing the horses." He got up and left. Niki watches him a moment then looked back at the others.
"watch what ya say around him. He's had it rough. I know everyone has problems but Genki's seemed to land slide. He was with us cause his parents were killed in an accident. Some loony driver hit them while they were walking. Killing them both, but they died in much pain. Genki was actually there when they died in the hospital. He never recovered form that I don't think."
"Oh my poor Genki."
"Things got worse when his father and mother's families fought over who'd have custody of him till he was 18. my grandparents won that battle though my parent's take care of them so he's with us. Only one he seems to trust now is me and ya guys. He wouldn't even speak to my grandparents for the longest time. He came around to my ma faster though. I think it's cause she never pushed him and just let him come to her when he wanted. Only thin' she called him for was supper which he didn't seem to mind." They all nodded.
"But he seems so distant."
Hhe's been like that since his ma and pa died. Nothin's really changed that. It was worse before he got Zev though."
"What do you mean?"
"Well lets just say Genki has a power of sorts."
To be continued….