Hey minna!

I know. It's been a while since I've written new Outlaw Star fanfic. Heh, I've been trying to get my juices flowing. I've worked on some new Ranma 1/2 stuff and Sailor Moon fanfics as well. I've finally got the inspiration to write a new Outlaw Star fic! ^^ YAY!!!!

Disclaimer: I don't own Outlaw Star or its characters. I am merely borrowing them…^^ TAKE THAT YOU LAWYERS! MWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!

Rated R for language and violence. ^^

Enjoy!

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Now and Forever, Prologue:

Time Changes

By Batdz Angel (\0/)

The stars were brighter out in space. That hadn't change much over the last twelve years.

She watched those stars, large amber eyes filled with no emotion as she sat in the cockpit of the ship she had known for as long as she was alive. Her slim legs were encased in black pants that showed her curves to perfection, matching the red v-neck blouse she wore, cinched at the waist with a belt that held a castor. Her ebony hair was wild and framed her face, giving her an exotic beauty.

She gave orders to her ship, her companion, her family, and maneuvered the way into Blue Heaven. Where she had first been with the man who had changed her existence.

Had it really been so long ago since he died?

She couldn't remember.

She stepped out of her ship, telling the ones in charge she needed any repairs done to be done, and anything out of stock to be restocked. Grabbing her black cape, she left the ship and entered into the city, sidestepping a few pedestrians as she walked along the streets. She ignored the admiring glances from some of the outlaws, thinking briefly, Still the same. Dangerous, has its own rules…

Same as it had been when she had first arrived with Gene Starwind. The man she had loved then and the man she still loved.

She entered the seedy bar narrowing her eyes as she searched for the man she had come to meet. He was tall, towering over diminutive frame with dirty blonde hair and cold blue eyes. Once upon time, a long time ago, those same eyes had sparkled with childlike innocence and an intelligence surpassing anyone she had known. Now, they showed only cold, flat emotion.

How time changes one.

She sat down, ordered a drink, and looked at her companion with calm eyes. He smirked, one large hand scratching his chin as he said, "It's been a long time, hasn't it?" "Twelve years," she answered coldly picking up her whiskey. "Leave the bottle," she added as the waitress began to leave. The blonde shrugged and left it, sashaying over to a table of outlaws.

"Plan on getting drunk?" he asked sounding amused. "I don't get drunk," she answered evenly. "I'm an android remember? Alcohol doesn't work on me." "Too bad," he grinned cockily, reminding her of a smile she had adored. "I've wondered what a drunk android acts like." "You'll never know apparently," she fired back, downing the shot and enjoying the way it burned her throat.

Slamming the glass down, she refilled it and asked, "How's Aisha doing Jim? She and the kids okay?" Jim "Red" Hawking shrugged and said, "Yeah. Aisha's a good mother. She's fair and firm with 'em." He snorted and continued, "A lot better than I am as a father, that's for fucking sure." She made a sound that could have been a laugh or a snort. It was hard to tell now.

Jim studied his friend intently, his mind whirling, although his face didn't betray what he was thinking. She had changed from the sweet, innocent girl to a woman with a take-no-shit attitude and rough times. Her left arm held a single, six-inch scar that wrapped around her upper arm and a dragon tattoo was emblazoned on her back. He'd seen it one night when she'd stayed at his and Aisha's.

Accidentally of course.

Bitterness sat well on her, he decided as he took a swig of his beer.

"How's Gilliam?" he asked casually as she took her tenth shot, hair a sheet of ebony. She raised an eyebrow at him and said, "Fine. Still a prim and proper computer." She rolled her eyes and said, "Always calls you the best crew ever. I'm thinking he's dropping hints." Jim laughed.

She ran a hand through her hair and froze, her senses telling her that someone in the bar was watching her.

Someone she did not want to see.

"Hello."

That voice.

That sweet, simpering, damning voice.

Jim's eyebrows raised as his friend's face hardened, her amber orbs becoming two pieces of stone as she turned around to stare at the beautiful green-haired man with the purple eyes. He wore a tan vest with a pair of black pants and a smile on his lovely face.

Yeesh, doesn't this guy ever die? Jim wondered idly as he sipped his beer again.

"Harry McDougall," she smiled wickedly, although to Harry it was probably serene. "Long time no see." Harry nodded his head, eyes glowing with unabashed admiration. "I know. I've missed you Melfina."

Melfina Starwind raised a slight eyebrow, her eyes roaming over his lithe form and drawled, "Heh. Maybe I'll give you a try. For curiosity's sake." Jim choked and coughed, pounding himself on the chest at the sound of Melfina talking about fucking someone.

Time does change everything.

Harry's eyes widened slightly at the sound of Melfina's voice, so harsh and so…bitter. This was not the same sweet, innocent girl he had fallen in love with. He eyed her seeing the way her clothing emphasized her curves not hindered them and the way she drank like a man.

Gene Starwind had corrupted his beautiful flower.

He would pay dearly.

"So where's Gene?" he asked flippantly, ignoring the remark made early by his beauty. "Is that bastard still with you Melfina? Or have you finally decided to go for a real man?"

Harry was always good at judging a situation wrong, Jim decided as Melfina's fists tightened around the glass, shattering it effectively. "Heh," he leaned back in his seat, enjoying the way Mel's face twisted into quiet fury and she stood, chair scraping back with a rough sound.

Harry's eyes widened more as a familiar castor was suddenly pressed against his temple, Melfina staring at him with cold eyes. "Nani…?" he managed. "Melfina, my love, what-"

"Shut the fuck up, you lousy piece of shit."

Harry did.

Melfina sneered at him and snarled, "Gene died twelve years ago you fucking idiot. He was fucking saving some goddamn rich girl who was kidnapped. That damn girl cost my Gene his life. And you know for what?"

The castor clicked.

Harry trembled.

"All for a goddamn measly thousand wong. All because we needed the stupid money."

Her finger tightened on the trigger and Harry trembled more at the thought his sweet Melfina would murder him.

"So don't you ever show your ugly face to me again," Melfina snarled. "Or I'll fucking kill you." Then she smiled, a twist of the lips that was remnant of her old one. "Got it, Harry?"

He collapsed to the ground as Melfina stood, cape in hand, and left the bar, Jim following.

Yes, time changes everything.

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Comments at Batdzangel@yahoo.com

Ja ne!

Batdz Angel (\0/)