All right folks. This is a cooperative work between me and Lily Hellsing, based on a weird little "what if"- thought, from which we've created a AU with good ol' characters from the classical KP-universe and some OCs too. Not much else to say except for this:
Lily wanted me to add(specifically for this chapter), that we don't want to offend Middle Easterns or Muslims in general so don't get pissy or burn flags or hunt us down in person(or let a bounty hunter do it for you).
In addition I might add, that we'll produce some spin-off songfics or one-shots to this AU.
Hope you like it, and feel free to review(but they are most appreciated).
Tim & Lily.
Jerusalem, 17th of July 1991
The midday sun was frying from the sky so high above, but despite the 34 degrees and the thick warm air, life went on as usual in Jerusalem, the holy city. Among the locals a couple of American tourist was exploring one of the many Bazaars.
Unlike all the other great places of the world, most tourists in this country did not stick out. Any passing people who were native to that land would never see a 'fanny pack', a silly Disney World hat, flip flops, and shorts with some Hawaiian shirt. Out of respect, and common sense given the past of this place, any people who were visiting knew better and wore the traditional stuff.
Dean and Sandra Stoppable were searching for souvenirs with their little son, Ronald, enjoying the last days of the vacation they'd spend with Sandra's sister and her husband. It had been a most wonderful week, with unique cultural experiences, unforgettable moments of laughter as well as more 'divine' moments. Moment where you could see the true beauty of lands that united the heritage of millions of people spread around the globe. Moments where you could see why God had led Abraham to these lands, a little paradise on earth.
But as for any other paradise, there are snakes tempting to spoil the harmony.
Wahid had finished his prays. His eyes wandered around the room, checking that he hadn't forgotten something during his preparation. It wasn't so much the fear of what he was about to do as to how nervous he was. The bomb belt lay on the table, ready to be strapped around his torso. He'd found an old shift that could camouflage it, and he'd finished shaving his body for every covering of hair on his body. Ali had helped him made the farewell-video for his family, though it was unlikely his father would play it for the family. He'd never understood him or his cause. No matter, he didn't care much for the ignorant coward.
Jarud on the other hand, he would've understood him. He was proof of why they had to fight against the infidel suppressors. A teardrop passed its way down his chin at the memory of his brother. He regained his composure. In just another fifteen minutes he would join Jarud and the other martyrs.
And how could this not be right? His brother was young, yes, but he was also wise. He held more wisdom than his father who showed his age by possessing a gray beard. Before his blood went out like a hero, he had told Wahid to follow this path; this path would take him to his prize, his reward, a safe haven!
"Inch Allah" he whispered before he strapped the bomb belt and pulled on the shift. God's soldier was ready to strike a blow for his faith.
Lord Montgomery Edward Paynesworth Fiske wandered around in the bazaar, fascinated by the atmosphere and scouting for possible artefacts. After all, it was said that you could find anything in a Middle Eastern bazaar, so the chances of stumbling over a monkey cult-related artefact should be good.
"Can I tempt you with something sir?" a voice from behind said. Lord Fiske turned around and saw a young street vendor with watches on a tray.
It was a silly question for everything Montgomery set his eyes on was found at least some what tempting. Colourful fruit from here and imported lands, beautiful gold jewelery that sparkled under the relentless sun, fabric of silk and fine cotton that just begged to be worn.
"Real Rolex. Very good quality! 50 dollars only." The young man attempted to coax him. The young Fiske half expected him to wear a trench coat and open it, showing hundreds of watching with that annoying loud ticking sound. Then again, this wasn't an alleyway in America, this was a bazaar.
"Thank you my young friend but I'm not interested." The nobleman said, smiling politely at the young man. While you might find anything and everything your heart desires in this bazaar, chances of them being fake were relatively good.
"45 dollars?" the vendor wouldn't give up without a try.
Fiske sighed. He had two options. Either he bought a watch and got rid of the annoyance but it would also attract other parasites…or: If he ignored him long enough though, he might turn to another poor fellow. But then he would have to pull some self-possession, something he seemed to lack in annoying situations like this.
"40 dollars sir?"
He chose the last option.
"Dean, isn't this scarf adorable…now Ronnie don't suck on it!" she gave the blond little boy in her arms a firm glare. The boy looked up with deep brown eyes, innocent as ever.
Mr. Stoppable laughed.
"I think our Ronald has the same taste you dear. Let's take that as an approval." He said in a cheerful voice and paid for the scarf.
Wahid walked as hastily as he could through the crowd. He had to get to most crowd-packed center of the bazaar before the bomb detonated. A smile lid up as he turned a corner. He was there. He looked on his watch: 1 minute and twenty-three seconds left. His heart started beating faster and faster.
"Oh! I promised Aunt Ruth to buy a jar of that relish she likes." Dean remembered.
"You'll go find dear. I'll stay here with Ronald."
"I'll be right back." He said. He gave his son a peck on the cheek and went out on his search for an exquisite relish that you, for God knows what reason, only can buy in Jerusalem.
But he didn't go far before they were knocked to ground by a sudden nearby explosion.
Fiske landed was hit by the shockwave but managed to stay on his feet. Though the loud explosion had caused some fricatives, he could here people scream. Most of them were fleeing but he ran towards the scene of the crime per instinct. There were probably people who needed and it would take some time before the ambulances would arrive, and he was educated in first-aid from his army-days.
It was a total chaos. Bodies lying in grotesque positions, separated body parts, wounded survivors crying for help, others screaming in pain. But what caught his eyes was a blond boy, not a day over two years, sitting next two the lifeless body of a woman, apparently his mother. The facial expressions, despite his holding fear and the woman's confusion frozen in time, were strikingly similar. He was crying.
The nobleman took the little boy in his arm.
"Shhh. It's all going to be all right, little fellow." His voice was calm and comforting.
The boy stopped crying and looked at him with perplexed expression on his face. It turned into a funny smile and the boy's hand started to reach for his nose.
"Man, nose." The little bond said.
Fiske's heart melted. The boy was the most adorable thing he'd seen. His little freckles. His cute ears. The corn-blond hair. Not to mention the chocolate-brow eyes. There was voice in his head, possibly his paternal instinct kicking in, telling him to keep the little guy. But then again…wouldn't it be unethical? No! It was his duty to take care of him instead of leaving him to an orphanage in a foreign country. Lord Monty Fiske had made up his mind. The boy would stay with him. He looked around to see if anyone had paid them attention, but most of the remaining people were in shock or busy helping the survivors. He held the boy close to his chest and ran away as fast as he could.
Bates rushed towards the gate of Fiske castle. The old doorbell was ringing, and he knew that it could only be his lordship returning from his latest trip. He opened the huge door ready to greet Lord Fiske with his usual dignity.
"Welcome home my…" he lost his jaw before he could finish the sentence. Thank goodness it was connected to his face for it probably would have hit the ground in a second flat.
What he saw struck him with surprise. Next to the tall ebony-haired nobleman was the luggage, nothing unusual about that, but the little person he carried in his arms was…well, more than unexpected if not wrong on all levels of reason.
Lord Monty Fiske frowned at the butler's reaction.
"Bates, stop gawking and take care of my luggage. When you're done, go see if you can find a crib for little Ronald here." Lord Fiske commanded his butler. It was like bringing home a child every day was normal! Had anyone been watching from the distance, they would have found it particularly comical at how Fiske reacted, as though Bates was…overreacting.
"Ronald?" Bates asked incredulously.
"I found the name on his underwear. His parents died in terrorist attack." His Lordship said with his eyes locked on the boy in his arms, admiring the little cutie.
"But my Lord…"
"No 'buts' Bates. Do as I say."
"Yes my Lord."
Bates watched his master walk down the hall as prattled to the giggling toddler. He shook his head in wonder.
"I knew he was eccentric, but this is certainly stranger than those tasteless artifacts he's so obsessed with." He thought as he began to carry Lord Fiske's luggage inside. Surely it was safe for a man who was obsessed hopelessly with monkey related myths and power to have a child who could be molded into whatever he pleased…right?