There You'll Be
Written by Star

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Chapter One
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When I think back on these times
And the dreams we left behind
I'll be glad 'cuz I was blessed to get
To have you in my life

When I look back on these days
I'll look and see your face
You were right there for me

(Faith Hill)


Heads were high but hearts were heavy as we toiled through this miserable excuse of an existence. It feels odd to think of it now, out here in the middle of nowhere; little less than three months ago, I'd entertained the idea of romance.

For me, men had been nothing more than a friend, a Co-worker...anything but what a man usually means to a girl. After many missions and we'd all relax in the lounge, girls would stare at D-boy longingly as though trying to ensnare him in the tangled web of love. Yet he never gave them a glance. He was too shy and heart too beaten to entertain those thoughts, I suppose.

Oh how I could stare forever in those dark emerald eyes of his, if we ever found him again! There's an aching in my heart which no exertion can extinguish, no rest which can expel it. For in his eyes, there was a longing which mirrored my own, too, the same shyness which prevented us from further exploring the blossoming of something special.

Two months, and still no word. Two months ago, our world crumbled and the first real damning defeat which could spell the end of everything. D-boy, Tekkaman Blade lost more then we did that day. He lost more than a place to call home and rest, he lost the last tie to the past and a darling little sister. I can't help but feel responsible. If we ever did find Blade again, how could I look him in the eye? Me, who'd fought against grown men could be knocked out by a dying child. He'd never believe me! We'd sparred before!

Rebin and Milly are fighting again; perhaps if Darkon himself insulted Rebin's cooking...we might have a chance. At least they haven't given in to the stench of defeat as I have. Noaru tells me to be brave, that we will all find a way. He keeps his eyes optimistic...to those who can't read them. To the observer, Noaru's sky blue eyes dance merrily upon a face which knows no meaning of defeat. However, to me, I see a storm brewing upon a face contorted in fury...and bewilderment at how quickly we Space Knights rose from despair to hope, and fell so quickly to despair once more. I know him too well; words lie, his eyes can't. He can still keep his head high, even when his heart's hit rock bottom.

Brave Noaru, my friend for so many years. Loyal and unfaltering, I only need to look to you and my hope can linger for another day.

*****

Noaru returns tired, but accompanied with the wicked and cheeky grin I know so well. As I wash his blistered and bruised feet, he tells with zest how he narrowly missed getting shot when 'acquiring' our dinner.

"...but that fat pig was too slow to catch me, and too poor a shot!"

"But Noaru! Isn't this stealing?" Milly asks warily. "Surely there's people worse off then we..." Noaru waved her off with his hand.

"Milly, I've been scouting that property for days; you should see the way he eats! He's turned starving families away..."

"Then maybe we should give them some." Noaru glared at Rebin.

"I did." His voice was so flat and deep, daring Rebin to say any more, but Rebin shrugged and resumed chopping vegetables.

"At least we don't have to have potatoes again." Milly said with a grin.

*****

With everyone asleep, I climb to the top of the Green Earth in the hopes I can find some peace. However meditation no longer holds the charms it once did, so I find solace staring at the lonely stars, burning millions and millions of light years away. Why? Who knows.

"This isn't healthy, Aki."

"I thought you were asleep Noaru." I hear him chuckle as he sits beside me.

"You didn't eat much tonight; I don't risk being killed to watch you fade away."

"I'm sorry. The others need it more anyway." I could feel him tense and ready himself for a righteous lecture. "No more lectures, I promise I'll eat more tomorrow." I sighed and leaned against his shoulder.

"It's only been two months. Don't give up hope Aki." Noaru said softly.

"It's only been two months, and people are already turning into scavengers and against each other. When we need to band together the most, we turn against each other."

"Stop it Aki, I hate to hear you like this."

"It's the truth, isn't it?" His arm goes around me and I can feel his hand through my hair. "At any rate, you won't be able to go looking for food any more."

"And why is that?"

"Apart from us having enough," He begins to protest and his belly rumble unconsciously. "You need to rest. I'm worried you'll catch an infection..." He chuckled.

"A war should happen more often. It's been too long since I've had people worrying over me." A long silence fell between us and I kept my eyes firmly on the stars above. A cool breeze swept past us, but carried no sand or dust to choke us.

"Noaru?"

"We'll find him."

*****

When Noaru's mother died, we were only children. I don't remember much, but I do remember when he ran away. He couldn't have been more than eight because my sixth birthday was a week away. I remember finding him when everyone else couldn't; for hours we lay under the stars just as we were now. Years later, we still find each other under the stars when the cruel whip of sorrow beats against us; I lay against his shoulder and thanked heaven for Noaru. As with D-boy, I feel utterly and completely safe. It's wonderful to have someone like Noaru to lean against and have him keep the weight of the world away.

If only I didn't know you so well, perhaps I'd believe you when you say we'll find D-boy.

*****

If she were any more contented, I believe she'd be snoring. But Aki, thankfully, doesn't snore. It's been so long since Aki and I have been close; I don't dare let her know, but I can't help but feel as though D-boy's taken her away from me.

Insanely jealous? Perhaps in the beginning, but after I realised how much he meant to Aki...whether she wanted to admit it or not. D-boy, you may or may not be out there, but I'll never forgive you if you don't come and save Aki soon. I can only do so much. Aki and I grew up together, started off in military school and together we faced this war.

Until D-boy showed up.

Ever since then, it's like holding sand in the palm of my hand and watching it slip away.