Well gang, I decided it was time for a change of pace. I'm a little stuck in my other works, so I decided to watch some old anime to get my mind off of it. Lucky for me, I had a few Get Backers DVD's lying around.

Sadly, it gave me some ideas on a new fanfiction. Hence, the crack I'm about to show you. (Though, to be honest, it's not really crack-- quite serious, to be honest. It's just a little odd.)

So, here it is, my Get Backers fanfic; the one, and likely the only.

Disclaimer: All rights to Get Backers belong to Yuuya Aoki and Rando Ayamine, not me.

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"I'm telling you, Shido, it's just a rumor. Nothing to get hyped up over."

"How would you know, Kazuki? You only made it to the Beltline. If we went together, we might make it high enough--"

"And leave the other Volts to rot when we get ourselves killed? Not a chance. You know Ginji would be upset if we just left like that."

A frown settled deeper into the features of the taller man, his deep brown eyes hard and cold as they stared out over the wasteland surrounding his home; the Limitless Fortress. He'd only arrived a couple years ago, and had already laid claim to a good portion of the Lower Town, but when he was asked by the Lightning Emperor a few months ago to join up with his gang, he agreed without much hesitation. The guy was young, but he knew his stuff; things just seemed to go right with him around, that Ginji Amano.

"Still, if it is up there…"

"The answer is no, Fuyuki. I refuse to chase a rumor because it piqued your beastly curiosity." The soft twang of notes rang through the air, the other dressed in a full-length kimono, practicing the koto with grace and skill. His long hair was tied into a messy yet beautiful bun, the dark locks framing an effeminate face sensually. The slender fingers plucked at the strings lightly, filling the air with a gentle melody and reminding all who passed of a tiny creek, bubbling and flowing at a lackadaisical speed. Cool brown eyes stared down his companion, his fellow King of the Volts.

"Beast Master" Shido Fuyuki, heir of the Mariudo clan.

"Fine then. I'll go myself." And so, the other left, boots clicking on the concrete out of time with the strumming koto. Once the din was no longer clashing with the song, a sigh escaped the young man's lips and his eyes closed.

Honestly, why is he so reckless? Even "Beast Master" Shido Fuyuki has his limits.

"Is something wrong, Kazuki-sama?" A light smile, sweet and gentle, beamed at the owner of the new voice, who stood in the corner, absently running a calloused thumb over a gleaming white needle.

"Oh, nothing at all, Juubei. If the Beast Master wants to kill himself over a rumor, that's his own business." And I, Thread Master Kazuki Fuchouin, will have no hand in his destruction.

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To anyone else, it would have been a really stupid idea. But to someone who had the abilities he did, Shido really didn't think much of it.

"Hundred Beast Semblance: Goat Semblance," he murmured, centering himself before letting the power flow through his muscles and bones easily. He could feel his center of balance shift and his legs grow stronger even as he just stood there. After a second to let the power settle, he opened his eyes, the deep brown gazing up at his adversary-- the outer walls of the Limitless Fortress. In seconds he was bounding up the rubble, bouncing from pole to window to roof with the reckless abandon of a hard-core urban runner. It exhilarated him to feel the air rushing over his skin, the ground touching his feet and hands for mere moments before disappearing again, taking him higher and higher.

He would make it to the top of the Tower, and he would do it the way no one had ever thought to before. He would climb the outside walls, straight to the top.

Straight to Babylon City.

He didn't know why Kazuki hadn't thought of this; being the Thread Master he was, he could easily scale the outside of the building. Not as easily as him, but then again few had the skills he did, even among the Mariudo clan. He would make it to the top of the Tower, and he hoped the "rumor" he'd heard was there to meet him. Then again, it wasMakubex, Pharmacist Gen's grandson, that mentioned it, and the kid was a known computer genius. If he found something out about Babylon City, it was likely true.

((Earlier))

"Hey, Grandpa! I found something really cool!" He looked so happy, this young kid sitting at a computer as the wizened man left his own laptop to gaze at the boy's screen. The Beast Master had only been passing through, stopping to pet a stray cat outside the Pharmacy.

"Indeed you have, Makubex. That's a rather old legend here in the Limitless Fortress."

"But could it be true, Grandpa? Could there really be a divine bird living up there in Babylon City?" Shido's ears perked, having caught the conversation, and he listened in, intrigued.

"I suppose you never know. But, if there is, no one down here could reach it. There's no one strong enough to make it past the Mid-floors down here."

We'll see about that, old man. I bet I can make it up there, no trouble. As he stood, Shido took with him the cat that purred in his arms, leaving as the last bit of the conversation to ring in the air.

"I bet he's really lonely up there, huh, Grandpa? If there's no one to keep him company, that bird must be really lonely."

"…You're right. But, such is the fate of some creatures."

Not this one, old man. No beast escapes my watch.

((Now))

As he scaled the walls, watching the windows and using his heightened senses to keep watch for any opposition, Shido couldn't help but wonder what kind of bird was up there. If it was a divine bird, there were a few options—the Native Americans had a creature known as the Thunderbird, as well as the raven and the dove, that they held in high regard as divine creatures. The Egyptians valued falcons and hawks above all else, and a good many in Africa believed that gods came on the wings of the native birds. Here in Japan, however, there were few creatures labeled as "divine", and the only one that was truly a bird was the legendary phoenix.

Heh, imagine that. If I meet this bird, I could learn the Divine Phoenix Semblance. Then I might be strong enough to reach the top from the inside. A smirk dawned over the teen's features, and the thought spurned him on until he reached the first landing; the first of many, he knew, but the work made it all the more satisfying.

Leaping from the boarded-up window, he latched onto the crane sticking out from the landing, swinging up into a perch on the edge of the metal machine. The wind picked up, brushing his face and hair in a strong summer breeze, and he smiled at the outside world that lay before him. He could see a lot of Lower Town and the Junkyard from here, and the city of Shinjuku that lay beyond it. He'd come from that outside world, but when his former clan abandoned him, he forged a new one and came here. And unlike most of his clan, he would use his abilities to survive and dominate, as his ancestors had centuries before.

A sparrow flew by, whistling a greeting at him as it settled on his shoulder. His smile softened and he stroked the bird's breast lightly with his forefinger. He adored animals in a way few of his clan ever had. To him, they weren't just beasts to be dominated and controlled; they were his friends, allies that he would protect as he would one of his own flesh and blood. They were his new clan, his pride, his new family. And they helped him whenever he called, knew what he wanted to tell them.

The bird's questioning croon translated in his mind easily. "I'm trying to reach the top," he answered, taking the bird on his finger to look at its sharp plumage. "Can you show me the fastest way?" A sweet whistle answered him and the Mariudo grinned, letting the bird fly off his hand. His journey was not yet over, and he had best get a move on if he was going to keep up with his speedy friend.

Onwards and upwards for hours, he moved until the sun was setting over the city, climbing higher and higher alongside his feathered guide. He had to rest far more often than the sparrow did, but they stayed and watched the city together as he regained his strength. Each story the going became a little tougher, and there seemed to be more close calls as people with better senses seemed to crawl out of the woodwork. Still, by invoking his Animal Semblances, he managed to avoid them, working his way higher and higher.

Finally, as the rays hit a bright orange against the violet clouds, he made it. An exhausted grin settled over the sharp features, triumphant and proud. He'd made it-- he made it farther than anyone he knew. He finally reached the top of the Limitless Fortress. Heaving himself up over the final landing, he glanced around.

Not a single soul.

Sighing in relief, Shido sat down on the ledge, watching as his winged friend flew off with a chipper and encouraging whistle. With a smile, he watched until the bird was gone from his sight, disappearing into the vibrant sunset.

"Beautiful, isn't it?"

Jumping to his feet, the Beast Master felt shock run through his system. His animals would never lead him into a trap, but then… who was up here?! He couldn't sense anyone; was this the power of those on the higher floors? That those of lesser skill couldn't defend themselves because they couldn't even tell where their opponent was? Spinning around, he stared as he realized this person was exactly where his instincts told him-- right across the roof.

Standing before him was a man he'd never seen before; not surprising, considering he'd only resided on the lower floors. The man was young, with light skin and fluffy blonde hair that glowed like flame in the setting sun. His smile was innocent and pure, as if he truly was just enjoying the sunset, but it didn't reach his eyes-- eyes of a deep violet hue stained bloody by the light. A white suit clung to his thin frame lovingly, a plum-toned shirt accenting the skin at the hollow of his throat graciously. From his right ear dangled a pendant earring; gold encircling a disk of amethyst, glinting in the dying light. With a light chuckle, the man tilted his head sweetly.

"What? Is something wrong, boy? And here I thought we were having a pleasant conversation."

"Who are you?" the Beast Master growled, sidling away from the edge to place his back against a wall, hands already raised in a defensive position. With a chuckle, the man looked off to the setting sun again.

"Not very social, are you?" he asked, ignoring the question entirely. "And to think, you're the one that intruded in my home." Looking back to Shido with a coquettish smirk, the man seemed more amused than before. "So tell me, boy-- what gives you the right to intrude into my home and demand my name, hm?"

"I'm looking for someone," was the answer, the scowl one solely of calculation and preparation. All of his instincts screamed that he was in danger, like he was David in a den of lions.

"Oh? And who would you know in a place like this?"

"Is that any of your business?"

"Is my name any of yours?"

Smirking slightly, the Beast Master lowered his hands. He was still tense, but he felt moderately relaxed. This man's presence was filled with bloodlust and aggression, but the passive nature and uncaring air put him at ease. All he was to this man was an intruder, nothing more-- as soon as he was gone, there'd be no need for conflict. "Touché," he replied. "Fine then, I'll tell you. My name is Shido Fuyuki, known as the Beast Master in the East Block. I'm one of the Four Kings of the Volts, and I'm here on a rumor of a legendary creature."

"A 'beast master', are you, Fuyuki-san?" The question seemed droll and quaint, though the strange man's eyes glinted coldly. "Tell me, what sort of creature are you looking for, hm? A dragon? Perhaps an angel?"

"A legendary bird," he answered, stepping forward and approaching the man cautiously. Like any animal outside his pack, he knew he had to appear docile and non-threatening if he was going to get any answer from this man. "Since you live up here, maybe you can answer a question for me."

"Do you want to know if I have seen this legendary bird?" His voice grew as cold as his gaze, the smile falling as Shido neared. "I can assure you that you will not like what you find."

"Is that so? So long as I find this bird, I'm pretty sure I'll like what I see. A divine creature is a great ally to have, especially here."

"Really…" In a flash, he was gone, faster than one could perceive with human eyes. And yet, suddenly he felt the man behind him, whispering into his ear, "Well, you'll find no ally here, Fuyuki-san."

Before he could react, Shido was flung through the broken window of the wall he stood before, sailing off the edge of Babylon Tower with no way to save himself. And he could see that man, that strange man in white, standing at the edge with a cold smile.

"Sayonara, Shido Fuyuki."

As he fell from the sky, Shido could hardly think save replaying the event over and over in his mind. How did that guy get behind him so quickly? Why had he gone cold so suddenly? Was he really that much of a threat? Hardly; he hadn't even seen the weird guy move. What possible threat could he, Shido Fuyuki, be?

But as his back hit a crane (one of many, he knew) and continued to fall, he knew that if he didn't call for help, the fall back to the lower floors would kill him. So, with no other option, he brought his fingers to his lips and breathed deeply.

The whistle rang loud and clear, able to be heard through the whole of the city as the Beast Master fell. Every bird within the Fortress raised its head to the call, itching to fly and help their friend from certain death. A cry through the air, however, spurned their need for flight, and they anxiously waited, shifting in discomfort.

When not a single creature came to his aid, he wondered yet again if he'd been abandoned. There were hundreds of crows hiding in the shadows of the Limitless Fortress-- exactly 462, if the new eggs hadn't hatched yet. And of other birds, there were plenty in the two mile radius; he'd summoned most of them at some point during his time here in this lawless zone. Why wouldn't they come to him now?

This time, he heard the cry, one he'd never heard before. The sound was beautiful and unknown to him, intrigued him even as he flew at speeds passing the lethal point. Before he could wonder what it was exactly, a vibrant red and gold plumage passed him by, opalescent talons gripping his shoulders and righting him mid-air. The squawk that ensued seemed to be one of surprise, and Shido understood the creature's thought: "You? I rescued you??"

"Yeah, you sure did," he muttered, looking up to the bird in gratitude. Before he could express his thanks, his eyes widened, amazed at the sight. The creature that had caught him was the one he was looking for-- a bird of vermillion and gold, a bird of flames known only in legends long since passed. A Phoenix.

"Wow…" Stunned and amazed, he couldn't help but stare at this remarkable creature as his descent slowed. "So it's really-- Ow!!" He twitched as the bird's talons dug into his shoulder, drawing blood and a cry of pain from the man. Looking back up to the bird, he gave a pained smile. "Right, sorry. Thanks for helping me. I've just never seen one of your kind with my own eyes before."

"And you won't again," the bird crooned, setting him on the floor of waste the made the Junkyard outside the true Fortress. Slashing his shoulders as it flapped its wings to take flight again, it hovered above the Mariudo with a look of absolute contempt in its intelligent gaze. Confused and concerned, the Beast Master stepped forward, holding his hand out for the bird to perch.

"Why? All I wanted was to come and see you…"

"And tame me," was the scoffing squawk in response. Each fluttering of the phoenix's wings caused embers and flame to float from its feathers, making it shine ever more in the last rays of the sun. "Know this, Mariudo; many of your clan has tried the same as you over the centuries. Not one has succeeded. I am no mere pet." With a cry of aggression, the bird soared into the air and away, leaving the young man alone as its last warning reached his keen ears.

"The next time you return to my perch, Shido Fuyuki, it will be the last time you see the sun."

As he watched the bird disappear into the dying rays, the breeze picked up around him once more, fluffing his unruly black locks into a loving frenzy about his sharp features. Slowly, the concerned expression settled into a gentle smile, one that understood what this creature wanted him to know.

"So you don't want me back, huh?" he asked to no one in particular. "Well, I'm sorry, but I need to see you now, Phoenix. I can't leave you alone until I've befriended you."

"Who are you talking to, Beast Master?" Turning around, he gave a brief smile at the newcomer and the posse of small children that engulfed him before staring back at the seemingly endless Tower of the Limitless Fortress.

"A new friend, Lightning Emperor… maybe."

"Well, be careful you don't lose him, all right? Friends are hard to come by here." A cry of uproar ensued from the group of children, and while the blonde teen tried to calm their objections with silliness and soothing words, the Mariudo descendent simply smirked and left him to it. As he walked back through the corridors of the South Block, he stared up into the shining heights of the Tower, knowing he'd always see flames up there from now on.

"I agree, Ginji-- and I won't lose this one."

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Phew! Finally finished! Anywho, tell me what you all think, okay? . This is slightly AU with the ages, being back in the Volts days (obviously). Shido is 18, Kazuki is 13, Ginji is 14, Makubex is 10, and Juubei is 16. As for the man in white… that's for you to figure out. .

So, yeah… there are the references. ^^;; So, tell me what you all think! Please!!!