Authors note: Woohoo a vacation, with the constant threat of the Gnosis winding away at these poor people's soul, it's about time. Thank you readers and reviewers, you have made this a very great experience. The trip to vacation is coming, let's see how it unfolds.
Chapter 3: Troubled sleep, vacation afoot
Jr. wondered into the guy sleeping quarters, his heart beating faster then usual, his mouth dry; he couldn't believe that anything happening was real. It was night once again, so Jr. didn't have to worry about the questioning stares of his bunk mates. "Finally I can go to sleep without worrying about the Gnosis, Albedo, or guilt over Allen's predicament."
"Rubedo, don't get so damn cocky," a haunting voice said, "it is so dreadful to hear my name spoken in such spite." Jr. balled his hands into fists and his blue eyes glowed in intensity. "What's wrong Rubedo, the sandman hasn't paid you a visit yet or-?"
"Albedo…get the hell out of here!" Jr. spun around and saw the tall white haired male smiling at him; his purple eyes seemed haunting even now. "Can't you go bother Gaignun and ruin his sleep for once?"
"I suppose I could do that," Albedo said, amusement flickering in his purple eyes, "but where's the fun in that? Gaignun is much calmer then you and would likely bore me to death with his politics. You on the other hand, I can frustrate you more and then perhaps mess with your powers; though I suggest you might want to keep it down, you may wake your buddies-."
"Damn you Albedo, I just want to sleep without hearing your voice, so why don't you leave me…huh?" Jr. walked forward and noticed Albedo was wearing a smirk on his lips.
"Ah my dear Rubedo, haven't you realized yet why I chose to bug you?" Confusion spread across Jr.'s face, and to Albedo he expected it. His other half always was ill tempered, even when he was the leader and had to set moral guidelines.
"Get to the point Albedo, why do you bug me?" Jr. didn't back up when Albedo took a step forward, nor did he flinch when he felt Albedo's white gloved hand on his shoulder.
"My dear other half, being immortal has its consequences, for starters," he turned his attention on the sleeping Tony and continued, "you can't sleep, you spend your time pondering on your existence and what will happen next. While you sleep here you have people to talk to, back when we were in Dimitri Yuriev's lab I had the comfort of you…now I only hear myself speak, how annoying is that-?"
"Albedo…that is a damn lie and you know it! If all you wanted to do was talk you'd do it miles away," Jr. shoved Albedo's hand aside and glared at him, "now I suggest you leave…or I may be forced to hurt you-."
"My my, aren't we the feisty one today," Albedo began to laugh, his head arched back as the evil laugh came pouring out, "could I have come on a bad day? I could be wrong, but could it involve "ma peche"?"
"You stay the hell away from her you sick bastard!" Jr. pulled out his Makarov PM and with a with a yell started firing wildly at him, the bullets hit the other U.R.T.V. but it didn't do much. Albedo merely brushed them away like ants.
"Aha so I've struck a chord with you Rubedo," Albedo tapped his chin thoughtfully and then grinned, "we can always settle this you know, but I think it best if I let you get your beauty sleep-."
"Spill the beans Albedo, what is your damn plan!?" I'm losing control of the situation, Jr. thought, panic was clouding his judgment, I can't let my feelings for MOMO out.
"Well its quiet simple," Albedo began, "we have a little fight, whoever wins gets a prize. If you win I'll leave you to your dreams, but if I win," he stopped, a smile of satisfaction spreading across his lips, "I get "ma peche", do we have a deal?"
"No…you can't have her…no way in hell will I let you touch her again!" Hold it, Jr. looked up at the ceiling and shook his head, if you want him to stay away from MOMO, the best solution is to fight him. He may be immortal, but if I score sufficient amount of blows…I'll win, and it'll save MOMO from her worst nightmare. "Alright Albedo, we have a deal."
"Splendid…now the rules are quiet simple. You are not to use your human like weapons…it would only spoil the mood. And you must only use your special ability," Albedo saw hesitation in his beloved other half and spoke up, "don't worry…the ship won't blow on account of that. Now, are you ready Rubedo?"
"Y-Yeah…let's see what you got!" Albedo took a step back and with his arm extended began to emit a purple aura like field out. Jr. placed his guns in his holster and with his arms wrapped around him he began to emit the red field that would lead him into red dragon mode.
"Your still weak Rubedo…come on is this your best?" Albedo extended the range of his aura attack and began to push Rubedo more into the wall. "Put more feeling into it Rubedo…or do you really want to lose?"
"Albedo…you've done it now," Jr. bent his back backwards and his eyes glowed a blood red, "a person's dream is a place chosen to escape pain, not relive it. I'll send you far away from here…for good!!"
"I look forward to it Rubedo," Albedo's smile turned into a frown then as Rubedo began to glow a fiercer red. Hmmm, Albedo mused, apparently he isn't worried about going overboard with his powers, perhaps I should stop…but that wouldn't be me. It was nice seeing you again Rubedo…don't fret though…we will meet again.
"Albedo…get the hell off this ship!!" Jr. let himself sink deeper into his power and particles of his clothing began to burn. This sudden new raw burst of power sent Albedo crashing through the ship's walls and out into an awaiting A.M.W.S.
"You have won Rubedo, but I recommend you tone it down," Albedo stared at the crouching Jr. with pity, "with that power…at that level…who knows what pain you would've endured. Say hi to Gaignun for me," and with that he turned around and left.
"Dammit…I think he was right," Jr. investigated his burnt jacket and saw he had burnt some flesh, "that is definitely going to sting like hell in the morning. I wonder how come no one has woke up," Jr. kicked Tony's bed, but the pilot remained asleep. "Albedo what the hell happened?"
"Isn't it obvious Rubedo?" Albedo sat in his A.M.W.S. with a satisfied smile, "why do you think no one woke up when you were yelling your head off? The reason why is so easy…you were dreaming the whole time also-."
"W-What do you mean I was dreaming?" Jr. touched his skin and felt the intense pain burn.
"Your older then me and your still plain dumb," Albedo shook his head sadly, "oh well, if you must know, I would never show up on the ship uninvited. In fact if you must know I hate enclosed places. Even while in those stasis tubes when Yuriev looked over us, I felt like I'd lose control; had you not been there I mean. You may not know it…but your asleep…where I'm not sure, but I'm only here because in your dreams you have control over what happens. You wanted to see me…so I came. But don't mistake this for the real me Rubedo…for I shall return in the flesh when you least expect it. Catch you later Rubedo."
"If I'm not asleep in the bed…then where am I?" Jr. got up, uncertainty of his surroundings evident in his eyes, and as he walked over to his bed he noticed it empty. So he decided to check elsewhere…sure enough as he checked the ship the only place left that he hadn't checked was the bar. As he stepped in there he noticed a hunkered form in a booth, upon further inspection he found a red head with his head on the table. "I have got to lay off on the liquor," he said. With that he dove into his sleeping form.
MOMO (after her conversation with Jr.) had decided to go ask Shion about taking her clothes shopping. The 22 year old former Chief of Vector was busying herself with her computer, so MOMO decided to sit on her bed and wait patiently.
"I can see you MOMO," Shion said not raising her head; amusement was evident in her voice, "now either state what you want, or please come back later-."
"Shion, if you're not busy when we arrive on Second Miltia…would you take me clothes shopping?" Shion gave the Realian a skeptical look and as she placed a brown strand of hair aside the Realian became a little unnerved.
"Well sure MOMO, but this wouldn't have to do with a certain red haired gun slinging U.R.T.V. now would it?" Shion smiled as the pink haired Realian blushed; as she herself knew perfectly how that feeling felt.
"A-Ah maybe," MOMO looked away then copied Shion's move with the hair, "but do you think he knows?" Shion giggled and MOMO gave her a perplexed look.
"W-Well…not to sound rude…but the whole ship sort of knows," the shocked open mouthed expression MOMO gave only made Shion try her best to stop her mad giggles. "If you make your intentions clear he would, but at the moment…no."
"Thank goodness," MOMO said in relief, "I mean I wanted him to know, but being a Realian has its downside, one of them deals with emotional display. I know he's trying," MOMO said with a sad smile, "but something always seems to interfere-."
"I understand MOMO," Shion shut off her computer then decided to join MOMO on her bed, "there's this nice store on Second Miltia that I'm sure will fit your taste."
"Oh thank you Shion," MOMO gave Shion a hug then quickly let go, "I'm sure we'll have fun." I wonder what plans Jr. has when we arrive on Second Miltia? Does he feel the same for me? Will there really be no interference on this vacation?
"Shion we have 1 hour due time till arrival in Second Miltia," KOS-MOS had been standing in the corner for sometime, now when her senses detected the end of conversation she decided to tell Shion of the time of arrival. "Will that be all Shion?"
"Now that you mention it KOS-MOS," Shion got off the bed and walked up to her blue haired friend, "though the Captain says we're on vacation…I doubt were safe yet. In case the Gnosis show up we'll need you to help, understood?"
"I am willing to risk all to save you Shion," KOS-MOS made no attempt to make a human gesture of friendship with a hand on the shoulder, instead she shook her head. Inside there was much analyzing, and with analyzing she realized that a chance of a Gnosis encounter while on Second Miltia was mathematically unlikely.
"I knew I could count on you KOS-MOS," Shion put her hand on the blue shoulder pad of her android friend, who seemed cold to it. I know you feel something KOS-MOS, Shion thought; Kevin believed you had a heart…so I do too.
"So Tony," Hammer was leaning against the door in the men's cabin; his eyes fixated on the back of the pilot, "I heard that you and Shion spent some time together-."
"Yeah…so what, yeah we had a few drinks…but what does that prove?" Tony rolled onto his side and glared up at the navigator, "Shion is someone I'll always like, but c'mon Hammer…can't you see she isn't over another guy? I got that much from our talk."
"Hmmm…I wonder who it was," Hammer looked up at the ceiling in thought, on the bed Tony gave it also some consideration. Their Vector friend hadn't really confided much in the crew of the Elsa, true they (Shion and Allen) were survivors of the Woglinde; which had suffered a surprise attack from the Gnosis, but Shion's past had been avoided when conversation was brought up.
"You know," Tony said getting into a sitting position, "when I saw her in the hallway she seemed to be trying to avoid something, perhaps a drink that night may have had to do with it," Tony put his hands on his knees and looked up at Hammer.
"Hold on Tony," Hammer held out his hands, "is it wise for us to try and pry into one of our friend's life? We all have chapters in our life we wish to forget; perhaps Shion hasn't gotten over…whatever it is that happened."
"Yeah, but if it's all the same I think…I want to know," Tony stared down the protesting Hammer until the navigator gave up, "when we arrive on Second Miltia I'll invite Allen to the bar. He knows Shion better then us all…and I say as a friend, it's about time he shed light on our certain friend. So I suggest you bring the Captain with you and if you wish you can come too, once it's out in the open there'll be no secrets-."
"Once it's out in the open huh!? Tony, do you hear yourself talking? If you open up Shion's old wounds…it will only make her shut everyone out. Besides that, I doubt Allen will just blurt out whatever Shion is so desperately keeping a secret. In fact…I bet everyone else knows-."
"Fine Tony…but while we're talking secrets…what's yours?" The pilot was taken back by the sudden boldness of the navigator, and he didn't like it.
"None of your damn business Hammer!" The navigator's face went through many transitions; the one at the moment was frustration. With a yell he threw himself onto Tony and began punching him, Tony growled and kneed him in the gut.
"I-It is so my business," Hammer picked up one of Tony's magazines and hit him in the back of the head, "a crew like this that has been together in space for so long, deserves to know!"
"You're too clingy for your own good Hammer," Tony got off his bed and kicked Hammer in the butt. Hammer yelled again and grabbed Tony's arm in one hand and threw him onto Captain Matthews's bed.
"Yeah…well my secret was let out in the open during our first trip…what's your excuse lousy pilot?" Tony took offense with this and took one of Captain Matthews's guns from the wall and aimed it at Hammer; in this time Hammer himself had pulled out his own weapon.
"Tony haul your ass up to the bridge…we're arriving in Second Miltia," Captain Matthews said into the comm. Those two morons were probably squabbling again; he thought with a grin, I bet they were even ready to blow each other's brains out.
"We'll settle this on the planet," Tony warned the recovering navigator, "and don't forget to invite Allen; I bet Shion has other plans, so go check the bar for our informant."
"Yeah yeah I get your drift," Hammer walked out the door, but as the door began to close he heard an explosion rock the hinges. "Ha you missed me asshole!"
"I meant to miss," Tony said as he put Captain Matthews's gun on his bed, "and besides that if I wanted to shoot you…I would've at least waited for the door to open."
"He said the bar…uh oh I think I hear someone coming," Hammer dove behind a panel as two figures approached. The tall one was Allen and the mildly irritated brunet was Shion.
"I'm sorry Allen but MOMO asked me to go clothes shopping," she gave her friend a sympathetic look, "I'm sure if there's time later in the day we could get a drink-."
"S-Sure that'd be great," Allen hung his head low as Shion gave him kiss on the cheek before departing for the women's cabin. "Maybe I should check up on the Professor and Scott-."
"Whoa hold on a second Allen," Hammer popped up from his hiding place wearing (what he hoped) was a convincing smile, "I know your set on getting drunk…but perhaps you'd like some company…"
"Actually I was planning on visiting the Professor and Scott and see if they need any help," Allen said, though in heart he really wished to drink and forget.
"Nonsense Allen," Hammer said grabbing a hold of the man's arm, "you shouldn't spend your time dealing with robotic parts…not when the crew is on vacation. Captain Matthews is taking Tony and me to the bar on Second Miltia…we'd like it if you'd join us."
"Sure why not," Allen let Hammer guide him to the bridge, "I mean what can fixing parts of broken machines get you…a aching back and broken fingers, at least with a drink I can feel good inside…" And lose this feeling of hurt, he added in thought.
"We're entering Second Miltia now ladies and gentleman," Captain Matthews said over the comm. "It is best you pack any belongings you wish to bring with you to the planet, for once we leave the ship…it is under lock and key. The Professor and Scott have generously volunteered to stay behind. We shall arrive at the dock in 5 minutes that is all."
"Hey Gaignun, I didn't interrupt something did I?" Jr. was on the bridge of the Elsa and with permission from Captain Matthews sent a message to his brother.
"Not at all Jr.," Gaignun replied formally, "I was just finishing up a meeting with Representative Helmer, so what brings you to Second Miltia all of a sudden?"
"Ah you know how it is," Jr. grinned as his brother looked dumbfounded, "you know fighting a never ending battle against the Gnosis can wind down one's spirit. Captain Matthews is taking us on a vacation (a much needed one) so we were hoping to tour the places we haven't seen."
"I'll see what I can do Jr.," Gaignun was about to log off, but he could read from his younger brother's stance that there was more, "I'm guessing that's not all."
"Well it appears your brain does work Gaignun," Jr. smiled as he saw Gaignun's smile turn to a frown, "yeah I was hoping you could lend me your special Encephalon-."
"Jr. you do realize that Encephalon still has a few kinks in its dive," Gaignun sat back in his chair, his hands now resting on the desk, "the locations may have some bugs…I can't even describe the interaction there-."
"Ah cut the crap Gaignun," Jr. walked forward daring Gaignun to object, "this vacation is needed by everyone. This Encephalon is to be used by me and…a special friend only. If it comes to anyone taking the blame…it'll be me. So, can you arrange it?"
"Alright Jr. but let me warn you again, not everything in that Encephalon is guaranteed to work 100. I do wish you and the crew of the Elsa have a pleasing vacation, Gaignun out."
"Well Captain Matthews our trip to vacation has finally arrived!" Everywhere on the ship (the crew only) was packing for what they hoped to be their best vacation yet. As Jr. turned to leave uncertainty was crossing his face. By going into this Encephalon he could be risking both his and MOMO'S life. But there was always risk in romance, so he hoped above hope this all went well.
Authors note: The crew of the Elsa is ready for vacation, what awaits them as they leave the safety of the ship onto rich and wondrous Second Miltia? To find out all you have to do is wait for CH.4 to arrive. Again (as usual) I thank the readers and reviewers; your job is what keeps me typing.