CH 4 To spy or not to spy.

A/N: Since this is an alternate universe, don't be surprised when you read the last part of the story. Standard disclaimers apply.


Hyde's Apartment

Dark candy clouds were swimming at the once-blue sky. Rain hadn't poured out yet, but Hyde thought he'd bring his parasol along. He had to, because it's a special day today (so I thought, Hyde murmured to himself). Moune had just asked him for a tour around the city and she had insisted beforehand to buy new mobile phones (since theirs were beaten like pulp from the kidnapping incident yesterday). He thought that Moune was acting strangely sweet—very different from her hostile attitude of always pouting and shouting whenever he'd criticize her. And it happened after she found out that he was "Waterboy"…

Masaka (could it be?), Hyde thought. Thoughts of Moune liking him were beginning to form inside his mind. But no, no, no, it can't be…He forced himself to consider Moune's kindness to students of Gosei Gakkuen. She was not only kind but honest, carefree, humble and her fighting skills were of a pro. Not to mention, her brown curls that bounce on her shoulders, her chubby cheeks that turn crimson when she's embarrassed and her eyes that twinkle whenever she's happy were all so kawaii (cute)…Wait a minute, why was I thinking of these things?

Datas the laptop gave a funny whirr. Hyde turned to see what's ailing the laptop and was shocked to receive an email from the Japan Police Force Chief Gosei Knight:

They're almost here. I'd gather the other members as soon as possible. –Gosei Knight

That fast? Hyde thought. He switched to another application from his laptop that tapped the classified search engine of the Japan police. From there, Hyde's Moune-filled thoughts were immediately replaced by his research.


Alata and Eri

I

Alata's Apartment

Officially a dating couple, Alata thought he'd make a special present to give Eri on their first date. When he brought Eri home yesterday, he had to sneak to a nearby build-a-plush shop to buy supplies. He chose a 14" white bear with wings and a do-it-yourself-karate-uniform for the bear's clothes. He spent all night making the karate uniform that looked as much the same as his uniform in special karate tournaments.

Alata looked at his special creation and sighed happily. Not only Eri's arrival made him the happiest person on earth, but she had that special magic in her that made any one a better person. He thought that he's like one of Eri's plants that's about to bloom perfectly.

The time had struck 9; he had to meet Eri by 9:30 at her house.

He glanced at himself in the mirror and smiled. Today, he's wearing his special red and white jacket that had the word Skick Power at the back. Just as he was about to comb his hair, he heard a loud rapping sound from the apartment door. He squinted his eyes just as the knob was moving counterclockwise. He dashed silently to the front to meet his soon-to-be assaulter.

The door opened and out came a figure whom Alata had pinned to the wall. The scene outside his apartment was beginning to dark that he didn't notice who the attacker was.

And to his surprise, it was only Eri. Poor Eri, she was too shocked to bear Alata's unexpected behavior. Their faces, which were an inch away from each other, were beginning to shade crimson. Closing an inch would turn to a kiss—but Alata thought that's too soon for both of them. He immediately released her and waved his arms saying, "Gomen! Gomen Eri! I thought you were an attacker or something."

Eri tried to calm her fast-beating heart. It took her seconds to realize that she had something important to say to him. From being flabbergasted, her expression shifted to her usual cheery mode. She put both of her hands on Alata's shoulders and cried, "Hyde-san and Moune are going out today too! Do you think they're a couple now?"

From that statement, Alata knew what's going to happen next.

"Let's see what's they're up to!" she said.

"You mean spying?" he smiled. "But Hyde-san is still inside his apartment." From the door's view, he pointed another apartment where Hyde's figure was seen tinkling with his Datas laptop. Eri became wistful in a matter of seconds. She remembered being told by Moune that she had just asked the upperclassman to tour her around the city. But seeing Hyde preoccupied in his research made Eri feel bad for Moune.

"Shall we tell Moune?" she asked.

"Maybe they're going to meet in the afternoon. Why don't we see if Moune's preparing or not for her big fight? Then we can eat cake and icecream after."

His suggestion was virtuous that it had Eri flung her arms around him. She smiled widely and pressed her lips on his cheek. Before Alata could let out a shriek, she released him and grabbed his free hand, saying, "Let's go!". Alata was left in a deep shade of crimson once more.

II

Alata remembered his statement carefully. From what he committed in memory, he told Eri that spying would come first before the cake and icecream. But since an icecream cart pulled over, Alata found himself dragged once again. Eri's liking for strawberries and cranberries were too strong that he can't say no. Before they could even reach Moune and Agri's apartment, the couple had to stop once in a while to consume the popsicles in their mouths. Alata thought that the bear inside his bag might be hungry also.

They were sneaking silently at Moune and Agri's mini farm when Eri had to halt quickly—leaving Alata spooned at her back. Rubbing his now-red nose, he asked, "What's wrong Eri?" The girl pointed the fresh strawberries from the mini farm. Alata motioned her back to their stealth position and added, "We'll ask Agri later". Satisfied, Eri carried on creeping until they reach the window to Moune's room.

They were just in time to hear Agri and Moune's usual morning fights.

"Be honest with me, Moune. Do you like Hyde?"

"Mou. What does it have to do with you oniichan?"

"Let me just tell you that Hyde hasn't paid attention to any girl in his life—"

"So Hyde likes boys?"

"No, baka. The point is, you might just be heartbroken like the girls he rejected before. And besides, you're only in second year."

Alata and Eri exchanged worried looks at one another. Agri's words were true, Hyde was accustomed to rejecting girls. He's unlike Alata who received his fans warmly—telling them nicely in personal that he cannot return their feelings but was ever thankful for their continued support in his career.

Seeing that he can't win over his sister, Agri raised his hands and headed to the door. Alata and Eri could read like an open book Moune's expression turning from hostility to worry.

Eri whispered, "Poor Moune, she's even wearing a nice yellow dress today."

Alata comforted his girlfriend by placing a hand on her shoulder. "Daijobou. I have a feeling that Hyde-san likes her too."

"Honto? (really?)"

He gave her an approving nod. Eri trusted Alata's instincts more than anyone else. He's like the wind that could infiltrate in everyone's mind. But at the back of Alata's mind, he thought that Moune and Hyde were too honest that the expressions on their faces were a give-away.

"Alata—" Eri hummed. She paused when Alata turned to her with a warm smile painted on his face. Alata raised his eyebrows slowly as if asking her to proceed.

"You like me, don't you Alata?" The look on Eri's face was of full concern that it had Alata laugh inside his mind.

Silence.

"I'm certain that I love you more, Eri-chan." His tone was genuine and thoughtful that Eri's cheeks had turn to crimson easily. His hand which was on Eri's right shoulder was now holding her left hand.

He leaned to her closer and gave a chaste kiss on her cheek.

(to be continued…)


Hyde and Moune

I

Moune leaned her back against the black lamp post and glared at her watch for the nth time. Hyde-san was taking his time too much, she thought. They were supposed to meet before lunch so that they would have enough time for the city tour.

She preoccupied her thoughts with how her friendship with Hyde came to be. At first, they were hostile against one another. But that hostility became a custom that they would both ridicule their own actions afterwards. She thought that Hyde was concerned more for the welfare of the students than his legacy. There were times that Hyde's suggestions proved to be helpful. His flavorful criticisms had even improved her as a person. Hyde was indeed a kuudere (aloof-sweet) and his dere-dere (sweet) side was interestingly unforgettable. Moune counted his dere-dere ways and considered his care for her at the clinic (the time when she drowned at the pool) her most favorite. But she regarded their email-exchanges as something that her day wouldn't do without.

Moune smiled giddily with her Hyde-filled fantasies.

And she didn't even notice that the rain was pouring its heart out to her.

II

Hyde felt his heart competing with his lungs as he ran. His blue parasol competed with the torrential rain. The wind was not even helping him move forward. How could he forget about checking the weather for the day? Moreover, how could he forget about his city tour with Moune?

He was supposed to meet her at the plaza. As he looked around, he saw Moune's figure leaning against the wall of a café—she was poorly drenched from head to toe. Her brown curls which were supposed to bounce on her shoulders were unusually straight. She kept a tight face as Hyde drew closer to her. As she looked up, Hyde's brows were furrowed.

"Where's your parasol?" was Hyde could only say at the moment. Moune smiled at him and gave him a shrug. Then her expression changed from cheery to hostile. "You're two hours late."

"Gomen nasai—"

"It doesn't matter, at least you came up." She said, her smile returning. She looked at her reflection in the café and then back at Hyde from his head to toe. She tried her best to suppress from grinning too much because Hyde looked cute in every inch. His blue sports jacket with Seaick Soul at the back emphasized his jet black hair and equally emotionless eyes. Before she could even say a word, her stomach let out a growl.

"Let's change your clothes first before we eat." He said and pointed to a boutique nearby. He drew himself closer (to Moune's surprise), took a towel from his bag and landed it delicately on her shoulders. The look on his face was utterly of concern that Moune can't help but to grin.

Hyde waited patiently as Moune tried a set of clothing for herself. She went out donning a yellow and white jacket over black shorts and brown boots. Thanks to the towel, her hair was now all dried up as it bounced back to its usual curl. Hyde fell silent with his mouth parted a little while paying for the bill.

"You look so cute that even your boyfriend had his tongue tied." a salesclerk said to her.

Do others think that we're a couple now? Hyde asked himself. He felt his cheeks getting in its deepest shade of red as more salesclerks came to give their pleasing comments. Moune on the other hand shook her head and insisted that she and Hyde were just friends.

"Kaicho, let's go." He offered.

They exited the boutique as more salesclerks chimed in, "Oooh that boy's under her command. Look, he's even calling her kaicho."

The sun was already in its peak as Hyde and Moune finished their meals at the café. As they strolled around the plaza looking for mobile phone stores, Moune couldn't stop herself from coughing and sneezing in between.

"Eyes puffy, red nose, shoulders raised—you're getting a cold soon."

"Are you saying that I should get home now? No way, Hyde-san."

After another sneeze, Moune's attention was caught by a large sign that said, buy one take one phones for sale. She immediately took Hyde's arm and dragged him inside. Hyde never thought that even in her weak state, she could still execute a strong pull…

As I found myself pulled to her, he thought. And with that idea he panicked, what was I thinking?

In the end, they had matching touch phones. And Hyde couldn't complain because it was part of the buy one take one bargain.

III

It was only four in the afternoon when Moune felt her face warmer than it should be. Her eyelids were getting heavier and her nose really itched from sneezing. Her balance was near to its defeat as her body swayed from side to side. She unconsciously leaned forward and Hyde was just in time to catch her. She felt her face buried in his shoulder and her body wrapped tightly in his arms.

"Let's get you home. You have a fever." Hyde said. There was an obvious tone of anxiety from his voice.

"Gomen ne. for being a burden to you always." She spoke as if she blamed herself totally for her existence. Even in a feverish state, Moune thought about all the times when Hyde was there to defend her weakness—against the criticisms of others, against accidents (like the pool incident) and other things.

She tried to pull away from him, but her weak state was stronger than she was. In the end, she'd collapsed again in his chest.

"Don't overwork yourself," Hyde spoke softly, "Moune…"

Did Hyde-san call me by my name? she thought, her eyes getting big against the drowsiness.

"Would you say that again?"

"What?"

"My name, baka."

"Moune," He repeated gently, as if liking every bit of saying her name. "M-O-U-N-E."

"I know how it spells!" she retorted, as she tried to pull herself away from him again. But despite her efforts, she'd found herself again in his arms. "Old man," she huffed.

With that, Hyde felt his cheeks getting puffed as he let a healthy dose of chuckles. With all effort, Moune looked up to see for herself another rare expression of Hyde. Hyde was looking down at her with a big grin in his face. Moune felt her heartbeat pulsating in her ears. She hoped that Hyde was not smart enough to hear it—or feel it, since she's leaning against him.


Alata and Eri

(continued…)

Meanwhile, Alata and Eri were enjoying the rare view of seeing Hyde and Moune together. It was as if they're watching a shoujo (romance) live action film that had developed from mangas. They felt sad for Moune who got drenched from the rain—they laughed along with the salesclerks when Hyde kept calling Moune as kaicho—they ate and ordered the same meals that Hyde and Moune partook in a café (with an exception of a cake, of course)—they also bought matching phones from the buy one take one mobile phone store—and they giggled in delight as Hyde caught Moune in a tight embrace.

In short—Alata and Eri's date was interestingly innovative.

When Hyde left, Alata and Eri retreated to the riverbank for the last part of their date. The sun was beginning to set and the children at the park were dispersing one by one. They sat on the soft grass while hugging their knees.

"Do you remember the promise that I made you here?" Alata asked.

"Mochiron! (of course!) That's the main reason why I came back."

The warmth of the sun was blending along with the cool breeze from the river. From a cheery expression, Alata suddenly became wistful. He suddenly had the feeling of fear creeping in his veins. When Eri asked what's wrong, Alata could only reply, "I hope we don't get separated from each other again."

"Do you want me to a make a promise?" Eri asked.

He gave her a slow nod. Then he remembered the bear inside his bag. "Let's have a witness," he said as he took out the angel bear in karate clothes from his bag. Eri let out a delightful shriek as she hugged the plush in her arms.

While still holding the bear in one arm, Eri stretched another arm and a pinky in front of Alata.

"I promise not to leave my bestfriend and only true love, Alata."

Alata reciprocated her gesture by offering his pinky. With their pinkies linked, they said together, "yakusoku (it's a promise)". From linked pinkies, Alata stretched his hand to receive Eri's. He added, "And to seal this promise, you can have that bear and the pudding in my bag."

Eri didn't need another retelling to do so.


While walking Eri home, the couple was intercepted by the Japan police force chief, Gosei Knight. Both sides had given respectful bows before proceeding with the conversation.

"The earth is going to be invaded by an alien force called the Warstar." He said.

"What does it have to do with us?" Alata asked politely.

"The Gosei Gakkuen was not built primarily for educational reasons. It is a training ground for humans who possess mysterious powers unknown to them. From the Gosei Gakkuen population, only five will be selected. Both of you passed the screening. The earth needs you to battle against the forces of Warstar."

Alata and Eri stared at each other in disbelief.

"The other selected apprentices are Hyde, Moune and Agri. I've been watching all of you since you were little ones. It's not accidental that both of you possess impressive powers. You descended from the Skick tribe after all. Agri and Moune were from the Landick tribe. Hyde was the sole descendant of the Seaick tribe."

Alata engaged himself in a deep wonder. The words of Gosei Knight seemed true. It was as if the five of them represented the elements of earth. Agri and Moune for example, had their liking towards land forms. Hyde on the other hand had been protective of the sea. He and Eri had shown their fondness for the wind and the sky (not to mention, the high places in their school).

"And how we will be called?" Eri asked.

Gosei Knight looked at her thoughtfully, "Your leader said it already when you fought with the delinquents," he pointed to Alata as the leader and added, "You're the goseigers."


A/N

Okay—so they're not regular teens after all. Since this is an alternate universe, I think what happened in the original series will also apply to them. This is the effect of watching Dobutsu Sentai Gobusters XD But wait! The next chapter (which is the last by the way) is the conclusion. I just included the selection-of-goseigers-part so as to show that even in the alternate universe, their destiny as fighters won't be changed. But the last chapter will not be about fighting—this is a shoujo fic after all. XD

Please don't sue me toei! I don't own your characters!