Disclaimer: I don't own anything

Kay, this is a Enjyu-centered oneshot. I watched this episode and just tied it in with the Christmas theme. Anyway, I'm experimenting with different styles and figure I kinda liked this one. No pairings, and SPOILERS for season 2. No major spoilers, eg. who won the tournament, bad guys, just a character that is involved with Enjyu gaining his strike shot.

Card

It's easy to fall into a pattern, harder to fall out of a pattern.

I guess I've fallen into one again.

Not sure how, just that it's happened.

It's a different pattern though, it's nice and peaceful but somehow…boring.

Uneventful. Unexciting. NORMAL.

The horror. I've become a normal teenager.

Something I've always wanted when I was a kid.

To be a normal kid.

To have normal parents.

To live in a normal house.

It was a dream.

Now I am a normal teenager.

I don't have parents, but I have Liena – probably my best friend and Terry – my sort-of friend and occasional therapist.

I don't live in a normal house, I currently live in a mobile cat shaped caravan that doubles as a café.

But despite all that, I'm normal.

Not normal like the way Yamato is. Not like Liena.

But for the first time, I fit in.

Somehow, fitting in is like a empty candy box. Nicely wrapped up with a ribbon, but empty inside.

Boring. Unfulfilled.

Sometimes, just sitting here on the verandah, I almost wish for the NSA days. Almost.

Today is no different.

I wake up.

I brush my teeth and take a shower.

I walk downstairs with a towel loosely wrapped around me.

Not sure if it slips off or not. Probably. Gray explodes with a speech on human modesty and decency.

I tell him he shouldn't be looking then and he turns interesting shade of red.

I sit down and wrap it around me properly as Liena comes in. She waves and smiles at me. Morning person. Gray glares protectively at me, as usual.

She hands out breakfast. Yamato and his mini-me dig in energetically. Mei scolds them for bad table manners. Halfway, Terry comes in from meditation and eats with us. He says good morning and I give a half-hearted nod.

He smiles back; he thinks this is an amazing achievement. That I can sort of smile at him every morning. I personally don't think I'm that retarded.

I finish eating. I pick up my plate and throw it into the sink. Perfect shot. Yamato tries to mimic it and his plate cracks. Mei throws a fit. I leave quietly.

I go outside and sit down, hands behind head, leaning against the verandah. There is still litter from last night's customers. I contemplate picking them up but I decide not too.

It's cool and I rest, one hand on the wooden floor, one hand still tucked around my b-damon.

Then the call. "Alright everybody, time to move out!" I pick myself up and go inside.

The others are waving good-bye and taking a last look at this town. I don't bother, it's just another town. Another day, another town.

We travel along. I sit inside and stare at Gray. Gray gets unnerved, badly and threatens me. For what? I say. Looking at you?

He sits back down annoyed, and I am reminded again how such a person can be related to calm, helpful Liena. Well, the bad traits had to go somewhere, but it's not like Gray doesn't have any good traits either.

He's different. Maybe that's why I don't like him. He has his own ideas…that clash horribly with mine.

I leave. I don't want him to throw something at me. Not because I can't defend myself, because I don't want to cause Mei's property any damage.

She lets everyone stay here, the least I can do is make sure nothing is damaged on my account.

I sit in my room and study my b-damon for the millionth time. I note the tiniest chips and what could be possibly improved. I repeat the activity three times to make sure I'm not missing anything.

Terry comes in. We make idle conversation. Today's topic is Christmas Cards. He asks if I have anyone I want to send anything to.

Obviously not. And I say that. Terry looks almost sympathetically at me and then a light bulb practically lights up over his head.

"What about your parents? Your mother and father?"

My parents aren't even legally married. They were a one-night stand. My mother got pregnant, couldn't deal with it and left me with my father. My father cared for me for about the first four years of my life then fell in depression and decided to cure himself by getting drunk everyday. Then he died last year.

I tell him that and Terry turns a flustered shade of red. I'm so, so sorry Enjyu! I didn't know! He squeaks out embarrassed.

Don't worry, I say. I didn't even notice until I read in the newspaper about a drunk getting hit by a car.

Terry looks utterly shocked. I leave, I don't need sympathy – especially not the 'I will always be there for you speech.'

More bumps as we cover more terrain. Terry doesn't give the speech. He nods quietly and places his hand over mine.

I wonder if I should shake it off. I don't. Terry would be hurt if I did and Terry is too emotional for his own good.

The arrival call. "ATTENTION EVERYONE!!!!! We have reached our destination! Yamato, Terry and….Wen! You three are on waiter duty! Everyone else can leave to explore!"

There is yelling and a series of arguments following the above statement.

I leave via the window. I jump out and survey this town. I don't know it's name but it looks like one with fans. Lots of fans….from the amount of people crowding around the caravan's entrance.

I climb back in and grab a simple purple hood Liena made for me. For those Red Thunder times, she had said reminding me of my alternate personality I had created for b-da battling.

The fans attack Yamato and the others, and I can practically see their sweat…. from about 100m away. Rule 1: Always put space between self and fangirls/boys. Fans are dangerous.

I leave and walk aimlessly through the town. It's a market day, I presume from the crowds of stalls and people. Until I see the merchandise.

They're selling equipment and fan merchandise for b-da fans. I walk up to the nearest stall, where a man is selling caps with the word B-Coliseum and several signatures on them. Rip-offs.

"What's going on." It's a statement and the man gulps.

"Well…ah…well, it's a tournament day and the famous Protector's in the competition…so ah, would you like a cap? Are you a fan? It promises to be a great day, perfect for fan-viewing an-"

"These are rip-offs." I throw one aimlessly at the space between his left ear and leave.

I ask a few more people. Same response. Protector. B-Coliseum. Tournament.

Finally I give in. Might as well go see this great Protector, probably another rookie with a nice costume.

The B-Coliseum is completely filled but I stand at the back. The view's better anyway. Some chick is the announcer, pink hair, cowgirl outfit, complete with sheriff's badge. I think I've seen her somewhere. Probably on some billboard.

"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!!! MAY I PLEASE WELCOME YOU TO TODAY'S TOURNAMENT! LET'S ALL SHOW OUR SUPPORT FOR THESE B-DA PLAYER'S, LET'S GIVE THEM A ROUND OF APPLAUSE!!" Her mike booms out a full volume.

Immediately, the rows fill with applause.

Then she raises her hand and all falls silent. "Now, today we have a special guest, a winner of several different tournaments around the globe and possible future WINNER'S Champ, let's welcome the PROTECTOR!!!"

The applause is deafening and he focuses his eyes. A blurry figure appears and I am suddenly hit with memories that I had long buried since becoming normal.

'Hi, I'm Kevin and what's your name?'

'Oh, you should be well enough to get out of bed by now.'

'Gee, it seems like I'll never hit the target…'

'Wow….you're a great b-da player!'

'Are you going to participate in the Winner's Tournament?'

'Will there be many strong players like you?'

'Alright, come back in time for our lesson!'

'Wait! Stop! Don't hurt him!'

'Why did you have to do it?'

'You…. you're nothing but a big jerk!'

It can't be him…. but then maybe it can.

It's the same long blonde hair that hangs limply from his back.

It's the wristbands and shoes.

It's even the same outfit, the cream one sleeved tunic.

The only thing that I can't see is his face. It's hidden in a helmet…a very familiar helmet. One that could've only belonged to one robot.

One long-destroyed robot.

Kevin. Or should I call him the Protector now.

I stand back and watch. His technique has improved, not enough to beat me, but enough to make him a formidable opponent.

The childish hesitation to fight is gone, replaced by a strong sense of determination.

Anger fuels his energy.

He plays….he plays like I used to.

Confused.

Angry.

Scared.

He's strong, but he doesn't know how to use it.

It doesn't really matter here, all contestants are masked and they're all a bunch of rookies.

He can win shooting aimlessly with ease.

I watch the first round.

I watch the second round.

I watch the third round.

Then the fourth.

Then the semi-finals.

Then the quarterfinals.

I might as well not have watched. They all go the same way. He shoots, firing multiple shoots randomly, then gets lucky and advances.

No talent. Just luck and raw power.

This is stupid.

The finals are up.

Protector against some guy who calls himself Kaitou.

Both can talk better than they can play.

This is stupid. The kid's not going to get any better the way he is right now.

ALL RIGHT EVERYONE!! LET'S TAKE A QUICK BREAK BEFORE OUR EXCITING FINAL MATCH!!!

People file to go for toilet breaks and to get food.

Announcer girl sits down and I walk down from the bleachers.

She looks up, her curls bouncing freely. "Hey there, isn't this exciting?"

"I want a match with the protector."

She smiles sympathetically. "Sorry, unless you get Kaitou to step down for you, we're done for the day."

"Players."

"Oh, they're in the waiting room but you know how b-da players are! They get all touchy before the big match so try not to bother them to much."

I nod. If it's anything, it's me that's touchy.

The waiting room is actually three rooms connected together by sliding doors.

The first has a middle-aged receptionist with a clipboard and desk, the registration room.

The second has spare b-da parts and several lockers where spares can be kept.

The third is obviously the waiting room. There are several b-da players moaning about their losses.

Protector is not here. Probably meditating for his final match.

Kaitou is though. Surrounded by his groupies he brags about his wins in the tournament.

Too bad he's not going to play in the final round.

I walk in and drag him outside by his arm, much to the protest of his friends.

What was that all about? Kaitou asks angrily.

You're going to give up your place in the final for me.

No way! He answers and turns to go back in.

I block his path. B-da battle for it.

Sure! He says confidently.

B-da Fire! He screams out loudly and fires five in one go. I dodge all easily.

I fire one shot and it hits.

I win. You forfeit for me.

Now way! You just got a lucky shot! I had to work hard to get to where I was now! He protests.

I sigh and pull off my hood.

Look. Heard of Red Thunder?

There is a flash of recognition in his eyes. He takes a step back. Bet all of that stuff is a myth, I mean I bet you've never killed anyone or destroyed anything! He stutters out bravely.

Idiot.

I whip out a switchblade and push it against his throat. You sure you don't want to forfeit your match?

He faints.

That's a forfeit.

The stadium is beginning to fill up again and I pull down my hood.

Announcer girl runs up to me. Too bad you can't participate huh?

He forfeited.

Yes, yes, I know, I'm terribly sorr- what? HE FORFEITED?? Oh, wait, how should I introduce you?

Re-Thunder. Thunder.

LISTEN UP EVERYONE! FOR OUR FINAL MATCH KAITOU HAS FORFEITED IN THE PLACE OF A NEWCOMER! LET'S GIVE IT UP FOR OUR FINAL CONTESTANTS, PROTECTOR AND THUNDER!!!

This is again blared out in deafening volume.

There are a few protests. Hey! That's not fair! Yeah, that guy didn't even fight during the preliminaries! I bet he's bribing that other guy or something!

They are shut up by a rather intimidating alligator wearing a business suit with shades.

We walk on and take our places.

ALL RIGHT B-DA PLAYERS! FOR OUR LAST MATCH WE WILL HAVE A DIRECT HIT BATTLE! LET'S START…..NOW!

The mike screeches at the 'NOW' and several front-row fans block their ears.

He shoots.

Five b-da balls at once.

I dodge.

He shoots again.

Five b-da balls at once again.

I dodge again.

His eyebrow twitches.

Apparently I'm supposed to be defeated by now. It hasn't happened and isn't going to.

He starts to yell out some sort of battle cry.

The cry uses lots of yelling of unrecognizable words. Only word I understand is Ludo. I think that was his robot.

He shoots, elbows bent, legs straight and focus completely off.

The ball flies towards me, about two metres from my current position.

I stand there and he watches it fly past.

He tries again.

Yell, shoot, miss.

And again.

Yell, shoot, miss.

Repetition is boring me. I pick up my b-damon and shoot.

I hit the target with one shot.

He flies back with the force and nearly lands on a far-too-close-for-your-own-good fan.

There is applause and more shouting. I bet that guy cheated! WOW! That was a awesome battle! If the Thunder guy's that good, how come I've never heard of him before? Next time I wanna b-da battle, I'm gonna wear a purple cape! Ohmigod, I bet he is so damn fine! How do you know it's a he? You can just see red hair and a purple cape! That's my hawt single guy sensor going off! Last time you said that the guy turned out to be ENGAGED!

I turn and leave before he gets back up.

Wait! How did you defeat me that easily?

No technique.

Whaddya mean? I have great technique!

You're never going to defeat any first-rate players.

I merge with the crowd when I hear him yell, come back you!

I leave.

When I arrive back the tables are being set up for the dinner customers.

I walk inside through the open door and into the kitchen.

As predicted, Terry and Liena are inside making lists.

Cards are scattered around and different rolls of patterned wrapping paper.

I take a card.

Terry raises an eyebrow. I thought you didn't have anyone to send anything personal to?

I don't. I'm sending training tips.

I go back to my room and take out a thick black pen.

I scribble messily on it and then hand it back to Liena who is putting them in envelopes.

Who is it for?

I want you to send it to the Protector.

Who?

Some rookie. B-da tips.

Cute giggle. Wow Enjyu, now you're lecturing rookies?

Suppose so.

Kay, Terry can you look it up in the directory? Protector fan mail?

I nod and leave.

I go sit out on the verandah again and watch as the last customers leave.

I look up and I can see the stars twinkling, and out of the corner of my left eye, I see the star.

The star.

"Wow….the stars sure are pretty aren't they?"

"Yeah…."

"Hey Cornell, did you ever see a shooting star?"

"….no, why ask kid?"

"Well…cos once someone told me that when you see one you can make a wish on it and I'll come true!"

"Most of the time we don't see them."

"I guess that means some people don't get to make wishes."

"Look kid, we can just make a wish on that one, kay?"

"Really? Can I start?"

"Whatever you want."

"Well…I wish that even if you go away and never come back that you'll always be there to help me!"

"I…hope so too."

And as it twinkles above me, I wonder if the kid can see it too.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Somewhere in a small village inn…(About 2 days later)

Hey! You're the Protector right? Enthusiastic mail boy.

Hmm? Oh yeah. Not so enthusiastic b-da player a.k.a ME.

Well, here's your fan mail! Enthusiasm drops rapidly for b-da player.

Thanks! Enthusiasm rises rapidly for mail boy and mail boy leaves.

I open the first one.

Fangirl. Wants a date.

Fanboy. Wants to know if I can be his honorary big brother. He is planning to disown his actual brother.

Fangirl. Wants to be pregnant with my child.

Genuine fan. Wishes me a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Fangirl. Wishes to store me in a little box for preservation.

Local I Helped Along The Way. Wishes to thank me for bringing in lots of customers.

Fangirl. Wants my shoe size and an old sock.

Fangirl. Wishes to clone me so she can have a extra copy of me.

Flamer. Gives explicit detail on how I should burn in the fiery depths of hell.

Fangirl. Wants to marry me, has included a ring.

Genuine fan. Congratulates me on my b-da battles. Does not mention encounter with Thunder.

Local I Helped Along The Way. Asks me if I can come by for a gift she wants to give me.

Flamer. Gives explicit detail on how "Insert b-da player's name" is so much cooler, better, hotter, etc than me.

Small typical Christmas card with a snowman on it.

I open it.

1) Keep elbows straight.

2) Bend knees

3) Focus on opponent.

Take my advice; you won't ever beat me if you don't. I thought you'd be a better opponent. Guess that was wishful thinking.

I suddenly take in a sharp breath.

Only one person…only one person.

Enjyu.

"Wow….the stars sure are pretty aren't they?"

"Yeah…."

"Hey Enjyu, did you ever see a shooting star?"

"….no, why ask kid?"

"Well…cos once someone told me that when you see one you can make a wish on it and I'll come true!"

"Most of the time we don't see them."

"I guess that means some people don't get to make wishes."

"Look kid, we can just make a wish on that one, kay?"

"Really? Can I start?"

"Whatever you want."

"Well…I wish that even if you go away and never come back that you'll always be there to help me!"

"I…hope so too."

I look up to see a star twinkling above my room's window.

I back down at the card and slightly bitter smile can't help appearing.

Guess he did keep his promise after all.

Plz R&R!!!