2/9/05

Disclaimer: The characters in this fic, such as Kurando, Anastasia, etc. don't belong to me; they are property of Midway, so don't sue! ;.;

Dedications: God, my friends, my cousins, my lovely readers for giving me their requests, Aruze for gracing this magnificent RPG with a sequel – despite the ending they chose to go off of – and finally, random bouts of sudden inspiration that gave me the idea to write all these.

Shadow Hearts II: Snapshot

Special Installment: Gifts II

By Tiger5913

Choice, Karin x Nicolai – dedicated to Angel-chan 2

Go, or stay?

It was a very hard decision.

Nicolai was giving her devotion, love, warmth, and comfort… those were indeed what she wanted, but surely she couldn't trust his word, for he was evil… wasn't he? It was difficult to tell now, when he was looking at her with gentle eyes, and speaking in a smooth, convincing tone. Aside from the matter of trust, it would mean she had to leave Yuri… did she have the strength to do so?

…She didn't want to be tormented with the reminder of unrequited love.

Coherency fled when Karin accepted the offer.

Collaboration, Joachim x Lucia – dedicated to Angel-chan 2

The vampire and the dancer.

At first glance, it certainly didn't seem like they had anything in common. He had lived for centuries, and she was still rather naïve to the ways of the world. He was a supernatural being, and she was a mere human. Battle-wise, he used physical strength, and she preferred magic.

And yet, they shared one important similarity: others perceived both of them to be on the less intelligent side. But they were wrong, and Joachim and Lucia knew it. They wanted to prove themselves and their worth, and so they united for the joint cause.

Destiny, Karin x Ben – dedicated to Puffy Tribulation

It was amazement at first sight.

When the young colonel stumbled across the strange woman lying on the floor, he initially thought that she was in trouble of some sort. Her skimpy clothing certainly suggested a lewd occupation, but no matter what she was, he would help her if she direly needed it.

Just then, he spotted a small photograph in her hand and he curiously bent over to pick it up. Perhaps it would give him an idea of the situation she was in?

Ben looked at the contents, and gasped in shock at the sight of his future.

Inception, Saki solo – dedicated to CuddlyChristina2004

She was so proud of her son.

Not only had he overcome the obstacles in the Dog Shrine and obtained the Mumeiro, but he had also defeated her in a one-on-one battle. It surprised her that he'd gotten so much stronger after only a few weeks of traveling with Yuri and the others, but Ben himself had always been a powerful influence on his friends as well. Saki just knew that Kurando was destined for a great, successful future.

Now that she could guide him as a mother, she immediately sought to fulfill her first task: finding his future wife.

Panda, Kurando x Anastasia – dedicated to Rikainiel

She pouted when Yuri gave away the Talking Panda.

The samurai noticed her sour expression and asked, "What's wrong, Lady Anastasia?"

Surprisingly, she just shook her head in answer, and then caught up with the rest of the group wandering around the Yokohama Streets.

"She likes bears," Joachim offered helpfully, "She was looking for them in Nihonbashi, but they didn't sell any."

"…I see," the young man nodded in understanding, and then he checked his pockets, a plan in mind. That afternoon, he mysteriously left his companions for a while.

The next day, Kurando presented Anastasia with a stuffed panda.

End of Installment

Angel-chan2: See, I liked your taste so much that I wrote two gift drabbles for you! XD Ya know, I find Joachim and Anastasia's friendship just absolutely adorable. I honestly have no idea how they got together, but their interaction is very cute. And yes, I agree that Tsukiyomi is awesome, but I'll have to admit that I like Jutendouji more. Too bad we can't see Kurando wearing just a loincloth… mmm…

Cobra-kun: Ohh, I'm sure that if the cut scene had been voice-acted, Anastasia would've kicked Yuri. XD Well, assuming that he said it loud enough for her to hear, anyway. I was a little worried when Kurando didn't outright deny Yuri's accusation, but I guess "…" could be Kurando's way of saying no? Thankfully, he isn't the type of person to like someone for their status.

CuddlyChristina2004: Thank you for the support, my dear. :) I hope you'll update your fic soon, and hey, maybe you can write more SH:C fics! Need any info, just let me know!

Leebot: Ah, my dear, maybe you misunderstood. Kurando was saying that he wanted to go for Anastasia's sake, not that he was after her title. Hahaha, can you really imagine him admitting, "I'm after Anastasia," to Yuri and the others? Yuri would probably make a perverted joke about that. -.-; And btw, I have no idea why you're so popular, but I love ya, so just accept that and return my affections, damn it! XP

Puffy Tribulation: Yep, it was the second visit to Neam Ruins, also known as Anastasia's side quest. Yuri can sure be a dummy sometimes, eh? I doubt that he intended to get Kurando to admit his feelings for Anastasia; I think Yuri just wanted to tease him. He teased Anastasia after everyone was released from the Battleship Mikasa, remember? Turkey is yummy! But I'm sure he'd find a certain princess to taste better… uh oh, I hope I didn't just insinuate naughty thoughts! XD

Rikainiel: Here, look, my dear! KurAna drabble! A new one! Gosh, I haven't written a new drabble on those two for a while… Thank you for inspiring me. :)

Lastly, A Comment To All Readers: These gifts were really fun to write! I feel enthused – throw me some challenges, dear readers:)