Bubblegum Crisis Post 2040 Fanfic Series

Bubblegum Crisis Post 2040 File 1: Dominant Species

Part 4: Hunger

Chapter 49: Life Paths

by P. Kristen Enos (bgcpost2040@aol.com)

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A Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2040 English Dub Version Fanfic. All rights belong to AIC, ADV Films and the other creative powers that be. I just want credit for writing the story. Contains spoilers! Rated PG13. Yuri warning! Nothing in here should be a shock if you've watched the episodes and paid attention. All I'm doing is filling in the gaps with my own interpretation of events! Special thanks to Greenegret for betaing!

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Linna couldn't stop herself from making the wretched expression as she downed the last of the tea.

"I think I really did die this time," she croaked.

Mrs. Takeuchi smiled, as if she was quite used to the complaint. "Now, if it actually tasted good, would you think it was medicine?"

"It'd make me more than happy to take the slow path to healing if that's the only other option there is." Out of the corner of her eye she watched the elderly woman read the medical monitors. "Um, can I ask you a nosy question?"

"Of course."

"What kind of health practitioner are you?" Linna asked. Then realizing how that sounded, she immediately added, "I'm not questioning your results at all. But you seem knowledgeable about the monitors and regular doctor techniques. But then you do things like that tea."

The elderly woman smiled and said, "I do whatever works. I used to be a doctor in Western medicine, specializing in obstetrics and pediatrics. But when I met my husband, I exchanged my career to devote my time to raise a family."

Linna's eyes got wide. "You gave up everything?!"

She shook her head, though apparently amused by the young woman's reaction. "No. I put my time and effort to what was more valuable to me. I hardly regret the decision. And I can assure you that my medical background came in quite handy when trying to raise five rowdy boys, especially in this household."

Linna frowned, not quite sure if the statement's meaning was a lot more negative than the tone sounded. "So your husband supported all of you?"

"In a manner of speaking," she said, actually sitting in the chair nearby, which was unusual since Linna had never before seen her do anything but fuss over her and walk in and out of the room because of it. "He was a head bodyguard to Reika's grandfather. He died 33 years ago when he took a bullet for Mr. Chang."

"Even though that was a long time ago, you don't seem bitter about it."

"There's no need to be. He went in the most honorable way possible for a man he loved and respected. It is the same devotion Kou has had instilled in him, and which will be instilled in the next of our generation to serve the Changs."

"Is it some sort of family legacy?"

Mrs. Takeuchi tilted her head a bit as she thought about it. Then she answered, "I suppose you can call it that. My husband's family has served the Changs for 57 generations. Each generation must produce at least one person who will give life service not only to the Chang Family but also to the Hou Bang Clan. In exchange, all siblings and their immediate children will be properly cared for directly or indirectly by the Clan. The rest of my sons have gone on to have fully paid educations and support for their careers and families. Kou volunteered his services because he found more satisfaction in following the path of his father than any other options the world could give."

Linna looked puzzled as she asked, "Do you think he's unhappy that he didn't have the chance to do other things, like follow some sort of personal dream?"

The other woman merely smiled and said, "You would have to ask him that. But, I can tell you that I've not felt any discontent in him. A mother can usually sense these things."

Linna blushed. "I'm sorry. I guess I feel sort of selfish in that I abandoned my family's expectations of me to go off and pursue my own dreams. When I hear stories about people like Kou -- and Reika -- I can't help but wonder if I'm acting like a little spoiled brat."

The other woman silently studied her, but since the usual gentle smile was on her lips, it didn't feel as unnerving as it could. After a while though, Linna couldn't help but lower gaze and blush even more.

"You have a very powerful and strong heart, Linna," Mrs. Takeuchi finally said. "You would make a wonderful wife and mother."

Linna's eyes widened in surprised as she gulped. "Um-Well, I don't think that's quite in the cards for me. I'm not that traditional."

"Why? Because you care for Mistress Reika?"

The young woman glanced at her in surprise before dropping her gaze again. "And that doesn't bother you?"

"I helped to raise her and her sister. They are my daughters in spirit... And even if you cared for another woman besides Reika, my observation still stands. You have incredible capacity to love and care. And I've sensed a certain frustration in you that you haven't been able to express that love in the way that best suits you. Hopefully you will find your answers soon."

Still thoroughly amazed and embarrassed, Linna mumbled a thank you.

At that point, Mrs. Takeuchi made her exit, leaving the young woman to a whirlwind of thoughts.

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"That's really beautiful," Linna commented in amazement at her visitor, who was sitting down on the floor and out of her restricted field of vision.

"Thanks," Priss said, tightening the strings on her guitar as she glanced down at the music sheets on the floor before her. "I wrote it last night. I think it's the best piece I've written in a while."

Linna chuckled and remarked, "Did being a Knight Saber again give your emotional batteries a recharge?"

Priss focused a bit on plucking some test notes from her guitar and said, "You could say that."

"Well, I'm sure Leon is pleased."

"Maybe in time he will be."

Linna narrowed her eyes, knowing a bit how to read her friend's trademark evasiveness. "He's upset with you rejoining?"

"A bit. I'm staying at Sylia's in the meantime."

Her friend was quiet for a moment and then asked, "Is that why you're not wearing your engagement ring-necklace today?"

Even though Linna couldn't see the reaction, Priss gave her a glance and then quirked her mouth into a mild smile. "I would have told you if you hadn't noticed before I left."

"What do Sylia and Nene think of it?"

"I haven't told them. Leon will probably tell Nene at work today. I don't know if Sylia even knew we got engaged because I certainly didn't tell her. But once Nene finds out, I just figured the whole world will know one way or the other."

Linna silently agreed based on her own experience of when Nene first found out about Priss and Leon. "So is the break-up permanent?"

"Is anything?"

Linna let out a sigh and said, "Well, thank you for letting me be the first to officially know. So how do you feel about it?"

"Feel?" Priss shrugged and started the beginning of a melody but then abruptly stopped. "I don't know if I should say. I haven't trusted my feelings in the past couple of years... At least now you don't have to strain yourself imagining me in a maternity version of my biker's outfit."

Linna was silent for a moment. "Just what happened between you and Galatea?"

"We got to know each other a little too well," Priss answered cryptically. Then she did a playful strum across the strings of her guitar. "Here's a beer drinking song we learned in Munchen..."

-- End Chapter 49 --

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