Ok, here's Chapter 1 of my first attempt at an Outlaw Star fic! I changed somethings like Melfina and Gene are kind of iffy about their relationship and Harry's not stuck in some ship/computer thing.
Anyways, I tried to come up with something interesting and original and all, so I hope it came out good. Hopefully, I'll finish it! LOL! As I said, this is only Chapter 1 and stuff so you know, things
are just begining! Also, I think something's wrong with the format and I'm not sure how to fix it...anyways, please read and enjoy and respond with comments (just don't flame or make them too vicious
or I'll probably cry! LOL!)! Anyway, I'd really appreciate input from readers and all! Thanks for reading and enjoy! Here goes:
Disclaimer: You know the deal. I don't own Outlaw Star or any of it's characters and stuff like that...
Aaalie Ru. Aaalie Ru and his legends and his prophecies. All of them contained in those books, those scriptures he wrote with such elegant penmanship so many years ago.
I have determined that they are the cause of this; those texts. If only they did not exist. If only Aaalie Ru had not made his predictions and his prophecies or if he hadn't written down the rituals, the rituals that would cause so much pain for so many.
But he wrote them. I suppose, he HAD to. Yes, he really did have to in order to warn us. But people are greedy. Yes, people can be so corrupt, I'm afraid.
Poor Gene and his young love. The story starts with him and with her and with their friends and with that one night that would set this whole chaos in motion. If only they had known. If only.
It all began before I came along. Before I knew anything about Aaalie Ru or Gene Starwind or the Outlaw Star or the MacDougalls or about my brother's crusade. My brother-so ignorant- so foolish. If he had known, then perhaps-what does it matter now? Things have been set in motion. It is inevitable. The Legend of Aaalie Ru has begun.
And it all began with Gene Starwind, that one night at Blue Heaven…
Gene Starwind strode into the restaurant of other outlaws with a confidence held by few others in his line of work. Glancing around, he finally spotted the table of his good companions and walked over to the unique group of characters. There was his good friend Jim, only 12, but still the smartest person he knew. A true child prodigy, it was a wonder why Jim wasn't making more use of his talents. Next to him sat Aisha Clan-Clan, former ambassador for the Ctarl-Ctarl Empire until a little run in with Gene and company. Now, oddly, the rather unrefined cat-like lady was their friend, and she had already begun eating her meal as well as the food off the others' plates.
Across from her, Suzuka, better known as Twilight Suzuka, the deadly assassin, sat quiet and reserved, occasionally eyeing Aisha and her lack of manners but never saying anything. She, too, had been Gene's enemy awhile back, sent to kill Fred Luo, Gene's blatantly gay and, more times than most, cowardly friend, who's world revolved solely around his business, along with his crush on Gene. However, Gene had gotten Suzuka to spare Fred-the first and only to escape death by Suzuka's wooden sword.
Finally, Melfina sat next to Suzuka, who only uttered a small cry or protest as Aisha snatched some food from her plate. There were so many questions that Gene still had about the extremely human-like android that they found contained in a briefcase and who acted as the navigational system for their ship, the Outlaw Star. So kind and full of emotion, Gene could almost not believe she wasn't a human with a soul just like him. What trouble him more was he wasn't sure about his feeling for her. He knew he cared for her, but he wasn't sure how much. At the moment, however, Gene wasn't thinking of such things. He smiled as he neared the table. Although it was rare, and almost ironic, that such a diverse group of people should be working together, they were all Gene's friends.
"Hey Gene, what took so long?" Jim questioned as Gene took a seat at the head of their table, slouching in his chair.
"I was on the phone with Fred," Gene told them.
"And?" Jim continued interrogating.
"And Fred just needs a little bit more convincing…" Seeing Jim's look of disapproval, Gene attempted to change the subject. "Hey Aisha, thanks for saving me something."
"Don't mention it," She replied, not ceasing to stop her eating.
"Gene!" Jim called his attention back.
"What is it, Jim?"
"Don't you see that we're broke! We need to make some money and fast! Fred's not going to give us anything if-"
"Don't worry so much Jim. I'll convince Fred." Gene leaned back and yawned. "Besides, it's not my fault about the lack of jobs around here."
"There are plenty of jobs, Gene!" Jim argued.
"What Gene means is," Suzuka spoke up with a smirk, "Is that there aren't enough jobs that are thrilling enough for him. Or worthy of his time."
"So? Nothing wrong with that." Gene defended himself.
"There is something wrong with that if we're bankrupt!" Jim protested.
"Now, come on, Jim. Gene's right," Aisha said. "After all, we did find the Galactic Leyline!"
"That doesn't help us now, though!" Jim continued to argue.
"Maybe we can do just a couple small jobs around here just to get a little money. It can't hurt, can it?" Melfina suggested.
"Only Gene's pride," Suzuka commented, another smirk forming on her face.
"Well, whatever!" Aisha stretched her arms above her head. "I'm stuffed!"
"Don't worry guys. I'll find something," Gene assured them, "Trust me."
Meanwhile, at a booth in the corner of the restaurant sat Ron MacDougall and his brother Harry. They were concealed in the darkness and were located a safe distance from Gene's table so that neither party were aware the other was there. The MacDougalls and Gene's history of hatred began when Ron had murdered Gene's father. Then, the search for the Galactic Leyline had became a war between the crew of the El Dorado, the MacDougalls' spaceship, and the Outlaw Star. Harry had become obsessed with Melfina during the time, for Harry too wasn't human, but only artificial. However, that night Ron and Harry weren't thinking about the Outlaw Star. The two were waiting impatiently to meet with someone.
"Where is he?" Harry asked, growing aggravated.
"Don't worry," Ron stated, his voice filled with irritation, "He'll show up if he knows what's good for him." A few moments passed. Then, a man appeared before them and slipped into the booth, sitting across from them. From what could be seen in the darkness, the man was young and seemingly wealthy, but that was it. All of his other features were hidden in the shadows.
"Sorry I'm late, gentlemen," The man apologized, relaxing and leaning back in his seat as if he owned the place.
"It's ok," Ron said quickly, before Harry could complain. Only one thing was important at the moment. There was a couple moments of silence. "Well?" Ron finally spoke up, growing annoyed.
"Hmm?" The man looked over to the two brothers, his attention evidently somewhere else.
"The book!" Ron's patience was wearing out, "Where's the book!"
"Oh that." A small smirk appeared on his face as he leaned across the table. "I'm afraid I don't have it, gentlemen."
"What do you mean you don't have it?" Harry exclaimed, his voice filled with fury. The young man stayed composed, however.
"I'm sorry, but I don't have it anymore," He explained, nonchalantly leaning back.
"Well, where is it?" Ron attempted to stay calm, but his temper was ready to get the best of him.
"Well, to be perfectly honest, gentlemen, I've sold it."
"What?!" Harry jumped to his feet, rage pumping through his veins. The young man didn't flinch.
"Sit down, Harry," Ron instructed, realizing the only way the book would get into their possession was if they acted reasonable and rational. Well, for the time, anyways.
"But, Ron-"
"Just sit down." Harry stood a couple more seconds, a bit unsure, but then reluctantly sat down. Ron turned his attention back to the young man who apparently lost interest in the conversation, but instead was searching the table's of the restaurant as if looking for someone. Ron cleared his throat. "Who did you sell it to?"
"A man named Rufius Geller Picard." The man replied as Ron tried to find some hint or clue in his facial expression to determine if he was telling the truth. However, it was impossible to see his face in the dark shadows.
"But why?" Harry asked, still angered.
"Well, let's just say, I found it a much more worthy investment than 10,000 Wong," The young man then looked down at his watch. "Now, if you don't mind, gentlemen, I have more valuable things to do with my time than to hear you both whine and complain."
"Why you little-" Harry's temper exploded. Rising to his feet again, he reached across the table and grabbed the man by the collar, pulling him up.
"Harry!" Ron stood up, disapprovingly, "Now's not the time."
"But he's cause us nothing but trouble!" Harry protested, but let go of the man's collar. The young man, brushed himself off but it was still impossible to tell if he was startled by the incident or not.
"I know Harry, but we might still need him around," Ron explained, knowing that if that Rufius Geller Picard didn't have the book they were looking for, they'd have to find this young man again and find out who really did. However, Ron quickly added, "For now." Sending a cold, threatening glare towards the man, he then turned to Harry. "Let's go." Harry went to protest, but Ron stopped him, "I said let's go."
"Ok," Harry agreed, halfheartedly and followed his brother out of the booth and then out the restaurant doors.
"Good day, gentlemen!" The man called after them, half-mockingly and slightly chuckled to himself. Now, he thought, where could they be? Scanning the restaurant and all of its customers he finally spotted them, sitting at a table and seemingly having some sort of disagreement. Smirking, the man straightened his expensive coat and strolled over to the table.
"I can't believe that Aisha ate everything ! We don't have any money left for another meal?" Gene was saying when the young man pulled up a chair and sat down, putting his feet on the table of empty plates.
"Good evening, gentlemen-and ladies of course." He greeted them. Now, in the dim orange light, one could see his young handsome twenty year old face and his expensive tailored clothes. His shoulder length pearly white hair was pulled back in a pony tail in the back of his head, with a few strands falling to the side of his face. Smirking, his emerald eyes glittered eyed the people at the table and then settled on Gene. "So you're the famous Gene Starwind, huh? Hmm, I must say, I'm disappointed."
"What do you mean, you're disappointed?!" Gene asked, outraged that the man had taken hurt his ego.
"Nothing," The man chuckled. Gene's eyes narrowed.
"Who are you?" He now questioned, suspiciously.
"You can call me Ace." He replied, his tone insincere.
"Ace, huh? Well, Ace, what do you want?" Gene continued his interrogation, his voice filling with annoyance.
"Mr. Starwind, where are your manners?" Ace now asked.
"They left when you showed up."
"Well, what I meant was, don't you going to introduce me to your crew?"
"Not really. Now, what do you want?" Gene asked again.
"Well, I have a job for you."
"A job?" Gene's eyebrow raised in interest.
"Yes, a job. It's really quite easy though I don't know if you'll be able to handle it." Ace explained.
"We can handle it," Gene defended himself as well as his friends.
"Geez, this guy is almost as arrogant as Gene," Jim whispered to Melfina and she let out a quiet laugh.
"Almost," Suzuka added.
"Are you sure?" Meanwhile, Ace continued, "Because, as I said before, I'm rather disappointed. Not to offend you, of course."
"Of course we can!" Aisha spoke up, "We're the best around!"
"I suppose," Ace sighed, "Well, then, I guess you'll be able handle it."
"Well, what is it?" Gene asked.
"More importantly, what's the pay?" Jim inquired.
"Hold on, hold on," Ace began, "Now, as I said, I believe it's pretty easy. I mean, I'd do it myself if I had a crew and a ship. All you have to do is get me a pirate."
"That's it? Kill a pirate?" Gene was surprised at the simplicity of the task.
"No! You're not KILLING her. You aren't to assassin her. Just get her for me," Ace corrected, and added, "Oh, and yes, I almost forgot. She's also a demon."
"A demon?!" Jim exclaimed.
"Now, now, don't worry. She hasn't reached her fullest potential by far. She's actually, rather weak. Her name is Rillica and she's the first."
"The first?" Gene asked.
"Yes, the first. There are two more, but don't worry about them now."
"Ok," Gene replied, reluctantly.
"If she's only a pirate and a weak demon, then what's so important that you want us to capture her alive?" Suzuka spoke up, suspicion in her voice.
"What's this all about?" Gene agreed.
"I'm paying one million Wong," Ace ignored the questions, "For each."
"Three million Wong?!" Jim smiled, "We'll take it!"
"Now wait a second, Jim," Gene turned towards Ace skeptically. "If you have that kind of money, then why are you hanging around here?"
"Well, do you expect me to find somebody to take this job at a dinner party?" Gene eyed him, still unsure when Aisha chimed in.
"I say we take it! I mean, what's the worst that can happen?"
"Well know that we know how Aisha feels, what about the rest of you guys?" Gene asked, turning his attention to his friends.
"We need the money…" Jim trailed off, rationalizing the situation.
"Suzuka?" Gene looked over at her. She sighed.
"It doesn't matter. It seems easy enough. Although, that's what makes me suspicious."
"I assure you, miss, there's nothing to be suspicious about," Ace flashed a charming smile, but Suzuka didn't say anything.
"Mel?" Gene continued.
"Um…well, as Jim says we need the money and she IS a pirate, right? Um…I don't know…I guess." Ace grin grew wider.
"Well, it looks like it's settled! Do we have ourselves a deal?"
"Apparently so," Gene replied, both men rising to their feet and shaking hands.
"Great! I'll meet you at your ship-the Outlaw Star I believe-in ten minutes."
"Wait! You're coming WITH us?"
"Well, of course! I need to make sure you don't do anything, how do I say, unintelligent. I'll see you then." With a small bow, he departed and Gene slumped back down in his chair.
"I think this a bad idea, especially now that he's coming along." Suzuka stated, her facial expression unhappy.
"It's a little to late now, Suzuka," Gene reminded her, "We've already taken the job."
"Lighten up Su Zu!" Aisha leaned back, "It's something to do, right?"
"Don't call me that," was all the deadly assassin said.
"It's also three million Wong," Jim added.
"That is a lot…" Melfina agreed.
"Right," Gene decided, trying to convince them all, as well as himself, that it was a good idea to take the job, "We've got money and an easy, but not a humiliating, job. Besides, if something does happen to go wrong, it's not like we can't handle it. How bad can it be? As Aisha said, what's the worst that can happen?"
If only they knew the worst that could happen. If only. Why do I keep asking these senseless questions? It's pointless now. It's already happen and you can't change the past.
Still, if only something happened differently. Maybe if they listened to Suzuka or their own gut instincts. Well, somebody else would've taken the job, I guess. Perhaps, it was destiny; meant to be. But then-is it destined to end as horribly as predicted by Aaalie Ru?
This is only the beginning though. Nothing's happened, yet. Nothing that Aaalie Ru and his books prophesized. But things will start to unravel. Things will start to crumble. And then what?
Anyways, I tried to come up with something interesting and original and all, so I hope it came out good. Hopefully, I'll finish it! LOL! As I said, this is only Chapter 1 and stuff so you know, things
are just begining! Also, I think something's wrong with the format and I'm not sure how to fix it...anyways, please read and enjoy and respond with comments (just don't flame or make them too vicious
or I'll probably cry! LOL!)! Anyway, I'd really appreciate input from readers and all! Thanks for reading and enjoy! Here goes:
Disclaimer: You know the deal. I don't own Outlaw Star or any of it's characters and stuff like that...
Aaalie Ru. Aaalie Ru and his legends and his prophecies. All of them contained in those books, those scriptures he wrote with such elegant penmanship so many years ago.
I have determined that they are the cause of this; those texts. If only they did not exist. If only Aaalie Ru had not made his predictions and his prophecies or if he hadn't written down the rituals, the rituals that would cause so much pain for so many.
But he wrote them. I suppose, he HAD to. Yes, he really did have to in order to warn us. But people are greedy. Yes, people can be so corrupt, I'm afraid.
Poor Gene and his young love. The story starts with him and with her and with their friends and with that one night that would set this whole chaos in motion. If only they had known. If only.
It all began before I came along. Before I knew anything about Aaalie Ru or Gene Starwind or the Outlaw Star or the MacDougalls or about my brother's crusade. My brother-so ignorant- so foolish. If he had known, then perhaps-what does it matter now? Things have been set in motion. It is inevitable. The Legend of Aaalie Ru has begun.
And it all began with Gene Starwind, that one night at Blue Heaven…
Gene Starwind strode into the restaurant of other outlaws with a confidence held by few others in his line of work. Glancing around, he finally spotted the table of his good companions and walked over to the unique group of characters. There was his good friend Jim, only 12, but still the smartest person he knew. A true child prodigy, it was a wonder why Jim wasn't making more use of his talents. Next to him sat Aisha Clan-Clan, former ambassador for the Ctarl-Ctarl Empire until a little run in with Gene and company. Now, oddly, the rather unrefined cat-like lady was their friend, and she had already begun eating her meal as well as the food off the others' plates.
Across from her, Suzuka, better known as Twilight Suzuka, the deadly assassin, sat quiet and reserved, occasionally eyeing Aisha and her lack of manners but never saying anything. She, too, had been Gene's enemy awhile back, sent to kill Fred Luo, Gene's blatantly gay and, more times than most, cowardly friend, who's world revolved solely around his business, along with his crush on Gene. However, Gene had gotten Suzuka to spare Fred-the first and only to escape death by Suzuka's wooden sword.
Finally, Melfina sat next to Suzuka, who only uttered a small cry or protest as Aisha snatched some food from her plate. There were so many questions that Gene still had about the extremely human-like android that they found contained in a briefcase and who acted as the navigational system for their ship, the Outlaw Star. So kind and full of emotion, Gene could almost not believe she wasn't a human with a soul just like him. What trouble him more was he wasn't sure about his feeling for her. He knew he cared for her, but he wasn't sure how much. At the moment, however, Gene wasn't thinking of such things. He smiled as he neared the table. Although it was rare, and almost ironic, that such a diverse group of people should be working together, they were all Gene's friends.
"Hey Gene, what took so long?" Jim questioned as Gene took a seat at the head of their table, slouching in his chair.
"I was on the phone with Fred," Gene told them.
"And?" Jim continued interrogating.
"And Fred just needs a little bit more convincing…" Seeing Jim's look of disapproval, Gene attempted to change the subject. "Hey Aisha, thanks for saving me something."
"Don't mention it," She replied, not ceasing to stop her eating.
"Gene!" Jim called his attention back.
"What is it, Jim?"
"Don't you see that we're broke! We need to make some money and fast! Fred's not going to give us anything if-"
"Don't worry so much Jim. I'll convince Fred." Gene leaned back and yawned. "Besides, it's not my fault about the lack of jobs around here."
"There are plenty of jobs, Gene!" Jim argued.
"What Gene means is," Suzuka spoke up with a smirk, "Is that there aren't enough jobs that are thrilling enough for him. Or worthy of his time."
"So? Nothing wrong with that." Gene defended himself.
"There is something wrong with that if we're bankrupt!" Jim protested.
"Now, come on, Jim. Gene's right," Aisha said. "After all, we did find the Galactic Leyline!"
"That doesn't help us now, though!" Jim continued to argue.
"Maybe we can do just a couple small jobs around here just to get a little money. It can't hurt, can it?" Melfina suggested.
"Only Gene's pride," Suzuka commented, another smirk forming on her face.
"Well, whatever!" Aisha stretched her arms above her head. "I'm stuffed!"
"Don't worry guys. I'll find something," Gene assured them, "Trust me."
Meanwhile, at a booth in the corner of the restaurant sat Ron MacDougall and his brother Harry. They were concealed in the darkness and were located a safe distance from Gene's table so that neither party were aware the other was there. The MacDougalls and Gene's history of hatred began when Ron had murdered Gene's father. Then, the search for the Galactic Leyline had became a war between the crew of the El Dorado, the MacDougalls' spaceship, and the Outlaw Star. Harry had become obsessed with Melfina during the time, for Harry too wasn't human, but only artificial. However, that night Ron and Harry weren't thinking about the Outlaw Star. The two were waiting impatiently to meet with someone.
"Where is he?" Harry asked, growing aggravated.
"Don't worry," Ron stated, his voice filled with irritation, "He'll show up if he knows what's good for him." A few moments passed. Then, a man appeared before them and slipped into the booth, sitting across from them. From what could be seen in the darkness, the man was young and seemingly wealthy, but that was it. All of his other features were hidden in the shadows.
"Sorry I'm late, gentlemen," The man apologized, relaxing and leaning back in his seat as if he owned the place.
"It's ok," Ron said quickly, before Harry could complain. Only one thing was important at the moment. There was a couple moments of silence. "Well?" Ron finally spoke up, growing annoyed.
"Hmm?" The man looked over to the two brothers, his attention evidently somewhere else.
"The book!" Ron's patience was wearing out, "Where's the book!"
"Oh that." A small smirk appeared on his face as he leaned across the table. "I'm afraid I don't have it, gentlemen."
"What do you mean you don't have it?" Harry exclaimed, his voice filled with fury. The young man stayed composed, however.
"I'm sorry, but I don't have it anymore," He explained, nonchalantly leaning back.
"Well, where is it?" Ron attempted to stay calm, but his temper was ready to get the best of him.
"Well, to be perfectly honest, gentlemen, I've sold it."
"What?!" Harry jumped to his feet, rage pumping through his veins. The young man didn't flinch.
"Sit down, Harry," Ron instructed, realizing the only way the book would get into their possession was if they acted reasonable and rational. Well, for the time, anyways.
"But, Ron-"
"Just sit down." Harry stood a couple more seconds, a bit unsure, but then reluctantly sat down. Ron turned his attention back to the young man who apparently lost interest in the conversation, but instead was searching the table's of the restaurant as if looking for someone. Ron cleared his throat. "Who did you sell it to?"
"A man named Rufius Geller Picard." The man replied as Ron tried to find some hint or clue in his facial expression to determine if he was telling the truth. However, it was impossible to see his face in the dark shadows.
"But why?" Harry asked, still angered.
"Well, let's just say, I found it a much more worthy investment than 10,000 Wong," The young man then looked down at his watch. "Now, if you don't mind, gentlemen, I have more valuable things to do with my time than to hear you both whine and complain."
"Why you little-" Harry's temper exploded. Rising to his feet again, he reached across the table and grabbed the man by the collar, pulling him up.
"Harry!" Ron stood up, disapprovingly, "Now's not the time."
"But he's cause us nothing but trouble!" Harry protested, but let go of the man's collar. The young man, brushed himself off but it was still impossible to tell if he was startled by the incident or not.
"I know Harry, but we might still need him around," Ron explained, knowing that if that Rufius Geller Picard didn't have the book they were looking for, they'd have to find this young man again and find out who really did. However, Ron quickly added, "For now." Sending a cold, threatening glare towards the man, he then turned to Harry. "Let's go." Harry went to protest, but Ron stopped him, "I said let's go."
"Ok," Harry agreed, halfheartedly and followed his brother out of the booth and then out the restaurant doors.
"Good day, gentlemen!" The man called after them, half-mockingly and slightly chuckled to himself. Now, he thought, where could they be? Scanning the restaurant and all of its customers he finally spotted them, sitting at a table and seemingly having some sort of disagreement. Smirking, the man straightened his expensive coat and strolled over to the table.
"I can't believe that Aisha ate everything ! We don't have any money left for another meal?" Gene was saying when the young man pulled up a chair and sat down, putting his feet on the table of empty plates.
"Good evening, gentlemen-and ladies of course." He greeted them. Now, in the dim orange light, one could see his young handsome twenty year old face and his expensive tailored clothes. His shoulder length pearly white hair was pulled back in a pony tail in the back of his head, with a few strands falling to the side of his face. Smirking, his emerald eyes glittered eyed the people at the table and then settled on Gene. "So you're the famous Gene Starwind, huh? Hmm, I must say, I'm disappointed."
"What do you mean, you're disappointed?!" Gene asked, outraged that the man had taken hurt his ego.
"Nothing," The man chuckled. Gene's eyes narrowed.
"Who are you?" He now questioned, suspiciously.
"You can call me Ace." He replied, his tone insincere.
"Ace, huh? Well, Ace, what do you want?" Gene continued his interrogation, his voice filling with annoyance.
"Mr. Starwind, where are your manners?" Ace now asked.
"They left when you showed up."
"Well, what I meant was, don't you going to introduce me to your crew?"
"Not really. Now, what do you want?" Gene asked again.
"Well, I have a job for you."
"A job?" Gene's eyebrow raised in interest.
"Yes, a job. It's really quite easy though I don't know if you'll be able to handle it." Ace explained.
"We can handle it," Gene defended himself as well as his friends.
"Geez, this guy is almost as arrogant as Gene," Jim whispered to Melfina and she let out a quiet laugh.
"Almost," Suzuka added.
"Are you sure?" Meanwhile, Ace continued, "Because, as I said before, I'm rather disappointed. Not to offend you, of course."
"Of course we can!" Aisha spoke up, "We're the best around!"
"I suppose," Ace sighed, "Well, then, I guess you'll be able handle it."
"Well, what is it?" Gene asked.
"More importantly, what's the pay?" Jim inquired.
"Hold on, hold on," Ace began, "Now, as I said, I believe it's pretty easy. I mean, I'd do it myself if I had a crew and a ship. All you have to do is get me a pirate."
"That's it? Kill a pirate?" Gene was surprised at the simplicity of the task.
"No! You're not KILLING her. You aren't to assassin her. Just get her for me," Ace corrected, and added, "Oh, and yes, I almost forgot. She's also a demon."
"A demon?!" Jim exclaimed.
"Now, now, don't worry. She hasn't reached her fullest potential by far. She's actually, rather weak. Her name is Rillica and she's the first."
"The first?" Gene asked.
"Yes, the first. There are two more, but don't worry about them now."
"Ok," Gene replied, reluctantly.
"If she's only a pirate and a weak demon, then what's so important that you want us to capture her alive?" Suzuka spoke up, suspicion in her voice.
"What's this all about?" Gene agreed.
"I'm paying one million Wong," Ace ignored the questions, "For each."
"Three million Wong?!" Jim smiled, "We'll take it!"
"Now wait a second, Jim," Gene turned towards Ace skeptically. "If you have that kind of money, then why are you hanging around here?"
"Well, do you expect me to find somebody to take this job at a dinner party?" Gene eyed him, still unsure when Aisha chimed in.
"I say we take it! I mean, what's the worst that can happen?"
"Well know that we know how Aisha feels, what about the rest of you guys?" Gene asked, turning his attention to his friends.
"We need the money…" Jim trailed off, rationalizing the situation.
"Suzuka?" Gene looked over at her. She sighed.
"It doesn't matter. It seems easy enough. Although, that's what makes me suspicious."
"I assure you, miss, there's nothing to be suspicious about," Ace flashed a charming smile, but Suzuka didn't say anything.
"Mel?" Gene continued.
"Um…well, as Jim says we need the money and she IS a pirate, right? Um…I don't know…I guess." Ace grin grew wider.
"Well, it looks like it's settled! Do we have ourselves a deal?"
"Apparently so," Gene replied, both men rising to their feet and shaking hands.
"Great! I'll meet you at your ship-the Outlaw Star I believe-in ten minutes."
"Wait! You're coming WITH us?"
"Well, of course! I need to make sure you don't do anything, how do I say, unintelligent. I'll see you then." With a small bow, he departed and Gene slumped back down in his chair.
"I think this a bad idea, especially now that he's coming along." Suzuka stated, her facial expression unhappy.
"It's a little to late now, Suzuka," Gene reminded her, "We've already taken the job."
"Lighten up Su Zu!" Aisha leaned back, "It's something to do, right?"
"Don't call me that," was all the deadly assassin said.
"It's also three million Wong," Jim added.
"That is a lot…" Melfina agreed.
"Right," Gene decided, trying to convince them all, as well as himself, that it was a good idea to take the job, "We've got money and an easy, but not a humiliating, job. Besides, if something does happen to go wrong, it's not like we can't handle it. How bad can it be? As Aisha said, what's the worst that can happen?"
If only they knew the worst that could happen. If only. Why do I keep asking these senseless questions? It's pointless now. It's already happen and you can't change the past.
Still, if only something happened differently. Maybe if they listened to Suzuka or their own gut instincts. Well, somebody else would've taken the job, I guess. Perhaps, it was destiny; meant to be. But then-is it destined to end as horribly as predicted by Aaalie Ru?
This is only the beginning though. Nothing's happened, yet. Nothing that Aaalie Ru and his books prophesized. But things will start to unravel. Things will start to crumble. And then what?
