Pretty Maelstrom
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Disney's Lilo & Stitch
-Chapter Start-
"His name is… Stitch," Lilo said, taking a little more than a second to think.
"Are you sure that's what you want to call him sweetie?" Ms. Hegarty, the pet adoption lady, asked.
Lilo nodded vigorously. While to the side Nani also nodded her head, but kept her eyes on the newly named Stitch. Who was looking through the window at something.
Lilo knew that her big sister was not fond of her new blue friend. Maybe it was because he was blue. But she liked his fur color, it made him unique.
The young Hawaiian girl hoped that in time, Stitch would be as good a friend to her, as Naruto was to Nani. Maybe by then her sister would accept Stitch.
With the last of the paperwork being signed, all that was left was to pay the adoption fee. Which Lilo happily did. After borrowing two dollars from Nani.
"He's all yours."
Lilo cheered, pulling Stitch into a hug. Much to the blue creature's displeasure, as he got free and made his way to the door. He was obviously excited to get outside. Especially when he stood up and opened the door.
*break*
Jumba and his new "assistant" Pleakley had gotten to Earth with relative ease. Although leaving would be a problem due to a boulder, but that could be solved later. For now they needed to get Experiment 626 under control. Preferably before the United Galactic Federation did something else stupid.
The fact they were incapable of containing 626 for long was proof of their idiocy. How they thought someone like that Captain Gantu would be able to properly control his indestructible hyper-intelligent monster, was beyond his understanding.
Now, those galactic fools had no choice but to ask him to clean up their mess. Which Jumba was only too happy to do. After all, he wasn't able to do anything while he was locked up in prison.
Sadly, he had lost the element of surprise from their first attempt to capture 626. The creature's reflexes proved to be perfect, as he was designed to be. Now the genetic experiment that was on high alert. But on this primitive island there was no place he could hide, so a more direct approach was advisable.
"What's he doing?" the voice of Agent Wendy Pleakley asked suddenly. Much to Jumba's displeasure, as he shoved his hand over his cohort's mouth. 626's advanced hearing had probably heard everything, and now knew their exact position.
With this information, the genetic experiment could quickly turn in the opposite direction, and run. Which is why the mad scientist was confused, when his little monster strutted out of the building with all the confidence of an oblivious idiot.
"Why don't you run?" Jumba questioned out loud. Readying the laser sight on his plasma rifle. All while 626 sat in front of the door and barked.
Suddenly the genetic experiment was not alone, and Jumba found him's rifle pushed to the ground. Where the plasma bolt left a small crater.
"I have determined that this situation is much too dangerous," Pleakley yelled. Throwing himself between the mad scientist and his target.
"Don't worry, I won't hit the little earthling," the large alien growled, pushing his assistant out of the way.
"That human is part of the mosquitoes natural food chain," yelled back. Putting himself in front of the blaster's barrel. "Here! educate yourself."
The three-legged alien shoved his earthling "Viewmaster" into the literal four-eyed scientist's face. Which Jumba was forced to hold with his own hand, as he tried to focus the primitive machine.
"Using a child as a shield? This is low, even for you," the alien convict yelled in rage.
Sadly, his creation only taunted him further. Which, unfortunately, worked, as the experiment's creator decided that shooting might not be the best answer against the monster, and began to charge towards him. Forcing Pleakley to push the enraged scientist into some bushes before any of the earthlings could see them.
Jumba rolled his many eyes, as his tag along began reciting the rules for operating on planets not in the Federation. The same set of rules that had led to 626's escape once already.
"Shut your mouth," Jumba growled. Rolling to his side, to see an interesting sight.
His experiment was putting up with several humans. One of whom was spraying him with water as a punishment. Most likely for his earlier taunting. Normally the genetic monster would have destroyed his attacker, but he never lifted a claw in retaliation.
"Very well Experiment 626," Jumba chuckled to himself. "If you want to hide in plain sight, I can wait. I have plenty of patience, so let us see how much you have."
"How long until we can safely detain him?" Pleakley asked, switching his attention between the blue alien and the monster creator he was on top of.
"626 has decided to use your own rules against you," the mad scientist explained. Pushing the smaller alien off his body, as he sat up. "While he is with the earthlings, we can neither approach him, nor openly attack him. But he must remain beside the little human, and not reveal his true monstrous nature."
"So… how do we capture him?"
"We can't, until he gives in to his need for destruction. At which point we must protect the humans from him. Bypassing your rules, and allowing us to restrain him."
"But that could take days," the one-eyed alien groaned. "We need to return him to the custody of the Galactic Federation as soon as possible. He could destroy the delicate ecosystem of the mosquitoes."
"I did not make idiotic rules," Jumba laughed. "But do not worry. 626's basic programming will force him to cause mass chaos everywhere. Soon enough he will seek out the nearest large city and begin destroying buildings, backing up sewers, reversing street signs, and steal everyone's left shoe. Once he begins we grab him."
"I don't think the Grand Councilwoman would approve of such a laid back plan," Pleakley whispered, watching as the dangerous experiment was led away by two of the earthlings.
"It is fine if she does not like plan," the scientist said smugly. Standing up to follow his creation. "Because we will not tell boss lady of plan until we get results."
"What?"
"Hurry now," Jumba called, walking away. "We must follow 626, to find optimal time to apprehend him."
"Wait!" Pleakley called. Having forgotten his previous worries, in exchange for new ones. "We need to blend in."
"Do not worry. We will find disguises," the larger alien laughed, as he practically dragged his companion along.
Once the duo had reached one of the main streets in the town, Jumba instructed his assistant to continue to keep watch. Not daring to lose sight of his experiment and the two humans, as Pleakley insisted on calling them.
While the one-eyed alien put his single eye to good use, the scientist was getting their disguises. Which he got by stealing them from a nearby tourist shop. An overly large floral print shirt, that at least had muted colors, with a bucket hat for him. Plus a flowing dress and wide brimmed hat for his companion.
With their new clothes on, the aliens were just in time to see the two humans go their separate ways. As the taller, obviously female, one left the younger one with the genetic monstrosity. Which led to immediate chaos.
When the human child went to talk with some other children, 626 did exactly what was expected of him. He pushed the orange hair kid off her plastic tricycle, and grabbed his new living shield. Driving vith of them out of town.
"Oh great, he's loose," Pleakley whined. Leaning back into Jumba's hulking form.
The scientist only laughed. It would be easy to find the earthling. And once found, the genetic experiment wouldn't be far behind.
It took an hour, but 626 was now back in town. Probably having realized that he was stuck on an island.
At least the alien duo had been able to get lunch while he waited for his experiment to return. Sadly the sandwich was not up to 625's lofty standards that Jumba was used to, but it was better than the prison food.
For half the day, the scientist watched as his creation demeaned himself in increasingly worse ways. From playing fetch, to mistaking a toy spaceship for a real one. All to keep his cover as a "dog."
"How much longer do we need to wait?" Pleakley asked in between sips of his colorful drink.
"As long as 626 thinks he can keep playing innocent," Jumba responded, leaning back in the outdoor cafe chair.
"Well we need to move at the first opportunity," the alien agent persisted. "The longer we're here, the more likely it will be that something will happen to the mosquitoes…"
The scientist stopped listening to his colleague, as he watched something he had never seen before. His genetic monstrosity, designed to be the most destructive force in the galaxy, was agitated.
Crouching low to ground in preparation for battle. His eyes were narrowed onto a single target. With his claws digging into the sidewalk, ready to fight for his life.
Something was causing Experiment 626 to act frightened. And Jumba needed to know what, or who, it was.
*break*
"Sorry I'm late Naruto," Nani whisper yelled, as she slid into a chair across from the blond. Sadly her voice had not been quiet enough, and the librarian gave her a scathing look.
"You don't need to apologize," the man responded, opening another book with his left hand. "You've already helped me so much, I have plenty of books to look through while you're busy."
"Really?" the native questioned. Only now noticing how tall the stack of books next to the blond was. "I didn't realize how much we still had to go through."
Naruto chuckled, gaining another look from the librarian. "You've already done enough finding these books, now I have to read them."
Turning his head slightly, the currently left-handed man nodded towards a plush chair in a far corner. "If you want to, go sit in the comfy chair and relax for today. I'll come to you if I need to ask you anything."
"I can't just go sit in a chair when I'm supposed to be helping you," Nani argued.
"You've already helped me a lot, and you would still be around if I needed you," the blond answered back. "And you seem a little tired."
"Do I?"
"You have been busy the past few days."
The dusky skinned beauty sighed, suddenly feeling how tired she was. "I'll just sit here and relax."
Naruto had to quickly cover his mouth before he started laughing.
"You're probably the first person who's said they could relax while I was around," the blond chuckled.
"After living with Lilo, it's easy to relax around you," the elder sister said with a smirk
"Lilo's not that bad," Naruto countered. "I was worse when I was her age."
"Of course you think she's not a terror, she only behaves when you're around."
A shared chuckle covered the table, only broken by the librarian clearing her throat. The duo apologized, before returning their attention to each other. Trying to keep their conversation a little quieter.
A few hours later the two friends stood outside the library, finished for the day. Naruto had asked many questions about the different legends, but Nani had a feeling that he already knew the answers to most of them.
"You got Lilo a dog?"
"I wouldn't have if I'd known she would pick the weirdest dog on the island," the local lamented. "It looks like an evil koala with blue fur."
Naruto chose not to say anything. Given his history with strange animals. A certain fox that looked like a rabbit came to mind.
"The worst part is when it acts almost human," Nani continued, gaining her friend's full attention. "It was staring through the window at the pet shelter, like it was looking for someone. Then it opens the door by itself, goes outside, and starts barking at nothing."
"That is weird," the blond agreed. Now planning on meeting this "dog" for himself.
A groan came from the beauty, as she looked at the time on a nearby clock. "Sorry, I need to go, work."
"It's fine. You helped out a lot today."
As the woman ran off to her job, Naruto stood still for a few minutes. Seemingly getting in tune with nature.
*break*
Stitch trudged down the street. Barely putting in the minimum effort to keep up with the girl beside him. Lilo, he reminded himself, although he didn't plan to remember her name for much longer.
All he had to do was wait. Eventually Jumba would make a mistake, and he would have the perfect opportunity to escape. Admittedly, he hadn't been aware he was trapped on an island when he thought up his plan, but that could be solved by stealing a boat or plane.
The genetic experiment's final, and most likely, plan was to stall for time. If Jumba and his tagalong were unable to get results soon, the Galactic Federation would send in someone else. And whoever they sent, wouldn't be less prepared to deal with him. It would probably be that stupid captain, that had already proven incapable of detaining a sandwich. What was that whale's name again?
"Naruto!" the girl next to him yelled.
Lilo ran down the sidewalk, causing Stitch to roll his eyes and move a little faster to catch up to her.
"Hey Lilo, I heard you got a new dog." A man's voice spoke. The alien didn't pay any attention to him. He smelled like medicinal salves, meaning he was injured and weak.
The blue furred creature didn't care, he was much too preoccupied with a new feeling. Something in the air was different.
It was like an entire forest had encircled him completely. Sheltering him from his pursuers, but depriving him of anything to destroy. There was nothing in this serene forest that would let him cause chaos and terrorize the public.
But that was impossible, he was standing on a concrete slab next to Lilo. Not a peaceful forest.
"So, you're Stitch," the voice stated, looking over the creature intently. Finally drawing 626's attention toward him.
What the experiment saw left him confused. Every animal instinct in his genetics was telling him something different. Part of him wanted nothing more than to attack the human. Striking him down while he was weak. While another part would have been just as comfortable taking a nap at his side.
"I don't think I've ever seen a dog with blue fur before," the man said out loud.
"I've never seen a girl with pink hair," Lilo added.
When the man turned to talk with the young girl, Stitch was conflicted. Now would be the perfect time to attack the stranger. He was distracted and hiding his injured arm, meaning he was at his weakest. But the alien held back, warned by his instincts that the man was far from defenseless.
Thankfully, before the experiment came to a conclusion or exploded from internal conflict, Lilo walked over to Stitch and began petting him.
"Nani said I had to go to her job before it gets dark, so we need to go," the little girl said. Pointing at the slowly darkening sky. "We'll see you later, Naruto."
"Naruto," the blue creature growled out in his usual way. Only partially mangling the name.
"Nani didn't mention he could speak," the now-named blond said.
"Yeah, isn't he the best dog?" Lilo stated with pride.
"He's the first talking dog I've met here, but I know a couple of other dogs that talk better than him."
Lilo pouted, determined to prove that Stitch was the best dog. But she was forced to wait as Naruto affectionately rubbed the top of her head.
"You go find Nani before it gets too dark," the blond smiled, before turning his attention to the blue animal. "You watch after her Stitch, and we can talk later."
Giving the now growling creature a couple pats on the head, Naruto stood up and said goodbye to the duo. Heading off towards the jungled area of the island. Leaving the pair to continue their journey deeper into the town.
For ten minutes the two made their way down the sidewalk. Neither talked, as Lilo led the way to the restaurant. With Stitch following behind in a fouler mood than usual.
Ever since that man, Naruto, left them alone, the alien had been agitated. Full of conflicting thoughts about the blond. Everything from wanting to destroy him, to avoiding the dangerous enigma, and even a slight longing to be beside the man.
However, there was one other annoyance for Stitch. A strange itch on the back of his head, that was unreachable by his own claws.
"Here we are Stitch," Lilo announced, waving her arm to the faux wooden hut that smelled of food. "Are you okay?"
Now that they had stopped walking, the experiment had started desperately scratching at the back of his skull. Having fallen to the ground, hoping to get the offending itch off him.
"What's this?" the girl asked, walking behind the alien. "I think something's stuck in your fur."
With a swift tug the offending object was pulled from his head, and immediate relief was felt. Turning around, Stitch grabbed the item from the girl's hand, ignoring her cry of surprise. A small piece of paper had been taped to him.
"It looks like one of Naruto's notes," Lilo said, looking over her pet's shoulder. "Nani brings them home sometimes. And look, Naruto even drew a picture of his face at the bottom."
At the end of the page there was a quick drawing of the strange man's whiskered face.
"I can't read any of it."
Of course she wouldn't be able to read it, Stitch thought to himself. The entire letter was in code. A simple code, that even had the cipher next to the drawn face. Evidently the blond meant for this to only be readable to the blue alien.
-Don' Hurt Anyone-
The message was simple. But whether it was a threat or a warning would only be shown with time.
Stitch crumpled the paper up and ate it. Much to Lilo's protest, but he didn't care. He'd finally decided what he wanted to do about that man. If he didn't want to hurt anyone, and play pranks instead, Stitch could do that. Pranks were their own kind of warfare.
-Chapter End-
This chapter should have been finished two weeks ago, but I sadly fell ill. I'm doing better, so here's chapter 9.
This was a rather annoying chapter to write, despite the fact I enjoyed doing so. Stitch's supercomputer mind is always fun toi write. While Jumba is great in general when he has someone to play off of. Thankfully Pleakley fills that role nicely. Naruto and Nani being casual together is cute, and Lilo is getting more time to shine. Now if only they didn't feel so separate from each other.
But with this chapter done, we're finally to where the fun begins. Naruto and Stitch have met, and a prank war is on the horizon. Sadly that war isn't going to happen for a little bit. There's going to be a lot of jumping around next chapter, before things settle down. Then Naruto and Stitch can go at each other.
Thank you all for reading, and take care.