Keitaro Urashima squatted down, looking at his Medabot. The empty eyes of
his Doll-type Medabot stared back. He had owned the body for as long as he
could remember, but never had the money to buy a medal.
He looked up, hearing the apartment door swing open and close a moment later. He saw Shinobu walk happily past the open door. Keitaro paused waiting for the familiar sound of Shinobu's door. To his surprise, Shinobu appeared once more at the door frame, standing before Keitaro.
"Sempai," Shinobu started, "Would it be all right if. . ."
"Bakura?" Keitaro asked, standing.
"Um, yes," Shinobu replied, feeling her cheeks turn slightly pink, "May he come here for a while this evening?"
"Fine with me," Keitaro answered, "Aunt Haruka and Kanako are out right now, so you'll have to ask them when they got home."
"I saw Haruka on my way here," Shinobu explained.
"Oh, okay," Keitaro nodded in acknowledgement.
"Thank you, sempai," Shinobu said as she turned to leave, "and happy birthday."
Keitaro was slightly surprised she remembered. Keitaro merely shrugged and picked up his sketchbook.
~
Haruka walked down the slightly congested street. She stopped at one shop with a large sign labeled '24Hop Mart'. Opening the door, she entered the shop.
"Hello," a young man behind the desk greeted, "I'm Henry, may I help you?"
"I'm looking for a Queen-type medal," Haruka replied, "for my nephew."
"Sorry, but I'm afraid we only sell Medabots, "if you want Medals, try the store across the street."
"Do they sell anything else?" one kid asked, jumping from his chair.
"Yes, Ikki," Henry sighed, "They deal mostly in video games. The store's called Baka Games."
"C'mon, Erika!" Ikki shouted, grabbing his friend's hand and dragging her down the street.
"He'll probably get lost," another kid with smooth black hair muttered.
~
Haruka handed a large amount of money to a man who appeared to constantly have his eyes closed. After he gave her the Queen medal, which she pocketed, the door swung open roughly.
"Freeze!" a man in a rubber suit shouted, "We're the Rubberrobo Gang!"
Haruka was now standing near the back of the store. The man at the counter, named Keith Dervish, was approached by the notorious Seaslug of the Rubberrobo Gang. Other Rubberrobos stood around the store with their Medabots.
"Well, well," Seaslug smirked, "What do we have here? Medals?"
Seaslug cackled. Keith stared blankly at him. After Seaslug finished laughing, he noticed how calm Keith looked.
"Hey, you!" Seaslug yelled at Keith, "Don't you know who we are! We've come to rob this joint and steal all the medals! GWAHAHAHAAA!"
Keith stolidly put his hands in the air. Seaslug raised an eyebrow. Then, behind his Rubberrobo sunglasses, his eyes narrowed.
"Don't play dumb with me!" Seaslug grunted, "Hand over the medals!"
Keith didn't move.
"Didn't you hear me? Get the medals!" Seaslug shrieked.
Seaslug snapped his fingers and a Kuwagata-type Medabot, Quick-draw, walked over, raising its right arm level with Keith's head.
The a man walked in. He wore a casual blue suit with a yellow shirt underneath. His large green hair shook back and forth as he walked. Headphones were over his ears, though no one could hear any music.
"Hey!" Seaslug shouted at the man, "What're you doing? Can't you hear me?"
The man turned and looked through shelves containing different card games. He took one pack and turned to Seaslug, "I'll take this."
With that, he pulled his fingers back, keeping his thumb firm on the cards. They flew forward, distracting Seaslug. The man kicked Quick-draw, sending it over the counter and off of its wheels, making it unable to move.
Seaslug ran at the man. He grabbed Seaslug, flipping him over his back. Seaslug landed next to a glass case containing various video games atop shelves. As he struck the case, the video games fell from their shelves, but didn't leave the case. Seaslug lay before the case, video games above him. The man opened the case, and the games crashed down on Seaslug, who squealed in agony.
Suddenly the vent fell out, and a large man fell out, attacking another Rubberrobo. The two fought the Rubberrobos and their Medabots until the only ones standing were the two men, Keith, and Haruka.
The door opened and in walked another Quick-draw. Realizing its accomplices had been defeated, it ran to Haruka and grabbed her, holding its right arm to her head.
"Drop your weapons!" the Medabot called out.
"Jet," the first man said firmly.
"Yeah, Spike?" the second replied.
"You said there were only three of them," Spike continued, "plus Medabots."
"To deceive your enemy, first you must deceive your friend," Jet answered.
"How does deceiving me help?" Spike shouted.
"I said drop your weapons!" Quick-draw repeated.
Jet sighed, removed his pistol, and dropped it. Spike confidently removed his gun and aimed for Quick-draw. Jet looked kind of shocked at his reaction.
"I'm sorry grandma," Spike started, Haruka yelled out about being called 'grandma', "but we are not police, nor security guards. We do not think about saving civilian lives."
"You lowlife!" Haruka shouted.
"Dang it, he's a Cowboy!" Quick-draw muttered, now aiming at Spike.
Spike was too quick. He fired three times. One hit its head, another the left arm, and the last punctured its wheels. Quick-draw collapsed on the ground.
"Who are you?" Haruka asked, glad to be free of the Medabot.
Spike blew the smoke from his gun, "Just your average Bounty Hunter."
~
Keitaro shuffled out of his room, aiming to find a drink. He walked into the kitchen and opened the fridge. Taking a glass from the cupboard, he filled it with a liquid he assumed was orange juice.
Exiting the kitchen, he entered the living room, where his faithful window awaited him. Tasting the liquid, he was surprised to discover it was peach punch. He smiled, for he like peach more than orange.
He stopped walking. He looked at the mantle. On it lay three packages. One small bag, one regular box, and one large box.
Keitaro's shocked expression turned to one of glee, "Hey, everyone remembered my birthday!"
~
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KEITARO!" they all shouted.
Keitaro smiled as he ate his chocolate cake. Haruka, Kanako, Shinobu, and Narusegawa sat around the table. He was surprised Narusegawa came.
"How's your birthday been so far, Keitaro?" Haruka asked.
Haruka was the only one not eating cake, thus being the only one free to talk. Shinobu had made the cake herself. She was glad Keitaro enjoyed it, it made her feel needed.
"Gawahearfuplimger. . ." Keitaro attempted to speak.
Narusegawa shot a look at him. Keitaro closed his eyes and swallowed. After taking a minute to clear his mouth with milk, he continue, "My birthday's been great. Thank you, Aunt Haruka."
Haruka looked a little mad, "Just Haruka, no aunt!"
Soon they had finished their cake. Kanako lead the way the living room, where the presents awaited them. Narusegawa's present had been added to the pile, which was quite small and rectangular.
Shinobu's present was first. Keitaro carefully unwrapped it, for Shinobu had meticulously placed the wrapping paper around it. Inside was a box. Keitaro raised one eyebrow, disliking boxes. He thought the edges were too sharp and dangerous. Within the box was sweater. Shinobu had handmade it by herself. Sailor-twin had helped pick out the colours.
Keitaro was then handed Kanako's gift. This time tearing through the wrapping paper, for it was slapped on quickly itself, it revealed to be a Zenith Gaming Device (a console, such as Nintendo64) and two games, a racing game and an adventure game. He smiled broadly and thanked Kanako, who blushed.
Haruka gave Keitaro the bag next, which was full of tissue paper. Digging through the bag, he pulled out a small hexagon. He looked quite amazed.
"It's a Queen medal," he breathed.
"I thought you would like to use that old Medabot your grandfather had," Haruka explained.
"Thanks, Aunt Haruka!" Keitaro said, Haruka glared at the word 'Aunt'.
Narusegawa placed the rectangular package on his lap, sitting on the arm of his chair. Keitaro paused, holding the gift in his hands. After taking a deep breath, he opened the package. Inside was a brand new sketch book.
"Thank you, Narusegawa," he said, turning to Narusegawa.
"That's just half of my gift," Narusegawa explained.
She slid down from the arm of the chair and onto his lap. Putting her arms around his neck, she drew him into a kiss. She pressed her lips against his. After Keitaro's shock passed, he closed his eyes, putting his arms around her.
~
The doorbell rang. Shinobu ran to the door, swinging it open. She rushed forward, embracing Bakura, who turned quite red.
"How are you?" she cooed quietly.
Bakura shrugged as they entered the apartment, "My day's getting better, how about you?"
Shinobu smiled, "I'm fine. It's Keitaro's birthday today."
Bakura nodded. Holding Shinobu's hand, they sat on the rather small couch. Sailor-twin walked up to Bakura, "Good evening, Bakura."
"Hello, Sailor-twin," Bakura greeted, "How are you?"
"I am well."
Bakura smiled, "You want to have someone to talk to?"
Sailor-twin put her head to one side, "What do you mean?"
Bakura lifted his Medawatch, pressing down on it. Soon, a Angel-type Medabot appeared. Bakura inserted the Tortoise Medal and the Medabot came to life.
"Hello, Bakura," the Medabot said, its voice soft and fragile.
"Hello, White Seraph," Bakura smiled, "this is Sailor-twin. Go and do something together."
The two Medabots walked off, talking quietly. Shinobu looked up at Bakura, "I like your Medabot."
"I like my Medabot, too," Bakura grinned, "Sailor-twin's a nice Medabot as well."
Shinobu placed her head on his shoulder (รก la Belldandy from Oh! My Goddess!). On cue, Bakura appeared quite shocked, but cautiously put his arm around her.
~
Author's Note: Like that Cowboy Bebop: Knockin' on Heaven's Door-type scene? I had fun with it. Well, five down, (insert number here) to go.
He looked up, hearing the apartment door swing open and close a moment later. He saw Shinobu walk happily past the open door. Keitaro paused waiting for the familiar sound of Shinobu's door. To his surprise, Shinobu appeared once more at the door frame, standing before Keitaro.
"Sempai," Shinobu started, "Would it be all right if. . ."
"Bakura?" Keitaro asked, standing.
"Um, yes," Shinobu replied, feeling her cheeks turn slightly pink, "May he come here for a while this evening?"
"Fine with me," Keitaro answered, "Aunt Haruka and Kanako are out right now, so you'll have to ask them when they got home."
"I saw Haruka on my way here," Shinobu explained.
"Oh, okay," Keitaro nodded in acknowledgement.
"Thank you, sempai," Shinobu said as she turned to leave, "and happy birthday."
Keitaro was slightly surprised she remembered. Keitaro merely shrugged and picked up his sketchbook.
~
Haruka walked down the slightly congested street. She stopped at one shop with a large sign labeled '24Hop Mart'. Opening the door, she entered the shop.
"Hello," a young man behind the desk greeted, "I'm Henry, may I help you?"
"I'm looking for a Queen-type medal," Haruka replied, "for my nephew."
"Sorry, but I'm afraid we only sell Medabots, "if you want Medals, try the store across the street."
"Do they sell anything else?" one kid asked, jumping from his chair.
"Yes, Ikki," Henry sighed, "They deal mostly in video games. The store's called Baka Games."
"C'mon, Erika!" Ikki shouted, grabbing his friend's hand and dragging her down the street.
"He'll probably get lost," another kid with smooth black hair muttered.
~
Haruka handed a large amount of money to a man who appeared to constantly have his eyes closed. After he gave her the Queen medal, which she pocketed, the door swung open roughly.
"Freeze!" a man in a rubber suit shouted, "We're the Rubberrobo Gang!"
Haruka was now standing near the back of the store. The man at the counter, named Keith Dervish, was approached by the notorious Seaslug of the Rubberrobo Gang. Other Rubberrobos stood around the store with their Medabots.
"Well, well," Seaslug smirked, "What do we have here? Medals?"
Seaslug cackled. Keith stared blankly at him. After Seaslug finished laughing, he noticed how calm Keith looked.
"Hey, you!" Seaslug yelled at Keith, "Don't you know who we are! We've come to rob this joint and steal all the medals! GWAHAHAHAAA!"
Keith stolidly put his hands in the air. Seaslug raised an eyebrow. Then, behind his Rubberrobo sunglasses, his eyes narrowed.
"Don't play dumb with me!" Seaslug grunted, "Hand over the medals!"
Keith didn't move.
"Didn't you hear me? Get the medals!" Seaslug shrieked.
Seaslug snapped his fingers and a Kuwagata-type Medabot, Quick-draw, walked over, raising its right arm level with Keith's head.
The a man walked in. He wore a casual blue suit with a yellow shirt underneath. His large green hair shook back and forth as he walked. Headphones were over his ears, though no one could hear any music.
"Hey!" Seaslug shouted at the man, "What're you doing? Can't you hear me?"
The man turned and looked through shelves containing different card games. He took one pack and turned to Seaslug, "I'll take this."
With that, he pulled his fingers back, keeping his thumb firm on the cards. They flew forward, distracting Seaslug. The man kicked Quick-draw, sending it over the counter and off of its wheels, making it unable to move.
Seaslug ran at the man. He grabbed Seaslug, flipping him over his back. Seaslug landed next to a glass case containing various video games atop shelves. As he struck the case, the video games fell from their shelves, but didn't leave the case. Seaslug lay before the case, video games above him. The man opened the case, and the games crashed down on Seaslug, who squealed in agony.
Suddenly the vent fell out, and a large man fell out, attacking another Rubberrobo. The two fought the Rubberrobos and their Medabots until the only ones standing were the two men, Keith, and Haruka.
The door opened and in walked another Quick-draw. Realizing its accomplices had been defeated, it ran to Haruka and grabbed her, holding its right arm to her head.
"Drop your weapons!" the Medabot called out.
"Jet," the first man said firmly.
"Yeah, Spike?" the second replied.
"You said there were only three of them," Spike continued, "plus Medabots."
"To deceive your enemy, first you must deceive your friend," Jet answered.
"How does deceiving me help?" Spike shouted.
"I said drop your weapons!" Quick-draw repeated.
Jet sighed, removed his pistol, and dropped it. Spike confidently removed his gun and aimed for Quick-draw. Jet looked kind of shocked at his reaction.
"I'm sorry grandma," Spike started, Haruka yelled out about being called 'grandma', "but we are not police, nor security guards. We do not think about saving civilian lives."
"You lowlife!" Haruka shouted.
"Dang it, he's a Cowboy!" Quick-draw muttered, now aiming at Spike.
Spike was too quick. He fired three times. One hit its head, another the left arm, and the last punctured its wheels. Quick-draw collapsed on the ground.
"Who are you?" Haruka asked, glad to be free of the Medabot.
Spike blew the smoke from his gun, "Just your average Bounty Hunter."
~
Keitaro shuffled out of his room, aiming to find a drink. He walked into the kitchen and opened the fridge. Taking a glass from the cupboard, he filled it with a liquid he assumed was orange juice.
Exiting the kitchen, he entered the living room, where his faithful window awaited him. Tasting the liquid, he was surprised to discover it was peach punch. He smiled, for he like peach more than orange.
He stopped walking. He looked at the mantle. On it lay three packages. One small bag, one regular box, and one large box.
Keitaro's shocked expression turned to one of glee, "Hey, everyone remembered my birthday!"
~
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KEITARO!" they all shouted.
Keitaro smiled as he ate his chocolate cake. Haruka, Kanako, Shinobu, and Narusegawa sat around the table. He was surprised Narusegawa came.
"How's your birthday been so far, Keitaro?" Haruka asked.
Haruka was the only one not eating cake, thus being the only one free to talk. Shinobu had made the cake herself. She was glad Keitaro enjoyed it, it made her feel needed.
"Gawahearfuplimger. . ." Keitaro attempted to speak.
Narusegawa shot a look at him. Keitaro closed his eyes and swallowed. After taking a minute to clear his mouth with milk, he continue, "My birthday's been great. Thank you, Aunt Haruka."
Haruka looked a little mad, "Just Haruka, no aunt!"
Soon they had finished their cake. Kanako lead the way the living room, where the presents awaited them. Narusegawa's present had been added to the pile, which was quite small and rectangular.
Shinobu's present was first. Keitaro carefully unwrapped it, for Shinobu had meticulously placed the wrapping paper around it. Inside was a box. Keitaro raised one eyebrow, disliking boxes. He thought the edges were too sharp and dangerous. Within the box was sweater. Shinobu had handmade it by herself. Sailor-twin had helped pick out the colours.
Keitaro was then handed Kanako's gift. This time tearing through the wrapping paper, for it was slapped on quickly itself, it revealed to be a Zenith Gaming Device (a console, such as Nintendo64) and two games, a racing game and an adventure game. He smiled broadly and thanked Kanako, who blushed.
Haruka gave Keitaro the bag next, which was full of tissue paper. Digging through the bag, he pulled out a small hexagon. He looked quite amazed.
"It's a Queen medal," he breathed.
"I thought you would like to use that old Medabot your grandfather had," Haruka explained.
"Thanks, Aunt Haruka!" Keitaro said, Haruka glared at the word 'Aunt'.
Narusegawa placed the rectangular package on his lap, sitting on the arm of his chair. Keitaro paused, holding the gift in his hands. After taking a deep breath, he opened the package. Inside was a brand new sketch book.
"Thank you, Narusegawa," he said, turning to Narusegawa.
"That's just half of my gift," Narusegawa explained.
She slid down from the arm of the chair and onto his lap. Putting her arms around his neck, she drew him into a kiss. She pressed her lips against his. After Keitaro's shock passed, he closed his eyes, putting his arms around her.
~
The doorbell rang. Shinobu ran to the door, swinging it open. She rushed forward, embracing Bakura, who turned quite red.
"How are you?" she cooed quietly.
Bakura shrugged as they entered the apartment, "My day's getting better, how about you?"
Shinobu smiled, "I'm fine. It's Keitaro's birthday today."
Bakura nodded. Holding Shinobu's hand, they sat on the rather small couch. Sailor-twin walked up to Bakura, "Good evening, Bakura."
"Hello, Sailor-twin," Bakura greeted, "How are you?"
"I am well."
Bakura smiled, "You want to have someone to talk to?"
Sailor-twin put her head to one side, "What do you mean?"
Bakura lifted his Medawatch, pressing down on it. Soon, a Angel-type Medabot appeared. Bakura inserted the Tortoise Medal and the Medabot came to life.
"Hello, Bakura," the Medabot said, its voice soft and fragile.
"Hello, White Seraph," Bakura smiled, "this is Sailor-twin. Go and do something together."
The two Medabots walked off, talking quietly. Shinobu looked up at Bakura, "I like your Medabot."
"I like my Medabot, too," Bakura grinned, "Sailor-twin's a nice Medabot as well."
Shinobu placed her head on his shoulder (รก la Belldandy from Oh! My Goddess!). On cue, Bakura appeared quite shocked, but cautiously put his arm around her.
~
Author's Note: Like that Cowboy Bebop: Knockin' on Heaven's Door-type scene? I had fun with it. Well, five down, (insert number here) to go.