Me: hello again my loyal fans!
Sandy: uh-oh,
Me: I'm so happy with all the reviews!
Sandy: *sweats* aw crap, (o0.0o)
Me: Steeple333 said my story is like a novel! Thank you soooo much! (o^^o)
Sandy: (o.o) here it comes!!!
Me: maybe I should become a full time author-
Sandy: AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!
Me: *nails Sandy over the head with a chair* much better
Sandy: (ox.xo)
Me: so, yeah. I got so many great reviews! Thanxs a bunch! My beginning rant is going to be a little long this time so bear with me. Here are my responses to the reviews-
I already said that Steeple333 said that my story is like a novel and that is very flattering to me!
An anonymous review I got was very interesting. This person wrote about how he or she would have Anime dreams that where very real. He or she mentioned a boy her or she called "Nemo," but they couldn't remember the real name. Very cool. Maybe I'll add this char in later in this story. IF THIS REVIEWER IS READING THIS PLEASE REVIEW AGAIN OR E-MAIL ME! PLEASE TELL ME YOUR NAME! I take dreams VERY seriously. In fact I think I'm gunna go on a rant-
For anyone who has read my first fic "The Spirits of Darkness," (Yes I'm still working on it, it's just that I'm completely doing it over.) you probably would have noticed that I'm a Pikachu fan. I always have been and always will be. The idea that something so small and wimpy looking could electrocute anyone and anything is pretty nar in my opinion. ANYWAY, a few years back a friend tells me of a new video game coming out on the N64 that lets you pit one Nintendo char against another, and most importantly, Pikachu was in it. It was called Super Smash Bros. and I knew I had to get it. A few days before it came out I had a very odd dream. I dreamed that I had the game and I was playing it, but it felt like I was actually IN the game as Pikachu, and I was fighting Fox and DK. I remembered Fox, DK, and even the audience all laughing at me cuz of my size. I was getting my butt kicked and I was totally lost on the controls. The weird thing was is when I would look down at my hands I would see my own hands holding the controller, but I was literally in the game. I finally lost it and fried everything around me, including my opponents, and I won the fight. All I remember at the end was that the audience was completely silent. So, yeah, I take dreams very seriously.
Jean reviewed twice on each chapter. Thanks for sticking with me so far buddy!
I enjoyed reading Kin-Chan Pandun's review. I think I even laughed out loud!
To Gyakutenno Megami: be nice to my char! LOL! It's ok, I'm kinda jealous too- and gomen nasai IS how you say sorry in Japanese, if you wanted to know.
BookDragon was one of my first reviewers, and hopefully not the last. I like your reviews! Short and sweet! Just like me! (o^.^o)
Sandy: let's get this show on the road!
Me: Hai! Ikimasho!
*****
RESPONSIBILITY
*****
"Oh my COW! They are hatching!"
Duh. That's what I've been telling you.
Aki watched in awe as thin cracks formed on the shells of the glowing eggs. The little fractures started at the top and slowly criss-crossed their way down. The largest egg- a white one with dark blue splotches- violently jerked and fell to its side. The surface of one side of the egg suddenly exploded, causing Aki and Dawn to jump back. A single white foot was visible through the shell. The side of the shell then cracked open. A long feathery arm draped over the bits of shells. Aki creped a little closer. A white bird like head with two dark blue stripes attached to an unsteady long white neck swiveled out of its former eggshell. Aki recognized the little creature immediately.
"No, friggin, way-"
A Lugia? How the heck did a Lugia egg end up around here?
A clear slime covered the baby Lugia, making it so it couldn't open its eyes or breathe through its nostrils. To clear its airway and catch its breath the baby began squealing loudly.
"Aw, man. To care for all these babies I'm gonna need a lot of warm water and a large stack of towels, stat!"
Aye, aye, marm! Dawn mock saluted and disappeared.
"Dawn, wait!" Aki called, but it was already too late.
Aki then turned her attention to the baby Lugia's cries.
"Okay, okay, I'm right here with you. Everything will be just fine, don't worry." She spoke to the distressed baby softly. She took its head gently in her hands and did the best to clear out its eyes. She then gently pulled the large baby out of its shell, propping its body on its wobbly haunches. She cleared out the excess shell as best she could without taking her hand off the unstable baby. She then took some dried moss and tried to clean off its eyes and nostrils as best she could. She gently scraped the birth fluid off of the nostrils and the baby was able to breathe normally. She then noticed that the baby had quieted down. She looked up and found herself staring into a pair of shimmering dark irises. The baby Lugia stared at the odd being before him. He made a squeaking sound and tilted its head slightly. Aki smiled and gently patted its neck.
I'm baaaack! Did I miss anything?
"Well, so fa- HOLY-!"
Dawn somehow transported three large cauldrons of hot water and an enormous stack of towels.
"What'n-? How-? Where did you find this?!" Aki stuttered.
Hotels are a good source for everything, and they never really notice.
Aki decided to drop it and cleaned the baby Lugia with a towel dipped in warm water and dried it with another towel. Aki made a bed with some moss and a bunch of towels and the Lugia promptly lay down and fell asleep.
"I should give him a name," said Aki.
Don't give him a wimpy name.
Aki thought of a good name for a Lugia. Something that protects, a guardian of the balance of the world.
"I know! I'll call him Hogosha, Japanese for guardian."
The other eggs began hatching like clockwork.
A small blue egg hatched into Sparkle, the female Articuno.
Shomei, a female Zapdos, hatched next. (Aki began to notice a pattern with the babies.)
Ikari the male Entei came next-
Shortly followed by a female Suicune, Kagayaki.
A male Moltres Aki called Scorch hatched out of a small flame colored egg.
A rather large bird pokemon Aki recognize as a Ho-Oh hatched next. Aki called him Niji.
Ranbo, a baby Raico, wasted no time in ripping through his shell.
And finally, a tiny female Mew hatched from a shell no bigger than a softball. Aki decided to call her Yurei.
All nine of the little babies curled up together and fell into a deep sleep. Aki rested against a tree, panting.
"Whoo-hoo, what a day, and it isn't even noon yet."
Hey, Aki?
"Hm?"
What made you decide to call me Dawn?
"What? You don't like it? You think it's wimpy?"
No. Just curious.
"Well, I thought it was a good name for your color, and my Mom said that if I ever have kids of my own I should call one of the girls Dawn. She always liked that name."
Mm-
They were silent for a while. Aki began to wonder how she would be able to care for all of the babies. Even with Dawn's help it still wouldn't be easy.
*Damn*
You know Aki, we should make some kind of shelter, you know, for protection and for convenience.
Aki sat up. "That's not a bad idea Dawn."
So Dawn and Aki began to design and build a small hut. Flimsy at first, the hut began to show shape, and eventually it held up with some tight supports. The inside was swept out and padded down with moss and dried grass. The only furniture were two large rocks: one smaller one that was good for a chair, and another one that was longer and flat. Here the towels were laid out and the rock was made into a bed for the napping babies.
Buy the time the hut was finished it was all ready sunset. Aki said good- bye to Dawn and returned to the real world.
*****
*Well that was dull* Autumn thought as she left her school to walk home. *I hate school*
Her thoughts kept turning to the little legendary Pokemon in the Anime world that was now in her charge. How was she to take care of them? They would most likely be hungry when she got there. What the hell was she going to do?!
She was still growling to herself when she passed the park. She was so caught up in her thoughts that she didn't notice the limo parked by the curb.
"Miss Riddle, I presume?"
Aututmn jumped. She looked and saw a short balding man smiling at her.
"It is Autumn, right? Mr. Keanon described you to me. He said that you had an engagement with him and some of his customers and he wasn't to sure if you knew the way to his house." He looked at his watch. "Oh, well, it looks like we've better be off." He opened one of the doors for her. "Please make yourself comfortable."
*You've GOT to be kidding me*
"You DO remember the engagement, don't you?"
"Umm, yeah sure." Not knowing what else to do she stepped into the limo. The balding man closed the door behind her. She found herself in the lap of luxury in the fancy limousine. The man entered the driver's seat and buckled the seatbelt. He turned his head back slightly.
"By the way, call me Marcus."
"Sure Marcus."
Marcus chuckled and put the car into gear and started off.
*****
The limo pulled up into a long driveway that lead up to the large manor. Autumn admired the sprawling lawns as the car pulled up to the front of the house. Autumn stepped out of the car and swung the two straps of her backpack onto her right shoulder. She whistled as she looked up the front steps.
"I take it that you're impressed," smiled Marcus. "Please follow me."
The house was so big that Autumn gave up trying to track were she was going. Marcus finally led her into a large room that only contained a large desk at the back and a few chairs. The desk had a large swivel chair that was occupied by Mr. Keanon himself. Sitting in front of the desk was a stranger to her.
Mr. Keanon stood up when she entered the room.
"And here is the little Time and Space Wanderer herself! Good to see you Autumn!"
The other man turned around and examined the scruffy high-school girl with blue jeans and a baggy red sweatshirt. He didn't seem impressed.
"Don't be shy," Mr. Keanon coaxed. "Come and stand right here." He gestured to the spot on his left by the desk. Autumn did so and gently dropped her bag at her feet.
"Did you bring the Pokeball?" Mr. Keanon asked.
"Huh-? Oh, yeah. Here it is." She handed him the mini Pokeball.
Mr. Keanon placed the Pokeball carefully on his desk and pressed the small button on the front. The Pokeball expanded to its original size. The other man's eyes grew wide.
"Amazing!" he said.
Mr. Keanon pushed the ball toward him. "Feel free to examine it."
The other man opened the Pokeball and began to inspect it with a magnifying glass.
"I had my doubts at first," he said with excitement in his voice. "But this is surely an original Pokeball! There is no denying this technology! I have to admit, Mr. Keanon, your intuition was right."
"I do have a good eye for this kind of thing."
Now Autumn was confused. How did these old geezers know anything about Pokemon?
The man placed a briefcase onto the desk.
"Well, I'm convinced. I want to buy this item. Here is the payment we agreed on."
"And I trust that it is the right payment. Autumn? Is it alright with you?"
Autumn was slightly startled. "Huh-!? Oh, of course!" she said quickly, not wanting to get herself into anything. Besides, she could always get another one.
"Very good. We have a deal then."
The two men shook hands and man took the Pokeball out with him. Autumn watched him go. She then turned back to Mr. Keanon and found him counting the enormous amount of money in the briefcase. Mr. Keanon looked up to find Autumn staring wide-eyed at the money.
"Well then, that went well, don't you think?" he asked.
Autumn just nodded. Mr. Keanon closed the briefcase.
"Now here's the million dollar question," Autumn paid close attention. "Can you get more of these Japanimation items?"
Autumn's answer was a horse whisper.
"Yes."
"Good. Then I have a job proposition for you-"
"Who are you!?" Autumn said suddenly. "How do you know that the Anime world exists? And how many other people know?"
"Calm down, calm down. Take a seat." He motioned to the chair that the other man was sitting in. She sat down.
"Tell me, do you believe in the paranormal?"
"Excuse me?"
"The paranormal. You know, ghost and spirits. Are you interested in that sort of thing?"
"Well, actually, I'm very interested, to tell you the truth." Autumn thought about all the books she had in her room about "real" ghost stories.
"Many mediums believe that a strong surge of emotion could sometimes create a rift the Space-Time continuum. I was always interested in finding some other realm connected to our own. So I tried to find something that would cause an upwelling of great emotion in a short period of time, and recently, I think I've found it."
"Anime?"
"Exactly. In the scheme of things it is rather recent and it's a global phenomenon. Children all around the world watch Anime or read Manga, and the mind of a youngster is more powerful and pure than an adult's."
Autumn let it all sink in. So there was a reason.
"And it doesn't stop there. There are probably many worlds out there, but why you can travel to only one and how is still a mystery to all of us, I'm afraid."
"So then, what do you want with me?"
Mr. Keanon picked up the briefcase and proceeded to his left toward a separate room.
"Follow me."
Autumn got up and followed him. The door of the room was heavily locked. He pulled out a key that was attached to a watch chain from his coat pocket and unlocked the door. Inside the room was a walk in safe where Mr. Keanon kept his money. He placed the briefcase on a shelf and began removing money from it.
"I want you to be a carrier between and Real world and the Anime world," he said bluntly. "Do you have any more items at home?"
"Yeah, I do."
"Good. Keep a tally of items you don't mind selling. There are many collectors out there who know of my work and are willing to pay great amounts for items that are not of this world."
"So, you want me to give you stuff I get from the Anime world but don't want."
"Sort of. My clients often tell me what they want. Here-" he gave her a cell phone. "It's top of the line, but that's besides the point. Keep this with you. I'll call if I want anything specific. Other than that, do and get whatever you want."
"Great. One problem. Everything there still cost money, and I don't see what's in it for me."
Mr. Keanon placed half of the money from the briefcase in a plastic container and snapped it shut. He handed it to her.
"Huh?"
"Here. It's yours. We have a deal then, and the profits are split 50/50."
"SERIOUSLY?! I mean, I uhh-"
"If anyone asks about your new job, tell them that you're my new assistant and delivery girl. Sound good?"
"You kidding? Sounds great!"
*****
*Applesauce! Perfect!*
Autumn made a quick stop at the store to pick up some necessities for her next trip to the Anime world. So far she bought an assortment of baby foods, bottles, vitamin D whole milk, paper bowls, (so her mother wouldn't notice nine dirty bowls in the sink the next morning) and of course, applesauce.
*After all, what baby doesn't like applesauce? Well, my nephew Andy doesn't-*
She must of looked odd with her purchases, but she was too excited to care. She paid the cashier and hauled her baby care items home. When she got there she hid the milk in the back of the fridge and put the rest of the things as well as two beach towels and the money in a duffle bag.
She couldn't wait for tonight.
*****
That night came quicker than expected. She snuck the milk into her room and hefted the bag onto her shoulders.
When she got there she found that the hut seemed a bit bigger.
*Dawn must've been working on it*
"HEY, DAAAAWN! WHERE ARE YOOOOU!" Aki called.
Right here!
Aki suddenly found herself face to face with an up-side-down Dawn.
"WOAH! Don't do that!"
Sorry. Hey guys! Mom's here!
Aki sweatdropped.
Several small bodies pranced and waddled through the brush toward her. They jumped up on her and yipped, squeaked, and gurgled for attention. She knelt down and petted and scratched her newborns. She spread out her beach towels and bowls and opened the many jars of baby food. She poured the milk into the many bottles and gave them to the babies. Ranbo caught on right away about the bottle and sat up on his hunches holding the bottle with his little claws. Hogosha tried to copy him but had a hard time trying to hold the bottle. Aki had to place the bottle carefully between his wings so he could hold it. Yurei had a problem with the bottle's size, so she settled with drinking it from a bowl.
"Hey Dawn, watch the kids for me. I'm going into the City."
'K.
Aki was sure the babies would be fine, besides, last time she didn't get to go down to the city, and now she had cash to spend.
*****
"Hey, Seto?"
"Hm?"
"Did you notice a girl in a black shirt and beanie the other day at Kaiba Land?"
Seto Kaiba sat typing on his computer in his den while Mokuba was lying on the couch with his legs over the armrest, reading a book. Mokuba had lost track of Aki soon after they got to Kaiba Land and was worried that she got lost. He had looked around a bit but couldn't find her anywhere. He finally figured that she went exploring and that maybe his brother might of seen her.
"I don't remember everyone that comes through Kaiba Land, Mokuba. Why do you ask?"
"Just wondering."
*****
Aki sat on a wall that overlooked the sidewalk. She always liked having a lookout spot. It was a game. 'Who would you see today? Inuyasha? Goku? Taichi? Jubei? Well just wait and find out!'
Aki began humming to herself happily. It was a cryptic song she had always sung to herself when she was alone. She couldn't quite remember where exactly she picked it up, but she knew its beats and words inside and out, but the words didn't really make sense, and the way she sang it was in a high-pitched soft voice that seemed disembodied, almost scary.
"It's a fine day. People open windows. They leave their houses. Just for a short while.
It's a fine day. People open windows. They leave their houses. Just for a short while-"
She repeated the phrase six times, first starting softly, almost inaudible, then working its way up, until the eerie song would drift up over the treetops. Then she would sing a chorus of "da da da da oooo la la la" shortly followed by:
"It's going to be a fine night tonight. It's going to be a fine day tomorrow.
It's going to be a fine night tonight. It's going to be a fine day tomorrow-"
Which was repeated four times. The last soft note rose into the still air. Aki sighed contently, letting the breeze caress her blond streaked bangs against her cheeks and forehead.
"Wow. You're a really good singer!"
Aki jumped slightly and looked down. Somehow, Mokuba managed to walk right under her without being noticed.
"What song was that?" he asked innocently.
"I dunno," she answered. "How long have you been there?"
"Long enough," he replied with a grin. "Where'd ja go a few days ago?"
"Somewhere."
Mokuba was silent for a while. "Is that a secret?" he asked.
"Kinda. You hungry?" she jumped from the wall and landed next to Mokuba. "I haven't eaten anything all day. C'mon, I'll buy you something."
"I have an idea!" said Mokuba. "Why don't you come over to my house and we'll get something to eat there."
"Really? OK, sure."
*****
"I think it's time we went shopping."
"No kidding."
Aki and Mokuba searched through the pantries trying to find something that was readily eatable, or looked appetizing. So far they had no luck. All they could find was bags of different types of flour and sugar, cans of baking powder, vegetable soup, canned fruit, baking soda, and other useless odds and ends. Aki picked up a box of instant cake mix and made a face.
"Geez, you'd think that cooks would make this stuff from scratch," mumbled Aki.
"Our last cook quit," stated Mokuba. "I'm beginning to think that I should learn how to at least make cookies."
"Now there's an idea,"
"Huh?"
"Why don't I make something? It's still morning, I could make pancakes!"
"You know how?"
"You bet! Just watch and learn."
Aki found a large measuring cup and used it as a bowl. She poured in a random amount of white flour, and then poured the same amount of whole- wheat flour into the cup. She then added a heaping tablespoon of baking power and sprinkled a few pinches worth of salt. She mixed the dry ingredients with a spoon. She located an electric hand beater and set it up next to her. She then added the wet ingredients: an egg, some oil, and a large amount of milk. She then used the beater to mix all the ingredients together. When she was done, she turned on a large stove that was built into the counter. She added some butter and then poured the batter into several even portions.
"Do you want chocolate chips in yours?" she asked.
"Chocolate chips? Sure!"
She found a bag of chocolate chips in the pantry and sprinkled some onto the still wet sides of the pancakes. She flipped them and let them cook for a while.
"Is there any syrup?" asked Aki.
"Dunno."
As it turned out, there wasn't. So Aki decided to make her own. She always thought it tasted better anyway. She boiled a pot of water and poured it into a small measuring cup that was filled to the top with sugar. She mixed in some mapleline, and presto: homemade maple syrup.
The chocolate chip pancakes were a hit.
"Wow, this is great! Wait'll my brother sees this!"
"Brother? Oh crap-" Aki had forgotten that she was in the Kaiba Mansion, witch belonged to Seto Kaiba.
"What's wrong?"
"Oh, nothing." She lied.
"Mokuba? What are you doing down there?" came a familiar voice from upstairs.
"Hi Seto! This is my friend Aki. She made pancakes. They're really good!"
"Who?"
Aki smiled and waved weakly. "Hi."
"She was the girl I was talking about yesterday, remember?"
Kaiba studied the girl. She seemed like some tomboy off the street with a beanie that covered most of her hair, except for the blond strands that stuck out around her face.
"Aki, huh," he said thoughtfully. "Tell me, are you interested in a job?"
"You mean to replace your last cook?"
"Pretty much. Are you good at cooking things other than pancakes?"
"You kiddin?" Aki pointed a thumb at herself. "I'm the best of the best!"
"When are you available?"
"Any day, everyday. Dawn till dusk."
"Good. You're hired. That is, until you make some more pancakes."
Aki mock saluted Kaiba with a big grin on her face. "Yessir, mister Kaiba, sir!"
Mokuba laughed so hard a chocolate chip almost came out of his nose.
*****
After her first day at work, Aki stopped by the Kame Game Shop. She was greeted by an old kindly man called Sugoroku Motou. She bought some boosters packs of Duel Monster cards and left for home.
*****
The next day didn't seem so bad. No matter what people said to her or what those damn druggies in the back of the classroom threw at her in her English class, she had a smile on her face and hummed her song.
"It's going to be a fine night tonight. It's going to be a fine day tomorrow-"
When she got home from school that day she discovered that the house was empty. Taking advantage of her privacy, she cleared off the floor of her room and brought out her stereo from her closet. She put in her Michelle Branch CD and turned the stereo. She had always liked to dance and had been practicing for years by herself, as well as try to strengthen her singing voice. She practiced some moves from music videos as well as some aerobic moves.
After a music workout, Autumn was too worked up to stop so she went out for a jog around her block. It gave her time to reflect on her day.
Autumn the bootlegger, Aki the Kaiba family cook. Could it get any better?
*****
Me: YAAAAYY!!!! Finally done! Review!
Sandy: uh-oh,
Me: I'm so happy with all the reviews!
Sandy: *sweats* aw crap, (o0.0o)
Me: Steeple333 said my story is like a novel! Thank you soooo much! (o^^o)
Sandy: (o.o) here it comes!!!
Me: maybe I should become a full time author-
Sandy: AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!
Me: *nails Sandy over the head with a chair* much better
Sandy: (ox.xo)
Me: so, yeah. I got so many great reviews! Thanxs a bunch! My beginning rant is going to be a little long this time so bear with me. Here are my responses to the reviews-
I already said that Steeple333 said that my story is like a novel and that is very flattering to me!
An anonymous review I got was very interesting. This person wrote about how he or she would have Anime dreams that where very real. He or she mentioned a boy her or she called "Nemo," but they couldn't remember the real name. Very cool. Maybe I'll add this char in later in this story. IF THIS REVIEWER IS READING THIS PLEASE REVIEW AGAIN OR E-MAIL ME! PLEASE TELL ME YOUR NAME! I take dreams VERY seriously. In fact I think I'm gunna go on a rant-
For anyone who has read my first fic "The Spirits of Darkness," (Yes I'm still working on it, it's just that I'm completely doing it over.) you probably would have noticed that I'm a Pikachu fan. I always have been and always will be. The idea that something so small and wimpy looking could electrocute anyone and anything is pretty nar in my opinion. ANYWAY, a few years back a friend tells me of a new video game coming out on the N64 that lets you pit one Nintendo char against another, and most importantly, Pikachu was in it. It was called Super Smash Bros. and I knew I had to get it. A few days before it came out I had a very odd dream. I dreamed that I had the game and I was playing it, but it felt like I was actually IN the game as Pikachu, and I was fighting Fox and DK. I remembered Fox, DK, and even the audience all laughing at me cuz of my size. I was getting my butt kicked and I was totally lost on the controls. The weird thing was is when I would look down at my hands I would see my own hands holding the controller, but I was literally in the game. I finally lost it and fried everything around me, including my opponents, and I won the fight. All I remember at the end was that the audience was completely silent. So, yeah, I take dreams very seriously.
Jean reviewed twice on each chapter. Thanks for sticking with me so far buddy!
I enjoyed reading Kin-Chan Pandun's review. I think I even laughed out loud!
To Gyakutenno Megami: be nice to my char! LOL! It's ok, I'm kinda jealous too- and gomen nasai IS how you say sorry in Japanese, if you wanted to know.
BookDragon was one of my first reviewers, and hopefully not the last. I like your reviews! Short and sweet! Just like me! (o^.^o)
Sandy: let's get this show on the road!
Me: Hai! Ikimasho!
*****
RESPONSIBILITY
*****
"Oh my COW! They are hatching!"
Duh. That's what I've been telling you.
Aki watched in awe as thin cracks formed on the shells of the glowing eggs. The little fractures started at the top and slowly criss-crossed their way down. The largest egg- a white one with dark blue splotches- violently jerked and fell to its side. The surface of one side of the egg suddenly exploded, causing Aki and Dawn to jump back. A single white foot was visible through the shell. The side of the shell then cracked open. A long feathery arm draped over the bits of shells. Aki creped a little closer. A white bird like head with two dark blue stripes attached to an unsteady long white neck swiveled out of its former eggshell. Aki recognized the little creature immediately.
"No, friggin, way-"
A Lugia? How the heck did a Lugia egg end up around here?
A clear slime covered the baby Lugia, making it so it couldn't open its eyes or breathe through its nostrils. To clear its airway and catch its breath the baby began squealing loudly.
"Aw, man. To care for all these babies I'm gonna need a lot of warm water and a large stack of towels, stat!"
Aye, aye, marm! Dawn mock saluted and disappeared.
"Dawn, wait!" Aki called, but it was already too late.
Aki then turned her attention to the baby Lugia's cries.
"Okay, okay, I'm right here with you. Everything will be just fine, don't worry." She spoke to the distressed baby softly. She took its head gently in her hands and did the best to clear out its eyes. She then gently pulled the large baby out of its shell, propping its body on its wobbly haunches. She cleared out the excess shell as best she could without taking her hand off the unstable baby. She then took some dried moss and tried to clean off its eyes and nostrils as best she could. She gently scraped the birth fluid off of the nostrils and the baby was able to breathe normally. She then noticed that the baby had quieted down. She looked up and found herself staring into a pair of shimmering dark irises. The baby Lugia stared at the odd being before him. He made a squeaking sound and tilted its head slightly. Aki smiled and gently patted its neck.
I'm baaaack! Did I miss anything?
"Well, so fa- HOLY-!"
Dawn somehow transported three large cauldrons of hot water and an enormous stack of towels.
"What'n-? How-? Where did you find this?!" Aki stuttered.
Hotels are a good source for everything, and they never really notice.
Aki decided to drop it and cleaned the baby Lugia with a towel dipped in warm water and dried it with another towel. Aki made a bed with some moss and a bunch of towels and the Lugia promptly lay down and fell asleep.
"I should give him a name," said Aki.
Don't give him a wimpy name.
Aki thought of a good name for a Lugia. Something that protects, a guardian of the balance of the world.
"I know! I'll call him Hogosha, Japanese for guardian."
The other eggs began hatching like clockwork.
A small blue egg hatched into Sparkle, the female Articuno.
Shomei, a female Zapdos, hatched next. (Aki began to notice a pattern with the babies.)
Ikari the male Entei came next-
Shortly followed by a female Suicune, Kagayaki.
A male Moltres Aki called Scorch hatched out of a small flame colored egg.
A rather large bird pokemon Aki recognize as a Ho-Oh hatched next. Aki called him Niji.
Ranbo, a baby Raico, wasted no time in ripping through his shell.
And finally, a tiny female Mew hatched from a shell no bigger than a softball. Aki decided to call her Yurei.
All nine of the little babies curled up together and fell into a deep sleep. Aki rested against a tree, panting.
"Whoo-hoo, what a day, and it isn't even noon yet."
Hey, Aki?
"Hm?"
What made you decide to call me Dawn?
"What? You don't like it? You think it's wimpy?"
No. Just curious.
"Well, I thought it was a good name for your color, and my Mom said that if I ever have kids of my own I should call one of the girls Dawn. She always liked that name."
Mm-
They were silent for a while. Aki began to wonder how she would be able to care for all of the babies. Even with Dawn's help it still wouldn't be easy.
*Damn*
You know Aki, we should make some kind of shelter, you know, for protection and for convenience.
Aki sat up. "That's not a bad idea Dawn."
So Dawn and Aki began to design and build a small hut. Flimsy at first, the hut began to show shape, and eventually it held up with some tight supports. The inside was swept out and padded down with moss and dried grass. The only furniture were two large rocks: one smaller one that was good for a chair, and another one that was longer and flat. Here the towels were laid out and the rock was made into a bed for the napping babies.
Buy the time the hut was finished it was all ready sunset. Aki said good- bye to Dawn and returned to the real world.
*****
*Well that was dull* Autumn thought as she left her school to walk home. *I hate school*
Her thoughts kept turning to the little legendary Pokemon in the Anime world that was now in her charge. How was she to take care of them? They would most likely be hungry when she got there. What the hell was she going to do?!
She was still growling to herself when she passed the park. She was so caught up in her thoughts that she didn't notice the limo parked by the curb.
"Miss Riddle, I presume?"
Aututmn jumped. She looked and saw a short balding man smiling at her.
"It is Autumn, right? Mr. Keanon described you to me. He said that you had an engagement with him and some of his customers and he wasn't to sure if you knew the way to his house." He looked at his watch. "Oh, well, it looks like we've better be off." He opened one of the doors for her. "Please make yourself comfortable."
*You've GOT to be kidding me*
"You DO remember the engagement, don't you?"
"Umm, yeah sure." Not knowing what else to do she stepped into the limo. The balding man closed the door behind her. She found herself in the lap of luxury in the fancy limousine. The man entered the driver's seat and buckled the seatbelt. He turned his head back slightly.
"By the way, call me Marcus."
"Sure Marcus."
Marcus chuckled and put the car into gear and started off.
*****
The limo pulled up into a long driveway that lead up to the large manor. Autumn admired the sprawling lawns as the car pulled up to the front of the house. Autumn stepped out of the car and swung the two straps of her backpack onto her right shoulder. She whistled as she looked up the front steps.
"I take it that you're impressed," smiled Marcus. "Please follow me."
The house was so big that Autumn gave up trying to track were she was going. Marcus finally led her into a large room that only contained a large desk at the back and a few chairs. The desk had a large swivel chair that was occupied by Mr. Keanon himself. Sitting in front of the desk was a stranger to her.
Mr. Keanon stood up when she entered the room.
"And here is the little Time and Space Wanderer herself! Good to see you Autumn!"
The other man turned around and examined the scruffy high-school girl with blue jeans and a baggy red sweatshirt. He didn't seem impressed.
"Don't be shy," Mr. Keanon coaxed. "Come and stand right here." He gestured to the spot on his left by the desk. Autumn did so and gently dropped her bag at her feet.
"Did you bring the Pokeball?" Mr. Keanon asked.
"Huh-? Oh, yeah. Here it is." She handed him the mini Pokeball.
Mr. Keanon placed the Pokeball carefully on his desk and pressed the small button on the front. The Pokeball expanded to its original size. The other man's eyes grew wide.
"Amazing!" he said.
Mr. Keanon pushed the ball toward him. "Feel free to examine it."
The other man opened the Pokeball and began to inspect it with a magnifying glass.
"I had my doubts at first," he said with excitement in his voice. "But this is surely an original Pokeball! There is no denying this technology! I have to admit, Mr. Keanon, your intuition was right."
"I do have a good eye for this kind of thing."
Now Autumn was confused. How did these old geezers know anything about Pokemon?
The man placed a briefcase onto the desk.
"Well, I'm convinced. I want to buy this item. Here is the payment we agreed on."
"And I trust that it is the right payment. Autumn? Is it alright with you?"
Autumn was slightly startled. "Huh-!? Oh, of course!" she said quickly, not wanting to get herself into anything. Besides, she could always get another one.
"Very good. We have a deal then."
The two men shook hands and man took the Pokeball out with him. Autumn watched him go. She then turned back to Mr. Keanon and found him counting the enormous amount of money in the briefcase. Mr. Keanon looked up to find Autumn staring wide-eyed at the money.
"Well then, that went well, don't you think?" he asked.
Autumn just nodded. Mr. Keanon closed the briefcase.
"Now here's the million dollar question," Autumn paid close attention. "Can you get more of these Japanimation items?"
Autumn's answer was a horse whisper.
"Yes."
"Good. Then I have a job proposition for you-"
"Who are you!?" Autumn said suddenly. "How do you know that the Anime world exists? And how many other people know?"
"Calm down, calm down. Take a seat." He motioned to the chair that the other man was sitting in. She sat down.
"Tell me, do you believe in the paranormal?"
"Excuse me?"
"The paranormal. You know, ghost and spirits. Are you interested in that sort of thing?"
"Well, actually, I'm very interested, to tell you the truth." Autumn thought about all the books she had in her room about "real" ghost stories.
"Many mediums believe that a strong surge of emotion could sometimes create a rift the Space-Time continuum. I was always interested in finding some other realm connected to our own. So I tried to find something that would cause an upwelling of great emotion in a short period of time, and recently, I think I've found it."
"Anime?"
"Exactly. In the scheme of things it is rather recent and it's a global phenomenon. Children all around the world watch Anime or read Manga, and the mind of a youngster is more powerful and pure than an adult's."
Autumn let it all sink in. So there was a reason.
"And it doesn't stop there. There are probably many worlds out there, but why you can travel to only one and how is still a mystery to all of us, I'm afraid."
"So then, what do you want with me?"
Mr. Keanon picked up the briefcase and proceeded to his left toward a separate room.
"Follow me."
Autumn got up and followed him. The door of the room was heavily locked. He pulled out a key that was attached to a watch chain from his coat pocket and unlocked the door. Inside the room was a walk in safe where Mr. Keanon kept his money. He placed the briefcase on a shelf and began removing money from it.
"I want you to be a carrier between and Real world and the Anime world," he said bluntly. "Do you have any more items at home?"
"Yeah, I do."
"Good. Keep a tally of items you don't mind selling. There are many collectors out there who know of my work and are willing to pay great amounts for items that are not of this world."
"So, you want me to give you stuff I get from the Anime world but don't want."
"Sort of. My clients often tell me what they want. Here-" he gave her a cell phone. "It's top of the line, but that's besides the point. Keep this with you. I'll call if I want anything specific. Other than that, do and get whatever you want."
"Great. One problem. Everything there still cost money, and I don't see what's in it for me."
Mr. Keanon placed half of the money from the briefcase in a plastic container and snapped it shut. He handed it to her.
"Huh?"
"Here. It's yours. We have a deal then, and the profits are split 50/50."
"SERIOUSLY?! I mean, I uhh-"
"If anyone asks about your new job, tell them that you're my new assistant and delivery girl. Sound good?"
"You kidding? Sounds great!"
*****
*Applesauce! Perfect!*
Autumn made a quick stop at the store to pick up some necessities for her next trip to the Anime world. So far she bought an assortment of baby foods, bottles, vitamin D whole milk, paper bowls, (so her mother wouldn't notice nine dirty bowls in the sink the next morning) and of course, applesauce.
*After all, what baby doesn't like applesauce? Well, my nephew Andy doesn't-*
She must of looked odd with her purchases, but she was too excited to care. She paid the cashier and hauled her baby care items home. When she got there she hid the milk in the back of the fridge and put the rest of the things as well as two beach towels and the money in a duffle bag.
She couldn't wait for tonight.
*****
That night came quicker than expected. She snuck the milk into her room and hefted the bag onto her shoulders.
When she got there she found that the hut seemed a bit bigger.
*Dawn must've been working on it*
"HEY, DAAAAWN! WHERE ARE YOOOOU!" Aki called.
Right here!
Aki suddenly found herself face to face with an up-side-down Dawn.
"WOAH! Don't do that!"
Sorry. Hey guys! Mom's here!
Aki sweatdropped.
Several small bodies pranced and waddled through the brush toward her. They jumped up on her and yipped, squeaked, and gurgled for attention. She knelt down and petted and scratched her newborns. She spread out her beach towels and bowls and opened the many jars of baby food. She poured the milk into the many bottles and gave them to the babies. Ranbo caught on right away about the bottle and sat up on his hunches holding the bottle with his little claws. Hogosha tried to copy him but had a hard time trying to hold the bottle. Aki had to place the bottle carefully between his wings so he could hold it. Yurei had a problem with the bottle's size, so she settled with drinking it from a bowl.
"Hey Dawn, watch the kids for me. I'm going into the City."
'K.
Aki was sure the babies would be fine, besides, last time she didn't get to go down to the city, and now she had cash to spend.
*****
"Hey, Seto?"
"Hm?"
"Did you notice a girl in a black shirt and beanie the other day at Kaiba Land?"
Seto Kaiba sat typing on his computer in his den while Mokuba was lying on the couch with his legs over the armrest, reading a book. Mokuba had lost track of Aki soon after they got to Kaiba Land and was worried that she got lost. He had looked around a bit but couldn't find her anywhere. He finally figured that she went exploring and that maybe his brother might of seen her.
"I don't remember everyone that comes through Kaiba Land, Mokuba. Why do you ask?"
"Just wondering."
*****
Aki sat on a wall that overlooked the sidewalk. She always liked having a lookout spot. It was a game. 'Who would you see today? Inuyasha? Goku? Taichi? Jubei? Well just wait and find out!'
Aki began humming to herself happily. It was a cryptic song she had always sung to herself when she was alone. She couldn't quite remember where exactly she picked it up, but she knew its beats and words inside and out, but the words didn't really make sense, and the way she sang it was in a high-pitched soft voice that seemed disembodied, almost scary.
"It's a fine day. People open windows. They leave their houses. Just for a short while.
It's a fine day. People open windows. They leave their houses. Just for a short while-"
She repeated the phrase six times, first starting softly, almost inaudible, then working its way up, until the eerie song would drift up over the treetops. Then she would sing a chorus of "da da da da oooo la la la" shortly followed by:
"It's going to be a fine night tonight. It's going to be a fine day tomorrow.
It's going to be a fine night tonight. It's going to be a fine day tomorrow-"
Which was repeated four times. The last soft note rose into the still air. Aki sighed contently, letting the breeze caress her blond streaked bangs against her cheeks and forehead.
"Wow. You're a really good singer!"
Aki jumped slightly and looked down. Somehow, Mokuba managed to walk right under her without being noticed.
"What song was that?" he asked innocently.
"I dunno," she answered. "How long have you been there?"
"Long enough," he replied with a grin. "Where'd ja go a few days ago?"
"Somewhere."
Mokuba was silent for a while. "Is that a secret?" he asked.
"Kinda. You hungry?" she jumped from the wall and landed next to Mokuba. "I haven't eaten anything all day. C'mon, I'll buy you something."
"I have an idea!" said Mokuba. "Why don't you come over to my house and we'll get something to eat there."
"Really? OK, sure."
*****
"I think it's time we went shopping."
"No kidding."
Aki and Mokuba searched through the pantries trying to find something that was readily eatable, or looked appetizing. So far they had no luck. All they could find was bags of different types of flour and sugar, cans of baking powder, vegetable soup, canned fruit, baking soda, and other useless odds and ends. Aki picked up a box of instant cake mix and made a face.
"Geez, you'd think that cooks would make this stuff from scratch," mumbled Aki.
"Our last cook quit," stated Mokuba. "I'm beginning to think that I should learn how to at least make cookies."
"Now there's an idea,"
"Huh?"
"Why don't I make something? It's still morning, I could make pancakes!"
"You know how?"
"You bet! Just watch and learn."
Aki found a large measuring cup and used it as a bowl. She poured in a random amount of white flour, and then poured the same amount of whole- wheat flour into the cup. She then added a heaping tablespoon of baking power and sprinkled a few pinches worth of salt. She mixed the dry ingredients with a spoon. She located an electric hand beater and set it up next to her. She then added the wet ingredients: an egg, some oil, and a large amount of milk. She then used the beater to mix all the ingredients together. When she was done, she turned on a large stove that was built into the counter. She added some butter and then poured the batter into several even portions.
"Do you want chocolate chips in yours?" she asked.
"Chocolate chips? Sure!"
She found a bag of chocolate chips in the pantry and sprinkled some onto the still wet sides of the pancakes. She flipped them and let them cook for a while.
"Is there any syrup?" asked Aki.
"Dunno."
As it turned out, there wasn't. So Aki decided to make her own. She always thought it tasted better anyway. She boiled a pot of water and poured it into a small measuring cup that was filled to the top with sugar. She mixed in some mapleline, and presto: homemade maple syrup.
The chocolate chip pancakes were a hit.
"Wow, this is great! Wait'll my brother sees this!"
"Brother? Oh crap-" Aki had forgotten that she was in the Kaiba Mansion, witch belonged to Seto Kaiba.
"What's wrong?"
"Oh, nothing." She lied.
"Mokuba? What are you doing down there?" came a familiar voice from upstairs.
"Hi Seto! This is my friend Aki. She made pancakes. They're really good!"
"Who?"
Aki smiled and waved weakly. "Hi."
"She was the girl I was talking about yesterday, remember?"
Kaiba studied the girl. She seemed like some tomboy off the street with a beanie that covered most of her hair, except for the blond strands that stuck out around her face.
"Aki, huh," he said thoughtfully. "Tell me, are you interested in a job?"
"You mean to replace your last cook?"
"Pretty much. Are you good at cooking things other than pancakes?"
"You kiddin?" Aki pointed a thumb at herself. "I'm the best of the best!"
"When are you available?"
"Any day, everyday. Dawn till dusk."
"Good. You're hired. That is, until you make some more pancakes."
Aki mock saluted Kaiba with a big grin on her face. "Yessir, mister Kaiba, sir!"
Mokuba laughed so hard a chocolate chip almost came out of his nose.
*****
After her first day at work, Aki stopped by the Kame Game Shop. She was greeted by an old kindly man called Sugoroku Motou. She bought some boosters packs of Duel Monster cards and left for home.
*****
The next day didn't seem so bad. No matter what people said to her or what those damn druggies in the back of the classroom threw at her in her English class, she had a smile on her face and hummed her song.
"It's going to be a fine night tonight. It's going to be a fine day tomorrow-"
When she got home from school that day she discovered that the house was empty. Taking advantage of her privacy, she cleared off the floor of her room and brought out her stereo from her closet. She put in her Michelle Branch CD and turned the stereo. She had always liked to dance and had been practicing for years by herself, as well as try to strengthen her singing voice. She practiced some moves from music videos as well as some aerobic moves.
After a music workout, Autumn was too worked up to stop so she went out for a jog around her block. It gave her time to reflect on her day.
Autumn the bootlegger, Aki the Kaiba family cook. Could it get any better?
*****
Me: YAAAAYY!!!! Finally done! Review!