Hey everyone, hope you all liked my last installment of G Gear. And I hope you like the way the story is going. A few notes for you guys. {} mean thoughts, and *~* means a flashback, another one is a flash-forward ok? I think that's all you're gonna need. As always:
Disclaimer: I don't own Guilty Gear X, it's the property of Sammy, Arc Works and Daisuke Ishiwatari.
Let's skip the long notes and get straight into the story ok?
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{This kid getting in my way. All he is, is a high class spoiled brat.} "NAPALM..."
{This man standing before me; He is nothing but a savage thug.} "RISING..."
{He thinks he's so high and mighty. I swear he annoys the crap outta me.} "DEATH!!!!!!!"
{He's like a reckless fire with no respect for authority. I detest those kinds of people.} "FORCE!!!!!!!"
As the two super powers collide in an epic explosion, the two fighters pouring everything they've got into the attack are strangely smiling.
{At least that's what I use to think...} Sol Badguy thought as the force of the collision drives him back and to one knee.
{But first impressions are sometimes wrong...} Ky Kiske prepares for the recoil of the blast and is knocked to the ground as he thinks.
{But that kid, no, that man showed determination, and with every fight his strength grew and so did my respect for him...} The pyro gear slowly stood to his feet as his knees began to buckle beneath him, but he held his ground as the smoke cleared.
{God works in mysterious ways, strange how my greatest rival...} Ky grunted as he pushed himself on his feet using his Furaiken for leverage. {...can become my strongest ally...} The silhouette of the prototype slowly began to dissipate as his image came through.
Sol held his right eye shut, it stung like there was no tomorrow. Most likely it was the shrapnel from the explosion caught in his eye. That was the least of his problems, his chest felt like it was on fire, Ky's Crescent Slashes and that new Overdrive left a John Hancock still streaked across his chest. His legs felt weak too, jumping headfirst into a Rising Force isn't the smartest move. It felt like he jumped straight into the stream of an entourage of firemen's hoses on full blast. But even so, Sol began his tedious walk forward. {Who knew that saving his life would be the best decision I ever made?}
Ky didn't know what hurt more, his arms, his chest, or his back. It felt like he'd been suspending an elephant with his bare hands. Trying to hold off a Napalm Death, even with the magical sword, was like trying to push a fully loaded truck uphill while it was in park. Not to mention that those repeated Volcanic Vipers threw his back out of whack and made his broken ribs feel just wonderful. {Still...guess that's his way of me returning the favor...for back then...} Ky trekked forward till he came face to face with the man before him.
"Ky..."
"Sol..."
"How many times is this?"
"Heh, more than I could remember."
"I figured as much...you tired as me?"
"Probably more so. Nice reversals by the way."
"Thanks, those new attacks are something else."
"Appreciate it."
Both men smiled as they began to raise their fists.
"One more go? For old times sake?"
"Yeah sure why not?"
Each man swung at the other with his last bit of energy. Clocking each other out, both men gave the other a smirk of satisfaction before all went black...
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The charred battlefield in mid afternoon reeked of burning flesh, fire and brimstone. As far as the eye could see was nothing but desolate wasteland. It was quiet, too quiet; something was wrong.
"Perhaps the rumors of it being in this area were just that--rumors." Ky said as his blue eyes scanned the ground surrounding him.
Sol dropped his head down and heaved a heavy sigh. He took a cigarette from his jacket pocket and stuck it between his teeth. He raised his weapon of Corruption slowly towards his face, the steel blade began to glow a bright red and the bounty hunter fearlessly pressed it to the tip of the cigarette, igniting it in the process. His sword returned to normal as he stabbed it back to the ground. A gentle breeze swept the brown bangs from Sol's face clearing his view before a cloud of smoke rose from his mouth to cloud it once more. Years of smoking gave him the 'skill' to speak without dropping the cigarette from his mouth, he put this skill to use. "Be patient, I swear you're just like a kid--immature and always wanting something now." Sol smarted off to Ky and immediately took another puff.
The Holy Knights leader looked on with disgust. "It never fails to amaze me, just when I think you can't get any more arrogant, there you go and jump to a new level."
"Why thank you." Sol said with a chuckle.
Ky started to explain how that wasn't meant as a compliment, but he didn't feel like another smart remark right now. An argument at this point would accomplish nothing. Sol was the last person he'd want to team up with, but he was the most powerful man under him. Like it or not, Sol was the best option, but not the most reliable person. Ky had to keep that in mind, as well as concentrate on the target. But where was it? Almost like reading his mind, Sol took one last drag of his smoke, tossed his cigarette to the ground and responded without looking up. "It's here."
Ky raised an eyebrow. {What is he talking abo--} The rumbling of the ground stopped Ky's thoughts on Sol's words and focused them on the giant figure that began to rise about 70 meters ahead. "Sa..." Ky began as his body faced west. He stood straight with his head turned to the right; His powerful lightning sword crackling in his left hand. "...Hajimi mashoka."
Standing about 6 feet behind and to the left of Ky, Sol lifted his head, unfolded his arms and plucked his Fuenken from it's resting place on the ground, he chuckled again as he turned east while dropping into a low stance. Gripping his Fireseal in his right hand he turned his head to the left to face the threat. The form of the enormous Omega Gear began to come into the picture.
Its muscular back rose from the ground followed by its long neck wrapped in what seemed like bandages. As its head emerged it let out a roar; its razor sharp teeth jutted out in several crooked rows. A large screw was stuck between it's glowing yellow eyes. It was like nothing either had ever seen. Judging from what had emerged, the entire size of it must have been at least 30 feet tall and near 60 feet long. It's form was semi- human, only...distorted. Its hind legs raised up from the earth bearing knife-like claws on each foot.
"We can't let it free itself completely!" Ky said as he began to move towards the gear. But the gear's primitive instincts caught onto the movement and its head quickly swiveled to the left to catch sight of the two men. Letting out another roar it began to violently thrash at the ground in an attempt to free its forearms from it. Ky froze in place to think out his strategy, giving the gear just enough time to free an arm. Without warning, it slammed its powerful fist into the ground. The ground began to give way and sent a crack across the ground and beneath the two men.
Sol, noticing the forming crack, stepped to the side. He looked up to see Ky beginning to walk blindly forward. {That idiot, I wonder if he'll catch on.} Sol thought. The Omega gear finally managed to free its other arm as it noticed the Knight beginning his approach. It slammed it's other arm into the ground, this time splitting the earth wide open like a ripe watermelon. Ky noticed all too late his mistake as the ground began to give way beneath him. Ky lost his footing and stumbled backwards.
"Oh no! I'm falling!" Ky screamed while reaching his hand up as the ground opened up to consume him. Sol walked to the edge of the chasm just as Ky dropped. A slight smile crossed Sol's face.
Sol jammed his sword into the ground at the lip of the canyon. "Spare me." Sol leapt downwards into the pit after Ky.
It seemed like he'd been falling forever. Ky's mind flooded with hundreds of memories at once. As the moonlight got harder and harder to see, Ky dropped his head down and waited for impact. "So this will end everything will it?" Ky thought as he closed his eyes.
{Why am I even doing this?} Sol spoke to himself. {Why am I sticking my neck out for this kid? He's so friggan annoying, he's nothing but a high class spoiled brat, so...why?} Sol reached down with his left hand as he caught a ledge with his other hand.
Ky felt a sudden tug at his right wrist, something caught him. He looks up to see Sol Badguy's grinning face above him. {...why? Why did he save me? He...he's nothing but a savage thug....isn't he?} Ky quickly scampered over to a nearby ledge and got his footing. He keeps his head down; his pride kept him from looking at the man he figured would be the last person to save him. {Be that as it may...I owe him my life...} Ky swallowed his pride and raised his right hand to Sol.
Sol crouched down gathering his energy for the jump he'd need to clear the hole. Just as he was about to push off, Ky's hand came in front of his face. Apparently Ky was looking for a handshake. Sol had never shaken anyone's hand before in his life and he wasn't going to start now. {He can't say thanks yet he wants a handshake, I swear he annoys the crap outta me. Yet I still saved him.} Sol began to laugh as he thought about the irony of the whole situation. He pushed off hard and leaped skyward.
{He must be laughing this up inside, making a joke of the whole situation...I detest those kinds of people. He didn't even shake my hand...But he did save my life. Maybe there's more to Sol than meets the eye.} A subconscious smile crossed Ky's face as he turned and lept to the opposite side of the chasm. Kicking off quickly he jumped diagonally upwards to the other side of the hole and repeated the process 3 times before landing outside the gap. He glanced over to see Sol directly on the other side. The Omega Gear, now free, began an approach towards them.
{I don't know what it is....}
{It makes no sense....}
{But when I see this man...}
{When that kid looks at me...}
{I feel like...}
{It seems like...}
{I can trust him.} Both men's thoughts coincided as they smiled at each other with a newfound respect that neither seemed to understand. {Guess some things...need no explanation.} Ky thought as a strong wind picks up, blowing into their faces. Sol plucks his Fuenken from the ground as Ky slowly raises his sword above his head. "Show me your true power Sol." Ky said with a semi-challenging smirk as he quickly dropped his arms to his sides, slashing downwards, cutting the wind in half and stopping the breeze. Sol grinned at Ky's impressive display. "Same to you...Ky." With dual nods to each other, they both turn and made their way towards the approaching gear.
Little did they know that this one incident gave them that spark of respect needed to start their friendship.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Welcome back."
Ky awoke in a daze. A blend of present and past flooded his senses. The smells and sounds of the battle still fresh on his mind. He slowly opened his eyes and allowed them to refocus. His eyes scanned his immediate peripheral area for the face belonging to the voice that awoke him. An albino lock of hair gently stroked his forehead and he looked up with a smile as Millia's face came into focus.
"How long have I been out?" Ky's hoarse voice asked as he sat up. A sharp pain suddenly struck his midsection and he quickly held his ribcage to ease the pain.
Millia reached out to help him steady himself. "Take it easy Ky, you're still injured you know."
Ky reluctantly laid back down as his ganguro girlfriend smiled down on him. "You passed out again last night." Millia said as she gently took a seat besides him on the bed. "Oddly enough you were screaming in your dream, something about falling. I was about to wake you but then the strangest thing happened, you got strangely calm, even began to smile."
"Old memories..." Ky said almost inaudibly as he looked away, not sad but almost reminiscent.
"What was that?" Millia asked.
Ky smiled and looked up to her once more. "It's nothing. You know, I'm not sure if I'll ever quite get use to the new you."
Millia stood up and crossed her arms with a semi-pout on her face. "So you're saying…I'm not attractive to you anymore?" A slightly insecure look was in her eyes.
Ky smiled and his gaze diverted to Millia's feet and slowly made their way up, following each and every luscious curve of her delicate and well constructed body the numbers '36 25 34' suddenly came to his mind. "Millia, you're just as beautiful as ever and with a tan to boot. What's to complain about?"
The insecure look was replaced with a sly grin as Millia leaned forward and placed her right index finger under Ky's chin, gently lifting it upwards. "Eyes up here lover-boy." She said with a slight chuckle.
"Just saving the best for last."
Millia could feel her cheeks flush red as Ky's tenor voice spoke and his crystalline eyes met hers. She sat back down on the edge of the bed and slowly began to lean inwardly towards her Holy Knight. It looked like a scene from a movie; the two staring at each other, the slow conversion of their faces, how cliché. Ky moved his right hand up to her corresponding cheek while brushing away a few stray hairs from her eyes. For a moment they just stand there, staring at each other with smiles on their faces, they were in love and nothing needed to be said. Their lips did all the talking as they finally met each other, they both closed their eyes and Ky places his left hand on her other cheek while he deepened the kiss. But after just a moment Millia suddenly broke away.
"What's wro--" Ky began, but was silenced by the huge medical pill that Millia shoved into his open and un-expecting mouth.
Millia winked slyly as she spoke. "I just wanted you to get a taste of these sweet hot lips before you had to taste that awful pain medicine. A slight glimpse of heaven before hell you may say."
"Well…" Ky started, trying not to make a sour face as the pill began to dissolve on his tongue and fill his mouth with it's bitter flavor. "…they say a spoonful of sugar…" Ky finally bit down on the gargantuan tablet and his eyes began to water. "…makes the medicine go down." Ky continued to chew and forced himself to swallow, he stuck his tongue out as he made a 'bitter beer face', showing his distaste. "Ugh, I'm afraid it'd take a thousand of your kisses to help get rid of that taste, what flavor was that anyway? Foot powder?"
Millia began to laugh lightly. "Uh, Ky honey…" She broke into an all out laugh as she handed him his glass of water. "That's not a chewable."
"…" Ky suddenly thought of a better place to stick that glass of water, but after a cutesy 'Gomen-ne' and innocent smile from his angel, Ky merely grinned, took the glass, and drank it's contents. He handed the empty glass back to Millia and she placed it on the shelf besides him.
"Well, I'd better get going." Millia finally said as she stood up. "Got contractors to call."
Ky tilted his head slightly sideways and quirked an eyebrow. "Contractors?" He asked slightly confused.
"Yeah, for your practice arena…"
"I'm drawing blanks here…"
"You…Sol…crater."
"Ah! That one, now I remember."
"Yeah, well anyway I need to get someone to fill it in. Plus…" Millia leaned back slightly and stretched. "I've been cooped up in this room for the past two days, I need air."
Ky's face suddenly lit up with delight.
"What? What is it?"
"You've been watching over me all this time?" Ky reached out his left hand, IV still attached, and took Millia's soft hand right beside his bed.
Millia blushed slightly. "Well I'm your girlfriend; it's like a law or something." Millia teased.
"You've really come a long way in such a short time Millia, I don't know how you do it."
Millia placed her free hand on her hip and leaned into it. "How do YOU do it Ky?"
Ky looked confused again. "Do what?"
"Have such a magnetic personality."
"I'm afraid I don't quite understand."
Millia leaned forward and gently pushed back Ky's forehead with her index finger. "As naïve as the day I met you. Don't you see what great changes you've made in everyone's life? Sol Badguy, the world's most dangerous bounty hunter is now you're best friend. Chipp Zanuff, an ex drug-addict and mafia member, now probably the most skilled ninja in the world, along with Johnny, the most notorious sky pirate ever, are your friends too."
Ky chuckled. "Well I guess I do have odd tastes in friends huh? Women too, I practically have Justice's understudy as my cook and third greatest assassin as girlfriend."
"EX-assassin." Millia added in. "And all because of you, I'd be in jail or worse if it weren't for you. The same probably goes for the rest of them. You are amazing Ky."
Ky smiled.
"Despite being French." Millia joked.
Ky laughed. "Look who's talking ms haggis!" He said with a fake Russian accent. They both began to laugh it up for a moment. When they finally stopped Ky spoke up. "You know, you always have a way of making me feel better Millia. In fact…" Ky started to stand, Millia tried to stop him but he held up his hand and continued till he was on his feet. "…I feel much better. My ribs aren't hurting nearly as much now."
"Well they say laughter is the best medicine. Or maybe it was that 'chewable'."
"May have been that…" Ky stepped up to Millia took her hands in his, intertwining their fingers. He pulled her body up to his so they touched and pressed their foreheads together. "…but I prefer the taste of your medicine more." Ky tilted his head to the left slightly and directed his mouth towards Millia's, they were almost about to converge when.
"Mr. Kiske!" The orderly abrubtly burst into the room startled. "You're up and about!"
Ky and Millia both moaned and stepped back from each other slightly as the nurse insta-killed the mood by stepping between them. She placed a hand on her chin and slowly began to circle him looking him up and down. "No apparent signs of fatigue either, at this rate you should be able to return home tomorrow, as long as you don't do any strenuous activities, you still should give your ribs a few weeks to heal. I have to say you've got the fastest recovery progression I've ever seen, well almost. "
"What do you mean 'almost'?" Ky asked. "Come to think of it, hey shouldn't Sol be here too?"
"That's what I meant." The nurse spoke again. "That 'Badguy' chap wasn't here six hours when he left. He actually forced his way out, neglecting his bill in the process."
Ky laughed out loud for a moment. "Yep, that's Sol alright. I'll cover any of his expenses." Ky looked past the nurse at Millia. "Say, could you give us some time alone please nurse?"
"Sure thing, I'll be back in a few minutes to run some tests." The short African American woman in her thirties excused herself and walked past Millia for just a bit, she turned back to her and spoke. "Hang on to this one dear, he's a keeper." She turned and looked at Ky for a moment then back at Millia. She held up her hand and fanned her wrist down once while covering the side of her mouth with her other hand. "And cute too!" She said with a wink and pat on Millia's shoulder. Ky blushed and put his head down shyly.
"Don't worry ma'am." Millia spoke, grinning at Ky the whole time. "I'm not letting this one go anywhere."
The orderly exited the room and left the two alone. Ky looked back up at Millia and rubbed the back of his head. "Gee, she's exaggerating."
"Not at all." Millia said as she walked up to Ky and wrapped her arms around his waist, she looked up and stared into his eyes. "I got the crème de la crème."
Ky returned the gesture with his own arms. "So did I." Ky leaned forward, prepared to press his lips against those of his love. But as he was about to, the sounds of church organs followed by quick and rhythmic guitar riffs filled the air with a voice singing to the beat.
'Ai? Jiyuu? Nando mo kurikaesu. Kagami no naka ni iru kotae ni. Gi shin, hitei, sou shinnen no ma ma! Yuzurenai Hitomi!'
"Gah!" Millia said as she pulled her small cellular phone from her pocket and pressed the talk button, stopping the song in the process. "Yes? No…yes…ok…" With that Millia hung up the phone and sighed.
"You really need to get a newer phone Millia, those mp3 ringtones are archaic." Ky stated.
"Ky…" Millia began.
"Oooooh no, don't sa—"
"I gotta go…"
"Shimata! Why?"
"That was the contractor, he is already at your house and needs me to show him what needs to be done and where. I'm sorry."
Ky sighed and slowly released his embrace from Millia's midsection. "It's ok, don't worry about it. I'll just see you later ok?"
Millia smiled and quickly kissed Ky on the cheek before trotting out the door, she stopped in the doorway and smiled at Ky. "Ok. Listen to your nurse ok? And don't stress yourself; don't want you going Roboto again." Millia said as she did a little robotic movement with her arms.
"Say what now?"
Millia laughed a little, she tapped the side of her head lightly with her fist and stuck out her tongue. "Never mind. Ja ne!" (See ya later)
"Ja!" (See ya) Ky responded with a wave. And with that, Millia was gone. Ky walked back over to his bed and carefully sat down, he layed back and stared at the ceiling. "Old memories eh Sol?"
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Well that's it for this chapter. I originally planned on putting more in this but I didn't feel like making you guys wait any longer so I just kinda threw anything into there at the end. And I know most of you loathe Japanese but I translated the stuff I hadn't used before for you. Except for the song, which was "Holy Orders: Be Just or Be Dead" by the way. A little subtle humor that I doubt anyone got.
Don't know when the next chapter will be up, I have some of the latter chapters planned but not the next really. But keep an eye open, a certain Kusari Gama user might be making a cameo soon…
Ja ne
D-sythe
"You think so too right?"
Disclaimer: I don't own Guilty Gear X, it's the property of Sammy, Arc Works and Daisuke Ishiwatari.
Let's skip the long notes and get straight into the story ok?
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{This kid getting in my way. All he is, is a high class spoiled brat.} "NAPALM..."
{This man standing before me; He is nothing but a savage thug.} "RISING..."
{He thinks he's so high and mighty. I swear he annoys the crap outta me.} "DEATH!!!!!!!"
{He's like a reckless fire with no respect for authority. I detest those kinds of people.} "FORCE!!!!!!!"
As the two super powers collide in an epic explosion, the two fighters pouring everything they've got into the attack are strangely smiling.
{At least that's what I use to think...} Sol Badguy thought as the force of the collision drives him back and to one knee.
{But first impressions are sometimes wrong...} Ky Kiske prepares for the recoil of the blast and is knocked to the ground as he thinks.
{But that kid, no, that man showed determination, and with every fight his strength grew and so did my respect for him...} The pyro gear slowly stood to his feet as his knees began to buckle beneath him, but he held his ground as the smoke cleared.
{God works in mysterious ways, strange how my greatest rival...} Ky grunted as he pushed himself on his feet using his Furaiken for leverage. {...can become my strongest ally...} The silhouette of the prototype slowly began to dissipate as his image came through.
Sol held his right eye shut, it stung like there was no tomorrow. Most likely it was the shrapnel from the explosion caught in his eye. That was the least of his problems, his chest felt like it was on fire, Ky's Crescent Slashes and that new Overdrive left a John Hancock still streaked across his chest. His legs felt weak too, jumping headfirst into a Rising Force isn't the smartest move. It felt like he jumped straight into the stream of an entourage of firemen's hoses on full blast. But even so, Sol began his tedious walk forward. {Who knew that saving his life would be the best decision I ever made?}
Ky didn't know what hurt more, his arms, his chest, or his back. It felt like he'd been suspending an elephant with his bare hands. Trying to hold off a Napalm Death, even with the magical sword, was like trying to push a fully loaded truck uphill while it was in park. Not to mention that those repeated Volcanic Vipers threw his back out of whack and made his broken ribs feel just wonderful. {Still...guess that's his way of me returning the favor...for back then...} Ky trekked forward till he came face to face with the man before him.
"Ky..."
"Sol..."
"How many times is this?"
"Heh, more than I could remember."
"I figured as much...you tired as me?"
"Probably more so. Nice reversals by the way."
"Thanks, those new attacks are something else."
"Appreciate it."
Both men smiled as they began to raise their fists.
"One more go? For old times sake?"
"Yeah sure why not?"
Each man swung at the other with his last bit of energy. Clocking each other out, both men gave the other a smirk of satisfaction before all went black...
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The charred battlefield in mid afternoon reeked of burning flesh, fire and brimstone. As far as the eye could see was nothing but desolate wasteland. It was quiet, too quiet; something was wrong.
"Perhaps the rumors of it being in this area were just that--rumors." Ky said as his blue eyes scanned the ground surrounding him.
Sol dropped his head down and heaved a heavy sigh. He took a cigarette from his jacket pocket and stuck it between his teeth. He raised his weapon of Corruption slowly towards his face, the steel blade began to glow a bright red and the bounty hunter fearlessly pressed it to the tip of the cigarette, igniting it in the process. His sword returned to normal as he stabbed it back to the ground. A gentle breeze swept the brown bangs from Sol's face clearing his view before a cloud of smoke rose from his mouth to cloud it once more. Years of smoking gave him the 'skill' to speak without dropping the cigarette from his mouth, he put this skill to use. "Be patient, I swear you're just like a kid--immature and always wanting something now." Sol smarted off to Ky and immediately took another puff.
The Holy Knights leader looked on with disgust. "It never fails to amaze me, just when I think you can't get any more arrogant, there you go and jump to a new level."
"Why thank you." Sol said with a chuckle.
Ky started to explain how that wasn't meant as a compliment, but he didn't feel like another smart remark right now. An argument at this point would accomplish nothing. Sol was the last person he'd want to team up with, but he was the most powerful man under him. Like it or not, Sol was the best option, but not the most reliable person. Ky had to keep that in mind, as well as concentrate on the target. But where was it? Almost like reading his mind, Sol took one last drag of his smoke, tossed his cigarette to the ground and responded without looking up. "It's here."
Ky raised an eyebrow. {What is he talking abo--} The rumbling of the ground stopped Ky's thoughts on Sol's words and focused them on the giant figure that began to rise about 70 meters ahead. "Sa..." Ky began as his body faced west. He stood straight with his head turned to the right; His powerful lightning sword crackling in his left hand. "...Hajimi mashoka."
Standing about 6 feet behind and to the left of Ky, Sol lifted his head, unfolded his arms and plucked his Fuenken from it's resting place on the ground, he chuckled again as he turned east while dropping into a low stance. Gripping his Fireseal in his right hand he turned his head to the left to face the threat. The form of the enormous Omega Gear began to come into the picture.
Its muscular back rose from the ground followed by its long neck wrapped in what seemed like bandages. As its head emerged it let out a roar; its razor sharp teeth jutted out in several crooked rows. A large screw was stuck between it's glowing yellow eyes. It was like nothing either had ever seen. Judging from what had emerged, the entire size of it must have been at least 30 feet tall and near 60 feet long. It's form was semi- human, only...distorted. Its hind legs raised up from the earth bearing knife-like claws on each foot.
"We can't let it free itself completely!" Ky said as he began to move towards the gear. But the gear's primitive instincts caught onto the movement and its head quickly swiveled to the left to catch sight of the two men. Letting out another roar it began to violently thrash at the ground in an attempt to free its forearms from it. Ky froze in place to think out his strategy, giving the gear just enough time to free an arm. Without warning, it slammed its powerful fist into the ground. The ground began to give way and sent a crack across the ground and beneath the two men.
Sol, noticing the forming crack, stepped to the side. He looked up to see Ky beginning to walk blindly forward. {That idiot, I wonder if he'll catch on.} Sol thought. The Omega gear finally managed to free its other arm as it noticed the Knight beginning his approach. It slammed it's other arm into the ground, this time splitting the earth wide open like a ripe watermelon. Ky noticed all too late his mistake as the ground began to give way beneath him. Ky lost his footing and stumbled backwards.
"Oh no! I'm falling!" Ky screamed while reaching his hand up as the ground opened up to consume him. Sol walked to the edge of the chasm just as Ky dropped. A slight smile crossed Sol's face.
Sol jammed his sword into the ground at the lip of the canyon. "Spare me." Sol leapt downwards into the pit after Ky.
It seemed like he'd been falling forever. Ky's mind flooded with hundreds of memories at once. As the moonlight got harder and harder to see, Ky dropped his head down and waited for impact. "So this will end everything will it?" Ky thought as he closed his eyes.
{Why am I even doing this?} Sol spoke to himself. {Why am I sticking my neck out for this kid? He's so friggan annoying, he's nothing but a high class spoiled brat, so...why?} Sol reached down with his left hand as he caught a ledge with his other hand.
Ky felt a sudden tug at his right wrist, something caught him. He looks up to see Sol Badguy's grinning face above him. {...why? Why did he save me? He...he's nothing but a savage thug....isn't he?} Ky quickly scampered over to a nearby ledge and got his footing. He keeps his head down; his pride kept him from looking at the man he figured would be the last person to save him. {Be that as it may...I owe him my life...} Ky swallowed his pride and raised his right hand to Sol.
Sol crouched down gathering his energy for the jump he'd need to clear the hole. Just as he was about to push off, Ky's hand came in front of his face. Apparently Ky was looking for a handshake. Sol had never shaken anyone's hand before in his life and he wasn't going to start now. {He can't say thanks yet he wants a handshake, I swear he annoys the crap outta me. Yet I still saved him.} Sol began to laugh as he thought about the irony of the whole situation. He pushed off hard and leaped skyward.
{He must be laughing this up inside, making a joke of the whole situation...I detest those kinds of people. He didn't even shake my hand...But he did save my life. Maybe there's more to Sol than meets the eye.} A subconscious smile crossed Ky's face as he turned and lept to the opposite side of the chasm. Kicking off quickly he jumped diagonally upwards to the other side of the hole and repeated the process 3 times before landing outside the gap. He glanced over to see Sol directly on the other side. The Omega Gear, now free, began an approach towards them.
{I don't know what it is....}
{It makes no sense....}
{But when I see this man...}
{When that kid looks at me...}
{I feel like...}
{It seems like...}
{I can trust him.} Both men's thoughts coincided as they smiled at each other with a newfound respect that neither seemed to understand. {Guess some things...need no explanation.} Ky thought as a strong wind picks up, blowing into their faces. Sol plucks his Fuenken from the ground as Ky slowly raises his sword above his head. "Show me your true power Sol." Ky said with a semi-challenging smirk as he quickly dropped his arms to his sides, slashing downwards, cutting the wind in half and stopping the breeze. Sol grinned at Ky's impressive display. "Same to you...Ky." With dual nods to each other, they both turn and made their way towards the approaching gear.
Little did they know that this one incident gave them that spark of respect needed to start their friendship.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Welcome back."
Ky awoke in a daze. A blend of present and past flooded his senses. The smells and sounds of the battle still fresh on his mind. He slowly opened his eyes and allowed them to refocus. His eyes scanned his immediate peripheral area for the face belonging to the voice that awoke him. An albino lock of hair gently stroked his forehead and he looked up with a smile as Millia's face came into focus.
"How long have I been out?" Ky's hoarse voice asked as he sat up. A sharp pain suddenly struck his midsection and he quickly held his ribcage to ease the pain.
Millia reached out to help him steady himself. "Take it easy Ky, you're still injured you know."
Ky reluctantly laid back down as his ganguro girlfriend smiled down on him. "You passed out again last night." Millia said as she gently took a seat besides him on the bed. "Oddly enough you were screaming in your dream, something about falling. I was about to wake you but then the strangest thing happened, you got strangely calm, even began to smile."
"Old memories..." Ky said almost inaudibly as he looked away, not sad but almost reminiscent.
"What was that?" Millia asked.
Ky smiled and looked up to her once more. "It's nothing. You know, I'm not sure if I'll ever quite get use to the new you."
Millia stood up and crossed her arms with a semi-pout on her face. "So you're saying…I'm not attractive to you anymore?" A slightly insecure look was in her eyes.
Ky smiled and his gaze diverted to Millia's feet and slowly made their way up, following each and every luscious curve of her delicate and well constructed body the numbers '36 25 34' suddenly came to his mind. "Millia, you're just as beautiful as ever and with a tan to boot. What's to complain about?"
The insecure look was replaced with a sly grin as Millia leaned forward and placed her right index finger under Ky's chin, gently lifting it upwards. "Eyes up here lover-boy." She said with a slight chuckle.
"Just saving the best for last."
Millia could feel her cheeks flush red as Ky's tenor voice spoke and his crystalline eyes met hers. She sat back down on the edge of the bed and slowly began to lean inwardly towards her Holy Knight. It looked like a scene from a movie; the two staring at each other, the slow conversion of their faces, how cliché. Ky moved his right hand up to her corresponding cheek while brushing away a few stray hairs from her eyes. For a moment they just stand there, staring at each other with smiles on their faces, they were in love and nothing needed to be said. Their lips did all the talking as they finally met each other, they both closed their eyes and Ky places his left hand on her other cheek while he deepened the kiss. But after just a moment Millia suddenly broke away.
"What's wro--" Ky began, but was silenced by the huge medical pill that Millia shoved into his open and un-expecting mouth.
Millia winked slyly as she spoke. "I just wanted you to get a taste of these sweet hot lips before you had to taste that awful pain medicine. A slight glimpse of heaven before hell you may say."
"Well…" Ky started, trying not to make a sour face as the pill began to dissolve on his tongue and fill his mouth with it's bitter flavor. "…they say a spoonful of sugar…" Ky finally bit down on the gargantuan tablet and his eyes began to water. "…makes the medicine go down." Ky continued to chew and forced himself to swallow, he stuck his tongue out as he made a 'bitter beer face', showing his distaste. "Ugh, I'm afraid it'd take a thousand of your kisses to help get rid of that taste, what flavor was that anyway? Foot powder?"
Millia began to laugh lightly. "Uh, Ky honey…" She broke into an all out laugh as she handed him his glass of water. "That's not a chewable."
"…" Ky suddenly thought of a better place to stick that glass of water, but after a cutesy 'Gomen-ne' and innocent smile from his angel, Ky merely grinned, took the glass, and drank it's contents. He handed the empty glass back to Millia and she placed it on the shelf besides him.
"Well, I'd better get going." Millia finally said as she stood up. "Got contractors to call."
Ky tilted his head slightly sideways and quirked an eyebrow. "Contractors?" He asked slightly confused.
"Yeah, for your practice arena…"
"I'm drawing blanks here…"
"You…Sol…crater."
"Ah! That one, now I remember."
"Yeah, well anyway I need to get someone to fill it in. Plus…" Millia leaned back slightly and stretched. "I've been cooped up in this room for the past two days, I need air."
Ky's face suddenly lit up with delight.
"What? What is it?"
"You've been watching over me all this time?" Ky reached out his left hand, IV still attached, and took Millia's soft hand right beside his bed.
Millia blushed slightly. "Well I'm your girlfriend; it's like a law or something." Millia teased.
"You've really come a long way in such a short time Millia, I don't know how you do it."
Millia placed her free hand on her hip and leaned into it. "How do YOU do it Ky?"
Ky looked confused again. "Do what?"
"Have such a magnetic personality."
"I'm afraid I don't quite understand."
Millia leaned forward and gently pushed back Ky's forehead with her index finger. "As naïve as the day I met you. Don't you see what great changes you've made in everyone's life? Sol Badguy, the world's most dangerous bounty hunter is now you're best friend. Chipp Zanuff, an ex drug-addict and mafia member, now probably the most skilled ninja in the world, along with Johnny, the most notorious sky pirate ever, are your friends too."
Ky chuckled. "Well I guess I do have odd tastes in friends huh? Women too, I practically have Justice's understudy as my cook and third greatest assassin as girlfriend."
"EX-assassin." Millia added in. "And all because of you, I'd be in jail or worse if it weren't for you. The same probably goes for the rest of them. You are amazing Ky."
Ky smiled.
"Despite being French." Millia joked.
Ky laughed. "Look who's talking ms haggis!" He said with a fake Russian accent. They both began to laugh it up for a moment. When they finally stopped Ky spoke up. "You know, you always have a way of making me feel better Millia. In fact…" Ky started to stand, Millia tried to stop him but he held up his hand and continued till he was on his feet. "…I feel much better. My ribs aren't hurting nearly as much now."
"Well they say laughter is the best medicine. Or maybe it was that 'chewable'."
"May have been that…" Ky stepped up to Millia took her hands in his, intertwining their fingers. He pulled her body up to his so they touched and pressed their foreheads together. "…but I prefer the taste of your medicine more." Ky tilted his head to the left slightly and directed his mouth towards Millia's, they were almost about to converge when.
"Mr. Kiske!" The orderly abrubtly burst into the room startled. "You're up and about!"
Ky and Millia both moaned and stepped back from each other slightly as the nurse insta-killed the mood by stepping between them. She placed a hand on her chin and slowly began to circle him looking him up and down. "No apparent signs of fatigue either, at this rate you should be able to return home tomorrow, as long as you don't do any strenuous activities, you still should give your ribs a few weeks to heal. I have to say you've got the fastest recovery progression I've ever seen, well almost. "
"What do you mean 'almost'?" Ky asked. "Come to think of it, hey shouldn't Sol be here too?"
"That's what I meant." The nurse spoke again. "That 'Badguy' chap wasn't here six hours when he left. He actually forced his way out, neglecting his bill in the process."
Ky laughed out loud for a moment. "Yep, that's Sol alright. I'll cover any of his expenses." Ky looked past the nurse at Millia. "Say, could you give us some time alone please nurse?"
"Sure thing, I'll be back in a few minutes to run some tests." The short African American woman in her thirties excused herself and walked past Millia for just a bit, she turned back to her and spoke. "Hang on to this one dear, he's a keeper." She turned and looked at Ky for a moment then back at Millia. She held up her hand and fanned her wrist down once while covering the side of her mouth with her other hand. "And cute too!" She said with a wink and pat on Millia's shoulder. Ky blushed and put his head down shyly.
"Don't worry ma'am." Millia spoke, grinning at Ky the whole time. "I'm not letting this one go anywhere."
The orderly exited the room and left the two alone. Ky looked back up at Millia and rubbed the back of his head. "Gee, she's exaggerating."
"Not at all." Millia said as she walked up to Ky and wrapped her arms around his waist, she looked up and stared into his eyes. "I got the crème de la crème."
Ky returned the gesture with his own arms. "So did I." Ky leaned forward, prepared to press his lips against those of his love. But as he was about to, the sounds of church organs followed by quick and rhythmic guitar riffs filled the air with a voice singing to the beat.
'Ai? Jiyuu? Nando mo kurikaesu. Kagami no naka ni iru kotae ni. Gi shin, hitei, sou shinnen no ma ma! Yuzurenai Hitomi!'
"Gah!" Millia said as she pulled her small cellular phone from her pocket and pressed the talk button, stopping the song in the process. "Yes? No…yes…ok…" With that Millia hung up the phone and sighed.
"You really need to get a newer phone Millia, those mp3 ringtones are archaic." Ky stated.
"Ky…" Millia began.
"Oooooh no, don't sa—"
"I gotta go…"
"Shimata! Why?"
"That was the contractor, he is already at your house and needs me to show him what needs to be done and where. I'm sorry."
Ky sighed and slowly released his embrace from Millia's midsection. "It's ok, don't worry about it. I'll just see you later ok?"
Millia smiled and quickly kissed Ky on the cheek before trotting out the door, she stopped in the doorway and smiled at Ky. "Ok. Listen to your nurse ok? And don't stress yourself; don't want you going Roboto again." Millia said as she did a little robotic movement with her arms.
"Say what now?"
Millia laughed a little, she tapped the side of her head lightly with her fist and stuck out her tongue. "Never mind. Ja ne!" (See ya later)
"Ja!" (See ya) Ky responded with a wave. And with that, Millia was gone. Ky walked back over to his bed and carefully sat down, he layed back and stared at the ceiling. "Old memories eh Sol?"
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Well that's it for this chapter. I originally planned on putting more in this but I didn't feel like making you guys wait any longer so I just kinda threw anything into there at the end. And I know most of you loathe Japanese but I translated the stuff I hadn't used before for you. Except for the song, which was "Holy Orders: Be Just or Be Dead" by the way. A little subtle humor that I doubt anyone got.
Don't know when the next chapter will be up, I have some of the latter chapters planned but not the next really. But keep an eye open, a certain Kusari Gama user might be making a cameo soon…
Ja ne
D-sythe
"You think so too right?"