~**~
Author's Notes: Whats up ppl? Anyhoo I just wanted to say I
kinda.erm.forgot to put something. For the song that Fiona sang in the last
chapter, It's called 'Life In Mono' and it's by a band (get this) whos
called Mono. It's the same song that inspired me to even write this in the
first place! God I've been such a dumb blonde lately! Hehe.now on to
Chapter 3 enjoy oh and thank you for putting up with this ficcie for so
long! ^^
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Clothes flew wildly to an unknown location as she franticly searched for something halfway decent to wear, but by the looks of her travel closet she didn't have anything but her old GF uniform. Needless to say, Fiona kept it for sentimental reasons. She frowned at it; to wear or not to wear, that was question.
She held the dress up to her neck by the hanger and criticized her appearance in her vanity mirror. Agh, to her disgust she looked exactly the way she did when she was in the Guardian Force. She silently cursed and gently placed the pink clothing item on the floor.
Fiona shook her head at her reflection, which just shrugged back at her. She sighed. "What am I going to wear?"
Suddenly an idea popped into her head that sent her diving back into the closet, digging through the once tidy wad of clothes.
"I know it's here somewhere!"
Hey look, Fiona saw the black low-cut dress she wore on her and Van's first date. Blushing, she tossed it aside. It was not what she was looking for. So many memories. So little time.
"Grr! I know you're in here!" she barked angrily.
This was not the time for calm, orderly searches, hell no; this was the time to search like the wind! The clock was ticking and Van couldn't wait forever. She would find him, by tonight. To think, she had avoided his memory and his ghost like the plague, maybe she really still was in love with him. And the years had only deepened her love for him, was that even possible? She wondered, how could she be in love with a ghost?
"Well," Fiona said to herself in a firm voice. "Your just going to have to get used to the fact that Van's ghost is a lie, Van has no ghost since he is alive!"
Fiona had promised to meet Moonbay and Irvine at the Plum later that evening and it was 6:15 already. Zeke was at the Plum as well and he had all the answers. He had them all along but she never even asked; and now she regretted it. But no more; if she was ever going to find Van she'd need Zeke to do it. And she knew exactly where to find him; wherever Anthony Lee lived. She knew from the second she laid eyes on him he was the real deal, the way he smelled was exactly the way Van smelled, and the way he smiled he had that same gorgeous boyish smile. Van gave her back her memory now it was her turn to return the favor.
"Yes! Thank you God!"
There it was; all in it's camouflage glory. She was going to blow them away AND get into the base for sure.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
First Major Thomas Richard Shubaltz rubbed his temples for the fifth time in ten minutes; God why did life have to be so goddamn tough just when your at your worst? Why today of all days? Why couldn't it be tomorrow? Or maybe even better never! He sighed, unfortunately things just did not work that way. Today was just not his day. Today was the third year anniversary of the day, his close friend, Lieutenant Van Flyheight died honorably in battle.
Everyone on both sides of the border celebrated both Flyheight's birthday and his death day, because he had ended the war and had saved them from the evils of the Deathsaurer.twice. He was a hero in every respect. And his time on Zi was short.
Three years later, Thomas still couldn't believe the little pain in the ass was dead. One minute he was in a cursing argument with the guy and the next he's dead, that's how fast it was. But he was tired of living in the past, and tried to remind himself that he and Van were never that close to begin with. Well shit, he had tried to arrest him under the assumption he was Hiltz. And their relationship was nothing short of a rocky ride, but for a couple years life was good. Unlike what it was now.
"Major Shubaltz, sir?" the door to the office opened just a bit, revealing none other than Lieutenant Jane Anderson. A bright, intelligent sometimes overpowering, red head. She stepped inside and closed the door quietly behind her.
Why him? Thomas thought sadly, Lt. Anderson was the last person on Zi he wanted to see right now and ever. He always knew she had a thing for him, for she always asking him what he was doing over the weekend and stuff like that. But he just wasn't interested, but she didn't get the picture! Thomas was a gentleman, much to his own disgust, and as such he could not harm a lady or woman whatever she may be. Life really sucked.
"Yes, Lieutenant Anderson?" he asked with a defeated sigh. How many more days until his vacation?
She hesitated, much to the blonde's displeasure, and suddenly found it fascinating to stare at floor. Thomas glanced over the edge of his oak desk to see what was so interesting but saw nothing but the ugly green tiled floor.
"Uh.sir.I was wondering.."
"Yes. Lt.?" His patience was wearing thin.
"I uh, was wondering.if you..were."
Thomas fought hard to keep his temper in check. Out with it already! "Yes?"
"Iwaswonderingifyouwouldliketoattendtheannualballsaturdaynightwithme!" Lt. Jane Anderson blurted, her pale cheeks flushed. Her black eyes shone with emotion unusual to them.
Thomas blinked; did she just ask HIM to go to the ball with her? He gulped and shifted his weight uncomfortable in his swivel chair. He wanted more than anything for some interruption, some burglary, something to save him from Lt. Anderson. "...."
Just then the door kicked open revealing a soldier holding a.another solider? No, that couldn't be right. The other soldier had his hands pinned behind his back and was dressed completely in new age army camouflage, even a camouflage cap. His face covered, Thomas noticed golden blonde strands of hair floating by his face.
The private held the prisoner's arms with one hand and saluted with the other. "Major Shubaltz sir! Sorry for the interruption but I found this creeping around the organiod containment center." He gave a sharp shove and the prisoner jerked forward.
Thomas just stared at the scene in front of him, yes! His luck was finally turning up. He welcomed the intrusion with open arms. He had to fight to keep from crying tears of joy; his hand rubbed his green eyes.
He cleared his throat and nodded. "That's okay, solider. Did you get his name?"
The prisoner stiffened.
"No sir, wouldn't tell me a thing. I asked him and asked him but he refused."
"I see." Thomas stared hard at the blonde intruder, if this were a guy then how come he had curves? This guy had some serious curves, just like someone he knew.. "What's your name?"
No response.
"Are you from the Republic?"
Still nothing.
Thomas was growing bored of this routine, would it kill the guy to answer the question? Then he saw something; the prisoner quivered just enough to loosen that cap and locks of golden blonde hair fell onto his shoulders.
Inspired, he walked over to the two and forcibly took off the cap. Standing before him, arms pinned, was no man. No, this was a woman with shoulder length blonde hair. She quivered as meekly as a frightened bunny but her chin dug into her chest.
"What is your name?" The Major gently placed his hand under her pale chin and pulled her hand up, but she fought back weakly.
Thomas gasped as he stared into a pair of sunset eyes. "Oh my God.Miss Fiona! Is that you?"
He shoved the private and grasped her hands in his big ones. It was Fiona, he was sure of it. She'd cut her hair but her angelic beauty radiated like the sun on a bright beautiful summer day. Suddenly this God awful day was all worth it; Miss Fiona had stepped back into his life. And this time he had a chance with her. Score!
"Miss Fiona, did he hurt you? I'm so sorry! I had no idea it was you, are you okay?"
She swallowed and nodded slowly, her eyes still locked with his. "I'm fine, Thomas, I'm honored you remember me."
Thomas gasped yet again. "Why Miss Fiona! I could never forget you! You have left too much of an imprint on my life to forget."
Fiona smiled meekly. "Oh Thomas, you always did know the sweetest things to say."
She glanced around the small yet oddly homey room lined with oak bookcases, everything was so different. Different than the way she would have liked. This room reeked of Thomas though, she had to admit. "What a lovely office you have Thomas."
A red haired woman glared venom at her. "Major Shubaltz if you please, how can you just treat an intruder with such informalities. It's off to the prison for this little hussy."
The pink in his cheeks vanished; Thomas scowled at the idiocy of the Lieutenant. Had she no brain? Most likely. "Lieutenant Anderson, that was uncalled for. This was a simple misunderstanding and I would appreciate it if you would not speak unless you are called upon. Have I made myself clear?"
"Crystal, sir."
"Now you are dismissed and you too solider."
With one finally venomous look, Lieutenant Anderson and the solider left the room.
Fiona was mildly surprised; so Thomas was now a Major, just like Karl had been, well he couldn't be a Lieutenant forever. And that Anderson, it was deadly obvious that she had affection for Thomas and that she saw Fiona as a threat. But why?
"What brings you here, Miss Fiona?" Thomas said, returning to his beloved swivel chair.
Fiona sat down on a small brown couch underneath the window that was close to the desk, since it was the only place she could sit on without sitting on the floor of course.
"A number of things actually," she admitted.
"You're a Major now, congratulations. I'm sure Karl must be very proud."
He felt his cheeks burn and nodded. "Yeah, Karl is real happy that I'm quote, 'following in his footsteps'. But yeah, these past couple years have been tough I must say. Although they weren't nearly as tough as the ones before, with nothing really exciting to do in the Guardian Force I've taken up the responsibility of tracking down Raven."
"He's still as much of a threat today as he was before, isn't he," Fiona observed mildly.
Personally, the Ancient Zoidian didn't think Raven was a bad guy anymore. It was that final battle with the Deathstinger/Deathsaurer made him switch sides, she believed. He was a wanted man and was wise enough to lay low for a couple of years, with Reese undoubtedly by his side.
"I'll say, he's made things terribly more complicated by killing all those people."
"You mean he's killed again?"
Thomas nodded. "Yeah, the information hasn't been released to the press yet. Everywhere he's struck is the exact same places you've been before."
By 'been before' Fiona knew he meant that everywhere she and Van had gone in their search for Zoid Eve, from the ruins by the Wind Colony to the capital of the empire, or going to be the capital.
"And the Capitals next," she said.
"Yeah, bingo. But we have to find a way to stop it before more innocent lives are lost. This is the same thing Hiltz did."
"Well Ambient's been found, and there's a fifty percent chance Hiltz is still alive," Fiona said taking a deep breath.
She really didn't want to have this discussion; in fact she didn't want anything to do with the likes of these people. But she didn't want to go back to the way she was, a lonely star. Her wish had come true, but it needed her help if it was ever going to become a reality. Van was alive, okay she got that one down, but his memories weren't in tact. How would he ever get his memory back, a hit on the back of the head maybe? The Deathsaurer brought back her memories, what would make Van's come back?
"Thomas," Fiona clasped her hands on her lap, staring at them with a pained expression. "I have something I think you may want to know."
He leaned closer to her and rubbed his chin. "Alright what is it?"
She kept her gaze on her hands. "V-v-an is...V-v-v-an is..."
The damn words refused to come out of her mouth, she silently cursed her misfortune. His name was suddenly foreign to her tongue. It still hurt too much to even say his name.
Thomas frowned; was he hearing things correctly? Did she just say 'Van'? Nonsense. Or was it?
"V-van is... Van is alive!" Fiona practically shouted.
~*~*~*~*~
"All the things she said, all the things she said, running through my head, running through my head. This is not enough. I'm in serious shit, I feel totally lost. If I'm asking for help it's only because being with you has opened my eyes. Could I ever believe such a perfect surprise?
I keep asking myself wondering how I keep closing my eyes but I can't block you out. Wanna fly to a place where it's just you and me. Nobody else so we can be free. All the things she said..." Fiona's voice trailed off as she looked over the sheet of music up at the girl, who had literally walked into the base looking for her.
"Yessum," the girl nodded shyly.
She couldn't have been older than 18, with short cropped blonde hair like Reese's only her bangs were fuller. Her eyes brought attention to her face, they were a lovely shade of blue/green each eye was a different shade. She was dressed in a schoolgirl's outfit; the plaid black green and blue skirt went up to her thigh and her white blouse was messily buttoned at the sleeves.
Fiona's first impression of her when she first walked in Thomas's office was, that girl was an outsider but she was never one to judge a book by its cover. There was something about her that made Fiona trust her, she had this innocence about her.
"All the things she said, all the things she said, running through my head, running through my head. This is not enough. This is not enough. And I'm all mixed up feeling cornered and rushed. They it's my fault but I want her so much. Wanna fly her away with the sun and rain come in over my face, wash away all the shame. When they stop and stare don't worry me cause I'm feeling for her what she's feeling for me."
My God, she thought, this song was about being a lesbian. Could that girl be a..? Not that she had a problem with gays, its just who you want to kiss anyways. But God, she had no idea that when that girl stepped forth in the office and meekly asked her to look over the song that the song would be so powerful. It was a hit. She could feel it.
Fiona met her eyes. "It'll be fantastic, I'm sorry but I didn't catch your name."
"Toni," came the meek reply.
"It's beautiful Toni, it's very sincere. All it needs a touch of music and voice and it'll rule the charts in no time," she smiled and set the music sheet down on the desk she'd been sitting on.
Fiona stood up and held Toni's hand. "Listen, let me ask you something. Is this true?"
Fear flashed through Toni's eyes, there was no denying it. Her reaction was enough. Toni swallowed but found her mouth was dry, Fiona had been kind enough to take a look at her song and now it was the moment of truth. She braced herself for rejection.
Toni suddenly found it amusing to stare at her feet and nodded weakly.
"I see."
"It's okay, you don't have to say it. I understand, I'll just be on my way now."
"Don't be ridiculous, I want to do this with you. I wasn't lying when I said it would be huge. This is exactly what Zi needs."
Fiona knew that once the single was released there would be speculation about her sexuality, she really was as straight as a board but her conscious wouldn't let her get a moment's rest if she didn't do this. Toni needed someone to help her, to find her voice for her, and Fiona was just the person to do it. Besides, if push came to shove she'd just have to bring Van to every award show she'd ever go to (she knew he wouldn't have it any other way).
Toni looked up at her in disbelief. "You want to do with me?"
The look on her face was priceless; it made Fiona feel even better about her decision.
"But of course, when can you go to the studio?"
She was stunned beyond words, when she had heard that Fiona was very kind she had no idea she was THAT kind. "You'd do that? Well, I can go anytime."
"Is there anything holding you back you think I might want to know about?"
Toni shook her head, her parents were dead. "No, nothing. I'm all yours." She smiled timidly at her newfound friend.
Fiona returned the smile and glanced over at the doorway of the small private office they'd borrowed. Thomas and Irvine were standing 'discreetly' beside it.
~*~*~*~
The night was cold and distant as she stared out her bedroom window, dozens of little lightening bugs buzzed outside happily, their glowing bodies shimmering in the dark. The house was empty with the exception of her and Ambient, who was curled up in a little ball sleeping beside her bed. But sleep did not come easy to the seven year old for she dreaded the coming morning, feared the setting sun, and worried about tomorrow. She hated school with a passion.but that wasn't the only thing that was on her mind. Something was off, totally off, today when they went into the Capital. She'd noticed a change in her uncle, ones she did not like.
Her uncle was usually quiet, peaceful, and a little bit overprotective but hey there could have been worse things. Now he spaced out and when he'd come back to reality he'd be mumbling something like, 'Blade Liger' or 'Zeke' or the most disturbing of all, 'Fiona'. No, Jade did not like this one bit.
She peeked through the white satin curtains, nothing but happy little lightening bugs. She scowled and walked briskly out of her room and into her uncle's. The inside was dark and the bed was still unoccupied. She glanced at the clock that read in bright neon green numbers, 1: 25 a.m. Her bedtime was eight and she had woken up at midnight. When would Anthony be back?
The loneliness made her uneasy and she desperately wanted to talk with someone, more specifically her uncle Anthony. He always knew the right things to say. But he wasn't here, and she had no idea when he'd be back. She hoped it was soon. Knowing Anthony, he probably left at night when she was supposed to be asleep and come back before morning and act like nothing was out of the ordinary. In reality, everything out of the ordinary, her life was a big pile of old playdoo.
A booming roar rang out in the inky darkness and she raced through the front door without a second thought. Dozens of lightening bugs floated around her, enclosing her in a living circle of light. Jade gasped as a blue Blade Liger trotted up to the front of the house, roared and set its hindquarters down. It titled it's head curiously at her, but its pilot was unaware.
"I.can't.believe.it!" Jade's little body was trembling with excitement as she extended her hand and touched it's mighty leg. "There's actually a zoid..here..at my house! YES!"
The cockpit opened and Jade quickly ducked behind the leg, not wanting to be seen when she was supposed to be lost in dreamland. The pilot leapt down, more lightening bugs buzzed happily around his well-built form. From what she could see, he was had on some army boots and what appeared to be a uniform that left his stomach exposed. Interesting.
"I have got to thank Moonbay for giving me this nifty uniform and zoid, Moonbay you're an angel!"
The young man stretched and rubbed the small of his back. He glanced back at the Liger and was about to walk to the house when two figures joined him. The taller one of a man most likely, and the shorter one a woman. They spoke in hushed whispers.
"Gah!" Jade knew that voice from anywhere; the pilot of the Blade Liger was her uncle Anthony.
Anthony patted his chest in an attempt to calm his raging heart. "Fiona! What on Zi are you doing here, especially at this hour?"
"I should ask you the same," Fiona replied, a lightening bug landed on her finger. "Don't you know its half past one and your still awake with the Liger? One would figure you'd be at the base to catch up on your rest, it's going to be a long trip to the Wind Colony."
Jade gasped, the Wind Colony? Where the heck was that? Anthony was leaving somewhere and he never bothered to tell her? She was both hurt and enraged, how could he desert her right before school started right when she needed him the most? She didn't want to spend time with Aunt Laura, for a number of reasons, one) Laura worked all the time and practically lived in her office. two) Jade had the impression Laura was only taking care of her because of her uncle. She bet if given the opportunity, her aunt would ship her back to New Helic City to be with her parents who were also too busy for her.
Jade's life was here, in the small humble village, not back in New Helic City where she used to get into fights on a daily basis. Where she had no friends, where her parents did not need her, where she did not belong.
She was too shocked to cry; who knew how long he would be gone? Probably by the time he came back she'd be long gone in New Helic City. How could he?
"Who's your friend?" Anthony asked, oblivious to his niece's silent cries for attention and comfort. Naturally, he did not see her hidden behind the Blade Liger's leg, but Fiona did.
It would not be good for the little girl to witness what was to happen next, it wasn't going to be pretty but if Van was ever going to get his memories back this was the only way. Irvine had agreed wholeheartedly, anxious to see his friend once again.
"Irvine, this is Anthony, vice versa."
"Hello," Irvine glanced discreetly at the blunt object behind his back.
Anthony nodded at him, his eyes traveled around until they paused at the Liger and a certain hazel eyed seven year old.
"Come out now," he commanded in a loud voice.
Jade bolted upright behind the leg and swallowed hard. Darn it, she'd been seen how was she going to explain this one? Wait no; she didn't have to explain a damn thing. He was going to desert her and she wasn't about to stand for it. Hell no.
"Jade," Anthony said yet again, his hands resting on his hips. "Jade Cornelia Lee you get your little butt here right now."
She groaned and sulked over to them, glaring at the ground. She looked up fiercely at him, shooting him her most threatening glare. Fine, if he didn't want her then she didn't want him either.
In the dark light, Fiona noticed Anthony's features soften when he laid eyes on the angry little girl. Being an Ancient Zoidian, she had the divine gift of being able to read into people's minds only at the most awkward times it seemed. She was overwhelmed by feelings of hurt and betrayal, all of which were coming from Jade.
"Honey," he crouched down next to her, cupped her chin with his hand. "What are you doing up?"
She continued to glare at him. "Why do you care? Your just gonna leave me anyway so it doesn't matter."
Irvine and Fiona exchanged shocked glances while Anthony smiled softly.
"You silly girl, what gave you that crazy idea?" he asked gently.
"I heard you! Your gonna go to the Wind Colony and leave me with Aunt Laura who's gonna send me back to New Helic City! I don't wanna go back, I don't wanna. They're better off without me I swear! They're probably having the time of their lives without me, I want them to be happy!" Jade burst out, her eyes wide and bright with tears.
Anthony just chuckled and Fiona wondered why he found that so funny, the poor girl was miserable without him.just like she was. Did she really want Van back THAT badly? Badly enough to break a little girl's heart?
"Oh Jade, no one is going to send you back to the Republic not unless you want to. Why would Aunt Laura do that? She loves you and she wants you to be happy. I want you to be happy, honey, you have nothing to worry about except what your going to write for your essay," he kissed her forehead.
"You promise? Cross your heart hope to die?"
"Of course," he made a cross over his heart with his fingers. Jade beamed at him. "Now go to bed, it's getting late."
She nodded. "But what about you? You should be in bed too ya know."
Anthony laughed. "Yes but I'm an adult and there are some matters that need to be taken care of, now go to bed already!"
She sighed and walked very slowly back into the house, the light in her room turned on and stayed on for a good couple minutes until Anthony called, "Bed Jade!" then they flickered off with a loud groan.
He straightened and just as he turned to face them a frying pan hit him in the back of the head and he collapsed onto the lush green grass.
~*~*~*~*~*~
He'd been out like a light for a good four hours. Irvine had managed to drag his unconscious form into the house and onto a couch. Apparently Van had gained some weight. But Fiona figured he must have done some sort of karate or something to keep in shape.
Paranoia that Jade might wake up and wander into the living room to find her uncle unconscious with strangers haunted her, so every ten minutes Fiona got up and checked on her. And each time she was fast asleep, snoring softly. Maybe the stress was getting to her, she decided.
There was only a fifty percent chance that the knock on the back of the head would actually work, hopefully it worked. Fiona prayed it did while a pink puff appeared over her shoulder. Revealing a Fiona wearing an angel costume with golden wings and halo to match, she clasped her little hands on her chest.
"Do you really want this?" Angel Fiona asked in a worried tone. "Do you really want to destroy a child's world? Is true love worth this?"
"Well I." Fiona stuttered, she had no answer.
A blood red cloud flashed on her other shoulder, there was a Fiona dressed in a skintight red suit and horns sprouting out of her head, holding a giant red fork. She put her tiny hand her hip and leaned closer to Fiona's ear.
"Of course she wants this!" Devil Fiona snapped. "She's only been dreaming about this every night straight for the past three years, duh."
"Yes, but she doesn't want to hurt anyone," the angel persisted. "Fiona's a good girl, a peaceful soul who only wants the best for others."
"That's where you're wrong, a good girl yes, but every good girl has a nasty side. Fiona just needs to get in touch with hers, right?" the devil winked up at Fiona.
Fiona blinked. "Uh, well..."
"See? I told you! She wants Van! And Van she will have, she wants to make sweet love to him then fine! Let her!"
The Devil twisted her stick victoriously when suddenly she found a sandaled foot crashing into her side, sending her flying backwards. She got on her feet and swung her fork at her attacker, the Angel. The Devil knocked her off her feet, jumped up on top of her, and started socking her face.
The Angel twisted crazily to free herself, bucking her hips when finally she rid herself of the Devil. She stood up and kicked her on the side of the face.
"Why you little bitch!" The Devil swung her fist at her stomach.
"That's MISS bitch to you!"
Their angry fists collided and soon they were struggling to push each other down. Fiona watched all this in confusion, her two half's were fighting viciously and she did not understand one part of it.
"Uh guys?"
"Who are you to tell Fiona what to do?!" Devil Fiona was saying. "She's got a right to be free, dammit, free of little creeps like you."
"Oh yeah?!"
"Yeah!"
Fiona was shook out of her thoughts with battling Fiona's in angel and devil costumes. Irvine had been shaking her for a good two minutes; apparently, Van had gained consciousness. Now for the moment of truth.
"Irvine does he..?" She was silenced by a tan finger on her lips.
She glanced questionably at Irvine, who had his brown eyes locked on the black haired youth.
The phone rang making them nearly jump out of their skin, Fiona gaped for she had no idea who in the right mind would call at five in the morning. And why the hell she was still awake! She should be asleep until at least 6: 30. She hugged herself.
Incoherent mumbling met her ears and to her total amazement Van got up and dragged his feet all the way to the phone. He picked it up, slouching.
"Hello?" he managed to mumble.
On the other line was none other than Laura, her image projecting vividly in the dim light. Her dark hair was up in a bun, she looked worriedly at him.
"Good morning sunshine," she smiled brightly. Anthony grumbled something about it being too early in the morning. "I wanted to let you know that I won't be coming home today, I have a really important appointment with a very rich client."
He just nodded and grumbled some more. From the looks of it, she knew exactly what he was mumbling about because she nodded. To Fiona it could have been anything from Latin to Ancient Zoidian for all she knew.
With a couple more grunts, they hung up and he dragged his feet all the way back to the couch and sat down. His head hung while his arms rested on his knees. Black pesky bangs fell onto his forehead, a sore reminder he hadn't done his hair yet. His head hurt like a mother, all he wanted to do with curl up on his bed with the covers over his head. But he couldn't, he had some visitors at this inhuman hour. Though, during the war and the Deathsaurer / Deathstinger incident he had less sleep than this on a hard old couch that made his butt hurt.
Wait a tic.He ran his hand through his hair and paused at the large painful bump on the back of his head. His fingers massaged it, wincing.
"Y'know you didn't have to hit me so hard. I woulda remembered soon enough, shesh," he hissed.
Silence had a life of it's own. He silently wondered why no one was saying anything, c'mon they knocked him out and left him a lovely little souvenir and they didn't even say sorry! The nerve.
"V-van?" Fiona stuttered.
At the sound of his name, Van looked up his dark eyes meeting hers. "Yes?"
Her sunset eyes widened and then she fell back wards on the loveseat she'd been sitting on. Irvine gasped then promptly smacked Van upside the head. Van yelped loudly.
Van looked at him incredulously, his hand still massaging the soon to be bigger lump. "What the hell was that for?! That hurt." He whimpered.
"For everything you ever did to me, and there's more where that came from," Irvine growled, cracking his knuckles menacingly.
Van whimpered and moved slowly away from him, afraid to move quickly just in case his actions riled him up even more. The last thing he wanted was for another whack on the head, this was going to cause him serious psychological harm and told Irvine so.
"Oh I'll give you much more than just that," Irvine said and he believed every word of it.
Irvine was a man of his word and when he said he was going to beat the living daylights of him, Van believed him. If it was one thing he was scared of more, it was an angry Irvine. Worst of all, he had no idea why the bounty hunter was mad at him. He didn't do anything.er, at least he thought so.
"Can't we talk about this like logical adults?" Van suggested hopefully, holding his hands up in defeat.
"No."
"Why not?"
"Because it's too late for logical conversation now," came the simple reply.
"Can't you reconsider?"
"No."
Van glanced nervously down the dark hallway that led to Jade's room, praying to the gods that she would not hear a word of this conversation. Why was Irvine so mad at him? From the corner of his eye, he saw Irvine rear up for another attack and ducked just in the nick of time.
"Irvine please!" he blocked some punches. "Please old buddy old pal!"
Irvine punched him in the stomach, knocking all the wind out of him and he collapsed on the floor with a loud 'THUMP'.
~*~*~*~*~
Author's Note: Well theres chapter 3! What did you guys think? Good? Not? Please tell me, another chapter? Review k?! P-OuT!
~*Mi*ChElLe*~
Clothes flew wildly to an unknown location as she franticly searched for something halfway decent to wear, but by the looks of her travel closet she didn't have anything but her old GF uniform. Needless to say, Fiona kept it for sentimental reasons. She frowned at it; to wear or not to wear, that was question.
She held the dress up to her neck by the hanger and criticized her appearance in her vanity mirror. Agh, to her disgust she looked exactly the way she did when she was in the Guardian Force. She silently cursed and gently placed the pink clothing item on the floor.
Fiona shook her head at her reflection, which just shrugged back at her. She sighed. "What am I going to wear?"
Suddenly an idea popped into her head that sent her diving back into the closet, digging through the once tidy wad of clothes.
"I know it's here somewhere!"
Hey look, Fiona saw the black low-cut dress she wore on her and Van's first date. Blushing, she tossed it aside. It was not what she was looking for. So many memories. So little time.
"Grr! I know you're in here!" she barked angrily.
This was not the time for calm, orderly searches, hell no; this was the time to search like the wind! The clock was ticking and Van couldn't wait forever. She would find him, by tonight. To think, she had avoided his memory and his ghost like the plague, maybe she really still was in love with him. And the years had only deepened her love for him, was that even possible? She wondered, how could she be in love with a ghost?
"Well," Fiona said to herself in a firm voice. "Your just going to have to get used to the fact that Van's ghost is a lie, Van has no ghost since he is alive!"
Fiona had promised to meet Moonbay and Irvine at the Plum later that evening and it was 6:15 already. Zeke was at the Plum as well and he had all the answers. He had them all along but she never even asked; and now she regretted it. But no more; if she was ever going to find Van she'd need Zeke to do it. And she knew exactly where to find him; wherever Anthony Lee lived. She knew from the second she laid eyes on him he was the real deal, the way he smelled was exactly the way Van smelled, and the way he smiled he had that same gorgeous boyish smile. Van gave her back her memory now it was her turn to return the favor.
"Yes! Thank you God!"
There it was; all in it's camouflage glory. She was going to blow them away AND get into the base for sure.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
First Major Thomas Richard Shubaltz rubbed his temples for the fifth time in ten minutes; God why did life have to be so goddamn tough just when your at your worst? Why today of all days? Why couldn't it be tomorrow? Or maybe even better never! He sighed, unfortunately things just did not work that way. Today was just not his day. Today was the third year anniversary of the day, his close friend, Lieutenant Van Flyheight died honorably in battle.
Everyone on both sides of the border celebrated both Flyheight's birthday and his death day, because he had ended the war and had saved them from the evils of the Deathsaurer.twice. He was a hero in every respect. And his time on Zi was short.
Three years later, Thomas still couldn't believe the little pain in the ass was dead. One minute he was in a cursing argument with the guy and the next he's dead, that's how fast it was. But he was tired of living in the past, and tried to remind himself that he and Van were never that close to begin with. Well shit, he had tried to arrest him under the assumption he was Hiltz. And their relationship was nothing short of a rocky ride, but for a couple years life was good. Unlike what it was now.
"Major Shubaltz, sir?" the door to the office opened just a bit, revealing none other than Lieutenant Jane Anderson. A bright, intelligent sometimes overpowering, red head. She stepped inside and closed the door quietly behind her.
Why him? Thomas thought sadly, Lt. Anderson was the last person on Zi he wanted to see right now and ever. He always knew she had a thing for him, for she always asking him what he was doing over the weekend and stuff like that. But he just wasn't interested, but she didn't get the picture! Thomas was a gentleman, much to his own disgust, and as such he could not harm a lady or woman whatever she may be. Life really sucked.
"Yes, Lieutenant Anderson?" he asked with a defeated sigh. How many more days until his vacation?
She hesitated, much to the blonde's displeasure, and suddenly found it fascinating to stare at floor. Thomas glanced over the edge of his oak desk to see what was so interesting but saw nothing but the ugly green tiled floor.
"Uh.sir.I was wondering.."
"Yes. Lt.?" His patience was wearing thin.
"I uh, was wondering.if you..were."
Thomas fought hard to keep his temper in check. Out with it already! "Yes?"
"Iwaswonderingifyouwouldliketoattendtheannualballsaturdaynightwithme!" Lt. Jane Anderson blurted, her pale cheeks flushed. Her black eyes shone with emotion unusual to them.
Thomas blinked; did she just ask HIM to go to the ball with her? He gulped and shifted his weight uncomfortable in his swivel chair. He wanted more than anything for some interruption, some burglary, something to save him from Lt. Anderson. "...."
Just then the door kicked open revealing a soldier holding a.another solider? No, that couldn't be right. The other soldier had his hands pinned behind his back and was dressed completely in new age army camouflage, even a camouflage cap. His face covered, Thomas noticed golden blonde strands of hair floating by his face.
The private held the prisoner's arms with one hand and saluted with the other. "Major Shubaltz sir! Sorry for the interruption but I found this creeping around the organiod containment center." He gave a sharp shove and the prisoner jerked forward.
Thomas just stared at the scene in front of him, yes! His luck was finally turning up. He welcomed the intrusion with open arms. He had to fight to keep from crying tears of joy; his hand rubbed his green eyes.
He cleared his throat and nodded. "That's okay, solider. Did you get his name?"
The prisoner stiffened.
"No sir, wouldn't tell me a thing. I asked him and asked him but he refused."
"I see." Thomas stared hard at the blonde intruder, if this were a guy then how come he had curves? This guy had some serious curves, just like someone he knew.. "What's your name?"
No response.
"Are you from the Republic?"
Still nothing.
Thomas was growing bored of this routine, would it kill the guy to answer the question? Then he saw something; the prisoner quivered just enough to loosen that cap and locks of golden blonde hair fell onto his shoulders.
Inspired, he walked over to the two and forcibly took off the cap. Standing before him, arms pinned, was no man. No, this was a woman with shoulder length blonde hair. She quivered as meekly as a frightened bunny but her chin dug into her chest.
"What is your name?" The Major gently placed his hand under her pale chin and pulled her hand up, but she fought back weakly.
Thomas gasped as he stared into a pair of sunset eyes. "Oh my God.Miss Fiona! Is that you?"
He shoved the private and grasped her hands in his big ones. It was Fiona, he was sure of it. She'd cut her hair but her angelic beauty radiated like the sun on a bright beautiful summer day. Suddenly this God awful day was all worth it; Miss Fiona had stepped back into his life. And this time he had a chance with her. Score!
"Miss Fiona, did he hurt you? I'm so sorry! I had no idea it was you, are you okay?"
She swallowed and nodded slowly, her eyes still locked with his. "I'm fine, Thomas, I'm honored you remember me."
Thomas gasped yet again. "Why Miss Fiona! I could never forget you! You have left too much of an imprint on my life to forget."
Fiona smiled meekly. "Oh Thomas, you always did know the sweetest things to say."
She glanced around the small yet oddly homey room lined with oak bookcases, everything was so different. Different than the way she would have liked. This room reeked of Thomas though, she had to admit. "What a lovely office you have Thomas."
A red haired woman glared venom at her. "Major Shubaltz if you please, how can you just treat an intruder with such informalities. It's off to the prison for this little hussy."
The pink in his cheeks vanished; Thomas scowled at the idiocy of the Lieutenant. Had she no brain? Most likely. "Lieutenant Anderson, that was uncalled for. This was a simple misunderstanding and I would appreciate it if you would not speak unless you are called upon. Have I made myself clear?"
"Crystal, sir."
"Now you are dismissed and you too solider."
With one finally venomous look, Lieutenant Anderson and the solider left the room.
Fiona was mildly surprised; so Thomas was now a Major, just like Karl had been, well he couldn't be a Lieutenant forever. And that Anderson, it was deadly obvious that she had affection for Thomas and that she saw Fiona as a threat. But why?
"What brings you here, Miss Fiona?" Thomas said, returning to his beloved swivel chair.
Fiona sat down on a small brown couch underneath the window that was close to the desk, since it was the only place she could sit on without sitting on the floor of course.
"A number of things actually," she admitted.
"You're a Major now, congratulations. I'm sure Karl must be very proud."
He felt his cheeks burn and nodded. "Yeah, Karl is real happy that I'm quote, 'following in his footsteps'. But yeah, these past couple years have been tough I must say. Although they weren't nearly as tough as the ones before, with nothing really exciting to do in the Guardian Force I've taken up the responsibility of tracking down Raven."
"He's still as much of a threat today as he was before, isn't he," Fiona observed mildly.
Personally, the Ancient Zoidian didn't think Raven was a bad guy anymore. It was that final battle with the Deathstinger/Deathsaurer made him switch sides, she believed. He was a wanted man and was wise enough to lay low for a couple of years, with Reese undoubtedly by his side.
"I'll say, he's made things terribly more complicated by killing all those people."
"You mean he's killed again?"
Thomas nodded. "Yeah, the information hasn't been released to the press yet. Everywhere he's struck is the exact same places you've been before."
By 'been before' Fiona knew he meant that everywhere she and Van had gone in their search for Zoid Eve, from the ruins by the Wind Colony to the capital of the empire, or going to be the capital.
"And the Capitals next," she said.
"Yeah, bingo. But we have to find a way to stop it before more innocent lives are lost. This is the same thing Hiltz did."
"Well Ambient's been found, and there's a fifty percent chance Hiltz is still alive," Fiona said taking a deep breath.
She really didn't want to have this discussion; in fact she didn't want anything to do with the likes of these people. But she didn't want to go back to the way she was, a lonely star. Her wish had come true, but it needed her help if it was ever going to become a reality. Van was alive, okay she got that one down, but his memories weren't in tact. How would he ever get his memory back, a hit on the back of the head maybe? The Deathsaurer brought back her memories, what would make Van's come back?
"Thomas," Fiona clasped her hands on her lap, staring at them with a pained expression. "I have something I think you may want to know."
He leaned closer to her and rubbed his chin. "Alright what is it?"
She kept her gaze on her hands. "V-v-an is...V-v-v-an is..."
The damn words refused to come out of her mouth, she silently cursed her misfortune. His name was suddenly foreign to her tongue. It still hurt too much to even say his name.
Thomas frowned; was he hearing things correctly? Did she just say 'Van'? Nonsense. Or was it?
"V-van is... Van is alive!" Fiona practically shouted.
~*~*~*~*~
"All the things she said, all the things she said, running through my head, running through my head. This is not enough. I'm in serious shit, I feel totally lost. If I'm asking for help it's only because being with you has opened my eyes. Could I ever believe such a perfect surprise?
I keep asking myself wondering how I keep closing my eyes but I can't block you out. Wanna fly to a place where it's just you and me. Nobody else so we can be free. All the things she said..." Fiona's voice trailed off as she looked over the sheet of music up at the girl, who had literally walked into the base looking for her.
"Yessum," the girl nodded shyly.
She couldn't have been older than 18, with short cropped blonde hair like Reese's only her bangs were fuller. Her eyes brought attention to her face, they were a lovely shade of blue/green each eye was a different shade. She was dressed in a schoolgirl's outfit; the plaid black green and blue skirt went up to her thigh and her white blouse was messily buttoned at the sleeves.
Fiona's first impression of her when she first walked in Thomas's office was, that girl was an outsider but she was never one to judge a book by its cover. There was something about her that made Fiona trust her, she had this innocence about her.
"All the things she said, all the things she said, running through my head, running through my head. This is not enough. This is not enough. And I'm all mixed up feeling cornered and rushed. They it's my fault but I want her so much. Wanna fly her away with the sun and rain come in over my face, wash away all the shame. When they stop and stare don't worry me cause I'm feeling for her what she's feeling for me."
My God, she thought, this song was about being a lesbian. Could that girl be a..? Not that she had a problem with gays, its just who you want to kiss anyways. But God, she had no idea that when that girl stepped forth in the office and meekly asked her to look over the song that the song would be so powerful. It was a hit. She could feel it.
Fiona met her eyes. "It'll be fantastic, I'm sorry but I didn't catch your name."
"Toni," came the meek reply.
"It's beautiful Toni, it's very sincere. All it needs a touch of music and voice and it'll rule the charts in no time," she smiled and set the music sheet down on the desk she'd been sitting on.
Fiona stood up and held Toni's hand. "Listen, let me ask you something. Is this true?"
Fear flashed through Toni's eyes, there was no denying it. Her reaction was enough. Toni swallowed but found her mouth was dry, Fiona had been kind enough to take a look at her song and now it was the moment of truth. She braced herself for rejection.
Toni suddenly found it amusing to stare at her feet and nodded weakly.
"I see."
"It's okay, you don't have to say it. I understand, I'll just be on my way now."
"Don't be ridiculous, I want to do this with you. I wasn't lying when I said it would be huge. This is exactly what Zi needs."
Fiona knew that once the single was released there would be speculation about her sexuality, she really was as straight as a board but her conscious wouldn't let her get a moment's rest if she didn't do this. Toni needed someone to help her, to find her voice for her, and Fiona was just the person to do it. Besides, if push came to shove she'd just have to bring Van to every award show she'd ever go to (she knew he wouldn't have it any other way).
Toni looked up at her in disbelief. "You want to do with me?"
The look on her face was priceless; it made Fiona feel even better about her decision.
"But of course, when can you go to the studio?"
She was stunned beyond words, when she had heard that Fiona was very kind she had no idea she was THAT kind. "You'd do that? Well, I can go anytime."
"Is there anything holding you back you think I might want to know about?"
Toni shook her head, her parents were dead. "No, nothing. I'm all yours." She smiled timidly at her newfound friend.
Fiona returned the smile and glanced over at the doorway of the small private office they'd borrowed. Thomas and Irvine were standing 'discreetly' beside it.
~*~*~*~
The night was cold and distant as she stared out her bedroom window, dozens of little lightening bugs buzzed outside happily, their glowing bodies shimmering in the dark. The house was empty with the exception of her and Ambient, who was curled up in a little ball sleeping beside her bed. But sleep did not come easy to the seven year old for she dreaded the coming morning, feared the setting sun, and worried about tomorrow. She hated school with a passion.but that wasn't the only thing that was on her mind. Something was off, totally off, today when they went into the Capital. She'd noticed a change in her uncle, ones she did not like.
Her uncle was usually quiet, peaceful, and a little bit overprotective but hey there could have been worse things. Now he spaced out and when he'd come back to reality he'd be mumbling something like, 'Blade Liger' or 'Zeke' or the most disturbing of all, 'Fiona'. No, Jade did not like this one bit.
She peeked through the white satin curtains, nothing but happy little lightening bugs. She scowled and walked briskly out of her room and into her uncle's. The inside was dark and the bed was still unoccupied. She glanced at the clock that read in bright neon green numbers, 1: 25 a.m. Her bedtime was eight and she had woken up at midnight. When would Anthony be back?
The loneliness made her uneasy and she desperately wanted to talk with someone, more specifically her uncle Anthony. He always knew the right things to say. But he wasn't here, and she had no idea when he'd be back. She hoped it was soon. Knowing Anthony, he probably left at night when she was supposed to be asleep and come back before morning and act like nothing was out of the ordinary. In reality, everything out of the ordinary, her life was a big pile of old playdoo.
A booming roar rang out in the inky darkness and she raced through the front door without a second thought. Dozens of lightening bugs floated around her, enclosing her in a living circle of light. Jade gasped as a blue Blade Liger trotted up to the front of the house, roared and set its hindquarters down. It titled it's head curiously at her, but its pilot was unaware.
"I.can't.believe.it!" Jade's little body was trembling with excitement as she extended her hand and touched it's mighty leg. "There's actually a zoid..here..at my house! YES!"
The cockpit opened and Jade quickly ducked behind the leg, not wanting to be seen when she was supposed to be lost in dreamland. The pilot leapt down, more lightening bugs buzzed happily around his well-built form. From what she could see, he was had on some army boots and what appeared to be a uniform that left his stomach exposed. Interesting.
"I have got to thank Moonbay for giving me this nifty uniform and zoid, Moonbay you're an angel!"
The young man stretched and rubbed the small of his back. He glanced back at the Liger and was about to walk to the house when two figures joined him. The taller one of a man most likely, and the shorter one a woman. They spoke in hushed whispers.
"Gah!" Jade knew that voice from anywhere; the pilot of the Blade Liger was her uncle Anthony.
Anthony patted his chest in an attempt to calm his raging heart. "Fiona! What on Zi are you doing here, especially at this hour?"
"I should ask you the same," Fiona replied, a lightening bug landed on her finger. "Don't you know its half past one and your still awake with the Liger? One would figure you'd be at the base to catch up on your rest, it's going to be a long trip to the Wind Colony."
Jade gasped, the Wind Colony? Where the heck was that? Anthony was leaving somewhere and he never bothered to tell her? She was both hurt and enraged, how could he desert her right before school started right when she needed him the most? She didn't want to spend time with Aunt Laura, for a number of reasons, one) Laura worked all the time and practically lived in her office. two) Jade had the impression Laura was only taking care of her because of her uncle. She bet if given the opportunity, her aunt would ship her back to New Helic City to be with her parents who were also too busy for her.
Jade's life was here, in the small humble village, not back in New Helic City where she used to get into fights on a daily basis. Where she had no friends, where her parents did not need her, where she did not belong.
She was too shocked to cry; who knew how long he would be gone? Probably by the time he came back she'd be long gone in New Helic City. How could he?
"Who's your friend?" Anthony asked, oblivious to his niece's silent cries for attention and comfort. Naturally, he did not see her hidden behind the Blade Liger's leg, but Fiona did.
It would not be good for the little girl to witness what was to happen next, it wasn't going to be pretty but if Van was ever going to get his memories back this was the only way. Irvine had agreed wholeheartedly, anxious to see his friend once again.
"Irvine, this is Anthony, vice versa."
"Hello," Irvine glanced discreetly at the blunt object behind his back.
Anthony nodded at him, his eyes traveled around until they paused at the Liger and a certain hazel eyed seven year old.
"Come out now," he commanded in a loud voice.
Jade bolted upright behind the leg and swallowed hard. Darn it, she'd been seen how was she going to explain this one? Wait no; she didn't have to explain a damn thing. He was going to desert her and she wasn't about to stand for it. Hell no.
"Jade," Anthony said yet again, his hands resting on his hips. "Jade Cornelia Lee you get your little butt here right now."
She groaned and sulked over to them, glaring at the ground. She looked up fiercely at him, shooting him her most threatening glare. Fine, if he didn't want her then she didn't want him either.
In the dark light, Fiona noticed Anthony's features soften when he laid eyes on the angry little girl. Being an Ancient Zoidian, she had the divine gift of being able to read into people's minds only at the most awkward times it seemed. She was overwhelmed by feelings of hurt and betrayal, all of which were coming from Jade.
"Honey," he crouched down next to her, cupped her chin with his hand. "What are you doing up?"
She continued to glare at him. "Why do you care? Your just gonna leave me anyway so it doesn't matter."
Irvine and Fiona exchanged shocked glances while Anthony smiled softly.
"You silly girl, what gave you that crazy idea?" he asked gently.
"I heard you! Your gonna go to the Wind Colony and leave me with Aunt Laura who's gonna send me back to New Helic City! I don't wanna go back, I don't wanna. They're better off without me I swear! They're probably having the time of their lives without me, I want them to be happy!" Jade burst out, her eyes wide and bright with tears.
Anthony just chuckled and Fiona wondered why he found that so funny, the poor girl was miserable without him.just like she was. Did she really want Van back THAT badly? Badly enough to break a little girl's heart?
"Oh Jade, no one is going to send you back to the Republic not unless you want to. Why would Aunt Laura do that? She loves you and she wants you to be happy. I want you to be happy, honey, you have nothing to worry about except what your going to write for your essay," he kissed her forehead.
"You promise? Cross your heart hope to die?"
"Of course," he made a cross over his heart with his fingers. Jade beamed at him. "Now go to bed, it's getting late."
She nodded. "But what about you? You should be in bed too ya know."
Anthony laughed. "Yes but I'm an adult and there are some matters that need to be taken care of, now go to bed already!"
She sighed and walked very slowly back into the house, the light in her room turned on and stayed on for a good couple minutes until Anthony called, "Bed Jade!" then they flickered off with a loud groan.
He straightened and just as he turned to face them a frying pan hit him in the back of the head and he collapsed onto the lush green grass.
~*~*~*~*~*~
He'd been out like a light for a good four hours. Irvine had managed to drag his unconscious form into the house and onto a couch. Apparently Van had gained some weight. But Fiona figured he must have done some sort of karate or something to keep in shape.
Paranoia that Jade might wake up and wander into the living room to find her uncle unconscious with strangers haunted her, so every ten minutes Fiona got up and checked on her. And each time she was fast asleep, snoring softly. Maybe the stress was getting to her, she decided.
There was only a fifty percent chance that the knock on the back of the head would actually work, hopefully it worked. Fiona prayed it did while a pink puff appeared over her shoulder. Revealing a Fiona wearing an angel costume with golden wings and halo to match, she clasped her little hands on her chest.
"Do you really want this?" Angel Fiona asked in a worried tone. "Do you really want to destroy a child's world? Is true love worth this?"
"Well I." Fiona stuttered, she had no answer.
A blood red cloud flashed on her other shoulder, there was a Fiona dressed in a skintight red suit and horns sprouting out of her head, holding a giant red fork. She put her tiny hand her hip and leaned closer to Fiona's ear.
"Of course she wants this!" Devil Fiona snapped. "She's only been dreaming about this every night straight for the past three years, duh."
"Yes, but she doesn't want to hurt anyone," the angel persisted. "Fiona's a good girl, a peaceful soul who only wants the best for others."
"That's where you're wrong, a good girl yes, but every good girl has a nasty side. Fiona just needs to get in touch with hers, right?" the devil winked up at Fiona.
Fiona blinked. "Uh, well..."
"See? I told you! She wants Van! And Van she will have, she wants to make sweet love to him then fine! Let her!"
The Devil twisted her stick victoriously when suddenly she found a sandaled foot crashing into her side, sending her flying backwards. She got on her feet and swung her fork at her attacker, the Angel. The Devil knocked her off her feet, jumped up on top of her, and started socking her face.
The Angel twisted crazily to free herself, bucking her hips when finally she rid herself of the Devil. She stood up and kicked her on the side of the face.
"Why you little bitch!" The Devil swung her fist at her stomach.
"That's MISS bitch to you!"
Their angry fists collided and soon they were struggling to push each other down. Fiona watched all this in confusion, her two half's were fighting viciously and she did not understand one part of it.
"Uh guys?"
"Who are you to tell Fiona what to do?!" Devil Fiona was saying. "She's got a right to be free, dammit, free of little creeps like you."
"Oh yeah?!"
"Yeah!"
Fiona was shook out of her thoughts with battling Fiona's in angel and devil costumes. Irvine had been shaking her for a good two minutes; apparently, Van had gained consciousness. Now for the moment of truth.
"Irvine does he..?" She was silenced by a tan finger on her lips.
She glanced questionably at Irvine, who had his brown eyes locked on the black haired youth.
The phone rang making them nearly jump out of their skin, Fiona gaped for she had no idea who in the right mind would call at five in the morning. And why the hell she was still awake! She should be asleep until at least 6: 30. She hugged herself.
Incoherent mumbling met her ears and to her total amazement Van got up and dragged his feet all the way to the phone. He picked it up, slouching.
"Hello?" he managed to mumble.
On the other line was none other than Laura, her image projecting vividly in the dim light. Her dark hair was up in a bun, she looked worriedly at him.
"Good morning sunshine," she smiled brightly. Anthony grumbled something about it being too early in the morning. "I wanted to let you know that I won't be coming home today, I have a really important appointment with a very rich client."
He just nodded and grumbled some more. From the looks of it, she knew exactly what he was mumbling about because she nodded. To Fiona it could have been anything from Latin to Ancient Zoidian for all she knew.
With a couple more grunts, they hung up and he dragged his feet all the way back to the couch and sat down. His head hung while his arms rested on his knees. Black pesky bangs fell onto his forehead, a sore reminder he hadn't done his hair yet. His head hurt like a mother, all he wanted to do with curl up on his bed with the covers over his head. But he couldn't, he had some visitors at this inhuman hour. Though, during the war and the Deathsaurer / Deathstinger incident he had less sleep than this on a hard old couch that made his butt hurt.
Wait a tic.He ran his hand through his hair and paused at the large painful bump on the back of his head. His fingers massaged it, wincing.
"Y'know you didn't have to hit me so hard. I woulda remembered soon enough, shesh," he hissed.
Silence had a life of it's own. He silently wondered why no one was saying anything, c'mon they knocked him out and left him a lovely little souvenir and they didn't even say sorry! The nerve.
"V-van?" Fiona stuttered.
At the sound of his name, Van looked up his dark eyes meeting hers. "Yes?"
Her sunset eyes widened and then she fell back wards on the loveseat she'd been sitting on. Irvine gasped then promptly smacked Van upside the head. Van yelped loudly.
Van looked at him incredulously, his hand still massaging the soon to be bigger lump. "What the hell was that for?! That hurt." He whimpered.
"For everything you ever did to me, and there's more where that came from," Irvine growled, cracking his knuckles menacingly.
Van whimpered and moved slowly away from him, afraid to move quickly just in case his actions riled him up even more. The last thing he wanted was for another whack on the head, this was going to cause him serious psychological harm and told Irvine so.
"Oh I'll give you much more than just that," Irvine said and he believed every word of it.
Irvine was a man of his word and when he said he was going to beat the living daylights of him, Van believed him. If it was one thing he was scared of more, it was an angry Irvine. Worst of all, he had no idea why the bounty hunter was mad at him. He didn't do anything.er, at least he thought so.
"Can't we talk about this like logical adults?" Van suggested hopefully, holding his hands up in defeat.
"No."
"Why not?"
"Because it's too late for logical conversation now," came the simple reply.
"Can't you reconsider?"
"No."
Van glanced nervously down the dark hallway that led to Jade's room, praying to the gods that she would not hear a word of this conversation. Why was Irvine so mad at him? From the corner of his eye, he saw Irvine rear up for another attack and ducked just in the nick of time.
"Irvine please!" he blocked some punches. "Please old buddy old pal!"
Irvine punched him in the stomach, knocking all the wind out of him and he collapsed on the floor with a loud 'THUMP'.
~*~*~*~*~
Author's Note: Well theres chapter 3! What did you guys think? Good? Not? Please tell me, another chapter? Review k?! P-OuT!
~*Mi*ChElLe*~