-----------------
Disclaimer: It's rather sad, really. Why can't I own Outlaw Star? sighs Well, let's see. First of all, I can't come up with such funny and beautiful stories. Mine are always either hilarious or downright depressing. (See my original fiction.) -- So, no – I don't own Outlaw Star...
-----------------
Author's Notes: Wow, creepy! We're ALREADY on Chapter 14!! Do you know what that means? Only five more chapters and then it's all over!!! Am I the only one that scares? shudders Anyway, I'd just like to pop in to say that I really hope none of you are disappointed with the ending I've decided on. It should be really good. Okay, I'm rambling.
Sere: You can say that again.
gives her an evil look
Sere: What - you want me to lie? meows innocently
Shimatta baka koneko...Anyway, enjoy.
-----------------
Review Responses:
SonJanusX: Really? Thanks!!! I was so worried that I did a crappy job with Gene's emotions. Arigato for your kind words!!!
The Ronin: Hey, Ronin. Thanks for reviewing again. Here are some responses: Yes, the limiter is NOT just physical – it also contains Tao magic. But I can't...well, this chapter and the next will reveal a lot more about that, okay? wink wink I'm glad that you liked the way I portrayed Gene. Everyone's been really supportive of the bad job I did. sighs Anyway, much love! Continue on with reading, onegai!!! (PS – About the deal with Retsuna – don't worry. She isn't gone. She makes another appearance. I've got it all figured out.)
Dishrag1313: Hey m'dear friend! Still torturing Gene I see? Keep up the good work! Remind me to make an omake for this story where I deprive Gene of food. That should be good! LOL – Please continue reading!!!
StoryWeaver1: Thanks! About the fluff – I can never get enough either, but I can't overdo it in this story, mainly for the reason that it would throw off the mood of the fic as a whole. (SHUCKS!!! And I so love writing those romantic scenes!!! gets all starry-eyed) Really, sorry. Please read on!!!
Layline: Seriously? You got goose bumps? COOL! That means I'm setting the correct mood! You have no idea how much better I feel!!!
-----------------
(In the last chapter...)
-----------------
"Melfina?" Gene asked once more as he settled her down on the couch, wrapping her in his jacket. He wasn't surprised when she didn't respond.
He lifted his hand to her forehead and smoothed away her hair in a very gentle, un-Gene-like way.
His emotions were so mixed up! He was guilty...worried...caring...and then, scarily enough, afraid. Gene Starwind wasn't supposed to be afraid of ANYTHING.
But he was.
"You know," Gene whispered, leaning forward a little. "I really do love you Melfina."
For a moment, he simply listened to her breathing.
Then he lifted his hands to his face and tried to keep tears from overtaking him.
"I'm sorry."
(WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT? READ ON TO FIND OUT!)
----------------------
Prince Charming: Chapter 14
----------------------
"Gene."
He jumped and looked up into serious blue eyes.
"Aisha and I are going to head out now, okay?"
Gene nodded, a little dazed.
Jim nodded too, lips pressed together grimly.
"Keep watch over Mel, okay Gene?" This came from Aisha. She looked serious for once, as well as concerned. Her catty voice didn't seem so catty now, considering it was filled with a mixture of sympathy and fear.
"Don't worry. She'll be fine."
He wasn't sure who this was supposed to assure – them...or him.
Aisha patted him awkwardly on the shoulder once, and then they were both gone.
For a few minutes, Gene simply stared down at the door after them, but then he turned back to the sleeping girl.
Tenderly, he reached down and laid his palm on her forehead. He silently cursed himself to find that she was burning up. He rose to his feet and practically ran down the stairs into the kitchen, grabbing a towel and wetting it with cold water from the sink.
When he was back at Melfina's side, he folded it into fourths and placed it on her hot forehead.
When the wet, cool cloth made contact with her skin, she flinched and opened her eyes.
A pair of worried gray eyes stared back down at her.
"Mel? Are you awake?"
"Yes, Gene. I'm awake."
He looked relieved.
"Thank God – I've been so worried."
She smiled softly.
"Really?"
Gene was surprised. "Of course," he replied, frowning. "Did you think I wouldn't be?"
She shrugged. "I guess not."
An uneasy silence settled between the two, as they thought they're separate thoughts.
Perhaps they weren't really thoughts – more like unspoken words.
---
'I can't tell her. If I do, then it will only make the pain worse. It might kill her. Oh God – I can't let her die. I can't. If Melfina dies, then I don't know what I'll do.'
For a moment he almost started panicking, but then he calmed down as he realized what he had to do.
"Melfina."
She looked up at him, saying nothing.
"I heard what Gwen Khan said."
Her eyes widened and a slow blush crept into her cheeks.
"And you need to know – I won't let the limiter kill you."
Mel didn't know what to say, so she remained quiet.
Again, silence overtook them. Except this time – it wasn't broken.
Melfina, still exhausted, soon fell back asleep, and Gene eventually drifted off as well, worn out from worrying.
-----
Aisha waited impatiently outside of the store, unable to keep still.
This was the fifth place they'd visited so far – and nothing had turned up. She prayed that this would be their last stop; that they would finally gain some information.
But her hopes were crushed when Jim exited the store, sighing and looking distraught.
"Nothing AGAIN?" exclaimed the C'tarl-C'tarl, throwing up her hands in exasperation. "When did Sentinel 3 become such a shitty place to find out information!?"
(A/N: I hate interrupting, really, but I just wanted to apologize for my use of language.)
Jim shrugged and shook his head. "I don't know, Aisha! Usually this place is swarming with rumors and all kinds of useful stuff. Maybe there just aren't any more specialists in bio-android technology left on Sentinel 3."
Aisha sighed as well. "Maybe your right..."
"Well we can't give up yet," stated Jim, and then headed off to another destination, Aisha at his heels.
----
Suzuka, in the mean time, was having a great deal more luck than her friends.
As soon as she left Starwind and Hawking, Co. she'd headed straight for somewhere she knew would have the addresses of any number of those dealing in bio-android technology – Mihiro's apartment.
When she arrived, she found the door to be locked, but it was just like Mihiro not to trust anyone.
But then again, perhaps that was for the best.
Trusting people on a planet such as this one could end with disastrous results. Such as when Melfina had trusted that Retsuna woman.
Suzuka was still disappointed in the betrayal of the older woman. At first she had seemed like a nice person, but then again...
She let her thoughts drift away, and drew her sword, breaking down the door to Mihiro's apartment with ease.
Quickly, she sped through the doorway and into the room, eager to get what she needed and be gone.
The room was dark and Suzuka could barely see the outline of the furniture – a bed, a dresser, and a bookshelf. Flipping on the light switch, she immediately headed for the bookshelf.
Well, if you could call it a bookshelf – there was hardly anything on it, save a few pieces of paper and two or three manila folders.
She reached for the folders and flicked open the cover of one, revealing the contents.
For the first time in a long time, Suzuka smiled a satisfied smile and ran for the door, not bothering to turn off the lights or look back.
---
"GENE!!!"
"What!?" He awoke to someone shaking his viciously.
"What the hell's wrong with you, Jim!?"
His young friend shook off the ferocity in his voice and continued: "Suzuka knows where Melfina can get help!"
Despite his weariness, the red-haired man sprang to his feet.
"Really?" he asked, noticing that the assassin was standing barely three feet behind Jim.
She gave him a curt nod.
"Well, let's get going then!"
"We'll have to get prepared first, Gene. The contact isn't even on Sentinel 3."
Gene rolled his eyes.
"That doesn't matter, Jim! Let's just Melfina there and fast!"
The blonde-haired boy gave him a half-salute and rushed off.
Gene turned to Melfina, who was blinking sleepily.
"Mel, we found someone that can help!"
She gave him a small, sleepy smile.
"We need to leave now, though." He reached down and scooped her into his arms.
"Just try to rest, Melfina. I won't let anything happen to you."
-----
Well, how was that? It was actually a few pages longer than the last chapter. I guess I'm just trying to make sure I'm able to fit everything I want to fit into the few chapters we have left.
Review, onegai, but even if you don't the next chapter should be out soon! Adieu and ja ne and all that other goodbye stuff.
Disclaimer: It's rather sad, really. Why can't I own Outlaw Star? sighs Well, let's see. First of all, I can't come up with such funny and beautiful stories. Mine are always either hilarious or downright depressing. (See my original fiction.) -- So, no – I don't own Outlaw Star...
-----------------
Author's Notes: Wow, creepy! We're ALREADY on Chapter 14!! Do you know what that means? Only five more chapters and then it's all over!!! Am I the only one that scares? shudders Anyway, I'd just like to pop in to say that I really hope none of you are disappointed with the ending I've decided on. It should be really good. Okay, I'm rambling.
Sere: You can say that again.
gives her an evil look
Sere: What - you want me to lie? meows innocently
Shimatta baka koneko...Anyway, enjoy.
-----------------
Review Responses:
SonJanusX: Really? Thanks!!! I was so worried that I did a crappy job with Gene's emotions. Arigato for your kind words!!!
The Ronin: Hey, Ronin. Thanks for reviewing again. Here are some responses: Yes, the limiter is NOT just physical – it also contains Tao magic. But I can't...well, this chapter and the next will reveal a lot more about that, okay? wink wink I'm glad that you liked the way I portrayed Gene. Everyone's been really supportive of the bad job I did. sighs Anyway, much love! Continue on with reading, onegai!!! (PS – About the deal with Retsuna – don't worry. She isn't gone. She makes another appearance. I've got it all figured out.)
Dishrag1313: Hey m'dear friend! Still torturing Gene I see? Keep up the good work! Remind me to make an omake for this story where I deprive Gene of food. That should be good! LOL – Please continue reading!!!
StoryWeaver1: Thanks! About the fluff – I can never get enough either, but I can't overdo it in this story, mainly for the reason that it would throw off the mood of the fic as a whole. (SHUCKS!!! And I so love writing those romantic scenes!!! gets all starry-eyed) Really, sorry. Please read on!!!
Layline: Seriously? You got goose bumps? COOL! That means I'm setting the correct mood! You have no idea how much better I feel!!!
-----------------
(In the last chapter...)
-----------------
"Melfina?" Gene asked once more as he settled her down on the couch, wrapping her in his jacket. He wasn't surprised when she didn't respond.
He lifted his hand to her forehead and smoothed away her hair in a very gentle, un-Gene-like way.
His emotions were so mixed up! He was guilty...worried...caring...and then, scarily enough, afraid. Gene Starwind wasn't supposed to be afraid of ANYTHING.
But he was.
"You know," Gene whispered, leaning forward a little. "I really do love you Melfina."
For a moment, he simply listened to her breathing.
Then he lifted his hands to his face and tried to keep tears from overtaking him.
"I'm sorry."
(WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT? READ ON TO FIND OUT!)
----------------------
Prince Charming: Chapter 14
----------------------
"Gene."
He jumped and looked up into serious blue eyes.
"Aisha and I are going to head out now, okay?"
Gene nodded, a little dazed.
Jim nodded too, lips pressed together grimly.
"Keep watch over Mel, okay Gene?" This came from Aisha. She looked serious for once, as well as concerned. Her catty voice didn't seem so catty now, considering it was filled with a mixture of sympathy and fear.
"Don't worry. She'll be fine."
He wasn't sure who this was supposed to assure – them...or him.
Aisha patted him awkwardly on the shoulder once, and then they were both gone.
For a few minutes, Gene simply stared down at the door after them, but then he turned back to the sleeping girl.
Tenderly, he reached down and laid his palm on her forehead. He silently cursed himself to find that she was burning up. He rose to his feet and practically ran down the stairs into the kitchen, grabbing a towel and wetting it with cold water from the sink.
When he was back at Melfina's side, he folded it into fourths and placed it on her hot forehead.
When the wet, cool cloth made contact with her skin, she flinched and opened her eyes.
A pair of worried gray eyes stared back down at her.
"Mel? Are you awake?"
"Yes, Gene. I'm awake."
He looked relieved.
"Thank God – I've been so worried."
She smiled softly.
"Really?"
Gene was surprised. "Of course," he replied, frowning. "Did you think I wouldn't be?"
She shrugged. "I guess not."
An uneasy silence settled between the two, as they thought they're separate thoughts.
Perhaps they weren't really thoughts – more like unspoken words.
---
'I can't tell her. If I do, then it will only make the pain worse. It might kill her. Oh God – I can't let her die. I can't. If Melfina dies, then I don't know what I'll do.'
For a moment he almost started panicking, but then he calmed down as he realized what he had to do.
"Melfina."
She looked up at him, saying nothing.
"I heard what Gwen Khan said."
Her eyes widened and a slow blush crept into her cheeks.
"And you need to know – I won't let the limiter kill you."
Mel didn't know what to say, so she remained quiet.
Again, silence overtook them. Except this time – it wasn't broken.
Melfina, still exhausted, soon fell back asleep, and Gene eventually drifted off as well, worn out from worrying.
-----
Aisha waited impatiently outside of the store, unable to keep still.
This was the fifth place they'd visited so far – and nothing had turned up. She prayed that this would be their last stop; that they would finally gain some information.
But her hopes were crushed when Jim exited the store, sighing and looking distraught.
"Nothing AGAIN?" exclaimed the C'tarl-C'tarl, throwing up her hands in exasperation. "When did Sentinel 3 become such a shitty place to find out information!?"
(A/N: I hate interrupting, really, but I just wanted to apologize for my use of language.)
Jim shrugged and shook his head. "I don't know, Aisha! Usually this place is swarming with rumors and all kinds of useful stuff. Maybe there just aren't any more specialists in bio-android technology left on Sentinel 3."
Aisha sighed as well. "Maybe your right..."
"Well we can't give up yet," stated Jim, and then headed off to another destination, Aisha at his heels.
----
Suzuka, in the mean time, was having a great deal more luck than her friends.
As soon as she left Starwind and Hawking, Co. she'd headed straight for somewhere she knew would have the addresses of any number of those dealing in bio-android technology – Mihiro's apartment.
When she arrived, she found the door to be locked, but it was just like Mihiro not to trust anyone.
But then again, perhaps that was for the best.
Trusting people on a planet such as this one could end with disastrous results. Such as when Melfina had trusted that Retsuna woman.
Suzuka was still disappointed in the betrayal of the older woman. At first she had seemed like a nice person, but then again...
She let her thoughts drift away, and drew her sword, breaking down the door to Mihiro's apartment with ease.
Quickly, she sped through the doorway and into the room, eager to get what she needed and be gone.
The room was dark and Suzuka could barely see the outline of the furniture – a bed, a dresser, and a bookshelf. Flipping on the light switch, she immediately headed for the bookshelf.
Well, if you could call it a bookshelf – there was hardly anything on it, save a few pieces of paper and two or three manila folders.
She reached for the folders and flicked open the cover of one, revealing the contents.
For the first time in a long time, Suzuka smiled a satisfied smile and ran for the door, not bothering to turn off the lights or look back.
---
"GENE!!!"
"What!?" He awoke to someone shaking his viciously.
"What the hell's wrong with you, Jim!?"
His young friend shook off the ferocity in his voice and continued: "Suzuka knows where Melfina can get help!"
Despite his weariness, the red-haired man sprang to his feet.
"Really?" he asked, noticing that the assassin was standing barely three feet behind Jim.
She gave him a curt nod.
"Well, let's get going then!"
"We'll have to get prepared first, Gene. The contact isn't even on Sentinel 3."
Gene rolled his eyes.
"That doesn't matter, Jim! Let's just Melfina there and fast!"
The blonde-haired boy gave him a half-salute and rushed off.
Gene turned to Melfina, who was blinking sleepily.
"Mel, we found someone that can help!"
She gave him a small, sleepy smile.
"We need to leave now, though." He reached down and scooped her into his arms.
"Just try to rest, Melfina. I won't let anything happen to you."
-----
Well, how was that? It was actually a few pages longer than the last chapter. I guess I'm just trying to make sure I'm able to fit everything I want to fit into the few chapters we have left.
Review, onegai, but even if you don't the next chapter should be out soon! Adieu and ja ne and all that other goodbye stuff.