-----------------
Disclaimer: Yet another chapter and yet another sad, sad disclaimer. Must I tell you the depressing details of my life? Alright, alright, here's the sad tale: I...I...don't OWN OUTLAW STAR!!! bursts into overly dramatic sobs
-----------------
Author's Notes: You wanna know something extremely cool?
Sere: Alright, spit it out.
There's this really cool new fanfiction out from MidiTenshi called "Perhaps In The Past." It's reeeeaaallly cool. It's a violent Rurouni Kenshin fanfiction. The coupling is Battousai/Kaoru. I'll give you a small warning, though – not for the weak of heart. But it's really well-written, wonderfully entertaining, and it has a great storyline. Best of all, it's an un-stereotypical romance that actually involves - GASP - CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT!!!! BUMBUMBUMM!!! Anyway, go read it and review, because otherwise she won't advertise for me anymore. pouts
-----------------
Review Responses:
Rai Kasshu - LOL – Yeah, I was feeling really into the story. I had trouble in this one, though. Sorry it's so late.
Dishrag1313 - bursts into hysterical laughter FOOD! Anyway, Suzuka is proving to be truly kick-ass in this fanfiction. Hey, can I have the Sesshomaru rock? PLEASE?
The Big J / Ansem Revived - HEY! I was wondering where you went! Thanks for taking the time to review under your new username! I'd be REALLY happy to read the story about Silent Hill 2! Played the game – it kicked ass. Send it whenever you want! I'm looking forward to it!!!
SonJanusX – Did I really do an okay job on Gene's feelings? Man, I hope so.
StoryWeaver1 – Yeah, fluff is nice. I'll try to make it as fluffy as possible!
Midi Tenshi – COOL! You're better than I am, though – really! I love your fanfiction, Perhaps In The Past! It's completely wonderful! Thanks for the review!!!
TetsuoTsubushi – O.O OH MY GOD!!! MISTAKES!!! AHHHH! I've gotta change it! I've gotta change it! –panics- I'll get it taken care of soon, I promise! Thanks for pointing it out to me!!!!! ARIGATO! –races around, freaking out until Sere can't take it anymore and bangs her over the head with a frying pan, knocking her out-
The Ronin - I'll try to describe Melfina better from now on. I'm having a hard time with the adjectives. Probably because I'm being haunted by my long nights spent studying for English exams. --
Layline – I know. I was having a hard time finding Melfina a way out, but now it's smooth sailing because I know what's gonna happen!!!
cin-min – Sorry for the suspense! Hope this helps!!!
Speed Demon - tsk tsk!!! Speeding isn't good! Don't you pay attention in school? LOL – JK. When I get my permit in a few months, I'll probably end up speeding too.
Rebellious-Cherry – Hey! Thanks for taking the chance to review during school. Yeah, this is getting really angsty. -- Oh well, I like it and I hope you do too.
-----------------
(In the last chapter...)
-----------------
"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."
(WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT? READ ON TO FIND OUT!)
----------------------
Prince Charming: Chapter 15
----------------------
"C'mon Gene! Suzuka is already on her way over to the Outlaw Star! We have to get Mel there and QUICK!"
Gene nodded and pulled the poor girl into his arms, cradling her head against his chest. Her face was getting paler by the minute and it was starting to worry him greatly.
As if she could read his mind, Aisha stated: "Man, she's getting really pale, isn't she?"
Gene didn't even spare her a glance.
"C'mon, Aisha. I'm going to need help getting to the docks."
"Right."
--------------
Suzuka sighed. More pirates?
Oh well. Annoying but easily avoided.
She shifted in the shadow of the building that just bordered the docks, watching as tiny dark figures swept inconspicuously around the area surrounding the Outlaw Star. They obviously didn't intend to make their exit an easy one. She cursed silently, shaking her head.
She had to find a way past all of them. What she needed was help, and she wasn't sure where she was supposed to get any. Jim, Aisha, and Gene were probably already making their way towards where she was, and she couldn't bother Gene, as worried and exhausted as he was. He was clearly unfit for battle.
She repressed a sigh as she glanced around the docks once more, thinking...thinking....
Lightning struck as Suzuka's eyes settled on the control building. Maybe Gene was preoccupied, but Jim was another story.
Maybe they wouldn't have to make their way to the ship through physical force after all.
She grinned, a very un-characteristic thing for her to do, and swiftly turned and disappeared.
--------------
"Aisha, make sure the streets are clear!" ordered Gene, brow furrowed. Mel rested in his arms, covered by his jacket. He resisted the urge to shiver in the cold of the night.
Aisha almost protested, but one look at Mel's still form subdued her outburst and she nodded, obediently making her way to the end of the road.
After a few seconds, she returned and nodded again. Gene immediately darted to the corner, Jim barely being able to keep up. Sighing, Aisha grabbed him and carried him, despite his embarrassed remonstrations.
"Oh shut up, Jim," scolded Aisha, and he rolled his eyes, closing his mouth.
'What a group we make, I'm sure,' thought Jim, unable to keep from laughing a little.
It continued on like this for quite some time. Aisha would check to see if the coast was clear, and if it was, they would quickly move to another safe point. If it wasn't, they'd wait until it was.
After about nine or ten blocks, they were all getting kinda tired, and Gene's arms were starting to hurt, but he refused to let even his thoughts complain. It wasn't the time for selfish feelings.
Before they could take another block, though, a shout sounded out behind them. A light whirring sound, detected only by Aisha's superb hearing, lit the air. The arrow just missed she and Jim by a few inches.
"Gene!" she called, dodging more arrows. He turned and noticed what was going on. He immediately began stepping backwards, waiting.
"Take him with you! I'll hold them off!"
She set down Jim and said, "Go with them!" He looked worried, but then nodded and ran for it.
"Now that they're out of the way..." Aisha grinned and her eyes began to glow. "I'm gonna have some fun!"
--------------
"We need to hurry!" Jim shouted, running as fast as he could beside Gene, who was glaring his head off at apparently no one. "Aisha may be a C'tarl- C'tarl, but there were a lot of pirates back there!"
A white and black flash appeared in front of them, causing both Gene and Jim to screech to a halt.
It was Suzuka.
"Gene – there are pirates surrounding the Outlaw Star. I can't even get within a 100 yard radius of the ship." Her dark eyes darted over to Jim's scared face. "I need your help."
"Me? What can I do?" he asked, surprised.
She smiled a little. "I've already rendered the men in the control tower unconscious."
Her intentions shone through and Jim grinned.
"Gotcha!"
She nodded and then gave Gene a glance.
"You can either come with us or give Melfina to me and try to dispatch as many of the pirates as you can manually. Those are your choices."
He gave her a hard look and then reluctantly shifted Mel into the assassin's arms.
"Take care of her, Suzuka," Gene said before running off, drawing out his Caster.
Suzuka hoped he wouldn't overdo it too much.
--------------
Melfina groaned as she felt herself move into a different pair of arms once more. Her chest felt a little lighter, and the pain, surprisingly began to stop almost completely.
What was going on that could make the pain go away?
Slowly she opened her eyes, only to realize that much more time had passed in what seemed like a few seconds to her. She was sitting up, leaning against a wall with Gene's jacket wrapped around her.
Blinking a few times to clear her vision, she glanced around, taking in her surroundings.
She was surrounded – and she meant SURROUNDED – by what seemed to be control panels. There were a few chairs littered across the room, and windows took up three of the walls, revealing the landing docks just beyond. Although it was night and Mel couldn't see very well, she could determine where the Outlaw Star was.
"Mel? You up?"
Melfina jumped at Jim's concerned voice and looked up into his face, eyes wide. After a few moments, her face settled in a bright smile.
"Yes, Jim. I'm awake."
The eleven-year-old's face flushed with relief.
"Thank GOD, Mel! We were so worried! I was so scared!!!" Out of nowhere, Jim wrapped his arms around Melfina's shoulders and began sniffling uncharacteristically.
"Oh, Jim! Are you alright?"
"He's fine," said a female voice. Suzuka appeared by Mel's side. "He's just exhausted."
Sure enough, the boy had already fallen asleep in the young woman's arms. Mel smiled compassionately at his sleeping face and then looked back up at Suzuka.
"We've been extremely concerned, Melfina," stated the assassin, laying her hand on the bio-android's arm sincerely. "Gene has been in a constant state of panic. Jim and Aisha were hardly any better off." She gave Mel a soft smile.
"We've found someone that we think may be able to help," she said. "But he isn't on Sentinel 3."
"Is that why we're at the boarding docks?" Mel asked, curious.
Suzuka nodded curtly. "Yes. But there are Tao pirates here as well. Gene's doing his best to clear as many out as possible. Jim and I invaded the control tower and he'd already activated the platform switch seconds before you awoke. It should take place in around four minutes. It should rid us of the remaining men. Then we can board."
Her eyes narrowed.
"Melfina, I need you to rest. You're going to have to pilot us once we get up there, and it's going to be a long journey. Please try to conserve your energy."
Mel nodded and gulped.
--------------
Gene cursed as he barely managed to avoid another attack.
Several pirates surrounded him.
"Pappara sanfa," they all chanted over and over, hands moving in rhythmic patterns through the air.
Gene was glancing around desperately for an exit when suddenly he felt a deep rumble begin to tremble beneath his feet. The pirates immediately stopped gathering energy and backed up a few steps away from the red-head.
"What's going on?" one of them asked with a shrill voice. Gene wondered if it was always like that or if he was just nervous.
"I'm not sure," one of his comrades replied, eyes darting around the darkness suspiciously.
As if to answer his question, the platforms began shifting beneath their feet. Luckily, Gene had already made it to the end and managed to jump off just as they were lifted up and smashed between the above stages. He was glad he'd managed to get away.
Smirking, he made a run for the Outlaw Star, not realizing that Suzuka, Mel, and Jim weren't far behind.
They all reached the ship at around the same time, each one of them gasping for breath.
"Why hello, everyone. Are we leaving so soon? My repairs are still incompl- "
"Shut it, Gilliam!" retorted Gene when he had regained his composure. "We have a situation on our hands!"
"That's right!" rang out a catty voice. They turned to see a very tired- looking yet unabashed Aisha ClanClan. "Melfina's in trouble! We need to take off right now, Gilliam!!!"
"Yes, of course."
The door to the ship slid open and everyone hurried inside.
-----
Okay, WOW! That was a hard one to write. And I'm extremely sorry about the long wait – it was unnecessary and I apologize for my inattentiveness these past few days. I've been preoccupied...
I had a really difficult time with the scenes between Jim and Suzuka. I don't know why, considering that they are the two logical minds of the show, but it was just fairly confusing. I also had problems with Gene again. sighs It's becoming harder and harder to keep him out of OOC. I absolutely DESPISE OOC, so I don't want to be a hypocrite.
Any advice/comments would be greatly appreciated. Thanks and sorry again.
Disclaimer: Yet another chapter and yet another sad, sad disclaimer. Must I tell you the depressing details of my life? Alright, alright, here's the sad tale: I...I...don't OWN OUTLAW STAR!!! bursts into overly dramatic sobs
-----------------
Author's Notes: You wanna know something extremely cool?
Sere: Alright, spit it out.
There's this really cool new fanfiction out from MidiTenshi called "Perhaps In The Past." It's reeeeaaallly cool. It's a violent Rurouni Kenshin fanfiction. The coupling is Battousai/Kaoru. I'll give you a small warning, though – not for the weak of heart. But it's really well-written, wonderfully entertaining, and it has a great storyline. Best of all, it's an un-stereotypical romance that actually involves - GASP - CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT!!!! BUMBUMBUMM!!! Anyway, go read it and review, because otherwise she won't advertise for me anymore. pouts
-----------------
Review Responses:
Rai Kasshu - LOL – Yeah, I was feeling really into the story. I had trouble in this one, though. Sorry it's so late.
Dishrag1313 - bursts into hysterical laughter FOOD! Anyway, Suzuka is proving to be truly kick-ass in this fanfiction. Hey, can I have the Sesshomaru rock? PLEASE?
The Big J / Ansem Revived - HEY! I was wondering where you went! Thanks for taking the time to review under your new username! I'd be REALLY happy to read the story about Silent Hill 2! Played the game – it kicked ass. Send it whenever you want! I'm looking forward to it!!!
SonJanusX – Did I really do an okay job on Gene's feelings? Man, I hope so.
StoryWeaver1 – Yeah, fluff is nice. I'll try to make it as fluffy as possible!
Midi Tenshi – COOL! You're better than I am, though – really! I love your fanfiction, Perhaps In The Past! It's completely wonderful! Thanks for the review!!!
TetsuoTsubushi – O.O OH MY GOD!!! MISTAKES!!! AHHHH! I've gotta change it! I've gotta change it! –panics- I'll get it taken care of soon, I promise! Thanks for pointing it out to me!!!!! ARIGATO! –races around, freaking out until Sere can't take it anymore and bangs her over the head with a frying pan, knocking her out-
The Ronin - I'll try to describe Melfina better from now on. I'm having a hard time with the adjectives. Probably because I'm being haunted by my long nights spent studying for English exams. --
Layline – I know. I was having a hard time finding Melfina a way out, but now it's smooth sailing because I know what's gonna happen!!!
cin-min – Sorry for the suspense! Hope this helps!!!
Speed Demon - tsk tsk!!! Speeding isn't good! Don't you pay attention in school? LOL – JK. When I get my permit in a few months, I'll probably end up speeding too.
Rebellious-Cherry – Hey! Thanks for taking the chance to review during school. Yeah, this is getting really angsty. -- Oh well, I like it and I hope you do too.
-----------------
(In the last chapter...)
-----------------
"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."
(WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT? READ ON TO FIND OUT!)
----------------------
Prince Charming: Chapter 15
----------------------
"C'mon Gene! Suzuka is already on her way over to the Outlaw Star! We have to get Mel there and QUICK!"
Gene nodded and pulled the poor girl into his arms, cradling her head against his chest. Her face was getting paler by the minute and it was starting to worry him greatly.
As if she could read his mind, Aisha stated: "Man, she's getting really pale, isn't she?"
Gene didn't even spare her a glance.
"C'mon, Aisha. I'm going to need help getting to the docks."
"Right."
--------------
Suzuka sighed. More pirates?
Oh well. Annoying but easily avoided.
She shifted in the shadow of the building that just bordered the docks, watching as tiny dark figures swept inconspicuously around the area surrounding the Outlaw Star. They obviously didn't intend to make their exit an easy one. She cursed silently, shaking her head.
She had to find a way past all of them. What she needed was help, and she wasn't sure where she was supposed to get any. Jim, Aisha, and Gene were probably already making their way towards where she was, and she couldn't bother Gene, as worried and exhausted as he was. He was clearly unfit for battle.
She repressed a sigh as she glanced around the docks once more, thinking...thinking....
Lightning struck as Suzuka's eyes settled on the control building. Maybe Gene was preoccupied, but Jim was another story.
Maybe they wouldn't have to make their way to the ship through physical force after all.
She grinned, a very un-characteristic thing for her to do, and swiftly turned and disappeared.
--------------
"Aisha, make sure the streets are clear!" ordered Gene, brow furrowed. Mel rested in his arms, covered by his jacket. He resisted the urge to shiver in the cold of the night.
Aisha almost protested, but one look at Mel's still form subdued her outburst and she nodded, obediently making her way to the end of the road.
After a few seconds, she returned and nodded again. Gene immediately darted to the corner, Jim barely being able to keep up. Sighing, Aisha grabbed him and carried him, despite his embarrassed remonstrations.
"Oh shut up, Jim," scolded Aisha, and he rolled his eyes, closing his mouth.
'What a group we make, I'm sure,' thought Jim, unable to keep from laughing a little.
It continued on like this for quite some time. Aisha would check to see if the coast was clear, and if it was, they would quickly move to another safe point. If it wasn't, they'd wait until it was.
After about nine or ten blocks, they were all getting kinda tired, and Gene's arms were starting to hurt, but he refused to let even his thoughts complain. It wasn't the time for selfish feelings.
Before they could take another block, though, a shout sounded out behind them. A light whirring sound, detected only by Aisha's superb hearing, lit the air. The arrow just missed she and Jim by a few inches.
"Gene!" she called, dodging more arrows. He turned and noticed what was going on. He immediately began stepping backwards, waiting.
"Take him with you! I'll hold them off!"
She set down Jim and said, "Go with them!" He looked worried, but then nodded and ran for it.
"Now that they're out of the way..." Aisha grinned and her eyes began to glow. "I'm gonna have some fun!"
--------------
"We need to hurry!" Jim shouted, running as fast as he could beside Gene, who was glaring his head off at apparently no one. "Aisha may be a C'tarl- C'tarl, but there were a lot of pirates back there!"
A white and black flash appeared in front of them, causing both Gene and Jim to screech to a halt.
It was Suzuka.
"Gene – there are pirates surrounding the Outlaw Star. I can't even get within a 100 yard radius of the ship." Her dark eyes darted over to Jim's scared face. "I need your help."
"Me? What can I do?" he asked, surprised.
She smiled a little. "I've already rendered the men in the control tower unconscious."
Her intentions shone through and Jim grinned.
"Gotcha!"
She nodded and then gave Gene a glance.
"You can either come with us or give Melfina to me and try to dispatch as many of the pirates as you can manually. Those are your choices."
He gave her a hard look and then reluctantly shifted Mel into the assassin's arms.
"Take care of her, Suzuka," Gene said before running off, drawing out his Caster.
Suzuka hoped he wouldn't overdo it too much.
--------------
Melfina groaned as she felt herself move into a different pair of arms once more. Her chest felt a little lighter, and the pain, surprisingly began to stop almost completely.
What was going on that could make the pain go away?
Slowly she opened her eyes, only to realize that much more time had passed in what seemed like a few seconds to her. She was sitting up, leaning against a wall with Gene's jacket wrapped around her.
Blinking a few times to clear her vision, she glanced around, taking in her surroundings.
She was surrounded – and she meant SURROUNDED – by what seemed to be control panels. There were a few chairs littered across the room, and windows took up three of the walls, revealing the landing docks just beyond. Although it was night and Mel couldn't see very well, she could determine where the Outlaw Star was.
"Mel? You up?"
Melfina jumped at Jim's concerned voice and looked up into his face, eyes wide. After a few moments, her face settled in a bright smile.
"Yes, Jim. I'm awake."
The eleven-year-old's face flushed with relief.
"Thank GOD, Mel! We were so worried! I was so scared!!!" Out of nowhere, Jim wrapped his arms around Melfina's shoulders and began sniffling uncharacteristically.
"Oh, Jim! Are you alright?"
"He's fine," said a female voice. Suzuka appeared by Mel's side. "He's just exhausted."
Sure enough, the boy had already fallen asleep in the young woman's arms. Mel smiled compassionately at his sleeping face and then looked back up at Suzuka.
"We've been extremely concerned, Melfina," stated the assassin, laying her hand on the bio-android's arm sincerely. "Gene has been in a constant state of panic. Jim and Aisha were hardly any better off." She gave Mel a soft smile.
"We've found someone that we think may be able to help," she said. "But he isn't on Sentinel 3."
"Is that why we're at the boarding docks?" Mel asked, curious.
Suzuka nodded curtly. "Yes. But there are Tao pirates here as well. Gene's doing his best to clear as many out as possible. Jim and I invaded the control tower and he'd already activated the platform switch seconds before you awoke. It should take place in around four minutes. It should rid us of the remaining men. Then we can board."
Her eyes narrowed.
"Melfina, I need you to rest. You're going to have to pilot us once we get up there, and it's going to be a long journey. Please try to conserve your energy."
Mel nodded and gulped.
--------------
Gene cursed as he barely managed to avoid another attack.
Several pirates surrounded him.
"Pappara sanfa," they all chanted over and over, hands moving in rhythmic patterns through the air.
Gene was glancing around desperately for an exit when suddenly he felt a deep rumble begin to tremble beneath his feet. The pirates immediately stopped gathering energy and backed up a few steps away from the red-head.
"What's going on?" one of them asked with a shrill voice. Gene wondered if it was always like that or if he was just nervous.
"I'm not sure," one of his comrades replied, eyes darting around the darkness suspiciously.
As if to answer his question, the platforms began shifting beneath their feet. Luckily, Gene had already made it to the end and managed to jump off just as they were lifted up and smashed between the above stages. He was glad he'd managed to get away.
Smirking, he made a run for the Outlaw Star, not realizing that Suzuka, Mel, and Jim weren't far behind.
They all reached the ship at around the same time, each one of them gasping for breath.
"Why hello, everyone. Are we leaving so soon? My repairs are still incompl- "
"Shut it, Gilliam!" retorted Gene when he had regained his composure. "We have a situation on our hands!"
"That's right!" rang out a catty voice. They turned to see a very tired- looking yet unabashed Aisha ClanClan. "Melfina's in trouble! We need to take off right now, Gilliam!!!"
"Yes, of course."
The door to the ship slid open and everyone hurried inside.
-----
Okay, WOW! That was a hard one to write. And I'm extremely sorry about the long wait – it was unnecessary and I apologize for my inattentiveness these past few days. I've been preoccupied...
I had a really difficult time with the scenes between Jim and Suzuka. I don't know why, considering that they are the two logical minds of the show, but it was just fairly confusing. I also had problems with Gene again. sighs It's becoming harder and harder to keep him out of OOC. I absolutely DESPISE OOC, so I don't want to be a hypocrite.
Any advice/comments would be greatly appreciated. Thanks and sorry again.