Author's note: YES! I know this is like a week late!! Gah!! I'll explain
down at the bottom, for now read some long awaited chapter
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~*Kitty*~
I sighed stretching my arms over my head. I got up and dazedly walked to the mirror in my room, fixing my wild white hair as much as possible. After taking a short time of grooming and getting dressed I walked out of my room. Rrg....My side STILL hurt from that fight I had three days ago with that stupid Dracon guy. We've been doing our best to find him but so far we had nada
I walked around the hallways of the ship and found myself at the door to Strife's room so I decided to see if he was up. Without knocking I entered his room. I saw him hastily put some kind of note pad away and look up at me with those deep blue eyes of his. "Whadaya want?"
I shrugged. "I dunno. Just woke up. How about you?"
"I've been up. I decided to be an early bird today."
"Haw haw haw, very funny."
I began to lean on the side of his door and heard Gillium's voice over the speakers. "Strife, I think you should come up and see this."
"Hey, I'm here too Y'know!" I yelled at him.
"Oh, terrible sorry Kitty. I didn't....See you there....."
I titled my head. "Huh?"
Strife got up and laughed. "I took his eyes out of my room. C'mon, let's get to the bridge."
We walked to the ladder and soon were up to the bridge. "So what's up?" Strife asked, sitting in his chair.
"You have to see this! The Space Forces are making an official announcement to everyone in space....About US!" Jess said, turning from her seat to Strife.
Strife laughed. "Oh my god! Are you serious?! Put it on the screen! Hurry!"
After a few clicks of buttons and switches Jess had it up on the screen. Supreme Commander Drake's face was soon addressing us and anyone else that was watching. "And further more I stress the point that these hoodlums be caught and sent to the closest Space Forces precinct! Once again, their names are Jessica Hawking, Kitty Clan Clan, Hiro, Strife, and Melfina. They are piloting the Outlaw Star, a grappler ship. If you are able to bring them back ALIVE then you will be paid any amount of wong you, the captor, sees fit."
Strife smacked his head. "Any price? We could be worth like 100 gazillion wong!!"
"Strife, there's also an announcement coming from Ka-Shinta on their own airwaves. Wanna take a listen?"
"Sure, Jess. Put them through."
Drake was soon replaced by Ketsu. "Just remember! No matter what! Bring the crew of the Outlaw Star to death and nothing less! They are now our top priority! If we cannot have that treasure then no one can!!"
Strife smacked his head again. "Daaamn, is that better or worse then having a no limit bounty?"
I shrugged. "I'd say it's about even...."
Jess once again informed us of a transmission but this time it was from someone more personal. It was Gene. She opened the com. "Hiya, Gene! Is my dad around??"
"Na, he's out buying some food." He looked up and around the bridge. "Nice crew you got here, Strife. You think this'll be all you need to get to the Leyline?"
"I don't think, Gene. I know they'll be enough."
He laughed. "Glad to here that. But hey I didn't stop by for pleasure....Even though I DO want to congratulate you on saving that kid's life. He only had to go through a couple weeks of recovery which is better then him being flat-line dead if you didn't do anything."
Strife shook his head and started to blush. "Ahh, ok enough Gene....What did you want to say?"
"I wanted to say that those very same outlaws you rescued that kid from are now your number one head hunters. They heard both the Ka-shinta's and Forces' speeches and are taking it upon themselves to please one of those two factions."
"Well isn't that just perfect...."
Gene grinned. "Hell yeah, kid. Well welcome to my world. I wasn't the most liked person trying to get to the Leyline and now you're just as wanted. Have fun and stay alive."
His com went dead. I turned to Strife. "So where to now, Strifey?"
He sighed. "No idea.....I need some time to think. Where's the closest NEUTRAL rest stops?"
Jess hit some buttons. "A couple hours away. It's called the Dela Station."
"Alright, take us there. I'll be sleeping...."
He didn't even get up to go to his room and sleep. He simply laid back, closed his eyes and zonked out. Pfft, lazy bum
I walked off the bridge and headed for Hiro's room just now figuring out the guy wasn't even on the bridge. Some attention span I had
I knocked on the door and waited for an answer, I was a lot kinder to Hiro then Strife just because Hiro deserved it more. "Come in, Kitty."
How did he know it was me? I didn't even open the door. Oh well, I don't think it mattered that much. "So, what's up Hiro?"
He was sitting down drinking some tea so I sat down next to him. "Just awaiting a new day..." He raised a cup to me. "Do you want some?"
I shook my head. "No, that's ok....Not much of a tea drinker."
"Very well." He put the drink back down on the floor of his room.
"Hey, guys." Jess's voice said over the com. "I just computed the calculations that it's going to take to reach Dela....And it's a couple days away, not hours. So we're going to go into sub-ether. Just wanted to warn everybody."
Hiro looked at me, slightly confused. "Sub-either? What's that?"
I almost fell on my face. "Uh....It's hard to explain but in a nutshell we're about to go really really fast."
He solemnly nodded his head and sat on his bed. "So when is this going to happen?"
The thrusters suddenly kicked in and the force threw me next to him on the bed. "....Two minutes ago, I guess....."
Jess called everyone back up to the bridge. After getting up the ladder and into our seats we watched the screen. Mel said we were close to the space station so she pulled us out of sub-either. Wow...It was a marvelous site. It was actually the first GOOD looking space station I've seen on this trip, no signs of damage anywhere on it.
"Hey, Jess. Hail the station and get us some clearance."
"Gotcha."
Jess tapped some keys on her panel and a face appeared on the screen.
"Requesting permission to enter Dela." Jess said from her seat.
He nodded his head with a grin. "Very well. You can proceed to Dock 5."
The Outlaw Star slowly made its way to Dock 5 and landed. We all got out and walked around looking at the other ships around the bay. Strife was busy talking to the engineers about how just to give it the basic tune-up and nothing more. Guess our supply of money was running a little short.
He walked up to the group with a concerned look on his face. "Seems like we have a small problem."
I cocked an eyebrow. "What kind of problem? Man if you somehow messed up the ship!"
"No no! That's not it! There's something going around and terrorizing the station. No one can stop it because no one can use any fire arms."
"Well then Hiro and I could stop it. We're strong in close combat..."
He grinned and wrapped his arms around me. "I'm glad you said that Kitty because I hired both of you to take this thing out for some quick cash."
I pushed him back. "You WHAT?! You basically SOLD us before you even asked if we were ok with it?!?!"
"But you ARE ok with it! You said you'd do it before I even brought up the money! So why are you yelling??"
"Well....Because....Uh....It's the point of the matter!"
"What point? Any point is moot when you agree with that who you argue with." He said with a grin.
Ohhh, that bastard. He thought he was so right even though he was!! "Grah!! Can't I just be angry for the helluvit?!"
He shrugged. "If you want....." He started walking off. "I'm going to go find some info on this enemy. You guys may be the only ones who can take this down giving the circumstance but that doesn't mean we won't help to the best of our abilities."
Crraaappp...How does he do this? He does he ALWAYS make up for his arrogance? He did this to Jess a couple times and now it's starting to work on me. No matter how pissed off at him I can't stay that way forever!! Did he REALLY have to say he was going to help us as best as he could RIGHT after that STUPID argument!! Cunning MONSTER!!
I sighed....A long, long sigh. No use getting edgy over it now. I have more important matters to deal with. I turned to Hiro. "Ready for a witch hunt?"
"The enemy is a witch?"
I laughed slightly. He seemed too naïve at times. "No, it's an expression. You should really get out more often and learn some things."
"I have learned things just not those of a social standard."
I playfully wrapped my arm around him. "Well that's were I come in! Hang with me long enough and you'll get allllll the lingo."
He raised an eyebrow. "Sounds intriguing."
"It is! Now let's go find our fiend."
He nodded his head. "Right."
We both headed out of the bay and started just asking anyone about this mysterious enemy running around. They were all pretty shy about it, thinking they might get killed just talking about it...Actually, to be quite honest they looked more afraid then shy. The second we got closer they would get edgy. Man, this guy must have really freaked these people out. Luckily some people gave us some help, but they were only saying the rumors they heard.
All the rumors pointed to some 'big-foot' type monster. Just the usual nonhuman features, animalistic growling, ravage killing, brutal marks on bodies. It was all garbage....Until finally we struck gold.....But not in a good sense
I heard foot steps behind me then a loud clang as one object met another. I turned around and saw an old man with a shovel locking up with Hiro's wooden sword. I was stunned on so many levels. One was why he was attacking us, another is how Hiro reacted so quickly, finally......Why they hell was he staring at me?!?!
"What is your PROBLEM?!" I growled at him, ready to tear the head off his shoulders.
"You're the problem, Demon Cat! You plague our streets killing our people! Don't think I do not see you stalking young ones at night! They thought I was crazy when I said it was a walking cat but they were wrong for here you stand!!"
My jaw hit the ground. Walking cat...? "Haven't you ever seen a C'tarl C'tarl before?!"
He unlocked his shovel from Hiro's weapon and pointed it at me. "I don't care what titles you may own, Demon Cat! All I know if that I have seen a human in fur killing our people! No one else here fits that description but YOU!" He turned to Hiro. "And you are just as accountable for helping this SCUM!"
Hiro stepped in front of me. "Kitty has done nothing wrong! You cannot accuse her for something she did not commit!"
"Lies! All lies! I SAW a walking cat! SHE is a walking CAT! What more do you need?!"
Hiro's face stayed calm and cool. "When did this 'demon cat' reveal itself to this space station?"
"....A week ago. Why??"
"We just arrived here today. If you don't believe me then ask the man at the docks who granted us access. See? Your point is moot."
His eyes were slits. "My vision does me deceive me, child. I shall check with Gunner and if his story does not match with your own.... "He glanced behind him to me.... "She dies."
The old man started to walk away, still sneering at us.
Hiro turned to me. "These people clearly do not communicate with the outside. Especially with that of other races."
I growled slightly and crossed my arms. "Yeah you have a point.....But still....I think that man may be right."
"What?? But you weren't here for a week! You couldn't have killed anyone!"
"No, no, not that. I mean about the whole 'demon cat' thing. Hiro.....I think there's another C'tarl here."
He titled his head. "Are you sure?"
"Sure I'm sure! Look at the evidence! It all relates to things a crazed C'tarl would do!"
He sighed. "Do you think we can defeat a C'tarl C'tarl?"
"It depends on a lot of things. How strong he or she is, how strong we are at the moment....Whether it's transformed or not...."
"But couldn't you just transform too?"
I smirked and shook me head. "Na, the whole animal thing isn't my style."
He laughed a bit. "A C'tarl C'tarl who doesn't like to transform? Is that possible??"
"Hey, knock it off all right! I don't like it, that's all! You gotta problem!?!"
He stepped back.
I sighed. "Sorry Hiro...I didn't mean to snap at you..."
There was a moment of silence before Strife and the others came up to us. He looked pretty annoyed. "Dammit! We have NOTHING! No one knows anything about this STUPID guy!!"
I smiled sly fully. "We do."
He changed from annoyed to stunned. "You do?! Great! So what is he like?"
"Weeellll, we're not sure of it's gender but we do know it's not human...."
"Hmm, ok so what is it?"
"A C'tarl C'tarl."
Strife smacked his forehead. "Well that's just great...."
"Oh C'mon Strife. So what if it's a C'tarl C'tarl. Hiro and I can take it nonetheless."
"If this was any other day I'd have to agree with you.....But tonight's a full moon for the station."
My eyes were as wide as saucers. "B-But this is a SPACE STATION! They don't have moons!!"
He shrugged. "This is true but Dela's different. It was built next to a moon so it would be more like a planet. There's a full moon every week....Today happens to be that once in a week shot. Now because of that you C'tarls are going to get like a million times stronger, thus ruling Hiro's 'strong but not strong enough' might out of this. You'll have to duke it out mono-E-mono."
I frantically shook my head. This was NOT happening!! "NO! I can't! I'm not going to fight it under a full moon!"
Strife almost fell on his head. "Why the hell not?!?!"
"Because I might change!"
"Well that's what we're hoping for! It's kind of obvious that whatever this is will change to!"
"No! I refuse!! You can't make me do it! I WON'T do it!!"
"WHAT?! Full moon's in an hour! That's most likely when it'll strike! Kitty, you don't have much of a choice! You're a C'tarl C'tarl for Pete's sake! This is like your trait!!"
All the fur on my body stood on edge. "NOOOO!!!!!!!! I WON'T DO IT!!! I WON'T CHANGE INTO THAT....THING!!!!"
I ran straight ahead, shoving Strife into a wall with a little more force then I planned. I just kept running as tears swelled up and dropped from my eyes. This couldn't be happening! I couldn't be forced to become THAT again! Dammit, wasn't once enough!!
I stopped and sat next to a wall, pressing my back to it. ....Why? Why did this have to be? I shook me head. I can't do this.....I can't change. .....The memories.....The bad, horrid memories.
There's been only one time I have ever transformed into the fearsome wolf/cat beast that is the coveted skill of all C'tarl C'tarl and that one time was on a full moon. I was much younger, six or seven at the most. The full moon gives us incredible strength and for some helps them to become the most powerful being ever seen. For me it was nothing good.
I saw the moon and began to change involuntarily. My strength increased massively but the only thing was that I couldn't control my new form. I was a wild, savage beast. I killed so many people that night. So many lives lost because I couldn't control myself. Ever since then I've been terrified of the moon, trying my best never to be outside as it shined upon the ground. My mother said it was just something I would grow out of naturally but I didn't believe her. How could I believe her? This thing hasn't happened to her OR my father.....Then again.....Both of them were so perfect....Never failing at anything. How was I suppose to live up to that? How was I supposed to become the next commander of the C'tarl military??
I sat and cried there forever, not once getting up. I stopped when I felt an odd sensation go trough my body. My eyes widened.....Oh no....I slowly, so slowly, looked up and saw the pale sphere hovering in the sky. NOO! It's the full moon! I shot to my feet and ran with my head down along the street. I had to find a house to get in to it. I had to get away from this horrible bringer of death. I felt the power swelling in me.....I felt my 'other' self swelling as well. It was about to burst. I could FEEL it.
I heard screams as I ran. What was that? I stopped to listen. The screams were followed by a loud, menacing roar. The roar of a male C'tarl C'tarl. Yep, just figures that I would have to fight an adult male C'tarl under a full moon. Strife's luck was rubbing off on me.
I wanted to keep running away from the screams but other familiar voices held me there. It was the others, yelling for the people to run as they fought him off. I shook my head. Full moon be damned, I had to help.
I ran down the street and around the corner quickly and as silently as I could. I saw the male C'tarl C'tarl holding Hiro up by the throat with his other claw poised to sink deep into his chest. I quickened my pace towards the large beast.
"GrrrraaaaAAAAHHH!!!!" I growled, jumping up into the air, spinning around and planting both my feet deep into his face. He went skidding back along the road and right trough a building. I turned to Hiro and the others. "You guys ok?"
They nodded. "About damn time, Kitty. Next time you don't have to cut it so close." Strife added.
I waved my hand at him using only one finger as I stuck my tongue out. "Eh, maybe next time I'll wait until you're dead to intervene."
I heard a growl from the building and turned to face it. The C'tarl was standing back up, looking perfectly fine. He was clearly a couple feet taller then me, hell he even towered over Strife and he was tall as is. His fur was dark black with gray on the inside of his arms, legs, and chest. He would have looked UNBELIEVBLY hot if he wasn't being such an ass. "So another of my kind walks these streets, hmm?"
I nodded. "Yep, the only difference is that I'm not killing innocent people."
He laughed. "Ha! Innocent! All humans are ignorant, they don't know how to properly respect our kind."
"Well maybe if you didn't go around killing them, you IDIOT!"
He sneered. "Don't now talk to me like that! I am Telsek!"
"I don't care WHO you are!! Get the HELL out of here!!" My muscles started to tighten. The moon light was really getting to me.
Telsek started to laugh, almost broodingly. "Heh heh...You seem to talk tough.....But can you back it up...?"
I stayed silent.
He laughed again the same way then looked up into the sky. "The moon is out.....Our power is at its peak. The perfect time...." He looked back at me with a smirk on his face. ".....For a battle."
I stepped back. Oh crap, oh crap, oh crap, oh crap, oh crap, oh crap, oh crap, oh crap, oh crap...THIS WAS INSANE!!
He stepped closer. "Are you ready?"
I gulped but didn't answer.
He smiled at me. "Very well...Do not speak. Let your actions talk for you!"
His body rippled like water. His every movement was perfect. His actions were flawless. This, of course, scared the living crap out of me.
I hit the ground before I even saw his fist. I rubbed the pain from my jaw and stood up, man did that hurt
My blood started to boil, my eyes became slits, I wouldn't be able to hold out for any longer.
Telsek grinned at me some more. "Figures that a WOMAN C'tarl couldn't stand up to that kind of pain."
Woman? Woman?! WOMAN!!! Did he just call me WOMAN?! Oh that was IT!! "Bastard!!" I leaped at him but he was ready. He stuck his foot up to whack me head off. Luckily I was quicker then the big oaf and slid under his leg, swinging my arm up and knocking him in the jaw. He body bent back in an ark so I twisted around and plowed my foot into his stomach. The force took him off his feet and a couple inches in the air. He fell back down and landed on his knees where I proceed to give him one good.....No....GREAT slap across the face.
Five lines of crimson slipped down his cheek. "You little-"
I grabbed him by the neck. "Finish that and I rip your throat out."
He snarled out me with pure hatred. With one great roar he stood back up to his feet, gripped my face with his giant hand and hurled me like a baseball into a nearby pole...Which cracked in half allowing me to fly into a nearby car.....Which came along with me into a nearby house.
After a long while I staggered out of the rubble. Everyone was either gone or far away by now. I looked at Telsek who looked back at me, his muscles were pulsating. He was beyond anger by now.....The worst thing was that I was feeling the same way. Our anger towards each other was tremendous, it was only a matter of time
"That's it." He said through clenched teeth. "I'm done screwing around! This is it!! GRAAH!!!" His roar was mix of human and animal as his body began to bulge and rip.
Something was moving underneath him and I knew exactly what is was. It looked just as if some animal was escaping from an air-tight bag. Male C'tarls' transformations were much more gruesome then females. His back exploded open as blood spewed everywhere. A black beast savagely ripped itself from the skin and locked it's emerald green eyes on me. The beast looked like the basic cat/wolf hybrid but so much bigger. Its muscles pumped from every part of its body, it was like it was on steroids or something. I started to shiver at its power. But the shiver wasn't from fear and anger.....The shiver was my own beast ready to release itself.
Then I felt it, the animal creep into my mind. It was like an electric shock, I threw my head back in a quick spasm.....It was coming...I...I CAN'T CONTROL IT!!! AHH
Right then my body changed. Twisting, contorting! Became what I HATED THE MOST!! The anger, the pain, the aggression! All coming back in this new body!!
It was done. I was the beast! I looked around and saw red! Nothing but red!! I couldn't even control my own thoughts!! The animal inside me kept screaming!! Screaming!!! SCREAMING!! GRRAAAHH
I charged at Telsek and bit deep into his neck, rolling around on the ground! I bit him again, only harder!! HARDER!! Bite, bite, bite!! That's it
He got up and threw me off into a wall! Gah! Nothing hurt though, I was fine! I attacked again but again he dodged my attack, sinking his teeth so far into my hind leg!! OWW! The pain!! Stop it!!! GrraaAAHHH
I twisted around and dove for his leg! Ah ha!! Oh but he jumped over and on top of me! NO NO! Get off, you can't win!! I squirmed around under him and positioned my feet on his stomach throwing him far FAR away!! Gah-Raaa
In a second I was back on me feet! People were all around me! They were so afraid, SO afraid! Wha?! I saw one move! Was he coming after me? I snapped at him. Stay away! Another one moved to my left, I dove for her!! I said AWAY!
Someone grabbed the child and took her away! Good that's right! Stay away!! Then something dug into my back! Ahh!! It was Telsek!! Damn you! I turned around, biting and clawing at his back! But he was better! No!! He can't be better! Ahh!! He hit me into another car!! Gaaahhh!!! The pain!! Can't let it hurt anymore!! CAN'T LET IT HURT!
I jumped away from the car and snarled at Telsek!! Grrr-graah!!! GAHH!!! He stood there, so calm! So perfect!! SO...Soo...So in control.....I shook my head. Get a hold of yourself, Kitty! Don't let this THING get to you! Be at peace! Calm down!! Just.....Calm down
I caught something out of the corner of my eye. It was Telsek....Grrr, Telsek.....TELSEK!! I jumped over him, digging my claws into him then leaping off!! YAAH!!! YOU LIKE THAT?! GRRRAAAAHHHH
I heard people calling to me! There were getting close! Stay away!! I snapped at them! Gah!! Grrraah!!! It was Strife and Hiro and everyone else! NO! Stay back!! I'll kill you! I'll kill you ALL!!
None of their voices were getting through to me! None!! You hear me, NONE!! Hiro bent down in front of me! Hiro, you fool!! He looked at me! So CALM! Just like Telsek!! Why so calm?! WHY?!?! I snapped again but he didn't move!! MOVE! Fear me!! NOW!
He remained calm and still and finally I heard one thing he said...My name. "Kitty." He said. Yes!!! Yes..! Yes...that's me....Kitty
Something large barreled into me and pinned me against a wall.....Telsek!! AGAIN!! I leaped at him and rolled around on the ground biting and snapping at each other! OWW!! So much pain?! Why?? Why so much pain! Make it stop!!! Die TELSEK!
He took me by the neck and flung me away! Ahh!! I skidded along the road until I stopped cold! Road rash! Gaahh!!! I hopped back up and snarled at Telsek!! GRRR!!! Argg
He stood there, still in control!! In control! In control!!! I want control!! I....I NEED IT!! Then stop Kitty! NO!! Yes, Stop!! Graah!!! No, enough!! Just calm yourself! You can control this thing!! Every C'tarl can! We can't you!! GRRAAAHH!!! Come ON! You're father is the strongest man in all the military! Grrr... Your mother fought off every adversary in her way! She has fought the strongest pirates and lived to tell the tail! Rowr.....You can do this!! DO IT NOW!!
I shook my head once and looked around. I saw Telsek....I saw him with my own eyes not this beast within me. I had full control....Finally I had full control. I could feel the scars across my body but none hurt. I felt perfect, as fluid as Telsek had seemed before. This was it, he stood no chance now. One last attack was all that was left.....And here it came.
We both charged at one another, our bodies moving as quick as the wind. We took one pass swinging out our claws and slicing through whatever vital area that was in range. We stopped in the other's starting point, not turning to each other....Not knowing who had one the fight. I felt blood trickle from my neck followed by sever pain. Did I lose? I lost the support of one leg and almost fell to the ground but not before I heard a loud thud behind me.....Heh, guess I really was the winner. And he said WOMEN can't take the pain.
The crew ran around me but didn't touch anything on my body. I didn't know who said what, all I heard was "you did it!" and "You're unstoppable!" I did the best to grin but slid onto my side instead. I was starting to loose consciousness but I honestly couldn't care less. I finally got control of my transformation.....Are you proud of me mom? Are YOU proud of me.....Dad?
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Author's note: Oooook, well then. I've been gone for a week plus, huh? Well I truly am sorry about that. Laziness really got the better of me this time....That and writer's block. Ugh....Anyway, updates will return to the average every other day. Oh and hey? Anyone ever played Zone of the Enders? Did you like the games? Well check out my other fic if you get a chance.
Oh and if you're wondering why I wrote Kitty's fight scene with the screaming and exclamation points and such. Well that's simply because it was from Kitty's POV and Kitty was fighting her 'inner demons.' So-to- speak. Notice how she finally got rid of the inner demon and I started writing all good and stuff? Well there ya go, I REALLY hope that was a good chapter considering it's the one I had the most trouble with. Hiro's is next! That one's gonna be the COOLEST!
And Macky, you said waaaay back when that you had some more ideas about Dracon or something. Well if you remember them then send em this way.
K, that's it. This was a REAL long one. Hope you liked it.
As always, the marvelous Blades. "Good reading equals good times." I'm out.
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~*Kitty*~
I sighed stretching my arms over my head. I got up and dazedly walked to the mirror in my room, fixing my wild white hair as much as possible. After taking a short time of grooming and getting dressed I walked out of my room. Rrg....My side STILL hurt from that fight I had three days ago with that stupid Dracon guy. We've been doing our best to find him but so far we had nada
I walked around the hallways of the ship and found myself at the door to Strife's room so I decided to see if he was up. Without knocking I entered his room. I saw him hastily put some kind of note pad away and look up at me with those deep blue eyes of his. "Whadaya want?"
I shrugged. "I dunno. Just woke up. How about you?"
"I've been up. I decided to be an early bird today."
"Haw haw haw, very funny."
I began to lean on the side of his door and heard Gillium's voice over the speakers. "Strife, I think you should come up and see this."
"Hey, I'm here too Y'know!" I yelled at him.
"Oh, terrible sorry Kitty. I didn't....See you there....."
I titled my head. "Huh?"
Strife got up and laughed. "I took his eyes out of my room. C'mon, let's get to the bridge."
We walked to the ladder and soon were up to the bridge. "So what's up?" Strife asked, sitting in his chair.
"You have to see this! The Space Forces are making an official announcement to everyone in space....About US!" Jess said, turning from her seat to Strife.
Strife laughed. "Oh my god! Are you serious?! Put it on the screen! Hurry!"
After a few clicks of buttons and switches Jess had it up on the screen. Supreme Commander Drake's face was soon addressing us and anyone else that was watching. "And further more I stress the point that these hoodlums be caught and sent to the closest Space Forces precinct! Once again, their names are Jessica Hawking, Kitty Clan Clan, Hiro, Strife, and Melfina. They are piloting the Outlaw Star, a grappler ship. If you are able to bring them back ALIVE then you will be paid any amount of wong you, the captor, sees fit."
Strife smacked his head. "Any price? We could be worth like 100 gazillion wong!!"
"Strife, there's also an announcement coming from Ka-Shinta on their own airwaves. Wanna take a listen?"
"Sure, Jess. Put them through."
Drake was soon replaced by Ketsu. "Just remember! No matter what! Bring the crew of the Outlaw Star to death and nothing less! They are now our top priority! If we cannot have that treasure then no one can!!"
Strife smacked his head again. "Daaamn, is that better or worse then having a no limit bounty?"
I shrugged. "I'd say it's about even...."
Jess once again informed us of a transmission but this time it was from someone more personal. It was Gene. She opened the com. "Hiya, Gene! Is my dad around??"
"Na, he's out buying some food." He looked up and around the bridge. "Nice crew you got here, Strife. You think this'll be all you need to get to the Leyline?"
"I don't think, Gene. I know they'll be enough."
He laughed. "Glad to here that. But hey I didn't stop by for pleasure....Even though I DO want to congratulate you on saving that kid's life. He only had to go through a couple weeks of recovery which is better then him being flat-line dead if you didn't do anything."
Strife shook his head and started to blush. "Ahh, ok enough Gene....What did you want to say?"
"I wanted to say that those very same outlaws you rescued that kid from are now your number one head hunters. They heard both the Ka-shinta's and Forces' speeches and are taking it upon themselves to please one of those two factions."
"Well isn't that just perfect...."
Gene grinned. "Hell yeah, kid. Well welcome to my world. I wasn't the most liked person trying to get to the Leyline and now you're just as wanted. Have fun and stay alive."
His com went dead. I turned to Strife. "So where to now, Strifey?"
He sighed. "No idea.....I need some time to think. Where's the closest NEUTRAL rest stops?"
Jess hit some buttons. "A couple hours away. It's called the Dela Station."
"Alright, take us there. I'll be sleeping...."
He didn't even get up to go to his room and sleep. He simply laid back, closed his eyes and zonked out. Pfft, lazy bum
I walked off the bridge and headed for Hiro's room just now figuring out the guy wasn't even on the bridge. Some attention span I had
I knocked on the door and waited for an answer, I was a lot kinder to Hiro then Strife just because Hiro deserved it more. "Come in, Kitty."
How did he know it was me? I didn't even open the door. Oh well, I don't think it mattered that much. "So, what's up Hiro?"
He was sitting down drinking some tea so I sat down next to him. "Just awaiting a new day..." He raised a cup to me. "Do you want some?"
I shook my head. "No, that's ok....Not much of a tea drinker."
"Very well." He put the drink back down on the floor of his room.
"Hey, guys." Jess's voice said over the com. "I just computed the calculations that it's going to take to reach Dela....And it's a couple days away, not hours. So we're going to go into sub-ether. Just wanted to warn everybody."
Hiro looked at me, slightly confused. "Sub-either? What's that?"
I almost fell on my face. "Uh....It's hard to explain but in a nutshell we're about to go really really fast."
He solemnly nodded his head and sat on his bed. "So when is this going to happen?"
The thrusters suddenly kicked in and the force threw me next to him on the bed. "....Two minutes ago, I guess....."
Jess called everyone back up to the bridge. After getting up the ladder and into our seats we watched the screen. Mel said we were close to the space station so she pulled us out of sub-either. Wow...It was a marvelous site. It was actually the first GOOD looking space station I've seen on this trip, no signs of damage anywhere on it.
"Hey, Jess. Hail the station and get us some clearance."
"Gotcha."
Jess tapped some keys on her panel and a face appeared on the screen.
"Requesting permission to enter Dela." Jess said from her seat.
He nodded his head with a grin. "Very well. You can proceed to Dock 5."
The Outlaw Star slowly made its way to Dock 5 and landed. We all got out and walked around looking at the other ships around the bay. Strife was busy talking to the engineers about how just to give it the basic tune-up and nothing more. Guess our supply of money was running a little short.
He walked up to the group with a concerned look on his face. "Seems like we have a small problem."
I cocked an eyebrow. "What kind of problem? Man if you somehow messed up the ship!"
"No no! That's not it! There's something going around and terrorizing the station. No one can stop it because no one can use any fire arms."
"Well then Hiro and I could stop it. We're strong in close combat..."
He grinned and wrapped his arms around me. "I'm glad you said that Kitty because I hired both of you to take this thing out for some quick cash."
I pushed him back. "You WHAT?! You basically SOLD us before you even asked if we were ok with it?!?!"
"But you ARE ok with it! You said you'd do it before I even brought up the money! So why are you yelling??"
"Well....Because....Uh....It's the point of the matter!"
"What point? Any point is moot when you agree with that who you argue with." He said with a grin.
Ohhh, that bastard. He thought he was so right even though he was!! "Grah!! Can't I just be angry for the helluvit?!"
He shrugged. "If you want....." He started walking off. "I'm going to go find some info on this enemy. You guys may be the only ones who can take this down giving the circumstance but that doesn't mean we won't help to the best of our abilities."
Crraaappp...How does he do this? He does he ALWAYS make up for his arrogance? He did this to Jess a couple times and now it's starting to work on me. No matter how pissed off at him I can't stay that way forever!! Did he REALLY have to say he was going to help us as best as he could RIGHT after that STUPID argument!! Cunning MONSTER!!
I sighed....A long, long sigh. No use getting edgy over it now. I have more important matters to deal with. I turned to Hiro. "Ready for a witch hunt?"
"The enemy is a witch?"
I laughed slightly. He seemed too naïve at times. "No, it's an expression. You should really get out more often and learn some things."
"I have learned things just not those of a social standard."
I playfully wrapped my arm around him. "Well that's were I come in! Hang with me long enough and you'll get allllll the lingo."
He raised an eyebrow. "Sounds intriguing."
"It is! Now let's go find our fiend."
He nodded his head. "Right."
We both headed out of the bay and started just asking anyone about this mysterious enemy running around. They were all pretty shy about it, thinking they might get killed just talking about it...Actually, to be quite honest they looked more afraid then shy. The second we got closer they would get edgy. Man, this guy must have really freaked these people out. Luckily some people gave us some help, but they were only saying the rumors they heard.
All the rumors pointed to some 'big-foot' type monster. Just the usual nonhuman features, animalistic growling, ravage killing, brutal marks on bodies. It was all garbage....Until finally we struck gold.....But not in a good sense
I heard foot steps behind me then a loud clang as one object met another. I turned around and saw an old man with a shovel locking up with Hiro's wooden sword. I was stunned on so many levels. One was why he was attacking us, another is how Hiro reacted so quickly, finally......Why they hell was he staring at me?!?!
"What is your PROBLEM?!" I growled at him, ready to tear the head off his shoulders.
"You're the problem, Demon Cat! You plague our streets killing our people! Don't think I do not see you stalking young ones at night! They thought I was crazy when I said it was a walking cat but they were wrong for here you stand!!"
My jaw hit the ground. Walking cat...? "Haven't you ever seen a C'tarl C'tarl before?!"
He unlocked his shovel from Hiro's weapon and pointed it at me. "I don't care what titles you may own, Demon Cat! All I know if that I have seen a human in fur killing our people! No one else here fits that description but YOU!" He turned to Hiro. "And you are just as accountable for helping this SCUM!"
Hiro stepped in front of me. "Kitty has done nothing wrong! You cannot accuse her for something she did not commit!"
"Lies! All lies! I SAW a walking cat! SHE is a walking CAT! What more do you need?!"
Hiro's face stayed calm and cool. "When did this 'demon cat' reveal itself to this space station?"
"....A week ago. Why??"
"We just arrived here today. If you don't believe me then ask the man at the docks who granted us access. See? Your point is moot."
His eyes were slits. "My vision does me deceive me, child. I shall check with Gunner and if his story does not match with your own.... "He glanced behind him to me.... "She dies."
The old man started to walk away, still sneering at us.
Hiro turned to me. "These people clearly do not communicate with the outside. Especially with that of other races."
I growled slightly and crossed my arms. "Yeah you have a point.....But still....I think that man may be right."
"What?? But you weren't here for a week! You couldn't have killed anyone!"
"No, no, not that. I mean about the whole 'demon cat' thing. Hiro.....I think there's another C'tarl here."
He titled his head. "Are you sure?"
"Sure I'm sure! Look at the evidence! It all relates to things a crazed C'tarl would do!"
He sighed. "Do you think we can defeat a C'tarl C'tarl?"
"It depends on a lot of things. How strong he or she is, how strong we are at the moment....Whether it's transformed or not...."
"But couldn't you just transform too?"
I smirked and shook me head. "Na, the whole animal thing isn't my style."
He laughed a bit. "A C'tarl C'tarl who doesn't like to transform? Is that possible??"
"Hey, knock it off all right! I don't like it, that's all! You gotta problem!?!"
He stepped back.
I sighed. "Sorry Hiro...I didn't mean to snap at you..."
There was a moment of silence before Strife and the others came up to us. He looked pretty annoyed. "Dammit! We have NOTHING! No one knows anything about this STUPID guy!!"
I smiled sly fully. "We do."
He changed from annoyed to stunned. "You do?! Great! So what is he like?"
"Weeellll, we're not sure of it's gender but we do know it's not human...."
"Hmm, ok so what is it?"
"A C'tarl C'tarl."
Strife smacked his forehead. "Well that's just great...."
"Oh C'mon Strife. So what if it's a C'tarl C'tarl. Hiro and I can take it nonetheless."
"If this was any other day I'd have to agree with you.....But tonight's a full moon for the station."
My eyes were as wide as saucers. "B-But this is a SPACE STATION! They don't have moons!!"
He shrugged. "This is true but Dela's different. It was built next to a moon so it would be more like a planet. There's a full moon every week....Today happens to be that once in a week shot. Now because of that you C'tarls are going to get like a million times stronger, thus ruling Hiro's 'strong but not strong enough' might out of this. You'll have to duke it out mono-E-mono."
I frantically shook my head. This was NOT happening!! "NO! I can't! I'm not going to fight it under a full moon!"
Strife almost fell on his head. "Why the hell not?!?!"
"Because I might change!"
"Well that's what we're hoping for! It's kind of obvious that whatever this is will change to!"
"No! I refuse!! You can't make me do it! I WON'T do it!!"
"WHAT?! Full moon's in an hour! That's most likely when it'll strike! Kitty, you don't have much of a choice! You're a C'tarl C'tarl for Pete's sake! This is like your trait!!"
All the fur on my body stood on edge. "NOOOO!!!!!!!! I WON'T DO IT!!! I WON'T CHANGE INTO THAT....THING!!!!"
I ran straight ahead, shoving Strife into a wall with a little more force then I planned. I just kept running as tears swelled up and dropped from my eyes. This couldn't be happening! I couldn't be forced to become THAT again! Dammit, wasn't once enough!!
I stopped and sat next to a wall, pressing my back to it. ....Why? Why did this have to be? I shook me head. I can't do this.....I can't change. .....The memories.....The bad, horrid memories.
There's been only one time I have ever transformed into the fearsome wolf/cat beast that is the coveted skill of all C'tarl C'tarl and that one time was on a full moon. I was much younger, six or seven at the most. The full moon gives us incredible strength and for some helps them to become the most powerful being ever seen. For me it was nothing good.
I saw the moon and began to change involuntarily. My strength increased massively but the only thing was that I couldn't control my new form. I was a wild, savage beast. I killed so many people that night. So many lives lost because I couldn't control myself. Ever since then I've been terrified of the moon, trying my best never to be outside as it shined upon the ground. My mother said it was just something I would grow out of naturally but I didn't believe her. How could I believe her? This thing hasn't happened to her OR my father.....Then again.....Both of them were so perfect....Never failing at anything. How was I suppose to live up to that? How was I supposed to become the next commander of the C'tarl military??
I sat and cried there forever, not once getting up. I stopped when I felt an odd sensation go trough my body. My eyes widened.....Oh no....I slowly, so slowly, looked up and saw the pale sphere hovering in the sky. NOO! It's the full moon! I shot to my feet and ran with my head down along the street. I had to find a house to get in to it. I had to get away from this horrible bringer of death. I felt the power swelling in me.....I felt my 'other' self swelling as well. It was about to burst. I could FEEL it.
I heard screams as I ran. What was that? I stopped to listen. The screams were followed by a loud, menacing roar. The roar of a male C'tarl C'tarl. Yep, just figures that I would have to fight an adult male C'tarl under a full moon. Strife's luck was rubbing off on me.
I wanted to keep running away from the screams but other familiar voices held me there. It was the others, yelling for the people to run as they fought him off. I shook my head. Full moon be damned, I had to help.
I ran down the street and around the corner quickly and as silently as I could. I saw the male C'tarl C'tarl holding Hiro up by the throat with his other claw poised to sink deep into his chest. I quickened my pace towards the large beast.
"GrrrraaaaAAAAHHH!!!!" I growled, jumping up into the air, spinning around and planting both my feet deep into his face. He went skidding back along the road and right trough a building. I turned to Hiro and the others. "You guys ok?"
They nodded. "About damn time, Kitty. Next time you don't have to cut it so close." Strife added.
I waved my hand at him using only one finger as I stuck my tongue out. "Eh, maybe next time I'll wait until you're dead to intervene."
I heard a growl from the building and turned to face it. The C'tarl was standing back up, looking perfectly fine. He was clearly a couple feet taller then me, hell he even towered over Strife and he was tall as is. His fur was dark black with gray on the inside of his arms, legs, and chest. He would have looked UNBELIEVBLY hot if he wasn't being such an ass. "So another of my kind walks these streets, hmm?"
I nodded. "Yep, the only difference is that I'm not killing innocent people."
He laughed. "Ha! Innocent! All humans are ignorant, they don't know how to properly respect our kind."
"Well maybe if you didn't go around killing them, you IDIOT!"
He sneered. "Don't now talk to me like that! I am Telsek!"
"I don't care WHO you are!! Get the HELL out of here!!" My muscles started to tighten. The moon light was really getting to me.
Telsek started to laugh, almost broodingly. "Heh heh...You seem to talk tough.....But can you back it up...?"
I stayed silent.
He laughed again the same way then looked up into the sky. "The moon is out.....Our power is at its peak. The perfect time...." He looked back at me with a smirk on his face. ".....For a battle."
I stepped back. Oh crap, oh crap, oh crap, oh crap, oh crap, oh crap, oh crap, oh crap, oh crap...THIS WAS INSANE!!
He stepped closer. "Are you ready?"
I gulped but didn't answer.
He smiled at me. "Very well...Do not speak. Let your actions talk for you!"
His body rippled like water. His every movement was perfect. His actions were flawless. This, of course, scared the living crap out of me.
I hit the ground before I even saw his fist. I rubbed the pain from my jaw and stood up, man did that hurt
My blood started to boil, my eyes became slits, I wouldn't be able to hold out for any longer.
Telsek grinned at me some more. "Figures that a WOMAN C'tarl couldn't stand up to that kind of pain."
Woman? Woman?! WOMAN!!! Did he just call me WOMAN?! Oh that was IT!! "Bastard!!" I leaped at him but he was ready. He stuck his foot up to whack me head off. Luckily I was quicker then the big oaf and slid under his leg, swinging my arm up and knocking him in the jaw. He body bent back in an ark so I twisted around and plowed my foot into his stomach. The force took him off his feet and a couple inches in the air. He fell back down and landed on his knees where I proceed to give him one good.....No....GREAT slap across the face.
Five lines of crimson slipped down his cheek. "You little-"
I grabbed him by the neck. "Finish that and I rip your throat out."
He snarled out me with pure hatred. With one great roar he stood back up to his feet, gripped my face with his giant hand and hurled me like a baseball into a nearby pole...Which cracked in half allowing me to fly into a nearby car.....Which came along with me into a nearby house.
After a long while I staggered out of the rubble. Everyone was either gone or far away by now. I looked at Telsek who looked back at me, his muscles were pulsating. He was beyond anger by now.....The worst thing was that I was feeling the same way. Our anger towards each other was tremendous, it was only a matter of time
"That's it." He said through clenched teeth. "I'm done screwing around! This is it!! GRAAH!!!" His roar was mix of human and animal as his body began to bulge and rip.
Something was moving underneath him and I knew exactly what is was. It looked just as if some animal was escaping from an air-tight bag. Male C'tarls' transformations were much more gruesome then females. His back exploded open as blood spewed everywhere. A black beast savagely ripped itself from the skin and locked it's emerald green eyes on me. The beast looked like the basic cat/wolf hybrid but so much bigger. Its muscles pumped from every part of its body, it was like it was on steroids or something. I started to shiver at its power. But the shiver wasn't from fear and anger.....The shiver was my own beast ready to release itself.
Then I felt it, the animal creep into my mind. It was like an electric shock, I threw my head back in a quick spasm.....It was coming...I...I CAN'T CONTROL IT!!! AHH
Right then my body changed. Twisting, contorting! Became what I HATED THE MOST!! The anger, the pain, the aggression! All coming back in this new body!!
It was done. I was the beast! I looked around and saw red! Nothing but red!! I couldn't even control my own thoughts!! The animal inside me kept screaming!! Screaming!!! SCREAMING!! GRRAAAHH
I charged at Telsek and bit deep into his neck, rolling around on the ground! I bit him again, only harder!! HARDER!! Bite, bite, bite!! That's it
He got up and threw me off into a wall! Gah! Nothing hurt though, I was fine! I attacked again but again he dodged my attack, sinking his teeth so far into my hind leg!! OWW! The pain!! Stop it!!! GrraaAAHHH
I twisted around and dove for his leg! Ah ha!! Oh but he jumped over and on top of me! NO NO! Get off, you can't win!! I squirmed around under him and positioned my feet on his stomach throwing him far FAR away!! Gah-Raaa
In a second I was back on me feet! People were all around me! They were so afraid, SO afraid! Wha?! I saw one move! Was he coming after me? I snapped at him. Stay away! Another one moved to my left, I dove for her!! I said AWAY!
Someone grabbed the child and took her away! Good that's right! Stay away!! Then something dug into my back! Ahh!! It was Telsek!! Damn you! I turned around, biting and clawing at his back! But he was better! No!! He can't be better! Ahh!! He hit me into another car!! Gaaahhh!!! The pain!! Can't let it hurt anymore!! CAN'T LET IT HURT!
I jumped away from the car and snarled at Telsek!! Grrr-graah!!! GAHH!!! He stood there, so calm! So perfect!! SO...Soo...So in control.....I shook my head. Get a hold of yourself, Kitty! Don't let this THING get to you! Be at peace! Calm down!! Just.....Calm down
I caught something out of the corner of my eye. It was Telsek....Grrr, Telsek.....TELSEK!! I jumped over him, digging my claws into him then leaping off!! YAAH!!! YOU LIKE THAT?! GRRRAAAAHHHH
I heard people calling to me! There were getting close! Stay away!! I snapped at them! Gah!! Grrraah!!! It was Strife and Hiro and everyone else! NO! Stay back!! I'll kill you! I'll kill you ALL!!
None of their voices were getting through to me! None!! You hear me, NONE!! Hiro bent down in front of me! Hiro, you fool!! He looked at me! So CALM! Just like Telsek!! Why so calm?! WHY?!?! I snapped again but he didn't move!! MOVE! Fear me!! NOW!
He remained calm and still and finally I heard one thing he said...My name. "Kitty." He said. Yes!!! Yes..! Yes...that's me....Kitty
Something large barreled into me and pinned me against a wall.....Telsek!! AGAIN!! I leaped at him and rolled around on the ground biting and snapping at each other! OWW!! So much pain?! Why?? Why so much pain! Make it stop!!! Die TELSEK!
He took me by the neck and flung me away! Ahh!! I skidded along the road until I stopped cold! Road rash! Gaahh!!! I hopped back up and snarled at Telsek!! GRRR!!! Argg
He stood there, still in control!! In control! In control!!! I want control!! I....I NEED IT!! Then stop Kitty! NO!! Yes, Stop!! Graah!!! No, enough!! Just calm yourself! You can control this thing!! Every C'tarl can! We can't you!! GRRAAAHH!!! Come ON! You're father is the strongest man in all the military! Grrr... Your mother fought off every adversary in her way! She has fought the strongest pirates and lived to tell the tail! Rowr.....You can do this!! DO IT NOW!!
I shook my head once and looked around. I saw Telsek....I saw him with my own eyes not this beast within me. I had full control....Finally I had full control. I could feel the scars across my body but none hurt. I felt perfect, as fluid as Telsek had seemed before. This was it, he stood no chance now. One last attack was all that was left.....And here it came.
We both charged at one another, our bodies moving as quick as the wind. We took one pass swinging out our claws and slicing through whatever vital area that was in range. We stopped in the other's starting point, not turning to each other....Not knowing who had one the fight. I felt blood trickle from my neck followed by sever pain. Did I lose? I lost the support of one leg and almost fell to the ground but not before I heard a loud thud behind me.....Heh, guess I really was the winner. And he said WOMEN can't take the pain.
The crew ran around me but didn't touch anything on my body. I didn't know who said what, all I heard was "you did it!" and "You're unstoppable!" I did the best to grin but slid onto my side instead. I was starting to loose consciousness but I honestly couldn't care less. I finally got control of my transformation.....Are you proud of me mom? Are YOU proud of me.....Dad?
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Author's note: Oooook, well then. I've been gone for a week plus, huh? Well I truly am sorry about that. Laziness really got the better of me this time....That and writer's block. Ugh....Anyway, updates will return to the average every other day. Oh and hey? Anyone ever played Zone of the Enders? Did you like the games? Well check out my other fic if you get a chance.
Oh and if you're wondering why I wrote Kitty's fight scene with the screaming and exclamation points and such. Well that's simply because it was from Kitty's POV and Kitty was fighting her 'inner demons.' So-to- speak. Notice how she finally got rid of the inner demon and I started writing all good and stuff? Well there ya go, I REALLY hope that was a good chapter considering it's the one I had the most trouble with. Hiro's is next! That one's gonna be the COOLEST!
And Macky, you said waaaay back when that you had some more ideas about Dracon or something. Well if you remember them then send em this way.
K, that's it. This was a REAL long one. Hope you liked it.
As always, the marvelous Blades. "Good reading equals good times." I'm out.