Chibimamoru: Small Lady's Otooto-chan (Revised)
Chapter 2 - The Royal Castle at Crystal Tokyo
Author's Notes: Well, here it is. I had to write it over twice before I got it the way I wanted, but I think Chapter 2 turned out pretty good. What do you think? In Chapter 3, Mamo will finally get to meet his parents. Isn't he just so KAWAII!!! Maybe, I will bring Chibiusa in too?
Anyways, I am going to work on the next chapter of Mamoru's Journey. Then, I will start on Chapter 3 of this story. Just so you know, I finally got a job!! That means, however, I may not update quite as often since more of my time will be tied up. Bare with me, ok? I will update as often as possible and make sure each chapter is worth the wait.
UsAgI-ChAn206 – Isn't he though? Mamo-chan is so KAWAII!!!
Arianna Sunrise – Once again, thanks so much for the compliment and the option. Tell me what you think of this chapter. I had to rewrite it two or three times before I was satisfied.
Sailor-Earth13 – Hmm. I believe I may add more flashbacks like that one into the story – not sure though. Glad you're enjoying the story.
Thanks for reviewing everyone!! I love reviews!!! PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE REVIEW!!!!!
**********
The back play yard of Nephrite Hills Orphanage was a little square plot surrounded by a short chain-link fence. A few pieces of rusty equipment decorated the small play yard. There was a swing set of to one side, a jungle gym right in the center, three see saws, and a pair of sandboxes.
Standing in front of the back door, Jason and Justin studied the landscape around them. Looking towards the jungle gym – the oldest piece of equipment out there – their eyes once more fell upon the sad little orphan boy – otherwise known as Mamo–chan. Mamo stood next to the gym clutching his one and only friend tightly in his tiny arms.
Glancing down at the sheet, Justin read over a small note Nicholas had added near the bottom of the page. The toy in the little boy's arms was Artemis Ball, a mechanical device equivalent to Princess Small Lady's Luna Sphere. The little prince was said to have had it with him when he was lost during the Nemesis Attack.
As the two strange guards looked over him, Mamo looked around for a place to hide. There wasn't anywhere, and the guards were blocking the door that led to Miss. Carol and safety. Nervously, he looked down at the ground shifting nervously from one foot to the other. Who were these strange men? Why were they looking at him that way?
Exchanging one last knowing look with his partner, Justin made his way towards the small boy. Mamo stood rooted to his spot. Unconsciously, he gripped A.B. tighter. Mamo looked up as Justin came closer to him. Kneeling down in front of Mamo next to the jungle gym, Justin made himself eye level with the child. "Hi. You are Mamo, right?"
Mamo nodded silently. Had he done something bad? Isn't that what guards did – punish bad guys? "My name is Justin." Justin pointed to his partner behind him. "And that is Jason, my partner." Jason watched the boy hardly. Mamo gulped. "Do you mind if we ask you some question?" Silence.
"What is the matter, kid?" Jason questioned getting impatient. "Cat got your tongue?"
Mamo blinked. He crinkled his nose giving Jason a strange look. "A.B. don't got a tongue." He answered. Jason sweat-dropped.
Justin laughed. "Is A.B. your friend, Mamo-chan?" He queried hoping he could convince the frightened child to open up to him.
"Yeah."
"Does he talk to you?"
"Nope."
Jason smirked. "Well. We are getting no where fast." Mamo turned to look at the older knight.
Justin shot his brother a dirty look. As if he could do any better. "Mamo- chan," Justin called reclaiming the child's attention. "Jason and I are looking for someone who got lost when Nemesis attacked." Mamo shuddered. Nemesis was bad. They had chased Onee-san away. "Do you remember Nemesis, Mamo-chan?"
"Uh, huh." Mamo looked down at his feet. "That's when the clouds took Onee- san away."
"The clouds, Mamo-chan?"
Mamo nodded. "Yeah. She took her pink light into the sky, and the clouds took her away."
"What does Onee-san look like Mamo-chan?" Justin questioned. That pink light sounded just like the one everyone saw when Small Lady used her time key. Mamo shrugged. "You do not remember?" Mamo shook his head. Justin frowned disappointed. "Do you remember anything before Nemesis?" Again, the child shook his head.
Standing up, Justin turned to look at his partner. "Call me crazy Jason, but I think this is it." Jason nodded starring at the child silently with awe. Was this really the missing prince of Earth? Had they actually found him?
Taking a deep steadying breath, Justin looked back down at the child. Mamo was watching the ground nervously. His little arms were almost red from clutching the A.B. toy so tightly, and he looked like he was about to start crying any minute now. "Mamo – chan?" Justin called gently lifting the child's chin with one of his hands.
Shifting nervously from one foot to the other, Mamo reluctantly looked up at Justin with his misty midnight-blue eyes. "Mamo, I want you to answer me something and do not lie. Do you know the difference between the truth and a lie?"
Mamo thought about it and nodded. "Uh, huh. Daddy lied when he promised he was gun ta protect me."
Justin and Jason exchanged a slightly saddened look. "Are you happy here, Mamo-chan?" Justin asked gently. Mamo cursed his lips together. If he said no, it might hurt Miss. Carol's feelings. He didn't want his favorite teacher to be sad.
"Mamo." Jason called firmly getting his attention. "Are you happy at Nephrite Hills?"
Mamo thought for a moment. What was he suppose to say? "A.B. doesn't like it." He finally answered. "He thinks it's too sad here."
Justin nodded understandingly. Typically, if a kid didn't want to answer something, he would put it off on a doll or imaginary friend of some sort. "Mamo, how would you like to leave Nephrite Hills?"
Mamo's eyes went wide as two saucers. "To someplace that isn lonely?"
Justin smiled at him comfortingly. "Mamo, I know some people who have been searching for you for a very long time. They would be very happy if you would come and stay with them."
Mamo looked around at the empty yard. Nephrite Hills was miserable, but it was all he knew. What would it be like living somewhere else? "What's it like there?" He wondered aloud.
"Well, you would have your own room," Justin told him encouragingly. "and your own toys."
Mamo's head shot up his large blue eyes locking with Justin's green ones. "You mean I wouldn havta share them with T.J. or the other kids?"
Justin put his hand on Mamo's shoulder. "Mamo, T.J. will be a million miles away." Mamo considered this. No more T.J.? No more getting beat up by the big kids? No more T.J.? "So, what do you say?"
"I don wanna live at Nephrite Hills anymore." Mamo decided. "I wanna leave NOW."
Justin laughed. "You got it, little prince. Come on, let us blow this popsicle stand." Mamo giggled. He had no idea what Justin had just said, but it sure sounded funny.
**********
In the backseat of a royal limo, Mamo starred out the window in awe and excitement. He hadn't been this far from Nephrite Hills in like forever. Sure, last Christmas they had gone to that church-play-thing, but that was nothing like this. He was going to Crystal Tokyo! Last time he had seen the Earth's capital, it was a deserted wasteland, and a bad lady with emerald green hair was chasing him.
From the other side of the limo, Justin and Jason watched Mamo with interest. He was so excited. It was like he had never seen a city before. "Hey, Justin, what's that? What's in there? Who is she? What's that noise? How come there's so many peoples? Am I gonna be livin' there?"
**********
After a forty-five minute drive that Mamo excitedly talked through, Jason, Justin, and Mamo were dropped off near the entrance to castle. Suddenly, Mamo grew deathly silent. He moved not a muscle as Justin unbuckled him from his child seat pulled him out into the open air. "Wh – what's that place, Justin?" Mamo asked nervously as he feet were planted on the soft green grass before the castle.
"That is the Royal Castle of Crystal Tokyo." Jason answered nonchalantly continuing up to the gate. Mamo starred up at Justin curiously.
"This is where your new family lives, Mamo-chan." Justin replied gently taking the child's small shaking hand into his own. Mamo gulped growing silent again as he followed Justin up to the castle gates.
"Have fun on your trip?" The guard at the gate was saying while shooting Jason a teasing grin.
"Shut up, Jerry."
Just as "Jerry" was about to say something to Justin as he walked up, he got his first good look at Mamo – black hair, midnight-blue eyes, a honest- to-goodness little version of King Endymion. Jerry's mouth all but dropped to the ground the moment he laid eyes on the child. Justin and Jason exchanged knowing looks. Justin grinned. "Something wrong, Jerry?"
"I – is that –?"
"That is classified." Jason replied with a smirk. "You must have a minimum of half a brain to gain access."
"Well," Jerry huffed trying to think of a decent comeback. "Suppose I will not let you in until you tell me what you know?"
"Suppose I strangle you and open the damn gate myself?"
Jerry frowned. "Ok. Ok. Jeez." Turning, Jerry placed a quick pass code into a panel near the door. "Better move, kid." Justin told Mamo pulling him back out of the way of the automatic gate door. As the gate made its way fully open, the trio made its way onto the castle grounds. Mamo starred around him amazed. This place was huge!!
The Royal Castle at Crystal Tokyo was located on a high hill over-looking the city. The castle itself was a blend of silver and gold. The front of the castle looked and felt like a welcoming garden with a pathway leaded up to the doors where two Royal Guards kept watch. Behind the castle was an extensive array of gardens including King Endymion's favorite, dubbed the "Royal Garden," which only members of the Royal Family were allowed to enter.
Elaborate stables were off to one side and held areas for both training and riding. At any given time, one might find an array of people down near the stables. Less experienced riders came to the castle for weekly or daily lessons that were provided at a cost. More experienced riders - generally knights off duty or the children of the castle - would take their horses down the trails or into the woods and fields beyond the West End of the castle.
On the East End of the castle, public and private training areas were set up for the Senshi, the General's, and the Knights. Senshi and Generals each had a Private Training Area to go to, while knights of all ages used the public ones. At the age of 10, young boys would beginning training to become knights and guards under one of the 4 Generals – Daverin (the leader), Tezuku, Atrus, and Nicholas.
Mamo didn't know what to say, so he kept silent studying his surroundings while following the two guards to – well – wherever it was they were taking him.
As they entered the castle, Mamo continued to look around morbidly curious, but he wasn't the only curious one in the castle. Down every hallway they went, people turned to stare at the strange little boy being lead through the castle. Could that really be –? Unnerved, Mamo gripped Justin's hand tightly with both of his hands walking as close to him as humanly possible. What was it with these people?
He looked up as two women in short mini-skirts came their way chattering about this and that. Suddenly, the two women stopped starring at him like all the rest. Unlike with the others, however, this time Jason and Justin stopped as well. "Guardian Venus. Guardian Jupiter."
"I – Is that – Mamoru?" Mamo blinked. Mamoru? Why did that sound so familiar?
"His name is Mamo-chan." Jason replied simply. "General Nicholas sent us to Nephrite Hills to pick him up." Venus and Jupiter continued to stare making Mamo very uncomfortable. He was glad when Justin and Jason started walking again. The two very odd women continued to stare after them as they left chattering even more excitedly than before. Why did girls always have to act so strange?
**********
After a good walk through many hallways the two guards stopped in front of a large wooden door – then again they were all large – with a Venusian insignia of the front. Jason knocked on the door. "General? It is Jason and Justin."
"Hai. Hai. Come in." Came a loud and extremely stressed sounding voice. Immediately, Mamo pulled his hand free from Justin choosing rather to hide behind him. Figuring it was all right, Justin allowed Mamo his temporary safe haven. "What news have you from Nephrite Hills?"
Coming into the room, both guards exchanged a look and bowed. Mamo ducked making sure he wasn't visible behind Justin and Jason. "General –" Jason started.
Pushing away the treaty he had been studying, General Nicholas rose to his feet. Looking over his visitors, he saw – exactly what he was afraid of. They had come back alone. Nicholas frowned. "So, you saw not one child that fit my description?" Sighing, he sat back down at the desk. "You may leave. I do not need to hear any more."
"But, General." Justin spoke out. "We did find one."
"Oh? Where is he then?" Nicholas challenged looking up. "And if you two are lying to me I will have you locked up so fast–"
Justin gulped. "Of course not, General." Jason assured the General quickly.
"He is just a bit shy, sir." Justin added.
Nicholas raised his eyebrows curiously. Certainly, they weren't stupid enough to keep up such a sharaid this long? "Where is he?" The two guards exchanged a look. Jason shook his head. "Ah, he s –" Justin pointed behind his back. "– hiding."
"Ah." Nicholas nodded. Standing up, he stood a couple of feet in front of his guards. "I know where you are kid. Come on out from there."
"Uh, uh." A muffled voice whined from behind Justin. The two guards watched their general unsure of what they should do. With a wave of his hand, Nicholas told Justin and Jason to move apart. Duh. What hadn't they thought of that? The two guards moved leaving Mamo-chan exposed. "Huh?" Mamo looked up nervously with tears in his eyes. Nicholas was stunned into silence. That was him. If that wasn't him – he even had the Artemis Ball he had left the castle with three years ago. Mamo whimpered hugging his friend tightly in his arms. What was it with these people?
Barely managing to pull his eyes off the child in front of him, Nicholas turned to his guards. Taking a deep breath, he steadied himself. "Justin, Jason thank you for your cooperation in this matter." He replied in an almost unnervingly steady voice. "I will speak with my superiors weather your actions were deserving of promotion or not." Nicholas paused for a moment turning back to look at Mamo. "You may go." He told the guards finally.
"Right." Bowing, Jason and Justin left to return to their duties. "I hope he's it." Justin thought as he followed his partner out of the room.
**********
Chapter 2 - The Royal Castle at Crystal Tokyo
Author's Notes: Well, here it is. I had to write it over twice before I got it the way I wanted, but I think Chapter 2 turned out pretty good. What do you think? In Chapter 3, Mamo will finally get to meet his parents. Isn't he just so KAWAII!!! Maybe, I will bring Chibiusa in too?
Anyways, I am going to work on the next chapter of Mamoru's Journey. Then, I will start on Chapter 3 of this story. Just so you know, I finally got a job!! That means, however, I may not update quite as often since more of my time will be tied up. Bare with me, ok? I will update as often as possible and make sure each chapter is worth the wait.
UsAgI-ChAn206 – Isn't he though? Mamo-chan is so KAWAII!!!
Arianna Sunrise – Once again, thanks so much for the compliment and the option. Tell me what you think of this chapter. I had to rewrite it two or three times before I was satisfied.
Sailor-Earth13 – Hmm. I believe I may add more flashbacks like that one into the story – not sure though. Glad you're enjoying the story.
Thanks for reviewing everyone!! I love reviews!!! PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE REVIEW!!!!!
**********
The back play yard of Nephrite Hills Orphanage was a little square plot surrounded by a short chain-link fence. A few pieces of rusty equipment decorated the small play yard. There was a swing set of to one side, a jungle gym right in the center, three see saws, and a pair of sandboxes.
Standing in front of the back door, Jason and Justin studied the landscape around them. Looking towards the jungle gym – the oldest piece of equipment out there – their eyes once more fell upon the sad little orphan boy – otherwise known as Mamo–chan. Mamo stood next to the gym clutching his one and only friend tightly in his tiny arms.
Glancing down at the sheet, Justin read over a small note Nicholas had added near the bottom of the page. The toy in the little boy's arms was Artemis Ball, a mechanical device equivalent to Princess Small Lady's Luna Sphere. The little prince was said to have had it with him when he was lost during the Nemesis Attack.
As the two strange guards looked over him, Mamo looked around for a place to hide. There wasn't anywhere, and the guards were blocking the door that led to Miss. Carol and safety. Nervously, he looked down at the ground shifting nervously from one foot to the other. Who were these strange men? Why were they looking at him that way?
Exchanging one last knowing look with his partner, Justin made his way towards the small boy. Mamo stood rooted to his spot. Unconsciously, he gripped A.B. tighter. Mamo looked up as Justin came closer to him. Kneeling down in front of Mamo next to the jungle gym, Justin made himself eye level with the child. "Hi. You are Mamo, right?"
Mamo nodded silently. Had he done something bad? Isn't that what guards did – punish bad guys? "My name is Justin." Justin pointed to his partner behind him. "And that is Jason, my partner." Jason watched the boy hardly. Mamo gulped. "Do you mind if we ask you some question?" Silence.
"What is the matter, kid?" Jason questioned getting impatient. "Cat got your tongue?"
Mamo blinked. He crinkled his nose giving Jason a strange look. "A.B. don't got a tongue." He answered. Jason sweat-dropped.
Justin laughed. "Is A.B. your friend, Mamo-chan?" He queried hoping he could convince the frightened child to open up to him.
"Yeah."
"Does he talk to you?"
"Nope."
Jason smirked. "Well. We are getting no where fast." Mamo turned to look at the older knight.
Justin shot his brother a dirty look. As if he could do any better. "Mamo- chan," Justin called reclaiming the child's attention. "Jason and I are looking for someone who got lost when Nemesis attacked." Mamo shuddered. Nemesis was bad. They had chased Onee-san away. "Do you remember Nemesis, Mamo-chan?"
"Uh, huh." Mamo looked down at his feet. "That's when the clouds took Onee- san away."
"The clouds, Mamo-chan?"
Mamo nodded. "Yeah. She took her pink light into the sky, and the clouds took her away."
"What does Onee-san look like Mamo-chan?" Justin questioned. That pink light sounded just like the one everyone saw when Small Lady used her time key. Mamo shrugged. "You do not remember?" Mamo shook his head. Justin frowned disappointed. "Do you remember anything before Nemesis?" Again, the child shook his head.
Standing up, Justin turned to look at his partner. "Call me crazy Jason, but I think this is it." Jason nodded starring at the child silently with awe. Was this really the missing prince of Earth? Had they actually found him?
Taking a deep steadying breath, Justin looked back down at the child. Mamo was watching the ground nervously. His little arms were almost red from clutching the A.B. toy so tightly, and he looked like he was about to start crying any minute now. "Mamo – chan?" Justin called gently lifting the child's chin with one of his hands.
Shifting nervously from one foot to the other, Mamo reluctantly looked up at Justin with his misty midnight-blue eyes. "Mamo, I want you to answer me something and do not lie. Do you know the difference between the truth and a lie?"
Mamo thought about it and nodded. "Uh, huh. Daddy lied when he promised he was gun ta protect me."
Justin and Jason exchanged a slightly saddened look. "Are you happy here, Mamo-chan?" Justin asked gently. Mamo cursed his lips together. If he said no, it might hurt Miss. Carol's feelings. He didn't want his favorite teacher to be sad.
"Mamo." Jason called firmly getting his attention. "Are you happy at Nephrite Hills?"
Mamo thought for a moment. What was he suppose to say? "A.B. doesn't like it." He finally answered. "He thinks it's too sad here."
Justin nodded understandingly. Typically, if a kid didn't want to answer something, he would put it off on a doll or imaginary friend of some sort. "Mamo, how would you like to leave Nephrite Hills?"
Mamo's eyes went wide as two saucers. "To someplace that isn lonely?"
Justin smiled at him comfortingly. "Mamo, I know some people who have been searching for you for a very long time. They would be very happy if you would come and stay with them."
Mamo looked around at the empty yard. Nephrite Hills was miserable, but it was all he knew. What would it be like living somewhere else? "What's it like there?" He wondered aloud.
"Well, you would have your own room," Justin told him encouragingly. "and your own toys."
Mamo's head shot up his large blue eyes locking with Justin's green ones. "You mean I wouldn havta share them with T.J. or the other kids?"
Justin put his hand on Mamo's shoulder. "Mamo, T.J. will be a million miles away." Mamo considered this. No more T.J.? No more getting beat up by the big kids? No more T.J.? "So, what do you say?"
"I don wanna live at Nephrite Hills anymore." Mamo decided. "I wanna leave NOW."
Justin laughed. "You got it, little prince. Come on, let us blow this popsicle stand." Mamo giggled. He had no idea what Justin had just said, but it sure sounded funny.
**********
In the backseat of a royal limo, Mamo starred out the window in awe and excitement. He hadn't been this far from Nephrite Hills in like forever. Sure, last Christmas they had gone to that church-play-thing, but that was nothing like this. He was going to Crystal Tokyo! Last time he had seen the Earth's capital, it was a deserted wasteland, and a bad lady with emerald green hair was chasing him.
From the other side of the limo, Justin and Jason watched Mamo with interest. He was so excited. It was like he had never seen a city before. "Hey, Justin, what's that? What's in there? Who is she? What's that noise? How come there's so many peoples? Am I gonna be livin' there?"
**********
After a forty-five minute drive that Mamo excitedly talked through, Jason, Justin, and Mamo were dropped off near the entrance to castle. Suddenly, Mamo grew deathly silent. He moved not a muscle as Justin unbuckled him from his child seat pulled him out into the open air. "Wh – what's that place, Justin?" Mamo asked nervously as he feet were planted on the soft green grass before the castle.
"That is the Royal Castle of Crystal Tokyo." Jason answered nonchalantly continuing up to the gate. Mamo starred up at Justin curiously.
"This is where your new family lives, Mamo-chan." Justin replied gently taking the child's small shaking hand into his own. Mamo gulped growing silent again as he followed Justin up to the castle gates.
"Have fun on your trip?" The guard at the gate was saying while shooting Jason a teasing grin.
"Shut up, Jerry."
Just as "Jerry" was about to say something to Justin as he walked up, he got his first good look at Mamo – black hair, midnight-blue eyes, a honest- to-goodness little version of King Endymion. Jerry's mouth all but dropped to the ground the moment he laid eyes on the child. Justin and Jason exchanged knowing looks. Justin grinned. "Something wrong, Jerry?"
"I – is that –?"
"That is classified." Jason replied with a smirk. "You must have a minimum of half a brain to gain access."
"Well," Jerry huffed trying to think of a decent comeback. "Suppose I will not let you in until you tell me what you know?"
"Suppose I strangle you and open the damn gate myself?"
Jerry frowned. "Ok. Ok. Jeez." Turning, Jerry placed a quick pass code into a panel near the door. "Better move, kid." Justin told Mamo pulling him back out of the way of the automatic gate door. As the gate made its way fully open, the trio made its way onto the castle grounds. Mamo starred around him amazed. This place was huge!!
The Royal Castle at Crystal Tokyo was located on a high hill over-looking the city. The castle itself was a blend of silver and gold. The front of the castle looked and felt like a welcoming garden with a pathway leaded up to the doors where two Royal Guards kept watch. Behind the castle was an extensive array of gardens including King Endymion's favorite, dubbed the "Royal Garden," which only members of the Royal Family were allowed to enter.
Elaborate stables were off to one side and held areas for both training and riding. At any given time, one might find an array of people down near the stables. Less experienced riders came to the castle for weekly or daily lessons that were provided at a cost. More experienced riders - generally knights off duty or the children of the castle - would take their horses down the trails or into the woods and fields beyond the West End of the castle.
On the East End of the castle, public and private training areas were set up for the Senshi, the General's, and the Knights. Senshi and Generals each had a Private Training Area to go to, while knights of all ages used the public ones. At the age of 10, young boys would beginning training to become knights and guards under one of the 4 Generals – Daverin (the leader), Tezuku, Atrus, and Nicholas.
Mamo didn't know what to say, so he kept silent studying his surroundings while following the two guards to – well – wherever it was they were taking him.
As they entered the castle, Mamo continued to look around morbidly curious, but he wasn't the only curious one in the castle. Down every hallway they went, people turned to stare at the strange little boy being lead through the castle. Could that really be –? Unnerved, Mamo gripped Justin's hand tightly with both of his hands walking as close to him as humanly possible. What was it with these people?
He looked up as two women in short mini-skirts came their way chattering about this and that. Suddenly, the two women stopped starring at him like all the rest. Unlike with the others, however, this time Jason and Justin stopped as well. "Guardian Venus. Guardian Jupiter."
"I – Is that – Mamoru?" Mamo blinked. Mamoru? Why did that sound so familiar?
"His name is Mamo-chan." Jason replied simply. "General Nicholas sent us to Nephrite Hills to pick him up." Venus and Jupiter continued to stare making Mamo very uncomfortable. He was glad when Justin and Jason started walking again. The two very odd women continued to stare after them as they left chattering even more excitedly than before. Why did girls always have to act so strange?
**********
After a good walk through many hallways the two guards stopped in front of a large wooden door – then again they were all large – with a Venusian insignia of the front. Jason knocked on the door. "General? It is Jason and Justin."
"Hai. Hai. Come in." Came a loud and extremely stressed sounding voice. Immediately, Mamo pulled his hand free from Justin choosing rather to hide behind him. Figuring it was all right, Justin allowed Mamo his temporary safe haven. "What news have you from Nephrite Hills?"
Coming into the room, both guards exchanged a look and bowed. Mamo ducked making sure he wasn't visible behind Justin and Jason. "General –" Jason started.
Pushing away the treaty he had been studying, General Nicholas rose to his feet. Looking over his visitors, he saw – exactly what he was afraid of. They had come back alone. Nicholas frowned. "So, you saw not one child that fit my description?" Sighing, he sat back down at the desk. "You may leave. I do not need to hear any more."
"But, General." Justin spoke out. "We did find one."
"Oh? Where is he then?" Nicholas challenged looking up. "And if you two are lying to me I will have you locked up so fast–"
Justin gulped. "Of course not, General." Jason assured the General quickly.
"He is just a bit shy, sir." Justin added.
Nicholas raised his eyebrows curiously. Certainly, they weren't stupid enough to keep up such a sharaid this long? "Where is he?" The two guards exchanged a look. Jason shook his head. "Ah, he s –" Justin pointed behind his back. "– hiding."
"Ah." Nicholas nodded. Standing up, he stood a couple of feet in front of his guards. "I know where you are kid. Come on out from there."
"Uh, uh." A muffled voice whined from behind Justin. The two guards watched their general unsure of what they should do. With a wave of his hand, Nicholas told Justin and Jason to move apart. Duh. What hadn't they thought of that? The two guards moved leaving Mamo-chan exposed. "Huh?" Mamo looked up nervously with tears in his eyes. Nicholas was stunned into silence. That was him. If that wasn't him – he even had the Artemis Ball he had left the castle with three years ago. Mamo whimpered hugging his friend tightly in his arms. What was it with these people?
Barely managing to pull his eyes off the child in front of him, Nicholas turned to his guards. Taking a deep breath, he steadied himself. "Justin, Jason thank you for your cooperation in this matter." He replied in an almost unnervingly steady voice. "I will speak with my superiors weather your actions were deserving of promotion or not." Nicholas paused for a moment turning back to look at Mamo. "You may go." He told the guards finally.
"Right." Bowing, Jason and Justin left to return to their duties. "I hope he's it." Justin thought as he followed his partner out of the room.
**********