Disclaimer: I do NOT own Lilo and Stitch or their characters. I only own story, plot, and three experiments: Drea, Slyther, and Master
Master was very suspicious and he felt he had every reason to be. Stitch had been very disobedient to him these last few days; refusing to hurt somebody, occasionally giving him the cold shoulder, and ignore him when he used telepathy on him. There had been many moments when Master often saw a love-sick grin on his comrade's face. He also noticed that when he chastises him, he doesn't see that sincere apologetic look, he sees blinding fury in Stitch's eyes like a pent up rage that he battled to keep inside of him to avoid Master hurting him more. Every time he punishes him in a severe way whether it was with his powers, weapons, or just scolding him, he could see the far away look in his eyes, as if he was concentrating on something else, or talking to someone else using telepathy.
Master had not revealed his plans to Stitch nor had they even discussed on what they would do. Master had a hunch that his Experiment 626 has loyalties elsewhere. Therefore, he will never inform him of his plan unless he was certain his experiment was on his side. He walked calmly towards the stairs, gripping the banister.
"626! Come down here now!" He hollered.
It took a bit of time until Stitch's figure showed at the top of the stairs. He slowly strolled down the stairs, his eyes fiercely gazing at the just as fierce experiment at the bottom of the stairs. "You called Master?" Stitch asked, trying, but failing, to hide the scorn in his tone.
"Yes, I did 626." Master drawled, also attempting, but unsuccessfully concealing his harsh icy tone. "You have been a marvelous assistant, better than Drea and Slyther put together actually. You can have this whole day all to yourself! Go outside, explore the island, and do things you want to do. Just stay away from the girl. Of course, being the excellent little comrade you are, I think you will."
Unknowingly to Stitch, his eyes brightened in happiness at the thought he would get to spend an entire day with his Lilo. That is until, Master told him not to hang around with her, but how is he going to know? "You won't be spying on me will you?"
"Of course not! I trust you 626. Now you get out there and have a fantastic day!" Master gestured towards the door. "When you come back, we'll discuss our plans."
"Why not discuss them now?" Stitch asked.
He's too eager. Master thought. "Nonsense! Go play, then we'll work. I expect you here before 11:00 PM. So, go on!"
Stitch still felt wary to Master's sudden cheer and didn't think it would be wise to spend the day with Lilo. However, his mind got to thinking. How can Master find out he's with Lilo? He just said he wouldn't spy on him. How can he trust that? Then he thought that maybe Master's offer was genuine. After all, there were times Stitch complied to his Master's orders. Besides, he really wanted to see Lilo. Living with a blood-thirsty experiment and not having Lilo around him was tough on him. He desperately needed her attention.
With a polite, but not so cheesy thank you, Stitch left. His mind debating whether he should see Lilo or not to stay on the safe side. He waited until he was a good distance away from the house and observed his surroundings. His eyes concentrating on everything and searching through everything, trying to spot the dark experiment. His spirits lifted when he thought that maybe Master did trust him and once he gets back from his exhilarating day with Lilo, he'll have the plans Master created, they could find a way to backfire his plans, and defeat him in the end. This brought a smile to his face as he practically leaped in his steps to the Pelekai house.
Meanwhile, Master waited until Stitch was gone from his sight until he did his spying. He turned on the TV Drea had programmed to watch Stitch's every move. Master plopped himself on the couch, his eyes transfixed to the TV that showed Stitch looking around for Master, causing the experiment to smirk. Oh he was watching him alright, but he wasn't hiding in any foliage. He saw the satisfied expression on Stitch's face then noticed his comrade getting overjoyed.
Now we'll see if you are loyal to me 626. Master thought, knowing the experiment can't hear him. Master watched Stitch as he arrived at the Pelekai house.
Stitch reached the top step, bringing up his fist to knock at the door. He waited a second until the door leisurely opened. Lilo stood in the doorway, her brown eyes widened in wonder at the sight of Stitch standing in front of her. "Stitch?"
He reached forward, wrapping his arms around the girl. "Yep."
Lilo pulled away, smiling at him. "Come in."
He stepped inside the warm home, gripping Lilo's hand as she led him to the couch. "How did you get away from Master?"
"He said he was proud of me and let me have the day all to myself. When I get back, he'll tell me the plans." Stitch replied.
Lilo felt uncertain about their situation. "Stitch, you don't think he's tricking you? I've felt all your punishments, there's no way you could've been that good to him."
"I thought that at first, but he's not attacking us now is he? Surely he wouldn't want to watch us until 11:00. That's the time he wants me to be back."
Lilo still felt skeptical, but supposed he was right. "Well, I'm just glad you're okay."
Stitch nodded. "So, what did I miss?"
In the spare room, Reuben and Drea dozed on the bed with the TV in front of them replaying the Over The Hedge, theme in the DVD player. They were under the bed sheets to keep warm in the slightly nippy home. Drea's head nestled into Reuben's shoulder while he had his arm slung around her waist.
The morning sunlight poured on Reuben's face, causing the golden experiment to moan in protest. He groggily opened his eyes then went to get up, but found that he couldn't. He turned his head to his shoulder where all the weight was and found Drea's head snuggled cozily into his shoulder. He smiled as he remembered the events from last night. Nani had found out about Drea and Reuben living with them and argued to Jumba about finding another place for the yellow experiment, since she had already reluctantly agreed to letting Drea stay.
Jumba had furiously quarreled with her until she caved in and let the two experiments stay. As long as they didn't do any damages to her home, they were okay to stay. Reuben sat on his bed, watching the movie Over The Hedge until Drea came in. She smiled at the movie, it was her favorite after all. Reuben invited her to watch it with him and he rewound the movie back to the beginning for her to watch. Drea went under the covers and laid her head on his shoulder when she started getting sleepy. Reuben didn't want to wake her so he laid back, carefully guiding the dragon's head until they laid down on the bed. After a few minutes of observing her, he fell asleep as well.
Reuben stared at her face, wondering why Slyther had been dumb enough to leave her. Last night, she had been so sweet and quiet as they watched the movie. When her head fell on his shoulder, his heart almost jumped from his chest. A tight feeling lurched in his tummy, a feeling he once had with Angel. He looked at her, wondering if this was a stupid school boy crush, or maybe it could be something more.
Drea stirred in his arm, making him hold his breath as he retracted his arm from around her waist. He was about to exit the bed until her voice halted him. "Hey, where are you going?"
Reuben turned his head and smiled. "Morning."
She nodded. "Morning to you too. So, where were you going?"
"Oh I just wanted some breakfast." Reuben replied shyly.
"Okay." Drea sighed. She had a terrible feeling that it was because he was humiliated about sleeping with her last night. Sure they didn't do anything that was more than friends, but still. Maybe she was ugly.
Reuben noticed her downcast mood and returned back to her. "Hey, what's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong." Drea replied and her voice cracked. She bowed her head to hide her tears.
"Drea?" Reuben enquired. "You're not okay. Just tell me what's wrong."
"Are you embarrassed?" Drea asked.
"No, why would I be?" Reuben asked and slid on the bed with her.
"For sleeping wi-with me. Last night." She stuttered slowly.
Reuben grinned. "Drea, I was a little nervous about waking up next to you. I mean, all we wanted to do was just watch a movie and we fell asleep with the form of lovers. I thought you would get a bit mad at me for taking advantage of you."
"What do you mean, taking advantage of me?" Drea asked, tilting her head to one side.
"I mean, I should've carried you to your room or just let you have the bed instead of just sleeping with you. Isn't that taking advantage of you?" Reuben explained.
"I'm not mad Reuben. I'm not regretful either. In fact, I'm glad you stayed with me. It's been a while since I woke up in a male's arms." Drea smiled, but then her face showed hurt and sorrow.
"What's the matter?" Reuben asked.
"This morning just reminded me of the times I wake up next to Slyther. He would give me a good morning kiss then together we would see our babies." Drea replied sadly. "Now Angel will be experiencing that every morning of her life. Lucky girl."
"Angel has always been lucky." Reuben murmured, not sure if he wanted her to hear.
"I'd give anything to have Slyther's love back, but as the earthlings say, when you love someone, you have to let them go. It's hard waking up without his morning kiss, but I'm sure I'll find someone else. I just have to find him." She said.
Reuben bit his lip. "Have you found someone you might like?"
Drea smiled. "I think there's someone I'm willing to give the chance." She said with coy. "He just has to give me the chance to make the problem about Angel fade away."
"It's not the Angel problem that needs to fade." Reuben replied, his voice dripping with grief. "It's the Gantu problem." Tears began forming in Reuben's eyes, causing the pink dragon to reach up and wipe them away before they could fall.
Drea stared into his eyes. "Reuben, please tell me what happened to him."
Reuben sighed. "Drea, I'm sorry, but this is something I want to keep to myself."
She shook her head. "You can't keep this bottled inside of you. I've been watching you Reuben. I know you're depressed and not only are you hurting yourself by keeping this inside, but you're hurting the people around you, especially Lilo. She cares a lot for you Reuben." He nodded wordlessly then bowed his head. Drea laid her hand on top of his comfortingly. "Tell me."
Reuben sighed. "When Gantu and I were partners, we faced over hundreds of villains together. There was one out of those hundred that Gantu and I had to face over and over again, Ukut Prume. He's a very wanted killer for many decapitations. Gantu and I had to face him almost fifty times since he always finds a way to get out of prison. One night, the grand council woman told us that Prume was on the lose again. Gantu and I discovered his hiding place and tried to ambush him. However, it didn't go as planned. I got beaten up pretty bad by Prume's cronies and Gantu, the last I saw of him, he was overpowered by millions of them. After struggling with them, Gantu swiped them off him and he stood the best he could. He limped over to me and picked me up. He carried me to the two man shuttle and helped me inside. Suddenly, he fell to the ground and I tried to pull him up, but it was futile. I noticed the gash on his side and knew he had been shot. He told me to go, to fly to somewhere safe. I told him I wasn't going without him, but G always had ways of convincing me otherwise. I started the engines then took one last look at him to see he had died. I cried for a bit until Prume's cronies came." Reuben sniffed to hold back tears. Drea reached her arms around his waist, laying her head on his shoulder with her blood red eyes peering up at him with knowing. "I was heading for Turo to tell the grand council woman what happened to Gantu until someone blasted one of the wings off my two man shuttle. I tried regaining control, but as it spun, I slammed my head up against something and lost consciousness. I was very lucky to have crashed on Lilo's island. I thought I was a goner when they blasted my shuttle."
Drea frowned then bowed her head. "I'm sorry that happened. I thought you and Gantu blew up at each other and he made you leave. I didn't think he was…"
Reuben rubbed her back. "It's alright."
He looked at her and she at him. Their eyes gazed into each other's, feeling the other's hurt, anger, and grief. Reuben was transfixed by the sadness that glazed her eyes, but also noticed a glimmer of hope and maybe even, love. Drea scooted closer, her eyes never leaving his as she moved her head towards him. Reuben leaned slightly forward until he could feel her breath. Her lips softly touched his, he brought his arms around her back and pulled her closer, and they shared their first kiss.
Drea didn't have much time to register what they were doing because a scream reached her ears. "Hey! Get off me!" The voice shouted and Drea had a horrible feeling it was Lilo.
Reuben heard the cry and pushed Drea away. The two leaped from their beds, completely forgetting about the kiss. They darted down the stairs, ready to attack the intruder that dared hurt Lilo. Reuben and Drea ran inside the living room, their hearts racing with anticipation. However, they calmed, besides Reuben of course, when they saw Stitch on top of Lilo, kissing her as if he hadn't seen her in years.
"What the blitznac is going on here!" Reuben shouted.
Stitch pulled himself off Lilo to see who interrupted them. "Reuben!" He cried cheerfully. "Long time no see buddy! What brings you around these parts?"
Stitch walked up to Reuben, shaking his hand. "I have to ask you what brings YOU here. I thought you were with that Master guy or something." Reuben said.
"Huh? Oh, he let me get away for the day. I came by to see Lilo." Stitch replied as Lilo stepped beside him. His arm instantly brought itself around her shoulders.
"And you were kissing her because…" Reuben trailed, forgetting the essential fact that Lilo and Stitch were in love.
Drea slapped his arm playfully, giggling. "Reuben! They're in love remember?"
"Oh yeah. How could I forget." Reuben mused.
"Stitch, did he tell you the plan?" Drea asked excitedly.
Stitch shook his head. "Not yet. He says that when I get back, we'll discuss them. I get to leave here no later than 11:00."
"Tonight? Or in three hours?" Reuben interrogated.
"He said tonight." Stitch said with a shrug.
This got Drea's mind reeling with doubtful thoughts. That doesn't sound like Master. He never gave me a day off and he always lead me to believe I was his favorite. Then again, Master would've already jumped from his spot if he was hiding around the house somewhere once he sees Stitch kissing Lilo. Maybe somewhere inside, Master does have a heart.
The four friends went over to the couch and began conversing with each other. With some encouragement from Drea, Reuben confessed what happened to him. Lilo and Stitch were devastated. They didn't warm up to Gantu that much, but they warmed up to him enough to consider him as a friend. It was such a shock to them that their previous arch nemesis, now one of their friends, had died. After comforting Reuben, Drea talked about her past crimes with Master to change the subject.
The friends stroke up a never-ending conversation. Reuben talking about his extraordinary missions with Gantu and how the two bonded significantly over the years only to have death pry it away from them. Drea talking about her times when she was only known as Experiment 699 up to the time when Master dubbed her Drea. Lilo going on about her parent's deaths, how she felt so alone until Stitch entered her life, and informed them when she felt something towards him. Stitch talking about his adventurous escape from prison, crashing to Earth, meeting Lilo, how he started warming up to her, and actually laughed when he told about the time Lilo had first rejected him.
All the while, a set of black eyes watched the whole thing through a screen. His dark eyes blazing with fury for the blue experiment. His lips curled into a snarl of distaste when the unfaithful comrade of his touched the girl as lovers would. So this is why you haven't been so obedient towards me. Master thought lividly, but then again, what did he expect? Of course the girl was a genius at turning experiments from bad to good. However, she wouldn't live for long.
"She will die." Master replied, his tone dripping with rage. His voice was so vicious and harsh that may even frighten Cobra Bubbles. " Not by your hands though 626, but by mine. You blew the chance of her having a quick and painless death. Now, she will die horribly and as slowly as possible. This time, I will ensure it. This time, I won't use my powers, I'll kill her the same way I killed the natives in this house, only much more slowly and much more painfully. She will not have an easy death!"
He turned off the TV, not wanting to see the disgusting sight anymore. He knew he would need some helpers. After all, if Stitch was going to turn his back on him, then he's alone in this. He needed to round up the most dangerous experiments possible. Ones that could overpower Stitch. He briskly made his way inside his room, inhaling the stench of blood through his nostrils. He smirked at the thought of smelling Lilo's blood.
Master strolled over to his desk, opening the drawer. He took out the book that had been his main source the whole time. He flipped through the book, scanning every muscular experiment he could find or ones with very deadly powers. His eyes widened when he took in experiment 627, an experiment that might do him a lot of good if he didn't have his humor weakness. He found Angel and he thought of her. At first, he thought her to be dead, but then again, wasn't Drea supposed to be dead too?
They're alive. He thought to himself, gritting his teeth in frustration. "They're alive, but they won't be for long."
Master resumed flipping through the pages, finding some experiments useful. First, he would have to find a way to kidnap Angel without her lover boy, Slyther there protecting her. He had to turn her evil, which wouldn't be a problem. Then have her turn the following experiments evil: Kixx, Heat, Plasmoid, Yin, Yang, and Splodyhead. Then while the ohana are having a grand time together, Master will slip inside the ship and retrieve a pod with three numbers the family never wanted to hear again in the same order; 627.
Morning passed and the sun had fully exposed itself to show that it was afternoon. Angel and Slyther had a swim in the pool while listening to music for an hour before they decided to snack. Angel and Slyther dined on potato chips while waiting for their fur to dry.
"I'm going to go take a shower buchee-bu." Slyther replied, stretching his arms out above him. "I'm getting cold."
"Have fun then." Angel replied, kissing his cheek.
"How about you join me sweetheart." Slyther coaxed, massaging her shoulders and neck. "You're cold too aren't you?"
"I have to run to the store. We're out of lemonade." Angel replied. "But thanks anyways hon."
"One question, why are you allowed inside the store?" Slyther asked.
"There's a woman that works there who I became friends with. She always has her daughter sitting outside the store and she and I are real close. She tells everyone that I'm her dog and doesn't like leaving me home. Since I behave myself, they let her pass and I tell her what I want, give her the money, and she buys the stuff for me." Angel replies. "I'll be back no later than an hour. Enjoy your shower."
"It'll be lonely without you." Slyther begged.
"Slyther." She grinned then chuckled. "I'll be in the mood to shower with you later on tonight."
Slyther smiled as she left, thinking how lucky he was to have her in his life. Their relationship was based purely on their love for each other. He felt they were just perfect together. He watched her back as she reached for her little purse then left. He stood a little bit longer before running up the stairs.
Angel happily strode down the dirt road, her purse slung over her shoulder. It was a weird habit for her to carry her purse when she didn't really need it, but she felt secured with it. As she walked, she failed to notice a person lagging behind her. Before she could get to a public area, her mouth was covered, an arm slung around her waist, and the barrel of the blaster touched her head.
"Remember me?" Master. Angel thought fearfully. Master chuckled. "Don't fight with me girl, I have a blaster at your head and I know you're not bulletproof."
Frightened, Angel let Master guide her towards his house, where he made her forget her friends, her love, and made her devote herself to his plans.
Time escaped from Lilo and Stitch too quickly. They were relieved Master was kind enough to give them a whole day together, but now their fantastic day has came to an end. Stitch stared at the clock, which read 10:58. He had exactly two minutes to get back to Master. Lilo sat beside him, her heart swelled with worry. She was still skeptical to Master allowing Stitch to have the whole day for himself without even spying on them.
Stitch sighed then turned to Lilo, putting an arm around her shoulders. She leaned in and kissed him. He kissed her back of course. Stitch kept her near to him for he had an awful feeling that this just may be the last time he gets to kiss his buchee-bu. Both of them were terrified for what may come, but they knew they would have to face it together.
Reluctantly, they pulled away when their lungs demanded for air. Stitch looked at her. "I better go buchee-bu." He whispered.
Lilo nodded. "I love you."
Stitch smiled then lifted her chin. "Don't say that as if you're saying goodbye. We'll see each other again."
Lilo shrugged. "I don't know Stitch. I'm so worried."
"Don't be. Everything will turn out okay. I love you too." Stitch kissed her lips one last time before sliding off the bed. "Goodnight buchee-bu."
"Night." Lilo bade back then fell into the bed.
Stitch glanced at her one last time, then with a smile, he left. He exited her house and bade his goodbyes to Drea and Reuben sitting on the couch together. He smiled at their joined hands then turned and left the house completely. He shuffled through the woods, passing the beautiful landscape before facing the house that held his fate.
He strode up the stairs, hoping Master would give him the plans. Slowly, he raised his hand and turned the knob. He stepped inside the house, shivering from the intense coldness that occupied the area. He closed the door and locked it before reaching to the lights. Once the lights flickered on, two experiments dived for him. He landed on the floor with a low moan before they pulled him back up. Stitch couldn't believe his eyes when he saw Kixx on one side of him and on the other side was Heat.
"What are you guys doing here?" Stitch asked.
Before the experiments could retort, a chuckle sounded the room, causing Stitch's heart beat to quicken in its pace. His eyes widened when he saw Master enter the doorway, wearing that same smirk. "Ah, how nice of you to join us 626. I thought you would get so caught up with your little girlfriend that you would forget to come back. But then again, you were probably just dying to come back here for me to tell you the plans so you could tell them to your precious Lilo, she and the family brainstorm, and then you're rid of me! You little traitor. Now you and your family will suffer!"
Stitch bowed his head in shame. He wasn't regretting going back to Lilo, he regretted that he failed her. Now, she just might die and he would have to sit there and watch her die. He perked his head up when he remembered Kixx and Heat gripping his arms. He knew there were more news to fear. "Wait! How did you know about them? How did you find them!"
Master snickered then inclined his head to the female experiment in the shadows. Stitch felt his fast beating heart drop to the pit of his stomach in absolute terror. Angel emerged from the shadows, wearing a smirk very identical to Master, and looped her arm around his.