A/N: Before I rant my rants for this chapter, I'd like to thank a big 'thank you~~~!' with hugs to everyone who read this fic until now; to DyingWill4RainSky and SinoviVaatell who put this humbled fic to their story alerts; to slytherin deputy (Hello? Still here with me? Seriously, you should stop changing your name!) and Ruuya-chan for putting this to their favorites; to Xx Red Cap xX, Chiio-sama and still, Ruuya for reviewing last chapter! :D
Xx Red Cap xX: I was still nervous about it back then lol. Still, I'm glad you kind of loved it! ^^
Ruuya: You know, I can't do 'gore' that much unlike you. /shot Anyway, I was inspired by iLen-Rin's 'This Is My Battleground' at that time, so... yeah. Kinda based on it. XD
So, that's it for now! My other rants are at the other side below. If you still read it, then... free cookies later? :D
Warning: Language (I don't even think there's that many, but, oh well), slight violence, a slice-of-life kind of theme and a very long author's note below.
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"M–Mom…"
A little boy dressed in rags, he who was no older than ten, choked. He was near to stopping his cries. He was definitely doing it. Just a bit more and it'll be okay. He touched the hair of the woman who was lying on his lap, combing it with his hands. He wanted to fix it, to the look it always had, a look that matched his beautiful mother.
The bloodied woman only gave the boy a gentle caress on his cheek, even careful not to taint her beloved. She knew that he felt it–the caution, and shaky touch of hers, but she brushed off those feelings, and made it lovingly and assuring. She smiled brightly at him.
"M–Mom…" he called her softly, while rubbing the tears off of his cerulean eyes. He really made sure that they were dry now, and that he won't cry again. He promised his mother that he won't, since he's a big boy now. "…I love you!"
"I love you more, my dear…!" his mother whispered between sobs, sobs that started after she saw her son struggling to keep his promise, and stay strong for her. "I wished that I've spent more time with you, my son, instead of 'this'…"
"You don't need to regret, mom!" the boy grinned widely. "Don't you remember? You told me that after this, you'll stay with me all the time~! With that, we're going to take the time you have with those missions!"
Mother gave him a warm smile and said, "Please stay always like that, my child. Be strong. Don't give up. I'll always watch over you… I love you, L–"
Tears rolled on his cheek. The blond shook the cold woman.
"M–Mom… Why don't you open your eyes? I've always like your pretty eyes, so, please open them for me! N–No… Mom…! You're only joking, right? You can't… You need to wake up. Please, wake up. Wake up, Mom!"
Len Kagamine, that's the name of the boy dressed in rags. That pitiful boy is me.
Fourteen years ago, I used to have a family–a family that consists of a father and a mother. Unfortunately, I don't have any clear memories of my father. All I know is that he was a good man, and according to my mother, he was a man of his words and he stood for righteousness.
That left me to live with my mother, who was a soldier in the army. She was the most enchanting woman, the loveliest mother and an amazing fighter at the same time. We lived in a poor, but happy country, and we never wished for more. We were contented and satisfied with what we have. Back then, I never thought that those days would end.
One day, that damned mission came for her–the mission to terminate terrorists, whom were all approaching our hometown. She was assigned to our place, but even without that, I knew that she'll protect the place and the people that accepted and cared for us. She promised me that she'll retire after this last mission and we'll live peacefully. I nodded, even though I know that it was far from the truth–that she'll never be restless, because of her duty. But, I had my hopes up.
And, Mom did come back, only for me to see how she'll die in front of me…
Shouting. Escaping people. Fire.
"Well, well. If it isn't that bitch's brat!"
Gun shots. Cries. Fallen bodies.
"How unfortunate! She didn't set a trap in her house to protect her little baby~! Let's kill him!"
My eyes widen with all of these at once. There was panic, fear, and sorrow.
"Stop! I have a better idea! Let's 'play' with this brat for a while, like we did to the bitch before she escaped! A mother and son tragedy alike, won't you agree? This'll be fun~!"
Maniacal laughter and echoes of chaos sang to my ears, with the song of terror in the background. The next thing I knew, everything was bloody red, of heat, of pain, of destruction.
I turned around to see those cursed bandits in our house, having those wicked smiles on their ugly faces. I snapped. Without any hesitations, I grabbed the shotgun my father used to have, the weapon he gave to my mother, from the floor.
"Shut up! You have no right to look down on me and Mom, you pieces of-!"
At age six, I learned how to hold a gun, and to fire it for the first time to the idiots who mocked us. But, in the end, I first tasted hell in their hands. They tortured me with bruises and wounds, all for their so-called punishment for my 'insolence'.
As if my last prayers to God were answered, a man with purple hair and violet eyes came to rescue me.
"C'mon, kiddo… Quit whining. Be a man and stand up."
Those were the first words he gave me.
After asking if my father was Commander Kagamine and my mother was Second–in–Command Kagamine, Kamui Gakupo took me in his care. He was my parents' friend, and a high–ranked commander in the military. He gave me two choices: to create my own path or to walk on the road where my parents walked. I chose both.
And it's because I want to protect people like me–the powerless, the oppressed, and the weak. I can't handle the feeling of seeing someone harmed by the strong. It reminded me of myself, that's why I did all to the best of my abilities, just to help. I don't want to see another boy who only got money in place of the government, for his mother on the day of her funeral. On that day, condolences and sympathy were enough. But, to think that money can replace her? …I never forgot that moment.
At the age of ten, I was known as 'Gakupo's left hand', the youngest one ever to be settled as the second–in–command. That was my mother's position.
"Hi, I'm glad to be your acquaintance, Kagamine-kun! Let us do our best from now on as partners, okay?"
Four years passed, and I met Rin Kagamine. One thing's for sure: I never have a sister.
I can only complain–to why did Gakupo choose this girl to be my partner. Next to that girl who always smiles and laughs, despite of the situations we face in the army, I always feel bad, like I'm the most sinful person in the world.
I heard every whisper and murmur in the corridors of our base, saying their apologies and regrets that Rin Kagamine became Len Kagamine's partner, the boy who murdered a band of terrorists at a very young age. Even until now, in this God-forsaken land and time, the rumors never ceased.
But, it was an accident! I did it to protect ourselves. I had no choice, back then.
It was a pleasure to see their blood on my hands…
No! I didn't feel that way–I will never feel such thought. I promised myself not to take lives again, by accident or not, unless necessary and if they're away from justice. Why am I thinking about these things? This is–
"I like your hair~! It's so soft and sweet–scented, just like your father's. You took much after him, after all. You look like him, Len~! …Oh, I almost forgot the time…!"
Stop.
"…Please don't cry, dear. Promise me that you won't. You're a big boy now, you must learn to grow. If you do that, Mommy promises you that this will be her last, okay? No more war, gun shots, and bombs. I'll never leave my Len–chan's side again, this I swear!"
Stop this.
"…Please, always stay like that…"
Stop this, please.
"Be strong. Don't give up."
I already know what to do. I don't need to hear these things again. If this continues, I'll lose my strength, my will. My fear will come back...
"I'll always watch over you…"
I'm beginning to be scared again, scared that the shield around my heart will collapse, that my heart will be harmed, that I'll be hurt again. The armor's collapsing. I can't let that happen. I'm afraid of being hurt. I hate pain. I don't want to feel it again. I need to build my 'defense' again...
"I love you, L–"
I want to wake up, even if I'm to be awoken in hell. Darkness came back. My memories sink in my mind once again. Taking this chance, I took the power to wake. Light stings my eyes, and all I can see is pure white.
"W–Where am I?" I stuttered, as I slowly regain my senses. No, this couldn't possibly be some sort of paradise. I can't be dead yet–no, I'm not. I won't be.
"Heaven, Len. You're in heaven." I furrowed my eyebrows, as I saw a cherry–haired tomboy above me.
I just smirked darkly at her and said, "It's too bad that I don't believe in that kind of crap."
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*** Going Up ***
Project 03: The Boy in the Poor Country
– Part II: The Girl and her Smiles –
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Rin's POV
Greetings! This is Rin Kagamine, reporting!
So far, there are no intruders, trespassers and enemies seen around the camp. Every zone is clear. Somehow, we're still safe.
Putting down the binoculars from my blue eyes, I sling it on my neck. I stretch my arms upward, as I can't help but to giggle, while my feet kicks in the air. I've always wanted to do a patrol alone and report what I observe like this. It's so fun~!
Sitting on the top of the watch post is so cool. I can see everything beyond the horizon out there, and I can feel the wind in my hair. It's as if everything's back to normal.
"It's mine!"
"No, I found it first!"
Eh? What's…?
Quickly, I look down to find what the trouble is. I saw two children fighting over something–seashell? I furrowed my eyebrows. Where could they possibly get an impossible thing like that? I mean, if you were in our world today, you'll know that it's hard to find something related to water, moreover, water itself. This is quite an interesting discovery!
I made my way down, by sliding down the post, as if I'm a firefighter. I prefer it, since it's much faster than the steps. Afterwards, I ran to the kids, and grabbed the seashell. That'll stop them.
"…Rin–nee!" Yuki Kaai and Iroha Nekomura squeal, as the two of them bump each other, while getting the shell from my hand. I raise it higher than them, evoking the two to jump. These two can really be troublesome sometimes, you know. You see, they always fight for things. It can't be helped, though. They're still young.
Iroha and Yuki beg, "…Give that back, Rin–nee!"
"Nuh–uh! Behave first!" I replied, still holding the shell. Good thing that Gumi taught me her techniques about children. Hmm, I wonder when I'll see her again. Isn't she done with the treaty talks or something yet?
"B–But…!"
"No buts!" I interrupt them. Yuki–chan's black eyes widen, while I saw tears nearing the sides of Iroha–chan's eyes. Did I overdo it? Did I raise my voice that high? Sighing, I pat their heads and I smiled, assuring them. Iroha and Yuki's faces lighten.
"Okay, Rin–nee will give you this seashell, but, promise me that you must not fight again, understand? Yuki–chan and Iroha–chan must share what they have, not only with each other, but with everyone else, too. Please, you two must learn to do that, okay?"
"Yes, Rin–nee!" they chirped, and I gave them the shell. Before they run off together, I asked Iroha, the cat girl, how and where she got the shell. She answered me with a grin, and off they go to play. I bade them goodbye.
I walked again, and explored the camp. I need to tell Gakupo–san what I just knew. Maybe after a few minutes of walking, I might stumble upon him, and find him. Or I can just go to his tent and tell him.…What to do now?
"…Rin–chan!"
"Hey, Rinny's back!…Yeah!"
People wave their hands at me. They paused in their different works, and gave me greetings. I smiled, and waved back, while continuing my walk. That can wait. I'll help everyone first!
. . .
In just five minutes, I helped many people in building tents, carrying things, household chores and many more. But, why do I feel tired al– Ah, no, Rin! I slap my cheeks. You must not be! You've got many things to do! There are many others who need your help!
Just then, I saw a white–haired woman carrying many crates. I gaped. How could she–? She needs me! Immediately, I ran to her and I got some of the crates.
"W–Who…?" I heard the woman mumble, after she noticed some of the crates missing. I pop my head out of the boxes for her to see. I greeted her with a smile. "…Haku–san!"
"H–Hello, Rin–chan…! You're home!" she recognized me, and returned the simper."U–Um, you must be tired now, since you just came back. You can just leave the crates to me, you know!"
I gave her a 'No way' look. I mean, when I grabbed these from her earlier, I almost lost my balance and I almost fell, out of its heaviness. In the first place, it's impossible for her to bring all of these, so I just couldn't let her.
"No. You've been forcing yourself much, Haku–san. Working non–stop again, not accepting any help… You should stop that. I'm here, so…!"
"…Rin." I flinched.
This is a very awkward moment, a rare moment when Haku–san isn't stuttering. I can only wait what's she's going to say. But, when Haku–san smiled sweetly again, I felt relieved, but stunned at the same time, when she said, "You… what you're doing–isn't that what you call 'forcing yourself'? Rin, you should be the one to stop doing that. You don't know how it means to all of us."
I stopped walking, and stared at her, thinking about what she just said. 'Don't know how it means to them'? What…? What does she means? I don't understand…
"…U–Um, Rin–chan? Did I–I say something wrong? Did I do anything wrong? …I–I'm sorry, Rin! Please forgive me! I–I'm sorry! Beat me to death! D–Do whatever you want–"
"N–No! You didn't do anything wrong, Haku–san!" I cried, as I just snapped back to my senses when I heard her normal tone, while I tried to process what I see."D–Don't slash your wrist with the end of your cracked beer, please!"
After I stopped Haku–san from committing suicide, we chat about many things while we carry these boxes to the destined tent. She even told me this fantasy story, even if she already told me that a million times. But, I didn't complain, since it's my favorite.
We reached the storage tent, and put the boxes in. Haku–san thanked, and bade me "See you later, then, Rin–chan!" then, she sped off. I've got things to do, too, so I walked around again, hoping to find someone who needs me. But, in the way, I can't help but to think about what Haku–san said earlier. The thoughts still linger, though…
"Don't blame me if your bloody guts come out later, asshole!"
In front of me stands Miki, the camp's nurse, with her hands on her hips, yelling loudly again. I looked beside her, and realized that I'm near the healing tent. It seems like he has awoken, and Miki's surely energetic to beat him up, since he's the only one here she can't pawn, like she always does to others.
"Yeah, yeah," a walking blond before her mumbles, while waving his hand as if to say 'scram'. "Whatever."
That's Len Kagamine–the 'left hand' of Gakupo–san, back when he was still in army and the second–in–command here in the camp now. Well, it's not just him. I was part of the government's army, too, and I'm also the second–in–command with Len.
I, Rin Kagamine, was an orphan, before I was known as the 'right hand' of Gakupo–san, and before I became Len's partner and his 'other half' back then, until now. Gakupo–san just adopted me, after he found me in the remains of a war that made me an , from the start, I was abandoned by my real parents, but the sisters back at the orphanage stood as my second parents, and guided me, loved me and treated me as if we're blood–related. Because of that, I promised myself to be better, to use these abilities I've acquired, not to avenge their untimely death within that accidental battle, but to protect those I can't back when I was weak, unconscious and little. So, that's why, I joined the government's army; I mean, I can't live only as a free–loader and an added burden to protect, I also want to learn, 'serve and protect' and they became my 'family' in those four years.
And yet, what I don't understand is why Len's so distant from us, especially from me. He's always so far away to reach, and he doesn't like to socialize much, except if it's with Gakupo–san, Meito–kun, and Gumi–san. But, I just don't get it…Is it because of our similarities?
I mean, many people, and of course, including me, noticed a lot of common similarities between us. Besides from our looks–yellow hair and blue eyes–our surnames are also the same, so is our birthday and our age. Is it also because we're often mistaken as each other back then? Um, you know, that's because Len used to look like a sho–… No! I mustn't think of it! That's Len's forbidden word!
In any way, he must hate me from the start, since he never even called me by my name… Hang on. He did call me earlier. Not 'Kagamine', but Rin! If I'm right, then, I'm relieved…I sighed silently, as I clutched my chest. But, I feel like there's still something I need to do. I just don't remember what! Stupid Rin, you need to remember!
I poke my head, something that I do when I'm frustrated and that I need to reminisce something, as I close my eyes.
"Would you look at that, Rin's here~! Need a hand to take your brains out, too?"
I stopped, and open my eyes to see Miki who's now in front of me, as she eats her cherries. Since when did she have that? No, it's not the time to think of that. I saw Len glance at me and I heard him mutter something under his breath. My heart ceased beating, as he turn away and walk off. I face palmed, covering my hot red face with my hands in embarrassment. I can die out of shame, right now!What will he think of me now? What should I do?
"Oh, Rinny~~~…!"I looked, and saw her approaching me. I think I have bigger problems to face for the meantime…
"Where have you been? Mommy Miki's really worried about you~"Miki smiles at me sweetly, and I feel that my chances of survival are sinking. I back off from her, as she advances towards me.
"Ah, M–Miki, it's you!" I said, grinning back at her. "W–Well, you see, I just went out to, um, get some fresh air, you know, s–so I thought that I'd like to stay out here and enjoy it more!"
"Oh, really…? Then, why do your wounds tell me otherwise, hmmm?"
…What?
I gazed with terror at the bandages over my limbs and my 's right! My wounds must've been opened from the lifting I made earlier! But, for me, this is nothing. They'll heal up quickly soon. Besides, I've got many things to do. I need to help everyone in building our camp. I must go to them.
"M–Miki," I said with a pleading tone, "Can I go to the bathroom–"
…But, all I've got is a great push inside the medical tent! I turn around to see Miki grin deviously at me and said, "NO, Rinny. You've been out for some time after you escaped me while tending to that ungrateful little– well, not much of the thing though.…Just stay for Mommy Miki, please~?"
For a moment there, I became immediately scared of Miki for life. I just nodded with shivers, as Miki smiled at me again and pointed where I should can be quite scary sometimes, especially when she adds that 'sweet' tone. I can't blame her, though, because she only worries for us and she dislikes the fact that I have to go outside and fight, well, us youngsters, anyway. I sat on the bed, and Miki started to cure me again.
"Ah, seriously," she sighs, as she states. "What the hell is wrong with you? You always come back as if you've been raped a hundred times! Just look at your clothes!"
"Miki," I gulped. Her reaction is… "T–That's too much, isn't it?"
"Screw it!" Miki bursts, as I pray for the scissors which cut the bandages not hit me. "Why don't you start taking care of yourself? Do you believe that you're superwoman with, and that kind of horse shit? God, Rin! Look at yourself, look at your body. May I remind you that you're still a human, Rin Kagamine, and a young lady at the age of 14 with that!"
I bowed my head. Miki stands up silently,and went to her drawers. It's not like I like getting hurt, and all, but if it's for their sake, I'll gladly do so.I'll be happy to be the only one to suffer. It's also a part of my job, anyway, and it's not like it's avoidable, too.
"Here," I heard Miki mumble, as she gives me a hat and something with it. I gave her a puzzled look."You're really that dense, aren't you? This girl's really unbelievable!"
I checked it, looking for anything dangerous. Miki assures,"No need to check. I didn't put anything, so no worries. Heck, if you were Len, I'll gladly stuff grenades in your new clothes."
"B–But, these are yours, Miki–chan! I can't–" I stopped, and sense her demonic aura come out, as Miki glares at me. I have no choice but to change clothes. It just took me quick seconds. After I've changed, Miki told me to rest, and there's no way I'll do that. Just as she seemed to have to use force on me, I readied myself, and prayed that someone save me–
"I heard my little Rin–Rin came back~!"
It's Gumi!
The green-head went in the tent and hugged me tight. I hugged back, too, and saw Miki twitch her eyebrows in the corner. Ah, Gumi forgot about her again!She cuts the embrace and beams at me. "So, care to tell the story between you and Len–Len? I heard you guys–"
I roll my eyes, as Gumi chats about many things, mostly Len and me. I was about to politely stop this, um, odd conversation about relationships and stuff I can't understand, but someone already did.
"Okay, kids. Playtime's over."
"Man, Miki's seemed to be pissed off again! Chill out, girl, will you? Boys don't like hot–headed girls, you know!" Gumi giggles. If only Gumi sees Miki's aura…
"What the heck, Gumi! Don't you ever mention about boys and girls here, especially right to my face, and think about Rin's innocence!" Miki snaps. "Also, don't you have eyes? Can't you see that she needs rest? Oh right,you didn't even see me, so how can you? Leave the damned tent now."
As expected, Gumi tried to plea to Miki but of course, Miki doesn't plan to be affected. Gumi–san lost and instead, she did an unexpected thing. Before pushing me outside, she whispered something like, "…Go find Len and say 'hi!' for me,okay?" and out I came. I look at Gumi who's at the tent's door, helping me escape while stopping the raging Miki behind her.
"Rin, come back here or you'll…!"
I didn't stay to listen to what Miki says, as I ran away from the tent. I'm really sorry for Miki–chan, and shouted my apologies to her, but I just need to go. I also mouthed 'thanks!' to Gumi–san, my partner in crime…
. . .
I reached my destination–the laundry zone–after a couple of minutes of walk from the camp. Since it's the zone for our laundries (which have our own ways how to wash our clothes since water's insufficient sometimes), hence the name, it's a really wideplace where few wild bushes and grass grow, despite of the surroundings.
Sitting down near a big rock, cool breeze welcomes me. It's rare, since the weather is crazily unpredictable now. How it would be wonderful to match the environment if it were only back to normal, where trees and plants grow. You see, today, the whole planet looks like a huge dessert. Mostly orange and brown make the colors of the environment. You'll be lucky to see few plants and trees, who adopted from the drastic weather change.
After a few minutes of resting here in my favorite place out of camp, I stood and brushed the dust off my new clothes. I won't allow it to be torn to pieces or to be dirtied, since it's a gift Miki gave me. I really like this dress! It's green, and the hat's very cute, too. This is the only time I feel lady–like, I must admit.
Twirling around, I did as I watch my dress follow easily. It isn't bad to feel and be a 'princess' now like I used to play as, right? I played with myself, until Gumi–san and her brother entered my my girly movements, I switched 'off' and returned to the 'current me'.
"…Time to go~!" I playfully said to myself, and did some stretching, while watching the marvelous cliff before me. Just as I'm readying myself for a fast run back to the camp to do the things I needed to do, I heard something shuffling–like footsteps?–and immediately, I turned around, only to see everything happened next as a fast blur...
BANG! BANG! BANG!
SLASH! SLASH!
BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!
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A/N: Okay, so now let's play a game. I'm gonna ask you review questions, and guess what's going to happen next. Sounds fun, right? So, we start now in this chapter, so get ready!
What do you think happened to Rin–Rin? Is Miki awesome? What do you think about Gumi? Ohohoho, I wonder who'll guess the first review questions... No kill-joys out there, guys, okay! :)
And then, behold my rants: First of all, cheers, for I'm back from hiatus! Not, entirely, but yes. Finally, because I'm really near to lose my sanity about thinking about what to do for my stuff here and those uncompleted and other not-updated fics… Oh man. Kingdom Hearts got me. 'Nuff said.
Anyway, I'm sorry for the delay of this chapter (like always, lol). I believe that I won't be able to post the next quickly so please watch out. Honestly, some of the parts of this chapter are changed, like the beginning and the end, and I feel like it's kind of a bit forced. I'm afraid that the next chapters will have the same feeling for me, too, since I've already written them, but I have no choice but to retype them. You see, one of the reasons I didn't update much for the last few days, well, months to be exact, is because my flash drive, where I have my files (including this fic), got a virus which ate all of I've typed of this story, from Project 03 to Project 04. Yes, just imagine how many chapters each one got, and that I'm forced to delete! *stops myself to cry a river again*
Fortunately, Project 05 is isolated from the rest and isn't moved by that damned virus. I really apologize if this note is so long and that I'm taking away some of your beloved time of your life, but I just wanted to share what I've kept within me for a long time, release my frustrations and hope that I don't need to write another long note next time. I was just so disappointed and sad, y'know, and I just needed to share it...
Well, that's all. Thanks for lending me your ears (or eyes, rather, yeah). Until next time, my friends! :3