Chapter 3 - Memories
Well we're back again for the third chapter! Hope everyone is enjoying the story so far! Sorry about the nasty cliff hangers (grins) but hey that's just how I like to end my chapters.
Nikki: You really think they care?
Of course they do! No one likes to be left hanging with stories!
Nikki: Well there are some that don't give a damn!
Kai: Hey now girls don't start fighting again.
Butt out pretty boy!
Nikki: Don't yell at Kai like that!
Jason: (pops out of no where) HEY SIS!
Nikki: WHAT THE HELL JASON?
Ah! Just in time! Everyone allow me to introduce another star of my story, Jason Kazahana!
Jason: What's up everyone!
Unfortunately I do not own Jason. A good friend of mine created him and his girlfriend Jennifer West who I shall introduce later.
Jason: Why not now?
Because each character is introduced in each chapter, I thought I explained this!
Jason: (wails) But I want my girlfriend!
Nikki: Shut it wuss, suck it up and be a man.
Jason: You can't tell me what to do!
Nikki: (pulls back sleeve) WANNA TRY ME?
(Sweat drops)
Kai: Why don't we just go on with the story?
Good idea! Everyone enjoy! (Cracks knuckles) Now you guys don't want to be erased from my gallery do you?
Nikki/Jason: … O.O
A soft breeze blew across the land, trees waving gently in response to the soft wind. Waves heaved on to the beach, the tides pulling them back and forth. The moon shone brightly above the peaceful shore, bathing the water with its silver light. The beach was a serene and perfect view, the perfect place for anyone who needed some time with friends, or with the one that they loved.A young girl standing on this very beach stared out at the never-ending waters, a small peaceful smile on her face. Her hair swayed to the timing of the wind as her long brown strands flew over her shoulder and gently across her back. A young man, who gazed lovingly at the girl he saw before him, was watching this sight of beauty with a gentle smile on his face. To him she was the most precious angel; he never wanted to let her go. As much as he was enjoying just staring at her, he wanted to let her know he was there. Quietly he walked up behind her, the smile never leaving his face. The girl apparently heard him, for she turned around and when her soft sky blue eyes settled on him, they lit up and her smile widened. She walked over to him, her eyes sparkling in the moonlight. He put out his arms for her and she buried herself into his embrace, wrapping her arms around his neck, while his in turn settled gently around her waist. They pulled back from their hug slightly to look at each other, neither one fully letting go. Bright blue eyes gazed longingly into soft green eyes; they stared at each other for a long moment before leaning in and meeting the other halfway in perfect bliss. No words needed to be said between the two young lovers. Such was the depth of their love, and in that one moment that they shared, they promised in their hearts, that nothing would tear them apart. They would stand by and love each other forever…that is after all, what true love is.
Nikki's eyes fluttered open; she blinked her eyes tiredly trying to register what was happening. Her gaze moved around and she saw that she was in her room on the Eternal. The next instant, all the events from the previous day came rushing back and she could feel her heart break all over again. The dream she had was so real, so perfect that she thought it was actually happening. She could still remember the wind blowing her hair gently around, she remembered seeing Kai and feeling happy and complete at the sight of him. She raised her hand and gently touched her fingers to her lips, that kiss had felt so real. Kai always kissed her gently and lovingly, it was just another of the many things she adored about him. Sadness tore through her again, as she realized that she would never again be able to experience that. She could no longer kiss him the way she loved to; she could no longer sink into the warmth of his chest and feel protected in his strong embrace. She would no longer look into those gentle green eyes that told her everyday how much she was loved. But the one thing that she would miss the most, was hearing his voice, his sweet voice telling her that he loved her, telling her that everything will be ok. Nikki gripped the bed sheets, feeling the urge to cry again. Before she had the chance though, a rapid knock sounded at her door.
Jason didn't sleep; he had tossed and turned all through the night, with images of the last battle flashing like a slideshow in his head. He had cried over his loss of Jenny, feeling sad and alone without her. He felt helpless over the fact that he couldn't do anything to help Nikki, who was most likely suffering more than he was. With his friend on his mind he decided to go and see how she was doing. Sitting up in his bed, he felt more tired then he did last night. Forcing himself onto his feet, he stood up and walked out of his room, ignoring the waves of fatigue he was feeling. While walking along the corridors, Jason reflected back to the previous night. He couldn't erase Nikki's expression out of his mind, the rage etched across her normally soft features, how blank and weighed down she seemed upon her return.
Jason sighed as her door came in sight, he knew she'd still be in there; there was no way she would leave her room, especially since there were many of Kai's belongings inside. Breathing in he lifted his hand and knocked on her door. "Nikki? Are you awake?" Hearing no response he walked in, finding her curled on the bed. Sadness filled him as he stared at his best friend.
She was near the edge of the bed, still curled up in a ball. Dry tearstains were on her face, a clear sign that she had been crying. He noticed that she was holding a piece of material close to her face; it took him a moment to realize that it was one of Kai's shirts. Her hands had a deathly grip on it; he knew that if he tried to take it from her she wouldn't let go, not that he would do something like that. But the sight that broke his heart the most, were her eyes. Out on the battlefield she was so angry and sad…but at least then she was showing emotion. Now they were blank, staring across the room, showing no signs of life. The normally bright blue eyes had turned to a dull blue grey, almost as if the light was sucked right out leaving empty orbs to gaze into nothing.
Jason knelt by her bed, not once removing his gaze from her. He wanted to help her, wanted to somehow remove this pain and grief she was feeling. But he wasn't sure what he could do. He had never comforted Nikki before, at least not in a situation as grave as this. The best he had ever done was either make her laugh with his lame jokes or make her yell at him for being an idiot. Now though, he knew he wasn't the one that would be able to bring the spark back into her, he wasn't the one to make her smile again. But he was willing to try; cautiously he laid a hand on her shoulder. She made no sign that he had touched her, let alone that he was there at all, but nevertheless he spoke to her anyway.
"Nikki, please…I hate seeing you like this, you know I'm feeling hurt as well, you're not alone in this time of grief."
It was like she didn't even hear him. She continued to stare emotionless at the wall opposite her. Jason was starting to get frustrated.
"You can't do this to me! You're all I have left! Please! Nikki! Don't shut me out!"
It was no use, she didn't move, or blink or show any sign that he was even there. The only movement that showed she was still alive was the rising of her chest from her uneven breathing.
Letting out a growl, Jason stood up and stalked to the door. He couldn't be around her it was hurting too much. He hated the fact that she had completely closed herself off. Before he walked out he turned his head to look at her again. She still lay there quiet and unmoving, an empty and broken gaze directed across the room. Her hands were still tightly holding onto Kai's shirt, as though it were the only thing keeping her alive.
Jason sighed and headed for the door. There was nothing more he could do for Nikki, not that he was able to do anything anyway. But he knew that if she were to become herself again, then she would have to do that herself. Before he walked out, he stopped and turned his head slightly in her direction.
"You know, I think I prefer you when you yell at me." He hovered for a moment before leaving the room.
Even though she didn't show any life, Nikki heard every word that Jason said. She couldn't help but feel guilty that she was shutting him out. He sounded so desperate when he pleaded with her, begging her to let him in. But she wasn't sure she had the strength to do even that, she felt so tired and lost within her own grief that she couldn't bring out the courage to reach out to others that might also be suffering. She knew Jason understood to some extent how she was feeling; he had lost Jenny, the light of his life. She felt sorrow towards Jenny's death as well. The fiery girl was her best friend and the two girls shared many precious memories of fun times they had together. They also had many secrets, secrets that not even Jason and Kai knew about.
Nikki felt the weight of loss falling on her once again, not only had she lost the love of her life, but now realized she lost what was probably the best friend she'd ever had. Sure she had Jason, but she felt a type of friendship bond with Jenny that she never had with the blonde coordinator. "Probably because we're both girls," She thought distractedly to herself.
Shifting her gaze, Nikki stared at the door. Figuring it probably wouldn't be a good idea to stay in bed all day; she lifted herself up, swang her legs over the bed and sat on the edge. She looked down and noticed she was still holding onto Kai's shirt, lifting it up she stared at it before placing it on the bed. She stood up and walked to the shower to freshen up.
In another part of the ship, Lacus lay awake staring at the ceiling. She had woken a little while ago, her mind clouded with thoughts. The sight of her sisters' broken expression yesterday tore at Lacus's heart. She wanted to talk to Nikki; no she needed to talk to her. The fact that her only family was suffering the way she was, she just couldn't let the matter go. Turning her head, she stared at Kira who was sleeping soundly next to her. She reached over and caressed his cheek before getting out of bed carefully as to not wake up her boyfriend. She slipped on her clothes and walked out, heading for the diner. "May as well get something to eat before I go and see her" She turned a corner and stopped at what she saw. The very girl on her mind was standing near a window, staring out into space. Lacus could hardly believe it; she didn't think Nikki would leave her bedroom so the fact that she was walking around was a good sign that she might be getting better.
Walking up to her, she took the time to look Nikki over. She was freshly dressed in casual clothes; a long sleeved black top and long jeans. Her hair was tied up in its usual high ponytail as the long strands stretched down her back, reaching her tailbone.
When Lacus looked at her face, she could hardly recognise her sister. Nikki's expression hadn't changed from when Jason visited her, so now her younger sister was staring at the same emptiness that her friend has seen.
Lacus wanted to cry, seeing Nikki this way was killing her. Bowing her head slightly, she spoke quietly.
"I…I know I can't make you feel better Nikki, but just remember that you still have me here. I'm your sister, I'll never abandon you."
Lacus didn't once look up as she said this, but she kept going. "Growing up I never knew I even had a sister, but I'm grateful you came into my life when you did. You're the only family I have left now, so I will do whatever it takes to stay by your side."
Her voice was soft and tender with every word, deep meaning flowing through. Lacus wanted Nikki to know how sad she was so she didn't hold back. She was startled when she felt a hand on her shoulder; Lacus looked up to see Nikki staring at her. She wasn't smiling nor were her eyes showing any sort of warmth. But the gentle touch of her hand reassured Lacus that not all was lost. A part of the sister she knew was still there.
Nikki squeezed her shoulder lightly before walking off. As she passed Lacus she whispered "Thank you" before continuing down the corridor.
Lacus turned around and watched the retreating form of her sister. She smiled, a new hope rising in her heart. Maybe not all was lost, maybe with time wounds would repair and Nikki will be back to her normal self. All she could do was hope and pray that things will turn out ok.
"Lacus Clyne to the bridge immediately!" I repeat Lacus Clyne to the bridge immediately!"
Lacus ran quickly to the bridge, wondering what the sudden emergency was. She hoped that there weren't more enemies attacking them, she knew that right now both pilots were in no state to fight.
She rushed into the room, slightly out of breath. She saw Kira turn and was surprised to find an excited look on his face.
"Kira? What's going on? Why are you smiling like that? And when did you wake up?
Ignoring her last question, Kira rushed to her, grabbed her hand and pulled her into the room more. "You're not going to believe this Lacus! We just received a video call a short while ago! I couldn't believe my eyes!"
Lacus stared at him in confusion. "Well who was it then? Must be someone important if it has you this excited."
Kira's smile widened "Well, come see then! We put them on hold until you came down here."
He walked over and pressed a series of buttons. A screen came up and Lacus could've sworn her eyes almost fell out of their sockets when she saw who it was. She looked at Kira, hardly believing what was happening. He just grinned at her and nodded, silently letting her know that this was real. Turning back to the screen, Lacus stepped forward, not really knowing what to say.
The person on the screen smiled at her before chuckling lightly, "Hey Lacus how're things?"
Struggling to find her voice, she smiled and replied…
"Hello Kai"
End of Chapter
Yush! That's right people! Kai isn't dead! So for those who were devastated there is nothing to fear!
Kai: Hey Charli? What did you do to those two?
Nikki/Jason: (sitting on floor with blank expressions)
(Grins) The thought of not being drawn or written about any more scares the crap out of Nikki since she's my most prized OC. Jason… well I'm not sure because he's not technically my character…
Kai: (sighs) oh boy…
(Chuckles) Well there's not much happening here with those two out of it, so we'll move on to the preview. See you all in the next chapter!
A sad expression came over Kai's face as he shook his head. "I'm afraid we can't, like I said it's too risky." He put up a hand before Lacus could protest. "I know we're not making much sense, but I have to ask you, to not tell them that we're alive."
Lacus was horrified. "Why not?" Why can't you talk to her? Please Kai, you haven't seen her, I barely recognise her! You're the only person that can bring the Nikki we all know back."