MEMORIES FROM BEYOND

Chapter 1: Attack of the Singing Bean Washers Part 1

As per tradition - another day, another wacky out-of-this world disaster has plagued all over the Hinata household. Fuyuki's eyes widened at the sight laid forth before him, surrounding him at every corner. Azuki arai. Thousands upon thousands of Azuki arai. Each one either singing their haunting hymns, counting their beans, or shaking so to wash them dry. Some doing all of the above.

"Kero! Kero! Kero!"

His familiar laugh penetrated through the base's hall despite the presiding noise, and instantly the young teen raised his head, spotting Sarge and the others standing atop some kind of hovering balcony.

"So? How do you like it Master Fuyuki?" the keronian puffed his own chest. "We have successfully fulfilled your dream of finally seeing what you Pekoponians call as the elusive Azuki arai."

"And in turn," the yellow keronian, Major Kululu, followed with his usual sly grin covered behind his hand. "You've also inspired us into creating our next invasion plan. Ku. Ku. Ku."

"Thanks Fukki!" Tamama cutely waved.

"Now, with this." the stoic Corporal told with folded arms. "We can now ensure that operation 'Slip' is good and ready for planetary conquest."

"I'm not usually into this kinds of schemes." the masked-blue Dororo quipped in. "But, I guess that this form of invasion is relatively peaceful. And if it does bring Master Fuyuki's dreams to life-"

"Hey! Quit interrupting my lines! I wasn't done with my speech yet!" the Sergeant barked at his platoon. Clearly irritated at being so 'rudely' cut in the middle of his monologue. And yet, before he could continue with lecturing his subordinates, he and the rest of the Keronians suddenly heard something which caused them all to stop and crane their visions.

There, they saw him. Fuyuki. His head hang low. His eyes glued unto the floor. For a moment, the aliens jerked, believing that this was an indication that 'Dark Fuyuki' was about to arise. But instead, that wasn't what they observed.

This is wrong? Inquired Keroro to himself. He thought that his friend would be happy with this scheme. He thought that he would be over the moon and beyond once he saw their gift for him. Sure, they did sort of twisted it for their own nefarious purposes which involved the entire subjugation of his whole people - but he assumed that he would have already been used to that by now.

Why… wasn't he happy?

"Stop…"

Keroro fell aback. A jolt of electricity surging through his spine. This, certainly wasn't the outcome that he envisioned.

"Stop… Stop it… Please… Stop…"

Let's turn back the hands of time shall we?

It was a regular quiet day. The weather was bright and sunny. The temperature, just fine. Nothing much seems to be occurring throughout the neighbourhood. Nothing except for an elderly couple's pumeranian running away again.

By the living room inside a certain home, a boy of average appearance was sitting in his couch.

I scrolled through the pages of my newly-purchased smart phone. Searching for the next place where me and Momoka could investigate. It had been about a week or so from now since our latest club outing. And let's just say, things didn't sailed quite as smoothly as I had expected.

I could still recall her uneasy form. The way on how she was so scared, so frightened, so uncomfortable - it was just too unbearable to see. Well this time, I've learned my lesson, and that is to consider her feelings well in advanced before rushing in and deciding where we should go. Yeah, that sounds about right.

For while Momoka did share in my enthusiasm for the supernatural, I also need to remember that by the end of the day, she was still someone raised in an environment completely different from mine. Dusts, cobwebs, the lack of bodyguards to protect her in case a malevolent spirit does show up-those things, I need to avoid. Well, except for the last one I guess, I know for a fact that she could take care of her own.

Like really-

-really

- really know this. And I say that with utmost confidence.

Anyhow, I'm guessing that haunted old-buildings shouldn't be an option for a while. So that crosses them off the bucket list. However, with them out, that meant the selections left now are all really just few and far between.

Let's see… Mexican merman rumored to live in a public pool? No. No. To ridiculous.

Ghosts spotted in a round tunnel? Too dangerous.

Recent hibagon sightings in local woods? That could work.

"Fuyuki."

Suddenly, I drew my eyes away from my device, craning my head towards whoever had just called me.

There, I saw my sister Natsumi, mom, and Sarge. All standing together, wearing clothes that they won't normally wear if they were simply planning to lounge at home the whole day (minus Sarge, of course).

"Sis?" I replied. "Are you guys going out?"

I studied my sister's solemn face, and watched as she nodded her head silently at me. Her pupils never meeting me, instead having her gaze remaining glued unto the floor.

I became perplex by her demeanor, so I glanced towards mom. Observing as she exhibited the same exact aura. The only one who wasn't acting like this was Serge. Though, then again, its kind of difficult to tell exactly what he was thinking at times when he looks as if like his staring right into the abyss with those huge eyes of his.

From here, I began to grow anxious, feeling as sweat beat down my forehead, and a dreading sensation pulsing inside my chest.

"Uh-uhm…"

"We're going to visit grandpa."

I felt a shock went down my spine.

Was it really that time of the year already?

Subtly, I took a glace towards the calendar hanging next to the TV, peering my visions to check on the date.

Sure enough, it was.

"We were wondering if you would like to come with us?"

For a second, I then felt as if the hands of time had froze right then and there, my head becoming empty and hollow as I zoned out. Fortunately, I managed to have recovered quick.

"O-oh! I… I would love to." I answered. "But, unfortunately I still have a bunch of things to finish. You know?"

Natsumi glared at me. Almost as if she was trying to inspect for any hint or sign that what I just blurted right now was a mere fib.

"Fuyuki-"

"Natsumi."

I nearly thought that I was about to receive some kind of scolding. But luckily, mom cut big sis off, gently placing a hand on her right shoulder. I watched as Natsumi silently looked like she was about to argue. However, an assuring smile from mom and Natsumi complied.

I sighed, inwardly. Glad and thankful. But, a part of me also felt guilt and remorse. I better make this up for them later.

"Okay Fuyuki, if that's what you want." told mom, who was about to depart along with sis. A grin she showed me. Though I could tell that she was slightly disappointed.

"Now, I really need to make it up for them"

"Keroro." mom called, to which the alien responded by straightening his own pose. "We leave everything to both of your capable care. So guard the house while we're gone, okay?"

Keroro saluted. "Roger that ma'am."

"This place better be in one piece when we get back." quipped big sis.

Once they left, I huffed. One single-large exhale. Allowing for all the pressure that I didn't realize were building up inside me to be released. My lungs lightened, so I commenced in resuming with my searching.

"Alright. Now, where was I…"

"Master Fuyuki?"

I stopped once again. Eyes gleaning to the Serge who hopped to stand at the armrest of the sofa I was currently sitting on.

"Yes Serge."

His irises wondered around, gazing towards every direction except me. I sighed, knowing what he was going to question.

"It's fine Serge. What do you want to ask?"

I watched as he flinched. Almost as if he was stunned that he was caught red-handed (not that it wasn't already obvious or anything). I watched as he hesitated for a bit before finally shooting.

"I've been meaning to ask. What… What was your grandpa like?"

Okay, that query wasn't exactly what I was anticipating, but close enough. I shut my phone down. Then answered the Serge's question.

"My grandpa…"

"Mhm. Tell me. Was he as formidable as the Admirable is."

I was taken aback at first, but then I later playfully shook my head.

Now that I think about it, I really haven't discussed much about my extended family to Serge and the others, haven't I?

Hence, with that I decided to entertain my friend's curiosity for as best as I could.

"Well, guess you could say that. Though if your assuming that the 'grandpa' that big sis mentioned was mom's dad. Then, I'm afraid that your mistaken."

"Kero? His not?"

I shook my head once again.

"The 'grandpa' that they were talking about was from my dad's side. So really, his my dad's dad."

"Your dad's dad? Ah, I see. Plenty of monogamous species across the universe do try in keeping tabs with both sides of their families, so it makes sense that Pekoponians shouldn't be of any difference. Yet still, what was he like Master Fuyuki?"

What was he like?

This was when I placed a finger under my chin as my brows furrowed. My brain had instantly tried traveling to memory lane. But, for some reason, my memories during those times appeared rather hazy.

I guess that is to be expected. It was a long time ago, after all.

"I… honestly don't quite remember all that well-"

"Kero-"

Comically, he lost his balance and collapsed on his right side.

Did I really made things look that suspenseful only to answer with such an underwhelming response?

I smiled, sheepishly.

"I'm sorry. But I was still really little back then, so my memories can't recall of all the details. However…"

By this point, Serge rose back up.

"If there is one thing about him that I can definitely remember, its that I probably have him to thank for my current obsession over the supernatural."