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One Last Chance **Lazura: So I wanted to take some time to write some one-shots that I've been planning to do, and since Zombie-Loan was the highest ranking one-shot in my would-be story poll. I decided to take a shot at it. ** **Disclamier: I don't own Zombie Loan at all.** * * * ><p><strong>Kita Michiru<strong> * * * ><p>My name is Kita Michiru.<p> Ever since the return of Z-Loan, I still continued to visit the office even if I'm not in debt anymore. Chitose-san would often nag me from time to time about how happier I seem to be before the incident happened. However two of my friends seemed to have returned to their former lives as loaners of Z-Loan. Both in particular seem to have remembered what took place in the previous world. "I still couldn't believe it." I spoke to my self remembering the news broadcast. _At that time I was hoping even if I was the only one to remember, then as long as our threads are connected...I will never forget them even if they've forgotten._ _"According to the recent information...A tank truck collided with a school bus and fire erupted." The news broadcaster announced, "Two high schoolers have been confirmed dead. Akatsuki Chika and Tachibana Shito, both 17, and were attending..."_ _"Eh?" My mouth hanged as I screeched, "HAH?!"_ _"...Those idiots you call friends seems to have done it again." Chitose commented, "So...what will you do now, woman?"_ I didn't hesitate any longer. I started running. Running as fast as I can. Toward the direction of the Z-Loan building. By the time I ran over to the old building of where Z-Loan used to stand...there standing tall and proud was the Z-Loan building again. Running up the flight of stairs there standing in the center of the office was... "Yuuta!" I cried in surprise, "W-Why are you back here?!" "..." Yuuta placed a hand over his temple, "Well..." After that I learned from Yuuta about what he and Bekko-san decided to do about the two. "You don't mean, Bekko-san and you are accepting life loans again!" I still haven't mentally prepared myself if either Shito-kun or... My face burned. It took me a while to realize it, but...after time past I began to miss Chika-kun a lot. Even though he sees me as a 'gopher', slave, a clutz, and someone with no strength of my own. Although he cared about me even to the last battle against Hakka-san, Chika-kun's words after Shito-kun's. _**"You told us before to 'Live On'! Shouting at us like the cries of newborns! That's you not anybody else...Michiru. The place you belong is not over there...JUMP OUT OF THERE!" **_ Faintly in one line, I could sense Chika's kindness. It was also the first time. The first time Chika-kun. . . . . . . Called me by my first name. "I'm back." Bekko-san's voice lazily sounded in the room. Turning my head, I could see them. I gulped in hesitation as I slowly tried to face them again. "Chika-kun...Shito-kun..." Holding a weird smile I couldn't even tell how my expression was at this moment. I didn't want them to go through this again. I wanted them to live their normal lives as regular human beings. So...why? Why do I feel so happy? I wanted them to remember me when they're old. Not this fast. . . . . ...Is this what Chika-kun meant? Defying fate? * * * ><p><strong>Akatsuki Chika<strong> * * * ><p>"...Where am I?" Chika asked himself as he rose from where he was. Complete darkness is what could be described of where he was at.<p> However a faint glow of light illuminated toward his way. _...?_ _A lantern?_ It floated towards him. As if someone wanted him to take it. The moment he touched the floating lantern. A burst of memories exploded into his mind. "Who? Who are these...?" Chika muttered as he placed his free hand over his right eye. Many many images unfamiliar to him played out in his mind. "These are your memories." A voice stated behind. In a sudden jerk, Chika turned to find a man wearing glasses, a bizarre white outfit, long blonde hair, and finally a rowing oar in his hand. "Ones where your previous self would've wanted to pass on to you, but the world is so cruel." He spoke in such a delightful way. It disgusted Chika, in more ways than one. _**"Dying won't do any good! But this...this is what you told me!"**_ _**"Golden Gopher? Haha...Chika-kun...you're really."**_ _**"500 yen! Look for me in the future, and I'll promise to give you 500 yen!" **_ _Who...who is this person?_ "Ara...even the one you treasured the most is resurfacing first. Heh, I didn't know you treasured her that much." _Her? Who is she? Who was the one I..._ _**"My name isn't Gopher! It's-!"**_ At that moment, I opened my eyes. There standing before me was the same voice. "Chika-kun...Shito-kun..." I finally remembered everything that happened before, even her. Gopher. Slave. 500 yen. Michiru. Her long pink hair grew out to how I first met her, the only thing missing was her nerdy glasses. On her face hung the most awkward smile I've ever seen from the gopher. Tears trailing from each side of her face. "You've kept me waiting too long, ossan!" I yelled at the life-loaner. I smirked at Shito who held a similar expression to mine as I respond to our old slave,"It's good to see you again, Gopher." * * * ><p><strong>Kita Michiru<strong> * * * ><p>It wasn't long until the rest of the gangs from both Z-loan and A-loan returned.<p> I can't believe it. They all returned to how they used to be. Koyomi-san doesn't remember, but she's already living a better life than she did before. Plus she already seems so happy to be with Shito-kun. It was fine even if Soutetsu-san, Otsu-san, and Sougiya-san didn't return. However they're living their own lives as normal humans and not zombies anymore. Zen-kun and Chika-kun would often argue when their groups had to work together to stop zombies. Shuuji-san would often bug Shito-kun especially when it came to his insane collection. Touko-san would be there to help both sides search for the zombies, since I'm not involved anymore with Z-Loan. Although visiting each day to see them made it easier on me. Chitose-san would say that he'd rather see Bekko-san gathering money again and not see a slightly melancholic side of me. But...today's visit kind of seemed different. Especially when I seemed to go talk to Chika-kun in particular. "Chika-kun." I would call out to him. Only for him to avoid me every single time I try to talk to him. "Shito-kun, do you know what's going on with Chika-kun?" I asked. Shito-kun sighed in discomfort, "...Even if our lives are connected. I absolutely don't know anything that goes through his mind besides money and his family. Why don't you ask him yourself, Michiru?" "...That's the point. He's been avoiding me this whole day, Shito-kun!" I bit my lip. Maybe it was wrong of me to ask Shito-kun about Chika-kun's recent actions. "Anyway, don't you have somewhere to go?" Shito-kun reminded me, "Wasn't it Zen that invited you somewhere recently, I heard about it from Touko." "Oh right..." Recently, Zen-kun invited me on a date. I haven't been on a date besides the time I was with Sotetsu-san. Plus...I haven't decided yet on becoming anyone's girlfriend anyway. ... ... I still haven't said my feelings to Chika-kun. It's kind of disappointing in a sense. I just can't find a way to say it to Chika-kun. Is it because I had become friends with him to the point where I don't want to break our friendship? "...Well. If I notice something about Chika, then I'll tell you." Shito-kun stood up ready to return home. "Right." * * * ><p><strong>Tachibana Shito<strong> * * * ><p>If it's one thing Shito wanted to say.<p> He wanted to call both Akatsuki Chika and Kita Michiru idiots. Not because of the way each of them act. It's more like...they're both oblivious of the other's feelings towards the other. It pissed him off so many times. Especially when Chika visit's his house. Whining his angst at him. "...Do you think Gopher really likes that shorty?" Chika would ask this question in particular. It annoyed Chika when he saw Zen trying to get Michiru's attention, since Sotetsu isn't involved in Z-loan anymore. Now Zen was trying to make a move even before Chika could do anything. "How should I know?" Shito responded annoyed of Chika's inconsistent badgering, "I'm not Michiru. Why don't you ask her yourself?" "...!" Chika's head shot up, "Hey, Shito. Gopher likes cute things right?" "Yes. Now leave." "Shito!" * * * ><p><strong>Kita Michiru<strong> * * * ><p>"I had fun today, Zen-kun." Michiru thanked Zen in return for the invitation. It was to see an upcoming action movie that Zen received tickets from Shuuji.<p> "Me too." Zen replied in turn. Although it was too bad, he wasn't able to advance his relationship with Michiru as much as he wanted, however he did get to enjoy this small outing to a movie with her, "You know." Michiru stopped her tracks once Zen started speaking a low voice. His voice seemed a bit nervous, upon speaking to her. "There's been something I've meant to tell you." Zen's face seemed to turn red, "...I know we were originally enemies before, but now we're friends." "I. I want to be something more. More than just friends." He stated as he gulped before making his answer, "I like you. Michiru. Not as friends, but as a man." Michiru didn't know what to say at this moment. She found it sad. To the point where she'd had to break Zen's heart now. It hurt her. However she truthfully knew that she likes Chika far mor than Zen. "I'm sorry." Was all Michiru could say to Zen who in return hid his face. "...I expected this." He muttered laughing at his pointless attempt, "I knew this would happen. After all...you'd be staring at him, when you entered the office." "..." "However I don't give up that easily." Zen commented as determination filled his eyes, "So glasses girl. I'll beat him up for ya if he decides to make you sad!" Smiling faintly, Michiru thanked the teen, "Thank you Zen-kun." Michiru waved goodbye to the teen as he trailed off. She decided to walk to the house of her current guardians, the ones she onced moved out of. Only to spot a familair shadow in front of the house. The light of the moon illuminated revealing the person's face. "Chika-kun? What are you doing here?" Michiru asked the katana user. Who in turn shifted his stance, "Hand." "Eh?" "Give me your hand gopher!" Chika demanded as Michiru slowly placed her hand in Chika's hand. Chika's eyes were hidden from his black and white-dyed hair, a tint of redness showed on his cheeks. This moment reminded Michiru of the time when Chika asked to stay in her room after giving her 500 yen. Without realizing, Michiru felt something in her hands. Puzzled she was about to release her hold on to Chika's hand. Except Chika wouldn't release his grip. Michiru soon found herself pulled closer to Chika. It made her blush. "Michiru." Chika muttered. Michiru couldn't see Chika face nor could she release her hand from Chika grip. Michiru decided to ask Chika, "Why do you always avoid me at Z-Loan? Did I do something wrong? Chika-kun, please tell me why you always avoid me these past few days?" "Do I really need to spell it out for you, gopher?" Chika distanced himself so that Michiru could see his face. The only thing she didn't see coming was the closeness of Chika's face to her's. "C-Chika-kun." His lips brushed over hers once he leaned closer. Michiru couldn't believe it. Chika was kissing her. Did this mean...? Separating, Chika proclaimed, "And now you owe me a hefty price for this." "...Eh?" Chika lifted their intertwined hands, Removing his grip, a small gopher figurine dangled from a chain. "This...a gopher?" Chika smirked, "Now that you've taken more. You owe me..." Michiru felt herself lifted up in Chika's hands, "Yourself. That kiss, that gift, and...here." Chika pointed to his heart,"You owe me more than just money. The one I want the most now...is you, Michiru." "Chika-kun..." Michiru blushed hard, "You." _You don't know how long I wanted to say those words to you._ * * * ><p><strong>Lazura: I hope you guys enjoyed this small story, as well as hoping that the characters weren't OOC.<strong> **Please review.** End file.

One Last Chance by lazura234

Zombie-Loan

The Perfect Night The school's hallway was empty save for a white-and-black-haired boy walking a few steps ahead of a lavender-haired girl. When the boy arrived at a corridor intersection, he turned swiftly and tossed an object at the girl behind him. "Hey, Gopher, catch!" Michiru instinctively reached out to catch the flying object but fumbled when she realized what it was. With a shriek, she dropped the detached right hand to the floor and jumped a step back. After a quick glance downwards, she looked up to see Chika grinning at her like a madman. "Wha? Chika-kun?" "Happy Halloween!" "Hallow... een?" She stumbled over the English word's pronunciation. Halloween was an American tradition (or was it a European one, Michiru thought idly) that was becoming better known in Japan but still wasn't widely celebrated. Then she remembered meeting Chika's foreign father and realized that her friend might be more familiar with the holiday than she was. Not knowing the proper response to the phrase _Happy Halloween_, she settled for an ambivalent, "Hai." Chika said nothing but continued grinning. From around the corner of the intersection, Shito stormed towards the hand lying at Michiru's feet. He retrieved the hand, carefully brushed away any potential dirt, and stalked back to Chika with murderous intent. "This is MY hand, idiot," Shito growled. "You threw it knowing she wouldn't catch it. I saw you." Chika's grin turned sadistic. "I know." Michiru sighed as the boys' conversation turned to fisticuffs. She couldn't help smiling though when she noticed that Shito had three hands to use whereas Chika only had one at the moment. Chika would lose this round, but knowing him, Michiru decided Chika wouldn't mind since the real victory was in antagonizing Shito at the beginning. After the fight settled down and the boys were panting on floor, Chika looked at her, grinning once again. "We're going hunting tonight, Gopher. Halloween is the perfect night for hunting zombies." "Hai!" End file.

The Perfect Night by LKK

Zombie-Loan

Formalities Just finished watching Zombie Loan today. Episode 11 ruined the best possible yaoi moment ever. xD So in homage of finishing up the series, I.. wrote this. Instead of working on my AkuRoku. YAY. There is no plot. This is smut. And there's not enough smut in the Z-L section of xD * * * **Formalities** * * * It had always been the same. They kept things formal. Last names only. They weren't _that_ close, after all. Just because you had died together and carried the other's hand instead of your own for six months didn't create bonds. Right? That's what that damn Tachibana thought, though. Chika was sure of it. He dashed through the damp, eerie metallic halls, searching for the idiot that had gotten himself caught. The idiot that refused to make friends or create connections between people. The idiot that, at this very moment, needed his help. He didn't deserve to be rescued. The bastard didn't even try to call him by his first name. It was almost as if they were strangers that they stuck to the last-name basis. Growling under his breath, the white-haired boy felt his hand heat up, pulsing with life. Shito was nearby, he was sure of it. "_I can feel it! He's close!"_ Chika sped up, running all out now, until his senses and burning hand brought him to the locked steel door. It took seconds to flip the meaningless latch and storm in. It took a little more time for Chika to take in the site of the boy who was currently strapped to a bed, looking shocked, eyes wide past the tousled indigo bangs. "Akatsuki!" gasped Shito. Last names again, huh? Chika took a step away from the doorway, holding the wooden sword loosely in his hands as he panted, trying to catch his breath. The whole while, he couldn't take his eyes off of Shito. The way his legs and arms were chained to the ends of the bed or how his jacket was open to reveal bandages around his torso. He was hurt. And he was vulnerable. In the tense atmosphere, Shito, meanwhile, had his eyes locked to Chika's golden ones, occasionally getting distracted by the small beads of sweat dripping down the boy's face. "Akatsuki." He repeated, quietly. Why had he come? He had been half-expected Michiru to stumble in squealing about ghosts or something of the sort. A panting, annoyed looking Chika had been the last candidate on his list. Akatsuki wasn't the kind of person who would do rescue missions, let alone for something like him. Chika finally straightened and sighed. Shito didn't miss the bandages around the white-haired boy's hand. They had both felt the rotting before, during the day. Shito himself had already detached his arm away from the useless hand. It lay limp above him, still hand-cuffed. "Why were you caught?" Chika drawled, moving forward with an exasperated look. "Lame. And you got hurt, too!" He looked meaningfully at Tachibana's wrapped upper-body. Shito choked slightly, surprised, but Chika kept talking, a gleeful grin stretching his lips. He leaned in, yellow eyes glowing even in the dimly lit room. "That looks painful. Eh?" That totally killed the mood. The captured Tachibana scowled now, twitching his chained hands in protest. "Hey! If you came to save me, get this off me!" He eyed the amused glint in Akatsuki's gaze warily. The sword-user didn't look like he was willing to undo the straps just yet. "Now, now, calm down..." snickered Chika, tossing the wooden sword to the ground. Amidst the frantic jingling of Shito pulling at his bonds, Chika's mood changed again. The grin turned to a lazy smirk. "Hey, Shito." "What?" Shito growled. What the hell was he waiting for? If he came to rescue him, why wasn't he _doing_ anything?" "Feel like calling me by my name yet?" Shito's eyes narrowed as he froze. "What are you talking about at a time like this? We need to get going." It seemed to get cold in the graffiti-covered room as Chika gave a low chuckle, sitting down on the edge of the bed. "We still have time." He went to undoing the bandage about his arm. The dead hand plopped into his lap as soon as the white gauze was tossed aside and in a few languid motions, Chika had his own hand back, attaching it onto his wrist, and Shito's hand was returned as well. Shito watched in confusion, suddenly wary of the calm Chika. "Now then..." snickered Akatsuki, stretching his hand briefly. Months of annoyance had built up in the sword-wielder. Even in moments like this, Shito refused to acknowledge him by his first name. No, this wouldn't do. They wouldn't leave this room until the damn blue-haired idiot choked "Chika" out from his snarling mouth. Shito bit back a gasp as a gentle hand feathered up his injured, sensitive stomach. He suddenly felt extremely vulnerable, strapped up this way. He had one hand back, though. Fingers were soon wrapped around Chika's arm, squeezing painfully. "What are you doing?" He hissed, deep brown eyes almost slits of anger. Chika leaned in closer, moving one hand to prop himself up by Shito's head. The distance between them was small, and this made the chained boy nervous. "If you won't call me by my name, I'm just going to have to make you say it." The gun-user shuddered at the deep purr in Chika's voice. The screechy teen was serious. He wasn't joking around, not with a tone like that. "Or, really, I'd prefer to have you... _scream_ it." Chika added with a naughty grin, shifting his body now. Before Shito knew it, Chika was straddling him on the bandage covered bed, yellow eyes bright as he leaned in, pressing their bodies gently together. Shito didn't even have time to protest about Chika being careful about his wound. In fact, he forgot about the wound altogether as the white-haired boy pressed his lips to his in a kiss. It was soft but hard at the same time. Akatsuki lined their hips up and slid his hands up as his lips traveled over to Shito's ear to bite gently at it. The blue-haired captive shut his eyes. "Why do you care? Why bring this up here?" He suddenly asked, shivering as he felt a particularly sharp nip. Chika replied by whispering into his ear, lips brushing against the abused skin. "I care because you using my last name... it's so cold. So meaningless. I want us to have a connection. I want to be..." He paused, warm air streaming into Shito's hair as he sighed. "Closer to you. Switching hands and sharing deaths isn't much when you won't acknowledge our bonds." Shito turned his head to meet Chika's hard gaze, only to see the serious and lustful expression on the teen's face. Chika unexpectedly purred, grinding their hips together. "And now is the perfect time because I have you right where I want you." The last few words were accompanied by a slow lick of Chika's tongue to Shito's cheek. "I thought you didn't care." replied Shito, biting his lip as he felt himself getting aroused. Aroused by _Chika_. There were so many things wrong with this, including the blatant fact that they were both guys. His only free hand moved automatically to rest on Chika's hips. Chika's eyelids slid halfway shut as he felt a certain part of Shito awaken. His own hard-on was already in full-forced and he couldn't help but roll his groin to the chained boy's that was splayed out beneath him. "I care. More than you think, idiot." Chika moved to Shito's neck now, sucking and biting at the pale skin, taking in his smell and quickly warming skin. Shito whimpered gently, hard and cold demeanor melting away. He felt Chika's hands press up along his chest, searching for something past the bandages. The roaming fingers found what they searched for quickly and Shito couldn't even hold back the soft moan as he felt Chika rub at his nipples. "I thought were just ... partners." he muttered, grinding his hips back into Chika. "That's not enough." Chika growled, jerking off the jacket and dress shirt Shito was wearing. The clothes remained bunched up by the darker-haired boy's still-cuffed hand, but it would have to do. Shito shivered as the cold hit his bare torso. "It won't ever be enough for me. I'm a greedy bastard, Shito, it's just one of my faults." Shito didn't respond. Instead, his fingers darted up to bury themselves in the darker spikes hidden beneath the white ones, curling around the back of Chika's head as he dragged him back to his mouth, silencing him as he smashed their lips together. Chika hummed in approval, kissing back fiercely. They didn't fight for domination, but fought for more heat. The growing heat between them. Nibbling on Shito's bottom lip, Chika ground their erections hard into each other. They moaned together, but softly. Their instincts still told them to be quiet. They were still in enemy territory. To help muffle Shito's groans, Chika gave his bottom lip one last bite before plunging his tongue into Shito's mouth. To his surprise, Shito fought back just as hard with his own. Laving their tongues against each other, both felt their eyes flutter shut as the pleasure grew in intensity. "A-Akatsuki..." moaned Shito, hand falling loose, only to receive a sharp bite on his bottom lip again for his trouble. "Still not ready to using my name, huh?" Shito blinked as he felt Chika's lips abruptly leave him and a body slide down the length of his. Chika was moving to clamp his legs around Shito's. Keeping up a blazing eye-contact, he slowly moved to undo Shito's belt. Shito's chest was heaving. It strained the wound that was still bleeding on his upper body, but he chose to ignore it. He was too distracted and he couldn't take his eyes off of his partner. The belt was undone now and the white-haired boy moved to the zipper and button of his brown trousers. The unzipping sound was heard even above Shito's panting. He couldn't handle it. Zombies weren't made for this sort of heat, especially not when their bodies were usually cold and bloodless. "Ch-Ch... ohhh..." He tried to choke out Chika's name, but his length was suddenly engulfed by a warm mouth and the rest of his attempt came out as a moan. Since when did Chika do things like this? He was rude, he was moronic, he did things without thinking. But now... he was sucking him off. Shito couldn't wrap his mind around the thought and a particularly intense lick over the tip of his cock just completely made his mind go blank. His pants were also slowly being tugged down so that Chika could run his surprisingly soft fingers over the inside of Shito's pale thighs. Chika languidly bobbed his head up and down, occasionally scrapping his teeth over the top of the hard cock. It was too bad that Shito's legs were chained so tightly together, or he would have gone farther with this. Nevertheless, he took things in his stride. He hummed gently in the back of his throat, sending through vibrations and eliciting a whimpering mewl from Shito. Shito's legs were twitching as he back arched slightly. His only free hand scrabbled to grab hold of Chika's hair, almost like a lifeline as there were flashes across his vision and he felt himself let go. "Ch-Chika!" The warmth in the air fizzled and Shito felt himself cooling. "Chika..." He breathed out, feeling the boy suckle down the last of his release. Chika crawled back up to lay himself over the blue-haired teen. He was smiling. Kissing lazily at the dazed Shito's lips, Chika tucked his arms around him, turning the two of them so that they lay on their sides. "Say it again." "Chika." Shika eyed the triumphant smile on Chika's face and couldn't help the small grin from stretching his lips out as well. "There. That sounds a lot better." chuckled Chika triumphantly. "No more formalities." "Chika..." repeated Shito, sighing. "Haven't you forgotten something?" "Shito-kun! Ch-Chiko-kun?!" "Michiru..." **End.** End file.

Formalities by Blue Funk

Zombie-Loan

The Hand that Writes Zombie Loan: The Hand that Writes Disclaimer: Zombie Loan and all the rest is to PEACH PIT. I was reading Yamato Nase's _Chintsubu no Tsubuyaki_ when I conceived of this idea, so you probably know where this is going. LOL. As Neil Gaiman had said, I don't give you grief over where you get _your_ ideas. * Something has been bugging Tachibana Shito for a while now. It was just a minor thing--nothing to lose sleep about--but he can't help but think about it, which wasn't going to help anyone any, but still. Shito wasn't the kind of person who let things alone when he could do something about them. There was no excuse for laziness, and trying to avoid something wasn't too cool either. So that day he was eating lunch with Akatsuki and he decided it was the time. "Ne, Akatsuki." It took Akatsuki several seconds before he looked up from his plate, a fact that made Shito's feelings veer away from anxious to irritated. He was just starting to tap a finger against the old table when Akatsuki answered. "Yeah?" "You're right-handed, right?" "Good call, Shito. Amazing observation, that," Akatsuki began. Shito braced himself for the rest of it. That was how Akatsuki was: he starts out just fine and ends with a storm. "You've only noticed just now? How long had we been together, man?" Shito shrugged. "Pretty long." "Yeah. _Pretty long_. Proves my point to a T, don't you think?" Akatsuki sighed. "What hand holds my katana, didn't you notice?" Shito repeated his shrug. He didn't really want to go back to the thread-worn argument about friendship and all of that. He'd called Akatsuki by name once, which is once too many, in his opinion. The other boy should be satisfied with that and just shut up. "What brought that up, anyway?" Akatsuki said. "Nothing," Shito said, quickly. "I've been thinking, is all." "Well, call me back when you're starting to make sense again," said Akatsuki, going back to his tempura. "Jeez, try wasting other people's time, why don't you?" "How many times do you do it, Akatsuki?" "Do what?" "The boy thing." Akatsuki began to choke, but caught himself. "Why would you want to know that, pervert?" "Well, it's my hand you're using, after all." "Why the hell would I want to touch _myself_ with _your_ hand, excuse me?" "Keep your voice down." The other students were starting to look their way. Michiru was frowning a bit, but Koyomi was with her, and Shito noticed that Michiru looked more comfortable whenever she's with the other girl so Michiru wouldn't really worry too much. Not that Michiru didn't like spending time with him and Akatsuki, it was just that she felt more motherly towards the boys and calmer when she's with Koyomi. Shito wished he could feel the same for Akatsuki, but that wasn't going to get him anywhere. Maybe if Akatsuki shut up once in a while, and left him alone for long periods of time, Shito would probably learn to actually like him. "I'll keep my voice down if you stop being a damned idiot," Akatsuki complained. "And in case you haven't noticed, idiot, _you_ have _my_ hand too." "That's inconclusive. I'm left-handed." "Which is _inconclusive_, too, if you think about it." Akatsuki stood up, taking his plate with him. "Where are you going?" Shito said. "Away. Before you make me lose my appetite." Shito doubted anything would actually make Akatsuki lose his monstrous appetite, but he refrained from saying anything about it. "Ne, Akatsuki," he said, watching the other boy move away. Akatsuki looked back. He didn't stop walking, but slowed his strides so he wouldn't be too far away to hear what Shito wanted to say. "Wash your hands after, at least." Akatsuki had the grace to blush. "Same to you." Shito looked down at his right hand. Damn Akatsuki for having the last word, anyway. End file.

The Hand that Writes by alirodina

Zombie-Loan

DL 1 DL 1 Present As the invasion starts off we see Fate, Kenji, Haru and Hattori in a church. Then it starts to rain Fate looks out the window. Kenji starts to get annoyed. Kenji:"Why the fuck did this shit had to happen? Just the day before I was going to get layed." Kenji looks up and holds his hand in a praying stance. God if you can hear me...GET ME THE FUCK OUT OF HERE! Haru trys to calm Kenji down. Haru:"Kenji don't worry we will get out of here soon." Kenji then turns to look at Haru. Kenji:"Oh yeah when the fuck is that Haru? I lost all fucking hope! I wished I shared some of your fucking faith! Hattori closes the bible. Hattori:"Kenji please come down. What if they hear you?" Kenji mumbles under his breath then just sits on the floor. -Flashback- Shows the school and all the gangs then Kenji starts fight with Ryo leader of Fuji gang. Kenji punches Ryo in the face, Ryo knees Kenji in the stomach. Kenji tackles Ryo and Guilty kicks Kenji in the back of the head then picks him up and has a knife to his thoat. Guilty:"Ryo do you want me to kill this fool?" Kenji feels Guilty breathe down his neck. Ryo:"No but..we will teach him a lession..."Ryo picks up his cane and starts beating the shit out of Kenji. Kenji starts to spit up blood. Ryo"Now worthless pig do you respect your elders?" Kenji spits in his face. Ryo cleans the blood off with a napkin. Kenji laughs then Ryo starts beating the shit out of him again. A few moments later Fate and Haru see Kenji getting beat up and help him out. Ryo sees Fate and Haru coming and lets Kenji go. Haru:"Kenji are you ok?" Kenji then reples with a smark. Kenji:"Yeah you know just don't worry about this about this wound on my head." Ryo looks at Kenji. Ryo:"That was a warning next time I won't be so nice." Guilty:"Heh" Ryo and Guilty leave. Haru gets concerned over Kenji. Haru:"Kenji maybe you should go see Mercutio?" Kenji:"Heh that guy he will laugh at me for weeks if I went to his house looking like this." Haru:"What are you going to do?" Kenji starts walking away. Kenji:"Im just going to walk it off." Haru "But-" Fate cuts Haru off Fate:"Haru leave him be" Haru looks at Fate. Haru:"are you sure?" Fate:"Yes Haru im sure of it. " End file.

DL 1 by Logan-Dark-Angel

Zombie-Loan

DL 2 DL 2 Present As the invastion has already happened Ryo and Guilty try to get out of Ryo's mansion. Bodyguard A:Master Ryo please hurry and escape! A group of zombies start coming at them Bodyguard A is killed in the process. All of a sudden Shori and his friends come and kill them all. Shori picks up Bodyguard A's gun and gives it to Ryo. Shori:Protect yourself with this. Shori hands him the pistol. Ryo:Who are you guys? Shori:Nobody sir. Shori and his friends turn around and shoot Bodyguard A in the head. Shori:Kazu, Saemon go and try to find us a safe way out of here. Kazu and Saemon nod and leave. Shori:Alright lets get to high ground so we won't get infected. Guilty:So tell me stanger who died and made you king? Shori:Look I didn't come here to talk about bullshit like this so why don't you shut your damn mouth so we can move on! Guilty tackles Shori and both of them start fighting. Zaku and Dosu grab Guilty and toss him off Shori. Shori:Now listen to me you can stay with us or you can be by yourself! Guilty mumbles for a bit. Guilty:Fine...but I won't take orders from you. Shori:Fair enough. They make an agreement and start moving to high ground. Meanwhile Saemon and Kazu found a way out. Kazu looks over and sees people runing away from the infected. Kazu:We stay low they will leave us alone. Saemon:Whatever. Saemon looks around the corner and sees a civilian getting killed by the infected Saemon kills the infected person and alerts all the other infected to there location. Kazu slams him in the wall. Kazu:What the fuck! Saemon smirks. Saemon:I don't like zombies. Kazu and Saemon kill the infected with there weapons. Kazu lights them on fire with his flame throw in the shape of a guitar case and Saemon blows them up with his romote controled guitar case full of bombs. Kazu and Saemon go back and meet the others on the top floor. Saemon:Ryo come look out here. Ryo and Saemon are by the window. A infected person trys to jump up but Saemon kills him. Saemon:Don't get to close put your people are out there fighting for you. Shori:Look I know a place where we can stay. Kazu:Good we cleared a whole street. Shori:Good. Shori and the others go to the place to rest up there they meet Fate, Kenji, Haru, and Hattori. Kenji:The hell are you doing here Ryo I thought you were safe in thet fucking fort you call a mansion. Ryo:You know what Kenji nows not the time! Ryo and Kenji start fighting. Kenji gets the upper hand and Ryo loses. Ryo:Guilty I order you to kill him! Guilty leans against the wall. Ryo:Now you fucking freak! Guilty laughs. Ryo:Whats so damn funny? Guilty:Your a damn fool and you will always be a fool Ryo goes to tackle Huilty but Guilty knocks him out and ties him up and leaves him the closet. Shori looks at Fate. Shori:You know Fate me and the whole gang here never thought that we see you again. Fate:we cross paths again...we fight for each other once more. Hattori:Alright lets all get some sleep im sure Mercutio and Kisa will be back tomorrow. Everyone goes to sleep. End file.

DL 2 by Logan-Dark-Angel

Zombie-Loan

The Way Back I suppose it didn't really matter anymore. The past was the past for a reason. And tomorrow's the future because it holds surprises and the unknown, right? But what am I supposed to do with the present? Like Hell it didn't matter anymore. I'd been feeding myself that same line for weeks now. It was the same damn thing every fuckin' morning. I'd get up and go to school, doing everything like I always did, and then _BAM! _She waltzes in and I can't take my eyes off of her. Don't get me wrong, she's no beauty queen or anything. It's not like I'm mesmerized by her flowing pink hair that she's got all done up in those cute braids. Or that fact that her slender frame looks like it'd fit perfectly with mine. It had nothing to do with that cute expression she always wore and her captivating smile. Pfft! She's just an ordinary looking girl. What really gets me, though, is that look in her eyes. That far-off, yet kind of sad look she always seems to have. Sure her eyes'll shine for a moment when she's laughing or being distracted, but whenever her attention is somewhere else, I can see it. We've been in the same class for awhile now, and I've never really noticed her much until now, but she's wormed her stupid way into my stupid head and now my stupid thoughts are full of her stupid face-! Anyway, she's caught my eye, if ya couldn't tell. Whenever she looks at me, she always gives me this weird smile. It almost looks like she knows something I don't, but that hardly matters when I see her eyes glisten like she's ready to cry. Like looking at me fills her with misery or something. What the Hell did I do, anyway? I can't seem to work up the nerve to talk to her about it, though. No, no, you retard, it's not because I have a thing for her, O.K.? I just get the feeling that if I ask her about it, she'll completely fall apart. I don't know how to handle that. But I can't just let it go either. As much as I hate to admit it, this girl I've never talked to before is bothering the shit out of me. So I decided to go for the indirect approach. Well, I guess before I go into detail on that subject, I should also tell you about this other bastard in my class. His name is Shito Tachibana. God, even his name sounds as stuck-up as he is. I hadn't really talked to him either until a few weeks ago. He's been doing all this weird stuff, like saying "hi" to me and all that bullshit. Who the Hell does he think he is? I really don't know much about him, but the guy just gets under my skin. I feel like I just wanna rip him apart, but I don't know why. He's never actually _done _or _said _anything to tick me off. At first I thought it was because he was some popular pretty boy, and him talking to me was like taking pity on me or something. Granted, I'm pretty studly myself, so it's not like he's competition or something, but he's still significantly more popular than I am. It never really mattered to me, though, because I still didn't have a problem attracting women. I haven't dated or anything, but I've had offers. I just never found a girl that was my type, I guess. _ANYWAY_! So this jackass starts talking to me, and at first it was the casual small talk. I played it cool, gave him brief and vague answers, made it difficult to converse with me, but he still wouldn't back off. I got this feeling that he had an agenda and talking to me had something to do with it. So he pulls me aside one day and starts babbling on and on about that pinkette I was telling you about. The ordinary one. He starts going off about how he knows that I've been eyeing her and that he feels something strange whenever he looks at her, too. He said she gives him a smile when she sees him and then there's that same glistening 'I'm-about-to-cry' look afterwards that pangs him with guilt. She's been throwing him through this big loop for the past couple of weeks just like what's been happening with me. But then he has to go and make matters more complicated, and by complicated I mean that he tempted me to beat him half to death and get expelled from school and possibly sent to jail. He said that whenever he saw me, an unsettling feeling sunk in. He was consumed with this overwhelming desire to punch me and then shoot me. I woulda punched him right then and there, but then he added in the part where he also felt like we were very close friends. Me? Friends with this fucker? Was he serious? He said that he thinks something happened with him, myself, and that pink-haired girl, but he can't remember it. I scoffed and told him he was crazy. I started going off on him, getting all mad because of what he said and how he made me feel and all that, but he stayed calm and very serious. He told me to cut the crap and think about it. Three people that had never really had any contact with each other all start acting weird as of a few weeks ago when they see each other. Was that supposed to be a coincidence? I blew him off and walked away, tired of hearing his stupid voice, but I couldn't let go of what he said. He was fuming and muttered something about me being a hopeless idiot, and for some strange reason, I felt like I had heard that before. Well, yeah, I had heard that phrase directed at me quite often, but it felt more like I was actually connected to him like he said. Before I got too far out of earshot, he yelled after me, "Her name is Michiru! Michiru Kita!" That was right. Pinky's name was Michiru. I heard this little "Chiru-Chiru" sound over and over in my head. It was like some stupid pet name for her or something, but I didn't know of anyone who would call her that. She didn't seem to have any real friends, let alone be close enough with anyone to let them get away with calling her something as dumb as that. I was definitely over thinking it, though. So back to my indirect approach method I was talking about earlier. You see, that Shito-shithead wouldn't leave me alone after that. It was like he was begging me to remember something that never happened. Of course, he wasn't _actually _begging me, but the way pestered me said it all. He wanted to know what was going on as much as I did. But I didn't really know what to do or say. We fought a lot, and it got physical sometime's, but for the strangest reason, it seemed perfectly normal. So I eventually gave in to his stupid reasoning and told him that even if we were all involved somehow with something, that wouldn't one of us at least remember it? You would think, right? That's when he slapped me upside the head and called me a moron. He said that she was probably the one who remembered, seeing as how she was the only one to express an emotion besides confusion. Catching his drift, I agreed to get to the bottom of this. Unfortunately, I was still at a loss for how to do that. So we formulated a plot together. So here's what happened: Shito and I were wandering the halls, waiting for Michiru to return. Shito kept scolding me for using her first name, saying that until this was straightened out, I should call her Kita-_san_. I told him there was no way in Hell I was going to go and do that. Part of me did it out of spite for him trying to tell me what to do, but another part of me was just uncomfortable saying that. Michiru seemed more natural to me. So we waited for her to come running down the hallway like she had been doing for weeks now. Her so-called friends would always send her out to get their food and they'd make her pay for everything. They used her! Why that bothered me so much, to Hell if I know. I guess it bothered me more that she wouldn't stand up for herself than it did that she was being taken advantage of. I just got the feeling she was too nice for her own good. So when we saw her, we tried to play it cool. I just-so-happened to be standing a little too much in her way and when she wasn't paying attention, I inched my foot out slightly. She tripped, of course, and her things went flying everywhere. She immediately sputtered out an apology and went to grab her stuff. Stupid Shito went and was pretending to be a gentleman. He handed got down on the floor and picked up a few of her snacks. She stood up, thanked him, and asked if I was hurt. I wasn't, obviously. But just when I was about to go in for the kill, I froze. Why in the Hell did I feel like this wasn't the first time we'd met like this? I was so dazed that I let her apologize once more and get away. Shito was furious with my screw-up and started his long rant on how I was the biggest idiot he'd ever met. I retaliated the best I could, but I actually agreed with him this time. I should have asked her then and there what happened between the three of us. But I saw her eyes and I just couldn't speak. I didn't see the sadness that was normally present when she looked at me. Her eyes, they were so... full of hope. She looked truly happy for a moment. But why did that stop me? That should have just been more of an indication that she knew something. I should have grabbed her wrist, or backed her into the wall, or... something! God, I hate it when that bastard is right! I was an idiot back there... I think it was just being in that moment. It felt so familiar to me. It brought back a lot of emotions that I don't ever remember feeling, especially about her. It was like a tidal wave that crashed down on me, but it only lasted for a few seconds. The words "five hundred yen" kept coming to mind and I started reeling on my own feelings. At first, it was indifference, but then... there was obligation, fire, hope, protectiveness, sacrifice, laughter, happiness, fear, relief, and-! Was that seriously it? There's no way in Hell! No four-eyed gopher could-! WHERE DID THAT EVEN COME FROM? Why did I call her a gopher, gophers don't have four eyes! It didn't make any sense! Even if it did, why would someone as ordinary as her make me feel l... l... lo... lov... forget it! Forget her adorable pink hair with her cute braids! Forget her pretty face and captivating eyes! Forget her petite frame that makes you wanna hold her! Forget that gorgeous smile that makes you want to kiss her lips-! THIS IS INSANITY! THAT DAMN GOPHER! WHY'D SHE HAVE TO GO AND OWE ME FIVE HUNDRED YEN? WHY DID SHE HAVE TO MAKE ME FEEL ALL OF THOSE THINGS? WHY CAN'T I REMEMBER THE FACT THAT WE MET AFTER SHITO AND I DIED AND THAT SHE FOUND OUT ABOUT US BEING ZOMBIES? WHY CAN'T I REMEMBER HER SACRIFICING HERSELF TO SAVE HER FRIEND AND DYING ONLY FOR SHITO AND I TO EXTEND OUR CONTRACT WITH THE FERRYMAN TO SAVE HER? WHY DO I FEEL LIKE THIS BUS IS ABOUT TO CRASH THE SAME WAY IT DID-! Oh. * * * "A/N: O.K. so this was more about Chika and Shito remembering everything that happened, rather than a Chichiru story, but I tried to throw it in there. The only reason he remembered anything is because he remembered how he felt about her. I was desperate to write _something _and my mind finally settled on Zombie-Loan. I just picked something and ran with it. But come on! None of you can tell me that you didn't want them all back together at the end of the manga! When the accident happened again, we were all dying to see if they'd find their way back to each other. Don't deny it! Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this story. It feels good to write for this again. Review?" End file.

The Way Back by SamNny

Zombie-Loan

Being Sick **I don't own Zombie-Loan. If I did, the series would still be ongoing and stuff.** * * * Michiru hums a tune while walking to her apartment. It is a year after she, together with her friends, payed of the huge debt. Everything went well since then, especially since Chika and Shito have a tighter bond than before (they still bicker from while to while). Her long pink hair following suit, she makes her way through the crowd. A sudden sound made her stop. She realizes it is her phone, and opens it to see that Chika is calling her. She quickly presses the green button, pressing the phone on her ear. "Hello?" she says. "Chika-Kun, is something wrong?" A faint cough indicated something. "Yo, Pashiri," Michiru rolls her eyes. "can you come over now?" His voice is low, and pretty much said 'I'm sick!'. "I'm feeling quite fucking sick, and my old man and Momoka aren't here. Abroad again, y'know?" That is enough to convince her. So with determination, she makes a sharp turn to the right. To Chika's house then. * * * **10 minutes later** * * * Michiru arrives at her best friend's home. The small house had a darker aura than usual. No wonder. Usually, Chika's father Yuri would be jumping around, being affectionate towards his 'Squirrels'. The fact that he and Chika's little sister aren't here. She knocks a few time, hearing a muffled 'I'm coming' followed by couching. Soon after the doors opens, revealing Chika who looked like he hadn't slept in days. Michiru instantly comes in, saying a quick hello, and then drags the taller male to the couch in the living room. He protest weakly, but wasn't able to stop the small girl from dragging him there. "Lie down!" Michiru said. "I'll make you some soup, so just go to sleep in the meanwhile." Chika pouts. "But I don't wannnaaa," he whines, but Michiru ignores it. She walks into the kitchen, the place that she had seen many times before, and starts to make chicken soup. After a few minutes, Chika called her: "Michiruuuuu!" She audibly sighs. "It will be done in a minute. Just wait a moment, okay?" When it is done, she walks to the living room. His face is pale, showing that he really didn't feel well at all. Michiru stirs the soup a bit. "Oi, Pashiri, I can eat on my own." Michiru glares slightly at him. "You can't. And don't call me that anymore," she says annoyed. She feeds him, and a blush forms on his face. "H-hey, Michiru." She doesn't stop, and continues to do what she's doing. After a few minutes she's done. "Alright, I'll gr-" before she could say anything else, Chika grabbed her by the arm. She gasps as he pulls her into a hug. Her face becomes beat red, and her hormones started to rage a bit. "Sleep," Chika said. "B-but-" Michiru protest. "Do it, or else I'm going to kill you." The girl huffs, irritated. But nonetheless, a few minutes later she falls asleep. Chika smiles softly, kissing her forehead. _I'm a great actor, _he thought as he stands up. He tucks Michiru in, and then went to search for _it_. He found it after few minutes, it laying somewhere random in his room (which he still needs to clean up). He shakes Michiru softly by the shoulder. "Michiru?" She slowly wakes up, and gives Chika a surprised look. "Happy White's day." He hands her homemade chocolate over. "E-eh? Wha-but I-" She stops when Chika kisses her softly on the lips. At first she doesn't do anything at all, but not many seconds later she returns the kiss. She felt her head getting light. After a minute they separate to get air. Chika then smirks. "Felt love ya was too cheesy." Michiru sighs and rolls her eyes, but the smile on her face couldn't be hold back. "This is also cheesy, you know?" she teases. Chika blushes, and looks away. He mumbles a few swear words before looking at Michiru again. For the rest of the day Michiru teases him about it, but she also confessed that she fell in love with him too. She's that ever since he managed to get her out of Hakka's brainwashing. * * * **I honestly wrote this within a hour. Do I get a prize for that?** End file.

Being Sick by lovely-singularity

Zombie-Loan

Shito's Birthday "Shito-kun ... We should take today off," Koyomi said. "Today IS your birthday, right? All of us should go out to celebrate." Chika shot a glance at Shito as he glared at Koyomi. "I didn't know that it was your birthday!" Michiru exclamed quietly in surprise. Shito continued to glare at the two girls before he said, "I don't normally celebrate my birthday." Koyomi was taken aback as Chika rolled his eyes. Michiru adverted her eyes. They knew about him, and it wasn't that surprising. "We could start today, then!" Koyomi said, forcefully, ignoring Shito's hard glare. "I'm not in the mood to," he replied, still glaring at the raven-haired girl. Chika rolled his eyes again. He knew that this would be the outcome of the whole thing. He huffed a bit. Shito looked at the platinum blonde out of the corner of his eye; he then suddenly got up and left the room. Chika leaned closer to Koyomi. "How'd you know it was his birthday?" "I did some checking," she said, smiling devilishly. "I know when yours is, too." Chika's eye twitched at the statement. Finally, after thought, he got up and slouched to Shito's room. He softly knocked on the door. "Oi." "What do **you** want?" came the muffled, harsh voice of his partner. "It's still your birthday, you know. And your friends want to celebrate it with you. Shouldn't you at least consider it?" Silence. "Whatever," Chika said as he kicked the floor. _'He probably didn't hear me, anyway,'_he thought, rolling his eyes. He started to walk away when he heard Shito's voice again. But this time, it was soft, and he had to put his ear to the door in order to hear him clearly. "And ... are **you** one of those said friends?" Chika fell silent. He didn't know what to say. If he said "yes" would it just become another fight? What about if he said "no"? He couldn't stand the dark-haired teen, but at the same time, it hurt Chika if he hurt Shito's feelings. And, most of the time, he really didn't mean to. Finally, he made up his mind. "... Yes." Shito looked up, towards the door. He didn't want to start another fight with the platinum blonde - he usually never means to fight (sometimes Chika just says weird things that make him flustered, so it turns into a big fight) - so he just sat there, wanting to say something, but knowing that he couldn't. He heard Chika's muffled sigh outside the door. "I can understand why you wouldn't want to celebrate your birthday, though," he said, softly. Shito furrowed his brows in thought. Chika ... never said he understood him before. Chika was about to walk away from the silent room when the door opened. He raised an eyebrow at the dark-haired teen who opened it. Shito looked at the other and he started down the hall towards the room where they ate. "What the-" Shito stopped and looked at Chika. "As long as you're going, I'll do something with everyone for my birthday," he said, harshly. Though, Chika knew (for some strange reason) he didn't mean the harsh tone. Chika blushed slightly (for some unknown reason at the time). After a moment, the blush went away and he smirked at the other. They continued to walk down the hall. "Good, you'll need it," the platinum blonde retorted. Two seconds later, along with a harsh glare, "What did you say?" OXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO AUTHOR'S NOTES: It was Shito's birthday on January 21st~ And I'm a fan of ChikaShito, so I just HAD to do fluff for his birthday (since I found it out of character anyway). HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY, SHITO. 8D There IS a sequel, but that's not coming out until Chika's birthday (March 23rd). And it's not going to be just fluff again. I SWEAR (for those of you who want more than fluff). ALSO: How it ends: LOL. Just pretend it breaks out into a huge fight and the girls have to break it up. Or, just imagine anything. X3 Shito, Chika, Michiru, and Koyomi (c) Zombie-Loan Fic (c) Me End file.

Shito's Birthday by Orange-Butterfly100

Zombie-Loan

Lullaby A/N: I thought a fluffy Christmas fic was in order for the holidays! Nice and WAFF-y and fluffy! Anyways I hope everyone likes my first Zombie Loan fic, sorry if Chika and Shito sound OOC. Review kudasai(please)! * * * _**Lullaby **_ December 24th-Christmas eve. A day full of turmoil for last minute shoppers hunting for the perfect present for that special person. It is also a day where family and friends gathered together. Such was not the case for two zombies, these two spent the day wrapping presents for all their friends, and family in one zombie's case. The other had no family, but had friends he could depend on, though he would never admit it. Everyone who worked under or for Z-loan agreed to have a Christmas party on December 25th. On that day everyone would distribute gifts and enjoy themselves, much to Chika's dismay, there was to be no zombie hunting on Christmas day. Chika's easy-going nature allowed the vacation but he would find one way or another to earn a couple of yen. Shito was reluctant to the whole idea, but he gave in as well, though refusing to admit that he needed a break. Michiru and Yuuta had both suggested the "farfetched" idea, another reason why both Chika and Shito did not refuse. Because of their agreement, here sat the two in Shito's room wrapping presents. "Here's another finished one." Shito said handing a wrapped package to Chika, whom placed in a pile of the other wrapped articles. Chika and Shito both agreed to help each other with the wrapping, since neither of them weren't that good at it. "How many more left?" asked Chika, "Can't you count?" "Shut up, I'm asking about your stuff not mine!" "Four, idiot." Shito said taking the present Chika had finished wrapping, and placing it in his pile of wrapped presents. It currently was 10:35, both were no where near close as they tried to perfect the wrapping and decoration of each present, which would be opened the day after. --- "At last, done. Here Akatsuki." Shito said, looking at Chika. He and Chika hadn't made eye contact, let alone speak to each other for the past hour. Chika was slumped over, against the wall of Shito's room, the present he was wrapping was neglected as he lay there. "Hey! Wake up stupid!" Shito said, Chika didn't stir or twitch. Shito sighed and looked at the clock it was past midnight. He looked wearily at the present Chika was wrapping and the last item left to be wrapped. Shito reached over and took the present from Chika and finished wrapping it, he then started on the last one, while Chika slept peacefully. After finishing the last one, Shito starred at Chika, who now lay on the floor. While Shito wrapped the present he sung a soft song to himself while Chika slept. Moments later, after Shito finished the last present and began cleaning up, Chika suddenly spoke. "You have a nice voice." He whispered, Shito blushed. "I thought you were sleeping you bastard." "You woke me up. Do you want help?" "Whatever." Chika stood up and helped Shito finish the clean up. They moved the wrapped presents into the corner of the room, it was now 1:24 a.m. Chika fell to the floor, "tired..." "Then go to your room and sleep stupid." "Can't I stay here, I'm too tired." Chika pleaded, "Fine whatever, but your sleeping on the floor." "That's fine, but..." "But?" questioned Shito, "Sing me something, Shito." "Why should I?! I let you sleep in my room and now you want me to sing to you?!" "Consider it your Christmas present from you to me. You didn't get me anything anyways." "I wouldn't buy anything for you anyways." Shito said sitting next to Chika, "I got you something." Chika replied. "What is it?" Asked Shito, "I can't tell you yet. Now give me my present, I can't sleep unless you sing." "Akatsuki you..." "Do you want me to keep you up all night?" smirked Chika, Shito twitched. "Just lay down." Shito countered in a softer tone, hoping to calm Chika down, so he could get some well deserved sleep. Chika then did as instructed, Shito didn't complain, his plan was to calm Chika down so he could go to sleep. But why did Chika choose to lay down on Shito's lap? "Akatsuki..." "I'm waiting." Chika said in a sing-song voice. Shito sighed, as Chika closed his eyes waiting for the soothing voice to sweep through the room. Chika fell asleep right away, Shito got carried away, and singing always calmed him down. Shito brushed a few strands of Chika's hair aside, realizing his sudden gesture Shito blushed. He paused in his singing, the moment he did so, Chika began to shift around. Shito sighed once more, resuming his song. When he finished his song, losing himself once more, he bent over and laid upon the sleeping zombie's forehead a kiss. Shito switched off the lights and crawled into bed as his heart thumped against his ribs, Shito had denied that he thought of Chika as a friend multiple times to everyone, but he denied his feelings towards Chika as well. Singing was the only way he would express himself, and the one he loved had heard it. Shito soon drifted off to sleep. Chika smirked, his eyes opened and he stared the ceiling, he placed his hand on his forehead, blushing slightly. He stood up, and looked at Shito carefully. Chika examined Shito, confirming that he was indeed asleep. Chika crept up to Shito's bed side and leaned over, kissing the unconscious zombie. "Merry Christmas." Chika whispered. Chika turned away and returned to the floor, this time really falling asleep. Shito smiled slightly, he turned over and blushed. "What an idiot." He said touching his lips. Neither of them spoke of what happened that Christmas morning, but if they ever told each other, both would agree that were the best Christmas presents they both received. * * * A/N: I hope everyone enjoyed this one shot! I was right, Chika and Shito are OOC, but I hope you enjoyed the "fluffy-ness". The only reason Shito sings is when I heard his singing voice I thought it was so soothing, and the idea just popped into my head. Anyways if they're is any spelling/grammar mistakes please let me know! Review kudasai(please)! End file.

Lullaby by X Inori x

Zombie-Loan

Jealousy Jealousy **Jealousy** **By: Klutzilla01:** Klutz: Woot! My first Zombie-loan fic! I feel happy now. Sasu: Why am I HERE!? Shito: Is this a...Shito and...Michiru fic?? Klutz: Yeah, why?? Michiru: Ummm, doesn't Shito hate me? Klutz: -shrugs- I don't know, but in my mind, YOU TWO ARE PERFECT FOR EACH OTHER! X3 Chika: Hey, what about me? Do I get a fic to. Klutz: What about Shito being Jealous over you? Chika: Fine by me! Shito: I hate you. Klutz: I DON'T OWN ZOMBIE-LOAN! If I did, you wouldn't watch it. T-T WARNING: I HAVE HORRIBLE GRAMMER!! PLEASE TURN BACK IF YOU DON'T WANT TO READ HORRIBLE GRAMMER!! THANK YOU!! Yuuta: ENJOY!! Shito Watched from afar as he saw Michiru laugh at whatever Chika-baka was doing. What did she see in him anyways? What did he have that he didn't? He looked down. Why was he even bothering with such thoughts? Why waste his time being jealous of the white-haired idiot that seemed to make Michiru smile... Why? He looked at the two walking side by side as though they were the cause of all his despairs. He hated that idiot. He didn't know why he cared about if the two got together or not but, it just bothered him greatly. Shito was the type of guy to not care for those things but... this time, he was very bothered by this. He leaned against the wall and sighed. "How annoying..." He muttered under his breath as he put a hand over his eyes as though it could prevent him of his current dilemma. Why did it have to be her and him? Why couldn't it have been him and her? He hated admitting it but, he very much wished... Michiru would be his...and only his. He slapped his forehead in frustration. He hated himself right now. Shito turned to leave only to stop when he spotted Michiru looking at him with worried eyes. "Are you okay, Shito-kun?" She asked with clear concern. About to answer, he stopped when he noticed Chika behind her looking at him curiously. He growled and gritted his teeth. "Fine." he muttered bitterly as he walked away. _Just fine._"Hey Shito, I don't like the way you said that to Michiru!" yelled Chika as he started glaring at the green-haired male. Turning his head, Shito gave Chika one of his most venomous glares he could muster effectively making the boy stumble a bit. "What's got you so angry?" Chika asked angrily as he to glared back. "It's you. You're my problem." Shito growled as he walked away. "I hate you..." He yelled as he stalked off to the classroom, Not caring if they followed (which they did). Class was boring as usual, nothing unusual about the place. He sighed. It was only math, something he has known for awhile. His eyes occasionally looked over to what Michiru was doing. She looked like she was really trying to get what the teacher was trying to say. He eyes wandered over to Chika... Who was sleeping...again. "Baka..." He muttered. "Mr. Tachibana, is there something you want to share with us today?" His teacher asked with a glare. His teacher was definitely out to get him. "And if I do?" He replied uninterested. "Mr. Tachibana!" he said angrily. "Please don't play mind tricks on me again!" He started growling. "Whatever..." He muttered as he put his attention back at the board. High school in Japan was seriously boring. "Will Miss. Kita Michiru please report to the principal office? Thank you!" The school intercom buzzed out as Michiru stood up. Shito's eyes wandered over to her. Now what could the principal want with her? "Well, Miss. Kita, you heard the intercom, go into the principal's office please and thank you." The teacher said as he looked at her straight in the eye. Shito glanced at Chika who was now looking at Michiru with a worried look. He didn't know why, but he didn't like the sound of the secretary. It sounded...desperate. He looked at the other kids in the classroom; they also had worried glances. Chances are, they heard the desperation in her voice to. Weird... Could it be a zombie? Maybe... A few Seconds after Michiru left, Both Shito and Chika raised their hands. "Yes Mr. Akatsuki and Tachibana?" Their teacher said in a bored tone. "I need to go to the bathroom." The both said earning each a glare from each other. The teacher raised an eyebrow but said nothing. "Of course." he said and waved a hand. "Go, I don't care really." he mumbled out as the pair stood up and went out the classroom. Shito and Chika Looked to their left Where Michiru was currently heading. Once Michiru entered the office door, the two boys sneaked up and looked through the window. Michiru was currently looking around, apparently the secretary had long gone by now. Weird... Michiru considered her options: 1) Go into the principal's office 2) Wait until the secretary comes back and wait for further instructions. Or 3) Leave. She complied with the third option. She and the principal never really met eye to eye with one another... About to walk to the door, the principal's office door opened up. "Come in, Kita-san..." He said with a smile. Michiru gulped. _C-creepy... _she slowly backed away. "I-I think it would be best if we could... talk right here?" She said. The principal chuckled and came out. "Fine, fine..." He said with another chuckle, making her move closer to the door. The principal DID NOT chuckle... "W-Well if you don't need anything, I'll be going now..." She started to open the door when the principle put a hand to it. "Oh no Michiru-chan. Not today." He looked at her with pure...blood lust. _'Zombie!'_Michiru thought in alarm. "Do you mind if I taste you?" He asked with an evil grin planted on his face. What should she do? No body but her and the principal were in this room. There was a real slim chance of her survival. _'Is this...the end?_' She thought with a gulp. The principal took her arm and was about to take a bite until he felt a giant kick to the head. "Don't touch her you scumbag." Shito said with a gun in his hand. The principal's body shook with laughter. "You're going to pay for that Shito Tachibana! With your life!" He laughed as his secretary came out of his office. She looked devoid of any life, like she was never alive to begin with. _'A puppet.'_Shito thought with a scowl on his face. "Did you make this?" He growled out as Michiru hid behind him. "And what if I did, a nice puppet I say? It would have to much trouble to fight you anyways." He smirked at how annoyed Shito was. The secretary came running to him her soul was gone, but her body was alive. He got into a shooting position, only to be beaten by Chika. "Chika-kun!" Michiru said making him scowl even more. In one blow, Chika was able to kill the puppet, making it go limp and fall. Her soul was no longer here. No reason to try to purify it. "You're sick." Shito muttered. "Letting the corpse of your secretary do all your work." "Like you should be talking!" he roared with laughter "If I'm correct, don't you use Michiru too? Tell me am I any better?" He looked at them as though they were the lowest life-forms in all of life. Shito scowled, "No, you're worse!!" Shito yelled angrily. He charged towards the man who easily dodged his attacks. Shito shot him in the head only to hear more annoying laughter. "HAHAHAHAHA!! YOU CAN'T DEFEAT ME! I'VE GOT A CON--tract...?" As he was talking, both Shito and Chika took the time to ready themselves and kill him. Chika ran and stabbed him while Shito shot him with another bullet. The principal fell to the ground as Chika started doing the funeral for him. "He'll be going to heaven. He's really a good guy; he was only being clouded by greed is all." Shito said. Michiru slowly came up behind the two of them and hug them both. "Thank you Shito-kun, Chika-kun!" She said with a smile. It almost made Shito smile too. Of course, it made Chika smile. "No problem, you just owe us 500 Yen!" He said triumphantly, only to get a glare from his gun wielding partner. "Uh, never mind, it's free!" He said. Michiru smiled "Well, we should get going to class now." The two silently agreed not realizing, the fight had taken them the rest of the school day. When the three came back, they all received a detention for skipping class. But Shito didn't really mind, He was able to see Michiru smile at him. So he guessed it was worth it. Yeah, probably was... Chika Sneaked a glance at his partner and smiled. So he was experiencing love ay? This should get interesting. Michiru looked at Chika and Shito, completely oblivious to the reason Chika was looking slyly at Shito whose mouth was upward to a small smile. Completely oblivious to their reasons, she came up with only one answer: Chika was gay and Shito was a pervert. The teacher looked around the class and sighed. How interesting, killing the principal, who killed the secretary, and then using a sword to put his soul into heaven how interesting those three were. How very interesting... Klutz: DONE WITH THE LONGER VERSION! Chika: I AM NOT GAY!! Shito: I AM NOT A PERVERT!! Koy: Sure you aren't. Yomi: I don't like this story... Klutz: Oh well right? Sasu: Can I LEAVE!? Everyone: no. Yuuta: Review! Review! A/N: I tried revising t again. But I probably killed it even more... sorry. I don't want to revise it anymore. I'm not going to get a beta reader either. They kinda scare me. (No offense.) I'll just try my hardest. :) Sorry Lanna14, and anyone else completely horrified by my grammer. Really sorry. Oh and please don't review about my grammer mistakes either. thank you. End file.

Jealousy by Klutzilla01

Zombie-Loan

Permanent Brand **I don't know what came over me to write this. I was cleaning my room, listening to "Chain Ring" and it just popped to mind.** **WARNING: implied character death.** **DISCLAIMER: I do not own Zombie Loan or any of it's characters!** * * * "Come on! Say my name!" He was hanging by a thread, yet he insisted that the brunette _had_ to say his name, his permanent brand, to save him. Anyone else wouldhave thought it was stupid, ridiculous, but he thought it would work. He couldn't have imagined that he'd slip. The sword couldn't hold into the wall forever, then, with the slightest bit of crumbling debris, it came loose from the structure and taking the swordsman with it. Falling, to fall /verb/ To come down freely under the influence of gravity, to descend. "CHIKA!" Oh, now he says it! Well, it's too late to save him now. At the very least he can finally insult the immortals intelligence. Looking up from his near slow motion fall, the golden eyed teen saw his rival's face contorted in shock and distress. "Baka." One last smile, then darkness, despair, tragedy. End file.

Permanent Brand by TwWereWolf

Zombie-Loan

Exchange There's... no yaoi here? ... I MUST FIX THAT! I don't own Zombie Loan! WARNING! Yaoi and smut! * * * **Exchange** Chika did not feel normal today. Well, he never felt _normal_ per se... Just today he felt more not normal then usual. After waving off Michiru as he normally did the un-normal feeling increased. His stomach felt tight, filled with butterflies. His breathing seemed more labored. _Did I catch something?_ No, that wasn't likely. He wiped a bead of sweat that had, for some reason, formed on his forehead. Chika felt an unwanted urgency in getting back to his room. _I wonder if Shito is feeling weird too._ Chika walked back to the dorm he called home and walked in without knocking. He expected Shito to be asleep, especially if he was feeling similarly to how he was feeling. Closing the door abrubtly behind him, he locked it as he usually did when the both of them were there. His stomach tightened and he felt even more uncomfortable than before. Gripping at his stomach as in to try and loosen whomever's hold he looked up to the bed and expected to see Shito asleep. He wasn't. Chika _stared_, gaping at what he saw on _his_ bed. Shito. Shito was naked. Shito was naked and _touching _himself. The first thought was maddening, _he's... that's... Shito is..._ "What the Hell?! You bastard! That's _my _hand!" Shito only glanced at him with half-lidded eyes as he continued to stroke himself. He laid back on the sheets and caressed his chest with his hand as he pumped harder with Chika's. The second thought was that of arousal. Chika couldn't take his eyes off Shito as he continued to jerk himself. The proof that he enjoyed watching was in his ever tightening pants. The first thought came back and hit him full force. Glaring and growling at Shito who seemed lost in pleasure, Chika sat down next to his nude comrade and batted the hand away from the erection. Shito glanced over at Chika dazedly as he moved his hand, or rather the one that belonged to Shito, along the hard shaft. Shito bit his lip to fight back a moan and watched with awe as Chika maneuvered around his member. He noticed Chika's other hand inching to his belt, and Shito smirked. He sat up and reached for Chika's belt buckle. Chika didn't really notice, or if he did he didn't mind, and just concentrated on working Shito's erection. Shito reached deftly into Chika's boxers and pulled out his hardening erection. With Chika's hand he began to stroke it. Chika gasped at the calloused fingers he knew as his own touching him. He tried to play it cool, not to moan or pant to loudly, but seemed to be failing miserably. In an attempt to hide his obvious enjoyment he buried his face into Shito's shoulder. The two of them stroked eachother closer to the edge of climax. Both of them gripping the other as if to try and hang on to the ledge before falling into the pit of bliss. "Chi... ka...!" Shito panted out as he gripped Chika's member harder and pumped it faster. "F-fuck... Shito.. I'm gonna...!" Chika bit into Shito's shoulder as he came, white liquid spurting from him as he moaned. The bite sent Shito over the edge as well, and he panted out Chika's name as he coaxed the last drops from his erection. The two of them collapsed to the bed, gasping and considerably more sticky than before. It took a few moments before Chika finally spoke. "Don't... use... my hand... for _that_... without my permission!" He said breathily. Shito only stared hazily at him, "Your hand is rougher... it feels better..." He announced, as if to say 'that's my story and I'm stickin to it'. Chika wanted to sort out the whole situation in his head, but found he was far to sleepy now to dwell on it. "Whatever..." He sighed and pulled to sheets up to their chins. "If you have my hand wait til I get there and switch with you." Chika couldn't see, but Shito was _smiling._ _If it's attached to you, I don't mind having it touch me._ * * * Good Luther I fail so bad. Sorry if you thought it sucked, just looked at the UTTER LACKING OF SMUT in this community. I took it upon myself to fix that. And another note. Is it mutual masturbation if it's just one of them with the other's hand or is it just self pleasure [gets hit by ectobullet End file.

Exchange by Frailty Collapse

Zombie-Loan

Wo Ai Ni "What?" Chika growled at Shito through a mouthful of udon. "Nothing," Shito replied, turning to Michiru. "This udon is quite good, Miss Kita." "Um, thank you," she murmured, hurrying away to get more food for Sotetsu, who was finishing his third bowl of udon. Shito stood up and pushed in his chair. On his way out of the room, he paused briefly by Chika. He rested his hand on Chika's shoulder, causing the other zombie to jump. "What are you doing?" Chika demanded. "Wo ai ni, Akatsuki," he muttered. "What the hell does that mean?" "That's none of your business." End file.

Wo Ai Ni by ashimaru

Zombie-Loan

Sweet **Chikas sweet kiss.......I do not own the characters except for hikari. ** **She loves sweet things, candy, stuffed animals, and flowers. Shes not a Zombie and she doesnt have shinigami eyes, but she does have the ability to erase ones mind, though she dislikes it when asked she uses it. Her name is Hikari and she annoys Chika more than both Shito and the gopher. From her Expressionless pale face to her blood red eyes and short black hair, it all annoyed him actually it down right pissed him off and he didnt even know why. ** **She sat on the window sill eating candy sticks, everytime she took a bite it made a small crunch and that small crunch annoyed him. He noticed that every time she took a bite and it made that sound she would look at him, her face expressionless but her eyes seemed amused at his agitation. He looked away staring at the floor as he sat on the couch. The gopher was speaking to shito about something across the room, both were staring at him furthering his annoyance. Bye the looks of it they were waiting for something, which made him slightly suspicious. ** **Suddenly there was a rather loud crunch next to his ear, he turned and saw that Hikari was leaning over the back of the couch her lips next to his head as she slowly chewed her last stick candy. She stopped and looked at him, he only glared. She had done that on purpose, why does she seem to love annoying him. She blinked at him once with her large red eyes then gently pressed her lips against his own.** **Chika felt his eyes widen and heat burst through his cheeks. She pulled back and stared at him.** **"What the hell?" ** **She licked her lips,"Sweet" was her only words as she straightened up and slowly walked from the room. ** **Chika sat there frozen his cheeks stained red.** **"Pffttt" ** **He looked over at shito and Michiru, Michiru was laughing at his expression while Shito was smirking.** **"Did little Chika get his first kiss?" He said in a mocking tone.** **Chika stocked out of the room and into the hall way, he leaned agaisnt the wall it had been his first kiss. He thought of her lips as he licked his own. He smiled as the same word came to mind.** **"Sweet"** End file.

Sweet by sweetfiresnow

Zombie-Loan

In my perspective - Grim Reaper The great Grim Reaper lost his core and is now tagging along with the only living girl who could understand him. The one who has his eyes but using it subconsciously like a blind man with working eyes but keeps his eyes closed_. I'm pathetic_. The Grim Reaper thought as he got dragged along the air by the small girl. He let out a deep sigh before deciding to help the poor helpless idiots. "_You,_ _tell them to follow me_." He told the pink-haired girl. "Zarame-san.?" The girl sounded surprised as he pulled her by the neck. Her voice sounded so small. Like a mouse. "_I can sense where the zombie is! Come!_" He said impatiently but only the girl understood what he is saying. The others can only hear him squeaking. "T-That way?" Kita asked before letting out a yelp as the Grim Reaper pulled her towards the zombie. In the end, no one in this group of incompetent idiots took down a zombie that he worked hard to look for. The Grim Reaper sighed as he floated near the sleeping girl. He inspected her face as she looked relaxed and for a brief moment, Zarame felt something besides the constant anger that fills his existence. He felt at peace. But then again, he remembered what happened in the bath earlier in the evening and it caused him to shudder. He was just relaxing in the warm water and tuning out the noise coming from the girl when she suddenly grabbed his back. "You'll smell if you don't wash yourself well." She said as she starts scrubbing his body. "_Unhand me you flat-chested human! Or I shall slice your throat out and gouge your eyes before sending you to the depths of hell!" _He yelled angrily and the girl looked offended, squeezing him a little tightly. "Eh, what did you say?! You little..." She started to say but thankfully, another one of her human friends arrived distracting the girl from drowning him or squeezing him to death. The Grim Reaper felt violated and a headache is forming in his head as he floated half-dead on the warm water. He snapped out of the memory and felt his expression darken. _I really am pathetic. I must be losing my touch. To lose my core to a human like that... And to feel so vulnerable without my core. I almost got killed by a pathetic human. This is a humiliation for the Grim Reaper._ Even in his weakened state, he could still summon a part of his power to fuel his anger. If only he had his full power back, he would slice the throat of the human who took his core and make sure he suffers for a long, long time. Then he looked up at the girl because she suddenly grabbed him and hugged him close to her chest in the middle of his angry rant. It seriously annoyed him at that moment to be this small enough to be used as a toy. "Z-Za... rame-san..." The pink girl muttered asleep from above him. He let out a resigned sigh and settled to rest with the girl for this one night. He closed his eyes and let himself go to rest despite knowing that he could easily remove herself from her hug with the little power he retained. He got rudely awakened by someone yelling from somewhere in the dorm. "I WILL NOT LOSE! I WILL WIIIIIIIIIIIN!" The Grim Reaper stared at the girl as she slowly opened her eyes and blinked several times. She sat up with surprise from the noise. "Chika...?" She rightly guessed. The Grim Reaper doesn't get what she finds appealing in the annoying zombie. If anyone asked him of his opinions about the zombie, he'll just cut the head off the zombie. It's a double win for him too because his annoying yelling will finally cease. "I overslept..." She said before hurriedly get dressed for the day. Zarame, the great Grim Reaper, simply floated along the hallway to follow the small girl as she ran towards the dorm's kitchen where the gang is already settled. Zarame settled on the girl's shoulder as she sat down and decided_. I guess, I'll observe this human with my eyes for a while. Her and this group of idiot might be my chance to get my core back. Until then, I shall wait patiently as I did for centuries._ End file.

In my perspective - Grim Reaper by Alizariette

Zombie-Loan

1. Chick When a word has more than one meaning, watch out for misunderstandings. Meaning Definition 01: Chick The day seemed rather uneventful to Chika, which was both good and bad. He wanted to pay his debt back as soon as possible and the more dangerous illegal zombies he hunted, the faster he would be debt free and alive. He quickened his pace down the semi-empty streets on his way back to the dorms and he heard a sound. It was high pitched and continuous, unmistakably the sound made by baby birds, chicks to be specific. Just a few steps ahead, he found the source of those sounds. There was a little girl with a basket full of cute little yellow chicks. The chicks chirped happily, occasionally drawing attention from passing children who asked their mother or father if they could have one, and every now and then, one of the cute little animals would be purchased. Chika happened to like chicks and the little girl who was selling them reminded him so much of his sister, he couldn't help it but to buy one. All the way back to the dorm, the tiny yellow child was happily nested in Chika's hair. He made sure to buy some food and supplies for it on the way, stopping at a pet shop to do so. "These are good for little chicks like that one." The sales clerk showed Chika a bag of food. "It's small and easy to eat for the youngest chicks." "I'll take two bags then and these." Chika emptied the contents of his arms on the counter. There was a cage in case he needed to travel anywhere and take his pet, a basket with soft blankets and dishes. "Is this chick a boy or a girl? I asked the little girl selling them but she didn't know." Chika took the chick off his head and placed it on the counter. "It's kind of hard to tell at such a young age. My guess is this one is a female, I suppose you'll know for sure when it gets older." xoxox xox xoxox Success! Chika had snuck in with his new pet unnoticed. Not that he was planning to keep her a secret forever, but he didn't want to overwhelm her meeting too many people at once. "We're home, Jenova." The chick, whom Chika had named Jenova Akatsuki, was currently perched on her daddy's shoulder. She only chirped in response. Chika gently took the little chick in his hands and placed her on his bed. "Now to get things set up for you." He unpacked his purchases from the pet store and began to distribute them all over the room. "Your bed is here, right next to mine so you won't get lonely." He placed the basket on the nightstand. "Your dishes and food go on the table. Would you like a snack now?" Jenova chirped and Chika took it as a yes. He filled up the little food dish with chick feed and poured some fresh water into the other dish. Then he picked up Jenova and placed her on the table. She seemed happy with her meal and began to eat immediately. "How is it? Good?" Chika smiled. "You have to eat healthy and grow up to be big and strong. Then you'll lay lots of yummy eggs for daddy." He could hardly wait until she started laying eggs, then he would make a fortune selling them. xoxox xox xoxox "Then I knocked on Shito's door and he said he would be out soon, so I knocked on Chika's door next." Koyomi, Michiru and Shito were having breakfast while Koyomi narrated the day's events from the moment she woke up, cooked breakfast and went to wake her friends. "But when I got there, the door was open and Chika was there with a chick I've never met before. It looks like he really cares about her and she's so cute." Cue choking noises. "I told him that we were going to eat breakfast soon and... Are you okay?" "I'm fine miss Koyomi, just a bit surprised." Michiru voiced. "It can't be..." Shito was shocked. Akatsuki was not seeing a girl without his knowledge. Akatsuki did not sneak her into his room. This was not happening. Shito tried to push the thoughts away, what Akatsuki did was none of his business, but then again, given their situation, it was. Things could get complicated for the two zombies and... and... "Good morning!" Chika cheerfully greeted everyone. He placed food and water dishes on the table next to his plate and picked up the chick from his head, gently placing her on the table. "Everyone, I want you to meet Jenova!" "Hi, Jenova, nice to see you again. She's so cute!" Koyomi chirped. Michiru blinked as the misunderstanding was cleared, then smiled and gently petted the chick. "Aw, she's adorable!" Chibi Zarame shook his head. Humans were experts in jumping to conclusions. Chika looked at Shito waiting for him to say something. "C'mon Shito, say hello to Jenova." A chick, as in a little yellow animal, of course... "Hello Jenova." End of Definition 01 Disclaimer, I don't own Zombie Loan or Final Fantasy VII. xoxox xox xoxox My Site: piratesboard DOT net SLASH mikari Art Archives: mikaristar DOT deviantart DOT com mikaristar DOT sheezyart DOT com fanart-central DOT net SLASH profile-AzureMikari DOT php artgrounds DOT com SLASH gallery SLASH Mikari anipan DOT com SLASH 21462 pinterest DOT com SLASH mikariazure SLASH pixiv DOT net SLASH member DOT php QUENTION id EQUAL 4828776 2. What's in a Name? Meaning Definition 02: What's in a Name? Chika tossed the dictionary clear across the dorm lobby. It went flying in front of Koyomi and Sotetsu, over Michiru's head and missed Chibi Zarame by just an inch. Unfortunately, Shito was not so lucky; the book collided with his face. "Akatsuki!" If he had his own right hand, Akatsuki would be dancing with bullets. "Sorry Shito, that thing upset me!" Chika proceeded to point at the dictionary, make an adorable pouty face, and sit with his arms crossed. "What's the problem with it?" Sotetsu asked. "Nothing, forget about it." Clearly, Chika had no intentions of revealing whatever problem he might have with the dictionary. He was required to take a second language class in school but this particular word offended him. Shito had the look of revenge reflected in his eyes. "Stop being so upset over something like this, Chika." The room was filled with gasps. Shito had called Chika by his first name on his own free will! Koyomi stared, Sotetsu's mouth hung open, and Michiru adjusted her glasses, as if that had anything to do with her hearing. Chibi Zarame already knew what this was about and showed little interest in their antics. Chika glared at his destined partner. "That's Akatsuki to you." More gasps of shock and surprise filled the room. Koyomi was quite confused, looking back and forth between Shito and Chika. Sotetsu's mouth was open wider than one would think is normal, and Michiru removed her glasses to make sure the black rings were still around their necks as a way to confirm those two were the same Shito and Chika she knew. Chibi Zarame was still rather uninterested and did not comprehend what the big deal was, even if he knew why Chika was upset. Shito decided it was payback time and with the dictionary in his hands, he explained. "Chika in Spanish sounds exactly like chica, a word that means girl. Chico means boy but ko is a common ending for a girl's name in Japanese." Chika wanted to strangle Shito, in fact he pounced on him like an angry cat playing lion and Sotetsu had to get him off Shito. Even after being pushed to the floor in a surprise attack, Shito seemed satisfied with the overall situation. Sotetsu was currently holding Chika back, receiving a few bruises as Chika flailed around trying to get free and hunt down his prey. With a confident smirk, unlike any expression anyone had ever seen on Shito's face, he concluded. "No matter how you look at it, Chika is a girly name." "I'm going to kill you!" Chika yelled at the top of his lungs. Shito smiled at his partner and calmly left the lobby. Michiru blinked, Koyomi continued to stare and Sotetsu held on to the furious Chika. Chibi Zarame merely shook his little head. The reaper made cute noises that translated to. "How are you going to kill him if he's already dead?" Honestly, humans made no sense. End of Definition 02 Disclaimer, I don't own Zombie Loan. 3. Live Meaning Definition 03: Live There were many things she wanted to say. If she could say just one, what would it be? "Shito..." He was walking down the deserted school halls when he heard the voice calling. "Shito..." It was a girl's voice but it was not Michiru or Koyomi. "Shito..." He quickened his pace and the dream took him outside a graveyard near the dorm. Dreams had their ways to skip from one place to another but he did not question this, nor did he notice he was dreaming at this point. She stood there smiling, pink hair moving gently in the soft afternoon breeze, blue eyes full of happiness. She was now wearing the same uniform Michiru and Koyomi wore for school. He approached, she was standing next to a grave, but it didn't hit him that it was her grave. "Live..." He woke up with uneven breaths. Why was he dreaming about her now? Why did he picture things so clearly the way he wanted them to be, yet they were not? Shito got up and as he stood from his bed, his bare foot landed on a stomach. "Ow!" Chika squirmed under the weight and pushed the foot away, making Shito fall sitting on his bed. "What are you doing here?" Shito gave his destined partner a glare, but Chika only smiled in amusement. "Take a look around." As if to emphasize Chika's point, a chirp was heard from a basket on the night stand. Chika's pet chick was there. Shito noticed that his entire collection was mission, then he realized that it wasn't missing; he was simply in the wrong room. "This is... how..." "You looked more like zombie than ever before, sleep walking like that and kicking me off my own bed. I was nice enough to let you stay, I thought you might be lonely or something. Of course I might charge for the unwilling sleepover." Leaving Chika to his ramblings, Shito got up and returned to his room. Shito lay down in his own bed and mussed over the possible meaning of the unexpected event of sleep walking. Maybe it meant he was too stressed or too tired, even if it sounded like a contradiction since he seemed to be well rested enough to walk in his sleep. "Live..." Maybe, just maybe, all that it meant was that it was time for him to start living his life alongside others, friends... End of Definition 03 Disclaimer, I don't own Zombie Loan. 4. Bath Time Meaning Definition 04: Bath Time The walk back to their rooms was quiet and somewhat awkward with Koyomi becoming distracted by every little thing, not that the excitement had died down, and Michiru nervously glancing at the werewolf every now and then. The girl with the shinigami eyes stood as far as possible from the creature, still a bit frightened from all that happened, she was also quite surprised at witnessing the chairperson's powers as the keeper of the key, though she didn't fully understand what that meant. Chika seemed disappointed, sure he wasn't as depressed as he used to be but he wasn't back to his old self. Shito heard him grumble something about not getting paid but ignored it. The keeper of the key closely watched the werewolf the entire way. Once they arrived, everyone was about to retreat to their respective rooms to rest when Shito and Chika received a request from Kuse, the chairperson and now the werewolf's caretaker. "Shito, Chika, I would like to ask a favor of you both." Chika grumbled because he didn't feel like it but knew he shouldn't refuse, and Shito remained silent. "Of course, you will receive a bonus for this task, if you successfully accomplish it." "Bonus?!" Chika's eyes lit up and he was suddenly full of energy again. Maybe this hasn't been such a waste of time after all if he got a nice big bonus. "Whatever it is I'll do it, no problem!" "A bath..." Kuse calmly spoke. Shito blinked once and Chika blinked several times. "Bath?" They unanimously asked. "Yes, I want you to give him a bath." It was obvious that by him she meant the werewolf. "He's covered in mud and dirt; he needs to be cleaned up." This was indeed truth, Kuse had a point, the werewolf boy was filthy, but Shito didn't understand why he had to partake in giving him a bath. He certainly wasn't looking forward to it. Chika didn't really care, as long as someone was paying, he would bathe and groom cats, dogs, werewolves and elephants alike. "Will you do it?" The question was expressed to bring them back to attention and to let them know they did have a choice should they wish to refuse. "Sure! Leave it to me!" Chika cheered at the prospect of a relatively easy bonus, or at least that's what he thought. "I will help," Shito agreed a lot less enthusiastically than Chika. "In that case, I will entrust him to you both for the time being." After using her powers, Kuse was feeling tired and needed to recover her energy so she could use some help. "C'mon, boy, let's get you nice and clean!" Though Chika was smiling and didn't look threatening at all; the werewolf's first instinct was to bite the hand that was dangerously close to him. "Ah!" "Akatsuki, don't forget that's my hand!" Shito watched in horror was the werewolf pulled the hand off Chika's wrist and ran off with it in his mouth. Chika, Shito and Kuse gave chase. In the process of knocking things over and making a mess, Chika and Shito had lost sight the chairperson but continued their pursuit. The werewolf ran under a table, with Chika close behind. The zombie with the golden eyes crawled after him and hit his head on the table. Shito shook his head in disapproval, while Chika let a stream of colorful words express his pain. Squeak, squeak, squeak! The werewolf bolted toward the source of the sound. "Good boy... Pochi, now sit." To the amazement of the two zombies, the werewolf, whom the chairperson had called Pochi, sat on the floor doggy style. She gave him the bone shaped squeaky toy and gently patted his head as she took the hand back. "This should make things easier now that he has something to chew on." Where she got that dog toy, no one knew and no one asked. "Please be careful from now on." "I will," Chika accepted the hand and reattached it to his wrist while pretending he didn't notice Shito's annoyed look. xoxox xox xoxox It seemed that Pochi had calmed down and was quickly learning to respond to his name. "Stay still Pochi!" However he either did not know the meaning of staying still, or thought it was a synonym for moving around a lot. "Is the tub full yet?" Chika asked. "Yes, but I told you, we can't just throw him in. The filth is attached to him and won't come off easily." Shito reasoned. Chika pouted. "And why do I have to be the one to do this? Let's switch jobs, you can clean him and I'll shampoo." "I refuse." It was his hand that had suffered from Chika's carelessness so Shito believed he had the right to choose what task he preferred in the process of cleaning Pochi. Chika continued trying to scrub the mud and dirt off Pochi with a wet towel, making sure he didn't scrub too hard and startle him. It might have been Shito's hand that bared the marks, but Chika felt the pain. Squeak, squeak, squeak! Pochi chewed his bone shaped toy and scratched behind his ears with his toes while Chika took the time to throw the used to be white now brown towel in the hamper and get a clean one. Squeak, squeak, squeak! Shito's left eye twitched to the rhythm of the squeaking. Squeak, squeak, squeak! "Enough! Stop that annoying sound this instant!" Shito's request was answered with a growl but he did not back down. He reached to take the toy away, making sure to use Chika's hand just in case, but Pochi tackled him into the tub. "Shito, what are you doing?" Chika just stood there, towel in hand, while Shito and Pochi wrestled in the tub. He stepped forward, his foot landing on a soap bar that was carelessly left on the floor and inevitably, he slipped. When Yuuta, who like everyone else witnessed the chaotic chase, came to see if any major injuries had occurred during the process of giving the werewolf a bath, he found Shito, Chika and the werewolf in the bath tub splashing around. "Looks like they're having fun..." Kenken and Konkon seemed to agree. "We better not interrupt, let's go back to our room and get some rest." The chaos continued as Pochi struggled, splashed and scratched. The only thing he didn't do was let go of his precious squeaky toy so at least he didn't bite. In the end, Shito, Chika and Pochi, all ended up very clean and smelling of sweet strawberry shampoo, though not willingly. Later, Shito talked Kuse into taking Pochi's irritating squeaker away while they were on the bus back to the city. She managed to do it quite easily with the promise of returning it when they got home. Chika was quite happy with his bonus and it all worked out in the end, at least for now. End of Definition 04 Disclaimer, I do not own Zombie Loan. 5. Exist Meaning Definition 05: To Exist Black Ring, Broken wings. Inevitable? Destiny... Escape the Reaper, The Soul Seeker. For hope, for life, To live, to be, To exist! This is a mini poem I wrote to decorate the second layout of Black Ring, a Zombie Loan site Snow and I made. Disclaimer, I don't own Zombie Loan. 6. Contrast Carmella's interpretation of the world. Meaning Definition 06: Contrast Life is nothing but a game of change in which some win and, in contrast, others lose. There are those who chose to try to challenge that endless cycle, to predict it and to control it, but such an accomplishment, if even possible, is not an easy one. Born, live and die; some say it's the natural way, and perhaps the happiest. Others know nothing more than how to exist outside the cycle, some willingly, others having no choice. A blade cuts a mutant creature, and instinctively the sword's wieldier steps back before the acid drops can reach him. He wishes to return into the cycle. A bullet flies from the distance and pierces the head of the rampaging enemy, the one holding the gun only knows of existence outside of the cycle. They both have their problems to face and challenges to master, and for better or worse, they are not alone in those tasks. Both miss their families dearly, one hoping to see them again soon, and the other holding no hopes of such a reunion. The enemies have been defeated and they receive their rewards, one jumping with joy, the other accepting it quietly. They are opposites in many ways, and in many ways the same. One of them impatiently walks back to their work place, calling for his companion to hurry. The other, much more patient than the first, walks at a steady pace and does not slip on the wet sidewalk from the rain that ended a mere few minutes ago. The impatient one jumps to his feet, curses at the rain, then happily continues on his way, his mood swinging drastically back and forth with a matching changing expression. His companion remains serious, he is not moody, nor is he cheerful. They arrive at their destination and are faced with several alternatives of what to do next; some information being provided by a good, yet sometimes misleading man, and more information being provided by hyperactive boy. They leave; the patient one and the impatient one, contrasting like their crown of darkness and light. They head out to a new adventure and to find a new companion. Contrast is quite present in that group; it becomes obvious when one is compared to another. Perhaps those complementing differences are what holds them together, and allows them to draw hope from each other. Life, death and the in-between are full of twists and turns. Not all good intentions produce more good and not all evil intents produce more evil. But what is that, if not a mere comparison, one unable to be defined without the other. Side by side, like the two creations of my client, ever the opposites; one destroys and the other heals, bringing pain and compassion respectively, despair and hope. I suppose I am quite different from other people as well. Unlike those who live inside the cycle, or exist outside of it, I help move it along in an eternally harmonious disarray. In that game of chance that some accept and others don't, some win and others, in contrast, lose; it's only a point of view. End of Definition 06 Written for SnowRayjah's Wheel of Fortune challenge. Disclaimer, I don't own Zombie Loan. 7. Cheshire Cat Meaning Definition 07: Cheshire Cat Shito entered the Z-Loan office, walking naturally and minding his own business. Then, without a warning, he was tackled by Bekko against a wall. "What are you doing?" Shito demanded. Bekko's reply was only a growl. He noticed an envelope on Shito's hand. He had gotten the money for the offering not too long ago, but got tired of waiting for Chika and Michiru so he went to see what was keeping them. He should have known not to let Akatsuki unsupervised for too long; Miss Kita wasn't always able to stop him from his mischief. Bekko snatched the enveloped from Shito's hand and ran towards Chika with the envelope in his mouth. "No, no!" Chika scolded him, "you're supposed to find lost money so I can pick it up, you're not supposed to steal it!" Bekko ignored Chika and threw the envelope at his feet, then he proceeded to bark at the strangely colored pink and purple zombie cat Chika was holding. The cat's eyes became hypnotic swirls of pink and purple and soon Bekko's barking was replaced by frightened squeaks. "Bad Cheshire!" Chika was apparently scolding the cat, though it lots its effect if he did it while petting it. "I told you I needed a hound not a mouse!" That's when the fact sunk in for Shito, the strange zombie cat Chika picked up somewhere and hid, had hypnotic powers that made people and zombies think as animals. Shito took note of Yuuta sitting on his usual place, blissfully ignorant about what was happening white twisting his nose like a bunny rabbit. "Akatsuki!" If only Shito had his own right hand, he would have called out his gun in a split second. "What? I heard the Ferryman can smell money so I thought he could help us, but he refused, so I got a little help from my new friend, Cheshire." In Chika's mind, it was a genius plan. Shito was not pleased and the fact that Koyomi kept clapping like a seal creating background noise was not helping. Not surprisingly Michiru was a gopher, he should have guessed. Sometimes Shito felt as if he was trapped in a zoo when he went to work and today he saw it come true. xoxox xox xoxox "Meow!" The chairperson was not pleased. "Meow!" To hear a werewolf meow at the top of his lungs was not quite normal, then again, neither were werewolves, or zombies, or key keepers. "This might be a problem," Kuze mused in a quiet and calm voice. "That is a problem," Shito emphasized. There was no room for a maybe. When he spoke those words, Shito was not pointing at the strange pink and purple zombie cat, nor the peculiar meowing werewolf, but rather at a zombie with golden eyes. Chika pouted, "he usually listens to me!" His defense fell when the cat, whom he named Cheshire, ignored his calls, making Chika have to pull him out from under the desk. "Give me my hand," Shito ordered with a glare deadlier than his gun. Chika clutched the right hand he had, which was actually Shito's. "No!" "Calm down!" Firm but collected, the chairperson silenced them. "If you are thinking of guiding this zombie cat, it is best not to do so until everyone is back to normal." That might take some time, Bekko was still a frightened mouse, Yuuta was hopping around like a rabbit, Michiru was a shy gopher and Koyomi was a clapping seal that wouldn't stop clapping, much to Shito's aggravation. "I'm sure he's just tired," Chika spoke referring to the zombie cat. "If we let him rest he'll listen to me again." Shito gave his partner a look that clearly indicated that he would hold him to his word. He liked the faster way of simply shooting the cat, if preferably while Chika was holding him. Noting Shito's dangerous irritation, caused partially by the trouble Chika and his cat brought, and partially by the lack of silence thanks to Koyomi, which was the cat's fault anyway; Kuze decided it was best to suspend all business activities for the day. "Take the rest of the day off, go home and rest, Shito-san. Chika-san and I will take care of making sure everyone else goes home." Shito did not have to be told twice. He was very close to forcing his hand off Chika and shooting him for this one. He was glad to leave the Z-Loan office and the noisy clapping Koyomi behind. xoxox xox xoxox After Shito had left, each person was taken home. The students were safely delivered to their dorm rooms, with nothing more than a few strange stares from random people. This task was left up to Chika since he brought the cat. "Greed is never good," Kuze had said. One after another, everyone was placed in the safety of their homes, with Chika pledging innocent and disclaiming all responsibility about any items they might break in their animal state. xoxox xox xoxox At the Z-loan office, Pochi and Cheshire were quite content playing with balls of yarn, other than them, Chika and Kuze, Bekko was the only one left in the office. "Does he live here?" When ever Chika saw the ferryman he was at the office. Early in the morning, in the middle of the afternoon or late at night, he was always there whenever he visited Z-Loan. "Of course not, Bekko should be taken home as well but that is..." Kuze did not finish, she got up from her seat and glanced at Pochi and Cheshire. "Keep an eye on them." She then proceeded to pull Bekko, the mouse, out of his hiding place in a storage closet. "You're taking him home?" Chika was curious, it was a curiosity easily to satisfy but difficult to disregard. "I want to go too! To help out I mean." His feigned guilt didn't work, but the sad kitten look knew no rival. "Very well..." There was a certain undertone to Kuze's voice, as if she was about to teach the mischievous zombie a lesson, but Chika was too distracted thinking about what Bekko's house could look like to even consider the consequences of visiting it. xoxox xox xoxox "For how long have I been going in circles?" Time and space were two things that either did not exist or existed too much in Bekko's house. From the outside, it was it was an elegant mansion, just outside the city, but it was a normal building none the less, save for the size and luxury. Inside it looked normal at first, then it warped and tuned into an endless maze of darkness and light. "Squeak!" Bekko was currently trying to obtain the cheese Chika had gotten when he passed the oversized kitchen, hoping to gain the upper hand when it came to babysitting the mouse ferryman. "Bad mouse!" it was hard for Chika to control a mouse that was bigger than him, especially if kicking was not an option for several reasons. One of those reasons was upsetting Kuze, who knows what kind of secret powers a key keeper could have, and the other most likely one, was having his debt doubles, tripled or multiplied several times, more so than what was already expected when Bekko went back to normal. It was that cat's fault, if Chika hasn't found the poor creature meowing sadly and doubted himself when he was about to guide the cat, he wouldn't be in this mess. Perhaps to say he doubted would be stretching it, it was more like the cat temporarily hypnotized him into thinking he was a fish. If he wasn't already dead he would have died of fright or lack of water, but then the strangely colored feline released him and Chika took it as an offering of friendship. When Chika remembered Bekko's unique ability, he decided to turn him into a dog, just for a little while. A hound that could smell cash better than any other; a crazy idea he knew it; but it was those occasional crazy antics that made Chika feel alive, even if he was still a zombie buried in debt. He wasn't making any progress and giving up on taking Bekko to his room to rest as Kuze instructed, Chika decided to throw the cheese. Bekko scrambled after the cheese and ate it happily, looking quite strange from Chika's point of view. The zombie tried to retrace his steps but instead stumbled upon a door that hid glass stairs, much taller than the size of the structure seen from out side. "We must go," spoke a quiet voice from the entrance to the room, where Chika stood gazing at the space beyond the door while Bekko ate his cheese. "What is that place?" Chika thought about crossing the doorframe to that place, that mysterious unknown place. "Stop!" That was much louder and firmer than usual and this time not even the look of the sad kitten could convince the chairperson to let Chika venture past that door. Before Chika could even try to get away, the door was shut and locked before him; Kuze was the keeper of the key after all. "I changed my mind." Chika didn't know what in the world Kuze was talking about. xoxox xox xoxox By the next day, Cheshire was in Kuze's care and the hypnotism problem was resolved. It was obvious that the home of Bekko the ferryman was not a common place, but Chika suspected that his true home was beyond that door with the spiraling glass stairs. 'I changed my mind...' Did that meant that Kuze initially was going to let Chika go past that door into that place? Chika didn't know what to think of it. Things melted back into normalcy little by little and Cheshire remained in the care of Kuze; either that or he was already guided, Chika didn't know. End of Definition 07 Disclaimer, I do not own Zombie Loan. Story inspired by Snow, who told me about Bekko's ability to smell money. End file.

Meaning by MikariStar

Zombie-Loan

Chika's heartbreaking confession _** Okay,um, this is my second ONE-SHOT! Um, I'm writing another one because of **__**wherethereispainthereishope**__**. I hope I get more reviews than my last one and I hope you really enjoy this one! Ooops, almost forgot; DICLAIMER: I do not own Zombie-Loan at all. Wish I did but I don't. Thanks, bye.**_ _**Michiru's POV:**_ _***BAM*BAM*BAM***_ Man, wouldn't this be the second time that Im going to die? This time, though, I may not be able to come back. I fall backwards as a searing pain rips throughout my whole body. I wait for the impact of hitting the cold, hard floor to come, but it never does. Instead, I get warm hands supporting my back and my head, gently. I see gold eyes staring down at me. Those golden eyes are filled with concern and pain. I wish I could wipe those emotions away and replace them with happiness. My body starts to shake a little. " Michiru! Michiru! Come on, Gopher, wake up, now!" I recognize Chika's voice and wonder why he's so hysterical. I try to get up and ask what's wrong but my body just hurts even more. Tears spring to my eyes from the unbearable pain. I want this pain to go away. Then, I seen a small darkness that look quiet and peacful. Hmmmm... Maybe I should go see what's in there, I think but as soon as I get close to it, it pulls me in and it won't let me go. Chika... was the last thought I had before I felt my body go limp. I wake up to the sound of someone calling my name. "Gopher...Gopher..." it's saying. Wait, Gopher? The only person who calls me Gopher is Chika. Wait, why is Chika calling my name? I stir in my...bed? But, the last place I was at was...all of the memories flood back to me. I was shot at one of the last fights and I couldn't get back up. If I got shot then...I try to sit up and I immidiently sink back down. there is a HUGE pain in my stomach. Welp, I guess I was right. I really did get shot. But then why am I back in my room? Why aren't I dead? Yuuta wasn't there when I blacked out. Could he have possibly gotten to me before I died? I'll have to ask later. I let out a loud moan. My body really does hurt. "Gopher? Are ya 'wake yet?" I hear Chika ask me. I try to tell him 'yes' but I can't even open my mouth, let alone talk. I feel a hand wrap around my wrist and try get me to drink what I suppose is water. Maybe I should try to open my eyes, at least. The light is killing me, though. I take a terribly small sip of water and lick my dried lips. "The...lights." I croak. I try to take another small sip of water but my mouth refuses to swallow it. The water trails down my chin and drips onto my shirt and bedspread. The lights turn off and I can finally open my eyes, a little. My eyes instantly go to my left where Chika is sitting. He looks beaten and tired. How long has it been since he slept? He looks at me sadly and says, " Man, Gopher, ya always cause trouble, ya know?" I nod my head slowly but the action causes the pain to increase so I stop trying. Chika takes out a small, blue hankerchief and wipes my mouth. I look at him, greatful. He has always been there, hasn't he? " There are those eyes I've been waiting for. How ya feelin'?" He asks me. I give my lips a quick lick before I talk. "I'm feeling okay, I guess. My stomach REALLY hurts though." I say back to him. He gives a humorless chuckle. Was he mad? No...That's not it. "I suppose my stomach was hurt, too if I was shot there 3 times and was in a coma for 3 weeks." Hmmm...I guess that makes- what?! Did he just say that I was in a coma for 3 WEEKS?! I thought I was only out for a night. No way I was out for three weeks. No freakin' way! I take my arm and lift it up slowly. I grasp the warm blanket covering me and throw it to the side. A long, white bandage is wrapped around my stomach with blood soaking through, a little. I touch it and flinch as pain creeps up to my chest. "Ouch. Was I really out for 3 weeks, Chika?" I ask him as he gazes at my bandages and the blood soaked through them. His eyes snap back to mine. "Uh huh. Just a second, I'll go get more bandages. Be right back, ok?" He asks me. I nod my head slowly. He stands up and walks to the door. He looks back at me and I give him a wave to reassure him that I'm alright. As soon as he walk out of the door I feel like something important has left me. Huh? Something important? Like what? Hmmmmm...oh well, I'll figure it out later. All I need to worry about now is my wounds. I still can't believe I was out for 3 weeks. I look for anymore signs of harm and only find a few bruises, but other than those and the gunshot wounds, I'm in pretty good shape. My hands go to my hair and I let my loose braid loose. My lavander hair comes crashing down to my shoulders. That feels much better. The throbbing in my head lessens as I shake my head around gently. There is a knock at my door before Chika comes back in. He notices my hair is out of it's braid but says nothing. He has a clean white bandage in his hands. He sets free the bandage and comes to sit by me again. His, now free, hands go to my stomach. I flinch as his hands touch my stomach. His hands hover for a moment before going back to work. Chika acts as if he has done this to me millions of times before. Those thoughts instantly leave my mind as the bandage slips from my stomach onto Chika's hands. He takes it and tosses it into the trashcan. He picks up the new one. " I'm gonna need you to lean on your elbows so I can wrap this around you. I nod and struggle to get up on my elbows. Chika waits patiently. That's odd, he would usually yell at me to hurry up. Hmmm... FINALLY! I'm finally on my elbows. "Okay. Stay like that and don't move or I'll kill you. Got it Gopher?" He asks me. Ah, now there's the real Chika. I smile and nod my head. Chika takes his hankerchief again and starts to gently wipe off the stray blood trying to escape onto my bed. He looks so calm when he does this. Isn't he surprised about how much blood there is? I mean, at all? Huh. Those thoughts dimenish as Chika takes the bandage and starts to wrap it around my stomach. He looks so tired and sad when he does this. As he wraps it around me I take a few sharp intakes of breath. Everytime I do this, Chika's hands stop and hover above my stomach before going back to work. Once Chika finishes wrapping me up he tells me it's alright to lay back down. " If I lay back down I think that I'll fall alseep, again." I warn him. He grimaces as I say this. He fixes my pillows and grabs my wrists gently. He puts his hands under my arms as he lifts me up and puts me against the soft, fluffy pillows. When he's done, his hand slides from my wrist to my hand. I look up at him in surprise. His eyes are focused on our hands. His face looks so sad and lonely. I want to just wipe them away and make sure they won't ever some back. " I-I thought that I was gonna lose ya, Gopher. I really did. I thought that ya weren't gonna come back this time. I thought that I would never be able to tease you again. Yuuta didn't come until an hour after you were shot. He's probably scared shitless now because I yelled at him when he said that he did all he that he could and you were still not waking up. I thought that I would never see your eyes again. That I would never hear your voice again. I thought you were going to die and never come back to me." Chika's eyes are now hidden behind his bangs but I see a small drop of water drip from his hidden face. " When you still didn't wake up the next day, I lost it and punched Shito. I-I thought...oh, Gopher, I thought that I would never be able to see you again! " Chika's hand is now entertwined with mine and trembling along with the rest of his body. "MICHIRU!" Chika jumps out of his chair and practically throws himself into my arms. His lengthy arms wrap around me and he sobs into my shoulder. His sobs wrack through his whole body. Still in a shock, I slowly wrap my arm around him, too. I've never seen Chika this hysterical before. Like, ever. He's always so arrogant and loud. I never thought he would...l-lo-lov-love me? No, he can't love ME. Right? His arms tighten around me like he's never going to let me go again. So, this does mean... I comb my hands through Chika's hair to try to soothe him. I guess it works because Chika breaks the death hug and looks at me. He leans in close. He hesitates for a moment before he closes the inch of a gap. It takes me a moment to understand what's going on before I respond. The taste of Chika is...amazing. Something slams against my teeth and I realize that it's Chika's tounge. I grant him access and our tounges mix together. I always thought about how disgusting it sounds in books, but it taste so sweet. So...perfect. My small frame fits perfectly in Chika's large one. We're like 2 puzzle pieces that fit perfectly together. It all feels so sureal. Before I know it we're both gasping for breath. My stomach gives me a warning cramp. I notice that some blood is starting to soak through a little. Oh well, Chika will clean them I hope. I notice that Chika is staring at me with his golden eyes. " Does this mean..." I start to ask. Chika nods his head up and down. So it means he loves me, right? Well I never would have known...that Chika...loves...me. "I love you, Gopher." Chika confirms. I smile and mouth 'I love you, too'. At this, Chika sighs and says, " This is going to make missions impossible. I won't be able to ever let you get a scratch again. Jeez, Gopher, you always cause trouble, don't ya?" He smiles at me. I can't believe it took me almost getting killed to realize that I really do love Chika. What an idiot. I can't believe how dense I was to my OWN feelings. Thank God this happened to me or things would just have always been the same between me and Chika. Now, I can't believe I didn't notice what a caring guy he really is. I'm not going to let this go for a while. Chika LOVES me. I'm so happy. I haven't been this happy in a while, actually. Hmmmm...I like it. I like being happy. I hope Chika's as happy as I am. Having that concerned look on his face again, Chika asks, " Are you alright, Gopher? Does your stomach hurt?" And now that he mentions it, my stomach hurts like hell. Tears spring to my eyes and fall. Chika glares at my stomach for a moment then wipes the tears away from my face. " Please don't cry, Gopher. You're so much prettier whe you smile." I try my best to smile even though my brows are knitted together. I hear Chika laugh and then I feel warm lips on mine again. I close my eyes, peacefully. I'm so glad that Chika loves me. I smile a genuine smile against his lips and he whispers against mine, "There it is." _**The end! I really hope you enjoyed this. I felt like writing a longer, better story between Chika and Michiru. I do hope this one is better than my first one. Please review and tell me what you guys think. If you do, I would really appreciate it. I'm sorry if I didn't spell a few things right. Again, I'm still a kid so I don't really know if I spelled all my words right. Tell me if you would like it a little longer. Also tell me if you don't like how melodramtic Chika acted. I had a perfect image the whole time in my head but it may be different your guys'. Anyways, bye guys. Love ya all.**_ _** ~ Thelovelywriter204**_ End file.

Chika's heartbreaking confession by thelovelywriter204

Zombie-Loan

Instead of Starting a Fire **Instead of Starting a Fire.** He doesn't push Akatsuki out of the bed, although Shito does think that he should, and he feels really, really tempted to do so. "Move," he tells him, just enough that he can pull the blankets away to get inside the bed, not caring about the way Akatsuki is looking at him. Shito just doesn't care if Akatsuki sleeps on the floor or in the bed, and choosing either would mean caring, one way or the other. If he sleeps on the floor, he better be ready because he doesn't have any extra blankets. If he sleeps in the bed, Akatsuki better not kick or he will kick him off the bed. "Shito?" he hears Akatsuki shift, and he feels the way he's looking at him, that terribly awkward awareness that has come from the past few weeks, even more aware than what having Akatsuki's hand in his body made him. "Go to sleep or go away," he mutters, eyes closed, with an arm under his head. Shito hears Akatsuki huff and mutter about idiotic bastards, but he moves too, and then he feels the matres shift as Akatsuki moves next to him under the covers, barely a breath away of distance between them. They don't say goodnight, but it takes Shito longer than usual to fall into a deep sleep, with the way he's acutely aware of there being another body next to him the basic instinct to move away or attack thrumming through his body, and he knows it's going to be a long night even before Akatsuki rolls over, moving to put an arm around him, all of the sudden way too close. He tenses, ready to push him away again, but Akatsuki presses his forehead against his shoulder blades and his arm is tight around his waist. He feels the same way he did over the ceiling, saying again 'please' as if they were friends, as if it mattered at all. Shito sighs but he also makes himself relax, because it doesn't matter, and he doesn't care, not really, and Akatsuki can do whatever the hell he wants. Shito doesn't fall asleep until Akatsuki stops trembling. End file.

Instead of Starting a Fire by Kali Cephirot

Zombie-Loan

Hunger Kita Michiru was a woman of many talents. She may not have been as strong or as savvy as anyone had hoped, but she knew how to put herself to use. _Cleaning_. The men of the manor seemed to be challenged by the simple daunting act of cleaning. If they had managed to properly fold and place their clothes, it was a miracle. While Shito-kun may have been tidier, his room full of clutter was anything but cleanly. Chika-kun was the exact opposite. He had a room that was barren and void of any worldly possessions. With a space full of nothing, it was amazing how filthy it could become. It wasn't uncommon to see clothes strewn about like Christmas lights and food wrappings and other trash collecting on the floor. Heaven forbid someone should peak under his bed. _Errands_. Since the majority of the house _loathed _running errands, it was up to Michiru to make sure that nobody died from starvation, bled to death because they were out of bandages, or slipped in the bathroom because the pipes started leaking. She would often make trips into town, stopping here and there to pick up this and that. No one ever really knew what she brought home, but everything seemed in order, so they let it be. After all, she would always have to make a stop at the convenience store on the way home to pick up some snacks for Koyomi-san. _Homework_. If there's one thing Michiru was, it was smart. You wouldn't think she'd have the time to get such good grades with how often she and the others go zombie hunting. If it isn't that, she's being held hostage at Chika-kun's part-time job to help bring in some extra money. Still, she was the one that tutored Koyomi-san in math, helped Shito-kun with his art projects, and sat around watching Chika-kun do his homework. He was plenty smart, required virtually no assistance, but if she didn't babysit him, it just wouldn't get done. _Cooking_. It was no secret that everyone loved Koyomi-san's cooking. She made dinner almost every night and even Sotetsu-san would drop in to have whatever she was serving. But every once in awhile, Michiru would have to step in and cook. Koyomi-san had a nasty habit of downing Fanta and it made it unsafe for her to use the stove. If she wasn't tipsy, she was sick or out for the day. It was hard telling with her sometimes. Still, it gave Michiru a rare opportunity to do something different. Still, she wasn't particularly fond of the chore. At least, she wasn't up until recently. After the incident of being trapped in the school, Michiru's perspective changed quite drastically. Seeing a small, frightened Chika-kun curled up by the front door waiting for his mother to come home broke her heart. All he wanted was her affection and love. He wanted to sit at their small table together and eat. He was starving and it showed. So Michiru made sure to cook a little more often. She wanted to be certain that Chika-kun ate - that he was fed. She knew it was silly, since he always ate whatever Koyomi-san fixed, but... it made her feel warm and peaceful to see him happily eating her food as well. He would never outright compliment her, but she noticed the sparkle in his eyes when he took that first bite. _Perhaps cooking wasn't so bad_, she thought. * * * "A/N: I never write stuff this short. Ever. Still, I didn't have a lot of time today and I _really _wanted to write. So I picked #35 off of the 64 damn prompts list and rolled with it. This is what you get." End file.

Hunger by SamNny

Zombie-Loan

Touch **Touch** by Saki (danpen-blue) Shito is left handed. But when it comes to Chika... [And so Shito realized that subconsciously wishful actions took up fifty percent of his movements. --- Shito is left handed. He knows he's lucky, because he doesn't have to fear reaching out to someone and having his hand fall right down at his feet. All that is more trouble than it's worth going through. So Shito doesn't share in Chika's inconvenience, and instead leaves him at the daily jeopardy of his work. It's too troublesome to help Chika anyway, if his pride will even let Shito past his own personal boundary. For even though their lives are connected, they've always managed to distance themselves from each other as much as possible, stretching the limits of their circle. From MOVA, to _that place_. Even if doing so is inconvenient. Which is why he feels as if he is turning favor to Fate as he walks toward the store, closer to Chika and farther, as far as possible, from Toho, relaxing the distance between their hands. He doesn't wish for Destiny's pity. He'd only felt his own heartstrings strained with that far distance, and sought to alleviate that discomfort. He knows he will have to pay for his emotions in all due time. --- As he walks, Shito traces the invisible seam between Chika's hand and his arm that has since smoothed over after he left. The two parts nearly precisely match. But Shito feels alienated from that hand, the hand that belongs to a boy who is nowhere as close to him as his hand is. The store bell jingles as Shito enters, the fluorescent lights lighting up his vision in comparison to the outside dusk. Shito imagines seeing the brightness reflected Chika's golden eyes as he looks up in greeting, and isn't sure if it is real or not. "We're going out again tonight, Shito?" "Of course. Idiot." "I was just asking." Chika looks back down at the magazine he is reading. "Pachiri, did you hear that?" Michiru looks over from where she is stacking a pile of old issues. She exchanges a smile with Shito when she sees him. "Sure thing. But be careful, okay? I know that Yuuta was wondering why you guys didn't go to him to get healed last night. Nao told me." What a kind girl. Shito lets himself smile out of more than common courtesy. He almost volunteersto help her finish her work, but only takes the magazines from her hands silently, refusing to let Chika know he is helping with his work. Michiru nods in thanks, and in understanding, though Shito doesn't realize it. Michiru is sensitive. She knows his feelings. Minutes later, the books are reorganized. The lavender-haired girl stands up, stretching her arms. "Hey, Chika, can I go now?" Chika is dozing, the magazine he was reading slack in his hands and his eyes closed. Shito stands up too, after being momentarily stunned by the sight of the sleeping boy. He tries to put on an affronted face, and fails. He coughs, clearing his throat. "Oi, Akatsuki. Kita-san needs to go home." The boy starts, blushing in embarrassment. Shito almost, almost, does the same thing, only for another reason. "Aa, Pachiri. The bentos are by the door." "You'd leave a girl to walk home alone at night?" Michiru gives Shito a look. "I'll be fine." She walks out of the store, hefting the lunches in her thin arms. "See you later, Shito-kun, Chika-kun." "You know, it's only just past six, Shito. But I'm done here anyway," Chika gets up, placing his reading back on its shelf. "Why'd you make a special trip out here?" "It was on the way from... personal business," Shito answers vaguely. "Business that finished early." "Oh?" Chika doesn't say anything more, and the former doesn't wait for him to. Chika doesn't need to know. Not this, not many things about Shito. "I'm going to the bathroom. Then we can get some food, and start." The black-haired boy crosses the length of the store into the bathroom at the far end, turning the doorknob and locking himself in. --- Shito is left handed. But if he has reason to touch his hair, his shirt collar, if he needs to lean his cheek or his chin on his hand, he'll use his right hand, whether he notices it or not. He was surprised, the first time he realized it, when Yuuta asked if he was ambidextrous. So Shito realized that subconsciously wishful actions took up fifty percent of his movements. And if he has reason, God forbid, while he's in the MOVA store bathroom (which has been looking quite cleaner since Michiru started working) and he can hardly stand on his feet because Chika recently reapplied his cologne in that room and had colored the air sweet and gently sharp and smells of an unnamed flower that matched his pale lilac hair and yellow eyes and the delicate shapes of the designs on the cold walls... Shito will be overcome by wistfulness and desire and something of warm nostalgia for Chika, so close and so far. He'll only hesitate a moment before forsaking his pride and uprighteousness of an unforgiving reality and use Chika's hand to touch _himself, _in solitude as quiet he can maintain. For even though their lives are connected, Shito has always managed to distance himself from Chika as much as possible, never finding the courage, no, recklessness, to change the boundary and keep as close to Chika as he can. So Shito finds the consequence of his sin staining Chika's hand in a sticky white splash on his palm. And he regrets many things in the minutes afterward, most of them ridiculous lines of distances, literal and figurative, that weave a web that stifles his desperate feelings. Because Shito is tainted, the black dragon on his chest ever at the ready to turn against his heart. And Chika is innocent, no matter how rude or smart-mouthed, and any misbalance will have their world collapse from under their feet. Shito lives in a world of boundaries. He walks the edge, always, unable to step outside of them, somehow unable to step inside. He knows that, one day, he will fall from that razor's edge. He wishes that Chika will catch him when he does, and not Toho, not Laoye, not a shinigami, none of those monsters, because Chika is the only one at the center of his spinning world. His world, circular like a CD on one of the store shelves, singing a suppressed melody. Chika tries to listen, and does not understand. He steals a glance at Shito's profile as they walk down the street together, and isn't all too surprised to see Shito glancing back at him. --- end. Tadaa Z-Loan love. 3 I like how it turned out, but, erm... Just for the record, Shito doesn't use his right hand except to hold books, and he doesn't use it for imaginary wishful Chika's hand complex-related actions like touching his face. That's all left handed. I'm sorry, I lied. :x -shot- Forgive me. Review appreciated. End file.

Touch by danpen-blue

Zombie-Loan

His For Eternity His For Eternity- Zarame x Michiru. Zombie Loan. Michiru had been sitting in her room all day. Everything was just so damned depressing. First she starts dating Sotetsu, believeing she was in love with him. Then she soon came to the shocking realization that she was actually developing feelings for Yomi, Koyomi's other personallity. Gathering her courage, she had slowly slipped out of her bedroom, strengthening her resolve. At the time, she had felt that she needed to tell Yomi about her attraction. Earlier that morning- She was so nervous as she walked down the hallway. She was not use to blurting out her feelings, being as shy as she was. 'I hope that I'm not actually making a fool of myself.' she blushed, her heart beating erratically in her chect as she was now a mere five steps or so from Koyomi's door. Slowly lifting her hand to the doorknob she steeled herself to open the door, only to stop once hearing noises coming from inside. Eyes becoming wide and pressing her ear firmly to the door she began listening intently. "Yomi-chan, you are undoubtedly the most beautiful woman i've ever seen. A flawless body. Mmm~" She listened as Yomi, -the girl she loved- giggled and then responded "Thank you Sotetsu, how about round two?" "Sounds wonderful. How about this time we-" Rushing away from the door, Michiru was at a loss as of what to think. The person she had feelings for, and her ex-boyfriend were messing around and she did'nt know how to feel about it. This new development had shattered a part of her. Walking back to her room, she noticed how Zarame was watching her with a shocked gaze. She briefly wondered why he was wearing that expression until she caught a glimpse of her own reflection in the mirror. Her eyes were dull and lifeless, tears streaming down her face. She looked utterly heartbroken to her own eyes. Placing her hands over her face she began to sob, dropping to her knees, body shaking. She let it all out. She had calmed down a while ago, and now she just felt empty. The person she cared for was with another person. She figured that she should be happy for Yomi. She had found someone to give her the affection she craved. Sighing she looked over at Zarame and noticed that he was still staring at her. "What?" she asked hesitantly. Blinking as if he had just noticed that he had been staring, he 'humph'd' and looked away. She had figured he wouldn't answer, so she was surprised when he spoke. "I am sorry." Her head swung to his direction, eyes as wide as saucers. She couldn't believe what she had just heard. It was rare for him to speak as if he cared, but it was even more rare to see the slight blush spread across his cheeks. Giggling, she crawled off the bed to the small couch in her room where Zarame sat. Glancing down at her he couldn't help but wonder what she was up to. He was shocked when her small hand slowly ran over his cheek in a small circular motion. "What are you doing, girl?" he hissed, momentarily stunning her with the harshness in his voice. Staring up at him she felt a shiver run down her spine at the cold look in his sapphire eyes. Steeling her resolve she spoke the words that would determine her fate. She knew it wasn't wise to become attached or get too close to a shinigami, but he was the only person she could rely on right now. "If it's you, I know you can make me forget." Eyes softening a bit he couldn't help but admire the boldness of her statement. The look on her face was one of utter desperation. His answer would determine wether she broke or not. Brushing his hand against her face to wipe away stray tears he nodded his head, letting her know that he would accept her offer. She couldn't help but smile. Throwing her arms around his neck and she squeezed him to her in a short embrace to show him that she was thankful. Barely realizing she was on top of his legs, straddling him. Lifting her head to look into his eyes, she could feel the air changing. Lifting her shaking hands to his face she slowly unwound the bandages that wrapped around his face and neck. Once they were off she couldn't help but admire his handsome features. Smoot pale skin, hish cheekbones and perfect nose. Sharp sapphire eyes and crimson hair that brushed his broad shoulders. Thick eyelashes and shapely lips. He was perfect. She was startles out of her reverie as his lips pressed against hers. Smirking as she moaned into the kiss, he let his hands glide over her shoulders to her arms, down her back to her hips, thighs, and eventually her knees. "Eeek!" he had pushed her back onto to couch and settled between her legs. He felt her slowly wrap her legs around his back and suppressed a groan. Leaning down to capture her lips again in a searing kiss, his hands again roaming her body. Teasing the crease of her mouth with his tongue, he forced his tongue past her lips and into her mouth to explore every part of the moist cavern. He could feel her body shivering beneath him and couldn't help but feel immensely proud for making her feel this way. Biting down on her bottom lip and breaking the skin, he groaned in pleasure as he tasted blood on his tongue. Breaking away to look down at Michiru he couldn't help but notice how turned on she was making him. Her eyes were clouded over in lust and she was whimpering from the loss of contact. She was a sight to behold. Gripping her hair in his hand he harshly yanked her head to the side, kissing and licking down her neck to her collarbone earning himself a hiss of pleasure from the small girl beneath him. Sliding his finger down her front, a sharp nail sliced through the material leaving her torso exposed to his hungry gaze. Licking his lips he leant forward and captured a nipple in his mouth. Swirling his tongue around it, he released it with a soft 'pop'. Slowly grazing his teeth across her breast and biting down the hardened nipple. His free hand wandered to the other one squeezing and rolling it between two fingers. Moaning loudly she felt like she was floating on air. She had never felt anything like this. He was amazing and she didn't know how much longer she could last. She felt like she needed something, she just wasn't quite sure what it was. She wasn't experienced in intimacy at all. She'd only been kissed before, and by a girl no less. All she could focus on was what his mouth and hands were doing to her. She could feel heat collecting in her stomach and it was driving her mad. He was trying to take it slow, but he couldn't help his rough nature. He wasn't one for gentle, but he was trying. Kissing down her stomach he slowly slipped off her pants and underwear in one shot. Continuing his path down her stomach he reached he soft patch of pink curls. Spreading her legs wide with his hands he gave a soft lick to her folds and she jerked in response, her legs shaking violently. He could hear her breathing heavily, and could tell she was scared by how tense she was. "Relax." It was an order, but it worked. She relaxed, letting him spread her legs further. Leaning forward he quickly shoved his tongue into her. She would have screamed had two fingers not been shoved into her mouth at the same moment his tongue entered her. Forcing herself to relax as he stilled his tongue's movement she began coating his fingers with her saliva, licking and sucking them thoroughly. This was all new to her, but he would bring her into this new world of pleasure at his own pace. Realizing that she was relaxed enough, he began quickly lapping at her womanhood causing her to writhe and moan. Twirling his tongue around her bud she screamed out at the immense pleasure she was feeling. Torturously and relentlessly he continued to abuse her clitoris with his tongue, occasionally thrusting his tongue deep inside of her he felt her tighten around his tongue as she came into his mouth. Her body was trembling as she came down from her first orgasmic high and she could barely take in what was happening around her. As the fog began to clear from her mind she realized that she was now handcuffed to the bed -when had he moved her?- with Zarame over her, looking down at her with a feirce look in his eyes, his fingers still in her mouth. "You taste wonderful." Before she could ponder what he'd said his mouth crashed down onto hers, his tongue thrusting into her mouth. She could taste herself on his tongue and for some reason she was turned on by it. Removing his fingers from her mouth he slowly rubbed them over her womanhood, teasing her until she whimpered for more. Slowly pushing two fingers into her she cried out in pain. Shushing her he slowly began moving his fingers inside of her. It was so painful. She had never felt something like this. It reminded her of being ripped in half. She was whimpering and writhing due to the pain when it started to feel different. He was stretching her, getting her ready for him. He was moving his fingers within her quickly, her pleasure building. Just as she felt that she would explode he pulled his fingers out of her earning himself a cry of surprise. "W-why? Why did you st-" "Shh". Silencing her, he crawled on top of her and kissed her once more. She watched him as he shed himself of his Shinigami wardrobe, her eyes widening once she could see his beautiful body. He was tall -at least three heads taller than her- lean and yet muscular. He definately had the body of the perfect shinigami. When she felt something position against her enterance her eyes widened as she saw his member. "T-that can't p-possibly fit." she stuttered out. Looking up at her he grinned, making her feel uneasy at the mischievious look in his sapphire orbs. With a quick jerk of his hips he thrust himself to into her, buried to the hilt. Leaning down quickly he claimed her lips to quiet her before she could scream. Tears trailed down her face, her body trembling. This pain was worse than beofre. So much worse. Pulling out of her so that only the tip was inside, his hips snapped forward again to bury himself within her hot entrance. Starting at a steady pace he began to thrust into her without mercy, numbing the pain in his wake. The pain began to dull and left behind only pleasure. He smirked when she moaned loudly into his ear. Groaning as she clamped down on him he started to suck and nibble on her ear, throat and shoulder. Quickening his pace he found himself slamming into her, being rewarded by moans and screams. It was music to his ears and he felt he couldn't last much longer. He knew she was close too, if how she was tightening around him was anything to go by. Pulling out and thrusting back into her roughly he lowered his mouth to her neck and sunk his teeth into her neck, marking her. The feeling of his teeth in her neck sent her over the edge, causing her to clamp down on him almost painfully. Her orgasm hit her hard, the look on her face sending him over the enge with her, releasing his seed into her. Panting heavily he rolled her onto her side, laying next to her. Placing a rough kiss on her lips causing her to moan in turn. "Thank you." She said, smiling. Her hand wandered to her neck and touched the bite mark, curiously. Watching her touch his mark on her neck he smirked and replied. "You're mine now." "I'm happy I came to you, Shinigami-sama." She replied teasingly, laying her head on his chest. He didn't respond, just closed his eyes. Pulling the blankets over them, he smiled slightly, still buried deep within her. She would be his for eternity. End file.

His For Eternity by p4c05wif3y

Zombie-Loan

Christmas Shoes **Disclaimer: I do not own Zodiac PI. I also based this story on a song called "Christmas Shoes" by Newsong, which I also don't own. ** Hiro was staring to lose it. There were only a couple of days left until Christmas and here he was spending them in a busy mall. He was tired, sore, and his holiday joy was running low. He had spent most of his spare time lately being dragged about the mall by his older sister and he only realized he had none of his own shopping done when Megumi asked him what he got for Lily. Now he was standing in line wishing for the people in front of him to hurry up. He still had other places to go. After what seemed like forever there were only a couple of people before him. Looking down he began to notice the person in front of him. It was a little boy who looked eight. He seemed like he could use a bath and a hot meal. His shoes were practically falling off his feet and his coat was worn out. But he looked excited as he fidgeted, waiting for his turn to pay. In his glove clad hands were a pair of shoes. Finally it was the little boy's turn. Hastily he placed the shoes on the counter. Then he dug into his pocket and pulled out a few bills and a lot of coins. Giving the cashier a toothy grin he asked, "I would like to buy these shoes, Sir. Could you wrap them up quickly? I have to get them to my momma soon." Ringing up the shoes he put the paper money in the register and counted up the coins. When he had finally finished he looked down at the boy and said regretfully, "Sorry, kid. You don't have enough here." The kid looked crestfallen and panicked. He turned every pocket he had inside out and even took off his shoes to look for anything that could help him out. When he found no hidden money he tried explaining why he needed the shoes so badly. "I don't have any more money but I need these shoes! They're for my momma for Christmas. She also made Christmas fun and I could never get her anything. Now she's sick and she'd look beautiful in these! I have to get these for her!" "I feel for you kid but my hands are tied. There's nothing I can do." The cashier tried to say. "Please I-" the little boy tried once again. "I'll pay for them." Looking down Hiro saw the kid staring at him in disbelief and hope. Breaking eye contact with him he turned his attention to the cashier. Opening his wallet he pulled out a couple of twenties and put them on the counter. "That should be plenty. Now wrap it up and make it quick. This kid has to hurry on back home." The kid just stood there dumb founded as his shoes were quickly wrapped up. Once they were down Hiro carefully pick up the present and put it in the kid's hands. Turning him until he faced the nearest exit Hiro gave him a gentle shove. "Go on Kid. I'm sure your mom wants to see you." Snapping out of it the kid turned around and gave Hiro a hug before running off. Just as he was about to rush out the door he stopped. Turning around he waved to Hiro. "Thanks! Momma's going to look so great!" Hiro smiled and waved as the boy turned around. He watched until he disappeared out of sight then Hiro went back to his shopping, feeling better than he had in a while. _Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my Mama, please _ _It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size _ _Could you hurry, sir, Daddy says there's not much time _ _You see she's been sick for quite a while _ _And I know these shoes would make her smile _ _And I want her to look beautiful if Mama meets Jesus tonight_ End file.

Christmas Shoes by Dozen and One Stars

Zodiac P.I.

THE BLOODY PIZZA BY SARAHEHM N MICHELLE EHM **THE BLODDY PIZZA** Michelle and sarah were going by an outside cafe.when they both saw a man who was dressed all in black you couldn't see his face because he had his hood up over his head.He was eating a pizze and blood was dripping from it .He stood up and got a knife out and he turned and looked at us but you still couldn't see his face because of his hood.Then he (STUDE?) up started to walk thn started to run at them .Michel and sarah screamed and ran.Everyone just sat still like they couldn't see him running after us.Sarah ran in to hur house and closed the door than she heard banting at the door .It was Michelle.they both ran up the stairs and locked the room door.Two minutes later the door was geting (FORST?) open they opend the window and (CRIMED?)down the pipe.They went to the police but the police didn't believe them. The man walked into the police station still holding the bloody pizza.The blood was still dripping from it And the police still couldn't see hum So michelle grabed the police man's gun and shot the man in the head amd when the body touvhed the ground .He disapered but the pizza was still laying thereThe following year Sarah and Michelle came home from shopping.Michelle put the bags in the kichen and heard Sarah screaming when she ran beem there was a bloody pizza on the table THE END BY SARAH N MICHELLE P.S SOz FOR SPELLING P :) AND PLZ REVIEW AND MAYBE SEND COMMENT AND THIS WOULD BE GLADLY APRESHATED End file.

THE BLOODY PIZZA BY SARAHEHM N MICHELLE EHM by SarahxItachi

Zodiac P.I.

Old Things Old Things He passed trough the door, hearing an old sound of a bell upon it. Why some people just don't ignore past habits? Who still uses those things but not electric ones? He sighed, thinking why she choosed that cafe in all of the other along the principal avenue. _I will never understand Lee's mind!_ He smiled to the barman, who was cleaning the balcony with a piece of white fabric. West was walking to the man, when that calm voice called him: "West, here!" He looked to his right, where a pale hand was squeezing trough the air, getting his attention. He looked back to the man, who was giving him a huge smirk. He answered with a false angry look, and ignoring him, he walked to the table where she was. Lee. She was beautiful. Without the uniform, her pale skin was more brilliant, and the red-flowered dress was in perfect harmony with her black eyes and hair. He always knew she was gorgeous in her exotic and oriental shape, but obliviously she already did know that... so, he just wouldn't make a fool paper telling her what she could know by herself. "You're late." He gave her a nervous smile, keeping his eyes away from hers. "Hei, there's a big traffic outside, you know? And I'm a very busy agent of the Govern..." "Don't start it, West. It's your day-off. Let's just talk and have some fun, ok?" He sat in the sofa opposite to hers, right beside a huge window. She sat down too, asking to the waiter another cup of coffee with tea, his favorite one. Well, it became his favorite one, because of her strange taste. Of course the idea to try coffee and tea in the same drink wasn't his idea. But she loved to drink it so much, every morning! He just gave up and a sunny day, when they were waiting for some information from the Agent Bennet, West decide to change his usual cup of express coffee for Lee's one. He liked it. And since that day, she always had asked two cups, for both of them. But after then... she just... left. "So, how work's going?" "I though we wouldn't talk about it in our day-off." "Sorry." - She smiled an ashamed smile. - "I didn't want to..." "It's not the same without you." He saw her cheeks got a soft red color, her eyes trembling and staring at him. Could she really know how she was beautiful? He kept his mouth closed. Of course she knew it. Of course her boyfriend, or anyone else, would her to be sure about it. He just wondered why she never talks about him... or anyone... "Ahn... Thanks... I think." She smiled again, a truly happy smile now. The waiter came and rested his cup in front of him. She re-started to drink hers, now looking trough the window. It was autumn and all the streets had some king of nostalgic around. The brown was present in the leaves, in the clothes, and even in the light of sun upon the gray buildings, lying about his yellow and red colors. West was still looking at her, thinking about all those things they did together. But, yet, he feels her so distant... no, he was distant. She was there, as always, but and him? What did he really know about her? Only coffee with tea? He knew she lived alone, in an apartment. She didn't have parents since her childhood, but she lived with her grandparents in a big city, in the middle of the Asian Continent. He wasn't sure if they were still alive, but he preferred to think they were. Lee didn't deserve to be all alone in life... "So... how you life's going, then?" He blinked, turning his head to the cup in his hand, untouched. "Good. I think Bennet will give me a reward pretty soon. I'll get Zeta in the next time. I've been thinking about some plans, you know?" She put her hand upon his, with a sad smile. "No work, remember?" She pulled away her hand, turning back to her glare at the window. He felt his body petrified. "So..." - she continued - "Isn't there anything more in you life, but work?" He blinked again, slowly and thoughtful. He stared to the smoke in his drink. Well... no, there wasn't. Why would it have? There was her... but she wasn't with him - at work - anymore. So, does it mean she was leaving his whole life too? Does it mean she wasn't going to be his partner, anymore? Of course he liked their meetings, always as they could; she was always calling him to a coffee, a break, just to keep in touch. So why was she so distant? Or was him? He raised up his eyes, staring her asking face. But he didn't answer her. He took a deeply breathe, even without notice it, and asked: "Why did you leave me, Lee?" She took a shock, he could say. She took his hand on hers, holding them high between her finger. And she answered, with hurt voice. "I did not leave you! I just couldn't keep a work that I didn't believe anymore!" "How can you know?" She gave him a soft smile, still holding his hand. "Because of the olds things. Don't you see? Everything around us is just machines. Our hearts, our lives... so a robot wanted to go away, helping people and loving a young girl, how can I judge him for doing that? **Just because he's less machine inside than we had became?"** "You're not a machine. You're human, and he is not." "Do you love, West?" She let go of his hand, her neck leaning against the sofa. "I... I don't know." "But he knows. He loves life. He loves any form of life in this world. I already saw him and that blond girl just looking at the trees, saying anything. Have you ever seen the trees in autumn, West? Have you ever appreciate a coffee made by a man, not a machine? Or the sound of a bell singing above you when you enter a store... the wind touching you, the streets getting darker when it's dawn... if it's not human, West, I don't really know what I am. Because in this world, it's all those things that I have to remember that I'm more than a hand in my gun. These kinds of things won't change with time... " She stopped her speech, losing her attention at some point on the brown and gray avenue. West jus let her with her thoughts, trying to understand why she cared that much with the robot and his cause. Ok, he knew how smart - brilliantly intelligent, alright - she was, but he couldn't understand why she felt so hardly that she needed to do the right thing by herself. If they were right or not, it was with Bennet, not him! Or her! She was meant to be there yet, with him! Why did she need to think so much about those things! He missed her! Couldn't her see that! _It _was so simple! "You left me anyway!" He put his hand with force on the table, standing up. She looked at him her black eyes full of surprised. He didn't know why or how those words expelled out from his mouth, but he just didn't care, and he didn't want to stop it... "Do you know how is to have to work with those agents looking everyday as I was a fool! And that ugly woman! She's so... She hates me! And she tries to get the entire Bennett's attention to her! Do you know how hard I have to try to not let them commit mistakes? It's pretty hard without you there to help me keeping them in order!" She stood up, her mouth opening and closing several times without a word, her eyes staring at him as she have never saw his childish compliments before. "West..." "I miss you there, Lee! How can I go on without you by my side!" She squeezed her eyes, closing her mouth after a long whisper. He stood there, looking at her. Suddenly, her hand touched his face, and he felt her lips above his. She kissed him tenderly, and when he found it, he already has opened his mouth to let her depend on the kiss. But as suddenly as she started it, she stopped it. And she whispered to him, the air passing trough her lips touching his. "I would never leave you, West, because my human heart wouldn't let me to." And she sat again in her place, taking another gulp from the coffee with tea. He watched her moves, and did the same. But now, was he supposed to do? He didn't know! Lee always knew what to do! But what about him! He was such a fool! "Lee... I... I mean... I always..." She smiled, taking his hand, playing with his fingers between hers. "Tell it. Tell you love me." "But you always knew it, didn't you? So why do I have to?" "Because then I'll be able to say I love you too." West laughed, kissing her hand. "I really missed you, Lee. You and all your freaky old things..." oOo End file.

Old Things by Tsuki Koorime

Zeta Project

Moonlit Moonlit * Author's Notes: YOU listen to Track 07: One Day She'll Love Me from the Emperor's New Groove CD while writing a ZP fic and let's see if YOU can beat off a W/L fic idea! Bah! Actually, none of the song's inspirational lyrics made it into this, but, heck, it still helped...anyway, this is just one of those fanfics you come up with on a whim. It WAS going to be a songfic, but I decided the angst-death idea I was toying with wasn't something I liked and I couldn't find any good songs for me to write an idea around. Well, David Bowie's "China Girl" song was under consideration, but some of the lyrics are WEIRD. For: Faria-san! Zee's Girl-san! Akako-san! And TOAST-SAN!!! Four marvelous people who took the time to review "Thank You"! Faria-san reviewed my story...*faints* Disclaimer: Hey, WB, wanna thumb-wrestle for the rights? Summary: West/Lee. S'all. {read/don't read/review/weep/flame} Oh, and Lee might seem a bit Out-Of-Character - sorry! * West scowled at his bedroom wall and, in an ill temper, kicked off the fancy black shoes required as a part of the NSA uniform. They almost had the damned synthoid - so close! It was beginning to become rather monotonous, this habit of just barely letting Zeta slip through their fingertips. Truth be told, he was beginning to hate his job. If any of his colleagues lost track of Zeta, it was always West's fault - good old trusty West'll take the fall. Well, good old trusty West hoped they'd all go to hell. It went without saying that he was having a particularly awful day. Tripping over his own foot, he decided that maybe he should just stop moving and hope that the evening would be better than the day had been thus far. With his luck, it wouldn't be. "God," he began sweetly, flexing his fingers and letting his legs fall limp, "I was wondering when my life's going to start working out. As in, do You enjoy torturing me?" He reasoned that he had the right to be pissed - Bennett had chewed him out for probably the nineteenth time in the past four days. "Do You find some sadistic pleasure in insuring my life is hell? You're a jerk!" The electricity in his quarters went out. "Okay, fine, have it Your way. S'not my fault I don't have deity powers." West paused and searched the length of the carpet in a semicircle with one arm, managing to grasp the edge of an old, worn pillow and pull it under his head. Moonlight, pale and gentle, drifted lazily into his bedroom through the window and he smiled, eyes closing slowly as he began to surrender to sleep. The door flew open. "Oh, daaaamn," he whined, throwing his arm over his face, "would you go away?" "Would you stop whining?" snapped Lee's voice. He peeked out from under his arm and sat up, slouching in a sitting position, overcoat wrinkled and half-off. His tie was discarded and he felt childishly enraged that Lee still retained a perfect countenance. "I don't wanna," West stuck his tongue out, inching to his feet and shuffling over to the bed. "You're an idiot," Lee told him affectionately. "The most perfect idiot in the world." He stooped over to peel away the covers, sitting on the edge of his bed to wriggle his black socks off. "Or," he suggested, eyes glinting with humor, "the most flawed genius?" Lee rolled her dark eyes as he grinned and shrugged out of his black overcoat, plucking off the cuffs of his white undershirt and tossing them into the laundry bin tucked away in a corner along with various other articles of dirty clothing. Calmly, she replied, "Has Bennett been giving you a hard time again?" His lips thinned and his face tightened almost imperceptibly, clearly answering her though he refused to acknowledge in words that she had asked a question. "You are such a stubborn, egotistical," she muttered to herself, watching West cross his arms over his slender chest and lean back on his bed, "man." She sighed and unbuttoned her own overcoat, dropping it on the floor, where the soft black fabric pooled in small, overlapping circles. Noting West's duly large brown eyes, the doe-like depths somewhat startled, she smirked, ordering, "Scoot over, West." His jaw dropped and she bit her tongue to keep herself from giggling like some silly schoolgirl. "Now." He complied, fearfully. What was he - oh. This time, she did giggle, developing it into a laugh even as she sat in the bed, shoving him down. "Now, West," she began, forcing her lips to stop laughing and instead pout while trying her darned best to sound sultry, "try and be a man." He sputtered, eyes wide, cheeks red, and she collapsed into a pillow, laughing uncontrollably, tears crossing her eyes. "Oh," Lee managed to gasp, "God, you should see your face!" Lee was acting oddly, he decided, very oddly. And why the hell was she in his bed? Ah, well, why ask questions? Just try not to tick her off... West turned to face the moonlit window, hearing Lee settle into the narrow mattress, her shoulder pressed into his back warmly. "Lee?" he asked softly after a moment. "Why are you doing this?" He felt her sigh, followed by the kicking motions of her knocking her shoes off with her feet. "Because," she finally answered, "you're my friend. And I know you've begun to feel sort of depressed lately 'cause of this whole Zeta thing." She broke off, taking a breath and shifting so she could rest her chin in the crook where his neck met his shoulder and toy with the ends of his reddish-orange hair, using one of her ghostly light fingers. "Besides, I've missed just talking to you." Lee pressed her cheek to his, staring blindly at the silver moon, her free hand reaching down to clasp his. "It's not always my fault," West heard his voice say, from a distance, "but I'm the one who always gets the blame. It isn't like I want to be clumsy or goofy." He fell quiet, opting to just settle for the feel of Lee's breath tickling his nose as she propped herself up on her elbows, face still only centimeters from his own. "I know, West. Bennett just has to have a scapegoat." Lee silently traced a crease in the collar of his shirt. "Since you're the not-so-well-balanced one of us, you're the prime target." "I'm a jinx, then," he finished. "I didn't say that," she was quick to respond, leaning closer and over him so she could look him in the eyes, "did I?" "No," he admitted, "you didn't." Satisfied, she smiled at him and moved so her lips brushed his. When she pulled away hesitantly, he had a dazed look to his face. "Sleep," she commanded. "But what if someone-" "West? Shut-up." * Sunlight, harsh and brutal sunlight, filtered through the window moonlight had fled from an hour or so before. Bright and golden, it shot and pierced West's eyelids. "Make the sun go away," he muttered and Lee laughed, her back to his. "Good morning, pretty boy," she greeted him, swinging her legs over the side of the bed and stretching. West groaned, grasped the top sheet, and flung it over his head, attempting to return his consciousness to sleep. Lee shook her head. ***** THE END! (HALLELUJAH!!) ***** Me? I'm not insane. I'm just obsessed. Tell me how much you hated this. I'll still be obsessed with West/Lee. I don't know why...you know what? I keep waiting for an episode focusing on West and Lee - kinda like Pocket Monsters/Pokemon has those precious few Jessie/James episodes that we J/J shippers use to our advantage. WB, give us a W/L episode! I beg thee! ***** End file.

Moonlit by PallaPlease

Zeta Project

You Can Ring My Bell **I was afrais about writing this. Not only because it's direct wrote in my second language, English. Or because I never had had written about Zee and Ro before. But, especially, because it's for a great and dear friend.** **And like we both believe, I couldn't help but put my own heart on this...** **My own faith and love.** **Thanks for everything, Iglika. It's for your help and friendship that I can show my feelings in a good way.** * * * **You Can Ring My Bell** _To Mimi, my dear friend and confitent_ Ro's POV "C'mon Zee. You know you can do it." Zee looked at me that silly way, trying to understand my thoughts trought my eyes. But that wasn't right. That was my turn to look at him with an answer in my face. Because I knew he had something inside him, devouring his human soul, so deeply inside, so... real. I just wanted to know what. "I don't." I set on the bed, looking straigh ahead to him. I knew he was worried. It was just a couple of hours ago when I was in front of death with Bennet and his agents. They're getting more serioulsy about taking me and Zee... and I think, they were really trying to hurt me. I think they believe that's the only way to stop Zee. I'm not stupid to not know how much Zee cares about me. But the fact that I'm weaker than him wouldn't make him stop to reach for his freedom! If I got hurt, Zee'll leave me and go ahead with his journey, without me. I can't let this happen. I can't lose my family again. Zee's my family. My friend. My... Zee. That's why we fought. I yelled to him, tring to make him understand that I could stay with him, even if my safety was in game. But he just answered me the same thing: that he doens't have the right to ask me something like that! It's like I can't just decide to stay with him by my myself. But I'll change that. I'll show him, He can do it. He can ask me to stay with him, because I know he cares, he wants me by his side, because I'm his friend. I'm his safe port. I'm his island when the sea has too much storms. He can ask me everything... why can't he see? "Yes, you can, thin man. You know what? You can ring my bell." His eyes sparkled, like I knew they would. It's not about his hologram. I know there's something beyond it. Zee has true eyes behind the blue ones of the hologram. Sweet and child eyes. Even his voice, sometimes, when he trembles or just stop with the mouth open, it's not just a replay of his observations, it's not a copy of other behaviors. It's Zee. It's him and I know, because I know him so deeply like he knows me. "I can't see what your 'bell' really means, Ro." I smiled a soft smile to him. How can't this anguished voice come from his doubtfull heart? He's so naive for me. Pure. I looked at myself so many times, trying understand how could I love someone so right and determined in his values, always trying to make the right thing while the all world is sick and dark... he wants to be the knight saving a lost world. A hero, even just inside him. And... well, look at me. I'm Ro. The most lost one. I like to smile at him. I don't know why. I just like it. "It's from a song. An old song. It's like... you know? You can do everything with me. You can ask me everything." "But Ro! You know I wouldn't do anything that could harm you! I won't ask you anything that you won't like or that could put you in risk or..." I put my finger on his lips. Yes, Lips. Beyond the touch of the cold machine, I could feel his lips. "That's why you can, thin man." He gave a false smile. I can't help but just know when he's trying to comfort me hidding his worried thoughts in that smile. He became closer, and in a slow voice, he asked me like a secret: "Do you really trust me so much?" His eyes were looking inside me. What could I do? Could he see how deeply he was inside me? How secret and big is his place inside me? Was it? Trust? How he doubt my faith on him? I knew that was a different question secretly behind that. And, even I didn't know which was, I already knew the answer. Just because it was from Zee. "Yes, I do." He smiled and I realized that I would never knew what that question really meant to him. "Thanks." He stood up, walking to the bathroom. He was going to change the chiffon of my arm. The cut on it wasn't hurting anymore, but well, even in a billion years I'd be able to make Zee understand that kind of cut couldn't kill me. Even if I yelled with all my air he wouldn't hear me, anyway... Oh! What was we talking about? Why did I yelled at first time? Zee, worried, silent. Me, angry, trying to make him understand. But, if he wasn't going to ask me to go stay from him... what could he wanna ask me? "Hey, Zee! You didn't tell me!" "What Ro?" I hated when he asked that 'what ro' with his naive smile, as if I didn't know he knew the exactly thing I was talking about! "I know there's something bothering you! What do you wanna know, Zee? Do you believe that I'm going away? Or is it if I'm tired of this life besides you? Zee!" "I don't need to ask anymore, Ro. I already know it." He re-entered the room, the a white box with a red cruxe on the tamp. He started to take care of my arm, with his shining eyes stuck at his work. That was eating my mind! He looked at me, just smiling. Just that! Smile! I was driving me crazy to know what it's on his thin mad mind and he just gave me a sweet smile? " So what! C'mon! You know how curious I am! You can't let me without knowing wha..." Then he kissed me, in a gently and childish kiss. When he moved a flinch away from me, I heard his softly voice in a whisper: "I love you too, Ro." That sounded to me like an old song. Like one that I used to sing myself everyday. But, it wasn't. That time, he was ringing my bell. End file.

You Can Ring My Bell by Tsuki Koorime

Zeta Project

1. Chapter 1 Dear Zee, I'm sitting on an incredible beach. I'm surrounded by soft white sand and deep blue sea. Far away, through the hazy pink clouds, the brilliant yellow sun is setting. To my left, a few sailboats are heading in to shore. To my right, children are laughing and playing. I am reminded of little Kora-Kay, and our time spent sailing on the same beach where we met Wade Pennington. All I can hear is the gentle lap of the waves on the shore and the faint cries of seagulls. The sun has been darkened by the clouds enough that I can stare right at it, savoring its glorious descent. As I relax on the sand, I can smell the salt in the air. It is intoxicating, bringing back memories of laughter and carefree fun. There is so much beauty around me and yet, All I can think of is you. -Ro. 2. Chapter 2 Dear Zee, Dear Zee, I'm on a beach again. Tonight the sky is dark, and I can't see the sunset. I'm on the run again, hiding behind the rocks. The agents are slowly making their way down the beach, checking everywhere for me. I didn't know they had found me, and I left everything behind. Now, all I have is a backpack full of cash and a few necessities. It reminds me of the first time I met you, except that then, I didn't have the cash. The sky is clouded over, and there are no stars. I can hear the agents coming by the crunch of the rocks underneath their footsteps. They are still at a distance, but its only a matter of time before they get here and I have to do something. I am cold, alone, and worst of all, I am afraid. But I'm still in love. -Ro. End file.

Dear Zee by encoder

Zeta Project

Espresso At Midnight **Author's Note:** Originally written for the Live Journal Theme To Theme Challenge long ago. The challenge has closed now, but this piece stuck with me, so I dusted it off and rewrote it a bit. I may post more of my old Theme To Theme stuff here, as I rewrite and redo it, but since there's not a lot of West/Lee in this fandom I thought it might be nice to post it. Comments, criticisms and suggestions are always welcome. This is the first thing I've ever posted online/written as fanfic in well over three years, so I know it will be flawed and there's a lot of room to improve here. I'm out of practice, but I hope you enjoy it nonetheless. * * * ><p>She smells of coffee and warmth, and no, things can't smell of warmth.<p> He knows things can't smell like a temperature, but he's exhausted and his mind isn't quite working right. It is midnight, the hour where everything makes more sense than it should and makes no sense at all. It's that time of night late where half the city is asleep but people are still awake, still walking streets, cars still passing them by. It is midnight, when he should be asleep since he has a meeting to be at promptly at six, a meeting where Bennett will look at him like he is a child who never should have been allowed to leave the house let alone hold a gun. He will mask any offense he feels with a smile and jokes until he almost convinces even himself that being the team clown doesn't hurt, doesn't carry waves of humiliation with it. West really ought to go to sleep and pretend this isn't his life. His thoughts get too dark at night, like they aren't even his. How can he have these depressing thoughts when he's always the one with a quip, always the one making people chuckle? But sleep is something he is a stranger to. He fears it, almost, dreads it, the enveloping darkness, the way he knows he's not getting anything done when he sleeps. When he sleeps he is useless, he is nothing, and he wants to be something. He wants to be a hero, to help people, to save lives and prevent tragedies and make the world a better place. This dystopia they live in has good things in it too, and he wants to protect it. West wants to be something the way fish want water. He wants it with every fiber of his being. He wants it for secret reasons, for a childhood spent feeling useless, for a lifetime of not being good enough. Not a failure, just not enough, never enough, and there is an unspoken understanding in Lee's eyes whenever he casually ducks out of calling his family. She doesn't ask. She never has. She never will; she holds out the cup of espresso to him and after he automatically takes it she sits down beside him. They have information feeds to review, a neverending stream of data and reading that will last them through the night. She doesn't have to be here. He's supposed to be doing this solo as punishment for his latest screw up. He always messes up, and every time he does he doesn't look at Bennett, he looks at Lee, and he braces himself. For the day she tells him she's had enough of him, the day she says she's tired of his crap, the day she asks for another partner, a better partner. He expects it. He feels it coming. Nothing he has ever lasts. One day she'll drop him like deadweight. Like all the other people he's been partnered with. He's not bad enugh to be booted out, but he's not good enough to be admired, and being average is worse than being nothing at all to him. At some point she learned exactly how to make his coffee just how he likes it. Her angular face is bathed in the artificial light of the screens, a blue glow that sharpens her features, makes her real. She is warm and secure and soft and beautiful. And he has no idea how he knows that, why he would even think that. He has yanked her out of the way of danger or touched her shoulder, but he has no basis for thinking of her as soft or secure. Their relationship is strictly professional. Well, not strictly, he knows that when he looks at the coffee mug, they're not just people who work together. He just doesn't know why he has these recurring thoughts about a friend who's probably only his friend because he sucks at his job. If he dug deeper he might know. He might be able to look through the mess of his feelings and the lengthy record of their past and he might be able to see he's in love with her. He might be able to see that those times in the field she's covered for him or gone in first are her ways of keeping him safe, of cherishing him. And some part of him knows that, so he doesn't dig deeper. If he admits it, even in a thought, even in a second, then it will undo him. It will be with him forever, the fact that he cares, undeniable, corrosive, haunting, taunting him because no one he cares about has ever remained. People he cares about are passing things, not to him, but to his life. He remembers them, he thinks of them, and yet he can't hold onto them. He's the class clown. People like the class clown. They never love the clown. Some part of him knows this, that same part that conjures dreams or makes a man see a shape in a cloud. That subconscious part of him raises a wall to protect him. He could reach over when she reaches for data readouts and let his hand brush hers. He could tell her thank you for not only the coffee but for being his partner and not switching out. He could ask her why she was up at midnight helping him on a solo assignment. He could, could, could, but won't, won't, won't. She is a foot away and yet she could be back in her hometown of Santa Clarita for all he's able to reach her. He's the goofball Agent West, the clown, the funny man, the failure, the deadweight, the burden. He has an image to maintain and an image to fight at the same time. Admitting that there might be something there between them wouldn't be playing into either image. It would be honest. So when he remembers this night she won't be warm and he'll delete the gentle squeeze she gives his shoulder when they're done. He'll edit out of his mind the moments he spent huddled over a screen watching the light play across her face. He will try, when he does manage to lay down inbetween work, not to hear her humming some Alan Li Fei song she liked as a kid, her earbuds just barely loud enough he can hear the strains of Love Can See over the brush of her fingers on the keyboard. He'll try not to picture her computer background full of black velvet style artwork or smell the lingering traces of her citrus fruit perfume. When he looks back at this, this will be nothing more than espresso at midnight. End file.

Espresso At Midnight by Asphodelium

Zeta Project

1. Chapter One Disclaimer: I do not own The Zeta Project; so suing me will surely be a waste of both your time and mine! This is my first fan fic, so I hope you like it. Note: Thoughts are indicated by . Chapter One He's gone. Dr. Selig is gone. As Zee watches the sun setting over the sea, Ro watches Zee. The ride back to the mainland was quiet. So much has happened in such a short while. First, they finally catch up to Dr. Selig, only to find it wasn't really Dr. Selig, but Dr. Edmund, who designed Zee holomorphics. But thanks to him, they were able to get to this 'Floating Fortress', where Zee was born. And there he was: Dr. Selig himself. Right then and there, he told them how he had planted the mystery module in Zee's head. He wanted Zee to have a conscience so he could rethink his programming. Ro secretly found herself wishing that Agent Bennet and his agents were there to hear this, to make them rethink their objective. But then everything began to explode around them. Zee never had the chance to tell him who he was. And then the unthinkable happened; that Brother's Day guy fired a lucky shot at Dr. Selig's escape pod, and there was nothing Zee could do to stop it. Ro will never forget the look on Zee's face as the pod crashed. Even now, as he stares out into the sea, Ro still sees the expression in his blue eyes. She's seen that look before. In fact, she's had that look a few times in her life before. It is the look of someone on the verge of tears, the look of someone who has just lost everything. Ro thinks back to the promise she made while in their escape pod. Don't worry, Zee. We'll find a way. But as she looks at Zee in the state he's in, she finds herself faced with a new dilemma. She can tell Zee is feeling miserable about what happened out there. She too is on the verge of tears, but she holds them back. If Zee sees her cry, he too will want to cry. But since he can't, he'll feel all the more worse for it. He's gone. This is all Zee can think about right now as he stares into the sea that claimed his creator's life. One minute he was right in front of him, telling him everything about the module and the next he was gone, his pod crashing into the ocean. Why did it have to end like that? All he wanted was to talk to him, to explain how he and Ro have been looking all over for him. If only Dr. Selig was still alive, he'd be talking to Bennet, asking him to call off his agents. Then we'd know what kind of plans he had in store for me. If only the ship hadn't exploded. If only the escape pod hadn't crashed. If only. "Zee?" If only I'd. "Zee! Snap out of it!" Zee suddenly finds himself face-to-face with Ro, and the worried look she has on her face leaves him at a loss for words. Ro sighs, and then she gives him a soft smile as she puts a hand to his cheek. "Come on," she says softly. "It's getting late. We should find a place to stay for the night. We'll think better in the morning." She holds his hand as they walk from the pier. We'll think better in the morning. Zee usually believes everything Ro says, but right now he's not completely sure about that. The image of Dr. Selig, his creator, his father, crashing in the water continues to plague his mind as he walks with Ro through the city streets. Once they enter their room, Ro sits on the bed as Zee heads for the window and continues to stare out into the sea with the same sad look on his face. Ro begins to regret having a room with an ocean view. Ro knows he's mourning the loss of Dr. Selig, but what can she say to him to help him feel better? Dr. Selig was their best chance, their only chance, of proving Zee's innocence. He was the only one who knew about that mystery module, Zee's built-in conscience. And now that he's gone. There must be another way. 2. Chapter Two Chapter Two So it was Dr. Selig all along, Agent Bennet thinks as he sits at his desk. He has just finished locking away Titus Sweete, who even behind bars was gloating over destroying the Nosis and shooting down Dr. Selig. He has the gall to call himself a martyr. All the while Bennet thought Zeta was reprogrammed by Brother's Day, it turns out his own creator had him reprogrammed from the very beginning. .I never had the stomach for building weapons, so I put an extra module in Zeta. A conscience, to make him rethink his programming. Imagine if the government knew what I was doing on their time. They'd have stopped me. Bennet couldn't argue with that. Selig may have been Zeta's creator, but Zeta was, still is, government property. That kind of tampering would have been seen as espionage, treason. Being arrested would have been the least of his worries. .The module never activated. Zeta became a killer like the rest of them. It's a shame. I had plans for that one. Those may be his last words. If he only knew. It was that module of his that kept the scientists from reprogramming Zeta when they finally had the chance. Bennet remembers that incident all too well. All attempts to work around that module led to Zeta going out of control. He broke loose and went on a rampage, destroying everything in his path. All that high-tech, expensive technology at our disposal, and what did it take to stop him? It took the Rowen girl, of all people, screaming at me over the loudspeakers. .I'm alive because of him. Zee is gentle and kind. Your voice. I heard your voice. How was Bennet supposed to explain that? What kind of control does that girl have over Zeta? It made no sense to him then, but now, he wonders. If that module gives him a conscience, could it be giving him emotions as well? After all, didn't Zeta beg and plead with us not to erase his mind, like a man afraid for his very life.? No! Don't do this to me... Please don't take my memories away! There was fear in Zeta's voice, no doubt about it, and he fought the erasure at every step, determined not to be reprogrammed. It seemed he especially wanted to hang on to his memories of Rowen. He shudders to think about the ideas she's been putting into that robot's head. It's amazing how a simple street kid was able to infiltrate a top-secret base and subdue a malfunctioning robot all by herself. He'd never admit it out loud, but she'd make a really good spy. But still, how was she able to do it? How could she have such an effect on a machine, even one with a conscience? Could it be possible that they've formed a bond? If he can understand fear, could he also.? No, that's crazy! Zeta is a robot, for crying out loud. It's just not possible. is it? If only Selig was still alive, he'd be explaining about that module of his to Commander Lemac right now. Bennet's train of thought is interrupted by the phone's ringing. "This is Agent Bennet. Are you sure it's them? Well, just observe for now. You heard me! I said 'observe'. Do not even think about going near them until I say so, understand?" He nearly slams the phone down. One thing is for certain: Bennet has to think long and hard about what he should do now. Commander Lemac is going to want answers, and he needs to make a decision real soon. 3. Chapter Three Chapter Three In a cold, dark space, Zeta finds he is alone, in his robot form. He tries to holomorph into Zee before looking for Ro, but he can't. His holomorphic abilities won't respond. He is still a robot. "What do you expect, Zeta?" Agent Bennet's voice emerges from the darkness. "You can pretend to be human all you like, but deep inside you'll always be a machine. a machine that was supposed to follow orders. What were your orders, Zeta?" Zeta looks around, but he can't see anything through the darkness. He can't even see the floor below him. "What were your orders, Zeta?" "Where are you, Bennet? Show yourself!" "What were your orders, Zeta? What were you supposed to do?" Zeta sighs and answers, "I was supposed to infiltrate Brother's Day, but." "But you didn't do it, did you? Instead, you ran. And now, Dr. Selig is gone, because of you." "No!" "Don't deny it, Zeta. If you had done your job in the first place, none of this would have happened. The Nosis would not have blown up, Rowen would not be a wanted fugitive, and Dr. Selig would still be alive if you had just done your job!" "No! It wasn't like that!" "This is your fault, Zeta." "No!" "It's your fault, Zeta." "No!" Zeta tries to run, but as he takes one step he falls into the darkness, all the while Bennet continues to blame him. "No.!" "Zee?" For a moment he thought he heard Ro's voice just before he feels himself hitting the ground. He is momentarily stunned, unable to move. He is still surrounded by darkness. "Zee! Zee, can you hear me?" Ro's voice becomes louder. Zeta wants to get up, but he can't seem to move. I can't let Ro see me like this. She'd be so scared. She worries enough as it is. Why can't I get up? "And let's not forget your little friend, and all the times you've put her in danger." Bennet's voice returns. "It's just a matter of time before." "No! I'd never hurt her!" Zeta tries to move, but he feels weighted down, trapped under the darkness. He tries to listen for Ro, but Bennet continues to intervene, and the darkness feels heavier as it closes around him, smothering him, suffocating him. "You wouldn't be hurting her now if you had just done your job." "I'd never hurt her. Never! If anything happens to her." "It will be your fault." "Zee?" Ro's voice returns. "It's your fault. your fault. your fault." "Zee! Wake up! Wake up!" Ro's voice becomes louder again, and now, he's able to see Ro's face emerge from the darkness. Despite being flat on his back, he's relieved to see Ro instead of Bennet. "Please, Zee. Wake up! You're having a nightmare." And now the darkness fades away, and Zee can see Ro more clearly now. It looks like they're in some kind of room, and he's flat on the floor next to a toppled chair, but what matters more to Zee right now is Ro, kneeling beside him with that same look of worry on her face. It saddens him to see her like that. Ro sighs with relief as she sees Zee's eyes light up. She gently holds his hand in hers and asks, "Zee? Can you hear me? Are you alright?" "Ro. It. it was." Ro gently massages Zee's hand. Whether he can actually feel it or not doesn't matter to her right now. "It was just a bad dream, Zee. Everything's alright." With a shaky, trembling voice, he whispers, "It was. my fault, Ro. It was all my fault." 4. Chapter Four Chapter Four Zee continues to lie on the floor, only this time, at Ro's persistence, with a pillow and a blanket. Ro, on the other hand, sits on her bed, unable to sleep. She watches over Zee as she tries to figure out what kind of nightmare he had to make him react the way he did. He was always so calm and collective in the face of danger, a pillar of strength. But that dream he just had made him freak out in a way she didn't think was possible for a robot. After running together for almost two years, she had finally gotten used to Zee's snoring, but tonight she woke up to Zee screaming like a scared child. That must have been some nightmare. What worries Ro even more is that Zee wouldn't tell her what the nightmare was about. He would only say that it was his fault. What was your fault, Zee? What happened? Ro begins to wonder if it had anything to do with what happened to Selig. After everything they went through just to find him, he ended up losing his life. And this time, Zee was not able to save him. And to top it all off, the Nosis, the place where Zee was born was destroyed. Zee hasn't been able to smile since. Are you blaming yourself for Selig's death? Is this what your nightmare was about? Now that Zee's snoring is maintaining a steady rhythm, she hopes he stays that way while she goes to the computer on the desk across the room. Zee's present state of mind can only be leading to one thing. Using an encyclopedia website, she looks up the word 'Depression'. It reads: ^^Depression (psychology): mental illness in which a person experiences deep, unshakable sadness and diminished interest in nearly all activities. People also use the term 'depression' to describe the temporary sadness, loneliness, or blues that everyone feels from time to time.^^ Okay, so this could be temporary. Zee's nightmare could have been just a one-time thing. After all, I've had nightmares too. Ro takes a quick glance at Zee, still snoring soundly. Maybe now, I can get some sleep as well. She's about to sign out when she notices: ^^People with depression often experience feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, guilt and self-blame. They may interpret a minor failing on their part as a sign of incompetence or interpret minor criticism as condemnation. Some depressed people complain of being spiritually or morally dead. The mirror seems to reflect someone ugly and repulsive. Even a competent and decent person may feel deficient, cruel, stupid, phony, or guilty of having deceived others. People with major depression may experience such extreme emotional pain that they consider or attempt suicide. At least 15 percent of seriously depressed people commit suicide, and many more attempt it.^^ A new sense of dread runs up and down Ro's spine. Zee didn't smile once since the Nosis incident, and just now he woke up from a nightmare saying it was all his fault. Robots having nightmares are kind of unheard of. But she will not forget how his screaming woke her up in time to see him collapse on the floor. It reminds her of when he passed out while Krick the bounty hunter was chasing them. It was as though he slipped into a coma; a prolonged reaction to Bennet erasing his brain. She couldn't stand to see it happen again. But Zee wouldn't shut himself down over a nightmare, would he? She scrolls up and down the page and notices: ^^Depressed people may also have difficulty thinking, poor concentration, and problems with memory.^^ That's it! That's the answer! Author's Note: I wish to acknowledge ^^Encarta.msn.com^^ for the information on 'Depression' used for this chapter. 5. Chapter Five Chapter Five Ro is the first to wake up. She looks at the clock on the bedside table. Good grief! 7:30?! She looks over to the floor to see Zee, still on the floor, still snoring. Zee has never overslept before. What if Bennet was to knock on the door with the morning paper? I guess it's up to me to get things moving. Well, at least he's not having another nightmare. She goes into the bathroom to freshen up. "Was it worth it, Zeta?" "Stop it." "Was it worth disobeying orders, Zeta?" Bennet's voice seeps through the darkness once again to torment Zee, and the darkness continues to weigh him down, unable to escape. "If you had only followed orders, this wouldn't be happening. Such a shame, isn't it?" "It's a shame how things turned out." And now Dr. Selig's voice joins in the taunting. Zee desperately tries to move; trying to locate his creator, but the darkness is hiding him, and will not allow Zee to move another inch. "Dr. Selig? Help me. Please help me!" "Shame... I had plans for that one..." And now Selig's voice fades away, leaving Zeta alone... with Bennet. "You see, Zeta? What more proof do you need?" "Dr. Selig! Come back! Help me, please!" "It's too late, Zeta. He's gone... thanks to you." "No! Stop it!" "Are you still in denial? Think about this: You were supposed to infiltrate Brother's Day, but instead you ran. Brother's Day destroyed the Nosis and killed Dr. Selig. How can you say you're not responsible?" "It wasn't like that!" "Shame..." Dr. Selig's voice returns one more time. "No! Dr. Selig! Please!" "Admit it, Zeta. It's your fault. You did this to him. How much longer before you do it to Ro?" Why can't he understand? I'd never hurt Ro. I... I... "Stop it! Stop it! Stop it!!" Zeta suddenly sits up through the heavy darkness, and finds himself face-to-face with Ro as she gently shakes his shoulders. "Zee! Zee! Wake up!" "Ro...!" Zee looks around to see if Bennet's still about, but there's no sign of him, or the darkness. Then he faces Ro, and slowly puts a hand to her face, to stroke her cheek, to make sure she's real. "Ro? Is that you?" "Yes, Zee, it's me. I'm here for you." "You're here? You're really here?" Zee had to make absolutely sure he wasn't dreaming again. Using both hands, he gently cups her face, hoping with all his might that she won't fade away. He couldn't bear to see her vanish in the darkness. She was all he had left. He looks into her eyes - such beautiful, blue eyes - and with his voice still shaking, he asks, "Will you help me? Please?" Now she looks into his eyes. They're filled with such pain and sorrow. They look as though tears could form at any second. Good thing I've got a plan. With a gentle smile she answers, "Yes, Zee. Of course I'll help you." That's all he needs to hear. As he lies back down on the floor, he gently pulls her towards him. Oblivious to the sunlight creeping through the windows, Zee holds Ro safe and secure to his body, suddenly feeling a sense of warmth in his chest. Is this possible? It's as though I can... feel her? It's strange, and yet nice. Now he closes his eyes, wishing that Bennet would stop tormenting him and let him sleep. Why won't he leave us alone? I don't want to kill anymore. I never really liked killing. I want to be free. I want to learn about life, to smell roses, and I want to be with Ro. Please... Why can't I just stay with Ro? As Zee drifts back to sleep, Ro finds herself in an awkward position. If her plan is going to work, they have to get going before Bennet catches up to them. But as Zee holds her like this, his snoring seems different. His rhythm is so irregular. In fact, it sounds more like... crying? She lifts her head to look at Zee's face and finds herself staring at a small tear emerging through his dark eye socket. He's crying in his sleep! He's really crying! Even though Ro feels a little bit like a teddy bear, she decides to let Zee have this moment. After everything he's been through, a good cry may be just what he needs. Besides, the Ground Wire won't be open for another hour. 6. Chapter Six Chapter Six About half an hour later, Zee is no longer crying, and his snoring returns to a normal rhythm. He even relaxes his arms, allowing Ro a chance to move about and stretch her body. After brushing her hair as quickly as she can, she gently shakes his shoulders again. "Zee, it's time to wake up now." Zee slowly opens his eyes, relieved to see Ro in front of him again. "Ro..." "Let's rise and shine now. We need to get going." Zee stands up, holomorphs into his human form, and then he notices the clock. "8:10! I've never taken this long to recharge before." "Well, Zee, you did have a rough night. Those must have been some nightmares." Ro suddenly notices the look on Zee's face turn to shame at the mention of his nightmares. Ro holds one of his hands and says, "Zee, I'm here for you, remember? Talk to me! Let me help you." Zee would rather not worry Ro, but as he looks into her deep blue eyes, he realizes that Ro's already worried about him. How it saddens him to see her like this. So he closes his eyes and says, "It was Bennet. He kept saying that it was my fault everything happened the way it did. It sort of makes sense. If I had just followed orders when I had the chance, Brother's Day wouldn't have destroyed the Nosis, and Dr. Selig would still be alive. Even Dr. Selig was ashamed of me. And then, I'd hear your voice bringing me back, just like before. But then I'd be reminded of all the times your life has been in danger because of me..." "Zeta! Listen to me!" Zee is startled for a moment. It's not like Ro to call him 'Zeta'. Now that Ro has his attention, she continues, "This is not your fault, and I can prove it. Think about this: Bennet and the NSA believe you were reprogrammed by terrorists, right?" "Right." "Well, Selig said he placed that module in you while you were being made. You had been reprogrammed from the very start. The problem was he didn't tell anyone about the module, not even you. If he hadn't kept it such a big secret, he could have been notified about your change in behavior." "But Ro, I had killed people before meeting Eugene Dolan. If he was innocent, the others could have been as well." "Zee, the only reason the module didn't activate before Dolan was because you had no proof that any of the others were innocent. Do you remember how you found out Dolan was innocent?" Zee takes a moment to search his memory banks. "Yes. I heard Sweete say Dolan was 'an innocent pencil-pusher', that he didn't know anything." "Okay. Now what proof do you have that your other targets were innocent?" Zee searches his memory banks again, looking for something, anything that could have stopped him from killing them. After a few moments he says, "None." "So to your knowledge, you destroyed people who were guilty. And once you discovered Dolan was innocent, the module kicked in, making you realize that killing an innocent man was wrong. You've been programmed to understand right from wrong. And you've been doing it ever since. Every time you notice something wrong, you'd do something to make it right. That's how we first met, remember? Zee, I'd be dead if not for you." Zee remembers. She refused to help rob a bank because she didn't want to hurt anyone any more than he did. He couldn't let that thug shoot her, so he came to her aid and ended up getting shot instead. She, in turn, saved him from being captured by the agents in his damaged state. She's been by my side ever since, teaching me how to think like a human, and even treating me like one, even when I'm in my robot form. She's been wonderful to me. "But, Dr. Selig is gone. Bennet will never believe me. I can't prove anything Selig said to us." "Yes, you can. Remember how you showed me what went on in that lab when you. lost control of yourself? Those images came from your memory. Our encounter with Selig is in your memories as well. What if you were to download a copy of that onto a disc? We could send a copy to Bennet, and he could see for himself what Selig said about that module." For the first time since the Nosis exploded Zee smiles. And seeing him smile gives Ro such a relief that she smiles also. For her, it's a sign that Zee may be overcoming his bout with depression, and she no longer has to fear the worst. For him, it's another sign that Ro is the best thing to happen to him, for she made him realize that there was still hope for him in a way that no one else ever thought of. She also made him realize how much he loves her. Without warning, he gently grabs Ro and hugs her, saying, "Thank you, Ro. Once again, you've given me hope." As he holds her, in spite of his titanium body, he is filled with a sense of warmth and softness as his hands slowly massages her back. Zee is more convinced than before that he can feel her, which adds even more pleasure to this moment. Ro feels another case of Teddy Bear Syndrome coming on, but she doesn't let it bother her. It's not like he's crushing her. In fact, it feels nice being held like this. So she allows him to have this moment as well. Meanwhile, in a nearby building, someone watches this scene through binoculars with green lenses. And they are the only things keeping his eyes from popping out of his head. 7. Chapter Seven Chapter Seven Ro doesn't have a problem with hugging her robot friend, but Zee has been holding her for nearly ten minutes, and so far, he shows no indication of letting go. "Uh, Zee... we need to get going." It takes a few seconds for Zee to notice the clock and see how much time they've lost. He slowly puts her down saying, "Oh! I'm sorry." Ro's smile assures him that everything's alright. And as they leave their hotel room, they remain unaware of the spy, who is slightly dumbstruck from the scene he just witnessed. I've seen it, but I don't believe it! The walk to the Ground Wire, located near the center of town, is quiet and uneventful. It gives Zee a chance to think about what's happening to him. These sensations are so new to him. He's touched a lot of people, but he's never actually felt them like this. Even now, as he holds Ro's hand, he can sense the warmth creeping up his arm. It's such a wonderful feeling, and he doesn't want it to end. There is no doubt in his mind that he loves her. I should tell her I love her, but how would she react? "Zee? We're here." Ro guides a slightly startled Zee into the Ground Wire. Outside, behind a nearby tree, their mysterious observer holds his holo- viewers in one hand and his cell-phone in the other. "Zeta and the girl have just entered the Ground Wire. If we hurry, we can surround the place... Are you sure about this, sir? This could be our big... Yes, sir. Whatever you say." With a deep sign, he hangs up and waits outside. I don't get it. This is my best chance to nab them, and he says to just keep observing. What is going on with him? Ro buys herself a root beer-cherry-cola and then hurries back to Zee, who sits quietly in front of a computer as he copies his memories onto a file to be downloaded onto discs. Ro has purchased three discs for this task: one for Bennet; one for Casey, her brother; and one for them to keep. She figures that should they run into another of Zee's scientists, they could show him Dr. Selig's last words and verify them; to act as a 'character witness' in case the NSA thinks the disc is a fake. Dr. Selig's last words. He still finds it hard to accept that his creator, his father, is gone forever. As he scans the images of Dr. Selig, his eyes are once again filled with sadness, and he begins to sigh heavily. Suddenly he feels his hand being squeezed. It's Ro, and as he looks into her eyes filled with warmth and understanding, he realizes that in her own special way, she loves him too. With that in mind, he's able to smile again. Meanwhile, the spy is sitting at a nearby table, completely beside himself. Would you look at them? It's like watching a soap opera. All that's missing is the kiss scene... and it looks like they're going to do it any second. He knows he was ordered to watch them and nothing else, but Agent West can no longer stand by and watch these two do the unthinkable. Besides, if he brings them in, it could mean a commendation, maybe even a promotion... or at least be taken seriously once in a while. "Don't move a muscle." West suddenly finds Bennet's hand on his shoulder. Rather than risk his boss yelling at him... again, he holds his position and watches Bennet slowly approach the two fugitives. West prepares himself, expecting to join in the chase once they spot Bennet walking towards them, but much to his surprise, just as they're rising from their seats, Bennet raises his hands in the surrender position. "You don't have to worry," Bennet says as he approaches them, "I know about Selig's module. Believe it or not, I was there. I heard the whole conversation." He notices the image of Selig still on the screen and the discs. No doubt they're copies from Zeta's memory banks. Now why didn't I think of that? Zee takes one of the disks and hands it to Bennet. Since he knows what Selig said that day, there's no reason for him to think it's fake. "I've downloaded everything, including the Dolan assignment." Ro asks, "What will you do now?" "Well, at first I wasn't sure what to do. After all, who ever heard of a robot with a conscience, or emotions for that matter? We truly believed Zeta was reprogrammed by Brother's Day. When a robot stops following orders during an assignment, we have no choice but to assume the worst. That's how it is in this business. With Dr. Selig keeping that module of his a secret, we thought he was under Brother's Day's control. But now that you've given me this, it makes my next decision easier." Zee and Ro brace themselves as Bennet says, "We'll be examining this disc from top to bottom. In the meantime, I've decided to place Zeta in your custody, Miss Rowen. That means you'll be responsible for him, but I have a feeling you'll take good care of him." As he turns to leave he adds, "But don't be surprised if we check up on you now and then, just in case." He then heads toward the exit, with a stupefied Agent West following behind. Hearing this from Bennet was enough to put even Zee in a state of shock. Bennet is allowing me to stay with Ro? After being chased all this time, was it finally over? No more being chased by NSA? No more bounty hunters? No more wanted posters? Zee returns to the computer and scans the Federal Warrant List. Their pictures are nowhere to be found. It's over. The nightmare is over. "Congratulations, Zee," Ro says as she hugs his waist, "Dr. Selig proved your innocence after all." And she couldn't be more relieved. "Yes, thanks to you." He is no longer government property. He's allowed to stay with Ro, she who made it all possible. And now, as he savors the warmth coming from Ro's hug, all feelings of misery and shame are replaced with relief, happiness. and love. As soon as Ro releases her hug on Zee, he returns the hug with one of his own, lifting her off the ground so he can stroke her cheek with his own, and whispers into her ear, "I love you, Ro. I love you so much". Ro is shocked for a moment. He loves me? Does he really understand what he's saying? But then again, no one has ever said that to her before. For as long as she can remember she's been an outcast, never fitting in anywhere. Then Zee came into her life and showed sincere concern for her. He even taught her something about caring for others. Even now, being held against his titanium body, she feels so comfortable with him. She can't imagine feeling this way about anyone else. And as she looks into his eyes, and sees the look of love on his face, she knows deep in her heart that Zee would never lie to her. With that in mind, she hears herself saying, "I love you, too." And now, Agent West returns to retrieve the holo-viewers he left behind, just in time to join the gawking audience observing the long-awaited kiss scene. Even the robot waiters are at a standstill. West is frozen on the spot, with eyes wide open, until Bennet comes behind him and says, "I dare you to report this." The following night, Zee sleeps peacefully on the bed. Now that Bennet is no longer a threat, and being able to feel Ro sleeping comfortably by his side, he isn't having any more nightmares. There's no reason for him to feel depressed any longer. The End There it is, folks! My first fan fic. I hope you've enjoyed it. Feel free to read and review while I see about conjuring up some more masterpieces. End file.

Aftermath by Dragoncat

Zeta Project

Pretty Pretty * Author's Notes: An embarrassingly short Z/R fic. 'Nough said. Disclaimer: Bah. Summary: Short Zee/Ro fluff that'll give you a cavity! Heh. WAFF [Warm And Fuzzy Feeling] is my lifeblood. * ...Every time I see you, all the rays of the sun Are streaming through the waves in your hair... ~Making Love Out Of Nothing At All, by Air Supply * "Ro, is there something wrong?" "No, Zee," Ro sighed, crossing her arms over her chest, "I'm perfectly fine." Zeta appeared confused at the contradiction of her outward expression and her reassuring words. "Ro, you don't appear to be fine. You-" "Zee," Ro interrupted, turning around to face him, the both of them surrounded by perpetual forest, "the last thing I want to hear about is how I look, okay?" A shaft of sunlight streamed lazily down onto her short blonde hair, filtering along her white-on-black shirt and blue jeans in golden waves. "What do you mean?" Zeta questioned, his usual human form's black eyebrows lowering in puzzlement. Ro sighed again, seating herself on a fallen brown log half-buried in the thick earth. "I...well, I need to know that I'm pretty! And nobody ever tells me that anymore," she said quickly, cheeks a light pink birthed from embarrassment at what she assumed to be a petty reason for feeling depressed. He looked steadily at her, cocking his head to one side. "If someone told you that you were pretty, would you be happy?" She shrugged, kicking a small patch of moss idly. "I guess so." "Well, then," Zeta sounded pleased, "you are pretty." Ro opened her mouth, blinked, and closed her mouth, shaking her head while laughing quietly. "What?" he looked worried. "That was the correct thing to say, wasn't it?" "You're clueless," she told him. "About what?' "I'll tell you after we find Dr. Selig, Zee. Now move faster or we'll never get anywhere, will we?" "Actually, Ro, at the pace we're currently moving at, we will be-" "Zee. It was a rhetorical question." * THE END (Don't kill me! I'll write a longer one!) * Oh, criminy, THIS was pathetic. Ah, well, school got out May 24 here in New Mexico, so that means I'll have time to write a decent sized Z/R fanfic! No, I have no life. Mail me at [email protected] or leave a review! End file.

Pretty by PallaPlease

Zeta Project

Greater Purpose **Zara's Note: ****Iglika****, I blame you for this. See what happens when someone actually **_**encourages**_** me? *smiles* Thanks for that, by the way. ** **Oh, and a happy belated Zee's Independence Day to you all!** * * * A weapon, a tool. That was all Zeta had been created to be. A synthoid designed to be the perfect assassin. Other than that, he had no real purpose. And Zeta had been fine with that. But _Zee _aspired to be something more. End file.

Greater Purpose by zara2148

Zeta Project

My Zeta, My Zee Hello, Everybody! I wrote this years ago but just never got around to submitting it. (I was actually going to put it in with a big collection of oneshots and poems and things, but it didn't happen.) Then it got lost and I couldn't find it again. Well, I just did. After a flood of HiNaBN fics, here, have some TZP poetry. Much love, friends! (Also, _The Riders_ is being re-written, if anyone remembers it.) I do not own the Zeta Project or any of the characters therein. I do, however, own the poem. * * * My Zeta, My Zee The warmth, the kindness I feel in your arms, I know it protects me and keeps me from harm. I love when you smile, so tenderly. You are my Zeta, And Zeta my Zee. That face that you wear? It's simply a cover. How could I ever love one, not the other? Yet those quiet blue eyes, they captivate me. Zee is my Zeta, And Zeta's my Zee. I don't care that you're metal, not covered by skin. It isn't what's outside that counts, but within. In that shell is a soul, it stares back at me. Because you are my Zeta, Zeta: my Zee. I don't mind the running, despite what you say. As long as I'm with you, I can face a new day. But forever is short, not for you, but for me. You'll always be Zeta, Forever my Zee. I have, however, just this single fear: That one morning I'll wake and you won't be here. One day, you won't need me; someday, you'll be free. Free to be Zeta, No longer my Zee. That is the day, when my spirit will die. I'll be lost without you; I'll just curl up and cry. You've no idea what that'd do to me. I love you as Zeta, Not just as Zee. But until that time when my nightmares come true, I'll keep on laughing, like you told me to do. The sincerest of smiles is what you will see. A smile for my Zeta, A hug for my Zee. Yes, I care for you now, and it's not like before. I fell for your face, but I love your heart more. We're meant for each other, so why can't you see? Zee is my Zeta, And Zeta my Zee. * * * Musical Muse: none End file.

My Zeta, My Zee by Purple-Rosie

Zeta Project

1. Default Chapter August 3, 2032 - The scenic backdrop of the city of Seattle was nice enough with its snow-covered Mount Rainier and acres of evergreen trees visible to the south and the ocean view to the west. The scent of the sea air drifts on the afternoon breeze as Ro sips on her hot chocolate while standing directly behind Zeta who works on one of Ground Wires' computers. "You know, I thought this state was supposed to have a lot of rain." she mentions as she watches yet another tourist walk by with a camera around his neck. She wore a dark blue non-sleeved shirt that buttoned all the way to her neck, black jeans that flared slightly at the bottom, and white running shoes. Zee replies, "This time of year it doesn't Ro." He wore his 'hologram' human self with the dark purple coat with black trim, light purple shirt, dark gray slacks held up by a black belt and silver buckle, and black shoes. He disconnects himself from the computer. Ro knows that look far too well by now, "Don't tell me, a dead end?" she asks. Zeta gets to his feet, "Yes, apparently he doesn't live there anymore." Ro sips down the dregs of her hot chocolate and casually throws away the Styrofoam cup in a trash can nearby, "Well we could just stop by and ask a few questions at least." Zeta smiles, "I was just about to suggest that." Ro just gives him that sly smile of hers, "Yeah? Well maybe we are thinking more alike too." Zeta shakes his head a bit, "Let's get going then, it is a long drive to where we need to be." "And here I was so enjoying the view too." Ro says sarcastically as yet another tourist walks by. Zeta's hand presses against her upper back, guiding her towards the door, "I like it too." Ro just smiles, "Remind me to tell you what sarcasm is sometime." the second Zeta opens his mouth she was quick to tell him, "Please Mister Dictionary, none of that." Zeta blinks and asks, "How did you know I was going to give you the dictionary definition?" Ro climbs into the red hover car they have been driving around lately, paid by Zetas' infinite cred limit as she replies, "Because I know you Zee." August 3, 2042 "I still don't know why I'm helping you do this. The ramifications..." the elderly man in a white lab coat, covering a white dress shirt and black slacks starts to say. "I know the ramifications. Just do it." The man sighs heavily, "May God have mercy on our souls." he murmurs as he slid the lever down. The machine came to life, first at a low hum and then building into a loud crescendo of sound accompanied by blinding light. He moved the lever back up again and the figure within the circle was gone. He licks his lips, hand wiping the sweat off his brow. The door to his lab jerks off its hinges. The police had finally battered the door down after having been working on it at least ten minutes. He is surrounded by SWAT members bearing Plexiglas shields and AK 47s. "I'm afraid you are too late, gentlemen." he tells them as he raises his hands in the air, "I would be careful firing those in here or there will be little chance of retrieval." A cop steps forward with handcuffs in hand, "You have the right to remain silent..." she begins, rattling off the Miranda Rights. "May I ask why I am being arrested?" he asks calmly, even as the cuffs get snapped on and secured behind his back. September 3, 2032 It is no surprise where Zeta and Rosalie Rowen goes that sooner or later the NSA follows. Agent Bennett rode on a hover cycle, handgun clenched tightly as he aimed for the synthoid, Zeta. Right behind him, Agent West is coming in on the passenger side of the hover car. "Give it up Zeta." shouts Bennett over the sound of the wind, "Just pull over and give up." Agent West gets to the side as he plans, "Can I shoot him?" he shouts in askance. Zeta isn't about to pull over and give up, let alone get Ro shot at by NSA agents. His thoughts over how to escape are quicker than any known computer out there. Thankfully Ro is buckled up as he guns the hover car and aims it directly for a nearby train tunnel. His sudden movement causes the hover car to hit Agent Wests' hover cycle, jostling him way off the road and into the bushes. "Aaaahhh!" Agent West cries as he tries to maintain control while braking hard. Agent Bennett growls and squeezes off a shot, the bullet impacts the hover car high on the driver's side bumper as Zeta again jostles the car square onto the tracks. "You'll get yourself and the girl killed!" he yells after them. Ro looks at Zeta wildly, "Are you nuts? This is a train track!" Zeta has no time for explanations, "Unbuckle and hang onto me Ro." The sound of train horn blared from the tunnel. Ro's eyes go wide, "You are insane." she tells him as she unbuckles and hangs onto him. Agent Bennett hears the horn as well and stops short of tunnel entrance, he backs the hover cycle off the track. It's only a few seconds later that he hears the sound of the girl screaming and then the sound of metal hitting metal. Ro blinks her eyes open, greeted by Zeta's smile. She can see the landscape whizzing past through the window that is prominent behind him. She rubs at her eyes a little, yawning. "I bought you some lunch." Zeta offers. "Thanks Zee." Ro tells him as she slowly gets up, "Wonder how ticked Bennett will be when he finds no bodies in our hover car?" she asks. Zeta replies, "I don't know to be honest Ro." Ro bites into her ham and cheese sandwich on white bread. It always amazes her how Zeta can get whatever he wants for her and yet buys the simplest food his creds could by. She swallows and asks, "Know where we are going yet?" Zeta nods, "Yes. We'll be getting off at the next train stop." "And that is where?" Ro presses and then takes another bite. "Portland Oregon. Just as we planned." Zeta replies. oOThis synthoid has yet to cease to amaze me. He always gets away with the comes a thought as she watches them get off the train they had conveniently got on. oOIt has been a month now. No matter how many times the NSA finds them and tries to capture them, they somehow manage to With swift movement the figure from the future moves in between two box cars, continuing to watch the duo. oOSoon we shall meet face to Zeta and Ro move to the nearby car rental agency and with Zetas' creds it is no trouble getting one at all. Little do they know that the figure is watching and listening to everything. The figure has been doing so for a solid month without being spotted at all. Watching what vehicle they get into and then what direction they go, then it is time for the continuation of observation. The man at the counter smiles, Good evening, miss. What were you looking for?" The woman before him smiles back, showing her cred card, "The top of the line, I spare no expense." "Yes ma'am!" he replies, taking the card. Some miles down the road... "Zee? Do you think he's here?" Ro asks. Zeta replies with a smile, "We've spent so long just tracking him down that I can only hope that he is." Ro leans herself against the side of the door, looking at the side mirror, "Me too Zee." She notices a blue hover SUV following some distance back. This late at night, she had only seen a token number of cars and they were all heading back into the heart of Portland whereas they were heading into the outskirts. "Hey, next fast food place you see let's get me something to eat okay?" Zeta nods, "Sure Ro." It is only a short while before one appears and they pull over. The woman in the blue hover SUV smiles to herself she drives some miles down the road and pulls over. Getting out of the vehicle she moves to the hood and opens it, with a swift movement she gives a radiator hose a prick with her fingernail. oONow I just hope that the synthoid does not disappoint me by not pulling She gets back into the car and turns on the flashers. A few minutes later... Ro sips on a thick chocolate milkshake, her other hand grasps a double stack cheeseburger will all the fixings. Zeta shakes his head, "I hope you won't make a habit of fast food Ro, it is bad for you." Ro smiles sweetly, "Anything that's bad for you tastes great Zee." Zeta sighs softly and let's it drop. He knows how pointless it is to lecture Ro on just about anything anymore. He spots flashing lights ahead, "Looks like a stranded motorist. Maybe we should help." Ro is automatically cautious, "Alright, but be ready for a trap. I'd not put it past Bennett to pull something." Zeta nods, he pulls the hover car beside the blue hover SUV and looks over at a rather lovely woman who is smiling over at them from her driver's seat. "Evening, do you require assistance?" Zeta asks. "I sure do. I seem to have a hose leak and I'm afraid I don't have a cell phone on me." she replies. Zeta exchanges a look with Ro. Ro sips on her milkshake and gives him a slight nod. He smiles, "Well we could take you to a phone if you like." That is exactly what the woman wants to hear, she smiles brightly and gushes, "Oh thank you sir!" she gets out of her vehicle, taking the keys out of the ignition and snagging her purse. She's dressed in a knee high, sleeveless black dress with matching black high heels and black pantyhose. Her form was model caliber curvaceous with just the right amount of bust line. Her silvery hair framed a face that was quite stunning and had only a hint of makeup upon it. Ro turns her head slightly to observe the lady quietly. oO(Silver hair, funky)Oo Zeta glances at Ro again who continues to eat her fast food, "You are welcome." he states as he watches the woman get into the back passenger seat. The woman buckles up and puts her purse in her lap, "I'm Nova." she states as she offers Zeta her hand. Zeta smiles a bit, "Zee. This is Ro." he finds the woman's grip surprisingly strong, "You must work out." Nova smiles as she releases his hand from her own, "Oh yes, a lady must these days in order to keep her figure." Ro rolls her eyes. oO(Oh brother.)Oo Zeta catches the expression and offers a raised brow in askance. Ro says nothing, she just sucks up more milkshake through a straw. Nova leans back against the back seat as Zeta pulls the hover car back onto the road, "I thank you again for your kind assistance. If I may, I would like to reward you." This causes Ro to glance back at her with a shocked look. Zeta looks back at the woman in the rear view mirror and states, "Thank you for the offer, but we are only doing our civic duty." Ro looks at Zeta and smiles, she'll let him handle this one. She's still finishing her meal off. Nova nods, looking back at Zeta through the mirror reflection, "A true gentlemen are you, Zeta." she states. - Five miles later... Zeta pulls up into an old fashioned gas station, in fact it looks like it is still stuck in 1950. There is an old phone booth, probably a 1980s model, sitting next to the well kept whitewashed station building. A man steps out of the office within. The sign in the office reads "Open 24/7". Nova unbuckles herself, then opens the door, not at all missing the twice over the man gave her. She just smiles. The man tips his hat up a little, "Evening folks. What can I do you for?" Nova speaks up, "I just need the use of your phone." "Go ahead, miss." the man replies, "I'm afraid we don't have a recharger at this station for that vehicle. But there's a station another five miles down the way that does." Zeta nods, "Thank you." he had not missed the look the man gave Nova either. Apparently Ro has also noticed, she spoke in a whisper to Zeta, "Think we should leave her alone with this guy?" Nova is at the phone, swiping her cred card through the slot. She acts it out very well, she isn't directly hitting the keys on the phone. She made it look like she did though. Zeta looks back to Ro as the man walked slowly back to the office, "Not at all. I want to be sure that she arrives somewhere safe." Ro smiles at him, "You are learning from the pro after all." The man hangs out at the doorway of the office, which has a good view of the phone booth. His intent gaze is all too obvious to the street smart Ro. Nova fakes her conversation then hangs up the phone, she returns to the hover car, "I found a tow truck company that can take my vehicle to a nearby mechanic. Unfortunately the mechanic won't be open until the morning. Any chance you folks could take me to my destination?" Zeta and Ro exchange a glance, Ro nods to Zeta. Zeta replies, "Where is your destination?" Vancouver, Washington Zeta watches a moment as the valet drives off with the rental. Before them was a towering behemoth of a motel. Ro leans against Zeta heavily, she's pretty beat after the thirty minute drive to get here. Nova is already checking herself into the hotel. Zeta suggests, "We should get a room too Ro." Ro raises her sleepy eyes to his face, "Okay Zee." They move together to await service, much to their surprise Nova turns and hands them a set of keys. Zeta gives her a confused look, Ro's eyes open wide a moment. Nova just smiles and says, "Consider it my way of saying thank you. I will have no arguments." Zeta notes the inflection of her voice, he nods and replies, "We thank you very much. Come on sleepy head." A short ride on the elevator later... Ro waits until they are safely within the confines of the hotel room before she states, "Something is up with that woman." Zeta is gently coaxing her to the bed, "What do you mean?" Ro is grudgingly allowing his coaxing, she sits down on the side of the bed, "No one can be that nice. I mean she paid for room like.. like this?" she gestures around. It was the Presidential Suite they were in with two queen sized beds in the bedroom, a fireplace, a full kitchen - basically it looked like a miniature version of a home, but a lot more spectacular. Zeta turns to find the light switch, "She's probably rich is all Ro. Don't be so suspicious all the time." Ro gets up long enough to tug the covers off the bed, she then lies down as Zeta finds the switch and turns the lights off. "Well it if not for my suspicions we'd not be running from Bennett still." Zeta knows this all too well, "I know Ro. Just this once, I would like to believe that someone isn't out to get us." Ro pulls the covers over herself, "Night Zee." "Pleasant dreams Ro." Ro slept very well and woke to Zeta standing nearby. "Hey, could you go downstairs and order me some breakfast?" she asks. "Sure thing. The usual?" he replies. "You know it." Ro smiles as she pulls the covers off herself. Zeta smiles back and departs. The second the door closes Ro practically jumps out of the bed. She already has a plan in mind concerning their benefactor, Nova. The breakfast request serves as a perfect secondary purpose. She knows that Zeta would stop her from spying on the woman. She waits awhile by the door, listening at the door and then opening it to peer out. Seeing that Zeta is not in sight she moves down to the room next door where Nova is staying. She tries the door knob, it turns with no resistance. She pushes on it and the door swings in. She peers within, oO[That was too easy. Way too easy.]Oo It is as if Nova wanted someone to come in. That makes Ro suspicious even more than before. She takes cautious steps into the room, her eyes searching the living room ahead. There's a large antique steamer trunk sitting near the couch. Upon the back of the couch is the dress and nylons the woman was wearing the night before, the shoes and purse sit on a table in front of the couch. She moves further in and a melody reaches her ears. At first there is no words, just loud humming. The voice comes from the bathroom. Ro decides she may just have enough time so she pops the two catches loose and opens the lid. She freezes when Nova's voice speaks. "I do hope you have a good reason to come in without saying hello." Ro's eyes are glued to what is within the steamer trunk, it looks like some sort of highly advanced battery charger. There were two windows in it that were are dark, apparently some sort of digital readouts. There's a single, thick cord ended with a gold covered circular device. She's been busted, and isn't sure what to say. Nova moves behind her, speaking again, "Let me guess, Ro, you had a suspicion. Something nagged at your conscience when it came to me. You decided to do a little investigation and your friend Zeta is probably downstairs fetching you breakfast." Ro's gaze moves from the trunk to the sound of something hitting the couch, her mouth drops. It's a skin! In fact it is a full body worth of skin. "Ew... gross..." she mutters. But as she looks closer she notices there is no blood on this skin, in fact that skin looks like is isn't even real since there is a straight seam the runs along the side. Nova sits directly in her view, gazing at her with softly glowing orange optics. Sitting there in all her silver toned, metallic, and quite naked glory. "Oh... my... God..." is all Ro can utter. Nova just smiles at her, "I assure you God had nothing to do with me." she informs her. Ro can't help but stare, it s like looking at a horrid car accident. The perverse side just takes over and makes you stare. "What /are/ you?" she manages to utter. Nova is checking her 'skin' as she speaks, "I am a cyborg. A being that is part machine and part human. You realize that what you see now must not be spoken to Zeta, right?" Ro looks into Nova's glowing optics, "How can I not tell him? This will freak him out." Nova moves a foot into the skins' leg and slides it up, "Exactly why you cannot tell him, Ro." she explains as she slides the other foot into the other leg and slides that up. "You see, the facts are like this. I am from the future, a decade in fact." she stands now to pull the skin over her waist and torso. "I cannot tell you why I am here, only that I mean no harm to yourself or Zeta." Ro watches her quietly as she speaks, it's very weird to watch this skin get placed back onto a metallic body that would probably win every single last beauty pageant out there and have every last man on Earth drool if it was photographed for Playboy. "Great." came Ro s sarcastic reply. Nova chuckles softly as if she finds Ro s sarcasm humorous, she puts each arm into the skin and tugs it all snug then finally pulls the head portion over, allowing her hair to be the only part that's not part of this skin. "You don't believe me." Ro just looks at Nova, now in her nude human skin. "No, I don't." Nova takes up her dress from the couch and hmms softly, "Well, you will learn that I can be trusted soon. Now then, off with you. I can hear the elevator coming and I would guess that Zeta is riding it." Ro eats her breakfast, not saying a word. That worries Zeta slightly as Ro typically has something to say about the food she is eating. But she isn't even uttering an 'mmm'. Her face shows no displeasure at the food quality either. Zeta finally asks, "What is it Ro?" Ro finishes her meal and states an abrupt, "Nothing." Zeta hasn't heard her be so abrupt in a long while, something is wrong but she's unwilling to talk about it. "We'll be leaving shortly." he informs her. "Good, I can't wait to find out if our lead goes somewhere." she replies as she gets up and stretches. Considering that Ro is typically bored out of mind when on a long hover car ride, this just adds to Zetas' worry. "I'll make sure our room and food were paid for by Nova. Meet you in the lobby?" Ro nods, "Sure thing, Zee." Zee departs the room, noting that Nova is just exiting her room with a steamer trunk. He pauses to watch her handle it, she seems to be stronger than she let on before. He walks behind her and gets a glance back in his direction. "Morning Zeta. Are you and Ro leaving too?" Zeta presses the button for the elevator, "Yes. I see you got your things from your car okay." Nova smiles, "Oh yes, the mechanic was most amiable to arrange for my things to arrive." Zeta smiles and the doors open, "I hope they fix your car soon." "I'm not too worried about it since it is a rental. I should have another rental waiting for me outside." Nova replies. Zeta nods and steps inside with her following, dragging the steamer trunk. Zeta muses that it is unusual for a woman with apparent money to burn she could afford some wheels on the trunk. The ride down is quiet and they step out of the elevator nearly together. He heads toward the front desk, Nova watches him a moment and just smiles. oO(Good instincts, may serve him well)Oo she muses as she drags the steamer towards her new rental car and has a man load it up so she doesn't look too suspicious. She's getting into the drivers' side as Ro and Zeta come out of the hotel. She gives a wave, "Safe travels you two." "Thanks." Zeta replies. Ro just waves back, but with this small frown on her face. December 30, 2032 It has been a little over three months since her last direct contact with her objectives. She had been content to watch the drama of their lives unfold from afar, from the shadow - darkness and hiding places that were like a second skin. She half expects to feel his presence nearby, to see him step out of the shadows and yet he does not. She knows he is still a government project, just like she is, in this time period. Zeta would probably be surprised to find out that synthoids were not the only government projects out there. She had felt the terrible void of loneliness when Christmas came and went. Above her is a scream, "Zee!" and the answering, "Ro!" It has come to this pivotal moment, she launches herself into the air. Her jet boots blasting hot flames into the twilight. "Zee!" comes the girls' scream again just above Nova's position. "No! Zee!" The synthoid plummets quicker than the girl, thanks to the way he positions his body and is catching up. "I'm not going to let you die." It is a moment Nova had read over, studied over in the future. It would not happen the way it had before. Zeta catches the girl, taking her into his arms. Ro utters what she thinks may be her last words, "I love you Zee." Zeta's reply to this, "I know, Ro. I love you too." Above them Bennett is yelling at the other agents to do something to save the girl. Ro looks at the brightly lit city that is coming at them so quickly, she gives in to a swoon and is out cold. Zeta hugs her close and can do little to stop their plummet, there is nothing to grab onto until they reach the tallest rooftop. December 31, 2032 Night has come and gone, the sun shines through the drawn curtains. Ro awakes and finds Zeta talking with a female. She stood at least 6'10" tall and wear a matte black suit of armor upon her form. Her angular yet strikingly familiar face was metallic and her optics glowed an orange hue. Zeta's words finally come into focus as Ro just stares at the two. "I'm not sure if that is wise." The female just chuckles at him softly and taps a hand on hip, exposing what looked like it belonged on a computer some sort of a media port. "You will just have to trust me." Ro stares further and finally manages, "Oh .. my.. God.. it's Nova!" Zeta looks over at Ro, he isn't in hologram as apparently it doesn't matter to have it on with the other standing in front of him. "She claims to be." "It is her. She told me to trust her too." Ro states as she gets up off the bed she'd been on for the past several hours. Nova smiles, "She catches on very quickly. Now then, if you would?" Zeta looks at Ro, but states to Nova, "I'll have to trust you then." Ro nearly looses it as Zeta's 'male' jack port plugs itself into the corresponding 'female' jack port on Nova. "Oh now that is just wrong!" Nova offers her a smile and gestures with a hand, "It is just like him plugging into a computer at Ground Wire, Rosalie. I just happen to be a walking one is all." Ro blinks, humor out of a synthoid.. correction, cyborg.. was a new one on her. Zeta had yet to grasp it and a number of other human ideals. "I still don't like it." Nova states, "He wishes proof of my claims, and since I have the capability of sharing my memories with another like myself or like him then it was only logical to allow access. Of course the last time I did it, it was a mutual transference with a being whose name I rather not divulge." Ro just crosses her arms and glares at the lady in armor. "If he's any different after this is over I am so kicking you." That gets a full blown laugh out of Nova and the reply, "Ah you are a spunky one, I admire that. It is no wonder Zeta keeps you close." Zeta moves his jack out and looks up at Nova. Ro wishes she could read that metallic face of his, but it offers little to what the tin man is thinking. He looks over to Ro, "We can trust her." Ro gives a sigh and moves over to sit next to him, "You okay?" "I'm fine, I just..." glancing at Nova, "think I found another who has similar goals." Nova nods, "Indeed." Ro gives him a look, "What does that mean?" "She didn't have to run from the government seeking her freedom up until recently. She had spent several years as a civilian and was free to do as she wished with her freedom. I was her... inspiration." Zeta explains. Ro looks from him to Nova, then asks, "Until recently?" Nova crouches down, balanced perfectly on her feet as her arms rest on her knees, "I refused to continue to be on call. You see I was free, but still required to fulfill my function. The government put money into a product, which was me, and they expected me to pay for my cost of creation. When I refused my last infiltrate and kill order, they came after me with a vengeance. My only recourse was to time travel." Ro looks at Zeta, he nods to her, "She speaks the truth. Her memories show it to be as she says it." he looks to Nova, "I felt you push me away from some memories of a man made of pure shadow." "It is difficult to share such memories Zeta. I dearly loved him and to share our intimate moments would be betraying his memory." Nova replies. Ro gasps, "You were intimate with a human?" Nova looks to the girl who is blossoming into womanhood and gives her a sad smile, "Those that created me made sure that my cybernetic body would not just be pleasing to the male human eye." Zeta says, "I apologize for intruding where I was not welcome. I understand your reservations." Ro's mouth is working, but nothing is coming out. She's utterly speechless. If Nova is implying what Ro thinks she's implying... well that changes her whole mind set when it came to Zeta. Nova woke to Ro's voice saying, Wake up. She turns over to face the girl, the clock just to the girl's right reads 3:00 in the morning and the darkness is given some light via the flashlight she is carrying. "What is it Ro?" "I need to talk to you." Ro replies, looking her straight in those softly glowing optics. Nova shifts her nude form and sits up, "About what dear?" "Why you came here for starters." Ro states. "I came to this time to observe you and Zeta for awhile in order to make a final decision. This decision involved what occurred the night I saved you both." Ro looks at her, expression incredulous, "You mean, we would have died?" "You would have died. Zeta would have be severely damaged and captured by Bennett's people. Later he would have been taken in for intense examination." Nova then pauses, "I will spare you the further details." Ro stares at the nude form of Nova, just boggling that she had died from that fall and that this cyborg lady had saved her and Zeta. "But why save us? Doesn't like mess something up for you?" "Nothing has changed for me that I am aware of, but I understand your concern. Changing the past does change the future in some way. Trust me on this Ro, I did not take saving you two lightly. I considered it quite heavily and watching you two interact solidified the decision I made. As for why, I felt it was the right thing to do." Ro looks thoughtful, "You said you were inspired by Zetas pursuit of his freedom. Is that the real reason you came here?" Nova smiles at her, "Yes, it is the big reason why I even considered coming back to this time." Ro looks down at the floor, the flashlight loose in her hand now, "Do you think it is possible Zee would be more like you?" Nova cocks her head, "In what way dear?" Ro takes in a breath, looking up again and into those optics, "More emotional for one. More human." biting her lip, she then says, "God this is hard to say." Nova holds a hand up, saying, "Yes he can be more emotional, in fact I was going to speak to him about that. As for more human, that would require some alterations to his current frame schematics and probably the installation of organic matter. Unfortunately, after they built me the politicians had a law passed to make sure that anyone trying to harvest human organics for such use would be in big trouble." Ro hmms, "Nova, when were you made anyway?" Nova smiles at her, "Let me put it this way for you, I'm old enough to be your Mother." Ro blinks and asks, "So you are older than Zeta?" Nova nods. "Were you made by the same men that made Zeta?" Ro asks. Nova shakes her head, "Not at all. They probably exchanged what they learned from my project and projects similar to mine to those that made the synthoids." Ro nods, "Too bad, may have helped Zee and I to get some more information about his project guys." "There isn't much to tell him, my project members were very restrictive with the information they gave me. I don't even know who my organic matter donor is." Nova replies, "Now if you don't mind dear, I would like to get back to my rest cycle." "Rest well Nova." Ro replies, she turns to leave and heads towards the door. Nova lays back down and her optics dim to darkness. Ro's form flickers and Zeta stands at the door. Zeta had gotten some answers tonight, but it is still not enough. Ro had told him that Nova was a cyborg, that she had even seen her nude. Zeta didn't even comprehend what nude was until he had seen it. Nude to him was as he was now, without a hologram. He stands there, watching the still form and waiting for the electrical change to indicate she is indeed resting. The fact that Nova even requires rest is interesting. It seems that nothing has changed on that one, every so often even he needed to rest. What she said certainly piqued his interest. He did want to be more emotional. Having a conscious was all well and good, but he really wanted more than that. There was also something else nagging at his thoughts, how it was possible Nova had a human lover. How would it be possible for him to be altered to be more human. The questions were just piling up and he was determined to have the answers. He was thankful that Nova saved their lives, he respected her immensely for that. His conscious fought with the decision he was coming to, even as he moved toward the still form something told him this was wrong. He sat on the edge of the bed and tapped Nova on the hip, exposing her female jack port. He plugs his male jack port into it, whispering, I hope you forgive me for this Nova. Nova dreams of looking at Joseph, a man that was literally a solid shadow and could control that shadow to some extent, he was taking off the armor he wore. He was saying how beautiful she was and how much he loved her. When he touched her, she feels it as it was felt when she was with him, via her microscopic cyberorganic nervous system. She returns the touches, kissing him. It is just a reflection of a time where she was happy, when she was with the man she loved. It is a thing that her unconscious mind brings to the fore as if it were a dream. It is something that comes when she is feeling so utterly alone, and wants to revisit that happier time. The remembrance dream moves through every second of passion, repeating every word or utterance between them, until it reaches the culmination and the dream is no more. Then she goes into another dream, one she hasn't visited before and wonders as she views it why it is coming to the fore now. She see the men responsible for her creation, the men whose hands sculpted every part that is her - from the smallest cyberorganic nerve, to the microchips, to her exterior. They are talking around her, thinking she's asleep. They speak of the repercussions of giving her a cyberorganic female reproductive system. As she views this, listening intently to this memory that she wasn't even aware of, she feels the secondary presence in her mind. For now she keeps tabs on it, but is more curious about what is being said. It is quite eye opening to learn that the intentions of having that system put in was that they could install a seduction program at a later date, in order to make her a much better infiltration unit. She can feel the surprise from the secondary presence and she fully focuses on it now that that dream remembering had ended. The presence seems to feel her attention upon it, it attempts a retreat but she is very familiar with how her mind works. Every exit that it heads for, she slams it down, soon enough she has it trapped. Now it is her turn to be surprised, oO(Zeta. You could have simply asked instead of infiltrating my mind like this. I hope your conscious realizes that what you have done is pure and simple rape.)Oo She can feel his fear and shame, emotions she didn't even think he was capable of until now. oO(I'm sorry, I just needed some answers and you closed me off when we connect lasted time.)Oo came his reply. She lifts the barriers she trapped his mind in, oO(I hope you got them, Zeta...)Oo In a flash her mind is within his mind, probing at his memories. He tries to stop her, but every attempt to do so only slows her down a little. But her probes are very selective, and when they happen it's not a bad experience. He hears her reassurance, oO(I learned from a mental rape years ago by an evil cyborg. I know what it is like to be changed utterly by evil, how it is like to fight against it. I was lucky, I eventually overcame the evil he implanted in my mind. This is merely a demonstration Zeta, that your systems can be hacked.)Oo She is still within his mind now, he is tempted to trap her there, but instead joins her. 'oO(Thank you for being so understanding Nova.)Oo He feels something flow into his mind, a program. oO(What is this?)Oo. oO('A program to help you with your emotions, Zeta. The one thing that your creators would not give you, which you had to learn on your own. A conscious is just the start, it has helped you learn about humans. But it can only do so much.')Oo The download stops and he feels her pulling her mind out, oO(I wish you luck Zeta, Rosalie is a spirited and intelligent young lady.)Oo Zeta replies, oO(Oh I know.)Oo He can already feel the effects of the downloaded program. He cannot find a virus within, or something else that would cause his programming harm. oO(Do you truly love her?)Oo comes the query as Nova's mind drifts to the cusp of his own. oO(Thanks to this program, I can truly say that I feel this is true. Before it felt like I was just saying it since I had so little to go on.)Oo It certainly was so, but from what he viewed of Nova with her Joseph, there was yet a long road to travel if he should decide to pursue that. Nova's thought echoes via their connection, 9((I would be careful from here on Zeta. Love has many definitions with humans. I could not tell you if Rosalie loves you as my Joseph loved me. For all I know she loves you as if you were her brother.)Oo Zeta thinks back just before severing the connection, oO(It seems I've yet much to learn. You have helped me a great deal, and for that I will be eternally in your debt.)Oo The connection is severed and Nova stirs by him, she sits up and smiles at him. "I will hold you to that debt Zeta, and I will collect on it." Zeta nods and replies, "I should return to Ro before she wakes up and notices I am gone." "Good night, Zeta." The door is answered by Zeta in his holographic human male form. Nova stands at there on the other side, "I wished to say good bye before I left." Ro moves towards where she was in the room, cocking her head at the fully armored Nova, "Going so soon?" "I am afraid so." Nova replies. Zeta nods, "Perhaps we shall meet again." Nova smiles in a mysterious fashion, "Perhaps." Ro offers Nova her hand, "Thanks for everything Nova. It's been a blast." Nova accepts the hand, shaking it and then releasing it, "As it has for me, Rosalie." she looks back to Zeta, "Tread your path carefully, Zeta." she leans forward and kisses him on the cheek, "For luck." Ro gapes a bit and Zeta puts a hand on her shoulder, "Thank you. Come on Ro, we still need to find that path." Nova smiles at Ro's reaction, she steps back to allow the two to pass and watches them enter the elevator. The way Ro was staring at Zeta, it was if she didn't recognize him anymore. Nova puts a hand on the doors as they are about to close, "One more thing Zeta, do not seek out Project Nova. She may not be as understanding in this time as she is now." Zeta cocks his head, then nods, "No problem." Nova releases the door and it closes. She pauses, thinking back to that odd note that was left to her younger self around this period of time. The note read the same, and was still signed with the letter Z. 2. The Domino Effect: Time is a Snake Eatin... September 3, 2033 Nova knew when she interfered with the death of Rosalie Rowen and the near destruction of Zeta that she would begin a ripple effect from that point and into the future. Exactly what those changes would be she could only guess. The fact that her memory was able to hang onto the reality that once was is purely amazing. A wind tugs at her cloak, making it flutter just as the huge American flag behind her did. Looking down, she marvels at what she stood upon, the rebuilt pillars of steel and glass known as the World Trade Center Twin Towers. Somewhere on the ground, among the millions of human beings are Ro and Zeta, looking for clues to the location of those that built him. Nova smiles slightly, little did Zeta know that as part of his downloading her emotional programming he also took in a tracking program. Via this program Nova can trace their movements, thusly keeping tabs and assuring her changing the past stayed that way. This would be her first year anniversary in 2032 as a time traveler. Oh she knew the risks of interacting with the populace, but she kept it to a bare minimum. Unfortunately, there was a drawback to being here, she couldn't seek out maintenance - not even from her creators for fear of running into her present time self. Ro walks beside Zeta, hands gripping his arm tightly so they are not separated in this crowded, jostling mass of human bodies. Things for them had changed the moment they departed ways with Nova. She had noticed right away when Zeta had actually laughed at a pun she had made. As the weeks passed, she observed the emotional reactions to things they were doing. She didn't know what to make of it, her tin man had become more human. When they stop in front of the Twin Towers, Zee looks at the slightly weathered memorial plaque with thousands of names upon it. There is such a look of sadness there. "Zee, you okay?" she asks. Zeta puts on a game face and smile, "I'm fine. Come on, it's a walk yet to where we need to be." He had lied outright to her rather than tell her what he felt. He had yet to tell her of Novas' gift to him. Some of the time he regrets it when he feels such things as sadness or anger, and other times he feels glad he has feelings. A large void had been filled the moment he accessed the emotional program, but there was yet a void to fill and that was finding his answers. September 3, 2043 A year and a month have passed since Nova had used the time traveling device to move into the past and arrive in 2032. The government was not happy about it at all and had called in the House and Senate before the President to decide how to handle the situation. Little did they know that the future they were living in was actually better than the future that once existed before the cyborg jumped. It had taken a month for them to decide what to do. The result of this decision now stands in the room where Nova herself had taken her leap into the past. "You know your target, if you cannot bring her back in one piece then your orders are to bring her back in pieces." states a man with many military ribbons and several stripes on his sleeves. "Hit it." The machine comes to life, first at a low hum and then building into a loud crescendo of sound accompanied by blinding light. September 4, 2032 Nova moves among the masses dressed in her human disguise. She notes the stares, glances, and lurid looks from many various men as she goes. It privately amuses her as she follows the tracking program within Zeta. She pauses as they cross a street, watches them move up the stairs to a museum. A advertising banner outside the front door reads 'This month only Robot History and Prehistoric Beasts'. She hmms softly and wonders what Zeta expects to find out, she moves toward the museum. Three figures trail behind her looking like tourists out on the town taking pictures. Inside the museum, Nova finds Zeta and Ro in the Robot History exhibit. She makes sure she stays within hearing distance without being seen. Meanwhile, the three figures move toward exhibit as well. Ro asks, "Zeta why are we here? Visiting old friends or something?" Zeta smiles and chuckles softly, "No old friends here Ro, just research." Ro follows him as he moves from one exhibit to the next, "What research is this exactly?" Zeta pauses as he notes three figures standing at the entry to this exhibit. Three rather lovely women who are currently drawing very advanced looking weapons. "No time for that Ro, run for the exit and don't look back." Ro is quick to follow his gaze, "Great, since when did Bennetts' cronies come after us out of their boring government suits." "Just run." Zeta hisses at her. Just then the three women fire their weapons, but not at Zeta and Ro. There is a scream of surprise and pain from behind a pillar, then a woman staggers back away from it. Zeta and Ro both gasp in unison, "Nova?" The three woman run towards Nova, continuing to fire at her with not a shred of mercy. Chunks of fake skin and metal fly off Nova as she continues to back away, then finally she ignites her jet boots and takes flight. The three take flight as well, pursuing her. "Looks like she made herself some enemies." Ro notes with a bit of awe at the firepower being displayed. Zetas' hologram melts away as his hidden laser weapon raises up, he takes aim and fires exactly three rounds. Each one hits one of the women and results in them pausing in pain to glare at their attacker. This gives Nova the edge as she turns around with a morning star in one hand and an axe in the other. "Uh Zeta, they don't look happy." Ro declares as the trio take aim upon Zeta. Nova strikes the first one with the morning star, hitting her in the back of the neck. That one screeches and falls to the ground, taking out a display of early robots. The second and third turn just as Nova swings her axe and buries it deep into the chest of the second. That one curls up slightly in pain, clutching at the handle of the weapon. "Damn..." Ro utters in amazement. Nova jerks her axe out of the chest of second, a shower of electricity results. The thirds' shot at Nova is deflected slightly as Zeta's laser tags her in the side. Her shot hits Nova in the upper leg, the result is a fiery explosion. System Bootup Initiated. Booting. Systems Check Begin. On Board Cerebral Check - Nominal. Program Check - Nominal. Repair System - Functional, Initiate Repairs. Repairs Feedback - Missing entire left leg. Pre-System Bootup repairs in place. Conscious Mind Boot Up. Booting. Novas' optics flickered on as she gazes up at a ceiling. Hardware Bootup. Booting. All Systems - Nominal, Missing Report from left leg. External temperature 71 degrees. Organics Check... Cerebral: Nominal. Nervous: Nominal, no reply from left leg. Gastric: Nominal. Reproductive: Minor Damage. Repairs in progress. Zeta moves from where he had been standing the past few hours. "It is good to see you awake. You gave us quite a scare you know." Nova turns her head, "Good to be awake, Zeta. Like to give me an update on what happened after I off lined?" Zeta nods, "The explosion caused by your leg sent shrapnel everywhere. All three of those women plus myself took the brunt. Thankfully Ro had been behind a display and hit the floor, she wasn't harmed. You fell to the ground engulfed in flames and dropped the weapons in your hands. The one you had hit in the back of the head didn't recover. The one you hit in the chest got shrapnel in that wound and apparently lost use of her arms. The third had an injured arm and shrapnel damage, she flew down to pick up the fallen one. Ro grabbed a fire extinguisher and ran to put out the fire that was burning off your disguise. I'm afraid it was a lost cause by the time she got it out. I kept my weapon leveled on the three and they departed without a word. The smoke from the fire triggered the fire alarms, so I picked you up and Ro got your weapons, then we ran out of one of the exits." Nova takes this in, "Seems that we are even now." she notes, then pauses a moment, "Where are we?" "An abandoned warehouse that used to house robotics parts" he replies and then tells her, "If you were wondering, I was able to do some patch work to the exposed area where your leg used to be." Nova smiles, "I was wondering when I detected the repair down there. Thank you for that." Ro comes into the room pushing a wheeled cart with several sets of legs. "Here you go Z, this is all I could find." she looks over to where Nova who is smiling at her, "Great to see that smile again, Nova." Nova looks over the legs on the cart, "Nice to smile again, Ro. Seems you two have anticipated the required repair to make me whole again." Zeta moves over to the cart to look over the legs himself, "Ro has a good eye for detail, she insisted that she find the legs and then I'd get to do the repairs." Ro grins a bit, "Exactly." Nova sits up, examining the area of damage as best as she can visually. "Well we will have a lot to do to make everything compatible. Let us start with the fit first and work from there." In another part of the city, the trio sent from the future to retrieve Nova is affecting their own repairs. The healthiest of the group works on the less injured one first, removing the shrapnel from her and then synthetic skin, as it is damaged. The parts that are available to replace the missing components within the chest are primitive, but workable. It takes her six hours to get her sister to a level where she can assist her with her own injuries. Finally the third gets her turn. It takes the rest of the night and part of the next day to resecure the vertebrae in the neck along with fixing any damage to important nerves. They talk in soft tones, discussing what to do next. Nova's gait was a little off, but the replacement leg was at least working now. It had been a patience burning process, but thankfully the two non-humans had it to spare. Ro however was another story, she lost interest three hours in and had wandered off to get something to eat. Nova stops and turns toward Zeta, who has been quietly watching on. "I suspect that my attackers will be coming for me again, Zeta. You must take Ro and leave." Zeta shakes his head at her, "If I know Ro, she will agree with me when I tell you that there is no way we would abandon a friend." Nova sighs, "Don't be foolish Zeta. It was a matter of time before my times' government sent someone after me. I just wish I knew who they were." "You don't know who they are? How is that possible?" he asks. "Well, I have a couple theories on that. First one is that they may have been built after I time jumped here. Second is that they were built in the future that is to come, and since I only remember the future that was... I have yet to live the future that is unfolding." Zeta considers a moment, then offers, "Do you think perhaps your mind has insured you don't remember both versions of the future so you don't get confused?" Nova nods and smiles, "I had considered that. I also think it is possible that it did so to insure that I don't muck up the future any further than my occasional interactions with those that live in the present." Zeta replies, "Either makes sense." he pauses, "I think we need to discuss a plan for dealing with your attackers." Nova moves back to where she spent hours getting her leg reattached, "I agree. Did you happen to scan them while I was fighting them? I'd like to compare and see what we come up with." Zeta inclines his head, "That I did." Several days later. Ro peeks at Novas' left leg. The leg had changed as if it was evolving on some sort of level she could never comprehend. Ro shakes her head, hand slipping over a concealed laser blaster on loan from Nova. She had figured that Nova had more hardware than Zeta, but this is ridiculous. She sighs and looks over at Zeta next to her, they are hiding within a pile of scrap cars inside a large junkyard. Zeta had his laser weapon at ready as well as a borrowed blaster from Nova. Looking at Ro, he notes that she looks uncomfortable in the makeshift vest and pants that hopefully would keep her somewhat safe if one of the three happens to get close enough to swing at her. Nova stands with her back to the hiding pair, waiting. She knows that the three would be repaired by now. She had figured that they had a way of tracking her down via her electrical signature. That is why they are here now. The sound of jet boots reaches her hearing, she lifts her left foot slightly off the ground - a signal to the pair that they are coming and to be ready. Ro peeks over again and spots the signal, she lowers back down, quickly pulling junk over herself. Zeta does the same, taking her cue and hearing the sound himself now. Nova speaks, "I would like to know who I face this day and why you seek to destroy me?" The sound of the jet boots were louder now, she had a visual on them. She follows their flight path until finally all three land, encircling her. "Your request is a valid one," says the tallest of the three, black armor covers her. One in armor that is in shades of purple speaks next, "We are Nightstarr." gesturing to the one in black, "Dreadstarr." motioning to herself, and then to the last, "Dawnstarr." Dawnstarr, in armor in shades of dark red, states, "Destroying you is within our mission parameters to return you to the future, Death Nova." Nova replies, "Do give me a decent fight, it has been ages." Zeta takes aim at Dawnstarr and Ro upon Dreadstarr, then they open fire. Nova looks upon the trio of cyborgs. She hears Zeta and Ro pull themselves out of the junk behind her as she kneels down. She is tired and in pain, the latter doesn't last long as she engages her pain dampers. Zeta moves past Nova, he taps on the hip of Nightstarr who feebly attempts to push him away with a stumpy arm. He plugs himself into her jack port and accesses the files Nova had instructed him to procure and implant. Thanks to Nova's download of firewall hacking software, he had no trouble with the mental defenses the cyborg puts up. Finding what is needed and downloading a memory, he withdraws his jack and steps back. "They do have a retrieval device." he states. Nova smiles, "Excellent. If you would find it and bring it to me." Ro shifts off her protective armoring as she watches Zeta search Dawnstarr, "You sure this will work Nova?" Nova looks to the girl and replies, "We shall see, won't we?" Zeta finds what Nova had described to him earlier and brings it over to her. Nova taps her fingernails over the data pad and nods. "It is set. Rosalie?" Ro reaches into the pile they had just climbed out of and retrieves her backpack, she unzips it. "That's disgusting." Zeta moves to assist and pulls out what looks like a squished mass of brain tissue and metal. Nova lifts the retrieval unit up to his free hand as he passes her. He sets both the unit and the mass in the hands of Nightstarr, then moves back to where Nova and Ro wait. "Retrieval of three beings. Parameters set. Engage." Nova speaks. The unit hums and a crackling light show moves over the three still forms. The sound builds, as does the light. The figures seem to become one with the light and with a flash they are no more. September 8, 2043 The room hums to life and a flash of light heralds the return of the three sisters. Sixteen men move forward towards their damaged forms. Only one of these men takes the mass of grey matter and cybernetics out of the hands of Nightstarr. "Tell the General that they have accomplished their mission, I'm taking this to Project Nova for analysis." he barks to another military man. The fifteen men he leaves behind are much too busy assessing what they can do for their wards to notice. Several hours later... "What were your findings?" the General asks of the five men standing around a table where they had dissected and examined the mass. "They were conclusive, General. This used to be Nova." states one of them. The General nods, "Excellent. I'll be contacting you soon for reassignment." he turns and heads out the door. Once the door is shut all five men smile to each other, knowing full well they lied. 3. The Domino Effect: Ripple in Time Background: The date was August 3rd of 2042. The day Nova took a trip through time to the year 2032. She had saved the life of Rosalie Rowen and in the process saved Zeta, a synthoid originally programmed to destroy. After this Rosalie learned first that Nova was not as she seemed. Zeta learned later on, only because she felt it was time. He learned much from her via their port connection. He pushed it too far later on, learning about sex and her lover all on one fell swoop. This bothered her a little. Zeta was so innocent about human things from what she gleaned during their connection. Nova gave him a lesson and a program - the gift of emotion. They parted ways and didn't speak until a year later. Nova was content to follow them and see how things progressed with them. She basically guaranteed they both stayed alive, not wishing to have misspent her time saving them a year earlier. Nova had been following them when she was attacked by three female cyborgs. Thanks to the quick thinking of Zeta and help from Ro, she survived the encounter and set up a meeting between herself and her attackers. When she learned what she needed to know, Nova and the hidden forms of Ro and Zeta took them down. They were not killed, but sent back to the future with a false cybernetic brain made to look like Nova's. She hoped that her team of creators would lie for her. May 2, 2044 It has been nearly twelve years since Nova first time jumped to the past. During that time she had watched over and interacted slightly with Zeta and Rosalie Rowen. She observed Ro develop into a lovely woman and how Zeta reacted to her now that he had the capacity to feel emotions. It was a pleasantly quiet ten years, considering what they had been through. Bennett's team had given up pursuing the duo once Professor Selig came out of hiding and told the world about how he made Zeta different from the other synthoids. The whole business of the government explaining the need for synthoids was a horrendously arduous one. With all the unexplained deaths of human beings out there, a lot of finger pointing had happened. For a time Nova was unsure if Ro and Zeta would even get a chance to continue to be together during the trails. Despite the government creating the synthoid projects and sending them out to eliminate dangerous targets, it survived the trails and the outrage with minimal damage. Unfortunately for them the citizens of the United States, and in fact the entire world, now didn't trust the government to be totally up front with what projects it was working on. Those that created the synthoids were not found at fault for doing their jobs, though many question the ethics of it. The synthoids themselves were all brought in for reprogramming. All except Zeta, who was the example the others were programmed to follow. Many became companions for the rich, others found a place assisting in more dangerous jobs. Overall the whole incident had been something to see. During this whole mess, Nova had not seen one indication of the three cyborgs that had come for her revisiting. She took this as good news, knowing that her creators had lied and she was now truly free. The only drawback was keeping a low profile. She'd never gone so long without extended contact with humans, let alone without routine checkups. Nova had to admit that she felt a bit sluggish, her own diagnostics showed that some parts were showing wear that would need tending to and the sooner the better. September 2, 2044 It had been four years ago when the shit hit the fan. The government was being intensely investigated concerning all its current projects. It had been a scurry to get the project out of the limelight, and in the process those that had nurtured him and his brothers had lost the control they thought they had over them. They all broke free. Unfortunately freedom came at a heavy price. The infighting between them that had begun in training now had no one to stifle it, it eventually cost the lives of six of the ten brothers. Those that were strong enough or smart enough to survive separated ways. But even in separation, the bad blood continued and two more were dead. He crouches on top of a building, just within the shadow of an air conditioning unit, quietly observing a taller building that he is going to hit later on that evening. The power he wields makes him look like a literal 'shadow man'. Through the binoculars he holds to his eyes, he cases the building out. Word on the street was it held many useful items he could turn around and make a good profit. Ironic that he was going to be robbing those who think the law is above them. Then he spots something moving on the very top, he focuses on it and sees what at first appears to be a black flag. When the figure that is attached to the black cape moves, he quickly realizes what he is laying eyes on. oO(Project Nova? I thought that cyborg was off lined.)Oo he muses. Yet, that was indeed the cyborg that had been reportedly eliminated by three other cyborgs. At least that is what those three had told him when he tracked them down. He lowers his binoculars, pondering what to do with this information. Time - a tricky thing to be playing with, no matter how good or bad your intentions. The things you set in motion the second you change what was to what could have been has a ripple effect. Time before the change: Rosalie Rowen had died from the fall and Zeta was severely injured. The news of her death had a devastating effect on the synthoid. Even after Professor Selig had rebuilt him, Zeta really didn't recover from the loss. He spent a lot of time reading or thinking. It was perchance he discovered the Project Nova files and later secreted a message to the cyborg. Because of his message, Nova sought her own freedom and eventually met the mutant 'shadow man' Blacklight. It was with this freedom she eventually came to the past. Time after the change: Rosalie Rowen and Zeta were saved by the time jumper Nova. Zeta received a downloaded emotions program from Nova. He and Ro saved Novas' life and sent her would be killers back to the future. Synthoids, cyborgs, and mutants all created by government programs were brought into the spotlight after Selig came out to speak on behalf of Zeta. Zeta got the freedom he wanted and things were a little better for almost everyone concerned. Differences: Zeta and Ro: living or dying. Synthoids, cyborgs and mutants: staying secret or becoming part of the public knowledge. Nova: Knowing of the first future and living the newly recreated one without her beloved Blacklight. The room had been as quiet as a morgue at night for a full three minutes. No one had said a word as they all took in the information they had just received. Then the man at the head of the table asked the man who delivered this news to depart. The discussion of what to do went on for half an hour. When they came to their decision, they called in the messenger once more. "Nova has broken the law and has been on the run for far too long. It seems we must rectify the situation before she takes another time trip. See to it that the operative that came to you is given full access to her schematics, knowledge base and whatever else he may need. Indicate to him that he will have his freedom and a generous reward for taking her down." "Understood, sir. Anything else?" "Yes. Make sure he has whatever he wishes to track her and then take her down." "It will be done, sir." A few weeks later... He rubbed at his temples with a hand as his other hand wrote down notes. He was finalizing a few plans on how to tackle the enigma that was Nova. He knew everything there was to know through the extensive notes of Project Novas' creators over the years as well as the downloaded visuals from Nova herself. He had witnessed hundreds of hours of visual information from Nova's viewpoint - having seen every infiltration from beginning to end. Despite what he had seen and read, there was something amiss. He had no grasp of how the cyborg thought. That was the one thing that didn't download. Apparently Nova had some measure of control over what her creators could download. Perhaps this would not matter in the end, he had the tools to take her on now. Hopefully he could take her down before she had the chance to take him out. Nova rested her back against the brick wall as she observed a window across the way. The shade was pulled, but that mattered little to her. She overheard every word quite well. Why did she do this to herself? Looking in on and overhearing what Zeta and Ro did at night since their 'marriage' did nothing more than make her miss what she had once. She kept trying to excuse her behavior by reminding herself it was for their own good. But was it really? Was it logical to think that there still might be a threat to them after being free of the government looking for them for so long? CLUNK! Something impacted upon her chest and a second later she felt a crippling electromagnetic pulse run through her form. She managed a strangled scream before she fell into unconsciousness. He watched as the cyborg went down with no trouble at all. It was way too easy. Swinging over on his cable, he alighted next to her still form. "Hold it right there." came Zetas' voice from behind him. He turned toward the synthoid who was halfway out of the window across from him when Zeta blinks and utters, "It's you." He didn't have time to be delayed, he gripped a second electromagnetic device off his belt and as he rose his hands to feign surrender he tossed it at Zeta. The result was the same as Nova, he was nullified. "Zee!" Ro cried as she gripped at Zetas' waist to keep him from tumbling out of the window fully. She laid eyes on the shadow man then on the fallen Nova before she managed to pull Zetas' still form back inside. Novas' systems came online, doing the routine checkups as they came to life. A voice to her left said, 'She is coming online sir.' Another to her right said, 'Excellent.' Her optics came online and she looked around. When she saw the four bodies just ten feet in front of her she gasped for she knew who they were. Her creators were dead. "Death Nova." said the voice to her right. She turned her head to look at the man, dressed in military garb and wearing the metals befitting his rank. "The men who created you and covered up your apparent demise have been dealt with for their treachery. You used your freedom to do God knows what to our past. For your actions, your memories will be deleted. However, we shall keep you alive to act as you were once programmed to do." A voice to her left spoke, "Isn't that a little harsh?" The military man glared, "You have your freedom for bringing her here in the first place Blacklight. I suggest you take your money and be sure never to cross the government." Nova looked upon Blacklight. This was a man that in her future she had loved, who had loved her. She can't help but cry. This man would never know what she does about their time together. He gripped the handle to the briefcase that held his payoff for bringing the cyborg in. He saw the tears trail down her face and it really did bother him. "I will see myself out." he told the man and departed from that room. He walked out with an escort and wasn't left alone until he was out of the military base. Hiding the briefcase, he infiltrated the base. Crawling through the heating ducts until he reached the room where he had left the military chump with Nova. He was just in time to see the replay of some of her memories. Time passes... Shock. That's the simple word to put to how he felt at that moment. Even as the military man ordered the deletion of memories, he was in total shock. He watched as Nova screamed and apparently struggled, but to no avail. When the technician announced that all her memories were gone and that start up protocols would begin, he knew he had to do something. He waited them out, listening to the military jerk give the newly reawakened Nova her orders as she was freed from her restraints. After Nova and military jackass had left the technician alone in the room did he even make his move. The poor technician didn't know what hit him. It would be hours before he was discovered, and by then Blacklight was long gone with not only his payoff, but several DVD recordings of Nova's memories. Months later... He viewed each DVD in order from earliest memory to latest. He skipped through a lot of the infiltration viewing. The moment he saw himself in those memories though, he took his time to view every second from the first memory of him to the last. It was strange to see himself being a lover to a cyborg. After recovering from his shock, he sought out other information from those memories. He learned why she went to the past in the first place, he witnessed how the future had been before her jump as well. If the military had bothered to see that, well they may not have been so eager to delete her memories and reuse her as an object of destruction. He resolved to right what had been done, and he knew of only one being that might be able to help him. Zeta. Breaking into the apartment was a lot easier than he expected. He had five seconds to himself before Zeta came running out of the bedroom in little more than shorts. "Who are you?" Zeta demanded as his arms extended to snatch at the figure in the dark. Allowing himself to be captured, rather than fighting and drawing attention he didn't need, Blacklight replied calmly, "My name is Blacklight. But I think you already knew that Zeta." he paused just long enough for that to sink in, "I've come here to talk to you about Death Nova." Zeta held the man firmly, just staring at him. Yes he did know the man before him thanks to the mental connections he had shared with Nova. The fact that the man was here to talk to him about her was indeed a puzzler. "What about her?" "A few months back she was captured by me. I was paid to bring her in." he holds up a hand as the synthoid opens his mouth to say something, "She had broken the law concerning time travel." Zeta releases him, "So... she's gone." Blacklight shakes his head, "Only for the moment. You see they downloaded her memories first and then wiped her mind clean. They uploaded all her programs, leaving the memories out, and reactivated her." Zeta sighs, "That's horrible. She's done so much for Ro and I." The shadow man nods, "Yeah I saw the memories after I stole them off those chumps." Zeta looks shocked a moment, then smiles a bit, "What do you plan to do with that knowledge those memories represent?" A chuckle answers him at first, "What do you think Zeta? I'm going to totally fubar the government and give them right back to her. But I need your help." Zeta smiles, "You got it." Zeta had to convince Ro to stay behind since he and Blacklight could be gone for longer than bills waiting to be paid would allow. The convincing part was a lot easier than leaving her behind part. Even as the two men traveled, Zeta felt the separation keenly. He reminded himself that if not for Nova, he wouldn't even feel emotions at all. The fact that Nova was now basically like he was when he first came online also helped him to go where the clues of her whereabouts led. He found travelling with Blacklight both mysterious and illuminating at once. Mysterious because the man was careful about how much he told Zeta about himself. Illuminating in the fact that he was going out of the way to help a cyborg that, in this future, he had never met. It had been a full month of following clues, leads, and hitting dead ends before they had finally hit pay dirt. Zeta found it amazing the sources this man of shadow had, even beyond the borders of the United States. But this source knew exactly where Nova was going to be and when, all they had to do was get there and set up their snare... "I hope this works." Zeta said. "It will work. Got to trust me on this. Now get out there." Blacklight replied. Zeta nodded, shifting his hologram program to resemble the man who was to be Novas' hit this evening. He moved away from where Blacklight was standing and into the night. The plan was simple enough, Zetas' disguise would hopefully draw Nova out into the open where Blacklight could tag her with an electromagnetic device that would temporarily render her offline. Zeta reminded himself that it would work and that he'd be able to avoid any harm to himself. Blacklight waited a few minutes and then moved from his spot, he grappled up to the rooftop of a building and began to follow slowly behind Zeta. Minutes passed as he followed along, going along the large rooftop that was the main building inside the complex the hit in question lived in. He was focused on keeping watch on Zeta and moving along the roofline when a hand clamps over his mouth. He feels the cold steel of a sword caress his throat. "What do I have here? Competition perhaps?" whispers a seductive female voice in his ear. Blacklight quelled his fear quickly, he couldn't afford to freak out. His free hands stayed to his sides, a pinky finger taps on a device he placed on his belt. The sword moved slightly to the side, he felt it slice just slightly into his skin. He could feel the unyielding metal of her armored body pressing into his back. "Or perhaps what I have here is a dead man." A metal hand came out of the darkness, snatching at the very tip of the sword, drawing it away from his throat. The hand on his mouth drew off, the claws on the fingertips raking against it and his cheek just deep enough to make him scream in pain. As he staggered away from the cyborg behind him, he heard a laser shoot past and metal sizzle. Zeta hovered close by him a moment, pausing long enough to see what damage had been done, then moved towards Nova who was hissing, "Another one?" Blacklight turned, grabbing the device in one hand. He noticed that Nova had drawn a gun of her own as Zeta landed near her. "We are not after the man you seek. We are after you." Zeta told her. 'What?" she yelled. Something landed high on her chest, a second later an electromagnetic burst flashed over her form. She jerked a few times, then fell to her knees as her optics flickered once then went dark. Her unconscious body hit the ground. Zeta sighed and turned to Blacklight, "I'll carry her." A short time later... Upon reaching their temporary base of operations, Zeta set down Nova upon the floor. He looked up at Blacklight who had been oddly quiet on the trip over, the man was holding a white handkerchief to his face. "Go clean up Blacklight, I will have to make sure she stays under until we can get her memories downloaded." Blacklight moved to the bathroom and got the supplies he would need to tend to his flesh wounds. He returned with them and sat on the floor just feet from Zeta, setting down a bottle of iodine, cotton balls, gauze and tape. Watching Zeta work, he put the iodine on a cotton ball and then applied it to the sword wound first. The wounds to his lip area and cheek received a similar dose of iodine. He didn't issue a sound so not to disturb the synthoids' concentration. By the time Zeta was done, the gauze was in place. Hours later... Ro met up with them on the tarmac. Zeta got a big hug and kiss as Blacklight wheeled the covered form of Nova toward an awaiting delivery truck. Once the two separated, the two males put Nova into the vehicle as Ro got into the passengers' side. Blacklight climbed in back with the unconscious Nova, making sure she was secured. Zeta got in on the drivers' side and drove. Novas' systems went through routine checks as she awoke. Something felt amiss but she was having a hard time putting her finger on it. She listened to the voices near her. She recognized them immediately. "Zeta? Ro?" she uttered softly. Her optics were on, but it was oddly dark. "Yes Nova, it's us." Zeta replied. "It worked! Yes!" Ro shouted. "Why is it so dark?" Nova asked. The darkness suddenly lifted, like a living thing, drawing towards a figure off to her right. "I think someone better start explaining." came her slightly shocked statement. Zeta stepped up from her left, "You want the long or short version?" The cyborg replied, "Every detail, Zeta." Even as Zeta explained how she came to be here, she kept a peripheral view of Blacklight. After having purposely avoiding him for years, there he stood. She couldn't help but wonder 'why' as Zeta ended his story. "I must thank you both for what you have gone through. I do truly appreciate and admire your tenacity and bravery. Thing is that the government will notice my hit isn't dead and that I've gone missing. They will come looking for me. If they catch me, I may just end up in the same position of not remembering my own past." Nova informs them. Blacklight moved from his spot as Ro spoke, "Already taken care of Nova. You see Zeta already arranged for the government to find your remains." Zeta nods, "Hopefully they will never find out that what I left behind isn't actually you." Nova sat up, rubbing her forehead lightly with her fingers. The intermeshing of old memories with that of the memories she had before the download were giving her a slight headache, something that had never happened before. "One problem with that, I doubt they will be fooled twice so easily. Even if they are, I could be spotted and be hunted down again." "That is why you will be joining me, Nova." Professor Selig stated, as he moved into the room. "I will reconstruct your outer structure so they won't be able to recognize you." Nova stared at the old man, then looked to Zeta. "You surprise me by your resourcefulness Zeta." Ro giggled, "Yeah, he's pretty crafty for a tin can." Selig chuckled, "Actually both you and Zeta will be undergoing the procedure." Zeta quirked a brow at Ro, "What have you been up to behind my back?" Ro put on an innocent face, "You'll find out tin man." Blacklight he went along with the group to where Selig had set up shop. The place was a treasure trove of things that could resell on the black market for double their list price. But he had no intention of robbing the elderly man. He watched alongside Ro as Selig worked on Nova first. Zeta helped him out as he had some details that the Professor needed to make sure the operation went well. Days passed before it was Zetas' turn, then it was Nova who helped out Selig. Once Zetas' operation was done, it would be another three days before the Professor cleared the two from quarantine. "You are a miracle worker!" Ro declared as she hugged Zeta the second he stepped out of quarantine. She marveled at how warm he felt. She could even hear a 'heart' beating and feel his chest rise and fall. He looked exactly like his hologram, just sans the hologram. Selig smiled as Nova moved out next, "No trouble at all, my dear." though he cautioned, "You will both have to come in for routine checkups for a short while. Of course, do stop by if you run into troubles." "Understood, Professor." Nova stated softly, her gaze was on Blacklight. She had thought about why he had sought out Zeta, put himself in danger, and finally came with them here. She stood in front of him, with one word upon her lips, "Why?" The man of shadow pushed off the wall he was leaning on, "Well, to be honest with you it was your memories of us together. They showed me something I had been missing in my life. he paused as he looked up at a face now fully fleshed and surrounded by a halo of silvery hair, "I saw how it went down with you and that version of myself. I know that you wanted me to be happy at the expense of your own feelings. That took more courage than I have ever seen in my life." Nova nodded to his words. She heard Zeta whisper to Ro and Selig to 'leave the two alone' and then walk away. "I'm at a loss as to what to say, Joseph." He paused, not having heard his given birth name in the longest time. He stepped closer, "Then let me say this to you, if Ro and Zeta can make it work... then so can we." The End. End file.

The Domino Effect: Time is a Figure Eight by Zypherion-DeathNova

Zeta Project

What am I doing in a sewer? What am I doing in a sewer? Its July 2, 2041 1:00 pm. Its been 8 months 244 days AND A WHOLE LOT OF SECONDS!, since Zeta and Ro first became a team. Zeta (in his human form,) Ro, and the little stink bug that they don't know about are driving in the car on the highway. Ro is humming, zeta is driving and the stinkbug is eating their sandwiches. [Ro] Hmmmm hmm hmmm........ Zee let's stop and grab something to eat. [Zeta] .... ok. We can stop in 15.5 minutes. [Ro] arg! Why don't they have a stop every 2 minutes or so!? [Zeta] it would cost $12 million dollers for the new buildings alone. The new pavement would- [Ro] zee? [Zeta] yes? [Ro] I don't care. [Zeta] but you asked why don't- [Ro] I know. I was saying it because I am hungry. [Zeta] oh! ...... Where would you like to eat then? Rusty red's old seafood, or McDonalds? [Ro in a excited voice] oh rusty reds old seafood, please! [Zeta] ok. [Ro] I was joking! [Zeta] oh! Ok. So Zeta and Ro go to McDonalds and order. [Ro] A big Mac meal and a coke. [Cashier] And is that all? [Ro] yes. [Cashier] ok that will be 3.99. As zeta takes out his cred-card Ro notices agents west and lea. west is enjoying a hamburger while ignoring lea, who seems to be talking impatiently. [Ro] Zee! Bennett's agents are here. Zeta begins to look when Ro stops him and says "don't look, let's just walk out calmly" zeta nods. [Lea] come on West we're not supposed to be here! If Bennett finds out he will skin us alive. We're supposed to be walking out that door right now- ( lea stops talking when she lifts her head and points at the door) THE ROBOT! WEST COMON!" As zeta and Ro make a brake for it lea leaps after them and West stuffs the last peace of his hamburger in his mouth AND RUNS AFTER LEA! Then comes back in gets his drink AND RUNS AFTER LEA! Zeta and Ro jump into their car and drive away as lea and West jump into theirs and go after them. Now since driving as fast as you can is illegal they attracted a police cruiser. [Ro] !@#$% THE COPS ARE ON OUR TAIL! [Zeta] actually it is only one. (WEEWOO WEEWOO) as another cop joins the chase. Ro gives zeta a "oh really" look as zeta takes in the irony of it all. "ZEE Watch OUT!" Now since driving as fast as you can is also dangerous, especially when the driver tries to make a tight corner at the last second- I'm sure you can guess what happens next. The car rolls over and over throwing that poor little stinkbug into the air. Luckly though it wasn't injured as it lands in a passing truck labled 'Rusty red's old samwichs'. And lived happly ever after. Zeta though isn't in the best of shape. He has been cut scraped and dented OH! And he lost a finger. [Ro] Ahk! Ow. Ow. Ow. That really hurt. Good thing I had a seat belt on! THAT'S RIGHT KIDS! ALWAY WEAR A SEAT BELT WHEN DRIVING IN THE CAR, AND KIDS UNDER TWELVE SHOULD ALWAYS SIT IN THE BACK SEAT! [Zeta] Ro, who are you talking to? [Ro] I.... don't know. But we got'ta hide. Bennett's agents are coming and the cops to! Ro grabs Zeta's arm and pulls him away. [Zeta] wait Ro, I lost my finger! [Ro] YOU WHAT? [Zeta] I lost my finger. (WEEWOO WEEWOO) [Ro] ZEE, WE CAN COME BACK LATER BUT NOW WE GATTA RUN! Zeta reluctantly follows Ro. As they are running down the side walk (because you should NEVER run in the street) zeta spots a man hole "ro quick, in here" as zeta lifts up the manhole Ro gets in and zeta jumps in after letting the cover fall. It's pitch black. [Ro] I'm in a sewer. [Zeta] yes. [Ro] I'm in a sewer! [Zeta] yes. [Ro] IM IN A !@#$% SEWER! Meanwhile.. [West with a dazed look] their in a !@#$% sewer. [Lea] don't be ridiculous. Back down under.... [Ro] Orgk! THIS IS DISGUSTING! I'm gonn'a need to go to a laundry mat and take a shower 15 TIMES! And- [zeta] Ro be quiet. Bennett's agents are still close. [Ro] how do you know? [Zeta] I don't. [Ro] so then. do you have a flashlight or something? [Zeta] no. [Ro] nothing? No laser pointer? No litequwadroopler? No gamma ray? [Zeta] no. "YOU HAVE GUNS, LASERS, CHAINSAWS, HOLOGRAMS BUT NO FLASH LIGHT?!" [Zeta] I can see in the dark. [Ro] ..... That's great for you. BUT WHAT ABOUT ME? WAAK!?" zeta picks Ro up. [Zeta] I can cary you. [Ro] !!!! NO! Just tell me what you see. "There are two ways, north and south. I think we should go north. I saw a ditch where the sewage came out there. [Ro] humph! why can't you just open the manhole again? [Zeta] Bennett's agents might still be close. [Ro] They might not. [Zeta] We can't chance it. Ro being very angry, "Humph", trudged after Zeta. A little while later they saw- "LIGHT!" Ro jumped excitedly towards the exit of the tunnel, which opened out on to the embankment of a small brook, which led to the ocean. "YES FINELY IM OUT! THIS-" ro's face dropped. "-is discusting." The brook happened to be where the bio came out. "you know, you'd THINK that they would find a better way to get rid of this stuff. I mean, I swam at that beach!" Ro spots some old McDonalds containers. [Ro] ...... that reminds me I'm still hungry. Back in McDonalds...... [Ro] Mmm Mmm! Finely. FOOD! [Zeta] I think it's a little strange that that casher still remembered us, and was waiting with our food. Zeta said, a little bewildered. [Ro] .... Humph! The sooner I get to eat. The end. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ And now for twentyth centry objects. A picture of a tree.... [Zeta] this is a tree... [Ro] I know what a tree is. [Zeta] most trees have green leaves. [Ro] we still have trees. [Zeta] they take in carbon dioxide and turn it into oxygen. [Ro] say what now? End file.

What am I doing in a sewer? by chickens

Zeta Project

1. Chapter 1 ** * * * ** I do NOT own The Zeta Project! _"My name is Zeta, I was built to destroy. I will not destroy anymore!"-Zee/Zeta_ _"We'll get you your freedom Zee, I know it!"-Ro Rowen_ **_The MJ project, Chapter 1_** **_ * * * _** "Ugh..." I groaned, the last thing I remember was being in Ms. Marshall's History Class. "Where am I?" I asked aloud waking up to find myself in an alley way. I looked down and grimaced, my clothes were a complete mess. My blue, short-sleeved sweatshirt that was on top of my black long sleeved shirt was covered in dirt, my blue jeans had a rip in the right knee, and my white sneakers were beat up. "Hey, lookie here guys." some dude with long red hair said to his ugly friends,"Some kid in _our _territory." His friends smirked. One guy with a shaved head began to punch his fist into his left hand. "You know what we do to trespassers?" I stayed silent. "We kill them!" they ran at me, I shut my eyes for the impact when all of a sudden, silence came. I heard the jerks groan and I peeked open my light brown eyes. "Are you Ok?" a very familiar voice asked. "You-you're..." I stuttered, I couldn't believe my eyes. There, standing before me, were two of my favorite cartoon characters,"Zeta and Ro..." I whispered. The silence was very awkward, Ro stared at me with shocked blue eyes, Zee had a befuddled look on his holographic face. "Who are you, how do you know us?" Ro questioned. I sat up and dusted of my pants. "I'm not sure how I got here, my names Maddie June. Call me MJ. I know you because, you won't believe me, but you guys aren't real. You're both fictional characters produced by Warner Bros. Production. You first appeared during a pilot episode of Batman Beyond, again, fictional show. You want to be free from killing but Agent James Bennett doesn't believe you can be peaceful, he thinks that you were reprogrammed by a terrorist group called Brother's Day. Therefore, you are on a mission to find Dr. Eli Selig so that he can clear your name, he is your creator and the reason why you are a peaceful robot. Rosalie Rowen, or Ro, has accompanied you on your mission for freedom." I stopped and caught my breath They stared a me with wide eyes, Ro busted out laughing after the small silence,"Yeah, right, fictional!" the blond gasped out, Zeta looked at her confused,"But Ro, she just explained to us our mission." "Pssh, she probably got that off the Net." "Yeah, sure, 'cuz the Net has _everything_." I said in sarcasm, rolling my eyes and crossing my arms over my chest. Ro glared at me. "If what you say is true, then how did you get here?" Zeta asked,"I told you, I don't know." "Well, it's not our business." Ro brushed me off, starting to walk away. "I know where your brother is." I said. She stopped and turned to me. "All right, you have my attention." I smirked inwardly,"First, I want to join you in your mission." "No way," I cut her off,"No deal, no info." She growled, Zee cut in,"We can't allow you to come, it's to dangerous." "And I quote,'I have nowhere else to go, that's dangerous'." I stated, using the line Ro used in Episode 1. She gaped at me then smirked,"I like her, MJ, this could be the start of a beautiful friendship." She put her arm around me, leaving the Infiltration Unit to be confused. * * * "First thing's first, you need a new look." my new blond friend said, studying my appearance. Zee finally agreed to let me join the team, although very reluctant at first. I walked out of the dressing room wearing a white fitted, long-sleeved shirt under a sleeveless blue zip up vest with a hood, tight fitting jeans and black and white basketball sneakers. My shoulder length, blackish brown hair, that was frizzy earlier, was now straight and silky and tied in a low ponytail with the bangs framing my slightly tanned face. Zee paid for my new look which cost 38 credits and escorted Ro and I out. "Thank you." I said gratefully. "Hey, you're part of the family now." Ro smiled. "Oh, that reminds me, your brother is in Golden Burg, you know, the place with the Trollis? He works as a reporter, goes by the name Casey McCurdy." I said. "McCurdy?" Ro questioned,"Something about having a great foster mom." I shrugged,"Golden Burg, that's on the other side of the country." Zee said, processing the map and GPS system into his mechanical mind. Ro smirked,"It's better then nothing, in the mean time, let's get more info on Dr. Selig." Zee nodded. I strapped myself into the red hover car, Ro and Zee mimicked my movements and drove off to the next city,"Ground Wire?" "One in every town." I smiled. Looks like adventure has finally made its landing into my life. Just, not the way I expected. * * * **Review! Oh, and in the next chapter, I get myself familiar with the future.** 2. Chapter 2 ** * * * ** I do NOT own The Zeta Project! **_"My name is Zeta, I was built to destroy, I will not destroy anymore!"-Zee/Zeta_** **_"We'll get you your freedom Zee, I know it!"-Ro Rowen_** **_Chapter 2, Futuristic_** **_ * * * _** "Are we there yet?" I groaned, Zee smiled apologetically,"Nope, sorry." I sighed and stared out to the scenery, Ro smiled,"You bored too, Kiddo?" she asked, she began calling me 'Kiddo' for unknown reasons. "Yes." I grunted. It felt like we've been driving for hours, but it's only been thirty minutes. "I was never the patient one back home." I grumbled, then I realized something. "Oh. My. Gosh! Home! Oh, my mom must be worrying herself sick!" I groaned,"Didn't you say we were a TV show?" Ro asked,"Yeah, why?" "Well, if your mom's watching this, then she knows where you are." "Your logic is outstanding." I grumbled. If mom did find out where I am, then I am guaranteed to be grounded 'til I turned eightteen, which meant six years with no parties. "Oh well, until I can find a way back home, I'm stuck here." I grumbled. "Cheer up, you're spending a while with us, if that's not fun then what is?" Ro smirked. "Yeah," I smiled. Adrenaline rushes were always fun. * * * "So this is what a Cyber caffe' looks like, schway." I commented,"I thought you were new to this time period." Zee stated,"Fictional time period, I am. But I've watched your guys' show along with The Batman Beyond series dozens of times, enough to know the modern day slang." I explained. "Ugh, great, more literal terms, just what I need." Ro muttered, I simply smiled while following my new friends inside. Meanwhile... "Sir! You may want to see this." Agent Rush pushed a tape into a VCR, it showed a guy with long orange hair,"It was freaky, we were just messing with some kid when a dude shows up with a blond chick and beated us 'til we groaned. What's weirder was the guy's arms stretched out when he grabbed us, like rope. Next thing we know, the kid disappeared with the dude and the chick." Agent Bennett's eyes narrowed,"Zeta...where was this played?" "Brooklyn sir." "No doubt he'll be on the move, get agents to scout the East Coast area, we'll get that synthoid if it's the last thing we do." he declared. * * * "Any luck?" I asked as I sipped my cherry cola,"It says that Dr. Selig is to appear in The Science Museum in New Jersey, he's going to give a speech on mechanical units that were shipped across the Pacific Ocean." Zee said, his downloading cord pressing info into his circuitry,"When exactly?" Ro pressed,"In five days." "Then let's go, we have no time to waste." Ro said,"But it's late, we should stay here for tonight." Zee suggested, it was already five o'clock,"I saw a Motel not too far from here." "Ok, let's go." The motel was nice, not like those kind with rats and roaches crawling about, it even had a gift shop,"Hey, can I check out the gift shop?" I asked, Zee looked a little reluctant to let me wander off,"I promise to be careful." I assured him, he nodded and gave me a cred card with 50 credits generated in, I thanked him and left. I browsed around 'til I came upon a nice knap-sack, checking the price it only cost 15 credits. I thought that we could use a bag for things like phones or something. Then I saw a medium sized journal with a black, silver-starred cover design with a matching pen and pencil, it cost-ed 5 credits. I saw a black baseball cap and thought,_'I may need to disguise myself.'_and added that to my basket. I saw some vid walkie talkies,"I could definitely use these." I muttered, I went to pay, it cost-ed 35 creds in all. I walked back to the room,"Hey." I greeted Ro and Zee,"What'd you get?" Ro asked,"A Knapp-sack in case we need to hold some stuff, a journal and pen that way I can keep track of my adventures, a cap so I can disguise myself when needed, and some walkie-talkies if we are ever separated." I said, handing them their walkies talkies. "Ok, now let's get some eats. I saw a Mexican place down the road, let's grab some tacos." Ro said, putting on a leather jacket, Zee would be accompanying us as well, even though he never ate. At the restaurant, Zee made the orders while Ro and I waited at the table that we sat at. I ordered a Mexican burrito rap while Ro got two tacos, we ordered some nachoes too, that way Zee didn't look suspicious. "So, MJ, what are we like in your world?" Ro asked, I then got a fun idea on how to tease them,"Well, a lot of people see you two as a couple." I stated nonchalantly, Ro choked a little on her beverage. "Couple?" Zee asked confused,"You know, romantic interests, boyfriend-girlfriend. They think it's 'cute', like how you save Ro and how you help Zee." I stated, Ro blushed furiously,"Ro, you Ok? You look like a tomatoe." I asked, even though I knew why she was blushing. "I still do not understand, we are friends," Zee stated,"Yeah, well, people think it would be SO cute for you guys to get together in,'that way'. You guys are basically Intimate Friends." I stated, sipping my soda after words. "Wha-but Zee's my friend, you don't date friends!" Ro protested,"Oh God, where have I heard this before? Oh, pretty much _every_ cartoon where there are two friends where one's a girl and the other's a main character. Ai-yah." I muttered, completely ignoring her protests. I froze when I looked out the window. Agents West and Rush were outside, showing a holographic picture of Zee in synthoid and hologrammed human forms. "Uh, guys?" "What?" Ro asked, slightly irritated that I interupted her ranting. "Um, are we allowed to leave out the back?" I asked, still staring out the window,"Why?" Zee questioned, I turned to look at them, slightly pale in coloring,"Federal Agents, across the street." I said slowly, Zee turned to where I was looking and his eyes widened slightly,"Run." he comanded. Ro and I didn't waste time, we ran through the back doors, Zee running after us. "Halt Zeta!" Agent West commanded when he turned to see us run frantically, he and Agent Rush ran across the street and into the restaurant. I huffed as I ran along side the two fugitives. Clutching my newly bought knapp-sack that had my belongings in them. "Well, what's the plan?!" I said through gasps,"Plan?" Zee echoed,"You do have a plan, right Zee?" Ro asked desperately,"Keep running!" "Oh, I like that plan." I muttered, we passed through an alley, the Agents on our tails, they began to shoot. "Crap." I said as I ducked some lasers, I saw some garbage cans and toppled them, blocking the path for the agents,"Ha!" I yelled in triumph as I blew a rasberry at them. "Quickly now, board the bus!" Zee said, we were lucky that this bus was headed towards a train station, we quickly boarded, glad that we were the last of the passengers, and sighed in relief when we sat down. I looked behind us to see the agents failing miserably to follow. "Woohoo, let's do that again." I said in sarcasm. * * * "We lost the synthoid sir." Agent Rush said dully through the vid phone,"And?" "There was another girl with them, younger then 16, she looked to be asian." "Probably a hostage." Agent Bennett said accusingly, Agent Rush shook her head. "She helped them escape willingly." Bennett's eyes widened slightly,"She must be a part of Brother's Day. Find them, I want more information on this girl." "Ok, I'm thinking of a word, first two letters are 'D' and 'W', what word am I thinking of?" Ro asked, we were playing 'Guess What Word' to pass the time, Zee's eyes flashed green, "I have found three words that start with those two letters, Dwarf, Dwell and Dwindle. So it must be one of those words." The train ride was so boring. I sighed irritably,"You forgot dweeb." I muttered, Zee raised an eyebrow in confusion. Ro simply shook her head and stared out the window. "Refreshments?" A young lady with a cart topped with food asked, her eyes gleamed when she saw Zee. I smirked in my head,_'Wait 'til she finds out he's a synthoid.'_ Zee just glanced at her, then stared at Ro and I, we both shook our heads a little,"No thank you." he said politely. The girl, who had slightly tanned skin, black hair and green eyes, frowned and glared at Ro and I. Ro was too busy thinking to notice or care, but I glared right back. Zee kept staring at Ro. The green-eyed girl didn't know when to take a hint 'cuz she kept on asking Zee in her stupidly fake, sugar-coated tone. "Are you sure? Are you sure?" I looked at her and then whispered to Ro so that Zee couldn't hear. She giggled. "Yes, we're sure." she said, cuddling Zee's arm. He smiled calmly and didn't notice the girl fuming. With a 'Hmph!' she turned and left with her cart. Ro and I busted out laughing, Zee looked at us confused,"Zee, that girl was hitting on you! You!" I giggled out,"Hitting?" Ro nodded,"That's why she kept asking if you wanted something to eat. I didn't notice at first, but when MJ explained the situation,"She began to have a giggle fit,"We decided that the only way for us to have some peace, was if I pretended to be your girlfriend." Zee gave her a blank stare,"But, you _are _my girlfriend." he said slowly, Ro stopped laughing and turned scarlet red. Worried that his 'girlfriend' had caught a fever, he placed a hand on her head and studied her temperature. I laughed. "I'm not your girlfriend!" she defended, Zee looked befuddled,"But, you're a female and my friend, are you not?" She nodded,"So that makes you my girlfriend." Ro turned red again, I was getting a stomache ache from laughing so much,"Zee, there's a difference from a girlfriend and a friend who's a girl." Zee made an 'O' sound, like he comprehended what she had said. "What's the difference?" "Um-well-it's a -" my blond friend stuttered as Zee stared at her, awaiting her answer,"It's hard to explain,"I cut in, finally stopped laughing,"We'll tell you when we have a good and simple answer," Ro nodded in agreement. Zee smiled and suggested that we sleep, too tired to argue, Ro and I fell asleep, she slept on his lap and I slept on the one facing oppisite from them. * * * The train came to a halt the next morning, we found ourselves five miles away in a station near Manhattan Bridge, cars flew all over the fron road near the gate, and I mean that literally. "This could take some getting use to." I mused, staring at the hovering cars along with the synthoids, robots and holographic designs. "Let's get going, I'm giving you a tour of the future." Ro said grabbing my hand, Zee followed us in a hurry. It was going to be a long day. * * * **Sayuki:So, how was it? In the next one, I play at the VROOM! (Virtual Room) See ya next time!** 3. Chapter 3 **I do NOT own TZP!** **_"My name is Zeta, I was built to destroy, I will not destroy anymore!"-Zee/Zeta_** **_"We'll get you your freedom Zee, I know it!"-Ro Rowen_** **The MJ Project, Chapter 3 VROOM!** ** * * * ** I was sitting on the beach in a blue bathing suit with a dark blue dragon design on the back, the beach was a little crowded. People were playing frizball or swimming, Ro wasn't too far from me, she layed on a red matt and bathed in the sun in her pink bikini. Zee stood over us, "We should really be at The New Jersey Museum," Ro cut him off,"Zee, the speech isn't until tomorrow, chill." "Chill?" "You know, relax." I said, leaning on my elbows. His eyebrows furrowed in confusion,"We'll go later." I said, closing my eyes and enjoying the summer breeze, "Ok." I heard Zee reply. After two minutes, he stood over us again, his shadow blocking the sun. "When is 'later'?" Ro and I groaned in exasperation. "How 'bout you get us some ice creams and we'll check out the museum right after?" I suggested, he nodded,"Flavors?" "Chocolate." "Vanilla." Ro and I said in unison, we looked at each other and said at the same time,"Chocolate-Vanilla swirl." Zee walked to the ice cream vendor,"Seriously, there should be an 'OFF' button for that guy's circuits." I stated, rolling my towel. "You can't really blame him though, he really wants his freedom," Ro said,"Yeah, I think there's a VRoom next door to the museum, we can relax there." "Works for me." * * * "Ha! Eat my lasers!" I exclaimed as I shot red lasers at zombies. Zee, Ro and I were at the VRoom next to the Museum, we had already checked the museum to find out that it was closed on Sundays. I was occupied playing Zombie Attack! III. "Oh, don't worry, I've saved enough for you Creep-Zilla!" I blasted the head of a giant Lizard-Zombie,"NEW HIGHSCORE, YOU WIN!!!" The machine's voice said with a computer accent, the screen showed the words,'YOU WIN! 10,000 POINTS!' in holographic yellow. I smirked as I took off my helmet, I turned and froze. With my vid-game skills, I attracted a large group of nerdy looking boys my age."Oh no." "WOW! SO COOL!" They screamed, I gulped and ran. The nerds were chasing after me but I managed to hide in a broom closet. "I'd better stay here for a bit." I whispered, I amused myself by singing a japanese song that my great grandma taught me. _Bokura wa_ _kitto matteru_ _kimi to _ _mata aeru_ _hibi wo_ _Sakura namiki_ _no michi no_ _ue de_ _te wo furi_ _sakebu yo_ _Donna ni_ _Kurushii toki mo_ _kimi wa waratte_ _iru kara_ _kujikesou ni_ _nari kakete_ _mo_ _ganbareru ki ga_ _shita yo_ _kasumi yuku keshiki_ _no naka ni_ _ano hi no uta ga kikoeru_ _Sakura! Sakura! Ima_ _sakihokoru! Setsuna_ _ni chiri yuku_ _sadame to shitte_ _saraba tomo yo!_ _tabidachi no toki!_ _Kawaranai sono_ _omoi wo...Ima~_ I sang quietly, I felt a tear slide down my cheek because my greatgrandma died not long after she taught me this song. (You can find this song on youtube, Sakura SONG). When I was sure the coast was clear, I walked out of the closet, still humming the tune. "There you are!" I heard Ro exclaim, I turned to see said girl and Zee jogging after me,"We've been looking _everywhere_ for you." She exasperated. "Why?" I asked,"Well-" "FREEZE ZETA!" Federal Agents yelled,"Aw crap." I muttered, I ran with Zee and Ro,"Ok, Five Creds says that Agent West will somehow mess this up in three...two...one!" And as if on time, Agent West, who was standing in front of the other two agents, tripped, causing the others two trip over him. "Ha! Only twips would bet against that." Ro said knowingly. * * * We hid at a small hotel dorm that was very modest, only two single beds, a small table desk with a TV on it and two lamps. "We should stay here for a while, 'night." I said, slipping into one of the beds, Ro stayed in the other while Zee stayed on guard. I fell into a light sleep. "MJ, Ro. Wake up!" I heard Zee's voice whisper furiously, I popped open my eyes as I sat up straight,"Zee?" "We have to leave! Agents are swarming around the hotel." I grabbed my Knapp-sack and shook Ro,"Don't tell me, agents?" "Yep." "Slaggit." "I thought I heard something over here." I heard Rush's voice mutter out in the hall. I widened my eyes,"What do we do, we can't leave out front!" I whispered, Ro hugged me to her body as Ze held both of us in one arm. Opening the window, he used his free arm as a grabbling hook and threw it across another roof. It was still dark out so I guessed it was around three AM."Freeze Zeta!" Agent West yelled as we swung out the window. "Aaaahhh!" I screamed a Tarzan scream,"What are you doing?" "I watched Tarzan too many times before, I had to try it." We safely landed on the roof, Agents began shooting at us. "Oh slaggit." I mumbled as we ran,"Don't these guys ever sleep?!" I asked,"You have to respect the fact that they are so devoted." Zee stated,"You respect it!" Ro shot back. We ran to a 24-Hour bus stop and boarded another bus,"Sorry we had to leave before the speech Zee." I said sincerely,"Some other time, perhaps." He said, Ro rubbed his back comfortingly. We got away, yes, but we had lost the purpose for being here. Now, we needed another way to contact Dr. Selig . It's still a long journey, but it'll be worth it, I know. * * * **Sayuki: Sorry I haven't updated in a while, I've been busy with school. Review!** 4. Chapter 4 **I do NOT own the Zeta Project!** **_"My name is Zeta, I was built to destroy. I will not destroy anymore!"-Zee/Zeta_** **_"We'll get you your freedom Zee, I know it!"-Ro Rowen._** **Chapter 3, Bucky Meet MJ** ** * * * ** "Agent Bennett, we got a lead on where Zeta and the girls might be." Agent Rush stated,"Well?" "Sources say that they are nearing an institute for future scientists." "Hm, get agents to locate them immediately." "Right!" "Ok, why are we here again?" I asked, we stopped in front of an Institute,"To see if we can get information on Dr. Selig." "Ugh, sadly, this is where Bucky is." "Ew, the annoying braniac, honestly, I wondered why his parents named him 'Bucky'. I mean, that's a name for a beaver." I said, Ro giggled. We walked in to an office, being escorted by a guard, when we came upon a room with smoke coming out. "-cough- -cough- Bucky!" A lady's voice bellowed,"I must have set the reacter wrong, I can fix it!" "No, you're staying in your room 'til further-coughs- notice!" the door opened sending more smoke out, a lady with brown hair was holding Bucky by the elbow and pulling him out. "Hey guys!" Bucky greeted sheepishly,"Who's this?" he asked, gesturing to me,"Ancient Proverb." I started," 'None of your Beeswax'!" Ro laughed, "Bucky,we need to speak to you." Zee said, he looked at the professer who was holding him, she growled and let Bucky go. "30 minutes." she left with the guard. We walked into Bucky's completely disorganized room,"Ew." I said, walking over his dirty laundry. "Seriously, who is that?" Bucky asked, slightly annoyed that I sat on_ his _bed while reading _his _comic books. "The name's MJ beaver-boy." I said, absently reading. He glared daggers into me,"She's from another reality, apparently we are all on a very popular show." "Tch, yeah right." Bucky muttered, after Zee explained to why I was here. "Bucky Buenventura, age 12, height "5'4, favorite food." I wrinkled my nose,"Ketchup and potatoe chip sandwitches." Ro made a gag sound while Bucky stared at me in shock,**(AN: I don't know if any of this is true, I totally made it up, except for his last name.) **I continued to flip through the comic book,"It was on your fansite, apparently you are very popular, but very annoying." I said, not looking up from the 'Plant-Men Comic'. "Heh, the ladies love me." He said in a conceited voice,"Didn't say they were girls, Beaver-Boy." He took a minute too let my words sink in before making a face, Ro was on the part of the floor that was clean while laughing, I gave a smug smirk. He 'hmphed!' and got on his computer,"What did'ya guys need?" He asked in his accent,"Info on Dr. Selig." I flipped another page, while reading I felt someone's gaze on me, I turned to see Bucky staring at me with a thoughtful look on his face. "How _exactly _did you get here?" he questioned. I shrugged,"One minute I'm in my reality, Ms. Marsall's History Class, the next, I was in an alley in New York." "Hm. Anything else." "I saw a bright light." I stated, Bucky began to type things on the Net,"Someone must have used a DT 3000." "???" I looked at Zee and Ro, Zee's eyes flashed green,"DT 'Dimensional Transporter'." I raised an eyebrow,"In order for you to get to your home, you need to have a reversed dimension scrambler." "English Einstien?" "We need to build a Dimension Generator." "But?" "Buliding one we'll take a LONG time." I sighed,"Well, 'til we _can_ build one, I'm stuck here. Or until I find a portal." I added to myself quietly. We managed to get information on Dr. Selig before we were kicked,"Later Beaver-Boy." I bidded, Bucky growled. When we were out of the room, I could faintly hear Bucky's voice say,"Oh yeah, chickas dig me." I wrinkled my nose before shaking my head. "Anything on the doctor?" "Yup, Bucky said that would be appearing in Ohio, didn't say when though." "Let's hop on the next flight after tonight." And we were off, again! * * * We stayed in a hotel in Pennsylvania, we had been driving for hours. After a good meal, I slid into bed. "I'll shut off too." Zee had said, which is why I now lay awake, lisening to Zee's snoring. I sat up and wrote in my journal. _"Today I met the oh-so-annoying Bucky Buenaventura. He is SO conceited, it annoys the heck out of me. He's useful though, he said something about a Dimension Scrambler Generator that can send me home. I don't know how though. Hope to write soon-MJ"_ I silently closed my journal when I heard two familiar voices. "Maybe Zeta's in one of these rooms." My breath hitched,"Slaggit." I jumped out of bed and shook Ro,"Hm?" "Feds!" I whispered frantically. She sat up and jumped on Zee's Back,"Hm, Ro what is it?" he asked concerned,"I'll check here." West's voice sounded muffled,"The feds." I muttered, Zee holographically morphed and grabbed the two of us. I grabbed my knap-sack before he swung his arm to a light post across the street,"Hold on!" we swung down. "FREEZE ZETA! RUSH I FOUND THEM!" West yelled. The agents began to shoot at us, they hit the arm Zee had used to hold us. "Aaaahhh!!!" Ro and I screamed while following downwards, there was no way we'd survive this. * * * **Sayuki: Oh Cliffie! Read and Review please! I apologize for not updating in like forever, I'm in LA, luckily, my mom let me take my laptop with me, so yeah.** 5. Chapter 5 **I do NOT own the Zeta Project, But I do own MJ.** **_"My name is Zeta, I was built to destroy. I will not destroy anymore!"-Zee/Zeta_** _**"We'll get you your freedom Zee, I know it!" -Ro Rowen**_ _** * * * **_ **Chapter 5, Memories Lost?** ** * * * ** "Ah! Oof!" I fell on top of a garbage can, Ro fell beside me, but her head was hit against the brick wall before she fainted. "Ro? Ro!" I screamed, shaking her shoulders slightly, she wouldn't budge, a little blood trickled down her forehead. "Zee! Ro! She's hurt!" I cried out, the agents were about to get here. "No.." I heard Zee whisper in slight horror,"Not again.." He grabbed Ro bridal style, and ran with me. We managed to ditch the agents at a mall, which we ran through furiously. We got Ro to an ambulance, saying she tripped and banged her head hard. "She's fine, just a slight concussion, the wound was only mild. She was lucky you two were around." The ER doctor said before leaving. "Was she?" Zee asked himself,"She'll be fine Zee." He didn't respond and sat down on the chair near the hospital bed. I was exhausted and fell into a light sleep at Ro's bedside. I awoke to hear Zee holomorph into his synthoid self. I kept my eyes closed and listened. "You act so tough, I forget you're still a human. I'm sorry." he whispered,"For what?" I heard Ro say as she got up. "Ro!" I hugged her,"Who?" she asked with total confusion on her face. I slowly let go of her. "Ro, that's your name. You don't remember?" I asked, she shook her head. Zee, who had changed back to human form, widened his eyes. "Get a medic!" * * * The doctor came in and checked her brain waves,"Hm, slight amnesia, very common in most blows to the head, 99% temporary." "And the other 1?" "Permanent, it would most likely help if you showed her memories from before, slowly. Start with her name and age." he said,"I'll let her out of the hospital so she can get familiar to the outside world again." So we checked out of the hospital, after some nurses got Ro dressed of course. We slowly walked out, Zee holding Ro's hand, leading her to wherever we we're going. It was odd to see Ro Rowen,"Action Hero" being dragged along. Usually, it was the other way around. Many people whispered about the 'cute' sight of Zee and Ro holding hands. I smiled to myself. We sat at a park bench and bought some bird food for the pigeons. "My name is Rosalie Rowen?" "Well, you usually go by the name 'Ro'." I said, throwing some grains to the ground. "Ro?" she echoed, looking slightly thoughtful,"And you are my friends?" "Yes, my name is,Maddielyn June Miraco. Or MJ for short." "I'm Zeta." Zee said,"Zee, for short," I added. "Zee?" she repeated,"That sounds familiar," "It should, you gave him that nickname." Ro smiled,"I think I remember you two, it's a little blurry though." "Well, it's better than nothing." Zee got up and bought a couple of ice cream cones,"Here." he said handing me a vanilla one and the chocolate to Ro. She stared at it before licking it slowly,"Well, at least she still knows the basics of eating." I muttered, licking my cone lightly. After the walk through the park, we stopped at a thrift shop. "You use to love shopping." I commented, putting an emphasis on 'shopping'. She looked at a pair of bluish black jeans, she was about to strip her pants off before I stopped her,"Woah there, dressing rooms are that way." I pointed to a direction, she blankly stared at me, I sighed and grabbed her wrist,"We'll be right back." I said to an obviously amused Zee, I knew why he was amused. Usually _he _was the clueless one, of course he was worried, but it wasn't everyday you saw a human acting as clueless as a synthoid. We purchased the pair of jeans when Ro saw what she liked in the dressing room mirror. I found a nice, long-sleeved , black shirt and bought it, wearing it proudly under my sleeveless blue hoodie-vest. * * * We slept in a red car that Zee had rented, we figured we'd throw off the agents by buying a swanked-out hotel room reservation, but we ended up sleeping at a garage at an abandoned ware-house. I didn't mind too much, but Ro was restless. I was worried about her amnesia, so I woke her up. "Huh?" "Ro, are you Ok? You keep on shifting in your sleep." "I-I think so. I had a really weird dream, but I can't remeber it now." "Ro, MJ!" Zee came rushing in the garage, he had been on watch outside. "Federal Agents!" "Who?" "Talk later!" Zee hopped in the car and speeded out the back door. We braced ourselves for everything,"Why are they chasing us?!" Ro cried,"They want Zee, they think he's a killer, your his best friend we're helping him bust out!" I replied. The agents fired at us, West had a cannon laser. "West don't shoot! Don't- Damn it!" Benett yelled, "Oops." The beam hit one side of the car and we fell off a cliff, Zee held us, using himself as a cushion since he could pretty much survive anything. "AAAAAHHH!" We fell, everything went black. * * * "Zee, she's waking up!" I heard a girl's voice say, I shot up like a pop tart and saw Ro and Zee, who hugged me tightly,"Woah, that was some fall, huh?" "Yeah, I blame West." Ro said calmly. Wait, we never told her anything specific about the agents, seeing a how it wasn't important. "Ro, you remember?" She smirked and nodded,"I took another blow to the head, this time, everything came back to me. I know you, Zee, the feds and our friends." I hugged her,"What a relief." I sighed. "Come on, let's go, we've still have to find Dr. Selig." Zee helped me up, and we walked off into the dawn of morning, hoping to find a city. * * * **Sayuki:So, how was it? Sorry I haven't updated, been having writer's block. I'll try to think hard for ideas, review!** 6. The End? **I do NOT own TZP!** **_"My name is Zeta, I was built as a weapon to destroy. But I will not destroy anymore!"-Zee/Zeta_** **_"We'll get you your freedom Zee, I know it!"-Ro Rowen_** **Chapter 6, Big Brother** * * * We were riding on a motorcycle, away from the feds,"Ahhh!" I shrieked as they shot lasers at us,"You'd think they would stop by now," I muttered as Zee did this awesome drag-turn towards the next corner, barely making it. "Get down!" Ro ordered, ducking as a net hurled past our heads. "Guys." Bucky said through the vid-screen,"Now's not a good time, beaver-boy." I said,"Can you help us escape Bennet?" Zee asked, Bucky smirked before shaking his head. "You're on your own, that's not why I called-" "Talk later." Ro hit the disconnect button over Zee's shoulder. "Shit." I cursed as our motorcycle slowed down a little,"Out of gas." We hopped off the cycle and ran in through a door. "Phew, we lost them, for now at least." "Uh, I don't think we're in reality anymore." I pointed through the building. People were dressed as comic-book characters or cos-playing as TV-show characters. "Ew, someone call the fashion police." Ro wrinkled her nose,"We seem to have stumbled upon a comic-fest." Zee stated,"Duh." I looked over behind my shoulder and froze,"Damn, they're back!"I pointed to the front door, two or three agents were running at us,"Hide!" We ran across the room and into some closet, inside was a rack of costumes,"Ugh." Ro muttered as Zee handed her a brown cloak, like the ones that monks wear, he gave me a smaller one. We placed on the hoods, Zee opened the door and we walked out slowly. The feds ran past us, we were heading to a public vid-phone when Bucky showed on the screen,"This better be good, Beaver-boy." I said coldly, he smirked when he saw the cloaks,"Ai Chihuahua, you guys in a temple?" Ro and I growled at him, Zee interrupted before a fight could happen,"What is it?" "I found someone Ro may want to talk to," he reconnected the contact system,"This is the desk of Casey McCurdy." "Casey?" a man with orange red hair connected to a beard was on the screen, "You contacted me." He looked towards us, he had the same eyes as Ro. "It's your brother." I whispered, she took off her hood before looking at a holographic photo,"You wouldn't happen to be missing a sister, would you?" she asked, hope in her voice. Casey stared at her,"Rosalie?" "I don't believe it." tears clouded Ro's eyes slightly, I smiled at Zee who smile back. I sniffed a little,"I'm not gonna cry, I'm not gonna cry," I chanted,"Ah, who am I kidding I'm a sap!"I sobbed, totally touched by the moment. Zee looked at me strangely,"Are you crying?" "I-I'm fine." I quickly wiped my face and turned to him, Zee stared at me for a couple of minutes before turning back to Ro and Casey's conversation. "Where are you guys?" he asked,"We're just a couple of miles away, MJ said you lived in Golden Burg?" He nodded,"How'd she know?" "Long story, anyway, maybe we can meet up with you." "Yeah, meet me at the Golden Burg Park in the city square. It'll be like finding home." Casey smiled warmly,"That sounds...nice." she said, the vid-screen turned black. "-sigh- It's moments like this that make hanging out with you guys worth while." I said, smiling at them. * * * While we we're on a bus to Golden Burg, Zee stared out the window while Ro kept on looking at the hologram pic. of her brother. I smiled, _'It's only fitting that Ro get's to see her brother while traveling with Zee.' _I thought. At Casey's workplace...(Third person POV) "Congrats McCurdy, you just got the story of a lifetime." His editor said, turning the monitor on a computer to him. It showed wanted pics with mugshots of Zee, Ro and MJ. "Sorry sir, I'm not turning them in, Rosalie is my sister." Casey retorted. The editor growled a little,"You know how many people dream for a story to just fall into their lap?!" "I don't care." "At least think about it!" Casey didn't answer, he just walked off to the place that they were supposed to meet at. * * * "So, do you remember why our parents left us?" Ro asked, popping a dumpling into her mouth after. "Well, dad died in an accident and mom had to leave us with her paents fo a while." "What happened to them?" "They were old." "Oh..." She decided to change the subject. "You know, you didn't make it easy to find you." "But that didn't stop you, you're still a little bulldozer." She paused,"Bulldozer?" "When you were little and wanted something, you'd plow into every obstacle to get it, it was grandpa's nickname for you." Casey smiled as Ro whispered,"Granpa..." He turned to look at Zee and me,"Are you sure your safe in the hand of an ex-killer robot?" Her head snapped up,"Zee isn't like that, he takes care of us, we take care of each other." I threw some of the dumplings that I didn't eat onto the floor for the pigeons. Casey's cell rang. "Hello, McCurdy." he answered. _"Are you with them?"_ His eyes widened slightly. "I don't have an answer for you, but I'll give one too you later, bye." Ro's brother hung up his phone. Casey's workplace... "Was that enough for you?" the editor asked, Bennet looked at Agent Rush who nodded,"Yes, today we get the synthoid!" * * * "Fortune cookie?" Casey offered, Zee looked confused,"My human for is a hologram, I don't eat." He said,"Zee, it's not about the cookie, it's about the fortune inside." "I always thought that the fortunes were meaningless and random." "Just shut-up and read." He did so. " 'You have a sharp-edge sense of humor'." He said aloud,"Hm, you're right it is random, Ro, what's your's say?" I asked," 'You care deeply for all living things'." She read, I snorted. Zee just smiled at her before she switched the fortunes," 'Your life will be filled with a puzzled road'." I frowned,"I didn't need a fortune to tell me that." Casey laughed a little. "What?" "It's just, you're not what I expected from a killer-robot." Zee smiled,"What does yours say?" " 'Your job is doing the thing that you love." We spent the day touring Golden Burg, we took a picture in a booth. Four different pictures were printed out, I took the one of all of us smiling nicely, Zee took the one where we all hugged, Ro took the one of us making funny faces(Minus Zee who was confused about that one) and Casey kept the one of Zee, Ro and I. * * * We were all smiling and laughing, when agents came,"Run!" Zee said. We ran as fast as we could as Casey tried to compromise with them, I stopped and Ro tried to pull me."Come on! We have to go!" "Ro, a portal!" I screamed,"It might take me back home!" I said. She looked at me then at the green glowing hole. "Zee! MJ found a way home!" She yelled, Zee stared at me as did Ro. "Go. We won't forget you." Zee said, smiling a happy yet sad smile. I felt tears welling up in my eyes. "There's no guarantee that I can make it home, but..." I hugged them both tightly. "Goodbye. Good luck. I love you guys." I sniffed and let the tears flow freely,"Our paths may or may not cross again, so here." I gave Ro my hat, the one thing I had first bought and used. I gave Zee my scrunchie, putting it around his wrist. "Tell Casey,'thanks'. Same with Be-I mean Bucky." I took a deep breathe as Ro hugged me. Before jumping in, she whispered,"Good luck, Kiddo." And I jumped. * * * The swirling vortex made me so dizzy, a bright light consumed my body. Then, all went black. I woke up to find myself, not only in cartoon form, but I was at least two years older then before. I was fourteen with a slightly more matured body. My clothes looked like they had shrunk. I gulped, across the alley that I had laid in was a bank. New Gotham Bank. "I'm in Batman Beyond?!" I fainted. * * * To be continued... **Sayuki:So, I know it sucked but I wanted to end my adventures in the Zeta Project. Look out for the upcoming sequel,'MJ Beyond'! Review, and I'll try to make the sequel longer and better!** End file.

The MJ Project by Gotham Girl 101

Zeta Project

The Simple Things Disclaimer: I do not own 'The Zeta Project'. I do not own any of its characters. It's just a fanfiic. A/N As English isn't my native language, I want to thank Aldebaran8423 for her editing help on this drabble. I like Aldebaran8423's idea we, all TZP fans, to celebrate Zee's Independence Day - August 5th, so I'm posting this short story for Zee's Independent Day! The Simple Things by Iglika From what the little girl could see, I was her Dad, helping her learn to ride a bicycle. The question escaped my lips. "Do you trust me?" "Of course, Daddy!" her resonant voice answered me immediately. I let go of her bike and she shouted happily, "I'm doing it! Daddy, look!" I remained in place, following her with my gaze. My answer: "I'm looking" had to be encouraging, but I knew it sounded sad. Terribly sad. Hopelessly sad. Luckily the girl was too young and too occupied with the bike to notice. And her mother wasn't here... Suddenly I sensed how from behind me, two warm hands gently touched my shoulders. I didn't voice my surprise, but I knew my expression had betrayed how startled I was. No one had touched me like this before. No one had trusted me. No one had shown me love with even such a small, ordinary gesture. I said nothing, but I turned to Mrs. Dolan, trying a smile. Family. Devotion. Trust. Love. The most simple things. The most important things. And pain... Now I knew they existed. The real meaning of living beings had touched me. And I already craved them for myself... The end A/N I wouldn't have internet access for three weeks. But please, please review! I appreciate your comments, they are so important to me! I will answer you when I'll be back. End file.

The Simple Things by Iglika

Zeta Project

dominique jakowec This is a test type End file.

dominique jakowec by Djanimefan

Zathura

More **I've watched this movie 3 times this week and I love it so much, so I had an urge to write a little something about it. I know there's not much of a fandom for it, but I wanted to put it out there anyway. Also, there's some language and sex talk, but I didn't think it was enough to rate it mature. Thanks for reading! ** **Disclaimer: I do not profit from this, the concept belongs to the brain of our dark lord Kevin Smith. ** It was a good night, Zack thought. His new friends were having a good time, the water and the electricity were back on, he was enjoying a cold beer, and best of all, every couple of minutes he could steal a long, interesting look at Miri. Ah, Miri. He'd known her so long, and knew so many things about her. He knew that when her parents died 5 years earlier, she locked herself in her room and played her mom's Neil Diamond CD over and over again until finally she was able to come out of the room and talk to him about it. He knew her favorite movie was Sleepless in Seattle, although she told everyone it was Resevoir Dogs for some reason. He knew that when she thought nobody was looking, she'd pick her nose and flick the booger on the carpet. What he didn't know, until just recently that is, was how it felt to kiss her. He thought about that as he played quarters and drank beer with his new friends. In fact, he pretty much couldn't stop thinking about it. He was never one to be a cheesy romantic, but the way Miri made him feel the second he kissed her, well, people could change. Making this movie; stepping up and doing something with his life--that felt good. But kissing Miriam Linky? That felt fucking amazing, and he wanted it to happen again as soon as possible. Zack wasn't totally sure, but he thought maybe she felt the same. That is until Stacy, who had been chatting with Miri, came over and changed everything yet again. "Hey, Zack," Stacey said, smiling at him. It was a dangerous smile. She definitely had a mischevious look in her eye, which oddly was strange for her. Zack obviously didn't know her that well, but he did sense that even though she was a stripper, and even if she was willing to do whatever he asked her to do with both her tits and her ass during the movie, he thought she had an interesting innocence about her. She was a sweet girl. He liked her, but he wasn't prepared for what she was about to whisper in his ear. "Hi, Stacey," he said, wondering what she was up to. He didn't have to wonder very long, as Stacey got right to the point. "I think we should fuck tonight," she whispered in his ear. "You know, to get ready for tomorrow's scene. And also because I want to fuck you tonight!" She let out a drunken giggle that most people would probably consider adorable. "Oh...okay, interesting," he said. "Um, were you just talking to Miri about this? What did she say?" "She said it was cool to ask you about it," she said. "I thought it might be weird for her because you guys looked so amazing in your scene, but she said something about you guys being better actors than you thought." Zack looked sideways at Miri. She tipped her beer in his direction, an unreadable expression on her face. Obviously she knew what Stacey was telling him, which confused the fuck out of him. What was Miri thinking? Didn't something happen with them during their scene? Wasn't there now this unspoken...something between them now? He understood that just because they had sex, that didn't mean they were in a relationship. But the mere thought of her fucking Lester after what happened between the two of them, well, it made him crazy. But if she was going to be like this, if she was going to tell Stacey it was okay to do something he was pretty sure he didn't want anyway, then he was going to do it. Was he trying to teach her a lesson? Maybe. He was hurt that she wanted this to happen, and he wasn't going to be the sucker in this situation. Now that was Stacey's job. "Okay," Zack told Stacey. "Let's do it. Lead the way." She giggled and jumped up. Grabbing his hand, she led him to his bedroom. He made eye contact with Miri as he followed Stacey. Zack knew Miri's face better than he knew his own. He knew all her facial expressions. And when she watched him go into the bedroom with Stacey, the look she had on her face could only be interpreted as heartbreak. But she didn't stop them. It was too late. The damage had already been done in her eyes. There was nothing he could do about it now. Stacey didn't waste any time. As soon as he closed the door behind them, she threw him on his bed and mounted him to claim her territory. They rolled around on the bed for a few minutes, kissing and groping and stripping. If this were a week ago, maybe, he would have been ecstatic. Here was this hot, dirty girl in his bed ready to fuck him silly. Things were different now, though. Now, he couldn't help but notice that her lips were wetter than Miri's; thinner, too. Her breath smelled minty instead of cinnamon-y, like Miri's. Her breasts were bigger and harder than Miri's, which was obvious since they weren't created by nature. Even the way she moaned and sighed were different from Miri's moans. The way Miri moaned, the way she made him feel like a superhero, was something he'd never experienced before. Something wasn't right about this. In fact, nothing was right about this. When Stacey gave him an evil grin and moved south with her mouth, so to speak, he realized this would have to stop. He liked Stacey. He was attracted to her and was sure sex with her would be pleasurable. But it would just be to spite Miri for telling Stacey it was okay. And that was not okay with him. "Stacey, Stacey, stop," he said. "I just can't do it. You're a nice girl and everything, but--" "Miri," she sighed. "I knew you were going to say that. I just wanted to fuck you before you realized it." He chuckled. "Sorry about this. Look, Stace...can I ask you something?" "Sure, Zack," she said happily. He appreciated how perky she was even after being denied sex. Even if he did put a stop to it, he still had a massive case of blue balls. "Do you really think Miri was okay with us fucking?" "Hmm. She said she was, but maybe not. Maybe she's just trying to be brave. Maybe she's really confused about her feelings and doesn't know what to do about it, so instead she's pretending that nothing meaningful happened." "Wow. That was really wise," Zack said, impressed. "Oh, thanks. I took psychology in community college," she said. "Look, Zack, I have to say, I really wanted to have sex with you tonight because your scene with Miri was so hot. But it was more than that, it was sweet. It was intimate. And, well, I don't know much about a lot of things. But even I could see something change between the two of you once you kissed her. My question to you is, how come you didn't see it before? You've known her for how long, 20 years? That's a long time not to know what you really feel about her." Wow. Not only could the girl have anal sex with Lester like a prize-winning champion, but she was also apparently an expert on relationships. He knew he needed her to call him out like this, but it still made him uncomfortable. Mostly because it was the question he'd been asking himself since the second he kissed Miri and changed his world. "I didn't want to ruin a good thing," he said slowly. "Like I told Delaney, she wakes me up, she helps with the bills, she does the dishes...we have a comfortable friendship and I didn't want to change that. And, well, I didn't even KNOW that I had those feelings." "Really? Now, Zack, I refused to believe that you never knew you had romantic feelings for her," Stacey said. "Have you ever hated any of her boyfriends?" "All of them, but that's because most of them were fucking douchebags." "Even though you live together and see each other more than you see anyone else, do you ever just call her in the middle of the day to see what she was doing?" "Yeah, of course," he said, remembering all the times he'd use his 15 minute break at work to call her and complain about an asshole customer. "Have you ever canceled plans with other people just so you could hang out with her more?" He didn't say anything, mostly because he had done that more times than he could count. Just last week, one of his buddies wanted him to come play some pick-up hockey. He lied and said something about the dentist, but really he didn't want to leave the house. He and Miri were watching a Golden Girls marathon, why would he want to leave? Stacey smiled and nodded when he didn't say anything. "The most important question--have you ever covered her up when she fell asleep?" "Yeah," he said, thinking about when Miri fell asleep in the storage room of the coffee shop and he covered her with his coat. "But whatever, that's just common fucking courtesy." "Sure, for someone in love," she said, grinning. "Wait, are you saying what I think you're saying?" Stacey punched his arm. "Yes, I'm saying what you think I'm saying. You should admit it to yourself so we can all move on with our lives. You want more than friendship. You _crave_ more. You love her, Zack. You love Miri. And you've been too much of a pussy to admit that." And instantly, Zack knew she was right. He _was_ a pussy! And he was also in love with Miri. More, he wanted more. He wanted more than just hanging out with her, going through life and all its experiences without her by his side. _More._ He thought back over their relationship, to when he was 7 years old and saw her on the playground, wearing a red dress and a yellow ribbon in her hair. He remembered when they were 14 years old and Miri described to him, in great length, what her first kiss with Paul Fish was like. The next day, he punched Paul Fish in the face when Paul asked him to borrow a pencil. He remembered when she did finally come to him after her parents died, he held her for hours while she cried in his arms, how he was heartbroken for her and her grief. And he remembered what it was like to kiss her, to listen to her soft moans, what it felt like to be inside of her, and especially the way she looked at him when the sex was over. He wanted that look for the rest of his life. "I want more." He finally said. "And?" Stacey asked impatiently. "And I love Miri." It felt strange to say out loud. Good strange. "Yes, you do," she said. "I'm glad you can finally admit that to yourself. Now, let's talk about what you're going to do about it." Zack and Stacey talked for another 2 hours. They talked about what his next step should be, about what it would be like in a relationship with her, what his favorite memories of the two of them together were (Homecoming 1997, when they got drunk on Miri's mom's red wine and then went to the football game wearing feather boas and lipstick and then attacked the school mascot, a badly dressed eagle, was one of the highlights), and other assorted things that had to do with Miri and Miri only. When they finally ran out of things to talk about, Stacey kissed Zack on the cheek and said, "Well, I'm exhausted. It's so tiring to make people realize they're in love!" "You can crash here if you want," Zack offered. "That's sweet of you, but I can't wait to get into my own bed. And plus, you don't want Miri to think we spent the night together, do you?" "Oh, God," he said, remembering that Miri was just down the hall. He wanted to run into her room and tell her immediately, but it was so late and she'd been so tired. He'd tell her after shooting tomorrow. No way she was going to do her scene with Lester now, right? "You're right. Good night, and thank you so much for everything you did for me tonight." "No problem," she said. "You're a good friend, Zack, and I want you and Miri to be happy." "Do you think she's going to want to be with me?" He asked her. He'd been avoiding asking the question all night, afraid of what Stacey would say. "I think so," she said. "She might need some convincing, but not much. She loves you, Zack. I saw it in her eyes." She smiled one last time and left. Zack went to sleep with a smile on his face for the first time in God knows how long. He was in love with Miri, and there was nothing wrong with that. * * * Of course, Miri was convinced that Zack slept with Stacey, and they had a blowout that resulted in 3 months of heartbreak, isolation and desperation. When Delaney found him and had a much needed intervention, Zack hauled ass to Miri's house, where he confessed his feelings to her. While she was in the bathroom of all places. And after his confession, and after he confirmed that she wasn't, in fact, fucking Lester, she dragged him into the bedroom where they made love again, this time without a crowd of people to watch them. When it was over, and it was not over quickly, they fell asleep together, whispering promises for the future to make up for the wrongs of the past. There was still a lot of struggle left for them to endure, but eventually they got the film company up and running and make a little nest egg for themselves. But no matter how hard their financial troubles would get, and no matter how much every other aspect of his life started to suck, at least he had Miri by his side. His own sweet, beautiful, Stinky Linky. And on a particularly shitty day, he could always count on her to Dutch Rudder him into oblivion. _The effin' end._ End file.

More by Lizwontcry

Zack and Miri Make a Porno

Change Comes From Within **As usual, I own nothing. These characters and such do not belong to me. ** * * * Between the two of them, neither could be exactly certain when their romantic feelings had truly begun; it had only really started to show when they'd started the process and planning for their porn movie. It had raised its head as something rather ugly and spiteful in the form of jealousy that neither of them could truly explain. Really, all either of them knew was that the other having sex with anyone else was heartbreaking, to say the least. So when it came time for Zack and Miri to shoot their sex scene, both of them were nervous. Honest to God, he wasn't sure why he'd shaved now. It seemed so fucking stupid. He looked like a goddamn beluga whale, and, Jesus, why was she looking at him like that? She looked stunned into silence. Was it really that bad? Awkward silences were bountiful in the few minutes before hand. Both knew the other was nervous, but had nothing truly comforting to say. It was only when Miri, rather spastically, suggested they simply go shoot the scene did they seem to recover. Except, the before seemed to be the easy part. And, good God, the first five minutes of their portion of the porn was a complete and utter fucking disaster. Jesus Christ, who actually said, "Yeah, I'm gonna deliver my cream"? Had he _really_ written that in the script? Zack made a mental note to either shoot himself in the head the next time such a stupid line became a train of thought, or to buy himself the best pair of skates money could buy because holy shit if he wasn't about to fuck the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen. He'd said something stupid along the lines of, "Yeah, show me your titties!" but as soon as Miri began to work off her shirt, he changed his mind. Suddenly, the thought of other people seeing her naked bothered him. _I don't want anyone else to see her but me_. Where the fuck had that come from? She asked him a question, and he covered up his change of heart by saying that he had bigger tits than she did for Christ's sake, and it'd be embarrassing. She'd looked slightly hurt before nodding, and they continued to undress. By the time they'd relatively stripped down and made it over to the large cloth bags that would serve as the make-shift bed, him straddling her and Miri's legs wrapped around his hips, Zack was so fucking ready to be done. But they'd decided to do this, and they'd put in so much effort already. After glancing up at the camera to tell them to keep rolling, he looked down at Miri and almost stopped breathing. He was suddenly very glad for his uncharacteristic act of prudishness earlier concerning her breasts. It was bad enough that other people would see some of her body, but the rest he wanted to himself. Her blue eyes were bright, and she gazed at him as if he were the only person in the world, as if there weren't six other people and goddamn video camera capturing her every movement not fifteen feet away. His throat was suddenly dry, but he pressed on as if everything were going according to plan. "Okay. We'll start kissing on three, okay?" She nodded, small, hurried movements, her eyes dancing between his and his lips. He swallowed shallowly and counted down. "One, two, three, go." He closed his eyes and kissed her. He almost came then and there. Holy shit, why had they not been doing this before now? Her lips were so soft, and she tasted like cinnamon, her favorite spice. She became the only person in the room, in the world. He wasn't sure if he'd stopped breathing, but he thought he might be close. She ran her fingers through his hair, pulling him down to her. He'd thought they'd end up kissing as quickly and passionately the way all the actors did in porn, but he'd been wrong. So wonderfully, fan-fucking-tastically wrong. Each kiss was slow, sensual, and not at all played up. He kissed her without reservation, completely lost. An unbidden thought settled across his mind: he'd been completely fucking stupid to think that this would just be clinical or any kind of wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am. It had moved, quite quickly, into how he felt about her. Slowly, he made his way down her jawline to her neck, melding each kiss to her skin into the next by sucking slightly. He hadn't even begun to settle in when she gently squeezed his shoulders. He looked up and found himself caught in her blue-eyed gaze. "I'm ready," she breathed. He rose over her, silently questioning. Had that really been enough to get her wet already? "I'm ready." she said again, as if reading his thoughts. Her eyes were hazed over in lust and something...something else... He nodded slightly, whispering a faint "Okay" and pushed himself slowly into her. Her lips parted, and he heard her gasp faintly as he filled her, and noted with satisfaction that her back arched as he hit home. Almost overcome with how it felt to be inside her, he twined one of his hands with hers, telling her silently that they were in this together. He began to move faster, and her hand traveled through his curls haphazardly. With every thrust, she gasped and he became the hardest he'd ever been in his life. Christ, why had they not done this again? But even while all those thoughts ran through his mind at a million miles per hour, he was caught up in how gorgeous she was, and how much he loved and felt for this girl. He brought a hand up to cradle her head, mirroring her as he pushed into her over and over. He tilted his head until their foreheads touched. He'd never had sex like this. Ever. He'd never felt such a primal urge to keep one woman to himself and cradle her and touch her and to be the only one to do so. Just when he thought it couldn't get any better (he was _inside_ her for fuck's sake-pun intended), she _moaned_. He'd thought constant moaning was a turn on. He'd thought a woman _screaming his name_ was a turn on. Hell, he'd thought just being inside a woman was a damn turn on. But hearing _Miri_ moan and knowing _he_ was the cause of it was the single, sexiest fucking thing he'd ever heard in his entire life. He'd do a thousand bad porn movie starts to hear that sound again. She'd moaned like it was something she couldn't hold back anymore, and goddamn if that wasn't the best fucking feeling, knowing that he'd overwhelmed her to the point where she had to make a sound, had made the sex so good she had no choice but to let it out. Her lips were suddenly by his ear, which was so okay with him he couldn't think straight, and she let out a very breathy whisper, "I want you to come." His brain short-circuited. He could barely breathe, let alone think. He blinked and found himself above her, somehow still thrusting into her, and she grabbed the lapels of his costume, whispering to him again. "I want you to come with me." Shit. He barely managed an "Okay" before he lost the last shred of his self-control. He began thrusting deeper, and this time, when he ripped the desperate moan from her throat, she pulled one from him. He cupped her face, their foreheads touching, as he pounded into her. Her moans were barely breaths, and he felt her body begin to clench around him which sent him completely over the edge. He thrust into her a few more times and felt the tightening in his stomach suddenly spiral out of control. He slammed into her as he came, and he felt her arch her back, gripping his back and shoulders tightly as she came underneath him. She pressed her breasts into his chest, eyes squeezed shut as she rode out the orgasm he gave her. Even as his brain was exploding, he felt ridiculously fucking proud. _He'd_ been the one to make her come. He also knew that he wanted to be the only one to do that from now on. She drifted slowly back down to him, and her hands came up to caress his face lovingly. His brown eyes met her smiling blue ones, and he smiled back, brushing hair from her face. "Oh, God," he breathed, and even that was a miracle. He was pretty sure he'd never be able to form a coherent sentence for the rest of his life after sex like that. Slowly, reality came flooding in. There were six other people and a video camera watching them as they recovered from orgasm. Zack slowly looked up at them, wishing desperately that he could hide Miri with his body, shield her somehow so that no one could see her the way he just had. But they already had, and judging by Deacon's face, it hadn't been a bad show, either. He glanced back at the woman beneath him and found that her eyes hadn't moved from him for a moment. He looked up at the camera reluctantly and called cut. He raised himself up off of her, despite that fact that he had zero desire to ever be anywhere but there. He set about awkwardly pulling himself together, and Miri propped herself up on her elbows, gazing at him with a small amount of wariness in her eyes. "Well," Deacon said as the group made their way over. "It wasn't what we shot-listed, but it was nice." He sounded genuine, but Zack had a hard time meeting anyone's eyes. "It was so romantic," Stacy murmured, hands clutched to her chest. Lester smiled. "Way to fuck, Zack." God, did that douche really have to fuck Miri next? Zack found that the thought made him feel sick to his stomach. Lester would only be fucking Miri. He wouldn't be making love to her the way Zack had. That stopped him short. Had they made love? He'd certainly felt lust for her during it, but it went deeper than that. The primal feelings he'd had couldn't just be summed up by lust. He found his eyes wandering to Miri's face. "Uh...thanks...Lester. Uh, it wasn't just me though, guys." He gestured to Miri with one hand as he set about buckling his pants. "Give it up for my radiant costar here, Miri." Everyone began clapping and the girls gave her hoots of encouragement. Zack swallowed and began buttoning his shirt. "Show's over in here, let's move out onto the next floor, start lighting the next scene." The group made their way to the front of the store, talking amongst themselves. "I thought they were gonna be fuckin' hard." Delaney said, smacking his fist for emphasis. "But it was pretty," Stacy disagreed. Delaney scoffed. "Pretty don't sell." Bubbles patted Zack on the shoulder. "Good job." He looked at her half-heartedly. "Thanks," he said, not really focused on her at all. He and Miri were finally alone. He turned back to the woman who held his attention, finishing up the top buttons of his costume. "You good, Mir?" he asked, and he knew his voice betrayed how awkward he felt. "Need anything?" Miri looked up from buttoning her own blouse. Fuck if he didn't want to take her again right then and there, with her blue eyes gazing at him coyly, cheeks still flushed from orgasm. He didn't think he'd ever seen woman so beautiful as he did looking at her. "I'm just...gonna take a minute, okay?" He tried not to let his feelings show; he didn't want her to see how he felt rejected that she wanted to be left alone. He wasn't sure he succeeded. "Okay. Uh...I'll just be out there." He jerked a thumb toward the room where the rest of the crew had disappeared. Her gaze hadn't wavered an inch, and she watched him with an almost smile on her lips. "Yeah." He was at a loss. He didn't know what to say, if anything. "That was fun," he blurted, raising two thumbs up. She seemed slightly startled by this. "Yeah, fun." His brows came together over his eyes as he realized what he'd just said. He turned without another word. "'Fun'," He muttered under his breath, berating himself. "Fucking douche." He walked through the doorway and let the door swing shut behind him. He leaned back against it, letting it all wash over him. Was it just sex, or had they made love? He was beginning to think it was the latter. Breathing was hard for a second. He could only find one word for it, whatever it was. "Wow." End file.

Change Comes From Within by Dominican Girl

Zack and Miri Make a Porno

Changes You know that feeling where people believe that an impacting event just happens yesterday? Well, that was not the case for Miriam Linky. It felt like forever ago when she and Zack Brown had the conversation when they would have sex in the movie, where they said that post the fact, nothing would change. They would still be themselves. They would still be friends. However, that night everything, in fact, did change. Miri was best friends with Zack ever since the first grade. All the while, they were thick as thieves, and nothing was going to change that fact. High school came around, and the two of them had put the word platonic to use. When they slept together, it was as if they had made a new history for themselves. Sure, there were longing gazes at times that Miri would send to Zack, but the expressions were barely detectable. New discoveries popped out infront of the two, but unfortunately, one, fatal mistake made Miri's world come tumbling down; when she told Stacy that she could ask Zack if she could sleep with him. At first, Miri had told the young blonde no, in a stern tone, but took it back, not wanting to reveal her true feelings. From the moment Miri saw Stacey and Zack walk out of the room, she knew what she had done was something that she could have changed from the start of the conversation. Hell, she could have admitted her feelings to Zack, but she didn't. Instead, when the argument between her and him at the coffee shop had went down, it caused her world to alter even more - and not for the better. She blamed him for something that was not even his doing to begin with, even despite the fact that it does, indeed, take two to tango. Zack could have declined the proposition of the bubbly blonde lap dancer, but he didn't. Or did he? No, no. He had to have slept with her. It was several months later. Miri obtained a new roommate; Lester. She needed someone that could help her pay the bills that she was not able to pay for all on her own. She was grateful that he was there to assist her. Truly. Miri missed Zack, though, immensely. Her world was so different once he was no longer in it. There were days that she would go into his room just to catch his scent once more. Miri was having one of those moments. The sound of the creaking door of Zack's previous - now her bedroom - rung in her ears as she opened it. She sighed, taking in the scent and then sat herself down on the bed. She ran a hand through her hair, her brows raised. All she could think of was how things were not supposed to end up like this! It was just supposed to be sex, but it turned out to be so much more than just that. Those so-called longing gazes should have been a sign all along. Feeling the sting of tears reach her eyes, her thoughts were interrupted - she was not so sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing - by the sound of the voice of none other than Lester! Miri looked up at the thin, and also nude, male, then chuckled, "Lester.. in your favorite suit, as usual." She smiled lightly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, trying to avert her gaze away. Eh, or at least keep her vision on his face. "I love bein' naked. Nudity's just freedom, man." Lester countered with his daily, cheesy grin, nodding in agreement - of his own words, that is. He then motioned toward the golden-haired woman with his head and added, "You should try it sometime, Miri. Seriously. And then, then maybe," He lifted his hands as Miri eyed him with slight irritability, "we could be naked together on a bed and see what happens." Lester's expression was suggestive, as he wiggled his brows. "Lester, I'm not having sex with you." Miri let out the statement that she had to repeat to him, at least, a million times! "You really, really should know that by now." Lester rolled his eyes and nodded, "Yeah, yeah, I know." A silence overtook the two of them, and then Miri's eyebrows both lifted upon her features, and she asked, "Is that really what you came in my room to talk to me about?" "Oh no! No! See, I got all caught up in possibly, finally having you agree to fucking me, it slipped my mind!" Lester laughed quietly, and then continued, "But, nah, I wanted to introduce you to something! Give me your hand--" He reached for her palm. Miri moved her hand out of his reach, "No, Lester! I'm good." She released a chortle, and Lester pouted. Moments later, he whined, "How am I supposed to introduce you to the Dutch Rudder now?!" End file.

Changes by michieexx3

Zack and Miri Make a Porno

Undying Hero Zero percent. Victory cannot be gained. That is how the story went And nothing had remained. And yet I advanced. I knew that I couldn't win. My body rose as if entranced. I looked up with a quiet grin. I advanced toward victory Would I "die" once more? My fight was pointless to me But for my family of four Claws dragged across the ground. They flew up into me. And although I didn't make a sound, I screamed in agony. I reached death's edge And I was yanked away. I didn't fall from that ledge, I didn't have a say. I was brought back, Was admonished, given shame I was told I was on the right track But still deserving of blame I'm not good at a job I don't want But like it or not, I try and try I fight the odds, ignoring every taunt Though I have a reason, I still wonder "why?" They will not let me die So I will continue to try. It is a match between evil and I To see who'll get tired of this lie And finally, finally give up a sigh Knowing that when we die, No one will cry. End file.

Undying Hero by Arukoir

Z.H.P.

Unlosing Haunted Mansion **Disclaimer**: I do not own _Zettai Hero Project: Unlosing Ranger VS. Darkdeath Evilman_, nor do I own anything created by those at _Nippon Ichi_. Mind you, I'd like to, but the world doesn't work that way. I had originally written this for an English class I am in, as they asked for a work of fiction based on a Halloween prompt. I thought it nice enough, so I decided to share it with the community. The end bit was a part of the story I submitted to the teacher. I added it on because everyone who's played Z.H.P. knows that Main Character can't exactly die. **Author's Note**: I **AM** working on Turnabout Vocaloid. I'm just really slow, and have to start beating myself until I actually get some work on it done. Sorry guys... Chapter 3 IS going to be done as soon as I can get it done though, so I promise I'll follow through on it. * * * I stood in front of the mansion indicated before. Everyone I had asked, in my civillian clothes mind you, had told me that the place was haunted, and to stay away from it. They all had told me to leave it alone, and to let a hero solve whatever was going on in that mansion... I smiled to myself at the irony, taking a quick glance down and checking to make sure my Morphing Belt was tightly fit around my waist. Being sure I was 120% determined, I adjusted my mantle and strode forward to the entrance into the mansion, throwing open the doors as they creaked loudly. [I'm a hero.] Was the first thought to come to my mind, as I smirked at the creaking noise. [I've no reason to be afraid of anything here. Besides, even if I were afraid, I have to save the people from whatever plagues this house!] I easily stepped inside the house, at which point the doors quickly and loudly slammed shut behind me, closing before I could turn around to figure out what was going on. [...They're closed. ...Hm. They're probably locked now... well, my only way out of dungeons was through the Caravan, so I'm used to being unable to leave by this point...] Shaking my head, I turn back to look around inside the entry room. What catches my eye most is a rusted gold chandelier hanging from the ceiling, the candles of it being mostly burnt out save for a few exceptions. Almost typical... it seems that when people get a mansion, the first thing they get is a chandelier. ...Strange. I have this foreboding feeling about that chandelier... Is this that hero-like sixth sense that Pirohiko said you develop from dealing with dungeon traps...? It could be... but what is the chandelier going to do? Mulling the topic over to myself for a short moment, I... Step around the area below the chandelier, moving towards the doorway off to the left. That foreboding feeling was too strong, the chandelier must have been a trap. As I walk through the ruined hallway, I can't help but think that the chandelier back in the first room was the only thing so far that might even remotely point towards this place being haunted. Were all those things they said just stories...? Am I being a hero, clearing out the evil within, or just a random passerby who walked in wondering what the place was like? [No. I'm definitely being a hero here. Even if this place isn't haunted, by going through and confirming that, I'm helping these townsfolk overcome their fears!] I can almost hear Pirohiko's voice echo in my head as I think that, speaking out my thoughts and cheering me on. It's at this point in time that I halt in my tracks, being sure I spotted something moving at the end of the hallway. [What... was that?] I echo in my head, staring at where the object used to be. I shrug off the uneasy feeling welling up in my stomach, renewing my determination as I go forward. [I defeated Darkdeath Evilman. Whatever this is, it can't be any worse.] As I boldly stride forward, I hear one of the hallway windows shatter behind me, and I quickly prepare my combat stance as I turn around, my cape shifting and blowing in the sudden wind as I fight- ...Nothing. Confused by this, I slowly lower my fists back to my sides, my cape having lost whatever draft held it up. [...It was nothing. ...Could have just been someone throwing a rock through the window. Most teenagers have been doing stuff like that all the time nowadays. I'll have to let them know how that's bad later.] Turning my back on this window, I look behind me to give it one last glance before I continue onward. [Aha! A way deeper into the dungeon!] I smile to myself, having found the way downward as I push a door open. [...Hm. But I haven't found any enemies yet, so I'm still level one... Should I stay on the floor and try to grind for experience, or should I move downward?] I clench my fist and steel myself, knowing full well the dangers ahead. [I'll just prepare my Unlosing Punch in case I run into anything. It's not the strongest move... but it should do.] I take a short break to focus, mentally going over the manuevers and preparing myself to unleash it when necessary. [Okay, time to keep moving! I have to help those townsfolk!] Renewing my 120% determination, I hastily step down the staircase. It's upon finding myself in a catacomb beneath the mansion that I stop to think about what kind of dungeon I entered. I've seen a few different kinds, but I haven't run into a catacombs before. [...It's a bit damp in here.] I think, having to grab a torch off of one of the ruined walls in order to see ahead. [Barely any light in this place... it's even darker than the normal dungeons. Maybe this is just a further trial of my abilities?] I don't give the dungeon any further thought before I continue on, stepping into one of the hallways and moving forward. As I keep moving a shrill, ominous sound fills the area, causing me to cover my ears and keep the torch pointed away from my hair. The sound stops rather abruptly, leaving a long silence in the area. [...It was nothing. Just the hallways echoing their silence. It can happen if a large room is quiet enough...] Successfully reassuring myself, I keep moving forward while ignoring the sense of dread nestled deep within my stomach. I come to the end of the hallway, approaching another room as I step forward. When I make it to the doorway, the door suddenly slams shut on me, hitting me right in the face and causing me to stumble back for an instant. [Someone shut the door on me! Well, let's at least get it open again! Unlosing Punch!] Using the move I prepared earlier, I flail my arms wildly as I dash into the door, busting it open and crashing through as I pull out a handgun I've been carrying. [Now, who closed the-] ...Nobody. Failing to spot anyone at all here but me, I slowly stand up, keeping the gun pointed ahead of me as I turn and look around. [...Could have just been a strong draft. Or maybe I hit a tripwire and didn't see it...] Slowly putting the gun away, I narrow my eyes and glare around the room before walking off in the direction of a different hallway. [I'm glad I have this faceplate though... That door would've done a lot of damage if it hadn't been for the suit.] [I'm through most of this floor and I still haven't run into any enemies...] Somewhat concerned by the lack of any threats so far, I sit down and rest for a minute, pulling out a small lunch I packed and beginning to dig in to it after lifting my visor out of the way. [All I've run into so far are traps... where are the actual enemies? Do I just have to go all the way through it to prove it isn't haunted?] I sprinkle a pinch of salt on a piece of meat I cooked before coming here, biting into it and enjoying the texture. [I have to keep my guard up, though... If I walk into anything with my guard lowered, I'll definitely be in trouble.] The rest of my meal goes by without interruption, and I'm soon back on my way after packing up the remains and putting them away. [The short break should help keep me going. I need to look for whoever, or whatever set all these traps. I should raise more of my guard. Having a weapon handy would be a good thing...] I pull out the handgun I brought, holding it with both hands as I stop and crouch down. Pulling out the clip, I check the amount of rounds. [All 20 rounds... good. I have enough should I run into anything, though I should revert to my fists if they get too close.] Putting the clip back in, I pull back the slide and release as the gun chambers a round. [Loaded... okay. I'll have to be careful not to accidentally fire off a round.] I press myself up against the wall, holding my gun with both hands before I step around the corner, pointing it ahead of me before lowering it back down when I don't spot anything. Slowly moving forward, I turn to look behind me with my gun raised before turning again to double check my front. Being sure there's nothing hostile around, I lower my gun as I continue moving forward. [There's nothing here... strange. I had figured there'd be something here, anything.] As I continue down the hallway, I notice my footsteps seeming to grow louder, despite trying to move quietly. [The surface changed. I'll have to be more careful if I want to stay quiet...] I hear some form of ominous chanting as I continue down the hall, peeking out around the corner before going around it with my gun raised. [There has to be someone up ahead. It's the only possibility...] Taking a quick look behind me, I continue down the hall and slowly make my way towards the room at the end. When I near the end of the hallway, the chanting suddenly cuts out, not even finishing its word when it does. [...It stopped.] Stepping into the room, I look around to spot nothing except piles of bones and a few molten candles on the floor. [...It could have just been some kind of tape recorder, and it was set to repeat whatever it recorded. It must have died by the time I got near here...] Giving one of the piles a quick poke with my foot to be sure it's not going to get up and fight me, I turn to go down an adjacent passage. [Aha! A way down!] Finding a path that leads downward, I keep my gun readied as I slowly make my way down it. By the time I've reached the third step, a shrill shrieking sound rings out behind me, causing me to stumble as I try to turn around, hitting my back against the staircase as I fall and begin to roll down the stairs. I reach the bottom of the staircase after a short moment, falling flat on my front against the cold floor as my gun falls out of my grasp, sliding just out of reach. [Ughh...] Dazed, I slowly pick myself up and crawl forward a bit, grabbing my gun and pulling it close in case whatever knocked me down shows up. [There's definitely something here... I've no doubt about that. Whatever it is, though, it's definitely not here to make friends.] After a long silence, I slowly rise to my feet, using a nearby wall to support myself as I glance around the room. [...Nothing. They must have gone back...] Turning to go for the staircase, I'm sent stumbling back by the impact as it suddenly collapses in front of me. [W-What!? They...!] Pointing my gun at the top of the staircase, I aim for- ...Nothing. [There's...! Nobody's...] I slowly lower my gun, turning to go for a way out of the room. [...That sound must have just been my imagination. The staircase must've been weak, and my collapsing on it weakened it further. It finally gave out under its own weight, now...] With no way of heading back up, my only option is to go forward, despite the bruises I've gained from falling down the stairs. The ring of a wind chime catches my attention as I continue down the hall. [A wind chime...? Who would set one up down here? And what kind of draft would get down here, anyway?] I go around the corner, looking for the wind chime as it continues ringing, the sound growing louder and louder as I get closer to the room at the end of the hall. As before, the sound suddenly cuts out and abruptly stops when I enter the room, not a single trace of anything within this room. [Again there's... nothing.] I lower my gun again, still confused by all this. [...It has to be a hidden room. He's got some kind of wind chime in a hidden room, and I triggered something in the hall, causing it to start making noise. I must have triggered something entering the room, causing it to stop...] Shaking my head to myself and trying to ignore the feeling welling up in my stomach, I slowly make my way towards another hallway. I hear a loud crashing sound behind me as I go down the hallway. Turning to look back with my gun raised, I don't spot anything as it echoes throughout the hall. [...Nothing. Not even the results of whatever crashed... ...Just my imagination. If I manage to calm down, then I should stop hearing all these noises.] This reassurance works for a moment, but my nerve is broken when a portion of the ceiling starts to collapse behind me, forcing me to dive forward to get out of the way as it crashes to the floor. [T-The ceiling collapsed!] Rising to my feet, I look at the rubble of the collapse, but fail to see any potential cause. [...It has to have been weak, and just finally gave out. That's the only explanation...] With the way behind me blocked, I continue down the hall. As I turn the corner in the hallway, I spot something moving ahead of me. I quickly raise my gun and fire at whatever was moving, but only create a bullet hole in a wall at the opposite end of the hall, the object having disappeared entirely. [...wasted a bullet on a piece of my imagination.] Mentally berating myself for shooting before I knew what it was, I lower my gun and continue moving. I fail to watch where I'm stepping as I continue moving. As a result of it, I end up stepping my left leg right into a bear trap, a searing pain rising throughout me as the metal jaws close around my leg, blood oozing from the wound. Wincing in pain, I get down on my other leg and begin trying to pull the jaws apart. [Who would set a bear trap down here? Someone who's very paranoid, I'm guessing...] I hear some kind of ominous sound ring out as I struggle with the bear trap, raising my gun up and looking down the sights towards either end of the hallway. I spot some kind of shadow-based creature at the end of the hallway, slowly approaching me as the sound grows louder. [An enemy! I'm stuck in this bear trap, though...] Still trying to pry the trap open with one hand, I point my gun towards this thing with my other and pulling the trigger, watching helplessly as the bullet passes through it. [No...! It's not working...!] I keep firing off at the creature, watching the bullets do nothing as it keeps moving. After having fired off 5 rounds at this thing, I put my gun away and use both hands to try and get this bear trap off. The sound has almost grown deafening, and the thing is only a few paces away from me when I finally get the bear trap off, forcing myself to move my bloodied leg out of the way as I make a quick move away from the thing. The sound then cuts out abruptly, and when I turn to look back, the thing is gone. [...I just wasted 5 rounds on a shadow...] As I move down the hallway, I make sure to avoid the bear trap this time. [I don't know what it was... but I'm sure now that something IS here.] [Ugh, my leg...] I have to pause and take a short rest as the pain in my leg grows to be a bit much. Crouching down a bit and wincing at the pain, I pull a bandage out from my pack and begin wrapping it around the injury. I hear a momentary ominous noise and quickly draw my gun, pointing it around and pausing my medicating of the injury. [...Nothing.] Putting my gun away, I return to wrapping the bandage around the torn flesh. [I'm getting jumpy...] I find the downward staircase, slowly making my way down it to account for my injured leg. I hear another ominous sound as I go down the stairs, and begin to turn with my gun raised as I'm struck while turning, a claw like attack slicing through me. Even if whatever caused the attack isn't physical, I can feel the wounds sprouting open as blood gushes out from my torso, spraying out from the wound as I fall down the stairs again. I collapse on my face at the bottom of the stairs, my gun sliding out in front of me again as my wounds begin to form a pile of blood below me. The fall had torn open the bandage around my leg, and injured the wound further, helping fill up the pile of crimson liquid below me. Dazed by all the blood loss, I can barely even stretch my arm out to reach for my gun, having to use whatever's left of my strength to crawl forward as the ominous sound loudly returns behind me, the sound of footsteps coming down the stairs reaching my ears. My crawling stops with the gun just out of my reach, my body giving out right before the finish line. [N-No...! O-One more...!] I force my body to move, making one more movement towards the blurry gun in front of me. I can hear the creature right above me, sharpening its claws as my hand rests on the gun, gripping tightly. It then grabs my back, flipping me over. All I can make out is a black humanoid shape, my vision blurred as it digs one of its claws into my gut, slowly moving it around as the pain grows even worse. [N-No! F-fight back! D-Don't lose...!] With my last ounces of strength, I shakily raise the gun, barely able to keep it steady as I try to point it at the creature's head. With a moment's effort, and the last bit of my strength, I pull the trigger, and with a bright flash, everything fades out. * * * I finally come to, my vision slowly returning as the taste of dried blood reaches my mouth. I can feel some kind of weight on my body, barely able to even move in the pool of blood below me. I lay there for what feels like hours until the chill in my body dies down a bit, some warmth returning. It's now that I'm able to move my arms, reaching up to grab the blurred form on top of me and slowly shift it away. Once the weight is off of me, I slowly begin to rise to a sitting position, looking over my bloodied, battered body. My whole suit is covered in dried blood. My blood... I give the form place beside me one last look, and crawl over to the wall, using it to support myself as I stand up. My leg has gone numb, the lack of blood in it resulting in a lack of feeling. Leaning heavily against the wall, I begin to look around for a way out. [I... defeated it. The monster... I defeated them...] End file.

Unlosing Haunted Mansion by Smak64

Z.H.P.