Akamatsuverse Everlasting Chapter 2

[SimmyC]

One of these days, I'll start an update, and actually FINISH it.

It isn't that I stopped writing. It's that, when I do write, it... recently it's only been part of a chapter. Not a full one as of yet.

*Besides this week, this year so far actually, has been quite bad for me. But that's another topic I prefer not to get into.

Anyways, on to the chapter! WIP, and NOT proofed. I know my grammar sucks. Go ahead and point them out if you like. I'll have to fix it anyways (and after rereading what I put up on FFN, wow, I didn't realized I failed that much in the grammar department).

Hinata Sou

"Wait, Kanako is immortal too?!" Keitaro said aghast.

Hina was furious upon hearing KanakoÆs statement. "How come I didn't know about this?!"

"Because you never asked." Kanako noted with a grin.

Haruka sighed as she took another drag. "No Kanako, I did not forget that you too touched the stone."

ôYou knew too?!ö Hina glared at Haruka.

"Then why did you choose not to reveal this information to my dear Onii-chan?" Kanako glared at Haruka.

"It isn't so much that I choose not to reveal this information to Keitaro." Haruka stated. "It's that I'm more interested in men than women."

Kanako frowned at HarukaÆs statement. ôSo you expect Onii-chan to just go along and be the lover of his grandma?ö Kanako grinned as she thought of her precious Onii-chan. ôWhen he could have someone like me to keep him warm for all Eternity? Someone closer to his generation?ö

Haruka eyed Kanako dangerously. However, the rest of her facial expression remained unchanged. ôI never said that weÆd be æloversÆ Kanako. Of course if Keitaro doesnÆt mindàö

ôWait, wait, WAITTTTTTTTT!!!ö Naru slammed her foot down and begun waving her arms frantically in front of her. ôFirst of all, NO ONE is deciding anything at this point!ö Naru angrily said between deep breaths. ôFirst, you canÆt be telling Keitaro what he should, or shouldnÆt do.ö

ôNaruàö Haruka began as she let out a wiff of smoke from her mouth. ôNo one here is making Keitaro do anything. WeÆre just discussion what ifs right now.ö

ôWell, um, Iàö Keitaro stammered out before being interrupted.

Kanako butted in. ôIt isnÆt like Onii-chan has much of a choice. He can either live the rest of his life with me, orà try to be with one of you and watch as all you age and die.ö Kanako crossed her arm grinning. She eyed each of the other girls who all gazed at their own feet as they knew that Kanako was speaking the truth. ôNot exactly a life IÆm sure anyone, much less Onii-chan, would enjoy.ö

ôHmph.ö Naru sounded as she remained unmoved by KanakoÆs words. ôItÆs true that we mere æmortals have a limited lifespan. But if there is one thing I do know, you canÆt dictate someoneÆs emotions.ö Naru swiveled her head towards Keitaro and raised her hand pointing at him. ôEven a buffoon like him has feelings. And feelings are not something that can be turned on or off by a simple switch.ö

ôEh.. Umàö Keitaro again stammered out as he tried to reply, an apparently futile attempt to speak for himself.

ôAnd so you intend to spend the rest of your life with Keitaro in the hopes that whatever years you have left, would be the best heÆll ever have?ö Haruka replied back to Naru.

It was now NaruÆs turn to stammer something out has her face turned bright red. ôUm, ehà no! I meanà that was not what I meantàö

Haruka placed a hand up to stop Naru. ôSay no more. In fact, I agree with what you said.ö

Kanako eyed Haruka questioningly.

Haruka in turn, eyed Kanako back. ôWhether heÆs immortal or not, heÆs also still human.ö Haruka turned to Keitaro. ôRight? YouÆre still trying to get into Toudai so that you can meet your promise girl right?ö

Keitaro mouth began opening and closing before finally letting out a firm answer. ôYES!ö He then was suddenly unsure of himself at that point. ôAt least, thatÆs what I intended to do andà I still plan to go to Toudai andàö

ôSay more more.ö Haruka said as she stepped up to Keitaro. ôWhat you do with your life is up to you. Who you want to love, who you want to marry, it will always remain your choice.ö Haruka then removed the cigarette from her mouth. ôYou just have to realize, you have a very long life ahead of you.ö

KeitaroÆs mouth remained open after HarukaÆs interruption. After a second of contemplation, Keitaro nodded and weakly replied to her statement. ôYeah.ö

ôUm, Harukaàö Motoko tentatively spoke up. ôIs this, really the end? Are you sure there is nothing you can do about this? IsnÆt there a way to reverse it?ö

ôIÆm all ears.ö Haruka said as she tapped her chin. ôWhile the idea of living forever might have sounded great when I was a kid, after a few generation of this, not exactly something I want to go through. Alone at least.ö

ôHmph.ö Kanako sounded next to her. Obviously, she herself had different ideas. æIf you want to die so badly Haruka. By all means, be my guest. But as long as I can live with my Onii-chan, I donÆt mind Eternity one bit.ö

ôAnooàö Shinobu quietly spoke up next to them. ôMaybeà maybe we can go to Toudai andà find a way to reverse the effects of the stone?ö

Haruka shook her head. ôWe could always try. But remember, what happened to us seemed to be magic.ö

ôA really powerful one at that which made us into gods.ö Kanako grinned maliciously.

ôI wouldnÆt go that far.ö Haruka crossed her arms. ôBut I will have to agree that it was a very powerful magic. I mean nothing I did even harmed me. Much lessà made me one step closer to death. Living forever is one thing. But even denied an unnatural death?ö

ôAnd besidesàö Hina intervened as she leaned down on her walking cane. ôI tried that already. Besides trying to convince a skeptical bunch of fools, none of them had any ideas of how to begin. Much less, a way to reverse the process.ö

Motoko looked to the side as she considered something. ôMaybe, maybe our family has a scroll or two that could help.ö

Haruka raised an eyebrow to MotokoÆs statement. ôDo you recall a scroll that could reverse it Motoko?ö

Motoko lowered and shook her head. ôUnfortunately, I do not recall coming across any scroll that dealt with magical runes or stones that gave immortality.ö Motoko than looked up at Haruka. ôBut it still remains a possibility that our family might have something about it.ö

ôWouldnÆt hurt I guess.ö Haruka sighed. ôBut my gut feeling tells me that this would even be foreign to the Aoyama family.ö Haruka tried to recall the events when she met that peddler. ôIÆm afraid the only one that might be able to reverse it, was the same girl that gave me the stone in the first place.ö After a short pause, she began to realize something about that peddler. ôThere was something really odd about that gypsy. Sheà somehow didnÆt feel right. Like she wasnÆtà human.ö

ôMaybe she was a demon?ö Motoko wondered out loud. ôThat is why she had access to such powerful magic?ö

ôWho knows?ö Haruka shrugged her shoulders. ôWho, or whatever she is, sheÆs long gone now. Maybe she went back to whatever place she came from.ö

-Meanwhile

Hawaii - On the Rim of the Volcano

The winged gypsy girl looked at the stone in front of her. A stone that had mocked her for close to three hundred years. Being half-human and half-goddess can get very boring from time to time. So she dabbled in the forbidden arts. This particular stone was the accumulation of much experimentation into forbidden magic. It was also an astounding success for what it did. Which would also be her downfall as her experiments was exposed by others. And now, to prevent the wrath of Kami-sama from coming down on her, she vowed to destroy it, and all remnants of the experiments she had conducted.

ôAll the other stones were nothing compared to this one.ö Urd noted as she stared at the stone behind the winged gypsy girl. ôSure, they might grant a person at most invulnerability, or limited immortality, but not both at the same time. And certainly not as long lasting as this one.ö

ôAnd itÆs also why this stone is nearly impossible to destroy.ö The winged gypsy girl said. ôNo matter what I tried, nothing could make a dent on it. Not even a scratch, much less a crack.ö

ôWell, you better find a way.ö Urd smiled as she patted the girl on the back. ôBecause if you donÆt, you know what Kami-sama will do to you.ö

Images flashed across her as the horrible images came back to the winged girl. ôAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! Anything but that!ö The images of being tied up and being forced to watch the Teletubbies, Barney, the Boobahs fused together in an epic show, run repeatedly over and over again, could destroy even the strongest minds in the world. ôOkay! IÆll destroy it! IÆll do it this time!ö

ôGood.ö Urd smiled as she flew away. ôRemember to destroy it this time. Make sure there is no trace of it whatsoever.ö

ôOkay!ö The winged gypsy girl said as she waved back at Urd. After Urd left, the girl looked at the stone and cursed the Heavens. ôSON OF Aàö

Hinata Sou

ôBut I donÆt want Haruka, Keitaro, and strange girl in black to live forever!ö Su whimpered.

Kanako eyed the young foreign girl. ôBut youÆre just have to face that fact.ö Kanako crossed her arms with a smug look. ôWeÆll be alive and well, well after you are gone.ö

Su growled. ôNot unless get our hands on that stone.ö

^_^

 

[MARQUIS DE SADE]

Very nice, SimmyC. I know it is not a Highlander crossover fic but it has that Highlander feel to it. Write more when you get the chance.

 

[SimmyC]

Some more progress!

ôWell, if you can find her and get your hand on that stone, I suppose you can join us in living forever.ö Haruka said in a hypothetical tone.

ôOf course, that requires finding her.ö Kanako cut in. ôHina and I already tried. And we found no trance of her existence.ö

Su began to smile. Though the smile took a devilish turn. ôThatÆs probably because you didnÆt have the resources that I have access too.ö

Kanako frowned at SuÆs seemingly cocky statement. ôOh? And pray tell what resources that you have access to? And before you say it, the Urashima family is not a poor family. This Inn should be your first indication of that.ö

Naru eyed Su in a slightly hopeful tone. She then eyed Kanako with a devious grin herself. ôYou donÆt know who Su is do you?ö

ôI do not.ö Kanako admitted. ôBut all I see is that she is a foreigner.ö

ôYup yup yup!ö Su nodded as she began to do cartwheels around Kanako, which further irritated the Goth girl. ôIÆm not from this country!ö

Kanako narrowed her eyes as her fingers began to dig into her biceps. ôCould you get to the point?ö æShe wouldnÆt have brought it up unless sheÆs like royalty or something.Æ

ôAnoo. Um, ehà uhàö Shinobu stumbled out. She was not sure if she would be the one to speak it, or Su. But Suà well, she was not sure if she was stalling to annoy Kanako, or if she was waiting for someone else to say it.

Kitsune, who at this point was simply concerned and fascinated about what the conversation, decided to speak up. While she enjoyed watching this arrogant Goth girl suffer a bit, she also did not feel like this delay was a bit pointless. ôWellàö Kitsune said with a huge smile. ôThis here little girl is a princess!ö

ôA what?ö Kanako raised an eyebrow at the revelation.

ôYup!ö Su jumped on KanakoÆs back and began distorting KanakoÆs face. ôIÆm the Princess of Molmol!ö

ôGet off!ö Kanako growled as she instinctively jerked her arm back trying to knock Su off. Instead, Su just became even more bold and started pulling KanakoÆs hair. And she tried to punch the little girl off, Su grabbed her arm, dropped to the ground, and began twirling her around.

ôWheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!ö Su happily exclaimed as she twirled Kanako around and around.

All the while, the other residents simply watched in amusement.

Finally, Kanako jerked her arm away and frowned. She was a bit dizzy from the twirling. ôStupid girl.ö She mumbled to herself. ôSo, she is a princess is she?ö She then looked at Haruka and then to Hina. ôWhat, you two knew?ö

ôOf course.ö Hina winkled face smiled. ôI was the manager of this place. I have to know about everyone that comes to live here.ö

ôAnd IÆm only steps away from the Hinata Sou.ö Haruka said as her last cigarette appeared to be nearing itÆs end. She privately cursed not buying another pack earlier. ôAnd when Hina is out, I was the defacto manager. So I had and needed access to the same information.ö

ôAnd how come I donÆt know any of this?ö Kanako shifted her eyes from Haruka and Hina as she said this.

ôBecause you never asked.ö Haruka and Hina said in unison.

Kitsune slapped Kanako on the back to add some insult to injury. ôWasnÆt like you cared about the residents of this place before right?ö

ôPeh.ö A furious shaking Kanako let out. She then took a deep breath, calming down, and then eyed the grinning little princess. ôAnd what good will it do to you, even if you are a princess?ö

ôWellàö Su looked up in a mock thinking pose. ôDaddy is the king of Molmol. HeÆs also very well liked. A lot of people would love to see him rule foreverà I donÆt know.ö SuÆs eyes seemed to twinkle at the last statement.

ôIn other wordsàö Motoko continued as Su was still in her playful mood. ôIf SuÆs parents find out about the stone, she could get the financial and technical support from the Molmol government.ö

ôAnd in case youÆre thinking Molmol is some backwards nationàö Naru grinned as she eyed Kanako like pray that was ready to be pounced on. ôYou should check out her room here. While I wouldnÆt say all her machines and experiments were beneficial,ö Naru lightly shivered as she remembered some of the apparent failures SuÆs machine did. Not to mention the ones that no one would call safe. ôAt the same time, they were quite advance if I may say so yourself.ö

Kanako glared at Naru for a moment before sighing in defeat. ôVery well. She can try to succeed where we failed. But no matter how much resources you throw at this, if she went back to wherever she came from, itÆs doubtful that even you can find her.ö

ôMaybeeeeeeeeeeeee.ö Su looked up into the ceiling. ôBut I have a feeling that she is somewhere that we can easily find!ö

-Meanwhile

Hawaii - On the Rim of the Volcano

ôSo until I destroy this stone, IÆm stuck in the mortal realm.ö The winged gypsy girl crossed her arms and frowned. ôWell, I have all Eternity to find a way to destroy it. And besides, no one knows who I am or what I look like so, I guess I shouldnÆt be bothered by anyone.ö

A sudden shiver ran down her spine.

ôHuh?ö The girl said confused by the sensation. ôWonder what that was about? Bah. I should go to a place thatÆs more secluded.ö She contemplated about the places where she could go. ôHmm. Or at least a place where I can do my research without being bothered. Maybe instead of going into isolated deserted region of the world where some fool might stumble in my wayà how about go the opposite route? Some place thatÆs full of people that are going about in their daily lives? Some place like, Japan.ö

A grin appeared on the winged girlÆs face.

ôYes. ThatÆs it! Sure it has over a hundred million people. But no one would be looking for me. Besides, IÆll be a foreigner.ö The smile on her face got bigger as she thought up all the possibilities with this location. ôNo one there would want to be friends with a foreigner. Oh, this is going to be perfect! Nothing can possibly go wrong now!ö

 

[David Alan Abramczyk]

Heh heh heh heh. Is that Murphy's Law I see creeping up on our Angel friend?

 

[SimmyC]

For those that are wondering where Chapter 1 is...

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/3182900/1/Everlasting

 

[SimmyC]

Even more progress!

Hinata Sou

ôMaybe IÆll talk to the Aoyama Elders.ö Motoko contemplated out loud. ôMaybe they would be interested in this matter as well.ö

ôYou have to be careful.ö Haruka spoke up as it was becoming clear that this revelation was definitely going to change things here. ôLife and death is not something that should be dealt easily. Even if we get a hand on this stone, what do you plan to do with it? ItÆs bad enough I have to live forever. Imagine if millions of people are granted that gift or curse? And what about the millions that didnÆt get to the stone in time? ItÆs a potential disaster no matter which side youÆre on.ö

ôEràö Motoko frowned at that. ôIà thatÆs right. We should think about what we would do if we get the stone. Still, I think the Aoyama Elders would have some wisdom about this.ö

ôOr their self-preservationist mind might override their logical one. So they decide that those old farts deserve it and no one else.ö Kanako cynically added.

Motoko glared menacingly at Kanako.

ôWhatever.ö Naru waved her hands as if she trying to steer the current topic away from itÆs current path. ôWhat we do with the stone is irrelevant now until we have the stone in my hand.ö

ôYour hand?ö Kanako frown deepened. She knew she would not like the girl when she first saw her. And each word that she puked out only made her harden that belief.

ôUm, I mean, our hands.ö Naru corrected. She then cleared her throat before she continued. ôItÆs important that we get this stone as soon as possible!ö

ôWhy is it so important?ö Kitsune asked. While a part of her would enjoy living forever, another part of her was not so sure that was a good idea. And she was not sure why Naru herself would be so eager to have an eternal life. Unless she finally admitted her feelings for Keitaro were genuine.

ôUh! Umàö Naru shifted her eyes from side to side. She was suddenly at a loss for words. She eyed Haruka and then Motoko hoping they would speak up. When they did not, she then focused on Keitaro. After staring at Keitaro for a few seconds too long, she suddenly blushed, gritted her teeth, and stared down on the floor. ôItÆs cause Ià weà need a choice in this matter.ö

ôAnd like I said before, immortality is not something that should be taken lightly.ö Haruka said as she began tapping her fingers. ôEspecially since all it took was one touch. One touch and it made us immortal. And once you touch it, unless this Gypsy has a stone to reverse it, itæs also permanent.ö

ôAll I want is to look young again.ö Hina said as she placed a hand on her cheek, and started to imagine all of the ænaughtyÆ things she could be doing in a much younger body. ôI donÆt necessarily want to be immortal. But if I have to, IÆm sure I can find plenty of stuff to do.ö Hina began drooling.

KitsuneÆs face began to sour at seeing HinaÆs expression. Whatever she was thinking, it probably was not fit for children. Which was made even worst given the current appearance of Hina as a ægrandmotherÆ. ôI think IÆm going to be sick.ö

ôUh huh!ö Su said as she did cartwheels out of the room. She apparently either ignored, not simply not cared about HarukaÆs concern. ôIÆll talk to daddy! And he says yes, IÆll begin making the searching machine right now.ö An evil smile appeared on her face. ôThat peddler and that stone will be mine!ö

ôAnd IÆll call my sister.ö Motoko said as she turned towards where the Hinata SouÆs main phone was located. ôIÆll give everyone her answer when IÆm done.ö

ôHmph.ö Kanako sounded after watching the two residents leave the room. ôSuit themselves. But they are simply wasting their time. Even if they find her, itÆs doubtful that she would have any of the stones on her.ö

ôSheÆd better.ö Hina said with contempt. ôBecause even if she herself canÆt die, IÆm going to make sure that she wished she had a stone to release her from her physical existence.ö

ôWell, IÆd like to get my hands on her myself.ö Haruka noted as she glanced at the doorway. ôI want to know exactly what she is, and how she could come across such a powerful stone.ö

ôAh.ö KeitaroÆs eyes suddenly lit up. He viewed Hina as she was about to leave towards the stairs. Probably up to the empty room now that Keitaro resides in the managerÆs room. ôThat reminds me, whatever happened to that other stone? The aging one.ö

ôOh that horrid thing?ö Hina spat out. ôWhen I realized what that stone did to me, I threw it on the ground and it shattered into a million pieces. Whatever magic it held seemed to have dissipated since when my uncle, your father picked them up, nothing happened to him.ö

ôThe other stone was different though.ö Haruka recalled. ôWhen I accidentally dropped the immortality stone, nothing happened. As ugly as I thought it was, there was no indication of a scratch, a chip, anything. When I tried to use a hammer to crush it, the only thing that was damaged was the hammer. ThatÆs why I decided to throw it down the volcano.ö

ôGrrrr.ö Hina let out.

ôHmm.ö The wheels in NaruÆs head began to turn. ôIÆm going to talk to Su. Maybe there is something I can do.ö

ôBah.ö Kitsune said as she waved at the others. It was clear this meeting was over. ôAll this talk about immortality and what not, has made me thirsty. Well, as I always say, life is short! For um, most of us. Better enjoy it while we can!ö She began to walk out the door to, most likely to a local bar to get wasted for the night.

 

[SimmyC]

I'm actually getting close to the end of this update. Granted, I could keep writing, writing, and writing, but then, the poor fools on FFN would never be able to get to it.

ôAnd IÆll reside in that spare room for now.ö Hina said as she hobbled her way up the stairs. ôSince I gave the reigns to you Keitaro.ö

ôBut you donÆt have to do all that. I meanàö Keitaro scratched the back of his head.

ôMy decision is final.ö Hina smiled back at Keitaro. ôYouÆre the manager and future owner now. That room is yours. Now? IÆm just a simple young guest. A very tired one at that. So if you donÆt mindàö Hina continued her slow and steady walk up the stairs.

ôAnooàö Shinobu, who did not have much to say during the conversation, found herself alone with the immortals. Thinking that, at the moment she was out of place, she decided to remove herself from this room as well. ôIÆll go clean the kitchen, bathroom, hallway, do the laundryàö

Kanako glared at Shinobu.

ôIÆll do it now!ö Shinobu quickly said and sprinted out of the room. However, on her way to doing the chores, she could not help but daydream about the possibilities. The possibility of being with Keitaroà forever.

ShinobuÆs Dream

ôOh Senpei!ö Shinobu said as they boarded a spaceship. ôWill you love me forever?ö

ôFor all Eternity my love!ö A handsome and ripped Kietaro said in a deep voice. ôAnd since weÆre the only immortals left, it really is an Eternity.ö

The spaceship door closed, and began took off. Speeding past Jupiter and Saturn. Ignoring the laws of Physics and everything.

ôOh Senpei!ö Shinobu embraced Keitaro lovingly. ôI love you, from here to Eternity!ö

Reality - Hinata Sou

Keitaro watched as the room emptied, with the exception of Haruka and Kanako. As the three no longer mortals remained, Keitaro asked the only thing that was on his mind. ôSo what do we do now?ö

ôBeats me.ö Haruka said shrugging. ôSu and Motoko are off doing their thing. I guess in the meantime we could go grab something to eat.ö

ôWe can still eat?ö Keitaro said pensively. ôI mean, it isnÆt like we will starveà will we?ö

ôTrue.ö Haruka replied. ôHeck, after a while, our bodies stopped feeling hungry if you donÆt eat for a while.ö Haruka said as she remembered the self experiment she did when she first discovered her ability. While at first her body protested the lack of the now unneeded nourishment, after even a relatively short seven or eight hours, the hunger pains disappeared. Same was true for lack of liquids. After over a day without drinking any liquids of any kind, her body simply said æforget itÆ altogether. She was not sure if in the long run this would result in her drying out, but given how after two weeks without drinking has not caused any significant physical changes, she doubted there would be any differences. Seemed her own body was more used to this immortality thing than her mind was. ôThat doesnÆt mean we canÆt eat or drink though. Our organs still function perfectly after all. ItÆll still digest the food even if that is now unnecessary.ö

ôBesides,ö Kanako cut in as she approached Keitaro. ôYou still like to indulge on eating delicious delicacies donÆt you?ö Kanako gave a wry smile. ôAfter all, nothing wrong with having some Kobe Beef every once in a while right?ö Kanako began soothing KeitaroÆs back.

ôI guess not.ö Keitaro said as his stomach rumbled a bit. ôSome Kobe Beef actually sounds good right now.ö

ôGood.ö Kanako locked arms with his. ôI know just the restaurant where we can go.ö æAnd then, weÆll get to know each other a bit better. Onii-chan!Æ

ôHmph.ö Haruka followed Kanako and Keitaro. æTrying to get your claws on him already huh?Æ ôDonÆt forget me. It was I that suggested it after all. And the one that actually has the cash to pay for all this.ö

ôYes grandmother.ö Kanako frowned at the older womanÆs intrusion into her plans. ôOf course weÆre all coming.ö Kanako mentally growled at the older woman. æNo matter. Keitaro will be mineà forever!Æ

SuÆs Room

Naru wandered into SuÆs room. She brushed aside some leaves as she tried to find the path that would lead her to Su. After all, SuÆs room was literally a jungle. She looked around the dense forest in the hopes of finding her. She was also mindful of SuÆs numerous machines and traps that was everywhere. She might be ten or twelve (at least, before a Red Moon comes around), but she was also quite protective of her things. Even if her methods involves machines that are borderline legal. If not outright law breaking.

Naru suddenly stopped and huffed. Knowing her history with this place, there was a better solution to finding Su than overtly risking her life. She huffed and stomped her foot, hoping that she did not accidentally set off one of SuÆs traps. ôSu! Where are you?!ö

Said girl swung down next to Naru from the branches, inches from her face. ôRight here!ö

ôGACK!ö Naru jumped back and landed on the ground. ôWhat, what are you doing up there?ö

ôJust talking to my family!ö The young princess said as she dangled upside down from one of the branches.

ôAnd what did they say?ö Naru said as she slowly got up. She was curious about what Su and her family had to say.

ôDaddy said heÆs going to be very happy to get his hand on this stone.ö Su happily replied. ôBut have to keep it a secret! DonÆt want to give Molmol any hope that their king will rule them forever.ö

NaruÆs smile began to fade a bit. After a bit of thought, the idea of having a æleader for lifeÆ did not sit well with her. Even if it was someone that was as benevolent as SuÆs father. At least, someone she assumed to be as benevolent since she has yet to even meet him. Still, if this meant getting the stone, it should all work out in the end.

ôHmm. Sounds good I guess.ö Naru said as she crossed her arms. ôBut what are they going to do about it?ö

ôWell, he first thought of sending over the entire Molmol Military here to Japanàö Su began in a thoughtful manner. ôAfter all, weÆre not at war with anyone!ö

ôGAH!ö NaruÆs eyes nearly burst out of her eye sockets when she heard that. ôHow, how is that supposed to keep things secret?!ö

ôWell, he then decided that only my sister should come.ö Su beamed as she took ripped out a banana from a bundle and began peeling it.

ôWait, you have a sister?ö Naru blinked in surprise. This was the first time she has ever heard of Su having a family besides the fact that she had a father, and a mother. Heck, she did not even know that she was royalty until very recently too. æThe day seemed to be full of surprises,Æ Naru thought as she recalled the other, less pleasant surprise of the day. æHeck, I didnÆt even know Keitaro even had a creepy sister.Æ She frowned deeply at not knowing this information. She thought she was getting closer to Keitaro before and in turn, knowing all the little details about him. But the recent bombshells have put that reasoning in doubt.

Su nodded as she began to eat her banana happily. ôYup! And sheÆs should be here tomorrow!ö

æNot wasting time I see.Æ Naru thought at the suddenness of it all. She then coughed a bit as she wanted to shift the subject away from the pending royal arrival. ôSo, do you have any idea how to find this, Gypsy Girl?ö

SuÆs cheerfulness seemed to have lessened after hearing NaruÆs question. However, she did try to keep a reasonably cheery mood about the situation. ôNope! No clue!ö

ôHmph.ö Naru sounded as she had suspected as much. Finding Keitaro or Motoko when they left was one thing, trying to find a girl that only Haruka, and maybe Hina had seen was entirely different beast to take down. Which brought Naru to her own suggestion. ôSay Su, what if, instead of trying to find the girl, you try to find the stone instead?ö

Su back flipped off the branch and landed on the ground next to Naru. ôOoooooooo. Idea forming! But why find the stone instead of the Gipsee?ö

ôWellàö Naru raised a knowing hand as she recalled HarukaÆs and HinaÆs words. ôHina said that the aging stone was easily destroyed when she threw it on the ground. But no matter what Haruka did, the Immortal one refused to be damaged.ö A smile appeared on NaruÆs face. ôSo my guess is, that stone is still around somewhere. Whether that girl has it or not doesnÆt matter.ö

Su dropped her right fist into her left hand. ôAnd if Haruka, Keitaro, and the strange dark girl all have traceable paranormal readings, I can build a machine that could lead back to the source!ö

ôUh, yeah.ö Naru tentatively replied. For someone that appeared to be no older than eleven or twelve, Su did seem to have a more educated reasoning and understanding of what to do. Most kids her age were probably watching Pokemon or Yu-Gi-Oh. Not thinking up of building complicated machines like she was proposing. ôAnyways, you should start building soon. Because once that machine is build, the stone will be mineà I mean, ours.ö

Su raised her fist in the air. ôRight-o!ö

There are things I'm not sure about though. And will probably change. Mainly, Su's characterization, and maybe a bit of Naru's. That and I tend to make Kanako into a bitch. Still, I'm more concerned about how I protray Su. After all, it has been a while since I've read the mangas. And yeah, have yet to finish them.

Still, any comments would be appreciated.

 

[PCHeintz72]

"Heck, after a while, our bodies stopped feeling hungry if you don't eat for a while."

'stopped' s/b 'stop'

Also, for that same sentance, I would drop either the ', after a while' or the ' for a while', as having both is redundant.

As for the story itself, normally I'd comment more, but this particular one of yours was one I've never really been able to get into as much as some of your others. Like either the Keiichi/Urd one (first one of yours I ever read), or the Keitaro/Tsuruko one. Sorry.

 

[SimmyC]

Heh. It should make you happy then that I do plan to update "Conflicted Hearts" and "Fallen Blade" next.

Yes, you've read right, I'm going to begin the update for Fallen Blade soon.

I didn't say I'll finish it soon, I said I'll start it.

 

[SimmyC]

Last update!

Laterà

Hinata Sou - Main Room

ôHey! Where did you guys go?ö Naru huffed haughtily at the three people that were walking through the door.

Keitaro drooped his head down as he entered through the doorway. ôWe just went out for a bite to eat.ö

ôAnd it was certainly much fulfilling and satisfying wasnÆt it onii-chan?ö Kanako cooled at KeitaroÆs ear. All the while having her right arm locked with KeitaroÆs.

Naru growled at the scene she was seeing in front of her. Though she would never admit the reason why seeing this bothered her.

ôAnoooàö Shinobu dropped her head in disappointment. ôI already prepared a special dinner for tonight.ö

ôDonÆt worry.ö Haruka said behind the ronin and the Goth girl. ôKeitaro is going to eat ShinobuÆs food too right?ö

ôEh?!ö Keitaro gasped out. He was, after all, for intent and purpose, stuffed. He thought fancy restaurants were all overpriced with puny portions. This place only followed the overpriced part. He then peered into ShinobuÆs innocent eyes, and instantly melted in them. He just could not deny the little girl anything. ôOf course. IÆll eat plenty of ShinobuÆs food!ö

ôThere see?ö Haruka nonchalantly said as she continued to follow Keitaro and Kanako into the room. ôOh, and I also made sure they were on their best behavior while they were away.ö

ôHmph.ö Naru sounded, highly annoyed by this. ôAnd why exactly is his shirt all stained?ö

ôOnii-chan tripped on the serving lady.ö Kanako scowled at the memories. ôIÆm sure it was that womanÆs fault after all.ö

ôNot to mention destroyed a lot of the expensive dishes.ö Haruka added, causing Kanako to frown even more. ôLuckily, the Urashima Family as a whole has been quite successful financially and so we were able to replace them without much fuss.ö

ôIt is?ö Naru asked as she was not sure she bought that. She looked around the Hinata Sou which was, for the most part, in a fairly shabby condition.

ôAs a whole.ö Huraka reiterated. ôThis amount of land this Inn alone would be the envy of most of Japan save the Emperor himself. Though it isnÆt like everything goes into this Inn. And there is a belief in our family that people should work to earn their living.ö She then eyed Hina who was standing next to her smiling. ôThere are exceptions of course.ö

ôOh would you hush!ö Hina glared back at Haruka. ôIt isnÆt like I can easily get a job when I look like this!ö

ôSheÆs right.ö Motoko cut in. She was sitting on the couch next to the table at the center of the room. ôThis nation, doesnÆt look fondly on older people. At least, as a working citizen.ö

ôYeah. There is an expectation that the elderly are supposed to be taken care of. At my age, I should be retired and living on the stateÆs pension.ö Haruka mused. ôAt least, if I looked like my granddaughter here.ö

Hina glared at Haruka after she made that snide remark.

ôAnyways,ö Haruka sat down next to Motoko. She took out a cigarette that she bought on the way back to the Hinata Sou, and lit it. ôWhat has everyone decided?ö

ôMy sister thought I was playing a joke on her when I told her about your immortality.ö Motoko said as she relayed the conversation that she had. ôWhen I told her that I was being completely serious, she said that she would personally look into the matter. If it warranted, she might come up here personally to see if this is demonic in origin.ö

ôHmm.ö Haruka took a puff and then blew out a whiff of smoke. ôWell, I guess thatÆs what the AoyamaÆs are going to do about this.ö She then looked at Su. ôAnd what about the MolmolÆs?ö

ôMy sister is coming tomorrow to help hunt for the stone.ö Su said nodding. ôPapa is going to be really happy if he got his hand on the stone. However, he wonÆt announce it publicly until he has it in his possession. After all, he doesnÆt want to give the people any unnecessarily hope that their beloved king will be around for all eternity.ö

æOr depose him before that happened.Æ Haruka thought darkly before she spoke on the matter. ôWell, it seems that our plans are in motion in finding this girl.ö

ôEh hem.ö Naru coughed into her first. ôActually, we may be trying to find the stone directly instead of looking for this Gypsy Girl.ö

ôHuh?ö Haruka raised an eyebrow.

ôYou said it yourself right? You couldnÆt destroy the stone?ö Naru explained. ôAnd this Gypsy Girl could be anywhere. For all we know, sheÆs not even on this planet.ö Naru then placed her hands on her hips and straightened up her back. ôAnd since we can now take the idea that immortality is a fact, letÆs assume that sheÆs some sort of, demon, goddess, alien from a different realm that was simply passing by.ö

ôAh.ö Motoko finally catching on to what Naru was saying. ôSo, why try to find the girl who may not be here, and instead find the stone that is still here.ö

ôAnd even if this girl is still hereàö Su said bouncing around, and landed straight on KeitaroÆs back. Causing said man to gasp and panic. ôAnd she has the stoneà find the stone, you find her in that case right?ö

ôBut what about me?ö Hina complained. ôImmortality is one thing. But look at me? What good would it do me if I had the stone?ö

ôHmm. You have to look at the differences in power between the two stones.ö Su answered as she began jotting down on a blackboard. ôIf one stone was weak enough that simply throwing it down on the ground would cause it to shatter. Maybe, if you touch the Immortality stoneàö

HinaÆs smile began to widen as she cut in. ôThen itÆs possible that the other stoneÆs effects would be nullified.ö

ôWell, itÆs only a theory.ö Su reminded Hina.

ôDoesnÆt matter.ö Hina eagerly smiled as she slammed her fist into her other hand. ôEven if it only granted me immortality, I would have all eternity to making myself young and beautiful!ö

ôàright.ö Naru said at HinaÆs wishful thinking. ôAnyways, so itÆs settled right? We get the stone, and everyone here would be happy about that right?ö

ôWellàö Kitsune lazily said as she sat back on the couch.

ôWell?ö Naru repeated. Unsure if she liked the tone of KitsuneÆs answer.

ôIÆm not sure if I would like this whole, living forever thing.ö Kitsune sighed as she picked up a magazine. ôI mean sure, IÆll always be my sexy self well into the future. Butà whatÆs going to happen when the novelty wears off? After all, what am I, or you, or everyone else here going to do fifty years from now, a hundred, a thousand?ö

ôUmmà ehhàö Naru was unsure how to answer her. ôWell, you have all eternity to decide what to doà ish.ö

ôHeh. Like what IÆm doing now?ö Kitsune said as she circled a few horses in the sports magazine in her hand. ôThere is a reason why IÆm thankful that I live at the Hinata Sou right now. And while itÆs all fun an games at, I guess you call the prime of my lifeàö Kitsune winked back at Naru. ôItÆs doubtful I would, or even could do this forever.ö

ôEhàö Naru sounded as she could not see any fault in KitsuneÆs reasoning. So, she then turned to another resident and asked for her thought. ôUm, Shinobu?ö

ôAnooàö Shinobu glanced at Keitaro and blushed a bit. ôWhile I wouldnÆt mind living forever withà sempaiàö Her blush deepened after she said his name. ôBut, my friends and familyàö

Naru lowered her head defeated. Even she had serious doubts now about getting the stone for her own selfish reasons. However, as she looked at the idiot that had no choice, was it really her own selfish reasons for wanting it? She began to tell herself there is another reason. ôAnd thatÆs why we need the stone?ö

Kanako frowned. She thought the conversation was helping destroy NaruÆs zeal in getting the stone, and in turn, eliminate any competition to her dream of living with onii-chan, forever and for always. Alone even. However, Naru appeared renewed in her efforts to acquire it. ôAnd if it isnÆt living foreverà Narusegawa was it? Then for what reason would you want it?ö

ôTo prevent other people from getting it of course.ö Naru grinned. ôI mean, imagine the turmoil the world would be thrown into if some guy found the stone, and then it was splashed all over CNN or BBC.ö

Haruka contemplated NaruÆs change of direction. ôThey wouldnÆt know it at first. But once they discover that stoneÆs poweràö

ôAnd worseàö Motoko grimaced as a disturbing thought entered her mind. ôWhat if, the person that picked it up was some crazed vile disgusting madman bent on ruling the world?ö

Keitaro grimaced as Motoko seemed to have fallen back into her man hating ways. Maybe. However, even he would conceded that Motoko had a point. This stone, if in the wrong hands, could be very bad for the world.

ôHe could become quite powerful. Especially if he can literally not die.ö Haruka noted.

ôThatÆs more reason for papa to get it!ö Su raised her fist into the air. ôWe have to make sure that doesnÆt happen!ö

ôRight!ö Naru said. Even if she no longer believed that SuÆs father should be the æoneÆ to get it. ôSo we have to find this stone at all cost!ö

Su nodded. ôAnd I believe I know how.ö Su scampered just outside the room and revealed what appeared to be a chair, with an old hair stylish machine on top, with miscellaneous wires running to and from what appeared to be a computer readout display.

ôEh?ö Kietaro, Motoko, and Kitsune all stared at the machine.

ôWhat the heck is that?ö Kitsune said in disbelief as she stared at the strange contraption.

ôThe magic that keeps a Haruka, Kietaro, and that strange girl in black into their body must be giving off something.ö Su surmised as she plugged the machine into a wall outlet. ôSome sort of paranormal energy reading. This machine should be able to detect exactly what that energy is.ö

Naru then grabbed KeitaroÆs hand and quickly led him to the chair. It also forced Kanako to unlock and let go of Keitaro. ôThe sooner we get a reading, the faster Su can build Immortality Stone Seeking Machine!ö

ôWAA?!ö Keitaro cried out as he was quickly strapped into the machine. ôIs this even safe?ö

ôWhat?ö Naru devilishly smiled. ôIt isnÆt like youÆre going to die now.ö

Kanako glared angrily at the scene in front of her. Her dreams were being shattered by a bunch of fools. æI cannot allow them to get the stone!Æ

-Meanwhileà

Pacific Ocean

The Winged Gypsy Girl had her long dove like wings spread out. Flapping every so often to make sure she maintained lift. It was a sunny day, with only the clear blue sky above her, and the clean crisp aqua sea below her, with the sunlight shimmering on its surface. As she watched the edges of the land in front of her, she could not help but smile. ôJapan! Here I come!ö

-------End of Chapter 2

This also means that, of ALL the updates I've started, this one is THE first to finish. Not Valiant Shinji, not Tears of Heaven, not Brother's Keeper, and obviously, not Fallen Blade.

And I still have Conflicted Hearts to do too. Plus other fics that had 'update' problems.

Still, questions, corrections, comments and concerns are all welcome.

 

[PCHeintz72]

"And since we can now take the idea that immortality is a fact, let's assume that she's some sort of, demon, goddess, alien from a different realm that was simply passing by."

'alien' s/b 'or alien'

"Ah." Motoko finally catching on to what Naru was saying. "So, why try to find the girl who may not be here, and instead find the stone that is still here."

This seems faulty logic... if the girl is not there, why is it a certainty the stone is?

"Umm. ehh." Naru was unsure how to answer her. "Well, you have all eternity to decide what to do. ish."

'ish'?

 

[SimmyC]

They are assuming that when Haruka threw the stone into the volcano, that the stone would still be somewhere on Earth. While the girl herself could be anywhere, even in a different plan of existence.

Now it's still faulty of course. After all, said stone could still be swirling in the lava for all they know, making it nearly impossible to get at it.

But yeah, they, like a lot of things, are under a lot of assumptions.

As for the 'ish' part, I was trying to show that Naru wanted to give Hina some ideas about what could happen, even as she wasn't so sure about them herself. Kind of deal.