"Where... Where am I?" Yuuno asked as he looked around. He was certain he was still on the continent, or at least the world. But where he was...
All around him was nothing but heat, fire and lava. The rock he was standing on was rather hot and uncomfortable to the touch. He stumbled back as the lava rose up, before parting and revealing a VERY large Dragon in front of him. Yuuno's eyes were wide as he gaped at the creature. 'Man, I wish I paid more attention to those video games that Arisa and Suzuka liked to play, it looks like that red Dragon that was blocking the way to the big black Dragon in that game.' He couldn't fight if he wanted to, his magic was spent and there was no bridge off of the round rock.
"Interesting." The Dragon leaned in and looked at him. "A mere human... To do that to a Mazoku." He, at least Yuuno thought it was a he, chuckled, before the large body disappeared and was replaced by a tall man with spiky red hair wearing a cloak and smirking at him. "I've never seen a human do that, at all." He shrugged before pointing a finger as Yuuno and snapping his fingers, causing Yuuno to gasp, his magic returned to him. "Too bad you didn't kill her, it might have been interesting."
Yuuno was having trouble breathing, for some reason, it felt like the heat in the area spiked when this man appeared. "You are..."
He shrugged at Yuuno. "Humans have long since forgotten my name. And even the Dragons aren't worth anything to me anymore." He snorted as Yuuno stared at him. "Considering that Valwin decided to hole himself up in that tower of wind of his and Rangort decided to hide in a cave, it's not surprising that you wouldn't know of me."
"...You're not a Dragon, are you?"
The man growled at Yuuno. "I only look like one out of respect to my master, Cephied! I am the Flare Dragon Lord! Fire Dragon King Vrabazard!"
Yuuno's eyes felt like they were about to burst out of his skull as the god announced who he was. "What... Why..?"
"You're interesting, or at least I thought you were." Vrabazard snorted at him. "But now I see... You just got lucky."
"What?"
Vrabazard smirked at him. "Little human, just so pathetic... You got lucky against that Mazoku, boy. You're completely useless. Then again, what should I expect? Humans are nothing for the coming threat."
"But... The prophecy... You sent the Golden Dragons that prophecy warning them about what was..."
"What prophecy?" Vrabazard narrowed his eyes at Yuuno. "I haven't spoken to them in over a thousand years. They asked for items to help them when Shabranigdo woke up, and then they turned on my other followers." He growled and the lava around them erupted upwards. "Just like Mazoku, they seek to control and dominate everything. And what they can't, they destroy."
Yuuno blinked as Vrabazard smirked at him. "Then again, you humans aren't any better. Just Mazoku with physical bodies."
"What?"
"Think about it... The reason humans can't use Holy magic... Is because they're too much like Mazoku. Why should we give you any of our power?" The Shinzoku started circling Yuuno slowly. "And that little girl with the Chaos power... It might be best for everyone if I just kill her now."
Yuuno's eyes widened as he heard that. "You... You wouldn't..."
"Why should you care?" Vrabazard narrowed his eyes. "It's not like she can do anything against Dark Star." He smirked more at Yuuno. "Oh yes, I know about Dark Star. I over-heard one of Vorfeed's followers explain things. But, that girl, she doesn't need to live, does she?" Seeing the look on Yuuno's face, he laughed. "HA! What's the matter? Getting upset? What good would that do? I'm a god, I'm far stronger than that Mazoku General that you messed up. Even if we Shinzoku and Mazoku are basically the same, there's no way that you can defeat me."
"So, I'm supposed to... JUST LET YOU KILL NANOHA?!"
"Oh, so that's her name, huh?" Vrabazard chuckled and snapped his fingers, the magic circle that appeared under Yuuno dissipating before it could fully form. "I suppose it wouldn't be too hard, humans are so squishy at your age."
Yuuno twitched, he tried to move, but found himself bound up by some invisible force.
"Don't bother." The Shinzoku shook his head. "That Ray Freeze is so much more potent than anything a Dragon could do that you really have no chance to do anything. And here, in my domain, Black magic is useless."
As he listened to the Shinzoku speak of how killing Nanoha would be for the good of the world, Yuuno did something that he had never done before.
He lost his temper.
"LEAVE HER ALONE!!" Yuuno screamed, his body glowing a bright red, causing the Ray Freeze scattering to the four winds as a huge pillar of fire erupted around Yuuno, before condensing into a ball of fire and lashing out at the Shinzoku.
The ball splashed against his body and he chuckled as he walked up to the boy, who fell to his knees and panted. His body was still glowing softly, his hair wafted in the winds. "Interesting... I was right to choose you."
"...What?" Yuuno looked at Vrabazard, who knelt down to look him in the eye. "But all those things you said..."
"I needed to force you to draw it out..." Vrabazard had a nearly evil look on his face. "Holy magic, it's not the same as Black, Dragonic or Shamanistic magic. And I needed to see if you could actually harness my power properly."
"Harness?" Yuuno looked at the Shinzoku in confusion as the energy dispelled from his body.
"Yes. Now, that was just one instance." He grabbed Yuuno and flew straight up. "For now, the only power that will work here, is my power." His eyes glowed as the rock that Yuuno was on before shattered and sank under the lava. "Now then... Use my power... And save yourself from death."
Yuuno's eyes were wide as he got the idea of what Vrabazard had planned. "But..."
"Just a little tip, human." Vrabazard growled out softly. "True Holy magic is different from all other forms of magic. You can't control it. True Holy magic is a force of nature." He let go of Yuuno. "You have until you hit the lava, boy."
Yuuno's eyes widened. "What... This..." He trembled as he found all his power shut off.
"I told you before, this is my realm, boy. No power but Holy and Chaos works here." Vrabazard's voice reached Yuuno as he fell, closer and closer to the lava.
Yuuno closed his eyes and concentrated. "Come on, come on!" He knew what he felt before, he just had to make it work again. The heat was starting to get to him as he felt his own clothes starting to burn. "Come on!"
Vrabazard shook his head. "Humans, always seeking to control everything." Oh well, maybe Valwin was right. Humans really weren't fit to have their power.
Yuuno clenched a fist tight. Why? Why wouldn't it work? The more he tried to force it, the more it wanted to get away from him.
"You can't control it. True Holy magic is a force of nature."
Suddenly Yuuno's eyes snapped open. "That's it!" He gasped, just before falling into the lava and sinking under it.
Vrabazard sighed as he saw Yuuno sink. "And here I thought you had a chance, kid." Oh well, one death wouldn't matter in the long run.
The Shinzoku floated back as the lava suddenly rose and spiraled into the air. "Well, I'm glad that I wasn't wrong about you, kid." He chuckled as Yuuno's body and eyes were flashing orange. He snapped his hands and the lava cooled enough that the two could stand on it. "How did you figure it out?"
"You said... It was like nature..." Yuuno panted and blinked as Vrabazard's eyes started glowing, a symbol of a Dragon's head appeared on his right hand, with a serpentine body crawling up his arm to his shoulder and down his back. "What?"
"My blessing. Even if you were on another one of the pillars, that symbol will allow you access to my power." Vrabazard chuckled at him. "True Holy magic... You don't control it, you direct it and work with it, otherwise it won't do what you want it to do."
Yuuno watched as Vrabazard faded away. "But, what am I supposed to..."
"You have my power now, kid, there's more to my power than just fire, lava and heat... Yuuno." He shrugged at the boy. "You'll figure it out."
Yuuno just sat there, blinking as the Shinzoku faded away. "More than just fire, lava and heat... True Holy..." His eyes widened. "Wait a second..." He floated up, before closing his eyes, the mark on his arm and back glowing orange, before he was covered in an orange glow. Opening his eyes, he shot off like a rocket. "WHOO HOO!" This was fun! He felt like he could actually do something instead of just being support now.
Spoiler for Notes:
Vrabazard looks like the Ruby Dragons from Final Fantasy 8 in his Dragon Form
__________________
My fics Due to certain things, I am not here, find me over on TFF.
"Where... Where am I?" Yuuno asked as he looked around. He was certain he was still on the continent, or at least the world. But where he was...
All around him was nothing but heat, fire and lava. The rock he was standing on was rather hot and uncomfortable to the touch. He stumbled back as the lava rose up, before parting and revealing a VERY large Dragon in front of him. Yuuno's eyes were wide as he gaped at the creature. 'Man, I wish I paid more attention to those video games that Arisa and Suzuka liked to play, it looks like that red Dragon that was blocking the way to the big black Dragon in that game.' He couldn't fight if he wanted to, his magic was spent and there was no bridge off of the round rock.
"Interesting." The Dragon leaned in and looked at him. "A mere human... To do that to a Mazoku." He, at least Yuuno thought it was a he, chuckled, before the large body disappeared and was replaced by a tall man with spiky red hair wearing a cloak and smirking at him. "I've never seen a human do that, at all." He shrugged before pointing a finger as Yuuno and snapping his fingers, causing Yuuno to gasp, his magic returned to him. "Too bad you didn't kill her, it might have been interesting."
Yuuno was having trouble breathing, for some reason, it felt like the heat in the area spiked when this man appeared. "You are..."
He shrugged at Yuuno. "Humans have long since forgotten my name. And even the Dragons aren't worth anything to me anymore." He snorted as Yuuno stared at him. "Considering that Valwin decided to hole himself up in that tower of wind of his and Rangort decided to hide in a cave, it's not surprising that you wouldn't know of me."
"...You're not a Dragon, are you?"
The man growled at Yuuno. "I only look like one out of respect to my master, Cephied! I am the Flare Dragon Lord! Fire Dragon King Vrabazard!"
Yuuno's eyes felt like they were about to burst out of his skull as the god announced who he was. "What... Why..?"
"You're interesting, or at least I thought you were." Vrabazard snorted at him. "But now I see... You just got lucky."
"What?"
Vrabazard smirked at him. "Little human, just so pathetic... You got lucky against that Mazoku, boy. You're completely useless. Then again, what should I expect? Humans are nothing for the coming threat."
"But... The prophecy... You sent the Golden Dragons that prophecy warning them about what was..."
"What prophecy?" Vrabazard narrowed his eyes at Yuuno. "I haven't spoken to them in over a thousand years. They asked for items to help them when Shabranigdo woke up, and then they turned on my other followers." He growled and the lava around them erupted upwards. "Just like Mazoku, they seek to control and dominate everything. And what they can't, they destroy."
Yuuno blinked as Vrabazard smirked at him. "Then again, you humans aren't any better. Just Mazoku with physical bodies."
"What?"
"Think about it... The reason humans can't use Holy magic... Is because they're too much like Mazoku. Why should we give you any of our power?" The Shinzoku started circling Yuuno slowly. "And that little girl with the Chaos power... It might be best for everyone if I just kill her now."
Yuuno's eyes widened as he heard that. "You... You wouldn't..."
"Why should you care?" Vrabazard narrowed his eyes. "It's not like she can do anything against Dark Star." He smirked more at Yuuno. "Oh yes, I know about Dark Star. I over-heard one of Vorfeed's followers explain things. But, that girl, she doesn't need to live, does she?" Seeing the look on Yuuno's face, he laughed. "HA! What's the matter? Getting upset? What good would that do? I'm a god, I'm far stronger than that Mazoku General that you messed up. Even if we Shinzoku and Mazoku are basically the same, there's no way that you can defeat me."
"So, I'm supposed to... JUST LET YOU KILL NANOHA?!"
"Oh, so that's her name, huh?" Vrabazard chuckled and snapped his fingers, the magic circle that appeared under Yuuno dissipating before it could fully form. "I suppose it wouldn't be too hard, humans are so squishy at your age."
Yuuno twitched, he tried to move, but found himself bound up by some invisible force.
"Don't bother." The Shinzoku shook his head. "That Ray Freeze is so much more potent than anything a Dragon could do that you really have no chance to do anything. And here, in my domain, Black magic is useless."
As he listened to the Shinzoku speak of how killing Nanoha would be for the good of the world, Yuuno did something that he had never done before.
He lost his temper.
"LEAVE HER ALONE!!" Yuuno screamed, his body glowing a bright red, causing the Ray Freeze scattering to the four winds as a huge pillar of fire erupted around Yuuno, before condensing into a ball of fire and lashing out at the Shinzoku.
The ball splashed against his body and he chuckled as he walked up to the boy, who fell to his knees and panted. His body was still glowing softly, his hair wafted in the winds. "Interesting... I was right to choose you."
"...What?" Yuuno looked at Vrabazard, who knelt down to look him in the eye. "But all those things you said..."
"I needed to force you to draw it out..." Vrabazard had a nearly evil look on his face. "Holy magic, it's not the same as Black, Dragonic or Shamanistic magic. And I needed to see if you could actually harness my power properly."
"Harness?" Yuuno looked at the Shinzoku in confusion as the energy dispelled from his body.
"Yes. Now, that was just one instance." He grabbed Yuuno and flew straight up. "For now, the only power that will work here, is my power." His eyes glowed as the rock that Yuuno was on before shattered and sank under the lava. "Now then... Use my power... And save yourself from death."
Yuuno's eyes were wide as he got the idea of what Vrabazard had planned. "But..."
"Just a little tip, human." Vrabazard growled out softly. "True Holy magic is different from all other forms of magic. You can't control it. True Holy magic is a force of nature." He let go of Yuuno. "You have until you hit the lava, boy."
Yuuno's eyes widened. "What... This..." He trembled as he found all his power shut off.
"I told you before, this is my realm, boy. No power but Holy and Chaos works here." Vrabazard's voice reached Yuuno as he fell, closer and closer to the lava.
Yuuno closed his eyes and concentrated. "Come on, come on!" He knew what he felt before, he just had to make it work again. The heat was starting to get to him as he felt his own clothes starting to burn. "Come on!"
Vrabazard shook his head. "Humans, always seeking to control everything." Oh well, maybe Valwin was right. Humans really weren't fit to have their power.
Yuuno clenched a fist tight. Why? Why wouldn't it work? The more he tried to force it, the more it wanted to get away from him.
"You can't control it. True Holy magic is a force of nature."
Suddenly Yuuno's eyes snapped open. "That's it!" He gasped, just before falling into the lava and sinking under it.
Vrabazard sighed as he saw Yuuno sink. "And here I thought you had a chance, kid." Oh well, one death wouldn't matter in the long run.
The Shinzoku floated back as the lava suddenly rose and spiraled into the air. "Well, I'm glad that I wasn't wrong about you, kid." He chuckled as Yuuno's body and eyes were flashing orange. He snapped his hands and the lava cooled enough that the two could stand on it. "How did you figure it out?"
"You said... It was like nature..." Yuuno panted and blinked as Vrabazard's eyes started glowing, a symbol of a Dragon's head appeared on his right hand, with a serpentine body crawling up his arm to his shoulder and down his back. "What?"
"My blessing. Even if you were on another one of the pillars, that symbol will allow you access to my power." Vrabazard chuckled at him. "True Holy magic... You don't control it, you direct it and work with it, otherwise it won't do what you want it to do."
Yuuno watched as Vrabazard faded away. "But, what am I supposed to..."
"You have my power now, kid, there's more to my power than just fire, lava and heat... Yuuno." He shrugged at the boy. "You'll figure it out."
Yuuno just sat there, blinking as the Shinzoku faded away. "More than just fire, lava and heat... True Holy..." His eyes widened. "Wait a second..." He floated up, before closing his eyes, the mark on his arm and back glowing orange, before he was covered in an orange glow. Opening his eyes, he shot off like a rocket. "WHOO HOO!" This was fun! He felt like he could actually do something instead of just being support now.
Spoiler for Notes:
Vrabazard looks like the Ruby Dragons from Final Fantasy 8 in his Dragon Form
Mazoku already have hard time fighting with Lina and Co, but after upgrade... On other hand, Mazoku can be pretty dangerous when they really pissed off.
So, random short time ahoy! Haven't done one of these in awhile, and I can't focus on studying to save my life at the moment. Shadowverse short, set pre-Miranda death, and it's actually a semi short little fic; probably only two or three parts at the most.
Spoiler for Stray:
In general, Miranda Creed didn’t consider herself an animal person. Growing up in an orphanage, she figured, would do that to a person; certainly, the building had had its share of cats to handle mice and other small rodents that tried to sneak in during the winter, but as a rule of thumb it was considered best to avoid the hunting toms, instead of trying to befriend them. So cats had never been much of an option to her. She’d interacted with her fair share of dogs over the years as well, but nothing had ever touched her in any particular way about the animal, and so she saw no reason to become attached to one.
Simply put, Miranda hadn’t grown up with animals, and largely ignored animals. She had never considered it a serious problem, compared to other things.
Unfortunately, now she kind of was.
“Alphine, where did you get that cat?”
The fifteen-year-old girl blinked, glancing up at her mentor; leaning back against the headboard of one of the beds in the motel room, the summoner was absently stroking the back of a fluffy white kitten, the small animal purring contentedly, its tail wrapped tightly around its body.
“Um….” The younger Shadow seemed to fish for a decent excuse before she gave up. “Well, when we completed the mission and left headquarters, it was raining, and I saw him huddled up in some boxes off to the side…” She shrugged, moving her hand up to scratch the kitten behind the ears.
You’re too sweet for your own good, kid.
Frowning slightly, Miranda crossed her arms over her chest. How had she failed to notice the animal until now? Certainly, it had been dark outside, and raining rather hard, and they’d been in a rush to leave the main home of the rebel faction challenging the TSAB control on this planet, so it wasn’t like she’d had a moment to notice or hear any cat. From a hiding perspective, it was possible Lutecia had simply tucked the kitten into her jacket, or under her arm; keeping him hidden and silent would have been simple.
“Um… Miranda?”
Snapped out of her thoughts, the black-haired woman shook her head. “Sorry. I was just wondering how ya managed to sneak ‘im in…” Wait. “Alphine, how do you it’s a male?”
Another shrug was her reply. “I haven’t checked. It feels weird to call him ‘it’, though.”
…
They would need to have a long, long talk about attachment issues when they were safely back in NSIS headquarters. Miranda wasn’t looking forward to it.
For a moment, the only sound in the room was the soft, steady rumble of the kitten’s purr; clearly, it was enjoying the attention it was getting from Lutecia. Biting back a grumble, Miranda crossed the room and sat down on her own bed. “I never took ya for a cat person,” she said, a way of starting the conversation.
Lutecia shook her head. “I don’t know what kind of person I am,” she admitted sheepishly, blinking when the kitten rolled over onto its back and lifted its paws, batting at her fingers. “I just thought, he was wet and cold. He shouldn’t have to be stuck out there.”
Of course, now the question was what to do with him; Miranda pushed it back for the time being. “You like animals?”
The summoner seemed to think about it, lightly tickling the kitten’s belly. “I don’t hate them,” she said at last. She paused before she spoke again. “You know Garyuu, right?”
“Yep.” Who couldn’t know Garyuu? Only two years as a Shadow, and already the girl’s summon was developing a legend of his own as her fiercest, most loyal protector.
“I raised him from scratch.” Lutecia opened her palm, and the kitten’s paw pressed against her skin gently. “He was about this small when I first summoned him. I guess I have a weakness for seeing little things left alone in the cold.”
The older woman blinked. Well… that had been unexpected. While not secretive, Lutecia had never mentioned much about her past prior to becoming a Shadow. Certainly, Miranda knew her partner’s past, but she only knew the bare bones; she only knew the simple facts that everyone else knew. After two years of working with the girl, she had resigned herself to the fact that Lutecia would never talk about it.
It certainly goes a long way in explaining Garyuu’s intelligence and loyalty, though…
Catching hold of that thought before it wandered too far, Miranda finally decided to address the most pressing matter they currently had at hand. “So,” she said, drumming her fingers lightly against her knee, “what are we goin’ to do with ‘im?”
Lutecia blinked. Honestly, she hadn’t thought that far. “Do with him?”
“Alphine, we’re flying back home tomorrow morning. They won’t let him by security unless one of us claims him as ours, and I doubt your mom would appreciate you coming home from your mission with a kitten.”
The younger girl cringed. Oh, yes, she hadn’t thought that far. “I… I was thinking maybe I could just sneak him through.”
“More trouble than it’s worth.” Miranda flopped back against her pillows, mimicking her partner’s relaxed appearance. “And you can’t go back out into that storm to try and find someone on the planet to take him; we need to lie low until we get home.”
Lutecia grimaced, slumping a little. As if sensing her distress, the kitten mewled softly and rolled over again, gently nudging her hand with its nose. It nudged its way gently under her fingers, rubbing against her, and purred. The purple-haired girl lightly patted its head before getting off the bed, setting it down.
Miranda perked up. “Where are you going?”
“To get him some water. I can just fill a plastic cup up and give it to him. He’ll get thirsty.”
And with that, she disappeared into the bathroom. The door closed, and Miranda heard the sound of running water.
Blissfully unaware of its predicament, the kitten once more rolled over onto its back, flopping its legs over. Opening golden eyes, it peered at Miranda upside down.
Dammit. She was starting to see why the kid had taken pity on the animal.
Miranda sighed, shaking her head. “You know,” she murmured, “you’re making it very difficult for me to convince her to just leave you outside.”
“Mew.”
Spoiler for Ramblings:
If my comments on Garyuu's backstory/development contradict anything established already in canon, such as the sound stages, I'd really appreciate knowing so I can go back and edit it as needed. Otherwise, what I wrote about his backstory is mostly my own theory about how Lutecia got him, based off the fact that Caro raised Fried from an egg.
So, random short time ahoy! Haven't done one of these in awhile, and I can't focus on studying to save my life at the moment. Shadowverse short, set pre-Miranda death, and it's actually a semi short little fic; probably only two or three parts at the most.
Spoiler for Stray:
In general, Miranda Creed didn’t consider herself an animal person. Growing up in an orphanage, she figured, would do that to a person; certainly, the building had had its share of cats to handle mice and other small rodents that tried to sneak in during the winter, but as a rule of thumb it was considered best to avoid the hunting toms, instead of trying to befriend them. So cats had never been much of an option to her. She’d interacted with her fair share of dogs over the years as well, but nothing had ever touched her in any particular way about the animal, and so she saw no reason to become attached to one.
Simply put, Miranda hadn’t grown up with animals, and largely ignored animals. She had never considered it a serious problem, compared to other things.
Unfortunately, now she kind of was.
“Alphine, where did you get that cat?”
The fifteen-year-old girl blinked, glancing up at her mentor; leaning back against the headboard of one of the beds in the motel room, the summoner was absently stroking the back of a fluffy white kitten, the small animal purring contentedly, its tail wrapped tightly around its body.
“Um….” The younger Shadow seemed to fish for a decent excuse before she gave up. “Well, when we completed the mission and left headquarters, it was raining, and I saw him huddled up in some boxes off to the side…” She shrugged, moving her hand up to scratch the kitten behind the ears.
You’re too sweet for your own good, kid.
Frowning slightly, Miranda crossed her arms over her chest. How had she failed to notice the animal until now? Certainly, it had been dark outside, and raining rather hard, and they’d been in a rush to leave the main home of the rebel faction challenging the TSAB control on this planet, so it wasn’t like she’d had a moment to notice or hear any cat. From a hiding perspective, it was possible Lutecia had simply tucked the kitten into her jacket, or under her arm; keeping him hidden and silent would have been simple.
“Um… Miranda?”
Snapped out of her thoughts, the black-haired woman shook her head. “Sorry. I was just wondering how ya managed to sneak ‘im in…” Wait. “Alphine, how do you it’s a male?”
Another shrug was her reply. “I haven’t checked. It feels weird to call him ‘it’, though.”
…
They would need to have a long, long talk about attachment issues when they were safely back in NSIS headquarters. Miranda wasn’t looking forward to it.
For a moment, the only sound in the room was the soft, steady rumble of the kitten’s purr; clearly, it was enjoying the attention it was getting from Lutecia. Biting back a grumble, Miranda crossed the room and sat down on her own bed. “I never took ya for a cat person,” she said, a way of starting the conversation.
Lutecia shook her head. “I don’t know what kind of person I am,” she admitted sheepishly, blinking when the kitten rolled over onto its back and lifted its paws, batting at her fingers. “I just thought, he was wet and cold. He shouldn’t have to be stuck out there.”
Of course, now the question was what to do with him; Miranda pushed it back for the time being. “You like animals?”
The summoner seemed to think about it, lightly tickling the kitten’s belly. “I don’t hate them,” she said at last. She paused before she spoke again. “You know Garyuu, right?”
“Yep.” Who couldn’t know Garyuu? Only two years as a Shadow, and already the girl’s summon was developing a legend of his own as her fiercest, most loyal protector.
“I raised him from scratch.” Lutecia opened her palm, and the kitten’s paw pressed against her skin gently. “He was about this small when I first summoned him. I guess I have a weakness for seeing little things left alone in the cold.”
The older woman blinked. Well… that had been unexpected. While not secretive, Lutecia had never mentioned much about her past prior to becoming a Shadow. Certainly, Miranda knew her partner’s past, but she only knew the bare bones; she only knew the simple facts that everyone else knew. After two years of working with the girl, she had resigned herself to the fact that Lutecia would never talk about it.
It certainly goes a long way in explaining Garyuu’s intelligence and loyalty, though…
Catching hold of that thought before it wandered too far, Miranda finally decided to address the most pressing matter they currently had at hand. “So,” she said, drumming her fingers lightly against her knee, “what are we goin’ to do with ‘im?”
Lutecia blinked. Honestly, she hadn’t thought that far. “Do with him?”
“Alphine, we’re flying back home tomorrow morning. They won’t let him by security unless one of us claims him as ours, and I doubt your mom would appreciate you coming home from your mission with a kitten.”
The younger girl cringed. Oh, yes, she hadn’t thought that far. “I… I was thinking maybe I could just sneak him through.”
“More trouble than it’s worth.” Miranda flopped back against her pillows, mimicking her partner’s relaxed appearance. “And you can’t go back out into that storm to try and find someone on the planet to take him; we need to lie low until we get home.”
Lutecia grimaced, slumping a little. As if sensing her distress, the kitten mewled softly and rolled over again, gently nudging her hand with its nose. It nudged its way gently under her fingers, rubbing against her, and purred. The purple-haired girl lightly patted its head before getting off the bed, setting it down.
Miranda perked up. “Where are you going?”
“To get him some water. I can just fill a plastic cup up and give it to him. He’ll get thirsty.”
And with that, she disappeared into the bathroom. The door closed, and Miranda heard the sound of running water.
Blissfully unaware of its predicament, the kitten once more rolled over onto its back, flopping its legs over. Opening golden eyes, it peered at Miranda upside down.
Dammit. She was starting to see why the kid had taken pity on the animal.
Miranda sighed, shaking her head. “You know,” she murmured, “you’re making it very difficult for me to convince her to just leave you outside.”
“Mew.”
D'awwww, cute short is cute! (Though, seriously, did you look ahead and time to read my e-mail to you before I wrote it or something, to have posted this? All my friends seem to be able to read my mind in the future! ) Offhand, why would Megane object to a kitten? I mean, they have to be less trouble around the house than assorted giant bugs were back on Mau Gram!
...I don't know why, but I always forget that Miranda has an accent between her appearances.
Quote:
Spoiler for Ramblings:
If my comments on Garyuu's backstory/development contradict anything established already in canon, such as the sound stages, I'd really appreciate knowing so I can go back and edit it as needed. Otherwise, what I wrote about his backstory is mostly my own theory about how Lutecia got him, based off the fact that Caro raised Fried from an egg.
I'm not aware of anything on the backstory of Lulu's summons getting revealed in the Sound Stages or manga. Maybe something in the DVD booklets? And now you have planted this image in my head of five-year-old Lutecia with something not unlike Silkie from Teen Titans...that grows up into Hakutenou.
Sein: But he was such a cute little caterpillar. What happened?
Cinque: I told you he didn't need any of the Doctor's age-enhancement therapy, Wendi. That's for developing clones only.
Wendi: Um...well...er...
Offhand, why would Megane object to a kitten? I mean, they have to be less trouble around the house than assorted giant bugs were back on Mau Gram!
Because I have plans for the cat that depend on him not being taken in by Megane. Otherwise I'd have to consider going back through some of my works to reference a sleek white cat wandering around the apartment, unless he hides a lot.
Quote:
...I don't know why, but I always forget that Miranda has an accent between her appearances.
One of her more annoying character traits, I admit. I don't know what I was thinking when I slapped an accent on her, it's a pain in the ass to keep it consistent.
Quote:
And now you have planted this image in my head of five-year-old Lutecia with something not unlike Silkie from Teen Titans...that grows up into Hakutenou.
"Master." She bowed as she looked at her master, who had short black hair and was wearing a black pair of pants, black boots and a black button-up jacket.
If one didn't know who he was, they'd say he was royalty. Especially with the fancy white cloak that hung off of his shoulders.
"Ah, Sherra." Dynast smiled at his General. "You're back early." Honestly, he had expected her little... Unscheduled sortie to take longer than it had.
"Plans have changed, master. There is a new wrinkle in your plans."
He raised an eyebrow at that information. "Just what would... Wrinkle my plans?"
"Vrabazard has returned."
Dynast's eyes widened just slightly. The last time one of the Dragon Lords got involved, it had taken down Gaav and a piece of Shabranigdo with it. And now, with Hellmaster and Gaav dead and the Demon King of the North frozen forever, or at least until the remaining pieces of Shabranigdo came together...
"Explain, Sherra."
She nodded slightly. "I never saw it, myself, but Riksfalto, Dolphin's General, was fighting four humans at the same time. She nearly suffered defeat by them, but before she left, the Dragon King, Vrabazard showed up and took one of the humans she was fighting to wherever he is."
Dynast frowned softly. "Why would he do that..?"
"He may be the next great Sage." Sherra supplied for Dynast.
"No, I doubt that." Dynast shook his head as he stood up and walked to Sherra. "I honestly think..." He chuckled at her confused look when she looked up at him. "I honestly think that he's not the last great Sage, but he's good if he caught Vrabazard's attention."
"Master?" She blinked as he started laughing. "Should we step up our plans?"
He shook his head. "No, not yet. In fact, if things go well enough, we won't need to use that one for now."
Sherra blinked and grinned as Dynast told her of his plan. "That... Is perfect, master."
"Of course." Dynast Grausherra chuckled as his General disappeared. He looked around, before shrugging. As much as he loved his frozen hell, he needed to be somewhere else. A moment later, he was gone as well.
After all, how else was he supposed to forward his plans, unless he was there making them work.
(---)
Lina frowned as she looked at the multiple screens in front of her. "So, Yuuno disappeared in a pillar of fire then?"
Chrono nodded, ignoring the way that Shiro and Gourry kept complaining about having nothing that could hold that new sword in a sheath. "Yes. Right afterwords, the Mazoku we were fighting mentioned something and disappeared as well."
Nanoha, on her screen, looked worried as she heard that information. "Miss Lindy, are you sure you can't get us?"
The largest screen had Lindy on it, who nodded, looking concerned. "As it is, some sort of energy is surrounding the areas that you're all in. The best we can do is send you a map of where you're at and allow you to make plans to meet up again."
"Only for a bit." Mary's face popped up on the screen, startling most of the people. "We're working on breaking down the energy patterns. We should be able to get around this energy in a few days."
Lina sighed as a map popped up. "Alright, looks like we're pretty far south."
"Hey, mom." Nanoha looked at her mother. "Why don't you just teleport around?"
Lina leaned back and pursed her lips, honestly, she probably should teleport them. "Alright... Zel, Sylphiel, get close to me, we're going to meet up with Gourry, Shiro and Chrono first." She looked at her friends, who nodded at her. When they touched her shoulders, she looked at where Chrono was, before disappearing in a flash of black and gold.
(---)
"Wow!" Gourry blinked as he saw Lina appear in a small lake. "Um, was it supposed to happen like that?"
Lina shook her head, getting the water clear as she looked at her friends. "No, not really." She smiled as Gourry pulled her up. She grimaced and grabbed her head. "Ugh... I'm going to be sick."
"Dear?" Shiro looked at her in concern as Lina shook her head.
"I'm fine, but anyway, what's with that sword?"
"I'm not sure," Shiro admitted ruefully, "I think she called it the Blast Sword or something..."
"The Blast Sword?" Zelgadis gasped as he looked at it. "The legendary blade so sharp that it can cut anything, including the astral bodies of Mazoku?"
He shrugged as he looked at it. "I guess, I can't sheath it at all and that Mazoku seemed like she was in pain when this cut into her."
Lina tapped her chin as she looked at it. "Huh, you know... If we had some sort of subspace pocket to put it in, or just a bunch of magnets, we could probably sheath it that way."
(---)
The Supreme Elder looked at his leg, it had long since healed, but he didn't feel any satisfaction from it. "Now what will happen?"
"You could just sit this conflict out."
The Supreme Elder's eyes widened as he heard that female voice. Spinning, he stared at the blue-haired woman from before. "Mazoku!" He hissed at her as he backed up slowly. He wasn't sure how powerful she was. but she looked perfectly human, so he was certain that she was high ranking.
Sherra smirked at him as she twirled her sword in her hand idly. "Why, yes I am. Sherra, General to Lord Dynast." She gave him a bored look as he grabbed a golden spear. "What are you going to do with that?"
"Deal with scum like you!" A white ball appeared at the end of the staff. "Chaotic Disintegrate." The powerful Dragonic spell lashed out at the Mazoku, who laughed at him, before the spell flickered and vanished. "Impossible!"
"Really, old man." The Dragon's eyes widened as a very malevolent entity entered the room. He turned his head slowly as he saw a short-haired man come into view. "You're a prideful Dragon, but utterly idiotic." Dynast shook his head as he walked up to the Dragon, slowly. "Look at you, Supreme Elder under Vrabazard... But we both know the truth, don't we? You have no power anymore."
"Lord Dynast." Sherra gasped as she saw her lord. "I... Didn't think you'd come here."
He waved her down and smirked at the Dragon, who was trembling. "Your spear there... Completely powerless, just like you, like this temple. Nothing but a dull echo of power that feels just like Ragradia's power after the barrier went up."
The old man started laughing and Dynast looked at him with idle curiosity. "Even with that barrier, all five lords, your master and the Dragon Slayer, the best you could do was barely kill Ragradia, leaving your lord frozen in ice forever."
Dynast shook his head. "Even with your boasts, your power is far weaker than what you had back in the day." He smirked at the old man as anger washed out from the older Dragon. "It's even worse for you, I have information that a mere human has gotten Vrabazard's attention."
"What?" The old Dragon's eyes widened and he wondered why no one had come to look in and see if he was alright.
"Oh, don't worry about your back-up." Dynast smirked at him. "A strong compulsion spell will keep anyone from interrupting us."
The Supreme Elder glared at Dynast. "Go ahead, kill me then."
"Kill you?" Dynast looked surprised at that suggestion. "Why should I kill someone who obviously deserves better?"
"What?"
Dynast slowly started walking around the Supreme Elder. "Think about it. Your god abandoned you, simply because you knew, you knew that the Ancient Dragons had a weapon that would tip the war in the favor of the gods. But they wouldn't turn it over to you." He shrugged while shaking his head. "You weren't in the wrong, they were. To hold back something so powerful. With it, you would have decimated our forces back then."
Dynast chuckled and flicked his wrist, causing the spear that the old man held to fly towards the Mazoku, who grabbed it with ease. "An impressive weapon, but no power anymore. Your power, that you so rightfully deserve, was stripped from you."
The Supreme Elder gasped as the golden spear started glowing with dark purple energy. "What?"
"I can give you the power that you lost..." Dynast looked at him cooly. "Return your tribe to their former glory."
"By turning us into Mazoku?" The old Dragon sneered and Dynast shook his head.
"Why would I do that?" Dynast asked the Dragon. "You're strong enough as you are, just lacking the power you need. And I have no need for more direct servants. No... By turning you into a Mazoku, it would weaken you." He casually ran his hand up and down the staff and the energy solidified over it. "However, were you to... Work for me, under my General's direction, you'll have access to all Black Magic spells that exist." A slow grin came to his face. "Including the Dragon Slave and the Ruby-Eye Blade."
"Why would I even bother to do that?"
Dynast shrugged at the Dragon. "Your youth could be returned to you, the power that your god took away from you, I would gladly grant you."
The Dragon glared at the Mazoku Lord. "You would grant me power? You make me sick."
"Fine, don't take my offer." Dynast spun the spear in his hand idly. "But remain the weakened "protectors" of this world. I guess doing anything to protect this world is just idle comments from you and your people anyway."
The old Dragon twitched as he looked at the Mazoku Lord. Everything he said was true. "...What... What would..." He closed his eyes, "forgive me, ancestors, what would you have me do?"
Dynast raised an eyebrow. "Have you do...What?"
The Dragon knelt down, bowing his head. "What would you have your humble servant do to save this world?"
__________________
My fics Due to certain things, I am not here, find me over on TFF.
Nanoha frowned as Valgaav rushed down at her. "Fate-chan, I'll deal with him, help Filia-san and Amelia-san with those things."
Fate nodded as she flew into the fray.
"Visfarank!" Amelia yelled as her hands glowed with power, before she started punching the various Demons. "Using humans as Demon slaves? I, Amelia Wil Tesla Seiryuun, will not stand for such injustice! In the name of all that is good and just in this world, I shall punish you!" She pointed at Valgaav, who was ignoring her as he held an open palm at Nanoha, firing a powerful magic blast at the young girl.
"Miss Amelia." Fate said softly as she cleaved a Demon in twain with her Zambar, which was now red in color, "we need to concentrate on these creatures."
"Don't worry about Nanoha." Arf yelled as she used binds to tie up more of the Demons. "She can make miracles happen."
Fate smiled softly and nodded. "Yes, she can."
"Flame Bless!" Filia yelled as she set a group of four on fire. "There's so many of them!"
"Then we need to speed this up!" Arf growled, these things were starting to move faster. "How can they!" She gasped as the ones who had been taken out suddenly got back up, looking as though they weren't hurt. In fact, if anything, they seemed to be gaining flesh.
Fate frowned as she slashed down more of the demon-like humans.
"Ra Tilt!"
"Chaotic Disintegrate!"
The spells fired from Amelia and Filia shrouded the arena in white.
"Fate!" Arf growled and looked at her master. "Let's try that out!"
"You sure?" Fate asked, and Arf nodded. "Alright!" She closed her eyes and jumped up, before landing on Arf's back as the wolf started running at a high speed towards the rest of the demon-creatures.
Fate held Bardiche Zambar behind her as it started glowing red with power. She grit her teeth as she swung her weapon forward, slamming into some of the demons and moving them off of their feet in a circular sweeping motion, over and over again, before the creatures were launched into the air, spinning around and around. "Dragon Zambar SLAVE!" Fate yelled, firing an extremely potent Dragon Slave into the funnel, which exploded as the enemies collided with the spell.
(---)
Meanwhile, as that fight was going on, another fight was happening.
Nanoha gasped as his power nearly punched through her barrier. "So strong."
"We can defeat him, if we remain calm."
Nanoha nodded and took aim at him. "Axel Bolt!"
Valgaav's eyes widened as several pink beams, all crackling with lightning shot out from the tip of that spear and straight at him. "What the?" He didn't know what they were, but he didn't care, using Ragudo Mezagis, he slashed through the spell before swinging his weapon down at Nanoha and crashing into her barrier. "So, that weird shield again. Can you really stand up to the lance that pierces?!"
Nanoha's eyes widened as the weapon seemed to respond to that and its power increased, the edge became serrated, before easily slashing through her barrier and cutting into her jacket somewhat, before she was launched to the ground at high speeds. "What?"
Valgaav sneered at her. "Don't you know? Each weapon of light has a basic power, when you call forth the light, and it's true power, when you call it's purpose out. Gorun Nova, the sword that slashes, Ragudo Mezagis, the spear that pierces all, Nezzard, the claw that gouges, Bodigar, the axe that bashes, and Galveira, the arrow that flies. When you call forth their power like that, they're far more dangerous than they are normally." Gripping his weapon, he let loose a scream, even as the area below him was engulfed in white energy. "I'll kill you, and your mother can learn the pain I felt when my master was killed by her!"
"Raising Heart."
"Excellion Buster. Barrel shot."
Valgaav's eyes widened as a near-invisible power washed over him, freezing his body in place. "What?" He growled as his Mazoku power started to flood his body, before a giant pink beam of energy rushed forward and slammed into him, sending him flying backwards, before it exploded.
The pink light contrasted the red ball quite nicely.
"Good job, Raising Heart." Nanoha smiled at her device.
"No problem."
Nanoha smiled as she saw the others. "That was..."
"YOU BITCH!" Everyone looked up and gasped as they saw Valgaav, only his look had changed. He now was sporting feather-like black wings on his back, his arms were covered in the same colored scales and his hands were clawed as he glared at her. His body was smoldering from that last attack. "I'll KILL YOU!" Swinging his weapon, a wave of power crashed down on the group, sending them to their knees. "DIE!" His eyes were glowing with power as he rushed towards Nanoha.
Nanoha looked up and grit her teeth. She didn't know what she could do, she had to do something, but what?
"Call me, Assault Mode, Master."
Nanoha blinked as she looked at Raising Heart. "What?"
"Call me, my master."
Valgaav held Ragudo Mezagis above his head. "Now... DIE!"
Valgaav grunted as she was shielded with light that assaulted his physical and astral senses. "WHAT THE HELL?!"
Nanoha gasped as Raising Heart broke apart a bit, the red gem floating to her chest as the head actually increased in size. She wondered what was going on when her staff started to unravel on her, leaving her without anything.
She looked up as the tip of Raising Heart split apart, becoming an "x" shape that came to a rest on her shoulders, latching down to form a protective barrier on her chest. Looking down, she could see metal bands go from the side of her hips upwards until the "x" met right where the gem of Raising Heart was. The gem was then half-covered in the metal that made up the spear head of Excellion Mode.
Her eyes widened as she felt the sides of Excellion Mode strap themselves to her back. The spear edges became wings on her back that pointed downwards. She gasped as she felt her feet, hands, arms and legs get wrapped up in a familiar feeling metal. "The shaft..." So that was why it broke apart like it did.
The metal bands went from her fingers and toes up to her shoulders, where her puffy shoulders were covered in metal. She gasped as her neck was wrapped up as well, before the metal went up the sides of her head, covering her ears, a pink-tinted visor then covered her face. Looking down, she saw that her right wrist gained a flat surface, before a magical chain formed on it, spiraling around the center, before a jagged point stuck out, facing towards her finger tips, before it was covered in a dome-like cover. It looked like some sort of grappling hook. Her eyes widened as she felt wheels form under her feet, as well as the cartridge system forming on the outsides of her legs.
Her left arm gained a rather large cannon. Well, large for her anyway. It seemed connected to her arm, starting at the elbow, the back of it was a box that seemed to have a power cell or something, the barrel of the cannon went so far forward that if she lowered her hand down, it would reach below her feet. A bar extended out for her hand to grab, which she did, and a button, right where her thumb could touch, was there.
"What the?" Nanoha blinked as she looked at herself.
Valgaav shook his head. "I don't know what you're trying, but this won't help you!" He swung Ragudo Mezagis at Nanoha's head.
"Protection Enhanced." Raising Heart and Nanoha said at the same time, as a pink wall appeared between Nanoha and Valgaav, the weapon of light stopping cold in its tracks.
"WHAT?!" He couldn't believe this, the power was at maximum, he was using his real power, he couldn't feel any give to her new armored form.
"Divine..." Nanoha said softly as a pink ball appeared at the tip of the cannon. "...No..." Nanoha shook her head. "Supreme... Buster!" Nanoha yelled as a buster beam, far stronger than even Excellion Buster, lashed out, point blank range, and sent Valgaav flying back, screaming as he was bombarded with Holy magic.
"Nanoha?" Fate gasped as she saw her friend, before blinking owlishly. "...I have got to get me one of those?"
"What's going on?" Nanoha asked as an image of Mary popped up in her view screen.
"Ah, I see you activated it. If you're wondering, the cannon is a weapon that can help you channel any of your strongest spells without any problem to your body at all."
"Um, you're not making sense."
"Sorry, it's a mode to help you use your power properly. Raising Heart asked for a mode so you can use that Chaos power of yours." Nanoha gasped slightly, even as Raising Heart, on her chest, pulsed softly. "As you are, you're only slightly stronger than you were before. Concentrate, and let loose the real power."
"You..." Valgaav growled as he got to his feet, his wings stood out as he looked at her, pissed. Blood dripped from his lips. "I'll KILL YOU!"
Nanoha closed her eyes and concentrated. "Let's go... Raising Heart..."
"Chaos enhance."
Valgaav flew forward, ignoring the way that Nanoha's body glowed golden, even as she looked at him with black and gold eyes.
"Use the whip to fight him in melee, Nanoha." Mary's image spoke up as the chain suddenly glowed pink and with Nanoha's swings, not only blocked Valgaav's attacks, but pushed him back into the air as she swung upwards, the shock wave of power was enough to cause the others on the ground to have to cover their faces to keep the dirt out of their eyes.
"Listen Nanoha, one last piece of information. You can only maintain that mode for five minutes at most. Any longer and one of three things will happen. One, you'll go berserk again. Two, Raising Heart will be destroyed. Or three, you could die. All of those are bad things, so keep this in mind."
Nanoha nodded. "Alright." She said softly, her voice was the same as it had been when she was crazy before.
Looking up, Nanoha took to the skies after Valgaav and the fight quickly became a duel of pink energy lancing out against white energy, with various technicolored beams of energy thrown in as well.
"HOW!?!" Valgaav yelled as he took a gold-laced Divine Buster to the side of his body. "How is she so strong!?" His body was smoldering with energy from the various near misses. His skin was crawling just from the feel of the aura of that girl.
"By combining my master's power with my own, our ability is many times more powerful than before."
Valgaav panted and looked at the others, before pointing at Filia. "You... Worthless Gold Dragon, your kind... I curse you... For the unjust murder of my people a thousand years ago!" He snarled at her surprised look. Looking at Nanoha, he narrowed his eyes. "We'll meet again." He growled and disappeared.
"Raising Heart..." Nanoha whimpered, time was almost up. "How do we..?"
"Chaos purge."
Nanoha's eyes widened as the wings on her back seemed to rise up and a golden energy washed over the field, returning her to normal, before Raising Heart returned to Excellion mode. "Is everyone okay?"
Fate blinked and nodded as she looked at the others. "Weird, that didn't hurt."
"It was just energy, sir, the Chaos power was shot straight up where it dispelled."
Fate nodded and smiled at Bardiche. "Thank you." She then walked up to Nanoha and gave her a wry smile. "So... Where can I get one of these modes?"
"Nyahahahah..." Nanoha giggled and stuck her tongue out.
Heh... okay, I've got a ways to go, but I'm liking where this is going. I've got no problems with seeing Nanoha go Hyper Chaos Mode on Valgaav. I mean sure, his people got genocided. He doesn't need to keep whining about it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by RadiantBeam
So, random short time ahoy! Haven't done one of these in awhile, and I can't focus on studying to save my life at the moment. Shadowverse short, set pre-Miranda death, and it's actually a semi short little fic; probably only two or three parts at the most.
Spoiler for Stray:
In general, Miranda Creed didn’t consider herself an animal person. Growing up in an orphanage, she figured, would do that to a person; certainly, the building had had its share of cats to handle mice and other small rodents that tried to sneak in during the winter, but as a rule of thumb it was considered best to avoid the hunting toms, instead of trying to befriend them. So cats had never been much of an option to her. She’d interacted with her fair share of dogs over the years as well, but nothing had ever touched her in any particular way about the animal, and so she saw no reason to become attached to one.
Simply put, Miranda hadn’t grown up with animals, and largely ignored animals. She had never considered it a serious problem, compared to other things.
Unfortunately, now she kind of was.
“Alphine, where did you get that cat?”
The fifteen-year-old girl blinked, glancing up at her mentor; leaning back against the headboard of one of the beds in the motel room, the summoner was absently stroking the back of a fluffy white kitten, the small animal purring contentedly, its tail wrapped tightly around its body.
“Um….” The younger Shadow seemed to fish for a decent excuse before she gave up. “Well, when we completed the mission and left headquarters, it was raining, and I saw him huddled up in some boxes off to the side…” She shrugged, moving her hand up to scratch the kitten behind the ears.
You’re too sweet for your own good, kid.
Frowning slightly, Miranda crossed her arms over her chest. How had she failed to notice the animal until now? Certainly, it had been dark outside, and raining rather hard, and they’d been in a rush to leave the main home of the rebel faction challenging the TSAB control on this planet, so it wasn’t like she’d had a moment to notice or hear any cat. From a hiding perspective, it was possible Lutecia had simply tucked the kitten into her jacket, or under her arm; keeping him hidden and silent would have been simple.
“Um… Miranda?”
Snapped out of her thoughts, the black-haired woman shook her head. “Sorry. I was just wondering how ya managed to sneak ‘im in…” Wait. “Alphine, how do you it’s a male?”
Another shrug was her reply. “I haven’t checked. It feels weird to call him ‘it’, though.”
…
They would need to have a long, long talk about attachment issues when they were safely back in NSIS headquarters. Miranda wasn’t looking forward to it.
For a moment, the only sound in the room was the soft, steady rumble of the kitten’s purr; clearly, it was enjoying the attention it was getting from Lutecia. Biting back a grumble, Miranda crossed the room and sat down on her own bed. “I never took ya for a cat person,” she said, a way of starting the conversation.
Lutecia shook her head. “I don’t know what kind of person I am,” she admitted sheepishly, blinking when the kitten rolled over onto its back and lifted its paws, batting at her fingers. “I just thought, he was wet and cold. He shouldn’t have to be stuck out there.”
Of course, now the question was what to do with him; Miranda pushed it back for the time being. “You like animals?”
The summoner seemed to think about it, lightly tickling the kitten’s belly. “I don’t hate them,” she said at last. She paused before she spoke again. “You know Garyuu, right?”
“Yep.” Who couldn’t know Garyuu? Only two years as a Shadow, and already the girl’s summon was developing a legend of his own as her fiercest, most loyal protector.
“I raised him from scratch.” Lutecia opened her palm, and the kitten’s paw pressed against her skin gently. “He was about this small when I first summoned him. I guess I have a weakness for seeing little things left alone in the cold.”
The older woman blinked. Well… that had been unexpected. While not secretive, Lutecia had never mentioned much about her past prior to becoming a Shadow. Certainly, Miranda knew her partner’s past, but she only knew the bare bones; she only knew the simple facts that everyone else knew. After two years of working with the girl, she had resigned herself to the fact that Lutecia would never talk about it.
It certainly goes a long way in explaining Garyuu’s intelligence and loyalty, though…
Catching hold of that thought before it wandered too far, Miranda finally decided to address the most pressing matter they currently had at hand. “So,” she said, drumming her fingers lightly against her knee, “what are we goin’ to do with ‘im?”
Lutecia blinked. Honestly, she hadn’t thought that far. “Do with him?”
“Alphine, we’re flying back home tomorrow morning. They won’t let him by security unless one of us claims him as ours, and I doubt your mom would appreciate you coming home from your mission with a kitten.”
The younger girl cringed. Oh, yes, she hadn’t thought that far. “I… I was thinking maybe I could just sneak him through.”
“More trouble than it’s worth.” Miranda flopped back against her pillows, mimicking her partner’s relaxed appearance. “And you can’t go back out into that storm to try and find someone on the planet to take him; we need to lie low until we get home.”
Lutecia grimaced, slumping a little. As if sensing her distress, the kitten mewled softly and rolled over again, gently nudging her hand with its nose. It nudged its way gently under her fingers, rubbing against her, and purred. The purple-haired girl lightly patted its head before getting off the bed, setting it down.
Miranda perked up. “Where are you going?”
“To get him some water. I can just fill a plastic cup up and give it to him. He’ll get thirsty.”
And with that, she disappeared into the bathroom. The door closed, and Miranda heard the sound of running water.
Blissfully unaware of its predicament, the kitten once more rolled over onto its back, flopping its legs over. Opening golden eyes, it peered at Miranda upside down.
Dammit. She was starting to see why the kid had taken pity on the animal.
Miranda sighed, shaking her head. “You know,” she murmured, “you’re making it very difficult for me to convince her to just leave you outside.”
“Mew.”
Spoiler for Ramblings:
If my comments on Garyuu's backstory/development contradict anything established already in canon, such as the sound stages, I'd really appreciate knowing so I can go back and edit it as needed. Otherwise, what I wrote about his backstory is mostly my own theory about how Lutecia got him, based off the fact that Caro raised Fried from an egg.
... there is something delightful about seeing the ruthless super-spies laid low by the sheer adorableness that is kitties! I want to see more of this kitten in the future. And really, it makes sense for that to be Garyu's origin. There's no reason it wouldn't be like that, right?
Also, I join the list of those who didn't know Miranda had an accent.
Do I... Intimidate you guys with how fast I update?
Should I not write for a few days or something?
Cuz, it seems like people don't seem to like my fast updating.
No way, Nanya! I, for one, love the fact that you update so fast. I can check here at least every 2-3 days and find some quality work from you, and that's great. Just keep on doing what you are already doing.
__________________
Illusion, illusion, this is illusion. It cannot harm me.
Location: Place of rocks and trees, and trees and rocks...and water.
Age: 33
Quote:
Originally Posted by RadiantBeam
So, random short time ahoy! Haven't done one of these in awhile, and I can't focus on studying to save my life at the moment. Shadowverse short, set pre-Miranda death, and it's actually a semi short little fic; probably only two or three parts at the most.
Spoiler for Stray:
In general, Miranda Creed didn’t consider herself an animal person. Growing up in an orphanage, she figured, would do that to a person; certainly, the building had had its share of cats to handle mice and other small rodents that tried to sneak in during the winter, but as a rule of thumb it was considered best to avoid the hunting toms, instead of trying to befriend them. So cats had never been much of an option to her. She’d interacted with her fair share of dogs over the years as well, but nothing had ever touched her in any particular way about the animal, and so she saw no reason to become attached to one.
Simply put, Miranda hadn’t grown up with animals, and largely ignored animals. She had never considered it a serious problem, compared to other things.
Unfortunately, now she kind of was.
“Alphine, where did you get that cat?”
The fifteen-year-old girl blinked, glancing up at her mentor; leaning back against the headboard of one of the beds in the motel room, the summoner was absently stroking the back of a fluffy white kitten, the small animal purring contentedly, its tail wrapped tightly around its body.
“Um….” The younger Shadow seemed to fish for a decent excuse before she gave up. “Well, when we completed the mission and left headquarters, it was raining, and I saw him huddled up in some boxes off to the side…” She shrugged, moving her hand up to scratch the kitten behind the ears.
You’re too sweet for your own good, kid.
Frowning slightly, Miranda crossed her arms over her chest. How had she failed to notice the animal until now? Certainly, it had been dark outside, and raining rather hard, and they’d been in a rush to leave the main home of the rebel faction challenging the TSAB control on this planet, so it wasn’t like she’d had a moment to notice or hear any cat. From a hiding perspective, it was possible Lutecia had simply tucked the kitten into her jacket, or under her arm; keeping him hidden and silent would have been simple.
“Um… Miranda?”
Snapped out of her thoughts, the black-haired woman shook her head. “Sorry. I was just wondering how ya managed to sneak ‘im in…” Wait. “Alphine, how do you it’s a male?”
Another shrug was her reply. “I haven’t checked. It feels weird to call him ‘it’, though.”
…
They would need to have a long, long talk about attachment issues when they were safely back in NSIS headquarters. Miranda wasn’t looking forward to it.
For a moment, the only sound in the room was the soft, steady rumble of the kitten’s purr; clearly, it was enjoying the attention it was getting from Lutecia. Biting back a grumble, Miranda crossed the room and sat down on her own bed. “I never took ya for a cat person,” she said, a way of starting the conversation.
Lutecia shook her head. “I don’t know what kind of person I am,” she admitted sheepishly, blinking when the kitten rolled over onto its back and lifted its paws, batting at her fingers. “I just thought, he was wet and cold. He shouldn’t have to be stuck out there.”
Of course, now the question was what to do with him; Miranda pushed it back for the time being. “You like animals?”
The summoner seemed to think about it, lightly tickling the kitten’s belly. “I don’t hate them,” she said at last. She paused before she spoke again. “You know Garyuu, right?”
“Yep.” Who couldn’t know Garyuu? Only two years as a Shadow, and already the girl’s summon was developing a legend of his own as her fiercest, most loyal protector.
“I raised him from scratch.” Lutecia opened her palm, and the kitten’s paw pressed against her skin gently. “He was about this small when I first summoned him. I guess I have a weakness for seeing little things left alone in the cold.”
The older woman blinked. Well… that had been unexpected. While not secretive, Lutecia had never mentioned much about her past prior to becoming a Shadow. Certainly, Miranda knew her partner’s past, but she only knew the bare bones; she only knew the simple facts that everyone else knew. After two years of working with the girl, she had resigned herself to the fact that Lutecia would never talk about it.
It certainly goes a long way in explaining Garyuu’s intelligence and loyalty, though…
Catching hold of that thought before it wandered too far, Miranda finally decided to address the most pressing matter they currently had at hand. “So,” she said, drumming her fingers lightly against her knee, “what are we goin’ to do with ‘im?”
Lutecia blinked. Honestly, she hadn’t thought that far. “Do with him?”
“Alphine, we’re flying back home tomorrow morning. They won’t let him by security unless one of us claims him as ours, and I doubt your mom would appreciate you coming home from your mission with a kitten.”
The younger girl cringed. Oh, yes, she hadn’t thought that far. “I… I was thinking maybe I could just sneak him through.”
“More trouble than it’s worth.” Miranda flopped back against her pillows, mimicking her partner’s relaxed appearance. “And you can’t go back out into that storm to try and find someone on the planet to take him; we need to lie low until we get home.”
Lutecia grimaced, slumping a little. As if sensing her distress, the kitten mewled softly and rolled over again, gently nudging her hand with its nose. It nudged its way gently under her fingers, rubbing against her, and purred. The purple-haired girl lightly patted its head before getting off the bed, setting it down.
Miranda perked up. “Where are you going?”
“To get him some water. I can just fill a plastic cup up and give it to him. He’ll get thirsty.”
And with that, she disappeared into the bathroom. The door closed, and Miranda heard the sound of running water.
Blissfully unaware of its predicament, the kitten once more rolled over onto its back, flopping its legs over. Opening golden eyes, it peered at Miranda upside down.
Dammit. She was starting to see why the kid had taken pity on the animal.
Miranda sighed, shaking her head. “You know,” she murmured, “you’re making it very difficult for me to convince her to just leave you outside.”
“Mew.”
Spoiler for Ramblings:
If my comments on Garyuu's backstory/development contradict anything established already in canon, such as the sound stages, I'd really appreciate knowing so I can go back and edit it as needed. Otherwise, what I wrote about his backstory is mostly my own theory about how Lutecia got him, based off the fact that Caro raised Fried from an egg.
Awwwwwwwwwwwww . But I agree with Rising Dragon, seeing kitties in fanfics makes me nervous .
I love how you manage to slip all kinds of tragic implications in the most offhand ways...that "long, long talk about attachment issues" is probably something that's protocol out of past experience...also "she had resigned herself to the fact that Lutecia would never talk about it" shows that Lutecia is really trying to keep these different aspects of her life separate from each other (although we know that she fails at that in the end).
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“I raised him from scratch.” Lutecia opened her palm,
Hm, I don't like that line as much...when I think of "from scratch" I think of "FOOD!" right away @_@, when I'm supposed to be thinking "from when he was just hatched"....
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the kitten rolled over onto its back and lifted its paws, batting at her fingers
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the kitten once more rolled over onto its back, flopping its legs over. Opening golden eyes, it peered at Miranda upside down.
Sooooooooo cuuuuuuuuuuuuute
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Originally Posted by RadiantBeam
Because I have plans for the cat that depend on him not being taken in by Megane.
That sounds ominous for poor kitty......
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Originally Posted by Moczo
Also, I join the list of those who didn't know Miranda had an accent.
Me too . Or three, or whatever number that list is on!
Do I... Intimidate you guys with how fast I update?
Should I not write for a few days or something?
Cuz, it seems like people don't seem to like my fast updating.
Nah; part of it is certainly jealousy of your output rate. I think part of it may also be that you take up a lot of threadspace, bumping off the people who update a lot less often... but any decent argument or discussion will do that too.
I wouldn't feel too bad about it, since your output-per-chapter is respectable (I think I'd shake my finger if your chapters were ~1,000wds or less, but they're not). Maybe consolidate more? That's the only thing I can think of.
... How come every time I say something like that, people automatically assume it's a negative thing I have in store?
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Me too . Or three, or whatever number that list is on!
Eh, in all honesty, I don't know if it really counts as an accent... all I really do is change around how she pronounces a couple words. I don't even know why I did it in the first place.
2010-12-14, 16:22
Author
(Though, seriously, did you look ahead and time to read my e-mail to you before I wrote it or something, to have posted this? 
All my friends seem to be able to read my mind in the future! 
) Offhand, why would Megane object to a kitten? I mean, they have to be less trouble around the house than assorted giant bugs were back on Mau Gram! 
Otherwise I'd have to consider going back through some of my works to reference a sleek white cat wandering around the apartment, unless he hides a lot.
.
*shot*
