For The Soul of The Stars: Funny, Seeing You Again!

Written By: Lynderia

Disclaimer: The characters of the Outlaw Star OAV belong to the distributors and creators, and, unfortunately, I am neither. However, I do own Kat, Proteus, and all new characters this story has generated.

He was tired of running. All they had been doing was running. Jim looked at the captain of the Outlaw Star. Gene looked so determined to keep him safe, but the truth was he was upset with Gene. It had been a couple of weeks since the Rongo incident. Jim had found out what had happened after Kat got him home and into bed. How could Gene do that? Was he crazy? Firing a special caster shell at Kat, the girl who had saved him, Jim, twice, and the worse part, she had disappeared after that, but the real upsetting thing was that he didn’t get to say good-bye.

“Gene, where are we going?” Jim asked.

“We’re making a stop. We have to get the ship repaired and stock up on food and weapons.” Gene sighed to himself. Things were going really bad for them. Everywhere they turned it was either The MacDougalls or Jaguar, or both. Things were definitely not looking good. He found himself hoping that by making a stop at the upcoming planet, it might be a chance for everyone to get some rest.

“With what money? We have no money, and I’m not borrowing any from Fred.” Jim frowned as he turned around to look out into space.

“Buddy, I know it’s tough, but we’ll get through. We always do.” Gene comforted. He knew Jim was very unhappy.

“It’s different this time.” Jim couldn’t describe it. He knew this situation was different from any one they have ever been in. At times he could feel himself disappearing, like someone was replacing him, and he would just disappear. “Anyway, it’s all your fault for trying to kill Kat.” Jim mumbled. Somehow she became an important friend to him. He just wanted her here, both persons of him wanted her here.

Gene heard what Jim had said quite clearly, but he didn’t make a comment.

Melfina had been watching the two for a while. She knew they both were unhappy. Things had gotten from bad to worse, and Kat wasn’t to be found to place the blame on. “Setting coordinates for Xenon.”

He watched as a ship entered the space port. He hoped it wasn’t another outlaw here to make any trouble. This planet, Xenon, was the birthplace of the best known outlaws. He had watched them grow up and reach for the stars, but when they came back home they never started trouble. Believe it or not they were actually modest about all their conquests. He looked up to see a man with red hair, a kid with blonde hair, a Ctarl-Ctarl, a girl, and a woman approaching him.

“Hey, are you in charge here old man?” the red head asked.

He stood; he was huge-tall and round. “Just because I have a few gray you think I’m an old man. If you have no respect to show little man you better leave now. No one tolerates that kind of behavior in this part of the universe.” He started to walk away.

“Hey, I’m talking to you!” the red head shouted. He was tired and wanted a little consideration.

“I have a name little man. Didn’t your mother teach you any manners?” He didn’t have anytime for a loud mouth outlaw who was looking to make a name for himself.

The red head open his mouth then closed it. He cleared his throat before starting again, “I’m Gene Starwind. I’m the captain of the Outlaw Star. Can you repair my ship, and tell me where I can get some supplies?” His mother had raised him right.

Not bad, maybe he was wrong about him. “Well Gene, everyone around here calls me Mr. Biggie. You’re ship looks pretty beat up. I’ll get a team together for you. What kind of supplies do you need? If it’s weapons you deal with me.”

“Aren’t you going to tell us a price for docking at least?” Jim asked.

“Kid, don’t you know where you are? This is Xenon. You make it good with me you don’t worry about such things. Just make good with me.” Mr. Biggie explained.

Jim was going to ask more questions but was cut off.

“Hey Biggie, you have a visitor.” a mechanic announced.

“Yeah, well, where is this visitor?”

“Your office.”

“Alright, get a team for Gene’s ship.”

“But she’s not working today, and you know how I like working with her.” the mechanic smiled. She knew her stuff and working with her was a pleasure.

“So, get a team together. You should be ashamed, having a school boy’s crush.” Biggie chuckled.

“Alright.” The mechanic blushed a bit.

“Excuse me please.” Biggie bowed to the crew of the Outlaw Star. He looked up and saw someone standing in the shadows. He approached him. “Couldn’t wait for me could you.”

“No, not really.” the figure smiled.

“She couldn’t come herself?”

The figure laughed as Biggie smiled leading him to his office.

Melfina knew that laugh. It was familiar, “Proteus.” She began to follow the figure and Mr. Biggie toward the office.

Had he heard right? Did Melfina just say ‘Proteus’? Jim followed her.

Where were those two going? Gene signaled Aisha and Suzuka to follow him.

“Thanks Biggie.” the figure smiled outside the door of his office. Mr. Biggie was a really nice person.

“Proteus, take care of her, and tell her she’s going to put me into the poor house working those crazy hours.” Biggie smiled.

“I will. Take care of yourself.” Proteus smiled one last time before disappearing from view.

Biggie sat in his office for a while. Yes, he remembered them. The Ice Sisters. Hilda and Kat. Mother and daughter, sisters, best friends, and partners until the end. It was a sad thing when he heard that ‘Ice Hot’ Hilda died. She was a great kid. She had made a name for herself. He was proud, as any father would be proud of his children. He also remembered when they came to him for a ship, they even suggested to help build one if he didn’t have one; very nice girls, those two.

It was him, and he was okay. He was alive. Melfina was happy, no, more than happy that Proteus was okay. Someone like her was alive, maybe they were created for the same purpose. No-she shouldn’t expect much, but he was alive.

“Melfina, is that Proteus?” Gene asked. Proteus was the last person he was expecting to see here. And why was Melfina following him? Maybe this encounter was a sign, good or bad he didn’t know.

Jim knew if Proteus was here, Kat was somewhere to be found. He didn’t know what it was but something was pulling him forward.

“Jim, wait. Slow down.” Aisha didn’t like this. They had finally gotten rid of her and here’s Proteus. She personally didn’t mind Proteus, he was nice enough, but it was Kat who she hated to be around.

Suzuka knew anytime they were near the girl more of this-she didn’t even know what to call it. Situation? Destiny? Fate? Whatever it was, more would be revealed. They had found out Jim was Uriel, but even if he wasn’t, their enemies were after him and soon they would find out why.

They had followed Proteus all day, and here he was at the cemetery. Jim felt a knot in his stomach. Suppose Kat died, would it be because of Gene and his stupidity. ‘If it was, he would pay dearly.’ Jim shook his head clear of those thoughts. Where had they come from? He didn’t want to hurt Gene. What was happening to him?!

Proteus sighed as he held the flowers. He wasn’t good at things like this, wait a minute he never had to do this. There was always a first time for everything. He walked; he was heading for the willow tree, which was on a high hill in the center of the cemetery.

She sat on the branch. This was the perfect hide out; this was ‘Hilda’s and Kat’s Hideout’. It also gave the most perfect view of the city. “Hilda, why? I miss you so much. Even in death you’re still with me, right? Are you watching me? Watching how much trouble I seem to get into? Why.” Kat couldn’t understand. Was she cursed? Her parents, then her friends of her home planet, the friends she and Hilda made, Hilda, and Rock; they had all died. She was scared something would happen to Proteus if she continued to stay with him. Kat climbed to the top of the tree to watch the sun set, it was about that time.

He watched her. She seemed lost-as if she didn’t quite belong. He turned his attention to the setting sun. After the sun had set and the city came to life, “Kat.”

He had perfect timing. She had felt herself ready to break down. She needed his support. Kat turned her attention toward him and smiled. She jumped from the tree and landed in his arms.

Proteus embraced her as she returned the gesture. He felt the strength of her embrace. She needed him.

“Thanks Proteus. You’re the best.” Kat whispered in his ear. Even if she had to tip toe, she rested her head on his shoulder.

Proteus smiled. He flipped her on his back. “Piggy back?”

“Uh-uh.” Kat said resetting her head on his shoulder.

He was shocked. She looked so small and vulnerable. He felt the urge to be the one holding her on his back. Gene stepped from his hiding spot and watched Proteus approached him. “Proteus, I need to speak to Kat.”

Proteus stared at him in bewilderment. “Gene…Starwind?” What was he doing here? “She doesn’t want or need to speak with you.”

Why would she? He had taken a shot at her with a special caster shell and survived. She would have too many questions to answer. “It isn’t up to her. It’s a demand.”

Suzuka looked at Kat. Kat was looking purposely the other way. What was she hiding? Suzuka needed to find out more about this girl. If they were ever going to figure out things they needed to find out more about Kat. “There is no time for games. She must talk with us.”

If he was Kat, he wouldn’t want to talk to them. They didn’t even trust her, so why she should talk to them. “Leave her alone. It’s all your faults anyway.” Jim said angrily.

Was he taking her side? “What do you mean by our faults?” Aisha asked. She looked at Jim as he turned away from her.

“Proteus, ignore them. They simply don’t exist. They don’t exist.” Kat said quietly.

Proteus nodded and continued to walk pass hem.

“Proteus, please lets just talk.” Melfina pleaded. Even if she didn’t want to ask. They needed help.

Kat felt him stop. There was no getting him to keep walking. She almost laughed out loud. Did he have a crush on Melfina? Kat climbed down. “I got things to take care of.” she said looking up at him.

“But…”

“Hey, don’t worry about it. I totally understand.” She gave him a wink, and saw a blush rise to his cheeks. She gave him a hug and one last look, and smiled. “See you later. Have fun with your friends, okay.” Kat shouted dashing away from the group.

End

After Thoughts: Mr. Biggie is like the father to well known outlaws of Xenon. He gave them the boost they needed to reach for the stars, like any parent would do for their children. So, how did this part come out? Send in your comments! Special thanks to Jenn [JCVSS13] for pushing me to get this part out.

Author’s Note: The Story Art is coming slowly but surely. I recently added facial pics of Rock and Rongo. My art work will continue, maybe I will focus mainly on the art after I’ve completed this fic. I don’t know my plans yet, but I do have to add school into the equation. Special thanks to Vegeta20061399 for his compliments about my art.

I must thank all my readers. It makes me extremely happy that people are reading my fic, and are coming back to read more! Send questions and comments to me, Lynderia!!