Arctica Saga

Chapter 3-  The First Day

\

~Alita~

    I looked out, a whole other world, eh? This city looked so big, I can imagine what the world is like. I grabbed my bag, opened the door and stepped out onto the balcony. "I want to take a look around, I hope you don't mind,"

"Nani, now?" he asked

"Hai," I said, I flew into the air, "You wanna come with me?"

His mouth fell open. My tail twirled, "What?"

"You can actually fly!" he cried, looking up at me in awe.

"Oh this? Didn't you believe me? I really can teach you if you want." I replied. I put my hands on my hips.

"Uh....maybe later..." he replied, shaking a bit.

"So do you want to come?" I asked again.

"Um.. no thanks..." he snapped out of his shock, "..just be careful." he said with strong concern. 

I smiled. "Hai, I will. See ya' in an hour or so,"  and with that, I flew away from the apartment.

I looked down on the Earth below me, there were white buildings and gardens. When all of them were out of my sight and behind me, all that was in front of me, were forests and valleys. The wind blew through my hair and the stars were bright enough for me to see down below. 

**********

    Beside all the sounds of the creatures living in the area. It seemed pretty quiet. That is, until I heard some growling noises. I was hungry, so I silently landed myself down on a branch. I looked around and listened. I kept as quiet as I could when I jumped onto the ground. I took my sword out as soon as I heard some rustling in the bushes, I advanced towards the sound and pushed the branches out of my way, in the center was a clearing, and right in the middle was a white long-eared animal, mother said it was a rabbit or hare, I don't really care anyways, just as long it's an animal, I eat it. But I couldn't kill it, it was just too cute. Besides, it's too small. I want a fairly large animal, but not to much. I finally decided not to eat, yet.

I flew up into the sky and looked around some more. It was so beautiful on this planet, not like Alquaris. That planet completely cover with water and jungles, there are few cities. I flew down into a valley with a river flowing through it and took a quick drink before I left for home. I realized I'm not hungry, just tired.

When I flew back to the city two hours later, it started to rain, in fact, it was starting to pour. Then, as if things couldn't get any worse, it started to thunder, my ears were beginning to hurt, I flew down lower into the city, everyone below was looking up at me in shock, well, I can see why, I really stand out in a crowd. But, I didn't care.

I landed on the balcony and shook myself dry like a dog (I know it seems dumb, but I can't find a towel anywhere, can you?). I opened the door and walked in, I looked at the clock, it was 2:30am. Everyone was probably asleep, so I kept as quiet as I could while changing. Fifteen minutes later, I put my stuff away and laid down in bed, my hair was a bit damp but I forgot about it when I drifted off to sleep.

**********

The next day, I looked at the clock by my bed, 10:30, oh joy, I slept in, usually I'd wake up around 5:30. I swore out loud. Dammit, I just hope no one heard me. I got up, washed up and reached into my bag, taking out some of the clothes my mom left behind, and put on a short, sleeveless, black dress, black pantyhose, black boots and a Denim jacket. I walked around the apartment but no one was around, then I found a piece of paper on my door when I came back. It was a note from Juno....

Ohayoo Alita,

    Vela woke up with a fever and a sore throat, I brought her to the doctor and will be back soon,  Lupus came with me so you're alone  for the time being, I couldn't wake you because I heard you come back late last night. 

                                                               -Juno

 

Just great, that's the last time I'm ever going out late at night, I moaned, at least no one heard me swear. I grabbed my bag and sword then flew out the balcony, soon I landed down to the ground, people were staring at me after that, but I just ignored them. It was a bright, warm, sunny day today. There were so many different people hear with different colour skin, hair and such. I even saw different species such as a furry bear-like creature. Earth was a place for not only humans. 

As I walked down the streets I noticed a bunch of strong-lookin' guys crowding in front of an arena (They also have one in Alquaris). I asked a woman wearing a dark blue uniform, who was handing out something to each fighter, what are all these guys lined up for.

"Oh, they're signing up for the thirty-fifth Tenkaichi Budokai three weeks from now. All the best fighters on the entire planet and even the galaxy! Are joining up in this famous competition. But, they have to run in a few tests before entering, why?"

I looked at all of the men. They may look strong, but not to me, I guess it's in my Saiya-jin blood. My tail curled, it usually does when I'm thinking or something. I looked at the woman, "Can females also compete?"

"Yes, but almost no one does since the around the twentieth competition. It was the champion's wife, man, she was great."

Twenty years, eh? I looked down and smirked, "I think I'll join...." I mumbled.

"So you going to compete," she laughed, "Here's your tab, good luck." and with that, I lined up. By the looks of it, the woman thought I was doing something dumb, she was giggling every time she glared at me.

**********

She has handed me a small white piece of paper that read 36. I guess I'm the thirty-sixth person to be tested. I found out I had to punch or kick a machine that the harder you hit, the more points you get. I think it's a waste of time, oh well, I'll do it anyway, but I think I have to hurry. For all I know, Juno is probably wondering where I am, or even looking for me.

When it came to my turn, I heard some taunting and laughing, all from the men, one said, "Oh this girl is nuts, I can beat her in one second!" That got me a bit mad, another guy said, "Look at that scrawny chick, she'll be easy to defeat," The remark got me more angry, then a, "Go home, little girl!!!" I cringed, the same person then yelled, "That's right, go cry to mama!!!!" 

Now, no one, and I mean, NO ONE, insults my family, especially my mother and even my ass of a father . That got me REALLY PISSED!!!! I glared at the man and his partner who were taking the test results. I hissed at them scowling, "Move back....." They both stared at me, "I said, MOVE BACK!!!!!" I roared, I felt myself wanting to kill something, or break. I felt people looking at me, everyone was quiet. I looked at the target, I lifted my arm and hit it, it wasn't even hard and if you haven't guessed, I busted it, sending it flying out of sight. I turned to the other fighters, "Well, as were you saying??" All of them were scared, their faces as white as the buildings in the city. "Now, if any of you, speak one word of an insult to me," I smirked evilly, "I won't hesitated on killing you all during the competition three weeks from today, regardless of the consequences . AM I CLEAR???"

"YES MA'AM!!!!" They cried. They were so terrified, I smiled and walked home as soon I the man signed me up. When I was halfway there, I heard, "Did you hear? Some super girl with a monkey tail, completely outscored all the competitors of the Tenkaichi Budokai? She was so strong, she busted the hit machine. Another voice said, "Really? Man, I hope last years champ, you remember, the general of the Jet Force Army, beats her, that it'll teach her not to mess in a man's game," I gritted my teeth, I wanted to punch that guy in the face, but there were too many people here, anyways. I'll asked to tell Juno about what I've learned.

~Juno~

"So..." I looked at Alita as she walked in from Kami knows where. I was sitting on the couch watching TV while Vela and Lupus got some rest, I said to her as she plopped down beside me. "I know what happened..." 

"Nani?" She leaned her sword against the wall and took off her boots. She kept on her bag. She saw what was on TV, "Oh, that....." I  smiled nervously, "Guess I'm not ready for this world, eh?"

"I know everything about what you did at the stadium a while ago, it's all over the news. You gotta learn how to control your temper." I suggested. "Did you eat yet?"

"Iie, I just went out for a walk, I also signed up for the Tenkaichi...."

"I know," I grinned. "A few years ago, fighters usually do the tests right before the competition, but things have changed after a while." 

As we talked, she asked me about something she heard about after she signed up,  "Well? What is the general like?" she asked, "I want to train hard enough for the next three weeks to beat him."

"Um...well, I know little of him, but here goes," I took a deep breath and spoke, "I heard he is half Saiya-jin, half human, like you in fact, but he doesn't have a tail, his mom cut it off when he was a kid, I wish I knew why...."

"Really?" she had a confused, almost blank look on her face, "Well, looks like I have to train pretty hard, now,"

"Hmm, I know." I paused, the more I thought about what happened today, the harder my subconscious kicked me, what was it? "Do you want anything?"

"For what?" She asked, looking straight at me.

"To eat, drink?" I got up, "I haven't eaten for the whole day, either."

"Anything you give me will me fine, I don't care..." She sighed, "Did Vela eat yet?"

"Iie, not yet, why don't you go ask her? She's in her room." I replied, looking back as I entered the kitchen to make lunch.

*********

~Alita~

I walked through the halls towards a door. It had a cute little sign reading, "Vela's Room." I knocked as gently as I could, hoping I would not wake her if she was sleeping. "Who is it?" Vela cried out, her voice sounded faint. I told her that it was me and she opened the door. "What do you want?" she asked. She covered her mouth and coughed.

"Juno is making lunch, do you want anything?" I asked. She looked a bit healthy, but her voice and the idea that she seemed tired gave me the thought that she was sick. She walked out of her room and headed to the kitchen.

"Juno, I can make lunch..." she moaned out loud.

"No way sis," Juno cried back, "I don't want to get the rest of us sick," They started a small argument so I decided to stay out. I don't want to make a small problem big.

"Those two..." I looked down, it was Lupus, "It seems as they will never grow up." 

I sighed, "Are they always like this?" The dog and I walked out and I plopped onto the couch. 

"Iie, Juno mostly tries to stop the fights now...but Vela however, she's always got a short temper...well...you can guess what her role is..."

"I see..." I leaned back and looked at the clock, it was 1:00pm. I heard my stomach growl. I was hungry, really hungry. And when I am, I'll soon become tired and weak, I need food. And fast. "Lupus...." He looked at me, "I'm gonna go get something for myself....

"You going hunting?" He asked curiously, I nodded and headed for a the French windows. Grabbing my sword on the way.

"Hai...Tell th--"

"I know," he interrupted, stepping forward. "I'll tell them."

"Arigatou, Lupus," I smiled and flew out of the apartment, and out of the city.

~Juno~

"Alita is where?" I cried as soon as I found out Alita was gone.

"She went hunting half an hour ago, you two were arguing on who  was going to make lunch and before you let Vela cook, she got bored and hungry, She asked me to tell you." Lupus replied, annoyed. I bothered him when he was napping, bad idea. But I was really worried about her.

"Do you know when she'll be coming back?" I asked, he shook his head, "Kami, I hope she's alright,"

"Oh stop worrying, nii-chan," cried Vela, "I don't know why you're worried about her, she's half Saiya-jin for cryin' out loud! She can take care of herself."

**********

That night, Alita still hasn't retuned, I got really worried. Everyone was sleeping except me, I stayed in Alita's room, waiting for her. I read a book while waiting. I hope she is alright.  I care for her so much, but, part of me was mad at her. Then I heard a sound coming from the balcony, I looked up, Alita opened the door and walked into her room. "Where were you? Are you okay?" I asked, "I was worried..."

"I'm fine Juno, I just went to places, that's all, it doesn't matter..."

"What do you mean places? I want to know where you were," I demanded, I started to get annoyed. I wanted to know what made her stay out this late.

She sat down on her bed, "Like I said, it doesn't matter...." I crossed my arms. Now I was really annoyed with her. What was she hiding from me? I could tell she was, she was trying to look away from me. She crossed her arms as if she was uncomfortable about something.

"Alita-chan....What are you hiding from me?" I pleaded, "I want to know."

"Go to bed Juno, it's late." She said putting her sword and bag down. 

Now I got really annoyed, I grabbed her wrist before she reached for the back of her dress. "Now....." I demanded, "I want to know now!" I was close to yelling.

She looked at me, she looked a bit scared. "I....." She scowled, she whipped her hand away from me. " Like I said, it doesn't matter!!!" She hissed ferociously. Strange, she never acted this way. She stepped away from me and started to undress, "Now if you don't mind, I have to change, I would greatly appreciate it if you leave me alone..."

"Fine..." I mumbled, "Now, I don't even know why I even bother loving you..." I whispered. I heard her movements stop then continue, as I started to walk out. I went to my room.

When I got to my room, I laid down on my bed and tried to get to sleep, but I couldn't, no matter how hard I tried. I even tried the tips my friends used to get to sleep, didn't work. I started to get mad again. It was 3:30 for Kami's sake! And I had to get ready for work in three hours!!!

So I tried to sleep once again by just lying down, even though it seemed impossible at this rate. Kuso!!! Now I'm starting to hear things now!!! It came from the other room, Alita's!!!

I kneeled up on my bed and put my ear towards the wall. It was the sound of weeping, then, something sharp went through my heart, it was guilt, I felt bad. I should have left her be, not mess into her business, I shouldn't have over reacted, what has she done to me? Kami..... that comment I made earlier...she probably heard me....Oh Alita....

I felt a hot, painful feeling inside me and my heart leaped into my throat. What am I going to do? I didn't mean what I said, really!!! I just acted on impulse! I guess...I have to apologize to her.

~Alita~

Juno....Juno....he... loved me? I can't believe that passed right by me. I felt the world around me freeze, but my heartbeat went faster, it was painful. I thought he didn't, but now that I know how he felt, and that, he said that....Kami help....I felt my body shake as a stream of tears fell down my face.  My heart was broken, I can feel it.

I tried to sleep, but I couldn't stop crying. I needed to clear my head. I got out of bed and opened the French windows. I walked out and felt the wind blow through my hair and slip on nightgown, it felt cool knowing it was made of satin. But that didn't bother me.

I was about to leave, just about to jump from the balcony, until, "Alita-chan..." Only one person here called me by that name, "I want to talk to you....." I looked back at him. My face still filled with tears. "So, I was right...you were crying..." I turned my face away and was about to leave until he ran to me "Matte!!" he yelled as he pulled me onto the balcony, with me on top, I clumsily got to my knees and turned my face away from his. I tried not to look at him, into his eyes, his kind, emerald green eyes. I shook the thought out of my head and tried to walk passed him into my room.

He grabbed my arm, "Alita-chan..." He sighed deeply, "I...I...didn't mean what I said...." I still didn't look at him, I couldn't. "I was worried about you, and I was a bit angry at you for staying out late at night.....I care Alita...." He slowly brought me closer to him, trying to make me look at him, our faces were very close. "I....I....I was only concerned for your safety....I'm sorry...I would do anything for you, just please forgive me...."

My heart  skipped a beat and I looked up at him, his eyes were filled with few tears. "I...." I wrapped my arms around him and buried my face into his chest, I felt his strong muscular arms wrap around me, he lifted my chin and kissed me tenderly. I felt his warm, moist tongue in my mouth and well, let's just leave it at that.....

**********

Cool breeze and autumn leaves,

Slow motion daylight,

A lone pair of watchful eyes,

Oversee the living,

Feel the presence all around,

A tortured soul,

A wound unhealing,

No regrets or promises,

The past is gone,

But you can still be free?

If time will set you free.

 

Time now to spread your wings,

To take to flight,

The life endeavors,

Aim for burning sun,

You're trapped inside,

But you can still be free?

If time will set you free.

But it's a long long way to go.....

 

Keep moving way up high,

You see the light,

It shines forever,

Sail through the crimson skies,

The purest light

The light that sets you free...

 

If time will set you free....

 

Sail through the wind and rain tonight,

You're free to fly tonight,

And you can still be free

If time will set you free.

And going higher then mountain tops,

And go high like the wind don't stop,

And go high,

Free to fly tonight

Free to fly tonight