DISCLAIMER: I don't own squat. Xenosaga isn't mine, no matter how much I
wish that I created the characters n' such. :P Xenosaga belongs to Namco,
and whoever else worked on it.
Author's Note: I'm a complete Ziggy and MOMO fan. XD And pardon if MOMO isn't exactly quite in character. I, seriously, tried my best to make her herself. Same with everyone else. Oh, and don't mind spelling errors...nobody is perfect.... ^_^....um...... ENJOY!
A SMILE FOR ME :: Breaking The Silence
I was panicking at the very instant when Ziggy's head met the metal wall. The sound of metal against the mixture of flesh and metal mesh resonated throughout the whole room. I feared the worst for him because after the collision, he wasn't moving. Almost dead still. After that, I just didn't seem to care about the rest of the battle. I didn't care about what was happening that moment on the otherside of the room. All I could see was Ziggy's motionless body lying in an awkward position against the wall. I ran as quickly as my little legs could carry me, I ran to his side. Oh Ziggy, my dear Ziggy, please....Oh please, don't be...be........d-dead.....
I wake with a start, clutching my covers with a fierce grip. My eyes dart back and forth, my sensors pick nothing up. I release the covers to find that I am drenched in cold sweat. My bangs are plastered to my forehead and the rest of my hair poking in every direction. After minutes pass, I realize that it was only a dream. Only a dream. But how? It was so real... The sound of the collision still echoing... My eyes widen as I remember that greusome sound. That godawful sound that made my stomach twist into knots. And Ziggy's body....
My hand flew to my mouth as I started to gag. I felt like I was going to be sick. It all was so realistic. I still remember his body lying there, limp as a discarded rag doll. Water. I need water.
I hopped out of bed with a clumsiness of a toddler, and hobbled outside into the hallways. They were very dark and the lights weren't lit to their full bloom as they usually are during the 'day'. I continued to stumble along to the kitchen, my vision to a blur. The kitchen was very dark. Not a single light was on in it. I felt like I was standing on the brink of the abyss, staring into nothingness. But my sensors told me otherwise. It was just a dark kitchen. That is all. And when I flick on the switch, the lights will flicker on. And it will only be a kitchen.
I take a cautious step, which was responded only by the faint echos of mechinery from the surrounding areas. Cautiously, I make my way to where the light switch is, and I flick it on. And God said 'let there be light'.
It took me a few minutes to prepare myself a mere glass of water because of my shaken nerves. I wonder what someone would say if they saw me now, shivering like it was winter despite the fact that the ship maintained the stable temerperatures of 71o F? I huddle in the corner, sipping my chilled water. My nerves are mostly restored back to normal, as that image of horror fades into the darkness. Minutes later though, my sensors picked up movement across the hall. Someone was coming out of Cabin 1 and approaching the kitchen.
The door slid open to reveal a tired looking chaos. I remember him saying that he would tune up his A.G.S.W., but this late an hour? His hair was somewhat dishevelled, but not too much like that of a bed head. While pulling off his gloves, he turned to me. His brow raising to a questioning glance. "MOMO, is something wrong?" He questioned, kneeling down to my height. My gaze drifts to my empty glass, then to his sparkling blue eyes. They told me that I had nothing to worry about.
I sighed, "I had bad dream, then I got thirsty..." He smiled that heart worming smile, the kind of smile that he gave Shion when she was crying back in the encephilon. It was heart warming, and made me feel a little better. My insides stopped churning. "I feel better now though," I concluded with a sheepish smile. He nodded and nudged me towards the door. 'Now you get to bed little missy,' He goofed. That smile again. I wish more people could smile like that.
Next morning was a hazard. Captain Matthews demanded more food by the second. A flustered Tony and Hammer were screaming at each other at the top of their lungs. Something about a magazine? chaos was trying to settle the arguement, trying to coax them both to just forget about it and eat their breakfast in peace. Shion and I were making breakfust. It was real hard work with the demands of Matthews. 'More more!' was all we were hearing. I heard Shion mutter something along the lines of 'patience is a virtue'. I didn't quite know what 'virtue' was...perhaps she'll tell me later once everything settles down.
The door slid open and Allen came sulking in. I could tell the instant when he saw Shion, because his eyes seemed to light up with a sort of happiness. His cheeks would flush a little, and he'd start to stutter and become all clumsy like. My sensors often read a rise in temperature aswell.
"Hey Chief, is there anyway that I can help?" Allen offered as he strided over to us. Before he could reach us, Tony shoved Hammer backwards and right into poor Allen. He shrunk back away from Hammer, his expression dimming again. Once Hammer 'attacked' Tony, Allen creeped his way over to us, shaken a little. Shion looked up, her eyes brows knitted close together, showing her obvious frusteration. then she looked down at her pancake mix again.
"Would someone please make them stop?" She hissed, mixing the pancake mix a little too hard. Her green eyes were blazing, and she was getting more and more frusterated by the second. Thankfully, chaos finally got the two to stop bickering. After it was settled, Shion's mood lightened again, and she even accepted Allen's help!
Once breakfast was ready, everyone found a seat to sit in, and started to chow down. Hammer, Tony, and Matthews were particular slobs. It was almost disgusting. They were like a pack of ravenous wolves...atleast that's what I think they are. o.O chaos was a neat eater, taking one piece at a time with his fork. Shion stared in awe at the three messies, while Allen looked like he was loosing his appetite by the second.
Out of the corner of my eye I could see Jr. watching me. I looked to his directiong, and he quickly started to eat his food. I frowned, not quite sure what to make of his odd behavior lately. Every time he's even in the same room with me, his temperature will raise a few degrees. Everytime I'm in the same room with him, I can see him out the corner of my eye, watching me. His twinkling blue eyes would gaze at me for long periods of time. He would fidget in spot and continue to watch me. Only when I looked his direction would he avert his gaze and quickly take up a new interest. And I, as always, would wear that smile on my face.
I continue to gaze around the room, noting all activities. When it finally struck me...Where is Ziggy? I don't remember him ever even coming to have breakfast. Perhaps I can take his food to him. With that thought, I took my tray over to the counter. I added another plate onto it, and placed some pancakes on it. I took a bottle of syrup, a glass of milk, and proceeded to the door. I felt a gentle hand on my shoulder, turning me to face whomever it was that had a hold of me. It was Jr. with an odd look on his face.
"Where are you going?"
"I'm taking some food to Ziggy..."
"Oh..." His face fell when Ziggy was mentioned. It always did when ever he was mentioned. "Well, I'll be seeing you then," With a faint smile he turned to sit down again, gazing gloomily at his half eaten pancake. He was muttering something under his breath, but I couldn't make out a word of it. I frowned a little, perplexed by Jr.'s odd behavior recently. It's almost as if he disapproved of my being with Ziggy in the first place.
"It's alright," I turned to see chaos smiling at me happily. "Someone still needs their breakfust," he commented, motioning to my trayful of food. "I think he'll be really pleased." His eyes had this sparkle in them as he mentioned that Ziggy would be pleased.
"Kay!" I piped happily, scampering off outside into the hallways. They were lit now, and I could hear the dull hum of the electronics and everything else inside this ship. I could hear the faint sounds of everyone eating their breakfust from the dining room that I just exited. Today seemed like a good day. Taking a firm grip of my tray, I skipped off towards the elevator.
My happiness didn't last all that long though. I stand at the edge of B1, trying to figure a way around the ladder. This conflict has arisen and I can't take the other route around due to electical problems. I'm not all that great at balancing things on my head either and if I try to climb down balancing the tray on my hand, there is a great chance that the tray will tip and fall, thus ruining all my efforts of bringing Ziggy his food. I stare at the ladder for another minute, working out the solution. Decision made...
Ten minutes later I hope off the ladder with the tray and its food still intact. It was hard, but I managed. With a smile of confidence, and perhaps that of cockiness aswell, I march off towards the lounge, proud that I have conquered the ladder and Ziggy will get his food.
I peek inside the room and it is very dark. No lights are flickering, and not a single noise. I start to get that gut wrenching feeling again about me standing at the very edge of the abyss. Is Ziggy actually sitting there in the dark somewhere in there? I check my sensors again to find that he IS there, somewhere hidden in the massive shadow.
"Yes MOMO?" His familiar deep voice resonated softly throughout the room. I see him now, barely, but I see him. The lights dimly shone off his metal limbs as he stands in the corner of the shadowed room. I find the switch to my side, and I flick it on. Ziggy closed his eyes to the light, needed to adjust to the change of brightness. I adjust as well, still keeping a firm grip on my tray of food. I peek out one eye, to find that I have adjusted. Opening my eyes to the room, my bodyguard still stood in the corner, arms crossed infront of his chest. He looked to be again, and I see his bright blue eyes resting on mine.
"I brought you breakfust," I beamed happily at him, cocking my head to emphasize my happiness. I could see the faintest sign of a smirk playing at his lips.
"Thank you MOMO."
"You're welcome!" I scurried over to him and held the tray up to him, showing the tray's contents. "See? I helped make them. Don't they smell good?" For a minute, I could see a distant look etched on his face. The look of longing and sorrow. It was held deep in his eyes, as he seemed distant at the moment. "Ziggy?"
He snapped out of his 'trance' abruptly and nodded. "These pancakes look great," he commented as he took a hold of the tray, and sat down. I copied his motion, and sat down aswell, watching him eat. A silence hovered over us for minutes. I let my thoughts wander during the silence. Why did he get that distant look? Are the pancakes not that good and he's just faking it to make me feel better? No, that can't be. Ziggy likes the food that Shion and I make. Maybe it's something else. I know...
That was the same look that Ziggy had when he first saved me from Pleroma. When I first called him Ziggy, he had the same look. That expression of aquinny. But why? Do I remind him of someone he once knew? Some other Realian perhaps? or.....
Someone much closer...
I heard the metal clatter of the tray being placed as gently as possible on the carpeted floor. My eyes trace up to Ziggy's face, and I beam happily. Apparently he liked my pancakes, because they were all gone! "So...did you like them?" I asked him exitedly. He slightly nodded, remaining silent. "I'm pretty new to the whole 'preparing meals' thing and I haven't been making food for that long either. I'm so glad that Shion is teaching me how to cook! She says she'll be teaching me how to bake cookies too!" I leap up squeeling like the little child I am. It's going to be so fun! I turn to Ziggy, with a broad smile plastered on my face. He merely stared back, his icy gaze burning deep into my heart. Only he could send shivers down my spine whenever he watched me. Those eyes always seemed so cold, so void of emotion, and that melancholic expression that seemed to haunt his face. He never smiles. Is there something wrong with me? Everyone else around me smiles, but Ziggy never does. I'm going to change that though, I'm going to make his smile. I promise.
The smell wafted throughout the whole kitchen. That sweet and crisp smell of cookies. Ah, such a perfect smell, making me wish that they would be done as soon as possible. The smell was enough to tell me that they would be delicous. I giggled as Shion and I were trying to poke each other's noses with flour. We were so messy! The flour was all over the place; in our hair, on our clothes, and on our noses. I sat on the floor giggling endlessly as Shion watched the cookies puff up. I never knew making cookies would be so fun!
"CHIEF?!" Our heads snapped to the source of sound. Allen was standing there with a befuddled expression plastered on his face. He gazed at the flour that coated the walls and us, then he eyed Shion. A gloved hand rested on his shoulder, and choas peeked in from behind him, seeing what Allen was gawking awkwardly at. Slight suprise then a smile. choas chuckled and stepped forward, "It seemes like you two were having some fun..." His eyes pratically smiled, showing his amusement. We weren't in trouble, although the mess will be a task, itself, to conquer.
The cookies continued to bake while we all chipped in on tidying up the kitchen again. With everyone's help, it was a singe. Afterwords, the cookies were removed from the heated oven, and wow! They smelled as delicious as they looked. They were a crispy sort of light brown with a cream color to it. The chocolate chips were partially melted. It all looked perfect. Just perfect.
I only took one cookie though, and it wasn't meant for me. I took the largest, tastiest looking cookie of the whole batch. Maybe, MAYBE.... this would do the trick. Just enough to make HIM smile. I scurried off towards where Ziggy is always at. I'll make him smile, even if it's just a small little smirk at first.
----
Author's Note: TheShoelessOne is the reason I made this story. ^_^ I was inspired to make a Ziggy and MOMO story. Also due to the fact that many people overlook this sweet father/daughter couple. It's just not fair! Especially to Ziggy... Anywho. I'm working on the next chapter! WEEEEeee~!!
Author's Note: I'm a complete Ziggy and MOMO fan. XD And pardon if MOMO isn't exactly quite in character. I, seriously, tried my best to make her herself. Same with everyone else. Oh, and don't mind spelling errors...nobody is perfect.... ^_^....um...... ENJOY!
A SMILE FOR ME :: Breaking The Silence
I was panicking at the very instant when Ziggy's head met the metal wall. The sound of metal against the mixture of flesh and metal mesh resonated throughout the whole room. I feared the worst for him because after the collision, he wasn't moving. Almost dead still. After that, I just didn't seem to care about the rest of the battle. I didn't care about what was happening that moment on the otherside of the room. All I could see was Ziggy's motionless body lying in an awkward position against the wall. I ran as quickly as my little legs could carry me, I ran to his side. Oh Ziggy, my dear Ziggy, please....Oh please, don't be...be........d-dead.....
I wake with a start, clutching my covers with a fierce grip. My eyes dart back and forth, my sensors pick nothing up. I release the covers to find that I am drenched in cold sweat. My bangs are plastered to my forehead and the rest of my hair poking in every direction. After minutes pass, I realize that it was only a dream. Only a dream. But how? It was so real... The sound of the collision still echoing... My eyes widen as I remember that greusome sound. That godawful sound that made my stomach twist into knots. And Ziggy's body....
My hand flew to my mouth as I started to gag. I felt like I was going to be sick. It all was so realistic. I still remember his body lying there, limp as a discarded rag doll. Water. I need water.
I hopped out of bed with a clumsiness of a toddler, and hobbled outside into the hallways. They were very dark and the lights weren't lit to their full bloom as they usually are during the 'day'. I continued to stumble along to the kitchen, my vision to a blur. The kitchen was very dark. Not a single light was on in it. I felt like I was standing on the brink of the abyss, staring into nothingness. But my sensors told me otherwise. It was just a dark kitchen. That is all. And when I flick on the switch, the lights will flicker on. And it will only be a kitchen.
I take a cautious step, which was responded only by the faint echos of mechinery from the surrounding areas. Cautiously, I make my way to where the light switch is, and I flick it on. And God said 'let there be light'.
It took me a few minutes to prepare myself a mere glass of water because of my shaken nerves. I wonder what someone would say if they saw me now, shivering like it was winter despite the fact that the ship maintained the stable temerperatures of 71o F? I huddle in the corner, sipping my chilled water. My nerves are mostly restored back to normal, as that image of horror fades into the darkness. Minutes later though, my sensors picked up movement across the hall. Someone was coming out of Cabin 1 and approaching the kitchen.
The door slid open to reveal a tired looking chaos. I remember him saying that he would tune up his A.G.S.W., but this late an hour? His hair was somewhat dishevelled, but not too much like that of a bed head. While pulling off his gloves, he turned to me. His brow raising to a questioning glance. "MOMO, is something wrong?" He questioned, kneeling down to my height. My gaze drifts to my empty glass, then to his sparkling blue eyes. They told me that I had nothing to worry about.
I sighed, "I had bad dream, then I got thirsty..." He smiled that heart worming smile, the kind of smile that he gave Shion when she was crying back in the encephilon. It was heart warming, and made me feel a little better. My insides stopped churning. "I feel better now though," I concluded with a sheepish smile. He nodded and nudged me towards the door. 'Now you get to bed little missy,' He goofed. That smile again. I wish more people could smile like that.
Next morning was a hazard. Captain Matthews demanded more food by the second. A flustered Tony and Hammer were screaming at each other at the top of their lungs. Something about a magazine? chaos was trying to settle the arguement, trying to coax them both to just forget about it and eat their breakfast in peace. Shion and I were making breakfust. It was real hard work with the demands of Matthews. 'More more!' was all we were hearing. I heard Shion mutter something along the lines of 'patience is a virtue'. I didn't quite know what 'virtue' was...perhaps she'll tell me later once everything settles down.
The door slid open and Allen came sulking in. I could tell the instant when he saw Shion, because his eyes seemed to light up with a sort of happiness. His cheeks would flush a little, and he'd start to stutter and become all clumsy like. My sensors often read a rise in temperature aswell.
"Hey Chief, is there anyway that I can help?" Allen offered as he strided over to us. Before he could reach us, Tony shoved Hammer backwards and right into poor Allen. He shrunk back away from Hammer, his expression dimming again. Once Hammer 'attacked' Tony, Allen creeped his way over to us, shaken a little. Shion looked up, her eyes brows knitted close together, showing her obvious frusteration. then she looked down at her pancake mix again.
"Would someone please make them stop?" She hissed, mixing the pancake mix a little too hard. Her green eyes were blazing, and she was getting more and more frusterated by the second. Thankfully, chaos finally got the two to stop bickering. After it was settled, Shion's mood lightened again, and she even accepted Allen's help!
Once breakfast was ready, everyone found a seat to sit in, and started to chow down. Hammer, Tony, and Matthews were particular slobs. It was almost disgusting. They were like a pack of ravenous wolves...atleast that's what I think they are. o.O chaos was a neat eater, taking one piece at a time with his fork. Shion stared in awe at the three messies, while Allen looked like he was loosing his appetite by the second.
Out of the corner of my eye I could see Jr. watching me. I looked to his directiong, and he quickly started to eat his food. I frowned, not quite sure what to make of his odd behavior lately. Every time he's even in the same room with me, his temperature will raise a few degrees. Everytime I'm in the same room with him, I can see him out the corner of my eye, watching me. His twinkling blue eyes would gaze at me for long periods of time. He would fidget in spot and continue to watch me. Only when I looked his direction would he avert his gaze and quickly take up a new interest. And I, as always, would wear that smile on my face.
I continue to gaze around the room, noting all activities. When it finally struck me...Where is Ziggy? I don't remember him ever even coming to have breakfast. Perhaps I can take his food to him. With that thought, I took my tray over to the counter. I added another plate onto it, and placed some pancakes on it. I took a bottle of syrup, a glass of milk, and proceeded to the door. I felt a gentle hand on my shoulder, turning me to face whomever it was that had a hold of me. It was Jr. with an odd look on his face.
"Where are you going?"
"I'm taking some food to Ziggy..."
"Oh..." His face fell when Ziggy was mentioned. It always did when ever he was mentioned. "Well, I'll be seeing you then," With a faint smile he turned to sit down again, gazing gloomily at his half eaten pancake. He was muttering something under his breath, but I couldn't make out a word of it. I frowned a little, perplexed by Jr.'s odd behavior recently. It's almost as if he disapproved of my being with Ziggy in the first place.
"It's alright," I turned to see chaos smiling at me happily. "Someone still needs their breakfust," he commented, motioning to my trayful of food. "I think he'll be really pleased." His eyes had this sparkle in them as he mentioned that Ziggy would be pleased.
"Kay!" I piped happily, scampering off outside into the hallways. They were lit now, and I could hear the dull hum of the electronics and everything else inside this ship. I could hear the faint sounds of everyone eating their breakfust from the dining room that I just exited. Today seemed like a good day. Taking a firm grip of my tray, I skipped off towards the elevator.
My happiness didn't last all that long though. I stand at the edge of B1, trying to figure a way around the ladder. This conflict has arisen and I can't take the other route around due to electical problems. I'm not all that great at balancing things on my head either and if I try to climb down balancing the tray on my hand, there is a great chance that the tray will tip and fall, thus ruining all my efforts of bringing Ziggy his food. I stare at the ladder for another minute, working out the solution. Decision made...
Ten minutes later I hope off the ladder with the tray and its food still intact. It was hard, but I managed. With a smile of confidence, and perhaps that of cockiness aswell, I march off towards the lounge, proud that I have conquered the ladder and Ziggy will get his food.
I peek inside the room and it is very dark. No lights are flickering, and not a single noise. I start to get that gut wrenching feeling again about me standing at the very edge of the abyss. Is Ziggy actually sitting there in the dark somewhere in there? I check my sensors again to find that he IS there, somewhere hidden in the massive shadow.
"Yes MOMO?" His familiar deep voice resonated softly throughout the room. I see him now, barely, but I see him. The lights dimly shone off his metal limbs as he stands in the corner of the shadowed room. I find the switch to my side, and I flick it on. Ziggy closed his eyes to the light, needed to adjust to the change of brightness. I adjust as well, still keeping a firm grip on my tray of food. I peek out one eye, to find that I have adjusted. Opening my eyes to the room, my bodyguard still stood in the corner, arms crossed infront of his chest. He looked to be again, and I see his bright blue eyes resting on mine.
"I brought you breakfust," I beamed happily at him, cocking my head to emphasize my happiness. I could see the faintest sign of a smirk playing at his lips.
"Thank you MOMO."
"You're welcome!" I scurried over to him and held the tray up to him, showing the tray's contents. "See? I helped make them. Don't they smell good?" For a minute, I could see a distant look etched on his face. The look of longing and sorrow. It was held deep in his eyes, as he seemed distant at the moment. "Ziggy?"
He snapped out of his 'trance' abruptly and nodded. "These pancakes look great," he commented as he took a hold of the tray, and sat down. I copied his motion, and sat down aswell, watching him eat. A silence hovered over us for minutes. I let my thoughts wander during the silence. Why did he get that distant look? Are the pancakes not that good and he's just faking it to make me feel better? No, that can't be. Ziggy likes the food that Shion and I make. Maybe it's something else. I know...
That was the same look that Ziggy had when he first saved me from Pleroma. When I first called him Ziggy, he had the same look. That expression of aquinny. But why? Do I remind him of someone he once knew? Some other Realian perhaps? or.....
Someone much closer...
I heard the metal clatter of the tray being placed as gently as possible on the carpeted floor. My eyes trace up to Ziggy's face, and I beam happily. Apparently he liked my pancakes, because they were all gone! "So...did you like them?" I asked him exitedly. He slightly nodded, remaining silent. "I'm pretty new to the whole 'preparing meals' thing and I haven't been making food for that long either. I'm so glad that Shion is teaching me how to cook! She says she'll be teaching me how to bake cookies too!" I leap up squeeling like the little child I am. It's going to be so fun! I turn to Ziggy, with a broad smile plastered on my face. He merely stared back, his icy gaze burning deep into my heart. Only he could send shivers down my spine whenever he watched me. Those eyes always seemed so cold, so void of emotion, and that melancholic expression that seemed to haunt his face. He never smiles. Is there something wrong with me? Everyone else around me smiles, but Ziggy never does. I'm going to change that though, I'm going to make his smile. I promise.
The smell wafted throughout the whole kitchen. That sweet and crisp smell of cookies. Ah, such a perfect smell, making me wish that they would be done as soon as possible. The smell was enough to tell me that they would be delicous. I giggled as Shion and I were trying to poke each other's noses with flour. We were so messy! The flour was all over the place; in our hair, on our clothes, and on our noses. I sat on the floor giggling endlessly as Shion watched the cookies puff up. I never knew making cookies would be so fun!
"CHIEF?!" Our heads snapped to the source of sound. Allen was standing there with a befuddled expression plastered on his face. He gazed at the flour that coated the walls and us, then he eyed Shion. A gloved hand rested on his shoulder, and choas peeked in from behind him, seeing what Allen was gawking awkwardly at. Slight suprise then a smile. choas chuckled and stepped forward, "It seemes like you two were having some fun..." His eyes pratically smiled, showing his amusement. We weren't in trouble, although the mess will be a task, itself, to conquer.
The cookies continued to bake while we all chipped in on tidying up the kitchen again. With everyone's help, it was a singe. Afterwords, the cookies were removed from the heated oven, and wow! They smelled as delicious as they looked. They were a crispy sort of light brown with a cream color to it. The chocolate chips were partially melted. It all looked perfect. Just perfect.
I only took one cookie though, and it wasn't meant for me. I took the largest, tastiest looking cookie of the whole batch. Maybe, MAYBE.... this would do the trick. Just enough to make HIM smile. I scurried off towards where Ziggy is always at. I'll make him smile, even if it's just a small little smirk at first.
----
Author's Note: TheShoelessOne is the reason I made this story. ^_^ I was inspired to make a Ziggy and MOMO story. Also due to the fact that many people overlook this sweet father/daughter couple. It's just not fair! Especially to Ziggy... Anywho. I'm working on the next chapter! WEEEEeee~!!