9 One of those Days

Issac and Barret made their way down the halls. As they passed the guest area, Sandra exited the door, nearly bumping into them.

"Oh my gosh, like there you are Barry. I was like so worried, everyone was like in a panic because of what happened to Bryce." Sandra releases a sigh, thinking of Bryce, "Such a waste, of such a beautiful man." She held her face.

Barret hugs Sandra. "Yeah, we messed up, but we'll get him back, and everyone taken from Kaos. I promise. I'm glad you were here though."

"All those people, I like really hope you can, Barry. It's like so not righteous." Sandra hugs Barret back, she glances to Issac from over Barret's shoulder. "Like, I totally didn't like see you there Issac."

Issac laughed slightly, pocketing his hands. "Sorry, I'm sometimes too quiet for my own good. I'm kinda used to it..." he looks off a bit.

Sandra let off of Barret, "So like, I got in this argument with one of the other girls because of how I talk. I hate when people say mean things about it. Can I like hang out with you two for now?"

Barret nods, "Sure thing Sandra, I don't think Issac will mind." Barret says, elbowing Issac playfully.

"Hm? (This again? Come on dude, I'm not her type. She likes guys like Bryce, obviously by that remark... Oh well, guess it won't hurt..)" Issac glanced to Barret, but smirked turning his attention to Sandra. "Yeah, I'm down." Issac grinned. "(Do they know I'm faking when I smile...?)"

"Like rad. So like, what is there like to do around here that's fabulous and fun?" Sandra giggled, following the boys now.

Barret thinks to himself, and looks to Issac. "I just got a great idea. Issac? Why don't you take Sandra around the base? Give her a tour, heck you can call it a date if you want."

"Huh?" Issac gawked in surprise. "(Dude, stop putting the bait out there... He's trying way to hard to make it obvious now. I got the first hint... I'm not blind...)"

"You are like so trying to play match maker Barry." Sandra giggled.

"I'm going to head to see Asuna about something. You two have a great time, alright?" Barret says, walking away from them.

"(Guess he wasn't joking about it... It's a weird thought... Guess I can just play the part...)" Issac grinned, looking to Sandra. "So Sandy, what would you like to do first? Hungry?"

"Actually, I like could go for dinner." Sandra giggled.

Issac took her hand, "Guess it's a date." Issac winked.

Sandra giggled, and the two made their way to the cafe. Issac got a burger, when Sandra got herself a salad. They sat down away from the rest of the people.

"I didn't take you for a salad eater." Issac teased. "(Reminds me of mom...)"

"I'm like vegan, I don't eat anything with a face anymore. I mean like, how those farmers breed farm animals for food, is like seriously causing global warning. Not too mention, too much meat is like so not healthy for you. Sorry, I'm taking too much. I do that like sometimes." Sandra replied.

"It's fine. So, global warming eh?" Issac asked, glancing over from his food. "(I guess she's kinda cute, but... I don't know... The ditsy ones always pull left fielders...)"

"Like, I'm not a tree huger or anything, just health conscious, but I also like animals." Sandra explained.

"Ah, I gotcha. A cute girl, who likes cute things like animals." Issac smirked. "(But I bet the only thing you read are rag mags...)"

"Like you're so sweet." Sandra giggled.

"So. You're into guys Like Bryce Geist, huh?" Issac inquired.

"Issac. I'm like going to be straight with you. You're a really nice guy, and you're sweet. Thing is, I'm not sure we have enough in common. I like you, but so far we're very different people. I don't eat meat, while you do for one. You have like more manners than anyone else I know, and I really think you can do better than a val like me. Not to mention, like, I'm not really a fan of long hair on guys. Barry's nice for trying to set us up and all, but I just like don't know if it could work. I'm sorry Issac." Sandra made a pouty face.

Issac leaned back, looking off. "Hey, it's fine. Don't worry about it." He said. "(Yep, called that one. Girls are far too easy to read... Oh well, not like it would have worked anyway.)"

Elsewhere, Barret was on his way to Asuna's lab. Barret knocks on her door making sure she was in. "Asuna?" Barret asked to her, from outside the door.

"Door's open." Asuna called.

Barret steps inside to see Asuna, but she seemed to be working on some human-like mannequin machine. She kept her back turned to him, she was using a soldering iron on wires from an opening on the chest cavity of the incomplete machine.

"Need something?" She asked.

"Oh-Oh just came to check on you. You seem really busy, but I thought I'd might talk with you a bit. I mean yeah if you're too busy I can understand." Barret says, laughing nervously, he hadn't noticed the machine too much.

Asuna glanced back, lifting up the safety visor from her eyes. "Ah Nancy boy. I'm just working on a special project. I don't mind the company though, so stay if you like." Asuna smiled.

"Oh? Alright." Barret says, walking over to get a chair to sit on. "What might this special project be?" Barret inquires, his eyes noticing the male figure she was working on. It felt odd to him, looking at something like this.

Asuna places the visor back on, resuming her work. "Oh Silly Willy, my boyfriend of course." Asuna giggled.

Barret drops the chair. "B-B-Boyfriend?" Barret says, turning his attention back to Asuna quickly.

"Do I hear an echo in here?" Asuna teased.

"Uhh...I hate to sound a bit rash, but why are you making a boyfriend? I'm sure there are plenty guys out there for you, like... like... m-m-myself." Barret states, slightly blushing.

"For Pete sake, why does everyone ask that? Is it really so weird, for a scientist to make an artificial intelligence, that she just so happens to want to date? Jeez Louise." Asuna kept working.

"B-But my question is, why? D-did things not work out with other people? I guess I can understand, (No... No I can't!) Urgh..." Barret says, becoming irritated.

"Why do you need to be such a nosy Nancy? Just because I can't have a real boyfriend, doesn't mean making one is bad. He'll be perfect." Asuna glanced back.

Barret shakes his head. "ASUNA! Are you really not understanding me!? I'm... I'm saying I like you, you don't need a robot."

Asuna smiled to Barret, "Of course you like me, we're friends." Asuna sighed after, "You don't need to act like I'm crazy though." Asuna said.

Barret grits his teeth. "No, I...I mean like, I'm falling love with you... Does that help a bit? I mean... It's weird, but...Urggh... Gah.." Barret says, holding his face, turning away from her quickly as he blushed profusely.

Asuna tilted her head, looking to him strangely. "Oh steady Eddie, no need to put on a charade. You're concern is misplaced, no need to try and change my mind. I'm perfectly alright with making a boyfriend." Asuna said, confidently.

"I'M NOT MAKING THIS UP! I...I mean it... (Oh come on girl! You're not really this dense are you?)" Barret thought to himself, becoming even more agitated.

"You're really not taking this well. Next time I talk about my projects, remind me not to. Hit the road Jack, you're being a meanie." Asuna made a pouty face, looking back to her robot.

Barret sighs to himself. "Very well. Even admitting I liked you, and working up all this effort... You toss away my feelings for.. some piece of SCRAP METAL! I mean... I've never met anyone so dense. I-It took so much courage for me to talk to you this way, just to find, you're as broken as the robot you're trying to create there." Barret says, his voice cracking.

"As I said, hit the road Jack." Asuna grew annoyed. "Being a bickering Ben, and saying those hurtful thing, isn't going to change my mind."

"No, I think nothing on Terraldyn could. You're too simple minded-" Barret says coldly, however, he is interrupted with a slap to the face.

"You.... You're nothing but a JERK! Get out of my lab, you prima Donna. If you act this way, we can't be friends anymore." Asuna glared to Barret, her hand still hovering in the air, after slapping him.

Barret turns from Asuna. "As far as I see it. You're just a coworker." Barret says, leaving the lab.

Barret heads back to his room, to find Issac was there already. He was on his bed, staring up to the ceiling, with his arms behind his head. He glances over a bit, as Barret walked in.

Barret lays on his bed which was across from Issac. "How did your date go with Sandra?" Barret inquired to Issac.

"...Good.... uh... no, it didn't go too well...." Issac admitted, "I figured as much, honestly."

Barret nods, "You too huh?" Barret stated boredly.

"Wait..." Issac sat up, looking to Barret. "You asked Asuna out?"

"Or tried to, I ran into many brick walls. Mind you, I didn't care at first, but it became too overwhelming. she is... building a boyfriend." Barret laughs to himself. "I questioned her on it, even more brick walls, then I got so annoyed I called her 'simple minded', not really one to use such harsh words. However, by that time I had already said it. She slapped me... In short, I met a coworker...Far as I see it, I'll get any upgrades, and leave when I have to deal with her again..." Barret says, shifting his hands behind his head.

Issac was staring in surprise, "Are you kidding me? That's just... (Kinda creepy, really...)" Issac was taken off guard.

Barret turns over on his side. "Some day huh?" Barret say,s to Issac very monotone.

Issac was gawking, as he laid back down, "With how bad today went, I hope some good karma is coming. You pal, had a rough time from the sounds of it, maybe it's punishment for being a jerk before... Aside from her being as dense as a door knob, maybe it wouldn't hurt if I gave you an assist with some lady advise." Issac said, blowing his bangs up slightly.

Barret laughs to himself, "Any advise would be good. I wouldn't mind. I'm sorry about my sister though, as said better things are to come. What happened with you two anyway?"

Issac glanced over slightly, "Maybe when I'm in a better mood, I'll give you advise, if you don't mind.... As for Sandra." Issac looked up to the ceiling, "Don't worry about it, I kinda felt it wouldn't work to begin with. We weren't exactly eithers type anyway..."

Barret sighs, "That is something I forgot to tell you about her, she's pretty particular. I guess we'll just have to see what the future brings for now."

"Guess it's like some say, whatever's meant to happen, will eventually happen. I mean... I'm still alive, even after trying to kill myself on many occasions.... I don't know... I'm not really too worried about it anyway." Issac sighed.

"Keep pressing on, I'll be there with you, okay? Seems I'm the only one with heart ache here at the moment. I am happy I can talk it out with you though. You know, you really have become a little brother to me, odd as that sounds." Barret says, chuckling a little.

Issac smirked, "Asuna really did a number with you." Issac glanced over, "Is that why you are so harsh on me at times? I never had siblings before... so It's all pretty confusing to me too.."

Barret nods, "In a manner of speaking, don't worry. I don't act in such ways to spite you, that's just how I am. As for Asuna, I'm not really worried about that anymore. We should rest though, it's been a long day."

"True that..." Issac sighed, rolling to his side. "(A little brother huh?... Maybe you're not so bad dude....)" He smirked a bit.

The following morning came along, with Barret the first awake as usual. Issac was still passed out in his bed. The hair of his pony tail messy, and sticking up from under the covers.

"Hmm, what time is it?" Barret says, as he looks to a clock on the wall. "Oh hmm Issac? Time to get up." Barret remarks, getting out of bed to get himself together.

"Urghh.... Just five more minutes....." Issac muttered.

"No no, chop-chop! We must be ready in case Xiao has work for us to do." Barret says, fixing up his hair in a mirror.

Issac lifted his head, with a groggy expression. "Mnnn...."

Barret walks over and pulls Issac's pony tail. "This thing never changes it's style." Barret says examining it.

"Akk!" Issac's eyes get teary, "That hurts... Stop!" He whimpered.

Barret lets off of Issac's hair looking to his dresser. Barret walks over, pulls out the top drawer, and takes to a shirt. "Come on Issac. Let's go."

Issac sits up, rubbing the back of his head. "That really hurt, you don't just pull a guy's hair like that." Issac said, furrowing his brows.

Barret looks to Issac lazily. "You shouldn't have your hair that long anyway Issac, it is far too feminine." Barret teased.

Issac crossed his arms, "(The nerve of this jerk!) There's nothing wrong with my hair, besides, plenty of chicks like guys with long hair. You know how long it took to grow this? A long time. Say what you want, but I'm not cutting it. Only thing I cut are my wrists." Issac grumbled.

Barret gawked a bit, walking over to take Issac's sleeve to examine his wrist. It was true, there was gashing up and down them, but healed over badly. "We will work on this." Barret says, holding his temples. "Maybe your hair will be enough to pull in a new charming partner, but we can't find out until we get back out there. Get yourself together and -" There was a knock at the door. "Hm?" Barret says looking to it.

In walks Creed, he had a very stern look on his face. "You two. Xiao wants to see you now. Step on it. You, pony tail, Get a cap or something, that looks ridiculous."

"Screw you!" Issac growled.

"..." Creed just walks out, ignoring Issac.

"I hate that guy...." Issac flared his teeth.

"Seems he hasn't changed much." Barret says, crossing his arms.

"Clearly." Issac grumbled, grabbing his bandanna to tie over his head.

"Don't worry about it Issac, your hair is fine, let's go see what Xiao wanted." Barret says, walking ahead to the door. "(I really hope I don't spot Asuna.)" He thinks to himself, uneasily.

Issac followed after, pulling his jacket on. "Hopefully she's in a better mood today..." Issac sighed.

"One can only hope." Barret says, nervously.

The duo left their room, making way to Xiao's office. Upon entering, Xiao was awaiting them. However, there was some empty bottles on the ground.

"There you two *hic* are..." She said with a grouchy drunken tone.

"Is she... uh drunk?" Issac muttered to Barret. "(Red flag, right there...)" He got back a bit.

"Silence." Xiao swayed slightly, looking to them with glazed over eyes. "Remind me, what happened yesterday... *hic*... NOW!"

Barret laughs to himself, uncomfortably. "Xiao? Isn't it against company policies to over drink this way?"

"Don't change the SUBJECT! *hic* I...I know.. *hic* you lied to me." Xiao snapped.

Issac got chills up his spine, staring uneasily, "Eh.....(Why do we have to deal with this?....)"

"Lied to you... Hmm... Well alright. When we were saved. It was by... Cravic." Barret states, holding his head down.

"(Oh crap, he's gonna kill us, no wait. Xiao's gonna kill us! EHHH!)" Issac's eye brow was twitching nervously.

"Why didn't you tell me yesterday!?" Xiao shouted, "Didn't it occur to you that maybe my missing son had something to do with my *hic* anger?!" Xiao snapped, drinking more of her booze. "If Creed hadn't filled me in, I doubt the two of you would have fessed up." Xiao shot a glare over.

"(That ass was watching us?! The heck!?)" Issac groaned, in irritation.

Barret sighs, "I was only acting on Cravic's best interest...I'm sorry. I was foolish. He's also half Necroden, and the dark dama that was used... We were on our way back, and I yelled at him for it. He took off around New Tech after, and we haven't seen him since. It is interesting to know however, that Creed had given you the information, you sent him to keep tabs on us?"

Xiao grabbed Barret's collar, her blade drawn as she looked to him sharply. "Because of you, my son is missing! I know where loyalties stand, and Creed told me on his own behalf. You should have done the same!!" Xiao snapped.

"H-Hey.... (this is bad...) Maybe we can..." Issac was trying to speak up.

However, Xiao was too focused on Barret, "Not only can he hurt people, but he's also putting himself in danger out there. I didn't let him out for his own safety, now he's Joan knows where..." Xiao was still fuming.

Barret sighs to himself. "Then allow us to bring him back for you."

Xiao looked surprised, letting off of Barret. "Pardon? Would you mind repeating that?"

"Yes...We shall locate, and bring Cravic back to head quarters. It is our fault he's where he is. I believe it is our responsibility to bring him back to you." Barret states, holding back his fear.

Issac glanced to Barret. "...(We're screwed. Yep.)"

Xiao sheathed her sword, "Very well. However, if you fail this mission. You're punishment will be far worse than what I had mentioned yesterday. This IS my son we're discussing. If you fail, you'll be stripped of your titles, and banished from Alien Ministry. See how you survive out there with people thinking you work for Kaos. You won't survive." She said coldly.

"Understood." Barret says, looking to Issac. "We should not waste much time."

"Uh, r-right. Let's get moving." Issac agreed, begrudgingly.

The two turned their back to head out, but Xiao looked to them. "Know this, I have other workers, beside Creed who may be watching you. Don't mess this up."

Barret nods walking off to the door ahead of Issac. Issac quickly kept up with the taller boy. They walked passed Mantis, whom peered their was as they walked.

"(We have to do this, no more screwing up. We've lost two missions already... Now we're close to being exiled. That's the last thing Issac needs, and the last thing I need...)" Barret thinks to himself, walking off ahead.

They reach the docking bay, to boarded a cruiser.

"Hye, Cheif." Issac spoke up.

Barret looks to Issac, "Hm? Yes, what is it Issac?"

"What if... Cravic gets really aggressive again? Your plan before, about taking him out would fail the mission, and Xiao would kill us. What are we going to do?" Issac asked, uneasily.

Barret sighs to himself. "I would say... and I hate to think this way... We take the beatings... If we live, we do, if we don't, we just die... I'd rather honestly you live through it, and take a beating, than getting tossed back out there. I stated having to kill Cravic as an option, but, I don't want you out there if it comes to that Issac... In saying. I think, I want you to sit this one out."

"Dude, why on Terra would I sit this out? You know how I stand on life and death here. Sure, I may seem bothered with saying 'Xiao's gonna kill us', but it's not the death I'm afraid of. It's the verbal abuse, the physical punishment of that nature. I can't take it. So like Stykx man, If you're going down, so am I." Issac said sternly.

"I understand Issac, but if we loose this, and get tossed back out there. What then? Will I still have enough power to curve you? I know you already hide a lot. I don't know, I could be really over thinking things." Barret laughs to himself. "I suppose that's why I'm such a good older brother. I just want to make sure you're safe if anything goes down." Barret says, crossing his arms.

Issac pocketed his hands, walking passed Barret, smirking slightly. "Jeez Barret, if you have to state how good of an older brother you are, people must think you aren't or you're compensating for something. Oh wait, I think I called you a jerk about Sandra. So, guess then you might not be as good as you want, but maybe that's just how siblings are." Issac jested.

"Hey don't ruin my thunder Issac." Barret says laughing.

"Turn down the ego then." Issac teased, climbing into the cruiser.

"Oh whatever." Barret says walking after Issac.

"Alright 'Sandra'." Issac provoked.

"Hey!" Barret retorted.

Issac laughed a bit, glancing off. "(Guess we need some balance to get along to at least this extent. There can't be light without darkness. Yin and Yang.Such as we are made of, such we be.)"

The cruiser departed once they had gotten inside. It made it's way to New Tech city, once more.