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Aw, that's sweet, KT. Nice to see Jinpei growing up like that, accepting that his relationship with Jun has changed and embracing his new role. As for my piece, I think single parents definitely deserve both parenting holidays!

Thanks Jublke, glad you like it. I'll have to remind my son of that, when Fathers day comes along then.....

Excellent, jublke! Anderson gets the affection he deserves!

k2 and KT: Looking forward to seeing the full fics on those! jublke: I love the little details in this. The cocked fist, how he can feel each one of their personalities through their hugs ... good stuff.

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TJ: Great, now my eyes are leaking!

Here's mine: Kozaburo sighed, looking over the two disheveled eleven-year-olds. There were defiant glares behind their torn clothes, split lips, and assorted collection of bruises. The police had rolled their eyes at the thought that two kids personally levelled a group of thugs from a gang, and left him with a business card to call when the boys confessed who helped them. He might have to arrange for an agent to step forward. "So, are you going to explain yourselves? The boys looked at one another in that nearly telepathic way of theirs, then both crossed their arms. Never had they looked more like brothers. Kozaburo had to focus to hold back a smile. That would just encourage them. As he expected, it was Ken who finally broke. With fire in his eyes, he said, "They insulted our mothers." "They're lucky we only beat them up," growled Joe. And only a month since Ken's mother's death. Kozaburo chose his words carefully. "Ninja can't allow their emotions to cloud their judgment, and you know we can't afford to attract this kind of attention." There apparently wasn't a contrite bone in either of their bodies. Ken just muttered, "It was a matter of honor." Watching the way Ken was desperately struggling to mask his grief, and Joe's sitting close in instinctive support despite his own pain, Kozaburo gave up trying to maintain a stern expression. "Each of you will write a three page paper on the tactics you employed in the fight. It will include what you could have done to take them down more effectively." Ken got a far away look. Already composing his paper in his head, no doubt. Kozaburo was surprised to see that Joe didn't respond with his usual sullen horror. "Next time we'll do better, Hakase," said Joe, his jaw clenched. "Try not to let there be a next time." Kozaburo managed one stern glare for each of them, then waved them off. Then he sat back and read the police report again. Truly, the boys had done an impressive job in taking down much older and larger opponents. As he watched them stiffly retreat, he made a silent promise to both of their mothers. Their sons might have to kill one day, but it should never be easy. He'd make sure they didn't lose their humanity in the process.

Ooh, love it, Chris! What a unique - and fitting - take on the "mother" prompt.

Chris, this is great and really shows the boys personalities as well as their close relationship.

Jublke I love your piece as well giving Anderson the love a single parent deserves - and trust him to be so busy so as not to be aware of what day it is ... TJ, even though this is from the Joe's point of view, I can still feel Ken's hurt, loneliness. Emotions I have been trying to draw on in the story I am writing.

Chris, I really like this piece. It definitely shows the bond between the boys and their shared pain at having tlost their parents. This ties in nicely with Joe's reactions when Ken finds out his father is alive, and Ken's actions in the Marine Satan ep.

Thanks folks. I got to pondering all 5 of them regarding their mothers, trying to decide what to write, and eventually this story took shape. It occurred to me that never once (that I can recall) do we hear so much as a hint about Ryu's mother, do we?

I don't think so. Then again, I don't have Gatch II translations, so it's possible something is said there about Ryu's Mom...?

Originally posted by Transmute Jun I don't think so. Then again, I don't have Gatch II translations, so it's possible something is said there about Ryu's Mom...?

Oh good point. And there's GF too.

Jubike, WELCOME! If I didn't welcome you before, which I think I might not have...sorry, my bad.. What a sweet story of the Chief and his charges...I loved how he managed to be circumspect with all of their gifts, but gracious too...hard to be a parent at times and I don't think Anderson had much to go on, you did it quite well. looking forwar to reading more of your stories, Jubike.

KT--that was really nice...and something honestly innocent coming from Jinpei! Good job. TJ--A very sad tale...although I was wondering why wouldn't Joe know anything about Ken's mother being ill if they were as close as you've portrayed? Surely Ken, or their instructor, or even Nambu himself would have let on? Chris-nice portrayal of Nambu. Firm but kind and I liked the whole "do it better," philosophy...very Japanese...

Originally posted by k2p2 TJ--A very sad tale...although I was wondering why wouldn't Joe know anything about Ken's mother being ill if they were as close as you've portrayed? Surely Ken, or their instructor, or even Nambu himself would have let on?

This is actually an excerpt from one of my other stories. Joe knew Ken's Mom was ill. Ken went to see her every day for years. What Joe didn't know was that she had died.

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Joe knew Ken's Mom was ill. Ken went to see her every day for years. What Joe didn't know was that she had died.

Wow, that is one biggie that got overlooked, eh? Not to tell the other members of a close knit team that a parental figure had passed on? Sounds like someone dropped the ball there. Poor Ken.

Originally posted by k2p2 Wow, that is one biggie that got overlooked, eh? Not to tell the other members of a close knit team that a parental figure had passed on? Sounds like someone dropped the ball there. Poor Ken.

Well, Ken's mother died when he was 11. They weren't really a team then. They were just kids training.

And if Joe was busy (working with Jun) or away .... then perhaps he would not be aware of this event happening. Plus it appeared Ken HAD been trying to tell Joe but Joe was not listening, well avoiding Ken anyways.

Ken was young enough that Dr. Nambu didn't say anything to Joe or Jun. Jinpei is still only a toddler and Ryu isn't in the picture yet.

What fic is it taken from anyway TJ?

I was wondering that as well. I can't remember the story, although I did remember that fragment, once it was posted.

Originally posted by KT1972 What fic is it taken from anyway TJ?

Believe it or not, it's a Christmas fic called Joy to the World.

K2 - I hadn't heard that saying in a long time. Ken's deep thoughts. Jul - I enjoyed this oevr in Gatchfanfic. It's funny that they caught him off guard. KT - Better hope Jinpei doesn't decide to share some of his bad habits. TJ - I think Joe has always thought he had to support Ken, almost in a big brother way. Chris - I think that gang is lucky to be alive, insulting their mothers.

Originally posted by Becky Rock Chris - I think that gang is lucky to be alive, insulting their mothers.

I think Nambu realized that too, and it's part of the reason he didn't come down harder on them. Under the whole collection of circumstances, he feels they showed remarkable restraint, though he wishes they'd shown more.

Originally posted by k2p2 Jubike, WELCOME! If I didn't welcome you before, which I think I might not have...sorry, my bad.. What a sweet story of the Chief and his charges...I loved how he managed to be circumspect with all of their gifts, but gracious too...hard to be a parent at times and I don't think Anderson had much to go on, you did it quite well. looking forwar to reading more of your stories, Jubike.

Thanks for the warm welcome, K2.