Catchers of Cosmos - Chapter 1
Title: Catchers of Cosmos
Author: geniebsmart
Rating: PG (rating may go up. Not sure XD)
Pairing/Focus: Minho-centric
Author's Note: OMG! My first fanfic on LJ! 8D I'm so essited! keke~Thank you to everyone who take the time to read this "shot" (this oneshot somehow became a multi-shot fic, which is funny because this little story is part of a much bigger story I have in mind XD). You are welcomed to leave comments, suggestions, and questions, so don't hesitate to do so :)
Summary: Minho, a newly appointed Catcher, goes on his first mission: to find the specified shooting star before it falls into the hands of the Black Hole Organization and forever find its fate in the Unknown, the place where humans' dreams have no chance of seeing the light of day.
"Hey, rookie! Ready for your first mission?" The so-called rookie snapped out of his reverie and gave a quick salute. "Yes, sir! Choi Minho of the Saiph Division of the Orion Sector is ready for duty!" The tall, dashing, young man recited his rank with enthusiasm and pride. If it were possible, flames would be dancing with wild excitement all around him. Minho's senior saw this grand fire burning deep within the boy's eyes.
"Really now?" A playful smirk resounded in the senior's voice. Minho, in an effort to show his willpower, straightened his stance and looked his superior in the eye. "Sir, yes, sir! I am prepared to acquire and secure my first Star Dream, Captain Shim, sir!" The captain's smirk morphed into a frown. "First of all, it is not your Star Dream. Star Dreams belong to the mortals of Earth. Second, I told you to never call me Captain Shim. 'Changmin' is just fine, you know?" Minho saluted Changmin once again. "Sorry, Captain Sh--I mean...Captain Changmin, sir!"
Changmin just sighed. "That'll do I guess. Now, restate the mission profile and goal to me. I want to make sure you comprehend everything, Minho." Once again, to show his unwavering determination, Minho began to restate all the information given to him from the before. "Sir, we must go to the southwest region near the star Wasat of the Gemini Sector and locate Star 3053. Because the star is near Shooting Stage, we must be on standby to catch it before it plummets to the Unknown, sir." Changmin nodded his head, signaling his subordinate to continue. "Our other objective is to take all prevention measures against the Black Hole Organization to keep them from snatching Star 3053. If necessary, we must eradicate the threat to ensure Star 3053's safety. Are these all the details, sir?"
Changmin closed his eyes in mock contemplation, taking joy in seeing his junior squirm in nervousness. "Hmm...I believe you missed something, Minho." Minho's eyes widened in horror. What could he have possibly missed in the mission profile? His mind raced through th numerous possibilities...
Changmin chuckled at his dongsaeng's behavior. He understood Minho too well. The captain remembered his first day as a Catcher. His want to please his seniors. His desire to carry out his first major mission without fail. His passion to secure the dreams that were recorded in the stars...
"Ya! Keep frowning like that you'll get wrinkles at a young age!" Minho's head tilted hs head down in shame. "Sir, I'm sorry I can't recall the rest of the mission details, sir." At this time, Changmin took the liberty of flicking his numb-skull junior in the forehead. "You little dork! It's important that you remember the remaining details of the mission." While Minho tried to nurse his poor forehead, he failed to notice his superior's leaning closer to his face. When he did finally realize this fact, he had a small freakout session in his mind. Oh no...don't tell me that hyung has perverted tendencies around guys too? Minho's fears only escalated when his captain leaned a little too close to his ear. The rookie Catcher never felt so violated in his manly life.
"Stay safe." Those were the words whispered in Minho's ears.
Changmin leaned away from his subordinates personal buble and smirked at the boy's reaction. Poor Minho had his mouth wide open, his eyes bulged out, and his face burning in a deep red color. Changmin was sure the new tint in Minho's face was not a blush though. "YAH! WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM?! I SWEAR YOU ARE A CREEPER!" Changmin laughed. "Hey, at least I'm not the Man in the Moon." Minho forgot his initial anger and settled into chills at the mention of the Man. Don't get him wrong; he respected the Man, but the guy's creeper skills were honed and perfect. He could even sneak up onto the Master of the Sun in broad daylight. It was scary.
"Seriously, Minho," Changmin said as he placed his hand on the top of Minho's head. "Do not go for heroics out there. I know how much you hate to lose, but you need to stay out of harm's way." Minho pulled himself out of his hyung's reach, a handsome pout gracing his face. "Captain," he whined, "what if the star is thrown in danger?" Changmin simply smiled. "Listen carefully." The young captain pointed at himself.
"Me: experienced."
He pointed at Minho.
"You: noob. Comprehend?"
Minho glared.
"Good. Let's tune up the Streamliners, k?" Minho no matter how ticked he was with his captain's antics, stood straight and tall and gave a firm salute. "Yes, sir."
****************************************
Excited. Scared. Happy. These emotions came in waves all at once for Minho as he stared at the vast Universe before him. Such a beautiful place filled with great wonders...and many dangers. However, as a Catcher, being ordained by Cosmos, the "spirit" of the Universe, had to show no fear for those dangers. He had to seek out the specified star and make sure it reached Cosmos' hands. Otherwise, the star could disappear into the Unknown, where it would have no chance of fulfilling a human's dream. Even though the Star Dream may not reach its fullest potential in Cosmos' hands, the star had a batter chance there than floating aimlessly in the Unknown for all eternity. It would be a waste and a shame. The star may not even capture the yearning wish a human, but the Catcher still has the responsibility to secure the star and bring it back to the Orion Sector. The star could be of good use to other parts of the Universe or live out its remaining light years directly in Cosmos' hands. Whatever was the will of Cosmos.
"Alright, Minho. I just tuned up the Streamliners. You have the star radar?" Once again, Minho was jolted from his thoughts. This must be a habit of his. "Yes, sir. It's fully functional." Changmin sighed. Again. Minho raised his eyebrow. What did he do now? "Minho, you know you don't have to call me 'sir'. It sounds weird." Minho blinked. "It sounds weird not calling you 'sir', sir." Leave it to Minho to keep formalities, no matter the friendship or setting. Changmin gave his signature sigh. That must be his bad habit.
"Whatever. Do you know how to work the radar?"
Minho gave a nod.
"Do you know ho to utilize the Streamliner?"
Minho gave another nod.
"Do you know the emergency drill in case either of us fall into danger?"
Another nod.
"Do you know how to contact headquarters?"
Another nod.
"Do you know the color of my underwear?"
Minho stared.
"...You know the color of my underwear?!"
If Minho was in an anime, he would have sweatdropped. "No, sir, I don't."
Changmin gave a small "whew" and said, "Man, you scared me. I thought you knew everything for a moment."
The rookie just gave his superior a deadpanned look. Really? Who was the grown up Catcher again? On the other hand, he knew his hyung was a deadly force to be reckoned with. Changmin wasn't one of the captains in the Cassiopeia Sector for nothing. The tall captain gave a lazy stretch of his long arms. "I guess you know what you need to do for now." A small smirk slowly worked its way unto his face. "Now we just put everything to the real test."
His smirk only grew when Minho's fire set aflame in his eyes. This wasn't a push over. He enjoyed challenges; Changmin could tell. He just hoped Minho knew this mission wasn't going to be like the usual simulations at the Orion headquarters. "Our mission takes us to the Gemini Sector in the southwest region, so we'll catch the stream from the Betelgeusse port."
Minho forgot about his captain's shannigans again and refocused on the mission. "Right." The duo began their trek along Orion's Belt, central hub of the Orion Sector. To the mere human eye, it was another constellation in the sky. However, any interstellar being would know that Orion held many of the new and upcoming Catchers. Minho was actually born not too far from one of the tips of Orion. That tip is actually where the two men were heading right now.
"Betelgeusse. Brings back memories, huh?" Changmin posed the question but never expected an answer. None came. Instead, Minho concentrated on adjusting the Streamliner for the stream they were going to take. Streamliners worked very much like a snowboard or skateboard on Earth. That's what Minho read anyway. His mind drifted to hwo he would like to go to Earth one day and ride one of those snowboards. His musings didn't go unnoticed by Changmin, who had a few thoughts of his own, but they were more worrisome. Is this guy going to be alright? Minho's mind drifts too easily.
"Yah! What's the hold up?" Minho came back to reality and refocused on the task at hand. "Sorry, sir." Like he's done it a million times (which he has), Minho had the Streamliner set for the stream. He stared at the trail of dust particles and star fragments heading toward the Gemini Sector. The thought of riding that trail to his first mission made him shake in anticipation. Minho grinned like a little Star Sprite who received a brighter glow. "Let's do this, hyung!" Chanmin smiled at the drop in stiff formality. About time. "Right. Just remember," Changmin said in a teasing one, "You're still a noob." Before Minho could properly retort, his superior leaped out toward the stream with Streamliner in hand. "Captain, what are you--"
Changmin somehow magically attached the Streamliner to his feet in mid-air and landed on the stream with a grace of a pro-Catcher. "Cmon, noob," Changmin shouted back to Minho, already speeding along the Universe. Minho groaned. "I thought this guy was supposed to help me." The rookie Catcher jumped into the stream with Streamliner already attached to his feet, flying after his no-good superior.
Author: geniebsmart
Rating: PG (rating may go up. Not sure XD)
Pairing/Focus: Minho-centric
Author's Note: OMG! My first fanfic on LJ! 8D I'm so essited! keke~Thank you to everyone who take the time to read this "shot" (this oneshot somehow became a multi-shot fic, which is funny because this little story is part of a much bigger story I have in mind XD). You are welcomed to leave comments, suggestions, and questions, so don't hesitate to do so :)
Summary: Minho, a newly appointed Catcher, goes on his first mission: to find the specified shooting star before it falls into the hands of the Black Hole Organization and forever find its fate in the Unknown, the place where humans' dreams have no chance of seeing the light of day.
"Hey, rookie! Ready for your first mission?" The so-called rookie snapped out of his reverie and gave a quick salute. "Yes, sir! Choi Minho of the Saiph Division of the Orion Sector is ready for duty!" The tall, dashing, young man recited his rank with enthusiasm and pride. If it were possible, flames would be dancing with wild excitement all around him. Minho's senior saw this grand fire burning deep within the boy's eyes.
"Really now?" A playful smirk resounded in the senior's voice. Minho, in an effort to show his willpower, straightened his stance and looked his superior in the eye. "Sir, yes, sir! I am prepared to acquire and secure my first Star Dream, Captain Shim, sir!" The captain's smirk morphed into a frown. "First of all, it is not your Star Dream. Star Dreams belong to the mortals of Earth. Second, I told you to never call me Captain Shim. 'Changmin' is just fine, you know?" Minho saluted Changmin once again. "Sorry, Captain Sh--I mean...Captain Changmin, sir!"
Changmin just sighed. "That'll do I guess. Now, restate the mission profile and goal to me. I want to make sure you comprehend everything, Minho." Once again, to show his unwavering determination, Minho began to restate all the information given to him from the before. "Sir, we must go to the southwest region near the star Wasat of the Gemini Sector and locate Star 3053. Because the star is near Shooting Stage, we must be on standby to catch it before it plummets to the Unknown, sir." Changmin nodded his head, signaling his subordinate to continue. "Our other objective is to take all prevention measures against the Black Hole Organization to keep them from snatching Star 3053. If necessary, we must eradicate the threat to ensure Star 3053's safety. Are these all the details, sir?"
Changmin closed his eyes in mock contemplation, taking joy in seeing his junior squirm in nervousness. "Hmm...I believe you missed something, Minho." Minho's eyes widened in horror. What could he have possibly missed in the mission profile? His mind raced through th numerous possibilities...
Changmin chuckled at his dongsaeng's behavior. He understood Minho too well. The captain remembered his first day as a Catcher. His want to please his seniors. His desire to carry out his first major mission without fail. His passion to secure the dreams that were recorded in the stars...
"Ya! Keep frowning like that you'll get wrinkles at a young age!" Minho's head tilted hs head down in shame. "Sir, I'm sorry I can't recall the rest of the mission details, sir." At this time, Changmin took the liberty of flicking his numb-skull junior in the forehead. "You little dork! It's important that you remember the remaining details of the mission." While Minho tried to nurse his poor forehead, he failed to notice his superior's leaning closer to his face. When he did finally realize this fact, he had a small freakout session in his mind. Oh no...don't tell me that hyung has perverted tendencies around guys too? Minho's fears only escalated when his captain leaned a little too close to his ear. The rookie Catcher never felt so violated in his manly life.
"Stay safe." Those were the words whispered in Minho's ears.
Changmin leaned away from his subordinates personal buble and smirked at the boy's reaction. Poor Minho had his mouth wide open, his eyes bulged out, and his face burning in a deep red color. Changmin was sure the new tint in Minho's face was not a blush though. "YAH! WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM?! I SWEAR YOU ARE A CREEPER!" Changmin laughed. "Hey, at least I'm not the Man in the Moon." Minho forgot his initial anger and settled into chills at the mention of the Man. Don't get him wrong; he respected the Man, but the guy's creeper skills were honed and perfect. He could even sneak up onto the Master of the Sun in broad daylight. It was scary.
"Seriously, Minho," Changmin said as he placed his hand on the top of Minho's head. "Do not go for heroics out there. I know how much you hate to lose, but you need to stay out of harm's way." Minho pulled himself out of his hyung's reach, a handsome pout gracing his face. "Captain," he whined, "what if the star is thrown in danger?" Changmin simply smiled. "Listen carefully." The young captain pointed at himself.
"Me: experienced."
He pointed at Minho.
"You: noob. Comprehend?"
Minho glared.
"Good. Let's tune up the Streamliners, k?" Minho no matter how ticked he was with his captain's antics, stood straight and tall and gave a firm salute. "Yes, sir."
****************************************
Excited. Scared. Happy. These emotions came in waves all at once for Minho as he stared at the vast Universe before him. Such a beautiful place filled with great wonders...and many dangers. However, as a Catcher, being ordained by Cosmos, the "spirit" of the Universe, had to show no fear for those dangers. He had to seek out the specified star and make sure it reached Cosmos' hands. Otherwise, the star could disappear into the Unknown, where it would have no chance of fulfilling a human's dream. Even though the Star Dream may not reach its fullest potential in Cosmos' hands, the star had a batter chance there than floating aimlessly in the Unknown for all eternity. It would be a waste and a shame. The star may not even capture the yearning wish a human, but the Catcher still has the responsibility to secure the star and bring it back to the Orion Sector. The star could be of good use to other parts of the Universe or live out its remaining light years directly in Cosmos' hands. Whatever was the will of Cosmos.
"Alright, Minho. I just tuned up the Streamliners. You have the star radar?" Once again, Minho was jolted from his thoughts. This must be a habit of his. "Yes, sir. It's fully functional." Changmin sighed. Again. Minho raised his eyebrow. What did he do now? "Minho, you know you don't have to call me 'sir'. It sounds weird." Minho blinked. "It sounds weird not calling you 'sir', sir." Leave it to Minho to keep formalities, no matter the friendship or setting. Changmin gave his signature sigh. That must be his bad habit.
"Whatever. Do you know how to work the radar?"
Minho gave a nod.
"Do you know ho to utilize the Streamliner?"
Minho gave another nod.
"Do you know the emergency drill in case either of us fall into danger?"
Another nod.
"Do you know how to contact headquarters?"
Another nod.
"Do you know the color of my underwear?"
Minho stared.
"...You know the color of my underwear?!"
If Minho was in an anime, he would have sweatdropped. "No, sir, I don't."
Changmin gave a small "whew" and said, "Man, you scared me. I thought you knew everything for a moment."
The rookie just gave his superior a deadpanned look. Really? Who was the grown up Catcher again? On the other hand, he knew his hyung was a deadly force to be reckoned with. Changmin wasn't one of the captains in the Cassiopeia Sector for nothing. The tall captain gave a lazy stretch of his long arms. "I guess you know what you need to do for now." A small smirk slowly worked its way unto his face. "Now we just put everything to the real test."
His smirk only grew when Minho's fire set aflame in his eyes. This wasn't a push over. He enjoyed challenges; Changmin could tell. He just hoped Minho knew this mission wasn't going to be like the usual simulations at the Orion headquarters. "Our mission takes us to the Gemini Sector in the southwest region, so we'll catch the stream from the Betelgeusse port."
Minho forgot about his captain's shannigans again and refocused on the mission. "Right." The duo began their trek along Orion's Belt, central hub of the Orion Sector. To the mere human eye, it was another constellation in the sky. However, any interstellar being would know that Orion held many of the new and upcoming Catchers. Minho was actually born not too far from one of the tips of Orion. That tip is actually where the two men were heading right now.
"Betelgeusse. Brings back memories, huh?" Changmin posed the question but never expected an answer. None came. Instead, Minho concentrated on adjusting the Streamliner for the stream they were going to take. Streamliners worked very much like a snowboard or skateboard on Earth. That's what Minho read anyway. His mind drifted to hwo he would like to go to Earth one day and ride one of those snowboards. His musings didn't go unnoticed by Changmin, who had a few thoughts of his own, but they were more worrisome. Is this guy going to be alright? Minho's mind drifts too easily.
"Yah! What's the hold up?" Minho came back to reality and refocused on the task at hand. "Sorry, sir." Like he's done it a million times (which he has), Minho had the Streamliner set for the stream. He stared at the trail of dust particles and star fragments heading toward the Gemini Sector. The thought of riding that trail to his first mission made him shake in anticipation. Minho grinned like a little Star Sprite who received a brighter glow. "Let's do this, hyung!" Chanmin smiled at the drop in stiff formality. About time. "Right. Just remember," Changmin said in a teasing one, "You're still a noob." Before Minho could properly retort, his superior leaped out toward the stream with Streamliner in hand. "Captain, what are you--"
Changmin somehow magically attached the Streamliner to his feet in mid-air and landed on the stream with a grace of a pro-Catcher. "Cmon, noob," Changmin shouted back to Minho, already speeding along the Universe. Minho groaned. "I thought this guy was supposed to help me." The rookie Catcher jumped into the stream with Streamliner already attached to his feet, flying after his no-good superior.