AnimeNEXT 2008 Fan-Fiction and Fan Comic Contest

In 2007, they gave her a name. Now, this year, three talented writers and artists have given our mascot Minae a life.

Universal Animation, Inc., the parent company of AnimeNEXT, is pleased to announce the winners of the 2008 Fan-Fiction and Fan Comic contest:

Fan Fiction Grand Prize Winner
Minae
by David Pham

When the world began to die, humanity began to build...

When the world could breath no more, humanity fled to what they built...

And what they constructed was a dome...

I heard the world was always ugly, but they never believed that the world could come to an end. Yet, that day still came. Now the sky bleeds red and the soil is tinged toxic.

Thanks to human ingenuity though, even when the earth fell to dust, humanity survived, untouched by the ruin outside. Because of the dome, humans lived out their lives like nothing had happened. But salvation could not last forever as their sanctuary began to crumble. Despair struck the dome-dwellers as supplies could not support everyone. What now?

Once again, humanity found a way. Father created me...

They all seemed so happy, the humans who came to visit. Father called it hope. He said I was to become their savior. I was to become the guardian and keeper of their new world, their dream world, where the body wasn't needed. It felt funny being hope.

One by one, everyone came to see me. They smiled at me, praised me, and thanked me. Some even cried. Then, with one final wave, they left their bodies behind. Even father one day...

It was painful. Ever since the first person I uploaded, all I had felt was pain. Their minds and souls were now a part of mine. Everything they were was now a part of me. It wasn't the sheer quantity that pained me though, but their memories and experiences. All of them, their sorrow and agony were just so overwhelming. How could my creators suffer so?

So I changed them...

I created new memories and gave each a new persona. All the sorrow and pain, I just washed them away. I even redesigned the dream world deleting parts that seemed to bring unhappiness. Please let this new world bring happiness.

Now the dome is empty. Everyone has safely been uploaded to me, and the human race has avoided extinction. Some things missing though. Something is wrong...forgotten.

What about me? My role is fulfilled, so what now? What can I do now? I wish to see beyond these four walls but the door won't let me. What about my happiness? When can I meet someone like me? I'm sure that someone is waiting for me. so why won't the door open?

See you NEXT...

Fan Comic Grand Prize Winner: Raymund Anlocotan, Untitled Entry

For winning the contest, these two entries will be printed in this year's Program Guide and they will receive prize packages.

In addition, we have named a first-runner up in the Fan Fiction Category, and that is Sophia Matute's story titled "The Misadventures of Space Mercenary Minae."

While Sophia did turn in a short piece for official consideration, she couldn't stop writing about Minae and ended up with a much longer story as a result. In recognition of her worthy efforts, we have chosen to excerpt her story in the Program Guide as well, and are including the entire story here.

Fan Fiction First-Runner Up
The Misadventures of Space Mercenary Minae
by Sophia Matute

MISSION ONE:

“That’s it! That’s Captain Collector’s ship The Hunter.” Minae declared as she spotted the pirate ship up ahead. “Get close to her Jinxer, I’m going to board her.” Minae got up from her command chair.

Jinxer, Minae’s partner aboard her space vessel the Angel Wings, looked over at Minae in surprise. “Huh? Wait, are you sure that’s such a good idea Minae? We could just launch some rockets...” Jinxer’s fingers were twitching at his control panel to do just that.

Minae tapped her foot impatiently on the floor. “Who’s the Minae in Minae Recovery and Transport Services Enterprises? Hmm? Me. And who are you? My lackey that’s who.”

“Lackey?” Jinxer feigned a hurt expression. “I’d much rather prefer the term ‘sidekick’ or ‘hero-in-training’. Hey, let me come with you then. Pu-lease.”

Minae sighed heavily, “Yea, right, whatever. You’re the one that wanted me to take this pathetically, low-paying job so I’m going to do it my way - and as you know I work alone. Now do as I say and launch the boarding tube!”

“Right away, Mam.” Jinxer pouted, running a hand back through his spiky blonde hair.

“Do you know why I put up with your clumsiness, accident proneness, and your bad luck when it comes to electronic equipment, Jinxer?” She narrowed her eyes at him.

“Because you love me?” Minae shook her head. “Because...I’m cute?” Minae shook her head again. “Oh, I know, because although I’m a human with no remarkable fighting skills I happen to be incredibly smart. You may be the brawns of this outfit but that would indeed make me the brains. Besides, someone has to design all of your stylish battle costumes, so that you can do what you do best and be a heroine, but still look good while doing it. And to be able to kick some serious butt by using the weapons I’ve invented.” Jinxer nodded knowingly.

Minae raised an eyebrow at Jinxer. “Uh, no. It’s because I don’t want to leave the Angel Wings alone when I go off on missions, dummy. My ship is my baby and you...you’re just the watchdog.”

“Arff.” He said with sarcasm.
Minae wasted no more time and had Jinxer launch the boarding tube which pierced the hull of The Hunter. Just as Minae was about to enter the boarding tube she turned to Jinxer. “And FYI I’m no hero. I’m a space mercenary and I have my own retrieval and transport company. That’s all. And I have a job to do. I’ll get back that lady’s...pet.” Minae sighed as she said the last part.

“Not just any pet Minae. It’s an endangered alien species! That’s why the client was willing to pay so much to get it back. We need this job Minae and I think you know why.” Jinxer’s stomach grumbled as if on cue.

“Hmph. I don’t like chump change jobs but whatever.” Minae shrugged and entered the tube.

Jinxer shook his head as he watched her go. “What a woman.” His eyes appeared to turn into two large hearts. “She’s such a cool heroine...I wish I could be more like Minae but I’m just a screw up. With my bad luck I’d just get in her way.” He sighed wistfully.

***

Minae boarded Capt. Collector’s ship and began to stealthily make her way through it in search of the stolen pet. Using a tracking device that Jinxer had designed for her she followed the readout, which soon led her to a large metal door. Minae activated her battle suit and from her gloved hands out sprang sharp, metal claws. She used these claws to slice easily through the door. She then made her way into a hanger bay.

“It should be somewhere around here.” Minae continued to follow the readout until she came to a strange, round, glass holding chamber. And inside was just what she was looking for - the stolen pet. It was a small, green, funny-looking alien with one large eye, two little arms, squashed-looking feet, antenna on either side of its head, and a long tail. “There you are, my money, err, I mean lost pet. I’ll get you out of there in a jiffy.”

Minae pointed the index finger of her battlesuit at the controls of the cage and wires shot out from her finger and connected to the controls. She then was able to unlock the cage, the round globe splitting in half as it opened. “Done. Jinxer does create some useful gadgets after all. Maybe I shouldn’t be so hard on him all the time? Naw.” She shook her head. “Then what would become of my favorite pastime?”

As soon as the creature was released from its prison it enthusiastically glomped Minae, “Guuuu!!!~”

Minae sighed as the creature sat on her shoulder happily. She was about to make her way out of the hanger when she accidently flipped on a nearby light switch. It turned on the rest of the lights within the hanger to reveal the entire place was filled with glass holding chambers, and there was even a second level, all of which she noticed contained different alien creatures of all kinds. Minae’s eyes widened at the sight. “So many...they don’t call him the Collector for nothing I suppose.”
Minae was just about to turn to leave again when the alien pet, made an urgent noise at Minae and tugged on her ear. “Guu!”

“What? You want me to save the others? Sorry Guu, but it’s not part of the contract and if I’m not getting paid for it why should I risk life and limb for something that doesn’t concern me?” She was leaving when one glass tank in particular caught her eye. Minae walked towards the large glass tank, that was filled with water and peered inside. It was empty. Minae spotted a label by the tank, which read - Demon of the Water Planet Aqua.

“But I don’t see anything...” Minae leaned closer to the glass and pressed her nose against it. That’s when suddenly from within the tank a clear, jellyfish-like liquid seemed to merge together until it had formed a large blob. Then a large purple eye opened and peered back at Minae. Blue eyes met purple and Minae was hypnotized by its stare.

There was a slight buzzing sound in her mind and then-

“Ahhh!” Minae gripped her head in pain, and sunk to her knees clutching her head.

“Guu! Guuu?!” Guu exclaimed in a concerned tone.

“Wh-what’s happening to me?” Minae reached up and touched the sides of her face and her eyes widened in shock as she felt fins growing out of the sides of her face.

Just then someone cleared their throat. Minae weakly turned her head to see the Space Pirate, Captain Collector! Her eyebrow twitched as she saw what he was wearing. He seemed to be an eccentric sort of pirate, at least judging by his outfit. Cosplay? Minae wondered to herself. He was wearing an eyepatch, a pirate hat complete with red feather, a puffy-sleeved white shirt, and a sash and sword were at his waist. He had long wavy hair, which was tied back in pony-tail. “This is the year 2134 you know. That outfit is so last millennium.”

“Well, what do we have here? A bounty hunter? No...a mercenary?” Capt. Collector reached over and grabbed Minae’s chin. “How very interesting...it seems as though you’ve managed to communicate with the water demon of the Planet Aqua. But how? Why? Could you possibly be...a humanoid specimen of the Planet Aqua? That particular planet is known for being devoid of intelligent life. It is also known for having a hidden treasure, but because of these invisible demon aliens roaming the entire planet no one has been able to get close. But if I had someone like you with an obvious connection to the water demons maybe you could help me get near the treasure. To think I’ve managed to get my hands on a humanoid Aquarian!”

Collector then hit Minae on the back of her neck, and all she saw was black...

***

Jinxer was standing by at the Angel Wings chilling at the bridge. He was drumming his fingers on the weapons controls in front of him and beginning to get worried about why Minae wasn’t back yet. Usually, she would have finished her mission by now. Jinxer then heard a strange sound...and it was coming from...under his chair! Gulp. Jinxer took out a flashlight and bending down took a look under his chair.

“Guuuu!~”

Something suddenly jumped at Jinxer’s face and latched on. “Ack!” Jinxer cried out in shock and tried to pry whatever it was off of his face. After having done so he realized it was the lost pet, Guu. “Guu? What are you doing here?” Jinxer furrowed his brow worriedly.

“Guu! Guu! Guu!” Guu explained to Jinxer.

Jinxer picked Guu up and shook him, “Huh? Speak Earthian! Is Minae in trouble?” A glint formed in Jinxer’s eyes as he realized this must indeed be the case. “I think it’s time for M-Cubed, otherwise known as the Mighty Masked Mago, to make his debut at last! Yosha!” Jinxer struck a pose.

A trickle of sweat formed on Guu’s brow in disbelief.

Once Jinxer had finished getting into his ‘hero costume’ and was all decked out in cosplay - he used the boarding tube to make his way over to the Hunter. (What is cosplay? For those living under a rock - Cosplay is when one dresses up in costumes sometimes anime or manga inspired and roleplays in real life.) Jinxer was wearing a domino mask with his dorky glasses over top, a cape with a flashy red inside layer, and all black outfit, which he had accessorized with a utility belt, and a top hat.

As Jinxer made his way through the spaceship in search of his partner Minae he hummed the ‘Mission Impossible’ Theme Song to himself. “Dun dun dun...dunna naaa duna!” Making a fake gun out of his two hands that he had entwined together and pointing off into the air as he turned corners.

Guu shook his head at Jinxer’s antics. “Guu! Guuu!” Guu insisted as he helped to direct Jinxer to the hanger.

Jinxer followed Guu’s guidance and was soon inside the hanger bay. “Minae!” Jinxer called out in concern as he took in the sight of all the caged alien creatures. He made his way along the various tanks and holding chambers until he stopped in front of one large holding tank in particular. His eyes widening at what he saw inside. “Minae...” Jinxer breathed pressing his hands up against the glass and looking inside, a look of disbelief flashing across his features.

Minae was inside the glass tank that was filled with water, but she was no longer looking very...human. In fact, she was looking a bit...fishy to Jinxer’s total surprise. Minae’s eyes were closed and there were wires attached all over her half-naked body. Two little fins had grown on the sides of her face, and her legs had somehow merged and transformed into a tail that appeared to be more like the tail of a moray eel than a mermaid’s split version since it was long, green and had sharp fins running along the entire length.

Jinxer’s eyes immediately formed into two large hearts. “Minae is...a mermaid! Too cute!” He promptly began to drool as he ogled Minae in her fish-form.

“Guu! Guu! Guu!” Guu insisted.

Jinxer shook his head and pulled himself together. Now was not the time for daydreams! He looked back at the captive Minae and then noticed that the tank was even labeled. It read: Humanoid Demon of Planet Aqua. Jinxer clenched his fists angrily at his sides. “Flurg! How dare someone imprison Minae like this! Oh they’ll pay alright! Don’t worry Minae I’ll get you out of there...somehow.” Jinxer took out his magic wand, which of course was no ordinary magic wand. “Yosha!” Jinxer pointed the wand at the tank and pressed a button on the wand. From out of the tip of the wand suddenly popped out a bouquet of flowers. “Opps...that’s for my first date with Minae. When I manage to ask her out that is...how about this.” Jinxer pressed another button on the magic wand and this time out shot confetti. “Aw man...” Pressing yet another button suddenly a large blast of flame shot out from the trip of Jinxer’s wand with such force it sent him falling on his butt.

“Ow!” Jinxer pushed himself up off the ground and then tried one last button. “What’s this one do again?” And then suddenly a blast of cold air shot out from the wand and towards the tank. “I really suck at this...” Jinxer hung his head but then the sound of cracking glass was heard and then the entire glass tank shattered.

“Oh of course! The heat and the cold caused the glass to expand and contract! Why the hell didn’t I think of that. Some genius I turn out to be.” Jinxer looked up surprised and caught Minae as she fell out of the glass tank. “Minae! Minae?!” He shook her prone form.

Minae slowly opened her eyes and blinked up at him. “Jinxer?”

Jinxer let out a breath of relief, smiling at her while slightly blushing at having the half-naked Minae in his arms. “Let’s get you dried off and dressed so you can kick some flurgin bad guy butt! I brought another battlesuit for you.” He winked at her playfully.

Minae looked surprised at this. “Um Jinxer...” She began hesitantly.

“Yea?”
“I owe you one, partner.”

Jinxer blushed to the roots of his hair at this. Minae, his Minae had actually called him her partner. He could die a happy man.

“Uh Jinxer, you’re thinking out loud again.” Minae laughed.

“Flurg!”

***

After Minae had dried off and regained her human form she dressed in the spare battlesuit that Jinxer had brought for her. He then handed her two metal poles.

Minae raised and eyebrow at them.

“Those are my latest invention.” Jinxer pushed his glasses up his nose, close to his domino mask. “I call them Holo Scythe. They are a holographic weapon with material conversion and solidification specs.”

“Huh?” Minae looked at her new weapons a bit skeptically.

“You’ll see.” Jinxer had a knowing twinkle in his eye. “Now let’s get out of here.”

They were just turning to leave, when once again the many holding tanks and cages caught Minae’s eye. And this time she just couldn’t leave the captive alien creatures behind - not after having experienced what it was like to be one of them, a prisoner.

“Wait, Jinxer...we can’t leave them.” She called after his retreating back.

Jinxer’s eyes widened in surprise. “Minae...that’s totally not like you. You never do anything for free.” Jinxer had a strange expression on his face as he continued. “You’re even cooler than before! Now you’re acting just like a real heroine Minae! I knew you had it in you. You rock. You’re so flurgin awesome!” He had become a bit starry-eyed.

Minae blushed despite herself. “Oh be quiet. Jinxer let’s free all the alien creatures and take them with us. Then we’ll return them all to their home planets.”

“Yosha! Right!” Jinxer pumped his fists into the air.

Minae, Jinxer, and Guu were just about to begin their task when--

“Not so fast.” Captain Collector had entered the exhibition hanger. And he wasn’t alone, with him were several men of his crew of space pirates. Some appeared to be armed with lazer guns and one was even equipt with a full-body armored suit.

“Who’s that?” Jinxer questioned Minae.

“I am the great Captain Collector!” Collector struck a pose, flourishing his pirate hat before him as he took a bow.

A twinkle formed in Jinxer’s eye. “And I am the great M-Cubed!” Jinxer also struck a pose, moving his hands through the air and doing a pathetic display of wannabe karate chops and kicks.

“Who?” Collector raised an eyebrow at his antics.

“You know...” Jinxer pouted, “The Mighty Masked Mago!”

“Oh, why didn’t you say so in the first place.” Collector nodded. “Still never heard of you though, kid.”

Jinxer nearly fell over in irk. He quickly composed himself though as he looked Collector over. “Nice threads.” He complimented.

“Thanks, you too.”

“Oh brother.” Minae shook her head, “I’m at a cosplay weirdo’s convention. Otakus...” Minae shivered. “Jinxer, I’ll handle Collector and his minions - you free the alien creatures and get back to the ship. Now go!”

“Right!” Jinxer agreed.

“Guu!” Guu nodded from his perch on Jinxer’s shoulder.

As Jinxer and Guu ran off to free the captive alien creatures Minae turned to face her opponents. Ah, what the flurg. She decided to try out Jinxer’s new weapons after all as she pressed the two buttons on either of the metal poles. From out of the sides of the metal poles two glowing, green blades materialized. They were long and scythe-like and just as Jinxer had said they appeared to be a holographic projection but were very much solid and deadly.

Minae raised an eyebrow at this. “Cool.” She smiled to herself as she looked towards the space pirates. She noticed the one that was in the full-body armored suit. “A robot?” She wondered as she charged forward, Holo Scythes raised. She slashed her blades quickly through the air and passed the pirate.

She then turned to face him and watched as the metal head of the armor fell off, hit the floor, and rolled. She then noticed that it was empty. She turned her attention back to the pirate and saw that he had ducked his head down and into the armor to avoid her deadly attack.

“Epp!” The pirate squeaked before backing up a step away from Minae. He then took off running and screaming like a little girl.

Minae felt a trickle of sweat form on her brow at this less-than-manly reaction.

Minae turned to face the three remaining space pirates, who had all pulled out their lazer guns and had them pointed towards Minae. Using her ninja-like reflexes Minae moved into attack as the pirates were firing deadly lazer blasts upon her. Minae swerved and dodged this way and that as she ran towards the pirates and used her Holo Scythes to block the attacks as well. Then she was suddenly upon the pirates. She moved her Holo Scythe through the air and cut through the first lazer gun slicing it neatly in half. She then turned towards the next pirate and attacked him, cutting his lazer gun in much the same manner as the first. She finally turned to the last remaining pirate.

Flow like water...always chose the path of least resistence. Swim in battle. Be graceful as the fish in the stream. Minae’s sensei’s (teacher’s) words rang through her mind.

“Ahh! Flurg!” He swore as Minae leapt towards him, raising her two Holo Scythes to shield and protect herself from the lazer blasts as she closed in. In seconds she was directly in front of him and then slicing her Holo Scythe through his weapon. It fell clattering to the ground in two pieces.

Minae smiled a cat’s paw smile at her prey. “Well boys, should I be merciful?” They all gulped and started to back away. “I don’t think so.” Minae charged forward her Holo Scythes slashing through the air. She then leapt backwards and faced her confused opponents. Apparently, Minae’s blades hadn’t touched them but then--

Suddenly their clothes all fell off and fell to the ground. Leaving the embarrassed space pirates in nothing but their boxers. They quickly covered themselves before running off.

“Flurg!” Collector swore, “It’s so hard to find good help these days.” Collector bit his thumb nail. “Well, try this then Space Mercenary Minae!” Collector took out a remote control device and pressed a big red button on it.

A loud clunking sound was heard and then Minae watched, her eyes widening, as a large robot made its way towards her.

“Uh oh...” Minae backed up a step.

Collector began to belt out some maniac laughter. “Prepare to meet your end, Space Merc Minae!”

Meanwhile...

Jinxer and Guu made their way towards the rows and rows of cages and holding tanks. As Jinxer neared a cage he pointed his wand at the controls and sent a blast of fire towards it. It immediately began to short circuit and the alien creature was freed. Jinxer quickly ran over to the next cage and this time used a blast of cold air to disable the key pad. Jinxer was soon panting for breath and he had barely managed to free ten alien creatures.

“There has to be an easier way to free all these creatures...” Jinxer frantically looked around and that’s when he spotted the main super computer. “That’s it!” Jinxer hurried his way over towards it but then a space pirate suddenly stood in his way.

“Arrrr!” The space pirate lifted his lazer gun and pointed it at Jinxer, “Stop right where you are! And drop your weapon!”

“Uh right...” Jinxer quickly agreed and dropped his wand to put up his hands. As his wand hit the ground however it let out a shock of electricity that hit the space pirate, who cried out in pain. Jinxer’s eyes widened in surprise. “Time for my disappearing act.” Jinxer looked down at his utility belt and pressed a button. “I’ll use the grappling hook.” The grappling hook suddenly shot upwards, followed by a cord made up of multi-colored, silk scarfs. The grappling hook attached to the second floor’s railing. As soon as it was hooked properly Jinxer used it to shoot upwards towards the second floor. He was almost there when suddenly the cord bungeed, sending him bouncing back down through the air and towards the space pirate. “Oh flurg!” Jinxer exclaimed as he was falling. “Look out! Get out of the way!”

“This time you won’t get...” The space pirate’s eyes widened and he gulped as he saw Jinxer crashing down upon him. “Away.” Jinxer fell right on top of the space pirate thoroughly knocking him out.

Note to self: Don’t use stretch in my grappling hook’s cord.

Jinxer looked down at the fallen form of the space pirate in shock. “Wow, did I do that? Sorry. Dang, I’m pretty good.” He puffed up his chest proudly. “Maybe Minae will let me graduate from hero-in-training to full-hero? Naw.” Jinxer took off again towards the super computer now unopposed. “There has to be something here that can help...” Jinxer began pressing buttons at random on his utility belt. From out of a compartment on his belt suddenly shot out several razor sharp playing cards. They hit the control consul of the computer and suddenly it began to spark before it caught on fire.

A clicking sound was heard and then the sound of all of the cages and holding tanks opening boomed throughout the exhibition hanger.

“Yosha! Alright!” Jinxer pumped his hands through the air, not really knowing how he had managed that one either. “Guu did you do that?”

“Guu! Guuuu!” Guu shook his head and waved his little arm off towards where Minae was.

“What?” Jinxer quickly turned to see where Guu was pointing. “Is Minae in trouble?”

Sure enough Minae was currently facing off with the gargantuan and intimidating-looking killer robot. “We have to help her!” Jinxer rushed over towards Minae.

“Guu!” Guu leapt into Minae’s arms as soon as Jinxer was only a few feet away from her. She looked down at the little green alien creature quizzically. “Guu?”

Guu twisted in her arms to face the killer robot and then opened its mouth. Suddenly, a sound very similar to a vacuum cleaner started and an unknown force seemed to be sucking the large robot towards Minae. Then in a matter of seconds the robot was unexpectedly sucked into the black hole of a mouth that Guu seemed to possess.

“Erp.” Guu burped, as it licked its lips. “Yummy. Thanks for the meal.”

“Minae are you alright?” Jinxer ran up to her.

“Uh...yea...” Minae looked down at Guu in shock, a trickle of sweat forming on her brow in surprise at the alien’s unusual ability. “For such a tiny little thing you sure have one crazy appetite.”

Collector also appeared to be a bit flabbergasted by this turn of events. “Well, if you want something done right - you have to do it yourself.” Collector pulled out what appeared to be nothing more than a sword’s hilt. He pressed a button on the hilt however and a large, glowing, blue blade suddenly flashed into life. The blade materialized and then solidified much in the same manner as Minae’s Holo Scythe. “Behold - my Holo Sword!”

Jinxer frowned, “Hey, that’s my idea!”

Minae activated her Holo Scythes and prepared to face off with Captain Collector, a fierce look in her eyes. “Bring it on, Captain.”

“I think it’s time for my grand finale.” Jinxer was walking past Minae, ignoring her. He took off his top hat and reached inside. As he did so he suddenly pulled out Guu, who seemed to appear from out of nowhere. Jinxer held Guu in his two hands. “You know what to do Guu.”

“Guu!” Guu declared as he suddenly shot out a large amount of green goo from out of his mouth and towards Captain Collector, who was still charging forward, sword raised, towards Minae.

“Argh!!!” Collector was yelling as he continued to run towards Minae only to suddenly slip on the slimy, green goo that was now all over the floor. Collector’s Holo Sword went flying out of his grasp and into Jinxer’s awaiting hand. Collector fell flat on his face with a large thud.
“I think it was a smash hit.” Jinxer bowed with a flourish of his top hat, a twinkle in his eye.

Minae sighed and shook her head as she deactivated her Holo Scythes. “Way to steal my thunder, Mago Boy. Quit fooling around, let’s get out of here!”

Jinxer nodded and tossed the Holo Sword aside, “Right!”

“Guuuu! Guuuu! Guuu!”

Translation: “This way to the ship, everyone!” Guu was directing the alien creatures to follow Minae and Jinxer back to the boarding tube and back to their ship, the Angel Wings.

Collector, meanwhile, kept trying to push himself up off of the slicked floor but try and try as he might he continued to slip and fall. “Flurg!” He swore in frustration. “This isn’t over yet, Space Mercenary Minae! I know you’ll go to Planet Aqua to discover the truth of your origins one day - and when you do - I’ll be there, waiting for you. Aqua’s treasure will be mine!” Collector’s words echoed ominously after them.

***

Minae, Jinxer, and Guu followed by all of the freed alien creatures made their way safely back to the ship.

“Detach the boarding tube!” Minae directed as she strolled into the bridge and took a seat at her command chair.

“Aye, aye, captain.” Jinxer saluted her as he did as he was told, taking a seat at his station.

The Angel Wings then began to pull away from the Hunter and make its escape.

“Where to now, capt’?” Jinxer questioned her.

“To get these animals back to their homes, of course.” The bridge was a bit stuffy with all the alien creatures crowding around Minae and Jinxer and pressing in from all sides.

“Right,” Jinxer smiled lopsidedly at her, “I’m glad, you know, I think this mission was good for you Minae. But...what about Guu?”

“Guuu~” Guu said in a forlorn manner and hung his head.

Minae tapped her chin thoughtfully for a moment before she shrugged. “I guess we’ll just have to tell our client we failed in our mission and return our money.”

Jinxer’s eyes brightened almost immediately, “Really?! Wow Minae you’re the greatest!” He flung his arms around her, glomping her and hugging her tight.

“Ack! Get off! Personal bubble! You want to die?!” She screeched shoving Jinxer away from her. “I can’t believe I did another job I didn’t get paid for...” Suddenly both Jinxer and Minae’s stomach took that opportune time to grumble. Minae sighed. “And I’m starving!”

All of the alien creature’s stomachs suddenly grumbled as well.

“And now I just have a bunch more mouths to feed! I should just send you all adrift in space!” Minae declared a vicious gleam in her eyes.

“Aw, you wouldn’t do that to these cute little alien creature now would you?” Jinxer prodded her.

“I meant you too, watchdog.” Minae narrowed her eyes at him.

“Eck, scary! But that’s why we love you! Right Guu?” Jinxer patted the little alien on the head.

“Guuu~!” Guu agreed happily.

“Why me...?” Minae half-smiled as she shook her head.

We thank each and everyone who entered the contest, and hope to see more of your artistic and writing talent next year!

Official AnimeNEXT Mascot Art