::Ok, I'd like to make a few statements before I begin writing the actual
story. First of all, I don't own Metropolis or any of its characters
(obviously). Second, I really do love the movie. But that doesn't mean I
can't make fun of it. And, last of all, and the most obvious, Rock rocks.
That's why he's the least affected character. Thank you. Also, I started
writing this BEFORE I read 'Call Me Kenichi'... Anyway. ::
"You can hear the diggers say as they're heading towards the bay 'Oh I gotta dig a duck, gotta dig a duck a day'..." - Gooey duck song
In the beginning, there was only darkness. The darkness was so dark, that the dark was dark and the dark even darker. Yep, it was pretty dang dark. And then, suddenly, a duck said "LET THERE BE RED LINES!" And there were credits. And it was good. A few minutes later, we were confronted with the image of some random guy yelling stuff about achievement in a 50's type setting, as follows:
"I'm really, really happy that I got to state the- uh.. top of humanity's achievements in science and... Chinese food.. so.. um.. yeah.... Oh yeah! And may it stand for a really, really long time! Our Really, Really, Ridiculously Big Tower!"
This was followed by long shots of the Really, Really, Ridiculously Big Tower and somewhat annoying jazz. People cheered, and fireworks flared off. The opening of the Really, Really, Ridiculously Big Tower was a monumental celebration; one that would take a whole week. It was just that ridiculously big. And there was a blimp!
Inside, scientists were debating the differences between Osamu's manga of Metropolis vs. the anime movie Metropolis.
"Laughton was a good guy and there was no Rock!" "But Laughton was still shot- And there was a Fifi!" The debate was hot. And there was the blimp again!
Meanwhile, within the audience back outside, a certain detective and his nephew were watching the fireworks.
"Uncle Shunsaku, what's a Really, Really, Ridiculously Big Tower?" The nephew innocently asked.
"I'm guessing, by the looks of this building, the name, and that documentary on the making of this movie, that's it's a somewhat large tower." Shunsaku replied.
Meanwhile, inside the Really, Really, Ridiculously Big Tower, the press was interviewing the Really, Really, Ridiculously Big Tower's owner, Duke Taupe, the Mayor of Metropolis, General Skink, and President Beane.
"Congradulations!" They greeted. The questions began. "Duke Taupe, now that you've finished construction on the Really, Really, Ridiculously Big Tower, do you plan on going on into politics?"
"It's Duke Orange, first of all." He corrected. "And no, I won't be going into politics. Firstly because as long as President Beane's in state, we have nothing to worry about. And besides, if I make enough merchandise like Hello Kitty, I can rule the world anyway."
"President Beane, would you like to see Duke Orange-"
"Duke Black!" He corrected again.
"-Duke Black go into politics?" Beane shook his head and waved his hand, laughing.
"Don't go incouraging him now; I can't compete with someone so popular." Duke Black smiled, complemented. Beane lit a cigar, and another reporter piped up.
"Is it true that the Really, Really, Ridiculously Big Tower houses military weapons?" There were several gasps, and Duke Black's smile vanished. "Mayor Whatshisface, do you wish to comment?" The Mayor scowled at the nosey journalist.
"You can direct all questions of that sort right to General Skink." Skink, not the most trustworthy looking man in town, grinned a forshadowing evil sort of grinny-grin that dripped of foreshadow and evil.
Back outside, one of many spotlights then came on, but only one man noticed how it was different.
"O-oe, What's with that spotlight?" It had a ducky in the middle, unlike the others.
"Marduck.." An old man behind the detective and nephew muttered, "The sign of the Marducks.." The spotlight was then turned off, and a Marduck stamped out the duck emblem. The figure who had done that was trying to escape, but was spotted by a smaller spotlight.
"There he is!" A Marduck shouted. The figure leapt and landed upon a car. Ouch. To the amazement of those watching the poor person, it limped its way, attempting to make some form of escape, but it was futile; for there, behind him, stood the coolest, smoothest, best-looking character in the whole movie. Rock. Rock rocks.
Rock shot the figure in the leg; it was startled, but continued to try to make its escape. So, he shot again- a fatal blow to the head. The figure- a robot, was terminated. Rock proudly put his gun away. Another job well done.
Once again inside the Really, Really, Ridiculously Big Tower, an old man sat inside Duke Black's over-sized office, looking at pictures of a young girl and biting his thumb.
"I see, I see.." He mumbled to himself. The doors creaked open, and the man turned to see Duke Black himself. He was obviously very miffed.
"Where is she, Laughton??" He began. "You promised me she would be here tonight!"
"W-Well, you see.." Laughton meekly began, but Duke Black interrupted.
"I'm tired of hearing your excuses! I've given you the best facilities and equipment money can buy!"
"Sh-She can be done within the week, Duke Yellow-"
"It's Duke GREEN." Duke Green walked to his desk and picked up one of the pictures on his desk. "I'm going into your lab to see what you've done."
"B-But that's down in Z-Zone One! And b-besides, it's not a place for a man like yourse-"
"I'm going to see what you've done." Duke Green said more boldly. Laughton said nothing more and weakly staggered out of the office. Duke Green's two body guards watched him out and wiped themselves off, and Rock knocked on the open door. Rock rocks.
"Roku desu." He announced. Duke Green was now sitting in his chair, facing the many pictures of the young girl.
"I heard that there was a skirmish down at the plaza."
"There was.. I took care of it." Duke Green became annoyed.
"It's your job to PREVENT those sort of things!"
"Yes, father.." Rock innocently replied, ready for lecture. Instead, Duke Green turned his chair around, his face the very picture of gentlemanly rage.
"I AM NOT YOUR FATHER!!" He slammed his hand against the desk to highten his point. "You were a war orphan I merely adopted, took in, and raised for a good part of your life- Do not call me your father! You have no right- I told you to call me Duke Crimson!"
"Yessir." Rock affirmed.
The next day, Shunsaku and his nephew were in the office of Superintendant Notarlin, awaiting permission to investigate on what they were sent for. The office also had a spiffy window/aquarium thingy! Notarlin was busily stamping away letters and notices as Shunsaku explained himself.
"I was sent here from Japan with my nephew to arrest Dr. Laughton. I was told from a very reliable source that he's been smuggling organs, and is based here in Metropolis.. but unfortunately, this is our first time here and I can't tell east from west, so.." He trailed off, both Shunsaku and nephew gazing at the 10-ft. fish swimming behind the superintendant.
"Well, although Laughton is wanted, I'm afraid that we have all of our men busy with all of the Really, Really, Ridiculously Big Tower's celebrations.." Notarlin looked up to see the two spaced out completely. A loud stamp brought them both back to attention. "Anyway, I can send a robot with you.."
"A r-robot?!" Shunsaku yelped, startled. "What about Police Inspector Ganimarl?? Or Mister Sherlock Holmes??" The stamp was stuck to a paper.
"Yes, a robot." Notarlin finally got the stamp off and sent the paper into the out box. "I'm afraid Ganimarl and Sherlock were there in the manga. Anyway, he's a good robot. He's not lisenced to arrest, but he's very good at investigations."
Later, in the robot-pickup room...
"Do I have to return him with a full tank?" Shunsaku asked, awaiting the robot to arrive.
"Nah.." The robot supervisor replied, "But put souvenier stamps on him from wherever you go, yeah? Like, you know, Egypt, or China.."
"Um.." The nephew started, "We're staying in Metropolis.."
"Then just put a bunch of sparkly stickers on him. I like sparkly things.." The robot arrived, so the supervisor sat back at his desk and continued reading his 'adult' magazine. (It really is! Take a look next time you watch it!)
"Hello!" The nephew greeted. "I'm Kenichi! And you are..?" The robot took off his hat.
"I am 803-DR-P-C-3P0-R-667Y." Kenichi held out his hand. Hesitent, 803 shook it. "N-..Nice to meet you."
Later once more, on the surface of Metropolis. There were radio announcements stating the wonder that was Metropolis and repeating Duke Crimson's eloquent speech in the beginning of this fanfic. And there was the blimp again!
"Now that the Really, Really, Ridiculously Big Tower has been built, Metropolis is the height and culmination of humanity's culture and scientific achievements!" Then it repeated itself in Dude. "Metropolis is, like, da bomb, with that big tower thingie.. Yeah." And in Gangsta. "Yo, Metrop'l's rocks da hood, yo yo." Shunsaku, Kenichi, and 803 were walking and discussing their mission.
"So where should we begin?" Shunsaku asked 803. "Uh..8..03.. uh.."
"DR-P-C-3P0-R-667Y." Kenichi finished.
"How did you memorize that??" The surprised detective asked.
"It's on the screen!" Kenichi answered, looking up. This only confused his uncle.
"Either way.." Shunsaku began again, "We need an easier name for you.."
"Robots are not given names, as some feel it would infringe on human rights." 803 responded. A dog walker scuttled by, holding the leashes of over half a dozen dogs. This gave Shunsaku an idea.
"Then how about Fluffy? Or Rex? Or maybe Fido?" Kenichi giggled.
"Those are dogs' names!"
"I know," replied Shunsaku, "But dogs can be good pets! I had one once.. Perro; good dog."
"So should I respond to Fluffy, Rex, or Fido?" 803 inquired.
"Uh.." The detective brilliantly stated, "Try Fifi." Kenichi now pouted. 803 stood in silence.
"But there's already supposed to be a Fifi!"
"Alright, Gil-Galad then!"
"But that's an elvish king from Lord of the Rings!"
"Mustachio!"
"That was YOUR name in the manga!"
"Bass?"
"The robot from Megaman??"
"Then how about Black Jack!"
"Right author, wrong series."
"Alright, alright, let's just call him Perro." Perro clicked in acknowledgement and the three continued on.
"My assumption is that if Laughton truly were here in Metropolis, his base wouldn't be on this level." Perro finally commented.
"What do you mean?" Asked Shunksaku.
"There is too much security and law enforcement here; he would most likely be somewhere in Zone One."
"Zone One?"
"Yes.." Perro explained, "This city has several layers to it, and my guess is that Laughton would be on the first one."
"Ah!" The detective happily exclaimed, "So you DO have inspector's intuition!"
"No, it's merely an estimation of probabilities." Kenichi giggled once more, but then suddenly a gunshot rang out! It was another Marduck, shooting a large, automated female figure until her head fell off. The Marduck didn't stop though; there was apparently a robot behind it. Only when the robot fell and stopped moving did he end his barrage.
"The heck was all that about?!" The startled Shunsaku exclaimed. The Marducks were dragging the robot's limp body into a large truck-like vehicle.
"That man is a Marduck; vigilantes who exterminate robots who are out of their zone." Perro explained.
"What about the Red Party?" Kenichi asked.
"They were in the manga only." Perro answered.
"Either way, those guys look like cultists to me.." Shunsaku growled.
"Wasn't the line 'facists'?" Kenichi inquired.
"Whatever. I don't like 'em." Was the curt reply.
Down the elevator and into Zone One!
"You can hear the diggers say as they're heading towards the bay 'Oh I gotta dig a duck, gotta dig a duck a day'..." - Gooey duck song
In the beginning, there was only darkness. The darkness was so dark, that the dark was dark and the dark even darker. Yep, it was pretty dang dark. And then, suddenly, a duck said "LET THERE BE RED LINES!" And there were credits. And it was good. A few minutes later, we were confronted with the image of some random guy yelling stuff about achievement in a 50's type setting, as follows:
"I'm really, really happy that I got to state the- uh.. top of humanity's achievements in science and... Chinese food.. so.. um.. yeah.... Oh yeah! And may it stand for a really, really long time! Our Really, Really, Ridiculously Big Tower!"
This was followed by long shots of the Really, Really, Ridiculously Big Tower and somewhat annoying jazz. People cheered, and fireworks flared off. The opening of the Really, Really, Ridiculously Big Tower was a monumental celebration; one that would take a whole week. It was just that ridiculously big. And there was a blimp!
Inside, scientists were debating the differences between Osamu's manga of Metropolis vs. the anime movie Metropolis.
"Laughton was a good guy and there was no Rock!" "But Laughton was still shot- And there was a Fifi!" The debate was hot. And there was the blimp again!
Meanwhile, within the audience back outside, a certain detective and his nephew were watching the fireworks.
"Uncle Shunsaku, what's a Really, Really, Ridiculously Big Tower?" The nephew innocently asked.
"I'm guessing, by the looks of this building, the name, and that documentary on the making of this movie, that's it's a somewhat large tower." Shunsaku replied.
Meanwhile, inside the Really, Really, Ridiculously Big Tower, the press was interviewing the Really, Really, Ridiculously Big Tower's owner, Duke Taupe, the Mayor of Metropolis, General Skink, and President Beane.
"Congradulations!" They greeted. The questions began. "Duke Taupe, now that you've finished construction on the Really, Really, Ridiculously Big Tower, do you plan on going on into politics?"
"It's Duke Orange, first of all." He corrected. "And no, I won't be going into politics. Firstly because as long as President Beane's in state, we have nothing to worry about. And besides, if I make enough merchandise like Hello Kitty, I can rule the world anyway."
"President Beane, would you like to see Duke Orange-"
"Duke Black!" He corrected again.
"-Duke Black go into politics?" Beane shook his head and waved his hand, laughing.
"Don't go incouraging him now; I can't compete with someone so popular." Duke Black smiled, complemented. Beane lit a cigar, and another reporter piped up.
"Is it true that the Really, Really, Ridiculously Big Tower houses military weapons?" There were several gasps, and Duke Black's smile vanished. "Mayor Whatshisface, do you wish to comment?" The Mayor scowled at the nosey journalist.
"You can direct all questions of that sort right to General Skink." Skink, not the most trustworthy looking man in town, grinned a forshadowing evil sort of grinny-grin that dripped of foreshadow and evil.
Back outside, one of many spotlights then came on, but only one man noticed how it was different.
"O-oe, What's with that spotlight?" It had a ducky in the middle, unlike the others.
"Marduck.." An old man behind the detective and nephew muttered, "The sign of the Marducks.." The spotlight was then turned off, and a Marduck stamped out the duck emblem. The figure who had done that was trying to escape, but was spotted by a smaller spotlight.
"There he is!" A Marduck shouted. The figure leapt and landed upon a car. Ouch. To the amazement of those watching the poor person, it limped its way, attempting to make some form of escape, but it was futile; for there, behind him, stood the coolest, smoothest, best-looking character in the whole movie. Rock. Rock rocks.
Rock shot the figure in the leg; it was startled, but continued to try to make its escape. So, he shot again- a fatal blow to the head. The figure- a robot, was terminated. Rock proudly put his gun away. Another job well done.
Once again inside the Really, Really, Ridiculously Big Tower, an old man sat inside Duke Black's over-sized office, looking at pictures of a young girl and biting his thumb.
"I see, I see.." He mumbled to himself. The doors creaked open, and the man turned to see Duke Black himself. He was obviously very miffed.
"Where is she, Laughton??" He began. "You promised me she would be here tonight!"
"W-Well, you see.." Laughton meekly began, but Duke Black interrupted.
"I'm tired of hearing your excuses! I've given you the best facilities and equipment money can buy!"
"Sh-She can be done within the week, Duke Yellow-"
"It's Duke GREEN." Duke Green walked to his desk and picked up one of the pictures on his desk. "I'm going into your lab to see what you've done."
"B-But that's down in Z-Zone One! And b-besides, it's not a place for a man like yourse-"
"I'm going to see what you've done." Duke Green said more boldly. Laughton said nothing more and weakly staggered out of the office. Duke Green's two body guards watched him out and wiped themselves off, and Rock knocked on the open door. Rock rocks.
"Roku desu." He announced. Duke Green was now sitting in his chair, facing the many pictures of the young girl.
"I heard that there was a skirmish down at the plaza."
"There was.. I took care of it." Duke Green became annoyed.
"It's your job to PREVENT those sort of things!"
"Yes, father.." Rock innocently replied, ready for lecture. Instead, Duke Green turned his chair around, his face the very picture of gentlemanly rage.
"I AM NOT YOUR FATHER!!" He slammed his hand against the desk to highten his point. "You were a war orphan I merely adopted, took in, and raised for a good part of your life- Do not call me your father! You have no right- I told you to call me Duke Crimson!"
"Yessir." Rock affirmed.
The next day, Shunsaku and his nephew were in the office of Superintendant Notarlin, awaiting permission to investigate on what they were sent for. The office also had a spiffy window/aquarium thingy! Notarlin was busily stamping away letters and notices as Shunsaku explained himself.
"I was sent here from Japan with my nephew to arrest Dr. Laughton. I was told from a very reliable source that he's been smuggling organs, and is based here in Metropolis.. but unfortunately, this is our first time here and I can't tell east from west, so.." He trailed off, both Shunsaku and nephew gazing at the 10-ft. fish swimming behind the superintendant.
"Well, although Laughton is wanted, I'm afraid that we have all of our men busy with all of the Really, Really, Ridiculously Big Tower's celebrations.." Notarlin looked up to see the two spaced out completely. A loud stamp brought them both back to attention. "Anyway, I can send a robot with you.."
"A r-robot?!" Shunsaku yelped, startled. "What about Police Inspector Ganimarl?? Or Mister Sherlock Holmes??" The stamp was stuck to a paper.
"Yes, a robot." Notarlin finally got the stamp off and sent the paper into the out box. "I'm afraid Ganimarl and Sherlock were there in the manga. Anyway, he's a good robot. He's not lisenced to arrest, but he's very good at investigations."
Later, in the robot-pickup room...
"Do I have to return him with a full tank?" Shunsaku asked, awaiting the robot to arrive.
"Nah.." The robot supervisor replied, "But put souvenier stamps on him from wherever you go, yeah? Like, you know, Egypt, or China.."
"Um.." The nephew started, "We're staying in Metropolis.."
"Then just put a bunch of sparkly stickers on him. I like sparkly things.." The robot arrived, so the supervisor sat back at his desk and continued reading his 'adult' magazine. (It really is! Take a look next time you watch it!)
"Hello!" The nephew greeted. "I'm Kenichi! And you are..?" The robot took off his hat.
"I am 803-DR-P-C-3P0-R-667Y." Kenichi held out his hand. Hesitent, 803 shook it. "N-..Nice to meet you."
Later once more, on the surface of Metropolis. There were radio announcements stating the wonder that was Metropolis and repeating Duke Crimson's eloquent speech in the beginning of this fanfic. And there was the blimp again!
"Now that the Really, Really, Ridiculously Big Tower has been built, Metropolis is the height and culmination of humanity's culture and scientific achievements!" Then it repeated itself in Dude. "Metropolis is, like, da bomb, with that big tower thingie.. Yeah." And in Gangsta. "Yo, Metrop'l's rocks da hood, yo yo." Shunsaku, Kenichi, and 803 were walking and discussing their mission.
"So where should we begin?" Shunsaku asked 803. "Uh..8..03.. uh.."
"DR-P-C-3P0-R-667Y." Kenichi finished.
"How did you memorize that??" The surprised detective asked.
"It's on the screen!" Kenichi answered, looking up. This only confused his uncle.
"Either way.." Shunsaku began again, "We need an easier name for you.."
"Robots are not given names, as some feel it would infringe on human rights." 803 responded. A dog walker scuttled by, holding the leashes of over half a dozen dogs. This gave Shunsaku an idea.
"Then how about Fluffy? Or Rex? Or maybe Fido?" Kenichi giggled.
"Those are dogs' names!"
"I know," replied Shunsaku, "But dogs can be good pets! I had one once.. Perro; good dog."
"So should I respond to Fluffy, Rex, or Fido?" 803 inquired.
"Uh.." The detective brilliantly stated, "Try Fifi." Kenichi now pouted. 803 stood in silence.
"But there's already supposed to be a Fifi!"
"Alright, Gil-Galad then!"
"But that's an elvish king from Lord of the Rings!"
"Mustachio!"
"That was YOUR name in the manga!"
"Bass?"
"The robot from Megaman??"
"Then how about Black Jack!"
"Right author, wrong series."
"Alright, alright, let's just call him Perro." Perro clicked in acknowledgement and the three continued on.
"My assumption is that if Laughton truly were here in Metropolis, his base wouldn't be on this level." Perro finally commented.
"What do you mean?" Asked Shunksaku.
"There is too much security and law enforcement here; he would most likely be somewhere in Zone One."
"Zone One?"
"Yes.." Perro explained, "This city has several layers to it, and my guess is that Laughton would be on the first one."
"Ah!" The detective happily exclaimed, "So you DO have inspector's intuition!"
"No, it's merely an estimation of probabilities." Kenichi giggled once more, but then suddenly a gunshot rang out! It was another Marduck, shooting a large, automated female figure until her head fell off. The Marduck didn't stop though; there was apparently a robot behind it. Only when the robot fell and stopped moving did he end his barrage.
"The heck was all that about?!" The startled Shunsaku exclaimed. The Marducks were dragging the robot's limp body into a large truck-like vehicle.
"That man is a Marduck; vigilantes who exterminate robots who are out of their zone." Perro explained.
"What about the Red Party?" Kenichi asked.
"They were in the manga only." Perro answered.
"Either way, those guys look like cultists to me.." Shunsaku growled.
"Wasn't the line 'facists'?" Kenichi inquired.
"Whatever. I don't like 'em." Was the curt reply.
Down the elevator and into Zone One!