Chapter 1: Drowned Rat & Broken Takeo
Sometimes in life you just have to stop and think about what you're actually doing. Things can go by so fast that you would've missed it if you blinked. I'm sure everyone experiences it in their lives. But I'm positive that it wasn't on a life or death situation. People would've never believed me if I had tried to explain it to them. Most likely half of them would try to get my mental help. But I know the truth and so does my twin brother; Shion. It had started off as a positive day for the both of us on our 12th birthday…
Using the back of my hand, I yawned quietly. It had been a long day and I found myself having trouble focusing on the monitor in front of me. Safu was giving a presentation over something I was very familiar with. Her dark purple sweater with alight purple squiggly line across the top and her short purple shirt stood out against the pale wall behind her. There was also some quiet bickering going on in the background that I succeeded in zoning out.
Glancing to my left, I looked at my twin brother who was doing the same thing across the room. He was only a few inches taller than me with dark brown hair and bright brown eyes. I had the same color hair but it reached my waist. However, my eyes were blue. My mom has no idea why though. Anyway, he was wearing a simply yet geeky outfit which consisted of a white undershirt with a green vest on top and brown dress pants. I was wearing a light blue blouse with a black skirt that reached my knees and white socks that was three inches below that.
Shion suddenly looked out the window. The wind had suddenly picked up. Leaves were flying furiously in random directions through the air.
I frowned. That could only mean a storm was coming in. I hated storms.
Focusing on the monitor again, I tried to forget about the potential storm that was coming in. The presentation was going over the brain and the nervous system functions.
I yawned again. Boring. Shion was into this type of stuff, not me.
"Hey!" I jumped at my class mates' voice," Why are you talking during my presentation?"
I blinked in surprise, so she had heard them. It took her long enough. Sighing, I rested my head on my palm while blowing my bangs from my face.
"Hey, it looks like the wind is really picking up", the boy in front of me said. I think he was the same boy who tripped me in the hall the other day. Jerk.
"The Moon Drop might start to cry", he continued, completely avoiding the girls' question. "Don't freak out man."
She slammed her hand down on her monitor, "You should be ashamed of yourselves, you know that!?"
The boy stood," Don't you start with me Missy!"
"You shouldn't be so cocky about being elected for the Gifted course, not when you wear clothes from the last century", another boy in glasses remarked. The class started laughing.
I growled in frustrating. I really needed to learn names and they were so mean!
"So now you're going to insult me? You want a piece of me!? Why I out to kick your ass", she screamed as she ran up to the boy.
Everyone stood in surprise as she grabbed his shirt in anger. Safu was still yelling at him as she started to fight both of the boys. That was unfair. So, naturally I helped my friend. The two boys were completely unprepared for another person to jump into the fight. They did recover quickly however. Luckily for me, glasses boy wasn't much of a fighter. His hits were weak and unfocused so I was able to dodge them easily.
I had just elbowed glasses boy in the nose as he tried to grab me from behind when the door opened. Two teachers walked in and my heart sunk to my stomach. Oh no. Mom was going to be so mad at me!
xXxXxXxXxXx
After school, Shion and I got onto the ferry with Safu. She was busy pouting at the window. I was sitting down, letting Shion cleaned the cut on my check that I had received from the fight.
"Honestly, you should become a material artist, not a neuron scientist", Shion told us. That comment actually surprised me. Shion never really liked it when I got into fights, but at least I could defend myself.
"You weren't listening were you", Safu asked my brother. "To my presentation, Shion."
He hummed while he sat down by me," Note that humans are exceptionally unique. Society provides us with a sense of self. In other words, human neatness is based on the existence of an ego. It's standard silence really."
I giggled while he gave a short summary," That's my big brother of mine!"
Shion was technically ten minutes older than I was despite me being feistier.
Anyway, Safu went over me to sit by Shion. She was giggling like mad while swinging her feet happily. I smiled. My brother had no idea how he effected her at all.
When we scanned our ID bracelets to get off, Safu popped the big question," So hey, is today the big day?"
"Hmm?"
I nodded happily," Oh yea, it is."
"Isn't that why you invited us along", Shion questioned.
"Not for that", she stated. "For the typhoon."
The blood drained from my face as I gripped y brothers' arm. He wrapped it around my shoulders before giving a light squeeze. He knew that I was deathly afraid of storms and loud noises in general because of an accident that happened when we were kids.
"Yea, it's suppose to pass through No. 6 tonight. I'm pretty excited about it", Shion added as we walked our bikes along a trail. "It's the best present I could have."
I pouted," Not for me. But I guess I do get to snuggle with you in your room tonight Shion. We can share hot chocolate."
"Definitely."
"What are you two talking about? Oh never mind, let's hurry", Safu stated. She swung a leg over her bike. The gravity from the hill allowed her to easily pick up speed.
My brother and I both yelled after her as we hurried to follow.
xXxXxXxXxXx
"I'm so glad you two are here", Safu's grandmother cooed. "My…you've grown so tall."
"It's been way too long", my brother stated.
I added," It's really nice to see you again."
We watched as Safu ran over to her grandmother. They were whispering but I could make out a few things. It didn't tell me much of anything except for the fact that they had something planned. I wasn't sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing.
"Happy birthday, Shion. Happy birthday, Takeo."
I broke away from my thoughts to look at Safu. She was holding out atwo separate packages. One for Shion and one for me.
"For me", Shion asked in surprise. Safu smiled with a nod.
I gently grabbed my offered package," Thank you."
Together my brother and I opened our presents. We found that we had matching sweaters. They were similar to the one Safu was wearing, but the colors were swapped.
"Don't you remember when I first wore one of these to school? You two were the only ones who said anything nice."
Smiling, I hugged Safu quickly. She wasn't expecting to because she squeaked in surprise. The two of us nearly toppled over but I regained the balance as I let go.
"I love it! Thank you so much."
She smiled and turned to Shion," I was going to give you one like mine but your name is Shion. It means purple flower. And it is only proper for twins to have matching cloths."
"Thank you", Shion stuttered. "Thank you very much. I really like it."
"Me too!"
Safu's grandmother smiled," I hope you continue on being Safu's friends once you're enrolled in the gifted course."
"Yes ma'am", we replied together.
Safu suddenly went running towards the kitchen; yelling something about a cake.
"I'll give you a hand", Shion stated.
"No! It's fine."
I giggled," Leave the girl to her antics Shion."
He smiled at me and pulled me into a side hug. I leaned my head against his shoulder. Shion and I were very close. We've always been and I doubted anything was ever going to change that.
The cake was a lovely little white cake with various colored candles, a sign, and strawberries. We all ate it together.
Afterwards, Shion and I were checking out the window. The weather was turning really nasty. Shion turned to talk to Safu's grandmother for a minute before Safu yelled for us.
We followed her into this big walk in closet. It was huge! My jaw dropped at the sight.
"Isn't it cool?"
"Wow, your grandmother made all of these", asked Shion.
"You bet."
I started shifting through some of the sweaters. They were all unique in their own way.
"Some of these were made back when I was still growing. Aren't they gorgeous? And that's why I don't need any of those special cloths made from those weird fibers. Right grandma?"
The old lady chuckled," After all, there wasn't anything else I could do for you. Everything here in No. 6, everything is provided for us. Aside from gardening and knitting, I can't decided what else I could do. Oh, the way this city takes care of us, it's just such a blessing."
Shion decided that we needed to leave after that if we were to get home before the storm. I hugged myself nervously while Shion opened the umbrella he had.
"I guess we'll just come back for our bikes tomarrow."
Safu nodded," Okay. Just make sure you don't ruin your birthday presents."
"But technically it's a present from your grandmother", I stated.
"It's not from you, right", added my twin.
"Well I have a present for you too", She sang right before kissing my brothers' cheek.
I held a hand over my mouth to stop from laughing. I knew she liked him!
"That's the exact same present our mother gave us."
I face palmed. He was so oblivious to her signals that practically scream, I LIKE YOU!
"It's not the same. It's an emotional express at the want to reproduce", Safu argued.
0.0 Okay, that was a little sickening. I mean, who talks like that!/ I mean come on-
"AHHHHH!" We all screamed when a sudden gust of wind barreled past us. I grabbed onto my brother as the Moon Drop cries started. The sound was a mix between a whale and siren. As fascinating as it was, it meant that the typhoon was closing in.
"The Moon Drop is crying", Safu chirped. "It's been forever since I heard the Moon Drop cry. I guess typhoons aren't all bad, are they?"
"I hate them", I growled into my brother's shoulder. "Nothing good comes from them. Even hearing the Moon Drop cry isn't a good enough reason."
My brother nodded in agreement," A blister. A blister on the earth, like a blister on your skin."
xXxXxXxXxXx
My brother and I barely made it home in time. The rain was coming down in sheets and the wind was merciless. I hated it.
Once we got home, I ran into my room to hide. There was something wrong. It wasn't just the storm. I wasn't exactly sure what it was.
I changed into a pair of baggy pants and a tank top. Both were a dark color. Grabbing my book, I hurried out into the kitchen. My mom was reading something on a mobile screen.
Hearing my bare feet padding across the floor, she looked up," Hi sweetheart."
"Hi mom. I'm going in Shion's room."
"He's busy with a project and asked to not be disturbed."
I stopped my miss0oin towards his door. Project? What project? Something had to be wrong if Shion lied to mom.
"Do you have a project too?"
"Um, yeah. I finished it already though. I had more of a head start. Do you think Shion would mind if I went in though? I could probably help him."
She tapped her index finger against her chin in thought," I don't know Takeo. You could try but he was pretty firm in his decision."
I pouted," Fine, I'll wait until he come out for dinner. Before going in. I'll surprise him."
My mother laughed," Just don't fight with him okay? I don't want him to hurt him."
"I won't. I promise! Thanks mom."
I decided to read the story I had downloaded onto my ID bracelet. I quickly lost track of time because of it.
Right before I could find out who the killer was, it beeped with an announcement. My mom and I quickly opened to view.
"Early this morning, near Boss town, prisoner VC103221 escaped transfer to the west criminal detention facility", the female voice reported. A picture of a boy about my age came up on the screen. He had dark blue-ish hair and cold, hard eyes. I could tell that the boy went through something pretty bad to be like that. "He is believed to have fled towards Cronos, the designated area has be posted as off limits."
I hit the accept button to tell the network I had received the message. The sound of a door opening surprised me. I looked up to see that Shion was coming out of his room. He looked slightly troubled but overall fine. I smiled at that.
"So how's the report coming along", mom asked.
"Still working on it."
I slipped towards his door quietly so I wouldn't get caught. I had to know what was going on.
"There's a message from…"
I missed the rest of her sentence as I slipped into my brothers' room. The lights were off and it was really quiet. Something was really wrong.
I crept along the room, looking for anything that could be a clue. Something shifted upstairs. I froze. Someone could be up there. It could even be the VC!
Swallowing, I climbed the stairs on all fours in an attempt to stay low. I didn't see anything at first. But that didn't stop me from being cautious.
I stood in a defensive stance only to see…nothing. I frowned. Then what-?
A hand clamped down on my shoulder. I grabbed the wrist connected to it before swing my leg behind me. I hit another set of legs, causing whoever it was to fall. Thing was, they didn't let go so I went down with them.
Before I could recover, the person was on top of me. They had their forearm against my throat hard. My eyes widened when I saw who it was. It was the VC!
"Who are you", he growled in a low voice.
Instead of answering, I brought my right knee up. It made contact with the designated spot between his legs. His eyes closed tightly as he gasped in pain. I used this to my advantage. I flipped him over so I was on top. Difference? I knew how to make him stop moving with several pressure point hits. I used my legs to pin his down and had my left forearm against his throat. My right hand was pressing a vital spot right under his ribcage; near the spinal cord. This temporarily paralyzed him. He wasn't going to move unless I stopped pushing the point.
"What are you doing in my brothers' room? Are you here to hurt him or something", I hissed. I knew he could answer even if I paralyzed his movement.
"I'm not here to hurt anyone."
I blinked in confusion," Then why are you here?"
"I was injured and your brother had his window open. I slipped in. But he saw me. Instead of panicking, he offered to help me."
"What was the injury?"
"Bullet to the left arm, near the shoulder."
"What's your real name?"
"Rat."
"Takeo."
He smirked," Warrior. It fits you."
"Why's that?"
"No one has ever pinned me helpless like you just did, even if I am injured that is a great feat."
I smiled," Oh yea. The message said you're a triple A threat. Well, that's an accomplishment for me."
The smirk left his face," So, are you going to turn me in?"
I got off him," Nope."
Rat looked at me in confusion before smiling once more," Thanks."
I opened my mouth to say something but I heard the door open.
"Don't turn on the light", Rat called as he stood.
The door closed and my brother whined," I can't see anything in the dark."
"It shouldn't matter", he stated as he helped me onto my feet before laughing. "You can't navigate around your own room in the dark?"
I giggled quietly," Shion is the klutzy twin out of the two of us."
"Sorry, I'm not much of a night owl", my brother said. He obviously hadn't heard me. "You don't have any trouble moving around?"
"No, I'm a rat. I'm nocturnal by nature."
"You sound like my sister", he grumbled as he finally made it to the top step. "She's always-huh!? TAKEO!?"
I ran over to him and clamped my hand over his mouth," Shh! You dummy! Do you want us to get caught!?"
He shook his head. Slowly, I moved my hand away from his mouth. Shion stared at Rat," VC103221. I saw you on the news. You're a celebrity."
I look much better in person. Don'tcha think" he questioned calmly but he was tense.
My brother offered the food tray he had," I brought you some stew and a cherry cake."
Rat sat on the bed, flabbergasted," You sure?"
I smiled as I sat by him," Of course. Shion doesn't offer anything if he isn't serious. He's an honest type of guy.
Rat chuckled and took the tray; commenting on how it smelled pretty good.
"Takeo, when did you get in here?"
"When you came out to eat. I slipped in to see what was wrong and found him slinking around in the dark", I said as I jerked my thumb towards Rat.
Rat frowned," I wasn't slinking."
Ignoring him, I added," I wasn't surprised you were hiding something important but I didn't expect a triple A VC runaway."
Shion rubbed the back of his head," Well, he was hurt. Hey Rat, are you going to escape?"
"You bet", he stated.
"What about the VC chip?"
"It's still inside my body."
I stared at Rat," What!?"
"Don't worry. The VC chip is just a worthless toy now."
"Toy", my brother asked.
"In fact, you could say that all of No. 6 is just one big toy. Do you know how this place came to be?"
"Y-yea. The Babaloin Convetion. During the last war, the human race destroyed half of the Earths' habitable land. So, all military force was banned. And from six remaining regions, sic city states were formed. No. 6 was one of them."
Rat started laughing again but Shion continued," So why were you arrested? The reports were saying that you escaped a transfer to a correctional facility."
I frowned," There is no way that's right."
He nodded," You're right. The reports are wrong. True, I might've started off in a correctional facility, but the truth is that the good all Public Security Services brought me to No. 6."
"Brought you here", my brother and I asked together.
"There you have it."
"Where were they taking you", I asked.
Rat simply looked at the city center where the Moon Drop was.
"But why?"
"Yea, why take you to the city center", Shion added.
"You don't want to know", the runaway stated simply.
"Answer the question!"
"Pipe down. Could you let me get some sleep?"
Something really bad happened to him. I could tell. I grabbed my brothers' arm," Shion-"
He ignored me," So you won't tell me?"
"Do you know how to forget what you've been told? How to act like you never heard a word? How to play a fool knowing nothing at all? You might have a sharp mind, but you're not mature enough to pull it off."
Rat was right. My brother wasn't mature enough. I might've been because of the accident. Shion was lucky to be with mom, away from it. But I wasn't as fortunate.
Shion sat down with a sigh," I guess."
"Hey", Rat snapped as he sat up," don't you get it you stupid idiot? You're already in a lot of trouble, you know that? You're harboring a VC; neglecting the duty to inform the authorities. Bow you're pestering me for the grimy details."
"I get it", Shion argued.
"Then don't ask. I'm not saying another word about it. So quit asking me. And as a bonus, I won't mention how you were screaming like a little girl."
Shion's head snapped up with a thick blush on his cheeks. I feel back laughing next to Rat. Rat continued to tease my twin while Shion tried to get him to shut up. I was too busy laughing to do anything else.
But then Shion tried to lunch himself at Rat. Rat grabbed his wrist before slamming him agains t the railing. Then he tripped him up, causing Shion to go down. I sat up in a panic. Rat grabbed the spoon from the tray before pressing it into Shion's neck. If it had been a knife, my twin would be a goner.
"If this were a knife", you'd already be dead", Rat growled in his ear.
"Impressive", my brother squeaked. I was too, but pissed at the same time.
Growling myself, I tackled Rat off my brother. No one, threatens him while I was still breathing.
Rat tried to pin my arm behind my back, but I ducked beneath his. I quickly pushed my fingers against the side of his neck, hitting a pressure point. For some it paralyzed, others, it caused pain. In Rat's case it was pain, He dropped to his knees with a hiss. I pushed him down on the floor and held the knife right behind the ear. It was a vulnerable spot to the brain.
"If this was a knife, you'd already be dead", I growled in the runaways' ear, mocking his former words.
"Whoa", my brother gasped. "How did you both do that? You paralyzed a persons' body! Did you hit certain pressure points? And Takeo, when did you learn to do that!?"
We both blinked at my twin before laughing. My brother, always the weird one.
I rolled of Rat and sprang to my feet before helping him up as well. He didn't let go of my wrist as we walked back to the bed. We were still laughing, but I notice how hot Rats' skin was. He probably had a fever from his wound.
I pushed him on the bed," Sit down dummy, I think you've got a fever."
He ignored as he talked to my brother," You're crazy. Absolutely crazy. You have no idea what you're talking about, do you?"
Shion pressed his head against Rat's. It's just to be sure of a fever, not a gay thing.
"He is buring up. I'll go get him some antibiotics", Shion stated before hurrying downstairs.
"Forget it", Rat muttered as I sat down," I just want to sleep."
"If you sleep with a fever you'll waste your energy, I thought you would know this."
"Well, you're pretty warm yourself you know that?" He held my wrist tighter," SO when humans are alive, they're warm."
I smiled and swept his hair from his face," Glad you know that now Rat. I hope you escape soon. Who knows what would happen if you didn't."
He opened on eye to look at me," You're like me. How?"
"Life, maybe you'll get to hear the tale one day. Now rest, you need to get moving early in the morning."
Rat smiled at me," Thanks Takeo."
I fell asleep next to a VC that night. And woke up to see Shion looking towards the open window. Rat had escaped like he promised.
