Disclaimer: I do not own Metropolis, nor will I ever I suspect. The characters aren't
mine either.
Well, it's the first chapter of the next part of the story. I hope you like it. Not much
happens in this chapter, but I hope it'll be a fun read. It's really just to prepare for the
next chapter. Believe me things are going to get interesting, and perhaps a little
angsty. Any way bear with me okay?
*********************************************************************************************
"Well then…" Kenichi said to himself as he and Tima stood outside the airport.
"What do we do now Kenichi?" Tima asked.
"I suppose we should look for my uncle, I'm sure he'll let us stay with him. His
office isn't too far from here as I remember…" Kenichi answered looking around at
the towering buildings. It would be a problem if they didn't find Shinsaku before
nightfall. They had no money and nowhere to stay, and it'd be dangerous sleeping on
the streets of this part of Tokyo. The two of them set off in what Kenichi hoped was
the direction of his uncle's office.
* * * * *
"I guess we're lost." Kenichi said as he sat down against a wall in the entrance to an
alleyway. Tima followed suit. It was starting to get dark around them, and Kenichi
shivered as a breeze blew around his shoulders. It looked like they were going to be
roughing it after all.
"I suppose now that I'm back I'll have to go to school again…" Kenichi sighed.
"What's school?" Tima turned to look at Kenichi.
"It's a place children go to learn things. You'll probably be coming with me."
"Don't you want to go back?"
"Not really. I know I need to but it's just so boring…"
"It sounds like a lot of fun to me." Tima said. Kenichi smiled, she certainly seemed to
enjoy learning, but how would she deal with schooling? It wasn't exactly like she
fitted in very easily, and the teachers probably wouldn't take very kindly to her
constant questions. School wasn't a very compromising place. Kenichi leaned his
head back against the wall, and Tima laid her head against his shoulder. In a little
while she was asleep and Kenichi was fighting to stay awake and on the look out.
First thing tomorrow they'd look for a police station.
It's getting cold… he thought. As if sensing his thoughts, Tima shivered a little in her
sleep.
Realising that Tima wasn't dressed for this kind of weather Kenichi started to take off
his jacket then stopped. If he weren't wearing it he'd be in the same situation as Tima
was now. After a moment's consideration Kenichi shrugged his shoulders and took
off the jacket, crossed his legs, then slipped an arm around Tima's shoulders and
beneath her legs, shuffling her carefully on to his lap hoping not to wake her. Next
Kenichi put on the jacket without putting his arms in the sleeves and pulled it around
the two of them, buttoning it up at the front. It wasn't much and the stretched fabric
let a little of the breeze through, but it was the best they had. He put his arms around
Tima in the hopes of keeping her a little warmer.
Kenichi laid his head against the wall, trying to find a comfortable position to wait out
the night. But as Tima sighed quietly he suddenly found that he too felt extremely
tired, and after a short time found he couldn't resist any longer and fell asleep.
* * * * *
"…ma!" Kenichi woke suddenly. Nothing was different, Tima was still asleep in his
lap, and the traffic was still rushing through the streets. All that had changed was the
time, the soft morning light was pouring into the alley. It was just a dream, but it had
seemed so real… No it was only a dream! There was no way Tima could ever be that
way, and he would never let her get involved in a war… Unless he couldn't do
anything… There were any number of things that could stop him keeping Tima safe,
but she seemed to think he was all-powerful…
Kenichi shook his head as if trying to shake off his headache then looked down at
Tima.
"Tima, it's time to get up," he said nudging her gently.
Tima opened her eyes and yawned, then tried to stand up.
"Tima wait…! Kyah-!" Kenichi exclaimed as the two of them fell over sideways.
There was a brief struggle as they tried to get out of Kenichi's jacket, which
eventually just fell apart as they rolled around laughing in a kind of mad play fight.
"Kenichi I'm stuck!" Tima said as she tried to squeeze through the jacket's neck.
"So am I!" Kenichi replied as they started to roll in a different direction, "Wh-? Now
I can't move my arms!"
Tima took advantage of the moment's confusion to squeeze her head past Kenichi's
and through the neck, ending up on top of him with her hands on his shoulders.
"Hey that's not fair! You pinned me!" Kenichi said trying to free his arms.
"Sorry Kenichi I-," Tima's apology was suddenly cut off as Kenichi, having freed his
arms pulled the jacket back over her head trapping her hands against her chest, then
rolled over pinning her down.
"Kenichi I… What are you do- ha ha! Hahaha s- stop- haha! Ahahaha!" the
outburst was prompted by Kenichi's starting to tickle her. Fighting the strange feeling
that seemed to be paralysing her, Tima pushed her arms up and into the jackets
sleeves, grabbed Kenichi's shoulders and rolled him onto his back.
"Uh Tima…" Kenichi wasn't sure of the strange glint in Tima's eye, "You… Ack!
Oh no! Hahaha!" The tables had turned; Tima was copying what Kenichi had done,
and now had him at her mercy.
"Aha! Tima… Tima please… hahaha… stop please!" he begged. Normally this
would have stopped her immediately, but since she had enjoyed Kenichi's doing it to
her even though she had tried to stop him, she knew he felt the same. Somehow the
whole situation just seemed right. Tima giggled as she tickled Kenichi, dodging his
hands wherever they tried to block her.
Kenichi on the other hand decided he wasn't having this, he wasn't going to loose.
Summing up all of his will he moved his arm and poked Tima in the armpit. She
leapt back with a sort of yelp, and taking his chance Kenichi jumped forward and
pinned her. But before he could start on Tima again she surprised him, as with a
sudden burst of strength she rolled him back over, wearing a strange smile.
"Uh… Tima…?" Kenichi asked. There was something scary about that smile.
Quick as a flash Tima moved forward, and before Kenichi could react she had planted
a kiss on his lips. A split second later Tima was back above him again, giving
Kenichi no time to take advantage of her momentary loss of balance.
"What…?" Kenichi slid out from under Tima and sat looking at her.
"Kenichi? Did… did I do something wrong?" Tima asked looking suddenly
frightened.
Had Tima really just…? "Tima…"
She was kneeling about a foot away. Kenichi just didn't know what to say.
"Tima… why did you… kiss me…?" he asked, fighting the lump in his throat.
"Aki told me it's how you tell someone you love them," Tima answered, "It is alright
isn't it?"
"You… you love… me?" Kenichi stuttered.
"Yes. Do you love me too Kenichi?" Tima asked.
"I… I…" Kenichi couldn't think of a response. He thought he felt love towards Tima
but… he wasn't in love with her. So he loved her as a friend? No, more than a
friend. He just loved her as Tima. Not romantically, he just loved her. He had a
feeling Tima probably felt the same way.
"…Yes." Kenichi finally answered.
"Kenichi!" Tima laughed, diving forward and hugging him.
"Yah!" Kenichi fell over again.
* * * * *
"Two on and left…" Kenichi muttered to himself, repeating the directions the lady he
had asked had given him to the police station. He never had liked them, having
already been to several with his Uncle, "Here we are."
The police station was a large tower block, and the area around it was a constant buzz
of activity.
"Stay close Tima," Kenichi told Tima. She drew a little closer to him, and together
they walked into the entrance hall.
It was a massive affair, all glass and steel at the front, with the other walls painted in
neutral colours and at least seventy people going about their business.
"May I help you?" a voice asked from their right. Kenichi and Tima turned to find its
source, and found a lady wearing a suit standing beside them. She was tall and quite
slim with shoulder length black hair, and had an air of authority about her.
"What are two children like you doing here alone?" the lady asked
"We're lost. I need to find my Uncle." Kenichi answered. The woman looked at his
stretched and distorted jacket curiously.
"Uh… eheheh…" Kenichi laughed in embarrassment looking at his sleeves.
"Hm… Well, if you'll give me your names, I'll see what I can do."
"Ban Kenichi, and Tima," Kenichi gestured to himself and Tima.
"Tima who?"
Kenichi had never thought to give Tima a family name. His answer was the first
thing that came to mind, "Um… Saito, Saito Tima."
"I'll be back in a moment," the lady turned and walked over to a nearby desk. When
she came back she seemed puzzled.
"Well I've found your uncle Kenichi, but your friend doesn't seem to be in our
records. Is she from Japan?"
"No Tima's my cousin from Metropolis, she's come to live with me and my Uncle
since her parents died in the disaster."
Tima turned to look at Kenichi in confusion; "But Kenichi I thought you said-,"
Kenichi quickly cut her off, "Not now Tima. Can I telephone my uncle please?"
"I already have. He said he would be here soon."
Kenichi felt suddenly relieved, "Thank you."
"You can wait over there. Oh and by the way," the lady said pointing to a row of
seats then turning to Tima, "I'll send someone over to speak to you at some point. It's
just standard procedure; as things are we need to find out as much about Metropolis as
we can."
Having said all of this the lady turned and walked away. Kenichi and Tima sat down
to wait.
As they sat down Tima said, "Kenichi, I thought you said that I had no parents."
"I had to say that Tima. If I hadn't things might have gotten a little difficult." Kenichi
replied.
"Okay Kenichi," Tima answered, then lent against Kenichi. To two of them settled
down to wait.
* * * * *
"Hey! Hey Kenichi!"
"Uncle?" Kenichi stood up trying to find the source of the voice, "Uncle Shinsaku?"
he called.
"Kenichi over here!" a hat was showing over the milling crowd, a waving arm just
right of it.
* * * * *
"…and so we came here." Kenichi finished telling his Uncle about his adventures
since they had parted. He and Tima were sitting in the back of Shinsaku's car as they
drove toward his office.
"Haha, well Kenichi it seems you've been doing some growing up since I last saw
you! And you Tima! I'm sure you've grown!" Shinsaku laughed.
"I have," Tima replied, drawing forth further mirth from Shinsaku. For a moment
Kenichi thought he detected a proud touch to her voice.
Shinsaku turned around to look over the back of his seat, "I just have to pick
something up from my office, then we'll go back to my house."
* * * * *
"My office is just down this hall," Shinsaku said as the three of them walked out of
the elevator into a quiet corridor. The hallway was lined with doors, and a little way
down was a door with a window in it. Written across the window was 'Ban Shinsaku,
Private Detective'. In the corner of the window was a hole the size of a golf ball, and
every now and then a draft would blow through, making a distracting whistling noise.
The door also bore a weird stain about halfway down. Shinsaku pushed the door
open.
As they stepped in, Kenichi realised the rest of the office was in a similar state as the
door.
"'Scuse the mess," Shinsaku apologised, and with good reason. The office was a
tribute to bad taste, disorganisation and apathy.
First, the room's decoration. An old green carpet covered the floor. It must once
have been thick and soft, but now it was worn threadbare, and where that wasn't the
case the fibres had been stuck together and hardened by coffee stains. The walls were
covered by a tasteless dirty cream coloured wallpaper that was crumbling away in
places exposing either plaster or remnants of one of the many previous colour
schemes. Set into the wall at the end of the room was a window which obviously
hadn't been washed in a long time, if ever, that looked out on the brick wall of a
neighbouring building.
Below the window was a desk; one of those pinewood desks with the leather tops, and
the three draws down one side, one of which had been left slightly open and the
bottom part of a suspicious looking magazine was poking out. It was lit by a banker's
lamp with a loose shade from one corner, and lying in the middle was a revolver with
several bullets scattered around it along with a shoulder holster. In the opposite
corner to the lamp was a precarious looking pile of papers that had obviously been
ignored, sidestepped or forgotten about, but were probably all very important.
Against the wall was a decidedly shifty looking electric heater, which kept making
worrying clicking sounds, like a bomb with a broken timer. Beside the door was a hat
stand where Shinsaku threw his hat and trench coat with such accuracy it hinted at a
level of practice that was almost sad.
"Uncle… you're office… it's…" Kenichi said in disbelief. This was the first time
he'd ever been here.
"Yeah great isn't it?" Shinsaku replied.
"I never knew you were so untidy!"
"Gotta keep with the trends Kenichi."
"Trends…?" Kenichi repeated blankly.
Shinsaku walked over to the desk, put on the shoulder holster, and picked up the
revolver. With a flick of his wrist he exposed the magazine, then took six of the
bullets and loaded them.
Turning round he said, "Well that's tha-," but was cut off by Tima's terrified yell.
"Tima!" Kenichi said, holding her against his chest. She was crying, and shivering so
violently... He couldn't understand it; why had she suddenly become like this?
"Kenichi… Kenichi…" Tima gasped. Shinsaku put the gun in its holster and walked
quietly from the room putting on his hat and coat as he went. He had no idea what
was the matter, but he did know it was best left to Kenichi.
"Tima what's wrong?" Kenichi asked.
"Your Uncle… Your Uncle…"
"What is it Tima?" Kenichi said softly.
"Your Uncle has a gun Kenichi!" Tima cried, clenching Kenichi's shirt tight in her
fists, "Just like that boy…! Just like Rock!"
"Oh…" Kenichi murmured. So that was it. Tima had seen his Uncle's gun and had
associated it with that kid…
"Why Kenichi? Why does your Uncle have a gun?"
"Uncle doesn't use his gun in the same way as Rock Tima…" Kenichi told her,
"Uncle uses his gun to protect. Rock used his gun to get rid of the people who were
in his way."
"But guns hurt people Kenichi!" Tima said looking up at him.
"Sometimes if you want to protect someone… you have to use something more
powerful."
"But that sounds like war Kenichi! I thought you said war was something bad! Why
is it different?" she asked.
"It isn't different Tima. But sometimes there just isn't any choice…" Kenichi hated
this. It felt as if his promise to keep Tima ignorant of war was slowly falling apart.
"I don't like it Kenichi…" Tima said leaning against Kenichi.
"I don't either Tima…"
"I don't want to know anymore Kenichi."
"All right," Kenichi said. Tima was afraid, and he hated it. All he could do
now was try not to do any more damage.
"Are you two alright?" Shinsaku asked walking into the room. The gun was hidden
under his coat.
"We're okay Uncle," Kenichi replied.
"Good let's go, my house isn't far from here," Shinsaku said. He left the room with
Kenichi beside him and Tima just behind them.
"Uncle," Kenichi whispered.
"Yeah?"
"Tima's scared of guns."
"Alright I'll keep it hidden."
"Thanks," Kenichi dropped back alongside Tima. As they walked into the elevator
she slipped her hand into his and smiled. Tima's ability to be happy as soon as a
problem was resolved amazed Kenichi. He returned the smile.
* * * * *
"And here we are," Shinsaku said leading Kenichi and Tima through the door to his
house. The impact of the difference was so great they almost felt it. The front door of
the house led straight into the sitting room, which was pristine. The centre of the
room was a platform raised a couple of inches above the hallway that came from the
door, which in turn led to a set of stairs. At one end of the platform an unlit fireplace
was set into the wall, its top bearing a clock, two candles, and a couple of photos.
One was a shot of Kenichi sitting on a stool in his school uniform looking bored,
another of a group people, three unknown men and women, with a young Kenichi up
front looking pleased with himself and Shinsaku standing off to one side, with his
arms folded and wearing his trench coat and hat trying to seem impressive but really
just looking silly. The last was a close up of Kenichi and Shinsaku's faces, both
grinning hugely and fighting to stay in the picture, and partly obscured by Kenichi's
fingers that were making a 'V' shape.
In the centre of the platform was a low square table, with a circular tablecloth and a
cushion at each side. The floor was plain wood, and a door on the other side led into
a kitchen.
"U-Uncle… but your office was such a mess…" Kenichi was dumbstruck. Having
seen his office, Kenichi was having trouble associating this house with his Uncle,
even though he had lived here before he went to Metropolis.
"I told you Kenichi, trends," Shinsaku replied, watching Tima wander around the
room.
"But what did you mean?" Kenichi asked. Tima was holding the picture of Kenichi and Shinsaku
and giggling quietly.
"I'm keeping up with the private detective trends. My office's a mess because I made
it that way. It's a tradition, or an old charter, or something," Shinsaku said, hanging
his trench coat in a nearby cupboard, along with his gun, "Come on have a seat," he
gestured toward the table.
When they had all sat down Shinsaku brought in some tea. He poured out a cup for
each of them then sat down as well. Tima sat staring at her cup.
"What's coming out of the cup?" Tima asked pointing to the steam coming off her
tea.
"Steam," Shinsaku answered, sipping his own.
"What's steam?"
"It comes from things that are hot," Kenichi said.
"Hm…" Tima murmured picking up her cup, "It's warm…"
"Be careful Tima," Kenichi said quickly, "Drink it slowly, like this," he demonstrated
taking a small sip.
"Like this?" Tima asked, copying him.
"Yeah like that."
"It's nice," Tima said with a sigh, "What is it?"
Meanwhile Shinsaku was sitting looking at the two of them blankly. He chuckled to
himself. They seemed like they were in there own little world on the other side of the
table. Tima was sitting quietly, happy just to smile and listen as Kenichi explained to
her what tea was. Still, this was important, so as much as he hated to he would have
to interrupt them.
"Hey you two," Shinsaku said.
Kenichi stopped talking and turned to face him, "Yes Uncle?"
"We have to talk about Tima," Shinsaku said sounding serious.
"What do you mean?" Kenichi asked.
"If Tima's going to be living here we'll have to make sure of a few things. The first
and most important of which is this Tima. Don't tell anyone about how you were
created, or about how you're different from normal humans."
"Why not?" Tima asked.
"Kenichi told me about his fight against the virus possessing your body on the
Ziggurat. He said your body's strength was incredible. It seems your mind isn't the
only part of you designed to be capable of killing."
"N-no…" Tima gasped. Kenichi put an arm around her shoulder.
"There are people who would take your power and use it. Therefore we should find a
way of keeping your power a secret. I think it would be best to stick with Kenichi's
idea about you being his cousin. "
"But I can't kill…!" Tima yelled, turning to Kenichi and pleading to him, "Kenichi
you know that don't you? I can't hurt people! Kenichi tell him!" she begged, tears
running down her cheeks.
"I can't Tima," Kenichi told Tima putting his arms around her, "But that doesn't
mean you have to use your power. It will always be your choice, and since you would
never use it, I suppose you can say you can't kill."
Tima sat up and wiped her eyes, "So, if I don't use it Kenichi… I can't kill?"
"Yes."
Tima broke into a smile and fell against Kenichi again.
"I'll leave the rest to you Kenichi," Shinsaku said taking the crockery into the kitchen.
* * * * *
Kenichi lay back on his bed.
It had been three days, and things had gone more or less as Kenichi had expected. He
was back at school and had started trying to reforge his friendships. This was proving
difficult. It seemed Kenichi had changed so much during his time in Metropolis all
his old friends were having trouble associating with him. Also, Kenichi was using all
of his breaks trying to catch up on missed school work so that he could spend as much
of his time at home as possible with Tima. Tima on the other hand was being
schooled as well as possible by Shinsaku. The reason for this was, just as Kenichi had
predicted, Tima couldn't get on in a school. In the single day she had been there
Tima had been thrown out of class twice for impertinence, and gotten Kenichi beaten
up when he tried to stop a group of older boys teasing her. The boys had been taking
advantage of her naivety, asking questions and laughing when she couldn't answer.
Kenichi had trouble remembering much of what had happened; why that was he had
no idea. His battered and bruised body should have been enough of a reminder.
Kenichi could remember up to when he had stepped between the boys and Tima,
telling her to run. She had tried to stay at first but had left when told to run a second
time. Everything else though was fuzzy up to the point where he had found himself
standing bandaged up in the school nurses office. It was a miracle he wasn't seriously
hurt. Nothing much else had happened. A police officer had visited to tell them that
Tima was expected at the police station in a day's time, and war with Metropolis
looked impossible to stop now. Kenichi had tried several times to reach his old
terminal in Metropolis but to no avail. It was almost as if it wasn't there, so for now
he was out of contact with Aki and Koh, although he didn't expect Koh would still be
there.
"…Kenichi…?" Tima asked quietly as she came into his bedroom with a tray bearing
two slices of cake and drinks.
"Oh, hello Tima," Kenichi greeted her sitting up.
"Uncle Shinsaku asked me to bring you these." Tima said putting the tray on the floor
by the bed. She had also come to know Shinsaku as Uncle.
"Thanks!" Kenichi said as Tima gave him his piece of cake and put a glass of juice
down nearby, "Hey, where are you going?"
Tima stopped in the doorway, "Back downstairs." The tray still carried what was
apparently her share.
"Tima… aren't you going to eat up here?" Kenichi asked. It seemed like Tima had
been trying to avoid him a little since the fight.
"If you want me to Kenichi."
Kenichi sighed, "…Tima, is there something you want to talk about?" Tima knelt
down at the end of the bed.
"I… Kenichi I'm really sorry!" Tima cried.
"What about?" Kenichi asked.
Tima looked up at him, "It's all my fault you were hurt! If I hadn't been with those
boys this would never have happened…"
"That's not true Tima!" Kenichi said, "I knew exactly what would happen from the
start. If my injuries are anyone's fault they're mine."
"But… why did you tell me to run away?"
"I didn't want you to see," Kenichi smiled at Tima and took a sip of his juice, "Come
on let's eat!"
*********************************************************************************************
I hope you guys liked it! Reviews would really be appreciated. As things stand the
next chapter may be just a little while in coming. And I do know Rock's not as bad as
he's made out to be in this chapter, but I doubt anyone ever told Kenichi that. He's
only ever seen Rock's cold, ruthless side. Well, I'm going to get to work on the next
chapter. I really hope this works out.
mine either.
Well, it's the first chapter of the next part of the story. I hope you like it. Not much
happens in this chapter, but I hope it'll be a fun read. It's really just to prepare for the
next chapter. Believe me things are going to get interesting, and perhaps a little
angsty. Any way bear with me okay?
*********************************************************************************************
"Well then…" Kenichi said to himself as he and Tima stood outside the airport.
"What do we do now Kenichi?" Tima asked.
"I suppose we should look for my uncle, I'm sure he'll let us stay with him. His
office isn't too far from here as I remember…" Kenichi answered looking around at
the towering buildings. It would be a problem if they didn't find Shinsaku before
nightfall. They had no money and nowhere to stay, and it'd be dangerous sleeping on
the streets of this part of Tokyo. The two of them set off in what Kenichi hoped was
the direction of his uncle's office.
* * * * *
"I guess we're lost." Kenichi said as he sat down against a wall in the entrance to an
alleyway. Tima followed suit. It was starting to get dark around them, and Kenichi
shivered as a breeze blew around his shoulders. It looked like they were going to be
roughing it after all.
"I suppose now that I'm back I'll have to go to school again…" Kenichi sighed.
"What's school?" Tima turned to look at Kenichi.
"It's a place children go to learn things. You'll probably be coming with me."
"Don't you want to go back?"
"Not really. I know I need to but it's just so boring…"
"It sounds like a lot of fun to me." Tima said. Kenichi smiled, she certainly seemed to
enjoy learning, but how would she deal with schooling? It wasn't exactly like she
fitted in very easily, and the teachers probably wouldn't take very kindly to her
constant questions. School wasn't a very compromising place. Kenichi leaned his
head back against the wall, and Tima laid her head against his shoulder. In a little
while she was asleep and Kenichi was fighting to stay awake and on the look out.
First thing tomorrow they'd look for a police station.
It's getting cold… he thought. As if sensing his thoughts, Tima shivered a little in her
sleep.
Realising that Tima wasn't dressed for this kind of weather Kenichi started to take off
his jacket then stopped. If he weren't wearing it he'd be in the same situation as Tima
was now. After a moment's consideration Kenichi shrugged his shoulders and took
off the jacket, crossed his legs, then slipped an arm around Tima's shoulders and
beneath her legs, shuffling her carefully on to his lap hoping not to wake her. Next
Kenichi put on the jacket without putting his arms in the sleeves and pulled it around
the two of them, buttoning it up at the front. It wasn't much and the stretched fabric
let a little of the breeze through, but it was the best they had. He put his arms around
Tima in the hopes of keeping her a little warmer.
Kenichi laid his head against the wall, trying to find a comfortable position to wait out
the night. But as Tima sighed quietly he suddenly found that he too felt extremely
tired, and after a short time found he couldn't resist any longer and fell asleep.
* * * * *
"…ma!" Kenichi woke suddenly. Nothing was different, Tima was still asleep in his
lap, and the traffic was still rushing through the streets. All that had changed was the
time, the soft morning light was pouring into the alley. It was just a dream, but it had
seemed so real… No it was only a dream! There was no way Tima could ever be that
way, and he would never let her get involved in a war… Unless he couldn't do
anything… There were any number of things that could stop him keeping Tima safe,
but she seemed to think he was all-powerful…
Kenichi shook his head as if trying to shake off his headache then looked down at
Tima.
"Tima, it's time to get up," he said nudging her gently.
Tima opened her eyes and yawned, then tried to stand up.
"Tima wait…! Kyah-!" Kenichi exclaimed as the two of them fell over sideways.
There was a brief struggle as they tried to get out of Kenichi's jacket, which
eventually just fell apart as they rolled around laughing in a kind of mad play fight.
"Kenichi I'm stuck!" Tima said as she tried to squeeze through the jacket's neck.
"So am I!" Kenichi replied as they started to roll in a different direction, "Wh-? Now
I can't move my arms!"
Tima took advantage of the moment's confusion to squeeze her head past Kenichi's
and through the neck, ending up on top of him with her hands on his shoulders.
"Hey that's not fair! You pinned me!" Kenichi said trying to free his arms.
"Sorry Kenichi I-," Tima's apology was suddenly cut off as Kenichi, having freed his
arms pulled the jacket back over her head trapping her hands against her chest, then
rolled over pinning her down.
"Kenichi I… What are you do- ha ha! Hahaha s- stop- haha! Ahahaha!" the
outburst was prompted by Kenichi's starting to tickle her. Fighting the strange feeling
that seemed to be paralysing her, Tima pushed her arms up and into the jackets
sleeves, grabbed Kenichi's shoulders and rolled him onto his back.
"Uh Tima…" Kenichi wasn't sure of the strange glint in Tima's eye, "You… Ack!
Oh no! Hahaha!" The tables had turned; Tima was copying what Kenichi had done,
and now had him at her mercy.
"Aha! Tima… Tima please… hahaha… stop please!" he begged. Normally this
would have stopped her immediately, but since she had enjoyed Kenichi's doing it to
her even though she had tried to stop him, she knew he felt the same. Somehow the
whole situation just seemed right. Tima giggled as she tickled Kenichi, dodging his
hands wherever they tried to block her.
Kenichi on the other hand decided he wasn't having this, he wasn't going to loose.
Summing up all of his will he moved his arm and poked Tima in the armpit. She
leapt back with a sort of yelp, and taking his chance Kenichi jumped forward and
pinned her. But before he could start on Tima again she surprised him, as with a
sudden burst of strength she rolled him back over, wearing a strange smile.
"Uh… Tima…?" Kenichi asked. There was something scary about that smile.
Quick as a flash Tima moved forward, and before Kenichi could react she had planted
a kiss on his lips. A split second later Tima was back above him again, giving
Kenichi no time to take advantage of her momentary loss of balance.
"What…?" Kenichi slid out from under Tima and sat looking at her.
"Kenichi? Did… did I do something wrong?" Tima asked looking suddenly
frightened.
Had Tima really just…? "Tima…"
She was kneeling about a foot away. Kenichi just didn't know what to say.
"Tima… why did you… kiss me…?" he asked, fighting the lump in his throat.
"Aki told me it's how you tell someone you love them," Tima answered, "It is alright
isn't it?"
"You… you love… me?" Kenichi stuttered.
"Yes. Do you love me too Kenichi?" Tima asked.
"I… I…" Kenichi couldn't think of a response. He thought he felt love towards Tima
but… he wasn't in love with her. So he loved her as a friend? No, more than a
friend. He just loved her as Tima. Not romantically, he just loved her. He had a
feeling Tima probably felt the same way.
"…Yes." Kenichi finally answered.
"Kenichi!" Tima laughed, diving forward and hugging him.
"Yah!" Kenichi fell over again.
* * * * *
"Two on and left…" Kenichi muttered to himself, repeating the directions the lady he
had asked had given him to the police station. He never had liked them, having
already been to several with his Uncle, "Here we are."
The police station was a large tower block, and the area around it was a constant buzz
of activity.
"Stay close Tima," Kenichi told Tima. She drew a little closer to him, and together
they walked into the entrance hall.
It was a massive affair, all glass and steel at the front, with the other walls painted in
neutral colours and at least seventy people going about their business.
"May I help you?" a voice asked from their right. Kenichi and Tima turned to find its
source, and found a lady wearing a suit standing beside them. She was tall and quite
slim with shoulder length black hair, and had an air of authority about her.
"What are two children like you doing here alone?" the lady asked
"We're lost. I need to find my Uncle." Kenichi answered. The woman looked at his
stretched and distorted jacket curiously.
"Uh… eheheh…" Kenichi laughed in embarrassment looking at his sleeves.
"Hm… Well, if you'll give me your names, I'll see what I can do."
"Ban Kenichi, and Tima," Kenichi gestured to himself and Tima.
"Tima who?"
Kenichi had never thought to give Tima a family name. His answer was the first
thing that came to mind, "Um… Saito, Saito Tima."
"I'll be back in a moment," the lady turned and walked over to a nearby desk. When
she came back she seemed puzzled.
"Well I've found your uncle Kenichi, but your friend doesn't seem to be in our
records. Is she from Japan?"
"No Tima's my cousin from Metropolis, she's come to live with me and my Uncle
since her parents died in the disaster."
Tima turned to look at Kenichi in confusion; "But Kenichi I thought you said-,"
Kenichi quickly cut her off, "Not now Tima. Can I telephone my uncle please?"
"I already have. He said he would be here soon."
Kenichi felt suddenly relieved, "Thank you."
"You can wait over there. Oh and by the way," the lady said pointing to a row of
seats then turning to Tima, "I'll send someone over to speak to you at some point. It's
just standard procedure; as things are we need to find out as much about Metropolis as
we can."
Having said all of this the lady turned and walked away. Kenichi and Tima sat down
to wait.
As they sat down Tima said, "Kenichi, I thought you said that I had no parents."
"I had to say that Tima. If I hadn't things might have gotten a little difficult." Kenichi
replied.
"Okay Kenichi," Tima answered, then lent against Kenichi. To two of them settled
down to wait.
* * * * *
"Hey! Hey Kenichi!"
"Uncle?" Kenichi stood up trying to find the source of the voice, "Uncle Shinsaku?"
he called.
"Kenichi over here!" a hat was showing over the milling crowd, a waving arm just
right of it.
* * * * *
"…and so we came here." Kenichi finished telling his Uncle about his adventures
since they had parted. He and Tima were sitting in the back of Shinsaku's car as they
drove toward his office.
"Haha, well Kenichi it seems you've been doing some growing up since I last saw
you! And you Tima! I'm sure you've grown!" Shinsaku laughed.
"I have," Tima replied, drawing forth further mirth from Shinsaku. For a moment
Kenichi thought he detected a proud touch to her voice.
Shinsaku turned around to look over the back of his seat, "I just have to pick
something up from my office, then we'll go back to my house."
* * * * *
"My office is just down this hall," Shinsaku said as the three of them walked out of
the elevator into a quiet corridor. The hallway was lined with doors, and a little way
down was a door with a window in it. Written across the window was 'Ban Shinsaku,
Private Detective'. In the corner of the window was a hole the size of a golf ball, and
every now and then a draft would blow through, making a distracting whistling noise.
The door also bore a weird stain about halfway down. Shinsaku pushed the door
open.
As they stepped in, Kenichi realised the rest of the office was in a similar state as the
door.
"'Scuse the mess," Shinsaku apologised, and with good reason. The office was a
tribute to bad taste, disorganisation and apathy.
First, the room's decoration. An old green carpet covered the floor. It must once
have been thick and soft, but now it was worn threadbare, and where that wasn't the
case the fibres had been stuck together and hardened by coffee stains. The walls were
covered by a tasteless dirty cream coloured wallpaper that was crumbling away in
places exposing either plaster or remnants of one of the many previous colour
schemes. Set into the wall at the end of the room was a window which obviously
hadn't been washed in a long time, if ever, that looked out on the brick wall of a
neighbouring building.
Below the window was a desk; one of those pinewood desks with the leather tops, and
the three draws down one side, one of which had been left slightly open and the
bottom part of a suspicious looking magazine was poking out. It was lit by a banker's
lamp with a loose shade from one corner, and lying in the middle was a revolver with
several bullets scattered around it along with a shoulder holster. In the opposite
corner to the lamp was a precarious looking pile of papers that had obviously been
ignored, sidestepped or forgotten about, but were probably all very important.
Against the wall was a decidedly shifty looking electric heater, which kept making
worrying clicking sounds, like a bomb with a broken timer. Beside the door was a hat
stand where Shinsaku threw his hat and trench coat with such accuracy it hinted at a
level of practice that was almost sad.
"Uncle… you're office… it's…" Kenichi said in disbelief. This was the first time
he'd ever been here.
"Yeah great isn't it?" Shinsaku replied.
"I never knew you were so untidy!"
"Gotta keep with the trends Kenichi."
"Trends…?" Kenichi repeated blankly.
Shinsaku walked over to the desk, put on the shoulder holster, and picked up the
revolver. With a flick of his wrist he exposed the magazine, then took six of the
bullets and loaded them.
Turning round he said, "Well that's tha-," but was cut off by Tima's terrified yell.
"Tima!" Kenichi said, holding her against his chest. She was crying, and shivering so
violently... He couldn't understand it; why had she suddenly become like this?
"Kenichi… Kenichi…" Tima gasped. Shinsaku put the gun in its holster and walked
quietly from the room putting on his hat and coat as he went. He had no idea what
was the matter, but he did know it was best left to Kenichi.
"Tima what's wrong?" Kenichi asked.
"Your Uncle… Your Uncle…"
"What is it Tima?" Kenichi said softly.
"Your Uncle has a gun Kenichi!" Tima cried, clenching Kenichi's shirt tight in her
fists, "Just like that boy…! Just like Rock!"
"Oh…" Kenichi murmured. So that was it. Tima had seen his Uncle's gun and had
associated it with that kid…
"Why Kenichi? Why does your Uncle have a gun?"
"Uncle doesn't use his gun in the same way as Rock Tima…" Kenichi told her,
"Uncle uses his gun to protect. Rock used his gun to get rid of the people who were
in his way."
"But guns hurt people Kenichi!" Tima said looking up at him.
"Sometimes if you want to protect someone… you have to use something more
powerful."
"But that sounds like war Kenichi! I thought you said war was something bad! Why
is it different?" she asked.
"It isn't different Tima. But sometimes there just isn't any choice…" Kenichi hated
this. It felt as if his promise to keep Tima ignorant of war was slowly falling apart.
"I don't like it Kenichi…" Tima said leaning against Kenichi.
"I don't either Tima…"
"I don't want to know anymore Kenichi."
"All right," Kenichi said. Tima was afraid, and he hated it. All he could do
now was try not to do any more damage.
"Are you two alright?" Shinsaku asked walking into the room. The gun was hidden
under his coat.
"We're okay Uncle," Kenichi replied.
"Good let's go, my house isn't far from here," Shinsaku said. He left the room with
Kenichi beside him and Tima just behind them.
"Uncle," Kenichi whispered.
"Yeah?"
"Tima's scared of guns."
"Alright I'll keep it hidden."
"Thanks," Kenichi dropped back alongside Tima. As they walked into the elevator
she slipped her hand into his and smiled. Tima's ability to be happy as soon as a
problem was resolved amazed Kenichi. He returned the smile.
* * * * *
"And here we are," Shinsaku said leading Kenichi and Tima through the door to his
house. The impact of the difference was so great they almost felt it. The front door of
the house led straight into the sitting room, which was pristine. The centre of the
room was a platform raised a couple of inches above the hallway that came from the
door, which in turn led to a set of stairs. At one end of the platform an unlit fireplace
was set into the wall, its top bearing a clock, two candles, and a couple of photos.
One was a shot of Kenichi sitting on a stool in his school uniform looking bored,
another of a group people, three unknown men and women, with a young Kenichi up
front looking pleased with himself and Shinsaku standing off to one side, with his
arms folded and wearing his trench coat and hat trying to seem impressive but really
just looking silly. The last was a close up of Kenichi and Shinsaku's faces, both
grinning hugely and fighting to stay in the picture, and partly obscured by Kenichi's
fingers that were making a 'V' shape.
In the centre of the platform was a low square table, with a circular tablecloth and a
cushion at each side. The floor was plain wood, and a door on the other side led into
a kitchen.
"U-Uncle… but your office was such a mess…" Kenichi was dumbstruck. Having
seen his office, Kenichi was having trouble associating this house with his Uncle,
even though he had lived here before he went to Metropolis.
"I told you Kenichi, trends," Shinsaku replied, watching Tima wander around the
room.
"But what did you mean?" Kenichi asked. Tima was holding the picture of Kenichi and Shinsaku
and giggling quietly.
"I'm keeping up with the private detective trends. My office's a mess because I made
it that way. It's a tradition, or an old charter, or something," Shinsaku said, hanging
his trench coat in a nearby cupboard, along with his gun, "Come on have a seat," he
gestured toward the table.
When they had all sat down Shinsaku brought in some tea. He poured out a cup for
each of them then sat down as well. Tima sat staring at her cup.
"What's coming out of the cup?" Tima asked pointing to the steam coming off her
tea.
"Steam," Shinsaku answered, sipping his own.
"What's steam?"
"It comes from things that are hot," Kenichi said.
"Hm…" Tima murmured picking up her cup, "It's warm…"
"Be careful Tima," Kenichi said quickly, "Drink it slowly, like this," he demonstrated
taking a small sip.
"Like this?" Tima asked, copying him.
"Yeah like that."
"It's nice," Tima said with a sigh, "What is it?"
Meanwhile Shinsaku was sitting looking at the two of them blankly. He chuckled to
himself. They seemed like they were in there own little world on the other side of the
table. Tima was sitting quietly, happy just to smile and listen as Kenichi explained to
her what tea was. Still, this was important, so as much as he hated to he would have
to interrupt them.
"Hey you two," Shinsaku said.
Kenichi stopped talking and turned to face him, "Yes Uncle?"
"We have to talk about Tima," Shinsaku said sounding serious.
"What do you mean?" Kenichi asked.
"If Tima's going to be living here we'll have to make sure of a few things. The first
and most important of which is this Tima. Don't tell anyone about how you were
created, or about how you're different from normal humans."
"Why not?" Tima asked.
"Kenichi told me about his fight against the virus possessing your body on the
Ziggurat. He said your body's strength was incredible. It seems your mind isn't the
only part of you designed to be capable of killing."
"N-no…" Tima gasped. Kenichi put an arm around her shoulder.
"There are people who would take your power and use it. Therefore we should find a
way of keeping your power a secret. I think it would be best to stick with Kenichi's
idea about you being his cousin. "
"But I can't kill…!" Tima yelled, turning to Kenichi and pleading to him, "Kenichi
you know that don't you? I can't hurt people! Kenichi tell him!" she begged, tears
running down her cheeks.
"I can't Tima," Kenichi told Tima putting his arms around her, "But that doesn't
mean you have to use your power. It will always be your choice, and since you would
never use it, I suppose you can say you can't kill."
Tima sat up and wiped her eyes, "So, if I don't use it Kenichi… I can't kill?"
"Yes."
Tima broke into a smile and fell against Kenichi again.
"I'll leave the rest to you Kenichi," Shinsaku said taking the crockery into the kitchen.
* * * * *
Kenichi lay back on his bed.
It had been three days, and things had gone more or less as Kenichi had expected. He
was back at school and had started trying to reforge his friendships. This was proving
difficult. It seemed Kenichi had changed so much during his time in Metropolis all
his old friends were having trouble associating with him. Also, Kenichi was using all
of his breaks trying to catch up on missed school work so that he could spend as much
of his time at home as possible with Tima. Tima on the other hand was being
schooled as well as possible by Shinsaku. The reason for this was, just as Kenichi had
predicted, Tima couldn't get on in a school. In the single day she had been there
Tima had been thrown out of class twice for impertinence, and gotten Kenichi beaten
up when he tried to stop a group of older boys teasing her. The boys had been taking
advantage of her naivety, asking questions and laughing when she couldn't answer.
Kenichi had trouble remembering much of what had happened; why that was he had
no idea. His battered and bruised body should have been enough of a reminder.
Kenichi could remember up to when he had stepped between the boys and Tima,
telling her to run. She had tried to stay at first but had left when told to run a second
time. Everything else though was fuzzy up to the point where he had found himself
standing bandaged up in the school nurses office. It was a miracle he wasn't seriously
hurt. Nothing much else had happened. A police officer had visited to tell them that
Tima was expected at the police station in a day's time, and war with Metropolis
looked impossible to stop now. Kenichi had tried several times to reach his old
terminal in Metropolis but to no avail. It was almost as if it wasn't there, so for now
he was out of contact with Aki and Koh, although he didn't expect Koh would still be
there.
"…Kenichi…?" Tima asked quietly as she came into his bedroom with a tray bearing
two slices of cake and drinks.
"Oh, hello Tima," Kenichi greeted her sitting up.
"Uncle Shinsaku asked me to bring you these." Tima said putting the tray on the floor
by the bed. She had also come to know Shinsaku as Uncle.
"Thanks!" Kenichi said as Tima gave him his piece of cake and put a glass of juice
down nearby, "Hey, where are you going?"
Tima stopped in the doorway, "Back downstairs." The tray still carried what was
apparently her share.
"Tima… aren't you going to eat up here?" Kenichi asked. It seemed like Tima had
been trying to avoid him a little since the fight.
"If you want me to Kenichi."
Kenichi sighed, "…Tima, is there something you want to talk about?" Tima knelt
down at the end of the bed.
"I… Kenichi I'm really sorry!" Tima cried.
"What about?" Kenichi asked.
Tima looked up at him, "It's all my fault you were hurt! If I hadn't been with those
boys this would never have happened…"
"That's not true Tima!" Kenichi said, "I knew exactly what would happen from the
start. If my injuries are anyone's fault they're mine."
"But… why did you tell me to run away?"
"I didn't want you to see," Kenichi smiled at Tima and took a sip of his juice, "Come
on let's eat!"
*********************************************************************************************
I hope you guys liked it! Reviews would really be appreciated. As things stand the
next chapter may be just a little while in coming. And I do know Rock's not as bad as
he's made out to be in this chapter, but I doubt anyone ever told Kenichi that. He's
only ever seen Rock's cold, ruthless side. Well, I'm going to get to work on the next
chapter. I really hope this works out.