Keitaro's Sunless Sea Adventure.
Chapter 1-Another possibility of the Mirror's Universe.
Autho's note –Just a little combination my mind wouldn't let go of Keitaro in the sunless sea Universe after reading some of mirrors and playing the game I wonder just what might happen if after the mess with the clones he got away in a new world.
It was inevitable thought the Ronin to himself as he heard the voice call his name on the phone he sighed thinking to himself.
"Why couldn't I see it earlier? Why did it take me this long to realize it?'
He wondered to himself as he mused about his situation a bit but was reminded of the one on the phone.
''KEITARO DO YOUHERE ME!I said do not leave that house just because you've got brothers doesn't mean there trustworthy they could do anything to house much less the girls!"'
Scoffing the young man said.
''don't' just don't' Haruka they can take care of themselves just fine they always went on and on about what they'd do to me so I think if they can do all of that stuff they can defend themselves well on their own.''
''KEITA-CLICK!''
Sighing the Ronin put down the phone and made his way out of the closing establishments kitchen bowing to the lady he said.
''Thank you for allowing me to use your phone mr. Kimiaki I'm sorry to have bothered you.''
'"Oh it was no problem at all you are my sons only decent friend besides I have a feeling you've had a long day so giving you a hard time really wouldn't be good for a responsible adult AHAHAHA!''
''Thank you nonetheless I'm very grateful for your help in getting this private matter wrapped up without your phone I would have had unresolved feelings about something important to me.''
''Like I said anytime and if you need help (pats Keitaro)come on by and GET A MEAL WHY DON'T YOU! Especially with a pretty lady friend you can have a private booth and everything no extra charge.''
Feeling his stomach slump the Ronin put on a cheerful look and bowed to the older man.
''Thank you sir I might just take you up on that offer.''
''Well take your time there's no rush it's an open offer after all.''
Nodding the Ronin left the man's restaurant and sighed as he took out his map and looked at it .He had been travelling and had left a few hours ago but was in the nearby city of Tenpo which was at least Five hours away from Hinata city the ronin shuddered remembering the place and saddened before hardening at the memories of his time there.
'Nearly three years wasted and for what? I have gotten into Tokyo U but with all that's happened was it worth it? Seta hasn't returned y calls he's off on another expedition and the deadline for our recommendations was a week ago with everything that's happened. MAN CAN'T I CATCH ONE BREAK!'
He thought angrily as he thought becoming less aware of his surroundings he sighed as he realized he was on the outskirts away from the main streets of Tenpo in the Fukui prefecture and shook his head not caring of the dangers in the pitch black darkness of the night the only other thing out was the moon itself filling the night's sky and giving a guiding light for the runner's stumbles he sighed as he looked into the bag he had noting the snacks as well as an unopened beer he cursed taking out the beer and dropping it on the ground shaking his head.
'I think I had enough a few hours ago from that bar no I'm sober now I need to get out of here maybe find a motel or something ow! Damn it the moon's getting covered by the clouds let me pull out my cell phone.''
Said the ronin as he took it out and used the light seeing a caution Renovation and construction sighs he sighed as he made his way slowly into the area making some turns and following the signs before seeing a dead end and cursing as he turned around.
''Fuck I must have missed a sign oh well I'll just have to move ahead and wait what's happening SHIT!''
CRACK!BUKKST!
Instantly the Ronin's curse was drowned out as he fell down a large hole and was taken by the current of water several crates and signs falling down over it .
'GOTTA BREATHE FIGHT KEITARO …FIGHT!DAMN IT I WIL LNTO DIE LIKE THIS IN A COSNTRUCITON SEWER DRAIN!'
Thought Keitaro as he fought his way upwards against the current as much as he could he gasped as he saw a wide divide a dark dank hole on the left and an open rampant waterway with several whirlpools cursing ad fighting his way to the left as he noticed several fiery lights now moving faintly within it.
''CERTAIN DEATH!OR TORCHES DMAN IT TORCHES IT IS!''
He yelled as he fought his way onto the side of the next tunnel opening and nearly missed however forcibly grasping onto it and forcibly crawling his body halfway over the tunnel openings. Moving over it he sighed as he gargling several pints of water flipped himself over and under into the dank tunnel several torches like lights which were burning fire in the openings on the side of the tunnel as he fell he cursed as the pressure and speed rapidly built up and water gushed everywhere tumbling as the Ronin fought to keep his consciousness he yelled out crushing as his shoulder hit the side of a stone mantel as he and stopped feeling the small flow of a slide of water turn into a large body .
'SHIT! Did I fail down a drain pipe or something!?Am I in the ocean !I NEED TO FIGHT QUICKLY AH MY BACK THAT FALL HURT !I need to move out of here.'
Thought Keitaro sighing ahs he turned behind him seeing a strange large block similar in structure to a statue disappear into the mist before sighing as he looked around and saw a large ship coming up on the side with smoke coming off of it he waved along the ocean side and saw one of the men cursing as he made his way to the side of the ship where a net was cast.
''HEY ARE YO UTRYIGN TO DIE OUT HERE COME UP!''
''Ugh t-thank you I-''
''WHAT THE FUCK A KHAN MAN!''
''A man from the Khanate! Quick shove him off it might be trap might have one of them bubs coming along?''
''Huh? Foreginers? Wait English they might be American or British better switch and wait khanate hmm think on it later communicate Now!''
''WAIT!I'm sorry but I just fell off the land and got carried not see while walking form a shop I'm fine! I'm not one of those khanate men either!"'
'"He speaks English just like us no lips or sneer pull him up lads.''
Said an older man with the various middle age and a few not so much the men moved with practiced sync and helped with the not so average work of pulling the young man out of the deep Keitaro coughed several times his hands on the deck and he bent over.
One of the men gave him a hard slap on the back as the young man cough up a huge splotch of water on the deck.
''Thanks.''
''No problem laddie.''
''Well now what's your name young man mine is captain Fisk one of the finest fisherman all of Fallen London's known.''
''Huh? Oh I'm Keitaro Hendrickson.''
''Fine last name don't' know much about the first well then Hendrickson-Hendri we could use your help were about to turn back towards port but we could use some help with the main tasks till we get back would you mind helping in exchange for a ride?''
'"Not at all sir!t-t-hank you for the chance to get back to the mainland.''
''No problem Lad! Alright men let's move Tim Drake show him his duties then not enough for time for a proper run around.''
''Aye aye captain well Keitaro my name be Drake or Tim-Man if you will but never Timmy are we clear?''
'"Crystal.''
Smiling the tall skinny young man around his age said.
''Good right then let's get you out of them clothes and into something proper of a fish wrangler then I just started my-self not long ago .Here's our trunks and here's some clothes best watch the port side.''
Said the young man grabbing the young Japanese man and pulling him away form the thrashing left side of the ship where a small wave whipped onto the deck.
''Thanks and umm what are my duties?''
''Here's the mop out of the closet here on the side and here's the bucket mop the water up and wring the water in the bucket then when it's full toss it simple enough mate right?''
''Yes it is I've got this thank you for helping me drake.''
''No problem Kei now let's get this over with before a storm rolls in shall we?''
Nodding Keitaro took a breath and helped on the ship using them op with as much practiced ease as he did the wet pads he used to scrub the floors back at the inn. Oddly enough the time passed well for the Ronin.
''Avast yeh scurvy dogs this area too be clear we head back fully no more stops to Fallen London! SHOVING OFF FULL SPEED!"'
''Kei! Stop mopping the captains cutting on the engine's to full toss over the bucket and put up the mop and bucket we've got to go.''
'"Ah ok Drake got it.''
Nodding the two young men went their separate ways Keitaro putting up the mop and bucket after emptying the water off the side the ship shuddered and the Ronin grabbed a rail.
'Damn finished just in time before they set it to max speed damn at this rate we might be there a lot sooner then I thought were crossing a few rocky straits …wait..that's Fallen London? Why would they call it that? I've never been to Britain damn I wish I knew and the moon's not out either.'
He thought as he went up to one of the various bundles of rope one of the many strong ropes hanging from the sail.
Fallen London Dock side.
''Alright boys slow it down!Were at the port side!''
''Aye captain!''
''Well Mr. Hendrickson it would seem this is where we part ways.''
''For now captain cook thank you for having me on your ship!''
''AH HO!A Spirited young man behind the shyness! Good Good! The Zee needs more good men to work at travelling it if you ever need anything while I'm out on it and nearby you've got help in me.''
''Thank you captain I'll remember your kindness when the time comes hopefully I can pay you back sometime .''
''Good on you then we'll just unload our catch then.''
''Ah wait Kei-Here I wrote down some notes you look new to the changes in London so I wrote a few things down for you.''
''Thanks Tim-Man for this.''
''No problem hey if you get a ship look me up I do a lot of odd jobs so I wouldn't mind getting something else something a bit more long term.''
''I will if I do honestly I'm not sure what I'm going to do.''
''Just do your best here have ten on me for helping me me out normally I do the duty of mopping you saved me a good bit of work there.''
''Thanks I appreciate every bit.''
''Good see ya.''
Said Tim Drake as he disappeared back on the boat to ,to help the sailors with the work.''
''Alright let's look at what he gave me hmm 'You are not a native Londoner that I can tell but being of am other of the Khanate I am not one to judge I welcome you brother of a far off land .And also give you these words in the hopes you will not only survive but thrive in London a place which is a broken off section of the early city carried off by what the rumors saw an entire sea of seals.'
You have got to be' No I am not kidding London has been taken underground and is a place of wonder much like the Khanate which was carried ff by Bats from Karakorum it is a unique place much like this one if you wish to survive her I recommend you talk to the people at the London Wolf-stack Harbour Authority they will help you track down any relatives you may have in London and form there find a means to possible make your way in it .I wish you the utmost of luck you seem like a good guy Kei and I've seen too many nice guys Asian or not fail down here and I'd like to see you succeed to be happy.
Sincerely ,Tim Drake ;Harbringer of Pain and Manly Man for hire,
Smiling at the message Keitaro spoke to a nearby person saying.
''Wolf-stack?''
''Ah you want to go down that street head right and it's the third one on the left.''
''Thank you very much sir.''
''Ah it's no problem son bye.''
With that the old man curtly left and Keitaro could feel the passing stares of the Londoners looking at him searching over his body some sneering whether it was in disgust or natural Keitaro didn't know he sighed as he flipped up the collar on the workman's jacket along with closing up the vest he got. He sighed as he shoved off and walked further towards the harbor office.
London's Wolf-stack Harbour Office.
''Well I don't' believe it someone with as strange a name as you does have a relative here a man by the name of Izumo Urashima.''
''Ah I see ..wait..HE'S MY UNCLE!I THOUGHT HE WAS DEAD!''
Pulling back his books and stepping back slightly with one burly gentleman standing up sitting on a chair on the side with an old woman knitting looking up from her quilt work stopping her creation of a scarf to stare the young man calmed down saying.
''I'm sorry it's just he was thought to have died with my aunt it traumatized my cousin for years knowing they were both dead and we were close.''
Hearing this the man held up his hand at the guard and motioned forward making the man sit back down and pick up his newspaper form the nearby chair .The office was much like that of a tailor or dry cleaners at the opening minus the equipments but Keitaro was not complaining .
''Yes I understand it can be a very emotional experience being told one's relative is alive but do try to keep yourself under a more stable footing here emotionally speaking Mr. Urashima. Now I as part of my duty am allowed to give you one free message opportunity to contact our relative should he receive this letter delivered by one of our agents then he will be able to notify us and help you further ourself here.''
''I see thank you for your service.''
Raising a hand the old man said.
''Anytime young man it never hurts to have refreshers nor practice n one's field and this is one of the one's we get the least experience in but I will tell you that you need not thank me for doing my job. Now where is it you are currently staying on your new life in the city?''
''Ah I'm sorry but I was going to take some money I got for working and rent a room.''
''Ah the blind helmsman should be just the spot for you until then.''
''Thank you mr.''
''Ah Mr. Cane I assure you there is no need to thank me it costs ten echoes a night at the blind helmsman that includes room and board for a night.''
''Got it thanks I should be there under Keitaro Hendrickson for now.''
''Got it mr. Urashima mum's the word with the Khanate threatening war again with our fair London I wish you the best on your trip to the inn goodbye.''
Noddign and leaving with a sigh as he kenw they would send someone to let him know one way or another what his attempt would get him he sighed thinking on his journey out of the drains and into the sea and shuddered thinking.
'No wonder those guys were so worried about me!THEY THOUGHT I WAS A SOLDIER TRYING TO ATTACK THEM!Oh man and captain Fisk was willing to trust me I really have to find a way to repay them an later but for now I need to head to the blind helmsman it's a godo thing I've got this paper OH NO YOU DON'T-'
Thought Keitaro as he felt his clumsy nature about to kick in as well as a strong breeze moving taping into the old memories he had of the training he got while younger in martial arts Keitaro jumped a small hop as his balance was lost arching his back and managing to stabilize himself much to his shock as he clutched the paper he tried to take out of his pocket and nearly dropped in an iron grip.
''Not this time this time I'm getting some control over my life no matter how little I will not be a punching bag like I was before and I will smooth out as many of my flaws as I can life I promise you that.'' The young man said to himself as he made his way to the area where his hotel would be he sighed as he looked at it from across the street it was a simple rustic place with two stories as well as three sections of windows.
Heading inside he could tell there was some scruff but no muck within the place which had several different tables and chairs pulled a man at the bar where a cash register was looking at him with a single man having his dead at the table the man said.
''You lookin for a room for the night stranger?''
''Ah yes I am I have enough for the night now but I can have more later for more time.'' Said the Ronin as he paid the man
Waving him off the man said.
''It's pay as you go lad no need for hurry rush just have it before the next day starts at it's highest point noon and I won't have nothing to say. Breakfasts already been started but I'm about to start on lunch if you want some?''
''Yes I think I'll have it after I get my room ten echoes correct?''
''Aye thank you kindly for your business now follow me.''
Said the man a large tall man with blonde-graying slightly hair he was stout in his shoulders but was still taller then the Ronin and also had a handle bar mustache the man has on a blue button up long john shirt and over it an apron with some work pants and rubber boots.
Heading to his room the Ronin sighed as he realized he had nothing but his cell phone ,wallet with some yen (he mentally snorted at that), and last but not least his pen pad notebook.
Going up the stars by two floors which made the ronin a bit worried however Keitaro sighed in relief as his was the fourth door on the right the main hallway. The Inn keeper opened the door and revealed a simple small room much like the long storage of the inn's lodge closet in space. Having a bed against the right wall a small strip of fresh rubber at the entryway for him to brush his feet on. Gas lanterns hung from the side three one for each wall on the left side was a simple closest and the right had a window while the wall between the two had a dresser in front of it .A small table with a chair was on the side by the window where he could look out on the streets outside and the various people moving along the cobblestone streets.
''So about that lunch can I have some and bring up any leftovers for later?''
''Sure just don't' go being a wasteful ninny leaving the plates any place for the ants to get and we won't have any problems with breakfast is from Eight A.M to Eleven Fifty Five A.M you're later there won't be anymore but lunch starts from Eleven Fifty Five to Three Thirty if you're late for that dinner is From Five to Seven after that your belly isn't my problem.''
''Fair Enough sir.''
''Good my name is Amos don't sweat the details lad just a simple stay in a simple room nothing to be all nervous for so stop being so stiff.''
''OH alright.''
Said Keitaro as the group moved out of the room and the man locked the door before handing it to Keitaro.
''This is your room key return it when your finished staying I hate having to get the locks changed and the drawing up for the wall .But I have a no service list of those who try to skimp out on me I'll call the bobbies faster than you can blink if you do that so make sure you return my key when your finished or pay the fee to have a new one made twenty echoes.''
''Yes sir.''
''Good now what do yah want for breakfast I'm gonna cook up some bacon ,eggs, biscuits, Sasuage , gruel , and ab it of chicken here and there not much else I like to offer some diversity so these idiots don't bitch about it's the same ole' thing again! I've got a brother who owns a farm gives me his excess stock he does so what'll ya have.''
''You've got some bread ? sir I'll take it with some eggs, bacon,and sasauge.''
'"What no rice gruel then? I assure you it's finely pasted beat into the pestel myself! Might be the last you might get the Khanate is threatening us again and that might make those pansies at the minister of damn nose pickers outlaw it!''
''You mean the ministry for decency.''
''BAH!It's al l the same with them the second anyone threatens the government everyone form the top down gets jumpy closes everything up and points GUNS AT IT!''
''You mean they would if they could?''
Said a man at one of the back tables moving up .
'Man it would seem more of the tenants have come out huh?''
'"Oh I don't' want to hear this from your Charles you just go back there and brown nosey ou shit!''
''No come on Cane you know as well as I do that these waters ain't safe I mean you remember what happened to the Empresses Brother.''
''BAH HE WAS IN ON IT TOO!BLEEDIN US DRY!I don't' care who hears me damn it! Sent my brother to die in failed invasion of the Republic of Iron he did said the colony needed to be taught a lesson BAH! My cousins them fine Irish beat his ass back they did!FAIELD INVASION OF 68!Tried to have them brought in a new republic they formed with Khan men and Fungers women but the Crown didn't' like that and started a war they couldn't win and what happened the Republic of Irons is big industrialized under the rule of the Watts family .Andrews is the one who brought them up and what about the rest of us who didn't' join eh!?''
'Wow that is al ot of info hmm I've got some of the highlights but still maybe I should back up a bit.' He thought but found the man was cooking his breakfast and sighed as he moved over a seat enabling the other man to look more directly into Cane's own face and speak to him eye to eye form a distance.
''Yes but come now even you Cane can recognize the facts! They've got limited foodstock! For Christ's sake they even eat their gunpowder! FUEL IS THEIR FOOD!''
Scoffing Keitaro watched as cane put his right leg on the table then pulled p his pants legs to reveal wood going into the boot.
''Tell that to my leg !NEARLY GAVE MY WIFE HALF A FRIGHT! HEART NEARLY GAVE OUT IT DID BUT OUR ILLUSTRIOUS LORD LUCIUS!''
''There you go pulling out your trump card but no I can't argue it was a bat idea to walk into the mess that failed invasion was.''
''Mess you mean a BLOODY TRAP!I mean I nearly died where they got over forty seven Rattus Faber Gattling guns I don't know but damn if they aren't effective at shore line defense.''
Sighing the man said.
''I know it's just I want to have faith that my government the council put in place will do the empress pulled back from the public eye with her brother's death they've taken over and we all have to hope that they do right by the people.''
''But also hold them accountable if or when they don't I agree I want to have faith that them men can do it I served under two of them they were good men given bad orders by a bad egg Lucius was the dman general come here Charles I didin't mean nothing by it I'm just angry at the traitor Empress for selling our supplies and sacking so many of us in the army as restitutions with the republic.''
Nodding the skinny man dressed in a form fitting suit with a newspaper sighed and said.
''In all honesty I understand it's a shame things happened that way but just another day in Fallen London we just need to pull together here ism y rent for the rest of the week consider it also my apology for defending the men and women of our government in place without elaborating earlier that I was not defending the Traitor Empress.''
''it's all good Charles ah hey I've got your food right here ready for yah.''
''Ah you can just call me Mr.K and thanks .''
''No problem big plate for you as usual eh Charles?''
''Yes I've got several meetings to go to I've got several btis of stock to help manage back at the company and I need to refuel.''
''No problem here you go mate hope you enjoy now to go sweep the back and restock some things I'll be back if nay of you need me OI Rickard WATCH THE FRONT ME BOY!"'
''YES SIR POPS!''
Said a young man who Keitaro seeing thought was at puberty who manned the front of the counter and began shifting the glasses and inspecting other things while looking up at the patrons his long blonde hair and long john shirt a bit too big for him as he combed his eyes over the group Keitaro smiled and nodded at the young man who tiled his head forwards once in acknowledgement.
Looking down at his food Keitaro sighed ash e otok his fork and dug into the plate.
'Well it might not be Shinobu's but it'll have to do won't it?'
He thought as while grateful lot the man he could clearly tell he the food was a bit different then what he was used to eating in Japan and was briefly reminded of a meal he had at his and Seta's hotel room in America when they first got to the country. Taking his fork and putting it into the sausage and taking a bite deciding to go for Ronin's eyes opened and he quickly began taking more bits and eating more off his plate.
'It's good! Actually bit better then the hotel food we got a lot better actually Seta did always enjoy being cheap whether it's the airplanes we took or rides in jeeps in other countries.' Keitaro thought as he began thinking his stay would not be so bad in Fallen London with at least some good food to eat.
