Chapter 2
Dr. Stench's forboding
"Doctor, the transforming process is not going well. His body is rejecting the prosthetic parts."
The sound of a person's voice injected deep into Genos' consciousness. He could hear it clearly, even the worry, yet his eyes remained closed. His body did not move. It was as if he was still asleep, awake and dreaming.
"What's going to happen to him?" The voice continued, no less anxious than before. He wondered who on earth would sound so concerned about his wellbeing.
"Be calm, Nanako. Genos-kun will be fine. I won't let him die."
Ah, this voice. It's Dr. Stench's. It carried the wisdom and weariness of many years. It was perhaps the only voice Genos could recognise without much trouble. It was undoubtedly the voice of his saviour.
Nanako, even though he couldn't see her face, was clearly very worked up about something. He could almost picture her frown in his mind. "Doctor, you shouldn't have agreed to his request in the first place. Do you really think anyone who survived hell would think straight? It's already enough that you saved his life."
Dr. Stench, on the contrary, was rather patient-sounding. "Nanako, you know I owe him much more than that. It is my fault, after all, that he has no family to go back to."
His voice strained uttering that last part. Genos could imagine his face was buried in his wrinkled hands, old features worn as if bearing the burden of many deaths. Genos himself suddenly exhaled sharply, smothered by weight on his chest.
"So you think it's right to condemn him to living for revenge?" Nanako continued, voice equally forced. "I don't understand you, Doctor."
"No, you won't. You're too soft at heart."
The doctor sighed, saying compassionately. "People need a reason to live. I believe the boy's found a purpose to keep him going. If he didn't, I doubt there's anything I can do to carry him back from the brink. You, of all people understand this, right?
"Everything that is done in the world is done by hope. So it goes with courage."
There was a sullen silence. Displeased, but nonetheless no longer so tense. Dr. Stench seemed to have an effect on her. After a moment, there were footsteps and Nanako's voice sounded distant.
"I hope you don't end up killing him, Doctor."
She closed the door behind her. Though she took care to close it carefully, it still resonated in Genos' mind.
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"You're awake, Genos-kun."
Dr. Stench sounded delighted, as if he had been expecting him to come to. The man's face was layered with concern and kindness as he strode over to Genos' side. The boy wondered how the doctor knew he had regained consciousness, because his eyes had only blinked a few times before he heard Dr. Stench call his name. There must be a life monitor somewhere, with electrodes plastered to his temples.
"Doctor." Genos said simply.
The scientist made a quick scan of the many computer screens that surrounded Genos and his room. Which, he noted, was rather looking like a lab than one fitted for a human.
Yes, this is perhaps more cut out for his current needs, Genos thought, slightly embittered. A machine like him should have no need for comforts.
"This is good news," Dr. Stench's pleasing tone turned Genos' focus away from the dour architectural design. "Your readings seem much more stable than before. Would you like to sit up?"
"That would be very welcomed, sir." He replied.
As Dr. Stench adjusted the bed's inclination, Genos took time to take note of other things in his immediate surrounding. For one, he and Dr. Stench were alone, save for the glinting of several fibre-optic instruments. The girl he had seen last he woke was nowhere to be found. He also discovered that there, in fact, were no electrodes stuck to his head like he had expected, which somewhat baffled him.
Genos found himself taking in stride everything in an unperturbed manner, as if he'd been here before and nothing could faze him. With nothing else to think about, he once again re-focused on Dr. Stench, who was surveying a small clipboard. His saviour chuckled and put the board aside and smiled serenely at Genos.
"Genos, if you don't mind, there are a series of tasks I'd like you to try. They will be very simple, nothing strenuous. But it shall put my mind at ease that you're taking everything well."
"Yes, Doctor. I don't mind." Genos accepted without so much as questioning him.
Such a dutiful boy, Dr. Stench thought to himself with a tinge of sadness. He then carefully instructed Genos on his tasks, which ranged from simply stretching his fingers and moving them, to picking up light objects like a pen. When Genos proved he could manage the latter quite well, Dr. Stench asked him to write something down on a note.
Some tasks soon get tedious, but all the while the doctor kept his voice patient and cheerful. Genos also didn't make any complaints whatsoever for the whole duration.
He then asked questions like whether the boy was hungry, feeling cold or cramped, to which he methodically replied. This raised Dr. Stench's concern a bit, because the boy appeared to have an apathetic lack of reaction to anything that might discomfort him.
The boy had just had a traumatic experience, let him heal. Stench thought to himself. But his worries weren't easily chased. For apathy, more than any rile emotion, was dangerous. It could turn a modest man into being capable of extraordinary cruelty.
The wise doctor then concluded that he must be watchful the boy. His physical recovery will mean nothing if his soul is not saved.
"That will be all for today," He told Genos, smiling jokingly. "Did you find that awfully boring?"
"Not really, Doctor. I understand its necessity." Genos replied and breathed in meditatively.
"I see. An understanding patient makes a doctor's life surprisingly easier." Dr. Stench nodded sagely. "For the rest of the day I'd like you to rest and recoup as much as possible. If you need anything, just press that button and someone will come for you."
Genos gave the button a contemplative stare. He couldn't think of any use he could have for it. His present state was so detached from worldly needs that he could frankly enter nirvana.
No, he probably couldn't. Because against the stage of his outer calmness and composure was a backdrop of smouldering anger like live coal - a rage that could not be quenched by any meditation or rest. It was sizzling and growing by the day, by the waking hour and fuelled by a desire to get out, get stronger and achieve his one desire.
Revenge.
No one as tainted with hate as he could find peace in nirvana.
Perhaps Dr. Stench could sense the change, the monster within Genos. Even if he hadn't known the boy personally. All the more, he became concerned.
He sighed and his hand landed softly on Genos' head. "Rest that turbulent mind of yours for now, Genos. For now, feel nothing but that you are alive and recovering."
He ruffled Genos' hair. And the boy was silent. He felt guilty at troubling his saviour with his mental state, but at the same time, he only wanted to grieve. And the only way he could grieve now was to nurture his anger. After all, his home had been blown to bits. There was not even a grave from which he could mourn his dead parents and older brother.
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"Nanako, do you think I've done the right thing?"
The girl was startled by the degree of vulnerability in her doctor's voice. The man sat still in his chair, his elbows resting on his knees, his eyes closed. His features were as solemn and ancient as old trees in the forest. She had rarely seen him so troubled and fearful before.
"I'm not sure, Doctor. I stand by what I said to you before, that I doubt anything good could come from letting a person live solely for revenge." She said evenly, eyeing him with sympathy for his weariness. He had tended to the cyborg boy for many days as to exhaust him. "So it's your turn to stand by what you said, Doctor. Have faith in him."
A silence full of understanding slowly permeated through them both. The young girl could feel the anxiety in her mentor lessoned, and she smiled and secretly thanked the powers that be. It worried her a great deal to see her doctor's resolve shaken, but she was glad and relieved now that he was no longer doubting.
"Thank you, Nanako. You're a saint, you know that?" Dr. Stench leaned back in his chair, his face alight. The solemn lines had vanished, leaving a natural tranquility that Nanako loved.
She laughed quietly. "You make it too easy, Doctor."
The grey-haired scientist sat in his old chair pensively, watching Nanako as she cooked and stirred some Yakisoba and hummed some old tune. As the soba, beef and vegetable hissed on the pan, the doctor suddenly said.
"I still feel the need to be concerned, Nanako. It' been a month since the incident, and Genos either feels too much or too little."
"Oh, Doctor. I'm sure it's nothing to do with his teenage years." Nanako lightly replied, but Dr. Stench knew behind the good-humored tone Nanako was very serious.
"You're a teenager, too." He teased.
Nanako spun around, a large wooden spoon still in hand and she brandished it like a deadly weapon. "I'll have you know that I'm nothing like those hard-headed teenage boys." She said sullenly. Her mentor laughed and, although not entirely content, Nanako turned back to stirring the Yakisoba.
"Still, Nanako. The boy has to make his own decision and forge his own path in the world. If decides to become rogue, I-" His voice became strained. "I can't bear being responsible for creating yet another uncontrolled weapon of mass destruction on my conscience. It would be too-"
He never finished the sentence, and the tense air was left hanging.
Nanako glanced back and watched her mentor somberly. A shadow passed over her eyes as she listened to him.
Dr. Stench continued, his voice growing shaky. "If that time comes, I don't know if I can put...put down Genos. I owe the boy his entire future-"
Nanako ruthlessly interrupted. "When that time comes, if it comes" She turned her back to him, but Dr. Stench caught her icy stare. If anything, her tone was lethal. "You won't be the one to put him down."
The silence between them now became so thick, it felt almost palpable. Nanako was still engaged in her task, but he could tell her mind wasn't in it anymore. Dr. Stench shook his head, left his chair and laid a gentle hand on Nanako's shoulder. "I can't stain your hand with blood, Nanako. I can't turn you into a murderer." He said sternly, but there was a shade of softness in it. "I know you, child. You love all living creatures. You wouldn't be able to do it."
Nanako didn't reply to his words, which meant she was not yet dissuaded. But neither did she deny the truth in what he said. Nonetheless, the old scientist knew that Nanako's desire to protect him, who was perhaps the last of her family, could potentially spur her on to keeping that promise- no matter how much it was against her nature.
Youngters these days sure are hot-headed. He chuckled wonderingly.
"Neither would you, Doctor. Not only do you feel indebted to him and pity him, can you really do that to someone you worked so hard to save?" Nanako asked, the sharp glint in her eyes already fading. Her face was now one of mild concern and worry.
Dr. Stench patted her head affectionately, smiling. "I don't know what will happen, Nanako, but we still have time on our sides. Genos' transformation is far from complete, even though he already wagered his limbs. As of now, he poses no threat. No doubt he can become strong in years to come, but we still have a couple of years on our hands to observe his character. Now, it is as you said. We can only do our best and have faith in the boy. I sense he has a good heart."
After a moment, Nanako caved in and said. "I'll trust your judgment, Doctor."
Dr. Stench chuckled. "Ha ha. Don't, my dear. I need someone to scrutinise my actions and right me when I'm wrong. Just be your vigilant self."
Nanako sighed and turned off the stove. She reached up the cupboard for some plates to serve their Yakisoba. "Yes, Doctor. Would you mind passing me the kettle?"
As she started to pour the hot water into a teapot, Dr. Stench began to set the table and laid down some porcelain cups. Their meal passed pleasantly, their conversation topics light and daily-focused. A good-humored atmosphere flowed easily between them and neither mentioned Genos' future again. It was until when Nanako had put away the dishes and was drying them on a rack that Dr. Stench was suddenly struck by an idea.
"By the way, Nanako, there is a favour I want from you." He told her, tone as blithe as if he were inquiring tomorrow's weather.
Curious, Nanako turned back and listened as the doctor explained just what his 'favour' entailed and required of her. When he finished, she jerked back in disbelief, face flushed.
"Doctor, you're not SERIOUS?" She exclaimed in dismay. "No! You'll never get me to do it."
"That's why I told you it was favour now, didn't I?" Dr. Stench grinned mischievously, looking as though he might have to suppress a giggle.
The truth was that Nanako had always found it impossible to ignore Dr. Stench's bidding. Like a granddaughter should heed her grandfather's words, she felt it was very much her duty to carry them out without any objection.
"I guess I can do it. But just so you know, Doctor - if he knocks his head and passes out or something, it's not my fault."
Dr. Stench beamed, looking up from his paperwork and cup of tea. "You're a saint, Nanako."
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A/N:
Finally, I was able to upload chapter 2. I thought it would be unreasonable to assume that Genos' transition from human to cyborg was overnight. Rather, it would be a gradual process that could take possibly years until he became the Genos we all know.
I also thought 15-year-old Genos is slightly different from 19-year-old Genos. While I'm probing the possibilities, I'll leave you guys to imagine how things turn out XD
Please review!