Chia: Another update? *blinks* So soon?
Yeah! In StarShine, I let the readers make a tough choice. Focus on SS and less on this. Focus on Metallic but less on SS. Or write both but have a tiny bit slower update time.
Chia: The people have spoken?
THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN!
Chia: And…?
Well we ended up in a three way tie the entire time. One single vote catapulted 'both' option to victory. And so I decided I'll write both. I'll update whichever I please in a totally unpredictable manner!
Chia: *sweatdrop*
So readers; read, review and enjoy! You're getting TWO stories now!
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"I wish you would've discussed this matter with me before you went through with it."
Almia. Pokemon Ranger School. The library. Keith was staring out the window as the three elderly adults were discussing. While he was pretending to be completely zoned out, he did manage to listen to some key points.
"We told you weeks, possibly months, in advance that Keith will be attending ranger school." Hastings said.
"You know what I mean, Hastings." Lamont, the school's principal, sighed.
"We've been over this. What's done is done." Hastings told him. "I did it in the name of science and discovery. Think of what the future holds! I've already documented quite a bit. And we haven't even scratched the surface!"
"But we're friends, Hastings. Since we were kids. You haven't kept any secrets from me until now." Lamont said. "And this one might be the biggest one of all."
"I knew that if I told you before the beginning stages were complete, you'd beg me to shut the project down." Hastings responded.
"Because it's unnatural. It goes against nature itself!" Lamont argued.
"Need I remind you two that we have someone else with us in the room?" Erma spoke up, glancing towards Keith.
"He's not even listening. Too busy spacing out again." Hastings assured. "I can't believe I'm not able to fix that…"
"It's what makes him who he is. You can't tamper with personality." Erma said.
"Nor should you tamper with the natural order of life." Lamont added.
There was some more bickering between the men. Keith looked outside. There was a building some ways away; the gym. He and the others were there earlier. Then there was the spacious courtyard with bright green grass and lots of pokemon running about. Keith was anxious to go outside and take in a breath of fresh air. Maybe play with a bidoof or two. But alas. He had to stay where he was for the time being.
"Well it's not that I don't like him…" Lamont's voice was heard. "I'm just concerned about his safety and well being."
"You saw how his test score was. Matched that of your highest student." Hastings said.
"Keith also knows some martial arts and what to do in specific scenarios. He even had time to learn the basics of ranger'ing before coming here." Erma noted.
"What I mean is, well…Keith's not exactly like the other kids." Lamont told them, his voice unsure.
Not like other kids. Boy was that the truth. Keith had known since early on that he wasn't like any other living being. People were born and grew up normal; learning about life through their childhood and entering adulthood with that knowledge. Keith didn't have a childhood. Nor was he born the conventional way. And his body? Definitely not normal.
The body may look normal to anyone who didn't know the truth. To those outside of the ranger founders, Keith appeared to be a sixteen year old redhaired teenager. They had no idea that while his body and mentality were sixteen, his real age was only two. That Keith hadn't been conceived by two loving parents and then born into the world like other kids were. Instead he was a mixture of top quality genetics that formed inside a glass tube with green chemical liquids.
"With the power of science, I have finally achieved what was previously thought impossible. I have replicated the miracle of life!"
Keith heard those words from Hastings at the very early end of his life. Life was a miracle alright. The way humans or even living beings were structured…it was a delicate process to create and give birth. And more of a challenge to tap into their lives, to see into their minds. So much that was unknown still. Hence why Keith was here. To figure out the mysteries of life by creating, as what Hastings called, an 'artificial' human being.
"I'm concerned that Keith won't be able to blend in with the other students. He might not have the right social skills to deal with the real world." Lamont went on.
"That's the purpose of this." Hastings answered him. "To see how Keith will handle life outside of the lab. Gather more intelligence about the world while we study him from afar."
"I've taken Keith out to Pueltown a few times as practice. I even introduced him as a 'potential student around the Union'. He knows basic knowledge. I taught him well." Erma told him. "All we can really do at this point is to let him go. I'll help him if he needs it but from here on out, what he does is his choice."
"I will return once or twice during the school time to give Keith a diagnostics, check in on progress and keep him updated." Hastings informed.
"Updated?" Lamont blinked in confusion.
"He may grow like a sixteen year old boy but his body may not be able to keep up like normal. So I'll adjust areas where they need to be as well as make sure everything is as it should be." Hastings explained. "That is the danger of having metal in one's body. Especially at this age."
Even with advanced technology giving him life, Keith had a 1 in 20 billion shot he'd be created. And with only one chance to get that right, the odds against him were greater. Even after being 'born', Keith still wasn't able to function without the aid of more technology. Underneath the skin were all sorts of stuff. Steel bones in some areas where the human-like ones were weak. Organs created from stem cells. Wires wrapped around muscles and tissues. Patches of metal all over; much of the face's right side, some on the legs, an entire left foot and right hand, a little on the back too. Blood ran in some parts of the body while a green ooze form of the liquid was in others. Keith could function like a human could for the most part. Basic daily functions and a properly working brain. But Keith was stronger and faster than a human; with more energy to conquer tasks. And humans…huh. They were different too. There was more to them than meets the eye. Keith knew real humans had something that he didn't. Was it their will to create? To inspire and change the world for the better? Their interactions? Views on life? What could it be? Keith was curious to find out what it was. Though even if he did know, he'd still never be an actual human being. Just artificial.
"Rest assured, everything's taken care of. With Keith learning all he can from us, it's time for him to move on to the outside world. Time for him to train to become a ranger." Hastings said.
Lamont hesitated. "…very well then. I'll watch over him and make sure he's doing alright."
"And send us some feedback occasionally? Tell us how things are going?" Hastings requested.
"Of course." Lamont nodded.
The men went to discuss more things. Erma got up from her chair, taking Keith with her. They went to a far corner in the library away from Lamont and Hastings.
"Do you have your cell phone?" Erma asked.
"Yes." Keith pulled it from his pocket. "I have yours and Hastings number. I'll contact if there's ever an issue or concern."
"Very good." Erma nodded. "Do you know what to do for emergencies?"
She recited a list of scenarios which Keith countered.
"Alright." Erma said. "Keith, are you ready for this? Can you handle the challenges you're about to face?"
Keith took a moment to think that over. "…yes. I'm sure. I don't want to be stuck in that lab anymore. All I want is to explore Almia and see the world."
There was a smile on the elderly lady's face. She gave Keith's shoulder a pat.
"Good. I'm glad to hear it." Erma sighed. "And while Hastings may say a few other things to you regarding your purpose here, I have to tell you something as well."
A pause. Keith waited impatiently for the words.
"Remember to have fun." Erma finally spoke. "Can I trust you'll have a good time here?"
"Sure…" Keith responded, a bit surprised by the request.
Hastings and Lamont finished talking. As Erma predicted, Hastings spoke to Keith about why he was at school and the importance of keeping this experiment a complete secret. But to have fun? He didn't say anything of it. That odd request stuck out in Keith's mind throughout Hastings lecture.
For two years, Keith was secluded to the lab where he was born. He hardly left until several months ago, to gain better social skills. Whenever Hastings and Erma weren't there to teach or look after him, Keith had spent his time alone. Hardly ever had fun by himself. Now he was alone again but in a new environment, where he was told to have fun.
Erma and Hastings said their farewells to Lamont, promising to meet again soon and keep in contact. Keith watched them leave through the door. The realization sunk in. It was happening. This was really happening. He was free from complete supervision.
"So Keith." Lamont snapped the redhead from his thoughts. "Let's introduce you to your new teacher and classmates. They're expecting you."
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Chia: Oooh! Mysterious!
I know right? Though I was writing this and a stupid English paper at the same time so I really hope I did ok. And I think I erased any mistakes.
Chia: 3rd page, 4th paragraph. You inserted the English paper line there.
*erases and rewrites papers*
Chia: Readers while she's focused on the lame project, I'll tell you that her next update will be soon! Is it StarShine? Is it Metallic? WE WILL SOON SEE…MUA HA HA HA HAAA!
Please don't scare my readers. *sweatdrop* I have enough issues trying to stop them from killing me at every near death or plot twist.
Chia: *smirks* Let the torture begin.
