Warning: Swearing.
[So that's it. It wasn't Izaya after all...I knew something was off, but I never would have guessed it was something like this…]
Shinra and Celty sat on the couch, talking the time away. Now that Kida left, Shinra explained the whole situation to her, about who Roppi really was, and how his father was the one to make him.
"Haah…" Shinra sighed, "Leave it to Father to do something as crazy as cloning another person. He really goes overboard with his experiments."
Celty shivered unconsciously as she remembered exactly how overboard the doctor got. She had been at Shingen's mercy more than once in the past; he was relentless when there was something stirred up his curiosity. He was absolutely fascinated with her body and how it functioned without a head. He dissected her over and over again to learn more about the inner workings of her body. But the more he explored, the more questions were raised, and the more he would experiment on her as a result.
It was a vicious cycle.
She felt sick to her stomach thinking about it. She wondered if Roppi also underwent a similar treatment.
She didn't realize she was shaking until Shinra placed his steady hand over her trembling one.
"Don't worry about it Celty. Though, you're probably right. Knowing my father, Roppi probably had a tough time with him, but we can make sure that he doesn't have to go through that anymore." As always, he deduced what she was thinking easily and managed to comfort her, all in one breath.
She visibly relaxed, [Really? You'd do that?]
"Mmhm. And if you want, we can keep him here to make sure he's safe." Shinra smiled.
"Hey, now, that's rude. You make it sound like I'm the bad guy here. And didn't I tell you to keep Roppi-kun a secret, no more than ten minutes ago? You're the biggest gossip ever!" came his father's voice from behind them.
Shinra shamelessly responded, "Of course I'd tell Celty, she is an extension of myself, telling me anything is like telling her. So there's no problem with it."
"Ah, you're hopeless…but kind for inviting Roppi-kun and I to stay."
Shinra's smile dropped, and he settled for a disproving frown, "I didn't say anything letting you stay. You were only supposed to stay here for a week until you found a hotel or another place to stay. That agreement still stands."
"How mean. My own son, kicking me out of his apartment. Ungrateful brat." he sniffed, "Fine. But I am not letting Roppi-kun stay here with the oddballs anyway. I'd fear for Roppi's sanity."
[You're one to talk! King of Oddballs! Crooked doctor! Villain!]
"Hey now, that villain comment was out of line..."
[No, it's an appropriate description. Shinra told me about the things you've done to Roppi. You're the worst.]
Shingen rolled his stiff shoulders without a care, "So he even told you about Project Darwin huh? Well, it doesn't matter. A monster like you wouldn't understand where I'm coming from would you? As his creator and guardian, I want the best for him. I want him to be strong. Project Darwin was designed to make him stronger both physically and mentally, it was a necessary phase he needed to undertake in order to become a perfect being."
[There are ways to go about doing that, without using such harsh methods.]
Shingen stared blankly at the screen. He seemed to brood over the words written there before he quietly responded, "We have all felt pain, it is part of the human condition. I am not doing him any favours by protecting him of that. It was something he had to feel in order to grow as a person. I don't expect you to agree with my methods, but Roppi-kun has matured because of it, and that's all I hoped for."
Shinra and Celty both stilled at his statement, the irate atmosphere dissipated between them as they considered the man anew. He didn't seem like he was defending himself for his misdeeds, only sadly stating his actions as they were.
Shingen wasn't proud putting the boy through such grief. It pained him to see his charge suffering at his own hand. But for Roppi's sake he would assume the role of the villain if it meant furthering Roppi's developmental progress.
The scientist waved his hand as if batting away the remnants of the grave conversation before in favour of a different topic, "Anyway, I came to ask where Shizuo gone off to. I left the room for minute and when I returned he was already gone."
Shinra blinked at the sudden shift of topic, and replied, "Oh, he said he was leaving. I didn't see why we needed to keep him here longer, so I let him go."
"Ah, pity. Oh well, I got all the samples I needed from him anyhow."
Shinra's eye's widened, "Dad! You..! You snuck a sample from him?! Even after I promised Shizuo that we wouldn't?"
"Ho ho! You're the one who promised, I did no such thing, and therefore his blood is free game as far as I'm concerned" he said proudly.
Shinra curled his fingers into fists and his shoulders were shaking with barely contained fury.
[That's horrible! Shinra, scold him!]
"That's not fair Father! You'd better share at least!" he whined.
[You're angry because of that?! -_-;; ]
"No can do, I'm afraid," Shingen said, voice laced with glee, "You kick me out of the apartment, and expect me to hand over rare and valuable samples? Naïve thinking brat! And besides, wouldn't you feel guilty obtaining samples from your best friend after promising you wouldn't take any?"
As his father said, no matter how much he wanted that blood sample, he would never betray Shizuo's trust.
"…not fair.." Shinra pouted.
Celty sighed, [Honestly, you two…More importantly, how is Roppi doing?]
"He's doing well. His wounds are all patched up, and he's in a stable condition now. The rough part is over. The boy is resting for now, I'd suspect he'll probably be awake later on this afternoon, or in the evening."
[That's good, I'm glad he's alright. He's a very charming boy, I'm actually kind of fond of him]
"Celty! Noo, don't fall for him!" Shinra wailed. Celty pushed his face away in annoyance.
Shingen, however was confused, "Charming you say?"
[Yes, which is why I initially suspected there was something wrong. Normally Izaya wouldn't talk so formally to Shizuo or myself. And he smiled so sincerely. Completely different from Izaya. Meek, quiet, but respectful.]
'Smiled? Meek and respectful? Are we talking about the same person?' the doctor thought disbelievingly. Roppi hadn't shown any behavioural progress in months, regardless of everything he and Emilia tried. And in one short day he managed to develop more character traits that changed his usual grouchy, anti-social self.
"I see… that piece of information was very enlightening. Thank you Celty-kun, you've given me a lot to think about."
The couple sitting on the couch exchanged puzzled glances as they watched the older man distractedly muttering to himself as he walked out of the living room.
"Wait one second Father. Since you are Roppi-kun's guardian, I trust you'll be taking care of the surgery fee?"
The older doctor flinched, and turned on his son incredulously "Now, wait just a second! I assisted in that surgery! You can't be serious about charging me, can you? Your own father?"
Shinra smiled sincerely "Of course. It's only fair If I get some sort of compensation, since you're also walking away with samples that I've been trying to get a hold of since grade school, and I ended up with nothing. If not, I might accidently mention this to Shizuo, he'd be really mad you know…"
Shingen slumped in defeat. He wondered when his son became so crafty. Surely he didn't get it from his father...
Sender: Warden
Message: The commotion has died down, hasn't it?
Sender: Miho
Message: Yeah…it has.
Sender: Rabisan
Message: So what happened in the end?
Sender: Asanuma
Message: The yakuza got their revenge on Izaya, didn't they?
Sender: Ari
Message: That's what I heard…
Sender: Fruits Punch Samurai
Message: That's what I saw!
Sender: Young Leaf
Message: So… he's dead or what?
Sender: Warden
Message: No clue
Sender: Fruits Punch Samurai
Message: Then no reward money? Laaame…
Sender: Miho
Message: Idiot, there wasn't any money in the first place, this was a prank from the beginning.
Sender: Haruko
Message: All that fuss over a joke? Uwah, whoever started it is going to get in some serious trouble if that guy dies~
Sender: Ari
Message: Oh no…is the police going to get involved? Are the Dollars members going to get questioned?
Sender: Gaki
Message: Nah, I wouldn't worry about it. I'm sure he wouldn't die that easily.
He opened his eyes and found himself staring at an unfamiliar ceiling. It took him a whole minute to realize he should be panicking.
Roppi, suddenly very much awake, clumsily pushed himself to a sitting position. He gasped, and tried to ignore the pinching pain from his heavily bandaged chest. It was uncomfortable, but it wasn't an unfamiliar feeling by any means.
'Two wounds…Stitches. I've been treated?'
He took a moment to remember what had happened. He remembered he escaped from the Nebula labs in the morning, and he was being chased by random groups of people. Dollars, he recalled. The Black Rider and Heiwajima Shizuo had told him that there was a bounty over Orihara Izaya's head. Afterwards…
'Ah, that's right. The fight. I was shot,' he gingerly placed a hand over his bandaged chest. Then where was he right now? His memory was fuzzy after the point he got shot. There were bits and pieces that came to him, like an interior of a van, strong hands and concerned eyes, but nothing solid to tell him where he was currently. But he figured he was in good hands, since he wasn't tied up, being dissected by unknown scientists, or interrogated by thugs.
Roppi glanced at the wall. For once there was a window that showed him the outside view. The sky was a deep shade of red, and it was considerably darker than the last time he was awake. He must have been unconscious for a while. How convenient windows were, he was able to judge how long he was out without having to get up and find a clock.
Careful not to irritate his wounds, Roppi slowly turned his body so his legs hung off the side of the bed and he took in his surroundings. The first thing he noticed was his jacket hung on a coat rack near the door. Good to know it was nearby; it also looked like it was washed since there wasn't a speck of residual blood from his wounds in sight.
'That was very thoughtful of them to clean it…' Roppi supposed as he continued to survey the room. He froze as his eyes landed on one of the many certificates hung on the wall. It wasn't the degree itself that distressed him, but the name printed in big bold letters.
KISHITANI SHINRA
A feeling of dread washed over him as he remembered where he was taken to get treated. He was being taken to Kishitani Shinra's apartment. At the time he didn't realize what that would imply, but now he was fully awake, and fully aware of what exactly that meant and why it was a bad thing. If he was at Kishitani Shinra's house, and considering the late hour, that also meant that…
As if his thoughts summoned the man himself, the door swung open, revealing an all too familiar figure clad in white, with an industrial gas mask covering his face.
"Ah! Roppi-kun! You're awake? Wonderful!"
Roppi groaned, "Fuck…"
A hand unsympathetically chopped down on his head, "Watch your language boy! Honestly, one day outside the lab and you've become a delinquent."
Roppi growled "That hurt old man"
"Not as much as it hurt coming back to an empty laboratory" Shingen sniffed, "I mean really, did you know how much trouble you've caused with your sloppy get away?"
The younger man shrugged uncaringly, to which Shingen blew up in offence.
"Don't you shrug boy! You could have gotten yourself killed! I'll have you know that you chose the worst possible escape route that caused the both of us a whole lot of trouble. That van you decided to hop on happened to be transporting important cargo to the Awakusu group. A very dangerous yakuza group! YA-KU-ZA! If I didn't clear things up, it would have gone worse, and the both of us would have been at the bottom of Tokyo Bay right now because they're ya-"
"Yakuza, yes, I get it." Roppi interjected, "It had something to do about their 'important secret' or something? I read the Dollars' message from the Black Rider"
"Ah, so you have an inkling of the mess you've caused. Yes, the cargo was a weapon that was being delivered to Awakusu group. It was a delicate secret, so you can imagine their shock when you jumped out the delivery truck. Oh, that was one hell of a flying kick by the way. You lose points on subtlety there, but a full 10/10 on the execution." Shingen quipped.
"…thanks?"
"Thanks my foot! It was still stupid, stupid-Roppi! They caught the whole damn thing on camera too!" he said, shaking his head, "I nearly had a heart attack when I came back to the apartment filled with scary looking thugs, and your face on the T.V"
What Roppi would have given to see his expression at that moment. But even if that was caught on camera, it wouldn't be worth much since Shingen hardly ever took his gas mask off.
"I tried fibbing my way out of it, but that Shiki, he's too perceptive for his own good. His men were more than ready to shoot me on the spot. In the end, I managed to convince him to call off the hunt for you, you should be grateful. I even went as far to call Izaya to help to track you down. A load of good that did. Argh, I'm getting too old for this." Shingen pulled up a nearby chair and straddled it, "So…tell me how your day was. I see you took the liberty of stealing my new scalpels. Did you bring all of them back at least? "
The corner of Roppi's lips quirked upwards. He would have gladly revealed that, no, a large fraction of them were scattered in various locations all across the city, due to Roppi using them as projectiles and weapons as he fled from gangs.
But first, he wanted to confirm Shingen's earlier statement that bothered him, "You said you got the yakuza to back off right? But they were still chasing me, they were the ones who shot me."
"What?" Shingen asked perplexed.
Roppi paused, "Actually, the leader stopped the fight, and there was that other guy with the gun. I think it was an internal dispute…"
Shingen held up his hand, "From the beginning please."
Roppi retold what happened from after he left the parking garage; when he walked the streets of Ikebukuro, and the cellphones suddenly chiming, followed by the abrupt chase, his first real-life combat and his subsequent victory, his second real-life combat and his subsequent loss. He went on to tell Shingen of his first encounter with Heiwajima Shizuo. The doctor quietly observed as Roppi described meeting the fortissimo of Ikebukuro. He spoke with thinly veiled admiration and enthusiasm as described the way he swiftly fought off the delinquents and even managed to injure Roppi himself. He told Shingen about how the Black Rider intervened and showed him the Dollars message. Roppi unconsciously let his lips quirk upwards fondly at the part the two Ikebukuro legends decided to help him. He looked like a delighted fan that met his idols, but was trying to be as nonchalant as possible about it.
Shingen bit his lip to stop himself from guffawing during Roppi's recounting of the fight with the Awakusu-kai members.
The boy's eyes were practically sparkling from the fact that he got to fight side by side with the two legendary monsters.
"Well, you sound like you had fun" Shingen noted.
Apparently he wasn't able to hide all the humour from his voice, Roppi was able to hear it and immediately scowled, his cheeks flamed in embarrassment. "Shut up."
"Haha sure…now what about the internal dispute?"
Roppi nodded, "The leader suddenly called off the fight. He said there was a 'misunderstanding', and pointed his gun at one of his own men, the one that took the first shot at me. From what they were saying, I think that guy tricked the group into fighting with us somehow."
Shingen placed his hand on his chin in thought. He wondered who the man's intended target was. Izaya or Roppi? If it was Izaya, just about anyone could have sent him. If it was Roppi…well there was only one other person who knew that Roppi existed, and probably wished he didn't.
If Izaya did this to harm Roppi, he had hell to pay.
"I don't really remember much after that…that guy got free and shot me, and now I'm here."
The doctor nodded, "And now you're here" he repeated, "And the next order of business is deciding how to smuggle you back into the lab…it'll look weird if I brought another huge suitcase of 'equipment' when I already moved in last week" the older man joked.
Roppi's face was abnormally blank following his jest. Shingen actually shifted uncomfortably at his unusual reaction, "Eh?...Roppi-kun?"
As if a switch was flipped, Roppi's hand grabbed the bed sheet and tossed it at Shingen, obscuring his vision.
"?!"
Shingen heard the bed creak and a discomforted grunt as Roppi presumably pushed himself off the bed in preparation to flee.
The older doctor foresaw this kind of reaction, and prepared for it. As he stood from his seat as he wrestled his way out of the large white sheet, and kicked he chair at the general direction of the door. Sure enough, he heard a sound of a collision, a pained 'oof' followed by an ungraceful thump.
When the doctor finally pulled the edge of the sheet off himself, he strode over to his lively charge on the ground and grabbed his arm just as he attempted another lunge at the door.
"Let go!" he growled.
"Settle down! You'll upset your wounds."
"I don't care! I'm not going back with you!"
"Oh ho! Big words for someone who left the lab for a day, and got shot. Twice! What does that tell you?"
"That you're an asshole! Let GO!"
It was a childish and nonsensical comeback, but Shingen still bristled at the insult, "Would you just calm down and try and think for a second? You have no money, no identification and nowhere to go. And I'm the only person you know in the country. What exactly are you planning on doing without my help?"
He gripped his arm tighter with purpose.
He decided not to mention Shinra was willing to offer him a place to stay. The boy didn't need to know that, yet.
Roppi stopped struggling. He placed his free hand over his bandaged chest; he could feel himself stressing his wounds with his movements.
"I don't know," he muttered, "But I'll figure it out"
Shingen's smile was hidden behind his mask, "Why? Wouldn't it be easier for you to live in obscurity? Where you don't have to deal with the people out here? According to what you've told me, you don't really like them and they've caused you a lot of problems."
"I don't care about them…" Roppi mumbled. He stood there silently, trying to figure out how to plead his case. It was like that time he begged the doctor to put an end to Project Darwin. Except that time, he was shot down immediately. Not this time however, this time was going to be different. He was going to make Shingen realize that he was wrong.
"…You know, I saw the sky for the first time today. That probably sounds ridiculous to you…you probably get to see it all the time. But for me, it was the first time I saw it. It was much bigger than I'd imagined it to be. I thought I knew what to expect when I stepped outside, but turns out, I had no idea. It was amazing to physically see all the things I've only heard about or seen on a flat screen. I saw things, felt things, experienced things. And for the first time, I really felt like I was living, rather than just existing…" He paused to let his words sink in. "There are things that I just can't learn in a lab, Shingen. You realize that too, don't you?"
Roppi faced his guardian with eyes filled with defiance and determination. "I'll do what I have to, I'll be careful to keep out of trouble, I won't attract attention, I'll even make money somehow. I just don't want to go back to living like a cheap piece of equipment stashed away in your lab. There is more to my life than that, I know that now. I won't let you tell me otherwise."
Shingen felt a lump forming in his throat as he listened to his creation truly speak his mind. He swallowed thickly as he habitually revaluated Roppi's character development, 'He's showing signs of ambition, budding independence, an interest with the unknown, and typical human irrationality too. Really now Roppi-kun, who told you to grow up when I wasn't looking?'
Shingen stopped pulling, and Roppi yanked his arm away from his grasp the second he felt the older man's grip slacken.
"That's…very human of you"
Roppi glared at him in revulsion. "What?"
"I've been thinking about it for a while now... I've decided to go with that instead"
Now, Roppi blinked in confusion "…what?"
"You don't need to go back to the lab, is what I'm saying."
"I don't… wait, what? Really?" Roppi didn't know what to say.
Shingen chuckled, "Really. It's a little earlier than I planned, but mingling with the outside world has done leaps at bounds with your progress. You've begun displaying a broader range of emotion, and you've managed to develop more human-like characteristics. It's truly remarkable. And, I am a man of science after all. I acknowledge results when I see them."
"Plus it would be a big hassle to smuggle you back into Nebula at this point. I'm sure after your little stunt with the delivery truck today, they will tighten up security. And I'll definitely be questioned; I can't have anyone investigate me while trying to hide you. It just won't end well. Also, you probably won't stay put now that you've seen the outside, am I right?"
"Well, yeah…but what about keeping me a secret? Doesn't letting me go make me a liability?"
"The only way to keep you hidden now is to hide you in plain sight. Though, I don't know what to say about there being two Izayas walking around, but we will deal with that bridge when we cross it I suppose. Either way, hiding you would raise more uncomfortable questions than letting you out in the open."
Roppi was speechless. Shingen was serious. He was actually (finally) letting him go…
"My only concern is this. You are essentially an uninvited member of society, an alien, not yet human. If anyone were to find out, there will be consequences," the doctor bluntly told him, he needed to be told this upfront, "You will be rejected if they found out the truth. Are you alright with that? Can you live alongside of humans knowing that one day they could shun you at any moment for what you are?"
Roppi scoffed, "I couldn't care less what humans think. They mean nothing to me. I'm interested in more important things." The image of a menacing blond that he was determined to learn more about was on the forefront of his mind as he spoke.
Shingen studied him for a minute. It seemed that his socially-withdrawn nature still hasn't changed. In fact, it probably worsened after today's fiasco. Hopefully that would improve as time goes by as well. "Well, now that that's settled, then I should make plans for living arrangements. We need to get you a place to stay; I believe Shinra was willing to offer you a room…"
"No…hold on," Roppi began, "before you make plans, I actually have one request…"
CHATROOM
-Tanaka Taro has joined the chat-
Tanaka Taro: Hi everyone
Setton: Evenin'
Bakyura: Yo!
Saika: Hello Tanaka Taro-kun
Tanaka Taro: What a crazy day ( ._.) =3
Setton: Yeah…
Kanra: Ah yes, today's unofficial headlines "DOLLARS' THRILLING MANHUNT!" Uwah, dangerous~ (ノ＞▽＜)ノ
[PRIVATE CHAT]
Tanaka Taro: Izaya-san, you're here! I was so worried. I saw you take those bullets in the chest, I couldn't find out what happened afterwards. Are you're alright?
Kanra: Oh? What's this, you were worried? I'm touched Mikado-kun. But rest assured, I'm fine. There's nothing to be worried about.
Kanra: But if you can do me a favour, I'd like to keep that information quiet a little longer.
Tanaka Taro: Alright Izaya-san. You have my word.
CHATROOM
Saika: Manhunt?
Setton: Oh nothing to worry about, just a few people got tricked into chasing around Orihara Izaya for a fake cash reward.
Bakyura: Ha ha, 'Nothing to worry about' she says! Nice (^_^)b
Kanra: Hey now! Orihara Izaya got chased yakuza and shot too you know! That's not a little issue!
Saika: That sounds serious
Tanaka Taro: It's over now. After Izaya-san got shot, I think he was taken to get help. Up to that point, people already stopped pursuing him.
Saika: I see
Bakyura: Mehh, if only Kanra was the one who was chased and shot to death, that would have been awesome.
Kanra: Ehh Σ(ﾟДﾟ|||) ? How does such a morbid thing make you happy? Be sad like a normal person!
Bakyura: If it's Kanra-san, I'd only cry tears of joy.
Setton: Geez, you two.
Saika: That was mean…
Bakyura: Haha, we're only kidding around.
Bakyura: Right Kanra-san? We're budDIEs aren't we? But, since there are laDIEs in the auDIEnce, I will stop making rowDIEr jokes. (Go DIE!)
Kanra: Subtle at first… but in the end you came right out and told me to go die, didn't you? （￣□￣；）
It was only later on that night was when Izaya made his way back to his apartment. He stayed over at his neighbour's vacant apartment a few more hours than he needed to just to be safe. There was a possibility that there were still a few people still looking for him for one reason or another. So he decided to lay low until he was absolutely certain that the heat died down.
Izaya made it to his door and found it as he left it; closed, locked and completely intact. And luckily, there weren't any sketchy figures hanging around, waiting for him either. He took out his keys and unlocked his door, walking through it with his laptop under his arm.
Shockingly, Namie was still working at her desk. She usually left as soon as her shift ended. Could it be she wanted to make sure his home was safe until he returned?
'How sweet, maybe I should consider giving her a raise'
Namie noticed his presence as he walked over to the closet. She blinked, perplexed, before Izaya caught a flash of amusement cross her face. He acted as if he didn't notice.
"What? You're not going to scold me for being late?" he remarked, trying to rile her up.
"You're late" she replied without missing a beat. She narrowed her eyes ever so slightly. "Not that I care. What took you so long? I expected you would have come back as soon as that guy got shot."
Izaya shrugged, "I was tying up some loose ends so to speak. I needed to let a couple of my business partners know I'm still alive and well. I was also following up on certain people who tried to take advantage of today's incident. There were quite a few of them actually. It took a while to identify all of them. Recon is suuuuch hard work. Also, I wanted to be on the safe side and wait for all the heat to boil over."
Namie blinked slowly, "I see."
Izaya shrugged off his coat and placed it on a hanger and hung it back up. "So did I get any visitors while I was gone?"
His secretary smiled briefly before sobering up.
It perturbed him to see her so…expressive; she wasn't one to smile for little things. And she smiled twice within the span of five minutes. Something was wrong.
"Only a few. There were a couple of Shiki's men came to see if you were in. They didn't believe me when I said you weren't here. So I let them look around the apartment. Naturally, I was monitoring as they did so. It was the usual three guys Takeda, Kusanagi and Ginoza. They left nothing, and took nothing."
That news wasn't nearly as upsetting as he expected it to be. He knew those three well, and their backgrounds. They were trustworthy to the Awakusu-kai, and very unlikely to have hidden intentions about entering his apartment. Regardless, he would do a thorough sweep through his apartment to make sure there was nothing out of place to be on the safe side.
The informant nodded, "Is that all?"
Namie seemed to mull something over in her mind, "No, I'd also like to add that you really are despicable to do something like this to someone you haven't met. Or someone who hasn't done anything at all" she said as she gestured to her laptop, presumably open to the Dollars forum message that he posted.
"Ouch, that bites," he replied in mock hurt, only too accustomed to receiving such venomous words. "I can only assume that you are referring to the untimely death of my double correct?" he responded with a smile, "I can assure you, it was a perfectly reasonable thing to do, Namie-chan."
Her eyebrow ticked at the cutesy way he addressed her, "How so?"
He hummed thoughtfully as he walked towards the bookshelf, placing his laptop down on a table as he passed it. "Have you heard of the old folklore of the doppelganger?"
"The belief that when everyone is born, there is another is an exact duplicate of themselves born elsewhere?"
Izaya laughed, "That's part of it." He dragged his finger across the spines of books on the shelf, stopping on one in particular. He pulled it out of its spot and casually flipped through it, "Doppelgänger, the German word for ghostly double or double walker. In history there are many records of people encountering their doppelganger and they subsequently fall ill or die. It's even a reoccurring trope in fiction as well, when a character would meet their doppelganger they would eventually fight to the death over their identity. Hence, this phenomenon has always been considered an omen of death. Though this phenomenon is usually a supernatural one, in our case it seems more sci-fi doesn't it? Hahaa!"
He continued to talk, though his eyes were on the book his was holding, they moved across the page as if he was skimming through the sentences. Though, Namie doubted he was actually reading the book.
"So you set him up for death to satisfy a trope?"
Izaya's eyes lifted off the page to meet hers and he smiled, "Now, give me a little more credit, of course there's more to it than that. Let's see how I can put it into perspective for you…think about how that guy must have been living. From what Shingen told me, he hasn't left his laboratory or seen the outside world. He even told me that guy showed his displeasure of his living conditions more than once. In short, he felt trapped, hopeless, caged; which is why he ran away in the first place"
"Now think of this; he's free now, and he loves it. But his new problem is how long can he keep this 'freedom'? There are people looking to capture him again. But luckily, he finds that there is another person, me in this instance, who looks exactly like him. Isn't that convenient? He can just kill me, and take my place, and live on as Orihara Izaya. It would only be natural for him to consider something like that. He would be free from his old imprisoned life, and free to live however he wanted. No one would know the difference, right? Roppi-kun could hide right under their noses and no one would be any the wiser."
Despite describing his own death, Izaya coolly explained it in a flippant tone.
"He might not think of it immediately, but after experiencing life outside, he would grow obsessed with freedom. And sooner or later he will do whatever it takes too keep it, knowing that he might be captured one day. Days, weeks, maybe months later, he will consider it as his best and easiest chance for a normal life. To take mine, and live it as his own."
Namie closed her eyes in comprehension, "So in order to prevent that from happening, you struck him first."
Her boss nodded approvingly, happy that she caught on.
"Die beste Verteidigung ist der Angriff." Izaya supplied in a foreign dialect. "The German saying that roughly translates to 'the best defence is a good offence'. My method of dealing with the so called omen of death, die doppelgänger."
He chuckled as he returned the book back to its proper place, "Truth be told, I was rather disappointed that he was killed so easily. My goal was to strike first before he even thought about crossing me, and give him a little show of what I'm capable of to deter him from getting any foolish ideas, that's all."
"I see…has anyone ever told you that you're unbelievably paranoid?"
The informant turned away from the bookshelf at the sound of a third voice that came from the sitting area, his hand instinctively dove in his pocket and he retrieved his knife. The unannounced guest sat upright to peer at him over the headrest of his couch.
Izaya froze.
"You…"
Of all the faces he wasn't expecting to see, his own face was definitely on the top of the list.
Roppi eyed him before his gaze dropped to the knife in his hand. He lifted his own hands lazily "Relax, I come in peace."
"I find that hard to believe," Izaya retorted, eyes narrowed, "What is the meaning of this Namie? What is he doing here?"
Namie was openly smirking at the scene in front of her. She was having too much fun with this. "Well, when he came in I mistook him for you. I thought he was dead like Kida Masomi reported. So I assumed it was just you who returned home and went to take a nap on the couch. An honest mistake."
"…And how was it that he entered my apartment."
"He knocked the door, and I opened the door for him of course."
"Namie…don't you think I'd have the keys to my own apartment?"
"Oh yes…how silly of me" she didn't look embarrassed at all, only pleased with herself that she managed to aggravate him for a change.
"And while we were talking, you didn't think to mention he was here?"
"Not particularly…no"
Forget the raise. He was deducting her pay for this.
Namie rose from her seat and collected her bag, "Relax, I knew it wasn't you when he came in. I even spoke with him for a while; he doesn't seem to have any intention to hurt you either. Feel free to talk it out with him if you like." She headed for the door and put on her shoes, "I trust I can leave now? It's late, and Seiji is coming over tomorrow. I need to prepare. I'm sure you can handle yourself with an unarmed, injured man."
With that last bit said, she left the apartment, leaving the two men alone.
Silence stretched between them, thick and heavy with unease.
Roppi seemed content to sit on the couch, taking in Izaya's form. He was unsure of how to approach the situation, he came here to meet Izaya, but now he doubted if this was a good decision at all.
Izaya surveyed Roppi with apprehension, and a little bit of wonder. It was eerie how similar they looked. His face was the same rounded shape and pointed chin. He had all the sharp features that he had, the thin lips, the arched eyebrows, even the nose was exactly the same size and shape as his. He wore his hair a little longer and parted it at a different spot than he did. It was hardly noticeable, but a detail-orientated man such as Izaya picked up on that little difference immediately.
Roppi's eyes were his own, a deep and rich brown that looked like a twinkling ruby if the light hit it just right. But they were completely different as well. Where Izaya's were sharp, yet merrily rounded, almost feline that glinted with mischief, Roppi's were hard along the edges, heavy-lidded, not quite uninterested, but seemed dull and fatigued.
'Probably my fault' Izaya thought with a hint of satisfaction, before breaking the silence, "Well… we do get to meet after all. Artificial me."
"I prefer to go by Roppi if you don't mind" he responded, only looking slightly peeved, but more tired.
"How are you already able to move? Or alive for that matter. If we weren't identical, I'd be convinced Shingen made you out of Shizu-chan."
Roppi lifted his left shoulder in a shrug, "I'm still wounded, but I can get around. I'm used to this kind of injury. Shingen made it so that I can still handle moving in this condition. A survival advantage he says."
"Hoh" Izaya hummed, "…and how exactly did he manage that?"
Roppi glanced at Izaya, "If Shingen didn't tell you my situation, then there's probably a reason. So I don't see why I should tell you. Besides, it wouldn't do me good to tell my 'doppelganger' my weaknesses, you know, in case you attempt to 'show what you're capable of' again."
Izaya smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes, "Cheeky aren't you. Just like Shingen said you'd be. In any case, I've already mentioned that I'm not interested in killing you. I'm more interested in watching you struggle to adapt with society."
"That's good to hear. Just letting you know, you're probably not capable of killing me anyway. Not by yourself at least…no offence."
If that statement bothered or irritated Izaya, he didn't show it, "So is that why you're here? To attempt to intimidate me? Or is there another reason?"
Roppi reached into his coat pocket and retrieved a folded piece of paper and offered it to his counterpart who looked at it puzzled, but accepted it nonetheless.
"Shingen said he was completely against me coming here. But, I think this is my best option, so I insisted. Besides I've always wanted to meet you" Roppi supplied as Izaya unfolded the paper and began reading.
Izaya,
I hope Roppi found it to your place safe. I'll have you know that I'm fairly certain that you had a hand in today's circus, and because of that you can expect that I will not be paying you for your services. Besides, he managed to find his own way back; therefore I don't think you deserve the credit anyways. If you're wondering why he is there now, it's a ridiculous request of his. I have no idea why he wants to stay with a guy like you, but he was very insistent on the idea. So, I'll be leaving him in your care.
"Oy oy, what's this about staying with me? Who said I'd allow something like that?"
Roppi rested his chin on the headrest of the couch, crossing his arms in front, "Just keep reading"
Izaya was willing to bet that he was hiding an amused smile behind his folded arms. Irritated, he continued to read.
I hope you realize that by allowing you to take in Roppi-kun, I am entrusting you with my secret. I expect you to protect it, like I am protecting yours. You wouldn't want me to give a certain someone a 'head's up' on some things you've been hiding from her either right? So out of mutual respect, I hope you will have no problems with housing Roppi-kun.
Shingen
"Keh…It seems that I can't refuse. How underhanded." Izaya muttered reluctantly. Shingen was threating him to take in Roppi in turn for keeping the head a secret from Celty.
He hated it when other people had dirt on him to manipulate him. It was the second time he used that piece of information to threaten him with today. But at least, this way Izaya had Roppi to use against Shingen, while Shingen had the head to use against Izaya. They were on equal footing now. Neither of them would speak of the other's secret as long as it runs the risk of revealing their own.
"I don't understand why you want to live with me though" Izaya said, directing his words to Roppi.
"I thought it was the only logical option, since we're practically family. Having the same blood and all. Plus, I've always wanted to meet the man who gave his cells to make me. I'm still curious to know what you're like."
"Touching, but not what I meant. You hate me right? You must, after everything I put you through today."
"No, not really," Roppi said simply, "You didn't put me through anything. Even though you instigated it, it was the humans that blew the whole ordeal out of proportion with their greed. I saw the message you wrote, if that's all it took for them to come at me at full throttle, then humans are even more stupid than I originally thought."
Izaya blinked in surprise.
Then he pursed his twitching lips, "Pfft…" his cheeks puffed out in attempt to contain the laughter bubbling up within him, but he couldn't hold it in, "Hahahahahaaaa! AHAHAHAAA!"
Roppi watched his donor openly laugh as he wrapped his own arms around his waist, clutching his sides. He wasn't exactly sure what was so funny, but he assumed it was a good thing that he managed to put him in such a good mood.
"Ha ha, you're an interesting one, I'll give you that! Haa, a real piece of work!" Izaya wiped a tear away from his eye, "Fine, fine. You can stay. In fact, I insist. It's easier for me to keep an eye on you that way. I'd rather have you under my supervision, so I know what kind of trouble you're getting my face into."
The other raven nodded and even managed to crack a smile. He was glad he could stay with his donor and learn a little more about him.
For he was very interested about the man who was able to go toe to toe with Heiwajima Shizuo, and live to tell the tale.
[Author's Note] Arrival to Ikebukuro Arc, complete.
Sorry for the long wait. I made the chapter a little longer as an apology gift (yet I had to cut out the last two scenes because it was getting too long). I had to put this story on hold for a while for exams and job searching and other boring life hurdles. I've got a little break from that, so now I need to get back into the creative writing mindset.
Oh man, the feels I got writing this chapter. The FEELS. I tried to cover it up by added a few silly laughs, but gosh, it's Roppi "coming of age" chapter and the last time Shingen will be in the picture. I've really grown attached to the way they interact, I'm glad I made them see eye to eye in the end. I'm going to miss Shingen ;A;…then again I'm really looking forward to writing Roppi and Izaya's dynamic, I can tell it's going to be fun!
And so begins a whole new arc! Look forward to it! I know I am xD
I've added a "News Feed" section at the top of my profile, where I update progress on future chapters. You can stop by there and check on how far along the next chapter will be. Just something I'm trying out to keep me on track. If it's not working out I'll remove it (Since I'll be going to the Anime North Con this weekend, there won't be any progress until Monday)
Until next time,
SNU