~I do not own Ranma1/2 or Chobits or any of they're associated characters except the ones I provide to make this story interesting.
All real ownership rights belong to Rumiko, and the Chobits Author~
Author note: This story takes place much after the failed wedding, and is O.O.C, will contain some canon elements of both Anime/manga as well.
Some Chobits characters may show up at random times, or may not appear at all so don't get expectations of who will be seen or not see.
Title
Ikaros
Persocom1/2
by:Zeltronica
P.1/2 Ch:1
At eleven-hundred feet in the air, a cargo plane was flying through the clear afternoon sky, it's passengers consisted of two individual's both being girl's, and a co-pilot and pilot who were flying said plane.
The first of the two girl's was somewhat tall with raven-hair fashioned into a long ponytail that was tied to the left side of her head, a green leotard worn on her person, whilst the other girl was a buxom red-head who's hair was fashioned into a pigtail with sapphire eyes whom was bound from the neck down by heavy chains, she also appeared to be petrified still.
Attempting to move but to no avail, the red-head had pretty much resigned herself to what she had expected would come next, whilst the raven-hair girl broke into the type of hysterical laughter only a loon could make.
"What's the matter little harlot cat got your tongue?" the raven-haired girl questioned, breaking into yet another bout of laughter since she knew full well the red-head couldn't reply even if she wanted to since she had given the girl a high dose of paralysis powder.
The red-head with as much effort as she could muster. "You're insane you know that!" she called though it was slightly muffled since she couldn't fully work her tongue.
"I told you if you interfere between me and my Ranma-sama that I would deal with you harshly, and well my dear you continue to be a pest even after my warning so now my dear I will bid you ado forever!" the raven-haired girl exclaimed with hysterical laughter, whilst flipping a switch at which the hatch at the back of the cargo plane started to lower behind the red-head.
The red-head didn't have time for another muffled reply as she was sucked out the back of the aircraft and started plummeting down towards the land below. Attempting to muster what strength she had she attempted to break the chains binding her to no avail.
Gritting her teeth as she watched as the land seemed to be rushing at her. 'I guess this is it... I always knew it would end something like this.' she thought with great depression weighing heavily on her emotions.
Under normal circumstances unlike most human beings she could soften the blow by channeling ki throughout her body to help soften the brunt of the fall for when she hit the ground though she may or may not end up with some broken bones afterward, however, due to the paralysis powder she wasn't able to even muster any ki at all which meant that gravity would sort her out quite figuratively and literally either she would live or she would die the latter most likely she figured.
Of course, given the circumstances most would probably be hating the woman who just tossed them out of the plane, sadly the red-head couldn't really find a reason to stay mad since the girl wasn't in her right mind to start with.
As she watched the land get closer her thoughts raced as memories of her past seemed to play before her eyes as if she was watching her entire life from a third party. Though on the other hand, a part of her mind was wondering if she should close her eyes and wait for the surprise impact and the darkness that surely would follow.
'Dammit I forgot to get the groceries Kasumi asked for.. I hope she won't be mad or think I ran off with the money 'er somethin'.' she thought to herself she then thought of her wife who was pregnant since her mind had started to wonder in an effort to forget her current and most likely fatal situation.
'I just wish I could have seen them before the end...' her thoughts trailed,
The sound of the air around her was a deafening roar soon interrupting her thoughts, as the red-head plummeted like a cannonball towards the surface, a few seconds later and the lights went out as her body connected with the ground causing it to crater inward the sound of crunching bone and metal filled the air right before a deadly silence fell over the surrounding landscape.
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Fifteen Years Later
On the outskirts of Tokyo, Japan was a large scrapyard filled with odds and ends most of which was old broke down and or wrecked automobiles. The yard was vast with large piles of junk, some of which looked like people though these were not, in fact, people as they were the first of a series of human-like robots that either no longer had a purpose or were in severe disrepair that mostly now served as spare parts for those individual's whom preferred older models or couldn't simply afford the newer more high-end models.
Said robots were referred to as Persocoms since they though sported a humanoid form they were walking talking computers, usually with ports that were at either side of the head instead of normal ears that their human counterparts were born with.
It was nightfall which cast everything completely in shadow, a few telephone lights that were set up nearby provided a low pale light over the yard casting shadows from the large piles down on the areas behind them.
An old black sedan sat towards the middle of the yard, several cars stacked on it's caved in the roof which was the start of the car row that stretched on six cars deep. Its trunk lid was partially popped open, a slender arm hung out from under it, covered in dirt and grime.
The sounds of a large machine roared to life, as a crane appeared to be rolling in as it started to rotate bringing its boom over the stack of cars, a large magnet was lowered at which it latched onto the car, several hooks seemed to lower down gripping the top car hoisting it into the air.
Once hoisted into the air the car then was swung around as the crane operator started rotating his boom so as to place the old car into a machine that specialized in compacting metal into cubes. This process was repeated several times until finally, the black sedan came into view.
The operator swung his boom into place a final time, lowering the magnet where it latched onto the roof, the hooks digging in he then started to raise the car when the sickening sound of snapping metal sounded out as the roof gave way partially from the car's body causing the car to dangle downwards the contents of the trunk spilling out towards the ground.
"Oh my god!" the driver exclaimed the silhouette of a person fell out of the trunk hitting the ground with a thud along with several other items being old surplus computer parts and what not.
The driver swung the boom to the left to ensure the car didn't fall on the body lowering it to the ground, he then shut the engine off before exiting his machine to check on the individual, whilst retrieving his cellphone dialing for the authorities.
The driver was somewhat lanky and a bit tall gentleman with baby-blue eyes who was around thirty years of age wearing a blue-n-black flannel shirt with a neon safety vest worn over this, black cargo pants, and black work boots, his shaggy brown hair peeking out from under his white hardhat.
Reaching into the crane's toolbox he grabbed a flashlight turning it on he then walked over to where the body lay, the dial tone to his cellphone let him know his call had yet to be answered.
Finally reaching the possible corpse he shined his light observing a what appeared to be a persocom that was approximately four-foot-eight in height with a rather large ample chest, and a hundred pounds soak-n-wet if she was a person though most likely she weighed in at a two-hundred to three hundred pounds possibly more.
Her hair very long and red in color on either side of her head was the ports that provided both U.S.B hookup and or hard line internet, a small antenna jutting out of the back of the left one was tilted back towards the ground, she wore black slacks that fit her small frame perfectly along with a sleeveless Chinese style shirt with gold buttons, with black ties that held it shut though it looked like she hadn't seen any use in a very long time considering her clothing was rather dusty and sporting several holes and looked to be ready to fall to pieces.
As he studied his find the sound of the other end of the line being picked up could be heard as the operator quickly rattled off. "You contacted the emergency services line how may I help you?"
"It was a false alarm sorry for bothering you." he simply replied, clicking the end call button on his cellphone. He then turned hearing footsteps observing his boss walking up to his position.
The boss being a short slightly pudgy individual with a balding head, dressed in a red-n-black flannel shirt, and a pair of brown coveralls. Gave the driver a questioning look. "What's up Ryuu?" he inquired as he didn't like his people slacking off on the job.
"Sorry boss I thought a body fell out of that car over there.. turns out it was just a persocon.. I'll get it moved over to the persocom pile immediately." Ryuu called, as he started walking over to the crane he would use to move her.
The boss-man chuckled at his employee's words. "No don't use the crane this one's in pretty good condition its best we leave her that way perhaps someone will want pieces off her, after all, it's easier to sell non-damaged parts don't you agree?" he inquired whilst crossing the distance waving his employee over.
"I guess you are right boss." Ryuu returned, as he walked over joining his boss taking hold of the persocom's shoulders, whilst his boss grabbed the feet and with some effort managed to get her slightly in the air carrying her over to the persocom pile propping her up into a sitting position leaning against the mountain of persocom's.
The boss rubbed his back, whilst Ryuu did the same as it took more effort than expected just to move the girl over from where she was laying.
"What year do you think she is?" Ryuu inquired, as his boss studied said persocon shaking his head in a negative fashion.
The boss-man contemplated the look of the machine in question. "Well without actually turning her on assuming she works at all which is not likely since she is here I couldn't exactly tell you a year however she looks to be a custom model since she appears to have a wireless antenna with a signal booster mod most older outdated models are usually hard-line only." he pointed out.
"I see how much would you want for her?" Ryuu inquired as he considered his son's birthday was just around the corner.
Perking a brow the boss chuckled. "Are you serious you want to buy her even though she probably doesn't work and will never work again?" he inquired.
"Well my son's birthday isn't too far away and well he has been wanting a persocom for a long time..since all his friends have them and well due to our income I can't really afford to just buy one outright. But I figure if I can get her working it might cheer him up.. I'll pay you out of every check if you would be willing boss?" Ryuu inquired, as he continued to gaze at the red-haired persocom.
The boss-man considered his employee's words. "You know I am a sucker for children I have four kids of my own... so I feel you there. Look tell you what if you can get her working we will talk about a price later. For now, get back to work you can haul her to the shop after you are finished here."
The boss started walking away when he nearly tripped over some chain, following said chain he observed it connected to a very large backpack. He then observed the chain as it ran along the ground appearing secured around the right wrist of the persocom via handcuff.
"Ryuu this pack looks to belong with that persocom why don't you drag it over by her maybe it will have items that will help get her operating," he called before finally walking away leaving Ryuu to move the pack alone along with finishing his job.
Ryuu walked over grabbing the pack observing it was quite heavy finding he couldn't pick it up so he wrestled it over to the left of the red-headed persocom.
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The following day the crane operator arrived to work though today was his time off. He made his way through the main gate following a trail back to a large structure that used sheet-metal for walls and ceiling which served as the yard shop where they kept most tools and other necessities to keep the scrap yard's machines in running order.
Eventually, he entered the shop observing a friend of his which just happened to be the lead technician who was busy eyeballing the persocom he drug in from the yard the night before.
The technician was a rather tall and lanky gentleman in his mid-forties, his eyes hazel and hair brown and long tied back into a ponytail. His clothing consisted of a blue jumpsuit which was stained due to oil and other fluids that were a constant around the shop and yard, atop his head he wore a red-n-white baseball cap that was slightly dirty due to constantly being worn in the workplace.
"Dang Kuma I thought you had the day off like me?" Ryuu inquired, as he crossed the distance between himself and his friend.
The man referred to as Kuma gave a simple nod, as he retrieved a pack of cigarettes and a lighter from his front pocket. "Yea it is my day off I came in to work on my bike over there." he called indicating with his left thumb towards a motorcycle that was back in the right corner of the shop." he then continued. "But you know I noticed this beauty sitting on my workbench and well couldn't help but admire the craftsmanship that went into her body... whoever created her sure knew what they were doing."
"I see.. well the boss said I could buy her if I can get her working.. that is if I can though, to be honest, I am out of my element when it comes to working on such things," Ryuu admitted, scratching the back of his neck.
Kuma gained a sly grin. "Don't tell me your sons birthday.. you want to give her to him as a present am I right?" he inquired.
"Yea that's the plan.. ever since his Mom left us he seems to always be down and well he doesn't seem to like me anymore... I guess he thinks its all my fault or something." Ryuu glumly stated as he thought about his and his son's relationship.
Kuma shook his head at his friend's words. "Look man your wife left you have you thought about telling him that?" he inquired.
"Yea I did and well it didn't seem to help much he doesn't talk to me much," Ryuu stated while watching his friend pick up a scanning device. "Kuma what you doing?" he inquired.
His friend gave a slim smile as he waved the device over the persocon, a nearby monitor came to life displaying a readout which showed the inner workings of the persocon along with a series of stats reading what all it was composed of.
"Well I don't know much about Persocoms myself, however, the thing I do know is mechanics and well if you are to get it up and running we need to figure out what it is made and composed of." Kuma simply explained, whilst making sure to do a thorough scan.
Ryuu watched his friend work with fascination, as the information on the screen started compiling into a series of words and numbers all of which he didn't understand.
"Holy holy wow... Ryuu this is amazing her chassis it's made of combat grade metal 'er something!" the technician excitedly exclaimed, as he continued to scan.
Ryuu looking to his friend in confusion. "Combat grade? Metal?" he inquired.
The technician ceased scanning, whilst walking over to give the monitor a thorough look, whilst typing commands into a nearby keyboard. "Basically her chassis is made out of some next level shit man basically whatever it is the computer doesn't recognize it which tells me its most likely a yet to be classified metal of some type.. and well either you happened upon a black budget military grade or law enforcement persocon.. this is really high-end stuff and you said you found it outside in our yard?" he inquired.
"Yea she was in the back of the old sedan at the bottom of a stack of cars, that bag was also found with her." Ryuu pointed out gesturing towards the black bag laying on the bench next to her.
Kuma considered his friend's words, whilst retrieving a cigarette from his pack, bringing it to his lips proceeding to light it with his lighter. Inhaling then exhaling smoke in quick succession in order to make sure it was lit.
"I see well I already attempted to open it it's sealed up tighter than Fort Nox, and well I tried to scan it it's made of the same alloy as her chassis, but when I tried to x-ray it the scanner couldn't penetrate the bags surface not to mention the damn thing weighs more than she does." he pointed out.
Gritting his teeth at what he had listened to thus far. "So if she is some kind of military or law enforcement model is it possible she was stolen and the authorities are looking for her as we speak?" he inquired.
"Anything is possible my friend, but not likely I mean most equipment utilized by the military and law enforcement would have special tracking units installed so if she was stolen she would have been found by now," Kuma assured his friend, as he continued reading the information depicted via the monitor.
Ryuu let a sigh of relief escape his lips. "Oh what a relief and here I thought I was going to have to give up on her."
The technician turned away from the monitor, taking a puff of his cigarette removing it from his lips before exhaling the smoke. "You know your son is pretty smart right maybe you should bring him to the shop he might be able to get her working." he offered.
"No.. I really want this to be special for him. We need to find a way to get her working before his birthday. Is there anyone you know who specializes in persocom's?" Ryuu inquired of his friend who seemed to have plenty of contacts when came to getting things done.
The technician considered his friend's question, whilst puffing on his cigarette, then with his left hand he removed it from his lips exhaling the smoke. "I seem to remember reading about a kid named M on the forums who claims to be a wiz when it comes to these matters I can see if he is available to help us out with our little dilemma." he offered.
"That would be great Kuma thanks a lot for the help." Ryuu gratefully replied, while walking over to read the computer monitor observing a bunch of random numbers and other gibberish on the screen.
Shaking his head. "Ugh reading binary is hard," he called which elicited a chuckle from his technician friend who went about taking another drag off his cigarette.
"Tell you what if we get her working I suggest you have her teach you how to read binary so in the future you can fix her yourself someday down the road if I ain't around." Kuma simply said as he felt any chance for self-improvement for his friend was a good thing since the future was quite uncertain in these rapidly changing times.
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A few days later Kuma stood over the table looking to the red-headed persocom retrieving a small gray box from his pocket, proceedings to open it scooping out a tiny silver key which he quickly used to unlock the cuff around the redhead's wrist which was connected to a chain that hooked onto the black pack that sat on the ground just below the workbench.
He was thankful the gamble worked since he had attempted to use bolt cutters to no avail on the chain, as well as a cutting torch both of which failed to separate the bag from his current project.
He half wondered what was in the case since it seemed very important to the red-headed persocom, however, none of his scans could penetrate the inner case that resided inside the black material that gave it the perfect appearance of just being a simple over-sized backpack.
However lucky for him, the key wasn't hard to produce, and with the cuff now removed he could go about the process of removing the red-head's clothes so as to get them washed up and clean her up as well before his friend would arrive to work to check on the progress.
A few minutes later clothing removed and now in the wash, he turned his attention to the red-head herself grabbing up some cleaning supplies determined to make her shine. He paused in his effort to take the time to look over her body a red tinge to his nose, however knowing she was just a machine helped keep his mind from wandering as he went about giving her a proper cleaning.
"You certainly without those ears you would look truly like a human woman," he stated aloud to the red-head as he carefully worked not at all wanting to damage her seemingly unblemished body which for all tints and purpose seemed flawless.
On a nearby laptop, the display was a forum which was constantly changing by the minute as one user posted after another.
The chime of an incoming email was heard, at which the technician looked over observing the name on the email read simply by a letter being: M
'Well Ryuu looks like things will be looking up after all.' he thought to himself since after posting on the forum for help it would seem it may have finally been answered, however since he wanted to be finished before his friend got to work he didn't have time to read the email as of yet and kept on working.
Eventually as time drew on he checked the email reading it over, then heard the door to the shop open looking up he observed his friend Ryuu had shown up on time to work as per usual proceeding to the time clock punching his ticket then proceeded over to a box that held several keys to retrieve the one for the crane he typically operated.
Pausing he stopped to observe the red-head who laid peacefully under a blue sheet that was laid over her body, he spotted his friend who was walking over with some clothing that was neatly folded which he recognized as belonging to his ex-wife she had left in her employee locker.
"I guess those old rags she was wearing fell apart in the wash." he offhandedly commented, proceeding to look to the red-headed persocom observing she was thoroughly cleaned up "Damn Kuma you already got her all cleaned up... Um say any word?" he inquired as he was champing at the bit to get the red-head operational.
Kuma gave a simple nod as he laid the neatly folded clothing on the table next to the red-head, proceeding to retrieve his smokes from his right jacket pocket.
"Yea I heard from M he said he would look into the matter, however, he suggested we first simply try turning her on. I guess she will tell us all about herself when she boots up." he relayed proceeding to fish out a cigarette proceeding to light it.
Ryuu considered his friend's words, observing a cable connected to the persocom's left port which was connected to an adapter module that was plugged into a nearby power outlet.
"Take it that's a charging cable?" he inquired at which his friend nodded his head.
Kuma considered a moment what to say deciding to go direct. "To be honest the boss is gonna want you to pay your part of the electric bill she's sucking a lot of juice, but don't worry I'll help you with it," he explained.
Walking over the table looking to the persocom Ryuu then decided to pose yet another question. "Okay so we charge her up but how do we boot her up?" he inquired as he couldn't see an apparent on switch.
"My guess is between her legs I already tried the breasts as well as all the other usual places, I'll let you do that yourself later now get going that junk won't move itself and you know the boss hates people standing around on the job." Kuma reminded since his friend was now on company time.
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After a long day, Ryuu finally managed to clear away the rest of the backlog of cars that were waiting their moment to be cubed and turned into recycled material, eventually he shut the machine down proceeding to exit and lock it up to prevent anyone who trespassed onto the property from stealing the vehicle.
Once done he proceeded to the shop eager to punch out since his work day had finally come to an end. Upon entry he looked to the table observing the clothing still sat neatly on the table, his friend sitting in a nearby chair reading a book of some kind or another.
Crossing the distance between himself and the time clock he retrieved his card from the wall proceeding to punch out, then walked over to the table.
"So Kuma you didn't put her clothes back on?" he inquired with a slight chuckle.
Kuma for his part continuing reading his book reached over with his left hand picking up an aluminum can sipping from its contents. "You know Ryuu the best part about an end to the workday is a nice book to read and a can of cold beer." he pointed out instead of answering his friend's question.
Gaining a slight smirk Ryuu gave a simple nod. "No argument there though I think I prefer to sit on my couch at home and watch some good ol' T.V., my friend."
"Going back to your question my friend I think she has had a long enough time to charge want to give it a try turning her on she can clothe herself if in fact, she works at all." he offered proceeding to close and sit his book down in his chair as he stood up.
With a sigh Ryuu walked over until standing just in front of the persocom pulling the blue cloth away from the redhead's person, then hesitantly he reached with his left-hand index finger placing it upon the clitoris giving it a slight press inward to no avail as she didn't boot up or anything.
With a sigh and a red tinge to his nose he then attempted insertion however that did nothing either the persocom didn't stir. "Why do they have to make them so anatomically correct!" he exclaimed.
Kuma chuckled at his friend's word. "Cause sometimes these things are used for guilty pleasure my friend. However, we now know nothing in that region is an on-off switch and its definitely not the backdoor that's the on button I already tried."
Ryuu looked to his friend with a disturbed eye. "You what?"
Realizing what he was being accused of, Kuma quickly spoke "Not what you think I just pressed to see if that was the on switch... I didn't do anything perverted if that is what you are thinking damn man get a grip she's just a machine."
Ryuu allowed a sigh of relief to escape his lips, a nervous chuckle then followed as he realized how silly it was for him to even think his friend would do such a thing. "I am sorry I just you know am not used to these things."
"Yea whatever... Okay, another spot we could try though it sounds silly is the bellybutton... I mean if she is truly a military grade or law enforcement model they would want her on-off switch to be low-key so I believe that may be it." Kuma pointed out, though he wasn't one-hundred percent sure since that may not be the on/off switch either.
Ryuu considered the possibility before finally giving it a go first pressing on the outer edges of the bellybutton, eventually deciding to press in firmly and deep into the middle feeling something like a switch click.
It was then the persocom came to life slowly sitting up her breasts heaving slightly as if she drew breath as it sat up on it's own while he quickly removed his finger from her bellybutton taking a few steps back while observing she had yet to open her eyes.
"Well looks like we managed to power her on my friend now let's see if she does more than sit upright," Kuma called with a chuckle, lighting up yet another smoke.
They watched as she seemed to stretch her arms upward, a yawn escaping her lips before bringing her arms down seeming to do some stretching exercises of unknown origin which to both Kuma and Ryuu was rather humorous considering she was a persocom which needed no exercise at all.
Slowly she opened her eyes to reveal bright sapphire eyes, a purple line seemed to cross her orbs as she seemed to be doing some kind of analysis on herself as part of her boot-up function.
The red-headed persocom from her perspective observed two adult males who seemed to be dressed as if they worked at some scrapyard and were looking at her with looks of wonderment, one of which seemed flustered for some reason or another with a crimson hue to the bridge of his nose.
Text and code ran across her vision, one set of code had a percentage that rapidly made its way to 95% before finally reaching 99% then read: Analysis complete signaling all systems were fully functioning and normal.
"You are not Doctor Takihara." she commented not at all recognizing them, however, looked to them as if expecting an answer.
Kuma looked to his friend. "Well, Ryuu my friend looks like she works and has a program of some sort already installed."
"Yea looks that way man," Ryuu replied before turning his attention to the red-headed persocom considering how to best reply.
Finally deciding on the best option. "You are right this here is my friend Kuma Kanata and my name is Ryuu Tobishita we just cleaned you up and got you running and have no idea who this Doctor Takihara you speak of is he your owner by chance?" he questioned.
The red-headed persocom gained a puzzled expression. "According to my data banks he is not my owner he is my creator my father." still puzzled she posed a question. "Where am I this is not Father's laboratory how did I get here?"
"We currently are at a salvage yard located on the edge of Nerima, Japan we specialize in cars and used old persocom units such as yourself. When I found you-you had fallen out of an old Sedan we finally had got around to scrapping and you sort of fell out of the trunk onto the ground." Ryuu explained, observing the redhead's expression didn't change at all, however, the purple line in her eyes seemed to quickly move from left to right repeating several times.
Observing a calendar to her left the red-head gained a concerned look. "I have been in shutdown for approximately ten years. I was supposed to arrive for testing at an undisclosed test site for some reason it would appear I never arrived at the intended destination," she commented aloud.
"Undisclosed wait so you don't know where you were supposed to go?" Kuma questioned, a curious brow raised.
Shaking her head negatively. "No that was never programmed into my database." upon consideration of the two individual's having introduced themselves she then decided to shift slightly before dropping off the workbench onto her feet standing then with a bow of her head.
"My name is R_Alpha_One I am a military grade prototype persocom my rank currently is not designated as of yet, I am fully combat ready I know several forms of hand to hand combat as well as marksman skills. Also outside of combat I am programmed as a combat medic and can perform surgery in the field if needed," she explained.
Ryuu considered what all he had just learned posed yet another question as more and more the possibility of his son receiving this persocom as a birthday gift was looking rather bleak.
"Are you programmed for anything other than combat and medicine?" he inquired.
R_Alpha_One considered the question posed only a mere moment. "Why yes, I am programmed in a variety of domestic functions as well. Also, I am equipped with my very own learning software so I have little need to buy software at a store for myself if that is what you are wondering?" she answered with a question.
Ryuu felt relief in hearing this so it would be possible to keep her, assuming the military would allow him to if they ever found out her whereabouts assuming they were looking for her at all.
"Thanks that answers a lot actually. Say can I just call you R_Alpha or something cause R_Alpha_One is kinda long if you know what I mean?" he questioned.
The red-head seemed to deliberate a moment giving a thoughtful expression. "Doctor Takihara sometimes referred to me as Ikaros so you may call me that if you like."
"That is an 'eh beautiful name Ikaros perfect we will call you that from here on," Ryuu said with delight as he kinda liked the name.
Though he was hesitant to ask he then decided to pose a question which somewhat he dreaded. "Do you know the address of Doctor Takihara so we can take you home?"
R_Alpha_One now minted as 'Ikaros' considered the question, the purple line started flashing across her orbs as she searched her database for results, then gained a dumb look. "Sadly Father never listed his address in my data banks."
Kuma then decided to speak up. "Well, we might be able to track this Doctor Takihara down by talking to M he might know who he is and where he is located."
Ikaros looked down observing she was currently unclothed, she then looked around observing some clothing that was stacked neatly nearby. "May I wear those?" she questioned meekly as she experienced an unfamiliar yet some reason familiar sensation that for some reason eluded her data banks.
"Sure they belonged to my ex-wife. Course it might be recommended we buy you some new ones later since those will probably be rather large on your frame." Ryuu quickly replied.
The red-head wasted no time in clothing herself, though she didn't outright admit it for some reason it bothered her to be nude in front of these two men even though they didn't seem to have any ill intent for her.
Once fully clothed the red-head frowned observing her clothing was rather baggy on her form which caused an unfamiliar feeling to wash over her though to both Kuma and Ryuu they observed her facial expression was that of depression, and wonderment as if she was reminiscing to herself about something or another going on inside her head.
"Man I think Ikaros is sad about something... I heard something about this stuff a while back when the news mentioned persocoms everywhere seemed to gain free thinking thought overnight." Kuma said to his friend, observing said persocom was fingering one of the holes in her pants since there were several holes on the right leg as if a bug or two was eating at them at some point.
Ryuu spoke on this hearing his friend decided to pose a question. "Ikaros what's wrong is something bothering you?"
The crimson-haired persocom looked to the man who spoke to her giving a slight nod going on to simply say "These clothes have holes in them."
"Well my ex-wife was a welder so its no surprise," Kuma noted, as he looked to a monitor observing she was fully charged, he closed the distance unplugging her charge cable which currently had been threaded through her shirt since she had slipped it on over the cable.
'I am amazed her internal battery is holding a charge being off for so long, but yet the readout shows its as if brand new.' he thought to himself.
"So out of an idea do you have the ability to charge any other way than wall outlets?" Ryuu inquired as he just got a look at the readout on the screen which explained how much power the red-head had just absorbed which he just knew was going to come out of his next check in a big way.
Ikaros looked over to the raven-haired man who was speaking to her. "I can charge by solar power so long as the sun is out and not blocked by cloud cover," she replied with a monotone voice.
She then saw to look around the shop until her gaze fell on the nearby pack that accompanied her, she quickly crossed the distance grabbing it up and slinging it over her right shoulder with little trouble at all, she then with her right hand picked up the chain and cuff clicking it closed over her left wrist.
"This pack must never leave my presence, and should always be secured to my wrist at all times unless turned in to the proper authorities," she explained.
Ryuu and Kuma both watched how effortless the red-head and picked the pack up, though the shock of the display quickly wore off as they remembered she was a machine and picking up super heavy objects was probably easy for her.
Ikaros glanced around before her gaze fell on what she deemed the shops' exit proceeding towards it, Ryuu quickly moved to get in front of her calling out. "Hey wait up where are you going?"
She paused in her step as the man was now against the exit barring her path. "I am going to find Father." she simply stated, waiting for the man to move when he didn't she spoke once more.
"I thank you for charging and turning me on, but I really must be going now please move away from the door," Ikaros stated politely more like a command than asking.
Ryuu didn't move, quickly posing a question. "Wait before I do how do you plan to find your father if you don't even have a physical address?"
"I will go to the nearest law enforcement agency." Ikaros simply stated, proceeding to close the distance gently pushing the man aside.
Kuma then spoke quickly. "Look stick around won't you just for a little while longer I have a guy who could probably find your father much faster and more efficiently."
Ikaros starting to slide the door open paused, turning a glance over her shoulder, a curious brow raised. "Oh?" she questioned inquisitively.
"Yea he's a bit of a whiz kid with Persocom units I am sure he would love to meet you and help you find your father. I mean sure you could go to a law enforcement agency but they are slow at doing things." Kuma pointed out, in hopes of enticing the red-head to not strike out alone.
The red-head persocom seemed to think on this a few moments, as she turned away from the door walking back towards the middle of the room, a few more moments went by as she inwardly deliberated.
"You make a good point... The current files I have in my database on the authorities suggest they are sometimes very inefficient when it comes to non-emergency situations. Therefore I would like to meet this." she paused a moment bringing both hands up then with both index fingers as if to do air quotations. "So-called wiz kid of yours." she finished.
Ryuu felt relieved that the red-headed persocom had decided to stay, going on to say. "That's great I am glad you will be staying we can go as soon as we get word back from him."
Ikaros gave her surroundings a cursory glance observing no one else in the building but herself and these two humans. "Where is he?"
Kuma chuckled as he realized the persocom just attempted to find said individual with a visual glance, he then gestured to the nearby computer monitor. "I received an email from him not long ago perhaps I can set up a meeting?"
Ikaros walked over to the workbench observing the monitor an email that had been highlighted. "This wiz kid is named M by chance?" she inquired.
"Yea that is right?" Kuma explained while watching her retrieve a USB cable from one of her ports quickly jacking into the computer, suddenly the screen on the computer started flashing and a series of command prompts began to flash across the screen.
Then a website popped up which was a law enforcement database, then a series of commands were imputed all without her touching the keyboard at all and a few seconds later a home address for M was displayed on the screen.
"She just hacked into a police database!" Kuma exclaimed, as he quickly moved to pull the power cord from the wall outlet in order to shut it off quickly in hopes to avoid the eventual trail that might lead police to their salvage yard.
Ryuu gained a worried expression. "You can't just hack into a government database like that that is a felony!" he exclaimed.
Ikaros gave a brief glance to the man who just spoke to her, unplugging from the computer. "I have his home address we will go see him now," she stated, proceeding towards the shops' exit.
"Wait you can't just go to someone's home without an invitation!" Ryuu exclaimed, however, the persocom was already out the door, as he quickly rushed to follow her clocking out on the way.
Kuma shook his head as he watched his friend disappear out the door, the door sliding closed behind them. 'Well Ryuu my friend you got a handful there for sure.' he thought to himself relieved she wasn't his problem.
However, he turned his attention back to his workbench computer, proceeding to plug it back in and power it on just praying the hack would go unnoticed by the authorities and if it had to quickly come up with an explanation that they would hopefully believe.
XXXX
XXXX
Ryuu continued to follow the red-headed persocom who was walking at a rapid pace, the pack both he and his friend who had trouble moving seemingly not slowing her down was firmly upon her back.
"Wait up; slow down!" he exclaimed to which the red-head slowed her pace yet continued forward none the less.
Ikaros eventually came to a stop at a busy intersection, the crosswalk light was still red meaning the road was not safe to be walked upon, cars whizzed by, Ryuu came to a stop just beside her reaching over and pushing the walk button.
"He may not even be home right now. Lets head back to the shop until we hear from him?" he offered in a hope the red-head would be deterred from her current destination, however without an answer the red-head continued across the street as soon as the walk-sign lit up signally it was now safe to cross the street, Ryuu quickly moved to follow.
This went on for a little while to no avail until eventually both Ryuu and Ikaros had arrived at a train station she paused looking to a map kiosk, proceeding to walk over to a ticket machine. Once at the machine she looked to Ryuu with a look of expectation.
'Dammit... She's really going to make me pay for the train tickets too. Figures just like a woman I used to know.' Ryuu thought to himself proceeding to retrieve his wallet and making a purchase for two train tickets.
Eventually, the duo found themselves on the train platform waiting for the train that would take them to where they needed to go in order to get to M's Estate. The silence seemed to fall over the area since there was not that many people on the platform and most were rather quiet.
In the distance was a dull roar further down the tunnel in the direction Ryuu both assumed and knew the train would come from, as time wore on he spoke up. "Look since we are going anyways can you tell me anything about what is so important that the case on your back can never be left out of your sight?"
Ikaros paused from her internal thought processes, tilting her head to the side before speaking up on what little she knew. "It's just stuff meant for the Doc' 'er and well stuff belonging to me directly." she offered.
Considering the persocom's words a moment, "That is pretty vague what stuff is meant for the doc'?" he questioned.
"I am not sure. I've never opened the pack myself. I have a filed order to protect the case and only deliver its contents to the doc'" Ikaros explained, turning her attention to the train that was now rolling onto the platform.
Ryuu sighed at the redhead's answer, proceeding to pose another question, "Okay what about the stuff meant for you surely you know what that is?" to which the red-head gave a nod just as the train pulled up opening its doors allowing its current passengers to disembark.
"I do know what the contents are, however, I am not allowed to retrieve or utilize said items without the doc' being present, or an emergency situation should take place that requires said items be used," she explained, finally once all the old passengers had left she stepped on, her current companion stepping on the train after her.
Eventually, the doors slid closed, the train lurching forward before picking up speed until at a good pace making its way to its next destination.
XXXX
XXXX
Time marched on the train making various stops until eventually reaching their destination to which the duo departed from the train, and on to exit the train station proceeding in the direction of M's estate.
After what seemed like forty minutes of walking the duo stood at the gates of a rather large home, on the black metal gate was a rather large M that was gold in color, Ikaros looked to the address number a set of purple lines crossing her orbs, before narrowing on an intercom with a button.
"We have arrived." she deadpanned.
Ryuu stretched, proceeding to rub his back looking to the gate whilst also observing it was getting late, with a sigh he looked to the red-head. "It's getting late he may be in the process of sleeping." he offered.
"Not likely." she dully stated, her sapphire gaze directed up to a window observing what appeared to be a young teen with short dark brown hair looking out his window.
It was that moment that the intercom crackled to life as the voice of a young boy could be heard, "Can I help you?"
"Yes sorry, my name is Ryuu Tobishita my friend contacted you about finding out more information about a persocom I found at my work. I am very sorry to come so late and without notice, but she kinda wouldn't take no for an answer and headed here anyways," he explained, bowing apologetically.
"I see a determined persocom apparently." the teen dully said just before a buzz was heard and the gate had started to open, "I'll send someone downstairs to bring you both inside." the teen called before the intercom went silent.
A moment later the duo was standing before the main door of the estate which opened to reveal a rather tall slender persocom girl with blue hair with long braids wearing the trappings of a maids uniform, with a pleasant smile she proceeding to wave the duo inside.
"The master is awaiting you in his study," she said in a sing-song voice, proceeding to close the door behind the duo after they crossed the threshold. Turning about as she leads the duo to a room ushering them inside.
Ryuu looked around the study observing a rather large desk, at this desk sat a dark brown-haired teen who looked to be between the ages of twelve and thirteen, he was wearing a white shirt with black buttons, and black slacks, on the desk in front of him was a cup with what he assumed was tea, along with various paperwork that was neatly stacked towards the right side.
On the left side of the desk was a computer monitor that was currently powered off, the teen looked to the red-haired persocom who had a rather large pack on her back, and then to the adult in the room beside her.
"So this is the persocom Kuma had told me about, How much has she said to you Mr. Tobishita?" the teen inquired.
Ryuu glanced to the red-head before his gaze switched to the raven-haired teen. "M 'er is that your real name or?"
"I apologize my name is Minoru Kokubunji." the teen quickly replied.
"Kokubunji; Ikaros or when I initially met her she said she is named R_Alpha_One who is a military grade prototype persocom.
The teen revealed to be Minoru gained a perplexed look a moment since he hadn't as of yet seen a military grade persocom before since typically any prototypes were supposedly still classified to the public, but could tell right away the differences between her and the ones he typically dealt with on a daily basis judging by the antenna looking device protruding from her red-hair which twitched as if ascertaining direction of a signal of some type that and her skin looked almost that of a human being.
"Did she say who her owner was? He inquired.
"Father... Quit talking about me like I am not here... his name is Doctor Takihara he is a medical military scientist who dabbles in mechanized warfare." Ikaros explained, a brief look of frustration appeared on her facial features before turning to a blank mask rather quickly.
Hearing this information giving a snap of the finger. "Mechanized warfare huh good stuff I suppose if you like violence. As for this Doctor Takihara I am not familiar with does he have a full name?" he inquired.
"No just Doctor Takihara that is all I've ever known him by ever since I could remember," Ikaros replied in a mere whisper.
Ryuu chose that moment to speak up. "So you see Kokubunji the problem with finding her father is we just don't know enough. Also to be honest military grade persocom doesn't tell a lot either."
"Actually it speaks plenty, whoever your doctor is he is either a government employee or is a contractor for the government."
Minoru then explained, "The fact she is a military grade persocom speaks volumes you see currently there are persocom's that are in development and classified to the public and it would seem somehow Mr. Tobishita you have acquired the prototype which had somehow been left in a scrapyard.
Ryuu looked to the red-head owlishly, "Are you sure she is most likely the prototype?"
"I am not one hundred percent sure, but I believe this may be the case because the way I understand it the program hit a snag when the prototype model never showed up for the testing phase, they claimed their prototype was M.I.A. But never gave any details since obviously the project was classified. Since then they have said the project has moved forward into testing, and development but are keeping the details under wraps." Minoru explained.
"So if the classified project is moving forward then that means they replaced her with another persocom which means Ikaros here may have a sister or brother." Ryuu offered.
Minoru with a slight chuckle. "Perhaps more than one, but maybe not at all depends if she is in fact apart of that project, but I am unsure if the doctor you are looking for is the same man developing that project the military is working on.
"Do you suppose the military is looking for her right now?" Ryuu inquired, placing a hand behind his back crossing his fingers which didn't go unnoticed by Ikaros.
Shaking his head, "I like to tell you they are not, but from the moment you turned her on its hard to say if she is transmitting to the satellite network above her location since most likely she does have tracking software and hardware installed. Though the strange thing about her is she appears to have self learning software already installed. That and I have to admit she looks nearly human this doctor really knows his stuff." Minoru explained.
"How can we find out?" Ryuu inquired giving a brief glance to the red-head in question.
Minoru seemed to deliberate a moment. "Well if you want you can leave her with me given some time I can find out if she is being sought after as well as more about her, but if I find out she is being looked for I will have to turn her over to the proper authorities since government property is serious business." he explained.
"I guess I can understand that you have a pen and paper?" Ryuu inquired, but before Minoru could say anything Ikaros rattled off his entire contact information without missing a beat.
Minoru looked to the red-head with intrigue. "Did you give her those details?" he inquired.
"No, I did not," Ryuu explained with a dumbfounded expression.
Minoru not moving his gaze from the red-head. "So how did you get all that information?" he questioned though he already thought he knew the answer.
Ikaros shrugged her shoulders. "I interfaced with the internet remotely which gives me a brief summary of my surroundings, as well as a complete tactical analysis for specific tactical command outpost activities."
It was Minoru's turn to gain a look of surprise as this information was unexpected. 'She's not just any military prototype they are working on she is a mobile command post persocom.' he inwardly thought then in a mere whisper without realizing he was speaking aloud. "Rumors are they can command an entire army of men and persocom's from any part of a battlefield."
Having heard Minoru's whispered words Ryuu gained a wide-eyed expression. "Wait so she is some kind of command persocom?" he questioned to make sure he heard right.
Mentally slapping himself Minoru gave a slight whistle. "Yes I think she may be that prototype, but again I can't be sure, besides it was just a rumor over the internet." he then spoke to the red-haired persocom in question. "That bag your carrying looks heavy why don't you shrug it off, and go have a seat on the couch over by the wall please."
"As you will." Ikaros deadpanned shrugging her pack off sitting it on the floor with a heavy thunk, she then walked over sitting down, the blue-haired persocom walked over taking the bag in hand seeming to struggle to pick it up and move it over to wear the red-head was sitting.
Minoru watching his personal persocom having trouble with the bag. "You okay Yuzuki?" he inquired since usually persocom's don't have trouble with things such as a bag.
"No I am fine it would appear must be low on power this bag is extraordinarily heavy." the blue-haired persocom explained, as she finished moving the bag by dragging it.
Ryuu chuckled at her words. "I doubt you are low on power, to be honest, I and my friend had to lug it together when Ikaros was switched off and put it on a dolly just to move it."
"Any idea what is inside that bag?" Minoru inquired, however, received a shake of the older man's head who looked to the bag in question.
Ryuu then went on to say. "To be honest no. We tried scanning its contents with an x-ray machine, we tried opening it to no avail, there is some kind of steel alloy behind the fabric, and well she isn't telling nor willing to open it for us so hard to say just what goodies are in there, nor if we really want to know."
He then went on to say, "And well as you can see there is a long chain connected to it we couldn't cut and she likes to keep it cuffed to her wrist, so whatever it is it is very important to her and the good doctor I suppose wherever he is."
Considering the information given, and with a few moments of quiet deliberation, Minoru spoke his mind. "Well hypothetically speaking if she is, in fact, the prototype military strategic command persocom the contents probably are items used in said affair, that and she probably has some munitions items in there as well, most of which are illegal to be owned by the average citizen I am sure."
"Anyhow I suggest you leave her with me for a few days, I will find out anything I can and get back to you A.S.A.P. the moment I have anything to say, and don't worry she is safe here I give you my word," he stated giving a firm assurance.
Ryuu feeling hesitant but inwardly knew if they were going to get to the bottom of the situation then time would be needed, giving a slight not of his head, "Alright Koku- he stated to say finding himself interrupted.
"Just call me M' please." Minoru said, extending his right hand."
Reaching out taking the proffered hand giving a firm yet not too firm shake. "Alright M I'll trust that you will get back to me, take care," he said, turning to leave, the blue-haired persocom showing him the way out as Minoru looked on watching them disappear behind the door.
He then turned his attention to the red-head walking over grabbing the handle of the pack attempting to lift it briefly observing it didn't budge as he had expected but for some reason, he wanted to see for himself.
Meanwhile, Ikaros as she was dubbed continued to look on at the wall across from them paying him no mind purple lines crossing her sapphire orbs which meant she was deep in thought.
XXXX
XXXX
Nearly two weeks had passed since Ryuu had left the red-haired persocom named Ikaros at M's estate a so-called wiz kid when it came to all things persocoms. He called several times only to receive the same reply each time that no new information had been found as of yet.
His son's birthday was fast approaching which left him worried on whether or not he was going to be able to gift Ikaros to the boy or not. He sat down on his favorite light baby blue couch, in his and his son's small apartment located within Nerima, Japan not far out the window located just behind his television if he looked he could see Furinkan Highschool.
The long red drapes hung loosely and open from the black curtain rod just above the window, a dying potted plant sat on a black inn table that sat to the left of his television which was a very old one its screen depicting a black-n-white movie which was probably just as old if not older than the television itself.
The apartment was rather small and sparsely furnished featuring two bedrooms one of which was his and the other belonging to his son the door to his son's room had a lot of stickers attached to it the biggest of them reading: keep out!
He sat there watching the show, whilst reaching out to the inn table just to his left retrieving the opened can of beer proceeding to take a drink as he did his best to be patient as he looked to his nearby cellphone reaching for it he stopped himself realizing he would probably again get the same answer as the many times he had called before.
Though he had to admit whether it was M himself or his personal persocom or even Ikaros all of which seemed to answer the phone each and every time he called.
Though when Ikaros answered the phone Ryuu had heard Yuzuki chiding her that she shouldn't answer other people's phones without permission.
'I just hope everything works out.' he thought to himself as he wondered what his son was up to currently since the school was currently out for the day and the boy hadn't returned home since he had left shortly after breakfast.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Hiro Tobishita-
And the Saotome Twins-
Megumi and Riichi
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Hiro Tobishita was your average thirteen-year-old boy standing at just five-foot-two and weighing at one-hundred and five pounds, his hair hidden under a patterned beanie was raven his eyes dark brown hidden just behind dark sunglasses with white frames that were cheaply made.
He wore black skinny jeans, and a white long sleeved shirt with a dark blue hoodie worn over this, completing his look he had a pair of white-n-black sneakers.
Standing nearby stood his friend Saotome Riichi with slightly feminine facial features standing at five-foot-one who had crimson-red hair worn in a ponytail held back by a blue thread, his eyes a shade of blue that matched sapphire, his body well toned from training in his families art style.
Standing next to him was his sister Saotome Megumi standing at four-foot-eight who looked to be his female twin with raven-hair worn in a ponytail tied with red thread, and dark blue eyes, she sported an ample chest for her age, and had a rather toned body much the same as her twin thanks to like her brother her families art style.
Both dressed in similar fashion black trousers with black kung-fu slippers, they both wore white silk Chinese styled long sleeved shirts one of which was currently worn slightly open revealing white muscle shirt with a fine chiseled muscular chest.
If wasn't for their hair and height difference one couldn't tell the difference, though the crimson-haired one sometimes turned into a raven-haired girl. And the raven-haired one turned into a cobalt blue-haired version of herself with chocolate brown eyes much like her mothers.
Both siblings were older than him by one year, but that didn't bother Hiro he was just glad to have a couple friends even if they were a little strange due to their odd condition he never fully understood who also didn't mind hanging out with him since he hated going out to places by himself since that he felt was something only a loser would do and he refused to be that guy or so he wanted to think.
The trio had decided since the school was out they would take a trip to the local arcade, the place was rather packed featuring a multitude of games for a midsize structure set in a small shopping plaza, the group waded through the crowd hoping they would eventually find a game that would catch their interest.
"How about that one?" Megumi inquired pointing with her right index finger as she spied an empty racing arcade game that was just begging for attention.
Riichi frowned at his sister's words. "I dunno Sis' that game looks boring," he commented offhandedly as he scanned the rest of the arcade looking for some other game that would suit his interest, but most the games that would suit said interest was already being used and had lines of people both watching and waiting.
Hiro blanched as he looked to before indicated the racing game which featured a lot of girlish looking stuff on the screen. "I dunno Megumi that's a bit too girly for my taste," he said dryly which only caused the raven-haired girl to frown.
"Oh C'mon I bet it's not bad give it a try... besides ain't like we finding an empty arcade console any time soon," Megumi whined as she really wanted to play it and her brother and Hiro had all the cash.
Riichi with a wistful sigh nodded his head in agreement with his sister's words. "As much as it pains me to say this she's right man we might as well suck it up and give it a go." he pointedly said to his and his sibling's friend.
It was Hiro's turn to let a sigh escape his lips, then he muttered in defeat. "Fine let's go play your stupid girly game 'Megumi'," he said the last in a near deadpan.
Megumi seemed to jump with joy seeming to have ignored the way her friend had spoken to her proceeding to lead her group to the arcade machine in question, both Hiro and Riichi reluctantly followed suit.
As time wore on the trio had each taken a turn playing the game Hiro seemingly to enjoy himself more than he first thought he would since one of the racers was rather manly looking, Whilst Riichi didn't seem to care what racer he played as he had played several different ones thus far.
Megumi currently was in the driver's seat her racer being a girly princess one with a car that seemed made out of candy much as the rest of the tracks and people in the bleachers looked like people made of sweets of various kinds.
She steered almost every turn near perfectly, though she seemed a little aggressive on the machine as she pressed buttons, turned the wheel and shifted the gear shift.
Riichi watched his sister play reaching up instinctively scratching the back of his neck, his features a blank mask, inwardly he felt envious of how easy his sister was playing the game since he had managed to hit nearly every wall his racer could find.
But then he knew his sibling had far more time than himself playing video games since she and her friends went to the arcades on the regular when she wasn't training with him and their grandfather who was very enthusiastic about training them in martial arts.
He chuckled as a memory surfaced where he and his sister almost had managed to leave with their grandfather on a training journey their grandfather said would help take all distractions away that is until their Mom had apparently been waiting for them when they tried to leave in the dead of the night.
He honestly thought that would be the end of martial arts training with their grandfather but seemed everything was cool so long as the sometimes panda-bear grandfather of theirs didn't try it again.
Hearing his friend chuckling Hiro perked an inquisitive brow. "What's so funny Riichi your sister is blowing us away in 'skill'," he said pointedly.
"Yea I know, but that wasn't why I was chuckling... No, it's not important really just thinking of old times to myself." the crimson-haired teen explained, his sapphire eyes locked on the screen as his sister crossed the finish line in first place.
After a time the trio got bored of the arcade and decided to leave, eventually looking for a place to eat though neither boys could seem to agree on a proper eatery they were interested in, Megumi, however, seemed to have a place in mind proceeding to speak her mind.
"What about Uchans?" she questioned, eliciting both her sibling and friend to give agreeing nods of their heads as they both did seem to like the food there.
Riichi being the first to speak. "Yea that sounds good its been a bit anyway I bet Auntie Kuonji would be happy to see us at any rate."
"I know she would," Megumi said with a cheerful lilt.
Hiro still nodding his head. "Think your Auntie will give us free eats like that one time?" he questioned hopefully as he used a decent portion of his money at the arcade.
"Usually she does for us I don't know about you Hiro... but I am sure if I ask in my most pleading voice she will agree," Megumi said with a sly smile since usually, she could talk the Okonomiyaki cook into nearly anything so long as she was in a good mood.