Author's Notes: Heheh, I somehow KNEW the reactions would be like that XD. I probably should have waited until Chapter 2 to post the story itself, but eh...it would have taken too long for me to actually stop being lazy and get it done. Bad, Krissy-chan. Well, I think I finally know where I'm going with this. I've come up with a few ideas...and well...delved partially into Jim's past here. So, I hope you all like it...and that my idea winds up being creative enough. There sure are a whole lotta Jim/Past ficcies... o__o;. Though, I hope I do all right as far as characterizations go...I've only seen OS once through...e_e;.

Tousan and me...we never really stayed in one place for too long. I guess his job always just had us moving around, demo I didn't mind much. I got to see new places and make new friends. Of course, I always had to leave them, but there were always more to make, ne? And besides, we could always play games on the 'net. Tousan had plenty of computers. So, eventually, we came here to Sentinel III and I remember after helping Tousan hook up some of his gadgets, I sat there watching him work. I often watched him work because that way I had a better chance of him asking me for help, heh! I was his 'little genius.' I guess that's not much of a nickname when you compare it to 'pumpkin' or something, but it was good enough for me.

My Tousan was a hacker too, only a really good one. You wouldn't be able to find anyone who hadn't heard his name (unless they were a baka like aniki). And if they didn't know his real name -- which was James Hawking if you're wondering -- they knew him as the 'Computer Wizard.' He was always getting requests from different people. It always amazed me that no matter where we moved...he got tons of job opportunities. We had plenty of money, demo...you'd never be able to tell by looking at the dump we lived in. It was a small apartment, big enough for him and me...and his tons of electrical equipment...

But anyway, un...I was watching him work that morning...

Jim shifted absently on the creaky steps of the apartment, eyeing the odds and ends of wires while his father's typing filled in the background noise. James Sr. wasn't anything spectacular to look at; he was simply an ordinary guy with grey speckled black hair and glasses. He was a little on the short side and a bit too skinny...but just an average guy all around. Jim looked nothing like him, unless one counted being 'scrawny' as a physical attribute. Though that was probably more due to Jim's limited cooking skills (since he was the one to make the meals around there).

It was a particularly dull day. The first day in a new place always was. Yet, his dad managed to busy himself with typing while Jim sat around hopefully. Maybe he would be able to help if he made himself available...not that, that was such a hard thing when he had nothing else to do. The rubber heel of his shoe absently kicked against the edge of the step and those light brown eyes landed on a scuff mark at the side...one that he hadn't seen before. He reached down to rub his thumb along it, perhaps to remove it completely from the surface...anything to occupy himself in that height of boredom.

"Jim?"

"Hai!" The son snapped up eagerly, only to hit his head on the bannister. A wince crossed his features as he rubbed subconsciously at the mark.

"Daijoubu ka?" A rather amused expression crossed the man's features and he turned in his wheeled chair to study his son behind the thick, black frames.

"Un, daijoubu, Tousan!" He offered a bright grin before pushing himself up swiftly. "Is there something you wanted me to do?"

"Un..." James Senior folded his arms over his chest. "Get out and get some fresh air..."

"Demo..."

"Hn...you want to do something for me? Is that it, Jim? You could go down and pick me up some ink cartridges. That'd take care of both, ne?" The elder reached somewhere within a pile of encrypted codes and various other printouts to hand him a few hundred wong. "And get yourself something good to eat. You deserve it after how much we've been skimping on food lately."

Jim took the money before his eyes lifted toward his father. Afterward, he sighed and nodded. Buying ink wasn't exactly his idea of fun, but it was the only thing he had at the moment. So, after offering a wave, he dashed up those steps, making his way out the door. Sentinel III, the very streets were unfamiliar to him. Though, he and his father had done their research, so Jim knew where the important things were located. But the maps and digital images didn't give a real sense of the noise or smell of the place.

He took a few steps forward cautiously. But that caution didn't stop the next event from happening. A sudden impact with his left shoulder caused him to grimace, but when he glanced up, he noticed that his money was gone. And the person who bumped into him was running off in the opposite direction. It took him a few moments to realize what had happened and then he narrowed his eyes.

"Ooi! Get back here!"

Jim pushed himself into a sprint, keeping his eye on the bluecoated thief who was doing his best to lose him in the crowd. The boy's lithe form ducked and dodged the people he probably would have bumped into were he a few inches taller. Not once, did he take his eyes away from his target, using his peripheral vision to avoid the obstacles in his path. The man spared a brief glance over his shoulder, seeing that his victim was gaining on him. Using quick thinking, he reached over to his left, pushing down the line of trash bins that resided there. In a domino reaction, they knocked one another over; garbage spewing out of the openings.

Jim skid to a halt and then watched helplessly as the thief disappeared around the corner, "Kuso!"

The hacker's son carefully climbed over the heap and then rounded that corner as well. Bluecoat was still ahead by quite a bit, but at the very least he was in sight. Jim picked up his pace, feeling quite a bit winded, but using adrenaline alone to drag him onward. The man looked behind himself again, noticing with some satisfaction that the kid was farther back than before. A smirk curved on his lips and he went to turn forward, only to plow straight into another male.

The thief blinked a couple times before he glared at the redhead, "Outta my way!"

"Heh...I don't think so," And with that, he withdrew a gun of some sort from his tan cloak.

The other's eyes widened, "W-what d'ya want? Money? Here, take it. Take all of it..." He tried to pass off the swiped wong.

At that point, Jim raced up, panting, but keeping his eye on the scene. This newcomer tilted his head toward the cash before he smirked and brought the polished metal of the weapon into the thief's forehead, knocking him out. Jim blinked, tightening somewhat as the man fell in front of his feet. His eyes then raised toward the redhead.

"I'd rather just get the money your worth. No doubt a bounty on your head and an outlaw has to get his booze..." He reached down, hoisting up the unconscious form.

"An...outlaw...?"

The man paused at the words, his gaze shifting toward Jim, "Hn, I suppose this guy took your money, ne?"

"H-hai!"

"And you're gonna give it to me for kicking this guy's ass, ne?" He grinned wolfishly.

"I..." Jim shook his head in protest.

"Ja," He dismissed him with a wave of his hand.

The ten year old furrowed his brows. This was not how this was going to go! Angrily, Jim lunged himself forward. It wasn't necessarily his weight that knocked the 'outlaw' down, but the force behind it...not to mention the fact that he was already unbalanced from lugging a big guy over his shoulder. Jim narrowed his eyes, digging a knee into the redhead's spine. Much to his surprise, the man began to laugh, causing his light form to shake from the vibration. That enraged him. After all, he wanted to be threatening!

"What are you laughing at?!"

"You..." He replied and knocked the kid off of him. "To think that a little runt like you could take on me...Gene Starwind."

"I don't care who you are Gene Starwind! I just want my damn money back!" Jim sneered.

"Heh, fine, fine. Ya got spunk, I like that. Here..."

He accepted the money with a sigh of relief, though he blinked suddenly, glancing down at it. The boy counted through the bills and those eyes narrowed on Gene again, "All of it."

"And I can't put anything past you either..." He sighed in defeat, handing over the rest. "Demo, you aren't even gonna give me a tip? I did bag this bad guy for ya. I guess you could say I'm your hero. And heroes get rewards for good deeds, ne?"

Jim looked toward him and arched a brow, "Aren't you gonna get enough money from that guy?"

"Ie...he's going to buy my booze. I want you to buy my food!"

Well, the ten year old did need to go to the restaurant. Not to mention, he was lost now that he blindly made turns he couldn't remember, "I'll tell you what...I'll treat you to something for supper. Restaurant of your choice."

"Wow, you really are a nice kid...uh..." Gene appeared to be searching for a name.

"Jim Hawking..." He informed. "Short for James."

"Un, un..." The redhead nodded, stopping to pick up the thief again. "I always wondered, though. Jim isn't really short for James...it takes the same amount of time to say both of them. Jim...James...see?"

Jim sweatdropped as he followed him, "Baka..."

The hacker's son had decided to get the cartridges his father wanted before going for supper and it was a good thing too, since Gene Starwind nearly wiped him out of money on the appetizers...and actually did when it came to dinner. Jim sighed, watching the other shovel in so much food at a time and not even bother to swallow it completely before taking in more. This certainly was a day to remember. He'd get to tell his dad all about being mugged and then saved and then wiped clean of his money by his hero. The younger boy shook his head at the thought and then finished off the meal on his own plate.

"Ah...that was great!" Gene patted his stomach in satisfaction, before he leaned in with a smirk. "So, Jim...what's for dessert?"

"Nani?! You just practically ordered everything on the menu and now you want dessert?! Buy it with your own money, Gene Starwind...I'm going home now," The boy pushed himself up to his feet.

"I can walk ya there..." Gene rose as well.

"Honto ni?" Jim glanced toward him in disbelief.

"Un...ya know. For dessert."

He sneered and walked away, "Ja."

"Ooi! Ooi! I was just kidding," He laughed, catching up to him. "You're a pretty generous kid. So, I'll cut you some slack and play hero for free. Besides, with me around, no one'll try to mug you again."

"No one can. I used up all my money on you."

"Un...and that was just one of my ideas to save you, so you really should be grateful to me."

Jim rolled his eyes and moved out of the restaurant, onto the streets ahead of him. Gene followed his lead, whistling mindlessly and clasping his fingers behind his head. The two walked along casually, rather oblivious to the watchful eye at the side that stared after them from behind the mask of a newspaper. And little did they knew that the person seemed to have been stalking them as well. The redhead casually lowered his head, nudging a stone with the toe of his boot.

"So, Jim..." He began. "You new to Sentinel?"

"Is it that obvious?" Jim smirked.

"Not really. Most people get mugged here. Especially women and children. No matter how long you've been here...you just gotta be tough, ya know?"

"I guess...demo...I'm more of a computer person myself."

"That so? I guess you could get by doing that. You any good?"

"For my age, I guess. I'm no where near Tousan's level! He's just amazing..."

"Of course he is..." A rather unfamiliar voice sounded behind them.

Jim and Gene paused, turning around to face the other slowly. The figure was cloaked in dark purple and had a rather feminine alto. One would only presume it was a woman, and that's just what the duo did. Jim, however, furrowed his brows, studying the suspicious form carefully. He made a subconscious step back...figuring he had had enough 'action' for the day, and Gene was better at playing the part of hero anyway.

"You are...Jim Hawking. Son of James Hawking...the famous 'Computer Wizard.' I've come to kill you, Jim Hawking."

The boy's eyes widened as from the folds of the woman's cloak, she withdrew a gun. With the distinct click, his eyes closed tightly and then once the shot was fired, he felt something impact with his body, sending him to the ground. Hard, rough pavement slapped his face as well as the rest of his body, forcing the wind to be knocked from him. Jim struggled to breathe in the pressing darkness as his eyes glazed over with hopeless tears.

That's it...I'm going to die here. She got me. I'll never be able to see Tousan again...

Although, suddenly his body became a bit lighter. Jim finally opened his eyes and saw Gene roll away, pushing himself upright. Then, the younger one glanced to the side where the smoking bullet sat, having grazed the road and left behind a thick, black mark. He wasn't hit after all! Gene must have knocked him out of the way just in the nick of time. A sigh of relief was let out, but then he realized he didn't have the time to lay there and recover when this woman for some bizarre reason was after his life. Jim sprang up to his feet, moving behind the safety of Gene's tattered cloak.

"Jim, get back home! I'll take care of her..." He smirked, withdrawing his own weapon. A special kind of shell was fit in and then fired at the female. "Eat this!"

With a brilliant colored explosion, the shot hit it's target, forcing her to stagger back and release a cry of anguish. The light crackled along her body until it faded, forcing her to drop to one knee, clutching her chest as those darkened eyes narrowed on Gene, "Kuso!"

"Was that...a caster...?" Jim glanced toward Gene in question.

"Un...I got a couple more to hold her off. You just get back and tell your Oyaji about Miss Assassin here."

"Hai!"

With that, he took off in the opposite direction, darting through the narrow bends between buildings just to get home as quickly as possible. Behind him, he could vaguely hear the sound of gunshots being fired, and prayed that Gene would be able to stop her before she came after him or his father. Envisioning the sights in front of him as a map in his mind and using the tallest sign as a land mark, he picked out the fastest possible coarse and once it was set, Jim made all the right turns, increasing his sprint until the steps of his new house were in sight. He swiftly surpassed them, throwing open the door.

"Tousan!" He looked around frantically. "TOUSAN!!"

"Jim..." The father emerged from the back with a solemn expression.

His eyes watered over and he rushed forward, throwing his arms around his father, "Tousan, we're in trouble."

"Hai, Jim...I know..." He placed one hand atop the tousled light brown strands. "Demo, it's much too late to do anything about it..."

The son glanced toward him in surprise, wondering how he knew, but more importantly what he meant by it being much too late, "Tousan...?"

"Jim...take this..." He took the child's hands, placing a necklace with an oddly shaped pendant into them. "Take this and go into hiding. It'll be the one thing you have to remember me by..."

"Tousan, what're you...saying...?" His heart sank with dread. Deep down, Jim knew what he was saying, but his mind just didn't want to process it.

"I love you, son..." James tightened the hug, before he shoved the other in the direction of the door. "Go...now! Hayaku, Jim...get away from here quickly!"

"T-Tousan...?"

For a while, Jim stood frozen in place. He watched his father's visage, seeing the tears in his eyes. A part of him wanted to break down as well, but he lowered his gaze to prevent himself from doing so. It took a few seconds for him to get his body to respond, but as soon as he did, he rushed out the door. His legs could carry him only so far in the opposite direction before a loud explosion rang out. The shockwave shook beneath his feet, and Jim turned briskly, watching in horror as effulgent flames leapt high above the apartment. He regarded the scene in shock, before with shaky knees, he collapsed to into a kneel.

"Jim!"

Dazedly, he glanced in the direction of the call, seeing that Gene was running his way. Afterward, he slowly looked back at the burning mess that he, for only one day called a home. It wasn't the building he was sad about, but rather the fact that the only steady thing he did have for ten years of his life was just then ripped away from him. Nothing was familiar anymore...nothing could be the same ever again. Despite the changing environments, he always had a guardian. No more...it was gone. He was gone.

Gene's footsteps came to a halt, "Jim, I thought I told you to get home. I got her, demo what if I didn't? You don't want to be a baka and get yourself killed, ne?"

"I don't... ...have a home anymore..." Sepia-hued oculars remained on the road before him and his tone of voice seemed emotionless with those words.

"Nani...?" And then Gene's eyes lifted to the mass cloud of smoke. "Oh..."

"I don't..." Jim's voice wavered. "...have a father anymore...either..."

Maybe it was that the realization had just hit him then. But at that point, right after he said those words, he collapsed into a throaty sob against Gene's body...crying while his life simply melted away to the flames of the all-consuming fire...