Welcome to Metropolis
Plot: Shunsaku Ban came to metropolis to solve one simple case, only to find himself involved in saving the world. As a power-struggle begins between opposing forces over a mythical creature and the power to conquer the world, the question of what it means to be human, to be alive comes into play. Dedicated to Osamu Tezuka.
Chapter 3: Fistfights
By: rockofmarduk
Last time on metropolis: Upon arriving back at Marduk headquarters, Rock met up with Duke Red and Polar (head of the Marduk execution force). Of coarse either one was pleased with Rock's tangle with that robot. Things got even worse when Rock and some of his Marduk's met up with the Vampires, a group bent on stopping the Marduk's from destroying the robots they have sworn to protect. Boy things are just getting crazier here in metropolis. **
As the day was slowly turning to dusk, two figures made their way towards the Ziggurat. One was an old man with a large white mustache and balding white hair. He looked to be about fifty or sixty and had a metallic monocle planted in his right eye. The other was a boy of sixteen, wearing a floppy hat and baggy clothes that didn't properly fit him.
"Mitchy please keep up. We can't keep Duke Red waiting." The old man grumbled as he watched the boy play hopscotch with himself.
"But Grandpa Laughton, why do we have to see that man again? He's kind-of scary." Mitchy's dark blue eyes looked at his protector for answers.
Dr. Charles Laughton fumbled with his hat in his hands and chewed on his thumb. An old habit that he hadn't quite grown out of yet. "Because Mitchy for me to bring your little Tima into his world we need Duke Red's money and technology. Without it she cannot be born."
"Tima." Mitchy repeated quietly as his mind went back to the person resting in its tub.
"And please remember not to call me grandpa in-front of Duke Red. It's safer for both of us if you don't." Dr Laughton started to continue but was stopped when hey both heard a strange cry.
Turning the corner they saw a young girl sprawled out in the middle of the street. She had tripped and fallen, knocking over her box of flowers that she had been carrying. That was the bad news. The real bad news was one of the Marduk tanks were heading straight for her. The drivers had no idea she was even lying on the road. Mitchy became a blur as he ran across the road towards the fallen girl.
"Mitchy wait come back!" Laughton called to him but he was too far away to hear him.
Just as the girl was about to be squashed by the tank, Mitchy jumped in front of it and using his back and hands tried to stop the tank. Mitchy's feet dug into the pavement as he pressed the rest of his body against the tank. Finally the tank slowed and stopped, just inches from where the girl sat. Mitchy collapsed to his knees and let out a sigh of relief. So did Laughton.
"Hey kid are you all right?" The Marduk driving the tank said as he stuck his head out of the window of the tank. He was shocked to see that the fender on the tank was bent inwards were Mitchy had been leaning on it. "Holy shit. Hey kid how the hell did you do that?"
That Marduk wasn't the only one asking that question. A crowd of people who had seen the rescue had started to form a circle around Mitchy asking lots of questions.
"That was amazing. Was it some sort of trick?" One man asked.
"Oh what a little cutie you are. I wish I had such a brave boy like you for a son." A group of women exclaimed.
A man pushed his way through the crowd and literally pushed a pencil and a pad of paper in Mitchy's face. "Hey kid, I'm from the Metropolitan Times newspaper. Tell me, how does it feel now to be a hero. And how did you manage to stop a tank?"
"Yea that's what we would like to know too." A couple of Marduk's that had been standing on the other side of the road when it happened looked at Mitchy with suspicion. This was beginning to make Mitchy nervous. He had never had to answer so many questions without Laughton by his side.
Before Mitchy could say anything a hand grabbed onto his and pulled him through the sea of people and behind one of the buildings. Mitchy looked at his rescuer and was surprised to find it was the girl that he himself had just rescued. She had reddish brown hair that was covered at the side by a red hat. She wore a torn white blouse and a short black dress that had seen better days and a white bow at the back. And hanging off her shoulders in front of her was the box of flowers she had dropped on the street. It was full of the prettiest flowers Mitchy had ever seen.
"Hello, my name is Emmy. I thought you could use a little help back there. And I just wanted to thank you for saving me. I don't know how you did it? But thank you."
"Um, our welcome." Mitchy said as his cheeks turned bright red. Emmy giggled.
"Your cute when you blush." She said as she reached into her box of flowers and produced a single white rose. "Here you can have this. No charge."
"Gee thank you." Mitchy sniffed the flower but stopped when he heard Laughton's voice calling for him. "I've got to go. My Grandfather's calling for me. See yea."
As Mitchy turned and left, Emmy remembered something. "Hey I don't know what your name is." She called out. But Mitchy was already gone. ** Later inside one of the Ziggurats living rooms...
Dr. Laughton paced back and forth inside the small room waiting for Duke Red. Mitchy sat on one of the sofa's examining the rose he held in this hand.
"Mitchy, now many times have I told you not to go running off on your own?" Dr. Laughton tried not to shout out too loud.
Mitchy thought about it for a moment. "Twenty times I think Grandpa." Mitchy said with a smile.
Laughton sighed and started chewing on his thumb again. Glancing up he noticed a picture hanging over the fireplace of a beautiful woman about twenty years old. Laughton stared at the picture with a puzzled look on his face.
"Hmm. Strange. She looks exactly like... But that can't be. She's too old to be my girl?"
Dr. Laughton then heard the living room door open and Duke Red walked in. And boy, he did not look happy. Mitchy scrunched up his nose at Duke Red. He still thought that man with the huge nose was weird.
Duke Red glared down at Mitchy. "What is he doing here?" He said in a booming voice.
"Please Duke Red sir." Dr. Laughton stammered. "He's my assistant. He helps me when I need him."
"Well he will be of no help to you right now. And I don't want him to hear this conversation! Make him leave. Now!"
Laughton sighed. "Very well. Mitchy go outside the room and wait for me there. And don't wander off ok?"
"Yes Dr. Laughton." Mitchy replied with a small bow. This time he remembered not to call Dr. Laughton Grandpa.
After Mitchy left and the doors were closed, Duke Red returned to glaring at the short Doctor. "Alright Laughton. I'm through with waiting. Where is she?"
"Now, now sir. You must be patient. Rome wasn't built in a day you know." Laughton thought for a moment. "But then again either was metropolis I suppose." Laughton chuckled at his own joke.
Laughton stopped laughing when he saw Duke Red wasn't laughing. Red jammed his nose into Laughton's face and jabbed him in the chest with his finger. "I am not in a joking mood Laughton. And let us not forget that you have a police warrant for your arrest hanging over your head. Now when will she be ready?"
"Umm... possibly by the opening of the Ziggurat celebration sir. But I'm not sure..." **
As the two continued talking, Mitchy stood in the hallway outside, staring at a picture. He knew that he had only been here a few minutes, but it felt like hours. Mitchy was getting bored, so he decided to explore the Ziggurat. Laughton would understand if he knew how boring it was just standing here. Mitchy quickly turned around to go and smacked right into Rock coming the other way. Both landed on the floor in a heap. Mitchy sat up and discovered that he was sitting on Rock. Rock also sat up, but only partly since Mitchy was on top of him. Rock's glasses were slanted to the side, showing his one shocked eye but still covering the other. Mitchy saw this and started to giggle.
"Your funny mister." He giggled.
The two quickly got up and brushed themselves off. Rock adjusted his glasses and glared at the boy. "Ok kid. Just who the hell are you and what are you doing here?"
"My names Mitchy and I came here with Dr. Laughton to talk to Duke Red" Mitchy croaked his head to the side as he looked Rock over "Who are you?"
Rock was a little taken back by the boy's innocent appearance and manner. He was also suspicious about the name Laughton. He knew he had heard that name somewhere before. Rock put that thought aside and smiled at the boy. "My names Rock. Nice to meet you Mitchy."
Before either one could say anything else, the living room's doors opened and Duke Red and Laughton stepped out.
"I'll be seeing you in about a couple of weeks shan't I?" Duke Red asked Laughton.
Dr. Laughton nodded his head and motioned for Mitchy to follow him. Mitchy waved goodbye to Rock and followed Laughton towards the door leading out. Rock watched as they left. Not only was he sure that he had heard the name Laughton before, but also recognized his face.
"Rock come in here. We need to talk." Duke Red spoke from the doorway to the living room.
Rock followed Duke Red in and took a comfy seat on the couch opposite of Duke Red.
"So Rock, what's this about your Marduk's picking fights with the execution force?" **
"I don't believe this!" Darrel growled as he slammed his fist onto the table. "How dare that bastard say that we started harassing his men."
Darrel, Hudson, Mirum and Gregory were all sitting around the table trying to relax at their favorite bar, the Metropolitan Bar. It wasn't working. After what Rock had told them about his conversation with Polar they were all still pretty steamed.
"The next time I see Polar... Boom! Right in the kisser." Darrel demonstrated by slamming his fist into his hand.
"Now hold on there. Remember what Rock said? As long as we steer clear of Polar and the rest of the execution force then we shouldn't have any more problems. Ok?" Mirum said hoping to calm the anger about ready to boil over in Darrel.
"Mirum's right." Hudson spoke between sips of his beer. "As long as we don't pick a fight with them no one with get hurt."
Darrel growled.
Gregory looked up from his beer. "We don't hurt them and they don't hurt us. That sounds reasonable." He said and went back to drinking.
Darrel growled even more. "I don't believe you guys. Here these bastards are spreading lies about us and all you have to say is leave them alone? Are you guys pussy wiped or something? Hey are you even listening to me?" Darrel snapped and glared at Gregory who's attention seemed drawn someplace else.
"Heads up guys." Gregory muttered under his breath.
Everyone turned around and were shocked to see the higher ranking members of the execution force walking into their bar. The first one to walk in was Darien. He was twenty-four with orange hair that fell over his face and a lopsided grin. He was considered the second in command of the group and had a hatred for Rock just like Polar. Mirum hated him the most. The next was Arnold, a curly brown hared man with bangs at the front. He was the muscle of the group. San was the next one. He had purple hair that was flopped to one side of his face and was their best marksman. The last was Donald. He too had purple hair but it was a lighter shade and he was their technical adviser who showed them exactly how to destroy certain robots. All of them were about the same age and all of them were bad to the bone.
"Well speak of the devil." Hudson sighed at the site of them.
Darrel started to get up to face them, but Mirum held him back. "No. Remember what Rock said. No fighting! Let's not disappoint him."
Darrel muttered to himself "dam Rock" and sat back down to finish his beer. By now the execution force had noticed them and was heading straight for them.
"Now remember guys keep your cool. Ignore them and they'll just go away." Mirum quietly reminded the others.
"Well, well, well. If it isn't are favorite group of losers." Darien taunted them as he lend over and placed a hand on Mirum's shoulder. Mirum didn't move a mussel. "Listen, there's a rumor going around that the Vampires beat you guys to the punch today and saved another robot. This isn't true is it?"
No one said anything. "I thought so." Darien snickered. The rest of the execution force began taunting them as well.
"Ahh. What happened? Did the little baby's get scared and wet themselves?" San laughed.
"Yea did you go to the Vampires crying about how the little robots hurt you?" Arnold stepped in.
"You guys are pathetic. Why don't you leave the really robot patrol's to us?" Donald spat at them.
Even though they were on the verge of blowing their tops, none of the Marduk's said a word and kept their cool. But old Darien knew exactly what buttons to push to set them off. Especially Mirum's.
"Well at least you guys know how to take care of yourselves. Not like that fool Rock." Everyone except Mirum glared at Darien. "He didn't even put up a fight against the Vampires and they were being led by a woman. What a wimp. Well it just goes to show you how stupid Duke Red is for letting a bastards child run the Marduk party."
Mirum eyes snapped open and his body tensed as he took a sip of his beer. Everyone watched and waited to see what he would do. No one was more protective over their captain and leader then Mirum and to hear Darien say that about Rock and Duke Red would certainly make anyone's blood boil over. But Mirum's body just relaxed and he continued to drink. The Marduk's frowned, while Darien and the others smirked.
"I knew you didn't have the balls to do anything loser." Darien and the others started laughing.
Mirum finished off his beer and started to stand up. At first it looked like he was getting up to leave, but instead he turned around and punched Darien right in the face. Darien reeled back and crashed onto a table behind him.
"Never will you ever talk about my captain and chief like that. Never again." Mirum shouted as he punched Darien in the face again.
And that's what started the barroom brawl. Everyone stared throwing punches at each other.
Darrel grinned as he through that bastard Donald through the window of the bar. "O yea. Mirum was right. Just ignore them and they do go away." He laughed as he pounced on Donald and started to beat the crap out of him. **
Back at the Marduk central command Rock was in the Marduk training room watching the newest members train. All of the newest Marduk's wore green turtleneck sweaters, and were considered Marduk Apprentices. They were not allowed to carry guns, but stunners until they had graduated to the next rank. The Marduk's that had been here longer and were allowed to carry guns wore blue turtlenecks and were considered Marines. And Marduk's wearing the color red, (like Rock), were Marduk Captains.
As Rock watched the apprentices doing their firing exercises a young apprentice about nine years old ran up to him. His name was Tom but everyone just called him Tommy. He was a cute kid with blond hair and bright blue eyes. He was one of Mirum's younger brothers and Tommy wanted desperately to become a Marduk just like his older brother.
"Rock Rock!" He shouted. "Did you see me? Did you see me? I hit my target three times in the head."
"Yes I did see that Tommy. Well done." Rock said smiling at him. Tommy was a good kid and it was hard not to feel happy around him. Even for Rock.
"So do I get to us a real gun now? Can I Rock?" Tommy asked hopefully.
Rock sighed. "Tommy we been through this all before. You know that the only way your going to get your first real gun is when you become a marine. Your still to young to have a gun now."
"Ah man." Tommy said disappointed.
Just then one of the few female members of the Marduk party came running towards Rock. She was a young marine with black hair and looked completely out of breath. "Rock." She gasped. "A group of our Marduk's have started a fight with members of the execution force down at the Metropolitan Bar."
"Ah shit!" Rock growled under his breath. "Just what I don't need. You..." he said pointing to the marine reporting to him. "And you." he finished pointing to a red headed girl marine. "I want you two to come with me and help me break up this fight!"
The two Marduk's nodded their heads and started following Rock to where the Marduk tanks were parked. Tommy started to follow them.
"Can I come with you?" He called out hopefully.
"Sorry Tommy. You have to stay here. It's not safe." Rock shouted back as he and the others sped off leave a disappointed Tommy behind. **
Back at the bar, the fight had now taken to the streets. All the windows of the bar were now broken. Even the door had been torn off its hinges. Darrel was still beating up on Donald on the street corner. Gregory was lying on his back trying his best to hold off Arnold from hitting him. Hudson had just knocked out San and was trying to pull himself off the ground. And Mirum was still beating the crap out of Darien. Blood trickled down the corners of each other's mouths and both were covered in bruises. Mirum had Darien by his shirt and had his arm raised and fist ready to punch Darien in the face.
"Take it back!" Mirum shouted at Darien. "About what you said about Rock!"
"Never." Darien sneered.
"Take it back!"
"No!"
Mirum angrily bashed Darien in the face with his fist and started beating him again. Hudson sat on the ground watching the fight and holding is aching jaw after being punched by San. That's when he saw them.
"Oh hell." He gasped but he wasn't able to warn the others.
"Stop it!"
Everyone jumped ten feet into the air and turned around to find an angry Rock and the two girl Marduk's standing a few feet from them.
"See sir. Just look at what they did to this place." The Marduk with the black hair gasped.
"Oh boy are you guys in trouble." The red hared Marduk snickered.
Rock said nothing but glared at his fellow Marduk's. Even if they couldn't see Rock's eyes they could see the anger in his tense body.
"Uh oh." Was all they could say.
To be continued....
Next time on metropolis: Well the Marduk's have done it again. I hope Rock won't be too hard on them. But what is he going to tell Duke Red about his Marduk's actions? Stay tuned to find out.
Writer's comment: Sorry for the lack of updates. I had recently started a new job, but it was crap. Big time. I quit not too long ago. Here's a piece of advice, never, ever work at a warehouse. It's the worst. It was like one of those workhouses on TV. Anyway back to the story. Yes to all those who have seen the original manga, Mitchy is based on the original robot that could change his sexual appearance. I did a drawing of him and if I ever figure out my site I'll post it up. Second, the Emmy I'm talking about in this episode is not the Emmy you see in the movie. But she is in the original manga. She's a girl who first befriends Mitchy. A woman who plays (I think Emmy's mother), in the manga looks more like the one in the movie. Go figure? Any way I'm trying to figure out whom Rock should fall in love with. Ruriko the girl from the vampires or one of my own characters? Perhaps a robot? Review to tell me what you think. P.S. Just so you know the first few chapters are explaining some the characters before getting to the plot. It's kind of like a rewrite of how I think the movie should have gone.
Plot: Shunsaku Ban came to metropolis to solve one simple case, only to find himself involved in saving the world. As a power-struggle begins between opposing forces over a mythical creature and the power to conquer the world, the question of what it means to be human, to be alive comes into play. Dedicated to Osamu Tezuka.
Chapter 3: Fistfights
By: rockofmarduk
Last time on metropolis: Upon arriving back at Marduk headquarters, Rock met up with Duke Red and Polar (head of the Marduk execution force). Of coarse either one was pleased with Rock's tangle with that robot. Things got even worse when Rock and some of his Marduk's met up with the Vampires, a group bent on stopping the Marduk's from destroying the robots they have sworn to protect. Boy things are just getting crazier here in metropolis. **
As the day was slowly turning to dusk, two figures made their way towards the Ziggurat. One was an old man with a large white mustache and balding white hair. He looked to be about fifty or sixty and had a metallic monocle planted in his right eye. The other was a boy of sixteen, wearing a floppy hat and baggy clothes that didn't properly fit him.
"Mitchy please keep up. We can't keep Duke Red waiting." The old man grumbled as he watched the boy play hopscotch with himself.
"But Grandpa Laughton, why do we have to see that man again? He's kind-of scary." Mitchy's dark blue eyes looked at his protector for answers.
Dr. Charles Laughton fumbled with his hat in his hands and chewed on his thumb. An old habit that he hadn't quite grown out of yet. "Because Mitchy for me to bring your little Tima into his world we need Duke Red's money and technology. Without it she cannot be born."
"Tima." Mitchy repeated quietly as his mind went back to the person resting in its tub.
"And please remember not to call me grandpa in-front of Duke Red. It's safer for both of us if you don't." Dr Laughton started to continue but was stopped when hey both heard a strange cry.
Turning the corner they saw a young girl sprawled out in the middle of the street. She had tripped and fallen, knocking over her box of flowers that she had been carrying. That was the bad news. The real bad news was one of the Marduk tanks were heading straight for her. The drivers had no idea she was even lying on the road. Mitchy became a blur as he ran across the road towards the fallen girl.
"Mitchy wait come back!" Laughton called to him but he was too far away to hear him.
Just as the girl was about to be squashed by the tank, Mitchy jumped in front of it and using his back and hands tried to stop the tank. Mitchy's feet dug into the pavement as he pressed the rest of his body against the tank. Finally the tank slowed and stopped, just inches from where the girl sat. Mitchy collapsed to his knees and let out a sigh of relief. So did Laughton.
"Hey kid are you all right?" The Marduk driving the tank said as he stuck his head out of the window of the tank. He was shocked to see that the fender on the tank was bent inwards were Mitchy had been leaning on it. "Holy shit. Hey kid how the hell did you do that?"
That Marduk wasn't the only one asking that question. A crowd of people who had seen the rescue had started to form a circle around Mitchy asking lots of questions.
"That was amazing. Was it some sort of trick?" One man asked.
"Oh what a little cutie you are. I wish I had such a brave boy like you for a son." A group of women exclaimed.
A man pushed his way through the crowd and literally pushed a pencil and a pad of paper in Mitchy's face. "Hey kid, I'm from the Metropolitan Times newspaper. Tell me, how does it feel now to be a hero. And how did you manage to stop a tank?"
"Yea that's what we would like to know too." A couple of Marduk's that had been standing on the other side of the road when it happened looked at Mitchy with suspicion. This was beginning to make Mitchy nervous. He had never had to answer so many questions without Laughton by his side.
Before Mitchy could say anything a hand grabbed onto his and pulled him through the sea of people and behind one of the buildings. Mitchy looked at his rescuer and was surprised to find it was the girl that he himself had just rescued. She had reddish brown hair that was covered at the side by a red hat. She wore a torn white blouse and a short black dress that had seen better days and a white bow at the back. And hanging off her shoulders in front of her was the box of flowers she had dropped on the street. It was full of the prettiest flowers Mitchy had ever seen.
"Hello, my name is Emmy. I thought you could use a little help back there. And I just wanted to thank you for saving me. I don't know how you did it? But thank you."
"Um, our welcome." Mitchy said as his cheeks turned bright red. Emmy giggled.
"Your cute when you blush." She said as she reached into her box of flowers and produced a single white rose. "Here you can have this. No charge."
"Gee thank you." Mitchy sniffed the flower but stopped when he heard Laughton's voice calling for him. "I've got to go. My Grandfather's calling for me. See yea."
As Mitchy turned and left, Emmy remembered something. "Hey I don't know what your name is." She called out. But Mitchy was already gone. ** Later inside one of the Ziggurats living rooms...
Dr. Laughton paced back and forth inside the small room waiting for Duke Red. Mitchy sat on one of the sofa's examining the rose he held in this hand.
"Mitchy, now many times have I told you not to go running off on your own?" Dr. Laughton tried not to shout out too loud.
Mitchy thought about it for a moment. "Twenty times I think Grandpa." Mitchy said with a smile.
Laughton sighed and started chewing on his thumb again. Glancing up he noticed a picture hanging over the fireplace of a beautiful woman about twenty years old. Laughton stared at the picture with a puzzled look on his face.
"Hmm. Strange. She looks exactly like... But that can't be. She's too old to be my girl?"
Dr. Laughton then heard the living room door open and Duke Red walked in. And boy, he did not look happy. Mitchy scrunched up his nose at Duke Red. He still thought that man with the huge nose was weird.
Duke Red glared down at Mitchy. "What is he doing here?" He said in a booming voice.
"Please Duke Red sir." Dr. Laughton stammered. "He's my assistant. He helps me when I need him."
"Well he will be of no help to you right now. And I don't want him to hear this conversation! Make him leave. Now!"
Laughton sighed. "Very well. Mitchy go outside the room and wait for me there. And don't wander off ok?"
"Yes Dr. Laughton." Mitchy replied with a small bow. This time he remembered not to call Dr. Laughton Grandpa.
After Mitchy left and the doors were closed, Duke Red returned to glaring at the short Doctor. "Alright Laughton. I'm through with waiting. Where is she?"
"Now, now sir. You must be patient. Rome wasn't built in a day you know." Laughton thought for a moment. "But then again either was metropolis I suppose." Laughton chuckled at his own joke.
Laughton stopped laughing when he saw Duke Red wasn't laughing. Red jammed his nose into Laughton's face and jabbed him in the chest with his finger. "I am not in a joking mood Laughton. And let us not forget that you have a police warrant for your arrest hanging over your head. Now when will she be ready?"
"Umm... possibly by the opening of the Ziggurat celebration sir. But I'm not sure..." **
As the two continued talking, Mitchy stood in the hallway outside, staring at a picture. He knew that he had only been here a few minutes, but it felt like hours. Mitchy was getting bored, so he decided to explore the Ziggurat. Laughton would understand if he knew how boring it was just standing here. Mitchy quickly turned around to go and smacked right into Rock coming the other way. Both landed on the floor in a heap. Mitchy sat up and discovered that he was sitting on Rock. Rock also sat up, but only partly since Mitchy was on top of him. Rock's glasses were slanted to the side, showing his one shocked eye but still covering the other. Mitchy saw this and started to giggle.
"Your funny mister." He giggled.
The two quickly got up and brushed themselves off. Rock adjusted his glasses and glared at the boy. "Ok kid. Just who the hell are you and what are you doing here?"
"My names Mitchy and I came here with Dr. Laughton to talk to Duke Red" Mitchy croaked his head to the side as he looked Rock over "Who are you?"
Rock was a little taken back by the boy's innocent appearance and manner. He was also suspicious about the name Laughton. He knew he had heard that name somewhere before. Rock put that thought aside and smiled at the boy. "My names Rock. Nice to meet you Mitchy."
Before either one could say anything else, the living room's doors opened and Duke Red and Laughton stepped out.
"I'll be seeing you in about a couple of weeks shan't I?" Duke Red asked Laughton.
Dr. Laughton nodded his head and motioned for Mitchy to follow him. Mitchy waved goodbye to Rock and followed Laughton towards the door leading out. Rock watched as they left. Not only was he sure that he had heard the name Laughton before, but also recognized his face.
"Rock come in here. We need to talk." Duke Red spoke from the doorway to the living room.
Rock followed Duke Red in and took a comfy seat on the couch opposite of Duke Red.
"So Rock, what's this about your Marduk's picking fights with the execution force?" **
"I don't believe this!" Darrel growled as he slammed his fist onto the table. "How dare that bastard say that we started harassing his men."
Darrel, Hudson, Mirum and Gregory were all sitting around the table trying to relax at their favorite bar, the Metropolitan Bar. It wasn't working. After what Rock had told them about his conversation with Polar they were all still pretty steamed.
"The next time I see Polar... Boom! Right in the kisser." Darrel demonstrated by slamming his fist into his hand.
"Now hold on there. Remember what Rock said? As long as we steer clear of Polar and the rest of the execution force then we shouldn't have any more problems. Ok?" Mirum said hoping to calm the anger about ready to boil over in Darrel.
"Mirum's right." Hudson spoke between sips of his beer. "As long as we don't pick a fight with them no one with get hurt."
Darrel growled.
Gregory looked up from his beer. "We don't hurt them and they don't hurt us. That sounds reasonable." He said and went back to drinking.
Darrel growled even more. "I don't believe you guys. Here these bastards are spreading lies about us and all you have to say is leave them alone? Are you guys pussy wiped or something? Hey are you even listening to me?" Darrel snapped and glared at Gregory who's attention seemed drawn someplace else.
"Heads up guys." Gregory muttered under his breath.
Everyone turned around and were shocked to see the higher ranking members of the execution force walking into their bar. The first one to walk in was Darien. He was twenty-four with orange hair that fell over his face and a lopsided grin. He was considered the second in command of the group and had a hatred for Rock just like Polar. Mirum hated him the most. The next was Arnold, a curly brown hared man with bangs at the front. He was the muscle of the group. San was the next one. He had purple hair that was flopped to one side of his face and was their best marksman. The last was Donald. He too had purple hair but it was a lighter shade and he was their technical adviser who showed them exactly how to destroy certain robots. All of them were about the same age and all of them were bad to the bone.
"Well speak of the devil." Hudson sighed at the site of them.
Darrel started to get up to face them, but Mirum held him back. "No. Remember what Rock said. No fighting! Let's not disappoint him."
Darrel muttered to himself "dam Rock" and sat back down to finish his beer. By now the execution force had noticed them and was heading straight for them.
"Now remember guys keep your cool. Ignore them and they'll just go away." Mirum quietly reminded the others.
"Well, well, well. If it isn't are favorite group of losers." Darien taunted them as he lend over and placed a hand on Mirum's shoulder. Mirum didn't move a mussel. "Listen, there's a rumor going around that the Vampires beat you guys to the punch today and saved another robot. This isn't true is it?"
No one said anything. "I thought so." Darien snickered. The rest of the execution force began taunting them as well.
"Ahh. What happened? Did the little baby's get scared and wet themselves?" San laughed.
"Yea did you go to the Vampires crying about how the little robots hurt you?" Arnold stepped in.
"You guys are pathetic. Why don't you leave the really robot patrol's to us?" Donald spat at them.
Even though they were on the verge of blowing their tops, none of the Marduk's said a word and kept their cool. But old Darien knew exactly what buttons to push to set them off. Especially Mirum's.
"Well at least you guys know how to take care of yourselves. Not like that fool Rock." Everyone except Mirum glared at Darien. "He didn't even put up a fight against the Vampires and they were being led by a woman. What a wimp. Well it just goes to show you how stupid Duke Red is for letting a bastards child run the Marduk party."
Mirum eyes snapped open and his body tensed as he took a sip of his beer. Everyone watched and waited to see what he would do. No one was more protective over their captain and leader then Mirum and to hear Darien say that about Rock and Duke Red would certainly make anyone's blood boil over. But Mirum's body just relaxed and he continued to drink. The Marduk's frowned, while Darien and the others smirked.
"I knew you didn't have the balls to do anything loser." Darien and the others started laughing.
Mirum finished off his beer and started to stand up. At first it looked like he was getting up to leave, but instead he turned around and punched Darien right in the face. Darien reeled back and crashed onto a table behind him.
"Never will you ever talk about my captain and chief like that. Never again." Mirum shouted as he punched Darien in the face again.
And that's what started the barroom brawl. Everyone stared throwing punches at each other.
Darrel grinned as he through that bastard Donald through the window of the bar. "O yea. Mirum was right. Just ignore them and they do go away." He laughed as he pounced on Donald and started to beat the crap out of him. **
Back at the Marduk central command Rock was in the Marduk training room watching the newest members train. All of the newest Marduk's wore green turtleneck sweaters, and were considered Marduk Apprentices. They were not allowed to carry guns, but stunners until they had graduated to the next rank. The Marduk's that had been here longer and were allowed to carry guns wore blue turtlenecks and were considered Marines. And Marduk's wearing the color red, (like Rock), were Marduk Captains.
As Rock watched the apprentices doing their firing exercises a young apprentice about nine years old ran up to him. His name was Tom but everyone just called him Tommy. He was a cute kid with blond hair and bright blue eyes. He was one of Mirum's younger brothers and Tommy wanted desperately to become a Marduk just like his older brother.
"Rock Rock!" He shouted. "Did you see me? Did you see me? I hit my target three times in the head."
"Yes I did see that Tommy. Well done." Rock said smiling at him. Tommy was a good kid and it was hard not to feel happy around him. Even for Rock.
"So do I get to us a real gun now? Can I Rock?" Tommy asked hopefully.
Rock sighed. "Tommy we been through this all before. You know that the only way your going to get your first real gun is when you become a marine. Your still to young to have a gun now."
"Ah man." Tommy said disappointed.
Just then one of the few female members of the Marduk party came running towards Rock. She was a young marine with black hair and looked completely out of breath. "Rock." She gasped. "A group of our Marduk's have started a fight with members of the execution force down at the Metropolitan Bar."
"Ah shit!" Rock growled under his breath. "Just what I don't need. You..." he said pointing to the marine reporting to him. "And you." he finished pointing to a red headed girl marine. "I want you two to come with me and help me break up this fight!"
The two Marduk's nodded their heads and started following Rock to where the Marduk tanks were parked. Tommy started to follow them.
"Can I come with you?" He called out hopefully.
"Sorry Tommy. You have to stay here. It's not safe." Rock shouted back as he and the others sped off leave a disappointed Tommy behind. **
Back at the bar, the fight had now taken to the streets. All the windows of the bar were now broken. Even the door had been torn off its hinges. Darrel was still beating up on Donald on the street corner. Gregory was lying on his back trying his best to hold off Arnold from hitting him. Hudson had just knocked out San and was trying to pull himself off the ground. And Mirum was still beating the crap out of Darien. Blood trickled down the corners of each other's mouths and both were covered in bruises. Mirum had Darien by his shirt and had his arm raised and fist ready to punch Darien in the face.
"Take it back!" Mirum shouted at Darien. "About what you said about Rock!"
"Never." Darien sneered.
"Take it back!"
"No!"
Mirum angrily bashed Darien in the face with his fist and started beating him again. Hudson sat on the ground watching the fight and holding is aching jaw after being punched by San. That's when he saw them.
"Oh hell." He gasped but he wasn't able to warn the others.
"Stop it!"
Everyone jumped ten feet into the air and turned around to find an angry Rock and the two girl Marduk's standing a few feet from them.
"See sir. Just look at what they did to this place." The Marduk with the black hair gasped.
"Oh boy are you guys in trouble." The red hared Marduk snickered.
Rock said nothing but glared at his fellow Marduk's. Even if they couldn't see Rock's eyes they could see the anger in his tense body.
"Uh oh." Was all they could say.
To be continued....
Next time on metropolis: Well the Marduk's have done it again. I hope Rock won't be too hard on them. But what is he going to tell Duke Red about his Marduk's actions? Stay tuned to find out.
Writer's comment: Sorry for the lack of updates. I had recently started a new job, but it was crap. Big time. I quit not too long ago. Here's a piece of advice, never, ever work at a warehouse. It's the worst. It was like one of those workhouses on TV. Anyway back to the story. Yes to all those who have seen the original manga, Mitchy is based on the original robot that could change his sexual appearance. I did a drawing of him and if I ever figure out my site I'll post it up. Second, the Emmy I'm talking about in this episode is not the Emmy you see in the movie. But she is in the original manga. She's a girl who first befriends Mitchy. A woman who plays (I think Emmy's mother), in the manga looks more like the one in the movie. Go figure? Any way I'm trying to figure out whom Rock should fall in love with. Ruriko the girl from the vampires or one of my own characters? Perhaps a robot? Review to tell me what you think. P.S. Just so you know the first few chapters are explaining some the characters before getting to the plot. It's kind of like a rewrite of how I think the movie should have gone.
