Metropolis
Revelation, Reflections, and Resurrection
Chapter 2
Uncle's Words of Comfort and Encouragement
This chapter will touch on Shunsaku and the past between him and Kenichi. It will also address the oncoming letter written in the last chapter and how the private detective reaches out to his nephew. Chapter 2 takes place a few days after Chapter 1.
Detective Shunsaku Ban had been in Tokyo for a month and there were a lot of things that had to be done before he could go home. However, the detective as he works on closing the case of Dr. Laughton, he can't for a second get his mind off Kenichi. As the Detective sits behind his desk he stops working, and leans back in his chair to think.
Shunsaku's POV
"Kenichi," the detective says to himself as ponders over the past and how far he and Kenichi have come from being total strangers to becoming a family. "It feels like yesterday, you couldn't stand being around me, you wouldn't say a word to me and I thought that this relationship would be all for naught and now look at you. I'm back home while you made the decision to stay in Metropolis." (Author's POV) The Detective remembers when Kenichi was very young and timid did not say too much. (Shunsaku's POV) I remember how I ask a question and you would say words like fine and okay to quickly drop the matter but deep down I felt something else was wrong. I still don't know what the problem was, but you did not trust me and kept your distance.
I do remember one incident when you came home and ran to your room. I was in the living room tending to paperwork, I called for you but you ran to your room and locked the door. I got up went to your door asking to be let in, I ended up talking in the hallway. I remember telling you that it has been hard trying to move forward without your mother and I know how you felt. You and I have not had the best relationship and it has been tough. I know its hard trying to get adjusted to a new environment and trying to live on but you are not alone. It has been hard on me to lose my sister but God has given me someone to remember her by and that someone is you. I wish that your mother was here but all we have in this world is each other and we must make the best of it. We have to work together, be able to communicate and trust one another. Give me a chance to help you deal with whatever bothering you. I will not watch you live your life in the past, keep your issues to yourself and be depressed. I love you Kenichi, and I will do anything to help you get through your pain but give me the chance to be not just your uncle but your friend. After saying those words I noticed the door had opened, I stepped back I saw Kenichi was standing in the doorway. Kenichi had tears in his eyes, I went over and held him in my arms telling him you are never alone. After that I too shed tears because at that moment Kenichi had finally allowed to me to be part of his life.
Author's POV
Shunsaku sits up to look at his clock and realized that it was getting late. The detective decided to take some the incomplete work home to finish but as he leaves for the night Kenichi was still on his mind. He leaves the office and takes the train home while on the train he begins to thumb through the files concerning Dr. Laughton and his ties to Duke Red. Shunsaku just sits there and thinks about Metropolis and what would the future bring for the now shattered city. He remembers the fascist style of attacks the Marduks conducted on robots. He remembers the sentiments of the citizens in Zone 1 and how fed up they were to have their future stomped on by the state. Shunsaku concluded that unless Metropolis changes its way there will be no closure. Metropolis regardless of how many times it's rebuilt, the city will collapse and those same issues that caused its destruction will multiply.
Shunsaku get off the train with a briefcase of files and papers heading home. When the detective arrives, he opens the mailbox and grabs the mail. The Detective with his briefcase and the mail struggles to open the door. Shunsaku puts the briefcase down and manages to open the door with the mail in the one hand and key in another. After Shunsaku opens the door he flips through the mail discarding the junk mail. While checking his mail he forgets about the briefcase and hurries to retrieve it. As the detective went to the door for his briefcase, the mail he sat on the table fell on the floor. When Shunsaku returned he noticed the mail on the floor has he went to gather up the mail, a letter from Metropolis grabs his attention.
Shunsaku's POV
When I saw the letter I was stunned, how can the mail in Metropolis be in circulation when it's completely in ruins. I looked at the front of the envelope and saw my name and then I saw Kenichi's name right over the top of the source the mailing address, Hotel Coconut. I dropped everything and sat down excited that my nephew has already sent me a letter, I opened it and began reading. As I read I was excited about the progress Kenichi and the worker robots have made finding Tima' parts. When Kenichi mentioned the notebook I couldn't help but look over at my briefcase because I was in possession of Dr. Laughton's notebook. When I interrupted Duke Red and informed Tima what would happen if she merged with the thrown Duke Red confronted me. I show him how I knew of Tima's inner and outer workings by throwing the book down, but why Duke Red did not retrieve the book I do not have a clue. But when everybody started to file out when Tima announced her intention to destroy the human race I retrieved the book. Now it is obvious that in order to bring Tima back Kenichi will need the notebook to assist him.
I read on to find out that Mr. Notalin was reinstated by Mayor Lyon as Police Superintendent. I was happy that Mr. Notarlin authorized to have Pero rebuilt for his attempt to peacefully stop the revolution. But as I read on I noticed Kenichi was not saying anything about himself he was writing about all the good news with the city and Tima. Not to say it's bad but when a letter is in a form that talks about the good first not the bad it often leads to something wrong. But I wanted to know how is Kenichi doing? How is he dealing with his loss because deep down I know he and Tima were very close. When I did not see Tima by Kenichi's side after the Ziggurat's explosion I knew the inevitable had happened. I want to know how Kenichi taking care of himself in a city that is torn by its political, social, and industrial problems as well the soon emotional and psychological state of the people. But it did not take long to get to the point in which some of the bad news would be told.
When read the last words of the last sentence, "but lately some other news has not been so good" I knew something was wrong in Metropolis and Kenichi needed somebody to reach out to and that someone was me, his uncle. I took a deep breath before reading as I then began to read what was troubling Kenichi. The first thing I read was how he managed to free Tima from the throne. I was terribly upset when I read of how Tima died and when the robots gathered around Kenichi with Tima's parts chanting her name. I continue to read on when came across the reason why Kenichi chose to stay in Metropolis. I never knew why Kenichi decided to stay in Metropolis and I was not going to push him on the matter. What really grabbed my attention was when Kenichi blamed himself for not being able to defend Tima. It became painfully clear that Kenichi was in mourning and he was now writing this letter to me as a cry for help. I read on to discover some of the signs of Kenichi's suffering, from blaming himself for things that was out of hands to sleep deprivation. When I reach the part of the letter about the bond being formed that also told me that Tima meant a lot to Kenichi and vice versa.
Kenichi's letter as I read on got to the part that was main reason for him writing because he misses both Tima and I. And now Kenichi needs me to help him so he can bring back his friend and companion. I would read the rest carefully as he asked for my return in Metropolis and Kenichi's words of thanks for being there for him and for his upbringing. When I reached the end of the letter, I closed it and placed it on the table. I sat in the chair, thinking about what to do, I had to close the case of Dr. Laughton. But Kenichi needs my help but it does not mean I have to leave right away. (Author's POV) After an hour of thinking and consideration of his obligations to his uncle and as well to his clients, the detective made his decision. (Shunsaku's POV) For right now I will finish closing the case on Laughton and I will send Kenichi the notebook and when I am finished then I will go to Metropolis. I remembered something in the letter about Kenichi wanting to help the city, deep down I too want to contribute to the cause. I remember when we first arrived in Metropolis how happy the people were as they welcomed us. I also remember the crowd during the Ziggurat celebration, and the outpouring of enthusiasm and patriotism that existed that is what I miss about Metropolis. When I left Metropolis and I looked down at the ruins from the plane, it felt as if something was telling me that this not goodbye for you will return one day. I know that one day I will return to Metropolis to be reunited with my nephew and with Tima but it will not be in the old Metropolis, but a new Metropolis. I just hope that with the new Metropolis, with the lessons from the past in mind, the word citizen will not only pertain to just humans but to robots. And Metropolis' true destiny will come to fruition.
Author's POV
Shunsaku rises from his chair with the letter in hand and heads to his desk where he keeps a notebook he opens it and as he opens it he looks at the pictures of him and Kenichi over the years. The detective now preparing to write to his nephew opens up the letter to guide him.
Dear Kenichi,
It has been a month since I have seen you and I miss you very much. I'm glad to hear that you and your friends have been successful in finding Tima's part. I have to tell you that the notebook is not in Metropolis, it is here with me. I remember you were still unconscious when Duke Red led Tima towards the throne. Tima was confused over what Duke Red said about her not being fully completed. Tima thought that her emotions, morality and her abilities to care and love others were enough to be human and nothing else. That when I cut in and told Tima what Duke Red was trying so hard to conceal about her merging with the throne to become an unemotional tool to rule the world. Duke Red asked me how I knew and showed him by revealing the notebook and I threw it down. It was when Tima announced that she would destroy the human race that everybody began filing out and you ran towards Tima. I grabbed the notebook, and since you need it Kenichi I will send it to Metropolis as soon as possible.
When I read the letter, Kenichi I was sadden to hear you were having problems dealing with Tima's death. I recall I telling you there was nothing we could do for Tima and that was not her, you didn't believe me because you had faith in her. When you pulled Tima from the throne and she tried to take your life you still had that unshakeable faith in her. Kenichi, when Tima regained control of herself you tried to save Tima but she lost her grip you still had faith in her. Kenichi you witness her life and her death and I am sorry to see you in such an emotional state. I want to make this point very clear to you Kenichi, is not your fault for what led to Tima's death. Kenichi you have blamed yourself for so much and you feel that you failed Tima, you are wrong. Tima knows what you have done and she would not want you remembering her this way. Kenichi when you lunged at Rock and he took you out Tima was there she saw what lengths you would go to protect her. Kenichi you told Tima to grab the gun, while you were struggling with Rock. Even as Tima stood there with the gun scared she was trying to protect you. And as Duke Red led her to the car she was worried about you. When I reactivated Tima after being kidnapped by Rock, she was asking for you wanting to know where you were. In the Ziggurat, Tima was the first person to see those Marduks dragged you in and held you as those Marduks let you go she was worried about you. These things I am telling you Kenichi, shows how Tima cares for you and just as you put your life on the line to save her, Tima has done the same for you. Kenichi do not do this to yourself or to Tima, she would want you to keep her memory alive, especially when you are determined to bring her back. Kenichi, you and your friends will succeed because of your determination. Kenichi use your determination as strength to take care of the business at hand. Kenichi, grieve for Tima take time to remember and mourn her passing but do not blame or deprive yourself of rest in the process. You have come a long way Kenichi now I need you to stand up and take charge of your life.
Kenichi I remember when you were little, you avoided me and chose to keep things to yourself. But after while Kenichi you to let me in and we dealt with whatever was bothering you. Now I need you to continue to open up for Tima's sake continue to talk to your friends in the movement. When I'm done with my work here in Tokyo I would like to thank your friends personally for helping you. I would like to comeback to Metropolis someday hopefully to live there because I do wish to help the city in someway. I figured Kenichi we both helped Metropolis in a way with the Ziggurat and the reaction from the robots as they stormed the place. But it will take time and the people must accept some the responsibility for what happened to their city and must accept that the time for change is now.
Kenichi I want you to continue to work on Tima and deal with your loss but do it right. I will get the notebook out to you as soon as possible. Continue to talk with your friends from the movement and stay strong. When I'm done in Tokyo I will come back to Metropolis but keep your head up. I want to thank you for the kind words you wrote in the letter. Most of the thanks goes to you Kenichi because like I said that day when I held you in that hallway that all we have is each other and we must make the best of it.
You can do it Kenichi, keep a clear mind and keep your eye on the task at hand. Kenichi the next time you're facing a problem and need help, deal with the problem when it occurs and not when it too late. Talk to your friends and write me when faced with a problem, what advice we have for you can and will be helpful to you. Tima and I may not be with you in presence but we will always be with you in spirit, get Tima rebuilt soon so all three of us can finally be reunited. I love you Kenichi and hope that everything will work out for you and if you did me for anything I am always here. And thank you for writing me my beloved nephew.
You can do it Kenichi I believe in you. Kenichi you will always be in my thoughts and my prayers, my nephew.
From your uncle with love,
Shunsaku Ban
Author's POV
After the detective wrote the letter he shed a tear knowing it had been a while he since he saw his nephew and happy and amazed of how far Kenichi and come. Shunsaku put the letter in an envelope to go to out with the rest of tomorrow's mail. As he put the finishing touches on the letter he shook his head and said, "You can do it Kenichi I truly believe in you." After he says those words Shunsaku thinking of his nephew and those last words in the letter bows his head and prays,
Shunsaku's POV
Father, I want to thank you for bringing Kenichi into my life. At first he was withdrawn and did not trust me but with your help he opened up and accepted me not just as an uncle but as a trusted friend. I thank you for all the experiences and memories that we have shared. And I am looking forward to more experiences not only with Kenichi but with Tima when they're reunited. Father, it has been a month since I've seen Kenichi and he's going through some hardships with the loss of Tima. Father please bless him and protect him. Father I ask that you to give him strength to deal with the problems he faces. Father let him know that he's never alone that I'm there in spirit and that you are watching over him. Father I ask that you help him in his efforts to bring back Tima guide his heart, his hands and his footsteps in my absence so that he is successful. Let him know that his uncle loves him and that one day all three of us will be reunited.
Father I ask that you to touch the citizens of Metropolis and help them through this tragedy. Touch them father, give them guidance to make the wrongs of the past right. Help the citizens realize that they are all affected by this tragedy and they will need to work together to get through their hardships. Father I ask that you bless Mayor Lyon, comfort him and help him overcome his emotional pain. Guide the mayor so he can lead the citizens and begin the painful and tough task of building a new Metropolis. I ask Father that you bless all parties in conflict to the leaders of anti-robot and anti-human groups to the members of the movement. Help them come to the table to work out their differences so they can too can help build a Metropolis for all to live and reap the rewards and the benefits that shall soon come. These things I ask in your name, Amen.
Author's POV
When Shunsaku is done praying, he leaves the living room for the kitchen to prepare his dinner. After preparing his dinner, Shunsaku takes his briefcase, plate and drink to his room for the night.
Author's Notes: I had some problems when the computer could not load this chapter from my floppy. So I had to run to the Community College to repair the disk hoping that this Chapter was not damaged in anyway thankfully there was none. Getting back to the chapter, the creator of Metropolis, Osamu Tezuka has not given history about Kenichi's family and how he and his uncle had gotten close over the years. So I created the best possible scenario that would describe the relationship between Kenichi and his uncle before coming to Metropolis. In the next chapter, Atlas gets released from the hospital and meets Kenichi since their run-in with Rock and the letter from his uncle arrives. As always please read and review your feedback and criticism is important to me in how I approach each chapter. I am writing this story as a sequel to the movie and your feedback helps me writes my ideas for each chapter before typing it. Until next time, I thank you for reading and for your patience P. Wimbs.