This story is a bit of an intermission between chapter 3 and 4, more of a 3.5. Anyways, enjoy!
Kitaroshi left Iota and Hiro with their parents, letting them spend what could be their final moments together.
Corvic, who was waiting outside, went to Kitaroshi's side and walked along side him.
"So, the promise is finally going to be fulfilled?" Corvic asked
Kitaroshi said, nothing, and yet his face said everything.
"Listen Juugo...we will fulfill the promise that our familys made. There is no need to pressure yourself now," Corvic said reassuringly
"Corvic, now is the time where I should pressure myself the most. This is the very moment that our familys had been waiting for, preparing for since the moment our ancestors, the survivors of the VIRM war, made the promise," Kitaroshi said with a serious tone
Corvic looked at Kitaroshi with calm eyes
"Juugo, I know just as well as you that this moment is probably the most important moment in both our family's history, and we can't forget about the others as well. They are part of the promise just as much as we are, their ancestors were part of that promise as well," Corvic said as he placed a hand on Kitaroshi's shoulder
"I know...the Kyujurokus, the Nihyakujuyons, all of them. They have a part in this just as much as we do, but this is my company, that machine is my work. If it fails, it means that I failed everyone, and I'll be damned if I'm the one that fails to keep the promise!" Kitaroshi said passionately as his pace quickened
Corvic garbed Kitaroshi's other should and stopped him from moving
"Juugo, listen to me, right now. You will not fail. For 16 years, we have been watching over them, making sure that they lived sound lives up to this moment. You did everything you needed to ensure that...no...WE did everything to ensure that," Corvic said reassuringly
Kitaroshi gave Corvic a small smile
"God...I hope you're right Corvic," Kitaroshi said
"I hope you're right..."
Corvic smiled and let go of Kitaroshi
"You, go get some rest while you have time, you're machine won't be ready for another few hours. Besides, you look like you could use it," Corvic said as he gave Kitaroshi a friendly punch in the shoulder
"Alright...just because you told me to though. I never sleep on the job," Kitaroshi said with a smile as he walked away
Franxxinus Insustries Executive Lounge...
Kitaroshi was lying on a couch with his head resting on one of the pillows. He was looking up at the ceiling, thinking to himself about all that he had to live through to reach this moment.
"I promise father...I will not fail you...I won't allow it!" Kitaroshi thought to himself
Kitaroshi closed his eyes and allowed himself to drift off to sleep, letting his own dreams enter his mind...
Kitaroshi Residence...10 years after Juugo Kitaroshi was born...
A young boy with blue hair was playing a video game by himself as his parents, as well as other adults, were talking amongst themselves about important business. This boy lived in an extravagant Japanese residence, one fit for only the richest and most important people. It even came fit with a large koi pond, which this child loved to gaze into from time to time.
The child playing the video game was nose deep in his video game, until the screen lit up with a red game over screen.
"Oh come on, that's the tenth time already! I'm sick of this!" The blue haired boy said in frustration as he threw the game to the side of him.
It was at that moment that the blue haired boy noticed someone in front of the koi pond, admiring the fist as he would do. This boy looked around his age, with thick black hair and a rather fit body for a kid of his age.
"I wonder who that kid is? I've never seen him before," the blue haired boy said to himself as he got up and walked over to him
The other boy only noticed the blue haired boy when his reflection was shown in the water. The black haired boy stood up in surprise, but quickly mellowed out when he saw who it was.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you, I just noticed that you were looking at the fish," the blue haired boy said with a smile
The boy with black hair smiled and looked back down at the fish
"Who wouldn't want to look at them. They always look so calm and carefree, always swimming elegantly no matter what may going on outside of their watery home," the black haired boy said in response
Kitaroshi smiled and laughed at the black haired boy, making him smile even more.
"So, I've never seen you at my house before. What's your name?" Asked the blue haired boy
The black haired boy smiled and held out his hand
"My name is Corvic Roppyaku Rokujuroku, nice to meet you!" The black haired boy said happily
The blue haired boy started laughing at Corvic, who looked puzzled by the sudden laughter. The blue haired boy stopped laughing and faced Corvic
"What's so funny?" Asked Corvic
"I'm sorry, I've just never heard a name like that before," the blue haired boy said in apology
The blue haired boy extended his hand and shook Corvic's hand while giving his own name
"My name is Juugo Kitaroshi, nice to meet you Corvic!"
The two boys sat alongside the edge of the pond and talked about a great deal of things. They talked about games, sports, things they did in school, and girls at their schools who they found cute. But eventually, their conversation met the topic of their families.
"So, your dad is the chairman of Franxxinus Industries...what's that like?" Corvic asked Juugo
Juugo, who was tossing some food in the water for the koi, stopped for a moment to think.
"Well...it's cool and all, but it's kinda scary to think that I'll one day be in his place, being the chairman and all," Juugo said in response
Corvic nodded his head in agreement
"I know what you mean, my family has always been known for having the best bodyguards in the business. Every man is my family since my great-great-great-great grandfather has been a bodyguard for someone important. But that means that they might have to do scary stuff, like shoot someone or stab someone. I'm not sure I want that," Corvic said with a frown
Juugo frowned as well, but then got a determined look on his face. Juugo stood up quickly, catching Corvic by surprise.
"Tell ya what, when I become the chairman of my dad's company, I'll hire you to be my bodyguard!" Juugo said with a smile
Corvic looked surprised and happy at the same time.
"You really mean that? You'd do that for me?" Corvic said happily
"Yup! I'll make sure that you become the best bodyguard to ever guard someone, and who better to help you than me!" Juugo said confidently
Corvic was about to say something when his father called him.
"Corvic, it's time to go! Our business here is done!" His father shouted from the porch
Corvic looked back at Juugo with a frown.
"Sorry, but I have to leave. You understand right?" Corvic asked
"Of course I do, but I'm not worried. We'll see eat other again someday, and I'll be waiting until we do," Juugo said
"You think so?" Corvic asked with a smile
"Well, yea...we are friends now after all," Juugo said happily
Corvic looked back at his father, and then back at Juugo
"Let's make a deal Juugo, that from this moment forward, we stick together!" Corvic said confidently
"And how are we gonna do that?" Juugo asked with a confused look on his face
Corvic looked at Juugo confidently
"I'll figure it out."
Juugo smiled as he stood up to face Corvic
"Then it's a deal. From here on out, we got each other's backs."
The two boys walked back inside the house, smiling as they did
17 years after Juugo Kitaorhsi was born, Mistilteinn Private High-School...
"Dude, I can't believe you got top score again for the third year in a row, and that's out of the entire school no less!" Corvic said as he and Juugo walked down the hallway inside their high school
"Don't be so surprised my friend, I am the heir to the Kitaroshi business after all. If I'm not doing the best that I can possibly do, then what right do I have to inherit my father's legacy?" Juugo said with a smile
Corvic let out a sight as he put his arm around Juugo's shoulders
"Man, whatever happened to that kid who used to love playing video games and going on adventures in the outdoors. I still find it hard to believe that you and that kid share the same body," Corvic said jokingly
"Look on the bright side Corvic, I still like to admire koi fish," Juugo said with and equally bright smile
The two friends laughed and chatted until Corvic noticed something that made him get a sly grin
"Hey dude, you haven't noticed just how much the girls around here look at you, huh? Corvic said as he gestured around him
Juugo looked around and saw what Corvic was talking about. Most of the girls they passed were all looking at him, each one with a blush on their face, even if it was barely noticeable.
"Come to think of it, I do see what you mean," Juugo said
"Oh come on, don't tell me that there's not even one girl at this school that you have a thing for, I mean come on! Every girl at this school wants a piece of you, it would only make sense for you to like at least one of them!" Corvic said
Kitaorhsi put on his thinking face, as if he had to rack his brain for an answer.
"Nope, I don't have eyes for a single one. They way I see it, these women like me for only superficial reasons, those being my intellect, looks, and my family's wealth and power," Juugo said bluntly
Corvic let out a sigh, but he couldn't help but feel someone relieved at Juugo's answer.
"Well, at least you have some idea of what girls like to look for. But seriously, what is it that you're looking for in a lady?" Corvic asked in a serious tone
"Well...I'm looking for a girl who isn't super outgoing, like how I am. I want someone who looks past the superficiality that is my life, and accepts me not for who I am now, but who I could become. I want a girl who isn't after my looks or money, but rather, who wants me for who I am," Juugo said with a smile
Corvic let out a sigh, but couldn't help but smile.
"Well shit, I didn't know you had morals like that up your rich sleeves. But ya know...I liked that answer. It kinda goes for me too," Corvic said
Juugo laughed at this, leaving Corvic puzzled
"C'mon man, why are you laughing?" Corvic said with a surprised smile
Juugo stopped laughing, but kept his amused smile
"Let's face the facts here Corvic, you'd be fine with any girl as long as they fit 'that' description," Juugo said jokingly
"Hey now, wait just a minute here dude, you know for a fact I was joking when I told you that!" Corvic said with an equally amused smile
"What? You mean you don't want a girl with a 'nice rack?' Didn't you use miss Minahura as a perfect example?" Juugo said trying to hold back his laughter
"I-I, uhhh, I mean...ah fuck you man, that was low!" Corvic said as he gave Juugo a playful punch on the shoulder
"Ahhh, see, you can't fool your best friend AND your future employer," Juugo said with a victorious smile
The two friends laughed and joked with each other as they both walked to the transit station, enjoying each other company until they parted ways
21 years after Juugo Kitaroshi was born...Franxxinus Municipal College...
"So, how's your old man doing?" Corvic asked Juugo as they sat in the library
"I really do feel sorry for you Juugo, having to deal with the fact that you may have to inherit the company so early. It must be hard for you right now," Minahura said from next to Corvic
Minahura and Corvic had been dating since they were both eighteen years old, and Juugo pulled some strings to get her into the same college as he and Corvic
Juugo sighed and closed the book he was reading. He looked at the couple with solemn eyes.
"To be honest, he's not doing well. Who would have thought that he would have contracted Martisons Disease by spending not even half a week visiting the lunar colonies. I mean, I did warn the only man, but no way he'd back out of the opportunity to go to space," Juugo said sadly
"Well...I know that things will work out for you, they always do. I know your feelings about this are all over the place, after all, you have a light riding on your shoulders as it is already," Minahura said, trying to sound reassuring
Juugo just looked as sad as he was before.
"I'm not really sure how I feel about all of this. I mean, my destiny is coming early, I should be happy about that, and yet...I don't feel like I'm just quite ready yet to take on my father's responsibilities," Juugo said solemnly
Corvic folded his arms on the table and looked at Juugo with seriousness in his eyes
"Hey, didn't we make a deal when we first met? You remember it just as well as I do. I've got your back man. If you have to take over the company when your only twenty one years old, so fucking what. If that happens, I'll be there for you, just like I promised," Corbin said
"But what about the life you have now? You have a nice college life, full scholarship, and we can't forget about your girlfriend who's sitting right next to you. You'd give that up just to be there for me?" Juugo asked
"College, yes. Minahura, hell no. I already told her about our deal, she said that she wanted to help," Corvic said
Juugo looked over at Minahura with an appreciative look.
"You'd really help me as well?" Juugo asked
"Yes, of course I would! You're Corvic's best friend, so it's my job to make sure that I can make his friends just as happy as I make him. Besides, getting a job at Franxxinus has always been a dream of mine!" Minahura said happily
Juugo smiled and stood up.
"Then it's settled, once I become the chairman of Franxxinus Industries, I'll be sure to have both of you there with me! After all, we have each others backs, and I'd like to keep it that way," Juugo said with a smile
"Right!" Corvic said enthusiastically
"Ya!" Minahura said happily
22 years after Juugo Kitaroshi was born...Kitaroshi Residence
Corvic and Juugo were standing next to Juugo's father, who was confined to his bed due to his illness. He had summoned his son and his best friend to his beside, for he knew that his time on Earth was just about up.
"Juugo, I never imagined that this day would come this soon...I wanted you to have a normal life until you were ready. It's...it's my fault that things turned out this way," Juugo's father said in a hoarse voice
"Father, you did everything you could so that way I could be ready for this day, you did nothing wrong," Juugo said sadly
Juugo's father looked up at him with tired eyes before he began to speak again.
"My son...I know that you will do many great things in your time...things that I could only ever dream of doing. I believe that you will bring Franxxinus Industries more glory than it has ever had before," Juugo's father said with a small smile
"You have a lot of faith in me father..." Juugo said solemnly
Juugo's father tiredly looked away from Juugo and stared at the celling for a moment
"With that being said...there is something that I must tell you boys...privately," Juugo's father said as he looked towards the others in the room
Everyone else who was there, including Minahura, left the room quietly. Corvic and Juugo were both puzzled as to why Mr. Kitaroshi would do this.
"Father, what is this about?" Juugo asked
"Juugo's father struggled to sit up in his bed. Juugo tried to help him, but his father just waved him off until he was able to sit up all the way.
"You boys, there is something that you have not been told...something regarding both our families, mine and Corvic's," Juugo's father said is a raspy voice
"Something about our families? Father...I thought you told us everything," Juugo said with a slightly skeptical look
"There is something else, something that my father told me to tell you once I made it to this very moment. What I am about to tell you must be taken seriously...no matter what you may think of it," Juugo's father said
Juugo and Corvic both looked at each other, and then back at Juugo's father. They both nodded their heads in agreement. Jugo' s father nodded his head as well, and began to speak.
"Our family, as well as Corvic's and several others, are all part of a single promise that was made by our founding ancestors nearly a millennia ago. Our ancestors, the ones who fought the Klaxosaurs, the ones who lived in the Plantations, made a promise amongst themselves regarding two individuals and their inevitable reunion," Juugo's father said
Corvic and Juugo looked understandably surprised, but they held back their questions.
"The two individuals in question were the same two people responsible for ending the two year long VIRM war, the saviors of humanity. They had the strong belief that these two would be reborn one day, into the world that they helped start. The promise that they made that day was for those two to live happy lives in a new, safe world," Juugo's father said
"So, let me see if I have this right father. Our ancestors made a promise to build a better world on the belief that the two saviors of humanity would one day be reborn again?" Juugo asked
"Yes, that's exactly it."
Juugo looked at his father with a concerned look.
"How can you expect me to believe that? I mean...reincarnation...it just doesn't seem possible," Juugo said with a sad look on his face
"Juugo, preparations are ready."
"I don't expect you to believe the story...I expect you to believe me," Juugo's father said as he handed Juugo a black data drive with the Fanxxinus Industries Logo on it
Juugo took that data drive in his hands and looked at his father with a sad look in his eyes.
"That drive has everything you need to know about them...so you can find them when they return to this world," Juugo's father said in a hoarse voice
"Juugo, c'mon, it's time to get up."
"Father...if what you say is true...then what can I even do to keep this insane promise?" Juugo asked desperately
"I don't expect you do to anything except your best," Juugo's father said
"Juugo, wake up!"
Juugo looked at his father with sadness in his eyes, and yet, there was also determination there now as well.
"Alright father...I'll believe you...I will not be the one to fail to uphold this promise! I will build Franxxinus Industries into the greatest company in the world, just like you say I will," Juugo said with a determined tone
"Juugo!"
Juugo's father looked at him and smiled
"That's my boy..."
"JUUGO!"
Franxxinus Industries Executive Lounge
Juugo sprung up from the couch, startled from his sleep by a voice calling out to him. He looked up to see Corvic standing over him.
"Juugo...you seriously need to get more sleep. You were out cold ya know," Corvic said with a smile
"Was I now..." Juugo said as he stood up
"C'mon, Minahura and her team are ready for the procedure, all that's left is for you to being our two saviors with us so she can work her magic," Corvic said as he walked towards the door
Juugo stood in place for a moment, thinking a single thought before he followed his bodyguard
"This is the day you prepared me for. I promise you...father..."
"I will not fail..."
Hoped this little intermission chapter was to your liking. See y'all in the real chapter 4!