Chapter 1
While the rain fell as thick as black oil in the backyard of Chosuke's mansion, while puddles seemed to gather profusely, Diesel, in his hovercraft, was there, smoking his cigarette. A cloud of smoke surrounded Diesel as he smoked, in a profuse manner. Diesel seemed to cough as well. Samus came outside, drinking milk from her sippy cup. Diesel smiled a gentle smile. "Hey, darlin". "My love". Diesel said, kindly with soft gentleness. Samus nodded, drinking as much milk as she could. "You look so beautiful, darlin". "I love seein' you, you're someone with so much beauty and grace". "My knightess in shinin' armor". Diesel said, softly with gentleness. Samus nodded as she glanced around. Her eyes seemed to well up with tears, as she glanced around, seeing the flesh protrusion of the sky.
"Hey, Samus, you ok?". Diesel asked, gently. "I'm doing alright". Samus said, with some dismal feeling behind her voice. "What's goin on, honey?". "Tell daddy". Diesel said, kindly with soft gentleness. Samus glanced up at Diesel. "I…I had a nightmare….kind of….about Ridley". "And…it bothered me a lot….kind of". "I keep having these nightmares….and I don't know what to do". Samus said. "Yeah, you been havin' these nightmares…it's a lot of the trauma you've experienced". "It's more or less a lotta the bad you've experienced as well throughout your young life, honey". Diesel said, kindly with gentle softness. "Hey, I know it isn't easy…but I can promise you that things will get better as time goes on". "If there's anything I can do to help….let me know, sweetie". "I'm your man". Diesel brushed Samus's face with his appendage. Or…his hand…whatever it was.
"I don't know what else I can do". Samus said, as she sniffled. "Or where else I can go". "Every time I ask for help in the federation, they always either deny my request, or ignore me entirely". "My grandfather's gone…I don't know what else to do". "I feel lost….and I lie awake every night thinking I might just end it altogether".
"I understand, baby". Diesel said, kindly with softness. "I know it's been harder on you….you've had it difficult your entire life after your planet was destroyed, and your parents passed away". "You've had such a hard life, and I know things are hard now…but maybe they'll get easier…if we have some help in doing so". "You were deprived of love after that tragedy….you've always been deprived…you've experienced so much trauma, honey". Diesel whispered this, gently.
"I know here on this planet, you have a pediatrician we've setcha up with". "We'll see him, and see what our options are". "I don't want to see my best friend, my baby upset". "Daddy loves his baby, and he doesn't want to see his baby in a bad place". Diesel said, softly with kindness. Diesel brushed Samus's face, kindly, as he saw the bags under her eyes, saw the exhaustion in her eyes. Samus was in a bad place. Diesel knew it. Diesel whispered, softly as he made nonverbal gestures, brushing Samus's face. Samus's wide anime eyes looked frightened, troubled, and as if she was experiencing trauma. "Everything will be ok, honey". "I promise you". Diesel whispered, gently. Samus nodded as she glanced around.
Samus began crying as tears streamed down her cheek. Tears seemed to wet her cheek, as she cried. Her crying was soft, yet it became louder, as she seemed to tense up with trouble.
"Hey, it's ok, baby". "It's ok…daddy's here". "Daddy's got you". Diesel whispered softly with kindness. "You have such a beautiful face, and a beautiful smile". "You look so heavenly, baby".
Samus seemed to cry as she held her sippy cup close. She was at her most vulnerable…she was a young girl with trauma to overcome.
"Let's look at the teddy bear, honey". "Wow, let's rub his belly". "He's got such a cute belly". 'Belly belly belly'. Diesel said, kindly with gentleness, as he rubbed Samus's teddy bear. Samus still cried. "Shh, it's ok, honey". "Daddy's beside ya, he won't let you go". "Daddy loves ya". Diesel said, kindly with softness. Diesel hugged a crying Samus, rubbing her back. He kissed both of her cheeks. Samus cried as she laid her head down in her hands.
Chosuke came outside, seeing Samus. "Oh, there she is". "I was searching for her…I have some yogurt to give to her…alone with some Cheerios mashed up in it". Chosuke said, kindly. "Samus, honey, is everything ok?". Chosuke asked with soft gentleness. Samus shook her head. "Come see daddy, he'll give you a hug, and make it all better". Chosuke said, gently with softness. Chosuke opened his arms for a hug. Samus toddled over to Chosuke, hugging him. "There you are, baby". "No reason to feel achy, or bad". Chosuke said, gently. Chosuke kissed Samus's cheek. "My little girl". Chosuke smiled a gentle smile, as he hugged Samus. He picked Samus up in his arms. Samus laid her head down on his shoulder. "I always love you, darling". Chosuke said, gently.
"I love you, too". Samus said, quietly as she rubbed her eyes. "Let's go lay down for a bit, and take a rest". Chosuke said, gently. Samus nodded, as she laid her head down, prepared for sleep.
Chosuke came into his room, where there was a box T.V. hanging up on its port from the ceiling. This planet was still stuck in the early 2000's, or mid to late 1990's. Still, Chosuke laid Samus down on the bed. "What's been troubling you, darling?". "You don't seem like your old self…happy, loving, and positive". Chosuke said, gently. "There is a young girl I know that seems to be trapped right now inside this someone who's troubled". "I think she should be let out". Chosuke stroked Samus's face, gently as she held her bear close. "Ok". Samus said.
"What's troubling you, my Samus?". "What's going on, honey?". Chosuke asked, gently. Samus sniffled. "I keep having these nightmares, I keep having flashbacks about my battle with Ridley, I keep having these bad thoughts….and really, I can't control them". Samus said. "They're getting to the point where I need help". "I don't know where else to go, or what else to do". "It's too much for me".
Chosuke nodded. "You have experienced a lot of trauma". "You have experienced a lot of bad things in your youth that led to your upset feeling, and traumatic output". "It is something you have yet to overcome, but not with strength, and internal blocking, but with love, care, and wisdom". "Wisdom will grant us the serenity we need to move forward". "We can do anything with wisdom". Chosuke said, gently. "You have wisdom…but you need assurance, and love from someone who knows how to help with trauma…and how to tackle these bad feelings". Chosuke smiled a gentle smile, stroking Samus's cheek, kindly. "You need someone with love, and kindness". "I know someone with so much kindness". Chosuke said, gently. "I know someone that loves you for as long as he lives". "He loves you with all of the gratuity". "He loves you with all of his strength as well".
"Is it you?". Samus asked. "It might be…I might be one of the ones who loves you". "Then again, it might also be Mr. Diesel". "He loves you with his being as well". Chosuke said, kindly. "Mr. Diesel loves his Samus, he loves you as if you were his daughter". Chosuke smiled a kind smile, stroking Samus's cheek, gently. Samus nodded, sniffling. "You're so amazing in every way". "Daddy will always love you". Chosuke said, kindly. Samus nodded. "I'm happy he does". Samus said.
It was then that Diesel came in, seeing Samus in bed. Samus laid, sniffling. "Hey, sweetie". Diesel said, kindly with softness. "Baby, it's good ta see you". "You feelin' ok?". Diesel brushed Samus's face with his appendage, kindly. "I'm fine". Samus said, sniffling. "Daddy's got something special for ya….because you're doing so well". "Because you make daddy so happy". Diesel said, kindly. Diesel opened Samus's yogurt as some cheerios were mashed up in it. "Time to eat for a while, baby". "Baby has guppy". Diesel said, gently. Samus nodded, as she sat upright. "Some of your favorite yogurt with cheerios….just like when you were a little girl, and I used to feed you when mommy and daddy were away". "We would eat yogurt, we would sing songs, you loved callin me Mr. Deezy". "We both got along so well". Diesel said, gently.
Samus nodded, as her wide, anime eyes, wide eyes looked saddened, and frightened. "Is everything ok, Samus?". Diesel asked, kindly. Samus nodded, quietly. "You seem kinda sad". Diesel said, gently. "I am, kind of". Samus said. "Why's that, honey?". Diesel asked, kindly. "well…because…I guess…I don't know….I faced Ridley…and everything is ok…but…it doesn't bring my parents back". "It doesn't bring my mom and dad back…I've tried what I could….but nothing really helps it". Samus said. "I don't know what else to do". "I have done all I could do, but I don't know what else there is". "I can't….I don't…I don't know". Samus said, sadly.
"Hey, I know it's hard, honey". Diesel said, kindly. "I unfortunately can't bring back mom and dad, but I can promise you that I will do everything I possibly can, to make it easier on you". "I will make it easy, and it will be ok". "I know your mom and dad meant a lot to you….they meant a lot to me, too". "But as time passes, I promise to make things as easy as I can so you don't have to worry". "I know you've had a hard time after they died, but I promise to make things better for you". "We both won't worry". Diesel stroked Samus's face, gently. "Why can't mom and dad come back?". Samus asked. "Mom and dad won't be able to come back because they're deceased now, honey". Diesel said, gently. "They are in a different place now". Diesel kept stroking Samus's face, kindly. "Ok". Samus said, as she sniffled. "I'm sorry, baby". Diesel said, gently with softness. Samus glanced off to the side, sniffling. "Everything ok?". Diesel asked, kindly with softness. "Kind of". Samus said, as she sniffled. "I know it's hard right now, but I promise you, it'll get better". "We'll get through it, honey". Diesel said, gently with softness. Samus nodded, sniffling. Diesel kissed Samus's forehead, kindly. "You know you're my girl, yeah?". Diesel said, kindly. "I know". Samus said, as she glanced up at Diesel.
"You're my favorite, now and forever". Diesel said, gently with softness. "You know I'm always so proud of you, because of how you've changed my life, and my world, forever". "I'm a better man because of you". "You've given me everything". Diesel smiled a kind smile, stroking Samus's face with kindness. "Thank you". Samus said. "Want some yogurt?". "It's got some fruit at the bottom". "I know you love your fruit". Diesel said, kindly. Samus nodded, as Diesel spoon fed Samus her yogurt. Samus took every bite, as Diesel kissed both of her cheeks in doing so. Diesel took care of a grieving Samus. "How's the yogurt, honey?". "Is it everything good ye were hopin for?". Diesel asked, gently. "It's good". Samus said, as she ate. "Yogurt is good, and daddy got you some noodles with chocolate almond milk". "We'll have that, later". Diesel said, kindly.
"Thank you". Samus said, as she and Diesel nuzzled. "Love you, honey". "You mean a lot to me". Diesel said, kindly as he smiled. Samus nodded, as she was spoonfed another bite. Chosuke came inside, seeing Samus eat her yogurt. "It is almost time for the pediatrician, then we have to go to school". Chosuke said, gently. "I thought I had something like that, today". Samus said. "She might want to stay home….she's having some trouble, emotionally". Diesel said, softly as he fed Samus the last bite of her yogurt. "She's been depressed, she's tired, she just needs to take it easy". "I know she had a hard night last night, sleepin". "That storm woke me up, too". Diesel mentioned. "Maybe it is smart that we take it easy….but we do have an appointment for the pediatrician". "We'll make this a happy home for Samus". Chosuke said, kindly. "We will". Diesel said, with kindness as well. "We'll make it ok for our girl".
Samus nodded, as she laid, sleeping. "Time to wake up, darling". Chosuke said, kindly. "We have the pediatrician to see, and we have some medicine to take". "Will you wake up with me?". Chosuke smiled a kind smile as Samus nodded. Samus got out of bed, walking a bit in her nightgown. She sniffled a bit, as she blinked back tears. "A happy face sets our pace". Chosuke said, kindly with gentleness. He tickled Samus's cheeks, kindly. Samus nodded as she held onto her teddy bear. "Ready to go, honey?". Chosuke asked, gently. "Sure". Samus said, as she walked with Chosuke. Diesel came with them, traveling alongside them. Samus sniffled as she glanced out of the window of the mech. "You ok, honey?". Diesel asked, gently with softness. "I'm fine". Samus said, as she shuffled along in her nightgown. She looked like an innocent little girl drinking from her to-go cup, which was essentially just a sippy cup, which had almond milk in it. She glanced out the window at the red sky.
Samus held her sippy cup close, feeling a bit saddened. Still, she had her vulnerability. When they parked the mech, Samus trudged out, shuffling alongside the men. "We haven't been to the pediatrician in a while…have we?". Chosuke asked, kindly. "We haven't". Samus said. "It's nice to know we have the pediatrician there when we need him". "He's someone we trust with a lot of our aspects". Chosuke said, gently. "We do". Samus said. Diesel smiled a kind smile, as he saw Samus. "You're in a good place…you can do anything". Diesel said, gently. "I know". Samus said, as she walked inside.
While the office itself wasn't busy, there were a lot of people coming in and out. Some people went on break, while others busied themselves. Samus waited in the waiting room, drinking from her cup. While the pediatrician came out, a kind man in his 50's, he invited everyone inside. He was a mature man, someone with a rat-like face, who was also nice with a warm smile. "How is everyone today?". Dr. Sampson asked, gently. "We're well off". Chosuke said, kindly as he walked inside with Samus.
"I'm happy you're well off, it seems life has been good to you fellas". "Life is always good to those who seek positivity". Dr. Sampson said, kindly. "That much is true, my man". Diesel said, as he and Dr. Sampson laughed. "How's our amazing contender this morning?". "My princess?". Dr. Sampson asked, with gentleness and kindness to his voice. "Princess Samus is doing well". Chosuke said, kindly. Samus glanced up from her sippy cup. Her anime eyes glanced off to the side. "Hi, Dr. Sampson". Samus said, with some quietness to her voice. "Hi, honey". "Are you having a good morning?". Dr. Sampson asked, gently. "Kind of". Samus said. Samus sniffled as she said this. "I'm happy you're having a good morning, honey". "It's good to see you". Dr. Sampson said, kindly. "Samus Aran". "The best bounty hunter in the galaxy". "Here she is, in my office, drinking her milk". "I love my princess".
"How are things, sweet pea?". Dr. Sampson asked, kindly with gentleness. "They're ok, I guess". Samus said. "School is going well, I made a friend, kind of". Samus drank her almond milk. "Her name is Noodle, she's the same age I am, and she is in my meditation group, and prayer group". "She's also in Astrophysics with me". Samus said.
"She's part a' this band known as Gorillaz, where they play music, and go on tours, she's a really good guitarist, she's played for us a couple a times". Diesel said. "She's good for Samus, she is, but she's slept over a couple times, we've talked for a long time, she's going through some stuff, also, but she's very bright, and very helpful".
"She's one of the guys, it seems like, being that the majority of Gorillaz is made up of men". Dr. Sampson said, kindly. "No different than I am". Samus said, as she and the men laughed. "That's nice you found someone with the same background, the same experiences, you both can bond as you see fit". "But how are things going emotionally?". "How are your feelings, recently?". Dr. Sampson asked, kindly. Samus took a deep breath. "Not so well, actually". Samus said, with some sadness behind her voice. "What's troubling you?". Dr. Sampson asked, gently. "well…I guess…I've been….even though Ridley is defeated, and Phaaze has been cleared, I just….civilian life isn't easy because….because I keep thinking about the deaths of my parents…and the time when Ridley attacked….it just keeps haunting me….and I've had nightmares….I've had thoughts of trying to get rid of myself….to be with my parents….because I know they're not coming back". "I've cried a lot….I've tried everything I can….I just don't know what to do anymore". "I don't know what I can do". Samus said, as she sniffled, fighting back tears. "I understand". Dr. Sampson said, kindly with gentle softness. "I know it is difficult, honey". "I'm happy you brought it to my attention, and I'm happy you came in today". "Let's get it taken care of while we still can".
Samus began crying as Diesel rubbed her back, kindly. "I think perhaps what you're experiencing is a form of PTSD". "But in essence, it is trauma from when you lost your parents at age 3". "You had to face the monster yourself when the time came….and now, you're recalling it, when you faced Ridley, and processing the battles you've fought, the wars you've won, and the sadness you've faced". "It is a difficult time, but the more difficult thing is coming to terms with it". "You've had to face it all alone". Dr. Sampson said, kindly with softness. Samus nodded. "I think trauma is the worst thing, but losing your parents….the parents who gave you milk, nurturing, kisses, touch, and love from the beginning, the parents who loved you so much, is the worst thing". Dr. Sampson said, softly with gentleness. "It is traumatic…and the trauma is much worse when we face the cause of it at a later age". Dr. Sampson rubbed a crying Samus's back, gently.
"I think what it is now, what we're facing, is our love, our heart being damaged, our warmth, our mind being damaged, because of what happened, because of trauma". "It is going to take a lot of healing to mend it, and to mend the relationships we have with others". Dr. Sampson said, gently with softness. "I guess". Samus said, sniffling. "You've seen men pass away, you've seen your parents pass away in front of your eyes, you've seen destruction, you've seen loss, failure, horrible things….but you fought every day you've lived, Samus". "You never had a normal childhood, and now is the time to heal". Dr. Sampson said, kindly with softness. "We do need to heal, as a family". Dr. Sampson rubbed Samus's back, kindly.
"We've also noticed Samus's tendency to lie about a lot of things". Chosuke said, solemnly with softness. "Her teachers have reported that she lies, she is dishonest, and when asked to tell the truth, she will make something up, and say the opposite". "She's been dishonest with Diesel and I a few times, and will often lie". "It is becoming troublesome".
"Hmm". Dr. Sampson nodded. "Well, usually traumatized individuals with a lot of stress, or a lot of damage done to the ability to attach, and trust, form relationships, have a tendency to be dishonest". "I see it a lot in orphaned children who have lost both sets of parents, birth early on, and adoptive later on". "There are veterans with PTSD, who have dishonesty about them, and a lack of trust". "What I recommend is not to yell at, or become aggressive with the behavior, or with the action". "Try to have an open dialogue, and know that Samus might have trouble attaching, and trusting because she's been traumatized". "Try to incorporate love, and wisdom in your conversation, and understanding". "Try to set aside a few minutes for holding time twice a day". Dr. Sampson said, kindly with soft gentleness. "Nothing harassing, nothing odd, just rub her back, talk to her, soothingly, and know that she needs to rebuild, she needs to come back, and learn to trust again". "It's perhaps hard for her, right now, and she needs support". "She needs love, affection, and hope". "She needs family to guide her, a family that loves and supports her". "She needs attachment to someone familiar that can help her understand her pain, and work through any negative feelings she might have". "She needs wisdom right now, and guidance, understanding, and hope". Dr. Sampson said, kindly.
"Of course". Chosuke said, as he glanced off to the side. "Hey, somethin' wrong, man?". Diesel asked Chosuke. "No, I'm just crying at the moment…I'm a bit upset". Chosuke said, choking back emotion.
"Yeah, me too". Diesel said, wiping his eyes. "Could you tell us how you're feeling?". Dr. Sampson asked, kindly. "Well, I feel as if I had no idea Samus was suffering this much". Chosuke said, solemnly. "I knew maybe she might've had a hard time, but I had no idea she was suffering this badly". "I do wish to help her, in any way I possibly can". "I know she's having a hard time…..and I will do everything I can to make sure she gets through this".
"Yeah….hey….I didn't know Samus had it this bad, either". "I've known her for so long, but I didn't know she was in this much pain". "I feel bad". Diesel said, softly with some solemnity to his voice. "I'll do whatever I can to ease the pain for her".
"Me, as well". Chosuke said. Dr. Sampson nodded. "Samus, do you acknowledge what your friends are trying to say?". Dr. Sampson asked, kindly. "I do". Samus said. "And I respect their candor".
"I will do my part to improve as well". Samus said. "That's wonderful". Dr. Sampson said, kindly. "It seems you all have a happy family to tend to". "With love, respect, honesty, and care". "You can do anything".
"As for nightmares, I would recommend a natural, herbal substance that can be bought at the vitamin store". "This will alleviate nightmares, and bring about peace". Dr. Sampson said, kindly with softness. "I hope it does". Samus said. "This vitamin is known as Cannabis, medical marijuana, all it does is alleviate nightmares, and rock you to sleep". Dr. Sampson said, kindly.
"Ok, I'll try it". Samus said, as she glanced up at Dr. Sampson. "Well, honey, it is time to go home, and lay down for a few hours". "You've had a rough day". Diesel said, gently. "I got some noodles waitin for ya, as well".
"Thank you". Samus said, as she and the men stood up. They said goodbye to Dr. Sampson, while they walked out. Samus held her sippy cup close, while she glanced out the window of the mech. She seemed to be in a good place, as she drank from her cup. Diesel glanced back at Samus, seeing the pain in her eyes. "Everything ok, baby?". Diesel asked, gently with softness. "Everything is fine". Samus said, as she looked out of the window. "I guess….I guess it's nice that everyone is helping me…but…I don't know….I haven't had anybody really pay attention to me so intently, before". "It's nice". Samus remarked.
"Hey, I love you, sweetheart". Diesel said, kindly. "Y'know I'd always want to help you through anythin'". "I'm so in awe of the heroine you've become, and the inspiration you've grown into". "You've touched my life in so many ways, honey". "You've given me so much, you make me a better man". Diesel's gentle, kind voice had a soft hum to it. Samus nodded, as she glanced up at Diesel. "Thank you". Samus replied. "You're someone with so many gifts, whatever happens, I know you can do anything". Diesel said, kindly with softness. "Thank you". Samus said.
Samus glanced out of the window of the mech once more, sniffling. Diesel glanced around, seeing Samus's sadness. "Don't be sad, honey". "Know that you are special, you're daddy's girl". Diesel said, kindly with gentleness. "Thank you". Samus said. Diesel smiled a kind smile, as he went to the vitamin store, picking up Samus's vitamins. Samus felt sadness, yet felt a sense of relief, all the way home.