Megaman - Thursday, August 24, 2000, 7:01 PM
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From: Rock
Date: Mon Aug 21 21:41:22 2000 Folder: 0 Message: 1
Status: Read
Subject: IC Message
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Dear Twila,
I'm sorry about missing the meeting with you and Yoko the other night. I've talked to one of the children and he's passing along a message to her, for us to meet on Thursday evening, after 7pm (EST). Get back to me if this is not a good time.
Love, Rock
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Command Center <Hunter HQ>
(Ch. B Dragonfire) Rock transmits: 'Hey guys. I'm on my way back from Rio, any problems on your end?'.
(Ch. B []) Zero transmits: 'I'm fit as a fiddle.'.
(Ch. B [Dragonfire]) Rock transmits: 'A'ight.'.
Twila Peterson is sitting at one of the terminals with little Kyo on her lap. The girl doesn't seem to mind the cabbit's presence...although she is somewhat concerned of how the cabbit has been "clinging" to her and Rick ever since she was brought back...
Rock hops out of the teleporter, Rush trailing behind him before dashing off into the hangar. He smiles, and sneaks like ninja across the room... and taps Twila's sides. "BOO!" he yells from behind her.
Zero steps out of the grav lift and stretches his arms, yawning, as he walks over to his chair and sits down silently, leaning back and putting his hands behind his head, oh yeah, Zero's maxin' and relaxin'.
Seminole walks out of the hanger, sidestepping the canine just in time as he enters the room. He shakes his head a bit, peering around the Center as Sem heads for his usual station. "Evening.." he greets.
"Ack!" Twila jumps a bit, startled by the unexpected hello, while little Kyo gets spooked just as she did yesterday. While Twila turns around and catches her breath and smirks, "What happened to a simple, 'hi'?" she grins with a giggle...
Kyo meeps and jumps off her mistress if only to run around the room once, making it a point to leap up and run over Zero's lap...and then back to Twila, scrambling up her to her shoulder and hops on top of Rock's head. "Mei!!!!!!!!!!"
Rock laughs, and removes his helmet as the cabbit bounces around the room like a pinball on speed. "Well, it's your first day as an offical Hunter. And I havent' spooked anyone like that in a while." He grins at the girl, and blinks as Kyo ascends him like a mountain, reaching up to catch and hold still the li'l mech-animal.
Zero barely flinches as Kyo jumps in and out of his lap, he's used to it by now. He looks over at Rock and waves, "Heya bud, I took care of that meetin for ya, everything's cleared up and such."
Zero pauses for a moment and chuckles, "And don't forget football season started up again, you better not flake out on me this year like you did last year." he gives Twila a glance for a moment before looking back at Rock with a smile.
Rock glances across at Zero, with a smirk. "I won't, bud. And thanks for taking care of that meeting. The Mavericks weren't going to wait for me to get it done..."
Seminole sits down, opening up a few new windows on his station. Getting a promotion is nice, but having to deal with more paperwork and more responsibility, that... kinda sucks. But he's dealing with it just fine... not like Sem didn't have any -before-.
Kyo-Ohki peers down into Rock's eyes, allowing her floppy ears dangle down for a moment teasingly before leaping back onto Twila's lap with a *thump*.
The young woman tears her stare away from Zero with small hmph...thinking about her turn to be a "football widow" when Kyo decides she likes it better with her for the moment. "Kyo...stay still, kay?" The cabbit's mewing contains her full response as Twila glances back up. "So, what happened last night anyway? Deterred?"
Rock glances back at Twila and nods slightly. "Yeah. Mavericks got rowdy down in Rio..." He takes one of the girls hands and squeezes it. "So, how's it feel to be official?"
Twila Peterson returns the squeeze as the hand's taken while she muses on that. "Well...I...uh...get to write my own posts without using anyone else's codes..." she decides on with a tiny shrug.
Rock chuckles at the girl, bobbing his head. "At least
you're not using someone else's. Now to teach you how to drive a
Ride, and you're good to go."
Twila Peterson quirks a grin. "I *know* how to drive. Just
not any of her fancydancey armors are bikes. Why do you think I
have a lil personal hoverbike of my own out there on the roof
top. May go *put-put* but it gets there eventually."
Rock chuckles. "I know, I know. But I figured teaching you a Ride Armor might give you a bit of confidence. And I'm sure we could soup-up your bike so it doesn't go put-put no more." He winks at the girl.
Kyo-Ohki emits a giggle of her own while leaning forward towards her owner's console...tapping at the buttons idley, trying to make the pretty pictures come back. Of course, Twila moves a free hand to lock the controls so she can't really do anything while pressing those buttons. In turn, she grumps towards her owner and hopes down...choosing to instead hide underneath her chair. *sigh* .oO(Bet Rush could take care of the mean-ole mongral. Hmph! Miss him...and Ryu.)Oo. *sniffle*
"You mean use one...instead of just helping fix one?" Twila questions. Yes, it's been mentioned before. But still, she can't help but being a little nervous. "Ok, no *putt-putt*. Don't mean a *whir* do you?" Although she knows exactly what he means.
Zero just turns and looks over at Twila and Rock and says, "Ey! You two are rapidly approaching your cute quota for the day, don't make me come over there." he says with a chuckle, as he runs a hand through his hair.
Rock laughs. "I mean *VROOM!* dear," he replies, shooting Zero a glare. "Oh, be quiet. You're just jealous that you and Dischord can't reach this level of cute." He pokes at Kyo, then, scritching the cabbit with his other hand.
Kyo-Ohki tilts her head and continues grumbing even while poked...until she spots Rock's helment...and decides to leap back up on the console to crawl inside. .oO(That's always fun!)Oo. And she soon disappears. Of course...her head soon reappears as if she almost understands Zero and sticks her tongue out at him with a "ttttthbs" and pops back inside again.
Twila squints a bit at Zero, not commenting...instead letting
Kyo do it for her while nodding towards Rock again.
"*VROOM?* Uh...never did *VROOM!*
before...least by my lonesome. There...won't be any races or
tests will there?"
Rock chuckles. "No, no races or anything. Just me on a ride-along to see if the bike handles okay."
Zero snorts, "Yeah yeah." he says as he waves a dismissive hand standing up and putting his helmet on, he looks up at the clock and hrms, "Looks like it's patrol time again... feh, you two behave."
Rock grins. "We will. We have am meeting shortly, anyway."
Or stays in one piece should it be forced to break the sound barrier? The girl glances over towards the berserker, and offers a quirk smirk in response. "Glad your feeling better at any rate, Zero." Heck, she knows he woulda needed something to help along his healing process. He hadda have some help from what she saw last night. She then turns back to Rock. "Post-script of last night?"
Rock shakes his head. "Nah. With Yoko, remember?"
Twila Peterson dips her chin, almost forgetting that. Although...she does have the business card still with her that she was given. "Hmmmm, yeah. So...when should we be heading out?"
Rock glances down at his chronometer. "In about fifteen minutes? I need to sit down at least for ten, I'm worn out from Rio today." As if to exemplify himself, he picks up his cabbit-laden helm and sits down in a chair.
Twila Peterson lets go of his hand so he can reach for his helmet. "You do look it a little. What something to drink. Might help," she offers.
Kyo mips as the helmet is scooped up and leaps out of the opening just enough to playfully lick his chin. "Mew!"
Rock laughs down at the cabbit, scritching her back. Glancing up at the girl, he nods softly. "Sure. Want to pop down to the rec room and grab a drink, then?" He stands, again, and lifts Kyo from the helmet to set her on his head, his armor fading away.
Twila Peterson nods in response. "Stay up here and sit for goodness sakes," she chides with a small smile. "I could go ahead and get. Besides, someone put in a small cooler out in the hanger just a bit ago. I'd be back in two-minutes. That is...unless you want some of what I saved for you from the party last night. Then we can go down to the Rec Room..."
Rock smiles at Twila, and retakes her hand. "Either way. The hangar cooler would be quicker..." Ideas of a minifridge in the command center run about in his head.
Has within Twila's too come to think of it...if only to help keep the others from sleeping with the caffine if anything else. Most may not be human enough here...but it's the thought that counts. "Alright. Be right back then." The squeeze, as always, is returned and she heads towards the hanger enterance.
Meanwhile Kyo watches her owner leave and gently pokes the Blue Bomber's scalp and points with her paw towards the departing form of Twila, eyes widened. "Mew???"
Rock smiles at Kyo, and scritches the little mechanima. "She won't be gone long."
Kyo-Ohki sniffles, looking after where her owner left.
The cabbit doesn't have to worry long however. Twila returns only a minute or so later with a can of ice cold spring water within her hand and hands it to Rock. "Here you go. Might help anyway. So, how's your day been?"
Rock scritches the cabbit, and takes the water. "Thanks, love," he replies, popping the top. Taking a swig, he shakes his head. "It's been good. No trouble, thankfully. I spent most of the day in Rio De Janeiro. I went to do an air exhibition, me and Rush, for a charity air show."
Kyo snugs against Rock after hopping back into his lap emitting a little yawn.
The young woman muses somewhat and grins. "And how'd it go. Lemme guess...tons of autographs to sign?"
Rock nods at the girl though. "Yeah. That and a reported Kaust Losstaret sighting I had to check out."
Twila's lips form a slight frown. "Oh, him. Thought not hearing hearing of him was a good thing for awhile. At least Akami's alright...the civie which managed to catch so much of his interest. He came by the other night."
Rock nods. "Yeah. Kaust is just one of those people... he's REALLY good at riling up tempers." He glances at the chronometer and gently sets Kyo down on the chair upon standing. "Suppose we should go meet Yoko then."
Twila Peterson gets to her feet as well. She glances towards the sleeping Kyo for a bit, hoping she'll be alright and takes Rock's hand. "Hmmm...shall we then? I have the address for the Moonlight...something where she said she hangs out or people know where she can be found."
Rock nods. "Alright. I'll let you lead the way. Will we need a vehicle, or is it clos enough to walk?"
Twila Peterson comments, "We'll probably need something. It's in the Commercial district."
Rock nods, and whistles. "Rush can get us there on his cycle mode."
Rush comes dashing out of the hangar, "RUFF!" The robodog wagwags at Twila.
The girl smiles towards the robotic dog and pats him on top of the head. "I don't doubt it. Hi, Rush. Kyo's missed you something awful."
Kyo herself would agree if she were awake...
Rush licks at Twila's hand with the synthetic tongue.
"Shall we be off?" Rock inquires.
She dips her chin. "Definitely. I know Yoko's been excited about this...""
<Soon...>
Nogaki Commerical District Sublevel 1 - Neo Tokyo
Below the city proper stretches the mostly unwholesome mass of
the undercity, composed of tunnels which criss-cross and
interlace for miles around. While some businesses in this area
are legitimate they are far outnumbered by those that are not,
though the existence of any such organizations is vehemently
denied by Neo-Tokyo authorities.
Neon and holographic signs provide most of the illumination in
the side streets, while shadowy gangs waft through alleys and
through sealed doors. This isn't exactly the best place to be
unless you know your way around and have someone to watch your
back.
Rock rides toward wherever Twila is directing, on Rush Cycle.
Twila Peterson peeks over the reploid's shoulder as her reddish locks fly behind her within the wind. She lets go of his middle with one arm and points towards an approaching street... "I think we turn here...on 57th..." she comments while weaving ehr arm back where it was. She takes a good look of the surrounding as they pass by them as well. It appearance becomes more sordid as they move onward.
Down, several levels below the busy streets of Neo-Tokyo, are the bowels of the city. Built layer upon layer, the lower you go the older the city becomes. Here is the third level which had been built in the late 2000s. In one corner of this area among slum complexes and houses of ill repute is a real brick building with a neon sign hanging over it - 'Starlit Moon pawn and curio shoppe'.
Rock bobs his head, leaning the bike and steering onto the street that Twila has pointed out. "Man, I've never been down here..." Rock admits softly, driving on down the street. "It's an...interesting place." Rush's eyes light up, as headlights, down the darkened street.
Twila's to keep her mind on the address in question instead of the decor of the area. She's certainly not going to pull out the business card while the two are still riding. She does recall the address, although the actual name she has slightly mixed up. Still, it's close enough for the purpose. Her hold on Rock tightens slightly as she peers towards the doorways of those structures still holding visible numbers...mentally counting. the light's from Rush help greatly. "Should be around here somewhere. I think it's a block or two away still. Left side. Some sort of pawn shop."
Rock nods again, steering past a group of people. "Hmmm... ould that be it?" He points ahead, to the Starlit Moon.
The wooden front door has an old bronze bell attached to it that rings whenever it opens up. A family of mice scamper out from the cover of a cardboard box and into the alley beside, as the sound of water dripping from above and down the fire escape echoes. Around it there is little activity and the neighborhood seems slightly better than the other districts and levels. Not cleaner, but there are none of the packs of drug dealers or waiting thugs that are common to the city's underbelly.
Twila Peterson narrows her eyes towards where the reploid is pointing. "Yeah...that's it," she exclaims, seeing the worn sign. "I knew there was a 'Moon' in the name. Just...couldn't recall the exact one..." She muses on this a bit and takes another look around. Sheesh...Roll would have her work cut out for her in this place...
Rock brings the bike to a halt, outside the curio shop.
Letting Twila off, then stepping off himself. Rush reverts to dog
mode, and Rock looks the building over. "Let's go in."
He turns the knob, and presses the door forward, opening it and
stepping in, ahead of Twila. Rush walks in behind the redhead.
The first thing that hits is a wave of smells - raw fish, heavy
spices and incense. Racks of unidentifiable knickknacks are
spread around including broken electronics and tarnished jewelry.
Behind a glass counter is an old Oriental man with a chest-length
thin beard and a bald head. At the jingling sound of the bell, he
looks up and towards the door. "Can I help you?"
Twila Peterson follows behind, inwardly thankful she's semi-sandwiched between the two. It took her some time to get use to being from a small town to the suburbs...then the suburbs to the city. Now, it's the city to the inner city it seems. Still, she doesn't let her slight nervousness show. As they enter the shop her eyes drift over it's contents...and then towards the individual found there. "We're...looking for a friend: Yoko," Twila finds herself responding.
The old proprietor shakes his head. "Yoko? I do not know a Yoko. Are you going to buy something or are you here to cause trouble in my shop?" He steps out from behind the counter, waving his hands at the door to shoo both of the visitors out defensively.
Rock lets Twila do the talking, at least for the moment.
Twila Peterson offers a blink, not really knowing what to say to that exactly. But then, considering they're looking for someone off the streets, she wonders if she really shouldn't be surprised at all. She turns a glance towards Rock and then back to the storekeeper. "Sorry to have troubled you," she offers, then leans towards Rock after a little thought and a low whisper. "Maybe wait outside a little...one of her children might see us..."
Rock shakes his head at the old man, and nods softly at Twila. Turning, he takes her hand and slips out of the store, Rush following on their heels. "Well, that was... unexpected."
"Thanks for the protection Pops, but they're not with the police." Before the door can close behind them, Yoko's voice can be heard inside along with the creak of a rusty hinged door. "Hey, Miss Peterson! Come back!"
Twila Peterson lets out a breath. "Perhaps. Tho...he doesn't know us. And if he did know Yoko...he may---" She's forced to stop as her name is called as they walk back into the night air. The grip on Rock's hand tightens a little as she turns back around to open the door she had just passed through. "Hi, Yoko. Brought a friend with me..." she says as her mouth eases into a small smile.
Rock turns with Twila, walking back in. Rush is ordered to stay outside the building, at least for the moment, as he enters. He looks the girl over, and gives a soft smile. "Hello."
Yoko Tenbin smiles, standing halfway through a door that was hidden by a rack of shelves. "So I noticed." She glances over to the old man, who nods and goes back to reading his newspaper behind the counter. "Sorry for the cold reception, but we don't get very many friends here. Pops and us have a good racket going. He gives us a safe place to sleep, and we make sure this neighborhood is clean." Yoko winks, and motions with her head. "C'mon, I'll show you to the others."
Rock bobs his head a little at the girl. "Lead on, Yoko..."
"Alright," the young woman stats as she slightly tugs on Rock's hand to follow, strangely feeling slightly more at ease now. She takes a step forward and allows the cyborg to lead on.
Behind the rack is a short and unlit passage. The sound of Yoko's heavy metal footfalls fill it, since she isn't wearing any shoes right now. Through another tightly closed door is a second half to the building. A large and well lit room full of roughly built bunkbeds with hammocks lashed between them. Piles of broken toys lay in one corner, while another is closed off by makeshift walls and covered in padding. Throughout the room are dirty children, all under twelve. Only one other looks to be Yoko's age - a boy that Twila would recognize as her partner, Remy.
Rock blinks a little in surprise upon seeing the group of young, assumable homeless children. One hand grips Twila's rather tightly.
Twila Peterson holds in a wince, praying the reploid doesn't squeeze any tighter than he is right about now...or she might have a wee problem. Her free hand moves to cup his silently as she follows his gaze. Her eyes settle on the "waifs" before gazing back to Yoko, not really sure of what to say or act...except simply treat this as merely being invited into someone else's home...which they are. As for the rest, she'll sort through that as she can. If young Remy is watching she'll probably notice Twila offering him a smile and a nod. She let's Yoko decide what to do next however. But she does ask, "This is where you live then?" If so, at the very least it's away from the elements...
Yoko Tenbin nods to Twila, smiling just a little bit. "Yeah. Welcome, Miss Peterson and friend, to the headquarters of the Red Penny Gang, rulers of the Nogaki Third." Her voice swells with pride for her children at that statement, and several are now staring at the two visitors. Remy recognizes Twila and approaches. "Yoko, y'sure 'his a good id'a?" She in turn gives her partner a second-long glare before turning back. "I'd give you the grand tour, but this is everything. Where we sleep, hide, play and practice."
Rock glances about, but doesn't comment. Other than to step forward and proffer one of his hands down to the girl. "Nice to meet you Yoko. I'm Rock Light, and I've heard a good deal about you from Twila."
Twila Peterson opens her mouth to say something, if it's regarding the arrangements or an introduction is unknown...since she closes her mouth. However she opens it again. "And this is Yoko's friend Remy," she states, not forgetting the boy.
All conversation in the room stops cold as Rock reveals his name. Every eye of the children stares at him in awe. Remy seems the most taken by this, as he peels off one of his brown woolen gloves and reaches out to touch Rock. As his fingertips touch the first reploid's arm, he pulls back to gape more. Yoko falls into open-mouthed staring for a moment, but is able to recompose herself enough to properly introduce the two visitors back to everyone. "Everybody, this is Twila Peterson and...Megaman." She doesn't even seem to believe it herself.
Rock almost winces visibly at being called Megaman. "Please, call me Rock." As Remy touches his arm, he glances at the boy and gives a warm smile.
Twila Peterson looks again towards the children, wondering if these are the same she had seen on the basketball court as well as at the firehydrant at the beach. "Hello," she greets shyly...although well knowing just who they would have the more interest in. Not that Twila minds. Megaman---er---Rock is quite well-known and all...
Remy turns around to the rest and nods once. Then as a swarm, all of the children rush forward to try and touch the protector of Neo-Tokyo or to ask him a question. Remy and Yoko fade backwards slightly to let the younger ones have their fun. "Wow, you're really Megaman?" "Is it true you can fly?" "What's it like being a robot?" "I thought you were taller?" "Why aren't you all blue?" The older pair smile to each other.
Rock smiles down at the younger children, giving Twila a small glance. Kneeling in front of them, he extends an arm to let them feel. Slowly, he passes his sapphire eyes over all the children. "I'm really Megaman, and X. I can fly, but only with the help of my dog..." He glances to the door, and then to Twila. "Would you go get Rush please, Love?" And then back to the children. "It's... not much different than other living things, I suppose. I'm not tall, nor am I short. And I'm not all blue because I don't have my armor on." Standing, he closes his eyes. His armor phases in with the usual flashy show.
A flash of light-blue light emits from Rock, who leaps back and stands with his left arm outstretched. Starting at his feet, a blue energy washes up and around his body; as it passes, it leaves his Megaman armor covering him. Finally, the energy coalesces into his hands, forming his helmet, which he slams into place, the seal of his neck armor locking closed.
Twila Peterson looks back over her shoulder as Rock proceeds to get into his armor for the benefit of his young audience as she goes to retrieve the robotic canine. Before she does however she mutters a small whisper to him: "Be back in a moment, Megaman, Sir..."
Rock takes a moment to stick Twila with a 'you're gonna get it' look, playful, of course.
Twila then disappears back into the small store with a stifled giggle. As she passes the older man in the shop she offers, "Just...out here to retrieve my friend's dog..." and then heads briefly outside. "Hey, Rush...care to come in? Rock asked for you. Seems like he wants you to meet some new friends..." You paged Rock with '.
Rush barks! He wags, and follows Twila wherever she would lead him.
The appearance of the bright blue armor causes a rush of even more enthusiasm from the children who threaten to swarm over Rock in their attempts to get closer. Remy and Yoko step forward then and start to herd the young crowd back to gain both Rock and Twila some room. "Don't crowd them! Be nice to our guests!" The young cyborg pushes her way to the front and scolds her charges. "I don't want any of you bothering them and making them feel threatened." She even takes a moment to state, "This means you too, Remy." The oldest boy sticks out his tongue, and Yoko responds the same way.
Rock laughs, at the two older ones. "It's alright," he replies. "I'm happy to do this." As Rush enters, the robodog walks up and sits down next to Rock, stubtail wagging. Kneeling again, and removing his helmet, he motions toward the children. "This is Rush. Come meet him."
Twila Peterson gently pets Rush's back and heads back from where she had first come, knowing she doesn't really have to show the way. Rush would easily pick up on his master's scent. Soon the two are back into the makeshift living quarters of the children. They arrive just as the children are being scolded by their "leader". The canine comes when called of course, leaving Twila to watch the interaction. "He's very friendly..." she notes.
Remy steps forward and kneels in front of Rush. The others shy away from the robodog instead, since Rush isn't nearly as well known as Megaman. The old boy reaches his hand out and pets the dog lightly at first, then more enthusiastically when he realizes that his hand isn't going to be bitten off. The other children start to relax and move back in.
Yoko meanwhile speaks to Rock. "I'm sorry about the overenthusiasm. I knew Miss Peterson said she was going to bring you here, but I didn't think she actually would..I wasn't prepared for this."
Rush rubs against the hands as they pet at him, always an attention-craver. he pants, his synthetic tongue lolling out and his stubtail wagging madly. Rock stands, and smiles at Yoko, nodding a little. "That's fine. I don't mind at all. And I always try my best to keep my promises... and I had promised to come here with Twila."
Twila Peterson smiles innocently towards the reploid, saying little to his look...fighting off the urge to stick her tongue at him herself...Commander or no. She takes a few steps nearer and watches. Thoughts come to her...oddly enough regarding her brother...especially since he's had a bit more experience with life on the streets and can somewhat relate. When Yoko injects she comments after Rock, "Besides, Rock did say he wanted to meet you too."
Yoko Tenbin smiles and shakes her head. "I don't understand why any of you have taken such interest in us. I'll never be able to thank you enough for what you've done, though." She looks over her shoulder at her children as they laugh and joke around Rush. Even Remy is having fun as he pulls a rubber ball out from his pockets. Rush seems to like the ball as well. The laughter echoes through the still open door through the hallway and out into the shop itself.
Twila Peterson then steps little closer towards Yoko, watching Remy as well as the other children becoming friends with Rush. "There a reason why we shouldn't? You did help me and Rick out that one time."
Rush enjoys the attention. He doesn't see enough children for his tastes... his eyes follow that rubber ball though. Rock, however, looks at Yoko with a smile. "It's nothing for a friend. And like Twila said, you helped she and Rick out."
Yoko Tenbin shakes her head again and still doesn't understand. "If you say so." She turns around fully and laughs a little bit as one of the older boys, the one she knows is Gregor, tries to race Rush in fetching the ball. Gregor was never meant to walk on all fours though and ends up sliding across the floor into one of the makeshift padded walls in the back.
Rush licks Gregor's face, then grabs the ball from midair and lands with a metallic clank.
Twila Peterson winces on seeing the sight and blinks. Seeing the boy after he's hit the wall, padding or no, she still idly scans him from where she stands to see if he's alright. "We know so," she responds. "Why find it so hard to believe?"
Rock nods at Yoko. "Yeah. Why do you...? I can understand, I guess, one level, but..."
Confident that her charges are having a good time and satisfied that they won't again assault the two guests, Yoko turns back to Twila and Rock. "I find it hard to believe because no one else has before. Pops is the only one who want anything to do with us. Everyone else either wants to kick us off our turf or take us over. We're lost children down here that the government just wants to shuffle into more juvenile halls and crowded orphanages." She points behind her to Gregor and the others. "Some of them might stand a chance, but not much of one. The orphans from Hokkaido have filled up every good place and left us undesirables to this. I find it hard to believe that anyone would help us because no one has any reason to." As she speaks, Remy separates from the rest and steps forward to stand next to Yoko. He nods in agreement with her.
Twila Peterson tosses Rock a saddened gaze at the given reply before focusing back on Yoko. "I wish...I had an answer for that, Yoko. There are good and kind people out there. I'm sorry you and the others had more experience with those who weren't."
Rock shakes his head. "There are still some with compassion in this world... it's just a sad thing that you kids have no families." He looks Yoko and Remy over with a soft sapphire gaze. "And sometimes you have to make it on your own... I understand this. That's part of why I wanted to come visit, to see such a tenacious group." He glances at Twila, and nods.
Yoko Tenbin smiles at the compliment. "We don't want compassion. I'm not going to use a few personal tragedies to gain sympathy or as an excuse for what we do. The kids, they don't know any better. Remy and I though, are old enough to know that we're breaking the law and doing bad things. Thank you, though, for brightening this district up and for giving our children more hope." She reaches over and squeezes Remy's shoulder with a smile. He smiles back and nods again in agreement. "W're nothin like y' heroes. 'Opefully somebody'll take th' kids and give 'em good homes someday."
Meanwhile out front, the old store owner Pops continues to read his newspaper in peace after putting in some earplugs to drown out the noise. "Darn Mogwai, always begging for food."
"Hope's something that eveyone should hold onto. Not just a few," Twila states with a tiny shrug of the shoulders, not bothering to comment on what she had known regarding the breaking of laws to survive. "Besides, everyone needs to have a friend now and again."
Rock nods a little. "I didn't quite mean it in that context, but... the sentiment got through at least." He smiles, a little.
Yoko Tenbin smiles a bit wider and nods. "Can I offer you two something? I'm sure we've got some real food here somewhere." She turns around and sprints to the back of the room to rummage through a storage locker.
Remy shakes his head at Yoko slightly, then laughs. "Izwear, she's got imperial blood in dem veins, longs with th' ice water." He quirks a smirk to Rock, still wide eyed at his presence. The fanboy in his heart comes out with his sisterly keeper away. "Jus why do you protect th' city, any'ow? Can' be easy."
Rock smiles at the boy, and answers him gently. "I protect it because it's my duty. It's what I was programmed to do, and, more importantly...it's the right thing to do. It's not easy, no. But, I don't do it by myself. There's all kinds of other Hunters, and there's the Repliforce too."
Twila Peterson flicks a glance over towards Rush as he continues his game, somewhat reminded of how he and Kyo play at times. The thought brings another smile to her lips...and then her attention is slightly distracted. She turns back to Yoko and shakes her head. "I'm fine myself. Thanks though. Nice of you to offer," she says in answer. She did eat shortly before Rock arrived back at base...but doesn't elaborate. The young woman briefly glances back towards Remy and Rock, dipping her chin slightly and then turns back to Yoko. "Mind...if I ask how long you've been here?"
Rock shakes his head in return to Yoko. "No thanks. It hasn't been too long since I've eaten either."
Yoko Tenbin stops her rummaging and leans against the battered steel closet. "Let me think. Accident happened in 2202, first foster home in 2206, started dodging social workers in 2210... this is '13, right? About three years, then. Remy and I ran off together and started the Red Pennies in April of 2210." She nods solemnly. Remy on the other hand, blinks in surprise. "Three years alrea'y?"
Rock blinks in amazement. "Wow..." is all he can say.
Twila widens her eyes and then blinks. Sounds as if she was shuffled at quite a few places. She doesn't ask of the accident. By appearances...whatever happened was pretty severe. "That's quite awhile. Was most of your present family here with you at the time you guys formed?"
Remy shakes his head as Yoko responds.
"No, it was just Remy and me to start with. Things were pretty rough back then, but it got easier when we started finding the others. Most of them were runaways like us who were trying to survive. We all got together and watched each other's backs. Soon we were attracting new runaways as soon as they left the Homes. We made our deal with Pops and settled in here after driving out the Yakuza gang that was here before. Since then it's been the day to day survival work, except for after the tsunami hit Hokkaido. A dozen new members in one week strained us a lot."
Remy looks back over at Gregor and the others to indicate who Yoko is talking about.
Twila Peterson recalls the tsunami with a quiet sigh. "I can see how that could happen," she ponders while taking a glance about. "Must get hard here sometimes."
Yoko Tenbin shrugs helplessly. "Life is hard. I don't complain."
Remy cuts in, nudging her with his elbow. "Yes ya do."
She blushes a little bit in response. "Alright, I >usually< don't complain. This is a better life than what we had before, so there's no reason to most of the time."
Twila Peterson hmmms. "I suppose comparing before and after would sometimes help one keep focused." Or not, the young woman muses. She idly ponders what Rick would be doing within this setting. He's the one with more "experience" than she does. She glances towards Rock as some of the children ask him more questions. "Guess everyone has those...just everyone's a bit different." She smiles lightly, somewhat changing the subject. "So, when not 'ah' working...what do you usually do? I know of the basket ball already..."
Remy reaches down and picks up one of the many toys scattered around the room. A metal truck with the paint flecked off and a wheel missing, it looks old and well played with.
Yoko has reached into her pocket and pulled out a few more toys, dropping them onto the floor with the rest. "Most of the young ones spend their time playing in here. It's safer than out in the streets. You've seen us when we go out to get away from this cramped room to be with new kids their ages. Usually we stop down to the Harbor district or the Southtowns, since we're not welcome in the better parts of the city."
Twila Peterson bends down and picks up a nearby toy which appears to be a metal truck, only this one resembles a construction vehicle. Seems to be missing it's drum. "If it helps any...never felt right in the more 'well-to-do' pats myself. Like there's a certain 'code' to follow there." After a pause she tilts her head. "Some of the more damaged toys I could try to fix if you like. My dad did alot of the same when I was little actually."
Yoko Tenbin smiles a little bit, but shakes her head. "Actually, we've got somebody who does that already." She turns around and looks towards an unspeakably thin blond girl that's quietly rubbing Rush's head while Rock tells a story to the group. "Jenna is a tinkerer. She's also the oldest after Remy and me, so she's the next one in charge. Every time something breaks, she fixes it." With a wider smile, Yoko notes, "Even me."
Twila gives a surprised look towards the girl Yoko refers to, impressed. "Really? Must be talented," she says, again thinking of someone else. And for one still so young. She...somewhat wonders how young her sibling was before he found his own love of machinery. "Still, offer's open if she needs a hand." Inwardly however, she comes to the conclusion that if Jenna has had to "fix" Yoko a few times she wouldn't mind checking over her work just to be on the safe side. But somehow she highly doubts the offer would be taken and might cause some offense...at least in this space of time.
Yoko Tenbin nods, still looking at Jenna quietly. "Yeah. She's one of the ones that deserves better than this." Remy reaches over and squeezes her shoulder, though Yoko doesn't seem to feel it. "Real schooling and she could probably be the next Doctor Light. She'll probably be one of the first ones to leave, I hope. Good thing I've learned a few things about how to fix things myself." Yoko shrugs and turns back around to Twila. "Thank you for the offer, though. You're really far too kind."
"Not at all," Twila responds shyly. "Keep in mind always offers open. She looks back towards the children once more, then towards Yoko. "It was kind of you trust me and Rock like this...letting us into where you live."
Yoko Tenbin quietly reaches over and gives Remy a return squeeze on the shoulder after noticing his hand on hers. He grimaces as Yoko squeezes a little bit too hard, but there's no sound of breaking bone. "As I said before, you've done a lot of things to help us. And we wouldn't deny >the< Megaman entrance. Remy would have killed me if I had said no." They both laugh quietly to avoid disturbing the story in progress. "Besides, if you were going to turn us in to the Home or the police, you would have already."
Twila Peterson tilts her head slightly to the left. "I never really trusted government agencies too be honest." To many horror stories as is. "If there was a way to help you otherwise however. Although...you'd have to let either of us know." Still, some form of fear, mistrust, and fear may remain hidden. She can't rightly know what these children have been through and won't hazard a guess.
Yoko Tenbin nods again. "I will. Thank you." She looks back to the group around Rock telling the story, and nudges Remy. "You keep an eye on them. I'd like to talk to Miss Peterson alone for a few minutes outside." She glances back to Twila. "If you don't mind?"
Twila Peterson nods with a dip of her chin. "Sure," she responds, willing to allow the girl to lead the way.
Yoko Tenbin carefully guides Twila out through the two hidden doors and into the front part of the Starlit Moon. "Who won last night's baseball game, Pops?"
The old man, still wearing his earplugs, shouts back, "WHAT?"
Yoko shakes her head and smiles, then leads Twila out of the building. Old street lamps shine down on the eternally dark undercity, while drips of water fall from above in a constant light rain. The cybernetic orphan leans against one of the lamps, looking out down the road to the ramp that leads one more level upwards.
Twila Peterson follows the girl who can't be any more than a a young teenager at best...still pondering how much responsibility she's taken on herself to care for other children. She keeps her thoughts silent as they exit back into the night air and into the darkened streets. There's a glanced tossed about her as if sensing something momentarily, but keeps her pace. "Yes?" she questions.
Yoko Tenbin closes her eyes for a moment to concentrate. "Miss Peterson, I didn't want to ask you this in front of the others, especially Remy. I still haven't told him about what's going on. He's a good friend, but I'm the one in charge. Recently, I've been approached by the Yakuza several times. They're not happy with how we threw them out of this district and I've been given several offers. I'm sure you know how Yakuza offers can be." She streches her back along the light pole, causing the metal lining her spine to scrape against itself. "I don't know what's coming, but I don't want my kids to get hurt..."
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From: Twila Peterson (Conn)
Date: Fri Aug 25 03:35:25 2000 Folder: 0 Message: 3
Status: Unread
Subject: IC: Mail
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Dear Rock,
Yoko brought to my attention that she and the children been
threatened by Yazuka thugs. Apparently she's been
"approached" already. Some time back she and the others
drove the Yuzuka out from "their turf". From what she
stated it was "join us, leave, or suffer the
consequences". I realize this isn't "official
business" that concern the Hunters. And I'm not sure what
can be done to help. But they don't really have anywhere else to
turn.
She asked when we went outside to talk and you were storytelling.
None of the other children know...
Love,
Twila
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