A month went by very quickly within New Eridu. However that didn't stop Rentaro from planning out his next move. After using his phone more he had grown quite accustomed to the way of life. But something bothered him. Everything was very… dull. But that all had changed when he started being a Hollow Raider. Those large void-like domes? Yea they are called Hollows. They can expand for who knows how far. Nobody even knows how they're made. But people in this city actually use the crystals inside them for fuel and bioengineering? To help them fight the Ethereals more efficiently. (Author: Why am I making this part like I know what I'm typing? Am I just having too much fun or am I high? Maybe I should play the game damn it and not be a loser.) Rentaro woke up from his bed. Hearing the buzzing alarm clock became and exciting norm for him. Maybe it was because they didn't exist in his other world? Who knows.
As Rentaro slipped off his bed, leaning upright and rubbing his eyes. "Today is the day. I'v finally got a commission with the infamous Cunning Hares." Rentaro muttered as he checked his phone. After a month had passed he had Ellen help him with figuring out a password for his phone. He didn't want random people to just randomly unlock his phone. Of course Ellen was willing to help and had swiftly shown him how to make one. "How easy it is to remember numbers. Unless it's higher then twenty digits." Rentaro thought mildly as he remembered the time he tried a twenty digit code and failed at remembering it, while Ellen gave him a smirk.
As he unlocked his phone he then went to the web browser, upon entering the app and clicking a website he then entered a password and email. "Time to check is they responded back to me. Ah ha. They sure did." Rentaro exclaimed, pounding his fist on the bed in joy.
Message pending…
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Sent!
Hello, Cunning hares . I am The Docter. Since you have accepted my offer, I am willing to give 70% of the payment. That's 7 million with me only getting 3 million. Do we have an agreement?
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Sent!
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Are you really willing to give that much, Docter? Were not doubting you, just curious.
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Yes, I am. I'm not in need of money, so the less the better. Plus if there are any injuries I'll lay down an extra 3 million Dennies.
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Done. We'll meet up tonight. I'll send the address.
Rentaro then closed the website. It was a site that most Hollow raiders and proxies used. The government couldn't shut it down legally since it helped with gaining stuff. But if a raider was caught by the police, they'd be thrown in jail. So Rentaro had to be careful and discreet. But this collab wasn't until later tonight, so he had enough time.
Standing up and stretching his body Rentaro groaned with a yawn. "I wonder what else I need for lab." He thought calmly with frown. During the months Rentaro had been working on a project. A lab and a forge. Using his money he bought some the necessary tools and materials needed for it. He had lots of leftover money that could keep him going for a long time. However, today he didn't need anything. Today Rentaro was gonna create something he needed. "Oh boy. Today's the the day! I'm gonna make my weapon. Although being a Docter, they shouldn't have swords. Not even a great-sword for that matter. Abyssal Moon sword. You'll be alive in no time." Rentaro stated with a clenched fist.
After monologuing to himself he finally decided it was probably time to get dressed. Didn't want to stay in his pajamas all day. Turning around and kneeling at the bed side he opened some drawers and pulled out some clothes. A white shirt, back pants, socks shoes. Plain and simple. Nothing extra or fancy. Just simple. He then pulled open another drawer and pulled out a trench coat. A German trench coat. He absolutely loved the design and buttons. However he didn't like how shiny it looked. But still, it was a coat. Putting it on and buttoning up the silver metal round buttons the coat reached all the way down to his shins. "Typical." He remarked with a annoyed frown. As Rentaro put on his shoes, tying them tightly, he suddenly heard a soft knock at the door. "Who would want to come here this early in the day. Odd, but not unusual." Rentaro thought calmly. Keeping a mature demeanor. It could only be two categories. One - it was a person wanting to get in contact with his other persona, The Docter. Two - someone had caught him sneaking out of the window and running across buildings while masked. "Even if it's the latter and someone did report strange sites. They can't legally search with place without a warrant." A small smirk appeared on Rentaro's lips. If the police did have a warrant, then he would let them search his place. Answer any questions. Make eye contact and ask questions in return. Walking over to the door and unlocking it he then opened the door slowly with a soft creak. Standing in front of him were two almost recognizable figures. One was Qing Yi , a automation which in Rentaro's other would be considered a reanimated human doll. The other was the caption of the N.E.P.S, Zhu Yuan. Her black hair withe organge strike like marks made her easily recognizable. "But why were they here? Wouldn't it have been easier to send other officers then these two? Well, nothing that could possibly have gone worse then these two being on my tail." Rentaro thought drily with annoyance. "Are you the person living inside this apartment? If so then you must be Rentaro Fen, right?" Zhu Yuan asked calmly, her eyes narrowing as she studied Rentaro firmly. "We've had suspicions reports of a person leaving this room wearing a mask. We believe that they may be dangerous. So if you may, could we search you room?" Qing yi asked in a in a polite yet serious manner. Staring up at the boy. "Do you have a warrant?" Rentaro asked kindly with a soft smile. Zhu Yuan instantly pulled up a small paper, handing it to Rentaro. "Yes. We do. Does that answer your question?" She said sternly, eyeing Rentaro with suspicion. "Then by all means. Please enter." Rentaro replied calmly. Moving to the side to let the officers in, and then closing the door when they did enter. Immediately they started searching. Under his bed, his drawers, his desk and kitchen. They even tried the washer and dryer to which they found nothing. Zhu Yaun stood up from checking the last of the desk drawers. Sighing heavily as all she found were files and sketch paper. "I seems we were mistaken, Mister Rentaro. I'm sorry for barging in and searching your house." Zhu Yuan said calmly in apology. Bowing her head slightly. Rentaro wasn't surprised. He had moved his docters attire to the lab/forge base nearby underground. Plus they wouldn't be able to tell by looking in the cameras. He was the master of movement and could change his walking style in a blink of an eye if someone wasn't watching. He could also change his body structure to look different. But despite all that he wasn't going to disregard the two officer's intelligence. "By all means. Please don't bow your head. I'v been a big fan of the caption of the N.E.P.S. So please raise your head." Rentaro said calmly. Walking over to the fridge and grabbing a can of soda. Opening it and taking a long gulp. "Please, feel free to contact me if you need any answers." Rentaro added as he strode back over to the apartment door. Opening it and gesturing for the officers to leave. "I shall escort you back to sidewalk as I have school to attend." Rentaro smiled softly at the two women who complied and left the apartment room with Rentaro following after locking his room.
As they walked down the hallway heading for the stairs. Zhu Yuan felt a little guilt for entering a persons room suddenly the finding nothing. The kid was just an ordinary schoolboy. "Again. I'm extremely sorry for the suddenly investigation. You can file a complaint at the station if you so please." Zhu said with a nervous expression. "Don't fret. We're human after all and tend to make mistake. I'm during being an caption and stuff makes the job all the more harder." Rentaro said, shaking his head calmly. Qing Yi agreed, nodding her head. However she had her suspicions. "This kid is oddly calm. Normally when people see officers they would panic or be nervous. However this Rentaro guy is calm and oddly friendly towards us." Qing yi thought, glancing at Zhu Yuan. "Also just call me by my name. I'm not a stranger after all." Rentaro said mildly with a sigh. He was in fact a stranger. In fact he never once went to go get checked into the station. The problem was that he never felt the need too. As the group neared the sidewalk Rentaro took a glance at the Yun's front porch. Shaun was there, sitting on his folding chair drinking some wine. Rentaro smiled softly at the man who was sound asleep on the small chair. Zhu Yuan notice this action and took a quick glance at Shaun. "They didn't give that title for nothing." Rentaro thought with interest. He then placed his hands in his coat pockets. "This is where we part ways, dear Officers. I'm sure we'll meet again eventually." Rentaro smiled softly as he turned left to walk down the street he normally went on. "Wait. Mister Rentaro. Do you happen to know a Hollow raider named "The Docter?" Qing Yi asked, her greenish eyes narrowing slightly. Rentaro paused, a little kinder then he wanted making the two officers slowly inch towards her cuffs. "I know of him and have met him in person once. However I'v never talked to him. Just small glimpses." Rentaro replied calmly, the friendly tone gone from his voice now. This eased Zhu Yuan and Qing Yi who soon decided it was time to leave. And with that, they left. Walking down a different path towards the lower part of Lumnia Square.
After that incident Rentaro was able to make it to school with trouble. Although this time as he was jogging down his normal route and seeing the same shop again. Was sudden yanked by a small group of thugs into a alleyway. It was narrow in the middle but wide in the back, plus it was darker than the rest so it was ideal for robbing. "Just give us your valuables and we'll let you off without a scratch." The thug who grabbed him said with a cruel chuckle, holding Rentaro by the collar keeping his feet off the floor. "Were apart of the Red Fang gang. Aren't ya scared?" Another one said with a laugh. Rentaro wasn't afraid. In fact he was over enjoyed. "A free meal? For me! No I can't do that yet. Not in public. I'll just hand them over to the Investigation Team." Rentaro thought, trying not to smile at the situation. He grabbed on the Gang members hand and squeezed it tightly that the man's hand turned purple. "Aghhh!" The man screamed but was instantly shushed by Rentaro's other hand that then swiped and broke the man's jaw. Rentaro was then let down onto the ground. As the gang man nursed his now wounded hand. "The hell! What was that!" A gang member exclaimed filled with surprise and horror but was suddenly flung into a wall, knocked unconscious. The last of member shook in fear as Rentaro walked over towards him. "Hmm. So your apart of the notorious Red Fang gang? How strange. I never expected to be picked on." Rentaro teased as he came closer to the member. The man fell to his knees, scrambling to back away from Rentaro who's smile got wider and wider to point that it was way above the human eyes. "It seems I'll have to extract information from you." Rentaro mused as he squatted down next to the man. Grabbing his head and making sure all five fingers were on him. "Soul reading." Rentaro thought as he slowly injected small amounts of energy into the man's brain. Spreading it until it completely covered it. Then he pulled it back. Receiving massive amounts of memory data causing him to have a headache. The Red fang gang member slouched his head. Unconscious he was now. "He knows nothing of where there location is. He must be a newbie." Rentaro thought calmly, feeling a bit frustrated that he didn't get anything valuable from the man. "That will leave him permanently disabled. He won't be able to remember much but her lose some normal brain functions." Rentaro said staring down at the unconscious gang member, grinning softly as he turned and walked away. As Rentaro made his way towards the school, no longer jogging but instead running, he finally made it to the steps leading into the building. He had made it on time, at least he hoped. "Your just barely on time, Rent." Ellen huffed staring at him calmly with a tired frown. Her shark tail swaying gently. "I wonder when I'll get the chance to touch that tail." Rentaro thought mildly with a soft smirk as he walked up the steps towards where Ellen was standing waiting for him. As they entered the classroom, walking over to their desks and setting down their backpacks. Ellen turned around in her chair. Staring at Rentaro. "Why were you late? Did something happen?" She asked narrowing her eyes. From what she saw during the last month Rentaro had no fighting capability so if he was held up by thugs he stood no chance. Plus with those noodle like arms it seems like he'd only tickle the thugs. Rentaro was nervous by Ellen's intense gaze, he's never seen her so concerned. It was actually kinda cute. Wait what? Cute? "I mean I'v seen bash sharks before and they were cute at heck!" Rentaro thought with a faint blush. Remembering the time when he was visiting the shark tribe and had stumbled into a shark hybrid and her baby. The baby was so adorable and so cute he wanted to hug it forever. "W-what are doing?" Ellen stutters out, her cheeks flushed with color. Rentaro realized that being lost in thought he unconsciously raised his hand and was rubbing Ellen's head. "Oh, um. Sorry." Rentaro nervously apologized, giving an expression of guilt with a half smile. He removed his hand slowly, placing it back down on the desk. He hoped he didn't offend Ellen, that would be terrible. "Just don't do it again." Ellen muttered softly with a pout before turning back around in her seat as the teacher had entered the classroom. Rentaro sighed with relief. That was close, I wouldn't want to offend my only best friend here. That be if it wasn't for the fact that he was a Hollow Raider, cause he wasn't. He'd spend more time with Ellen as a friend. However now was not the time to be thinking about that. The reason he needed to be a Raider was for a very specific reason. To capture an Ethereal of any type and Experiment on it. Why you must ask? Because he needs someone who can project those he cares about while he's not around. He was only to make a living Ethar-chimera.
After that class ended Rentaro was unconscious walking down the hallway heading for the next one. Until something interesting happened. "Hey, Rent. Wanna skip class and go hang out today?" Ellen asked calmly, stretching out her limbs. Rentaro's expression changed from interest into "great holy moly!" It he had a tail he'd be wagging it like a dog. Wait what? "I forget I'm inside my old teenage body. I should feel however I want to feel." Rentaro thought calmly with a smile which didn't go unnoticed by Ellen. "Is that a yes or a no." She asked tugging at Rentaro's coat sleeve gently. This busted Rentaro out of his mind and he immediately answered her question. "Of course! It's like a play date!" Rentaro exclaimed, his body full of excitement and boiled up joy. He didn't think too much about the word "date," however Ellen definitely did.
A-a date? Like an actual date? Ellen thought, her cheeks rising in color as she tried to calm herself. No! He meant play date. Still though. "Ellen? You okay? Your head feels hot?" Rentaro asked with concern. Placing a cold hand on her head. "I mean if your not feeling well then just tell me." Rentaro said gently smiling at Ellen. This did not help at all for Ellen, however she would still agree to go hang out with him. "Let's- let's just go already." Ellen muttered softly with grunt before gesturing for Rentaro to lead the way. When they both left the school, walking down the steps Rentaro pulled out his phone. Searching for something. "Let's see. Hmm. Ah ha. Here." Rentaro muttered under his breath as he was searching for something on his phone. Ellen looked at him, somewhat curiously. She didn't need to ask anything, just wait until Rentaro was ready to tell her. "Let's go to the Coff Cafe first then maybe, if we have the time, walk around the park and see a pond or something." Rentaro offered as he pocked his phone, turning around to look at Ellen. "Sure. I don't mind." Ellen's reply was firm yet comforting to Rentaro. He hadn't explored most of New Eridu so he felt like this was the best any guy could do at moment. Ellen nodded in agreement, making a small gesture with her hand that told Rentaro that he had to lead the way.
Rentaro sighed, a small smile creeping up on his lips as he started to walked away. Ellen followed suit, keeping up with his long legged stride. Despite being taller than Ellen he never looked down on her. He actually respected her more. Back in his other world Rentaro was known for being a great leader within the Hybrid and animal kingdom. This was due to how he treated them. Rentaro greatly respected hybrids and animal folk because they were strong fighters and great people. So whenever a Thiren like Ellen was around, he would always try to be respectful and friendly. "It's unfortunate that they were wiped out after being labeled as demons." Rentaro muttered quietly to himself as he got onto the train with Ellen. "What was that?" Ellen asked curiously, looking at the boy with a small frown. "It's nothing. Just me and my thoughts." Rentaro replied stoically in a monotone voice. Entering the train and moving to sit bedside Ellen. "We'll be heading to Lumnia Square, that's where everything is. But I think you already know that." Rentaro mused with a chuckle. Glancing sideways at Ellen who was typing on her phone. Rentaro leaned back in his seat, waiting for the train to stop at the station for Lumnia Square. "Got it." Ellen responded with a soft sigh. Stretching her limbs and closing her eyes. Rentaro looked at her with a calm expression, noticing how she fell asleep almost immediately. "Wish I could do that." He muttered softly with jealousy.
When the train finally stopped at the station, Rentaro stood up from his seat. However upon noticing that Ellen was still asleep decided to wake her up. "Ellen. Wake up." Rentaro nudged her with a finger jolting her awake. "What is it?" Ellen stirred, yawning as she stood up. Stretching her limbs and following Rentaro off the bus.
Although it was slightly later in the day, a little later than Rentaro hoped he still continued on with his journey with Ellen. They headed for the Coff Cãfe with the famous, Master Tinman. Upon entering they were greeted by the very peculiar robot.
"I'll just have a regular coffee. Nothing special." Rentaro said swiftly rubbing his chin. He glanced at Ellen with a questioning expression. "Do you want anything Ellen? I'll pay." He asked politely. Ellen was unbothered and she shook her head. "I'll just have whatever your having." She replied calmly. And with that the Tinman a activated with such smooth power it surprised Rentaro about the technology used to make such golems. "Is there no core? No. Their has to be one. Unless it's powered by something different then magic." Rentaro muttered softly to himself, staring intently at the Robot as it made the two drinks.
After about a minute the Coffee was ready and Rentaro gladly took the two cups. The aroma was refreshing and delicious, like smelling your favorite meal. The two then headed up towards the roof and sat down at a table near the side.
By this time it was sun down and the city lights stared to light up. "It sure is beautiful down there. Isn't it." Rentaro asked looking down upon the city as he slowly sipped on his coffee. He then turned his gaze down to Sixth street, looking around slowly searching for something. However upon not finding for what he was looking for, decided to turn his gaze back to Ellen who was staring at him with a nonchalant yet indifferent expression.
He's very calm when he studies. Kinda cu- WAIT NO! Ellen thought, her face flushing red just slightly. However despite herself she couldn't calm down.
Rentaro noticed this and blinked once or twice to see if he was seeing things. Was Ellen blushing? Nah, he must be seeing things. He blinked once more. Nope he definitely wasn't seeing things. "Umm. Are yo-" Rentaro was about to ask but was cut off by Ellen taking his own coffee and gulping it down. "Um. That was mine." Rentaro said with a disappointed frown of sadness, scratching the back of his head in nervousness. "Just hope is was as good as you thought it was." Rentaro added as an afterthought, smiling softly with a slight chuckle. Ellen's face redden even brighter then usual. She also took the words "good as you thought it was" differently.
I-I just drank out of Rentaro's cup. T-th-that's basically an indirect kiss!? Ellen's minds was scattered and in utter confusion.
Rentaro saw how confused and flustered Ellen was and decided that maybe his teasing was a little bit too much. "Ellen you-" however he was cut off by Ellen's sudden slamming of the table. Breaking it and making a crumble into large pieces. This definitely perked Rentaro's interest. "How fascinating. Such strength! What training do you do, Ellen? I expected much from a Thrien like you." Rentaro exclaimed aloud, clapping his hands and letting him get ahead of himself. He stood up from his chair, walking around to study Ellen's arm muscles, to which was rejected by a fast thrown punch towards the face. Rentaro saw this and just slightly tilted his head sideways, dodging the attack as he raised his hand to grab Ellen's hand. "How fast. But let's calm down. I have to go pay the Tinman for destroying his table." Rentaro said letting go of Ellen's arm and backing away before she could strike again.
After paying an angry Master Tinman and apologizing they then began to walk around the city. Looking around at beautiful sites and taking a look inside shops. They even passed by a video rental store where met two siblings, Wise and Belle. They were the two Rentaro had been lookin for. But for the moment he'll enjoy his time.