Puppet

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Lilith – Heh, well they’re both human, but Luke’s immortal and Kiyoshi is not. Thanks for reviewing. I’ll try to update every day!

Leentje – Thank you! Heh

CHAPTER 13:


With the sun shining through his window, Kiyoshi’s eyes winced at the sudden brightness when his eyes fluttered open. Looking over at his alarm clock, Kiyoshi noticed that he had woken earlier then usual. Good, he wouldn’t be late for work, but his stomach growled hungrily. He skipped dinner last night, but for good reason. He had told Luke of his family, his mother, and even sang part of her song to Luke. Kiyoshi then remembered Luke’s words last night. He had apologized to Kiyoshi; apologized for hurting him. Kiyoshi was unsure if he believed Luke, but he couldn’t help but feel like he should trust in Luke’s words.

Throwing his covers off his body, Kiyoshi was just about to hop out of bed when something caught his eye. Turning his head, Kiyoshi couldn’t believe what he was seeing. He stared with wide eyes at the vase on his dresser. There, within the vase, were bright red roses that weren’t dead. They were healthy and glittery. Tiny bits of water fell from their petals and down into the vase. Kiyoshi crawled across his bed to get to them. Putting his nose over them, Kiyoshi gave them a sniff. They were fresh; brand new. Who would’ve done? Kiyoshi couldn’t believe it…he just could not believe it.

“No way,” Kiyoshi whispered, “He didn’t…” Kiyoshi touched his fingers to the roses petals; they were softer then a pillow. Kiyoshi gave off a happy smile, “It’s not possible.”

--

Officer Wakehiko was stressed. Something terrible had happened. Kiyoshi noticed this as he entered into the building, earlier then usual.

“Kiyoshi,” Officer Wakehiko’s eyes widened, “What are you doing here so early? It’s not even opening time yet. Hell, Akina’s not even in yet.”

“I don’t know, sir,” Kiyoshi shrugged, “I guess I’ve just been in a good mood lately. What about you, you seem worried.”

“Well,” Officer Wakehiko sighed, “I sort of am…” Officer Wakehiko turned to look up at Kiyoshi, “But it’s not your concern, Kiyoshi. This is an assignment for Officer Talakani and Officer Yaichiro. You just worry about helping out the new guy.” Kiyoshi got confused for a second, but then remembered that the new guy was Luke. Kiyoshi smiled and gave a nod.

“Sure thing,” Kiyoshi headed out of Officer Wakehiko’s office just in time to see Akina and Luke come in.

“Kiyoshi,” Akina smiled, “You’re here early. I passed into the new guy on the way. He’s really something,” Akina gave a blush towards Luke and Kiyoshi nearly blushed too, though he had no clue why. There was Luke, standing with his long brown hair actually pulled into a pony. He was wearing an OOP uniform and it made him look very good. Luke walked over to the two, acting as if he’d never known Kiyoshi since yesterday.

“Hello again,” Luke bowed, “Kiyoshi, right?” Kiyoshi gave Luke a smile, and then shook his hand.

“Yes,” Kiyoshi nodded, “partner.” Other officers began to enter the building for work. Those who worked day shifts. Those who worked the night shifts have already left for a day of relaxation. Topper entered soon and introduced himself to Luke again before heading over to get some coffee. Luke went to grab some coffee for himself, too, but Kiyoshi stopped him, “Luke,” Kiyoshi whispered so nobody would hear, “Thank you for the roses.” Luke stared at Kiyoshi quizzically, shaking his head while giving Kiyoshi a soft grin.

“What roses?” With that, Luke lowered his smile and went to get some coffee. Kiyoshi stared at Luke’s back for a moment, then for the first time in a long while, Kiyoshi gave off a cheery laugh.

--

“Okay,” Topper clapped his hands together, enjoying every minute of running through the OOP rules and regulations with Luke, “Let’s show you how it’s done over here in Tokyo,” Kiyoshi found it funny when Luke let out a yawn he just couldn’t hold in. The day had been a long one and Kiyoshi knew that Luke could already handle anything thrown at him. He was an immortal, after all. But Topper did not know this, so Kiyoshi and Luke hid the information by trying best to concentrate on his teachings.

“Topper,” Kiyoshi spoke halfway through the day, “I think Luke gets it. I mean my God, he’s bigger then the both of us put together.”

“Alright,” Topper spoke sadly as the three men headed into a noodle café for lunch, “But it’s still fun.”

“To be bossy,” Kiyoshi giggled, “Yeah it is.” Luke only listened as the two mortals gossiped on. Mortals were so noisy, so loud and full of energy, Luke noticed. He also noticed how dirty, rude and inconsiderate most mortals are. One thing Luke found interesting hanging out with his puppet is that he got to observe mortals more. He’s never been around mortals for such long periods of time before, and at times it was quite enjoyable.

The three men took their seats, ordered some ramen and began to chat away. Luke mainly just listened; he only spoke when Kiyoshi or Topper spoke to him. Their food arrived shortly after discussion and the three men dug in, slurping their noodles as indication of thanks. Once the men finished their meal, they kept chatting, but Luke then noticed a man walk in. The man looked crazy; his black jacket covered an object and Luke immediately knew what it was.

“Kiyoshi, Topper,” Luke whispered, lowering his body, “That man over there has a gun…” Kiyoshi and Topper went to turn their heads, but… “Don’t,” Luke whispered, “He’ll see us. Shush, get under the table and follow my lead. I have a plan…” Kiyoshi and Topper could only obey as the man, who did possess a gun, threaten the waitress for money from the cashier.

“You’re crazy,” Topper whispered, “That plan is suicidal…”

“Topper,” Kiyoshi whispered back, “I think it’ll work. Let’s do it.” Topper sighed and nodded.

“Alright,” Topper agreed, “Our funerals.” Luke crept out from under the table as Kiyoshi and Topper moved back up onto the cushions of their seats, waiting to make their move. Luke slowly walked up to the man with the ramen bowl in his hand, and then stood behind him. With his sharp ears Luke heard the man whisper:

“Hurry it up lady,” at that moment, Luke spoke:

“Excuse me miss, but this is not the ramen I ordered,” the man quickly spun around towards Luke and at that moment Luke forcefully hit the guy across the face with the ramen bowl. Everybody in the café turned their heads at the shriek from the man, whose face was smashed; with bowl pieces in his cheeks, blood dripping down his face, falling to the floor. At that moment Kiyoshi and Topper ran up to the man with their guns pointing down at him.

“OOP officers,” Kiyoshi yelled as the man kneeled in pain, “Don’t move!”

“You’re under arrest,” Topper took out his handcuffs and forced the man’s hands behind his back. Just then, from out of nowhere, the entire restaurant was filled with cheery applause. The waitress behind the cash register felt pleased; her hand was over her heart. She was safe.

“Thank you,” she breathed happily, “Oh God.” As Topper and Kiyoshi rushed the man out to their officer vehicles, Luke turned to the mortal waitress and, along with the money the man tried stealing, Luke put a good amount of money on the counter as well.

“Sorry about the mess,” with that, the mysterious Luke went to help his partners as the mortals in the noodle café could only stare in awe.

--

Officer Wakehiko rubbed the back of his neck; he did that whenever he was nervous or frustrated. He had called in Officer Talakani and Officer Yaichiro. They now stood before him.

“We’ve got a major issue,” Officer Wakehiko then spoke, “More bodies have been found dead at that same factory. Three this time. A man found them after finding his lost dog chewing on parts of one of the dead bodies’ flesh.” Officer Talakani and Yaichiro stood still, though both were sickened by the story. “I need you two to go and investigate,” Officer Wakehiko came close to pleading, “We aren’t even close to discovering who did in those last bodies found by Kiyoshi.”

“Alright,” Officer Talakani gave a nod, “We’ll go check it out.”

--

“You should’ve seen it,” Topper bragged at the office once they brought the man through the doors, “Luke was right on it! He recognized that the man was a robber right away! I mean, I would’ve been able to, also, but my back was to him, you know?” Akina giggled at Topper. Topper was a definite show-off, “It was fantastic,” Topper laughed, “Best damn case I’ve ever been on throughout my entire officer life. Believe me, that’s pretty damn sad!”

“Wow,” Akina giggled as her phone began to rang, “That’s cool…OOP office, what’s your emergency?”

Putting on his jacket, Kiyoshi smiled at Topper. Topper could be heard throughout the building. Most of the officers found it annoying as hell, but Kiyoshi couldn’t agree more with Topper. Luke had been amazing.

--

“You were amazing,” Kiyoshi whispered while standing next to his bike. Luke had stood behind him once again.

“That,” Luke whispered, “Was nothing.”

“To Topper,” Kiyoshi giggled while facing Luke, “It was. I’ve never seen that side of you before. You’re brave…”

“Not really,” Luke said, “Since I’m immortal. It’s just my duty to act brave that is all.” Kiyoshi was silent at that remark, but he didn’t believe it. Smiling, Kiyoshi looked up at Luke.

“I want to meet them again,” Kiyoshi then said with a smile on his face. Luke raised an eyebrow, which made Kiyoshi giggle, “You’re group. I wish to make friends with them.” Luke stared at Kiyoshi for a moment; then he began to giggle, which he normally doesn’t do.

“Now that,” Luke whispered, his eyes going soft, “Is brave.”

--

Officer Talakani nearly gagged when he bent down to examine the blood over the cement. The bodies had been taken care of, but the smell has not. Holding a cloth to his mouth, Officer Talakani looked around for any signs of evidence that this was caused by man, not animal. But he couldn’t find anything.

“How’s it going over there,” Officer Talakani asked, “Officer Yaichiro?”

“No good,” Officer Yaichiro said as he came up behind Officer Talakani, “No evidence anywhere. Whoever is doing this cleans messes up well. I can’t find any fingerprints.”

“Dido,” Officer Talakani sighed, and then rose to his feet from his kneeling position, “Well, we should report back to Officer Wakehiko with what few findings we’ve got.” Then, a large bang was heard. Both Officer Talakani and Officer Yaichiro took out their guns, “What was that?”

“I don’t know,” Officer Yaichiro headed towards the noise, “Stay here, I’ll check it out.” Officer Talakani kept his gun held in front of him as Officer Yaichiro went around the corner to examine whatever made the mysterious noise. It then grew quiet. Nothing was heard but the bristling from the wind. Just then, though, a gargling noise was heard, followed by a splatter noise. Officer Talakani kept his gun pointed in front of him.

“Officer Yaichiro,” Officer Talakani called out, “What’s going on?” Officer Talakani received no answer, so as slowly as possible he headed towards the noise. Making it to the corner, Officer Talakani sneaked around the wall, keeping his back to it, “Officer Yaichiro, where are…” Officer Talakani’s sentence was cut off by an object rolling towards him.

Pointing his gun down, Officer Talakani nearly fainted at the sight of Officer Yaichiro rolling towards him; only the head. The body was no longer attached. Shrieking in fright, Officer Talakani’s eyes widened at the sight of a figure standing before him. Without thinking, Officer Talakani let his gun fire, keeping shooting at the figure, but it just kept coming closer to him. Before he knew it, Officer Talakani was pinned against the brick wall. The figure moved over him, dripping in Officer Yaichiro’s blood. Officer Talakani tried moving, but he was having trouble breathing. His stomach felt hot, sweat dripped down his face and neck. The figures eyes glowed evilly as they stared at Officer Talakani. With a diseased sounding voice, the figure spoke:

“Damn mortal scum,” with one last catch of breath, Officer Talakani’s features drew blank when his entire insides exploded, leaving blood splattered on the wall behind him. His body slid to the ground and the figure made a hysterical laugh as he glared at the body, “Pest.” With that, the figure flew off into the sky as the bodies of two fine officers began to rot away.

*End of Chapter 13*