Transporter Side: K

So you're still picking up work wherever you can, Kikyo?

Nothing's really changed. It's my job. Now that I'm no longer seeking vengeance for my father, I've got to figure what I'm gonna do from here out... But it's not so easy to find something to devote my life to.

Not something easy to choose, isn't it?

But you must meet a lot of people working as a jack-of-all-trades? You could try taking a page out of someone else's book? There must be plenty of opportunities out there.

Yeah, you might be right...

Oh, I'm sorry. It looks like someone's contacting me.

Yes. Yes. Right. That's quite something. That's a lot to be paying a humble jack-of-all-trades, don't you think? Yes. But... Okay. I accept. Should I head to the Iota District? Thanks. Bye.

What was that about?

A job referral from an information broker that I know.

You looked a little surprised.

I was. The reward they're offering is well...

It's too low?

No, it's high. Weirdly high. I've never heard anything like it.

Really?! So then, it must be worth your while to take the job?

I would guess it must be pretty dangerous to warrant this kind of money. In my experience, it's best to be particularly cautious with this kind of request.

Huh? But I thought you took the job.

Yeah, I did. A jack-of-all-trades doesn't have much say in the jobs we're offered. We don't get to be picky.

Of course, we're constantly building our skills so that we can face whatever danger comes our way. And we always have to keep an eye out for a dangerous situation. You won't last long in this job otherwise.

I see. So you don't just take a job without thinking it through.

Which is why, I'm heading to Iota District. The client should be there.

Iota District? That's where the Auction House is, right? Mind if I tag along?

I'm kinda concerned about this mission of yours... And if there's a chance you're going to be in danger, I can't just leave you to face it alone.

Sure. No point in trying to stop you, right? And besides, I'd appreciate the help. Let's get going to the meeting place with the client.

I made it to the Auction House... But where is Kikyo? She told me to wait here while she got ready...

Thanks for waiting.

Kikyo? What's going on? Why are you dressed like that?

I was told the job would be to deliver a package. So I equipped myself accordingly.

Oh, okay...

Well, the client should be here any minute.

You're right on time. Perfect.

I am a professional after all. Are you the client?

Yes, I am.

(This guy certainly seems overly cautious, hiding under that cloak and all.) (I can see some red hair under his hood, but I don't think I recognize him.)

Sounds like you've got money to burn. Half the offer would've been more than enough for a standard delivery.

You stand to be one lucky lady then. Supposing you successfully complete the mission, that is.

Of course. So, what exactly would you like me to transport?

Well...before we go into that, I'll need to tell you a little about the auction being held today. Today's auction is rather special. Only some customers with a certain "understanding" are allowed to participate.

You see, the product up for auction... Is a person.

What did you just say?! How could you possibly think that's okay?!

Control yourself, Aldo. Let him finish.

*chuckles* No, no, he's right. It really isn't okay. Which is why I wanted to hire you.

Huh?

In short, there's a kid up for sale in today's auction. Now, I can't say this too loudly, but she has a strong psychic ability. You could describe her as dangerous goods.

A psychic ability?

They're using special restraints to seal her power, but if she puts her mind to it, she could raze this building to the ground.

So, what I'd like you to do... Is secure the girl before she gets sold, and bring her to me. You got that?

Wha?!

To sum it up, you want me to rescue the kid. But I was told I would be delivering a package?

Sure you are. The kid's the package, and I'm the destination. I'll assign you a drop-off point in due course.

Okay, understood. I'll take the job.

Kikyo?!

You get straight to the point, don't you? I appreciate that. Well then, I'll leave the rest to you.

......

You disapprove, Aldo?

Yeah. I don't really know how to put it... I mean, I agree with the part about rescuing the child about to be auctioned off...

But less so about treating the child as a product, or a package. And I don't trust this client one bit.

But if rescuing the child is my job, I can hardly say no, can I?

I suppose.

As far as I'm concerned, I'm in no place to reject any mission. There's no point discussing this further. So let's get to work. You'll still help me, right?

Yeah, it's no problem.

......

Slum folks always look out for number one. They don't surrender their freedom to others. Leaving your fate in someone else's hands makes you no better than a pet dog who's forgotten the wild.

Someone who only ever relies on others and has lost the will to resist, can never be saved in any real sense.

I... But... I can't do anything...

......

Come with me!

Huh?!

Tsk! What happened to the outside guard?

Oh, I'm afraid my companion's taking care of them. I'll be taking the girl now. So long, sharp-dressed man!

*cough* *cough* A smokescreen? An old move, but an effective one!

Gray! Track them with your infrared tracking system. They're not gettin' away!

Aldo! Are you okay?!

Yeah, I'm fine. But are you okay?!

Yeah, don't worry. That's why I came dressed like this!

Huh?!

It's just a little further, Miss! Come on, this way!

*huff puff* Wait! I don't know what's going on here... But are you going to set me free?!

I am. I'll fill you in later! But first, we need to get to the airport.

Okay!

Aldo, we'll get away first, then meet up later. Stay safe!

Don't be ridiculous! It's you who needs to stay safe!

Phew, this should be far enough...

Are we okay now?

I wouldn't say that. But I think we bought some time.

Huh?

We're only dropping by here so that I can secure enough fuel for our escape. We'll have to leave soon...

Oh, okay. But...thank you. He told me he'd save me, but it was all just a trick. I was moments away from being sold off. If it wasn't for you, I'd be the property of some rich person by now.

So, can I trust you?

I'm sorry... All I can say is it's best not to trust anyone so easily.

Oh...

I have a client, too. I'm just here to deliver you to them.

Wha?!

Maybe you're better off now, maybe you were better off before I rescued you. Who knows which is worse. I'm sorry, I'm not saying this to upset you...

...... I think I can trust you after all. That guy from before, he reeled me in with his lies... But at the very least, I don't think you're lying.

Right, Miss?

......

My, my, I thought you would have run further away.

Wha?!

Darn, looks like we spent too much time talking.

Forgot to fill up the tank before the mission? That's pretty convenient for me.

My Prince...

It's a classic road-bike. Unlike those Xeno Prisma gravity lifters, it needs a special fuel that's hard to come by.

I'm no criminal. I'll leave the money here for the owner.

Is that right? How kind of ya.

Now then, mind handin' over the lady to me?

What if I refuse?

It makes no difference to me. In fact, it makes things nice and simple.

But don't worry, I'll go easy on ya. I've got a weakness for ladies, ya see.

Is that so? I'd hate to disappoint you.

Not bad. Not bad at all...

I'm glad I don't have to take ya on as ya normally are.

What?! How did you know...

You're not familiar with the distancin'. Judgin' from your movements, I'd say you're normally usin' a short sword or twin daggers...

......

My client is waiting for me. Mind letting me go?

I'd consider it if ya let me in on who your client is...

I can't reveal my client's identity.

Hmm, you're not just playin' hard-ball...

But I think I've got an idea as to whom your client is, and I'm fine lettin' ya go... But are ya fine with that lady?

I won't tell you.

What did I do to make ya hate me, Little Lady? Ya even hugged me before.

That's just because you played me and I got excited for nothing!

Well, I have good news for ya, Lady. I wasn't finished talkin' before.

A moment ago?

The part about ya losin' your hunger for freedom after leavin' the slums.

I do not want to hear about it!

I wasn't tellin' ya that because I wanted to lecture ya.

Then why...

Remember when the auctioneer mentioned your remarkable power? That was not just to push up the bidding. The truth is that no one knows who decides what is remarkable or not...

It's still not known widely yet, but there are more and more kids just like ya. They each have unique powers and if they are free to do as they please, it might affect business.

Hence why the leaders of Elzion's underworld have agreed to certain grading standards. Those connected with the darker side of KMS commissioned the creation of those bindings.

But all that resulted in was a standardization of production. You, on the other hand, were remarkable... And ya had the potential to take revenge on that red-headed jerk that sold ya.

Huh?! How did you know he had red hair?

So I guess my intuition was right.

You tricked her again... I should've sworn her to secrecy.

This is what I think happened. The lady was to be sold at the auction while another was hired to kidnap her.

But what purpose would that serve?

You're right. There's no benefit in kidnappin' the girl you're plannin' to sell. But it would be enough to ruin the reputation of our organization. This plan required a lot of cash and he knew I'd be assigned to the auction.

It sounds like you know exactly how this red-headed guy thinks.

He and I have a long history. I guess I kind of brought this on myself.

So I want ya to go. It's what's best for me too.

Are you sure about this? Even if I take the girl to him?

That's your job, isn't it?

Got it... I can't thank you or tell you where we're going...

It doesn't matter to me. Battlin' such a beautiful fighter was enough for me.

My Prince...

Before ya go, those bindings are too tight on ya, My Lady. So go and show that red-headed jerk exactly what you're capable of and earn your freedom.

Oh I will!

Take care of yourself, My Prince!

Considering how little you trusted him just moments ago, you sure seem fond of him now...

Well, it may not be much, but I finally have something to hope for. I thought I would never, ever be free... But if I really put my mind to it, maybe I can take my freedom back.

That's what he meant, right?

I think so.

But we're not out of the woods yet. I'll be delivering you to the red-haired client next. And there's no guarantee that all will go well afterward.

You're a downer...

It's too soon to be optimistic, that's all. You can celebrate to your heart's content when and if it all works out, okay?

Okay!

Then I'll contact the client.

Yes. I have secured the package. As for the hand-over... Route 99. Understood. It's pretty dicey, but I don't think there'll be any trouble. Roger that. I'm on my way.

I've got the drop off point. I'd better tell Aldo.

Let's head to Route 99. Prepare yourself.

Got it.

It's around here. I'm sure he'll turn up soon enough.

This abandoned road reminds me of the old days...

It does?

It looks a little like where I used to live.

Sounds like you lived in a pretty bleak place.

I... I used to live in the slums. With my mom and dad. Life was tough, but it was more than made up for by my mom and dad's kindness. But then one day, I was separated from my parents, and taken off to some suspicious facility...

......

What's wrong?

It's just that...life's a funny thing, you know?

I was brought up by my father, but a few years back, he and I were separated. I moved to a place called Angal after that. Life there sure isn't easy, but it's a great place, full of kind people. I feel like I'm part of something there.

You're not lying, are you?

Of course not. Why would I lie to you?

It's just... That man from before. He said he was born in the slums.

He said he'd save me because we're both from the same place. He just told me what I wanted to hear, and I believed every word of it...

That man from before, eh? What a strange coincidence. But my story is true. I was separated from my father and I ended up living in a poor settlement.

Of course, I wouldn't be who I am today, jack-of-all-trades and all, if it wasn't for that experience. So it's not like I resent everything.

Who you are today?

Well, obviously I'm not happy about it. I was taken away out of the blue... I had this strange power awoken inside me.

And yet again, I've been brought to some unknown place to suit the whim of some unknown person. I don't get to decide anything for myself.

Which is why... I'd at least like to decide what to do next.

......

So, I was thinking...

What about?

You said before...that you're a jack-of-all-trades?

That's right.

Then, can I ask you to do something for me?

Technically, yes. But I am running a business here, so I'd need some kind of payment for it.

But I see no harm in listening to your request. I'm kind of curious about what you would ask for in your current circumstances.

......

Hey!

Kikyo! I finally found you!

There you are, Aldo. I've been waiting.

How could you just ride off and leave me there? I had such a hard time trying to get away...

Yeah, sorry about that. But I couldn't have done this without you. Anyway, I'm about to make contact with the client.

You are?! You mean you're actually going to hand her over?!

That's the plan. What happens next is up to her.

......

What's this I hear?

I hope you don't think you have any choice but to hand her over. If you can't do that, our client-trafficker relationship really isn't going to work out.

It's rude to eavesdrop, you know.

Now, now. I've done nothing more than show up at our meeting place, as promised.

Ah well, since you brought the girl here as per our agreement, I suppose it doesn't matter. Hand her over and we can conclude our business together.

Right...

Go.

Wha?!

I understand.

Those connected with the darker side of KMS commissioned the creation of those bindings. But all that resulted in was a standardization of production. You, on the other hand, were remarkable... And ya had the potential to take revenge on that red-headed jerk that sold ya.

......

Stop there.

Huh?!

You're hiding something. Trust me, I've seen it all. You can't get anything past me.

Wha?!

Don't move.

What? I wasn't trying to...

Shut your mouth. Stay right where you are until we've completed our transaction. If you try anything, this gun here will make sure you don't ever move again. Do I make myself clear?

......

Such a shame. Perhaps you two had something up your sleeves, too. But I'll forgive you since we were still able to complete our deal.

(Oh no... Is there really nothing I can do? Is this really how it's going to end?) (Even though he gave me all those hints. Even though I had a chance to be free...) (What should I do? What can I do now?)

See you around. I'll deposit your payment later, since you safely delivered the package.

Miss!

Huh?!

Hey! I told you to shut up!

Miss! You're a jack-of-all-trades, right? So do business with me! I'll give you everything I own in return! This is all I have right now, though...

Ha! Are you out of your mind? You call that crumbled scrap of paper money? You're just a dumb kid. You don't know how the professional world works. She's still under contract with me. She can't act against her client until her work is complete.

Miss! This is my request! Release me! I don't want to go with him!

Before I'm dragged to some strange place again... I want to choose my own path!

This girl won't shut up!

(Her own path...)

Kikyo!

Urgh! I've thought about your request...

Hmph. There's no way she'll take it.

You've got a deal!

WHAT?! How could you?!

Are you okay?

Yes!

You fool! Do you have any idea what you've done?! You don't think I'll let you get away with this, do you?

I have already completed my work for you. I'm free to take on other commissions now. You are no longer my client. As far as I'm concerned, this right here is an open-shut case of kidnapping.

Y-You wretch! You think you can just say whatever you feel like? Why don't we put these grievances of yours to the test?

What?!

You're done for now. This is what you get for betraying a client's trust. I'm not letting you get away!

Oh... Ah... Aaaaargh!

Th-That was incredible! So that's her psychic power.

WHAAAT?! Are you KIDDING me?! How could this happen?

You're out of fire power. I'd retreat if I were you.

...... I'll get you for this, you damned brats! You'll get what's coming to you!

I'll make sure of that!

Phew. We did it.

Miss... I umm...

......

Why don't we talk somewhere else?

Huh?

I have somewhere in mind. We might get hounded by more pursuers if we stay here. Friends of his, or guards from the Auction House.

Good point. We should hide out somewhere far away from here.

Somewhere around Laula Dome should work. Let's meet up there.

Meet up? Wait...

We'll head there first on my motorcycle. The faster we can get there, the better.

I thought this might happen.

See you later, Aldo. Stay safe out there.

Here should be fine. We drove a fair distance there. Are you doing okay?

I was a little scared...

But I felt so free riding on your motorcycle, feeling the wind in my face... Happy, almost.

You're stronger than I thought.

Um, I-I wanted to say...

Yes?

Um... Thank you so much. For accepting my request.

I'm so glad that it all worked out. I was really worried for a moment...

I never had any choice but to live in that laboratory. As soon as I finally escaped, I was told I would be sold. I ended up back in chains.

If you didn't take me back, I would have been chained up forever. But now, I feel like I've finally been freed from my cage! So thank you so, so much for bringing me here.

It's no big deal.

It is for me!

And...when you took me back from him... You were SO cool!

Mm?!

Miss!

You really do become attached to people quick, don't you?

Haha, I think it's great. It means she trusts you, right?

Is that so?

Yes, I trust you. You chose me, when all I had to give you was a measly scrap of paper.

And...I've been thinking...about what I should do next.

Sure, that's really important. Did you think of something?

I was thinking about going back to the slum where I was brought up. I miss my mom and dad, you see. But...

I'm still being followed. I don't know when his associates will come for me. Maybe I'll even be followed forever. So if I went back to my parents, it would cause nothing but trouble for them...

Huh. But if that's the case, surely there's nowhere you can go.

That's about the sum of it. So Miss, I have one more favor to ask of you.

You do?

Will you...

Take me on as a jack-of-all-trades?!

Wha?!

You saved my life! I want to stay with you and pay you back for that. Also...

You're so cool! I want to be like you! I may never have wanted this power... But I do have a fair bit of it now.

So I can make myself useful! I know I can! Please! Let me stay with you...

...... Well...

Well?

That is the only request...that I cannot accept. I'm sorry.

Huh?!

Why not?!

I'm not qualified for the role. And there's somewhere else you could go that would suit you much better...

There is?

Where?

Eeza.

Eeza?! What's there in Eeza for her?

You'll find out when we get there. I'll contact the other party.

N-No way... After all that, I'm just going to be taken away again?

I'm pretty sure this new you won't let herself be taken away anymore. And besides...

It's a different story when it's someone you trust who's taking you. You do trust me, right?

I do... But...

Then let's go to the final leg of the tour. You may as well enjoy it.

......

Here we are. Now, let's wait for my companions.

......

Why?

What do you mean, "why"?

Why wouldn't you let me be a jack-of-all-trades?

......

I can't give up on this. After living such a dark life, I finally met someone I wanted to stay with. Is it really so wrong to want to be with someone I can trust?

I never said it was wrong.

Then let me be a jack-of-all-trades! I want to share everything with someone I can trust. I would give all of my power for that.

Are you saying you would put your entire life in my hands? Then how would that be any different to how you've lived up until this point?

Woah, I-I think maybe you two should calm down a little...

I went too far. But... Are you saying that I have no future with you?

What's all this? Aren't you two on the same page?

Oh! You came.

Wha?! Y-You're...

The Chrono Clan! Ah, I remember now. You and Kikyo go way back.

We were simply business partners. We weren't nearly as close as you make it sound...

But, I believe we can trust each other. Which is why I came here today. You see, I wanted to ask you a favor... This isn't business, this is personal.

Ah, so this relates to what you told us before?

Yes. Would you be able to take on this girl as a companion?

So that's what you were thinking!

......

I see. I can sense an energy similar to our ESP coming from her. It seems pretty strong. If you left her to live over there, she might be targeted by those people again.

Exactly. I thought if anyone could keep her safe and help her make the most of her power, it's you.

So what's in it for us?

I won't make you any false promises. But she's certainly gifted, so there's a good possibility that she'll be useful to you.

Hmm... How interesting.

It's a win-win plan as far as I can see.

Ah... You really thought this through, Kikyo.

......

So what do you think? If you can see the advantages of going with them, then it should be an easy choice to make.

Well...

...?

Logically, I get it. Me staying here is probably the best option. But! The one who saved me...

The one I owe my life to... The one I look up to... The one I wanted to be with...

That's you! If you won't accept how I feel, then I don't want to choose the path that means we have to say goodbye!

*sniffle*

Waaaargh!

Oh...

I guess the person who saves you is always going to be a big part of your life. She really respects you, Kikyo.

Unless she decides this for herself, we can hardly drag her away.

......

Am I a nuisance? Is there something you don't like about me?

What? Not at all!

The reason I don't want you becoming a jack-of-all-trades is... Well...

Because I accepted your request.

...?

What do you mean?

Back then, what my client said was right. I was in the middle of a job for him. But I chose your request instead, just to suit my own selfish interests. At that moment... I failed as a jack-of-all-trades.

Oh...

Helping someone may be the right thing to do as a person, but it's the wrong thing to do as a professional. So how could someone like me teach anyone how to be a jack-of-all-trades? I myself will have to go back to the beginning and start again from scratch.

Someone as unreliable as me can't be so irresponsible as to take care of somebody else. I won't do it. I don't think that path will lead to your happiness. Which is why...

*sniffle* *sob*

S-So what do you think? Now that you've heard what Kikyo has to say... Would you like to become a jack-of-all-trades? Or would you like to live here? The choice is yours.

I'll be honest with you. My feelings haven't changed. I still want to stay with her.

But I know she has her reasons... And I know they're really, really important to her. And I know she has my best interests at heart...

......

So I've made up my mind. I'll stay here.

Oh!

It looks like a nice place here... And one day, I'm going to become an ultra powerful psychic! And then you'll regret your decision! One day, you're gonna tell me how you wish you would have taken me with you!

So... You'll come to see me again, won't you?

Of course. I look forward to seeing what your future holds. And I'll be watching it with my own two eyes.

Yay!

The important thing is, you chose your own path.

Then let's get going.

Okay. Take care!

I will. You too.

Phew. It's so unlike me to make a promise like that.

I think it's great. It meant you parted on a positive note.

Heheh, I guess you're right.

Listen, Aldo.

Yes?

Since meeting her, I feel like I can finally see my own path opening up before me.

What do you mean?

In choosing her request over my client's, I may have failed as a jack-of-all-trades... But I chose a path that I actually wanted to choose.

And by that you mean...

I promised my father I'd take a "new path" instead of vengeance. Earlier...I saved someone I wanted to save of my own volition. I think maybe that was a sign toward my new path.

I see...

As I said to her, I'm still only half a person.

But you ensured there was a path for her to walk down. That's amazing.

Perhaps... But, well... I'm still just a child, too.

Huh?

As the child of my father, I lived only to avenge him. I've only just been freed from that life. It's all I can do to look after myself. I'm not mature enough to show her how to live.

I may have found my path looming on the horizon, but I want her to find a path of her own. Just like how she did before, when she decided her future for herself.

I see. Actually, I think that's great. I don't really know when you're meant to start truly feeling like a grown up. But you're still moving forward, even if you do think of yourself as a child. At least, that's how it looks to me.

That's good. To be honest with you, if I were to listen to my heart and not my head, I wouldn't have minded her staying.

Really? That's a surprise.

Oh?

Are you feeling lonely now that you've had to say goodbye?

Hey, cut it out!