Fan Fiction: Short Stories

Never Forget
by Qutime

  "No," he answered, which seemed to reveal a lot to Kyoko. "I thought I was hungry and now I only realize I wasn't." She broke into snorting laughter...

  "Yea," she said between laughing and catching her breath, "I know what you mean..." Then stopped only to clap her hands together, "Say, I've got an idea Shadow. How about I give you the official tour of Paragon City? I can show you my current show and important places. Then if we get hungry, we can grab a bit to eat. What do you say?" A hopeful smile found her lips, one that most people would find on a puppy dog.

  "Of course," answered The Shadow, "but not dressed like this..." Again laughter filled the apartment.

  "Unless you want to..." Kyoko smirked mischievously.

  "I'll go change." With that The Shadow got up and made for his room, while Kyoko called after him.

  "Take your time." Time, he thought sorely, it's something I have plenty of. On came the black kakis, grey sweater, and white socks. The Shadow debated whether or not to open his bag, only then deciding that it wouldn't matter. So he pulled out the bag from under the bed, and opened it to reveal his well-cared for leather shoulder holster with twin silver 45s. The Shadow slipped into the holster hoping Kyoko wouldn't mind, he also snagged the crimson scarf.

  Carefully, The Shadow exited his room to find Kyoko with her back turned in her own room. With more speed thought possible for a man his age, The Shadow was through the hall, and over to the entrance before Kyoko turned around, thinking she had heard him. It was with a shrug that Kyoko sheathed a Japanese Nightmare. I know, she thought quietly to herself, I should tell him the truth. But he seems so, so, so tranquil now that he's here. Perhaps, I'll break the news to him… at a later date. With that, still holding the Nightmare in hand, Kyoko headed towards the living room.

  "What is that?" asked The Shadow as he slipped into his coat.

   "Shinrai," replied Kyoko, "it means..."

  "Faith," interrupted The Shadow, "I know. I'm just curious as to why you're bringing it."

  "For my own safety, Shadow," Kyoko stated, "probably the very same reason you still tote around your 45s..."

  "Who are you?" The Shadow demanded, almost slipping into his 'other' voice.

  "A friend," Kyoko answered with a natural and frightening calm, "one who wishes to open your eyes, if you'll let her." Then she strolled over, snagged her coat, and slipped back into her shoes.

  "That doesn't mean that I have to trust you." The Shadow reminded Kyoko coldly.

  "I never asked for your trust, Shadow," Kyoko responded, standing up, "just a chance to make a difference." She turned, looking him dead in the eye, "will you, of all people in this tiring world, grant me that?" A familiarity was hidden deep beneath those storm-ridden eyes, one that The Shadow could almost place and yet couldn't.

  "Granted," Shadow concedes, "But, I still don't trust you."

   "Nor would I, if I were you." With those words, Kyoko turned, still carrying the sheathed sword and opened the door. Again, The Shadow showed the ability that no one his age could have, by slipping into his shoes and opening the door to allow Kyoko to exit in a ladies' fashion. If she'd seen anything, Kyoko didn't say while she gave him a meaningful smile as she went by. The Shadow waited for a split second before following, while wrapping the crimson scarf about his neck and closing the door behind him.

  "Don't forget to lock it," Kyoko called from the stairwell. The Shadow turned the knob, noting that it was indeed locked.

  "It's locked," he called back, finding the stairwell door closed. Again the smile found him, only to leave as quickly. Impatient, would describe Kyoko the best at the moment, but at least she kept things lively. With a snort, The Shadow headed for the stairwell following Kyoko. He found her waiting for him in the narrow hallway, a knowing smile upon her lips.

  "What kept you?" The Shadow answered with shrug, which earned him a shake of her head. "Come... the night is young and we have much to see."

  "Then let's be off," said The Shadow, offering Kyoko an arm, which she took without question.

  "Yes, let's..." she responded, directing them towards the Steel Canyon station.

  "And that's Paragon City in a nut shell," Kyoko finished at they step off at Atlas Park station. The Shadow was surprised and impressed that she could explain such a complex and detail history of Paragon City in the time it had taken for the train to get from one place to another.

  "It's kind of like New York," commented The Shadow as they descend the stairs of the platform.

  "Yea, except they were willing to except heroes' help," then Kyoko paused, "as long as they are willing to play by the rules." It wasn't the words themselves, but the tone they were spoken in which drew his curiosity.

  "What you don't like playing by the rules?" The Shadow inquired softly.

  "Nope," came Kyoko's immediate reply, "I'm an artist; we have a tendency to go against the rules and grains of society." She turned grinning, "Like my 'Intro to Theater' professor said, 'Entertainment is supposed to reaffirm our values, while Art is suppose to challenge them'. I fully believe this with all my heart, body and soul."

  "Indeed," The Shadow snickered, then he just happened to look up. "Who's that?" Kyoko turned her graze following The Shadow's questioning finger.