「 A YOKAI? 」| RC9GN

01 • last stall on the left

"Mm-hmm." Viceroy hums, crossing out 'cupholder' on a list in his tablet.

"Don't order me around, Hannibal. The big reason you approached me is so you can build better robots from my resources and expertise. And in return if I help you, we'll share the reward from that Sorcerer guy."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever. Just go help Viceroy build something!"

Laurance sighs in annoyance and followed Viceroy down to the labs.

‐ - - - ★ - - - ‐

It was lunch break, me and Howard sat across from eachother while Randy is in the bathroom. Howard hummed as he licked up the last bits of his plate, looks over at me pulling out my packed lunch. "What's that?" He asks.

"It's my lunch?"

"You bring your own lunch to school?" He raises a brow.

"Yeah, don't some people do that?"

"Only the minority." He laughs. "Not many people bring their own lunches."

"Well, let's just say I learned my lesson when it comes to cafeteria food. Back in my old school, about 20 people got food poisoning, I think one almost died." I unpack my lunch to reveal pork cutlet rice with a few tamago egg rolls.

"What the juice kind of food is that?"

"It's just pork cutlet rice. You never tried it before? Here have some." I offered to Howard. "Ho ho! I thought you'd never ask." He excitedly took a bite of one of the cuts of pork. His eyes widened in disbelief. "Oh my god, this is the best thing ever!"

"I know right! This is one of my favorites." I said, matching his energy. "I think I might like you Campbell." He smiled and pointed a finger at me, I smiled back in return. "I never had someone other than my dad to eat my cooking before."

"You made this masterpiece?"

"Yup! Hey, If you love it this much, maybe I'll make some extras for you."

"You're a saint. Don't make promises you can't take back."

"Oh ho, don't worry, I can keep my promises." I smirked.

After that, a few seconds of silence followed before he asks again. "Can I have the rest of your food?" "What? No! I haven't eaten yet." I said as I pull my lunchbox closer to me protectively, away from Howard's grabby hands. "Fine. I'll have some of Cunningham's tater lumps instead." He moves to reach towards the plate on my right. "I won't even stop you, I can tell this happens a lot."

"Smokebomb!"

Suddenly red smoke appeared beside our table, revealing the Ninja. Everyone in the cafeteria all gasped. "Hello, students. 'Tis I, the Ninja!" The Ninja exclaimed, everyone started to cheer, smiles on their faces. Howard as well seem excited. "Finally! Yes! Ninja! Hey cork it Cunningham, the Ninja just showed up."

Meanwhile this is not what I expected at all. Huh, Randy was right, guess he can pop on by for a meet and greet. I smiled up at the masked man. My first time meeting the Ninja, this is so cool! I see him look in my direction and he gave me a wink, I feel my face grow hot at the action until I had an idea. Wait! This could be a good time to introduce the Yokai to everyone.