Z: A New Threat

Inn

A few minutes passed since Jacob took a taxi to his destination. Slater had booked him a room in a inn to stay for a couple of days. Jacob was thinking of sticking to a hotel but he didn't want Slater's money to go to waste. Few minutes later, the taxi stopped and Jacob had arrived to his destination. The driver looked at Jacob who was still thinking deeply and hadn't realized yet that he has arrived at his destination.

Driver: (speaks Japanese).
Jacob: (confused) huh, what?
Driver: (realizes) Oh! I'm sorry, maybe you are new here, sorry for confusing you.
Jacob: Huh? No, it's ok. I'll try learning Japanese from here on out.
Driver: Feel free to do so. Here we are, Tokyo Inn.
Jacob: Thanks, how much?
Driver: Ah don't bother, you're coming here for the first time, feel free to enjoy.
Jacob: (smiles) I can't thank you enough sir.
Driver: Call me Ken.
Jacob: Ken... I'm Jacob. Hope I get to see you again soon.
Ken: Anytime.

Jacob then exits the taxi and looks up at the inn. He then proceeds into the inn where he shows his bill to the cashier in the counter, the cashier gives him a warm welcome and gives him the key to his room. As Jacob goes to his room, he tosses his bag right across the bed and allows his body to fall on the bed. He then receives a call from Slater though his micro-communicator.

Slater: Jacob, you reached the inn?
Jacob: Yeah...
Slater: Good, get some sleep, tomorrow is a big day.
Jacob: We're starting this early?
Slater: Yes, we got no time to waste. I'll give you a call in the morning. See ya! (disconnects).

Jacob then went to sleep just where he is and starts getting a dream about his past. A past in which he first went to school.

16 years ago

Jacob: Hi! My name is Jacob Curt. I like to play Soccer and Basketball, I also like to read a lot. I hope we all get along (smiles).
Teacher: That's very interesting, I sure hope you find a place for yourself in this school. Please, take a seat.

Jacob then went towards the near end row seats of the classroom where there was one empty desk and sat there. Since it was already recess, one student came up to Jacob and introduced himself.

Student: Curt... was it?
Jacob: Please call me Jacob.
Student: Jacob, I'm Abraham. Looking forward to studying with you.
Jacob: Same here.

Later on, Jacob started meeting more and more students and made many friends. But, the only friend that was close to him was Abraham as they both had similar hobbies and a lot in common. They would talk and play in the school ground, just what you'd expect from 4th graders.

It was lunch break later on. Jacob took out his lunch box and proceeded to eat. He noticed later on that Abraham didn't have his lunch box.

Jacob: What's the matter Abraham? Did you forget your lunch box?
Abraham: No no no! You see,  both my mom and dad have jobs. They get up way early in the morning and don't get enough time to make me some lunch.
Jacob: Wanna share?
Abraham: No thanks, I bring money to buy food from the canteen.
Jacob: Canteen?
Abraham: You know, a place where you could buy a lot of awesome food from, come with me, I'll buy you something as well.
Jacob: There's no need for that, I already have food.
Abraham: (depressed) Awww, come on, just a little bit, as friend.
Jacob: (convinced) Alright... a little bit... as a friend.

As Jacob and Abraham walked towards the canteen, they noticed a little girl who was being bullied by some students as they were trying to take her money.

Abraham: Not this time, come on Jacob, help me get rid of those bullies.
Jacob: Wait, what?
Abraham: Just cover me, ok?