Pre Note:  This is an alternate reality fic.  I've only seen up to tape
four of the OVA, so I am going from there information wise, and making
my own plot to continue...
WARNING:  This is done from Key's point of view, so don't read it if
someone talking about themselves in third person annoys you, because it
is done *a lot*...
PM Productions Presents
A Phillip Masters Fanfic
Building a Mystery
Inspired by the song of the same name by Sarah McLachlan...
"You live in a Church, where you sleep with vodoo dolls, and you won't
give up the search for the ghosts in the halls.  You wear sandles in the
snow and a smile that won't wash away.  Can you look out the window
without your shadow getting in the way?  
You're so beautiful.  Isn't it charming?  And so careful when I'm in
your arms... 'cause you're working, building a mystery.  All and all,
holdin' it in... yeah you're working... building a mystery..."
Part One:  What of love?

     "Can you please help him?"
     Key stares at the distraught woman, unsure of what to do.  Why did
Key have to be stuck in the middle of this?  Why did Sakura have to be
so unsure?  One moment, Sakura wanted Key to leave, the next Sakura was
trying to set Key up with every talent agent in the country.  Does Key
have talent?  Key does not know.  "What can Key do?"  
     The woman places a young man before Key.  He looks to be about four
years old, and is very pale.  Key looks at the boy for a moment, trying
to think of what to do.  Key is at a loss.  Key brings Key's head back
up to stare at the woman again. 
     After a moment, the woman must realize Key can not do anything, for
she cries, "Well?!  Aren't you going to do anything?!"
     Key is confused.  "What can Key do?"
     Now the woman appears to be upset.  "Do what you did with that
other boy!  Save my child!"
     She is referring to the sick boy who had gotten better a few weeks
ago at the Church.  Key has no memory of doing anything there.  Key is
now worried, for Key's self, and the boy.  "Key does not know what to
do."  Key whispers lightly.
     A single tear rolls down the mother's cheek.  Key does not like
seeing others unhappy.  It is not a good way to make friends... and, Key
feels more empty inside when Key sees such anguish.  Grandfather... what
is Key supposed to do?  Key feels Key has asked this question too many
times.  Two hundred and seventy six to date.  Never is Key answered.
Now is no different.  "Take him to see a Doctor."
     "Is that all you can say?  My child lies dying in front of you, and
you say take him back to those butchers?  Those madmen who would cut him
up and make him less than he deserves?"
     "Yes."
     This seemed to set the woman aback.  What did Key say wrong?
Humans can be so complex and confusing.  Sometimes Key is glad not to be
one.  Then, the truth of reality washes over Key, and Key realizes what
must be done.  Key *must* get thirty thousand friends, or die trying.
     After a few minutes of staring at one another, the woman decides to
heed Key's advice.  Key is glad, Key was beginning to feel
uncomfortable.  Key also needs to take Key's medication.
     Key continues walking home.  On the way is where Key was
intercepted by the grieving mother.  Key makes it home after another
seventy two steps.
     Key enters the apartment, noticing Sakura is not present.  Sakura
must be at work still.  Key's internal clock confirms this.  Key sits in
front of the radio after turning it on.  Key then hooks up Key's
diognostic machine while listening to the soft tones of a singer come
from the radio.  The machine tells that Key has less time to live, as
usual.  It then distributes Key's pills, which Key places on Key's
tongue.  
     The phone rings, causing Key's head to swivel toward it, Key's
tongue still extended.  Key stares at the phone as an infinite number of
scenaros traverse Key's mind.  The most likely ends up being that that
radio station is calling.  The DJ's announced that they are going to
call a random number for a contest, and the phone then rang.
     It is too close to be coincidence.  Key crawls on Key's knees to
the phone and picks it up.  "Hello."  Key says.
     As predicted, the DJ comes back with his own greeting.  Key's audio
receptors adjust to the delay of the voice coming from the radio.  The
DJ then continues, "Hey, listener!  You have now been entered into our
contest!  What is it you may ask?  Well, how would you like to be
famous?"
     "Key needs friends."
     "Uh, well, this is most definately a way to do that!  Tell me, can
you sing?"
     "Key is not sure."
     "Your voice certainly does sound interesting.  You just may be able
to win!  Though I think there may be something wrong with your phone.
You sound a bit... um, mechanical."
     "Key is mechanical."
     "Uh, yeah... anyway, all you have to do is come to an audition
downtown in two days.  Can you do that?"
     "Key can."
     "Okay!  See you at Sakawa Hall, at two o' clock... don't be late!"
Then, the DJ hung up.
     Key hung up the phone, staring at the wall. Key now has another
audition.  The last one was not a success.  Key must make this one a
success.
------------
     Two hours later, Sakura comes in the door.  She finds Key still
staring at the wall in front of the phone.  
     "Key, what are you up to?"  She asks of her friend.
     Key turns her grey, unblinking eyes toward her and replies, "Key
must learn to sing."
END
Well, that was different... and a bit of an experiment... I don't think
I did all that well, unfortunately... give me your opinions... thanks,
and thanks for reading!
PMasters    

"I'm only holding back the rain.  So many raindrops, so many pains.  I
want to find my train someday.  As seasons go past the station." - Tokyo
Babylon OVA 1
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