Peacekeeper entered the room. It was quiet, and not very large, but ominous nonetheless. The walls were filled with books and strange statuettes, the wooden floor with a big and expensive rug. And, at the opposite side of the entrance, a big desk with an old woman. She was elegant, stoic and civil.
"Come in miss."
Peacekeeper was nervous.
"Did you...need...me?"
"Yes dear. Im looking at your petition. The form 1691?"
PK now was really nervous. This was important. The old lady pulled out a file off a cabinet. Opened it and looked at the poor girl. She pulled a pair of glasses and continued while reading the file.
"So, little miss. You wanted an exception to the rule 152 of the sisterhood. You want to date someone?"
"YES! I mean... I really want to."
"And you want this exception on the basis of, and I quote: "he's like, really really hot"?"
PK nodded silently while the old lady pulled something out of the file.
"Well the evidence was:" It was a picture, depicting Raider(M) at the beach in a bathing suit smiling and flexing to the camera."compelling..."
"Well...can I?..."
The old lady tenderly smiled.
"Miss, this is a sisterhood. Not a prison. Of course you can."
Suddenly Pk's face was filled with light.
"I can?! But when I joined..."
"Well, im in charge now. And some things are going to change. Meanwhile I'll write an exception for you."
"Thank you!Thank you!Thank you!Thank you!Thank you!Thank you!"
"Don't worry dear. Just remember the golden rule."
"He will never know! I promise! Ahm, miss... Can I have my picture back?"
"Sorry dear. But I need it for the document."
"Ok, ill leave you!Thank you!"
"Don't worry dear. Go have fun."
Peacekeeper gleefully ran to the door. As soon as she exits a woman showed her face through the door.
"Miss? I need the evidence for the form 1691 to make copies for the archives."
She frowned.
"How many copies?"
More women started piling up the door.

Everyone in the lunch room was looking at the giant screen, expecting the final results of the faction war. The vikings were confident, everyone knew they had more points than the rest. Warlord had his arm around Raider(M)'s neck.
"You think we can celebrate at your house again."
"Yeah, mi parents are out of town for the weekend. And we still have booze from last time."
At the samurai table things were cheerful. Nobushi started.
"Another party at Raider's! Its gonna be awesome!But this time: Tank has to make a move!"
"I don't know. Its not that easy. She's not like any girl i've met before."
Kensei(M) drew a croocked smile.
"Have you met girls outside Honor High?"
"Well, no. But that's not the point. She's like super weird and super quiet. I don't know i think its ok if we are just friends."
Orochi(M) also wanted to give him the courage he needed.
"Come on! You can do it! Just tell her how you feel!" But Tank frowned back. Kensei(M) raised a single eyebrow."Its different..."
And meanwhile knights were already planning. Conqueress shared her plan with her friends.
"So, i draw out Nobushi and Warden(M) stands vigilant. What do you say?"
But Warden(F) had her doubts.
"I don't know, aren't they like a thing now?"
"No! They just went on a single date. That counts for nothing if there's no second."
Peacekeeper defended her friends plan.
"And i'm not doing anything wrong. I'm only going to ask him out. Its up to him to say yes."
At the other end of the table Lawbringer grabbed his friends by their shoulders.
"Guys, i need you. I'm not going to be able to control myself around her. So please stay by my side and stay vigilant."
Warden(M) was skeptical.
"But you just need self control..." Lawbringer gazed with hell's fury. "Fine! We'll stay by your side."
Conqueror was not amused.
"Good luck with that. I'm gonna try my luck with Orochi(F) again."
They were interrupted by the giant screen. A countdown started from 10. No one felt the suspense. Everyone knew the victor.
"And the winners this round are...THE SAMURAI!"
Silence, for five seconds straight. Everyone staring at the screen in disbelief. Then Warlord broke the silence.
"WHAT?!"
Then samurai started cheering with joy.
Warden(M) tilted his head.
"But...how?!"
Warlord screamed.
"Professor Ubi! What is this! What happened! What in Hel is going on!"
But professor Ubi was not there. He abandoned the room slightly before the announcement. Raider(M) took a deep breath and said raising her shoulders.
"Party at my house anyways?"
Everyone agreed. And at the samurai table, the planning began. Orochi(F) started.
"We could make a marathon at my place! Lots of popcorn, bowls of ramen and a super binge watch!"
But Kensei(F) did not agree.
"No. When vikings won they shared their victory. They shared their food, their booze and their grass."
Kensei(M) continued his sister's idea.
"Yes, we can't be that selfish. We share our victory."
Orochi(F) had another idea:
"Cosplay party!"
Nobushi agreed.
"Im so hyped! We can have food, and karaoke! This is gonna be awesome!"
Kensei(M) then set it to stone:
"Then we need to tell the others. Nobushi go tell the vikings. Orochi(F) go tell the knights."
Both agreed.
"Yes Daimyo!"
And went their separate ways.

At the knights table Orochi(F) arrived with a big smile and an open heart.
"Guys! We are having a party!" She got their attention. "This Saturday at Kensei's." She always exploded during the last reveal."Its gonna be a COSPLAY PARTYYYY!"
Conqueress was not impressed.
"Oh you guys are just asking for the dork title."
Warden(F) gave her a punishing look. Then thanked Orochi(F).
"We will be very happy to attend."
Conqueror straight up looked a distracted Lawbringer.
"No! There are no costumes involving poleaxes!"
He just smiled defiant.
"Want to bet?"
Conqueror rolled his eyes and Warden(M) continued.
"What time is this?"
Orochi(F) happy to help:
"At 3. But its ok if you get there at 4."
Both conquerors and Peacekeeper stared in disbelief. But a single Warden(F) glare was enough to shut them up.
"Thank you very much. We'll be happy to be there."
Orochi(F) left and they were left alone to discuss. Peacekeeper was the first one to say something.
"Oh my god they can't be serious. At 4? Like, really?"
Conqueress reminded her:
"It's your chance. Now or never. Next week they'll have their second date."
Warden(F) extended the idea.
"Then, you're done for. Past news."
Peacekeeper was not amused. Sarcasm ensued.
"Thank you girls! Im really appreciating the support here!"
Conqueress responded:
"Oh come on, you know we have your back. Those sweet abs will be yours by the end of the..."Party"? "
The men had other concerns. Warden(M) started.
"I'll be Superman! Protector of the weak. And mighty vigilant of the world!"
Conqueror had another idea.
"Oh I'll be Punisher." Then looked at Lawbringer pondering. "Stop with the poleaxe madness!"
"Do i give you any problems with your edge mister edgelord? If i can't have my poleaxe you can't be gloomy for the whole day."
"DEAL!"
Said Conqueror, extending his hand. Lawbringer doubted, but accepted. Warden(M) was really pleased.
"I think i just won the jackpot. No edge and no poleaxes for a whole day."
Conqueror responded quickly.
"Oh no mister perfect. You add to the pool. You can't lecture us for the whole day."
"I never agreed to that." But Lawbringer and Conqueror gave him killer eyes. "FINE! No lecturing for a whole day."

Nobushi at the vikings table did not expect that response from Raider(M).
"What in hel is a cosplay?"
"Really? Guys do you live under a rock?" The vikings were confused. "A cosplay is a costume. Of a fictional character you really really like."
That made sense. Warlord continued:
"Ok guys, do you have any ideas?"
Berserker jumped.
"Guys, i have the perfect costumes."
Raider(F) moaned with frustration.
"What am i going to dress as? Is there anything slutty in comics or videogames?"
Eir asked confused:
"Does it have to be slutty?"
"I have the body, i want to show it!"
Nobushi wanted to help.
"Oh there's a lot of slutty outfits: Harley Quinn, YoRHa No. 2, Quiet, Samus Aran, Poison Ivy, Ryuko Matoi, Shantae. The list goes on. But its supposed to be someone you really like. I can help you if you want."
"Don't worry, I'll find something."
Then Nobushi turned to Raider(M).
"You can arrive early if you want. We will have launch together before preparing everything."
"I can't, im having drinks with the guys before the party. By the way what time we show up?"
"Well, we are starting at 3, but as long as you get there before 4 its ok."
Every jaw dropped to the floor. Warlord interceded.
"Are you joking? At three? That's like a 10th birthday."
Nobushi was intimidated, but a harsh look from Raider(M) made them back off. Then he continued.
"We'll be there. Don't worry."
And took her hand and gave it a kiss. She started walking away. But turned back, and quickly gave him a kiss on the cheek. Then ran back to his table. Every viking turned to him. Warlord triggered the storm.
"Awwwww you are so freaking cute!"
Everyone started pinching Raider's cheeks. He fought the million hands in vain.

Saturday came and all samurai converged at Kensei's place. It was a big place, Georgian style. After lunch they divided the chores. Like a Swiss clock, they were done by 2 and by three they all had their cosplays ready. Kensei(M) was Jonathan Joestar, Kensei(F) as Erza Scarlet, Tank as Ox Satan, Orochi(M) as Kenshin Himura, Orochi(F) as Satsuki Kiryuin and Nobushi as Hinata. Everything was ready for the guests. And finally, the knights were the first to come. Warden(M) came as Superman, Warden(F) as Power Girl, Conqueror as Punisher, Conqueress as Crimson Viper, Lawbringer as Judge Dredd and Peacekeeper as Sniper Wolf.

Kensei(M) was impressed.
"Nice cosplays! You really put the effort!"
He guided them to the living room, there a giant table with all kinds of treats and drinks greeted. Some of the plates still emanating steam and delicious odors. All jaws dropped, but Peacekeeper noticed something.
"What? No booze?"
"Well, its forbidden here, so yeah. No booze."
Peacekeeper exhaled through her nose. Almost laughing.
"Did you tell the vikings?"
Kensei was puzzled.
"No. Why?"
Warden(F) was a little worried.
"You better tell them before they get here. They're gonna be pissed."
But Conqueress just didn't care.
"Oh my god who the hell cares! Look at this place, look at this table. If you receive a single complain i will personally crush their skulls."
Kensei(F) wanted to soothe her guests.
"Don't just stand there. Eat! Relax. We have a lot for today. So chill and have fun."

They spread around the table. Looking at the strange but tasty delights. Orochi(M) approached Conqueress.
"Crimson Viper?"
"Yeah! I used to main her back in the day. Crushed a lot of noobs. God the arcades were awesome."
"Yeah, no kidding. My Ryu remained unbeaten for years."
"No way! Wait... did you go to Fight..."
"Fighting Tuesdays! Hell yeah! Won every chance i entered."
Conqueress drew a vicious smile.
"So you were that kid!"
"Yes i was that...wait, what?"
"I always thought i could beat you! But i got countered hard by an asshole at the quarter finals."
"Sorry to tell you honey. But if you got countered at the quarter finals then you had no chance of defeating me."
"Oh? ITS ON! Name place and date. Im gonna kick your sorry ass so hard you're gonna bounce off the roof."
She had the smile of a predator.
"Really? Ok, i still have a copy if you want..."
"No. Arcade Masters, tuesday after school."
"All right then. Oh, sorry but: In videogames is ok to hit a girl."
"Ha Ha Ha. We'll see who's laughing after i make your health bar run so fast you'll think its a mirror."

At the other end of the table, both Kenseis and Wardens were sharing from a big bowl of Xiao Long Bao. But Kensei(F) had something in mind.
"Warden(M) can i talk to you for a little bit?"
Said signaling the hallway.
"Ok? You guys will be alright?"
Warden(F) and Kensei(M) agreed. And were left alone.
The silence between them was a little uncomfortable. Until Kensei(M) grabbed a chunk of ice and smashed it against the table.
"Allow me to break the ice."
Said with a reverence. Warden(F) snorted and laughed at the ridiculous man.
"That was awful!"
"Laugh all you want but it worked. Those two left us alone and we don't have too much in common."
"Oh there must be something."
"Do you dance?"
"Well... no."
"Then we are both awful dancers. That's a start!"
She laughed a little. Then responded.
"I can sing though."
"You sing? That's amazing!"
"Not too much, just amateurish."
"Well are you going to sing?"
"What? Like, right now?"
"Yeah!"
"No!"
"What about now?"
"No!"
"Awww... well. What about now?"
"Stop it! Im not going to sing! We are eating."
"Well we have a karaoke machine for the evening. I want to hear you."
"Well.. maybe. But no promises. And... what about you?"
"Mi? What about me?"
"Do you have any talents?"
"I play the guitar. Does that count?"
"Of course it counts! Can i hear you play?"
"Only if you sing."
She pouted and pleaded.
"Pleaaaaaase."
Kensei(M) did his best to avoid looking directly at her cleavage.
"Ok, you win. Let's go to my room."

It was a beautiful day outside, and Warden(M) was very curious about this secret thing. Kensei(F) proceeded.
"Sorry to drag you out. Truth be told i just wanted to get you away from your sister. I hope you don't mind, but mi brother thinks she's really cute."
"Are you sure your motive is not personal?"
"Mister Warden! Are you trying to flirt with me?"
"Well is it working?"
"Well no. I would be instantly jealous of Berserker(F)"
Warden(M) was surprised.
"Berserker(F)? Really? Why?"
"I saw you drooling over her at Raider's. You're not fooling anyone Mister Warden."
"Drooling over her?"
"Yeah, i was tempted to get you a napkin. Maybe a bucket."
Warden(M) laughed it up. But he wasn't fooling anyone. Realizing this he got serious for a moment.
"Well, she is charming, dazzling. But looks don't make a relationship. And i thought about it, we are just too different."
"Yeah, i know what you mean. Vikings right? Those savages have something going on. Like this raw, primal allure."
Warden(M) took a long look at her. He was puzzled.
"'zerker? NO! WARLORD!" She instantly blushed. "Warlord? Really?"
She sighed.
"We had a moment at Raider's. He's one of the smartest guys i've ever met. And incredibly mature. He beat me at chess while talking about history, politics, philosophy. I first thought he was cute, now i think he's amazing."
"You must be pissed, they're taking a lot to get here."
"I was expecting it. Nobu told me he and both Raiders were going to drink last night. So they shouldn delay a lot."
The sound of a guitar from a window upstairs and a muffled beautiful singing interrupted their conversation.
"Let's go back, your job is done"
Said Warden(M) with a smile, and both got back inside.

Back inside Nobushi was yanking Tank's arm.
"Come oooooooooooon! You have to!"
"No way. It's not gonna happen."
"Why not? Worst case scenario she says no."
"Worst case scenario: she says no and our friendship is ruined forever. You've seen her. She's not like any girl i've ever met."
"She's not like ANYONE i've ever met."
"The point is: its not worth it."

A loud motor sound alerted someone coming. Warlord, cosplaying terminator, stationed his old but well preserved chopper outside and rang the bell. Kensei(M) opened the door and greeted him with a smile.
"Welcome Viki...!" Looked over his shoulder, he came alone."Where is the rest?"
"Don't worry, they are coming. They're at zerker's having a few drinks. Who are you supposed to be?"
"Erza Scarlet? Have you ever heard of Fairy Tail?"
Her bubbly personality filled his heart.
"I don't get cable, let alone internet."
"You don't...? Where do you live?"
"Somewhere in secret. I don't like to share it but i was raised by wolves."
She laughed with glee.
"That would explain a lot! Come in there's a lot of food left. And soon the games will start. We are just waiting for you guys."
She showed him the table. Tank offered him some food.
"There's a lot left. Pick anything you want."
Kensei(F) continued.
"And drinks are over there."
Shugoki asked in confusion.
"Why so cheerful? AAh is it because...?"
He was interrupted by a sneaky kick in the knee. He tried his best to poker face his way through the pain. Kensei(F) took Warlord for a stroll through the table giving one last killer glare at Tank.

"Well, you look cute. Who are you?"
Conqueror, with confidence and his most charming smile, was leaning over Orochi(F).
"Satsuki Kiryuin? Kill la Kill?"
"Nope, doesn't ring a bell"
"Well, she is awesome. We could watch it someday. And we could watch also..."
Said hovering her finger in circles over Conqueror's shirt.
"That's Punisher, the most awesome anti-hero on earth. He fights crime but doesn't pull any punches. He does whatever it takes to do his job. You see, criminals don't deserve the treat Batman gives them..."
He didn't have to look, he felt it. Lawbringer's smug smile hovering over his shoulder.
"Dude im not being edgy."
Lawbringer stayed silent. Just smiling.
"Point is, he's awesome."
Lawbringer maintained his face while retreating. Conqueror closed his eyes with his right hand fingers and sighed. Orochi(F) was puzzled to say the least.
"What was that all about?"
"Whe had a stupid bet. I can't be edgy, Lawbringer couldn't bring his poleax and Warden(M) can't lecture us."
"Oh..." She smiled. And waved her fists in front of her chest, fingers towards herself. "So you have to be like: happy, happy, happy, happy?" And started stabbing his ribs with her index fingers while chanting:"Happy, happy, happy, happy"
"Not not necessarily. And.. please stop. Im very ticklish." Her face lit up like 4th of July. "OOOh no! No! NononononoNONONONO!"
And started running through the house. Orochi(F) gave him chase. Suddenly he felt her grabbing him by his shirt. He turned around and grabbed her forearms.
"I caught you."
He looked into her eyes.
"You caught me."
And pushed her gently against the wall. They slowly approached each other. Closing the gap between them. The doorbell rang.
"Vikings are here!"
She said walking towards the door. He stayed for a second and sighed. Then followed her.

Kense(F) was walking towards the door, but Nobushi ran past her and opened it. A mighty party roar exploded in her face.
"WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! VIKINGS AR HERE!"
Raider(M)'s voice echoed through the house. He was cosplaying Khal Drogo, Raider(F) as Cammy, Berserker(M) as Pickles the drummer, Berserker(F) as Christie Monteiro and Valkyrie as Cheer Bear. Orochi said to Conqueress.
"Can they be quiet for like a second?"
Nobushi gave them a warm welcome.
"You guys are finally here! There's food..."
Raider(M) bended over and picked her over his shoulder. And they entered, all chanting.
"VI-KINGS, VI-KINGS, VI-KINGS"
With Nobushi struggling in vain and being thankful for not wearing a skirt. Once inside they spread over the table, gawking at the food. With a single motion Raider(M) changed Nobushi into his arms.
"Im not a toy!"
She was equal parts embarrassed, turned on and angry. Raider(M) replied with a tender tone.
"Oh come on. Im just playing with you."
Nobushi sniffed with disgust.
"Were you guys drinking?"
"You don't have to bring booze, if you are already drunk."
Nobushi had enough.
"CAN YOU PUT ME DOWN!?"
She instantly broke the festive vibe around. Raider(M), puzzled, obeyed. Nobushi then got serious.
"Can we talk in the kitchen?"
Al Vikings then chanted.
"FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!"
Nobushi had it.
"SHUT UUUUP!"
The chanting stopped. And she dragged him to the kitchen, closing the door behind her.

"What's wrong?"
Asked Raider(M). The commotion sobered him up somehow. She looked him in the eye. Her expression had anger, but her watery eyes sadness.
"Why did you took so long?"
"I told you, we were at 'Zerker's."
"Couldn't you just drink at night? I know you guys are having a party after."
"Yeah, but the "real" party is right know. Is now when we want our spirits to be the most lifted. Why is this such a big deal?"
"You know i can't go to the party at your place."
"Why not?"
"Because its too late Raider! My parents won't let me and you know it."
"So? can you just go out the window?"
"And disobey them?"
"Well... yeah!"
"You can't disobey the rules just because you don't like them!"
"I do it all the time. Its called: rebel."
She looked at him. Examining his face in search of a joke. But he was dead serious. A single drop escaped through her cheek as she continued.
"Its not about that!"
"Then what is it about! Tell me!"
Raider was losing his patience. Nobushi took a couple of seconds. The next words had trouble escaping her throat and got stuck there. Her eyes suddenly melted. She sniffed and the tears finally came flowing.
"I... its...its.. because..." Raider took her hands." 'cause... its...you...prefer..." The words had such a hard time getting out she whispered." ...you like drinking more than me..."
He looked at her. With a calming smile.
"Why would you think that?"
She took a deep breath. A little bit more calm, she continued.
"Well, the only difference between being here, and being at Berserker's is here you can be with me. There you can drink. And you can drink tonight. But i can't see you tonight."
He reached her face with his hands and she grabbed his forearms. His palm on her cheeks, fingers caressing her face.
"Look at me, and listen very carefully. If we are gonna keep dating there are some things you have to accept. Im disorganized, im loud, i can be clumsy, im dumb..."
"No you're not..."
"Yes i am. I embrace it and so should you. And i'll be late A LOT. Do you still like me the way i am?"
She nodded and tilted her face to feel his hand.
"Im so sorry. I just felt so bad!" He went for a kiss but she stopped him with a little disgust. "You still reek of alcohol."
"That doesn't stop me from kissing your hand" He took her hand and kissed it. And started climbing her arm with little kisses. "Or your neck." She reacted nervously to the warm touch of his lips. "or your tummy."
She laughed as his lips bounced off her clothes. The tears were still there, her makeup still ruined, but the sadness was gone. Another look at that handsome face, and that gorgeous body, doing his best to make her happy was heartwarming. Raider then took a long breath and continued.
"Now don't tell anyone you know, the real reason we were late." She widen her eyes. By the tone she was going to hear a deep secret. "You know Eir is one of my best friends right?" She nodded listening carefully. "I don't know what got into her but she didn't want to come. It took a lot of drinks to calm her down. Something about Tank, i don't know. I love her to death but i swear i can't understand her."
Nobushi looked at him with tender loving eyes.
"Are you hungry?"
He shook the preoccupation out of him and smiled.
"Hel yeah!"
Nobu went to the oven. There was hidden, a bento box. And gave hit to him.
"Im afraid its cold now." She dragged the words. Raider understood she had another expectation of this moment."I hope its still edible."
Inside there were a lot of little meals, but something gathered his attention. A big portion of rice, on top a heart made of peppers with a Naginata crossed with a Danish axe.
"Nobu..."
"Come on, eat! You must be h..."
He hugged her, so lovingly tight some tears escaped her eyes again.

When they got out finally got out, they were announcing the best cosplay.
Kensei(F) approached them.
"Are you guys all right?"
Nobushi happily nodded. Raider(M) responded.
"Yeah, thank you."
Kensei(M) shouted for everyone to hear.
"Aaaaaaaand the winner is...for nearly unanimous vote... Valkyrie!"
She received a chocolate medal and the applause of the public. Then proceeded to hug everyone. Sharing her fluffiness with the world. Then the Samurai started moving things around to make space for a makeshift stage. A big screen and speakers were installed.
"AND NOW! FOR THE NEXT EVENT! KARAOKE!"
Everyone started looking at the tracklist. Berserker(M) jumped exited!
"GUYS! LOOK!"
He just picked it and grabbed the mic. Ran and passed it to Raider(F). She was confused, but then she heard it. The glorious metal and trumpet. She knew exactly what to do. It was a song she rehearsed many times before. Maybe a little too much: Turisas, Stand up and Fight. All vikings got exited, they knew this was going to be awesome. The music slowed down... now only the guitar guiding the tune.
"The poooooouring rain, sticks mi hair to my face..."
Her eyes straight to the audience, with passion and determination. The Samurai nor the Knights expected such a beautiful, powerful voice.
"An emmmmmmty gaze is all i haaaaaaaave left."
Conqueror lifted his hand to close Lawbringer's mouth.
"The stars that once liiiiiiiiiiiit myy waay have dimmed, the sky tuuuuuurned greeey. The paaaaath once so clear faded awaaaaaaay"
The music picked up the tempo. She walked the stage, exploring it, owning it.
"Blessed aaare the days when life is intent and cleaaaaaar. No faaaaaalter or doubt. I know the waaaaaaay."
The expectation rises as the music approaches the end of the buildup. Orochi(F) had a smug smile, not impressed.
"They are the dayyyyyyys, i hoped. I have never stepped from thiiiis roaaaad"
All vikings were prepared. And the rest knew something was coming down. Raider(F) undid her braids, her hair now flowing.
"The spaaaaaaaaaaaark I once had, seems to have diiiiiiiiiiiiied."
Every viking ran to the stage, including a Care Bear. They passed their arms behind the neck at their side and started jumping to the rhythm. Creating little earthquakes every time they landed. They all chanted:
"Stand Up and Fiiiiiiiiiiight. Stand up and look iintoo the liiiiiiiiiight, pushing the clouds away. Stand up and Fiiiiiiiiiiiight. Stand up and see the sky turn briiiiiiiiiiight. Fight for a better day."

The song ended with applause from the crowd. Warden(F) reached Raider(F).
"That was awesome. I didn't know you could sing!"
"Well, yeah. I always wanted to be part of a band."
"Well, now its my turn."