Me: TWO WEEKS OF SCHOOL LEFT, BABY! THEN I'M FINALLY FREE!
Akiko: Good for you, Blade!
Haru: ...
Me: *grins smugly* What's the matter, Haru? Jealous that I won't be doing any work while you sweat away in LP classes?
Haru: Hardly. You wish you can go to EBWA instead of regular high school.
Me: ... *gloom*
Akiko: Cheer up, Blade. At least you won't be working over summer vacation.
Me: ...LIES!
Akiko: *confused* Wait, you are?!
Me: I have 5 AP classes next year! 5!
Haru: And your point?
Me: You have no sympathy.
Akiko: While these two are exchanging insults, I'll go on ahead with the important stuff. These characters belong to their respective owners:
MewBladeXxX: Parukia and Diaruga and Kiryu
BlueBlackFantasy: Wendy
Twilit eclipse: Phoenix and Alexis
Mewmewmewtwo: Setsuko
Naomi Uzumaki: Suki
Blade sends his thanks for submitting them and reading his story!
Me: I'm still accepting OCs! However! If you submit any Legendary OCs, they're gonna go to a different school. Oh, and Wolfie...I LIKED YOUR OLD USERNAME BETTER!
Haru: And Blade does not own Pokémon or the characters.
Me: Must you remind me?
Another Abnormal Day at Work
I examined myself at multiple angles in front of the mirror. I sighed. Even though the pay was good, that doesn't mean that I had to like this job. I straightened out my green, Victorian-style dress and apron. My antennae gave me a higher perspective of the store, feeling and smelling the aromas. I looked at the mirror again to see that my broad, split leaf was crooked. I set straight it once more.
"Almost done, Akiko?" my co-worker, Chiaki, popped her head in the dressing room. Immediately, the smells of a hoya flower blanketed the room. I inhaled the soothing scent.
"Yeah. Let's go," I walked out of the room, making sure to close my locker door. Good thing we didn't have curtains. I would have probably cut them all up with my sharp, leaf-like hands. I examined my friend.
Chiaki was wearing a hat very similar to a hoya flower. She also wore a yellow collar in a shape of a flower. Her green and light pink dress matched her red eyes and green hair. A forest ribbon wrapped around her waist tied the whole outfit together. She smiled at me, "You look nice in that Leavanny Burst, Akiko."
"Thanks, but I think you match up with Lilligant more than I match with Leavanny," I grinned. Chiaki chuckled softly.
"You girls done? We can use some help out here," our boss, Makimi, called to us.
"Yes, ma'am!" we laughed, walking out to the dining rooms.
If you haven't already guessed, I work at a maid café. Yeah, I know. How low of me. Truth is, I needed the money and I couldn't find work anywhere else. Luckily, Makimi was kind enough to let me work at her café, even though I had no experience whatsoever. My boss doesn't tolerate any lazy workers however. If we were absent from work and we didn't have a good excuse when we came back, she waits patiently for a while. Just when you think you're off the hook, she springs a punishment on you. Usually it's cleaning the kitchens or the bathrooms or something far worse. I haven't tripped over her rules yet, but there was always a first time for everything.
Her café, the Never Meadows Café, looks like any other café you see, only with a Grass/Bug type interior. Makimi has her employees Burst with cute or beautiful Grass or Bug Pokemon instead of wearing maid costumes (since I didn't have a cute or beautiful Grass or Bug type, Makimi let me borrow her Leavanny. Apparently, Rosa wasn't up to Makimi's standards). I haven't seen another café that has done that. Then again, I can't go out too often.
To go to EBWA, I had to move here from my old town. Sadly, I had to go alone since my parents ran a family business at home. They allowed me to live on my own, provided that I send them letters every other week to let them know that I was safe and sound. I live in a so-so apartment with little or no money. I guess you can understand why I took this job.
To my surprise, I kind of enjoy working here. It was fun talking to people and seeing the smile on their faces. It made me want to work even harder when I can see the joy on my customers' faces.
The café was packed, as usual. And it was full of teenage boys, as usual. And a couple of men, as usual. Gee, I wonder if their wives knew that they were going here…
Ding. I turned to the entrance to see three men come in.
The first man that entered had a huge smile on his face. His blue eyes shone brightly as he glanced around the café. The man flicked his blond hair to the side, I assume, to get a better look. He wore a red sports jacket with a symbol of a dewdrop with a spark of fire in it on the left side, a black T-shirt with a Gengar's face on it, and dark jeans. The café seemed to brighten with the man's positive energy. He caught my eye and winked at me, causing me to blush a little.
The second man to enter had on a blue Chinese shirt with matching black pants. I could see that both clothing were made from rich velvet material. His brown hair was smoothed down but parted to let his brown eyes roam free. He had an easy smile that could woe any woman or girl, for that matter. There was something off about him, like he was never supposed to be here. I shook my head to clear the feeling.
The third man had a cold aura that greatly contrasted the other two men's. He had black, short hair that sometimes got in his dark brown eyes' way. He also had a silver bandana which his bangs fell in front of to cover his eyes, a silver scarf around his neck, and white gloves covering his forearms slightly below his elbows. The man wore a black, sleeveless shirt with the edges sewed with fur and, on the left chest, the same symbol as the first man and long, brown pants.
"Welcome home, Masters," I gave a big smile once I stopped blushing. The man with the sports jacket waved.
"We're back from the bar! Have you been taking good care of the house while we were gone?" I felt my face heat up. The man laughed, and the Chinese man joined in.
The cold man sighed, "Honestly, Clove. Can't you shut your mouth for five seconds?" Clove clamped his mouth shut for a second before saying.
"That's five seconds! Now," he rubbed his hands together. "Which table should we pick?"
"That one," the man in the Chinese attire pointed to a table near the windows. I gave a bow.
"Very well. This way, Masters," I lead them to the table. As they sat down, I placed three menus on the table. The cold man waved them away.
"Strawberry shortcake for me and a cup of coffee," he nodded to me. Clove laughed.
Strawberry shortcake! That's Takumi for you!"
Said man snorted. Takumi? I looked at the man again. Sure enough, I could see features that were quite similar to Haru. His aura felt the same too.
"Done staring?" he suddenly asked. I blinked in surprise. He didn't seem to blink at all; he just fixed an unwavering stare at me.
"I'm sorry, Master," I bowed in apology. "I didn't mean to stare." Takumi gazed at me for a while until he switched his attention to the windows. I looked at the other two, "Have you decided on what you would like?"
"Strong coffee for me's fine. What you want, Old Man?" Clove grinned at the last member.
"I told you to stop calling me that!" the "Old Man" yelled, slamming his hands on the table. I backed off a bit and felt everyone's eyes on us.
"You're causing a scene, Old Man," Takumi sighed. He looked at me, "Just give him Jasmine Tea." I nodded, writing down their orders. I bowed to them once more before turning away to walk to the kitchen.
"My name's Avery. A – VER – Y!" I heard the man shout at his companions.
"Whatever, Old Man!" Clove snickered. I gave a quiet sigh as I relayed the orders to the cook.
I continued to serve the other customers after I brought Takumi and his friends' orders. As I wrote down the order of a young couple, I felt a presence gazing at my back. I turned to walk into the kitchen and saw that Takumi was staring at me. I gasped a little before ignoring him and walking into my sanctuary.
"Hey, Akiko, what's wrong? You seem depressed," Chiaki shook my shoulder. We were in the back room on our break time. I looked up at her from my seat.
"Do you know a man name Takumi?"
Chiaki nodded vigorously, "Oh, yes. He was the best Burst Warrior in the EBWA and was said to have defeated all of last year's valedictorians. He was also placed first in the 15th Annual Burst World Competition. And!" she smiled. "I heard that his wife was placed first in the 16th Annual Burst World Competition. He didn't join that one."
Wow. No wonder why Haru was so determined to become strong like his father. A lot of people probably would want to be as strong as Takumi and his wife…
When I was on duty again, I saw that the trio by the window had gone. I walked up to the table to clean up the plates and cups. I noticed that they had paid for their meal and left an envelope behind. Curious, I picked it up.
To Akiko Meishi.
I stood there, momentarily stunned. Who wrote this to me and why? And how did they know my name? The questions floated and bounced around my head.
Was it because they saw me have Reshiram? Highly unlikely since it was left on the trio's table and none of them were present during my Burst Battle. However…Haru could have told his father about me…then Takumi would be able to write this to me. But why would he pay attention to me? Was he an otaku at heart or something? I shook my head. That was the stupidest thought I could have come up with. Besides, Haru was bedridden with me at the hospital wing of the academy. And I certainly didn't see his father visit him or anything.
"Akiko! Hurry up!" Makimi commanded. Her stern voice jolted me out of my day-dreaming.
"Coming!" I slipped the envelope into my dress pocket. I'll look at it at the end of the day…
…
"Bye!" I waved to my co-workers as I left the café building. With my one shoulder backpack slung over my, well, shoulder, I walked towards my apartment. I sighed at the thought of coming home. Seriously, I would rather stay at the café than in my apartment. But, things like this couldn't be helped, I suppose.
I reached the gate to the estate. I cringed as the gate shrieked in protest at my opening it. I tracked through weeds before reaching the front door. Pulling my key out, I unlocked the door and went inside.
I placed my backpack neatly to the side. I took off my shoes and slipped into slippers. With that done, I sat in a wooden chair at my dining table. I took a deep breath before proceeding to open the envelope:
Akiko Meishi,
You are hereby qualified to attend the Basuto Dojo. The Basuto Dojo is a private training ground in which a number of students is invited to attend. It does not replace your education at EBWA. Rather, it is similar to tutoring, except it is open to a limited number of students. The Basuto Dojo will cover your living expenses if you join, as all students who attend have their own special living quarters there. We only ask, in return, that you work hard and become a strong Burst Warrior in which your family can be proud of.
Sincerely,
Takumi Chikai Genji
My eyes widened in surprise at the letter. Whoa…did Takumi, one of the greatest Burst Warriors, invite me, me, to his dojo? I sat back in my chair, overwhelmed. Was this a dream? I pinched myself to make sure. Nope, not a dream.
I reread the letter. Wow…I still can't believe it…cover your living expenses…I looked around my apartment.
Some parts of the floor needed extreme repairs. I noticed small pieces of the ceiling breaking off and drifting to the wooden floor. The ceiling light swayed uncertainly, as if it didn't hold enough courage to continue lighting. I looked at the sink with little running water. Often, I had to buy gallons of water, just for a drink. The chair moaned as I stood up. I was certain that the table joined in with the chair. I walked over to my cot, careful not to step in any of the holes. The thin mattress squeaked in protest as I sat down on it, the letter still in my hand.
I took one more look around my beat-up apartment. Cover your living expenses…I searched the envelope for the directions to the dojo.
…
I had a sense of déjà vu as I stood in front of the dojo entrance. It looked a feudal Japanese building with the roof tiles and the wooden doors. Some cherry blossom trees took root around the dojo, giving the place a sense of serenity. I inhale deeply, catching the scent of the flowers.
I was aware of the soft pattering of feet coming from my right. I turned to see a young girl in a pink kimono that mirrored the cherry blossoms falling with a crimson obi and straw sandals. Her deep brown hair fell naturally to her shoulder blades. A sunflower clip held her bangs out of her sapphire eyes.
A Vulpix and Ralts walked beside her as she carried a brown bag up towards me. "Hello, can I help you?" she asked in her soft voice. I smiled at her.
"Is this the Basuto Dojo of Takumi and Suki?"
The girl nodded enthusiastically, "Oh, yes. Are you Akiko Meishi? Father and Mother are expecting someone named Akiko Meishi."
"Yes, I am she. And you are?"
The young girl smiled. She couldn't be more than eight years old. "I'm Hana Genji, sister to Haru Genji, daughter to Takumi and Suki Genji. Father and Mother would be happy if you joined our dojo."
"Really?" I was surprised at her grasp of etiquette. From where I came from, I usually didn't meet kids this polite. I kneeled down in front of her. "I like your Ralts and Vulpix."
"Oh! This is Kabu and Gera," she pointed to the Vulpix and Ralts, respectively. The Vulpix smiled and gave a small cry. The Ralts simply waved. Hana smiled at me, "Father and Mother gave them to me. I love them so much!"
I grinned at her cheerfulness. Then, as if remembering, Hana's mouth formed a perfect O.
"I'm sorry! I should show you inside now!" she said, walking up to the wooden doors. The two Pokémon followed behind her. I stood up from my position just in time to see Hana knock on the doors. They creaked in protest at first but then opened right up afterwards. Hana looked at me with a smile. "This way! This way!"
I stepped forward to the wooden doors. I held my breath at the sight. The inside looked exactly like a Zen garden. The sand was brushed to represent flowing waters and whirlpools. Rocks littered the yard, symbolizing land. Some even had moss on them to show the similarity to grasslands. There were also a few trees to add to the beauty. I saw that someone had hung some chimes in one tree and strips of red and white paper in another. Some patches of grass sprouted from underneath the sand to add a bit more greenery. There was a pathway made of flat stones leading up to another building, this one looking like a temple.
Hana stepped on the stones, one by one, to go to the temple. I stepped on the stones after her, careful not to disrupt the garden. We finally reached the temple stairs where we climbed them to stand in front of the temple doors.
"Welcome to Basuto Dojo!" Hana smiled as she opened the door. I grinned at her cheerfulness once more. Suddenly, her face twisted into a frown as she looked inside. I glanced up to see what had changed Hana's expression so quickly.
The inside of the dojo was the standard for a Burst Battle: multiple boxes for different battles. The floors were wooden and the walls had a few scrolls hanging on. I could only recognize a few before turning my attention to the problem ahead of me.
"What did you say?" a man in a leather jacket yanked on the collar of another man. I realized with a jolt that the man being harassed was none other than Takumi. A crowd of Burst Warriors stood behind both men. I could feel the tension in the air as the two groups glared each other down. Takumi opened his mouth:
"You heard me, weakling. Get out of our dojo."
"Your dojo?" the man laughed. His cronies (or minions, take your pick) joined in. The man leaned in close to Takumi, "Listen, bud. Your little dojo is now under new management. I'm in charge now. So take your things and move somewhere else to play."
Takumi's eyes flashed before he smirked, "Move somewhere else to play, huh? That's right. You're too young to play with the big boys. So, move along." He waved his hand with an air of ennui. "I'm sure there's a nice playground for you and your friends to enjoy."
"Say that again!" the man spat. "I dare you!"
Takumi shrugged, "Maybe I should say it in a language you understand. Bok! Bok! Bok! Bok! Bok! Boookkkkk!" I had to admit, he did a great impression of a chicken. The students behind Takumi laughed. The gang members didn't have the same thoughts.
"He's not chicken!"
"He'll snap you in two!"
"Yeah! Take him down, boss!"
The man grinned, "I heard all about your skills, Takumi. And I honestly have no idea why people respect such a pretty boy."
"Well. That explains why I have a wife and you don't. Your looks aren't even half as pretty as mine," Takumi smirked. The man's face twisted in rage.
"ALL RIGHT! WE'LL SETTLE THIS WITH A BURST BATTLE NOW!" he shoved Takumi backward. The young man was able to regain his balance as the first man Bursted.
He was covered in silver army. His hands were replaced with metallic wings and his feet with sharp talons. He screeched horribly, causing me to plug my ears.
"Sit down, everyone. Special lesson today," Takumi said to the group behind him. They rushed to sit on the sideline. "Hana, take Akiko to the spectator area."
"Yes, Father!" Hana said. "Let's go!" she pulled on my hand. I stood there, transfixed. How did he know I was here? I haven't made a sound and he seemed too busy arguing with the guy to notice me. "Akiko-san!" Hana's voice snapped me out of my pondering.
I looked at the little girl apologetically, "Sorry." I let her lead me to where the dojo students were sitting. A boy leaned over to me:
"Looks like Mr. Jack-Ass is using a Skarmory Burst," the boy grinned. He had a pair of goggles on his platinum hair that were ready to slide down over his silver eyes. He wore a tan jacket with the letters K.O. on the back and black baggy pants. He glanced briefly at his watch. "Takumi Sensei is probably going to use Summer against him." The boy grinned at me, "Takumi Sensei loves to crush his opponents using Pokémon that are weak against his opponents. That just goes to show how strong Takumi Sensei is."
"Who's Summer?" I asked. The boy pointed to Takumi.
"That's Summer."
I looked to see that Takumi had Bursted. The smell of flowers intensified in the room. Takumi had a light green mask and yellow eyeliner around his red eyes. His hair turned white with green roots in the shape of a flower. He wore a red, rose-like glove on his right hand and a blue, rose-like glove on his left hand. His scarf transformed into a long green cape with a yellow choker. He wore a long-sleeved, green coat with light green pants and yellow dancing shoes.
Now I understood the man's reference to Takumi being a "pretty boy"…
"Really? You're going against a Skarmory Burst with a Roserade Burst?" the man laughed. "This is too easy!" the man flapped his wings, "Prepare to lose, Pretty Boy!"
Takumi just smiled, "We'll see." He crossed his arms and remained motionless. The man snickered. He flapped his wings before diving towards Takumi.
That's when I noticed how hot the dojo was getting.
Me: Well! Now we'll see what Takumi's made of!
Haru: ...
Me: Face facts, Haru. Your father loves to taunt his opponents.
Haru: Not that way.
Me: He was in the mood.
Akiko: WHY DO YOU HAVE ME WORKING AT A MAID CAFE?!
Me: EEP! *runs away*
Akiko: *Bursts with Reshiram* GET BACK HERE, BLADE! YOU OWE ME AN EXPLANATION!
Haru: *watches Akiko chase me* ...Anyways, Blade just wanted you readers out there reading this crap-
Me: IT'S NOT CRAP!
Akiko: *blasts Flamethrower at me*
Me: *ducks and continues to run with Akiko at my heels*
Haru: Right...anyways, he's still accepting OCs. Oh, and to-
Hana: Hi, Onii-san!
Haru: ...hello, Hana.
Hana: Blade-san wishes for you to review. He hopes you enjoyed it and will start on the next chapter as soon as possible!
Me: *hides behind Haru* SAVE ME!
Haru: GET OFF! *Bursts with Zekrom*
Me: NO FAIR! *starts to run away from both Haru and Akiko*
Hana: See you next time! *waves good-bye*
Takumi: *walks in* *sees the chaos* ...
Hana: Hi, Father!
Takumi: ... *facepalms and shakes his head*