Hey everyone, sorry it's taken me soooo long to update…, but it's finally here! This chapter was pretty hard to write, since I'm not the social type, so had to rely on the very little party experience (homecoming and prom) that I've ever had. So let me know what you think!
`v`
"You can't wear that!" A bubbly voice protested, her voice vibrating off of the cinderblock walls. Miki playfully glared at her Baku friend as she placed her arms crossed against her chest.
"Why?" The blonde girl replied. "I think it's a pretty dress. Plus, Len just bought it for me."
"Why?! Because that's a fancy ballroom dress, not a party dress!" The Neko exclaimed, her tail twitching in irritation. "Our Neko parties aren't just a bunch of prissy sipping tea and eating biscuits!" She exclaimed. "Wait, did you say Len bought you this fancy dress?!" She suddenly questioned, demanding an answer.
"Um…uh…" Rin stuttered, her face turning red and her eyes filled with embarrassment. "Yeah…" she said quietly, casting her blue eyes towards the ground.
"OH MY GOD, YOU ARE SOOO CUTE, RINNY!" the Miki squealed, hugging her friend tightly. The red head then turned towards a large box, rapidly throwing out pieces of clothing, as she looked for a specific item. Rin let her eyes gaze around the room, taking in what she saw, though her mind kept going back to her teacher, Len.
After the trio has left the party, Miki had guided them through the labyrinth of Tokyo's alleys. Rin had to step carefully, trying her hardest not to ruin her new dress, as the stepped through the forgotten filth of the back streets of the city. After several minutes of walking, they arrived at an old deserted shed. Pushing the rickety door open, the blonde girl could see that inside, it was a single room apartment. Though it was very small, it was cozy and warm, not to mention, completely cherry red.
Unfortunately however, the pair of Bakus had barely walked pass the door, when something in Len's pocket started to ring. Quickly the blonde pulled a silver crescent out of his pocket, his eyes scanning the golden words that flitted across the metal object, his eyebrows scrunched up in obvious frustration.
"What is it" Rin asked, her eyes filled with worry and apprehension. "Is something wrong?" Instantly, Len's countenance changed, quickly turning into a bright smile, though the girl could tell it was counterfeit.
"It's nothing really important" he tried to laugh, though it came out strained. "Unfortunately though, Matsudappoiyo I need to go talk to him about something, so I won't be able to go with you." He sighed
"Oh, Ok…" Rin said, trying her hardest to keep the sound of disappointment out of her voice, casting her sky blue eyes towards the ground. She froze when she felt a gentle pat on her head.
"I'll miss going with you too…" Len whispered into her ear. Rin's face turned beat red as she quickly looked up, her heart skipping a beat when she realized just how close Len was. Slowly, he leaned over, kissing her on the forehead. "So when you're having fun tonight, don't forget me, okay?!" He whispered into her ear. "Because I think we'll need to celebrate tonight, just me and you: He leaned back, winking at her.
"Ah…um…Ok" the girl stuttered, her blush now turning her neck red as well as her cheeks. Suddenly, Rin felt her hand getting pulled away, as Miki pulled the Baku girl inside the small apartment.
"Ahh, go away party pooper!" The Neko said, sticking out her tongue. "While you're having your boring meeting, remember that Rin and I are going to be having fun without you!" She teased as she closed the door on his face.
"Hey," Rin started to ask, breaking out of her daydreams, "Do you think Len is okay?" She quietly asked the Neko. "I mean, he did look kind of worried…" she let off.
"It's probably nothing" Miki told her friend. "You Bakus just tend to worry about everything!" The Neko teased. "Found it" she squealed, her tail waving with excitement as she pulled out a pair of white shorts with a matching white and black top. "Here, wear this!" She giggled as she almost ripped the fancy dress of the Baku.
"Hey!" Rin shouted, feeling embarrassed as the shirt was quickly pulled over head. Miki ignored her, stepping back to look at her new friend in the outfit that the red head had picked out.
"Hmmm, something's missing… I know!" she squealed, spinning around to grab a white ribbon off of her vanity. Quickly tying the ribbon to her liking, the cat girl again stepped back, this time nodding her head happily. The short white shorts made Rin look taller, while the shirt, which was low-cut and showed a fair amount of the Baku's stomach, was bound to catch some attention. And they white bow, which made the blonde look so sweet and innocent, was the perfect touch. "Len better be careful, or some guy will try to steal you away, since you look so cute! I wonder what Len would say if he saw you looking like this" She grinned.
"Miki!"
"Come on," the girl said laughing, "you wouldn't want to be late for your first Neko party!?"
`v`
The music seemed to be alive, its beat pulsing throughout the room, causing the energy to reach a fever pitch. Lithe, slender bodies swayed to the rhythm, skin brushing against skin, as tails intertwine and lips lock. The lights, a kaleidoscope of colors, flashed and danced throughout the club as the bass made the room vibrate. The sweet scent of perfume mixed with the mind numbing odor of alcohol, causing Rin's head to hurt. A band on the stage sings as the crowd cheers, drunkenly singing along. A girl with light blonde thick hair gripped her guitar tightly, her sapphire blue eyes closed narrowly as she poured her energy into her song.
It was an extremely average day,
Without a single obstacle in my path
Until I was bored, listening to the radio,
And I heard this said:
"SeeU!" the crowd roared, its excitement increasing rapidly, as the girl smiled.
"It's very unfortunate I have to say this,
But the world is going to end today"
So said some country's president,
In tears as he spoke...
SeeU's black fluffy tail swayed from side to side as her black ears twitched to the musicians behind her. A boy, who looked like the male version of her, played the keyboard, smiling at the fans who swooned under his gaze. A much younger looking boy played a bass, his white ears lying shyly against his orange hair. Behind the trio, a gothic looking girl, dressed in a black miniskirt, bikini-like top, and studded chocker, played the drums, their beat reverberating throughout the floor.
Out the window was a huge flock of birds,
Congesting to cover up the sky
Swallowing up the crescent moon,
Headed some unknown direction...
I had a half-finished game with no save;
A scarcely-touched textbook lay on my desk
And to stop my body from trembling,
I promptly put on my headphones
"Hey, you look kind of cute" A masculine voice said behind Rin, surprising her. Spinning around quickly, she almost bumped into a tall man behind her, a mischievous look on his face. "Are you here with someone?" he asked, tossing his red hair away from his eyes. "or would you like to have some fun with me?" he said, a perverted look in his eye.
"Back off?" suddenly Miki, was between the two, her mouth open in a snarl.
"Hey…" the man started, his voice filled with irritation. When he saw the fierce look on Miki's face though, he decided to back off. "Whatever" he shrugged, looking for another girl to 'play' with.
"Come on Rin!" Miki told her friend, the Neko's expression now completely changed. Rin followed her friend, weaving through the crowd as SeeU continued to sing.
Just as I was listening to an obscure artist,
A number they did with an unknown title,
Just as it came to my ears, I heard:
"You want to survive, yes?"
Reaching the other side of the room, the pair arrived at the bar. The cool blue lights shined down from the ceiling, as the counter glowed. Behind the counter, bottles that shimmered like crystal lined the wall, their colorful contents begging to be drunk.
Waving over the wriggling world,
The skyscrapers seemed to tremble
This voice seemed unmistakable:
It was my own, which I tired of hearing
To Rin's surprise, the bartender was not a Neko either. Short rounded ears were partially hidden by short nutmeg hair. A large floppy tail trailed behind her, its brown and white striped fur was dangling several inches above the ground. Her chestnut colored eyes had red tinges around the pupil, the result of too much drinking. The woman's arms were crossed over her ample chest, while her large smile scared people away from misbehaving.
"If you cross that hill, then in 20 seconds,
You'll know what I mean, for better or worse
Don't doubt, just listen close - go 20 seconds ahead..."
The intersection was crowded, of course;
Man, woman, child, it didn't matter
I was buried under people yelling and babies' cries
"Hey Meiko, long time no see!" Miki said, having to raise her voice over the band, as she smiled at the brunette
"Hey, so you finally came crawling back here kitty cat" Meiko smirked "I was starting to wonder when you were going to show your ugly mug"
"Aww, stop being a meanie" Miki pouted, sticking out her tongue, gaining a laugh from the bartender. Turning toward the Baku, Meiko smile became slightly gentler as she continued to talk to her redhead friend.
"Who's your friend?"
"Ah, this is Rinny!" the cat girl told her, pulling the blonde into a hug. "She just became a Baku less than two months ago""
"Really?" Meiko looked impressed.
"Yeah, and just finished her first contract earlier tonight!"
"Miki, she probably doesn't want to hear all that" Rin said, rubbing her head.
Rioting people, a sobbing girl, A priest praying, I passed them all by
One single person headed the other way,
Toward what was beyond that hill...
"Then we should celebrate!" The brunette smiled widely, revealing a mouthful of tiny, sharp teeth. Quickly Meiko pulled out a crystal glass. "Drinks are on me! What would you like Rin? A beer? Vodka? Or maybe even some sake?" the older woman asked, rubbing the beloved bottle against her cheek.
The voice from the headphones persisted:
"Twelve minutes left," it told me
If everything was going to up and vanish,
Then I had no other way...
"Typical, all you Tanukis think about is Sake" Miki sighed. "fine I want a cherry cocktail"
"Coming right up!" Meiko said, as she quickly gathered her ingredients, skillfully making the Neko her drink. "And you?" she asked, looking towards the Baku.
"Um, I'm still a high school student…Isn't that illegal?" she asked. "and Miki, you look the same age as me"
The chorus of shrieks and screams "Run, run, there's one minute left,"
Turned to tearful eyes in ten seconds
I had my doubts, but no matter who did what,
There was no ending humanity's song
But I couldn't even hear it by then;
The hill which I sought to cross
Was right before me...
"What's so funny?" the blonde asked, slightly annoyed.
"Don't you know that Youkai are immortal?" Meiko questioned
"What?!"
"Yeah, Unless we are killed or get really sick, you could live forever" Meiko told her.
"Well, how old are you?" Rin innocently asked.
"Well, Miki is practically a baby here!" the brunette laughed "When was it when your litter was born, the twenties?" she pondered out loud, as the red head stomped her foot in irritation, baring her fangs.
My breath faint, I finally arrived
Before a wall which projected the sky
Behind it, scientists in white applauded;
"Magnificent," they said -
Doubt...
"Your one to talk, Meiko! At least I'm not an old spinster like you that was born in the Heian period!" the Neko retorted.
"Shut up little whiskers!" the Tanuki growled.
"Hey guys…" Rin tried to calm them down, but to no avail.
"Wasted Grandma!"
"Flat-chest kitty!"
"Raccoon face!"
"Cat nip addict!"
"Shut up!" Rin shouted, her usual quiet voice louder than the music for once. Both Youkai stared at the younger girl, shocked
From there, I saw the town
Was some kind of experimental facility;
"No longer necessary,"
A scientist said, and calmly tossed a bomb
"Pfft" Meiko tried to suppress a laugh, as Miki shook, tears streaming down her face as she tried not to giggle.
"What's so funny now?!" Rin demanded, now extremely annoyed.
"Haha, did you see her face Miki?!"
"Haha, yeah. That was pretty priceless!" the Neko agreed, turning around and jumping up on the counter, as she threw her arm around the brunette's shoulder. "We might argue a lot, but we don't mean what we say. Sorry for making you upset, Rinny" the red head apologized, both her and Meiko now looking sheepish. Rin just glared at the pair for a moment, until she felt the corner of her mouth start to turn up.
"Hey bartender," Rin struggled to look angry. "I want an orange ramune, got it?!"
"Got it" the Tanuki tossed the girl the orange flavored soda, as the trio laughed, their sound of merriment mixing with the music from the band.
I was told I had been living
My whole life in a little world in a box
So I could only stare, dumbfounded
At the burnt wreckage that had been the town
And from the headphones at my ear,
I heard a faint "sorry"…
`v`
Len quickly walked down the hallway. Part of him was agitated, his temper flaring because he had to miss spending time alone with Rin, something he rarely got, with their recent contract taking away almost all of the girl's energy. Though their immortal bodies didn't need sleep, unless they were injured or gravely ill, someone who was going through the transforming process from human to Youkai was extremely draining. And now the one night that they wouldn't be working, he had a meeting! However, a part of Len was also apprehensive. It was extremely unusual for Matsudappoiyo to schedule anything, forget an emergency meeting. The hair on the back of his neck stood up, as he walked through the abandoned mall in Nara, the place the blue haired Baku called home. Dusty mannequins were lined up in storefronts, while giant spider webs were weaved among the columns. Climbing three pairs of eternally stilled escalators, the blonde arrived at the entrance of the Sweet Dream leader's personal apartment. Pushing aside the heavy steel doors, the modern elements of the place, from the multiple computer screens and holographic projectors, to the sleek outline of the furniture always left Len in awe. However, he didn't notice anything, besides the Baku sitting behind the desk.
Matsudappoiyo sat heavily in his chair, his hands resting in his hands. The blue haired boy's mouth was open, exposing long fangs as he struggled to breathe calmly. His nails had grown longer and sharper, like the claws of a wild animal. Peeking out of his skull were small curly horns, struggling to emerge from his now wild looking hair. Behind him, a long demon tail twitched to and fro, thin, black and scaly like a snake, with an arrow shaped end. Slowly moving his hands away from his face, Len could see Matsudappoiyo's scarlet eyes silted into a feral shape.
"Len…" he coarsely gasped out, his voice sounding barbaric. Moving as fast as possible, Len rummaged in the drawers, trying to find the elusive bottle. Finally he found it, using his teeth to pull out the cork.
"Here drink this" Len forcefully commanded, pulling his friend's head back a dumping the vile contents down the monstrous Baku's throat. "Come on, you need to drink it" the blonde said as Matsudappoiyo revolted at the disgusting taste. After the last of the liquid had poured down his throat, the blue haired boy started to slowly revert back into his normal self.
"Len," Matsudappoiyo whispered, trying to regain his strength and handing him a single sheet of paper. "Read this, but be careful" he warned. Len hesitated. If this small paper could make Matsudappoiyo, the master of calm and collection, almost loose his control, what would it do to him? "Don't worry, not everything is written on that paper" the blue haired Baku told him, as if he could read his mind, while his hand rubbed his head, right where the horns previously were. The blonde nodded, and then glanced at the paper. Immediately, Len could feel rage hit him, his teeth sharpening, his pupils changing shape. Struggling to control himself, Len read and reread that small piece of paper.
"The Kitsunes have declared war on the Nekos."
`v`
Note: Tanuki is a raccoon dog demon. They are known for helping travelers, bringing good luck, and most importantly for me, always being drunk. Therefore I thought that Meiko would be a perfect Tanuki, even though traditionally, they are all males. However, if Japanese pop culture insists on making Female Tengus (Aya from Touhou Project games) and male Kitsunes (which is in too many to count mangas, animes, games…etc.), why can't I have a female Tanuki!?
Bonus: can you guess what song lyrics I used? A possible reward in the future may come about If you are the first to guess correctly (Hint, it isn't a SeeU song, I haven't found a song I liked by her, so I just used a song by another vocaloid.
Please tell me how you liked this chapter (hint: I update faster with more reviews ;) ) Thank you again, Little Night Sparrow