Hitomi led the way to Ryu's curio shop. Her friends followed her. They were all smiling at their plan. They couldn't wait to take Fate shopping. Hitomi burst through the door. "It's empty." She told her friends.
"They're probably upstairs." said Helena.
The girls walked up the stairs. They peeked into each room until they stumbled upon Ryu's room. They stared at the two in the bed.
"Aw! That's so cute!" Kokoro giggled. Lei Fang joined in. Hitomi just smiled. Helena shook her head, chuckling. Tina frowned.
"Let's take a picture." Hitomi said. She pulled her camera from her pocket. "I was going to use these all up on Hayate and me, but this is worth it." She moved to the foot of the bed and took a picture. The flash was blinding. Ryu groaned and was beginning to wake up.
"Hitomi!" cried Lei Fang. "Why didn't you take the flash off?!"
"I forgot!" She scrambled back to the door.
Ryu sat up. He spotted the group of girls and frowned. "What are you all doing here so early?"
"Well, we were going to take Fate shopping, but we don't want to ruin the moment." giggled Lei Fang.
Ryu's cheeks turned red. "She's afraid of the dark."
"That makes perfect sense." Hitomi said, keeping a straight face. "It gives you two an excuse to cuddle."
Fate sat up, still extremely tired. She yawned and fell against Ryu's chest. The girls cooed once again. Ryu's face flushed. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and placed his hand on her head.
"Wake up, Fate!" Tina shouted. She smiled, innocently. Fate slid her hands up Ryu's chest trying to stretch them over her head. She opened her eyes. She stared at Ryu's face.
"What's going on?"
"Ryu wants to snuggle with you!" Hitomi cried.
Ryu released Fate. She turned around. "What are you guys doing here?"
"We want to take you shopping." said Lei Fang.
"Well, I don't want to go."
"Come on! Pleeeease!" Kokoro begged.
"Fine, fine." said Fate. "I'll just go get dressed." She left the room.
"Have fun." said Ryu.
"Aren't you coming?" Hitomi asked.
"Why would I?"
"Don't you want to see how she'll look in some new clothes?"
The thought crossed Ryu's mind. "I guess…"
"Well, hurry and get ready." Tina demanded. The girls flocked from the room.
"Geez, Tina." said Helena. Why are you giving them such a hard time?"
"I'm not going to let Fate get her clutches on Ryu." she responded. "For Kasumi's sake of course."
"It sounds like "Tina's sake" to me." Lei Fang whispered to Kokoro. She nodded her agreement.
Fate and Ryu emerged from their changing places simultaneously. They stood side by side.
"I'll lead the way this time." said Helena. Hitomi took Fate's arm and pulled her away from Ryu. Tina took Ryu's arm. He sighed to himself.
"So, tell me." whispered Hitomi.
"Tell you what?" Fate whispered back.
"Are you two official?"
"Huh?"
"You and Ryu! You're so cute together."
"What? No-no! It's not like that."
"What do you mean? You two can't seem to get enough of each other. It's like you both cling to one another. I bet right now you even want to go to him."
Fate's cheeks turned red. It was true. She looked back at Ryu. She huffed when she saw Tina attached to his arm. She turned back around, trying to ignore her anger. Hitomi tilted her head, questioningly and looked toward Ryu. She faced forward and rolled her eyes. "Ignore Tina. She's pathetic sometimes."
"Why doesn't he make her leave him then?"
Hitomi remained silent. She could see Fate was hurt.
"So, Ryu," Tina whispered into his ear, "why don't you tell Fate to take a hike? You don't really like her, do you?"
"What? I don't know…"
"Can't you see she's just confusing you? She's only going to lead you on then dump you."
"No, she wouldn't."
"It'll happen. I've seen it before with girls like her."
"Stop talking about her. She's different."
"If you say so." Tina closed her eyes and let Ryu guide her. "I just don't understand what you see in her, honestly." she opened her eyes and turned to look at Ryu, but he wasn't there. Instead, Hitomi had taken his place. She smiled at Tina and pointed in front of them. Ryu and Fate were walking together. She had a firm hold on his arm. He glanced at her and grinned. Fate concentrated on the ground. She was nervous walking together with Ryu.
"That tricky devil." huffed Tina.
"Leave them alone." said Hitomi. "They should be together."
Lei Fang shuddered. "What's wrong?" Kokoro asked.
"I just get the strongest feeling we're being watched."
"That's strange."
"Yeah. It frightens me."
"Here we are!" announced Helena. The group stopped in front of a large designer store.
"What is this place?" Fate asked.
"My favorite store. It has the greatest line of clothing. Come on, let's get you into some outfits." said Helena. She pushed Fate away from Ryu, leading her inside. "Follow us, everyone." Helena pushed Fate all the way to the section she was looking for. "Here we are!" She left Fate and bounced around the section looking around. Hitomi, Tina, Kokoro, and Lei Fang looked around for things for Fate to wear.
Fate sighed at their excitement. Ryu stepped up beside her. "Fate, I think I need to tell you something."
"What is it, Master Ryu?"
"I think-"
Helena grabbed Fate. "Get into the changing room. We've got a lot of things for you to try on."
"Wait a second!" She was shoved into a large changing room. A pile of clothes waited for her. Helena shut the door for her. Fate scratched her head and moved to the pile. She grabbed the first thing that caught her eye.
Hitomi forced Ryu to sit into a waiting chair across from Fate's changing room. She took the free chair beside him. "I hope she finds something really cute." she told him.
"Cute?" Ryu whispered.
"I think I'm ready." said Fate. The girls perked up.
"Come on out then." Helena said.
The door opened. Ryu's breath caught. Fate wore a pink dress that extended down mid way on her calves. There were no sleeves and it was strapless. She looked nervous.
"Wow!" said Lei Fang.
"You look great!" Kokoro said.
Fate looked at Ryu. He nodded his approval. She grinned, slightly.
"Go try on the others!" said Hitomi.
Fate tried on outfit after outfit. Finally, she was finished and was exhausted. She changed back into her original clothing and sat beside Ryu. Helena and the other girls stood at the register, happily chatting. Tina was still fuming about Ryu being open minded toward Fate.
"She doesn't deserve a guy like that." Tina complained.
"Let it go." Hitomi groaned. "You're such a big baby."
"Where did Fate and Ryu get to anyway?" Kokoro asked.
"They're outside getting ice cream." Lei Fang informed them. She was staring out the large shop window. The others looked.
Ryu and Fate stood in front of an ice cream trolley. Ryu ordered two ice creams and passed one to Fate who stared at the frozen treat. Ryu smiled at her before mouthing something. Fate blinked and licked the ice cream, then pulled her head back. Some had accidentally gotten on the tip of her nose. Before the girls could blink Ryu bent his head and kissed it away. Fate blushed.
Lei Fang and Kokoro sighed over the scene. Hitomi and Helena smiled at each other. Tina huffed and looked away.
"This stuff is good." said Fate. She licked the ice cream, happily.
"We should go find the others. I remember Hitomi said she wanted to visit Hayate."
"You're going to take her to the village?"
"No, I'm going to bring Hayate to my shop."
"Sounds like a good plan. Maybe I can talk to Ayane about some things…"
"Maybe."
"I'll put on one of those new outfits for the occasion.'
"Good idea. Wear the dress that you tried on first."
"Did you like that dress?"
Ryu nodded. Fate grinned. Hitomi ran up to them. "Can we go see Hayate now?"
"Actually, I'm going to get him to come to my store. You girls head back there and I'll go get him, now."
"Thanks!" Hitomi cried as he vanished. "I can't wait!"
Tina marched up to Fate. "I don't know what you're scheming, but you don't deserve Ryu." She turned and began walking away.
"Hey, I already know that." Fate glared at Tina, who stopped and turned around.
"Leave her alone, Tina." said Hitomi.
"Why don't you stay out of this?" Tina barked. "I'm done being nice to this girl." She entered her fight stance and ran at Fate.
"You should have fought me from the very beginning." Fate waited for Tina to get close enough, and then she kicked at her ankles. Tina fell onto her front. Fate attempted to kick her while she was on the ground, but Tina rolled forward and slammed her head into Fate's stomach. Fate was thrown into the air. Tina wasted no time in punching her in the gut then kicking her back. Fate landed on her feet.
Helena, Lei Fang, and Kokoro ran up. "What's going on?" Helena asked Hitomi.
"Tina can't keep her mouth closed."
Fate kicked at Tina's head, but it was blocked. Tina grabbed her leg and kicked her other leg from under her. Fate fell onto her bum. Tina pushed her foot into Fate's chest. Fate grabbed her leg and twisted it. Tina flipped sideways and fell onto her foot once again. Fate jumped onto her back, slamming the balls of her feet into her upper back. Then, she grabbed Tina around the waist and threw her high into the air. Tina yelled out. Fate teleported to above Tina and slammed her entire body into the wrestler, who slammed into the ground, hard. The road cracked from the pressure. Fate landed on her feet.
Tina couldn't get up. She just laid still. "Fate wins!" yelled Hitomi. Fate fell to her knees. The remaining girls clapped for Fate. Hitomi gasped. "We have to get to Ryu's shop before they do!"
"Why?" Lei Fang asked.
"We need to fix Fate up for Ryu!"
Fate stood. Hitomi grabbed her arm and began to guide her back to the store. Helena, Lei Fang, and Kokoro followed them.
"Hey!" said Tina. She jumped up. "What about me?!" She ran after the group.
Ryu entered the Mugen-Tenshin village. He headed straight for Hayate's and Ayane's home. They were sitting in their den, meditating.
"Hi, Ryu." Hayate greeted. The two relaxed and smiled at Ryu.
"Why are you in such a good mood?" Ayane asked.
"Huh? How do you know I'm in a good mood?"
"You're grinning from ear to ear. I haven't seen your eyes so happy looking in years."
"Ah, well…I came here to invite you two to my store."
"Huh? Why?" Hayate asked.
"I have guests who want to see you."
Hayate perked up. "Hitomi?"
Ryu nodded. Ayane smirked. "So, Hayate's crush has come back."
Hayate turned red. "I guess we're obligated to go."
"Then, let's go." said Ayane.
Ryu held the door of his shop open for Hayate and Ayane. Then, he followed them in. Hitomi ran down the stairs. She had heard the door open and close. "Hayate!" she cried, happily.
"Hitomi." Hayate sighed, happily. She ran and jumped into his arms.
"It's so great to see you again! How is your life back at your village?"
"It's going well. How is your father's gym?"
"He retired. I'm in charge now."
"That's great!"
Kokoro and Lei Fang walked down the stairs. Tina sulked behind them. Hitomi spotted them and tapped her head. "Oh yeah, Ryu. We decided to surprise you with a new and approved Fate."
"Huh?" Ryu asked.
"Bring her down, Helena!" Hitomi yelled up the stairs.
"Okay!" Helena descended the stairs, smiling.
Ryu watched the stairs anxiously. He moved closer. Fate walked down, wearing the pink dress from today with stockings and a pair of pink heels. Her hair was pinned up with two needles, her bangs and a few strands of hair dangled freely. She had a touch of make up on that made her eyes shine. She looked a little uncomfortable. Ryu could only stare at her.
"Come on, Fate." coaxed Hitomi.
"I can barely move in these shoes." she said. She took a step and her heel slipped from under her. She began to fall forward. Everyone gasped. Fate closed her eyes. Ryu rushed forward and caught her. He cradled her and fell to his knees.
"Good job, Ryu." cheered Hitomi.
Fate opened her eyes. Ryu grinned down at her. She smiled. "Thank you."
"I knew it." Ayane whispered to Hayate. "I just knew this would happen. We have to get rid of her."
"We will, but let me handle her." said Hayate.
"Okay."
"We need some food." said Hitomi. "How about some sushi?"
"I don't have any sushi here." Ryu said. He had set Fate onto her own feet, but held onto her hand.
"Why don't you and Fate go get some?"
"Sure, we can do that." The couple walked to the door. "We'll be back." They left.
"Aren't they so cute?" Hitomi said.
"Depends on who you ask." grumbled Tina.
Hitomi glared at her. She sat on the counter. Hayate walked up to her. "It's so nice to see you again, Hayate!"
"It's nice to see you too."
Ayane pretended to gag. She moved to talk to the other girls. "Lei Fang, how have you been?"
"I've been good. It's been tough with Tai Chi practice and school, but I am enjoying life."
"What about you, Kokoro?"
"The same. I was really excited about being able to come here. I needed to get away."
Ayane sighed. She never realized how boring life was outside her village. She should count her blessings.
Ryu bit his lip. He couldn't think of a way to say to Fate his feelings for her. He was still a little unsure, but after last night he couldn't get enough of feeling her next to him. He glanced at her. She walked close to his side, looking in all directions. She seemed nervous.
"What's wrong?" he asked her.
"Oh, I'm just feeling a little paranoid…"
"I'm assuming your paranoid about being spotted by your clan."
"Yeah…What if they see me?"
"Don't worry. They won't hurt you."
Fate shook her head. Ryu frowned. She really was spooked. He should get her home right away.
"We'll just grab the sushi and head home." he sighed.
Fate turned her head toward him. "I'm sorry. I'll lighten up."
"Don't worry about it." Thunder boomed over head. Ryu looked up. Dark clouds threatened the clear day. "We better hurry."
Hitomi gasped. "It's raining really hard!"
"That sucks for Ryu and Fate." Lei Fang giggled from the backroom. She, Kokoro, Tina, and Ayane sat at the table, gossiping. Helena stayed in front of the shop window keeping an eye out for the couple. Hayate and Hitomi sat on the counter.
Helena spotted two forms moving in the heavy rain. She squinted her eyes to see who it was. As they moved closer she recognized them as Ryu and Fate. She smiled at their drenched bodies. Suddenly, Fate fell onto her bottom. Ryu stopped to help her up. Helena wondered why she fell, but quickly spotted the broken heel. She shook her head. Fate pulled off the other shoe and threw it to the side. She looked aggravated. Ryu dropped the bag of sushi and took her by the shoulders. Fate just looked toward the shop, distressed. She started to tell Ryu something, but Ryu placed a finger to her lips, silencing her. He told her something that caused her to grin, then he placed his hands on her hips and pulled her close. Fate smiled as the two began to kiss.
"Looks like they're having a great time in the rain." Helena said. Hitomi launched off the counter and ran to the window. The others slowly walked up to look.
"That's so romantic!" Hitomi cooed.
"What about the sushi?!" Ayane growled.
"Go get it if you really want it." said Kokoro.
"And risk being crushed by that rain? Are you kidding?"
"Forget the sushi!" said Hitomi. "Look at how deep that kiss is! Way to show up, Ryu!"
Hayate shook his head, chuckling.
"Oh, here they come!" said Helena. "Act natural! Move, move!" Everyone rushed back to their original seats. Ryu and Fate jumped inside, dripping water everywhere. Fate instantly began shaking, the cold blasting into her. Everyone stared at them. Hitomi covered her mouth.
"What's wrong with you?" Ryu asked.
Hitomi threw her arms into the air. "You two looked so romantic outside!"
"You were watching?" Ryu yelled. He grabbed her cheeks and pulled on them.
"Helena was watching longer than me!" she whined. Ryu turned to Helena. She just smiled.
"Fate, are you okay?" Lei Fang asked. Fate had yet to stop shivering. She tried to speak, but just closed her mouth. She closed her eyes. She could feel her body falling backwards.
"Fate!" she heard Ryu scream before she fell into complete darkness.