The group watched as the large jellyfish flew as close it could before one of its tentacles turned into a staircase, bringing it down onto the ledge. "You kids just got out of hell. Hnh hnh. Climb on board! Is anyone hungry? I've got a feast waiting for you!" The older chef called down to them. "You've got their full attention now." Andrea laughed as the men went, "Aaaah!" and "For reeeal?!" "Hey! Wait for me!" Andrea called after Toriko and Komatsu, who were running quickly up the stairs. Those jerks! The woman growled a bit as she tried to follow them, falling behind them rather quickly with the speed their going. "You're leaving me behind you jerks!" She ignored the yelling from Zonge, who no doubt was saying rude things.
Andrea stopped for a moment to look behind her. "C'mon you two! Hurry up! Unless you wanna stay here!" The woman called down to Match and Teppei with a smile, both staring at the jellyfish. Looking back towards the two they were already close to the top. Is there a ladder inside? "Jerks...leaving me behind.." Unbelievable. She shook her head as she quickly caught up. Luckily it was fast since Teppei took the injured man from her before. "I think my lungs are gonna pop.." She groused, trying to catch her breath once she reached the top, looking around and admiring the pretty color of the jelly. "Crazy... Is this thing alive, Toriko-san?" Komatsu asked, lightly touching the sides of the ride.
"Dunno. I've never heard of it before. It's not from the human world, that's for sure." Toriko admitted, pretty impressed with the jelly. "Of course it's alive! Jeesh.." Andrea chided them a bit when Setsu poked her head at the top of the ladder. "It's a limousine jellyfish. And like Setsuna-chan said its alive, all right." The older woman explained. "Granny Setsu!" The large hunter called up to her. "You've taken quite the beating, Toriko. Come up inside. It's war and toasty." Toriko glanced to the man on his back. Though Andrea was kinda curious as to how he moved like a cheetah and with him on his back no less. "Look, Takimaru! We're going to get to eat! Isn't that nice?" He told the young man, who merely smiled slightly and replied, "I'm...so grateful..."
Andrea looked around as they followed the older chef up the ladder and up more stairs. Can't they rest for a moment? Her legs felt like rubber after all that running and climbing she felt like she was gonna pass out. As the group climbed up one last staircase, Toriko, who was in the lead, shouted suddenly, "Whoaa! Whatta feast!" What was he...? Her jaw dropped at the sheer size of the feast. The food on the table looked incredible! The meat was huge until Toriko danced/rushed over to it and just dug into it. Well so much for getting some of that. Komatsu started to dig into the pile of rice balls (her entire manga collection says that it was the real stuff and not make do) which brought tears to his eyes and shared some with the cute chick. Setsu got a bowl of soup for Takimaru, who had a tear run down his cheek when he tasted it.
Reaching out to try one of the fruits she immediately understood why there were tears. The flavor! It was beyond awesome! It...it was so sweet yet not over powering! That's it. Andrea must learn to describe the foods cause there were no words in her vocabulary to accurately describe the flavor! Once the vice boss joined them the party began in full swing. After things settled down a bit the older chef started, "A little bird told me that Yosaku sent someone else in his place... Even though I'd asked him to personally investigate the showcase. And when I came to pick up Toriko.." She turned to look directly at Teppei, who had a complete nervous look and for once quiet, as she finished, "I found you here, Teppei. Why is that?"
He looked terrified to speak. Poor guy. Can't really blame him considering Setsu didn't look too happy. "Answer me!" Setsu demanded. Judging from the tone in her voice he really needed to speak. "W...well, you see... My master is reviving a very important food, so... I went in his place. Heh." Teppei explained sheepishly. "What could be so important that he left my commission to a novice apprentice?" The older woman asked. Guess no one was paying attention cause they continued to carry on eating and drinking. He was quiet for a moment, knowing he couldn't lie to her, then answered, "A food related to the gourmet God Acacia!? That's all I know."
Whoever that person was shocked the others, except for Andrea and Setsu, who merely smiled and responded (except for the younger woman who had no clue who the heck that person was) with, "Hmm. What a curious man. Well? What became of the showcase?" Oh dear.. The woman continued to eat as the boys explained what had occurred. "I see. Well, well.. You all went through quite a time." The older chef said, a serious expression on her face. The hunter laughed a bit then said, "It was no sweat. It'll all be worth it when Komatsu makes the soup. And after eating your cooking, granny Setsu, we already feel better!"
"You're rather upbeat, considering your injury." The older woman pointed out. "Toriko, your arm.. There's a chance it could be restored." "Huh?! Really?!" Toriko shouted excitedly as she continued, "Yes, in Life, the country of healing... There's a chance. You're not the only injured one. (Why did that surprise Match?) We should head there right away. And you do have a very skilled reviver in your company...who happens to have a master there. The grinning fool. (Well, it didn't help he was grinning like one) I'm not sure why some of you are here, though. (How that idiot Zonge missed the remark was beyond her..) Meanwhile, Komatsu. You'll make the soup! Right?" Setsu said the last part as she turned to look at the small chef.
Clenching his fist in determination he responded eagerly, "Y..yes, ma'am! I swear I'll make it! Genuine century soup!" The older woman grinned at that. "It's settled! We'll set off immediately! I'll bring you there myself in my limousine jellyfish!" Setsu turned around to fiddle with something that caused the jellyfish, which at that point had been cruising, to suddenly take off at high speed. "We're off to the country of healing! Life!" Hopefully everyone can relax there and heal up.. Andrea glanced over to the hunter, who continued to eat and drink without a care. Was it really possible to regrow his arm?
A while later
"I've never been...to life before." Toriko commented, poking his head out the window. If she remembers right Setsu said they should arrive to Life shortly. Bringing his head back in the large hunter turned to look at the older chef. "You really think I can get my arm fixed up, granny Setsu?" "Hnh, hnh. We'll just have to see. Or rather... It depends on how lucky you are." "That's encouraging." The woman said drily at the same time as Toriko shouted in dismay, "Luck?!" "How about my dead men? Do they stand a chance?" Match inquired, glancing towards his followers who hadn't woken up.
"You have ice hell to thank for your life. Same goes for Takimaru. For your men, their blood actually froze before it could bleed out. Then, the rest of their bodies froze seconds after their hearts stopped. In short, before they could decay...their cells were flash frozen. Even their brain cells. So you're lucky it was the artic." The Saiseiya explained. There's something similar back home but Andrea wasn't sure what it was called. Yet one more thing to check into when she got back. "These bandages.." The young man started to inquire. Yea that's a good question. What was up with that bandage?
"Ah, those. They're doctor aloe. They're natural bandages that heal damage from burns, frostbite and other topical damage. One meter tends to run serveral hundred thousand yen, so it's a pretty expensive bandage. I'll bill you later." Teppei explained again. "Jeesh...that's real nice." She muttered to herself, stretching out in her spot by the wall. She tried taking a nap but was too wound up to relax. "I'm so warm now. They've done a marvelous job gently thawing me from my earlier frozen state." Takimaru said, wrapping his arms around himself.
Teppei chuckled a bit and pointed over to her, "If those didn't work we have a cute miss to help warm up." Her eyes narrowed a bit as she stared at the back head of that grinning fool, not noticing all eyes on her. After a few seconds the green haired man said nervously, "I was just kidding. Please stop staring at me I feel like there's gonna be a hole in my head soon." "Probably in the space where a brain should be." She muttered a bit even as the comment caused a few chuckles. "Heh. I never thought I'd see the day a reviver saved a gangster." Match added his comment, lifting the leg he had previously cut off.
"Really? I've arrested plenty of mafia members in the past, but only the wild ones. I've never had to arrest any of Ryu's men." Whoever that was startled Match. "You know the don?" He asked surprised. "Ryu and my master are old friends. When Ryu would get hurt, he'd come to Life." "The don palling around with a reviver..." If he sounded any more shocked she thought she may had to revise her opinion of him. "It happens often enough. We revivers aren't always on the side of the law. We're only on the side of food! (That explained a few things) We arrest people who are disruptive. Not too long ago, the IGO commissioned us to arrest one of the four kings."
Andrea almost jumped a foot when Toriko suddenly shouted in excitement. "Wait! You don't mean Zebra?!" "Uh... Yeah, he's the one." Teppei replied. Guess that meant this fool wasn't a push over if her impression of this Zebra guy was correct. Man, the way these people talked about him he sounded like...well...not sure but he didn't sound like one to tangle with. Personally she kinda would like to meet him instead of hearing small gossip but the feeling she had was Toriko wouldn't be too keen on the idea. "Come use your peepers over here, folks." She watched the boys rush over to the windows and exclaimed over the place. Argh. Why did she have to remember whatever that person who was talking in her head was gonna meet her HERE? Argh! She didn't want to get out of this thing! What if it was that pervy Hark?!
"Hey Andrea! Get over here! You've got to see this!" Toriko said, glancing a bit over at her. Hm? Was she alright? Andrea looked kinda pale and nervous about something... Seeing the hunter about to turn his full attention to her, the woman quickly made a bee line for an open window just in time to see very beautiful red and blue butterflies take to the sky just as the ride ended. "How pretty!" Andrea exclaimed at the same time as Komatsu went, "Neat! We're being greeted by butterflies!" "Therapy butterflies. (Therapy butterflies?) They're attracted to the injuries and diseases of other creatures." Teppei once again explained. He seemed very knowledgeable..
"I see both red and blue ones." Takimaru commented, red butterflies going to the large hunter and the unconious men. "The blue ones alight on light afflictions, while the red ones gather at severe ones. Both will flock around life threatening conditions." The green haired man informed him. Toriko got a very blessed look on his face as the insects swarmed around his wound. He gave out a sigh of content and said, "I feel better already. Even though I've got only red ones." Zonge and his followers took off through the plant looking arch with the word Life on top.
That is some entrance.. "Setsuno-sama? I..." Komatsu started before raising his voice in excitement. "I'm going back to the hotel so I can start making that soup! I can't let a single minute slip by!" "Don't you want to relax first? You must be exhausted too, Komatsu-kun." Setsu inquired, voice full of amusement. If Andrea didn't know any better she'd say that the older chef knew this was coming. Chirping from the chick caught the chef's (Komatsu) attention. "Ack!" He went as he petted the little cutie, who seemed to enjoy the attention. "R...right. In all of the confusion, I ended up taking this little guy along. Heh, heh. He's a baby wall penguin."
"I hear you! Then I'll chart a course for the hotel now, Komatsu-kun!" She (Setsu) told him as she turned to head towards the controls (?) even as he said, "Thank you! I very much appreciate it!" "Teppei, you show Toriko and the others around. I'm going to have some scolding to do and it involves Yosaku's revival lab." Setsu informed the Saiseiya who gave a salute and a "Yes ma'am!" "Komatsu!" Toriko exclaimed, turning to look at him. "I'm counting on you!" She giggled a bit at the fired up look the little chef got at his words. "I won't let you down! Huh?!" "Good luck, Matsu. And for extra insurance." Andrea said encouragingly and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
As the group exited and the jellyfish took off, the small chef quickly rushed to one of the windows and shouted down, "Match-san! Takimaru-san! Andrea! Just you wait! I swear I'll recreate the century soup!" "Good luck, Komatsu-kun!" Takimaru shouted after him even as the vice boss said, "Heh. Show us your stuff, kiddo." After the good byes the jellyfish took off in a heartbeat. "Okay! Lets go!" Toriko said excitedly, turning towards the place. She rolled her eyes and smiled a bit as the hunter got a goofy grin on his face. "Heh heh heh! I can't wait! I bet Life's full of yummy food, right Teppei?"
"We're not here to eat, Toriko." Teppei informed him, sweat drop going down his face. Funny as it was, she couldn't help but feel she made the right choice in staying. Feeling more curious than scared Andrea couldn't help but wonder who this person was and did thet have answers as to what the heck is going on. She sure hoped so. Also the woman hoped it wasn't Hark cause if it was she was running for it. So engrossed in her thoughts Andrea was that she never noticed they entered the place till she noticed how quiet and serene it was. Looking up, she noticed all the sick and injured people.
Stupid. No need to wonder why there's so many. This was a place for healing. "What the heck? Everyone here is injured." Toriko commented as the group continued to move. "What did you except? Sick and injured people from all over the world come to life. They've chosen natural treatments and remedies over advanced medical treatment." Teppei explained. So far Andrea was liking this place. It has a very relaxing atmosphere and it suited her tastes. She didn't care for the new crap either.. It's been a bit since she's been here and no sign of whoever. Maybe luck was with her..
"Acupuncture. Huh. " Toriko went as the larger man stared at it before getting a huge grin. "Let's check it out!" "No, we don't have time for detours." The Saiseiya started even as Toriko said, "This isn't a detour. It's therapy!" "Toriko, don't even think about it. We have to kee... Damn you get your ass back here!" The woman started before she noticed him taking off toward the building. Honestly! Is he here to heal or play around?! After a few minutes the fool (Toriko) came out, stretched and had a relaxing look on his face. "That felt great.." He sighed out in content.
"If you're finished we gotta get go.. Toriko! Damn it!"' Andrea called after him. "Hey, wai- Toriko!" Teppei called after him as they watched him race up some stairs. "That's it. I've had it. Give me five seconds boys." Andrea growled and stormed up them. "Leave him be Andrea. We're coming up to see as well." Match called after her. Not the point! Reaching the top she saw Toriko talking to someone bout the pool shark think. Storming over to him Andrea jabbed him in the sides once more, earning a yelp from him.
"What's that for?! That hurt!" Toriko whined as he rubbed the side, trying to ignore how cute she looked angry. Man, whatever she's hitting in there hurts! "We aren't here to play around! Everyone came to be healed! If you take off again so help me I'll drag you around by your ear!" "Stop treating me like a little kid!" "Then stop running around like one!" The others, who reached the top, watched the little scene with a mixture of surprise and amusement. Were those two that close? Shouting ftom the pool drew their attention and saw Zonge's group messing around. What are those idiots doing? being the mutual thought.
"There are plenty of other useful doctor fish." The saiseiya commented as the group walked over to the two. "Doctor fish?" "Useful?" The two asked at the same time. "Take the hot spring shark next to us. (Those are sharks? Oh...right. The sign before said something about that) It's loaded with diet fish. It costs 10,000 yen per hour. They use their thin snouts to suck subcutaneous fat (instant weight loss?!) through your pores. It's effortless weight loss." The Saiseiya pointed to a pool that the group was walking past. "You can't see them with the naked eye, but there are blood tetra (she's heard of tetra before but blood?) in there. They're pretty helpful. They enter your blood stream and eat blood clots. Only 50,000 yen an hour. Not bad."
These men and her have a difference of opinion on what's cheap. Man oh man... She really had to learn the value system for this place.. Andrea tuned him out after he started on anorher pool. Think he said it was for tumors.. "What's that place, Teppei?" Toriko asked as he pointed to a small open bath-looking building. Had to be open bath cause of all the steam. "Another hot spring. For skin beautification. The melanin grammies there suck out black heads." It sounded like something Sani would like.
Toriko echoed her thoughts with a slight laugh. "Beautification? Sounds like something Sani would like! I'll have to tell him about it later. "Toriko. Chances are good that beauty manic already knows about it. Question is whether or not he's here." Andrea told him as they neared the building. Knowing that guy he is here doing one of these things. As the group walked by the place suddenly someone rose up and accidently flung water at them. "Hey!" Andrea exclaimed as Toriko went, "What the?!" "What's the big ide..." Andrea started, turning to yell at the person only to stop in mid sentence and turned a dark red. "Sorr.. Hm?" Sani started to say when he and the larger hunter noticed each other said at the same time. "Toriko?!" "Sani?!"
"Ack! What the?! Don't throw stuff in here! Drea! This is clearly not beautiful! The long haired man shouted at her as she throw whatever she could get her hands on. "You disgusting degenerate pervert! How dare you flash an innocent maiden?! Get some damn clothes on! What are you thinking?! Bathing in the nude?! Pervert! Flasher!" Sani smirked a bit, putting a hand on his hip and asked, "What? Don't you think nudity is beautiful? Don't like what you see, Drea? Urk." The remark threw her off guard and she quickly looked away, trying to stifle down the blush that threatened to creep up. The..the nerve of him! The very air got dark and ominous around the woman, was it their imagination or was her hair moving like snakes?, and all nearly froze at her look of pure rage on her face. "If you ever ask me that again I will cut THAT off." "EEEEHHHHH?! Are you serious?! 'Ike really serious?!" Sani panicked, unsure whether to run or fight more with her.
The group watched in amusement as the two continued their spat. They had to agree on one thing. Why the heck was he in the nude in the first place? In a public place no less On a different note the hunter, even though he was chuckling at the sheer amusement of the situation, couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy as he watched on. Sani. That jerk. Didn't he know he was suppose to be the only one... Wait...only one what? They weren't together exactly but that doesn't mean she should (even though this wasn't her fault) be seeing other men's bodies let alone the whole thing. Granted Toriko felt a bit of pride everything time he felt Andrea's eyes checking him out. The only thing he did know was that he only wanted her to look at him and him alone. Damn Sani..
A while later/lunch
Andrea ate her..whatever she ordered in silence, giving the girly man the cold shoulder a bit as the group ate and being merry once again. "I can't believe I ran into you here, Sani! You hurt or something?" Toriko inquired cheerfully as he downed another beer. "As if, idiot." Sani started just as the waitress interrupted politely. "Thank you for waiting. Here are your cuticle berries." "Oh." The feminine man went. "Those are.." Teppei started, getting a better look at the plate being placed in front of him. "They're strawberries that make your hair shiny. And they'll make your hair grow, even if you're bald."
Hmph! Hope that pervert's hair falls out! Sucks even worse cause he looked great with his hair tied up like that. Sani reached and popped into his mouth before speaking, "Not everyone who comes to Life is sick or injured. (What a surprise) It has foods that cater to the beauty conscious crowd. It's well worth the trip." He said the last part looking at her. "If your implying something I wouldn't. You're still in the dog house for flashing me, you pervert." Andrea informed taking a sip. "That's unbeautifin'! I am no pervert!" Match chuckled a bit. "So beauty's your thing, is it? I never imagined that Sani of the four kings would be a priss." The scarred man commented and chuckled again when the woman added, "Pervert." and earned another indignation remark from the beauty obsessed man.
"Lay off, Match. Or he'll knock you flat." Toriko warned him with a grin. A sly smile graced the Saiseiya's face when he said, "Getting groomed isn't your only goal, is it? I've seen the look in your eyes before from many a gourmet hunter." His eyes got sharp as he finished. "You're here on a hunt." Sani said nothing, just stared at him for a moment then asked, "And you are?" Andrea giggled a bit at the green haired man's expression. "Just kidding. I know you. You're a big deal, Tep." Tep? That's probably the worst thing the woman has heard yet.
"But you're right. I came here to get some information on a certain food. A food that will become my dessert and complete my full course meal!" Probably another beautiful boaster thing.. That got the large hunter going. "Oooh! So you've chosen your dessert, Sani? Your full course is almost wrapped up!" Toriko commented as the long haired man replied, "And what'd you come to Life for, Toriko? Hmm? Wait.. What happened to you?! Your arm's gone!" 'Took him long enough.' Toriko and Andrea thought at the same time. Jeesh! "Oh, I see how it is. You came here to get your arm restored. Country of healing this may be, but there's no way you're getting that arm back." Sani said, pointing a finger at the hunter. Everyone keeps saying that but exactly how is that possible?
"My master can do it." Teppei added his bit to the conversation. "Who's your master?" She frowned a bit. Dang that man! Sani asked her question first! "He's a reviver. Yosaku!" Teppei said proudly. "Say what?!" Sani exclaimed in shock. Don't tell her that person was the one he wanted to talk to? "Toriko isn't the only injured member of our party. I'm asking the guy for treatment too." Match joined in as well. Speaking of which, wonder how his leg was doing... Match speaking up reminded Toriko of something. "That reminds me, Takimaru!" The hunter quickly turned to look at the young gourmet knight. "Yosaku might have that medicine you wanted. You know, the one that can cure any disease!"
Hm? Now why did that make him nervous a bit? "Un, right... That's true. Of course that'd be wonderful, but... Even so, I lack the funds to purchase it." Takimaru started to explain but the larger man wouldn't hear it. "Just ask for it! I'm sure he'll give it to you!" "I don't think that's how things work, Riko." The woman said as the young man said, "I'm with Andrea-chan.. I doubt that..." Again with the chan... "C'mon, Teppei. He'll do it, right?" So now he's dragging him into this eh? "Don't ask me.." Sani, who just watched, spoke suddenly, "It seems that the person you have business with..is the same man who holds the information I'm after!"
"Huh?!" The four men went at once. Their expressions were kinda funny. "Information on the dessert in gourmet God Acacia's full course menu! The food called earth! This Yosaku knows about it!" The long haired man finished, once more stunning the group. "What's that?" Andrea inquired curiously but much to her annoyance it got ignored. "They call him the "Red Reviver" or "Blood-stained Yosaku's"! Tep, I'd never guess you were his apprentice!" That was some encouragement! With a name like that who needs enemies! Yelling from a nearby restaurant caused the group to look over.
"S..sir, we can't have you smoking in here. We're a non-smoking restaurant." There's places like that here? Awesome! "What?! You're saying it's illegal?!" A deep voice shouted unhappily. In fron of the place there stand a tall broad shoulder man with a black wrap around his head and he wore a lab coat that was covered in dubious red spots. "Uh-oh. Don't tell me..." Toriko started. Judging from the expression on Teppei's face he didn't exactly look happy. Guess that meant that man was his master. "Speak of the devil.." Yup. He didn't sound happy. "Then that's a rule made to be broken! If you follow the rules... There's too much you'll be missing out on!"
"This guy sure sounds like fun.." Andrea smiled as she watched on. "Master!" Teppei exclaimed loudly. He REALLY sounded stressed. "Hrmph! I recognize that voice!" The man started to light up that cigar branch Toriko liked and blinked when she saw that the man had three of them in his mouth. He took a deep breath and blew out white plumes of smoke through his as he replied, "Yo, Teppei! So you made it back, did ya?! Ha ha ha!" The woman watched on in amusement as the Saiseiya explained everything that had happened. The older man laughed heartily then said, "I figured as much! So the show-case really was a bust! Whatta hoot!"
"Is that something to laugh at?" The woman asked even as Teppei had a down expression. "It's not that funny." "What's dead is dead. And everything dies sometime! It's the law of the land! One of the rules of the world!" Ironic that the rule breaker says that wi a smile.. "But...! When it comes to me, well.. I might break that rule." "Master!" Andrea giggled a bit as she watched on. These two are fun to watch, almost as fun as Toriko and Komatsu. "Because you didn't go yourself.. Granny Setsu's furious." Teppei informed him with a stern "you created a mess" look.
"What?! Granny Setsu showed up?! That's against the rules! (There's a rule for showing up?) She shouldn't have gone against the rules!" The rule breaker (so fitted him well) shouted in indignation. "What rules?!" Teppei asked depressed again as a waitress chimed in. "Sir, smoking is against the rules too!" "Hmph! That kind of rule's meant to be broken." Laughing at the scene before the woman laughed harder at the group's expressions. Guess this guy wasn't what they were expecting! Well, not what she was expecting either but this is fun!
A while later (once again)
She stayed extremely close to the wall, wishing to be anywhere BUT where she was! After lunch whatever was finished the group followed the older Reviver to probably one of the largest (in her opinion) to one of the most beautiful (her opinion again) on top of a mini mountain. Perhaps going with the small chef would of been safer. The nagging feeling she had earlier was back and louder than ever. Everything in her was telling Andrea to make like a bee and buzz but..she really wanted to know bout the hunter's arm.
"Now I getcha!" The rule breaker (hehehe wonder what he'd make of that if he knew). explained as he led the way up. "So that's why you brought Toriko and these guys..all the way to Life." "Please, master. Heal their wounds. It's better than getting reamed by granny Setsu, right?" Teppei said, hoping he'd really hope them out. "Of course! Anything to save my tush from granny Setsu's wrath!" The boys: Match, Takimaru and Sani, stared at him as they followed this strange man each wondering if he really did have what they needed.
"Though I must admit I'm quite surprised to see the little lady (again with the little) here. That's quite a shock, seeing her here and especially where she came from." The older man commented as he glanced towards Andrea. "What the heck does that mean?" She inquired. "Agreed. What did you mean with that comment?" Sani added as the men glanced between the woman and him. "Most people from that world don't usually make it this far. Or live for that long here either. Hehehe. You're a rule breaker too." "Don't play with me, old man. I've had my fill of getting yanked around or the stupid mind games. Get to the dang point." "Andrea-chan! Please watch your words with master!" Teppei quickly chided her even as the men (save said old man) stared at her in complete shock and disbelief.
Her words caused the man to laugh deep and loud. "A woman who gets straight to the point! Even forgetting the rules! I really like that! Alright I'll tell ya a bit!" It's always a bit and never the whole thing... "I take it your aware of where Andrea really is from." Toriko stated rather than asked. "Yes indeed! Well, a bit anyway. For starters I know yer not really from this world." "You mean your from the gourmet world?!" Teppei exclaimed in surprise as Match said, "No offense but I highly doubt a weak little girl would be from that dangerous place." Even though that wasn't the case but ouch.. "Are you really from the gourmet world?" Takimaru asked in surprise. Match really doubted that. If she was then those guys back there at ice hell would be no match for her. What was with this mystery concerning her?
"Your totally wrong there! What I'm about to say shouldn't be made known to the general population. Normally rules are made to be broken but this is a...delicate matter. Anyway, as I said. Most of the people who came from your world don't usually live long." "If she's not from gourmet world then where..?" She fought back a blush as all eyes were on her. "A world that's not part of this world. Simple terms: the little lady is NOT from this dimension. No, I ain't gonna tell you how. It's too high up in the chain to be explained fully." So the IGO and perhaps the president are aware of this then..? Both Sani and Toriko wondered even as the rest has their jaws hit the ground in disbelief.
"So what landed you here, little lady? Yer only the third person I've met from that place." Yosaku started when Andrea interrupted. "First tell me what do you mean. How come the people from my world don't last long?" "Ah, that. They usually get dumped in dangerous places that are most likely to kill them." Say...what...? "What does that mean?" Toriko asked, having a bad feeling he wasn't going to like the answer. "Not sure. My theory is that it's either a freakish bad luck or it was on purpose." Andrea had the feeling it was the latter.. But if that was the case then she had bigger problems then getting back home.. She tuned out the others as they tried to inquire more but only got vague answers.
Man, who knew that just trying to be helpful would land her in this mess.. She blinked a bit when she heard Toriko's stomach growl That was a surprise. Guess he must really be hungry. Looking around the woman must of been so lost in her thoughts that she didn't notice that the group had descended down a flight of stairs to a very tall entrance leading into the mountain. "This is it." The older man said as he just waltz right on in. "We're entering the symbol of Life. Mother wood, the tree of healing. Though some call it a food lodge." Yosaku said the last part when they had reached the end of the tunnel to a small plate form.
Whoa! The space inside was bigger then orginally thought! "It's a healing space where most revivers lodge." The older man explained. That explained all the activity going on on the different plate forms. "Hey, I recognize a bunch of those revivers." Toriko commented as he looked down at the different people. "You'll also see a lot of apprentices that those famous revivers have taken under their wings. This place sees no end to commissions asking to revive foods." Teppei explained, continuing to follow the blood stained man to a room that sent shivers down her spine. The tables were full of bottles of various colors, plants, animals and other things. The thing that really got her was the blood that was splattered all over the walls and floor.
"This is scary, really scary!" Andrea muttered to herself, wishing to be anywhere BUT there! "Hey! Hurry up and get over here!" Yosaku called over his shoulder. There's more than this? Oh goody.. Andrea mused to herself as the group quickly caught up to him. "Welcome...to my revival lab." He announced, standing in front of a door with a sign that read "revival lab". She had a bad feeling about this.. "Revival...or destruction?" Teppei muttered, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "Huh?" Toriko went at the same time as the woman said, "That's very not encouraging. This feels real bad." "Even so, DON'T think of taking off, missy. You've got someone coming to pick you up." The rule breaker said opening the door and walked in.
"Done. I'm gone. Lat- ack!" She told the others and turned to leave but the larger hunter grabbed her by the back of her short (her and Match changed cloths back on the jelly) and yanked her back. "Nope. Your staying. I'm sure it's granny Setsu or someone like that." He told her as they walked into the lab. Damn him! It's not anyone he knows! It's that owner of the voice in her head! "I so wanna go home.." Andrea muttered unhappily in defeat. Why can't she win for once? This was gonna end badly.. The woman just knew it. "Whoa!" Sani exclaimed in surprise, startling her a bit.
"A Chaco bird and morning rose! He really does revive things!" "He did say he was one didn't he?" She sighed deeply as once again ignored as Toriko asked with a "wtf" expression, "But what's with all the blood stains?" "Hmm? The blood stains remind me of my failures!" The older man explained. "?!" "I'm seriously scared now..." Andrea felt like crying for the guys who were injured. "F..failures?!" Match asked nervously, bringing a chuckle from the older man. "How's good old Ryu doing...gangster boy?" That question threw the vice boss off long enough for Yosaku to say, "I think I know what each of you came here for (what was this?! The wizard of oz?! Like hell she was Dorothy!) so.. I'll start with the easiest!"
With that said (or shouted), he flipped the three injured yakuzas, who were on a blanket being used as a stretcher, high into the air, which caused a gasp of surprise from the scarred man. "BUT!" The blood stained man shouted then said, "Sorry if I fail." Yup. This wasn't going to be pretty. In a blur of motion he (Yosaku) hit the air borne men hard enough to shred the bandages off of them. "Must you be so violent?! It's like you're trying to kill them?!" The woman exclaimed loudly even as the others watched on in surprise. 'Always so violent.' Teppei thought to himself. On the bright side...he was always on the mark.
The older man grinned widely and told the three men, "Rise and shine...gangster boys." Much to the surprise of Match he watched as one of them coughed up blood before taking in a deep breathe, eyes snapping wide open. Quickly the others followed suit and gasped out as they took breathes of air. "G..guys!" The vice boss exclaimed happily. "Now," Yosaku started as he grabbed one of the men by the ankle and threw him into one of the open flowers which quickly closed up, sealing the man inside. "Let's treat those wounds." "The flower just ate him! What gives?!" "Whoa!" Sani and Andrea exclaimed at the same time.
This place was down right freaky! "That flower swallowed him up!" The larger hunter said in surprise. "It's okay." Teppei said in a calm voice. "That's a therapy tulip. It's a rare carnivorous plant that actually eats the wounds of people and animals. After one minute, he'll be mostly healed." That's...actually kinda awesome. What's the draw back? "Course, if you accidentally enter when you're not wounded, you'll be eaten whole." She just had to ask didn't she? "Mnn." The rule breaker went, suddenly grabbing one of the yakuza's arm (was that...oh crap, she forgot his name) and continued. "What's this?"
The action caused a cry to erupt from the man, which was ignored as the wound was inspected. "This chewed up arm's hanging by a flap." His mouth and jaw moved in a way that seemed very... Ah hell no! Don't tell her he's gonna do what she thought! "Gross!" The woman exclaimed in disgust as he (Yosaku) spat onto the wound. Why did it look like paste?! Gross! Oh no... She sounded exactly like Sani! "Press on it for ten minutes and she'll hold." The older man quickly turned his attention to the scarred man. Don't tell her...oh screw it. Why even say that any more? Half the time it's true any way.
"And you, feelin' a little drafty below the waist?" That sounded wrong on so many levels... Judging from Match's expression he wasn't too keen on the idea either. He gave out a yell of disgust (though he looked kinda like a kid with that expression. Made him look kinda cute) and went, "You spat on me and it wasn't even paste! That's foul!" The older man nailed the spot where the leg had been removed. Yosaku laughed again and replied, "It's got more adhesive strength." He (the older man) once again turned his attention onto a new victim, Takimaru. "Now then! What do you need, sonny?!" Man, this guy really wanted to get onto the older chef's good side if he's shouting excitedly at everyone. Takimaru flinched in surprise, not that Andrea could blame him the poor guy.
A sharp look entered the rule breaker's eyes as he continued to speak. "Ah, yes. You're looking for a panacea. A medicine known to cure every disease. I don't know how you heard about it but.." Th man raised his voice. "It exists, all right! "!" Takimaru's eyes widen a bit, listening as the man continued to talk. "But there's a catch! The medicine I'm thinking of can only heal illnesses of the human world. It can't heal diseases from the gourmet world! Or as we call them in the human world...curses!" Yosaku leaned down and peered into the young man's eyes. "Just like that eye of yours, sonny!"
That seemed kinda harsh...but...he wasn't here for himself. He said he treasured that eye right? "T...Takimaru.." Toriko went softly. Ah. Now she got it. This guy... He was tempting the kid wasn't he? "Heh. No need to worry. Everything will be alright." The woman said, smiling a bit at the gourmet knight. The boys kinda looked at her a bit. A bit too optimistic she was. "You still want me to give it you? It's only a single pill! And it'll cost you ten million!" Judging from his expression it was a tempting offer to him. "Master, you can't mean that..." Teppei started but was ignored by the older man.
The sharp look in Yosaku's eyes darken. "What will it be?" He asked, staring deeply into his eyes seriously. Man oh man, even she had to admit it was quite temptingly she was in his place. But..the woman knew things would out all right. Toriko watched on in awe as all kinds of thoughts raced across Takimaru's face before.. "P..." He started then quickly went down onto his hands and knees bowing. "Please! I can't pay...yet! But I swear I will pay you back if it takes me my whole life! And so..." The young man lowered his head more. "Please give it to me! I beg of you!"
A strange grin appeared on the blood stained man's face as he replied, "It might not cure the curse and you still want it, Hmm?" A proud smile appeared on Andrea's lips as he answered, "It isn't for me. It's for another." Takimaru looked up at him with eyes full of determination. "If there's even a .1% chance that he'll recover... Then I will do anything in order to beat the odds... No, for that rule to be broken!" Andrea giggled a bit as his words blew the man's mind. He won him over. Good for him. She congratulated him silently even as the older man smiled widely and shouted happily, "Well said!" She blinked when he slammed a booted foot down hard enough to send the young knight into air and right into his arms, hugging him a bit.
"I like you, kid! That's right! Let's smash that stupid rule to pieces! Let's see what the future holds... When we change it ourselves! And the footprints we leave behind...will be the new rules! Take the medicine! I don't need the money. Your spirit is payment enough for me!" Yosaku stated proudly, his words bringing tears to Takimaru's eyes. "Th..thank you...so very much." The young man said, voice full of tears. Toriko watched a bit before laughing and in a ccongradulad voice, "Good for you, Takimaru." Andrea's hair pracalltically stood on end when the man turned his attention to her.
"Yipe!" She yelped our, quickly hiding behind Toriko. "Oi..just relax. Jeesh, what's gotten into you? You've been on edge all day." The hunter said, looking back at her. It's true, only problem was she didn't say one word about what had her looking around like something was going to get her. "Bwhahahaha! I don't blame you! Considering who's coming to pick you up! That lady is a real character! Best advice:don't struggle. Struggling makes it worse." "Eh?! What does that mean?! I told you I hated mind games!" She yelped louder even as his attention switched from her to Toriko. "As for you, Toriko!"
