This is the 20th chapter. I don't own the series of Maken-Ki.
Tenbi Academy, Dorm Room
That morning, Zane was about to get ready for his early morning training when he noticed that his sister was packing her things for her work as he walk towards her.
"Morning Azuki." Zane greeted his sister.
"Morning Zane." Azuki greeted her brother. "Morning training?"
"Yeah." Zane nods. "Jin wanted to train me since he's planning to become our new Club Advisor and our Trainer."
Azuki couldn't help but chuckle a bit when her brother told her about his teacher.
"Well, both Takeru and Kengo isn't going to happy about it." Azuki stated. "But we could use a new trainer."
Zane nodded with an agreement as he spoke. "Heading somewhere?"
"Nope, I'm heading to the Maid Café, the one that you came here before a few months back." Azuki told him which Zane nods with an understanding. "I'm gonna be busy for summer today."
"Why? Azuki, if it's about our family situation, it's already taking cared of." Zane told his sister. "I've done told you about those medical bills, they were already paid for, along with other bills that's been paid for in the past 11 years."
"I know and I appreciate that." Azuki said with a small smile. "But this is something I must do. You've done quite a lot for me, mom, and our little brother. Like I said, I'm gonna be busy for work and I don't think I'll be joining you or the others in the Training Field Trip."
Zane was a bit confused about this 'Training Field Trip.' Azuki figured that much only because her brother have been a mercenary for 11 years.
"Training Field Trip is where every members of Maken-Ki takes a field trip to the sea." Azuki explains. "It's pretty much like a Training Camp where you hone your skills and get stronger."
Zane nods with an understanding which he does need to get stronger if he'll be able to face Kamigari.
"Anyway, whenever you get done with you workout. Get your things ready and try to have fun." Azuki told him as she smile with mischief. "Who knows, maybe you get to have fun with Chacha."
With that, Zane couldn't help but blush a bit when Azuki left the dorm.
"AZUKI!" Zane shouted his sister.
Azuki couldn't help but laugh of his reaction which she finds it hilarious as she left the dorm and headed towards the Maid Café.
Outside of Tenbi Academy
In the forest, Takeru was doing his own exercise. He was doing his push-ups with the big heavy rock on his back which he was struggling and sweat profusely. Takeru was pretty much aware of his own weakness which he's gonna have to train in order to fight Kamigari.
'I still don't know how to activate 'Blood Pointer' on my own. That's why, there's no point worrying about it. I just have to do whatever I can to make myself stronger.' Takeru thought as he continues to do push-ups.
Until, he heard a grass rustled when he noticed that Azuki was rushing in the forest as she looked at Takeru.
"Huh? Takeru?" Azuki said.
"Haa...Haa...Azuki? What you doing...way out here?" Takeru questions, panting heavily.
"This way is a shortcut to my job." Azuki told him. "But what about you? What's with the old style of training? Our 'Training Field Trip' is the day after tomorrow you know? Are you done packing and stuff?"
Takeru then noticed that a panty was exposed over her skirt.
"Your skirt...It's pretty short...I can see your panty." Takeru told her, leaving Azuki blushed and glaring at him.
"My uniform was ruined, so this is all I've got left!" Azuki growled a she was about to kick Takeru, but he caught her foot.
"I was only warning you, so there's no need to kick me..." Takeru informed her as he collapsed down while the rock goes down with him, leaving him flattened.
"Oh, I see. Sorry about that." Azuki apologized, scratching the back of her head.
"No problem." Takeru said while trying to get the rock off of him. "So what's this 'Training Field Trip' that you're talking about?"
"You didn't know?" Azuki said as she began to explain. "Every year, the Maken-Ki members take a field trip to the sea."
Takeru then begin to imagine about the field trip Azuki was talking about, he was thinking about women on the bikini while having fun on the beach.
"You're getting the wrong impression." Azuki told him with annoyance as she starts to head out.
"And what about you? Are you done packing?" Takeru asked.
"I'm too busy with my job, so won't be going this year." Azuki answered.
"What? But it only happen once a year." Takeru said with shock.
"Don't worry about me." Azuki assured him with a grin. "Go and have yourself a good time, got it?"
Meanwhile, Zane was sparring with Jin at the lookout, using a wooden swords for training. They blocked each others attacks while trying to counter, but Zane have got something on his mind as Jin saw an opening by whacking him on a head.
"You let your guard down, kiddo." Jin said with a smirk. "If you're gonna daydream, you're good as dead when you fight an opponent."
"Y-Yeah, sorry." Zane apologizes as he get into his fighting stance. Jin noticed something was off about his pupil as he sighed.
"Hey, let's take a break." Jin told him, getting a nod from him. "What's on your mind?"
Zane began to explain about Azuki not coming to the Training Field Trip since she's gonna be busy working and not having fun with her friends.
"I see, sounds like Azuki wanted to help you out of your family situation." Jin sighed while smiled. "Sounds like you two really cared about your family."
"Our dad left us, leaving us high and dry while we got debts to pay." Zane told him. "While our mom was sick and been constantly at the hospital for her treatment."
"I can understand what you and your sister have been through, it's hard to help your mom and I can understand it." Jin said. "You know, when I was 6, I was in the same situation as you two have. My uncle ran away from our family while we've got debts to pay. That bastard have left us high and dry when we've got debts to pay, my dad taught me how to use my element for combat and using my Maken which you've already know that mine was a gunblade, like yours. Also, I have to work as mercenary when I left Tenbi, it's pretty hard for me to leave my family, but I've got to do something to help them out."
Zane looked at him with serious look on his face.
"Which is why Zane, you and I are the same." Jin said. "I too was desperate to find a job since there's bills that needs to be paid and debts to pay. Both my parents understand it which they keep telling me that I was too young to help, but I just gotta do something. My father understands that I was determined and he took me somewhere I can be enrolled and to be trained which it was brutal, but I have to stay strong for them and Tenbi."
Zane was shocked when he heard of Jin's past which both of them were in a similar situation.
"I remembered you came to me when you were 5 years old, you were desperate to help your family and you wanted to be strong for them and Tenbi." Jin told him. "When I looked at your eyes, you were determined. Of course, I have to take you in, have you enrolled in Bulgaria which it's very well known for sports and wrestling, trained you with the way that my parents have trained me, and taught you how to control your Element and use your Maken in combat."
"But I have taking the job as a mercenary since I was also 5." Zane said, remembered of his past.
"Yes, you pretty much have." Jin nods. "Also, you've already knew that it was hard for you to leave your family, but you got to do something to help them. Which Azuki wasn't happy to hear that I took you in and I got a bruise from my shin to prove it."
Zane couldn't help but chuckle a bit when Azuki have kick Jin few days ago.
"Well, Azuki wasn't happy that I take the job as a mercenary when I told the staff members and her about it." Zane told him. "She was worried that I get killed from those missions I've already took. It was hard for her that if I ever get killed, Azuki would be devastated."
Jin can understand how he feels about it when he told his mother. She didn't take it very well either and she felt worried about him getting killed.
"Well, since we've already burn some daylight, let's call it for a day." Jin said, changing the subject. "I've got some paper-work to fill out."
Zane nodded as they call it for a day and went separate ways.
Tenbi Academy, Dorm Room
When Zane got finished his shower during his morning training, he went to visit Takeru and the others in Dorm Room 7. Takeru was washing the dishes for their breakfast while Haruko was still recovering from her attack she have used in few days ago which that took a lot out of her.
"Hey Zane." Takeru greeted. "You heard about Azuki?"
"I have, she went to her job this morning." Zane told him.
"Wait, did we saw her at the Maid Café few months ago?" Haruko asked.
Zane nods as both he and Takeru began to explain this situation about Azuki working at the Maid Café and not coming to the 'Training Field Trip.'
"And that's what she told me, but still..." Takeru said, pondering.
"That's the first time I heard about her having a job." Haruko said with bags under her eyes. "She didn't go last year and now she's not going this year either?"
"Afraid not." Zane shook her head. "I told her that debts are already paid along with the other bills. But it sounds like she wanted to help mom out."
"Well, that's understandable." Haruko said with an agreement.
"What about you Haru? Is your body alright?" Takeru asked with a sweat drop.
"Yes, I'm fine." Haruko answered, but she starts to have a migraine. "But I'm not sure when I'll be able to use my power again."
"It's because you used that huge technique with your Maken." Himegami told her. "Well, give it time and I'm sure your body will get it's strength back."
"She's right, that move really took it's toll on your body." Zane agrees. "Using Murakumo was like you're holding a double-edged sword. It is a powerful Maken, but whenever you use Kusunagi, that can not only destroy your opponent, but it will also cost your body to feel fatigue and exhaustion."
Himegami nods with an agreement as Inaho spoke.
"But I'm kind of sad that Azuki isn't going to be there." Inaho said with sad expression which both Haruko and Himegami nodded with a agreement.
Takeru was thinking of how to get Azuki come with them at the Training Field Trip as he comes up with the idea.
"I'll go and ask her boss directly." Takeru said seriously.
Tenbi Mall, Maid Cafe
When Takeru, Haruko, Inaho, Himegami, and Zane have made their way toward the Maid Café, they wanted to talk the manager which he happens to be a cross-dresser and Azuki's boss. The manager wanted them to follow him as they headed towards the Staff Room so they can talk privately. Takeru explain this situation and wanted to have Azuki come with them for the Training Field Trip.
"Hmm~" The manager ponders. "So you're asking me to give her the whole summer off, right?"
"Yes! To join us all, in the Maken-Ki's Training Camp." Takeru answered with serious expression.
"Very well~! Especially since a cute boy like you is asking." The manager said with a smile when he drew closer to Takeru, leaving him shivered down to his spine and face paled while Zane chuckled of his reaction, thinking it's entertaining. "Is what I'd like to say, but, Azuki is working because of the situation her family is in. Even if I tell her she can take the summer off, I don't think she'd want to."
"If it's money, then I'm sure all of us can do something to help her." Inaho suggested.
"Yes, but so you think that she would take the money?" The manager asked.
"No." Inaho answered sadly.
"She's the type of person who doesn't like others helping her if it's out of pity." Himegami stated.
"That's Azuki for you, she can be a bit stubborn, but she's my sister we're talking about." Zane said with a sigh.
Until the manager looked at Zane with surprised look on his face.
"So you must Azuki's brother I've heard about." The manager said. "She was very happy to see you back in Tenbi ever since you've been away 11 years ago."
Zane felt disturbed since the manager was trying to get close to him.
"Well, she never told me about you." Zane told him.
The manager couldn't help but chuckle a bit.
"I guess that make since, my name is Catherine. I'm the manager of the Maid Café that was known as Makroon Mansion." Catherine introduced himself.
"Zane Shinatsu." Zane introduced. "You pretty much know me since Azuki told you about it."
Catherine gave him a nod as Haruko spoke.
"Well, you can also be a bit stubborn." Haruko told him. "But still, I know it's really none of our business, but..."
"Even so, we still want to help." Both Haruko and Takeru said in unison, leaving Catherine surprised.
The next day
Tenbi, Maid Café
The next morning, Azuki was on her way to Makroon Mansion, but she had something else on her mind.
'It will start from tomorrow and I hope Zane have fun in summer. I just wish I would have fun with my brother.' Azuki thought with sad expression as she shook her head, trying to snap out of her thoughts. 'Nah, why do I think about this so much!'
When Azuki made her way toward the Maid Café, she was both surprised and shocked when she noticed that the Café was busy full of customers and some of the Maken-Ki were helping out.
"Wha...Why are there so many customers?" Azuki asked with shocked expression. Himegami came towards her with dull expression on her face.
"If you're gonna space out, do it somewhere else, you're in the way." Himegami told her.
"HIMEGAMI!?" Azuki exclaimed as she turned her head toward her boss. "Boss! What's going on! Why is the restaurant so crowded!? What are the Maken-Ki members doing here!?"
"We're going to be pretty busy today, so I hired these people for help." Catherine said with a smile, shrugged. "But I had no idea that they were your friends and I've met your brother yesterday, he's just like Jin, the heart of the lion. Now hurry up and go change or you'll be late.
With that, Azuki have made her way towards the locker with an angry expression on her face while getting change.
"DAMMIT! Like hell that bastard didn't know that they were my friends!" Azuki shouts with anger. "Did he think I wouldn't notice most of the customers are students from school!?"
Azuki sighed as she left the locker room.
"Azuki." Zane called her sister as she turned her head.
"Zane, were you the one who called them out here!?" Azuki shouted as she pointed at her brother accusingly.
"Hey, I've got nothing to do with this." Zane told her, waving his hand in defense.
"There's only one person I can think of who would do something like this." Azuki said, putting two-by-two together while both Takeru and Kengo were headed her direction.
"We're done distributing our fliers so we'll need to print new ones!" Takeru said with a grin. "Putting your glamour shot with it was a great idea!"
"I told you it'd work." Kengo told him when they saw Azuki and Zane.
"Hey! It's Azuki!" Takeru said as he turned to her. "Looking good Azuki!"
"IT WAS YOU!?" Azuki shouted as she grabbed his head with a tight grip.
"Takeru, you bastard...What kind of shit are you trying to pull on me?" Azuki questions with a death glare, leaving Takeru scared.
"Huh? I don't know what you're talking about..." Takeru said, lying to his teeth which Zane knew this was going to happen.
"Don't play dumb...You really think I wouldn't notice all the people helping out are members of Maken-Ki?" Azuki questioned, interrogating him.
"We're only working here to earn some cash for the Training Field Trip." Takeru told her as he explains. "The owner said if we meet a certain amount of orders today, then he'll give us a bonus."
"And so you advertised this place to students from our school, huh?" Azuki questioned once more. "Don't you know I'm about to begin work as 'Azukin' and I don't want anyone knowing about it!?"
"Come on now...There are even some customers who came here just to see you in your work uniform." Takeru pointed out as she looked at Kurigasa.
"KURAGASA!?" Azuki exclaimed as he cleared his throat while the Shinatsu siblings walked towards him. "Even You're Here!?"
"What are you doing here?" Zane asked, raising his eyebrow.
"Well, it's just all the students were excited to come to this place, so I just follow along." Kuragasa said with averted his gazes at them and moving his legs, nervously.
"Yeah, your legs tell me just how excited you are." Azuki said, raising her eyebrow.
"Besides, I really wanted to see you in a maid uniform, Azuki." Kuragasa said with a smile, leaving Azuki glaring at him while Zane shook his head with annoyance.
"Why You!" Azuki shouts.
"I'm glad I got to see you again before I left." Kuragasa said with a laugh as he got up and plans to leave.
"Where are you heading?" Zane asked.
"There's a certain dojo I'm going to for the whole summer." Kuragasa answered as he tipped his cap. "I heard you two will be going on the Training Field Trip so when this summer is over, I'm going to be a lot stronger than I am now. Let's have a match when we meet again, okay?"
Azuki widen her eyes with shock when Kuragasa wanted to have a re-match with her as he turned his head to Zane.
"Whenever I get back from the dojo, I want to have a match with you." Kuragasa said with a smirk. "Make sure you watch over your sister, for the both of us."
"I'll do what I can, but we both know that Azuki can take care of herself." Zane told him with a smile as he and Kuragasa laughed at how true it was. The two smiled at each other, despite not meeting each other at first, but they grew to respect each other and become friends. They both gave each other a final nod before Kuragasa left while Zane headed towards the kitchen and Azuki was looking at Kuragasa with confused look on her face. Both Takeru and Kengo whistled at Azuki, leaving her angry while she chased after them with a tick mark on her head. When Azuki finally caught Takeru while strangling him, she noticed that Himegami place her foot on the table.
"Masters, our popular items today are omelet rice with whatever you want written on top and a cup of cappuccino." Himegami told them. "And I hate taking long orders so that's exactly what you're going to order, understand?"
"O-Okay!"
"That's fine!"
'What the!? They listened to her?' Azuki thought with a question while sweat drop.
'Why the hell do they look so happy when she forced them to order that!?' Takeru thought with a question while sweat drop also.
"Hmm, actually." Himegami said, pondering. "Carrying two orders is too much work, so you're gonna to have to share one order."
"No problem!"
"Good. Then there's no need for you to look at the menu, right?" Himegami asked the customers.
"Nope! Please give me an omelet rice and..."
'Why does it look like they're the servants and she's the master!?' Both Takeru and Azuki mentally question when they notice Inaho was having a cake competition which she won.
"Th-Three seconds! Inaho wins!" Uruchi announced with shock that the cake in front of Inaho was instantly gone in no less than seconds.
"So, who's next?" Inaho asked with a smile.
"This is the 'Fastest to Eat A Whole Cake Challenge.'" Uruchi announced. "If you win, you get a whole three year worth of free drinks here at Makroon Mansion! But if you lose, you pay for both cakes!"
That got the customers sweat drop since don't have a fighting chance against Inaho which she ate the whole cake in the blink of an eye.
"Hey Inaho, at least make it look like they have a chance to win." Uruchi told her with a sweat drop.
"I can't help it, the cake here is sooo~ good~!" Inaho said with a sweet smile.
"At this rate, no one's going to want to challenge you." Uruchi said with dull expression.
Azuki felt like her job have gotten more insane by the minute when her friends were working with her today.
"Those two always find a way to overdo it! There just gonna cause problems for the ones who're actually working!" Azuki said with dull expression.
"Actually, compared to these two, it's Haru that's causing problems." Takeru told her when they looked Haruko walking with embarrassed look on her face, but her body was still sore from that attack she used few days ago.
"I'm sorry your order took so long, mistress." Haruko said with a smile.
"Seeing the fragile side of the Vice-President is too, MOE~!" Kengo said with a blush and a perverted grin.
Until, Haruko stepped on the cloth as she tripped and landed on her rear, causing every customers to look at her in a mess when she dropped the milk on her.
"P...Please forgive me, I'll go get you another one right away." Haruko said, rubbing her head.
However, the customers looked at her with a blush and a smile, along with Uruchi which she got a nose-bleed. Until Azuki heard a noise coming from the kitchen.
"Will You Two Knock It Off!" Zane shouted as Azuki and Takeru coming towards the kitchen when they noticed that her brother bonked both Chacha and Kimi, leaving them a big bump on their heads.
"Now, what the hell were you two trying to pull!? You're wasting the products of ice cream!" Zane told them with serious expression when they noticed that the variety of ice cream containers were at the table and the scoops of ice cream were stacked atop of each other.
"We're just battling against the world, Zane." Chacha said with a grin, rubbing her head. "We're aiming to break the record the Guiness Book of World Records."
"I don't care about the record. What I care was you're trying to waste ice cream and I'm not gonna tolerate that." Zane scolded them. "Also, I won't have the both of you in the kitchen if you don't stop goofing around, understand?"
Both Chacha and Kimi nodded with understanding, leaving them in teary eyes as Haruko approaches them.
"Keep up the good work, Haru." Takeru said with a grin.
"What happen to you?" Zane questioned when he finished scolding Chacha and Kimi.
"Sorry, I wasted two orders of milk." Haruko told them.
"Don't worry, I'll bring it to them. It was for table #5, right?" Takeru asked, making his way back.
"Oh...yeah." Haruko answered with a smile. However, Chacha snuck up from behind her.
"Takeru, if you're going to get milk, then it'll be faster if you get it from here." Chacha said with a playful grin as she pulled down the clothing that was covering Haruko's breasts, making them bare while Takeru began to have nosebleed and Zane sighed with annoyance which he knew this would happen.
"Oops! Sorry! I didn't know you weren't wearing a bra." Chacha apologized as Takeru fainted, but both Azuki and Zane luckily caught the cups of milk that he was carrying a moment ago. "Hmm? Hey, did your breasts get bigger?"
"I'll go hand out fliers!" Haruko quickly said as she dashed away with embarrassed expression.
"Geez, they're just causing trouble. At this rate, we won't be able to get anything done." Azuki said with a smile.
"I really wish I didn't see that. It was embarrassing to see Haruko like that and Chacha have done something crazy." Zane said with annoyance.
"You're embarrassed? Come on, I've seen you embarrassed for quite some time." Azuki said as she turned to Chacha. "Geez, you'll be crazy, you know that?"
"I will never change!" Chacha said with a grin as Azuki playfully punched her arm. Catherine noticed that smile on her face as he spoke to Zane.
"I have to thank you, Zane." Catherine thanked him.
"What for? I haven't done anything." Zane said with his eyebrow raised.
"Her smile seems more gentle when she's all around you." Catherine told him.
Tenbi Mall
Meanwhile, the Yamato siblings were strolling around the mall when they noticed that the crowd were arriving at the Maid Café which it got really popular.
"What's going on over there?" Otohime asked. "It seems really popular.
Then, they noticed that Haruko was passing the fliers to the people which they were blushing with a smile as they take the fliers while heading toward the Café.
'I was exposed to Take again, oh well.' Haruko thought with a smile as she passed the fliers.
"What are you doing?" Otohime asked, making Haruko snapped out of her stupor.
"Right now, our store Makaroon is having a special promotion for today." Haruko explains. "Even if you're a grade school, you're still welcome to stop by."
With that, she gave Otohime the flier as she walk toward the others while passing the fliers.
"Grade school?" Otohime questioned.
"It seems like she doesn't remember who we are." Gouken said. "She's the Vice President of the Student Council, Haruko Amaya."
"Very well, it seems that I, Otohime Yamato, have to show her what her place is in this world!" Otohime said with her dark tone and a wicked smile as she crumpled the flier and left.
Kamigari HQ
When the Yamato siblings made their way home, they decided to form a plan to target Haruko which they haven't told Ouken about it.
"Otohime, the preparations are complete." Gouken told his sister.
"Thank you, brother." Otohime thanked him.
"But are you sure you want to be doing this without grandfather's permission?" Gouken asked with concern.
"I just want to see how effective this re-agent is, it doesn't last very long anyways." Otohime told her when she looked at that vial she carried. "Even if I don't use this, the opponent I prepared for her is stronger than an S-Class monster. There's no way she'll get out of this fight unscathed. I'm expecting you to put on an entertaining show for me, Haruko Amaya."
With that, the Yamato siblings looked at screen, watching when she wanted some entertainment with a wicked grin.
Tenbi Mall, Maid Cafe
Meanwhile, Himegami noticed that the writing on the omelet rice was written as 'Flat-Chested Girl' which that got her pretty angry.
"Umm, what's this?" Himegami questioned with angry expression as she squeezed the ketchup, leaving the ketchup splattered. "What? You got a problem?"
"No, not at all." One of the customers said with fright. "Your writing is very lovely, but Flat-Chested Girl?"
"Who The Hell Are You Calling Flat-Chested Girl!? It Says 'Love.'" Himegami shouted as she threw the ketchup at them.
Takeru and Zane knew this would happen since Himegami have lost her temper when they noticed that Minori, Gen, Aki, and Jin were at the booth..
"What are you doing here, Principal?" Takeru asked.
"Yo!" Gen greeted.
"Oh my." Aki said, tasting the parfait.
"Is that the way you speak to customers, Takeru?" Minori asked with her mouthful.
"It's not polite to talk with your mouth full, Minori/Principal." Both Jin and Zane said in dull expression in unison as they look at each other while laughing.
"Anyway, we came here because one of Tenbi's 'OB' owns a café." Jin told them, leaving Zane and Takeru confused.
"Don't be confused though. It doesn't mean 'Okama Bar.'" Minori said with a smirk.
"It means 'Old Boy.' Our old friend of ours come up with that name." Jin said with a smile when Catherine walk towards them.
"That's right. And I happen to be an 'OB' in Tenbi." Catherine said with a wink.
"Zane, this is Gorou Fujioka." Jin told him. "He's one of our friends in Tenbi back at the day and he's the owner of the Makaroon Mansion."
"Was he the member of Maken-Ki?" Zane questioned.
"Not really, Zane. I was one of the classmates with Minori." Gorou shook his head. "She even helped when I started this café. I owe her a lot."
"You're always welcome!" Minori said with a grin.
"Oh really." Takeru said with dull expression.
"What's with that look on your face? You bastard." Minori said with a glare.
"Then if you're not a member of Maken-Ki, why did you enroll here in Tenbi?" Zane questioned.
"I never had any real talent or anything, but Tenbi still took me in." Gorou answered with a smile. "Half of the students who graduated in Tenbi even work for the school."
Takeru and Zane were shocked about half of the former students in Tenbi have jobs which Minori, Gen, Aki, Jin, and Gorou were one of them.
"You don't say." Takeru said, giving the Principal that look.
"Okay! That's it! You just bought yourself a one-on-one fight with me!" Minori shouted as Zane bonked Takeru, leaving a bump on his head and pulled him away from the table.
"Quit annoying the customers and go find Haruko." Zane said with neutral expression as he lightly pushed Takeru towards the exit.
"Oh right, I forgot." Takeru said, realized of what he was doing. "You wouldn't happen to know where she was?"
"If you're looking for Haruko, I saw her outside handing the fliers." Azuki answered.
Takeru nodded as he left and find Haruko.
'Zane or Minori. One's a seasoned veteran, one's got a bigger temper. Hard to choose which you'd rather deal with.' Takeru thought with a nervous smile as he went toward the door.
"That bastard." Azuki said with a sigh as she turned to her brother. "Don't you think his attitude towards Haruko seems different compared to us?"
"Sure looks like it." Zane nods. "I've noticed that Haruko didn't even hit Takeru like she usually does constantly. I think I know what's going on here."
"I've noticed it recently too." Himegami agreed. "The only ones who haven't are those two."
Both Zane and Azuki realized that Takeru and Haruko were in love, but they didn't even know that.
Gorou smiled at the Shinatsu siblings, happy to see those two working together to keep the customers happy, including to the teachers and keeping those members of Maken-Ki in line when they try something crazy. However, Gorou have held his head as his brow sweated a bit which Minori and Jin noticed it immediately.
"You okay?" Minori ask with worry.
"Sorry, it's starting to get busy so I gotta get back to work! We'll talk later!" Gorou answered with a tired smile as he left. Minori and Jin were watching him leaving until Gorou was no longer on sight.
Both Zane and Azuki noticed something was off as they followed him towards the kitchen and followed the back.
Tenbi, Back Alley
Meanwhile, Haruko was on her way back toward the Maid Café which she was still feeling fatigued.
"I'm finally done...My body still feels heavy...but I guess I should head back to the Café." Haruko said with exhaustion as she blushed.
'But what should I do!? He saw my breasts and I ran away without thinking!' Haruko thought as she shook her head, trying not to think about it. 'I don't know if I can face him.'
When Haruko was about to head inside, she noticed a mysterious assailant with black bandages that was covering has entire face but one eye, carries a bag on his hand while carrying a Maken that looked like a hybrid in between a gun and cannon with the other.
"Uh...umm...Can I help you?" Haruko asked with shock, confused. "Customers aren't allowed back here, so please use the front-"
Haruko didn't get to finish her sentence when the assailant aims at Haruko, firing the element at her, but she barely managed to dodged by jumping a few steps back.
Kamigari HQ
When the Yamato siblings were watching the fight in between Haruko and the assailant, Otohime noticed something was wrong about Haruko.
"What happened?" Gouken asked.
"Haruko Amaya's movements seem sloppy to me." Otohime answered with a grin. "Even the amount of Element she's using is lower, if she's not careful, this little experiment's going to become a dangerous one!"
Tenbi, Back Alley
Haruko have managed to dodged that assailant's attack just in the nick of time, but that shot only grazed at her shoulder as she looked at the assailant.
'That bag...There's money inside it...He's a thief!?' Haruko mentally questioned as she noticed that Maken on his hand. 'No wait, that thing, the gun on his arm, it's a Maken!? But the sound it made was low and the Element it's releasing seems choked up...He's probably using a Silencer! Why does this kind of trouble always follow us around!? Why does this have to happen now!?'
When the assailant aims at Haruko, about to fire at her with Element, but Takeru leaped into action as he grab hold of the arm while falling down toward the ground.
"Take!" Haruko shouts with a shock.
When the dust have settled, she noticed that Takeru was holding the assailant's arm, making an arm-bar.
"You're supposed to be a thief!?" Takeru exclaimed with a glare. "Next time, try wearing something that doesn't make you look so obvious, idiot!"
Haruko sighed with relief when she saw Takeru saved her as the assailant gave him a look in his eye, leaving him shocked when he noticed the same eyes from before.
'His eyes, they look just like that time.' Takeru thought as he take a look at the Maken with his eyes widen in horror. 'This...isn't a regular gun...It's a Maken.'
He remembered at the time when he witnessed Zane and Akaya fought against each other a few days back at Tenbi. However, the assailant has got the opportunity as he raised his arm up, making Takeru lose his grip as the assailant began to fire his Element at Haruko, but when the he fired the Element, Takeru blocked that attack with his hand.
"Take, your hand!" Haruko exclaimed with shock when she saw blood dripping on his hand.
"I'm fine!" Takeru assured without looking at her as he grabbed his wrist.
'Shit, my left hand's going numb.' Takeru thought. 'I don't know if I'll be able to use Overblow now. Do I have a fear of guns now!?'
As the assailant aims at Takeru, charging up his Element.
"Thunder Barrett" Zane used his lightning Element to strike the assailant when he appeared, leaving him shocked with pain while Azuki suddenly appeared, kicking the assailant.
"We would appreciate it." Azuki started.
"If you didn't hurt our employees." Zane finished.
"Master." Both the Shinatsu siblings said in unison.
"Azuki! Zane!" Takeru exclaimed their names with relief.
"You guys okay?" Azuki asked.
Zane stared at the assailant as he used his Element to sense something inside of him which he noticed the Dark Element was inside of him and he knows that Kamigari was behind of this as he turned his head to Takeru.
"Hey Takeru, your hand was bleeding. Are you feeling alright?" Zane questioned.
"It's nothing, don't worry about me." Takeru assured him.
Though Haruko, Azuki, and Zane wasn't buying it when then know that Takeru was sweating since he was traumatized when he witnessed that Maken, but they decided not to pry further.
"If it doesn't bother you, then I'll take your work for it." Azuki said with a smile as Zane nods with an agreement.
"Yeah...also, thanks you three." Haruko thanked them with a smile as both Himegami and Minori arrived.
"Hey! What happened here?" Himegami questioned.
"Who's that laying on the ground?" Minori asked.
"This? It's just some punk thief who's wearing a mask." Azuki answered when she grab the assailant. "He tried to attack Haruko and Takeru. We stopped him before he can do anything. You're just in time to see me pull of his mask."
Minori didn't like where this was going as she come up with a lie.
"Oh My God! A UFO!" Minori screamed, making Zane look up at her with Himegami by her side.
"Huh? What the hell are you talking about?" Azuki question with a sweat drop, raising her eyebrow.
"BEING DRIVEN BY A BEAR CUB IS FYING BY!" Minori screamed, making all the girls immediately look to where she was pointing. It was momentarily, but it was all Minori needed enough time to grab the assailant and rushed away. However, both Zane and Takeru saw through that lie as they followed Minori.
"HE GOT AWAY!?" Azuki shouted.
"That was close." Minori said with relief.
"What was?" Takeru questioned, shocking Minori as she turned to him and Zane.
"T-T-Takeru!? Zane!? You followed me!"
"Do you honestly think we fall for this cheap trick?" Zane questioned with neutral expression.
"Only Azuki and those girls would fall for something like that. Besides, there's something that's been bothering me about the thief." Takeru said with a sweat drop as both he and Zane' eyes widened as they saw a mysterious assailant that happens to be Gorou.
"Gorou!?" Zane exclaimed with shock.
"But...why!?" Takeru questioned with shock.
But then Gorou was opening eyes and spoke.
"Minori...? Takeru...? Zane...?"
"Oh! You're awake? You probably mistook sake for water and drank it didn't you?" Minori questioned with a grin, lying to him. "You're a light-weight...you were so drunk you even dressed yourself in such a weird outfit."
"Nice try Minori...But I know...It's just like that time right?" Gorou asked with guilt look on his face, remembered what happened in Tenbi. "I did something horrible... didn't I?"
That made Zane shocked as stared at Gorou.
"That time?" Takeru questioned.
"That incident where Ouken manipulated people's memories. The students who were accused of assaulting that girl, Gorou was one of them." Minori explains, shocking Zane and Takeru.
"I'm so sorry...I'm just a failure who causes nothing but trouble...I finally thought I was useful when you asked me to help you kids out...but in the end I tried to hurt someone again...I'm so sorry." Gorou said as he cried, leaving Takeru hid his bleeding hand from his back and Zane turned to anger when he clenched his fist.
"Don't worry, we were able to stop you before anyone got hurt." Takeru assured him. "Anyways, I gotta get back since that Café is getting busy, but come and help when you're feeling better. We'll be waiting for you."
"Takeru..." Gorou said with shock as he shed tears. "Thanks a lot...you three..."
Zane left the alley and head back to the Café with anger which he knew that Kamigari was behind everything since the incident 10 years ago.
'Kamigari...You will fall first...Ouken...You will die from my hands!' Zane mentally thought with pure anger.
Tenbi, Maid Cafe
It was the end of the work and Zane was in the kitchen, helping his sister cleaning the leftover plates. Once cleaning the Café, both the siblings turning off the lights and closes the doors behind them. They walked towards Gorou/Catherine.
"Good work everyone." Catherine announced with a smile.
"Hey Boss, you just missed it earlier! A thief tried to rob the store! But don't worry! We kicked his ass and drove him away!" Azuki said with a grin.
"That thief...was probably." Catherine was about to tell her, but Zane placed his hand on his shoulder, calming him down while shook his head, and Takeru placed his hand over Azuki's mouth.
"Boss! Never mind that! Where's our pay for today?" Takeru asked, depriving attention from Azuki's statement.
"Let me go get it." Catherine said as he get the paychecks.
"Azuki, we're gonna have to discuss this when we get back." Zane told her with serious expression which Azuki knows that their gonna have some serious conversation.
"Here you go. Everyone worked real hard today so I threw a little extra." Catherine said as he gave everyone their pay.
"It's my first paycheck~!" Inaho cheered with glee as she twirled around.
"All you did was work for one day." Azuki told her with sweat drop.
"Yeah, but she did make the most sales today." Haruko said with a smile.
Zane smiled as he watched them extended the paychecks to Azuki.
"Well, it's all yours." Takeru said.
"What?" Azuki questioned with wide eyes.
"You can pay me back when summer break is over." Himegami said.
"Just consider mine a token of my love!" Kengo said with a grin, getting bonked from Zane.
"I-I don't want money! Are you pitying me!? I don't want it!" Azuki shouted as Kimi and Chacha slapped their paychecks onto Azuki's cheeks, keeping their hands on them.
"We didn't say you're getting it for free." Kimi told her.
"We're loaning it for you." Chacha said with a grin.
"Yup! It's a L-O-A-N!" Kimi added.
"Please take it, Azuki." Inaho said with a smile.
"We want everyone in Maken-Ki." Takeru added.
"To go on the field trip." Haruko finished.
Azuki looked at them with surprised expression.
'So that they meant about helping Azuki, well, I guess I'm gonna add a surprise for her.' Zane thought with a smile.
"Dammit. All of you need to learn how to mind your own business." Azuki said she swipe their paychecks with one swoop. "Thanks."
"What was that? I didn't hear you! Could you speak up, please?" Chacha teased.
"One more time!" Kimi joined in.
"Shut up! I'm going to start packing!" Azuki shouted.
"Hold it!" Zane called out, getting his sister's attention. "I have news for you."
"What?" Azuki asked with confusion.
"When I visit at Mom's house yesterday, she was very relived to see me since I was away from Tenbi 11 years ago." Zane answered. "I was able to help her with my 'Aurora' technique to heal mom."
Azuki was shocked for what Zane have told her about their mother.
"Meaning?"
"That's right, she's not bedridden anymore." Zane nods with a soft smile.
"She...She's not?" Azuki said as her lips quivered and then wrapped her arms around her brother tightly, crying.
"T-Thank you, Zane." Azuki thanked her brother with teary eyes and a smile.
Zane returned the hug to his sister.
"You're welcome." Zane said with a smile.
Azuki could never thank Zane enough for what he's done for their family. She now knew that Zane will always be there to help to those in need.
That's it for the 20th chapter. Sorry about the delay.