By: Flyby Stardancer

The Trip Chapter One: I Turn To You

By: Flyby Stardancer

Disclaimer: First off, all recognizable Bloody Roar II/III characters are owned by Hudson Soft. I'm not trying to make any money off of this, so please don't sue me! Second, the timeline belongs to my friends Christi (Tiger5913), and is used with permission, so nahny nahny nah nah! = )

Dedications: To my best friends Christi, Emily, Shelley, Joy and Cari. Thanks for always being there for me! Also, to my "brothers" Sean and Jason. Thanks for always encouraging me and helping me through hard times. I love you both, mis hermanos.

A lone young teenager walked along the crowded streets of a bustling city. Occasionally, he had to brush his long, dark-blue bangs out of his view with strong, yet gentle hands. Dark, brooding eyes glanced about their setting, in search for a motel to spend the night. Upon seeing none, the teenager sighed and shifted his suitcase from one thin, but powerful shoulder to the other.

Nearby, a gang of giggly high school girls started calling out to him, coyly asking for what he could not give them: his heart. He ignored them, having more important issues on his mind, like where was he going to find shelter or when night crept into the air?

His eyes, still roaming over the buildings on either side of the street, were caught by glittering stones and metals behind the glass of a showcase window in front of a small shop. Moving in for a closer look, one object caught his attention. It was a golden band with a simple sapphire imbedding in it.

The sight of the beautiful ring caused his mind to subconsciously call up a picture of an equally beautiful girl. She had sparkling brown eyes that danced with emotion set in a pale, innocent face. A smile of true contentment and love curved her soft, pink lips. Her auburn hair, pulled back into a loose braid, hung down to a slender waist. She wore a snow-white shirt covered by a sun-yellow overcoat. Pretty pink shorts clung lightly to well-shaped hips and legs. In the memory, her arms opened wide and wrapped tightly, but not too tightly, around his neck. Her long, brown bangs fell loosely in his face, tickling his cheeks.

The vivid, sweet memory was shaken off and the teenager started to walk away. Then, on a second thought, he turned and walked into the small shop.

Unbeknown to him, a tall form in an overcoat with the neck cuff pulled high and wearing sunglasses that hide his eyes monitored the teenager's every movement. The breeze picked up, and the strange man's silver hair fluttered and listened as the air played with it.

I hope Riko likes it… thought the dark-haired ninja as he stared at the ring imbedded in the black silk of a ring box. It sure cost enough. I don't care. I'd buy the world for her. Kenji Ohgami laid back on the bed stand and he closed his deep, brown eyes and let his mind wander aimlessly through what few memories he had.

Turning away from a faceless, nameless girl, a fourteen-year-old ninja scowled and muttered under his breath. His wandering eyes caught sight of the body of his "best friend" as she tried to get away from a tall, wide-shouldered boy.

"Sorry, I can't. I'm looking for a friend right now." Uriko Nonomura quickly turned away and spotted Kenji in the crowded room. "And there he is now!" The brown-haired girl jogged over to her fellow zoanthrope. "Phew! That guy's such a jerk!"

"Really?"

"Yeah. He's always picking on the other students," replied the Kenpo student.

"Hey, um… Would ya… Uh…" started the ninja.

"Ya wanna dance?" they asked at the same time, then burst out laughing. When the glee had past, the cat-girl stepped up to her companion and shyly placed her arms around his neck. He wrapped his arms around her slender waist in return, and they began to slowly sway with the music.

When I'm lost in the rain

In your eyes I know

I'll find the light to light my way

When I'm scared, losing ground

When my world is going crazy

You can turn it all around

And when I'm down you're there

Giving me all you've got

Uriko's eyes locked with those of her companion. He gulped convulsively, unconsciously.

For a shield from the storm

For a friend

For a love to keep me safe and warm

I turn to you

For the strength to be strong

For the will to carry one

For everything you do

For everything that's true

I turn to you

Kenji's arms subconsciously tightened around her slight form, pulling her closer to his body. The cat zoanthrope's deep brown eyes widened a little.

When I lose the will to win

I just reach for you

And I can reach the sky again

I can do anything

'Cause your love is so amazing

'Cause your love inspires me

And when I need a friend

You're always on my side

Giving me faith

Taking me through the night

The Kenpo student slowly laid her head on the ninja's shoulder. He looked at her in surprise, then had one of his hands slide up to rest just below her neck.

For a shield from the storm

For a friend

For a love to keep me safe and warm

I turn to you

For the strength to be strong

For the will to carry on

For everything you do

For everything that's true

I turn to you

For the arms to be my shelter

Through all the rain

For the truth that will never change

For someone to lean on

For a heart I can rely on

Through anything

For the one who I can run to

For a shield from the storm

For a friend

For a love to keep me safe and warm

I turn to you

For the strength to be strong

For the will to carry one

For everything you do

For everything that's true

For everything you do

For everything that's true

I turn to you

As the last few notes painted the air and hovered in the hearts of the people in the room, the female teenager lifted her head and prepared to back away, but the mole's strong arms held her firmly in place. She glanced up and gasped silently at the soft affection-filled gaze of her "best friend". She didn't move as his face lowered and his lips gently brushed hers.

Kenji sighed at the blissful memory. He rolled on his side and opened his eyes to stare at the ring box. Riko… I promise that I'll always do my best to be there for you.