Yet another ST fic

Yet another ST fic. Yeah.

(alternate titles: "Sequel to: ''Just another ST fic. Yeah."' or 'The Return of Kouran's Time Machine.' or 'A New Enemy from the Past.')

~All Sakura Taisen characters belong to Red, Sega and Bandai. Anybody I've left out?

Author's note: Hanae celebrates her birthday...But the fun comes in when the new wing is finally built!

Translation: Nihon ryori wa iin da yo - Japanese cuisine is great Shikashi - But Honto ni arigatou - thank you so much Eto...Atashi... - Um...I...

Chapter 9 - Chaos In The Teigeki

Hanae woke up one morning at 5:30 a.m. approximately to find herself 19. She sighed. I know everyone celebrates his or her birthday on the first of January, but can somebody change that custom once in a while? Tetsu did... She brushed away the last of sleep from her eyes and glanced around the room. Her normal desk and chair stood beside the door. Her normal closet stood adjacent to the desk. Her normal bed, normal bookshelf... She was definitely sick of being so normal, and yet not so normal, the fact that she was the captain of the Shingumi. She opened the door of her room and went out to wash up.

Nobody was up yet. Or so she thought.

* * *

The rest of the Shingumi were at the Teigeki. Now the Shingumi had to help out in the theatre, the Shikigumi as well. Everyday, they had to go to the Teigeki to help out, but not as early as that day. (Everyone knew about Maria and Shinta's relationship, so they didn't bother to hide it.) Shinta was in a frenzy as he did not really know how to celebrate birthdays.

"Shinta, stop stepping on the crepe paper! Stupid Japanese man!"

"YOU'RE getting racist now, Rose, now it's YOU!!!!"

"Oh shut up."

"Shinta-sama, will you please get off my left toe?"

"Oh, sorry, Komugi!"

"It's all right. It's just broken."

"Shinta, look what you did to my sister!"

"I'm sorry!!!"

Then, Maria wandered into the 'Danger Zone'. She saw the frenzied Shinta running around and Chiyone nursing Komugi's toe. Not to mention Rose and Ryuue quarrelling over racism. She asked aloud, "What's going on in here?"

The people quickly explained the situation to her. Then she asked, "Where's Shiki?" Everybody looked for the usually calm head in the middle of the hectic sea of crazed people. She was...Sleeping.

"Huh? Oh! Sorry, Maria-san!" Shiki awakened. (Shiki's voice was somewhat similar to Maria's so when she spoke, most people mistook her voice for Maria's if they couldn't see her face to face.) She nudged the Shikigumi awake, they were all snoozing beside her. She called to Ume, who was unwilling to get up. "Ume...Wake up..." she coaxed. Ume replied sleepily, "No, I don't want to clip tickets, Maria-san..." Shiki's eyes widened while Maria's narrowed. Kanako pinched Ume awake. Ume glared at her, but stopped when she saw Shiki glaring at her. Then everybody started preparing for Hanae's birthday party...

* * *

Hanae panicked as she saw everybody's rooms. All the beds were made, which was very unusual for Rose and Chiyone, and the whole place was dust-free. She ran downstairs. All the textiles were still intact, nothing was missing...So where had they gone to?

She then teleported to the bathroom. Nobody was there either. She got changed and went out to the kitchen. Since she had nothing to do just yet, and she wanted to take her mind off where the Shingumi had disappeared to, she was about to make breakfast when she found out there was no rice left. She sat down heavily in a chair. She wanted to go to the Teigeki, but she knew nobody got up before 7, and she didn't want to wake anybody up. She banged her head on the table, and asked aloud in English, "Where the heck have they gone to?"

* * *

By this time the Hanagumi were all up. Sumire was a little grumpy ("What's the big deal, it's only a birthday...*yawn*") but nevertheless she helped out with the decor of the room. Maria, Kanna and Iris were in the kitchen, making the special breakfast they had planned for Hanae. Shinta provided useful information: Hanae LOATHED cake. She loved the traditional Japanese cuisine ("Nihon-ryori wa iin dayo!" was Hanae's trademark phrase when it came to food), however. Nobody had celebrated her actual birthday before, only Tetsu did. And Shinta wanted to let her relive those happy times when Tetsu was around. Shikashi...

"Shinta! Sit!" Rose commanded.

Shinta was banished to a lonely corner, sitting on a chair. He had to sit there to prevent any accidents from happening again. So far he had made footprints all over the crepe paper, overcooked a whole pot of rice, made Komugi's toe break, and spilt most of the miso soup.

He didn't mean to.

He just...did it.

* * *

Finally everything was done. It was still awhile before Hanae was expected to pop over, but Shinta was getting lonely. He stole a glance at Maria - She was busy. He was disappointed. He then got up, and thinking that nobody was looking at him, went away to the terrace, Maria and his 'secret place'.

Upon reaching the terrace, he breathed in the cool autumn air. He wished that Maria was there, so he could hold her... Then he immediately scolded himself for thinking perversely.

Maria knew that Shinta was disappointed at not being able to help out, and she knew he was going to the terrace, so she followed him.

*Note: The following can be a bit mushy...*

Shinta was too preoccupied with his thoughts to sense that somebody was behind him. Then everything went dark. He knew a pair of hands had covered his eyes, and that person didn't make a sound. Hm...This person wants to me guess who he or she is...Well, it can't be a he...Hanae? No...She'd pull my ear, not do something so affectionate...Oh I see... He gently took the pair of hands off his eyes and held them. He tightened their grip around his waist and then enjoyed the peaceful moment.

Maria smiled at his actions. He's so sweet, she thought. She rested her head against his back, and pressed close to him, feeling his warmth in the chilly late autumn morning air. Then he spoke. "Ne...Maria...Would you mind if I..." He then spun around and faced her, causing her to blush. She wasn't really used to the idea of being Shinta's girlfriend, although she loved it. He then tilted her head a little...

They were enveloped in a warm, long kiss when a call rang from the lobby, Chiyone's voice. "She's here~!!!!!"

Maria and Shinta reluctantly broke away and went downstairs, Maria still blushing furiously. Shinta just smiled at her, tightening his hold on her hand.

* * *

"Oh my God...What the..." Hanae trailed off. Then everybody shouted "Surprise!", when tears came into her eyes. Shinta looked worried. "What's wrong?" he asked, coming up to her. Hanae shook her head. "Arigatou, Shinta Nii-chan...Hontou ni arigatou...WAAAAAHH!!!!!!!!!" She buried her head in his shoulder. Rose couldn't bear it any longer and went over to hug Shinta and Hanae. Then the Shingumi were involved in a BIG bear hug, while everybody else went 'Aw...'

* * *

After Kanna's birthday, which was in the next week, the new wing's construction had started. It was expected to be completed in 3 months, thanks to the Shikigumi. They could do things EXTREMELY fast, and I mean FAST.

Therefore, after 3 months...

"Ahhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!! We can move over?"

"It's cold..."

"It's December, Ryuue...What about our rooms?"

"It's still cold! Why does it have to be cold in December?"

"Shut up, Ryuue! Can we do it up anyway we want it?"

"Am I anywhere near Ryuue? I hope not..."

"Am I anywhere Maria? I guess not..."

"Shinta!"

"*meek* Sorry, Hana-chan..."

"I want to share a room with my sister."

"I'm so sorry, Nee-chan, I need a lot of rest, and unfortunately, you do snore so."

"KOMUGI~!!!!"

"Wahahahahaha!"

"Oh shut up, it's none of your business."

"It's none of your's too. YOU shut up."

"Uh-oh."

The area was clear in just 2 seconds, and Ryuue and Rose were left to quarrel all they wanted.

* * *

Sakura was moping, she missed Oogami so much. She sighed and played around with a twig. Maria-san looks so happy these days... She's changed a lot...*giggled* Thanks to Kanna, Sumire-san, Hanae and myself, of course...What about...Me? Oh, how I envy Maria-san...How come I can't be as happy as her...

"Boo!"

"Ahhh! Huh? Maria-san?"

"I rarely do that...*giggled* Oops, I rarely giggle too, huh?"

"That's right...*shoots weird look at Maria* Are you sick, Maria-san?"

"No...I'm just...In love. Oh no, I'm blushing again..."

"*sighs* How does it feel to be in love, Maria-san...?"

"It feels...Wonderful. To love someone and love him back in return... Sakura? Are you thinking about Taichou?"

"*alarmed* How did you know?!"

"Just a guess. Actually... I loved him too... But... He only loved you! And still does, by the way. I gave up on him after he left, I know he'll always love you."

"He...Does?"

"Of course! Don't doubt him, 'Sakura-kun'. I have to go, I think I hear Shinta calling..."

Arigatou, Maria-san... May Oto-sama bless you and Shinta-san...

* * *

"Yes, Shinta?" Maria walked into the lobby. "Maria, could you do something for me?" Maria teased, "And what do I get in return?" "This." Shinta promptly kissed her...Right in front of everyone in the lobby. She began to turn red again. The Hanagumi present looked at them, wide-eyed.

"Aha! Caught in the act!"

"It was on purpose, Orihime-san."

"Scandal!!!!"

"Yuri...-_-;;"

"I knew there was something going on between you two!"

"Kanna, Sumire, Sakura...Why aren't any of you all talking?"

"Um...We..."

"Ohohohoho! Ah...Nothing..."

"Eto...Atashi..."

"YOU ALL KNEW!!!" Orihime and Kouran shouted.

"YOU KNEW?!!! Shoot..." Yuri trudged off, disappointed that she was not the first one to know the 'juicy stuff'.

"Shinta...*blushing big time* What do you want me to do for you?"

"Nothing...Just wanted you to kiss me before I go for the meeting."

"Oh! You're in your uniform..."

"Yes...*puts hands around her waist* I want to let you see how handsome I am...Hehe."

"Shinta...Not in front of all of them...Ah! Iris!"

"Maria has been naughty, ne, Jan-Poru? Never mind, as long as it's not Onii-chan! Ne, Leni, let's go plaaa-aaay!"

"Um...Okay...If you say so."

"Shinta!"

"Yikes! Hana-chan..."

"WHERE'S SHIKI???!!! We're gonna be late, we're gonna be late..."

"I'm here! Sorry, Hanae-san..."

"WHERE'S KAEDE AND YONEDA-SAN???!!! We'll have to teleport there instead...Oh no..."

"Taichou, you forgot your gloves."

"Thank you, Chiyone..."

"Taichou, I'm Komugi."

"Whatever. Ah! All ready? WHERE'S ROSE???!!!"

"Right under your nose."

Then there was a scream from Iris. "Onii-chan!"

"Oh no..." Hanae groaned.

* * *

"Taichou! How come you're back?" Maria asked, smiling. "Ah...Just a visit... It's good to see you all again. Oh...Who are these people?" Oogami asked, spotting the Shingumi. Hana frowned as she read his mind. This guy's such a creep... She gave him the cold treatment and treated him VERY formally. "Tsukigawa Hanae, you may call me Hanae. But I'll prefer is if you call me Tsukigawa-san, thank you." Then she saluted. Shinta let out a deep sigh...He pulled Maria aside.

"Did your Taichou do anything wrong when he was in France?"

"I don't know...He didn't mention anything..."

"Well, he's going to have a hard time with the Shingumi."

"Why?"

"Wait and see."

Oogami was puzzled at receiving glares from Hanae, Rose ("Stupid Japanese man!") and Ryuue ("For the first time, I'm as racist as her...Unfaithful cad!") and Komugi ("I must say you are despicable.") and Chiyone ("Bad man! BAD BAD MAN!!!"). He then spotted Iris and went up to her. "Iris..." Then Iris stepped hard on his foot. "OWWW!!! IRIS!!!"

"Bad Onii-chan! Bad, bad onii-chan! Come on Leni, let's go!"

She had read the Shingumi's minds.

* * *

"...So Leni, you know why I hurt Onii-chan just now?"

"Yes. But...How could he do that to Sakura?"

"He's bad, that's what! The other person doesn't even know about Sakura!"

"Who's the other person?"

"I don't know."

Just then Maria came into the music room, where Leni and Iris were.

"Hey...Could you tell me what was going on just now?" she asked Iris with concern.

"No. You'll tell Onii-chan."

"I won't. I promise."

"Maria...I know you're to be trusted...All right then."

After explaining things...

"What?! After I told Sakura that he'd be faithful to her..."

"Maria, not so loud!"

"Someone's coming!"

"Act natural."

"Sakura!" Maria was shocked. She was afraid that Sakura had heard their conversation earlier.

"Maria-san...Leni, Iris...Why are all of you huddle together?"

"N-Nothing. We were leaving. Right...Now."

"Okay..."

"Bye Sakura!"

A puzzled Sakura was left alone in the music room after a moment.

* * *

"Is this the place?" Erica asked. Lobelia looked at the address on the slip of paper. "It should be..." Glycine took the paper from Lobelia's hands. "This is it!"

The Pari-Kagekidan were in Tokyo. Without Oogami knowing it.

* * *

Oogami was sitting alone in the lobby. He sighed. What happened just now? Could it be...They found out about... Then a pair of hands covered his eyes...

"ERICA?!"

"Bonjour~!"

"AH! Minna..."

"Surprised?" Coquelicot asked happily.

"Of course..." Then he realised having them there was a BIG mistake.

"Um...Why are you all out without my permission?"

"We wrote a letter to headquarters, they let us come!"

Then Maria, Iris and Leni happened to meet them. Chiyone also just happened to bound out from nowhere (she teleported into the scene) and Kanna came down the steps as well. Then everybody started screaming at the same time.

"What are all of you doing here?"

"We came from France, dear! You must be Iris! Bonjour~!"

"Where are my socks?"

"Chiyone...-_-;;"

"I can't find them!"

"Can everybody just calm down around here?"

"You all must try my cooking tonight, people!"

"Where are my socks?!"

"Do you miss France, Iris?"

"Where is everybody? I want to see who's Sumire!"

"HEBI ONNA?! Who wants to see her?!"

"She has great fashion sense!"

"Can everybody just calm down?"

"Where are my socks?!"

Then every shut up when a roar came from the main door.

"WHY IS IT SO NOISY?!" Hanae screamed. Then she marched up the steps to go to the dining hall. Shinta, Rose, Shiki, Kaede and Yoneda (who were all in their uniform) had just came back from a meeting. Hanae was in a bad mood because the Powers That Be wanted to transfer her over to another unit (the 1st Secret Group) but she declined. They had began to force her to take the higher rank and she blew up because she was frustrated over the secret she knew about Oogami and the last thing she wanted was to be disturbed by anyone who didn't let her cool down in peace. Thus, the meeting adjourned like that.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Shinta: Hana-chan's really angry this time...

Ryuue: At least she's not angry with me, hehe...

Rose: Oh, shut up. JIKAI! Problems Under One Roof! Oogami, that cad, he's really going to get it this time...