Chapter Seven: Resolutions.
12:00PM. Ladys 633. December 31, 2032AD.
"So..." Sylia hummed, then faced Priss. "You have a lover? Why wasn't I told about this earlier?"
"Didn't think it mattered." Priss hummed. "I mean I'm not breaking a rule or anything."
"Priss this isn't about rules." Sylia blurted. "This is about you're saftey. Just who is this person, anyway?"
"Her name's Nami Shinji" Priss growled "She's a radio personality for JMRC."
Sylia stared at her for a bit, then nodded to Priss.
"I see," Sylia hummed, then nodded. "Try to keep it low key from now on, okay?"
"Eh?" Priss blinked. "Uh...sure."
Dumbfounded, Linna and Nene sat back in their seats. They expected their leader to admonish Priss for seeing a high profile celebrity.
"Hey," Nene blurted. "What gives. We thought you would yell at Priss for this. Then Priss would storm off."
Priss stared at Nene, then turned away from her.
"Shinji-san's station is independant," Sylia hummed, then nodded. "Their radio personalities have more lee-way than the others. For that reason alone, Toratotaka gives it....an adequate amount of financial help to stay afloat. Its also one of the House Patriarch's favorite radio stations."
"Honto?" Nene blinked, then grinned. "Sugoi! I wonder if the 'God of Boomer Programming' listens to Replicants music?!"
"It wouldn't surprise me," Sylia smiled slightly, then stared at Nene. "You should be ashamed of yourself, Nene. I thought you were more mature to make an assumption like that."
Priss blinked, then scowled
"G..." Nene uttered. "Gome."
"Che..." Priss uttered. "Save it, Nene. You're just wasting your breath."
8:00PM. Tokyo Bay.
An Airwolf flew over the cold waters of Tokyo Bay. Its destination was a large mass of a ship that was temporarily moored to a control damn.
One of the passengers squinted at the mass, recognized the shape of the ship, then began to shudder uncontrollably.
"How?" Danielle uttered. "How could this be?"
"Ano...Danielle?" Shiori hummed, then wondered. "Are you alright?"
Danielle stared at the woman next to her, then violently shook her head.
"No," Danielle hummed. "I'm not all right. What's the 'Titanic' doing here?!"
"You're wrong," Shiori quietly hummed, then shook her head. "That's not the 'Titanic', its her sister ship, the 'Robert Bruce'. The 'Titanic' is still on the ocean floor."
"Un," Sally nodded. "Still its not something you see everyday. They only let it out for special occasions like this."
"That's right," Shiori wistfully nodded, then smiled at Danielle. "Take everything in, Danielle chan. It's a rare occurrence when the Robert Bruce comes to town. Okay?"
"Er..." Danielle nodded, then smiled "Right. I'll try to do that."
The Airwolf touched down on the 'Robert Bruce's' large flight deck. A minute or so later, a tall dusky-skinned guardsmen approaches the vehicle. She slid the door open, then smiled at Shiori Fujisaki, Sally and Danielle. All were wearing flattering gowns, dresses and other forms of women's apparel.
"Welcome aboard, minna." The warrior nodded, then gestured to the catwalk. "This way to the B Deck promenade, please."
They nodded to the dusky skinned woman, ducked under the Airwolf's rotors, then followed the guardsman to a broad catwalk. When they reached the end of the catwalk, Danielle stopped, turned, then watched on as the Airwolf lifted off of the flight deck. She stared at the machine, then started when Sally touched her shoulder.
"Are you okay?" Sally wondered.
"Not really..." Danielle shook her head, gazed at the 'Rober Bruce's' massive smoke stacks then let out a noisy breath. "I'm all out of sorts right now. Especially when you consider I'm standing on a piece of history. Sort of."
Sally hummed to herself, then leaned up. Danielle blinked when the lavender haired 33-S pecked her on the cheek.
"Sally..." Danielle quietly uttered, watched on as Sally wrapped an arm around hers, then sighed as Sally smiled up at her. "Just what are you up to, dear?"
"Nothing really," Sally shook her head, then nodded to the promenade. "Do you mind if I walk you to party, dear?"
"I have to be honest," Danielle hummed, then nodded. "A part of me would say no. I usually prefer to be alone. Yet...I think...I think that I'll take you up on your offer, Sally."
"Very well," Sally nodded at this, then stared at Danielle. "Shall we go, milady?"
Danielle blushed, nodded to her co-worker, then sighed as they walked down the starboard side to a covered area. They turned left, then walked up to the reception room doors. Karen and Yui stood on either side of the doorway. They bowed wordlessly as Sally led Danielle through the doors.
Danielle glanced about as she was ushered into a throng of people that took up half of the reception room. The living sea consisted of co-workers, family members of those co-workers and most of the child companions. The sea engulfed her, smothered her with affection and tickled her ears with encouraging words.
Danielle exited the throng, produced a kerchief from her jacket, then wiped her eyes.
"D-Danielle-chan?" A familiar voice called out. "Is...is that you?"
Danielle looked back, then blinked as Katsumi approached her. Katsumi was dressed in a white opera outfit and thigh high black leather boots.
"Katsumi?" Danielle uttered, shrugged, then nodded. "Yeah. It's me. Pretty shocking isn't it?"
"I'd say," Katsumi sighed, gave her a once over, then nodded appreciatively. "Nice outfit, by the way. Looks like we have the same tastes."
"Eh?" Danielle uttered, glanced at her own opera outfit, then shook her head. "Oh, this. It's nothing really. I just wanted something to wear, that's all."
"Is that so?" Katsumi hummed thoughtfully, then slowly shook her head. "I'm sorry, but I don't believe that."
"Eh?" Danielle uttered, then blinked. "You don't?"
"No, Danielle-chan. I don't," Katsumi walked up to her friend, gently turned her around with an arm, then produced a compact. She showed Danielle a reflection of herself. "A woman who looks this good is trying to make a statement. Which makes me wonder: are you doubting who you are now?"
"No!" Danielle cried, then nodded. "I'm me! Always have always will be me!"
"Then who are you?" Katsumi wondered.
"That's a stupid question," Danielle heatedly cried, then nodded. "I'm Daniel! Er... Danielle! No! Wait! I'm! I'm! Damn it! I don't know who I am anymore!"
"You're a beautiful woman." Katsumi hummed, pocketed the compact, then took Danielle's left hand into hers. "That's all that matters now, Danielle-chan."
"Rea...lly?" Danielle uttered.
"Hai," Katsumi nodded to her confused friend, then wrapped her arm around Danielle's. "Want to be alone for a little while."
"Well," Danielle hummed, then sighed. "All right."
"Very well," Katsumi smiled, then nodded. "I know just the place."
With that said, the pair slipped out of the room.
Later...
The pair sat on a small bench that looked out onto the sea. Both were enjoying each other's company. Katsumi pulled away from Danielle, then continued wipe away the tears with a handkerchief.
"Thanks," Danielle hummed, then shrugged. "But I don't know what good it's going to do. It seems that I just can't stop crying, Katsumi."
"Nothing wrong with crying." Katsumi hummed, then nodded. "Its good for your soul, Danielle-chan. It'd be bad for your psyche if you kept it all bottled up."
"I suppose so." Danielle nodded at that, then shrugged her shoulders. "Hmmm. I wonder if I'm letting go of some old baggage right now."
"Eh?" Katsumi uttered.
"I lost my mom recently" Danielle began, then sighed. "But not to the Lucifer Hawk."
"Hai," Katsumi uttered, then shrugged. "I've heard about that. I've...
asked Megumi-san about you. Sorry for prying."
"No," Danielle shook her head, then shrugged to Katsumi. "You were just curious that's all. At any rate...I'm beginning to think that some of these tears are for her. I managed to keep my tears bottled up in side for quite some time now."
"Honto?" Katsumi hummed, then nodded. "I see. Didn't want to cry in front of mom?"
"No," Danielle hummed, then wiped away the tears. "I was just too busy, that's all."
"I see." Katsumi nodded, then sighed. "I'm the exact opposite. I cried my eyes out when Okaa-sama died."
"Really?" Danielle hummed at this, then slid up to her. "Hey, Katsumi?"
"Hmm?" Katsumi uttered. "What is it?"
"Do you mind if I lean on you for a little while?" Danielle wondered.
"Eh?" Katsumi blinked at her, then nodded at her request. "Un!"
Danielle smiled at this, then rested her head on Katsumi's shoulder.
Katsumi smiled in return, then gazed out at the sea for a while.
"Katsumi?" Danielle uttered thirty minutes later.
"Hmmm?" Katsumi inquired curiously. "What is it?"
"I've just realized," Danielle uttered, then nodded. "That I have a good set of friends now. They're people who I can rely on, people I can trust, people will lend their shoulder to me. Never had that before, really. Anyway..."
"Yeah?" Katsumi hummed.
"Can we stay like this for a while longer?" Danielle wondered,
"Un." Katsumi nodded, then shrugged. "But only for a little while, ne?"
"OK." Danielle sighed, then nodded. "Thank you, Katsumi."
"Don't mention it," Katsumi hummed, then nodded. "We're friends after all."
"Yeah," Danielle hummed, then smiled. "Its such a wonderful feeling, you know."
"Hai," Katsumi smiled. "That it is."
"I couldn't agree more," Someone with a thick scottish borough called out. "I'm glad ta see the two of ye becoming friends, lasses."
"Eh?" Katsumi gasped, looked to her left, then smiled as a tall red head approached them. "Oh! Obaa-sama!"
"'Obaa-sama?'" Danielle repeated as she stared at Katsumi, then gazed at the tall red head. "Who are you, exactly?"
"Nicole McTavish, lass." Nicole hummed, then nodded. "I'm sure you've heard of me by now, Danielle."
"You're Dame Nicole," Danielle gulped, then nodded. "I...it's a pleasure....Madam."
"Nay," Dame Nicole shook her head, then stared at Danielle. "The pleasure is actually mine, lass. My close friends and co-workers would say the same thing as well."
"Wow." Katsumi muttered to herself, then smiled as Danielle blinked confusedly at Dame Nicole. "She even gets a thumbs up from the Board of Elders."
"Eh?" Danielle hummed. "Why would that be?"
"We can discuss that later," Dame Nicole shrugged, then turned away from her. "Forget all your troubles for now, and have a good time. I'll be talking to ye later, lass."
"Eh?" Danielle uttered, then nodded. "Sure."
"Good," Nicole sighed, then nodded. "Have a good night, lasses."
"Un,"Katsumi hummed. "You too, Obaa-sama."
"Hey," Danielle murmured in Katsumi's ear. "What exactly is a Year End Forgetting party?"
"The name says it all," Katsumi hummed, then nodded. "You're supposed to forget all that happened this year. That way, it can make way for new memories for the next."
"Mmm." Danielle hummed, then nodded. "I see. No new years resolutions, then?"
"Its not common," Katsumi shrugged, then nodded. "But I'm sure some people do that sort of thing here."
"Really?" Danielle hummed thoughtfully, then blinked as a Chikage and a girl with straight dark hair walked up. Both girls were wearing lacy, black dresses. "Oh! Good evening! How are you?"
"Eh?" Katsumi looked over, then smiled at the teenagers. "Oh, good evening, Chikage-chan! Who's you're girlfriend?"
"I'm Hotaru Tomoe," The dark haired girl blushed, then looked away from Katsumi. "I'm really not her girlfriend, Katsumi-oneesan. We just have a common bond, that's all."
"You assume to much, Ane-kun." Chikage hummed, then nodded. "We've just met each other."
"Hai hai," Katsumi nodded, then hummed teasingly. "But still..."
"Let it be, Katsumi Ane-kun." Chikage growled.
"Alright," Katsumi nodded to Chikage, blinked when Chikage slipped up to Danielle, then decided to do the introductions. "Uh...Danielle-chan, this is Chikage Hirosaki. Chikage this is Danielle Wisner."
"Its..." Danielle hesitated, then nodded. "Its nice to meet you, Chikage-chan."
"Konban wa Danielle Ane-kun," Chikage nodded to her, took Danielle's free hand into hers, gazed into her eyes, then softly smiled at the older woman. "You have a strong heart and a very open mind. Don't give up hope, okay? If you do...all will be lost."
Danielle blinked at her comforting words, looked on as Chikage kissed her knuckles, then sat back as the young sorcress withdrew from the bench.
"What was that all about?" Danielle blinked confusedly.
"That?" Katsumi hummed, then nodded. "Just another pep talk. You'll get a lot of them during the rest of the night."
"I see," Danielle hummed, then nodded. "Kind of refreshing in a way."
"Un," Katsumi hummed, then nodded. "Well, are you feeling any better?"
"A little," Danielle hummed, then stared out at the sea "Why do you ask?"
"Well," Katsumi wondered. "Want to go an mingle for a little"
"Yeah." Danielle nodded. "Sounds like fun."
* * *
Priss exited the back stage door, then strolled through Hot Legs. Her fans let the singer pass as she walked up to the bar. Nami was sitting on the far end. She was dressed in leathers and had a lit cigarette between her fingers. Nami flashed a smile as the singer walked up. Priss sat next to her then gently plucked the cigarette out of Nami's fingers.
"I hate it when you do that, Priss." Nami mock growled.
"You don't have to be here ya know." Priss quietly hummed, took a drag from the cigarette, then exhaled. "You could have had one of the other jocks cover this one so you can watch your little sis play the exact same stuff."
"Can't do that," Nami shook her head, then lit her own cigarette. "This is JMRCs Year Forgetting Party, too y'know."
"Didn't know that," Priss shook her head, then smiled knowingly at Nami. "I suppose I'm due for an interview soon, ne?"
"Nope." Nami shook her head. "Not as far as I know anyway."
"Mmm." Priss hummed quietly, then took another drag. "So....is there any chance Reenie's gonna tape that show."
"Probably." Nami shrugged, then gazed at Priss. "Why?"
"I wanna see what this girl can do," Priss hummed. "Besides, I've heard rumors that they let their hair down for a set or two."
"I've seen them do it," Nami nodded. "But that's during the more recent songs."
"I see," Priss hummed. "Do they stick to those?"
"No," Nami shook her head. "Don't worry. They're a good bunch of kids.
They know what's appropriate for what time. Besides, Reenie says they have some new material that they want to try out."
"Like to see that as well," Priss hummed. "When can we get it?"
"Probably tommorrow," Nami hummed. "You have the day off then?"
"Can't be helped," Priss hummed. "All the nightclubs will closed for the next few days. Fucking national holiday y'know."
"I wouldn't knock it." Nami hummed. "Even you need a day off."
"Heh." Priss hummed. "Isn't that my line."
"True," Nami quietly hummed. "Want to spend the night at my place?"
"Hunh," Priss mock growled, then stamped out her cigarette. "If you insist."
* * *
They had bumped into each other down a side corridor. Neither group said anything for a moment. They stared at each other, gauging the abilities of the other. Moments later, Reenie walked over and hugged Chikage. At the same time, Reenie's band mates, Juno, Pallas, Vesta and Cres surrounded Hotaru.
"Like the threads, minna." Juno Shima smiled at Hotaru, then at Chikage before giving Hotaru a quick wink. "The black leather ensable and fishnet stocking go well with that fur jacket, Taru-chan. Is that fake fur?"
"Hai," Hotaru blushed, then nodded. "That it is, Jun-chan. All ready for the show, I see."
"Almost," Juno nodded, then smiled. "All we need now is to doff the jackets and we'll be ready."
"It's good that the both of you showed," Reenie smiled, then hugged her friend fiercely. "Even you need to get out once and a while, Chi-chan."
"Maybe," Chikage tilted her head. "But....even I have things to forget. My parents, life threatening mistakes, my stay at Hogwarts, having an affair..."
The group gasped.
"Eh?" Reenie boggled, then pointed at Chikage. "Whoa, hold the phone! Did you just say you had an affair?"
"Yes Ree-chan," Chikage quietly hummed, tilted her head to the left and down, then growled out loud. "Its something that I'd rather not talk about, however. So please don't ask about it."
"Oi! Oi! we understand!" Juno held up her hands, then looked to her other bandmates. "Don't we, minna?"
"Hai!" Vesta, Pallas and Cres nodded, then stared Reenie. "Don't we agree, Ree-chan?"
"Hai, Hai." Reenie nodded in defeat, then snapped her fingers. "Hey, are you guys gonna stay for the show?"
"While I am happy for all of you..." Chikage hummed, then shook her head. "I'm sorry that we'll have to turn down you're...."
"Oh that's too bad...." Cres Akabara hummed outloud, looked to Chikage, then gazed at Hotaru. "We're performing some of Asagiri-Oneechan's music tonight."
Hotaru gasped at the pink haired girl's announcement, grinned with excitement, then stared at Chikage with hopeful eyes. Chikage gazed into her dark eyes, then let out a loud sigh.
"Well," Chikage hummed, then nodded. "Alright. We'll stay for at least a set, Taru-chan."
"Eh?" Vesta O'Neil wondered. "Why just one set?"
The others nodded and Chikage stared at them.
"Don't you feel it?" Chikage uttered. "There's a malevolent force in the air."
The rest tense.
"An entity?" Reenie wondered.
"Hai." Chikage nodded. "We have to be ready, minna."
"Un!" Reenie and the others nod.
* * *
An hour or so later, Chikage was mingling with the crowd. For the moment though, she was keeping an eye on her first pupil, Katsumi Liquer. She was gauging her, sizing her up from afar. Each time she did, she sensed a bountiful source of energy within Katsumi. If used properly, she could indeed protect the world from the Lucifer Hawk.
Yet, as Chikage has seen already, it could be also used to destroy her friends, maim a rival, and endanger the entire world. It seemed that no one could stop -that Katsumi-. Yet, it was Chikage who had turned Katsumi from the dark side. All it took was...a night in bed and well timed persuasive words.
Yes, Chikage had an affair with an older woman. Would she ever have an affair like that again? Probably not. Nor did she want to. It was she, after all, who nearly raped that Katsumi to purge 'Nemesis' out of her body. Yet, it was also she who instilled hope in that Katsumi's heart. Chikage told the other Katsumi the unexpected had happened. She was with child. Roy's child.
"Katsumi..." Chikage whispered quietly.
"Well now," A cold, quiet voice hummed. "Is something the matter, little one?"
Chikage blinked then looked up to see Rally Cheyenne gazing at her. It was odd, seeing this one out of her office. Rally was as much a social creature as Chikage was. Still, Toratotaka was providing technical assistance via EPR&I. So maybe it was best to pay the co-owners a visit and float some grievances or suggestions Dame Nicole's and Nokoko-ojousama's way.
"Not really," Chikage shook her head, then looked a little beat. "Just trying to forget something, Cheyenne-Kichio."
"Then," Rally wondered. "Do you mind if I joined you?"
"Eh?" Chikage hummed.
"This isn't strictly about business." Rally stated quietly, then hummed. "I have...things I have to forget, too little one."
"Honto?" Chikage hummed, then gazed at Rally. "Soo ka?"
"Hai," Rally nodded. "That is so."
"Ah." Chikage hummed. "I see."
"However..." Rally hummed. "I may be here on police business, as well."
"So." Chikage hummed, then nodded. "You sense it too?"
"Hai," Rally murmured. "it's quite powerful as well. Seems to have an eye for Danielle as well. Watch yourself."
"Un," Chikage hummed. "I'll warn the others."
* * *
At that very moment, the Minstrels were ushered into a small makeshift dressing room by an attendant. Once inside the room, Reenie thanked the attendant, then closed the door behind her.
"We've got a powerful one here." Cres hummed. "We may have to help Chikage intervene, minna."
"Maybe" Vesta hummed. "But Rally Kichio's team is here as well. That includes McGovern-keibuho, which if you may recall is a Lycanthrope. So we'll be fine."
"Maybe not," Juno nodded. "You know as well as I do that Lycanthropes are sworn enemies with the Lucifer Hawk. It might get nasty if they face each other. That could cause problems for those on board this ship. Not to mention damage it as well."
"What's it after anyway?" Reenie wondered. "Katsumi-neesan's new friend maybe?"
The others frowned at that suggestion. Chikage had already told them about Danielle's tumultuous past.
"Shit!" Vesta swore then shook her head. "Why doesn't that damned thing just leave Danielle alone?! Its done enough damage already."
"Maybe..." Cres hummed. "Maybe it wants to do more! But what?"
"Lets not get to excited over this." Reenie hummed. "It may be just checking up on her."
"Yeah." Juno hummed. "We can't speculate on this. It'll ruin our groove."
"Can't have that." Pallas Ohara hummed, then nodded. "Besides, Chi-chan will keep an eye on things. As will AMP."
There was a knock, and Pallas answered it.
"Sumimasen!" A steward hummed, then nodded. "But we have trouble."
The Minstrels stared at him with questions on their faces.
"The opening act..." The steward uttered. "Has come down with the flu."
The Minstrels looked worried, their opening act, Yuna Kagurazaka, was a close friend of theirs.
"Err..." Reenie uttered, then nodded "Thanks for telling us. We'll figure something out."
The Minstrels looked to each other. Do they perform without an opener or do they find someone on the ship that could do a decent job of entertaining the group.
As fate would have it, Reenie and the others chose the latter over the former. Five minutes later, Reenie walked out onto the stage. The crowd hushed as she tapped on the mike.
"Sumimasen, minna." Reenie apologized. "But we have an announcement to make."
The crowd fell deathly silent, as if they feared the worst.
"Our dear friend, Yuna Kagurazaka has fallen ill." Reenie hummed. "So she will not be able to perform as our opener."
There was a hushed whisper, yet that fell silent when the lead singer for the Minstrels held up a hand.
"Be that it may," Reenie hummed. "We have decided that to ask for one ,and only one person, to fill in for Yuna. They don't have to sing Yuna's music either. Come to our dressing room so we can iron out the details, ne? Thanks for your time, minna."
With that said, Reenie turned away from the mike and left the stage.
Almost immediately Danielle exitted the crowd and ran after her.
Katsumi watched her go, then shook her head.
"Ano..." Katsumi hummed to herself. "Just what the hell are you doing, Danielle?"
* * *
Fourty five minutes later, Danielle thanked everyone and stepped away from the mike. She was quite exhausted, yet also pleased with herself. She didn't hesitate once during her performance and she was able to keep the crowd captivated. She was quite pleased with Pallas, Juno and Cres for backing her up, too. She reminded herself to thank them for doing that for her.
Edith stepped up to the stage, and Danielle waved to her. She was wearing a strapless black gown, a white cloak and black pumps.
"Evening," Edith nodded as Danielle walked up. "You look tickle pink."
"Hey Edith," Danielle hummed to the Guardsman. "Good to see you again."
"It's good to see you too," Edith hummed. "Want to be alone for a little while?"
"Sure." Danielle nodded. "But why?"
"Well," Edith hummed "I was kind of hoping I could talk to you. With what you've just went through and all."
"Yeah," Danielle hummed, then wiped her chin. "I definitely need to get cleaned up, though."
"Well then," Edith hummed, then wondered. "May I escort you to the dressing room, milady? It should be empty by now."
"If you insist," Danielle sighed, then shrugged. "Don't know why, though."
"You mean you haven't heard?" Edith asked as they walked off.
"Heard what?" Danielle wondered as they walked through a nearby exit. They rounded a corner, then sighed when they stepped the dressing room.
"There may be an entity onboard." Edith hummed to her, then shrugged her shoulders. "But don't worry about that creature. We're here for you, love."
"Thanks," Danielle hummed, blushed, then gazed at Edith. "A lot of people have helped me, you know. They were very kind and...gentle. So...I was wondering..."
Edith embraced Danielle without making a single sound.
"Thank you." Danielle hummed, then sighed. "This...feels so good. Where's Elinor?"
"Elsewhere." Edith hummed. "Staying away from you...and being stubborn as usual..."
"Wha?!" Danielle uttered. "Now hold on, Edith! You can't say..."
"Yes," Edith snarled. "I can, love. Onesama feels guilty about your transformation. She believes that she's the cause of your discomfort, Danielle."
"Is that so?" Danielle hummed as the broke the embrace.
"Yeah," Edith nodded and they stared at each other. "Its becoming very irritating. Especially when I wanted to help you 'deal' with your discomfort, Danielle. Of course....I would have waited until you had your wits back, love."
"Uh, come again?" Danielle hummed.
"Uh....Yukari-sensei has told me that...." Edith blushed. "You had experimented with your new...attributes when you first woke up."
"Ah...." Danielle blushed as Edith's words sunk. "I see. So....where do we go from here?"
"That depends," Edith shrugged. "on how you're feeling, love."
"Ah well," Danielle nodded, then laid a hand on her ample chest. "I still feel out of sorts. I really don't know what I am anymore. I mean look at what I'm wearing. Doesn't it look a little...masculine
to you?"
"In some respects yes," Edith nodded at Danielle's observation, then poked her chest. "But how many men have a bosom like this, hmm?"
"N...not very many." Danielle uttered nervously, then went beet red as Edith pawed the left side of her face. "Hey Edith, can't we save the touching and feeling for later?"
"Eh?" Edith uttered, blushed, then let her hand fall to her side. "Oh. Sorry, love."
"It's all right." Danielle shrugged it off. "So....what do I do now?"
"Keep living," Edith shrugged. "That's all you can do, really."
"I see," Danielle hummed quietly, then smiled wanely at Edith. "Want to help me with that?"
"Yeah." Edith tapped her chin. "So...what do you want to do for
-tonight-, love?"
"Well," Danielle hummed. "Could we head back home after the show. I'd really like to get away from all this attention."
"Well," Edith hummed. "All right. But just this once, love. After all, you need all the love you can get now."
"Fine," Danielle sighed.
* * *
Nerima, Toratotaka Tower.
8:30AM. January 1st, 2033AD
"G'morning, love." Edith cooed in Danielle's ear. Danielle's eyes fluttered open. She sat up, turned to face the speaker, then smiled
at Edith who was lying on the bed.
"Good morning." Danielle uttered, then nodded. "Thank you for staying with me."
"You're welcome." Edith grinned, then sat up. "How do you feel?"
Danielle thought for a moment.
"Safe," Danielle quietly hummed, then sighed as Edith wrapped her arms around her partner's body. Danielle swallowed, then wetted her lips. "I feel completely safe around you, Edith."
"That's funny," Edith snorted. "Elinor doesn't think so."
Danielle sighed. She wanted to say more. But she wasn't sure of herself. So she just kept quiet and hated herself for doing so.
"At any rate," Edith clicked her tongue, then slipped out of bed. "We better get going. I'm on duty today."
Danielle, confused, blinked at this. Edith saw the confusion in her brown eyes, then smiled at her.
"The banks are closed," Edith hummed. "But the Towers, Annexes and Station's remain open on national holidays. Which means...."
"You and I...." Danielle hummed."Still have to go to work?"
"Yeah," Edith hummed. "So...up an at'em, love."
"Okay." Danielle mock grumbled, then slipped out of bed. "Okay."
"Heh." Edith chuckled as they strolled up to the bathroom. "Atta girl."
An hour and a half later, Danielle stepped into the SPD-CCA's office. Sally looked up from her workstation, then smiled at the new arrival.
"Good day!" Sally said in a sing song voice. "How are you doing, Danielle?"
"Surviving, Sally," Danielle shakilly hummed, then shrugged as she walked past her co-worker. "Surviving this..experience...is all I can do now, really. I can't go back to the way I was...at least I don't think I can. I can't escape it, either. It's who I am now."
Sally wordlessly nodded at her admission, then gazed back at the flat screen monitor. Danielle walked up to her desk, then sat down when she noticed the medium sized stack of papers on her desk. She went to pick one up, then blinked when the videophone rang. She turned, picked the receiver up, then smiled when Shiori's face winked on.
"Ohayo Danielle," Shiori hummed in perfect english. "How are you?"
"Good morning Director Fujisaki." Danielle hummed. "I'm a little uneasy but....I think I can work today."
"I see," Shiori hummed. "Very well. I want you to start working on the documents in front of you. It'll seem tedious and time consuming, but once you learn what its for you'll be glad you did it. Sally will fill you in on the details. Okay?"
"Okay," Danielle hummed. "That all for now?"
"Yeah," Shiori hummed, then nodded. "I'll leave you in Sally's capable hands. Oh and you did a wonderful job filling in for Yuna last night."
"Er." Danielle blushed."Thanks."
"No," Shiori shook her head. "Thank you. Ja ne."
The link was cut and Danielle put the receiver back in its cradle. She picked up one of the forms, then blinked as Sally walked up to her desk.
"Director Fujisaki is right." Sally nodded. "You will be glad when you do this job."
"We'll see," Danielle hummed. "What are these forms for, anyway?"
"Relocation of displaced civilians." Sally hummed. "The Diet is about to sell off district three. Just one more push on Town Hall and GENOM will get its wish. Its good for buisness, but bad for the people who live in district three. They'll be homeless and have to move elsewhere. Fortunately, we lobbied Town Hall to add a provision."
"Oh?" Danielle hummed. "What was that?"
"To provide further housing for those displaced by the bulldozing of their previous homes." Sally nodded, then waved her hand towards the skyline. "The government has already taken care of that. Now all we need to do is provide low-interest loans to those who need it. That's what these forms are for. This is the last bunch to go out, and we have a deadline of course. That being said you need to process these forms as quickly as you can. Otherwise A single mother and her child could be homeless and penniless. We wouldn't want that, would we?"
Danielle sat back, then shook her head.
"Good," Sally hummed, then patted the stack. "Now get this done as quickly as you can."
"Uh...sure." Danielle hummed, then gazed at the forms. "Seems easy...sort of anyway."
"Un," Sally smilled at Danielles uneasiness, then cocked her head slightly. "Any questions, Danielle-san?"
"First off..." Danielle sighed, eyed the forms, then stared back at her. "What do I do? All I see on this form is personal data. Do I have to fill out another form?"
"Un, but you'll be doing that electronically," Sally smiled knowingly at Danielle, then chuckled to herself. "This program will be very helpful to you as well. Just bring the computer out of standby and you'll see what I mean."
Her collegue blinked, jiggled the mouse, then nodded as a window filled
the screen.
"It looks like a standard form." Danielle hummed as she scrolled up and down the window. "Looks a little complicated though."
"You'll get used to it," Sally hummed, then smiled. "This program has a wonderful 'Help Wizard' that'll give you advice on what to do."
"Ah," Danielle hummed. "Then I guess I won't be asking you anymore questions, eh?"
"Not...necassarily." Sally hummed mysteriously, then tittered when Danielle frowned at her. "You'll see what I mean. Get to work now, okay?"
"Er...right.." Danielle uttered to her, then hummed as Sally retreated to her desk. "Well....now I'm curious....lets see what the fuss is about...."
She clicked the mouse on one of the entry boxes and a small pop-up window in the upper right hand corner popped up. She sat back when
a SD version of Sally appeared in the center of the pop-up window.
"Greeting and Salutations!" The simulularicum grinned. "I am S.A.L.L.Y! How can I be of service, Miss?"
"What The heck?" Danielle whispered as she stared at the flat screen monitor, then gazed at the flat panel speakers. "She even sounds like Sally..."
"Miss?" S.A.L.L.Y inquired. "Can I be of any service to you?"
"Er...uh no." Danielle hummed. "Not as of yet, anyway."
"Very well!" S.A.L.L.Y nodded, then bowed to Danielle. "Thank you for calling me up. Also, Please double click on any item if you need my help again. Or just call out my name...whichever you desire."
Danielle just blinked as the help window disappeared.
(What the...) Danielle thought as she sat back (That was just too weird!)
* * *
10:30AM. Nerima, Greenwood Apartments.
"Okay." Nami asked as she tightened her obi, then turned to her little sister. "Oi Reenie, are you ready?"
"Almost," Reenie quietly hummed as she and her sister prepare for the festival. She looked from her older sister to their guest. She like the rest of them were wearing kimonos. "Howabout Priscilla-onesama?"
"Almost done," Priss hummed, then sighed. "Wish I could stay in though."
Suddenly their was a knock on the door and Reenie perked up.
"That must be Yostuba-chan." Reenie smiled, spun around, then gazed at Nami. "I'm gonna go with my group, okay Onesama?"
"Un," Nami hummed, then winked. "Have a good time with your friends. Don't forget to get the disc from Yotsuba-chan, ne?"
"Hai, I won't forget," Reenie nodded, did a quick check in the mirror, spun around, then slipped out of the room. "See you later, you two!!!"
"Just don't be too late!" Nami called after her little sister. "You here me?!"
"Alone..." Priss sighed. "We're alone again..."
"Yeah." Nami hummed quietly, then drew Priss into her arms. "For now at least. Shall we make the most of this moment?"
"Un," Priss hummed quietly, then grunted as Nami nibbled on her left ear. "Oh...g-gods! N-nami! Promise me w-we won't make a-a scene during the festival!"
"I promise..." Nami nodded "With all my heart."
She then continued to nibble on Priss's ear.
"Oh....gods." Priss whispered. "N-Nami-chan....I love you."
"I Love you too." Nami hummed back. "I Love you too, Kiobito-chan."
* * *
11:00AM, Recovery Ward.
Tomomi stepped out of the communal shower, then walked down the hallway until she reached her private room. She entered the room with a smile on her face, then stopped when she noticed the figure that stood in the middle of her room. The figure, a woman, had chesnut hair, brown eyes and was dressed in a black gi.
"Lady Negako?" Tomomi gasped. "What brings you here?"
"I have learned that you were injured in battle," Negako Moroboshi mused. "How and when did this happen?"
"It occured while we were fighting the Bu 10Xs." Tomomi stated. "I was about to use a chi blast to defeat it when the battle boomer brought its main weapon about. I changed tactics after that."
"I see," Negako probed."What happened after that?"
"I charged it and drew my gaikatana," Tomomi hummed, then nodded. "It was then that I was grazed by the 30mm anti-personnel round. But that was after I sliced its weapon arm off."
"Why did you change tactics?" Negako asked. "Why didn't you defeat it with the 'Roaring Lion Bullet?'"
"This one felt...odd." Tomomi hummed. "It was quicker than other Battle or Combat Boomers of its type. Still I thought I could take it without getting injured. I was careless with this one."
"No, Tomomi," Negako stated coldly. "You were overconfident."
Negako fell silent to allow her words sink into Tomomi's brain. A minute or so later Tomomi spoke.
"Hai," Tomomi answered quietly. "I was overconfident and foolish. I didn't gauge my opponent well, either."
"I see," Negako hummed. "You will need retraining. There will not be any further discussion on this matter. Understood?"
"Hai," Tomomi bowed. "I understand, Sensei. However..."
"However?" Negako humed. "What?"
"Shouldn't we investigate this matter further." Tomomi hummed. "The reason why it was quicker than the others."
Negako had to admit that she did have a point. However, there were a few things that could have caused Tomomi's timing to be off.
"Perhaps." Negako hummed. "But...I do have a question for you, though."
"Hai?" Tomomi hummed.
"Were you thinking of anything else at the moment?" Negako hummed. "Anything else at all?"
"Iie." Tomomi flatly answered. "Not a thing, Sensei."
"Not even Jack Hunter?" Negako hummed.
"Iie," Tomomi said in the same flat tone. "I was not thinking of Jack at that moment."
Negako wordlessly gazed into her eyes, weighed her answer, then nodded.
"Very well," Negako nodded. "I will bring this up with the other Board of Elders."
Tomomi wordlessly nodded.
"Now," the grandmistress hummed. "If you will excuse me."
The leader of KMT-6 wordlessly nodded, then sighed when Negako left her private room.
* * *
5:30 PM, West side of the 90th floor.
The door swung open, and Danielle Wisner walked into her apartment.
She slipped off her boots, walked into her slippers, then stifled a yawn before removing her jacket. She trudged past the living room- kitchenette and slipped into her bedroom.
She laid her jacket on the dresser, loosened her clothes, then sat on her bed. She sighed as she removed the ascot, then blinked when she heard someone knocking on her front door.
"Who could this be?" Danielle wondered as she strode out of her bedroom. She strode through her living room-kitchenette "I'm not expecting anyone and Edith should still be on duty. So who....?"
She flung the door open, then blinked as Nikki leapt at her.
"Danielle-san!" Nikki meowed as she embraced the office lady. "You
were wonderful last night. What made you do that anyway?"
"Well....." Danielle blushed. "I just felt the need to. Thanks, by the way."
Nikki nodded wordlessly and released her. Danielle gazed at Nikki and noted that she was still wearing her uniform.
"So..." The office lady hummed. "What brings you by?"
"Well...I was wondering if you're free tonight?" Nikki asked slowly. "That is unless you already have plans."
"Mmm...no." Danielle hummed. "I don't recall making any. Why?"
"Well...." Nikki hummed. "I was kinda wondering if we could have a mellow evening."
"Sure," Danielle nodded. "But I gotta get into something a little more comfortable first. Is that okay?"
"Un," Nikki grinned at her. "I have to get out of my work clothes, too."
"Okay," Danielle hummed. "So where are we going?"
"Heartbeat," Nikki shrugged. "Will that be all right?"
"Un," Danielle sighed. "That'll do nicely."
"Good," Nikki nodded at this affirmation. "I'll be back in thirty. Be ready by then, okay?"
Before Danielle could say anything more, Nikki whirled about and strode down the hall. Danielle watched her retreating form, then deflated a bit before shutting the door.
"Darn it all," Danielle uttered. "I was gonna ask her to wear that warm looking number she was wearing when we first met. She looked adorable in that. Now...what to wear? Hmmmm. Ah! I know...."
Thirty minutes later, Danielle stepped out of her apartment...only to be bowled over by a evergreen haired tornado. Danielle moaned when she got the wind back in her lungs, then sighed as Nikki helped her up.
"Nikki..." Danielle asked. "What did I do to deserve that?"
"Nothing." Nikki shook her head, then gave Danielle a smile. "Except for the fact that you're looking very _masculine_ tonight, Danielle."
Danielle was wearing a pair of black shoes, tan slacks, a slightly oversized white shirt, a tan eVest and a black trenchcoat.
"Thank you..." Danielle blushed, then gazed at Nikki. "I like you're outfit as well. Same one when we met, right?"
"Un!" Nikki hummed. "Glad you like it. Shall we go now?"
"Yeah," Danielle nodded. "Lets."
End Chapter Seven.
12:00PM. Ladys 633. December 31, 2032AD.
"So..." Sylia hummed, then faced Priss. "You have a lover? Why wasn't I told about this earlier?"
"Didn't think it mattered." Priss hummed. "I mean I'm not breaking a rule or anything."
"Priss this isn't about rules." Sylia blurted. "This is about you're saftey. Just who is this person, anyway?"
"Her name's Nami Shinji" Priss growled "She's a radio personality for JMRC."
Sylia stared at her for a bit, then nodded to Priss.
"I see," Sylia hummed, then nodded. "Try to keep it low key from now on, okay?"
"Eh?" Priss blinked. "Uh...sure."
Dumbfounded, Linna and Nene sat back in their seats. They expected their leader to admonish Priss for seeing a high profile celebrity.
"Hey," Nene blurted. "What gives. We thought you would yell at Priss for this. Then Priss would storm off."
Priss stared at Nene, then turned away from her.
"Shinji-san's station is independant," Sylia hummed, then nodded. "Their radio personalities have more lee-way than the others. For that reason alone, Toratotaka gives it....an adequate amount of financial help to stay afloat. Its also one of the House Patriarch's favorite radio stations."
"Honto?" Nene blinked, then grinned. "Sugoi! I wonder if the 'God of Boomer Programming' listens to Replicants music?!"
"It wouldn't surprise me," Sylia smiled slightly, then stared at Nene. "You should be ashamed of yourself, Nene. I thought you were more mature to make an assumption like that."
Priss blinked, then scowled
"G..." Nene uttered. "Gome."
"Che..." Priss uttered. "Save it, Nene. You're just wasting your breath."
8:00PM. Tokyo Bay.
An Airwolf flew over the cold waters of Tokyo Bay. Its destination was a large mass of a ship that was temporarily moored to a control damn.
One of the passengers squinted at the mass, recognized the shape of the ship, then began to shudder uncontrollably.
"How?" Danielle uttered. "How could this be?"
"Ano...Danielle?" Shiori hummed, then wondered. "Are you alright?"
Danielle stared at the woman next to her, then violently shook her head.
"No," Danielle hummed. "I'm not all right. What's the 'Titanic' doing here?!"
"You're wrong," Shiori quietly hummed, then shook her head. "That's not the 'Titanic', its her sister ship, the 'Robert Bruce'. The 'Titanic' is still on the ocean floor."
"Un," Sally nodded. "Still its not something you see everyday. They only let it out for special occasions like this."
"That's right," Shiori wistfully nodded, then smiled at Danielle. "Take everything in, Danielle chan. It's a rare occurrence when the Robert Bruce comes to town. Okay?"
"Er..." Danielle nodded, then smiled "Right. I'll try to do that."
The Airwolf touched down on the 'Robert Bruce's' large flight deck. A minute or so later, a tall dusky-skinned guardsmen approaches the vehicle. She slid the door open, then smiled at Shiori Fujisaki, Sally and Danielle. All were wearing flattering gowns, dresses and other forms of women's apparel.
"Welcome aboard, minna." The warrior nodded, then gestured to the catwalk. "This way to the B Deck promenade, please."
They nodded to the dusky skinned woman, ducked under the Airwolf's rotors, then followed the guardsman to a broad catwalk. When they reached the end of the catwalk, Danielle stopped, turned, then watched on as the Airwolf lifted off of the flight deck. She stared at the machine, then started when Sally touched her shoulder.
"Are you okay?" Sally wondered.
"Not really..." Danielle shook her head, gazed at the 'Rober Bruce's' massive smoke stacks then let out a noisy breath. "I'm all out of sorts right now. Especially when you consider I'm standing on a piece of history. Sort of."
Sally hummed to herself, then leaned up. Danielle blinked when the lavender haired 33-S pecked her on the cheek.
"Sally..." Danielle quietly uttered, watched on as Sally wrapped an arm around hers, then sighed as Sally smiled up at her. "Just what are you up to, dear?"
"Nothing really," Sally shook her head, then nodded to the promenade. "Do you mind if I walk you to party, dear?"
"I have to be honest," Danielle hummed, then nodded. "A part of me would say no. I usually prefer to be alone. Yet...I think...I think that I'll take you up on your offer, Sally."
"Very well," Sally nodded at this, then stared at Danielle. "Shall we go, milady?"
Danielle blushed, nodded to her co-worker, then sighed as they walked down the starboard side to a covered area. They turned left, then walked up to the reception room doors. Karen and Yui stood on either side of the doorway. They bowed wordlessly as Sally led Danielle through the doors.
Danielle glanced about as she was ushered into a throng of people that took up half of the reception room. The living sea consisted of co-workers, family members of those co-workers and most of the child companions. The sea engulfed her, smothered her with affection and tickled her ears with encouraging words.
Danielle exited the throng, produced a kerchief from her jacket, then wiped her eyes.
"D-Danielle-chan?" A familiar voice called out. "Is...is that you?"
Danielle looked back, then blinked as Katsumi approached her. Katsumi was dressed in a white opera outfit and thigh high black leather boots.
"Katsumi?" Danielle uttered, shrugged, then nodded. "Yeah. It's me. Pretty shocking isn't it?"
"I'd say," Katsumi sighed, gave her a once over, then nodded appreciatively. "Nice outfit, by the way. Looks like we have the same tastes."
"Eh?" Danielle uttered, glanced at her own opera outfit, then shook her head. "Oh, this. It's nothing really. I just wanted something to wear, that's all."
"Is that so?" Katsumi hummed thoughtfully, then slowly shook her head. "I'm sorry, but I don't believe that."
"Eh?" Danielle uttered, then blinked. "You don't?"
"No, Danielle-chan. I don't," Katsumi walked up to her friend, gently turned her around with an arm, then produced a compact. She showed Danielle a reflection of herself. "A woman who looks this good is trying to make a statement. Which makes me wonder: are you doubting who you are now?"
"No!" Danielle cried, then nodded. "I'm me! Always have always will be me!"
"Then who are you?" Katsumi wondered.
"That's a stupid question," Danielle heatedly cried, then nodded. "I'm Daniel! Er... Danielle! No! Wait! I'm! I'm! Damn it! I don't know who I am anymore!"
"You're a beautiful woman." Katsumi hummed, pocketed the compact, then took Danielle's left hand into hers. "That's all that matters now, Danielle-chan."
"Rea...lly?" Danielle uttered.
"Hai," Katsumi nodded to her confused friend, then wrapped her arm around Danielle's. "Want to be alone for a little while."
"Well," Danielle hummed, then sighed. "All right."
"Very well," Katsumi smiled, then nodded. "I know just the place."
With that said, the pair slipped out of the room.
Later...
The pair sat on a small bench that looked out onto the sea. Both were enjoying each other's company. Katsumi pulled away from Danielle, then continued wipe away the tears with a handkerchief.
"Thanks," Danielle hummed, then shrugged. "But I don't know what good it's going to do. It seems that I just can't stop crying, Katsumi."
"Nothing wrong with crying." Katsumi hummed, then nodded. "Its good for your soul, Danielle-chan. It'd be bad for your psyche if you kept it all bottled up."
"I suppose so." Danielle nodded at that, then shrugged her shoulders. "Hmmm. I wonder if I'm letting go of some old baggage right now."
"Eh?" Katsumi uttered.
"I lost my mom recently" Danielle began, then sighed. "But not to the Lucifer Hawk."
"Hai," Katsumi uttered, then shrugged. "I've heard about that. I've...
asked Megumi-san about you. Sorry for prying."
"No," Danielle shook her head, then shrugged to Katsumi. "You were just curious that's all. At any rate...I'm beginning to think that some of these tears are for her. I managed to keep my tears bottled up in side for quite some time now."
"Honto?" Katsumi hummed, then nodded. "I see. Didn't want to cry in front of mom?"
"No," Danielle hummed, then wiped away the tears. "I was just too busy, that's all."
"I see." Katsumi nodded, then sighed. "I'm the exact opposite. I cried my eyes out when Okaa-sama died."
"Really?" Danielle hummed at this, then slid up to her. "Hey, Katsumi?"
"Hmm?" Katsumi uttered. "What is it?"
"Do you mind if I lean on you for a little while?" Danielle wondered.
"Eh?" Katsumi blinked at her, then nodded at her request. "Un!"
Danielle smiled at this, then rested her head on Katsumi's shoulder.
Katsumi smiled in return, then gazed out at the sea for a while.
"Katsumi?" Danielle uttered thirty minutes later.
"Hmmm?" Katsumi inquired curiously. "What is it?"
"I've just realized," Danielle uttered, then nodded. "That I have a good set of friends now. They're people who I can rely on, people I can trust, people will lend their shoulder to me. Never had that before, really. Anyway..."
"Yeah?" Katsumi hummed.
"Can we stay like this for a while longer?" Danielle wondered,
"Un." Katsumi nodded, then shrugged. "But only for a little while, ne?"
"OK." Danielle sighed, then nodded. "Thank you, Katsumi."
"Don't mention it," Katsumi hummed, then nodded. "We're friends after all."
"Yeah," Danielle hummed, then smiled. "Its such a wonderful feeling, you know."
"Hai," Katsumi smiled. "That it is."
"I couldn't agree more," Someone with a thick scottish borough called out. "I'm glad ta see the two of ye becoming friends, lasses."
"Eh?" Katsumi gasped, looked to her left, then smiled as a tall red head approached them. "Oh! Obaa-sama!"
"'Obaa-sama?'" Danielle repeated as she stared at Katsumi, then gazed at the tall red head. "Who are you, exactly?"
"Nicole McTavish, lass." Nicole hummed, then nodded. "I'm sure you've heard of me by now, Danielle."
"You're Dame Nicole," Danielle gulped, then nodded. "I...it's a pleasure....Madam."
"Nay," Dame Nicole shook her head, then stared at Danielle. "The pleasure is actually mine, lass. My close friends and co-workers would say the same thing as well."
"Wow." Katsumi muttered to herself, then smiled as Danielle blinked confusedly at Dame Nicole. "She even gets a thumbs up from the Board of Elders."
"Eh?" Danielle hummed. "Why would that be?"
"We can discuss that later," Dame Nicole shrugged, then turned away from her. "Forget all your troubles for now, and have a good time. I'll be talking to ye later, lass."
"Eh?" Danielle uttered, then nodded. "Sure."
"Good," Nicole sighed, then nodded. "Have a good night, lasses."
"Un,"Katsumi hummed. "You too, Obaa-sama."
"Hey," Danielle murmured in Katsumi's ear. "What exactly is a Year End Forgetting party?"
"The name says it all," Katsumi hummed, then nodded. "You're supposed to forget all that happened this year. That way, it can make way for new memories for the next."
"Mmm." Danielle hummed, then nodded. "I see. No new years resolutions, then?"
"Its not common," Katsumi shrugged, then nodded. "But I'm sure some people do that sort of thing here."
"Really?" Danielle hummed thoughtfully, then blinked as a Chikage and a girl with straight dark hair walked up. Both girls were wearing lacy, black dresses. "Oh! Good evening! How are you?"
"Eh?" Katsumi looked over, then smiled at the teenagers. "Oh, good evening, Chikage-chan! Who's you're girlfriend?"
"I'm Hotaru Tomoe," The dark haired girl blushed, then looked away from Katsumi. "I'm really not her girlfriend, Katsumi-oneesan. We just have a common bond, that's all."
"You assume to much, Ane-kun." Chikage hummed, then nodded. "We've just met each other."
"Hai hai," Katsumi nodded, then hummed teasingly. "But still..."
"Let it be, Katsumi Ane-kun." Chikage growled.
"Alright," Katsumi nodded to Chikage, blinked when Chikage slipped up to Danielle, then decided to do the introductions. "Uh...Danielle-chan, this is Chikage Hirosaki. Chikage this is Danielle Wisner."
"Its..." Danielle hesitated, then nodded. "Its nice to meet you, Chikage-chan."
"Konban wa Danielle Ane-kun," Chikage nodded to her, took Danielle's free hand into hers, gazed into her eyes, then softly smiled at the older woman. "You have a strong heart and a very open mind. Don't give up hope, okay? If you do...all will be lost."
Danielle blinked at her comforting words, looked on as Chikage kissed her knuckles, then sat back as the young sorcress withdrew from the bench.
"What was that all about?" Danielle blinked confusedly.
"That?" Katsumi hummed, then nodded. "Just another pep talk. You'll get a lot of them during the rest of the night."
"I see," Danielle hummed, then nodded. "Kind of refreshing in a way."
"Un," Katsumi hummed, then nodded. "Well, are you feeling any better?"
"A little," Danielle hummed, then stared out at the sea "Why do you ask?"
"Well," Katsumi wondered. "Want to go an mingle for a little"
"Yeah." Danielle nodded. "Sounds like fun."
* * *
Priss exited the back stage door, then strolled through Hot Legs. Her fans let the singer pass as she walked up to the bar. Nami was sitting on the far end. She was dressed in leathers and had a lit cigarette between her fingers. Nami flashed a smile as the singer walked up. Priss sat next to her then gently plucked the cigarette out of Nami's fingers.
"I hate it when you do that, Priss." Nami mock growled.
"You don't have to be here ya know." Priss quietly hummed, took a drag from the cigarette, then exhaled. "You could have had one of the other jocks cover this one so you can watch your little sis play the exact same stuff."
"Can't do that," Nami shook her head, then lit her own cigarette. "This is JMRCs Year Forgetting Party, too y'know."
"Didn't know that," Priss shook her head, then smiled knowingly at Nami. "I suppose I'm due for an interview soon, ne?"
"Nope." Nami shook her head. "Not as far as I know anyway."
"Mmm." Priss hummed quietly, then took another drag. "So....is there any chance Reenie's gonna tape that show."
"Probably." Nami shrugged, then gazed at Priss. "Why?"
"I wanna see what this girl can do," Priss hummed. "Besides, I've heard rumors that they let their hair down for a set or two."
"I've seen them do it," Nami nodded. "But that's during the more recent songs."
"I see," Priss hummed. "Do they stick to those?"
"No," Nami shook her head. "Don't worry. They're a good bunch of kids.
They know what's appropriate for what time. Besides, Reenie says they have some new material that they want to try out."
"Like to see that as well," Priss hummed. "When can we get it?"
"Probably tommorrow," Nami hummed. "You have the day off then?"
"Can't be helped," Priss hummed. "All the nightclubs will closed for the next few days. Fucking national holiday y'know."
"I wouldn't knock it." Nami hummed. "Even you need a day off."
"Heh." Priss hummed. "Isn't that my line."
"True," Nami quietly hummed. "Want to spend the night at my place?"
"Hunh," Priss mock growled, then stamped out her cigarette. "If you insist."
* * *
They had bumped into each other down a side corridor. Neither group said anything for a moment. They stared at each other, gauging the abilities of the other. Moments later, Reenie walked over and hugged Chikage. At the same time, Reenie's band mates, Juno, Pallas, Vesta and Cres surrounded Hotaru.
"Like the threads, minna." Juno Shima smiled at Hotaru, then at Chikage before giving Hotaru a quick wink. "The black leather ensable and fishnet stocking go well with that fur jacket, Taru-chan. Is that fake fur?"
"Hai," Hotaru blushed, then nodded. "That it is, Jun-chan. All ready for the show, I see."
"Almost," Juno nodded, then smiled. "All we need now is to doff the jackets and we'll be ready."
"It's good that the both of you showed," Reenie smiled, then hugged her friend fiercely. "Even you need to get out once and a while, Chi-chan."
"Maybe," Chikage tilted her head. "But....even I have things to forget. My parents, life threatening mistakes, my stay at Hogwarts, having an affair..."
The group gasped.
"Eh?" Reenie boggled, then pointed at Chikage. "Whoa, hold the phone! Did you just say you had an affair?"
"Yes Ree-chan," Chikage quietly hummed, tilted her head to the left and down, then growled out loud. "Its something that I'd rather not talk about, however. So please don't ask about it."
"Oi! Oi! we understand!" Juno held up her hands, then looked to her other bandmates. "Don't we, minna?"
"Hai!" Vesta, Pallas and Cres nodded, then stared Reenie. "Don't we agree, Ree-chan?"
"Hai, Hai." Reenie nodded in defeat, then snapped her fingers. "Hey, are you guys gonna stay for the show?"
"While I am happy for all of you..." Chikage hummed, then shook her head. "I'm sorry that we'll have to turn down you're...."
"Oh that's too bad...." Cres Akabara hummed outloud, looked to Chikage, then gazed at Hotaru. "We're performing some of Asagiri-Oneechan's music tonight."
Hotaru gasped at the pink haired girl's announcement, grinned with excitement, then stared at Chikage with hopeful eyes. Chikage gazed into her dark eyes, then let out a loud sigh.
"Well," Chikage hummed, then nodded. "Alright. We'll stay for at least a set, Taru-chan."
"Eh?" Vesta O'Neil wondered. "Why just one set?"
The others nodded and Chikage stared at them.
"Don't you feel it?" Chikage uttered. "There's a malevolent force in the air."
The rest tense.
"An entity?" Reenie wondered.
"Hai." Chikage nodded. "We have to be ready, minna."
"Un!" Reenie and the others nod.
* * *
An hour or so later, Chikage was mingling with the crowd. For the moment though, she was keeping an eye on her first pupil, Katsumi Liquer. She was gauging her, sizing her up from afar. Each time she did, she sensed a bountiful source of energy within Katsumi. If used properly, she could indeed protect the world from the Lucifer Hawk.
Yet, as Chikage has seen already, it could be also used to destroy her friends, maim a rival, and endanger the entire world. It seemed that no one could stop -that Katsumi-. Yet, it was Chikage who had turned Katsumi from the dark side. All it took was...a night in bed and well timed persuasive words.
Yes, Chikage had an affair with an older woman. Would she ever have an affair like that again? Probably not. Nor did she want to. It was she, after all, who nearly raped that Katsumi to purge 'Nemesis' out of her body. Yet, it was also she who instilled hope in that Katsumi's heart. Chikage told the other Katsumi the unexpected had happened. She was with child. Roy's child.
"Katsumi..." Chikage whispered quietly.
"Well now," A cold, quiet voice hummed. "Is something the matter, little one?"
Chikage blinked then looked up to see Rally Cheyenne gazing at her. It was odd, seeing this one out of her office. Rally was as much a social creature as Chikage was. Still, Toratotaka was providing technical assistance via EPR&I. So maybe it was best to pay the co-owners a visit and float some grievances or suggestions Dame Nicole's and Nokoko-ojousama's way.
"Not really," Chikage shook her head, then looked a little beat. "Just trying to forget something, Cheyenne-Kichio."
"Then," Rally wondered. "Do you mind if I joined you?"
"Eh?" Chikage hummed.
"This isn't strictly about business." Rally stated quietly, then hummed. "I have...things I have to forget, too little one."
"Honto?" Chikage hummed, then gazed at Rally. "Soo ka?"
"Hai," Rally nodded. "That is so."
"Ah." Chikage hummed. "I see."
"However..." Rally hummed. "I may be here on police business, as well."
"So." Chikage hummed, then nodded. "You sense it too?"
"Hai," Rally murmured. "it's quite powerful as well. Seems to have an eye for Danielle as well. Watch yourself."
"Un," Chikage hummed. "I'll warn the others."
* * *
At that very moment, the Minstrels were ushered into a small makeshift dressing room by an attendant. Once inside the room, Reenie thanked the attendant, then closed the door behind her.
"We've got a powerful one here." Cres hummed. "We may have to help Chikage intervene, minna."
"Maybe" Vesta hummed. "But Rally Kichio's team is here as well. That includes McGovern-keibuho, which if you may recall is a Lycanthrope. So we'll be fine."
"Maybe not," Juno nodded. "You know as well as I do that Lycanthropes are sworn enemies with the Lucifer Hawk. It might get nasty if they face each other. That could cause problems for those on board this ship. Not to mention damage it as well."
"What's it after anyway?" Reenie wondered. "Katsumi-neesan's new friend maybe?"
The others frowned at that suggestion. Chikage had already told them about Danielle's tumultuous past.
"Shit!" Vesta swore then shook her head. "Why doesn't that damned thing just leave Danielle alone?! Its done enough damage already."
"Maybe..." Cres hummed. "Maybe it wants to do more! But what?"
"Lets not get to excited over this." Reenie hummed. "It may be just checking up on her."
"Yeah." Juno hummed. "We can't speculate on this. It'll ruin our groove."
"Can't have that." Pallas Ohara hummed, then nodded. "Besides, Chi-chan will keep an eye on things. As will AMP."
There was a knock, and Pallas answered it.
"Sumimasen!" A steward hummed, then nodded. "But we have trouble."
The Minstrels stared at him with questions on their faces.
"The opening act..." The steward uttered. "Has come down with the flu."
The Minstrels looked worried, their opening act, Yuna Kagurazaka, was a close friend of theirs.
"Err..." Reenie uttered, then nodded "Thanks for telling us. We'll figure something out."
The Minstrels looked to each other. Do they perform without an opener or do they find someone on the ship that could do a decent job of entertaining the group.
As fate would have it, Reenie and the others chose the latter over the former. Five minutes later, Reenie walked out onto the stage. The crowd hushed as she tapped on the mike.
"Sumimasen, minna." Reenie apologized. "But we have an announcement to make."
The crowd fell deathly silent, as if they feared the worst.
"Our dear friend, Yuna Kagurazaka has fallen ill." Reenie hummed. "So she will not be able to perform as our opener."
There was a hushed whisper, yet that fell silent when the lead singer for the Minstrels held up a hand.
"Be that it may," Reenie hummed. "We have decided that to ask for one ,and only one person, to fill in for Yuna. They don't have to sing Yuna's music either. Come to our dressing room so we can iron out the details, ne? Thanks for your time, minna."
With that said, Reenie turned away from the mike and left the stage.
Almost immediately Danielle exitted the crowd and ran after her.
Katsumi watched her go, then shook her head.
"Ano..." Katsumi hummed to herself. "Just what the hell are you doing, Danielle?"
* * *
Fourty five minutes later, Danielle thanked everyone and stepped away from the mike. She was quite exhausted, yet also pleased with herself. She didn't hesitate once during her performance and she was able to keep the crowd captivated. She was quite pleased with Pallas, Juno and Cres for backing her up, too. She reminded herself to thank them for doing that for her.
Edith stepped up to the stage, and Danielle waved to her. She was wearing a strapless black gown, a white cloak and black pumps.
"Evening," Edith nodded as Danielle walked up. "You look tickle pink."
"Hey Edith," Danielle hummed to the Guardsman. "Good to see you again."
"It's good to see you too," Edith hummed. "Want to be alone for a little while?"
"Sure." Danielle nodded. "But why?"
"Well," Edith hummed "I was kind of hoping I could talk to you. With what you've just went through and all."
"Yeah," Danielle hummed, then wiped her chin. "I definitely need to get cleaned up, though."
"Well then," Edith hummed, then wondered. "May I escort you to the dressing room, milady? It should be empty by now."
"If you insist," Danielle sighed, then shrugged. "Don't know why, though."
"You mean you haven't heard?" Edith asked as they walked off.
"Heard what?" Danielle wondered as they walked through a nearby exit. They rounded a corner, then sighed when they stepped the dressing room.
"There may be an entity onboard." Edith hummed to her, then shrugged her shoulders. "But don't worry about that creature. We're here for you, love."
"Thanks," Danielle hummed, blushed, then gazed at Edith. "A lot of people have helped me, you know. They were very kind and...gentle. So...I was wondering..."
Edith embraced Danielle without making a single sound.
"Thank you." Danielle hummed, then sighed. "This...feels so good. Where's Elinor?"
"Elsewhere." Edith hummed. "Staying away from you...and being stubborn as usual..."
"Wha?!" Danielle uttered. "Now hold on, Edith! You can't say..."
"Yes," Edith snarled. "I can, love. Onesama feels guilty about your transformation. She believes that she's the cause of your discomfort, Danielle."
"Is that so?" Danielle hummed as the broke the embrace.
"Yeah," Edith nodded and they stared at each other. "Its becoming very irritating. Especially when I wanted to help you 'deal' with your discomfort, Danielle. Of course....I would have waited until you had your wits back, love."
"Uh, come again?" Danielle hummed.
"Uh....Yukari-sensei has told me that...." Edith blushed. "You had experimented with your new...attributes when you first woke up."
"Ah...." Danielle blushed as Edith's words sunk. "I see. So....where do we go from here?"
"That depends," Edith shrugged. "on how you're feeling, love."
"Ah well," Danielle nodded, then laid a hand on her ample chest. "I still feel out of sorts. I really don't know what I am anymore. I mean look at what I'm wearing. Doesn't it look a little...masculine
to you?"
"In some respects yes," Edith nodded at Danielle's observation, then poked her chest. "But how many men have a bosom like this, hmm?"
"N...not very many." Danielle uttered nervously, then went beet red as Edith pawed the left side of her face. "Hey Edith, can't we save the touching and feeling for later?"
"Eh?" Edith uttered, blushed, then let her hand fall to her side. "Oh. Sorry, love."
"It's all right." Danielle shrugged it off. "So....what do I do now?"
"Keep living," Edith shrugged. "That's all you can do, really."
"I see," Danielle hummed quietly, then smiled wanely at Edith. "Want to help me with that?"
"Yeah." Edith tapped her chin. "So...what do you want to do for
-tonight-, love?"
"Well," Danielle hummed. "Could we head back home after the show. I'd really like to get away from all this attention."
"Well," Edith hummed. "All right. But just this once, love. After all, you need all the love you can get now."
"Fine," Danielle sighed.
* * *
Nerima, Toratotaka Tower.
8:30AM. January 1st, 2033AD
"G'morning, love." Edith cooed in Danielle's ear. Danielle's eyes fluttered open. She sat up, turned to face the speaker, then smiled
at Edith who was lying on the bed.
"Good morning." Danielle uttered, then nodded. "Thank you for staying with me."
"You're welcome." Edith grinned, then sat up. "How do you feel?"
Danielle thought for a moment.
"Safe," Danielle quietly hummed, then sighed as Edith wrapped her arms around her partner's body. Danielle swallowed, then wetted her lips. "I feel completely safe around you, Edith."
"That's funny," Edith snorted. "Elinor doesn't think so."
Danielle sighed. She wanted to say more. But she wasn't sure of herself. So she just kept quiet and hated herself for doing so.
"At any rate," Edith clicked her tongue, then slipped out of bed. "We better get going. I'm on duty today."
Danielle, confused, blinked at this. Edith saw the confusion in her brown eyes, then smiled at her.
"The banks are closed," Edith hummed. "But the Towers, Annexes and Station's remain open on national holidays. Which means...."
"You and I...." Danielle hummed."Still have to go to work?"
"Yeah," Edith hummed. "So...up an at'em, love."
"Okay." Danielle mock grumbled, then slipped out of bed. "Okay."
"Heh." Edith chuckled as they strolled up to the bathroom. "Atta girl."
An hour and a half later, Danielle stepped into the SPD-CCA's office. Sally looked up from her workstation, then smiled at the new arrival.
"Good day!" Sally said in a sing song voice. "How are you doing, Danielle?"
"Surviving, Sally," Danielle shakilly hummed, then shrugged as she walked past her co-worker. "Surviving this..experience...is all I can do now, really. I can't go back to the way I was...at least I don't think I can. I can't escape it, either. It's who I am now."
Sally wordlessly nodded at her admission, then gazed back at the flat screen monitor. Danielle walked up to her desk, then sat down when she noticed the medium sized stack of papers on her desk. She went to pick one up, then blinked when the videophone rang. She turned, picked the receiver up, then smiled when Shiori's face winked on.
"Ohayo Danielle," Shiori hummed in perfect english. "How are you?"
"Good morning Director Fujisaki." Danielle hummed. "I'm a little uneasy but....I think I can work today."
"I see," Shiori hummed. "Very well. I want you to start working on the documents in front of you. It'll seem tedious and time consuming, but once you learn what its for you'll be glad you did it. Sally will fill you in on the details. Okay?"
"Okay," Danielle hummed. "That all for now?"
"Yeah," Shiori hummed, then nodded. "I'll leave you in Sally's capable hands. Oh and you did a wonderful job filling in for Yuna last night."
"Er." Danielle blushed."Thanks."
"No," Shiori shook her head. "Thank you. Ja ne."
The link was cut and Danielle put the receiver back in its cradle. She picked up one of the forms, then blinked as Sally walked up to her desk.
"Director Fujisaki is right." Sally nodded. "You will be glad when you do this job."
"We'll see," Danielle hummed. "What are these forms for, anyway?"
"Relocation of displaced civilians." Sally hummed. "The Diet is about to sell off district three. Just one more push on Town Hall and GENOM will get its wish. Its good for buisness, but bad for the people who live in district three. They'll be homeless and have to move elsewhere. Fortunately, we lobbied Town Hall to add a provision."
"Oh?" Danielle hummed. "What was that?"
"To provide further housing for those displaced by the bulldozing of their previous homes." Sally nodded, then waved her hand towards the skyline. "The government has already taken care of that. Now all we need to do is provide low-interest loans to those who need it. That's what these forms are for. This is the last bunch to go out, and we have a deadline of course. That being said you need to process these forms as quickly as you can. Otherwise A single mother and her child could be homeless and penniless. We wouldn't want that, would we?"
Danielle sat back, then shook her head.
"Good," Sally hummed, then patted the stack. "Now get this done as quickly as you can."
"Uh...sure." Danielle hummed, then gazed at the forms. "Seems easy...sort of anyway."
"Un," Sally smilled at Danielles uneasiness, then cocked her head slightly. "Any questions, Danielle-san?"
"First off..." Danielle sighed, eyed the forms, then stared back at her. "What do I do? All I see on this form is personal data. Do I have to fill out another form?"
"Un, but you'll be doing that electronically," Sally smiled knowingly at Danielle, then chuckled to herself. "This program will be very helpful to you as well. Just bring the computer out of standby and you'll see what I mean."
Her collegue blinked, jiggled the mouse, then nodded as a window filled
the screen.
"It looks like a standard form." Danielle hummed as she scrolled up and down the window. "Looks a little complicated though."
"You'll get used to it," Sally hummed, then smiled. "This program has a wonderful 'Help Wizard' that'll give you advice on what to do."
"Ah," Danielle hummed. "Then I guess I won't be asking you anymore questions, eh?"
"Not...necassarily." Sally hummed mysteriously, then tittered when Danielle frowned at her. "You'll see what I mean. Get to work now, okay?"
"Er...right.." Danielle uttered to her, then hummed as Sally retreated to her desk. "Well....now I'm curious....lets see what the fuss is about...."
She clicked the mouse on one of the entry boxes and a small pop-up window in the upper right hand corner popped up. She sat back when
a SD version of Sally appeared in the center of the pop-up window.
"Greeting and Salutations!" The simulularicum grinned. "I am S.A.L.L.Y! How can I be of service, Miss?"
"What The heck?" Danielle whispered as she stared at the flat screen monitor, then gazed at the flat panel speakers. "She even sounds like Sally..."
"Miss?" S.A.L.L.Y inquired. "Can I be of any service to you?"
"Er...uh no." Danielle hummed. "Not as of yet, anyway."
"Very well!" S.A.L.L.Y nodded, then bowed to Danielle. "Thank you for calling me up. Also, Please double click on any item if you need my help again. Or just call out my name...whichever you desire."
Danielle just blinked as the help window disappeared.
(What the...) Danielle thought as she sat back (That was just too weird!)
* * *
10:30AM. Nerima, Greenwood Apartments.
"Okay." Nami asked as she tightened her obi, then turned to her little sister. "Oi Reenie, are you ready?"
"Almost," Reenie quietly hummed as she and her sister prepare for the festival. She looked from her older sister to their guest. She like the rest of them were wearing kimonos. "Howabout Priscilla-onesama?"
"Almost done," Priss hummed, then sighed. "Wish I could stay in though."
Suddenly their was a knock on the door and Reenie perked up.
"That must be Yostuba-chan." Reenie smiled, spun around, then gazed at Nami. "I'm gonna go with my group, okay Onesama?"
"Un," Nami hummed, then winked. "Have a good time with your friends. Don't forget to get the disc from Yotsuba-chan, ne?"
"Hai, I won't forget," Reenie nodded, did a quick check in the mirror, spun around, then slipped out of the room. "See you later, you two!!!"
"Just don't be too late!" Nami called after her little sister. "You here me?!"
"Alone..." Priss sighed. "We're alone again..."
"Yeah." Nami hummed quietly, then drew Priss into her arms. "For now at least. Shall we make the most of this moment?"
"Un," Priss hummed quietly, then grunted as Nami nibbled on her left ear. "Oh...g-gods! N-nami! Promise me w-we won't make a-a scene during the festival!"
"I promise..." Nami nodded "With all my heart."
She then continued to nibble on Priss's ear.
"Oh....gods." Priss whispered. "N-Nami-chan....I love you."
"I Love you too." Nami hummed back. "I Love you too, Kiobito-chan."
* * *
11:00AM, Recovery Ward.
Tomomi stepped out of the communal shower, then walked down the hallway until she reached her private room. She entered the room with a smile on her face, then stopped when she noticed the figure that stood in the middle of her room. The figure, a woman, had chesnut hair, brown eyes and was dressed in a black gi.
"Lady Negako?" Tomomi gasped. "What brings you here?"
"I have learned that you were injured in battle," Negako Moroboshi mused. "How and when did this happen?"
"It occured while we were fighting the Bu 10Xs." Tomomi stated. "I was about to use a chi blast to defeat it when the battle boomer brought its main weapon about. I changed tactics after that."
"I see," Negako probed."What happened after that?"
"I charged it and drew my gaikatana," Tomomi hummed, then nodded. "It was then that I was grazed by the 30mm anti-personnel round. But that was after I sliced its weapon arm off."
"Why did you change tactics?" Negako asked. "Why didn't you defeat it with the 'Roaring Lion Bullet?'"
"This one felt...odd." Tomomi hummed. "It was quicker than other Battle or Combat Boomers of its type. Still I thought I could take it without getting injured. I was careless with this one."
"No, Tomomi," Negako stated coldly. "You were overconfident."
Negako fell silent to allow her words sink into Tomomi's brain. A minute or so later Tomomi spoke.
"Hai," Tomomi answered quietly. "I was overconfident and foolish. I didn't gauge my opponent well, either."
"I see," Negako hummed. "You will need retraining. There will not be any further discussion on this matter. Understood?"
"Hai," Tomomi bowed. "I understand, Sensei. However..."
"However?" Negako humed. "What?"
"Shouldn't we investigate this matter further." Tomomi hummed. "The reason why it was quicker than the others."
Negako had to admit that she did have a point. However, there were a few things that could have caused Tomomi's timing to be off.
"Perhaps." Negako hummed. "But...I do have a question for you, though."
"Hai?" Tomomi hummed.
"Were you thinking of anything else at the moment?" Negako hummed. "Anything else at all?"
"Iie." Tomomi flatly answered. "Not a thing, Sensei."
"Not even Jack Hunter?" Negako hummed.
"Iie," Tomomi said in the same flat tone. "I was not thinking of Jack at that moment."
Negako wordlessly gazed into her eyes, weighed her answer, then nodded.
"Very well," Negako nodded. "I will bring this up with the other Board of Elders."
Tomomi wordlessly nodded.
"Now," the grandmistress hummed. "If you will excuse me."
The leader of KMT-6 wordlessly nodded, then sighed when Negako left her private room.
* * *
5:30 PM, West side of the 90th floor.
The door swung open, and Danielle Wisner walked into her apartment.
She slipped off her boots, walked into her slippers, then stifled a yawn before removing her jacket. She trudged past the living room- kitchenette and slipped into her bedroom.
She laid her jacket on the dresser, loosened her clothes, then sat on her bed. She sighed as she removed the ascot, then blinked when she heard someone knocking on her front door.
"Who could this be?" Danielle wondered as she strode out of her bedroom. She strode through her living room-kitchenette "I'm not expecting anyone and Edith should still be on duty. So who....?"
She flung the door open, then blinked as Nikki leapt at her.
"Danielle-san!" Nikki meowed as she embraced the office lady. "You
were wonderful last night. What made you do that anyway?"
"Well....." Danielle blushed. "I just felt the need to. Thanks, by the way."
Nikki nodded wordlessly and released her. Danielle gazed at Nikki and noted that she was still wearing her uniform.
"So..." The office lady hummed. "What brings you by?"
"Well...I was wondering if you're free tonight?" Nikki asked slowly. "That is unless you already have plans."
"Mmm...no." Danielle hummed. "I don't recall making any. Why?"
"Well...." Nikki hummed. "I was kinda wondering if we could have a mellow evening."
"Sure," Danielle nodded. "But I gotta get into something a little more comfortable first. Is that okay?"
"Un," Nikki grinned at her. "I have to get out of my work clothes, too."
"Okay," Danielle hummed. "So where are we going?"
"Heartbeat," Nikki shrugged. "Will that be all right?"
"Un," Danielle sighed. "That'll do nicely."
"Good," Nikki nodded at this affirmation. "I'll be back in thirty. Be ready by then, okay?"
Before Danielle could say anything more, Nikki whirled about and strode down the hall. Danielle watched her retreating form, then deflated a bit before shutting the door.
"Darn it all," Danielle uttered. "I was gonna ask her to wear that warm looking number she was wearing when we first met. She looked adorable in that. Now...what to wear? Hmmmm. Ah! I know...."
Thirty minutes later, Danielle stepped out of her apartment...only to be bowled over by a evergreen haired tornado. Danielle moaned when she got the wind back in her lungs, then sighed as Nikki helped her up.
"Nikki..." Danielle asked. "What did I do to deserve that?"
"Nothing." Nikki shook her head, then gave Danielle a smile. "Except for the fact that you're looking very _masculine_ tonight, Danielle."
Danielle was wearing a pair of black shoes, tan slacks, a slightly oversized white shirt, a tan eVest and a black trenchcoat.
"Thank you..." Danielle blushed, then gazed at Nikki. "I like you're outfit as well. Same one when we met, right?"
"Un!" Nikki hummed. "Glad you like it. Shall we go now?"
"Yeah," Danielle nodded. "Lets."
End Chapter Seven.