A/N: Okay, on to part 7! Still haven't figured out my formatting, b/c I'm only one level above computer illiterate. GOOD NEWS: THE GIRLS SHOW UP IN THIS ONE (as promised)! MUAH! Same Rules go as before:
** for italicized,
// for thoughts.
are for song lyrics.
bakamono- moron, freak
So, when you see these around the sentance @ the end of the 2nd section of the chapter, it's part of the song they're playing in the car. That goes for now on, too. If there's anything in these it means that it's part of a song. Kapiche? Okay. Let's go!
"Fencing match, fencing match, we're going to a fencing match!" Eagle sang under his breath, bouncing up and down in his chair.
"Mr. Vision, do you have something to share with us?"
Eagle gulped nervously. "Uhhh, sure, Mr. Gartsky!" he replied cheerfully, putting on his famous smile. "I was just thinking about how excited I am about the fencing match today!"
The English teacher's face softened. "Well, I hope you do well, Eagle, and I wish you and your team the best of luck,"
"Thank you!" Eagle smiled sweetly.
"...but you can't sing in my class." Snickers all around. The laughing wasn't meant to be mean, but Eagle singing in class was an all-to-familiar and amusing disturbance. Eagle grinned sheepishly, raking a hand through his silver-blond hair. "I'll let you off without detention today, simply because I can understand your excitement. Big match, huh?"
"Yes sir!" Eagle beamed. "Cephiro High School, sir!"
"Ah, yes. Think you can take them?"
Eagle sat up a little straighter in his chair. "Nothing Lantis' and my guys can't handle, sir!"
Mr. Gartsky laughed. "I'm sure you're right. Now, back to our novel...as I was *saying* before our little diva's impromptu performance..."
Eagle blushed, the tips of his ears turning red as the class laughed again.
"...in what way does Hester Prynne's hair symbolize her spirit? Anyone?"
Eagle sighed and slumped down into his desk again. Boring, boring, boring!
~*~
When the bell rang, Eagle practically flew out of the room, only pausing to grab his equipment before rushing to the back parking lot. He threw his bag into the trunk of his car and jumped over the side into the driver's seat, long legs hurdling the obstacle easily. Reving the car, he popped his favorite mix cd into the cd player and floored the car to the front parking lot, pulling up to the front entrance where Lantis, Geo, and Zazu were approaching.
"Whoa! Nice ride, Eagle!" Lantis said in admiration. Eagle grinned.
"I know. Thanks daddy, right?"
Lantis' jaw just about hit the floor. "Your dad *bought* that for you?!"
"Yeah," Eagle replied, blushing slightly. "Birthday/congrats class president sort of gift. I know, I know, it's a bit...much."
"*I'll* say!" Lantis' eyes roved over it. The car was the newest Rayearth convertible, all shiny silver and sleek as a cat. Eagle fidgeted, obviously embarassed.
"He spoils me rotten," Eagle muttered, fiddling with his keys, his cd player, almost anything so as not to make eye contact with Lantis. The taller boy smiled at his blond friend.
"Hey, don't worry about it! At least you're not a spoiled *brat*!" Lantis said, prodding Eagle's shoulder. Eagle looked up, smiling hopefully at Lantis.
"You don't think so?"
"Hell no! You're not anything like *most* rich kids I've met..."
Eagle smiled. "Thanks," he said softly. "That means a lot to me." Lantis returned the smile.
"Watashi no kami-SAMA!" Zazu moaned. "They're getting all mushy and pathetic again!"
Lantis looked at Zazu, confused. "Mushy...?" he began.
"Hey, hey, hey! C'mon! Let's go!" Eagle smacked his hand against the side of his car, interrupting Lantis' thoughts. "Get your scrawny asses in the car!"
Geo arched an eyebrow at Eagle. "If anyone here has a scrawny ass," he deadpanned, "it's *you*, Eagle."
Eagle grinned winningly. "No," he replied, "my ass is PERFECT, remember? Now get in the car!"
Lantis raised two fingers. "Shotgun!" he announced, and jumped in.
"No fair!" Geo cried immediately! "I ALWAYS have shotgun in Eagle's car!"
"Yeah, well, now it's my turn, then!"
"What about me?!" Zazu cried. "Don't I get a turn?"
"NO!" both Lantis and Geo shouted. Zazu pretended to be hurt.
"Spurned." he responded morosely, and climbed in the backseat, muttering about how he was *so* put upon, just because he was the smallest and the most kawaii, how he *needed* to be up front because with all these taller guys in front of him, how was he supposed to see? And how-
"Shuttup, Zazu!" Geo swatted Zazu lightly.
"*YOU* shut up, ya big galoot! Just because you're built like a fucking cadillac while I'm so unbelievably kawaii is no reason for you to abuse me!"
" 'Big GALOOT?!?!?!' "
Eagle grinned at Lantis as his other two friends argued furiously in the back set.
"You ready for this?" he asked. Lantis cocked his head at Eagle.
"Ready for what?" he asked curiously. His blond friend looked incredulous.
"Haven't you ever seen Top Gun?!" Eagle demanded. Lantis nodded his head yes slowly, and Eagle's grin grew devious.
"I feel the need...for speed," he quoted, a smirk in his voice and on his face. Lantis' eyes grew big.
"Eagle...you *wouldn't*...not *here*..." Before Lantis had finished his sentance, Eagle had floored the car out of the parking lot.
"Eagle! SLOW DOWN!" Lantis shouted. Eagle only laughed and turned up the volume, the song blaring as they tore down the road, wind whipping through their hair.
~*~
Eagle turned into the parking lot of Cephiro High at 75 mph, music blaring, tires screeching as he did a kamikaze turn around the sharp corner. Students turned and stared in jealous appreciation of the car as it passed. Eagle pulled into a parking place at top speed, the car lurching to a halt and the music stopping. He turned and grinned at Lantis.
"Have a fun ride?" he inquired. Lantis was staring into spaced, mouth hanging open in shock, ebony hair wild and tangled from the wind. Eagle laughed at him. Geo leaned forward and patted Lantis sympathetically on the shoulder.
"Don't worry, you'll get used to driving with him," he said reassuringly. Eagle started, ruffled.
"And just *what*, may I ask, is wrong with my driving?!" he demanded indignantly. Geo laughed.
"You have to *ask*? Just look at poor Darkhorse!" It was true, Lantis was still comatose. Eagle seemed to be fishing for words.
"Yeah?! Well...well...I'm a *good* driver!" he insisted.
"Sure." Geo gave Lantis a not-so-gentle shove, stirring the dark-haired boy out of his reverie. "Wake-up time, Lantis. Time to go kick some ass!"
Lantis fish-mouthed for a moment.
"You okay, Lantis?" Zazu asked, grinning. Lantis finally managed to choke out some words.
"Very...very...fast." he gasped. Geo and Zazu cracked up. Eagle scowled at them.
"It's not funny! *Fine*, you bunch of bakamonos can be late to the match. *I'm* going in early, and I'm gonna kick some serious ass." Eagle put the top up on the convertible and got out, and grabbing his bag. The others soon followed him, but Lantis stopped short, fencing bag over one shoulder.
//Been so long...// he thought, staring up at the familiar letters over the entrance: *Cephiro High School* //I wonder if Ferio'll be there...?// Lantis shook his head. He wasn't sure whether or not he wanted to see his old best friend.
"Hey, Darkhorse!"
Lantis stirred at the voice, turning to where Zazu stood, hands cupped around his mouth as he hollered for Lantis' attention.
"You comin' or what?"
"Yeah," Lantis called back. Satisfied, Zazu entered the gymnasium. "Yeah," Lantis repeated softly, "I'm coming."
~*~
"You ready for this?"
Eagle looked up at the source of the voice. Geo was standing over him.
"Yeah," Eagle said, a bit breathlessly, as he finished off his pushups. Golden-brown eyes flickered up to look at the taller boy. "You sound troubled. What's up?"
Geo sank down to a crouch next to Eagle. "It's Lantis."
"What about him?" Eagle finished his last pushup and plopped into a straddle position next to Geo, stretching from side to side.
"I'm not quite sure," Geo said, shaking his head in frustration. "I can just tell something's wrong. He's still kinda in a trance. He keeps looking around as if he knows the place, like there's something here that he remembers, but doesn't really want to. He *knows* this place though, I can tell you that much."
"Well, he *did* just transfer here this year," Eagle responded. "Who knows? Maybe this is where he came from."
"Yeah, that's probably it. But I wish you would talk to him, Eagle. *Something* is wrong."
Eagle smiled. "Okay. I'll talk to him." He stood to go, ruffling up Geos constantly messy hair.
"Hey!" Geo swatted at Eagle's hand.
Eagle walked over to where Lantis was standing, staring off at the clock on the wall of the locker room.
"Hey, you okay?" he asked, putting his hand on Lantis' shoulder. The taller boy jumped, startled, then tried to laugh it off.
"Of course! Why wouldn't I be?" he responded, his tone flat.
"I don't know...it just seemed like something was wrong. I won't push you," Eagle said softly. "I just want you to know that, if you need someone to talk to, I'm here for you. We all are."
Lantis smiled. "Thanks-" he began, but was interrupted by the opposing team entering the locker room. Leading them in was that head of crazy green hair that he was so used to: Ferio ___. Almost immdiately, their eyes met. Lantis swallowed hard against the lump forming in his throat.
"Hey, Ferio," he said softly. "Hi Lafarga...Ascot...Clef."
The familiar faces stared back at him. Ferio was in front, staring at him, not a hint of expression giving away any thought he was having. Lafarga stood behind him, glaring openly at Lantis, long blond hair pulled back in it's usual ponytail. He was much taller than Ferio, taller even than Geo. Ascot flanked Lafarga, looking nervous, as if he didn't know how to react to Lantis' return, long brown hair covering his eyes, as always. Clef was just next to Ferio, silvery blueish hair still a decently short length, he himself the shortest in the room by at least a good three inches tinier than the petit Zazu. Ever the peacemaker, he was smiling happily at his old friend, thrilled to see Lantis back.
"Hi, Lantis!" he beamed. Lantis couldn't help but smile.
"Hey, Clef," he said. "These are some new friends of mine. Eagle," Eagle waved, smiling a cute (if rather confused) little smile, "Geo," Geo gave a very brief acknowledgement, "and Zazu. Guys, this is Clef." Unlike Geo, Zazu was not at all reserved when it came to introductions.
"Hi, Clef!" he grinned broadly. "I'm Zazu. Zazu Torque! It's really nice to meet you, if you're Lantis' friend. Even if you're not his friend. I like meeting people. And you have immensely fun kinda blueish sorta silvery hair. *Wow*, you're even shorter than *I* am. That's pretty strange, because I'm *really* short. *Say*, do you have problems in the locker room *too*? Nasty views of guys, er, um, *private* areas? Because *I'm* always-"
Geo lightly smacked the back of Zazus head in a none-too-subtle-way.
"Ow!"
Clef laughed. "It's nice to meet you too, Zazu. Guys, it's nice to see Lantis again and meet these cool peeps, isn't it?" he prodded.
"Heh, yeah!" Ascot laughed nervously, looking up at Lafarga to see his reaction. Lafarga glowered down at him, and Ascot shrank under his glare.
"LAFARGA!" Surprisingly enough, Lafarga seemed to shrink a little under the disapproval in Clefs voice, despite the fact that he could easily tear Clefs head off at any given moment. Clef turned to Ferio now. "Isn't it nice to see Lantis, Ferio?" he asked, an obvious say-something-before-I-kill-you sort of tone in his voice. Lantis stared at Ferio, anxious hope in his eyes. Ferio smiled slightly, but sincerely.
"Yeah," he said softly, eyes looking right into Lantis'. "It's really nice to see you Lantis. Sincerely." The tension in the room seemed to go down a few notches, but before anyone could speak another word, the buzzer sounded for the tournament to begin. Lantis smiled at Ferio. It had been enough. They would talk later.
"Alright, then!" Eagle said, clapping his hands together. "You ready to go out there now?" There was a resounding cheer from his team as the Cephiro team watched this gangly blond curiously. "Al-RIIIIIGHT!" Eagle pumped the air with one fist. "Then let's go out there and kick some serious boo-*TAY*!" Turning to run out the door, Eagle tripped over thin air and fell down, turning half of a somersault and landing flat on his back. "Owies."
Grinning, Lantis crouched down and leaned over him as the members of both teams howled with laughter. "You know, Eagle, for someone as graceful at fencing and rollar blading and every other sport imaginable as you are, I cannot understand how you are so DAMN CLUMSY!"
Eagle grinned up at him. "Years of practice."
Lantis simply shook his head. "I despair, I really do." Standing, he bent over and offered his hand to Eagle. "C'mon." He yanked the captain to his feet. "Now, take your own advice and go kick some ass."
Eagle grinned and saluted. "Yes, sir!"
~*~
Eagle tapped his foot boredly on the floor. They had gotten through the preliminary matches already, and were just starting the finals. The preliminaries were strictly same-sex competitions, to choose only the best of the boys and girls to compete against each other. The finals were basically the same as a round robin, but they were longer. In the finals, you could compete against a member of the same sex or of the opposite, it didn't matter. The whole thing took *waaaaaay* too long in Eagles opinion. Zazu passed by Eagle, carting his thermos.
"Oh, *no* you don't!" Eagle grabbed the thermos from Zazus fingers.
"Hey! Give it back! It's mine!" Poor, short little Zazu leaped up and down, desperately trying to reach it.
"Uh uh. There's no way we're getting disqualified because *you* felt like getting drunk!" Eagle stormed into the bathroom and began pouring the wine down the sink.
"NOOOOO!" Zazu wailed. Eagle rinsed out the now empty thermos and thrust it back into Zazu's hands.
"Here." Zazu sulked still. Eagle sighed impatiently. "I'll buy you some more wine later. *Good* wine."
Zazus eyes lit up. "*REALLY*?!?!"
Eagle swallowed hard, wondering what he was getting himself into. "H-hai. Hai. Later."
The loudspeaker blared up. "Eagle Vision of Autozam, Umi Ryuzaki of Cephiro, square 1 in two minutes and counting." Eagle grabbed his helmet and foil.
"Gotta go, Zaz. See you later!"
"Good luck!"
Eagle reached the fencing square in record time, too oblivious to realize that his was the last match of the night. He tripped slightly and nearly fell into the referee. Straightening up amid titters from the crowd, he smiled in embarassment at the ref, feeling the tips of his ears turning pink. "Sorry, sir."
The ref smiled back. "No problem. I take it you're Eagle Vision. Your reputation preceeds you."
"Thanks!"
"Take your position."
Eagle stepped into the square and finally got a good look at his opponent for the first time. It was a girl, tall and slender, long blue hair pulled back in a ponytail. She stared back at him with wide blue eyes, unsmiling.
"Salute then, and on start on my whistle."
Eagle stared back at the girl, and raised his foil. She did the same, and they swooshed the blades through the air in salute and pulled their masks on. The ref stepped backwards out of the square, blowing the whistle. Eagle dove forwards immediately, taking the attack, and the girl had no choice but to retreat. Eagle began sizing her up. Good footwork, she wasn't likely to trip. She had a sort of natural grace to her movements, she worked her foil with ease. It would be a hard match. The girl easily parried his first thrust and struck him right on target in the shoulder, thereby forcing him to take the defensive position. He would much rather attack any day.
As with Lantis, the match was difficult. Eagle found himself sweating soon after beginning, as much from exertion as from anxiety. He didn't want to lose to this girl. He wanted to make it to finals. Soon, he lost count of how many hits each of them had and merely concentrated on hitting her.
Eagle advanced again, thrusting the blade swiftly, outmanuevering her parry and diving towards her. He felt the tip of his foil connect with her shoulder and heard the buzzer sound for the end of the match. Apparently he had won. Pulling off his mask, he stuck his foil under his left arm and offered the girl his hand. "Nice match."
She pulled off her helmet, blue hair tumbling loose. "You too." She shook his hand, but Eagle could tell that she wasn't pleased. He didn't know why. She could still make it to finals, if she beat her next opponent.
The loudspeaker blared up again. "The winners of the tournament are...."
//Winners?!//
"in third place, Lantis Darkhorse of Autozam. In second place, Umi Ryuzaki of Cephiro. In first place, Eagle Vision of Autozam."
Eagle sat stunned as his team cheered for him and Lantis. //I won?! I didn't even know it was *finals*!!!//
"Nice job, Eagle!" Lantis called, jogging over. Eagle shook out of his reverie, grinning.
"You too!"
"Hey, Mr. President!" Zazu tugged at Eagles sleeve. "We're all gonna go out to celebrate, okay? We're gonna treat you and Lantis. You guys were great!"
Eage looked at Lantis. "Okay. We'll be there in a few. Can you and Geo catch a lift with the others? Lantis and I 'll be there in a few."
Zazu looked at Eagle with understanding in his huge eyes. "Sure, Eagle. Catch you later!" The short boy ran off to join his friends. Lantis turned to Eagle.
"Why'd you do that, Eagle?"
Eagle smiled. "I thought you'd like to talk to your friends for a few."
Lantis grinned. "You thought right. Thanks, Eagle!" Lantis turned to go and then looked back. "You want to come meet them?"
"Sure!"
~*~
"It's not fair!" Umi bitched. "I'm *so* much better than that guy!"
"Heh, yeah, but *Umi*," Hikaru laughed nervously, "he *did* beat you fair and square!"
"I believe that Umi is just upset," said Fuu , stating the obvious, as usual.
"Nice call, Fuu." Ferio teased, slipping an arm against his girlfriends slim waist.
"You shut up!" she admonished, swatting him lightly.
"Hey, here comes Lantis!" Ascot interrupted, pointing their friend out. .
"And that guy who beat me is with him!" Umi scowled. Lantis and Eagle jogged over.
"Hey, guys!" Lantis said, smiling nervously. "What's up? You guys were all great."
"You too!" Ascot said, smiling. Even Lafarga seemed a bit more at ease now. Eagle smiled at Umi.
"You were amazing!" he exclaimed. Umi stared sullenly at the floor until Hikaru and Fuu both elbowed her in the side.
"OW! Yeah, thanks, you were too," she said grudgingly. He laughed.
"Thank you! My name is Eagle Vision. You're Umi Ryuzaki, I know that much. Now, who are these two other lovely ladies?"
"I am Fuu Houjii," Fuu answered, blushing. Ferio tightened his arm protectively around her waist.
"I'm Hikaru Shidou!" Hikaru spoke up, grinning broadly. Eagle grinned back at her.
"Nice to meet you both! Do you fence too?"
"Yeah!" Hikaru answered cheerfully.
"Well, Hikaru and Umi are much better than I am," Fuu cut in. "I just do it because they drag me along."
Meanwhile, Lantis got up the urge to speak to Ferio. "You were great out there today, Ferio."
"You too." Ferio replied, smiling. "You've improved."
"Well, it's all due to this guy," Lantis smacked Eagle on the back, practically knocking the slim blonde over. Ferio looked at Eagle with one eyebrow raised.
"You're a great fencer," he said to Eagle, who had regained his balance and was mock-glaring at Lantis, "but you're the clumsiest person I've ever met!"
Eagle laughed. "Arigatou!"
"Well, you certainly improved Lantis' fencing." Ferio turned to Lantis. "I..." he bit his lip, obviously finding it hard to say. "I want to apologize. For how I acted before. That was oboxious of me, and I shouldn't have done it. It wasn't....it wasn't Zagatos fault. I-"
"It's okay," Lantis interrupted, face flushing. "You don't have to-"
"-but I want to," Ferio cut in stubbornly. "I was a jerk. It wasn't Zagatos fault. I knew it then, but I didn't want to admit it, because it hurt too much. I shouldn't have taken my pain out on you. I'm sorry."
Eagle looked at Lantis, confused. Lantis deliberately avoided looking at Eagle, and the floor suddenly became veeeeery interesting. "It's okay, Ferio." he muttered.
"Good. Because I missed you." Ferio hugged his friend suddenly. When he pulled away, he smiled at Lantis, who forced a weak smile back. "C'mon, you have to meet my girl." Ferio gently pulled Fuu forwards. "This is Fuu."
"It's nice to meet you, Fuu," Lantis said. "What're you doing with a loser like Ferio?"
"HEY!" Ferio cried indignantly. Fuu simply laughed.
"I don't think I know these two, either," Lantis continued, looking at Umi and Hikaru.
"Umi Ryuzaki and Hikaru Shidou," Ferio said. "They came here shortly after you left. Fuu, Hikaru, and Umi all went to Tokyo High, before it closed down."
"Nice to meet you both."
"It's nice to meet you, too!" Hikaru beamed.
"Well, I'd really love to talk more, but Eagle and I have a little party to go to," Lantis said.
"Par-TAY!" Eagle cheered. Lafarga, Ascot, and Ferio all stared at him. Sweatdrop. Clef and Hikaru laughed.
"We won't keep you, then," Clef said. "Go have fun! Just come back and see us again soon!'
"No problems there!"
"Bye!"
Eagle turned to go and nearly tripped over a little girl standing in front of him.
"Hey, there!" he said, crouching down to look the girl in the eye. "What're *you* doing here?"
The girl stared back at him with wide eyes. Her black hair was pulled up on her head in two giant poofs and wrapped in pearl-covered hair ties. She was wearing an extremely fancy dress that didn't seem to quite fit in at the fencing tournament, and clutching a piece of paper in her hand.
"I watched you today," she said, tiny high pitched voice. "You were amazing!"
Eagle smiled at her. "Thank you!"
"I wanted to see 'f I could have your aut'graph."
"Of course!" Eagle took the paper from her and pulled out a pen. //Little kids are so cute...//
"I'm going to be the champion someday," continued proudly.
"Where do you come from?" Eagle asked. What's your name?"
"From Fahren. My name is Aska."
~*~
A/N: Well? What do you think? This one was longer....the girls were introduced. Heh...I like the Aska thing. Just thought I'd put it in...not that it will have anything to do w/ the rest of this fic. Just thought I'd use it. QUESTION: I NEED INPUT ON THIS. WHO WOULD YOU RATHER SEE SET UP, Umi+Clef or Umi+Ascot? I need to know your thoughts, b/c I'm not sure about this.
DISCLAIMER: (I keep forgetting to put this thing in)
MKR belongs to CLAMP.
my Top Gun quote belongs to whoever made Top Gun. ; )
THANKS TO:
Marcy- for continuing to like my story.
** for italicized,
// for thoughts.
are for song lyrics.
bakamono- moron, freak
So, when you see these around the sentance @ the end of the 2nd section of the chapter, it's part of the song they're playing in the car. That goes for now on, too. If there's anything in these it means that it's part of a song. Kapiche? Okay. Let's go!
"Fencing match, fencing match, we're going to a fencing match!" Eagle sang under his breath, bouncing up and down in his chair.
"Mr. Vision, do you have something to share with us?"
Eagle gulped nervously. "Uhhh, sure, Mr. Gartsky!" he replied cheerfully, putting on his famous smile. "I was just thinking about how excited I am about the fencing match today!"
The English teacher's face softened. "Well, I hope you do well, Eagle, and I wish you and your team the best of luck,"
"Thank you!" Eagle smiled sweetly.
"...but you can't sing in my class." Snickers all around. The laughing wasn't meant to be mean, but Eagle singing in class was an all-to-familiar and amusing disturbance. Eagle grinned sheepishly, raking a hand through his silver-blond hair. "I'll let you off without detention today, simply because I can understand your excitement. Big match, huh?"
"Yes sir!" Eagle beamed. "Cephiro High School, sir!"
"Ah, yes. Think you can take them?"
Eagle sat up a little straighter in his chair. "Nothing Lantis' and my guys can't handle, sir!"
Mr. Gartsky laughed. "I'm sure you're right. Now, back to our novel...as I was *saying* before our little diva's impromptu performance..."
Eagle blushed, the tips of his ears turning red as the class laughed again.
"...in what way does Hester Prynne's hair symbolize her spirit? Anyone?"
Eagle sighed and slumped down into his desk again. Boring, boring, boring!
~*~
When the bell rang, Eagle practically flew out of the room, only pausing to grab his equipment before rushing to the back parking lot. He threw his bag into the trunk of his car and jumped over the side into the driver's seat, long legs hurdling the obstacle easily. Reving the car, he popped his favorite mix cd into the cd player and floored the car to the front parking lot, pulling up to the front entrance where Lantis, Geo, and Zazu were approaching.
"Whoa! Nice ride, Eagle!" Lantis said in admiration. Eagle grinned.
"I know. Thanks daddy, right?"
Lantis' jaw just about hit the floor. "Your dad *bought* that for you?!"
"Yeah," Eagle replied, blushing slightly. "Birthday/congrats class president sort of gift. I know, I know, it's a bit...much."
"*I'll* say!" Lantis' eyes roved over it. The car was the newest Rayearth convertible, all shiny silver and sleek as a cat. Eagle fidgeted, obviously embarassed.
"He spoils me rotten," Eagle muttered, fiddling with his keys, his cd player, almost anything so as not to make eye contact with Lantis. The taller boy smiled at his blond friend.
"Hey, don't worry about it! At least you're not a spoiled *brat*!" Lantis said, prodding Eagle's shoulder. Eagle looked up, smiling hopefully at Lantis.
"You don't think so?"
"Hell no! You're not anything like *most* rich kids I've met..."
Eagle smiled. "Thanks," he said softly. "That means a lot to me." Lantis returned the smile.
"Watashi no kami-SAMA!" Zazu moaned. "They're getting all mushy and pathetic again!"
Lantis looked at Zazu, confused. "Mushy...?" he began.
"Hey, hey, hey! C'mon! Let's go!" Eagle smacked his hand against the side of his car, interrupting Lantis' thoughts. "Get your scrawny asses in the car!"
Geo arched an eyebrow at Eagle. "If anyone here has a scrawny ass," he deadpanned, "it's *you*, Eagle."
Eagle grinned winningly. "No," he replied, "my ass is PERFECT, remember? Now get in the car!"
Lantis raised two fingers. "Shotgun!" he announced, and jumped in.
"No fair!" Geo cried immediately! "I ALWAYS have shotgun in Eagle's car!"
"Yeah, well, now it's my turn, then!"
"What about me?!" Zazu cried. "Don't I get a turn?"
"NO!" both Lantis and Geo shouted. Zazu pretended to be hurt.
"Spurned." he responded morosely, and climbed in the backseat, muttering about how he was *so* put upon, just because he was the smallest and the most kawaii, how he *needed* to be up front because with all these taller guys in front of him, how was he supposed to see? And how-
"Shuttup, Zazu!" Geo swatted Zazu lightly.
"*YOU* shut up, ya big galoot! Just because you're built like a fucking cadillac while I'm so unbelievably kawaii is no reason for you to abuse me!"
" 'Big GALOOT?!?!?!' "
Eagle grinned at Lantis as his other two friends argued furiously in the back set.
"You ready for this?" he asked. Lantis cocked his head at Eagle.
"Ready for what?" he asked curiously. His blond friend looked incredulous.
"Haven't you ever seen Top Gun?!" Eagle demanded. Lantis nodded his head yes slowly, and Eagle's grin grew devious.
"I feel the need...for speed," he quoted, a smirk in his voice and on his face. Lantis' eyes grew big.
"Eagle...you *wouldn't*...not *here*..." Before Lantis had finished his sentance, Eagle had floored the car out of the parking lot.
"Eagle! SLOW DOWN!" Lantis shouted. Eagle only laughed and turned up the volume, the song blaring as they tore down the road, wind whipping through their hair.
~*~
Eagle turned into the parking lot of Cephiro High at 75 mph, music blaring, tires screeching as he did a kamikaze turn around the sharp corner. Students turned and stared in jealous appreciation of the car as it passed. Eagle pulled into a parking place at top speed, the car lurching to a halt and the music stopping. He turned and grinned at Lantis.
"Have a fun ride?" he inquired. Lantis was staring into spaced, mouth hanging open in shock, ebony hair wild and tangled from the wind. Eagle laughed at him. Geo leaned forward and patted Lantis sympathetically on the shoulder.
"Don't worry, you'll get used to driving with him," he said reassuringly. Eagle started, ruffled.
"And just *what*, may I ask, is wrong with my driving?!" he demanded indignantly. Geo laughed.
"You have to *ask*? Just look at poor Darkhorse!" It was true, Lantis was still comatose. Eagle seemed to be fishing for words.
"Yeah?! Well...well...I'm a *good* driver!" he insisted.
"Sure." Geo gave Lantis a not-so-gentle shove, stirring the dark-haired boy out of his reverie. "Wake-up time, Lantis. Time to go kick some ass!"
Lantis fish-mouthed for a moment.
"You okay, Lantis?" Zazu asked, grinning. Lantis finally managed to choke out some words.
"Very...very...fast." he gasped. Geo and Zazu cracked up. Eagle scowled at them.
"It's not funny! *Fine*, you bunch of bakamonos can be late to the match. *I'm* going in early, and I'm gonna kick some serious ass." Eagle put the top up on the convertible and got out, and grabbing his bag. The others soon followed him, but Lantis stopped short, fencing bag over one shoulder.
//Been so long...// he thought, staring up at the familiar letters over the entrance: *Cephiro High School* //I wonder if Ferio'll be there...?// Lantis shook his head. He wasn't sure whether or not he wanted to see his old best friend.
"Hey, Darkhorse!"
Lantis stirred at the voice, turning to where Zazu stood, hands cupped around his mouth as he hollered for Lantis' attention.
"You comin' or what?"
"Yeah," Lantis called back. Satisfied, Zazu entered the gymnasium. "Yeah," Lantis repeated softly, "I'm coming."
~*~
"You ready for this?"
Eagle looked up at the source of the voice. Geo was standing over him.
"Yeah," Eagle said, a bit breathlessly, as he finished off his pushups. Golden-brown eyes flickered up to look at the taller boy. "You sound troubled. What's up?"
Geo sank down to a crouch next to Eagle. "It's Lantis."
"What about him?" Eagle finished his last pushup and plopped into a straddle position next to Geo, stretching from side to side.
"I'm not quite sure," Geo said, shaking his head in frustration. "I can just tell something's wrong. He's still kinda in a trance. He keeps looking around as if he knows the place, like there's something here that he remembers, but doesn't really want to. He *knows* this place though, I can tell you that much."
"Well, he *did* just transfer here this year," Eagle responded. "Who knows? Maybe this is where he came from."
"Yeah, that's probably it. But I wish you would talk to him, Eagle. *Something* is wrong."
Eagle smiled. "Okay. I'll talk to him." He stood to go, ruffling up Geos constantly messy hair.
"Hey!" Geo swatted at Eagle's hand.
Eagle walked over to where Lantis was standing, staring off at the clock on the wall of the locker room.
"Hey, you okay?" he asked, putting his hand on Lantis' shoulder. The taller boy jumped, startled, then tried to laugh it off.
"Of course! Why wouldn't I be?" he responded, his tone flat.
"I don't know...it just seemed like something was wrong. I won't push you," Eagle said softly. "I just want you to know that, if you need someone to talk to, I'm here for you. We all are."
Lantis smiled. "Thanks-" he began, but was interrupted by the opposing team entering the locker room. Leading them in was that head of crazy green hair that he was so used to: Ferio ___. Almost immdiately, their eyes met. Lantis swallowed hard against the lump forming in his throat.
"Hey, Ferio," he said softly. "Hi Lafarga...Ascot...Clef."
The familiar faces stared back at him. Ferio was in front, staring at him, not a hint of expression giving away any thought he was having. Lafarga stood behind him, glaring openly at Lantis, long blond hair pulled back in it's usual ponytail. He was much taller than Ferio, taller even than Geo. Ascot flanked Lafarga, looking nervous, as if he didn't know how to react to Lantis' return, long brown hair covering his eyes, as always. Clef was just next to Ferio, silvery blueish hair still a decently short length, he himself the shortest in the room by at least a good three inches tinier than the petit Zazu. Ever the peacemaker, he was smiling happily at his old friend, thrilled to see Lantis back.
"Hi, Lantis!" he beamed. Lantis couldn't help but smile.
"Hey, Clef," he said. "These are some new friends of mine. Eagle," Eagle waved, smiling a cute (if rather confused) little smile, "Geo," Geo gave a very brief acknowledgement, "and Zazu. Guys, this is Clef." Unlike Geo, Zazu was not at all reserved when it came to introductions.
"Hi, Clef!" he grinned broadly. "I'm Zazu. Zazu Torque! It's really nice to meet you, if you're Lantis' friend. Even if you're not his friend. I like meeting people. And you have immensely fun kinda blueish sorta silvery hair. *Wow*, you're even shorter than *I* am. That's pretty strange, because I'm *really* short. *Say*, do you have problems in the locker room *too*? Nasty views of guys, er, um, *private* areas? Because *I'm* always-"
Geo lightly smacked the back of Zazus head in a none-too-subtle-way.
"Ow!"
Clef laughed. "It's nice to meet you too, Zazu. Guys, it's nice to see Lantis again and meet these cool peeps, isn't it?" he prodded.
"Heh, yeah!" Ascot laughed nervously, looking up at Lafarga to see his reaction. Lafarga glowered down at him, and Ascot shrank under his glare.
"LAFARGA!" Surprisingly enough, Lafarga seemed to shrink a little under the disapproval in Clefs voice, despite the fact that he could easily tear Clefs head off at any given moment. Clef turned to Ferio now. "Isn't it nice to see Lantis, Ferio?" he asked, an obvious say-something-before-I-kill-you sort of tone in his voice. Lantis stared at Ferio, anxious hope in his eyes. Ferio smiled slightly, but sincerely.
"Yeah," he said softly, eyes looking right into Lantis'. "It's really nice to see you Lantis. Sincerely." The tension in the room seemed to go down a few notches, but before anyone could speak another word, the buzzer sounded for the tournament to begin. Lantis smiled at Ferio. It had been enough. They would talk later.
"Alright, then!" Eagle said, clapping his hands together. "You ready to go out there now?" There was a resounding cheer from his team as the Cephiro team watched this gangly blond curiously. "Al-RIIIIIGHT!" Eagle pumped the air with one fist. "Then let's go out there and kick some serious boo-*TAY*!" Turning to run out the door, Eagle tripped over thin air and fell down, turning half of a somersault and landing flat on his back. "Owies."
Grinning, Lantis crouched down and leaned over him as the members of both teams howled with laughter. "You know, Eagle, for someone as graceful at fencing and rollar blading and every other sport imaginable as you are, I cannot understand how you are so DAMN CLUMSY!"
Eagle grinned up at him. "Years of practice."
Lantis simply shook his head. "I despair, I really do." Standing, he bent over and offered his hand to Eagle. "C'mon." He yanked the captain to his feet. "Now, take your own advice and go kick some ass."
Eagle grinned and saluted. "Yes, sir!"
~*~
Eagle tapped his foot boredly on the floor. They had gotten through the preliminary matches already, and were just starting the finals. The preliminaries were strictly same-sex competitions, to choose only the best of the boys and girls to compete against each other. The finals were basically the same as a round robin, but they were longer. In the finals, you could compete against a member of the same sex or of the opposite, it didn't matter. The whole thing took *waaaaaay* too long in Eagles opinion. Zazu passed by Eagle, carting his thermos.
"Oh, *no* you don't!" Eagle grabbed the thermos from Zazus fingers.
"Hey! Give it back! It's mine!" Poor, short little Zazu leaped up and down, desperately trying to reach it.
"Uh uh. There's no way we're getting disqualified because *you* felt like getting drunk!" Eagle stormed into the bathroom and began pouring the wine down the sink.
"NOOOOO!" Zazu wailed. Eagle rinsed out the now empty thermos and thrust it back into Zazu's hands.
"Here." Zazu sulked still. Eagle sighed impatiently. "I'll buy you some more wine later. *Good* wine."
Zazus eyes lit up. "*REALLY*?!?!"
Eagle swallowed hard, wondering what he was getting himself into. "H-hai. Hai. Later."
The loudspeaker blared up. "Eagle Vision of Autozam, Umi Ryuzaki of Cephiro, square 1 in two minutes and counting." Eagle grabbed his helmet and foil.
"Gotta go, Zaz. See you later!"
"Good luck!"
Eagle reached the fencing square in record time, too oblivious to realize that his was the last match of the night. He tripped slightly and nearly fell into the referee. Straightening up amid titters from the crowd, he smiled in embarassment at the ref, feeling the tips of his ears turning pink. "Sorry, sir."
The ref smiled back. "No problem. I take it you're Eagle Vision. Your reputation preceeds you."
"Thanks!"
"Take your position."
Eagle stepped into the square and finally got a good look at his opponent for the first time. It was a girl, tall and slender, long blue hair pulled back in a ponytail. She stared back at him with wide blue eyes, unsmiling.
"Salute then, and on start on my whistle."
Eagle stared back at the girl, and raised his foil. She did the same, and they swooshed the blades through the air in salute and pulled their masks on. The ref stepped backwards out of the square, blowing the whistle. Eagle dove forwards immediately, taking the attack, and the girl had no choice but to retreat. Eagle began sizing her up. Good footwork, she wasn't likely to trip. She had a sort of natural grace to her movements, she worked her foil with ease. It would be a hard match. The girl easily parried his first thrust and struck him right on target in the shoulder, thereby forcing him to take the defensive position. He would much rather attack any day.
As with Lantis, the match was difficult. Eagle found himself sweating soon after beginning, as much from exertion as from anxiety. He didn't want to lose to this girl. He wanted to make it to finals. Soon, he lost count of how many hits each of them had and merely concentrated on hitting her.
Eagle advanced again, thrusting the blade swiftly, outmanuevering her parry and diving towards her. He felt the tip of his foil connect with her shoulder and heard the buzzer sound for the end of the match. Apparently he had won. Pulling off his mask, he stuck his foil under his left arm and offered the girl his hand. "Nice match."
She pulled off her helmet, blue hair tumbling loose. "You too." She shook his hand, but Eagle could tell that she wasn't pleased. He didn't know why. She could still make it to finals, if she beat her next opponent.
The loudspeaker blared up again. "The winners of the tournament are...."
//Winners?!//
"in third place, Lantis Darkhorse of Autozam. In second place, Umi Ryuzaki of Cephiro. In first place, Eagle Vision of Autozam."
Eagle sat stunned as his team cheered for him and Lantis. //I won?! I didn't even know it was *finals*!!!//
"Nice job, Eagle!" Lantis called, jogging over. Eagle shook out of his reverie, grinning.
"You too!"
"Hey, Mr. President!" Zazu tugged at Eagles sleeve. "We're all gonna go out to celebrate, okay? We're gonna treat you and Lantis. You guys were great!"
Eage looked at Lantis. "Okay. We'll be there in a few. Can you and Geo catch a lift with the others? Lantis and I 'll be there in a few."
Zazu looked at Eagle with understanding in his huge eyes. "Sure, Eagle. Catch you later!" The short boy ran off to join his friends. Lantis turned to Eagle.
"Why'd you do that, Eagle?"
Eagle smiled. "I thought you'd like to talk to your friends for a few."
Lantis grinned. "You thought right. Thanks, Eagle!" Lantis turned to go and then looked back. "You want to come meet them?"
"Sure!"
~*~
"It's not fair!" Umi bitched. "I'm *so* much better than that guy!"
"Heh, yeah, but *Umi*," Hikaru laughed nervously, "he *did* beat you fair and square!"
"I believe that Umi is just upset," said Fuu , stating the obvious, as usual.
"Nice call, Fuu." Ferio teased, slipping an arm against his girlfriends slim waist.
"You shut up!" she admonished, swatting him lightly.
"Hey, here comes Lantis!" Ascot interrupted, pointing their friend out. .
"And that guy who beat me is with him!" Umi scowled. Lantis and Eagle jogged over.
"Hey, guys!" Lantis said, smiling nervously. "What's up? You guys were all great."
"You too!" Ascot said, smiling. Even Lafarga seemed a bit more at ease now. Eagle smiled at Umi.
"You were amazing!" he exclaimed. Umi stared sullenly at the floor until Hikaru and Fuu both elbowed her in the side.
"OW! Yeah, thanks, you were too," she said grudgingly. He laughed.
"Thank you! My name is Eagle Vision. You're Umi Ryuzaki, I know that much. Now, who are these two other lovely ladies?"
"I am Fuu Houjii," Fuu answered, blushing. Ferio tightened his arm protectively around her waist.
"I'm Hikaru Shidou!" Hikaru spoke up, grinning broadly. Eagle grinned back at her.
"Nice to meet you both! Do you fence too?"
"Yeah!" Hikaru answered cheerfully.
"Well, Hikaru and Umi are much better than I am," Fuu cut in. "I just do it because they drag me along."
Meanwhile, Lantis got up the urge to speak to Ferio. "You were great out there today, Ferio."
"You too." Ferio replied, smiling. "You've improved."
"Well, it's all due to this guy," Lantis smacked Eagle on the back, practically knocking the slim blonde over. Ferio looked at Eagle with one eyebrow raised.
"You're a great fencer," he said to Eagle, who had regained his balance and was mock-glaring at Lantis, "but you're the clumsiest person I've ever met!"
Eagle laughed. "Arigatou!"
"Well, you certainly improved Lantis' fencing." Ferio turned to Lantis. "I..." he bit his lip, obviously finding it hard to say. "I want to apologize. For how I acted before. That was oboxious of me, and I shouldn't have done it. It wasn't....it wasn't Zagatos fault. I-"
"It's okay," Lantis interrupted, face flushing. "You don't have to-"
"-but I want to," Ferio cut in stubbornly. "I was a jerk. It wasn't Zagatos fault. I knew it then, but I didn't want to admit it, because it hurt too much. I shouldn't have taken my pain out on you. I'm sorry."
Eagle looked at Lantis, confused. Lantis deliberately avoided looking at Eagle, and the floor suddenly became veeeeery interesting. "It's okay, Ferio." he muttered.
"Good. Because I missed you." Ferio hugged his friend suddenly. When he pulled away, he smiled at Lantis, who forced a weak smile back. "C'mon, you have to meet my girl." Ferio gently pulled Fuu forwards. "This is Fuu."
"It's nice to meet you, Fuu," Lantis said. "What're you doing with a loser like Ferio?"
"HEY!" Ferio cried indignantly. Fuu simply laughed.
"I don't think I know these two, either," Lantis continued, looking at Umi and Hikaru.
"Umi Ryuzaki and Hikaru Shidou," Ferio said. "They came here shortly after you left. Fuu, Hikaru, and Umi all went to Tokyo High, before it closed down."
"Nice to meet you both."
"It's nice to meet you, too!" Hikaru beamed.
"Well, I'd really love to talk more, but Eagle and I have a little party to go to," Lantis said.
"Par-TAY!" Eagle cheered. Lafarga, Ascot, and Ferio all stared at him. Sweatdrop. Clef and Hikaru laughed.
"We won't keep you, then," Clef said. "Go have fun! Just come back and see us again soon!'
"No problems there!"
"Bye!"
Eagle turned to go and nearly tripped over a little girl standing in front of him.
"Hey, there!" he said, crouching down to look the girl in the eye. "What're *you* doing here?"
The girl stared back at him with wide eyes. Her black hair was pulled up on her head in two giant poofs and wrapped in pearl-covered hair ties. She was wearing an extremely fancy dress that didn't seem to quite fit in at the fencing tournament, and clutching a piece of paper in her hand.
"I watched you today," she said, tiny high pitched voice. "You were amazing!"
Eagle smiled at her. "Thank you!"
"I wanted to see 'f I could have your aut'graph."
"Of course!" Eagle took the paper from her and pulled out a pen. //Little kids are so cute...//
"I'm going to be the champion someday," continued proudly.
"Where do you come from?" Eagle asked. What's your name?"
"From Fahren. My name is Aska."
~*~
A/N: Well? What do you think? This one was longer....the girls were introduced. Heh...I like the Aska thing. Just thought I'd put it in...not that it will have anything to do w/ the rest of this fic. Just thought I'd use it. QUESTION: I NEED INPUT ON THIS. WHO WOULD YOU RATHER SEE SET UP, Umi+Clef or Umi+Ascot? I need to know your thoughts, b/c I'm not sure about this.
DISCLAIMER: (I keep forgetting to put this thing in)
MKR belongs to CLAMP.
my Top Gun quote belongs to whoever made Top Gun. ; )
THANKS TO:
Marcy- for continuing to like my story.