This should be a fairly short chapter because it's mostly dialogue. However this chapter greatly effects the direction the story heads in. Please review and enjoy.
Part 3
Chapter 10
"Rayne, come sit down." Gin pleaded as she reached out to touch the younger woman's arm. Rayne turned around and faced her, nodding lightly. A slight smile had crept up on her. She seated herself next to Lyle and across from Gin. She waited until they had all ordered something to eat before saying anything.
"What did Kelley and Kristie need to talk to you about?" She asked innocently, glancing to each of her companions in turn.
"They really just wanted to give you and your brother a chance to talk," Lyle mentioned, looking warily at the ceiling and then back at Rayne. "But they did mention the Royal Cup Tournament coming up soon. Apparently the Crimson Team is going to enter."
"Really?" Rayne looked startled, though it was barely noticeable through her still lingering grin.
"Yes. In fact, they were heading off to enter after you and Sai finished speaking with one another." Gin had a way of speaking loudly enough to hear, but softly enough to make you pay attention. It brought a sort of emphasis to her words and the meaning sank in deep. Rayne thought she caught a hint of something in her tone, perhaps excitement, but she couldn't be sure. She leaned in closer to find out. "The tournament is open to all Class A teams…"
Now she was sure she'd heard excitement in her tone. Rayne's grin grew until she felt like giggling, then laughing. Gin and Lyle looked at her as if she was odd, but she regained her composure quickly enough. "You want to enter the tournament, don't you?"
"Well, yes. I think it would be more of a challenge than the constant battles we've been putting ourselves through lately. It was also be a good chance to get an estimate on the skills of the prestigious Class S. And besides, don't you want to get to Class S and face Bit? You know you do." Rayne blushed a little. It was exactly what she had been thinking about.
"I would enjoy that, I guess. But what about you Lyle? Do you want to enter?"
"I think it'd be awesome. We've already fought, and beaten, nearly all of the teams in the tournament. It'd be pretty easy to come off with the win. Not to mention the glory, and isn't there some prize money involved?" He started chuckling, which received a reaction from both Gin and Rayne. In a moment they had calmed down again. Their food came a moment later and their conversation was stalled while they ate.
"Mmph… Good food," Lyle muttered between large bites of hamburger.
"Yes. This is pretty good." Gin brought a forkful of salad up to her lips and nibbled lightly. Rayne popped a french fry into her mouth and grinned as she swallowed it whole.
"I can't get enough!" Everything was lighthearted during their meal and when the food was cleared away, conversation turned to a more serious note.
"What did Sai want to say?" Lyle asked.
"You all weren't listening?" They shook their heads no. "Oh, well he apologized. I guess he let his anger pass, or whatever. I don't really understand it myself, but everything's alright now."
"So he finally got over whatever was bothering him. Just in time, too. Rumor is the ZBC is cracking down on known Backdraft members and even some ex-members. Kelley said she thought he left, though she said she wasn't sure."
"Sai didn't mention anything about leaving… But I suppose it might be possible. I'm not sure. We'll have to ask the next time we see him." She took of a sip of her soda, which hadn't been cleared away just yet. After a few moments of silence, Gin decided to change the subject.
"Now, about the Royal Cup… We may need to make some checkups on our zoids. Also, some upgrades might be in order. I can still get parts from the dealership I used to work at, though they might not be for free."
"That's all right. We've racked up a small fortune in prize money recently so buying parts shouldn't be a problem. We should probably head back soon to see what we need. So tell me when you all are ready, okay?"
"I'm ready when you are."
"As am I," Gin, Lyle, and Rayne all paid for their meals separately and then filed into the Gustav. It was going to be a long night of checking, updating, and outfitting their zoids.
Sorry to end it so soon, but I needed a bit of a "relaxation chapter". Like I said earlier, school and such have been getting a bit out of hand lately and so I'm stuck writing in the small pockets of time I have between school, soccer, and homework. Please review if you can. I really appreciate reviews.