Finally! I got the second chapter done!! *does a happy fan dance*
Bonds Never Cut
*The authoress comes in always with her trusty "Botan" by her side dressed in a red and white priestess outfit with a "Sacred Buddhist scroll" in hand*
A-hem
Disclaimer: *unrolls the scroll and speaks in a haughty Voice* And Togashi-sama raised his drawing utensil up on high saying, "Oh *insert Togashi's religion here (I don't want to make assumptions on his religion) ^^;;* bless this thy anime that with it thou shall attract many fans to my beck an call, and make it very famous, at thy mercy. And the *insert here again* did grin, and the people did watch the anime, draw doujinshi, and write FANFICS without the threat of angry lawyers, but to do so one must count to 112, 112 being the number of Yu Yu Hakusho episodes, plus two movies, no more no le-"
^^;;;
Geez, I'm only up to 55, plus movies of course! *throws the scroll behind her back grinning sheepishly* Let's just ignore that last part...
Oh and Monty Python ain't mine either...
Okie, I know I gave warning about an original character in my last chapter and there weren't any, but today they make their appearance! I hope they will be a believable and interesting characters. *bows*
On with the story!!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 2 - A School Festival
The next morning...
"Hitots, futats, mits..."* a young female voice whispers as she practiced her swings of her shinai* as it 'whooshed' in time with her counts. Her two sandy brown braids flew into the air and landed at their usual spot behind her petite back and down to her elbows. The bright sunlight streaming through the early morning bathed the empty dojo training hall with a yellow glow reflecting off of her sweat soaked brow behind her parted wavy bangs. It was early in the morning as usual, and she was doing her daily practices as per order of her sensei. About half an hour later, she took a quick shower and dressed into her bluish-gray uniform while tying on the string bow that went around the collar.
"Dozo, sensei."* the young girl said placing a bowl of miso* soup in front of a middle aged man with slightly curly short hair that was a similar color to the girls but lighter. He held a newspaper that covered his face as he sat, kneeling in from of the small table in the dining room while in his wafuku*. The two ate in silence facing each other on opposite side of the table in the dimly lit room, the most of the light blocked by the sliding doors next to them. As every day for the past six years, neither really acknowledged the other's existence. It was as if the person sitting across from the other were but a shadow...
"Goshiso-sama"* were the only words uttered after every meal as the middle aged man stood up revealing his solemn face with two gray eyes. Matching grayish eyes followed as he left the room without a word as his daughter heard the door slide behind him, The same as usual. she thought blandly as she stood up to clear the table. Once done she picked up her satchel and her holder for her shinai and headed toward the door slipping her shoes on. Once sliding the door in front of her, she was greeted with the bright glare of the morning light. Chiyo lifted her hand to shield her gaze from the daylight which flooded the hall for a moment until she walked out and slid the door closed.
Just a day,
just an ordinary day,
just trying to get by.
Just a boy,
Just and ordinary boy,
but he was looking to the sky
As he asked if I could come along
I started to realize,
that everyday he'd find just what he's looking for,
Like a Shooting star he shines.
-Vanessa Carlton, Ordinary Day
Once outside, her vision quickly adjusted to suit the glare. She spotted a young man waiting patiently outside the front door in a matching bluish-gray blazer and kakis atop a gray bicycle. His blackish-grayish bangs moved as he smiled warmly as she walked towards him. "Ohayo*, Chiyo" he said simply in a gentle voice.
"Ohayo, Daisuke" she answered with a small smile. Then raised her eyebrow inquisitively, "What's the bike for?"
"Because today's special." he stated simply never breaking his smile.
"Special?" she wondered, "Daisuke, I don't think the festival is that big of a thing." Chiyo added in a neutral tone.
"Of course it is," he said matter-of-factly, "because your finally going to perform with our club."
"Don't remind me." Chiyo answered with a frown, "Takako would give me nothing but grief if I didn't."
Daisuke gave a small chuckle before holding out his hand to her, "Shall we get going?"
"Yeah, yeah." the girl retorted sarcastically ungracefully taking his hand to take a steady footing on the bars on the sides of the back wheel. After placing her satchel next to his in the wire basket on the front, Daisuke peddled the bike to reach a moderate speed.
The day felt pleasant as the setting whizzed by. A breeze blew by them as the bike headed down the street. The sun shined just right through the trees stretching above them. Chiyo couldn't help but close her eyes in contentment.
The bike soon headed onto the main street. Various people were busy at the various grocery stores buying the fresh produce that had been freshly picked. Chiyo could smell the bean sprouts.
And I hate bean sprouts. She thought absentmindedly. Off to the side near an alleyway she saw two girls from their school talking to some guys from another school. From the looks of their uniforms it looks like Kasanegafuchi Jr. High. Guys from that far don't come here that often.
Utagawa Jr. High was considered one of the uptown schools where police enforcement was more frequent, so many of the gangs from other schools considered the area neutral territory. She saw the group head into the nearby alleyway. As the two of them passed by, Chiyo caught a small glint of metal emanating from one of the guys hand.
A pocketknife! Chiyo's eyes growing wide, I should've known those guys would come here for trouble. She couldn't tell Daisuke, by the time they were able to get the police something could happen to those girls. Plus, her method of persuasion wouldn't agree with her friend either. She tightened her grip on her covered shinai balanced on her shoulder. No time to lose...
"Ne*, Daisuke? I'll catch up to you at school. There's something I have to take care of." She said suddenly before she jumped off of the bike and onto the sidewalk.
"Chotto matte*, Chiyo!" the shocked young man called out trying to turn his head toward her. However, it couldn't stay turned for long since he had to watch the road to keep from hitting any pedestrians. He yelped out as he narrowly missed an old woman, knocking down the groceries she was carrying. He quickly got off and began to apologize bowing while helping with her groceries.
"That ought to keep him busy for now." She whispered quietly to herself as she ran to the spot where the girls were. She began taking out her shinai as she turned the corner into the ally way.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Please don't hurt us!" One of the girls with a brown, low ponytail begged as she held her satchel close to her. Her skinny friend with braces was shaking next to her as they were backed into a chain link fence with no way to escape. About 5 guys surrounded them while smirking mercilessly.
"C'mon honey we justh want yer little walleths." said their leader with straggly hair and buck teeth causing somewhat of a lisp. He held out the pocket knife in his hand a little closer as the girls backed up in fear. "Now justh give usth the money like two good little girlth and maybe we'll leth you become our girlfriends, waddaya sathy?"
"I'd say that would be a pretty bad trade off." A sudden voice said from behind. She stood at the opening of the ally with her shinai on her shoulder.
"Hey, it's another chick from that fancy art school." said one of the guys with a sick mask* on his face. "Come here to play with us girlie?" another one of the guys buddies called out with a chuckle.
"Actually, I've come here to retrieve my fellow schoolmates." Chiyo replied with a cool smirk as she went into the proper stance. Both hands on the shinai's handle with both feet pointing towards the opponent. Her right foot out as both feet stood apart as far as her shoulders. The standard stance for such a martial art.
The five Kasanegafuchi Jr. High boys looked at each other with amusement, "Oh really?" their lispy leader replied. "Whathcha gonna do kendo* girl? Smack usth to death withf your little bamboo sthick?" as he and his friends broke out into a laugh riot.
"More than you think..." her voice barely heard by the five punks as a second later she ran swiftly up to the leader. A close up of his tooth-bucked face is the last thing seen before a loud "WHAP!" is heard.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*ten minutes earlier about a block away*
"Come on Urameshi!" a familiar rough voice called out exasperatingly to his raven-haired friend. Yusuke frowned while attempting to out walk his trailing "second crappy conscience," as was Yusuke was calling the orange top at the moment, "Dammit, Kuwabara! Can't you make like a leaf and shove off?!" he called back irritated.
"Look, you already promised Keiko that you were gonna go to the festival, and now you're skipping out on school, probably to avoid her."
"I'm not saying that!" the head tantei yelled placing his hands carelessly behind his head. "Besides," he added, "what are you doing here anyway? Shouldn't you be a good little boy and go to school before your sister finds out?" Yusuke added with a sarcastic tone.
"Quit trying to change the subject! I'm trying to get your stubborn backside to come back with me. And you'd better do it quickly before we're late!" Kuwabara added beginning to get flustered, and whenever this happened it usually ended in the two of them getting into a fight, and one of them with a black eye.
No, I can't get angry or else were not gonna get anywhere. The tall young man took a deep breath before starting again, Play it cool man, this is the only way you're gonna get his dumbass to move!
"You're afraid." The tall boy said suddenly before his friend came up to him in a flash and grabbed the collar of his uniform with one hand. "What did you say?!" Yusuke said thoroughly pissed.
"You're afraid to face her." Kuwabara said with a smirk, "You know that it was your stupid pride that got you into the mess, and its the same thing that's keeping you from fixing what you've created. You and Keiko have got something great, and your uncomfortable with that because you've never had a relationship like this with anyone. Plus, you're too scared of getting hurt." Yusuke looked at him in wide-eyed shock as he loosened his grip on the blue collar. He faced the ground as his taller friend continued.
"However," the young man continued as his voice became less brazen, "there's going to be fights and there's going to be arguments, Urameshi, but it all depends on what you do on your half of the relationship to make it work! Now be a man, and come with us to the frickin' festival so you can patch things up!"
The spirit detective looked down at his shoes finally releasing his friends collar. He'd hate to admit it, but his stupid "second conscience" was right. If he hadn't been so damn stuck up, and actually admitted that he was being unreasonable, he wouldn't have gotten in this mess in the first place! He sighed and placed his hands into his pocket, turned and faced the direction of their school, "Alright," he mumbled, admitting his defeat, "let's go."
But before he could start walking, he heard a loud "WHAP!" and a even louder yelp followed by two girls crying out in shock as several guys cussed out loud.
"What was that?" Yusuke wondered aloud.
"I know those voices from anywhere." Kuwabara stated with his eyes turning into a scowl, "It's a new gang from Kasanegafuchi Jr. High that replaced the last one a few months ago when a new leader came in. They're pretty new so they're trying to set up a rep for themselves." he then let out a bit of a growl, "I've been meaning to give them a little payback. They beat up on Okubo the other day for no reason and almost kept him from going to work."
"So the newbies decided to come into neutral territory to show how big and tough they are, huh?" Yusuke said with a smirk creeping onto his face, "Why don't we show them what happens when you go out of your league?"
"Urameshi, matte!" Kuwabara said with an angry tone while blocking his friend's way, "We can't fight here! You know this is neutral territory for all of the gangs! And part of my code is that a man never breaks his word especially when its one made by all of the surrounding gangs." he added with a humph.
Yusuke couldn't help but look at his honor trip with a bleak look, "Well its not like your with your gang right now, and we all know I'm not part of any group. So it really doesn't count right?"
"Well I guess so..." Kuwabara said with uncertainty.
"And by the sound of it, it looks like they're giving somebody trouble. Plus, you do wanna get payback for your buddy right?" the young punk said in a rare diplomatic tone.
"Alright! Alright! I see your point!" finally convinced the carrot-topped young man couldn't help but smirk as he clenched his fists together, "Well, shall we get goin', Urameshi?"
"Yeah," Yusuke finally said, his anticipation growing, "I wanna get a good brawl in before we have to go back to school anyway." The two teens footsteps faded as they followed the call of a challenge.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
/^_^ Action time!! If anyone has ever seen "Jubei-chan" then the opening song sounds pretty good for this scene. Ahhh, nothing like a good ass kicking to relieve stress.../
The four other Kasanegafuchi Jr. High members looked in shock as their leader fell to the ground unconscious. Chiyo wasn't even seen coming as she raced up to the buck-toothed leader and hit him square on the middle of his forehead with the rubber tipped shinai. The dagger slid to the side of the alleyway away from harmful hands.
Once recovered, the sick-mask guy took off at a run towards their opponent, "You bitch!" he yelled as he made an attempt to charge her. He wasn't very fast. Chiyo's braids flew in front of her as she stepped to the side to deliver a good hit to the back of the guy's head. A loud crash rang out as the "mask-face" dove into nearby trashcans.
Just as soon as the last member his the trash cans, another one of the five with burly, thick arms tried to grab her from behind. He had nearly gotten a hold of her in a bear hug before she thrust the handle of her weapon into his stomach causing him to keel over in pain. The two last guys consisted of a twin pair with matching shaggy eyebrows grabbed an arm each to try to release Chiyo's grip on her shinai.
Dammit! she thought frustrated I'm not used to group attacks! Kendo* was usually better used for individual duels rather than a street brawl.
"Kyaaa!" she cried aloud as she wringed her way out of the twin's grasps. She made a swift arc with her bamboo sword hitting one of the twins hard on the shoulder sending him face first into the nearby wall. The other had managed to grab onto one end of the stick and grinned for a second, thinking he had gained the upper hand. That was before Chiyo made a kick to the side, swinging her foot over her shinai while still holding it, to give a swift kick to the side of his head.
It never hurt to do a little improvising...
Chiyo gave a quick breath once all of the commotion was over. Remembering what she was there for, she turned towards the two girls. The one with the braces tried to pick up the girl with the ponytail who was sitting on the ground shaking. When she was a few feet away from the pair she tried to call out to them.
"Are you alri-" Chiyo felt a tight grasp silencing her as she was turned abruptly towards "mask-face" covered in garbage, and ready to pummel her with a brick in hand. He's too close. was her last thought as she prepared for the oncoming hit.
Suddenly a fist came flying in before "mask-face" could lower the brick toward her head. This sent him flying back into the trash head-first. Chiyo looked at her attacker's fallen form before looking at the pair. She relaxed her stance after checking to make sure that they weren't reinforcements.
"Thank you." she said simply while nodding to the raven haired young man who had helped her as he nodded back. Her vision adjusted behind him as he spotted taller figure with orange hair looking at the scene before him while poking one of the guys with the tip of this shoe.
"No prob," Yusuke answered nodding back. Then he said in an amused voice, "but it looks like we missed all of the fun."
"Yeah, are you alright?" Kuwabara, ever the gentleman, asked with an concerned voice, "Did they attack you?"
"Not exactly," then she turned to the two girls again, "You two are in my class aren't you? Shizuhara-san* and Motogawa-san, am I correct?
The girl with the braces and shoulder length black hair nodded still a little shaken, "H-hai*, I'm Aiko and this is Mariko." she said while helping her friend off of the ground. "Domo arigato* for all of your help Tsuyosa*-san." Mariko said gratefully while the two of them bowed.
Chiyo smiled slightly as she picked up one of the girls satchel's off of the ground and handed it to Mariko, "You don't have to worry about it. Guys like that are jerks. Just go to school and forget it all ever happened." Her smile tuned into a smirk as she placed her shinai back into its cover after she had retrieved it.
"Okay." both of the girls said as the trotted off to school. Chiyo watched them as they left the alleyway then turned to the two boys. However, before she could say anything she heard a cry echo from the entrance.
"Chiyo!" called out a panting Daisuke as he was bent down from his run. He held his arm on the side of the corner for balance. Sweat came down his face as he gasped for breath.
"Wh-what h-happened?" her friend said in-between gasps before his vision began to blur and his knees began to give out from under him in an instant.
"Daisuke!" Chiyo called out in an alarmed voice. She ran over to him and caught his slim form before it fell to the concrete. She took his arm and put it around her neck while scolding him "You know you're not suppose to run like that! You're system can't take it!"
What's up with this guy? Yusuke thought with a sweatdrop as he looked at this unusual sight. A young woman with a lean athletic frame supporting a slender, fragile looking young man.
Daisuke ignored Chiyo's reprimand and continued his inquiry while still trying to catch his breath as his vision continued to blur "Did-did you get into a f-fight?"
"Look, c'mon let's get you to school then you can start with your interrogation." she said seriously as she adjusted Daisuke and her shinai so that she could support both. Luckily she and Daisuke were of the same height so giving support wasn't too difficult.
"Do you two need help?" Yusuke asked, still not knowing what was going on. Kuwabara was just as perplexed as he stood aside watching the scene unfold.
"No," Chiyo said hurriedly, "our school isn't far and we'd probably faster on our own." she jogged off to the outer street, with Daisuke in tow, and yelled a "Thanks again!" as she left the ally.
"That was... interesting." Kuwabara stated simply.
"More like weird, stupid weird." the other commented as he kicked down a guy who was getting up. Once after finally accepting that they didn't know a thing, they both left the ally as well as the defeated thugs on the floor as they headed towards Saryashiki.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After school in front of Utagawa Jr. High...
"Nice to see that the three of you made it." Kurama said amused.
"I thought you said you had some lab to take care of?" Yusuke asked
"I did." the red-head answered smiling, "but I was able to finish it early, so here I am."
"Omatta sa shimash ta Kurama-kun*," Keiko said politely, "These two had to stay after school again for something." She glared at the two boys next to her.
"I'm tellin' ya, Keiko-chan*, it wasn't our fault!" Kuwabara stated in his defense, "Not mine anyway, it was Urameshi who made us late for school this morning!"
"Urusai, no one wants to hear you whine." Yusuke said in an annoyed tone.
"Anyway," Kurama interjected before the two could start another one of their disagreements, "where's Botan-san? I thought she was suppose to come with us."
"She said she had to take care of something over in Reikai and she won't be able to come." Yusuke answered.
"That's too bad," Keiko said in a disappointed voice, "I guess that's why she didn't say hello to me this morning as she went with your friend in Black in tow as I went to school this morning." she wondered with her finger pointed on her chin as she recalled earlier events.
"Hiei?" Kurama asked slightly surprised, "It must be important if Botan-san had to retrieve one of us quickly to go to the spirit world. She could have just summoned us at school. I suppose we'll be hearing about it soon enough, though."
"Then that means that we're going to have another case again, right?" Kuwabara interjected. Keiko slightly jerked from the comment and opened her mouth to say something, but then silenced herself before saying anything. Yusuke couldn't help but notice this but kept it to himself.
Their orange haired friend continued, not noticing what had just occurred, "Well then I guess we should just enjoy this then before having to go back on duty again. Besides I always wondered what this school was all about, I've sure never seen it up close like this before." Kuwabara said with a tinge of curiosity as he lead the other three through the gates and into the school.
Inside of the usual bare white walls, was the usual Japanese school seemingly similar in design. A plain white building with a clock on the middle tower with four levels and a gym to the side. It had a newer look than Saryashiki, however, the front court that lead up to the school was about three times bigger. This space was now bustling with students, many from different schools, moving from stands lined up side by side in either side of the four creating a path to a main platform/stage that was set up in front of the main building. On either side of it were two smaller platforms.
"It's not that different from our school." Kuwabara said while looking around, "Although I'll have to admit, our school's never done anything like this."
Aside from the usual stands selling takoyaki* and soba* there were one's selling other foods like crèpes and hamburgers. There was even one with a sign that said 'Try Native Delicacies from France!' as it showed off some well made pastries and cakes. Others showed off hand made craft's and artworks. A yell could be heard as an unlucky student volunteer fell into a dunking booth.
"I have heard of this school in the past," Kurama stating as he joined in the conversation. He turned to Keiko who was walking on the right side of Kuwabara while the fox-boy was on the right, "but I never heard much about it. What exactly goes on here Keiko-san?"
"Well, it's an art school for this city. All of the best students in things like art, music, dance, and even the martial arts come here to specialize in their own talents while still getting the standard education for both middle school and high school. Many of these students have to commute from a long way just to study here." Keiko added with a slight awe.
The orange-top in the center also couldn't help but show a little surprise, "Wow, so this is one of these snazzy schools for really gifted kids, huh?"
"Yes, your friends must be very talented, Keiko-san"
"Yep," the young girl said with a smile, "I especially came since my friend will be in one of the main performances."
Yusuke all this time was lagging a few steps behind his line of friends. His face was neutral, hiding what he was really feeling. Despite the lack of intensity that had been in the air yesterday between him and Keiko, there still held some anxiety which made the two of them uncomfortable in each other's presence. The lack of communication during the conversation was evidence enough. Plus, he had never been one to go to big events like this unless it was for a case, or for something like a match.
Stupid toddler. he thought as he remembered the incident regarding a certain junior and a Tokyo Dome ticket.
Whenever he was in a situation like this, he could at least have the reassurance in knowing that he had Keiko's presence to take away some of his unease. However, considering the current situation this only served to make things really, REALLY uncomfortable.
It's times like these that make me wonder if we're even on the same level most of the time... Yusuke thought sadly.
His thoughts were interrupted as the four walked closer towards the main platform. Keiko was pointing out the bluish-gray uniform's in the crowd that belonged to the school. Yusuke looked at one of the smaller platforms that was beside it. On it was a young man alone on the stage playing a clear sweet melody on a violin as a medium-sized crowd listened. His eyes were closed looking quite peaceful and natural with the instrument as his blackish-grayish bangs moved softly over his face as he continued to play.
That guy looks familiar... Yusuke thought as the young man bowed. The crowed gave an enthusiastic applause as he exited the stage. An orange-red headed young woman walked quickly up to the center and grabbed a microphone from its stand, "Hey, let's give another round of applause for Yasashiro* Daisuke for his wonderful rendition of the main theme from 'Swan Lake.' Wasn't it great!?" the crowd answered with additional cheers. "Alright," the girl continued, "next up we have..."
Yusuke's train of thought on the issue broke as he realized that the others were no longer in front of him.
Oh great, first I'm dragged to this stupid, fancy school, then I get lost in it! Luckily that wasn't completely correct, for after a few seconds of crowd scanning he found the three standing in another crowd. It surrounded a small mini-arena consisting of four wooden poles each connected by pieces of string to keep the crowd out as a demonstration/match commenced. The floor was composed of a gym mat. Next to it stood a small sign reading "The Way of the Sword*" in bright red Kanji.
I thought she said that we were going to see a performance not some kendo match! Yusuke wondered with a hint of shock. Keiko had never shown an interest in any martial art. Unless you count that strange force behind her slaps that could knock Yusuke flat in an instant.
On one side of the square, instead of the usual spectators, sat five young men about Yusuke's age waiting eagerly to show off for the crowd. Each wearing a traditional white keigogi* and hakama*. In the center of the ring, stood two figures covered from the waist up in armor not including their arms. Their faces were hidden by a men*. However, their hands had on two gloves while their hands held a shinai. One stood at about 6'0, and by his confident aura, reveled himself as the captain of the team. Opposite of him stood silently another figure, about 5'3. The captain, who introduced himself as Tetsuya talked in a low baritone voice while demonstrating various offensive attacks while his partner parried them. Once they were done, they had a small bout to show more difficult techniques.
"Hajime!*" one of the boys called out as the two commenced the fight. The smaller one faired quite well against the taller opponent, but soon fell to the captain as he pointed the tip of his shinai to the smaller person's throat with one hand while yelling out "Tsuki*!". The same boy yelled out "Yame!*" ending the match. The two bowed to each other respectfully.
After the small match, the two members went to the sidelines and sat to cool off. Their fellow club members came up in a line to finish up the demonstration with a display of warming up procedures in a coordinated fashion. The other two began to take of their heavy armor. It was then that Keiko started heading toward the two kendo students gesturing for the other three to follow her.
As the four pushed through the crowd, the three boys looked questioningly at each other.
"So who exactly again are we meeting? We've been here for half an hour already and we still haven't seen this 'friend.'" Yusuke muttered getting impatient. Luckily Keiko was a few feet ahead and couldn't hear the conversation
"I dunno," Kuwabara said shrugging, "She still hasn't told us who it is." Then he smirked, "Hey! Maybe Keiko's gonna introduce her new boyfriend to you, Urameshi."
Kurama acted fast before another fight ensured, "Calm down, Yusuke!" Kurama said quickly while holding his friend back by the arms, "He was just joking!" he sweatdropped at the scene before him.
"I'll show you joking, you asshole!!" Yusuke muttered through clenched teeth as a throbbing vein appeared on his forehead. Kuwabara couldn't help but laugh out at this reaction. His face was priceless!
Their conflict was soon forgotten as Keiko spotted out the two Kendo students still taking off their remaining armor. "Hey there!" Keiko called out cheerfully while waving at the two as they were about to take off their helmets.
It was then that Yusuke couldn't help but feel some doubt. Oh crap, he thought getting worried What if that idiot's right and her new 'friend' is some guy she met here?
It was then that the taller figure took off his helmet revealing a young man who looked about 16. He looked like a young samurai from one of those old movies with his kendo outfit and long, black hair tied into a low ponytail. And to Yusuke's dismay he had a mature, handsome look about him.
"Man, and I was just kidding about the new guy thing before..." Kuwabara muttered sympathetically.
This was cancelled out as he heard Keiko finally call out the name of her mystery 'friend' at last. "Chiyo-chan!" she said as she walked past Tetsuya. The other girl took off her helmet to reveal a pair of almond shaped gray eyes. She removed the cloth wrapped around her hair letting down two long golden-brown braids. Wiping off the sweat from her brow, she called out, slightly shocked, "Konnichiwa*, Keiko-chan! This is a pleasant surprise."
"That was a great demonstration you all did." Keiko smiled as she continued the conversation.
"Arigato," Chiyo said still sitting Japanese style on the ground then turned to the captain, "excuse me for a second, Keiko-chan." She placed the palms of her two hands on the ground with the tips of her fingers touching. "Sempai*, thank you for letting me participate in the match." she said while bowing to the ground.
The captain did the same, "Not a problem Tsuyosa-san. See you in class on Monday." Tetsuya answered while standing up. He nodded to Keiko and the others before going off.
While Chiyo stood up to talk to Keiko, Kuwabara looked perplexed as he leaned down to Yusuke, "Hey, doesn't she look familiar?"
"Yeah she's that chick from this morning." Yusuke said recalling the incident before school.
"Then how come she didn't recognize us?"
"What are you two talking about?" Kurama interjected.
His question was never answered as Keiko turned to the three boys, "Oh! I almost forgot. Chiyo, this is Kuwabara, he's a classmate of mine."
"Hiya." the tall young man answered with a hand raised. His voice held a slightly uncertain tone since they had already met that morning, even if it wasn't formally.
Keiko continued, "This is Shuuichi, he goes to another school near us."
"A pleasure," Kurama, going by his human name, responded politely slightly bowing his head.
"and this is Yusuke." as Keiko gestured her hand towards the raven-haired boy.
"Ah, the famous Yusuke. Keiko's told me so much about you..." Chiyo replied. Then she bowed slightly to the three, "Hajime-mashte.*"
Yusuke couldn't help but sweatdrop as she did this, Man, this chick's all proper like in one of those old samurai movies or something. Next thing you know she'll be performing a tea ceremony*. Either she forgot about us or she's a pretty good actress...
"Yeah," he finally said. Before the conversation could go further...
"Chiyo, the show's going to start any minute!" another faintly familiar voice called out as Daisuke walked quickly out of the main crowd and towards the group of five.
"Nani*? Already?!" Chiyo cried out in dismay.
"Yes, and Takako's about to pull out her hair waiting!" he said grabbing onto her wrist about to pull her towards the stage.
Chiyo looked nervously at his hand on her wrist, "Well Keiko's here, so you lead her to the stage while I'll run ahead." she said hurriedly as she pulled out of his grip and ran off in the direction of the main stage.
Daisuke watched as she ran off then turned off to face the others, "Keiko-san! How nice to see you!" his face brightening as he faced her. "I'm afraid introductions will have to occur as we walk." he said while looking at her companions. The four sweatdropped at his sudden change of attitude.
"Alright Daisuke-kun, lead the way." Keiko responded, regaining her composure, also glad to see another friend. The remaining young teens followed as the headed in the direction where Chiyo had run off.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"I cannot believe your starting this already!" Chiyo cried out while tucking in the white t-shirt that went under her overcoat into her skirt. She was on the stage behind one of the large speakers.
"Well it's not my fault that the others finished their performances early while you had to come in late! And I can't believe that you're not going to wear the outfit I made for this!" the stage-manager and announcer said irritatingly. Her over-confident personality and Chiyo's stubborn one never exactly made them friends. "I mean, if you're going to be in the club then you ought to at least make your first performance a little extravagant. Unlike when we had to prod you into doing this."
"Takako," Chiyo sighed exasperatedly remembering that bright, fluffy-pink ensemble that reminded her of a samba dancer. How many times have they gone through this conversation? Supposedly for Takako not enough, "those J-pop outfits make my stomach churn..."
"Yeah, yeah, and I can't strip you down and put the costume on myself." then she heard the band beginning to play a cheery, upbeat tune, "Shit! It's starting!" she yelled out as she began pushing the other girl towards the stairs to the stage.
"And while were at it," she looked at the two braids hanging down Chiyo's back. Grabbing the two ties that held them together, "at least let your hair down!" she pulled off the ties while kicking Chiyo from in front of the speaker as the band continued to play.
"TAKAKO!!" Chiyo cried out slightly angered as she stumbled on to the stage. She quickly caught her balance and jogged to the middle microphone stand and grabbed the microphone a second before her cue to sing started.
Kinou no ame wa higahi no machi ni/ Yesterday's rains came
Tsumetai hoshi no furaseta/ Bringing cold stars to the east city
Kanashii kimi wa hitori de shizuka ni/ Quietly and sadly
Atashi no daisuke na uta no kuchisusamu/ You hum my favorite song
Ikanakucha fukai kurayami ni/ I have to go, or no one will save
Mayoikonda kare wo/ The boy who wandered
Daremo tasukete kurenai/ Into the deep darkness
Atashi nara itoshisa dake de/ With love alone, I will go
Donna basho e demo/ No matter where you are
Mayowanai de hashitte yukeru/ I will go running straight to you
Dakara ooki no koe de/ So, in a loud voice
Nandomo atahi no namae wo yonde/ Call out my name again and again
-Earth Girl Arjuna, Mameshiba
Luckily, Keiko and the other's were able to arrive before the performance started. However, they arrived only soon enough to be near the back of the crowd.
"Is that really Chiyo?" Keiko wondered aloud with amazement.
Daisuke smiled, "As hard it is to believe, it is."
"She ain't too bad." Kuwabara muffled from the popcorn that he had bought from one of the stands. He offered some to Kurama who accepted. The crowed started cheering as during the instrumental she pulled up two familiar girls from the crowd. Aiko and Mariko tried to shyly decline, but Chiyo pulled them onto stage as all three sang along through the song.
"So what kind of club is it, Daisuke-kun?"
"Performance Club," Daisuke answered in English then continued in Japanese, "it's where many of us in the music department get to perform songs out of our criteria for small public shows. Sometimes we let in other students from the other departments join in if they have the talent. A few months after we both started coming to school here, I found out about Chiyo's little talent. I thought it would be good for her to do something other than the martial arts around here."
"But she seems to be having a really good time up there."
"Seems is the word, Keiko-san." Daisuke chuckled, "She has to perform in order to remain in the club, that's why it has its name. But you wouldn't believe what we had to do just to get her up there, persuasive measures had to get pretty desperate..."
All the while Yusuke was standing at the side debating on whether he should be sulking or glaring at everyone. He especially felt like aiming a particularly nasty one to the boy who, at the moment, was making Keiko giggle while recalling an incredibly amusing incident regarding the rehearsal for the club, a misplaced cord, Chiyo's attempt to learn the choreography, and the faculty's new idea to place the choral performance over a pool to fully play out the idea 'H2O Spectacular!' right next to the stage. All resulting in one, as Daisuke put it, "thoroughly soaked Chiyo."
He's better not be getting too friendly... the green-clad young man fumed silently. Apparently, his suit wasn't the only thing in that color scheme. Luckily his fears were quieted as Daisuke's face drew into a bit of a stare towards the stage as he noticed Chiyo's hair billowing out in a nice way as she turned to bow to the crowed, finishing her performance.
She would rarely ever let her hair down, and Daisuke couldn't help but take the time out to notice how pretty it looked as it billowed out into the wind.
"Daisuke-kun? Is everything alright? You got quiet all of a sudden."
The young man snapped out of his reverie, "Oh, yes! Sorry about that Keiko-san." He laughed out sheepishly.
Not like I'm jealous or anything, the tantei quickly thought. Dammit! I just wish they wouldn't look so damn comfy around each other! It all looks so... Yusuke paused in his private conversation for a moment.
Come to think of it, the young man continued, staring a Keiko and Daisuke as they commented on the last performance, when was the last time she and I ever had a conversation like THAT?
Although to others it may only seem as a passing annoyance, the matter had been something that was troubling Yusuke for sometime. Every time he and Keiko would go out on a date to some shop she liked, people would stare at him as if he were about to cause trouble. As if he were out of place in her world. He couldn't ignore the fact that she's one of the best students in school with a sparkling reputation while he was just some good-for-nothing punk. After he came back to life, and started to make his relationship with Keiko closer, he would hear rumors of how he was probably seducing her, or when teachers would talk to her about not getting mixed up with him.
How is it that we we're able to come so far in the first place anyway? Yusuke thinking while looking at the ground. I mean, when you add things up we really don't look like we suit each other. What the hell could I possibly offer her with the life I lead? His face, for a moment, reflected a mix of frustration and sadness.
Kurama, who at the time was standing next to the distraught young man happened to turn his head as Yusuke battled with himself.
"Yusuke?" the red-head asked, concerned, "What is the matter?"
"N-nothing," his friend blurted out quickly plastering on a face he usually put on when he was hiding something. Then he turned to leave.
"Wait, where are you going?" Kurama called out as Yusuke walked out into the crowd.
Also noticing his retreat, Kuwabara questioned, "Kurama? Where's Urameshi goin'?"
"Home," Yusuke's leaving figure said, answering his question. Then for a moment he hesitated and took another glance at Keiko, who was still chatting with Daisuke, then to his two friends, "Look, do me a favor, will ya? Just tell Keiko that you lost me in the crowd or somethin'." then he finally left. Disappearing in a passing wave of people.
Kuwabara was about to go after him when Kurama put a hand on his shoulder, "Just let him go. We probably shouldn't have forced him in the first place." Kurama replied.
"But what if she runs after him?"
"We've done everything that we possibly could do for them, its best if we just leave things be and let it play itself out."
The taller young man opened his mouth as if to say something, but he resigned himself to his friends words and followed Kurama as they went back towards where Keiko and Daisuke were.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Dammit!" Yusuke cried to himself while in the walk where many of the stands were, "where the hell's the exit?!" Not knowing the territory, and with the number of people blocking his way, made for a very aggravated, and lost, Saryashiki student.
Suddenly he spotted the gates where he and the others entered. Finally! he thought to himself as he headed towards the exit. But as he passed a refreshment stand he spotted a familiar figure sitting on a bench between the stand and the gates. Chiyo sat quietly as she sipped her can of tea.
Never being one to leave a curious sight unnoticed he walked up to her and leaned on the wall next to the bench. After a minute of silence, "Why aren't you with Keiko and the others?" Yusuke asked skipping the formalities and bluntly said aloud.
"I'm not a big crowd person," Chiyo answered in a quiet detached voice, "so I decided to come and take a bit of a breather."
"Then what was the big deal with the pop star performance back there?"
Chiyo let out a light snort, "To make a long story short. I was forced." she placed her elbows on her knees never taking her eyes off of whatever she was looking at in front of her.
"How'd you meet Keiko anyway?" Yusuke suddenly asked with a hint of curiosity.
"Sort of like the way I met you and your friend this morning. She came with some friends around the school to shop, got lost, and I helped her find her way around. It was about a year ago, I think. Ever since then we've been hanging out periodically."
That was around the time I was still dead wasn't it? Yusuke thought as he remembered that time when he was in limbo. Then he suddenly realized, "Hey, wait a minute... You mean you remember us from this morning?"
"Yes."
"Then what was with the whole 'Nice to meet you' crap back there?" Yusuke said with a slight throbbing vein showing on his forehead.
"I didn't think it was the best way to start off introductions in front of Keiko, you know how worried she can get..." then after a pause, "Again, thank you for this morning."
"No prob, you've already said that plenty of times. By the way, have you ever fought in fights like that? I mean gang fights, not like those refereed kendo fights you're so used to."
"No, not really. It was kind of a spur-of-the-moment kind of thing."
"Then you'd probably might want too watch yourself for a while." the seasoned street fighter warned, "You're moves we're pretty good, but guys like that hold grudges for a long time, especially when their pride gets damaged. They're gonna want payback."
"I can take care of myself."
"Alright, I won't lecture ya. I get enough of those anyway." Yusuke said, giving up.
"What about you?" the braided girl asked, "Where are you off to all of a sudden?"
"This place doesn't exactly suit me either, so I'm leavin'." the stood up from leaning on the wall and placed his hands in is pockets. "If you see Keiko, just tell her that you didn't see me." he began to walk towards the gates.
"I will tell her that I saw you, Yusuke," Chiyo stated blandly, finally looking at him, "I'm not going lie to her."
He gave her a glare, but not feeling like holding up his departure anymore he sighed, "Fine, do what you want..." then left the gates.
A few minutes later, Keiko jogged up to the gates where Yusuke had left.
"Yusuke! Yusuke!" she called out frantically. Then she spotted her friend on the bench. She jogged up to her, "Chiyo-san! Have you seen Yusuke? I can't find him anywhere!"
"Whoa, calm down Keiko-chan," Chiyo said while getting up, "I just saw him and I think he just went back home. I'm sure he can take care of himself."
"Demo*-"
"Look I know things have been tough," the kendo student stood in front of Keiko while placing her hands on the others shoulders. "but right now its probably best of you let him be for awhile."
"I suppose you're right..." Keiko sighed.
Suddenly Mariko and Aiko came up to the two. "Tsuyosa-san!" the two called out to the other girls, "want to come with us to check out the other stands?" Aiko asked.
"Sure that sounds like fun." Chiyo replied. "and call me Chiyo." she added.
"Who's your friend Chiyo-san?" said Mariko looking at Keiko.
"Oh, this is Yukimura Keiko-san, and right now she's a little strained. Why don't we show her everything Utagawa has?"
"That's sounds great Chiyo-san!" Aiko exclaimed while going up to grab Keiko's arm, "C'mon Keiko-san, we'll show you that this fancy art school knows how to have fun!"
"A-alright," Keiko said shyly at first. Then no longer able to hold out to all of the excitement she finally let out a giggle, "let's go check out that pastry stand! I always wanted to try something from France!"
"Well then," Chiyo joined as she walked up to the other excited girls, "we should probably go and find Kuwabara-san and Shuuichi-san first. They're probably wondering where you went off to. Plus Daisuke's waiting for us."
"Oh no! I almost forgot about them!"
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After the festival...
The sun began to set as a mix of orange and crimson began to color the sky. Keiko waved in front of a now found Kuwabara and Kurama as they faced back to the school. Chiyo, Aiko, and Mariko waved back from the entrance. The festival was a big hit, and the school was looking forward in gaining a more widely spread reputation.
Chiyo said her goodbyes to the other two girls as she walked back to the main stage.
The other students were packing up all of the speakers and whatnot. As she arrived, she spotted Daisuke onstage carrying a box filled with various equipment.
"Here Daisuke," she held out her hands from on the ground, "I can take that to storage."
"Thanks." he answered, handing her the box. As soon as she returned, "Where's Keiko-san and her friends?"
"Gomen, they already left." Chiyo said apologetically while the young man placed his violin into its case. He had left it at school the other day for the performance and would be taking it home today. After locking the case, he walked down the stage to where Chiyo stood and handed her the covered shinai she had used for the demonstration. "Arigato," she replied.
"Daisuke!" a bright voice called out as Takako jumped up suddenly from behind Daisuke. Her arms wrapped around his shoulders, "Ne, Daisuke-kun?" she began flirtatiously, "wanna come with me to that new cafe around the corner? Their cake is to die for!"
"A-ano Takako-san..." Daisuke answered out nervously as he turned slightly red from the close contact. His politeness usually led him to get pushed around by others. Especially by girls.
"Onegaiiii*..." Takako continued, placing a hand in his hair to ruffle it a bit, "don't break my heart!"
"Takako," Chiyo said in a low, serious voice, "I don't think he wants to go. You probably shouldn't push him."
"Who's pushing?" the other girl asked, slightly incredulous, "I mean, its not like you two are boyfriend and girlfriend anyway, Chiyo." Takako had always had a bit of a crush on Daisuke, and never hid that fact from anyone either.
"I'm not saying that Takako-san, but I can't just stand around while you create assumptions concerning my friend." While onstage she and Takako usually were able to get along whenever it concerned business about school. However, once all that was all done the animosity between the two couldn't help but seep out. Takako never liked the fact that Daisuke had wanted a girl from another department, totally separate from music, to join their club, especially while being president of it.
"Hmph, you're just jealous because I actually have a figure," Takako said, not too subtly showing off her C-sized, curvy body, "I betcha under that kendo uniform and your stick-like stature you're probably mistaken for a boy..."
"What does that have to do with anything?!" Chiyo cried out getting angry.
"A-ano, girls. Come on, lets try to keep this civil..." Daisuke pleaded in vain as the two girls locked out in a stare. He sweat dropped as electricity jolted between the two girls eyes.
"At least I have the dignity not to go around showing off myself like a peacock!" the now mad kendo girl said.
"Oh-hohohohohoh!" laughed out Takako in a haughty way with the back of her hand raised to her mouth, "At least I actually act like a person who's from this time era, samurai-girl. I betcha Daisuke has more interest in girl who's into more than kendo and training. You're so serious and solemn that you're as entertaining as a rock!"
"Oh that's it!" Chiyo clenched her fist.
Suddenly, Daisuke extended his hand in front of Chiyo lightly grabbing her wrist. "I'm sorry Takako-san." he said seriously, "but we have to get going now. There's something that we have to take care of, perhaps I can take a rain-check in answering your question." then he started walking dragging a perplexed Chiyo and leaving a dumb-founded Takako.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Daisuke!"
"Gomen!" Daisuke said out slightly shocked letting go of her wrist after a minute of walking in silence, "did I hurt your arm?" he asked concerned.
"No, its just..." Chiyo let out sheepishly looking at her wrist. She wasn't one to really be into physical contact.
Then her face changed from awkward to an annoyed look, "Anyway, Daisuke, you need to learn how to say 'no' to people for once! It wouldn't kill you or anyone else if you did." she scolded him slightly as she walked a few feet in front of her friend.
"I suppose." the young man replied, glad that Chiyo had finally calmed down. He held his violin with his satchel tied to it. Because of its bulkiness they couldn't take the bike. They had retrieved it before the festival and left it at school.
Another minute of silence followed, "So how's your dad doing?" Daisuke asked, trying to fill the void.
"The same as always," Chiyo replied blandly. It wasn't exactly her favorite subject to talk about, "Serious and solemn as a rock..."
"Hey, don't pay any attention to Takako," he said suddenly, "she can go overboard when she gets riled up. She's like that to everyone."
"It's not like I was going to smack her with my shinai," she responded curtly, "I have more discipline than that." Although, she pondered, still a little peeved from the Performance club president's words, the thought was rather tempting...
"Like this morning when you got into that fight?"
Chiyo stopped from the surprised jolt that suddenly ran though her body. She inwardly sighed, I was hoping that he wasn't going to remember that.
"Look I already told you the circumstances regarding that particular situation," Chiyo said quickly, "I mean, think of what would have happened to Aiko and Mariko if I didn't!"
"But what you did was still dangerous, Chiyo. What if you had gotten hurt? You shouldn't get mixed up in things like that!"
Please not the face, please not the face... Chiyo pleaded inwardly. She slowly turned her head towards Daisuke to behold his patent concerned, pleading look that always managed to make her feel guilty for whatever reason he brought it out for.
Also known as: "The puppy-dog look."
She cringed then finally blurted, "Well I can't exactly take back what I did! What's done is done and I'll deal with any effects that might arise, ok?!" she ended, her voice half exasperated, half whiny.
"Ok," Daisuke sighed finally letting go of his gaze, "but that doesn't mean that I can't be a little worried about you."
"Yeah it's not like I can stop it anyway.." Chiyo mumbled to herself.
"So from now on we can't take your shortcuts thought the alleyways anymore."
"You do realize that I'm not going to heed that, right?"
"I know, but that's not going to stop me from walking with you." he answered softly as his eyes shined a rare light in them that could calm a storm. He smiled slightly and walked closer to Chiyo still about a foot behind and off to the side. Gently he took her hand despite the surprised jerk she gave. "You can lead. I'll follow you wherever you may go."
Her face flushed a slight shade of red on he cheeks. She couldn't look him in the eye, and instead stole a glance at the violin case that he held in his other hand. On the side facing her, bore an engraved starburst with long pointing needles. She remembered that Daisuke use to look at the stars from a telescope in this room. He loved stargazing, "Because," he once told her, "No matter how dark it becomes they can still shine so brightly in adversity. They give me some hope."
"Whatever," she let out in an annoyed tone, not knowing what else to say. She turned her head away in an uncaring manner. However, as she felt the warmth of his hand, she couldn't help but smile to herself as she remembered those reassuring words.
"Isn't that kind of strange?" she asked sarcastically, "A girl leading a boy?"
"Tsuyosa Chiyo," Daisuke retorted in an equally sarcastic tone as his face grew a smirk, "since when did you care what other people thought?" The two of them walked home from then on in a comfortable silence. That was the way the two of them had always been when they were together, and that was the way they always would be.
And as he spoke, he spoke ordinary words,
though they did not feel.
For I felt what I had not felt before,
and you swore those words could heal.
As I look up into those eyes,
his vision borrows mine.
And I know he's no stranger,
for I feel I've held him for all time.
And he said, "Take my hand,
live while you can,
don't you feel dreams are right
in the palm of your hand?"
-Vanessa Carlton, Ordinary Day
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A few days later at the Yukimura ramen house...
Keiko had invited Yukina and Shizuru to her family's restaurant for a small celebration of Botan finally coming back from her duties at Reikai. She decided to take a bit of a break from all of the commotion of the latest case and saved the explanations for when she had to brief the tantei.
The girls were settled in the Japanese style living room waiting for a movie that was on that night.
"Why is it that we couldn't invite the others?" Yukina inquired.
"Because this is what we like to call in the human world a 'girls night out', Yukina-chan." Shizuru explained to the petite koorime* she fingered her beer can absentmindedly. Keiko's parents wouldn't let her smoke inside, "that's why we're at Keiko's house."
"But Kazuma-san seemed so upset when he found out about it."
"That's because my little otoko* gets upset whenever he can't be around you every waking moment." the older Kuwabara sibling said amusedly.
"But why is that?" the ice-demon asked innocently, Shizuru sweatdropped. Yukina still hadn't gotten the hang of human courtship yet.
"It's not only that Yukina-chan, Keiko needs some support from us now," Botan added in a hushed voice, not wanting said girl to hear, "the festival was a bit of a flop, so the two of them still aren't talking to each other."
"Yeah, leave it to two guys in charge while you're gone, Botan, and of course the whole thing's going to go awry." Shizuru replied rolling her eyes.
"Hurry up Keiko-chan, its starting!" Botan called out to her friend who was in the kitchen preparing a tray of assorted drinks and snacks.
"Yes, coming!" she placed the last of the drinks on the tray and proceeded to carry the entire thing with precise balance. As she walked out she heard the TV...
"We interrupt this scheduled broadcast to bring you this special report..."
Botan saw Keiko coming in with the tray, "Don't worry Keiko-chan I think this saved you some time, so you don't have to rush!" she said with a bright smile while jumping up to help her.
"Two young teenagers we're attacked by five gang members from a neighboring school while walking home. One was dead at the scene as police arrived while the other suffered no injury."
"Oh, how horrible!" Yukina said her voice laden with shock and sorrow.
"Officials are still on the lookout for the four other members while the suspect was found unconscious, possibly from self-defense, nearby with a hand-held gun. He will be charged with murder of the second degree. The young woman who survived attack was taken to the station for safety reasons and for questioning. Reports have yet to disclose further information except that the two teenagers were most likely victims of a mugging. Police are baffled on how such a thing could happen in an area where security is the highest in the city. A community now mourns the loss of Yasashiro Daisuke..." a picture of the young man was flashed on the screen.
A sudden crash rang throughout of the living room as three heads turned towards the source. Keiko was standing in silent shock as the tray and its contents now littered the floor in front of her.
"Keiko-chan!" Botan called out to her in alarm, "What's wrong? What happened?"
"No..." she whispered as she began to shake, lowering herself slowly to the floor until she was on her knees.
"Keiko-chan!! Daijobu*?" Yukina cried out in a scared voice.
Shizuru sat silently, already knowing what was going on thanks to her psychic powers. Times like this when I really wish I didn't have this 'gift.' the young woman thought sadly. She placed a hand on the shaking girls shoulder, "I'm sorry Keiko."
The brown haired girl said nothing, except stared at the screen with the full force of the news still not hitting her. Until her eyes leaked drops of warm tears. She covered her face with her hands as she cried softly.
End of Ch 2.
Arahazi: Whew that was long! A whopping twenty-five pages! That may not be so long for you seasoned writes but for us newbies its quiet the undertaking! *groans* now I've got to edit this thing.
Anyways, you're probably bored from all of the extensive dialogue and whatnot I put into this chapter. But rest assured, all of the details that I put emphasis on in this chapter will play a vital role in the upcoming chapter ahead. *gets all serious and methodical* Ahhh, now all of the pieces are set in their proper place and the REAL story begins...
Pioko: What about the whole scene with Takako and her figure-flashing?
Arahazi: Okie I'll admit, that was just something inspired by a bit of Slayers comedy *shudders Naga...*, but trust me, other than that it's all for the story.
Pioko: BTW, you forgot to place a disclaimer on the songs. Having an anime company sue you would be tough, but a record company would just suck...
Arahazi: ^^;; Right... but that's why I put the name of the song and the performer and/or the writer below it, but just to be safe. Translations for the songs in Japanese will be derived from the U.S. dvd distributors. *flashes a quick showing of the various companies aka Sunrise and etc.* I am merely showing my appreciation for the artists work by using their music for certain areas of this fic. It was these songs that did inspire this fic to be truthful and I thank all of the people who wrote them so much for that! *her eyes go all shiny as she recalls them all* You rock Yoko Kanno-sama!!
Pioko: Uhhhh... authoress-san...
Arahazi: Right, well off to the bed since its now really late at night. So 'till the next chapter *flashes out 'Botan' her wooden katana and slices the screen turning all into black* see ya readers!! Please review!!
Translations
Hitots, futats, mits - Its basically the numbers "one, two, & three." The Japanese use different words for counting when it applies to different things. When just plain counting you use "ichi, ni, san"etc. But when counting objects, or things like kendo swings, you use these.
shinai - A wooden sword made out of pieces of bamboo (Kenshin fans haev seen Yahiko carry one). It's used for training and sparring since its safer than using a wooden sword made out of oak, or a boken.
Dozo - A term used when offering someone something.
sensei - Just in cause ~_^. It means teacher
miso - A common side dish for traditional Japanese meals. It's a soup from clams, and you can add various items with it like tofu and pieces of leeks
wafuku - contemporary Japanese style clothing
Goshiso-sama - A polite term usually used after every meal, sort of like an after meal prayer meaning "Thanks for the meal."
Ohayo - "Good morning"
Ne - When used at the beginning of a sentence, it usually means "Hey."
Chotto matte - "wait a minute"
sick mask - Whenever someone is sick in Japan, they wear these surgeon-like masks to prevent spreading of the virus. Usually its for the cold. Some gang members in Japan wear it for the same reason that gangs here wear bandanas.
kendo - A martial art for the sword, it was also once known as ken-jutsu.
-san - A suffix used to convey respect. It means "Ms." and men "Mr."
Hai - "yes"
Tsuyosa - This will seem a little ironic in later chapters, in kanji it means "strength."
Omatta sa shimash ta - its a polite term meaning "sorry to keep you waiting"
-chan - Another suffix used for people who are close to you or younger than you, or a girl your age.
-kun - similar to -chan but used for older boys most of the time
takoyaki - Balls of fried batter with pieces of octopus inside covered with a sauce.
Soba - Buck wheat noddles served either hot or cold.
Yasashiro - Yasashii in one translation means "gentle" and the -ro at the end is a suffix meaning "Male" it helps in describing Daisuke's character.
The Way of the Sword - the literal translation of kendo ^^V
keigogi and hakama - The bottom and top of a traditional kendo uniform. The top is a japanese style shirt with the bottom is a stile of baggy pants (see Karou from Kenshin for a illustration).
men - The name for a helmet used for kendo matches it also means the forehead.
Hajime - Used at the beginning of a spar to mean "Start the match!"
Tsuki - A point of attack in kendo is called out by which body part the shinai strikes, this means that Tetsuya struck for Chiyo's throat. Some people call out what they are going to hit as a sort of battle cry like "kya!" or something like that.
Yame - It means "stop" in Japanese and for a match it signals the end of a match.
Konnichiwa - "hello"
Hajime-mashte - For proper introductions, it means "Pleased to meet you."
tea ceremony - A difficult procedure to show a woman's grace by making tea. It is a well known tradition in Japan.
Nani - "what"
Demo - "but"
Onegai - "please"
koorime - Ice-demon
otoko - little brother
Daijobu? - "Are you alright?"
