Chapter 7: Operation Ryo
A/N: Amber: I would just like to say that after this chapter, Ashley was very angry at me. There's just a *coughs* few kissing scenes. My boyfriend enters, too! This is just an action-packed chapter, and guess what? KARAOKE TIME! Yes, this is a farewell party for Ryo, and a good riddance party for Nabiki. You didn't think you could get by this story without a karaoke chapter, did you? While this party goes on, Ashley and I start an evil plan to get rid of Nabiki, and Rika sings her true feelings.
Rika: NO I DON'T! I'm still mad at you.*Ryo sneaks up behind her.*
Ryo: BOO!
Rika: AHHH! Oh Ryo, don't be stupid!
Amber: Okay, attention back to me! I'm still mad at Ashley for having Rika come to her house! I wanna mention Digifreak103 for giving me such a nice review, and a good review to all of Ashley's stories! Keep it up, Digifreak103! *Gives thumbs up sign* Okay, on to the disclaimer! You do it, Kazu!
Kazu: aww man.
Amber: I won't give you a script..
Kazu: All right..
Disclaimer: Kazu: Okay, I wish Amber didn't have such a weird friend. and I also wish that Ashley hadn't MADE Amber have Henry for a boyfriend. but she doesn't own Digimon.
Amber: Actually, Ashley DID make me pick Henry for a boyfriend, and if you don't believe me, here's the actual conversation:
(A/N : This is Ashley. Yes, this conversation DID take place. I only made her have Henry for a boyfriend, because then she would take several days just to pick a name. So, this way was easier. ^_^)
Cutensweet7: tell me the truth.....Henry's kinda cute
Aasoprano07: okay....*blushes*
Aasoprano07: id rather invent the hotness of my b/f tho...
Cutensweet7: hehe
Aasoprano07: gimme names!
Cutensweet7: NO GO OUT W/HENRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Aasoprano07: NOW!
Cutensweet7: Henry
Aasoprano07: NO!
Cutensweet7: yes
Aasoprano07: NO!
Cutensweet7: yes
Aasoprano07: NO!
Aasoprano07: NO!
Cutensweet7: yes
Aasoprano07: NO!
Cutensweet7: yes
Cutensweet7: yes
Aasoprano07: NO!
Aasoprano07: NO!
Cutensweet7: yes
Cutensweet7: yes
Aasoprano07: NO!
Cutensweet7: yes
Aasoprano07: NO!
Cutensweet7: yes
Aasoprano07: NO!
Cutensweet7: yes
Aasoprano07: NO!
Cutensweet7: yes
Aasoprano07: NO!
Cutensweet7: yes
Aasoprano07: COME ON
Cutensweet7: yes
Aasoprano07: BE SERIOUS
Cutensweet7: yes
Cutensweet7: HENRY!!
Aasoprano07: I HAVE TO KISS HIM!!! *sticks tongue out*
Cutensweet7: OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Cutensweet7: cool
Aasoprano07: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Cutensweet7: yes
Aasoprano07: FINE....
Cutensweet7: YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Aasoprano07: u win...
Cutensweet7:YEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!
Aasoprano07: but im sayin that u made me!
Cutensweet7: yes
And there you have it. the actual conversation. Well, anyway, I guess that explains a lot. So, anyway, on to the story. I've been procrastinating for a long time, and I wanna get it over with.
Chapter 7: Operation Ryo
*Ding-dong!* Rika finished setting the table at the clubhouse they had rented for the party, carefully made her way through the streamers and balloons, and finally came to the door. She opened it, and to her surprise, there stood Amber and Henry, arms interlocked, smiling at each other. "Uh.hi, guys," she said, not wanting to ask questions at the moment. "Come on in. Where's the stuff?"
"Oh, yeah," Amber tilted her head backwards. "It's in the truck." The two of them went inside, took off their sunwear, and shortly, the two of them came out to help, Henry blushing deeply. "I-I think I'll take the um.projector inside." And Amber smiled and winked at Rika. Henry saw this, and immediately turned to go inside, hauling the projector with him. "You are confused, aren't you?" Rika nodded, kind of dumbfounded knowing that Henry and Amber were kissing inside. "Well, Henry and I have been going out for a while now." Amber began to explain. "We have kept it kinda secret, but we've decided to make it public now." Amber seemed overjoyed. "Speaking of making things public, when are you going to tell Ryo you like him and you don't want him to go?"
Rika now did some blushing. "Um...-"
"Exactly. See, me and the girls, y'know, Jeri, Ashley, and I, we have a plan."
Rika stood, shocked. "They know?"
"Isn't it obvious? Well, anyway, we have a little something going. It's called 'Operation Ryo.' We are going to try our best to get that evil Nabiki girl away from Ryo. Whatever needs to be done."
"Well, thanks, but how?"
"Starting with the karaoke party tonight. But one thing. Don't be stupid. Do nothing concerning Ryo without consulting us first. You have done some pretty stupid things lately. Oh, yeah, and no boys are in on this. News travels fast with them, and this is secret. We have no hope of pulling this off without the element of secrecy. And NEVER tell Nabiki. If she knows, she'll try and stop us."
*An hour later*
Rika was bored. She watched everything, and since she was bored, she noticed everything. She picked up her glass of coke, and dully wiped at the ring of sweat it formed. "Uggh." Karaoke was just about to begin, in fact, the party had not begun. A few friends of *Nabiki's* had yet to arrive, and dumb old Ryo insisted that the party not start without them. Rika had the feeling that the festivities were not going to get better once they arrived. "What's up?" Ashley approached Rika, aware that she was a bit cross.
"Nothing. Big, fat nothing," And Rika hated it. "Hey, wasn't there supposed to be some stupid plan or something?"
"Yeah, we've already started it," and Ashley handed her a script of lyrics. 'Goodbye to you' it was titled.
"What is this?"
"They're your lyrics. You sing them."
"The point being." Rika trailed off. She was really confused, and she couldn't see how this would fit. She was getting really frustrated, and she wondered if it was because Ryo was leaving. She scanned the lyrics. "Wow, this is some deep stuff."
"Yeah, that's the point." (a/n: To all of you people that know the song and think it is about a girl leaving her love, I guess it depends on which way you look at it. Let's just pretend that it's about the girl's love leaving her and she's sad.)
"Well, won't he know?"
"You are actually assuming he doesn't already know?"
"Good point." Rika said flatly. She wasn't in the mood to argue.
"Well, we will call you when we're ready. In the meantime, pretty much steer clear of the match made in hell."
"Okay. Whatever."
Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Ashley turned around, and they exchanged looks. Ashley knew what she wanted and went to go answer the door. She opened it and stepped aside, offering the preppy girls no welcome, and slammed the door behind them. The preps stared at Ashley with disdain, threw their purses in her face, and gave the place an inspection. They looked at each other, and stood there, waited to be praised and greeted. They weren't going to get any praise OR welcome here. At least, not from the tamers. Nabiki caught sight of them, sighed at the fact that the tamers didn't consider her friends royalty, and came up to them. "Hi, guys, come on over. Oh my gosh, are those new nails?"
"Like, yeah!" Rika rolled her eyes, got up, and stormed out the door. "Outta my way!" She bellowed, and ran out onto the porch. She walked around to the back patio of the clubhouse, and suddenly, it occurred to her. Ryo was leaving. He was really gonna go if they didn't do something! Just then, she saw Amber wandering around in the karaoke area, face illuminated by the soft flashing lights. She flipped through the song choices, seeming indecisive. "Hey, what's up?" Rika had some spark recharged at the rage of Ryo leaving with her. In other words, she actually cared.
"Uggh. I can't decide which song to sing. I want to sing a song for Henry." She smiled. "I love it when he blushes. He's soooo cute."
"At least you get to choose your song."
"Are you upset about that? Because look, we're trying to help you."
"What? Um.no. it's not that. I'm just.frustrated."
"Ahhhh." Amber said, fully understanding but not talking about it. Rika was happy, because all everyone wanted to do was talk about Ryo. "So, what do you think I should sing?"
"Ummm, maybe this one." She pulled up a song titled 'You Get Me.'
"Oh, great! Good one. This is a sure blush-getter."
"Thanks. Glad to know someone cares."
"Oh, come on. Let's remember the nice cruise you get to go on."
"Why? It's nothing but a prep-fest."
"Sure, maybe, but that's the next part of the plan, we're-"
"WHAT?? No. He'll be with Nabiki. Do you WANT to get me killed???"
"Okay, hold on. I was gonna say that we have arranged a blind date."
"Not going down that road either. I don't do blind dates. Not at all."
"Okay, do you want your precious Ryo back or not?"
"Yeah, but-"
"No buts. It's settled. We set you up on a date with some guy named Kouji (a/n: yes, the chosen one, but he is not a chosen yet, as this is the third season). He's not a tamer, but he is cute, from what I heard. Oh," Amber was startled, as more friends, probably here for the party and not for Ryo, were ringing the doorbell. "Gosh, we are getting quite a crowd." Rika was getting nervous. She knew everyone was, but she also knew that she was, by far, the most nervous of them all. "Come on, let's get ready."
"..Next is.Amber, singing Michelle Branch's "You Get Me!" Amber walked onstage, clearly not too calm about singing in front of a crowd of this magnitude. She took a deep breath, and grabbed the microphone. She sang, and she was very good (Yay! If you think I'm full of myself, as k my friends.)
'You get me'
So I'm a little left of center
I'm a little out of tune
Some say I'm paranormal
So I just bend their spoon
Who wants to be ordinary
In a crazy mixed up world?
I don't care what their sayin'
As long as I'm your girl
Hey, you are on my side
And they, they just roll their eyes
You get me
When nobody understands
You come and take the chance, baby
You get me
You look inside my wild mind
Never knowing what you'll find
And still you want me all the time
Yeah, you do
Yeah, you get me
So what if I see the sunshine
In the pouring rain?
Some people think I'm crazy
But you say it's okay
You've seen my secret garden
Where all my flowers grow
In my imagination
Anything goes
I, I am all you want
They, they just read me wrong
You get me
When nobody understands
You come and hold my hand, baby
You get me
You look inside my wild mind
Never knowing what you'll find
And still you want me all the time
Yeah, you do
Yeah, you get me
Hey, you are on my side
And they, they just roll their eyes
Yeah, yeah, yeah
You get me
When nobody understands
You come and take the chance, baby
You get me
When none of the pieces fit
You make sense of it
You get me
You look inside my wild mind
Never knowing what you'll find
And still I want you all the time
Yeah, I do
Yeah, you get me
Yeah, oh, yeah, oh
The first thing Amber did was look straight at Henry. He-you guessed it- blushed. It was Ashley's turn. As she walked onstage, the announcer (who was Takato, since he is last, by the way.) once again introduced the act. "And now, lovely Ashley, with 'A Moment Like This!'
'A moment like this'
What if I told you
It was all meant to be
Would you believe me?
Would you agree?
It's almost that feelin'
That we've met before
So tell me that you don't think I'm crazy
When I tell you love has come and now...
A moment like this
Some people wait a lifetime,
For a moment like this
Some people search forever,
For that one special kiss
Oh, I can't believe it's happening to me
Some people wait a lifetime,
For a moment like this
Everything changes
But beauty remains
Something so tender
I can't explain
Well I maybe dreamin'
But 'till I awake
Can we make this dream last forever
And I'll cherish all the love we share
For a moment like this
Some people wait a lifetime,
For a moment like this
Some people search forever,
For that one special kiss
Oh, I can't believe it's happening to me
Some people wait a lifetime,
For a moment like this
Could this be the greatest love of all
I wanna know that you will catch me when I fall
So let me tell you this...
Some people wait a lifetime
For a moment like this
Some people spent two lifetimes,
For a moment like this
Some people search forever,
For that one special kiss
Oh, I can't believe it's happening to me
Some people wait a lifetime,
For a moment like this
OHHHH, LIKE THIS
OHHHH, YEAH, 'cuz people search for every moment yeah.
Some people wait a lifetime,
For a moment like this.
Ohhhhh, like this.
Ashley stood for a moment, waiting to see the crowd's reaction. Suddenly, everyone began clapping. Nabiki even out on her completely fake smile and clapped a 'Whatever, I just do this for the publicity' clap. Her friends (who made up most of the crowd) even followed suite. Finally, It was Rika's turn. They announced the song quickly.
'Goodbye to you'
Of all the things I've believed in
I just want to get it over with
Tears form behind my eyes
But I do not cry
Counting the days that pass me by
I've been searching deep down in my soul
Words that I'm hearing
Are starting to get old
Feels like I'm starting all over again
The last three years were just pretend
And I said,
Goodbye to you
Goodbye to everything I thought I knew
You were the one I loved
The one thing that I tried to hold on to
I still get lost in your eyes
And it seems that I can't live a day
Without you
Closing my eyes and you chase my
Thoughts away
To a place where
I am blinded by the light
But it's not right
Goodbye to you
Goodbye to everything I thought I knew
You were the one I loved
The one thing that I tried to hold on to
And it hurts to want everything and
Nothing at the same time
I want what's yours
And I want what's mine
I want you
But I'm not giving in this time
Goodbye to you
Goodbye to everything I thought I knew
You were the one I loved
The one thing that I tried to hold on to
The one thing that I tried to hold on to
And when the stars fall
I will lie awake
You're my shooting star
Rika stood onstage, and tried not to look at Ryo. Finally, she glanced at Ryo, who was in a state of shock. He noticed she was looking at him, and promptly passed out. "Oh!" Nabiki shrieked, and ran over. "My darling Ryo!" Nabiki drew attention to the crowd, and the 'Operation Ryo' group (Ashley, Amber, and Jeri) whipped their heads around to see what was going on. "Uh- oh," Ashley said, "that wasn't supposed to happen." Nabiki leaned over and did what only an airhead would think was the only thing to revive him. She kissed him. "AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!" Ryo screamed, sorry he regained consciousness.
"Oh, my love, you fainted," and added in a menacing tone, "I wonder why." But by this time, Jeri was already onstage, ready and impatient to sing. She stared at the announcer booth, and the announcer was startled to attention when Jeri shouted, "HEY!"
"Oh, um.next, we have Jeri, who will be singing 'That's what Girls Do.*head drops and announcer starts snoring*' An extremely annoyed Jeri greedily snatched the mike.
'That's what girls do'
You ask me why
I change the color of my hair (yeah)
You ask me why
I need thirty two pairs of shoes (to wear)
You seem to ask me why I got a lot of things
It's just a chick thing... you ought to let it go
You try to understand
But you don't have a clue........
That's what girls do
Keep you guessing the whole day through
Play your emotions push all your buttons it's true
That's what girls do
You ask me why
I gotta play so hard to get (yeah)
You ask me
Do I play it cool just to make you sweat (yeah)
You want some kind of explanation I can give
It's just a chick thing... that you're messin' with
To me it's black and white
But it's not gettin' through to you......
That's what girls do
Keep you guessing the whole day through
Play your emotions push all your buttons it's true
That's what girls do
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Why should I change?
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.... I'm havin', too much fun
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.... to you it's confusing
to me it's nothing new
That's what girls do
Keep you guessing the whole day through
Play your emotions push all your buttons it's true
That's what girls do
Everyone clapped, obviously, and Jeri struck poses like a famous singer. Then everyone stopped. It was Henry's turn. He stepped up to the microphone, and no one knew what he was going to sing. Ashley and Amber exchanged glances. Perhaps a scheme from the boys? It seemed so. Henry had trouble making up his mind often as well. Just as Rika had helped Amber, they had a feeling the boys helped Henry.
'I'd Do Anything'
Another day is going by
I'm thinking about you all the time
But you're out there
And I'm here waiting
And I wrote this letter in my head
'Cuz so many thing were left unsaid
But now you're gone
And I can't think straight
This could be the one last chance
To make you understand
I'd do anything
Just to hold you in my arms
To try to make you laugh
Somehow I can't put you in the past
I'd do anything
Just to fall asleep with you
Will you remember me?
'Cuz I know
I won't forget you
Together we broke all the rules
Dreaming of dropping out of school
And leave this place
To never come back
So now maybe after all these years
If you miss me have no fear
I'll be here
I'll be waiting
This could be the one last chance to make you understand
And I just can't let you leave me once again
I close my eyes
And all I see is you
I close my eyes
I try to sleep
I can't forget you
Nanana (....)
And I'd do anything for you
I'd do anything
To fall asleep with you
I'd do anything
There's nothing I won't do
I'd do anything
To fall asleep with you
I'd do anything
'Cuz I know
I won't forget you
Surprisingly enough, Amber blushed. Then she got up onstage, and put her arm around Henry, shooting the boys a grateful look, as Henry would never pick that song on his own. She kissed him on the cheek, and he turned crimson. Ryo made sure Henry didn't pass out, and then took his place on the stage. "Next," the announcer said, "is Ryo, singing 'Wondering!'
'Wondering'
If you want me to wait, I would wait for you
If you want me to stay, I would stay right thru
If you don't wanna say anything at all
I'm happy wondering
Go!
(Yeah, yeah)
Since I was a young man I never was a fun man
I never had a plan and no security
Then ever since I met you I never could forget you
I only get you right here next to me
'Cause everybody (a-whoa-oh-oh) needs someone that they can trust and...
And you're somebody (a-whoa-oh-oh) that I found just in time
If you want me to wait, I would wait for you
If you want me to stay, I would stay right thru
If you don't wanna say anything at all
I'm happy wondering
Now my life is changing, it's always rearranging
Always getting stranger than I thought it ever could
Ever since I found you, I wanna be around you
I wanna get down to the point that I need you
'Cause everybody (a-whoa-oh-oh) needs someone that they can trust and...
And you're somebody (a-whoa-oh-oh) that I found just in time
If you want me to wait, I would wait for you
If you want me to stay, I would stay right thru
If you don't wanna say anything at all
I'm happy wondering
Go!
(Yeah, yeah)
(Yeah, yeah)
Don't tell me
The bad news
Don't tell me anything at all
Just tell me
That you need me
And stay right here with me
If you want me to wait, I would wait for you
If you want me to stay, I would stay right thru
If you don't wanna say anything at all
I'm happy wondering
If you want me to wait, I would wait for you
If you want me to stay, I would stay right thru
If you don't wanna say anything at all
I'm happy wondering
Ryo tried to look at Nabiki the whole time, but he couldn't resist seeing how Rika would react. Rika didn't look like she cared. That was surprising. Or not. Nabiki looked overjoyed, obviously thinking that Ryo was trying to make Rika jealous. He ran down to Nabiki, and she hugged him. He was choking when she finally let him go. He, like most, went back inside. Jeri, Amber, and Ashley wanted to follow him, but they had one more song to listen to. Takato was up and singing before they knew it.
'The Anthem'
It's a new day
But it all feels old
It's a good life
That's what I'm told
But everything it all just feels the same
And my high school
It felt more to me
Like a jail cell
A penitentiary
My time spent there, it only made me see
That I don't ever wanna be like you
I don't wanna do the things you do
I'm never gonna hear the words you say
'Cause I don't ever wanna, I don't ever wanna be you
Don't wanna be just like you
What I'm sayin' is this is the anthem
Throw all your hands up, you,
Don't wanna be you
Go to college, a university
Get a real job
That's what they said to me
But I could never live the way they want
I'm gonna get by, and just do my time
Out of step while they all get in line
I'm just a minor threat so pay no mind
Do you really wanna be like them?
Do you really wanna be another trend?
Do you wanna be part of that crowd?
'Cause I don't ever wanna, I don't ever wanna be you.
Takato got offstage, and the girls breathed a sigh of relief. They pushed through the crowd, grabbing Rika as they went. They pulled Rika inside, and Ashley had to stop flirting with Takato, and Amber had to pull away from Henry. Rika headed straight for Ryo, and they had to grab her and pull her into a spare room. "Shhhh," Ashley said, "we're gonna tell you about our plan."
"Okay, Amber began, like I said before, we set you up on a date for your cruise tomorrow. His name is Kouji."
"Just remember, you are not doing this to make Ryo jealous. We think that Ryo is under some weird spell. He still likes you is our theory, but he is forced to like Nabiki because of that aura of hers. It has trapped him because, for some reason, she singled him out." Jeri took a long breath.
Rika could tell the girls took their work very seriously. "Then what is the point, may I ask?"
"The point is, that Ryo might remember how much he really likes you, and he will remember that he doesn't like Nabiki," Ashley said, then added, "wait.was that too confusing? " She frowned and shrugged.
"No, I get it. But how? Ryo will be on land." Rika didn't understand how any of this would work unless Ryo would be near her.
"Not so," said Amber. "We made sure we weren't wasting our time. Ryo has a cruise, too. Right near yours. Funny, because it's under Nabiki's name. And his dad isn't going. Okay, so now you know. Go out there and have as much fun as possible, and we'll be at your house in the morning to wish you good bye and good luck." Amber finished as she pushed Rika out the door. She stood in the hallway, confused for a moment. She ran through the plan silently. It sounded like it would work.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
That night, Rika couldn't sleep. Partly because she had left the girls to do the cleaning up, but since they had insisted. And partly because she had the feeling something far bigger than this would happen on the cruise. Tomorrow, she would get on a flight to the Bahamas, and then a 10-day cruise. Things are working out, shoe thought, but why do I feel like something will go wrong?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*Ding-dong!* The doorbell rang as Rika zoomed down the stairs to answer it. She opened the door to Amber, Ashley, and Jeri hugging her goodbye. She heard everyone spout at her at the same time. "I'll miss you," "Good luck," all that stuff. Then she pushed past them and said, look, we're ready to go, so, bye. After all, it's only 11 days. It would add up to probably more than a day getting there and back."
"Oh alright," Ashley said.
"Don't forget the sunscreen!" Amber shouted as they loaded up the car (what would they take, a train?) to the airport.
"Don't forget the sunscreen? Oh come on! Don't forget to write us all!" Jeri yelled. The girls were tired, it was 6:00 am. They took their turns stretching and yawning, then reluctantly went home.
It was not a very long drive to the airport, so Rika saved her sleepiness for the plane. It all went by very quickly. They got set with their tickets, they dropped their luggage off, Rika kept a small bag for the overhead compartment. It had a picture of Ryo inside. Finally, they boarded the plane. Rika let it all go once they got seated, and it was a snooze- fest most of the way there. The last thing Rika saw before drifting off to sleep was the rising sun.
Before she knew it, they were on the cruise. She got a cart for her stuff, and took it to her cabin. Her mom was getting ready for her photo shoot, so she had a little time. She searched the boat, and finally came up with a kid with black hair in a ponytail, and faced the open sea. In the distance, he watched a ship sail away form the port. Ryo's ship. She cautiously approached him. "Hi," she said, "you must be Kouji."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dark shadow person : You unlock this door with the key of imagination. Beyond it is another dimension. A dimension of sound. A dimension of sight. A dimension of mind. You're moving into a land of both shadow and substance, of things and ideas. You've just crossed over into...The Twilight Zone.
Ashley : HEY! Rod, I TOLD you that you cannot just break into an author note!!! *hits Rod on the head with her backpack OW!*
Rod : Remember...you've just crossed over in....The Twilight Zone.
Ashley : Yeah, yeah, right. Well, I'm here! Yes, I had to have SOME input on this chapter. Well, luckily, I only have a few things to say. If you wanna know what I thought when Amber wrote Ashley had to stop flirting with Takato, the answer is NO COMMENT. And, you should be very happy that you're actually reading this chapter, since it took Amber, what?, like 20 days to write it. Okay, it IS the longest chapter, but still. And, you should feel VERY LUCKY, that you aren't reading a 'R' rated chapter now. I talked Amber out of it...thankfully. Read and review, and I promise you, my chapter will not take 20 days to write! ^_^
A/N: Amber: I would just like to say that after this chapter, Ashley was very angry at me. There's just a *coughs* few kissing scenes. My boyfriend enters, too! This is just an action-packed chapter, and guess what? KARAOKE TIME! Yes, this is a farewell party for Ryo, and a good riddance party for Nabiki. You didn't think you could get by this story without a karaoke chapter, did you? While this party goes on, Ashley and I start an evil plan to get rid of Nabiki, and Rika sings her true feelings.
Rika: NO I DON'T! I'm still mad at you.*Ryo sneaks up behind her.*
Ryo: BOO!
Rika: AHHH! Oh Ryo, don't be stupid!
Amber: Okay, attention back to me! I'm still mad at Ashley for having Rika come to her house! I wanna mention Digifreak103 for giving me such a nice review, and a good review to all of Ashley's stories! Keep it up, Digifreak103! *Gives thumbs up sign* Okay, on to the disclaimer! You do it, Kazu!
Kazu: aww man.
Amber: I won't give you a script..
Kazu: All right..
Disclaimer: Kazu: Okay, I wish Amber didn't have such a weird friend. and I also wish that Ashley hadn't MADE Amber have Henry for a boyfriend. but she doesn't own Digimon.
Amber: Actually, Ashley DID make me pick Henry for a boyfriend, and if you don't believe me, here's the actual conversation:
(A/N : This is Ashley. Yes, this conversation DID take place. I only made her have Henry for a boyfriend, because then she would take several days just to pick a name. So, this way was easier. ^_^)
Cutensweet7: tell me the truth.....Henry's kinda cute
Aasoprano07: okay....*blushes*
Aasoprano07: id rather invent the hotness of my b/f tho...
Cutensweet7: hehe
Aasoprano07: gimme names!
Cutensweet7: NO GO OUT W/HENRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Aasoprano07: NOW!
Cutensweet7: Henry
Aasoprano07: NO!
Cutensweet7: yes
Aasoprano07: NO!
Cutensweet7: yes
Aasoprano07: NO!
Aasoprano07: NO!
Cutensweet7: yes
Aasoprano07: NO!
Cutensweet7: yes
Cutensweet7: yes
Aasoprano07: NO!
Aasoprano07: NO!
Cutensweet7: yes
Cutensweet7: yes
Aasoprano07: NO!
Cutensweet7: yes
Aasoprano07: NO!
Cutensweet7: yes
Aasoprano07: NO!
Cutensweet7: yes
Aasoprano07: NO!
Cutensweet7: yes
Aasoprano07: NO!
Cutensweet7: yes
Aasoprano07: COME ON
Cutensweet7: yes
Aasoprano07: BE SERIOUS
Cutensweet7: yes
Cutensweet7: HENRY!!
Aasoprano07: I HAVE TO KISS HIM!!! *sticks tongue out*
Cutensweet7: OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Cutensweet7: cool
Aasoprano07: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Cutensweet7: yes
Aasoprano07: FINE....
Cutensweet7: YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Aasoprano07: u win...
Cutensweet7:YEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!
Aasoprano07: but im sayin that u made me!
Cutensweet7: yes
And there you have it. the actual conversation. Well, anyway, I guess that explains a lot. So, anyway, on to the story. I've been procrastinating for a long time, and I wanna get it over with.
Chapter 7: Operation Ryo
*Ding-dong!* Rika finished setting the table at the clubhouse they had rented for the party, carefully made her way through the streamers and balloons, and finally came to the door. She opened it, and to her surprise, there stood Amber and Henry, arms interlocked, smiling at each other. "Uh.hi, guys," she said, not wanting to ask questions at the moment. "Come on in. Where's the stuff?"
"Oh, yeah," Amber tilted her head backwards. "It's in the truck." The two of them went inside, took off their sunwear, and shortly, the two of them came out to help, Henry blushing deeply. "I-I think I'll take the um.projector inside." And Amber smiled and winked at Rika. Henry saw this, and immediately turned to go inside, hauling the projector with him. "You are confused, aren't you?" Rika nodded, kind of dumbfounded knowing that Henry and Amber were kissing inside. "Well, Henry and I have been going out for a while now." Amber began to explain. "We have kept it kinda secret, but we've decided to make it public now." Amber seemed overjoyed. "Speaking of making things public, when are you going to tell Ryo you like him and you don't want him to go?"
Rika now did some blushing. "Um...-"
"Exactly. See, me and the girls, y'know, Jeri, Ashley, and I, we have a plan."
Rika stood, shocked. "They know?"
"Isn't it obvious? Well, anyway, we have a little something going. It's called 'Operation Ryo.' We are going to try our best to get that evil Nabiki girl away from Ryo. Whatever needs to be done."
"Well, thanks, but how?"
"Starting with the karaoke party tonight. But one thing. Don't be stupid. Do nothing concerning Ryo without consulting us first. You have done some pretty stupid things lately. Oh, yeah, and no boys are in on this. News travels fast with them, and this is secret. We have no hope of pulling this off without the element of secrecy. And NEVER tell Nabiki. If she knows, she'll try and stop us."
*An hour later*
Rika was bored. She watched everything, and since she was bored, she noticed everything. She picked up her glass of coke, and dully wiped at the ring of sweat it formed. "Uggh." Karaoke was just about to begin, in fact, the party had not begun. A few friends of *Nabiki's* had yet to arrive, and dumb old Ryo insisted that the party not start without them. Rika had the feeling that the festivities were not going to get better once they arrived. "What's up?" Ashley approached Rika, aware that she was a bit cross.
"Nothing. Big, fat nothing," And Rika hated it. "Hey, wasn't there supposed to be some stupid plan or something?"
"Yeah, we've already started it," and Ashley handed her a script of lyrics. 'Goodbye to you' it was titled.
"What is this?"
"They're your lyrics. You sing them."
"The point being." Rika trailed off. She was really confused, and she couldn't see how this would fit. She was getting really frustrated, and she wondered if it was because Ryo was leaving. She scanned the lyrics. "Wow, this is some deep stuff."
"Yeah, that's the point." (a/n: To all of you people that know the song and think it is about a girl leaving her love, I guess it depends on which way you look at it. Let's just pretend that it's about the girl's love leaving her and she's sad.)
"Well, won't he know?"
"You are actually assuming he doesn't already know?"
"Good point." Rika said flatly. She wasn't in the mood to argue.
"Well, we will call you when we're ready. In the meantime, pretty much steer clear of the match made in hell."
"Okay. Whatever."
Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Ashley turned around, and they exchanged looks. Ashley knew what she wanted and went to go answer the door. She opened it and stepped aside, offering the preppy girls no welcome, and slammed the door behind them. The preps stared at Ashley with disdain, threw their purses in her face, and gave the place an inspection. They looked at each other, and stood there, waited to be praised and greeted. They weren't going to get any praise OR welcome here. At least, not from the tamers. Nabiki caught sight of them, sighed at the fact that the tamers didn't consider her friends royalty, and came up to them. "Hi, guys, come on over. Oh my gosh, are those new nails?"
"Like, yeah!" Rika rolled her eyes, got up, and stormed out the door. "Outta my way!" She bellowed, and ran out onto the porch. She walked around to the back patio of the clubhouse, and suddenly, it occurred to her. Ryo was leaving. He was really gonna go if they didn't do something! Just then, she saw Amber wandering around in the karaoke area, face illuminated by the soft flashing lights. She flipped through the song choices, seeming indecisive. "Hey, what's up?" Rika had some spark recharged at the rage of Ryo leaving with her. In other words, she actually cared.
"Uggh. I can't decide which song to sing. I want to sing a song for Henry." She smiled. "I love it when he blushes. He's soooo cute."
"At least you get to choose your song."
"Are you upset about that? Because look, we're trying to help you."
"What? Um.no. it's not that. I'm just.frustrated."
"Ahhhh." Amber said, fully understanding but not talking about it. Rika was happy, because all everyone wanted to do was talk about Ryo. "So, what do you think I should sing?"
"Ummm, maybe this one." She pulled up a song titled 'You Get Me.'
"Oh, great! Good one. This is a sure blush-getter."
"Thanks. Glad to know someone cares."
"Oh, come on. Let's remember the nice cruise you get to go on."
"Why? It's nothing but a prep-fest."
"Sure, maybe, but that's the next part of the plan, we're-"
"WHAT?? No. He'll be with Nabiki. Do you WANT to get me killed???"
"Okay, hold on. I was gonna say that we have arranged a blind date."
"Not going down that road either. I don't do blind dates. Not at all."
"Okay, do you want your precious Ryo back or not?"
"Yeah, but-"
"No buts. It's settled. We set you up on a date with some guy named Kouji (a/n: yes, the chosen one, but he is not a chosen yet, as this is the third season). He's not a tamer, but he is cute, from what I heard. Oh," Amber was startled, as more friends, probably here for the party and not for Ryo, were ringing the doorbell. "Gosh, we are getting quite a crowd." Rika was getting nervous. She knew everyone was, but she also knew that she was, by far, the most nervous of them all. "Come on, let's get ready."
"..Next is.Amber, singing Michelle Branch's "You Get Me!" Amber walked onstage, clearly not too calm about singing in front of a crowd of this magnitude. She took a deep breath, and grabbed the microphone. She sang, and she was very good (Yay! If you think I'm full of myself, as k my friends.)
'You get me'
So I'm a little left of center
I'm a little out of tune
Some say I'm paranormal
So I just bend their spoon
Who wants to be ordinary
In a crazy mixed up world?
I don't care what their sayin'
As long as I'm your girl
Hey, you are on my side
And they, they just roll their eyes
You get me
When nobody understands
You come and take the chance, baby
You get me
You look inside my wild mind
Never knowing what you'll find
And still you want me all the time
Yeah, you do
Yeah, you get me
So what if I see the sunshine
In the pouring rain?
Some people think I'm crazy
But you say it's okay
You've seen my secret garden
Where all my flowers grow
In my imagination
Anything goes
I, I am all you want
They, they just read me wrong
You get me
When nobody understands
You come and hold my hand, baby
You get me
You look inside my wild mind
Never knowing what you'll find
And still you want me all the time
Yeah, you do
Yeah, you get me
Hey, you are on my side
And they, they just roll their eyes
Yeah, yeah, yeah
You get me
When nobody understands
You come and take the chance, baby
You get me
When none of the pieces fit
You make sense of it
You get me
You look inside my wild mind
Never knowing what you'll find
And still I want you all the time
Yeah, I do
Yeah, you get me
Yeah, oh, yeah, oh
The first thing Amber did was look straight at Henry. He-you guessed it- blushed. It was Ashley's turn. As she walked onstage, the announcer (who was Takato, since he is last, by the way.) once again introduced the act. "And now, lovely Ashley, with 'A Moment Like This!'
'A moment like this'
What if I told you
It was all meant to be
Would you believe me?
Would you agree?
It's almost that feelin'
That we've met before
So tell me that you don't think I'm crazy
When I tell you love has come and now...
A moment like this
Some people wait a lifetime,
For a moment like this
Some people search forever,
For that one special kiss
Oh, I can't believe it's happening to me
Some people wait a lifetime,
For a moment like this
Everything changes
But beauty remains
Something so tender
I can't explain
Well I maybe dreamin'
But 'till I awake
Can we make this dream last forever
And I'll cherish all the love we share
For a moment like this
Some people wait a lifetime,
For a moment like this
Some people search forever,
For that one special kiss
Oh, I can't believe it's happening to me
Some people wait a lifetime,
For a moment like this
Could this be the greatest love of all
I wanna know that you will catch me when I fall
So let me tell you this...
Some people wait a lifetime
For a moment like this
Some people spent two lifetimes,
For a moment like this
Some people search forever,
For that one special kiss
Oh, I can't believe it's happening to me
Some people wait a lifetime,
For a moment like this
OHHHH, LIKE THIS
OHHHH, YEAH, 'cuz people search for every moment yeah.
Some people wait a lifetime,
For a moment like this.
Ohhhhh, like this.
Ashley stood for a moment, waiting to see the crowd's reaction. Suddenly, everyone began clapping. Nabiki even out on her completely fake smile and clapped a 'Whatever, I just do this for the publicity' clap. Her friends (who made up most of the crowd) even followed suite. Finally, It was Rika's turn. They announced the song quickly.
'Goodbye to you'
Of all the things I've believed in
I just want to get it over with
Tears form behind my eyes
But I do not cry
Counting the days that pass me by
I've been searching deep down in my soul
Words that I'm hearing
Are starting to get old
Feels like I'm starting all over again
The last three years were just pretend
And I said,
Goodbye to you
Goodbye to everything I thought I knew
You were the one I loved
The one thing that I tried to hold on to
I still get lost in your eyes
And it seems that I can't live a day
Without you
Closing my eyes and you chase my
Thoughts away
To a place where
I am blinded by the light
But it's not right
Goodbye to you
Goodbye to everything I thought I knew
You were the one I loved
The one thing that I tried to hold on to
And it hurts to want everything and
Nothing at the same time
I want what's yours
And I want what's mine
I want you
But I'm not giving in this time
Goodbye to you
Goodbye to everything I thought I knew
You were the one I loved
The one thing that I tried to hold on to
The one thing that I tried to hold on to
And when the stars fall
I will lie awake
You're my shooting star
Rika stood onstage, and tried not to look at Ryo. Finally, she glanced at Ryo, who was in a state of shock. He noticed she was looking at him, and promptly passed out. "Oh!" Nabiki shrieked, and ran over. "My darling Ryo!" Nabiki drew attention to the crowd, and the 'Operation Ryo' group (Ashley, Amber, and Jeri) whipped their heads around to see what was going on. "Uh- oh," Ashley said, "that wasn't supposed to happen." Nabiki leaned over and did what only an airhead would think was the only thing to revive him. She kissed him. "AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!" Ryo screamed, sorry he regained consciousness.
"Oh, my love, you fainted," and added in a menacing tone, "I wonder why." But by this time, Jeri was already onstage, ready and impatient to sing. She stared at the announcer booth, and the announcer was startled to attention when Jeri shouted, "HEY!"
"Oh, um.next, we have Jeri, who will be singing 'That's what Girls Do.*head drops and announcer starts snoring*' An extremely annoyed Jeri greedily snatched the mike.
'That's what girls do'
You ask me why
I change the color of my hair (yeah)
You ask me why
I need thirty two pairs of shoes (to wear)
You seem to ask me why I got a lot of things
It's just a chick thing... you ought to let it go
You try to understand
But you don't have a clue........
That's what girls do
Keep you guessing the whole day through
Play your emotions push all your buttons it's true
That's what girls do
You ask me why
I gotta play so hard to get (yeah)
You ask me
Do I play it cool just to make you sweat (yeah)
You want some kind of explanation I can give
It's just a chick thing... that you're messin' with
To me it's black and white
But it's not gettin' through to you......
That's what girls do
Keep you guessing the whole day through
Play your emotions push all your buttons it's true
That's what girls do
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Why should I change?
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.... I'm havin', too much fun
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.... to you it's confusing
to me it's nothing new
That's what girls do
Keep you guessing the whole day through
Play your emotions push all your buttons it's true
That's what girls do
Everyone clapped, obviously, and Jeri struck poses like a famous singer. Then everyone stopped. It was Henry's turn. He stepped up to the microphone, and no one knew what he was going to sing. Ashley and Amber exchanged glances. Perhaps a scheme from the boys? It seemed so. Henry had trouble making up his mind often as well. Just as Rika had helped Amber, they had a feeling the boys helped Henry.
'I'd Do Anything'
Another day is going by
I'm thinking about you all the time
But you're out there
And I'm here waiting
And I wrote this letter in my head
'Cuz so many thing were left unsaid
But now you're gone
And I can't think straight
This could be the one last chance
To make you understand
I'd do anything
Just to hold you in my arms
To try to make you laugh
Somehow I can't put you in the past
I'd do anything
Just to fall asleep with you
Will you remember me?
'Cuz I know
I won't forget you
Together we broke all the rules
Dreaming of dropping out of school
And leave this place
To never come back
So now maybe after all these years
If you miss me have no fear
I'll be here
I'll be waiting
This could be the one last chance to make you understand
And I just can't let you leave me once again
I close my eyes
And all I see is you
I close my eyes
I try to sleep
I can't forget you
Nanana (....)
And I'd do anything for you
I'd do anything
To fall asleep with you
I'd do anything
There's nothing I won't do
I'd do anything
To fall asleep with you
I'd do anything
'Cuz I know
I won't forget you
Surprisingly enough, Amber blushed. Then she got up onstage, and put her arm around Henry, shooting the boys a grateful look, as Henry would never pick that song on his own. She kissed him on the cheek, and he turned crimson. Ryo made sure Henry didn't pass out, and then took his place on the stage. "Next," the announcer said, "is Ryo, singing 'Wondering!'
'Wondering'
If you want me to wait, I would wait for you
If you want me to stay, I would stay right thru
If you don't wanna say anything at all
I'm happy wondering
Go!
(Yeah, yeah)
Since I was a young man I never was a fun man
I never had a plan and no security
Then ever since I met you I never could forget you
I only get you right here next to me
'Cause everybody (a-whoa-oh-oh) needs someone that they can trust and...
And you're somebody (a-whoa-oh-oh) that I found just in time
If you want me to wait, I would wait for you
If you want me to stay, I would stay right thru
If you don't wanna say anything at all
I'm happy wondering
Now my life is changing, it's always rearranging
Always getting stranger than I thought it ever could
Ever since I found you, I wanna be around you
I wanna get down to the point that I need you
'Cause everybody (a-whoa-oh-oh) needs someone that they can trust and...
And you're somebody (a-whoa-oh-oh) that I found just in time
If you want me to wait, I would wait for you
If you want me to stay, I would stay right thru
If you don't wanna say anything at all
I'm happy wondering
Go!
(Yeah, yeah)
(Yeah, yeah)
Don't tell me
The bad news
Don't tell me anything at all
Just tell me
That you need me
And stay right here with me
If you want me to wait, I would wait for you
If you want me to stay, I would stay right thru
If you don't wanna say anything at all
I'm happy wondering
If you want me to wait, I would wait for you
If you want me to stay, I would stay right thru
If you don't wanna say anything at all
I'm happy wondering
Ryo tried to look at Nabiki the whole time, but he couldn't resist seeing how Rika would react. Rika didn't look like she cared. That was surprising. Or not. Nabiki looked overjoyed, obviously thinking that Ryo was trying to make Rika jealous. He ran down to Nabiki, and she hugged him. He was choking when she finally let him go. He, like most, went back inside. Jeri, Amber, and Ashley wanted to follow him, but they had one more song to listen to. Takato was up and singing before they knew it.
'The Anthem'
It's a new day
But it all feels old
It's a good life
That's what I'm told
But everything it all just feels the same
And my high school
It felt more to me
Like a jail cell
A penitentiary
My time spent there, it only made me see
That I don't ever wanna be like you
I don't wanna do the things you do
I'm never gonna hear the words you say
'Cause I don't ever wanna, I don't ever wanna be you
Don't wanna be just like you
What I'm sayin' is this is the anthem
Throw all your hands up, you,
Don't wanna be you
Go to college, a university
Get a real job
That's what they said to me
But I could never live the way they want
I'm gonna get by, and just do my time
Out of step while they all get in line
I'm just a minor threat so pay no mind
Do you really wanna be like them?
Do you really wanna be another trend?
Do you wanna be part of that crowd?
'Cause I don't ever wanna, I don't ever wanna be you.
Takato got offstage, and the girls breathed a sigh of relief. They pushed through the crowd, grabbing Rika as they went. They pulled Rika inside, and Ashley had to stop flirting with Takato, and Amber had to pull away from Henry. Rika headed straight for Ryo, and they had to grab her and pull her into a spare room. "Shhhh," Ashley said, "we're gonna tell you about our plan."
"Okay, Amber began, like I said before, we set you up on a date for your cruise tomorrow. His name is Kouji."
"Just remember, you are not doing this to make Ryo jealous. We think that Ryo is under some weird spell. He still likes you is our theory, but he is forced to like Nabiki because of that aura of hers. It has trapped him because, for some reason, she singled him out." Jeri took a long breath.
Rika could tell the girls took their work very seriously. "Then what is the point, may I ask?"
"The point is, that Ryo might remember how much he really likes you, and he will remember that he doesn't like Nabiki," Ashley said, then added, "wait.was that too confusing? " She frowned and shrugged.
"No, I get it. But how? Ryo will be on land." Rika didn't understand how any of this would work unless Ryo would be near her.
"Not so," said Amber. "We made sure we weren't wasting our time. Ryo has a cruise, too. Right near yours. Funny, because it's under Nabiki's name. And his dad isn't going. Okay, so now you know. Go out there and have as much fun as possible, and we'll be at your house in the morning to wish you good bye and good luck." Amber finished as she pushed Rika out the door. She stood in the hallway, confused for a moment. She ran through the plan silently. It sounded like it would work.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
That night, Rika couldn't sleep. Partly because she had left the girls to do the cleaning up, but since they had insisted. And partly because she had the feeling something far bigger than this would happen on the cruise. Tomorrow, she would get on a flight to the Bahamas, and then a 10-day cruise. Things are working out, shoe thought, but why do I feel like something will go wrong?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*Ding-dong!* The doorbell rang as Rika zoomed down the stairs to answer it. She opened the door to Amber, Ashley, and Jeri hugging her goodbye. She heard everyone spout at her at the same time. "I'll miss you," "Good luck," all that stuff. Then she pushed past them and said, look, we're ready to go, so, bye. After all, it's only 11 days. It would add up to probably more than a day getting there and back."
"Oh alright," Ashley said.
"Don't forget the sunscreen!" Amber shouted as they loaded up the car (what would they take, a train?) to the airport.
"Don't forget the sunscreen? Oh come on! Don't forget to write us all!" Jeri yelled. The girls were tired, it was 6:00 am. They took their turns stretching and yawning, then reluctantly went home.
It was not a very long drive to the airport, so Rika saved her sleepiness for the plane. It all went by very quickly. They got set with their tickets, they dropped their luggage off, Rika kept a small bag for the overhead compartment. It had a picture of Ryo inside. Finally, they boarded the plane. Rika let it all go once they got seated, and it was a snooze- fest most of the way there. The last thing Rika saw before drifting off to sleep was the rising sun.
Before she knew it, they were on the cruise. She got a cart for her stuff, and took it to her cabin. Her mom was getting ready for her photo shoot, so she had a little time. She searched the boat, and finally came up with a kid with black hair in a ponytail, and faced the open sea. In the distance, he watched a ship sail away form the port. Ryo's ship. She cautiously approached him. "Hi," she said, "you must be Kouji."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dark shadow person : You unlock this door with the key of imagination. Beyond it is another dimension. A dimension of sound. A dimension of sight. A dimension of mind. You're moving into a land of both shadow and substance, of things and ideas. You've just crossed over into...The Twilight Zone.
Ashley : HEY! Rod, I TOLD you that you cannot just break into an author note!!! *hits Rod on the head with her backpack OW!*
Rod : Remember...you've just crossed over in....The Twilight Zone.
Ashley : Yeah, yeah, right. Well, I'm here! Yes, I had to have SOME input on this chapter. Well, luckily, I only have a few things to say. If you wanna know what I thought when Amber wrote Ashley had to stop flirting with Takato, the answer is NO COMMENT. And, you should be very happy that you're actually reading this chapter, since it took Amber, what?, like 20 days to write it. Okay, it IS the longest chapter, but still. And, you should feel VERY LUCKY, that you aren't reading a 'R' rated chapter now. I talked Amber out of it...thankfully. Read and review, and I promise you, my chapter will not take 20 days to write! ^_^