Chapter 20:: Escape
Billy stirred, moving his head from one side of the pillow to another. He sighed deeply, trying to force himself to open his eyes. As his conscious state began to rouse, he moved his hand upward, feeling something warm and smooth under his hand. He looked down, his eyes shooting open. Laying snuggled close to him, her head resting on his chest, was Karina. Billy's hand was clasped gently on her shoulder. He began to sit up, but hesitated, not wanting to stir her.
She looked so peaceful, resting there with her hair falling over her shoulders in small lilac pools. There was an innocent smile on her soft, pale face. As he looked at her, Billy couldn't help but smile, knowing full and well that if they were on the Yggdrasil and Brad was within a two mile radius, he would be dead as a doornail by now. He fought the urge to reach out and stroke the smooth petal soft cheeks. Eventually, his resistance could no longer subdue his desire to be close to her as long as he could, and he reached out, running his thumb gently across Karina's face, gracefully outlining the contours of her cheeks and jaw line with his fingers. Gently and slowly he leaned closer, brushing his lips against hers. He wished with all his heart that he could do this while she were awake, and express the feelings that were eating him alive inside.
Slowly and hesitantly, Billy sat up, the band holding his hair back falling out and making the extensions to his hair fall forward around his face.
Karina elicited a small moan as she began to stir, cuddling closer to Billy's chest. Her smile widened slightly from the warmth of her resting- place. Her eyes opened slowly, fluttering open gradually, like a butterfly spreading its wings for the first time. She smiled at the sound of Billy's slow, steady breathing and heartbeat.
"Hi there." Billy murmured, a blush moving up his cheeks gradually. Karina's face flushed the same color as his, and she looked away shyly.
"I'm sorry.. I got on your side.." Karina sighed, lowering her gaze away from his.
"It's OK, Karina." Billy replied, sitting up. He threw his legs over the mattress and stood up, then stretched out to loosen his muscles. He turned back, a smile spreading across his face. "How did you sleep?"
Karina sat up on her knees and stretched out her arms. "Fine, you?" She asked, lacing her fingers and leaning from side to side to make her muscles less tense.
Billy shrugged, his hair falling in front of his face once again. "I guess I slept OK.."
Karina's smile faded as she looked past Billy and at the door. "Hey, Billy?"
"Yeah?"
"Couldn't someone come in and see you.. You know.. Not all dolled up?" She asked, blinking.
Billy looked at the door, then back at Karina. "Good point." He replied, lifting up the bag Glimmer had given him.
"Gonna go take a shower and get ready?" Karina asked, smiling.
"I guess." Billy gave a shrug/nod, stepping closer to the bathroom.
"Want me to do your hair?" Karina smiled, giggling. "And perhaps your makeup?"
Billy looked back, a smirk on his face. He snatched one of the pillows and threw it at Karina. She screeched and ducked before the pillow hit her.
Karina looked back at Billy, putting her hands on her hips and giving him a disapproving smirk. "Now, that was mean."
He merely smiled in reply and went into the bathroom, shutting the door behind him. Karina rolled off the bed, shuffling to the bathroom door and knocking on it. Billy opened it slowly. "You don't take long to try and embarrass me, do you?" He asked, smiling.
Karina grinned back. "Already naked? That was fast. Anyway, you forgot these." She said, holding out the fake breasts Billy so despised.
Billy's eyes widened. "Give me those!" He screeched, snatching the containers in her hands. The young woman giggled, turned away and bounced back onto the bed.
"Uhhhnnnn.." Fei groaned, rolling off the bed and smacking his head on the bedside table.
Elly leaned over. "Didn't that hurt?"
Fei blinked, looking up sleepily. "Did what hurt?" He asked, sitting up, his hair a wild matted bush.
Elly sighed. "You didn't feel your head hitting the bedside table?"
Fei looked around. "No.." He replied.
Elly rolled her eyes. "Fei..?"
"Yes, my dumpling?"
"Why are you so ignorant..?"
Fei smiled. "It is my nature, sweet heart."
The door burst open and Fei gave a cry, grabbing the sheets to cover himself. He expected to see one of Oni's 'personal secretaries' but instead he saw someone else.
"BART!" Fei yelled. "You scared the shit out of me!"
Bart cackled, slapping his thigh. "Oh, man, you should've seen your face!" He yelled.
Elly smiled. "Hey, Bart?"
"Yeah?" Bart blinked.
"Your.. What's the word you use.. TIT is sliding off." Elly smiled, pointing at his chest.
Bart looked down and gave a cry, spinning around to fix the mishap. Fei stood, leaning his head to one side.
"How did you sleep, what with sharing a room with Sierra?" Fei asked.
Bart groaned. "Let me tell you that that woman has issues. Serious, scary issues. She was all 'Sigurd' in her sleep."
Elly sighed. "Maybe she really does love him."
"I don't." Sierra's voice came from behind. Bart spun around as Elly and Fei paused. Sierra gave them an emotionless look, then muttered, "Why don't you guys get dressed?" She turned away and walked out of the room.
Fei blinked. "Notice anything strange about that?"
"She didn't kick our asses?" Bart blinked, turning around.
Fei nodded. Maria and Emeralda stepped in, Maria giving them a sleepy smile.
"How much longer?" Emeralda asked, hugging onto Fei.
"Not much, Emmy." Fei smiled, tousling her hair.
"I'd think the boy would have his wife outta there by now." Jessie snapped, pacing back and forth. Timmy (you remember, the sandworm) gave him a short hiss of reply, snaking his way over to the bar and curling himself on one of the barstools. Jessie grinned and looked at Old Maison. "Maison, the worm wants a drink."
Maison gave him a horrified expression. "I am not going to give alcohol to a sandworm!"
"You wet blanket." Jessie muttered, looking over towards Sigurd. "Sig- man!" He whooped, running to sit beside the silver haired ex-element.
Sigurd looked away vacantly then sighed, turning to Jessie. He said in a tired voice, "Yes.. Jessiah?"
Jessie blinked. "Man, what's wrong with you?"
"He has the 'jones'." Rico replied, placing his feet onto one of the foot rests in front of the couch.
Jessie blinked, then grinned. He turned to Sigurd, "Siiiiiiiiiiigggguurd."
Sigurd blinked. "You realize you just sounded like the young master, don't you?"
"Scary, ain't it?" Zeke piped up.
Jessie turned to him. "Forgot you were here, boy."
Zeke shrugged. "It's an easy thing to do, man."
Jessie turned back to Sigurd, giving him a contemplating look. "Hey, Sig?"
"..What?"
"You're not.. Angst-ing over the monkey woman, are you?" Jessie asked.
Sigurd bristled. "She's not a monkey woman, Jessiah. Her name is Sierra. And no, I'm not.. angst-ing over her."
Zeke smiled. "I know love when I see it, man."
"Really?" Jessie grinned. "So, Sigurd?"
Sigurd glared at Jessie. "Don't even."
"Ah! Don't you 'don't even' me!" Jessie smiled knowingly, pointing his finger at Sigurd. "Yooooou have a crruuuuu~uuush!"
"How old are we, honestly?" Sigurd groaned, looking away.
"Harcourt! HHHHAAARRRCOURT!" Jessie sang. "Harcourtie-ort!"
"What?!" Sigurd snapped, twisting towards Jessie, a glare on his face.
Jessie peered at him for a few seconds, then yelled, "WET WILLY!", grabbing Sigurd by the neck with his arm and pulling him down. Jessie stuck his finger into his mouth, then pressed it into Sigurd's ear, the ex- element squirming and yelling the whole time. Sigurd pulled away, rubbing his ear.
"That wasn't normal." Zeke winced.
"So, what are you going to do when we get the girls back? Just leave Cimerion's docks and leave Karina, Brad and Kajumei here?" Rico asked, leaning back.
Sigurd bit his lip. "I suppose.. But there's something that has been gnawing at me.."
"Like the fact Billy will become more whiny and spend half his time pasted against a window mumbling things about his wife and we'll have to fix him if we leave those guys in Cimerion?" Jessie asked, biting a toothpick.
"..Well, I guess that is a factor, but it's all of the things happening to Miss Karina. What if someone attacks Cimerion to get her and we're not there to help?" Sigurd looked down, resting his chin on his palms and sighing.
"I don't know, Sig. Why don't you make up one of your interesting plans?" Jessie shrugged, standing up. "Anyway, I have to do some adjustments to Billy's gear cannon. It was acting up last time we tested it."
"OK." Sigurd nodded.
"I'll go with you. I'd like to check out Stier." Rico stood up, following Jessie out of the room.
"Billy, stop twitching!" Karina laughed from the bathroom as Bart stepped in, quietly shutting the door behind him.
"Karina.. I never signed up to have my eyebrows plucked!" Billy cried.
"But, Billy, you need to have DEPTH to your eyebrows! Without depth they're just straight lines!"
"I like straight lines. I don't need to look more girly than I already do!"
Bart snickered as he pressed his ear against the door. Fei padded up behind him, folding his arms.
"JUST," Fei began as Bart jumped, spinning around. "what are you doing?"
Bart blinked. "Uh.. nothin."
"It doesn't look like nothin." Fei squinted.
"Well, it is nothin!" Bart hissed, standing up straight. "Hey, you look less trashy than usual."
"..Elly did my makeup. Now that I'm actually WITH her, all this girly stuff is kind of creepy." Fei looked down. "Man, that Kevin guy came up behind me, and I swear he was hitting on me. It was really weird."
Bart laughed. "Dude, you got hit on!"
Fei squinted. "At least other men find me attractive!" He paused, then blinked. "Wow, that didn't sound right."
"No, it didn't!" Bart replied.
The door to the bathroom opened, and Billy and Karina stepped out, Billy immediately glaring at Bart and Fei. "Bart! Fei! What are you two DOING in here?" He snapped, placing his hand on his hips.
"Consulting." Bart replied, smiling at Billy. "What about you two? What are you doing?"
Billy blushed. "Nothing."
Fei smiled. "Oh, you look so pretty, Billy."
"Shut up."
"Hehehehe.." Fei squinted, turned away and exited the room.
"You two REALLY need to use your time more wisely. It seems like all you do is run around laughing and making fun of Billy." Karina folded her arms, giving Bart a questioning look.
"Well excuse me if he's the most exciting thing on that ship! I mean, he wears a green bow!" Bart pointed at Billy, who bristled.
"And you have a braid." Karina responded.
"Ah! Dah! Sooooo?" Bart squinted.
"At least Billy has a boy's haircut."
"I could respond to that but.. but.. MEANIE!" Bart yelled and ran away.
Karina smiled, rolling her eyes. "Bart and Fei are a very odd duo, aren't they?"
Billy shrugged. "I've always thought so."
"Girl!" Kajumei called, running in.
"Kajumei!" Karina smiled.
"I think I saw Brad stalking in the halls.." Kajumei blinked. "I mean, one doesn't often see a blue haired yeti casually strolling through hallways, you know."
"I wouldn't be surprised. Citan, Brad and Ziggy are sticking around here." Billy nodded.
"So that guy in the giant purple coat WAS Ziggy?" Karina blinked. "Oh good lord, that's going to haunt me for a few years."
Kajumei squinted. "Brad is such a nerd."
Karina smiled. "I'd have to agree." She looked at Billy. "You know, Brad was about your size at your age? He just had this freakish growth spurt."
"He probably went rolling in nuclear waste or something." Kajumei added.
Billy smiled slightly. "I can never picture Brad at my size."
"Really?" Karina looked at him. "I could show you a picture."
Billy smiled. "No thank you, Karina. I think I'll pass."
Karina shrugged. "Suit yourself."
Kajumei rolled her eyes, smiling as Billy left the room. She turned her gaze toward Karina. "So, you gonna stop being the dateless wonder?"
Karina shook her head, giving Kajumei a disapproving smirk. "Kajumei.."
"Come on, girl. You could never hide things from me!" She giggled, hopping onto the bed. "Spill your guts!"
The younger girl sighed, sitting on the edge of the bed and looking down. "Billy's a wonderful young man."
"And you love him! I heard you and Elly talking! Don't think I didn't, girl!" Kajumei grinned, rolling onto her back and folding her arms under her head. Karina looked at her, smiling slightly. Kajumei sat up. "So.. Remind me again WHY you haven't been on a date for like EVER?"
Karina chuckled. "Because every time any person who happens to be male shows up around our house, Brad gets this drunken gun crazed loony attitude about himself. He answers the door with a shotgun in hand."
Kajumei laughed. "Want me to talk to him about it?"
"Brad's just playing. He just wants me to find the right person, you know."
Just outside the building, Brad sat on stone steps with Ziggy next to him.
"So, anyway, Mon, why don't you let anyone date the sista chica?" Ziggy asked, looking at Brad cynically.
Brad squinted. "I don't want anyone to get their dirty paws on my sister, that's why. The private all girls school didn't work, the nuns didn't help, locking her in her room didn't help. That girl is defiant."
Ziggy blinked. "You locked her in her room?"
"She was being.. Pretty around young men!"
Ziggy laughed. "She can't help it, Mon! She's NATURALLY pretty."
"Maybe I could get her a surgery to make her ugly!" Brad grinned.
"Mon, I don't think that'll work." Ziggy squinted. "That and it's kind of.. Creepy."
Brad looked down. "I just don't want her to get hurt, Zig. She's too naïve and trusting of people and doesn't know better."
"Karina has a good head on those.. soft.. gentle.. submissive.. creamy.."
"Ziggy!"
"Oh, sorry Mon. Like I was saying, she's a smart girl. And what about that Billy kid? He's a good guy."
Brad rolled his eyes. "I'm afraid Billy's TOO womanly for Karina."
"But the kid loves her honestly, Mon. I can tell he'd never hurt her.."
Brad turned to him. "Zig, you're being serious."
"So? I can be serious too, Mon!" Ziggy chuckled.
"It's.. Frightening."
"Uh.. yeah, girl. Brad just wants what's best for you." Kajumei nodded, rolling her eyes.
Karina sighed, drawing her knees to her chin. "Besides, Billy and I.. We're.. Just.."
"Friends?"
"..Yeah. At times, it feels like I need him more than anything, that I really want him to be there with me.. But then other times, it feels like we could only BE friends.. That anything more would be.. Uncomfortable."
Kajumei smiled, getting up and leaving the room. She muttered before she exited, "Just like Brad and I once were.."
"What did you say?" Karina blinked.
"Nothing, girl!" Kajumei smiled, leaving.
About half-past five, while all of the 'girls' were sitting in the main room, Renold and a group of workers entered, rolling in a large cart of dresses and shoes. He smiled sneakily, giving a glare at Kajumei, then a soft smile and Fei, who smiled back sarcastically.
"Here is a delightful array of gowns Mr. Oni has picked out personally for his little lovelies."
"Yippee." Kajumei rolled her eyes, resting her feet on one of the shelves of the cart. Renold slapped her feet off, making Kajumei eye him bitterly.
"Miss Faye, there is one special for you." Renold smiled at Fei, who cringed.
"Jeepers, thanks." Fei replied, folding his arms, but giving his now curled hair a cute little shake.
"And you.." Renold smiled, stepping up to Karina and lifting her chin with his hand. "Are to go to his room directly after the dinner, little girl."
Karina pulled away disgustedly, looking at the floor. Billy, who was sitting next to her, bristled, trying to keep himself calm. He put a hand on Karina's back and looked up at Renold, making his voice feminine before saying, "Why don't you leave her alone?"
Renold smiled. "He wants you, too, little Billie. He saw you yesterday and immediately fell for your innocent looks." He gave a soft chuckle. "Though I should say that neither of you will be very innocent after tonight."
Kajumei responded, "Yeah, if you cut someone's nuts off, you really aren't very innocent anymore, are ya, lapdog?"
Karina giggled slightly, but immediately stopped when Renold shot her an irritated glare. He reached for her wrist, pulling her up off the couch. Karina struggled, trying to pull away. She looked up at him. "Please let go of me.."
Kajumei stood up in practically unison with Billy. She pointed at Renold. "Let her go!" She snapped as the rest of the group stood up.
Renold glared at Kajumei. "You encouraged her to act out and obviously it's too late to teach an old dog new tricks, but perhaps this little puppy can learn some manners."
Kajumei squinted. "What did you just say?" She tensed. "Did you just call me OLD?"
Renold smiled. "And what of it-" He began, but was cut off. He fell over, his face reddening as he clutched his groin. Kajumei blinked, looking at Karina. Karina smiled slightly, lowering her knee.
"Kari! You kneed the bastard!"
Karina nodded. "The not-so-old dog taught the puppy at least one trick."
"What do you mean, not-so-old? If anything, I'm damn SPRIGHTLY!" Kajumei smiled, folding her arms.
Billy smiled; grabbing hold of Karina hand and giving her an approving smile. Renold stood up slowly, trying to catch his breath. He turned his head to Karina. He growled as Karina smiled innocently at him
Renold sucked in a breath, standing up straight, but almost immediately faltering, clutching his groin in pain. "You all.. in one hour, be ready.." He hissed, turning and leaving the room, the dazzled workers following.
As soon as the door shut, Fei ran forward and hugged Karina. "That was so cool!"
Kajumei whooped. "Girl! I've trained you well!"
Karina smiled, rubbing her wrist. Billy took her hand, running his fingers over her reddened wrist. He asked quietly, "Did he hurt you?" while looking into her eyes.
Karina looked up at him, a blush reddening her cheeks. "Um.. I'm.. I'm fine.."
Billy smiled, rubbing her wrist gently with his fingers. "Good." He replied, smiling gently.
A collective, sitcom-esque "Ooooooooooooh!" rose up from the group. Billy pulled away from Karina and turned bright red. He looked around, glaring at Bart who most likely began the whoop.
"H-how old are we? Honestly!" Billy snapped, sitting down.
"Don't get all flustered, Billy! It was cute!" Bart grinned.
Fei nodded. "Truly a Kodak moment!"
Karina looked away, taking her wrist in her other hand and smiling. "Guys.. Just let it go." She murmured, sitting down next to Billy.
"Oh, Fei. Our little Billy is growing up so fast." Bart whispered.
"I know. One minute he's a pissy orphanage managing priest, the next he's a love struck fool." Fei whispered.
"Hold me, Fei!" Bart wailed, beginning to swoon and fall over.
"Uck, dude, no!" Fei hissed, pulling away and making Bart fall to the ground. "That's just plain WRONG!"
Bart whimpered, "I want a divorce, man."
Elly chuckled. "There truly is only one Bart Fatima."
Bart hissed, "Damn right!"
Karina looked at the dress rack. "So, those are our dresses." She said, standing up and walking up to the rack and fingering the fabric of a lavender dress.
Fei grinned. "We're gonna contact Citan and the others and inform them that we're busting out tonight."
"Who made that decision?" Bart asked, sitting up and shooting a glance at Fei.
"I did. I'm the unofficial, yet undenied leader, am I not?" Fei said, folding his arms.
"..We're all doomed." Bart muttered, turning around and crossing his legs and folding his arms.
Billy stood up. "And then we can go back to the Yggdrasil." He said, walking up next to Karina. "And then I guess.."
Karina looked at him, blinking. "Then what?"
Billy looked at her momentarily, then turned away. "..Nothing."
::An hour later::
"Ohhhh, all the tension is making me sweat! Lovey, where's my hanky?" Glimmer swooned, looking from side to side. His boyfriend smiled, handing him a handkerchief.
"Ah! Glimmer! What the hell are you doing here?" Brad blinked, turning to Glimmer, who stood behind him.
Glimmer smiled. "I was invited, silly!"
"..Why in God's name did he invite YOU?"
Glimmer squinted. "I have CONNECTIONS."
Citan walked up, adjusting his glasses. "We need to sneak in somehow."
Ziggy walked up in his pimp coat. "Quite simply, Mon, I told the guy I was stickin' around, so I got a deal that I could come visit my vixens."
"Ingenious." Citan commented.
"Hah! Ziggy, ingenious? It was MY idea." Brad snapped.
Ziggy grinned. "I have never seen a dinner party with go-go cages before."
Brad growled. "Is my sister in one of them?"
"What about your girlfriend, aren't you concerned about her?" Citan asked.
"Hah! Kajumei? This mansion would be in pieces if they tried to get her in one of those." Brad laughed.
Ziggy pushed past Brad. "Anyway, Bonesaw, Junior, Glimmer and boyfriend who is nameless, let's go!" He said, pushing open the doors.
Karina looked around nervously. "I don't like the go go cages.."
Billy looked at her, smiling. "Don't worry. I'm sure we'll be fine."
Fei walked past them, muttering, "That Kevin guy and that Renold guy have been following me ALL NIGHT." He snapped. "If this goes on, I'm opening up a can!"
Karina smiled. "Go, Fei."
Fei nodded. "I represent."
"Oh please, what on Earth do YOU represent?" Elly asked, placing one hand on her hip.
Fei grinned. "You're wearing red silk.."
Elly rolled her eyes. "OK, OK, Represent Boy, let's go get some punch."
Billy shifted uneasily. "I don't see how you girls can wear these dresses. They're uncomfortable."
"Actually.." Bart commented, turning around. "I find the breeze quite refreshing."
Billy squinted at Bart. "You're a sick man, Bart."
"I realize this." Bart nodded, walking away.
"Don't look now.." Kajumei said, walking up next to Karina. "But the blue haired yeti is in da house."
Karina turned to where Kajumei pointed and sighed. "And I see a heinous infringement in fashion itself with that horrible purple coat of Ziggy's. Who let ZIGGY come, anyway?"
Kajumei laughed. "I don't know, but the geeky guy with the glasses is here, too."
"Aw.. Citan's sweet." Karina smiled.
"Sweet, but nerdy." Kajumei nodded, putting one finger on her jawbone, then shrugging. "Oh well."
Karina turned to face Billy, giving him a smile. "You excited to go see your daddy?"
"Not especially." Billy replied, looking around the brightly-lit room at the guest's faces. He looked back at Karina, smiling gently. "Are you excited about going and seeing your brother?"
"Oh, yes. And even more so with Ziggy." Karina rolled her eyes, walking away after Kajumei.
"So, man.." Bart said, returning from wherever is was he went. "You see Brad and the others?"
"How could I miss him?" Billy asked, looking down at the floor. "I want to know what Oni has in mind with this whole 'dinner party' fiasco."
"Eh, it's just a way of showing off his women." Bart shrugged.
Karina stood next to the punch table, looking around for any sign of Ernest Oni. She hoped that the guys would make their move before the party was over so that she and Billy wouldn't have to put up with any of his sick little games.
She spun around, her eyes immediately brightening. "Sierra!" She called, running up next to Sierra, who turned slowly to face her.
"..What?"
"I have an idea!" Karina smiled. "When we get back home, why don't we talk to Sigurd? He's been so sad since you left."
"Feh. Sigurd never gave a damn about me and he never will." Sierra snapped.
"That's not true! He was confused and hurt last you saw him! He didn't know how to react.. So he just worked on what he thought was right.. I know he loves you, Sierra. And besides, if all of this mess isn't cleaned up, we'll need the strength of you and Blitzkrieg.." Karina whispered.
Sierra turned away. "I want him to say it himself that he was wrong.. and that he WANTS me to come back.."
Karina sighed as Sierra left. "I'm sure he will, I'm sure he will."
Just then, the room quieted. Billy stepped up to Karina, giving her a weak smile. Ernest Oni stood up on a large podium, giving everyone a rather fake smile. In a loud voice, he announced, "Thank you, ladies and gentlemen of the fair cities of Aveh, and Cimerion!" He looked around. "Today is the anniversary of my family's striking fortune in the mountains of Taneria. Blazing through hard earth itself, we mined our way.." He continued, giving a speech about the riches and wealth he found in the northernmost continent.
Karina leaned over. "I don't get it. Why did he only invite people from Aveh and Cimerion?"
Billy responded, "Because it is well known that Cimerion and Beldavik are two of the richest cities in the world. Aquvy doesn't have but one major city, but many of the towns in Aveh are rather rich what with all of the mining."
"So, he invited the heads of big business?"
Billy smiled. "Aquvy is known for its crops of fruits and vegetables, along with Gears and underwater ruin excavations. But Aveh is known for excavation of gears, ore, and is one of the leading oil countries. So, basically, he invited his rich buddies."
"Oh, I see." Karina squinted. "This is boring." She commented, folding her arms as Oni continued his long speech. "Did you not notice that the people here are practically all men. The only women are those he captured from Cimerion."
Billy looked at her, smiling weakly. "Perhaps he wants girls to entertain he friends. Dinner theater."
Karina gave Billy a rather horrified expression. "You mean.."
"He invites them to come have a meal in his cozy mansion and afterwards have some fun with his girls."
Karina placed a hand over her mouth. "Billy.."
Billy smiled. "Don't worry. We'll get everyone out of here before that can happen."
At last, Oni finished his speech, stepping off of the podium. He made a b-line to Renold, who gave a glance toward Billy and Karina. He nodded as Oni whispered something to him, then as Oni left, began walking towards the two teenagers.
Karina stepped back, grasping Billy's wrist as Renold walked up, giving the two a snaky smile.
"Mr. Oni wishes to be blessed by your presence is his quarters immediately." Renold hissed. "I'll show you the way."
Karina gave him a defiant glare, but Billy tugged on her wrist, giving her a reassuring smile.
Karina sighed weakly, allowing herself to follow Billy and Renold. "What are you doing?" She hissed at him.
Billy murmured, "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing,"
Karina shrugged. "OK, whatever you say."
Fei blinked. "Hey, Bart, look! That noodly snake guy is taking Billy and Karina somewhere!"
Bart glanced at him. "Wanna investigate?"
"Hell yeah!" Fei grinned, following Bart through the crowd. Elly walked up, holding two cups of punch.
"Fei? Fei..?" She looked around, then glared. "Damn it, Fei.." She hissed.
"Go in there!" Renold hissed, throwing Karina and Billy into the room and shutting it, locking it from the outside.
Karina folded her arms. "Well, Billy, what is your brilliant scheme?"
Billy smiled, taking out a little radio from his cuff. "We're going to contact Citan."
"Are you sure that's safe?"
Billy smiled, nodding. He turned away, activating the radio.
Citan paused, lifting up his radio.
"Who's calling?" Brad smiled slightly.
He smiled, opening the small radio. "Billy." He went to the side of the room, lifting the radio to his ear. "So, what's on your mind, young one?"
*Citan, did you see us leave?*
"No.. Where are you?"
*Karina and I are in Oni's room right now. I think we're gonna get him out of the picture. When we come back in, that's your signal to get all of us out of here, OK?*
Citan paused as a person stepped by, then continued, "Are you sure about this, young one?"
*Just tell Bart and Fei, OK?*
Citan sighed. "Of course, young one. Good luck." He smiled, shutting the radio and placing it in his pocket.
"..What did you just do?" Karina asked, folding her arms.
"We're getting out of here as soon as we get rid of that Oni guy." Billy smiled. "Before we left, we decided that Ziggy would take care of getting our stuff out of the room. He'll be waiting outside."
Karina grinned. "Does he have his huge car or something?"
Billy smiled. "..Of course."
The two jolted as the door opened at Ernest Oni entered the room. He grinned at the two, then stepped up casually.
"Well, my pretties." He cooed, sitting in a large leather chair. He gestured at the bed. "Have a seat."
Billy took Karina's hands, then pulled her down to sit at the edge of the bed. The two looked at Oni blankly, waiting for him to speak again.
"Well.." Oni hissed, waving his hand slightly, "Play with each other already."
Billy squeezed Karina hand, giving her a gentle smile. Karina sighed, standing up. She walked slowly up to Oni, walking behind his chair and setting her hands on his shoulders.
"You look so tense." Karina murmured, leaning forward. "Why don't I loosen your nerves before we.." She looked at Billy helplessly, "..play."
Oni shrugged. "Sounds fun." He murmured as Karina began to massage his shoulders, moving from neck to shoulders in soothing circles.
Karina looked up at Billy. He smiled, standing up and stepping lightly over next to her.
Karina leaned forward, giving Oni a soft nuzzle with her cheek. She then straightened back up, giving Billy a disgusted face. Billy grinned in response.
Oni shut his eyes, relaxing into his chair. He opened his eyes slowly, his gaze turning from pleasure to terror. 'Billie' was holding a pistol to his face, giving him a smart smirk.
"W-What? How did you sneak a pistol in here?" Oni squeaked.
"Guess I'm just creative." 'Billie' replied.
Before Oni could respond, Karina grabbed her mouth with her hand, putting a pressure point on his neck to make him pass out. After Oni was out of it, Karina straightened, giving Billy a smile.
She lifted her hand. "High five!" She giggled, giving Billy a high five before heading for the door.
Billy smiled, following her.
"How did you get that gun hidden in your dress?" She asked.
Billy smiled. "That's my secret, Karina." He winked, before opening the door cautiously. "Hey, the coast is clear." He murmured as he opened the door completely, stepping out with Karina following him slowly.
Citan looked around. "It has been quite a while. Do you think something went wrong?" He asked, looking at Brad.
"I think that's them coming in the door right now." Brad said, pointing at the door.
Billy and Karina stepped in, cautiously blending in with everyone else.
Brad grinned. He looked at Citan, who looked at him. "Show time." Brad hissed.
Citan looked at Ziggy, who grinned, throwing his arms up and screaming over the drone of voices, "BOOM SHAKA LAKA!!"
Brad squinted. "What the hell?"
Ziggy grinned as the people began to look around confusedly. "It's the word me and Fei and Bart decided was the code word."
Bart stood up on a table, folding his arms. "How many ladies here are captives of the fat dude that dwells in this hell hole?!" He yelled as a cry of female voice rose in the air. Bart pointed at a terrified Renold, lowering his voice back to its normal tone. "Well, the jig is up!"
Ziggy nodded as Fei and Bart began to take down guards, which were hidden by the dozens in the crowd. "Gotta go get the articles of cloooothing! Later, guys!" He nodded, running off.
Citan sighed, knocking out a guard with a simple punch. "Let's end this, Brad."
Brad grinned. "No problemo!" He yelled, grabbing two guards by the head and smashing their faces together.
Glimmer squealed as a guard advanced on him. He pulled some hair spray out of his 'purse', opened it and sprayed it in the guard's eyes, giving a cry, "Back, you unstylish fiend!"
Glimmer's boyfriend smiled dashingly as he took down one of the guards with a spinning kick, ending with his grabbing a silver platter and bashing another in the face. He landed, turning to Glimmer for praise.
"Good job, Orlando!" Glimmer squealed.
Bart turned to them. "He actually HAS a name?"
Orlando smiled. "What, did you think I went around with no name, man?"
Near the middle of the room, Billy pulled out his gun, loading it with stun bullets. "Stay behind me Ka-" He turned around, looking at Karina. About five guards were advancing on her from the back. "Kari-" He began, but stopped, dumbfounded.
Karina hit the ground, doing a spinning kick on the ground, the stood up gracefully, jumping onto another guard's chest, wrapping her legs around his neck and doing a spin, making him fall to the ground. She then pulled out the metal rod Brad made Billy give her. She pushed the button and extensions to the rod sprung out so it was now about 4 feet long. A small pole stuck out of the end, and from it, pure energy appeared, forming what seemed to be the head of a man-catcher spear. (If you've EVER watched Ronin Warriors, Cye has one) She twirled the staff around, knocking down the guards before finishing and straightening up. She smiled at Billy and straightened her hair. "You were saying?"
Billy paled. "How in God's name do you EVER get captured if you can do THAT?"
Karina shrugged. "They catch me off guard." She said, spinning her staff and knocking out another guard from behind.
Billy groaned, shaking his head.
Off to the side, Renold scuttled away silently. He gave a cry as someone blocked him. Before him stood Kajumei, who was rubbing her fists. She smirked, jutting out her thumb and running it across her neck.
Renold gave a startled scream as Kajumei tackled him, beating him into the floor.
"Call me old, will you? I'm gonna hand you by your toupee!" She snapped.
"What a woman!" Brad yelled, winking at Kajumei.
"Hiya, babe!" She grinned, waving at Brad.
"Don't worry, Miss Faye! I'll protect you!" Kevin cried, hugging onto Fei.
Fei turned around. "Don't you GET IT, dude? I'm a GUY!"
Kevin paled. "We can work around that." He murmured, holding out his arms at Fei.
"I'm sorry, dude.." Fei shook his head before knocking Kevin out.
Elly paused, turning towards Fei. "Well, that was rude."
"Eh. I got caught up in the moment." Fei shrugged.
Minutes passed and the fray continued young abducted women spilling out of the mansion to return to their homes and be safe once again. After a few more trickled out, Ziggy re entered the room. "OK, guys! Stuff is loaded, let's grab our asses and RUN!" He yelled.
Kajumei sat up, giving Renold on more smack. Karina paused, turning back to Sierra.
"Please, Sierra. Come back with us.." She whispered.
Sierra shook her head. "Just tell Sigurd something."
Karina blinked. "What?"
Sierra smiled slightly. "Yi umeka tiier`o mei kuma-ata, kei tii umeka uom shim."
Citan smiled. "Not rusty on your Solaran, are you, Sierra?" He said, running past.
Sierra waved slightly, backing away. "Tell him, Karina.."
Karina nodded, turning away. She looked back, then hesitated.
Billy ran up to her. "Come on, Karina.." He whispered, looking back at Sierra, then taking Karina's hand and pulling her out of the room.
"Well.." Ziggy grinned, rolling down the window. "I truly do rock, don't I?"
"Boom shaka laka." Bart said in reply.
"Is this huge car yours?" Maria asked.
Ziggy nodded.
Brad grinned at Kajumei. "High five me for that display of girl power."
Kajumei grinned back and gave Brad a high five.
Karina sat in the back, the window down. She sighed as the night wind blew in her face. She felt a nudge on her shoulder.
"Karina.. You OK?" Billy asked.
Karina nodded warily. "I'm just.. Sleepy."
"I'm still proud of my glorious performance." Glimmer giggled.
"We all are, dear." Orlando replied, stroking Glimmer's hair.
Kajumei grinned. "I'm sure this stunt'll make good old Oni's popularity soar."
Fei grinned. "And I'm sure that Renold guy won't soon forget you!"
Karina looked at Billy. "Do you want me to cut off those extensions tomorrow?"
Billy smiled. "That.. would be wonderful."
The group trudged into the Yggdrasil, each looking extremely exhausted. Zeke came running out of one of the rooms.
"Karina! Girl, how are you?" He laughed, hugging Karina. She smiled slightly.
"I'm fine, Zeke.."
"I'm so glad you're safe.." Zeke grinned.
Jessie walked up. "Well, boy. Did you do good?"
Billy smiled. "I think so.."
"Well, I see you have your wife back."
"She's not my wife." Billy hissed.
Sigurd smiled. "Good job, everyone. Girls.. it's nice to see you all again."
"Wassup?!" Kajumei yelled.
Karina walked up to Sigurd. "Sierra wanted me to tell you something."
Sigurd's expression darkened. "I heard she was there.. So, what did she say?"
"She said.. something in Solaran.. I think it went like.." Karina bit her lip, looking down. "..Yi umeka.. t-tiier`o.. mei kuma-ata.., kei tii umeka uom.. s-shim."
Sigurd's eyes widened.
Karina blinked. "What does it mean..?" She asked.
Sigurd looked at her, then shook his head.
Karina blinked, shrugged, then turned away. Zeke took a hold of her shoulders.
"Karina, tell me all about what happened." He grinned, walking off with Karina. "You, too, Billy!"
Billy smiled, following the two.
Rico leaned against the bar as Ziggy walked up. Ziggy jutted out his chest and grinned proudly.
"Wellllllll, Rico. Proud of me?"
Rico rolled his eyes. "Whatever."
Ziggy grinned again. "Y'know, Rico-man, I think secretly, deep down under that green skin of yours, in your heart of hearts, you secretly love me. We're like brothers, man."
Rico laughed, then took Ziggy in a hug. Ziggy laughed too.
"Oh, man, I'm glad we're brothers, mon!" Ziggy laughed.
Rico's laughing hushed, he grabbed a crowbar from behind the bar and knocked Ziggy out, then dropped him on the floor. "Yeah, yeah, brother." He rolled his eyes, walking off.
Sigurd leaned against the windowpane, sighing. He looked up at the starry night sky. "Sierra.." He murmured, shutting his eyes.
*Yi umeka tiier`o mei kuma-ata, kei tii umeka uom shim.*
Sigurd repeated the phrase over and over again, the murmured. "Hearts fly on the wind, but I fly to you.."
He looked down. He whispered, "Fly home to me soon, LeRage."
Billy stirred, moving his head from one side of the pillow to another. He sighed deeply, trying to force himself to open his eyes. As his conscious state began to rouse, he moved his hand upward, feeling something warm and smooth under his hand. He looked down, his eyes shooting open. Laying snuggled close to him, her head resting on his chest, was Karina. Billy's hand was clasped gently on her shoulder. He began to sit up, but hesitated, not wanting to stir her.
She looked so peaceful, resting there with her hair falling over her shoulders in small lilac pools. There was an innocent smile on her soft, pale face. As he looked at her, Billy couldn't help but smile, knowing full and well that if they were on the Yggdrasil and Brad was within a two mile radius, he would be dead as a doornail by now. He fought the urge to reach out and stroke the smooth petal soft cheeks. Eventually, his resistance could no longer subdue his desire to be close to her as long as he could, and he reached out, running his thumb gently across Karina's face, gracefully outlining the contours of her cheeks and jaw line with his fingers. Gently and slowly he leaned closer, brushing his lips against hers. He wished with all his heart that he could do this while she were awake, and express the feelings that were eating him alive inside.
Slowly and hesitantly, Billy sat up, the band holding his hair back falling out and making the extensions to his hair fall forward around his face.
Karina elicited a small moan as she began to stir, cuddling closer to Billy's chest. Her smile widened slightly from the warmth of her resting- place. Her eyes opened slowly, fluttering open gradually, like a butterfly spreading its wings for the first time. She smiled at the sound of Billy's slow, steady breathing and heartbeat.
"Hi there." Billy murmured, a blush moving up his cheeks gradually. Karina's face flushed the same color as his, and she looked away shyly.
"I'm sorry.. I got on your side.." Karina sighed, lowering her gaze away from his.
"It's OK, Karina." Billy replied, sitting up. He threw his legs over the mattress and stood up, then stretched out to loosen his muscles. He turned back, a smile spreading across his face. "How did you sleep?"
Karina sat up on her knees and stretched out her arms. "Fine, you?" She asked, lacing her fingers and leaning from side to side to make her muscles less tense.
Billy shrugged, his hair falling in front of his face once again. "I guess I slept OK.."
Karina's smile faded as she looked past Billy and at the door. "Hey, Billy?"
"Yeah?"
"Couldn't someone come in and see you.. You know.. Not all dolled up?" She asked, blinking.
Billy looked at the door, then back at Karina. "Good point." He replied, lifting up the bag Glimmer had given him.
"Gonna go take a shower and get ready?" Karina asked, smiling.
"I guess." Billy gave a shrug/nod, stepping closer to the bathroom.
"Want me to do your hair?" Karina smiled, giggling. "And perhaps your makeup?"
Billy looked back, a smirk on his face. He snatched one of the pillows and threw it at Karina. She screeched and ducked before the pillow hit her.
Karina looked back at Billy, putting her hands on her hips and giving him a disapproving smirk. "Now, that was mean."
He merely smiled in reply and went into the bathroom, shutting the door behind him. Karina rolled off the bed, shuffling to the bathroom door and knocking on it. Billy opened it slowly. "You don't take long to try and embarrass me, do you?" He asked, smiling.
Karina grinned back. "Already naked? That was fast. Anyway, you forgot these." She said, holding out the fake breasts Billy so despised.
Billy's eyes widened. "Give me those!" He screeched, snatching the containers in her hands. The young woman giggled, turned away and bounced back onto the bed.
"Uhhhnnnn.." Fei groaned, rolling off the bed and smacking his head on the bedside table.
Elly leaned over. "Didn't that hurt?"
Fei blinked, looking up sleepily. "Did what hurt?" He asked, sitting up, his hair a wild matted bush.
Elly sighed. "You didn't feel your head hitting the bedside table?"
Fei looked around. "No.." He replied.
Elly rolled her eyes. "Fei..?"
"Yes, my dumpling?"
"Why are you so ignorant..?"
Fei smiled. "It is my nature, sweet heart."
The door burst open and Fei gave a cry, grabbing the sheets to cover himself. He expected to see one of Oni's 'personal secretaries' but instead he saw someone else.
"BART!" Fei yelled. "You scared the shit out of me!"
Bart cackled, slapping his thigh. "Oh, man, you should've seen your face!" He yelled.
Elly smiled. "Hey, Bart?"
"Yeah?" Bart blinked.
"Your.. What's the word you use.. TIT is sliding off." Elly smiled, pointing at his chest.
Bart looked down and gave a cry, spinning around to fix the mishap. Fei stood, leaning his head to one side.
"How did you sleep, what with sharing a room with Sierra?" Fei asked.
Bart groaned. "Let me tell you that that woman has issues. Serious, scary issues. She was all 'Sigurd' in her sleep."
Elly sighed. "Maybe she really does love him."
"I don't." Sierra's voice came from behind. Bart spun around as Elly and Fei paused. Sierra gave them an emotionless look, then muttered, "Why don't you guys get dressed?" She turned away and walked out of the room.
Fei blinked. "Notice anything strange about that?"
"She didn't kick our asses?" Bart blinked, turning around.
Fei nodded. Maria and Emeralda stepped in, Maria giving them a sleepy smile.
"How much longer?" Emeralda asked, hugging onto Fei.
"Not much, Emmy." Fei smiled, tousling her hair.
"I'd think the boy would have his wife outta there by now." Jessie snapped, pacing back and forth. Timmy (you remember, the sandworm) gave him a short hiss of reply, snaking his way over to the bar and curling himself on one of the barstools. Jessie grinned and looked at Old Maison. "Maison, the worm wants a drink."
Maison gave him a horrified expression. "I am not going to give alcohol to a sandworm!"
"You wet blanket." Jessie muttered, looking over towards Sigurd. "Sig- man!" He whooped, running to sit beside the silver haired ex-element.
Sigurd looked away vacantly then sighed, turning to Jessie. He said in a tired voice, "Yes.. Jessiah?"
Jessie blinked. "Man, what's wrong with you?"
"He has the 'jones'." Rico replied, placing his feet onto one of the foot rests in front of the couch.
Jessie blinked, then grinned. He turned to Sigurd, "Siiiiiiiiiiigggguurd."
Sigurd blinked. "You realize you just sounded like the young master, don't you?"
"Scary, ain't it?" Zeke piped up.
Jessie turned to him. "Forgot you were here, boy."
Zeke shrugged. "It's an easy thing to do, man."
Jessie turned back to Sigurd, giving him a contemplating look. "Hey, Sig?"
"..What?"
"You're not.. Angst-ing over the monkey woman, are you?" Jessie asked.
Sigurd bristled. "She's not a monkey woman, Jessiah. Her name is Sierra. And no, I'm not.. angst-ing over her."
Zeke smiled. "I know love when I see it, man."
"Really?" Jessie grinned. "So, Sigurd?"
Sigurd glared at Jessie. "Don't even."
"Ah! Don't you 'don't even' me!" Jessie smiled knowingly, pointing his finger at Sigurd. "Yooooou have a crruuuuu~uuush!"
"How old are we, honestly?" Sigurd groaned, looking away.
"Harcourt! HHHHAAARRRCOURT!" Jessie sang. "Harcourtie-ort!"
"What?!" Sigurd snapped, twisting towards Jessie, a glare on his face.
Jessie peered at him for a few seconds, then yelled, "WET WILLY!", grabbing Sigurd by the neck with his arm and pulling him down. Jessie stuck his finger into his mouth, then pressed it into Sigurd's ear, the ex- element squirming and yelling the whole time. Sigurd pulled away, rubbing his ear.
"That wasn't normal." Zeke winced.
"So, what are you going to do when we get the girls back? Just leave Cimerion's docks and leave Karina, Brad and Kajumei here?" Rico asked, leaning back.
Sigurd bit his lip. "I suppose.. But there's something that has been gnawing at me.."
"Like the fact Billy will become more whiny and spend half his time pasted against a window mumbling things about his wife and we'll have to fix him if we leave those guys in Cimerion?" Jessie asked, biting a toothpick.
"..Well, I guess that is a factor, but it's all of the things happening to Miss Karina. What if someone attacks Cimerion to get her and we're not there to help?" Sigurd looked down, resting his chin on his palms and sighing.
"I don't know, Sig. Why don't you make up one of your interesting plans?" Jessie shrugged, standing up. "Anyway, I have to do some adjustments to Billy's gear cannon. It was acting up last time we tested it."
"OK." Sigurd nodded.
"I'll go with you. I'd like to check out Stier." Rico stood up, following Jessie out of the room.
"Billy, stop twitching!" Karina laughed from the bathroom as Bart stepped in, quietly shutting the door behind him.
"Karina.. I never signed up to have my eyebrows plucked!" Billy cried.
"But, Billy, you need to have DEPTH to your eyebrows! Without depth they're just straight lines!"
"I like straight lines. I don't need to look more girly than I already do!"
Bart snickered as he pressed his ear against the door. Fei padded up behind him, folding his arms.
"JUST," Fei began as Bart jumped, spinning around. "what are you doing?"
Bart blinked. "Uh.. nothin."
"It doesn't look like nothin." Fei squinted.
"Well, it is nothin!" Bart hissed, standing up straight. "Hey, you look less trashy than usual."
"..Elly did my makeup. Now that I'm actually WITH her, all this girly stuff is kind of creepy." Fei looked down. "Man, that Kevin guy came up behind me, and I swear he was hitting on me. It was really weird."
Bart laughed. "Dude, you got hit on!"
Fei squinted. "At least other men find me attractive!" He paused, then blinked. "Wow, that didn't sound right."
"No, it didn't!" Bart replied.
The door to the bathroom opened, and Billy and Karina stepped out, Billy immediately glaring at Bart and Fei. "Bart! Fei! What are you two DOING in here?" He snapped, placing his hand on his hips.
"Consulting." Bart replied, smiling at Billy. "What about you two? What are you doing?"
Billy blushed. "Nothing."
Fei smiled. "Oh, you look so pretty, Billy."
"Shut up."
"Hehehehe.." Fei squinted, turned away and exited the room.
"You two REALLY need to use your time more wisely. It seems like all you do is run around laughing and making fun of Billy." Karina folded her arms, giving Bart a questioning look.
"Well excuse me if he's the most exciting thing on that ship! I mean, he wears a green bow!" Bart pointed at Billy, who bristled.
"And you have a braid." Karina responded.
"Ah! Dah! Sooooo?" Bart squinted.
"At least Billy has a boy's haircut."
"I could respond to that but.. but.. MEANIE!" Bart yelled and ran away.
Karina smiled, rolling her eyes. "Bart and Fei are a very odd duo, aren't they?"
Billy shrugged. "I've always thought so."
"Girl!" Kajumei called, running in.
"Kajumei!" Karina smiled.
"I think I saw Brad stalking in the halls.." Kajumei blinked. "I mean, one doesn't often see a blue haired yeti casually strolling through hallways, you know."
"I wouldn't be surprised. Citan, Brad and Ziggy are sticking around here." Billy nodded.
"So that guy in the giant purple coat WAS Ziggy?" Karina blinked. "Oh good lord, that's going to haunt me for a few years."
Kajumei squinted. "Brad is such a nerd."
Karina smiled. "I'd have to agree." She looked at Billy. "You know, Brad was about your size at your age? He just had this freakish growth spurt."
"He probably went rolling in nuclear waste or something." Kajumei added.
Billy smiled slightly. "I can never picture Brad at my size."
"Really?" Karina looked at him. "I could show you a picture."
Billy smiled. "No thank you, Karina. I think I'll pass."
Karina shrugged. "Suit yourself."
Kajumei rolled her eyes, smiling as Billy left the room. She turned her gaze toward Karina. "So, you gonna stop being the dateless wonder?"
Karina shook her head, giving Kajumei a disapproving smirk. "Kajumei.."
"Come on, girl. You could never hide things from me!" She giggled, hopping onto the bed. "Spill your guts!"
The younger girl sighed, sitting on the edge of the bed and looking down. "Billy's a wonderful young man."
"And you love him! I heard you and Elly talking! Don't think I didn't, girl!" Kajumei grinned, rolling onto her back and folding her arms under her head. Karina looked at her, smiling slightly. Kajumei sat up. "So.. Remind me again WHY you haven't been on a date for like EVER?"
Karina chuckled. "Because every time any person who happens to be male shows up around our house, Brad gets this drunken gun crazed loony attitude about himself. He answers the door with a shotgun in hand."
Kajumei laughed. "Want me to talk to him about it?"
"Brad's just playing. He just wants me to find the right person, you know."
Just outside the building, Brad sat on stone steps with Ziggy next to him.
"So, anyway, Mon, why don't you let anyone date the sista chica?" Ziggy asked, looking at Brad cynically.
Brad squinted. "I don't want anyone to get their dirty paws on my sister, that's why. The private all girls school didn't work, the nuns didn't help, locking her in her room didn't help. That girl is defiant."
Ziggy blinked. "You locked her in her room?"
"She was being.. Pretty around young men!"
Ziggy laughed. "She can't help it, Mon! She's NATURALLY pretty."
"Maybe I could get her a surgery to make her ugly!" Brad grinned.
"Mon, I don't think that'll work." Ziggy squinted. "That and it's kind of.. Creepy."
Brad looked down. "I just don't want her to get hurt, Zig. She's too naïve and trusting of people and doesn't know better."
"Karina has a good head on those.. soft.. gentle.. submissive.. creamy.."
"Ziggy!"
"Oh, sorry Mon. Like I was saying, she's a smart girl. And what about that Billy kid? He's a good guy."
Brad rolled his eyes. "I'm afraid Billy's TOO womanly for Karina."
"But the kid loves her honestly, Mon. I can tell he'd never hurt her.."
Brad turned to him. "Zig, you're being serious."
"So? I can be serious too, Mon!" Ziggy chuckled.
"It's.. Frightening."
"Uh.. yeah, girl. Brad just wants what's best for you." Kajumei nodded, rolling her eyes.
Karina sighed, drawing her knees to her chin. "Besides, Billy and I.. We're.. Just.."
"Friends?"
"..Yeah. At times, it feels like I need him more than anything, that I really want him to be there with me.. But then other times, it feels like we could only BE friends.. That anything more would be.. Uncomfortable."
Kajumei smiled, getting up and leaving the room. She muttered before she exited, "Just like Brad and I once were.."
"What did you say?" Karina blinked.
"Nothing, girl!" Kajumei smiled, leaving.
About half-past five, while all of the 'girls' were sitting in the main room, Renold and a group of workers entered, rolling in a large cart of dresses and shoes. He smiled sneakily, giving a glare at Kajumei, then a soft smile and Fei, who smiled back sarcastically.
"Here is a delightful array of gowns Mr. Oni has picked out personally for his little lovelies."
"Yippee." Kajumei rolled her eyes, resting her feet on one of the shelves of the cart. Renold slapped her feet off, making Kajumei eye him bitterly.
"Miss Faye, there is one special for you." Renold smiled at Fei, who cringed.
"Jeepers, thanks." Fei replied, folding his arms, but giving his now curled hair a cute little shake.
"And you.." Renold smiled, stepping up to Karina and lifting her chin with his hand. "Are to go to his room directly after the dinner, little girl."
Karina pulled away disgustedly, looking at the floor. Billy, who was sitting next to her, bristled, trying to keep himself calm. He put a hand on Karina's back and looked up at Renold, making his voice feminine before saying, "Why don't you leave her alone?"
Renold smiled. "He wants you, too, little Billie. He saw you yesterday and immediately fell for your innocent looks." He gave a soft chuckle. "Though I should say that neither of you will be very innocent after tonight."
Kajumei responded, "Yeah, if you cut someone's nuts off, you really aren't very innocent anymore, are ya, lapdog?"
Karina giggled slightly, but immediately stopped when Renold shot her an irritated glare. He reached for her wrist, pulling her up off the couch. Karina struggled, trying to pull away. She looked up at him. "Please let go of me.."
Kajumei stood up in practically unison with Billy. She pointed at Renold. "Let her go!" She snapped as the rest of the group stood up.
Renold glared at Kajumei. "You encouraged her to act out and obviously it's too late to teach an old dog new tricks, but perhaps this little puppy can learn some manners."
Kajumei squinted. "What did you just say?" She tensed. "Did you just call me OLD?"
Renold smiled. "And what of it-" He began, but was cut off. He fell over, his face reddening as he clutched his groin. Kajumei blinked, looking at Karina. Karina smiled slightly, lowering her knee.
"Kari! You kneed the bastard!"
Karina nodded. "The not-so-old dog taught the puppy at least one trick."
"What do you mean, not-so-old? If anything, I'm damn SPRIGHTLY!" Kajumei smiled, folding her arms.
Billy smiled; grabbing hold of Karina hand and giving her an approving smile. Renold stood up slowly, trying to catch his breath. He turned his head to Karina. He growled as Karina smiled innocently at him
Renold sucked in a breath, standing up straight, but almost immediately faltering, clutching his groin in pain. "You all.. in one hour, be ready.." He hissed, turning and leaving the room, the dazzled workers following.
As soon as the door shut, Fei ran forward and hugged Karina. "That was so cool!"
Kajumei whooped. "Girl! I've trained you well!"
Karina smiled, rubbing her wrist. Billy took her hand, running his fingers over her reddened wrist. He asked quietly, "Did he hurt you?" while looking into her eyes.
Karina looked up at him, a blush reddening her cheeks. "Um.. I'm.. I'm fine.."
Billy smiled, rubbing her wrist gently with his fingers. "Good." He replied, smiling gently.
A collective, sitcom-esque "Ooooooooooooh!" rose up from the group. Billy pulled away from Karina and turned bright red. He looked around, glaring at Bart who most likely began the whoop.
"H-how old are we? Honestly!" Billy snapped, sitting down.
"Don't get all flustered, Billy! It was cute!" Bart grinned.
Fei nodded. "Truly a Kodak moment!"
Karina looked away, taking her wrist in her other hand and smiling. "Guys.. Just let it go." She murmured, sitting down next to Billy.
"Oh, Fei. Our little Billy is growing up so fast." Bart whispered.
"I know. One minute he's a pissy orphanage managing priest, the next he's a love struck fool." Fei whispered.
"Hold me, Fei!" Bart wailed, beginning to swoon and fall over.
"Uck, dude, no!" Fei hissed, pulling away and making Bart fall to the ground. "That's just plain WRONG!"
Bart whimpered, "I want a divorce, man."
Elly chuckled. "There truly is only one Bart Fatima."
Bart hissed, "Damn right!"
Karina looked at the dress rack. "So, those are our dresses." She said, standing up and walking up to the rack and fingering the fabric of a lavender dress.
Fei grinned. "We're gonna contact Citan and the others and inform them that we're busting out tonight."
"Who made that decision?" Bart asked, sitting up and shooting a glance at Fei.
"I did. I'm the unofficial, yet undenied leader, am I not?" Fei said, folding his arms.
"..We're all doomed." Bart muttered, turning around and crossing his legs and folding his arms.
Billy stood up. "And then we can go back to the Yggdrasil." He said, walking up next to Karina. "And then I guess.."
Karina looked at him, blinking. "Then what?"
Billy looked at her momentarily, then turned away. "..Nothing."
::An hour later::
"Ohhhh, all the tension is making me sweat! Lovey, where's my hanky?" Glimmer swooned, looking from side to side. His boyfriend smiled, handing him a handkerchief.
"Ah! Glimmer! What the hell are you doing here?" Brad blinked, turning to Glimmer, who stood behind him.
Glimmer smiled. "I was invited, silly!"
"..Why in God's name did he invite YOU?"
Glimmer squinted. "I have CONNECTIONS."
Citan walked up, adjusting his glasses. "We need to sneak in somehow."
Ziggy walked up in his pimp coat. "Quite simply, Mon, I told the guy I was stickin' around, so I got a deal that I could come visit my vixens."
"Ingenious." Citan commented.
"Hah! Ziggy, ingenious? It was MY idea." Brad snapped.
Ziggy grinned. "I have never seen a dinner party with go-go cages before."
Brad growled. "Is my sister in one of them?"
"What about your girlfriend, aren't you concerned about her?" Citan asked.
"Hah! Kajumei? This mansion would be in pieces if they tried to get her in one of those." Brad laughed.
Ziggy pushed past Brad. "Anyway, Bonesaw, Junior, Glimmer and boyfriend who is nameless, let's go!" He said, pushing open the doors.
Karina looked around nervously. "I don't like the go go cages.."
Billy looked at her, smiling. "Don't worry. I'm sure we'll be fine."
Fei walked past them, muttering, "That Kevin guy and that Renold guy have been following me ALL NIGHT." He snapped. "If this goes on, I'm opening up a can!"
Karina smiled. "Go, Fei."
Fei nodded. "I represent."
"Oh please, what on Earth do YOU represent?" Elly asked, placing one hand on her hip.
Fei grinned. "You're wearing red silk.."
Elly rolled her eyes. "OK, OK, Represent Boy, let's go get some punch."
Billy shifted uneasily. "I don't see how you girls can wear these dresses. They're uncomfortable."
"Actually.." Bart commented, turning around. "I find the breeze quite refreshing."
Billy squinted at Bart. "You're a sick man, Bart."
"I realize this." Bart nodded, walking away.
"Don't look now.." Kajumei said, walking up next to Karina. "But the blue haired yeti is in da house."
Karina turned to where Kajumei pointed and sighed. "And I see a heinous infringement in fashion itself with that horrible purple coat of Ziggy's. Who let ZIGGY come, anyway?"
Kajumei laughed. "I don't know, but the geeky guy with the glasses is here, too."
"Aw.. Citan's sweet." Karina smiled.
"Sweet, but nerdy." Kajumei nodded, putting one finger on her jawbone, then shrugging. "Oh well."
Karina turned to face Billy, giving him a smile. "You excited to go see your daddy?"
"Not especially." Billy replied, looking around the brightly-lit room at the guest's faces. He looked back at Karina, smiling gently. "Are you excited about going and seeing your brother?"
"Oh, yes. And even more so with Ziggy." Karina rolled her eyes, walking away after Kajumei.
"So, man.." Bart said, returning from wherever is was he went. "You see Brad and the others?"
"How could I miss him?" Billy asked, looking down at the floor. "I want to know what Oni has in mind with this whole 'dinner party' fiasco."
"Eh, it's just a way of showing off his women." Bart shrugged.
Karina stood next to the punch table, looking around for any sign of Ernest Oni. She hoped that the guys would make their move before the party was over so that she and Billy wouldn't have to put up with any of his sick little games.
She spun around, her eyes immediately brightening. "Sierra!" She called, running up next to Sierra, who turned slowly to face her.
"..What?"
"I have an idea!" Karina smiled. "When we get back home, why don't we talk to Sigurd? He's been so sad since you left."
"Feh. Sigurd never gave a damn about me and he never will." Sierra snapped.
"That's not true! He was confused and hurt last you saw him! He didn't know how to react.. So he just worked on what he thought was right.. I know he loves you, Sierra. And besides, if all of this mess isn't cleaned up, we'll need the strength of you and Blitzkrieg.." Karina whispered.
Sierra turned away. "I want him to say it himself that he was wrong.. and that he WANTS me to come back.."
Karina sighed as Sierra left. "I'm sure he will, I'm sure he will."
Just then, the room quieted. Billy stepped up to Karina, giving her a weak smile. Ernest Oni stood up on a large podium, giving everyone a rather fake smile. In a loud voice, he announced, "Thank you, ladies and gentlemen of the fair cities of Aveh, and Cimerion!" He looked around. "Today is the anniversary of my family's striking fortune in the mountains of Taneria. Blazing through hard earth itself, we mined our way.." He continued, giving a speech about the riches and wealth he found in the northernmost continent.
Karina leaned over. "I don't get it. Why did he only invite people from Aveh and Cimerion?"
Billy responded, "Because it is well known that Cimerion and Beldavik are two of the richest cities in the world. Aquvy doesn't have but one major city, but many of the towns in Aveh are rather rich what with all of the mining."
"So, he invited the heads of big business?"
Billy smiled. "Aquvy is known for its crops of fruits and vegetables, along with Gears and underwater ruin excavations. But Aveh is known for excavation of gears, ore, and is one of the leading oil countries. So, basically, he invited his rich buddies."
"Oh, I see." Karina squinted. "This is boring." She commented, folding her arms as Oni continued his long speech. "Did you not notice that the people here are practically all men. The only women are those he captured from Cimerion."
Billy looked at her, smiling weakly. "Perhaps he wants girls to entertain he friends. Dinner theater."
Karina gave Billy a rather horrified expression. "You mean.."
"He invites them to come have a meal in his cozy mansion and afterwards have some fun with his girls."
Karina placed a hand over her mouth. "Billy.."
Billy smiled. "Don't worry. We'll get everyone out of here before that can happen."
At last, Oni finished his speech, stepping off of the podium. He made a b-line to Renold, who gave a glance toward Billy and Karina. He nodded as Oni whispered something to him, then as Oni left, began walking towards the two teenagers.
Karina stepped back, grasping Billy's wrist as Renold walked up, giving the two a snaky smile.
"Mr. Oni wishes to be blessed by your presence is his quarters immediately." Renold hissed. "I'll show you the way."
Karina gave him a defiant glare, but Billy tugged on her wrist, giving her a reassuring smile.
Karina sighed weakly, allowing herself to follow Billy and Renold. "What are you doing?" She hissed at him.
Billy murmured, "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing,"
Karina shrugged. "OK, whatever you say."
Fei blinked. "Hey, Bart, look! That noodly snake guy is taking Billy and Karina somewhere!"
Bart glanced at him. "Wanna investigate?"
"Hell yeah!" Fei grinned, following Bart through the crowd. Elly walked up, holding two cups of punch.
"Fei? Fei..?" She looked around, then glared. "Damn it, Fei.." She hissed.
"Go in there!" Renold hissed, throwing Karina and Billy into the room and shutting it, locking it from the outside.
Karina folded her arms. "Well, Billy, what is your brilliant scheme?"
Billy smiled, taking out a little radio from his cuff. "We're going to contact Citan."
"Are you sure that's safe?"
Billy smiled, nodding. He turned away, activating the radio.
Citan paused, lifting up his radio.
"Who's calling?" Brad smiled slightly.
He smiled, opening the small radio. "Billy." He went to the side of the room, lifting the radio to his ear. "So, what's on your mind, young one?"
*Citan, did you see us leave?*
"No.. Where are you?"
*Karina and I are in Oni's room right now. I think we're gonna get him out of the picture. When we come back in, that's your signal to get all of us out of here, OK?*
Citan paused as a person stepped by, then continued, "Are you sure about this, young one?"
*Just tell Bart and Fei, OK?*
Citan sighed. "Of course, young one. Good luck." He smiled, shutting the radio and placing it in his pocket.
"..What did you just do?" Karina asked, folding her arms.
"We're getting out of here as soon as we get rid of that Oni guy." Billy smiled. "Before we left, we decided that Ziggy would take care of getting our stuff out of the room. He'll be waiting outside."
Karina grinned. "Does he have his huge car or something?"
Billy smiled. "..Of course."
The two jolted as the door opened at Ernest Oni entered the room. He grinned at the two, then stepped up casually.
"Well, my pretties." He cooed, sitting in a large leather chair. He gestured at the bed. "Have a seat."
Billy took Karina's hands, then pulled her down to sit at the edge of the bed. The two looked at Oni blankly, waiting for him to speak again.
"Well.." Oni hissed, waving his hand slightly, "Play with each other already."
Billy squeezed Karina hand, giving her a gentle smile. Karina sighed, standing up. She walked slowly up to Oni, walking behind his chair and setting her hands on his shoulders.
"You look so tense." Karina murmured, leaning forward. "Why don't I loosen your nerves before we.." She looked at Billy helplessly, "..play."
Oni shrugged. "Sounds fun." He murmured as Karina began to massage his shoulders, moving from neck to shoulders in soothing circles.
Karina looked up at Billy. He smiled, standing up and stepping lightly over next to her.
Karina leaned forward, giving Oni a soft nuzzle with her cheek. She then straightened back up, giving Billy a disgusted face. Billy grinned in response.
Oni shut his eyes, relaxing into his chair. He opened his eyes slowly, his gaze turning from pleasure to terror. 'Billie' was holding a pistol to his face, giving him a smart smirk.
"W-What? How did you sneak a pistol in here?" Oni squeaked.
"Guess I'm just creative." 'Billie' replied.
Before Oni could respond, Karina grabbed her mouth with her hand, putting a pressure point on his neck to make him pass out. After Oni was out of it, Karina straightened, giving Billy a smile.
She lifted her hand. "High five!" She giggled, giving Billy a high five before heading for the door.
Billy smiled, following her.
"How did you get that gun hidden in your dress?" She asked.
Billy smiled. "That's my secret, Karina." He winked, before opening the door cautiously. "Hey, the coast is clear." He murmured as he opened the door completely, stepping out with Karina following him slowly.
Citan looked around. "It has been quite a while. Do you think something went wrong?" He asked, looking at Brad.
"I think that's them coming in the door right now." Brad said, pointing at the door.
Billy and Karina stepped in, cautiously blending in with everyone else.
Brad grinned. He looked at Citan, who looked at him. "Show time." Brad hissed.
Citan looked at Ziggy, who grinned, throwing his arms up and screaming over the drone of voices, "BOOM SHAKA LAKA!!"
Brad squinted. "What the hell?"
Ziggy grinned as the people began to look around confusedly. "It's the word me and Fei and Bart decided was the code word."
Bart stood up on a table, folding his arms. "How many ladies here are captives of the fat dude that dwells in this hell hole?!" He yelled as a cry of female voice rose in the air. Bart pointed at a terrified Renold, lowering his voice back to its normal tone. "Well, the jig is up!"
Ziggy nodded as Fei and Bart began to take down guards, which were hidden by the dozens in the crowd. "Gotta go get the articles of cloooothing! Later, guys!" He nodded, running off.
Citan sighed, knocking out a guard with a simple punch. "Let's end this, Brad."
Brad grinned. "No problemo!" He yelled, grabbing two guards by the head and smashing their faces together.
Glimmer squealed as a guard advanced on him. He pulled some hair spray out of his 'purse', opened it and sprayed it in the guard's eyes, giving a cry, "Back, you unstylish fiend!"
Glimmer's boyfriend smiled dashingly as he took down one of the guards with a spinning kick, ending with his grabbing a silver platter and bashing another in the face. He landed, turning to Glimmer for praise.
"Good job, Orlando!" Glimmer squealed.
Bart turned to them. "He actually HAS a name?"
Orlando smiled. "What, did you think I went around with no name, man?"
Near the middle of the room, Billy pulled out his gun, loading it with stun bullets. "Stay behind me Ka-" He turned around, looking at Karina. About five guards were advancing on her from the back. "Kari-" He began, but stopped, dumbfounded.
Karina hit the ground, doing a spinning kick on the ground, the stood up gracefully, jumping onto another guard's chest, wrapping her legs around his neck and doing a spin, making him fall to the ground. She then pulled out the metal rod Brad made Billy give her. She pushed the button and extensions to the rod sprung out so it was now about 4 feet long. A small pole stuck out of the end, and from it, pure energy appeared, forming what seemed to be the head of a man-catcher spear. (If you've EVER watched Ronin Warriors, Cye has one) She twirled the staff around, knocking down the guards before finishing and straightening up. She smiled at Billy and straightened her hair. "You were saying?"
Billy paled. "How in God's name do you EVER get captured if you can do THAT?"
Karina shrugged. "They catch me off guard." She said, spinning her staff and knocking out another guard from behind.
Billy groaned, shaking his head.
Off to the side, Renold scuttled away silently. He gave a cry as someone blocked him. Before him stood Kajumei, who was rubbing her fists. She smirked, jutting out her thumb and running it across her neck.
Renold gave a startled scream as Kajumei tackled him, beating him into the floor.
"Call me old, will you? I'm gonna hand you by your toupee!" She snapped.
"What a woman!" Brad yelled, winking at Kajumei.
"Hiya, babe!" She grinned, waving at Brad.
"Don't worry, Miss Faye! I'll protect you!" Kevin cried, hugging onto Fei.
Fei turned around. "Don't you GET IT, dude? I'm a GUY!"
Kevin paled. "We can work around that." He murmured, holding out his arms at Fei.
"I'm sorry, dude.." Fei shook his head before knocking Kevin out.
Elly paused, turning towards Fei. "Well, that was rude."
"Eh. I got caught up in the moment." Fei shrugged.
Minutes passed and the fray continued young abducted women spilling out of the mansion to return to their homes and be safe once again. After a few more trickled out, Ziggy re entered the room. "OK, guys! Stuff is loaded, let's grab our asses and RUN!" He yelled.
Kajumei sat up, giving Renold on more smack. Karina paused, turning back to Sierra.
"Please, Sierra. Come back with us.." She whispered.
Sierra shook her head. "Just tell Sigurd something."
Karina blinked. "What?"
Sierra smiled slightly. "Yi umeka tiier`o mei kuma-ata, kei tii umeka uom shim."
Citan smiled. "Not rusty on your Solaran, are you, Sierra?" He said, running past.
Sierra waved slightly, backing away. "Tell him, Karina.."
Karina nodded, turning away. She looked back, then hesitated.
Billy ran up to her. "Come on, Karina.." He whispered, looking back at Sierra, then taking Karina's hand and pulling her out of the room.
"Well.." Ziggy grinned, rolling down the window. "I truly do rock, don't I?"
"Boom shaka laka." Bart said in reply.
"Is this huge car yours?" Maria asked.
Ziggy nodded.
Brad grinned at Kajumei. "High five me for that display of girl power."
Kajumei grinned back and gave Brad a high five.
Karina sat in the back, the window down. She sighed as the night wind blew in her face. She felt a nudge on her shoulder.
"Karina.. You OK?" Billy asked.
Karina nodded warily. "I'm just.. Sleepy."
"I'm still proud of my glorious performance." Glimmer giggled.
"We all are, dear." Orlando replied, stroking Glimmer's hair.
Kajumei grinned. "I'm sure this stunt'll make good old Oni's popularity soar."
Fei grinned. "And I'm sure that Renold guy won't soon forget you!"
Karina looked at Billy. "Do you want me to cut off those extensions tomorrow?"
Billy smiled. "That.. would be wonderful."
The group trudged into the Yggdrasil, each looking extremely exhausted. Zeke came running out of one of the rooms.
"Karina! Girl, how are you?" He laughed, hugging Karina. She smiled slightly.
"I'm fine, Zeke.."
"I'm so glad you're safe.." Zeke grinned.
Jessie walked up. "Well, boy. Did you do good?"
Billy smiled. "I think so.."
"Well, I see you have your wife back."
"She's not my wife." Billy hissed.
Sigurd smiled. "Good job, everyone. Girls.. it's nice to see you all again."
"Wassup?!" Kajumei yelled.
Karina walked up to Sigurd. "Sierra wanted me to tell you something."
Sigurd's expression darkened. "I heard she was there.. So, what did she say?"
"She said.. something in Solaran.. I think it went like.." Karina bit her lip, looking down. "..Yi umeka.. t-tiier`o.. mei kuma-ata.., kei tii umeka uom.. s-shim."
Sigurd's eyes widened.
Karina blinked. "What does it mean..?" She asked.
Sigurd looked at her, then shook his head.
Karina blinked, shrugged, then turned away. Zeke took a hold of her shoulders.
"Karina, tell me all about what happened." He grinned, walking off with Karina. "You, too, Billy!"
Billy smiled, following the two.
Rico leaned against the bar as Ziggy walked up. Ziggy jutted out his chest and grinned proudly.
"Wellllllll, Rico. Proud of me?"
Rico rolled his eyes. "Whatever."
Ziggy grinned again. "Y'know, Rico-man, I think secretly, deep down under that green skin of yours, in your heart of hearts, you secretly love me. We're like brothers, man."
Rico laughed, then took Ziggy in a hug. Ziggy laughed too.
"Oh, man, I'm glad we're brothers, mon!" Ziggy laughed.
Rico's laughing hushed, he grabbed a crowbar from behind the bar and knocked Ziggy out, then dropped him on the floor. "Yeah, yeah, brother." He rolled his eyes, walking off.
Sigurd leaned against the windowpane, sighing. He looked up at the starry night sky. "Sierra.." He murmured, shutting his eyes.
*Yi umeka tiier`o mei kuma-ata, kei tii umeka uom shim.*
Sigurd repeated the phrase over and over again, the murmured. "Hearts fly on the wind, but I fly to you.."
He looked down. He whispered, "Fly home to me soon, LeRage."