(same disclaimer... Need I type it out again?)

Chapter 4: What to do

The corner of Mimiru's lip twitched as did Bear's, watching Tsukasa prance about. The wavemaster was singing Loch Lomond in an unknown key. Completely oblivious to the laughter and snickering directed his way and utterly happy was he for the first time in his entire life.

"I hate to say it," said Mimiru. "But I think you're right, Sora. Tsukasa is most definitely drunk."

"Oh, you'll –hic– take the high road an' I'll a' –hic– take the low road," sang the wavemaster, swinging his staff about. "An' I'll –hic– be in Scotlan' a'fore ye! Fer me an' me true love'll never meet a –hic– gain on the bonny, bonny banks o' Loch Loooooo –hic– mond!"

"Definitely soprano, that one," said Sora, receiving a glare from Mimiru.
"There are a few taverns in the outskirts of one or two of the root towns," commented Bear. "But I've never been to one. Apparently you can order drinks there. They are supposed to effect your stats and maybe cause your character to sway a little, but that's all. You can't get drunk off of them."

"But Tsukasa's trapped in the World, so, since he can feel physical things, why can't he feel the effects of a drink?" muttered Mimiru.

Sora just laughed.

While his friends watched and discussed the predicament in low tones, Tsukasa drained the last of his Sake. Then, he began to sing an oldie (keep in mind that our pop music now would be oldies by the time Sign takes place) entitled "…Baby One More Time" by Bowling for Soup. (NOT the version by Brittany Spears –quietly pukes in a corner-) Tsukasa even went so far as to play air guitar upon his staff.

"We can't just let him stay drunk!" bewailed Mimiru, trying to contain her own mirth as Tsukasa warbled along.

Bear chuckled and said, "Well, eventually he will get sleepy and when he wakes up, he'll have a hell of a hangover, but let the boy be happy for now. If you haven't noticed, he's been really depressed lately."

"That's true," said Mimiru. At that moment, Sora made some comment about Mimiru being in love with Tsukasa and Mimiru spun around, eyes promising death. "Would you like to repeat that?!" she hissed, brandishing her sword.

Sora just opened his eyes wide and tried to look innocent, which was hard considering the playful smirk upon his lips. "All I said was that I agree with MIMIRU and would LOVE to help TSUKASA."

Mimiru groaned and slashed at the twin blade with her sword. Sora nimbly dodged it and said, pouting, "That's not very nice."

The heavy blade raised her sword to hack at Sora again, but stopped, hearing a crash and a clatter. Tsukasa had slipped and fallen upon the stone. He lay there for several moments, staring at the little birds flying around his head and wondering if they were canaries or chickadees. His staff had fallen to the cobbles next to him.

"Ow," was all that the wavemaster said as he sat up, rubbing the back of his head.

Now he saw Mimiru bending over him asking if he was all right. Bear stood behind her and Sora a little to the side, edging towards the staff.

"Oh," said Tsukasa. "Hullo. Who're you? Wait… Don' tell me… I know I've sheen you before."

"Gah!" sighed Mimiru, exasperated. "Tsukasa! You're coming with us!"

"No I'm not," replied Tsukasa getting to his feet, barely. He stood for a moment swaying, then looked at Sora. "Can I haff m'shtaff back?"

The twin blade smirked and said nothing. Quick as a flash, he lifted the stave and brought it down on Tsukasa's head. The wavemaster let out a short moan and collapsed. As he fell, Tsukasa was vaguely aware that Mimiru had drawn her blade again and was chasing Sora, who yelled over his shoulder, "He did say, er.. sing, to hit him!"

Then darkness took the wavmaster and he knew nothing more of what happened for a several hours.

Mwahahaha! Author stuff!

The next chapter ish gonna be where Tsukasa has a hangover, but I do believe that is the last chapter I'm going to write for this....

To meh reviewers:

Chelsea: Thanks fer readin' it!

Kitsunia: You? Lazy?! -gasp- Thankies!

Zero : Actually, I've had the idea for a while, I just havn't written it down. Glad I've made someone's dream come true, though.

Sesuna: You do not have permission to call me by my actuall name!! Don't make me claw your eyeballs out! Or I might just go around calling you Kennith all the time.. -smirk- kennith.. -more smirking- Thanks for the compliment, though.