As soon as they laid Leon on the couch to rest, Pantyhose Taro and Ichiro Yui were confronted by the adults while they sat themselves at another couch. Both of them are very tired. Yui wanted to change clothes while Taro wanted something to eat.
YUI: Do you have a bathroom?
AERIS: Near the kitchen.
YUI: Thanks.
Yui grabs her backpack out of nowhere and heads to the bathroom to change. Aeris goes to Leon to heal his wounds. Cloud looks at the cursed warrior.
CLOUD: Who are you and how did you meet Leon?
TARO: I thought his name is Squall?
CLOUD: Don't know. Not trying to pry also.
Taro sat silently and thinks of a name NOT involving Pantyhose. That would be too embarrassing for him. At times like this, he wished Happosai millions of deaths.
TARO: Taro.
CID: Taro?
TARO: Just Taro. Like Madonna.
CID: [confused] Who's Madonna?
TARO: Never mind. Anyhow, you guys got something to eat? I'm kinda hungry.
Taro tried not to sound rude to anyone. The last time he did that he got a lot of trouble.
CID: We only got ramen. The town's been suffering food shortage for quite. No one knew what really happened.
TARO: It's okay.
CID: [to Naruto and Gon] Kiddos, prepare a meal for our visitors.
NARUTO: [insulted] HEY! WE'RE NOT YOU SERVANTS OLD MAN!
CID: You little brat! You live in this house with us adults. You're not in your world anymore. We let you live with us and you have to follow what we say so deal with it.
Naruto growled at inventor/pilot while Cloud gives a sigh. The two of them would never get along but deep down, Cid cares for him, Vivi, Gon and Naru like the children he never had. After losing his wife and then Yuffie and Selphie, he couldn't bear to lose another comrade. Gon drags the reluctant shinobi to the kitchen to prepare two meals. Later on, Yui comes out from the bathroom after she refreshes herself. She's wearing a denim jacket, white long sleeves and jeans with sneakers. She approaches Taro, Cloud and Cid on the living room.
YUI: So, anything at all?
CLOUD: Not much, but we're waiting for Leon to wake up. What's your name?
YUI: Ichiro Yui.
CID: So you have a last name!
YUI: [to Taro] What? You didn't tell them your full name?
TARO: Shut up!
CID: Are we missing something?
YUI: Nah. It's just that his real name is-
TARO: [covers Yui's mouth] Don't listen to her! Heh heh! She's just joking! [whispers to Yui] You tell my NAME to everyone, you die!
YUI: [gets away from Taro] Who died and made you the Iron Chef!?
TARO: Why is it you're willing to tell everyone my name? That name has brought me shame and embarrassment!
CLOUD: What's so embarrassing about "Taro"?
YUI: Listen, P-
TARO: [irritated] AAAARRRGGHHH! STOP CALLING ME P!!!
YUI: Okay! Okay! Calm down! (Pussy)
TARO: Since we met, you're nothing but a pain to me!
YUI: Hey! What did I do?
TARO: You keep insulting me!
YUI: You're sensitive about this! You're more sensitive than a gay tangerine! No wonder everyone finds you weird.
TARO: Che, of all the women I've met, you're goddamn awful! [Not true actually since he thinks Rouge and Ranma are way more awful than Yui]
YUI: Oh yeah? Well, I think your dragon vest is awful but I am too much of a lady to say it!
TARO: If you live in my hometown, you're just a second-class citizen!
YUI: Really? In my household, you wash my bras!
While Taro and Yui kept arguing, Cloud and Cid tried to ignore them. It's similar to Ranma and Akane right before they left. And then, they stopped arguing as they separate themselves from each other. It's not like that the two didn't like each other, it's just that they get on each others nerves. On cue, Naru approached Cloud from the kitchen. Actually, she's been trying to go to him but when she heard the argument, she decided to wait.
NARU: Cloud, we got a problem. We don't have any food supplies anymore.
CID: [shocked] WHAT?
NARU: All of them are gone. I think we have to buy some more.
CLOUD: Alright. Take the kids with you.
Naru nods and goes to the kitchen to tell the three boys that they're going out to buy some food. Yui decides to tag along since she doesn't want to hang around with Taro for a while.
YUI: Hey! Can I come along?
NARU: Uh sure.
Yui gets up from her chair and follows Naru and the others who went out through the back door. Aeris went down while Kimhari is guarding Leon. She sits down beside Cloud.
AERIS: Where's Irvine?
CID: Went out. He didn't mention where?
TARO: Who's Irvine?
CLOUD: One of our comrades.
TARO: You mean one of the survivors? Riku told me and the red-head bitch about everything. Well, not everything.
CLOUD: What exactly did he tell you?
TARO: Where do I begin? First, the Heartless. Again, for the nth time, where did they come up with the lame-ass names? Next, he told us about the Keybearers and that some of the potential Keybearers are murdered. Then, he told us about the worlds being conquered. The rest forgot. But, we were recently attacked by three weirdoes wearing black cloaks. If you ask me, I think they're pretty cool.
CLOUD: You were attacked by Unknowns?
TARO: I think that's they were called. I have to admit they are pretty powerful. So, let me ask you the question. Who's the current Keybearer?
CID: Why the heck are you interested?
TARO: What? Can't a person ask about it? Is it forbidden?
CLOUD: Very well. The current Keybearer is Ranma Saotome.
When the name "Ranma Saotome" registered into his mind, Taro began to laugh wildly and collapses on the floor. The three are baffled by this. To Taro, femboy is the current savior? If so, then pigs will fly. It took awhile for Taro to calm down and composes himself properly.
AERIS: Let me guess, you know him.
TARO: Femboy? The transsexual? Don't get me wrong. I respect him as a martial artist but as a person he's a fucking prick. The moron's think he's so great that I'm willing to side whoever gets to kill him. So my disinterest with Saotome may not be so bad. It only fueled my abilities to crush my enemies, most especially the old lecher and femboy himself.
CID: Kid, you're a wannabe natural born killer.
Cloud, Aeris and Cid immediately understood. Taro and Ranma never got along. Plus, if the two ever get to meet again, they will make sure that they would control them.
AERIS: But he's not alone. He brought 5 other companions with him.
TARO: Whoa! Whoa! Let me guess. A short blue-haired girl who happens to be his fiancée [he doesn't know Ranma and Akane broke their engagement]. A moronic bandanna clad boy who often gets lost. A blind schmuck. A very annoying Chinese purple haired girl who speaks broken Japanese. Am I right?
CID: Heh. That settles it for getting to know each other.
TARO: But you said there 5 of them. Who was the other one?
CID: A girl. Kinda cute. She carries a very big spatula.
TARO: [shrugs] Sorry. Never knew her.
Taro and Ukyo haven't met before. If they do, there would be no doubt a war between them since Taro always insults Ranma which of course the latter is always teasing the former.
AERIS: So you knew all of them?
TARO: It's a long story. Let's just say if we were stuck in an island, I'd ignore them. If things go worse, I'd eat. Wash them first, cook them properly and then eat them.
AERIS: Very informative. [Aeris finds him very mortifying and deluded]
CID: Hey kid. I'm not prying into your personal life but is the red head your girlfriend?
TARO: [mortified] WHAT? HELL NO! ANYONE BUT HER!
CID: Geez kid, relax! I just asking.
TARO: She's too damn bitchy. She keeps yakking over her ex-boyfriends. I'd rip her lungs out if she keeps doing that. I'd say she has 4 different passports and a map to the underworld.
CID: Yikes. Trouble in paradise. Kid, in this town, people will know you immediately. Don't ask how. That's mystery waiting to be solved.
NARU: I love those jeans.
YUI: Really? Thanks, it took me an eternity to find a perfect pair. Of course, tax inclusion can be a bitch.
NARU: So, is the guy with you your boyfriend?
YUI: Honey, let me say this for you. No one in the world would believe he's straight. He's as gay as a pink wooden pony being shackled away for a gay party. He fell outta the gay tree, hitting every gay branch on the way down. In fact, you can see his gayness from space.
NARU: So you never got along?
YUI: Yup! Right you are missy!
Yui and Naru engage in a girl talk while Naruto, Gon and Vivi are ahead of them.
NARUTO: What do you think they're talking about?
VIVI: I think girl stuff.
GON: I find Yui kinda funny. Did you hear what she had just said about her male companion?
NARUTO: She is pretty and cute.
GON: I don't know. I find the guy she was talking about pretty cool. You can tell the coolness around him by just looking at him. But in terms of power, I'll have to see.
NARUTO: [snickers] He he! They're probably another bickering couple!
NARU: What are you talking about?
NARUTO: [gives her the tongue] Nothing!
NARU: Hmph!
VIVI: [to Yui] So, Yui-kun, um, where did you come from?
YUI: [absentmindedly] From a world where things just go as they should. [everyone looks at her] Um, nothing. So how about you guys? What do you do?
NARU: I'm a college student. Believe me, it's harder entering a good college!
YUI: You were a ronin student?
NARU: I don't know for how long! It was pure torture!
YUI: What about you kids?
GON: Well, I'm a hunter, just like my dad.
VIVI: I'm a black magic user.
NARUTO: [beams proudly] And I'm-
NARU/GON/VIVI: The next Hokage.
NARU: [to Yui] He does that from time to time. I think he's suffering from disillusionment.
NARUTO: [offended] HEY! That was mean Naru-chan!
YUI: It's okay. Naruto-kun can be the next prime minister whenever he wants!
NARUTO: It's Hokage!
YUI: Same thing, big deal.
The five arrived at the food stand. It has glass counter between the vendors and the customers. The customer would tell the vendors what he wants and they would get it for them. Unfortunately, the store is about to close.
NARU: Oh no! [rushes to the counter] Please! We need to buy some food!
The vendor, a fat man with long hair in his 40's and looks very dirty, warily looks at Naru.
VENDOR: Sorry sweetheart, but I'm closing early.
NARU: B-but you can't! We need to buy some food! We don't have any supply left!
VENDOR: Geez, bitch! Didn't you hear what I had just said? I'm closing early so take a hike!
Apparently, the vendor isn't a very nice man. Vivi is shocked by this but Gon and Naruto are offended by his harsh treatment to Naru.
GON: Hey! You take that back! You're not nice!
NARUTO: You better apologize to her you fat bastard!
The vendor looks at the two boys. He glances at Gon and knows that he's not the boy not to be messed with. However, when he looks at Naruto...
VENDOR: [horrified] FUCK! IT'S THAT DEMONIC KYUUBI!
Everyone flinched at this while Naruto eyes filled with horror as looks up to see the man.
VENDOR: THERE'S NO FUCKING WAY I AIN'T GONNA SELL MY STUFF TO THIS SATANIC PIECE OF SHIT!
YUI: What is he talking about?
VENDOR: [to Naruto] GET OUT YOU DEMONIC KILLER!
The vendor expressed his resentment towards the blond ninja by hurling a bottle of wine at him. To everyone's horror, the bottle broke into pieces as it hits him with the wine splashed at him. Naruto felt hurt both physically and mentally. Back in his world, he was always being tormented by the villagers save for a few who cared about him one way or another. But none of them hit him physically. When he woke up in Traverse Town, he was told by Cloud that mysteriously everyone knows the visitors and they knew he was a vessel for the Kyuubi. That alone made everyone afraid of him. He only got a cut in the head but the pain is greater than that. He tried not to cry but he couldn't. He closes his eyes and clenches his fist and runs away from everyone by jumping through rooftops.
NARU: [shouts] NARUTO WAIT!
GON: [shouts] OI NARUTO!
Yui felt sorry for the kid but at the same time she's surprised about this. She's very angry at the vendor who has the gall to hit a kid with a bottle. Vendor, on the other hand, didn't mind the rest as closes his store by closing the glass counter. He is about to turn away when a fist smashes through the counter and grabs his collar and drags the fat man out of the store by smashing the man from inside. The vendor is slammed to the ground. He looks up to see Yui with an evil look that could kill. Yui punches him in the face very hard that made the man beg for mercy.
YUI: [angry] YOU DESPICABLE SON OF A BITCH! [punch] WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO TO HIM!? [punch] HE'S JUST A KID!
VENDOR: Y-you don't...understand...he's a demon who killed a lot of people!
YUI: [slams his face to the ground by pulling his hair] AND YOU HIT HIM WITH A BOTTLE THAT COULD KILL HIM!? [slams] GUESS WHAT TUBBY? YOU THINK YOU'VE SEEN A MURDERER? YOU HAVEN'T GOT TO KNOW ME YET! LIPOSUCTION WON'T BLESS YOUR LIFE!
Yui keeps on slamming the man face first to the ground and then kicks him on the stomach. The vendor vomits some blood. Naru, Gon and Vivi are shocked at this. Naru thinks she's violent but now she's met Yui, she pales completely by comparison. By now, the vendor is beaten up completely from head to toe. Yui felt that the man should apologize to Naruto but decides not to since the vendor might shout at him again.
NARU: [softly] Yui-kun...
YUI: 5 by 5. You guys grab whatever you need and go back to the house.
VIVI: What about you?
YUI: I'll look for Naruto-kun. Do you have any idea where he is?
GON: He's at the alleyway at the 3rd District. It's not far from here.
YUI: Everything's going to be okay, I promise.
At that, Yui disappeared in a puff of smoke. The rest slowly enters the store to get some food supplies.
VIVI: I think we should leave some money for the vendor.
NARU: [aghast] What? After what he did to Naruto-kun? That bastard had it coming!
GON: She's right Vivi. He doesn't deserve pity. But still Naru, he still has a business to attend to.
NARU: Arrgh! Fine, leave some money. But let's leave him alone! He does that stunt one more time or I'll turn him into a miss!
AERIS: The kids seem to take so long in buying the food. I should've come along with them.
CLOUD: They're probably looking for some stores that are opening. It's nighttime and most of them are closing.
TARO: They're with Red. I'm pretty sure they're in good hands.
Irvine enters the house in a cool, sway manner.
CID: Where the hell have you been?
IRVINE: Went to bars. Relaxing and drowning my sorrows by alcohol. [looks at Taro] Who's the new kid?
TARO: Taro. Who're you.
IRVINE: The name's Irvine Kinneas. Anything I missed so far?
CLOUD: Leon's back and is resting at the moment.
IRVINE: Squall? What happened to him?
TARO: Squall? What's going on? What's with the two names?
IRVINE: Long story. You wouldn't believe it anyway. [looks around] Where are the kids?
AERIS: Buying food.
IRVINE: What's going on?
CLOUD: So far, Riku's been captured by Malvolio.
IRVINE: [surprised] What? Get out! That brat's more slippery than a weasel. There's no way he would let himself get captured. Must have an important reason why.
CLOUD: That's why we're waiting for Leon to wake up.
Naru, Gon and Vivi entered the house with worried faces. Everyone looks at them and can tell something bad's happened.
AERIS: [concerned] Are you guys okay? What happened? Where's Naruto?
NARU: S-something ha-happened. We went to a store and the vendor is about to close when he saw Naruto and immediately recognized him as the Kyuubi. What's worst is that he threw a bottle of wine at Naruto-kun!
CLOUD: [shocked] WHAT? WHY DID THAT SON OF A BITCH DO THAT?
NARU: I-I don't know.
GON: But good part is that Yui dragged his fat ass out of his store and beat him up.
TARO: [shocked] WHAT?
NARU: Believe me, that bastard deserve that punishment!
CLOUD: Where are they now?
GON: Yui's looking for Naruto. I think she wants to comfort him.
In the alleyway of the Third District where the lights are dimly lit, Naruto spent most of his time practicing his aim by throwing his kunai and shuriken at the target one by one. Most of them did hit but none reached the bulls eye. He annoyingly approached the target to gather his weapons and start all over again. He then threw all of them at the target, but none of them hit the target. Instead of getting the small weapons, he just sat on the ground and think about his life. He stopped crying a while ago but he still felt hurt on what just happened. Back in his world, none of the villagers, although they despise him, would throw stuff at him. If they do, he would evade them. Deep down, it was a mix of hate and love. He hated the villagers for making his life miserable but he missed his friends and loved ones. He keeps on wondering if all of them are still alive or probably dead. When he woke up mysteriously, the last thing he remembered that he was on a mission retrieving someone. Then he met Cloud and the others. They knew he was a vessel for a demon but they didn't care. Aeris is the mother he never had and he would die to protect her. Cloud is also like a father. Cid? Well despite their constant bickering, he admired the man. Same thing goes with Kimhari despite his constant silence. He found two friends in the form of Gon and Vivi. He and Gon would often spar together. And Naru was the bratty yet lovable elder sister. To him, it was family but with holes. He sometimes see Irvine but they chat and that was it. No close connection unlike everyone else. Now, he resumes his training and hoping that one day he would find happiness.
Unknown to him, Yui is watching him from the roof. She felt sorry for him since no child, human or demon with good intentions, should be abused both physically and mentally. He reminded her of her younger brother. Yui hopes that he wouldn't wreck her room as he usually do when she was away. She did love him but like all sibling relationships, they would often fight. Yui noticed that Naruto used kunai and shuriken for target practice. She grinned. He's shinobi. No wonder, they're both shinobis. Yui smiles as he keeps missing the bullseye, but she also suffered the same predicament when she was young. And that, she decides to help him. She grabs a kunai from her pouch and throws it directly at the bullseyes. Naruto flinched at this and looks around to see who threw that kunai.
YUI: [shouts from the rooftop] HEY KIDDO! NICE AIM BUT DON'T LET YOU EMOTIONS GET THE BEST OF YOU!
Naruto looks above to see Yui waving at him. She jumps down on the land safely. He's awed at her.
NARUTO: [stammering] Y-you di-did that?
YUI: Naruto-kun, you're a shinobi. Don't let what happened get to you.
NARUTO: You you you're a shinobi? [pauses] COOL!
YUI: Guess we've establish the "hello" part and now we're in the "my techniques are better than your techniques"...wait, you do have one right?
NARUTO: Heh! I have lots!
Yui approaches the boy with a smile. Naruto would have to admit that she's prettier up close than some of the girls he knew and more straightforward.
NARUTO: What about you? What village do you come from?
YUI: [confused] What?
To Naruto, he assumes that Yui is from his world since he thinks that she's a kunoichi and the logic is that all shinobis come from his world.
YUI: Sorry, I think you've mistaken me from your world. I'm from another.
NARUTO: [embarrassed] Oh. Sorry.
YUI: It's okay. You alright? Fatso did a pretty damage on you.
NARUTO: I'm alright.
YUI: Don't you worry. I already took care of fat bastard. Nearly killed him. [Naruto widens his eyes with surprise] Relax, I didn't as much I want to.
NARUTO: Mmm...thanks. I'm used to it.
YUI: Being hit by objects? That's bull.
NARUTO: You wouldn't understand. You heard what that guy said. It's true. I'm a-
YUI: Vessel for the Kyuubi? [Naruto nods] Wait a sec, you think I'm doing this 'coz I pity you? It's not that. Okay I am because I couldn't stand seeing you being abused.
NARUTO: I've been in that road when I was young. Back in my world, almost everyone in my village hated me because the demon I'm containing killed a lot of their loved ones a long time ago. They didn't physically abuse me. They just give me stares, which aren't good.
YUI: You know, I could've just given then the shinobi Smackdown. You're a kid and yet they see you as a demon. Didn't they just look at that? I think their IQ just went six feet under. They refused to let go of the past. I think it's time for all of them to go into very intensive therapy.
NARUTO: But not all of them. I have people who loved me and I also love them too. It's just that...
YUI: No matter what, you're being detached away from them. Am I boring you?
NARUTO: Nah. You're right.
YUI: You know, for a kid, you seem very insightful. I bet a lot of people underestimated you. Too bad for them. But then again they're human.
NARUTO: But you know what make me happy? That one day I'm gonna be Hokage!
YUI: [smiles] That's sweet! [pauses] What's a Hokage?
NARUTO: Oh. It's a leader of my village who leads and takes care of people.
YUI: Nice. What's ironic-
NARUTO: [confused] What's ironic?
YUI: Er...it's like strange. Rephrasing the question. What's strange is that you wanted to become the Hokage so that you would protect the same people who tormented you. And I thought I got it bad.
NARUTO: [smiles] You're nice.
YUI: Kid, you don't know the entire thing about me. But I'll tell you what.
Yui and Naruto sit on the nearest bench. Yui's big sister instincts rises up.
YUI: Kid. Life is hard. Life isn't fair. I learn that the hard way when I cheated an exam. No shortcuts in life. But I admire you. Despite all the abuse, you still love them. No matter what, don't let them crawl into your skin. If, in any manner, they sic you, fight them off. Sometimes violence isn't the answer but in emergency cases it still does.
NARUTO: You don't know what it is like in my life. Everyday, I go out and people give me cold glares and insults. Like you said, even if I have friends, I feel detached because of who I am and what's inside of me. I'm tired of everything.
Naruto's tears begin to fall but somehow he fights it in order not to appear weak to the older woman. Yui felt sorry for the young boy. Her heart was shattered into pieces. She looks at him eye to eye. She could see his blue eyes in pain and agony. She puts her arm around his shoulders and pulls him closer.
YUI: [tenderly] Hey. It's okay to cry. You're right. I don't know all about your life. But you're a brave shinobi. No one could withstand the pain you've been through. Heck, if I was in your position, I'd massacre the entire place. It's a long winding road but I know one day you will be a great president...I mean Hokage. Even if we're from different worlds, I care for you know...in a non-romantic way.
NARUTO: [smiles] Thank you...Yui-chan.
Naruto hugs her. He's happy that Yui comforted him. Now he considers Yui as one of his most precious persons. In return, Yui hugs him just like the way she would hug her brother. She misses him, but he went to summer camp.
YUI: You know, you could've just sic them with the Kyuubi. That oughta show them who's boss. And then with you being the Hokage, I suggest that you study economics so that you can earn a lot of money by extorting them. There's nothing like sweet revenge by extorting money from those who hurt you. A poetic justice, if I say so. Now, how to prepare an excellent method like that.
NARU: I'm worried about Naruto-kun.
CID: He's a strong kid. I think Yui would help him a lot.
Taro watched the interaction among the residents of the house. To say he was bored was an understatement. He hates waiting and decides to grab another snack. He gets up and goes to the kitchen only to see Gon eating a cup of ramen.
TARO: Hey kid. [Gon looks at him] Can I ask you a simple question?
GON: Sure.
TARO: What exactly do you do here? I hate to admit but the town's a little bit boring for my tastes.
GON: Nothing much really except train.
TARO: Train? You're a martial artist?
GON: I'm a hunter. Hunters seek out anything, from treasures to criminals.
TARO: [stunned] You? A hunter? You're still-
GON: A kid? It's okay. I get that most of the time. I'm just 12 years old. I'm a year younger than Naruto.
TARO: [impressed] Wow. So in your world, that's what you usually do?
GON: Well, to tell you the truth. The reason why I became a hunter is because I've been looking for my father. He's a famous hunter himself.
TARO: Like dad like son. What happened then?
GON: I was walking around with my friends one day and then Heartless demons appear out of nowhere. I fought them until everything went black. I don't know how I got here afterwards. How about you?
TARO: Long story kid. I don't know the bloody details myself but all I know is that it ain't going to be a bed of roses.
GON: Don't worry. I know one day you'll find the answers. Just hang in there.
Taro grins at Gon. He finds him very endearing, unlike a certain Keybearer.
TARO: How do you do your job as a hunter? You got to have something.
GON: Well, there's my fishing rod.
TARO: Fishing rod? [then remembers Cid describing Ukyo carrying a large spatula, so anything goes] Anyway, any techniques?
GON: I admit I'm still in training. But my sensei told me I have excellent control of my Nen.
TARO: Nen?
GON: Nen is the ability to control the energy that flows around the outside of the body. Everyone has a very small amount of this energy called aura flowing around the body, but most of it is lost in the air. In my world at least.
TARO: Just like chi, only different.
GON: I can punch harder but it takes time because I need to concentrate on my aura to my fist and then punch.
TARO: Sounds hard.
GON: It's okay. I need to train more so that I can surpass everyone.
Taro smiled at Gon. It's been awhile since he smiled at someone other than his mother. He recalled his hard life because of his name. Seriously, after you ran away from two girls just because they're asking your name, you have serious issues. Taro has them and it drove him to vengeance against Happosai. When he met Ranma, he concluded that Ranma is a strong fighter but a cocky one just like him. But his endless teasing of his name wanted Taro to snap his neck in his bull form. He looks at Gon and thinks that if Ranma should ever go to personality development training, he should look up to Gon. At least he's humble but determined. If only life is simple.
GON: Hey...uh Taro right?
TARO: Heh. Don't you forget it!
GON: What about you? What kind of art do you train?
TARO: I learned martial arts from a friend of my mother's who also happens to be my sensei. I tell you, he's very strict and can sometimes piss you off but he's like a father figure to me. Taught me a lot of techniques.
GON: Don't you have a dad?
TARO: I never got to know him. My mom told me that he left when I was young. Still hurt though. A part of me wants me to find him but the other half wants me to stop finding him and move on. Kinda hard.
GON: I see.
TARO: But enough about me. So, can you fill me in on the details about the people here?
GON: They're like my temporary family for a moment until I can return to my world. Cloud and Aeris are wonderful pseudo-parents. They love each other.
TARO: (I can imagine what the sex would be like)
GON: What's funny is that sometimes we can hear moaning and screaming from their bedroom. Cid told us that they're "bonding" but Naru tells us that they're doing what every couple would do. I think she did that stuff before.
Taro widens his eyes with surprise. Seems that Gon got his first taste of sex education.
TARO: Uhh Gon. Do you have any idea what you're talking about?
GON: No. [Taro silently is relieved] Do you?
TARO: When you grow older, you'll understand.
GON: Cid has a potty mouth but a nice guy. He reminds me of Leorio. Kimhari is very quiet. I have to admit I was afraid of him at first but he's nice.
TARO: Kimhari?
GON: He's a Ronso. He's with Leon for the moment. Naru is moody but nice. Vivi's shy and Naruto's loud but we're great friends. I'll be sad when we return to our respective worlds since I'll be missing them.
Taro digests this. Seems he's in an inter-galactic or inter-planetary conference peace talk.
GON: I forgot, Leon's cool and can be very observant. But...
TARO: But what?
GON: Promise me you won't tell? [Taro nods]
Gon approaches him and whispers to his ear.
GON: [whispers] I really don't trust that Irvine. For some reason, he's hiding something. I don't know what though.
TARO: The cowboy?
GON: Yeah.
TARO: Why?
GON: I don't know. Naruto thinks so too, only he's less observant and quick to judge.
TARO: So, you have any evidence?
GON: No, but he appears at the precise moment. Creepy.
TARO: Maybe he's just like that. I was told his girlfriend died while fighting the Heartless. But, you may be on to something but I'm staying on the thin line. Then again, don't do anything stupid. Say Gon, do you have a room where I can be alone?
A few hours later after two conversations took place, Yui and Naruto entered the house looking as if they went to a fight. Actually, they did and this caught everyone by surprise. But what caught them off their feet is that they are greeted by a very large smile by Naruto looking as if he accomplished something very important. Yui didn't sport her usual ponytail and instead let her hair fall down.
AERIS: Naruto...what happened to you two?
NARUTO: Don't worry! We just did a little sparring.
YUI: Yes, after the destruction of two empty buildings that would increase the cost of property damages. Unless the place is cheaper than I expected.
NARU: [to Naruto] Are you okay?
NARUTO: [smiles] Never been better!
Irvine comes out of the kitchen to see Yui. As a ladies man, he's attracted to her.
IRVINE: [whistles] Well, hello sunshine!
YUI: Who're you?
IRVINE: Irvine Kinneas, at your service.
YUI: Yui. Very much Village People. [Irvine's confused, knowing that she's referring to him] Sorry, pop culture reference. [to Aeris] Did you see Taro? I needed to talk to him.
Naruto is dismayed at this development. He was hoping he could spend some time with Yui.
GON: He's in the basement. He wanted to be alone.
YUI: Well then, guess P won't mind a little pop-up visit from me.
Yui removes her denim jacket and goes down the basement. After she left, everyone looked at Naruto.
NARU: What exactly did you do?
NARUTO: Just a little sparring.
AERIS: She mentioned some destruction. Don't tell me you destroyed some stuff! We can't afford to pay the damages.
IRVINE: Wait, you people didn't know? No one can make you pay for the damages. I know, it's pretty weird. It's as if the town, no, this world is falling apart.
CLOUD: How do you know that?
IRVINE: Think about this. Almost everyday this place isn't as calm as it used to be. Sure there's no destruction after the Cnith invaded. But, many of the townspeople here seem agitated for some reason. While I was at the bar, no brawls there but people seem nervous. It's as if they expected something bad will happen.
CLOUD: How do you know that?
LEON: He may be right.
Everyone looks at Leon who is coming down the stairs with Kimhari behind him. He looks okay but he's still very weary.
AERIS: You shouldn't be up. There's no guarantee that you'll be okay immediately after I healed you.
LEON: It's okay. I'm not the type who sits here while waiting. Besides, I'm here for an important reason. First things first, where's Taro and Ichiro?
Taro is lying on the cot, thinking about some things that have happened so far since he met Riku or Kiev or whoever the hell his name was. He gets up when he hears footsteps coming down. To his dismay, the footsteps belonged to Yui.
TARO: Some of us people wanted to be alone. What's your excuse?
YUI: Needed to talk to you. Also I'm up for some teen-related conversation. I forgot, I come in peace.
TARO: I'd noticed that. I didn't see the red horns, the tail and the pitchfork. So, what brings you to this humble abode?
YUI: How about getting to know each other?
TARO: Are you flirting with me?
YUI: Definitely a big no. I admit you're a looker but that hair-do of yours has seen better days during World War I.
TARO: You're here so that you can scold me of how I'm a fashion victim? Us martial artists don't have time for grooming.
YUI: Chill, P. Anyway, I have to ask. Which moron gave you the name "Pantyhose"?
TARO: Are familiar with the old lecher "Happosai"? [Yui nods] He's the one who named me. He found my mother in the Jusenkyo springs who was about to explode. So, like any Good Samaritan would do, he helped her gave birth. After I was born, he needed to give me water to cleanse me. Only he placed me in one of the springs namely, Spring-of-Drowned-Yeti-riding-a-Bull- holding-a-Crane-and-Eel. [Yui gives him a funny look] I know, I don't know what the hell that was all about. I didn't mind that I have the curse. It makes me stronger. But the name...let's say I want to hunt that old bastard, make him change my name and then break his spinal cord into kingdom come.
YUI: Wicked.
TARO: Let's just say it's been a hell of a crazy ride. When I first arrived in Japan looking for Happosai, I stumbled upon the femboy, Saotome Ranma.
YUI: Saotome Ranma? The son of Saotome Genma and Nodoka?
TARO: You know him?
YUI: Once when we were kids. His moronic father made us engaged with each other. It was right after Genma and Ranma ran off that my parents decided to revoke the engagement. They weren't old fashioned. They're like the new generation who honors traditions that are very necessary. My mom told me that my dad and Genma never did got along with each other. Same thing goes for me and Ranma. As for Happosai, he was once engaged with my great- grandmother.
TARO: If that happened, shit would be on your side.
YUI: Luckily, she decided to cancel it on her own free will after she found out that he was a pervert who can't score a decent chick.
TARO: Ichiro. [pauses] Riku told me that you met him in Russia a few months ago.
YUI: I know. When I saw him at the playground, I thought he was there to kill me.
TARO: What does a schoolgirl like you doing in a foreign country?
YUI: If I tell you, I'd have to kill you.
TARO: I'd beat you up before you can lay a finger on me.
YUI: Care to put that in a test P? Fine. It went like this. I was on a train in Russia for vacation.
TARO: Russia, of all places? Not exactly the best vacation spot.
YUI: I am in the former communistic country having the time of my life. So, I bumped him on the train and we moved on. No flirting, no nookie. That's it.
Taro accepts her answer even though he thinks that she's not telling the truth.
TARO: Since you were the one who started the whole "let's get to know each other" topic, how about spill something useful about you?
YUI: I am a high school student. I have a father, a mother, a little annoying brother and grandparents. I am a good daughter-
TARO: HA! Good daughter? Don't make me laugh. Loud, rude, lousy and if I know better, drunk. Good daughter my ass. You're the good girl who's a bitch. You're the bad girl who gets bored with the safe life. Even better, you could steal a car, crash it on a cliff, and get drunk and next day wake up in a whorehouse in Salina. Don't deny that you're nothing but a girl scout number one, which you ain't.
YUI: Well, since we get to know each other in the first quarter of the "getting to know each other" phase, I'm glad that you spilled some beans about you. Even though your so-called tragic past could end up in a sitcom, which sucks ass really.
TARO: Same thing goes with me.
Yui and Taro hear footsteps coming down to the basement. To their surprise, it was Naruto, who gives a goofy grin to Yui.
NARUTO: Yui-chan! Leon wants to see the both of you right now!
Naruto goes upstairs as both teens give each other puzzling looks.
TARO: He's up already?
Taro and Yui went to the living room to see Leon and everyone else waiting for them.
TARO: What's going on?
LEON: Are you two up for rescuing the blind idiot? I'm sure you have questions for him to answer though I bet he'll hold back a little.
YUI: Now? Aren't you-
LEON: I'm fine.
CLOUD: No you're not.
IRVINE: Heh, let him be. No one can stop him.
LEON: Okay, you two, I and Irvine will go to Malvolio's mansion in the World of Tomorrow. Once we get there, I'll fill you in on the details.
TARO: When do we leave?
LEON: An hour from now. It's best that we have to prepare ourselves.
NARUTO: Hey! Can I come?
CLOUD: Sorry but no.
NARUTO: [shocked] What?
GON: Why not? We're prepared!
CLOUD: This mission is dangerous.
GON: Naruto and I have been through very tough missions. I think we can handle this one.
LEON: Cloud's right. It's very dangerous. I know you kids want to fight but for your own safety, it's best that you stay here.
Both kids pouted and whine about not in the rescue mission. Taro and Yui felt sorry for them.
YUI: I've seen Naruto's potential and I gotta say kid's got style and the qualities to kick ass.
LEON: The place we're going isn't suited for them. Trust me.
Naru comes out of the kitchen carrying a large brown rabbit.
AERIS: Naru, where did you get that?
NARU: I found it outside. Isn't it cute?
Yui looks at what Naru is carrying. Her eyes twitched and panics. In sheer killer instinct, she grabs her kunai and quickly slices its head off, much to everyone's horror. Fountain of blood begins to spurt upward and covers a little bit over Naru's horrified look. Yui hyperventilates for a while and begins to breathe easily. Two minutes of silence later, Naru musters the courage to ask Yui.
NARU: [shocked] W-wha-what did y-you-
YUI: Bunnies. Creatures of the dark. Believe me, they're no good!
NARU: [shouts] IT'S JUST A CUTE RABBIT! WHY THE HELL DID YOU DO THAT FOR!?
YUI: Well, I have a phobia on bunnies! I'm terrified of them!
TARO: You're afraid of...[begins to snicker] bunnies? Cutesy-wutesy bunnies?
Taro begins to laugh hysterically like a hyena. Yui is pissed.
YUI: SHUT UP! SHUT UP!
Taro continued to laugh as Aeris helps the still-shocked Naru while Naruto looks at his crush thinking that she's afraid over a cute animal. Yui continues to tell Taro to shut up and threatens him tell them his real name. For that, Taro immediately piped down.
CLOUD: [whispers to Leon] This what Riku recruited? Two crazy teens?
LEON: [whispers to Cloud] I think he's still up for the apocalypse. By using these two? Godspeed on his part.
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
1. This chapter follows some of who Yui is. A kunoichi, a caring person, business-minded, has a knack for capitalism or loves money, a good-girl who's bad, criticizes people with bad-fashion sense and is afraid of bunnies. Also, I want to establish the relationship between Yui and Taro, Taro and Gon and Yui and Naruto, which are important later on.
2. If you guys watch "Buffy The Vampire Slayer", think of Taro and Yui as Spike and Faith/Anya respectively to the NWCs [read: mess about to happen].
3. Can any of you guys suggest summonings, anime-wise? Please?
