Chapter 2:
"The answer is NO!" the dark headed junior told Horohoro.
Horohoro expected that from Ren. The 15 year-old martial artist wasn't about to waste valuable training time to audition in a play and join rehearsals. A play he had no desire to even see.
Ren Tao was popular all over Japan AND China, for his "devil may care" style, devilish good looks, the heir to the Tao fortune and for being a champion martial artist. So far unbeatable, he is constantly training. The fact of having a very well muscled body helped too.
He was "innocently" practicing his Bojutsu and minding his own business, when Horohoro decided to interrupt with his impossible request. (A Bojutsu is a long wooden stick usually made of bamboo).
"Come on, Ren! You owe me a favor anyway…"
"To audition for a stupid play with your very loud, annoying and shrewish sister, does not equal to cleaning my car."
"Come on, Ren. You get along great anyway."
"Are you kidding me? You're just asking me because I'm the only one brave enough to even try to handle her."
"Of course not. If I wanted someone who can handle her I'd just ask Takenori Lukawa."
This time Ren froze. Horohoro saw his chance. He knew how much Ren hated Takenori's guts even more than his sister's. He is Ren's rival in almost every competition. It's going on for a long time.
"He doesn't seem to mind my sister's company and she doesn't seem to either…"
"Then why not ask him!"
"I don't like the way he looks at my sister… so, will you do it?"
"No. Can't your sister take care of herself?"
"Unfortunately, no. She seems to like the attention plus she is terribly naïve."
"My answer is still no. Discussion over!" he said, then returned to his training.
"(Sigh) I didn't want to do this, Ren but you leave me no choice…"
He removed an envelope from his back pocket.
"What are those?
"Pictures…of you…in Disneyland…baby-sitting your younger cousins…"
"How did you get those?"
"I have my sources…think of what this will do to your reputation…"
"Give me those!"
"Not unless you work with Pirika in the play."
"That's blackmail"
"I'd do anything for my sister. So, what will it be? Publish this in the paper ruining your tough guy reputation or a few times a week in the company of my charming sister?
In anger, Ren attacked him with the Bojutsu he was still wielding. He didn't need Bason very much anymore. He likes to use his own strengths now. Horohoro was expecting it though. He wasn't as experienced as Ren in Martial Arts but he wasn't bad. He had lots of practice with all of Pirika's suitors. He learned a long time ago how useful fighting was in that case. He made sure Pirika didn't see him fight them though. It isn't a pretty sight.
"Alright…" he finally grumbled.
Horohoro grinned. "What was that? I couldn't quite hear you."
"I'll do it! CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW!"
"Crystal…and I need another favor."
Ren groaned. "What is it this time?"
"Would you pick up Pirika later and for the next few days?"
"(Sigh) fine…but where are you going?"
He held up his skateboard." Skateboarding finals. I'll be gone for three days and if it isn't so much trouble…scare a few of her suitors while you're at it. I don't like the way they hang around her and show them the same courtesy that I do if they persist, if you know what I mean. There should be a few waiting. Believe me I know…"
"Sure, I understand. If they give any trouble, I beat them to a pulp…"
"Bingo."
Horohoro turned to leave. "Oh! And by the way, you need work with your thrusts…"
Ren threw him a sai from the weapons' rack. The sharp three-pronged weapon missed by mere inches…
Horohoro looked at it. "And your aim…" he said before exited.
As soon as he left, Ren grinned. "If I wanted to hit you, I would have."
