CHIYO-CHICHI: THE LEGACY

Part II: It's… Gravitation?

The saga of the respectable Mihama-san continues...my apologies to those who preferred "Odd Couples"...

Blind Game... again

It was some time before Shuichi Shindou, the dim-witted vocalist of Bad Luck, arrived at the Mihama residence. While Chiyo-Chichi was inclined to unleash hellfire and damnation upon the insensitive knave, he figured it was best to let the two lovers have a chance to settle matters themselves, without his intervention. It is rather peculiar, the perspicacious entity mused, holding the door open for the young Shindou; humans simply require a slight push in the right direction before they reach their own resolutions. It's quite possible that, even without my aid, they could have resolved this turmoil themselves… but it is philanthropic to help those in need, regardless of their past or present. Even a string of consecutive bad puns and an awful coffee is enough to put many people "back on track", with newfound doggedness and an optimistic disposition. It is a fascinating thing, benevolence…

Enough Monologues!

While Chiyo-chichi had been contemplating the nature of guidance and compassion, Shuichi had intuitively made a (very accurate) supposition as to the truth of the circumstance – a certain charismatic yet aloof novelist had often cited a curious, otherworldly individual, who was rather reminiscent of a cat, as one of his key influences, which, Shuichi presumed, indicated that they were close friends. While the feline creature might've simply been a talent scout (as his connection with K implied), he had mentioned a "certain someone" that was "expecting to see him there" (in a tediously arrogant voice). Unable to reach his own conclusion (it's surprising how far he got, actually) due to intense stupidity, he decided he'd just ask the quirky fellow, who was still holding the door open for non-existent company, a vacant expression on his face (though it always seemed to look like that), unaware that several locusts had infiltrated the pristine manor.

"Uh… sir… Mr…?"

The creature glowered bitterly at the hapless singer, then reverted to his vacant gawk.

"Eiri is waiting patiently in the loungeroom. Follow me, please."

Shuichi nodded obediently, and took a deep breath. He was about to be plunged into a dreadfully familiar situation – with inverted roles.

Rhapsody (In The Monlight)

"There's no need to say anything, my darling."

Lenin & J-Pop

At least two hours later, Chiyo-chichi took a puff of his Turkish tobacco and sighed contentedly, letting the gorgeous melodies of Iceman's "Neo Age" wash over him. He had given the two ecstatic lovers consent to make full use of the clandestine "Love Nest" at the rear of the house – though he was worried that his daughter and her equally naïve buddies might discover the pair's tryst, and unwillingly observe acts not well-suited for such juvenile minds. He decided to overlook that for now, until it turned into a full-blown crisis, which was actually rather unlikely, he guessed.

He placed his pipe in an intricate fiberglass container, and retrieved his copy of Communist Political Systems, Second Edition from a lounger beside the blazing hearth. Another untroubled evening… How wonderful.

Lime Pits of Referencing

Chiyo-chichi found himself lying rigidly on a Persian rug, the cumbersome Marxist tome crushing his left foot. He could hear several jubilant voices discussing high school English emanating from the general direction of the dining room, and, deciding it was rather uncouth of him to "catnap" while his guests were enjoying breakfast, he awkwardly raised himself to his feet, noting that his balance was rather misaligned today. Shuffling into the occupied room whilst unsuccessfully attempting to suppress a discourteous yawn, he was greeted by at least ten different mugs, many of which he failed to recognize. He beamed feebly at them and slumped into an empty seat, murmuring incoherently.

"Daddy! You're finally awake!" Chiyo said gleefully, her petite frame suddenly smothering him.

"Ah…. hmm… Chiyo! Who are these visitors?"

"Oh, I'm sorry for inviting them without your permission, but…"

"Do not worry! It is, hmm, fine, but please, introduce me."

"Of course father! We'll go from left to right, ok?"

Her solitary parent nodded and peered at the guest on his near left.

"This is Chihiro!"

"Hello!"

"Next is Mr. Takeshi Hokuto! He said he was a good friend of yours!"

"Ah yes! Mr. Hokuto, how long it has been! I welcome you into my household!"

Takeshi bowed with fervent gratitude, and chortled at his old friend's demeanor.

"I see you're still as urbane as ever, Mr. Mihama. Please continue, dear Chiyo."

"Of course Mr. Hokuto! Next we have Kagura, whom you already know! I'm not sure where the other four have gone, though…"

"They mentioned something playing Go Fish," said Kagura, smirking "I think they went upstairs."

Chiyo, not realizing the implications of this, merely resumed her introductions.

"At the far end is Soichirou Arima, Yukino Miyazawa, a man who refers to himself as Nabeshin and Shuichi and Eiri, whom I think you know already."

All five bowed, the latter two somewhat emphatically.

"Arima! Your father seems well! And Miyazawa! Congratulations on your exam results!" The pair beamed at him.

"Hello and good morning to you three! Shuichi, Eiri – I trust your room was comfortable?"

"It was excellent. We're deeply grateful to you, Mr. Mihama." replied Eiri, clutching Shuichi in an affectionate headlock.

"No, there is no need to thank me. Now, Chiyo, who are these five?"

"Ms. Yukari and Mrs. Kurosawa, my two teachers, Mrs. Kurosawa's husband…"

"And self-proclaimed comedian…" muttered Nyamo.

"…Noboru Yamaguchi, and finally Irvine and Selphie Kinneas, lawfully wedded as of yesterday!"

"Nyamo! You look wonderful! It is good to see you concerned with matters other than Falun Gong liberation!"

Nyamo blushed, as though trying not to recall that humiliating desperado campaign.

"Oh, I'm a teacher now."

"That is good to hear! A fine profession! Welcome! And my salutations to the rest of you!"

Chiyo-chichi had recieved each one with open arms of clemency, but pondered the meaning behind this surprise visitation. It was an ordinary Saturday as far as he was concerned, and he didn't remember organizing any brunch. Ah well, he thought, it is great to see my comrades of old gathered together inside my own dining room. Not something I encounter particularly often, which is regrettable. Hmm… Perhaps I should orchestrate a few similar events for sometime in the near future?

Cameo of Corruption

Somewhere in the labyrinthine Mihama bastion, two beleaguered authors paced simultaneously, in a perfect circle. Kenji, the more deranged of the pair, halted abruptly, trembling with unadulterated madness.

"How many series did I just reference?"

Kenji's post-script ramble: I'm not sure why K isn't there, but ah well. More of this intricate subplot will be elucidated later, featuring flashbacks from the past, new diplomatic conflicts and a belligerent stronghold in the Mongolian wasteland! Join me next time for more of Chiyo-chichi's convoluted adventure!

And my humble thanks to the lone reviewer, and dark lord miho who added this 'fic to her favorites.