Hello Minna, Here is Chapter 5 of Love Trials – The Chronicles. I hope you enjoy it, please R&R and let me know what you think.

I'd like to take a moment and apologize for this taking so long. I am sorry you had to wait but I hope it will be worth it. I would also like to thank the many wonderful people who have reviewed. Your words mean so much to me…THANKS!

STANDARD DISCLAIMER: I do not have any rights to this and I am in no way profiting from this. It is done purely for entertainment.

Love Trials – The Chronicles

Chapter 5 – Willing Participant or Scheming Goddess

Junpei stood staring at Aya-chan in horror. "A…Ay…Aya-chan, you here, what…" He swallowed nervously wondering what to do.

"Junpei-kun…I um need to ask…" Aya-chan stopped and her eyes widened with shock as his bathroom door opened and Nishino strolled out wrapped in nothing more than a towel.

Nishino stood blushing for a second before smiling. "Toujou-chan it is not what you are thinking. She smiled with a compassionate look at both parties before continuing.

"You see I spilled tea on my clothes and Manaka-kun was nice enough to loan me his shower." She calmly handed the clothes to Manaka before speaking again. "You two talk and I will shower." With a jaunty wave she wandered back into the bathroom.

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Take that Satsuki! Nishino grinned to her reflection and threw a peace sign at the beautiful girl in the mirror. I did exactly what you wanted without really doing any damage. I will ruin your little evil plot even if I have to confess to Manaka and Toujou.

Satisfied with the results she turned on the shower and climbed in letting the warm water relax her.

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Aya stood staring after Nishino with a surprised smile. I knew there was a reason I liked Tsukasa-chan. "Junpei-kun I wanted to ask…ano…I mean I…" A blush blossomed over her cheeks making her look cute.

Junpei watched her struggle with some unknown inner battle before her words just stuttered to a halt. What does she want to ask? He watched as she unexpectedly moved towards him with an intent look that he didn't understand.

Aya grabbed the last shreds of her courage and stepped towards Junpei. I can do this…I can do this. When she came nose to nose with him she stopped and leaned up to grasp his face gently. Without thinking about it she pulled him down a bit and then kissed him.

Junpei didn't know what to think when she came in close and grasped his face. When her lips met with his, he stopped being able to breathe. The innocence of her attempt moved him. His arms slid around her gathering close and then he intensified the contact. Aya and Junpei were so wrapped up in the moment that neither one heard the bathroom door open nor noticed Nishino watching them with a contented smile….

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Nishino sprawled across her bed, her feet kicked up behind her. The phone was casually held to her ear as she filled in Satsuki.

"I did exactly as you said, Satsuki, they are just too close. I even came out wrapped in the towel when I heard Toujou-san's voice. She just smiled and acted friendly as usual."

"That little mouse is too stupid to understand anything. I am going to have to take drastic measures now because nothing else is working." Satsuki's voice sounded odd over the phone.

"What do you have in mind?" Nishino asked casually hiding the apprehension in her voice.

"I don't know for sure, but I know this guy…he pays well for young girls. I don't what becomes of them but they aren't seen again."

The casual way in which she spoke raised the hair on the back of Nishino's neck. She took a deep breath before speaking. "So you want to have Toujou-san kidnapped?" Nishino tried to sound normal and not let fear be heard in her voice.

"Better yet I will lead Toujou there by the nose you just watch and see if I don't." Satsuki's voice was light and carefree as she spoke of such deviousness.

"How can I help?" Nishino grimaced at the thought of helping but knew it might be Toujou's only chance.

"You and I will get her to go out with us for Karaoke Friday. While she is distracted we will slip a little something in her drink. When she is out we can easily deliver her right into this guy's hands." Satsuki chuckled in a chilling manner before continuing. "Brilliant isn't it?" Satsuki waited for some reply from her cohort.

"You could say that…" More like sickening…Nishino kept her thoughts to herself and decided it was time to get off the phone. "Well I have to go…I still have a ton of homework, so I will talk to you tomorrow." She waited for Satsuki's reply and then quickly hung up.

What in the world am I going to do….?

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Satsuki wandered into the classroom the next morning watching for Toujou. When she saw that Toujou was already at her desk Satsuki smiled. She strolled casually towards her own desk arriving next to Toujou.

"Hey Toujou-chan just the girl I wanted to see." Satsuki smiled conspiratorially at the surprised girl glancing at her.

"Tsukasa-chan and I were wondering if you would come with us tomorrow after school." She sat lazily in her seat before continuing. "We thought since it was Friday that we should celebrate by going and singing Karaoke."

Aya glanced at Satsuki thoughtfully before commenting. "Well you see, Manaka-kun and I sort of have plans." She blushed softly and glanced at her desk finding the wood grain suddenly fascinating.

Satsuki let a smirk creep onto her features. "Oh I see you have reached the level where you have to spend every minute together."

Aya's blush became brighter at Satsuki's insinuation. What do I say, what do I say? "Well ano…maybe I could go"…Junpei will understand, I think. "Okay I will go with you and Tsukasa-chan." Aya smiled at Satsuki not understanding the gleam in her eyes.

That was way too easy little one you really should beware of people. Satsuki smiled in return noticing Toujou's relief. "We will go tomorrow after school if that is all right?"

Aya nodded and pulled out her book as the Teacher began speaking.

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Satsuki called Nishino as soon as she arrived home. She dialed the number waiting impatiently for Nishino to answer. Finally on the third ring she heard a breathless voice.

"Moshi-moshi," Nishino wondered if it was Manaka-Kun.

"It's me and the plan is a go." Satsuki's smug voice ruined her excited mood. "I told you the little mouse would walk right into our trap." Satsuki laughed and it grated on Nishino's nerves.

"Okay…so what time are we doing this?" Nishino's calm tone hid her nervousness.

"I just told her after school." Satsuki replied sounding bored.

"That works, well I have a ton to do tonight and I have to work so I will just see you tomorrow." She hung up the phone and began making her own plans….

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Friday afternoon arrived too quickly. Satsuki and Aya met at the school gates when the final bell chimed. Nishino strolled up just as they arrived and all three wandered towards one of the many karaoke bars. Satsuki led them through the streets of Tokyo towards a seedy area. Unfamiliar with the area and unsure Aya finally spoke up.

"Are you sure there are Karaoke bars in this part of town?" Her quiet voice laced with concern had Nishino glancing at her.

"It is fine I am sure." Nishino tried to sound reassuring even with the dread creeping into her stomach. It feels like I have ice in my stomach. She watched their surroundings closely without being obvious. I need to know if there is going to be trouble. She kept her thoughts to herself and stayed with Satsuki and Aya.

In the middle of the next block Satsuki finally stopped before a bright red door and smiled.

"Okay ladies we are here, so let's have some fun!" She turned and opened the door leading the way in. Aya followed tentatively unsure of what to think and Nishino stayed close behind Aya just in case.

The place was as seedy as the surrounding neighborhood. The floors were covered in sickly green shag carpet and the walls were covered with gaudy pictures. The smell of tobacco and alcohol permeated the place and Aya found it odd.

"Are you sure we should be in a place like this?" Aya asked half-jokingly trying to keep the mood light.

"Hey, this is the best place anywhere. Trust me, we will be left alone and," Satsuki smiled conspiratorially before continuing. "They don't ask for ID here, so we can order anything we want."

Aya's look of shock was so funny Satsuki almost laughed aloud. "Haven't you ever drunk anything?" At her blush Satsuki knew she hadn't. This is going to be way too easy. She smiled and continued, "Well we will have to change that won't we?"

The three girls continued on down the hall until they reached a half door. Opening it Satsuki strolled into the room glancing around. It's perfect for what I need. Nishino and Aya followed her into the room glancing around also.

Red shag carpet covered the floor and the half moon couch. There were spots on the floor where the carpet was discolored and matted with what looked to be something nasty. In the center of the room stood a beat up scarred wood table for drinks and the song book. The microphone lay helplessly on the table waiting to be grabbed. Satsuki plopped down on the couch and waved an arm around.

"So what do you think?" She glanced around herself and laughed. "I really love this place." She didn't wait for a reply and instead grabbed the song book.

Nishino strolled casually over and sat on the couch near Satsuki and waved Aya over. Aya smiled gratefully and wandered closer still unsure about the place. She eyed the whole room discreetly not wanting to hurt Satsuki's feelings.

A knock on the half door startled Aya. She glanced up to see a young guy in a gaudy polyester shirt pulling out a little notebook.

"So what will you ladies have?" He grinned and with a leer and eyed Satsuki like a warm dessert.

"Hey Toshi," She waved a hand in recognition and began ordering. "First we'll need three Eastern Manhattans. She suddenly stood up and strolled to where their waiter stood. She leaned forward and whispered in his ear looking seductive.

Nishino wondered what Satsuki was up to but she was unable to ask directly. Aya had lost interest in the waiter and was idly glancing through the song book trying to decide what to sing.

Toshi smiled and threw Satsuki a roguish wink before turning away. "You got it babe, be right back with those drinks." Satsuki grinned as he shut the door and shot a victory smile at Nishino over Aya's head.

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The first round of drinks arrived quickly and Satsuki sat down next to Aya. "Since you are new to this you have to do this a certain way." At Aya's look of concern she smiled. "It is tradition that with your very first drink you have to slam it down."

"Are you sure?" Aya looked troubled and glanced helplessly at Nishino.

"It is all right. Just drink it all quickly in one huge drink and then you will feel much better." Nishino smiled reassuringly at Aya to calm the innocent girl. I will protect you as best as I can.

Aya picked up the cold glass and felt it slip just a bit in her nervous hands. I can do this…I can do this…I don't want these friends to see me as young. She took a deep breath and put the glass to her lips and began swallowing. The taste isn't too bad. It slid down her throat and she finally set the glass down with a bit of a bang.

"I did it, no way, that was actually pretty good." She smiled and glanced at the two girls watching her.

"Okay, now it is time for you to sing." Satsuki waited expectantly until Aya had picked out a song and pushed the appropriate button. Aya stood and began singing a slower lover song.

Satsuki watched Aya but spoke in Nishino's direction. "So everything is on schedule. We only need to get more alcohol in her." She watched Aya avidly as she continued. "You know she is pretty enough I should get good money out of her." The thought was spoken idly and then Satsuki glanced at Nishino.

I know I'll get a good price out of you but you don't need to know that. Her eyes gave nothing away as she glanced at the beautiful blonde before her. If only you knew, but you are too stupid to see that I could never allow you to be my competition. She smiled at Nishino and then glanced back to see Aya finishing up the song.

Aya was flushed and giddy as she wandered to the couch. "Well?" She asked curiously.

"You did great but now our second round should be arriving any minute." Satsuki's word proved prophetic as Toshi knocked on the door.

"Hello Ladies…I come bringing more drinks." He smiled and cocked his head, "So which of you lovely ladies did I hear singing?" Toshi walked in and sat the tray on the table.

Aya flushed and spoke hesitantly. "It was me." She glanced away shyly afraid of what he might say.

"You sing like an angel…" Toshi playfully sat next to the shy girl and diverted her attention. "Will you marry me?" He reached for Aya's hand and held it while gazing at her with rapt admiration.

Satsuki opened her purse and pulled out a small vial. She uncorked it and poured the clear fluid into Aya's drink while Toshi distracted her.

Nishino watched the proceedings with nervous trepidation. "What is that?" She asked quietly leaning towards Satsuki.

"It's GHB; it'll just make Toujou-san sleepy that is all." She smiled at Nishino. "Don't worry so much." Satsuki slipped the now empty vial back into her purse and looked around innocently. Toshi was still distracting Aya with silliness. He had landed on the floor on one knee and was begging Aya to give him great pleasure by becoming his wife.

Aya stared at the young man unsure of what to think of his silliness. A small smile flitted over her features as she laughingly rejected him. "Sorry I cannot grant your wish but I am honored by your proposal."

Toshi finally stood looking playfully sad. "Turned down flat, imagine that, it's never happened before." He smiled at Satsuki. "Enjoy your drinks, Ladies." With a final wave he sauntered from the room.

Here is an end to Chapter 5. I hope you have enjoyed it. Please let me know what you think.