This is probably going to be that chapter that ushers in the second year of this illustrious fic, and will mark the halfway point between part one of the three part series. That's if everything goes according to plan… or if I change anything… either way, I don't own DOA, and alls I own in this is my OCs, really.

Two Years: The Night Before

Well, while Valencho was being threatened by the captivating Christie, Zack was running something important around in his head… whether or not to drop out of the tournament. I know what you guys are thinking… 'Doesn't he want to win?' Of course Zack would love to win. He'd be set, and the boys would probably be set, too. Then again, he knows they'll have to leave very soon, because their threatening aura can't spook the hotel forever. He's their mentor after all, and he feels he has to be with them, to watch over them. I'll give you his decision later, though… for now he's pulling Christie off of Valencho.

"You little brat, you're so lucky he caught me before I decided to decapitate you!" growled an irritated Christie, as she was being dragged away from him.

"Yo, Calm down, he's feeling bad as hell about himself, Christie…" Zack knew he was lucky to drag her without a fight. That's only because she knew it was for the best.

He let her go, around the corner from the horribly frightened Valencho, and asked thoughtfully "Ummm… Christie, I have a question…"

She gave him an agitated look, as her voice shook slightly, with freezing fury "What is it?"

Zack began to whistle a little, which was a guise to get a little distance apart from her, then quickly asked "Can you find my homie a honey?"

She growled and slowly shook her head, for she didn't want to yell and attract attention. When she went to turn the corner, she was met by Valencho, who was wondering what was going on. Can't blame the guy, can you? Well, she did, as she put those knife-like hands to his neck and stomach at the same time, now, just holding back the urge to deal with him, or chew him out like no other. This was REALLY pissing her off. Luckily, she put those hands from him, and gave a long, tired sigh, walking past him and grabbing her book off of the bench. He watched her walk away, and he got one of those smug, raunchy grins on his face. Yea, he did the same thing I would've done, really. Getting threatened is normal for him (and me) anyway.

Zack patted him on the shoulder, and said calmly "We'll find you a honey, 'aight? Whatcha say?"

Valencho laughed a bit, and gave a strong, determined comment "I'VE found someone. You know what? I'M going to get her."

Zack knew what he meant, he just wasn't too sure if he'd just lost his mind, or not. Either way, Zack probably saw the reasoning behind his going after Christie. After all, Zack had to fight Tina before she would except him, and look at 'em now! Oh yea… speaking of which, where is Tina? She came up after 5 minutes searching, with arms full of bags of clothing and accessories. Yea, that's why you don't bring your girlfriend when you're taking your buddy to the mall to get a girl. He wouldn't mind if she'd used half of his money and half of hers, but no… she used HIS credit card. He knew she was good for it, but hey, he wanted those new sneaks. Well… bye bye, my new patent leather homies.

Well, onto Cassius. Cassius was also at the mall, but because he just felt like hanging out there. It came as a surprise to him at all, that Ayane would let him come because HE wanted to. Maybe what went on in the morning was for the best, and he shouldn't worry about it much. Or maybe it was foreshadowing something much larger… how should I know? A man is just a man! Anyway, Ayane had bought a little, off of some money he gave her. After all, they were pretty rich when they made it there, with the money from Zack. Alas, cheap thrills sure to expend resources kinda quick.

Ayane sat beside Cassius, looking quietly around the mall, with her few bags at her feet… Cassius got the notion to speak to her again "Ayane… do you… accept me?"

She quietly answered him back "Yes, Cassius… of course I accept you…"

He then gently pulled her close to him "Do you like me, Ayane?"

She gave a small giggle to his child-like manner "Yes, of course… do you have a point, Cassius?"

He then whispered in her ear "Final question… do you love me?"

She laughed a little, and said in a far off voice "I love you just enough…"

That's all he needed. He felt like he had done something today. Like cured cancer, or saved hundreds of beached whales. He felt proud. He felt happy. He felt SATISFIED. Finally. He felt like staying there and really doing nothing now, but Ayane felt like being busy. When she went to get up, he lightly pulled her back down, into his lap.

"What's your deal? Let's go do something… anything!" she was truly bored.

His voice was cool and mellow, as it flowed like a soft breeze "Ayane… why always so quick to jump to things? It's a day off… and it's perhaps the last day I'll get such an easy chance to see you… we can do something today, but why not just enjoy each other's embrace for now?"

She gave in eventually, and she sat on his lap, wrapping her arms around him and laying against him. Cassius didn't care that they were in the mall… that makes it all the better. He held her and snuggled against her, indulging in her sweet scent, and he ran his hands across her arms, loving her soft, smooth skin. He could smell the fragrance from her hair, which smelled like berries, and kinda made him want pie. Then again, what guy doesn't want pie, mmm? This day was amazing to him…

Well, times up! Ayane gave him a peck on the cheek, then jumped out of his lap, exclaiming "Alright now, Cassius! I heard you can play basketball, so you should teach me!"

In his mind, he had a big sweat drop on his face and he was saying 'Oh, I can play basketball 'cause I'm black?'

"Alright, fine… let's get goin'…" and with that said, they went to his place, got a ball, and went to a court.

HE was expecting her to wear some really cute outfit or something, but Ayane was dressed like a gangsta, G. She was in a full sweat suit, with big hoody and cool sneaks. He's guessing she's serious… so he began with the basics. Handling the rock.

He taught her just how to dribble a ball without it being stolen right out of your hands. She couldn't really grasp it at first, but then she got the hang of it. Then he taught her about defense. He told her that it's all in the waist. A person's movement can be followed by their waist because that shows just where they're going. After all, if they go, their waist has to go too, right? Then he taught her how to shoot, which she was already pretty good at. She was a fast learner, and was picking it up, in a snap. So, he decided to play her in a quick pick-up game. Only 10 points, right?

Yea well, that's what I was thinking too… but once Ayane lost the first time, she asked for another game, and lost, then another, and beat him. Then he asked for another, and lost, then beat her in the next, and they were so tired, they just dragged their bodies home.

Well, that's not all our events for our young ones. While Ayane and Cassius had their game(s), Gigs was in a bit of a dilemma. He had a choice. A quite easy to understand choice, mind you. The repercussions for his decision though might be graver than he would expect, though. He could either (A) Go out with Helena on a beautiful evening cruise on the water, or (B) Go out for a Down-To-Earth and seemingly neutral walk with Hitomi out to the park. I know that whoever is reading (if anyone) is probably taking sides, and making their decisions now. This was HIS decision though, and whatever he chose, he hoped it would be right. As he got dressed his mind was flailing all over the situations. On one hand, he'd be with the one he loves, yet on the other, he'd crush a cute young girls' hopes (God, what a ham he is…), and the other way, he'd boost a young woman's demeanor and make her so happy, yet he'd break the heart of a truly amazing and unique woman who loved him for who he was. Crap, that's alotta pressure don't you think?

Well, as he was making decisions, both girls decided to settle this themselves. They both met in the park, and they both had looks of determination all over their faces. They moved over to the picnic area to discuss the terms to which they would settle this little situation, and to tell the truth, I don't think it would turn violent. Both of these ladies have brains after all. So, let us listen to what they have to say to each other, hmm?

Helena started off firmly "I say we have a chess match."

Hitomi whined loudly "That's a game of the mind, and besides… rich people know how to play chess…"

Then Hitomi said coolly "I think a race would be in order, no?"

Helena sighed "No. Oh yea… what do you mean RICH PEOPLE CAN PLAY CHESS?"

Hitomi gave a slight shrug, then Helena suggested "ok, then… what about… badminton?"

Hitomi said effortlessly "Rich people…"

I think by this time Helena was ready to kill Hitomi. It wasn't the fact that they were competing over Gigs, it just the fact that Hitomi was making sweeping generalizations about rich people… that weren't really true… slightly… kinda… never mind. You understand, right, people? Well, there had to be some reason Hitomi kept throwing this up into her face, correct? Well, maybe she should throw out all the poor ideas Hitomi might throw out, huh? No, that'd be stooping to her level… but anyway, let's get back to what we were doing.

So Brad Wong, who had Jhon Quei hanging out with him, strutted by, and said clearly "What about Guitar Hero?"

You could clearly hear Brad and Jhon cracking up laughing after they walked off, seeing as Brad was wobbling quite a bit. He was drunk, and was trying to put them on a wild goose chase. Jhon was just silly. Though it was a joke suggestion, the girls took it, and went straight to Gigs place, because he had Guitar Hero in his suite. He'd specifically asked for it, and everything, along with the PS2. Can't keep a good game down, after all.

When the both of them knocked on his door, he was highly confused… why were they both coming to him? Fight it out, perhaps? See who can cook the best dinner? Swimsuit contest? Well, whatever it was, he was thinking it should be pretty cool and awesome. When they both said they wanted to play Guitar Hero, he was totally surprised. He didn't complain though. Watching two hot ladies play a game about awesome rock music against each other, isn't a bad thing.

They both stormed into his room, looks of determination on their faces, and stomped right up to the TV. They eyed the two guitar controllers, and picked them up. Hitomi had the regular SG, while Helena held the cherry SG. They both took deep breaths, and prepared to be plunged into the world of rock music. This is it.

End of Ch. 9

This one was long, but of course because it's the night before departure. Well, we'll be working on year two, maybe like another 10 chapters or so. Maybe less. I don't know, because I write this with my soul and experiences. Well, either way, get ready for the next chapter, 'cause I'm stewing it as I talk of course. Well, see ya then, my beloved readers.

Da Fuzz.