Ch. 36 First Impressions Can Arise
A. Welcome to the Yuuki Household
Two elementary school girls were standing outside the front gate. One had short brown hair, a green sweater, and an orange skirt with a brown backpack; the other with shoulder length blue hair wearing a blue shirt, yellow skirt, and carrying a red backpack. Her friend waved to one of the students leaving.
"Ah, she's here!" She noticed. "Mikan!" She turned around. "Let's go and play somewhere!"
"Ah, sorry!" Mikan apologized. "My teacher is coming for a house visit today."
"Oh, I see," the brown pack girl replied. "Alright, I understand."
"Let's go next time, okay?" the red pack girl suggested. The two waved her off. "Bye!" They each went their separate ways.
...
Rai sat on the long couch in the living room. Dozens of magazines piled over the table in front of him. With the pencil in his hand, he circled all the Want Ads available.
"Business Accountant," Rai listed. "Need experience." …Rai looked at the next page. "Okay, salesman associate. Need professional people skills." On the sofa nearby, Lala sat with Jolt on her crossed lap while eating a bag of potato chips.
"Are you still job searching?" Lala asked.
"Yeah, but all these say they want people with experience in that field. The best I got was at least a year in college and almost a month in fast food." Jolt snagged a crispy chip.
"Pika! *Crunch*" Jolt was pleased. Rito walked in the room.
"Any luck yet?" Rito asked.
"Still trying," Rai answered. Rito looked around.
"Where did Kurumu go?"
"I told her to go pick up some more articles with job openings." Rai stepped up from his seat. He rubbed the underside of his scruffy chin. "I better go shave if I want to make a good impression for an interview." He left the room and turned past the stairs. Mikan walked by as she talked on the phone.
"Hey, Dad!" Mikan discussed with her father. "When are you going to come home...Huh?" She stopped in the middle of the hallway. "The manga deadline was moved? You can't come home?" Her father explained the situation. "Oh…I see. Good luck with work!" She hung up. Mikan seemed to be in a bind, so she went into the living where the others were resting about. "Ummm…"
...
"Huh?" Lala asked. "Your father isn't coming home?"
"Yeah," said Mikan.
"Then the visitation's a bust," Rito assumed. "I'll call your teacher and tell her to arrange it another day."
"I guess I should…but we've already postponed a few times already."
"I see…" Rito thought it would give a bad outlook to have no parents listen about their child's progress in school.
"Hey," Rai poked his head into the room. "You guys have any razors I can borrow?" A light bulb went off in Lala's head.
"That's it!" Lala smiled "I've got a good idea!"
"Pi?"
...
A young woman stood outside the Yuuki household. She had brown hair tied with a short ponytail at the back of her head. Her red eyes were covered by round glasses; giving her the impression as a studious person. She wore a pink sweater over her green, frilly blouse underneath. She had tight-blue jeans and carried with her a black purse to hold her material. She looked on the slip to see if the directions were correct.
"This must be Yuuki-san's house," she presumed. "At last, I can meet Yuuki Saibai-sensei." She pulled out a small book with the title Hero College written in flames and a male character punching on the cover. She eyed it with such admiration, but quickly regained herself as she approached the door. "This won't do." She placed the book in her bag. "I must do my job first."
Ding-Dong~!
The doorbell rang.
"Coming!" Mikan shouted. She quickly opened the door. The teacher bowed her head in respect.
"U-Um…Good Afternoon!" She introduced herself. "I am Mikan's teacher, Haruko Nitta!" The man stepped forward.
"Hey!" Rai greeted her. "I'm Mikan's father, Simba Yuuki."
"Saibai!" Mikan whispered.
"Saibai Yuuki." Rai corrected. The plan went into full motion. In his disguise, Rai had a long blue-sleeve shirt and a red headband over his forehead. Rito, Mikan, and Lala simply stood behind as they tried to act as though Rai was the father. Jolt held onto Lala's shoulder to watch the performance. Mikan, however, had a feeling that this might not work. Ms. Nitta adjusted her glass to inspect Rai if he really was the real deal.
"It's too much of a difference!" Mikan whispered to Lala and Rito. "She'll see right through him."
"Really?" Lala asked. "I think his disguise is perfect."
"Can I really call him my father?" Rito questioned the ethnic resemblance.
"Pleased to meet you!" Ms. Nitta approved.
"Are you serious!?" the kids were shocked.
"So, how about we head to the waiting room," Rai offered. They all took the sliding door on the left. With one table sitting on the floor, everyone sat on their knees for their discussion. Rai, unaware, did so with his legs crossed.
"Psst!" Mikan hissed.
"Hmm?" Rai turned to her. Mikan shifted her eyes to everyone. Rai looked to Rito who pointed at the ground. "...Oh!" Rai adjusted to sitting on his legs. Damn, this is gonna hurt later! Can I at least get a pillow!? The room remained silent. Whatever; I talk with the teacher, she talks about Mikan, she goes home, and everyone's happy.
This guy is Yuuki Saibai-sensei, Ms. Nitta thought. He seems much tanner than I thought. She compared to how Rai, Mikan, and Rito all looked alike, but Lala was the one who stood out the most. Who is the lady next to him? Mikan-chan's mother is abroad. Lala caught her staring. Her older sister? But they don't look alike…Lala smiled. "Um…you are…"
"Me?" Lala answered. "I'm…well…"
Lala-san, Mikan thought. Tell her a convincing lie!
"Ah, I'm his lover!" Lala announced.
That's the worst possible answer! Rito and Mika agreed.
"Pika..." Jolt sweat dropped.
"Huh!?" Ms. Nitta gasped. "L-Lover…!" Rito quickly covered her mouth.
"No!" Mikan tried to roll with it. "Sensei, it was a joke, hehe."
"T-That's right!" Rito added. "T-This is our cousin!"
"From my, uh, sister's side!" Rai completed.
"Oh, so that's how it is." Ms. Nitta sighed in relief. "That surprised me."
No kidding.
"Raimundo!" Mikan whispered. "Change the topic, quickly!"
"A-Ahem," Rai cleared his throat. "Anyway…"
"Y-yes!" Ms. Nitta listened.
"How has Mikan been doing in school? She hasn't been causing any trouble now, has she?"
Where did that come from? Mikan wondered.
"Oh, no! Of course not! Mikan-chan is very smart and obedient. Everyone else in class says she's very trustworthy!" Mikan felt well praised.
"That's good. I can see she was raised well if she has the upmost respect for her friends and family." Rai winked to her. "I knew there was nothing to worry about. She's a good kid." Mikan smiled warmly. Rito nodded in agreement.
Ding-Dong~!
"Eh, someone else is here?" Mikan asked.
"I'll get it!" Lala jumped up and out of the room. Jolt jumped off and followed behind her. Ms. Nitta clenched her hands.
"…Um…Mr. Yuuki…" she spoke.
"Hmm?" Rai responded.
"I-I have something to ask of you."
"Sure, what's up?"
"The truth is…I'm actually a huge fan of your manga."
"…My what?" She quickly pulled out a marker and the book. Ms. Nitta trembled with anxiety.
"C-Can I have your autograph?"
"Oh?" Mikan sweat dropped. "Is that so, sensei?"
"I don't see why not." Rai complied. He rose from his seat. Anything to stretch my legs!
"W-What!?" Rito cried out.
"Wait, Ra-I mean, Dad!" Ms. Nitta's eyes gleamed with joy as Rai took the marker and readied to sign the book.
"Alright then..." Rai grinned.
Scribble-scribble
Rai matched the same characters as they were written on the cover. "There you go!"
"Thank you very much!" Ms. Nitta cheered.
She actually believes it's his signature? Mikan thought.
I can't believe my writing's worth something, Rai thought. "Well, I think this has been an enjoyable visit."
"Yes, it went very well!" Ms. Nitta agreed.
"Have a safe trip home and—"
Slam!
"Darling~!" Kurumu burst through the screen door. Instead of her school uniform, she had on a pink sweater, skinny blue jeans, and sunglasses on top of her head. She held the confused Pokémon in her arms. "I'm home!"
"K-Kurumu!" Rito stuttered.
"What are you doing!?" Mikan demanded.
"What are you wearing?" Rai asked.
"Honey, how can you forget about me~!" She grabbed onto Rai's arm. "I am your wife!"
"Eh!?" Ms. Nitta cried. "You're Mrs. Yuuki!?"
"Please, call me Kurumu," she insisted.
"I-thought-you-would-be-overseas," Mikan emphasized deeply.
"When I heard you had a teacher visiting, I rushed straight in to see my favorite little girl!" She squeezed Mikan against her bouncy chest. Mikan and Jolt were being crushed by her extensive role-play.
"But, it's okay now," Rai interrupted, "...because Ms. Nitta was actually just leaving."
"Oh heavens, no!" Kurumu insisted. "Lala, why don't you grab us something to drink."
"Okay!" Lala complied. She went to fetch beverages for everyone.
"Ku-Mom," Rito stated. "When did you know about this?"
"Well," Kurumu acted out. "I was just on my way home for a visit, when I saw Rai-I mean Honey and all of you simply enjoying yourselves without me. Luckily, Lala told me and I decided to join you!"
"Eh-Mom," Mikan offered. "You really didn't need to go that far."
"A family that lives together sleeps together!" Ms. Nitta stared in silence...and confusion.
"That's sticks together, dear," Rai corrected. Things were getting pretty awkward. "So, uh, how about those drinks, ha-ha."
"Here they are!" Lala jumped into the room with five glasses of green beverages. Jolt finally escaped and dashed back onto Lala. "They're made with a Devilukian herb said to calm the heart!"
"Just what the doctor ordered," Rai agreed. He quickly handed one to Rito, Ms. Nitta, Kurumu, and Mikan. "Let's drink up!"
"Uh, okay..." Ms. Nitta nodded. Kurumu and Rito were the first to drink, then Rai, and finally Ms. Nitta. Mikan sniffed the beverage that gave off an alluring scent.
This smells strange, Mikan thought. She noticed Rito suddenly swaying back and forth.
*Hic*, Kurumu let out a noise.
"Weird," Rai licked the taste in his mouth. "Tastes kind of like..."
"H-Huh," Rito grinned pleasantly. "Some warm feeling has come over me~."
"Rito?" Kurumu wrapped her arms around Rai's neck.
"Honey..." She begged.
"Uh...yes?" Rai looked to her. She was ready to burst into tears.
"WAAAAAHHH! WHY DON'T YOU EVER CALL ME WHEN I'M AT WORK!? WHATEVER HAPPENED TO OUR SECOND HONEYMOON!?"
"What the hell!?" Ms. Nitta was shivering.
"S-Saibai-sensei," she uttered.
"Huh?"
"You must be like the hero and make her your woman!"
"N-Nitta-sensei!?" Mikan cried. "What's wrong with everyone?"
"It seems the herb acts as an alcoholic substance for humans," Peke's voice spoke out.
"Pika?" Jolt pondered.
"...Guess that's why it needs salt," Rai suggested.
"You drink!?" Mikan asked.
"Well, only on rare occasions."
"Where was I when *hic* when this was going on!?" Kurumu demanded. "Think of our children!"
"You're clearly not thinking!" Rito continued swaying back and forth.
"Ooooooooh," Rito moaned. "I feel kinda dizzy." Rito fell forward with his arms out. He accidentally held onto Ms. Nitta's blouse and stripped her into a pink bra.
"Eh...?" Ms. Nitta became dizzy herself and passed out on the table.
"What are you doing!?" Mikan shouted.
"I got him." Rai picked Rito from the floor. "Man, I didn't think he'd be such a lightweight." Rai began struggling. Rito slipped and fell onto Kurumu. The glasses fell off her head.
Poof!
A large, pink cloud fogged the area and exposed Kurumu's exposed body.
"Oh my," Kurumu giggled. "It's a little early for that~." The teacher was unconscious, Rito slept on the floor, and Kurumu was laying in her birthday suit. Peke floated beside Rai.
"Huh," Rai said astonished. "So that's where you were."
"..You..." Everyone looked to Mikan who was ready to blow. "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING!?"
The Next Day...
Mikan waited in the teacher's office. She was to discuss with Ms. Nitta about their home visit the other day. Ms. Nitta looked to Mikan with a serious expression on her face.
"Yuuki-san!" Ms. Nitta cheered for her. "Your family may seem troublesome, but just hang in there! And I won't stop being his fan." She held tightly onto the (supposedly) autographed manga.
"Yeah..." Mikan sighed.
B. A Rare Visitor Comes
"I see…" The king of space settled. The mighty ruler sat atop his steel throne in his dark shroud with a furry collar, black V-neck shirt, and small harem pants. His jewelry consisted of yellow needles dangling from each ear and a silver arrowhead with sharp wings around his neck. The tail, shaped much like a trident, waved back and forth as the man grew bored from his conversation with the lieutenant. "That Lala…," he grunted. "Geez, how long is she willing to stay there on Earth…?" The king conversed with the man on the digital screen. He had medium, white hair while dressed in his demon, white armor and red-glazed shoulder guards. Kneeling behind him were his two guards dressed in black suits; one with short, yellow hair and the other with sleek, red hair and a beard. The red haired man had a scar across his left eye. They both wore sunglasses to hide their eyes. "But that's okay. Thank you for the information, Zastin."
"Yes…" Zastin bowed before him. "By the way, Gid-sama, there is some other news."
"What?" Gid asked. Zastin pulled papers out from behind his back.
"Actually, I, Zastin…" From the papers came a picture of a young girl looking up at the flowers floating into space. "...Have been awarded with the Bou-Manga Award!" Gid stared with confusion. "Finally, I can see the path to becoming a professional…"
"ASSHOLE!" Gid roared Zastin straight out of his apartment. "THE PRIDEFUL DEVILUKE'S PALACE GAURDS' LEADER SHOULDN'T WASTE HIS TIME BECOMING A PROFESSIONAL MANGA ARTIST!"
...
*Yawn*
Kurumu let out a sigh of exhaustion. "Man, I'm bored." She lay in front of the television. Rai walked up behind her.
"Did you do what I told you?" Rai asked.
"Yeah, yeah. I already applied for that school, so quit bugging me about it." Kurumu was displeased. "Why do I have to be the one who gets stuck with homework?"
"Because I'm the one looking for work, remember? Second, if you want to stop being bored all the time, then try having a social life while you're here." Kurumu turned her head to the coach.
"…And him?" Jolt was lying on his stomach.
"He's a mouse. What do you expect?" Jolt gave a thumb's up.
Ding-Dong~!
The doorbell rang.
"I got it." Rai walked over to the door. When he opened it, the first thing he saw was a man with skull plates on his arms, legs, and chest. The man had one eye light blue and the other dark aqua, which stared at the unknown boy questionably.
"...Who might you be?" Zastin demanded.
"Uh, I'm Rai?" He answered.
"May I ask why you are here at the princess's home?"
"Princess...?" Rai paused. He turned back towards the stairs. "Hey, Lala! There's a Dragon lord that wants to see you!" From the stairs came Lala with Peke by her side. She had on her casual short-sleeve top and shorts.
"Zastin!" Lala welcomed him. "What are you doing here?"
"I apologize for coming unannounced," Zastin apologized. He turned to Rai. "I didn't realize you already had company."
"It's fine. He's actually staying with us!"
"He is…?" This man…he seems very suspicious. Zastin became cautious. The three walked over to living room where they decided to have their conversation. Kurumu ignored their talk while Jolt rested in Lala's lap.
...
"I see~," Lala interpreted Zastin's situation. "You were scolded by my Papa…"
"Yes…" Zastin stared at the floor.
"Man, being captain of his army sounds like a heavy title," Rai assumed.
"Pika," Jolt nodded.
"Damn it, Papa!" Lala huffed. "Should I complain to him?!"
"No," Zastin disagreed. "I was the one who was wrong." Tears ran down his eyes. "My job as the palace guards' leader is to protect Lala-sama…" He clenched his fist. "Just because I was able to draw a little, it doesn't mean I should go professional, so it's only natural to be scolded!"
"That…doesn't really make sense…" Rai pointed out.
"Is he some kind of idiot?" Kurumu added.
Ding-Dong~!
"Mm, A visitor!?" Zastin blurted out.
"Oh, she's here," Rai figured. Kurumu averted her gaze from the television.
"I got it," Lala offered.
"Who is it this time?" Kurumu asked.
"It could be a hostile," Zastin suggested. "I'll go as well!" Everyone moved to the front door. As Lala answered it, the dark, blond hair assassin stood before the group. In her hand, she held a paper bag.
"Yami-chan!" Lala cheered.
G…Zastin's eyes widened in terror. Golden Darkness! "Wh-Why are you here!?"
"I was invited by the princess and the others," Yami explained. Kurumu stepped forward.
"Why the hell would we let you in!?" Kurumu complained. "You were a real pain in the ass, you know that!?"
"I have already apologized," Yami clarified. "Do I actually need your permission?" Kurumu drew out her claws.
"If you think that you're gonna set one foot in this house, then you're sadly mistaken!"
Grab!
Rai held on to Kurumu's collar.
"Whoa," Rai stopped her. "She's supposed to be our guest."
"You're what!?" Zastin said shocked. Rito and Mikan came approaching from behind to greet her.
"Yami-chan!" Mikan smiled.
"I came to play for a little while..." explained Yami. She walked into the house. Zastin and Kurumu watched with concern as their mortal enemy came inside.
"How can Lala allow Golden Darkness to enter with her life at stake?" Zastin asked.
"Golden Darkness?" Kurumu said curiously.
"She's a well-known assassin throughout the universe. Her ability to transform herself into any weapon makes her a threat to anyone around her." Kurumu started pondering. "There's no telling when she might try to take the life of Lala-sama!"
"For real...?"
"Hyaaa!" Lala screamed. "Stop!" The two heard a shriek come from the living room.
"This is the end, Princess," Yami declared.
"I knew it!" Zastin cried.
"Crap!" Kurumu quickly dashed into the room. "HOLD I—!"
"Arggh—I lost!" Lala complained. Rai, Rito, Mikan, and Jolt were watching Lala and Yami play a video game with the Graystation.
"Yami-chan, you're good at this!" Mikan complimented her. It looked to be a similar version of Mortal Kombat, only without the illegal use of copyright. Kurumu and Zastin both fell to the ground. Rai looked to the two.
"Are you guys alright?" he asked.
"Ye-Yeah, we're fine!" Kurumu regained her cool. He cocked an eyebrow and went back to watching the game.
Grumble~
Rito's stomach started rumbling.
"It must be time for lunch, hehe," Rito chuckled.
"Pika pika," Jolt nodded.
"Hold on one second," Mikan left the room and went into the kitchen. She came out with a plate of sugar cookies shaped as circles, squares, and hearts. There were even a few chocolate pieces with checkerboard designs. "Alright, here are my homemade cookies!"
"Sweet!" Rai picked a piece and tossed it into his mouth. "And I mean that literally." Jolt grabbed a small heart and chewed it down to the crumbs.
"Chaaa~!" Jolt loved it.
"Thanks!" Mikan smiled. "I woke up early to make these." Yami took a piece and had one bite.
"They taste good..." Yami complimented the snack.
"Mikan's cookies are the universes number one!" Lala emphasized.
"No way," Kurumu said with surprise. "Let me try." She picked up a chocolate checkered cookie and ate it in one chomp. She could taste the sweet sensation and the fluffy texture as it filled her mouth. "Wow, they are good. I definitely need to get the recipe for this."
"I can show you how to make it," Mikan offered. "I can show Yami, too!"
"Me?" Yami questioned.
"Sure," Rai admitted. "It can't hurt to try." Yami thought for a moment.
"...Yes." she nodded. "Please do..." Everyone was pleased to hear her enthusiasm.
This is the same girl I fought, right? Kurumu thought. She acts kinda like Frosty the Snowskank. Quiet, dazed, even the cold personality; they're almost the same person. From outside the room, Zastin hid behind the door while observing the docile scene.
What is this!? Zastin pondered. Th-This peaceful atmosphere? Maybe...did she come over to play...No! She must be trying to gain their trust while looking for a perfect opportunity to attack! Frightening...! Damn her...!
"Oh," Yami opened the brown plastic bag she brought with her. "I almost forgot." She pulled out a fried fish and gave it to Rai. "Mikan told me what happened...so I brought this as a gift." Rai held it.
"Thanks," Rai appreciated it. "...What is it?"
"Taiyaki!" Mikan giggled. "Ahaha! Just like always."
"Cool, I'll give it a try." Zastin's eyes shot wide open.
Is that...poisoning? A bomb!? I knew it! Zastin barged through the door with his green cybernetic sword. "I FOUND YOUR TRUE GOAL!"
"Huh?"
CRASH!
Rai fell back near Kurumu while Mikan landed atop of Rito. Zastin charged at Yami. The two plowed their way through a wall of the house. "The hell...!" Yami and Zastin fought against one another. With her arm, she transformed it into a blade and halted Zastin's sword.
"What are you doing?" Yami asked.
"I won't let you kill Lala-sama!" He lashed out his sword blow by blow. "Maul! Smutts!" He called for backup.
"Yes, sir!" The gentlemen in suits leapt into action. Maul blocked Yami on the left while Smutts had her on the right. Rito and Mikan were surprised by the battle.
"W-Wait!" Mikan cried.
"Where did you come from...?" Rito asked.
"Three against one is against the principles of a swordsman..." Zastin explained. Yami stood her ground. "But...I'll use any means to protect Lala-sama. That is my job."
Swish!
Rai swung his scythe out in front of Zastin.
"In that case," he held it over his shoulder, "…let's even out the odds." Jolt jumped to Rai's side.
"Pika!" Yami stood puzzled.
"I thought that you would be considered a threat," Zastin narrowed his eyes. "Very well, we shall see about that." The bodyguards rushed at Rai.
"DIE!" They shouted.
"Cut it out!" Kurumu yelled. She and Rito stepped in between the two opposing sides.
"You…!" Maul shouted.
"What are you doing!?" Smutts ordered.
"Look," Kurumu pointed to Yami. "I might hate this brat, but it's obvious everyone's trying to get along with her." Kurumu turned to Rai. "Is that about right?" Rai nodded.
"Y-Yami is Mikan's and Lala's friend," he stated. "I won't let you lay a hand on her!"
Rito…Mikan was stunned. Jolt smiled with his team ready to battle.
"B…But…" Zastin stuttered. Suddenly, a dark, eerie feeling came crawling from behind him. A cold chill ran through his spine.
"ZaaaaaassssssTTTTTIIIIIINNNNN," Lala spoke with irritation.
PUNCH!
"KNOCK IT OFF!" With one fist, Lala sent Zastin and his soldiers hurtling into the sky. The giant plant watched as the three disappeared, leaving three twinkling stars in the heavens. Rai, Kurumu and Jolt watched in awe after Lala's mega punch.
"...Oh wow," Kurumu sweat dropped.
"I think you should worry about her," Rai suggested.
"Pika," Jolt nodded. When the group turned around, Rito was staring off at the massive hole in his house.
"What are we going to do about this wall…?" He mumbled. Rai rested his hand on his shoulder.
"Nothing a little spackle and wood couldn't fix," Rai assured. This didn't seem to help the cause. The rest were having their discussion with Yami.
"Sorry, Yami-chan," Lala apologized.
"Guess you were just here to play," Kurumu realized. Jolt's ears drooped.
"Pika pika..." Yami turned to them.
"No…" Yami disagreed. "He was just being vigilant." She turned to Rito and Rai. "…Yuuki Rito. Raimundo Ortega. Really…You're quite naïve people."
"Yami…" Rito said surprised.
"Protecting someone who will eventually kill you..." Jolt and Rai sweat dropped. Kurumu's left eye twitched.
"Graaggh!" She screamed. "What's with this girl!?"
"I'm still your target!?" Rito cried.
"Apparently, we're missing something here," said Rai.
Meanwhile...
Zastin and his soldiers were walking back through the city. Unfortunately, he was feeling let down.
"I was scolded by Gid-sama and Lala-sama..." He moaned.
"Come on, boss," Smutts held up a bottle of sake. "Let's drink."
C. Yami-Yami Fashion
Rito, Haruna, and Lala were walking down the street. Classes had ended for the day and they would be shortly parting ways for home. There was, however, one person lagging behind the group. She yawned after having easily slept through the teacher's lecture.
"Whew, that nap felt great," Kurumu spoke.
"What's wrong, Kurumu-chan?" Lala asked.
"That old geezer's lecture tired me out." She stretched out in the new uniform that matched Lala's and Haruna's. But, her jacket was unbuttoned and she still kept the wooly knee socks on her legs. "And this jacket is really uncomfortable."
"But, you did make a great impression on the class," Haruna stated.
"I know that," Kurumu smiled with confidence. "Those boys are just pudding in my hands."
"I don't know about that," Rito added rhetorically.
...
"Class, allow me to introduce our new transfer student," Mr. Honekawa announced. The instructor for the semester looked to be an old man with round specs, a green collared shirt, and brown pants pulled over his waist. It wasn't hard to miss the bald head and somewhat shaved facial hair. As he pointed to the door, the girl jumped into the room and twirled over to the podium.
"Hello there~." she declared to the audience (students). "My name is Kurumu Kurono, and it's a pleasure to meet you!" She winked.
"WHOOOOOAAAAAAAAAA!" The boys in the room were all cheering and jumping out of their seats. They drooled and eyed the new girl enrolled in their classroom. Some of the students were actually aware of who she was.
"Hey, Kurumu-chan!" Lala called to her. Kurumu noticed her in the back.
"Oh!" Kurumu waved to her. "Hey, Lala."
"Isn't that the same girl from yesterday?" Risa asked.
"Yeah, you're right!" Mio confirmed.
"Lala," Haruna turned over in her seat. "Is she an alien like you?"
"Hmmm," Lala thought. "I think she said she was a succubus."
"What do you think you're doing!?" Yui stood from her seat. "Stop that shameless act this instant!"
"Geez," Kurumu brushed her off. "It's not my fault these boys can't help fondling over me." The teacher walked over to the transfer student.
"Miss Kurono," he asked. "If you could please take a seat over by Ms. Haruna, we can start our lecture." Kurumu strolled over and settled at her desk.
"This is gonna be too easy~." When she looked to the board, the first thing written was her lecture for the day.
[Solve the rational equation.]
(4/x+5/2=-11/x)
"What the crap!?" She planted her head on the table. Haruna looked over to her.
"Are you okay?" she asked.
"...I hate math." Kurumu sulked.
...
Two boys noticed a blonde girl reading her book beside a tree. she sat on a bench just across the station.
"Hey look," the boy told his friend. "Isn't that the girl we always see in the library?"
"Your right!" He agreed. "She's even reading here!"
"Seriously, who is she?"
"Man, she's really cute." The two walked off. Yami remained focused on her reading.
"Yami-chan!" A voice cried out. Yami paused and looked to her left. It was Lala and her group returning from school.
"Princess...," she greeted them. "Yuuki Rito."
"Hey, what's up?" Kurumu approached her.
"..." Yami turned to Lala. "Are you going home now?"
"Hey!" Kurumu argued.
"Yup!" Lala answered.
"Yahoo!" Risa cried out. "Yami-Yami!"
"You're as cute as always!" Mio added. the two cuddled and petted her up close. Yami wasn't too comfortable about this.
Whoosh!
She quickly vanished with a pile of magazines in her place. Yami reappeared just a few feet away from the girls.
"I hate being petted like an animal," she stated.
"Ah!" Risa and Mio looked to each other. "Yami-Yami is so cool!"
"But that's also cute!" Mio emphasized.
"What were you reading today?" Haruna asked. She looked at the magazines scattered on the ground. "Books on Earth's fashions?" Rito went to pick one off the ground. He recognized the pattern and style on the cover.
"Hey, this is something that my mom designed," he noted.
"Your mom's really something, Rito!" Lala gratified her skills in designer clothes.
"Earth's clothing has a lot of colors in it," said Yami.
"In comparison," Mio pointed out. "Yami-Yami always has the same outfit."
"You're not gonna get any boys looking like that," Kurumu pointed out.
"That's a great idea!" Risa smiled.
"...No," Yami disagreed. "I'm fine with my battle dress." In a quick haste, Mio and Risa each grabbed a hold on Yami's arm. They instantly made a run for the nearest clothing market.
"Since we all agree, let's go!" Mio cheered.
"We'll coordinate for you!" Risa offered.
"They're not listening," Yami noticed.
"This looks like fun!" spoke Lala. "Rito, Haruna, Kurumu, let's go too!"
"Ya-hoo-hoo!" Kurumu agreed. "I wonder if they have anything in my size~." Rito looked confused.
"...Huh?" He blushed. "Me too!?"
...
The man in the white shirt, red tie, and black jeans looked over the paperwork. He examined all the important information for the new employ sitting across from him.
Name: Raimundo Ortega
Age: 19
Ethnicity: Hispanic
Education: College (undergraduate)
Experience: Guest Service Representative, Cashier, Instructor, Butler, Maintenance Provider
Willing to work minimum wage. Has achieved excellence in math and communication skills. Is very open-minded and able to work under multiple environments. Capable of speaking at least three different languages to further adhere to customer satisfaction. Manageable under pressure and built to work.
Rai scratched the back of his head. He tapped his foot on the tile flooring waiting for the manager to finish reading through his resume. The coffee shop had pink, frilly curtains over the large windows that gave the interior a light, brown glow. Each wall had small cutouts and little designs of flowers, menus, and hearts scattered. The waitresses served the customers in their pink maid outfits and frilly ribbons on their head.
"Alright, Mr. Ortega," the manager nodded. "I believe you will be a major asset to us here at Café Hasurin. Although, it seems you didn't write down your home address on the application."
"Actually, I'm taking residence with family here in Japan," Rai answered. "For the time being, I'm still trying to adjust to the move."
"I see. Very well, we will be starting you off next week and have you trained with my employees." Rai smiled.
"I'm happy to be working here!" The two shook hands. Rai exited the restaurant. As he exited the store, Jolt stood waiting by the exit.
"Pika…?" Jolt asked. Rai smiled back.
"Yep, no problems."
...
"Welcome to Cronos!" The shop clerks greeted Lala and her friends as they walked into the clothing store. Haruna, Mio, and Risa decided to look in the shirts and pants on discounts while Lala and Kurumu went to all the accessories that would go with the latest fashion. Yami noticed a pair of laced underwear with a small, pink bow. As Rito walked around nervously, he caught a glimpse of the panties in her hands.
"This place doesn't just sell clothes," Rito realized, "but it sells underwear too!?"
"Yami-Yami!" Risa called to her. "Over here!" Everyone was gathered outside the fitting rooms. With nothing but a curtain and small booth, customers could try on their outfits before buying them. Risa had some clothing for Yami to try. "Here, put this on first."
"Okay…," Yami complied. She shifted the curtains and began changing. She wasn't too thrilled
"I can't wait!" Lala cheered.
"Me too!" Haruna added. Kurumu started tapping her foot.
"Is she done yet?" She asked.
"Didn't she just go in?" Rito clarified. Lala went to check.
Whoosh!
Lala pulled the curtains.
"Yami, are you done yet?" Lala asked.
"W-wait!" Rito cried. It was too late. Yami had just removed her shirt and was left standing in her panties. Her face blushed and her hair began waving and forming into a large fist.
"N-Not yet!" Yami shouted.
PUNCH!
Rito got knocked back from the changing booth. Her fist quickly closed the drapes. Yami returned to trying on the outfit. She pulled up her shorts with straps looping from behind to the front. She pulled the aqua shirt over her head and straightened it out over her torso. As a final touch, she fitted the large cap on her head and a pink bracelet around her wrist.
"Yami-Yami!" Risa shouted. "Are you okay this time?"
"...Yes," Yami answered. She pulled back the curtains. Yami looked like a rebel girl: a bedazzled skull on her right leg jean, the tank top with the logo: Betty Rose for you,and the large capon her small head. "How is it?" The girls gasped with surprise.
"Yami-chan, you're so cute!" Lala complimented her.
"Not bad," Kurumu agreed. "But you look like a boy."
"Really?" Mio thought. "Oh, I know…!" She quickly ran past Rito. "Hey! How about this one?" Rito returned from the ground. When he returned consciousness, he saw Yami now in a black dress with long, purple sleeves. Her chest carried a silver cross.
"Yami-chan, it suits you!" Haruna added.
"This is cute too!" Risa mentioned.
"It really suits you!" stated Mio.
"Yeah, but she still needs something…you know…normal," Kurumu thought.
"What about this?"
"Yeah, and that can go with this!" Rito only watched at how Yami was enjoying herself with the others.
...
Rai stretched out his arms after the long day. Jolt trailed behind as they went off for the next train home.
"Man, I can't wait for dinner," Rai mentioned.
"Pika!" Jolt was excited.
"Not to mention I'll start having some money to actually spend."
...
After finally finishing their shopping, the group all watched as Yami appeared in her new outfit. She had on high heel flip flops with bow tie laces. Her skirt was frilled and colored light green and white near the rim. A blue belt lapped over her pink shirt labeled Girl's girl. Around her neck was a chain with separating round balls. Her golden hair now made two long pigtails with blue knobs tying them together.
"…Is this alright?" Yami asked.
"Yeah, totally!" Kurumu smiled.
"Hey Yuuki!" Risa spoke. "Say something to her!" Rito smiled earnestly.
"It's nice, isn't it?" He was a little embarrassed to be complimenting Yami's new look. "It suits you, a lot." Yami simply nudged from Rito. She lightly blushed.
"Um…Is it really alright for me to keep these clothes?" she asked.
"Of course it is!" Risa laughed. "It's a gift!"
"...Okay, thank you."
"Wasn't that nice, Yami-chan?" Lala smiled.
...
As Rai took the next corner, he saw a group huddled just outside Cronos.
"Huh?" Jolt stared off at the distance.
"Pi?" He noticed Kurumu and the girls along with Rito. "Pika!"
"Look at that." Rai realized. "Guess they were hanging out all day." He focused his attention to Yami in her new outfit. "Hell, even Yami looks like she had fun." Rai and Jolt made a dash for them. "Hey!" Before they could reach them, three teenage boys had already made their approach. Judging from their clothes, they weren't a bunch to mess around with. "Oh boy, here we go..."
...
"Well, well," someone called out. "Look at all the cute girls here." A trio of guys walked up to the group. The guy on the right had a black beanie, large headphones around his neck, a blue, sleeveless jacket, brown pants pulled to his knees, and brown sandals. He chewed on his bubble gum like any tough guy would. The man on the left was more "wider" with his white hoodie and gray baseball cap. He wore his green cargo pants and carried his one-strap messenger bag. The guy in the center was their leader: a spiky blonde with a red bandanna, red vest over a hooded T-shirt wearing his brown jeans with a loosened belt and black sneakers. His main features were his sunglasses and bandage over his nose.
"Hey hey, ladies…" the capped man asked. "Wanna come play with us?" The girls grew cautious.
"What do these fools from last century want?" Risa fired off.
"Just ignore them," Kurumu huffed.
"Come on," he insisted. "We just wanna play is all."
"Check it out!" the beanie boy pointed to Yami, "This one here's a cutie, am I right?" Rito jumped in between the guys and Yami.
"Stop it!" Rito ordered. Yami was surprised to see Rito act tough.
"Hey," the leader stepped forward. "Who the hell are you?"
"I won't say anything bad," Rito shook, "But you better stop before you get hurt!" He grabbed Rito by the collar and pulled him in close.
"So, you're looking for a fight, huh?"
"No, it's not like that!" The girls became worried.
"Yuuki-kun!" Haruna cried.
"Hey!" Lala shouted. "Let go of Rito!"
"Please wait, Princess..." Yami interrupted. She stepped forward toward the leader and gave a cold stare. "That person... is my target. I will not let you lay a hand on him." Rito began sweating.
"Hahaha!" The leader chuckled. "Are you serious?"
...
Thud!
The guys all fell to the ground unconscious…and beaten.
Ding!-Ding!-Ding!
The match was over.
"I already warned them that they were going to get hurt," Rito said uneasy. Yami looked to the ground.
"Hmm, what's wrong, Yami-Yami?" Risa asked. Yami's skirt had a tear up her thigh.
"When I moved, the skirt…"
"It's not your fault those assholes showed up," Kurumu clarified.
"Oh, that…" Risa smiled. "I'll just buy Yami-Yami another one."
"No, it's fine," Yami insisted. "I'm sorry. Even though you bought these clothes for me…"
"Yami-chan…" Lala whispered.
"I guess my usual clothes…suit me better after all." Rai and Jolt turned around and walked away.
"Pikachu?" Jolt asked.
"Nah, there was nothing to worry about." Rai guaranteed. They made the next turn passed a corner.
Bam!
Rai landed on the ground. The person across also fell.
"Pika?" Jolt jumped to Rai.
"Yeah, I'm alright." The two turned to the girl recovering from her fall. She had the same uniform as the other school girls: the green skirt, light-brown coat, white knee socks, brown shoes, and green bow. Her long blue hair fell down her back in a ponytail and her blue eyes shimmered in the twilight. "Hey miss, you okay?"
"Eh?" She saw Rai and panicked. "I-I'm sorry!" Rai noticed the brown book bag resting on the ground. He went over and picked it up.
"Sorry about that," Rai offered the bag back.
"Oh!" She took the bag. "Thank you very much…" The little yellow-star keychain rattled from the handle.
"Well, we should be going. Take it easy, okay?"
"Pikachu," Jolt nodded. The two started back down the sidewalk.
"W-Wait!" The girl cried. "I...didn't get your name!"
"Hmm?" Rai turned around. "Oh, it's Raimundo."
"Raimundo..." she smiled.
"What's yours?" She held the bag behind her.
"...I'm Yume Kasamari!" She strolled off while waving goodbye. "Bye!" Rai waved back to her.
"Pika?" Jolt thought.
"I'm not sure…" Rai answered. "But, I could have sworn I've seen her somewhere before." The two walked home with a thoughtful expression on Rai's face.
The Next Day…
Yami searched through the books at the school library. In one hand, she held a brown journal, while the other had a light blue hard cover. Peeking through the doorway was Lala, Kurumu, and Rito staring at Yami from afar.
"In the end, she went back to wearing her usual clothes," said Lala.
"That Yami…" added Rito, "Has she already lost her interest in Earth clothing?"
"Then everything we went through yesterday was a complete hassle!" Kurumu argued. "What was even the point?"
"I don't know about that!" Mio interrupted. She and Risa both appeared from behind the three.
"If you don't check," Risa suggested," then you won't know for sure." In a swift movement, they went behind Yami and pulled up her skirt.
Mio and Risa: Tadaa!
Underneath Yami's dress was a laced pair of underwear with a small, pink bow near the top rim. Rito's faced completely shot red.
"WHAAA—!?" he stuttered. "T-That was when…!"
Pow!
Yami's hair-fist struck Rito to the ground.
"Are you alright, Rito?" Lala asked. Yami hid her face in the book.
"…I hate perverts," she stated.
"I don't know about that," Kurumu added rhetorically.
-To Be Continued-
Awesome! Everything looks to be following quite smoothly!
Lala: Yay! I can't wait to see what happens next! Is there going to be monsters, dragons, or even final bosses the hero has to overcome?
The way you say it makes it sound like a video game. Although I am somewhat partial to Super Mario if we're talking about platfomers. Anyway, all rights reserved and materials used all belong to their respective owner's. Leave a comment and review on this exciting tale!
Next Time on To Love-Ru: Trouble٭Quest ~The Unconventional Heroes~
Lala: If you're ready, press start!
Don't you have to choose a character first?