~Preparations and Distractions~

Disclaimer: I still don't own RC9GN. I will also apologize if there are any mistakes. I am not perfect and I tried my best to spot all the mistakes.

….

Randy held up his hand to make the 'time-out' sign. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. He had to fight the Sorcerer? Now? It wasn't even senior year and now he had to fight the Sorcerer! That was wonk, very wonk.

"Hold up," Randy said, "you're not serious."

Avril nodded. "I am serious, Cunningham. I mean, I haven't been more serious in my entirely life. Well…except for that time I blackout and found out I scared the crap out of a bully because I somehow conjured up a skeleton, but that's a story for a different time! What matter is that you have to fight the Sorcerer and we have to go to the Land of Shadows."

"But it's too dangerous," Nomi objected. "Not only there are dangers no one can fight, but Randy casted the Sorceress back down there. She could be planning her revenge there."

"So? There is a reason why Carrie and Natalia are coming. They're going to be our backup if things get hairy. And, I'm bringing the Black Sapphire just in case."

Nomi still looked reluctant.

"You do not know the dangers," the red-head said. "And, how are you so sure the answers we need are in the Land of Shadows?"

Avril glared at him. "I can feel it in my gut. I just know that we need to go to the Land of Shadows. Please, just trust me, Nomi."

Avril looked at him with pleading eyes. Nomi tried to stand his ground, but he soon gave in. He sighed and nodded his head. Avril smiled wide, and hugged the humanized book tightly. Nomi froze, but he soon wrapped his arms around Avril.

"Thank you," Avril whispered. "We need you too, ya know. You're the last of the Norisu Nine. You are needed for this."

"Yeah, yeah," Nomi said as he pulled away. "So, when are we leaving?"

"In an hour," Avril announced, smiling. "So, you can fuck it out before we leave."

Randy's cheeks turned deep scarlet. "What makes you think we're gonna do…that?"

Avril grinned devilishly. "The way you were groping and that Nomi was a moaning, whimpering mess. And, don't worry if me, Ally, or Alice may walk in on you." Avril gave a wink. "We read all the fics about Randicon and the lemons."

With that, the brunette walked off, laughing. Randy was still blushing, silently cursing at the girl for making him think about doing that with Nomi. Why would they do…that when they had some important stuff they needed to do? Hell, Randy wasn't even sure if they were old enough to do that!

"Avril is a very…interesting girl," Nomi observed.

Randy chuckled. "Yeah, you don't know the half of it. She beat the crap out of me before! And I was wearing the ninja suit!"

Nomi threw his head back and laughed. "You were unprepared and cocky. You must know your opponent before you know you can defeat them. Or, that will be your downfall."

"Oh, so now you bring in your ninja know-how?" Randy asked, raising a brow. "Where was that when we were making out, huh? Where was the 'a relationship between ninja and teacher is forbidden' or 'love may blind your thoughts in battle'?"

Blood rushed up to Nomi's cheeks. "I was a bit occupied with your hand squeezing my ass."

Randy gave a toothy grin as he leaned close to Nomi. "I'll be happy to do it again since it distracts you so much," Randy whispered hoarsely into Nomi's ear.

Nomi bit back the urge to moan. Instead, he gently pushed Randy and scoffed. "Get your mind out of the gutter and into what's important, Randy-chan."

Randy huffed. "I am not a girl!"

"Whatever helps you sleep at night," Nomi called over his shoulder as he walked away from the purple-haired teen.

Nomi made his way back to Cabin Eighteen and Nineteen, thoughts overwhelming him. He couldn't explain it, but somehow these two cabins felt almost like home. And, home for him was thirteenth century Norrisville in a dojo/house the size of Buckingham Palace with his parents, grandparents, and his five siblings. Nomi stood in front of cabin Nineteen, biting his lips. He could picture him and his siblings living in this cabin together. The twins, Mei-Mei and Minoru, would be running around the cabin, laughing and teasing each other. His younger brother by a year, Nozomi, would be sitting with him by the front door. They would read scrolls or stories about amazing heroes. The eldest siblings, Sakura and Shinsaku, would be inside the cabin. They would be either bickering with one another or meditating. His parents and grandparents would pick them up at the end of summer and they would return home, together.

He was drowning in these thoughts that he didn't notice he had fallen to his knees, his face buried in his hands. He was sobbing, tears running down his face. He had never gotten this emotional when he thought about his deceased family. Nomi could always conceal his emotions and wear a mask to fool people into thinking he was okay. But, somehow his walls were slowly breaking and all his locked-up feelings were rushing back. Maybe it was because he had let his feelings for Randy to be revealed. For the first time in forever, Nomi found someone to confined in and let it all go.

Nomi found a pair of arms wrapped around him, with a familiar voice whispering sweet nothings in his ear. It was Randy, who was walking to catch up to Nomi and saw him like this. He sat down and pulled Nomi in his lap, trying to calm the crying boy. Nomi leaned close to Randy, soon babbling on his troubles to the purple-haired teen. Most parts of his explanation had been in Japanese, and the rest was in English. Soon, they sat in silence. Nomi rested his head on Randy's chest, and Randy was stroking Nomi's hair. They said not a word, for neither wanted to speak for or knew what to say. Randy didn't know how to react or what to say. Nomi just didn't want to talk or even move.

"Nomi," Randy whispered, breaking the silence. "Are you okay now? Please say you're okay, because I don't know how to comfort my boyfriend. I-It's different than comforting a friend or family. With b-boyfriends…you don't know if they're sad because they hate the relationship or realize they're straight…"

"Of course I'm happy with our relationship," Nomi said, keeping his tone low. "I-I think I said that I was just think about my family."

"Yeah," Randy breathed out. "Most of it was Japanese so…I did not know what the juice you were talking about."

Nomi let out a breathless laugh. Randy hummed, and buried his nose in Nomi's hair.

"So…we got an hour..."

Nomi looked up and saw the Cheshire grin plastered on Randy's face. The red-head had a good idea what the purple-haired teen was planning.

"No scandalous things," Nomi warned. "Only making out, Randy-chan, or I'll kick your ass."

Randy pouted. "You're no fun," he whined. "And, it's Randy-kun, not Randy-chan!"

Nomi rolled his eyes. "Not when I'm your boyfriend."

They both stood up, and walked into the cabin. Randy was already heatedly kissing Nomi. The red-head inwardly smirk, and closed the door behind them.

…

Ally did not sign up to be the Alice-keeper/watcher.

The brunette groaned as she marched through camp, stopping to ask campers if they had seen a Rabbit with blonde hair, blue eyes, and acts like they have ADHD and are on a sugar high. So far, no camper has seen Alice. Though, they had heard a voice singing Disney songs in the woods by Rabbit Meadow. Apparently, Rabbit Meadow was where Rabbits host tea parties and create Rabbit Holes (aka dimensional portals). Rabbits would spend their time there, unless they had to do something important. But, Rabbits never have anything remotely important, so they go to the Meadow.

Rabbit Meadow was a pretty place. It was kind of U-shaped and was surrounded by tall, oak trees. There was a tall waterfall at the base of the U, where anyone could bathe or skinny-dip in it in privacy, since there were weeping willows hiding it from plain sight. The grass was so green; it was almost as if nature was at its prime here. Wild flowers of all different kinds dotted the meadow, each a different, bright color. The air smelled of fresh-baked cookies and roses and the sun shined brightly here. It was peaceful, quiet, and serene.

Sitting in the middle of this meadow was Alice, who was kneeling on the ground. Alice looked totally different than how Ally saw her last. Alice wore a light blue, short-sleeved, satin dress. The dress had a white lace, sweet-heart neckline. The skirt of the dress stopped at her ankles, and had frills at the end of the skirt and at the sleeves. The dress had a white apron-thingy on the front of the skirt, with lace all around the apron-thingy. She wore white-and-black striped tights and black ballet flats. On her head, she wore a black headband with a big, frilly, blue bow. Her blonde hair was curled and her blue eyes looked even brighter. On Alice's lap, was a pure, white bunny with blue eyes.

"Alice!" Ally cried. "What are you…is that…?"

"A white rabbit," Alice said. "Weird, isn't it? I used to be so afraid of rabbits and rabbit holes because I thought I would end up like the Alice and defeat the jabberwocky. But, I end up being like the mixture of the White Rabbit and the Mad Hatter. Funny, right? My name is Alice Madeline Kingfisher, part of the Kingfisher Clan, Rabbit, and cursed with the Rabbit's Curse. And, I'm nothing like Alice Kingsleigh whatsoever."

Ally felt weird. Alice was dressed up, representing what she was and who she was. Ally wore a sliver, silk blouse, white, designer skinny jeans, and designer, light grey ballet flats. She wasn't part of a clan. She didn't feel like a Giver. And, she certainly didn't know how the normal Giver dressed like. Rabbits would dress up like people from Wonderland and would belong in clans. She just felt like an outsider.

"Come on," Ally said, bitterly. "Let's go meet up with Avril at the Main House."

The bunny ran off, causing Alice to sit up. She was about to chase it when Ally grabbed her wrist and drag her away. They both headed off towards the Main House.

…..

"Absolutely not," said Overseer. "I cannot let my daughter go on a quest with three, untrained Dimension-Walkers, two cargos, and my sister's brat."

"But Father," Natalia insisted, "we just have to go! The Prophecy of Destiny is absolutely tied in with this quest!"

"I cannot let my daughter get hurt," Overseer shot back.

Carrie cut in, "Please, you have to try to be reasonable and rational. This quest is really important. As a primordial god of fate and prophecy, you know how important this prophecy is. My mother knows it, and she is the primordial goddess of destiny."

But, the stubborn god was still reluctant. Natalia and Carrie were in the Main House, asking Overseer permission to go on this quest. They were in Overseer's office, which was on the first floor of the Main House. The walls of the office were cerulean blue and the floor was made of dark oak planks. In front of the two, tall windows were a desk much like the president's desk; except, the desk was made of red oak and was covered in scrolls, books, and hourglasses. The walls had many pictures, maps, and posters. The posters were advertising operas, all in Italian. The pictures showed many campers throughout the years. And, the maps were of the seven continents and/or locations of constellations. Overseer sat in his chair; the chair having a tall backrest and the cushions made of red velvet.

Natalia stood side-by-side with Carrie. Both girls wrung their hands behind their backs, looking quite nervous.

"Carrie," Overseer said, leaning forward. "You're the greatest hero Camp Walker ever had. I know you can handle yourself on this quest. But…Natalia, you aren't as focus in your training like your siblings."

"I don't do hand-to-hand combat!" Natalia exclaimed. "I'm do undercover work, make the plans, work out the tactics, and spy! I'm no solider."

"A spy, hmm?" the god asked, raising a brow. "You want to work in the Covert Investigation Agency for Dimensional Crisis? Or, perhaps be part of the Dimensional Bureau of Investigation?"

Natalia nodded. "Yes, Father. And, many of the agents of the CIADC and DBI started out as heroes at Camp Walker or Camp Hood, going on quests and training in the way they had to train!"

"Councilman Overseer," Carrie said, "please, just let Natalia do this. She wants to show you she's just as good as her siblings. It would mean the world to her if you let her do this."

The god pondered at this. Both girls crossed their fingers behind their backs; silently pleading that Overseer would accept this quest and let Natalia go. Five, long minutes passed and Overseer let out an exasperated sigh. Both girls held their breath as they waited anxiously for the answer.

"I'll let you go, bambina," Overseer finally agreed. "But, you are responsible for whatever happens to her, Carolina. If my baby girl gets injured or is gone when you return…consider your fate sealed."

Both girls let out a relieved sigh, and promised the god that they wouldn't disappoint him. Overseer chuckled, and sent them out. Natalia and Carrie laughed, and ran out to meet up with Avril.

…..

Avril really didn't appreciate that she had to wait for everyone at the Main House. She told everyone to meet up at the Main House in an hour. It has been two hours.

Avril had changed before she went to wait at the Main House.

She wore a black, long-sleeved shirt with a crimson dragon design on the front; black, skinny jeans with a silver chain-belt; black, finger-less leather gloves; knee-high, dark grey combat boots; black leather jacket with a dark grey hood; and a dark red scarf wrapped around her neck. She had the hood on, so her face was concealed. She had her dagger, Unity, strapped onto her right thigh. Around her neck were her silver crescent moon pendant and her golden sun pendant. She slung her backpack (she had forgotten she still had it) over her shoulder. While she waited, she twirled the ruby ring in her fingers.

She sighed, and twisted the ruby gem. While she was getting ready, she accidently found out what the ruby ring could do. The ruby ring soon grew in size, and turned into a bow. The bow was ebony and had had wolves carved into it in silver. The string of the bow was made of gold. Avril held up the bow, and a bronze arrow appeared. Avril aimed the arrow, and shot it. The bronze arrow flew across the air, and hit a tree in the middle of the trunk dead on. She sighed and waved her hand. The arrow disappeared into thin air. The bow turned back into ring and Avril stuffed it into the pocket of her jacket.

"Nice shot," Carrie complimented as she stood by Avril.

Natalia came out of the Main House, and on the other side of Avril. Avril smirked, and slung her arms around Carrie and Natalia's necks. She gave an impish grin as she hugged the two girls close.

"And, what took you two so long?" Avril asked.

"I was asking Father for permission to leave for this quest," Natalia said. "He approved the quest."

"I was with Natalia," Carrie said. "I was helping her explain the quest to Mr. O."

Avril chuckled. "Now, where are my two weirdoes and the lovebirds?"

As if on cue, Randy, Nomi, Ally, and Alice came running towards the Main House. Avril rolled her eyes and sighed. She let go of Carrie and Natalia, and walked over to them. Avril placed her hands on her hips, and glared at them.

"And where were you four?" Avril demanded, irritated. "I told you to be here in an hour. And, how long has it been? Two fucking hours!"

"I was trying to look for Alice," Ally explained. "Apparently, Alice was busy following a white rabbit. So, I had to chase her down and drag her away. It took me so long because of...private matters."

"And I was occupied," Randy said. "Nomi and I were doing…things."

"Blah, blah, blah," Avril snapped. "I don't give a rat's ass! We have to get to the Land of Shadows right away." She turned to Carrie. "Carrie? A portal, if you will?"

The purple-eyed girl nodded, and snapped her fingers. The wind started picking up, and the air grew colder. Suddenly, a swirling, gold and brown portal appeared. Voices invaded their minds, telling them to turn back and the quest was hopeless.

"Voices of the Shadows," Natalia shivered. "Their pitiful voices makes anyone who is listening feel discourage and doubt themselves. They make people see their dark sides."

Avril stepped up to the portal, and touched it. The portal rippled like water, and the voice ceased. Suddenly, worm-like creatures sprung out and wrapped around Avril's wrist. Avril screamed as she was pulled in.

"AVRIL!"

Everyone rushed to the girl's side, but ended up being entangled by the worm-like creatures. Soon, they all were pulled in. The last thing Avril heard was a single voice.

"When you reach the Valley of Despair, find me and free me. Free me, please."

…

LE GASP!

I'M SO EVIL! MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

WHAT IS THAT STRANGE VOICE AND WHY IS IT ASKING AVRIL TO FREE IT? WELP, YOU GOTTA WAIT UNTIL THE NEXT CHAPTER TO KNOW!

Okay, thank you all for the fabulous reviews! They made me smile! :D

But…there, again, was a review that made me so mad and frustrated! And trust me; I am NOT in the FUCKING mood.

This person was a guest and this is what they said:

Guest: You ruined it don't make Randy gay

DID I NOT JUST GO OVER THIS WHEN I GOT A REVIEW LIKE THIS? DOES ANYBODY UNDERSTAND WHAT I RANTED ABOUT? (I'm about to do this in all caps. If you were talking to me right now and I said this, it means I'm yelling at you.)

MAKING RANDY GAY DOES NOT RUIN THE FUCKING STORY! WHAT THE HELL? AS I SAID BEFORE, I MADE RANDY GAY SO I CAN DO THIS RANDICON SUBPLOT I GOT PLANNED OUT. IT WAS GOING TO HAVE THE FEELS AND SCHIST. I WILL NOT CHANGE WHAT I HAVE PLANNED OUT. SO GUEST, YOU BETTER STOP READING THIS STORY NOW BECAUSE I'M NOT GONNA CHANGE A DAMN THING! IF YAOI IS NOT YOUR THING, WHY THE HELL ARE YOU READING THIS? I'M SORRY IF I OFFENDED YOU, BUT YOU JUST INSULTED ME SAYING I RUINED THIS STORY! I DID NOTHING, WHATSOEVER THAT COULD MAKE ANYONE DEEMED THAT IT IS IN FACT 'RUINED'! THIS STORY IS LIKE MY BABY I WOULDN'T DO A DAMN THING TO RUIN THIS STORY! SO, I SAY GOOD DAY TO YOU SIR OR MADAM AND I HOPE YOU WON'T MAKE A COMMENT LIKE THAT AGAIN!

*takes in a deep breath*

Whoa…sorry about the paragraph-long rant, guys. It's just, you know, I really don't like the negativity about Randy being gay. I mean…it just makes me sad.

But, you know what it would make me feel better? Reviews! And, in your review you can a) tell me a weird, funny story that has happened to you. B) Who (meaning Avril, Ally, Alice, Carrie, and Natalia) is your favorite character so far? C) What can I do to improve this story to make it even more epic and awesome? And d) what do you think is going to happen later in the story?

So, please, review and I will see you guys next time!