Chapter Five- Crazy Stalker Girls
The alarm clock was blaring in her ears, which was severely unpleasant. She tried rolling over to give the alarm clock a good smack, but something soft and warm blocked her path. Taking in a loud breath through her nose and letting it out as a groggy sigh, she poked the figure next to her.
"Mph… Sparks, get the clock…" Katsumi murmured pitifully, and then rolled back over.
Maiko's tired voice rang out now, "Onee-chan, you have to go make breakfast…"
In her tiredness, Katsumi realized she'd forgotten, "Oh yeah. We're not in England anymore are we?"
"No, Onee-chan. We're in Japan."
The haggard red-head slid out of bed, running her hand through her tangled sanguine hair, "Oh yeah… I… forgot…." Her memory came flooding back to her as her groggy mind cleared.
Maiko grunted softly, and pulled the blankets over her head, and rolled into the spot Katsumi had been using, stealing the fading heat.
"You're not coming?" Katsumi teased as she ran a black brush through her hair, tugging out the snarls and returning it to its mostly straight form. The lump in their shared bed grunted again, and shifted. Katsumi sighed, and aimed carefully with her brush before letting it fly into the middle of the blanket smothered lump. It didn't move.
"Whatever!" she said with a smile on her face, and skipped quietly downstairs in her pajamas, which was shockingly different to her sibling's PJs. Similar as in they both slept in camisoles. Hers were just pink, while Mai's was a dark blue. Mai wore sweatpants, while she'd raided Ryuu's drawer, and stolen a pair of his black boxers.
Moving into the kitchen, Kin suddenly at her heels, she ran a hand along a counter lovingly
"Okay, I have… six Japanese, one Russian, an American, and a Chinese neko to feed…" she wondered allowed as she moved to the refrigerator. Opening the stainless steel cooler, her mismatched eyes (swapped in colors from Mai) took it what she had. To feed nine people, Tyson having the ultimate in voracious appetites, this was going to be a chore. Pulling out a dozen eggs she set them down, and pulled out the proper ingredients for donuts. Maybe fresh backed donuts would please her new eaters.
Cracking open the eggs, she added some to one bowl, some to another. Yes, she needed eggs for the donuts, but not too many so she put the rest into a bowl to be whisked up. A pan with melting butter found itself on the stove on medium flame as she set a package of bacon beside the stove.
She sighed when she felt the brush of fur that was her jackal. The golden brown creature was circling around her feet, begging for attention. Lowering her face to touch noses with the canine, she quickly stood back up.
"Kin, go lie down." she ordered, and the jackal, with wide eyes, turned away and plopped herself down out of the way. Chuckling, Katsumi returned to cooking.
Working smoothly, she got the donuts-holes-to-be on the oven to bake, and moved to the eggs and bacon. Whisking salt and pepper into the eggs, she pulled out a large pant, and set it on the back burner, Pammed it, then dumped the at least ten eggs in there to be scrambled. As the pan started to warm, and to thus warm the eggs, she began layering strips of bacon down, relishing in the sounds of sizzling grease. It was euphonious to her.
She popping in her own pair of ear buds to her iPod that she'd bought in America, and flipped to one of the American bands her home stay had introduced her to. It was a foreign singer named Josh Groban who did his song in many different languages.
Their home stay in America had been a family of five; mother, father, two brothers, and a sister that was twinned with one of the boys. He'd given them the CDs saying he was "the singing voice of sex". Strange how a fifteen-year-old guy would say that, but Katsumi had to agree.
She danced around in her kitchen, her footsteps slow and coordinated as she moved around the stove and counter. Knifes, spoons, whiskers, and other tools flashed in her hands as she wielded them like any other weapon she was familiar with.
In the end, along with the donuts and eggs, she'd also made some more dinner-like food, including some slow simmered pork and vegetables. She also took plain yogurt, and dicing fruits, she mixed them together to make a tasty fruit yogurt.
Small movements in the corner of her eye made her spin to see Ray in the doorway, tiredly rubbing his eyes. But he stopped when he realized how ridiculous she looked, whisker that was dripping in egg held threateningly in her hand. She glanced over when some egg dripped on her, and blushed marginally. Lowering the egg beater into the sink and pulled out her ear buds, she returned to checking on everything.
"Good morning Ray." she said, ignoring her previous antics. That just made the neko snort with laughter. She rolled her eyes.
"Morning," was his reply, "Ryuu and Hitoshi were right, you really do like to cook."
Katsumi glanced over her shoulder for only a moment before moving to put the large bowl of fresh fruit yogurt in the fridge, "Well, me and Sparkie had been living alone as soon as I could leave the house. We've had quite a few issues with our family, and it was easier to leave. I'd always loved cooking, and I had to do it more, since the fanciest thing Sparks can make it instant ramen and mac and cheese."
The neko laughed, "You're not kidding are you?"
"One hundred percent serious!" shot back the chef, and she noticed his eyes watching her hands expertly chop an apple, "You cook?"
"Well," Ray replied, "I have an uncle who owns a restaurant in France. I learned to cook from him, so I guess I'm okay."
"I guess I'll have to steal you occasionally to help me make dinner." she teased, then put back in a single ear bud to check on the pork again. It was only a few minutes from being done.
"If you want something to hold you, there's yogurt in a bowl in the fridge. I just added the fruit, so in a few minutes the taste should have mixed with the vanilla." she offered, moving to the oven as it beeped. Pulling on the oh-so-stylish oven mitts, she pulled out a tray of donut holes. Well, they weren't really round, but she didn't really care. Taste was all that really mattered in the end.
"Really? Thanks." Ray said, and moved to pull out the bowl and serve himself some.
Maiko appeared in the door, her hair down and limp. She was rubbing her red eye as she walked forward.
"Onee-chan, ohayo." she said, then noticed Ray sitting on the counter, happily eating yogurt, "Oh, ohayo Ray-kun."
"Morning Sparkie." said Katsumi, and tossed a donut hole at her younger sister, who caught it in one hand while Konta scampered in, Kin hot on his heels. Mai popped the hole in her mouth, and chewed; her sister had already applied the glaze, and she had to admit, it was delicious. She nodded towards her sister, who returned it brightly, and returned to glazing, humming contently to Josh Groban.
As the boys slowed filed in, Katsumi was just setting the table for their breakfast. Kai was the next to arrive, followed by Hitoshi, Max, Ryuu, and lastly, Tyson. Although Ryuu made the largest commotion.
"Katsumi! Stop stealing my boxers!" he yelled, pointing at the chef, or more specifically her black boxers.
"But Ryuu, I need something to sleep in." she replied, and stuck her tongue out at him.
"Ah, that smells good!" Tyson was already practically drooling, and killing the angry mood of Ryuu. Katsumi rolled her eyes as she tossed a nice chunk of pork at each of the three predators there. Each animal trotted to their respective master's feet and chowed down. It didn't take long for the humans to follow suit.
"Onee-chan," Maiko spoke up over the sounds of chewing and… well, the sounds of Tyson inhaling, "You said you wanted to go shopping again, and… school?"
Tyson gasped in horror at the word, and other eyes looked at her in shock. School, words that one cringed at, and this girl was suggesting it?
"Don't have a heart attack people. Sparkie doesn't train at all (lucky bitch) so she needs something to do to keep her brain from melting. Usually while we're training, she's in extra classes." Ryuu said with a laugh.
"Ryuu-kun, you just do not like school because you fail your classes." the cold red-head replied, and Ryuu's face went red.
"I do not! I just don't bother with the tests!" he growled. Maiko's black eye opened as she looked at him.
"Therefore, you fail… Ryuu-kun." was her reply.
"What do you have to say about it, you annoying kid!" Ryuu was standing now, and Max noticed that Hitoshi was smiling, along with Katsumi.
"I'm only one year younger than you, Ryuu-kun." Ryuu's eye twitched.
"My god! You are so fucking annoying! How the fuck do you beat me?" he groaned, running a hand over his face, his almost violet eyes flashing.
"Ryuu-kun, I don't try to be better than you." Maiko said coolly as she stood up. Konta perked up from his empty bowl, and ran to jump up to her seat, then to the table so the red-head could lift him. His black nose nuzzled into her owner's neck as he let out a happy yip. His breath smelled of his last meal- meat.
"Bitch!" Ryuu growled, and Katsumi finally stood.
"Okay Ryuu, you've had your rant, now stop insulting my little sister." her glare made Ryuu flinch as she skillfully flipped out a steak knife.
"Where the hell did you get that!" he cried. Katsumi smiled sickly sweet, and shrugged.
It was easy to assume that the fight ended there.
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"Hai, hai! I haven't been shopping in Tokyo in a long time!" Katsumi cried, stretching her arms to the sky. She certainly looked out of place with her flowing red hair and American appearance, save for the shape of her eyes, and the low cut jeans and white tank top with a picture of a cat on it. Also, the golden jackal trotting at her side brought many looks.
"Onee-chan, you're making a scene." Mai said flatly, holding Konta close to her chest. The fox was perfectly content to lay in her arms, licking his chops when he smelt ramen from a stand not to far away. The red head had changed from her pajamas to a plain black tee shirt and slacks.
"Sparkie, I think she always makes a scene wherever she goes." Ryuu said absently, but he was too busy winking at a group of passing girls. They looked at each other and giggled before scurrying away. Ryuu's grin was hungry as he waved.
"Wow, you guys really lived here all this time?" Max, who had come along with them, towing Tyson, Ray, and Kai with him, "That's so cool!"
Hitoshi turned to face the GRevolutions, "Yes, in fact, we've already contacted some old friends. Unless you don't have a cell phone, if you're uncomfortable, you can split from us."
"Um…" Tyson scratched his head, "I left mine at the house…"
Ray and Max groaned, and Kai just rolled his eyes;. He didn't really know why he'd come along…
"Well, if anything, you can take Sparkie's! No wait…" Katsumi flinched at Mai's glare, "You can take Hitoshi's, if he doesn't mind. We've already had our cell phones from here, so we just turned them back on to work again!"
"I think it might be cool to meet some of your old friends." Ray said, and Max and Tyson nodded.
"Katsumi-chan!" the high, very feminine voice interrupted their conversation as a raven haired blur suddenly crashed into the elder sister, who stumbled back first in shock, then cried out.
"Hikaru!" she cried, hugging back the small woman before them, now speaking very quickly in Japanese, "Where's Saburo?"
"He'll be meeting us at the usual hangout. Sparkie-chan! You're here too?! Awesome!" something wasn't right in the bright, smiling eyes to Ray when she saw the younger sister.
"Not for long, Hikaru-chan. I'll be leaving to go shopping in a moment." she replied, shifting with Konta as the eager fox kit tried to get in a position to play with her long ponytail.
"No, no! I want to hear all your stories from America and England! Ryuu-kun, Hitoshi-kun, you're staying too, right?" Hikaru's wide brown eyes were begging.
Ryuu wrapped an arm around the eager Japanese, "Of course, chika, and I can tell you all the gory details. AI, AI, AI! Hikaru!" he cried when she grabbed the skin of his hand and twisted. He removed his arm very swiftly.
Hikaru turned to Hitoshi, and waved with a smile, "Sorry for not saying hey to you, Hitoshi. I just glomped the first person I saw."
"That's okay." he replied, "May I introduce to you the GRevolutions: Granger Tyson, Tate Max, Kenny, and Hiwatari-"
"KAI!" she finished with a high pitched squeal that made Konta, Kin, and Mari- who had been on Hitoshi's shoulder the whole time- whine at the loud noise. People on the street looked over, completely confused until they saw the GRevolutions. Ryuu glared at Hikaru.
"Nice one, Hikaru." he snapped.
"Sorry!" replied the girl, "It's just, when I see the hottest guy in the world, I couldn't help it! Saburo should be at the hangout, so let's run! I can hear the other fangirls!"
True enough, Max, Tyson, Ray, and Kai could all hear their names being murmured. The last thing they wanted was fans attacking them.
"Run!" Tyson called, and everyone darted after the Flameblades and Hikaru who led the way. Dodging possible mobs of fans that were now on alert, it took a while to go only a few blocks of Tokyo.
When they finally arrived at their destination, everyone was panting, save for the animals and Maiko. She just walked up to the serving counter, and hit the bell on the surface.
"Jiijii!!" Ryuu called, using the ruder name for 'grandfather', "Are you gonna serve us or what! We haven't been here in a year, you forget about us senile man?"
There was a surprised cry, and the sound of falling pots and pans, and the GRevolutions looked at each other. This was most definitely an odd sight when an elderly man with an aged, wrinkled face, wispy white hair, and grey eyes, dressed in a way that reminded then strongly of Tyson's grandfather, stepped out through the 'door' that was actually just a blanket.
"Ryuu! Hitoshi! Katsumi! And even little Maiko! You've all come!" the old man had a surprisingly youthful voice, but he still looked old as he walked slowly over to encase the four teenagers in warm hugs. He was laughing when he parted with Mai.
"Still wearing those gloves Maiko? You've grown so much, but haven't changed a bit." he said.
"It's been a long time, Jii-chan." Mai replied, a surprising smile in her eyes
"It has, it has. Ohayo, Hikaru, how are you?" the old man turned to the raven haired girl, who was practically drooling in Kai's direction. It was taking all his self control not to run. Fan girls were scary when they wanted to be.
"Huh?" she turned to see him, "Oh, I'm okay. Katsumi-chan, introduce your friends!"
Katsumi rolled her eyes, "Jii-chan, this is Granger Tyson, Tate Max, Kenny, and Hiwatari Kai."
The grandfather bowed to everyone, though it was aimed to the GRevolutions, "Pleasure to meet you. I am Jii-chan, or Jiijii to the ever rude Ryuu. You're all welcome in my little ramen shop! And I have to say it's a surprise to have the famous GRevolutions coming to MY shop to have MY ramen. I feel extremely honored and lucky! Katsumi, are you going to work under me again?"
Katsumi grinned regretfully, "With I could, Jii-chan, but I'm living outside of Tokyo with everyone. Well, except Hikaru. But I can help for now. Just tell me where my uniform is!"
"In the back, where it's been all this time. I hope it still fits!" he replied, and Katsumi disappeared behind the blanket. Kin just jumped up into one of the booths, and soon Konta and Mari followed. Grandfather turned to the GRevolutions, "Now, you've never been here, so I'll need to ask you what you're favorite ramen is. I already know everyone else's usual. What do you like? Oh, I forgot, poor senile old me. Take a seat, take a seat!"
The miniature restaurant was comfortably set up, with a dark wood floor and walls, and the whole room smelled of delicious ramen. There were a few four person booths set on one wall, and there were also a few normal tables with chair. Then there was the counter where there were several stools, and an area to order. It was all old, but in good shape, and felt very homey. Grandfather lead them to the counter, and encouraged them all to sit, including the Flameblades and Hikaru, who ran for a seat next to Kai.
"So, Maiko's, Ryuu's, Hitoshi's, Hikaru's, and Katsumi's usuals! Now, I have any ramen you like, GRevolutions. Chicken, beef, shrimp, lamb, pork, curry, house, anything; ever since Katsumi started under me I have a wide variety, and more than just ramen now!" he held out a few menus, which though small, every dish sounded delicious, so it was a difficult choice.
"Wow, this all looks so great, I don't know what to choose! I'm starving now!" Tyson crowed, and everyone rolled there eyes, while Grandfather just laughed.
"Well, I'm always eager to please an empty stomach!" he replied, and turned to the others, "So, how did you come to blading with my grandchildren that I've adopted?"
"Well, it wasn't exactly known until…" Ray trailed off suddenly, and Ryuu snickered. Grandfather looked confused for a moment before Maiko spoke up.
"Ray-kun, Max-kun, and Tyson-kun walked in on Onee-chan while she was in the bathes." she said, and Grandfather was silent a moment before bursting out into laughter.
"D-Did you really do that! Oh my! Katsumi must have been very embarrassed!" he forced through bouts of giggles. Katsumi poked her head out, scowling.
"You think? Jii-chan! I thought my face would never cool down again!" she said, then disappeared again.
"We didn't know anyone else was going to be there. Kai never told us." Max informed Grandfather, trying to hold back his embarrassment at the memory.
"I was going to…" Kai said with his eyes shut as he tried to ignore the affectionate looks he was getting from Hikaru. The Japanese girl seemed completely smitten with him. Of course, who wouldn't be, with his unending sexiness?
"You still never did Kai!" retorted Tyson, "I was scarred from that! No offense Sparkie, but I thought I was gonna die that day!"
"You probably would have if Katsumi hadn't stopped her." Hitoshi commented.
"By the way, have you chosen your orders yet?" Grandfather interrupted, and the GRevolutions realized they'd forgotten to order. Well, Kai hadn't, but he wasn't going to remind them.
"Five of your house specials!" any surprise as to who that was?
"The shrimp special sounds good!"
"Oh, pork ramen for me!"
"I've never had curry ramen before…"
"You'll need a pitcher of water, Ray."
"So? It sounds good!"
"I'll have lamb ramen."
"Thank you Kai, I'll get straight to it. Katsumi!" Grandfather said.
I hear you, I hear you!" Katsumi came out, and the Grevolutions were able to see Katsumi in a uniform. Her hair was back up in two pigtails, and no one could deny that her uniform was cute. The shirt was a cute white blouse that had a scoop neck to show cleavage, and hung slightly off the shoulders, and the sleeves went to mid-upper arm. The skirt was short, to mid-thigh, and was also white, though with pink linings. She kept her five bangle bracelets on her slender wrist, and she held a small pad and pencil.
When she realized the looks she was getting from all five of the GRevolutions, she blushed, and pulled at the neckline of her blouse.
"I tell you, that Jii-chan is secret perverted old man. At fifteen he had me in this uniform!" she said, trying to play it off, and moved to where the pitchers of water were. Grabbing a few glasses, she slid them skillfully down the counter until everyone had one and she could fill them with icy water. She poured one for herself, and sipped it while leaning on the counter.
"Hey, Kenny!" she said in a wondering tone.
"Y-Yes?" the geeky teenager couldn't seem to tear his eyes away from the exposed skin until there was a light slap upside his head, "Yeah?"
Katsumi restrained herself from rolled her eyes, and continued, "Do you do any blading on the GRevolutions? I know from what Hitoshi told me you basically help them in trained, and your bit beast… Dizzi? I still don't really get that…"
"Oh! You guys haven't met Dizzi yet! I forgot!" Kenny always had his laptop with him, so he wiped it out, and opened it up before setting it on top of the counter. It only took a moment for the laptop to power up.
"Good morning Kenny!" the slightly robotic voice rang out from the laptop, making three of the Flameblades jumped. Maiko opened her eyes in curiosity.
"Morning Dizzi. Hey, did you know we were going to meet up with the Flameblades?" asked the geek, adjusting his glasses.
"No, I didn't, but how rude Kenny! I still haven't met them!" the voice seemed to focus on the people the bit beast caught in the laptop hadn't spoken to before, "Hello! Kenny seems to like to ignore my existence, so I never got to greet you. I'm Dizzi!"
"Wait, wait, wait," Ryuu interrupted, shaking his head, "Your bit beast is in your laptop?! How'd you managed that!"
"Trust me, I didn't want this." the feminine voice replied, "Ask Kenny."
Said boy blushed, but was saved when a few bowls of ramen suddenly appeared. Somehow Katsumi had disappeared and reappeared with a tray with Hitoshi's, Ryuu's, and Maiko's bowls of ramen. Ryuu had beef, Hitoshi had pork, and Maiko had the house special. The three took a pair of wooden chopsticks from the cup full of them, and murmured a quietly 'Itadakimasu' before starting to eat. Then Katsumi returned, and placed a shrimp bowl in from of Kenny, a house special for Tyson, pork for Kenny, curry for Ray and a lamb ramen for Kai. Another round, and Kin, Mari, and Konta all had a bowl of goodies that were safe for their stomachs.
"Hey! I thought I ordered five!" Tyson protested, and a pair of chopsticks hit him in the face.
"We can only cook so fast! They'll be out in a few!" snapped the waitress, and disappeared behind the curtain. Tyson scowled a moment before the smell of the food forced him to begin digging in.
"She's not getting a tip from me…" he muttered under his breath, but everyone ignored him.
A new, male voice joined them, "Hey Jii-chan! Can I get my usual?!"
"Ohayo, Saburo!" Hikaru called.
"Saburo, man! How's it going?" Ryuu said next, and everyone turned to take in the suddenly shocked Japanese teenager standing in the doorway. His hair was as black as Hikaru's, and his eyes an even darker brown. He was thin, dressed in a red polo and black pants. He looked utterly shocked to see the Flameblades there, and the GRevolutions, but the Flameblades were upfront.
"Ryuu! Hitoshi! Sparkie! You're back from Europe?!" he said, completely dumbstruck.
"Yeah man, we just flew in a few days ago. We're chilling at a bitching mansion outside of Tokyo for a while." Ryuu said while he walked up to the teenager who was only an inch or two smaller than him. The two slapped hands, and bumped each other's shoulder before chuckling and going into a manly hug. Hitoshi joined them, and did the same. Maiko waved before turning back to her ramen and her book. Then a squeal caught everyone's attention.
"Saburo!" a blur of red, white, and pink appeared and completely jumped onto the poor boy, who actually seemed to anticipate it, and wrapped his arms around her, and swung the hyper teenager in a wide circle, "Oh Kami, I've missed you so much!"
"Me too, Katsumi!" he replied, literally holding her in the air under her shoulders, "Damn, you look great!"
She laughed, "Thanks. So do you! Although you're still wearing those silly polo's."
He blushed, and shrugged, "I can only change so fast. Hey Hikaru, why didn't you tell me we were gonna have more than just the gang? I didn't even know you knew the GRevolutions!"
"I wish I did…" her voice was dreamy as she stared at Kai, who was restraining himself from getting a bulging vein in his forehead.
"No, Saburo, the Grevs are living with us!" Ryuu said to break the awkwardness Hikaru had caused.
"No joke?!" his eyes were wide.
"None. Now c'mon, Jiijii, you have a customer!" Ryuu called, "Saburo's usual!"
"I heard you! Ohayo, Saburo!" the wizened face poked out a moment so he could wave.
"Ohayo, Jii-chan, how's the shop?" Saburo replied, placing Katsumi back on the ground and wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
"Perfectly fine, Saburo. Now take a seat and stop flirting with my temporary staff." Grandfather's face disappeared.
"Yeah, yeah, I know." he said, and removed his arm from Katsumi before taking a seat next to Hitoshi, "So, would it be annoying if I asked you guys what it's like being world champs?"
Tyson grinned, "Of course not! It's absolutely awesome knowing you're the best!"
"One of the best," Max corrected.
"Yeah, you seem to forget that Ryuu totally kicked your ass." Ray continued, and Tyson flushed, and returned to inhaling his ramen. Ryuu snickered, and slurped of a noodle with pride.
"Ryuu, kick Tyson's ass? I don't believe it." Saburo replied, "Maybe if it was Sparkie, I might."
"Hey, hey, hey!" Ryuu said, looking angry, "Are you sayin' I can't blade, Saburo?"
"Of course not, but all three of you pale in comparison to her, and you beating Tyson, that kinda makes me scared." he replied, running a hand nervously through his hair.
The GRevolutions, on the other hand, where looking at Maiko in a mixture of curiosity and amazement. They hadn't even seen her lift a finger as far as training other than battle Katsumi every so often, and she could beat them? Said woman was just eating slowing, her eyes skirting back and forth across the pages of the books. Tyson leaned in to talk to the withdrawn person.
"Wait, they say you're better than even Ryuu? Awesome, how bout a match?" he pulled out his trusty blade, letting the light hit it perfectly. Maiko looked at him with her one red eye, then turned back to her book, using her chopsticks to lift more noodles to her mouth. Tyson gave her an odd look.
"O-Okay…" he said, and returned to his food too. Grandfather then shuffled out of the kitchen, holding a bowl of ramen for Saburo. He turned to look at Maiko.
"Maiko, I forgot to ask. The radio speakers aren't working, could you take a look? Your perch it still up there and the tools are in the back." he asked
Maiko nodded, and slipped through the door and returned very swiftly. She moved to the corner, where there was a speaker mounted in the corner, next to a bar that stuck out a few feet before attaching to the other wall. Maiko easily jumped onto the counter, and tensed her legs before jumping towards that bar. Curling as she grabbed it, her feet hit the wall with a loud thud, and she pushed so she swung up to the top of the bar. Sitting comfortably, she pulled out a handful of tools, and began tinkering with the speaker as Grandfather turned off the radio, which was playing quietly.
Scattered conversation, including Katsumi finally coming to sit and eat, and tear the Kai-loving Hikaru away from contemplating her favorite material. Hitoshi and Kenny got into a small conversation with Dizzi and some of the Grevolutions more exciting battles. Kai finished off his meal, and placed the chopsticks in his bowl, and was about to ask when suddenly Maiko dropped from her spot, straightened, and took his bowl before disappearing into the back. Kai gave her an odd look.
'Weird girl,' he thought, 'I wonder what she's hiding…'
"So Kai," Hikaru's annoying voice brought him out of his thoughts, and he turned to face the fan girl, "What's it like being a world champ? You're pretty popular now, got a girlfriend?"
'Save me… I don't need girls hitting on me now… Annoying, all of them. Well, almost. Either creepy or annoying as fuck…' he thought before shaking his head marginally.
He could practically see the hearts and stars jump into her eyes, "Really, that's awesome! 'Cause I've had a crush on you for like… ever!"
He had to hold himself back from bolting out the door, 'GOD DAMMIT!'
A cloth landed peculiarly loudly in front of Hikaru on the counter, and she turned to see Maiko, who moved to the table to wipe away any stray drops from Kai's eating area.
"Hikaru-chan, I don't think it's polite to try and date someone you don't know other than looks. You might be taken advantage of in the end." she said in her normal, monotonous tone, "Be more careful of who you lust after."
Tyson, Max, and Ray all leaned over the counter to look down it to see where this was coming from. Maiko looked up a moment, and then gave the counter one last wipe before tossing the washcloth into a bin of soapy water. Hikaru held back a nasty glare.
"I'm not lusting after Kai-kun, Takashi." she said, using Maiko's last name instead of her nickname, "I've admired Kai-kun for a long time. I'm not lusting."
"You sound like you're trying to convince yourself Hikaru." Ryuu commented, "Lemme guess, the object of your…" he waggled his eyebrows, and Hikaru had the good graces to blush.
"NO!" she answered too quickly and defensively.
It took a while for the conversation to drift away from Kai. Soon everyone was waiting on Tyson to finish his last three bowls of ramen, which he whole-heartedly dug into.
"Hitoshi, I heard you guys lived in America. Did you live anywhere near New York City?" Max asked the white haired teen.
"No, actually. We lived with a family in Miami for six months, learned English and picking up on some American blading moves. It was pretty awesome. Our family was amazingly nice, and so was out London family." he replied, pushing up his glasses with his pointer finger.
"You lived in London too?" Ray popped in, his golden neko eyes wide with fascination, "We've been there, and it was nice."
"It was amazing." said Hitoshi, "We lived in this large flat there, and the family was rather full of little children. They were all over Sparkie, those kids and she were tight."
Ray and Max looked over to the solemn faced red-head with doubt, and turned back to look at the boy. He nodded.
"Wouldn't believe it would you?" he said, "Nah, but the two families were really nice. We met the All Starz though, after you left them Max."
"You did? How are they? I haven't seen them for a while." the American blonde asked, his blue eyes wide.
"Well, Michael and Ryuu butted heads a lot, and so did Katsumi and Emily." Hitoshi said, and Ray and Max grinned.
"Not surprised about Emily," the neko said, "She's kinda tough to get along with."
"I'll say." Hitoshi replied, "Even me and Sparkie had trouble not to fight with her."
"How about Eddy and Rick?" Max asked
"Doing alright, I suppose. We didn't meet them for too long" that pretty much ended that section of conversation.
Ten minutes later, and Tyson was draining the broth from his last bowl of ramen, and smacked his lips gratefully.
"That was good!" he said, patting his stomach as Katsumi took away the last bowl. Grandfather reappeared, a smile in his eyes.
"I'm glad that you liked it. It would be an honor if you came back again. Katsumi, Ryuu, Hitoshi, Maiko, you will come back, right? And you too, GRevolutions?" he asked.
"Sure will, Jii-chan, your food is the best!" Max replied, and Tyson nodded in agreement.
"I've never had such good ramen!" the glutton said, and Grandfather chuckled.
"That's good, that's good! I try my best for my little shop. Are you leaving now?" he inquired, "Oh, Katsumi, you can change out if you want."
"Thanks, Jii-chan. I think we'll leave after that, okay?" she said, and slipped away behind the curtain.
Hitoshi stood up, and moved to hug Grandfather, who didn't mind to return the embrace, "We've missed you, Jii-chan."
"I've missed my best patrons too." he replied, and turned his head to Maiko, "Maiko, did you fix the speakers?"
"Jii-chan, you forgot to plug them in this morning." replied the red head, who was pulling on her red sweatshirt. The elder blush, and just moved to hug her too. Maiko's eyes softened, and a smile curled her lips as she returned it, and held for a second longer than anyone else.
"Ryuu, you stay out of trouble. You and Maggie." he said to the rebel, who snickered and shook his head.
"Not possible, Jiijii." he replied, but hugged him all the same.
"You too, GRevolutions, stay out of trouble. I've hoping I can see you again eating ramen here." Grandfather held out a wither hand, and everyone, even Kai took it for a small shake. Grandfather then embraced Hikaru and Saburo when Katsumi came out. She was back in her jeans and cat tank top again, with her hair pulled out of the pigtails.
The teenager happily glomped the old man with a laugh for both of them, "I'll see you soon, Jii-chan. I can't stay away too long." she said.
"Alright, I'll be waiting eagerly!" he replied, then turned to everyone, "Now, I'll need to give you the bill before you go…"
After the terror of paying for all the food, Tyson, Ray, Kai, Max, Hikaru, Saburo, Katsumi, Maiko, Hitoshi, and Ryuu were all back on the roads of Tokyo. Hitoshi turned to everyone before they went much further from the ramen shop.
"Alright, obviously all of us together are kind of conspicuous, so I figure we should split up into groups. GRevolutions, you can go off by yourselves if you want, we won't knock you for it. But Saburo, Hikaru? Where you headed?" he said, turning to the two non-bladers.
"I wanna go with Kai!" squealed the lovesick fan girl, and Kai held in his groan.
Katsumi wrapped an arm around her eager friend, "Hikaru, don't you want to hang out with me?" Katsumi's mismatched eyes were wide and watery. Kai mentally thanked her as he crossed his arms.
"B-But…" Hikaru turned equally watery eyes, though her eyes were real, "Kai!"
"Onee-chan," Maiko interrupted, "I'll stay with the GRevolutions. I'll make sure they won't get lost."
"That idea sounds good." Kai said quickly, surprising everyone by the near desperateness of his words.
"Yeah, you'll need a bodyguard since you're so famous. Sparkie? You got it?" Katsumi asked her younger sibling.
The withdrawn teenager gave her elder sister a look, and reached into the band of her pants to pull out the familiar fan that they'd seen before. In a flash it was open, and the steel, razor sharp blade of the end was glinting in the smoggy sunlight. Ray couldn't help but move in to get a better look at the dragon painted along the weapon.
"C'mon Kat, was that even a question?" Ryuu drawled, "I'm outta here. Come on, Hitoshi."
The mismatched pair took off down the streets, leaving the rest there. Katsumi turned to everyone now once they disappeared.
"Okay. Maiko, you go with the GRevolutions if they don't mind, and I'll go with Saburo and Hikaru?" she said in a questioning tone.
"That sounds reasonable," Kenny said, and the rest nodded. Well, except for Hikaru who looked ready to cry for not being able to stalk Kai. Her friend would keep a sharp eye on her.
A few more minutes talking and the groups split up. Tyson moved next to Kenny, who was looking around in awe.
"Well Kenny? Where do you think we should go? Do you know about any good blading places?" he asked, his eyes alight with excitement.
"I-I think Sparkie would be a better person to ask. I wouldn't know. She's at least lived in Tokyo." replied the brains of the team.
Heads turned to their 'bodyguard', and she shrugged, "I have not been here for a year. I never bladed in the parks either. I would not know."
Tyson sighed dramatically, and Max and Ray had a much smaller sigh of their own. They hadn't been able to have a good beybattles in a while, and were anxious to use their dust collecting blades. Just training was no fun, and they were all eager to try out some new bladers. Even Kai seemed curious as to who was going to go up against them now.
Sparkie was quiet a moment, twirling her fan in her hand between her fingers before she spoke, "I know Onee-chan spoke of a place where she, Ryuu-kun, and Hitoshi-kun used to go with friends while I was in lessons. I think I can take you there."
The eager eyes of Tyson turned to the red-head, and she turned around with an expressionless face before beginning a short trip through the congested streets of Tokyo. The five were lucky that Maiko had more of her American features than Japanese, since the flaming red of her hair really stuck out. She slowed down for no one, though when Konta slipped from her shoulder, she was lightning fast in scooping the fox kit back up and placed him back on her shoulder.
It didn't take too long to reach the small park she'd been headed for. The mouth of the park, started on a dirt path and it was very green and springy. But as they ventured further, they could hear the tell-tale sounds of the battling of beyblades. Following the noise to the source, all of the major bladers grinned at the sight of several bey stadiums scattered about, each one surrounded by elementary, junior high, and high school students alike.
Konta let out a little bark, and Maiko smoothly crouched so the little fox could jump off and explore all the scents around him, his red and white-tipped tail twitched sporadically.
"I remembered correctly." she said, almost surprised, though her voice didn't reveal it, "Go ahead."
"Oh yeah!" Tyson crowed, already pulling out his beloved Dragoon beyblade and his launcher before running into the fray. It didn't take long for Max and Ray to follow, with their own Draciel and Driger. It took even less time for the Japanese kids to slowly realize who'd joined them.
"Hey guys, isn't that the G-Revs?"
"The world champions? No way! They wouldn't be in Tokyo… would they?"
"Oh Kami-sama! I really think it's the GRevolutions! See, that's the neko, Ray!"
"And Max, the American."
Maiko looked over at Kai, "You're team is very multi-racial. Japanese, Chinese, American, and Russian."
"Yeah, we're just a bundle of laughs and diversity." replied the Russian, crossing his arms. The corner of Mai's lips quirked then smoothed as she began to play with Konta by pulling a tennis ball out of no where, and threw it for the kit to bat around. Kai slowly followed his friends.
"Hey Ray, wanna show these kids a real battle?" Tyson called, and many heads perked at the prospect of being able to watch the celebrities.
"Sounds cool, but don't come crying when you lose!" replied the neko, and they faced each other across a stadium. Kenny hurried to get a good angle as he opened up his laptop and pointed Dizzi's camera at the two about-to-battle boys. Max once more took up referee and fill-in DJ Jazzman.
"Okay, I want a clean games guys!" the teenager said, holding out one arm. The neko and human nodded at him before he started the countdown.
"Ready? Three!"
Both attached their blades to their launchers, and took their own stances.
"Two!"
Tyson glared at Ray, who seemed to return it equally as they grasped their launch cords.
"One! Let it riiiiiip!" the blonde American swung his arm up as both professional bladers pulled the launch cords, sending the blades spinning into the bowl.
It was an immediate clash. Dragoon and Driger landing on the opposite edges of the bowl, then swerved to meet in the middle. It was a shower of sparks as the two people willed their blade to be the more powerful. Soon they had to break apart or both blades would cease to move. Tyson's Dragoon moved to the edge of the bey bowl, circling Ray's Driger, who spun perfectly in the center of the bowl. It didn't take long before Tyson moved again.
"Go Dragoon!" the blade responded, and dived for Driger, aiming to knock him out fast.
"Get him Driger!" was Ray's return cry, and Driger rushed to meet the Dragon blade.
Maiko looked over from her perch in a tree. Even without their bit beasts, the kids were going wild about this battle between their idols. It always surprised her how active kids and teenagers like could be about two little spinning tops, even if a small portion of them had spiritual creatures in them, like hers, her team's, and the Grevolutions.
"Come on, Dragoon! You can do it!" Tyson hollered, interrupted her lazy thoughts, and she watched as a bright light flashed before both blades flew into their owner's hands.
When both bladers realized the tie had actually happened, they grinned at each other as the kids surrounding them broke into cheers, clapping hands and stomping feet.
"Great match guys!" Max said, grinning wildly. Tyson nodded, and he and Ray slapped hands together.
"Yeah, you did great Ray!" the bluish-haired teenager said, and the neko grinned back.
"Same to you, Tyson, some of those moves were killer!" he replied.
"Sorry to interrupt." all three jumped a foot in the air to turn and see Maiko standing there with her arms crossed, "I need to do a little bit of shopping before we go home. Can we go?"
Max looked at the other two, then back to Mai, "Sure, why not? We can blade any time guys, right?"
"Yeah. We're sorry for keeping you from getting what you need." Ray added, and the red-head shrugged.
"It doesn't affect me." was her monotonous reply as she tried to work her way out of the fan mob, the three boys tailing her.
"By the way, where did Kai go?" Tyson wondered.
They glanced around a moment before Ray spotted the Russian, "There he… is?"
The teenager had taken the time to sit down and lean against a tree in the shade. One leg was in the classic Indian position, the other propped up so his temple leaned against it. In the small circle his legs sort of made, Konta was sitting fine and proper, loving the long, languid strokes the bluenette was giving him. His black ears flattened whenever Kai started at his head, and almost like a cat he moved his body up to increase the pressure of the petting. But at the sight of his owner, he barked, and abandoned the poor Russian so he could leap into his owner's arms. Mai caught the little kit, and easily spun him up on her shoulder, where he balanced himself to lick her cheek and face. Max snuck over to get a better look at Konta, who turned his large crimson eyes to have a miniature staring contest. When Max blinked, the fox yipped, and nuzzled the hand the American reached out with. Max, encourage, began to pet him.
"He's really friendly. Wow!" he commented, reacting quickly when Konta moved to be held by the blonde. Mai looked back a moment, and shrugged.
"I've reared him since before he was weaned. It was a lot of work, and he picture on me as another fox. He's not like most foxes, so he's friendly to everyone." she said, and Max nodded in understanding as Ray and Tyson appeared on either side to get a closer look at the kit.
"Cool." said Tyson, and Maiko shook her head as she led them out of the park. It didn't take too long to get to a clothing store, one that was gender neutral as well. Konta back in her arms, she disappeared into the racks of clothing, letting the others poke around, not really interesting. Well, Max found another soccer shirt that caught his eye, and found one in his size, but that was about it. Granted, it only took ten minutes for Maiko to find everything she needed. Standing at the counter, it made them jump when the girl at the register looked up, and yelled.
"Takashi-chan!" gasped the girl in Japanese.
"Fujii-chan." replied the red-head, brushing aside the strands of black hair she had. The teenager before them was like Katsumi in a way: polar opposite of Maiko. Her hair was the classic raven black, and her eyes wide and brown. But she wore a short skirt that showed a nice portion of leg, and a tight long sleeve shirt. Her ears were double-pierced, and her nails were fakes, but nicely styled.
"I-I thought you moved back to America." stammered the girl, her nails tapping nervously on the counter.
"No, we were only there for six months. We went to London for another six months. We're only here for a while, and then we're going back to London." Mai said, and pushed clothing forward, including the shirt Max had chosen.
"O-Oh. Cool, cool! You got a boyfriend in London?" the girl asked as she began beeping in the clothes. Maiko gave her a look, but didn't reply, "Of course not. Sorry Takashi-chan."
The silence was kind of awkward until the girl finally took notice of the five teenagers behind her.
"Haven't I seen you guys somewhere?" she said, tilting her head to the side, trying to remember, "Have you been on TV?"
Eyes widened, and they were quick to stammer out a no, not wanting a brand new fan girl to stalk them. Maiko quickly paid, and took the four bags of clothing she'd accumulated by now.
"Sayonara, Fujii-chan." she said, quickly ending the nervous stammering and stumbling.
"O-Oh! Sayonara. By the way! A-Are you coming back to the high school?" the girl called, hands grasping each other.
Maiko glared over her shoulder, "I doubt it. I'll probably go to a different one."
Kai couldn't tell if it was there, but the counter girl seemed almost… relieved to hear that Maiko wasn't coming back. But it was only a passing thought; he had better things to think about than the creepy girl.
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"No, Hikaru! You don't need to worry about them! You're just looking for an excuse to stalk Kai!" Katsumi fumed, one hand on her hip, the other firmly keeping a hold on the depressed fan girl.
"B-But, someone could get Kai before me!" replied the desperate girl, tugging half-heartedly at her arm. Katsumi didn't let her go.
"Jeez, you realize I live with these guys for the time, right? I'm not gonna let my best friend try to get him into bed." she groaned, and Kin barked softly.
"But… It's Kai!!" her friend whined, "Do you realize how long I've liked him?!"
"Yes, you told me when we first saw him on TV, at a sleepover." sighed the jackal lover, "Now come ON! I want to shop!"
Hikaru let her friend drag her along behind the group, her chocolate eyes almost teary. Her lower lip was pushed out in a pout, and she pushed back her chin-length hair.
Ryuu snorted through his nose at her expression, "Wow, you're really much more spoiled, aren't you, Hikaru?"
The girl whirled on him, "What are you talking about, Baka Ryuu!?"
"I'm just saying, once you realized we were friends with the Grevs, you seemed real eager to get close to them. Are you going to use us to get to them?" he replied, looked cool and collected with his hands shoved in his baggy black jeans cinched to his waist with a studded belt. His purple hair was messily spiked as always, and one could barely see the signs of ink on his back, considering he was wearing a purple wife beater. No one really knew when he got the two permanent tattoos, but on each shoulder blade was a magnificently done dragon. Each dragon faced each other, and their bodies ran parallel to the other on each side. The left shoulder blade there were hints of purple, and the right side was black.
Hikaru looked offended, "No! I would never do that!" she huffed, and spun around to march ahead. Although Katsumi threw her rebel friend a glare, she did mouth a 'thank you' towards him, and he nodded in acknowledgment.
"Katsumi-chan, you don't think I'm trying to use you to get to the G-Revs, right?" the girl pouted, and Katsumi smiled pleasantly.
"Of course not." she replied simply. Hikaru looked a lot happier… even though she couldn't see her Kai.
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"Is that who I think it is?"
"Oh my Kami-sama! It's the GRevolutions!"
"It's Ray, Ray! Oh my goodness, I think I'm going to die now!"
"Maxie-kun! Oh yes! I've seen them in person."
"KAI!"
The said Russian's head was starting to throb with a headache as the hushed whispers that were growing not so hushed as Beyblading fans noticed their favorite team walking down the streets.
"Who's that with them?"
"She better not be Kai's girlfriend."
"Or Ray's."
"Or Max's."
"Or even Tyson's. I want him!"
"She's kind of creepy. And not that good looking. I am so better looking than her…"
"Don't listen to them Sparkie, they're just fan girls!" Max reassured the already withdrawn teenager, who was now rolling her eyes until she turned her gaze to Max, and smiled infinitesimally.
"I'm used to it." was the only comment, but those four words seemed to open whole new doors of possibilities for the GRevolutions, who were still trying to puzzle her out. With all of the actions she'd shown, and the girl at the cash register's reaction, some pretty wild ideas were popping into their heads. Tyson, who was still not the most intelligent of the bunch although he'd matured a lot since he'd first joined up, had some of the more ridiculous notions.
Kai, who had actually put thought to it, was actually more distracted by the female crowd that was slowly growing behind them. He could practically see the hearts in their eyes, and they reminded him of Hikaru. He would have shivered but, hey, he was too cool for that.
Ray noticed it next, "Uh, guys… do you think that that group of growing girls behind up might be a sign for us to run."
Maiko's eyes narrowed as her hand drifted to her waistband where her weapon was tucked away. Everyone, even Kai was looking nervous at the hungry looks they were receiving. Kenny looked like he was about to spoil himself.
"Kai-kun." Maiko said dully, drawing out her fan and running it across one palm, "Can you hide the GRevolutions as I cause a distraction?"
The Russian raised one eyebrow, and the red-head met his gaze. Tyson, Max, Kenny and Ray watched as they seemed to have a mental conversation before Kai nodded minutely, and Mai returned it.
"Hai…" she said, and reached up to grasp her ponytail. In a few smooth movements she had it wrapped in a bun, and secured with a pair of decorative chopsticks that came from nowhere. She moved towards the mob of girls, Konta perched on her shoulder with her puffy tail twitching with excitement.
"Ohayo, girls." she said in a dull voice. Many sneered at her, while other gave her odd looks.
"What do you want," one particularly snobby Japanese girl scoffed, flipping her long hair over her shoulder.
"As the bodyguards of the GRevolutions, I would ask you to please disperse. I know what you are going to attempt to do, and I will not let it work." replied the American-Japanese, her mismatched eyes narrowing in on the girl who had decided to take the role of 'speaker'.
"The GRevolutions hired a freaky bodyguard like you? Yeah right! They don't have bodyguards!" snorted the girl, and some of her friends cackled with her. Maiko's smile was cold, and obviously fake, but she intended it that way.
"Gomen nasi, girls, but unfortunately I'm not a bodyguard afraid to scar women." to prove her point she snapped open her fan and let the sun- which had appeared out of the smog- glint off of the silver. That got the girls to listen, and faces bleached white. Maiko grinned slightly, then turned and walked away. That would hold them for a while.
Letting Konta follow the scent of the Grevolutions, she found them in another park. Ray and Max were blading together on the grass, Kai was sitting under a tree, Kenny was typing in his laptop and talking to Dizzi while he recorded their battle, and Tyson was watching Max and Ray's battle with bright eyes. When Kenny noticed the red-head, he stood and waved.
"Sparkie! Over here!" he called with his usual grin as his glasses slid down onto his nose.
"Did you get them away?" Kai said, not opening his eyes, and Mai nodded, even though he couldn't see.
"Thank goodness. Fan girls are probably the scariest thing ever created." Kenny commented, and Tyson nodded in agreement.
"They don't really care who you are, do they? As long as you look good and are famous and/or rich." the Japanese added.
Maiko watched them interact, her eyes hiding the curiosity she felt at their joking around and razzing for each other. She'd never seen anyone other than her teammates have a close relationship like that.
Her cell phone buzzed multiple times at her side, and she grabbed it off her waist as she fell back onto her back to let Konta pounce on her belly.
"Moshi, moshi."
"Sparkie, where are you?"
"Onee-chan. We're in a park. We had a… meeting with fans."
"Scary."
"Hai, they were scared."
She heard giggling on the other side, "Well, I remembered the other school you were going to sign into, and turns out that they'll let you transfer in. You ready, Freshie?"
"Hai, Onee-chan." she glanced at the others, who where peering curiously at her. Hurriedly she switched to their third language that she figured no one knew. But Ray, who had some family in France, was nearly fluent, and understood everything.
"Quelle école, Onee-chan?" What school, Onee-chan?
"French, Sparks?"
"Le Grevolutions est ici, Onee-chan. Je ne leur désire pas écouter… Ou comprend." The Grevolutions are here, Onee-chan. I do not want them to hear… Or understand.
"That's silly, but whatever. But it's the one you were thinking of enrolling in, the one that will get you good scholarships."
"Maintenent? Trés bon. Quand est l'examen?" Now? Very good. When is the exam?
"In a few days. Don't worry, you'll pass it with flying colors."
"Je sais, je sais, Onee-chan. Mais, je ne le désire pas faire mauvais. J'ai détesté l'année dernière mon école." I know, I know, Onee-chan. But I don't want it to be bad. I hated my school last year.
"I get it. But never mind that. Where are you guys? Let's met up." A few more moments of Katsumi talking English, Maiko speaking French, and Ray listening in with his understanding of French and his sharp neko ears, and they wrapped up.
"D'accord. Je t'aime, Onee-chan." Okay. I love you, Onee-chan.
Her phone snapped shut and she turned to the others, not noticing Ray's puzzled face.
"That was Onee-chan. She wants to meet back up. I know where to go. Follow me." she said, and didn't even wait for a reply before turning on her heel, leaning over to scoop up Konta with a black gloved hand and cradling the now tired kit who promptly burying his face into the crook of his owner's arm and dozed off.
Winding through the streets once, more, it didn't take them long to see the bright purple hair of Ryuu and the vibrant shade of red that was Katsumi. Also the squeal of Hikaru that made Kai inwardly groan, a happy bark from Kin, and Mari's small mew before rushing to Ray. The sand cat had really gotten attached to the neko.
'Someone save me…' Kai thought, pulling his white scarf a little higher.
"Hey Ryuu, what's that?" Tyson asked, pointing out the rather large box now sitting on the ground and being guarded by the rebel, who grinned.
"This, is what I came here for. They sent it to me through the mail, and luckily she wasn't hurt!" he said, running a hand lovingly on the box and everyone but Hitoshi and Katsumi gave him an odd look. He looked up and shrugged, "What?"
Katsumi glanced over at her sister, who looked slightly nervous and out of place. Remembering, she dug into her large purse at her side, and tossed a medium sized soft package at her sibling. The American-Japanese looked at her in curiosity.
"Onee-chan?" she asked, clutching the package.
Katsumi winked, "For school. You're the only one who isn't just doing homeschooling and internet school."
Everyone watched in great amusement as Maiko processed this information, and then flushed bright red.
"Onee-chan!" she cried, and Konta barked at Kin, who returned it. Katsumi grinned innocently, and ruffled her sister's hair.
"Nice try Sparks, but you're stuck now!" she said, and the Grevolutions- minus Kai- shivered at the evil gleam in her eye.
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Three hours, and two car chases involving fan girls calling for all of them, and everyone collapsed in the living room. Max glanced at the large box that Ryuu still held protectively to his chest.
"Hey Ryuu, can you show us what's in the box?" he asked, and the Grevolutions turned their head.
The rebel grinned, and snickered softly, "You wanna see my baby? Alright!"
He suddenly pulled out a flip knife and snapped it open, making Tyson and Kenny sweat drop, Max jump, Ray's eyes widen, and Kai finally turned his head. Easily slicing the tape, he reverently opened the box. Tyson, Max, and Kenny made a semi-circle around him as he dug through the mass of packing peanuts and bubble wrap. Then the object nestled in the mess was uncovered, and the three let out sounds of awe.
"It's a guitar!" Tyson said, always the one to state the obvious.
Ryuu grinned as he lifted the violet guitar with black lightning bolts painted on. It was in perfect condition, and gleamed in its immaculate perfection. The strap, black with white skull and crossbones on it, was still fitted to him as he slid it around his neck. Reaching into his shirt, he pulled out his necklace of dog tags, and they saw that on the chain was also a black pick, with a small hole drilled in it.
"This, is my prize and my life!" Ryuu said, running a hand along the neck before plucking the first string. It sounded out of tune even to tone-deaf Tyson. Ryuu motioned for silence as he plucked the string, and began tuning. It didn't take long, and he made a certain chord, listening carefully. Grinning with excitement, he looked over to Katsumi.
"Kat, can you get my amp? The cord should be on top of it." he asked, and the redhead nodded before bouncing out, Kin at her heels. Maggie, who had been wrapped around his neck, uncurled and was now laying across his knees with her scaly bumping against the guitar. Ryuu snickered.
"Yeah, you remember my baby, don't cha Maggie?" he said, and rubbed her head with a finger. The python flicked her tongue out as Katsumi returned without Kin, carrying a small amp with her. Maiko then stood, and took the python away. Moving to the door, she said sternly over her shoulder.
"Mari, Konta. Come." Mari, who had been flourishing under the attention of a certain neko, mewed in complaint as she rose, stretched, jumped into Hitoshi's lap to lick his chin, and then darted to Mai and scurried up her clothing to wrap herself around her neck. Maggie took her left arm, and Konta the right. It was a pretty entertaining sight.
"Okay!" Ryuu said, "Now that the animals with sensitive hearing or senses are gone, can finally play!"
He unwrapped the cord that Katsumi handed him, plugging one end into the amp, and plugged in the amp. Then he connected the wire to his guitar, and he began to play with the switches. Flipping one, and twiddling two others, then he adjusted the volume on the guitar. Tapping the string, the amp boomed with noise, and he grimaced before turning it down further. Suddenly, Katsumi began to tease him.
"December twenty-fourth, nine PM,
Eastern Standard Time!" she sang,
"From here on in
I shoot without a script
See if anything comes of it
Instead of my old shit!
First shot, Roger
Tuning the Fender Guitar
He hasn't played in a year!" Ryuu scowled at her singing from the Broadway play RENT, but continued it
"This won't tune!" he sang in return, and Katsumi giggled.
"So we hear!
He's just coming back,
From half a year of withdrawal" she looked at Ryuu.
"Are you talking to me?" he retorted.
"Not at all!" she drew out the word 'all',
"Are you ready?
Hold that focus steady!
Tell the folks at home, what you're doing Roger!" Katsumi sang, then burst into laughter as Ryuu flipped her off.
"I'm done." he stated, and brought his pick to all six strings in a very loud strum to prove his point. He took a deep breath before playing a slow tune, one of the smoother rock songs that he liked, without singing, until he was sure he was ready. Then his fingers flowed over the strings as a definite tune began to carry out, and he began to sing.
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You could have been all I wanted
But you weren't honest
Now get in the ground
You choked off the surest of favors
But if you really loved me
You would have endured my world
Well if you're just as I presumed
A whore in sheep's clothing
Fucking up all I do
And if it's here we stop
Then never again
Will you see this in your life?
Hang on to the glory at my right hand
Here laid to rest, is our love ever longed?
With truth on the shores of compassion
You seem to take premise to all of these songs
You stormed off to scar the armada
Like Jesus played martyr,
I'll drill through your hands
The stone for the curse you have blamed me
With love and devotion, now die as you sleep.
But if you could just write me out
To neverless wonder... happy will I become
Be true that this is no option,
So with sin I condemn you
Demon play, Demon out.
Hang on to the glory at my right hand
Here laid to rest is our love ever longed?
With truth on the shores of compassion
You seem to take premise to all of these songs
One last kiss for you
One more wish to you
Please make up your mind girl...
I'd do anything for you
One last kiss for you
One more wish to you
Please make up your mind girl...
Before I hope you die" he continued to playing the finishing chords, until he ended with a round of applause. Maiko had returned, and was softly swaying to the music, humming along. Katsumi was giggling with glee, and Hitoshi was just smiling. Apparently the rebel hadn't lost his touch over the week and a half with out his precious guitar.
"Who was that?" Max inquired, his eyes bright with excitement and curiosity.
"It's by a called Coheed and Cambria, and the song's called Welcome Home!" Katsumi replied, "I love that song!"
"I do to. That really brings me back," agreed Hitoshi, "It really makes me miss Miami."
"Yeah…" Ryuu let his arm hang over his guitar.
"How long have you been playing Ryuu?" Tyson asked, reached out to touch the guitar, but Ryuu slapped his hand away.
"This is mine, no touch, or I'll fucking break your face in." he said seriously, "I've been learning on this guitar since I could possibly get an electric. Started on the acoustic guitar at five."
Tyson snapped his hand back with a nervous laugh, and Ryuu rolled his eyes. A long conversation, involving insulting Tyson, nagging of Mai, and just normal teenage horsing around, Katsumi disappeared first to start dinner. And after yet another feast- though she promised this was not going to be a regular thing, with Tyson eating her out of her wallet- they settled down for a movie, and then parted to go to bed.
Kai fell into his bed with a groan, and arched his back while stretching languorously. It was only a matter of time, he figured. Right now, the time seemed too peaceful and fun filled. He was betting on the next few weeks.
Something was going to, yet again, come down on the Grevolutions, and now the Flameblades were going to be involved this time.
A/N: Wow, another chapter posted... I haven't even finished typing chapter eight! But I decided to post it, but not before making some major revisions. Other than that... fun fun! So, I now have a job at Panera Bread. Was supposed to start this upcoming weekend... but I got the wrong info, and came last weekend. So before I was actually supposed to start my job, I've already become a certified worker in the dining room, and I'm being trained for barista! It rocks my socks! Plus, I'm going to Japan hopefully next summer! I'm so excited! So that means I'm very busy, so I might catch up to all the chapter I have written, and then THAT might take forever... So I hope I can get my creative juices flowing... Maybe hitting that purple button down there will inspire me!
Review Replies
Disaster.At.Midnight: SOrry, this probably wasn't that soon...
TalaTati19: Yeah, I liked that part to. ANd I absolutely love that song! I love Bon Jovi...
FairyDyris: LOL, who do you think I'm pairing with who? I'd love to hear opinions!
Tsa-chan: I want to learn how to use guns, so you're lucky! And thanks, I appreciate!Please! Get your friends to review too! I love the inspiration, and I type faster!
Rene Miashi: I think I will thank her! I have a new reviewer! I'm so happy!