Chapter 4 : Dates With Destiny
"What about this one?", Mina asked her friends.
Artemis looked on as Mina had tried on yet another outfit for her date with Shawn. He shook his head and marveled. Piling on her bed already was close to 2 dozen different garments she had already tried on. None of which had seemed satisfactory in either her eyes or the eyes of her friends who had come over early in the morning to help her for the big date.
" I don't know Mina. That...sort of reveals a bit too much if you get my drift.", countered Rei respectfully.
A couple of other girls nodded in agreement. Looking down to the slit in her skirt, she understood. She didn't want Shawn to think of her as a hussy. Flipping off the clothes effortlessly, she waited for Lita to take another outfit from the closet that might do the trick.
"I don't know if I'll find anything in there that Shawn will really like.", she expressed with a little frustration.
"I'm sure Shawn will like you no matter what you wear Mina. He's here to see you, not your clothes.", countered Artemis.
"That's beside the point. I want to look extra special for him. Can't you understand that? This means a lot to me."
For a moment, Mina was upset with Artemis but calmed down. He simply didn't understand what it meant to be a girl in love. The extra things a girl would do to catch the eye of the special men in their lives. Not just the clothes that they'd wear but also the preparation of the hair. Perhaps adding jewelry as well. If her mother hadn't already forbidden its use, she would have wanted to wear makeup and lipstick this day.
"No daughter of mine is going out there looking like she's working on the Ginza.", the mother had responded sharply earlier..
The next outfit she tried on seemed to get a more positive response from the others.
"I see what you're saying Rei.", Serena began to understand. ,"Mina needs to keep the outfits simple. I think that combination doesn't quite work though. Maybe a dress or maybe even a blouse/skirt combination.
Ami saw an outfit in the closet along the same lines Serena seemed to be talking about and reached for it. Handing it to Mina, it was pressed against her body before trying it on.
"Yeah! I think we may be onto something with that one!", Rei exclaimed
The girls all applauded when Mina finished putting on the new outfit. Serena found a little handbag she thought would compliment the clothes and gave it to her. It was perfect. The colors coordinated well. It showed off her form quite nicely yet didn't show off too much.
After she finished modeling it for her friends, she then went to Artemis. His opinion had always mattered a lot to her but now even more so after the conversation they had the previous night. Standing before him, she noticed that his bottom jaw shook and trembled. She continued to stand perfectly still in front of him waiting.
He stood there in stony silence unable to talk, his eyes began to water, his breathing rapidly increased. It was as if he was seeing her that first time yet this time in a different light.
"I have now seen perfection.," he finally said.
The other girls giggled at the comment but Mina understood. It had not been said flippantly but rather honestly. Lifting him into her arms, she petted him. She wanted him to understand how much she still cherished him.
In that moment, she was still his. Soon he would have to learn to share her with another. Yet in the last 12 hours between them many steps were taken that had strengthened their bonds. The fear had not gone away but now he knew it to be foolishness.
Before she could leave the house for the date though came the final step. She liked was she was wearing. Her friends liked what she was wearing. She knew Shawn would like it, but would her parents approve of it? Heading down the stairs to the kitchen where they were having breakfast, she stood before them waiting, hoping they'd would.
Across town, a similar scene was taking place in the hotel where the performers of the Laff Factory were staying. Helping his friend Gator ran through his mental checklist of things that would be needed for a successful date.
"You've showered right? You're looking good. Here mate. Use some of this stuff", observed Gator.
Shawn caught the tossed bottle. Looking at its label, he noticed it was a bottle of cologne. Gator's 'weapon of mass seduction' as he liked to call it.
"Just a sprits behind each ear and maybe a spay on your neck. Don't dunk yourself in it like last time all right? Now you're looking good mate. Now do you have enough money for today? I'll be glad to give you some if you need it."
"Would you mind? I'd hate to run out of cash and I'd rather not use the credit cards if I didn't have to."
The giant Aussie reached into his wallet, pulled out several large bills, and thrust them into the upper pocket of his associate.
"I promise that I'll pay you back next payday.",assured Shawn.
The big msn simply shook his head negatively.
"Nah, don't bother. Consider it a late birthday present. "
"Pretty late don't you think? My birthday was three months ago.",he ribbed.
"Look just take the money and have the greatest date ever. Now where are you going to meet her?"
"At her house. I have a cab to take me there. Then we will come back for the grand opening. Once it's over, we'll head out."
"Won't you even stay for the brunch?"
"No ,We will spend most of the day to some places she thinks will be fun, then go out to eat somewhere. We're trying to make the day pretty loose, carefree…..and alone. "
"You got your cel phone with you? We want to be able to reach you if we need you for anything."
The young man looked down scornfully at his device. The portable leash that always seemed to keep him from roaming free. He heaved a sigh before putting it in his pocket.
"Yeah, I've got it. Just do me a favor will you Gator? Don't need me."
Returning to the kitchen of the caterer Catsy disguised herself as one of the workers. She came in to make sure that the specially prepared food would be loaded on and taken to the Laff Factory without any trouble. It might have been more practical to delegate the job to one of her sisters but the plan was too important to trust to one of her subordinates. The other employees were moving the food to the van so fast it was easy for her to get lost in the shuffle. The man who was obviously in charge continued to make remarks that were unnecessary.
"Let's move it people. We are on a deadline here. We have to be there before the guests. Be careful with those deviled eggs. Anybody drops the food and not only will I take the cost our of your paycheck, I'll take it out of your hides as well."
Catsy worked very hard to keep from laughing at this blowhard who was trying to impress people that he was the boss. Unlike the previous evening when she had threatened her sisters it was only a tactic that she used only to the extent it was needed to get the job done. This person it seemed simply like to hear the sound of his own voice and to try to give himself an aura of I am boss. Fear me.
When the last of the food was placed inside the fan and properly secured, all the employees were given written directions to the Laff Factory. They would be taking their own vehicles to the grand opening while the chef in charge rode with the food in the van.
The taxicab pulled over to the curb in front of the Aino residence. Shawn gave specific instructions to the driver not to leave that he had to pick up someone here and that it would take about 10 minutes. He exited the cab carrying two long rectangular boxes towards the front door. Before he could figure out how to balance the boxes while still pressing the doorbell he was answered by Mina's mother who looked like a more mature version of her daughter. It was obvious where Mina got her good looks.
"Come in Shawn.",she instructed.
"Thanks. Is Mina ready?",was his response.
"She should be down shortly.",informed the mother.
Trying hard to balance the two bulky boxes, he handed one of them to the mother. Opening it up she discovered a lovely bouquet of flowers.
The mother looks at the flowers then gave a long sniff to appreciate the aroma. It was clear to the mother that Shawn was trying very hard to heal any wounds caused by the final incident in England.
While the mother was putting the flowers into a watered vase, the Mina made her appearance at the top of the stairs. The orange blouse, flowered skirt combination her friends picked out was approved by the parents though Mina was sure the father's approval was done rather grudgingly and at the insistence of the mother. Shawn stood at the bottom of the steps in stunned silence to awed to make a single remark for several seconds, comedic or otherwise. At the bottom of the steps, she gave a spin move so he could admire her from every angle. When he finally found his voice, Shawn spoke.
"That outfit does something for you. That outfit does something for me too."
The mood was broken up by Artemis who came down with Mina but had been ignored by the guest whose eye's never left Mina's form. He tried to cross up the young man by attempting to block his path to her. The move didn't escape Mina who picked up her feline companion and began to pet him. This could not be easy for him. Even with the talk, the two had the previous evening.
Seeing Mina's pet Shawn reached out so he could rub his fur.
"Hey Artemis, remember me? Look like Mina's still taking good care of you. Oh, I've got something for you Mina."
He held out the box to her, which she took after placing Artemis on a nearby chair. Opening it up she gasped and pulled out a dozen long-stem red roses. She called her mother over to show the gift she received. As impressed as the mother had been with her gift she stood in amazement at the offering to her offspring. She thanked her suitor with a light kiss on his cheek as the mother took away the roses to put into Mina's room.
Shawn looked at his watch and realized that while there was plenty of time to get to the grand opening he didn't want to push his luck. Therefore, when the mother came back downstairs he thanked her for the hospitality, then escorted Mina out the door to the waiting cab.
From the window of her room, the other sailor scouts checked out the pair as they walked down the sidewalk to their mechanical chariot.
"They really do make a lovely couple.",stated Ami with a sigh.
"Yeah, I hope this works out well for her.",added Lita.
"But I wanted to go downstairs and meet him."whined Serena.
"Oh right. If you had shown up down there you would have bugged him with a thousand questions and they'd never get on their date."argued Rei.
"You should talk Rei. I saw the paper and that picture of his holding your hand. That's all I've been hearing about from you ever since.",countered Serena.
The two began sticking their tongues out at each other with the appropriate raspberry sounds as they usually did when the pair fought. A long time ago Ami and Lita learned it was best not to get between the pair until they were over their snipping. Only when they were tired of it did the group decide it was the proper time to leave the house and wait with anticipation of the juicy details from Mina after the date was over.
Inside the Laff Factory, the various official and dignitaries were mulling around with both the local performers and their international counterparts. Outside in a side alley 'K' waited for the arrival of the final guests of the evening. He looked at his watch. He noticed that there was still ten minutes to go before the ceremony was to begin but he didn't like how close to the start they were getting. On the outside, he maintained a professional face but inside he hoped that nothing unfortunate had happened.
He looked at the watch again. Only one minute had passed since the last time he had checked it. Where was he? He finally decided to call him on the cellular phone. After two rings, the other side picked up.
"Flake here.",answered Shawn
"How soon before you get here? ",asked the host.
"We're about half a block away. We just got out of the cab and are on foot since we didn't want to attract attention. We're meeting in the alleyway right?
"That's confirmed."
"We're now in the alleyway can you see us?"
"K" waved his hand over his head to get the attention of the pair as they walked up. He was impressed with the attire for both individuals who looked more elegant than their respective ages would have indicated.
"A pleasure to meet you again Miss Aino."
She nodded her head in appreciation of the compliment never taking her grip off the right arm of Shawn. It was quite apparent that he was enjoying the snuggling of his golden haired beauty. 'K' then spoke quickly with a hushed tone.
"Miss Aino. I think it would be best if you walked in first then Flake will be in shortly. I've arranged it so you'll be sitting right behind him. You'll forgive me for not seating you together since it would be sure to stir up all sorts of gossip and put you into a most uncomfortable, white hot spotlight."
"He's right you know. I just want to go in, make my speech and get out with you. If we don't do it this way, you'll be harassed all day by reporters and for several days afterward. I don't want to put you through that Mina."
She didn't like the plan even though she understood its logic. As usual, he was trying to protect her but she didn't want to be parted from him even for a minute this day. Still she meekly cooperated and went inside while Shawn and 'K' discussed something outside.
Catsy stood in one of the corners in the upper balcony where she wouldn't be spotted easily. She looked down to the main floor of the theatre and noticed that all the participants had assembled. The food was displayed in a line on one side of the stage. The servers obediently standing by while the chef strutted around like a peacock in full plumage. The members of the troupe mingled about with the politicians and their guest as camera operator took snapshots of the event. It wasn't until 'K' called the people to sit down did the activity cease. Catsy chuckled quietly to herself knowing the moment of victory was almost at hand.
It didn't take long for the ceremony to become quite boring for Mina. Sitting on the end seat in a row he sat through three different politicians make long-winded speeches about how great it was for the Laff Factory to be setting up a "branch office" in their town. About how this was going to be the first step towards the reclaiming of an area that had turned into an eyesore. She tried so hard not to fidget, and not to think about how this was cutting into the time she could be spending alone with Shawn. Where was a negaverse monster when you needed one to make people scramble away?
At one point she saw Shawn who was in the seat right in front of her adjust his body slightly so he could drape his right arm over the back of the chair. It was obvious he felt the same way about political speeches as she did. Then he put his right hand into a fist, then stuck out his pinky. Looking around to see if anybody would notice she inched her hand forward and stuck her right pinky into his where it was immediately held tight. Mina continued looking around ready to let go in case someone because wise to their movements until 'K' introduced the next speaker.
"Now I present to you, representing all the performing members of Laff Factory Inc. Shawn Foley."
The crowd applauded as Shawn relaxed his pinky in time before anybody noticed the action of the pair. Standing up he approached the microphones as camera's flashed. Almost instinctively, she chuckled under her breath. The prince of comedy making a speech? Taking a deep breath and turning his head to the left to cough he approached the microphone.
"Thank you very much",he began.
He paused as the murmurs of the crowds died down.
"When 'K' asked me to make this speech he made me promise that I would do so with dignity and respect. I told him I'd give this speech all the dignity and respect it deserved."
The remark solicited a chuckle from the audience who obviously imagined what the comic would have liked to say or do next. He waited for the titters to end before he continued.
"There are some firsts you rarely recall. I personally don't remember my first day of life. I don't remember the first thing I ate. I don't even remember my first birthday or my first day of school. Then there are some firsts you never forget for better or worse. I still remember fondly my first friend, the first time I got up to perform in front of a crowd.. Believe me I'll never be able to forget…..
Suddenly he looked directly at Mina, but the movement was so subtle the crowd didn't seem to notice.
",my real first love. My first real kiss.",he concluded.
Shawn took a moment to compose himself as he began to look away from Mina to play to the crowd.
"So it is with great pride, and deepest humility that I welcome our Tokyo brethren into the Laff Factory family. After our group performs here this week, you will have a great responsibility. For I believe a lot of good comes from laughter. Not just the natural instant gratification. You often hear the phrase 'laughter is the best medicine'. I believe that's true to a strong degree. I think laughter can heal not just mentally but physically. In addition, something I learned a long time ago. In a world where you hear about people fighting and killing each other, I've never seen a person hurt or kill another while their laughing themselves silly. I've never seen a person who was able to use a knife or a gun while rolling with laughter. You are sitting there wondering if I really believe this? The answer is simple. Yes, I do. Is it naïve? Perhaps, but sometimes the naïve have the best ideas because they haven't been conditioned into thinking they're wrong. So on behalf of the Great Britain chapter of the Laff Factory I thank you and welcome you into our family tree."
The crowd stood up in applause with Mina leading the cheering and the whistling. In less than three minutes, Shawn had managed to say more meaningful things than the politician did in their 15-20 she stood in awe of what she had just seen. If Shawn ever wanted to run for political office, he'd have her vote in a heartbeat.
From up in the rafters Catsy was also astonished by his words. When she had first been given this assignment, she had wondered why this place became so revered in the future? Why could such an insignificant building have created such an aura around it. The answer was obvious to her now. The words and feelings of Shawn Foley must have resonated through the years and been taken to heart by the people of Tokyo both now and in the future. This is why he had to be destroyed today.
After Shawn's speech 'K' concluded, the ceremony with a few final words then announced that the food was ready to be served. The crowd got up from their chairs and Shawn turned around to look at Mina.
"So how did I do?"
Mina looked back with great awe and respect.
"You are incredible. You know that right?"
Shawn gave a nervous chuckle. He suggested that now was a good time to exit while everybody was getting their food. Shawn gestured to Gator to come over and the using the colossal Australian as a combination shield and blocker they made their way to the back of the theatre and into the alleyway again. There the performers said their goodbyes. Then Gator produced a large shopping bag
"Here you go mate. One disguise kit.",the big man joked.
Shawn pulled out its contents.. First his favored Bronco jacket. After putting it on, he produced a hairpiece with hair much darker than his real scalp, then topped off with a ball cap and sunglasses.
"Better get going mate, before I decide to kidnap this little lass for myself.", Gator joked.
Mina signaled Shawn's friend to bend down slightly and thanked him with a peck kiss on his cheek in appreciation. She saw the towering figure stand to his full height lightly rubbing the side of his cheek where she had kissed him. It was perhaps the sweetest gift he had ever received. He found himself envying his comparatively diminutive partner as he watched the pair make their way down the alleyway to start their date.
Back at the Aino residence, Artemis walked around the house in a funk. He wanted to drop in on Mina and discover how the date was going. Part of him hoped she was having a good time, a more sadistic part of him hoped that Shawn was having a klutz day that not even Serena could top at her worst. He noted the incoming dark clouds and realized that there would be a storm in the afternoon. No doubt that would eliminate the amusement park in town for their date. No doubt though that Mina already had several options stored in her head for just such a situation. He went back into Mina's bedroom and laid down on the bed trying hard to inhale her fragrance from the pillows she slept on last night.
"Are you just going to sit there and mope all day?",came a familiar female voice.
Artemis twitched his head up to see Luna standing on the windowsill. His depression must have been worse than he realized since he hadn't heard her landing.
"I've got a surprise for you Artemis. Come with me."
At first, the white cat didn't even seem to register the request from Luna. This didn't surprise the female. Jumping into the room, she approached her colleague.
"Artemis, either move it, or I'll spay you…..the hard way.",she threatened.
Not having the energy to resist Artemis sluggishly got up and followed Luna out the window, down the tree and out of the Aino's yard. They walked several blocks until the reached the residence where Ami Anderson lived. Luna scratched at the door and meowed before the doors opened a moment later by the petite scout in her everyday guise.
"Oh good. You got him to come after all.",Ami pronounced
"What's this all about?",was all Artemis could say.
She picked Artemis up and began petting him as she also carried him into another room, which was dark. As Artemis tried to adjust his eyes to the darkness Ami giggled slightly before speaking.
"Well we were very concerned about you. Today must be very difficult for you so….."
Without warning a light turned and all the other scouts yelled out,"Surprise!."
"…..we decided to throw you a little party."
Artemis was too stunned to respond. Never had he expected this. The room was full of balloons and streamers. On the table there was even a cake with his name inscribed on it."
Luna explained.
"After our recent talk I realized how much you took care of Mina before we all joined forces. I suppose we took what you did for granted and I'm sorry about that. So to make up for it, if possible we decided to throw you this little party and make you the man of the hour."
"Mom is on call at the hospital for the next 24 hours so we'll have the place all to ourselves.",added Ami.
He never expected anything like this. Pulling out a chair from the head of the table Lita signaled Ami to place the guest of honor on it. Once seated the gang sang a version of 'For he's a jolly good fellow' which was sung loud, proud and strong but still very off-key. They applauded him before slicing up the cake to be served. Each of the girls brought gifts that they had made or paid for. Luna then suggested a few words from the honored guest to the applause of the rest.
Before Artemis could begin to speak a loud crackle of thunder was heard. Instinctively the girls turned to Lita who put her hands up part way proclaiming
"Wasn't me guys."
The rain come pouring down as a pair of figures ran towards the door of a local mall. The girl got to the door first and opened it before her male counterpart caught up with her. Inside the facility, the pair took stock of the damage the rain did to their attire and their looks.
"Of all the times for the weatherman to actually be right.",Mina complained.
Shawn took off his ball cap and shook off the excess water before running his hand over the hairpiece. Unzipping his jacket, he noticed that his date was on the verge of tears. The bright lights from inside the mall and the darkness of the outside allowed the glass to have a reflective quality to it. In it, she could see the golden hair that she had spent so much time styling to perfection that morning now looking tangled and somewhat stringy. The blouse and skirt clung to her wet body giving her a disheveled appearance.
"All that hard work for nothing, and I wanted to look so beautiful for you.", she began to sniffle.
"You've always looked beautiful to me.", he tried to assure her.
"B…But I wanted to look especially beautiful for you today."
The tears began to overflow her eyes and streamed down her cheeks. Then Shawn did something he never thought he'd be able to do. He withheld the jokes, the wisecracks, and simply held Mina close to his own waterlogged body and allowed her to cry. Occasionally people would come through the door to leave or enter the mall and look at the couple. Shawn simply noticed their presence and would nod his head or held out a hand to indicate everything was under control.
"I had such wonderful plans for us. The amusement park, Tokyo Towers, a little café for us to have lunch at. Now its ruined.",she continued sniffling out..
Shawn continued holding her tight trying to think of the right words to say. Something intelligent, wise, smart. Finally, he just decided to say something simple and honest.
"All that does sound good. Still it's been a long time since I've had a chance to cruise a mall too. Don't get too many chances to do that these days."
Looking up Mina couldn't believe how he was taking this turn of events in stride.
"But going to the mall isn't such a special thing. I wanted our time together to be special."
He looked down into her eyes and without a trace of humor or sarcasm plainly stated.
"As long as I'm with you, our time together is special. Now, let's dry those eyes all right?"
He reached into his pants pocket to pull out a handkerchief to dry her eyes. However, the rain had covered his body to the point that the water had seeped through soaking the cotton tissue as well. Mina found herself unable to stop giggling as he squeezed it and water actually came out of one of the ends. It was a joke that couldn't have been planned better if he had tried. It pleased Shawn to see Mina's face becoming happy again, even if it wasn't the way he planned to do it. He opened the door to the inside of the mall allowing the young lady to step through first.
"So where do you want to go to first?",she asked,
"First store we pass will work."
Meanwhile back at Ami's house Artemis was continuing to receive the royal treatment from all of the scouts. After the party food was served, eaten and the area cleaned up the girls decided to groom Artemis for when Mina returned from her date. At first he didn't object until he heard the words that it was going to start with a bath.
Even though he knew the girls meant well the thought of getting anywhere near water produced a natural cat fear throughout his body. Even when the girls showed how it was going to be a relaxing bubble bath in the kitchen sink he didn't want to go through with it. It was a major indignity for a cat to be given a bath. Worse Luna was going to be in the room to watch the whole event, which no doubt would give in her mind the license to humiliate him in the future. Then Lita played the girls trump card.
"Artemis, don't you want to look nice and handsome for Mina?"
The girls had played into his Achilles' heel and they knew it. Even so, it was with incredible reluctance and more than a few tears that he allowed the humiliation. He was thankful that the girls respected his feeling enough to have Luna removed from the room without him having to ask The bath was going to be degrading enough. Still the girls did their best to minimize the damage being done to his pride. They proceeded with efficiency. While Ami and Rei did the overwhelming amount of the cleaning Serena and :Lita worked very hard to keep the tabby's mind distracted by rubbing under his cheeks and heaping lots of praise upon him. It was with more than a little sense of relief when he heard Rei call for a towel. He was pulled from the water where a nozzle was waiting to wash off any remaining soap from his body. He managed to resist thrashing his body to remove the excess water until the girls could get the towels over his body. Finally, the girls pronounced the dreaded bath over much to his relief.
"So do I look good now? Will Mina like it?",he asked with hopeful eyes.
"Oh yes. You cleaned up very well. Look at this handsome man. Wouldn't you agree ladies?",praised Rei
He took a deep breath and exhaled thankful that the torture was over and that he had survived. He hoped Mina would appreciate what he had endured for her.
"You'll look even better when we're finished grooming you.",added Serena.
The words struck fear into his heart.
"What? No, please. No more!", he pleaded.
He continued to protest but Lita held him firmly and with his back to her thus preventing his claws from slicing her arms, face or any part of her body they would have come in contact with.
In spite of the early misfortune, the date with Shawn was gong better than Mina could have imagined. She found it amazing. She had been to this mall countless times in the past and she never had the reactions Shawn was showing. Her first thought was Shawn was reacting if he had never been to a mall before. As they spent more time together, she began to understand that while it wasn't true how long had he been able to relax and enjoy a mall trip without being hounded by fans. At the music store he often had to ask who many of the new artists were, and if they were any good. At one of the clothing stores he spotted an outfit, a lime-green kimono that he thought would look so good on Mina. It was perhaps the first time in history a guy actually enjoyed sitting around in a clothing store as she tried on the outfit. Almost choking when she saw the price Shawn assured her they weren't going to buy it. He just had to see if she would look as good in it as he imagined. As she exited the changing room, it wasn't just Shawn who gave a look of appreciation. From several areas of the store men of all ages whose head did a double take, causing some of the women they were with to respond with a sharp elbow to the gut in agitation.
"Wait a second, let me get a photo of this and text it to Gator. It'll drive him crazy."
Taking his phone, he snapped the shot and after showing the results to Mina pushed buttons on the phone where the image was sent to his comrade in comedy.
The only moment of difficulty came at the arcade. After defeating Shawn easily in the NASCAR racing game three tough looking teenagers approached them mocking him for having not only lost to a girl but to have lost so badly. The trio looked very menacing. If there was a fight Shawn could get badly hurt.
"Hey baby, why don't come home with a real man,"suggested the largest of the three bully's
Shawn was quick to quip back.
"Doubt you know one."
One of the other teens grabbed Mina by the upper arm and Shawn reacted predictably. However, the band expected the response. Not protecting himself, he was easy prey for a swift bolo punch to the stomach by the other tough guy. Mina screamed as he went down grasping his abdomen. The leader raised his leg preparing to kick Shawn in the back of the head when in desperation Mina reached out and gave him a kick in a male's most sensitive spot dropping him to his knees.
Luckily, the mall security arrived quickly having been alerted to the presence of the marauders by an employee of the arcade. Shawn was taken to a secure area within the mall to make sure he was all right. After being looked at within the private room Mina stayed with her bruised white knight but his mood had become dourer. It didn't take a genius to determine the reasoning. In his eyes, he had failed to protect her and the fiasco damaged his pride and ego.
"Some defender I turned out to be. I tried to save you and you wound up saving me.",he spoke without a hint of mirth.
"I'll take a lover over a fighter any day. If I wanted a fighter I'd start dating Mike Tyson.'
At first, Mina realized how stupid her statement sounded. Then Shawn turned his head toward her and his lips seemingly started crunching inward. The face began to contort, then in spite of his efforts let out a series of chuckle.
"Did you just tell a joke?",he inquired between snickers
Mina blushed though was thankful her comment was slowly bringing back the Shawn she wanted.
"I'm sorry.",she apologized.
"Don't be. That was good. This is a historical occasion. Mina Aino tells a joke, and a good one to boot. Tell me something. When Mike Tyson talks doesn't he sound like he's related to Elmer Fudd?"
He continued by doing impressions of the two.
Here's Tyson. 'I'm da tuffffest man in daw whole wowld.'. Now Fudd 'Be vewy, vewy, quiet. I'm hunting wabbit's ha-ha-ha-ha-ha."
Mina was quick to realize where the conversation was heading. Within his humor, he was trying to hide from his embarrassment and shame. To crawl into his personal shell once again. First, she tried to interrupt him but when that failed, she simply pressed her fingers against his lips. It was enough to get his attention.
"Please, don't do this. I want to be with Shawn today, not 'The Flake'."
She stroked him gently on his thigh and felt a bit of relief when she heard a giant sighing sound
from him. She had managed to avoid turning a bad incident into a total disaster.
Even three hours later, the celebration at the Laff Factory was in full swing. The honored guest ate their fill of food before exiting the scene while the combined troops of the Great Britain and Tokyo Laff Factory talked shop. In the corner of the stage steps Gator received a beep on his telephone. Somebody was trying to contact him. With so few people who knew how to contact his number he didn't think twice about answering. Flipping open the phone he saw the photograph of the kimono clad Mina. There was no message underneath but it wasn't needed. It was very apparent that the two were having the time of their lives on their date, wherever they were. As Gator began to feel a little jealous of his partner, something funny was happening in his chest and stomach. Brian Coe made his way over to the big man.
"Hey Gator. You all right? You're starting to look a little green around the gills. Need to head back to the hotel?"
Swiping his hand against the air, he indicated that maybe he'll feel better if he laid down for a while until whatever was afflicting him had a chance to pass by. He didn't want to be a party pooper. If the problem turned out to be more serious, he was certain he'd be able to get a ride later.
When Catsy found out that Shawn was no longer at the Laff Factory her heart raced in panic. This was a total disaster in her eyes. How was he ever escape? She had seen him walk in. She had heard his speech. So why wasn't he here now? She felt forced to report the latest developments to Rubeus to determine how she should proceed if she would still be allowed to be in charge of the mission.
"Has anybody else left?"the leader inquired.
"No Rubeus. They're still busy stuffing their faces."
He stroked his chin weighing the pro's and con's of the situation before speaking again.
When will the powder be at full effect?",he inquired.
"At the current rate of consumption we should be able to activate the plan a little past dusk. By that time the dark powers will be at its peak and we can trigger Rancor.
Rubeus nodded positively understanding the analysis of the situation. He informed Catsy to head back to the Laff Factory while he would stay behind to determine a plan to get their victim back to the destination. He was lucky the Wiseman hadn't contacted him. This was a good sign that perhaps this was the correct course of action to take. He didn't want to rush blindly forward and miss an obvious piece of information, or some clue. Most of the plan had been going as expected.
"That Shawn. He must have more lives than a cat.",he thought to himself.
"No! Please stop! Let the suffering end, .I'll never misbehave again.",silently prayed Artemis to any deity who might be listening.
After his bath, the combing of his hair wasn't too bad of an experience but when the girls decided to get creative with styling him it became a personal torment to him. Even if it was for Mina's approval it was so humiliating to be restrained from thrashing about while the others blow-dried his hair, put a few sprays of perfume on his fur and he thought he was going to die of embarrassment when Serena tried to clip on a cute red bow over the top of his head. He understood the girls meant well but they had no idea how their treatment was shameful to him. He wanted to cry but in the presence of Luna what was left of his dignity wouldn't allow it.
Meanwhile at the Laff Factory, the trio of Terri Hearst, Susan Hawk and Brian Coe were engaged in what had quickly become their favorite activity. Trashing their fellow troupe member Shawn Foley. One was indignant that it was Shawn who was allowed to make the speech. Another complained how he simply skipped out on them without so much as a good bye, not that they would have cared but it was still considered to be at best rude and insensitive. Every minute another grievance was added to their list of crimes against Shawn.
. From up in the rafters Catsy could feel the dark powers gaining strength. She was surprised that absolutely no prompting was needed on her part to make the power of the powder do its dirty work. When she was originally told of the plan she had difficulty believing that the natural ego's of the entertainers would be their downfall. That there would be natural petty jealousies that could be taken advantage of. Yet even she was amazed how quickly the power was rising in the threesome on the right of the stage while lying down on the other side their big man only showed traces of the power in his aura almost like he was trying to fight its influence. The power would spike up when he looked at the device he was holding in his right hand. Yet would go down slightly when he looked away. It might take him a while before his power would be completed but Catsy decided the best course of action was to stay away and let the play develop naturally.
Even when the sky cleared later on in the day Shawn and Mina decided they were having too much fun in the mall to head back outside. Each store was treated like an adventure. In time they made it to the movie theatre in the mall where they decided to take in a move. It came as a surprise that Shawn was more interested in seeing a romantic film, more of a 'chick flick' style with her, than a straight comedy.
By the time sun was beginning to make its decent over the horizon, the pair realized how little they had eaten that day. Outside of the popcorn and drinks at the theatre the consumption of food had not been a high priority for either figure. They passed by several of the stands in the food court of the mall and headed to a sushi restaurant that looked quite promising. Inside since Shawn knew little about the difference between different styles of the raw fish, Mina did most of the ordering for both parties.
Waiting for their order a disc jockey had begun asking for volunteers to sing karaoke. Everyone in the room was hesitant to be the first person to sing that night. The individual running the show didn't seem shy about getting someone to start the festivities. With the table Mina and Shawn were sitting at being closest to the dais he approached the pair. He warmly and politely put out an invitation
"Say young man. How would you like to get us started here tonight. Sing something to the pretty lady."
Mina didn't need to look to know what Shawn's reaction would be. The last thing he needed was for anybody to recognize him. Even in his disguise the chance to slip up and expose who he was presented a frightening prospect. Something he wanted to avoid at all possible costs. The quick thinking young women presented a counter offer.
"Actually he doesn't like to sing that much…..but I do. Can I?"
The disc jockey wasn't fussy about who got the ball rolling for the evening. He realized that the first singer usually helped set the mood making more people want to participate. He helped her up from her chair and introduced her to the crowd. Then she whispered something into the man's ear. He nodded affirmatively and she gave a knowing smile to Shawn as she took her place in front of the microphone. From his seat Shawn waited to see what song she was going to do. On one of the monitors his answer came and he returned with an even wider grin than his female counterpart.
'Dancing Queen' by ABBA
The music began to play. In her head Mina began to count out the beats of the intro music before her first note needed to be sung. Four bars in four-four time. Sixteen beats in all. She didn't need to look at the monitor to see the words. It was etched into her heart a long time ago.
You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life
See that girl, watch the scene, dig in the dancing queen.
It was back in England where he learned the song. One of the classes required by the school she was attending was some form of music. There were various choirs and groups for her to choose from. It was announced that at the end of the semester the choir was going to be doing a tribute to the Swedish group ABBA and that they would be doing a medley of their hits. The news was greeted with enthusiasm by the class. Then came the announcement that one of the singers in the class would be doing a solo of one of their most popular hits, 'Dancing Queen' to close their segment. Mina was one of twenty plus hopefuls who signed up for the audition the following monday. To that point the teacher had praised the quality of her voice in private but would it stand up to the competition from so many candidates? For as long as she could remember she wanted to be a pop idol and this was the chance to start making that dream a reality.
Once school let out on the Friday before the audition Mina ran back home and began to practice memorizing the lyrics to the song. Her parents were very supportive of her desire to win the solo spot. Still she wish she had something else. Some special edge to help her in the quest. Two hours after locking herself in her room she took a break and relaxed with Artemis who never minded listening to his female friends singing she asked him if there was anything she could do to improve her chances at the audition.
"I'm not the one who should advise you on this. To be honest Shawn would be the expert to tap into. He's the one who performs for a living."
Mina's eye's widened to not have thought of such an obvious answer for herself. She went downstairs to the phone and dialed.
"Laff Factory reservations, hello.",came a voice on the other side of the line.
"Hello, is Shawn there? If so can you tell him Mina is calling?",she asked.
She was put on hold for a few minutes and when the connection was reattached she heard a familiar voice.
"What's up sweet cheeks."
"Shawn, I need your help with something."
She went on to explain the situation about the audition to take place on Monday. Part of her expected Shawn to say that she shouldn't worry and she'd be fine. Instead he said that if she was really serious about getting help to be at the Laff Factory at 10 am the next day.
Friday night and the lights are low. Looking out for a place to go
Where they play the right music, getting in the swing.
You come in to look for a king.
Mina actually arrive fifteen minutes early on Saturday and was surprised when not only Shawn but Gator too. Both men looked at their watches and Shawn held out his hand where Gator placed some money into it. Mina looked at the pair in confusion.
"Had a little bet with Gator that you'd actually would be here 10 minutes before we agreed. So are you ready?", he asked.
Nodding affirmatively the trio went inside the empty theatre. Gator made his way over to the sound room while Mina and Shawn worked their way to the performers ramp next to the stage.
"Now before we begin Mina I must explain a few things to you. We're not doing this to teach you how to be a better singer."
That statement disappointed Mina. If that was the case what was she doing here so early in the morning?
"Asking either of us to make you a better singer would be like asking a plumber how to be a surgeon. Both are honorable occupations but hardly compatible. What we CAN do is teach you how to perform, how to work a crowd. This will give you an advantage, an upper hand if you would at your audition over the others."
As the pair reached the stage Shawn motioned with his hand to the tables and chairs of the empty audience .
"First let me clear up something off the bat. If you feel nervous when you get called out for your audition that is natural. I have yet to meet a good performer who didn't get nervous at some point before or even during a show. Some might be better at hiding it than others but we all get nervous."
She looked at Shawn with surprise. As often as she had seen him do his shows he never seemed like the type of person who would ever be nervous or even apprehensive. The look was easily registered to Shawn's eyes.
"Yes, I still get scared even these days. At least the fear isn't so bad that I get nauseous and have to throw up like I did my first month but its still there."
Just then a voice over the P.A. interrupted him.
"One month? It was closer to three. You were the vomit machine back then."
Mina giggled while Shawn rolled his eyes replying,
"Thank you for giving her THAT visual Gator. Still what he said is true. I did get that scared when I use to perform. There has yet to be a show where I didn't scare myself to pieces. I like to think I'm that way because I care about my performance. The day I stop being scared is the day that perhaps I should start looking for a new line of work because it could mean I don't care anymore. So just realize that being scared is normal and that there is nothing wrong with it."
Anybody could be that guy. Night is young and the music's high
With a bit of rock music, everything is fine
You're in the mood for a dance, and when you get the chance.
For the next few hours Shawn and Gator worked with the teenager on how to be a performer. They showed tricks about scanning the audience. Telling her to look them into the eye. To smile and let the audience think she's having the time of her life. They also shared some personal beliefs they had about performing.
"I've heard some instructors say that to make yourself calm you should imagine the audience in their underwear. That isn't the sort of image you want when you're single and you see a hot girl in the front row.", reflected Gator.
Shawn was less crude with his remarks.
"Singing isn't just from the diaphragm, it isn't just from your voice. You want to make an impact with a song? You want to make people leave the show going WOW! Sing from your heart as well. However the song affects you feel it in your heart and let that heart come out in your performance. If a song makes you feel love, show that love. If a song makes you think of fear let them feel the fear. There are a lot of people who can sing great in the shower but put a few people in front of them and they get a lump in their throat. Think of the stage as your personal shower…..er keeping your clothes on of course.
You are the dancing queen, young and sweet, only seventeen.
Dancing queen, feel the beat from the tambourine, oh yeah.
You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life.
See that girl, watch that scene, dig it the dancing queen.
The practice went for several hours. Even when Gator and Shawn suggested they stop to let her catch her breath or even for a meal break she didn't want to. She never realized all that work that went into a performance before. Never in her wildest dreams did she realize why some people were meant to be performers while others could only dream and fantasize about it. How performance was just as much about attitude as it was about talent. The hours seemed to fly by and only when they had no choice but to stop so Shawn and Gator could get themselves prepared for the show that night.
As Shawn escorted her home he offered her one final piece of advice.
"I know you're dream is to be a pop idol when you return to Japan. I personally think you have a strong chance for it. Just remember my personal three rules for success. Rule #1: Be your biggest fan. Being a fan of your work doesn't make you egotistical unless you let it get out of hand. You can do that by following rule #2. That is be your harshest critic. You've seen me get all over myself for some pretty small mistakes sometimes. Then you'd try to cheer me up saying it was no big deal, that nobody noticed. Well I noticed and by being so critical of my own work it prevents me from getting sloppy or lax in my performing. Also it helps prevent me from making the same mistake in a future performance that others could know about. Rule #3: Don't B.S. the audience. In your case sing about what you know, sing about your passions. What makes you passionate. You sing about things you don't know about yourself the audience will figure it out sooner or later, and when they do your credibility with the crowd drops like a lead brick. They'll never trust you again."
You're a teaser, you turn them on.
Leave them burning and then you're gone.
Looking out for another, anyone will do
When the audition came around Monday Mina was quite prepared for what to expect. She watched with interest as many of the things they predicted happened right in front of her eyes. Girls who normally sang very well in choir looked out to the sea of seats and in their eyes she could see the fear and concern in their eyes. Some sang slightly off key, others couldn't seem to project their voice the way they wanted too. One girl simply looked at the teacher sitting in the middle of the auditorium while doing her song.
When it was Mina's turn she kept remembering the phrase 'from the heart. From the heart.' and all the other lessons Shawn and Gator crammed into her brain that Saturday. She felt the nerves in her stomach and told herself its all right. it's a natural thing.
You're in the mood for a dance
and when you get the chance.
The audition went better than she could have imagined. Her singing was strong. She held the notes she needed to long enough to give them a full impact. She looked around the auditorium as if a sold out crowd was there to listen instead of row after row of empty seats. She sang with confidence and belief in herself, so when it was over she stood there thinking it would take a major effort for anyone else to knock her off this day. Even the teachers bland comment of thanks but with no praise didn't dampen her spirits.
Later in the week when it was confirmed that she had won the solo role she was so excited that when school was over she ran full speed to the alleyway behind Laff Factory where she knew several members were packing up the van for a road show including. She screamed in joy announcing the good news to Shawn and Gator. Practically flying into their arms she thanked them for all the help they had given her and how much she owed them for this moment. She also promised she'd make them proud of her when the school show arrived.
You are the dancing queen, young and sweet only seventeen
Dancing queen, feel the beat from the tambourine.
In the month leading up to the performance Mina worked very hard on her solo. Shawn informed her that he would try to get one of the other cast members to take his place in his show that night so he could be there for her debut but that he couldn't guarantee it. The night of the show Shawn was not only at the show but sitting in the front row center with Gator right next to him. When it came time for her solo she looked down at Shawn who placed his right hand over his heart. The performance didn't disappoint anybody that night. After the initial nerves hit she knew what to do and she began to sing her heart out When the final notes hit she took her bows to the crowd who gave her a standing ovation knowing they had just heard something very special.
After the show was over with Shawn and Gator came back to visit each giving her a dozen long stem roses for that nights diva. It was an evening she could never forget and she wondered if she'd ever be able to repay Shawn and Gator.
You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life.
See that girl, watch that scene, dig in the dancing queen.
Returning to the present the crowd that night gave only polite applause. Of course her most important reaction was from the person right in front of her. Under his breath she could read his lips going 'WOW!'
"Wow! Is that really me?",Artemis asked.
Rei removed the mirror to show off the new Artemis. The cat had a new look that almost didn't make him recognizable. A cat so clean that he gave off a glow in the light coming in from the window. His fur blow dried so that it looked puffed out almost like he was 10 pounds heavier. But so soft to the touch. Even Luna was so amazed by the transformation that she couldn't think of a snickering comment to make. This new Artemis was definitely a hot looking cat.
"Now we just need to keep him from getting dirty before Mina could see him.",suggested Lita.
It was past 8 pm when Mina and Shawn left the mall. Taking advantage of the warm air even in the darkness they decided to take a stroll together back to Mina's house. Even at their slow pace they would be at her place. Neither had a complaint about the time spent together that day even with the few bumps along the way. For Shawn it was the first time in a long time he had felt like he had a normal day. For Mina it had been too long for her to have a real date, hoping the two could do something like this more often in the future.
Out of nowhere a loud chirping sound was heard of out Shawn's pants packet. It alarmed Mina because of its surprise. Shawn tried to downplay his disappointment. Reaching into his pocket he produced his cellular phone which was still beeping. He looked at the device in contempt for another chirping beep before answering.
"Flake here."
Mina tried to listen in on who could be calling him and killing their evening.
"Gator, isn't there a chance we could postpone this until the morning?…..No way huh."
Shawn let out a sigh of disappointment before acknowledging the message. He looked at the lady beside him feeling uncomfortable to even asking her to accept this detour. Even though she stated it was all right with her he felt badly about the complication.
Closing the phone on his end Jack Gator raised his head and announced Shawn Foley's imminent arrival
The news was greeted with a sick, evil smile from Catsy.
"Wonderful my servants. Wonderful. Now you all know what to do when he gets here."
All four members chuckled evilly.
"Kill Flake."