AN: Whoo finally an update! It's only 3 months later ' Sorry, school and work killed my creative process :)
I would like to thank Shannon a whole lot for this chapter since she wrote about the first five pages! She is my wonderful muse and beta all rolled into one!
Disclaimer for chapter: I don't own any of the songs that appear in this chapter, nor do I own any of the characters besides Liika. Linda, Jocasta, Jake and Alex belong to Shannon, and the rest belong to Beyblade, Prince of Tennis, Yu-Gi-Oh and One Piece
Go an 18 page chapter!
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A couple of blocks wasn't that great a distance, but when you had been on an international flight for hours, were hungry and your stomach was continuously reminding you of the fact, a couple of blocks seemed to last forever.
But the quartet reached their room without anybody fainting, and found Cagalli and Anzu waiting for them. While the others made last-minute checks in the mirror, Liika quickly doubled back down the hall to the chaperones' room and told Judy where the group was going. Judy had no complaints; she knew Mariah and Liika at least were responsible enough to take care of themselves.
Outside the guesthouse again, Liika looked at An. "Where to?"
"Not too much longer, I promise," An replied. "I thought we might invite some of the other girls, since there are so few of us. I met some earlier, and mentioned it, I hope you don't mind?"
Liika shrugged, smiling at her new friend. "Nope, the more the merrier I suppose. Like we decided back at the complex: we have to stick together."
"Good then!"
The other five girls followed An down the street another guesthouse. This guesthouse was nicer looking than theirs, as it was painted white with dark wood framing. Theirs was a plain pink color on the outside, and though bigger, had more people in it.
An rang the door bell and after waiting a few moments, it opened to reveal one of the tallest girls Liika had ever met. Or maybe she just seemed tall, with her high heel shoes, long blond hair and an outfit that made her look like she'd stepped out of a fashion magazine. Heck, she probably had. The girl's violet eyes landed on An first and she smiled.
"An!" Another British accent – though Liika thought it seemed more Scottish than English. "Ikaga desu ka?"
"Jocasta! Aikawarazu desu."
The phrases automatically translated in Liika's head ('How're you doing' and 'Same as usual') but it took the USA 2 captain by surprise. An was Japanese, her speaking the language was a given. But this British blonde too? Somehow she didn't seem like the languagely proficient type. Of course, that was probably the ugly jealousy speaking.
An had continued talking in English. "… So we're going to that karaoke place, all us girls, boys by invitation or accident only. Is Melinda here as well?"
"Is that Tachibana-chan?" A girl drawled from behind Jocasta. Jocasta stepped aside to let an equally leggy girl with brown eyes and a rather large chest lean against the doorframe. She was extremely pretty, her layered orange hair brushing her neck and framing her eyes. "So it is, are you not inviting me on this little outing then?"
The air between the two Japanese girls was not quite antagonistic it, but it wasn't altogether friendly either. More like… rivalistic. Nami's smirk was haughty, but not malicious, and An's narrowed eyes and answering smirk were more amused than angry or annoyed.
"I didn't even know you were in this house." An answered, flooding her voice with obviously fake innocence.
Nami, of course, caught the insincerity and mocked rolling her eyes. "Like hell, being you, you probably know where every team is staying, and where every girl – all thirty five of them, was placed."
Now An laughed, the teasing light in her eyes projecting at full blast. "I think you know me too well for being the enemy."
"We're going to a karaoke bar, a sort of girls night out thinger," Liika finally spoke up, sensing the verbal sparing match was over.
"Want to come with? You're more than welcome," Cagalli added. "I'm Cagalli Yamato, by the way. Canada."
Nami finally turned her attention to the other five girls behind her rival, her brown eyes scanning quickly and efficiently. Her smiled transformed into something more real, if a bit challenging. "Nice to meet you. I'm Nami Yamamoto, Japan 2." Her eyes fell on Liika for a moment. "I'd recognize you anywhere, so there's no need for introductions. The rest of you?"
"I'm Anzu Gardiner, from Egypt."
"Mariah Low, USA 2."
"Sakura Haruno, manager of USA 2."
"Jocasta Campbell, Britain 2. Now that everyone's introduced, why don't we go?" Jocasta answered, shaking hands with everyone around her. "But before we do, tell me," she said, lowering her voice conspiringly, "are boys really allowed? Cause there're a couple of the lads from my team that might be interested."
"Well we never said no guys," Sakura interjected. "But will they be--?"
"Perfect gentlemen," Jocasta assured them. "Alex is Alex, and Jake's with Linda, who's..." Jocasta broke off, looking above their heads. "Oh, never mind, she's back. Lin!"
"Sorry, excuse me, pardon me—" The small crowd around the door began to move aside for the newcomer, also British if her voice was anything to go by. This Linda girl looked flustered, a lot shorter than her two roommates but still taller than Liika (which didn't say much).
It was interesting, where Jocasta was fair, Linda was dark with her brown curls and eyes. Her face was rounder, as were her curves, and the look in her eyes, though it spoke of chic wealth, was a bit more down to earth.
"All right?" Jocasta asked Linda.
Linda waved her off. "Fine, fine! Took me ages and loads of patience, but Kevin Earhart's hand is officially camera-free! Croft and Valois really gave Luke and the Hobbit what-for, so hopefully in future those two prats'll read the labels and not use Krazy glue instead of rubber cement. So that's done with." She paused to look around at the others. "An! Nami! Fab-looking people that I don't know and I sense an awkward moment approaching so I think it's time for introductions all around, what?" Linda grinned. "Melinda Fawcett, call me Linda. I'm vice-captain for the Britain 2 team. Something going on?"
Two minutes later, the three new girls were completely filled in. To save time, Linda produced a Blackberry from her purse and while they walked texted a few people about the outing – Jake, someone named Helene ('Our team's manager,' Jocasta explained), and someone else named Bon Clay ('My manager,' said Nami).
"So you're the one Brooklyn met on the way here," Linda said, looking at Liika. "You're lucky, most girls back home would kill for that sort of attention."
Liika felt her face flame. "News travels fast," she said dryly, ignoring the red in her face. "I'm trying to block that moment out of my mind forever. To say that it was embarrassing was an understatement." She sighed dramatically. "I was just being stupid, and he just happened to come by."
"Well, gossip does happen to travel down the grapevine so to speak. My cousin is the manager of Britain 1, I saw her earlier at the complex." Linda explained smiling brightly. "I have a tendency to pry gossip out of Matilda. Where is she by the way?"
"Matilda Reed?" Mariah piped up, brushing a hand over her stomach and fighting the grimace that threatened to take over her face. "She decided to stay with her boyfriend."
"Darling, are you quite all right?" Jocasta cut in, her voice low.
"I'm fine, really," Mariah replied, slapping on a smile. "Just a headache, from the jet lag."
Jocasta looked dubious, but nodded. "I'm sure I'm just being silly, but it if gets to be too much I've aspirin tablets if you need them."
"Thank you," said Mariah. "You spoke Japanese really well back there." She wanted to change the subject before anyone else noticed. Anyone else being Liika. She was lucky that for the most part, Liika was chatting it up with Anzu and An, while Cagalli, Nami and Sakura talked amongst themselves.
"Oh that? I barely know enough to get by. My family's townhouse is in Piccadilly, that's in London, and it's right next door to the Japanese Embassy. Since the entrance is so poorly marked half the time the tourists come marching into our door than the one they want. Dad's lobbied for a bigger sign to point the way, but since it's a listed building there's only so much you can do to alter it." She sighed. "Damn bureaucrats. It's why I don't mind being at Rugby."
"Rugby?" The very idea of the girly-girl Jocasta running around on a field in her high heels with a ball – nope. It fully got her attention though, and she, Anzu and An joined the central conversation again. Liika couldn't picture it, and neither, it seemed, could Mariah.
"I didn't know you played rugby."
Linda frowned. "We don't. It's a boys-only sport."
Mariah was confused, and Liika mildly annoyed at the prospect of a boys-only sport. "But you just said—"
"It's the usual muddle about names, Lindy," Jocasta said, shaking her head. "No, no. Sorry to confuse you, we go to Rugby School; it's where the game originated and why it was named. We're among the oldest public schools in England, though some say Eton's always tops."
Liika blinked. If Rugby was so elite, then why… "Public school?"
"You call it a private school."
"Then why is it--?"
"Couldn't tell you," Jocasta said. "Been that way for centuries."
"It's a mystery," Linda added, and then her face lit up. "Jake!" She broke into a run.
"Oh dear. Sickeningly saccharine PDA alert." Jocasta said dryly. "God help us all."
Cagalli overheard and grinned, leaning forward a bit. "Uh oh. One of those, eh?"
The British girl's smile was impish. "You'll see. They're right ahead."
Directly in front of the girls was yet another guesthouse (they had made good time!), and beyond it was a metal safety railing blocking people from falling off down a yard to the pavement below. Two figures were there: one was in shadow, leaning on the rail, while the other had been leaning against the wall of the guesthouse not too far away reading a book. The second figure shoved the book into his pocket and got away from the wall just in time for Linda to jump at him. Laughing, he caught her, swung her about in circles as she wound her arms around his neck and finished off by dipping her backwards for a full-frontal snog.
"Awwwwww," came from all sides, some genuinely touched, others sarcastic. Liika was of the latter, while Mariah was the former. The one from the boy at the rail was a mixture of both.
"And I thought the tango display at Narita was bad," he said jokingly, stepping forward. Though Brooklyn Kingston was the hottest guy Liika had ever met, this young man could give the Eton captain a run for his money. Tall, impeccably dressed, with black hair and blue eyes, Liika swore she heard a couple of sighs from the group around her. She was not one of them. When he saw the girls approaching he gave a charming smile.
"Good evening ladies," he said, bowing slightly. "Alexander Manley, at your service."
Okay, gorgeous GQ-model type, rich AND great manners. I am SO moving to England. Were several of the North Americans' thoughts.
"Manley, do stop flirting with the competition," said Jake – of average height, his brown hair and eyes slightly darker than Linda's, he had to be Jacob Cornfoot, Britain 2's captain. There weren't any other guys around and the way Linda was hanging on to him pretty much spelled it out for everyone.
Miffed, Alex shot Jake a sidelong glance. "I was just saying hello."
"For you, that's flirting," Jake said, completely deadpan. Linda and a few other girls burst out laughing at the look on Alex's face.
"Don't mind him, darling, he's just jealous because he can't sing a note," Jocasta drawled, strolling over to Alex and pecking him once on each cheek. "Looking fabulous, I see."
"You as well. What's all this about singing?"
They went through the motions of explaining yet again – most hoped it was the last time they'd have to explain – what was going on. It took less time because apparently both boys were easily convinced. They had Jake at "We're all going," which included Linda, and thus him, and they had Alex at karaoke. Apparently he was not only extremely good looking, but had a wonderful voice as well.
An, whose idea the whole outing had been originally, stepped ahead of the group, spinning around so she faced everyone, her hands clasped behind her back, her purse swinging from one shoulder. "Alright troops, you all ready! A family friend runs the bar we're going to, so I booked tonight for world tournament participants only. Shall we go?"
There was an answering cheer, and the group was off, following the honey blond down the street.
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It wasn't a very long walk from where the boys from Britain 2 were staying. Two or so blocks over from their guesthouse was a cute little karaoke bar with bright signs and product advertisement covering its white front. It obviously did well, the front and the door spoke of good business, and when they walked in, that fact was even clearer.
The lights were dimmed inside, and when combined with the burgundy, black and silver color scheme, it made for a rather dark room that took the eyes some time to get used to. There was a bar to the right of the door with a long burgundy counter trimmed in blacks and silver, with black stools lined up in front of it. Behind the counter was a wall of bottles, not liquor, but different syrups. There were also several fountain pop dispensers and stacks of glasses in crates under the back counter. At the end of back counter, where the bar ended was a black swinging door that led into a kitchen.
The floor was black linoleum that reflected the dimmed light as well as the colored lights that circled the room where the walls met the ceiling. The rest of the room was set up in a way that clearly stated the stage was the center of the place.
Tables littered the surprisingly roomy space. They matched the counter, burgundy tops with black trim and silver accents. The chairs were black and silver as well, comfortable looking things made of iron and vinyl cushions.
At the back of the space was a stage that took up the entire expanse of the back wall. It was raised a foot off the floor and had three large karaoke monitors stationed in front of it on the floor. There were several speakers set up in both upper corners and on each side against the walls beside the stairs. It was decorated with silver shiny objects and multi colored lights. There was also a strobe light in the middle of it all.
"Wow, I have to say, I'm impressed." Alex commented, running a finger over the back of a nearby stool as the group shuffled into the bar.
An practically glowed. "It's probably the most popular karaoke bar in shinjuku, particularly with teenagers since it doesn't serve alcohol."
Just then the kitchen door swung open and a man exited, his face lighting up as he caught sight of the group. "An-chan!" He called, putting down the crate of glasses he had been hauling to step around the counter and give An a quick squeeze.
He was an incredibly effeminate man. His hair was a dark color – blue possibly – worn longer to the shoulders and styled so that it flipped outwards. His eyes were the same color of his hair, and his smile looked as if it was a habit or a mask. A very convincing mask.
"Yukimura-kun," An grinned, pulling away from the man who was barely taller than she was. "You and your business are looking well, as always." She winked before turning to the group, her grin still in place. "This is Yukimura Sanada, co-owner of this place. He also does most of the running of it. Yukimura-kun, this is a large assortment of beyblade teams from around the world." Stepping forward, she grabbed Liika by the wrist and pulled her to her side. "This is Liika Tomoda, the other female captain in the tournament."
Liika wondered slightly at the personal invitation, but pushed the thought from her mind as the man grasped her hand in a friendly manner. "USA 2. I was impressed when I heard that there was another female captain in the tournament. You must be as strong as our dear An-chan." He leaned forward a bit, conspiratorially. "Made of steel this one."
"She'd have to be, if her team is anything like mine," Liika played along, laughing and winking back.
He chuckled, straightening up and returning to the bar. "It's nice to meet you all. Please enjoy yourself tonight. I can't give you free food, but I'll give you all a ten percent discount on food and drinks. Use of the karaoke machine is free with orders of 1200 yen or more – that's per person." His eyes met with An's. "Are you expecting anymore?"
She shrugged. "Who knows?" She said, threading her way towards a table just in front of the stage. "You don't mind if we push the tables together do you?"
"Kyo might not like it, but I don't mind. Yuya-chan and Sasuke will be out shortly to take your orders. Is there anything I can get you to drink in the mean time?"
Drink orders were slightly chaotic, and some chose to wait until they looked at the menu (which had to be translated by the three Japanese speaking/reading girls by those that weren't literate in the language). Eventually they all had their drinks and had given their orders to the buxom blond waitress with the pretty blue eyes and the scowling, short, silver haired boy that had come out with her.
Jake and Linda were at one end of the long table (three tables that had been pushed together) cuddling and sharing a drink while they murmured over Linda's camera. Mariah, Liika, Cagalli and An were at the other end, toying with their straws and chatting, while Nami, Anzu, Sakura, Jocasta and Alex sat in the middle section, making conversation and laughing.
"I have to say, it's been a long time since I saw a couple that was so… devoted to each other," Liika commented idly, glancing at Mariah who just shrugged.
Cagalli laughed, taking a sip of her virgin cocktail. "Well, generally Athrun and I are pretty good about our PDAs cause it bothers some of our teammates, but when we are alone he's really very sweet. A bit romantically retarded, but sweet none the less."
"I don't have a boyfriend, but Japanese culture is a bit different that way anyway," An remarked. "Athrun… He's your captain right? The blue haired one?"
"That's the one," Cagalli replied giggling, her eyes bright.
An's eyes flickered towards Liika who knew what was coming before it was ever said. "I know you've probably heard this, but you and him look remarkably alike."
"I've never heard that before in my life," Liika said innocently before snickering. "Actually, I keep hearing it over and over. Pretty soon I'm going to believe we are related in some way. As it is, he looks so much like his mom, I'm pretty sure we're not related."
Cagalli shifted a bit, her expression grimacing a bit. "Well, Athrun was adopted actually. The adoption agency did a good job of placing him, but Lenore isn't his biological mom."
Mariah smiled. "You'll be fuelling the conspiracy Cagalli at this rate."
The blond shrugged sheepishly. "Just stating facts. Are your parents here Liika?"
Liika shook her head. "My grandpa will be coming Monday. My parents are dead, my mom died in childbirth and my father died in a car crash… well actually my biological father will be showing up I guess. I always forget… I only found a short while ago."
Cagalli and An's mouths made small 'o's and both murmured an apology. Liika shrugged them off with a smile. "That was a long time ago," she said, cracking her back. "I'm okay with it now. Mostly."
There was a bit of an awkward pause, but that was quickly broken up by Alex who leaned over Jocasta to wiggle his eyebrows at the four girls. "Why so glum girls?" His voice was smooth and just a touch flirty. "I think we need to get this party off the ground. Why don't I start us off?"
With lots of ceremony he lifted himself out of his chair, his lithe body unfolding itself with grace. He hopped the stairs onto the stage with little effort and began his search of the karaoke index.
"What are you singing?" Jocasta called, already turning her chair to have a better view.
Alex merely answered her with a rakish grin. "You'll see darling."
Within a few minutes he apparently found what he was looking for and readied himself, mic. in hand, his eyes glued to the screen. In moments the opening notes of Bare Naked Ladies, "One Week" blasted out through the speakers.
It was entertaining, to say the least. Alex had a certain dramatic flair that made even fumbling look good. He did an admirable job performing the song, particularly considering how quick the words went by. He even managed to throw in some theatrics which made the entire group laugh – including the two servers that had returned with some snack food.
When the song was over, Alex hopped off the stage, his face alight in a proud grin. "Pretty good, if I do say so myself."
"Yeah, you only fumbled about half the words!" Linda laughed, her tone and eyes teasing.
"Well then, why don't you try?" Alex shot back with barely a break. He went straight for his drink, his blue eyes flashing wickedly at Linda.
"Hmm, not right now," she answered with a flip of her hair.
Mariah nudged Liika, motioning towards the stage. "Why don't we go? We could do "I wanna be like," you know the Atomic Kitten one?"
Liika grimaced. "The Mulan one? Would they even have it?"
"You'd be surprised at what Yukimura-kun has. He prides himself in having the widest selection." An piped up, her voice urging.
The blue haired girl sighed heavily, knowing she had already lost. "Alright," she centered a look on the pink haired girl, "But you owe me."
Mariah laughed, looking better than she had in days. She got up, pulling Liika with her, and quickly making her way over to the machine.
It took longer than it had taken Alex, but they eventually found the song they were looking for. With a small celebratory dance, Mariah picked up two mics., handing one of them to Liika. "Just like natural kay? Like we did at home?"
"Yeah, yeah," Liika said, not helping the smile that slipped out.
It started right away, with Mariah starting the singing. "I wanna be like other girls, I wanna see what other girls see, just to be free like other girls…"
Then together, "GET TO BE!"
As both knew the song by heart, neither really looked at the monitor. Both were content to have fun, despite what they sounded like. Mariah had a rather nice voice, and showed it proudly. Liika, on the other hand, had an average voice, not good, but not painful either. Hers was good enough to get by and that was fine with her.
They improvised a dance routine half way through at the urging of their crowd. Both fought hard not to break out laughing in the middle of one of the musical interludes.
So focused on the performers, or the performing, none of the group noticed the new arrivals, even as they plunked themselves down at a couple of tables behind them. It was only when the girls were done that anyone noticed, and then it was probably because of the raucous cheering.
Both girls froze, their eyes squinting against the stage lights to see who it was that was making so much noise.
The rest of them turned, greeting the new arrivals with blank stares and blinks. All but Nami that was, who rolled her eyes and stood gracefully. "And how did you find out?"
The group of boys grinned back at their female member (or most of them did. A couple of them just smirked.) "Thought you could keep it a secret did you?" A lanky, black haired boy drawled, combing a hand through his neck length, layered, black hair.
"Next time don't announce it to the world if you don't want any one to know," another said. This one was firmly muscled, and had cropped green hair. The way he dragged his eyes over Nami wasn't entirely proper.
Nami rolled her eyes again, sighing heavily and turning while Yukimura came over to take their drink orders and inform them of the special and the rules. "Everyone, these losers are my team, Japan 2. I'll point them out quickly to save time." Turning half way and stepping off to the side to make sure she wasn't in anyone's way, she started. "The one with facial hair is our captain, Juraquille Mihawk, we just call him Mihawk." The boy in question tilted his head, his piercingly gold eyes giving them the once over. "The red head next to him is Shanks Akake, our vice captain." The red head nodded as well, his expression a bit more friendly. "On his other side is Ace Sasaki and his brother Luffy. Ace is a smart-ass, so don't listen to him, and Luffy is missing a few screws, so be patient." Ace smirked, while Luffy didn't even seem to be paying attention. He was far too busy play fighting with a dark skinned boy next to him.
"The green haired hulk is Zoro Maeda, the blond is Sanji Arakaki," the blond winked at the girls, his grin charming in a cheesy, forced way that had Alex wincing. "The little one is Tony Fujiwara," this was a small boy with a mop of brown hair and large brown eyes. "Last, but not least, is Ussop Usosuki. He lies about everything so don't believe anything he says."
"Hey!"
There was a round of hellos before Yukimura appeared with the drinks, and Yuya with her notepad. Ordering was quick, and efficient and before anyone knew it things were settled down again. That was, until Ussop, Luffy and Tony decided to take the stage and entertain them all.
Liika laughed along with everyone else, clapping when the three were done and someone else took the stage. Their food came quickly, and that effectively silenced at least some of them. The rest, those who hadn't ordered, or who had mastered the art of eating and talking, continued to chat in a boisterous and chaotic way.
There was no lines demarking who was a fair conversation partner. Eventually, the chairs and tables became so scattered that it was difficult to tell if there had been any order to begin with. The present teams intermingled, laughing and chatting as if they weren't about to blade in the biggest tournament in the world.
Eventually it came challenge time. It was decided almost unanimously decided that the present captains (and any captains that showed up after!) should have to take the karaoke challenge and defend their teams honor. The rules were decided as such: every captain had to participate, their vice captain could, if they wanted to, opt in – captain could not make the vice captain take their place; Yukimura would choose what song the captain would sing; at the very end of the night a winner would be declared and that winner would have all their drinks paid for by the house (this was Yukimura's idea).
"No."
This of course came from Mihawk (Japan 2), flat out refused. Luckily for him, Shanks laughing, volunteered for him. Linda (Britain 2), knowing that her boyfriend had a lousy singing voice, also volunteered to take his challenge.
"So, who's going first?" Smirked Alex, reclining back in his chair. He looked extraordinarily pleased with himself. Of course, the whole thing was his idea in the first place, so he had some reason.
Yukimura, who, having turned the bar over to one of the kitchen staff Saizo, was now seated behind the front table, taking his job as judge seriously. He smiled a smile that was just a touch evil as he sipped at a drink he had brought with him. "Since I am apparently the over authority in this contest, I will decide who goes when in what order. An-chan," he stood, motioning An to follow up in onto the stage. "You'll start off. While I'm here though, I'm going to get ideas for songs for the rest." He winked to the rest, earning a cheer.
It was several more minutes before Yukimura returned, his smile still in place. He had scribbled some things down on a little pad of paper that was normally used for orders. Assumedly these were the others' assignments, particularly judging from An's evil giggles and her wicked shining eyes. Eyes that were particularly set on Liika.
An picked up a mic. and smirked out at the audience, taking a bow as she did. "Yukimura-kun gave me the challenge of Shania Twain's 'That don't impress me much'. So here I go.
"I've known a few guys who thought they were pretty smart…"
There were catcalls and hoots all throughout her performance, particularly since she decided to live it up, swinging her hips and strutting her stuff for all she was worth. Apparently An Tachibana really wanted to win. She set the bar in which everyone would have to follow. No one seemed to mind however, they were just having too much fun.
"That don't impress me much!" An finished with a little flourish and a large bow before hopping off the stage with a bounce in her step. She seemed to say " Beat that."
Yukimura clapped neutrally, his eyes sparkling at the Japanese girl. "Good work An-chan. Now, Britain 2 if you please, take the stage."
Linda stood with a sigh and made her way slowly up to the stage. "I'm Linda Fawcett, vice captain of Britain 2, and since my boyfriend can't sing to save his life, I'll be taking his place." She said into the microphone with a smile. "What am I singing good judge?"
Yukimura inclined his head, and glanced down at his little sheet of paper. "I want you all to know, I'm being rather kind to you by picking artists you should be at least a little familiar with. Fawcett-san, you will be singing 'Day and Night' by Billie Piper. A British artist I believe."
Linda wrinkled her nose, but sighed resolutely. She slid through the computer looking for the appropriate song, which didn't take her long. She paused only long enough to take notice of the door opening in the back and the three boys that slid in. "Hello there new arrival gentlemen!" She called, selecting her song.
She missed her queue to start singing since the opening was very short and she was distracted by the commotion made by the new arrivals. "…you do the things that make me feel alright…
"…'Cos the only time I think of you, Is every day and all night through, Whenever I breathe, You're on my mind, Every day and night babe!"
Less showy than An, and obviously a little less comfortable, Linda stumbled on the words a bit. But after a rocky beginning she bounced back, getting into the swing of the rhythm just as An did. She ended the song with a wink and a blown kiss at Jake, who laughed and mimed catching it.
It was only when Linda was finished, that everyone greeted the new arrivals fully. The three boys had woven around the people and pulled up chairs to the right of the stage where Cagalli, Liika and An were set up. Cagalli enthusiastically greeted her boyfriend and brother and vice captain. It was agreed without anyone saying anything that further introductions would just take too long and were too much effort.
"How did you guys find out?" Cagalli asked, picking up Athrun's hand and squeezing.
He smiled and shrugged. Kira, giving his drink order to the waitress also smiled at his sister. "There was a rumor going around about a karaoke bar reserved for bladers."
"Actually, we over heard Coach Tate saying something to Lenore," Nicol put in.
"It looks like the lot of you are having fun," Athrun commented, looking around the room at various laughing teenagers. "What's going on?"
An's expression took on one of mischief and she shared a look with Cagalli. "We're having a contest of sorts. Cagalli, why don't you fill him in?"
Cagalli, of course, was only happy to. "We're calling it the Captain's Karaoke Challenge. Pretty much the captains of each team have to get up there and sing a song sung by the bar's owner. The winner (chosen by him) will receive their drinks free for the night."
Athrun paled visibly at the news. "Which means I have to get up there and make a fool of myself."
The rest of their table laughed. Nicol and Kira pat their captain on the back sympathetically. "Well, look at it this way Athrun, it could be worse. Yzak could be here to witness it."
"But I can't sing…" Athrun moaned, looking annoyed and dejected at the same time.
It was Liika that answered this time, reaching over to pat the hand that was on the table. "I know how you feel," she said, her expression truly sympathetic. "I can't really sing either, but they are making me get up there anyway. It's for team honor you know."
"Japan 2, you're up now!" Yukimura called over the hubbub of teenage excitement .
With some obnoxious jokes, Shanks stood, running a hand through his hair as he strode up to the stage as if he had been born to do it. His grin was as wide as his eyes as he looked at Yukimura, waiting for his assignment.
"You will be singing 'You Got Game' by Kimeru," Yukimura supplied easily.
"Excellent," the red head ignored the comments coming from his team's tables. His voice was fairly heavily accented, but he spoke English pretty good. "Always loved that pretty boy. Anyway, I'm Shanks Arikake, vice captain of Japan 2. Mihawk, is a pansy."
The said boy made a rude gesture, but it was lost in the beginning of Shanks' song. It was obvious the red haired boy was not a singer by nature, but his loud antics and word fumbles (he obviously didn't know the song either) made it worth it. The crowd cheering blocked out any glaring mistakes that he may have made.
When he was finished there was another round of loud cheering, which lasted until the boy was well settled back at his table.
"USA 2, I believe it's your turn. You're singing 'Any Man of Mine' by Shania Twain."
Liika groaned as she picked herself and inwardly steeled herself. She had one advantage: at least Shania Twain wasn't the greatest singer in the world.
"Go Liika!" Sakura yelled, followed by several cat calls.
Liika made a face at all of them as she searched the machine for the song. "Okay you all, you better block your ears off!"
"Any man of mine better be proud of me, even when I'm ugly he still better love me…"
Unlike Shanks, Liika knew all the words – who didn't? Only occasionally did she have to look down. With audience encouragement she got into the mood, square dancing and flirting with her eyes. She made sure to paint a saucy expression on her face, one she was sure looked ridiculously exaggerated on her face.
"Any man of mine better disagree when I say another woman's looking better than me…"
With this line she winked at the table that held her friends. By the end of the song she was fully involved, adding shakes and shimmies just as the song was describing. "You gotta shimmy shake, make the earth quake, kick, turn, stomp, stomp, then you jump, heel to toe, Do Si Do, 'Til your boots wanna break, 'Til your feet and your back ache…"
"That is what a woman wants!" Liika bowed, posing for the various flashes of pictures going off. "That's the last time you'll ever see this, so take the pictures while you can!" She was laughing as came off the stage. "I declare victory already, the other captains shouldn't even bother." She grinned evilly at Yukimura and then at Athrun.
"What is this about beating other captains?"
The words were loud enough that they carried over the din of voices. Almost as one, those who hadn't noticed new arrivals, turned. There were several waves from the other end of Liika's table, as well as some speculative looks from the Japan 2 tables.
"Brooklyn, darling, hello!"
The orange haired boy smiled and waved back. His turquoise eyes scanned the room assessing as he did so. The five boys and the girl with him pulled up chairs and settled themselves behind Japan 2. Brooklyn remained standing, his hands in his pockets.
"Now what was this about beating other captains?" His eyes glittered at Liika, who stared back, ignoring the embarrassment of their last meeting.
"Having a contest, captain's karaoke challenge. All the captains have to take the stage." This was Alex, who had pitched his voice in a way that sounded superior and haughty, even though he was openly ogling the Britain 1 captain.
Brooklyn turned in his direction, a brow raised. Apparently they knew each other, though Brooklyn ignored him. "Interesting, am I included?"
"All captains that show up before the end of the night," An piped up, toying with her straw. "Winner gets all their drinks free."
"I'm in too then," this came from behind Britain 2 as yet another four boys showed up.
The one that had spoken was almost impossibly tall, though how much of that due to his crazy, spiky pale blond hair was unknown. He was lean with tanned skin and dark markings on his face. His whole demeanor spoke of arrogance, one that was matched by the white haired boy at his side. The other two boys, thankfully, seemed grounded.
Marik Ishtar of Egypt. Liika recognized him easily – such a striking appearance.
Instead of taking the seats beside British 2, the four boys pulled chairs to beside Japan 2, just behind Liika's end of the their tables. Anzu immediately stood, smiling at her new friends and made her way over to her teammates where she plunked down in the free chair the arrogant white haired boy had pulled up along with his own. She smiled at him, poking him between his eyebrows, which only earned her a good natured growl.
"Excellent, let's get this thing moving me? Brooklyn, that is your name yes? Why don't you start. Introduce yourself for everyone first. You're singing 'When I'm Gone' by 3 Doors Down."
Either Yukimura had planned for more people to show up, or he was really good at thinking on his feet. Those who eyed him speculatively thought it was a bit of both.
Brooklyn, not even bothering to sit down, merely pulled off his jacket, revealing a tight, dusky orange top, and tossed it on the chair that was meant for him. He ascended the stage with an artsy flourish that spoke of good breeding and gentility. There were more than one person in the audience that was a touch envious.
"I am Brooklyn Kingston, captain of Britain 1. It is a pleasure to meet you all."
He took some time to find the song he wanted, considering it hadn't been pulled up on a short list by Yukimura before hand, and he didn't speak Japanese. About two minutes into his search Liika took pity on him and made her way up to the stage.
He smiled at her, a smile she had a feeling was almost stamped on his face. She arched an eyebrow at him and nudged him aside with her hip, sliding up beside him to focus on the computer screen.
She could feel his eyes on her, rather than on the screen and Liika had to fight down the weird feelings associated with the gaze. It was not every day that an incredibly good looking guy looked at someone like her. She attributed it to curiosity at her ability to read Japanese.
Shaking it off, Liika glanced up and made a face at the crowd. "To be nice, I'm going to set up the other two songs as well, if you would give me the title Yukimura-san," She looked up, "Athrun will go next, and Ishtar last."
"Taking a lot of power into your hands there USA 2!"
"Oh yeah? You want to find your damn song yourself Egypt?" Liika made another face, a not very nice one. "Cause God knows I'm not up here for my health!"
Yukimura smiled, and tilted his head, thinking for a moment. "Canada will sing 'Everything You Want' by Vertical Horizon and Egypt will sing 'Next contestant' by Nickelback."
There was laughter, and a burst of noise from the group audience. Liika shook her head, hearing some rankling from Egypt, and from some of the other guys in the room. Teenage boys – international teenage boys!
A hand on the small of her back brought her out of her mocking thoughts. She practically shivered when Brooklyn's voice sounded very close to her ear. "I appreciate your help USA 2." He chuckled. "I was very lost before you came to save me."
"Ah…you're welcome," she stammered, stiffening. She was partly thankful, partly disappointing that she had found the three songs that she needed and set them up.
He pulled away, his smile shifting into something not stamped, but not recognizable either. "Multitalented it would seem. You should know," his smile got a bit darker, "That our coach warned me about you specifically. Apparently you're the biggest threat. Unpredictable they say."
This surprised her and it showed on her face. He laughed. "Modest too. Interesting."
"Hey! Are you ever going to start Britain?"
Brooklyn slanted a look at the shout from Japan 2 and waved them off. "Are you going somewhere Japan 2?"
Liika took the opportunity to exit the stage, and she didn't look back until she was seated at her seat again. Brooklyn didn't start right away, instead took his time preparing himself, as if he were used to thinking ahead in all things.
"You can't sing you know that?"
The blue haired girl rolled her eyes skyward and turned around just in time to see Anzu reach over and smack the tall, tanned captain. "You think?" She replied somewhat saucily, brows raised. "I am perfectly aware of my deficiencies thank you."
Marik smirked, reclining in his chair, his predatory eyes studying her. "I hope your blading skills aren't as shitty as your singing voice."
He was probing her, testing her. He wanted to see if she had a temper that could be exploited in the matches. Somehow, she figured he was the type to purposely agitate. "And I hope your blading skills aren't as lacking as your language skills."
"Well, English isn't my first language, not like-"
"Marik!" Anzu burst in, glaring at her captain with enough fire to raise eyebrows. "Don't be an ass. If you are going to antagonize people, you can leave. How did you even get here in the first place?"
The white haired boy beside her shifted, laying his arm along the back of her chair and stroking her arm in a possessive, yet gentle way. "A little birdy told us," he said, leering.
"A little birdy named … shit what was his name?" Another pale blond boy stuck in.
It was odd really, now alike each of the arrogant boys looked to one of the other boys. It was almost as if they were two sets of twins, though Liika figured that the captain and Anzu's squeeze (they looked like a couple to her!) were older siblings rather than twins.
"Sanada, Genichirou Sanada." This was the fourth boy. His voice was soft and he was watching the stage where Brooklyn was giving a rather good show.
It was such a good show that An nudged Liika to turn around, motioning at the stage. "You're missing quite possibly the winning act here!"
Indeed, he was either a born musician or a born actor. Or both. Apparently there wasn't anything he couldn't do.
He was a good singer, possibly better than even the lead singer of 3 doors down. He had a natural talent for looking as angsty as the song was, and for lacing his voice with the emotion originally felt by the singer. He also obviously knew the song, since he barely looked at the monitors.
"Everything I am, and everything in me, wants to be the one, you wanted me to be, I'll never let you down, even if I could, I'd give up everything, if only for your good…"
He looked at her then, giving her a small wink as he finished up the chorus, leaning the mic. stand and himself forward to further pull the effect of emotion out of his voice. Yup, he was absurdly good.
"Bloody pretty boy," a deep voice muttered behind her. She could only smirk. At least his being so good was good for something – annoying irritating rivals.
The applause at the end was riotous, but like a modest gentleman, the Britain 1 captain merely took a small bow and exited the stage.
"Man, how do you follow that?" Kira commented, patting his best friend on the shoulder.
Athrun was looking more and more grey as the seconds past. Liika couldn't help but smile sympathetically and take his hand giving it a squeeze. She ignored the strange feeling that coursed through her as soon as she touched him. Collective nerves.
The look he gave her was somewhere between relief and confusion. But then they both smiled, their eyes meeting. "You couldn't possibly be any worse than me," Liika said chuckling. "And even if you bomb, at least you know me and Cagalli won't laugh."
"That's right!" Cagalli added, grabbing his other hand, squeezing supportively. "We'll even give you a hug when you come back," she winked at Liika, who nodded for effect.
Athrun sighed heavily, not sure whether to take the girls' words as encouragement or mocking. "Thanks," he said, standing. "The worst I can lose is my dignity and pride right? What's that in the face of honor?" He graced them with a small smile.
Well, Athrun hadn't been kidding when he said he couldn't sing. His voice, much like Liika's, was neither hideous nor spectacular. It was plain, and he could carry a tune, but that was about it.
He didn't know the words either, so he stumbled through the song, so focused on the words that no theatrics were possible. He was red faced and obviously nervous, but he was a good sport about it. About half way through he figured out that since he didn't know the words anyway, he should just go for parody, and did so. Trying his best to imitate what he thought the emotion was.
It was especially funny to those who had heard the song before, since he was completely off. All in all, he did not too bad.
The girls, Nicol and Kira were laughing when he sat back down, and true to their word, sharing a look, Cagalli and Liika leaned over and gave him a hug.
This of course spurred on some lewd comments and laughing jeers from the greater good, as well as some comments that if that had been all it would take to get pretty girls to hug you then why hadn't anyone thought of it before.
There was very little break between Athrun and Marik, since the Egyptian captain wasn't exactly the patient sort. He strode up onto the stage as if he owned the place.
"I judge by what she's wearing, just how many heads I'm tearing off of assholes coming on to her…"
Not knowing the words didn't seem to be a problem for the tall Egyptian, though it was clear he was unfamiliar with the song. He was skilled at reading the flow of the music and the monitor with little effort. He was also skilled at putting the much needed anger into the words.
When the girls commented on the face, the other pale blond Egyptian major leaned forward, around Liika. "He wouldn't admit it, but he's got an ear for music. He's one of those types that can sit down at a piano or guitar and play a song just by hearing it. It's rather annoying actually."
"Lucky him," commented Athrun dryly.
It was an interesting version of the song, especially to people like the Canadians and Americans who had heard quite a bit of Nickleback, since once again, the boy's voice was better than the actual singer. Of course, part of Nickleback's appeal was the lead singer's gravelly voice.
Needless to say, when he was done, there was more riotous applause, and Marik strutted off the stage as if he were the greatest thing since sliced bread. He sneered at Liika, An and Athrun as he passed, raking a hand through his hair self-importantly.
An leered back, eyeing him in a depreciating way. Liika flipped him off, while Athrun rolled his eyes. Apparently Athurn's temper was a lot better than either Liika's or An's.
Yukimura stood then, sliding his little pad of paper into his pocket with a quick grin. "Well, then, I need time to decide, and since none of you seem to be in a hurry, I'm going to retire to the kitchen. Feel free to order more drinks! And have fun." He disappeared with a wave.
"All right! Now that that silly contest is over, the rest of us can have a shot. Come on Anzu! It's our turn!" Sakura said, jumping out of her seat and waving to the brunette.
"I call dibs on going next!"
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In my experience, rubber cement (though highly adhesive) can be removed fairly easily from skin with either warm water and soap or simply rubbing it off as a translucent film. I've not checked the effects of Krazy glue, nor was I entirely willing to risk experimenting on myself, so any mention of after-effects involving Krazy glue on human skin are entirely hypothetical.
AN: Now we're having a vote to see who won the Captain's Karaoke Challenge! Tell me in a review who you would like to see win!
Songs:
Liika (USA 2)– Any Man of Mine – Shania Twain
An (Japan 1)– That Don't Impress Me Much - Shania Twain
Shanks (Japan 2) – You Got Game - Kimeru
Linda (Britain 2)– Day and Night - Billie Piper
Brooklyn (Britain 1)– When I'm Gone – 3 Doors Down
Athrun (Canada)– Everything You Want – Vertical Horizon
Marik (Egypt) – Next Contestant - Nickleback