Shout-Outs:

Maia's Pen : Thanx for the review, and I'm so happy u liked my scene between George and Marie-Lousie. Wasn't quite sure how that'd turn out in the end. Update ur fic soon, and yeah, I always thought Janet had some mischief in her somewhere… enjoy!

Disclaimer: My ghost still has my certificate… somewhere, that is… but have no fear, I will find it!

"…": characters talking to each other

'…': characters talking to themselves

(…): extra facts about something in the story

((…)): my opinions

Chapter 4: Revelation through DVD

Gulskii residence, St. Petersburg, planet Earth, Milky Way Galaxy- December 15, FC 62, 4:55 PM

In the den, meanwhile, the talking began to grow to a louder pitch as those gathered kept glancing towards the door, waiting for the Neo-Russian and Neo-French couples to come in, per Shirley's orders; along with Shirley herself.

"Wonder what this is about? You know sis?" asked Sai Saici as he looked over to Rain, still sticking to the old habit of calling everyone he knew "bro" or "sis" with some exceptions.

"No, I don't," replied Rain, shaking her head back and forth. She was sitting on one of the numerous dark green couches in the room, Domon's arm once more around her shoulder. She leaned into it, enjoying the comfort and protection emanating from her husband.

Sai hung his head in mock defeat and looked to his girlfriend, hoping that maybe she would have talked to Shirley and possibly found out what he desperately wanted to know.

Almost as if she was reading his mind Cecile shook her head and said, "Sorry Sai. I didn't get a chance to ask Shirley what the big surprise is about." Sai shook his head, still not having figured out how she seemed to know his every thought. His attention suddenly focused on the door to the den as Argo and Nastasha entered, Nastasha's eyes red, as if she had been crying. Argo guided her to a couch near the television set in the room, his green eyes filled with what appeared to be anger and worry.

The fighters and crewmembers knew enough to not say anything; that is, except for Jamie and Michael, who were standing by the doorway, snickering at Nastasha's face. They didn't see her head shoot up on hearing them insult her nor did they see Daniel head their way, his hands on his sheaths. Suddenly the two men found themselves pinned up against the doorway, two swords held close… too close to their necks for comfort.

"Do not make fun of Nastasha… is that clear?" Daniel asked emotionlessly, his black eyes radiating anger. At the scared nod from both men Daniel removed the swords and the two men took off running; that is, they hid behind their girlfriends, hoping they would be able to convince an angry-looking Nastasha to calm down.

Bunny and Cath looked at each other, and nodding without saying anything, got up off the couch they had been occupying and went to stand next to the door to keep a lookout for Shirley. They didn't see their boyfriends get severely beaten by Nastasha, knowing they deserved their punishment.

After a few minutes Jamie and Michael had retreated to sulk near the bookcase, trying to show that they still had their pride but failing miserably; no one could resist the urge to laugh at their black-and-blue eyes. Nastasha returned to her seat beside Argo, looking calmer than she had before.

A few moments later George, Marie-Louise, and Shirley came in, and everyone couldn't help but notice how close the Neo-French team was walking. Shirley shot a glance at Janet and gave her a small smile. Janet's eyes lit up and she began scheming some more in her head.

Shirley walked to the front of the room and looked around at the audience. She saw Argo, Nastasha, Domon, Rain, Daniel, Janet, Sai Saici, Cecile, George, and Marie-Louise occupying the four couches in the room, Michael and Jamie were still sulking by the bookcase, and Bunny and Cath standing by the door.

"Ready for the surprise?" asked Shirley, knowing full well they all were. When she got exasperated glares she shrugged, took a DVD out of her jacket pocket, and slipped it into the DVD player. She pressed play and retreated to a position near the door. A few minutes later laughter could be heard from the room; even Chibodee's old crew was laughing like mad. Shirley grinned herself; seeing poor Chibodee get beaten up again, and on DVD, was funny in itself. Argo was laughing, but at the same time shot a grin at Nastasha, who was grinning like a madwoman, glad to know that Chibodee was being humiliated further.

When the DVD had finished playing applause rang through the room and Shirley took a mock-bow. Just then, she heard someone clearing his throat and turned around to see an angry Chibodee. Shirley had to resist the urge to laugh, as Chibodee held ice over his right eye, it being the worse off from Nastasha's whip, and his left hand wrapped gingerly around his bruised ribs.

Chibodee glared at those in the room, and in a huff, stalked as best as he could out of the room and headed back up to his room to sulk at the humiliation he knew he was going to have to endure.