Chapter 3
I finished putting on my uniform that was a bit too small, my wrists and ankles were in plain view, but I didn't mind. I'll just have Gramps get me a new uniform. He would understand that I had grown out of the old one.
I exited the girls' locker room that was off the side of one of the training areas and made my way to the second building which held the larger training area. The dividing wall could be taken down to convert it into a huge room. It was usually only used for tournaments, but it seemed today was an exception. All the doors leading out into the side fields were open letting in the afternoon air and the wall was down. Yugi and the others, excluding Tea, waved to me from the other side of the large room.
I grinned and waved back. Despite my protests I was pumped. I had been itching to spar since my last training session. It was always a lot more fun to spar than train alone.
The room was packed. New white belts whispered to themselves, brows knit in confusion at my appearance. Yes I knew that tiny 5'5" me wasn't immediately threatening, but I was definitely no weakling.
Standing around the room were all our regular black belts, a good mix of men and woman. Besides Yugi and his group there were only a few other teenagers. One was Taki, a black belt a few years older than I, the others were white belts with excited energy.
"So Jas, ready to demonstrate the new skills you have learned?"
I walked to the middle of the floor as he spoke. I then stopped and faced the crowd, legs jittering in anticipation. "Oh you know it Captain," I smirked at him.
The room burst out in laughter, the black belts laughed at my attitude, the white belts laughing as if expecting me to get myself creamed. A cocky smirk spread further on my lips. I was about to shut all of them up.
"Good, because you'll be facing all of our black-belts here today, myself included." The crowd gasped, "All at once," he added after raising a hand to silence them.
The black belts laughed to themselves, thinking it all a joke. Kei, Yoshiro, and Taro merely rolled their shoulders and shook out their legs, warming themselves up.
I did the same. Stretching my arms and shoulders out, doing a few squats and jumping jacks to warm up my muscles. All the while my mind recalled all my training sessions and all the sparing scenarios. The people here were mainly versed in judo and taekwondo, so I had an upper hand on them. I smiled to myself, before clearing my mind. I turned my sense outward, watching as the thirteen black-belts positioned themselves around me. Taki moved in closer than the others so I directed most of my attention on him.
The room quieted as the tension rose. My fingers tingled in anticipation and I threw a quick glance at Captain, giving the tiniest nod. "GO!" Captain shouted, and like I thought Taki jumped forward. He was more prominent in taekwondo, so I anticipated his strong kicks.
The others circled around, watching for an opening. Taki and I tightly circled around each other until he sprung forward. Just as quickly as he kick I moved into his center, hooked my arm under his leg and used his momentum to throw him away with a spin. He scowled at me in surprise as he recovered. He charged again, eyes sharp and focused. Once in range he fainted a front kick and twisted to a back kick. I circled along his body, dodging his kick, but also putting me in range. I grabbed the fabric on his back and pushed him down as I drew my knee up into his abdomen. The air whooshed from his lungs as I barely held back from breaking his sternum. He crumpled to the floor holding his stomach.
Kei and Yashiro both charged, war cries belting loudly. I danced away from Taki and faced them. Both were proficient in Judo so I knew they would try to box me in to get a hold of me. As expected they separated slightly, Kei approaching from the left, Yashiro from my right. In a split decision I ran towards Yashiro. He stopped and began to raise his arms to block his sternum. He dropped his weight in anticipation, but I just used that for my benefit. I stepped up on his knee gaining leverage and upward momentum to jump up and round house kick him in the head. Unfortunately he was really quick and blocked the brunt of my attack. Catching my leg.
He smiled and spun, taking my body with him. I drew my arms in as he shifted and took me to the ground. Just before he slammed me down I drew in my other leg and struck the inside of his elbow on the arm holding my leg. His arm jerked backwards, throwing his entire body off balance. I leaned into him, forcing him the rest of the way to the ground. He landed with a thud and instantly I was on top of him and I struck his jaw. His head snapped to the side and he tapped the ground. I leapt off him as I saw Kei barreling towards me in my peripheral vision.
I cartwheeled backwards to another open area. Just before Kei reached me, someone grabbed me from behind in a nelson hold. It was a woman. I dropped my weight, dragging my elbows down as I did. I broke her hold, and grabbed her wrists as she began to pull away. I twisted underneath her arms and pushed her right into Kei. Both went down with a sickening smack. Before I could move I felt a blow at my thigh.
My arms flinched upward to protect my face as I saw another leg coming in to strike my side now that I was kneeling. As the leg struck I pushed upward turning into the person. As I finished my turn I brought my elbow up and struck them in the side of the face. They groaned in pain, but grabbed the front of my uniform. Someone else wrapped their arms around my throat in a box choke.
I grunted in frustration, glad my left hand had slipped upward into the choke hold. Giving me space to breath. Everyone was going no holds sparring. Perfect.
I thought fast as I could see others circling, looking for an opening. I grabbed the man's arm around my throat with my right hand and lifted my legs off the ground, prying the guy holding my uniform off and jolting him forward. I kicked the man I elbowed in the face with all the strength I had in the center of his chest. I thought I felt something crack as he flew back.
Using the momentum of my kick I leaned forward as I threw my legs to the floor and the man behind me followed. Prying my left hand forward I broke his hold as we tumbled over each other. I landed on top of him, knee digging into his gut. I pressed down hard and clocked him in the throat just hard enough to leave him gasping. I then rolled off him and jumped to my feet. Six down, seven to go.
My leg and neck throbbed, but the fresh burst of adrenaline pumping through my system drowned out the pain. The room was dead silent and those remaining eyed me cautiously, skirting just outside my reach. I smiled, giving myself a moment of pride. They still haven't seen what I can really do.
I refocused myself as one of the women, Hana I believe, used her quick foot work to close the distance between us and struck the same leg that had been kicked before. Pain flared and I fell to my knee with a hiss. She moved in for a kick to my head, but I turned and rolled out of the way. She readjusted and grabbed the front of my uniform as I rose. She tugged me forwards until I was off-balance then she threw me. As I was falling a grabbed her uniform and pulled her with me. She resisted, jerking up, so I shifted and grabbed the back of her knee, making it collapse under her.
The girl's knee connected with my cheek and I was stunned for a moment. I shook of the black stars in my vision as my body instinctively moved to pin the girl to the ground, my body straddling hers. I got a hold of her arm after a struggle and twisted my leg over her neck, locking her into an arm bar.
As soon as I hoisted my hips, stretching her arm, she tapped out rapidly. I released her arm and kicked her side, pushing us apart. I rolled back onto my hands and leapt to my feet. I stared at the others. One guy, a new face, was near enough for one technique. I had to hand it to the Americans, they were quite inventive. I raised my arms and launched myself into a front hand spring. The man stumbled back in surprise, but it was too late. As I rebounded I swung my feet down and struck the man on the shoulder and temple, knocking him out.
It had taken me a whole month to perfect that dynamic technique, and I don't pity the man when he wakes up. I didn't hit him hard enough to kill him, but he'll hurt like hell in the morning.
I turned towards my next opponent as I heard their footsteps rapidly approaching. It was another woman, early twenties. I had trained her as a black belt. Julie was her name as she was half European. She excelled in hand to hand combat so I raised my hands into a defensive position. She struck first, but I blocked it. I retaliated, but she blocked it with the same ease. We entered into a fierce battle of strength and speed; that lasted several long minutes. Her strikes and kicks were strong and precise, and she nearly shattered my arm when I didn't block in time. My ribs ached as her kicks were swift. Still I was determined to get the upper hand.
After dipping under a hook I jolted upward and elbowed her jaw. She stumbled back, but I didn't let her recover. I grabbed her uniform and threw her to the ground face first. While she was still dazed from the impact I wristed her wrist behind her back until she tapped out too.
I felt the thumping of feet charging towards me along with a war cry. I turned to face them, but all I saw was a flash of blue and a sloppily thrown punch. I acted instinctively and turned in towards the person's center, hands deflecting the blow. I grabbed at their shoulder and wrist, and connected my hips with theirs throwing them off-balance. I used their falling momentum to hoist them over my shoulder and to the ground.
To my surprise I was met with Joey's stunned face. "Joey?" I asked in a labored whisper. I helped him to his feet and patted his back as he turned away, cheeks crimson for some reason. I watched as he stumbled back to the others and Tristan seemed to reprimand him.
I returned my attention back towards the others. Though the question of what Joey was trying to accomplish ran through my mind. My legs trembled slightly as I lowered myself in a battle stance.
I was breathing heavily now, and my vision contracted slightly for a moment. I knew I couldn't last much longer. Captain the held up his hand and everyone paused. I relaxed and looked at him expectantly. I took in slow deep breaths, cooling my body down, and refocusing my mind.
"I've seen all that I need," a pang of disappointment rang through me as Captain said that. I mean I was on my last limbs, but I wasn't done yet. I still haven't proven myself yet! How can he call it off now?
He waved the black belts off the floor and those uninjured helped the other off the floor. I felt a slight remorse for not holding back more, but they were all black belts and should have expected as such. If anything they had learned a lesson they soon won't forget.
"I didn't finish my demonstration, Cap!" I pleaded.
"Oh I never said you were finished," he grinned confidently and stepped onto the floor.
Excitement filled my veins, and another burst of adrenaline ran through me. Each one of my masters had worked me far past my exhaustion limit. So I was well acquainted to fighting fresh blood while I was teetering-on-the-edge. Though I can't say I've defeated a lot of people at this point, but I can still put up quite a bit of a fight.
Captain and eye circled each other, eyes focused right on each other. Everyone else was drowned out, the cheering of Yugi and the other along with the white-belts. All sound disappeared. I focused solely on Captain, and his dark eyes were serious. I had been waiting for a rematch.
I knew Captain was one to wait for the first blow, but I was stalling to let my body get used to the pain. A full minute passed, but we still watched each other carefully circling the floor. If this was a game a patience, I was willing to win it.
To my surprise Cap initiated the fight. With a loud shout he charged and launched himself into a strong scissor-kick. He was too fast but I propelled myself backward, arms up to block. His second leg struck me, swatting my arms out of the way. He landed and before I could recover he spun and landed a solid back kick on my hip.
I fell to the ground with a jerk, but rolled away and leapt back to my feet facing him. He was already descending on me, he grabbed a handful of my uniform and pulled me forward with a jerk, tossing me straight to the ground. As my back slammed into the ground I breathed out, lessening the impact. Simultaneously I pulled on his uniform and hooked my foot into the back of his knee, throwing him over me. He moved with my throw, rolling and leaping up into a fighting stance.
As soon as he was over I hip-heisted around and moved into a guarded stance. Both of us were breathing heavily, but never broke our focus. Captain has trained ten years longer than I have, and I'm still way out-matched. Yet that doesn't mean I won't win this fight.
The triumphant thought drove me forward. I feinted a side kick and closed the distance between us. In quick succession I struck his jaw, sternum, stomach and groin with a quick open palm strike. He grunted at the impacts before doubling over slightly to protect himself. I wouldn't have that. As he leaned forward I shoved his shoulders to the ground, throwing my legs backwards and out of his reach. Both of us knew Jiu Jitsu, so I knew where this was going.
Now on the ground, I quickly crawled over and wrapped my right leg around Captain's throat. He was too quick though and grabbed the back of my knee. He shoved my leg over his head and moved up and wrapped his arms around my neck. I got a hand in, but he wrapped his legs around my waist, pulling me back. I struggled against him, and despite his lean appearance his solid muscle was like fighting against a brick wall.
I elbowed him in the side, and hoisted my legs to try and get away, but he simply clamped down and locked me in place, tightening his choke. I struggled, but I soon was unable to breathe so I tapped out.
He released me, and I scowled at him as he leapt to his feet and offered his and to me. I narrowed my eyes as I took it. "You've improved," he commented patting my shoulder.
Yugi
Yugi nervously watched from where he and his friends sat. Jas had waved to them, and he could see the excited gleam in her eye, a look he realized he had missed. Yet at the same time he was really scared of her getting really hurt. Takashi, or Captain as Jas called him, had just told them she would fight against all of the black-belts. She was way outnumbered!
Yugi watched as Jas's expression changed from bounding excitement, to dark concentration. He felt a shiver run down his spine. Jas had always been amazing at martial arts, but he had never seen her look so focused, so serious. She had changed so much in the two years she was gone. Not just physically, as she was taller, but she seemed colder, more closed off than before. Her attitude in class, telling off their classmates, was unexpected, even if they had been rather pushy.
Yugi was scared that Jas had changed so much that she no longer wanted to be his friend, but when she smiled and acted like she used to when she was with him he felt relieved.
Takashi started the match, and Yugi sat up and watched with rapt attention. Jas was fast, and she quickly took out person after person. When she was caught by two men, one choking her from behind, the other lining up to strike her stomach. He felt anger stir in his stomach, at the same time he was concerned to the point he wanted to jump up and charge in and help. He didn't. To his surprise she lifted herself off the ground kicked one man in the chest before throwing the other over her shoulder, landing on top of him before striking his neck. The man gasped for air, but Jas moved on.
Yugi was amazed. She was taking people, trained men and women, down so quickly and with such precision. She really had trained hard these last two years, Yugi mused. He watched with amazement as she performed a gymnastic move, kicking a man right in the head. The man collapsed, but Jas was soon locked in hand-to-hand combat with a woman. They seemed equally matched, and Yugi's legs bounced in anticipation.
Joey's legs bounced at a faster pace and his hands gripped his knees tightly. His blood was pumping with a yearning for some action. As soon as Jas took out the woman she had been locked in several minutes of fist-fighting he couldn't hold himself back anymore. He wanted to try out her skills personally. He jumped up and charged towards Jas as her back was turned, a loud cry belting from his throat.
"Joey!" his friends cried from behind him as he ran.
Yugi couldn't believe Joey had just jumped into the fray. He watched stunned as Jas easily deflected his punch, grabbed his arm and threw him over her shoulder in what seemed like one fluid movement.
Joey laid stunned on the ground and Jas looked surprised that he was on the floor. Yugi watched as Joey's face flush as Jas's face was merely a few inches away. Something stirred in his chest, but he couldn't place the feeling.
He watched as Jas helped Joey to his feet and patted him on the back apologetically. Joey stumbled back towards us, and sat down in his original seat. His face was still flushed and he grumpily mutter to himself resting his chin on his palm perched on his knee. Tristan elbowed him with a teasing smirk on his face, "You just got you ass kicked by a girl."
"Shad up!" Joey growled back holding a threatening fist towards Tristan.
Joey's behavior bothered Yugi, but he didn't know why. Something clenched in his chest, and he placed a hand over his chest, contemplating the feeling.
When he focused back on Jas he saw her and Takashi glaring at one another, the air intense. Jas charged at Takashi feigning a kick before moving up close and striking him several times swiftly. Her hands were almost a blur. Takashi doubled over and Jas pushed him to the ground and moved to wrap her legs around his neck, but he caught her leg.
Takashi then had her in a choke hold, his legs around her waist, pinning her so she couldn't escape. She struggled for a while, but then tapped out. It was over.
Yugi let out a sigh of relief.
He stood up and moved to go to Jas, but she was quickly swarmed from the people of the dojo. Takashi rubbed her head and many of the guys put her into affectionate head locks. Suddenly Jas felt farther away than ever, as if she was in an entire other world. One where he could not enter.
Jas soon pushed her way through the crowd and jogged over. Her face gleamed with sweat, but she had a happy twinkle in her eye. She beamed at him, and he felt his face warm unexpectedly. She seemed to shine with another light.
Joey, Tristan, and Miho met her half way, gushing over how awesome and amazing the match was. Tea lingered back beside Yugi. He looked up at her and she smiled softly at him. His heart speed up slightly and he remembered he liked Tea. She had been kind to him ever since Jas had left in Junior high. He smiled back at Tea and her smile widened for a moment.
"She rather impressive, isn't she?" Tea rhetorically asked.
Yugi nodded, "She is." He focused back on Jas as she cheerfully talked about her techniques with Joey and Tristan. Miho merely babbled on happily.
Jas caught his eye and beamed at him, flashing a thumbs up, and Yugi's face flamed again. She looked so happy and excited to see him that he felt a little confused. He smiled back, albeit shyly.
Soon after Jas led them back to her grandfather's house. She took them to the T.V. room and excused herself to shower and change. Meanwhile, Yugi dismissed his earlier thoughts and helped the guys set up the gaming system. Jas returned not long after, her long hair down and parted to the side, still slightly damp. Yugi flushed as she only wore a dark purple tank and black shorts.
She slumped to the ground in front of the couch next to him and sighed. "You okay?" he asked.
She nodded, "Just a bit tired. Captain always did put up a strong fight."
Yugi smiled, "Still haven't beaten him yet."
She rolled her eyes at him and let out a groaned "No. Don't remind me."
"Hey Jas!" Joey called waving a controller in the air, "Come play!"
She stood and walked over, "Oh you're on!" She turned back and grinned at Yugi, beckoning him forward. "Come on Yugi!"
He grinned and joined everyone, playing the rest of the afternoon away.
The next day was Saturday and school was normal. Their classmates left Jas alone, and she seemed relieved at that fact, but Yugi was worried she wouldn't make any friends. He told her this at lunch and she dismissed him saying she already had all the friends she needed. He felt embarrassed hearing this, and the thought plagued his mind the rest of the afternoon.
Jas and Joey spent a lot of time together, as he kept asking her about her fighting techniques and how he could improve. She looked thrilled to talk about it, but kept telling Joey he needed to come practice at the dojo to fully understand everything.
Jas told them next week she would have to help out with Captain's club on most days. Yugi was disheartened at the thought, but decided to wait for her until she got out so they could walk home together. They were only a few streets away.
After school the entire gang took Jas to the arcade. She was really bad at most of the games, but cheered Yugi on as he achieved high scores on all the games he played. He liked seeing Jas smile like this. She seemed just like one of them. A normal teenager hanging out on the weekends.
The day ended too quickly, and Jas turned down the request of meeting up tomorrow. She explained she needed to rest and recuperate. Everyone nodded in understanding and Yugi stared in concern at the dark bruises blooming on her cheek and neck. He suspected she had many others, and he felt a spark of irritation at the thought of Jas hurting. She was his best friend after all, and despite the fact he knew countless other times she sported wounds from her adventures he felt more protective than ever.
Jas
The weekend passed quickly and soon I was sitting back in class Monday morning. Class hadn't started yet so the others gathered around Yugi and I's desks. Tea hadn't said a word to me since I introduced myself last Friday, which was fine with me. She stood close to Yugi, with Miho at her side. I felt a spark of irritation at how she looked at him, but I figured I was just being possessive of my best friend. Then again this was Tea we were talking about.
I would have to deal with her sooner or later. I preferred later, because I didn't want to screw up the whole dynamic of the group.
Joey leaned against the back of my chair and Tristan stood between Joey and Miho. He constantly glanced over at Miho to make sure she was smiling and happy. Oh the poor guy had it bad. I caught Joey's eye, and threw a glance at Tristan. He smirked knowingly, and I laughed lightly. Oh yeah, it was obvious to everyone but the air head herself.
I turned to Yugi, "So you have any new games to share?"
He beamed and nodded, "Yeah, Gramps just got this one in and it's a lot of fun!" Yugi gushed pulling out a small box out of his bag.
Suddenly the bell rang and the others waved and disbanded to their seats. I leaned over my desk and whispered to Yugi as he replaced the game back in his bag, "Let's play it during lunch."
He jumped initially and I smirked mentally, it was fun messing with him. He turned in his seat and nodded, bright smile on his face. My chest warmed at his smile. He really was adorable.
Classes went by with no other obstructions, and everyone had fun during lunch playing Yugi's new board game. I creamed Joey, but Yugi beat everyone else. He certainly still was game champ. I have never won a game against him, unless he purposely lost.
Captain told me I had to come help out with the club today after school, so I only had a little while until it started. Yet to my surprise when class was over instead of hovering by Yugi and occasionally glaring at me Tea left before the bell finished ringing. "Where's she off to?" Joey asked moving up next to me.
I shrugged my shoulders, "Maybe something important came up, but then again I don't particularly care."
Joey shrugged his shoulder and leaned against my desk as I packed my things. "So you heading off to the club?" He asked casually.
I nodded, "Yeah, but it doesn't start for a half-hour so I can stick around for a little bit."
I grinned at Yugi who was turned in his chair looking between Joey and I. "I wanna challenge you to a rematch!"
Yugi beamed, "All right!"
"Hey now, let me join in on the fun," Joey pulled up a vacated chair as Yugi set up the game.
"I'd quit now if I was you," I warned him and he glared at me. I laughed loudly and he rolled his eyes. Tristan and Miho quickly appeared after that demanding to play as well.
My phone beeped loudly while we were almost finished with a round. "Shoot!" I exclaimed jumping to my feet and grabbing my bag. "Sorry guys I gotta run!"
They shouted their goodbyes, but I was already out the classroom door. I sprinted to the designated club house and arrived slightly out of breath. Captain was waiting outside, arms crossed and looking rather cross himself.
"You should have been here right when school finished." He reprimanded.
I shrugged my shoulders, "I have friends, so sue me for wanting to talk."
He scowled for a moment longer before patting my head and handing me a crisp new Judo and Kendo uniform. I grinned at him and ran off to get changed. There was an hour of Judo, then an hour of Kendo. I had only briefly studied Kendo, so I would actually be learning something.
During the hour of Judo I helped Captain teach the members, as well as help correct their techniques. We then shifted to Kendo, and I was actually one of the students learning. I found it was similar to a Korean art I had studied about a year back. Yet the sparing rules were different so I had a while to go before I picked up this art properly.
At the end of the club hours I had only broken out in a light sweat. I would have to do more intense training at home to compensate. As I mused on what I had learned I changed back into my uniform and left the building, leaving Captain to finish locking up.
To my surprise Yugi and Joey were waiting at the front gates. As I approached they looked up expectantly. I grinned and raced over, "What are you guys doing here?"
Joey avoided my eyes, cheeks darkening for a moment. Yugi looked at him worriedly before grinning up at me, "Well…" he too looked embarrassed, "We…we uh wanted to walk you home."
My grin widened and I let out a joyful laugh, "Well aren't you guys gentlemen."
They both smiled at me and we talked the whole way to my house.
The rest of the week went by normally, and we all fell into a routine of sorts. I got up every morning at five and trained before school. We had normal classes, though Ms. Chono did glare at me every now and again as news spread of me getting off easy, but that was no consequence to me. Captain had me help out on Wednesday and Friday as well, but let me off the other days.
The days I was free I spent with my friends, yes they were all my friends now. Except Tea, who always disappeared right when school was over. Not that I was heart-broken over it or anything. They others began to question it, and Joey suggested the ridiculous notion of her "dating-for-hire". I slapped him on the back of the head when he first proposed it. I may heavily dislike the girl, but she was no prostitute. She had too much fire for that.
"Maybe she has a boyfriend, and she gets so sick at looking at your mug that she can't wait to see him," I teased Joey who glared at me.
However at this assumption Yugi looked crushed, I don't know why though.
The next day however Miho started running off with Tea too and Tristan began to think Joey was right. Hah! As if.
I watched him as he disappeared after them the next day, and soon he was off with them too.
"Okay there is no way Tristan is selling himself, it must be something else," I told Yugi and Joey as we watched them disappear Saturday after school.
Joey looked at me skeptically. I tried to emphasize my point, "She did act strangely when she mentioned Burger World earlier this week, maybe it has something to do with that. She was rather panicked about us going."
"That has to be it!" Yugi said with a determined look on his face. All week he had been defending Tea, and somehow it deeply bothered me.
"Let's follow them and see what up!" Joey decided with a triumphant look on his face. It made me laugh.
Still I nodded, "Let's."
So the three of us stalked-ahem-followed the trio into the business area. At one point Joey shoved Yugi and I behind a street character. My face was squashed against his back and I pinned his arms to keep him from smacking my head as he flailed in panic.
Joey then moved and Yugi gave a mantra of apologizes, I hushed him and told him it was fine. "Joey's the idiot who shoved us, so don't worry."
"Who's an idiot?" Joey retorted.
"So you're stupid and deaf," I sarcastically droned.
Joey growled, but turned away, "Shad up!" He then glanced ahead and cursed under his breath, "We lost them."
"Wait, isn't this Burger World," Yugi mused as we were indeed just outside the 'infamous' restaurant.
I folded my arms confidently, "Told you so."
"Whatever," Joey brushed me off and I laughed.
We entered the restaurant and there greeting us in atrocious green uniforms were none other than the trio we had been stalking. They all dramatically paled after saying their cheesy greeting.
"I hope someone picks up that phone because I called it!" I mocked Joey once more, grinning stupidly.*
"What are you three doing, escort them to a table! Do your jobs!" A redheaded man, I suspected was their manager barked at them. They jumped then complied. Tea lead us to a booth, forcefully smiling. I smirked the entire time, unusually happy for causing her grief.
As she stalked away Yugi watched her go, face concerned and nervous, "Guys, maybe we shouldn't have come here…Tea looks mad."
I turned to look at her, my shoulder bumping into Yugi. "Sorry," I muttered distracted. Something didn't feel right about this place. I could feel ill-intent, but I couldn't place it.
"…as, Jas! You okay?" Yugi asked, drawing me back to reality. No need to worry him.
I nodded and grinned at him, "Yeah, I'm okay."
Joey on the other hand looked very accomplished, "What are you smirking about?"
"Nothing, I've now just got their secret to black-mail them with." Yugi complained, but I laughed right along with Joey. He was right, there was an advantage.
Yugi then spaced out for a moment, and a stupid grin and blush spread on his face. I raised my eyebrow in question, but didn't pry.
Tea came back with a train holding three burgers and drinks and slammed it on the table. The others jumped, but I just looked on. I mean she did have a right to be pissed, but this was a little overdramatic.
"Please enjoy our burgers with plenty of our famous ketchup," she forced a smile and she wrote: Tell and you die over the tray and burgers.
"Hey cool it Tea," Joey complained.
I gave her a look that clearly said 'really?' she harrumphed and turned away, but paused after a step. "Well now that you know I'm working here I have nothing else to hide." She turned and smiled back at us, though it was only directed at Yugi, "I'm saving up my money. I'm going to America when I graduate." Joey and Yugi looked shocked at this confession, but I merely nodded. Everyone is allowed to have a dream or two.
"I'm going to New York to study dance," she further explained. "It's my dream, don't you dare laugh!"
Yugi panicked and reassured her we wouldn't laugh.
I actually smiled at her, and she looked at me shocked, "Everyone's allowed to dream. I respect your ambition." She blinked in surprised, but nodded in thanks.
Joey then piped up, "Don't worry, we won't tell on you." He grinned softly and something stirred in my chest. When he wasn't being obnoxious he could actually be a nice guy. "If I do I'll eat 10,000 of these burgers!" Yet he's still an idiot. His sentiment did get across though and Tea returned his smile.
Joey's face twisted as he commented glowering at the burgers, "But what restaurant makes you pay for burgers drowned in ketchup. The stuff's nasty!"
"Don't worry they're on me," Tea waved as she walked away back to Tristan and Miho.
I cleaned off the top of a burger with a napkin and bit into it. I was really good and I savored each bite, ignore the guys as they also dug in. I listened as the commented about New York and America being really cool.
I heard some commanding whispers behind me and I peered over the back of the booth to investigate what was happening. A man in a long trench coat had entered and was seriously talking to the trio and their redheaded manager. He flashed his wallet at them and I realized he was a cop.
Yugi and Joey seemed to notice too and we all looked at each other, "Let's go see what's happening," Yugi prompted. Joey and I nodded so we crept over and listened as peered past the wall separating the dining area with the back area.
The cop explained the escaped criminal that had been in the news was suspected to be in the restaurant. A jolt went down my spine in realization. The ill intent I felt earlier! He cop said the man was in disguise, but had an injury on his calve. Joey moved and knocked over a basket full of toy cars for the kids' meals.
This gave us the excuse to check people ankles. I nodded at Joey, "Good going."
Everyone except Yugi and Miho scattered and began checking ankles, though Tea had some trouble with a large man in a suit, resting his feet on the table. Did he ever learn any table manners? The man barked at Tea, but the cop stepped in and announced that they were looking for the escaped criminal and it was necessary to check everyone for an injury on their calves.
The other customers complained, but seemed wary. A man, who looked like a professor complained about the cops' efficiency as they were previously unable to find another escaped criminal. I raised an eyebrow at this. Maybe they were just having an off time. Or that guy was really good.
Tristan then asked if there was any other information about the current escaped convict. The police explained that the man had an allergy to eggs. Tea then smirked knowingly, "Oh, then he better turn himself over quickly." Everyone looked at her confused. She merely smiled and said, "Our hamburger buns have lots of eggs in them."
A punk looking guy I had taken note of before sat in a corner booth paled and broke out into a sweat. The cop also took notice and walked over, getting right in the man's face. "What's the matter, you don't look so well." I approached cautiously behind him, prepared to take action if needed.
"S-shut up! Move!" the man shouted, jumping from the booth. The cop grabbed him and his wig and sunglasses fell off revealing him to indeed be Tetsu the hedgehog. Seriously who gave them these nicknames?
The cop announced his arrest, but Tetsu demanded they get an ambulance. Tea then confidently pointed out that she had lied, and that the man was just another idiot. I smiled at her and flashed a thumbs up. Though I may not like her, she did do some smart thinking in a critical situation.
In a flash Tetsu lunged forward and fell on top of the manager. He revealed a bruise on the man's calf. He then lunged forward declaring, "…this man! This man is the real culprit!" He grabbed at the back of the managers shirt and it tore off as the cop pulled him up.
To everyones' surprise the man had a large spider tattoo covering his back. "Yellow spider Jirou!"
I bristled as the man glared behind him, an evil glint in his eye. His eyes flashed towards Tea, and before it I was moving. I shoved her out of the way as Jirou moved and snagged the pistol from Tetsu's belt.
He snagged me, but I wouldn't let him get away with it. I struck his hand holding the pistol, but he clenched his hand and the gun went off.
Bang!
A/N: Evil authoress is evil. Sorry for the cliffhanger, but this was going on way too long. Sorry for the long fight scene at the beginning if that's not your style. I will be moving on from most of the martial arts thing.
But yeah! Plot is moving!
*concerning this line if you know where it comes from then send me a review and if its's right then I'll send ya a cookie!
Speaking of reviews, y'all suck at reviewing. Jk. I love each and everyone one of you for following! 11, I have 11 of you! Ya!
So yeah, long chapter, but idk, maybe you guys like long chapters. Anyway Read and Review! See you next time!