One wild and crazy night

"Yuki! Calm down!" Izumi said firmly. "You're going to make your injury worse! Remember the first aid class we took. 'If there is a chance of spinal injury, don't move the victim unless absolutely necessary.' I know it's not very comfortable lying on your stomach, but please put up with it. There's always a chance this isn't permanent. We'll get you help, but you've got to remain still."

"Ok, I understand. Izumi, I'm scared. What if I can't walk again? I don't want to live my life in a wheelchair."

"Be positive, tell yourself, 'I won't live my life in a wheelchair.' Yuki, you told me you wanted to be more confident, well here's your chance."

"Alright, I'll try."

Izumi grabbed her purse. Noticing a large footprint on the side, her stomach knotted. Reaching in, she pulled out her cell phone, both pieces of it. "Oh, wonderful."

"You guys, I'm cold. Hurry and get help."

"She may be starting to go into shock. Amy let me have you sweatshirt." She said taking off her jacket. "We need to keep her warm."

"Sure," Amy said peeling it off, and handing it to Izumi. "I'll go for help if you want to stay with her."

"Amy! I didn't know you only had the sweatshirt. You can't run down the street in just your bra!"

"It's alright. I used to go jogging in a sports bra back home all the time. It's not like I have all that much to show off anyway. Don't worry about me, Yuki's more important."

"Sure," Izumi said nodding. "There's a police box a little further down from here. It's just before the park."

"Ok," she said rising to her feet. "I'll be back as quick as I can. Yuki, you don't know how sorry I am this happened, but I promise, I'll do everything I can to help you through this." Then she turned and ran off into the rain.

"Izumi? Did Amy do the right thing standing up to those guys?"

"I'm not sure. They definitely had more in mind this time than buying us a drink."

"She really was amazing. I wonder where she learned to fight like that?" Yuki said, her voice unsteady.

"Just another piece of the puzzle that's Amy Watson." Then looking down the street, she whispered, "Hurry Amy."

-

Corey and Seira stood under the awning over the police box doorway, watching as the woman was helped into the ambulance. Kimiko waved as she climbed in behind her. "Bye big brother Corey, bye big sister Seira, thank you for helping my mama!"

"Bye-bye, Kimiko, you be a good girl for your mama!" Seira called waving back. Then noticing Corey looking at her, smirking, she said, "What? She's four."

"It's not that. You had fun giving her that piggyback ride didn't you? I bet you never thought anyone would call you big sister, huh?"

"She a good kid, really well behaved. Yeah, I kind of enjoyed that. I hope her mom will be ok." Then blushing lightly, she added, "You know, you looked pretty cool carrying her in like that, almost heroic."

"Yeah? Does that mean you'd like me to carry you like that sometime?" He asked, turning to face her.

"That depends, do I need to be pregnant?" she said glancing sideways at him.

"Well, I'd probably have more fun if you weren't."

"So, how are you feeling? Are your arms still sore?"

"They're still tired, yeah. Are you offering another massage?"

"I'm sorry, one session per customer per visit." She said formally, bowing, "Please come back another time."

"That's alright, I just need a hot shower, and a good night's sleep." Looking down the street, he squinted at something in the rain. "Amy?"

Amy ran up to them, panting, trying to catch her breath. Holding on to Corey, she gasped out, "Yuki…fight… injured…ambulance."

"What?" Seira gasped, "Yuki's hurt? Where is she? How bad is she hurt?" Turning, she ran into the police box. "Hey, we need another ambulance, one of my friends got hurt in a fight."

The policeman at the desk grabbed his radio, requesting an ambulance, and then grabbed a large bright orange bag from under the desk. "I have our first responder kit. Let's go!"

The other officer held up his hand, saying, "Let's get some more details before you run off. You need to analyze the situation before you can determine the proper course of action."

"Yes sir." He replied.

Seira stepped out of the doorway as Corey led Amy in and set her down in a chair. "You got your wind back? Now, tell us what happened."

"Yuki, Izumi and I were going to Izumi's house, when we were stopped by this group of guys. There were six of them, all in their early twenties. They grabbed Izumi, and one was grabbing for me, so I punched him in the nose. I thought if I could get them fighting me, they would leave Yuki and Izumi alone. I was doing ok, when…" She paused as tears filled her eyes, "Oh Corey, I screwed up, I let one of them get behind me. He was coming at me with a piece of pipe, and Yuki jumped into the way to save me. He broke her back Corey! She can't move her legs, and it's all my fault!"

Corey's face became grim, while Seira fell back against the wall, stunned.

The policeman squatted down in front of her, placing a hand on her knee. "It'll be alright miss, try and calm down. The ambulance is on the way. Are those men still there? Is your friend still in danger?"

"No," she said shaking her head, "they all ran after she got hurt. The one guy who seemed to call the shots got real pissed at the one who hit her. It's weird, they were all about kicking my ass, but the minute Yuki got hurt, all the fight went out of them. He said something about it blowing up in their faces. Izumi is still with her. Do you have a blanket, or a poncho? Izumi thought she was starting to go into shock. That's what happened to my sweatshirt."

"Everything is in that bag. So where is she miss?" He said standing. "Officer Watanabe will go there immediately."

"I'll take you there. She two blocks from here." She said rising from her chair.

"Here miss." The younger officer said as he handed her a police issue sweatshirt. "We don't need you getting pneumonia. We'll loan you a poncho as well."

"Thank you, do you have another one for Izumi? She gave Yuki her jacket, so I'm sure she's soaked by now."

"We have enough for all of you girls. Unfortunately, we don't have one big enough for you sir."

"One moment." The other officer said. "I have an idea." Opening a closet door, he took out a large trash bag. "We used these for cleaning up after the New Year." Taking his pocketknife, he cut an opening in the end. Handing it to Corey, he said, "It's not pretty, but it'll keep most of the rain off."

'Thank you, that's very thoughtful." He said giving a slight bow.

Ponchos were given to Amy and Seira, and then they all ran out the door, racing into the rain.

-

"Are you still cold, Yuki?" Izumi said hugging herself.

"Not so much since you and Amy covered me. How about you? You don't have your jacket, you must be cold." she said, her voice barely audible.

"I'll be fine. You just worry about yourself."

"Izumi, what's going to happen to me? If I can't play baseball, they'll take away my scholarship. I won't be able to go to Kisuragi anymore. I won't be able to stay with you guys, and I'll be alone again."

"I'll talk to my mother, and we'll discuss what we can do. Yuki, I want you to remember something. When Ryo told you you'd never be alone as long as you were part of the team, she didn't just mean until we graduated. I'm sure I'm speaking for all the girls when I say that we will be a team until the day we die. So don't worry about being alone Yuki, we won't let that happen."

Yuki began crying softly, "Thank you, Izumi. It makes me feel better to hear you say that."

"Hey, don't cry, you might aggravate your injury. I thought you were going to be strong about all this." She said laying a hand on Yuki's shoulder.

"I'm sorry, you're right, I'm going to be strong. Do you think Amy's made it to the police?"

"I'm sure she'll be back any time now." Then, chuckling, she added, "I know I wouldn't want to be the one to try and stop her."

-

The group entered the karaoke booth, and sat down. They had split up after the fight to avoid standing out, and arranged to meet here later. The leader took a look out the door, before closing and locking it. He then turned, and glaring at his crew said, "You guys are pathetic. Not only didn't you take down that Yankee piece of trash, you hurt an innocent daughter of Japan. We all heard the bones break; she'll be lucky if she can manage to shit right. Who told you to use a weapon anyway? Grown men getting their asses handed to them by a fifteen-year old girl."

"Don't start with that anti-foreign militant crap. I was in this for the money. It sucks to be that girl, but I'm more upset by that bitch slapping us around like that. I didn't see you jump back in there after she broke your nose Toru, so don't start laying into us. She wasn't just a fifteen-year old girl, somebody taught her how to fight to win. There was no hesitation in her. Hey, Kino, how's the head?"

"Still spinning, I think she gave me a concussion with that elbow of hers."

"Dude, the look she gave me when we were fighting; ice cold. I'm lucky she didn't break my jaw."

"What happened to Kosuke?" Toru asked.

"He went to the E.R. She broke his collarbone."

"Yeah! That was a wicked move! She brushed aside his punch with her left, and then slammed the edge of her right fist down on his collarbone. He couldn't use his arm after that."

"So what're we going to do Toru? That guy that hired you isn't going to be happy we screwed up. He's not going to come up with the other half of the money he promised, is he?"

"He's supposed to call me at nine. I say screw the rest of the money; I'll do this for free. That bitch is finished."

"Yeah? How is it going to be different this time?"

"I'm getting Akira."

"That monster? She won't stand a chance. Sweet!"

-

"She's just around that corner." Amy said as they ran.

"Alright," the policeman said, "I want all of you to stay here. This is a crime scene. I want to try and preserve it, and it will be a lot more difficult if you are all wandering around in there." Then continuing alone, he radioed in his location. Carefully making his way over to Yuki, he held out the poncho to Izumi. "Here miss, put this on, and go join your friends. I'll stay with her until the ambulance arrives."

Izumi looked up, her hair plastered to her head from the rain, and said, "I'm not leaving her. She's scared, and I promised I wouldn't leave her alone." Then her eyes opened in recognition, "You're the policeman from this afternoon!" The emotions she'd been holding in, trying to be strong for Yuki, came pouring out. With tears in her eyes, she said, "It was that same bunch from before! They hurt her. She's an athlete and they took that away from her. Why did this happen? She never even thought of hurting anyone. It's not fair!" Then her face became fierce, "You've got to make them pay!"

"You're right, they should pay for this. Not just for hurting her, but for assaulting you girls in the first place. She's not the only victim here. I need you to leave the area. A forensic team will be coming here, looking for clues to their identity, and you could be accidentally destroying evidence. Please take the poncho, and carefully join your friends." He handed it to her with a look on his face that told Izumi he would bear no more arguments. "I will be extremely careful with her, so don't worry."

Taking the poncho, she stood up and put it on. Reaching down, she picked up her purse, and turned to leave.

"Miss! Wait!" The policeman said, holding out his hand. "Is that footprint from tonight?"

"Yes, they stepped on it during the fight. They broke my cell phone in the process. Why?"

"I'm afraid I'll have to take that for evidence. If we can match that print to one of the suspects shoes, it may place him at the scene."

"Sure!" She said, "I'll just take my wallet, and you can have it!"

Handing him the purse, she walked wearily to the others, making sure she didn't step on anything. Seira took her into her arms, hugging her gently. "Izumi, you're freezing! We need to get you warmed up!"

She looked at her through tired eyes "I'll be okay, let's wait until the ambulance arrives, then we'll go tell my mother about what happened."

They watched as the policeman got down on his knees, and opening up the bag, pulled on latex gloves. Then leaning down, he met Yuki's gaze. "Hello again. I'm sorry were meeting under these circumstances. I'm Officer Watanabe, What's your name?

"Yuki, Yuki Azuma."

"I'm aware of your injury, and I'm going to try to make you a little more comfortable until the ambulance arrives." Taking her wrist he checked her pulse. "Are you having any trouble breathing?"

"Maybe a little." She said in a whisper.

"I'm going to give you some oxygen, it'll help offset some of the effects of the trauma you received." Taking a small cylinder out of the bag, he looped the hose around her head, and put it in her nose. He then took out a reflective blanket, and replaced the wet clothes that were covering her. "You have some good friends. They sacrificed their comfort to help you. Don't be concerned, I'm just going to do a preliminary evaluation of your condition." Taking a flashlight, he bent down by her face again and flashed it in her eyes, "Pupils even and reactive, good. Now I'm going to check your legs. You let me know if you feel anything." Taking off her shoes, he poked the soles of her feet with a pen.

"Oh!" Yuki said, "I felt that!"

"That's promising. You may get back movement, Miss Azuma. Now we just need to wait. It shouldn't be too much longer before the ambulance arrives."

The next ten minutes were complete chaos. Police, emergency personnel, and four tired teenagers, danced around each other. They watched as the ambulance crew carefully rolled Yuki over, and secured her to a wooden stretcher board. They lashed her head, shoulders, waist, and legs down tightly, so there was no chance of accidentally moving her the wrong way. The ambulance crew, assisted by two policemen, carried her to the gurney outside the police tape. As they were securing the board, Izumi went over to her. The others looked over her shoulder.

"We'll be coming to see you as soon as we can. We need to let the rest of the team know what happened. Be brave Yuki, I know you can."

"Ok, I'll be waiting. Don't take too long."

"What hospital are you taking her to?" she asked the attendant.

"University of Tokyo, they're close, and have the equipment to evaluate her condition."

Stepping back, they watched them load her into the ambulance and drive away, sirens blaring.

The policeman in charge walked up and said, "They'll need to contact her parents. Do any of you have the number?"

"My mother has it on her computer, I'll ask her to contact them. We'll also bring it to the hospital when we go."

"Good, we have your statements, and your description of the culprits, so I think we can let you leave. Miss, you look exhausted. Let me have someone drive you all home."

"Sure, that would be nice." Then her eyes rolled back, and she collapsed. Acting quickly, Corey's caught her before she could fall to the ground.

"Izumi!" Seira cried. "Oh my god! What the hell is going on tonight?"

"Seira, relax." Corey said checking Izumi's pulse. Then picking her up continued. "She's just worn out. She kept pushing until her body gave out. Let's get her out of the rain, and warm her up."

The officer led them to a van, and held the door while the girls climbed in the back row. Corey set Izumi on the middle seat, and then climbed in beside her. Seira gave the driver Izumi's address, and they were off.

"How are you doing Amy?" Seira asked softly.

"I'm tired and cold, but I'll survive. Ahhh! I was such an idiot letting that guy sneak up on me like that. I owe Yuki my life, and I can't do anything to help her."

"Amy, don't be too hard on yourself. It was six on one, in an open area. You couldn't guard your back. You also had two other people you were trying to protect, so your focus was split. Bad guys aren't going to just line up and take you on one by one. I wish I had been there to help. Yuki would probably still be standing" Corey said as he held Izumi in his lap, rubbing her arms, trying to warm her.

"I guess you're right. God! I wish I had that bleach blonde weasel in front of me! Thinking I would let him use me like that!"

"I know how you feel," Seira said, "I had guys approach me like that when I was hanging out in bars. They wouldn't take no for an answer, so I had to set them straight." She cracked her knuckles for emphasis.

Amy grinned, "Too bad you weren't there Seira, we could have wiped the street with them."

"You know it! The two baddest babes in Tokyo, kicking ass!" She said holding her fist in front of her.

"Kisuragi's own Dirty Pair!" Amy said imitating her.

"Hell yeah, we got a redhead and a brunette, give us the big guns, and bring on the bad guys."

The officer driving the van cleared his throat, and scowled at them in the rear view mirror.

"Must you make so much noise?" Izumi said groggily.

"Izumi, you're awake!" Seira said leaning over the seat. "That's great!"

"Here I am resting in the arms of a good looking guy, and I can't enjoy it because you're making such a racket." She said looking at Seira with a teasing grin. "This really is quite comfortable Seira, you should try it sometime."

"That's ok Izumi. It's your turn. You can borrow him for now."

"Hey! I'm sitting right here. Don't make decisions for me like that." Then, looking down he asked, "How are you doing, Izumi?"

"I'm cold, tired, and angry. The sweetest girl on the team may never get to play again. Why did they do that, Corey?"

"A lot of men are pigs, Izumi. They think women are there only for their gratification. If the gal fights back, they get mad. It's like that in the States too."

"So why did you turn out different? I can't imagine you doing something like that." She said resting her head on his shoulder.

"Because of my dad. I was a hell raiser when I was younger. I'd sneak out of the house and go run with a gang in New York City. That's why dad quit his job and moved us to Michigan. I thank God he did that. I would probably be dead if he hadn't."

"I can't believe you were in a gang!" Seira said, surprised. "You're the most considerate guy I've ever met."

"All because of mom and dad. They were so patient, and after all the heartache I put them through."

"If your mom is such a saint, why are you interested in me?" Seira asked resting her cheek on the seat back. "I'm about as far from that as you can get."

"You're mysterious, Seira." He said, meeting her gaze. "One minute you're ripping into someone, the next you're amazingly gentle and repentant. I never met anyone like you. When you slapped me in the pizza shop tonight, I felt so lost. I felt confused, hurt, and sure I had permanently damaged our relationship. Then you show up in the park, your heart in your hand, and I fell for you all over again. I don't know if this is really love or not, I just know I want you to be part of my life."

"You've definitely changed Seira." Izumi said gently. "I've noticed that you're a lot less angry and sarcastic since Amy and Corey have come."

"I guess I needed someone to make me want to change." She said blushing lightly.

"I hate to interrupt this tender moment, but were here." The officer said, pulling through the gate.

"Whoa!" Amy said looking out the window. "I knew you had money, Izumi, but this place is incredible. It must take up the whole block!"

"Don't exaggerate Amy." Izumi said climbing off Corey's lap. "It's not nearly that large. Still, responsibility does come with privileges."

The van pulled up to the front walkway, and the four of them got out. Izumi was still a little unsteady, so Corey supported her elbow. "Thank you for driving us." She said through the door window. "If you'll wait a moment, we'll return the ponchos." The girls quickly removed them, and put them in the back.

"Do you need the sweatshirt back right now?" Amy asked, starting to take it off. "I really don't want to go into the chairman's house wearing only my bra."

"No! You can bring it back later. Propriety comes before property. You kids get some rest; it's been a rough evening. Goodbye."

They watched as the taillights disappeared through the gate before turning around and climbing the steps to the front door. Walking in, they saw Ms. Himuro standing in the entryway. "I heard the van. The police? Izumi, what happened? You're so late, and soaked to the skin. You all look exhausted, come in, please."

"Mother! It's terrible, Yuki's in the hospital with a broken back! She might not be able to walk again!" Izumi said rushing to her.

Wrapping her daughter in a protective embrace, she said, "Oh Izumi, what dreadful news. She's such a sweet girl. She's finally overcome her depression, only to have this thrust on her. This is terrible. Are you all right? Your skin feels like ice."

"I wouldn't leave her mother. She's my teammate; I couldn't abandon her just because I was a little uncomfortable. Amy ran for help while I sat with her."

"That was very noble of you Izumi. I'm proud of both of you. Let's sit down everyone, and you can tell me the details."

They proceeded to a central room filled with elegant furnishings. Izumi and Ms. Himuro sat down on a settee, while the others stood looking uncomfortable. "What's wrong?" Ms Himuro asked.

Seira spoke up, "Um, our clothes are a mess. We don't want to get your furniture dirty."

"Thank you for your concern, but I insist, please."

So they sat down and proceeded to relate the details of their tragic evening.

"You have had a trying evening, that's for certain." Ms. Himuro said standing up. " I will contact Miss Azuma's parents. Why don't you all get cleaned up? Corey, give Mr. Yamagida your size, and he will get some dry clothing for you. Amy, you do the same. I doubt neither Izumi nor I have anything that would fit you." Then her face softened and added, "Please fell free to spend the night. I doubt Yuki will be receiving visitors very soon, so get some rest."

"We need to call the rest of the team first." Izumi said standing with a groan.

"Izumi, you and Amy are nearly wiped out." Seira said rising from her seat, "You two go take a bath, while I call the team. I'll run the water for you."

"Corey, there's a shower in the guest room, feel free to use it." Izumi said looking at him warmly. "And Corey? Thank you for taking care of me."

"Any time. Well, see you all in a little bit. Amy, I'll give Mr. Yamagida your size, so just concentrate on relaxing, ok?"

"Thanks Corey, I appreciate it."

The girls moved to Izumi's room, while Mr. Yamagida showed Corey to the guest room. "Wow," he said when he entered, "This isn't a room; it's its own house!" The main room was ten meters square, with a small kitchen area. A sofa group and a big screen TV filled one corner. The other corner had everything needed for a successful home office. The attached bath had a shower and a large soaking tub, and the bedroom held a king size bed with a walk in closet. "Mr. Yamagida, have they ever considered taking on a boarder? They could charge a million a month for a room like this."

"The Himuro Group has yet to venture into property management. I don't believe Ms. Himuro would approve of leasing part of her own home."

"I'm sorry." Corey said, "I was being rhetorical."

"Of course." He replied, bowing. "I will be back in approximately fifteen minutes with your and Miss Watson's clothes. Please take as long as you need in the bath."

"Mr. Yamagida, please don't bow to me. I'm not important enough to be worthy of that kind of respect."

"The fact that you feel that way after caring for Miss Izumi, makes you so. Good evening Mr. Watson"

Walking into the bath, Corey turned on the shower, letting the water warm the room. Taking off his clothes he stepped in, letting the spray strip away the sweat and grime that seemed to permeate every pore. He was tired. He wanted to sleep for a day, but the girls would be expecting him. "Well guess I'd better get this done and get back out there."

-

Amy sat on the stool, holding a towel in front of her. Izumi was already soaking, a smile on her face. Opening her eyes, she looked at Amy and asked, "What's the matter? Get in here before you get chilled."

"Um, Izumi, I never shared a bath before. I'm a little shy about my body."

"This from someone who ran down the street in her bra? What happened to the girl who kicked bad guy ass earlier?"

"That's different. Running doesn't give someone a very good look, and I at least had my bra on. I just don't feel very feminine when I'm next to other girls."

"You shared showers, right? This isn't that much different. I'm your friend, I won't say anything."

"Yeah, but they were all farm girls, so they were used to seeing big arms and wide shoulders. Why do you think I always wear such loose fitting clothes?"

"Amy, were wasting time, get in here! Seira has a muscular body, and Mao is just plain big, so you won't stand out that much."

"Promise you won't laugh?" She said standing up. Taking a deep breath, she dropped the towel.

"There that wasn't so hard was it?" Looking her over, Izumi noticed a large bruise above her right knee. "Amy! What happened? Is that from the fight?"

"Yeah, I got it when I kneed that guy in the chin. It's a little sore, but it looks worse than it really is."

"You ran when that knee was injured? Are you trying to cripple yourself? What if you've damaged a tendon? Sit on the edge here and let me look at it."

"It's fine. I barely notice it. Well, here I come." Sticking her foot in, she let out a gasp, "Yeow, that's hot! Does this bath thing only have one temperature?"

"You'll get used to it. Your grandparents house doesn't have a bath?"

"We never use it. We're never here that long, so every minute counts. A shower was all we ever needed." She said sitting down next to the tub.

"I guess it's an American thing. No time to relax."

"You still knocking America? It has its good points. AAAAAHH!!!" Amy cried when the water hit her bruise. Tears in her eyes, she sat back on the edge and pulled her leg up, holding her knee, rocking in pain.

"I thought so, I can tell it's swollen from here. You were on an adrenaline high, first from the fight, then worrying about Yuki. You're going to see a doctor when we go to the hospital tomorrow."

"Yes ma'am" She said through clenched teeth.

"Oh and Amy? I think you have a wonderful body."

-

Seira hung up the phone, and breathed a sigh of relief. She had called the coach first, and he agreed to call everyone else. "I would've had to repeat all the details of what happened; I don't think I could have done it again without crying. I think I'll join those two in the bath." Walking into Izumi's bedroom, she heard Amy's scream. Panicking, she burst through the bathroom door, only to hear 'Amy, I think you have a wonderful body', and Amy sitting with her knees pulled up to her chest. A million scenarios flashed through her head before she finally said, "Izumi! What did you do, molest her?"

"What are you talking about? Why would I do that?" Izumi said confused.

"Then why is Amy crying, and what was that scream?" She said storming up to the tub.

"Take a look at her knee, and I think you'll know."

Seeing the ugly purple mark Seira swallowed hard. "Ow! That looks painful. Sorry Izumi."

"That's alright, we're all a little on edge right now. Truth be known Seira, if I was going to touch anyone like that, it would be you." Seira stood stunned, unable to speak, until Izumi began laughing, pointing at her. "Oh that is so precious! I made Seira speechless! The girl who has a comeback in every situation left standing with her mouth open. Seira, we've known each other for almost a year, if I was gay I think you would have found out by now." Her laughter subsided, and she added, "Seriously Seira, I fought Ryo for Hiroki's affections, why would I suddenly like girls?"

"I'm sorry Izumi, I put two and two together, and got five. Forgive me?" She said her head bowed.

"Of course. The water's too hot for Amy's knee, why don't you join me? I promise to keep my hands to myself."

"You got me, I'll be right in." She stripped off her clothes, quickly cleansed herself, and then wrapped her hair in a towel. Sinking into the water, she let out a contented sigh. "It's a shame about the knee Amy, nothing like a good soak after a bad day."

"That's ok, I didn't think it was that bad. I hope Mr. Yamagida gets back with those clothes soon, I'm getting a little chilly here."

"We can tell." Seira said pointing at Amy's chest.

"I have an idea. Amy, grab the stool and bring it here."

Amy hobbled over and picked it up. Bringing it back, she handed it to Izumi, "Here you are."

Izumi set the stool in the tub and said, "Amy, I want you to sit with your back to the tub." When Amy complied, she continued, "Now you're going to lean back, and Seira and I will carry you to the stool. You'll be able to soak, while we keep your leg out of the water."

"Do you really think it will work? You aren't in the best shape Izumi, and I'm no petite little girl."

"We can do this. Are you ready Seira?"

"You bet, Welcome to heaven Amy."

Amy scooted her body back so her butt was at the edge of the tub. Then closing her eyes, she tentatively leaned back into their waiting arms.

Holding her in the middle of the back, and under her knees, they set her down on the stool with her shoulders against the far side of the tub. Seira held her knee out of the water, as Izumi moved around so that Amy could rest her leg on her shoulder.

"Izumi," Amy said, tears forming again, "This feels so good. Thank you for doing this. You didn't need to."

"So I was supposed to sit here warm and comfortable while you sat there shivering? What kind of host would I be if I did that?"

Seira moved next to her and said, "Izumi let me do that. You've had a lot rougher day than I have. You sit back and relax."

"You guys," Amy said looking at the ceiling, "I had a sobering thought. What you just did for me, someone will have to do for Yuki, probably for the rest of her life."

They became silent, thinking about their friend, when a voice called through the door. "Miss Watson, I have your clothes. I will leave them on Miss Izumi's bed. I hope everything fits."

"Thank you, Mr. Yamagida. You're a wonderful man."

"Not at all. I was only doing my job. Sleep well, ladies."

"Mr. Yamagida, one moment please." Izumi called. "Would you bring an ice pack and an elastic bandage? Amy received a rather nasty bruise that will need some attention."

"Of course, Miss Izumi. Do you need more time in the bath, or should I bring it now?"

"I don't think Amy should stay in here too long, so please bring it now."

"Yes Miss Izumi, I will return shortly."

-

Corey sat on the sofa with a towel wrapped around his waist. He had the TV on watching a police drama, when a knock on the door drew his attention. Mr. Yamagida entered carrying a pile of clothes.

"Are you finished already Mr. Watson? I apologize for not returning sooner."

"That's fine Mr. Yamagida, I never take more than ten minute showers. You're back in the time you said you would, so don't worry."

"Have you tried the bath? It can be quite relaxing after a difficult day."

"I didn't think I had time. How are the girls doing?"

"They were all still in the bath when I dropped off your sister's clothes. Miss Izumi informed me that Miss Watson had sustained an injury in the course of the evening, and required an ice pack. If you will excuse me, I will retrieve one for her now."

"Amy's hurt? How badly?" Corey said, rising from seat and reaching for the clothes.

"I am uncertain. A gentleman does not enter a lady's bath, please excuse me."

"Of course," He said politely, "Thank you for getting these for me."

"You're welcome. Sleep well, Mr. Watson."

Corey quickly dressed, choosing a t-shirt and some lounge pants. "Nice. He knows my style." Then venturing through the door, he set off in search of Izumi's room.

-

Amy pulled the t-shirt over her head. It was a men's, which didn't surprise her. "I guess they don't have many big and tall girl boutiques in Tokyo." It covered her to the middle of her thigh, so she decided against the lounge pants for the time being. Lying on the couch with her leg up, Amy took the ice pack from Izumi, and placed it on her bruise. "How long should I keep this on?"

"Ten minutes or so, then off for five, then another ten. When you're done, we'll wrap it with the elastic to help support the area." Izumi, dressed in pajamas, sat on the couch adjacent to Amy's, while Seira, in a borrowed robe, sprawled on the one opposite. "You know, Yuki used my bath before going to the party. Those thugs accosted us while we were coming here from school. She was so upset; she could barely stand. She's so easily overwhelmed, will she survive this?"

"What does that mean?" Seira asked pointedly. "Do you think she'd try and kill herself again?"

"I don't know. It's a possibility, although a grim one."

"NO!" Amy exclaimed. "We won't let her. We need to be there for her, to lift her spirits when she's down. I'm responsible for her being like this. I'll take care of her; for the rest of my life if I have to."

"You sound like Hayakawa." Izumi said with a sad smile. "It'll be a lot of hard work. Oh! I forgot to ask my mother about her scholarship. Yuki was worried they would take it away."

"She's right." Seira said bleakly, "When we signed the papers, we agreed if we were unable to play, we would give up any rights to the scholarship. Not being able to walk is about as unable to play as you can get."

"Izumi," Amy asked quietly. "Does Yuki blame me for this? If she does, she may not want to see me tomorrow."

"She knows you didn't mean for her to get hurt Amy, but she questioned whether confronting those creeps was the right thing."

"I asked myself the same thing. If I hadn't, all three of us might be in the hospital, the victims of rape, or even dead. So I don't think there was a choice. I was going to protect my friends from being violated." She paused, and then said quietly, "Yuki should have let him hit me."

"Then you would be dead, and the two of us raped." Izumi said leaning forward. "You were only doing what any noble person would do. Try and protect those who are dear to you. Amy, it means a great deal that you put yourself in harm's way for me. It's horrible what happened to Yuki, but don't blame yourself. You didn't swing the pipe that broke her back, so don't let this undeserved guilt break yours."

"I wonder if your mom was able to get hold of her parents?" Amy asked repositioning the ice pack.

"Oh crap!" Seira said jumping up, "I forgot to call my dad to let him know where I am. He'll think I'm out on the streets again." Then retying her robe, she ran out the door."

"I always hate wearing that robe." Izumi commented, "It's pretty, but that sash never stays tied."

Seira hurried down the hall, retracing her steps toward the phone, when she heard someone playing the piano. Curiously, she peeked around the corner. Eyes closed with his brow furrowed in concentration, sat Corey. His hands moved confidently over the keys, filling the room with sound. Her eyes never leaving his face, she quietly made her way over, not wanting to disturb him. She succeeded, until she stubbed her toe on the leg of the piano. "OW! Damn, that hurt!" she said hopping in place, holding her injured foot.

"Seira! Are you all right? Sit down and let me take a look at it." He said rising from the bench.

She limped to a chair, and sitting down, leaned over to look at her foot. Corey knelt down in front of her, and inspecting the damage said, "It doesn't look too bad. It'll be sore for a while, but you won't lose the nail." Then looking up at her, he turned bright red. Redirecting his gaze away, he cleared his throat, and said, "Um, Seira, you're hanging out."

Distracted by the pain, Seira failed to notice her jumping around had undone the sash of her robe, exposing her breasts. With a squeak, she quickly wrapped the folds of the robe around her. "This is the last time I wear a silk robe!" She said, her face scarlet. "Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt your playing. That was nice."

"Mozart, piano concerto number 3, that's the only piece of classical music I know. I learned it for my recital when I was eleven. I usually don't get to play on a nice piano like this, so I couldn't resist. Can you believe they have a Bosendorfer?"

"Bo-sen-do-ru-fe-ru?" Seira said trying the unfamiliar name. "Is that good?"

"Yes, They're hand made, and very expensive. Professional pianists play them in concert halls around the world. The tone is unreal. Here, come sit down with me."

Joining him on the bench, she admired the high gloss of the finish. "It's beautiful. I can see my reflection in it."

"Each coat of lacquer is polished, and there are at least seven coats on here. Look at the detail on the casework. You couldn't get a piece of tissue paper in those joints. This is a work of art. All this meticulous attention to detail; however, is outshone by one thing, the sound." Plunking a single note, it rang through the room. "Can you hear that? No harmonics, no flatness, just the pure note."

"I'm sorry, I wouldn't know the difference. I'm not much into classical music." She said with a weak smile.

"You're right, I'm getting carried away. Would you like to hear me play something else?"

"What do you play back home?"

"Some buddies and I have a little garage band. We cover country and classic rock. Stuff like Alabama, Lone Star, CCR, The Eagles…"

"I've heard of them!" Seira said excitedly, "'Hoteru Cariforuniya', right?"

"That's the one." He said. "How about I play something that was written for piano? I like this one because I can identify with the guy struggling to make it in life; never realizing what really matters is having someone to love him. Then he began playing a soft, gentle melody before he began singing in a clear baritone.

'Desperado, why don't you come to your senses?

You've been out riding fences for so long now

Oh you're a hard one, but I know that you got your reasons

These things that are pleasing you will hurt you somehow'

Seira watched him play, his eyes closed again, putting his feelings into the song. She smiled as she put her head on his shoulder, and closed her eyes to listen.

'Don't you draw the Queen of diamonds, boy; she'll beat you if she's able

You know the Queen of hearts is always your best bet.

Now it seems to me some fine things, have been laid upon your table

But you only want the ones that you can't get

Desperado, oh you ain't getting no younger,

This pain and this hunger, are driving you home

And freedom, oh freedom, that's just some people talking

Your prison is walking through this world all alone

Don't your feet get cold in the wintertime?

The sky won't snow and the sun won't shine

It's hard to tell the nighttime from the day

You're losing all the highs and lows

Ain't it funny how the feeling goes, away?

Desperado, why don't you come to you're senses?

Come down from your fences and open the gate

It may be raining, but there's a rainbow above you

You better let somebody love you before it's too late

Ooh, you better let somebody love you…before it's too late'

When he had finished, he looked down at Seira, only to find she'd fallen asleep. Smiling, he thought 'So much for keeping her entertained.' Shaking her gently, he roused her. "Hey, Sleeping Beauty, wake up."

"Wha?" She said looking around, "Oh, I fell asleep! Corey, I'm sorry! That was rude of me. Your song wasn't boring, not at all. I …" She was silenced as Corey put his finger over her lips.

"It's ok. It's been a long day, and we're both tired. It's nearly ten thirty, I don't think anyone would blame us if we went to bed."

You're right," she said through a yawn. "Oh! I never called my dad! That's what I came out here for!"

"I should let mom know where I am too. The last she saw me was when I left the pizza shop."

Rising from the bench, they made their way from the room. "I'll show you where the phone is."

The phone was on a stand in an alcove off the main entrance. Seira called her father first, and then Corey his mother. Neither disclosed details about the events of the evening, not wanting their parents to worry. Corey hung up the phone, and turning to Seira said, "Now that that's out of the way, I suppose I should say good night. Oh, that's right, I came out here looking for Izumi's room. Mr. Yamagida said Amy was hurt, and I wanted to check on her. I saw that piano, and it completely slipped my mind"

"She'll be ok. She got a nasty bruise from the fight, but Izumi was treating it. You're a good brother, worrying about your sister like that." She said looking at him warmly.

"I'm the big brother, I'm supposed to do things like that. Amy's been through a lot this past year, and I want to be there for her."

"Still, you're a good man Corey Watson. Good night." Then stepping close, Seira stood on her tiptoes, and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. Turning to go, she was surprised when Corey gently grabbed her arm, and turned her around. Looking at him questioningly, she was taken back when he reached out and brushed her hair away from her face.

"So beautiful." He said softly, stroking the line of her jaw.

Seira felt a shudder run through her body at his touch. A longing was awakened in her, and she unconsciously moved toward him. Corey bent slowly down, his eyes closing.

'He's going to kiss me!' Seira thought, panicking. She put her hand on his chest, saying, "Corey wait, I'm not ready for this. Stop."

Looking confused, he pulled back and searched her face. Seeing the fear in her eyes, his face softened, and he said, "Sorry, I guess I misread the signals. I'm not going to force you to do anything you don't want to. I can wait."

"Thanks Corey. I'm not saying it will never happen, just not yet." She hugged him, laying her head against his chest, saying, "I never thought I'd find a guy like you. I'm flattered you think I'm beautiful. Um, I need to go, they'll be wondering what happened to me."

"Then let's get you to bed." He said, pulling away, "We have a busy day tomorrow."

With Seira lightly hugging his arm, Corey walked her to Izumi's door. "You know I won't get any sleep now." Seira said grinning, reaching for the handle.

"Sure you will, you'll just have something good to dream about. Good night Seira. I love you."

The words struck her like a punch to the gut. He had said it. She looked down, terrified all over again. Opening the door, she turned away saying, "Good night Corey, Sleep well." Entering the room, she closed the door, and then leaned against it. Her heart breaking, she said softly. "Why did I tell him that? Am I that afraid of how I feel? I just hurt him when I said I would never do that." The room was dark, and the others were already asleep. Seira quietly made her way to the foldout bed, and gently climbed in. Looking at Amy sleeping next to her, she whispered, "That's some brother you've got there. Thank you for bringing him into my life. Why can't I let him in? I know he really cares for me, but I keep pushing him away. Here's my chance to receive some genuine affection, and I keep blowing it. He told me that he loved me." Then with tears clouding her vision, she added, " I hope someday I'm brave enough to love him back." Turning over, memories of Corey's touch filling her thoughts, she cried herself to sleep.