Here's the next installment. I apologize for taking so long updating this, but life has made too many demands on me lately to commit as much time to writing. I also went through a major period of burnout. I'll try to update the next chapter sooner, but no guarantees. I also have to advise the fifteen or so people who read the story before I caught a major oops. Koji, the one who hurt Yuki, not Kido, attacked the policeman as I originally wrote it. I lost track of my Ocs. That's what I get for writing this without an outline.

Read. Enjoy. Review! I thank you for your support.

-

The Warning

The girls looked at Hiroki amazed. "What?" Ryo said getting her wits back. "How did you get him to agree to that? That's a lot of money Hiroki."

"Gramps is a generous guy, and as Chairman of the Takasugi group, he can afford to be generous." He said shrugging. "He agrees you deserve a larger shower room."

"This is great!" Hikaru beamed. Stepping towards him she said. "Hiroki, I could kiss you."

"Step back girlfriend." Ryo said gently grabbing a pigtail. "That's my line." Then she moved to Hiroki, and wrapping her arms around his neck, kissed him warmly.

"This isn't right." Amy said quietly. "We can't just take his money."

"What are you talking about Amy?" Seira said incredulous. "If the old man wants to help us out then let him."

"We can't," She said shaking her head. "He doesn't have any responsibility for this team. Hiroki, if I could interrupt you and Ryo? Would you call your grandfather back? I'd like to talk with him."

"Are you sure?" He said seriously. "Gramps doesn't give his money to everyone. He's passionate about baseball and feels that after the girls proved themselves last year they should have better facilities. If you refuse, it'll just make him mad."

"I'm sure." She said smiling. "I'm not going to refuse the money, I just don't want a handout."

Confused, Hiroki dialed the number. Holding it to his ear, he waited and then said. "Hello Gramps? It's Hiroki again…No nothing's wrong. I have someone here who wants to talk to you."

Taking the phone from him, she nervously said in formal speech, "Good morning Chairman Takasugi. My name is Amy Watson. I hope this day finds you in good health."

"Good morning Miss Watson." He replied in a light voice. "I'm doing well, thank you. Am I correct in assuming that you are the young American that struck out my grandson the other day?"

"Yes sir that would be me. I am sorry to interrupt your morning like this, but I was wondering if I could ask a favor of you?"

Certainly my dear, it never hurts to ask. What might I do for you?"

"It is about your paying for the renovations to our showers sir. I am having trouble accepting a donation of such a large sum of money."

Chuckling, he said. "I assure you my dear, I can easily afford it. Don't think anything of it. Your teammates have given this old heart of mine hope for our country's future."

"It is not that sir. We greatly appreciate your sacrifice, and humbly offer our thanks. The favor I am asking is this. Instead of a donation, might we treat this as a loan? I am unworthy of your generosity, and would like to pay you back."

"My, my, such a humble attitude. Your ethics are to be commended Miss Watson, but I believe I shall be dead before you can raise that much money."

"I believe if the whole team contributes, we can raise the money by the end of the summer." She said with conviction.

"Do your teammates share this sentiment? Do not make decisions for others, young lady. It will only cause you grief."

"I will discuss it with them. We were trying to think of ways to raise the money before Hiroki called. You have taken away our anxiety, and we thank you for that. I told my teammates when I first came here, that I was excited about the chance to make history. Everyone has already given me so much, I want to give a little back."

"You're a fine young woman to make an offer like this. I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll discuss this with Ms. Himuro first. Then I'll have my contractor inspect the facilities, and when the final total is known, I'll make a decision. I'll then meet with the team to discuss the terms. Good day Miss Watson."

"Good day Chairman Takasugi. Thank you again for your kindness." Pressing the end call button, she handed the phone back to Takasugi. "He's going to get back to us with a decision. I know you guys think I'm crazy, but I want to do something to contribute. Everyone's been so generous to me, I'm starting to feel guilty."

"That's fine for you." Yoko said frowning. "But I'm willing to let someone who has more money than he knows what to do with help us out."

"Yoko's right Amy." Koharu said nodding her head. "We're going to be busy enough training for Koshien without working part time jobs."

"That's why we need to come up with something that will make good money in a reasonably short time." Amy said looking around the room. "You all feel like everyone looks down on you because you don't have money. Those girls didn't earn their family's money. Think of how you could throw that in their faces if we can do this."

"I like that idea Amy." Seira said getting into it. "Everything we have here was given to us by the school. If we can show those spoiled princess we can contribute to the cause, maybe we'll finally get a little respect."

"This team was big news last year." Amy said excitedly. "Let's capitalize on that. We'll do fundraisers, public appearances, and exhibition games. We'll ask for contributions for the cause. If it works, we could have the money before the start of the regional prelims! "

"I admire you determination on this Amy," Izumi said sincerely, "but any undertaking is going to need to be approved. Eyebrows would go up if it were known the school couldn't afford to pay for these renovations. You could end up alienating the Parent's Association even more."

"They had plenty of money Izumi." Hikaru said sourly. "They just didn't want to spend it. We were an embarrassment to them, and they hoped we would go away."

"Even more reason to be careful. If we make them look bad, we can kiss any future support from them goodbye." She said meeting Hikaru's gaze. "We would need to raise the money without embarrassing the school."

"How about this?" Ryo said looking thoughtful. "Amy said she feels guilty because everybody had been so generous. Why don't we pitch that to the Parent's Association? We'll tell them we want to help pay for the showers, to pay the school back for letting us come here. If we word it right, we shouldn't offend anyone."

"That's good." Amy said grinning. "Now we just need to come up with a way to make the money."

"If we did do exhibition games, how much would we ask for playing, an who would we play?" Mao asked sitting down. "High school teams wouldn't have any money either."

"I say any amateur team that's willing to help us pay for the showers." Seira said, her eyes gleaming. "I don't care if they kick our butts."

"We need to give them a good game though." Koharu said reclaiming her chair. "If we play too badly, other teams will think we're not up to the challenge."

"I think you need to be careful girls." Hiroki said concerned. "You don't want to end up with another Hori Private Academy game, and maybe lose a player before the Prelims."

"What happened?" Corey asked, curious. "Our grandfather didn't tape that game."

"They were ruthless." Ryo said scowling. "They played dirty, trying to deliberately injure one of us to cause a forfeit. Running the bases, they collided with Kanako at second, tried to take out Izumi at third, and Mao at home. The pitcher hit Seira, and tried to bean all of us. It wasn't a game we enjoyed very much."

"They really rattled you Ryo." Hiroki said putting his hand on her leg. "I never saw you throw so many wild pitches. They completely took you out of your game."

"That wasn't the reason Hiroki." She said quietly. "We had had that fight, and when I saw you in the stands, I completely lost my focus." Smiling at him, she added, "Look, just forget about it. That's in the past. Everything's all right now, so let's drop it."

"Sure Ryo," He said smiling back.

"Um, I have an idea." Yoko said looking a little embarrassed. "We could get a photo taken of us all in our uniforms and sell them as souvenirs at the games."

"Yeah!" Hikaru exclaimed. "At 500 yen each, we could really take in some money!"

"I've got it!" Koharu said grinning. "Instead of just a single picture, how about a photo book? We'll have the group photo, but we'll also have action photos of each of us playing our positions. We could charge 2500 apiece."

"I hate to throw water on your fire girls." Corey said looking around the room. "But you're forgetting it's going to take money to print these books, not to mention hiring a photographer."

"I've been working with a photographer who wouldn't be too expensive." Yoko put in. "He's young and just starting out, but I think he's taken some of my best pictures." Looking down, her face blushing lightly, she added. "I think he might have a crush on me."

"Please ask him Yoko." Ryo said cheerfully. "He could really help us out."

"You actually have a guy that's crushing on you?" Seira asked with a sly smile. "Are you sure he's a good photographer? His eyesight can't be that great."

"Ohhh! Seira! That's just plain mean." Yoko cried angrily. "He's really nice, and not bad looking. If I wasn't still in high school, I'd go out with him in a heartbeat."

"That was mean Seira." Corey said frowning. "I thought you weren't going to hurt these guys anymore? It sure looked like you were trying just then."

"You're right." She said looking sheepish. "Yoko, I'm sorry I said that. You didn't deserve it."

"I'm not forgiving you yet Seira." She said scowling. "You say you've changed, but I haven't seen any big improvement yet. If you can go a whole day without insulting or attacking me, I'll forget about this." Standing, she walked towards the door. "Izumi, I need to use your phone. I'm going to call Peter."

"Peter?" They all said in unison.

"Is he American too, Yoko?" Amy asked.

"No, he's from Australia." She said walking out of the room.

"And another foreigner enters our little circle." Izumi said shaking her head.

"What's that mean Izumi?" Amy asked sullenly. "If the guy will help us out, does it matter where he's from?"

"That's not what I meant." She replied quickly. "I was just commenting that out of all the photographers Yoko knows, she likes a guy from Australia."

"It's really not that uncommon Izumi." Hiroki said casually. "There are a lot of foreigners immigrating to Tokyo."

"I'm aware of that Hiroki." She said flustered. "Ohhh! I'm sorry I opened my mouth! Let's just drop it!" She added crossing her arms.

-

Kanako walked slowly down the path to the gate of the school. While the police had yet to finish investigating the crime scene, they had opened a passage, and were letting people through. She had wanted her father to drive her home, but he said he was going to be tied up in meetings until the afternoon. Still unnerved by the morning's events, she walked with her head down, lost in thought. Turning the corner at the gate, she collided with Seishiro, who was running to the school. They fell together into a tangle. "Ow!" she cried landing hard on her back, drawing glances from the policemen.

Seishiro lay dazed before rolling off her and saying. "Are you all right Kanako? I was in such a rush I didn't see you. I can't find Hikaru, and I'm worried."

"I'll be ok Seishiro." She said sitting up. Looking over at the officers, she waved to show them she was all right. "That didn't hurt nearly as much as when that guy from Hori Private ran me over. I haven't seen Hikaru either. Everyone was turned away before classes started. Um, if you'd like some company, I'll help you look for her."

"Are you sure? I don't want to take you away from wherever you were going." He said meekly.

"I was just going home." She said with a smile. "It would be nice to have someone to walk with. I'm feeling a little nervous about being by myself."

"With everything that's happened, I'm not surprised." He said, not sure how to respond. "I don't know that I'd be much use if those guys showed up."

"That's all right." She said shyly. "It makes me feel better just having you here."

Feeling uncomfortably close after that, Seishiro quickly stood, and offered Kanako a hand up. Taking it with a smile, she rose to her knees and then gracefully to her feet in one motion.

"You did that nicely." He said with a surprised expression. "I don't think Ryo or Hikaru could have gotten up without flashing their panties."

"We were taught that when we reached fourth grade." She said blushing lightly. "Decorum isn't easy in a short skirt."

"Well, you're always so proper, I wouldn't expect anything less." He said bending down to retrieve her book bag.

"Thank you." She said when he handed it to her. "I don't know if that's true. I think it's more a case of always worrying about embarrassing my father. If I did something scandalous, it would make him so angry." Looking down she noticed a notebook lying on the ground. "Seishiro, is this yours?" she said picking it up. She opened it, and her eyes widened. It was his sketchbook, and inside was a portrait of Hikaru wearing a smile and little else. Blushing deeply, she looked at him and said. "I'm surprised, Seishiro. I didn't think you two were so intimate. I'm sorry I looked at it."

Turning red, Seishiro stammered, "It's not what you think! I didn't ask her to do this; Hikaru volunteered. I needed to draw a nude for my art class, and she said if I was going to look at a naked woman it was going to be her. Don't tell her you saw it! I promised her no one on the team would know about it. The only other person who's seen it is my instructor."

"Hikaru must really trust you to do something like that." She said looking at it again. "It's a very good sketch. She isn't posed provocatively, and she seems relaxed."

"Yeah," He said chuckling uneasily, "she was nervous and told me to keep my eyes shut until she was ready. She didn't think I would like her body, but when I saw her, it was all I could do to keep looking at her face. We just talked for a while until we both relaxed enough to begin."

"She looks nice with her hair down. She should wear it like that all the time."

"I've said the same thing, but she said she's too used to wearing the pigtails to stop now. She such a tomboy, I don't think she'll ever change. But that's ok, we get along so well, I don't really care about how she looks. Should we get going? I really want to find Hikaru and make sure she's all right."

"Ok, let's go." She said handing him the sketchbook. They walked a little ways before she said quietly. "You're a nice guy Seishiro. Hikaru was lucky to find you."

"I was the lucky one." He replied. "If she hadn't made the first move, I'd still be heartbroken over Ryo."

"I never knew you liked Ryo that way. You two grew up together and you never told her?"

"Well, I never could get the words out. I asked her to go with me somewhere when we graduated junior high, but she was too wrapped up in getting ready to play baseball. Don't worry Kanako; I'm ok. She's happy with Takasugi, and I wish them the best. I love Hikaru, and can live with being like a brother to Ryo."

"Your right about her and Takasugi." Kanako said nodding. "Do you think they'll get married someday?"

"If they don't, it'll be a surprise." He said smiling at her. "Do you have any idea where the girls would go? It's only nine thirty."

"If they're not at the dorms, they're either getting a snack somewhere or shopping. Oh wait! Maybe they went to see Yuki!"

"Is she allowed visitors?" He questioned.

"They should have her stabilized by now. She probably had a hard time sleeping, but she should be awake. Do you mind if we swing by Izumi's first? It's not far from here, and I'd like to see her and Amy. They were attacked last night too and Amy, Corey and Seira ended up spending the night there."

"Sure, I don't mind. Maybe they've heard from the girls." He said warmly.

A goal in mind, they walked quickly until they were stopped by a traffic signal. As they waited for it to change, they were interrupted by the sound of a car horn. Looking over, Kanako's eyes grew large and she ran to the side of the car. She began talking excitedly to the driver, a beaming smile on her face. Seishiro watched curiously when Kanako turned and said. "Seishiro, come here. This is an old friend of my father's. He's offered to drive us to Izumi's"

-

Kido stepped off the elevator onto the fifth floor of the hotel. The girl at the desk had confirmed the Azumas had not checked out yet. Walking quickly down the hallway, he soon found their room. The trip over had allowed him to cool down some, but he was still angry with them. Knocking forcefully on the door, he waited.

"Coach Kido." Mr. Azuma said surprised when he opened the door. "Good morning. What can I do for you?"

"Good morning sir, may I come in? There's something we need to talk about." Kido said evenly.

"We're in the middle of packing. Can it wait?" He replied.

Kido's expression soured. "You're leaving already? You just got here last night. Your daughter is still in the hospital."

"She made it clear this morning that she doesn't think much of our parenting abilities, so we're going back home." He said matching Kido's glare. "Is that why you're here? Did she send you?"

"Look I think you need to talk to her some more, and be willing to listen. Yuki is a good girl, and I'm sure this is just a big misunderstanding. I went to see her after you left, and the nurse told me she had been so upset they needed to sedate her. She obviously wants you to stay."

"She's just regretting her rudeness. She thought she could talk back to us and we'd ignore it? I will not have a child lecture me, Mr. Kido. If she apologizes, we may forgive her, but she needs to remember her place. Until she does that, she no longer has a home in my house!"

"She's not a child Mr. Azuma. She is a young woman who is on her way to becoming an adult. She should have a say in what happens to her. If you treated her with this level of arrogance and contempt, it's no wonder she was rude to you. You abandoned her in the darkest moments of her life. First when she tried to kill herself, and now when her future is so uncertain. She needs your support, and you're throwing her out? How can you look at yourself in the morning?"

"This discussion is over Mr. Kido. Please leave." He said brusquely, closing the door.

"YOU'RE A SORRY EXCUSE FOR A FATHER!" Kido yelled as he turned and walked away. Pressing the call button for the elevator, he said softly, "I'm sorry Yuki, I tried." Stepping onto the elevator, he punched the wall in frustration.

-

Akira sat in the coffee shop looking across the table at Toru. Speaking in a soft voice he said. "Are you a complete idiot Toru? What possessed you to assault a policeman?"

"They can't prove it was us." Toru said stirring sugar into his coffee. "There wasn't anyone around."

"You are an idiot. You were only a hundred meters from the school building. Anyone looking out the window would have seen it. The cops are going to be turning this city upside down looking for you guys. Attacking some high school girls was enough to get their attention, but now you've got them angry. Kosuke was never a thug like you; I don't know why you brought him along on that job."

"I thought he was a harmless wimp. I never dreamed he'd have the balls to rat us out. We showed him how big of a mistake that was. Minoru followed him after he left last night. He heard us talking at the fights. They know about you Akira, I'm sure of it."

"I'm not going down for your stupidity Toru. We've all got records, so I'm sure those girls have picked out your mug shots by now. You can forget about me doing that girl."

"What?" Toru said loudly, drawing looks from other people in the shop. Lowering his voice again he said. "Since when are you scared of the police Akira? You've done more time than any of us."

"Doesn't mean I'm ready to do more. I'm lying low. Find some other chump to wipe your ass." He said rising from the chair.

"You know Akira. I bet the cops would be real interested to know who raped and beat that call girl to death in Shinjuku Park." Toru growled. "Bail on me and they'll get an anonymous phone call."

Sitting back down, Akira looked at Toru coldly. "Try it asshole. I get busted for that, and you're a dead man when I get out. It was accidental. The girl said she liked it rough, and I over did it. The most I'll serve is five years. A good lawyer might get me three. I can do the time. I sure as hell ain't scared of anybody in prison. Just make sure your life insurance is up to date."

"Oh come on Akira," Toru said with a nervous smile, "I was just joking. You're my bud. I wouldn't do you like that. What do you say? Do this for me, and I'm out of your life. I'll never ask a favor of you again. If I do, you can beat the crap out of me. Does that sound fair? Think about it Akira, a tall, good looking virgin."

"Damn you," He said glaring. "You know I want to do her, but you better be sure she's worth my trouble. Call me when you find her. Until then I'm staying out of sight. Thanks for the coffee." With that he got up and left, barely fitting through the doorway.

Toru sank into his chair, and breathed a sigh of relief. "That was close. What was I thinking trying to blackmail him like that?" Getting out his cell, he dialed a number. When the other end picked up, he said. "It's Toru, get rid of the trash, and don't forget to send my regards to the Chairperson's daughter. I'll see you when you get back." Snapping the phone shut, he stood up. Taking a last sip from his coffee, he set the cup on the table and walked out.

-

The girls had worked out most of the details for the photo book. They were feeling pretty confident about things when Mao interrupted them. "Hey you guys. I was thinking. What about Yuki? She's part of the team, but she won't be able to do the action shot."

"Hey, that's right!" Ryo exclaimed, "I completely forgot! It would break Yuki's heart if she couldn't be part of this. It was such a good idea too."

"There has to be a way." Seira said, her mind racing. "We could do a close up of her holding a bat."

"With the rest of us fielding?" Hikaru asked. "It would look odd."

"Couldn't we just include her in the group photo and explain she was injured?" Amy suggested. "I agree she's part of the team, but she won't be playing anymore, right?"

"Don't say that Amy!" Ryo said passionately, "We can't give up hope. Yuki will come back from this, you just watch."

"That's right." Koharu added, "She's fought back before, she can do it again."

"I told her we wouldn't abandon her. "Izumi said looking intently at Amy. "She cried with relief when she heard that, so don't be so quick to cast her aside."

"I never said I wanted to abandon her!" Amy replied defensively. "I'm just being realistic. I hope and pray that she walks again. But unless she makes a full recovery, she won't be able to play." Looking at her lap, she added softly. "If I could, I would take her place, but I can't." Close to tears again. She became quiet.

"We know that Amy." Seira said hugging her shoulder. "As torn up as you were about this last night, Izumi and I couldn't think otherwise."

"She's one of the best left fielders I've seen." Hiroki said leaning forward in his chair. "She made some incredible plays last year. She threw a runner out at home plate from deep left center. That takes a hell of an arm. She's a solid batter too."

"She surprised you in that final game." Ryo said jabbing him with her elbow. "She almost got that line drive by you in the ninth, didn't she Hiroki?"

"I still caught it." He said grinning. "I was more surprised by how close she came to catching that winning home run ball I hit. She jumped a meter and a half up that fence."

"Wow." Corey said listening. "I wish I could have seen that game live. It sounds like the video didn't do it justice."

The doorbell rang, interrupting them. Izumi rose to answer it, accompanied by Corey. "That's probably my grandfather. I'll come with you."

"We need to get going." Amy said to Seira. "Would you help me to the door?"

"Sure." She replied. "Let's get you on your feet." Standing, she reached down and pulled Amy up. They made their way around the table, and were halfway to the door when Izumi led everyone back in. Seishiro nearly ran to Hikaru, wrapping her in a fierce embrace. As they held on to each other, Kanako took an empty seat next to Mao. Corey entered last, accompanied by his grandfather. Seira stopped short when she saw who it was. With a cry, she moved to him, and hugged him saying, "Dr. Kenji! You're their grandfather? This is fantastic!"

"Good morning Seira," he replied, returning her embrace. "It's nice to see you again. Yes, Corey and Amy are my daughter's children. I would have told you if I'd known she'd applied to Kisuragi. Honestly Amy, you surprised your grandmother and me with this. You should have told us. I thought something odd was going on when you came to see us so soon after the New Year."

"I didn't want to get your hopes up in case I didn't make it." She said with a guilty smile. "Where's mom? Didn't she come with you?"

"Your grandmother was quite shaken when she heard you were attacked, so your mother stayed to keep her company. She'll be waiting at home when we get back."

"Wait a minute." Corey said looking at his grandfather and then back to Seira. "You two have already met?"

"Yup," Seira said smiling warmly at Kenji. "He's my therapist. I was going to his office when we met yesterday morning. Dr. Kenji, I forgot to tell you last night on the phone. Writing that letter to my mom was so liberating. Thank you for suggesting it."

"That's understandable, my dear." He said, a sparkle in his eye. "You weren't thinking of your mother at the time. Did you go see this boy you were telling me about?"

"I sure did." She replied nodding. "In fact he's standing behind you right now."

"Corey?" He said, looking behind him, his eyebrows rising. "Your grandmother said you'd found a girl over here. I never imagined it was Seira. So how's it going?

"Pretty good actually. She had some issues to get past, but she admitted she loved me this morning." He said gazing at Seira with a smile on his face.

"Seira," Kenji said seriously, "are you sure? Don't commit to a relationship so quickly, it may cause you heartache later"

"It's ok." She said with confidence. "Corey's been so sweet, I couldn't help it. We're planning on spending the summer together. If he has a dark side, I should see it soon enough. It's not like were getting married tomorrow. I'm sure Kenji. Corey truly loves me, and I know he would never hurt me, so don't worry about it. Besides, I know how to reach his grandfather if he does."

"Um, Seira," Amy said. She'd been balancing on one foot after Seira had run to Kenji, and she was starting to wobble. "A little help here. I really don't want to make a scene falling on my butt."

"Oh Amy, I'm sorry." Seira said rushing back to her. "I was just so happy to see Kenji again."

"How can you be so informal Seira?" Izumi said glowering. "He's a doctor, he should be addressed as such. I'm sorry if she's offended you Dr. Suzuki."

"It's fine Miss Himuro." He said with a chuckle. "I told her to call me that yesterday in my office." His face growing serious, he added. "You were assaulted last night as well, weren't you? If you'd like to talk, call me and I'll schedule you in." He took out a small case and produced a business card, which he handed to her. "The first visit is complementary, although taking in the opulence of your home, my fee probably wouldn't trouble you much."

"Thank you for your concern." Izumi said bowing. "I haven't been bothered too much yet, but if a problem arises, I will most surely give you a call. Please, call me Izumi."

"Of course." He replied with a smile. "Now, if you'll all excuse us, I need to get my granddaughter to the doctor. Maybe next time we meet, I can get to know you all. Good day."

Everyone stood as Kenji, Corey, Amy and Seira filed toward the doorway. Yoko stood in the opening with a big smile on her face. Giggling, she said, "I did it! I got Peter to agree to take the pictures. He said he'd only charge 25,000 for the whole shoot. See Seira? I told you he was a nice guy."

"That's great Yoko," Seira said cheerfully. "I just hope we can really do this. Guys, I'm going to go to the hospital with them. I'll meet you there when you come to see Yuki."

"Sure thing Seira," Ryo answered, and then said, "Good luck with the knee Amy. I hope you'll be walking when we see you there."

"I hope so too." She said smiling at them. "Thanks for being there for me you guys. Izumi, thank you again for your hospitality last night."

"Your welcome." She said following them. "Let me show you out."

They proceeded to the front door. Izumi was reaching for the doorknob when a rock crashed through the window next it. Screaming in fright, Izumi jumped back. Corey's face twisted in anger as he wrenched the door open. They watched as a van sped through the gate.

"It was them!" He growled. "It had to be. How do they know who you are Izumi?"

"I have no idea!" She replied, looking at him with fear in her eyes. Looking back out the door, her hand went to her mouth as she gasped. "My god! There's a body lying in the courtyard!"

Everyone had come running when they heard the crash. They watched as Corey and his grandfather made their way out to the courtyard. Kanako, seeing someone hurt ran to see if she could help. The man was severely beaten. His face was unrecognizable, and he was unconscious. Checking for a pulse, Corey said. "He's alive, but his pulse is weak. They sure worked him over."

"Can I help?" Kanako asked when she reached them.

"There's not much we can do. He's not bleeding badly, but he's bruised from head to toe. He needs to be in the hospital." Kenji said taking out his cell phone. Dialing, he waited for an answer, then requested an ambulance and the police."

Kanako looked at him closer. "The hair is right, and those are the same clothes. I don't know his name, but this is the guy who came to warn us this morning." Her voice breaking she added. "This was their friend, how could they do this to him?"

"Kosuke Mugen." Corey said shaking his head. "The guy betrayed them. In their minds this was justified."

Seira and Izumi came running up. Her hand shaking, Izumi handed a crumpled piece of paper to Corey. "This was wrapped around the rock."

He took the page and looked at it. It was from a computer printer. His face grew dark as he read:

To long, lean and luscious.

By now you probably know who we are. I know we surprised you last night, but you bitches way overreacted. We weren't going to hurt you, but that dyke American had to go Bruce Lee on us. Now the cops are involved. This is a warning. They'll bust us sooner or later, and if you testify against us, you'll end up like the piece of trash we left in your yard. I've got connections the cops don't know about. I've set it up that even if me and my crew are locked up, you'll still get beat down if you open your mouth. Tell that Yankee bitch she can't hide, and that she's going to get hers too.

Be seeing you, when you least expect it.

The veins sticking out of his neck, Corey looked at the gate enraged and yelled. "JUST TRY IT YOU BASTARD! ANYTHING HAPPENS TO THEM, I'LL RIP YOU APART!"

Seira moved to him, and wrapped her arms around him, hoping to calm him. "It'll be ok Corey. The cops will get them. I know this clown. His rep on the street is a total poser. He's bluffing. The only one we need to worry about is this Akira character. He makes you look small Corey. I thought I was finished when I faced him in that alley. The coach saved my butt by shattering a bunch of bottles that were stacked next to the guy. We ran when the glass peppered his face.

Pressing the end call button on his phone, Kenji declared. "The ambulance is on the way. Izumi, do you have a blanket we can put over him until it arrives?"

Yes sir," she said turning back to the house, "I'll be right back." She passed the rest of the team and the boys who were making their way to the courtyard, with Mao supporting Amy.

Kanako knelt next to Kosuke, gently running her hand over his head, like someone would a dog that had been hit by a car. "The poor guy. He felt so bad about what happened last night." Tears formed in her eyes as she continued in a quavering voice. "He tried to do the right thing, and look what happened to him. My father said he wanted to apologize to the girls personally, to tell them how bad he felt about Yuki getting hurt. I'm sorry I slapped him earlier. Why did they do this to him? He only wanted to do the right thing." She began crying softly, still stroking his hair.

Seira knelt beside her and put an arm around her. "He was brave to try and warn us." She said softly. "Gangs don't forgive. If you do something that the gang thinks is disloyal, they feel it's in their rights to beat you down. This is a harsh new experience for you Kanako, but you're strong. You can handle it"

"He's not dead yet, Kanako." Kenji said squatting beside her. "He may make a full recovery. Corey was beaten like this when he was younger, and look at him now."

"Really?" She said looking up. "Is that true Corey?"

"That was a long time ago Kanako." He said, still scowling. "I was a stupid kid with a big chip on my shoulder. I was asking for it. The girls weren't looking for trouble, but that bastard messed with them anyway. He got smacked down, and now he can't let it go. I really wish I'd been with you last night Amy. None of this would have happened."

Kenji turned to the girls. "Amy, Seira, why don't you wait in the car? We'll leave as soon as things are taken care of here."

"Ok, grandpa." Amy said sullenly. Then looking at her brother added. "Corey, I'm sorry this happened. I ruined a special time in your life and… I'm sorry." She said looking down.

Corey walked over to her, looking serious. Mao stepped back, giving Corey room. He thanked her, and then taking his sister in a reassuring embrace, said. "Don't apologize Amy. You didn't do anything to be sorry for. If I hadn't had that argument with Seira, I would have been there to escort you girls. So if anyone should apologize, it's me. You didn't ruin anything. Actually, I should be thanking you for dragging me along. If I hadn't come with you, I never would have met Seira. I just wish you could have been spared last night. It was something I hoped you never had to experience. I have to tell you Amy, you standing up to those creeps, and trying to protect your friends, made me proud that you're my sister." He kissed her on the forehead, and then scooping her up into his arms, carried her to the car. Seira walked alongside, and opened the door for them. "Sit tight, and stop beating yourself up over this, Grandpa and I will join you and Seira as soon as the ambulance shows up. Ok?" Turning to Seira, he reached out and she moved to him. Holding her gently, he said softly. "I'm sorry I lost it back there. I haven't been that angry in a long time. It looks like we both need to try harder. If I ever act like that to you, it'll be the worst day of my life. I love you Seira, and I never want to hurt you."

"You had every right to be angry Corey." She said looking into his eyes. "Some lowlife had threatened two people who are important to you. You're a fighter. It's you're nature. You don't want to fight, but if someone pushes you, you're not afraid to push back. I don't think I need to worry about you yelling at me. You're too good a person to do that."

"You're making me out to be some kind of saint," He said embarrassed. "I'm not that special. I've messed up more than once, and I'm sure I'll do it again."

"It's like Ms. Himuro said. 'People make mistakes; that's how we mature and grow.'" She reached up, touching the side of his face, and continued. "You're the best thing that's ever happened to me Corey. I don't want you leaving thinking otherwise. I really do love you." Rising onto her toes, she gave him a quick light kiss, and then grinned playfully at him as she walked around the car and got in beside Amy.

Corey smiled as he turned back around. Everyone was watching, and the girls all had big grins on their faces. "All right, enough. The show's over."

"We're sorry, Corey." Koharu volunteered. "It's just we've never seen Seira act so gentle with anyone before. It was really nice."

"You really got to her, didn't you?" Yoko said with a smile. "I wouldn't believe Seira could actually be tender if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes."

"I just kept being her friend, and she came around." He said looking back at the car. "Just like Amy said she would. I guess my little sister isn't as little as I thought she was."

Izumi returned carrying the blanket, and she and Koharu placed it over Kosuke. Corey walked back over, and checked his pulse again. "He's still with us. Kanako, why don't you go back to your house? You've had a rough morning, and sitting here with him is only making you more depressed. Izumi, I think you need to find somewhere to stay until this mess is resolved. Her place would be a good choice. Kanako, would your father mind if she stayed with you for awhile?"

"I don't think it'll be a problem. She'd at least be welcome to spend the night." She said looking up from Kosuke's face. "Do you think he'll make it Corey?"

They stopped short when they heard a siren in the distance. Looking towards the gate, he replied. "I can't say for sure. I hope he does. I'd like to thank him for sticking his neck out for you guys."

-

Kimiko Suzuki handed her mother another cup of tea. "Are you feeling any better yet mom?" She said sitting down across the table.

"Yes dear, thank you," she replied. "I'm sorry you felt that you had to stay. I know you wanted to be with Amy right now."

"She'll be all right." Kimiko said taking a sip from her own cup. "She's a fighter, and her leg won't keep her down long. Besides, Dad will look out for her."

"This is just dreadful. The idea of grown men attacking high school girls is shameful. In my day, young men weren't so ill-mannered."

"I'm sure it happened then mother, you just didn't hear about it. You were sheltered, living in high society, and your exposure to the world was limited. Things like this have been going on since the beginning of time. Women have always held the subservient role in society. Even today, women need to put up with harassment and innuendo from their coworkers. I work with supposedly enlightened men, and they still interact differently with me than they do with their male counterparts. I doubt any of them get their backside stared at as they walk down the hallway."

"Kimiko, why do you put up with it?" Her mother said vehemently. "File a complaint with the dean. You're a professor at that college. You've earned a masters degree in education. They can't treat you like that!"

"Unfortunately, the dean is one of the worst." She said with a sad smile. "He doesn't even try to hide the way he looks me over every time I go to talk to him. I feel like I a prize heifer coming up to auction. I guess I should feel a little flattered that I can still turn heads at my age."

"The dean is an appointed position isn't it? Petition the committee to have him removed. He's abusing his position, using his authority to degrade you."

"I'm not going to rock the boat mom." Shaking her head she continued. "The dean may be a letch, but he isn't cruel. I guess he just has a weakness for beautiful women."

"It shouldn't matter what you look like Kimiko, they're wrong to do that. You should quit. You always said you wanted to teach children, why don't you? I'm sure any school system would love to have you."

"I don't know, not many schools teach Japanese. Now if I was fluent in Spanish, I could find work a lot easier. But I barely speak any, so I have to have Amy or Corey translate for me when I need to talk to any of the migrant workers who come at harvest time. It really is easier for children to learn languages."

The phone rang, startling them. Kimiko got up to answer. "Good morning, Suzuki residence."

"Hello Kimiko" Kenji said on the other end. "I'm calling to let you know I'm at Amy's friend's house. I don't want you to tell your mother, but there's been more happenings here."

"You mean about the policeman?" She replied. "Corey told us when he called, remember?"

"Yes, of course I do. I mean since then, and it does not bode well. The thugs came here, and left a warning to the girls."

Kimiko's widened with fear as she asked. "Did someone get hurt? Dad! Is Amy ok?"

"The girls are fine. Please keep your voice down; I don't want your mother to get upset again. If she does, you'll have to deal with her hysterics. Now, they threw a rock through a window wrapped in a threatening letter, and they dumped the young man that was abducted from the police in the courtyard as an example. He's being loaded onto the ambulance as we speak."

Regaining her composure, Kimiko asked. "What did they do to him that he needs an ambulance?"

"He was beaten unconscious. The letter implied the same thing would happen to the girls if they testified against their attackers. I'm going to hang up now dear, I still need to get Amy to the doctor. We should be done by noon I hope. See you then."

Kimiko hung up the phone gently, and with a forced smile, turned back to her mother. "That was dad, mom. He's got Amy, and they're heading to see the doctor. He said they'd be back by around noon. Listen mom, I really want to go see Amy. Are you going to be ok if I leave you alone?"

"I'll be fine dear." She said rising from the table. Carrying her cup to the sink, she continued. "I'm normally home all day by myself anyway, so go ahead. I'll have lunch ready for them when they get home. What do you think they'll like?"

"I'm not sure." She said walking up to her mother's side. "Corey will eat anything you set in front of him, and Amy isn't too picky either. Whatever you feel like making is fine mom."

"You don't plan on taking the train do you?" Her mother asked looking worried. "A pretty woman shouldn't ride alone. There are so many perverts out there."

"I'll be fine mom." She said kissing her cheek. "I can handle some pervert if he tries grabbing my butt, so don't worry. The hospital is only two stops from here so it's not worth calling a cab. I can ride back with them when she's done. Now, you're sure you're ok?" When she received a nod in response, she hugged her mother, and walked out of the room. Putting on her shoes, and a light jacket, she stepped outside, locking the door behind her. With an anxious expression, she began walking quickly to the train station.