Ride the Wild Surf

by Adri Mars

AU:: In a small beachside town of Nijibe, here is a story of a girl named Lucia, a boy named Kaito, and a surfboard... and everything else in between. #16 up--- NEED REVIEWS, THANKS!

8. Surfer Moon

RIDE THE WILD SURF
a Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch Fanfiction

by Adrimarie

Surfer Moon

As of tonight, Pearl Waters was now the hottest spot of all the surfer dudes and dudettes from hodad level to kahuna level. At that same night, anybody who was anybody in the Nijibe beach life were there from the legends to the fresh rookies. And because of all that, anybody who wanted to have a piece of the Nijibe surf culture spirit were there as well. The people were lined up at the door, waiting for their chance to get inside. The door remained closed at that time so that the Pearl Waters staff can re-arrange the dining area to something a bit more compact so there would be space for anyone to get up and dance while the others enjoy their tables to dine, hang out, and relax to the sounds that mark the endless summer of Nijibe.

Somewhere at the lines were the still temporarily-named Rainbowside Surf Tribe, sans Nagisa and Seira, in which they were nowhere near the closed doors. Those who were at the lines were becoming impatient, checking their watches while chatting on their cellphones, as they wait for the doors to open. The others began complaining to themselves as to why they were not as close to the doors as they were.

"Man, what's up with this? Why are we in this line in the first place?" Kengo began his first complaint while checking the time on his cellphone. "Dude, we should've had our meeting in Pearl Waters earlier instead of dragging Kaito out just to have the meeting at the beach..."

"Quit complaining, Kengo." Kaito answered as he stood in front of the tribe, tiptoeing to see the front and moved his head from one side to the other to see if the line was finally moving. "We're already here so shut it. Maybe OC-5 is preparing some surprise show or something which was why the doors are closed."

"Dang..." Daichi sighed with his arms crossed. "Why didn't we expect this, dude? I know OC-5 was out at the beach rehearsing and making us all get up and boogie and then asked us to see them tonight at Pearl Waters if they wanted to hear more of them but man... who would've thought this is gonna be such a huge turnout?"

Masahiro cleared his throat to join in the chatter. "If you dudes ask me, this is a good sign--- and not just a good sign but a very, very good sign! Why? 'Cause this is the OC-5 we're talking about. They'll be representing us in the tournament's surf band contest, and according to the schedule we heard from the surf forecast radio earlier today the bands will be competing for two days--- first day being instrumentals and second day being vocals. They need all of us to be there to see them, listen to them, and get all wild and hype with them in order for them to win a sweep for those two days of competition. If they can draw attention with a huge number of people like this then they have a serious chance of winning the surf bands segment of the tournament. Now I'm getting hyped myself!"

Kengo began to march his legs rapidly as if he needed to go due to an emergency, anxious to have the line move inside Pearl Waters. "Man... what's the hold up? Move already!"

Kaito continued to observe what was going on at the front when he felt a soft tug on his left arm. He turned his head to his left to find Michal Amagi cradling her arms around his with a smile on her face. She even dressed for the occasion as well. She appeared with a sleeveless pink flower-printed top and a white short skirt with a red flower print on the corner, along with a yellow plumeria flower on her hair. "Oh... Michal..."

"What are you doing all the way back here? I'm all the way at the front and I had some nice people save my spot there so I can get you! Come on!" Slowly she dragged Kaito with her to the front of the line right in front of the crew.

"Hey where are you going?" Daichi asked anxiously as Kaito shrugged his arms, letting Michal drag him to the front of the line.

"Snake!" Kengo yelled out while Gaito immediately slapped him at the back of his head. "Ow! What was that for?" Gaito did not answer his reason but instead shook his head right at him. Kengo crossed his arms, looking away.

As the entire line continued to wait while they wailed at the same time for the doors to open the surf tribe heard a whistle somewhere above them. Once they looked up they found Nagisa and Seira waving at them from Hippo's balcony with grins on their faces.

"Hey!" Kengo shouted at the younger surfer boy and Gaito's girlfriend's younger sister. "How did you brats get inside first before us?"

Nagisa snickered at Kengo while Seira continued to giggle along. "How? Unlike you skirt-chasing hodads, Seira and I we're just way too cool to wait out in the line with the rest of you!"

Kengo tightented his fist, glaring right at Nagisa. "When I get up there I'll be sure you don't get up once I'm done with---" Before Kengo was about to finish his statement he was hit again at the back of his head. This time it was the girlfriend of the one who slapped his head first. "Ow!"

"Get a grip, Kengo," Sara reminded him with a frown on her face. "Okay, so you're getting anal waiting out here. Well get used to it. No one gets special treatment at Pearl Waters!"

Kengo sighed lowly while Daichi and Masahiro chuckled. "Why? Why is everyone cruel to me tonight...?"

Meanwhile at the front of the line were Kaito and Michal, with the young hopeful girl clinging his arm with hers as if they were there on their first date. To anyone else around witnessing these two it was obvious what these two have in mind as individuals. Kaito was there to see OC-5 and Lucia singing a song for him. Michal's priority was winning Kaito's heart over her older brother's performance as a low-key surf rocker with OC-5. As for Kaito he was also cautious around girls like Michal. His gut was telling him that Michal may want to sit all the way at the back so anyone on stage would not be able to see them. But because he was anxious to see Lucia perform with her guitar he opted to sit at the front. On the other hand, the entire surf tribe preferred sitting at the front close to the stage. He knew Masahiro would want to see Rina on stage, Nagisa making himself noticeable so Hanon would spot him easily, Gaito and Sara may end up dancing at the huge space between the dining tables and the stage knowing they cannot withstand against OC-5's catchy music.

Another thing was new at this particular night as well. Michal had never been interested in visiting Pearl Waters that she often questioned Rihito why he would have a no-pay part-time job at the almost run-down coastal restaurant and hangout. She was always there to watch him in his orchestral concerts but was rarely there for his part-time surf contemporary band performances with the local beach bums since none of the surfer boys ever paid attention to the former Pearl Waters Friday Night band. Now that Kaito became infatuated with the same band but with a cooler name, Michal followed Kaito from behind.

"So... Michal... heh..." Kaito gave a slight chuckle seeing Michal clinging herself on to his arm. "I thought you hated surf rock---"

Michal looked up right at Kaito with a rather disappointed face. "Me? Hate surf rock? What are you talking about, Kaito? I love surf rock--- especially when my brother sings! My brother Rihito is a genius! He is one of the most well-versed musicians ever to exist in this town--- well there's his friend Taro Mitsuki too--- but you get the picture!"

"Right..." Kaito remained grinning and slightly turned his head away. Michal continued to talk.

"It looks like the entire town is coming here to Pearl Waters... I mean this place had always been kinda dead for a long time now--- even the beach across the street had been dead too--- No offense to Rihito and all but sometimes I thought he'd spend more time composing more classical concertos for his future events, you know?"

"And what about now, Michal?"

"Well, this summer is different! I mean... the tournament, Kaito! It's... it's all about the tournament... and music... and...winning! Rihito and Taro Mitsuki would enter these classical music tournaments and recitals and all and they win so many! If they can win classical music tournaments then I'm sure they can win this surf band contest thing within the surf scenes tournament these coming few months! Besides... earlier today I was watching all the other beach kids dancing with their iPod headphones on their ears and I've been... learning..."

Kaito raised an eyebrow, feeling rather nervous. "Learning...?"

"Yup!" Right then Michal took Kaito's hands around her waist and giggled. "In that way... you and I can take the dance floor tonight and dance... and make everyone jealous!"

"Oh... right..." Kaito found himself gritting his teeth while his mind was voicing out his real feelings. I don't dance, dangit!

"Kaito... how come you're being so distant tonight?"

"Uh?" Kaito was startled to hear Michal getting a little bit suspicious with him. "Distant? Naw... I'm in my alchemy hour right now..."

"Silly Kaito!" Michal giggled softly and winked. "You should seriously stop with that alchemy hour thing--- whatever that is--- I mean, we're here right in front of the entrance of Pearl Waters, anxious and eager to get inside and see OC-5 rock the house!"

"Rock the house... right."

Michal nudged Kaito and continued to stare at the locked door while Kaito can feel sweat flowing down from his head due to his nervousness with this young and demanding girl standing next to him. Lucky for him he had other things in his mind aside from getting nervous with her tonight. Two things, to be more specific.

OC-5 and Lucia Nanami. That's right. They're the only reason why I'm here tonight.

Meanwhile inside Pearl Waters, the place was ready for a huge crowd to come in. The staff, sans the big boss Nicola, re-arranged the tables and even the décor from the rather dull-looking ocean artwork to real-life framed ocean, beach, and surf photography courtesy of Hippo's photography schools. Maki, Taro, and Rihito suggested that they should also put up old photos of the legendary Nijibe-based surfers throughout history but Big Boss Nicola would not approve for some unknown reason.

During the summer Friday night band performances there was always a short segment where one non-band staff member will have to sing one song while the band plays the music. That staff member was voted by the entire staff and Nicola would be the one to count the votes. Then from there she lists down the votes per non-band staff members from the most votes to the least votes. Whoever received the most votes will be the first to sing on the first summer Friday, followed by the ranks. Afterwards the list would rotate back to the first singer and so on. This particular summer was rather different. Most probable reason was because she was the newest employee hired Hanon was chosen to be the first staff member to sing a song tonight.

Unlike the rest of the staff who had cold feet to face the audience during their first time, Hanon was the most enthusiastic candidate of them all. Her personal dream was to become a famous pop star and possibly a fashion model all at once and just having this little singing duty at a local beach side hangout would be her first opportunity to shine. She already begun rehearsing with Taro with his piano with a song she already chose ahead of time.

"Well, what do you think?" Hanon winked after they went through the first run of her chosen song.

Taro smiled nervously and answered. "Well... I have to admit you got natural talent in singing, Hanon... but... don't you want to sing something... I don't know... something that represents who you really are?"

"But this song represents me, Mr. M!" Hanon exclaimed cheerfully and sat right next to Taro on the piano. "I gotta admit... you're really good with the piano! You got so much passion in it!"

"Well, I am a composer after all."

"Tee-hee!" Hanon chuckled and nudged Taro on the side. "Besides, it's summer! Summer usually means endless first-time romance with someone you've been in love for the longest time, you know?"

Taro chuckled along with the daffy teen girl. "Well, true, but most summer loves are what they are--- summer loves. After the summer ends, that's it. You'll never see that person ever again. I sorta don't believe in summer loves anyway. They're more like... seasonal flings. When the next summer comes you meet a new person and become your summer love. And when that summer ends you go on your own ways and that would be it... again. It's like a cycle and some cycles aren't always good cycles. That's why I don't really dig summer love on its own."

Hanon replied instantly with a solid argument. "But Mr. M, not all summer loves are just summer loves. Some summer loves become true love--- forever true love! I mean, I'm sure there's some people here in Nijibe who met their husband or wife during summer, right?"

Taro laughed lightly and nodded. "Okay, you win, Hanon. You're right about that too. In fact... I can name two couples in Nijibe who met during the summer that did become... forever true love."

"Oh? I wanna hear this! Tell me about them, Taro!"

Taro looked at his watch to check the time and shrugged. "Well, we still got plenty of time before OC-5 takes the stage, so why not..."

"Yay!" Hanon scooted closer to Taro as if she wanted to make sure she heard ever word, but she had other motives deep within at the same time. "So, who are they?"

"Before I do tell you about these two couples, Hanon, you gotta promise me something. This is very important."

Hanon's daffy expression disappeared and turned to a more concerned reaction. "Sure thing."

"I'll tell you about those two couples since it's just you and me in the practice room right now. But once after I tell you about them, promise me never to mention this to any of the Nanamis, okay?"

"Not even Big Boss?" Hanon asked curiously, referring to Taki Nanami, the current matriarch (of sorts) to the Pearl Waters household.

"Well, you can tell Big Boss about it. However, to the Boss, Lucia, and Hippo, please don't tell them or ask them about it..."

"Well, before you tell me about them, can you tell me why you're making me promise this? I mean don't they deserve to know about it? I mean it's just about two couples, right?"

"I know where you're getting at, Hanon, I understand." Taro answered with an understanding nod. "It's just that... one of those two couples happened to be their parents."

"Oh!" Hanon immediately covered her mouth. "I... I see... but still... I don't understand..."

"Those three... they get really emotional when someone mentions about their parents... especially the Boss."

"Well, okay... then best not to tell me then because I have such a big mouth..." Hanon sighed deeply and lowered her head. "Even I can't trust myself to keep secrets... but you know, speaking of summer loves, I'm having my high hopes for Lucia and Kaito!"

Taro gave a slight humble smile as his reaction. "Yeah... those two... I've only met Kaito once through Rihito since he used to be a full-time member of the surf tribe before he entered the conservatory down south to pursue music. He seems to be a nice guy. I don't see anything wrong with him."

Hanon continued on with her curiosity. "Hm? Why do you say that? I agree with you though about Kaito. He's really sweet to the girls when he wants to be, but most of the time he can be a jerk, a total player, and he's a perv too... Even I'm still wondering why on earth I ended up falling for him when my brief romantic relationship with him would only last a week... what the heck is that? It even makes me wonder why he's doing all these one-week girlfriends thing in the first place. I mean he started it when he was eleven-years-old.... Eleven, Mr. M! Don't you think that's way too young to do stuff like that? I mean, his older twin Gaito wasn't even like that when he was twelve. Is Kaito like... Gaito's evil twin or something?"

"He grew up quickly, I guess..." Taro shrugged. "Although... it's still a mystery to the Nanamis why Lucia had been crushing on him for like the longest time. Even when Lucia was only four, she already had been crushing on the kid."

Hanon raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "Wait... but Lucia said that..."

"You're talking about her crazy childhood story about a boy she met by singing one night at the beach at that summer seven years ago and she thinks that Kaito was that boy she fell in love with?"

"She was seven-years-old when that happened, she said. I mean she's fourteen now but if you minus that by seven years, then that would mean she was seven back then. How can she had been in love with Kaito way before she even met and rescued that mysterious boy? I mean, she doesn't even know the boy's name for crying out loud! I think Lucia's seriously confused."

Taro fell silent at first, but still confident. "Well, let me tell you a bit of how the Nijibe surf culture was like seven years ago. I may be somewhat of an outsider since I'm not a Nijibe native, but I spend all my summers at Nijibe with the Nanamis since I was a kid, so I'm pretty familiar with the cool kids and the uncool kids at the beach. I was one of the older kids then, watching over the Nanami Kids while their parents were not present or they were out surfing with the legends and all that. I also kept an eye on the younger kids too while their parents were busy. I was like a beach side babysitter to all the older surfers' kids, you know? But anyway, let me get to my point."

"Okay, I'm listening, Mr. M..."

"Well, for one thing... the Nijibe surf culture--- well, the surf culture of the entire region basically--- was a bit more... unique... than what it is today. The hardcore surfers back then and those who were members of an actual surf tribe all had nicknames. Even in the surfing world, all notable surfers always identified themselves with pseudonyms--- or surf nicks, as they called it back then. No surfer back then, even a rookie surfer, ever used their real names, both in the media and within their own surf circle. The surfers who were married and had kids gave their own kids their own surf nicks too in hopes that they will end up becoming surfers once they come of age. I wasn't much of a surfer but I befriended a lot of the local surfers and got lucky I made friends with them. That's how I met Rihito Amagi, by the way. He was still a rookie surfer then before he took over the Rainbowside Surf Tribe as the leader, and at that time he took in the current surfer dudes including the Doumoto Twins. Gaito took over the surf tribe after Rihito moved out of Nijibe to attend college. One day Gaito will pass the leadership to someone else if he decided to quit one day, but as of now, he's still fresh."

"Wow... surf nicks, huh... even the kids too... so you had a surf nick too, Mr. M?"

Taro chuckled and shook his head. "Well, I had an honorary surf nick but I never really used it since I'm not a surfer. It was more of a call sign thing within the surfer circle. Anyway, almost everyone in Nijibe who were hardcore surfers, whether they were lone surfers or members of designated surf tribes, all had surf nicks. That included the Nanamis and the Doumotos."

"Man, that's crazy!" Hanon chuckled. "So that means that Lucia and Hippo and Kaito and Gaito had surf nicks when they were kids? I want a surf nick! For some reason having an official one makes you look cool!"

Taro nodded. "Among those kids only Hippo kept his surfer nick. You know his real name is Hiroki, right? Hippo is his surf nick given to him by the parents. He, Lucia, and the Boss already had surf nicks when they were all born simply because they're children of surfers. Hippo only kept the name because he liked it better than Hiroki. Strange kid."

"Then... that must mean Kaito and Gaito also had surf nicks too when they were kids?" Taro nodded. "Well, if that was the case... what you said about Lucia already in love with Kaito before that mysterious boy she saved story even happened... maybe they didn't know each other's real names then? They only knew each other by their surf nicks?"

"Possibly... We can't really say for sure, Hanon." Taro answered with a nod. "Every surfer or every surfer's kid knew each other by their surf nicks because they would always introduce themselves using their surf nicks instead of their real names. Even the surfing media back then always referred them to their surf nicks instead of their real names. The surf nick trend died down eventually because the surf culture was gradually dying since the Dainami-Oni tragedy..."

Hanon fell silent at that moment. One half of her was swooning at the handsome would-be music teacher, but her other half became overloaded with more questions. "Well... now it's alive again because of the weird stuff with the ocean happened at the beach across from us yesterday, plus the tournament too!"

Taro nodded in agreement. "Yup. They included a lot--- a beauty pageant for the hottest babe on the beach, a surf band contest, and most of all, the big major event--- tandem surfing."

Hanon gasped immediately when she remembered Nagisa asking her earlier that he wanted to talk to her and it was tournament-related. When she heard the first item Taro mentioned she began to blush. "Aww... Nagisa is so sweet... he's probably going to ask me to be the beach babe for that beauty pageant. That's so sweet of him!"

Taro chuckled nervously then, knowing that Rina was already considered to be Nijibe's entry to the beauty contest, though nothing was confirmed yet. "Well... good luck with that, Hanon!"

"Thanks! I'm keeping my fingers crossed!"

Taro gave a thumbs up towards Hanon and checked the time again. "Well, looks like it's almost time to take the stage. We better get ready."

"Right behind you!" Taro led the way out of the room while Hanon followed him. At the same time she began to wonder about what they just talked about earlier today.

You're not telling us the entire story about you and that mysterious boy you saved seven years ago, Lucia... maybe the reason you don't know the boy's name was because you only knew him by his surf nick...?

An hour later the doors to Pearl Waters opened by the twins, Noel and Caren, with smiles on their faces while the males whistled at them for their attractive beauty. The twins gave the customers in line a short introduction as well as the general rules for being there. After the briefing they let the customers enter in an orderly manner.

Michal was about to drag Kaito to the further tables near the entrance when Kaito quickly took her hand gently and dragged her to the front, right at the center table where it was large enough to fit the entire surf tribe. "Let's sit at that big table over there at the front!"

"But Kaito... the front? But I wanted us to be alo---"

"Better view of the OC-5, Michal. You want to see your brother, right? Well, we're taking the front table."

"Oh... alright..." Michal sighed sadly as she let Kaito lead her to the front table. Luckily for Michal her hand was held by her secret beloved, even if it was just a few seconds. They took their seat at the table while Kaito waited for the rest of the surf tribe to come inside. Once the team entered he whistled at them to take their spot at their table.

"Thanks for spotting us, dude!" Kengo gave a short pump-fist along with Kaito as the surfers take their seats. There were two empty seats left at their table for Nagisa and Seira once they come downstairs from Hippo's room.

Michal frowned in disappointment to see the rest of Kaito's friends sharing the same table as her and Kaito. She really did hope to have the table for themselves, let alone sitting at the back. Even if this was the case she knew she will not stop pursuing the hot surfer boy until she succeeded in winning his heart. Another downer for her was that she would have to compete with the rest of the town's females for the younger Doumoto twin.

Why, Kaito? I want to be with you alone... Why do you always have to sit with the entire crew? Don't you wish you want to be alone with someone you really like at once?

Coco stopped by the surfers' table with an invoice pad on her hand. "Well! Now this is what I call a surf tribe!"

"Dang straight, baby!" Daichi cheered with a thumbs up. "Once you're in a tribe you always stick with the tribe. This table's big enough for the entire tribe anyway, and if there aren't any tables big enough for the entire tribe you claim the tables next to yours."

"Right on. You said it. Too bad Noel, Caren, and I can't join you. The entire place needs serving!"

Sara chuckled and joined in the conversation. "Hey, Coco. Ever thought of hiring more people? I mean... just by the number of people who showed up tonight you're gonna need a lot of hands."

"Well, we welcome volunteers since this place isn't exactly loaded with money to pay all their employees, heh." Coco slightly smirked. "But I don't know what the boss is really planning. She'll be coming out soon to present the OC-5 and all that."

"Hey," Masahiro began briefly. "What's up with that boss of yours? I've been hearing from Caren and Noel earlier that your boss is kinda... what's that word...?"

"Sensitive?" Coco softly chuckled. "Yeah. You could say that. But she's a darn good boss, Hamasaki. She rarely gets mad and she always remained calm and cool even when there's trouble around. She's more of a coach than an actual boss so she helps us out whenever we have troubles with our jobs. She's also a motivator too so she gets us hyped when the chips are down, you know? I also like how she rotates people so we can all get familiar with everyone's jobs. We all chip in little by little."

Later that time Nagisa and Seira arrived from the back stairs of the juice bar to join the others at the table. When they got there they took the empty seats, exchanging hi-fives and fist-pumps and verbal hellos. On stage was Maki checking the wires and the sound system to be sure that the speakers around the area were working. The band were still at second floor finalizing their lineup for tonight's show.

The current assignment for tonight was the following: Coco and Caren are the only two waitresses who will be serving the entire dining area for those who wanted to order dinner courses, which would be a very huge challenge for the two girls. Noel and Hanon were assigned to be baristas at the juice and coffee bar, which was a lot more difficult knowing that the juice and coffee bar was the more popular spot at Pearl Waters. The customers sitting at the tables may not be there for the dinner course but were there to enjoy the beverages bought from the juice bar. Maki and Taki were assigned at the kitchen, but because of the overwhelming turnout, Nicola will be working with the two adults with the main courses. The other five: Lucia, Hippo, Rina, Rihito, and Taro, of course, will be performing the entire night as the newly-named OC-5.

"This turnout is just crazy, Coco," Sara said with a concerned tone in her voice. "And there's just the two of you serving around the dining area? Do you guys need help or something? I can work with you guys if you want me to---"

Coco hushed Sara and answered. "Don't worry about us, Sara. The one who will be having a hard time are Noel and Hanon over there at the juice bar. I mean sure, this place used to be dead but that juice and coffee bar became pretty much the heart and soul of Pearl Waters. A lot of people come here just for that bar. We make the best Virgin Pina Colada smoothie and Mochas around! As for you surfers and surfettes, just sit back, relax, enjoy the great food, which I think it's great because the Nanamis are the best cooks around. I don't understand why people don't pay attention to their cooking---"

"Hey!" From far away Caren calls out to Coco and the surf tribe's table with a frown on her face. "That's not fair, Coco--- I was gonna serve their table!"

"You snooze, you lose, honey!" Coco stuck her tongue at her. "Why do you look so desperate?"

"Um, okay, check it, Coco. There's these group of girls that are like total fan girls and they kept bugging me if their favorite person--- whoever the heck they were--- is gonna be here or something. I swear, there's so many empty-headed people in this town--- how on earth did we end up being town natives here, Coco?"

Coco frowned and shook her head. "Calm down, Caren. Now, talk slowly. Where are these girls...?"

Caren quickly pointed her finger to the back area near the entrance. Coco tiptoed to see where she was pointing at and spotted seven girls there--- four younger-looking girls about Hippo's, Nagisa's, and Seira's age, and three older-looking girls whom she had never seen before. One of the three older girls, Eriru, began to wave at the two waitresses with enthusiasm on her face, which somehow made the two waitresses swallow in nervousness.

"Can you serve them, please? You're better dealing with weirdos than I do!" Caren suddenly pushed Coco right towards the direction of those girls.

"Hey! Caren! What are you---" Just as Coco was about to resist she was already right in front of the table where these seven strange girls were sitting. Quickly Caren snickered and waved at Coco and dashes to the front table where the surfers were sitting.

"Hiyeeee!" Caren greeted cheerfully and winked at everyone on that table. "Coco needs to serve more--- deserving customers--- so I'll be taking your orders from here! See, I've got these menus here and Coco didn't even get any! At least I'm prepared! Here you go!" Quickly she distributed the menus to the table while Sara raised an eyebrow of suspicion towards Caren.

"What happened to Coco, Caren?" Sara asked curiously.

"Well, see, there's these group of weirdo girls who are like on a pilgrimage or something here in Nijibe and they came here to see OC-5 and... the more important people than the rest of us in this restaurant... Heh... Heh..."

"What girls?"

Caren pointed her finger to the back again where Coco was standing, talking to the girls. The entire surf tribe including Michal and Seira turned their heads to where Caren was pointing. Once the girls at the table were identified, Gaito quickly turned himself away from them, lowering his head so none of those girls would recognize him. Sara and the others at the table turn away slowly and all eyes were at Gaito.

"Why... why are they here...?" Gaito murmured softly and sighed. "Those girls had got to be the strangest girls I've ever met..."

Sara found herself grinning and nudging her boyfriend. "Well what do you know! Your fan club is here, Gaito!"

Kaito raised an eyebrow of uncertainty and asked curiously. "You have a fan club, G? Why have you been keeping secrets from me, Bro? That's just messed up!"

Gaito turned to his twin with a glare. "Kid, I didn't even know I have a fan club! They just showed up from nowhere earlier today! I don't get it--- why don't they just dissolve their fan club and join yours instead?"

"Ahahaha..." Kaito burst in to laughter as Gaito frowned with his arms crossed. "My, how the world turns, G!" Gaito remained silent but the glaring towards his brother continued.

Caren slapped the surface of their table, startling everyone at the table. "Well hurry up and get your orders already! The show's about to begin!"

"Dang, girl," Nagisa frowned with an eyebrow raised. "Is that how you treat the customers here?"

"Little dude, I'm gathering your orders right now 'cuz I ain't coming back to your table the second time, aight?" Caren exclaimed with a smirk on her face. "I for one would want to watch OC-5 strut their stuff on stage without getting distracted by work, you know."

"Hurry it up and give us the menus, girl! We're starving!" Kengo called out to Caren when Sara slapped him at the back of his head again. "Ow!"

"Could you be a little nicer to a lady just for a menu? Jeez... boys these days..."

Caren rolled her eyes at Kengo as she passed the menus to everyone on the table. "Today's special is Pearl Waters' own signature dish--- The Seven Seas Coconut Shrimp Stew! It's a fresh and authentic recipe passed on through the ancestors of the Nanami Family. Actually this is more of the Manager's Special because the Boss is the only one who knows how to cook this, and since this is a huge turnout tonight the Boss would be cooking along with the Big Boss and the Cook in the kitchen. We don't have this often in our menu because buying the best-quality shrimps has been costing us money so... they're usually served like once or twice a year---"

"Oh no!" Seira exclaimed from behind. "Are you saying this restaurant has no money to even afford the best quality shrimps for that family special dish?"

"Seira, shrimps in general are expensive," Masahiro answered in a calming manner. "If you go to any seafood restaurant around here the shrimps, lobster, or any type of shellfish are the priciest in the menu. Most people who can't afford higher-scale seafood dish aim for fish instead."

"Then I think we should all have the special!" Seira cheered happily. "In that way, you can have more money to buy more shrimps so you can have that dish in the regular menu!"

Caren chuckled and gave a nod. "You know, you may have something there, Seira. I'll let the boss know later and see what she thinks!"

At that time the entire band came downstairs and exited the back hallway of the juice bar where they exchange hi-fives with Hanon and Noel while serving customers their desired drinks. Just as they come closer to the dining area Lucia spotted the entire surf tribe and found Kaito with Michal next to him. Though seeing Michal continuously flirting with Kaito was one of Lucia's less concerns, just seeing Kaito and the entire surf tribe at the front central table already made her feel nervous.

"No... no no..." Lucia sighed with worry and hid behind Rina. "Why did Kaito and his dudes... and some dudettes... have to sit at the front?"

Rina chuckled and turned her head towards the rather shy and nervous Lucia. "Lucia, why are you hiding?"

"Well... it's just that..." Lucia lowered her head to gaze at her new ensemble: a faint pink and yellow naturally scented plumeria flower on her hair and a red and pink V-string collar no-sleeve mu'umu'u dress that made her look like an islander princess on paradise. Courtesy of Hanon's fashion style, the nervous blonde looked radiant as if the ocean sun never set at the horizon. "It's just that... don't you think it's a little... revealing?"

Rina, on the other hand, wore a short-sleeved white collared top, slightly opened with a midriff on her torso and knee-length denim shorts. "Oh Lucia, you look really beautiful in that getup! And it's just your shoulders that's revealing. That's nothing to be embarrassed about."

Lucia sighed and turned to Hanon. "Are you sure about this, Hanon? I... I mean... do you think Kaito would notice me in this Hawaiian getup?"

Hanon gave a thumbs up while she served two shakes to two customers at the counter. "Lucia, every one-week girlfriend always wore the skimpiest and wildest bikini they could ever find--- even I had to do that--- just to turn him on! But now that I discovered about his secret preference of low maintenance girls, your lovely mu'umu'u really matches you, and your white slippers are just the most adorable thing! I know I'm just lending you my mu'umu'u right now but I promise you I'll go shopping with you and look for a better dress than that one!"

"I like it, Lucia," Rina said with a smile. "I'd like to wear one day but tonight's not the right time. Besides... I think I would wear it if I were to impress a certain boy I really like..."

"Wow, I never knew you were in to dresses too, Rina!" Hanon gasped.

Rina raised an eyebrow at Hanon. "Don't forget that I'm a girl too, Hanon..."

"Kidding... kidding..."

The boys wore colorful aloha shirts with Taro wearing dark blue with white hibiscus flower prints, Rihito wearing dark green with red hibiscus flowers, and Hippo wearing white with a beach and ocean motif on it. Rihito took the lead of the band and gave a bit of pep talk.

"You guys and girls look really awesome tonight!" Rihito gave compliments to the entire band. "You guys really shine tonight with your attire alone, but let's shine out there on stage and get everyone up and dance on the floor, right? Okay, let's do this!"

"You guys rock! Go get them, OC-5!" Noel cheered from behind the juice bar, waving at the band. The entire band waved to Noel in return.

Rihito provided his tightened fist, offering the rest of the band to give each other pump-fists as another way for them to hi-five each other. The girls cheered, Taro applauded, while Hippo began rolling his head to ease the tense within his neck muscles.

Out at the dining area, Nicola arrived on stage. She received a huge applause and took the microphone to say a few words to the customers. "Good evening, everyone, and welcome to Pearl Waters! It's been an honor to say hello to many of you here, and if you don't know who's who here at Pearl Waters, then let me introduce myself. I'm Nicola Nanami, owner and manager of Pearl Waters. Thank you all for coming!"

The ones present applauded with positive cheers as Nicola continued with a smile on her face. "Now, I'm very sure you are all here for one reason, am I right?"

Just as Nicola asked the latter many of the customers who were present at the beach earlier cheered out repeatedly and simultaneously: "We want OC-5! We want OC-5! We want OC-5 ..."

Nicola hushed everyone and continued: "Well then, what are we waiting for--- we all want a piece of the OC-5, right? Everyone give it up for---- OC-5!"

The applause became louder right at the announcement as Nicola exited the stage to work at the kitchen. As she exited the members of OC-5 climbed up on stage and grab their instruments. Rina stood behind the keyboard with her sax sitting on its stand not too far from where she was standing.

Lucia was slightly nervous, not because of stage fright, but because of a certain boy sitting at the center table at the front. Right when she placed the strap of her rhythm guitar around her shoulder she immediately caught Kaito's eyes gazing at her with a faint smile on his face.

Kaito... he's... he's looking at me... and he's... he's...

Just as her eyes continued to fixate towards Kaito's own she noticed his lips moving slowly and softly despite Michal clinging on to him again from her chair while Kaito continued to shift to the other way to prevent Michal to go overboard. Lucia began warming up with a quick tuning of her rhythm guitar before the band performed.

"Nice..." Kaito grinned and his eyes fixated right at Lucia's on-stage getup. You look beautiful tonight, Lucia...

"Who are you looking at, Kaito?" Michal asked curiously, staring at his eyes staring right towards the stage.

"OC-5... who else am I looking at...? I mean they're there on stage right now!"

Michal turned her head towards the stage where she found Rihito quickly tuning his bass guitar and waved at him. Rihito got his sister's attention and nodded with a grin to her. She then nudged Kaito on the side and giggled happily.

"My brother looks so cool with that flower shirt and the bass guitar. Even peasant beach clothes do look good on him!"

"Peasant clothes? What do you mean?"

"Erm... uhh..." Michal gulped nervously and grinned shyly. "I meant to say... just in standard... beach clothes... Rihito still looks good in it..."

Kaito raised an eyebrow of uncertainty and turned his head back to the stage. "Right, Michal."

A few moments later, Rihito took the mic and began to hush everyone so he can have his words. "What's up, all you surfers, surfettes, hodads, and hodettes out there! Thanks for coming to Pearl Waters and we're glad to know that all of you remembered us from earlier today at the beach. Thanks again for giving us one more chance!" The customers applauded while the people in line at the juice bar suddenly gave their attention towards the stage. Hanon and Noel headed to the open area of the bar to watch the band on stage.

"Before we start off with our first track, we at OC-5 are happy to announce that after a little talk with our kick-ass surf tribe organizing the entire surf scenes team for Nijibe that we are glad to accept and represent Nijibe's surf band for the surf bands contest. There's two days worth so be sure to be there in those two days and give us your love and support as much as you can. Your surfers want a sweep, which means OC-5 wants a sweep, so if you all want us to sweep, let me hear you clap as loud as you can!"

The entire restaurant applauded along with positive cheers. Sara turned to Gaito with huge smiles on her face as she clapped along with the audience. "Wow, Gaito... Rihito Amagi sure knows how to talk to people and he's not even nervous at all!"

"Yeah," Gaito answered with a nod while applauding at the same time. "That's why he became a leader of the surf tribe a few years ago. I kinda miss him being the leader sometimes."

"Oh don't worry, Gaito. You've been doing a good job so far leading the surfers to the right path. I believe in you."

"Thanks, Sara. That means a lot."

"Always welcome, my love."

Rihito hushed everyone again as the applause faded. "Well then, now that we're all here, there's a lot of stuff happening tonight, so that means you can't have excuses to leave early just like that. Aside from the OC-5 working to get you out of your seats and topple the floor with all your moves, there's a lot a lot of events involving you people and the OC-5. First up, we have what we call The Star Staff Segment. Every week the Pearl Waters staff will vote to see which one of the non-OC-5 member staff will take the stage and sing a song or two. Every Friday night there will be one staff member who will sing us a song or two with OC-5 playing the song itself. Our first staff to sing for tonight is actually an aspiring singer who dreams of making it to the top..."

Just as Kaito listened to the first words he already knew who Rihito was talking about. "Oh no... Hanon...?"

Michal asked Kaito curiously. "Hanon? Hanon Houshou? Wasn't she one of your one-week exes, Kaito?"

"Y-yeah... that Hanon..."

"Is she a bad singer...?"

Kaito chuckled softly and shook his head. "No, I don't mean that! In fact Hanon has got one of the best singing voices I've heard."

"So what's with the sour face then, dude?" Daichi and Kengo asked their friend curiously.

"Hanon is an awesome singer... It's the type of songs she sings that I sorta have a problem with..."

Seira became curious all of a sudden. "What type of songs does she usually sing?"

Kaito gazed at the young girl and gently scratched his head. "Well... I think the songs that Hanon usually sings would be something you and Sara may relate to."

"Oh...?"

Nagisa smiled happily and stuck his tongue at Kaito. "I don't care what song she sings... I just want to hear the beautiful Hanon Houshou sing... Maybe her singing style matches the types of songs she usually sings, which is why she only sings those types of songs. Oh well, I'm looking forward to her singing up stage later!"

"Of course, Nagisa. Of course." Kaito grinned as they continued to listen to Rihito at the mic.

"... Next we'll have a dance contest. This was a last-minute idea we came up since some of the band members here noticed some of you peeps danced really well earlier today. We will be having a dance contest and we will be announcing the winners in three categories---"

Michal gasped in excitement and suddenly clung on to Kaito's arm. "Let's join that dance contest, Kaito! We'd be the coolest, cutest couple to burn the floor! And with my newly-learned moves we're gonna win it!"

Kaito slowly scooted his spot from Michal, looking rather nervous. "Uh... Michal... I already told you earlier that I don't dance---"

"Oh come on, Kaito, everybody else in your tribe already have partners to dance with--- you're the only one among the surfer boys who doesn't have a partner right now!"

"Because I don't dance! That's why I don't have a partner!"

"Please, Kaito...?" Michal gave a sad pout towards Kaito as he sighed deeply.

"Alright, alright. As long as there's prizes when we win, I'll dance with you."

"You're so sweet, Kaito!" Michal suddenly threw her arms around Kaito as the surfer boy gently pushed Michal away from him.

"Not in front of the people, Michal!"

Rihito went on with his rules: "The staff, both the OC-5 and the non-band staff will be judging to see all your dances--- some of them will even dance with you and if they ask you to dance with them, you have to dance with them. The recognition of the winners will be announced in three categories: Best Dude Dance, Best Chick Dance, and Best Couple Dance. We don't have any prizes for them because we all feel that all fun things should always remain just for fun and not for some reward. Besides, the real prize here is your participation and the happiness that you earn during your first night here at Pearl Waters..."

Kaito smirked and turned to Michal. "Oh darn. No prizes? That sucks. Sorry, Michal!" Right then he stuck his tongue at the younger desperate girl.

"Kaito, you're so mean!" Michal pouted sadly as if she was going to break down in to tears. Right then she threw herself on to Kaito and cried over his shoulder. He looked up at Rihito who just finished the dance contest portion of his announcements and found the older brother wink quickly at him. Kaito snickered and reluctantly patted Michal on the shoulder.

Rihito went on with the next event: "Sometime later the OC-5 band members will take turns singing at least one song, we also have the Be the OC-5 Lead Singer for One Song segment when the audience choose one member to be the lead singer of our band for one song. It's way better than karaoke, folks--- we're talking about the real deal! Afterwards we also have the Duet with an OC-5 Band Member segment where one member of the audience volunteers to sing a duet with one particular OC-5 member..."

Duet with an OC-5 member, eh? Gaito gave a slight smirk as he stared right at his twin brother, listening to Rihito's mini-speech. Interesting...

"Last but not least we end it off with more music where we take requests from all of you! While you enjoy the music, enjoy the food too--- we're having a special too: Seven Seas Coconut Shrimp Stew--- only cooked and served once or twice a year, so if you're curious to try it out, better start ordering it tonight or you may never get a chance to taste it until next year!..."

Just as Rihito was about to finish his speech many of the customers suddenly ran to Coco and Caren to order that particular dish while those remaining on the tables looked completely perplexed at the particular situation. As everyone in the dining area were minding their own business the band were about to start playing their first track.

"Okay then! We're ready to go and enjoy your night! Let's kick it first with a little warm up--- a little instrumental called The Wipe Out!"

Right as the track began with Hippo's moderately-sped drums for the first few seconds, many of the customers already stood up from their seats and taking over the dance floor. Though the instrumental was a little slow, it was still worthy for a dance number in a rather sultry way. The ladies on the floor began to dance as if they were doing a lap dance in front of a man, which somehow turned some males on. In the case of the surf trie's table, Kengo and Daichi jumped off their seats to dance with random girls at the dance floor while the others remained on their seats.

"Those two... they really can't control their testosterone level, can't they?" Sara frowned with her arms crossed.

"What's the matter, Sara... don't you want to dance...?" Gaito smirked with a wink on his face.

"You expect me to dance to a song that slow in public, Gaito? Who do you think I am, some lap dancing stripper?"

"I never said that you have to dance that way... unless if you are trying to entice me, but not in public. You might entice someone else..."

"Yeah," Kaito snickered, overhearing the conversation. "I don't mind getting enticed by you. If G's okay with it, then it's all good with me!"

"You really are a pervert, aren't you, Kaito?" Sara returned the snicker while slightly cracking her knuckles at once.

Meanwhile at the kitchen, Taki continued to pass out the dishes on the plates as Coco and Caren came to pick them up and serve them at the tables. In the kitchen are Nicola and Maki continued to concentrate on their expert culinary skills and making sure that they follow the procedures as carefully and accurately as possible. The current instrumental surf track that OC-5 was currently playing at the moment somehow brought a slight chill to the two adults.

"Listen, Nicola..." Maki whispered. "And close your eyes... and listen to the music. Does it tell you something?"

Nicola followed Maki's instructions and closed her eyes right away. She let her ears do the listening and somehow the intensity of the guitar solos and the faint low saxophone sound immediately brought chills within her body. The song was truly haunting in many ways that led Nicola travel through time back when she found herself in her younger sister Lucia's age.

In that memory, fourteen-year-old Nicola found herself surrounded by the raging water. She had no idea where she was but regardless of the turbulent crashing sounds of the water she found herself gliding forward, not just in a slow speed but a very smooth sliding movement all at once. She felt like flying when she felt the invisible wind blow through her hair. At the same time she found her arms completely upward and in a perfect balance. She looked down to see where she was standing and detected its colors: pastel yellow with pastel green and blue stripes at the edges, and right at the front is a yellow star with a purple flower at the center. Just by the shape she already figured what she was standing.

I'm standing... on a surfboard... but why...? Am I... surfing...? Why am I surfing when I don't even know how to surf...?

Just as her wave was about to roll in on her she shrieked in fear and ducked herself lower while unconsciously used her toes to cling on to the edges near the nose of the surfboard. The method that she just used was known as nose-riding, a simple, common, yet effective technique for longboard surfers. She could not tell whether the surfboard she was riding on was a shortboard or a longboard but either way she knew she had to get out of there and reach the shore.

Please... don't let me die... I beg of you... don't take me down... I just want to go home...

Few moments later she felt the water was about to roll on to her, but because of her low ducking and her toes clinging on to the edge near the nose she found herself spinning herself in a 360-degree motion on the face of wave before the wave's power sent her launching up on the air just before the wave suddenly crashed at the bottom. Suspended slowly on air in a matter of milliseconds, she opened her eyes and found herself flying and floating right above air with no water rolling in behind her or even at the bottom of her board.

I'm flying! This is unreal but... I'm flying!

Just as she was was about to fall on to the water she made another unconscious move by grabbing the right edge of the board like a skateboarder would do when on air, bent her knees, and waited until she found the right time to land her board on to the water. Once she landed safely on the water she could hear cheers and screams from a huge number of people at the shore along with camera flashes shining all over the place, facing her at the same time. The girl smiled happily and just as the raging water carried her board a few feet close to the shore she stood up with a huge smile on her face and pumped her fist up high, showing to the whole world her victory.

Just as she touched the sand, the present Nicola suddenly woke up. She stared at the vegetables she was chopping below her and sighed deeply. "Maki... can I... can I ask you a rather redundant question?"

"Sure thing. What's up?"

"Have I really... changed... that much?"

Maki, who was in front of the stove, cooking all the ingredients in pans, turned to her. "Changed? In terms of what?"

"Oh I don't know... in all terms..."

"You're still the same Nicola we all know. That's what I know," Maki answered with a humble smile on her face. "The only change that I saw in you these past years was that you rarely smile anymore. You rarely jump up and get cheery whenever something good came to you. And most of all, you used to love the ocean. You even said one time those years ago that you would rather die than move away from the ocean for a long period of time. You haven't been on beaches for about seven years now, Nicola. And if you noticed that once a prominent name loses interest at something, the entire scene also lost interest. But ever since then you've been doing alright. Your siblings are doing alright. What's there to worry?"

"This whole surf scenes tournament that everyone in town's been raving about. It feels like... all of a sudden the seas are calling out to me again... I don't know why I feel this way but I do..."

"What exactly did you recall when you listened to the music the OC-5 was playing now?"

"It's The Wipe Out--- Taro wrote that song for me. It was the song that gets me stoked in to going out to the breakers and---" Just before she finished she realized something peculiar about what she said just now. She knew deep within that she and beach life did not mix, however at this particular summer it seemed to her that the beach had been calling her to come outside and meet each other again. Her recalling of one small memory of her early teens was a sign she believed in.

"That's why I asked you to close your eyes for a moment and listen to that song. OC-5 sure is playing the song real well. But yeah... those were great memories. I've watched you grown up in to a fine surfette, you know. But we all know that we can't always live our lives surfing forever, you know."

Nicola smiled humbly and sighed once more. "Why is this tournament making me remember the past I wanted to forget, Maki? My days at the beach are over. I have brand-new responsibilities now. That also includes you, Maki. You retired from the surf culture like I did."

"You know I had to, Nicola. I'm sorta still part of the surf culture, except I retired from the sport itself. Now I'm more of a supporter along with my brother, who wanted to open his own surf shop which included building, designing, and shaping surfboards. And I even volunteered to be your cook for Pearl Waters since you're a bit short of budget to even hire a new cook. I don't mind working here with you, Nicola. I only volunteered because I wanted to watch over you and your siblings and your aunt here, making sure you're alright."

"And I thank you for your kindness many times. Hopefully we'll be more profitable this year because of the large turnout today. With your cousin Taro permanently living here with you due to his new job as a teacher at Lucia's and Hippo's school, at least your job as a manager would be a bit more at ease."

Nicola nodded as she poured the ingredients on a container for Maki to add in the pot. "You're right. Well, guess we'll just wait and see what happens at the tournament, right?"

"Right on." The two went back to their duties while Maki has one thought in his mind.

Not yet... I can't tell you about the Dainami-Oni prediction yet... it's too early.

Moments later the first event came when Rihito took the mic again: "Looks like you peeps are having a ball right now on stage, but I want you all to head back to your seats for our first little event. We now bring you our first segment: The Star Staff Segment! And here she is, everyone--- one of our newest additions to the Pearl Waters staff and is also a favorite barista of the juice and coffee bar--- everyone give it up for Miss Hanon Houshou!"

Hanon, in a sky blue sleeveless mu'umu'u attire with a white and pastel yellow plumeria flower on her hair, arrived on stage with her signature cute charm that can make any male blush in awe, certain girls shriek in ultimate cuteness, and others groaning through their stomachs for its sugary sweetness aura she was good providing. Many of the boys cheered and whistled at Hanon's sugary addictive pose while some of the girls stare at their boys with jealous glares.

Before she began her song she spoke a few words to the mic. "Thank you, all, and welcome to Pearl Waters! In case some of you don't know me by name, I'm Hanon Houshou. I'm a student and aspiring future fashion model and idol who digs her love for young love and beach life without making a fool of herself singing about something she knows nothing of---"

Lucia slowly bent towards Rina, whose keyboards was just next to her and whispered towards Rina: "What did Hanon mean by that?"

"You mean the part about not making a fool of herself singing about something she knows nothing of?" Rina asked curiously as Lucia responded. "Well, I gotta agree with her you know. She pretty much sings songs she knows nothing of... at least you and surf life blend together."

"She's making fun of me in front of Kaito and everybody... I can just feel it..." Lucia sighed while Rina hushed softly.

"Don't worry, Lucia. You just be yourself out there 'cause from my position I can see Kaito's eyes completely fixated at you. I think it's the dress that's getting to him... I can tell he is being turned on right now..."

"Rina..." Lucia blushed heavily as she headed back to her position while Hanon continued to talk.

"Well, anyways--- I don't wanna talk anymore 'cause I came here to sing! So everybody get ready for meeee!"

Kaito shook his head and lowered his face downward to hide his face from Hanon. Oh man... someone wake me up when she's done singing...

The music started with a very slow tempo which already indicated that it was a love song that Hanon was going to sing, but what type of love song are we talking about here? Right when the cue time came, Hanon lifted the microphone and began to sing:

Angel... Angel...

So sweet and true

Whoooaaa Angel... Angel....

How I love you

When you look at me so lovingly

I tremble in my shoes

If there's anything you ever want of me

Call me, how could I refuse?

Whoooaaa Angel... Angel...

You'll always be

My only angel... Angel...

Eternally

And if love is a chain that binds us

I hope I'm never free

'Cause angel, whoooaaa angel

You make a heaven on earth for me!

Whooaaa Angel...

You make a heaven on earth for me!

Though it was a relatively short song it was more than enough for Kaito to get annoyed by the sugarcoated song, but despite of that, Hanon received a loud applause with Nagisa standing up, clapping his hands as hard as he can. Unfortunately for Kaito, Hanon was a hit on her first try.

"How about an encore?" Hanon winked and blew kisses to the audience when both Rihito and Hippo gently escorted Hanon out of the stage before things can get out of control. "Hey--- hey! I wanna sing some more!"

"One song, Hanon... that's the rule," Hippo reminded her.

"We need to get going with the other events... you'll have a chance later for an encore if the audience wants an encore from you, okay?" Rihito patted Hanon once she reached the juice bar area.

"But Rihito..."

"Later, okay?" Rihito and Hippo waved at Hanon as she reluctantly headed back to the juice bar.

Once Hanon got behind the juice bar again she was welcomed back with a quick applause from Noel with a smile on her face. "That was awesome, Hanon! I love the song! I can just sing it the way you'd sing it but I think Caren would be a much better singer for that type of song... heh..."

Hanon sighed and lowered her head. "Those meanies... the audience likes me! I'm sure they want me to have an encore!"

"Oh, don't worry about that, Hanon. You'll probably have a chance to sing again later, who knows?"

"Oh, poo..." Hanon sighed and took her apron to wear around her once more, getting back to work at the bar.

Meanwhile at the table Nagisa remained smiling and his eyes fixated towards Hanon as she was escorted out by two of the OC-5 band members. After she headed back to the juice bar the young surfer turned his head and began to pound his fist numerous times on the table.

"Nagisa, what's wrong with you? Stop that!" Seira held his fist to keep him from pounding on the table continuously.

"Seira--- it's Hanon... she's... she's... she's gotten to me... Girl cuteness is my weakness! That's it! I'm going up to Hanon right now and ask her to be my tandem surfer partner!" Nagisa moaned softly as he was tempted to continue to pound the table with that one fist.

From out of the blue, Kaito, who fell asleep during Hanon's singing, was startled by the Nagisa fist-pounding that immediately woke him up. "Is it over yet?"

Michal giggled and gazed towards Kaito. "It's been over a minute ago. You can wake up now!"

Kaito sighed in relief as Michal continued. "I think Hanon Houshou looked really cute there... and she sounds so cute when she sings... and it's not like she can't carry a tune... and I love the song! She's right, you know..."

"Right about what?"

"Right about you being such an angel..." Michal giggled and leaned her head against his side and began to sing a verse from the song: "So sweet and true... Whooaaa Angel... Angel... How I love you..."

Kaito raised an eyebrow at Michal with a slight disgust on the angel remark. Before he could say his reaction he found Caren with a huge tray of the Seven Seas Coconut Shrimp dinner meal coming their way. "Hey! Our coconut shrimp dinner's here! Yeah baby! I'm starving!"

"You're so mean, Kaito..." Michal sighed sadly again while the rest of the surf tribe cheered happily as Caren approached them with the tray.

Rihito took the mic once more and began his next announcement: "Well, we'll be having an hour intermission for tonight's show because we're all starving for dinner... and while the lovely Caren and Coco are delivering all your dinners to your table, enjoy your time, don't go anywhere, and be sure to fill out a survey that comes with the orders so we'll know how to improve our products and services here at Pearl Waters. Thank you again and enjoy!"

Once the band got out of the stage and headed for the reserved table close to the main kitchen entrance, Coco arrived with their dishes and served them. "Way to go, you guys. You guys were smokin' hot at the stage!"

"And Hanon! She's so good singing that song!" Lucia cheered happily, complimenting her popular daffy friend despite the small statement she made before her singing. "I mean, the way she sang that song is like... she's confessing her love to somebody... though I have no idea who she's really interested to be honest..."

"Heh, if you ask me Hanon's interested in every single cute guy she sees, Lucia, but at least she's gotten over her one-week boyfriend Kaito..." Rina chuckled as she began to chow on her dinner plate.

"Hey, sorry to break in to your little chat, but I've got a little problem," Coco began as she sprinkled some salt and pepper on each of the dishes she just served for the band. "You know those seven girls all the way at the back sharing one table? There's like two mini-fan clubs right there!"

Lucia and Rina turned their heads and slightly stood up to see where Coco was referring too and spotted them on sight. Rina gasped right when she saw the four younger girls at that table and turned to Coco. "Those younger girls--- I've met them earlier. They're fan girls alright but they're out of towners and they're not exactly Kaito Doumoto fan girls either."

The two girls sat back on their seats and continued on with their eating. "So... you know those girls, Rina?"

"They considered themselves the new generation of Cole Seahart Fans and they traveled here on their own to look for her---"

Just as Rina was about to continue the discussion gained attention from the three male members of the band when Taro quickly hushed Rina from continuing any further. "Rina, please, don't continue."

"Taro?" Rina blinked in confusion and turned her head towards Taro. "What's wrong...?"

"You mentioned the forbidden name, Rina, that's what!" Coco exclaimed in a whisper. Quickly she took an empty seat from another table to join the conversation.

"What? Cole Sea---"

"Shhhh!" Coco and Taro hushed Rina right away, leaving Lucia, Hippo, and Rihito perplexed.

Rihito began his confusion by asking: "Uhh... what's going on here? Am I missing something?"

"Search me, Rihito," Lucia frowned with her arms crossed. "What's going on here, you guys? Who the heck is---" Quickly Taro covered his cousin's mouth to prevent her from blurting out the name.

"It's no use shutting us up, Taro," Hippo glared with a frown on his face. "I made a little research with my new friends Nagisa Shiroi and Seira Iria about this Dainami-Oni incident and Cole Seahart's name popped up from that day!"

"Hippo, keep your voice down!" Taro hushed the youngest Nanami child right away. "Your sister forbade any of us to talk about her or that incident anywhere here at Pearl Waters--- or anywhere in the town for that matter..."

Hippo raised an eyebrow, still looking disappointed with the behavior he was receiving at this time. "What the hell, man! Nicola hasn't told me or Lucia anything about that Dainami-Oni thing or this Cole Seahart surfer girl at all! I mean, seven years ago, okay? That Cole Seahart surfer made major history in the past Regional Surfing Championships by riding this 65-feet Dainami-Oni wild surf cleanly and at ease. Well, that's a good thing, right? Why would Nicola forbid anyone to talk about her, Taro? Does she have beef with her or something?"

"Taro, what's going on? Please tell me this entire ordeal. I'm already upset that our own Aunt Taki and most of all our own sister hiding secrets from us. Families don't hide secrets from each other, right?"

Rihito was about to stand up from the table, attempting to leave. "Uh, look... if this whole thing is a family issue then I think it's best if I---"

"You're not going anywhere, Amagi--- you're Pearl Waters staff, so sit back down!" Taro suddenly shouted right at his friend while Rihito slowly sits back to his own seat.

"Okay, Taro... calm down... I'm staying... I'm staying..."

Coco sighed deeply and lowered her head. "I wish I knew the entire story myself but I was warned by the Boss and even the Big Boss not to discuss anything about the Dainami-Oni incident and whoever and whatever was involved at that day when I first got hired. I barely even remembered that incident because I wanted to forget too." She rested her elbow on the table and continued.

"I was one of the contestants at the all-girls division of the tournament but I got injured during my semi-finals run and I couldn't compete. I never saw that historic event of Cole Seahart's 65-foot wild surf ride that won her the championship title because I was lying down at the infirmary... Next thing I knew the entire event just went in panic. But I have read--- I've read about Cole Seahart at the newspapers the next day--- and I fell in love with her accomplishments and she gained a new fan in me. I decided to work here at Pearl Waters in hopes of bringing back the true spirit of the Nijibe surf culture at the beach across from it--- Kaigara Sector 7 Beach--- and revive everything that was lost because of that incident. I got so excited when that First Annual Surf Scenes Tournament was going to happen and they were bringing back the surfer girls and the tandem surfing divisions. I wanted to be part of history again and I also hoped that one day the great Cole Seahart would make an appearance again. I've waited so many years for this to come back again... but at the same time I gotta respect the Boss and keep my mouth shut about what happened seven years ago..."

Hippo sighed and answered: "You waited... exactly... seven years later... and according to the research the Dainami-Oni ocean phenomenon only occurs every seven years in which the most dangerous breaker measurement of sixty-five feet would occur around late August... and with such a huge coincidence that the First Annual Surf Scenes Tournament had to land at that week. Not just that, the tandem surfing competition--- the final competition in the tournament--- also happens to be on August 29th..."

Taro stared blankly and realized immediately what the date meant. "August 29th... the same day as the Dainami-Oni tragedy that happened exactly seven years ago... how coincidental can you be...?"

"What I don't understand," Lucia spoke out, "was why Nicola wouldn't want us to talk about her or that incident? Why wouldn't Nicola or Aunt Taki--- or even you for the matter, Taro--- want Hippo and I to know what exactly happened that day and how that particular incident and this Cole Seahart person got something to do with our family--- the Nanami Family. Does Nicola know this legendary surfer girl personally or what?"

Silence befell at the staff table. Then for a few moments Taro sighed and answered: "Lucia... the Dainami-Oni incident... and Cole Seahart... had a lot to do with our family--- well, the Nanami Family. You and Hippo were way too young to remember that incident, but I do know that you kids were there when it happened. You... Hippo... Nicola... and also your parents."

"But Taro--- listen to me!" Lucia continued on. "I do remember a bit of what happened that day because we all know that August 29th was also the same day Mom and Dad died..."

Hippo's eyes widened in shock to hear what Lucia just said. Then shook his head. "No, Lucia. Mom and Dad died on August 30th --- the day after the Dainami-Oni incident! They were drowned in some boating accident! 'Right, Lucia?"

Lucia shook her head as she was beginning to recall more memories that she tried to forget, or rather, forced to forget by her older sister. "No. The reason why you know it's the thirtieth because Nicola told you that it was the thirtieth. Me, on the other hand... she tried to convince me that it was the thirtieth when I knew deep within that it was the twenty-ninth because... because..." She trailed off her response because at that moment she was beginning to recall her childhood fairy tale about her and that mysterious boy she rescued. She was beginning to remember the date of that fateful day where she found her one true love, which she still suspected as being surfer boy Kaito Doumoto.

I remember now... why I was out at the beach in the first place that night. Because Mom and Dad died earlier before that night came. I ran out from home due to my mourning for my parents. I was desperate then. I swam out at the ocean because I wanted to find Mom and Dad somewhere underwater but instead... instead... I heard someone singing... it was the boy who sang a song at a boat... and the song he was singing that attracted me to him... It wasn't a happy song... it was a sad song... He was grieving too... and in a way... He saved my life... from accidentally killing myself swimming down just to look for Mom and Dad... I was so hopeful... so hopeful... but the song that boy sang reminded me something and that I shouldn't cry and get desperate. That was when I asked if I can sing with him because then... singing was his way of overcoming his sadness... and the rest was history... it's like we've forgotten about what we were grieving about and... connected...

"It's the twenty-ninth, Hippo. Please confirm this date for me, Taro. Hippo has the right to know too!" Lucia demanded the cousin to confirm.

"Man, this is... this is just crazy!" Rina sighed and lowered her head. "I can't believe I'm hearing all this... first it was those four younger girls looking for their legendary idol and then now it turns out that this Cole Seahart and this incident thing are somewhat involved with you guys..."

Taro turned to Lucia after hearing his cousin's demands to confirm the true date of the parents' deaths. After a few moments of silence, he sighed and nodded. "I confirm, Lucia. Hippo, your parents died on August 29th... seven years ago."

"No!" Hippo gritted his teeth in disappointment and slammed his fist. "Why--- why am I out of the family loop? Why would Nicola do this to me? I haven't done anything to piss her off or anything but why hide all of this from Lucia and me?"

Rihito placed his arm around Hippo, hushing him and calming him down. "Look, Hippo... we don't have time to get pissed right now. We still got our show to do. We'll talk about this later, okay? Come on... don't let the rest of the people know we're having problems right now, okay?"

The rest of the table sighed as Coco stood up from her seat. "Look... I better get back to work, but I want to suggest something. None of us don't know anything about the Dainami-Oni incident or Cole Seahart starting tonight, okay? We keep our mouths shut for Boss's sake. We'll just have to find the right time to confront Nicola about this whole thing some other time, but tonight is a bad night. Everyone's excited and let's not ruin the mood."

Rihito nodded in agreement. "Coco's right. Let's get out there and have fun with the rest of the crowd. We can't afford to get all upset and angry because of all the stuff we're hearing right now. Let's finish dinner now, okay?"

While they were discussing the entire Dainami-Oni incident and Cole Seahart, the staff were lucky that there was not very many people overheard them. However, there was one particular table who did pay attention at the staff table while they were arguing and discussing.

"Hey..." Masahiro wondered curiously as he was observing the staff table and the band members' behavior as they were discussing. "Looks like the band's table has a bit of some verbal action going on in there..."

Nagisa nudged Masahiro on the side and answered: "Have you been staring at Rina again?"

"Well.. that too... but that's not what I'm referring to, Nagisa." He turned to the Doumoto Twins and the rest of the members at the table. "Have you guys noticed OC-5 and Coco having some kind of discussion and it looks like Taro Mitsuki doesn't look too happy... then the Nanami Sister and Brother looked really angry too..."

"Maybe they were tired and are cranky..." Daichi shrugged his arms.

"Or maybe they ran out of ideas on which song they're gonna play next..." Kengo chuckled with a slight snicker on his face.

"Maybe they're deciding whether Hanon should have an encore performance for tonight or not..." Nagisa sighed sadly, still thinking about Hanon and her singing earlier.

"Shh..." From out of the blue, Kaito hushed the entire team as everyone fell silent. Michal became concerned with Kaito's expression on his face and began to wonder herself.

"What's wrong, Kaito?" Michal asked curiously. "What's going on with my brother and the band over there?"

"Shh..." Kaito continued to hush Michal. He was not particularly observing the entire OC-5 table, but he was more observing Lucia's behavior at the table during discussion. She did not have a positive expression on her face at that time which Kaito determined that there was indeed something wrong. He began to contemplate regarding the heated discussion going on at that table. A few moments later he decided what to do after the night was over. He wanted to talk to Lucia about what had just happened.

Moments later after some rest, OC-5 headed back on stage and the show continued until the night was over.

It was eleven-thirty at night when the show ended and Pearl Waters needed some cleaning in which Nicola decided that they will clean up the mess in the morning the next day since the restaurant would be closed until noontime. While the band continued to tear down their instruments, Lucia was startled to see Kaito by the door, gazing directly at her. Once she spotted him, Kaito gave a one-finger salute towards her. Lucia returned her usual smile again, knowing that seeing the boy of her dreams was more than enough to make her smile.

Lucia placed her rhythm guitar and turned to the rest of the band. Taro looked up at Lucia with a begging look and spotted Kaito waiting by the entrance. He nodded at Lucia and allowed her to go see Kaito and that he will fix her rhythm guitar for her.

She ran to where Kaito was standing and greeted him with her usual manner. "Hi, Kaito. I'm surprised you're still here. I thought you and your dudes and your girls already went home."

"Daichi, Kengo, G, Sara, and Michal already left. Hamasaki, Nagisa, Seira, and myself remained here. We were waiting for you, I guess..."

"You shouldn't have," Lucia chuckled softly. "You guys are probably tired going all wild and crazy with us performing so you should have your sleep. You don't want to miss the great morning waves to ride on, won't you?"

Kaito gave a slight grin and said "I don't mind staying up longer, even when I'm hanging out with you. Want to go have a walk with me at the beach?"

"R-really...?" Lucia's face suddenly brightened like the sun unaware her face began to turn slightly red.

"Let's go then."

Moments later, both Lucia and Kaito were wading along the shore with the ocean's tide rolling in slowly and calmly, perfect to close the entire day. Though the first night with OC-5 was a lot of fun, Lucia knew she failed to fulfill the request Kaito made since this morning.

"I'm so sorry I didn't get to sing you a song earlier, Kaito..." Lucia sighed sadly with her head lowered. "I meant to sing during our show earlier today, seriously. It's just... it's just..."

Kaito shook his head and turned to her. "You were upset at something big earlier, Lucia. The dudes and I noticed some squabble with you and the rest of the OC-5 about something... I mean if it was something that really upset you that time then you should let it all out so you can feel better."

Lucia began to pick up random flat pebbles and threw it right on the ocean, bouncing three times before it dropped down the water. "Hey Kaito... I know this is kinda stupid but... I've been thinking... a lot... about... well... lots of things... there's some good ones... some bad ones... and some that I'm very hopeful for... I'm just really messed up on my head right now."

"Want to talk about it, Lucia? Well, it's up to you. I'm not trying to force you in to telling me stuff that's really personal to you. It's just that... well... I guess it'd be easier for me to find ways to make you feel better again... that's all."

Lucia felt a lot hopeful than she was before. She was beginning to think that Kaito may have the same feelings for her, but because of such a short time span she decided to ignore that fact. Until now he was still the boy she loves from the distance. But he was there as a friend and she wanted to make sure she would keep that friendship for a long time and that was she intended to do with him.

"Well... Hippo... and Rina... found new info about some major incident that happened seven years ago... and it was right here at this particular beach. It's about some Dainami-Oni wave, someone named Cole Seahart, and my parents' death."

Kaito's eyes widened in shock to hear the three last words from what Lucia just stated. "Parents?... I'm sorry... I didn't know..."

Lucia smiled while shaking her head. "No need to apologize. You're not expected to know everything about everyone in class... let alone someone like me. I just wish I knew my parents more but it's unfortunate that fate decided to cut their lives short. I was only seven when my parents died..."

"Wait... seven? That means..." Kaito stood in front of her, facing her with curiosity in his eyes. "Your parents died... seven years ago?" Lucia nodded to confirm.

Kaito led Lucia to a huge group of rocks near the ocean and they both sat at the flat surfaces of these rocks. The ocean currents rolled in and crashed along the barrier of these rocks, just below from where they were sitting. Lucia felt at that point that Kaito definitely wanted to get to know her more. If that was not the reason then the other possible reason would be that Kaito may somehow relate to her complicated situation and wanted to leave his ears open to her as a friend.

"I... I feel like I can tell you anything, Kaito." Lucia made her statement after pondering whether if it was okay to tell him what she was about to tell him. On the other hand Kaito did tell her about his competition bracelet secret earlier and had trust in her. Now she wanted to test this trust.

"I told you about my secret earlier today. If you don't want me to tell anyone about what you wanted to tell me, then it stays a secret."

"Alright then." Lucia cleared her throat and began. "Hippo and I are furious at Nicola for not telling us the entire truth. I wish I was old enough for me to remember that day. But everything just went by fast. It's like... one time your parents are just in front of you, then the next thing... they're gone. Taro sorta blurted out signs about what really happened to our parents. What I don't understand was that why Nicola wouldn't tell us the entire story? I mean we're family--- and there's not very much of us in both sides of our family. We only have each other now, plus Aunt Taki and Taro and Taro's family from his old town."

When Lucia took a short break before she continued she felt the chill coming from the ocean and began to shiver. Kaito, who was always prepared when it comes to the beach, took out a rather thick beach blanket from his backpack, unfolded it, and placed the blanket around her and himself.

"Here, Lucia. It's getting cold right now." Kaito said as Lucia took the other end and wrapped themselves together to keep warm.

"Thanks, Kaito. I never knew the breeze would get cold like this... around this time it's usually warm."

"Ocean weather forecasts are always unpredictable, Lucia, so you always gotta be prepared."

Lucia smiled and gazed at her bandaged middle finger Kaito fixed from earlier today. "Thanks for patching my finger up."

"No problem, Lucia." Kaito smiled and continued. "So... I know this may be personal but... how did your parents die?"

Even if it was a personal question Lucia felt at ease immediately whenever she spoke to Kaito. Though they only knew each other for two days personally she also felt as if she knew him forever. It was hard to explain for the time being, but because of this overwhelming feeling of trust she decided not to worry about it and answered him.

"My parents drowned... They were taken by this very ocean we're standing over right now. But how they were taken away by the ocean went by really fast. It was a boating accident, Nicola told me. Hippo and I always knew they died in a boating accident for the past seven years. But after talking amongst ourselves during our dinner break earlier... we're not so sure anymore."

"Not so sure? What do you mean?"

"Well... it's just that... there's a lot of things about our family and what happened seven years ago that Hippo and I don't know. Even Taro isn't even telling us what's going on because he made a promise with Nicola about what really went on at that time. And even when I was little I remember Nicola even insisting the date of our parents' death. I was there when... everything happened... though I never really saw what happened... I was there... Hippo was there... and I can never forget the date it happened even if Nicola forced me to believe it was a different date. I was a little kid then... Of course I wouldn't know what to do to answer her back. But Kaito, wouldn't you feel anger and pain if your own older sibling would hide things from you?"

"Of course I would. Lucky for me my older sibling was only ten minutes or so older than I am. But if you were in my shoes I wouldn't worry about it, especially with the tournament coming up in two months. You need to concentrate on preparing for the tournament, Lucia, I mean you're pretty much a competitor now for the surf bands contest. You can't let all these past problems get to you."

Lucia sighed and lowered her head, tightening her fist while still thinking about earlier. "I know... but... this whole thing just made me so mad... and I'm also hurt about it too... I mean... I'm family too... don't I count anymore?"

Kaito fell silent while he gazed out at the ocean. He was not ignoring Lucia or anything, but at the same time he knew he had to make her feel better again. She already cried out of emotion earlier today. He knew she should not cry again at this particular night, not because crying girls annoyed him generally, but because he knew that she had her own personal troubles within her family right now.

"After telling me a bit about your parents, well, I'm somewhat happy to let you know that you and I have one thing in common. It's... coincidental... in a way... but just to let you know that I can easily relate to you right now."

"Common...? What do you mean?"

"Simple. My parents also died seven years ago--- from drowning..."

Lucia's eyes widened in shock and quickly turned her head to Kaito. "What...? I... I'm so sorry, Kaito... I had no idea..."

Kaito also gave the same reaction to her as she did earlier. "You already said what I was going to answer, so... I don't have to repeat it. But I'm over it now though. Sometimes I do think of them whenever I'm out surfing."

"Really? Well, I heard from Hanon that your parents were famous classical composers or something but during the summer they're surfers too?"

"Yeah. Tandem surfing. They drowned during that Dainami-Oni incident when they were completely wiped out once that 60-something-feet wave rolled in. I was at the shore watching them while my uncle was taking care of me and Gaito. I think the day when my parents died affected me the most. I didn't want to cry because my parents raised me to be tough, so I had to find another way to express my sorrow. Afterwards... I felt better... but it also gave me a reason why I should continue to live. Our relatives advised us to not pursue surfing or even try surfing and continue with other hobbies, but somehow their death gave me an inspiration."

"Inspiration?"

Kaito nodded. "Their death only reminded Gaito and me that we have a legacy to carry and despite of what the relatives warned us he and I concentrated more on surfing instead of our other hobby stuff. Not just that though. After I've gotten really good, winning championships here and there and everywhere, I have a new goal in surfing. It's not just about winning tournaments anymore. Even if I end up losing I still want to reach that goal and make a new record in surfing history."

"New goal? What is it?"

"You mentioned Cole Seahart earlier today, Lucia, and I haven't answered you yet. Since I have been a professional surfer for about eight years now it is obvious that Cole Seahart is a very familiar name. It was because of her and her smooth ride of the 65-feet Dainami-Oni that inspired me to create this new girl. That goal would be this: I want to be the one to break Cole Seahart's record. Sure, it is a record but she only rode it for quite a short time--- three minutes. When I'm lucky this summer and catch that Dainami-Oni I'm going to ride that wild surf for at least five minutes."

Lucia gasped in surprise and shook her head. "But Kaito... that's dangerous... and deadly... and..."

"I've ridden 50-feet waves before at past tournaments and I was able to ride them for at least ten minutes. But don't worry about it, Lucia. I know what I'm doing and I'll be careful when that time comes..."

Lucia gulped nervously and sighed while cradling her bent legs to her. "Kaito, riding a ridiculously huge wave such as a 65-feet breaker measurement is like stoked suicide! I know what general surfer behavior is like. The most hardcore of all the hardcores are like coastal gypsies. They would travel everywhere from coast to coast, beach to beach, to find the most perfect wave to ride on. Once they find the most perfect wild surf they can all die happy. They prioritize catching the perfect wave over everything else... even falling in love."

"Dummy!" Kaito chuckled at Lucia's reaction. "Breaking Cole Seahart's record is not my primary goal. I have other goals too, but those other goals are a lot harder to achieve than breaking her record. But I gotta admit... when I saw her that day riding that crazy wild surf she just looked spectacular out there. She conquered that sea demon straight-out like she owned the ocean. A lot of the kids got in to surfing right away just because of what she did that day. A lot of the surfer pros and even Gaito himself worshipped Cole Seahart like the sea goddess of Nijibe back then... but now because of this town-wide favor by the mayor we're not even allowed to talk about her in the open anymore."

Lucia fell silent and cradled herself tighter, leaning her chin on top of her knees. "I wish I was familiar with Cole Seahart... but now after what we did I had a feeling that our family was really close to Cole Seahart, somehow..."

Kaito shook his head as he leaned his back on an angle slowly using his arms as his own stand. "That was the last time I saw Cole Seahart, Lucia. After the tragedy, she just disappeared. No one, not even the media or those stinking paparazzi and those damn tabloids, had no idea where she went. It was because of the tragedy and her disappearance that both tandem surfing and the spirit of the surfer girls faded here in Nijibe. I'm just glad we still got girls like Coco, Caren, and Noel who still surf in this town or otherwise we'd never get in to the tournament for sure."

"Kaito, so the entire surf scenes team was already assembled? You guys are already going to submit the application and payment to enter the tournament?"

"No... we're almost there. Hamasaki's already talking to Rina at Pearl Waters by now... and Nagisa asking Hanon to be his tandem surfing partner."

Now that Lucia had an idea what tandem surfing is thanks to the documentary DVD she lent from Hippo, it was also the perfect time for her to ask. "I'm curious... which one of you dudes are gonna enter the tandem surfing competition segment? I know Nagisa is asking Hanon now..."

"Gaito and Sara... I didn't know Sara surfs sometimes too. And... well... me."

Lucia gasped happily right when she remembered her talk with Hippo yesterday about tandem surfing. Hippo made a prediction that Kaito would be one of the surfers who will compete in the tandem surfing competition segment. "Then... you already have a partner, Kaito?"

Kaito shook his head. "I haven't worked on that part yet. I've had other things in mind..."

"Oh... well that's understandable." Lucia chuckled shyly and softly. "You were forming other aspects of the surf scenes team. But... finding the perfect tandem surfing partner is definitely going to be tough."

"Yeah... but I'll worry about that later. Starting tomorrow is training session. Waking up at four in the morning, head out to the beach at five-thirty knowing the best breakers roll in really fast at that period... maybe even way earlier than that too. But I also gotta remind the dudes one of the general health rules of surfing--- never surf on full stomach. It's not a very... good... feeling."

Lucia giggled while imagining the result of a surfer on a full stomach. "I'd... rather not picture that. But I agree. You'd feel bloated while you're having this very wild and dangerous ride out there. It's like... riding on a roller coaster, you know? Has it ever happened to one of your dudes?"

"Nagisa--- when he first started... so did Kengo and Daichi... sometimes they forget they shouldn't be eating first before they take on the ocean. Like riding on a ship, surfing can get you seasick too and you get the same result."

She stretched her arms to be sure they do not end up stiff on her current position. "Well, speaking of plans, we have a plan too. Starting tomorrow it's straight to rehearsals during closing hours and then we do our regular jobs during business hours. Fridays is our performance night... and we start over again. Occasionally we'll play out at the beach again like earlier today. Once we take on the best of the best surf bands around the region I can feel that OC-5 will be invincible. We've got Taro and Rihito as our composers on instrumentals and me with the vocals. Rina, Hippo, and I would get together and write the lyrics since Taro and Rihito aren't too good at that department. Hippo doesn't do anything as long as he gives us the best beats for the songs we write. Besides... Taro and Rihito can't do everything so we have to chip in a little too. Good thing they're music masters in classical music or else we'd sound totally wack... and the fact that Rihito was a full-pledged surfer himself he can easily capture and hear how the sound should be like while you're out there riding your biggest wave you've ever ridden in your life. Once he hears that sound he'll transform it in to a melodic score. Then Taro takes that melody and composes each parts that would blend in with the melody to correspond with each instrument we play. Blend those two geniuses together and you get surf sound perfection, Kaito! I... I'm sure sometimes you could hear some distinct sound whenever you're riding your best wave you've ever ridden... do you?"

Kaito took his beach blanket and laid it on the surface. Slowly he lied down on the beach with his arms behind his head, staring at the starry sky. Lucia sat on the beach blanket and sat with the same position as before with her legs sitting relaxed with her knees to her left, knowing she was still wearing that V-string mu'umu'u dress she lent from Hanon and that she had to keep herself clean to prevent Kaito from accidentally seeing her underwear.

A full moon was out, not too distant from where they were sitting, and the surfer boy found his eyes hypnotized towards the moon. "Yup. It happens when I enter my alchemy hour mode. It's the best feeling you could ever have, dude. I know what Rihito's feeling because... I was a music student too. Well, Gaito and me. I know how that moment feels like, Lucia."

Lucia's eyes widened and quickly turned her head and looked down at him. "You... you're in to music too?"

"Used to. Used to dig it when I was a kid. Then I ditched it for surfing. But you know, once you learned some craft and you stuck with it for many years and then ditch it for something else, that same craft you started learning before gets stuck with you. Before my surfing days, I was taught how to play the piano... play the guitar... did some songwriting too..."

"Wow! I didn't know that... that's just awesome, Kaito! No wonder the rumors were around when all the girls you dated always wanted to bring you to some karaoke parlor and stuff. At first I thought you'd probably be annoyed with it but now I learned you like music..."

Kaito laughed from out of the blue and answered. "Keep a little secret, Lucia?"

"Another one? Sure!"

"Okay. I'm sure lately you've been overhearing me telling other people that I don't dance and I don't sing..."

Lucia nodded and giggled. "I don't blame you if you don't dance or don't sing. In fact, let me do the singing and you can just sit there and relax and enjoy while someone else entertain you---"

"Well, Lucia, that's it. I... do... dance... and sing... most especially singing... My parents put me in the town's junior boys choir when I was five and yeah... Not everyone knows about this except the surf tribe... and now, you."

Lucia suddenly felt a huge bump from her heart and placed her hand on her chest. Somehow right then she found herself blushing and then placed a hand on to her cheek so Kaito would not notice. "I bet you must have a beautiful singing voice, Kaito. If those crazy girls who always took you to karaoke for dates think you've got a really beautiful singing voice then I want to hear it too! Never mind the dance part since I don't know how surf bums really dance. I just play them with the band!"

Kaito snickered as he sat up slowly. "You still owe me a song, Lucia. You didn't sing one to me tonight."

"Hey!" Lucia pouted with her arms crossed. "I know I owe you a song but what are you gonna do for me in exchange? Since I now learned you sing too, then you should pay me back by singing a song to me. You think you'd just get away easily like that? Nice try, genius!"

Kaito frowned and also crossed his arms. "Fine, fine. I guess it's a fair deal."

"Or how about this. I'll sing your song tonight and then you'll sing yours to me!"

Kaito raised an eyebrow of suspicion. "I'm not like you, Lucia. I don't just come up with random lyrics from my head like that. I have to concentrate at a certain place for a long while before I write it down on paper before I sing it."

"Oh it's easy, Kaito. It's the same as your method except you just come up with stuff that comes in your mind as you absorb whatever it is you're observing while searching for inspiration. I'll show you what I mean if you like."

"... You're going to show me how to freestyle a song from my head... like how you and Rina Touin did yesterday with that surfing song?"

Lucia nodded. "We were looking at you and the surf tribe surfing out at the ocean that made us sing that song without written lyrics, so that's how we got our lyrics."

"Okay... so how are you going to show me?"

Lucia chuckled and began to observe around their atmosphere. "Hm... let's see... we need to find a good inspiration for us to sing from the head..." She searched the rocks, the ocean beneath them, the sands and some random couples hanging around the shore, watching the sea and others making out in hiding, and then the bright starry sky with the help of the illuminating full moon.

"Aha!" Lucia pointed immediately towards the full moon with a grin on her face. "Let's sing about the moon!"

Kaito burst in to laughter, lowering his head to hide his chuckle from Lucia. "You're kidding, right?"

"Oh come on, Kaito, if you actually like what you said earlier before you ditched it before surfing, then I wanna make up a song with you about the moon!"

Kaito tried to prevent himself from laughing some more but Lucia's rather strange sense of humor just could not help himself. On the other hand, joke or not, he decided to play along. Then again, why sing about the moon? Why not about life? Or better yet, a song about falling in love?

"Who the hell sings a song about the moon, anyway? I don't mind a love song or a self-confidence song, but... the moon?"

Lucia snickered right after he laughed instantly. "Dude, there's so many songs that sing about the moon, okay? Like the old stuff like Blue Moon and There's A Moon Out Tonight and new ones like The Lonely Moon and all other types of moon songs. This song we're gonna sing about is about our full moon... the Nijibe full moon... the full moon overlooking the ocean, providing the brightest light for all the surf bums and random couples here and there who may be out at the beach at night. Besides... singing about the moon is more common than singing about surfing and people say I'm weird singing about surfing. Then again, the moon may not just be romantic but also magnetic too!"

"... Magnetic?"

"Yeah! Magnetic! Anyway, I'll start first with one verse. Then afterwards, your turn!"

"Alright, fine. What am I supposed to do?"

"Look at the moon as long as you can and while you look at the moon, think of some good thoughts--- maybe some bad thoughts too--- whenever there's a moon out. And just re-arrange them to make it sound like a song!"

"... Right..."

Lucia and Kaito fell silent as both looked up the sky and right towards the moon. Without being aware of what each other was thinking both found themselves hypnotized right at the moon and dozens of imagery and visions began to fill their creative minds. As for Lucia, once she found her first lines along with a matching tune and began to sing her verse:

There's a moon in the sky somewhere I know

Waiting for all the love to burn below

If you fall and it happens all too soon

Blame it all on the surfer moon

Right then Kaito heard Lucia stop singing. That meant that it was his turn to pitch in the next lyrics. He caught the melody from Lucia's singing and used the same tune for his verse. "Uh okay... here goes..." He cleared his throat first and then sang:

'Neath the hill 'hind the cloud one dreamy night

Rising up throwing down its golden light

If your heart hears this melancholy tune

Then you'll know it's the surfer moon

"Wow!" Lucia exclaimed in amazement. Just as Kaito stated earlier, his natural singing talent from childhood still stuck with him. Even the surfer boy himself felt amazed at that time too. "Those words are more beautiful than mine. You should go back to music again! I wanna make sure I write the lyrics down so we can finish it!"

Kaito gazed at Lucia with another suspicion in his mind. "Finish it?"

"Well yeah! We only got two verses and we pretty much got part of the melody down!" Lucia gave a thumbs up and a huge smile on her face. "It's a sweet song! It should be an anthem for all surfers, boy and girl, in love with that special someone! It should be a love anthem for the beach where surf life lives! It should be---"

"Weirdo!" Kaito snickered. "A song about the moon should be a love anthem for surfers in love? What the hell is up with that?"

"But the moon is very important to the ocean! If you remember science class last year, Kaito, the moon's gravitational pull provides the high tides and the low tides on any ocean and sea around the earth! Bad news for sailors, good news for surfers! It's full moon now and you know what that means---"

Kaito smirked and stood up from his spot and looked down towards Lucia. "Of course I know what it means. I've got one of the highest grades in science last year. I finally realized what you meant by the moon being magnetic. The moon and the earth are attracted to each other, just like magnets, and a hot surfer dude and a hot dumb beach chick---"

"Hey, what kind of an example is that, Kaito?" Lucia glared at him with suspicion in her mind.

"Yo, I'm making a point here! Okay, check it. Imagine the entire planet earth being all chicks; the ocean being specifically the hot dumb beach chicks; and the moon being the hot surfer dudes. See, this hot surfer dude not only surfs hardcore but he also likes checkin' out chicks--- in general, okay? Not all of us are like this so don't get the wrong idea."

Lucia softly giggled while covering her mouth, preventing herself from bursting in to laughter. "Anyway!" Kaito continued on. "The hot surfer dude's charms is like the moon's gravitational pull and the dude's mission with his charms is to attract chicks--- not just hot beach chicks but all chicks! Apparently only hot dumb beach chicks who only care about a hot surfer dude's looks and surfing skills get attracted to him, which also means that the surfer dude can't attract all chicks, but only a certain number--- or type--- of chicks, you know? It's the same with the moon. The earth's gravitational power is a lot stronger than the moon's gravitational power that the moon was not able to pull anything from the earth--- with the exception of the ocean. The ocean is always fluid, always moving, and it's not solid stuck to the rest of the earth, which was why the moon's gravitational power is able to pull the ocean towards him. The pull causes the ocean to create high tides and low tides on particular stages of the moon while at the same time causes the ocean to break and form wild surf. Like you said earlier, bad for sailors, good for surfers."

Lucia fell silent and contemplated his rather bizarre explanation. Then from out of the blue she answered with a smile on her face: "So that means, you're the moon and the Rainbow Pop Girls and your fan club represent the ocean, right?"

Kaito raised an eyebrow of confusion. "Uh... I guess in a way you could say that. What's your point?"

"Then who's the earth then?"

Kaito began to contemplate regarding the question and deep within he wanted to say Lucia, but instead he found a more perfect name to represent the earth. "Uhh... Rina Touin?"

Lucia chuckled once she heard him answered. "Rina Touin? Why'd you pick her?"

"Are you stupid or something? You should know your friends, girl! Rina Touin will tear any guy apart who try to get with her at one time. Besides, I'm not exactly aiming my charms at girls like her, so yeah. Rina Touin is the Earth."

"O... kay! I'll be sure to keep that in mind."

Kaito turned his head towards the horizon and stared at the ocean breaking rapidly and rolling in to the shore in a rate of seconds. The numerous swell rolling in at that rapid rate meant perfect conditions for surfers of all levels. The eager surfer boy found himself hypnotized to head out to the ocean and ride the waves, but because it was midnight and the water was probably cold tonight was not a good idea. Besides, how could he just run out to the ocean like that with his surfboard and leave Lucia alone at the shore? Nevertheless it was still a good time to gaze at the raging waves closely and still enjoy the scenery.

"Want to look closer at the incoming moon tides, Lucia?"

Lucia chuckled and stood up from her spot. "I thought we're done talking about the moon?"

"It's your fault for starting it, Lucia. Now you're making me talk about the moon too... You really are strange, you know that?"

"Okay already, Kaito. You don't have to remind me again!" Kaito stuck his tongue at her reaction and took his beach blanket up.

"Here. If you're cold, you can use this to keep you warm." He placed the beach blanket around Lucia as she blushed and covered herself with it. Kaito climbed down the rocks first then reached for Lucia's hand to help her down.

"Thanks, Kaito. So we're heading back to the sand?"

"Duh! How else are we going to look at the moon tides a little closer? Come on!"

"Coming... coming..."

Once they reached the sand they ran to the nearest area to remove their shoes (in Lucia's case, her slippers), and ran to the shore where they felt the wet sand rather cold. That can only mean one thing. The water itself was also cold. Regardless, the breaker measurements still tempted any highly-spirited surfer to run back home, grab their boards, and ride those fresh waves brought to them by the full moon.

"Aren't you going to catch those waves, Kaito?" Lucia asked curiously. "I can tell by your eyes and by the way your body twitching that you want to just paddle out there and claim your surf."

Kaito slightly snickered at Lucia for the remark but he was not kidding himself when he needed to rest for tomorrow to get out of the waves again. "Not tonight, Lucia. My body's not capable right now. Been surfing too much the entire day."

"I see. I understand." Lucia gave a humble grin and turned back to the ocean. "But you can't resist the power of the ocean, you know? Especially that the moon's gravitational pull is making its moves to it."

"Heh... seriously Lucia, if I had full energy right now I'd strip myself and run my board to the ocean. Not only it has a powerful effect from the moon but it has a voice. Sometimes when I'm out there it's like the ocean's speaking to me, guiding me through my ride. I guess it's because of that voice that helps me win, you know?"

Lucia turned to Kaito, now facing the ocean currents himself and flashed another humble smile. She turned her head back towards the full moon and then to the ocean currents. Few moments later another line and tune appeared on her head again, which made her sing those new words out:

Brings the tide in

Takes it all away

What Lucia did not know was that Kaito was experiencing the same moment as she was. A new line and tune somewhat connecting to Lucia's tune and added his line:

Helps us ride in

Brings us waves each day

Without being aware, both Lucia and Kaito sang two words after those two lines, not only on the same note, but in a harmonized duet:

I say . . .

Once they heard each other sing those two words the two turned to each other with overwhelmed expressions on their faces. Did they just sing another verse of their moon song?

"Um..." Lucia chuckled nervously, lowing her head down shyly.

"Er..." Kaito chuckled the same way, slowly scratching the back of his head. "What were we singing about... the moon or surfing...?"

"Heh... heh..." Lucia slowly chuckled at Kaito's reaction. "Erm... well... the moon... does bring the tide in... and then it takes it all away... high tide... low tide... so yeah! We're singing about the moon!"

"Well... uhh... I sang those lines... from a surfer's point of view... high tides help us surfers ride in there and it also brings us the best waves it can give us... each day..."

"Oh!" Lucia grinned nervously and placed her hand on her forehead. "Right... right..."

"I... I think you and I... are in alchemy mode right now. I mean... why are we singing about the moon and surfing then?"

"Um... alchemy hour is good--- although I've never really experienced it. I thought only surfers get in that mode after they ride the gnarliest wave they've ever ridden?"

"Well... that's the general meaning... some surfers define it differently to themselves. But it's clear that you and I are both in love---"

Lucia shrieked immediately: "No, I'm not in love---"

"--- with the ocean, the surf, and the moon, you dummy!" Kaito chuckled and rubbed his fist gently on Lucia's hair.

"Hey, stop that!" Lucia grabbed his fist from her hair and glared right at him. "Why on earth did you have to say that... that we're in love... with the ocean, the surf, and the moon... like that?"

Kaito snickered with his arms crossed. "Why, Lucia? What did you think I was going to say?"

"Erm... nothing! I got all nervous and everything!"

"Or rather... What did you want me to say, hm?" Right at that moment he placed his fingers gently under her chin while smiling right at her.

Lucia could feel her heart beating rapidly as if she was going to have a heart attack, however these particular types of heartbeats were not to give her a heart attack, but it was all due to Kaito's little move he just made on her. "Um... d-don't be so hopeful, Kaito... I... I'm not interested in a summer romance!"

Right then Kaito released his fingers and slowly backed away from her. "Yo! Who do you think I am? Wow... I didn't know you were that forward, Lucia! Is this your way of hitting on me and get my attention? Pretending you're in to surfing when you're only using it to get to me?"

Lucia tightened her fist and answered quickly: "Hit on you? Pretending I'm in to surfing just so I can get with you? You really are self-centered and so full of yourself! Listen up, dude, you don't know me, alright? I can't believe you'd look at me like some other girl you were used to--- your... one-week girlfriends? I can't believe you'd assume things like that to me! How dare you, Kaito Doumoto!" Quickly she removed the beach blanket and threw it right at him. "I'm going home!" Before Kaito was about to say something Lucia ran back across the street and right at home to Pearl Waters.

Kaito ran after her, calling out to her name, but it was too late. She already disappeared from his vision. He lowered his head and shook. He sighed afterwards.

Why the hell did you say that, Kaito? You really are an idiot! Why did I say that to her? Why did I screw up already... especially with a really great girl like Lucia? What was I thinking...

He gazed at the beach blanket on his hand when he heard movement and footsteps closing in on him. He turned his head to see who was coming. He sighed in relief when he saw Nagisa and Masahiro right at the spot with concerned faces.

"Hey--- we passed by Lucia on our way here." Masahiro stated. "She was crying. What the hell happened?"

Kaito frowned and turned his head. "N-nothing, okay? We just... had an argument!"

"Kaito, come on... You don't usually... argue... with any girl you get involved with." Nagisa said with concern in his eyes. "I mean you cared for them so much even if you end the relationship after one week..."

"The thing is, Nagisa, is that Lucia is just a friend, not a one-week girlfriend. She's nothing more than that. Not even close to a... what do they call it? A BFF? She's just way too... well.. she's way out of my league."

Masahiro gave a slight curious look and crossed his arms. "Just what on earth did you and Lucia argue about?"

"We argued about--- the moon!" Kaito shouted his response to the two. "Don't get your hopes high because of this!"

"You argued about the moon?" Masahiro questioned Kaito with suspicion in his mind. "So... you sent Lucia crying... over the moon?"

"Um, do you mean the full moon up the sky or are we talking about... the other... moon?" Nagisa asked curiously.

"Yo, I didn't send her crying just because we disagreed over... the moon... She's just way too emotional... and yeah... She's a total weirdo! We even made up a song about the moon for crying out loud!"

Masahiro shook his head with a slight frown. "After observing Lucia Nanami for the past two days while I've been pondering how I was going to approach Rina Touin with the beach babe thing I highly doubt Lucia Nanami would be the type to cry over... the moon. In fact I didn't really see her as the crying type because she's just way too cheerful and hyper to cry over something so small such as--- the moon!"

Kaito shook his head and headed his way back to the streets. "Look, man, let's just go home, alright? We've had a long day and it's getting too late. I don't want to talk about her or the stupid moon."

"Whatever, dude." Masahiro shrugged as he let Kaito lead their way. He and Nagisa slowly followed, slightly distant from Kaito.

Nagisa leaned over to Masahiro and whispered: "You're not gonna buy that stupid moon excuse, are you, Hamasaki?"

Masahiro shook his head, also agreeing with Nagisa. "No girl would just cry over the moon like that... Lucia may be slightly weird but not that weird."

"Huh... Kaito said they sang about the moon. I wonder what he meant by that?"

Masahiro shrugged his arms as he, Nagisa, and Kaito headed back to the shack.

Back at Pearl Waters a few moments later, Lucia shed tears on the pillow of her bed after the rather small argument with Kaito about their real motives with each other. Lucia knew she was not pretending, nor that she was using her knowledge in the sport her long-time crush truly loves. It was true that she was in love with him and would probably do anything to get him to fall in love with her in return but not on the second day since they met.

Hanon and Rina were in her room with Hanon sitting at the edge of Lucia's bed, comforting her by patting her shoulder. "Oh for heaven's sake, Lucia, stop crying. Most surfer boys in this town have that kind of mindset--- Kaito included. But seriously though I can't believe he'd say such a thing to you like that."

"I feel stupid, Hanon..." Lucia answered from her tears. "I thought... I thought I was on my way to winning Kaito's heart by becoming good friends with him. He was so sweet and so nice to me this entire day until now... I'm pretty sure he hates me by now and wouldn't wanna do anything with me anymore..."

Rina glared at the thought and crossed her arms. "Seriously, Lucia, if that's gonna happen just because of that short argument you and he had just now then give me an OK so I can sock the hell out of that ass!"

"Whoa, Rina, violence isn't the answer," Hanon interrupted her. "Kaito's always been nice and sweet to the girls no matter how much he gets annoyed with them... but to tell you the truth most of the time he only thinks about himself and his surfing glories. His surf tribe would be his second priority. Girls would be the last thing he has on his priority list. But so what? It's only the second day. You got plenty of time to get him to fall in love with you this summer. We just gotta make sure he doesn't start hitting on other girls and start that whole one-week girlfriend thing."

"I feel horrible..." Lucia continued to cry while answering her closest friends. "I yelled at him... screamed at him... called him self-conceited and full of himself... "

"Which he is," Rina answered quickly.

"He'd probably just ignore me and probably would also start jeering at me, calling me weirdo and stupid and stuff like those pathetic Rainbow Pop Girls and his fan club back in school..."

"No kidding with this one!" Rina continued. "That's why I don't want to get involved with surfer dudes, most especially with the Doumoto Brothers--- Kaito to be more specific. But since this surf scenes tournament thing sorta brought us together as one team we don't have a choice."

Hanon smiled and leaned to Lucia's ear and spoke: "Don't forget, Lucia. You still got that surf scenes tournament competing in the surf band contest so there is no way Kaito is just gonna ignore you like that. You're technically part of the surf tribe, more or less. See, I learned one thing about surfers being part of a tribe. Once they're a part of the tribe they stay loyal to that tribe. He can't turn away from you because... it's not really in his nature to ignore a fellow surfer or team player in your tribe."

Lucia slowly turned her head and wiped her continuous tears. "What am I gonna do now? I don't want to come to the beach tomorrow... but I want to reach out to Kaito and apologize about what happened earlier... but he'll be all busy concentrating on his surfing training and I don't want to bug him..."

"You don't have to apologize to him the next day, Lucia. For all we know he's still hotheaded. We need to give him some space for a bit." Rina provided her advice with a nod.

"I guess you're right, Rina. I'll wait until next week---"

"No. Wait until Friday. He'll be watching us on stage again next Friday night. We gained a new fan in him as of earlier today, Lucia. He admitted it to us after the show and he loved our stuff. He even told us that he thought you looked really beautiful tonight, Lucia."

"Oh?" Lucia gasped and found herself blushing again. "He thought... I was... beautiful...?"

"See?" Hanon chuckled. "The mu'umu'u dress worked! If he really said that then he can't ignore you. I knew he'd like you in that dress. You looked so cute in it!"

"You still have a chance with him, Lucia." Rina answered with a smile on her face. "But here's the thing. Sure, you'll wait. But don't make the first move after the long period of silence. Make him come to you, Lucia. You're the moon and he's the ocean, Lucia. Let him come to you."

Lucia slightly smiled and lowered her head. "Thanks, guys... I think I'm going to head to bed now."

Moments later after Hanon and Rina left her bedroom, Lucia washed herself and are now in her pajamas. She began to think about what happened with the argument but decided not to think about that. Instead she thought about the moments they shared before the argument began. She began to smile, thinking about the song she and Kaito wrote and sang, even if it was about the moon or more or less surfing. She closed her eyes and found herself finishing the rest of the song:

Other moons have brought light and love before

Promising to remain for evermore

But they all disappeared with each new tune

They make way for the surfer moon

Moments later, Lucia permanently kept her eyes as closed as she fell in to a deep and relaxing sleep.

---

AUTHOR'S NOTES:

#1 – The term snake, aside from the slithering poisonous reptile, is also a surfer lingo term for a surfer who cuts/steals a wave from another surfer who was already riding that wave, causing the current surfer to get wiped out easily. In the surfing world and according to general surfing regulations, any snakes are being looked down upon as well as mocked by real surfers all over. In the case of the fanfic, Kengo called Michal a snake for dragging Kaito all the way to the front of the line. It wasn't the cutting part that got the surfer boys upset but for a girl like Michal to steal Kaito away from the tribe during a conversation that got Kengo to call Michal a snake.

#2 – Taro Mitsuki mentioned a surfer lingo term while talking to Hanon: legend. Any surfer who is 50-yrs-old or older are considered as legends by the professional and the amateur/younger surfers all around. Rookie or champion, the "senior-aged" surfers are highly respected and regarded.

#3 – For all of you who aren't very familiar with general Hawaiian language terms and trends (especially to all you fellow non-Hawaiian Americans ^^), I decided to add this note too. A mu'umu'u is a long flower/ocean motif printed dress, short-sleeved or strap-sleeved. They are the everyday wear of native Hawaiian women and Hawaii local women (non-Hawaiian blooded residents) and are very common all over the Hawaiian islands. They are like the more feminine complement to the famous aloha shirts.

#4 – Short sidenote. While I was writing this chapter I accidentally wrote Koichi instead of Kaito for one little reason. I remembered Pink Hanamori's sidenotes in the manga that she is a major Johnny's fan, and being a Johnny's fan myself, it was so obvious where Hanamori-san got the name Kaito Doumoto from. She got the name from Johnny's pop duo Kinki Kids member Koichi Doumoto. I had a few KK CDs myself and pretty familiar with this duo (the other dude is Tsuyoshi Doumoto and NO, they are NOT brothers. They just happened to have the same last name) and I was actually listening to a KK CD while I was writing this chapter and ended up having Koichi's name mixed up with Kaito's. Luckily I caught that before I published this. Sorry for the mess! ^^;;

More to come, obviously! Please keep the reviews coming! I really appreciate it! ^_^

RATED T for the VERY mild language AND slight adult situations.

Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch is © 2003 Pink Hanamori and Michiko Yokote. All songs used are © respected songwriters/owners. No copyright infringement intended.