Author's note: I'm really liking all these conversations between all the different characters. I know, I know, it's silly, but that's just why I like them so much. Ooh, and a cookie for the person who spots the slight crossover reference. A second cookie for the one who spots the nineties pop song reference. ;)

Chapter 7: The Seventh Day, Morning and Afternoon

Xiaoyu couldn't resist the urge to at least do some training in the morning.
This time she had slept fully without awakening to the sounds of an alarm clock or neurotic authority figures.
After she had completed her form she decided to take a small walk through the woods.
There she happened to encounter Alisa sitting on a mossy rock besides a small river
together with Panda who seemed to be hunting for fish.
"Oh, good morning Xiao," Alisa smiled and nodded.
"Good morning, Alisa," Xiaoyu replied.
The two shared a moment of silence together.
"Xiao?" Alisa asked. "Am I convincing as a human?"
"Well, the pink hair might be a slight give away... but as long as you aren't losing your head, launching rocket arms or busting out chainsaws you pass in my book," Xiaoyu responded.
Alisa smiled faintly as she looked around.
"It's not that. I mean... In my behavior. Does my behavior pass as human?" Alisa rephrased.
"Well, uhm... I don't know what to say, Alisa. Not really, I guess?"
"I thought so... seems wonderful though. When you're human, things matter.
When you're a machine everything can be explained away, everything's quantifiable and nothing really matters."
"So things don't matter to you, Alisa?" Xiaoyu asked wearily.
Alisa giggled as she stroked her hair.
"I don't want you to get the wrong impression...
Papa Bosconovitch programmed me to have a rudimentary emotional understanding so I consider you all dear friends and I value you all dearly.
It's just not enough. There are so many more human experiences I want to be a part of.
It's like I'm a newborn with the intelligence of a..."
"Supercomputer?" Xiaoyu interrupted.
Alisa smiled and nodded. "Indeed," she said.
"I wonder if being a weapon is my only purpose," Alisa said.
"Well, that's also part of being human. Choosing your own purpose," Xiaoyu added.
"I think some people would envy you.
Lots of them bumble about their entire life never knowing why they're here.
But on the other hand, if your only reason to exist is to terminate the existence of others thing, I could understand why you'd feel down about that."
"I guess I'll take it as it comes..." Alisa said.
"After all... my expiration date is far beyond any of you," Alisa smiled.

Around noon, Jun had decided that on this exceptionally sunny day the Wreath should have a picnic outside.
She and Zafina had been to the city earlier in the morning to get all the provisions.
Bread, fruits, meat, fish, wine... she had even prepared some rice and veggies for those who wished it.
Two big tables were placed outside; one for the adults and one for the kids.
"I'm going inside to get a soda from the fridge," Miharu said clad in her ultra-revealing bikini.
"You want anything, Hwoarang?" she asked the boy seated next to her.
"Yeah, a beer, please," he said as he stared at her.
"Be right back," Miharu said as she pranced away.
"She's awfully helpful today," Asuka said sitting arms folded across the table wearing her usual biker outfit.
"Yeah, she is," Hwoarang said with a dreamy look in his eyes.
"Ooh, it's hot," Asuka said as she stretched out.
She then proceeded to take off her top and revealed she was wearing a slightly sexy bikini.
"You know, red," Asuka spoke "you really should show me that bike of yours one day," she said in a complacent manner.
"Yeah, it's actually in a rental garage down in the city," Hwoarang said turning his head towards Asuka. He briefly widened his eyes as he saw what Asuka was wearing.
"You like bikes?" Hwoarang asked.
"Yeah, I usually always ride a bicycle but I've wondered about those, though.
Never really got around to try one out," she replied.
"Hey, I'm back. Didn't know if you wanted a glass or not so I brought one just to make sure,"
Miharu said taking her seat.
"Hwoarang was just telling me how he'd take me on a ride with his bike later this afternoon," Asuka said.
"Really?" Miharu said turning towards the boy.
"No, I didn't... Wait, did I?" Hwoarang reacted confused.
"Yeah, we're gonna try out all the gears," Asuka said mixing sultry with scorn.
"Okay, you have fun," Miharu said coldly.
"Should I pour your drink?" Miharu asked.
"Yeah, sure, where's the bottle opener?" Hwoarang asked.
"No need," Miharu's said as she put the bottle's tip between her breasts, squeezed and removed the cap accordingly.
Hwoarang's jaw fell to the ground as Asuka narrowed her gaze.
Miharu's poured the glass of beer with just the right amount of foam.
"Here you go," she offered.
"Thanks," Hwoarang drooled.
"So Miharu, what do you plan on doing after this is all over? What are you going to study?"
Asuka asked.
"Who cares? Worries for later..." Miharu said whilst preparing herself a sandwich.
"So what... what kind of music do you guys listen to?" Hwoarang asked.
"I don't understand music..." Alisa sighed "Not yet anyways."
Hwoarang turned his gaze to Xiaoyu
"Well, you know all kinds of smooth electronic stuff is totally my thing. That and the occasional pop song," she answered.
He turned his gaze to Miharu.
"Me? Well... a bit of everything I suppose," Miharu answered.
Asuka rolled her eyes.
"What about you?" Hwoarang asked Asuka.
"Mainly Hip-Hop," Asuka quickly replied. "And you?"
"Mostly Heavy Metal," Hwoarang said.
"Ooh, like that one song! What is it? 'Highway to hell' by DC/AC. I love that one!" Miharu said.
"Yeah, who doesn't?" Asuka scoffed.
"I don't," Alisa thought to herself.
"It's AC/DC, by the way," Hwoarang said.
"Hm? You sure about that?" Miharu asked.
"Positive," he said as he took a bite from a sandwich.

"Are you sure you want me to come along this afternoon?" Xiaoyu asked Miharu.
"Won't I be a third wheel? I mean, I don't wanna throw you of your game or anything."
"Xiao!" Miharu drew out. "Of course I want you to come, we're all going anyways.
Besides I want you to see me score," Miharu grinned.
Xiaoyu smiled slightly.
Miharu's face returned to normal as she looked at Xiaoyu a little longer than usual.
"Actually Xiao, there's something I've been wanting to tell you."
"What is it?" Xiaoyu asked curiously.
"Well, it's just... you're such a good friend, you know. You are always looking out for me.
And you never judge me based on the amount of skin I show or the number of boys I flirt with. I feel I can always totally be myself when I'm with you... So thank you."
"You're welcome, Miharu. That's what friends are for," Xiaoyu said.
"That why I've decided. When it's time for the final showdown I'll go with you, as a token of my appreciation."
"Miharu!" Xiaoyu gasped.
"Hey, that's what friends are for, right?" Miharu smiled.
"I honestly wouldn't know what to do without you anyways.

Xiaoyu, Mihura, Asuka, Panda and Hwoarang arrived at the rental garage where Hwoarang had stored his bike.
He opened the door, to reveal a shining, dark red (insert brand name) motor cycle.
"So, Miharu? Can I interest you in a ride?" Hwoarang asked as he hopped on.
"Oh, uh, I don't know about that," Miharu said reluctantly.
"I'll go!" Asuka yelled energetically as she climbed behind Hwoarang.
Wrapping her hands around his waist she, unbeknownst to the boy, stuck out her tongue at Miharu.
Miharu narrowed her eyes.
"Okay, I guess we'll meet up later in the city," Hwoarang said to the other girls.
"Yes, see you soon," Xiao nodded.

"Oh my, that was so much fun!" Asuka cheered as she stepped of the bike.
"Heh," Hwoarang chuckled.
"I've got to get me one those," Asuka said, full of conviction.
"You know, I've got this distant niece Akira, she's a real gearhead.
Maybe I should get in touch with her," Asuka said.
"Or I could help you out," Hwoarang said.
"Heh," Asuka blushed.
The two went on to sit on a bench which gave a view of the city's entire central square.
A brief pause occured.
"You know this reminds me a lot of the good, old days," Asuka interrupted the silence.
"The good old days?" Hwoarang asked.
"Yeah, back when I roamed the streets in search of bad boys to rough up. I portrayed myself as the mediator, but it was really just an excuse to beat some suckers to oblivion."
"Heh, if only I had been born in Japan and if only we had met then," Hwoarang smiled as he stretched.
"What do you mean?" Asuka asked.
"D'uh... I mean I used to be like this street gang leader back in Korea," he said nervously and without the confidence he had hoped for.
"Oh really?" Asuka asked wearing a devious smile.
"Yeah, our gang would get into fights all the time," he said mimicking the same devious smile.
"Heh, I would've totally stacked all those guys onto one big pile," Asuka said.
"You wish," Hwoarang retorted.
"And I would've done so whilst fighting you too," Asuka playfully provoked.
"Heh, you know it just crossed my mind that we still need to spar, me and you," Hwoarang remarked.
"Well, I'll let you see what I mean then..." Asuka said.
A brief pause occured between the two.

"I hope we get your nephew back," Hwoarang said.
"Yeah, me too. Aunt Jun's right, though. That guy really needs some sense beaten into him," Asuka remarked.
"Heh, I wanna fight him, you wanna fight him, Jun and Xiaoyu will probably have to fight him.
It's like we all want a piece of him..."
"Which piece did you have in mind?" Asuka teased.
"...Hey! You, too? Xiao said something similar as well.
Sorry to disappoint but I don't swing that way.
You know, you girls can be really pervy when it comes to stuff like that," Hwoarang said.
"Oh, thank god! That's better" Asuka yelled relieved in herself.
The thought was however precipitated by a romantic boy's love reverie featuring Hwoarang and Jin.
Asuka blushed as she giggled... "Or is it?" she thought.
"Yeah, it's definitely better!" she thought as she suddenly realized she was daydreaming about her nephew in such a way.
She felt slightly embarrassed as she tried to desperately think of something else.
"As'ka?" Hwoarang asked as he waved his hand in front of her face.
"Oh, crap," she thought to herself, how long had she been sitting there so absent minded?
"Mmm?" she awoke.
"Uh, don't worry about it. We're just teasing," she said as she playfully punched him in the shoulder.
"Anyways, you're right... that piece is reserved for Xiao. She definitely wants it," she blurted out.
"I knew you were a perv!" Hwoarang accused.
"Oh give me a break. Like you boys are so much better among each other!" Asuka countered.
"Hm, okay fair point," Hwoarang said.
"Actually that's kind of what I like about you, Asuka. You're not such a typical girly girl.
You're like one of the guys,"
Asuka blushed again as she didn't quite know what to think of that statement.
Did this mean she had no chance with him? Did this mean they would for always just be friends?

The rest of the gang arrived to stand in front of the two.
"Hey, what's up?" Miharu asked.
"We were just discussing what a perv Asuka is!" Hwoarang blurted out.
"Ugh! Hey!" Asuka yelled as she playfully pushed him.
Miharu narrowed her eyes; "So she's been using her feminine charms as well, has she?
I'll have to step up my game," she thought.
"So why are we here again?" Xiaoyu asked.
"To shop of course!" Miharu said slightly angry, "Come on, let's buy some clothes,"
"Ugh, clothes? Do I have to come along?" Hwoarang complained.
"It'll only take a second," Miharu said.
"Yeah right" Hwoarang mocked.
"Besides, we need a boy in the jury," Miharu said as she took his hand and dragged him along.

Hwoarang and Panda were seated in front of the changing booth, where Xiaoyu, Miharu and Asuka had gone to try out clothes.
"So how do I look?" Xiaoyu said as she stepped out clad in a black and white gothic lolita dress.
"I dunno... it's a little bit old looking?" Hwoarang stated wearily.
"Well, that's kinda the point, isn't it?" Xiaoyu remarked.
Asuka and Miharu stepped out of their booth nearly simultaneously.
Asuka was wearing an outfit that screamed punkrock and Miharu a pretty revealing, frilly short dress with a large Breton hat.
"I love the kilt," Hwoarang said to Asuka, "I don't think I've ever seen a girl were one though,"
"Hey, first time for everything right?" Asuka stated, "That's right, I'm a freaking pioneer," she proclaimed elated.
"What about me?" Miharu said.
"Eeeh... too girly and frilly," Hwoarang critiqued as he moved his smiling gaze towards a reciprocating Asuka.
Miharu narrowed her eyes. "Okay, I guess I'll just change again then," she said as she clumsily turned around.
The motion caused her hat to fall off in front of her.
"Oh my, butterfingers," she said in herself as she leaned over deep to pick it up.
Appearing to take longer time then needed to perform such a task and giving Hwoarang a perfect view of what she was wearing under her dress.
His eyes widened, as Asuka's narrowed.
"Yeah, you totally look like Lili," she remarked.
"Who's Lili?" Hwoarang asked snapping out his enthrallment.
"She's just this really annoying, rich girl who constantly follows me around, getting in my way and stuff. I think she thinks I'm her rival or something," Asuka answered.
"You've got a rival as well? That's so cool! What's she like?" Hwoarang gasped.
"Well, you know... a girly girl. Very prissy," Asuka articulated.
Miharu had gotten up and narrowed her eyes.
"Enough! I can't take it anymore! Okay, Hwoarang(-kun)? You like butch babes, do you? I'll do the next best thing! I'll prove to you I'm the toughest by beating the snot out of this wannabe!" she yelled as she pointed in Asuka's direction.
Hwoarang looked confused as Asuka stood up.
"Finally, some action!" she said as she loosened her shoulders.
"You need to give it up. Had about enough. It's not hard to see the boy is mine," Miharu snapped.
"Why do you do the things you do? You keep on acting like a fool. You need to know it's me, not you. And if you didn't know it; girl it's true," Asuka answered.
As a fight ensued between the girl's Hwoarang sat and watched in awe.
"Hwoarang, you need to put a stop to this," Xiaoyu said seated next to him.
"Hmm? Oh yeah. No girls you shouldn't be fighting over me," Hwoarang said in the softest of voices as the battle raged on.
"That was so convincing," Xiaoyu said sarcastically.
"Shush! Just let me enjoy this for a sec, okay?" he whispered.
Xiaoyu rolled her eyes: "Just don't let them kill each other, okay?"
"Yeah sure," he whispered.
As Miharu stretched under Miharu's mid kick she countered with a jumping double kick; one hit straight, the other sideways. (Butterfly / Leg Cannon / Double Barrel Shotgun)
As Asuka got up she guarded against an incoming falling ax flipkick leaving both of the girls in a brief crouching position. (Crescent Moon Kick)
Asuka took advantage of Miharu's brief hesitation, took her head and rubbed in the store carpet only to throw her up against the ceiling. (Falling Rain)
Miharu got up, waved left, then right and had the intent to unleash a powerful left palm to the mid-section. (Storming Flower)
Asuka had the intent to plant her palm in Miharu's nose. (Rangetsu)
As the two were about to hit each other, Xiaoyu appeared in Asuka's back and Hwoarang appeared in Miharu's back.
Xiaoyu clenched her arms under Asuka's and Hwoarang did the same with Miharu.
"You see," Miharu yelled as she squirmed. "He can't resist me!"
"Stop this!" Hwoarang said assertively. "I've decided!"
The three girl's lined up next to each other as their eyes widened.
"The girl I like the most is..." he said as he watched all three of them growing with anticipation.
"Asuka."
"Yes!" Asuka squeed as she lept into the air briefly.
"But I was getting all these signs from you," Miharu said.
"I'm sorry if was leading you on Miharu, but you and I simply don't have anything in common," Hwoarang explained.
"I see," Miharu said softly.
As she lowered her head a mildly disappointed expression appeared.
"Hey, don't worry about it!" Hwoarang encouraged.
"I'm sure you'll make one guy very happy one of these days!" he continued.
"Or 20" Asuka and Xiaoyu thought to themselves as they looked away.
"I guess... I guess I was more in love with the idea I had of you anyways.
I wasn't really in love with you," Miharu whispered in a profound moment of self-awareness.
"Right... okay, well, glad that's resolved," she smiled.
"Come on, Hirano. I'll buy you a drink!" Asuka smiled as she playfully punched Miharu in the shoulder.
"Yeah, let's all go for a drink," Hwoarang said joyfully.
"Yeah, come on, Panda, let's go!" Xiaoyu said as the group went to the register.