Percival started writing a report to his AAW Agents, including his FBI allies:
"To: Kanaka Nanase (Leader), Kazuto Iizuka, Hajime Yagi, Shizuo Heiwajima, Rallo Tubbs, Mami Honda, Carl, Harley Hartwell, Kirsten Thomas (AAW Agents), and Grand Leader (FBI – Classified)
Report #32-111312; on a mild June day – We have successfully investigated all of the horrors in the Alternate World Studies, and have finished up our monthly status. First off, The Gang had succeeded in helping, including two old members of the original Gang."
Chapter 27
AAW Vital Report
(AAWバイタル報告の巻)
(or "The Story so far… in AAW's Personal Records")
Following our excursion to the abandoned Highland, after meeting the evil Rei Tachibana and searching for a Rebecca Miyamoto, we have occurred with the ghost-like problems in the city, following the Adults' holocaust that they caused. We began searching the area, looking for clues, but all we found was a lemon man, shrieking like a banshee. This led to our recent reports of a Martin Prince, who died after the whole bullying thing. The Gang, following a ghost melee, suffered minor injuries, during a ghost fight. Of course, Peter was there, only to have a huge power, growing large at will, much like those superheroes that grew big. He managed to get angry, as he grew. This must be the work of Congregated Control, in which I was familiar with, by an Aya Hoshino, who disappeared, following Onigiri's transformation. Peter somehow was consumed with the Beast Gene, thus growing, like Tohru Honda, except it was different. When he destroyed the ghost of Martin Prince, using the deadly Justice Railway Upper (He made up the name), exterminating the evil ghost. In the process, the lemon-freak son of a bitch was shredded into lemon strips. Sacrifices must be made. After the ghost died… or moved on to the other world… coins were left behind.
Upon our separation to Daten City, myself, Heather, and Michelle Nevins, a friend of ours, met up with two ghost hunters-slash-angels, by the name of Panty and Stocking. They work for Garterbelt, a reverend in the city in, as he calls it, "The Crossroads between Heaven and Hell". In the city, we encounter a huge ghost army onslaught. Before we could rush in to save the day, Steven Nevins, a martial artist, destroyed each ghost, but held his own, against Mayor Corset of Daten City. Steven Nevins once served as Goodwill Ambassador in England, his birthplace, and was taught this newfound fighting style by one of the good guys, a Black Dynamite from Los Angeles, California. From there, The Gang was signed to perform in Daten City, in one of our gigs. We hired the angels, along with demons-slash-slackers, Scanty and Kneesocks Daemon, the daughters of Corset. We chose to side with the angels and demons, as long as the other four are okay.
By the time it was ready for the show, the annual Footrace of Death was all prepared in Daten City. Before that, the city was threatened with a C-Bomb, by President of Earth, Richard Nixon's Head. This was because of using Blue Suede Goo, a washed-up Clay Fighter we befriended, who we thought died of eating a huge gluten-free sandwich, but with lots of fat. In order to make sure that C-Bomb don't launch, we brought Goo back to his mansion… only to realize that he was in a coma, after eating a huge meal. Fat guys get the best of ya. Nixon was arrested, but was given a pardon. (FUCK!)
Anyway, the Footrace of Death came, but it seems that we have a problem. Just The Original Gang and the Daten City homestead would participate with us, the AAW. But you already know that, since it was televised. However, we have a shocking dilemma in the race. Roger Klotz and his crew tried to cheat and win, but ended up destroying the Daemons, out of jealousy… and because they do. Heather, enraged by their cheating, suddenly fought at the three thugs, after Guy Graham, the ghost of him, was ousted by the angels and demons, out of respect. A bear's ghost was destroyed, too. Heather, somehow, had a sudden burst of speed and strength. Wolfgang, Brick, and Klotz were easily trounced by her, only to later learn that she has the Congregated Control's Increased Suplex. The worst was yet to come, when we learned that Roger Klotz was actually Doctor Klotzenstein, a mad doctor that was killed by Michelle, inadvertently. Michelle chose to face this mad doctor, head-on, but it was close. We thought we'd lost her, until she had an extra ounce of strength and ousted the demonic doctor back to purgatory. Vengeance complete, we stayed at Daten City, awaiting The Gang's arrival. But the worst was yet to come, as I will explain the situation on Daten City, on another time.
Percival sighed, as he finished the report. He then stepped out and called to Mizuki, "Hey, Takase. It's your turn."
Mizuki then sat on the desk and said, "Thanks. I have been waiting my turn on this. You won't believe what we went through, in your absence."
Percival replied, "That may be so… only… NEVER mention Yakumo's sudden appearance."
"I won't. How is he?"
"He's still depressed. Imagine him… dumped by a gynoid… and an evil one, to boot."
"He'll get over it. Let's hope he doesn't run into another hot piece of chrome."
"I get it."
He left, as Mizuki began the report:
Report #32-111312 (Supplemental) – AAW Agents Gaynes and Dunn departure to Daten City; it led us to surprising moments, before our gig in Daten.
For starters, it happened following our visit to Highland. We visited a quaint city called Luna Cove, where the city is known to shine a bright hue, during a full moon, hence the title. From there, we met a young girl named Yakumo, as she was in danger, by two rogue scientists, Lyuze and her assistant, Casshern… along with their dog, uh, something out of a Doberman. After we learn that Yakumo was in danger, they led us to believe that she was a rumored project called "Project Yamo". She is but no relations to Project AM-Net, a gynoid that was crushed (literally) by two civilians, during the final battle at F City. After we evaded the city, having Agent Cooke taking Yakumo to a safe place, far away, we escaped and headed to Targus City, one stop before Daten City.
When we arrived, Agent Giese received a warm reception, by many robot bitches, er, I mean, women. One girl was called Chacha, who runs a fan club for fembots, in honor of their great hero… Of course, HERO is right. The robots were being controlled, only to give Agent Giese a proper breakdown in lust and royalty. It was foiled, when we confronted Rei Tachibana, who was responsible for the controlling. She even controlled two androids that sided with us, during our trip. Rei had the giant Giese in control, until Agent Stevens suddenly felt different, turning her into a Bluebird of Justice. With my brainpower, Peter's size, Farra's flight control, and Steven's bravado, Rei Tachibana was destroyed, and Targus City was saved.
By the time we returned to Daten City, we learn that there was a mastermind behind all this. Her name was Rebecca Miyamoto. We heard that she was dead, but it was all true. The girl was NOT Rebecca Miyamoto, at all, but of the spirit of Melissa Hawthorne, The Gang's #1 fan, who died out of obsession. Through swift revenge, she lashed out and destroyed all of us, but the Power of Friendship, or our Burning Inner Strength, defeated the evil woman and sent her away, back to heaven.
The Gang protected Daten City, and all in it, and even performed for the city, as well. We have been proven to be the #1 band in the Alternate Worlds. Following our departure, Yakumo… She left us and went to find her sister, who is lost in the worlds.
Mizuki stopped and said, "Not once I said that she was that robot girl. They have all the luck, including those who become demonic and cybernetic."
Percival said, "Well, as long as Kanaka is given the word that Becky and Rei are dead."
Mizuki smiled, "Well, Steven should write where he's been, since he and Yakumo bailed on us, after Luna Cove."
"He'll come around. He doesn't want to do it."
"Sorry to hear that… but… My only wish is to make him feel better."
"You're right. He's such a jizz… but he's still our friend. You know, at WoodChip, Asahi Sakurai is opening for us. Perhaps we should use this as a way of making him better. Steven and Asahi did had a laugh."
Mizuki shook her head and said that she had a thing for Peter. Percival remarked, "Yeah, I forget. But maybe we should make it up to him…"
Mizuki said, "He'll be okay, right?"
"Hopefully."
"Yeah."
He picked up the phone and called the number to Asahi. What is he planning?
Back at Daten City, Panty and Stocking were resting on their couch, as the phone rang. Panty picked it up and said, "Hallo?"
Steven N spoke from the receiver, "Panny, Stocking, I may need you for something. Would you come by and bring what you have? After the whole thing in Daten City, I may need you for a city I am in."
Panty huffed, "Yeah, we know. But, until you decide to get my name right… Fuck you!"
She hung up, as she snapped, "Goddammit! That asshole can't even say my name right, and he still wants me to come!"
Stocking said, "Well, he's just prude. Your name is Panty. And we know how that felt."
Panty griped, "I'm bored… And not a plan from those demon douchers! Where the hell are they?"
The phone rang again, as it was Michelle, this time.
"Hey, Knickers! You available? I want you to come by a city I am in, so we can test your shooting."
Panty griped, "FOR THE LAST TIME… IT'S PANTY!"
Michelle snapped, "Are you coming, or not? I'm available in South City! Something about a bloodshed in that city. I tried to contact the South City Secret Service, but they said that they were busy."
Panty snuffed, "Fine… But only if you say my name right."
"Did my blasted brother called you wrong, again?"
"Again…"
"Bugger… Alright, get over here, NOW! I would have the Marciano Sisters, but they are busy training. And the Daemons are a no-show."
Stocking whispered, "Tell her NO."
Panty smiled, "Sure… In fact, give us the full report on it, once you have it well-scouted."
She hung up, as Panty snapped, "Jesus! What the fuck are we, personal hitmen for hire? We're angels, not fucking mercenaries!"
Garterbelt then said, as he heard the whole thing, "Even in alternate worlds, angels need assistance, no matter the situation…"
He barked, "NOW GET UP AND MOVE, YOU ROTTEN HOOKERS!"
They dashed off, as they headed to the garage.
Meanwhile, in South City, Michelle spotted the disturbance. It was a small army of Prussia Soldiers.
"Blimey, not again!" She snapped, as she viewed them with binoculars, "I say they have regrouped. They come around, eventually."
Eventually, the angels came to her aide…
At the Broken Shades, Steven was feeling depressed. He was in his bed, feeling upset. Farra appeared and sat by him. She asked if he was okay… but he said nothing.
"You're still upset over Yakumo, are you?" She asked.
Steven replied, "Yes."
He moaned, "Steven Cooke may never get a chance again. If I ever date another hot girl, who has a secret, the first chance I meet her, I'm gonna go nuts… In fact, I don't even want to date a woman… if it happens again."
Farra blushed, as she was worried. She then said, "Aw, Steven. It's not your fault. Seeing is believing, right? After all, you didn't know. I don't want to see you hurt. On the downside, we do, but not like this. The point is… AAW needs you. Plus, we have WoodChip, coming up… and barring any sudden moments, we'll be okay."
She then winked, "Also… Asahi Sakurai will see us~."
Steven huffed, "I don't care. She likes me, but she has no time for me…"
Farra sighed in disdain, "Steven… Why do I even bother talking to you?"
"Leave me alone…" he sighed, as he turned away.
Farra stood up and was in anger. She boomed in confidence, "Damn it, Steven! I won't give in! Despite the fact that I hate you, I won't want to see you heartbroken!"
Heather peeked in and asked, "Uh, how are you gonna do that?"
Farra pouted, "I have no idea…"
Following the sudden depression of Steven Cooke, the seasons were about to change…
Of course, before that, Steven's sudden happiness came back…
One week later, Asahi appeared at the Broken Shades, wearing her sunglasses and hat. She knocked on the door, as the rest of The Gang snuck off to the van, leaving a bedridden Steven behind. He opened the door and saw Asahi. She winked, "Hey. I came by to cheer you up."
Steven C sighed, "How can I, after you made us dancing wrecks on my belated birthday?"
Asahi giggled, as she stepped inside. She asked if she made herself at home. He responded, "It's cool. Let's not make a ruckus."
Asahi sat down by him, as he lied back down. She asked, "So, I can't imagine how a small motel building becomes so… TARDIS-like. Is it like the others?"
"I don't know. I never visited the other rooms. That is why we have neighbors we know of. We have-."
"Oh, okay then."
She smiled, "It's so cozy. I wish I had a room here."
He asked, "Why not stay in a room here?"
"I wish… I have so much on me, since I'm on tour."
A knock was made, as Asahi went to the door. She opened it and saw a girl with long brown hair and a yellow dress. It was Narue Nanase, one of The Gang's neighbors.
"Hi," Asahi bowed, "What can I do for you?"
Narue gasped, "NO WAY! You're… You're Asahi Sakurai?"
She shook her hand and asked if she wanted to take a picture with her. Asahi nodded and said, "Okay… I'm surprised you know me. And here I thought we'd be rivals."
Narue said, "Aw, that's a load of baloney. We're all celebrities. We could SO do a duet."
"I'll pass. Some other time?"
"Sure. But why are you here?"
Asahi whispered, "Well, secretly, I'm here for Steven Cooke's sake."
Narue looked at Steven C, who was all dejected. She added, "He got dumped… and hid a secret from him, during her trip. They never told me why and how he was dumped."
Steven C wailed, "I don't need it! Don't blab about her!"
Narue said, "I'm sorry… But it's karma that got to him. You get the idea."
Asahi nodded, "You think you can help him?"
Narue said, "No. But I think you got this. The Gang did hire you to cheer him up."
"How did you know?"
"I saw them sneak off, driving away on the van. They had to step out, I guess."
"And he's been like that, for a week."
"I know…"
Narue smiled, as she left, "Well, I'll be here, if you need me. I'm two doors down."
Asahi waved goodbye, as Steven C grumbled, "I thought she'd never leave… Stupid little…"
Asahi growled and said, "Steven, I think I have seen enough of you, being Mr. Sad Sack. Perhaps I can cheer you up with a song."
Steven C snuffed, "I don't care…"
Asahi smiled, "Please? It's all I got…"
He sighed, "Fine… But you better cheer me up…"
Asahi grabbed one of the guitars and started to strum a bit. She said, "Sorry. I'm used to singing, like you, other than playing a musical instrument."
Steven sat up, as Asahi began to sing:
When you're done and out
There's no need to pout
You and I both know
We know when to show
When you care for me
you wanted to be
Safe and sound
whenever you're around
But people tend to cheer you up…
You don't need to tear you up…
(Two more Asahis appear, playing Bass and Rhythm guitars)
While I am happy just to be with you
I rather not see you blue…
(Asahi #2): A-1, 2, 3, 4…
(Two more Asahis appear, playing the drums and tambourine)
Don't go down and be sad and blue!
Don't go down the road!
(Steven C): How'd she do that?
(Asahis): Don't go down and be sad and blue!
Stay aside with the steady load
As time went on, you need to be well
Just shed out of your shell
And when you do, you say aloud
Simply be very proud
So, Baby…
Don't go down the road and be blue
Whatcha gonna do?
(Asahi and her band continues, as Steven got up)
Steven C then asked, "What does that have to do with me?"
Asahi responded, "Cheer up, Steven. I'm just offering you my support. Your friends need you, even if you are not on speaking terms. So, I figured that you need some closure to that arrogant self of yours."
"You think maybe Steven Cooke is acting this way, because-?"
(Asahi): It takes time to heal
So what is the deal?
Wonderful days can bloom
from your doom and gloom
When I see you in worry
There's no need to hurry
Safe and sound
Whenever you are found
I love you when you're outspoken…
I hate you when you're heartbroken…
(Asahi #3): Yeah, Yeah, Yeah…
(Asahis): Don't go down and be sad and blue!
Don't go down the road!
Don't go down and be sad and blue!
You're just into your mode
(Asahi): As you will see, everything is bright
Just shed out your darkness and bring in the light
Just be happy enough to be right there
And maybe then, you'll care
So, Baby!
(Asahis): Don't go down the road and be blue
Whatcha gonna do?
(Asahi): I'm saying this as a favor, Steven. Your friends need you, so badly. Without a Steven Cooke, there's no Gang… Without a Gang, there are no heroes… And without heroes, there'd be no peace. So, one little broken heart shattered you… It's not the end of the world… It is, if you act gloomy, for the rest of your life. You know what I mean…
(Asahis): Don't go down and be sad and blue!
Don't go down the road!
Don't go down and be sad and blue!
Stay aside with the steady load
(Asahi): As time went on, you need to be well
Just shed out of your shell
And when you do, you say aloud
Simply be very proud
So, Baby…
(Asahis): Don't go down the road and be blue
Whatcha gonna do?
(The music fades, as the crowd applauds)
Asahi finished the music, as Steven sat up, seeing Asahi feeling worried.
"You mean… The guys want me to cheer up?"
Asahi nodded, "I'm doing this for you, Steven… I love you as a friend… And I hope I'll stay by your side, until the end."
Steven said, "Thanks… But Steven Cooke needs to think…"
He lied back down and whispered, "Good song, though."
Asahi smiled, as she approached his bed, "I done all I can… If you don't accept it-."
Steven barked, "Asahi! Just give me time to think…"
He then got up and smiled, "You know… for a young girl that is a wonderful pop idol, you know how to cheer a guy up."
They hugged each other, as he said, "Yakumo is no longer a burden to me. From now on… Steven Cooke is flying solo in love. Once the worlds are fixed, I'm gonna find myself a good girl that'll understand me."
Asahi said, "Who knows? One day you can date me… but I have an obsession for Peter Giese, other than you."
"You're not a robot, are you?"
"No."
"Fair enough. You wouldn't believe me, if I told you…"
Asahi giggled, as she left the room. She then said, "Goodbye, Steven… See you in WoodChip…"
She left the Broken Shades, as he sat down, thinking to himself. But he thought, "I still wonder why she would become five bandmates in one."
Asahi was outside, as she thought in confusion, "Wait… Who's Yakumo?"
XXXXX
At dinner, The Gang was having delivery food for dinner, after their success in Daten City. Steven approached his four friends and bowed to them.
"Guys… I'm sorry if my behavior, recently, was heavy to you."
Peter smiled, "Aw, don't be."
Steven said, "I mean, I know when to don't, but it finally got to me. Besides, Steven Cooke had been taught to become a great singer. That doesn't alter the badness in me. I still am what I am… You see, my choice has been always mine, when it comes to me. But… That bad choice came to me, when I dated… You know?"
Farra said, "We get it. What are you saying?"
Steven replied, "I'm sorry for everything, including… Her."
He added, "Besides, it is no longer my problem. Whatever she was, I'm no longer infatuated by that… thing! She, or it, broke my heart… and that is all she, or it, did! I am going solo on romances, and wait until the worlds are fixed up. For now, I'll just stay by you guys… until then."
Mizuki smiled, "That's good to hear. In fact, you want to have dinner with us?"
Steven smiled, "Sure… Steven Cooke was not hungry, until Asahi Sakurai cheered me up. Thank you."
He then huffed, "Also, tell Percival to not set up a date with me and her! I'll decide when I date again."
Heather cheered, "YAY!"
Mizuki smiled, "Welcome back, Steven!"
Farra smirked, "Welcome back, loser."
Steven C said, "It's great to be back. In fact, you won't believe what Asahi did, when she came over…"
He then explained the song Asahi did, and The Gang liked it. In fact, they started practicing it, days later, at a late night gig in the North City Bar.
(The Gang played Asahi's song)
(The Gang): Don't go down and be sad and blue!
Don't go down the road!
Don't go down and be sad and blue!
Stay aside with the steady load
(Steven C): As time went on, you need to be well
Just shed out of your shell
And when you do, you say aloud
Simply be very proud
So, Baby…
(The Gang): Don't go down the road and be blue
Whatcha gonna do?
Don't go down and be sad and blue!
Don't go down the road!
Don't go down and be sad and blue!
You're just into your mode
(Steven C): As you will see, everything is bright
Just shed out your darkness and bring in the light
Just be happy enough to be right there
And maybe then, you'll care
So, Baby!
(The Gang): Don't go down the road and be blue
Whatcha gonna do?
(The music fades, as the crowd applauds)
So, Steven Cooke is happy again, and now The Gang is well-focused… However… Things have changed, and when the Ropponmatsus of the Department of City Security appeared, just to help them out. From then on, The Gang began to work on their upcoming appearance in WoodChip.
XXXXX
As for Asahi, she watched on, hearing them sing the song, while in disguise. She then whispered, "Now, we're even. I'm glad you're okay, Steven…"
She applauded, as they finished playing.
The Gang is now focused again, and with huge heart and memories to share. All that's left is the mission in AAW, and the ousting on Onigiri.
For now… Rock on, Live on, and Cheer on…
More Gang chapters, on the way, as we continue the fixings of the Alternate Worlds, as our heroes and many others plan to fix it, as it is. But what of the further dangers in these worlds, and will the Nevins siblings, Panty & Stocking, the Marcianos, the Daemon Sisters, and Asahi Sakurai return, only to help them out? If so, how?
Tune in again, next time, for MORE exciting adventures of…
The Gang
-(Now IN-COLOR)-
Thanks for reading! And stay tuned for Season Two!