It happened, following the Plas City incident…

The Gang, aboard their van, was on their way to WoodChip, and the gig they planned for the summer. However, they are one person short. Farra Stevens, recently, was shot in the arm and could not play her guitar. Of course, some of them are still in anger and distraught, after Tohru Honda, a.k.a. Onigiri, produced a HUGE snowstorm, killing an entire clay city into hard frozen rocks.

Percival thought, "Sour grapes… At least we'll continue on with the gig."

More or less, they plan to perform in WoodChip, while Yukino and May are busy downtown, with some personal matters.

Steven C said, "Still… It'll make us forget everything that transpired. For starters, we have NO Hibiya to bother us (granted she was eaten whole), NO Prussia, as we speak (since he was committed), and NO Narue Android, or so we heard (since she's somewhere far away). But now this Onigiri, we have been through mean stuff, but this takes the cake."

Percival said, as Mizuki drove the van, "We can only hope that we can stop her, once and for all. For now, we'll take a break. It's summer, after all."

Peter smiled, "Good food…"

Farra said, "Fun in the sun…"

Heather cheered, "And great bikinis!"

Mizuki responded, "We've already went to the beach. We're just making a final leg, before we get back to work."

Farra snarled, "Speak for yourself! I have only one arm, thanks to that bitch!"

Percival said, "And I said that you cannot use that arm."

"Well, how the hell am I supposed to play my guitar?"

"NO worries, darling. I'll take your place. In fact, Steven and Michelle were supposed to show, but they were busy, already."

Steven said, "Well, Steven Cooke is hungry. Suppose we grab a bite to eat, before we head to WoodChip."

Percival responded, "Good idea. We got time."

Mizuki said, as she saw a small diner, "I see a diner, up ahead."

The diner had a sign which said "Steffi's Eatery – We strive to try".

Percival thought, "No… It can't be…"

He said, "Take us there."

The van drove by the diner, as it stopped at a vacant parking space. The Gang stepped out, heading inside Steffi's.

Chapter 28
New Gang from the AU (Part 1)
(AUの新しいギャングの巻)

They entered the diner, which was a small vacant 80s diner, with wood panel walls, leather seated booths, and bar stools. It even had a salad bar and a chalkboard, which shows the specials of the day.

Heather asked, "Nifty place, eh?"

Peter smiled, "Oh, boy, am I hungry!"

Percival called, "Excuse me, service? Service!"

A woman appeared, with long brown hair and an ample bust. She had blue eyes and fair skin, wearing a pink V-neck shirt and black jeans, with an apron on.

"Welcome to Steffi's. I'm Steffi. How can I be of service?" She bowed, as she introduced herself.

She then gasped, seeing Percival. She smiled and cheered, "OH! It's you! Long time, no see!"

Percival laughed, as he held her shoulder, "Steffi. Good to see you again."

Mizuki asked, "You know of her?"

Percival said, as he introduced her to the guys, "Oh, sorry. Guys, this is Steffi. Steffi, I'm sure you met Peter and Farra. This is my step-sister, Heather, that's Mizuki, and over there… That's Steven."

Steven smirked, "My handle is Steven Cooke. Of course, I know who I am."

Mizuki smiled, "I'm Mizuki Takase. It's an honor to meet you."

Steffi smiled and introduced herself, "I'm glad we met. I'm Steffi Matheson. I'm a former member of The Gang. However, I departed, following the break-up."

Percival said, "Steffi here was one of the long forgotten members. Some say that she brought us into a dark void."

Steffi huffed, "Well, it's not like we'll be popular! Julie and I were blaming ourselves (mostly Julie), since we did the pop music boom. Of course, who knew we'd end up extinct, just like NSYNC?"

Farra asked, "Uh… Why you?"

Steffi said, "Well, we knew it wouldn't work, seeing we had alluring bodies… and it did. Of course, not once we steadily stood at #1."

She pouted, "Of course… The real reason is because Julie broke up the band…"

Steven asked, "How so?"

Steffi continued, "Because… We were doomed to fail. But when I heard that you had reunion tours, I said to myself, as long as Julie hears wind of it, I'm not going back to you guys. Since then, while these universes are brimming in collusion, I owned and opened a swanky new diner. Of course, I still had the allowance saved that Daddy gave me. It was worth it, since it used to be a 50s diner. But I chose to boost it, with its powerful 80s flash. But, long story short, business is great, but they question how I serve food."

Peter asked, "How so?"

Steffi showed the blackboard and showed the special: "Cinnamon and Bun". She griped, "How was I supposed to know there was a cinnamon bun, and NOT cinnamon and bun? I serve a bun, with a side of cinnamon!"

She added, "Of course, I'd chosen chicken and waffles, but it's been done… to tears. I wanted to try something new and edgy, as long as it's enjoyable."

Farra asked, "Should've used that. Next thing you'd tell us that your "Special of the Day" is beef and stew."

Steffi pouted again and whimpered, "Aw… How'd ya guessed? Was it the stew part?"

She sighed, "I'm sorry. But I really should've thought ahead on this."

Peter said, "Same old Matheson. She's often clueless, when it comes to get rich quick schemes."

Steven C remarked, "On the plus side, we can eat here, and see how it tastes."

Percival asked, "So, you work alone?"

Steffi smiled, "No. I have a couple of workers with me. I'm about to close down this place, for the day, and head over to see you guys perform. Julie is going to ride me to WoodChip. She said that she has some sort of acoustic rendition."

Farra asked, "So, which song will she sing?"

Steffi pondered, "Uh… She never said… But it's one of our old classics."

She said, "Once I finish your order, I'm coming with you. I'll call Julie, beforehand."

Percival smiled, "Swell. We won't be long."

The Gang began to order, as Steffi handed them their menus.

XXXXX

Aboard the van, minutes later, Steffi was riding shotgun with Mizuki. But she was told of their job with the Alliance Across the World.

Steffi asked, "AAW? You mean you guys have a huge job, working for the city?"

Percival said, "It's mostly covert work and running analysis on many bizarre moments. With your restaurant, you may get people you never even meet."

Mizuki responded, "And we usually fight for justice. Namely, we're mostly superheroes."

Steffi giggled, "Wait'll I tell Julie about this! Oh! Wait, no… Daddy said to me that I can enjoy telling all, but sometimes you have to keep most things hidden. Besides, I won't spill the beans. I got too much on my mind."

Steven said, "Sharp as a tack."

Percival sighed, "She's not. I know of it. She's nothing but a rich girl."

Steffi snuffed, "Well, excuse me~, Percival! It's not my fault that my Mom and Dad are billionaires."

Percival and Steffi – Rich Rivals

Heather added, "And we have a lot of money to use, for certain projects!"

Percival said, "Of course, my money is not used, very often. Technically, these guys give and take, want and offer, the works. Sometimes I said, "No!" But they keep asking me."

Mizuki said, "It's true. Percival just doesn't want to lose any more money."

Steffi said, "Phooey. You made a strong point… Save your money, otherwise, how can you eat, or drink, or wear new outfits, or even buy a yacht or a jet, or-?"

Farra cried, "WE GET IT! Sheesh!"

Steffi smiled, "But it was good of you."

She then blushed, as she stared at Mizuki's chest. Mizuki asked, as she looked at her, "What? Something you see?"

Steffi blushed and stammered, "Uh… Never mind. Maybe later?"

Mizuki said, "Okay."

She then thought, "She's obviously staring at my boobs. Hey, don't look at me, Clarabelle."

Mizuki then looked at Steffi's chest, which was an inch bigger. She sighed, as she thought, "She's so lucky. I'll bet Daddy gave her implants."

She gasped, as she held the wheel, steadily.

Percival yelled, "Watch the road!"

Mizuki blushed, "Sorry."

Steffi asked, "By the way, since when does WoodChip start?"

Percival said, "About two hours. We'll make it, real soon."

Steven C smiled, "Yeah! And wait until you meet Asahi. She's a friend of ours."

Steffi giggled, "Oh, I hope she's wonderful."

XXXXX

The van arrived at WoodChip. They stepped out, as everyone was getting ready for the gig, coming up. A woman with long auburn hair and a mauve blouse appeared. She smiled, as her green eyes shimmered. She spoke in a very calm tone, "Oh, hey."

She glared at Steffi, "You're late!"

Steffi snuffed, "Huh! I had to get a ride. Sorry I showed up, before you."

"You promised me I ride with you! And to think you and I are best friends, eh!"

"Aw, calm down."

"Surry…" she blushed, "I was worried that we cannot do the gig, together, since…"

She looked at The Gang and asked, "Uh, Steffi? Why are Big Fat Man, Percival, and Blondie here?"

"BIG FAT GUY?!" Peter roared.

"BLONDIE?!" Farra snapped.

Julie smiled, "But you guys… It's good to see you two with them. I'm Julie Saunders. Welcome, eh."

Steven C asked, "Eh? Are you Canadian? I'm just saying…"

Julie bowed, "Yeah, I am. I'm from Vancouver."

Percival said, as he introduced Julie, "Sorry for the rude moment. Julie, meet our two newest members, Steven Cooke and Mizuki Takase."

Mizuki bowed, "How do you do?"

Steven C smiled, "Hey, Maple Leaf homey."

Julie blushed, "It's nice to meet you. Newest members?"

Mizuki said, "I'm merely the latest, before him."

Steven C snuffed, "Well, Steven Cooke is manning the team, all the way, marred by such controversy and bizarreness."

Julie then glared at Farra and said, "Well, surprised that you suddenly went big breasted, huh, Heather?"

Heather said, "I'm Heather."

Julie compared, as she giggled, "Oh… I forgot. I didn't know you dyed your hair, Farra."

Farra said, "Oh, I went for a change. You like it?"

Julie nagged, "If you look like a tramp, eh."

Farra barked, "What was that?"

Percival said, "Whoa! Whoa! No need to fight. We have plenty to do. I hear you and Steffi have a song from our old days."

Julie said, "Indeed. We chose a great song, from our PNTG Days. I'm surprised that Peter's still the leader. Jerk."

Percival remarked, "I'm the leader. He dropped the role, after we reunited."

Steffi said, "It's a shame, though. We'd returned, but we couldn't."

They walked to the backstage area, as Julie said, "When The Gang returned, we didn't wanted to come back. I wanted to move on, and get the movie money, as an actress. Some folks say I look like Jewel Staite, but I would say that I look like Rachel McAdams. And they were right."

Percival asked, "And?"

Julie replied, "Well, I don't sound like her. I sing well, other than that-. AHEM! But you know me. I wanted a role in a new Sci-Fi movie, but it went to another tramp from Quebec."

Peter asked, "She seemed a bit annoyed."

Steffi remarked, "She's been like that, since her last film she did. She was given a role in the new Halle Berry movie, but she saw Catwoman. It sucked. So she turned it down."

Julie barked, "After that crash and burn? I saw North and Moms for Kids, and the last thing I want is to be in turkeys."

Steven C said, "You ever seen Hudson Hawk? That's a BIG turkey…"

Peter drooled, "Mmm… Turkeys…"

Mizuki said, "Save it for Steffi's…"

Steffi thought, "Turkey and… and… hmm… gravy? No."

Julie asked, "Are you thinking of recipes?"

Heather smirked, "You should try her Cinnamon and Bun."

Julie snuffed, "Isn't that supposed to be Cinnamon Bun?"

Steffi said, "Not how I make it."

They arrived at the stage, as Asahi waved to them.

"Steven! Percival!" She called.

The Gang, except for Steffi and Julie, cheered, "Asahi!"

Steffi and Julie asked, "Asahi?!"

Asahi bowed to them and said, "Good to see you. You came for Day One of WoodChip! How wonderful! The stagehand says that you get Days 1 & 3. I get to be in Day 3. What a surprise."

Julie blushed, "Whoa… She's like a perfect little woman."

Steffi said, "Something tells me that she's the Asahi Sakurai I have heard about. I wonder…"

She examined her body and held her arms up, looking inside her, in curiousness, "Could she be a robotic idol?"

Asahi said, "I'm not."

Steffi said, "Well, nobody can beat my sultry sexiness! Not no way, not no-how!"

Julie giggled, "Steffi, you're making a scene on Miss Sakurai."

"I'm not," Steffi said, "I'm concerned about her looks."

Asahi blushed, "Uh… Who are you?"

Steven said, "Steven Cooke will introduce them. They are performing in WoodChip, too. Meet Julie Saunders, the Canadian Sweet Girl… and Steffi Matheson, the New England Sex Symbol."

Asahi thought, "Sweet and Sexy? You mean like sweet and sour pork?"

Percival said, "A while back, they used to hang with us."

Julie said, "That's right. We're Gang Members #7…"

Steffi winked, "And #8."

"And the best dancers of The Gang!" They both cheered.

Asahi smiled, "Oh, how wonderful! There are Gang members, like you?"

Heather cheered, "YAY! Now, if we have the Nevinses with us, we'll be sitting pretty!"

Peter said, "Eh, we'll be okay, once we sing it loud."

Steven smiled, "Speaking of which, wait until you hear our huge song, from Daten City!"

Asahi said, "Yeah. Sorry about what happened, during Daten City. You okay now?"

Steven smirked, "Don't be worried about it. Steven Cooke has forgotten Good Ol' What's-Her-Name!"

Peter, Farra, and Mizuki replied, "Yakumo."

Steffi asked, "Who's Yakumo?"

Julie asked, "Yeah, what's a Yakumo?"

Steven C barked, "Guys… Do you MIND NOT MENTIONING HER NAME, AGAIN?"

Asahi whispered to Steffi, "She's the girl that broke Steven's heart. And he didn't want to talk about it, at all…"

Julie said, "I never knew that… Poor guy."

Steffi scoffed, "Big falcon deal. Whoever this Yakumo was, she must be flat."

Farra said, "Uh… I wouldn't say that. You should've seen her. She's a perfect C-cup… for a 16-year old woman."

Percival said, "Uh, guys? Can we get on with it?"

Asahi said, "Right. I forget that we have an important job. You guys should be ready to go."

She gasped, "But, OH! Farra, what happened to your arm? I forgot to ask."

Farra said, "Yeah, I was shot. But it'll take time. Luckily, I can still perform."

Percival ordered, "NO! You're not performing, and that's final!"

Farra pouted, "Fine…"

Julie laughed, "Poor Farra. I wish we knew how she was shot."

Peter said, "She was shot by an evil woman, now being swallowed whole, by a whale."

Julie snapped, "No one asked you, fatass!"

"Asshole!"

"Jealous chubby prick!"

They bickered, as Heather separated them, "Please! No more petty squabbles!"

Julie gave Peter a raspberry, as she jeered, "You fat Chuck Berry!"

Peter barked, "At least you didn't look like Alanis!"

She gasped, "HOW DARE YOU!"

She stuck her tongue and jeered, "BLEH!"

Peter stuck back, "BLEH!"

Heather sobbed, "Percival!"

Percival yelled, "ENOUGH! Have you forgotten that we have business to take care of?"

Steffi said, "You don't have to hate him, once in a while."

Julie said, "He shouldn't even be leader, when I was around. Boy band dancer… HAH!"

Steffi said, "Good point. But still…"

Peter barked, "Oh, really? You wait until they compare you to Jewel Staite!"

Julie jeered, "At least I wasn't raised in Hawaii!"

Heather said, "At the rate we're in, we'll never sing it loud and proud."

The Gang calmed down, as Steven smirked, "By far, the most fun we had, and Steven Cooke isn't being picked on for this. Things are going my way!"

Farra huffed, "If my arm wasn't disabled, I'd strangle your fucking neck…"

They continued to walk down the stage, as a lone figure appeared, watching The Gang heading to the stage.

"Hmm… This is perfect," he said, in a Russian accent, "Once The Gang is on stage, then I strike at them, for foul play."

He spoke to three others and said, "Are you ready, boys?"

The trio trembled, as they responded, "Yes, sire…"

XXXXX

That night, WoodChip continued on, as The Gang was about to perform.

"And now, ladies and gentlemen, children of all shapes and sizes, ages and species, and everything else, for the first time in WoodChip, the greatest band in the whole Alternate Worlds have arrived! Making their fourth WoodChip appearance, here in Long Island, New York, please welcome… The Gang!"

The crowd cheered, as The Gang was warming up. Farra was backstage, as she watched on with Julie and Steffi.

Farra said, "It'll be nice to be with them."

Steven called to the microphone, "HELLO, LONG ISLAND!"

The crowd cheered again. He continued, "Kids… You may notice some changes here… for the moment, Farra Stevens, our guitarist, is out of commission."

The crowd groaned, as Steven continued, "But that doesn't mean we can stop! For instance…"

Heather screamed, "1! 2! 3! 4!"

The band played, as Steven cheered, "WE'LL PLAY THIS SOUND!"

Their song, "Play the Sound" began.

(Steven): When we first started out, we were destined for loss
We acted like we were our own boss
But times have changed, in a way
It's something today

Musically, we were rookies
(Steven & Mizuki): Physically, we were stout
(Steven): But in a way, we sing it out
and then we scream and shout!
(The Gang): YAY!

(Steven): But then we grew up, playing what we do
singing and dancing, to all of you
Kids everywhere, adults all around
We jump up and down, making heavy sound!

We're no band, wearing spandex or leather
Our group wasn't bad…
(Steven & Mizuki): But we can do better
(Steven): Birds of a feather, friends sing together!

(Steven, Mizuki, Percival, & Peter): We love to sing, scream and shout!
Rocking up and down, and all about!
(Steven): Fun stuff, zany stuff, hearty cheers
It's like we've doing this for 30 years

(Steven, Mizuki, Percival, & Peter): So, what are you waiting for? A rowdy team
Playing for you, as some would seem
We play the world, and all around!
(Steven): Just so we play the sound!

The music continued, as Julie smiled, "Wonderful lyrics. I'm surprised that it was about their friendship."

Farra said, "Well, Percival and Steven changed the lyrics, to make it sound more bubbly and energetic."

She smiled, "The party in the L.I. is just beginning!"

Steffi sobbed, "I can't believe I missed out on returning to The Gang…"

Backstage, Asahi listened on, as she hummed parts of the second verse, brushing her hair.

She brushed her hair and heard a knock on the door. She let the person in. A boy appeared, holding a faucet pipe and laughed. He spoke in a Lithuanian accent, "Forgive me."

Asahi turned around, as she gasped, "You! You're-!"

WHAM!

To be continued…