Chapter 29
New Gang of the AU (Part 2)
(AUの新しいギャングの巻)

WHAM!
The boy swung his pipe at Asahi. But she dodged out of the way, completely terrified.

"This… This is absurd!" She cried, "Why are you doing this?"

The boy had long brown hair and spoke in a Lithuanian accent, "Please to forgivings me… But I had my orders to eliminate you, and have my boss perform the main show in WoodChip."

Asahi glared, "Maniac! You're trying to become saboteurs in this concert! I won't make you do this."

He held up the faucet pipe and said, "Do forgive me… But I am a huge fan of yours. But if I don't kill you, my boss will make me do terrible things to…"

Asahi smiled and said, "I don't blame you. I know it's rough, but sometimes, life isn't what it used to be. In fact, I wouldn't listen to your boss…"

SOCK!
She punched him in the face and said, "Unlike me. Luckily, I had me some fighting abilities, during a voiceover practice for a Fighting Anime. Of course, I am not that violent…"

He was dizzy, in pain, and bleeding from his mouth. She said, as she held up some rope, "But still… Let's see what Percival and the others think of this matter."

She tied him up, as The Gang continues to perform, on-stage.

XXXXX

The following night, as The Gang was wrapping up Day 1 of WoodChip, Asahi explained, in her dressing room, that someone barged into her dressing room and tried to assault her. Asahi fought back, only to knock out the boy, holding a faucet pipe.

Percival asked, "So… What else happened?"

Asahi said, "Well, he said that he's only doing this, so his boss wouldn't torture him, or something."

Peter said, "Amazing…"

Asahi pointed at the boy, who was still out. She remarked, "He's been out, since hours ago. It was after you finished your performance."

Percival said, "And he's unconscious."

Steffi said, as she looked at him, "Hmm… He looks rather cute, when he sleeps."

Julie replied, "Something about him seems… familiar… Hey, Steffi, wasn't he one of your regulars at Steffi's?"

Steffi responded, "Now that you mention it, yes. He usually comes alone. And there was that boy with a short physique and a child-like voice, and there was a suave boy, with glasses on. And they all sound weird."

Percival asked, "Do they have names?"

Steffi replied, "I don't know! They just ordered and run off. But they were graceful enough to pay the bill, plus tip."

Percival said to Mizuki, "Examine him!"

She scanned him, with her iPhone and said, "A-HA!"

Julie gasped, "WHOA! You have an Android?"

Mizuki said, "It's merely for scientific duties. I even have an AAW app, for members only, during routine missions. The best part was… it's only $2.99 a month."

Julie giggled, "I had to ask."

Farra said, "Do you find a match on him?"

"No," Mizuki said, "But I have heard of this man, in the AAW archives. He goes by the codename… Lithuania."

The Gang gasped, "Lithuania?"

Heather cried, "NO WAY! A man named after a country?! How squee-like!"

Steven C remarked, "Well, maybe he should explain why he, all of a sudden, attack towards Miss Sakurai. You think we should torture him, before his boss does?"

Percival said, "We can only hope that he can explain it to us. What I like to know is this… Why the faucet pipe as a weapon?"

Farra said, "I thought they'd use lead pipes for weapons. AUs do some weird goings-on."

Peter smiled, "Next thing you'll tell us is that the hamburgers are alive."

The Gang huffed at him, "Well?"

Percival replied, "Now, don't worry. We can take his pipe as evidence, but only because he was a crazed fan."

Asahi said, in a nervous giggle, "Did I mention that he wanted to sabotage us, just for the main show?"

"WHAT?" They all gasped.

Julie shouted, "Barbarians! How dare they?"

Steven yelled, "NO ONE can stop Steven Cooke's ambition of being a star!"

Peter & Farra smirked sarcastically, "Keep telling yourself that…"

Steffi cringed, "Not before Day 2! Julie and I have a song, that day! It's so unfair!"

Percival said, "Right. Since we don't perform, until Day 3, Gang, I suggest that we find the men who are responsible for this sudden outcome. Asahi, you and Farra stay with this guy, in the dressing room, so we can sponge some answers off of him. The rest of us will watch the stage, in five areas, making sure our visitors don't make a bad move."

Julie asked, "Uh… You mean us?"

Percival said, "Relax. During your performance, make sure you do not act nervous."

Steffi bowed and smiled, "Thank you. Daddy will pay you well, should I survive this heinous sabotage."

Farra whispered, "Percy… Do you think this is wise for us to do so?"

Percival whispered back, "Chillax, darling. We know what's going on. But the real question is this: Who's behind the sabotage? We'll have to work together as a cohesive unit, in order to beat this, and then, we're going back home."

Farra said, "I get the feeling that I don't like the sound of this."

He bellowed, "Gang! Move out!"

They left the dressing room, as Asahi and Farra sat by Lithuania. Asahi asked, "Farra… I do hope we can wake him up."

Farra said, "No problem. I may have one arm, but it'll be enough to help The Gang. I mean, you can't always get what you want, with two arms. But in life, you have to make sacrifices. Me, however, my life was hell. I'm married, happily, but I was in the saddest day of my life, at a young age. My parents are dead, my sister is gay, my brother is a street thug, my ex-fiancé is in jail, my step-father sucks, and my family tree is in pruning. I'm not always a pretty princess, like you. I was merely a regular Joe."

Asahi was in awe, "Oh, wow! You are just like me!"

"Huh?"

"Well, it's simple! I had a tough life, even for being plain, but I was discovered and became famous. You, of course, had it rough, and yet you're still standing."

"Yeah, well… Thanks to that whore who shot me, I can't show my full powers to the AAW. You don't really want to know."

Asahi nodded and said, "If it has something to do with your arm, then, I guess not…"

Farra smiled, "Good. But thanks for stopping him, though."

Asahi blushed, as the boy was about to come to. He groaned a bit, as Asahi and Farra approached him.

"He's coming to," she said.

The boy spoke, "Huh? Where am I?"

Farra said, "Lithuania, I presume?"

Lithuania asked, "OH! You know of me?"

Farra said, "AAW Files don't lie. We're taking you in, for attempted sabotage and attacking Miss Sakurai."

Asahi explained, "But first… I want to know. Why would you attack me and The Gang?"

Lithuania said, "You don't understand! My boss and leader wanted to best everyone in WoodChip."

Farra yelled, "This is NO contest!"

He said, "But, if I don't let Russia perform, it makes him mad. He just wants something in him, in these AUs. And if he wouldn't let them stick around and perform, before him, he said that he'll do very mean stuff to us."

Farra asked, "Wait… Us? Were there more of you?"

Asahi retorted, "Were there two others?"

Lithuania said, "Yes… Estonia and Latvia… They wanted to perform together with me, but Mister Russia took it all over. You see, before the worlds became unraveled, Mister Russia took us in, and took over our musical band, "The Baltics". It consisted of me, Estonia, and Latvia. But then they took it over: Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. They changed the name from The Baltics to The Soviet Bunch. Russia was the main manager of the group, and is the lead singer. He usurped it, just like that!"

He trembled and moaned, "And he even ordered me to become back-up singer. He even said that if I don't do as he says, bad things may happen! He ruined my career, and he wanted to be famous… The band needed fame, but we're made as an understudy, namely because the card is full for WoodChip. We didn't know The Gang would perform. But he somehow hates Asahi Sakurai, on account that she's popular, no matter where she goes. I didn't want to hurt you. That's Russia's fault!"

Farra asked, "Huh? All this Soviet Union jargon? What does it mean?"

Asahi said, "He was used. He was ordered to sabotage the concert, striking down, at least, one band or singer."

He explained, "She's right. But so far, we couldn't do it, on account that we were too nervous. And we just run away… But you're the first to catch us."

Farra nodded, "Right."

Asahi nodded, "Indeed. You couldn't do it, but you wanted to break out of his claws."

He sobbed, "I NEVER INTENDED TO BE HURTING YOU!"

Asahi said to Farra, "I think maybe we need to find this Mister Russia, and stop his plan."

Farra said, "You're right. Perhaps we'll have The Gang perform on Day 3, so we can flush him out. Whoever this Russia guy is, we can stop him. No one takes over a band, out of sick greed, and gets away with it."

Asahi replied, "No shit. From what I know, we cannot have this concert ruined. I perform on Day 3, as well, after you guys."

"Yeah. But we still need to keep Lithuania in custody. He was a pawn and an accessory to this debacle."

"You're right. You're smart when you're very serious."

"Of course, if my arm wasn't broken, I'd clobber him! Russia is lucky!"

Asahi said, "Then… Maybe I should go tell The Gang. You mind Lithuania?"

Farra said, "Okay."

She left her room, as Farra smirked evilly to Lithuania, "Well, well, well… How sweet it is to have Russia defeated."

He pleaded, "Please… I beg of you… Don't do anything drastic."

She responded, "HAH! You think Russia will be bested by us, yes. Now, it's getting good."

He cried, "NO! You don't understand! Russia is very dangerous! Not only he's a scary person, but he's wild and murderous!"

"WHAT?"

"You never know about Russia. He's nothing but a grubby little taker! He takes anything he wants, and names it for himself! And he even threatens to kill everyone, who stands in his way! He is very scary, when he's smiling, angry, and even inebriated! Please, Miss, don't try to beat him up! You wouldn't stand the chance, cast or not! Oh, I'm so sorry I'm panicky!"

Farra cried, as she was shocked, "Asahi!"

XXXXX

The next day, at WoodChip, The Gang was on guard, backstage, as they waited for the right moment to strike, in case Russia tries again. Peter, Steven, & Heather were in stage left, Percival and Mizuki were on stage right, and Farra was up on the catwalk.

Percival said to Mizuki, "This is bad. Farra told me that Russia is responsible."

Mizuki replied, "I heard of him."

"You do?"

"Yes. The guy is a dangerous deity. He called himself Russia, but he goes by the alias, Ivan Braginski. He's a very dangerous man, according to AAW records. However, not once he has been arrested. According to Asahi and Farra, Ivan used Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia to oust at least ONE band, in order to perform, on stage. They were a back-up band."

"Yeah," he said, "But whatever he plots, let's hope he doesn't ruin Steffi's big break."

The announcer called out, "And now, ladies and gentlemen, please welcome… Steffi Matheson and Julie Saunders!"

The crowd cheered, as they entered the stage. Percival spoke, in his walkie-talkie, "How's your end?"

Steven C responded, "All clear. Steven Cooke is manning the west side of backstage."

Heather replied, "Heather sees no activity, so far!"

Peter said, "Dude, no luck! If we see any, we'll notify you!"

Percival then said, "Farra. Any luck, up on the catwalk?"

Farra said, "No luck yet, darling. But Asahi is well-protected in her dressing room. And I think I can see a bird's-eye view of the crowd. If only we had a description of this Russia."

Mizuki replied, "Keep an eye out. He has bright hair, and wears a pink scarf. He's usually in a winter coat."

"But it's summer."

"In Russia, it never gets cold. And damn it all, what a fine time to meet a Russian."

"I forgot. You're bad at Russian…"

Percival said, "Okay, the music's about to start. Gang, be ready!"

They waited, as Steffi began her song.

(Julie plays the acoustic guitar)

(Steffi): I am what you call
an honest to god sweet
I can act like a doll
with very small feet

I can be happy for you
when I act this way
Because I'm a basic lady
who comes and make my day

I'm a real pal
who stays out of trouble
A real gal pal
who's there, on the double

(Steffi & Julie): I'm a real pal
Just like Good Witch
A real gal pal
And not a bitch…

(Steffi): A bitch… yeah-hey

(Julie plays a huge energetic strum)

(Steffi): Sometimes, I wonder
why I exist in this world
And I wish to myself
if I acted like a brat!

(Music stops, as Julie continues a mellow tune)

Steffi: Sorry. I kind of lost myself. I wrote it, during my Gang days.

AHEM!
I'm a very sweet girl
who makes you very well
I pray to you, every day
so I won't go to hell

But it would seem I have feelings
without any remorse
But I don't tend to be picky
or use you, by force

Sometimes I laugh
and sometimes I cry
I never hide my feelings
but I'm rather shy

Sometimes I can be
very, very sad
But when people push me hard
I get very mad

(Steffi & Julie): I'm a real pal
Who stays out of trouble
A real gal pal
Who's there, on the double

I'm a real pal
just like the Amanda Moore
a real gal pal
Just don't call me a whore

(Steffi): A whore… Yeah-hey…
(Julie): Oh, no…

(Julie does the energetic strum, again, in protest)
(Steffi): DAMN IT! Sometimes I wanna
burn things, and even smash stuff
and jack off, and smack off
than have to be handcuffed

Steffi grabbed Julie's guitar and smashed it on the stage, like a violent rock star.

"FUCK! FUCK! FUCK! FUCK, FUCK, FUCK, FUCK, FUCK!"

SMASH!
She destroyed the guitar.

Julie scolded, "Steffi! That was my mother's old Gibson!"

The crowd cheered, as Steffi snuffed, "You guys suck!"

She stormed off, as Julie smiled nervously, "Uh… Huh, huh, huh, huh… Thank you."

The Gang was shocked, after hearing Steffi's song.

Percival said, "I think maybe Steffi has rage in her."

XXXXX

The Gang finished patrol, as the second night of WoodChip ended. They were in their dressing room, as Lithuania was still tied up. Percival barked at him, "Right. Now, what do you have planned for tomorrow?"

Lithuania said, "Just let me go…"

Farra said, "Not until we have Russia in our radar. If he shows up, tomorrow, we shall strike. But I promise you… It won't be easy."

Asahi said, "You think it'll be hard?"

Farra replied, "Asahi, Russia is simply evil. The guy is territorial, whenever and wherever."

Asahi said, "Farra… You're not in full health. Let me handle your job."

Farra barked, "NO! I'm protecting you, whether you like it, or not!"

She calmed down and said, "It's bad. Russia is evil, and he's wanted you, for a long time."

Asahi bowed, "I'm sorry. But I fear that our concert will be ruined."

Farra responded, as he held Lithuania, "Well, why don't you ask him, since he'll be bait!"

Lithuania cried, "BAIT?! NO! I DON'T WANT TO BE BAIT FOR RUSSIA!"

Farra slapped him and shouted, "SHUT UP!"

Asahi remarked, "Well… I suppose so. Will he perform with The Gang?"

Farra winked, "You leave it to me. Russia will be fooled by our awesome performance."

They shook hands, as Lithuania was crying, "I should've been better off with Poland."

XXXXX

That night, a figure was by the hotel entrance, as he noticed the van. He then giggled evilly.

"KOLKOLKOLKOLKOL…"

He then held up a faucet and said, "Da. The Gang shall have big-time performance, tomorrow morning."

It was Hetalia's Russia, who had white hair, a scarf, a huge winter coat, and a metal faucet pipe.

"With my magic cane, Gang members will fall, and Soviet Bunch shall perform together." He said, "Even if I don't get big break, I had lots of fun. But no sign of Lithuania. Russia Prime Minister Warsman ordered me to take them down, but I have no allies."

He then smiled in a polite tone, "Oh, well. I say sit back and wait for Gangs."

He left, as the pipe was dragged off on the concrete, making a mild scratching sound.

He then concluded, "Huh… No sign of Prussia, either. He said he'd make performance, too."

This is occurring, after Haruka and friends spooked Prussia into an asylum.

The next morning, Russia was waiting by the back alley, as Peter and Heather were stepping out, for breakfast. He approached them, without noticing. He hid behind the shadows, as Peter was about to walk off.

"This is it…"

He swung his pipe, but Peter ducked, when he tied his black boot. Heather gasped, "OH, MY G!"

She then said, "Big Guy… I forgot my purse."

She left, as Peter waited by the doorway. He looked around and said, "Dude… Was there a wind blowing?"

He sat down, waiting, as Russia smiled, "Oh, well. I'll try again."

As Peter waited, Russia snuck behind him and tried to hit his head. He held his faucet pipe up and swung at him.

"Dosvidanya, Comrade," he whispered.

BAM!
He hit Peter in the head, with his faucet pipe. He laughed, "One down, five to go… Now they have to cancel gig, after that injury."

Heather arrived, as she saw Russia, leaving with the pipe in hand.

"HEY!" She cried, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?"

Russia dashed off, as Heather snarled, "NO YOU DON'T!"

She started to run, in super speed, and chased Russia down the street. Peter, however, regained consciousness, as he was bleeding on his head.

"Man… What was the number of that truck?" He moaned, rubbing his head.

He got up and was woozy. He said, "How long is Heather taking?"

Knowing Peter, he has a hard head. He sat back down, as Heather started chasing Russia, all around the street. She dive up and tackled him down. She strangled him, as Russia let out a smile.

"Vy ne vyigrayete," He said, in Russian, "Your show is over."

Heather snarled, "You hurt my friend! How could you?"

Russia shoved her off and got up. He smiled, with an evil look. Heather shivered a bit, as Russia chattered, "KOLKOLKOLKOLKOL…"

Heather was trembling, as Russia walked away. He said, "No one fears Russia Power. WoodChip will be debut of Soviet Bunch."

Heather cried, "You won't get away with this, you saboteur!"

Russia laughed, "That's funny. You said it, like France."

He walked away, as Heather did nothing. She growled, "Russia… I won't let you win. NO ONE will stop The Gang."

She ran back to the hotel, to find Peter.

XXXXX

Meanwhile, Asahi went through Mizuki's stuff and found her iPhone. She then looked up on Russia's file. She then looked through Russia's credentials and the man he worked for.

Asahi said, "Interesting. Mister Ivan here works for Russian Armored Corps. It says here that he, along with Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia, work for a man, by the name of Lord Flash, an English-Russian Choujin, who longs to uphold peace in the world. It also says that he is friends with Russia's Interim Prime Minister, Warsman, who is a Robot Choujin from Russia. He filled in for the old Prime Minister, after the Alternate World mess-up came to pass. Russia was ordered by Lord Flash to make sure that peace would be made, including chaos and destruction, only for his way. However, Russia also obtained many properties and declared it for his own."

She thought, "It's no wonder he's the manager of The Soviet Bunch, and why he has a grudge on me. But… I don't know what to do. Russia has to be stopped. Although…"

She then compared the pictures of Lord Flash, in which he was saluting in the picture, and Warsman, how was shaking hands with Russia. She then said, "Somehow this Lord Flash and Warsman seem awfully friendly to each other, and somehow they seem like brothers, or comrades, in this case."

She then noticed a similarity, as the Warsman picture showed four spikes on his left hand, since his right hand was shaking Russia's right. And also, she noticed Lord Flash's hand, which had no spikes, but with the same glove he had on, but in a purple color, other than red. She then gasped in horror, as she found the obvious connections.

"This is bad. I have to call someone," she said, "Luckily, I owe him, since I did a concert for him."

She went to a phone, as Mizuki arrived, seeing Asahi in a nervous twitch, "Miss Sakurai, are you okay?"

Asahi said, "Oh… No worries. I, uh, need to make a call."

Mizuki replied, "Well, make it quick. Peter was attacked, earlier."

"Oh, no! Is he okay?"

"Miraculously, his head seemed okay! But still, we hope he can last, until our next gig in WoodChip. Besides, you get to perform next, after us."

"Well, that's fine. Just tell the others that'll I'll meet them there, later."

Mizuki nodded, "Okay." And then she left the hotel room.

When she was gone, Asahi approached the phone and called Russia (the country).

"Allo? Eto srochno. On dostupny pryamo seychas? U menya uzhasnyye novosti iz samykh maksimal'noy neschast'ya."

She was fluent in Russian. She was talking to someone to help out this matter. But who?

The following afternoon, Peter was treated for his lump on his head.

"OW! I'm fine!" He cried, as Farra and Julie treated to his wound.

Percival said to Farra, "So, Russia did it?"

"I'm afraid so," she said, "Heather told me, after they went out. She caught him, but…"

Heather was still in fear, remembering Russia's aura and smile, "Heather doesn't like his face… She's nervously shattered and frightened."

Percival said, "Well, Russia will strike, as soon as he arrives. He's preparing the band, shortly. Lithuania is in AAW HQ, following our sudden gig by Steffi Matheson."

Julie said, "It's not my fault that Steffi blew a fuse."

Steffi snuffed, "Well, excu~U~U~U~use me, Julie!"

Mizuki responded, "Well, Steven and I will watch over the stage, before we prepare ourselves. In fact, he hasn't shown up, yet."

Steven barged in the door, as he was beaten up in bruises and wounds. He groaned, "Steven Cooke is in pain…"

Peter gasped, "What happened to you?"

Steven cried, "Russia… He sic Belarus at me, and I got waffled by her demonic tones! I can't do this!"

Percival cried, "YOU HAVE TO! The gig cannot be cancelled! If we don't perform, Russia wins!"

Asahi said, as she was getting ready to dress up, "Do it. Even for injuries, Russia will still show up. Do the gig, as planned."

Peter said, "Are you sure?"

Asahi smiled, "I'm sure. I don't want his band to become popular, out of violence and totalitarianism. And I sure don't want The Gang to be badly hurt."

Mizuki blushed, "Asahi…"

Asahi said, "Besides, everything's taken care of. Farra can still perform, with her cast on her arm, Peter can still play, with a concussion, Heather can do it, while she is scared, and Steven Cooke's throat isn't shattered."

Steven smiled, "She's right! We'll never give up! We do this… FOR THE KIDS!"

The Gang cheered, "YEAH!"

Percival smiled, as he praised Asahi, "Miss Sakurai, you are a genuine hero. However, while they perform, I'll stay with Julie and Steffi, in case anything happens."

Julie said, "You can depend on us, sir!"

Steffi held her chest and said, "If he tries anything funny, Russia will meet the end of my heel."

Steven cheered, "Alright, Gang! Let's do it!"

They ran off and prepared to perform on stage, as Percival said to Asahi, "Okay, just so we're alone… What did you plan on doing?"

Asahi replied, "Well, take a look at these photos of Russia and Warsman."

Percival gasped, "Warsman?"

Julie asked, "Who's Warsman?"

He explained, "He's one of the Heroes in the Choujin World, led by Kinnikuman. During the mindfuck, he was chosen as Interim Prime Minister of Russia, to assure peace and tranquility in his birth country. But overtime, he hired many Russian citizens to help out, but only Vodka Drunkenski (lowly illegitimate brother to Soda Popinski) and Ivan Braginski would fully obey him, out of territorial movements. They wanted to reunite the Soviet Union. But they can't. Didn't they agree to break up USSR?"

Steffi said, "Indeed. The Soviet Union collapsed, twenty years ago. The other countries wanted to be free and become independent, after Russia was responsible for every bad move, including debts and bad decisions. In reality, the USSR collapsed, due to economy problems and government issues. Ukraine left, after Georgia departed, before the Coup d'état in 1991. Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia were restored as countries in 1990, before and during the coup, leaving the other countries departing Russia, for further reasons. Latvia and Estonia left the USSR in the Coup d'état, while the rest of USSR departed, only to become independent states. Ukraine and Belarus were once SSRs, and changed their names to just simply Ukraine and Belarus, and are members of the United Nations, since 1945. Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Moldova, Kazakhstan, and other former Soviet Union members joined the UN, during the late 1991 and early 1992. Georgia was the FINAL former Soviet State in July 31, 1992, to join the UN."

Percival said to her, "You know…"

Julie added, "Your history of USSR is a bit shitty."

"SO?" Steffi replied, "At least I'm not the one who's being attacked!"

Asahi said, "Miss Matheson, you need to sharpen your world history."

Percival ordered, "Julie, Steffi, watch over Asahi, while I examine these pictures."

Asahi asked, "Uh… What about Lord Flash? He was the hired gun that brought Russia in."

She showed the picture of Lord Flash, as He smirked, "So… It's obvious we now know who's responsible for this sudden takeover of the stage."

He said, as Asahi was nervous, "Just get ready for your show. The Gang will save the day."

He left, as Asahi whispered, "I'm sorry… but I already had it taken care of. They're making a huge mistake."

Julie asked, "Is there something you're hiding?"

Steffi glared, "Don't tell me you're working with those comrades."

Asahi huffed, "The way you say it, you almost sound like Taishi! It's fine! Besides, I had to call someone, in order to stop Russia from ruining The Gang's gig!"

Julie asked her, "Who?"

Steffi said, "You didn't call…"

Asahi nodded in agreement and said, "I did… But it's not what you think!"

She asked Julie, "By the way, did anyone ever told you that you looked like Rachel McAdams?"

Steffi whined, "WHAT? And I was hoping she'd say-!"

Julie huffed, "Shut it."

XXXXX

At the stage, hours later, The Gang, with injuries and all, performed on stage, with 4 songs finished.

Steven said on the microphone, "Sorry, kids. We've gotten a big problem, today. Despite that we had an accident, we still rock it out!"

The fans cheered, as he continued, "And well, in these weird worlds, we can handle a few cuts and bruises."

The fans went wild, as Steven said, "But you know, Steven Cooke isn't the one to be injured, since we had many disasters, in the past. But won't it make us feel better if someone came by and give us the strength to fight?"

Russia was backstage, as he was furious, "NO WAY!"

He then whined, "Huh? How come they still play? I thought they canceled, after injuries."

He stepped into the stage, as Steven gasped, "WHOA! WHAT IS THAT?"

Russia held up a pipe and called, "STOP THE SHOW! Wait a minute! How can you be okay, after I sent Little Sister Belarus to claw you?"

Steven C laughed, "OH, NO, KIDS! IT'S IVAN THE TERRIBLE! Don't worry! I'll save you, kids!"

Mizuki groaned, "Not now…"

Steven and Mizuki confronted Russia, as Peter, Farra, and Percival were worried.

Russia barked, "How you know my name, is not of my concern. But… I'd like to know why you still stand tall."

Steven said, "Hey, listen up, comrade. We may be a band, but we can withstand anything, including injuries that you will never see. So, unless you want to get beaten up, I suggest that you leave the stage!"

Mizuki said, "Steven… This is suicide. Heather is scared of this man."

She boomed, "But you attacked my boyfriend! HOW DARE YOU!"

Russia smiled, "Oh, don't be mad. All I did was knock his noggin. But I'm surprise he's got hard head."

Steven barked, "BEGONE, IVAN, before we fight!"

The music began, as Steven and Mizuki began fighting Russia. Percival thought, as he played, "This is crazy! Why do I have the feeling that we'll lose?"

Steven and Mizuki began beating him down, two-on-one, but Russia swung his pipe at them, slamming them down to the floor. Farra grabbed her guitar and started to slam his back. Russia turned around and tripped Farra down, onto her cast, reinjuring her arm. Farra screamed in pain, as Asahi was backstage, seeing the carnage unfold. The fans chanted "GANG! GANG! GANG!", as Asahi was frightened, seeing Farra hurt, and the others being beaten down by this one-man scary man.

"Farra… Everybody… I'm so sorry…"

She ran to the stage, as Russia was about to strike his pipe at a downed Steven.

"STOP!"

He turned to her and said, "Well, well, well… If it isn't my rival…"

He smiled at her, "How are you today, comrade?"

She glared, as she was furious, "I've seen enough! It's me you want!"

They stared down, as Asahi was livid, while Russia couldn't stop smiling.

Percival said, as he was concerned, "Asahi, you idiot!"

To be continued…