Chapter 13: Hachiman
Chapter 13, I've found that sticking to real events that happened 6 years ago is incredibly difficult as I don't know what happened in Japan 6 years ago. Hell, I even went so far as to put in Madagascar as the movie they watched, which released in May 2005. So I think I'll just make up events as I go, since this isn't cannon anyway due to Tony and co. This is going to be fun... No more restrictions! BACK TO ADVENTURE! ... errr... To writing that is. Writing is what I meant... Chapter 13 now...
The Martial Arts arena entrance
"Hey, I'm registering for the tournament that's happening in 3 days." Tony said to the salmon haired tournament registrant.
"Okay, what's your name Kan-chan." She giggled.
"I think I'll register under the name... Ryū tora no kami." Tony smirked.
"Haha! Really?" Akira asked with a giggle.
"Yeah! Might as well, it's better than Great Saiyaman..." Tony laughed.
"Very true...*write write write write* Okay! You're registered! With you in here, it's sure to be an exciting tournament!" Akira said excitedly.
"Thanks Akira." Tony smiled.
"You done Otōto?" Masutā asked.
"Yeah Masutā. Let's go home." Tony walked off.
"Interesting name Otōto..." Masutā commented.
"Well, let's see them prove me wrong."
Walking down the street once again
"Doo wa diddy diddy dum diddy doo..." Konata sang, once again.
"Why do you keep doing that?" Kagami asked.
"No reason, don't worry about it Kagamin." Konata grinned.
"Whatever... So Tony's brother seems really different from Tony himself, doesn't he?" Kagami said.
"Yeah, I guess so. He seems more laid back than Tony." Konata commented.
"True. Almost like he's more open. It's cool how he still respects Tony's privacy though... Speaking of which, we never asked about the last time..." Kagami recalled.
"Oh right! We'll totally have to ask next time! And not take 'Classified Information' as an answer." Konata said.
"What do you think happened Onee-chan?" Tsukasa asked.
"I dunno Tsukasa... I hope nothing too bad happened..." Kagami muttered, hoping she didn't mimic his previous incident. She felt she would die if she did. Even though Tony had forgiven her, she didn't even have to wonder if she could handle it or not. She knew she couldn't.
"Yeah..." Tsukasa practically whispered. They all continued to walk in relative silence, not really knowing what to talk about.
"We forgot something else." Konata said suddenly, her tone grave.
"What? Where?" Kagami asked.
"With Tony." Konata continued.
"What?" Kagami repeated.
"I'll have to ask him about it next time I see him..." Konata muttered, closing her eyes in intense concentration.
"You sure it can wait? It sounds like it can't." Kagami said, ready to run should Konata choose to.
"No, don't worry, it can wait. We just can't forget next time." Konata sighed.
"Well, what is it?" Kagami asked impatiently.
"Nothing, I've got it... memorized." Konata leaned closer to Kagami and tapped her own temple with one finger.
*Sigh* "I do wonder if you can go even half a day without making some stupid comment about a game or anime." Kagami facepalmed.
"I can too! You wanna see?" Konata challenged.
"Hmmm... Not now, else it wouldn't be a fair test. The day is already more than half gone." Kagami smiled.
"Okay then Kagamin~." Konata grinned. Something caught Konata's eye. "Is that Tony? What timing..."
"Kan-chan~!" Tsukasa waved. Masutā snickered, but was abruptly silenced as Tony shot him a glare.
Looks like I won't get my rest... Man my muscles hurt. But at least I get to hang out with the girls. Tony thought with a smile despite the searing pain shooting through his body. "Hey, what's going on?" He shouted back as he crossed the street.
"Nothing much, we were just wandering around. What are you doing out here, I thought you were back at your house watching T.V. or something." Kagami recalled.
"I was, but then a commercial for a tournament that's taking place in three days came on! So I went to register!" Tony said cheerfully.
"Really? That sounds like it's going to be interesting to watch." Kagami commented. "How are you going to get the time off of school though? You should be using that time to study."
"Crap! I didn't even think about that! Hmmmm..." Tony thought. "I'm sure I'll be fine."
"What if you get sick on the day of the exam though?" Kagami asked.
"Well, that would be my punishment for taking part in the tournament, wouldn't it?" Tony smirked.
"Why not avoid the chance and just skip the tournament?" Kagami asked.
"Because I need money quickly." Tony said.
"I said you didn't need to worry about my birthday Tony!" Konata reminded.
"I know, but your birthdays aren't my only expense. I have electricity bills, cost of food, water bill, ect. All of this and I have no job. I really should get one..." Tony trailed off. Then he realized he didn't know where anyone was hiring.
"What about rent?" Konata asked.
"Well, I had a bit of money saved up from all the old types of jobs I used to work so I did actually buy that house. That, however, left me without a lot of money left. As in only about 100,000 yen. I barely had enough to get my appliances up and running and get some food." Tony informed.
"Oooooh~" Konata understood. He really did need the money.
"I'm sorry we kinda ate your food, we didn't know..." Kagami scratched the back of her head.
"No problem. Like you said, you didn't know. If any of you ever need a place to stay or a meal to eat, just come on over. You're always welcome in my home." Tony smiled.
"Thanks." Kagami smiled.
"By the way Tony, I have a very important question to ask you. You're not allowed to hang out with us until you answer." Konata said seriously.
"Eh? What is it?" Tony asked.
"Which end of a-" Konata started, before being interrupted.
"HEY!" They all heard. They turned to see a man holding a knife at them.
"Oh, hey. You're that generic thug I beat up this morning. I'm surprised to see you back on your feet so soon. I kinda hoped the police would have picked you up before you came to." Masutā laughed.
"DON'T LAUGH AT ME!" The thug yelled. "Now. By the looks uh ya, you ain't got no money. So just leave the girls and we'll call it even." He held the knife up higher to punctuate his statement. Tony's expression instantly changed.
"I don't take kindly to threats." He said, death easily prominent in his tone.
"Do I have to beat you up again?" Masutā scratched the back of his head, as if this thug's appearance were only an inconvenience. Normally, that's all it would have been. Little did they know, he had an accomplice this time.
"Grrrr... NOW!" The thug yelled as his partner leaped from behind and grasped the first girl he could and held a knife to her throat.
"TSUKASA!" Tony yelled, taking a step towards the man. The man put the knife that much closer to Tsukasa's throat. Tony halted.
"Alright, here's how this is going to work. You give us all of your money, and we'll give you the girl back." The main thug demanded.
"I have no money. Please, tell me what I can do, I'll do anything to ensure her safety." Tony turned back to the main thug.
"Hmmmm. Kill him." He pointed his knife to Masutā. "That blow to the head hurt."
Tony looked with widened eyes to his brother, then to the free girls, and then to Tsukasa. He exhaled, closed his eyes, and clapped his hands together, just as one would to pray.
"Tony, no. You're in no condition." Masutā warned, taking an authoritative tone. It had no effect. Tony started to growl with effort. "Damn..." Several veins appeared around Tony's head, though most obscured by his hair. "Tony, I have money, let me give it to them!"
"You know as well as I do they won't give her back even then." Tony said quietly. His voice seemed different. Deeper. Richer. Darker. He opened his eyes. "This... is my last resort."
*Sigh* "I see I can't change your mind. Fine, kill yourself then."
"Hachiman!" Tony yelled out. He seemed to relax as he put his arms down. However, his entire composure changed. He didn't seem the same person, but a completely serious man. He seemed to have an entirely different aura. It instilled a sense of hopelessness and despair. Kagami was suddenly terrified by this man. Tony looked up to the thug holding Tsukasa.
"Vermin."
His voice changed too... It wasn't even directed at me and it gave me chills, this tone is... venomous... Kagami thought to herself. Tony took another step towards the thug. The thug, in turn, put the knife closer, breaking the skin of Tsukasa's neck. She cried in pain. And then her restraint seemed lifted. She looked around to see Tony behind her, his hand having knocked the man out.
"Ka-Kan-chan!" Tsukasa shouted in surprise. How did he- When did he-...Whoa. She thought incoherently, almost fainting.
"Stay here." Tony said in a voice almost the same tone as was aimed at the thug, but softer. He picked up the unconscious thug's weapon. He walked around Tsukasa slowly at the first thug.
"Wa-wa-wait! I'm sorry, please forgive me!" The thug pleaded, incredibly desperate at seeing this man's freakish abilities.
"You don't deserve to live." Tony said, his tone dripping with even more venom. "Murderer."
"No-no-no-no-no-no-no! He wanted to avenge me! I was just going along with it!" The thug continued, trying to back up.
"Liar."
"Ple-please!"
"A shepherd shall I be.
For thee my lords, for thee." Tony started, continuing his slow walk to the thug. The thug started to run the opposite direction. As he neared an alley, Tony walked out of it.
"Thy powers hath descended forth from thy hands,
That my feet may swiftly carry out thy commands." The thug was hysteric at this point, attempting to come up with any excuse that might spare him. It was to no avail. Tony lifted his knife.
This can't be happening! Kagami shouted in her head. Is he really going to...
"And I shall flow a river forth to thee,
And teeming with souls shall it ever be.
In nomine-"
"KAN-CHAN!" Tsukasa ran over and placed herself between Tony and the thug. Tony shifted his eyes to look Tsukasa in her's.
"Move." He said coldly. Tsukasa got shivers, but stood her ground.
"Kan-chan, what will this accomplish?" She pleaded. The thug was incredibly surprised.
She's... standing up for me? But I was the one who just had her held hostage...
"It won't heal my neck or anything else!" Tsukasa shouted at the man who stood in front of her. Tony lowered his knife.
"It'll make me feel a damn sight better." He said. Tony walked closer to her.
"Tony..." Tsukasa muttered in fear. Tony disappeared and reappeared directly behind her. He put his face inches from the thug's.
"Alright, here's how this is going to work. I'm going to count to three. By the end of three, I'm going to kill you. Before I get to three, you fall to your knees and thank her for defending you. Should you do so, I will consider her pleas." Tony said seriously. "1." The thug instantly fell to his knees and thanked Tsukasa, going so far as to kiss the ground in front of her. "2." The thug redoubled his efforts, getting on his elbows and knees. Tony knelt and grabbed the thug's head. He slowly lifted him up, pure terror showing in the thug's eyes. "Run. Don't ever do anything like this again. Or I will find you. And I will kill you." Tony said. With that, he released the man and stood up. The man took no time in sprinting off, shouting in fear the entire way.
"Kan-chan..." Tsukasa whispered. Masutā got ready, as he knew what was to come. "Wha- Kan-chan!" She shouted as Tony collapsed to his knees, trembling.
"Is that it?" Were Tony's last words, spoken in his normal voice, before he lost consciousness. He was barely caught by his brother.
"You damn fool!" Masutā yelled angrily. "You shouldn't have even been outside the house, let alone using something like that!" He continued though his brother was completely unconscious.
"Ok Masutā. Spill it. What the hell was that? I don't care how much someone trains, that speed and power is inhuman. He freaking disappeared." Kagami said, approaching them.
*Sigh* "He calls it Hachiman. God of Fighting mode. If you ask him about it, he'll tell you its like a 6th sense he's always been able to control. However, medical science has told exactly what it is." Masutā started to explain, picking his brother up and starting to head back to the house.
"What's wrong with Kan-chan?" Tsukasa panicked.
"Well, when he was born, a few... wires... got switched. Some things his body should do itself are things he has to tell his body to do consciously." Masutā explained.
"Like what?" Kagami asked.
"That's actually what I was going to talk about. As bad as that 'condition' sounds, there's a flip side to it. He has an incredible, and I mean incredible control over his bodily functions and- stop snickering blunette, that's not what I mean-" He scolded as Konata began giggling at "bodily functions", "I mean his adrenals. He always had the ability to activate and control the amount of adrenaline he produces, where it goes, what it affects, ect. So because of this 'infirmity', he can control that as well." He continued.
"So Hachiman is when he uses this... 'ability'?" Kagami asked.
"Actually, he uses it regularly. That's how I suspect he beat your friend here on her bike so easily. With trace amounts like that, the side effects are much less severe." Masutā continued. "Hachiman is his trump card. It's where he floods his entire body with adrenaline, increasing all his abilities and attributes exponentially. That, coupled with his training, makes him one of the most dangerous people alive."
"So what happened? Did something go wrong?" Konata asked, this boy seeming more intriguing, and more scary, every day.
"No, but since he was training so hard earlier, his body was already in extreme pain and weakened. Adrenaline can have terrible effects on the body as well as strengthen it. Care to explain Miyuki, I know you haven't talked this entire time." Masutā offered.
"Well, Epinephrine, or adrenaline, is a hormone released in high-pressure situations that can strengthen someone. It's the reason people say a mother can lift a car above her head to save her child's life. However, it can also cause palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmia, anxiety, headache, tremor, hypertension, and, in worst case scenarios, acute pulmonary edema. Most of these can lead to cardiac arrest, stroke, or a number of other fatal or otherwise crippling conditions." Miyuki explained.
"That's basically what it is, yes. Now think, someone like you, an average girl, gains the strength to lift a car above your head. Tony can probably already do that, imagine what kind of power that gives him. This was when he was already low on energy and in searing pain. Imagine when he's fully rested and full of energy." Masutā commented in wonder, eliciting a response from the four girls. Tsukasa touched the cut on her neck, still hurting quite a bit.
Kan-chan risked his life and it's because I was stupid enough to get caught... Tsukasa sniffled a little.
Masutā, being the only one to hear her sorrowful sniff, slowed a second as Tsukasa had fallen behind. He quietly whispered, his tone comforting, "He'll be fine. He just needs to rest for a day or two."
"Th-thanks..." She wiped her eyes on her sleeve, having watered up.
"We should get him to bed." Masutā said as they arrived. He opened the door and walked to Tony's room, the girls following. He laid his brother on his bed and stepped back. "He should be fine, he'll just be bed ridden. A couple days at most, knowing him. Actually, knowing him, he should be awake kinda soon, give or take a couple hours." Masutā diagnosed. Tsukasa pulled up a chair and sat down.
"Tsukasa?" Kagami inquired as to her sister's actions, as she didn't intend on staying so long that her legs would get tired. That kinda sounded bad... She thought to herself.
"I... think I'm gonna stay here. I want to thank him as soon as he wakes up, you know?" Tsukasa said dazedly, her eyes unmoving from the sleeping boy.
"I guess I can see that, he saved your life..." Kagami said understandingly.
"Yeah..." Tsukasa trailed off.
"You gonna be okay here Tsukasa?" Konata asked.
"Yeah Kona-chan, thanks." Tsukasa muttered.
I feel almost as if we're intruding on something... Kagami thought to herself. As if on cue, a sharp jab caught her, Konata, and Miyuki in the back. They all looked around to see Masutā beckoning them outside. They followed.
"What is it Masutā-san?" Miyuki asked.
"Let's leave Otōto's care to Tsukasa. Come on, I'll treat you each to something from a store." Masutā bribed.
"And Tsukasa doesn't get anything? If anything, she deserves it the most!" Kagami protested.
"Which is why you'll pick out two things you think she'll like." Masutā pressed on.
"... Fine, I guess so, but-"
"Kagamin, Tsukasa seemed dead-set on staying anyway. Why not get her a couple of nice things while she does so?" Konata asked, attempting to get her friend to go without complaint.
"Sure, I guess that makes sense..." Kagami sighed.
"Let's go!" Masutā shouted as they walked out of the house. "Where first?"
"To the electronic shop!" Konata shouted, taking off.
"Konata, wait up!" Kagami shouted after her friend as she chased after her, frustrated.
"These two always like this?" Masutā asked Miyuki as they started to run to catch up with the Otaku and Tsundere.
"Yes, as a matter of fact, they are." Miyuki eyesmiled as they ran. Such a feat impressed Masutā.
"Hey Miyuki-san, what's your opinion on homosexuality?" Masutā asked, attempting to find a way to explain why the question had so randomly came up.
"I think Konata-san and Kagami-san would be very happy together." Miyuki smiled.
"Wah-... Well... You read that rather easily." Masutā stumbled over his words as the two started to catch up. Konata and Kagami had gotten a big lead and Miyuki could only run so fast without getting exhausted.
"I've thought the same thing for a little while now." Miyuki winked.
"Mehehehe. Another smart one." Masutā commented, smiling. They continued running for what seemed the longest time until they caught up, as Konata and Kagami had stopped at an electronics shop, Kagami had her hands on her knees and breathing hard. Once they caught up, Miyuki started mimicking her friend.
"Destination reached!" Konata chimed as she entered.
How long were we running? Kagami wondered. She, Miyuki, and Masuta all entered behind Konata. Kagami looked at the clock to see it had been a LONG time. ! Holy crap! No wonder I'm so tired, we were running for so long! I didn't even know I could do that...
Konata seemed to know exactly where she was going as she picked up a video camera. "Does this count in your deal?" Konata asked Masutā.
"Yeah, sure..." Masutā laughed humorlessly as he sweatdropped at the 35,000 yen cost. She's trying to bankrupt me...
"Awesome!" Konata cheered and rushed to the register, Masutā running to pay for it as well.
"Konata, don't take advantage of his generosity!" Kagami shouted.
"Kagamin, you know you just want to make sure there's some money left for your gift." Konata catgrinned as she turned around and looked at Kagami.
"Wha! That's not it at all!" Kagami shouted, blushing slightly. "Return that and get a smaller gift!"
"Hmmm... This could always be Otōto's present for her birthday, seeing as how he can't afford one himself." Masutā smiled. "It's yours."
"Thanks!" Konata hugged her new toy, rubbing it against her cheek. "We can go now." She said, keeping the camera to her cheek as they exited the store.
"Let's go get Tsukasa's presents now." Kagami suggested.
"Alrighty, what do you think she'd like?" Masutā asked.
"Well, if you're serious about getting her two things, then I think one should be practical and another should be something she'll enjoy. Like a stuffed animal and a high quality cooking pot or something. I'll put in some money too." Kagami offered, pulling out money from her pocket.
"Thanks, but no thanks. I said I would treat you girls to something, and I meant it." Masutā denied.
"It's no trouble, I'm thankful for you putting in any money at all. Frankly, I'm surprised you put so much out for Konata..." Kagami glanced back her Otaku. She looks so cute hugging that thing... Gah! What am I thinking? She thought to herself, blushing by the end. Masutā snickered.
"I insist on paying for it myself. So where can we go to get a stuffed animal?" He asked.
"Oh yeah, I forgot you're new here. There's a toy shop around here somewhere..." Kagami looked around.
"This way!" Konata shouted, running again.
"Konata! Where are you going this time?" Kagami shouted, exasperated at her friend's tendency to run off.
"Miyuki-san!" Masutā shouted back to Miyuki.
"Right!" She shouted back as they both started running so as not to be left behind again. They caught up to see Konata posing triumphantly outside a store.
"Oh! Good job Konata! I didn't even know we had one of these..." Kagami commented, staring at the Build-A-Bear Workshop they now stood outside. She smiled. This will do. This will do nicely. They entered.
Half an hour later
"Thanks!" Kagami shouted as she waved to the staff of the workshop, the others following. She looked inside the bag she now had to see a cute, yellow teddy bear that was wearing a red shirt and holding a pot of honey. I can't believe they didn't have these premade! Kagami thought in disbelief. "Alright, now appliances!" Kagami cheered, raising her free hand in the air. She quickly put her arm sideways just in time to catch Konata. "Why are you so full of energy today?"
"I gots a new camera!" Konata shouted joyously, but suddenly looked very somber. "I forgot something."
"What is it Konata-san?" Miyuki asked, worried. Suddenly Konata spun in a full circle and held her camera to the sky in both hands, the camera somehow floating inches above her hands and spinning.
"Dan-nah-nah-naaaaaah~!" Konata shouted triumphantly.
"Looks like Konata found a camera." Masutā smirked.
*Sigh* "Let's just go..." Kagami facepalmed. It suddenly started to rain.
"Crap! My camera!" Konata quickly brought her camera down and stuffed it into her shirt. She felt another shirt over her and saw Masutā sprinting towards home with an undershirt on. Kagami stuffed the bear under her shirt as the girls started to follow. They arrived at Tony's house within forty five minutes to pick up Tsukasa in hopes of returning home, but the rain turned to downpour. Konata and Kagami took their gifts from their shirts while Masutā took his shirt back. He put it on even though it was completely soaked.
"Tsukasa, we'r-mph!" Kagami was silenced by a soft hand over her mouth. She looked behind her to see Konata, a finger to her lip. She sneakily walked down the hall, Kagami following with only slightly less stealth. They heard laughing coming from the room they had been in only several hours ago.
He's already up? Whoa, that's unexpected... Masutā's eyes widened. As Konata and Kagami approached the door, silence fell. Then they heard from the room.
"Yeah, she does look funny with all the pudgy weight! Poor Kagami!" Tony laughed. There was silence for an instant before Tsukasa laughed,
"Ye-yeah, poor Onee-chan!" Tsukasa laughed nervously. Kagami had heard enough. Before Konata could stop her, she burst into the room.
"It's not very nice to talk about your friends like that!" She yelled angrily.
"Nor is it nice to eavesdrop on your friends." Tony smirked weakly, still laying back in bed. Kagami then realized what had happened.
*Sigh*
POV: Tony
Tony's eyes opened slowly. His vision was still blurry. He could make out a lone figure sitting next to him. Kagami? No, the hair is wrong... Tsukasa! He thought, identifying the person as his vision cleared. "Tsu-Tsukasa?" He asked, his voice barely a whisper.
"Five more minutes..." Tsukasa mumbled, having fallen asleep and laid her head on a dresser next to Tony's bed.
Hehe, she's kinda cute... "Tsukasa..." Tony mustered up his strength and spoke slightly louder. Tsukasa leaned up, rubbing her eyes as she yawned. Then it dawned on her where she was.
"Kan-chan! You're awake!" Tsukasa cheered.
"Yeah, what's up? I hope you guys didn't stay on account of me..." Tony said weakly.
"They all left a little while ago, but I had to stay. I wanted to stay, you saved my life." Tsukasa smiled.
"It was nothing. But you're hurt! Your neck, let me have a look." Tony said, Tsukasa's neck starting to hurt a lot again now that she was reminded of it. "Does it hurt?"
"Yeah, but don't worry! You got a lot worse!" Tsukasa shouted.
"Want me to cast a spell to take away the pain? I can do that you know." Tony smiled.
"Come on, no one really has magic." Tsukasa giggled.
"Oh really? Follow my directions and you'll be out of pain." Tony smirked.
"O-okay Kan-chan, I trust you..." Tsukasa said hesitantly. Tony reached up a shaking hand and touched the cut on her neck. Tsukasa blushed and jumped back a little.
"Mehehehe, trust me Tsukasa..." Tony laughed quietly. Tsukasa leaned back in and allowed the contact as Tony placed his hand over the cut again. Tony closed his eyes in concentration.
"Sana vulnera,
Sfragída Sárka,
Come life-giving powers of rain.
Yīzhì tā,
haavan sitoa,
et max medela,
come ease this girl's pain~!
Now sing." Tony nodded slightly.
"Aah~, aaaaah~, Aah~ AaaaaAaaah~" Tsukasa sang. As she sang, she noticed the louder she sang, the more her pain was alleviated. "Aaah~"
The meanwhile, Tony had laid back completely and closed his eyes, enjoying the pleasant sound emitting from his friend. As she finished, he opened his eyes. "So? How do you feel?" He asked.
"Much better, I can't feel the pain anymore..." Tsukasa said in wonder. Suddenly, her ears perked up.
"What's up?" Tony asked, having noticed her become distracted.
"Hang on..." Tsukasa muttered as she exited the room. "Whoa!"
"What's going on Tsukasa?" Tony shouted, exhorting a good amount of effort.
"It's... It's raining!" Tsukasa shouted back. Tony was in a stupor for a minute.
Wow, it's like the gods themselves are trying to help me sell this... Thanks! He thought appreciatively, in case the gods were, indeed, listening. As Tsukasa was walking in, his stomach rumbled. Crap.
"Kan-chan, want me to make you something?" Tsukasa asked, smiling.
"No, don't trouble yourself..." Tony said weakly.
"Nonsense! It's no trouble at all!" Tsukasa eyesmiled. She headed towards the kitchen.
"Thanks Tsukasa." Tony smiled, though Tsukasa was out of earshot by now.
POV: Tsukasa
"Thanks..." Tsukasa heard called behind her. She smiled to herself.
Okay, I need something fast for Kan-chan. Tsukasa thought, arriving in the kitchen. She looked around to see what she could find. Hmmm... Rice, tomatoes, bread, green beans, macaroni and cheese, sugar... She wandered to the refrigerator. Chop meat, milk, juice, not much for dinner... She thought of everything she might be able to make. She got an idea. Got it! I can make curry since he missed out on it last time! She grabbed the tomatoes, rice, green beans, and chop meat. She set to work at top speed. She crushed half of the tomatoes into a bowl, making sauce. She started slicing the other half and boiling water for the rice. Once she started the water, she grabbed a pan and started browning the meat. By now, she had finished chopping the tomatoes into small pieces as dumped them into the sauce. The rice was finished cooking. She drained the rice and put it on a plate. She mixed the sauce with the now-browned meat. Seasoning the meaty sauce, she poured the meat mixture over the rice and grabbed a fork. Turning back to the counter, she saw the green beans, laying there without use. Whoops... She sweatdropped. She put the beans away and searched for a sick tray like she had brought Konata. When she failed to find one, she shrugged and picked up the plate with the fork on it. She walked back to her friend's room and opened the door. I hope he likes it!
POV: Tony
Tony's stomach growled in protest of the lack of food or water. It's cool that Tsukasa would make me something, but unfortunate that anything worth eating will probably take a while. I hope she comes back while it's cooking... He thought. It had been ten minutes since Tsukasa had left and there had only been one thought in his mind. I must be better prepared for things like that. I can't be using that for every would-be crook that walks along. He had to admit, he felt a little happy that she had decided to stay, but guilty for the same reason. He didn't want to hold her or anyone else back from having a good time. Tsukasa walked in.
"It's ready Kan-chan! I figured since you missed out on curry earlier, you can have some now!" Tsukasa smiled as she handed him the plate. Tony sat up a little as he accepted the plate.
"Thanks Tsukasa, this looks great!" Tony thanked appreciatively. If I can figure it correctly, it probably took Konata about half an hour to make her curry. It took Tsukasa ten minutes, I wonder how good this will really be?
"You're welcome Kan-chan, I hope you like it!" Tsukasa observed as her friend took a spoonful and ate it. His eyes widened.
... Whoa. Are these ingredients from my house? Has to be... but this... it's practically ambrosia! Tony thought, the food tasting fantastic. She's incredible!
"How is it?" Tsukasa asked nervously, as Tony had stopped after the first spoonful, eyes widened.
"Tsukasa..." Tony started.
"Yeah?"
"This is probably the best curry I've ever had. Ever. Thanks a LOT." Tony said before he started eating again.
"I-I'm glad you like it!" Tsukasa said in delight.
"Seriously, I'm not even exaggerating. Between what my brother makes, the restaurants I've been to, and the noxious concoctions I whip up, this is crazily superior." Tony said in between spoonfuls. Tsukasa didn't know how good a cook his brother was, but the restaurant comment made her blush. Crazily superior? I hope I get my wits back soon, that was just plain embarrassing...
"Re-really? You really think so Kan-chan?" Tsukasa practically squealed. To say she was happy would be a vast understatement. This time, Tony only acknowledged her through an appreciative look, his mouth full of curry. Tsukasa sat in her joy at his profuse approval while he finished, having taken longer to eat then make.
"Tsukasa, you are, without a doubt, the best cook I've ever had. Thanks." Tony smiled.
"It was my pleasure Kan-chan, I'm just glad you liked it so much!" Tsukasa smiled back.
"I'm pretty sure I took much of that pleasure." Tony smirked. "I think you'll have to come over here everyday and cook for me now. Nonnegotiable." Tony laughed.
"Why don't I just move in?" Tsukasa laughed. Before anything else could be said, Tony stopped, his ears perked. "Kan-chan?"
"Shh..." Tony whispered, a finger on his lip, laying back in bed. He heard a familiar voice next, though it was quickly silenced. "Tsukasa, play along." Tony whispered.
"Wha-" Tsukasa tried to ask before Tony laughed.
"Yeah, she does look funny with all the pudgy weight! Poor Kagami!" Tony laughed. Tsukasa gave a confused look. "Go on!" Tony beckoned in a whisper.
"Ye-yeah, poor Onee-chan!" Tsukasa laughed nervously. She wasn't quite sure why they were saying this, but she would follow her friend's lead for now. Who else would come in now but Kagami herself.
"It's not very nice to talk about your friends like that!" She yelled angrily.
"Nor is it nice to eavesdrop on your friends." Tony smirked weakly, still laying back in bed. Kagami stood blinking for a minute. Tony almost snickered as he saw his friend assuredly mentally facepalming. Well, I'm glad I at least have sense enough to be able to tell when they're coming...
"I tried to warn ya Kagamin, it was a trap." Konata grinned.
"... Shut up..." Kagami mumbled, embarrassed as she looked away from everyone.
"What's up Onee-chan? Did you all get caught in the rain?" Tsukasa asked upon seeing their drenched clothes as the others walked in.
"Yeah, we raced here so we could hopefully pick you up and get home, but it's super rainy out there." Kagami said, getting over her previous embarrassment.
"Didn't you all use the train to get here?" Tsukasa asked, confused as to how they got so wet.
"..." Kagami suddenly computed everything that had happened. Konata was so excited, she just started running to the store. She didn't even think to use the train, did she? We didn't know where she was going, so we couldn't use a train. I guess it's also my fault for forgetting it on the way home, but-
"I'm sorry to interrupt whatever thoughts you may be having, but the bathroom is only a short distance from where you're standing. If you would like, I have towels you're free to use." Tony said, motioning to the left.
"Ah, Sorry, we're dripping, aren't we? Let's go!" Kagami started off.
"Kagami!" Tony shouted, catching the Tsundere's attention.
"What's up?" She looked back in, Konata right behind her peeking inside.
"I think I love your sister." Tony smirked as Tsukasa blushed hard.
"Wh-wha-wh-" Kagami started stuttering at such a powerful and random confession. Konata looked to see the plate still on Tony's bed. She tapped Kagami to bring her out of the spell. Kagami looked to where Konata was now pointing to see the empty plate. "... Oooooh~." Kagami realized the joke as she saw the eaten meal Tsukasa obviously made. Tsukasa looked back to her sister in desperation in an attempt to find her sister's understanding. She traced the girl's line of sight back to the plate and calmed down slightly. "Not a cool thing to joke about Tony..." Kagami commented before making her way to the bathroom.
"I... I think I'm gonna go see if they need any help..." Tsukasa muttered as she got up and walked to the door. She looked back to Tony for a second as she said before leaving, "I'm glad you're alright Kan-chan." Tony sat in silence with only the company of himself as he realized that had he not made that joke, Tsukasa probably wouldn't have left.
Stupid...
Luckier Channel
"Luckier~! Channel~!" Akira shouted. "Hiya luckies! I'm your navigator, Akira Kogami!"
"And I'm the bamboozled assistant, Minoru Shiraishi!"
"Why are you confused Shiraishi-san?" Akira asked happily.
"Well, I didn't understand why you were the registrant, that's all. I thought you were an actress and bartender in this story?" Minoru asked.
"That's easy! You see, my character, a lot like me in real life, has to do a lot of different jobs just to make it. So you'll see me popping up everywhere!" Akira shouted, even happier sounding then before.
"Ah! Just a couple more questions?" Minoru asked.
"Sure!" Akira chimed.
"I'm afraid I'm unfamiliar with some of the terms that Tony and his brother are using. Could you... maybe tell us what they mean?" Minoru asked sheepishly.
"Geez, aren't you supposed to be Japanese? I would think you should know this stuff... Fine, which ones?" Akira sighed as Minoru shivered. He had become accustom to her happy voice by now. He was surprised this was enough to annoy Akira out of her happy mode.
"Well, like Ani, Otōto, and Ryū Tora No Kami. I can't say I'm familiar with those names..." Minoru scratched the back of his head embarrassingly.
"Whoa, those are basic terms man! Did your parents even teach you Japanese? *Sigh* Ani means Older Brother. Otōto means Little Brother. Ryū Tora No Kami means The God of Fighting. Any more?" Akira sighed.
"I'll let you know! Now I understand, thanks Akira-sama!" Minoru shouted.
"Seriously, I understand the readers not understanding, but I would think you would at least know what they meant."
"I'm sorry Akira-sama..."
*Music Tone*
"That's all the time we have for today. I hope to see you all in 14 and I promise to give it 110% in my acting! Bye nii~!"
"..."
"That's cool, that explains all the rolls you'll have later!" Minoru said after the board had been raised.
"Yeah, I'm having fun... But you need Rosetta Stone..."
*End*
Aftersection
Hey everyone, what's up? Just finish reading 13? I just finished writing it. I'm getting a little backed up here, I actually finished this before I released 12... I'm glad that Masutā isn't overstepping any bounds :) By the way Kenpokid, I think the face you were looking for is ( ¯ω¯·). So there was another fight here, I was hoping I could tone it down from the last time I tried it. Last time, it was arbitrary, an alternate entrance for Masuta later. This time, I tried to make it different. No threat as much as last time. Besides, I wanted to try my hand at fighting since I'm going to be writing a tournament soon enough XD And I'm glad a lot of people like this story! I hope you all keep reading and enjoying and don't forget to review! That's it for now!