Chapter 19: The hospital and the thereafter.
GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! I totally missed something that would have made this whole tournament a ton easier to WRIIIIIIIITE! And I'm sorry for taking so much longer then I did with the last couple, my computer needed to be reformatted. Which means the entire system was wiped. As in, this chapter was deleted T.T I was even about 5K words in too! Anyway, now that that's out of my system, there's something that, while no one probably even noticed, I still think I should put it out there. Konata watches DBZ, obviously. She probably plays Mortal Kombat as well. If I use people from different movies and anime as opponents, she isn't gonna recognize them. That said, I'll let you check on Tsukasa now.
Where we left off
"Tsukasa's..." Tony muttered, his heart dropping past his feet while a pit that put Pittsburgh to shame formed in his stomach. "WHAT DO YOU MEAN?" He yelled, hurting everyone's ears.
"Ow! I mean she was found unconscious and sent to the hospital. She's-"
"Which hospital?" Tony asked.
"I'll tell you on the wa-" Kagami was interrupted by a grunt from Tony.
"Which hospital is it?" Tony repeated.
"U-Umehara Hospital!" Kagami stuttered, having never had that voice directed at her.
"Gotcha. Thanks." Tony said. He took off, a gust of wind accompanying him.
"Come on... Let's go get a taxi..." Kagami muttered as they ran out of the area.
Please be okay, please be okay, please be okay! Tony shouted in his head. He turned corner after corner until he finally found his destination. "Yes! Finally..." Tony breathed. He wanted to let himself ease up, not wanting to push himself too far, but he couldn't back down now. He grunted as he redoubled his efforts. He ran in and up to the front desk. "Ma'am, my friend was checked in here earlier today, Tsukasa Hiiragi, could you please tell me which room she's in? Or how she's doing? Or both? Both would be best!" Tony shouted.
"Calm down sir, it'll just be a moment." The woman seemed to back up a bit as she started clicking on her computer. "Ah, yes. Tsukasa Hiiragi, came in with multiple bruises and unconscious. Room A212. Currently, she's doing well. She has woken up since then and is staying after for routine exams before she will be released. Her room is right down the hallway sir." The woman pointed. Tony finally let himself relax.
"Thank you ma'am." Tony said as he walked down the hall, no longer having energy to run. It's a good thing the matches are over for today... He thought as he found her room and knocked on the door.
"Come in!" He heard Tsukasa shout. He opened the door to see Tsukasa sitting up in a bed. Suddenly, Tony felt an unimaginable wave of relief wash over him and refresh him. He hadn't realized how concerned he had been.
"Yo, what's up? I came as fast as I could." Tony waved. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm okay now. Thanks." Tsukasa smiled, but she looked almost... sad. "I still have a few bruises, but the doctors said it isn't anything to worry about."
"Tsukasa... I would like to know what happened to you, but I won't ask until the others are here. You shouldn't have to relive this more then once." Tony said as he walked in and sat down.
"Where are Onee-chan and the others?" Tsukasa asked.
"They probably took a taxi or something." Tony said.
"Didn't you?" Tsukasa asked.
"Well... no... I ran here... It was quicker." Tony scratched his head. Tsukasa smiled.
"While we wait for everyone, could we just talk normally?" Tsukasa asked.
"Sure thing." Tony smiled.
"So how is everything in Miss Kuroi's class?" Tsukasa asked.
"Wait... what?" Tony said.
"Am I going to be in trouble for missing school?" Tsukasa asked, a smile crossing her face.
"... You still remember that? Quite frankly, that surprises me. No offense." Tony smirked as Tsukasa pouted a bit. "Wasn't the whole 'Kan-chan' thing supposed to be your revenge?" Tony asked teasingly. Tsukasa smiled as the two continued to talk.
POV Kagami
"Come on... Let's go get a taxi..." Kagami muttered as they ran towards the street. It took them ten minutes, but they managed to flag down a taxi.
"So what's up Kagami? Is Tsukasa okay?" Masutā asked.
"Yeah, she's okay. She just has some bruises and she's come to since they found her. Still, I want to know what the hell happened." Kagami said.
"I hope it wasn't intentional or Otōto might end up killing whoever did this." Masutā said. When the girls looked to him, they could see he wasn't joking or exaggerating. "Not that the bastard wouldn't deserve it, but still."
"Hey Masutā, has Tony said anything to you about how he feels about Tsukasa?" Kagami asked.
"He has, more or less." Masutā stated.
"Would you mind telling me? He seems like he likes her, I mean, he just ran more than a mile to see her when he could have waited for a taxi like us instead. What did he say?" Kagami asked.
"As a tribute to Otōto, that's classified." Masutā chuckled. Kagami groaned.
"Come on, we gotta know!" Konata begged.
"Sorry. Nope." Masutā said.
"What if I gave you a hundred yen?" Konata asked.
"Don't start that." Masutā looked at Konata.
"Aw..." Konata looked down. They arrived.
"Go ahead and see Tsukasa, I'll pay for the cab." Masutā dismissed. Usually Kagami wouldn't accept it, but she was in a hurry to see her sister. They got out and ran in.
"Hello Ma'am, my sister was checked in here earlier today, Tsukasa Hiiragi. Could you tell us where she is?" Kagami asked.
"She's in room A212. And I must thank you for not storming in here and yelling at me to find her like the last gentleman who came in asking for her." The woman thanked.
"Last... Was it a boy with a really scary voice?" Kagami asked. By this time, Masutā had walked up from behind.
"Yes, he was very concerned for the girl." The woman said.
I knew it... Kagami smirked. "Thank you for the help." Kagami said as they walked down the hall. As they approached the room, they heard talking from inside.
"Thanks for visiting from Cancun." Kagami heard Tsukasa say.
Who does she know from Cancun? How are they here... She even mispronounced it. Kagami smiled. They opened the door to see Tony sitting in the chair next to Tsukasa.
"I told ya, it's no problem." Tony smiled. "But you really should call your parents just in case they called them too."
"Yeah, I just wanted to wait for Onee-chan, you know?" Tsukasa said.
"I understand, it's just that-"
"Having fun you two?" Konata catgrinned. Tony and Tsukasa both jumped.
They snuck up on me? Wow, I must have been caught up in the conversation. "As a matter of fact, yes we are. I have fun talking to Tsukasa." Tony said. "In any case Tsukasa. Now that we're all here, please tell us what happened." Tony asked.
"Well..." Tsukasa started, her voice becoming timid.
POV Tsukasa
Tsukasa was walking back to the stairs that lead to her seat.
"Hey, you're that girl that was with Ryū, aren't you?" She heard a voice ask.
"Ye-yeah..." She muttered, a little afraid.
"He's probably going to win this fight. His next fight, however, won't go smoothly, so there's something he should have." The voice called from a darkness.
"What?" Tsukasa asked.
"Here." The voice said, holding a clenched fist.
"What's that?" Tsukasa walked closer.
"A message!" The man shouted.
Back to the room
"And then he... he..." Tsukasa was crying by now.
"Tsukasa, that's enough. We know what happened after that." Tony interrupted.
"And I-..." Tsukasa stopped for a beat. "...The next thing I knew, I was here." Tsukasa said, her ribbon drooping onto her head.
"The doctors say that it could have been a lot worse though. If the man had half a mind to, he could have done some unspeakable things..." Kagami trailed off.
"Yeah..." Tsukasa shrunk, now incredibly afraid.
"You don't remember what the man looked like or anything?" Tony asked.
"Uh-uh." Tsukasa shook her head.
"Damn." Tony punched his hand. "I wish I knew who it was. If I ever find him, he'll wish he were never born." Tony could feel his rage raising. Tsukasa got a little alarmed.
"Um... So Tsukasa, are you in any pain?" Kagami asked.
"Not anymore. I was when I first woke up, but now it only hurts when something touches a bruise." Tsukasa said.
"Well, we better call home and tell them you're okay. If they called me, they certainly called mom and dad." Kagami walked over. Tony stepped back so the twins could be nearer each other.
"So Otōto, you were pretty concerned." Masutā smirked as the girls crowded around Tsukasa.
"... I told you... I'm confused right now..." Tony looked away.
"Come on, you went full blown Hachiman just to get here." Masutā paused as they heard:
"Voice mail..." Kagami sighed. "Well, couldn't hurt to leave a message."
"Okay!" Tsukasa said. "Beep." She said when the phone beeped. "Dearest darlingest Momsie and Popsicle-" she started. Tony smiled.
So cute! Tony yelled in his head.
"That's a new one..." Kagami commented.
"There's nothing to be confused about Otōto. Do I need to get the Muses out here? They've handled situations like this before." Masutā chuckled.
*Sigh* "Fine. I hereby relinquish my right to say different to you." Tony said before dropping his voice to a whisper that only Masutā could hear. "I like Tsukasa." Tony muttered. This time... It's different from Kagami. A different feeling.
"I know. But now you know. I'm guessing that now the courting begins?" Masutā whispered.
"No. As much as I... I can't betray Sarnia like that." Tony muttered. Masutā sent him a look.
"Otōto... you're disrupting the plot..." Masutā whispered.
"Screw the plot. I don't care. I'm not going to betray her." Tony whispered.
"Otōto, she's..." Masutā started, but stopped. Anything against the girl was walking on a mixture of eggshells and broken glass. "Not here anymore."
"Masutā..." Tony muttered.
"She would want you to be happy. Besides, you had no problem going out with Kagami." Masutā accused.
"How do you know about that?" Tony asked in a surprised whisper.
"You forget who you're talking to."
"Look, that was different." Tony said, his voice rising.
"How so?" Masutā continued.
"Because I said it is!" Tony almost shouted.
"What?" Everyone turned around and looked at Tony.
"Nothing." Tony waved a hand dismissively. As the girls shrugged and turned back to their conversation, Tony sighed. "Look. I just can't... My feelings have no say in this."
"Man. You like her! Come on!" Masutā whispered loudly.
"Subject dropped." Tony said adamantly. Masutā sighed.
"Fine. Whatever you say." Masutā said, frustrated. It was at that moment, Tadao and the other Hiiragis walked in.
"My daughter!" Tadao shouted as he ran over to Tsukasa. He began checking her over. Miki and the other daughters stood back and gave him space. Matsuri elbowed Inori and pointed to Tony.
"Little mister Charming." Matsuri giggled.
"What are you planning?" Inori asked cautiously.
"Nothing, nothing." Matsuri grinned.
"Okay, Tsukasa, you're good to-" The doctor walked in, but stopped at the nine extra people in the room. He had expected a couple of people, not nine. "Anyway, you're okay, just take it easy a few days and try not to irritate your injuries. As of now, you're free to go." The doctor said.
"Thanks doc, come on Tsukasa. Let's go home." Tadao said, relieved. He turned around and saw Tony. "... Have we met before?" Tadao asked.
"I don't believe so." Tony said.
"Hmm... Okay then. Well, let's go Tsukasa."
"Dad... if you don't mind, I kinda wanna stay for the rest of the tournament. Kan-kun is competing!" Tsukasa said. Kagami's eyebrow raised.
"It's alright, the tournament is over for the day." Tony said. "Go home and get some rest. You don't have to come tomorrow, either."
"I wanna come tomorrow though!" Tsukasa protested.
"You need rest." Tony argued.
"I'm coming tomorrow, no debating!" Tsukasa determined. Tsukasa and Tony locked eyes for a moment. Tony closed his eyes and sighed.
"As you wish." He said. Tadao looked between Tsukasa and Tony.
"Tsukasa, are you seeing this boy?" Tadao asked.
"N-no dad..." Tsukasa blushed as she got out of bed. "We can go now."
"Alright, let's go everyone." Tadao said as he and Tsukasa left the room. Miki and Kagami left next. Matsuri walked over to Tony.
"Hey, I've got Tsukasa pics." Matsuri whispered as she pulled out the phone, giggling as Tony blushed the instant she said it. Tony looked away, but not before he saw the picture of Tsukasa in the catgirl suit.
"I-I don't know what you're talking about." Tony said. I don't know whether to have a panic attack or a nose bleed... He thought.
"I didn't say anything that warrants that response." Matsuri grinned before whispering, "Here's one of her naked." Tony closed his eyes and put his hand over the phone's screen.
"I have no interest in seeing pictures of that sort." Tony said. Matsuri grinned wider as she pulled back her phone.
Well, at least he's a gentleman. Matsuri thought before she was pulled away by Inori.
"They're gonna leave without us, come on." Inori pulled her out. Once they were out, Inori started scolding her younger sister. "What the hell was that? Where did you even get those? And what's the big idea showing the boy she likes?" Inori scolded.
"What? I was just showing him what he'd be getting out of the deal!" Matsuri laughed. Inori took the phone from her sister and went to delete the picture of her nude sister. She didn't find it.
"Where's that picture? Did you already delete it?" Inori asked. Matsuri giggled.
"There never was a picture other then the catgirl picture. I was just testing him." Matsuri smiled.
"... Even so, if she wants him, let HER get him. Besides, even if that reason of yours worked, we don't want him getting with Tsukasa for perverted reasons. We don't know what kind of boy he is." Inori said.
"You sure are being level headed for once. Usually you're more like Tsukasa than Kagami..." Matsuri sighed.
"Maybe that's why I'm looking out for her and you're not? You just need more insight into stuff like this. But then what can you expect from someone who doesn't have a boyfriend?" Inori smirked.
"Hey, you don't have one either." Matsuri retorted.
"Yeah, but I have a choice in the matter. I've been asked out before, have you?" Inori picked. The sisters continued bickering all the way to the car and all the way home, confusing their parents and sisters. All they really heard was,
"Pick a little, talk a little, pick a little, talk a little, cheep cheep cheep! Talk a lot, pick a little more." The two basically said the whole way home with a boyfriend related theme.
"So Tsukasa..." Kagami smiled.
"Hm?"
"It's Kan-kun now, is it?" Kagami asked.
"Ye-yeah! It's.. kind of a long story..." Tsukasa scratched her head.
"It's okay, you just caused a bit of confusion." Kagami smiled.
Back at the hospital
"Tony, what's up? You look redder than the inside of a watermelon!" Konata teased. "What did she show you?" Konata asked. Soon as Tony heard it, his face lit up again.
Gotta think... Didn't I get some sort of failsafe for moments like this... Watermelon... Brainblast! Tony got an idea. "Konata, may I have my phone back?" Tony asked. Konata remembered she still had his phone from when she was sick and had been carrying it around since then in case she remembered. She got it out and handed it to him. He got on the internet quickly. Thank you internet. He thought as he found the picture he was looking for. He showed it to Konata. It was a picture of a cat in water with his paws on a watermelon. "This cat is pushing a watermelon out of a lake. Your argument is invalid." Tony said. Masutā raised his eyebrow in disbelief, as if to say,
Did you REALLY just try that?
"Well, I guess I can't argue with that logic." Konata shrugged. Masutā's jaw dropped.
"Well, shall we go home?" Miyuki asked.
"Yeah, I'll walk you home Miyuki-san. Otōto,you take Konata." Masutā said.
"Sure thing bro. You ready to go Konata?" Tony asked.
"Well, Tsukasa, the reason we came here, is gone. No, I think I'll stay a few more hours." Konata smirked.
"Alright smart aleck, let's go." Tony snickered as they left.
"Right, right." Konata muttered as they left.
"So Miyuki-san, what's the latest theory?" Masutā asked Miyuki after Tony and Konata were out of earshot. They started on their way to Miyuki's house.
"Kanpeki-san and Tsukasa-san seem to like each other." Miyuki informed him.
"I can confirm Otōto likes her. But he refuses to pursue her." Masutā said.
"Why's that?" Miyuki asked.
"He feels it inappropriate."
"Because he dated Kagami-san?"
"No, other reasons."
"I was going to try helping them get together. A little push, you know? What do you think?" Miyuki asked.
"I could lend a hand. What did you have in mind?" Masutā asked.
"Simple..." Miyuki explained Tony and Tsukasa's plan to help Konata and Kagami, then her own.
"That'll work. That'll work fine." Masutā smiled. "Pretty clever."
"Thank you. I hope it works." Miyuki eyesmiled.
"Even if it does, I wonder how Otōto will react." Masutā said.
"Here we are Masutā-san. Thank you for making sure I was safe on the way." Miyuki bowed.
"My pleasure Miyuki-san." Masutā bowed. "Let me know what you need me to do to help." He said before he turned and started jogging off.
POV Tony
"So Tony, about Tsu-" Konata started as they ran towards their respective homes.
"Why must you pursue that subject?" Tony asked.
"Because, you're so funny when I do. It's so hard to startle you, but a mention of Tsukasa, and you're red as a beet!" Konata laughed.
"I could easily run faster and leave you behind you know." Tony said.
"That's what I'm talking about! If you don't talk about it, your emotions get all built up and then it's no good!" Konata said with a grin.
"Coming from personal experience, I take it?" Tony retorted.
"Wh-what do you mean?" Konata shouted.
"Nothing. Nothing." Tony said.
"Come on! You can tell me what you think of Tsukasa! I'm your sister after all!" Konata shouted against the wind.
"What I think of Tsukasa?" Tony asked.
"Yeah, yeah!"
"She's Tsukasa. Simple." Tony said.
"What's that mean?" Konata asked.
"Whatever you want it to mean." Tony replied.
"Come on Tony, tell me. I absolutely promise I won't tell anyone." Konata promised.
"Not on your nelly." Tony responded. "The promise of Konata Izumi. As I understand it, that's not a lot." Tony said. If she could have, Konata would have pouted.
"There's nothing I can do to get you to tell me?" Konata asked. Right before Tony answered to the negative, he started to think.
Hmm... This could be beneficial to me. If I can get a secret out of Konata, there may be some way I can use it to help her and Kagami. If it's embarrassing, it's almost guaranteed she'll keep it to herself. "You're on Konata. Tell me an embarrassing secret. The most deepest secret you have and I'll tell you my intentions as far as Tsukasa is concerned." Tony shouted.
"Hey, I'm not stupid! I know you're gonna say something vague that makes it so that what I told you would be way deeper than what you tell me!" Konata yelled.
Damn, that's exactly what I was going to do. I was gonna tell her that my feelings didn't matter.
"Alright, so I tell you a real deep secret of mine, you tell me how you feel about Tsukasa." Konata said.
"... Very well." Tony sighed. "Not here though. Somewhere where no one would hear us."
"Your house? My dad and Yu-chan are in mine and I know your brother shouldn't be home yet." Konata said.
"Very true. Let's go!" Tony shouted as he rose the bar, starting to go speeds Konata was starting to actually try in order to keep up. It was a few minutes until they reached home. Tony walked up to his house, Konata following. They entered and turned the lights on. They closed the door and checked the rooms for inhabitants. Whatever she's going to tell me is gonna be big. I hope it can help them... Tony thought as he finished confirming that the house was empty other than the two.
"...Tony..." Konata blushed massively. Tony turned around and looked at her confused. Her attitude had changed dramatically.
"Yes?" Tony asked.
"I'm... like your sister... right?" Konata asked.
"As much so as any." Tony stated. It was then he started questioning exactly what Konata was about to tell him.
"So... no matter what I tell you... you're gonna stay my friend?" Konata asked. Tony smiled.
"Of course Konata. Don't worry your little head about it. Short of planning mass genocide, I'll be your friend and support you whatever you say." Tony smiled, putting his hands on her shoulders. She gave him a smile.
"Thanks..." Konata smiled, slightly reassured. She was still afraid, but she thought it might be okay. "Alright... Any way I can get you to tell me about Tsukasa before I tell you my secret?" Konata asked.
"Hmmmm... And you won't back out?" Tony asked.
"Nope. I swear on my secret." Konata said.
"Well. I like Tsukasa." Tony said.
"On the record?"
"Off it. No telling anyone." Tony said.
"Well I could help you get her if you want~." Konata chimed.
"No thanks. I have no intention of pursuing her." Tony said.
"What? Why not?" Konata asked.
"Konata, you're changing the subject." Tony reminded.
"No I'm not, Tsukasa's still the subject!" Konata protested.
"Konata. I held my side of the deal, now you have to too." Tony said sternly.
"... You did, didn't you... Fine. Tony... I... I like Kagami. Like, a whole lot. More than friends..." Konata admitted, blushing the whole time. To say Tony was startled was only slightly accurate.
"Well..." Tony said. I hadn't imagined... This early? I know I told Tsukasa that anything could happen, but I never thought either would know so soon... Tony was about to tell Konata of his acceptance, but he got a better idea. I think a little payback might be in order... He smiled inside. "Konata. You have no idea the sheer disgust-" He started saying with incredible contempt. Konata's heart dropped as she was about ready to cry. "-I have for people who can't accept things like that." He smiled.
"Wait... You don't think I'm some disgusting Yuri freak?" Konata asked, tears in her eyes. Tony laughed.
"Of course not! Konata, you're my sister. Nothing can change that." Tony smiled.
"Except mass genocide?" Konata giggled as she cheered up.
"Except mass genocide." Tony smiled, glad to see Konata cheering up. "Thank you for trusting me with this Konata."
"You too. Let's make a deal, if there's something we can't tell our girls, we can always tell each other. Deal?" Konata put her hand out.
"While Tsukasa isn't 'my girl', I understand what you mean. Deal." Tony shook her hand. "You should probably be getting back home, shouldn't you?"
"Just one question." Konata said.
"Yeah?"
"Why did you feel the need to do that?" Konata asked him.
"Think before you put people into other people's beds next time." Tony smirked.
"That was kind of overkill, don't you think?" Konata smiled.
"Perhaps. Maybe you'll learn from it though!" Tony laughed. Konata did as well.
"Alright then, I'll see you tomorrow Tony." Konata smiled.
"See ya tomorrow!" Tony waved. This is quite unexpected. This may be a help or a detriment. Which it will be remains to be seen though. I wonder how far along Kagami is if Konata has already discovered her feelings. Hmmm... Tony sat down in his living room as started to think. Masutā walked in.
"Yo Otōto, What's up? You just get home?" Masutā asked.
"What makes you say that?" Tony asked.
"I saw Konata walking home, I just assumed you only just got here. But you didn't, did you?" Masutā said, more a statement than a question.
"Nope, I had a talk with her." Tony said.
"About what?"
"Stuff."
"Just stuff?"
"Just stuff."
"Big stuff?"
"What stuff?"
"Big stuff?"
"Kinda." Tony said.
"Combo breaker." Masutā chuckled. "Any word on the two lovers?"
"Konata and Kagami?" Tony asked for confirmation.
"Yeah." Masutā confirmed.
"..." Do I tell him? It is kinda personal to Konata after all. Tsukasa should know so we can see about planning more stuff for those two, but Mas-... Will you listen to me? I'm telling Tsukasa stuff before I am my older brother! I really have started liking her a lot...Tony thought.
"Otōto?" Masutā said to snap Tony from his thoughts.
"Hm?"
"What's wrong? You were looking thoughtfully so don't try and tell me you weren't thinking." Masutā asked.
"Don't worry... I was thinking about Tsukasa." Tony said.
"Otōto, come on. You know you like her. She likes you, without a doubt. Hook up!" Masutā shouted, completely off the original topic as Tony had intended.
"That's not the issue. And that's three times you've mentioned it. Can't you call it a day at least?" Tony asked.
"I just want ya happy, that's all." Masutā sighed. "You've suffered enough, ya know?"
"Thanks. Either way, I'm gonna go to bed. Goodnight bro!" Tony called as he walked to his room.
"Goodnight ya idiot." Masutā called after him. He sighed. Otōto, you've gotta let go of the past. It'll only hurt your future. You've never questioned my advice before, so why now?
Tony walked into his room and collapsed on his bed, the exhaustion from earlier hitting him. He heard his phone go off. He opened it to see he had a text.
Good night Kan-kun! -Tsukasa
Tony snickered at the excessive use of emoticons after the message not shown above. He could feel a large smile one his face as he replied his own good night. How did she know I had just hit the bed? Geez, she's not gonna make this easy for me, is she? He thought with a smile. While he texted her back, he saw the time read 9:00. Man, I'm going to bed pretty early... Then again, I ran miles in god mode today and used it a little in my fight with Ingo. Now that I think of it, that man was brilliant. He must have seen my strength in my fight with JC. Smallswords are too thin for strength to have much effect before it breaks the sword. Nice... I wonder if Tsukasa's done the hom-... Homework... Damn it! Tony thought as he brought himself from his bed. He finished his homework in about an hour and drowsily got back in bed. Sleep took him instantly.
Hiiragis!
...
What, we don't have that section? Crap, thought we had that section. Okay then, on to the morning then.
Morning
Tony woke up feeling refreshed, though still tired from yesterday. A nap in Ms. Kuroi's class should fix that right up... She said she had something exciting to tell us, I wonder what... Tony thought as he prepared for the day. Though he was thinking of different things, the most prominent was his concern for Tsukasa. I hope she's okay... He choked down his breakfast and actually remembered to make himself lunch for the day. With a quick goodbye to Masutā, he left for school, making this the shortest morning section made to date. As he walked out the door, he met up with Konata.
"Yo lover boy!" Konata waved with a giggle.
"Yo lover girl." Tony responded. Konata got a frustrated look.
"You can NOT tell anyone, you hear? Never, ever, ever!" Konata shouted the last part.
"Don't worry Konata, I'm very good at keeping secrets. Why, there are some things I won't even tell myself!" Tony said cheerfully.
"Yeah, yeah, I got it. I shouldn't have worried." Konata smiled.
"Darn right." Tony smirked. As they walked, the passed an alley and heard a shriek. They both stopped and looked down to see a middle aged woman getting mugged by three guys with knives.
"Just move along kids if you know what's good for you." One of the shouted.
Is he threatening us? Tony thought.
He doesn't have a clue... Konata smirked. Tony started walking down the alley.
"Good morning good sir. I couldn't help but notice you have some rather sharp sticks. I happen to be rather fluent in their use. And I also can't help but notice this kind lady here looks rather startled. I don't think she likes your sticks very much. Perhaps you should leave?" Tony said as he walked ever closer.
"The hell is this guy saying?" A different man asked.
"Never mind, just kill him!" The third guy yelled as he ran towards Tony, blade swinging wildly. Tony leaned back to dodge his swing and thrust his elbow after he straightened back up. His elbow caught the generic thug in the chest and threw him back, unconscious.
"What the- Let's get him!" The first thug yelled as they both ran towards him. As the first arrived at him, Tony spun and hit him in the back of the neck, knocking him out instantly. By this time, the second guy was on him. The thug swung his dagger towards Tony. Tony hit the arm of the thug and started throwing very light fists at extreme speeds. However, very light fists was a term for Tony. Hitting like a truck was more accurate by the thug's standards. After the sixtieth hit, Tony finished him with a large punch to the stomach. The thug doubled over in pain and swiftly lost consciousness.
"Th-thank you kind sir!" The woman ran over and hugged him. Once she broke the hug, she looked him over. "You know who you look like? That fighter in that tournament, Ryū Tora no Kami..."
"I get that a lot, being Ryū Tora no Kami." Tony chuckled.
"Well no wonder you beat those crooks so easily. My son is a big fan of yours, would it be too much trouble to ask for your autograph?" The woman asked.
"Well, I didn't expect that! Hang on a minute..." Tony said, opening his bag and taking out paper and a pen. I didn't expect to have fans or anything...
"Um..." The woman interrupted.
"Hm?" Tony hummed quizzically.
"Could I maybe take your picture and you could sign that?" The woman asked, taking out an old camera.
The way this is going, I'm gonna have to run to get to school on time... Tony thought. "Well, sure!" He smiled.
"Thank you so much!" The woman bowed before taking a picture. The picture developed and came out of the camera.
Who carries around a camera like that? And for what? Just such an occasion? I guess it paid off... Tony thought as he signed the picture.
"Thank you so much Mr. Ryū!" The woman bowed. "My son will love this!" She said before walking off. Tony smiled as he watched her leave.
"That was unexpected." Tony smiled.
"Thank you." Konata thanked as she got off the phone. During the time Tony had talked with the lady, Konata had called the police and told them of the attempted robbery and where they were. They set out on their way, jogging leisurely now. "Just wait until after you win the tournament, you're gonna have to beat people off with two sticks!" Konata laughed. "Tsukasa's sure gonna have her work cut out for her with all the girls swarming you!"
"Cut it out Konata, I'm not interested in that." Tony smiled.
"In what, fame or Tsukasa?" Konata smirked. She only got a grunt as a reply as Tony quickened the pace a bit.
"Remember the word on Tsukasa Konata." Tony said.
"Mum?" Konata asked.
"Exactly. Same with Kagami." Tony said.
"Sounds good." Konata agreed.
"Did you do the homework?" Tony asked.
"Nope..." Konata said.
"Wanna copy?" Tony asked.
"Sure, thanks!" Konata smiled.
"No problem sister!" Tony smiled as they arrived at school. They arrived at homeroom and walked in, making it with five minutes to spare. The two sat down and Tony gave Konata the homework.
"Morning Kan-kun!" Tsukasa chimed from behind Tony. Tony turned around.
"Morning Tsukasa! Hey, would you mind telling me what time you went to bed?" Tony asked.
"I think it was about 9:00, why?" Tsukasa asked. "You got my text, right?"
"Hehe yeah, it was just weird. I got it the second I hit my own bed." Tony chuckled.
"That's crazy! We must be pretty in sync..." Tsukasa smiled.
"Yeah..." Tony smiled, getting pulled into the conversation. It was then he remembered what had been plaguing his mind since he had waken that morning. "Tsukasa, are you okay? Do you hurt anywhere?" he asked.
"I'm alright Kan-kun, don't worry. I only feel a little pain when something touches a bruise..." Tsukasa said, looking a tad sad.
"Tsukasa... You sure you only got hurt physically?" Tony asked.
"What do you mean?" Tsukasa asked.
"Thanks a ton Tony!" Konata said as she handed Tony's work back while Kuroi wasn't looking.
"No problem." Tony said dismissively. "Tsukasa, you seem sad. And a bit scared. Or embarrassed. What's wrong?" Tony asked. Tsukasa got fidgety.
"Um... I didn't do the homework either... May I please..." Tsukasa started.
"Sure, no problem." Tony smiled, though unconvinced as he gave her his homework. Something's wrong... Tony thought. It was a minute before Tsukasa finished.
"Thank you Kan-kun." Tsukasa smiled.
"Any time." Tony said.
"Alright, let's begin class. First I'll call roll, as if I haven't done that a million times." Kuroi announced as she sighed. After roll had been called, Kuroi stood at the front of the classroom. "Alright, before we check homework, I'll make the announcement I announced that I would announce during yesterday's announcement." She said. She waited a couple seconds for most everyone in the class to give a confused look as they puzzled over what she had just said. After everyone had figured out what she had said, she continued. "You all will have the next two days off for studying purposes. Or, for those of the divine persuasion, for fighting purposes. You'll also have some time after the exam to recuperate while they sort everything out." Kuroi smirked at Tony, her fang prominent. The entire class cheered.
"Thank you ma'am!" Konata shouted.
"No problem, just study so you can do your best." Kuroi said.
"Well that's cool..." Tony smiled.
"Okay, settle down everyone. Let's check homework..." Kuroi said as she started walking around.
Lunch Time
"Hey everyone, I'm here for lunch!" Kagami said as she walked in."
"Hey Kagamin!" Konata welcomed as everyone moved to her desk. "How awesome is this break we're getting?" Konata shouted.
"It's great, it's more time we have to study!" Kagami smiled. "... You're going to do nothing but play games, aren't you?" Kagami asked flatly.
"Probably..." Konata tried to mimic her usual tone. She was slightly off, but only Tony and Kagami caught it.
"Okay... You hear about the amount of teenagers getting pregnant and abandoning their kids these days?" Kagami changed the subject to the first thing she had read in a paper that morning.
"Yeah, they shouldn't do it if they don't want it..." Konata said.
*Sigh* "So don't forget folks... That's what you get folks... for makin' whoopie..." Tony recited.
"Kan-kun, what's whoopie?" Tsukasa asked innocently. Tony smirked.
"I'll be with you in a minute Tsukasa." he said without thinking.
"Let's stop with the pervy comments, huh Tony? I get enough of that already..." Kagami sighed.
"Tony's not a perv!" Konata defended. Kagami gave her a skeptical look.
"And how do you know?" She asked.
"Because I'm one, and he's never at the meetings!" Konata smiled to Tony.
"...Could someone change the subject?" Kagami sighed.
"Why? Did it wet itself?" Tony asked.
"Ha ha, very funny. It's time for me to go." Kagami said as she heard the five minute bell. She got up.
"Bye Kagamin!" Konata waved.
"Bye Onee-chan!" Tsukasa chimed.
"See ya Kaga- man, she's already gone." Tony sighed. "Hey Tsukasa, do you have your cell phone? I left mine at home..."
"Yeah, hang on..." Tsukasa said as she started looking in her pockets. She came up empty. "Um... I guess I forgot it..." She smiled sheepishly.
"That's alright. Do you have yours Konata?"
"Yeah, my dad made me start carrying it until the tournament's over. Whacha need?" Konata asked.
"Could you call the arena and see who I'm up against next? The number is 123-4567." Tony said.
"That seems... made up..." Konata giggled as she typed in the number. "Hello, is this the arena that the World Tournament is being held at? ... It is? Cool, is there a way I could figure out who Ryū Tora no Kami is fighting in the next round? ...What?" Konata asked. "Look, I'm just trying to find ou-..." She seemed interrupted.
"What?" Tony asked.
"He has a suggestion, but I think it's physically impossible..." Konata muttered after she covered the phone's speaker.
"Let me see it." Tony beckoned for her to give him the phone. When she did, he said, "Hello? Who is this? Shiri? It's Ryū Tora no Kami here, I just wanted to know who I'm fighting in the next round. What? ... Uh-huh." Tony said flatly as he hung up.
"What did he say?" Konata asked.
"You're right Konata, he has a lot to learn about anatomy..." Tony sighed as the bell rang to end lunch.
Afterschool
"Hey Kagami!" Konata waved.
"Yo, time to go to the tournament?" Kagami waved as she arrived at her friends.
"Are you sure you're up to it Tsukasa?" Tony asked.
"Yeah, just say the word and we'll take you home..." Kagami joined his concern.
"I'm fine guys, let's just go and see who Kan-kun beats up next..." Tsukasa blushed slightly as she turned and walked away. Tony shot a glance to Kagami that reeked of concern, Kagami returning his look. They both took a breath and shrugged.
"Alright..." Tony muttered as they followed Tsukasa. Konata and Kagami started talking between themselves, which suited Tony, Tsukasa and Miyuki fine. That's all the closer they grew.
"Kanpeki-san, Tsukasa-san?" Miyuki said in a way to get their attention.
"Hm? What's up Miyuki?" Tony asked.
"I'm afraid I failed to remember a dentist's appointment I have on the day of the festival, so I'll be unable to attend. You'll have to go through with the plan without me..." Miyuki did her best to look sad. Of course, she had no dentist's appointment, but that was hardly common knowledge. The only two others who knew were her mother and Masutā.
"We'll have to come up with something else then... Darn, it was such a good plan though..." Tony sighed. "Tsukasa could fake illness and I could offer to take her home?"
"That'll work I guess..." Tsukasa agreed.
"Then it's settled! It sucks you can't go Miyuki, but I guess it can't be helped..." Tony sighed.
Yes, it worked! Miyuki cheered in her head. Now Konata-san and Kagami-san will be alone as will Kanpeki-san and Tsukasa-san! ... I'm such a romantic... Miyuki realized. The three talked while Konata and Kagami talked until the lot of them arrived at the tournament. They met Masutā there.
"Yo guys, what's up?" Masutā waved.
"Hey bro, nothin' much!" Tony waved back.
"The dog and wolf are at the meeting." Miyuki eyesmiled to Masutā.
"Well that's good." Masutā said as they entered the area.
"Hm? Who's dog? And what wolf?" Tony asked.
"Nothing Otōto! I have no clue WHAT you're talking about!" Masutā laughed.
"You're not even trying to hide the fact that you're lying!" Tony shouted as he pointed a finger accusingly. The call for the first fight interrupted their conversation.
"Will the following fighters please make it to the arena! First match: Ryū Tora no Kami vs. Recoome!" Akira shouted over the PA.
Luckier Channel
"Luckier~! Channel~!" Akira shouted. "Hiya Luckies! I'm Akira Kogami, your navigator!"
"And I'm Minoru Shiraishi, the assistant!"
"We here at Luckier Channel would like to wish Flygon Master a very happy birthday! Sure, we're a little late, but technical difficulties delayed us for a week. We're sorry for the delay, but almost the entire chapter had to be rewritten!"
"Yeah, but the fight with Recoome is already rewritten so it should be pretty quick!"
"Shirashi-san, don't tell them that! If it doesn't come out soon, the readers might get annoyed!" Akira warned.
"What? I didn't tell them that all the fights had been written since before Chapter 10!"
"Hey. Come on now, show some tact." Akira scolded.
*Music Tone*
"I guess that's all the time we have for now! I'll see you next chapter! Bye nii~!"
"..."
"I'm sorry Akira-sama, i didn't know I wasn't supposed to tell them that!"
"Come on Shiraishi, that's not stuff you tell the readers."
"I'm sorry Akira-sama!"
*End*
Aftersection
Okay, I'm seriously going to have to cut Shiraishi's pay for that. Yeah, those fights have been written for a long time. Then I finally got to use them and they get erased with everything on my computer *Sigh* Ain't that a kick in the head? I'm telling you, I did not expect the story to get this amount of words from this far into the story. I don't mind telling you, I have entire arcs still in my head... I'm coming up on one now, in fact! One's gonna start right after the next one starts! WHAT WILL HAPPEN? ... No seriously, what's gonna happen? 'Cause I have no clue... or do I? I get those confused sometimes... REVIEW! Please, it's my motivation!