Chapter 20: The next two fights

Hehe, Recoome vs Ryū Tora no Kami. This will be fun. While I did have those fights written, I can't count how many times I've rewritten and edited them. It's insane when I look on my laptop at the first editions and now at the ones I have. In fact, I edited the Recoome fight just a minute ago! By the way Killa, the Whoopie was a reference to M*A*S*H, one of my favorite shows ever. Two of my favorite characters outside of anime are Hawkeye Pierce and Groucho Marx. I tried to raise Akira's pay, but her mother got to it. She's making a couple hundred extra yen now though! And I simply must say thank you to BlackLuigi7. The site isn't allowing them to review my chapters for whatever reason. I might have(and probably would have) just given up, but Luigi sends me PMs with their review. That simply makes my day. Maybe my week. So thanks Luigi! Also, thanks to Flygon for reading my chapters beforehand, I do like to know if my chapters are any good before I post them. And Stealthmomo, you're not the only one who noticed how slow going those two have been. I noticed too. To be perfectly honest, I never realized how long these chapters got and they slowed down a little bit. I think I might have to change a few things that were going to happen to speed things up a bit... :P Anyway, enjoy the chapter!

The Area

"Ah, I get to fight that jerk. He was mean for no reason." Tony smirked.

"Yeah, this is gonna be fun to watch." Kagami smiled.

"Alright, I better get going. I'll see you after the match!" Tony waved as he jogged to the starting area.

"Kan-kun!" Tsukasa shouted.

"Yeah?" Tony turned and smiled.

"Good luck!" Tsukasa waved. Tony smiled wider as he felt his heart warm a bit.

"Thanks!" He waved before he went through the process to get in.

"Name?"

"Ryū Tora no Kami."

"Opponent?"

"Recoome."

"Correct! Good luck Ryū."

Third fight: Recoome

Tony entered the pit that served as the ring to see his latest opponent. It was the same jerk from the test earlier. He looked like a man on some form of super steroids, only a small mat of orange hair on his head.

"Hit! RECOOOOME'S MUSIC!" Recoome shouted as a soundtrack was played.

Is... Is that from Doom? Tony thought as he recognized the song that was apparently Recoome's theme.

"SO RYŪ! You~ think that just because you call yourself the God of Fighting, that you're the best there is at what you do. But let Recoome tell ya somethin' brothah! You ain't no Wolverine! And YOU~ ain't got what it takes! To step up! To a FIVE! TIME! CHAMPION!"

"How can you be a champion when this is the first time this tournament has ever been held?" Tony asked. It was ignored.

"You see Ryū. You stand there and brag about how you scored so~ much higher than the rest of us. How you're the stro~ngest in the world. Well look at where you are now. HERE! You~ talk about your strength, and~ your pride, and~ your skill. BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN A DAAAAAAAMN THING TO THIS MAN! BECAUSE THE NAME'S RECOOME! AND IT RHYMES! WITH DOOM! AND YOOOOOOOUUUUU'RE GONNA BE HURTIN'! ALL! TOO! SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONAH~!" Recoome shouted, striking poses near the end. Tsukasa's eyes widened as she recognized the man.

"Ka...Kan-kun!" Tsukasa shouted, afraid to alarm Tony's opponent.

"Tsukasa!" Tony shouted as he ran up to the wall. He jumped and held himself on the edge to talk to his airhead. "What's up? Are you in pain? Do you need something?" He barraged her with questions before he realized it. He quickly quieted and turned his head while he blushed in embarrassment.

"He... He's the one! The one who beat me!" Tsukasa said, surprised as she didn't see an emotion change in Tony. That was only because he had turned away. From Recoome's point of view, Tony was looking at him, pure fury in his eyes.

"You're sure?" Tony asked.

"Yeah..." Tsukasa muttered as Tony dropped to the newly repaired ground. He started walking slowly to his opponent.

"Hey Whore Biscuit! How's that mark treating you? Where'd you get it? BAHAHA!" Recoome laughed as Tsukasa turned away in fear, revealing a bruise on her cheek. "If it's any solace, she cried for you to come save her the entire time, Kan-chan! 'Kan-chan! Kan-chan! Help! Save me!' but you never came! It was hilarious."

Tsukasa... Tony looked back to Tsukasa. "For giving her that bruise-" Tony's voice had begun changing during his sentence as he turned back to Recoome. Recoome could see a vein throbbing. Recoome didn't want to admit it, but he was getting shivers.

"I'll repay you 100 fold." Tony finished, glaring pure death. His voice wasn't the same. Only Recoome's amazingly resilient confidence kept him from getting scared. Tony approached Recoome, now only a foot away from him.

"Hmhmhm~! So, Kan-chan, You want to fight REEEEECOOOOOOOOOOOME?" Recoome taunted.

"Fight you? No. I want to kill you." Tony said. It was obvious by his tone and looks that he truly meant it.

"Bwahaha!" Recoome laughed as he drew back his fist. "RecOOOOOME! PAWNCH~!" He threw a strong punch, one that usually knocked out his opponents easily. It was stopped cold by Tony, only raising one hand to block the attack and not looking any the more fatigued. Tony's other hand was clenched into a fist of rage. Blood was starting to drip from his fingers.

"Wash your neck and wait, bitch." Tony said, staring at his victim. The girls were taken aback.

"Wa-wait, he... he isn't serious, is he?" Kagami asked in disbelief. Masuta's eyes widened.

"He's gone beyond 'I'm going to kick your ass' and actually issued Recoome a death sentence..." Masuta said in a tone of disbelief. Tsukasa gasped.

"Kan-kun wouldn't really ki-kill him, would he?" She asked. Kan-kun...

"... I don't know." Masuta said. I'd say Recoome's already hung, drawn and quartered...

Tony turned to Akira. "On your call." Akira shuttered.

"G-go!" She barely managed to squeak out before running out. It wasn't half a second later that Recoome was in a wall, Tony's fist in his gut. The wall was half destroyed from the impact. Tony pulled his fist back as Recoome started to fall to a knee. He jumped back up.

"STUPID BOY! Recoome will KILL YOU!" Recoome shouted. Tony made no comment as Recoome drew his fist back. "RECOOOOME! PA-" He was interrupted by Tony, who had kicked Recoome's foot with such force, Recoome would have fallen if Tony hadn't spun around and backhanded him into a corner the next second. Recoome got drowsily up, though furious. He looked around quickly, but saw nothing.

"Psst. Hey. Behind you." He heard as he spun around to see Tony. "Hi, nice day." Tony said. It infuriated Recoome, but he was finally downright scared. He started to back up slightly. "What's the matter? I thought you said something killing me." Tony taunted.

"I WILL! I WILL KILL YOU!" Recoome shouted, his fear outweighed by his anger. He dashed towards Tony, but seemed to pass right through him. "What?"

"What was that..." Kagami muttered as Tony shimmered and faded.

"Afterimage. I didn't think he had that kind of control, especially in Hachiman..." Masutā explained, in awe of his brother. He had surpassed everything Masutā had ever thought he would attain. Tony reappeared behind Recoome spinning and landed a hard kick, sending Recoome into the wall again.

"Done already?" Tony muttered as he appeared at the wall and caught Recoome, pulling him back to his feet by his hair. He effortlessly tossed the man in the air and smashed his fist into the man's gut, sending him back into the air. "This will end you." Tony said as he pulled back for a lethal punch. He heard the one he liked from the sidelines.

"Kan-kun, no!" Tsukasa shouted. Tony stopped just in time for the shock wave his abrupt end had caused to hit Recoome. As he heard Tsukasa, he eased, the veins disappearing and his voice returning to normal. Tony ran back over to Tsukasa.

"What's up?" He asked.

"Don't kill him! Everyone deserves a second chance. Let him have his." Tsukasa pleaded.

"You're too forgiving Tsukasa. Far too forgiving. But I will respect your wishes." Tony said VERY reluctantly, bowing. The meanwhile, Recoome was standing up.

I can NOT be defeated by this loser! I AM A CHAMPION! AND YOU ARE NOT! Recoome thought in rage. He put his fists crossed at his forehead and opened his mouth. "RECOOOOOME! ERASER~! GUUUUUN~!" He shouted as a pink beam shot from his mouth. Tony came off the wall and saw the blast coming at him.

Easy to dodge. Tony started to move but realized something. Tsukasa was right behind him. If he moved, she would catch the attack. DAMN IT! Tony shouted in his mind, flashing into Hachiman. I can't dodge! "GRAH!" He yelled with all his might as he made contact with the beam, smacking it out of the way and disintegrating part of the roof. The beam exploded in the sky. To say Recoome looked incredibly surprised was a vast understatement. "Ahhh, bitch please." Tony panted, his hand feeling as if it were broken in every possible way it could be broken and even some ways that were physically impossible. In all his life, this pain was probably the most excruciating he'd ever suffered. And that was saying a lot. "You're gonna pay for that one. Because that was your second chance." Tony muttered before looking from his hand to his poor, condemned opponent. "Close your eyes!" He rushed Recoome and threw an upper cut with as much strength as he could muster in his left hand, though his concentration broken by the searing pain in his right hand. As Recoome flew up, Tony appeared in the air above him, oddly able to stop midair. "Say goodbye!" Tony yelled as he kicked Recoome to the ground and disappeared again. He reappeared as Recoome bounced on the ground. Tony kicked him up so he was shoulder level with Tony. "It's over now!" As Tony pulled his searing right hand back upon noticing it wasn't actually broken. "IT'S TIME TO DIE!" He pulled together the rest of his strength and threw a devastating punch. The punch was sufficient enough to almost kill Recoome as he crashed into a wall and faceplanted on the stone floor.

"Winner! Ryū Tora No Kami!" Akira shouted. Tony walked over to Recoome and spat on him.

You lucked out you bastard. Pray our paths NEVER cross again. He thought as he turned and left the pit.

After the match

Tony walked out of the pit to see his brother and the girls walking up. Tony shot Masutā a look that Tsukasa could almost feel a sense of distance from. Masutā nodded.

"Hey, let's go get some food, I'm starved!" Masutā shouted, shuffling Konata, Kagami and Miyuki away. As Tsukasa started to follow, Tony grabbed her by the sleeve on her elbow.

"Tsukasa... Why didn't you tell me?" Tony asked.

"It... just seemed childish to think you would come and save me... You know? I know, I sound like a little kid and all, it's... it's just..." Tsukasa started to tear up. Tony turned her around and put his hands on both her shoulders. He looked her straight in her eyes with a serious look on his face. Tsukasa felt paralyzed under his intense stare.

"Hear this now. I will always come for you." Tony said with unwavering certainty. Tsukasa's entire face blushed as intensely as Kagami's ever had, her heart fluttering. Just because I won't pursue her, doesn't mean I shouldn't protect her as if I were. Tony thought. I will protect Tsukasa. I will not fail her. I can not.

"Are you two gonna kiss or not?" Konata shouted. Tony erupted in a massive blush as he realized his head had moved a tad closer to Tsukasa's.

Damn it! I started to lose myself... Tony thought. "Well... Let's get going, hm?" He looked the opposite way of Tsukasa so she couldn't see the crimson that was his face.

"Ye-yeah." Tsukasa agreed as they started walking towards the others.

Betrayal by the brother... Tony thought. He had told Masutā to get the three girls out of there. Then again, who knows what I would have done if Konata hadn't interrupted. Man. I need better control. Tony scolded himself as they joined the others. Tsukasa joined the girls while Masuta lagged behind slightly to talk to his brother.

"So, what will you do Ototo?" Masuta asked.

"What's there to do?" Tony asked. He started feeling quite tired from his previous use of Hachiman. "You know my plans."

"I didn't mean that Ototo. What about when you win? What will you do with the money?" Masuta asked with a smirk.

"Well... I know where I'm putting some of it. And... I think I will get that necklace for Tsukasa if there's enough."

"I thought you weren't going after her?"

"I'm not. I'm getting it for her as a friend." Tony said.

"She might get the wrong idea Ototo." Masuta warned.

"..."

"You want her to like you." Masuta said accusingly.

"No! That's not it..."

"Whatever you say Ototo. Whatever you say." Masuta sighed. "So you okay? That blast DID disintegrate the roof."

"Yeah, but my hand hurts like hell. I'm worried about the next match, though. If I use this hand anymore, I'll end up passing out."

"Man, the pain must be pretty intense to make you doubt yourself. Don't worry, I'm sure it'll be fine." Masuta said reassuringly as they arrived at the food court. Konata ordered a small meal, Kagami ordering mostly the same, except a diet soda. Kagami took a breath, ready to retaliate the attack she knew would come from Konata. When it didn't, she let her breath out, puzzled. She decided it wiser not to question it though. And though Kagami wouldn't admit it, she felt a little... let down. Kagami sighed as she got her food and took a seat with Konata at a table. The rest got food and sat down with them, starting random conversations. Tsukasa looked over to Tony to try and talk, but found him staring without seeing. It was obvious, even to her, that he was thinking about something. Something she couldn't figure out, but it sure got her curious. Tsukasa looked to her sister to see her deep in conversation with Konata. Not wanting to interrupt the two, she looked at Miyuki. She, however, was talking with Masuta about wolves and dogs and the incredible compatibility the two apparently had. Tsukasa's ribbon drooped as she realized she had no one to talk to. After about ten minutes, Tony excused himself. Tony would return ten minute later and return to his previous daze. Akira came over the PA after yet another ten minutes:

"The third round is complete! Will the following fighters please report to the Arena! Ryu Tora no Kami and Naruto!"

"Hm? Wow, that wasn't near the amount of time it was between the other fights..." Tony said, pulled from his thoughts. His stomach growled as he realized he had been lost in thought the entire half hour and not touched his food.

"Well, there were sixteen matches to be fought in the first round and now there were only four matches." Kagami figured in her head.

"Makes sense." *Sigh* "This isn't going to be fun..." Tony sighed as they all go up and walked over to the arena entrance.

"Don't worry Kan-kun, I'm sure you'll do fine!" Tsukasa smiled.

"Thanks Tsukasa..." Tony averted his gaze. They arrived at the entrance and Tony walked in.

"Name?"

"Ryu Tora no Kami."

"Opponent?"

"Naruto."

"Correct! Good luck Ryu!"

Semi Final round!

Tony entered the pit to see his next opponent. It was an average height male with short, spiky, yellow hair and a jumpsuit on. What a silly headband...Tony thought to himself as he saw the metal headband adorning the enemy's head.

"Fight!" Akira shouted.

"SURRENDER!" Naruto yelled as he punched his fist out.

"You mean you wish to surrender to me? Very well, I accept." Tony smirked.

"Wait, wh-"

"Winner! Ryū Tora no Kami!" Akira shouted.

"WHAT?" Naruto yelled.

"Sorry kid, this was the obligatory short fight that's in all of these tournaments." Tony shrugged. Whew, that could have been bad. I can't believe that actually worked... Tony thought with a snicker as he left the pit.

Outside (Just realized, the title of this chapter is incredibly misleading. That was the last of Tony's fighting this chapter...)

"Well that's one way to win a fight Ototo..." Masuta chuckled.

"Yeah, way to use your head I guess..." Kagami said.

"That was anti-climactic..." Konata commented.

"Yeah, but necessary. There was no way I was winning that fight otherwise." Tony huffed. His hand was still searing. A man walked by them and grunted.

"Name?" The person asked. Tony turned to his friends.

"Hey, this is the other semi-final match, let's go see who I'm fighting in the next fight. I wonder if Shin made it..." Tony commented.

"Let's go Kan-kun!" Tsukasa smiled. They made their way up the stairs. As they took their previous seats in the front row, the man from before walked in to face Shin.

Coulda guessed that... Tony thought. So, which will make it? If I remember, this guy made a 235 on his strength test. Shin though... Tony thought to himself.

"You are ready?" Shin asked the man.

"What? Yeah, of course!" The man shouted.

"Very well then." Shin said.

"Fight!" Akira shouted before she ran out. The man ran up and punched at Shin. Shin leaned to the opposite side lazily and swept the man's legs out. The man fell to the ground. He jumped back up, trying to put it into an upper cut. Shin leaned backwards to dodge and sent a punch of his own into his stomach. To most eyes, his fist had appeared instantaneously in the fighter's stomach. It was only to Tony and maybe Masuta that Shin had moved. The crowd "Wow"ed as the man was thrown into the wall. As the man picked himself up slowly, Shin looked up at Tony.

What the hell? It's like he knows... Tony stared back at Shin. The opponent ran and threw a kick at the back of Shin's head. Shin raised a hand up and stopped it with little apparent effort, never even looking away from Tony. In a flash, this time only Tony seeing it, Shin hit the man in the chest. Fight: over.

"Winner! Gisō-shin!" Akira shouted. Shin smiled as he left the ring.

"Jeez. That wasn't much of a fight..." Konata complained.

"Ototo... That guy..." Masuta muttered.

"I know. He's got insane fighting abilities. This is gonna be..." Tony trailed off.

"Come on, let's go." Kagami beckoned. They all descended the stairs, Tony in the lead. As they got down, Shin came around the corner inches from Tony. Tony got startled and stepped back a bit.

"Hello, oh Almighty God." Shin bowed.

"Hello Mr. Shin." Tony bowed.

"I look forward to our fight. It will truly be a life changing experience for the both of us." Shin said.

"You're not gonna talk about raping my mother, are you?" Tony asked cautiously. Shin laughed.

"No, that's quite impossible. Anyway, our fight will be tomorrow. Good luck, oh Divine One." Shin snickered before leaving.

"... Was he trying to praise me or insult me?" Tony asked.

"I... don't know..." Konata commented.

"How did he get over here so quickly? The entrance he took was on the other side of the pit! That's a long way." Kagami said.

"Very true, in the time it took us to descend stairs, he made it around the pit and to this entrance. There's about 92 Meters of seats without the ring itself. That's a long way to run without being tired. And after a fight." Masuta observed.

"Yeah. Plus, he has a full day to recover, if he lost any energy at all..." Tony said.

"But so do you Kanpeki-san!" Miyuki reminded.

"Very true." Tony said.

"And if you need, you have Hachiman!" Konata said in support. "Even Recoome, who scored third highest, couldn't keep up!"

"Yeah... Yeah, that's right." Tony smiled.

"And we'll be cheering you on the whole way!" Tsukasa cheered. Tony's smile widened considerably.

"Yeah. If you guys are cheering for me, I know I'll win for sure!" Tony cheered.

"So just do your best Tony and have fun! Whether you win or lose, don't push yourself too far. The prize money won't do you any good if you're dead." Kagami stated.

"If I win and die, I want you guys to have my money!" Tony shouted over dramatically.

*Sigh* "Let's hope it doesn't come to that." Kagami said flatly. "Well, Tournament's over for today. We should probably get home."

"Alrighty, we need to find out who's going home with who." Tony said as they started to walk out of the area.

"Why does anyone need to go home with anybody? Other then me and Tsukasa, that is." Kagami asked.

"Kagami, I'm not letting you two go home alone." Tony said.

"What about Konata?" Kagami asked.

"I'll come with ya!" Konata cheered.

"What about Miyuki?" Kagami asked.

"I'll take her home again." Masuta offered.

"That would be fine with me Masuta-san." Miyuki eyesmiled.

"Well, alright then, I guess if everyone's okay with it. I assume you're okay with Tony walking us home Tsukasa?" Kagami asked as a formality.

"Of course!" Tsukasa cheered.

"Well then it's settled. Tony and Konata are gonna walk us home and probably go home afterwards. Masuta will walk Miyuki home." Kagami confirmed.

"Sounds like a plan to me!" Tony smiled. "I'll see ya at home bro!" Tony waved as the two groups split.

"See ya Ototo!" Masuta waved. "So Miyuki-san, anything new?" Masuta asked. It was a bit of a bother that he couldn't be in Tony's class to see these things for himself, but luckily he had a willingly and rather observant spy to help him.

"Nothing really. I have noticed a few small things, but it's probably inconsequential." Miyuki eyesmiled.

"Oh? What kind of small things?" Masuta asked.

"Things like a slight change in Konata-san's behavior. As of late, she seems to have stopped making perverse comments about Kagami-san, or even in general. It's probably nothing though." Miyuki restated.

"Hmm... Well I guess you would know best Miyuki-san." Masuta said. "After all, you have been friends with her for much, much longer then I have."

"That's true, but you're also very smart too. You realized the Konata-san and Kagami-san liked each other from the first time that you saw them." Miyuki stated. Masuta gave her a look of surprise. Miyuki turned and, seeing his expression, continued. "I read your lips when you asked Tony if Konata-san and Kagami-san were "Hot for each other"." Miyuki explained.

"I didn't know you could read lips Miyuki-san." Masuta said.

"Well, it doesn't tend to be of much use if you can't see the other person's lips, so it doesn't help me very much. Luckily, it was a very short distance." Miyuki explained further.

"That's pretty cool, glad I'm not the only one who can do that. Though, it is cool having a corner on the market with stuff like that..." Masuta smirked.

"Yes, it is rather helpful to be able to do useful things others can't." Miyuki agreed.

"This is it, right Miyuki-san?" Masuta asked as they walked up to the gated house that was the Takara household.

"Yes it is, thank you Masuta-san." Miyuki bowed.

"No problem Miyuki-san. You're house is pretty close to the arena." Masuta observed.

"Yes, so we don't really have much time for conversations..." Miyuki sweatdropped a bit as she eyesmiled.

"Oh well, let me know of any new developments, okay Miyuki-san?" Masuta asked.

"As always Masuta-san." Miyuki bowed as Masuta turned around.

The other group

"So, anything new guys?" Tony asked.

"Nothing really..." Konata said as they walked to the Hiiragi house. All of the sudden, Kagami started giggling.

"Kagami?" Tony looked confused.

"It's nothing, just a really silly thought. Maybe you would enjoy it Tsukasa?" Kagami asked her sister.

"Well, sure Onee-chan, if you want to tell me!" Tsukasa smiled as Kagami leaned over and whispered something. Tsukasa joined her sister in the laughing fit. "I had never thought of that Onee-chan!" Tsukasa laughed. Tony and Konata exchanged looks a mixed worry and curiosity.

"Think for just a moment on this. Ariel was a hoarder." Kagami said.

"Ariel... The Little Mermaid?" Konata asked.

"Yeah!" Kagami laughed. Tony smiled and laughed as well.

"That's true! I mean, who REALLY needs 20 Thingamabobs?" Tony asked.

"But look at that stuff! Isn't it neat?" Tsukasa laughed.

"No Ariel. It's garbage. I think you have a serious problem." Konata said with a serious tone before starting to crack up.

"Alright, alright, let's look at this from her point of view. Is she REALLY a hoarder, or an anthropological collector? I mean, she's studying a foreign culture with little more then whoits, whatsits, gadgets and thingamabobs! Not to mention her own culture is totally xenophobic, so she has to keep all the stuff to herself!" Tony defended the mermaid.

"I think you mean HOARD all the stuff to herself." Konata smiled.

"Well hey, at least she's an OCD hoarder. I mean, all of her hoarded goods are placed neatly on shelves." Kagami said.

"I love these conversations..." Tsukasa sighed in pleasure.

"Too bad we're here..." Tony said, saddened by the fact that they had arrived at the Hiiragi household.

"We need stuff to do tomorrow since there's no school though!" Tsukasa said.

"We can study." Kagami 'suggested'. The suggestion elicited a groan from the group. "Fine..." Kagami sighed.

"We could go see my work!" Konata suggested.

"... You work?" Tony asked.

"Yeah! I've just... been calling in a lot..." Konata scratched the back of her head sheepishly.

"That's really irresponsible Konata, you got better a while ago." Kagami scolded.

"But they said they understood because of the exams coming up!" Konata excused herself.

"But you haven't been studying!" Kagami yelled.

"Hmmm... I'm sorry to say I can't see you successfully working anywhere Konata." Tony smirked as he put a hand to his chin in thought, interrupting Kagami.

"Gah! I work at the Cosplay Cafe!" Konata shouted defensively.

"That makes... way too much sense for you. We'll have to visit there then!" Tony smiled.

"Alright!" Konata cheered. "Good night Kagami! Good night Tsukasa!" Konata waved as she started to jog for her house.

"Night Tsukasa! Night Kagami!" Tony shouted as he matched Konata pace.

"Good night you two!" The twins shouted after them. They walked into the house.

"Hey Imotos!" Matsuri shouted from the living room. "Dinner's in here!"

"Hey, usually you're out near the door when we come home..." Kagami commented.

"Well I can't stalk you all the time! Besides, I thought you might need some privacy~!" Matsuri teased.

"What? Why?" Kagami asked as they sat down in the living room, completely ignoring the stalking part. Both Kagami and her twin started to eat.

"Well, mister Kan-chan was out there with ya, wasn't he?" Matsuri poked Tsukasa teasingly. She blushed.

"Ye-yeah, he was... But he was just walking us home!" Tsukasa said.

"And Konata was there too." Kagami pointed out.

"Ah, your sick friend? She's okay?" Matsuri asked.

"Yeah, it passed. Thanks." Kagami smiled.

"I-I do have a question though..." Tsukasa stuttered, pulling a Naruto and flashing back to something that happened in the same chapter.

I will always come for you. Tony's words echoed through Tsukasa's mind.

"What's up?" Inori asked.

"H-How do I know if a boy is telling me the truth?" Tsukasa asked hesitantly. Kagami looked at her questioningly.

What did Tony say to her? She wondered.

"Well, there's one sure fire way to find out if a man is honest. Just ask him! If he says "Yes," you know he's a crook." Matsuri giggled.

"Wh-what! ?" Tsukasa asked in a panic. Inori sighed.

"She's teasing you. Did he sound honest when he said whatever he said?" Inori asked.

"... Yeah. He sounded really honest." Tsukasa decided.

"Then he was probably being honest!" Inori told her. Tsukasa smiled.

"Thanks Onee-san." Tsukasa smiled.

"No problem kid." Inori smiled.

"What did mister Tony say that has you wondering Imoto?" Matsuri asked.

"It's nothing..." Tsukasa smiled to herself. Kan-kun will always come for me...

"Anyway, what do ya wanna do Tsukasa? We don't have to get up really early or anything, you know?" Kagami asked.

"Wait, they let school out? Aren't exams coming up?" Miki asked.

"Yeah, they let us out so we can study more without being in class. I don't know how that makes sense, but I'll take the free time." Kagami said.

"Well then shouldn't it be used for studying instead of playing?" Miki asked.

"I think we'll be alright, we already studied a lot." Kagami excused. If I don't do as well, maybe I can get in the same class as Konata... Kagami thought to herself. Her head started to question her. Who cares? It asked. Something that felt like it was in her chest suddenly whispered to her. You do, stupid. She didn't know why, but the thought made her blush a bit.

"If you say so..." Miki said. Kagami's phone began to ring.

"Hello?" Kagami asked. "Oh, hey Konata! What's up?" She asked. There was a pause as Konata spoke. "Yeah, let's do that! I'll ask Tsukasa." Kagami said. "Hey Tsukasa, do you wanna go to the mall tomorrow with Konata, Tony, and Miyuki?" Kagami asked.

"Yeah! That sounds like fun!" Tsukasa cheered.

"Awesome!" Kagami smiled as she turned back to the phone. "We're in Konata! Yeah, I'll see you tomorrow at the cafe!" Kagami said with unusual excitement. Tsukasa smiled as Kagami seemed so ecstatic about seeing Konata, even if it meant going to the cosplay cafe. "So what do you wanna do until tomorrow Tsukasa?" Kagami asked after she hung up the phone.

"Wanna watch a movie Onee-chan?" Tsukasa shouted in excitement.

"Sure! Um... Matsuri, could we borrow your dvd player?" Kagami asked.

"Sure thing Imoto!" Matsuri shouted.

"Thanks! Which movie do you want to watch Tsukasa?" Kagami asked.

"Hmm... Let's watch Be-"

"Beauty and the Beast?" Kagami finished for her. Tsukasa grew a slight blush at being read so easily.

"Ye-yeah. I know you like that one." Tsukasa smiled.

True enough, with all the times I've watched these movies with her, it's the one I still can't watch enough. Especially that first song... Kagami thought. "Okay, let's go!" Kagami and Tsukasa got up and walked to their elder sister's room. They got the player and walked to Tsukasa's room, where the dvd they seeked laid. Tsukasa found it instantaneously. Kagami would guess she could have found it even if blindfolded and turned several hundred times. They turned the lights off as the dvd started to play. They sat down on the bed and watched. The first song got to Gaston's part. Kagami blinked a couple times as she noticed something she never had. "Hey... Why does he have a quiver on his back if he's using a gun?" Kagami asked the Disney fanatic. Tsukasa thought for a moment.

"... I don't know Onee-chan..." Tsukasa blinked. As the first song ended, Kagami smiled.

"You know, they must sing that song every day." Kagami said.

"What makes you say that?" Tsukasa asked.

"Well, look at how unfazed she is by the singing! I don't know about you, but I think I would notice that many people singing around and about me!" Kagami observed.

"Yeah! Wouldn't it be great if that happened in real life?" Tsukasa said.

"That would be pretty cool. But I would hate to know someone like Gaston. Look how crazy that guy is, he's sliding down roofs!" Kagami pointed out.

"I don't think I would like that part..." Tsukasa's ribbon drooped.

"Hehe, don't worry. I bet if someone like Gaston tried to hit on you, Tony would beat him to a bloody pulp." Kagami snickered.

"Yo-you think so?" Tsukasa asked. Kagami giggled at her embarrassed sister.

"Yeah, he totally would." Kagami giggled. They continued watching. Tsukasa got a weird feeling as they watched the bar sing about Gaston.

I guess that does happen in real life... Tsukasa smiled to herself, though her smile was hidden by the darkness of the room. They saw Belle surrender to the Beast and kept watching. As Beast invited Belle to dinner, Kagami giggled again.

"You know, the Beast has to be my favorite Disney prince."

"Why's that Onee-chan?" Tsukasa asked.

"Just because he has no magic words. He really doesn't have any clue what the hell he's doing here. See?" Kagami smiled as Beast was rejected again. He pointed to the door accusingly. Tsukasa giggled.

"Hehe, I see what you mean..." Tsukasa giggled. They watched more and saw the next song. "You know, there was one thing that always kind of bothered me..." Tsukasa said.

"What's that?" Kagami asked.

"Belle never got to eat anything but that one taste of the gray stuff!" Tsukasa pointed out.

"How did she get to sleep without eating anything?" Kagami laughed.

"I don't know!" Tsukasa laughed. "And how did the Beast NOT hear that?"

"I dunno, you'd think he would wake up!" Kagami laughed. They continued to watch until Something There was done. Kagami sighed. "This is the cutest case of Stockholm Syndrome ever."

"Onee-chan, what's Stockholm Syndrome?" Tsukasa asked.

"Well, Stockholm Syndrome was named after an incident at Stockholm in which a lot of people got held hostage. The criminals, however, were really nice to the hostages and eventually, the hostages started to really like their captors. It almost seemed to them that they we're held against their will anymore! In fact, they even resisted their rescuers!" Kagami said, happy to be the one who could explain things instead of Miyuki or Tony.

"Wow, that's crazy!" Tsukasa said.

"Makes a good movie though..." Kagami smiled.

"Yeah." Tsukasa smiled. They watched until Gaston rounded up a mob to kill the Beast.

"You know, those people must be really easily influenced. It doesn't seem to take much to turn them against Belle and the Beast." Kagami observed.

"Well... Singing has a weird effect on people. It makes them take things from your words that they probably wouldn't if you just said them..." Tsukasa said knowingly.

"You sound like you're talking from experience. Wait... Don't tell me..." Kagami's mouth gaped slightly. "Tsukasa... Did you sing in public?"

"...Yeah... A song from this, actually." Tsukasa said sheepishly.

"What did you sing and why?" Kagami sweatdropped.

"... Kan-chan..." Tsukasa mumbled. Kagami facepalmed.

"I shoulda known it had to do with Tony. When and why?" Kagami asked.

"A week ago or something... It was for the same reason as in the movie. He was depressed about something and feeling like he was completely unwanted. So, I sang..." Tsukasa blushed. Kagami was silent in sorrow for a moment as she realized she was the reason for his depression. Then she remembered his words and that he was probably going to ask Tsukasa out soon anyway.

"And how did that go?" Kagami asked.

"Singing songs like that are a lot harder then I thought they would be, coming up with all that stuff on the spot! Actually, I blanked out a few times and the only reason I didn't embarrass myself is because a couple of the other people in the bar picked up the song for me! Even the bartender-"

"Wait wait wait. You mean people actually joined you?" Kagami asked, bewildered.

"Yeah, I was surprised too! The bartender and Kan-kun became quick friends because of it!" Tsukasa shouted.

"That's... insane..." Kagami mumbled. Maybe... I'll have to try something like that... Kagami thought to herself. They looked back to the T.V. to see people getting beaten up by furniture. A man started melting Lumiere. Clockwork shot off a gun and charged the man with scissors. Couldn't he have shot the man in the leg or something? That would have been easier... Kagami thought to herself. Another man was seen pulling feathers out of the feather duster. Wait... Wouldn't this be rape if she was still human and not a feather duster? Disney was bold back then... Kagami thought. It's a shame what happened to them... At the moment, Gaston was swinging something at the Beast as Belle yelled for him to stop. The Beast turned and grabbed him, roaring into his face. How did Gaston NOT soil himself from that... Kagami thought. "The Beast sure has some control. I would have dropped him like a sack of dirt." Kagami commented as Gaston was dangling over the edge. The Beast brought him back over the roof and brought him close to his face.

"Get out." He muttered.

"I guess I can understand that, he's trying to kill you so it would be self-defense..." Tsukasa muttered, the thought of killing anything sickening her. Whether it be jerks like Gaston or scum like Recoome, she hated the thought of death. The movie closed with Belle and the Prince dancing, staring lovingly into each other's eyes. Tsukasa sighed. It's so romantic. I wish my life could be like a Disney movie but... Tsukasa thought. However, the one she liked seemed all but beyond her. She held a hand to her heart in sorrow. Why... Why do I have to feel this way about someone who can't like me back? Tsukasa thought, the same melancholy from after Tony had told her his story plaguing her mind. She was brought out of it by the light being turned on. She shielded her eyes, slightly stunned by the sudden brightness. Kagami walked to the dvds.

"Do you want to watch anything else?" Kagami yawned.

"Well, any Disney movie would be fine by me Onee-chan!" Tsukasa said sleepily.

"How about Hercules? I think it fits who you were just thinking about..." Kagami giggled as she watched Tsukasa.

"H-how did you..." Tsukasa started to ask. Kagami smirked.

"I didn't until you just told me." Kagami smiled. She saw the disc and developed a scowl. "Aw~, the disc is all scratched up..."

"It still works Onee-chan, it just skips sometimes. Once, it skipped back to the beginning of the movie!" Tsukasa said.

"What did you do?" Kagami asked as she put the disc in.

"I watched it again!" Tsukasa cheered. Kagami turned the light back off and sat back on the bed. Before Hercules had started to go the distance, they were both asleep. Hercules, however, kept playing. And playing. And playing. Every time it got near the end, it would skip to the beginning again.

Tony and Konata (Holy freaking crap, the Hiiragi section ended up a LOT longer then I intended. I half considered ending the chapter here...)

Tony and Konata were jogging home.

"So Konata, a cosplay cafe, eh?" Tony asked.

"Yeah! By the way, I'm going to go early so I can get in "uniform"." Konata smiled.

"Hmmm... Who could you cosplay as... You could be a Flame-Haired Blazing-Eyed Hunter!" Tony suggested. Konata laughed.

"I have to talk to my boss about that! I never thought about cosplaying as Shana!" Konata laughed.

"Yeah, some contact lenses and a LOT of hair dye and you'd be set!" Tony laughed. "Whatcha doing for their birthday?"

"Kagami and Tsukasa's? I don't know... Oh! We could go to the mall tomorrow and look for presents!" Konata shouted.

"Yeah! Wanna call Kagami and ask her?" Tony asked.

"Why don't you call Tsukasa and ask her?" Konata asked in reply.

"Because, Kagami will be the one who will need convincing. And you're the one to convince her." Tony informed.

"Makes sense! Alright, I'll call her and see if she'll say yes!" Konata cheered as she looked around in her pockets. She failed to find her phone. "Aw crap, if my dad finds out I forgot my phone... Hey Tony, could I borrow your phone?" She asked as they slowed to a walk.

"Sure thing, here ya go! Just don't wait 12 chapters to give it back." Tony chuckled as he gave Konata his phone.

"What?" Konata asked as she dialed Kagami's number.

"Nothing..." Tony chuckled. Konata held the phone to her ear.

"Hey Kagamin! ... Me and Tony were talking and we wanted to know if you and Tsukasa wanted to go to the mall tomorrow! ... Okay then..." Konata took the ear piece off of her ear and held a hand over the voice input. "She's asking Tsukasa!"

"Wait, she agreed that easily? That's surprising... I thought it would take more to convince her..." Tony muttered.

"Me too! ... Alright, we'll meet you at the cafe!" Konata answered as Kagami came back to the phone. She hung up the phone with a smile on her face.

"Is that a smile on your face or are you just super super happy?" Tony asked with a smile as Konata handed him back his phone.

"I dunno, she just sounded really excited is all... Even coming to the Cosplay Cafe..." Konata smiled.

"I suppose she would be the kind who wouldn't really enjoy that, huh?" Tony asked as they started jogging again.

"That's what I thought, but she seemed happy to come..." Konata smiled. Tony had to restrain himself from telling Konata that he practically knew that Kagami liked Konata back. But he had his reasons why he kept that tidbit of information between himself and Tsukasa.

"That's cool. I have a good feeling about tomorrow." Tony smiled. They arrived at their respective homes. Tony walked up to his door and opened it. Or at least he would if it weren't locked. Tony checked his pockets. "Um..." He checked his other pockets. "There's no way... Did I leave my key inside? Damn, I guess I'll have to wait for Masuta to get home..." Tony sighed.

"You're free to wait over at my house Tony!" Konata waved.

"Thanks Konata!" Tony shouted as he jumped over to Konata's house. They entered her home.

"Welcome home Onee-chan!" Yutaka chimed from the living room. Konata and Tony walked inside. "Who's he?" Yutaka asked.

"He's my fiance, Tony." Konata catgrinned.

"Hello, my name is Kanpeki Otokonoko. I'm pleased to meet you ma'am." Tony bowed, playing along. Yutaka's face went blank for a second. Then it turned to a surprised look.

"We-well, um... Welcome to the family Mr. Otokonoko." Yutaka got up hurriedly and bowed. She seemed panicked, not having this happen before and being extremely surprised. She looked over to see Sojiro almost unsurprised. "Oji-san, did you know about him?"

"No, they just got me with that already." Sojiro chuckled.

"Wh-what?" Yutaka asked.

"I was just kidding Yu-chan, he's just my long-lost brother!" Konata said. Tony laughed.

"Now that one is true." Tony smiled.

"Oh, well hello Onii-san." Yutaka bowed again. Tony was caught slightly off guard by Yutaka actually calling him brother, but when neither Konata nor Sojiro interrupted or protested, he decided he wouldn't either.

"Again, I'm pleased to meet you Yu-chan." Tony bowed with a smile. "Now, would you like to tell me your full name so that I can call you by that instead of Yu-chan. A boy you've never met before calling you something so informal must be uncomfortable."

"My name is Yutaka Kobayakawa, but you can call me Yu-chan if you want!" Yutaka said cheerfully, but hurried through the last part as if she was trying to appease Tony. Tony chuckled.

"Thanks Yu-chan. So..." Tony got an idea. He bent over so he was face to face with Yutaka. "How old are you~?" He said in the same way he would talk to a child. Yutaka pouted.

"I am NOT a little kid!" She shouted. Tony smirked.

Okay, she's as moe as I thought she was, maybe even more so! Tony thought with a look to Konata. The look she gave back confirmed his thoughts. "Well, you may call me Tony or Kan-chan, which ever you prefer." Tony bowed again, though this time, it wasn't as deep.

"So Tony, what's up? You're welcome here, but it is late..." Sojiro said.

"Well... I sorta locked myself out of my house and-" Tony started. Sojiro interrupted him.

"Say no more! You can take my bed, I'll sleep on the couch." Sojiro said. Tony smiled.

"I thank you for your incredible generosity, but I was going to say I just need to wait for my brother to get home so I can get in since he has a key while he's here." Tony said.

"Oh.. Well... I'm glad to hear you can go home, but you're welcome to stay here whenever you need to!" Sojiro said.

"Thanks a lot, I appreciate it!" Tony smiled.

"Well, Konata told me about how she's always welcome in your house. That's really makes me feel good considering if something happens to me, she'll be taken care of by a god..." Sojiro laughed. Tony blushed a bit as Konata had told her father about what he had said to the girls. He had meant it, but it was still embarrassing. "Since you said that to her and not me AND you haven't spoken a word about it, I can tell you were being genuine and it wasn't just some cheap phrase you used to get on my good side. You are welcome in my home anytime." Sojiro smiled.

"Wow, I... Don't know what to say..." Tony smiled, speechless. Konata had already said that he was welcome, but to hear it from Sojiro, someone he hadn't exactly been on good terms with not a week ago and the ACTUAL owner of the house, really made it something incredible for him. "Masuta... is probably home by now..." Tony muttered.

"Masuta...? Is that your brother's name?" Sojiro asked.

"Yeah... It makes sense in context. Wanna hear something even worse?" Tony chuckled.

"What's that?" Sojiro asked.

"Think of my name. Thank you so much and I'll see ya later!" Tony waved as he walked out. Sojiro thought for a minute.

"... Perfect... Really?" Sojiro sweatdropped. Konata laughed.

"Isn't he though?" She shouted to see her fathers reaction as she laughed. "Anyway, I've gotta call Miyuki-san..." Konata muttered as she went to her room for her phone.

POV Tony

Tony walked home with a smile on his face.

"Well... That was... Awesome..." Tony smiled. He arrived at his house and opened the door, par his prediction.

"Yo Ototo! What's up?" Masuta asked. "Where were you at? I thought you would have been home before me!" Masuta called.

"I was, but..." Tony said as he picked his key up and held it in front of him. "Forgot my key."

"Pretty clumsy Ototo..." Masuta chuckled.

"Yeah, but I did learn something interesting. I had no clue that Mr. Izumi knew what I had said to Konata!" Tony said as he sat down in the living room.

"And what did you say?"

"Well, that the girls will always be fed and have a roof over their head should they ever need it." Tony said.

"Ah, and what did he say?" Masuta asked.

"He extended the same to me. It was incredibly surprising though, I thought he was only just accepting me... To say I was welcome in his home should the need arise is mind boggling with the past we've had..."

"Why, wha... Did you knock him out?" Masuta asked, surprising Tony.

"Yeah, how did you know?" Tony asked.

"Kagami told me when I first met her. But she only said you knocked a man out. Well, it would seem he's gone from thinking of you as an arrogant prick to absolutely loving you. I think you're set as long as Konata doesn't turn into a demon, take out a sword and wave..." Masuta chuckled. Tony sweatdropped.

"That's kind of a weird imagination you've got there bro..."

"I'm just saying..." Masuta chuckled. "By the way Ototo, where did you go today? During lunch that is." Masuta asked.

"I went to go tell that merchant that I would buy the amulet if I had enough after the tournament. He even let me take it home on the condition that I signed something that said I would pay for it if I won and had enough. If I win, he's to stay for a few days or so to give me time to get to him and pay for it." Tony said, taking the necklace out.

"That's great Ototo, but... If you give her that, she WILL get the wrong idea. It goes past any doubt in my mind." Masuta warned. Tony stared at the necklace and what it symbolized. He sighed as he closed his eyes in contemplation.

"Yeah. I might... hold off." Tony sighed. Staying faithful sucks when you fall for someone... Tony almost cried. I need to seriously think about this. "I'm gonna go to bed. I think I'm gonna need all my strength for tomorrow." Tony excused. He left the room.

"Ototo..."

Luckier Channel

"Luckier~! Channel~!" Akira shouted. "Hiya Luckies! I'm Akira Kogami, your navigator!"

"And I'm Minoru Shiraishi, the assistant!"

"Shiraishi-san, I have great news!"

"What's that Akira-sama?" Minoru asked.

"Remember how Ac said your pay was gonna get cut?" Akira said.

"Wait, what?" Minoru shouted in surprise.

"I convinced 'em to let you keep your pay! Just don't mess up again~." Akira chimed.

"Well... Thanks Akira-sama..." Minrou said, honestly surprised that Akira would stick up for him.

"It's no problem, Ac tried to raise my own pay with it, but I figured I would barely get any of it anyway. So now you get to keep it!" Akira chimed.

That's so unexpectedly nice of her... "Akira-sama, please see me after the show." Minoru said.

"O-okay Shiraishi-san..." Akira said.

*Music Tone*

"I guess that's all the time we have for today! I'll see you all next chapter, bye nii~!" Akira shouted.

"..."

"So what is it Shiraishi-san... What's this?"

"Shhh... Don't say anything about it or someone might take it."

"! ... Thanks..."

*End*

After Section

MarroTekatsu, thanks for the review, if you reviewed every chapter, that would be Amazing. If all 21 of you who actually read this did that, that would be fantastic beyond belief. But you know what? There was something in your review that just made me ecstatic. I don't know why, it was the smallest thing, yet it just seemed awesome when I read it. Everyone (myself included) has called it either TonyXTsukasa or OCXTsukasa, I've only ever seen stuff like Konami (Name melding) with characters from the original story. Calling it Kankasa... I read that on my phone while I was going to make dinner, almost ravenous with hunger. I instantly stopped myself, walked to my computer, and got to work on this chapter, forgetting how hungry I was instantly. I wrote more then 1K words with ease. I'm glad I could reinspire you, that's almost as incredible as the Kankasa bit! I know, I'm probably overreacting to this, but damn it, that just seems crazy for me XD Thank you for that review, it really lifted my spirits. Sorry to all the other reivewers who didn't get such a long section to thier review, but I loved the Kankasa comment. You just have no idea. None. Anyway, now that I got that out of my system, like I said at the beginning, Konami is going slowly. However, that's not the only thing. So, would you all be opposed to the next few chapters being REALLY short? Like, between 2K-4K words? Just review and let me know!