Revons Plus Grand Chapter 23: Comeback Kids, a strike witches fanfic

Revons Plus Grand

Chapter 23:

Comeback Kids

Georgette Lemare and Sadako Shimohara were on assignment to help the Paris Saint-Germain women's team at their morning game on Sunday against in-city rivals FCF Juvisy. "Blaise Matuidi and Marco Verratti seen in a nightclub 2 days before the match against Barcelona?" said Jose, reading a statement from the club. "It's an insult to their professionalism and to their club. Losing a match a match will never be an excuse for spreading the most malicious of rumours. Shame on those-L'Equipe in many instances-that write such 'news' without even factchecking them. They lost all credibility."

"We are also shocked by an alleged request from a club to the Prefecture of Paris for permission to organise a celebration parade on the Champs-Elysees should the team win the European title," Sadako read. "This is false and very wrong from their author. What is L'Equipe's agenda by publishing such lies?" A pause. "They want Monaco to win it all. And they want Unai Emery fired because allegedly he has lost control of the team."

"I remember Unai talking to the players, saying, 'You are now playing for your future because I may not be back after this season, and you may not be back, either. The clock is ticking.' He is right. I won't blame him if he is sacked; Mr. Nasser just doesn't have the players to assuage the lack of patience he has, as Jeanne alluded to."

"And there is this," said Sadako, reading. "On Wednesday night, upon their return from Barcelona, the Paris Saint-Germain players were confronted and threatened by several individuals at Bourget Airport, despite the club and authorities reinforcing security. These individuals verbally insulted the players before vandalising their cars. Several vehicles were damaged.

"In this extremely hostile and aggressive climate, all vehicles were escorted to ensure the safe passage of the players, their families and club staff members. One individual was struck by a car trying to escape the crowd that was physically threatening the players and their families. A police investigation is underway to establish exactly what happened. The club, and all those present, have informed the investigators of their readiness to help the investigation, to get to the bottom of this regrettable incident. The club strongly condemns the actions and behaviour of the individuals in question."

"We were in that incident and I am just glad that we were not attacked," Georgette said. "They left us alone. You realize that I could have snapped if one of them touched me, right?"

"I would not want to get near you if that happened because, well...to be honest it could have been worse." A few hours later. "Ooooh. Penalties."

"The girls seem to fancy their chances here," Jose said, handing drink bottles to the players. After getting rehydrated, Jose and Sadako took their seat and watched the penalty shootout ensue. Eventually, following a 1-1 draw, PSG prevailed over Juvisy, 6-5 on penalties to advance to the semifinals of the Coupe de France Feminine, where Saint-Etienne would await them.

"Close call, but job done for now. Shall we head to the change rooms?"

"Follow me..." FC Lorient, later that day, would suffer another tough defeat, a 2-1 setback to Paris. However, Olympique Lyonnais would head into the match with PSG in good league form, having smashed Toulouse at home to the tune of 4-0. They did have to take care of AS Roma at the Stadio Olimpico and a number of scouts would be sent to evaluate the club's efforts in the Europa League.

The next day, Jose and Sadako would be reassigned to the Novotel Paris Centre Eiffel Tower, where they would be stationed for the next eight days. A few days remained until the official start of the PSG Spring Break schedule of events. Here were the next training schedules for the men and the women.

Men's Team

Monday, March 13th 2017

Training session closed to media

Tuesday, March 14th 2017

No training session

Wednesday, March 15th 2017

Training session closed to media

Thursday, March 16th 2017

Training session closed to media

Friday, March 17th 2017

Training session closed to media

Saturday, March 18th 2017 - Ooredoo Training Centre

11:00 AM: Press conference with Unai Emery (live on PSG TV)

01:30 PM: Training session opened to media for first 15 minutes

Sunday, March 19th 2017 - Parc des Princes

09:00 PM: Paris Saint-Germain - Olympique Lyonnais

Ligue 1 - Week 30

Women's Team

Monday, March 13th 2017

Training session closed to media

Tuesday, March 14th 2017

Training session closed to media

Wednesday, March 15th 2017

09h30 : Press meeting with Patrice Lair

10h00 : Training session open to media (15 minutes)

Thursday, March 16th 2017

Training session closed to media

Friday, March 17th 2017

Training session closed to media

Saturday, March 18th 2017

2:30pm : Olympique de Marseille - Paris Saint-Germain

Division 1 - Day 16

Sunday, March 19th 2017

TBC

"This is a completely different place than what we are used to. Are you sure we should take a break from our mission as you alluded to before?" asked a tall, well-endowed lady with deep, suspicious red eyes and a mysterious aura that was seen in her long blonde hair.

"France is supposed to be a place of full of love for the power of love, where love and tolerance for all persuasions and being able to choose who you want to be with without being judged is the unwritten law of the land," replied her partner wearing medium-length red hair that normally would be tied back but instead is being let down, though her cat ornament remained. "It is also a place that is faithful to the power of football."

"Mamori."

"Yes, Mirei?"

"This is the first time you have disclosed that you have a preference for sports, especially that of football," said Mirei Shikishima. "Does this explain why we are staying a week here in this city called Paris to rest before we resume our work?"

Mamori Tokonome nodded. "Yes, exactly. I came to watch some football here before we headed off on our journey. Have you ever watched a football game? My parents are fans of FC Tokyo and my father went to matches at the stadium when he was younger."

"Two teams kick a ball into a net, correct?"

"That's all it is, pretty much."

"Therefore, it is a simple game that embraces the world like the light of hope."

"Mirei, the skills of the players at this club we will be seeing as part of their touted Spring Break promotion is supposed to be of a high quality, however, the weight of the brand is not easy for them to bear and had resulted in an embarrassing setback days ago."

"Who did they lose to?"

"A team called FC Barcelona."

"Pitiful. I heard that some of the athletes from that particular club are reputed to be so-called legends, though this is a firsthand account from Charlotte that I do not wish to confirm, Mamori."

"Otherwise, this team has been winning most of their games and all of their losses have been away from Paris. When they are ood, they are fun to watch and they play beautifully."

Mirei looked at the crest on the stadium wall. "Paris Saint-Germain. The name 'Paris Saint-Germain' in itself warrants, evokes an image of sophistication, class, skill, entertainment, pleasure, status, entitlement. In other words, a heavy, stressful burden to bear for those representing its image. The weight of the hopes of one of the largest metropoles in the world who demand victory from the first battle to the last can crush you if you are not strong enough to carry it, I take it?"

"That's a deep way of putting it, but yes, it's not easy to play for this team."

Eventually, they elected to continue walking around before retiring to the Novotel for the night. "But I do appreciate a city that always demands results from its teams. That's something that I like. Let's take a look around. Maybe someone will be calling out for us."

"Right!" In the end, the two of them would not need to do much, other than sightsee, attend functions and watch the contest. Someone else would need their help.

Being with Hachiman Hikigaya was all but a self-imposed dream of her own undoing for Iroha Isshiki, now looking to find her own future in Europe. After graduating from high school, she enrolled at Tokyo University and was on an exchange student program that involved the Lumière University Lyon 2 and Toudai. It was spring break, and it was an ironic, awkward situation.

Here she was, a young maiden from Japan venturing out into France, in full bloom and yearning for motherhood and the birth of illustrious children with larger-than-life futures...checking into a welcome reception at the Novotel for Paris Saint-Germain fans...but she supported Olympique Lyonnais, not necessarily a main rival of PSG but one that was rising in relevance due to trophies that both teams won, combined. And it wasn't necessarily the men, but the women's team that she was fond of because her favorite player, Saki Kumagai, was on the team. However, she wanted to visit Paris and so she took it upon herself to experience this, even though she was aligned, to an extent, with their rival. Iroha didn't want anyone to know this. She just wanted to experience a taste of the other side and the charms and sex appeal of Paris because she wanted a man in her life, but at the same time, she didn't want her search to be in vain.

"Oh Hachiman, if only you didn't act like a coward and rejected me, we would be seeing France together," Iroha said with a sigh to herself as she signed on a sheet and took her seat at a table. "Such a cad. Such is my life..."

Georgette was serving plates of salad with boats of dressing and other condiments. She reached Iroha's table with Sadako. "Here's your plate. The entree will come later when you are done. Welcome to Paris Saint-Germain Spring Break!"

"Thank you," Iroha said. "What are your names?"

"Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Georgette. I am from a small town in the region of Normandy. This is my partner, Sadako, from Hiroshima."

"Hello there," Sadako said in perfect Japanese.

"Hi, my name is Iroha, and I am an exchange student from Tokyo," said the girl with medium-length brown hair. "You two are cute together. I like your hairstyles."

"We get that all the time," Jose said. "You can call me Jose, Iro. We are special staff members that work for Paris Saint-Germain's men's team in preparing the meals and work space for the team during training, as well as assist the women with similar roles on occasions. How are you enjoying the city so far? Do you like Paris?"

"Like it? I love it. It's as advertised: energetic, fun atmosphere, and I am surrounded by all these wonderful fans who love sports and life! I think it's great...however, is it okay if I tell you a secret, both of you, since I can trust you?" Her hands were clasped, and she was uneasy.

"What is it?" asked Sadako as she and Jose huddled around Iroha, who was at her own table, with a few others from America visiting on leisure.

"I actually am attending a university in Lyon, so my team is actually Olympique Lyonnais, but I am really just a fan of the women's team." In the background at the hotel, an instrumental version of Lyon's anthem, with its recognizable riff and drumbeats, was blaring. "That's the club's song playing. I think a few people are confused as to why it's playing at a PSG function, though. Saki Kumagai plays for the women's team, and she is my favorite women's football player, although Alex Morgan is second. Is it okay for me to admit this without you judging me for it? I don't care about the Lyon men, honest! Ummm..." Jose placed a finger on Iroha's lips. "! So soft...and beautiful to the touch..." Iroha thought, blushing. "I need this in my life...ahhh..."

"Your secret is safe with us. As long as you love Paris, it doesn't matter who you support, all are welcome. Because this is Paris," said Jose.

"And Paris is magical," Sadako whispered. "Ici C'est Paris et Paris est Magique."

"Thank you. I am really happy to be here, even though I reside in Lyon as a student there."

"We live a short walk away from the Parc des Princes over in Boulogne-Billancourt but have been called on to assist you and the party here on the tour," said Sadako. "That's why we are stationed at this hotel. Let us know if you need any personal assistance."

"Oh, so you can be my personal tour guide?" asked Iroha, enlightened.

"At Paris Saint-Germain, we believe in being an extension of what you've come to expect from our city in terms of dining, entertainment, and the quality of play from our teams. We have men's and women's football teams at all age levels, from formation to the senior sides, a handball team, and an eSports club dedicated to EA Sports FIFA and League of Legends."

"League of Legends!?" exclaimed Iroha Isshiki. "You have an LoL team? Where do I sign up?" Sadako and Jose looked at each other embarrassed looks. "I'm kidding, don't worry about me. I was only being silly, you know how it is," said Iroha, saluting with a wink.

"At ease, my dear," Sadako said in a manly voice. "But, we promise not to disappointment because we want your return on investment to be a memorable one. Although..." she crept in close. "You already have a contingency plan put into place."

"I do," said Iroha, embarassed. "So, if you don't mind...do take care of me."

"Your wish is our command, my dear," Sadako said with a bow.

"Stop it with the butler impersonations, this is a hotel and conference room, not a mansion!" Jose protested. "Forgive Sada, Iroha, she sometimes thinks like some of the younger boys on the PSG first team, like Goncalo."

"Guedes, right?" asked Iroha. "The Portuugese guy?"

"Yes, that's him. So with that, we will be on our way. See you."

"Bye," Iroha said as the two girls left her to her meal. She took a forkful of greens to find her own happy place by the Seine, under the watchful eye of the Tour Eiffel. "I like those two girls," she said to herself, seeing them walk hand in hand.

Lyon proceeded to advance to the next round of the Europa League following a 2-1 loss to AS Roma and a 5-4 aggregate victory. Monaco also went through, defeating Manchester City 3-1 to advance by the same scoreline on away goals after a 6-6 draw. The boys from the south were doing work. "And this is where the players do their training," said Georgette, showing the party the scenes of the PSG first team going through warmups.

"Wow, look at them, so focused on the mission ahead," said Iroha. "Up and down they go, hustling and bustling. It's as if they think the game is today!"

"You have to believe that every day is matchday because if you maintain that intensity, you will have great form," said Sadako. "The coach instills that to they players because Sunday's match has big implications for the title race."

After watching training, the tour party went over to have lunch, with the two girls serving food. "So this is what the players eat. Lean protein and carbs, food designed for peak performance," said Georgette. "Now, you get to eat like the players."

"Oooooohhh!" Iroha happily scarfed down the grilled fish and salad on hand, along with some pasta salad provided and some juice. "This is delicious! I wish I could give you a kiss for this, did you make this?"

"We did," said Sadako. "Made with Parisian love."

She finished the whole thing quickly. "Seconds!"

"Just for you..." The seconds were given. "...better?"

"Much!" Iroha continued to munch. "Ahhhh, that hits the spot. To eat like an athlete and watch real athletes go to work...I must be dreaming, surely! This truly is Paris!"

"And Paris is magical!" the three of them said, giggling.

"Well, enjoy yourselves. There is a bus tour you can go to, or you can check out the Louvre while you are on the prowl," said Georgette. "Be sure to return to the Stade Jean-Bouin, where we will all get to watch the other major Paris team in action, Red Star FC, against Amiens SC. Red Star are battling relegation, so let's cheer for their survival!"

"Okay!" Iroha said. "Thank you!"

"We'll leave you to yourselves and see you at the Stade! Next door to Le Parc! Adieu!"

"Adieu!" With a sigh, Iroha finished the rest of her lunch, dressed in a pink turtleneck, brown skirt, black tights and grey boots. But as she was leaving the Parc, a bunch of roughhouse boys, six in all, met her at the door. "Who...are you?" she asked in perfect French.

"Hey, you don't seem to be like the others," said the leader of the gang, decked with aviator sunglasses, a portly build and a beard. His name was Ahmed. "What are you doing here?"

"Um, I don't understand, I am with the touring party, I am about to get on a bus, please let me go," Iroha said, backtracking.

"Hmph!" A couple of Ahmed's henchmen, tall boys with tanned complexions (all of them were of Tunisian heritage) grabbed Iroha and pinned her against the wall. "Let me ask you this. Are you from Lyon?"

"I am an exchange student from Japan that studies there but I support PSG! Honest!"

Ahmed slapped her hard. "You bitch! You are a spy supporting Olympique Lyonnais and are trying to send the game plan to Bruno, aren't you?"

"No, that's not true!" Another slap. "Owwww!" A few tears fell down.

"You lie to us! Boys! Tie her up and put her in the back. We need to laid the law on this fucking cunt Lyonnais bitch! Putain de merde! Let's go, boys!"

"Allez!" the others said, tying Iroha up and putting her in the trunk of a convertible.

"No! Let me go! Let me go! Nooooo!" Iroha wailed in Japanese, English and French.

Georgette and Sadako noticed the cries and dashed out. "Mr. Benoit, one of our party members is kidnapped, we're on it!" Sadako said.

"Oh dear," said Benoit Rousseau. "Go get her. I will notify the police."

Mr. Sami, the driver, was noticing the scenes and revved up the van. "Hurry, get in!" he said. Sadako and Georgette hopped on board and the three of them pursued the car, following them into Seine Saint-Denis, and the Eglise Neuve Church in Saint-Denis. The cat tracker was filming everything and would conclude the operation untouched. They van was parked a safe distance, so that Georgette and Sadako would not be seen by the kidnappers.

The gang opened the trunk and took out Iroha, who nearly suffocated while trapped inside. They took her inside, and stripped her to her underwear, tearing off her clothes as the bound her to a wall by the altar. Ahmed laughed sinisterly as the boys laid some punches on Iroha causing her nose to be bloodied and even have a black eye. "How...cruel..." whispered Iroha, crying as she gasped for air.

"Now, to finish you off, you Lyonnais bitch!" Ahmed said, brandishing a gun.

"No...NOOOOOOOO!" Iroha roared, wailing to the heavens for St. Jeanne d'Arc's assistance. But before Ahmed was about to fire, a flash caused his neck to split open, severing his jugular vein. The gun did fire, but it ended up, killing one of the henchmen instead, misfiring.

Georgette and Sadako came in and smashed the jaws of two of the other henchmen, freeing Iroha. "Iro! RUUUUN!" Jose said, causing Iroha to run towards the door, battered, bruised and bloodied, running for her life, still gasping for air through the tracks of her tears. Sadako and Jose continued to slash and dismember the other members of the kidnappers with a synchronized flurry of punches and kicks before all of the Tunisian thugs fell to the floor, still and covered in blood.

"Job well done?" asked Sadako.

"Let's take her back," said Jose. The two of them walked to a shivering, underwear-clad Iroha. But as they went to Iroha, one of the thugs was still alert to activate his suicide explosion belt. This was the end of them, surely. Fortunately...

"Hmmmm...where am I?" asked Iroha, opening her eyes. She was clad in a PSG track suit jacket covering her soft pink underwear and her cuts and bruises were healed. "Was that...a bad dream?"

They escaped the explosion in time. "You're finally awake," said Georgette, her cat ears and tail sprouted out. And they were at Georgette and Sadako's room in the Novotel.

"Y...you saved me!" Iroha hugged Georgette and Sadako. "Thank you so much! I thought I was about to die!"

"We won't let that happen, not to someone special like you," said Sadako. "You're safe with us, and..."

"We're also Witches, so I can heal you if need be," said Jose.

"Oh, you actually are the Brave Witches from the show I watched months ago?" exclaimed Iroha. "You guys are actually real? Oh my goodness, I was actually saved by angels after all!" She went and gave both of them a kiss. "Eheheh! I'll go take a bath first."

Sadako and Georgette looked at each other and laughed hesitantly as Iroha took a shower before emerging out dry and with a bath robe on. "So, when you are ready, let's have a prematch meal before watching the game, since it's a few hours to kickoff. We'll head to Frog XVI, since we ate there before," said Jose, her ears and tail retracting.

"Sure thing! It's fine if I am like this, right?"

"A bath robe? Actually, so that it doesn't look obvious that you are not from here and you are a bit modest, let's have you don this." Georgette gave Iroha a black jacket with green trim, a green football jersey, a green side-tie bikini, white hotpants and light brown boots with a green watch to go with thick green hipster glasses. The jacket and jersey had Red Star FC's logo on it. Sadako and Jose were wearing similar uniforms, so much that they were identical.

"This looks so cute!" Iroha said, putting it on. "I like it! Now I look like a Red Star fan!"

"The team of the oppressed, the poor, the immigrants who flee to Paris in search of a better life away from the third world. We stand with those in search of a happiness but not those who resort to violence," said Sadako.

"Let's eat," said Georgette, her stomach growling. "I need food too."

Natually, since it was Friday, the three girls chose to do a little Lent and collectively order nachos and fish and chips, with Red Bull and Coke Zero as their beverages. Fortunately, the restaurant decided to do a 2.50 euro discount on the dish to appease the Catholic contingent. "I wanted to do a song about you visiting the city and seeing us," said Sadako.

"You write songs?" asked Iroha.

"I cook, clean, and also write song parodies," she replied.

"Sada's got a good singing voice," said Georgette. "You'll love it."

"So this is the song that I dedicate to your. It's called 'Head Out On The Town.' Here it goes." A drumbeat played in the background, followed by the melody and Sadako's voice.

"She's the one,

Number one,

She is my Iroha!

Winter's chill turns into Spring,

Skies are blue, the angels sing.

Bells ring, you smile,

Hope this feeling will last awhile,

While, while...