(XXII) Musica Joins The Search

"Musica!" Haru and Naruto yelled.

"How've you been?" Elie asked, "I see you cut your hair! I think it look smashing!"

"You're a life saver," Naruto said.

"I can't believe I was almost taken down by a guy like this. Man, I must be losing my touch," Musica said.

"Musica, zee head of the Zilver Rhythm Gang. What're you doing down here?" Dr. Schneider asked.

"Yeah... why are you down here?" Haru asked.

"Hebi caught us some heat... so we decided to lay low for a while," Musica replied, "I figured I'd kill some time looking for the treasure of Akuma Hall."

"That must be the Rave," Naruto responded.

"We're after it too. Can you give us a hand?" Haru asked.

"Help you? No can do," Musica replied, "I'm a thief. I can't let anyone muscle in on my loot. Even if it is a rave."

"But Shiba said the Rave only works for one person and that's Haru," Naruto said.

"So?" Musica asked.

""Dude you know how totally important the Rave is. We need to work together!" Haru said.

"Hu! This is exactly how you wound up in this mess, man!" Musica responded, "You're always like this-you trust people top easily. A naive bunch of mkids like you supposed to save the world? Don't make me laugh!"

"Yo, Schneider! Hurry up and get rid of my paralysis!" Haru demanded turning to see that Musica's silver bind was around Griff.

"He got away," Griff said.

"He pulled a substitution on you, Musica," Naruto said.

"Sneaky freak," Musica responded.

"I'm still a little numb, but look! I can move just fine now!" Elie said standing up.

Haru started getting up, feeling the same numbness.

"By the way, Naruto, when did you get a wardrobe change?" Musica asked.

"It's a long story that involves some crazy movie, and me being mistaken as the Rave Master," Naruto responded, "Why? Does it look stupid?"

"No... actually it look good. It makes you blend in with our world," Musica said.

"That's what I told him," Elie said, "But shouldn't we be looking for that assassin?"

"I don't think it matters. He might come after us later," Naruto said.

"No big deal. I'm more interested in dealin' with Captain Clueless Here," said Musica referring to Haru.

"You jerk," Haru responded.

"I'm going to get the Rave. If you want it, try and steal it from me... if you can."

"If I can, huh?" Haru asked.

"Knock it off, you two!" Elie said.

"This is not the time or place!" Griff said, "While you are fighting the Shadow Guard is getting closer and closer to the Rave! And that assassin will be back."

"Ya know... I've been wantin' to fight with you just once," Musica told Haru.

"Yeah, me too." Haru said as the two armed themselves.

"Can't you save this until after we get the Rave?" Naruto asked.

Neither answered as they moved into attack.

"Stop!" yelled Elie took out her Tonfa Blasters and fired at them and Naruto for some reason.

"Whadya think you're doin'?" Musica yelled.

"Elie!" Haru yelled.

"Why did you fire at me?" Naruto asked.

Elie burst out laughing. "I win!"

"Huh?"

"I beat you guys, and Naruto, so now you have to do what I say!" Elie stated.

"What?" Haru and Musica yelled.

"I wasn't even challenging them for leadership!" Naruto yelled.

"From now on, I'll be the commander!" Elie yelled, "Girl power!"

"Yes, my majesty," said Griff as he bowed.

The three boys stared at Griff.

"You three come with me, righ now! Protect your commander!" Elie yelled.

"Yes, ma'am! I'll follow you anywhere. Even into the bath!" Griff said.

"I guess it's fair... she did technically beat us," Naruto said.

Musica burst out laughing. "She hasn't changed a bit! Don't you two get tired of her?"

Haru laughed as well, "Nah, it's kinda fun, actually."

"How about you guys called truce?" Naruto asked.

"Yeah," Haru agreed.

"Sure... and as proof, I'll help you guys out," Musica said.

"Sounds good!" Haru agreed.

"Then let's find the Rave Stone!" both said.

"New teammate!" Naruto said.

"Uh oh..." Elie said.

"What's wrong Elie-I mean commander?" Haru asked.

"Plue's gone!" Elie replied.

"Not again!" Haru responded.

"Puun Puun" Plue's voice came from the tunnel.

"Everyone! I can hear Master's Plue's voice coming from deeper in the cave!" Griff said.

"What the heck is that thing?" Musica asked about Griff.

"We have no clue..." Naruto replied, "What's worse is that he has a strange creature he calls a horse."

"Strange creature?" Musica asked.

"You'll see," Naruto responded.

"All right! Follow me!" Elie ordered.

"Yes, ma'am!"