"Man, I do't kno. I still do't ge' tha whole, monsta thing," Akoni said as he finished tuning his bass.
"Akoni, swallow. You sound like you are trying to speak Rasta. Let me say this again. I am a vampire. I have been a vampire. Have you seen anything that would let you know I was, and did you not see that fight just after you got here," Tekeshi said as he adjusted his jacket.
"Sorry. Look, you have to understand, that I may be brain damaged, but I'm not stupid. I just act like that because I like to. Now the brain damage does make me seem like a druggie, but I am not. That means nothing, my brain, must, rationalize," the young black man replied.
Akoni was a weird mishmash of contradictions. He really was much smarter than he tended to let on, actually second only to Tekeshi in intellect. He just really liked to play up the whole hood-rat stereotype, until he had them eating out of his hand, and embarrassed them. He especially liked doing it to black rights groups. He really hated them calling themselves African American, since they weren't even from Africa, and he was. Not to mention that he spoke three languages, better than most of them could speak one.
"Akoni, drop it and help Black figure out what is wrong with that amp, it isn't working right again," Heavy called over.
"I will tell you why it isn't working right, that is an ancient Gibson that has been overused, and he needs to get a new one. I know it sounds good when it works, but it is worn out. Retire it," Akoni still walked over to help.
Heavy came over to Tekeshi, "Boss, I'm nervous. Playing for a room full o' drunks, that is one thing. We didn't do school events, because they have no taste in music. Is your old man sure about this?"
"I don't know. I think he is starting to have ideas like Akoni does, shades of bad. I love Akoni to death, but he has ideas so bad, we became closet criminals," the vampire said to his friend.
"That's fair. Hey, I want to ask. What is up with this chick you are completely whipped over?"
Tekeshi's eyes went wide, "You, uhhh, uhh, you mean, you mean Utsuki. She is kinda my best friend here. Screw it. Yeah, I have it hard for her. It isn't the same as Lizzie either. I could just sit and stare at her until there was nothing left of me. Why are you even asking man?"
"I'm happy for ya. You deserve it, I know how it hit you when the whore disappeared," Heavy stopped waiting for the inevitable hit.
"I'm not hitting you anymore. She, kinda showed back up. It wasn't, pleasant. I will explain more about it later, but, I'm done with her completely," Tekeshi let his head fall back.
"I see. I won't say anymore about her. So have you told the girl how you feel, what was her, Utsuki?"
"I, want to. I just, am scared I am going to scare her off if I do. She has, had a lot going on."
Laughter came from a corner of the backstage tent, "Ye are sae damnit blind ye idiot. Hou can ye no actually see? Well, we arenae gang to-," a finger across the lips interrupted Dehlia.
"Tekeshi, I am a sociopath, and I can tell. I have an idea, sing a song for her. Something that all of you can do off hand, or do a solo song. See how she reacts, and if it seems like she is reacting well," the pretty face of Chun-hee suddenly became very dark and dangerous, "then get your balls out of whatever you have them stored in, run to her, and try to suck her tongue out of her head, you block head."
"Yes, because having your best friend do that out of nowhere, after you have just been rescued from an abduction, suffered another previous abduction, been attacked multiple times, lost part of your humanity, oh and found out monsters are real, all in less than a year. Not to mention her whole family situation. It isn't so simple."
Lorelei came over to him and put a hand up on his shoulder, "Tek, ye are like a brother. Ye are way smarter than me an ma sister. None o this is up for debate. Ye are god damnit oblivious that it is actually hurtin me. Whit the hell is wrong wi ye, that ye are sae freakin blind?"
"Hey Short Stuff, are you going to join in on this. He is your brother," Heavy said to Machiko who was dozing in a chair off to the side.
The little witch opened one eye, "Cousin, but it is pointless. You think he is thick, I know he is. I lived with him. Nothing we say is going to get through to him. You just have to let him do it on his own."
"But 'Chiko, that isn't any fun. Plus, this one actually seems nice, not like like Lizzie. There is less yelling. I like her. Plus she is much prettier, not like that pixie looking bitch," Chun-hee said in response.
"Actually she is a banshee, so, I guess that doesn't actually matter at the moment. I am with all of you. 'Suki is awesome, and not just because she has a really nice ass to grab. She isn't an upgrade from Lizzie, she is a complete overhaul in his taste. Not to mention the other half is pretty fun to molest too, and it doesn't get mad when I do," Machiko said without opening her other eye.
"Other half that doesn't mind being molested? Wait, does she have like, what the hell is that called, multiple personality syndrome," Black asked.
"No, she has a demon. A literal, though she isn't allowed to without 'Suki's explicit permission, man eating demon. She looks like a slightly smaller version of her, with much bigger boobs, and butt. Anyways, like thirty minutes. Now I'm nervous you assholes. Thank you for that," Tekeshi's mood soured.
"Look Boss, we are behind you one hundred percent. We know how bad it was for you before all of us came together. You need this, you really do. Especially after the thing with Ethan. Tell us what to play, and we will play it like you have never heard it played before," Heavy dropped a, rather substantial, hand on Tekeshi's other shoulder.
"One thing is for sure, all of you need to learn how to mind your own damn business. Chunie, I know you think you have an idea, but you have such a horrible way with emotions that aren't bubblegum happy, or soul crushing darkness, that I don't know that anything you say should even be considered," as he was getting used to, he side eyed the younger girl.
"Actually Tek, it isnae the worst idea the evil little psycho has iver haed. A know ye arenae gaun'ae listen tae us, but that girl has it juist as bad, as ye dae," Lorelei told him as she hugged him.
Tekeshi's face screwed up some, "I, I don't even know what I would sing. Asusa pointed out I'm a romantic, but I don't know how to be."
"It may sound weird, especially when you consider that it is coming from me, and I know what everyone thinks of my ideas, but I may have a good one for once," Akoni said as the amp came to life.
Tsukune was not happy with the individual in his office. He heard the sounds of the festival in the distance. He would have much rather been out there, than dealing with this messenger from Fairy Tale. He recognized her for whom and what she was. The former girlfriend of his son, and the second in command to Kuyo. Elizabeth.
"I will be polite, and ask you your name and properly introduce myself. I am Aono Tsukune. Headmaster of Yokai Academy, Head of the House of Aono, Patriarch of the Shuzen Family, and father of your former boyfriend Aono Tekeshi. May I have your name," this was a time for diplomacy.
"Why thank you. I am Elizabeth Cauley. I haven't got any fancy name or title, however I am the Deputy Commander of the Special Services Division of Fairy Tale. I was sent to, first deliver deliver a message giving the particulars of the battle. Two, I am to make any negotiation, though I am not sure what there is to negotiate," Lizzie replied politely.
Tsukune stood and approached the window of his office. It overlooked the part of the grounds where the festival was taking place. It even gave a very good view of the stage that his son was going to be taking in just a few minutes. It annoyed him to no end that he was going to have to miss the opening song.
"I as well, am unsure what there would be to negotiate. I will however let you know if there is anything that I find should be. Please proceed with the message," Tsukune sighed.
"Ok, let me see if I can do justice to this message. The individual who dictated it is, odd. The conflict shall be settled upon the fields of the Valley of Dragons, when the moon has seen itself, I can't really articulate it the same, but basically three times. We shall match force for force, and see which the gods favor for triumph. Oh, how was it put, my sword waits naked, and ready for your reply. This guy is weirder than Akoni. That was basically the message. Putting it in layman's terms, in three months we will fight you in the Valley of the Dragons, it will be a proper battle, with actual armies. I hate the flowery stuff," the young girl said.
"Allow me to think on this for a few moments," Tsukune replied.
He turned back to the window. This was one of the most unnecessarily elaborate message that could have been sent. It also did not have the hallmarks of Kiria or Hokuto. They were very straight forward, mostly, and would just send a very professional and concise message that was very easy to understand. Was there someone that he was unaware of... wait, the interesting benefactor he had heard rumors of?
"Who dictated this message? I know both of your leaders, but this is not their style. I hope that I am not asking anything that is going to cause issues for you if you answer," he glanced back at her.
"Some benefactor that has been supporting us. Nobody knows his name, or what he is. He just showed up at the primary headquarters years before I joined. He gives out snacks occasionally though, so I can't say he isn't a fairly nice guy, just weird. I can't make heads or tails of him," she replied.
Tsukune nodded and returned his attention to outside and focused on his son as he took the stage to start his show.
Tekeshi swaggered out on the stage. He cut a figure, dressed as he was with his heavy leather motorcycle jacket, the three inch platform boots that made heavy thumps as he stepped, and the dark sunglasses that hid his eyes. His friends were dressed in similarly eclectic styles, but nothing quite as in your face as Tekeshi's dress.
"I am going to point out that this was not my idea. However, this is going to be fun, as long as all of you have some decent taste in music. We aren't rapping, ain't gonna be no ankha, and we sure as hell will not be getting jiggy with it. You are not going to be leaving here without ringing in your ears. Now, make some noise," the opening monologue wasn't epic, but it caught attention.
It took seconds for the music to start
"I never knew a girl like you before
Now just like in a song from days of yore
Here you come knocking, knocking on my door
Well I never met a girl like you before
You give me just a taste so I want more
Now my hands are bleeding and my knees are raw
'Cause now you got me crawling, crawling on the floor
And I've never know a girl like you before
You made me acknowledge the devil in me
I hope to god I'm talking metaphorically
Hope that I am talking allegorically
Know that I'm talking about the way I feel
And I've never known a girl like you before
Never, never, never, never
Never know a girl like you before
This old town's changed so much
Don't feel like I belong
Too many protest singers
Not enough protest songs
And now you've come along
Yes, you've come along
And I've never met a girl like you before
It's alright, yeah
It's alright, yeah
It's alright, yeah
It's alright, yeah
It's alright, yeah
It's alright, yeah
It's alright, yeah
It's alright, yeah
It's alright, yeah
It's alright, yeah
It's alright, yeah
It's alright, yeah
It's alright, yeah
It's alright, yeah
It's alright, yeah
It's alright, yeah
It's alright, yeah
It's alright, yeah
It's alright, yeah
It's alright, yeah
It's alright, yeah
It's alright, yeah
It's alright, yeah
It's alright, yeah
It's alright, yeah
It's alright, yeah
It's alright, yeah
It's alright, yeah"
"Ok, slow lounge rock, no reaction," Tekeshi said as they finished and didn't receive much in the way of applause.
"Boss, I told you we should have gone more energetic," Heavy called from his place at the drums.
Black simply shrugged, "Hey, we had to start somewhere to dial the crowd in."
Akoni just looked at the assembled crowd, "How about something a little harder, but not metal."
If you knew what was going on, you were ahead of the crowd. Come in slow and confuse them, and then rock them to the core. You could come in with the subtlety of a bomb, but that didn't make the show. You had to wind up the crowd just right.
"I got it," Tekeshi said.
"Dress up for love
I'm coming form above
I keep my motor clean
Look up – below
All systems go
Full steam spacemachine
Dress up for love now
Dress up for love
(Going to a place above)
I keep my motor clean
Full steam spacemachine
When you're behind the wheel
Full steam spacemachine
I love to lie
With Lucy in the sky
No one could ever know
In time and space We'll find a secret place
Where no one else can go
Dress up for love now
Dress up for fun
(Five, four, three, two, one)
I keep my motor clean
Full steam spacemachine
When you're behind the wheel
Full steam spacemachine
Ooh, close contact
If this is how we interact
I know that opposites attractive
Time to feel you energy
Jamming my telemetry
Hard to starboard, stay the course
Hyperdrive me, use the force
Hard to starboard, stay the course
Hyperdrive me, no remorse
(Full steam spacemachine)
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, full steam spacemachine
I don't believe
Full steam spacemachine
I keep my motor clean
When you're behind the wheel
You scream, I scream
Full steam spacemachine
I reign supreme
Full steam spacemachine
Two ships tractor beam
Full steam turbo team
They will never catch us
Full steam space machine
Let's go back to Uranus
Full steam spacemachine
Full steam spacemachine"
The crowd exploded into cheers. It wasn't what many of them were used to, but Japan loved energetic music, which is why the pop idol scene was such a big deal. High energy rock was always appreciated.
Tsukune had not noticed Lizzie come to stand by him at the window. She seemed absorbed in watching the show as he thought. She had probably heard him play so many times, that he was somewhat jealous of the fact.
"Tekeshi is such a great musician. Honestly, there isn't much about him that isn't great. It's why I fell in love with him. The rest, are good accompaniment, except for those three bitches. I could listen him all day," she said.
Tsukune wasn't that impressed with her words, "When you joined Fairy Tale, you lost any chance that he would ever come back to you. Give your superiors this message. It should be easier to remember. We will meet as they wish, and we will settle things."
"Ok. Now while I am still under the protections of a messenger, I would like to hear just a few more songs at the source, the last I may ever," She turned and left the office.
He took a breath and thought on how strange the whole thing was. A set piece battle in this day and age. It was such a dated thing. He was much more in favor of the commando style fights he had participated in. He had agreed though, so it was time to assemble an army.
Moka, Utsuki, and Deesseedra sat enjoying the show. It was so different from Tekeshi sitting there with just his single guitar. This was more fun than Utsuki could remember having in such a long time. She almost didn't know how to deal with it. Though it was the next event that was to catch her off guard.
"My friends up here have been wanting me to do something this entire show. They realized something, in two directions, I may have either been to afraid of, or just oblivious to. I need to rectify that. So right now, I want to dedicate a song to my best friend," Tekeshi didn't have his usual air of self confidence to him as he said those words.
"Why, Boss, you are way to kind to me," Heavy said.
"Who said you were my best friend," the vampire shot back, realizing what the Russian giant was attempting to do.
"Wait, then what have I been led to believe the last four years?"
Tekeshi chuckled, "Hate to tell you this, but I had to trade you in on a prettier model."
Heavy made a big show of taking a cymbal off to look at his face, "Ok, that's fair."
Tekeshi took a deep breath, "Utsuki, this is for you, and I hope that I am not making a mistake, and that you are going to see it for what it is."
Utsuki was first surprised by him using her full name, rather than his preferred contraction. Then the meaning behind his words started to sink in as he started playing.
"Her name is Noelle
I have a dream about her
She rings my bell
I got gym class in half an hour
Oh, how she rocks
In Keds and tube socks
But she doesn't know who I am
And she doesn't give a damn about me
'Cause I'm just a teenage dirtbag, baby
Yeah, I'm just a teenage dirtbag, baby
Listen to Iron Maiden, baby, with me, ooh
Her boyfriend's a dick
And he brings a gun to school
And he'd simply kick
My ass if he knew the truth
He lives on my block
And he drives an IROC
But he doesn't know who I am
And he doesn't give a damn about me"
She was sure of it. Even though the song wasn't really that romantic, it was the subject matter that caught her attention. He felt the same, he actually felt the same.
"'Cause I'm just a teenage dirtbag, baby
Yeah, I'm just a teenage dirtbag, baby
Listen to Iron Maiden, baby, with me, ooh
Oh, yeah, dirtbag
No, she doesn't know what she's missin'
Oh, yeah, dirtbag
No, she doesn't know what she's missin'
Man, I feel like mold
It's prom night and I am lonely
Lo and behold
She's walkin' over to me
This must be fake
My lip starts to shake
How does she know who I am?
And why does she give a damn about me?"
Utsuki had jumped up and rushed to the stage. Tekeshi was a little surprised by her sudden appearance, and by her suddenly making the mic fall so she could grab it and take over for the falsetto section.
"I've got two tickets to Iron Maiden, baby
Come with me Friday, don't say maybe
I'm just a teenage dirtbag, baby, like you"
Tekeshi managed to pop the mic stand back up sharply to start back perfectly on the outro.
"Oh, yeah, dirtbag
No, she doesn't know what she's missin'
Oh, yeah, dirtbag
No, she doesn't know what she's missin'.."
Tekeshi jumped down and looked in her eyes. Did words even exist at that point as the two could only look at each other. Her icy, cool gray eyes, staring into the strange pattern of his red and green. Air didn't matter, the large crowd that was holding it's breath for some reason, or even the impending heat death of the universe. At that moment the only two things that existed for the them was each other.
"Utsuki, I'm not the best with words. I can debate people, rattle on about some weird and useless piece of knowledge, but I have trouble expressing emotion and feelings. I know that I have felt this way for a long time now, but I couldn't even admit it to myself. I was finally able to the day me and your father rescued you from his uncle. 'Suki, I love you, more than anything else I can comprehend in this life," Tekeshi didn't take a breath throughout all of that.
"I was able to admit it to myself around the same time. You have been there for me, ever since I came here You weren't nice to me just because of your parents putting me under your protection. You were nice to me, for me. The only other person like that has been Asusa, and I am not what Harumi claims. Tekeshi, I, screw this," she stood on the very tips of her toes and threw her arms around the taller boy's neck, and pulled herself up to where she could meet his lips.
Often in literature or movies, a kiss is accompanied by fireworks, the 1812 overture with artillery fire, or corny sound effects. There was only silence. They didn't need sound, they had each other, and that was all they needed. They weren't aware of how the crowd had burst out into their biggest cheers yet. This was the perfect cap off to a school rock concert there had ever been.
Only one thing could ruin the moment.