[Rail IC] Academy City

[Callos_DeTerran]

Music (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZ1nEKvNQgA)

Academy City. Home to over two point three million people, eighty percent of which make up the student population that attends the city's many schools, academies, institutions and colleges. A state of the art city over thirty years ahead of it's time, almost entirely devoted to the study of psychic phenomena that has been discovered. The entire city is filled with tall windmills, used to power the city at all times, small trash can-like maintenance security robots traveling about the city in order to keep it as orderly and clean as they can manage.

Dangerous gangs of delinquents known as Skill Outs prowl where they can find easy prey, hot-headed espers challenge one another to bouts in bids to determine who is the strongest among them, and to top it all off...it was the middle of winter. The air is crisp and chill enough that one can see their own breath billowing in front of them, with the occasional snow flurry to give a bout of childish wonder at the sight of this bizarre city with a snowy mantle briefly thrown over it.

Today is a day like any other, the chimes ringing all across the city as classes let out for the day, the sudden rush of students flooding the streets from myriad different buildings out unto the chilly streets. Now was the time for the thousands of students within Academy City to seek their own fortunes and distractions....

[Maximum Zersk]

Catarino sat on top of the roof of his apartment, looking over the city. The streets below were like rivers; the buildings were sky-reaching mountains. People milled about below, going through the natural rhythm of daily life. The air was cold, but it didn't matter to him. It was nature. A falcon landed on his shoulder. It was a small one, still young. It looked at Catarino. He took out some bird feed and fed it to the falcon. The falcon graciously ate it, then flew off. Catarino lied down. Everything was fine.

Meanwhile, inside, his sister Cici was on the computer. She had a window open for C++, and was working on something. She was eating a small snack while she was doing it, and didn't look that bothered. A few more windows on the computer were also there, which included a certain doujin, and a website. Not much sound came from her, except the tap at the keyboard. Everything was fine, for now.

[13_CBS]

Satoku Masaki, Onizuka Middle School

"...and with that in mind, I would advise you all to-"

*BRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING*

The end-of-the-day bell rings, drowning out Professor Satoku Masaki's calm and level voice. Nobody listens as he lists the last few announcements for the up-coming exams. Nonetheless, he makes no effort to raise his voice or to get his rowdy students under control; he merely reads what he must. Once he is finished doing so, he puts away his things and heads out of the classroom, pushing his way past the crowds of students eager to get out of class.

He breathes in the biting chill of Academy City's winter air as he exits the school building. Food carts offering hot drinks and delicious snacks line the street as he walks, but he ignores them all.

It was winter, wasn't it? When he first met her?

"Nice to meet you. I'm Moriyage Sorea."

Yes, it was. 4 years ago, soon after he had graduated from Azabu.

"Dr. Fujiwara tells me that you'll be working with me on the project?"

The white lab coat, the short chin-length hair, the unlit cigarette held casually in her mouth. The bored expression on her face.

"I'll be straight with you, I'm not used to working with other people on this sort of stuff, so sorry if I get too bossy or disorganized.

...

Say...

...got a light?"

Satoku Masaki, cybernetics researcher and professor of Basic AIM Field Theory at Onizuka Middle School, gazes straight ahead, distracted by nothing, as he makes his way to his laboratory.


-----------------------------------------------------------------

Tennori Masahito, Psyche Hunters Hideout in District 10

"Ha! Well, I suppose you've got me there. Good game everyone, good game. Is anyone up for another round?"

"Sure thing, boss!"

"Ready if you are, boss."

"You comfortable in that wheelchair, boss?"

"Of course, of course. Now, shall we play?"

For the fugitives, the outcasts, and the pariah of Academy City who called themselves the Psyche Hunters, it is simply another cold winter day spent exercising, relaxing, and, in the case of the gang's leader Masahito, playing Mahjong.

As the small rectangular pieces are shuffled around, Masahito glances out the window at the falling snow. As he recalled, it was snowing that day too, a freak snowstorm that had followed up an unusual cold wave. He tugs unconsciously at the bandages around his neck as he remembers.

The impact of a metal bat against his ribs.

The impact of a knuckle duster crushing his face, over and over again.

The impact a combat boot to the diaphragm, robbing his lungs of air, choking him.

The feeling of a rough, scarred hand closing tight around his windpipe.

"Ikisawa! What's wrong? Come on, the party's just about to begin, and you're the guest of honor!"

"...oss? Boss? You there? Boss!"

"Hmm?" A voice wakes him out of his reverie.

"Hand's dealt, boss. You ready?"

Masahito coughs and shifts his cast-bound arm onto the table.

"Ah, yes, of course. Shall we begin?"


----------------------------------------------------------------------

Pâtisserie Joyeux, Kadokado Café, Hongakuteki Nihon Ryouri

At three of the most popular hang out spots for students of Academy City, store owners were getting ready for another busy day. It was winter, with exams coming up, and students needed their daily fill of pastries, sweet beverages, and greasy food to get through the rest of the day.

Hitomi sweeps the last fallen leaf out away from the porch, a satisfied smile on her face as she inspects her establishment. A sign near the door advertises, Winter Cake Special!

Futae giggles as the last coffee machine finishes warming up, and prances her way downstairs to greet customers.

Sanin is prodded awake from her drunken stupor and pulls on an apron, grumbling at the prospect of the day's work.


Life as usual at Academy City.

[Terry576]

[Town]

Hisagi breathes a sigh of relief as school finishes, quickly exiting the Academy, and the Garden. He swiftly walks towards what appears to be a cafe, ignores the people at the front, and walks up to a door. Opening it, he exits the cafe into a back alley, and continues walking until he reaches another door.

He opens it, and walks into his apartment, breathing a sigh of relief before taking opening a pack of cigarettes, and lighting one. He takes a slow drag off of it, before opening his phone to call... someone.

Somewhere in Academy City, a phone is ringing.

Who will pick up?

[Callos_DeTerran]

Sakurako, Hongakuteki Nihon Ryouri

Whenever Tokiwadai let out, there was always one girl in particular who sped through the streets whenever the fancy struck her. And be 'sped', she was actually 'hopping' from teleport to teleport towards her destination. A good way to practice her endurance and plus...Hongakuteki Nihon Ryouri had some of the best food in the entire city!

At least...that was the opinion of the teleporter rapidly making her way to the hybrid restaurant, red pony-tail flying behind her. Sakurako gave little care for decorum as she hurries towards her favorite spot, schoolbag in hand as she finally rounds the final corner to see the restaurant. That was about the time that Sanin was wearily tying on her apron, also about the same time that Sakurako pushed open the door.

"Hello~!" the energetic red-head calls out entirely too happily as she comes in, eying Sanin with a mischievous look in her eyes. "Aww, why do you insist on wearing such...slovenly things?"

The question was directed at Sanin herself, making several new customers freeze in surprise, even as those who had seen this spectacle before just shake their heads with a bemused expression on their faces.

In a flash Sakurako was behind the older and, frankly, intimidating woman and reaching her hands out. One is playfully rested on Sanin's hip while the other is a little more adventurous in traveling upwards.

"Did you at least wear something decent or feminine beneath these Mitsune-chan?" Sakurako teases before focusing for just a moment. In the next Sanin's sweatpants and white shirt appeared three feet to her left...and completely off her body. Good thing Sanin was still behind a counter and out of sight for the most part!

Giggling, the trickster quickly dances back and reappears back by the door, reaching up to cover her mouth with one hand as she looks critically at Sanin.

"Well I guess it's not too bad..." Sakurako muses aloud, gazing up at the ceiling before her phone begins to ring. She blinks rapidly, fishing it out of her pocket and looks at the front screen in confusion before flipping it open, "Hello? Hisagi-kun?"

The vibrant red-head seems utterly oblivious to the brewing danger behind her...

[Terry576]

[Apartment Building 2A]

Hisagi grins as Sakurako answers the phone.

"Hey Sakurako-chan. Where are you, I don't feel like practicing my violin today."

He throws a glare at the violin in the corner, which seems to shrink in fear.

"So I decided to call you, and see if we could get some coffee together."

Hisagi pulls the phone away from his face and takes another drag off his cigarrete, inhaling deeply, before exhaling slowly, eyes closing in a brief moment of relaxation.

[13_CBS]

Sakurako, Hongakuteki Nihon Ryouri

Whenever Tokiwadai let out, there was always one girl in particular who sped through the streets whenever the fancy struck her. And be 'sped', she was actually 'hopping' from teleport to teleport towards her destination. A good way to practice her endurance and plus...Hongakuteki Nihon Ryouri had some of the best food in the entire city!

At least...that was the opinion of the teleporter rapidly making her way to the hybrid restaurant, red pony-tail flying behind her. Sakurako gave little care for decorum as she hurries towards her favorite spot, schoolbag in hand as she finally rounds the final corner to see the restaurant. That was about the time that Sanin was wearily tying on her apron, also about the same time that Sakurako pushed open the door.

"Hello~!" the energetic red-head calls out entirely too happily as she comes in, eying Sanin with a mischievous look in her eyes. "Aww, why do you insist on wearing such...slovenly things?"

The question was directed at Sanin herself, making several new customers freeze in surprise, even as those who had seen this spectacle before just shake their heads with a bemused expression on their faces.

In a flash Sakurako was behind the older and, frankly, intimidating woman and reaching her hands out. One is playfully rested on Sanin's hip while the other is a little more adventurous in traveling upwards.

"Did you at least wear something decent or feminine beneath these Mitsune-chan?" Sakurako teases before focusing for just a moment. In the next Sanin's sweatpants and white shirt appeared three feet to her left...and completely off her body. Good thing Sanin was still behind a counter and out of sight for the most part!

Giggling, the trickster quickly dances back and reappears back by the door, reaching up to cover her mouth with one hand as she looks critically at Sanin.

"Well I guess it's not too bad..." Sakurako muses aloud, gazing up at the ceiling before her phone begins to ring. She blinks rapidly, fishing it out of her pocket and looks at the front screen in confusion before flipping it open, "Hello? Hisagi-kun?"

The vibrant red-head seems utterly oblivious to the brewing danger behind her...


Sanin

Society drives it into the heads of humans that nudity is a condition that induces embarrassment. Perhaps that was why Sakurako was off guard after she stripped Sanin almost nude. Regrettably, Sakurako has forgotten one key piece of information that has instead doomed her, utterly and irreversibly:

Drunk people don't get embarrassed so easily.

Behind the distracted Sakurako, a stiff, mechanical smile appears on Sanin's face. Veins around her temples bulge as rage, mixed with liberal amounts of alcohol, builds up in Sanin, easily overwhelming any sense of impropriety she might have had at standing in a crowded restaurant wearing nothing but a track jacket.

"Sakurako-chan~?" The voice is sweet, sweet like a ripe apple laced with deadly poison. Sanin's wiry, toned arms wrap around Sakurako's throat in a neck snapping grip.

"Irasshai."

*Crack* (http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh314/13cbs/Neckbreak.jpg)

[nothingclever]

Kei, Kadokado Café

Kei felt today's classes had been especially boring. As a result he was eager to leave and find something fun to do when he heard the dismissal chime. Once he had exited the school grounds he headed quickly to the Kadokado Café, specifically its second floor. Upon entering he swiftly took a seat and waited for a server.

[Kasanip]

Kanazuchi Kazumi

Winter.... it was that magical time in Academy city, where the normally tall and gleaming buildings were now matched with a light snow. Small flakes fell even as bells rang, and it gave a kind of Christmas and New Year Holiday feeling to the atmosphere.

But it was cold. Kazumi hated the cold.

She was running in an undignified manner for a student of the famous princess school [Tokiwadai], fighting wind and holding her bag to her chest. Mittens and a hat were her only protection from the annoyance of the weather.

Of course, the forecast had said it would be like this. And of course she prepared like the other girls in the dormitory.

But the reason that Kazumi is running is because of the noisy people chasing her angrily. Yes, another mistaken confrontation. Because of course, a girl who is out of school and running to chase a certain red-haired sempai who teleported a certain important blazer, is not interested in avoiding possible cultural failures. Like running into a certain group of young brats.

In specific, a group of brats whose member she had punched the week before when he had made an attempt to buy ice cream for her.

Yes, she could fight these boys now. But the dorm supervisor would hear, and that was a terrifying thought that made Kazumi run more quickly.

The snow was slippery, so she skidded around the corner and at last, she had arrived. She breathed a sigh of relief. It was convenient to have an ability such as hers, because she was not sweating or breathing hard. But here at the Hongakuteki Nihon Ryouri named restaurant, maybe she would find her target, and lose the troublesome boys.

"S-so cold!" She muttered to herself as she entered.

Ah, but as usual it is a scene of embarrassment, as expected of Sakurako.

[Mina Kobold]

Yamamoto Katsu

As the bell rang it's first chord and the teacher allowed the class to go a wind swept through the room.
Katsu was already in the hallway when his classmates were getting up, climbing out a window and speeding down he soon reached the roads outside Azabu Academy.

At this point Kei has been sitting for about three seconds, he might now notice the wind that blows the door up and closes it silently again. He might also notice that a fellow student from Azabu sitting right next to him

"Hi there! have you ordered yet? I wonder if they have cocoa today, I like cocoa. But they never have any. What do you want to order?"

[AmberVael]

Harada Rin

It went by so quickly that she barely could register what was happening.

Fast, stamping footsteps, heart racing as she sped down the street-

A shriek that tore from her throat, and then-

A loud thump that resounded not only in the air, but through her body.

...

Rin blearily opens her eyes.
"Ooooowwww..."
Everything was upside down? Rin tilts her head, and then falls over as her precarious balance is thrown off, giving a little eep of surprise as she lands in a small pile of snow. Slowly regaining her bearings, she looks back from where she came from, trying to work out precisely what had happened.

As a few bystanders stared at her, whispering to themselves, the memories of her impromptu but quite spectacular flight across a small patch of ice come back, and Rin's cheeks color with her embarrassment. She quickly brushes off the snow (or not really, it mostly just melts onto her now quite sodden uniform), picks herself up and tries to walk away as quickly as possible.

Feeling quite miserable, her head down, Rin enters Hongakuteki Nihon Ryouri. It wasn't where she had planned to go, or a place she was familiar with (in fact, where was she? She'd lost her way at some point), but it looked warm and like a place where she could get something to eat. She barely registers the situation she's stumbled into, and instead just tries to slip in quietly and get a seat, not wanting to garner attention due to her embarrassment.

Those who keep up with the times will probably recognize her as the new pride of Tokiwadai, a girl rumored to be a from a family rich enough that they could probably buy half the city right out, and a prodigy ability user. It's doubtful that anyone will actually know her personally yet though... which will probably make people curious, especially over why she has arrived here of all places. It's far from her school, certainly not a classy establishment, and just what had happened to her, anyway?

Rin herself just sits alone, her body somewhere between a posture of 'everything is definitely totally normal' and a less refined and more pathetic 'please don't look at me.'

[Frozen_Feet]

Fujii Hinata

Through the streets and crowds of wandering students, dances a tall figure dressed in a fluffy, pink wintercoat (http://gfx.neolodge.com/subeta/items/clothing_wintercoat_lightpink.gif), giggling as he slides on the thin sheen of ice formed on the walkways, whirling and jumping around as if he was figure skating. Brisk winter air makes his cheeks beam red even through layers of white powder as he makes his merry way towards his new workplace.

Overall, he seems to be dangerously stuck in his own little world. People scurry out of his way, not wanting to collide with the oblivious traveller. He smiles widely at passerbys as he prances past them, sometimes brushing their clother or hair, gathering several puzzled glances before arriving at the doorstep of Hongakuteki Nihon Ryouri.

"Yoshikawa-san! I'm here!", Fujii Hinata chirps as he pushes past Kazumi, small bits of frost and snow falling down from his head and shoulders. His smile is replaced by blank confusion as the odd scene begins registering in his mind. Several things immediatly jump to his mind, such as:

Why is Mitsu-chan wearing so few clothes?

Why is she choking that hapless girl?

And, most importantly:

"Oooh! Such adorable color!", Hinata shouts, hurrying next to Sanin and kneeing his superior to her side as he grabs hold of Sakurako's pony-tail, bronze eyes shining with enthusiasm. "What dye do you use? You must tell me, Pretty-chan!"

[Callos_DeTerran]

"Sakurako-chan~?" The voice is sweet, sweet like a ripe apple laced with deadly poison. Sanin's wiry, toned arms wrap around Sakurako's throat in a neck snapping grip.

"Irasshai."

*Crack* (http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh314/13cbs/Neckbreak.jpg)

Sakurako, Hongakuteki Nihon Ryouri

"Oh you know me, schools out and I always try to swing by Hongakuteki Nihon Ryouri for something quick to eat and to tease Mitsune-chan..." Sakurako says all too happily, until the restaurant holder's arms slide over her shoulders and around her neck, causing fear to grip her heart and freeze her mind. "H-h-hey there Sanin-san, I hope you didn't take that personall...ghhgh! Hisagi, she's got me! *crack*"

Sakurako's green eyes go wide, just as the neck-snapping motion is completed and she begins to fall down to the ground. Just before everything went black, she noticed Kazumi coming in and belatedly remembers she has the other's blazer in her school bag...and that someone is petting her pony-tail.

Goodbye sweet world!

============

Few Minutes Later...

Sakurako gives another apologetic bow to Kazumi and Sanin, a sheepish look on her face as she returns her younger class-mate's blazer.

"Sorry, sorry! Just can't help myself, besides Kazumi-chan you liked like you were too hot!" Sakurako says defensively, but with a good natured smile on her face. Truly it was all in good fun, something to brighten up an otherwise ordinary day, even as she casts a perturbed look at the...boy? Girl? The person who had been stroking her pony-tail before. Hinata's words make her flush, possessively grabbing her own pony-tail and running one hand along it.

"Hey, this is my natural hair color!" she says, lying but not too much, she was a redhead, she just dyed to this specific shade...Really!

"C'mon Kazumi-chan.." the red-head grumbles, heading towards one of the empty tables. She can't help but look curiously at the albino girl in the Tokiwadai uniform though...it couldn't be..could it?

[Kasanip]

Kanazuchi Kazumi
[A certain Japanese Restaurant]

Kazumi had been avoiding a fight only because she was stubborn enough to chase down Sakurako. But to stand inside of the restaurant and witness the neck twist, and then the dejected arrival of another sempai - and the most famous and legendary one of Tokiwadai- it was a small statement that Kazumi was unbalanced. The stranger who Kazumi decided to call 'Pink Jacket' was more off balancing.

Were the brats outside still? Kazumi turned to look. Oh, they had stared at the dejected Ace of Tokiwadai, and then run away.

To say that a fight with a Tokiwadai student is a bad idea is true. But of a place where there is two, it must be thought as a dangerous place. And if it is three, then it is advisable to run away.

Maybe they are smarter than they appear. Kazumi thought. With an exasperated look, she put her blazer on again, hit Sakurako lightly on the arm and followed Sakurako to the table.

"Oi, Kazusa sempai, I don't know who this...Pink Jacket friend is... But if you're going to do strange things with....Pink Jacket, then I'll excuse myself now. I think I see our 'Ace' over there."

[AmberVael]

Harada Rin
[Dripping at a Table]

Rin drops her books and bag next to her, sighing with relief as she notes they're undamaged. The same couldn't be said for her uniform, but that's a simpler matter to take care of. She could just get a new one, easy.

For a while, she doesn't seem to notice all the attention that is focusing on her, but eventually she catches on. Her eyes flick around, noting the various reactions and stares, feeling rather put on the spot. Had she done something wrong? Was there something in her hair? The fall hadn't damage her uniform, had it?

No wonder her mother had schooled her so much in keeping posture and poise- Rin really didn't think she could manage to sit so calmly if it hadn't been for that. It felt so weird to have everyone's eyes on her, and she didn't even know why. Surreptitiously she tries to check her uniform and hair, but... no, it probably wasn't anything in particular, just her poor state after her fall.

However, these thoughts quickly pass as she picks up a small menu and begins perusing it. She could choose whatever she wanted! What fun! Maybe she'd get a little of everything- she could do that, right? Her legs swing back and forth as she begins cheering up a bit. She was inside, and drying out a bit- it'd be fine.

[13_CBS]

Sakurako, Hongakuteki Nihon Ryouri

"Oh you know me, schools out and I always try to swing by Hongakuteki Nihon Ryouri for something quick to eat and to tease Mitsune-chan..." Sakurako says all too happily, until the restaurant holder's arms slide over her shoulders and around her neck, causing fear to grip her heart and freeze her mind. "H-h-hey there Sanin-san, I hope you didn't take that personall...ghhgh! Hisagi, she's got me! *crack*"



Sanin

Sanin still does not seem to care that half the restaurant is staring at her and the other half is staring at her lack of clothes. She grips Sakurako's head in a one handed vice grip, her utterly fake smile still on her face, but the sweet voice gives away to Sanin's usual guttural drawling.

"Okay, ya little brat. Told ya not to do that, didn't I? Do it again, and next time I strip YOU. 'Kay?"

"Wait, she's really going to do that?"

"Oh yeah, definitely."

"This place is awesome."

"And the next time you call me that, I'm putting pickles in yer burger. LOTS of 'em."



Fujii Hinata


"Yoshikawa-san! I'm here!", Fujii Hinata chirps as he pushes past Kazumi, small bits of frost and snow falling down from his head and shoulders.
[/color]

Sanin lets go of Sakurako's head and turns to her employee, the typical look of disgruntled boredom back on her face.

"Oh, heya part-timer. Get yerself ready, we've got a long day--*oof!* Hey!" She glares at Hinata, rubbing her side. "What was that for!? Watch it! " She starts towards Hinata, her rage kindled again...





Harada Rin
[Dripping at a Table]

Rin drops her books and bag next to her, sighing with relief as she notes they're undamaged. The same couldn't be said for her uniform, but that's a simpler matter to take care of. She could just get a new one, easy.

For a while, she doesn't seem to notice all the attention that is focusing on her, but eventually she catches on. Her eyes flick around, noting the various reactions and stares, feeling rather put on the spot. Had she done something wrong? Was there something in her hair? The fall hadn't damage her uniform, had it?

No wonder her mother had schooled her so much in keeping posture and poise- Rin really didn't think she could manage to sit so calmly if it hadn't been for that. It felt so weird to have everyone's eyes on her, and she didn't even know why. Surreptitiously she tries to check her uniform and hair, but... no, it probably wasn't anything in particular, just her poor state after her fall.

However, these thoughts quickly pass as she picks up a small menu and begins perusing it. She could choose whatever she wanted! What fun! Maybe she'd get a little of everything- she could do that, right? Her legs swing back and forth as she begins cheering up a bit. She was inside, and drying out a bit- it'd be fine.

...but she's distracted by the new customer.

"Wait a sec...haven't I seen her before?



Yamamoto Katsu

As the bell rang it's first chord and the teacher allowed the class to go a wind swept through the room.
Katsu was already in the hallway when his classmates were getting up, climbing out a window and speeding down he soon reached the roads outside Azabu Academy.

At this point Kei has been sitting for about three seconds, he might now notice the wind that blows the door up and closes it silently again. He might also notice that a fellow student from Azabu sitting right next to him

"Hi there! have you ordered yet? I wonder if they have cocoa today, I like cocoa. But they never have any. What do you want to order?"

Yoshikawa Futae

As Katsu accosts the unfortunate Kei, Futae's ears perk up to the sound of unattended customers. She twirls her way over to their table, notepad and pen in her hands.

"Hi~Hi~~!" Futae practically sings her greetings as she leans over and thrusts her face into Kei and Katsu's, a little too close for comfort.

"Welcome to Kadokado! What can Fu-chan get you today?"

[nothingclever]

Kei smiled coolly at Futae. Someone as pretty as her could never be too close for comfort. "I'll have the largest parfait you make. I've seen you serve some huge ones here before and I'm looking for a challenge." Katsu was another story. He was a thorn in his side. He had planned to pick one of the numerous Tokiwadai hotties out of the crowd and invite her over to eat with him privately but this energetic error just had to show up and ruin things.

[Frozen_Feet]

"Oh? Is that so?", Hinata chuckles as Sakurako makes her flustered reply. However, he deems obeying his new superior more important than teasing the red-haired girl. This time.

"Of course, Yoshikawa-san!", Hinata says primly, "I'll be ready in no time <3 !" Customers might take note of a large black backpack he's carrying with him, before he vanishes from the room, having gone to some well-hidden part of the seedy restaurant to change his clothes.

When he prances back to the main room few minutes later, he looks quite... different. The pink wintercoat has changed places with a plain yet sill rather comely red dress, and he's conjured up a wig with shoulder-lenght blonde hair, decorated with a large, red ribbon. Only his heart-shaped cast iron earrings seem to have stayed the same - even his way of moving is different as he prances to Rin, a pen and a notepad at hand.

"So, what can we do to you today, Ojou-sama?", he askes, smiling as charmingly as he just can at the pallid prodigy.

[Callos_DeTerran]

Sakurako

"Ow! What was that for? You act like I stole your skirt or something!" Sakurako says as Kazumi punches her in the arm, blinking rapidly as she's shaken out of her reverie by the blow, "Hey, I don't know who he is either! I don't remember him from the last time I was here..."

However, Sakurako's attention still seems distracted by the pallid girl that 'Pink Jacket' was swooping down towards. Suddenly she did a double check and felt a bit queasy. Now she remembered Pink Jacket from when she was here last...and casually flirting with her in a friendly manner. Ohh, she'd been tricked!

But to see a Level 5, the one from our school nonetheless, out of the Garden and here? Something must be up...

"Hey Kazumi-chan, lets go sit with her! Looks like she's here all alone...and just look at her! She's like a drowned kitten!" Sakurako whispers fiercely, feeling her sisterly instinct kicking in at the sight of the dripping Rin. Giving a quick tilt of the head to Kazumi, Sakurako is quickly out of their booth and sliding into Rin's with a large smile on her face.

"Don't you mean 'serve'?" the red-head says a bit shortly to Hinata, glaring daggers at him for just a moment, "And I'll just have a double hamburger and some Pocari Sweat."

Still glaring a little at Hinata, Sakurako turns to Rin and gives a warm smile. "Sorry..you just looked kind of lonely over here, I thought I'd keep you company. If I'm being a bother then I'll happily leave you be."

[AmberVael]

Rin

Rin tilts her head curiously at the reappearance of Hinata. She hadn't really looked at him at first, what with her head down and all, but she could have sworn he was a guy... but maybe this was someone different. Or maybe she simply didn't see right. Huh. Whatever. Just as she's reconciling these things in her mind, Sakurako slips into the booth quite unexpectedly, which causes her to blink. However, she quickly recovers at the other girl's words.

Friendly person! That's great!

Shaking her head, white hair sweeping with the motion gracefully, Rin beams at Sakurako.
"I don't mind!"
She looks down at her menu and puts both hands under her chin as she ponders it.
"But I don't know what to get either. All of it looks good."
Her violet eyes look back towards Hinata.
"Could I get a little of everything, maybe?"

The first response of someone in that position might be to laugh or make a strange face, but Rin just looks so hopeful and excited by the prospect that it might be hard to say no or make fun of her for it.

[Frozen_Feet]

"Hmmm?" Hinata gives Sakurako a quick glance as she marches to the scene. He takes quip at face value. Oh yes, I must focus. Can't scare away customers. Quickly, he scribbles down Sakurako's order, his friendly smile unfaltering under the daggers of her gaze. Rin's order still catches him off guard.

"I'm sorry, I don't think that's on the menu", he says apologetically. "We'll see what we can do, however. Maybe your friend could pick a dish for you if we can't manage this order?" He gives a hopeful look at Sakurako.

[Shades of Gray]

Outside A Certain Bank

The civilians were being kept out of the area around a bank, being held back by yellow tape and both Anti-Skill and Judgement operatives. A man had apparently taken hostages in his robbery of the bank.

Inside

A young, disheveled man sat atop one of the service counters, two large sacks of money behind him. At his side was a handgun, and in front of him were many terrified civilians and bank employees sitting on the floor. The man sighed, lighting a cigarette for himself to calm his nerves. It was supposed to be smoother than this. Damn Judgement getting in the way. He thought. But they can't get me here.

Outside Hitsushi was one of the first Judgement operatives on the scene, keeping the civilians away from the area as per the criminal's demands. A young girl came out of the bank to deliver a written message from the criminal, "If Judgement or Anti-Skill entered the bank then he'll start killing the hostages.

Inside

Suddenly the man could make out an approaching shape. Damn. I told them not to come in here. He shakily picked up the handgun. "Don't come any closer or I'll shoot!" He shouted at the approaching figure, pointing the handgun at a female hostage.

The figure raised its hands to show that it was unarmed. "I am not with Judgement or Anti-Skill. You have nothing to fear." It became clear that the figure was a woman based on her voice. The criminal lowered his gun slightly.

"I would just like to speak with you, sir." The woman said as she approached, her arms still in plain view. "Now, tell me your name."

Outside

Hitsushi was busy comforting the girl who had since then broken in tears. The girl's mother was still inside, but he could not do anything. It seemed to be at a stalemate for the time being. This frustrated him; why did they have to take the demands of a deranged criminal?

Inside

"Honda- It's Honda Hiroshi." He said reluctantly, still wary about this figure. "How the hell did you get in here? And how can I be sure that you aren't a member of Judgement or Anti-Skill?

"Simple, I walked." The girl said as she got closer, now the man could make out her appearance. She was of average height for her gender, perhaps a bit tall. Her hair was long and black, with several pink streaks in it. Entwined in her hair was a pale pink rose as well. The most striking part of the woman was her choice of clothing. She wore a black jacket over a pale blue dress. Both flared out at the hips quite dramatically. The outfit was complimented by a pair of long white gloves that extended past her elbows and thigh-high stockings. "I am not a member of Judgement, having no psychic abilities. And I am in direct violation of Anti-Skill dress-code. Furthermore, I would not be risking these hostages by entering. That's a breach of protocol."

The man slowly nodded, understanding.

Outside

The girl was incredibly worried about the fate of her mother. Hitsushi had to make her feel better. He went down on his knee to be at eye-level with the girl. "Shhhhh. Don't worry. It will be fine. We have Academy City's best operatives on the case." He patted the girl on the head. His words did not seem to be doing much.

Inside

The woman produced a small candy dispenser from a pocket on the inside of her jacket. "Would you like some candy?" She asked, popping a piece out onto her gloved hand.

"What? No." The man said, confused. "I still don't entirely trust you. It could be poisoned or something."

The woman sighed, eating the candy herself. "Mmm. Strawberry." She leaned against the service counter, seeming to be undaunted by the man's firearm. "Alright, so why do you need it?"

"What?" The man asked, confused.

"Why do you need the money?" She clarified, glancing over at the man in the corner of her eye.

Honda hesitated before answering with a sigh. "It's... It's to help my sister. We're very poor. My sister just got accepted into Tokiwadai. Ever since our parents died we have been struggling to make ends meet. Tokiwadai has always been a distant goal for her- And I have been supporting this dream. I never thought that she would have actually qualified." Honda put his head in his hands. "But now I can't stand to see her cry, and I needed some way to make the tuition. But I never thought it would end up like this."

Outside

Hitsushi put a hand on the child's shoulder. Shhhh. Your mother wouldn't want you to be crying. She would want you to be strong. Don't worry, she will be out soon. The child nodded slowly.

Inside

The woman nodded, moving closer to the man. "Does she know you are doing this?"

"No, she's at home right now." The man admitted, shaking his head.

"Do you think she would be proud of what you are doing?" The woman asked, turning to look at him directly.

"I-"

"Do you think that this is the way she would like to get into Tokiwadai? Do you think that she cares more about her school than her own brother?" The woman glared at him.

"I- no!" The man stood up, letting the gun fall to the ground. "You don't know who I am."

The woman slid the gun over to herself with her foot, picking it up and examining it. "Oh, I know who you are and what kind of person you are. You are a good person." The gun opened with a click, it was empty. "And you would not put someone's life at risk. If you leave now then your sentence will likely be reduced."

"I- I can't do that. Not to her. She won't want to see her brother in jail. Things are bad enough for us at it is!" Honda said, snatching the empty gun out of her hand.

The woman paused. "Alright... Listen. I got in through a hole in the wall that I created. The Anti-Skills and Judgement operatives are not positioned there; they do not even know it is there yet... I'll let you go."

Outside

"Alright. Are you feeling better?" Hitsushi asked the girl after she had a few minutes to regain her thoughts. The girl nodded. "Alright." He patted her head once more.

Inside

"Just like that?"

"Yes, just like that."

"Are you sure that there's no one out there who could bust me?"

The strangely dressed woman nodded.

Honda shook his head, feeling defeated despite getting away with the crime, walking away with both bags of cash.

"... Would you like some candy." She offered, with a smile.

"Sure. Thank you... for all of this." He said, taking a piece from the dispenser.

The hostages all began to make for the door.

Outside

"See? They are all coming out now." Hitsushi said as both he and the child approached the bank.

Inside

"I... never caught your name." Honda said, looking at the woman as he popped the candy in his mouth.

"Oh, it isn't important."

"Not important?"

"Well, not to you, goodbye." She said, as she walked away.

Outside

All of a sudden an explosion was heard, and Hitsushi rushed into the bank, letting go of the child's hand. "What the..." He said as he was confronted with a terrible sight. Money was scattered everywhere, most of it was burnt. In the middle of the ground there was a headless body, and blood was splattered everywhere.

The woman patted Hitsushi on the back. "Mission accomplished. It's all yours." She said, disappearing before he could even react.

The child and mother were reunited. The hostages and members of Anti-Skill and Judgement were unharmed. The criminal was neutralized. Mission accomplished. But why did Hitsushi feel bad?

The woman felt none of this remorse.

[Moon Wolf]

Hongakuteki Nihon Ryouri

Meiryoku walked up and cheerily entered the restaurant. She waved and grinned to her friends inside. How's everyone going? Cold? She wasn't even wearing a coat, only a light sweater. But then again, her abilities gave her a sort of immunity to cold.

[AmberVael]

Rin

"Okay."
Rin seems slightly confused by Hinata's response, but takes it in stride without comment, assuming he'll find some way to work it out for her. She could pay- she's sure they'll manage it for her somehow. Then again, she's used to having a private cook, so her optimism is likely unfounded.

With that taken care of, she turns her attention to Sakurako again, smiling.
"So, who are you?"
It's a little blunt, but the smile across her pale face, and her rather informal posture and cheery tone take all the edge out of the question, direct or not.

[13_CBS]

Kei smiled coolly at Futae. Someone as pretty as her could never be too close for comfort. "I'll have the largest parfait you make. I've seen you serve some huge ones here before and I'm looking for a challenge." Katsu was another story. He was a thorn in his side. He had planned to pick one of the numerous Tokiwadai hotties out of the crowd and invite her over to eat with him privately but this energetic error just had to show up and ruin things.

Futae

Futae gives Kei a playful smile. "Reaaally? Fu-chan's parfaits are really really big, you know! One guy thought he could eat it all, but he just got sick! All in front of the cute girls, too!" She giggles and twirls her pen.

"What flavor do ya want? We got chocolate, strawberry, mango, durian..." She absentmindedly tugs at the collar of her shirt, which has the top three buttons undone.


Sanin

As for Sanin at the Hongaku, she shuffles off into the backroom, her clothes in tow.

"Manager, we've got--AAH!"

"Huh? What's going--eek! Manager, why are you almost naked?!"

"What's wrong? Woah! Hey! Man, I'm glad I work here--" *Smack*

[nothingclever]

Kei, Kadokado Café

"I'm sure. Chocolate please. By the way, I have to say it's quite a pleasure to be served by the manager herself. You look lovely as always." Just as he had finished speaking an eruption of cries broke out. A few of said cute girls had spotted him and shouted in adoration altering even more to his presence causing a change reaction. "Kyaaa!~ It's really him! Azabu's ace! Ehhhhh?! Kei-kun is here? I'll have whatever he's having! Me too! Awww, he looks good enough to eat! *giggle* He's so dreamy!" Fortunately for Kei none of them could work up the courage to directly approach him and he wasn't swarmed by his many admirers. "I guess I'm good for business even without my powers," shrugged the esper.

[Maximum Zersk]

Cici and Catarino's Apartment

Cici closed the programs that were open. She stood up, picked up her pack, and walked towards the door.

"I'm going, then, Catarino, she called out.

"Alright, then," he called back.

Cici went through the door, and down the stairs. She walked back to Onizuka Middle School, towards the laboratory.

[Maximum Zersk]

Onizuka Laboratory

Cici opens the door to the laboratory. "Hello?" she calls.

[13_CBS]

Masaki

Masaki does not turn around as Cici walks in.

"Ms. Sato. We just got a memo from the ballistics team. They want a customized software program that can extrapolate and predict the ballistic performance of the 5.47mm x 48mm round that the Large Weapon will be using. The data's on the table over there, you just need to convert it into a software program." He motions a free hand over to a messy table with a stack of papers and a computer on it.

But then he remembers something.

"What, not even a hello or a how are you? Look, kid, no one's going to like being around you if you can't even say "hi", okay? Take it from me."

His sixth day at his new job, working with Moriyage.

"I mean, yeah, talking with people that you barely know isn't a whole lot of fun. Hell, I hate talking. To anyone."

The click of a lighter, the smell of smoke.

"But at least ask how they are. It'll make you less of a jack***."

Masaki coughs.

"How...how was your day at school, Ms. Sato?"

[Maximum Zersk]

Laboratory

Cici picked up the stack of paper and walked over to a computer.

"The usual," she said. "Catarino got in trouble when a falcon pooped in the classroom." Cici snickered a bit at this. "How was your class?"

She turned on the computer and opened up a programming language.

[Callos_DeTerran]

Ikisawa, District 10

"This is what you get for lording it over us!!"

Thud. A boot connecting with a side, the person curling up on the ground as the delinquents cluster around, two keeping an eye out at the end of the alley-way for any sign of trouble coming their way.

"S-stop I didn't...!"

BAM!

"Who said you could talk?! This isn't your prettied up schools esper! This is Psyche Raider territory and we won't let some snobby psychic look down on us!" the offender growls out, lean and mean looking teenager in a pink hoody. His face is heavily decorated with piercings, twisted up into an ugly scowl at the sight of the student curled up into a ball around his foot.

"Hey, Usunama-senpai, maybe we shouldn't do this, you know that the boss doesn't like stuff like this..." One of the others says anxiously, looking toward the mouth of the alley as if expecting Judgement or Anti-Skill to show up.

"Shut up you pansy! Mujou is on the other end of the district, and even if he does find out who's he going to believe? Six of his own men or some dirty esper?" the pierced man spits out, giving another hard kick to the curled up student's stomach, making the glasses-wearing boy whimper.

"But if he does..."

"The only way he's going to find out is..."

"If I come looking for my newest members?" the cold, hard voice sounds from the entry to the alley, Usunama and the other five turning to see the dark shadow standing there with the two look outs sprawled on the ground at his feet. Ikisawa stands tall with his bat held loosely in his left hand, duffel bag left discarded on the ground as he begins to slowly advance towards the small group. His black hair is spiky and pointed backwards, held back by a white head-band with it's long tails hanging down his back. A red coat is draped over his shoulders, but he wears no shirt beneath, revealing his muscled chest and stylized oni-skull tattooed across his pectorals. Despite the cold, he still dresses so casually, breath like a cloud of smoke before his hawk-like features. "What's going on here boys?"

"Please, you have to helURGHH!" the victim began to call out before Usunama's boot planted itself in his face and broke his glasses, shoving him back down the ground. Despite the uneasiness of his fellows, Usunama steps forward boldly with a lazy smile on his face.

"Hey boss! Glad you are here! We caught this psychic bastard trying to shake down some store owners while we were out. Thought we'd teach him a lesson, you know?" the bully drawls simply, spreading his arms out wide as if the thought Ikisawa might not believe him ever crossed his mind. For his part, Ikisawa appraises the scene with cold eyes...before finally looking to the esper of all people.

"...Hey kid, that true?" he says softly, bouncing his bat against his shoulder.

"Hey! Boss, I already told you what...!" Usunama begins to say.

"SHUT UP! If you aren't lying then I'll see the truth in his eyes." the Skill Out leader roars, making Usunama clam up, the beginning of apprehension coming to his face.

"N-no! It's not true! I was just getting some groceries and they started trying to get me to loan them some! I said no and..!"

"Alright, that's enough."

"C'mon Mujou-senpai, who ware you going to believe, your own guys or an esper?" Usunama says weakly, reaching into one pocket to palm the handle of a small knife earnestly.

"You know what I hate? Bullies. They prey on the weak because they think it's okay, that no one can stop them. Even in Academy City you see it happen. It's why I hunt down the espers who get drunk on their own abilities and pick on those without abilities because they think they are better. I hate them...but not because they're espers." Ikisawa explains as he shrugs his jacket off of his shoulders, letting it fall down to the cold ground as steam begins to rise off his body, "I refuse to let anyone pick on those weaker then them...but especially scum like you who do it for money or thrills."

"W-what are you going to do? Are you really going to fight your own men? You think you can take six of us?!" Usunama demands hotly, brandishing his knife in one hand while the others glance uneasily at one another...before moving to stand beside Usunama...except for the one who had doubted. He looked to Ikisawa for a couple of moments before retreating to the entrance of the alleyway. The pierced bully just begins to laugh, drunk on the odds as he boldly steps forward, "Maybe it's time someone else takes over...?!"

"QUIET!"

BAMF!

Ikisawa's bat comes around in a flash, slamming into the side of Usunama's cheek and laying him out cold on the ground in a single strike. Steam continues to rise off of his body, breath billowing from his mouth as an almost feral grin comes to his face.

"This is justice, pure and simple, justice against those who abuse others! Hey kid, give Judgement a call. Tell them that five delinquents need picked up for assaulting a student." he says to the one who had chosen to side with him, bringing his bad up again, "Best call now. This won't take long."

=========

Couple of Minutes Later

The five were strewn all over the alley, beaten, bruised, and bleeding while Ikisawa stands triumphant in their midst. A couple of small bruises can be seen on his arms where one of them had gotten in a couple of lucky blows. With a groan he bends over and lifts his coat off of the ground, beginning to saunter towards the entrance to the alley.

"A-ahh, thank you!" the student starts to call out, having long ago sat up to watch the brawl. He'd used a handkerchief to wipe the blood from his nose.

"Don't thank me. I ever find out you've done something like this, then you'll be next." Ikisawa states simply, slinging his coat over his shoulder and rushing out unto the street. "C'mon! Judgement will be here any minute!"

And then he was gone...

[Mina Kobold]

Yoshikawa Futae

As Katsu accosts the unfortunate Kei, Futae's ears perk up to the sound of unattended customers. She twirls her way over to their table, notepad and pen in her hands.

"Hi~Hi~~!" Futae practically sings her greetings as she leans over and thrusts her face into Kei and Katsu's, a little too close for comfort.

"Welcome to Kadokado! What can Fu-chan get you today?"

"Do you have cocoa today? I like cocoa, but I can never find any, maybe I should just stick to chocolate?"

... Katsu answers quickly as Kei finishes speaking.

[Callos_DeTerran]

Rin

"Okay."
Rin seems slightly confused by Hinata's response, but takes it in stride without comment, assuming he'll find some way to work it out for her. She could pay- she's sure they'll manage it for her somehow. Then again, she's used to having a private cook, so her optimism is likely unfounded.

With that taken care of, she turns her attention to Sakurako again, smiling.
"So, who are you?"
It's a little blunt, but the smile across her pale face, and her rather informal posture and cheery tone take all the edge out of the question, direct or not.

Sakurako

"Egh..." Sakurako seems taken aback by the very...straightforward question, but seems to recover herself in a couple of minutes.

Geez, you'd think for such a rich girl that she'd have better manners then that...

"Well..my name is Kasusa Sakurako." the redhead finally says, managing to get the words out with another, somewhat faltering, smile on her face. Again she gestures for Kazumi to join her, to help diffuse some of the tension this odd pallid girl had created.

"And that's my friend, Kanazuchi Kazumi. So you go to Tokiwadai to, huh? Kazumi and I do too, though she's a year younger then me." Sakurako says a bit obviously since, after all, they were all wearing the uniform still. Heavens only knows what the dorm supervisor would do to them if they were caught without wearing the uniform!

"I don't think I got your name thouh..."

[AmberVael]

Rin

"Harada Rin. It's a pleasure to meet you!"
While for most people this might be a formality, even if a kindly spoken formality, Rin appears to be completely honest. Though she's still soaked, and her manners are a bit odd, the presence of Kazumi and Sakurako seem to have entirely cheered her up, and set a beaming smile on her face; the genuine happiness in her words and expression is hard to ignore.

"I haven't been here very long, so I don't really know anyone yet except for a few of the teachers."
The words are a little random, but do help elaborate on her circumstances, and probably help confirm that this is the person the rumors are about. Then again, her name probably does that just as well- it wasn't like many people had her first name.
"But everyone seems nice so far."
She says optimistically, swinging her legs a bit more.

[Kasanip]

Kanazuchi Kazumi

Kazumi looks a little awkward as she sits down at the table with her two sempai.
Maybe it was because of Sakurako's absent reminder (was it a threat?) of the incident with a certain disappearing skirt.
Or maybe it was a slight feeling of insignificance next to the famous [Perverted Red Comet], and the famous [Ace of Tokiwadai].

"Nice to meet you." Kazumi said after Sakurako's brief introduction. It was strange, but it seemed the [Ace] was not so unfriendly or maybe as dangerous as some of the rumors. She seemed friendly anyway.

"Do you come here often?" Kazumi asked, pausing only to see a certain rival of hers appear. It was Yagami 'Meiryoku', the other 4th level second year student in Kanazuchi's class.
Kazumi raised a hand just high enough for 'Meiryoku' to see.

[Moon Wolf]

Hi! Meir walked closer to Kazumi. Yeah, I come here often enough. I come here more in the winter, though. She recognized Kazumi as the other 4th Level from her class, but she figured Kazumi knew that too. Is this seat taken? She motioned to an empty seat beside Kazumi.

[Frozen_Feet]

Seeing that Sakurako isn't going to be helpful, Hinata sigh and scribbles "... or Sanin Ultra Special China-Sized Mega Burger XL" next to Rin's order. After all, the infamous burger itself fits the descriptor of "a little bit of everything" moderately well.

He then turns to Kazumi and Meir, smiling politely. "Can I get something for you as well?"

[Moon Wolf]

Yup! Meir says cheerfully. One order of sukiyaki, please! Make sure you remember to put in extra enoki mushrooms!

[riccaru]

Yuki Toshi sits atop the freeway bridge, all around him shines his namesake, the bright snow of Academy City. A heavy sigh escapes his lips as he slides off the edge of the bridge, walking vertically down one of the large metal beams until he reaches the bottom of the bridge. Here he turn to hanging upside down , his legs dangling up toward the top of the bridge as he sits upside down in much the same manner as before. To an onlooker it might be disorienting.


"Nothing amazing ever happens here..." He says with a sigh. That was one of Yuki's favorite sayings from his favorite anime. He had seen so many things in Academy City too many times to really be surprised anymore, so it was also mostly true.

[13_CBS]

Kei, Kadokado Café

"I'm sure. Chocolate please. By the way, I have to say it's quite a pleasure to be served by the manager herself. You look lovely as always." Just as he had finished speaking an eruption of cries broke out. A few of said cute girls had spotted him and shouted in adoration altering even more to his presence causing a change reaction. "Kyaaa!~ It's really him! Azabu's ace! Ehhhhh?! Kei-kun is here? I'll have whatever he's having! Me too! Awww, he looks good enough to eat! *giggle* He's so dreamy!" Fortunately for Kei none of them could work up the courage to directly approach him and he wasn't swarmed by his many admirers. "I guess I'm good for business even without my powers," shrugged the esper.


"Do you have cocoa today? I like cocoa, but I can never find any, maybe I should just stick to chocolate?"

... Katsu answers quickly as Kei finishes speaking.

Futae

Futae giggles as well, giving Kei a teasing wink.

"Hee hee! Mr. Popular's gonna make my store popular too! Since you're such a great guy, I'll let you have the parfait for free if you can finish it in fifteen minutes!"

She then turns to Katsu. "Cocoa?"

Futae leans right up against Katsu's face, her piercing red eyes clashing with her sweet smile.

"Kadokado Café wouldn't be much of a café if we didn't stock cocoa, sweety!"

************************************************

Masaki

"...and don't just ask questions either, try hold a conversation if you can.

...heh. I feel like such a damn hypocrite. The single, chain smoking hermit tells the newbie how to socialize. Anyways, do as I say, not as I do, will you? Don't end up like me."

"It went...well."

"...you'll have to say more than that. Talk to them, not at them."

"*Ahem* I noticed at least 38 different classroom code of conduct violations over the course of the entire day; 20 incidents of talking, 3 pieces of contraband including 2 pieces of jewelery and 1 pair of sunglasses, 7 smuggled notes, 4 forgotten homeworks, and 4 cases of delinquency."

He pauses again, then continues. Masaki types some data into a computer as he speaks.

"You mentioned that your brother has a falcon?"

[Maximum Zersk]

Cici - Onizuka Laboratory

"Heh, no class is perfect I guess," Cici replied, smirking a little.

"Well, he doesn't exactly own it," she went on. "His esper power lets him talk to falcons, so they sometimes end up inside the classroom. So sensei usually holds him responsible when they do something."

She continued tapping code into the computer.

Speaking of Catarino...

Catarino - Apartment Roofs

Catarino stood up, and stretched. Well, he thought, guess I'll just go somewhere and not just sit around.

With that, he jumped down to the balcony and made sure the door was closed. Then, he jumped off the railing, reached out to grab a pole, slid down, and jumped to the ground safely. Once his feet touched the pavement, he sped off to god knows where.

[Mina Kobold]

Futae

Futae giggles as well, giving Kei a teasing wink.

"Hee hee! Mr. Popular's gonna make my store popular too! Since you're such a great guy, I'll let you have the parfait for free if you can finish it in fifteen minutes!"

She then turns to Katsu. "Cocoa?"

Futae leans right up against Katsu's face, her piercing red eyes clashing with her sweet smile.

"Kadokado Café wouldn't be much of a café if we didn't stock cocoa, sweety!"

Katsu smiles, as if he wasn't bothered at all

"Great, then I'll have some of that, by the way..."

As he speak, Katsu blurs into high-speed and disappear just to reappear standing right next to Futae less than half a second later.

"Why are you leaning so close, won't you fall?"

He looks mischievous now, maybe Futae should watch out for pranks when she leaves the table?

(He haven't done anything, but Futae don't know that :smallamused::smalltongue:)

[AmberVael]

Kanazuchi Kazumi

Kazumi looks a little awkward as she sits down at the table with her two sempai.
Maybe it was because of Sakurako's absent reminder (was it a threat?) of the incident with a certain disappearing skirt.
Or maybe it was a slight feeling of insignificance next to the famous [Perverted Red Comet], and the famous [Ace of Tokiwadai].

"Nice to meet you." Kazumi said after Sakurako's brief introduction. It was strange, but it seemed the [Ace] was not so unfriendly or maybe as dangerous as some of the rumors. She seemed friendly anyway.

"Do you come here often?" Kazumi asked, pausing only to see a certain rival of hers appear. It was Yagami 'Meiryoku', the other 4th level second year student in Kanazuchi's class.
Kazumi raised a hand just high enough for 'Meiryoku' to see.

Harada Rin

Rin shakes her head at the question, and looks a bit embarrassed (but not less talktative) as she admits her situation.
"No, I've never been here before. And I'm actually not really sure where I am- I got a little lost."
Despite her words and shame, the smile doesn't drop from her face.
"I was chasing after snowflakes and... I guess I got a little carried away."

She looks a little confused as Meir approaches and rather hijacks the conversation, but recovers quickly enough to give her a cheerful wave and greeting.
"Hello!"

[Callos_DeTerran]

Sakurako

The red-head blinks when Meir suddenly arrives and takes the seat beside Kazumi, a bit taken aback by the others abrupt appearance all of a sudden before her smile returns.

"Yeah, I'd be more surprised if someone wasn't being nice to you. But you just tell me if they aren't and I'll straighten them out, kay?" the more worldly Tokiwadai student says cheerfully, before a shadow is cast over her face and she glances at Kazumi, "Except if it's the dorm supervisor...then you're on your own. That woman is terrifying."

The usually fiery girl shudders at the thought of that stern woman, glancing around superstitiously before hunkering down a bit in her seat. Could never be too certain in these cases.

"That reminds me...what year are you? I'd say you are a second year like Kazumi off-hand..." Another perturbed blink and a glance at the others sitting at the table, "You...ah...you really don't know how you got here? Hmm..well I guess it's my duty to show you the way back then..but only after we've eaten!"

[nothingclever]

"Alright, it's a deal," he said confidently. Assuming Futae was momentarily distracted by Katsu's sudden movement he'd give her chest a somewhat covert once-over. Considering how close it was to them he figured it'd be rude not to.

[Moon Wolf]

Meir shuddered. The dorm supervisor is the devil trapped in a woman's body...

[Terry576]

[Town]

Hisagi had left his house right around the time that he heard the "She's got me!", and sighed.

"Goddammit, why does she always get into this kind of trouble? I swear, if she wasn't my oldest friend, I'd kill her."

He stalks through the streets, muttering darkly, and runs towards Hongakuteki Nihon Ryouri.

Wherever that is.

[AmberVael]

Harada Rin
[Awaiting a Ridiculously Large Order at Hongakuteki Nihon Ryouri]

"Okay!"
Rin says enthusiastically to Sakurako's various offers and conditions. The reactions over the dorm supervisor were confusing, but Rin is sure it'll be just fine. Right? Yeah, of course.

"I'm in the third year actually."
Rin clarifies, looking around at what other people are ordering and eating, just to satisfy her curiosity.
"They thought they might have to push me back a grade since I only just started into the program, but my parents made sure I got the tutoring I needed to start off in the right year."
She seems fairly happy about that turn of events.
"I still might not have made it, but they said I'm a quick learner."

A bit of an understatement, given her various achievements, not the least of which was advancing to level 5 in less than a year.

[13_CBS]

"Alright, it's a deal," he said confidently. Assuming Futae was momentarily distracted by Katsu's sudden movement he'd give her chest a somewhat covert once-over. Considering how close it was to them he figured it'd be rude not to.

Futae

Kei's sneaking, momentary glance is somehow noticed despite Katsu's antics. She's got sharp eyes, indeed...

"Heeey," pouts Futae, placing a (not so obscuring) hand over her chest and pretending to look dismayed, "You pervert! Fu-chan can't get married if you do that!"

Her demeanor quickly changes back to her normal, cheerful self, however.

"Just kidding! Maybe you should check out the other gals, too! Hee hee!"



Katsu smiles, as if he wasn't bothered at all

"Great, then I'll have some of that, by the way..."

As he speak, Katsu blurs into high-speed and disappear just to reappear standing right next to Futae less than half a second later.

"Why are you leaning so close, won't you fall?"

He looks mischievous now, maybe Futae should watch out for pranks when she leaves the table?

(He haven't done anything, but Futae don't know that :smallamused::smalltongue:)

In response, Futae leans even closer, so that her nose is almost touching Katsu's.

"No worries, no worries~! Fu-chan used to be a dancer, you know!"

She pulls back and heads off to make the drinks and parfait. As she walks off, she coyly waggles her butt just once and winks at Kei and Katsu.



Katsu smiles, as if he wasn't bothered at all

"Great, then I'll have some of that, by the way..."

As he speak, Katsu blurs into high-speed and disappear just to reappear standing right next to Futae less than half a second later.

"Why are you leaning so close, won't you fall?"

He looks mischievous now, maybe Futae should watch out for pranks when she leaves the table?

(He haven't done anything, but Futae don't know that :smallamused::smalltongue:)


Cici - Onizuka Laboratory

"Heh, no class is perfect I guess," Cici replied, smirking a little.

"Well, he doesn't exactly own it," she went on. "His esper power lets him talk to falcons, so they sometimes end up inside the classroom. So sensei usually holds him responsible when they do something."

She continued tapping code into the computer.

Masaki

Masaki continues typing data into the computer for a second longer until he pauses.

"Animal Empathy? I didn't know that was even possible.

...

Hmm..."

"Interesting. What school does your brother go to?"

[riccaru]

The door to Hongakuteki Nihon Ryouri opens, letting in a cold draft from outside. Now inside the door stands Yuki, his clothes and hair dripping wet. It looks as if he fell from the bridge into the freezing cold water underneath. "I really need to work on that. The water's a little cold this time of year." He says to no one in particular before going to the counter and ordering a hot drink and some french fries.

[Frozen_Feet]

[Hongakuteki Nihon Ryouri]

As it seems Kazumi isn't going to order anything, Hinata tiptoes away. There are other customers to account for. After a while, he delivers the orders to the kitchen - hoping that Sanin won't throw a hissy fit over Rin's order. If everything goes well, Sakurako and Meir will soon get their dishes - Rin, unfortunately, might have to wait for a while longer...

[13_CBS]

[Hongakuteki Nihon Ryouri]

As it seems Kazumi isn't going to order anything, Hinata tiptoes away. There are other customers to account for. After a while, he delivers the orders to the kitchen - hoping that Sanin won't throw a hissy fit over Rin's order. If everything goes well, Sakurako and Meir will soon get their dishes - Rin, unfortunately, might have to wait for a while longer...

Sanin

Outside in the dining area of the restaurant, screaming can be heard.

"SHE WANTS A SANIN SPECIAL BURGER?! OH DAMMIT, WHY DON'T I EVER TAKE THAT STUPID THING OFF THE MENU!! YOU KNOW HOW MUCH GROUND BEEF I HAVE TO LUG AROUND?! HOW MUCH DAMN CHEESE I HAVE TO GRATE?! AND THERE'S LIKE A GARDEN'S WORTH OF TOMATO AND LETTUCE IN THAT THING!"

Sanin grabs onto Hinata's collar and shakes him back and forth as she vents her spleen on him.

"AND IT'S EITHER THAT, OR EVERYTHING ON THE MENU! LOOK AT IT! YOU KNOW HOW MUCH FOOD THAT IS, PART TIMER?! POUNDS N' POUNDS OF IT! And I gotta cook it all, and there's gonna be food inspectors cuz of...cuz of...and they'll..."

Overcome with despair, Sanin sinks to the floor and begins wailing (mostly the drunk kind).

[Terry576]

Hisagi gives up on searching for the cafe, and decides to go fix the electricity in his apartment.

Everyone in the building sighs as they see him go up, with his sleeves rolled up, and start to try and fix his electricity. Whispers can be heard.

"Is he gonna break the power again?"

"Why doesn't he just get that teleporting friend of his to go and find a electrician?"

"Last time we didn't have power for a week!"

A vein pulses in his head as he whirls around.

"Look, this is REALLY hard to do, so I would appreciate it if you all just SHUT UP!"

A stray strand of lightning arcs from his finger, and the world seems to slow down as the occupants watch in horror as it zaps the light bulb.

The power in the entire building, and most of the power within a five building radius goes down.

And everyone in those buildings hears Hisagi's scream:

"OH SON OF A-"

[Frozen_Feet]

[Hongakuteki Nihon Ryouri]

As Hinata is taller and likely stronger that his drunken superior, he isn't fazed by Sanin's behavious. In fact, he kinda appreciates her roughness. Of course, to the outside world he just looks like a hapless waitress being abused by "her" heartless superior. "Please, don't be angry at me, Sanin-sama. I'm just doing my job." Maybe he can guilt her to giving him better pay later on?

He's still caught off guard when she breaks down in desperation. "Please, calm down, Sanin-sama", he says, trying to sound as calming and encouraging as possible. Snatching a piece of paper from a nearby table to offer as a handkerchief, he kneels down beside her and pats her on the back. "We're here to help you. Together, we will surely overcome this obstacle. There's nothing to worry about."

[Moon Wolf]

Thanks! Meir calls back and begins to dig into her sukyaki.

[nothingclever]

Kei, Kadokado Café

Kei's face lit up with a gleeful smile and he chuckled quietly in response to Futae's teasing. Rather than be embarrassed he was just glad she was such a good sport and didn't miss a beat when it came to playing along.

[Kasanip]

Kanazuchi Kazumi

Having missed the time to buy food because a certain writer was sleeping, Kazumi is depressed by the good smell of food.

But Harada Rin's explanation of chasing snowflakes is hard to comprehend because Kazumi thinks of the word 'chase' to mean something different.

But then Sakurako says something of surprise to Kazumi, because of course the [Ace of Tokiwadai] - the legendary student who was [Level 5] the fastest in the city - was a third year student in Sakurako's class. To not know this, left Kazumi's mouth open with surprise.

[Maximum Zersk]

Masaki

Masaki continues typing data into the computer for a second longer until he pauses.

"Animal Empathy? I didn't know that was even possible.

...

Hmm..."

"Interesting. What school does your brother go to?"

"Right here at Onizuka," Cici replied.

[Mina Kobold]

Futae

Kei's sneaking, momentary glance is somehow noticed despite Katsu's antics. She's got sharp eyes, indeed...

"Heeey," pouts Futae, placing a (not so obscuring) hand over her chest and pretending to look dismayed, "You pervert! Fu-chan can't get married if you do that!"

Her demeanor quickly changes back to her normal, cheerful self, however.

"Just kidding! Maybe you should check out the other gals, too! Hee hee!"


In response, Futae leans even closer, so that her nose is almost touching Katsu's.

"No worries, no worries~! Fu-chan used to be a dancer, you know!"

She pulls back and heads off to make the drinks and parfait. As she walks off, she coyly waggles her butt just once and winks at Kei and Katsu.

Katsu sits down again, this time at a visible speed, and grins.

"This place is always so much fun, have you ever been served by Fu-chan before?"

The last being directed at Kei as Katsu yet again changes subject in a heartbeat.

(I'm considering adding Motormouth to Katsu's list of Tropes, think it's a good idea?)

[nothingclever]

"Yeah, a few times. I've been occasionally coming here for a while now. The food's great and so is the scenery." He shook his head in the direction of a group of girls. Kei had given up on inviting one over and decided to make the best of the current situation.

[13_CBS]

Futae

Soon after, Futae comes waltzing back with a cup of cocoa in one hand and a parfait cup best described as a glass bucket. How she manages to hold on to all of the stuff while prancing about is a mystery.

"Theeeeeeere ya go! One cocoa, and one chocolate extra large Parfait! Enjoy! Hee hee!"

She hands Kei a spoon, one that resembled a garden spade in size and shape.



"Right here at Onizuka," Cici replied.

Masaki

"I see...

Can your brother control other animals? Has he tried?"

[Mina Kobold]

Futae

Soon after, Futae comes waltzing back with a cup of cocoa in one hand and a parfait cup best described as a glass bucket. How she manages to hold on to all of the stuff while prancing about is a mystery.

"Theeeeeeere ya go! One cocoa, and one chocolate extra large Parfait! Enjoy! Hee hee!"

She hands Kei a spoon, one that resembled a garden spade in size and shape.

"Cocoa!"

Katsu grabs the cocoa and start gulping down as if he had been without water for days and had just found a fountain of the most delicious drink he could imagine, the last part likely true in Katsu's case.
Halfway through he stops and looks at Futae with one eye closed

"Thank you, Fu-chan! It. Is. Delicious!"

... The statement emphasised by much gesturing that should logically make the cocoa fly to all sides and yet when Katsu returns to drinking it's all still there.

[nothingclever]

The esper was unfazed by what now stood in front of him on the table. He had already known what to expect when he made the order. Before attempting to eat the mammoth melting milk monstrosity Kei had another idea in mind and looked up at Futae. "Thanks. Since you've got such a good sense of humour I was wondering if you'd be alright with me using my power on you as a token of appreciation."

[13_CBS]

"Cocoa!"

Katsu grabs the cocoa and start gulping down as if he had been without water for days and had just found a fountain of the most delicious drink he could imagine, the last part likely true in Katsu's case.
Halfway through he stops and looks at Futae with one eye closed

"Thank you, Fu-chan! It. Is. Delicious!"

... The statement emphasised by much gesturing that should logically make the cocoa fly to all sides and yet when Katsu returns to drinking it's all still there.

Futae

Futae nods and smiles, leaning over to one side with her hands behind her back.

"It's gooood, isn't it? Want another one?"


The esper was unfazed by what now stood in front of him on the table. He had already known what to expect when he made the order. Before attempting to eat the mammoth melting milk monstrosity Kei had another idea in mind and looked up at Futae. "Thanks. Since you've got such a good sense of humour I was wondering if you'd be alright with me using my power on you as a token of appreciation."

She leans in again, her crimson eyes peering deeply into Kei's.

"And what kind of power do you have, Mr. Popular?"



[Hongakuteki Nihon Ryouri]

He's still caught off guard when she breaks down in desperation. "Please, calm down, Sanin-sama", he says, trying to sound as calming and encouraging as possible. Snatching a piece of paper from a nearby table to offer as a handkerchief, he kneels down beside her and pats her on the back. "We're here to help you. Together, we will surely overcome this obstacle. There's nothing to worry about."

Sanin

Sanin hugs her knees tightly and rocks back and forth, hiccuping and sobbing the whole while. She grabs the piece of paper from Hinata (a grocery list she'd written earlier) and blows loudly into it.

"*Sniff* There's always somethin' to worry about! The food inspectors, the orders, the damn burger I keep forgettin' to take off the menu..."

[nothingclever]

Kei leaned forward to the point that their noses almost touched and returned her stare with a little smile. He was really enjoying this unique type of attention. It was pretty amusing. "The ability to make people feel good in a variety of ways. In this case you could think of it as psychic spa treatment."

[Callos_DeTerran]

Sakurako, Restaurant

The red-head feels Kazumi's shocked look, feeling her cheeks beginning to sheepishly turn pink themselves before slumping down at the table. Awkwardly she pushes her plate halfway across the table so Kazumi could have some as well even as she props her head up in one hand.

"What?...Don't look at me like that! I've been really busy lately, my attention hasn't been all there during class..." Sakurako mutters defensively, slumping down further in her seat to avoid the glances of the others.

"...Anyway! So you became a Level 5 in just under a year Rin-chan? That's pretty amazing...I've been a Level 4 for what seems like forever now...And good for you at that! Doesn't hurt to have a mascot for Tokiwadai!" And at those words Sakurako would spring to the side to hug the pallid Ace to her, grinning mischievously as she gives Rin a squeeze, "And so adorable too! Your like what a fusion of Gekota and Chappy would be!"

Then, just like that, Sakurako is sitting normally once more with a big smile on her face as she looks to the other red-head.

"What about you...?...Wait...you look familiar...I think Kazumi mentioned you.." the older schoolgirl says thoughtfully, rubbing her chin.

[Maximum Zersk]

Masaki

"I see...

Can your brother control other animals? Has he tried?"

Cici stopped typing. "Hm," she said thoughtfully, "Yeah, I think he has. It's only worked on falcons and falcon-like birds, though."

She started typing again.

[AmberVael]

Harada Rin
[In the Midst of Events at the Eatery]

Rin looks off towards the kitchen where Sanin is shouting, quickly getting the impression that she did something wrong. It's a little confusing though; was it really such a terrible request? Why? Her mind works on this puzzle, and she feels like she is about to reach a conclusion-

HUG SQUEEZE.

As Sakurako springs on her, Rin is taken completely by surprise. She makes a small 'eep' sound, and looks thoroughly unsure of what to do and just what was going on until the other girl draws away.

"Um, thank you."
She says, recovering from the sudden attack. For someone so friendly and cheerful, she certainly seems taken off guard and perplexed by the hug. However, the smile soon slips back onto her face, just as brilliant as before.
"Thank you."

[Kasanip]

Kazumi
[A certain restaurant table]

We have too many 'mascot' characters of Tokiwadai already. is Kazumi's silent thought, as she looks sideways at the "Perverted Red Comet." Of course in a city of students like this, there were many abilities that were useful or annoying. But maybe it was [Personal Reality] to decide these traits, which had bad meanings for a certain sempai's thinking, Kazumi thought.

"Check your clothing Harada sempai. All of it." Kazumi issues a warning quietly to the Ace of Tokiwadai. It is a warning from a student who has suffered embarrassment several times because of it.

[Frozen_Feet]

[A certain seedy restaurant]

Hinata bites his lips. Uh huh. Doesn't seem like my tactic is working. Time to try another kind of approach. Hopefully, this doesn't get me fired. Or killed.

Hinata shifts himself before Sanin and grabs her head between his hands, forcing her to look him in the eye. "You can't do this to us, Sanin-sama! The customers are waiting! You can't let them down!" His voice is stern, making him sound almost like Sanin's accusing ... big sister? Mother? In either case, the scene is becoming more bizarre by the moment. "Or do you want them to know you as useless drunkard? As Mitsune-chan, who never got food to anybody? Pull yourself together, woman!"

[13_CBS]

Cici stopped typing. "Hm," she said thoughtfully, "Yeah, I think he has. It's only worked on falcons and falcon-like birds, though."

She started typing again.

Masaki

Masaki starts to get carried away. "Do you know what the AIM Field mechanics are for your brother's power? What training regiment is he undergoing?"



Kei leaned forward to the point that their noses almost touched and returned her stare with a little smile. He was really enjoying this unique type of attention. It was pretty amusing. "The ability to make people feel good in a variety of ways. In this case you could think of it as psychic spa treatment."

Futae

Futae's eyes continue to spear straight through Kei.

"Spa treatment! Ooh! Fu-chan's been saving up for a vacation, maybe she could just have you instead!" She giggles again, backs off, and spins around once. Then she stops and tilts her head to the right, her hands behind her back again.

"Is this why all the girlies like you, Mr. Popular?"



[A certain seedy restaurant]

Hinata bites his lips. Uh huh. Doesn't seem like my tactic is working. Time to try another kind of approach. Hopefully, this doesn't get me fired. Or killed.

Hinata shifts himself before Sanin and grabs her head between his hands, forcing her to look him in the eye. "You can't do this to us, Sanin-sama! The customers are waiting! You can't let them down!" His voice is stern, making him sound almost like Sanin's accusing ... big sister? Mother? In either case, the scene is becoming more bizarre by the moment. "Or do you want them to know you as useless drunkard? As Mitsune-chan, who never got food to anybody? Pull yourself together, woman!"

Sanin

Sanin sulks some more, all of Hinata's efforts seemingly in vain, but...



"Mitsune-chan!"




"Mitsune-chan!"




"Mitsune-chan!"


Sanin practically leaps up and grabs Hinata by the throat. The chilling smile is back.

"Part-timer," she growls.

"What have I told you about calling me Mitsune? Hmm?"

At least she's not depressed anymore.

[Frozen_Feet]

Hinata is mentally prepared for Sanin's otburst - at least enough to restrain the reflex to punch her in the face. Instead, he smiles brightly at her. "Sanin-sama! You're back with us!", he chimes, trying to gently loosen her grip with his fingers. "That's wonderful... *choke* ... now, would you mind *gag* letting go of my... throat... the customers... await..."

[Moon Wolf]

(Sorry for the wait :smallredface: )

Meir grinned and offered her hand for Sakurako to shake. I'm Meiryoku, but please, just call me Meir. I'm a Level 4, like you!

[nothingclever]

Kei, Kadokado Café

Kei withdrew his face as well and sat leaning back a bit so he could comfortably look up at Futae. "Well that's one reason. Sometimes if people look like they're feeling down I volunteer to help them out with my ability. Sometimes they make requests. When you're a level five and go to one of the most prestigious schools around word can really spread fast about what you do. A lot of people think if you're in my situation you must be special and a great guy. I don't think it's a big deal but I guess they're kind of right. I like to think I'm pretty nice." He paused for a moment and then spoke dryly. "So, what do you say? All I need to do is look at you, and despite your recent protests, you don't seem to mind that much."

[Silverraptor]

Academy City Airport

The sky was darkening ever more that street lights were beginning to turn on. The falling snow had a mystical look about it as night was approaching. Above the airport, a bright white light accompanied by a red and blue blinking light was lowering itself down out of the sky. The Airliner lowers down the landing gear as the ground quickly comes up to greet it. There is a short screech and the airliner jumps up a foot in the air before landing back down on the runway. The snow is blown away as the airliner rapidly slows to a stop. Then, turning off the runway, it slowly works its way toward the gate is was assigned to station at.

Inside the airliner, a female flight attendants voice sounds over the speakers.
["Welcome to Acadmey City, Japan."]

[Mina Kobold]

Kei, Kadokado Café

Kei withdrew his face as well and sat leaning back a bit so he could comfortably look up at Futae. "Well that's one reason. Sometimes if people look like they're feeling down I volunteer to help them out with my ability. Sometimes they make requests. When you're a level five and go to one of the most prestigious schools around word can really spread fast about what you do. A lot of people think if you're in my situation you must be special and a great guy. I don't think it's a big deal but I guess they're kind of right. I like to think I'm pretty nice." He paused for a moment and then spoke dryly. "So, what do you say? All I need to do is look at you, and despite your recent protests, you don't seem to mind that much."

"You're level five?"

Katsu looks at Kei while momentarily taking a break in drinking his cocoa.

"That is so cool, how did you get good enough for that?"

[Anyr]

And so the chattering occupants of Hongakuteki Nihon Ryouri whiled away the time with frivolous banter, unaware that as they spoke devious machinations were being set into motion. For, unbeknownst to them, they would soon bear witness to a meticulously planned operation performed with military precision. In fact at that very moment the architect of this grand design stood literally on their doorstep. His hands reached towards the door handle, but at the last moment he hesitated. Despite all the contingencies in place doubts began to form in his mind. Had he miscalculated?

"Come on Jirou, don't let your fears control you. You're just walking into a room..."

Of course, he knew full well that it was much more than that. This was an attempt at something which he believed to be the foundation stone of fame and fortune: The perfect entrance. If he could only master this ancient and subtle art the world would be his oyster. Taking comfort from this thought, Kiyoshi Jirou drew in one last deep breath and pushed open the door.

The door swung open and Jirou followed in its wake, perfectly in synch with its movement. The day was cold and windy, so there was to create a commotion to draw attention; The sudden chill and whistle of incoming air would do that job for him. He crossed the threshold at a leisurely pace, passing the door just as it began its backward swing. He helped it on its way with a gentle tap, but this was no vulgar kick; The backward swing of his foot as he walked coincided exactly with the door's arrival, making it a purely natural part of his established motion. It was almost as if some divine force had prepared the moment in advance so as not to disrupt Jirou's movement.

All right, so far so good. The first few seconds were out of the way, but there was still half a room to cross yet. This was supposed to be the perfect entrance, so no ordinary walk would do. It had to be forceful yet casual, confident yet approachable. Of course, it was very difficult to create such a rhythm with your legs when said legs felt like they were turning to jelly. Only the thought of how ridiculous he'd look by stopping now kept Jirou in motion now.

"Yes, that's it...One two one two...Don't forget to breathe..."

After what seemed like an eternity his destination neared: An empty table which, like everything else in this performance, had been chosen with great care. It was just far enough from the occupied tables to make it clear that its user wasn't part of any clique, while still being close enough to join one if an invitation was forthcoming. Now at last only one manoeuvre remained. With a nervousness that thankfully didn't show, Jirou spun in a perfect quarter circle and slid smoothly into his seat. His face was still carefully neutral, but inside he was singing in joy. With a last casual flourish he swung his legs around, placed them defiantly on the table and leaned back in his chair...

....which promptly fell straight backwards. The gallant young man was sent unceremoniously tumbling to the floor, and the spell was broken. For a while he simply lay where he had fell, holding back some of the more colourful curses that threatened to leave his mouth. Eventually he mustered the energy to haul himself up, all grace and dignity long since spent. Righting his chair, he sat back down in it and hesitantly beckoned for someone to take his order.

"So close."

[nothingclever]

Kei turned partially to Katsu briefly. "I simply naturally have a high level of mental focus in general and I put a lot of effort into my training. My parents always stressed the importance of a keen and open mind and that's what I've tried to foster in myself even before I took part in the power program," said Kei plainly. He then returned his full attention to Futae. He worried not about his titanic treat. It wouldn't melt significantly anytime soon.

[Callos_DeTerran]

Sakurako

Sakurako blinks at the odd gesture from Meir, but passes it off as the other student having picked it up by one the foreign students within Academy City. Wasn't that a western custom? What was she supposed to do...? Oh right! The other red-head reaches out, shaking Meir's hand slowly but with her warm smile never dimming. Already she could tell that Rin and Meir would likely be good friends to have around. If nothing else, it'd give her someone to tease besides Kazumi.

"Is that so Meir-chan? Well good for you! Lots people don't know how hard it is to work up to Level 4...how'd you know I was though?" She muses aloud, leaving one arm comfortably draped over Rin's shoulder for the moment. It's definitely a peculiar action, but she's trying to make the pallid girl feel welcomed in this small group, "I remember where I heard about you though!"

Before she could elaborate on that though, Jirou made his grand entrance and even Sakurako had to wince when he abruptly fell unto the floor like that. She'd just been about to go help him back up when he got back up on his own, though she keeps an eye on him for a moment or two to make sure he was alright.

[Moon Wolf]

Meir grins back. Yeah, I'm not from Japan...I'm from a little European country called Croatia, so that's why I still do a lot of more western things. And- she was just about to ask if Sakurako and her friends wanted to join her at her house later on when Jirou made his...spectacular...entrance. Wow... Meir said. You think the guy's all right? She couldn't help but stare at him.

[13_CBS]

Kei, Kadokado Café

Kei withdrew his face as well and sat leaning back a bit so he could comfortably look up at Futae. "Well that's one reason. Sometimes if people look like they're feeling down I volunteer to help them out with my ability. Sometimes they make requests. When you're a level five and go to one of the most prestigious schools around word can really spread fast about what you do. A lot of people think if you're in my situation you must be special and a great guy. I don't think it's a big deal but I guess they're kind of right. I like to think I'm pretty nice." He paused for a moment and then spoke dryly. "So, what do you say? All I need to do is look at you, and despite your recent protests, you don't seem to mind that much."

Futae

Futae squints her eyes and studies Kei. "So you're the one they call Bliss Maker, huh? Fu-chan's heard about you...hmm..."

She thinks for a second, then grins widely and places her hands on her hips, chest thrust outward.

"Okay, Mr. Popular! Give it a shot!"



Hinata is mentally prepared for Sanin's otburst - at least enough to restrain the reflex to punch her in the face. Instead, he smiles brightly at her. "Sanin-sama! You're back with us!", he chimes, trying to gently loosen her grip with his fingers. "That's wonderful... *choke* ... now, would you mind *gag* letting go of my... throat... the customers... await..."

Sanin

Sanin continues to glare at Hinata for a few more seconds before letting him go.

"Grr...alright, alright. I'll have to get cracking on that food anyway."

As she turns around, she calls over her shoulder to Hinata.

"By the way...thanks, part timer."

[AmberVael]

Harada Rin

Rin looks a little perplexed and slightly uncomfortable about the teleporter's continued hold on her, especially after Kazumi's whispered comment. She gives Kazumi a confused and worried look before looking over herself quickly- she didn't see anything missing...

Her mild discomfort seems rather unusual given the very cheery and friendly attitude she seems to possess.

However, she's quickly distracted by Jirou and the comments of her peers about him. While they speak to each other, Rin leans over (to see past Sakurako) so she can see him directly.
"Are you okay?"
She asks him, letting her voice carry over to him, disregarding the usual social distance people keep. Rin looks genuinely concerned and worried, however.

[Anyr]

Jirou was shaken out of his self pitying funk by a refined voice drifting in his direction. He couldn't help but wince at the concern and sympathy in the enquiry; After trying so hard to be seen as a 'lone wolf', being reduced to 'wounded puppy' was rather disheartening. The last thing he needed was a few scattered crumbs of pity from some random...Wait, was that Harada Rin?

No, don't be silly. It couldn't be. It was probably some other albino schoolgirl from Tokiwadai. There were a lot of those running around, right? Yes, that was it. No need to panic. No need to-Oh Kami, she was still looking straight at him! Say something you fool! No, on second thoughts don't say anything. You always make a complete mess of things whenever you open your mouth. Just nod. That's right, just nod.

Only once, you moron! Only nod once! Great, now she thinks you're a bobblehead doll. Congratulations, Jirou; Your one shot at making a good impression on Harada Rin and you blew it. Game over, thanks for playing. We now return you to your regularly scheduled life, already in progress. Just lower your eyes and drink your milkshake...

And so he did.

[nothingclever]

Kei, Kadokado Café

"Okay." And so Kei took a few seconds to work his magic. Futae felt as if she had been given a world class, fully body, sensual massage. Every ache she had experienced in the past, small or great, suddenly vanished. Tension in places she didn't even know she had melted away allowing her to move with a newfound sense of grace and poise. Any feelings of anxiety, lethargy and indecision were replaced with clarity of thought and liveliness. To top it off she'd feel as if she had just stepped out of a long, relaxing, delightfully warm bath. She was completely physically and mentally revitalized and would likely continue to be in such a state for the rest of the day.

[Maximum Zersk]

Masaki

Masaki starts to get carried away. "Do you know what the AIM Field mechanics are for your brother's power? What training regiment is he undergoing?"


If Cici's annoyed by it, she doesn't show it. :smalltongue:

"I don't know," she answers.

[Terry576]

[Streets]

Hisagi sighed as he walked over to the Kadokado Café.

"Jeez, that went badly. Bloody stupid other occupants of the building..."

He walks in, and sits down somewhere, not noticing anybody else.

"Better check up on Sakurako-chan while I wait for some food..."

He flips open his phone and dials her number.

[Callos_DeTerran]

Sakurako

"...I think he's the kinda guy who's never completely alright." Sakurako says, still looking at Jirou for a couple of moments with what seems like everyone else at the table. That is until her phone begins to buzz, making the teleporter jump before lifting her arm off of Rin to fish it out of her pocket. Adorned with plenty of ornaments and good luck charm, it looks less like on Judgement's earpiece phones and more like a miniature pawn shop.

"Huh?"

Quickly she affixes it in her ear, pressing the button to open up the call.

"Hisagi-kun? Oh, hey there!"

[Frozen_Feet]

[Certain seedy restaurant]

"Oh, it was nothing, Sanin-sama", Hinata chirps, though with a slightly tense voice. He rubs his throat absent-mindedly - Sanin's nails have left rather distinct red marks on him. But, there's no time to feel bitter! Regaining his bright and friendly demeanor, he returns to collecting orders from newly-arrived customers.

First in line are Jirou, who receives his milkshake in no time, and Kazumi, who might yet be lucky enough to get served this time.

It seems Rin's order has to wait a moment longer still, unfortunately.

[13_CBS]

If Cici's annoyed by it, she doesn't show it. :smalltongue:

"I don't know," she answers.

Masaki

"Don't talk at them, talk to them."

It takes Masaki a moment to come up with another topic.

"Anything else new with you, Ms. Sato?"


Kei, Kadokado Café

"Okay." And so Kei took a few seconds to work his magic. Futae felt as if she had been given a world class, fully body, sensual massage. Every ache she had experienced in the past, small or great, suddenly vanished. Tension in places she didn't even know she had melted away allowing her to move with a newfound sense of grace and poise. Any feelings of anxiety, lethargy and indecision were replaced with clarity of thought and liveliness. To top it off she'd feel as if she had just stepped out of a long, relaxing, delightfully warm bath. She was completely physically and mentally revitalized and would likely continue to be in such a state for the rest of the day.

Futae

Futae giggles as the relaxing wave passes through her body.

"Oooh! It really is like a vacation! Thank you, Mr. Popular!"

Ignoring personal boundaries and social standards on propriety, Futae leans over and gives Kei a quick peck on the cheek.

"Now be a good boy and finish your parfait!" She then turns to Katsu.

"Anything else I can getcha?"

[nothingclever]

"Anytime." Kei turned to his deluxe desert and dug in while valiantly fighting through brain freeze. He was determined to finish it within the allotted time and made steady progress.

[Maximum Zersk]

Masaki

"Don't talk at them, talk to them."

It takes Masaki a moment to come up with another topic.

"Anything else new with you, Ms. Sato?"


"Uh, no, not really. Everything's been the same. Peaceful, I guess, and normal."

"Well," she went on, "As normal as you can get in a city full of super-powered people."

After a bit, she stood up, and stretched. "Finished!" she said.

[Terry576]

Sakurako

"Huh?"

Quickly she affixes it in her ear, pressing the button to open up the call.

"Hisagi-kun? Oh, hey there!"

Hisagi breathed a sigh of relief.

"Thank god Sakurako. I was worried about you, you hung up rather... Suddenly last time I called. So, where are you?"

Hisagi sounds rather worried for someone so unconcerned about his friends.

[Mina Kobold]

Futae
"Now be a good boy and finish your parfait!" She then turns to Katsu.

"Anything else I can getcha?"

"Yes, more cocoa please!"

Katsu seems to have been distracted by the people in the Café while Kei and Futae had talked but now that she is speaking to him his attention is 100% on them.

Or maybe just 90%, 80% perhaps...

[Silverraptor]

The sky gets darker and darker until night is finally upon Academy City. Many car lights were seen driving down the roads as they went to wherever they were going. One pair of car lights in particular stopped in front of a large apartment complex. Three people emerged from the car, pulling with them a large duffle bag each, and then proceeded inside. After some time, the three people made their way up to the 8th story of the building and to one of the doors. After fiddling with the lock, the three crossed the threshold into the room.

As the three set their luggage on the floor and looked around the room. A young teenaged boy spoke out to them both.
["Why did we have to come here, mom? I don't know anything about Japan."]

The woman looks to her son and smiles.
["I'm sure you will get use to it soon enough, Jason. This city is suppose to be really spectacular."]

Jason went over to one of the windows and looked out at the snow falling in the darkness.
["Ya, really spectacular. If I wanted snow, I would've gone to the ski resort in the mountains."]

["Now Jason, I know you're not too thrilled about coming here. But this was a big opportunity for all of us. I get to look at technology that's about 30 years in the future than what we had back in California. Just try and enjoy yourself and go unpack. Tomorrow is your first day at school, so get all settled in. You may even see an esper at school. You'll never know."]

Jason slowly nodded and then went to get his luggage. He then walked down the hallway to his room, and placed it in the corner out of the way. He sat down on the edge of his bed and looked down at his feet. He wished he had his computer or something, but all that was being shipped to them separately and should arrive in a few days. He just sat there for a while, trying to get a grasp at the situation at hand.

[Callos_DeTerran]

Hisagi breathed a sigh of relief.

"Thank god Sakurako. I was worried about you, you hung up rather... Suddenly last time I called. So, where are you?"

Hisagi sounds rather worried for someone so unconcerned about his friends.

Sakurako

"Eh? Oh..you know me. Just got into a little trouble with Sanin-san over some constructive critique of her wardrobe." Sakurako explains in a remarkably cavalier fashion, glancing up when Hinata comes by once more.

"Hey, what's Sanin-san up to back there anyway?" she whispers loudly to the waiter/ress, covering the mouthpiece for just a moment before returning to the conversation with Hisagi. "I'm just catching a bite to eat though...what about you? Did you practice your violin?"

[Anyr]

One of Kiyoshi Jirou's most endearing traits was his persistence. No matter how many times he got knocked down he would always rise again, like a veteran prizefighter...or a badly painted weeble. Even now, only minutes after his latest humiliation, he was already working on his next attempt at greatness: Beating the world record for fastest milkshake consumption. Studiously ignoring the stares of others, the poor young fool drained the entire glass in little more than a heartbeat. Even the feeling that half his brain was freezing over didn't deter him in the slightest; All that mattered was getting out of here before fate finished aiming its next lightning bolt.

Still, things could be worse. After all, it wasn't as if he'd fallen flat on his back in front of Harada Rin or anything! And even if that had happened there'd still be a chance of getting sympathy instead of scorn. The only way to really destroy all hope would be to nod at her eighteen times in response to a simple question, and surely nobody was stupid enough to do that!

With these comforting thoughts in mind, Kiyoshi Jirou departed the restaurant with all the subtlety of a passing typhoon. Perhaps he'd have been comforted to know that he'd managed to bring happiness to at least one person there; Namely Hinata, who (thanks to Jirou's haste when paying his bill), had just received an extremely generous tip.

[13_CBS]

"Uh, no, not really. Everything's been the same. Peaceful, I guess, and normal."

"Well," she went on, "As normal as you can get in a city full of super-powered people."

After a bit, she stood up, and stretched. "Finished!" she said.

Masaki

Masaki continues to stare at his computer screen, still typing in data.

"Excellent work, Ms. Sato. That's all for today."




"Yes, more cocoa please!"

Katsu seems to have been distracted by the people in the Café while Kei and Futae had talked but now that she is speaking to him his attention is 100% on them.

Or maybe just 90%, 80% perhaps...

Futae

Futae winks again and skips off, singing along (surprisingly well) with the generic pop music playing in the background, and soon comes back with another cup of cocoa.

"Heeeeere ya go!"



Sakurako

"Hey, what's Sanin-san up to back there anyway?"

Sanin

Everyone's favorite cook is, in fact, in the kitchen trying to womanhandle the almost hilariously large amount of ground beef. The trick of course is to cook the beef all the way through without burning any of it, all while keeping the most meat juice inside. It's a battle that pits woman against meat, mortal against the great forces of nature. Fortunately for Rin and Hongaku's reputation, this is a war that Sanin can win.

Gritting her teeth and wiping her brow, she battles the masses of half cooked beef.

[Mina Kobold]

Futae

Futae winks again and skips off, singing along (surprisingly well) with the generic pop music playing in the background, and soon comes back with another cup of cocoa.

"Heeeeere ya go!"


Katsu sings along too (unsurprisingly bad) as Futae skips off and when she returns he takes the cocoa, and drink it!

"Thank you~"

Happy Katsu is happy, and filled with cocoa!

[Terry576]

Sakurako

"Eh? Oh..you know me. Just got into a little trouble with Sanin-san over some constructive critique of her wardrobe." Sakurako explains in a remarkably cavalier fashion, glancing up when Hinata comes by once more.

"Hey, what's Sanin-san up to back there anyway?" she whispers loudly to the waiter/ress, covering the mouthpiece for just a moment before returning to the conversation with Hisagi. "I'm just catching a bite to eat though...what about you? Did you practice your violin?"

Hisagi rolls his eyes at Sakurako's explanation. The chance of her getting into a "constructive critique" was more likely that she attempted to do something to poor Sanin. Of course, Hisagi knew Sanin, and winced when he realized what had happened to Sakurako. He laughs awkwardly at the question about his violin.

"Err... I'm getting to that. Eventually. Once I fix the power in my building..."

[Maximum Zersk]

Masaki

Masaki continues to stare at his computer screen, still typing in data.

"Excellent work, Ms. Sato. That's all for today."


"Oh, thanks!" Cici said. She bowed to Masaki, and left.

[AmberVael]

Harada Rin
[And the Massive Hamburger of Destiny]

Rin listens to Sakaruko talk on the phone quite curiously, but doesn't say anything out of politeness. For now, she fiddles with one of the menus and watches as Kiyoshi Jirou leaves. Poor guy. Maybe she should have asked him to join them.

As the phone conversation drags on, however, Rin starts getting a bit bored...

Dun dun dun!

The pale prodigy begins contemplating how best to get Sakaruko's attention away from the phone.

[Maximum Zersk]

Cici - Streets of Academy

Once Cici left the building, her stomach grumbled.

Hm, hungry, she thought, guess I'll go get something to eat.

With that, she walks in the direction of Hongakuteki Nihon Ryouri.

...What? It's pretty busy.

[Anyr]

As misfortune would have it Cici's approach to the restaurant happened to coincide with Jirou's departure. They met one street away, each turning onto it at the same moment so that they were standing at opposite ends. In the fading evening light it took a while for the preoccupied Jirou to even notice Cici. Maybe it would have been better if he hadn't seen her at all, because as soon as their eyes met the last vestiges of good cheer within him evaporated.

"It would have to be her, wouldn't it? I'm really not in the mood for this."

In an instant the introspective look he'd been wearing before vanished, to be replaced by a deep and hostile scowl. The eyes which now stared at Cici with unnatural intensity were all too familiar. They were eyes which she would have seen many times before in the halls of Onizuka Middle School: That of the resident school bully, Kiyoshi Jirou. Not only was this thug approaching her at a good turn of speed, he actually seemed to be changing course to meet her straight on. The message here was very clear; 'Get out of the way or I'll stomp you into the snow and make you eat it.' It was a pure and simple assertion of dominance.

It was also an annoying waste of time that Jirou would much rather have avoided. The truth was that he didn't have any desire to make this young lady eat a buffet of snow. Under his scowling mask he was tired, depressed and in the late stages of an icecream headache. All he wanted was to go home and sigh himself to sleep while trying not to smother himself with the nearest pillow. Unfortunately as resident school bully he had obligations to fulfil and a reputation to keep; Not much of one, admittedly, but that made keeping it all the more important. Tempted as he was to let Cici pass with a nod and a smile, that just wasn't the way that things were done. At the end of a day he was a big muscled thug and she was a female computer geek. The natural order had to be preserved.

And so with sad inevitability the two met in the centre. Jirou didn't even slow down as he approached, thoroughly enmeshed in the all too familiar ritual. He would scowl some more, she'd get out of the way and the world would keep turning. It was strangely comforting, in a way.

[Maximum Zersk]

Cici did, in fact move out of the way, side-stepping at the very last moment.

She, of course, did not think very kindly of him.

[Anyr]

They passed from each others view in seconds, but Jirou's scowl didn't relent until he'd turned the next corner. Once out of earshot he let out a slight sigh and returned to quietly sulking. Now on top of everything else he had one more thing to feel guilty about. It was a shame, really; She seemed like a nice enough girl.

[nothingclever]

Kei continued to pack away his super sundae and paced himself until he neared the end. When he was almost done he ate as fast as he could to finish it before his will gave out. Once complete his accomplishment did little to abate the growing stomach pain caused by it. "Looks like I won't be paying," said Kei with the last ounce of strength he had left.

[Innis Cabal]

Onizuka High School

Takeshi sits atop the Onizuka High school roof, a cigarette slowly dangling from his lips. He checks his watch, muttering softly as he stands, brushing down his school uniform before unbuttoning his jacket. He removes the Judgment band from around his arm, tucking it away into his backpack.

“What a dull day…”

He glances around the school grounds, and out into the city, smirking at the hustle and bustle, letting the cigarette drop from his lips. He crushs it under the heel of his shoe, making his way back into the school proper. He hums to himself as he pulls out his phone, sending a quick text. When he suddenly looks back up he’s surrounded by the Onizuka High School girls soccer team.

“Ala is go-“

Sadly, that’s as far as Takeshi got as the entire team attacked him, heaving him from the changing room and onto his rear. He pucks himself up slowly, brushing himself down with a slight huff.

“N-Not a dull day…a-after all…”

[Silverraptor]

Jason sighs and slowly gets off of his bed. He crosses over to the window, having a feeling that he didn't quite fit in the society that he had moved to. He leaned on the window sill with his head resting on his arms, looking out at the snow falling through the night.

After a while, his mind slowly pulled itself out of concern for where he was and at the snow falling in front of him. His full attention caught the grace of the snow as it danced and twirled in the air. This wasn't the first time Jason had seen snow, having to take a winter vacation near a ski resort once, but this was the first time he really paid attention to it. In his mind's eye, he imagined the flakes reacting to the air they pushed against as they fell. Causing them to move around in the fasion that they did.

After several minutes, Jason manages to pull himself out of this fascination. He looked down at the streets and silently watched as the cars passed by. His eyes then eventually found a large sign, which was glowing brightly in the dark. He squinted at it, trying to make out what the sign said. After a minute of concentration and remembering the japanese he was learning, he finally managed to pronounce what the sign said.

"Hongakuteki Nihon Ryouri? [Genuine Japanese Cuisine? Well, atleast we have a restraunt near where we live. Maybe I'll go in and check it out tomorrow.]"

His rested on the restraunt for a moment later before he turned to go to his bag. He unpacked and changed into some pajamas, as well as laying out the backpack and supplies he needed for school the next day. He also grabbed an electronic alarm clock that he had packed with him and placed it on the nightstand next to his bed and plugged it in. He quickly set the alarm to wake him up at 6:45 in the morning and crawled into bed after turning off the lights. The clock only registered 7:30, yet Jason was trying to get to sleep. He was too set on the american time zone and he knew he had to force himself to sleep in order to avoid being too tired for school the next day.

Time passed as he struggled to get comfortable enough to fall asleep.

[13_CBS]

Sanin

At long last, Sanin finishes the massive burger and shoves it onto a food cart.

"Oi, part-timer," she calls out to Hinata, "Burger's ready."




Kei continued to pack away his super sundae and paced himself until he neared the end. When he was almost done he ate as fast as he could to finish it before his will gave out. Once complete his accomplishment did little to abate the growing stomach pain caused by it. "Looks like I won't be paying," said Kei with the last ounce of strength he had left.

Futae

Futae comes back when Kei is finished, taking away the massive parfait cup. Noting that the cup was pretty much empty, she winks and grins at the exhausted Azabu Ace.

"Good job, Mr. Popular! No charge for you! Hee hee! Anything else I can getcha?"

[Frozen_Feet]

[Hongakuteki Nihon Ryouri]

"Yes, Sanin-sama!" Hinata dances to the food cart with deft, elegant steps, then pushes it next to Rin's table. With some effort, he lifts the massive burger before the colorless girl. "Here you go, ojou-sama."

[Maximum Zersk]

Cici - Hongakuteki Nihon Ryouri

Cici enters the store. She goes over to the menu and looks at what's on it.

Hmm, she thought, I guess I'll have the Tempura Udon.

[Callos_DeTerran]

Sakurako

Sakurako seems oblivious to Rin's anxiousness, involved in her phone call as she was, chewing her bottom lip for a moment.

"Well...don't put it off forever. Otherwise you won't get any better at it. More importantly...why's your building have no power?" She says pointedly, knowing about Hisagi's abilities and being a member of Judgement...well she had to know if it was something serious or if Hisagi had caused it himself.

Thankfully(?) the arrival of the massive burger will likely spare her from any deviousness that Rin might be thinking, even if it was high time for something to happen in return to the Perverted Red Comet.

"Listen, I have to go. Practice your violin though! Don't make me come over there, you know it won't take me long to get there and kick your butt for slacking off!" Big sisterly scolding, as always, "I'll talk to you later though, alright? Bye."

And then she was looking to Kazumi, smile on her face, "Would you be okay here by yourself? I want to check in with my captain..can't help but worry, even on my off day!"

[AmberVael]

Harada Rin

Rin tilts her head at the massive burger, then looks up at Hinata.
"Didn't I order a little of everything?"
Rather than being angry or frustrated, she instead looks a bit sad and disappointed.
"Was it just not possible?"

There is a tiny pout on her face now, but she doesn't look like she's going to make a huge fuss over it.

[Frozen_Feet]

Hinata freezes. He isn't sure which is worse, facing sad Rin or watching Sanin have another breakdown. "Ah, but you see, the burger has a little bit of everything", he says, smiling nervously. It's not even a bad lie - chances are the burger indeed did gather a little bit of everything to itself during its making. At least, everything that was in the kitchen. "If you are dissatisfied with your meal, you are welcome to come and talk with our chef. But please, give it a try before you do. For her sake."

And probably your own sake too, Hinata adds mentally. Your so small and pale, Sanin might accidentally break your neck. And that would be just awful...

[13_CBS]

And probably your own sake too, Hinata adds mentally. Your so small and pale, Sanin might accidentally break your neck. And that would be just awful...

Sanin

As Hinata thinks this, Sanin walks by the table.

"Oh, I forgot yer eating saw, for cutting yer burger. Here ya go."

And indeed, the object Sanin places in front of Rin can be best described as a small saw. If it weren't for the fact that it's very clean and was in a restaurant, one could easily have mistaken it for a carpenter's tool.


Cici - Hongakuteki Nihon Ryouri

Cici enters the store. She goes over to the menu and looks at what's on it.

Hmm, she thought, I guess I'll have the Tempura Udon.


Noticing that Cici hasn't been served yet, Sanin walks over to her table, notepad and pencil out.

"Welcome to Hongakuteki Nihon Ryouri," she drawls. "Can I getcha something?"

[Maximum Zersk]

"Yeah, uh. Can I have some Tempura Udon?" she asked.

[Terry576]

Sakurako
"Well...don't put it off forever. Otherwise you won't get any better at it. More importantly...why's your building have no power?" She says pointedly, knowing about Hisagi's abilities and being a member of Judgement...well she had to know if it was something serious or if Hisagi had caused it himself.

Thankfully(?) the arrival of the massive burger will likely spare her from any deviousness that Rin might be thinking, even if it was high time for something to happen in return to the Perverted Red Comet.

"Listen, I have to go. Practice your violin though! Don't make me come over there, you know it won't take me long to get there and kick your butt for slacking off!" Big sisterly scolding, as always, "I'll talk to you later though, alright? Bye."

Hisagi sighed.

"I know I won't get better, but it's so boring..."

He slightly flinches when she asks about "no power".

"Oh... Well, I kind of... Broke it. On accident. People were talking while I was working."

He grins as she has to go, and seems to be almost... Happy, for someone who loathes other people so much.

It freaks out several people around him, all glancing at him, wondering what crazy thing he's going to do to them.

"Alright, I was planning to go to the cafe anyway. See ya there."

He hangs up, and walks towards the cafe, strangely uninhibited by the various people who dislike Espers.

[Da Mongoose]

Alanna

The blond girl sits on a bench quietly, glancing about idly, apparently waiting for someone. She pulls her hair free from its pigtails, before smoothing it with her hands and redoing them, though she still manages to remain looking slightly wind blown.

When she finally sees Takeshi approach, she arches a brow at his slightly dishevelled appearance. She gives him a quizzical look, clearly expecting an explanation without having to go so far as to sign the question.

[Innis Cabal]

Takeshi groans softly as he sees Alanna sitting on the bench, trying his best to straighten his clothing. He takes a seat next to her, pulling on one of her pigtails gently.

"Bit much, don't you think?"

He smirks, readjusting the rest of his uniform before saying loudly.

"I walked into the girls change room again...they didn't take it very well...I think they think I'm doing it on purpose!!"

[nothingclever]

Kei, Kadokado Café

"Besides another kiss from the ever so beautiful manager?" said Kei playfully. "Oh no, thanks, but I'm quite full. I think I'll be heading off now. I really enjoyed it here though. I think I might become more of a regular."

[Mina Kobold]

Katsu, Kadokado Café

Katsu finishes his cocoa with one last gulp and does whatever you're supposed to do with the container afterwards*

"Ah, that must be enough sugar for today. Hey! Fu-chan!"

He waves at Futae as he tries to get her attention, despite being about ten feet from her.

*Are they disposable in Japanese cafés? I don't even know if they are in Danish ones.

[AmberVael]

Hinata freezes. He isn't sure which is worse, facing sad Rin or watching Sanin have another breakdown. "Ah, but you see, the burger has a little bit of everything", he says, smiling nervously. It's not even a bad lie - chances are the burger indeed did gather a little bit of everything to itself during its making. At least, everything that was in the kitchen. "If you are dissatisfied with your meal, you are welcome to come and talk with our chef. But please, give it a try before you do. For her sake."

And probably your own sake too, Hinata adds mentally. Your so small and pale, Sanin might accidentally break your neck. And that would be just awful...


Sanin

As Hinata thinks this, Sanin walks by the table.

"Oh, I forgot yer eating saw, for cutting yer burger. Here ya go."

And indeed, the object Sanin places in front of Rin can be best described as a small saw. If it weren't for the fact that it's very clean and was in a restaurant, one could easily have mistaken it for a carpenter's tool.

Harada Rin

Rin gives a small nod to Hinata, is about to say something, and then-

*kathump*

She blinks a little, her violet eyes stuck on the saw. Her expression implies that she rather disbelieves what she's seeing, and frankly that the sight is a little terrifying and utterly bizarre to her.

"Um... a saw?"
Her voice is the tiniest bit squeaky, and it is easy to tell that she's completely unsure of how to react to this. Is it something normal? No, surely not... but...

While Rin tries to grapple with the situation, her mind plays back a memory of her grandmother ranting about the lack of etiquette and refined qualities that certain lower classes have. No. No way. Even the most uncultured person wouldn't use a saw as a utensil, and Rin always thought her grandmother was crabby and prejudiced anyway.

But... saw.

Rin just sits and stares at it a little while.

[13_CBS]

"Yeah, uh. Can I have some Tempura Udon?" she asked.

Sanin

Sanin scribbles something down on her notepad. "Sure. Anything else?"




Kei, Kadokado Café

"Besides another kiss from the ever so beautiful manager?" said Kei playfully. "Oh no, thanks, but I'm quite full. I think I'll be heading off now. I really enjoyed it here though. I think I might become more of a regular."

Futae

Futae gives Kei a coy wink. "Only one kiss on the cheek per visit, Mr. Popular! Fu-chan's kisses wouldn't be rare if Fu-chan gave them out all the time, right?"

She hefts the parfait bucket off the table.

"As Fu-chan promised, your parfait's free! And do come see Fu-chan, she gets a little lonely sometimes here..." she says, putting on a fake, cutsey pout.



Katsu, Kadokado Café

Katsu finishes his cocoa with one last gulp and does whatever you're supposed to do with the container afterwards*

"Ah, that must be enough sugar for today. Hey! Fu-chan!"

He waves at Futae as he tries to get her attention, despite being about ten feet from her.

*Are they disposable in Japanese cafés? I don't even know if they are in Danish ones.

She turns to Katsu and giggles.

"Silly! You don't throw away good ceramic cups! I can take that for you if you're done!"

[Maximum Zersk]

Cici - Hongakuteki Nihon Ryouri

"Uh, no thank you. That's good," she said.

[13_CBS]

Sanin

Sanin nods and heads back to the kitchen.

Along the way, she spots Rin staring at her Eating Saw. Sanin quirks an eyebrow.

"What's wrong, missy? Somethin' the matter?"

[AmberVael]

Harada Rin

"Um... no. Nope!"

Rin puts a cheery smile on her face, hiding all her uncertainty behind a mask of "everything is perfectly absolutely wonderful and great!" She isn't doing the best job at it, but she sure is putting energy into it.

Yes! Saws are normal! A part of this complete breakfast- well, meal!

The pale girl picks up the saw in a confident and certain manner, and then just holds it a bit, realizing that even though she is pretending to understand its purpose there, she has no idea how precisely she intends to use it. Cut the burger, probably? Yes?

She tentatively moves to cut the massive burger with the saw, glancing around furtively to make sure no one is staring at her or think she's weird. Just in case she misinterpreted the purpose of the 'eatin saw.'

[Maximum Zersk]

Cici then waits for the food quietly.

...

Out of nowhere, a tumbleweed enters reality, and passes by Cici's table. It just tumbles past out of the door then.

I wonder what Catarino's up to... she thought to herself.

[13_CBS]

Harada Rin

"Um... no. Nope!"

Rin puts a cheery smile on her face, hiding all her uncertainty behind a mask of "everything is perfectly absolutely wonderful and great!" She isn't doing the best job at it, but she sure is putting energy into it.

Yes! Saws are normal! A part of this complete breakfast- well, meal!

The pale girl picks up the saw in a confident and certain manner, and then just holds it a bit, realizing that even though she is pretending to understand its purpose there, she has no idea how precisely she intends to use it. Cut the burger, probably? Yes?

She tentatively moves to cut the massive burger with the saw, glancing around furtively to make sure no one is staring at her or think she's weird. Just in case she misinterpreted the purpose of the 'eatin saw.'

Sanin

Probably due to her mild inebriation, Sanin fails to notice Rin's disguised dismay at the Eating Saw.

"How's that saw workin' for ya? Pretty neat, huh? Came up with the idea myself." There's a proud grin on her face as she praises her invention.

[nothingclever]

"Don't worry, I will," said Kei in a consolatory tone. "Well I hope you enjoy the rest of your day. Cya later." Kei got up and headed out the door en route to his dorm.

[InyutheBeatIs]

[Mori Hajime-Hongakuteki Nihon Ryouri]

A tanned man walks in through the door. One of the most immediately striking features is his shoulder-length white hair. He is wearing rather boring clothes that cover him rather well. In his hand is an apple of above average size. He sits down at a booth, picking up the menu to look at it and setting down the apple. In reality, he is looking, listening, and smelling almost everything that is around him. Of course, not very many people would notice this.

(OOC: Am I doing it right?)

[Frozen_Feet]

[Hongakuteki Nihon Ryouri]

Hinata eyes the exchange between Sanin and Rin curiously. "If you need any help, Ojou-sama, feel free to ask", he chirps to Rin, smiling politely, before tiptoeing away to collect orders from other customers. First in line is Hajime.

"What can we serve to you today, mister?"

[InyutheBeatIs]

[Hongakuteki Nihon Ryouri]

Hinata eyes the exchange between Sanin and Rin curiously. "If you need any help, Ojou-sama, feel free to ask", he chirps to Rin, smiling politely, before tiptoeing away to collect orders from other customers. First in line is Hajime.

"What can we serve to you today, mister?"

[Mori Hajime-Hongakutei Nihon Ryouri]

The man looks to Hinata, giving him a small smile before returning to an almost serene blank state. "I think I'll have onigiri and a small order of french fries, as well as a sprite for a drink."

[Mina Kobold]

She turns to Katsu and giggles.

"Silly! You don't throw away good ceramic cups! I can take that for you if you're done!"

(He did what he was supposed to do with it, which would be nothing yet... Ah puddle it, this is funnier)

Katsu gives the cup to Futae, despite it having been about to land in a trash can several feet away

"Okay!"

As he takes his hand off the cup, now in Futae's hands, he opens it and hands her enough Yen to pay for the cocoa.

"Here you go Fu-chan! I'll have to go but I'll come back again, you make the best cocoa!"

[Da Mongoose]

Takeshi groans softly as he sees Alanna sitting on the bench, trying his best to straighten his clothing. He takes a seat next to her, pulling on one of her pigtails gently.

"Bit much, don't you think?"

He smirks, readjusting the rest of his uniform before saying loudly.

"I walked into the girls change room again...they didn't take it very well...I think they think I'm doing it on purpose!!"

Ala opens her mouth silently in protest as her pigtail is tugged, even though gently. She swats slightly at Takeshi's hand with a small smile, shaking her head and causing the pigtails to fly around slightly.

She perks a brow as he explains, tilting her head with a somewhat chiding look, though her lips curl up further in amusement. She lifts her hands to sign a response to him.

I'm sure they do! It makes plenty of sense anyway, you're a scoundrel!

She smirks slightly at him.

[Lillith]

[Tokiwadai Middle School, gates]

It was 7:30am in the morning. The sky was still a collection of different colors while the sun was slowly making its way upward. Wind was blowing through the streets, making an already chilly morning even colder. Though right now, Jane couldn't be bothered by these things. While small clouds of breath escaped into the sky, she was standing in front of the school gates trying to make sense of a piece of paper in her hands.

The last couple of weeks had changed a lot in Jane's life. Barely two months she was still at home, with her parents. A doctor had given them her test results and before she knew it, there were agents... meetings... and now was she here.

"I can't believe it." Jane slummed against the fence next to the gate, her back towards the school building while she stared at the paper that was written with Japanese kanji on it. "They spend four weeks on trying to teach me some Japanese and now my time table and class indication is in kanji? They didn't teach me that yet!" With a frustrated sigh the piece of paper got crumbled and put into a pocket.

Jane looked up and examined the square in front of Tokiwadai. Maybe she could appreciate this place more if somebody had actually given her a tour of the place. Now she remembered that the first class of the day was history, since the representative stated that yesterday when he looked at her schedule. Maybe there was something to gain from that? Classes would start at 8am, a lot could be achieved in half an hour. If she'd find her class, she'd be safe. Or well... 'safe'...

"Oh well..." Jane said with a sigh. She stood upright and brushed away a lock of her brown hair. Slowly she started to walk towards the entrance of the building. "Tomorrow... I'll know where to go but for now... it's sink or swim."

[Innis Cabal]

Ala opens her mouth silently in protest as her pigtail is tugged, even though gently. She swats slightly at Takeshi's hand with a small smile, shaking her head and causing the pigtails to fly around slightly.

She perks a brow as he explains, tilting her head with a somewhat chiding look, though her lips curl up further in amusement. She lifts her hands to sign a response to him.

I'm sure they do! It makes plenty of sense anyway, you're a scoundrel!

She smirks slightly at him.

Takeshi scowls slightly at the "Words", flailing miserably.

"H-Hey!! I am not a scoundral! I didn't -want- to go there! What sorta guy do you think I am? Anyway, it's not important! We've got work to do, did you finish up all the stuff I asked you to do?"

He tries to grab for Ala's i-pad, grumbling a little under his breath.

[Anyr]

The day had started badly for Jirou. Not that it showed; To outside eyes he probably seemed fine as he ascended the steps of Onizuka Middle School. His leisurely walk told the world that he was calm, in control and on schedule for the start of class. Of course, anyone who had been watching before he came within sight of the school would have seen a very different picture: Namely a desperate and very late young man making an all-out dash through the streets while trying simultaneously to tie his own shoelaces. It was only the thought of his reputation taking yet another hit that had given him the strength to stop wheezing and hold his head up as he entered the building. Still, that was all in the past now. The crisis was over, everything was fine and nobody was any the wiser.

And a good thing too, because if anyone knew the reason for his tardiness there'd be no recovering from it. Big strong tough guys just weren't supposed to have nightmares. Anyway, it wasn't as if he was a coward or anything; Anybody else would have got just as little sleep if they'd spent the night being tormented by such horrific visions. Even now the image of Harada Rin roasting him alive amidst a crowd of cheering fans was still painfully clear in Jirou's memory. It took a serious amount of effort to stop any of it from showing on his face as he took a seat for his first class of the day.

"Let's face it, I'm scum. No, not even scum would have disgraced itself like that in front of the Goddess of Tokiwadai. I'm more like sewage. But no, 'sewage' is still too great an honour. Radioactive waste! Yes, that's it, that's the right level for me..."

[13_CBS]

Five Hours Before

Academy City has some of the lowest reported crime rates in the world; an unsurprising statistic, given the City's concentrated resources and the numerous security robots patrolling the most of the streets. Not all of the City is so vigilantly guarded, however, and tonight is one of those nights that end up in the headline news.


As Sakurako treks back home from what can best be described as "shenanigans" at Hongaku, she hears something in the distance; roughly 15 yards over to her right, in a darkened alley.

[Callos_DeTerran]

Sakurako

The red-headed Judgment member had left the restaurant with...surprising stealth, though Kazumi would likely be unsurprised by the abrupt exit after saying her good-byes. It was always around this time that she would hurry back to the dorm to finish her homework and work on an email to her sister.

But it was a bit of a lonely stroll back before curfew and Sakurako found herself paying attention to things she otherwise wouldn't have...like peculiar noises from within a dark alleyway, just like in those mystery stories she had heard about.

With a curious expression on her face, Sakurako slips out her headset and holds it in one hand, a quick flash and she's at the mouth of the alley, peering down it curiously to see what might be going on...

[Da Mongoose]

Takeshi scowls slightly at the "Words", flailing miserably.

"H-Hey!! I am not a scoundral! I didn't -want- to go there! What sorta guy do you think I am? Anyway, it's not important! We've got work to do, did you finish up all the stuff I asked you to do?"

He tries to grab for Ala's i-pad, grumbling a little under his breath.

Alanna giggles silently as Takeshi flails, clearly just teasing, though she does offer a helpful reply of 'a scoundrel!' when he asks what kind of guy she thinks he is.

She quickly looks more serious when he asks her about her tasks, though a small smile remains. She nods swiftly in response, though frowns as he tries to grab her iPad, trying to hold onto it with a pout.

[InyutheBeatIs]

[Mori Hajime-Hongakutei Nihon Ryouri]

The man looks to Hinata, giving him a small smile before returning to an almost serene blank state. "I think I'll have onigiri and a small order of french fries, as well as a sprite for a drink."

Hajime looks around, and notices a little something that apparently is called an eating saw. To the outside world, he seems completely nonchalant about everything, but inside is a completely different story. Wait, is that a saw? It...it is. It is a saw that is used for eating. An eating saw. Why? Why, with all our advancement in society and technology, are we now using an eating saw in use?

[Innis Cabal]

Takeshi taps the i-pad, letting go of it as Alanna pouts.

"H-Hey now, don't show that face...it can kill you know. Jeez..."

He stands slowly, pulling out a cigarette though turns so the smoke dosn't blow into Alanna's face.

"We've got alot of work to do you know...school work and everything else not helping out either. If you can, I need the numbers of every student of Onizuka Middle and Highschool by sundown tommorow. We're gonna light this place up."

[13_CBS]

Sakurako

The red-headed Judgment member had left the restaurant with...surprising stealth, though Kazumi would likely be unsurprised by the abrupt exit after saying her good-byes. It was always around this time that she would hurry back to the dorm to finish her homework and work on an email to her sister.

But it was a bit of a lonely stroll back before curfew and Sakurako found herself paying attention to things she otherwise wouldn't have...like peculiar noises from within a dark alleyway, just like in those mystery stories she had heard about.

With a curious expression on her face, Sakurako slips out her headset and holds it in one hand, a quick flash and she's at the mouth of the alley, peering down it curiously to see what might be going on...

Alleyway

As Sakurako heads over to the source of the strange noises, she can she the dim shadows of several people in a scuffle. The alleyway is then suddenly lit up by a gout of flame, followed by a some cries of alarm then a crackling noise--the sound of a taser, it seems.

[Callos_DeTerran]

Sakurako

Green eyes narrow at the sight down the alley, and quickly her hands dart down to her skirt. Quickly she pulls out her Judgment band and, hands shaking, pulls it up her arm to pin unto her sleeve. Fast as possible, she dials a familiar number and waits tensely as Hitsushi's phone rings. She has no idea if he was even still awake or not, but if not she'd just leave a message to the boy, and even if he answered...well...she didn't talk for long.

"There's looks like a mugging or something, get over here or call back-up." Sakurako says shortly, listing off where she was before taking a deep calming breath. In a flash she's sprinting around the corner of the alley...with her phone left on the ground, Hitsushi still on the line. This way, if something did go wrong, she could at least shout out clues or let him know what was happening.

"Stop in the name of Judgment! What's going on here?" She demands hotly, hands down close to her thighs with her attention focused in case she needed to quickly 'jump'.

[Shades of Gray]

Last Night, Hitsushi

Minutes later the large student was running down the alleyway at a rather surprising speed, phone in one hand, heart in the other. It seemed that endurance running was his issue, not the speed. I really need to work out more... It just isn't my day. He thought as he ran, huffing and puffing all the way while remembering the incident from earlier. No! No time to think about that now! Nobody was going to die!

He had his Judgment armband pinned on the shoulder of his dress shirt. He eventually came around the same corner, breathing heavily. "I got here... as fast as I could.... Luckily I was... In the area." He manages to say between breaths, wiping sweat from his brow.

[13_CBS]

Sakurako

Green eyes narrow at the sight down the alley, and quickly her hands dart down to her skirt. Quickly she pulls out her Judgment band and, hands shaking, pulls it up her arm to pin unto her sleeve. Fast as possible, she dials a familiar number and waits tensely as Hitsushi's phone rings. She has no idea if he was even still awake or not, but if not she'd just leave a message to the boy, and even if he answered...well...she didn't talk for long.

"There's looks like a mugging or something, get over here or call back-up." Sakurako says shortly, listing off where she was before taking a deep calming breath. In a flash she's sprinting around the corner of the alley...with her phone left on the ground, Hitsushi still on the line. This way, if something did go wrong, she could at least shout out clues or let him know what was happening.

"Stop in the name of Judgment! What's going on here?" She demands hotly, hands down close to her thighs with her attention focused in case she needed to quickly 'jump'.

Alleyway

Despite the obscuring shadows of the alley, Sakurako can spot roughly twoor three figures dragging another, surrounded by an additional four. Judging from the limpness, the dragged person seems to be unconscious, or even deceased. At the sound of Sakurako's voice, the still conscious figures start. Those dragging the body double their efforts, while the other four fan out and begin to surround Sakurako.

As her attackers step into the light, Sakurako can see that their faces and hair are covered in piercings, highlights, and bizarre colors. Two of them have tazers, while a third has a shock prod and the fourth has what appears to be a pistol, with no visible silencer attachment.

Meanwhile, the unconscious continues to get dragged deeper into the darkness.

[Mina Kobold]

Azabu Academy

A blurred line speeds through the garden and through the front doors of Azabu Academy before skidding to a halt and revealing itself to be Katsu holding his timetable in one hand and his backpack in the other.

"Let's see, first class... This way"

He skips toward whatever his first class is.

[Da Mongoose]

Takeshi taps the i-pad, letting go of it as Alanna pouts.

"H-Hey now, don't show that face...it can kill you know. Jeez..."

He stands slowly, pulling out a cigarette though turns so the smoke dosn't blow into Alanna's face.

"We've got alot of work to do you know...school work and everything else not helping out either. If you can, I need the numbers of every student of Onizuka Middle and Highschool by sundown tommorow. We're gonna light this place up."

Alanna perks a brow at him, smiling in amusement and shaking her head softly. While she does give him a briefly chiding look for smoking, she 'says' nothing about it, merely settling herself comfortably on the bench again.

At Takeshi's request, her eyes widen slightly, clearly trying to run over in her head how exactly she could realize such a feat. Her brows furrow and she taps her chin softly, shrugging apologetically before signing to him. I can try? There's a lot of students you know!

[Terry576]

[Azabu Academy]

Hisagi walks through the halls, kind of paying attention to where he's going.

"Hey Hisagi, what's up?"

"Hisagi, whatcha doing tonight!"

"Eyyyyyy!"

Ignoring them, he walks through walls, disappears and flies to his first class.

[Callos_DeTerran]

Sakurako

Sakurako nervously wets her lips, looking at each of the four in turn as they step out into the light and move to surround her.

Have to keep an eye on all of them, if one of them gets into my blind spot then I'm done for!

But she had heard Hitsushi run up behind her before she had sprinted around the corner, and a plan began to formulate in her mind. Hitsushi couldn't take four guys with weapons on by himself, not without a little help, but they couldn't just let the others carry off the unconscious person either! It'd be risky...but...

Pop.

The redhead disappears in a moment, appearing almost fifteen feet up into the air upside down, with her hands going to the holsters of thin stakes about her thighs. Quickly she runs her hands across five on each leg, each of the five disappearing to reappear down below. Like one nail to nail down each pant's leg of the four below to the ground, limiting their mobility while the remaining two crossed through the barrel of the pistol. Another soft pop-like noise and she appears six or seven feet past the group of four.

"Hitsushi, I'm counting on you to handle those guys!" Sakurako yelled back to her panting partner in Judgment behind the corner, but she was already sprinting after the unconscious person being dragged away.

Lemme know if this is too much 13 and I'll edit this, kay?

[13_CBS]

Sakurako

Sakurako nervously wets her lips, looking at each of the four in turn as they step out into the light and move to surround her.

Have to keep an eye on all of them, if one of them gets into my blind spot then I'm done for!

But she had heard Hitsushi run up behind her before she had sprinted around the corner, and a plan began to formulate in her mind. Hitsushi couldn't take four guys with weapons on by himself, not without a little help, but they couldn't just let the others carry off the unconscious person either! It'd be risky...but...

Pop.

The redhead disappears in a moment, appearing almost fifteen feet up into the air upside down, with her hands going to the holsters of thin stakes about her thighs. Quickly she runs her hands across five on each leg, each of the five disappearing to reappear down below. Like one nail to nail down each pant's leg of the four below to the ground, limiting their mobility while the remaining two crossed through the barrel of the pistol. Another soft pop-like noise and she appears six or seven feet past the group of four.

"Hitsushi, I'm counting on you to handle those guys!" Sakurako yelled back to her panting partner in Judgment behind the corner, but she was already sprinting after the unconscious person being dragged away.

Alleyway

Curiously, the impaled pistol sparks and crackles--a tazer gun, painted black to disguise it as a normal gun. Meanwhile, two of the four attackers lose balance at the sudden pinning of their pants, while the other two immediately begin tugging their way out of their predicament, grunting in frustration.

"Damn it, get her! Get her!" The three drop the body they're carrying and pull out tazers, charging Sakurako.

[Shades of Gray]

Hitsushi

The boy took one deep breath, regained his composure, and rounded the corner. He ran at the two who were trying to escape from their bindings. He swung his arm out at one of them, attempting to push him over. He then turned to the other and grabbed his arm, twisting it behind his back and putting his hand on the back of his neck. He moved surprisingly quick. "You have the right to remain silent. That goes for all of you."

[13_CBS]

Hitsushi

The boy took one deep breath, regained his composure, and rounded the corner. He ran at the two who were trying to escape from their bindings. He swung his arm out at one of them, attempting to push him over. He then turned to the other and grabbed his arm, twisting it behind his back and putting his hand on the back of his neck. He moved surprisingly quick. "You have the right to remain silent. That goes for all of you."

Alleyway

The first thug falls over easily, too distracted by his pants to react in time. The second is subdued just as easily, the pain in his arm forcing him to drop his tazer.

The two others, meanwhile, manage to free themselves by removing their pants.

"Shut it, fatty!" Both of them rush at Tsutomu, one with a shock prod and the other with a pair of knuckle dusters, his tazer gun ruined. The one on the floor starts to wriggle out of his clothing, as well.

[AmberVael]

Harada Rin- Hongakuteki Nihon Ryouri

Rin eventually (barely) finishes off her giant burger. It's rather hard to see how she managed it, actually. Nonetheless, she gets up and pays for the monstrosity in her usual cheerful manner, then bounces off.
She does this all so swiftly that there is barely time to count up how much she paid, which might be disconcerting... until Sanin realizes she paid twice as much as the burger cost.

[Callos_DeTerran]

Alleyway

Curiously, the impaled pistol sparks and crackles--a tazer gun, painted black to disguise it as a normal gun. Meanwhile, two of the four attackers lose balance at the sudden pinning of their pants, while the other two immediately begin tugging their way out of their predicament, grunting in frustration.

"Damn it, get her! Get her!" The three drop the body they're carrying and pull out tazers, charging Sakurako.

Alleyway

Sakurako can't help but give an eager smile, not from anything like blood lust or the sort, but because she knew that here and now she was actually accomplishing some real good! If Hitsushi and her could pull it off, then they would have saved this person from what was obviously certain peril! Or one heck of a weird prank.

Not that the thugs were privy to her thoughts, they just saw her jump up and begin to twirl about with her leg held out as if to kick before...

Pop

She was behind the one lagging behind the most, finishing her spin with a hard kick towards the back of his head. Sakurako's arms were pulled back as if supporting something, another curious motion before...

Pop

Gone again, re-appearing with her arms braced against the wall of the alley, and once she felt concrete she pushes off with her legs straightened. The next thug she was targeting might even get a flash of her shorts before her feet hit home into his side (assuming he doesn't dodge or something).

Pop

Gone once more and back in a flash, hand pressed against the last guy's taser-holding wrist and emerald eyes steely cold.

"This is your only warning to put down the taser and surrender peacefully!" She boasts...ignorant of her feet trapped in the concrete below up to the top of her shoes. For the moment anyway, but all in all her rapid fire attack had only taken a couple of seconds and likely left more then a few angry men in it's wake.

[13_CBS]

Alleyway

Sakurako can't help but give an eager smile, not from anything like blood lust or the sort, but because she knew that here and now she was actually accomplishing some real good! If Hitsushi and her could pull it off, then they would have saved this person from what was obviously certain peril! Or one heck of a weird prank.

Not that the thugs were privy to her thoughts, they just saw her jump up and begin to twirl about with her leg held out as if to kick before...

Pop

She was behind the one lagging behind the most, finishing her spin with a hard kick towards the back of his head. Sakurako's arms were pulled back as if supporting something, another curious motion before...

Pop

Gone again, re-appearing with her arms braced against the wall of the alley, and once she felt concrete she pushes off with her legs straightened. The next thug she was targeting might even get a flash of her shorts before her feet hit home into his side (assuming he doesn't dodge or something).

Pop

Gone once more and back in a flash, hand pressed against the last guy's taser-holding wrist and emerald eyes steely cold.

"This is your only warning to put down the taser and surrender peacefully!" She boasts...ignorant of her feet trapped in the concrete below up to the top of her shoes. For the moment anyway, but all in all her rapid fire attack had only taken a couple of seconds and likely left more then a few angry men in it's wake.

Alleyway

The kidnappers struggle to their feet, winded. More angry than hurt, they ignore Sakurako's warning and make one more effort to bring down the cheeky teleporter.

"Graah...get her already! She's just some punk girl!" The two others rush Sakurako. One of them, who has an especially maniacal gleam in his eye, opens his palm and produces a ball of flame--the probably culprit for the flame jet that Sakurako saw earlier.

[Shades of Gray]

Hitsushi

The boy kicked the thug he was holding forward, hoping to distract the two thugs while he picked up the taser on the ground. He held it behind his back as he took a defensive stance, his boot stuck in the thug's back, keeping him down.

[Lillith]

[Tokiwadai Middle School, hallways, the FUTURE]

"Great, just great." Jane thought angry to herself while she was walking down another hallway. She had already wasted 15 minutes with just going from one hallway to another one just like it. She wasn't even sure if the slow growth of crowds in the building was a good thing or a bad thing.

Jane looked around, unsure if she should start using her antenna. Perhaps she could catch a glimpse of someone needing to go her way. But with the crowd that was starting to gather, it would be hard to filter out the right mind with the right thoughts. There was a big chance that the wave of voices would wipe her off her feet.

With a nervous look on her face, Jane glanced at her watch. Only 13 minutes left, she didn't want to be late for her first class on the first day. It would give her a bad name. If she wanted to have a good reputation with the teachers, she'd need to have a perfect attendance record to start with. With a sigh Jane looked at her watch again. "If I still can't find it in 8 minutes... I will if I can't it in 8 minutes..."

[13_CBS]

Hitsushi

The boy kicked the thug he was holding forward, hoping to distract the two thugs while he picked up the taser on the ground. He held it behind his back as he took a defensive stance, his boot stuck in the thug's back, keeping him down.

Alleyway

One of the standing (and pantsless) thugs pauses momentarily, while the other with the shock prod charges Tsutomu, glee on his face. He swings wildly at Tsutomu's face.

[Terry576]

[City, Last Night]

There was... a secret about Hisagi.

A secret known to few, and the few that knew it, worried about it.

You see, it is as if there are two people where Hisagi stands: Lightning and Hisagi.

When the Judgement band goes on, Lightning appears. Cold, unfeeling, willing to do anything in the name of justice. When it's removed, Hisagi appears, with his normal personality.

It frightened his friends, and scared those who didn't know it.

This night, Lightning walked the streets, patrolling with ease.

[Shades of Gray]

Alleyway

One of the standing (and pantsless) thugs pauses momentarily, while the other with the shock prod charges Tsutomu, glee on his face. He swings wildly at Tsutomu's face.

Time seemed to slow down for the thug as he approached, seeing the boy in front of him grab the shock prod and jab the taser into his stomach with incredible, almost supernatural speed. The other thugs would see, however, that it was not Hitsushi moving quickly, but the thug himself moving slowly. He threw the shock prod the the ground with a clang, keeping pressure on the man under his foot.

[Silverraptor]

Jason [Morning]

A dark blue car drives down the road. Two people sit in the driver and passager seat as it moves along. The one in the passanger seat was looking outside he window, staring at the robotic trash cans sweeping up trash from the sidewalk.

["...you have a good time at Onizuka."]

Jason rolls his eyes. His mother was still continuing the conversation they started earlier.

["I don't know what to expect! I still don't know how espers treat people. I'll probably be the odd person in the whole group."]

["There will be other people without powers there. You'll fit right in. Or... atleast you would fit in better if..."]

She looks over at the pin on his left collar. The pin was the shape and color of the American flag waving in the breeze. Jason crossed his arms at her look.
["Hey! They'll all know I'm from America one way or another. Atleast this will make it easier for them."]

She nodded reluctantly.
["Yes... But it just seems like your trying to not fit in here."]

Jason looks out the window again.
["I'm not...much"]
He mutters the last bit under his breath. They drive along for a couple of minutes before he speaks up again.
["So, you're going to be home late?"]

["Yes. And so will your father. We'll both have to study up on our new jobs. I just hope that your father doesn't have a too tough a time at Anti-Skill. And we'll still need to find another suitable day job for him since Anti-Skill is a voluntary organization."]

["Well, atleast you got a company car right away. I would have hated trying to navigate through this city to get to school."]

["Were almost there now. Yes, there it is!"]
She points to the large campus in front of them. The car pulls up in front of the entrance. Jason reaches for the door, but his mother holds him back.
["Now, please try to enjoy yourself Jason. And remember your japanese. Don't say anything stupid your first day."]

Jason quickly reaches into his backpack and pulls out an English to Japanese dictionary.
["Don't worry. I've got it covered. Bye mom!"]

He quickly gets out of the car and closes the door. Through the window, his mother blows him a kiss, before driving off down the street. Jason then turns back to the school. All around him, students were arriving, all talking amoungst themselves. None of them seem to notice Jason and he takes a relief from that. He then walks forward towards the school to his first class.

[Anyr]

All things considered Jirou's day was going a lot better than expected. Despite encountering many obstacles he had managed to arrive at his first class both on time and intact. True, he wasn't in any condition to actually listen to it, but just being there was an achievement. Besides, he usually didn't listen anyway; Being at the bottom of the class got you more attention than being in the middle. Thus he was quite happy to wile away the time with idle daydreams. Or, in this case, groundless anxieties.

"...never show my face again at that cafe, that's for sure. Except maybe to turn that worthless chair into dust. The thing deserves all it gets for foiling the greatest entrance of all time. First impressions are the key, I can feel it. Not that there's anyone here who doesn't already know what an idiot I-Wait...Wasn't there supposed to be a new student coming today? Hey yeah, there was! Kami, I must be out of my mind to forget something fantastic like that..."

Jirou straightened up in his seat, suddenly raptly attentive. Even the thought of Harada Rin's burning disdain couldn't spoil his mood now. It wasn't every day that an opportunity like this came along. This new kid was a blank slate, a fresh canvas, a chance for a comeback! Eyes now firmly fixed upon the door, he awaited the new arrival with baited breath.

[InyutheBeatIs]

A tan man sits in a workshop, working on a wooden table. He's working on a commision given to him by a couple from Azabu Academy who noticed him working on a wooden bird. They were impressed with his skill, and so gave him a job creating a table that looks like it came straight out of Versailles. At this point, he's looking at a rather stubborn little piece of wood that just won't cooperate. He puts a couple of fingers on that piece, and soon it shrivels up, allowing him to simply flick it off.

He then glances over at the clock, noticing that he should get ready for school. He then goes to take a quick shower and put on his school uniform. It was loose enough and long enough to cover up the things that would make him an outcast, something he's always been grateful for. Well, aside from his green eyes and long, white hair, but he was used to the names he would recieve because of this. He moves to a room where he keeps a large store of plants, picks a peach from one of them, and leaves the apartment.

Soon, Mori Hajime arrives at Onizuka, completely on foot. He gives whatever curtsies are neccessary to whoever it was neccessary, making it as easy as possible. He takes in everything, the sights, the sounds, the smells, on instinct. He looks blank and inward, showing little to no emotion. A calm in a storm.

[Callos_DeTerran]

Alleyway

The kidnappers struggle to their feet, winded. More angry than hurt, they ignore Sakurako's warning and make one more effort to bring down the cheeky teleporter.

"Graah...get her already! She's just some punk girl!" The two others rush Sakurako. One of them, who has an especially maniacal gleam in his eye, opens his palm and produces a ball of flame--the probably culprit for the flame jet that Sakurako saw earlier.

Sakurako

The redhead's eyes widen as the one produces a ball of flame, noting the look in his eyes as she considered her options. If she kept jumping so quickly, then she'd start to get tired soon, which would be bad if these others had abilities as well. As another flame jet rushed towards her, Sakurako jumps back and disappears in the rush of flames, appearing beside one of the others with a sweeping kick that knocks him unto his rump while she grabs hold of his shock prod.

Another short jump and she jabs the taser against the pyrokineticist's side for an electrifying surprise.

"Didn't your mother teach you to never play with fire? Or to insult a lady?" She says haughtily before turning to the others...three more quick pops and she'd taken down the two still remaining with similar jolts before sitting squarely on the last one's chest with her handcuffs locking his hands together.

"I just hope for your sake that your victim is unharmed, otherwise your punishment will be much worse." Sakurako warns, getting up unto her feet. "Hitsushi, do you need any help?"

[13_CBS]

Alleyway

At Sakurako's call, the last still-standing thug turns around and sees that almost everyone else is pretty much down and out.

"Aww, damn it! Run for it! Run!" He drops his weapon and tries to rush past Tsutomu. Two others manage to struggle to their feet follow him out, the others unconscious or too weak to run away.

[InyutheBeatIs]

[Mori Hajime-Onizuka Academy]

Hajime manages to weave through the crowds and make it to class just enough ahead of time, shrugging off any name-calling like "old man" due to his snow white hair. He gives the room a brief scan before setting up his books and supplies and notes. After a few moments, he reclines slightly as he waits for class to begin. He looks just the slightest bit tense, as though he is prepared for anything. However, you wouldn't tell from his face, as it's calm, serene, and blank as ever.

[Shades of Gray]

Hitsushi

Hitsushi ran forward and put his hand on the running thug's chest with great force. The thug promptly fell backward, lightly and slowly. He activated the taser, making a Bzzzt noise. "All of you should come quietly. You cannot get past me, and any that do will be caught by my teleporting friend." He said calmly and clearly. "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law." The boy handcuffed all of the remaining thugs when they agreed.

"Whew..." Hitsushi later said with a sigh as he leaned against a wall.

[Frozen_Feet]

[Past Night]

Hinata was walking back to home from work, when he heard a loud thud and frantic speech coming from a nearby alley. It sounded like there was a... fight? An arrest? Curious, the young man stoped and leaned forward a bit to catch a glimpse of what was happening in the shadows.

[13_CBS]

Alleyway

All seven of the thugs back down and drop their weapons, glaring hatred at Sakurako and Tsutomu. One of them spits at Tsutomu's face as he reads them their rights.

[Shades of Gray]

Hitsushi

The spit, curiously, balled up and stopped about one inch away as he put his hand up. It then fell to the ground. "Disrespect me all you want. That just means more time." He said with a strug.

[Silverraptor]

Jason- Onizuka Academy

Jason walked nerviously down the hallway. He got a few quick stares, but did his best to ignore them all. He arrived at the entrance of his class and took a steadying breath. The bell rang to signal all students that they were now late if they were not in their classes. He stood there, outside the class, trying to listen in. Apparently, he was supposed to wait outside until the teacher announced his presence.

He listened as the teacher called roll and the different students responded. In his head, he went over the words he was suppose to say when he was called in.

["Lets hope I get this right."]

From inside, the teacher's voice finishes calling roll.
"And now, we have a new transfer student joining us today. Please welcome Jason Williams from the United States."

Jason barely understood what the teacher said as he reaches for the handle door. He opens it up slowly and steps inside. Thank goodness he wasn't the nervous type, or this would be torture. He could feel all the student's eyes on him as he walked down the endless streach to the front of the room. He turned to face all the students, nearly faultering on the first word.
"H-Hello. My name is Jason Williams and its very nice to meet all of you."

He could see the teacher out of the corner of his nodding approvingly before looking out at the students.
"Now lets see here... Why don't you sit next to Jirou over by the window there."

Jason follows his gaze over to the empty seat behind Jirou. He walks over to the desk and sits down. He was glad the introduction was over. He knew he would have to do it several times later today, but atleast now he knew he could speak what he had to say correctly.

He looks up as the teacher then turns to begin writing stuff on the blackboard. There was a moment of panic as he saw the words in japanese. instinctively, he reaches down into his backpack to pull out the Japanese to English dictionary. He then opens up his spiralbound notebook to take notes. The left side would copy down what's on the blackboard. The right side will be the english translation. Now hopefully he can do this all without any interruptions...

[Kasanip]

Kanazuchi Kazumi
[Tokiwadai] [Morning]

Always running. Having this annoying thought, Kazumi ran quickly. Of course to be late for school is a bad thing, in a city of students. But Kazumi did not sleep too long very often. No, she did not sleep very well most of the time.

Last night was the same. Mostly it was the late arrival of her roommate. Though Kazumi was not asleep, it was clear the job of 'Judgement' was an annoyance. Maybe another reason not to join.

Kazumi ran anyway. She did not mind the running so much, but for a ruffled appearance, of course there would be comments from her classmates. Because Tokiwadai was just that kind of school. But, at least it was not the same as Sakurako's desires. Kazumi tried to run away from that brief thought.

[Anyr]

Jirou's eyebrows rose along with many others as their teacher introduced the new student. The newcomer was a foreigner? Whispered chatter briefly filled the room only to abruptly stop when the door swung open. From the hush that followed it was as if everyone was expecting a two-headed dragon to be on the other side. Even when the 'dragon' was revealed to be a fairly average brown-haired boy the class' focus didn't waver. Their eyes followed him unwaveringly as he made his way to the front, and Jirou was no exception.

As excited as he was, Jirou did feel a pang of sympathy for the poor kid. He well remembered making that torturous walk himself, and the feelings it evoked. If the experience was that bad for a normal student, he could only imagine what it was like for a foreigner in an unfamiliar land. What this guy needed was a good friend to show him the ropes, and Jirou would be happy to fill that role...Purely for Jason's benefit, of course. No question of petty vanity here, absolutely not. Anyway, he was determined to befriend this American as soon as the opportunity arose.

And arise it did. Before Jirou knew what was happening the newbie had already crossed the room and sat down right behind him. Perhaps lady luck hadn't completely abandoned him after all. A quick backward glance revealed that Jason was deep in concentration and unlikely to welcome interruptions, but that didn't matter; Jirou had an ace in the hole. Taking care not to attract too much notice (probably a futile effort), he leaned back and whispered a few words to the scribbling student.

"[Need any help? You seem a bit nervous.]"

With an effort Jirou held back the smug smile he wanted to give the rest of the class. They might have had the advantage in looks, brains and popularity, but so what? He could speak English.

[13_CBS]

Hitsushi

The spit, curiously, balled up and stopped about one inch away as he put his hand up. It then fell to the ground. "Disrespect me all you want. That just means more time." He said with a strug.

Alleyway

Even his last attempt at lashing out against his captors foiled, the thug settles down, awaiting capture. The others eye the gap between Tsutomu and the alleyway walls, but they also settle down.

[Frozen_Feet]

[Alleyway, past night]

Just as the situation seems to calm down, a figure wearing a fluffy pink wintercoat appears at the mouth of the alley, behind Sakurako and Hitsushi "Excuse me? Is everything under control here?" Hinata asks, his breath steaming and cheeks flushing in the cold night air.

[Shades of Gray]

Hitsushi

The boy smiled, looking at the figure in a coat. "Everything is fine now, Miss-" Hitsushi squinted. "...-ter." He corrected himself immediately, embarrassed at his umistake. "What brings you here?" He asks curiously, wondering why this pretty young woman was wandering through the alleyways.

[Frozen_Feet]

[Past Night]

"Oh, I was just going home from work when I heard some commotion..." Hinata takes a few steps into the alley and tilts his head to better peer past Hitsushi, his earrings swinging slightly from side to side, gleaming in the faint light. "I just wanted to see if things were.." He stops mid-sentence when he sees the assortment of thugs and starts picking up faces.

Uh huh.

[Callos_DeTerran]

Sakurako

Sakurako leaves Hitsushi to handle the kidnappers, after passing him the other pair of handcuffs she kept hooked to her thigh of course, and instead moves to see just who their unfortunate victim had been. Of course, when Caitriona and Hinata arrive, she casts a slightly surprised look at the two of them.

"Hey, you guys should stand back! It's not really safe to stand around these guys, at least one of them is a pyrokinetic.." She warns as she rolls the victim over and pulls out her phone, opening it up so that it casts some light upon who it was.

"Hey, are you okay? Did they hurt you anywhere?" Sakurako says gently, adopting her best 'big sister' tone to help put them at ease...though if they were still unconscious it might not do much to calm them down.

[Maximum Zersk]

This was Re-retconned.

[Frozen_Feet]

[Past night]

Hinata walks beside Hitsushi, narrows his eyes at the kidnappers, then turns around on his heels. "Ah, must've been my imagination. Everything seems fine! I'll be on my way then!", he exclaims happily, before inexclicably leaning close to Hitsushi, grabbing hold of his shoulder and pulling him closer so that his ear is only an inch from his mouth. "Whatever they say, don't trust them. They've all got wrong clothes on", Hinata hisses quickly with a low voice, before brightening up, a cunning smile flashing on his face.

He then gives Hitsushi a peck on the cheek before quickly skipping past him and going on his merry way again. "I'll leave it up to you! Bye byeee ~<3 !"

[Maximum Zersk]

Re-Retcon!

Catarino is still standing in the alley watching what's happening next.

[13_CBS]

Alleyway

As the thugs sit around looking sullen (and beaten), the figure they had been trying to kidnap stirs, and finally awakens.

"Mmm...huh? Where am I?"

A frighteningly cute girl wearing Onizuka clothes sits up, blinking her eyes and looking confusedly first at Sakurako, then Hitsushi, Hinata, and Catarino. Then her eyes fall on the thugs, and they widen in fear and panic. She points at them and squeaks, "K-kidnappers! T-t-they tried to kidnap me! Or worse! You're Judgement, right?" With teary, puppy-dog eyes, (http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh314/13cbs/youmu.jpg) she looks at her saviors, desperate for help.

[Callos_DeTerran]

Sakurako

Sakurako looks just as flustered herself at the girl's peculiar reaction, reaching up to pat the air in front of her to try and calm her down. It's only a distant after thought to her duty as a member of Judgement to notice that the girl is rather cute, focusing instead on getting her to relax.

"Yes, we're from Judgement and everything is okay! We already dealt with your assailants and I wanted to make sure you were alright, okay?" the cheerful redhead says soothingly, doing a quick once-over of the girl to check for any visible injuries before helping her up to her feet, "I'm Sakurako, what's your name? Can you tell me what happened before I got here? When I got here you were already unconscious and they were starting to take you away, but I didn't see how they got you or anything."

[Maximum Zersk]

Catarino

Catarino walks over to the thugs.

"So, what were you planning to do with her?" He asked with a grunt.

[druid91]

Hachiro Akiyama, Onizuka M.S.

Shortly into class the sound of yelling can be heard through the window, shortly followed by a disheveled looking man running into the Room followed by the teacher from across the hall who was looking disapproving, The disheveled one leans to catch his breath before saying "Akiyama, He's gone! He pinned everyone down behind the bleachers with wiffle balls and then ran. We know he hasn't left school, but we can't find him! He is going to have detention forever when I catch him!"

[13_CBS]

Catarino

Catarino walks over to the thugs.

"So, what were you planning to do with her?" He asked with a grunt.

Thugs

The thugs merely glare at Catarino. "Piss off, you."


Victim

The girl startles a little at the thug's harsh language, but she focuses back on Sakurako.

"Well, uh...I was walking back home from Patisserie Joyeux. My friends went to do some Karaoke but I decided to go back home earlier by myself, and I got a little lost..." She glances at the thugs again, who sneer at her.

"And, and I was walking by this alleyway when these...these kidnappers grabbed me from behind and started dragging me away. Then everything went black..." She rubs her neck unconsciously; perhaps she was knocked out by a tazer?

"I don't know why they wanted to kidnap me, my family's not rich or famous or anything..."

[Silverraptor]

Jirou's eyebrows rose along with many others as their teacher introduced the new student. The newcomer was a foreigner? Whispered chatter briefly filled the room only to abruptly stop when the door swung open. From the hush that followed it was as if everyone was expecting a two-headed dragon to be on the other side. Even when the 'dragon' was revealed to be a fairly average brown-haired boy the class' focus didn't waver. Their eyes followed him unwaveringly as he made his way to the front, and Jirou was no exception.

As excited as he was, Jirou did feel a pang of sympathy for the poor kid. He well remembered making that torturous walk himself, and the feelings it evoked. If the experience was that bad for a normal student, he could only imagine what it was like for a foreigner in an unfamiliar land. What this guy needed was a good friend to show him the ropes, and Jirou would be happy to fill that role...Purely for Jason's benefit, of course. No question of petty vanity here, absolutely not. Anyway, he was determined to befriend this American as soon as the opportunity arose.

And arise it did. Before Jirou knew what was happening the newbie had already crossed the room and sat down right behind him. Perhaps lady luck hadn't completely abandoned him after all. A quick backward glance revealed that Jason was deep in concentration and unlikely to welcome interruptions, but that didn't matter; Jirou had an ace in the hole. Taking care not to attract too much notice (probably a futile effort), he leaned back and whispered a few words to the scribbling student.

"[Need any help? You seem a bit nervous.]"

With an effort Jirou held back the smug smile he wanted to give the rest of the class. They might have had the advantage in looks, brains and popularity, but so what? He could speak English.

Jason freezes as he hears familiar words spoken to him. He looks up at the source increadulous. He bends over and whispers to the boy in front of him.

"[You speak english?]"

[Anyr]

Jirou gave Jason an answering nod along with a reassuring smile.

"[Yeah, not that I get much chance to use it. You're the first actual English speaker I've met.]"

The words were accented and occasionally mispronounced, but still comprehensible enough. Just as he'd said, Jirou obviously didn't get many opportunities to practice this skill in real conversation. Still, he'd actually put a lot of effort into learning the language (back when it seemed certain to be the next big trend). It was nice to finally get something back from all that wasted effort.

"[Anyway, just let me know if you need anything. With all the power slinging around here things can get a bit-]"


Shortly into class the sound of yelling can be heard through the window, shortly followed by a disheveled looking man running into the Room followed by the teacher from across the hall who was looking disapproving, The disheveled one leans to catch his breath before saying "Akiyama, He's gone! He pinned everyone down behind the bleachers with wiffle balls and then ran. We know he hasn't left school, but we can't find him! He is going to have detention forever when I catch him!"

"[-dangerous.]"

[Silverraptor]

Jason stares at the scene presented in front of him. He then bends over to whisper to Jirou.

"[Ummm... What did he say?]"

[Anyr]

For once Jirou didn't have to worry about attracting attention, since the class was far too busy staring at the ranting teacher. He whispered hurriedly to Jason, eager to give his own version of current events.

"[One of our crazier classmates, name of Akiyama, has gone berserk again. The guy's got several screws loose, but he's also a level 4. He keeps grudges forever and switches moods like they were TV channels, so stay well clear when he's around. Take it from me, even wiffle balls hurt when they're thrown by him.]"

Though some would disagree with Jirou's little summary of his fellow classmate, there wasn't actually a lie anywhere in it. To him Akiyama really did seem to be a powder keg waiting for any excuse to explode. The fact that it was usually people like Jirou who lit the fuse never really seemed relevant. In his eyes Akiyama was just a crazy moron who kept attacking him for no reason; End of story.

[Shades of Gray]

[Past night]

Hinata walks beside Hitsushi, narrows his eyes at the kidnappers, then turns around on his heels. "Ah, must've been my imagination. Everything seems fine! I'll be on my way then!", he exclaims happily, before inexclicably leaning close to Hitsushi, grabbing hold of his shoulder and pulling him closer so that his ear is only an inch from his mouth. "Whatever they say, don't trust them. They've all got wrong clothes on", Hinata hisses quickly with a low voice, before brightening up, a cunning smile flashing on his face.

He then gives Hitsushi a peck on the cheek before quickly skipping past him and going on his merry way again. "I'll leave it up to you! Bye byeee ~<3 !"

"What do you mean by-" The boy managed to mutter back before...

Before the kiss.

A flood of redness comes crashing down upon Hitsushi's cheeks like a tidal wave. It came crashing down and destroyed everything in its path, including the boy's senses.

"Buh...Buh..." Hitsushi simply stood there, eyes wide. His hand went subconsciously to touch his cheek. He could feel the boy's lipstick.

The boy's lipstick.

In all the confusion Hitsushi had even forgotten that a boy had just kissed him. He managed to regain his senses as Hinata was just leaving. "Wait! You didn't tell me- Gah..." Hitsushi rubbed the lipstick off with the back of his hand, realizing what had just happened.

"The one time somebody kisses me..." He thought to himself, with a defeated sigh.

[druid91]

A student runs in, and talks to the teacher quietly for a moment and then the teacher practically leaps up and runs out the door yelling "I'm gonna get that little ingrate, And make him find every last wiffle ball!!!"
You notice a student in a gym uniform chuckling, it may or may not be a coincidence that he has a huge bruise on his forehead, with spots in it.

[Callos_DeTerran]

Victim

The girl startles a little at the thug's harsh language, but she focuses back on Sakurako.

"Well, uh...I was walking back home from Patisserie Joyeux. My friends went to do some Karaoke but I decided to go back home earlier by myself, and I got a little lost..." She glances at the thugs again, who sneer at her.

"And, and I was walking by this alleyway when these...these kidnappers grabbed me from behind and started dragging me away. Then everything went black..." She rubs her neck unconsciously; perhaps she was knocked out by a tazer?

"I don't know why they wanted to kidnap me, my family's not rich or famous or anything..."

Sakurako

"Well don't you worry one bit, okay?" Sakurako says encouragingly, giving the (now that she noticed) cute girl a thumb's up and a charming smile before helping her up to her feet. "Hitsushi and I have taken care of these guys and soon the Anti-Skill will be trying to find out why they'd pick on a poor thing like you."

Seeing how...distracted her partner in crime is, Sakurako takes it upon herself to update the proper authorities, even as the noise of sirens can already be heard approaching the location. Soon this mess would be tidily wrapped up (for the moment) and Sakurako could get back...home...

Oh no! I missed curfew!

The redhead suddenly goes pale, trembling for a moment before her forced smile returns.

"Ah but how thoughtless of me! Do you want me to walk you home to make sure you aren't ambushed again? I can finish getting your statement while we walk..."

[Maximum Zersk]

Catarino

The shirtless boy crouched down in front of the thug.

"I'll say it again. What were you planning?" he asked.

[Mina Kobold]

Katsu

Despite all the hassle at Onizuka, Azabu was as dull as ever.

Which is why Katsu was running around looking around for something crazy to do as soon as lunch period arrived.

Unfortunately his eyes fell upon Hisagi.

"Hi there, Thunder!"

...He yells as he appear out of nowhere right next to Hisagi with but a dash of wind signalling that he had come from the direction of a very solid looking wall

"How's it going? Still up on the fashion? Wanna go exploring on the roofs?"

He smiles and looks at a particularly funny cloud while waiting for an answer

(Yes, there is a reason he called him thunder, but I'm not telling you :smalltongue:)

[Silverraptor]

Jason thinks over what Jirou says.
"[Uhhh... thanks for the advice, I guess.]"

[Anyr]

"[Any time.]"

After that brief excitement the rest of the class passed disappointingly peacefully. Despite his earlier warnings Jirou had been secretly hoping that Akiyama would come bursting into the room to relieve the monotony. He'd even prepared a few witty taunts to use in the epic battle which would no doubt have erupted between them. What a sight that would have been; Students and teachers alike would have cowered in fear as torrents of furniture were hurled across the room, only to be suddenly reduced to dust. Through swirling clouds the two warriors would clash, with only the swish of disintegrating wiffle balls to mark their passing. Eventually their speed and breadth of technique would be so great that only the token commentating bystander (there's always one of those) on the sidelines would be able to keep up with it. At long last the entire school would stand in ruins beneath a triumphant Jirou, who would subsequently be arrested and led away by policewaitaminute...

Okay, scrap that. Clearly massively damaging epic battles weren't advisable when your home address was listed in the phone book. Apparently Akiyama had reached the same conclusion, since the lesson came to an end without him bursting in on a flaming chariot (or even a flaming unicycle). Instead the teacher just dismissed everyone before rushing hurriedly out of the room, presumably to join the search for the rogue wiffle sniper. With the room swiftly emptying and no need to whisper any more Jirou turned his attention back to his new American acquaintance.

"[So, how are you liking Academy City so far? Getting settled in all right?]"

[druid91]

Akiyama sneaks in through a connecting door to another classroom, and turns right as he walks into Jason "Ah! Oh I'm sorry about that." He stops and studies Jasons face for a moment, smiling he cheerfully says "Well I don't think I've seen you before.. Are you the new guy?" Then he takes notice of the other student.... His smile turns almost immediately into a frown "Jirou, Did you put that idiot up to it? or did he start it by himself?"

[Terry576]

Katsu

Despite all the hassle at Onizuka, Azabu was as dull as ever.

Which is why Katsu was running around looking around for something crazy to do as soon as lunch period arrived.

Unfortunately his eyes fell upon Hisagi.

"Hi there, Thunder!"

...He yells as he appear out of nowhere right next to Hisagi with but a dash of wind signalling that he had come from the direction of a very solid looking wall

"How's it going? Still up on the fashion? Wanna go exploring on the roofs?"

He smiles and looks at a particularly funny cloud while waiting for an answer

(Yes, there is a reason he called him thunder, but I'm not telling you :smalltongue:)

Hisagi twitches.

"Dammit Katsu, I told you not to call me that. For one, it's Lightning. And why do you want to explore the roofs? There just... Roofs."

He sounds reluctant, but Hisagi deals with Sakurako all the time.

He's going to go and explore the roofs whether he likes it or not.

[Lillith]

Nothing to see here! Move along!

[Mina Kobold]

Hisagi twitches.

"Dammit Katsu, I told you not to call me that. For one, it's Lightning. And why do you want to explore the roofs? There just... Roofs."

He sounds reluctant, but Hisagi deals with Sakurako all the time.

He's going to go and explore the roofs whether he likes it or not.

Katsu laughs

"But you don't look like a lightning, you're not even as fast as a thunder"

Suddenly he disappears and comes back to the visible spectrum on the other side of Hisagi in less than a second

"I am! Maybe I should be Thunder?"

Looking at the roofs from their place on the grounds he continues

"And they're not just roofs, there's all kind of stuff that ends up on them, Frisbees, cigars, footballs, trees, all kinds of stuff!"

Grabbing hold of Hisagi's arm he starts dragging him toward the school building

"Come on! It will be fun!"

[Terry576]

Katsu laughs

"But you don't look like a lightning, you're not even as fast as a thunder"

Suddenly he disappears and comes back to the visible spectrum on the other side of Hisagi in less than a second

"I am! Maybe I should be Thunder?"

Looking at the roofs from their place on the grounds he continues

"And they're not just roofs, there's all kind of stuff that ends up on them, Frisbees, cigars, footballs, trees, all kinds of stuff!"

Grabbing hold of Hisagi's arm he starts dragging him toward the school building

"Come on! It will be fun!"

Hisagi's eye twitches again.

"Gee, maybe my nickname could have to do with my ability to control electricity? Nah, that's just silly. Wait what are you doing? Dont drag me off! Heeeeeeellllp!"

(This just in: A total of five of my characters have been dragged at some point or another.)

[Mina Kobold]

Hisagi's eye twitches again.

"Gee, maybe my nickname could have to do with my ability to control electricity? Nah, that's just silly. Wait what are you doing? Dont drag me off! Heeeeeeellllp!"

(This just in: A total of five of my characters have been dragged at some point or another.)

Katsu speeds up as they get closer to the wall

"Oh right, you can do that static electricity thingamajig or other. Hold tight!"

As they reach the wall, Katsu keeps on running up it and for a moment it seems he is about to fall off.

Then he steps on a particularly off-placed brick and somehow manages to continue upward.

(I hope this isn't too implausible :smallsmile:)

[Anyr]

Akiyama sneaks in through a connecting door to another classroom, and turns right as he walks into Jason "Ah! Oh I'm sorry about that." He stops and studies Jasons face for a moment, smiling he cheerfully says "Well I don't think I've seen you before.. Are you the new guy?" Then he takes notice of the other student.... His smile turns almost immediately into a frown "Jirou, Did you put that idiot up to it? or did he start it by himself?"

Jirou quickly interposed himself between Akiyama and Jason, blocking their view of each other. He glared at the other boy with clear resentment, but restrained himself from going any further. If it weren't for Jason's presence he'd have been quite happy to beat some respect into this idiot. This time he'd just have to settle for a verbal beatdown.

"Oh, so this one wasn't your fault either? That's just like you; Blaming all your problems on someone else. I suppose the umpteen other guys you beaned all had it coming to them as well? Face it, you're one freak out away from taking the rest of your classes in a room with rubber walls. Speaking of which..."

With a sadistic grin he turned his head to one side, took a deep breath and let out a stentorian yell.

"HEY, I FOUND AKIYAMA! HE'S RIGHT HERE! COME AND GET HIM!"

[Silverraptor]

Jason was about to respond to Jirou when he Akiyama ran into him. Akiyama then spoke out to him in fluent japanese too fast for Jason to understand apart from a word or two here and there. He was taken aback at how Jirou stood in Akiyama's face to speak angrily at him. Jason was at this point reaching into his bag for his Japanese to English dictionary, before Jirou's sudden yelling made him jump.

[13_CBS]

Catarino

The shirtless boy crouched down in front of the thug.

"I'll say it again. What were you planning?" he asked.

Thugs

"And I'll say it again, piss off. I got nothin' to say to ya." The thug smirks, daring Catarino to do anything to him.




Sakurako

"Well don't you worry one bit, okay?" Sakurako says encouragingly, giving the (now that she noticed) cute girl a thumb's up and a charming smile before helping her up to her feet. "Hitsushi and I have taken care of these guys and soon the Anti-Skill will be trying to find out why they'd pick on a poor thing like you."

Seeing how...distracted her partner in crime is, Sakurako takes it upon herself to update the proper authorities, even as the noise of sirens can already be heard approaching the location. Soon this mess would be tidily wrapped up (for the moment) and Sakurako could get back...home...

Oh no! I missed curfew!

The redhead suddenly goes pale, trembling for a moment before her forced smile returns.

"Ah but how thoughtless of me! Do you want me to walk you home to make sure you aren't ambushed again? I can finish getting your statement while we walk..."

Girl

The girl nods.

"I should get home too, my brother's waiting for me and it was my turn to cook dinner today...oh!" She suddenly starts and blushes.

"I-I forgot to introduce myself! I'm Hiroshi Yuuka, Onizuka 1st year! I apologize for my rudeness..."

She glances around, first at the thugs, then at Sakurako's uniform.

"Wait, you're from Tokiwadai, right! Wow, I've always wanted to go there! The campus is so pretty, and all the girls there look like celebrities! But the tuition is...well..." She laughs nervously and looks away.

"B-but I should get going home soon..." She looks at the alleyway entrance, then back at Sakurako.

[Terry576]

Katsu speeds up as they get closer to the wall

"Oh right, you can do that static electricity thingamajig or other. Hold tight!"

As they reach the wall, Katsu keeps on running up it and for a moment it seems he is about to fall off.

Then he steps on a particularly off-placed brick and somehow manages to continue upward.

(I hope this isn't too implausible :smallsmile:)

Hisagi roars over the breaking of the sound barrier;

"I control the VERY ESSENCE OF LIGHTNING!"

[druid91]

Jirou quickly interposed himself between Akiyama and Jason, blocking their view of each other. He glared at the other boy with clear resentment, but restrained himself from going any further. If it weren't for Jason's presence he'd have been quite happy to beat some respect into this idiot. This time he'd just have to settle for a verbal beatdown.

"Oh, so this one wasn't your fault either? That's just like you; Blaming all your problems on someone else. I suppose the umpteen other guys you beaned all had it coming to them as well? Face it, you're one freak out away from taking the rest of your classes in a room with rubber walls. Speaking of which..."

With a sadistic grin he turned his head to one side, took a deep breath and let out a stentorian yell.

"HEY, I FOUND AKIYAMA! HE'S RIGHT HERE! COME AND GET HIM!"

Akiyama glares daggers at Jirou, and starts to say something along the lines of "I don't give in to bullies...", then Jirou starts yelling, at which point he runs, as he reaches the back door the Gym teacher opens it, hitting Akiyama in the face with the door by accident. "Ow...."

[Anyr]

Jirou spared a smile for Akiyama's misfortune, though he kept it well out of Jason's view. By the time he turned back to his confused companion his face was set in a much more regretful cast.

"[Sorry for the scare; It's just that that guy really needs to be kept in line when he steps out. Mudslingers like him really get my hackles up, you know? Come on, let's get out of here. The teachers can handle the rest.]"

Hoisting his bag over one shoulder, Jirou left the classroom without a backward glance. That mental image of Akiyama being defeated by a door would be more than enough to last him through the day.

[Silverraptor]

Jason follows Jirou out.

"[So... What should we do until the next class starts?]"

[Callos_DeTerran]

Sakurako

Sakurako can't help but look a bit sheepish as Yuuka blushed and began to stammer, patting the air again to try and calm the poor girl even before she finished introducing herself.

"It's okay, you've had a long day. I don't think anyone would blame you for a small lapse in manners right now. That is, as long as you can forgive mine too!" Now it was the Tokiwadai student's turn to look embarrassed as she began to follow Yuuka to her home, "My name is Katagawa Sakurako, I just wish we could have met each other under better circumstances then this is all!

The girl's gushing over Tokiwadai makes the redhead look a bit uncomfortable though, prompting her to look away with her cheeks a faint pink color.

"Yeah, tutition is a bit steep, but the other requirements are even more rough. Only Level 3's are even given a shot at applying, which seems a bit harsh to me...but you can't argue with results either! I doubt I'd be a member of Judgment today if it wasn't for Tokiwadai!"

Don't let her recognize my name, don't let her recognize my name...

[Maximum Zersk]

"So I guess we just leave them for Anti-Skill, then?" Catarino asks.

[Anyr]

Jason follows Jirou out.

"[So... What should we do until the next class starts?]"

"[Right now I'm easy, so why don't you decide. What do you usually do for fun?]"

Whatever the answer Jirou would most likely go along with it. Anything to stop Jason from learning what he usually did in his free time around here...

[13_CBS]

Sakurako

Sakurako can't help but look a bit sheepish as Yuuka blushed and began to stammer, patting the air again to try and calm the poor girl even before she finished introducing herself.

"It's okay, you've had a long day. I don't think anyone would blame you for a small lapse in manners right now. That is, as long as you can forgive mine too!" Now it was the Tokiwadai student's turn to look embarrassed as she began to follow Yuuka to her home, "My name is Katagawa Sakurako, I just wish we could have met each other under better circumstances then this is all!

The girl's gushing over Tokiwadai makes the redhead look a bit uncomfortable though, prompting her to look away with her cheeks a faint pink color.

"Yeah, tutition is a bit steep, but the other requirements are even more rough. Only Level 3's are even given a shot at applying, which seems a bit harsh to me...but you can't argue with results either! I doubt I'd be a member of Judgment today if it wasn't for Tokiwadai!"

Don't let her recognize my name, don't let her recognize my name...

Yuuka

"Katagawa Sakurako..." Yuuka places a finger on her temple and looks up, recognizing that name.

"...Oh. Oh!" Her eyes fill with surprise, then awe. "You're THE Katagawa Sakurako! I've heard so much about you!" She squeals and starts gushing, "My friends always tell me about how you're one of the best Judgment officers around, and that one time where you beat up five big bullies all by yourself to help an old lady, and they call you Tokiwadai's Red Flash, and, and..."

Realizing the commotion she's making (and noticing Tsutomu's own Judgment badge), Yuuka calms down and blushes deeply, bowing to cover her embarrassment. "I, I mean, uh...it's an honor to meet you!"

[Terry576]

Hisagi grins evilly as he notices Yuki Toshi up on the roofs.

He pokes Katsu.

"Alright, see Yuki? Let's scare him. Operation: Plan Alpha Beta Delta is a-go."

He sneaks near Yuki to begin Operation: Plan Alpha Beta Delta.

[Silverraptor]

"[Right now I'm easy, so why don't you decide. What do you usually do for fun?]"

Whatever the answer Jirou would most likely go along with it. Anything to stop Jason from learning what he usually did in his free time around here...

Jason crosses his arms.

"[Well, neither of the things I usually do for fun I can do at the moment. So, could you give me a brief tour of the school? I didn't really have time yet to look around.]"

[Mina Kobold]

Hisagi grins evilly as he notices Yuki Toshi up on the roofs.

He pokes Katsu.

"Alright, see Yuki? Let's scare him. Operation: Plan Alpha Beta Delta is a-go."

He sneaks near Yuki to begin Operation: Plan Alpha Beta Delta.

Katsu takes his eyes off the brilliant view he had of the school grounds and turn around on the spot to look, completely ignoring the fact that he is standing on the very edge of the roof.

"Sure! That sounds like fun...But how?"

Katsu strokes his chin as he thinks

"Do you think he know the ghost prank? Or maybe a storm prank would be better?"

[Anyr]

Jason crosses his arms.

"[Well, neither of the things I usually do for fun I can do at the moment. So, could you give me a brief tour of the school? I didn't really have time yet to look around.]"

Jirou feigned a casual shrug, to give the impression that he got asked this sort of thing every day. Looking too enthusiastic would have been a dead giveaway that he had no life.

"[If you like; When you don't count all the weirdoes it's a pretty boring place. Anyway, over here we have...]"

And thus began the whirlwind tour of Onizuka. Over the course of it Jirou kept up a steady monologue about anything that they happened to be passing, most of which was just as boring as he'd said. He had a feeling that it wouldn't stay that way, though; With the new kid wandering the halls the aforementioned weirdoes would start swarming soon enough...

[Terry576]

Katsu takes his eyes off the brilliant view he had of the school grounds and turn around on the spot to look, completely ignoring the fact that he is standing on the very edge of the roof.

"Sure! That sounds like fun...But how?"

Katsu strokes his chin as he thinks

"Do you think he know the ghost prank? Or maybe a storm prank would be better?"

"Surprise me."

[InyutheBeatIs]

[Mori Hajime]

Lunchtime at Onizuka.

It was rather interesting for Hajime. It gave him some time to think on the classes he was in, as well as something to watch as all the students flood the halls and the teachers go out back to smoke their blues away.

As for him, he sat quietly at a table at the cafeteria. He was mostly secluded, mostly by choice. He found it was best to keep some form of distance away from others, as it often led to harassment, whether it be due to his being behind a grade, his being an esper, or his having white hair so early in life.

So, he sits at a table, watching the crowds, listening to the conversations, smelling the food. He sits calmly.

[Callos_DeTerran]

Sakurako

Oh no, she remembers my name!

Sakurako tensed, getting ready to apologize profusely or, possibly, began to explain her somewhat...erratic behavior...but it seems as if Yuuka remembered her name for another reason.

"Huh? Uh...I guess that's true. I don't think I'm one of Judgment's best officers though. If I was then I'd probably be a captain or something." she mumbles, sounding more then a little surprised and blushing herself even before she clears her throat.

"Well...In any case, I'll walk you home, get your contact information, and then Hitsushi and I will get to work on why these punks wanted to pick on you, kay?" She says cheerfully, trying to ease the tension, even as she gives a little wave at Hitsushi. She'd see him at the sector office tomorrow and could fill him in then...

Just want to fade to black here until later 13?

------------

Next Day, Tokiwadai

Sakurako was a wreck. A fight the previous night and then making sure Yuuka had got home safely only to be followed up by being chewed out by the dorm mother and then Kazumi for not calling her. She was tired, a little beat up, and had briefly fallen asleep in class. That'd come back to bite her in the tush eventually, that she knew, but (for now) Sakurako was just walking aimlessly through the hallowed halls of her school with bag in hand and under her eyes.

Feel free for Jane to run into her Lilith. :smallwink:

[Lillith]

Time was slowly running out for Jane. Classes would be starting soon and she'd be late. What a good first impression she'd make if she'd show up on her first day and was later then anybody else. The halls were really crowded and made it impossible for Jane to even guess where she came from.

Wandering aimlessly, Jane slowly started to panic. How was she going to find her class? She had out ruled the use of her powers, like many times before, she just couldn't do it. So her second best bet was to... ask... And she was able to ask right away because due to her inattention of her surroundings, Jane walked right into a red haired girl that looked about her age.

"Oh!" Jane gasped. "Oh! I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" She pleaded in broken Japanese. "I didn't look around well. I didn't seeing you!" At first, Jane felt like she should make herself scarce. Though with time running, she might as well ask for help. "You can help, yes? Please? I don't want late to be. I need to go to History class."

[13_CBS]

Sakurako

Oh no, she remembers my name!

Sakurako tensed, getting ready to apologize profusely or, possibly, began to explain her somewhat...erratic behavior...but it seems as if Yuuka remembered her name for another reason.

"Huh? Uh...I guess that's true. I don't think I'm one of Judgment's best officers though. If I was then I'd probably be a captain or something." she mumbles, sounding more then a little surprised and blushing herself even before she clears her throat.

"Well...In any case, I'll walk you home, get your contact information, and then Hitsushi and I will get to work on why these punks wanted to pick on you, kay?" She says cheerfully, trying to ease the tension, even as she gives a little wave at Hitsushi. She'd see him at the sector office tomorrow and could fill him in then...

Just want to fade to black here until later 13?

------------

Sounds fine. :smallbiggrin:

Yuuka

Yuuka waves at her rescuers, and bows in gratitude as they leave. She blushes again with embarrassment when she finally realizes that Hitsushi and Catarino had helped out, too, and gives each a peck on the cheek as she leaves.


Elsewhere

He stares at the computer screen, as he often did nowadays. It flashes at him, "Probability of Neuro-circuitry Mergence = 0%", as though it were taunting him. He sighs and clicks "Cancel".

The phone beside him rings. He picks it up.

["Team Two's didn't call back in. I'm gonna assume they got busted or something. Bad run in with Judgement, probably."]

...

["Drop off the payment at the usual--"]

"We discussed this already," he says, his voice calm as always. "No ESPer, no payment, no matter the reason--"

["Listen egghead, you--"]

"--or else I send a memo to Ghost telling him who's been wearing his gang colors without his permission."

["...**** you."]

"Indeed. Call me again when you've got some actual results." Without waiting for an answer, he hangs up the phone and grabs his jacket, heading home.


"Hey..."

That cigarette between her fingers, those eyes that looked so tired, yet somehow, always, kept just a little glimmer of brightness.

As he walks back home through the quiet streets of Academy City, he gazes up at the dark, starless sky.

"Have you ever had a dream?

A dream that you so wanted to make real...that you forgot about reality itself?"

[Maximum Zersk]

Catarino

Catarino doesn't react much to the kiss, though he does wave goodbye.

"Well, then. Bye," he says to Hitsushi, and walks away into the alley.

Alone.

In the dark.

Blind, in more than one sense of the word.

[Terry576]

Hisagi waits patiently for Katsu to do something, while thinking.

"I wonder... Should I tell them? Should I tell my friends what I've become?

He looks out over the roof, seeing the sun.

"Or shall I remain silent? Keep quiet about this? Perhaps it will be for the best...

A faint grin appears on his lips.

"For those who don't know... Might have an easier time."

[13_CBS]

Catarino

Catarino doesn't react much to the kiss, though he does wave goodbye.

"Well, then. Bye," he says to Hitsushi, and walks away into the alley.

Alone.

In the dark.

Blind, in more than one sense of the word.

Alleyway

The streets of Academy City are quiet. No one seems to be on the streets...except for three fellows loitering around an alleyway. When they notice Catarino, they move up to him, sneering.

"Hey there, buddy. Got any spare cash?" The others behind him chuckle.

[Maximum Zersk]

Catarino stares at them coldly.

"No," he says bluntly.

[Mina Kobold]

Hisagi waits patiently for Katsu to do something, while thinking.

"I wonder... Should I tell them? Should I tell my friends what I've become?

He looks out over the roof, seeing the sun.

"Or shall I remain silent? Keep quiet about this? Perhaps it will be for the best...

A faint grin appears on his lips.

"For those who don't know... Might have an easier time."

Katsu looks at Hisagi amusedly just before swiftly disappearing into thin air leaving only a faint dash of wind showing that he had ever been there.

Yuki Toshi on the other hand, should see plenty of signs of something not being right.

One moment the wind would be like a storm and the next it would be quit enough that faint footsteps could be heard, getting closer and closer until

"Buh!"

...is yelled right behind him, but nobody is there but a disembodied and malevolent laughter.

[13_CBS]

Catarino stares at them coldly.

"No," he says bluntly.

Alleyway

"Well, that's too bad, ain't it? Nighty night."

*Thwip*

A hidden thug behind Catarino lowers his tranquilizer gun.

"Heh, right on the neck, too!"

[Maximum Zersk]

Catarino feels the back of his neck.

"Nice. I didn't even notice you!" And then he falls down.

-Thud-

[Anyr]

Over the last few minutes many areas of the school had had the dubious honour of Jirou's presence. He and Jason had passed by most of the classrooms ("[Boredom factories]"), the gym ("[Surprised it's still standing]") and half a dozen other places ("[Boring, boring, green, boring, sometimes explodes, boring...]"). Now it was the busy teachers in their cubicles whose turn to suffer had come. Jirou's annoyingly loud voice was hard to miss as it entered the formerly peaceful place.

"[...And this is the teachers' area. It's where they all go when they're not busy spoiling our day. They like to make it look like they're working, but personally I think it's all an act. Seriously, how hard can it really be to be a teacher? Easiest job in the world, right?]"

[Callos_DeTerran]

Time was slowly running out for Jane. Classes would be starting soon and she'd be late. What a good first impression she'd make if she'd show up on her first day and was later then anybody else. The halls were really crowded and made it impossible for Jane to even guess where she came from.

Wandering aimlessly, Jane slowly started to panic. How was she going to find her class? She had out ruled the use of her powers, like many times before, she just couldn't do it. So her second best bet was to... ask... And she was able to ask right away because due to her inattention of her surroundings, Jane walked right into a red haired girl that looked about her age.

"Oh!" Jane gasped. "Oh! I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" She pleaded in broken Japanese. "I didn't look around well. I didn't seeing you!" At first, Jane felt like she should make herself scarce. Though with time running, she might as well ask for help. "You can help, yes? Please? I don't want late to be. I need to go to History class."

Sakurako

It was to the tired redhead's credit that she didn't fall over when the other girl runs into her, looking more then a little startled even as the other apologized profusely in somewhat...odd Japanese.

Is...she a foreigner? Sakurako muses to herself as Jane asks about the History class. Yup. Definitely a foreigner.

"You're...not Japanese are you?" She asks, not unkindly as a smile crosses her face. It was just par for the course that she knew just a little bit about foreign school systems, specifically to help Tokiwadai's foreign students, and now it had finally paid off! "Do you know the number of your home room?"

"Here...look, all of your classes are going to take place in the same room, it's the teachers who are going to move from class to class. So don't worry about memorizing where a bunch of different classrooms are, kay? It takes some getting used to though. Here, I'll walk you there." She offers brightly, straightening up a little bit, "Ah..what year are you?"

[Maximum Zersk]

Cici

Cici went through her classes like the average day. Only Catarino was nowhere.

Where did Catarino go? she wondered to herself. He never outright misses class.

It was during the second period that she got the thought. What if he's been jumped or something?!

No... no, that could never happen. He knows the streets like the back of his hand. And anyway, he's a level 3 esper. It'd be hard to win against him.

Still... her thoughts trailed off again.

The day went on longer without Catarino showing. During break, Cici sat at the side playing with an electronic device.

[InyutheBeatIs]

[Hajime]

For some reason, Hajime felt something strange. Something...amiss. He finished his conservative meal, got up, and walked. He noticed something wrong with Cici all day, and that Catarino wasn't there at all. So, he decided to try and help as best as he could. If he fell to Skill-out, he would have to find the ones responsible. So, he walked up to Cici silently, probably not even drawing her attention before his soft voice speaks up.
"Is Catarino well?"

[Maximum Zersk]

"Hm?" She looks up. When she sees who it is, she relaxes a bit.

"Oh, hey Hajime. Well, a bit. See, Catarino hasn't appeared since yesterday, and I have no idea where he is." she replied.

The Romani-Japanese girl thought for a bit, idly tossing the device in her hand.

"I think I'll send out one of the city security bots," she said after a few seconds.

[InyutheBeatIs]

"Hm?" She looks up. When she sees who it is, she relaxes a bit.

"Oh, hey Hajime. Well, a bit. See, Catarino hasn't appeared since yesterday, and I have no idea where he is." she replied.

The Romani-Japanese girl thought for a bit, idly tossing the device in her hand.

"I think I'll send out one of the city security bots," she said after a few seconds.

Hajime nods his head in greeting. "Good afternoon to you." The tanned young man then moves to sit down. He sits down a comfortable distance away from Cici, looking at her. "If you feel that would be prudent, you should. Have you checked any of the places he normally frequents?"

[Zexion]

A young man with black hair and robes appears to be pushed out of the ground in the city square, soaring ten feet into the air and landing on his feet like it's nothing special.
The young man looks around, his eyes seeming unsure of where to go.
Could someone please talk to him?

[Maximum Zersk]

Hajime nods his head in greeting. "Good afternoon to you." The tanned young man then moves to sit down. He sits down a comfortable distance away from Cici, looking at her. "If you feel that would be prudent, you should. Have you checked any of the places he normally frequents?"

Cici thinks for a bit. "No, not yet," she replies. "I think I'll try that after school."

[InyutheBeatIs]

Cici thinks for a bit. "No, not yet," she replies. "I think I'll try that after school."

Hajime nods. "Well, if you feel you want any assistance, I can help. My commisions are almost complete well before the deadline, and school isn't posing too much of a problem."

[Kasanip]

Kazumi
[Tokiwadai]

A fairly normal day of class. Nothing was unusual which was good. Kazumi poked the bandage on her face. Almost healed from that last fight.

She wondered how Sakurako was doing. Coming back so late, and even then she didn't talk about Judgment business so much.

Injuries...well, always it is an injury or something for Kazumi, but she never worries about them because of her ability. But for Sakurako it was dangerous. To be distracted as a teleporter was bad, even Kazumi knew this.

Maybe after school she would tell her sempai to go to sleep early today.

[Arkturus]

(The Previous Day)

Seiko sighed as he leaned back in his chair. It was just a simple cold but he decided that he would stay home with Mitsu. She was 13, old enough to take care of herself.

I guess I really am a worry wort.

At least he was being productive while absent from school. Work was piling up at Judgment, mostly about muggings, jumps or robberies. He sighed again. The gangs are starting to get restless. Academy City was becoming more and more dangerous.

He glanced at the clock and noticed it was past lunch time. He should get something for Mitsu to eat. Getting up from his chair, Seiko walked to the kitchen and found Mitsu standing at the stove. She was still in her pink pajamas and was cooking some rice porridge. She looked up, noticed him, and smiled.

"Ah, Onii-chan. I was getting a little hungry and so I started cooking some porridge. I made some for you too."

"Mitsu, you shouldn't be cooking when your sick. You need to rest."

Mitsu puffs her cheeks."Geeze, Onii-chan. You are such a worry wort. I feel fine."

Seiko sighs in defeat, "All right, all right. But shouldn't I be the one cooking? After all, you always cook for us."

"It's fine, I like cooking anyway. Besides, you still have work to do, right? "

Seiko patted Mitsu's head. "Such a good girl."

[riccaru]

Katsu looks at Hisagi amusedly just before swiftly disappearing into thin air leaving only a faint dash of wind showing that he had ever been there.

Yuki Toshi on the other hand, should see plenty of signs of something not being right.

One moment the wind would be like a storm and the next it would be quit enough that faint footsteps could be heard, getting closer and closer until

"Buh!"

...is yelled right behind him, but nobody is there but a disembodied and malevolent laughter.

Yuki screams loudly, turning around quickly and losing balance. He 'falls' over the edge and disappears, the creams getting quieter. In truth he clung to the wall below him, entering an open window of the building and going from the inside to the roof access door.

[Mina Kobold]

Yuki screams loudly, turning around quickly and losing balance. He 'falls' over the edge and disappears, the creams getting quieter. In truth he clung to the wall below him, entering an open window of the building and going from the inside to the roof access door.

As Katsu notices that Yuki is falling, he runs past him and down t the second window where he sits and looks up. Determined to both save and scare Yuki.

Of course, it turns out that Yuki was trying to trick him and Katsu follows through the same window Yuki had entered, careful to stay at speeds that wouldn't generate too much of a breeze and trying to sneak after Yuki.

[Lillith]

Sakurako

It was to the tired redhead's credit that she didn't fall over when the other girl runs into her, looking more then a little startled even as the other apologized profusely in somewhat...odd Japanese.

Is...she a foreigner? Sakurako muses to herself as Jane asks about the History class. Yup. Definitely a foreigner.

"You're...not Japanese are you?" She asks, not unkindly as a smile crosses her face. It was just par for the course that she knew just a little bit about foreign school systems, specifically to help Tokiwadai's foreign students, and now it had finally paid off! "Do you know the number of your home room?"

"Here...look, all of your classes are going to take place in the same room, it's the teachers who are going to move from class to class. So don't worry about memorizing where a bunch of different classrooms are, kay? It takes some getting used to though. Here, I'll walk you there." She offers brightly, straightening up a little bit, "Ah..what year are you?"

"Uhm... homeroom..." Jane figured she was asking either about her apartment number or classroom number. It was probably more logical if it was the second, unless it was normal to ask where someone lived in this place. She didn't know her classroom number though. "I'm... not sure. I'm in year 2." She said while her face was slowly turning red. An awkward smile appeared on her face. "Thanks."

[13_CBS]

Over the last few minutes many areas of the school had had the dubious honour of Jirou's presence. He and Jason had passed by most of the classrooms ("[Boredom factories]"), the gym ("[Surprised it's still standing]") and half a dozen other places ("[Boring, boring, green, boring, sometimes explodes, boring...]"). Now it was the busy teachers in their cubicles whose turn to suffer had come. Jirou's annoyingly loud voice was hard to miss as it entered the formerly peaceful place.

"[...And this is the teachers' area. It's where they all go when they're not busy spoiling our day. They like to make it look like they're working, but personally I think it's all an act. Seriously, how hard can it really be to be a teacher? Easiest job in the world, right?]"

Masaki

Fortunately for Jirou, most of the teachers in the room had forgotten much of their English. They merely glare at Jirou's obnoxious voice and get back to work, muttering about lazy students or some such.

Masaki, however, isn't the sort to simply forget his hard-won Azabu education. Without looking up from his stack of ungraded papers, he speaks in a heavily accented and rather messy English.

["Isn't it? But your parents keep give us money. Funny, huh?"]

He finally turns around, stoic as usual and returning to Japanese.

"So, Mr. Kiyoshi, what can this lazy teacher do for you?"

[Anyr]

Jirou snorted with unconcealed disdain for the man in front of him. Despite his insults many of the school's teachers were all right in his book, at least when they weren't trying to cram facts and figures down his throat. However, that aura of tolerance faded into oblivion long before it got anywhere near Satoku Masaki.

"Just passing through, Sir. I'm showing the new kid around. You know, giving a hand to a fellow student in need? It's part of that whole thing called 'caring' that I was telling you about before. There should be a dictionary around here if you need to look it up."

Jirou's sardonicism was heartfelt, but it carried a note of tired resignation beneath the surface. Better snarkers than him had tried their best to get a rise out of this walking statue, and all had failed. This wasn't just a case of being stoic and detached; There was some doubt among the student body about whether Masaki was even human.

Still, a well-disguised robot teacher was still a teacher. Jason would have to meet him sooner or later. Better to just get the introductions out of the way now.

"[Jason, this is our AIM thingummy theory teacher, Satoku Masaki. I know it's hard, but try not to get stunned by his raw charisma. You'll get plenty of chance to bask in his charm later on, especially if you sign up for the Curriculum.]"

[13_CBS]

Jirou snorted with unconcealed disdain for the man in front of him. Despite his insults many of the school's teachers were all right in his book, at least when they weren't trying to cram facts and figures down his throat. However, that aura of tolerance faded into oblivion long before it got anywhere near Satoku Masaki.

"Just passing through, Sir. I'm showing the new kid around. You know, giving a hand to a fellow student in need? It's part of that whole thing called 'caring' that I was telling you about before. There should be a dictionary around here if you need to look it up."

Still, a well-disguised robot teacher was still a teacher. Jason would have to meet him sooner or later. Better to just get the introductions out of the way now.


Masaki

"Caring: gerund form of the verb 'to care', meaning, among other things, 'to show compassion and affection for'. No need for a dictionary, Mr. Kiyoshi. "

Perhaps Jirou should hold on to his Masaki-Robot Theory; publishing it could get him a good bit of academic credit.



"[Jason, this is our AIM thingummy theory teacher, Satoku Masaki. I know it's hard, but try not to get stunned by his raw charisma. You'll get plenty of chance to bask in his charm later on, especially if you sign up for the Curriculum.]"

Masaki nods. "I'm one of the teachers of basic AIM Field Theory, yes."

"How many times do I have to tell you? Conversation, Masaki. Try it sometime."

"...your name was Jason, correct? Could I have your full name?"

[Silverraptor]

Jason is nearly startled when the teacher address him. However, he does recognize the first part of his name in the sentence as well as recognizing the term "name" in japanese, so he assumes the teacher is asking for his complete name. He thinks for a few second, trying to remember some japanese words, before looking back at the teacher.

"Jason Williams. I just came here from America. Still new at Japanese talking."

He looks sideways at Jirou, hoping for a reassured look that he spoke correct.

[Zexion]

A young man slowly walks into whatever section of the city contains the Power Curriculum Program headquarters thingy. He has short black hair, light brown eyes, and appears to be very fit. He looks around, suddenly confused, seemingly staring at things around him that don't exist.

A few meters away is a girl who somebody might recognize as an illusionist, who is staring intently at him and smirking.