Mart Note: *raises a signboard saying: The Power of Blank Statement*
Novan Note: huehuehuehue
Chapter 14 - Sonic's Home
Sirens of the police came from different parts of the city. People started to wonder on why the police came. But they got the hint when they saw the "IHID" on the door of the car and below it is its acronym: International H.A.S.O.N Investigation Department.
A police officer grabbed his communicator and put it in front of his mouth. "Saw any suvivors from Sabriel?"
"Nope."
"Then search more. There should be more survivors. We'll get rid of them all."
"Roger that."
The team was walking around the mall, as Shin suggested that this would be a good time to kill time without any viruses blocking their way.
They went to the grocery and bought some things they need for their survival. After they went to the grocery as Kei, Raiser and Shin bringing the plastic bags, which were a total of six, they went to different places of the mall like the dressing shop, toy shop (in which Nopi wanted to buy something he really liked, despite Yandols' best efforts to explain to the child that their money is limited), and they took their lunch in an Italian restaurant and everyone ordered a pasta, but with different sauce on each order.
After eating, they went back to the HQ to put the groceries to their respective places. Some of the team were playing Ragnarok Online, some were playing AbleStory, Yandols went to his room to play Megaman X8 all by himself, Nopi was playing with the new toy that Yandols bought for him.
When it reached dinner, their main dish is is corned beef. Jeramu lunged in first. After he's done, the rest of the team grabbed their food. Sonic and Raiser volunteered to wash the plates.
The next day, Sonic wanted to stroll in the streets and they agreed. They prepared and went out to HQ together and march their way on the next city around them, according to Star's map.
As they reached the city, the team thought that it would be convenient to separate themselves into two teams. Yandols brought out 18 toothpicks with 2 colors at the sharp tip, which were red and yellow. The team started to pick one toothpick and looked at the tip. Yandols noticed that Zero is missing and asked the team, but they didn't know where he went.
Red team:
Jeramu, Mayune, Yandols, Nopi, Star, Kaitou, Misaki, Sonic, Kei
Yellow team:
Hikari, Shoko, Haru, Raiser, Shin, Django, Joiz, Kamui
The team finally separated into two teams. Yandols instructed that they should meet back at the same block they started at 3 PM. Then they finally went in different paths to explore the new town.
Red Team
Jeramu and Kei were having fun talking about manga and boasted their reading speed on the chapters. The two girls were talking about their lives before the virus attack. Nopi was dragging Yandols to every shop that interests him especially when he sees so much colors. The latter wanted to convince the child to not buy all since some or most are expensive. Sonic, Star, and Kaitou were talking about random topics that only they will understand.
During their talk, a black and white police car came near them and stopped.
"By the way," The police officer spoke up, looking at the group. "Do you know someone named Sonic?"
The said person skipped a heartbeat when he heard his name. 'Why me?'
Yandols noticed that his teammate was shaking nervously. He looked at the police officer without letting them know he's having a different expression. "Why do you look for this 'Sonic' person, anyway?"
"It's none of your business." The police officer retorted back as another police car drove up and stopped.
"Then we can't help you if you can't tell us what do you need from that person." Mayune said as she leaned to the back door of the first car.
"You don't need to know." The police officer started the engine and accelerated his car, the leaned person fell to her back and glared at the back of his car.
"Ei buddy. I know where he is." Jeramu spoke up, a grin on his face.
"Oh? Where have you seen him? Your information will not go unrewarded." The second policeman whirled around.
"With yourmom. I just want some cookies in return." Jeramu joked.
"Watch it, kid. If you give me that attitude one more time I'll have you undergo death sentence.." The policeman said as he stomped back towards his car.
"Can't take a joke aye?" Jeramu smiled as the policeman drove away.
"Grr, what's with that attitude? No wonder you can't trust these people anymore." Mayune stated as she stood up, patting off the dirt on her back.
"But, why would they hunt for you, anyway?" Misaki asked as she looked to Sonic, who's still cringing in fear.
"I don't know... I didn't do anything to make them search for me..." Sonic stated.
"I think they're not just an ordinary police officer." Jeramu said.
"What makes you think of that?" Kei inquired.
"When I saw the door of his car, there was an acronym that said 'IHID'." Jeramu replied.
Nopi tugged Yandols' pants and the latter looked at the child. "The acronym said 'International H.A.S.O.N. Investigation Department'."
"So, they're investigating about Sonic?" Kaitou asked.
"We don't know about it, so we have to keep a low profile until we know what they want." Star recommended.
"Let's get movi--"
Yandols' words were cut off when he heard someone's words through a megaphone.
"If anyone knows a survivor from Sabriel, please let us know."
"Sabriel!?" Sonic yelled suddenly.
"What's wrong?" Yandols asked.
"Sabriel... is my hometown." Sonic replied sadly. "I only escaped here because someone or something burned it."
"So... That's why they're searching for you?"
"Maybe... But I don't know the exact reason."
"Let's go, guys. We can't just wonder about them all day long."
"Right."
Yellow Team
The Hoshikawa siblings plus Kamui, who was holding hands with Hikari, are talking to each other happily, glad that they're finally together again after being separated for so long. Shin was checking his laptop for technology updates and fixing his scanning program. Django and Joiz were talking about some sniper weapons they used and their experience in their agencies.
Their discussions were cut off when a police car came near them, stopping their progres.
"Hey." The police officer called, and he put his right hand to his pocket, grabbing a picture and showed it to them. "Have you seen this person?"
"Wait! That's--!"
Kamui used his hand to clasp Hikari's mouth in time. "Don't let them know that we know him." He whispered.
"...Well?"
"No. We don't know that guy." Haru spoke up.
"Then why is your friend reacting like he knows who's the person in this picture?" The police officer asked.
"I thought the person is our friend. It was just his look-a-like." Hikari replied.
"Then... what's the name of your friend?"
"Sebastian Shaw."
"I see." The police officer looked to his front and drove away, leaving the group.
"Who the hell is Sebastian Shaw?" Django asked, wondering on how did Hikari thought up a random name.
"That dude from X-Men." Joiz laughed.
"I need an 'S' so it's easier to think of a name to cover up that we know Sonic." Hikari replied.
"I just hope they won't ask us anymore." Kamui interjected.
"Better hope that Sebastian Shaw doesn't come to life and kill us all as well." Joiz grinned.
"I'm starting to think that Jeramoo's actually rubbing off you." Django sweatdropped.
"Yeah..." Hikari muttered, not paying attention to the two rivals arguing.
Haru noticed a differing atmosphere near them. She summoned her swords and attacked the figure on top of a building. The figure jumped to avoid the attack and landed in front of them.
"Just as my master says, your little team sure is strong." The figure said with a carefree tone.
Its build resembles a humanoid Japanese rhinoceros beetle. He carried a sword which resembles his very horn and emits lighting from the thick blade.
"Kabutomushi?" Joiz assured.
"Sushi?" Django wondered.
"Yeah." Kabuto Virus spoke up and swung his sword in the air, sparks of lightning emitting from it. "This will be your end."
"OMG a killing sushi..."
Red Team
The group was worried that a police officer might interview them again and ask about Sonic. They thought worst possible scenarios, like taking him to a jail, or just plain kill him directly without a warning. They erased it in their minds and continued walking.
Mayune felt her eyes glowed red and looked behind her. The team also noticed it and looked behind them.
"There's no one behind us..." Nopi stated, but he knows that the "spy" is not going to ignore them and he clinged to Yandols' leg.
Mayune felt the same sensation again, and looked back where they were supposed to go, but there's still no sight of a virus.
"C'mon you damn coward, just show yourself." She hissed.
"Very well."
The group looked up to the building, and saw a slim shadow with glowing red lines on its body against the sun at the back of the figure. It jumped and landed in front of them. The figure resembled a humanoid Stag Beetle, with twin blades that resembles his very horn, one horn on each blades.
"You're a speed type virus, eh?" Jeramu said as he unsheated his Sora-Ichimonji.
"Kuwagata Virus." The virus introduced. "And yes, I'm a speed type virus."
He lept at the group while the others unleashed their weapons. He aimed at the child, but Yandols countered it with his twin blades, protecting Nopi.
"Are you alright?" He asked.
Nopi nodded in fear, he lashed out his mallet to prepare for the battle.
Yellow Team
"Hou..." The bulky virus spoke up. "Looks like my friend is taking care of his prey alright..."
"What friend!?" Django demanded.
"You see, we are the beetle brothers, the Kabuto and Kuwagata Virus." The virus said. "As you can see in my horn, I'm the Kabuto Virus. My 'brother' there is fighting against your friends."
The group prepared their weapons as the Kabuto Virus charged at them. Kamui charged at the Virus using his dual beam sabers. They clashed their swords, but neither had an advantage to the other. The Kabuto Virus used unleashed a lightning attack with his force, taking Kamui aback with his power.
Shin used his laptop to analyze the virus' weakness. The crosshairs show that the virus' weakness is the horn, as it can generate lightning and transfer it to his sword. He unleashed his advanced guns and aimed for the horn. He fired the trigger, but the virus noticed this and dodged the shot.
"Think you can attack my weak point?" Kabuto Virus asked smugly, but got slashed by Kamui's dual beam saber.
Django and Joiz went to the back of their teammates and aimed for his horn, but the other noticed it and dodged it yet again.
Red Team
Yandols' group were having difficulty on keeping the Kuwagata Virus at bay because of his speed. Sonic jumped into the scene, unleashing his chain blades and attacked the Virus with it. The latter countered it with his blades, sending the weapon back to Sonic. The Virus lept at Sonic, who only dodged it using his speed. Nopi charged in slowly, swinging his mallet to the virus, who only lept to dodge his attack.
Jeramu moved in and charged at the Kuwagata Virus, using his Sora-Ichimonji, he dashed past at the virus. He resheated back his katana, as it made a 'Kaching' sound, slashes appeared on the virus' parts of his body.
"You're good..." The Kuwagata Virus muttered.
"Same to you bruh. You're one of the very few to survive my full-power Oblivion..." Jeramu wolf-grinned.
He proceeded to summon his Rokuro and decided to split the virus in half. Their enemy jumped at Sonic, who dodged it again with his agility. Sonic prepared his stance, he spun his chain blade, gaining the velocity to reach the virus. His weapon glowed in violet aura. He threw the weapon, darting towards the virus. The Kuwagata Virus escaped the attack by dashing with incredible speed, as if he used teleported to another location.
Sonic pulled the chains, and motioned it to his left, with the blade following, hitting for the virus. Misaki noticed that Sonic was having a hard time because of the virus. She unleashed her shurikens while Kei unleashed his revolver. They threw and fired their weapons, trying to incapatitate the virus to prevent him from running anymore. Kaitou and Star helped the two using their guns. After several hits, the virus was finally hit in its legs and stopped short. Sonic saw this as an opportunity and motioned his chains to his right, hitting the virus. Then he motioned it to his left again, hitting it for the second time, making an 'X' mark on the virus' chest. He pulled the chains, returning the weapon back to him. He held the end part of the chain and charged at the virus, stabbing the middle of the mark he made and disintegrated.
"That was great, Sonic!" Star complimented.
Sonic responded by laughing nervously and scratching the back of his head. "That was nothing!"
"How did you do that?" Yandols asked.
"I put my 'soul' in my blades to increase its power." Sonic replied.
"Where did you learn that?" Jeramu asked.
"I thought it up myself."
'Soul... one of the forbidden S techniques...' Jeramu thought. 'This will be interesting.'
His trail of thoughts was interrupted by the sound of someone shouting.
"We finally found you, Sonic!"
Their rejoice was cut short when they heard a voice and a siren of the police from the both side of the streets. Police cars drifted to the side, preventing them from escaping any further. They opened their doors and a police officer grabbed a megaphone, pointing it towards them.
"We can't let you run further, Sabriel survivor."
The group looked around, trying to find a place to escape, but Sonic didn't react on how they called him.
"Crap... What now..." Kaitou wondered aloud.
Yellow Team
Shin's group was still having difficulty aiming for Kabuto Virus' weakpoint. While the latter was just dodging their attacks and sends them a wave of lightning attacks from his sword.
"Guys." Shin called. "There's got to be someone who will distract him so I, Django, and Joiz will strike his weakpoint."
"We'll do it." Raiser said as the remaining members of the group nodded.
They jumped in to the battle, leaving Shin, Django and Joiz behind while they're carefully aiming for the virus' horn. Kamui charged at the virus with his dual beam sabers and slashed his saber at the virus, who blocked it effortlessly. Kamui released their clash and Hikari moved in, using her Darkness Twin Blades to clash with the Kabuto Virus' sword. They released each other and Haru moved in. She used her twin blades to intentionally block the Virus' attack. Then she used the floating blades to attack the virus. But he noticed it too quickly and broke their clashes, swinging his sword wildly to keep off the swords that were approaching him. Shin, Django and Joiz finally got the aiming right and unleashed their attacks, hitting the horn.
The Kabuto Virus' horn was broken, letting out a black wisp as his sign of injury. He noticed that he can't generate any lightning to his sword unless his horn is regenerated.
But, he had no time to stall as he was stabbed behind by five swords, he looked over his shoulder behind him to see Haru with her hands held forward. He disintegrated into nothingness after transforming into a black wisp.
"Finally." Django let out a sigh of relief. The group put down their weapons and rested.
"That virus is really tough." Joiz said.
"Especially without our remaining team, yup." Shin agreed as he closed his laptop.
"How they're doing, I wonder?" Raiser wondered.
"I remember that the virus' brother is attacking them." Hikari said.
"Well, let's look for them." Haru suggested.
The others nodded and dashed back, searching for their remaining teammates.
Red Team
Yandols' group was still in a heavy situation. Not only the roads were blocked, but they're dealing with the police officers.
"There's no use in running." The police officer warned. "We'll arrest all of you for being Sonic's acquaintance and lying to us that you don't know him."
"Cool. I heard jail is a great place." Jeramu grinned.
"Sorry guys." Sonic apologized.
"Don't apologize. This is not the right time." Yandols stated.
"We're going to rid all of the Sabriel survivors. And also all of you, his acquaintance." The police officer said.
"What should we do..." Kaitou wondered.
Jeramu looked behind him, only to find Mayune missing. He got worried and looked around on where they're standing.
"What's wrong?" Kei asked, noticed the sudden worryness.
"I can't find Mayune!" Jeramu replied, his voice almost shaking.
"I think I saw her jumping out of the battle scene when the Kuwagata Virus was attacking all of us..." Misaki stated as she heard the two boys talking about their comrade.
"Eh?" Jeramu looked at Misaki with curiosity. "Then how did you notice it?"
"Of course. I'm a ninja." Misaki replied cheerfully.
"So... How do we escape from them?" Star asked.
"Like this."
A familiar voice came. They looked up a building to locate the source of the voice. Only to see a figure with 10 thin blades surrounded like a sun. It made a hand gesture and launched the blades at the police officer in front of them, activating a flashbang on the bottom tip of the blades, blinding them.
The figure jumped from the building and landed to the group. "Come on, we need to run fast." Mayune stated.
They nodded and went to their right side, passing through the blinded officers and their cars, going back to their starting location.
One officer got his eyesight back and alarmed, "Follow them!"
The remaining officers got their eyesights back, rushing back to their respective vehicles and chased the group and put their sirens on.
"Oi, oi... You got to be kidding me." Jeramu said as he whirled around, grinning as he stopped and summoned his katanas out of thin air.
"What are you doing, Jeramu?" Kei asked, as he also stopped and the remaining teammates.
"Since these officers are in the frontline now, we can pick a fight at them." Jeramu replied.
At the same time, the other team finally reached their location and joined up. But, they heard footsteps, they looked behind and saw a familiar figure. It stopped after it reached to them.
"Where did you go?" Shin asked.
"I was doing a mission." Zero replied, and activated his Z-Saber.
"We shouldn't kill them, though." Yandols suggested.
"Why, boss?" Jeramu asked.
"We're dealing with police here, so it's dangerous."
"I don't really care about corrupted authority... but whatever you say..." Jeramu smiled.
The team prepared their weapons. The police officers readied their pistols at the team.
"Just that?" Kei taunted. "Looks like this will be cake."
"Yeah." Jeramu agreed. "Pistols don't scare us."
"You think?" The police officer smiled.
He fired the trigger, letting out a bang. The team didn't react for a moment, they thought that no one got hit and it was just a warning.
"Guh..."
They heard a grunt near them. Recognizing the voice, they quickly checked on Mayune, who was kneeling and holding her stomach, writhing in pain.
"Mayune!" Jeramu called out. He went to her, removing the hand covering the wound. He noticed the blood dripping out.
"I feel something burning inside me..." Mayune stated weakly.
"How do you like that?"
The team looked back at the police officers, with anger and determination on their faces.
"We made a new bullet that can hit both human and viruses alike." The police officer explained.
"You..." Jeramu muttered, his eyes blazing. He stood up, walking in front of the team. He drew out his Rokuro, preparing for a battle stance.
Misaki checked on the wounded comrade. She saw the wound and looked at her comrades's face, who was gritting her teeth from the pain and saw the eye color shift from orange to gold and vice versa.
"Is something wrong?" She asked, worried.
"No... nothing." Mayune replied slowly.
"You know, it's no use hiding it. Don't keep everything to yourself." Misaki stated.
Mayune looked irritated at Misaki's statement. But finally gave up. "The virus inside me wants to take over my body to get back at these officers."
"Really?"
"But... I don't want to let him out yet. Not now..."
"Just let us handle this, okay? You should take a break."
Mayune nodded, and sat on the ground, watching the team battle the IHID officers.
"You'll pay for this, you bastards." Jeramu muttered.
"Let's brawl. We'll take you all on." Zero said as he drew out his buster shot gun.
"But, we have one request." Yandols spoke up. "Don't touch us anymore when we win."
"Alright. We'll do as you requested." The officer agreed.
"Stay back.ALL OF YOU. I'll make sure each and every one of them gets ten times what they did to my beloved." Jeramu snarled, his eyes blazing brighter than before.
"Taking the spotlight again, eh?" Django grinned.
"Let him have it. You know the guy won't be satisfied until he shows off his full power." Kei said calmly.
"Wow, so his full power is only up to that certain extent?" Joiz wondered.
"Will be safe to assume he's the weakest member among us." Shin muttered as he analyzed Jeramu's battle power. He was shocked to see that even with his rage, Jeramu's power was still relatively low in comparison with the others, surpassing only the young Haru and the inexperienced Zero's level.
"Seems so. He really can't make an effort to hide his power. Best to let him have all the fun."
An IHID officer made a signal to prepare their pistols and they aimed at the team. The same officer made another signal, now firing their guns simultaneously. Jeramu slashed once, cutting all bullets in half even though he was nowhere near them.
"Whatsamatter...? All you got is peashooters?" Jeramu glared.
Jeramu swung his katana horizontally from right to left, unleashing a wave black energy at them, who only dodged it by crouching and moving to their sides.
Haru used her summoned blades and made a hand gesture, sweeping off the officers with the blunt side of her blades. Raiser used his suiton to drench them then using his lightning attack to electrify them.
Zero only used his Shield Boomerang to reflect the bullets that the officers shoot at him. Then he charged at the officers, putting off his weapon and punched the officers one by one until they're down.
The officer made a signal, the others backing out, still feeling the pain of the Rocknarok team.
"We give up." He said.
"That's all?" Jeramu asked. "Not so easy. I should cut off all of your arms."
"All of you had great advantages than us, who only use pistols."
"Shut up, dog. I'll cut yours off while I'm at it." Jeramu glared.
"Oi, sto-" Yandols began.
Jeramu swung his blade, chopping off the officer's arm.
"..."
"MY ARM!!! MY AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARM!!!" the officer yelled as he rolled on the floor in pain.
"What a weakling..." Jeramu muttered. "Next. Maybe I should continue with YOU?" Jeramu said as he pointed towards another officer.
"Stop, we won't get anywhere with this." Kei said as he grabbed Jeramu's shoulder.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!!!" The officer shouted as Jeramu shook Kei off.
"Back off, unless you want to join that dog over there." Jeramu glared.
As Jeramu raised his sword and prepared for the next slash. He was about to proceed when Mayune's voice echoed softly.
"Stop... Jeramu..."
"...."
Jeramu slowly lowered his blade, his body language relaxing.
'Whoa... she stopped him with just words...' Everyone sweatdropped.
"So, we had a deal. Don't touch us anymore." Yandols spoke up.
"Yeah, so tell us what you want with Soni-" Kaitou began.
"MY AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARM!!!" The officer yelled.
"SHUT UP STUPID! STOP ROLLING ON THE FLOOR LIKE A DOLL AND CHECK YOUR STUPID ARM!" Jeramu yelled, outraged.
The officer calmed down and looked at his severed arm, and waved it.
"I just erased the 'space' between those two parts, stupid." Jeramu muttered.
"Yeah, anyway, tell us what you want with Sonic." Django and Kaitou commanded in unison.
"Yes..." The officer sulked down, but raised his head up again. "The only reason why we hunt Sonic is because of his hometown's unique speed abilities."
"What?" Sonic asked, looked surprised at their statement.
"That's an understatement."
The team looked behind them and saw Mayune approaching them. She staggered and almost fell down but Jeramu rushed to her aid.
"Going through all the trouble of finding him and testing your guns at me just because all of you know I'm an infected, you think I'll let you guys pass that?"
The officers aligned themselves up and bowed, "WE'RE SORRY!"
Mayune sweatdropped and almost snapped at their antics. "Oi! Don't apologize at me like that! I'm not some of a king or a queen!"
"But they think of you as one." Jeramu muttered.
The other blushed lightly and said, "Come on. Stand up and get out."
The IHID officers merely stood up and followed on what Mayune said. They went to their respective vehicles and drove away.
"So much for monarchy..."
The team went back to the HQ after going so much trouble. They rested for a while and went to the living room. Yandols looked at Sonic, who was looking down at the floor.
"I think you have something to say." Yandols said.
Sonic went back to his reality and looked at Yandols, and nodded at him.
The rest of the team looked at the two and stopped on whatever they're doing, knowing that someone gets to share their story on how they ended up now.
"So..." Sonic spoke up. "Saberiel was once my hometown. Our race had a unique speed ability. We could run in an unimaginable speed."
"Then... My fellow friend invited me to a race downton near the place we all first met. Just before I left my hometown--" He stopped short, unable to let out his words.
"It was burnt by the viruses?" Kaitou supplied.
"Yeah." Sonic nodded.
"Hey, come on!"
Sonic looked at his friend with a smile on his face. He's ready for the race competition. He cannot wait to show his racing skills to everyone coming to the race to watch the competitors. He ran to him, and now almost preparing to leave their town when...
They stopped and the ground shook hard and they bent, balancing on their feet. After the shaking ended, they looked behind them to see their fellow citizen running. They looked up to see a giant black and red winged bird-like creature, firing an attack from its mouth, sending a beam at the buildings, exploding in contact and burst into flames.
"Oi... What's that thing?" Sonic asked, not thinking that they're in danger.
"I don't know..." His friend replied.
The creature noticed the unmoving young boys. It howled and charged a white ball, releasing it as it fired as a beam, aiming for Sonic and his friend.
"Sonic, we need to get out here, fast!" His friend alarmed. He grabbed Sonic's wrist threw him away, sending him to his ferrari.
"Come here!" Sonic yelled out. "Don't fight it yourself! Let the police handle it!"
His friend glared at the creature with determination. "Just go. No other people who can handle and protect this town."
"Don't be such a hero!"
"Hero? Even if we run away, this thing will follow us until we die."
"But...!"
"Sonic. I'll catch up after this."
Sonic couldn't argue with him more. He went in to his ferrari and drove away and didn't look back to his friend. But he knew that his friend wouldn't survive the creature. It was just too big and powerful for him.
Sonic finished his story and looked down. He remembered the same pain he felt when he left his friend to death -- or so he thinks.
"Sonic..." Yandols called with a low and soft tone on his voice. "Don't worry. You're part of our family now as everyone is."
The said person nodded, but still didn't held his head up high.
"C'mon. Don't be so down." Kaitou said, trying to cheer up Sonic. "We all had bad experiences. But we managed to overcome it."
Sonic looked at Kaitou, who only smiled a little. "I guess you're right."
The next day...
The team woke up in the range of 7:30 to 9:30 AM. Some were eating breakfast, and some were playing games that will entertain them.
They decided to hit up the city again. This time, they didn't separate into two groups as they might get a surprise attack again unlike yesterday. Yandols suggested that they should go to the mall again. They agreed since strolling in the city is tough and the mall is airconditioned so they could cool down.
As they look into the shops, a man from certain shop that says "L-METER" was ringing his bell.
"Ohh~ Looks like we have a good amount of couples here." He said, getting the team's attention.
"Yes." Misaki and Hikari nodded. "What do you ask from us?"
"Come in here and buy stuffs that makes your relationships with your spo-- ehrm, lover last forever." The main said.
"So, it's like a love charm?" Hikari asked.
"Yeap!" The man nodded with vigor.
"Let's go, Kamui!" Hikari didn't wait for his reply and grabbed his wrist, charging at the shop to buy a charm for them.
"Don't leave us here, Hikari!" Misaki said gleefully as she also dragged Kei to the store.
After their scene attention, the man looked at the remaining couple, who just stared blankly.
"Don't want these love charms?" He asked.
"Those are boring anyway." Jeramu said, with Mayune nodding in agreement.
"It might give you bad luck with your girlfriend there."
"We? Having bad luck?" Jeramu and Mayune asked in unison. "Charms doesn't mean we can last forever. Those are just simply items. It depends on us if we can keep our relationship."
"Those two... are too sync in more ways than one..." The team muttered, noticing that they developed too much with their sync speech.
The man didn't react on their speech. "If you don't want these charms, I guess I couldn't force you."
"Thanks for the offer though." Both of them smiled in unison.
After some minutes, the four finally went out. The remaining team sweatdropped that it took them minutes to find a single charm for each of them.
"Because they're expensive!" Misaki explained in a panic manner. "We have to find the cheapest one!"
"Misaki's right." Hikari nodded as she gave the half of her charm to Kamui.
"They're a waste of money, anyway." Jeramu mumbled lowly to not let the other four hear him.
"Let's go. We still have many stores to go." Yandols commanded.
They venture up to more of the stores. Ranging from the games, fashion, arcade, food court, gadgets, cellphones and shoe stores. After their huge strolling, they looked at the clock and it's already 12:15, time for their lunch. They went to a restaurant, in which the waiters have to rearrange the table for 18 people.
They sat in the chairs they first get, with the girls sitting beside their lovers. They received the menu book and picked their orders, having decided to pick a combo meal. Their waiter came in and Yandols recited their orders while the waiter wrote down everything. The waiter went out to cook their orders.
While waiting, the team were having a conversation, mostly with the boys. In the side of the lovers, Hikari and Kamui were holding each other in a "different" manner. Misaki and Kei were having a normal conversation, but in different topics, Misaki kept hitting Kei, but there are some topics that will make Misaki soft and vulnerable. While Jeramu and Mayune were looking at the other two lovers, and after some time, they looked at each other.
"At least we know we're not like them." They said lowly in unison, again. They noticed that they're in sync again and looked at each other's eyes, surprised about how they're more in sync as time passes. But they only smiled and laughed for a bit, knowing their development was going more smoothly.
Jeramu leaned closer to Mayune's face, but stopped short when she used her right hand and put it on his face.
"Fat chance." She smirked at his try. "And this is not the right time."
"You're no fun..." Jeramu said softly with a smile.
Jeramu noticed this and pushed his head back, not knowing on what the heck he is doing. He felt his heart race. He held his heart and tried to calm it along with his hormones.
After the event, the waiter went to them, putting their orders on the table they're in. Flipping the plates in front of them up, they started to grab their own food. Some were eating like a mad dog due to their hunger, and some eat like a civilized person, slowly biting in their food.
They finished their meal and asked their waiter for the receipt. The latter gave it to them and Yandols paid for the price and gave them a small tip for their service. They went out of the said restaurant and thought of something to go.
"I think I saw a sparring center here." Kaitou said while looking at the pedestrians walk in directions.
"Well, we should try it." Jeramu said. "Need punchin' bags."
"Interesting. I wonder if there's boxing? I'd beat Jeramu fair and square." Joiz mocked.
"Charrenge Accepted." Jeramu grinned.
The rest of the team nodded and they went to the said place. They noticed people fighting at each other friendly. Some were having lessons from the employees of the said center. They went inside to examine the place.
"Wow... They're all practicing how to fight." Star said in amazement.
"Maybe they're trying to get up against the viruses." Zero guessed.
"Since they're growing up in an alarming rate, I guess they should be training to be able to help eradicate the viruses." Shin added.
While they're examining the people, Mayune noticed a familiar person to her. She didn't call on the person and continued examining.
'Alice...' She thought.
'Is that your best friend?'
'Yeah. But I don't want to show up to her yet. Not now.'
'I guess everything has a right time, huh.'
'But I wonder what is she doing here in the first place, anyway. She can't fight like me. Her stamina and power is too low to go against the viruses. But she got brains to boot up.'
'I think she has a reason to be here.'
They continued examining the said person, who is now panting for air, noticed that she needs rest. The employer noticed this and they took off the arena, resting for a while.
'The only guess I can think off is that she's here to boost up stamina.'
'I guess...'
The team went to the counter to get ticket for 18 persons. The person in the said counter get tickets under the table and counted them up to 18. She gave it to them and Yandols paid for it. They grabbed their own tickets and marched inside the center. They decided on who they're gonna spar with.
Zero = Kaitou
Jeramu = Kei
Mayune = Misaki
Hikari = Kamui
Shoko = Haru
Raiser = Sonic
Shin = Yandols
Joiz = Star
Django = Nopi
They went to their initial positions, facing with their friendly opponent. Then a "START" hologram appeared above their heads and let out a signal and they charged at each other.
the team has displayed equally in strength, despite their difference in their abilities. Zero and Kaitou were fending off their own attacks. Jeramu and Kei's katanas were sparkling each clash they had. Mayune could keep up with Misaki's speed despite the former mostly focus on power. Hikari and Kamui were clashing with their own blades/sabers. Shoko and Haru were also fending off their own projectile attacks and Haru was using her summoned blades to defend herself from Shoko's arrows.
Raiser and Sonic were dodging and attacking each other at the same time. Shin and Yandols were having a hard time. Shin couldn't hit Yandols due to the lack of his scanning program, in which his gun is an expansion since it can hit precise hits. Joiz and Star were only using their projectile weapons, but everytime they make a hit at the same time, their attacks explode midair. Django was really, really, having a hard time. He can't deal with a child like Nopi, who didn't even hold back and has displayed an amount of strength despite being smaller than his weapon.
After their sparring, they finally rested after a long time of dodging, blocking and attacking. The team grouped up and sat at one corner, having a conversation to each other, talking about to their sparring.
Minutes have passed and they decided to get out of the center to explore other parts of the mall.
The team marched silently at the mall. They looked at the shops with interest. They decided to go to the arcade again.
Once they reached the place, they bought tokens and scattered aroudn the arcade and played in solo or in co-op, bringing their teammates with them.
Mayune dragged Jeramu and they went to to the Taiko no Tatsujin arcade to jam on the drums.
"This is fun." Mayune said as she inserted two coins into each slot.
"Challenging me? I'm leader of the drum team at my school you know." Jeramu grinned.
"Hmmm... well why don't you show me what you got?" Mayune challenged.
"Consider it done~" Jeramu smiled.
Hikari, Shoko and Haru were playing the grab-an-item game. Kaitou was battling with an AI in a Tekken game. Sonic and Zero were playing Metal Slug in multiplayer. Shin was playing a Deal or No Deal game, laughing with Yandols every ten seconds.
Raiser and Kamui were playing hockey, with Raiser gaining an advantage with the score. Yandols joined Nopi who was playing the test-your-muscles game, with Nopi using the arcade's hammer to slam down the red circular thing. Django and Joiz were playing House of the Dead to use their aiming skills to get the best kill. Star was playing Pop 'n music with the song he picked is HYPER FANTASIA [Fantasia]. Kei and Misaki were playing Guitar Hero and DrumMania, respectively.
After having too much fun in the arcade, they went out. They suggested that they should go home and wait for dinner since they're so beat.
Upon exiting the mall, a voice called their attention.
"Hey."
They turned around, only to find a boy in their age with his purple-black hair scattered in all directions. His eyes were blueish purple.
"Did any of you see my brother?"
"Brother?" The team repeated.
"You... You're Yuji?"
The team looked at Kei, who was looking shock at the stranger.
"...Kei?"
"No. I'm not dreaming, it's Yuji!" Kei exclaimed as he tackled his brother in a hug.
"Another family member?" Mayune asked, slightly annoyed by the trending of their additional teammates.
"By the way," Kei spoke up as he faced his teammates. "This is Fujiwara Yuji, my older brother." He introduced.
"Cool. Guess I'll have to call you aniki as well." Jeramu grinned as he moved in to shake Yuji's hand.
"What brings you all the way here Yooji?" Kaitou asked.
"Oi oi, what you doing copying my spelling style." Jeramu joked.
"You don't own copyright over your spelling in this story." Kaitou grinned.
"HOLD IT! YOU GUYS ARE BREAKING THE FOURTH WALL!" Everyone yelled.
"Well anyway, I was on a trip in Korea when these virus doodz came out of nowhere."
"Why did you come back, anyway?" Kei asked.
"I just need to be with my brother." Yuji replied. "And I think I haven't seen your fiance."
"I'm here."
Yuji trailed his eyes to the owner of the voice, as he saw Misaki approaching him.
"I'm Misaki." She introduced. "I'm Kei's fiance."
Yuji looked at Kei, who looked back at his older brother. The former nodded at Kei.
"Well then, let's go home!" Sonic spoke up.
"Sure." Kei nodded and looked at Yuji. "Come with us."
"...Is it ok?" Yuji assured, he wasn't sure if he could go with the team.
"It's alright." Kei nodded with vigor. "The more, the merrier."
"And we're a big happy family." Yandols added.
Yuji couldn't help but to give in to Kei's offer. The team, now with 19 members, finally marched back to their home.
"He actually means big happy family of wierdos. You have to contribute on your own, and pay for your own stuff." Kaitou explained.
"Kaitou usually pays for my stuff." Star grinned.
"Mine too." Jeramu whistled.
"Shut up bro, you still owe me twenty bucks from the other time." Kaitou laughed.
They were beat from their long adventure in the mall. But they still prepared dinner and the chefs happily declared that the main dish is chicken curry. The team ate with a little noise, living up the atmosphere for a bit after their strolling in the mall. Kei was telling Yuji a lot of the team's obstacles and victories and how they do it as a team. He also mentioned that Ventus went to their place to get Kei into their ranks, but he successfully defeated their enemy, which made Yuji smile, now that no one will bother about their clan anymore.
Evening came and the team's voice were roaring with liveliness again. They were enjoying their time playing their games. Some decided to watch them on how well they played, some used board games if they got bored with the gadgets. Yuji only stared at them, thinking on how he can go well with others.
"C'mon everyone, let's sleep." Kaitou said, his eyelids almost falling down.
"No. Unless boss tells us to." Jeramu retorted, but kept his focus on the game.
"Alright. Lemme go to Yandols and check on him." Raiser spoke up as he went upstairs, checking on their team leader. When he checked the room, he found the boss sleeping, leaving his laptop on.
"Sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet." He swore,surprised. "He wouldn't sleep like that."
Raiser went down the stairs, still amazed on how Yandols could be lousy at times, despite being the leader of their little team.
"So, how's boss?" Jeramu inquired.
"He's asleep while playing his game." Raiser replied.
"Never knew he could do that." Kaitou noted.
"Yeah." Raiser nodded. "I was surprised when I saw that too."
"Oi, Yuji." Kei called his brother. "Wanna play Ragnarok Online?"
Yuji nodded and went to Kei, the latter went out of his chair and offered a seat to Yuji, who only sat and checked on Kei's character's equipments.
"So, how do you think of my equipments?" Kei asked.
"Looks good. But you still need to change some." Yuji replied and pointed on the equipments.
"I see."
"Well, you can still get a better one than your current equipment. So don't rush things."
"Should we sleep now?" Star asked, now bored of their entertainment.
"No one forced you to stay awake." Kei said.
"We go upstairs now." Kaitou spoke up as he went ahead, with Star, Shin, and Zero behind him.
"Come to think of it..." Jeramu said after a few minutes. "I didn't see Mayune here."
"I don't see Misaki anywhere too." Kei added. "Maybe the girls were having their own time."
"Guess so..."
"It's late, so good night."
Mayune waved hands with the other girls of the team and went to their own rooms. She also went to her room and closed the door, but turned the light off. She went to the window side of the room and looked at the twinkling stars outside.
"Let's hope this peace lasts for a little longer..." she muttered.
Mart Note: *escapes*
Novan Note: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAALL DONE! NOW FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER!
PREVIEW:Chapter 15 - HQ Invaded! Separated, Travel in Teams of 2!
The HQ is invaded by Kami's armies and they are all separated. Yandols with Nopi, Kei with Misaki, Hikari and Kamui, Haru and Hagane,Shoko with Yuji, Jeramu with Mayune, Kaitou with Star, Sonic with Zero, and Django with Joiz and Shinkai. They slowly make their way around the HQ, knowing the place better than anyone else, and confront the All Powerful Shido and Raito.