A soft humming sound can be heard as Hiro rides in the drivers section of the front seat. Not that Hiro needed to worry about any driving as she's more like being escorted to the Estate of Malty Battosai for the annual sleepover. She just crossed her legs and relaxed till the car reaches its destination.
Hana lays in the backseat she has to herself while singing 'Material Girl' by Madonna. Amazing how much that song has aged well huh? Anyways Hiro smiled to herself and focused on the road. She noticed the lack of cars driving behind and towards them as they drove down the mountain side, she realized that the Battosai Estate is secluded but she had no idea just how secluded it was.
"The sunset from afar looks nice though" Aria commented then Hiro glanced at the beautiful image of the sun sinking into the ocean from afar. She did an image capture and mentally had Aria save the shot.
"You know what this kind of reminds me of?" Hana's voice disrupted the once comfortable silence
"What?"
"The opening of The Shining. The movie, not the Bargain Binned mini-series that came after. Three families going to what they assumed to be a nice little getaway from it all, what they don't know is they'd be driving into an Event Horizon scenario" Hana said in a spooky voice
"Hana, if you're implying what I believe you're implying then I just want to remind you that it's not us that needs to worry about some unseen supernatural threat. But the other way around" Hiro pointed out
"Yeah, yeah. But Riddle me this sis." She sits up and points her finger at Hanzo, whose sitting next to Hiro reading a holographic manga of an Isekai series. "What is HE doing here?"
_
About that. We take you back to just a couple of days before the Sleepover Event, which had been changed to a different date and location so it was now at Malty's house, where Hiro had just finished helping Kenshiro clean up the dojo before locking things down. "I must say Hiro, you seem to be in better spirits as of late" Kenshiro said as he and Hiro puts the mats in the storage room.
"You can tell?" Hiro asked, waiting till Ken got out before closing the door and locking it with the key.
"Yeah your Aura felt less disturbed than before. It's back down to a more balanced level" Ken pointed out
Hiro rubbed the back of her neck, "Yeah I've been having a lot on my mind ever since that monster attack but pep talk from my siblings has helped me find my balance"
Kenshiro smiled and placed his hand on the side of her face. Hiro smiled while the two connected their foreheads together. Kenshiro didn't need to say it, Hiro knows that he doesn't like it whenever something was bothering her. Then there was the time when he came over to her house when she decided to take a day off from Dragon Kai training to get her head back together. Hiro made it up to him with a bowl of ramen noodles and a viewing of Rurouni Kenshin: The Finale on Cine-Web.
"You know Dragon? You're living proof that chivalry isn't dead" Hiro beeped his nose
"I'll keep that in mind." Kenshiro chuckled
"So, are you up for the get together?" Hiro asked
"Not so sure, the department contact me and mentioned that Paladin wants me at their office tomorrow"
(OMG a promotion, definitely a promotion) Hiro smiled from ear to ear then wrapped her arms around Kenshiro's neck and kissed him. He was surprised at first till he kissed her back. After a few bliss filled moments the two parted.
"Well....Not sure what motivated that but thanks" Kenshiro says in a bashful tone
"You'll know tomorrow. Just go get some rest"
"Yes Ma'am" Kenshiro saluted then made his leave he noticed Malty entering the dojo and greeted her. "Evening Madame President"
"Kenshiro" Malty said grinning then focused her attention at Hiro.
As Ken left it was just the two girls. "Must say girl, you're certainly lucky. He can pin me anytime" Malty giggled
Hiro choose to ignore that last comment.
"Anyways I just come here to let you know if you got my message regarding the sleepover"
"Sure. Do I need to bring anything"
"Just your standard sleepover clothes. Also, I'd really appreciate it if you bring your brother along" Malty said
Big Sister Instinct, rising."What's wrong with him joining in? He's family after all." Hiro reminded Hana. "Besides, it's safer for all of us to stick together and it's a party. There's no reason not to bring our brother along."
"I thought this was supposed to be a girls' only party."
"We make exceptions for family, Hana."
"Don't worry Hana. I won't embarrass you in front of your friends." Hanzo joked.
(Thee knoweth thee couldst has't travel'd in the vehicle with those folk right?) Sigmis questioned Chidori as she flew through the air while standing on her wand like it was a hoverboard. She'd turned into a staff to give herself more room to stand.
"Oh I know. This is just for insurance. You know, just in case an enemy tries to attack us from the sky on our way there. You can't be too careful."
(V'ry f'rward bethinking of thee. I'm impress'd, Chosen One.)
"Thanks Sigmis. I doubt we'll have any problems but it's better to be safe than sorry." She replied and reached out to Hiro. (Hey SuperHiro! All clear up here so far! Looks like it's smoothing sailing to Malt Shakes!)
Hana Kurosawa
Hana raised an eyebrow, studying her brother for a moment then relaxed. Big Sis does have a point, in situations like this she couldn't imagine the idea of her or Han being attacked just to get a rise out of Hiro. That attack regarding Hawk made her paranoid to the point that she never left Han's side. Him and Hiro are the most combat ready of the siblings in comparison after all. That attack even inspired her to want to take up some combat training of her own but that's another tale for another time.
"I'll hold you to that, otherwise be prepared for a plethora of despair during School Break!"
Hanzo just made a hand motion like he's going to grab her nose again. Hana instinctively covered her nose.
Hiro Kurosawa
(Appreciate that Chi-Bird. I'll see if she'll allow me to treat you to a drink once we are settled there) Hiro said, she glanced at Hanzo who laughed at his sister's reaction then shook her head when Hana blew Hanzo a raspberry. "Behave"
She focused her attention at the road, the sun had already set and the street lamps at each side are the only lights guiding them to where they are going. Her mind reflected to that conversation between her and Malty. It's not like she hasn't noticed herself. Awhile back Han used to be the same height as Hana but then the growth spurt hit. Take a few inches in height and a athletic build it's inevitable that Han would turn a few heads.
"Sis, as much as I'd like to be part of your get together I have a meeting of my own to get to" Baron Battosai examined his reflection in the mirror while he buttons his black dressed shirt.
"Alright but be sure you take care of a particular errand before you do"
"First on my to do list" Baron fastened and zipped his black pants after tucking his shirt in. He glanced down at the ring laying on the kitchen counter. It bares a more gothic design and is silver in color. Shaped like a serpent is encircling itself. "BTW, what are your expectations regarding tonight"
Bathing in a bathtub that is much grander than your usual bathtub Malty smiled at her...lack of reflection but after a few moments of will her reflection appeared. "As fabulous as ever course!" She licks her lips in a rather sultry manner. "Especially if Miss Kurosawa does her part"
Battosai sighed, knowing what Malty meant by that as he puts the ring on. "Your appetites are much to dangerous Malt. Yet I'm a romantic at heart so I'm rooting for your crusade"
"Appreciated as always!"
"Still. Approach this with a calculated mindset, don't do anything that'll make him leave a bad impression"
Malty recoiled in disgust, "I'm not some forward bimbo Brother. I'm more like a Siren but unlike them I don't kill what I enthrall"
"Not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing for the poor guy" Baron joked, he blitzed away as Malty threw some water at him. He stopped just a few feet before her. Malty turns to look at him, resting her arms on the edge of the tub. Baron crouched down and held the bottom part of her jaw gently
"Whatever happens, you'll always be my first love"
"As are you." He leans down and kissed her. As they parted he whispered, "I won't take long"
"You better not" Malty said
He straightened up and turned to make his leave, from the corner of his eye he sees Malty's stuffed Teddy Bear Momo sitting on the counter of the bathroom mirror staring at him. "Take care of my sister" and with that he left the room
Chidori and Sigmis tails Hiro and the rest of the Kurosawa siblings, taking delight in the less hostile weather conditions that made her method of flight all the more pleasurable. In an instand she felt a chill run down her spine and she could see her own breath escaping her lips. She looked down at a single car roaring down the road, passing Hiro and the others.
Within the confines of his black 1957 Impala, Baron Battosai blew a kiss at the passengers within the self driving car then sings to the tune of My Way by Sid Vicious
Inside the car; Hiro, Han, and Hana felt an unexplained invisible force made contact on their lips. Tingles ran through Hiro, Hana blushed, while Han was just flat out surprised.
"And I planned each charted course Each careful step along life's byway And more, much more than this I did it myyyyyyy way!! SORRY SIS, HAHAHAHA!" Baron singed to the tune of the song
"Uhm, what?" Chidori asked.
(Oh valorous! Thy sup'rnatural senses art w'rking as well as I'd desired. Thee sens'd the ghoul's true nature from all the way up h're.) Sigmis complimented.
"What? Ghoul? As in...Nosferatu? As in Kyūketsuki*?!" She paused mid-flight and narrowed her eyes to zoom in on the vehicle like she was using a camera. "Wait, hold up, is that Baron? Baron's a Vampire? Did he just say sis? Is Malty a vampire too?"
*Kyūketsuki = Vampire.
(I sens'd t at which hour thee did see h'r earli'r as the lady wast picking up hiro. The lady is quite strong and h'r broth'r appears to beest at the v'ry least equivalent to h'r leveleth. I did want to testeth thy senses first of course but I hadst assum'd thee kneweth.)
"Uhhhh...no. No I did not." She zoomed out and resumed flying. "That's weird though. I've seen those two in the daylight before plenty of times and they never burst into flames or anything. Aren't vampires supposed to do that?"
(Tis dependent upon the vampire. Some art stout'r than oth'rs and some breeds of the vampire wouldst not beest effect'd by sunlight.)
"Huh. So they could potentially be Dhampire's then?"
kutabare, bro!" She called back to him.
"Uhhh what was that?" Hiro asked.
"Ohhh....ohhhh myyy. That felt...wow." Hana laughed. "What was that?"
"Uhhh did someone just speed past us?" Hanzo questioned.
"Ohhhh boy. Yeah, I'm going to have to explain this when we get there." Malty acknowledged.
(If he wants Hiro and that Other Girl to himself then who am I to complain?
But he damn well knew I called dibs on the Beautiful One, that first kiss was supposed to be MINE!) She ignored Momo's laughter at the whole scene, with her hand on her hip her expression turned ice cold.
"I'm so gonna kick his ass when he gets back"(If its a meeting thy desire with tha young Dhampire then might I suggest it be in a more private environment?) Sigmis suggested to Chidori, she took those words into consideration. On the one hand vampires are already common knowledge but otoh Malty might prefer to remain in the supernatural closet regarding that. So outing her in public wouldn't be a cool move.
Note: And that's my Does This Remind You Of Anything moment of the day.
Chidori snapped out of her thoughts when she see a giant black Raven flying towards her. Normally this would put her on guard but she can sense the auras of both Izzy and Ava. Izzy in particular waved at her while she mounts on the Raven known as Ama(Yup the Ferret)
But she stared in awe at Ava's form
"Ho-Ly....."Chidori stopped herself when she noticed Ichika riding on the back of Ava. (Oh shit, mustn't curse before a priestess)
"I see you haven't lost your touch Avalon, here the mortal woman is looking at you like you're
The Man Upstairs or something" Ama, Izzy's astral companion commented.
Malty takes a deep breath and puts on the best smile she can muster. "You won this one brother, but the night is still young."
Hiro, after a few moments of getting her bearings, she relaxed back in her seat. (Aria, did you catch that?)
"Affirmative! It would appear the car belongs to Baron Battosai"
Hiro rubs her chin(Huh. That was weird but ok. Going to have a talk with him about that one day. Until then I'm just going to focus on the sleepover)
“Everything OK? “, Han ask his sister
Hiro nodded, “How about you guys are you OK? “
Hana gave a ok sign
“Outside of my heart racing I am good“ Han said sheepishly, Hiro smiled and rubbed his back in a comforting manner
"That...is amazing." Chidori complimented Ava. "It's incredible...this is seriously one of the coolest things I've ever seen."
Toki was being driven to the sleepover by her mom with Takako in tow. The pair were in the middle of their own conversation when they reddish-orange light shined in through the windows and they looked outside up at it. "My...God." Toki gasped.
"You can say that again." Takako agreed.
Wakamura Maki looked up at the Phoenix and her eyes widened. "Well. You don't see that every day." She narrowed her eyes. It was a little hard to see but was that Izzy up there on the Phoenix? With Chidori on the staff? What was going on with all of that?
Hiro, after a few moments of getting her bearings, she relaxed back in her seat. (Aria, did you catch that?)
"Affirmative! It would appear the car belongs to Baron Battosai"
Hiro rubs her chin(Huh. That was weird but ok. Going to have a talk with him about that one day. Until then I'm just going to focus on the sleepover)
“Everything OK? “, Han ask his sister
Hiro nodded, “How about you guys are you OK? “
Hana gave a ok sign
“Outside of my heart racing I am good“ Han said sheepishly, Hiro smiled and rubbed his back in a comforting manner
"I'm going to need to explain things later. When the time is right." Malty confessed. "But for right now, Hiro's got it right, lets focus on the sleepover. This is supposed to be a party to help us all unwind together. So lets just bask in the quiet of the night, the soothing feeling of the evening and the glow of the phoenix overhead."
The Battosai Estate
Momo's eye's fixated on the majestic firebird in the sky, he held back an gleeful laughter the moment nostalgia started to kick in. Ava's cosmic presence took him back to an event that occurred a millennia ago.
"God smites, and smites real well. Every now and then he'd send an executioner to do the smiting for him" Momo chuckled to himself.
"Oh yeah, that old bedtime story" Malty relaxed and crossed her legs as the gatekeeper opened the gate when she noticed Malty arriving with the guest.
"What really got me was Miss Dum Dum. She was warned to not look but when she saw Ava"
"Cue Salt Statue" Momo laughed even harder. The Bible implied that it was an angel who did it but they know the truth.
Malty sighed, "Indeed. She was a waste of air anyways"
"Okay, how long has this place been here and how the ♐︎◆︎♍︎🙵 didn't I notice it until now?" Chidori asked in awe.
Ava considered commenting on her language but decided to let it go since Chi-Bird censored herself. Besides, you get used to it around Chidori.
"Is this seriously your first time seeing it?" Izzy asked her. "Pretty majestic right?" She pointed down. "Come on, we should land. We can walk from here and I'll tell you all about it on the way up."
"Got it." Chidori tilted her staff downwards and descended to ground level.
"Wow. I haven't been here in a long time." Toki noted. "It's always so fancy and is it me or does it seem a little bigger."
"Could be. They're certainly wealthy enough to do some renovating." Maki replied to her daughter. "By the way dear, I hope this doesn't embarrass you buuuut I'm going to write Baron a ticket for speeding."
"Do what you have to do, mom."
"Uhm, who did what now?" Hana asked.
"Huh?"
"You were kind of speaking aloud."
"Oh. Right. Well, a long, long time ago...Three men come to Abraham in the plains of Mamre. After the Angels received the hospitality of Abraham and Sarah, the Lord reveals to Abraham that he would confirm what he had heard against Sodom and Gomorrah, "and because their sin is very grievous." The two angels proceed to Sodom, and Abraham inquires if the Lord will spare the city should fifty righteous people be found within it, to which the Lord agrees. Abraham then pleads for mercy at successively lower numbers—first forty-five, then forty, then thirty, then twenty, and finally ten—with the Lord agreeing each time. The Angels are met by Abraham's nephew Lot, who convinces them to lodge with him, and he serves them a meal. But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both young and old, all the people from every quarter. They called unto Lot, and said unto him: 'Where are the men that came in to thee this night? Bring them out unto us, that we may know them.' Lot refused to give his guests to the inhabitants of Sodom and, instead, offered them his two virgin daughters "which have not known man" and to "do ye to them as is good in your eyes". They refused this offer, complained about this alien, namely Lot, judging them, and then came near to break down the door. Lot's angelic guests rescued him and struck the men with blindness and they informed Lot of their mission to destroy the city, then they commanded Lot to gather his family and leave. As they made their escape, one angel commanded Lot to "look not behind thee" (singular "thee"). As Sodom and Gomorrah were being destroyed with brimstone and fire from the Lord, Lot's wife looked back at the city, and she became a pillar of salt." She explained. "See Genesis 18-19 for details. That's the story. Except. The real story is much crazier than that." She looked out the window. "It wasn't even Angels."
"...Okay, so, uh, what happened to Lot? The dude was going to pimp out his daughters to a gang of a-holes." Hanzo questioned.
"Ohhhh trust me. He got everything that was coming to him."
"But that's all a story for another time. We're almost there guys so it's party time!"
While her older siblings were talking to Madame President, Hana looks up at the majestic firebird above. The Phoenix is real! 100% legit and she got a front row view of it. Part of her really wants to record a video of this. She's a 15 year old girl and seeing something of this magnitude is just asking for it to go viral. Buuuut Malty did made a rule about no recording devices at the residence and they're technically on the residence.
"Your phone would be disintegrated before you finish the video anyways" A voice, that sounded like her but more bubbly, spoke inside her mind.
(Yeah I know, eldritch abomination and whatnot. Speaking of, how come I'm not suffering from any negative effects from looking at it?)
"Because they're that powerful. It choose to not resort you to a drooling wreck" Herself said sweetly. Hana could feel invisible arms wrapping around her waist.
Ama flew closer to Ava to give Ichika enough room for her to jump ontop of it's back. Izzy caught her and Ava shrunk down till she shrunk town to a naked humanoid fire being with wings.
"Oh wow....I have a question" Chidori trailed off
"Am I safe to hold? Care to try that theory out" Ava said with a grin
"Heck with it we're both fire. Bring it in, girl." Chidori replied with wide open arms.
"Gladly."
She flew over and wrapped her arms around Chidori in a full on bear hug tight embrace that Chidori returned. "Yep. Definitely huggable." She replied while holding the naked fire girl.
(No fair! How comes she gets to hug the naked fire Ava? Wait, what?) Hana questioned. That was as far as she got however before Hiro covered her eyes. "HEY!"
"Sorry, big sister rules. Hanzo?"
"Already turned around."
"Is it public indecency if she's made of fire?" Toki and Maki asked simultaneously.
"Let me answer that: No." Takako replied while watching them.
"Please cover up, Ava!" Ichika asked her.
"Wow. This night got crazy in a hurry." Amaya commented while licking her ice cream.
Hanzo turned around and looked at her. Primarily because she actually had clothes on and it was rude to stare. "Wait, Amaterasu? When did you get here?"
She put her eyepatch back on to re-enter Chunii Mode. "Ninja Stealth Mode."
"Would it be out of line for me to say, if I had a physical body, I'd be blushing right now?" Aria commented
"Trust me, that moment will come" Hiro smiled, focusing her attention away from Ava and Chidori towards her younger sibling. "Since when are you interested in girls?"
"What can I say, Ava convinced me"
"Uh huh. Duly supported but I'd pick a different target" Hiro said
"I second that support but can we change subject, the last thing I want to think about is my younger sister kissing someone else" Han shook his head
"Is it safe to uncover my eyes now?" Hana asked with a slight irritation in her voice. Hiro lets her go, seeing that A: Ava has clothes now. B: They're away from the scene.
Hana pounced on Hanzo and kissed him on the cheek. "Not even you big bro?"
"Face it darling, you've walked into that one" Malty laughed
Maki spotted Baron lounging on the sofa and hummed to herself while strolling up to him. "Battousai Baron?"
"Yes Officer Wakamura?" She handed him his speeding ticket. "Huh?"
"You were 40 miles over the speed limit. Please pay the citation online, by phone, by mail or in person prior to the court date listed on the ticket. Thank you!" The officer told him sweetly.
Malty immediately took a photo of his expression on her phone. (Oh Carm's going to love this!)
Chidori laughed. "You might want to go ahead and pay it, Baron. Trust me, it's better than spending a day in a cell."
"Glass houses, Chi-Bird." Baron joked.
Amaya meanwhile was jotting down notes for her next one-shot Manga. (Hanzo....and....the Fire Girl...Fire Woman? Fire Angel? Firebird Woman! Yes! The Gentleman And The Firebird Woman! No! The Pretty Boy And The Firebird! YES! I can work with that title!)
(Oh man I have so much to tell Hawk when she wakes up) Amaya thought to herself while she continue to take notes.
Baron wrote Maki a check with little to no complaints. If anything he respects that level of boldness from her. "Here you go, M'Lady"
"M'Lady? I see chivalry isn't dead after all" Maki smiled
Observing this Toki whispered to Malty, "Is your bro flirting with my mom?"
"It's a vampire courtesy thing" Malty explained
"Oh ok. Wait....Back up."
"I'll explain later" Malty said
Amatsu was the last to touch down before the Battosai Estate. The moment Izzy and Ichika get off Amatsu proceeds to stretch its wings then proceeds to shrink down in size the feathers engulf it till it started floating into the sky till all that is left is a beautiful young woman with short dark hair, light brown skin, and clothes!
"Whew! That hit the spot" Amatsu did a few stretches, she looked at Ava who crossed her arms. "Show off."
"It's a get together is it not? Besides it's been a long time since I've taken a human form"
If this were an anime then Maki's mouth would've hit the ground right now. She has seen her share of peculiar stuff but this is pretty up there.
Amatsu noticed Maki glancing at her then strolled over. Baron stepped to the side to give the ladies some space before Amatsu stood in front of her.
Hiro:
"Fuck me!"
"Yup. Logic has officially took a leave of absence" Han commented.
Hana just stared in silent awe at Amatsu, she was about to approach her to 'have a chat' till a hand on her shoulder stopped her advance.
"Nope" Hiro said
Amatsu's eyes surveyed Maki, part of her is impressed. From the way she carried herself in that monster attack to the fact that she looks pretty good for a single mother. But she's not Ava, she knows when to approach things in a tactful manner. "I know you have a plethora of questions right now"
"To quote Abridged Cell" Maki stated
Amatsu smiled, "I'd be more than happy to answer them for you"
Maki spotted Baron lounging on the sofa and hummed to herself while strolling up to him. "Battousai Baron?"
"Yes Officer Wakamura?" She handed him his speeding ticket. "Huh?"
"You were 40 miles over the speed limit. Please pay the citation online, by phone, by mail or in person prior to the court date listed on the ticket. Thank you!" The officer told him sweetly.
Malty immediately took a photo of his expression on her phone. (Oh Carm's going to love this!)
Chidori laughed. "You might want to go ahead and pay it, Baron. Trust me, it's better than spending a day in a cell."
"Glass houses, Chi-Bird." Baron joked.
Amaya meanwhile was jotting down notes for her next one-shot Manga. (Hanzo....and....the Fire Girl...Fire Woman? Fire Angel? Firebird Woman! Yes! The Gentleman And The Firebird Woman! No! The Pretty Boy And The Firebird! YES! I can work with that title!)[/quote]Carmella shout out appreciated!
IC:
(Oh man I have so much to tell Hawk when she wakes up) Amaya thought to herself while she continue to take notes.
Baron wrote Maki a check with little to no complaints. If anything he respects that level of boldness from her. "Here you go, M'Lady"
"M'Lady? I see chivalry isn't dead after all" Maki smiled
Observing this Toki whispered to Malty, "Is your bro flirting with my mom?"
"It's a vampire courtesy thing" Malty explained
"Oh ok. Wait....Back up."
"I'll explain later" Malty said
Amatsu was the last to touch down before the Battosai Estate. The moment Izzy and Ichika get off Amatsu proceeds to stretch its wings then proceeds to shrink down in size the feathers engulf it till it started floating into the sky till all that is left is a beautiful young woman with short dark hair, light brown skin, and clothes!
"Whew! That hit the spot" Amatsu did a few stretches, she looked at Ava who crossed her arms. "Show off."
"It's a get together is it not? Besides it's been a long time since I've taken a human form"
If this were an anime then Maki's mouth would've hit the ground right now. She has seen her share of peculiar stuff but this is pretty up there.
Amatsu noticed Maki glancing at her then strolled over. Baron stepped to the side to give the ladies some space before Amatsu stood in front of her.
Hiro:
"Fuck me!"
"Yup. Logic has officially took a leave of absence" Han commented.
Hana just stared in silent awe at Amatsu, she was about to approach her to 'have a chat' till a hand on her shoulder stopped her advance.
"Nope" Hiro said
Amatsu's eyes surveyed Maki, part of her is impressed. From the way she carried herself in that monster attack to the fact that she looks pretty good for a single mother. But she's not Ava, she knows when to approach things in a tactful manner. "I know you have a plethora of questions right now"
"To quote Abridged Cell" Maki stated
Amatsu smiled, "I'd be more than happy to answer them for you"
[/quote]
"This night is just getting better and better." Chidori sat down with a big smile on her face. "I know I have all kinds of questions. For you guys and Amatsu and about everything really. Since there's no time like the present, how about we start off the party with drinks and a game of a thousand questions?" Chidori is internally in all kinds of WTF but she's most certainly making the best of it.
"Oh yes of course, Chi-Bird. My girls will hand out the refreshments and then we'll start the questionnaire." Malty clapped her hands and a quartet of maids dashed into the room and bowed down behind her.
"Uh...what?"
"Allow me to introduce the Nakamikado sisters: Marika, Koume, Urara and Houka. The Four Guardian Maids of Battosai Castle sworn to my service and protection."
"We are at your service, Mistress!"
"Thank you ladies! Could you please fetch refreshments for our guests?"
"Yes Ma'am!" Marika dashed in front of the group and took out a pen and notepad from her dress. "Hello, my name is Nakamikado Marika. May I take your order?"
(ohhhh boy this is...this is giving me some flashbacks.) Chidori noted internally as memories of the Maid Restaurant flashed through her mind. She pushed it all back down and cleared her throat. "Right. Ah, I'll have a Hydro Flow Final Torrent. Double Duty. Please and thank you."
"Right away ma'am. And for the rest of you?"
"A Mountain Citra for me please." Amaya piped up.
"I'll have a Diet Cherry Red Statesman Storm please." Ichika ordered.
www.buzztime.com/business/blog/the-ultimate-cocktail-name-generator/"I certainly hope so." Maki sat down next to Amatsu. "So, ah, I suppose I shall start with the obvious one. If you don't mind."
"Go right ahead." Amatsu urged her.
"What exactly are you? For that matter, what are the other spirits? Like Sigmis for example. You're obviously supernatural beings and I'm cool with that but, if you don't mind, could you specify? Like where you're from?"
ki has seen her share of castles in period films but this makes her feel like she has been transported into the Edo Japan period. It is a pity that she couldn't use a cellphone but she's mentally absorbing every inch of this.
"Remember when we used to play hide and seek here as kids" Malty smiled, nudging her.
Toki laughed, "Oh man. I remember me getting lost and one of your house staff had to locate me. I was ever so embarrassed"
"Yeah but you took it like a champ though. Most kids your age would've been crying for their parents to pick them up"
"You guys don't have to worry about your luggage. The staff will take them to your assigned rooms and you'll be given your room number as they do so" Baron said
"Hold that thought" Amatsu got up and approached Chidori as she stopped before her, "Alright come out of that wand Fire Imp. I'm not going to be the only one looking presentable tonight"
"Hahaha. Well what can I say? I'm made of sterner stuff than that. The Wakamura's are some of the toughest ladies in Hinansho!" Toki declared.
"Allgedly." Chidori teased.
Toki stuck her tongue out at her.
(Thee maketh an excellent pointeth, Amatsu mine friend. I supposeth yond wouldst beest appropriate consid'ring the atmosph're. V'ry well. H're I cometh!) Sigmis declared and recited a spell. (⏚⍜⎅⊬, ⏚⍜⎅⊬, ⏚⍜⎅⊬ ⍜⎎ ⋔⟟⋏⟒, ⟟ ⍙⟟⌰⌰ ⊬⍜⎍ ⏁⍜ ☊⊑⏃⋏☌⟒, ☊⊑⏃⋏☌⟒ ⟟⋏⏁⍜ ⏁⊑⟒ ⟟⋔⏃☌⟒ ⍜⎎ ⏁⊑⟟⌇ ⟒⏃⍀⏁⊑'⌇ ⊑⎍⋔⏃⋏⌇! ⏚⊬ ⏁⊑⟒ ⌿⍜⍙⟒⍀ ⍜⎎ ⏁⊑⟒ ⍙⍜⍀⌰⎅ ⌇⏃⟟⋏⏁⌇, ⟟ ⍙⟟⌰⌰ ⊬⍜⎍ ⏁⍜ ☊⊑⏃⋏☌⟒! ⌇⍜ ⋔⍜⏁⟒ ⟟⏁ ⏚⟒!)
Chidori's wand glowed and she took it out of her pocket and held it up. The tip of the wand shined and it emitted fire and smoke and they both floated up into the air and took the shape of first Sigmis and then the form of a slim young man with an androgynous appearance. His long black hair is tied up in a topknot, and bangs fall over his face. A noticeable feature of his is the purple marks underneath his large gray eyes. He is wearing a tight black bodysuit highlighted by metal plating on his shins, arms, shoulders, chest, and waist, as well as a long purple scarf that falls to his legs. Sindarian Elf ears are on both sides of his head where normal human ears would be. He lands back on the ground, turned around and bowed to Chidori. "Greetings and salutations, Chosen One, I hope you find this form appealing."
"Well, holy ⬧︎♒︎♓︎⧫︎, Sigmis, you can take on a human form?" Chidori asked in surprise.
"Yes. While I cannot travel far from you and the wand without both of our powers weakening, I am capable of autonomy and transformation to an extent."
Maki and Toki simultaneously put thumb and index finger underneath their chins with their elbows resting in their other hands and tilted their heads to the side. "Strange day."
"Like Mother, Like Daughter, I suppose." Ichika giggled.
The rest of the group ordered their drinks and the maids quickly departed to fetch them.
(A Night To Remember: Featuring Baron Battosai & Sigmis, it's a fictional story so no need to work around the wand thing. However, for accuracy's sake, I could say Malty and Chidori had a meeting while Baron and Sigmis had a more private one of their own) Amaya thought giddily while observing Sigmis's human form..
Malty glanced down at Momo, "So, what about you my little companion?"
(Trust me maiden. They do not want to see what I'd turn into. Lets just say Ava wasn't the only one who had fun that day) Momo said in a tone that was that of a bubbly child.
Malty laughed, "Sometimes you unnerve even me, my friend" she leaned down and kissed the top of Momo's head.
(I know I'm joking about a lot but...you're going to have so, so much to catch back up on when you wake up, Hawky.) Amaya beamed. (And I promise we'll be there with you every step of the way.)
"This is a fun night." Chidori noted. "So can all of you guys take humanish forms?"
"That is correct, Chosen One, while I am fine with sleeping within the wand, and it's necessary after all, we are able to take human forms to interact with our companions in the physical world."
"Cool."
"Chosen One, huh? Still getting used to that." Toki joked.
"Same here. Apparently there's a whole cosmic selection process going on with The World Saints that even Sigmis doesn't know about."
(Still up to their old tricks, I see.) Momo commented.
Sitting near Momo and Malty, Ava reached over and pets the teddy bear on the head. (Oh to be a young and innocent minded)
The bear side glanced at Ava, did a slight nod in acknowledgement.
(Which is exactly why we should watch out for him.)Ava smiled, (I never knew you managed to care for someone other than yourself. You're right. Not going to name any names but it looks like he has gained a couple of admirers.
(Give Sigmis a few days in that form and he just might get himself a harem) Momo said, which caused Ava to laugh.
Hiro meanwhile had her attention centered on Malty's companion, Madam President glanced over at Hiro and grinned. "See something you like?"
"Oh sorry. I cant help but admire that stuffed teddy bear you have"
"Oh why thank you!" Malty smiled and hugged Momo, "So cute and cuddly."
(Er.....Cute? That thing looks like it might kill me in my sleep) Hana cast a cautious glance. It's not him, it's just Teddy Bears
Han rubs Hana's back in a comforting manner (I've seen Hiro fight terrorist and monsters from outer space. Yet put her within five feet of a teddy bear)
Hiro blushed, "So...Um. I was wondering if.."
Malty got what Hiro's implying then turned Momo around to face her as she lifts him up in the air. "What do you say Momo? You want to be held by Hiro?"
(Do I want to bury my face between two fun pillows? Is Krillin the luckiest SOB on the face of the planet?)(Does she know, Chosen One?) Sigmis asked Chidori
(I don't think so) Chidori commented
(OK. Should we tell her?)
(Mmmmm....naaaahhh. Not yet. Read the room, Siggy, this is a party. I want everyone to get settled in first before we start with that. We can show them the Sacred Realm and the Hall Of Legends later tonight when everybody's relaxed. Besides, this is adorable!)
(You've got it!) "Here you go, Hiro! Momo likes hugs!"
"Hi Momo! I'm Hiro! I hope we can be friends and trusted teammates fighting for justice forever!" Hiro declared while hugging the teddy bear closely.
(Honey you keep this up and we'll be friends for life.) Momo noted internally.
Takako noticed the smile on Chidori's face and looked back at the teddy, then over to Sigmis and over to Momo. (Wait. This is just a wild guess, but what the heck, it's been a weird week, so I'm going to shoot into the dark and take a wild guess: Is that thing a Familiar?)
(Clever girl.) Baron smiled.
(Lucky bastard) Ava complemented Momo before turning her attention to Ichika, "So how are you liking the digs?"
"I've seen this place from afar and tourist sites but never like this!" Ichika says amazed
Ava laughed, wrapping an arm around the Priestess. "Amazing what you can experience once you've stepped out of the temple once in awhile"
"Oh, well, you know how it is. There's a lot of work in taking care of the shrine." She giggled. "But I do get out when hanging out with Amaterasu and Hawk. Speaking of..." Ichika looked at Malty and Baron. "Um, excuse me, is it okay if we bring her around when she wakes up?"
"Of course it is! You don't even need to ask! We'll throw her the biggest welcome back party this town's ever seen!" Baron declared.
"Can you tell if she's okay? If she's close to waking up?" Chidori asked.
"Well thanks to Big Bro over here I suppose I'll let the cat out of the bag. I'm a vampire. Well more like Dhampir. Still that makes me able to communicate with Lady Death and from what D has told me she's almost finished with her meeting with Miss Hawkins. So I estimate she'll be up and at em in around two days." Malty explained
(So getting a front row seat when that happens) Chidori smiled
"Oh man' I cant wait to tell the guys at the dojo" Hiro cheered
(OK I'm happy for Eiji waking up but....Did Malty mentioned she's a vampire?!) Maki thought to herself
"I know mom but the siblings promised to explain everything in private so until then we'll just roll with it" Toki whispered
"WHOOHOOO! THANK YOU!" Amaya yelled out and raced forward to hug her. Not even caring about the vampire part. She was just so happy to have her friend coming back! She leaped on Malty and wrapped her arms around her. Malty just laughed and hugged her back.
Ichika placed her hands together and sent a silent prayer to Kami in gratitude.
"Oh man this is so awesome!" Chidori declared.
"About time." Hiro sighed with relief. "Welcome back, Eiji."
(Which reminds me Big Bro, you and I need to have a talk concerning Miss Hawkins Post Awakening) Malty conversed with Baron mentally
(Noted) Baron said
(If only the elders could see this kind of reaction.) Malty ruffled Amaya's hair, she waited till Amaya let go.
(In fairness it was not like we gave the mortals a reason. Lets face it sis, we can be evil bastards at times) Baron sensing Maki's predicament he reached over and held her hand gently. "Iy is OK"
Maki looked into Baron's golden eyes that is both dangerous yet calming. Like sitting close to a campfire under the night's sky. (Oh...Oh wow...Am I having a Uzaki moment?)
Toki booped his nose. "Personal space, Battousai." She joked.
He laughed and stepped back. "Rest assured, Toki, I am just reassuring her."
"Ahem, and, ah, rest assured, I do appreciate it. Thank you, Battousai, you're a good man."
"And you're a brave strong woman, Inspector." He replied politely.
The maids returned with their drinks and they accepted them. "Right then!" Chidori stood up and raised her glass high up into the air. "TO HAWK'S RETURN!"
"TO HAWK!" The rest of the team cheered and they all drank to it.
"Right. Shall we begin the questionnaire? I believe our Guardian Spirits have something to show you all."
"That's right. You guys did promise to show us a few things about your world, right?" Hiro asked.
"Oh of course! We'll gladly do so if you're feeling up to it!"
"Sure thing. Please, show us."
"Okay then. Everybody stand together and put your hands together." Sigmis instructed.
"You guys are in for a trip." Chidori laughed as she put her hand out with wand in hand.
The rest of the team and her friends followed her lead and placed their hands together and Sigmis held a hand up.
The group found themselves leaving their physical bodies behind as their spirits hurtled through space. Stars and planets and suns flew past them at warp speeds so fast they were all just glowing blurs to them. They flew through the cosmos faster and faster until they suddenly began to slow down and their vision was filled with light. They floated back down as their vision cleared and they found themselves standing in what could only be described as paradise! It was beautiful. Light everywhere. Golden Clouds. Sparkling Shimmering Water. White Clouds On Either Side Of Her. The Most Beautiful Flora Stretching For Untold Miles. Bizarre, beautiful, alien animals flew through the air and darted around playing together in the fields.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome a vision of the Sacred Golden Realm: Zyaemiagath. Home of the World Saints." Chidori introduced to them.
"Fuck me!"
