[FIC] Class Act (part 5)

[dd]

The Heian Inn, even its name meant peace and tranquility. The original buildings dated back to the late Meiji period, standing in stately fashion along the wooded hillside. Newer buildings were built to mimic the old. Students milled around while Miss Okibasu and Kaname went inside to check in. Sousuke followed Kaname without her realizing he was there.

When the gardener with the sharp sheers was trimming the clinging vines along the promenade, Kaname was oblivious to Sousuke’s flying tackle. The careless landscaper had brought the tools of his trade well within the radius of safety that Sousuke had decided upon.

The man with a long pipe to his mouth was a plumber, sent out to repair a clogged fountain. He had been blowing into the pipe to see if any air would pass through. Sousuke could not be certain whether or not the man was an assassin or kidnapper with a blowgun. The man would later regain consciousness inside of a linen closet. Kaname had no inkling about that incident.

An elderly bellhop with bad eyesight ran a fully laden baggage trolley into Kaname, knocking her down. Stooping low to help her up, his ornamental shoulder chain broke free and landed on Kaname’s neck. Sousuke would make entirely certain that the man had no opportunity to strangle his charge, no matter how unlikely he was to have such a goal. Before the bellhop could apologize, he was tossed on the trolley. The large cart was run out of the room before Kaname had a chance to stand up and turn around.

Many parents teach their children not to run with implements. A busboy, returning to the hotel’s fine dining facility with a brace of newly delivered steak knives, sped too close to the pretty blue-haired girl walking towards the main desk. He had no idea how he ended up flipping through the air and landing upside down, head deep in the potting soil of the lobby’s fancy ornamental garden.

Other hotel employees met similar fates. The game room manager mysteriously fell down a curving flight of stairs, long pool cues bouncing after him. An assistant manager carrying decorative swords for the sitting room was found stuffed into a large trash can. The maid who sprayed air freshener in Kaname’s general direction somehow found herself draped over a wildly bucking Ki-Rin suspended as part of an ornate hanging statue.

When Kaname and her teacher reached the desk, Sousuke stood by in the shadow of a huge decorated vase. Watching their posture and body language, he soon realized something was not right. Miss Okibasu was shaking her head. Kaname began waving her arms, becoming more and more animated as time passed. The slack-jawed clerk looked pained. Sousuke had decided he would help. He had served as a negotiator in various military circumstances. No doubt some of the same principals and techniques could apply here.

“No, I am not reporting what someone else told me. I was the one who made the phone call. I aksed for this date and told there were sufficient openings. Asking about dining facilities, I was told that a sufficient number of tables would be reserved. I gave my name, my school’s name, and a credit card number.” Kaname’s fists were clenched, and her shoulders began to shake.

“I am quite sorry, Miss Kichori…”

“Chi-dor-i…”

“Chidori. It saddens me to say that we have absolutely no record of any such transaction. I do not wish to call your statement into question, but it is possible that you called another hotel by mistake.”

“No, it is NOT possible.” Kaname took a brochure out of her purse. It was the official brochure for the Heian Inn. “The telephone number is circled in ink THREE times…once for each time I called.”

“Perhaps, Miss Kitori, you make an appointment for a different date. We do not keep the books for the next few months out her. They are safely stored away in the manager’s office. I could check them for you, but that would be of little avail for you today.”

“C…h…i…d…o…r…i” Kaname slammed the brochure down on the countertop and pointed to a date scribbled on the paper. “No mistaking my handwriting. It’s today’s date.”

“Kaname, did you take down the name of the person that you dealt with?” Miss Okibasu was the voice of reason.

“Yes, Teacher, I did.” Kaname opened the brochure. “Here it is. Kintaro Wakanabi. Maybe you should call him. He may remember such a large reservation.”

“Oh dear. That may well explain everything, Miss Chimori.” The gray-haired man shook his head sadly. “Mr. Wakanabi did not work here very long. He was inept and highly unreliable. It is possible that he promised you a date, but forgot to log it in. Most regrettable.”

“REGRETABLE? We travel half a day, find out our arrangements were not completed, and Ill you can say is ‘regrettable?’ “ Kaname was beginning to lose her composure. “And it’s Chidori!”

Miss Okibasu put her hand on Kaname’s shoulder. “Perhaps we could talk to the manager. After all, it is the Heian Inn’s fault that this mishap has occurred.”

“No, that certainly cannot be permitted. Mr. Tojifura must never be interrupted at this hour. Not ever. The last time he was, the entire staff was released.” The man was wringing his hands. “There is absolutely nothing I can do for you. If you hurry, you may be able to find lodging at a number of the smaller resorts. You will not starve, as there are plenty of grocery store and convenience shops within a half hour’s drive.”

“You…you…you….” Kaname sincerely wished she had her halisen handy.

“Miss Chidori, perhaps I can be of assistance.” It was time. Sousuke had seen enough. He had a strong sense of responsibility. The Inn was responsible.

“Sousuke, what are you doing in here? Didn’t you see the sign outside. NO ANIMALS ALLOWED ON THE PREMISES.” Kaname’s look soured.

“Animals, Chidori?”

“Nevermind, Sousuke. There’s nothing you can do here. This requires social skills. Something you are totally lacking in.” Kaname’s eyes brightened after saying that. Perhaps Sousuke’s special skills were exactly what they needed. If they were going to be denied unfairly, she would enjoy seeing the Inn get what it deserved.

“Mr. Fujisuki, we need to call Mr. Tojifura immediately. Strange things have been going on. It might be the Spirits! The gardener was found sticking out of a shrub. The plumber was hiding in a linen closet. A bellhop said unseen hands pushed him onto a cart, and the cart moved on its own. Something tried to plant one of the dining room attendants. A maid went flying through the air.” The small frantic man had to stop to catch his breath.

Kaname looked at Sousuke and raised one eyebrow. Sousuke made it a point not to make eye contact.

The clerk smelled the smaller man’s breath. “Spirits indeed. No doubt, someone’s been sneaking inside the wine cellar again. In any case, unless the room explodes, blood comes pouring out of the fountain, or human heads coming rolling down the stairs, I am NOT disturbing the manager!”

Kaname grabbed Sousuke’s arm and shook her head, a worried look on her face.

“Are you certain that the manager cannot be disturbed?” Sousuke took out his billfold and placed a stack of paper money on the counter top. “It would be in everyone’s best interest if this matter were to be resolved to our satisfaction.”

The clerk licked his lips, eyes glued to the money. He paused a moment before shaking his head, shoulders slumped. “No. I can’t take the risk. I might lose my job.”

Stepping in front o Kaname and blocking her view, Sousuke pulled his pistol out of his over-sized shirt. “If I were one to speak philosophically, I might say that there are worse things to lose than one’s job.” Sousuke saw the man’s eyes go very large. “One's honor, reputation, or credibility in the business community, for example.”

“Yes. I see. I understand completely. Perhaps Mr. Tojifura would like some company today. He did look somewhat lonely earlier.” The man swallowed hard and motioned for Sousuke to follow him.

As Sousuke began to walk after the man, he stopped and held up his hand. “You should stay here, Kaname. I will talk to him man to man.”

“What? That probably wouldn’t work even if you were a man. But go ahead. Give it your best try. I couldn’t get it done, so I know you can’t.” Kaname flounced her hair. “Hmmmpppfff!”

Sousuke and the clerk disappeared down a wood-paneled hallway.

“Was that wise, Miss Chidori?” Miss Okibasu asked, concerned.

“Probably not. No doubt Sousuke will try negotiating in his usual fashion. Before we know it, the police will be called to whatever remains of the scene.” Kaname smiled, despite the awful situation she and the class found themselves in. It serves the Inn right. It serves SOUSUKE right!

The time passed. Kaname fretted. Members of the class kept coming into the hotel, wanting to know what was keeping things.

The sound of sirens could be heard. Many sirens. Tires squealed as cars slid up onto the walkway. Police in protective vests and helmets flooded the lobby area, guns drawn. A number of them headed down the hallway Sousuke had walked into.

“Told you!” Kaname said to Miss Okibasu with a smug look. “At least Sousuke found himself a room. He’ll probably be there for a couple of years. Do they send tutors to jail, do you know?” Despite her cheerful demeanor, Kaname felt a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach.

Kyouko walked up. “What has Sousuke done now?” She asked Kaname.

“I don’t know….”

“Are you OK, Kaname? You look worried. “He’ll…”

“Probably be OK. I know. I know…”

The police headed back out again, dragging an unconscious man by the arms.

“Well, Miss Chikori, that was Mr. Wakanabi." The clerk was back. "Seems he was very upset at the manager for letting him go. He burst into the room with a gun when Mr. Tojifura and that delightful young man were playing with miniature soldiers on the large terrain table. Unfortunately, he is in no state to corroborate your tale.”

Sousuke walked out with Mr. Tojifura. “Young man, I don’t know how I can express my deepest gratitude. That man meant to lay me dead in my grave. More importantly, you helped me finally work out the proper battle strategy. I’ve been struggling with that all week. You are quite correct in your suggestion, I believe. That is exactly how the troops of the five daimyo would have fought at the Battle of Sekihara if the conflict had taken place adjacent to Mikahara Bay instead of in the Gifu Prefecture.” The portly man in a kimono, a katana strapped to his waist, slapped Sousuke on the back..

Sousuke explained the class' situation to the manager.

“Oh, I see. Then it is our mistake, is it not? And that makes it our responsibility to straightened matters out as best we can.”

“Thank you, sir.” Sousuke bowed

“Think nothing of it, young man. After I have finished with the police report, I will see what can be done. Your class is very fortunate.” Mr. Tokufura bowed to Sousuke.

“Sir?” Souske asked, just as Kaname, Kyouko, and Miss Okibasu walked up.

“They are lucky to have you as their representative!”

“But sir, I am not the class representative…”

“Really?” Mr. Tojifura looked rather surprised. “Well, you should be, son. You should be.” He was led away by the police to fill out some paperwork. He gave a wide berth to a blue-haired girl with a storm brewing on her face.

“Everything should be fine, Miss Okibasu.” Sosuke spoke with confidence.

“Oh, really Souske?” Kaname’s voice was deceptively quiet. Like the calm before the storm. Kyouko hurried to charge her flash.

“Kaname?”

“So, you think you should be the class representative? Instead of poor helpless Chikori?”

“That’s ’Chidori,’ Kaname. Perhaps you do need some rest. You should feel no shame at all in connection with your failure.”

Kyouko took Miss Okibasu by the hand and pulled her a few feet further away.

“Failure?”

There was a loud noise. Pieces of a small fluted vase skittered across the floor. A boy ran across the room, followed by a girl with long blue hair streaming out behind her.

“FAILURE!!!”

The police looked on with professional interest. No one moved to diffuse the situation. They knew better than to get in the middle of that kind of confrontation.


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

Was the glass half full, or half empty? It depended on one’s perspective. Sosuske’s rescue---and timely expertise in military history---had worked miracles. The class was not out walking the street, looking for a place to stay. Yet. The Inn could cobble together accommodations for the Jindai High students in a wing in the process of being refurbished. But, as the work crews had a tight schedule, as soon as they were back in swing, the visitors would have to find another place to stay. Sousuke had gained them one night. The class would need to find an alternate site of lodging, or drive home after visiting the museum next day.

Similarly, the kitchen could push the supplies to the breaking point and feed everyone dinner. After that, they were on their own. The Last Supper some wise ass from the rugby squad called it. Sousuke shut him up unintentionally, buy informing everyone that there was no danger that the entire class would starve---he recounted the ordeal facing the Uruguayan soccer team that crashed in the Andes.

Naturally, the girls all were squeamish when the brief tale was done. The boys had found a fine way to tease them. “Hey guys, I don’t know about you, but Ren looks good enough to eat.” One rugby player gave her a pinch on the thigh.

“I think I’d like a nibble or two of Kyouko!” another guy said, smiling at the startled girl.

“Maya for me.” “Mmm mmm, just a taste of Ryo.” And so forth and so on.

Ren simply smiled. “Kaname?” The look she gave her friend said it all. “Yes Kaname, if you would be so kind.” Maya bowed from the hip. “Wait a minute, Kaname.” Kyouko readied her camera. “You go girl” Ryo chirped.

Kaname and the halisen gave the boys the only answer they ever needed. Miss Okibasu was relieved to hear that the Inn had a small infirmary.

Mizuke looked rather cross. Only one thing was worse than having someone saying you were a tasty morsel. It was having the boys name every one else BUT you!.

Shinji noticed her response to being left out. His compassionate side took over. “Hey, what about Mizuke? No one mentioned her…she's kind of.....”

One boy made gagging noises.

Another guy quipped “If swallowed, do not induce vomiting!”

Everyone else broke into laughter.

“Kaname….” Mizuke asked. She nodded her head towards the offending boys.

“Did someone say something?” Kaname asked, putting her hand to her ear. The laughter echoed about the lobby again.

Miffed, Mizuke took matters into her own hands. She kneed Shinji in the groin. “Hmmmpppfff! No accounting for taste!”

Kaname spared a look for Sousuke. Of course, as usual, he was at the root of this trouble. Imagine, not long before dinner, and he’s talking about cannabilism! “Sousuke, is that something someone should be talking about before eating? Why don’t you follow up by describing the digging and upkeep of latrines?”

“Of course, Chidori.” Sousuke was pleased. It was good that Kaname was interested in a subject with military significance. She must have been pretending not to listen during his lectures to her. “Attention everyone. Our class reperesentative thought it would be instructive to discuss matters of personal hygiene. In regards to oooopppppphhhfff!!!

Kaname cursed. She broke a nail clubbing Sousuke with the paper fan. For some reason, she pictured Sousuke laying on a platter garnished with greens, Xs for eyes, with an apple in his mouth. IF ONLY!

Sousuke recovered in time to enjoy a fine dinner. After that, everyone gathered up their belongings and stood in a crowd around Miss Okibasu. Holding a list she had scribbled together, she handed out room assignments.

"Miss Okibasu, I will need a room next to Miss Chidori's. It would be preferrable if there was a door between the two." Sousuke had voiced his request out loud.

"Ooooooooooooooooooh!!!"

Kaname became bright scarlet, stammering.

"Mr. Sagara, no jokes please. The boys will be on one floor, the girls on another. As I am the only chaperon, there should be no mixing after ten o'clock. I am placing you all on the honor system." Miss Okibasu had her hopes, but was far from naive.

"Perhaps that is wise" Sousuke admitted. "It would be best, then, that I be assigned to the room above Kaname's...."

"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!

Kaname's eyes flashed. "It would be better, if you put Sousuke outside in a tent! Or better yet, a DOGHOUSE, with a chain around his neck."

Miss Okibasu smiled. "I'll ask the staff if they have one, Miss Chidori."

Sousuke nodded his head. Once again, Kaname's quick thinking may have saved the day. A tent? Yes. He could think of a good use for one. No doubt sufficient materials were available to create what he needed.

After everyone had dropped their stuff off in their rooms, groups of girls began congregating, setting up their plans for the evening. Guys too, held their war councils.

Sousuke's carte blanche with the hotel manager and staff did NOT go unappreciated by enterprising boys and girls. For enough money, perhaps a number of bottles of liquor could be crossed off the inventory list or disappear from the back shelves in the store room. There were snacks and other items that could be purchased from nearby convenience stores.

For once, it was someone other than Sousuke running the covert mission.


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


Sousuke and his roommates joined up with a large bunch of guys from other rooms. The more adventuresome guys piled a large number of bottles of alcohol on one table and a whole sackful of munchies on another. Someone removed a number of decks of cards from his suitcase. Another had a few pair of dice in his rucksack. A hotel directory listed the telephone numbers for all of the rooms on the floor below.

Everything was set for Guys’ Night.

The usual topics were discussed while things were set up. Music. Sports. Cars. Girls. Of course, actual experience was optional.

“Well men, it’s time for the festivities to begin!” One of the soccer team members started handing out shot glasses and mugs to everyone.

“Festivities?” Sousuke was clueless.

“Yes. Let’s make things as festive as we can. Cards. Dice. Drinking. Drinking games using cards and dice. Food. And more drinking, cards, and dice.”

“I see. If I am to remain on guard, I should not drink alcoholic beverages. I may still play the games of chance.” Sousuke was not Mao. On the rare occasions he drank, his value as a combat specialist plummeted like a stone.

“Guard? That wacko cop is no where to be seen. And who was in those blue cars?” One of the rugby players snorted, thinking Sousuke must be pulling their legs.

“Church women.”

“Church women?” Everyone except Sousuke burst out laughing. “We’re not in danger from them, right? So, who do we need protecting from, and who are you going to protect? Us guys don’t need none of that! We can take care of ourselves.”

Sousuke knew he couldn’t mention anything particular about terrorists, and who they might be after. “The girls may need protecting.”

“Yea” one boy said. “From us.” A lot of hooting and hollering followed that remark. “The longer we stay here, the safer they are. You’re a stud, Sagara. You know how it is. School trip. Away from Mommy and Daddy. Boys and girls together. Juices start flowing. Then BAM!!! Before you know it, nature takes its course.”

“Damn straight. The more we drink, the less dangerous we’ll be.” A member of the baseball team had jumped into the conversation. Boys winked at each other behind Sousuke’s back. “But if our Leader ain’t drinking, then none of us are drinking. And without drinking, cards won’t be so fun. We might have to go looking for some two-legged entertainment. Right…Leader?”

“More drink…less danger?” Something didn’t quite make sense to Sousuke. Shinji rose his hands to get his friend’s attention, but one of the large boys gagged him with a pillow case, then sat on him.

“You bet!”

“But, if there is danger?” Sousuke, by his very nature, was compelled to consider all possibilities.

“Then, we’ll all pitch in this time. You won’t have to go it alone. We’re a team, Sagara. A squad. In battle, a squad doesn’t abandon its leader, does it?” The soccer player had tapped his friend---a member of the debating team---on the shoulder. The friend took over.

“No!”

“What happens when a leader refuses to lead?”

“Chaos. Failure. Death.”

“Anybody here want chaos?” No one raised their hand. “Failure?” Still, no takers. “Death?” Complete silence. “You see, we all want what you want. We want what’s good, and what’s right. Is there anything wrong with that?”

“Not that I can see…”

“Excellent. It is important to have a leader with clear vision. We are all very fortunate, aren’t we guys?”

“You bet!” “Yea!” “Hell yes!” “Couldn’t be better!”

“I see. I will trust your judgment in this.” Everybody slapped Sousuke on the back.

“All right gang, let’s start things off with a round of Sake Bombs.” Two boys set about getting things ready.

“Sake Bombs?” Sousuke needed to make certain they were not going to be making incendiary devices. Those should never be used by inebriated individuals.

“You bet! One pint of the beer of your choice, in a fine drinking mug. Fill up a shot glass full of sake, then drop it in the glass. Drain it all down, catching the shot glass in your mouth and yell ‘Banzai!’ “

“Alright! But, todays’ rule. If you miss the shot glass, you gotta drink again until you get it right!” The drama club leader rubbed his hands together.

“Leader, you’re first up!” A boy handed Sousuke his drink. Sousuke drank it down, doing what needed to be done on the first try.

It took Shinji three tries to catch the shot glass. He was tipsy in no time.

“EVERYBODY FEELING FINE?” A rugby player yelled after the first round.

“HELL YEH!” Guys shouted back.

“It is not a problem.” Souske said.

“Ish noa prob…probrolum” Shinji gamely put in.

“Well then, we’re not there yet. Let’s try another game before cards. What’ll it be? Killer? Bullshit? Beer Hunter?” The soccer player played the master of ceremonies now.

”BEER HUNTER!”

“Hunting?” Sousuke, a bit buzzed, reached into his weapons bag, taking out a pistol loaded with rubber bullets. “Will I need this?”

“Shit! Put that thing away. At least for now.” No one was totally shocked, knowing Sousuke’s fondness for guns and military items. “Maybe we can play some otaku games after we juice up.”

“Washa burr huntersh?” Shinji asked, his glasses on upside down.

“We take this big box. No one can see into it. The game warden puts beers into the box, after shaking one up. The hunter takes out a beer, holds it under his chin, and openes it. If he gets sprayed, he’s done. He hit his target. If its just a regular beer, he drinks it down. Then it’s the next hunters turn.”

The game was a big hit. Shinji took a beer shower. Sousuke took a beer.

Things were just getting started.


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


Things were somewhat more sedate on the girls’ floor. A large group had congregated, pushing the beds against the wall and tossing blankets and pillows onto the floor. An impromptu wet bar was set up, with a large variety of hard liquor lined up on the table top, and grocery bags full of ingredients sitting on the desk. Ryo had taken her shoe off, and was busy smashing ice cubes inside a towel. Kyouko was putting snacks into large plastic bowels.

“Alright girls, the bar is open. First drink up up is the Japanese Slipper.” Maya began pouring a mixture of Cointreau, Midori Melon Liqueur, and lime juice into a line of glasses.

When everybody had a drink, Ren proposed a toast. “To Kaname. For her hard work arranging for this wonderful getaway.” The girls all banged glasses together and took a sip. Kaname was beaming.

Mizuke was still a bit ticked off. “Yes, to Kaname, who let Sousuke drive!” Another girl added “And almost got us all killed!” Everyone except Kaname and Kyouko knocked glasses. Kaname looked somewhat cross. “Cheers…”

Maya smiled. “To Kaname, who got Sousuke to drop his drawers in no time!” More laughter and more drinking. Kaname was stuttering.

Another girl piped up. “To Ren, who braved great danger to treat the brave and glorious hero!”

“Really, it was nothing. He’s a nice guy.” Ren said calmly.

“With a really nice butt” a member of the volleyball team added. “Wouldn’t you agree, Kaname?”

Kaname choked, spitting out a mouthful of drink, after swallowing a couple of ice cubes. “Absolutely not!” She used a corner of a bedspread to sop some of the liquid out of her blouse.

“Are you saying you’ve looked enough to know?” Mizuke asked, trying unsuccessfully to hide a grin.

“No!” Kaname strangled the bedspread, as if it were Mizuke’s neck.

“Uh huh!” “Sure!” “Of course not!” “We believe you….”

“A show of hands, everybody. Who thinks that Sousuke has a nice tight rear end?” Maya’s voice was already a bit slurred.

A fair number of hands went up. Kaname’s mouth gaped open, then set in tight grimace. Ren had her hand up. Kyouko had hers up as well. Seeing Kaname watching, both Ryo and Maya raised their hands as well.

“How about you, Kaname? You do hang around Sousuke an awful lot.” Mizuke hadn’t raised her hand either. “It can’t be for his sparkling personality or witty conversation skills.” Most of the girls chuckled or nodded their heads.

“No. And he is the one hanging around me. Hmmppff.”

“What’s the name of that river in Egypt?” One girl asked, nudging her friend with her elbow.

“De-nial.” Everyone burst out laughing, with some girls rolling on to their backs clutching their bellies. Maya handed Ryo a tissue to wipe the tears from her eyes.

“Enough teasing Kaname!” Maya spoke with a loud voice. Kaname looked grateful. “For now.” Kaname’s brief smile vanished. “Time to mix up some more drinks. What should we make in pitcher number one?”

“Tokyo Rose!” One girl called out. Maya flipped through a copy of The Bartender’s Bible that someone had ‘borrowed’ from the lounge downstairs. One part vodka. One part sake. One part Midori melon liqueur.”

“Getting a bit heavy on the melons, girls.” Ryo said. “How about something different for pitcher number two. In honor of our class representative who does not take notice of the better half of boys, I nominate Beauty and The Beast.” Looking over at Kaname, she added “Nobody tell Sousuke I called him a beauty.”

“Ha ha ha” Kaname said, tossing her hair.

“Or, Kiss me Slow” Kyouko said with a sigh.

“How about Eager Beaver?” A girl from the field hockey team asked, slapping Kaname on the back. Everyone one laughed or whistled when Kaname blushed.

“I think Beauty and The Beast would be the most suitable” Ren said quietly. A number of girls booed.

“Spoilsport!” Maya said, adding two-and-a-half parts brandy, one-and-a-half parts sweet vermouth, one-half part lemon juice, and a dash of bitters.

When everybody’s glass was full again, a girl from the drama club stood up. “Before we get down to heavy duty gossip, I think it’s time for Truth Or Dare.” A huge groundswell of approval followed. Kaname suddenly felt a lump in her throat.

“Oooh, that should be fun!” Kyouko had already downed her second drink. Kaname was shocked.

Before they could get started, the phone in the room rang. Ryo picked it up. It appeared that the boys were even further ahead in their libations than the girls were.

“Hey…room service…send up and order of horny girls…you got any horny girls there?” Ryo couldn’t place the voice. About to slam the phone down, she paused, a wicked gleam coming to her eyes. “Kyouko, it’s for you…."


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


The boys were having a Hell of a time. The drinks were flowing, and an endless stream of empties flew out an opened balcony door. Snacks were disappearing at an amazing rate, and the pizza delivery boy was close to exhaustion.

The telephone saw considerable use. A number of boys tried without success to convince girls to come up and join their party. Other boys, effectively on stage, rang their girlfriends in other rooms, showing off to their classmates. Crank calls were a popular diversion as well.

One boy called Mizuke, pretending to be Satoru Shirai. "Yes, I missed you too, my beloved...NOT!!!"

Shinji---his favorite Arm Slave magazine suspended over an open toilet as hostage, agreed to be the next phone one of the girls’ rooms. When Ren answered, he stammered a sweaty "Hello....................."

The other boys realized that he needed a little prompting with the ladies. "Don’t worry Shinji, we’ll help you. Just like that Cyrano guy did in the story we had to read. Repeat what we say." A group of boys quickly formed around an uneasy Shinji. "Say This is Shinji Kazama. I respectfully ask to speak to Ryo Kojima." A soccer player started the ball rolling.

"Uh...this is Shinji...I would like to...respectfully...talk to Ryo, please."

"Good. Very good. When she answers, say Ryo, there is something I’ve wanted to tell you." The debating team leader took the pass and redirected it.

"Hi, Ryo. I..uh...I wanted to tell you something." After listening to her reply, he continued. "Am I being serious?"

"Say Of course. Quickly." One of the drama club members controlled the ball and ran with it.

"Of course, quickly."

The boys groaned, but one of their ringleaders shushed them.

"I mean, of course I do." Shinji had made a good recovery on his own. "Do I seem like the kind of boy that would ever attempt a joke or a trick?"

That was a nice touch. A number of the guys patted Shinji on the back, impressed. Shinji smiled.

"Tell her that you thinks she’s really nice." The speaker gave a thumbs up to the other boys. It was almost time for a shot on goal.

"I think you’re really nice Ryo, and...." By the look on his face, Shinji could be making a true confession.

"Let her know that you like the way she looks." The soccer player set Shinji up directly in front of the goalkeeper.

"Uh, I really like the way you look...."

"Topless!" The keeper was out of position.

"Topless...." Shinji realized too late what he had just said. The phone handset dropped to the floor.

"HE SHOOTS, HE SCORES!!!!" The room was in total pandemonium. Everyone rushed to congratulate a stunned Shinji. Then, it was back to card games. Ater a couple of games, play was interrupted

"Wait. I believe it is my turn to make a phone call." Sousuke stood up, and staggered slightly on his roundabout walk to the phone. "There is something that should be done." He had been delinquent in his responsibilities. He had not personally walked down and checked on Kaname. A phone call should suffice.

Sousuke called the same room Shinji had.

"This is Sagara. Put Chidori on the phone without delay." The demanding tone in his voice stopped all action in the room. Cards were laid down. Drinks were placed on the table. There was complete silence.

"Miss Mikihara, you are NOT Kaname Chidori. No, I shall not relay any message. It is best that I speak directly to her. If I am thwarted, I shall need to arrive in person to meet my needs."

The guys all nudged each other in anticipation. Whatever Sousuke intended, it ought to get the girls’ panties in a knot.

"Kyouoko. Your last name is Tokiwa, not Chidori, if I am not mistaken. Why are you obstructing me? Why do you sound so worried? No, I do NOT believe that Kaname has left to visit another room. Put Kaname on the phone immediately. I grow irritable."

A number of boys applauded. They were used to Sousuke being reserved verbally, but prone to action physically.

"Maya Murai, this grows tiresome. I begin to suspect a conspiracy. Has Kaname instructed you to serve as defensive fortification? No, I do NOT wish to hear how many of the girls voted my posterior as a National Treasure!" A number of boys gave each other high fives. "No. Control of the telephone is not my duty. Please tell Miss Kojima that it is not my concern whether or not Shinji wants to see her breasts."

Shinji fell off a chair, his head spinning.

"Ren? Why are you back on the phone again. If I do not speak to Chidori now, I will head on down. I would suggest that no one stand anywhere near the door. WHAT?!! That is serious. Why didn’t some one tell me that right away!" Stretching the phone cord to its maximum length, Sousuke grabbed his weapons bag. "Of course I would rush in. No, there is no way that hotel security could handle such a matter. The police? They will take too long to arrive. What room number?"

When he was finished, Souske looked at his beer soaked shirt. He would not put it back on, and there was no time to dig out clean clothes. "Kaname is in danger" was all he said as he rushed out the door. Some drunken men had wandered away from the lounge...made their way to the girls’ room...forced their way inside...and dragged Kaname into the empty room next door.

The boys had a hard time keeping up with Sousuke. TMP in hand, he kicked open the door to the stairway and slid down on the railing. Quickly, he made his way to the room in question. Listening at the door, he heard a muffled voice call out "Please...help me..." Kaname!!!

Throwing his full weight against the door, he knocked it clear off its hinges. Storming into the room, Sousuke realized where the voice had come from---a dramatic movie was playing on the television. Shocked, he found that he was not alone.

She had been originally assigned a different room. She hadn’t told the girls yet that her other room had needed to be evacuated due to a water main leak from the floor above. Miss Okibasu stood near her bed, neatly folding the clothes she had removed. Startled by the noise, she looked over to see a half-naked Sousuke gaping at her.

Her bra and panties were pink and frilly, Sousuke noticed.


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


Kyouko had walked up behind Ryo and dumped the entire of pitcher of Beauty and The Beast down her shirt. Nobody was more surprised than Kyouko herself.

Events were set in motion. The first domino had fallen.

Sopping wet, and smelling like the dumpster outside of a liquor store, Ryo took off her shirt and squeezed it out over Kyouko’s bag. At least she had thought it was Kyouko’s. It wasn’t. It was Mizuke’s.

Enraged, Mizuke took Ryo’s suitcase, opened it, and threw it out into the hallway. It wasn’t Ryo’s suitcase, it was Maya’s. The veins in her forehead bulging, Maya shook up a bottle of seltzer and sprayed it at Mizuke.

Mizuke ducked. Behind her, Ren did not. The room went dead quiet. Everybody stared at Ren, stunned. She looked like a drowned kitten, her hair plastered against her neck. Everybody tried to apologize at once. Ren, of all people, didn’t deserve drenching.

“Well, it’s all Kyouko’s fault. So, I’ll find something to dry you off with in HER bag.” Ryo opened Kyouko’s clothes bag while Maya blocked Kyouko’s way. Kaname shouted out “How about a towel,” but Ryo clearly had an agenda. Dumping out Kyouko’s bag, she grabbed a pretty flowered sweater. “Ah, this will do.” A small book fell out of the sweater.

An inarticulate scream escaped from Kyouko’s mouth. Performing a standing broad jump, she reached for the book, but missed as Ryo whirled and threw the book to Maya. “Oh ho ho ho!” Maya laughed, looking at the cover of the book. Kyouko’s personal journal was emblazoned in fancy gold filagree. “It’s Ky’s diary!”

The room went dead silent. Girls looked at one another, then smiled wicked smiles. Now this would be a great prelude to Truth Or Dare.

“Maya, please!” Kyouko was obviously upset.

“It’s OK, Kyouko. Just calm down. The more you struggle or complain, the more Maya is going to want to read. Let her read some boring stuff, and things will settle down.” Kaname sounded like the voice of reason.

But Ka-na-meeee, you know what I write in there. Who I write about a lot. Interesting stuff!” Kyouko kept trying to wink. Suddenly, she got her point across.

“Oh. OH!!!” Kaname’s face went pale. She stood up, spilling a tray full of snacks onto the floor. That reaction, pluse Kyouko’s ‘interesting’ turned things up to Eleven. A game of keep away started, with Kaname and Kyouko doing their best to get the journal back.

“PILE ON KANAME AND KYOUKO!!!” Maya yelled. A roomful of girls got in on the action.

Ryo waved the book back and forth in front of Kyouko gloating. “Hmmmmm, what kind of things could be written in hear. Secrets. Anyone want to hear any secrets?”

”YES!!!” The collected shout of a bevy of rambunctious gals was near deafening.

“Pick some pages out at random, Ryo. Let’s see what’s got Kyouko in such a tizzy.” Mizuke was glad that no one had taken out her diary. This ought to be spectacular.

“Alright, here we go, secret number one….” Ryo closed her eyes and opened the book. “Kyouko thinks Shinji is ‘kind of cute.’ But not as cute as HIM. Hmmm…I wonder who ‘him’ is….Ky?”

Kyouko didn’t say a thing. She looked thoroughly embarrassed.

The other girls were not quiet. A whole chorus of ‘Oooohs’ and ‘Ahhhhhs’ sang out.

“OK, lets jump to another page. Maya. It was very nice of you to confide in Kyouko. How else would we all have found out that you had a dream about Tsubaki. My my my. Some steamy stuff. Kidnapping. Rescue. And kissing. Did you tell him about thr dream?"

“NO!!!” Maya tried to grab the book without success.

“Well, somebody probably will now. But none of us…right girls?”

“No.” “Of course not.” Who would do such a thing?” “Girls stick together.”

Maya looked worried.

“This is fun, isn’t it. Let’s do it again. What have we here…uh…err…ummm…nothing important…on to the next one.” Ryo’s voice suddenly sounded a bit hoarse.

“Wait. Tell us. We’ll be the judge.” Maya had her suspicions. Turn about would be fair play.

Mizuke stuck her foot out, tripping Ryo. Maya grabbed the book and danced out of range. “Oh hooo. You’re right. Nothing important. Kyouko probably never told anyone she witnessed this one. Ryo once tripped on purpose so she could fall against Sousuke. She told him that there was something hard in his pants.”

The noise level jumped up, then went completely quiet when Maya raised her hand. “She asked him ‘is that a gun in your pocket, or are you happy to see me?’ Sounds like she was very upset when Sousuke said it WAS a gun.”

Ryo tried her hardest to reach Maya, the fires of Hell burning in her eyes. Kaname looked as if she had taken a bite of something sour. “It was a joke. You all know how cluelss he is around girls. I was just trying to get a rise out of him…” Too late, Ryo realized her poor choice of words.

“WE BET YOU WERE!!!”

“Find something about Kaname” Mizuke said, saving Ryo from all of the innuendos the other girls were slinging. “She deserves it!” She still carried a grudge against Kaname.

“OK…but tell me, would anyone like to know the identity of HIM?” Maya looked over at Kyouko, waiting for her reaction. Kyouko looked sideways at Kaname, worrying about her reaction.

“YES!!!”

The phone rang. The nearest girl answered. “It’s someone named Shirai. Says he’s called all over for Mizuke, but can’t find her. Is she in here? He says he wants to apologize to her and set up a time to meet when she gets back.

“Give me that phone!” Mizuke tripped in her hurry to grab the receiver. “Shirai. Beloved. I will forgive you….” Her face went slack. The phone fell from her limp fingers. “Those boys….they…they…”

Kaname smirked. Mizuke deserved it. The dejected girl walked over to a corner to sulk.

“So, we were about to unravel the mystery. Everybody guess who it is….” Maya kept saying ‘No’ to all the replies.

Kaname’s smirk disappeared. “Sousuke?” she asked.

“Bingo!” Maya held her hand up again. “And listen to this. She wrote ‘and I don’t know why, but I always hope that he will be wearing that tight pair of black pants.’ Ky-oooou-kooo. Were you stairing at the back, or the front?"

Maya wondered at just how red Kyouko could blush. Perhaps it was time to stop. She put the book down.

“Don’t stop now! Things are getting good.” The natives were restless. The show must go on.

“OK. OK. Seems like Sousuke’s mighty popular in this book.” Maya rattled off a few minor confidences about various girls and their feelings for Sousuke. More and more people looked at Kyouko with murderous looks.

Kaname’s face held thunderclouds. That fact did not escape Maya’s notice. “Looks like the book has a LOT about him and…Kaname. Hmmmmm…what to choose? Looking after her secretly, when she was going out with an old crush. So very worried when he thought she was injured in the abandoned hospital. Such a touching story about Kaname, the beach, and that white bikini. Let‘s start with that….”

Kaname did NOT want to think about that bikini. She did not want to think about Sousuke’s reaction to it…or lack of reaction. A girl learns something from being around a military otaku type so much. No one saw how she did it, but suddenly she was up. Two girls were rubbing sore parts of their body. One girl looked like she was standing on her head, plastered against the near wall. Another gal was struggling, trying to pull her head out of the ice bucket.

“OUCH!!!” Maya winced when Kaname kicked her hand, hard. The diary flipped through the air. Everyone felt as if they were moving in slow motion. Girls rushed towards the book, wanting to be the one who caught it. Heads and knees banged together. Feet were stepped on. Body blocks were thrown. Elbows found their mark.

Kaname’s atheletic ability came in handy. She stepped on Maya’s knee…vaulted further by pushing down on Ryo’s head…and stepped on the shoulder of a tall basketball player. Snagging the diary, she slid down an impromptu pyramid of girls, jumped and rolled over two who had fallen, and tossed the book out the balcony door. “Bye bye!” She cried triumphantly.

Kyouko knew better than to complain.

Before anyone had time to complain, the phone rang again. Ren answered. “It’s Shinji. And he wants to talk to Ryo.”

The “Ooohs’ and ‘Ahhhs’ returned in force.

Ryo thought about simply hanging up. But, it was Shinji. She ought to be able to earn back some self esteem by putting him in his place. Everyone listened quietly as she spoke in response to his words. After she mumbled 'topless,' she had to be physically restrained. Shinji would pay.

The girls were getting all worked up. The boys were getting out of hand. There had to be some way to get back at them. They tried crank calls of their own, but the boys were expecting tricks and used them all to their own advantage. Ren suggested that they all loosen up. An idea would come to them later. She was sure of it.

There were more drinks. Gossip. And finally, Truth Or Dare. Kaname was on edge, but no one had called on her yet. She had no desire to answer any questions about a certain Mithril soldier. She didn’t even want to think about him. He had come close to ruining the whole trip. But, she admitted, he did come through with the rooms and food. Of course, that just made her look like a fool.

Once more, the phone rang. This time, it was Sousuke on the line. Asking for Kaname.


************************************************************
End of part 5

[HELLFIRE]

...all I can say for now, dd. Put a smile on my face that I needed today
No if only Sousuke could manage to put on on Kaname's face at the
end of this ordeal....







Regards

[pilot03]

I am hooked on this. I keep checking to see if you updated or not! *eye twitches* I need more! More Ren too! Have the girls gossip and let Ren comment on Souske's......posterior. That should make for some laughs!!

[Taurec]

Pssssst don't stop adding those HELLFIRE (tm) Bookmarks ...

[Chief Petty Officer Klerk]

$5 bucks on Kyouko putting the guys and Ryo in hospitial Kaname style!

[NewtypeZeta]

Nah, but I'd wager she wouldn't have to; Kaname would do it for her. ^_^

Though I don't particularly like Shinji getting beat up just for trying to help a girl's self-esteem, I can kind of understand the situation. However, it might be cool if Kyouko or Mizuke actually showed some mild interest and maybe had a short tender moment with him during this story.

Rather than always being in Souske's shadow, he might try doing something that Souske himself currently isn't capable of. But that's just my thoughts on the matter.

I sometimes thought Shinji wasn't developed enough in Season One and I haven't seen anything of Season Two yet. I think it'd be beyond interesting if Shinji were exposed to certain aspects of Souske's work within Mithril like Kaname was during her kidnapping with Gauron. It might prove to seriously alter his views on war machines, either giving elevating them to a new level of respect for him or quelling his desire to learn about them.

Other than that, looking good dd! ^__^

[pilot03]

Though I don't particularly like Shinji getting beat up just for trying to help a girl's self-esteem, I can kind of understand the situation. However, it might be cool if Kyouko or Mizuki actually showed some mild interest and maybe had a short tender moment with him during this story.

I have always thought this but never commented on it. I think you might be able to fit this in if you wanted to dd. Either way, it wouldn't take anything away from this growing masterpiece!!

[HELLFIRE]

Hotel + booze + unsupervised teens + more booze + clueles Sousuke
+ Truth or Dare = ....

...a S***LOAD of trouble!! Any insights ya wanna spoil dd? Perhaps
a late-night inebrated peek attempt and/or panty-raid... truth or dare
meeting the urges of nature... euh Okay, now I'M getting freaked
out at that thought...







Regards

[dd]

@HELLFIRE

***SPOILERS***

All of these are potentially on tap:

Sousuke cheated at cards, responds Sousuke style with his own games

Sousuke setting up a tent on Kaname's balcony when she comes outside to do a Dare.

Some of the girls doing silly or embarrassing Dares around the hotel. Any interesting Truths revealed?

Do they discover that Kyouko brought her diary with her luggage? What does she confide to herself in writing? Are Kaname and Sousuke mentioned?

Trick gone awry...girls con Sousuke into a rescue in the room next door, thinking it's empty...but, an undressing Miss Okibasu had to move rooms due to a water leak. She may not be all that upset to see a half naked Sousuke. Kaname not too pleased. Sousuke sweating it.

Girls take over the pool, going skinny dipping. No boys allowed in---through the doors. Boys con Sousuke on leading them on a mission through vents to check them out (worried about their safety of course)...Shinji manning the camera, this isn't A.S.s he's shooting pics of. The camera will be a hot commodity, if it...and Shinji...survive.

While guys observing gals, another group of older guys force their way into pool area. Sousuke and the gang to the rescue...maybe even a moment of bold Shinji...the girls aren't too thankful, though. Guys decide to visit girls' rooms while they're away.

Boys sneak out to the XXX theatres for a viewing of Battlefield babes or Highschool Girls In Trouble.

Maybe the guys and gals get an idea to lock Sousuke and Kaname in a room together to see what happens. Sousuke tells her about the movies? Kaname wants Sousuke to play Truth or Dare? Of two minds, Kaname tries to get Sousuke to kiss her, but stops him any time he gets too close? Have to think about this one....

Or, out after the movies, robbers try to hold-up an all night store. Sousuke and the boys are heroes? Girls' panties displayed on TV when the media arrives to the scene ["this pair belongs to a girl name Kyouko" Shinji says "She's really sweet, and I uh kinda like her..." and more raucous stuff...]. Have to think about this one too.

Girls hit guys rooms while they're away.

Only so many things they can do in a night. Then again, with so much fun trouble to cause or respond to, who's going to get any sleep?

[Taurec]

Battlefield babes ... LMAO that is the 2 release of Girls with Guns . <g>

[HELLFIRE]

Sousuke cheated at cards, responds Sousuke style with his own games

...perhaps a game of 'DON'T GET ELIMINIATED,' minefield-style?
Or boobytrap training 101. Pistols at 10 paces. William Tell, pistol style...
Oh, the endless possibilities!!

Some of the girls doing silly or embarrassing Dares around the hotel. Any interesting Truths revealed?

...well, some interesting char pairings mentioned earlier. Kyouko & Shinji,
Mizuki admitting her date with Sousuke... Ren & Hayashimi<sp?>[/quote]

Do they discover that Kyouko brought her diary with her luggage? What does she confide to herself in writing? Are Kaname and Sousuke mentioned?

Uh-OH!!!

Maybe the guys and gals get an idea to lock Sousuke and Kaname in a room together to see what happens.

Now here 's a chance where Shinji and/or Kyouko's cameras become
REALLY hot items... perhaps at a REALLY-but-not-quite-there incriminating
moment

...I think it'd be interesting to have a couple drunk guys trying a late-night
panty raid on the girls' rooms and seeing Sousuke go into rescue mode,
of course Kaname takes it ALL the wrong way. Or maybe have the guys
trick Sousuke into thinking he's going to be doing something normal, but
instead he's really their patsy for some nefarious scheme...

I don't think anyone gonna be sleeping any time soon tonight!






Regards