Ninja-Genesis-Eirtaku-Jelly-One    Part2



** A little revenge.. I mean short story by Kage **
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All characters in this story are copyright in of their respective creators ( You all know who you are )
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***** This is the second part in a series, if you haven't read the first one yet.. Go read it now as the story plot is vague enough after reading the first bit *****
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� Kage sat back in the director's chair. All the characters watched for a speech but then realising that it was Kage in the chair they continued with reading the scripts and practising lines.

Some of the female characters looked a little worried after TNT's ecchi and henati directing and were wondering if, with Kage in charge, this would continue.
He leaned forward and the chair wobbled a bit, " Don't worry my celestial vixens, testosterone plagued males shall be without gaze of thy heavenly virtues"

Some of the girls looked a little confused and Kage sighed, looking to the ceiling, 
" You'll all be keeping your tops on ", he re-phrased.

HORRAYY was the general response. Kage could feel TNT grumbling from his hiding place�.

"Places everyone� Act 2 , scene 1�. ACTION "
*********************************************************************



After the events of Kage's and Rei's first sortie TNT began to fell a little lonely.
Sure the catgirls were always there but TNT seeked something more .. and her name was Kiku!


He couldn't stop drifting back to her image.. Kiku he muttered to himself.


TNT was sitting at the table, stripping and greasing a handgun.
The catgirls, as usual had the couch dominated and Kage sat in an armchair watching Pok�mon.


TNT continued his gun maintenance but his complete attention wasn't on the job. It was elsewhere, it was on her!


The first time he saw her was at the restaurant when Kage experienced his first tragic date with Rei.
She barged into the restaurant with a group of other fuming females but she stood out to TNT as if no-one else was there.
TNT watched with awe at her grace as she repeatedly kicked and stamped on Kage. TNT's knees felt weak, and then her heard her name..
" Not in the face Kiku.. please..! " WHACK
" KIKU ", sighed TNT


TNT found himself sighing again as he return to reality and slapped the clip into the newly cleaned gun. That was the last of them, he had cleaned every gun in the house and now he had nothing to do. He was now free to pine with his full attention on Kiku.


He dragged himself to an armchair and tried to watch TV but he couldn't. She invaded every thought.
" KIKU..KIKU " Kage blurted out as he wiggled his forearms.
TNT jumped up, " What!? I wasn't.. I .mean..."
Kage looked puzzled but continued to wiggle his forearms,
" Umm.. It's Togepi doing Metronome.. TOGE TOGE " Kage continued.


TNT sat down again feeling a little stupid. He couldn't get comfortable and his anxiousness compelled him into the kitchen.


Felicity was also in the kitchen, well half of her was in the fridge and her little tail flicked as she looked for something nice to eat.
TNT sat dejectedly on the edge of the table.
" KIKU ? ", Felicity asked.
" HUH! " TNT sprang up, taken aback, " What about her !? "
Felicity paused to think for a bit and then spoke putting the plate down on the table, 
" What'cha talking about TNT? I asked if you want a 'cookie' "


She picked up the plate and walked into the TV room where the other catgirls were waiting excitedly, " We're outta milk too ! ", she added as she left the kitchen.


TNT stood at the sink and looked out the window, and he was far too busy with battling emotions to notice Kage's entrance into the kitchen.
" You ok? You seem a little... well the clip of your gun is in backwards!"
TNT looked at his gun is disbelief, he was right it was in backwards.
Kage continued as TNT righted his gun, " If you feel that strongly for her I arrange something for you "
" Who me! What are you talking about.. Arrange what!? "
Kage put his hands on his hips, " You think we haven't noticed " , he pointed to the sink where TNT had written Kiku on the condensation covered window.
TNT actually blushed but he tried to cover his embarrassment by faking a temper.
" Yeah Whatever " Kage ignored TNT's hissy fit, " Your fooling no-one, we all know.." The catgirls giggled from the couch and cheered TNT on.

Kage moved to the kitchen door and turned before he left, he actually smiled which kinda freaked TNT as he didn't smile that often�well not in that sinister way.
" TNT, I would be honoured to play match-maker between yourself and Kiku. Afterall it's only fair "
With that he left and TNT was by himself in the kitchen, he pulled out his gun and checked the clip once more.. Backwards!?


A few days had passed but TNT's feelings hadn't changed, they had in fact grown worse. The catgirls felt nothing but pity for TNT and even giving him their favourite toy mouse didn't seem to help.


Kage had gone to see Kiku, as a social call with the made up excuse such as did she have one of his shuriken by accident.
TNT sat up at the sound of Kage's return, he watched the doorway and Kage walked in and proceeded to the couch and not so gracefully flopped into it. TNT noticed the black eye,
" So what happened to you? " TNT asked.
" Well... " Kage began, " She didn't really like the idea... "
TNT visibly sank.
" But..." Kage continued, " Kiku can't resist a party "
New life sparked in TNT's eyes.
" I have organised a picnic party in the woods for Saturday. There will be a lot of people there but the woods are big.. neh!" and with that Kage lay back onto the couch and pressed the remote. Pokemon flashed onto the screen and Kage was filled with glee.


Saturday, was two days away.
TNT had gone through his lines repeatedly, now they were just beginning to sound stupid. He asked Kage for advice but poetry wasn't really TNT's thing.
He tried his lines with the catgirls judging. They burst out laughing at the 'Great picnic.. let's hope that the ants don't run away with you, Honey!' line... TNT had worked hard on that one.
He left after the catgirls began doing macho impressions of TNT at which they pretended to swoon , this only made them laugh more.
Kage tried not to get involved but he could be heard laughing from the armchair, he couldn't help himself.


The next two days crawled for TNT.
Kage had been kept busy with preparations for the picnic and to help with this he had recruited the catgirls and they were all off their feet with invitations and food preparations.


Kage stepped out of the kitchen covered in flour which made quite a contrast to the usual black which he always wore.
He coughed as he retreated from the white mist which emanated from the kitchen.
Inside, TNT just barely make out the catgirls, they looked so kawaii with those little chef hats on.
A cloud of powder accompanied Kage as he sat down on the couch. He reached over and grabbed a stack of letters and began leafing through them.
" What are they? " TNT asked, not that interested but he needed the diversion from his train of thought.
Kage didn't look up, " They're the invitation acceptances "
" Whose coming? "
" Hmm let's see � ok � fine �", he continued to sift through the pile until he came to a particular one. He put the pile down and read it aloud for TNT.
" ..ahem.. Hiya all. Kasumi, Matsura and Kiku would be delighted to attend the picnic on Saturday, provided we can escape our last class.
PS There better be peanut  m&m's � signed Kiku "


Kage looked at TNT who sat dwarfed by the giant economy sized bag of peanut  m&m's. Kage had made the mistake of mentioning Kiku's fondness for them.
TNT fixed out the impression where Felicia had made a bed out of the multi-coloured monstrosity.
Kage picked up the pile of acceptances and resumed flicking through them.
" � request for acceptance granted � signed NERV � ohh how touching " he mused sarcastically.
" Who else is coming? " TNT asked, once again feigning an interest but he was happier now that Kiku was coming
" Umm.. all going well Neko-chan won't be there " he looked glaringly at TNT, but continued, " the weather reports for Saturday are good �"
TNT interjected, " The guests Kage � the guests "
" Ahem ..Sakura, Misty ,Rei, Taki � "
" Wait a minute �" TNT stood up, sending February's Manga Max magazine to the floor, " Is this a picnic for me ..  or for you? "
" It's not like that ! " Kage defended, " I'm trying to make amends for the restaurant incident �remember ..  you saved me that time.. of course it wouldn't have happened if Neko-chan wasn't there "
" Hey!! don't blame Neko-chan for your flying fancies "

" Anyway.." Kage tried to move off the topic, he didn't want to get into a fight. There was too much to do and it wouldn't look to well if the two of them went greeting the guests all cuts and bruises," all of the acceptances haven't arrived yet so .."
" Alright! " TNT said, but his expression suggested that he wasn't too convinced. He didn't want a fight either.


The mews and giggling escalated from the kitchen and the intensity sparked TNT's curiosity.
Kage had returned to sifting through the letters. TNT stood up and began to move towards the kitchen door.
" I wouldn't go in there! " Kage said without looking up from the pile.
TNT dismissed the warning and pushed open the kitchen door,
" TNT!! Think fast!! ", Francine pipped at him.
PPOOOOOFFFF
PPOOOFFF
TNT returned to his chair and sat down, flour billowed as he flopped into the armchair.
" Told ya so! " Kage said, still not looking up.
No-one said anything for a few minutes and then Kage slid the pile off his lap and placed them on the low table in front of him. He stood up and fixed his pony-tail,
" Well, I've a few things to do so I'll see ya later " He began moving towards the kitchen then stopped, " I think I'll go out the other way ", he turned and went towards the other door. As he passed the window he stopped, " Hey, Mite� Look ! It's Kiku "
TNT sprang up in a panic, " WHAT!!!.. WHER..!? " he dived for the window, and almost fell catching his ankle on the coffee table.
" Just kidding ! " Kage laughed
" WHAT!! �YOU BAKA, I'M GONNA� "
" aah aah aahhhh " Kage silenced TNT waving his finger from side to side.
" WHY'D YOU Do.. that " TNT shouted, Kage cringed at the loud outburst and he reduced the decibels as Kage's hand made the requestful motion of turning down a stereo. Kage posed thoughtfully, " I was how you say 'getting ones kicks' "
The haze of flour around TNT mimicked his steaming anger and ignoring TNT, Kage left the house.
 TNT was a love-messed up individual, it was amazing what Kage was getting away with lately.


TNT double checked the window and sighed but he was distracted by the lack of noise coming from the kitchen.
TNT grew curious again and decided to try his luck and take a peek inside the kitchen door so  he creeped to the door but he stopped behind the door as he heard voices from inside.
 Felicia was speaking, " 2 eggs.. scrambled!?  How'd you do that!? "
Francine squeaked a question, " Doesn't TNT have a scrambler in the garage ?? "
" Yeah!! Let's try that !!! " Felicity yelled.
At this point TNT decided to intercede in the catgirl's culinary chaos.


( Thursday Night )
( Tokyo Suburbs )
( 8.27 PM )
The white text appeared in the left-hand corner of the screen. TNT had gotten the 'make your own X-file episode' kit working and he sat back satisfied. He looked to at the catgirls, they lay asleep  on the couch, one of the armchairs and Felicia had decided to sleep on the m&m's again. They were exhausted from their earlier activity and they were more exhausted from the cleaning up afterwards.
He reached for the TV remote and flicked through the channels,
" Crap� seen it � not a chance � " These were the typical responses  as TNT channel surfed. After his third round he sent the remote hopping off the coffee table and stood up,
" To hell with this, I gotta annoy someone ", and he left the room.


Kage was in the dojo. TNT could hear the Anime tunes through the paper walls. He walked up to the shoji and slid it open.
Kage was cross-legged in the centre of the floor with a small table in front of him. A display of assorted blades were laid out in front of him.
He was busy sharpening his blades and his rhythmic stroke of the grind stone was kept in tempo to the music, of course he was singing along with the music, he couldn't help it.
He absently sang along with tune as he tested the blade by running his thumb along the edge,
" �.sotto fureru mono,motomeru koto ni muchuu de, ummei sae mada shiranai,
itaikena hitomi. 

dakedo itsuka kizuku deshou.
sono senaka niwaa, 
haruka mirai mezasu tame no 
hane ga aru koto �."

Kage stopped, realising TNT was there. The 'Cruel Angel's Thesis' kicked into the chorus and Kage was slightly sorry that he missed it.
TNT walked onto the floor,
" TNT, butsu o dozo ", Kage said, pointing at TNT's boots.
TNT looked down at his boots and was puzzled.
 He was about to say 'what' when he looked at his boots again and it struck him, he was wearing them, � in the dojo. He realised that he was lucky that the only thing that struck him was his own thought.
It would be the same as if Kage used one of his guns as a paper-weight.
TNT apologised and proceeded to take his boots off. Kage gestured to him to sit down next to the table.
TNT bowed, in his little awkward way. Kage had been trying to teach him a little Japanese etiquette. TNT wasn't really into such things but he tried anyway and his effort was very honourable or so Kage would say and he was due a lot of respect for trying.


TNT sat down next to the table on the cushion Kage provided for him.
" O-cha o nomimasen ka? ", Kage asked gesturing towards the teapot on the table.
" Hai.. Domo.", TNT answered. Kage was also trying to teach TNT a little Japanese, but he was more interested in the swear-words and how to complement women.
Kage set out two teacups and started to pour.
Kage was careful that the 'tea' didn't fizz over the sides of the cups.
" Coke � ", TNT asked, already knowing the answer.
" Yup! ", he answered and proceeded to pour his own cup.
" What's troubling you TNT? � besides the obvious " Kage asked after taking a sip.


" Well, ever since that night on the roof �", TNT began.
" The night you fell off ? "
" Yeah� That one!" TNT continued, " I've been doing a lot of thinking� about a lot of things�"
Kage could see TNT's difficulty with expressing his feelings. Kage had the very same problem, even worse. Kage had an awful difficulty speaking to people that he didn't know.
Kage took another sip of his drink pretending not to notice TNT's hesitance. He did this so TNT wouldn't lose face. TNT wasn't too familiar with this concept but he was thankful all the same, anyone else would have slapped him on the back and laughed at him.


" Tell me about Kiku " TNT asked out of the blue.
Kage reached over and re-filled TNT's cup and then his own, taking use of the pause to think of what to say, " Sa� I've know Kiku since my days at the dojo. Over the years we have become good friends.
Also I'll warn you about Kasumi. Kiku and Kasumi are very close and always look out for each others well-being. Don't be surprised if Kasumi takes an interest in your approach to Kiku and vice-versa. But don't get me wrong, Kiku is very outspoken and well able to defend her self and her honour"
Kage stopped, " I'm beginning to sound like her father neh? "
CLICK
The tape stopped.
  Kage picked up a remote from the table and pressed a button. It started playing the other side and the music began in the background again.


TNT took in breath to ask another question but Kage interrupted him, " TNT. I can't give you any advice as I have no experience in such dealings. The mystery of the female�beyond mortal comprehension."
Kage seemed suddenly saddened, " As for Rei, I sit here wondering whether I will ever see her again, she left so suddenly.
 Is the roof free tonight? "
TNT nodded.
" I think I'll go up there for a while and gaze at the celestial orchestra that is� existence, neh! "
Kage stood up and picked up Kim from where she lay next to him.
" Oyasumi, TNT " and with that he left the dojo.


TNT finished his drink and waited out the end of the last track and then left the dojo too.
He yawned as he entered the house interior, all this tension and waiting was beginning to get to him. He passed through the Tv room and he paused to look at the catgirls who lay in undisturbed slumber. < Kawaii > he thought.
He picked up Felico-chan from where she sat in the chair and TNT decided to go to bed.


TNT lay in bed, hands behind his head,  staring at the ceiling. He was drained but yet he didn't sleep. 
He looked at the neon numbers which partially illuminated the table on which the clock rested. < 2.15 > he sighed.
He turned his head sideways and looked out the window, the stars where bright tonight, but _her_ burning beauty was far more inspiring than infinite distance.
TNT sat up startled by what he had been saying, " Jeez!! I'm beginning to sound like Kage!! "

Kage sat on the roof, staring at the stars < � the stars are not in alignment� it's a bad omen�>
He stood up, his poetic meditation concluded,  " WHA-CHOO! "
Kage foot slipped from the after shock of the sneeze�
*THUMP THUMP *
SLIDEEEEEEEEEEEEE��..
WHOOSH
*THUMP*


( Friday Morning )
( Tokyo Suburbs )
( 10.25 am )
= >_< =  ( Felicia was here !! )
( TNT loves Kiku )
( Kage loves Rei and Misty and Sakura and �.)

Kage grabbed the keyboard off the catgirls, they giggled and scampered in three different directions making capture impossible. 
" I knew that X-file kit shouldn't be left lying around "

He walked into the kitchen and standing in the puddle of cereal he deduced that the girls had broken their night long fast.
He grabbed a bottle of tea from the fridge and sat down.
TNT staggered into the kitchen and plopped down hard onto a chair.
" No sleep, neh? " Kage asked.
TNT shook his head.
FFTTZZZZZ*
" Tea? " Kage offered.
Kage began to pour as TNT slid a cup in front of him and Kage joined him.

" AAHHH SAIKO NO DESU NEH!! " Kage sighed as tears formed in his eyes. The first fizz buzz of the day!

Kage finished his drink and stood up pushing the chair back with the backs of his knees, " Well Lots to be done today for the picnic tomorrow! "
TNT slouched forward and rested his head on his folded arms, " Yeah I'd like to ask you something about that� "
" What is it? "
" I'm tired from all this waiting, can we skip today and go onto tomorrow? "
Kage sat down again and put his hand to his chin thoughtfully, " Hmm� I suppose we could do that� the catgirls will be disappointed as they had a good sketch lined up but� yeah sure it can be done� What time to you have in mind? "
TNT sat up, a little cheerier now, " Saturday morning? "
" Done, boku no tomo "

*** SCENE CHANGE ***

" Is the camera loaded? "
" Yea!! "

" Ok ! Everyone into positions! � Everyone ready? "
" Yes!"
" OK "
" Me too! "

" Alright. Felicia, your turn! "
" WOO HOO ", Felicia jumped up in front of the camera holding a clapper-board.
" ACT 2 � Saturday Morning.. "
*SNAP*
The director's chair wobbled as Kage leaned forward as he linked his fingers,
" Action "

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

TNT awoke to the sound of the Dudrio crowing on the roof.
At this time of the morning the neural pathways were a little slow�
TICK TOCK TICK TOCK
" Saturday Morning!! ", he yelled and then proceeded to fall out of the bed.


*THUMP*
Kage looked at the ceiling. " TNT is up "
The catgirls sat around the table in the kitchen, Kage had gotten up early and the kitchen was in order. 
" Ok, my friends of furry virtue. Is everything in readiness? "
They all nodded a cute 'yes'
" Excellent "

TNT entered and was almost flattened by the stampede as the catgirls charged out the door, " Morning TNT !! See ya later " was the general address as they barrelled TNT out of the way.

TNT sat down in his usual chair and poured himself a breakfast beverage. Kage tightened his Pok�mon apron, " Breakfast? "
TNT nodded and Kage produced a plate and slid it in front of TNT.
Kage sat down and sipped his tea, " So what are you gonna wear today? "
" Hmm� I'm not sure..Wait I've just the thing! "
TNT rubbed his hands in a sinister looking way.
" Oohh " Kage mused, his sarcasm was at it's strongest in the morning," Well.. as I always say to escape an awkward scene, I have stuff to do so I'm gonna go� I'll be at the forest and don't be late� I doubt you will after all this waiting "
" Are you trying to jinx the picnic by saying that� "
" No, there aren't any Jynx's coming "
" Baka� I meant that saying that I'll be late, after all this preparation�"
" If you're late it is by Karm�.."
TNT stood up, " �and don't do that Karma crap "
Kage shrugged and pulled a large book out from under the table and began spilling through pages. " Well .. according to the script you get there in plenty of time. Hey! Ha ha�I don't remember writing this bit�that's good HA HA HA�"

TNT took his breakfast into the TV room. Kage called after him, " Also we're going straight to the picnic scene as this production has gone over-budget "


--------- Picnic Scene ----------

By the time TNT arrived the picnic was in full swing.
Kage was doing security and he was standing at the gate which his PDA in hand. Felicity had been recruited, well she insisted on helping Kage at the gate and stood next to him trying to look menacing but she ended up looking more kawaii than ever.
" You're late! " he said in his 'I'm working ' voice.
TNT looked down at his 70's Disco suit, " It took ages to get into these pants, that's why I'm late "
Kage looked at  the impossibly tight pants and how they tapered into the biggest flares he had ever seen " I see, doesn't matter. Kiku isn't here yet so go on in anyway "

The Evangelion Unit 01, 02 and 00 were parked in the carpark suggested to TNT that NERV was already here, in fact he could now see Asuka, well � hear her screaming at Shinji anyway.

TNT decided that he would make his way to the refreshments stand to make sure that the peanut m&m's were out for Kiku.
Francine and Felicia stood behind the stand, Kage had let them be in charge of this important duty ( it was either that or a ferocious scratching by two angry catgirls )
Francine wiped away some whipped cream from her mouth, the incriminating evidence of an �clair theft.
"Hiya TNT ", she pipped, " Kiku hasn't arrived yet! "
Felicia was busy trying to stop Sakura from taking the rest of the eclairs.

Francine stopped and put her paw to her ear, 
" Yep Kage! "
She conversed with Kage using the mini-com and earpiece which all the catgirls had, even though Francine wanted to have one of TNT's Uzi's, Kage had decided against it.
" Ohh TNT, Kiku has just arrived. ETA .. 2 minutes "
TNT's heart lurched, or else it was his breakfast fighting back.
Francine continued talking to Kage and Felicia had won the �clair battle, forcing Sakura onto the meringue pies.

TNT desperately searched the crowd for Kiku, but he knew that if he stayed near the m&m's they would eventually cross paths.
TNT craned his neck at a break in the crowd, he gasped.
There she was!
Kiku was walking towards the refreshment stand, she was wearing her uniform which consisted of a battered jade gi, she was accompanied by Kasumi ho also wore the same gi, they proceeded towards him. Matsura stayed at the gate talking to Kage.

Kiku and Kasumi were getting closer, Francine and Felicia snapped into action pulling the cover off the previously hidden object.

At the simultaneous wink the lever was pulled and the payload of creamy desserts was sent whizzing towards Kasumi.
*SPLAT* SPLAT* SPLAT*
As quickly as the device appeared it again disappeared back under the table.
The two catgirls jumped into phase two of the ditch Kasumi operation. With pathetic sympathy and subtle steering Kasumi was separated from Kiku. Felicia gave TNT thumbs up and Francine gave the OK over the mini-com.

Kiku looked unconcerned and continued towards the refreshment stand, the only obstacle being a blue-haired 70's throw-away.

She stopped with her hands on her hips, glaring at TNT.
TNT swallowed to make sure that his tongue was still there,
" H�Hi .. Kiku "
TNT mentally slapped himself. Why was he all tense like this acting like� like an idiot� like Kage! TNT re-composed himself, striking a new stance leaning on the table behind him,
" Hiya Kiku� ", he began in a much more confident tone, thoughts along the lines of 
' Natural Playboy ' swam in is mind.
" The name's TNT and I'm � "
" �IN THE WAY ", Kiku snapped. She moved closer and TNT unconsciously moved back but the table stopped him from doing so.
She leaned past TNT, slightly brushing against him, her green hair grasped by the wind whipped around her face,  flicking against TNT, the breeze carried her scent, intoxicating him.
He could feel her warmth and was about to reach out to touch her�
" Do it and Die! Baka " Kiku said without turning around.
TNT was, as usual, not phased by the threat,( Kage usually put this down to heroic bravery or just plain stupidity ),
  " Hey Kiku-chan, Baka's my middle name "
" Kiku-chan!? ", her eyes narrowed and her hand balled into a fist, but recognition flashed across her eyes.
" Wait, you're TNT!? Kage's friend� Ahh I see! Kage has told me all about you "
TNT relaxed a little, < at least she knows who I am now >

Kage surveyed the scene �
Francine and Felicia looked on and continued to stall Kasumi as TNT and Kiku engaged in casual conversation. Matsura had left the gate and was now talking to Misato. She was nodding along while munching on a sandwich and washing it down with a Kirin beer.
Asuka was still yelling at Shinji who had brought her a sandwich which she didn�t fancy and the offending salad filled triangle was sent spinning into the crowd to which followed a fat splat as it found Misty's back.
Jan and Jesse were jumping around Gendo hassling him about more Eva pilots and asking him to do the pose.
Ritsuko was examining the meringue pies and mumbling something about that 'it simply cannot be' while poking at them with a pencil but everyone was ignoring her really.

Kage was still at the entrance and consulting the PDA with the guest list, every now and again his gaze would search for Rei to see if she was ok. This time round she was staring at a leaf  while half eating sandwich which Felicia had forced her to take.
Kage had to return to his duties as a new group of guests arrived.

Felicity stood and stared at Team Rocket who scrambled over the fence. She tugged on Kage's sleeve and pointed,
" Kage! Mite� Team Rocket is gate-crashing the picnic! "
Kage turned and looked over his shoulder as Jesse and James floundered over the fence and Meowth screaming orders from the bottom.
" It's fine Fel. The were actually invited, they're just keeping up a reputation "
" Oohh! OK " Felicia smiled and gave a conspiratory wink.
Kage was about to say something when a girl walked up to him.
" Hi " she said with a musical tone to her soft voice.
Kage was caught by the beautiful vision and nodded his salute in case his voice would squeak. He brought up his PDA and looked through the guest list,
 " Name please " he asked without looking up, again afraid of squeaking.
" Hi� I'm Naratima, from Newjaport "
" Hmm.. " Kage put his hand up to his chin, " I don't see your name on the list� sorry. "
Naratima visibly sank, " �but� " she brushed a lock of her red hair from obstructing her face as she tried to explain her arrival.

Another girl joined her and introduced herself at Kage's questioning expression,
" Hi I'm Kanuka, a class 2 'girl next door' "
Kage nodded and looked through the PDA.
"I'm sorry ", he said as he shook his head and shrugged, " but you are not on the list either "
Kanuka gave a Kage an angry look and whispered into Naratima's ear, he gaze never leaving Kage. Her expression soon became one of amusement as she explained her scheme to Naratima. She too began to smile.
Kage gulped.

"� so then he sits up and says ' hah! Lucky punch, didn't feel a thing'� ", TNT relayed the comical event to Kiku regarding TNT's and Kage's many battles.
Kiku laughed a TNT dodged an m&m which shot out and it only made her laugh more.
Kiku's beauty was accented  when she laughed and TNT felt all fuzzy inside or else it was the beginnings of a heat-rash.
He had been chatting to Kiku for a while now and they were getting on well.

The Eirtaku had arrived and they were mingling with the crowd. Simon had remained in the carpark talking to Rally.
Kage had to ask Aria to leave her weapons at the gate and she eventually agreed when he pointed out the ice-cream table.
Aidan was around somewhere, Kage last saw him over near the NERV table but he was not in view now.
Rory had entered but no-one had seen him since but Aidan had a theory.

" � Matsura was hiding behind the door and Rikimaru was just coming inside. Kasumi had used saiminjitsu so she managed to stay hidden but when Rikimaru pushed in the door it caught Matsura in the nu�"
TNT turned from Kiku's story as Francine tugged on his sleeve, " What is it? ", TNT asked.
 Francine continued to tug on TNT sleeve curious of the material" What  material is this anyway? ", she shrugged, " we can't distract Kasumi any longer in fact� here she comes! "

Kasumi walked up to Kiku.
"Ah Kasumi-chan where did you go earlier? ", Kiku asked
Kasumi kneeled down to Francine and patted her on the head, " I was given a tour by these adorable catgirls"
" Hey Kasumi, this is TNT, one of Dokushijin's friends"
" Hajimemashite ", Kasumi said.
TNT interjected, " Doku-susan??!!  "
" No� Dokushijin! " Kiku corrected, " That's what we call Kage at the dojo, it means 'poisonous poet' "
Kasumi laughed and everyone joined in.

" WHA- Choooo! " Kage sneezed. " Will I wake ever from hellish ailments which plague my soul. I beseech the fates my suffering to ease "
" You have a cold or something? ", Kanuka asked.
Kage shrugged, " Something like that "
Kanuka came closer, " so do you know TNT well? "
" Sounds as if you do ", Kage answered, leaning forward in a mimic of her movement. He saw through Kanuka's  scheme and  grabbed Naratima by the arm she tried to slip behind Kage.
" Nice try! ", he said as he pulled Naratima in front of him.


TNT continued to get along famously with both Kiku and Kasumi. All Kage's warnings were made up TNT guessed or else over-stressed.
Kasumi was really cheery and bright and she dismissed herself to get something to eat, " since we dossed our last class, we also missed lunch "
" Ja ne! " she waved and made her way to the table, stopping to talk to Misty.
*WHOOSHH*
A black shape flew overhead and disappeared into some trees with a crash.

There was a brief pause but since Team Rocket had already 'blasted off again' the guests were generally used to such occurrences.
TNT continued his conversation with Kiku, not wanting to stop, we was on a roll.

Kage disentangled himself from the branches and spat his PDA out of his mouth. His cocked his head to the side until his neck cracked,
" magical powers?.. she wasn't kidding ", he muttered as he hung from the branch and dropped to the ground.

TNT stopped his 'class A' joke as he saw Kage walking towards him.
Kiku greeted Kage, " Hiya Dokushijin! "
" Ha ha ", Kage returned sarcastically, but he turned his attention to TNT, " umm.. can I talk to you for a second ".
Kiku interrupted , " Kage, what's with the twigs? "
Kage looked up at the twigs sticking out of his hair. " uhh� nothing! ", and pulled them out.
" Were you spying on 'whats-her-name' again?"
Kage slapped his hand on Kiku's mouth, " Sshhh! Child! ", he snapped.
" Choto matte kudasai " , he said to Kiku and pulled TNT away by the arm.
"I'll be over with Kasumi ok! ", Kiku said and walked over to join Kasumi who was showing Misty how to throw a shuriken in return for a Pok�ball.


" What is it??? ", TNT almost shouted, quite angry being separated from Kiku.
Kage ignored TNT anger, he too would be annoyed in such instances but this was important, " I think we have a problem "
TNT tapped his foot " � and this problem is?� "
" Do you know a girl named Naratima or Kanuka? "
" Naratima's here!! " TNT exclaimed. "..but.. why?? "
Kage shrugged, " she's your character, how should I know! "
" How did she get in! " 
" Well I tried to stop her� "
" What you failed to stop her getting in�. beaten by a girl!"
Kage grabbed TNT by the ample lapels of his disco suit, " what!� you expected me to hit her and don�t forget the magical powers bit, I don�t know how to block that!"
TNT released himself from Kage's grip.
" Well�What's the course of action? " Kage asked.


(whisper whisper)
" Ohh NO way! " Kage backed off waving his hands in front of him.
" Ah Com'n it will work this time! " TNT persuaded.
" You said that the last time too!" Kage pointed out, " is cross-dressing your solution to everything? "

Kage released Kim-chan from her sword mode and she wandered off into the crowd and bit Matsura once for old times sake and for the hell of it.

TNT put the finishing touches to Kage outfit and fixed his hair to suit.
" You know the scariest thing is that you had this outfit to hand", Kage said, trying to remember how he was talked into doing this.
" Now that's not how you should sound! " TNT pointed out, " try again! "
Kage cleared his throat, " Ok how's this? " he began in a soft feminine voice.
" You sound like you were kicked in the nuts " TNT stabbed.
Kage continued in his new voice, " when this is over you'll be lucky if you have any left! " and with that he practised his new walk .
" Do I have to wear the shoes too! " Kage pleaded.
TNT just nodded and shooed him forward to join the party crowd.

Kage looked down at himself, he wore a, a dress. It was a dark blue frock with white trims � and matching shoes. 
Kage shook his head with disbelief, TNT owed him big. His thoughts were drowned out as he joined the hubble.

" Wow how cute I love your dress! ", a voice from behind him commented.
Kage turned around to face Misty.
" Ahh.. tHaNKs A lOt " he replied as his voice went up and down the scale trying to find the proper pitch.
" What's your name? " Misty asked.
"uhh � I'm � " he turned away ( I'm TNT's death ) " I'm Katy " Kage said as he turned to face Misty again.

TNT joined the crowd again and searched for Kiku. Spying her he swiftly made his way to her and rejoined her in conversation.
" Everything ok? ", she asked TNT.
" Everything is fine now! " TNT said as he rubbed his hands in a sinister manner and then decided to cackle.
"BWA HA HA HA"
Kiku put her hands on her hips, " you just did something evil and mean 
right? "
TNT nodded with an evil grin and Kiku laughed.

At this stage Kage was as red as a cherry as he made his way to Naratima and Kakuna. He drew in a deep breath.
" Oh Naratima, Kakuna quickly something is happening at the school", Kat shouted out as s/he burst into their presence.
" Do we know you?" Kakuna asked.
" No � I'm Kat, background schoolgirl #2342  I just came from the school, there's big trouble there, quickly we have to go! The pride of our school depends on it!! "
Naratima put her hand to her mouth in a gasp. " Quickly Kakuna, we must go ", she grabbed her by the hand and sped from the scene taking the paper plates and cups with her as she sped past the tables.

TNT watched Naratima's exit and sighed 
He grabbed Kage as he tried to slip past out of sight.
" Kiku � I'd like you to meet � uhh "
" Kat! " Kage interjected glaring at TNT.
" Yes Kat � a friend of mine, Isn't she cute? ", TNT said smiling evilly at Kage.
Kage blushed, " Ohh you! ", he said bashfully and then kicked TNT in the shins rather hard. Vengefully hard.
" Owww � Kat's a cutie alright ", TNT said as he clutched his shin, rubbing it painfully.
" Have me met? ", Kiku eyed Kat suspiciously.
" uhhh �  no! ", Kat said rather embarrassed and rushed off.
Kiku was puzzled and looked to TNT
" She's shy ", TNT smiled.


Kage looked at his watch as he re-emerged out of the trees dressed again in his normal clothes. < 3.25 � everything is going well >
Kage staggered as someone jumped on his back.
" What th� "
" Hiya Kage � Wanna quick fight? ", Sakura asked as she dropped down off his back.
" Sorry but maybe later, you still have to show me how to do a hadoken remember "
" Yeah that's right, see ya later so ", Sakura waved.

 
Kage arrived to see Kiku, Matsura and Kasumi bid their farewells.
TNT gave Kage a brief flash of the piece of paper which he held between his fingers.
" Kiku's phone number neh?", Kage asked.
" You bet'cha ", TNT said, all smiles.

Two minutes of waving later they were gone and soon afterwards the picnic guests were beginning to leave.
It was getting late and the sun was moving to a low position in the sky.

Kage sat on a picnic table, leaning back resting on his hands. The catgirls were cleaning up but at the moment they were playing frisbee with the paper plates.
TNT walked up on sat on the table too, he had just seen Kiku off and was very happy with himself.
Kage sat up stretching and rested his forearms on his thighs. " Well � Everything went ok I suppose ".
" It went ok alright ", TNT winked. " It was great ", he jumped from the table, 
" It was Fantastic! "

Kage picked up a sandwich and began eating it as TNT elaborated with increasingly abstract metaphors of  how wonderful Kiku was.

Kage watched as the waning moon came into view, TNT was still going, at this stage he was just mumbling and rambling.
Kage whispered into his com-link, " Felicia � "
" Yup! ", came the quick response.
" Get the mallet "

*BONK*
"Oww .. what was that fo � "
*BONK*
*BONK*
*THUMP*