Episode 3: Sailor, Pt. 1 *The scene opens in, of all places, the supermarket. Kanoe is standing in the ice cream aisle, looking sleepy. For once, she's dressed in covering clothes. She has a huge T-shirt over a pair of baggy jeans, and no rose in sight. She yawns as she looks through the different flavors of ice cream.* Kanoe: Ho hum... I don't think they have any today... *Camera suddenly pans away to reveal a familiar bar-owner at the opposite end of the aisle, who hasn't noticed Kanoe at all just yet.* Kisha: *scrutinizing the frozen food part* Kanoe: *scratches her head and yawns again* I come to the store at six AM just for green tea ice cream and they don't even have any... Satsuki: *popping up out of the exotic food section* Look! I found some decent seaweed! Satsuki: Now I can make a REAL breakfast! Kanoe: *looks at her and says flatly* That's nice. Kisha: *hears the "green tea ice cream" part, and looks up* Ara? Kisha: Hanako-chan? Satsuki: ^-^;;; Kisha: *starts waving* Hanako-chan! Hanako-chan! Kisha: It's me-eeee! Satsuki: -.-;;; *goes away to buy her seaweed and other obscure Japanese foodstuffs* Kai: *comes back from the bakery eating a cookie* Mmm, free cookies... Kanoe: *looks up* Kisha...? Kisha: Hanako-chan! *goes up and hugs her* Kisha: What a place to run into you! Kisha: I was just looking for some quick dinners, but I got lucky instead, 'cuz here you are! Kanoe: *looks sleepy* Yeah... Kisha: ^-^;;; It is kinda early, isn't it? Kanoe: Yeah... Kisha: The club just closed an hour ago, so I figured I'd go ahead and go shopping while I was up. Kanoe: Cool... Kisha: ^-^ So, any plans for the day? Kai: *eats cookie* Kisha: We could crash at my place, then go out for dinner or something... Kanoe: *yawns again* Sounds good to me... Kisha: ^-^V Well, shall we go? Kanoe: *turns to Kai* Tell Satsuki to call me on the cel if she needs me to come back or anything. Kai: Mmph. Kanoe: *turns back to Kisha* If you have a bed, I am your friend. And I don't even mean that in a hentai way. Kisha: ^____^ I know. I'll let you get some sleep. Kisha: *yawning* I'll let ME get some sleep, too... Kanoe: *wonders where else she could get green tea ice cream, yawns again* Kai: *goes to find Satsuki* Kisha: And you know - I have a bunch of ice cream recipes somewhere from my aunt... Kisha: Green tea might be one of the flavors, I don't remember. Satsuki: *is standing in a long checkout line* ;.;!!! Kanoe: *perks up* Really? Kanoe: ^-^V! Kisha: It ain't a sure thing, but we can look. Kisha: Let's go, then! *takes her arm and strolls out of the store* Kanoe: *strolls out with her* Kai: *stands next to Satsuki* Kanoe abandoned us to go with Kisha. Satsuki: 9.9 Why am I NOT surprised? Kai: *eats cookie* Satsuki: *waits in the line, then pays for her stuff and leaves* Come on, let's go. *A young man with an eyepatch suddenly bumps into Satsuki.* Satsuki: Eep! Satsuki: *bows, almost dropping her bags* I'm sorry, sir! Young Man: Oh, no, it was my fault! Young Man: Excuse me, I'm so sorry! Kai: *eats cookie* Let’s say it’s both your fault. Satsuki: *at Kai* -.- Young Man: *sweatdrops* Ah... Satsuki: Don't pay attention to him, he says strange things out of the blue. Young Man: Well, I must be going, sorry again! *rushes into the store, seems to be in a great hurry* Kai: He's cute... even with the eyepatch... Satsuki: Yeah, I guess. Young Man: *disappears from view within the store* Satsuki: Let's go, though, I wanna start cooking! *dashes off* Kai: *follows* Young Man: *watches them go, then turns to do his shopping* Satsuki: *in their apartment, unpacks the stuff and starts making a big traditional Japanese breakfast* Val: *sits on the dining table, beeps* Kai: I could make food... I used to cook for Ren-chan some... Satsuki: Well, you're welcome to help... Kai: OK. Satsuki: *shows him where everything is and puts the recipes out in plain view, where they can be easily referenced* Satsuki: I like cooking, so I usually end up doing it because E-chan doesn't care... Kai: Well, I need to pay my rent somehow... Satsuki: Oh, don't worry. Kai: *helps cook food* Satsuki: We're going to go after a bounty soon, and you can help then! Kai: OK. Recipe: *lists ingredient Satsuki doesn't seem to have* Satsuki: Oh, bugger - I forgot the wasabi... *smacks forehead* Door: *is knocked upon* Kai: I'll go get it. Satsuki: Okay... *searches desperately for wasabi* Kai: *goes to the door and opens it* Young Man: *is standing there, smiling* Hello! Kai: O.O! Kai: Hi. Satsuki: Kai-san, who is it? Kai: The guy you ran into earlier. Satsuki: Oh. Ask him if he has any wasabi, would you? Young Man: *holds up wasabi and a piece of paper* Your friend dropped this in front of the supermarket... And this paper had your address on it, so I decided to come return it to you... Kai: OK. Satsuki: Great! *comes out and grabs the wasabi* Thanks a ton, sir! Young Man: *smiles* It was the least I could do after bumping into her so rudely. Satsuki: Oh, I don't mind! Kai: You can eat with us... Kanoe probably won't be back in time. Satsuki: Please, come in and have breakfast! Satsuki: It'll be ready soon, I think... Young Man: *looks surprised* Oh, I couldn't intrude... Satsuki: Oh, it's no problem! Satsuki: I'll have too much if you don't eat any... Kai: We made too much food anyways. Young Man: *smiles* Thank you, I would love to eat with you! Satsuki: *wondering why the guy would have a piece of paper with their address on it, but figures the question can wait* Satsuki: *goes back to cooking* Kai: *smiles* What’s your name? Young Man: Bob. Sailor Bob. Satsuki: *hears that and sweatdrops* Kai: OK... Satsuki: *keeps cooking* Satsuki: Hmmm... Say, Kai-san, wanna run and ask Oniisan if he'll join us? Satsuki: There's too much even for just us three. Kai: Okay. Satsuki: Thanks! Kai: *smiles at Sailor Bob and runs downstairs to Suzuki's apartment* Suzuki: *hanging up picture he bought recently* Kai: *knocks on door* Suzuki: *goes to open it* Yes? Sailor Bob: *to Satsuki* Can I help with anything? Satsuki: No, but thanks! I've got it all under control. Satsuki: *starts arranging things in traditional ways, whatever those may be* Sailor Bob: *shrugs and sits down at the dining room table, sees Val* This is an interesting computer. Is it yours? Kai: Do you want to eat with us? We made a lot of food. Suzuki: Sure! *hasn't made his own breakfast yet* Satsuki: Yup! Satsuki: That's Val! Val: *beeps happily* Sailor Bob: Very up-to-date. Satsuki: I've had him since I was seven, and he's lots smarter than most computers. Satsuki: I always keep up with what's new and good. Sailor Bob: You must be rich to be able to afford such advanced equipment. Satsuki: Ah, not really. Kai: Okay. *goes back upstairs pulling Suzuki behind him* Suzuki: *is pulled* Satsuki: Our job is a bit - off-and-on. Sailor Bob: Ah. Sailor Bob: Bounty hunter? Satsuki: Yeah. Sometimes we make a lot, but lately we haven't been. Satsuki: Which reminds me... Sailor Bob: That's too bad... Is that young man your partner? Kai: *comes in with Suzuki in tow* Suzuki: *in tow* Satsuki: He's more of an apprentice. Kai: *heard the last comment* I'm not a bounty hunter. Satsuki: E-chan and I are teaching him the ropes, whatever he says. Sailor Bob: Ah. So you work alone? Sailor Bob: E-chan? Satsuki: E-chan's the one I work with - Kanoe, that is. Sailor Bob: Ah. Suzuki: *waves* Ohayou, imouto-chan! Satsuki: Oniisan! Ohayou! *gives him a quick glomp, then goes back to arranging the food* Kai: *sits next to Bob* Suzuki: *looks at Sailor Bob* ?.? Satsuki: *brings out the food, now looking all pretty and fancy* Satsuki: That's the person nice enough to bring us some wasabi I forgot... Sailor Bob: *waves back* Ohayou... Sailor Bob to moushimasu. Kai: Satsuki ran into him. Suzuki: *bows* Hajimemashite. Suzuki to moushimasu. Satsuki: He's my oniisan! Suzuki: Hai... Satsuki: ^-^ *handing out the food* Douzo! Sailor Bob: Itadakimasu. *begins eating* Kai: *eats also* Suzuki: Itadakimasu. *also begins eating, after sitting down* Satsuki: *sits down between Suzuki and Val* Itadakimasu! Satsuki: *digs in with a will* Sailor Bob: *keeps one eye on Kai the entire meal* Kai: *keeps both eyes on Bob* Satsuki: *studiously ignores the both of them* Satsuki: So, oniisan, how's the apartment? Suzuki: Still a little bare... But I'm working on it. Satsuki: That's good! Suzuki: *smiles* How's Val doing? Satsuki: Great! Val: *beeps* Kai: *to Bob* What do you do? Sailor Bob: *looks puzzled* What do you mean? Suzuki: Any new destruction simulators? Satsuki: Yeah, a REAL nice one for Ebisu! Satsuki: Wanna see after we're done? Suzuki: Okay! Val: *beeps proudly* Kai: Do you have a job? Sailor Bob: Yes, why? Satsuki: *keeps an ear on them, in case* Kai: *sweatdrops* I was wondering what your job is. Sailor Bob: I'm a messenger. Suzuki: Val is a good computer. You could do anything with it. Satsuki: ^-^V You bet! Val's never failed me yet. Val: *beeps VERY proudly* Suzuki: ^-^ Satsuki: Oh, except for that one time with Tetsuya... *glares at Val* Val: *beeps in shame* Kai: One of those people that ride their bikes around the city delivering messages? Sailor Bob: Hai! Kai: Cool! Sailor Bob: *smiles* Suzuki: ?.? Tetsuya? Who's that? Satsuki: Ah, that's that boss guy. I'm sure you've heard of him. Kai: A cold-blooded murderer. Suzuki: Ah... Yes, I have heard of him. Suzuki: I heard he takes care of his own. Satsuki: Anyway, we were after him one time, and he took Val and Val just let him LOOK at stuff! Suzuki: *gasps* No! Val: *shows his crying graphic again* Suzuki: *looks at Val in utter surprise* Satsuki: It was REALLY pathetic. Satsuki: But other than that... Kai: Did you ride your bike here? Sailor Bob: Actually, today was my off day, so I left my bike at home... Kai: Oh, OK. Sailor Bob: But I can run pretty well, so it's not much of a problem for me. Kai: Do you live around here? Sailor Bob: *shakes his head* Kai: Oh. Sailor Bob: I live on the other end of town, actually. Kai: Oh... Why'd you come all the way over here to shop? Sailor Bob: The store I usually go to didn't have any of what I wanted to get. Suzuki: *shakes his head at Val* Shameful... Satsuki: *now has brain stuck on the boss* Well, Tetsuya was pretty creepy... Suzuki: Really? Satsuki: He was the one who gave me that copy of Marathon, though... @.@ Satsuki: Confusing guy. Suzuki: Sounds like it. Sailor Bob: So I came over here to see if the store here did... Kai: Oh. Sailor Bob: But this one didn't either. Sailor Bob: So I'll have to look elsewhere. Kai: What was it? Sailor Bob: Green tea ice cream. Satsuki: *still listening to Kai and Bob, facefaults* Kai: Kanoe loves that stuff. Sailor Bob: She does? Satsuki: Yeah, that's what she was after this morning. Sailor Bob: *scratches his head* What a coincidence! Satsuki: Weird. *thinks he's more than a bit suspicious now* Kai: I will help you in your search! Satsuki: So, how'd you find us again? Sailor Bob: There was a piece of paper with your address next to the fallen wasabi. Kai: Oh. Satsuki: Reeeaaally... Sailor Bob: I don't know where it came from, but it was there... *looks completely innocent and a little confused* Satsuki: That's funny... *thinks he's VERY suspicious* Sailor Bob: You mean you didn't drop it yourself? Satsuki: Nope. I didn't even know we were out of wasabi this morning. Kai: Oh well. *notices his empty plate* Let’s go find that ice cream! Satsuki: ^-^;;; You two go ahead, I'm going to hang out with Oniisan for a while and check out what's new in bounties. Satsuki: That okay, Oniisan? Val: *beeps* Satsuki: Yes, Val, I'll check that, too... Suzuki: *shrugs* Fine with me. Satsuki: *picks up Val and heads towards her room* Coming? Sailor Bob: Gochisousama deshita... Hai, ikimashou! Suzuki: Hai, hai. Suzuki: *follows her* Satsuki: *hangs out and shows off stuff on Val with Suzuki* Sailor Bob: Arigatou, Satsuki-san! *says as he goes out the door* Satsuki: No prob! Satsuki: *goes back to computer* Satsuki: *makes mental note to look up Sailor Bob when she has the chance* Sailor Bob: *closes door behind him* Now, I know an ice cream place a couple blocks away that sometimes has it... Kai: Okay. Suzuki: *looks over her shoulder as she works* What are we looking for? Satsuki: I want to know how he found us and why he was looking. Kai: How are we going to get back to your house with it? Sailor Bob: *starts walking down the stair of the building* Sailor Bob: Anou... Sailor Bob: *stops* I didn't think of that... Satsuki: *taps* Suzuki: *nods* His story seemed a little odd to me... Satsuki: He seems nice, but that's not everything. Sailor Bob: *shrugs* Well, we'll think of that when we get there! Sailor Bob: *continues down the stairs* Kai: OK. *follows* Suzuki: *nods again* Satsuki: The boss, for example, is very innocent-looking and pretty... *gets semi-dreamy look* Val: *beeps sharply* Suzuki: *sweatdrops* Hai... Satsuki: Well! Anyway! *starts tapping briskly* Suzuki: *sits down at another computer and begins searching himself, because two are almost always better than one* Suzuki: *taps* Kai: *watches Bob as he walks* O.O Sailor Bob: *certainly looks nice, with long brown hair in a ponytail, and purty despite - or maybe because - of the eyepatch* Suzuki: Imouto-chan... I think I found something... Satsuki: Un? Satsuki: *hasn't found anything yet* Suzuki: *begins reading aloud* Satsuki: *listens* Suzuki: "A couple weeks ago, an old woman was saved by a mysterious young man with long brown hair and an eyepatch. He declined an interview, but gave his name only as 'Sailor Bob'. The old woman was very grateful, and, so she said - the reporter never met the young man - she made him breakfast. He seemed to enjoy it quite a bit, then went on his way. She hasn't seen him since." Satsuki: Weird... Suzuki: There's more. Satsuki: Do tell. Suzuki: "The reporter did a little research, and, apparently, the young man has appeared at numerous breakfast places around the area. Many people say they've seen him, and some say he bought them pancakes, but they don't know anything other than what he looks like and his name, or nickname, which he gave as Sailor Bob." Satsuki: 0.0 Suzuki: He certainly likes breakfast... Satsuki: Yeah... Satsuki: Maybe the bounty network isn't the place to look for this guy. Suzuki: That's not where I was looking, anyway. Satsuki: ^-^;;; First place I always check. Suzuki: I went to a person search and typed in his description. Nn? Satsuki: Much better idea. Suzuki: *peers at the screen* What's this...? Satsuki: I'll check a couple other shady places, but I don't think there'll be anything... Satsuki: Oro? Suzuki: A small smiley face has appeared, and it has a little bubble next to it, which says "click me." Satsuki: !.! Satsuki: Don't do it! Suzuki: *clicks on it* Suzuki: Oops. Satsuki: *smacks her forehead* At least that's not my best one... Suzuki: *peers at the screen again* Whoa... Satsuki: What happened? What will I have to fix? *A picture of Sailor Bob smiling and waving while on a bridge appears.* Suzuki: It doesn't look like anything important... Satsuki: *looks over his shoulder* You never know... Kai: *looks happy for the first time in a year* Sailor Bob: *has reached the ice cream parlor* It's closed! ;.#! Kai: ;.; Kai: Now what? Suzuki: *eyes widen* Wait... Satsuki: What is it? Suzuki: This was dated yesterday... And that's the San Francisco Bay bridge! Satsuki: 0.0! Satsuki: That doesn't make much sense... Satsuki: I mean, if he has to bum breakfast from people, there's no way he could afford to be hopping around the planet in a Concord... Satsuki: @.@ Oroooooooo... Suzuki: Curiouser and curiouser... Satsuki: No kidding. Kai: *glowers at ice cream shop* Sailor Bob: ;.# I don't know where else to go... Satsuki: Maybe I'll check those shady places after all... Suzuki: I think you should. Satsuki: *goes back to Val and starts tapping again* Kai: I heard Kisha, she’s Kanoe's girlfriend, say she might have a recipe for it... But I don't know where she is and don't want to interrupt anything... Kanoe: *currently fast asleep* Kisha: *snuggled up against her, also asleep* Sailor Bob: *looks hopeful, didn't hear the part about interrupting anything* Would Satsuki know? Kai: Maybe... Let’s ask! Sailor Bob: Hai! Suzuki: *examining the photo* Hmm... Satsuki: Hmmm... Here's a possible tidbit. Suzuki: *zooms in on a certain spot* Hmm... Nn? Satsuki: A young man with an eyepatch has been seen having breakfast at a certain Chinese restaurant... Suzuki: Hmm... Satsuki: No names, of course, but I know it - it's Tetsuya's. Suzuki: !.! Satsuki: It has good kung pao chicken. Suzuki: *sweatdrops* Imouto-chan... Suzuki: Look at this. Suzuki: *gestures towards blown-up picture* Satsuki: Okay. *looks over his shoulder* Sailor Bob: *heading back to the apartment at full speed* Kai: *follows* Satsuki: Hey! That pic's a FAKE! Suzuki: *nods* He took a picture of a girl with long brown hair, hardened the features just a bit, added the eyepatch, and voila. Satsuki: So maybe he ISN'T such a jetsetter. Satsuki: @.@ But - why would he bother? Suzuki: Maybe he made that photo to throw someone off...? Suzuki: Like someone who's pursuing him... Satsuki: What, like US? Satsuki: But how would he know we'd check up on him? Suzuki: I think not... Satsuki: Yeah... Satsuki: But one breakfast at Tetsuya's doesn't mean anything. Suzuki: *gets up and goes over to Val, points at the screen* The date on this sighting at the Chinese restaurant is more than a few months old. Satsuki: Oh. Suzuki: Which could possibly mean that he used to work for Tetsuya, but betrayed him...? Satsuki: 0.0 Suzuki: ... And Tetsuya's pursuing him. Suzuki: Which means he's in a lot of danger. Satsuki: I think if Tetsuya was after him, he'd already be dead. Suzuki: *shakes his head* He's obviously not. So he must be good at running. Suzuki: But why would he seek us out...? Sailor Bob: *reaches the apartment and knocks politely* Kai: *opens door to apartment* Hey, Satsuki! Satsuki: I don't care how good he is - I LIVE in this city, and there's no way - just a sec... Satsuki: *goes to the door* Yeah? Sailor Bob: Hello again... *smiles* Kai: Where does Kisha live? Satsuki: Hi... Satsuki: *thinks* Suzuki: *discreetly covers Val and his comp, in case Bob just suddenly walks into Satsuki's room for whatever reason* Satsuki: Um - a couple blocks north of her club, I think, in a really ritzy apartment building called Alcyone. Sailor Bob: Hai, arigatou! Kai: OK. Satsuki: No prob. Satsuki: Why? Sailor Bob: *races off* Satsuki: 9.9 He's definitely running from SOMETHING... Kai: *doesn't hear her as he follows* Suzuki: Hai... Satsuki: Anyway, I was saying that there's no way he'd escape the boss unless the boss wanted him alive... Satsuki: But if it was someone else in that organization... Suzuki: *nods* Kanoe: *rolls over, knocking Kisha out of her bed* Kanoe: *has a bad habit of doing that with people she sleeps with* Kisha: Nrgrlfk! Kisha: *wakes up* Kanoe: Nyum nyum... *chews on her pillow* Satsuki: So let's check out that angle. *begins tapping again* Suzuki: *taps on the other computer* Kisha: 9.9 Hanako-chan, that's not food. Kanoe: Nyum? Kanoe: *still asleep* Kanoe: *huggles the pillow* Watashi no tamagoyaki... *chews on it some more* Kisha: *shakes her* Get up - if you're hungry, I'll unthaw an omelette or something... Sailor Bob: *stops outside the building* Wait... Where is the club? Kai: Umm... it’s north of Tetsuya's restaurant. Sailor Bob: *eyes change in a very subtle way* Oh. Kai: ? Sailor Bob: Let's go then! Kai: Okay. Kanoe: Nyum? *wakes up, looks sleepy* Kisha...? Kisha: Hai, Hanako-chan, it's me... Kisha: Come on and get up if you need food that badly... Kanoe: *rubs her eyes* I was having a nice dream... *sleepily gets up* Kisha: About food. Kisha: *goes into her small messy kitchen and starts looking through the freezer* Kai: I'll recognize the club. ^-^;;; Sailor Bob: *heads in a general northern direction, not wanting to go Tetsuya's restaurant* Kai: *follows* Kanoe: *sits on the counter and rubs her eyes some more and yawns* Kisha: So, how's business going lately? Kanoe: Badly... Kisha: Bad luck? Or just no bounties? Kanoe: No bounties. Kisha: Oh. Sailor Bob: *comes to a place about a block away from the club* Kai: That way, I think. *points down the street* Sailor Bob: *goes that way* Kai: *follows* Kisha: *pulls out some random freezer food and sticks it in the microwave* Kanoe: *yawns again* Kanoe: Do you have any green tea? Sailor Bob: *reaches the club* Is this it? Kai: Yeah. Kai: Hmmm... Which way did she say? Kisha: ^____^ But of course. *begins boiling water* Kisha: Well, I hope you find some soon - I don't think I could squeeze all of you into here... Kanoe: *giggles* I don't think so either. Kanoe: I think I love two things in the world... Green tea, and the other I don't know yet. Kisha: Dare I hope it's me? Kanoe: Possibly... I'm not sure... Kanoe: I can never remember... Kisha: ^-^;;;; Kai: *sees the hotel Kisha stays in* There it is. Sailor Bob: *runs towards it* Kai: *follows* Kanoe: *yawns again* What are we cooking? Kisha: Something that was in my freezer. Kanoe: Dare I ask exactly what it is? Kisha: Probably better not. Kanoe: Okay. Kisha: *serves it up, along with nice fresh tea* Kanoe: *sips the tea, looks suspiciously at the frozen stuff, shrugs and eats it* Sailor Bob: *reaches it and opens the door to the lobby* Kai: Now we need to know which floor. Sailor Bob: *goes up to the woman at the desk* Excuse me... Which floor is Ms. Kisha staying on? Woman at Desk: Yes, sir, she's on the third floor. Woman: May I ask why you want to see her? Kai: We need ice cream. ^-^ Sailor Bob: Arigatou! We're looking for a green tea ice cream recipe. Woman: Well, that sounds all right. Woman: Do you want me to buzz her? Sailor Bob: Oh, that would be very helpful, yes! Kisha: *eating and grimacing* Kanoe: *wolfing it down quickly so she doesn't taste it* Kisha: Sorry, Hanako-chan... Kanoe: *coughs* Daijoubu... I've eaten worse... Kisha: We'll go out somewhere nice later, okay? Kanoe: *sips her tea to wash the taste away, grins* Okay! Buzzer: *buzzes* Kanoe: ?.? Kisha: Ack... *pushes button* Yeah? Woman: Miss Kisha? There are two men here to see you about a recipe, is it all right to send them up? Kanoe: ?.? Kisha: They have names? Kai: *able to be heard* It's me, Kai. Kisha: Oh, yeah, Hanako-chan’s boarder. Kisha: Sure, send 'em up. Kanoe: *pushes the rest of the food around her plate* Kanoe: *sips tea* Kisha: *searches kitchen desperately for recipes* Kai: *knocks on door* Kanoe: *opens it* Hai? Sailor Bob: *bows* Hajimemashite! Kisha: *over her shoulder, from the kitchen* Hajimemashite! Sailor Bob: Sailor Bob to moushimasu! Kai: I heard Kisha say she might have a green tea ice cream recipe. Kanoe: And? Kanoe: Why are you here? Kanoe: *lets them in* Kai: Bob here can't find any so we thought to ask her. Kanoe: *looks at Bob* You like green tea? Sailor Bob: Hai! Kisha: I'm lookin' for the recipe now... Kai: OK. Kisha: *searches frantically* Kanoe: *grins* I love green tea! Sailor Bob: *grins back* Are you Kanoe? Kai: *turns red* I hope we're not interrupting anything... Kisha: There's some in the blue pot on the stove... Kanoe: *looks at Kai* -.- No. Sailor Bob: *sweatdrops* Kisha: Well, make yourself at home, you two... Kisha: *still looking* Sailor Bob: *walks into the kitchen* Nice place... Kai: *follows* Kanoe: Isn't it? ^-^V Kisha: ^_____^ Thanks... Sailor Bob: ^__# Kisha: *finally pulls out a sheaf of slightly stained papers, covered with neat cursive handwriting* Kisha: Here we go! Kanoe: ^__^V Sailor Bob: ^___#V Kisha: *flips through them* Hmmm... Kisha: Pistachio nut... chocolate chunk... fudge swirl... Kanoe: *drools* Kisha: Here we go! *triumphantly pulls out one* Kai: *cheers* Kanoe: ^_________^V Kisha: Green tea ice cream, just as ordered! Sailor Bob: ^______________#V Kanoe: WAI WAI! Kanoe: Let's make some! Kisha: It's not too complicated, so I'll just make you each a copy to keep... Sailor Bob: Arigatou gozaimashita! Kisha: I don't think I have everything we need, though. Kisha: ^-^;;; I really need to go shopping. Kai: Heh. Kanoe: @.@ Kisha: But once I get just a couple of things, we'll be all set! Kanoe: Somehow, that reminds me... I should call Satsu-kun... Kisha: Probably not a bad idea... Kai: I told her where you went... Kanoe: 'Scuse me for a moment. Kisha: Sure. Kanoe: *goes and gets her phone, which she put in her shoes, and dials the number of the apartment* Satsuki: *picks up on the third ring* Yes? Kanoe: Hai, Satsu-kun, it's me. Satsuki: Oh, E-chan! Satsuki: What is it? Kai: *watches Bob* Kisha: *makes list of stuff she needs, which is mercifully short* Kisha: *gets some money out of a jar on top of the refrigerator* Kanoe: Well, I'm here, and I wanted to know if anything was up. Satsuki: Not much - but - say, is a guy named Bob over there with Kai? Kanoe: Yeah, why? Kanoe: He's purty... Satsuki: Yeah, yeah... Just been doing some research, that's all. Satsuki: Don't give him the cold shoulder or anything, but keep an eye out. Satsuki: He might be on the run from someone in the boss's organization. Kanoe: WHAT?! Satsuki: Look, that's just me and Suzuki's working hypothesis. Satsuki: Don't freak, we're still working on it. Sailor Bob: Nn? *hears Kanoe yell* Satsuki: Just - you know - be careful like usual. Kai: ? Kisha: She can be a bit excitable. Sailor Bob: *pokes his head in the door* What's wrong, Kanoe-san? Kanoe: Oh, nothing, nothing. Satsuki: Well, if you're okay, Suzuki and I will go check some more. Kanoe: Yes, you go do that. Satsuki: Something's really weird about this guy, but I'm not sure what yet. Satsuki: *dryly* It might have to do with his taste in ice cream. Kanoe: And don't forget the french fries! Kanoe: Ice cream? We already have some! Or, we will... Satsuki: Yeah, yeah, E-chan... You come up with the BRIGHTEST lies... Ja. Kanoe: Ja. Satsuki: *hangs up* Kai: What she say? Kanoe: *hangs up too, sees Bob looking at her funny* Satsuki: *turns to Suzuki* Oniisan, we're pretty much out of luck online. Satsuki: Let's try the Chinese restaurant. Satsuki: It may be an old trail, but I think I can pull in a favor and maybe find something out. Kanoe: Satsuki asked me if she should go out to lunch with her brother, like he suggested, and I said yes. Kanoe: She asked if I wanted her to bring me back any ice cream or anything. Kai: Oh. Kisha: Okay. Sailor Bob: Oh. Kisha: Let's go get the stuff, okay? Kanoe: Yes, let's! Kai: Okay! Kisha: *leads the way out, but stays to lock the door* Sailor Bob: *follows after Kanoe* Kanoe: *follows after Kai* Kai: *leads* Suzuki: *nods* Sounds good to me. Satsuki: *packs up Val and heads for Tetsuya's restaurant* Suzuki: *takes the comp he was using and follows* Kisha: *at the store, sends each of them after a particular item* Kanoe: *goes after the actual tea* Sailor Bob: *goes after ice cubes, which Kisha didn't have* Kisha: *picks up a couple of things she's been needing for a while* Kai: *goes after his item* Satsuki: *walks to the restaurant quickly, then goes straight to the kitchen* Suzuki: *follows her, glaring at any rough-looking guy who might look after her* Suzuki: *being over-protective oniisan for a little while* Satsuki: Excuse me? Anyone here happen to have a wild card handy? Chef: Card? Not unless you're Catholic. Satsuki: Got the rosary and everything. Chef: One moment. Chef: *goes into the office to get Joker* Suzuki: *acts like her bodyguard, not like she needs one* Satsuki: *pokes him* Relax. I know this bunch. Suzuki: *is poked* Okay, okay. I can't help but feel like your big brother. Satsuki: ^______^ That's okay! *gives him a quick hug* Satsuki: *still not used to him being there again* Suzuki: *looks stern again, at no one in particular* Joker: *after a minute appears in the kitchen* Okay, who the bloody - Joker: Oh. It's Miss Computer Lady. Satsuki: Nice to see you again, too. Suzuki: And her big brother. Joker: ?.? Joker: That's a new one. Joker: Well, what do you need? Joker: We can't give out stuff like candy, you know. Satsuki: Just some info. Let's go out to the dining room and talk. Suzuki: *glares* Suzuki: *looks all intimidating and stuff* Joker: Fine, but I'm a busy guy. I can't spare a lot of time. Joker: *is not intimidated* Joker: *works with Tetsuya on a daily basis* Suzuki: *continues looking intimidating anyway* Suzuki: *even if it doesn't work* Satsuki: *leads them out into the dining room and sits down at a random table* Suzuki: *sits down next to her* Joker: *sits across from them* So, what's the matter? Joker: *nastily* Having trouble luring people into traps lately? Satsuki: -.- I didn't do that. Satsuki: That's E-chan's field, anyway. Suzuki: *glares at him* I have no clue what you're talking about, but Satsuki never lures anybody. Satsuki: Ah, it's a long irrelevant story. Suzuki: Oh. Satsuki: Joker, I said we need info. Joker: Well, you can ask all you want, but there're limits to how much I can answer. Got it? Satsuki: Yeah, yeah, it's always the same tune. Satsuki: This is about a pretty young man... Joker: *snickers* Sure came to the right place, then. Satsuki: -.- *bonks Joker* Joker: *goes chibi* Ow! What'd you do that for? Joker: You know me! Bent as a bloody branch! Suzuki: *opens his comp and brings up the picture* Suzuki: *turns the comp around* Do you know who this is? Joker: *looks at the picture* Hmmm... Joker: Looks familiar... Joker: I might've seen him around a few times, but I don't think he ever did much of anything for us. Suzuki: The only name we know for him is Sailor Bob. Joker: Yeah - I remember thinking he had a bleedin' weird name... Satsuki: Do you remember why he left? Joker: Nope. I told you, I didn't even know he was really here to begin with. Joker: We have a high turnover rate, you know. Suzuki: Hn. Satsuki: -.- Maybe I should ask the boss in person. Suzuki: -.- Yeah. Suzuki: *isn't that great at taunts* Joker: Now, now, don't get TOO big a head. Joker: He's not any more likely to remember than I am, and lots LESS likely to tell you if he did. Satsuki: Ask him for us, then. Satsuki: We're not in a hurry. *stretches to prove her point* Suzuki: *begins typing away* I need to check my email anyway... Kanoe: *comes back to Kisha* Got it! Kanoe: *has much more green tea than they really need* Kisha: ^-^V Kisha: *goes to stand in the checkout line while she waits for Kai and Bob* Kai: *finds Bob* I found my stuff. Sailor Bob: Hai! *has much more ice than needed* Sailor Bob: Let's find Kanoe-san and Kisha-san! Kai: Okay! Sailor Bob: *goes to the front of the store, sees Kisha and Kanoe* Oi! Kisha: Yeah? Sailor Bob: We found our stuff! Kisha: Good! Come over here and I'll pay for it. Sailor Bob: *goes over with the ice* Kai: *gives her the stuff he found* Kisha: *waits in the really long line* Kanoe: *waits with her, holding the green tea* Joker: *looks thoughtful* Satsuki: E-chan had to go to the hospital because of your boss. Satsuki: Your bunch still owes us. Joker: What, that bloody game wasn't enough? Satsuki: -.-!!!!!!!!! Suzuki: -.-!!!! Joker: ;.; Joker: Fine, fine, I'll go ask. Satsuki: You go do that. Suzuki: *checks his email* Joker: *gets up and goes back to the office* Joker: *opens the door to Tetsuya's personal office* Hey, boss, it's - Joker: Huh? Tetsuya: *is asleep, head on his desk* Joker: Uh... *gets strange melty feeling in chest, guys's equivalent of shoujo bubbles and sparklies* Joker: *goes over, intending to wake him up* Joker: *all thoughts completely disappearing from his head* Joker: *puts out one hand, intending to touch Tetsuya's hair* Tetsuya: *opens one eye* Joker. Joker: *squawks* Joker: *teleports back to the door* Joker: Uh - I - um - that's not what it looked like - I was - um - uh - I'm really sorry - I just - um - well - heh - Tetsuya: What did you want to speak to me about? Joker: *gratefully grasps new line of conversation* Speak! Yes! Joker: Well, one of those bounty hunter chicks is downstairs... Joker: Um - the computer one... Tetsuya: Satsuki-san? Joker: Yeah, her. Satsuki: *working on Val, sneezes* Suzuki: *at email, since he has none* -.-! Joker: Anyway, she wants to know about some guy who hung around here for a while... Joker: Um - Sailor Bob, she said. Sailor Bob: *sneezes* Kanoe: Bless you. Kisha: Gesundheit. Kai: God bless you. ^-^ Tetsuya: *to self* So, he found them... Joker: Anyway, she wanted to know if you knew anything about him. Tetsuya: *thinks* Kisha: *finally gets to the front of the line and pays* Sailor Bob: *smiles at Kai* Kai: *smiles back* Suzuki: *checks other email, deletes porno ads* -.-! Tetsuya: Tell her not to worry about it. And send my best wishes to all of them. Joker: Uh - right, boss. Joker: Um... Joker: Do you want me to tell the guys not to bother you or anything? Tetsuya: I'm fine, Joker. Joker: Right, right. Yeah. Joker: Um, anyway... *disappears, blushing like an idiot* Tetsuya: *unconsciously runs one hand through his hair* Tetsuya: *then goes back to work* Kanoe: *suddenly has a thought occur to her as they leave* Ya know, I never thanked Tetsuya for those garden tools... Kisha: Eh? Kanoe: *eyes widen* Oh no! Kai: ... Kisha: What is it? Kanoe: *freaks* I don't have any roses! Kisha: You don't! Kisha: Man, that's weird... I didn't even notice. Kai: I was wondering about that. Joker: *goes back to the table with Suzuki and Satsuki* Satsuki: Well? Joker: He said not to worry about it. Satsuki: -.- How reassuring. Suzuki: -.-! Kanoe: *running around freaking out* NONONONONONONOOOOOOOOO!!!!! Kanoe: *is very attached to her roses* Kai: *backs away from crazy person* Kisha: *sweatdrops* Why don't you take a quick trip back to your apartment and get one? Sailor Bob: *sweatdrops and looks on* Kisha: We'll go on back to my place and get things set up. Kanoe: *stops* Hey, that's a good idea... Kanoe: *zooms off* Kisha: *waving* Ja... Sailor Bob: *looks after her* Amazing. She seemed really upset... Kisha: Yeah - she LOVES her roses... Kisha: Well, guys, let's go back. *heads for her building* Kai: *follows* Joker: Hey, those're the boss's exact words. Joker: No worries. Joker: And he sent his best wishes, whatever the heck he means by THAT. Satsuki: *sticks nose in the air haughtily* I'm sure I don't know. Joker: *gets up* Well, if that's all, then I'm off. Joker: I have stuff to do. Joker: *goes back into the kitchen* Suzuki: Great. Satsuki: *sighs and packs up Val* Well, THAT sure was helpful... Kisha: *at her apartment, starts putting things away but leaving out the ice cream stuff* Kanoe: *is dashing back to her and Satsuki's apartment to retrieve a rose* Satsuki: *leaving the restaurant, looking a little down* Man... Suzuki: *pats her on the back* You certainly have grown up a lot.. Suzuki: You wouldn't have been nearly as demanding before. Satsuki: ^-^ Thank you. *leans head against his shoulder* Satsuki: Well, Oniisan, what should we do next? Satsuki: Online is searched out, our major lead clammed up... Suzuki: How about we get some lunch? Satsuki: Sounds great! Kanoe: *reaches the apartment and dashes to her room, grabbing her clippers and turning to her roses, apologizing profusely to all of them* Satsuki: I know this little place that has the BEST noodles... Suzuki: Really? Satsuki: *leads them to it, where they have a nice leisurely lunch and can be ignored for several minutes* *A young girl, black hair sheared almost to her head, knocks on the door to Kanoe's apartment. She looks awful, clothes that don't fit, injuries all over.* Kai: *watches Bob, eyes all sparkly* Sailor Bob: *notices and blushes slightly* Kisha: *watching them out of the corner of her eye* ^____^ Kanoe: ?.? Kanoe: *goes to the door and opens it* Yes...? Girl: Hanako... I... I... *faints, falling into the room* Kanoe: *gasps* SAKURA! Sakura: *doesn't look much different than she used to, except for the length of her hair and the injuries* Kisha: So, you two known each other long? Sailor Bob: No... Kai: Since this morning. Kisha: ^-^ Well, no one said speed was a vice... Kanoe: *immediately checks Sakura’s pulse, then carefully picks her up, kicks the door closed, and takes her to her bedroom, where she carefully puts her down on the bed and begins looking over her injuries* Kisha: Never mentioned virtue, admittedly, but still... Sailor Bob: O.#! Kisha: ^___^ Good luck to the both of you. Kai: *blushes* Sailor Bob: oO.#o! Kisha: ^-^V *goes back to organizing the kitchen* Sakura: *coughs up blood, violently spasms her entire body* AGH!! Kanoe: *runs to get the medkit they keep in the kitchen* Kanoe: *takes out the scanner and runs it over Sakura a couple of times* Internal bleeding... Broken ribs... Sakura: *regains consciousness, looks around* Hanako... Kanoe: *Takes out a small device and presses one of the buttons on it. It lengthens out rapidly and she puts it over Sakura's chest. It begins fixing up her internal bleeding in no time.* Good thing I don't try to keep only legal stuff here. Kanoe: *takes her hand* Sakura... I... I thought you were... Sakura: Did I really find you... It's taken me so long... *kinda vague sounding at this point* Kisha: *beginning to wonder what's keeping Hanako* Kisha: *knows that her apartment isn't THAT far away* Kanoe: Yes, it's me... Sakura, it's been four years since I last saw you... Kai: *keeps looking at Bob, sparkly eyed* Sailor Bob: *blushes* Kisha: *smiles to herself* Sakura: I know... I know... Sakura: *looks at her* I didn't leave you by my own free will... I was taken. Kisha: *starts worrying about Hanako again* Kisha: Say - what do you think Hanako-chan's up to? Kai: Cheating on you. Kisha: -.- Seriously. Kai: I don't know. Kisha: Well, she shouldn't be taking this long just to get some roses... Kisha: Why don't one of you go over and check on her? Kai: I guess I will... Kisha: Okay... Kisha: Don't take too long, now! Kai: *doesn't want to leave Bob* Kai: I will call when I get there. Kisha: Okay! See ya, then. Kai: *leaves* Sailor Bob: *helps Kisha pick up her kitchen* Kisha: ^-^ Thanks, pal. Sailor Bob: ^-# My pleasure. Satsuki: *is still having lunch with her brother, talking about hacker stuff* Sakura: *looks at Hanako, waiting for her to say something* Kanoe: *shocked* Taken? Who could do such a thing? Kai: *gets to the apartment and opens the door* Kanoe? Kanoe: *looks up* Oh, I'll be back in a second. *gets up and goes to the door* Hi. Sakura: *about to answer, stops* Who's that? And who's Kanoe? Sakura: *is ignored as she walks out* Never mind... Kai: What’s taking you so long? Kanoe: A... Kai: ? Kanoe: *wonders how to answer that* Well... Kanoe: It's an old friend of mine. Kisha: *finally has her kitchen well-arranged, sits around feeling silly* Kisha: So, Sailor Bob - do you like Kai? Kisha: He's a nice young man. Sailor Bob: *blushes* Uh, yeah... Kisha: ^-^ That's good. Kai: Oh. Kai: Can I meet them? Kanoe: She's hurt pretty bad... Sakura: *gets up, staggers to the door, in the state that she is in* Hanako? Kanoe: *turns around* Stay in bed! Sakura: Who is it? Kanoe: You're in no condition to walk! Kai: Looks like it. Kanoe: It's Kai, a rookie I'm training. Sakura: *in that dazed and confused mode injured people are usually in* Hello, Kai. I'm Sakura.... Kai: I'm not a bounty hunter. Kanoe: Whatever, Kai. Kanoe: *goes and picks Sakura up easily, scolds* You should stay in bed! Sakura: You got stronger... *wonderment in her voice* Kanoe: *puts her back in bed and shakes her finger at her* If you don't stay put I'll strap you in! Kanoe: *picks up the illegal medical equipment and puts it on Sakura's chest again* Stay. Kai: *calls Kisha* Kisha: *picks up the phone gratefully* Kai? Kai: Hi. Kanoe ran into an old friend who is really hurt, so you guys should probably come over... Kisha: *sighs* Ah, well... Kisha: ;.; Now I have to pack up all this stuff... Kisha: Well, see you in a minute, Kai. Kai: Bai. Kisha: *hangs up* Kai: *hangs up* Kanoe: And yes, I did get stronger. Now I really must call Satsuki. Kanoe: *grabs her cel and calls Satsuki by way of Val* Kai: Kisha is coming over. Kanoe: That's nice. Kisha: Well, Sailor Bob - it's off to Hanako's apartment we go... Sailor Bob: Okay... Kisha: Help me pick up this stuff. Sailor Bob: So no ice cream? Sailor Bob: *helps her pick things up* Kanoe: *taps her fingers as Val beeps* Val: *beeps* Suzuki: ?.? Satsuki: *looks at him* Oh, I'm getting a call... *taps buttons* Satsuki: Yes? Kanoe: Well, you really should come home as quickly as possible. As in now. Satsuki: Why? Sakura: *stays in bed, like Hanako told her* Kanoe: Because... I don't have time to explain. Just come home. Kanoe: And bring Suzuki with you. Kai: *stands at the door* Satsuki: All right. I got it. *packs Val up* Kanoe: *hangs up* Satsuki: Come on, Oniisan - something's going on, and we have to go back. Kisha: *walks to the apartment with Sailor Bob, carrying the ice cream stuff* Kisha: *knocks on the door* Kanoe: *goes to her room as the door is knocked upon* Sakura: *sighs, closes her eyes to rest just a second* Satsuki: *shows up at almost the exact same time* Kai: *opens door* Kanoe: Sakura? Sakura: *opens eyes* Hmm? Satsuki: Hey, Kai-san! What's going on? Kisha: Yeah, I want to hear about this "friend." Satsuki: ?.? Satsuki: Friend? Kai: Some girl named Sakura is all hurt in Kanoe’s room. Satsuki: 0.0!!! Satsuki: Is she going to be okay? Kai: I don't know Kisha: Really. *trying not to bristle* Kisha: *reminds herself that she's a grown-up now* Kai: I told you she was cheating on you. Kisha: -.-!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Kanoe: *sits on the edge of her bed* I've missed you for such a long time... Sakura: You didn't forget me? Kanoe: *tears appear in her eyes* Oh, I never forgot you... Satsuki: *walks in and puts Val on the table, then heads back for Kanoe's room* Kanoe: I never told anyone about you, not even Satsuki. Sakura: Who? Kanoe: I thought... I thought... Satsuki: *knocks on the door* E-chan? Kanoe: Satsuki. She's my partner. Kanoe: My BOUNTY-HUNTING partner. Sakura: *relief* Oh.... Kanoe: *looks up* Come in... Satsuki: *enters* E-chan? Satsuki: *sees Sakura* 0.0!!! Sakura: *looks at the girl* Satsuki: JESU CHRISTE! Satsuki: Man, are you OKAY?! Kanoe: She's going to be fine. Sakura: *weak smile* I'm fine... I've looked worse than this. Satsuki: *has severe doubts about that* Kanoe: *nods* Yeah, I remember. Satsuki: E-chan, who is this? Sakura: Oh, be quiet, you! You always said I looked good. Satsuki: 0.0? Sakura: *weakly hits Hanako on the arm* Kanoe: *smiles* Satsuki: @.@ Anou... E-chan... Kanoe: This is Sakura. Satsuki: And...? Kanoe: Sakura Aoikawa. Satsuki: And...? Sakura: Criminal mastermind! Satsuki: !.! Sakura: *smiles again* Kanoe: *giggles* She is the one bounty I could never catch, my best friend, and is quite possibly the love of my life. Satsuki: Oooooookay. Sakura: We never had time to find out for sure... Kai: *notices Bob* Hi! ^-^ Kisha: *stands around with Bob, Suzuki, and Kai, feeling monstrously out of place* Kai: *keeps looking sparkly eyed at Bob* Sailor Bob: *decides that's a good option and looks back at him in the same way* Kisha: ^_____________^V Kanoe: *shakes her head* No, we didn't. Satsuki: Well... anou... Kanoe: What happened to you, Sakura? Kanoe: Where did you go? Satsuki: *decides that now is a good time to usher herself out, and leaves* Sakura: *looks over at Hanako, then sighs* It's a long story. You probably won't like it... Kai: *pulls Sailor Bob out into the hall* Sailor Bob: *is pulled* Kai: *leans forward and kisses him* Sailor Bob: *is kissed* O.#V! Kisha: So! Satsuki! What's the news? Satsuki: 6.6 *gulps* Kisha: *sighs* Ah, well. Kisha: We were never more than a passing thing, anyway. Kisha: I knew we weren't really meant to be together. Satsuki: 6.6 I'm sorry if I was ever rude, Kisha-san... Kisha: Oh, that's okay. Kisha: You make GREAT waffles, anyway. Satsuki: ^-^V Thanks! Sakura: *a defeated smile now* I was a bad girl again, Hanako... I took another big job. Even after all the time I spent with you. Kanoe: *shakes her finger at her* I thought I trained that out of you. Satsuki: Where'd Kai and Bob go? Kisha: ^-^;;; *points out the door* Satsuki: -.- I see. Suzuki: *standing there with a dazed expression* Kai: *comes back looking extremely genki with Bob in tow* Sailor Bob: @.# Kisha: ^___^ Have a nice time, you two? Kai: =p Satsuki: *goes and leans on Suzuki, tired from getting up early and then running around* Suzuki: *is leaned on, puts an arm around her* Satsuki: e_e Sakura: It was too big. We were out of money, and this job would have gotten us oodles... I thought I could do one more, but it was a set-up. Kanoe: 6.6 Oh... Sailor Bob: @.# Kisha: I'll take that as a yes. ^-^V Kisha: Good for you. Suzuki: You look tired, imouto-chan... Satsuki: Heh - up late hacking, woke up early to find green tea ice cream, trying to get info out of the organization... Satsuki: I wonder if I MIGHT be tired. Suzuki: *nods* Understandably. Kai: What information? Sailor Bob: *suddenly alert* What organization? Sakura: The government took me... Captured me to study my psychic powers! Kanoe: O.O! Kai: Psychic powers? *Scene fades, and Part 1 ends.* Credits: Kanoe: MokonaChiirushia Satsuki: Hokuto Kuzuki Kai: Ryuujin Tatsu Sakura: XxGigasboltxX Kisha: Hokuto Kuzuki Sailor Bob: MokonaChiirushia Joker: Hokuto Kuzuki Suzuki: MokonaChiirushia Tetsuya: Hokuto Kuzuki Val: Hokuto Kuzuki Chef: Hokuto Kuzuki Woman at Desk: Hokuto Kuzuki