Edoropolis Emporium

~~ Ding, Bing, Ding, Dong ~~

It was a beautiful spring afternoon at Little Tokyo High.
The afternoon bell had tolled it's last chime for the day. All the students proceeded in packing their things and working on their way out of the school.
The various student representatives and homeroom students all were hard at work cleaning things up in their respective rooms.

Kyo : *Marking off a checklist.* Ok... Let's see... That takes care of everything except the garbage bags. *Nods.* Good, I'll get those taken care of. *Looks up at Sheena.* We should be good to go!

Sheena : *Yawning, picking some ear-wax out of her long bunny ears.* YYYAAAAAwwwww~ Sheena's ok with this. *Picks up her backpack.* Have a good evening classman. See you tomorrow!

Kyo : *Smerks, nodding.* Sure sure... Good evening Sheena.

Sheena hopped and skipped out of the doorway, proceeding down the various hallways as she normally would.
Oddly in a light mood, she hummed a tune she'd hummed since she was young. Had she been paying attention she would've stopped herself before she hummed her way right into a fellow student, causing them both to clatter to the ground.

Sheena : EEAAAHHH! *Fwomp.*

Herbert (Fellow Student) : EEEyyyooo! *Fwomp.* I say!

Sheena : Ow ow ow ow... Sheena says too! *Her normal angry look re-appears.* Why don't you watch where Sheena's going!?

Herbert (Fellow Student) : *Flustered, he stands up, then proceeds to help Sheena up.* I do say my dear, I'm dreadfully sorry about that. I was, you see, in a bit of a rush and in the middle of something important. *He dusts her off.* There now, you see? All better and then what. Now I must be off, cheerio!

The tall student gave a bow, then proceeded to run off. Sheena began going herself, only to find her self walking into a classroom with an active discussion going on.

Club President : Ok everyone! Welcome~ To~ Beard Growers Anonymous! <3

Sheena :  O_o; Say what now?

The club president, a young attractive female sphinx cat, smiled tenderly as she looked out over everyone in the room.
There were classmen (and a few women) of various species all in a semi-circle formation facing the blackboard in the front of the room.
Each of the animaloids in the room had one thing in common... Yes, including Sheena. The lack of facial hair.

Club President : *Her eyes dart over to Sheena.* Oh! We've got a new member everybody! *She hopped down from the soapbox, dashing over to Sheena, clasping her hands around Sheena's hands.* Welcome to the group fellow beard lover! What's your name?!

Sheena : *Taken back by the freakishly kind nature, Sheena takes a step back.* Err... Sheena's sorry. Sheena's in the wrong classroom and there's some stu~

Club President : *Not letting go, her eyes beaming.* OH~! You're that transfer student! *With mysterious strength, she pulls Sheena further into the room. The sound of Sheena's shoes squeaking in protest can be heard.* Do you hear that Ted!? You're not the only foreigner now!

Sheena : No! Wait! Sheena... Sheena doesn't know where Sheena is!!

Club President : *Pulls Sheena with her back up front, stepping up onto her soap box.* *Giggles* We're getting to that silly! *She lets go of Sheena with one of her hands, picking up a small gavel, she knocks a spot on the podium.* Our meeting will now come to order. *She glances over at Sheena, sparkles still in her eyes.* Let's skip right to new memberships and introductions!

Over the next 30 minutes Sheena stood up front listening to all the various students get up, say their name, and their reason for joining Beard Growers Anonymous.
For the most part all the students seemed to have a desire for facial hair. Some of the students had small patches of "peach fuzz", however they all wanted something bigger.
The club charter stated that the club's purpose was to discuss beards, and to research ways to help the beard-less become bearded.
After the introductions, Sheena was brought in unanimously against her will as a member of the club. Despite her best attempts at leaving, the club president's grip held firm.

Club President : Now... Let's get down to business. As you all know from last week's meeting R&D needed one more week to finish our latest venture into beard-dome! *She hops down from her soap box, dragging Sheena over to a table with a cloth on it.*

Sheena : *Hand seriously starting to cramp.* Would the club president PLEASE let Sheena's hand go! Sheena's starting to cramp! >_<

The club president looks down at her hand, then up at Sheena, blushing.

Club President : Oh! *O_O* Sorry about that! *Let's Sheena's hand go.* I tend to get carried away at times! ^^;

As Sheena stood there rubbing her hand, the club president turned back around, and pulled the cloth off of the table revealing a device that looked like a VCR with an alarm clock taped to it.

Club President : I give you all... The Beard-inator Mark 1!

*Various Oooo's and Ahh's.*

Sheena : *Folds her arms, leaning to one side.* Seriously? Sheena's seen better attempts at growing hair in a can.

Club President : *Smerks, rubbing her hands together.* Oh~ It gets better once the Beardinator is turned on! What do you say everyone? LET'S GET BEARDED!

Various shouts, hoots, and hollers come from the students as the club president throws a switch on the unit.
The lights in the room dim slightly as the contraption audibly begins whirring to life.

Sheena : *Yawns, looking down at her wrist watch.* ... O_O YEEAOW! Sheena's gonna be late!

As she whirled around to dash for the door out of the classroom her feet became tangled around the power chord on the floor.
Her momentum combined with the lack of give in the chord caused the only plausible set of events to happen.
Sheena tumbled down onto the floor, bringing the Beardinator down with her.
While Sheena hit the floor with an light "OOOOofff!", the Beardinator hit with a more audible "CRRRACHOOWW!!"
The room was suddenly filled with light, followed by a loud explosion with lots of smoke.

Dash was already out the door headed over to the Pizza Cat to help with the dinner rush. He had taken some par time hours after school to pay for Grams' birthday present. She hadnt had a decent vacation in some time so he was gonna get her a cruise to Cozumel so she could rest and add some tint to her graying tiger fur.

Dash: Not to mention, Ashley is coming for a visit with her family and I want to make sure they have a good time in Little Tokyo, he thought to himself as he skated up to the parlor

The Samurai Pizza Cat was surprisingly quiet for a weekday afternoon. Speedy & Guido were playing their a card game, the currency being chores that needed to be done at the end of the day.

Speedy : *Grinning widely.* I see your bathroom duty, and I raise you... Two loads of dishes!

Guido : Oh please... *Tosses in two tokens.* It's obvious who's going to win this hand...

Before either of them showed their hands, a cast-iron pan landed in the pool.

Polly : Deal me in guys~ Kitchen duty.

Guido : *His eyes go wide.* Eh... heh... heh... Well, look at the time, I've got a thing... *Picks up his chores & folds.* Good luck Polly! *Salutes Speedy, then dashes off.*

Speedy : *Dealing Polly some cards.* Gee, what was his problem?

Polly : I don't know! He gets that look on his face any time he sees a girl playing a card game! *Looks at her hand of cards.* Ok... Call!

*** Outside the Samurai Pizza Cat... ***

As Dash began walking up the stairs, he heard a loud joyful shriek along with a loud "That can't be right! You just joined! Re-do! RE-DO!"

Romero was admiring himself in the mirror combing his hair back with a smirk seeming to be dressed for a special occasion.

Romero: Man oh man do i look good, I'm glad the Gene for good looks passed by Guido and got me, hehehe.

Romero gave a wink then headed out of bathroom of his brothers apartment. in the main room there where two candles sitting infront of the red velvet sofa and two cans of imported soda.

Romero: she should be here any minute...hehehe *looks at the clock*

Dash wheeled around and saw SHeena and the president of Beard Growers Anonymous racing by, Sheena with a long flowing beard much like youd find on the lead singer of ZZ Top, smoke coming out of her ears

Sheena: Sheena is NOT happy about this and when SHeena gets a hold of you she is going to make you wish that you never had a beard!
Club President: Im sorry ok! Just dont hurt me...WAAHHHHHHHHH!
Dash: (turns around and rolls his eyes) the more things change...

the young tiger saw Speedy and Polly at one of the tables, and it looked like Polly had gotten the better of Speedy, multiple times over.

Dash: Looks like somebody is gonna be cleaning extra late tonight (chuckles) Hey Polly, why so quiet today?
Polly: Im not sure Dash, usually we are beginning prep for the dinner rush by the time you get out of school, but the shop hasnt seen many customers in the last few hours.
Dash: huh...well deal me in for a couple hands. I havent played poker since my trip to America...

*** At Guido's Apartment... ***

There was a knock at the door...
Romero quickly sped over, giving himself one more look in the mirror, followed by a wink, before opening it to find...

Camma : *Standing with books in her arms, wearing her usual school uniform.* *Her eye-brou arches slightly.* Romero, you look well dressed for our study session.


*** Meanwhile... At the Samurai Pizza Cat... ***

Despite all the pointers she gave Dash as they played, he never could seem to beat any of the hands she'd end up with.
Thankfully the card playing had not involved any of the chore gambling the others'd been playing with.

Polly : *Picking up the cards.* Good job Dash! You almost won with that last hand.  ^_^

Steadily customers begin pouring in.

Polly : Oh~! Looks like it's time for work. *Tilts her head to the employee room.* Go get yourself changed, I'll get started with these guests. *Turns around, greets, then begins seating the patrons with some menus.*


*** Meanwhile... In a brightly-lit alleyway. ***

Sheena : *Cracking her knuckles, slowly walking towards the cornered Club President.* Ohh... Sheena's gonna love this...

Club President : *Holding her hands up, lightly laughing.* Heh... heh heh... Please... Just... Listen to me for a moment. You're really overreacting here! That beard's not real!

Sheena : *Swiftly reaches out, grabbing the Club President by the collar, holding her up lightly.* Sheena knows that! Real women have no beards!

Club President : *Her face changes to a pout.* That's not true! I've seen bearded women before!

Sheena : *Blinks a few times, shaking her head.* It doesn't matter! Sheena's gonna pound you for this beard!

Club President : *Reaches out, and lifts the beard off of Sheena's face.* There! No more beard! Please don't kill me!!! T_T

Sheena : *Blinks a few more times... then uses her free hand to rub her beard-less face.* What the!?

Club President : *Chuckles very lightly.* Ehehhehh... It's just a gag beard! *Puts it on herself.* See? It's what we do to all new members! I swear!

Sheena : *Eyes the Club President for a moment, then slowly lets her back down onto the ground.* You win this round... *She points at the Club President, a menacing look in her eye.* But don't you dare put a fake beard on Sheena again... *She punches a near-by wall.* Or else! *She whirls around, and walks off.*

Club President : ... *Blushes* ... Soooo awesome! *^_^* I like her!

Dash headed back to get changed, all the while thinking

Dash: Man, maybe Polly can get on the WSOP next summer...the shop could use some extra cash

As he was changing his phone rang...it was Ashley. Dash quickly answered

Dash: Hello?
Ashley: HEY! Hope everything is going well hon
Dash: Its going great. I was just about to get changed for the dinner rush...what's up?
Ashley: come out to the front...

Dash, seeming confused, hung up, then quickly finished changing into his work clothes then headed out to go seat guests, when he was stopped dead in his tracks. Ashley was standing just inside the door of the Pizza Cat. She had a red blouse and white skirt and white flats on and she waved at Dash, who promptly passed out...

JDK (Jack Daniel Black) was sick and stuck in bed, that prank where they threw him to the river had given him a bad case of the Flu,  so he  tried to watch some TV to pass the time.

Jack: Ok, is that girl from the tea house the news reporter or I caught more than a flu?

*on the TV*

"Hi, this is the cutest reporter Lucille, Hello Little Tokyo!" Lucille was dressed in a pink kimono, holding a mic in front of the camera. "Today  we will walk around Little Tokyo and interview random people!"

Romero casually moved aside and let Camma into apartment.

Romero: oh me? heh i always dress like this when it comes to studying...So Camma...may i offer you some food maybe some soda perhaps...I have some vintage soda from 87 in back you have to taste...

Romero moved over to the light switch and turned down the lights to "set the mood"

*** At the Anchovy residence... ***

Camma : *Walks around to the loveseat, gracefully sitting down, placing her backpack on the floor.* Yes please.

As Romero served the refreshments, she began pulling out books and notebooks.

Camma : I must say I'm surprised. I didn't realize many saved vintage soda & served it. -=I estimate there's a 99% chance the soda will be flat, and a 95% chance the drink will be tasteless. =-


*** Meanwhile... Out on the streets of Little Tokyo... ***

Lucille : *Walking with her camera crew...* Ok everyone! We're walking... we're walking...

Sheena : *Grumbling...*

Lucille : Ooo! *Waves at Sheena* You there! Young woman!

Sheena : *Continues walking, looking over at Lucille.* Eh~?

Lucille : *Rushes over, keeping pace with Sheena.* Good evening! I'm Lucille, and I'd like to ask you a few questions!

Sheena : *Begins walking a little faster.* Err... Sheena's kinda busy right now...

Lucille : *Continues keeping pace with Sheena.* Oooo! You're one of those people who talks about themselves in the 3rd person! I've never met one of your kind before! What's it like always referring to yourself by name incessantly?

Sheena : *Now beginning to jog.* Sheena doesn't know! Sheena's always talked this way!

Lucille : *You guessed it, keeping up.* *Nods.* Yes, Yes, I see... Do you ever get worried that you'll slip up one day and your false reality will come crumbling down upon you?

Sheena : What kind of interview is this!?


*** Meanwhile... Back at the Samurai Pizza Cat. ***

Speedy & Guido helped prop Dash up in a booth while he was still unconscious.
Polly put a clip-on bow-tie on his shirt.
And Francine put a sign up on the table written in English... "Hippie Couple. Do not feed"

Romero gave a chuckle as he handed her a cup

Romero: well it's more so the fact that they don't make this paticular kind of soda anymore...Everfizzy, the only soda that was soppose to get better with age....but they pulled it off the shelf for some unknown reason...something about...health conserns dual personalites and turning blue....

Ashley chuckled at the scene and snapped a couple pictures to show to the others back in CA (and to her parents when she got back to the hotel)

Dash finally came to and saw the situation he was in

Dash (shouts): VERY FUNNY! (Laughter can be heard from the back)
Speedy: Hey man, (as he brings a couple pizzas out to some customers) we wanted Ashley to see the kind of fun we have here
Ashley: This is a good one to tell the gang about when I get back
Dash: Oh great...Gary wont let me hear the end of it...
Francine: Alright guys, fun's over. Ms Ashley, Im Francine. What can I get for you?
Ashley: Hmm...do you have calzones?
Francine: Sure...made to order
Ashley: Alright...I'll have one with sausage, extra cheese, crabmeat, jalapenos, onions, green peppers, carrots and turkey pepperoni
Francine: Wow, that's a lot of toppings for one calzone
Ashley: Im a big eater...Dash can tell you about how I could hold my own with the boys on 10 cent wing nights down at the wharf...Oh and can I have one of the special? I need to pick something up for my folks...
Dash: (gulp) your...parents?!?
Ashley: Yeah, I told you they wanted to meet you and everything
Dash: excuse me...(he races to the employee bathroom in the back and loud vomiting sounds are heard...
Ashley: I guess he's a little nervous...
Speedy: I'll get him some Pepto and a confidence talk and he should be fine. (heads into the back)

*** At the Anchovy residence... ***

Camma : *Swirls around the drink in her glass, then takes a drink.* Hmm... Surprisingly true statements. *She places the glass down, pulling out a notebook.* So... I suppose we should begin our study session with one of your weak subjects, classic European literature. How are you coming along with your reading of Romeo and Juliet~ HIC-UP! *Her hand darts to her mouth.*

Just then, Guido's stereo turned on and began playing smooth jazz.

Camma : O_o


*** Meanwhile... Out on the streets of Little Tokyo... ***

Lucille : *Standing outside of a public restroom.* ... Hmm... *Lightly knocks.* Are you finished yet Miss Sheena? I've got more questions to ask you for the station!

Sheena : *Locked in a stall inside the bathroom.* That lady is still outside!? Sheena can't take much more of this!!!


*** Meanwhile... Back at the Samurai Pizza Cat... ***

Speedy : *Walks into the employee's bathroom with a mop & bucket, along with a pink bottle, he knocks on the stall Dash's in.* Heya, as soon as you're done in there I've got a bucket & mop for you to clean up any spillage you may have had, and I'm leavin a bottle of tummy fixer on the sink. *Before he leaves, he snaps his fingers.* Oh yeah! One more thing. *He walks over to the stall, and begins whispering.* One thing my mum told me... If you're ever nervous, just picture whomever makes you nervous in their underwear. It'll whisk your worries away in no time kid!

As Speedy leaves the bathroom, Polly's standing out there, arms folded.

Polly : *Arms crossed, fingers drumming.* So... Is he going to be alright?

Speedy : *Looks up at Polly's eyes, than down at her feet, then back up at her eyes, then smiles wide.* He'll be fine! I gave'em some man to man advice, and he'll be as right as rain! *He begins whistling as he goes back to the kitchen to begin working on orders.*

The door slowly opened to the stall and Dash staggered out

Dash: Well I dont think I want to envision Ashley's mom in her underwear...

So he grabbed the pink bottle off the sink and took a swig

Dash: Bleh! this stuff may look like bubble gum but it sure as heck doesnt taste like it

So he grabbed the mop and bucket and cleaned up the bathroom a bit before coming back out.

Polly: hey, you feelin alright there big guy?

Dash: yeah, I'll be fine. Just meeting Ashley's folks is gonna be a big step for me in our relationship.

Polly: Yeah I bet it can be. I dont think Speedy even met my parents before we started dating...

Dash: I just hope they dont still think of me as that in line skating free spirit I was back in America

Polly: Youll do great, just be yourself and have fun

Dash: Thanks Polly...

So they came out from the back and Polly handed Dash Ashley's order, then winked at him

Polly: you go with her...I'll cover your tables tonight

Dash: Thanks Polly

So Dash came out and handed Ashley her massive order and then took his apron off

Ashley: what are you doing? Dont you have the dinner rush?

Dash: Polly said she'd cover for me so I could go meet your folks

Ashley: Aww! That's nice of her. I hope Francine doesnt mind

Dash: I"ll just take an extra shift next week to cover for it

So they went outside and Dash grabbed her by the hand

Dash: c'mon we gotta get back to your hotel and I know just how to save us some time

With that he hit a button on his belt and summoned his rocket skates then had Ashley put her food on his back and he hit another button that strapped it to him.

Ashley: impressive...

Dash: yeah...Guru Lou made it in one of his rare sober moments...hopefully you wont meet him anytime soon...now take my hand...

Ashley: Why would I...

Dash hit another button and his rocket skates appeared on his feet

Dash: here put this on

Ashley (puts helmet on then takes Dash's hand): I hope that this is...WOOOOOOOOAAAAAHHHH!!!!!

With that, they blasted off down the road and headed for the hotel Ashley and her parents were staying at.

Romero: *chuckled a bit* yeah you might wanna take it easy on the soda Camma, I'm really diggin' this book really speaks to a romantic's heart and it's given me some idea's of my own....hehehe. Hey Camma I gotta ask ya something...with me being gone the past few months is it true Eyah's gone?

*** At the Anchovy residence... ***

Camma : *Clears her throat, and nods.* Yes. Hic-UP! *The stereo switches to playing polka.* *Clears her throat again, more forcefully.* Last I'd heard she was escorted away Hannibal Lecter style to some secret detention center for "gifted" animaloids. There are some rumors floating through school that she's actually still wandering the hallways, ready to pounce. An odd choice of words for a bird if I do say so... Hic-UP! *The stereo switches to playing classical music.*


*** Meanwhile... Out in the streets of Little Tokyo. ***

Sheena : *Running.* Leave me alone!!!

Lucille : *Following with her camera crew.* Wait! I've still got questions!

Sheena burst out from the narrow alleyway, just in time to meet Dash and Ashley head-on.
Dash's quick reflexes helped him scoop Sheena up, however the added weight and Sheena's flailing caused Dash to tumble.
With the speed, and trajectory, all three flew up into the air, then came tumbling down into the river with a mighty splash.

Dash: WAAAAHHH!!!

Dash wailed as he tumbled into the river with Sheena and Ashley. The three f them soon popped their heads out and as soon as Dash and Ashley looked at each other, all they could do was laugh

Ashley: Man, wait'll I tell the others about this when I get back
Dash: yeah...I guess the more things change, the more they stay he same huh?
Ashley: I love you...
Sheena: All this sentimentality makes Sheena sick...
Dash: here...after we get out of here, I'll call the shop and have your order remade. Good thing I had my phone waterproofed last week...course I gotta get my armor dried out before it rusts like my last set did after that marshmallow incident.

Dash and Ashley climbed out of the river and then helped Sheena out. the remains of Ashley's first order continued floating down the river sight unseen

Romero: ahh...oh well...hope she finds happiness where ever she goes, but i kinda was getting the feeling i was being used by her...*stands up to investigate the cd player* What's with this darn thing? *gives it a whack and the disc flies out and smacks romero on the face* OUCH!

Romero sat back down and picked up the book,

Romero: so i was thinking this Romeo guy's got some smooth moves....almost like mine but with a kinda...shakespearing swing...

*** At the Anchovy residence... ***

As Romero's back was turned while he fought with the stereo, Camma quickly brought her arm up, exhaled, then smacked herself hard in the gut.

Camma : *In perfect unison with Romero, although quieter, and out of breath.* Ouch~... *Quickly re-gains composure, listening & nodding at what Romero said.* ... Yes... There are others whom use others. *Takes a deep breath, then continues.* I also agree with your assessment of Romeo. Now... Let's try going a little deeper into the story.

Thus, the evening turned into night. It was close to 10:15 PM by the time they were done.
Despite some of Romero's best moves, Camma had remained distant, always weaving the conversation around and remaining aloof.
It was an interesting game of Cat & Mouse... err... Rabbit.


*** Meanwhile... At the Hadski residence... ***

Sheena : *Relaxing in a nice, hot, bubble bath.* ... Uggg.... *Dunks her head in, blows some bubbles, then pokes her head back out.* Sheena's had enough of today.

From outside the bathroom, a light knock comes from the door.
A small dark rabbit stood by the door.

?? : Big sister? Do you need anything?

Sheena : *Thinks for a moment.* Nahh. Sheena's ok. Is Camma back yet?

?? : *Shakes her head.* No~ She's still out at the Anchovey's.

Sheena : *Shrugs.* Whatever~ *Takes a deep breath, dunking her head under the hot water again.*


*** Meanwhile... somewhere in Little Tokyo... ***

?? 2 : *Sitting at a desk, sketching out formulas on a diagram.* Yes... Yes... The yield from today appears to have been too small... Too too small. *Taps a pencil on the desk... thinking for a moment.* Although it should have worked! ... *Sighs* Well... we'll see what happens tomorrow.

A devious grin spreads on the individual's face.
A devious grin indeed...

The next day...

Sheena : *Snoring loudly, sprawled out all over her futon.*

Her small clock radio clicks on to life... The sound of her favorite radio program begins filling the room with the latest jPop hit.

Radio Host : *Fading in.* And that was "Treat me Flower" with their recent single, "Vedro-games." *Chuckles.* I've gotta say folks, who knew that a band purposely useing what Americans call "Engrish" would be so popular! In any case, we'll be taking a news break here in a few minutes, and re-join you all at the bottom of the hour. It's 6:27 on Little Tokyo's home for news, talk, and rhythm, JOLE-AM.

Sheena : *Takes a deep breath, stretching and getting up.* eerrrrAAAHHHH! *Mutters, and grumbles, walking out of her room, into the bathroom.*

Her eyes slightly shut, she pulls out her tooth brush & tooth paste. She begins brushing her teeth, not fully registering that she had to open her mouth a little wider than normal, and that her toothbrush had a little added resistance finding her mouth.
As she finishes, and rinses her mouth out, she idly wonders why she's dribbling so much water on her chest.
Completing her wakeup routeen, she runs some hot water though the faucet, cups her hands, then splashes her face, washing away the sleep out of her eyes... discovering...

Sheena : *Eyes tightly held shut, her hands scrub her face, she encounters very rough fur around her cheeks and chin.* ... Mum... huh? *She opens one eye wearily, squinting, then opens both eyes wide looking at herself in the mirror.* H... Wh... WHAT IS?! HOW!?!

She puts her hand to the bathroom mirror trying to wipe away the image before her, however cannot.
The image before her is her, in her PJs, with a great, big, bushy pink beard, smack dab on her face.

As her scream of rage echoed through her family's home, some birds walking out front quickly took flight, totally scared out of their minds as to what monster might emerge from the residence.


*** Meanwhile... At the Anchovy residence... ***

Guido : *Walks into the living room, a steaming mug of coffee in his hand, a smerk on his face from the scene before him.* Ahh... To be young again. *He walks over to his ornamental gong, picks up the mallet, gives it a flip, then gives it a good WHACK!*

~~~~GGGOOOOOONNNNNNNNGGGGGG~~~~

Guido : Ok you two lovebirds, rise and shine!

Still dressed in their outfits from last night, both Camma and Romero leap up from the couch. The separate blankets on their bodies falling to the floor.

Camma : *Stumbles forward momentarily, balancing herself.* Wh... Where? *Lightly shakes her head, squeezing her eyes shut in concentration.* What happened last night?

Guido : *Sips some coffee from his mug.* Well now... I wouldn't say anything you two can't share happened last night. I just happened to come home after my late-late shift, and stumbled upon my lil bro and you slumped on the couch sleeping soundly. *Walks over to Romero, placing his arm around him.* Must've been one heck of a make-out session you two had. The mood-lighting was set to super low when I got in. I'm used to it of course, so that's why you both had blankets on after I got in.

Camma : *Concentrating even harder now.* I... I'm not sure that... *She opens her eyes, then looks up at the clock, gasping at the time.* Oh dear, I must get going. *She whirlwinds around the room, collecting all of her items, finally ending up outside the door, and within moments half-way across town towards home.*

Guido : *Slightly awestruck with the girl's speed.* ... Dang... Now I have to hear the details. *Begins giving Romero a noogie.* Spill it squirt! A girl that fast must've been one heck of a kisser!

Dash and Ashley were at the hotel with her parents, Dash still drying himself off while Ashley was in the bathroom cleaning up.


Mr. Reynoso: Sounds like quite a little adventure you two had out there, Dash...
Dash: Yes sir, Im sorry about your pizzas, Speedy should be over with the replacements to your order in short order...no charge
Mr. Reynoso: I appreciate that...Ashley talks about you often...youve really made her quite happy and her mother and I really are pleased with the young man you are.
Dash: Well thank you sir. My parents worked extra hard to make sure I knew how to treat a lady
Mrs. Reynoso: She certainly did a wonderful job.
Mr Reynoso: Ashley tells me she wouldnt mind transferring to LTHS for next school year
Dash: How do you feel about that?
Mr. Reynoso: Well, my company is launching a new office in Sukahara, just outside of there, and Im being considered for being head man there
Dash: Well good luck with that sir
Mr. Reynoso: thank you. Id like you to know though, that regardless of how that turns out, you certianly have our approval for this relationship. In fact, We were going to tell Ashley over dinner that we'd let her spend the summer with you and your grandmother
Dash: Im honored sir!
Mrs. Reynoso: you've earned it.

Ashley is just coming out of the bathroom and sees her parents talking to Dash.

Mr. Reynoso: Hija, I have some good news for you
Ashley: What is that papi?
Mr. Reynoso: Your mother and I were talking to Dash and we have decided that you have our permission not only to transfer to LTHS next year, but, we are going to let you come for the summer and stay with Dash and his grandmother to help with the transition
Ashley: Really?!?
Mr. Reynoso: yes...Dash is a young man of great character and we have no problem with you two and look forward to seeing how your relationship blossoms
Ashley: Oh papi!

Ashley gave her father a big hug and kissed him on the cheek. Dash gave him a hearty handshake and thanked him

Dash: I will take good care of her sir.
Mr. Reynoso: I have no doubt.

About this time, there was a knock on the door as Speedy arrived with their order.

After the gong woke Romero up he looked dazed and a bit confused untill Guido locked him into a noogie

Romero: HEY QUIT IT!!!

Guido: Spill it!

Romero began to think, "well...i didn't really get a chance to kiss her....she was too wrapped up in our project.....but...i can't let my bro know that....he'll never let me live it down....sides what's the worst that can happen?"

Romero: hehe..well I'm not one to kiss and tell but......

and thus Romero told the most romantic and farfetched tail anyone in the Anchovy family ever had.

Romero:....and that's how i dispatched the last Ninjapirate.

Speedy: DInner's here lover boy!
Dash: Come on man...
Speedy: well I could hear somebody go "oh papi!" halfway down the hall...(Ashley blushed)
Dash: Yeah yeah yeah...

Mr. Reynoso reached into his wallet to hand him the money, but speedy stopped him
Dash: No charge sir...
Mr Reynoso: well that is wonderful of you. Its a happy day for our family to be sure.
Speedy: No problem sir. See you after you get out of school tomorrow Dash

Speedy whistled as he left, and Dash quickly shut the door so they could enjoy their dinner.

OOC: anybody home? Kyo? somebody?

(I don't have time tonight, I'll try to get something up tomorrow or Friday. Happy Thanksgiving dudes!)

*** Meanwhile... At the Anchovy Residence... ***


Guido : *Pouring himself another cup of coffee after hearing Romero's story.* Yowza lil bro! I knew high school was a whole different world from when I was in there, but I had no idea things had gotten so rough on your generation! No wonder it's been tough for you to keep bring'n dates home! *He takes another slurp from his mug, putting it down.* This means we gotta get serious on making more of a ladies man out of you! *Picks up the phone, and begins dialing Little Tokyo High.* Go get yourself cleaned up Romero, I'm calling the school & telling them you're sick today. Today, you and I... Well mostly you are going to do some heavy pick-up trainin!


*** Meanwhile... At Little Tokyo High... 30 minutes AFTER the bell rang starting the school day...***


Camma : *Running full-speed towards the main gates, her wet hair fluttering in the wind.* -=I can't believe my chronometer didn't alert me to the time! This tardiness should NEVER have happened!=-

As Camma rounded the bend, passing through the gates into the main yard, a hand reached out from some bushes, grabbing her and pulling her in.

Camma : Hey!?

Sheena : *A paper bag with holes for her eyes, and ears over her head.* Camma! SHHH! It's Sheena!

Camma : *Sighs, relaxing slightly.* What on earth are you DOING Sheena? We're late for class, and now is not the time to... *Her eye-brow twitches up.* Why do you have a beard underneath your bag?

Sheena : *In a harsh whisper.* That's what Sheena's been trying to tell you! Sheena needs your help getting rid of it!

Camma : *Sighs* Why don't you just shave it off?

Sheena : Sheena's tried that! The beard just grows back!

Camma : Did you get into grandmother's spell book again?

Sheena : HMPH! No! Sheena did not! You know Sheena's not allowed in there since... The "incident"!

Camma : Ok... Ok... Let's start from the beginning. What have you done, ate, sat on, or beat up in the past day or so that may have cause this?

Dash was already in his homeroom with the biggest smile on his face after the events of the weekend. It was only 8 more weeks until Ashley came back to Little Tokyo to spend the summer with him, and he was ready to make up for all the time they had been away from each other.

Panzer: Dude...why the big smile on your face?
Dash: (whispers in his ear)
Panzer: No kidding? Well that's great man. I remember you two lookin all starry eyed at each other when I followed you to the states...and she is gonna be here for the summer too? Man Romero is gonna be ticked to see you with a girl...where is he anyway? I know he isnt a fan of the cafeteria food but I heard from the announcement kid that the Pizza Cat is doing lunch today...
Dash: I dunno...maybe Guido made dinner last night and he is still feeling the aftereffects (both chuckle)

*** A short while later... In the Beard Grower's Anonymous Club Room... ***

At this time of day, the club room was currently unoccupied by any classes.
Not wasting any time, both Sheena and Camma swiftly entered into the room undetected.

Sheena : *Walked over to where the device from the other day was presented.* This is where the big explosion happened.

Camma : *Walks over, carefully surveying the area, she gestures to the table.* Here's where a device was on the table... *She squints, following barely distinguishable markings on the table.* Here's where a device was pulled off the table... * And here's approximately where it should've fallen.

Sheena : *Rolls her eyes.* Yes, the big black marks where the thingy exploded are a kind of giveaway.

Camma : *Stands up, locking her eyes on her sister's.* I still don't see where this is going Sheena. I can detect no traces of radiation or chemical compounds in the room. As I've stated before, the facial hair on your person is completely natural.

Sheena : *Clenches her fists, thrusting her arms down her sides, stomping her feet.* NO IT'S NOT NO IT'S NOT NO IT'S NOT!!! Sheena is a delicate flower, a true woman. SHEENA SHOULDN'T HAVE A~

Just then, the door opened up swiftly, catching both Sheena & Camma by surprise.
In the entrance of the room stood an odd sphinx cat.
While she wore the school uniform meant for female students, and had a female physique, she currently sprouted an thin "english" style mustache with a small goatee on her chin.

Sheena : *Immediately recognizes her.* YOU! You did this to Sheena!!! And this time it's not fake!!!

Club President (of Beard Growers Anonymous) : *Blinks a few times, then smiles brightly.* Sheena!? SHEENA! *She rushes over, and embraces Sheena in a tight hug.* It finally happened! Oh~ I'm so happy!!!

Sheena : *Taken aback.* WOAH! Woah! Are you crazy!?

Camma : *Watches everything, an eye-brow raised in puzzled thought.* ...

Club President : *Lets go, standing back on her feet, her hands now clasped together as she lightly hopped up and down.* Can I see it? Huh? Can I see it Sheena? Please say yes, I want to see it! You got to see mine, so I should get to see yours! I'll also show you everyone else's! It finally worked! Can I see it? PLLLLllleeeeeaaaaaaassseee!!!???


*** Meanwhile... Back in Homeroom... ***


Kyo : *Half listening in on Dash & Panzer's conversation.* -=Huh... Well... Glad he found someone... Good for him...=- ... *Looks around in the room... Noticing a few oddities.* ... *He leans back to Dash & Panzer, whispering.* Say... Do either of you guys remember the guy in the front row ever having a beard yesterday?


*** Meanwhile... Out at Little Tokyo Community College... ***


Guido : *Walking with Romero, dressed casually.* Now Romero... We're in prime hunting grounds. Little Tokyo Community College. You'll rarely find such a place full of lovely... single ladies all in one place. Here my brother is where they separate the men from the nerds. *He points.* There... The "beautician" wing... That is where your final test will begin. *Takes a deep breath, lightly letting it out.* But before that we're going to do some warm-ups. Always keep that in mind Romero, never tackle the big pizza all at once. You've gotta warm up the ovens first, bake 'em till their golden brown, pick 'em up carefully with both hands, and before you or they know it, you've got 'em!

Guido looks proudly over the area as many students walk back and forth between areas on the campus.
An exceptionally beautiful group of girls walk by, their skirts gently flowing in the wind.

Guido : *A tear comes to his eye, he is lightly getting choked up.* Today... *Sniff* Is going to be a great day!

Dash looked at the kid Kyo was mentioning...

Dash: No...heck he doesnt even look like he has hit puberty yet...Panzer?
Panzer: Nah...Ive had a couple other classes with him and he doesnt look anything like somebody that should have hair on his face (or anywhere else for that matter)

*** Meanwhile... Across town... Close to the hotel where Ashley & her folks were staying... ***

The streets were active with people moving around. The shops were bursting with activity as people prepared for the lunch hour, and the tourists that usually followed.
From a long distance away, on top of another building, a figure stood watching. He glanced through an scope focused upon a seemingly normal potted plant.
His eyes glanced down at his watch, then back up at the plant.

?? : ... 3... *Brings up his hands, both clenched in fists.*  2... *Licks his lips in anticipation.* 1...

As he expands his hands, his view through the scope was clouded by a blue mist. As he looked up the sound of the "POW!" finally reached him.
The entire area far away from him was filling with a mysterious blue cloud, and he was very, very elated.

?? : *Grins widely.* Ohh... This is going to be exciting! *Packs up his scope, and proceeds to leave the roof.*


*** Moments later... ***

Lucille : *Holding up her microphone, looking at the camera.* Oh dear, I hope I got my hair looking right. *Clears her throat.* Good day everyone! This is Lucille, reporting to you live from the site of what appears to be the site of a horrible, terrible, and not very nice prank.

The camera begins panning the area behind Lucille, which now has a blue tinge to it as the cloud seems to be dissipating quickly.

Lucille : *Looks behind her at some of the people.* Oh! Wow! I didn't realize there was a beard convention in town!

The camera focuses in on all the various people. Every single one of them have great, big, bushy beards. Men, women, and children alike.

Ashley looked out the window at the street below their room...

Ashley: Papi...why do all the people have beards...
Mr Reynoso: What do you mean hija? (Mr Reynoso already had a beard so even if he went outside the cloud wouldnt really change him all that much)
Ashley: Papi, come look!
Mr Reynoso: Fine...(walks to the window)uhh...Rosita...we might want to see if we can move our flight to tomorrow or something...


The people, as our narrator noted, all walked around with large, bushy beards, and a rather odd look in their eyes, like they were under a spell.

Dash had overslept and so he was already in a hurry coming down the stairs.

Grams: Hold it young man, youre going to need this (hands him a gas mask). Im not sure what this cloud is for but I dont need you breathing anything that could get you sent to the emergency room.

Dash quickly put on the mask, then kissed his grandmother and fired up his rocket skates as he raced out the door to get to school

Grams: AND WHAT DID I TELL YOU ABOUT ROCKET SKATES IN THE HOUSE?!?

(OOC: Happy New Year everyone! Let's get this story and my creators corner story rolling)

I'm with you, my friend.  I'd appreciate it if you would check out my thread in the main forum about ways to get people posting again, and I'll try to contribute down the road.  New content and new DVDs for a new year!

Paging KyoZaber...please come to the white courtesy videophone...KyoZaber...please come to the white courtesy videophone...

Paging KyoZaber...Paging KyoZaber...

So can we officially declare this RP dead?

Bumping this up and hoping KyoZaber gets things rolling again