Kyle

"I am going to kill you Isamu!" The words imprinted themselves into Kyle's mind like a hot iron as the "lobster kid" made his exit away from the two. The energy from his boiling rage and crimson face was all directed towards Isamu for his comments. Despite the fact that Isamu had said it only in jest and in another language, it was still inappropriate and unfortunately, extremely embarrassing for Kyle. Most probably wouldn't have heard it, even less would have understood it, but to say that in front of Ami.... oh... right...

For a moment his bubbling anger settled as he looked down at the girl before him; he had to calm down before doing this. Closing his eyes he took a deep breath, exhaled, then opened them back up, pointing them towards Ami. "In a way...he's right," he began, "look... after what happened I..." he paused, "damn this is hard...man the fuck up already!"

He breathed again, "Ami, I'm sorry, but yes I have been avoiding you," good start, "after what happened in the cafeteria I couldn't bring myself to face you again, I was...ashamed...embarassed...angry..." yea that one's obvious, "I lost my temper...I took it out on you and I'm so...so damn sorry for that," keep going, keep going, "I don't deserve forgiveness for that...but...I'll do whatever it takes to make it up to you, cause you didn't deserve that..."

He took a step back and bowed low, it was something he had once read in a book, something about formal apologies in Japanese culture, it couldn't hurt to do that right?

"I'm sorry..."

"In a way...he's right. Look... after what happened I..."

"Ami, I'm sorry, but yes I have been avoiding you. After what happened in the cafeteria I couldn't bring myself to face you again, I was...ashamed...embarassed...angry... lost my temper...I took it out on you and I'm so...so damn sorry for that. I don't deserve forgiveness for that...but...I'll do whatever it takes to make it up to you, cause you didn't deserve that...I'm sorry..."

"Actually, I meant to apologize to you. I talked it over with an upperclassman who also was missing an arm, and she said I probably said something wrong. So whatever it is I said, I'm sorry about that. But you don't need to ask me to forgive you; it's fine as long as you say you're sorry, and I think you said it enough times just now." With her usual almost-a-smile-but-not-quite, Ami extended out her hand - the left one this time - doing a visual check as usual to make sure she in fact did extend her hand out. "Bury the hatchet, live and let live, that kind of thing, y'know? Nobody got hurt, and you're sorry, so it's fine."

Then Ami stopped talking. For all of three seconds. One could almost see the light bulb in her head go off as she looked Kyle dead in the eyes. "Also...the guy who called himself a lobster said something about me being pregnant or something like that, didn't he? What's that mean?"

Unbelievable, that was the word that came to mind. Despite his outburst, all the screaming in her face, the blatant disgust on his peers faces at his actions, this girl was apologizing to him. It never had occurred to Kyle that this girl might not be mad at him, or scared of him, instead, here she was facing him with that abnormal smile of hers, her hand extended. Let bygones be bygones... Make friends before enemies... Bury the hatchet... Maybe Kyle needed to stop worrying so much, clearly these other students weren't worrying about his actions, why should he... He had to wonder if kaori felt the same way...

Looking down at her hand he reached out and grabbed it, shaking firmly but gently, and just like that a weight was lifted, he felt lighter.

"Also...the guy who called himself a lobster said something about me being pregnant or something like that, didn't he? What's that mean?"

And just like that reality came crashing back down like a ton of bricks, his cheeks flushing with the added weight.

"yep, definitely going to kill isamu "

Suddenly a wicked idea formed in his head and he couldn't help but use it as payback for isamu's sick jokes.

"oh" his demeanor was calm, some would say too calm, "being pregnant is when you have a baby in you, but he was talking about himself, not you. You see he's pregnant with a bunch of little red lobster babies, very rare condition, best not to mention it in front of him, he gets pretty emotional about it SO," he clapped "what are you doing for the talent show?"

He beamed a smile at her, if anything he might have just confused her, but his question may have gotten her off the topic for now. While she answered he thought about what she had said about asking a one armed student for advice. It was sound logic of not a bit strange... So there was another one armed student on campus...maybe he'd pay her a visit and ask some advice too...

Mariko awkwardly hung around the conversation like a societal moth around a candle. The girl she'd decided on a total whim to talk to seemed dead-set on ignoring her, and even though it was awkward enough to stay here, it was even worse to leave. She was part of this thing, now, even if neither of them were going to acknowledge her existence. Wasn't that the guy who'd caused a ruckus in the cafeteria the other day? And wasn't he bowing in a grand arc to this girl, Coral or something? She hadn't been paying attention, half of what went on was in a completely insane language. Mariko glanced up, at the ceiling and walls. Better thing to focus on right now then people. They were designed to resist earthquakes, it wasn't like they could be anything else but what they were. She took a step away from the bickering couple. And another. and a third, until she retreated back to comfortable anonymity next to a pair of jugglers.

"Being pregnant is when you have a baby in you, but he was talking about himself, not you. You see he's pregnant with a bunch of little red lobster babies, very rare condition, best not to mention it in front of him, he gets pretty emotional about it SO, what are you doing for the talent show?"

"So boys can also have babies depending on the circumstances..." Ami had heard stories about pregnant men before, but to think that one was here in Yamaku! But there were also other matters to attend to. For one, Kyle was asking what she was doing for the talent show. Holding up the tree puppet on her arm, Ami answered "I'm doing a ventriloquist show. I've been spending the last couple of days training my voice for the show, and I think I'm about--"

"Amity Cole," one of the staff members backstage called out, obviously stumbling over her thoroughly not-Japanese name. "You're up."

"Ready!" With a not-quite-a-smile in Kyle's direction, she made for the stage. This was it. Time to do or die! Ami stepped up onto the stage, not-quite-smiling as always as she stepped up to the microphone, carrying the tree dummy behind her where (hopefully) nobody in the crowd could see it. After a brief second to clear her throat, Ami started speaking in her usual cheerful-enough-sounding monotone.

"Thank you all for being here tonight. To be honest, being the opening act makes me a bit nervous, but other than that, you've been a bit misguided. See, I'm not performing solo." As she pulled forth the tree and stuck her right arm in the hole at the bottom, she finished "I brought a friend, too."

"Heya, Yamaku kids."The vocal training Ami devoted herself to backstage just earlier was paying off. If she hadn't done those warm-ups, she probably wouldn't be able to pull off the voice she just did. It was deep, and it was gruff, especially for someone of Ami's size and monotonous voice. Not to mention booming with grouchiness; a very stark contrast to the typical bland tone of Ami's voice.


"And that's my routine for tonight, everyone," Ami monotoned to the audience, the girl and the puppet in her hand both bowing toward the people in the seats. "Thank you for your time." With another bow and a wave goodbye with the free left hand, Ami returned backstage. That was fun, she told herself. I got to let loose a little, and pulled this guy out again.

Once Hiroshi walked outside the dorm and the cool air enveloping him, he began to think about a few things, almost all in an instant.

Did I close my door properly? Did I hit anyone with my case when I rushed out? Am I forgetting anything?!

His mind is on overdrive as he slowed his pace once he got to the half way point to where he was going. His hand gripped formly on the handle of his violin case, trying to decide if he should go back and make sure of things and apologize, or not to worry about it as much as he is. Normally he would make the effort, even if he was somewhat introvert in nature. But, once he glances at his watch, the idea of going back seemed like an impossible goal.

Hiroshi went back into a hurried jog so he could get backstage. While he was not performing until the second half, he did need some time to try to relax himself and get his mind ready.

He never bothered with any kind of public display, especially when dealing with other people. He always just focused on his classwork and went back to his room, only leaving if he needed to do something such as shopping or laundry. He had never really had a chance to make friends before coming to Yamaku, and that trend hadn't changed since he arrived.

In fact, with the way his medication made him feel on edge a lot more, his anxiety would make what he felt any attempt at socializing very uncomfortable.

The back door to the auditorium is the first thing that comes into view that really pulls Hiroshi from his thoughts as he stopped to take a deep breath. His heart was beating fast, which wasn't really a surprise to him, but he sure felt tired. Nervous was the strongest feeling he had as he knocked on the door.

Tap...Tap...Tap...

The door opens and he walks in once he is confirmed as a performer.

He saw a few students already standing around, he did not really take any direct interest to anyone at the time, as he found a spot as far away from everyone else as he could, which wasn't much.

Hiroshi placed the case on the ground and opened it, revealing his violin. He picks it up and gets into stance and begins to practice in motion. He had a firm grip on both the bow and the violin itself, however, he made great effort to not play any notes. He did not wish to reveal what he would play to anyone until he was on stage, as well as disrupt anyone who is also getting ready.

He closed his eyes and thought back to what his sister Katsumi taught him about preparing. While he was not fond of looking up to his sister for help, for many reasons, he figured this is a rare moment when he needed to think back on her.

As he practiced and readied himself, he would open his eyes when someone else arrived backstage. Taking note of a girl who was dressed up in such a manner she also seemed like some sort of life size doll, as well as two boys who were talking in what he believed was english.

Anymore attempt at practicing was gone once one of the girls that had been inside before Hiroshi approached the two boys and began to converse.

Hiroshi sighed to himself and puts his violin away as he watches the events unfold infront of him. While he had no real experience in socializing, he was quite good at observing others, in a way it was a method to try to understand people that he could not do in a normal way.

The conversation hadn't lasted too long as the girl had left to go on stage and perform.

Hiroshi moved along the sides like everyone else to watch, while he wanted to see each performance, he also wanted to watch how the crowd reacted, in hopes of steadying himself for his own routine.

He had hoped that no one finds the violinist he is trying to be, to be boring.

Mariko glanced at the crumpled sheet of paper in her hand, trying to cram the last of the unfunny lines in, when she heard a swish of curtain and looked up. Someone she didn't recognise was wandering out. She scrambled in a pocket and fished out a leaflet. Mime girl's act was first, then this guy's dance show, and then it was her, right? Seemed to be that way. So, she was on next. So. This was how it felt like to be waiting at the guillotine. Waiting for the teacher's call of "Next!" to ring out backstage so she could walk onstage and face the music. Her fingers twitched, folding a corner of the paper again and again. She needed to watch someone so she could stop watching herself for five minutes. Take her own sense of self loathing and apply it unreservedly on someone else so she wouldn't be her own worst critic. There. Take that guy with the tinted contact lenses and the poncy violin. What was his deal? Why did his eyes stay with that half lidded perma-struck dumb expression? She realized, after a full minute of staring at him that she'd done it. She jumped, and turned her attention back to the comedy routine. Concentrate, Mariko, Concentrate!

Kyle & Isamu

Ami started holding up some kind of tree kin ventriloquism doll and was about to tell him of her act in detail when her name was called. Kyle couldn't help but cringe a little at the horrible pronunciation of her name, but it was expected when the country spoke entirely japanese, his mind wandered a bit to Kaori when she pronounced his name as Kairu; he cringed again. She did her unusual smile and bounded towards the stage, Kyle smiled back and wishing her luck, found Isamu not too far off. Cracking each knuckle against his chin he gave a quick jab to his shoulder, nothing more than the 35% power he deserved.

"That's for your comment earlier and making me explain what it meant when she asked me about it," he wiped his nose with the underside of his finger before giving a friendly smack to his back, "Thanks though, for helping me to keep my head cool, her name's Ami...she's the one I yelled at on day one..."

Isamu cringed as he watched the interaction between Kyle and Ami. He overheard a few words here and there, but it just seemed like a Japanese pissing contest: who could apologize more for offending the other person. Then again, Americans could be exactly the same sometimes, even if his frame of reference wasn't nearly as large. As Kyle approached when the girl headed for the stage, Isamu braced himself for the hit: he saw Kyle cracking his knuckles.

Thankfully, it wasn't too bad, though he rubbed his shoulder jokingly. "Damn man, you're gonna break my shoulder if you keep that up!" Chuckling, he nodded at his friend when he gave the lobster a good ol' pat on the back. "Not a problem, my man, not a problem. Everybody's got their shit, even the perfection that is me, Lobster Boy!"

Kyle started watching Ami's act, she got up in front of the mic and introduced herself to the crowd and presented the dummy. His brow crinkled a bit, she couldn't feel anything right? So how could she feel where the mouth grip was? Not only that was it going to sound exactly like her or...?

"Heya, Yamaku kids."

His mouth dropped open a bit, "Christ did that just come out of her mouth?"

As Ami started her act and Kyle gaped in shock, he couldn't help but agree. "I....dear god what the hell? That's something you'd see from a stupid Western comedy, not...a talent show..."

The crowd applauded as Ami bowed and began making her way back stage, Kyle would have done so himself were he not short a hand, instead he opted to congratulate her on her performance.

"That was awesome Ami, I didn't even realize your voice could go that low," he would have liked to talk about it more, but then a voice called out over the din of the crowd.

"Isamu Tanaka and... Kairu Parker," he visibly groaned at his name being called as such but they both announced their presence. Even though the two of them weren't scheduled to go on yet, it was something they had done beforehand with the now ongoing act, probably just to prepare people who were going onstage next..

"Sorry Ami, maybe we can talk later?" He looked to Isamu and placed a hand on his good shoulder, "alright, let's do it."

Kyle then bounded to the opposite side of the stage and waited for their supposed 'moment of glory'. The act currently onstage was some kid doing a card throwing routine, he was actually really good too, the kid was slicing through freakin' fruits and veggies with the things. Kyle swallowed a bit, whether it was out of fear or anticipation he couldn't quite tell, but as the student made his way off stage, it was time for their routine. He breathed in deeply and one of the staff walked onstage and began the announcement for their performance. The staff member walked off stage and the music was cued up, a loud booming voice cut through the speakers.

When Ami returned, Isamu simply stayed there as Kyle applauded her performance. That turned out to be short-lived, as the pair's names were called...with the stereotypical Japanese failure to pronounce a name like Kyle. Isamu headed to the side of the stage opposite to Kyle as they prepared their glorious battle.

EPIC RAP BATTLES OF HISTORY!

THE WRIGHT BROTHERS- Kyle bounded on stage and struck a pose, he was trying to make himself look a bit thug without being too ludacris about it.

VS

THE MARIO BROTHERS- As the staff member announced their performance and the music began, Isamu jogged out onto the stage and did Mario's signature jump, yelling out "Wahoo!" as he did so.

BEGIN!

(Verse 1: Wright Brothers; Kyle)
We're the Wright Brothers and there can't be no other
We don't wanna cause trouble, are you looking for your lover?
Cause your princess is in our castle now. (Yeah she's gone.)
We stayed up all night playing Donkey Kong
Before us, people only used to fly in balloons
You think we're scared of two idiots addicted to shrooms?
You shoulda, would, coulda come to lose an extra life
So just dudda dudda dudda back down in your pipe

(Verse 2: Mario Brothers; Isamu)
It's-a me Mario! And Luigi motha*ping*
Why don't you's get back in your biplane and make out with each other?
Look at these two, their lives must have been horrible
Two dorky dudes named Wilbur and Orville
You spend all your time on one machine? (Sheesh!))
If you wanted to fly you shoulda just eaten this leaf
You should eat something anyway
Look at you so skinny!
You may fly like a Hawk
But you fight like a Kitty

(Verse 3: Wright Brothers; Kyle)
We don't need to fight
We're the fathers of flight
Representing North Carolina (aiiiiight)
We'll be pressing all your buttons like we're the controller
Conquer every level of your 2D scroller
You talk a lot of trash
But let me tell you something
We're gonna beat you so fast
It's like we're holding down the B Button

(Verse 4: Mario Brothers; Isamu)
We're serving up an 8-bit fist, made to order
That'll knock off of the back of your own stupid quarters
Like POW! How you like me now?
Spit flames out our mouth like our name was Bowser
You'll get pummeled
You'll wish you never stumbled out your little wind tunnel
We've been dropping Bob-ombs since we started this song
Sorry Wright Brothers, this time you chose wrong

WHO WON?
WHO'S NEXT?
YOU DECIDE!
EEEEEEEEEEEPIC RAP BATTLES OF HISTORY!