Chapter 4

(Day On the Sand)

by Korin Washu

<Mia's Mansion >

                 It is Sunday afternoon, Ryo, Rowen, Sage, Cye ,and Kento lunged around in the living room with nothing to do.  Everything was going really slow.  Really, really slow.  No I mean super Monday at school slow.  okay...  Ryo was sitting on the floor really bummed out.  Why you may ask?  ::big grin:: Mia made him get a hair cut!  Say bye, bye messy long hair and say hello to the next Tom Cruse! Anyways, White Blaze's head resting on his lap napping and purring.  Cye just stared at the fish tank looking at the fishes swim.  Kento was spread across on the small couch staring at the ceiling.  Sage was no doubt meditating on the big couch, next to him Rowen read an extremely thick book. 

                Kento looked around the living room and made frown than can put a clown to shame, "AH!  I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!"

                "I'm with Kento, we need to get out and do... something," Rowen put down his glasses and his book on the coffee table.  (I think he looks great with glasses.  Don't you?) 

                Ryo looked at Rowen and sighed, "But where should we go?"

                "How about the beach?" (you can guess who said that) Cye pointed out.

                "Hmmm... that sounds okay with me.  How about it guys?"  Ryo stood from his spot with his fist raised in the air and asked every one.

                "Yeah!"  Cye, Kento, and Rowen cheered.  They rushed to their rooms and got their swim trunks, and towels.  Cye has light blue swim trunks with a Shamu the Orca logo and a white tang top and blue tennis shoes (mmm....)  Kento has orange trunks with white Chinese dragons lined up on the sides with a white T-shirt that has a Red Hot Chili Pepper symbol in the back and white Nikes.  Ryo is wearing a red buttoned shirt, white trunks, and black sandals (not to mention his new hair cut  ::drooling::)  Rowen took off his trade mark hair band and is wearing a white tang top with an open blue buttoned shirt on top.  His trunks are dark blue with white stripes on the sides and he also wore flip flops.  (::smiles:: you can tell I'm having fun with this.)

                "To the beach!" they all raised their hands and raided the mini van, AKA the clown car with excitement.  They all jumped inside the car cheering and drove off.  Ryo is driving, Kento was in the front seat. Rowen and Cye are in the back.  Kento turned on the radio and kicked back.  Cye turned to Rowen with his eyebrows furrowed.

                "Cye what's wrong?" Rowen asked holding a life saver they brought along for emergencies, because the last time they went swimming Kento ate before he ran off into the water and you can guess what happened later on.

                "I just have a feeling we forgot something,"  they were all lost in thought straining their brains.  Except for Ryo, remember he's driving (he has to concentrate, shhhh....).  Suddenly all their eyes widened "Uh-oh."

***

< The beach >

                Sage sat on the bench on the sandy beach.  He was wearing a white tang top with a dark green long sleeved shirt tide on his waist, dark green swim trunks and brown sandals.  He has his arms folded on his chest and gave his so called friends deadly glares. 

                "We are so sorry Sage we didn't mean to," Rowen apologized sitting at the other end on the bench.

                "Yeah.  Don't be mad at us," Cye said holding a surf board standing next to Rowen with guilt written clearly across his face.

                "Besides, if you weren't meditating we woulda noticed you," Kento chuckled.

                Ryo sitting right next to Sage and wasn't to happy for what they did to him. "Can you forgive us?  We'll do anything."

                Sage didn't respond.  He was still really pissed.  (I would of if that ever happened to me)  Sage just gave them the silent treatment and just stared straight ahead, at nothing at all.

                Suddenly someone tapped on Rowen's shoulder.  Rowen turned around to meet a grinning Roxanne with a blue one piece bathing suite.  "Hiya guys!  Wow Ryo, nice hair cut, you look hot," she gave him two thumbs up and winked.

                All the guys turned to her, except for Sage who is still mad, and waved hi with smiling faces.

                "Woah, what's wrong with Sagey?" Roxanne looked at him with a pouty look.  Kento crossed his arms and respond. "We forgot him while we were heading over here.  It was his fault,"  Kento shrugged his shoulders.

                "I'd be like that if somebody forgot me too," she then smiled again and looked at all of them. "You know you all forgot to tell me your armor thingies on pool night, so you better tell me know or else!"

                "Fine....," Ryo sighed in defeat.  He was planning she would forget.  Wrong.  "I'm Wildfire."

                "Wildfire?" she asked as she raised a brow.  She didn't know what he ment by Wildfire.  Ryo chuckled. "The cool red one."

                "Oh...."

                "I'm Torrent," Cye raised his hand. "The light blue one."

                "And I'm Hardrock, the orange one, the strongest of all!" Kento grinned and the rest of them rolled their eyes.

                "I'm Strata, you've seen it already," Rowen looked over at Sage. "Aren't you going to say anything?" Sage didn't want to be rude, but he didn't feel like talking.  So he just quietly said, "Halo the green one."

                "Hey he said something!" Kento stood from the bench with triumph.  Even though the guy didn't do anything to make him talk.  Cye twirled his surf board and looked at the water. "Hey lest go play Volley Ball Tag!"

                Ryo, Rowen, Cye, Kento, and Roxanne ran to the shore and then looked back at Sage, sitting there like a rock.

                "Aww... come on Sage, have some fun, or we are going to bury you in the sand!" Rowen said.

                Sage sat there thinking, just staring at the wooden knot wholes.  He knew very well they can and would do such thing to him.  So to stop any other thing of humiliation and that can ruin the day any further, if possible.  He got up, put his sandals on top on the table and walked slowly to the shore.

                "That doesn't mean I don't hate you," he glared, standing there where the salty water the hit the shore.

                "Hey, at least your up," Ryo said up to his waist in the water.  Cye was floating around on his surfing board, Kento, Rowen, and Roxanne are standing along with Ryo.  Sage just glared at them with a look that can freeze water in a second.

                "Sage-kun, is that the best you can do? Oh, is it because you don't want to get your hair all wet?" Rowen teased him, dove in the water and emerged.  His hair was surely wet and his bangs partly covering his eyes so he whipped them out of his eyes. 

                Sage muttered some words that you probably wouldn't want to hear.  He slowly walked to  where his friends are and turned to face Kento.  Kento blinked in confusion then laughed.  Sage grinned evilly.  As fast as lighting he ducked Kento in the water.  Ryo and the others looked shocked and stared at Sage.  He just replied with a smile.  Suddenly Sage felt a tug at his foot, the next thing he knew he was dripping wet.  Kento stuck his tongue out as he bobbed his head up and down in the water.  Soon everybody joined in and started to their traditional water game called Volley Ball Tag they invented.

                "Let me explain the game.  Whoever has the volley ball is it," Cye started to explain to Roxanne,  "The people who are not it have to hold their breath under water as long as they can.  Whoever takes the first breath gets smacked on the head with the volley ball and they are out.  It goes on like that until the last person stands and wins,"  Cye held the lifesaver just in case.  (Trust me.  When you are out, you are out like a light.)

                After their water game was over they went to chill with some ice cream and some band aids.  Each of them had their own stories about their first beach experience and lets just say, they all ended up with some kind of injury or a rash.

                Rowen smiled to himself then looked at Ryo and laughed.  Ryo had a huge black eye caused not only by the volley ball that Roxanne socked him with, but also by a Frisbee form some seven year old boy. 

                "Shut up.  This is not funny!"

                Every one was cracking up.  Holding their stomachs and banging their fist on the table.

< In the snack bar on the beach >

                Charlene leaned on the wall eating a low fat bar, spying at her unsuspecting victims.  She scrunched up the wrapper and dropped it on the floor.  She stepped on it and twisted her foot with her eyes gleaming greedily.  This was perfect.  Everything was in it's place.  Her plan was going to be a little earlier than she thought. 

***

                The beach was practically filled with people at this hour.  People either were at the beach, or the amusement park that is part of the beach called Fun Land.  The Ronins and Roxanne decided to go to Fun Land, just for the rides.  They all are standing on a long line leading into the park.

                "Gods!  We aren't getting any younger!  Move the f***ing line!" Roxanne yelled.  All the guys, plus some people standing near them had a sweat drop or just moved away form her.  She kept on yelling, "I want to ride now!"

                "Hey Ro, can you tell your girlfriend to keep it down?" Sage whispered to Rowen. 

                Rowen's face cringed.  He glared at Sage and stuck his finger to his face (guess which finger was it.  C'mon guess), "How many times do I have to tell you!  SHE IS NOT MY GIRLFRIEND!"

1

                Roxanne looks at him and asks, "Hey, what did you say?" Rowen looks at the ground and moves his foot to and fro, "Nothing," he replies. 

                She looks at him with her brow arched, "Oooookaaaaayyyy, sure."

                Ryo walks inside the park and waves his hand, "Hey guys, don't just stand there, get in!"  Everyone walks in grinning with joy.  Inside Fun Land were roller coasters, water rides, food, games, go carts, many kinds of stores, and the mascot the little kids beat the crap out of.  All their faces beamed with excitement and soon as the Ronins, plus Roxanne went to their separate ways.

***

                The crowed are watching a new band play at the stage.  Carter sits on the bleachers eating some cotton candy, "Hey Carter!"

                "Wah!!!" Carter jumps out of his seat.  He looks behind his back to see a mad Charlene folding her arms, "Don't scare me like that!"

                "Aren't you forgetting something...?" her whinny voice rang into his ear.

                "Forgetting what?"

                "Forgetting your mission little brother!" she yelled at him.

                "Oh... that...," he said, "I'm on it OK sis,"  Charlene sits next to him and grabs a piece of his cotton candy.

                "Remember, if this goes out as I planned.  We both get what we want."

                "Right. You know your crazy.  You got to make this work. I don't want Ryo and the rest of his friend getting involved in this."

                "Don't worry.  Once they're alone we make our move," Charlene giggles, drops the rest of the cotton candy on the floor and walks away with Carter taking heed.

***

                Rowen and Roxanne were left alone, walking through out the park.  Roxanne looked at the tallest ride in the whole park.

                "Hey Ro, do you think that those things are really safe?" she asked.

                "It depends on the structure and the seats.  Not to mention, some people do pass out or worse if they have some kind of health condition," he explains, "But.... I would like to ride that thing.  Just to be up in the air and the G forces!  It'll be the best!"

                "So.  Don't you want to go with me?"

                "Okay.  Lets go!" Rowen and Roxanne ran to the ride and waited in the long line.  When they finally got there, they were so excited.  When the handsome buff man secured each of the riders, Roxanne smiled at him with dreamy eyes.  Rowen just rolled his eyes and glared at the man.  Once everything was safe, the man went back to his spot and started the roller coaster.  The coaster jolted a little and scared all the queasy children in the ride.  It was going hire and hire and hire.  People on the ground look like tiny little ants. 

                Roxanne bit her bottom lip and hummed, "I don't wanna die," she repeated over and over.  Rowen just chuckled as he welcomed the sky.  He felt Roxanne's hand holding his tight.  She was clearly scared as heck.  Rowen smiled at her then blushed like the color of Ryo's armor.  Roxanne slowly turned her head and looked at him.  She smiled and giggled at how silly she was acting.  They just stared at each other.  Then they dropped down screaming as much as they can.  That was the moment when they each realized something.  After that they both went to the photo booth and got their pictures taken.

***

                After the roller coaster they rested under a tree.  Both of them laughed at that one guy who through up in the ride.  He was leaning over this rail and was blowing chunks till the cows come home.

                Carter looked at the couple (though not really a couple) he cracked his fingers and shook his head.  Why do I have to do this?  I don't want to hurt Roxanne, she's my friend.  But if I don't do something I'll loose her to him, Carter thought.  He slowly heads to them and forces a smile.

                "Hey guys!  Whatcha' doing?" Carter asked.

                Roxanne smiled back, "Nothing.  How's life treating you?"

                "Good.  And by the way Rowen.  I'm sorry for that thing in the hall way.  I didn't mean to do that."

                Rowen just stared at Carter.  He still doesn't like him nor trust him.  Roxanne jabbed his ribs with her elbow. "Oh, it's okay Carter."

                "Do any of you guys want to go see the roller skaters?  It'll be fun watching those punks hit the pavement," Carter asked.

                "I'm sorry Carter.  But... I'm not in the mood.  Maybe some other day," Rowen said.  He didn't want to go with Carter.  Roxanne shrugs at him and stands up.

                "I'll be happy to go.  Besides, there will be cute skater guys."

                "OK, Roxanne.  I'll be in that new book store."

                "First an arcade, then a Starbucks, a salon, and now a book store?  I think this is becoming a mall," she pointed out. "Okay Ro, I'll be back when it's over.  Now have fun."

                Soon Carter and Roxanne start to walk to the skaters.  Mean while Rowen entered the book store not so far off where they were.  It was tremendous.  Books and Manga by the tons and as far as the eye can see.  It was paradise for Strata as he drooled at the site.  Then enters an isle like a zombie.

                Charlene is standing by the door entrance and eyes her blue headed hunk of man reading a book.  She giggles idiotically when she moves inside, tip toeing to him like she was ready to pounce on him.  Rowen was too engulfed in that book that he didn't see Charlene standing right next to them.

                "Hi Rowen," she says.

                Rowen nearly jumped out of his shoes.  He turns around to see Charlene flutter her eye lashes. "Oh. Hi Charlene."

                "Rowen," she pouts. "Don't you think we'll make the cutest couple?"

                His eyes widened and one eye started to twitch. "Um.... I'm sorry Charlene.  I don't know you that well."

                Charlene moves in closer and feels his arm. "We could learn about each other."

                He felt like bolting out of the store.  But all he could do was politely move away. "I got to go and see how's my little brother doing," liar, he thought to himself, "See yah!"  He was so close of storming off.  Unfortunately for Rowen, Charlene held on to him.  She can see Roxanne and Carter come closer and closer.

***

                "Gee, I wonder why they changed the date.  At least they should of warned everybody," said Roxanne talking to Carter on their way to the book store.  Carter frowned a little.  All was according to plan.

***

                Charlene, with all her might turned Rowen's shocked body to face her as fast as she could.  Then out of the blue, she pressed her lips with his and kissed him till he finally pulled himself free.  He tried to say something but words wouldn't come out of his mouth.  Rowen heard someone sniff and growl.  That growl sounded too familiar that he knew exactly who it was.

                "HOW COULD YOU?!?!"  Roxanne yelled at both of them.  Carter stands behind a book shelf, hiding from them with guilt.

                "How dare you kiss that stinking pile of shit!?" Roxanne pointed to Charlene.  She quickly made eye level with Charlene and as fast as you can say go, she bitch slapped her so hard that Charlene's head turned a nighty degrees left.  A long bloody cut was all that Roxanne left on her cheek.  Caused from the ring Roxanne was wearing.  Roxanne had tears running down her face and turned to look at Rowen.  Then left running out the book store.  Rowen ran after her as fast as he could, but the crowed was blocking his way to reach her.  She was gone. 

                Cye saw Rowen run after her.  He quickly called the others behind him buying some pizza in the snack bar.  They all turned to see their friend shocked, confused, and hurt.