Chapter 43
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They landed on a walkway on the top of the wall.
"JEEZE LOUISE!," gasped Brandy glancing over the wall edge down at the white worm. "what a close call ... that was a miracle. I thought we were done for ..."
"We made it," sighed Lin, "I thought we were going to die ... no we should be dead."
"I told you everything would be alright," said Johan flexing his bicep, "you can always rely on me!"
They laughed relieved.
"You're right," said Lin blushing, "that was amazing. I don't know how you did it."
"Talent," said Johan with a cheerful wink.
"CLANK!"
"CLANK!"
"CLANK!"
The sound of heavy boots clanking on wood abruptly ended their conversation.
They looked to see the source of the footsteps.
"Theris!," gasped Johan, "what are you doing here!?"
Theris walked up a flight of stairs along the inner side of the wall dressed with a rifle on his back.
"I'm on gate duty today," said Theris, "I was the one talking to you from behind the gate. no one else would have let you in even by climbing the wall. You got lucky. But, how did you end up outside?"
"A female doctor at the tournament," said Johan, "threw me out of the city and this large bird caught me carrying me away."
"Threw you out?," asked Theris raising his eyebrow, "Do you remember her name? I can have her investigated. No one but army high council and above should have the authority to remove people from the city."
"No," said Johan, "I don't want to get on Armyka's radar until I can defend myself."
"Makes sense," said Theris, "who are these two?"
Theris nodded his head at Brandy and Lin who were untying themselves from the blanket that connected the three of them together.
Johan's imagination started running wild as all the things that could be happening to Luisa at that moment ran through his mind.
"They helped me get back," said Johan, "Theris, I have to go, my girl is in trouble. We can meet at the restaurant after the tournament and can catch up then."
"Go then," said Theris, "it is against protocol to let visitors in without screening, but I'll make an exception this time. Don't get noticed. If you do, we don't know each other, get it?"
Lin and Brandy nodded.
"Thanks," said Johan giving Theris an appreciative look.
"Go," said Theris, "before the other guards come. My shift is almost over. If they see us, things will get complicated."
"Thanks Theirs," said Johan.
"No problem," said Theris.
Johan headed down the stairs and Lin and Brandy followed.
-- Ø --
"BANG!"
"BANG!"
"BANG!"
Johan banged on Luisa's apartment door.
"Luisa!," yelled Johan.
He was so worried that he couldn't use his perception abilities to sense what was happening behind the doors.
There was a shuffle and the door opened. There stood Luisa, with red eyes. She had clearly been crying.
"Luisa!," said Johan, "baby! I am so glad you are alright! I was so worried."
Luisa threw herself into Johan arms embracing him. Johan hugged her back cherishing her warmth. She then kissed Johan repeatedly on his lips.
"Johan!," said Luisa, "where have you been? I looked everywhere for you. You didn't tell me that you were going to register for the tournament, no one at the gym knew where you went, then Pedro said he hadn't seen you since the tournament registration and that was after two days of not seeing you. Then my friend told me you left town for good."
Johan hugged Luisa tightly.
"What friend? No one saw me get thrown out," said Johan, "did anything happen to you? This doctor said she knew where you lived. She threw me out of the city. She had a mustache and I was afraid she was affiliated with the mustache gang."
"What?," said Luisa pulling away and looking up into Johan's eyes, "The ones that jumped us?"
Luisa glanced behind Johan and saw Brandy and Lin.
"Who are those two?," asked Luisa.
"Friends, they helped bring me back after I got thrown out of the city, do you know someone named Rey? She seemed to know you," said Johan, "she is the one that threw me out."
"I did no such thing," said a familiar female voice.
Behind the partly opened apartment door, a familiar face seemed to be hiding causing Johan's heart to stop.
Luisa looked back and said, "Rey is a friend, she is here right now. She is the friend I was talking about. How could she throw you out. She is tiny."
The door squeaked opened, revealing Rey, wearing a white dress adorned with teddy bears and having her hair tied in pig tails with pink ribbons and black rimmed glasses.
"What are you doing here!?," gasped Johan.
"Johan!," said Luisa, "I am glad you are okay and love you. All of you come in. You all look so worn out. I'll make you all some tea, you can tell me what happened."
-- Ø --
Rey and Johan sat across from each other on separate sofas with a coffee table between them in Luisa's living room. The tension between them made everyone feel awkward. Lin and Brandy sat next to Rey silently watching them.
"Your strength isn't normal," said Johan, "you are crazy, you had men tied up in your office. You threw me high above the city yourself."
"I am 100% normal," responded Rey sticking her tongue out at Johan, "... you are a violent abusive man! I will tell Luisa you have herpes. Destroy your chances of being her girlfriend. HO! HO! HO! he! he! HE HE HE! Luisa will be my girlfriend! I will destroy your love! I warned you saying I never wanted to see you again!"
"Wha!?," said Johan as his mouth dropped open, "she is already my girlfriend ... she won't believe you! You are a brat! Why are you suddenly being so malicious? You're the one that almost killed me!"
"You know," said Brandy, "me and Lin are here, we heard what you just said Rey ..."
Rey's eyes widened and her pupils dilated as her eyes watered up looking at Brandy and Lin with puppy eyes.
"But girls gotta sick together right? You wouldn't tell Luisa what I just said would you?"
"Awwwwww ...," said Lin and Brandy as they blushed and smiled looking a Rey, "you are SO CUTE! You are right! How could someone as cute as you cause anyone problems?"
Lin petted Rey's head as she started cuddling and rolling on Brandy and Lin's laps as if she was a kitten.
"Awwww ...," said Johan as his heart softened for a moment, "Adorable, I want to rub your belly ..."
The words herpes echoed in his mind and Johan shook his head snapping out of his temporary trance.
"Guys!," gasped Johan, "She is using her cuteness to brainwash you! How did that even work!? Did you hear what she just said to me? She threatened me!"
Lin and Brandy didn't hear what Johan said as they continued to play with Rey.
"It's called doctor voodoo," whispered Rey glancing at Johan with the corner of her eye, "not brainwashing with cuteness."
"Doctor voodoo!?," said Johan, "it doesn't exist! You are making words up and brainwashing people! How are you doing this!? Is this a mana ability? Where is your murderous assistant?"
"He is buying high quality vegetables for snacks," said Rey, "like a good boy. If he didn't I'd beat him up!"
Johan's mouth dropped hearing Rey's words, the girls didn't hear and were distracted petting Rey.
Luisa walked into the living room with a bunch of cups and mug full of pre-made tea.
"What are you doing Rey?," asked Luisa, "you seem to have made some friends."
Rey was still rolling around on Lin and Brandy's laps.
Rey sat up and said, "YUM! TEA TIME!"
Lin and Brandy seemed to snap out of their trance and stared at each other confused, not sure of what had just happened.
"Grab a cup from the tray," said Luisa, "I'll pour you some. Its green tea, I love this brand. It is super healthy and delicious."
They all grabbed cups and Luisa poured tea for them. Then Luisa sat down on Johan's lap cuddling with him.
Rey was clearly upset by this open display of affection.
"JOHAN HAS HERPES!," yelled Rey pointing a finger at Johan.
Johan's mouth dropped and Luisa looked at Johan.
"What?," said Luisa, "what is she talking about?"
"She is making stuff up," said Johan.
"I checked him out at the tournament," said Rey.
"Don't be silly Rey," said Luisa, "you are being ridiculous saying such things, especially in front of guests, things like this can get your license revoked."
"I don't have herpes," said Johan.
"She is just jealous of your relationship," said Brandy, "I for one think you are beautiful Luisa. Johan spoke so much about you. He is a good guy."
"Awwww," said Luisa looking at Johan.
"No!," yelled Rey as her eyes watered up, "you must love me and only me Luisa!"
"What happened between you two?," asked Luisa.
"She threw me out of the tent with inhuman strength," said Johan, "a giant bird they call birdmen caught me and flew me to its nest. Then Brandy and Lin's leader Silverblade saved me from them. Took me in and sent Lin to bring me back here."
"I vouch for what Johan just said," said Lin, "I saw Sir Silverblade slay the beasts."
"I tagged along," said Brandy, "because I wanted to see a city where no one had mana abilities. My dantians were crippled. So I am like you."
Luisa looked at Lin and Brandy confused and then to Rey.
"I am so petite," said Rey as she gave Luisa puppy eyes, "how could I throw someone into the sky?"
"The mustache!," said Johan, "you threatened Luisa before throwing me out."
Rey gave Johan a confused look then something in her head seemed to click.
"Oh this!"
Rey pulled out a black purse from the side of the couch and pulled a mustache out of it and put it under her nose.
"What are you doing Rey?," gasped Luisa, "where did you get that!"
"Some men gave me this when I saved their friends life with my doctor voodoo," said Rey, "I thought it was cute. Now I put it on whenever I am upset, it helps me control my emotions and reminds me that people appreciate me. They said, it made me an honorary member of their gang."
Luisa let out a sigh as she sipped her tea.
"Rey," said Luisa, "you are such a sweat girl, but you always manage to leave me confused."
"There is something off about you," said Johan, "you and Athyne, what I have seen you too do shouldn't be possible. Are you two using mana techniques?"
"Mana cultivation?," said Rey raising an eyebrow,"I am a doctor and healer, not a wizard."
"Enough," said Luisa hugging Johan, "let's all forget the past and try and get along now. I am just glad you are okay. If we continue talking about this, Rey will just confuse us more. That is her personality."
"We need to get back to my master Sir Silverblade's abode," said Lin, "but we are stranded here because my rickshaw was destroyed. He will wonder what has happened to us."
"There isn't anything that can be done," said Luisa, "only sects have modes of transportation out of here. This city is closed off to protect us to the tournament and the selected being screened. Only sect masters and gamblers can come in and out of the city during tournament time."
"Sir Silverblade will be attending the tournament," said Lin, "He wanted to bet on fighters. We can meet up with him then. I guess at the moment this is our only choice."
"Which reminds me," said Johan, "I'll have to start training again soon."
"Let's forget all that for now," said Luisa, "I was so afraid that I lost you. "
"How is Rey your friend?," said Johan, "why would you trust this girl?"
"Oh hun," said Luisa, "she might be a bit unconventional, but she is one of the best doctors in the city. She has pulled off several miracles."
"THAT IS RIGHT!," said Rey standing up and posing proudly, her teeth twinkled in the apartment light. "I AM AMONG THE TOP THREE DOCTORS IN THIS CITY! THEY CALL ME THE QUEEN OF DOCTORS!"
Johan slapped his face and said, "How in tarnations?"
"See?," said Luisa, "the more you talk to her, the more confused you get. But she is a sweetheart."
Lin interrupted, "Sorry to interrupt. We are going to need a place to stay, we aren't from here."
"Well," said Luisa, "they could stay at one of our places and we could stay together. We were thinking of moving in together soon anyways. That way they'd have their space."
An expression of panic spread across Rey's face.
"No," said Rey, "They can stay with me! You won't have to move anything!"
Lin and Brandy looked up at Rey surprised.
"Really? Up until the tournament?," said Lin surprised.
"Of course!," said Rey giving them the peace sign with her hands, "Girls gotta stick together! I gots plenty of space, I am a doctor so my house is HUGE!"
"That would probably be easier," said Luisa.
"Well," said Johan hesitantly, "if you girls are comfortable with it."
"I am fine with it," said Brandy.
"Me too," said Lin.
"That settles it!," said Rey happily.
Having these two girls stay with Rey made Johan feel very uncomfortable. Especially, considering the fact that she'd almost killed him. However, with the fight tournament fast approaching, this seemed to be the least intrusive and time consuming solution.
"Well if you guys need anything," said Johan, "just ask. I owe you for bringing me back."
"They won't," said Rey pointing her nose up in the air, "I will be an awesome host!"
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They landed on a walkway on the top of the wall.
"JEEZE LOUISE!," gasped Brandy glancing over the wall edge down at the white worm. "what a close call ... that was a miracle. I thought we were done for ..."
"We made it," sighed Lin, "I thought we were going to die ... no we should be dead."
"I told you everything would be alright," said Johan flexing his bicep, "you can always rely on me!"
They laughed relieved.
"You're right," said Lin blushing, "that was amazing. I don't know how you did it."
"Talent," said Johan with a cheerful wink.
"CLANK!"
"CLANK!"
"CLANK!"
The sound of heavy boots clanking on wood abruptly ended their conversation.
They looked to see the source of the footsteps.
"Theris!," gasped Johan, "what are you doing here!?"
Theris walked up a flight of stairs along the inner side of the wall dressed with a rifle on his back.
"I'm on gate duty today," said Theris, "I was the one talking to you from behind the gate. no one else would have let you in even by climbing the wall. You got lucky. But, how did you end up outside?"
"A female doctor at the tournament," said Johan, "threw me out of the city and this large bird caught me carrying me away."
"Threw you out?," asked Theris raising his eyebrow, "Do you remember her name? I can have her investigated. No one but army high council and above should have the authority to remove people from the city."
"No," said Johan, "I don't want to get on Armyka's radar until I can defend myself."
"Makes sense," said Theris, "who are these two?"
Theris nodded his head at Brandy and Lin who were untying themselves from the blanket that connected the three of them together.
Johan's imagination started running wild as all the things that could be happening to Luisa at that moment ran through his mind.
"They helped me get back," said Johan, "Theris, I have to go, my girl is in trouble. We can meet at the restaurant after the tournament and can catch up then."
"Go then," said Theris, "it is against protocol to let visitors in without screening, but I'll make an exception this time. Don't get noticed. If you do, we don't know each other, get it?"
Lin and Brandy nodded.
"Thanks," said Johan giving Theris an appreciative look.
"Go," said Theris, "before the other guards come. My shift is almost over. If they see us, things will get complicated."
"Thanks Theirs," said Johan.
"No problem," said Theris.
Johan headed down the stairs and Lin and Brandy followed.
-- Ø --
"BANG!"
"BANG!"
"BANG!"
Johan banged on Luisa's apartment door.
"Luisa!," yelled Johan.
He was so worried that he couldn't use his perception abilities to sense what was happening behind the doors.
There was a shuffle and the door opened. There stood Luisa, with red eyes. She had clearly been crying.
"Luisa!," said Johan, "baby! I am so glad you are alright! I was so worried."
Luisa threw herself into Johan arms embracing him. Johan hugged her back cherishing her warmth. She then kissed Johan repeatedly on his lips.
"Johan!," said Luisa, "where have you been? I looked everywhere for you. You didn't tell me that you were going to register for the tournament, no one at the gym knew where you went, then Pedro said he hadn't seen you since the tournament registration and that was after two days of not seeing you. Then my friend told me you left town for good."
Johan hugged Luisa tightly.
"What friend? No one saw me get thrown out," said Johan, "did anything happen to you? This doctor said she knew where you lived. She threw me out of the city. She had a mustache and I was afraid she was affiliated with the mustache gang."
"What?," said Luisa pulling away and looking up into Johan's eyes, "The ones that jumped us?"
Luisa glanced behind Johan and saw Brandy and Lin.
"Who are those two?," asked Luisa.
"Friends, they helped bring me back after I got thrown out of the city, do you know someone named Rey? She seemed to know you," said Johan, "she is the one that threw me out."
"I did no such thing," said a familiar female voice.
Behind the partly opened apartment door, a familiar face seemed to be hiding causing Johan's heart to stop.
Luisa looked back and said, "Rey is a friend, she is here right now. She is the friend I was talking about. How could she throw you out. She is tiny."
The door squeaked opened, revealing Rey, wearing a white dress adorned with teddy bears and having her hair tied in pig tails with pink ribbons and black rimmed glasses.
"What are you doing here!?," gasped Johan.
"Johan!," said Luisa, "I am glad you are okay and love you. All of you come in. You all look so worn out. I'll make you all some tea, you can tell me what happened."
-- Ø --
Rey and Johan sat across from each other on separate sofas with a coffee table between them in Luisa's living room. The tension between them made everyone feel awkward. Lin and Brandy sat next to Rey silently watching them.
"Your strength isn't normal," said Johan, "you are crazy, you had men tied up in your office. You threw me high above the city yourself."
"I am 100% normal," responded Rey sticking her tongue out at Johan, "... you are a violent abusive man! I will tell Luisa you have herpes. Destroy your chances of being her girlfriend. HO! HO! HO! he! he! HE HE HE! Luisa will be my girlfriend! I will destroy your love! I warned you saying I never wanted to see you again!"
"Wha!?," said Johan as his mouth dropped open, "she is already my girlfriend ... she won't believe you! You are a brat! Why are you suddenly being so malicious? You're the one that almost killed me!"
"You know," said Brandy, "me and Lin are here, we heard what you just said Rey ..."
Rey's eyes widened and her pupils dilated as her eyes watered up looking at Brandy and Lin with puppy eyes.
"But girls gotta sick together right? You wouldn't tell Luisa what I just said would you?"
"Awwwwww ...," said Lin and Brandy as they blushed and smiled looking a Rey, "you are SO CUTE! You are right! How could someone as cute as you cause anyone problems?"
Lin petted Rey's head as she started cuddling and rolling on Brandy and Lin's laps as if she was a kitten.
"Awwww ...," said Johan as his heart softened for a moment, "Adorable, I want to rub your belly ..."
The words herpes echoed in his mind and Johan shook his head snapping out of his temporary trance.
"Guys!," gasped Johan, "She is using her cuteness to brainwash you! How did that even work!? Did you hear what she just said to me? She threatened me!"
Lin and Brandy didn't hear what Johan said as they continued to play with Rey.
"It's called doctor voodoo," whispered Rey glancing at Johan with the corner of her eye, "not brainwashing with cuteness."
"Doctor voodoo!?," said Johan, "it doesn't exist! You are making words up and brainwashing people! How are you doing this!? Is this a mana ability? Where is your murderous assistant?"
"He is buying high quality vegetables for snacks," said Rey, "like a good boy. If he didn't I'd beat him up!"
Johan's mouth dropped hearing Rey's words, the girls didn't hear and were distracted petting Rey.
Luisa walked into the living room with a bunch of cups and mug full of pre-made tea.
"What are you doing Rey?," asked Luisa, "you seem to have made some friends."
Rey was still rolling around on Lin and Brandy's laps.
Rey sat up and said, "YUM! TEA TIME!"
Lin and Brandy seemed to snap out of their trance and stared at each other confused, not sure of what had just happened.
"Grab a cup from the tray," said Luisa, "I'll pour you some. Its green tea, I love this brand. It is super healthy and delicious."
They all grabbed cups and Luisa poured tea for them. Then Luisa sat down on Johan's lap cuddling with him.
Rey was clearly upset by this open display of affection.
"JOHAN HAS HERPES!," yelled Rey pointing a finger at Johan.
Johan's mouth dropped and Luisa looked at Johan.
"What?," said Luisa, "what is she talking about?"
"She is making stuff up," said Johan.
"I checked him out at the tournament," said Rey.
"Don't be silly Rey," said Luisa, "you are being ridiculous saying such things, especially in front of guests, things like this can get your license revoked."
"I don't have herpes," said Johan.
"She is just jealous of your relationship," said Brandy, "I for one think you are beautiful Luisa. Johan spoke so much about you. He is a good guy."
"Awwww," said Luisa looking at Johan.
"No!," yelled Rey as her eyes watered up, "you must love me and only me Luisa!"
"What happened between you two?," asked Luisa.
"She threw me out of the tent with inhuman strength," said Johan, "a giant bird they call birdmen caught me and flew me to its nest. Then Brandy and Lin's leader Silverblade saved me from them. Took me in and sent Lin to bring me back here."
"I vouch for what Johan just said," said Lin, "I saw Sir Silverblade slay the beasts."
"I tagged along," said Brandy, "because I wanted to see a city where no one had mana abilities. My dantians were crippled. So I am like you."
Luisa looked at Lin and Brandy confused and then to Rey.
"I am so petite," said Rey as she gave Luisa puppy eyes, "how could I throw someone into the sky?"
"The mustache!," said Johan, "you threatened Luisa before throwing me out."
Rey gave Johan a confused look then something in her head seemed to click.
"Oh this!"
Rey pulled out a black purse from the side of the couch and pulled a mustache out of it and put it under her nose.
"What are you doing Rey?," gasped Luisa, "where did you get that!"
"Some men gave me this when I saved their friends life with my doctor voodoo," said Rey, "I thought it was cute. Now I put it on whenever I am upset, it helps me control my emotions and reminds me that people appreciate me. They said, it made me an honorary member of their gang."
Luisa let out a sigh as she sipped her tea.
"Rey," said Luisa, "you are such a sweat girl, but you always manage to leave me confused."
"There is something off about you," said Johan, "you and Athyne, what I have seen you too do shouldn't be possible. Are you two using mana techniques?"
"Mana cultivation?," said Rey raising an eyebrow,"I am a doctor and healer, not a wizard."
"Enough," said Luisa hugging Johan, "let's all forget the past and try and get along now. I am just glad you are okay. If we continue talking about this, Rey will just confuse us more. That is her personality."
"We need to get back to my master Sir Silverblade's abode," said Lin, "but we are stranded here because my rickshaw was destroyed. He will wonder what has happened to us."
"There isn't anything that can be done," said Luisa, "only sects have modes of transportation out of here. This city is closed off to protect us to the tournament and the selected being screened. Only sect masters and gamblers can come in and out of the city during tournament time."
"Sir Silverblade will be attending the tournament," said Lin, "He wanted to bet on fighters. We can meet up with him then. I guess at the moment this is our only choice."
"Which reminds me," said Johan, "I'll have to start training again soon."
"Let's forget all that for now," said Luisa, "I was so afraid that I lost you. "
"How is Rey your friend?," said Johan, "why would you trust this girl?"
"Oh hun," said Luisa, "she might be a bit unconventional, but she is one of the best doctors in the city. She has pulled off several miracles."
"THAT IS RIGHT!," said Rey standing up and posing proudly, her teeth twinkled in the apartment light. "I AM AMONG THE TOP THREE DOCTORS IN THIS CITY! THEY CALL ME THE QUEEN OF DOCTORS!"
Johan slapped his face and said, "How in tarnations?"
"See?," said Luisa, "the more you talk to her, the more confused you get. But she is a sweetheart."
Lin interrupted, "Sorry to interrupt. We are going to need a place to stay, we aren't from here."
"Well," said Luisa, "they could stay at one of our places and we could stay together. We were thinking of moving in together soon anyways. That way they'd have their space."
An expression of panic spread across Rey's face.
"No," said Rey, "They can stay with me! You won't have to move anything!"
Lin and Brandy looked up at Rey surprised.
"Really? Up until the tournament?," said Lin surprised.
"Of course!," said Rey giving them the peace sign with her hands, "Girls gotta stick together! I gots plenty of space, I am a doctor so my house is HUGE!"
"That would probably be easier," said Luisa.
"Well," said Johan hesitantly, "if you girls are comfortable with it."
"I am fine with it," said Brandy.
"Me too," said Lin.
"That settles it!," said Rey happily.
Having these two girls stay with Rey made Johan feel very uncomfortable. Especially, considering the fact that she'd almost killed him. However, with the fight tournament fast approaching, this seemed to be the least intrusive and time consuming solution.
"Well if you guys need anything," said Johan, "just ask. I owe you for bringing me back."
"They won't," said Rey pointing her nose up in the air, "I will be an awesome host!"
They landed on a walkway on the top of the wall."JEEZE LOUISE!," gasped Brandy glancing over the wall edge down at the white worm. "what a close call ... that was a miracle. I thought we were done for ...""We made it," sighed Lin, "I thought we were going to die ... no we should be dead.""I told you everything would be alright," said Johan flexing his bicep, "you can always rely on me!"They laughed relieved."You're right," said Lin blushing, "that was amazing. I don't know how you did it.""Talent," said Johan with a cheerful wink."CLANK!""CLANK!""CLANK!"The sound of heavy boots clanking on wood abruptly ended their conversation.They looked to see the source of the footsteps."Theris!," gasped Johan, "what are you doing here!?"Theris walked up a flight of stairs along the inner side of the wall dressed with a rifle on his back."I'm on gate duty today," said Theris, "I was the one talking to you from behind the gate. no one else would have let you in even by climbing the wall. You got lucky. But, how did you end up outside?""A female doctor at the tournament," said Johan, "threw me out of the city and this large bird caught me carrying me away.""Threw you out?," asked Theris raising his eyebrow, "Do you remember her name? I can have her investigated. No one but army high council and above should have the authority to remove people from the city.""No," said Johan, "I don't want to get on Armyka's radar until I can defend myself.""Makes sense," said Theris, "who are these two?"Theris nodded his head at Brandy and Lin who were untying themselves from the blanket that connected the three of them together.Johan's imagination started running wild as all the things that could be happening to Luisa at that moment ran through his mind."They helped me get back," said Johan, "Theris, I have to go, my girl is in trouble. We can meet at the restaurant after the tournament and can catch up then.""Go then," said Theris, "it is against protocol to let visitors in without screening, but I'll make an exception this time. Don't get noticed. If you do, we don't know each other, get it?"Lin and Brandy nodded."Thanks," said Johan giving Theris an appreciative look."Go," said Theris, "before the other guards come. My shift is almost over. If they see us, things will get complicated.""Thanks Theirs," said Johan."No problem," said Theris.Johan headed down the stairs and Lin and Brandy followed.-- --"BANG!""BANG!""BANG!"Johan banged on Luisa's apartment door."Luisa!," yelled Johan.He was so worried that he couldn't use his perception abilities to sense what was happening behind the doors.There was a shuffle and the door opened. There stood Luisa, with red eyes. She had clearly been crying."Luisa!," said Johan, "baby! I am so glad you are alright! I was so worried."Luisa threw herself into Johan arms embracing him. Johan hugged her back cherishing her warmth. She then kissed Johan repeatedly on his lips."Johan!," said Luisa, "where have you been? I looked everywhere for you. You didn't tell me that you were going to register for the tournament, no one at the gym knew where you went, then Pedro said he hadn't seen you since the tournament registration and that was after two days of not seeing you. Then my friend told me you left town for good."Johan hugged Luisa tightly."What friend? No one saw me get thrown out," said Johan, "did anything happen to you? This doctor said she knew where you lived. She threw me out of the city. She had a mustache and I was afraid she was affiliated with the mustache gang.""What?," said Luisa pulling away and looking up into Johan's eyes, "The ones that jumped us?"Luisa glanced behind Johan and saw Brandy and Lin."Who are those two?," asked Luisa."Friends, they helped bring me back after I got thrown out of the city, do you know someone named Rey? She seemed to know you," said Johan, "she is the one that threw me out.""I did no such thing," said a familiar female voice.Behind the partly opened apartment door, a familiar face seemed to be hiding causing Johan's heart to stop.Luisa looked back and said, "Rey is a friend, she is here right now. She is the friend I was talking about. How could she throw you out. She is tiny."The door squeaked opened, revealing Rey, wearing a white dress adorned with teddy bears and having her hair tied in pig tails with pink ribbons and black rimmed glasses."What are you doing here!?," gasped Johan."Johan!," said Luisa, "I am glad you are okay and love you. All of you come in. You all look so worn out. I'll make you all some tea, you can tell me what happened."-- --Rey and Johan sat across from each other on separate sofas with a coffee table between them in Luisa's living room. The tension between them made everyone feel awkward. Lin and Brandy sat next to Rey silently watching them."Your strength isn't normal," said Johan, "you are crazy, you had men tied up in your office. You threw me high above the city yourself.""I am 100% normal," responded Rey sticking her tongue out at Johan, "... you are a violent abusive man! I will tell Luisa you have herpes. Destroy your chances of being her girlfriend. HO! HO! HO! he! he! HE HE HE! Luisa will be my girlfriend! I will destroy your love! I warned you saying I never wanted to see you again!""Wha!?," said Johan as his mouth dropped open, "she is already my girlfriend ... she won't believe you! You are a brat! Why are you suddenly being so malicious? You're the one that almost killed me!""You know," said Brandy, "me and Lin are here, we heard what you just said Rey ..."Rey's eyes widened and her pupils dilated as her eyes watered up looking at Brandy and Lin with puppy eyes."But girls gotta sick together right? You wouldn't tell Luisa what I just said would you?""Awwwwww ...," said Lin and Brandy as they blushed and smiled looking a Rey, "you are SO CUTE! You are right! How could someone as cute as you cause anyone problems?"Lin petted Rey's head as she started cuddling and rolling on Brandy and Lin's laps as if she was a kitten."Awwww ...," said Johan as his heart softened for a moment, "Adorable, I want to rub your belly ..."The words herpes echoed in his mind and Johan shook his head snapping out of his temporary trance."Guys!," gasped Johan, "She is using her cuteness to brainwash you! How did that even work!? Did you hear what she just said to me? She threatened me!"Lin and Brandy didn't hear what Johan said as they continued to play with Rey."It's called doctor voodoo," whispered Rey glancing at Johan with the corner of her eye, "not brainwashing with cuteness.""Doctor voodoo!?," said Johan, "it doesn't exist! You are making words up and brainwashing people! How are you doing this!? Is this a mana ability? Where is your murderous assistant?""He is buying high quality vegetables for snacks," said Rey, "like a good boy. If he didn't I'd beat him up!"Johan's mouth dropped hearing Rey's words, the girls didn't hear and were distracted petting Rey.Luisa walked into the living room with a bunch of cups and mug full of pre-made tea."What are you doing Rey?," asked Luisa, "you seem to have made some friends."Rey was still rolling around on Lin and Brandy's laps.Rey sat up and said, "YUM! TEA TIME!"Lin and Brandy seemed to snap out of their trance and stared at each other confused, not sure of what had just happened."Grab a cup from the tray," said Luisa, "I'll pour you some. Its green tea, I love this brand. It is super healthy and delicious."They all grabbed cups and Luisa poured tea for them. Then Luisa sat down on Johan's lap cuddling with him.Rey was clearly upset by this open display of affection."JOHAN HAS HERPES!," yelled Rey pointing a finger at Johan.Johan's mouth dropped and Luisa looked at Johan."What?," said Luisa, "what is she talking about?""She is making stuff up," said Johan."I checked him out at the tournament," said Rey."Don't be silly Rey," said Luisa, "you are being ridiculous saying such things, especially in front of guests, things like this can get your license revoked.""I don't have herpes," said Johan."She is just jealous of your relationship," said Brandy, "I for one think you are beautiful Luisa. Johan spoke so much about you. He is a good guy.""Awwww," said Luisa looking at Johan."No!," yelled Rey as her eyes watered up, "you must love me and only me Luisa!""What happened between you two?," asked Luisa."She threw me out of the tent with inhuman strength," said Johan, "a giant bird they call birdmen caught me and flew me to its nest. Then Brandy and Lin's leader Silverblade saved me from them. Took me in and sent Lin to bring me back here.""I vouch for what Johan just said," said Lin, "I saw Sir Silverblade slay the beasts.""I tagged along," said Brandy, "because I wanted to see a city where no one had mana abilities. My dantians were crippled. So I am like you."Luisa looked at Lin and Brandy confused and then to Rey."I am so petite," said Rey as she gave Luisa puppy eyes, "how could I throw someone into the sky?""The mustache!," said Johan, "you threatened Luisa before throwing me out."Rey gave Johan a confused look then something in her head seemed to click."Oh this!"Rey pulled out a black purse from the side of the couch and pulled a mustache out of it and put it under her nose."What are you doing Rey?," gasped Luisa, "where did you get that!""Some men gave me this when I saved their friends life with my doctor voodoo," said Rey, "I thought it was cute. Now I put it on whenever I am upset, it helps me control my emotions and reminds me that people appreciate me. They said, it made me an honorary member of their gang."Luisa let out a sigh as she sipped her tea."Rey," said Luisa, "you are such a sweat girl, but you always manage to leave me confused.""There is something off about you," said Johan, "you and Athyne, what I have seen you too do shouldn't be possible. Are you two using mana techniques?""Mana cultivation?," said Rey raising an eyebrow,"I am a doctor and healer, not a wizard.""Enough," said Luisa hugging Johan, "let's all forget the past and try and get along now. I am just glad you are okay. If we continue talking about this, Rey will just confuse us more. That is her personality.""We need to get back to my master Sir Silverblade's abode," said Lin, "but we are stranded here because my rickshaw was destroyed. He will wonder what has happened to us.""There isn't anything that can be done," said Luisa, "only sects have modes of transportation out of here. This city is closed off to protect us to the tournament and the selected being screened. Only sect masters and gamblers can come in and out of the city during tournament time.""Sir Silverblade will be attending the tournament," said Lin, "He wanted to bet on fighters. We can meet up with him then. I guess at the moment this is our only choice.""Which reminds me," said Johan, "I'll have to start training again soon.""Let's forget all that for now," said Luisa, "I was so afraid that I lost you. ""How is Rey your friend?," said Johan, "why would you trust this girl?""Oh hun," said Luisa, "she might be a bit unconventional, but she is one of the best doctors in the city. She has pulled off several miracles.""THAT IS RIGHT!," said Rey standing up and posing proudly, her teeth twinkled in the apartment light. "I AM AMONG THE TOP THREE DOCTORS IN THIS CITY! THEY CALL ME THE QUEEN OF DOCTORS!"Johan slapped his face and said, "How in tarnations?""See?," said Luisa, "the more you talk to her, the more confused you get. But she is a sweetheart."Lin interrupted, "Sorry to interrupt. We are going to need a place to stay, we aren't from here.""Well," said Luisa, "they could stay at one of our places and we could stay together. We were thinking of moving in together soon anyways. That way they'd have their space."An expression of panic spread across Rey's face."No," said Rey, "They can stay with me! You won't have to move anything!"Lin and Brandy looked up at Rey surprised."Really? Up until the tournament?," said Lin surprised."Of course!," said Rey giving them the peace sign with her hands, "Girls gotta stick together! I gots plenty of space, I am a doctor so my house is HUGE!""That would probably be easier," said Luisa."Well," said Johan hesitantly, "if you girls are comfortable with it.""I am fine with it," said Brandy."Me too," said Lin."That settles it!," said Rey happily.Having these two girls stay with Rey made Johan feel very uncomfortable. Especially, considering the fact that she'd almost killed him. However, with the fight tournament fast approaching, this seemed to be the least intrusive and time consuming solution."Well if you guys need anything," said Johan, "just ask. I owe you for bringing me back.""They won't," said Rey pointing her nose up in the air, "I will be an awesome host!"
