[u][color=gold][h1]And then there was one.[/h1][/color][/u] [color=orange]"It's nothin babe. Just us guys hanging out is all."[/color] placated Rolo. A moment later, Divo approached both Rolo and Corinne. He wore of look of trepidation. Almost like he was anticipating something, something bad. Anyone who knew Rolo knew that he didn't take bad news well. It was also known amongst his peers that Rolo had an unfortunate habit of shooting the messager, so to speak. And so Divo braced himself before he passed on Chets orders. [color=turquoise]"Corinne, it's real nice to see y-you again."[/color] Divo greeted nervously. [color=turquoise]"And Rolo? You know the rules right? About non-members and club meetings? Look, we all like Corinne. She's a real cool cat, but..."[/color] Divo paused for a moment before getting to the point. [color=turquoise]"Technically, according to club rules, Corinne ain't allowed to be here. She's not really a member of the Salt Bay Turbos after all. We all like her though big guy, we really do. Don't get me wrong."[/color] Divo explained nervously. [color=orange]"Well Divo, little buddy. I'm glad you like Corinne. I'm glad you approve of my choices in life. And I'm especially glad that you think that I'm the kinda guy who would follow the rules."[/color] the derision in Rolos voice when he said that last word was painfully obvious. [color=orange]"I'M AN OUTLAW DAMNIT! AIN'T NOBODY GONNA CONTROL ME! AND THAT GOES DOUBLE FOR A GROUP OF LAME LITTLE SELLOUTS!"[/color] Rolo shouted. Divo backed away several steps with his hands raised in front of him. He was literally shaking in his boots. Sure, Rolo got mad before, but Divo couldn't help but notice that so,etching was different this time around. Something has changed, most definitely. [color=turquoise]"What are you t-talking about?"[/color] stammered Divo. [color=lime]"Yeah, what are you talking about Rolo?"[/color] asked Chet. The leader of the Salt Bay Turbos approached Rolo whilst he screamed at Divo. And now he stood between the two, like a sentinel. The coldness in Chets voice was quite chilling indeed. It was rare for Chet be angry at any of the crew, let alone Rolo. Divo quickly scampered away, back towards Switch and the rest of the Salt Bay Turbos. The entire crew was silent with shock and anticipation. Rolo made a sigh of resignation before replying to Chets question. [color=orange]"Whatever, Corinne lets split. It's gettin real boring around here anyway."[/color] Rolo approached Corinne then wrapped his left arm around her shoulders. He then guided her away from beneath the boardwalk, away from the rest of the Salt Bay Turbos. Chet merely stared after them, with a look of barely contained rage in his eyes. The rest of the crew just stared on in silence. Even Switch was left speechless. [color=orange]"Nevermind your pretty little head about all that Corinne baby. It's all behind us now."[/color] said Rolo quietly. As Rolo led Corinne to his motorcycle opinion the parking lot, he felt uncertain, yet free. A combination of feelings that Rolo had never felt before. [hr] [color=silver]"Kimiko, oh Kimiko!"[/color] called out Mr. Yoshida. The estate in Kyoto in which the Yoshidas inhabited was a relatively large one, situated near the bamboo forest west of the city. Built in the traditional Edo period style, the Yoshida estate has been passed down for generations. All the way back to the time when the Yoshida family were loyal high-ranking retainers for lord Nobunaga Oda. Surrounded by walls that were several feet high, were the manor itself as well as the spacious and luxurious zen garden towards the back of the estate. It is within this garden that Mr. Yoshida knelt, beneath a Sakura tree. He was gazing into the koi pond in front of him, whilst pondering deeply his many burdens. Kimiko herself stood in a nearby gazebo, practicing her calligraphy with a large ink brush and several large pieces of paper. Upon hearing her fathers summons she immediately stopped what she was doing to answer his call. [color=pink]"Yes father?"[/color] Kimiko answered dutifully. [color=silver]"I have something I need to discuss with you, precious daughter."[/color] said Mr. Yoshida gravely. [color=pink]"What is it father? Is it about that boy?"[/color] asked Kimiko. [color=silver]"You were always so very clever. Why yes it is."[/color] answered her father. [color=silver]"But first, answer me this. Do you know why I've insisted that we spend more time with each other, while partaking in traditional activities?"[/color] he asked. [color=pink]"N-no I haven't"[/color] Kimiko answered meekly. [color=silver]"It's because I wanted to reinforce within you, a lesson. A very important lesson I might add. For you see Kimiko, no matter where you go in this world, you will always have both strength and a place to call home, for the spirit of Japan will always be with you."[/color] lectured Mr. Yoshida. [color=pink]"Umm what does the spirit of Japan have to do with that boy?"[/color] Kimiko asked out of genuine confusion. [color=silver]"I was just getting to that. And please do not speak out of turn. It is unbecoming of a young lady of your stature."[/color] reprimanded her father. [color=pink]"Sorry father, please forgive me."[/color] replied Kimiko. [color=silver]"All is forgiven. Now, about that boy. It seems that he is spending a year at home all by his lonesome. Judging by my talk with him, and by what his father has told me, he is in need of guidance. And as I see it Kimiko, you are in need of a test."[/color] stated Mr. Yoshida. [color=pink]"A test?"[/color] she asked with genuine curiosity. [color=silver]"Yes, a test. Later on this year I will send you to America to see this boy. You shall work alongside him in order to establish a Yoshida electronics store in his town. Who knows? Maybe you'll get to know each other? Hmm?"[/color] explained her father. Kimiko saw this coming a long way away, but to have ot confirmed like this was still quite a shock to her. [color=pink]"I understand."[/color] Kimiko replied. [color=silver]"Good."[/color] said Mr. Yoshida.