The Crimson Thread

Chapter 14: Shootin' Shots, Aimin' Dots, I Don't Miss

Hawk and Ryuko stand side by side as their opponent Ira Gamagori, Head of the Disciplinary Committee, stands to oppose them in their quest to defeat the Elite Four and Satsuki Kiryuin.

Gamagori: "As the shield for Lady Satsuki, I shall be the first to fight Matoi and Branwen!"

Jakuzure: "Now, hold on there, Toad. Who said you could have first dibs?"

Sanageyama: "Yeah! I want to be first to face Matoi and Hawk!"

Hawk: "Ladies! Ladies! Please. You'll all have a chance to get a piece of me."

Ryuko: "Screw that! I'll fight all you pussies right here, right now!"

Hawk: "That's what I like to hear."

Satsuki: "Enough! I have already decided who shall fight and in what order. Have you cared to notice how each pillar is a different height? Based on how many foes you eliminated as an Elite Four member dictates who shall fight. That means Gamagori is first, followed by Inumata, Jakuzure, and finally Sanageyama." As she finishes that statement, The Elite Gour begins to bicker amongst themselves.

Hawk: "Hey Ryuko, you good to go?"

Ryuko: "Senkestu and I are raring to kick all their asses. How about you? You aren't wearing your Kamui. Won't you be at a disadvantage?"

Hawk: "Power-wise, yeah. But if I've learned anything through my life, it's that sometimes skill trumps power." Ryuko nods as the two take a readied stance.

But as they stood there waiting for Gamagori to make a move, they found him standing with his arms crossed and waiting.

Hawk: "Uhh...is there like a bell?"

Ryuko: "Come on! What's the hold-up?! Aren't we supposed to be fighting!!"

Gamagori: "Of course, but only at the scheduled time. Which is at 1 o'clock." He then points at a digital clock on the side of the stadium which shows the current time being 8:55 am.

Hawk: "No way."

Ryuko: "What the hell?! But we're all here! Let's do this!"

Gamagori: "No, Matoi. We will wait until 1 pm as that is what someone with discipline is supposed to do. Following the set schedule for the election is paramount to keep disciplined."

Ryuko: "Ugh! Fine!! But when I return from lunch, I'll kick all your asses!"

Jakuzure: "Ta, ta."

Ryuko: "Coming, Hawk?" She says as she deactivates Senketsu.

Hawk: "Yeah, I'll be right behind you."

Ryuko waves slightly as she hops onto her pillar, which begins to lower, leaving Hawk alone with the Elite Four and Satsuki.

Turning toward them with a smirk, he sees the first to make their way toward him was Sanageyama.

Sanageyama: "Hawk. You look well. Glad to see I'll get the chance to face you."

Hawk: "Ironic...I Like the blindfold. Really matches the Kendo stick."

Sanageyama: "You should've seen how long it took me to pick it out. While I may be able to have greater sight on the world around me, color is a different issue."

Hawk: "Believe me, I know. No matter how hard I try, my color pallet always somehow goes back to red. It'd be a real shame if I couldn't see red." The two share a small chuckle before Hawk reaches out his hand for a handshake. Sanageyema smirks as he shakes Hawk's hand. "Glad you see losing your eyes humbled you a bit. I can't wait to see how good you've gotten. Between you and me...you could beat Satsuki hands down."