"NEXT!" Shouted a booming voice in front of a line that stretched out the door. "Ugggh we've been on this line for so long! When are we gonna get to the front?" Complained a bleach blonde teenager. "Ryuji, you're exaggerating it's only been 15 minutes." Corrected a flashy blonde girl. "She does have a point." Followed a teen boy with bushy black hair. "NEXT!" The same voice shouted. A lanky navy haired boy was right behind Ryuji and stated, "Still, one of us could have a chance at winning the prize, it's not every day you can win a fully paid group trip to New York City for a month." A brown haired girl with bright red eyes agreed, "True, there's seven of us, but the odds are quite slim. A contest like this only happens once every five years in Japan." "She's right Inari, I've calculated the odds and winning are going to be very slim even with seven of us." Proclaimed a tiny redhead. "Even if none of us win what matters is that we tried." Finished a girl with fluffy hair. "That's easy for you to say Haru, you're rich enough to fly to New York City every day." A cat popped out of the black haired boy's bag, "Don't be rude Ryuji." "NEXT!"

Finally, all of the teens were at the front of the queue with Ryuji taking the first spin. "Alright, hope New York is ready for me!" Ryuji spun the Garapon like a bike wheel and once a marble dropped, it was a crimson red. "Sorry sir, maybe next time." "Dammit, this sucks! Your turn Ann." The flashy blonde did the same process but got the same color. "Aww, man! You're next Yusuke." The Navy haired boy got the same results as Ann, "A red one, I guess Makoto will have a chance." As the brunette spun the machine her results were just the same. "I guess not. Your turn, Futaba." The tiny redhead wound up with the same results as everyone. "Aww man, Inari must have cursed it. You're next Haru." But alas when Haru spun it, it was the same red marble. "I guess Akira is our last hope." Once the black haired boy grabbed the Garapon he spun it just as swiftly as Ryuji did but the marble that poured out was a bright gold color. "STOP THE LINE WE HAVE A WINNER! WE FOUND THE GRAND PRIZE WINNER!" Ryuji's jaw dropped. "FOR REAL!? WE'RE GOING TO NEW YORK CITY!?" "YES! THIS IS GOING TO BE THE BEST SUMMER EVER!" "I shall be able to witness the true beauty of a foreign city." The cheering only increased amongst the group as they all traveled home for the night.

In Akira's bag, the same cat popped its head out, "Pretty nice to still see your friends after a year huh? Now you're traveling to New York with them." Akira nodded and patted the feline,"It'll be great to be together as friends for once, Morgana." He purred under Akira's touch. Roaming through the streets of the narrow neighborhood, Akira made his way to a simple little shop named "Cafe Leblanc," and knocked on the door. "Come in!" RING RING! Went the little bell. Once Akira entered, he spotted a lanky middle-aged man behind the coffee counter. "Oh it's you, Futaba told me you would be back during the summer, so is there anything special you're doing?" Futaba then arrived in time to say, "Yeah we are, Akira won everybody tickets to New York City for the summer." Sojiro's eyes popped, "New York City? In the United States? Are you sure you're going to be okay with going Futaba?" Futaba nodded, "Of course I am, Akira helped mold me into what you see today right?" Sojiro chuckled,"Of course he did, if it wasn't for him you wouldn't be back in school or out making new friends, so go on enjoy it but stay close to everyone." "Okay, Sojiro."

A FEW DAYS LATER 7/27

At the airport, everyone arrived with their bags swelled from packing. Behind Haru were multiple men with at least a dozen bags. "Are you sure you're going to need all of that Haru?" Asked Ann. "We are leaving Japan for a month, so it is best to be prepared," Haru replied. "Not to mention we should get plenty of sleep while we're on there. It takes about 14 hours to get to New York from Tokyo." DING DONG DING 'The flight to New York City will be departing soon, please head to the exit gate.' "We better get going." Stated Akira.

After the entire group settled on the plane, they were guided to seats that looked like beds. "Wow! We get to travel in first class and stay overseas for a month!? SWEET!" Once they were all settled, the group spent hours sleeping through the night sky as the plane jetted through the heavens. Once the group opened their eyes, they could see the towering skyscrapers of New York touching the clouds. "Finally!"

Upon landing, everyone got into a taxi that drove them across a bridge towards a city with skyscrapers that went on for miles. "Amazing, it's even more beautiful than I imagined." Yusuke put his fingers in a frame capturing the scenery. "Mew hehe, I can only imagine the hackable stuff there." Futaba giggled. "Futaba, we agreed you would not do that," Makoto claimed. "Still, I can't wait to check out the eats and ladies of this big city." Ann glared,"Ryuji!"

Later on, they were parked in front of a wide giant skyscraper that looked like a modern castle. "The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, my parents once brought me to this hotel when I was a child I can only imagine what it looks like now." When they all got inside, the lobby looked like the entrance to a mansion. "I can't believe we're staying at this hotel." "I know it's so huge." "YAWWWN! I think jet lag has caught on to us." Suddenly a familiar voice was heard from one of Akira's bags. "That's right, you all look very tired." And out popped the little black kitty, "Morgana!? What are you doing here?" Asked Akira. "Well, let's just say I decided to stow away here,"Morgana answered. "Don't worry I can stay hidden, just get some rest to get over the lag." Haru nodded, "He is right, and tomorrow is going to be a great day to visit central park huh?" Akira muttered, "Central Park?" "Sounds like a great start, I remember going there to enjoy the flowers when I was little." Ann agreed. "Indeed, I hope it won't be too troublesome to bring my art supplies. The beauty of the park should be captured so let's get some rest." With that, all seven of them found their rooms and went to bed for the night.

THE NEXT DAY 7/28

As the whole team arrived in the park, there was greenery and that stretched for miles on end. Many trees were spread around as if it was a forest, and some were in line like soldiers. Meanwhile, the flower beds dotted every corner and ivy vines clung to the bridges and lamp posts over a mirroring lake. Haru's face was shining, "Wow, it's so different from the city." Yusuke framed the sights, "It contains a beauty like no other." "And there are so many hot girls around here too." Morgana peeked out of the bag, but his eyes caught the sight of dozens of dogs and couldn't get out. "Mona, what's wrong?" Asked Ann. "I'm sorry Lady Ann, there are just so many dogs here." "It's okay Mona, just stay in the bag and you'll be fine. But let's finally enjoy everything for once." Encouraged Makoto. Everyone then began to take in the fresh air in their bodies as they began to stroll through the lush greenery of Central Park.

As time passed by they were caught in simple activities such as taking pictures of themselves, each other, and even patted some of the dogs. "Hey Akira, let's go to the big meadow area. I looked it up online and it seems like fun." Stated Futaba. "Are you sure you'll be okay with it? There's a lot of people."He responded. As the conversation continued, Yusuke's eye's picked up the sight of the lake mirroring the bright afternoon sky and drifted from the group. "Amazing, I never had a chance to capture nature like this." However, it didn't take long for Akira to see an empty spot,"Wait, where's Yusuke?" Ryuji shouted, "I didn't even notice he was gone!" Ann rubbed her temples, "Oh my God, does he even know that he could get lost?" "Let's start the search for Inari!" Exclaimed Futaba. Pretty soon, Haru could see the crown of Yusuke's Navy hair in the far off distance. "I think I know where he's going follow me."

When he got to the edge of the lake, Yusuke framed the image in front of him but shook his head, "No, not this area." He kept on moving and framing every scene he could look at until he realized that he was the only Japanese person in the area. "Oh dear, now I'm lost." He picked up his phone but when he opened it, there was no signal. He spotted a kiosk and plucked a map out, but as he opened it and scanned the writing, he couldn't understand one a word on it. Before he could do anything else a voice asked him in another language, "'Excuse me.'" In front of him a was slender, and tall young girl with small yet soft curves, skin as fair as his own, shining gray eyes, and black hair tied into a long braid. Yusuke tried his best to say something but could only say, "Yes." The girl's eyes popped and then she spoke in another tongue, "Wait, are you from Japan? I can help you read those directions." Yusuke sighed in relief,"Thank you, I was just admiring the beauty of this lake but I got lost. It's very fortunate to meet another Japanese speaker." The girl smiled,"It's not a problem. I'm glad I could help."Soon a familiar voice shouted, "There you are!" And the entire group arrived at once. "We were worried you got lost!" Scolded Makoto. Yusuke assured everyone,"I'm terribly sorry I just got caught in the beauty of the lake of the park and saw it as inspiration for my next art piece." Futaba huffed, "Typical Inari, always distracted by his own visions."

The girl's eyebrow furrowed, "Inari is your name?" Yusuke gasped, "No, that's just a nickname Futaba gives me. I should introduce myself, my real name is Yusuke Kitagawa, I am a third-year student from Japan and I attend Kosei High school in the fine arts division. I wish to become an artist." As everyone else came to Yusuke's side they started noticing the girl, "Yusuke, you found another Japanese person here?" Inquired Haru. The girl interrupted, "Well, I actually found him. He was struggling to read a map in English so I thought I would help him. Since we're on introductions, my name is Hana Sodateru. My parents are from Japan, but they live here now. So I was born and raised in this big city." Makoto realized, "So that's why you can speak Japanese. You're a Nisei." Ryuji cocked his head,"A whatsei?" Hana answered, "A Nisei, it means that I am a Japanese-American born from Japanese immigrants. Right now, I am currently a dance student at the Joffrey Ballet School and I want to be a dancer." Ann's eye's popped, "The Joffrey Ballet School!? That's one of the most prestigious schools in America for dancers. You must be really good." Hana hid her face as a rose aura crept on her face, "Please, don't say that. I am experienced but I'm not perfect. I still have a long way to go." Makoto announced,"Rather than making her feel uncomfortable how about we introduce ourselves too? I am Makoto Nijima, I am a college student from Japan. Right now I'm currently studying to be a police commissioner." Ryuji followed,"I'm Ryuji Sakamoto, I'm a third year at Shujin Academy. I used to be part of the school track team." Ann added,"I'm Ann Takamaki, I'm also a third year at Shujin Academy, I do modeling on the side." Futaba was next,"I'm Futaba Sakura, I'm a first-year student at Shujin Academy, if you need anything programmed, I'm the right girl for you." Haru then presented,"I'm Haru Okumura, the heiress to Okumura foods. I am also a college student but I'm studying business management to open a coffee shop someday." Finally, Akira finished,"And I'm Akira Kurusu. I'm also a third-year student but not at Shujin."

The instant Akira finished his sentence, Hana's phone began to buzz. "Oh dear, I better get going soon. I'll be late for my afternoon classes taught by Madame Nuage. We can meet here at the park again if you want to, see you later!" And Hana jetted out of the park. As soon as she was gone there was a BEEP BEEP! Coming from Akira's phone, "The Metanav? I thought it was gone for good." The same sound emerged from everyone else's phones. "Odd." "What could this mean?" Makoto theorized, "Could it be that it appeared when Hana mentioned her ballet teacher's name?" "It might be. Chances are there are remnants from Momentos that were left behind and made their way overseas. Thus some could've become palaces. We might have to check if Hana's teacher has one." Ann offered, "The subways in this city are quite similar to the ones back at home, we should use those to get to her school."

LATER

The gang arrived at a simple building with windows lined up side by side like the book shelves of a library. "This must be the place. Maybe we should wait for Hana." Suggested Morgana. As if on cue, dozens of students in leotards and workout clothing came out of the building holding duffle bags including, Hana. "Hey, you're the guys I met at Central Park earlier, what are you doing here?" She asked. "W-we just want to know how you're doing and get a chance to know you, that's all." Stuttered Ann. Before Hana could mutter a single word, three girls who were tall, thin, and lean as if they were professional ballerinas already. All three of the girls were identical to each other except for their outfits and hair colors. The red haired one with a red leotard mocked,"'Well, well, well. Looks like the wilting girl made some new friends. Huh Chantelle?'" Then the brunette in the green leotard followed,"'Don't be too harsh Michelle, they could be coming here just to admire us over her, am I right Jenelle?'" The blonde in yellow finished,"'You are right dear sisters, only girls as talented as we are could be admired by complete strangers all the time, unlike the wilting girl who can't even finish a single variation perfectly.'" All three of them giggled and walked away. "I have no idea what they said but they sound bitchy!" Shouted Ryuji clenching his fists. "Ryuji don't get involved. They were being bitchy, but it has nothing to do with you." Commanded Ann. Hana agreed,"That's right, don't raise your fists at them. Those are the 'elle' sisters, Michelle, Chantelle, and Jenelle. They can be like that to just about everyone but it's not that much trouble." A deep woman's voice scowled, "'Hana, are your new friends causing trouble here?'"

In front of them was a lanky and very tall woman with brunette and gray hair tied in a tight bun who looked like an aged version of the three girls from before. "'No they weren't at all Madame Nuage. They're just new friends from Japan.'" "'Japan? Well then.'" Nuage cleared her throat, "I assume none of you were causing a problem with my daughters?" All of them shook their heads. "Very good, I am Madame Rochelle Nuage one of the top ballet instructors at Joffery. My daughter's training is very serious to them, I am glad you haven't been disturbing them. Have a good day." And she followed the three girls.

When everyone was gone, Hana explained, "It's very thoughtful of you to visit and all. But I better get going soon, tomorrow we have auditions for our late summer ballet, you're welcome to come and if the 'elle' sisters get the lead part as they always do." As Hana was about to go off, Yusuke inquired,"How did she know Japanese so well Hana?" She explained,"Madame Nuage used to be a world-renowned Prima ballerina when she was younger. She managed to travel the world and she spent five years in the Tokyo Ballet. But now she's a teacher." Haru then asked, "But since those three girls were Madame Nuage's daughters, why doesn't she do anything about the way they treat you?" Hana stuttered,"I-I wish I had an answer but I don't. So goodbye for the day."

After Hana disappeared from the area, Makoto pondered,"There is something really suspicious about Madame Nuage. Why would she let her own daughters bully Hana? And Hana said that they will always get the lead part." Yusuke agreed," Indeed, and didn't those girls say that Hana was a 'wilting girl'? Could this refer to why Hana is so modest about her dancing?" "We'll see what it's like at the auditions tomorrow." Finished Ann.

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