Chiharu Sidestory Pt. 2: Like a Fine Wine
Originally Posted: 26Jul03 - 2406 EST
Final Editing: 1Aug03 - 0122 am

Jon sat in a Enlisted Club at the bar counter, trying to listen to his drunken companion, Kevin prattle on about something- it was very difficult for him to make out Kevin's words through the roar and bustle of the crowd around them.

Jon had been having a fun time with this other enlisted man as they went from club to club, drinking the speciality drink at each bar, flirting with some woman and moving on to the next. This was "what living is all about Johnny!" as Kevin had repeated several times throughout the night, it had become their mantra and Jon had somewhat accepted it.

"Hey Johnny! That lady at the end of the bar has bought you a drink! Hey Johnny, are you listenin'?" Kevin shouted to be heard over the crowd and Jon simply looked at the new drink by his half full glass and then to the indicated lady and then to Kevin.

Jon shrugged. "What do think I should do?! She looks kinda hot! But don't we have a few more clubs to hit tonight?!" He shouted back, watching Kevin shake his head, laughing.

"You got to be shittin' me, Johnny! I mean, booze is booze but no woman is somethin' to be missed. None of 'em are ever alike, even them.. Nekowalkeries! They are like a fine wine that must be lightly tasted until you can find the right vintage to keep in your glass! " Jones raised his glass in the air as if to make a toast and instead, downed the liquor inside.

Jon laughed a bit at the analogy but shook his head no. "You make a good point but them women are nothing but trouble! Let's hit the next club, the night is still young but we're getting older by the minute."

Kevin laughed again with a wink. "Aye, you're right there Johnny. I'd drink to that if I hadn't emptied my glass already.. So the Foxhole it is then. " Jon nodded, finishing off his old glass before wading through the crowd after Kevin towards the exit.

Once they were on the quieter street, Jones took a deep breathe and spoke, "Ah yes... the sweet smell of vomit and booze in the evening air... oh how I've missed it!"

Ishida chuckled as he walked along side the buzzed Jones. "So how long has it been since your last visit here Kev?" His eyes scanned the darkened streets, he noticed a few soldiers depositing their last meal on the pavement and he heard the soft rhythm of a woman's footsteps behind them. The woman was close.. he could smell her perfume.. it was a gentle scent that reminded him of forget-me-nots.

Kevin continued along, not seeming to notice the woman following them. He ran his hand through his tussled short dark blonde hair as he spoke. "I think it's been a couple of years at least.. but I know this place like thee back of me hand. You'll like the Foxhole, they have the best live show on the planet!"

Jon partially kept his focus on the movement of the strange woman behind him as he looked at Kevin. "The best live show? What, is it a girly show or somethin'? " Kevin simply laughed as he made his way into the club with Jon a couple steps behind him.

The Foxhole was fairly well lit for what it was.. a strip club. All of the girls were dressed in some sort of military-isk garb as they performed on their various stages. The girls were Nekos, Geshrin, human and surprisingly enough.. there were a few Elysians with small wings that were probably incapable of flight.

Kevin insisted that they sit in the front row beside one of the Elysian girls, as she swirled herself around a pole. The girl had chin length light blonde hair with red highlights.. under a camoflauge cap and the brightest blue eyes that Jon had ever seen. She was down to a woodland camoflauge bikini with what appeared to be a knife strapped to her left thigh. The woman had followed them into the club and sat down a couple of table behind them . Jon had gotten a chance to appraise the woman and her appearence bothered him..

The woman looked like Chiharu except that she was definately not a neko of any sort. She could've passed for Chi's twin sister, as she sat there in her short black dress and black pumps. Her movements were smooth and graceful, but there was something more unsettling about her than the resemblence.. Jon just could not put his finger on what it was though...

Mr. Ishida: Pt. 3 - Kenbu (Conclusion)