![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
arccie posting in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
smashconTitle: The SOS Brigade’s Battle of the Anime Characters
Author: Pikaflash (LINK)
Rating: PG
Prompt: "It is said that the darkest hour of the night comes just before the dawn." - quote by Paul Coelho
Fandom/Series: Naruto, Lucky Star, Fullmetal Alchemist, Pokémon, CLAMP, Love Hina, K-On!, Haruhi Suzumiya (and a small cameo by Ouran High Host Club)
Word Count: 7549 Words
Disclaimer: All characters, Anime, Manga, Games and miscellaneous series mentioned or appearing in this fanfic belong to their respective owners. This fanfic is simply a medium to express ideas for non-profit entertainment purposes.
Summary: Seven Anime Characters are in a contention for the title for the Best Anime Character by the SOS Brigade. However, selecting the best Anime Character is not as easy as it looks by the SOS Brigade’s standards.
The SOS Brigade’s Battle of the Anime Characters
A car arrived at Mahora Academy’s Library Island. Edward Elric exited the vehicle as he was met by Mikuru Asahina.
“Welcome, Mr. Elric,” greeted Asahina. “Please proceed to the SOS Brigade’s Office in the Library building.”
As Ed entered the library, another car arrived with another Anime character reporting to ‘work’. Ash Ketchum exited the vehicle, receiving the same instructions from Asahina.
“Go to the SOS Brigade’s office? It’s too easy for it to be a task from the SOS Brigade,” said Ash as he scratched his head in confusion before heading inside.
Ed quickly navigated his way through the library found the SOS Brigade’s ‘Office’, which was actually a library room that was rented out to the SOS Brigade. Inside the room, Koizumi Itsuki was waiting at a desk with seven car keys. “What’s going on, Koizumi?” Ed asked.
“Miss Suzumiya has decided that today is the day when the best Anime Character will be decided,” Koizumi explained.
“In my opinion, there’s no debate that everyone knows who the best Anime character is: yours truly,” Ed said.
“But Miss Suzumiya is aware that choosing the best Anime Character is not as easy as it sounds.”
Suddenly, Ash ran into the SOS Brigade’s Office, catching Ed by surprise.
“How did you find this place quickly?” asked Ed.
“I used this place before in a few other fanfics so I know my way around,” Ash explained.
Koizumi continued. “As I was saying, Miss Suzumiya decided that today is the day for her to determine the best Anime Character. But to determine the best of the best, Miss Suzumiya has set out a few tasks for you to complete. The faster you complete the task, the more advantage you get.”
Both Ash and Ed were listening intently. “So, how do we begin?”
Koizumi pointed at the keys on the desk. “Outside the library, there are seven marked cars with your names on them. You have to drive in your own car, but the seven car keys we have here do not have names on them. If your key does not work, you must bring the key back. If your key fits, inside your car, you will find your next instructions.”
“So, we could end up going back and forth,” Ed said as he picked a key.
Ash took a key as well. “It’s a chance we will have to take.”
As Ed and Ash ran out of the office, Konata Izumi just arrived at the SOS Brigade Office. “What’s going on, Sempai?”
“Nothing,” said Ash as he and Ed ran by.
“Nothing? There has to be something if they’re running,” said Konata immediately ran into the office.
*-*-*
Outside the Library, Hinata Hyuga and Li Syaoran arrived at the same time, receiving their instructions from Mikuru.
“The SOS Brigade office?” said Syaoran with a confused look on his face. “Since when did the SOS Brigade have an office in Mahora?”
Meanwhile in the office, Koizumi gave Konata the instructions. “Well, I’d better get moving if I want Haruhi Suzumiya to say I’m the best Anime Character.
As Ed ran out of the library, he quickly ran past 19-year old Yui Hirasawa.
“How are you, Sempai?” greeted Yui.
“Hey, Yui, sorry, but I’m in a hurry right now.” Ed ran past Yui.
“Eh, do I have to run as well?” asked Yui.
Ed was the first to arrive at the parking lot. He quickly found his car and tried to unlock the door with his car key. The key did not budge. “It’s not the right one! We need to head back!”
Ed quickly ran back to the library, running past Keitaro Urashima. “What’s going on Ed?”
“No time to speak, in a rush!” Ed blurted out in his rush.
Keitaro had a blank look on his face. “What’s going on?”
As Ed ran back into the library, Ash was only exiting the library. “Did your key fail?”
“Yeah,” Ed replied.
Ash ran towards his car as Keitaro entered the library. “What’s going on, Ash?”
“Just run, Sempai!” Ash yelled back.
“Okay,” said Keitaro as he began to aimlessly run into the library.
Ash ran to his car and tried to unlock his car. Nothing happened. “Back to the library!” screamed Ash as he ran back into the library.
Ed returned to the SOS Brigade Office to switch his key. He quickly picked another key and ran back to his car, passing Syaoran who managed to find the office.
“Hey, Ed,” greeted Syaoran.
Ed ran past Syaoran. “Hi! Bye!”
Syaoran walked up to Koizumi, who gave him the same instructions he gave Ash and Ed, prompting Syaoran to randomly choose a key. Seconds later, Hinata arrived and received Koizumi’s instructions. She quickly picked a key as Ash returned with his key to exchange for another key.
As Ash and Hinata ran out of the office, they ran past Keitaro. “How did you guys get here faster than me?”
“Sorry, we don’t have time, Sempai,” said Ash as he and Hinata ran past.
As they two ran to their car, Ash had a conversation with Hinata. “How many times did you run to your car, Hinata?” Ash asked.
“This is my first time,” Hinata replied.
“I see,” said Ash. “You know, there could be a chance that you may take the same key you took earlier, so maybe we should switch keys if they won’t unlock.”
“Good idea, Satoshi-niisan” said Hinata. “So, if my key works, I can just leave.”
Ash nodded. “That’s right.”
As Hinata and Ash exited the library, Syaoran and Ed were already at their cars, testing their keys.
Ed tested his key. It did not unlock the car. “Why is this happening to me?”
Syaoran tested his key and it doesn’t work as well. “Let’s switch keys, Ed.”
Both Ed and Syaoran quickly switched their keys. “Come on, third try has to be the charm.” Ed used his third key, only to find that it failed as well. “That’s not fair!”
Syaoran used Ed’s key and successfully unlocked his car. “Yes! I’m in!” Syaoran immediately sat in his car.
Ash tried his key on his car, but it failed to unlock. “It’s not this key, Hinata, let’s make the switch!”
Hinata’s key did not work with her car, so she quickly exchanged keys with Ash. Hinata tested Ash’s key, managing to unlock her car. “Thank you, Satoshi-niisan!” Hinata called out as she quickly sat in her car.
However, Hinata’s key failed to unlock Ash’s car on his third try, forcing Ash to run back into the library with Ed.
“We’re the first to arrive and those two get to leave first!” Ed screamed.
Inside the cars, both Syaoran and Hinata received their next instructions: Find Haruhi Fujioka and receive your Brigade Armbands.
Syaoran looked up after reading the very vague instruction. “How do I find Haruhi Fujioka? There’s no mention of her location on the instruction.”
Hinata took out her Smartphone. “The best way for me to do this is to ask around. Haruhi Fujioka has a huge fan base, so I hope the fans would know where she is right now.”
At that moment, Yui have finally exited the library after going through its internal maze to find the SOS Brigade Office and back to the exit. Yui quickly ran to her car with her key. She turned the key and unlocked her car on her first try. “Oh, this must be my lucky day.”
Konata was trying to unlock her car with her key on her first try but it failed. At the same time, Ash failed in his fourth attempt to unlock his car.
“Satoshi-Sempai, can we switch keys?”
“Sure, Konata,” said Ash
Ash and Konata switched keys and as Konata used her key on her car, she managed to unlock her car.
Konata quickly sat inside the car and read the instructions. “From one Haruhi to another,” said Konata as she made a call on her cell phone. “Patricia-san, I need your help. I’m driving right now, so could you try to get me the number for Haruhi Fujioka. Yes, the Haruhi from Ouran. Okay, thanks.”
As Konata drove off, Hinata received a reply to her message on her cell phone from someone who worked with Haruhi Fujioka in another fanfic. “Hyuga-san, because I’m a fan of yours, I will tell you that Fujioka-san is currently at Ouran High. Good luck!”
Meanwhile, Ed had took his fourth key and attempted to unlock his car, only to find that it has failed for the fourth time. At the same time, Ash was also on his fifth attempt when the key he exchanged from Konata failed as well.
“This is driving me crazy!” Ed screamed. “I tried four keys and I’m not getting anywhere.”
“I’m on my fifth key now, Ed, so how about we switch keys?” Ash suggested.
“I don’t trust you, Ash,” said Ed.
“Well, it’s better to see if my key works on your car rather than waste our time heading in and out of the library,” Ash explained.
“Fine, but I’m checking first.” Ed took Ash’s key and used the key on his car. Ed had finally unlocked his car. Sensing an opportunity, Ed quickly ran off with the key he had intended to give to Ash and tossed it into a bush. However, in revenge for Ed’s childish prank, Ash calmly sat in Ed’s car, taking it hostage as Ed returned. “What are you doing in my car?”
“Give back my key and you’ll get your car back,” Ash demanded.
Seeing no other option, Ed was forced to look through the bush for the car key. After finding the key, Ed returned to his car. “Can I get my car back now?”
Ash made more demands. “Put the key on the floor and take ten steps back. Only then you will get your car.”
Ed complied with Ash’s demands. “Alright, I did as you asked. Can I get my car back?”
Ash got out and picked up the key. “Thank you,” said Ed as he sat in his car.
Ash ran over to his car and made his sixth attempt to unlock his car. “You have got to be kidding me! This is my sixth try and I’m still locked out of my car!”
At that moment, Keitaro has finally arrived at the car park, holding the last key from the SOS Brigade’s office.
“Keitaro-sempai, I think you have my key and I have yours,” said Ash.
Ash switched keys with Keitaro and used the key on his car. Ash finally unlocked his car on his seventh attempt as Keitaro unlocked his own car.
*-*-*
As Ed sat in his car seat, he read the instructions to find Haruhi Fujioka. “I wasted a lot of energy trying to find the right key to this car and now I have to find Haruhi Fujioka. I remembered Winry and Haruhi met at the Bones New Year Party and I think they exchanged numbers.” Ed took out his cell phone and was about to make a call when he suddenly hesitated.
(*Bones is the studio that animated both Fullmetal Alchemist and Ouran Host Club)
“But now that I think about it, it would be awkward for me to ask Winry for another woman’s number.” Suddenly, Ed had an idea. “Come to think of it, Al has been getting along with the Hiitachin twins. Maybe he could help me.” Ed called his brother on his cell phone. “Hello, Al?”
Al: “Yes, Nii-san?”
“I need a favour. Do you have Haruhi Fujioka’s number? The other Haruhi (Suzumiya) has giving me a mission to find her.”
Al: “Sorry, Nii-san, I don’t have her number.”
“I see. How about asking one of the Hiitachin twins?”
Al: “I’ll do whatever I can, Nii-san.”
*-*-*
Meanwhile, Yui hasn’t moved yet as she was on the Internet on her Smartphone. “I really have no idea where Fujioka-san is. Maybe her fan club can tell me.” Yui sighed. “But I really do not have the time to join a fan club right now.”
At the same time, Keitaro was driving as he spoke on his cell phone. “Can you call one of Haruhi Fujioka’s associates and ask them if they know her location? It’s rather urgent.”
*-*-*
As Konata drove her car out of the Mahora Academy gates, she suddenly received a call from Patricia.
“Konata-san, I managed to get Fujioka-san’s number.”
“Really? Thank you, Patty!”
With Haruhi Fujioka’s number in her possession, Konata made the call.
*-*-*
Meanwhile, in a familiar room at Ouran Academy, Haruhi Fujioka was waiting when she finally receive the call from Konata Izumi on her cell phone.
Haruhi answered the call. “Hello?”
“Hello, is this Fujioka Haruhi-san?" Konata asked.
“Yes, who is this?”
“It’s Konata from Lucky Star.”
“Oh, I’ve been expecting your call.”
“That’s good. Can you tell me where you are at this moment?” asked Konata.
“Well, I could give you a hint,” said Haruhi.
“I’ll take it as long as I can drive there,” said Konata. “I’ll do anything.”
“Anything, you say?” Haruhi had an idea. “I hear that you’re a big fan of Suzumiya-san. What do you think of me?”
In less than a second, Konata changed her loyalties. “For you, Fujioka-san, I say you’re the best Haruhi there ever is!”
Haruhi smiled, accepting Konata’s flattery. “Alright, I’m at the place that made me famous.”
“Oh, I get it. Thank you, Fujioka-san! I’ll see you there!”
*-*-*
Back at the parking lot, Ed continued to wait when he received a message from his brother. “Al sent me Haruhi Fujioka’s number. I knew he would come through for me.” Ed immediately called the number on his phone.
“Hello?”
“Hello, is this Haruhi Fujioka?”
“Yes, and who is this?”
“This is Edward Elric from Fullmetal Alchemist. You met my wife Winry once at the Bones New Year’s Party.”
“Oh, you’re Winry’s husband. Can I help you?”
“Yes you can. Can you tell me where you are right now?”
“I’m sorry, but it looks like I got another call coming through.” The call was disconnected.
“Haruhi? Haruhi?” As Ed tried to reconnect his call, his conversation was overheard by the drivers of the adjacent cars belonging to Yui and Syaoran as they heard Ed calling out Haruhi’s name. Ed quickly started up his car and drove off.
“Ed-sempai must be calling out Fujioka-san’s name. That means he knows where she is,” said Yui as she started up her car.
Syaoran quickly started up his car as well. “I might as well follow Ed otherwise I’ll be left behind.”
Both Yui and Syaoran quickly caught up with Ed’s car and tailed him. Meanwhile Ed’s phone call finally reconnected with Haruhi Fujioka.
“Miss Fujioka, can I ask where you are right now?”
“I’m currently in Bunkyo, Tokyo.”
“Miss Fujioka, I’m not familiar with that part of Tokyo, so could you be a bit more specific?”
“I’m at the place where I met my husband for the first time.”
“Oh, you mean Ouran Academy? Thanks, Haruhi!”
Ed ended his phone call and began to drive towards his destination. As he looked at his rear view mirror, he noticed that there were a couple of familiar cars following him. “I got a couple of tails.”
At that moment, Ed received a phone call from Yui. “Hello, Yui.”
“Sempai, I heard that you were on the phone with Fujioka-san, yelling ‘Haruhi’ a few times,” said Yui.
“I wasn’t talking to Haruhi Fujioka. I was talking to Maruhi.”
Yui sighed. “Do you think I am an idiot, Sempai?”
“Alright, you got me,” said Ed. “Why are you following me, Yui?”
“I just want to know where you are going, Sempai.”
As Ed stopped at a traffic light, Syaoran’s car pulled up on the left side of Ed’s car. “Hello, Mr. Elric!”
“Hello, Mr. Li,” Ed greeted back. “Can I help you?”
“I’m just seeing how you are right now, Mr. Elric,” said Syaoran. “I’ve just finished talking to Haruhi Fujioka.”
“Then I’m sure you know where she is without me telling you, Mr. Li.”
Ed looked to his right to see Yui’s car next to his. “Yui, you have to turn right.”
“Why, Sempai?” asked Yui.
Ed pointed at the traffic light. “You’re on the right-turn lane and the light is indicating that you have to turn right.”
“Eh?” Yui realized her mistake. While Ed and Syaoran were on the lane that allows the cars to go straight, Yui was on the lane for cars only turning right. With no other choice but to make the right turn, Yui was forced to abandon her chase.
*-*-*
The only person left behind is Ash Ketchum, who is trying his connections to get Haruhi Fujioka’s number. Suddenly, Ash received a call from Syaoran.
“Syaoran, what can I help you with?”
“Ash, would you be interested in something I know?”
“What is it?”
“Do you know the university at Mahora Academy? I’m heading to the Law Department because I heard Haruhi Fujioka is right there,” Syaoran lied.
“Really? Is she just nearby?” asked Ash.
“Yes, I’m on my way there to meet her right now,” Syaoran continued lying.
“Thank you, Syaoran,” said Ash. “You’re a lifesaver.”
As Ash drove his car towards Mahora University, he decided to call one of the numbers he received.
“Hello, is this Haruhi Fujioka’s manager?”
“No, I’m Haruhi Fujioka,” replied Haruhi.
“Oh, Fujioka-san, this is Ash Ketchum, but you can call me Satoshi-san. I just want to confirm that you are at the Academy, right?”
“That’s right. I am at the Academy,” answered Haruhi.
“Okay, so are you in the Law Department at Mahora University?”
“Satoshi-san, I’m actually not in Mahora.”
Ash’s mind suddenly became blank. “Not in Mahora? But aren’t you at the Academy?”
“I’m at Ouran Academy, not Mahora Academy,” Haruhi explained. “I thought you already knew where I am when you asked that question.”
At that moment, Ash quickly realized that Syaoran had lied to him. “Oh, so you’re in Ouran. Thank you, Fujioka-san. I’ll see you there.”
Ash ended the call and clenched his teeth. “You’re dead, Syaoran. Today, I will bury you in the ground!”
*-Break*
Meanwhile, as Syaoran continued to follow Ed, he could sense the impending danger ahead. “I can feel it. Ash is going to kill me.”
Syaoran noticed that Ed drove past a street sign pointing the direction to Bunkyo.
“Ed is driving towards Bunkyo, which means that he’s heading towards Ouran Academy,” Syaoran deduced. “Now that I know where he’s going, I don’t need to follow him anymore. I’ll just take a shortcut.”
*-*-*
Poor Yui was completely lost with no idea where to go next. Out of desperation, Yui quickly parked her car by the side of the road and made a phone call to Ed.
“Ed-Sempai, I need your help.”
“It’s just your bad luck that you were forced into the right-turn lane,” Ed said. “It can’t be helped.”
Yui looked around the area. “I’m completely lost and I feel that I’m not going to go anywhere if I keep driving.”
Ed sighed. “Well, since I’m a good Sempai to you, Yui, I’ll just tell you. Haruhi Fujioka is at Ouran Academy in Bunkyo.”
Yui’s mood brightened up. “Ouran Academy? Thank you, Sempai!”
*-*-*
Everyone was driving towards Ouran Academy in Bunkyo, Tokyo. The first one to arrive at Ouran Academy was Hinata as she quickly parked her car outside Ouran High. She quickly exited the vehicle and ran into the school building. Hinata found a detailed map of the school on a wall. “If I remember the series, Fujioka-san must be in Music Room 3.”
Hinata checked the map and found where she needed to go. Remembering the directions, Hinata easily found the Music Room and opened the large doors. Inside the Music Room was Haruhi Fujioka wearing the male Ouran High uniform, waiting for her ‘guests’.
“Welcome,” greeted Haruhi.
Hinata immediately bowed to Haruhi. “Oh, hello Fujioka-san, I’m Hinata Hyuga.”
Haruhi smiled and gave Hinata a red Velcro SOS Brigade armband with Hinata’s name written on it and an instruction card. Hinata quickly read the card. “Go to Ryouou High School. The first to arrive will receive an advantage while the last to arrive will receive a huge disadvantage.”
Hinata bowed to her host before leaving. “Thank you, Fujioka-san.”
*-*-*
Next to arrive at Ouran Academy were Konata and Keitaro. While Keitaro wandered around aimlessly in his search for Haruhi, Konata immediately ran straight to Music Room 3, where Konata knew Haruhi Fujioka would be waiting.
“Welcome,” greeted Haruhi.
“Hello, Fujioka-san! I believe you have something for me.”
Haruhi handed Konata a red Brigade Armband with Konata’s name and the next instructions.
“Back to my old high school,” Konata said with a grin. “Victory is within my grasp.”
*-*-*
Once all seven characters received their Brigade Armbands, they drove as fast as they could towards their next destination: Ryouou High.
Hinata was the first to arrive at Ryouou High’s school gate. After Hinata parked her car and stepped out, Koizumi handed Hinata an instruction card. Hinata read the instruction. “Welcome to Ryouou High School. To become the best Anime Character, you must rip off the other characters’ Brigade armbands and survive until the end.”
“And since you are the first to arrive, Miss Hinata, you will receive a gift: An extra armband.” Koizumi revealed a small red armband. “You will only be eliminated if both of your armbands are removed.”
Hinata nodded as she listened. “Alright, let’s do this.”
Koizumi removed Hinata’s armband and placed the smaller armband on Hinata’s arm before covering it with the larger original armband.
[Hinata Hyuga (Age: 24) - The Shinobi Ojou]
As Hinata entered the main school building, Nagato Yuki’s voice could be heard through the School’s PA system.
“Brigade Member No. 1 has entered the building!”
Hinata began to look for a place to hide as she planned her strategy.
A few minutes later the next person to arrive was Konata. Konata stepped out of the car and received her instruction. As Konata read it, she grinned. “Looks like I have the advantage. This is my old high school, so I know my way around this place better than the other characters.”
Konata checked her Brigade armband. “Today, I will win.”
[Konata Izumi (Age: 23) - The Gaming Ace]
Konata walked into the building as Nagato’s voice boomed through the PA system.
“Brigade Member No. 2 has entered the building!”
“I’m the second person to arrive,” Konata mumbled. “That means I’m not alone.”
Hinata was hiding in a classroom as she heard the announcement. She looked outside the window and spotted two cars driving up to the school gates. “I see Keitaro-kun and Ed-kun’s cars.”
Outside, both Keitaro and Ed exited their cars and received their instructions, with Keitaro the third to arrive and Ed arriving fourth.
“So, that means we have to protect our armbands with our lives,” said Keitaro after reading the instructions.
Ed also read his instructions. “It’s a free-for-all and there’s only one winner. May the best man win, Keitaro,” said Ed.
[Keitaro Urashima (Age: 34) - The Glasses-wearing Sempai]
[Edward Elric (Age: 26) - The Scheming Alchemist]
Keitaro entered the school first as Nagato announced his arrival.
“Brigade Member No. 3 has entered the building!”
Not long after, Ed entered the school.
“Brigade Member No. 4 has entered the building!”
*-*-*
“If I’m going to survive this, I need some help from someone I trust.” Hinata took out her phone and made a call.
“Hello?”
“Hello, Syaoran-kun. I’ve arrived at Ryouou High. I want to tell you this because I feel that I can trust you. The final game to decide the best Anime Character involves ripping armbands.”
“Are you proposing an alliance, Hinata?” asked Syaoran.
“Yes. I await your arrival, Syaoran-kun.”
“Alright, I’ve just arrived at the school. I’ll see you inside.” Syaoran hung up.
Outside, Syaoran arrived at the school gate. He calmly stepped out of his car and calmly read Koizumi’s instructions.
[Syaoran Li (Age: 25) - The Pet Wolf]
“Brigade Member No. 5 has entered the building!”
As Syaoran entered the school, Hinata was waiting near the entrance as she called Syaoran over to the school cafeteria.
“Syaoran-kun, it’s good to see you.”
“What’s the plan, Hinata?”
“We need to get rid of Satoshi-kun first,” explained Hinata. “As a Pokémon Trainer, it will be in his nature to catch us. So, we need to build our numbers before that happens.”
“Alright, we need to get Yui and Keitaro-sempai to join us,” said Syaoran. “However, I don’t trust Ed. He’ll try to get rid of us as soon as Ash is gone.”
*-*-*
At another part of the school, Ed was walking down a hallway when he spotted Konata hiding behind a corner. Konata slowly stepped out from the corner, covering her left arm with the Brigade armband. “Ed-Sempai, I want to join forces with you.”
“Why?”
“Because people of our unfortunate stature must be united,” explained Konata, “Especially when our most dangerous opponent is Satoshi-sempai.”
Ed cautiously watched Konata as he pondered Konata’s proposal. “Alright, perhaps it would be beneficial if we work together against a common enemy.” Ed held out his right hand and Konata shook it in agreement, forming the Midget/Ahoge Alliance. Suddenly, Konata tried to make a move for Ed’s armband, causing Ed to jump back in response.
Konata grinned. “I was testing you, Ed-sempai. If you don’t watch yourself, you might end up losing your armband.”
*-*-*
At that moment, a car pulled up at Ryouou High’s school gates. The driver stepped out of his car and adjusted his red cap as he received Koizumi’s instructions. Ash had a huge grin as he read the instructions. “It may be somewhere I’ve never been before, but I will catch them all.”
[Ash ‘Satoshi’ Ketchum (Age: 25) - The Pokémon Trainer]
Inside, as Hinata and Syaoran were discussing their strategy, Nagato’s announcement echoed through the building.
“Brigade Member No. 6 has entered the building!”
At the cafeteria, both Hinata and Syaoran immediately sensed fear from the announcement. “He’s here.”
Meanwhile, on the third floor Konata was standing next to a classroom when she heard loud footsteps behind her. Konata looked back, thinking it was Ash. She looked back, only you see Ed running up to her. “If you drop your guard, you’ll lose your armband!” Ed shouted in at a fast pace, causing Konata’s heart to jump in fear as she collapsed by the wall.
“What was that for?” asked Konata.
“Consider it payback,” Ed said as he walked ahead. Ed cautiously checked the stairs and looked down at the lower level to see what Ed believed to be a person wearing a red cap walking up the stairs.
Ed ran back to Konata. “It’s Ash Ketchum, we need to hide,” whispered Ed as he and Konata ran to the opposite end of the building to the other staircase to safety.
*-*-*
Yui finally arrived at Ryouou High as her car pulled up to the school gates. As she stepped out, she received Koizumi’s instructions. As Yui read the instructions, Koizumi spoke. “Miss Hirasawa, you are the last person to arrive.”
“I’m last? Not Satoshi-sempai?” Koizumi then removed Yui’s red armband and placed a paper target on Yui’s back.
“For arriving last, you have lost the right to wear a Brigade Armband,” Koizumi explained. “Instead, you will wear a paper target on your back. If that paper target gets removed, you are eliminated.”
Yui looked at the target on her back. “Eh? Now I know how it feels to be Kyon-san...”
[Yui Hirasawa (Age: 19) - The Pitiful Kouhai]
“The final Brigade Member has entered the building!”
*-*-*
The Midget/Ahoge Alliance was walking down a hallway on the third floor when Ed stopped and peeked around a corner to spot four suspicious individuals walking towards their location.
“I see Hinata, Keitaro, Syaoran and Yui,” said Ed.
“What should we do?” asked Konata.
“We need to hide,” said Ed. “I don’t think the situation is favourable for us.” Ed and Konata quickly ran into a nearby classroom and closed the door behind them.
“Konata, should we form an alliance with those four?” Ed asked.
“I’m sure the reason for their alliance is to get rid of Satoshi-sempai as well,” said Konata.
Ed frowned. “But Ash might be the one pulling the strings and if we fight among ourselves, we’d be easy pickings for Ash.”
*-*-*
Meanwhile, the Pokémon Trainer prowls through the school building like a predator stalking his prey. “Everyone is against me, but that’s okay. It may be six against one, but I’m a Pokémon Trainer. All I have to do is to catch them all!”
*-*-*
The Alliance of Four arrived outside a classroom, which happens to be the Midget/Ahoge Alliance’s current hiding place.
“First order of business is to get rid of Ash Ketchum,” Syaoran explained his plan. “Yui, call Ash and find out where he is.”
Yui nodded as she made the call.
The voice of a certain Pokémon Trainer echoed through the hallway from Yui’s speakerphone. “Hello, Yui.”
“Where are you, Satoshi-Sempai?” Yui asked as she tries to hold her nerve.
Instead of answering, Ash asked, “Who is with you, Yui?”
“I’m with Keitaro-sempai,” Yui replied.
“What about Hinata and Syaoran?”
“I have no idea where they are, Sempai.”
“You don’t know?” Then there was a short pause. “So tell me, next to you and Hinata in her purple hoodie, who is the Chinese guy in the green jacket?”
Unknown to the alliance, further down the hallway, the Pokémon Trainer was peeking around the corner with his cell phone in his hand, stalking his prey. It was at that moment the Chinese guy in the green jacket looked around the hallway and realized that they are being watched.
“He’s here!” Syaoran screamed, sparking a huge panic among the alliance.
Yui hung up in panic as she began to yell out, “Where are you, Sempai? I know you’re here! I’ll take you on!”
Yui ran to a classroom door and tried to open it, but the door was jammed. “Something’s wrong with this door.”
On the other side of the door, Ed and Konata were holding the classroom door closed, preventing the outsiders from entering. As the alliance of four pushed the door, the door slightly opened, allowing Keitaro to see a bit of blue hair coming from behind the door. “It’s Konata! She’s blocking the door!”
As the others try to push as hard as they could, Syaoran’s hand was suspiciously moving towards Keitaro’s armband. However, Keitaro saw Syaoran’s arm moving to his armband.
“Hey!” Keitaro jumped back. “What do you think you’re doing? Aren’t we on the same team?”
Syaoran tried to justify his hand’s movement. “My hand slipped!”
“Keitaro-kun, Syaoran-kun, this is not the time for us to argue. We need to trust each other,” pleaded Hinata.
“Alright, Hinata,” Keitaro said as he and Syaoran began to push the door. Keitaro slowly moved his hand towards Syaoran’s armband, but Syaoran caught Keitaro in the act.
“What are you doing? If you want a piece of me, come and get it!”
Both Konata and Ed could only laugh at the conflict they managed to create among the other Alliance. However, a few seconds later, the noise outside died down. Ed peeked outside the door to see that the Alliance have walking away. Yui looked back and spotted a small bit of blonde hair in the distance. “Keitaro-Sempai, I see Ed-sempai.”
Keitaro ran towards the classroom with open arms. “Ed, let me join you! I don’t want anything to do with those kids.”
As soon as the remainder of the Alliance saw Keitaro’s defection, they quickly ran towards the classroom, as Keitaro to join Ed and Konata in closing the door on the remaining three of the other Alliance.
“Why did you betray us, Keitaro-sempai?” asked Yui.
“What betrayal? Syaoran made the first move,” Keitaro retorted.
“We are safe in this classroom while you guys are outside,” Konata stated the facts. “It won’t be long before Satoshi-sempai catches you!”
The Alliance trio quickly realized the vulnerable position they’re in.
“I see him!” Ed lied, causing Hinata, Yui and Syaoran to look around the hallway in fear. Not wanting to wait around, Hinata looked at Syaoran and said, “Forget about them, Syaoran-kun. Just run!”
Both Hinata and Syaoran ran off, completely abandoning Yui in front of the door.
“Where are you going, Sempai?” Yui then looked back as now it’s her turn to keep the classroom door close in her disadvantageous position. Knowing that she lacked the strength to keep the door closed, Yui ran.
“After her,” Ed ordered as he, Konata and Keitaro opened the door and pursued Yui down the hallway.
“No, don’t do this, Sempai!” Yui screamed.
“Sorry, Yui, but you have to go,” said Keitaro as the Midget/Ahoge Alliance plus Sempai cornered Yui.
“No, don’t do this!” Konata grabbed the paper target off Yui’s back and ripped it off, making Yui the first character to be eliminated from being the SOS Brigade’s Best Anime Character Battle.
*-*-*
After Yui’s elimination, it was like the calm after the storm. However, the calm might actually be the eye of the storm as Keitaro, Ed and Konata walked down the hallway. Suddenly, a door opened behind Keitaro. He turned around and saw the worst possible person to appear.
“Aaaaah! It's Ash Ketchum!” Ash burst out from a classroom and pounced on Keitaro. Ed looked back and saw the sight of the Pokémon Trainer catching Keitaro, causing Ed to flee for his life as he witnessed a sight more horrifying than horror. Konata also heard Keitaro’s scream and knew that running for her life was her only option. In less than a second, Ash successfully ripped off Keitaro’s armband, along with Keitaro’s jacket sleeve before running off.
Ed and Konata quickly regrouped as they met up with Syaoran and Hinata. Ed slowly caught his breath. “Did you see that? It’s like watching one of those Predator films,” said Ed.
Hinata recalled that the sleeve from Keitaro’s Jacket was completely ripped off along with his Velcro Brigade armband. “I don’t think we can stand a chance! Satoshi-kun managed to rip off an entire sleeve from Keitaro-kun’s jacket.”
Syaoran nodded in agreement. “There’s no way we can win if we stay divided. We need to work together.”
Konata looked at Hinata. “Hinata-neesan, what did you get for coming here first? We already saw what Yui received for coming last.”
“I cannot say,” Hinata mumbled.
“Maybe she got an extra life,” Syaoran suggested.
Hinata began to get flustered. “How did you know?”
“Right at this moment, when you gave yourself away,” Konata answered with a grin. “Time for a vote: Who wants Hinata-neesan to be bait?”
Three hands were raised, none of them belonging to Hinata. Hinata stepped back in fear. “Eh? But did you see what happened to Keitaro-kun? He’ll take out both my lives in one move!”
Konata immediately had an idea. “Konata-neesan, how would you like to be seen as a hero to Naruto-sempai? After all, you might be able to eliminate Satoshi-sempai if you do that.”
“Be a hero to Naruto-kun?” Hinata stood up, with a complete attitude change. “I’ll lure Satoshi-kun here. You three prepare the ambush.”
*-*-*
Meanwhile, on the floor below, Ash Ketchum calmly stood in the middle of the hallway with his arms crossed. It was then he received a phone call from Hinata.
“Hello, my Imouto,” said Ash.
“Satoshi-niisan, I want to talk to you.”
“Why don’t you show yourself and come here instead of calling me?”
Hinata slowly peek her head around the corner. “Satoshi-niisan, it’s alright. I’m by myself.”
“Why do you want to talk to me?”
Hinata slowly walk towards Ash. “The others are upstairs by the economics classrooms.”
“Who’s upstairs?” Ash asked.
“Ed-kun, Konata-chan and Keitaro-kun,” replied Hinata.
Upstairs, Konata and Syaoran were hiding in different classrooms, preparing for the ambush as Ed waited near the stairs to check if Ash took the bait. Suddenly, Ed received a call from Hinata.
“Hinata’s calling me? Why does she need to call me?” Ed answered the call. “Hello, Hinata?” Ed only received complete silence as a response. “Why are you calling me? Hinata, if you’re planning to lure Ash, do it a bit more convincingly.”
Downstairs, Hinata was cornered with Ash holding Hinata’s cell phone on speakerphone, listening to every word.
“Busted,” mumbled Ash as he slowly grabbed Hinata’s red armband.
“No, Satoshi-niisan. No!” Ash ripped off Hinata’s armband off Hinata’s left arm as Hinata screamed. Hinata slumped to the floor with her jacket sliding down her left shoulder covering her left sleeve.
Ed could hear the loud screams through is phone as he quickly realized what was going on. “Hinata, are you still there?”
Ed could hear a deep breathing coming from the other end of the line.
“Is this Ash Ketchum?” Ed asked.
“Now that you know, then you’d better run.” The call ended.
“Ed!” a loud voice echoed through the hallway. Ed looked outside of his hiding place to see Ash standing near the stairs. “I know you can hear me, Ed. There are only four people left: You, me, Konata and Syaoran. But I have some interesting news for you. I read an interesting text from Syaoran to Hinata: ‘After we get rid of Ash, we’ll take out Ed next, followed by Konata.’”
Ed stood out of his hiding place. “I don’t believe you, Ash.”
Ash held out a cell phone. “You don’t have to believe me, but I have Hinata’s phone in my hand. I’ll let Koizumi pass you the phone to read the message.”
Ash gave the cell phone to Koizumi who passed the phone to Ed to read Syaoran’s text, which was exactly what Ash said. Ed looked at Ash. ‘The bigger problem right now is you, Ash. I’ll deal with those two later.’
Ed glared at Ash. “Alright, I believe you. But first, let’s finish this.”
“Of course,” said Ash.
Ed then quickly ran out of the classroom away from Ash to lure him to the ambush.
“Hey! Come back here!” Ash proceeded to pursue Ed.
Both Konata and Syaoran waited in their respective classrooms, ready to attack when Ash arrived. As Syaoran prepares to open the door, he was pushed aside as the classroom door was suddenly opened from the other side by the person they were meant to ambush.
“I haven’t forgotten about what you did to me earlier, Syaoran!” yelled Ash.
“Waaaa! It’s Ash Ketchum!” Syaoran collapsed on the floor as Ash pounced. Ash grabbed Syaoran’s arm and ripped off Syaoran’s red armband.
“I pulled the same trick on Keitaro-sempai earlier,” Ash explained. “That’s why I saw through your trap.”
*-*-*
Ed and Konata quickly regrouped on the floor below after their failure. “I don’t think we can win, Ed-Sempai,” said Konata.
“It’s too quiet,” said Ed. “I’ll go check to see what’s going on.”
Ed walked towards the staircase, only to hear loud footsteps moving down the stairs towards his location. “Run, it’s Ash Ketchum!”
Ed began to run as Konata quickly followed. Behind them, Ash ran down the stairs in hot pursuit after the Ahoge/Midget Alliance. “Where do you think you’re going?” Ash yelled.
Konata and Ed quickly ran into a classroom and closed the door behind them, but Ash grabbed the door before they could lock it, using every ounce of his strength to open the door.
“Waaaa!” screamed Konata. “This is like a horror film!”
*-*-*
Meanwhile, a woman wearing her purple hoodie with a small red armband on her left arm was sneaking through the hallways of Ryouou High School towards the sounds of screams. Hinata peeked around a corner and saw Ash trying to forcefully pull the classroom door open as Konata and Ed struggle to close it.
Hinata took a deep breath. “It is said that the darkest hour of the night comes just before the dawn. Now it is time for the sun to rise again.” Hinata pulled her hood up, covering her head.
“We need to hold on, Konata!” Ed screamed.
Konata was struggling to push Ash out of the classroom as he tried to grab Konata’s armband. “I know, Sempai!”
As Hinata silently walked towards Ash, her target was completely focused on his prey, unaware of Hinata’s presence. However, Konata managed to see a familiar figure wearing her purple hoodie approaching Ash from behind.
Konata suddenly stopped struggling. “You know, this is tiring, Sempai. Maybe we should have a quick break.”
Ash looked at Konata in confusion while keeping the door open. “What? Does it have to be now when I’m about to win?”
Konata sighed. “We’ve been running a lot, mostly away from Satoshi-sempai. At least let us have a quick breather before we continue.”
“Konata, it is inevitable. There’s no shame in giving up,” Ash said as he held on to the door tightly with both hands, with his back facing the hallway. It was at that moment, Hinata struck, grabbing the red armband on Ash’s left arm and ripping it off, catching Ash completely by surprise. Hinata quickly ran off with her prize as Ash turned around. “Eh? What are you doing, Hinata? Come back here!”
Both Konata and Ed opened the door as they walk up to a confused Ash, noticing that Ash’s Brigade armband was taken from him.
“What is she doing?” asked Ash, completely unaware of his elimination. “Wasn’t Hinata eliminated?”
“Ash, you’ve been eliminated,” said Ed.
Ash shook his head in denial. “No, I’m not. Hinata’s already eliminated.”
Konata grinned. “But Sempai, did you know that when Hinata-neesan arrived first, she received an extra life?”
It was then the realization had hit Ash. “No!”
Ed thrust his fists in celebration. “Finally, at Ryouou High, we got rid of Ash Ketchum! It’s time to celebrate!”
However, as Ed celebrated the moment, Konata swiftly walk around Ed’s left and in one swift move, she ripped off Ed’s Brigade armband and ran off. Ash could not help but laugh at Ed’s misfortune. “Now the joke’s on you, Ed.”
Ed could only stare in shock at the betrayal to the Ahoge/Midget Alliance. He had dropped his guard and Konata took advantage of it.
“KONATA IZUMI!” Ed yelled in fury.
*-*-*
Now, only two female characters remain. One is a skilled gamer who is also an Otaku, the other is a Kunoichi with the Ojou archetype. Together, they share the similar sounding ending syllables in their given names despite having different Kanji, calling themselves the ‘-Nata Sisters’.
At the cafeteria, Konata and Hinata were sitting at separate tables as the other five characters were spectators to the final battle.
“How do you want to do this Konata-chan?”
“I want to go all-out, with no mercy, Nee-san.”
Both Konata and Hinata stood up.
“We’ll make our move on the count of three. One, two...” Konata suddenly attacked, hoping to grab Hinata’s armband before her opponent could react, but Hinata’s superior martial arts skills managed to catch both of Konata’s hands. As Konata struggled to break free, Hinata put her head close to Konata’s left arm and bit onto Konata’s armband. Using her teeth, Hinata ripped off Konata’s armband with some slight difficulty from the Velcro.
“Miss Hinata has won the SOS Brigade’s Battle of the Anime Characters!” Koizumi announced. “And it is now time to hand the prize to the Champion.”
“What’s the prize?” asked Syaoran.
“Recently, we sent you guys a text message asking you what you really wanted from the SOS Brigade,” Koizumi explained. “Mr. Syaoran wanted Homura Akemi to be a member of the SOS Brigade, Mr. Keitaro wanted a massage, Mr. Elric wanted a vacation, Miss Konata wanted the complete DVD box set of Sword Art Online and Miss Yui wanted an SOS Lottery Ball.”
Hinata suddenly raised her hands in protest as Koizumi handed Hinata an envelope. “I don’t want my prize right now!”
“What is Hinata-neesan’s prize?” Konata took the envelope and opened it, reading the contents. “Eh?”
“What is it?” asked Ed.
Konata revealed Hinata’s prize: Ash Ketchum.
Ash’s jaw dropped. “I’m the prize? Wouldn’t Naruto be a more suitable prize for you, Hinata?”
“You broke up our sisterhood for a man. How can you be so heartless?” Konata feigned tears.
Hinata dropped to her knees in embarrassment. “I answered Satoshi-sempai because I wanted to win the game but I didn‘t think I would win him as a prize.”
Ash laughed. “Anyway, congratulations to the SOS Brigade’s Best Anime Character: Hinata Hyuga!”
Voting is now closed.
Please take the time to comment on the fanfic. Thanks.
Author: Pikaflash (LINK)
Rating: PG
Prompt: "It is said that the darkest hour of the night comes just before the dawn." - quote by Paul Coelho
Fandom/Series: Naruto, Lucky Star, Fullmetal Alchemist, Pokémon, CLAMP, Love Hina, K-On!, Haruhi Suzumiya (and a small cameo by Ouran High Host Club)
Word Count: 7549 Words
Disclaimer: All characters, Anime, Manga, Games and miscellaneous series mentioned or appearing in this fanfic belong to their respective owners. This fanfic is simply a medium to express ideas for non-profit entertainment purposes.
Summary: Seven Anime Characters are in a contention for the title for the Best Anime Character by the SOS Brigade. However, selecting the best Anime Character is not as easy as it looks by the SOS Brigade’s standards.
The SOS Brigade’s Battle of the Anime Characters
A car arrived at Mahora Academy’s Library Island. Edward Elric exited the vehicle as he was met by Mikuru Asahina.
“Welcome, Mr. Elric,” greeted Asahina. “Please proceed to the SOS Brigade’s Office in the Library building.”
As Ed entered the library, another car arrived with another Anime character reporting to ‘work’. Ash Ketchum exited the vehicle, receiving the same instructions from Asahina.
“Go to the SOS Brigade’s office? It’s too easy for it to be a task from the SOS Brigade,” said Ash as he scratched his head in confusion before heading inside.
Ed quickly navigated his way through the library found the SOS Brigade’s ‘Office’, which was actually a library room that was rented out to the SOS Brigade. Inside the room, Koizumi Itsuki was waiting at a desk with seven car keys. “What’s going on, Koizumi?” Ed asked.
“Miss Suzumiya has decided that today is the day when the best Anime Character will be decided,” Koizumi explained.
“In my opinion, there’s no debate that everyone knows who the best Anime character is: yours truly,” Ed said.
“But Miss Suzumiya is aware that choosing the best Anime Character is not as easy as it sounds.”
Suddenly, Ash ran into the SOS Brigade’s Office, catching Ed by surprise.
“How did you find this place quickly?” asked Ed.
“I used this place before in a few other fanfics so I know my way around,” Ash explained.
Koizumi continued. “As I was saying, Miss Suzumiya decided that today is the day for her to determine the best Anime Character. But to determine the best of the best, Miss Suzumiya has set out a few tasks for you to complete. The faster you complete the task, the more advantage you get.”
Both Ash and Ed were listening intently. “So, how do we begin?”
Koizumi pointed at the keys on the desk. “Outside the library, there are seven marked cars with your names on them. You have to drive in your own car, but the seven car keys we have here do not have names on them. If your key does not work, you must bring the key back. If your key fits, inside your car, you will find your next instructions.”
“So, we could end up going back and forth,” Ed said as he picked a key.
Ash took a key as well. “It’s a chance we will have to take.”
As Ed and Ash ran out of the office, Konata Izumi just arrived at the SOS Brigade Office. “What’s going on, Sempai?”
“Nothing,” said Ash as he and Ed ran by.
“Nothing? There has to be something if they’re running,” said Konata immediately ran into the office.
*-*-*
Outside the Library, Hinata Hyuga and Li Syaoran arrived at the same time, receiving their instructions from Mikuru.
“The SOS Brigade office?” said Syaoran with a confused look on his face. “Since when did the SOS Brigade have an office in Mahora?”
Meanwhile in the office, Koizumi gave Konata the instructions. “Well, I’d better get moving if I want Haruhi Suzumiya to say I’m the best Anime Character.
As Ed ran out of the library, he quickly ran past 19-year old Yui Hirasawa.
“How are you, Sempai?” greeted Yui.
“Hey, Yui, sorry, but I’m in a hurry right now.” Ed ran past Yui.
“Eh, do I have to run as well?” asked Yui.
Ed was the first to arrive at the parking lot. He quickly found his car and tried to unlock the door with his car key. The key did not budge. “It’s not the right one! We need to head back!”
Ed quickly ran back to the library, running past Keitaro Urashima. “What’s going on Ed?”
“No time to speak, in a rush!” Ed blurted out in his rush.
Keitaro had a blank look on his face. “What’s going on?”
As Ed ran back into the library, Ash was only exiting the library. “Did your key fail?”
“Yeah,” Ed replied.
Ash ran towards his car as Keitaro entered the library. “What’s going on, Ash?”
“Just run, Sempai!” Ash yelled back.
“Okay,” said Keitaro as he began to aimlessly run into the library.
Ash ran to his car and tried to unlock his car. Nothing happened. “Back to the library!” screamed Ash as he ran back into the library.
Ed returned to the SOS Brigade Office to switch his key. He quickly picked another key and ran back to his car, passing Syaoran who managed to find the office.
“Hey, Ed,” greeted Syaoran.
Ed ran past Syaoran. “Hi! Bye!”
Syaoran walked up to Koizumi, who gave him the same instructions he gave Ash and Ed, prompting Syaoran to randomly choose a key. Seconds later, Hinata arrived and received Koizumi’s instructions. She quickly picked a key as Ash returned with his key to exchange for another key.
As Ash and Hinata ran out of the office, they ran past Keitaro. “How did you guys get here faster than me?”
“Sorry, we don’t have time, Sempai,” said Ash as he and Hinata ran past.
As they two ran to their car, Ash had a conversation with Hinata. “How many times did you run to your car, Hinata?” Ash asked.
“This is my first time,” Hinata replied.
“I see,” said Ash. “You know, there could be a chance that you may take the same key you took earlier, so maybe we should switch keys if they won’t unlock.”
“Good idea, Satoshi-niisan” said Hinata. “So, if my key works, I can just leave.”
Ash nodded. “That’s right.”
As Hinata and Ash exited the library, Syaoran and Ed were already at their cars, testing their keys.
Ed tested his key. It did not unlock the car. “Why is this happening to me?”
Syaoran tested his key and it doesn’t work as well. “Let’s switch keys, Ed.”
Both Ed and Syaoran quickly switched their keys. “Come on, third try has to be the charm.” Ed used his third key, only to find that it failed as well. “That’s not fair!”
Syaoran used Ed’s key and successfully unlocked his car. “Yes! I’m in!” Syaoran immediately sat in his car.
Ash tried his key on his car, but it failed to unlock. “It’s not this key, Hinata, let’s make the switch!”
Hinata’s key did not work with her car, so she quickly exchanged keys with Ash. Hinata tested Ash’s key, managing to unlock her car. “Thank you, Satoshi-niisan!” Hinata called out as she quickly sat in her car.
However, Hinata’s key failed to unlock Ash’s car on his third try, forcing Ash to run back into the library with Ed.
“We’re the first to arrive and those two get to leave first!” Ed screamed.
Inside the cars, both Syaoran and Hinata received their next instructions: Find Haruhi Fujioka and receive your Brigade Armbands.
Syaoran looked up after reading the very vague instruction. “How do I find Haruhi Fujioka? There’s no mention of her location on the instruction.”
Hinata took out her Smartphone. “The best way for me to do this is to ask around. Haruhi Fujioka has a huge fan base, so I hope the fans would know where she is right now.”
At that moment, Yui have finally exited the library after going through its internal maze to find the SOS Brigade Office and back to the exit. Yui quickly ran to her car with her key. She turned the key and unlocked her car on her first try. “Oh, this must be my lucky day.”
Konata was trying to unlock her car with her key on her first try but it failed. At the same time, Ash failed in his fourth attempt to unlock his car.
“Satoshi-Sempai, can we switch keys?”
“Sure, Konata,” said Ash
Ash and Konata switched keys and as Konata used her key on her car, she managed to unlock her car.
Konata quickly sat inside the car and read the instructions. “From one Haruhi to another,” said Konata as she made a call on her cell phone. “Patricia-san, I need your help. I’m driving right now, so could you try to get me the number for Haruhi Fujioka. Yes, the Haruhi from Ouran. Okay, thanks.”
As Konata drove off, Hinata received a reply to her message on her cell phone from someone who worked with Haruhi Fujioka in another fanfic. “Hyuga-san, because I’m a fan of yours, I will tell you that Fujioka-san is currently at Ouran High. Good luck!”
Meanwhile, Ed had took his fourth key and attempted to unlock his car, only to find that it has failed for the fourth time. At the same time, Ash was also on his fifth attempt when the key he exchanged from Konata failed as well.
“This is driving me crazy!” Ed screamed. “I tried four keys and I’m not getting anywhere.”
“I’m on my fifth key now, Ed, so how about we switch keys?” Ash suggested.
“I don’t trust you, Ash,” said Ed.
“Well, it’s better to see if my key works on your car rather than waste our time heading in and out of the library,” Ash explained.
“Fine, but I’m checking first.” Ed took Ash’s key and used the key on his car. Ed had finally unlocked his car. Sensing an opportunity, Ed quickly ran off with the key he had intended to give to Ash and tossed it into a bush. However, in revenge for Ed’s childish prank, Ash calmly sat in Ed’s car, taking it hostage as Ed returned. “What are you doing in my car?”
“Give back my key and you’ll get your car back,” Ash demanded.
Seeing no other option, Ed was forced to look through the bush for the car key. After finding the key, Ed returned to his car. “Can I get my car back now?”
Ash made more demands. “Put the key on the floor and take ten steps back. Only then you will get your car.”
Ed complied with Ash’s demands. “Alright, I did as you asked. Can I get my car back?”
Ash got out and picked up the key. “Thank you,” said Ed as he sat in his car.
Ash ran over to his car and made his sixth attempt to unlock his car. “You have got to be kidding me! This is my sixth try and I’m still locked out of my car!”
At that moment, Keitaro has finally arrived at the car park, holding the last key from the SOS Brigade’s office.
“Keitaro-sempai, I think you have my key and I have yours,” said Ash.
Ash switched keys with Keitaro and used the key on his car. Ash finally unlocked his car on his seventh attempt as Keitaro unlocked his own car.
*-*-*
As Ed sat in his car seat, he read the instructions to find Haruhi Fujioka. “I wasted a lot of energy trying to find the right key to this car and now I have to find Haruhi Fujioka. I remembered Winry and Haruhi met at the Bones New Year Party and I think they exchanged numbers.” Ed took out his cell phone and was about to make a call when he suddenly hesitated.
(*Bones is the studio that animated both Fullmetal Alchemist and Ouran Host Club)
“But now that I think about it, it would be awkward for me to ask Winry for another woman’s number.” Suddenly, Ed had an idea. “Come to think of it, Al has been getting along with the Hiitachin twins. Maybe he could help me.” Ed called his brother on his cell phone. “Hello, Al?”
Al: “Yes, Nii-san?”
“I need a favour. Do you have Haruhi Fujioka’s number? The other Haruhi (Suzumiya) has giving me a mission to find her.”
Al: “Sorry, Nii-san, I don’t have her number.”
“I see. How about asking one of the Hiitachin twins?”
Al: “I’ll do whatever I can, Nii-san.”
*-*-*
Meanwhile, Yui hasn’t moved yet as she was on the Internet on her Smartphone. “I really have no idea where Fujioka-san is. Maybe her fan club can tell me.” Yui sighed. “But I really do not have the time to join a fan club right now.”
At the same time, Keitaro was driving as he spoke on his cell phone. “Can you call one of Haruhi Fujioka’s associates and ask them if they know her location? It’s rather urgent.”
*-*-*
As Konata drove her car out of the Mahora Academy gates, she suddenly received a call from Patricia.
“Konata-san, I managed to get Fujioka-san’s number.”
“Really? Thank you, Patty!”
With Haruhi Fujioka’s number in her possession, Konata made the call.
*-*-*
Meanwhile, in a familiar room at Ouran Academy, Haruhi Fujioka was waiting when she finally receive the call from Konata Izumi on her cell phone.
Haruhi answered the call. “Hello?”
“Hello, is this Fujioka Haruhi-san?" Konata asked.
“Yes, who is this?”
“It’s Konata from Lucky Star.”
“Oh, I’ve been expecting your call.”
“That’s good. Can you tell me where you are at this moment?” asked Konata.
“Well, I could give you a hint,” said Haruhi.
“I’ll take it as long as I can drive there,” said Konata. “I’ll do anything.”
“Anything, you say?” Haruhi had an idea. “I hear that you’re a big fan of Suzumiya-san. What do you think of me?”
In less than a second, Konata changed her loyalties. “For you, Fujioka-san, I say you’re the best Haruhi there ever is!”
Haruhi smiled, accepting Konata’s flattery. “Alright, I’m at the place that made me famous.”
“Oh, I get it. Thank you, Fujioka-san! I’ll see you there!”
*-*-*
Back at the parking lot, Ed continued to wait when he received a message from his brother. “Al sent me Haruhi Fujioka’s number. I knew he would come through for me.” Ed immediately called the number on his phone.
“Hello?”
“Hello, is this Haruhi Fujioka?”
“Yes, and who is this?”
“This is Edward Elric from Fullmetal Alchemist. You met my wife Winry once at the Bones New Year’s Party.”
“Oh, you’re Winry’s husband. Can I help you?”
“Yes you can. Can you tell me where you are right now?”
“I’m sorry, but it looks like I got another call coming through.” The call was disconnected.
“Haruhi? Haruhi?” As Ed tried to reconnect his call, his conversation was overheard by the drivers of the adjacent cars belonging to Yui and Syaoran as they heard Ed calling out Haruhi’s name. Ed quickly started up his car and drove off.
“Ed-sempai must be calling out Fujioka-san’s name. That means he knows where she is,” said Yui as she started up her car.
Syaoran quickly started up his car as well. “I might as well follow Ed otherwise I’ll be left behind.”
Both Yui and Syaoran quickly caught up with Ed’s car and tailed him. Meanwhile Ed’s phone call finally reconnected with Haruhi Fujioka.
“Miss Fujioka, can I ask where you are right now?”
“I’m currently in Bunkyo, Tokyo.”
“Miss Fujioka, I’m not familiar with that part of Tokyo, so could you be a bit more specific?”
“I’m at the place where I met my husband for the first time.”
“Oh, you mean Ouran Academy? Thanks, Haruhi!”
Ed ended his phone call and began to drive towards his destination. As he looked at his rear view mirror, he noticed that there were a couple of familiar cars following him. “I got a couple of tails.”
At that moment, Ed received a phone call from Yui. “Hello, Yui.”
“Sempai, I heard that you were on the phone with Fujioka-san, yelling ‘Haruhi’ a few times,” said Yui.
“I wasn’t talking to Haruhi Fujioka. I was talking to Maruhi.”
Yui sighed. “Do you think I am an idiot, Sempai?”
“Alright, you got me,” said Ed. “Why are you following me, Yui?”
“I just want to know where you are going, Sempai.”
As Ed stopped at a traffic light, Syaoran’s car pulled up on the left side of Ed’s car. “Hello, Mr. Elric!”
“Hello, Mr. Li,” Ed greeted back. “Can I help you?”
“I’m just seeing how you are right now, Mr. Elric,” said Syaoran. “I’ve just finished talking to Haruhi Fujioka.”
“Then I’m sure you know where she is without me telling you, Mr. Li.”
Ed looked to his right to see Yui’s car next to his. “Yui, you have to turn right.”
“Why, Sempai?” asked Yui.
Ed pointed at the traffic light. “You’re on the right-turn lane and the light is indicating that you have to turn right.”
“Eh?” Yui realized her mistake. While Ed and Syaoran were on the lane that allows the cars to go straight, Yui was on the lane for cars only turning right. With no other choice but to make the right turn, Yui was forced to abandon her chase.
*-*-*
The only person left behind is Ash Ketchum, who is trying his connections to get Haruhi Fujioka’s number. Suddenly, Ash received a call from Syaoran.
“Syaoran, what can I help you with?”
“Ash, would you be interested in something I know?”
“What is it?”
“Do you know the university at Mahora Academy? I’m heading to the Law Department because I heard Haruhi Fujioka is right there,” Syaoran lied.
“Really? Is she just nearby?” asked Ash.
“Yes, I’m on my way there to meet her right now,” Syaoran continued lying.
“Thank you, Syaoran,” said Ash. “You’re a lifesaver.”
As Ash drove his car towards Mahora University, he decided to call one of the numbers he received.
“Hello, is this Haruhi Fujioka’s manager?”
“No, I’m Haruhi Fujioka,” replied Haruhi.
“Oh, Fujioka-san, this is Ash Ketchum, but you can call me Satoshi-san. I just want to confirm that you are at the Academy, right?”
“That’s right. I am at the Academy,” answered Haruhi.
“Okay, so are you in the Law Department at Mahora University?”
“Satoshi-san, I’m actually not in Mahora.”
Ash’s mind suddenly became blank. “Not in Mahora? But aren’t you at the Academy?”
“I’m at Ouran Academy, not Mahora Academy,” Haruhi explained. “I thought you already knew where I am when you asked that question.”
At that moment, Ash quickly realized that Syaoran had lied to him. “Oh, so you’re in Ouran. Thank you, Fujioka-san. I’ll see you there.”
Ash ended the call and clenched his teeth. “You’re dead, Syaoran. Today, I will bury you in the ground!”
*-Break*
Meanwhile, as Syaoran continued to follow Ed, he could sense the impending danger ahead. “I can feel it. Ash is going to kill me.”
Syaoran noticed that Ed drove past a street sign pointing the direction to Bunkyo.
“Ed is driving towards Bunkyo, which means that he’s heading towards Ouran Academy,” Syaoran deduced. “Now that I know where he’s going, I don’t need to follow him anymore. I’ll just take a shortcut.”
*-*-*
Poor Yui was completely lost with no idea where to go next. Out of desperation, Yui quickly parked her car by the side of the road and made a phone call to Ed.
“Ed-Sempai, I need your help.”
“It’s just your bad luck that you were forced into the right-turn lane,” Ed said. “It can’t be helped.”
Yui looked around the area. “I’m completely lost and I feel that I’m not going to go anywhere if I keep driving.”
Ed sighed. “Well, since I’m a good Sempai to you, Yui, I’ll just tell you. Haruhi Fujioka is at Ouran Academy in Bunkyo.”
Yui’s mood brightened up. “Ouran Academy? Thank you, Sempai!”
*-*-*
Everyone was driving towards Ouran Academy in Bunkyo, Tokyo. The first one to arrive at Ouran Academy was Hinata as she quickly parked her car outside Ouran High. She quickly exited the vehicle and ran into the school building. Hinata found a detailed map of the school on a wall. “If I remember the series, Fujioka-san must be in Music Room 3.”
Hinata checked the map and found where she needed to go. Remembering the directions, Hinata easily found the Music Room and opened the large doors. Inside the Music Room was Haruhi Fujioka wearing the male Ouran High uniform, waiting for her ‘guests’.
“Welcome,” greeted Haruhi.
Hinata immediately bowed to Haruhi. “Oh, hello Fujioka-san, I’m Hinata Hyuga.”
Haruhi smiled and gave Hinata a red Velcro SOS Brigade armband with Hinata’s name written on it and an instruction card. Hinata quickly read the card. “Go to Ryouou High School. The first to arrive will receive an advantage while the last to arrive will receive a huge disadvantage.”
Hinata bowed to her host before leaving. “Thank you, Fujioka-san.”
*-*-*
Next to arrive at Ouran Academy were Konata and Keitaro. While Keitaro wandered around aimlessly in his search for Haruhi, Konata immediately ran straight to Music Room 3, where Konata knew Haruhi Fujioka would be waiting.
“Welcome,” greeted Haruhi.
“Hello, Fujioka-san! I believe you have something for me.”
Haruhi handed Konata a red Brigade Armband with Konata’s name and the next instructions.
“Back to my old high school,” Konata said with a grin. “Victory is within my grasp.”
*-*-*
Once all seven characters received their Brigade Armbands, they drove as fast as they could towards their next destination: Ryouou High.
Hinata was the first to arrive at Ryouou High’s school gate. After Hinata parked her car and stepped out, Koizumi handed Hinata an instruction card. Hinata read the instruction. “Welcome to Ryouou High School. To become the best Anime Character, you must rip off the other characters’ Brigade armbands and survive until the end.”
“And since you are the first to arrive, Miss Hinata, you will receive a gift: An extra armband.” Koizumi revealed a small red armband. “You will only be eliminated if both of your armbands are removed.”
Hinata nodded as she listened. “Alright, let’s do this.”
Koizumi removed Hinata’s armband and placed the smaller armband on Hinata’s arm before covering it with the larger original armband.
[Hinata Hyuga (Age: 24) - The Shinobi Ojou]
As Hinata entered the main school building, Nagato Yuki’s voice could be heard through the School’s PA system.
“Brigade Member No. 1 has entered the building!”
Hinata began to look for a place to hide as she planned her strategy.
A few minutes later the next person to arrive was Konata. Konata stepped out of the car and received her instruction. As Konata read it, she grinned. “Looks like I have the advantage. This is my old high school, so I know my way around this place better than the other characters.”
Konata checked her Brigade armband. “Today, I will win.”
[Konata Izumi (Age: 23) - The Gaming Ace]
Konata walked into the building as Nagato’s voice boomed through the PA system.
“Brigade Member No. 2 has entered the building!”
“I’m the second person to arrive,” Konata mumbled. “That means I’m not alone.”
Hinata was hiding in a classroom as she heard the announcement. She looked outside the window and spotted two cars driving up to the school gates. “I see Keitaro-kun and Ed-kun’s cars.”
Outside, both Keitaro and Ed exited their cars and received their instructions, with Keitaro the third to arrive and Ed arriving fourth.
“So, that means we have to protect our armbands with our lives,” said Keitaro after reading the instructions.
Ed also read his instructions. “It’s a free-for-all and there’s only one winner. May the best man win, Keitaro,” said Ed.
[Keitaro Urashima (Age: 34) - The Glasses-wearing Sempai]
[Edward Elric (Age: 26) - The Scheming Alchemist]
Keitaro entered the school first as Nagato announced his arrival.
“Brigade Member No. 3 has entered the building!”
Not long after, Ed entered the school.
“Brigade Member No. 4 has entered the building!”
*-*-*
“If I’m going to survive this, I need some help from someone I trust.” Hinata took out her phone and made a call.
“Hello?”
“Hello, Syaoran-kun. I’ve arrived at Ryouou High. I want to tell you this because I feel that I can trust you. The final game to decide the best Anime Character involves ripping armbands.”
“Are you proposing an alliance, Hinata?” asked Syaoran.
“Yes. I await your arrival, Syaoran-kun.”
“Alright, I’ve just arrived at the school. I’ll see you inside.” Syaoran hung up.
Outside, Syaoran arrived at the school gate. He calmly stepped out of his car and calmly read Koizumi’s instructions.
[Syaoran Li (Age: 25) - The Pet Wolf]
“Brigade Member No. 5 has entered the building!”
As Syaoran entered the school, Hinata was waiting near the entrance as she called Syaoran over to the school cafeteria.
“Syaoran-kun, it’s good to see you.”
“What’s the plan, Hinata?”
“We need to get rid of Satoshi-kun first,” explained Hinata. “As a Pokémon Trainer, it will be in his nature to catch us. So, we need to build our numbers before that happens.”
“Alright, we need to get Yui and Keitaro-sempai to join us,” said Syaoran. “However, I don’t trust Ed. He’ll try to get rid of us as soon as Ash is gone.”
*-*-*
At another part of the school, Ed was walking down a hallway when he spotted Konata hiding behind a corner. Konata slowly stepped out from the corner, covering her left arm with the Brigade armband. “Ed-Sempai, I want to join forces with you.”
“Why?”
“Because people of our unfortunate stature must be united,” explained Konata, “Especially when our most dangerous opponent is Satoshi-sempai.”
Ed cautiously watched Konata as he pondered Konata’s proposal. “Alright, perhaps it would be beneficial if we work together against a common enemy.” Ed held out his right hand and Konata shook it in agreement, forming the Midget/Ahoge Alliance. Suddenly, Konata tried to make a move for Ed’s armband, causing Ed to jump back in response.
Konata grinned. “I was testing you, Ed-sempai. If you don’t watch yourself, you might end up losing your armband.”
*-*-*
At that moment, a car pulled up at Ryouou High’s school gates. The driver stepped out of his car and adjusted his red cap as he received Koizumi’s instructions. Ash had a huge grin as he read the instructions. “It may be somewhere I’ve never been before, but I will catch them all.”
[Ash ‘Satoshi’ Ketchum (Age: 25) - The Pokémon Trainer]
Inside, as Hinata and Syaoran were discussing their strategy, Nagato’s announcement echoed through the building.
“Brigade Member No. 6 has entered the building!”
At the cafeteria, both Hinata and Syaoran immediately sensed fear from the announcement. “He’s here.”
Meanwhile, on the third floor Konata was standing next to a classroom when she heard loud footsteps behind her. Konata looked back, thinking it was Ash. She looked back, only you see Ed running up to her. “If you drop your guard, you’ll lose your armband!” Ed shouted in at a fast pace, causing Konata’s heart to jump in fear as she collapsed by the wall.
“What was that for?” asked Konata.
“Consider it payback,” Ed said as he walked ahead. Ed cautiously checked the stairs and looked down at the lower level to see what Ed believed to be a person wearing a red cap walking up the stairs.
Ed ran back to Konata. “It’s Ash Ketchum, we need to hide,” whispered Ed as he and Konata ran to the opposite end of the building to the other staircase to safety.
*-*-*
Yui finally arrived at Ryouou High as her car pulled up to the school gates. As she stepped out, she received Koizumi’s instructions. As Yui read the instructions, Koizumi spoke. “Miss Hirasawa, you are the last person to arrive.”
“I’m last? Not Satoshi-sempai?” Koizumi then removed Yui’s red armband and placed a paper target on Yui’s back.
“For arriving last, you have lost the right to wear a Brigade Armband,” Koizumi explained. “Instead, you will wear a paper target on your back. If that paper target gets removed, you are eliminated.”
Yui looked at the target on her back. “Eh? Now I know how it feels to be Kyon-san...”
[Yui Hirasawa (Age: 19) - The Pitiful Kouhai]
“The final Brigade Member has entered the building!”
*-*-*
The Midget/Ahoge Alliance was walking down a hallway on the third floor when Ed stopped and peeked around a corner to spot four suspicious individuals walking towards their location.
“I see Hinata, Keitaro, Syaoran and Yui,” said Ed.
“What should we do?” asked Konata.
“We need to hide,” said Ed. “I don’t think the situation is favourable for us.” Ed and Konata quickly ran into a nearby classroom and closed the door behind them.
“Konata, should we form an alliance with those four?” Ed asked.
“I’m sure the reason for their alliance is to get rid of Satoshi-sempai as well,” said Konata.
Ed frowned. “But Ash might be the one pulling the strings and if we fight among ourselves, we’d be easy pickings for Ash.”
*-*-*
Meanwhile, the Pokémon Trainer prowls through the school building like a predator stalking his prey. “Everyone is against me, but that’s okay. It may be six against one, but I’m a Pokémon Trainer. All I have to do is to catch them all!”
*-*-*
The Alliance of Four arrived outside a classroom, which happens to be the Midget/Ahoge Alliance’s current hiding place.
“First order of business is to get rid of Ash Ketchum,” Syaoran explained his plan. “Yui, call Ash and find out where he is.”
Yui nodded as she made the call.
The voice of a certain Pokémon Trainer echoed through the hallway from Yui’s speakerphone. “Hello, Yui.”
“Where are you, Satoshi-Sempai?” Yui asked as she tries to hold her nerve.
Instead of answering, Ash asked, “Who is with you, Yui?”
“I’m with Keitaro-sempai,” Yui replied.
“What about Hinata and Syaoran?”
“I have no idea where they are, Sempai.”
“You don’t know?” Then there was a short pause. “So tell me, next to you and Hinata in her purple hoodie, who is the Chinese guy in the green jacket?”
Unknown to the alliance, further down the hallway, the Pokémon Trainer was peeking around the corner with his cell phone in his hand, stalking his prey. It was at that moment the Chinese guy in the green jacket looked around the hallway and realized that they are being watched.
“He’s here!” Syaoran screamed, sparking a huge panic among the alliance.
Yui hung up in panic as she began to yell out, “Where are you, Sempai? I know you’re here! I’ll take you on!”
Yui ran to a classroom door and tried to open it, but the door was jammed. “Something’s wrong with this door.”
On the other side of the door, Ed and Konata were holding the classroom door closed, preventing the outsiders from entering. As the alliance of four pushed the door, the door slightly opened, allowing Keitaro to see a bit of blue hair coming from behind the door. “It’s Konata! She’s blocking the door!”
As the others try to push as hard as they could, Syaoran’s hand was suspiciously moving towards Keitaro’s armband. However, Keitaro saw Syaoran’s arm moving to his armband.
“Hey!” Keitaro jumped back. “What do you think you’re doing? Aren’t we on the same team?”
Syaoran tried to justify his hand’s movement. “My hand slipped!”
“Keitaro-kun, Syaoran-kun, this is not the time for us to argue. We need to trust each other,” pleaded Hinata.
“Alright, Hinata,” Keitaro said as he and Syaoran began to push the door. Keitaro slowly moved his hand towards Syaoran’s armband, but Syaoran caught Keitaro in the act.
“What are you doing? If you want a piece of me, come and get it!”
Both Konata and Ed could only laugh at the conflict they managed to create among the other Alliance. However, a few seconds later, the noise outside died down. Ed peeked outside the door to see that the Alliance have walking away. Yui looked back and spotted a small bit of blonde hair in the distance. “Keitaro-Sempai, I see Ed-sempai.”
Keitaro ran towards the classroom with open arms. “Ed, let me join you! I don’t want anything to do with those kids.”
As soon as the remainder of the Alliance saw Keitaro’s defection, they quickly ran towards the classroom, as Keitaro to join Ed and Konata in closing the door on the remaining three of the other Alliance.
“Why did you betray us, Keitaro-sempai?” asked Yui.
“What betrayal? Syaoran made the first move,” Keitaro retorted.
“We are safe in this classroom while you guys are outside,” Konata stated the facts. “It won’t be long before Satoshi-sempai catches you!”
The Alliance trio quickly realized the vulnerable position they’re in.
“I see him!” Ed lied, causing Hinata, Yui and Syaoran to look around the hallway in fear. Not wanting to wait around, Hinata looked at Syaoran and said, “Forget about them, Syaoran-kun. Just run!”
Both Hinata and Syaoran ran off, completely abandoning Yui in front of the door.
“Where are you going, Sempai?” Yui then looked back as now it’s her turn to keep the classroom door close in her disadvantageous position. Knowing that she lacked the strength to keep the door closed, Yui ran.
“After her,” Ed ordered as he, Konata and Keitaro opened the door and pursued Yui down the hallway.
“No, don’t do this, Sempai!” Yui screamed.
“Sorry, Yui, but you have to go,” said Keitaro as the Midget/Ahoge Alliance plus Sempai cornered Yui.
“No, don’t do this!” Konata grabbed the paper target off Yui’s back and ripped it off, making Yui the first character to be eliminated from being the SOS Brigade’s Best Anime Character Battle.
*-*-*
After Yui’s elimination, it was like the calm after the storm. However, the calm might actually be the eye of the storm as Keitaro, Ed and Konata walked down the hallway. Suddenly, a door opened behind Keitaro. He turned around and saw the worst possible person to appear.
“Aaaaah! It's Ash Ketchum!” Ash burst out from a classroom and pounced on Keitaro. Ed looked back and saw the sight of the Pokémon Trainer catching Keitaro, causing Ed to flee for his life as he witnessed a sight more horrifying than horror. Konata also heard Keitaro’s scream and knew that running for her life was her only option. In less than a second, Ash successfully ripped off Keitaro’s armband, along with Keitaro’s jacket sleeve before running off.
Ed and Konata quickly regrouped as they met up with Syaoran and Hinata. Ed slowly caught his breath. “Did you see that? It’s like watching one of those Predator films,” said Ed.
Hinata recalled that the sleeve from Keitaro’s Jacket was completely ripped off along with his Velcro Brigade armband. “I don’t think we can stand a chance! Satoshi-kun managed to rip off an entire sleeve from Keitaro-kun’s jacket.”
Syaoran nodded in agreement. “There’s no way we can win if we stay divided. We need to work together.”
Konata looked at Hinata. “Hinata-neesan, what did you get for coming here first? We already saw what Yui received for coming last.”
“I cannot say,” Hinata mumbled.
“Maybe she got an extra life,” Syaoran suggested.
Hinata began to get flustered. “How did you know?”
“Right at this moment, when you gave yourself away,” Konata answered with a grin. “Time for a vote: Who wants Hinata-neesan to be bait?”
Three hands were raised, none of them belonging to Hinata. Hinata stepped back in fear. “Eh? But did you see what happened to Keitaro-kun? He’ll take out both my lives in one move!”
Konata immediately had an idea. “Konata-neesan, how would you like to be seen as a hero to Naruto-sempai? After all, you might be able to eliminate Satoshi-sempai if you do that.”
“Be a hero to Naruto-kun?” Hinata stood up, with a complete attitude change. “I’ll lure Satoshi-kun here. You three prepare the ambush.”
*-*-*
Meanwhile, on the floor below, Ash Ketchum calmly stood in the middle of the hallway with his arms crossed. It was then he received a phone call from Hinata.
“Hello, my Imouto,” said Ash.
“Satoshi-niisan, I want to talk to you.”
“Why don’t you show yourself and come here instead of calling me?”
Hinata slowly peek her head around the corner. “Satoshi-niisan, it’s alright. I’m by myself.”
“Why do you want to talk to me?”
Hinata slowly walk towards Ash. “The others are upstairs by the economics classrooms.”
“Who’s upstairs?” Ash asked.
“Ed-kun, Konata-chan and Keitaro-kun,” replied Hinata.
Upstairs, Konata and Syaoran were hiding in different classrooms, preparing for the ambush as Ed waited near the stairs to check if Ash took the bait. Suddenly, Ed received a call from Hinata.
“Hinata’s calling me? Why does she need to call me?” Ed answered the call. “Hello, Hinata?” Ed only received complete silence as a response. “Why are you calling me? Hinata, if you’re planning to lure Ash, do it a bit more convincingly.”
Downstairs, Hinata was cornered with Ash holding Hinata’s cell phone on speakerphone, listening to every word.
“Busted,” mumbled Ash as he slowly grabbed Hinata’s red armband.
“No, Satoshi-niisan. No!” Ash ripped off Hinata’s armband off Hinata’s left arm as Hinata screamed. Hinata slumped to the floor with her jacket sliding down her left shoulder covering her left sleeve.
Ed could hear the loud screams through is phone as he quickly realized what was going on. “Hinata, are you still there?”
Ed could hear a deep breathing coming from the other end of the line.
“Is this Ash Ketchum?” Ed asked.
“Now that you know, then you’d better run.” The call ended.
“Ed!” a loud voice echoed through the hallway. Ed looked outside of his hiding place to see Ash standing near the stairs. “I know you can hear me, Ed. There are only four people left: You, me, Konata and Syaoran. But I have some interesting news for you. I read an interesting text from Syaoran to Hinata: ‘After we get rid of Ash, we’ll take out Ed next, followed by Konata.’”
Ed stood out of his hiding place. “I don’t believe you, Ash.”
Ash held out a cell phone. “You don’t have to believe me, but I have Hinata’s phone in my hand. I’ll let Koizumi pass you the phone to read the message.”
Ash gave the cell phone to Koizumi who passed the phone to Ed to read Syaoran’s text, which was exactly what Ash said. Ed looked at Ash. ‘The bigger problem right now is you, Ash. I’ll deal with those two later.’
Ed glared at Ash. “Alright, I believe you. But first, let’s finish this.”
“Of course,” said Ash.
Ed then quickly ran out of the classroom away from Ash to lure him to the ambush.
“Hey! Come back here!” Ash proceeded to pursue Ed.
Both Konata and Syaoran waited in their respective classrooms, ready to attack when Ash arrived. As Syaoran prepares to open the door, he was pushed aside as the classroom door was suddenly opened from the other side by the person they were meant to ambush.
“I haven’t forgotten about what you did to me earlier, Syaoran!” yelled Ash.
“Waaaa! It’s Ash Ketchum!” Syaoran collapsed on the floor as Ash pounced. Ash grabbed Syaoran’s arm and ripped off Syaoran’s red armband.
“I pulled the same trick on Keitaro-sempai earlier,” Ash explained. “That’s why I saw through your trap.”
*-*-*
Ed and Konata quickly regrouped on the floor below after their failure. “I don’t think we can win, Ed-Sempai,” said Konata.
“It’s too quiet,” said Ed. “I’ll go check to see what’s going on.”
Ed walked towards the staircase, only to hear loud footsteps moving down the stairs towards his location. “Run, it’s Ash Ketchum!”
Ed began to run as Konata quickly followed. Behind them, Ash ran down the stairs in hot pursuit after the Ahoge/Midget Alliance. “Where do you think you’re going?” Ash yelled.
Konata and Ed quickly ran into a classroom and closed the door behind them, but Ash grabbed the door before they could lock it, using every ounce of his strength to open the door.
“Waaaa!” screamed Konata. “This is like a horror film!”
*-*-*
Meanwhile, a woman wearing her purple hoodie with a small red armband on her left arm was sneaking through the hallways of Ryouou High School towards the sounds of screams. Hinata peeked around a corner and saw Ash trying to forcefully pull the classroom door open as Konata and Ed struggle to close it.
Hinata took a deep breath. “It is said that the darkest hour of the night comes just before the dawn. Now it is time for the sun to rise again.” Hinata pulled her hood up, covering her head.
“We need to hold on, Konata!” Ed screamed.
Konata was struggling to push Ash out of the classroom as he tried to grab Konata’s armband. “I know, Sempai!”
As Hinata silently walked towards Ash, her target was completely focused on his prey, unaware of Hinata’s presence. However, Konata managed to see a familiar figure wearing her purple hoodie approaching Ash from behind.
Konata suddenly stopped struggling. “You know, this is tiring, Sempai. Maybe we should have a quick break.”
Ash looked at Konata in confusion while keeping the door open. “What? Does it have to be now when I’m about to win?”
Konata sighed. “We’ve been running a lot, mostly away from Satoshi-sempai. At least let us have a quick breather before we continue.”
“Konata, it is inevitable. There’s no shame in giving up,” Ash said as he held on to the door tightly with both hands, with his back facing the hallway. It was at that moment, Hinata struck, grabbing the red armband on Ash’s left arm and ripping it off, catching Ash completely by surprise. Hinata quickly ran off with her prize as Ash turned around. “Eh? What are you doing, Hinata? Come back here!”
Both Konata and Ed opened the door as they walk up to a confused Ash, noticing that Ash’s Brigade armband was taken from him.
“What is she doing?” asked Ash, completely unaware of his elimination. “Wasn’t Hinata eliminated?”
“Ash, you’ve been eliminated,” said Ed.
Ash shook his head in denial. “No, I’m not. Hinata’s already eliminated.”
Konata grinned. “But Sempai, did you know that when Hinata-neesan arrived first, she received an extra life?”
It was then the realization had hit Ash. “No!”
Ed thrust his fists in celebration. “Finally, at Ryouou High, we got rid of Ash Ketchum! It’s time to celebrate!”
However, as Ed celebrated the moment, Konata swiftly walk around Ed’s left and in one swift move, she ripped off Ed’s Brigade armband and ran off. Ash could not help but laugh at Ed’s misfortune. “Now the joke’s on you, Ed.”
Ed could only stare in shock at the betrayal to the Ahoge/Midget Alliance. He had dropped his guard and Konata took advantage of it.
“KONATA IZUMI!” Ed yelled in fury.
*-*-*
Now, only two female characters remain. One is a skilled gamer who is also an Otaku, the other is a Kunoichi with the Ojou archetype. Together, they share the similar sounding ending syllables in their given names despite having different Kanji, calling themselves the ‘-Nata Sisters’.
At the cafeteria, Konata and Hinata were sitting at separate tables as the other five characters were spectators to the final battle.
“How do you want to do this Konata-chan?”
“I want to go all-out, with no mercy, Nee-san.”
Both Konata and Hinata stood up.
“We’ll make our move on the count of three. One, two...” Konata suddenly attacked, hoping to grab Hinata’s armband before her opponent could react, but Hinata’s superior martial arts skills managed to catch both of Konata’s hands. As Konata struggled to break free, Hinata put her head close to Konata’s left arm and bit onto Konata’s armband. Using her teeth, Hinata ripped off Konata’s armband with some slight difficulty from the Velcro.
“Miss Hinata has won the SOS Brigade’s Battle of the Anime Characters!” Koizumi announced. “And it is now time to hand the prize to the Champion.”
“What’s the prize?” asked Syaoran.
“Recently, we sent you guys a text message asking you what you really wanted from the SOS Brigade,” Koizumi explained. “Mr. Syaoran wanted Homura Akemi to be a member of the SOS Brigade, Mr. Keitaro wanted a massage, Mr. Elric wanted a vacation, Miss Konata wanted the complete DVD box set of Sword Art Online and Miss Yui wanted an SOS Lottery Ball.”
Hinata suddenly raised her hands in protest as Koizumi handed Hinata an envelope. “I don’t want my prize right now!”
“What is Hinata-neesan’s prize?” Konata took the envelope and opened it, reading the contents. “Eh?”
“What is it?” asked Ed.
Konata revealed Hinata’s prize: Ash Ketchum.
Ash’s jaw dropped. “I’m the prize? Wouldn’t Naruto be a more suitable prize for you, Hinata?”
“You broke up our sisterhood for a man. How can you be so heartless?” Konata feigned tears.
Hinata dropped to her knees in embarrassment. “I answered Satoshi-sempai because I wanted to win the game but I didn‘t think I would win him as a prize.”
Ash laughed. “Anyway, congratulations to the SOS Brigade’s Best Anime Character: Hinata Hyuga!”
Voting is now closed.
Please take the time to comment on the fanfic. Thanks.
