Cut Scene:

I cut out this scene because I felt that Chapter 2 was getting too long. I thought we needed to move on to the action. It was an artistic choice. However I feel that this scene adds a bit of something to story, so I'm adding it here as a little extra for my loyal readers. This is right after the scene where everyone is preparing for the party.

Scene: Arrivals

Rei smiled looking over the table proudly. Everything was set. The silverware gleamed and the China sparkled.

"The decorations are all done," Mineiko called as she jumped from the stepladder she was standing on.

"That's great and just in time too," Keiko said.

Rei looked at the clock. Right! The party was in five minutes. Almost immediately headlights began to appear in the country club parking lot. Rei threw open the doors and waved to her guests as they got out of their cars. The first car to park and have its passengers ascend was a light blue van. The door opened, and out jumped a teenaged boy. His turquoise hair was cut short and combed through. His violet eyes shined happily.

"Hey sis! Hey Rei," he shouted, as he ran to them.

He reached the door panting. He was wearing a light blue button up shirt with light blue slacks to match.

"Hey Yuki," Rei said

"Oh happy Birthday, Rei," Yuki said, handing over a small gift basket.

"Thank you," Rei answered. They smiled and let an awkward silence settle over them. "Aren't you going to come in?" Rei asked happily

"Huh? Oh yeah!," Yuki smiled sheepishly. He walked in through the doorway and took a seat.

While all this was happening the second car arrived, a red van. The doors opened. Akina ascended gracefully. Her ruby hair was down and loose. She wore a lavender gown with small straps; it set off her emerald eyes beautifully. She walked up the drive and hugged Rei as the two of them met.

"Happy Sweet Sixteen, Rei" she smiled

"Thanks, Akina, I'm glad you could make it,"

"No problem," Akina smiled.

She placed her gift on an empty table and sat down two seats from Yuki. More and more guests arrived and soon the room was lively with talk and music. One of the last cars to arrive was a black SUV. A teenager stepped out of the car. She walked haltingly to the party. Rei ran down to meet her halfway.

"Hey Katana, thanks for showing up" Rei said

"Yeah well it's your birthday. I normally don't like these gatherings," she answered

"Oh you need to get out more Katana," Rei said. With that she grabbed Katana's hand and nearly dragged her into the party.

"Hn," Katana said brushing herself off as she entered the party. She wore a white tank top matched with black dress pants. Katana left her gift on the table. There were quite a few now. She sat down where Yuki and Akina were sitting.

"Well looks like the gangs all here," Rei said

"Yep," Yuki answered

"Then lets party," Rei said happily

End Scene