How this came about is interesting. Ryoko was talking too Petra whom noted that their progress had hit a bit of a rut. Ryoko suggested that they come too the US and stay with her. Petra shot the idea down before Ryoko could finish her sentence. Schar and Weiss heard what they were talking about and said they'd do it. Petra again refused but it was 3 against 1. Petra gave Schar and Weiss strict orders too not hurt, damage anything or reveal their powers. And follow Ryokos instructions too the letter. If they don't then they will sent back too Japan and severely punished.
Schar and Weiss chat up Ryokos mother. They quickly come too liking her. As they pull up too her house, which surrounded by a lot of farmland. They see Ryoko mowing the lawn. Her mother tells them that she will drop them off as she has too travel too Kentucky too supervise a new plant opening up. Schar and Weiss wait for Ryoko too finish her mowing. As she drives she sees them and approaches them. However what she is wearing give them pause.
Weiss: Is.... that the Commander?
Schar: Well yeah. She is just dressed differently.
Ryoko is wearing a cowboy (cowgirl) hat, sun glasses, plaid shirt with tank top underneath, jean shorts of knee length and cowboy (cowgirl) boots.
Ry: Hey y'all.
Schar: Ah, nice too see you Commander.
Ry: I'll let you guys calling me "Commander" slide since you will under my direct supervision. Come on inside my home.
Weiss: Are you sure it's...
Schar: Sophie.... come on.
They follow her inside. Her house is something they've never seen before.
Weiss: Interesting...
Schar: Indeed. America is very different from Japan. Bigger too.
Ry: Well yeah. Let me change and we will talk.
*Ryoko only takes a few minutes too change into something Schar and Weiss are familiar with.*
Ry: You two do know that anything you do here is for you own benefit right?
Weiss/Schar: Yes
Ry: No powers, no nothing. You listen too everything I say.
Schar/Weiss: Yep.
Ry: Okay now for your first mission. It will require your best patience.
Weiss: *serious* I'm ready.
Schar: *smirk* Me too.
Ry: Okay
Ryoko walks too a table and open a drawer and takes out a pair of keys.
Ry: Driving lessions.
Weiss: *surprise* Huh
Schar: *unsure* What?
Ry: Did I stutter? While yes you two are too young to drive but that doesn't mean that you can't LEARN.
Weiss: Does Commander Petra know about this?
Ry: Nope and keep your traps shut. Should she i'll have my head on a platter. Oh if you should damage what we are using then i'll send her the repair bill too. Come and see what you will be using.
They exit the house and walk too the garage. They enter.
Schar: So which one?
Ry: My truck.
*Ryoko remote starts it*
Ry: You may look around it if you wish.
Schar and Weiss do. Both note how big it is that when they saw it on video over Christmas, does nothing for it. They also note the engine sound and styling. Both also call back too reading "Auto Racing For Dummies" book that they have. They are overall impressed with it, especially Scharlachrot. Whom is grinning ear too ear.
Ry: Alright, step inside.
*All enter, Ryoko in the driver seat, Schar riding shotgun and Weiss in the back seat*
Ry: What will have you do is practice the basics. Like going, stopping, backing up and parking. The field out back in somewhat smooth so it wouldn't be a rough ride. Ready you two?
Weiss/Schar: Yes.
Ryoko drives out too the field and they get started. She gives them some advice and then it is up too them decide who goes first. Schar goes first since she can't contain herself too try.
Ry: Now once you put it in drive it will go on its own. That is normal just the engine idle. Be gentle with the throttle and smooth on the steering. Have 390hp at the behest of your right foot.
Schar does as she is instructed. Scharlachrot normally is an 'all-out' type of person. Never taking it easy but here she does. Her turns and accelerations are smooth and controlled.
Ry: Very good. Okay Weiss you are up.
Schar: *smirk* Beat that Sophie.
Weiss does just as well if not better. Weiss is much more measured person and is firmly in control of her actions. It is as if she is one with the machine that she controls.
Ry: Great, now for some parking practice.
Ryoko goes and gets some cones and shows them how too park (forwards and backwards). She also instructs them how too use the mirrors (driver, passanger and rearview). She also stresses that her truck as blindspots and it can be difficult too see.
Ry: You hit the cones you fail, even if it is a slight touch.
Ryoko gives them real life situations too try and complete. However she does turn it into a competition since both Schar and Weiss compete at most things they do together. However she stresses safety. Schar and Weiss both do well with standard parking and pulling in and pulling out but when too comes too parallel parking it is more difficult. Ryoko gives them more tips. They do however get the hang of it.
Ry: Alright, now for a even more realistic feel, we will go into Athens and try it there
Schar: Are.... you sure?
Ry: Yeah. School is out so we will have a place for you too practice. Move over Weiss, i'm driving.
Ryoko drives them too Athens and too a school parking lot. Ryoko tells them that the lines are for each space and too use them as a guide too help them. There are also light poles and that should they even touch in the slightest well.... the punishment is what has already been discussed. Ryoko also throws them a curve ball.
Ry: I will not be in the truck with you and you will do it on your own.
Ryoko even bars Schar and Weiss from being in the truck at the same time. She says it is an "individual exercise." Ryoko also restricts their speed too 10mph in the parking lot. And holds them too it (she has a radar gun).
Schar and Weiss do okay in their realistic scenario. But Schar and Weiss get too experience another thing about being in America, summer time thunderstorms in the Southeastern US. One hits and it quickly becomes a monsoon. They take cover inside her truck.
Schar: Really coming down out there.
Weiss: Wonder how long it will last...
Ry: Not long. They come and go here in the south.
*Ryoko uses the touch screen too pull up radar.*
Ry: See? Just scattered about.
Schar: This thing has some stuff in it.
Ry: I'm not one for this type of tech. but I really don't mind it here.
While they wait, Ryoko turns on some music and they relax. Within a few mintues the storm passes and they continue. At the end of the day they have improved. Ryoko drives them back home. The next day Ryoko gives them another challenge.
Ry: Been working on clearing this field, you guys are going too help me. You will drive the truck today.
While Schar and Weiss take turns driving and Ryoko keeps them (and herself) safe. They pull out trees, stumps and hey bails from the field. It is hard and dirty work. By the end of the day Schar, Weiss, Ryoko and the truck are covered in dirt.
Ry: Come inside. good work today. I'll cook you guys a good dinner.
Schar: What?
Ry: Steak and Eggs with a fruit platter.
Everyone heads inside, cleans up and gets ready for dinner. Ryoko pulls fresh steaks and eggs out and begins cooking them. She also cuts up fresh melon, strawberries, oranges and watermelon. She cooks their meal however they want it. When done they head downstairs, kick back and watch TV.
Weiss: A wonderful meal Commander.
Schar: Indeed.
Ry: Protein helps rebuild muscle. Fruit offers vitamins and minerals. All make you healthy. You guys sleep good tonight. By the way, their a car met in Athens tomorrow. You two are going with me since you've passed your driving lessons with flying colors.
Schar: What will you have us do?
Ry: Just interact with the people. I think you two will do fine but Schar.... i'm going too have too do something about your clothes. The cape is fine but everything else is........
Schar: What?
Ry: Too revealing. Unlike Japan where people are respectful, here in America some people are well.... idiots.
Schar: What about Sophie?
Ry: She is fine even with that short skirt.
Weiss: People at the airport giving us looks but mostly at Scharlachrot.
Schar: *innocent* Well.......
Ry: I'll find something you'll like Schar. *wink* Trust me.
Schar: (why do I have a feeling that i'm not going too like this?)
Ryoko grabs Schar and takes her too her closet. Schar isn't so keen on changing anything... at all. But she does finally (after about 1 hour) take a purple tank top and jean shorts of knee length.
Ry: Not bad.
Weiss: *smile* Nice.
Schar: *innocent* Well...... I can't really complain (much).
Weiss: When will we leave Commander?
Ry: 12pm. Starts at 3pm.
With full stomachs they turn in the for the night. And right at 12pm the next day they leave for the car meet.
Schar: Why aren't we taking your truck?
Ry: Dirty. Take my car instead.
*They enter and Ryoko pulls out 2 keys fobs*
Weiss: What are those?
Ry: One is "lets be safe and not hurt anyone." The other is "unleash hell." Which you want?
Schar/Weiss: Unleash hell.
Ry: Had too ask first.
Schar: How fast does this thing go?
Ry: 217mph.
Schar: *innocent* oh........
Ryoko starts up her Hellcat and off they go. On a straight piece of road Ryoko floors it. Schar and Weiss pressed into their seats and before they know it, they are doing 120mph.
Ry: *smirk* Still alive?
Schar: Eh.... yeah.
Weiss: Yep.
Ry: (They didn't even bat an eye lash. I think I've spoiled them)
Ryoko slows down and begins the 10 minute drive. They arrive at the meet and find a parking spot. It is just starting with people and cars filing in.
Ry: Alrighty you two. Let us start.
They walk around, Ryoko finds some of her friends. With a bit of surprise Weiss and Schar introduce themselves. And then by a some work of god or something Schar and Weiss go their separate ways.
Ry: (Well damn. Look at that. Normally you need TNT too separate those two.)
Weiss finds a group of people with German cars (Mercs, BMWs) and chats them up. Schar finds a group of bikers and she immediately takes a liking too them and they too her.
Schar: *smirk* Heh, these people are awesome. I'll hang around here for a while.
Weiss: *smile* They know what my name means. Excellent.
Ryoko is mean while hanging with her friends. After while she decides too find them and check on them. She finds Schar first, sitting on a Harley-Davidson.
Ry: Never toke you for a bike person.
Schar: I'm not but these are awesome.
Ry: Having fun?
Schar: *smirk* Hell yes. These people are awesome.
Ry: Alright, i'll leave you be.
Ryoko wonders around until she stumbles apon Weiss, whom is sitting in the passanger seat of a BMW M6, getting an education.
Weiss: Oh Commander.
Ry: Someone is having fun.
Weiss: Indeed. What about Scharlachrot?
Ry: Having fun. Same as you.
Weiss: Wow.
Ry: Just keeping enjoying yourself Weiss.
Ryoko leaves Weiss be. Schar and Weiss do find each and describe their experience too each other. They then decide too find her and describe their experience. However on their way too finding Ryoko they get 'distracted' by other things... mostly people and cars (expensive ones). Ryoko happens too come across them, checking out some Lamborghinis.
Ry: Well, well look who I found.
Weiss: Ah Commander.
Schar: Ryoko.
Ry: Well?
Weiss: *smile* Great success Commander. I have talked too roughly 20 people today.
Ry: Any issues?
Weiss: Negative.
Schar: Not as many as Sophie but I have had a great time.
Ry: Any nothing bad happen?
Schar: Someone tried too ask me out but I 'avoided him.'
Ry: Meaning?
Schar: *smirk* I stepped on his foot. May have broken a bone.
Ry: Well... I guess if he didn't get the hint then. You two have done well today, very well. So well that i'm giving you option too stay a while longer or go home.
Weiss/Schar: We are staying.
Ry; Fair enough. I will just observe you then.
For the remainder of the meet Schar and Weiss interact with many more people. While they don't make friends but they go gain much more social experience. A few make cracks about their appearance but they ignore them. When people start too disperse and Schar and Weiss realize that whatever they gain will be minimal. They tell Ryoko that they wish too leave and so all three do leave. On the drive back Schar and Weiss explain in detail what they learned and saw. Ryoko is more then delighted too hear that. She promises too reward them for doing such a great job. the next morning she has another 'mission' for them.
Weiss: What are we doing?
Schar: Why is your truck out?
Ry: We are going too clean it.
Schar: Looks fine too me.
Ry: Schar... really?
Weiss: I think it is make it look better.
Ry: Well duh. I may be a country girl who likes getting dirty but is part of your learning process. People have too remain clean, so do cars. Unless you are a lazy good for nothing. Don't worry it is easy.
Ryoko has all the 'equipment' needed for such a job. Ryoko leaves Weiss too do the all the detailing (because Weiss can be anal about details.) Schar and Ryoko do the overall washing.
Schar: I have been wondering Ryoko.... how will me and Sophie be rewarded?
Ry: I will be taking you too Atlanta. Tokyo is a big city but is Atlanta. In a different way. We will be eating dinner there.
Schar: Oh... okay.
Ry: Don't worry Schar.... you will like where i'm taking you.
The Truck gets a good once over, inside and outside. Schar and Weiss are impressed with how it looks but wonder if they will ruin their work. Ryoko assures them that no they will not. Before leaving for Atlanta the trio chop up all the trees they pulled and hauled into firewood. Sweaty and hardwork but Ryoko reminds them of their reward. Their reward does come however and they travel too Atlanta. Schar and Weiss marvel at how different Atlanta is from Tokyo. Ryoko drives them too a restaurant of sorts.
Weiss: The hell is that?
Ry: Where we will be eating.
Schar: "The Vortex." Huh..... weird name.
Ry: Like some Japanese resturants don't have a weird name?
Schar: True.
They enter and are taken aback.... well Weiss is. Schar is grinning ear too ear.
Schar: I like it!!!
Ry: Figured you would.
Schar: Heh, this is awesome! So weird yet so right.
Weiss: *unsure* I don't understand.
Ry: This place is popular for a reason. Unique styling and great food.
They find themselves a seat. A waiter gives them menus and takes orders for drinks. The Vortex is known for its crazy burgers and other creations. When it is time too order Ryoko gets the Original Burger with everything, Weiss gets the Double Coronary Bypass and Schar gets the Hells Fury. Their food soon arrives.
Ry: Lets do this.
Schar: Hell yeah
Weiss: What is this?
Ry: Looks like grilled cheese sandwichs, a ton of bacon and hell of a lot of meat with no veggie too interrupt you.
Weiss: This big?
Schar: *smirk* You are scared Sophie?
Ry: Yeah.
Weiss: *serious* Don't test me.
Ry: *leer* then ride it cowgirl.
*All 3 shove their pie holes into their food*
Ry: Glorious.
Schar: Oh yeah. *the heat kicks in* (SHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT!!!!!!)
*Weiss goes in for seconds*
Ry: You go girl. Schar?
Scharlachrot is now leaving up to her name. Her face is beat red and she is sweating.
Schar: *horse* all good..... (FUCK ME!!!!!!)
Ry: I can get you something else you know.
Schar: *horse* nope.... all good. (IT IS SO GOOD YET SO HOT!!!!!!)
Weiss has yet too come up for air or too speak any words at all. Schar is also getting used too the heat from her burger. only after downing 5 cups of pop. Ryoko is just enjoying her meaty burger.
Schar: Sophie? Is everything okay?
Weiss: Hm? Oh everything is great. I've never had anything like this before. It is great.
Schar: My burger maybe from hell but damn it is good.
Ry: Glad you too are enjoying yourselfs.
Schar/Weiss: Thank you Commander.
Ry: (I wish they wouldn't say that in public.)
The finish their meals, Schar takes a bunch of pictures of all the decorations and they travel home. When they return home it is dusk out so Ryoko makes a fire (using the wood from the trees and other things they pulled out from the field) gets 3 chairs, some sweet tea. They kick back and relax.
Ry: So... what of you guys think of America? Or at least my slice of it?
Schar: Very..... different.
Weiss: Indeed.
Ry: You will get experience another unique thing about America tomorrow.
Schar/Weiss: What?
Ry: Farmers markets. And you guys will do the talking. Need too get some fresh things for the kitchen.
Weiss: You sure Commander?
Ry: Yep. I trust you guys.
Schar: Okay.
Weiss: That is fine.
The next day they travel too a farmers market in Athens. Since it is early in the morning, very few people are there but all the fresh product and other items are out on display.
Ry: Okay you two, this what I need too pick up. Made you separate lists but if you wish you can go together.
*Schar and Weiss both wish too stay together*
Ry: Fine, now off you go.
Ryoko hangs out near the entrance. Schar and Weiss were also given money too buy things needed. They talk too the people about the freshness of the produce. They are assured it was picked just this morning and as fresh as it can get. Fresh fruits, veggies and herbs. Schar and Weiss make the purchases required of them and return too Ryoko. Whom is very pleased with them. They return home and Ryoko shows them how too clean and prepare the fruit, veggies and herbs for future use. Both Schar and Weiss have gained a greater understanding of their social skills and progress.
Weiss: You know.... I feel we grow more with you Commander then we do with Petra.
Ry: Well I feel Petra is too busy and is very "hands off" with you two which I feel isn't the best.
Schar: You are hands off too Ryoko.
Ry: I maybe but you know i'm there for you if needed. Which I think makes all the difference. And I don't force you guys too do too anything you don't want too. Petra just sends you guys off without supervision. If I could I would help you guys full-time but I obviously can't.
Weiss: *smile* We have enjoyed our time here though Commander.
Schar: Same.
Ry: Hm, want more?
Schar/Weiss: ???
Ry: You'll see. Get ready we will leave shortly.
They pack some snacks, drinks mount up in Ryokos trucks begins heading west. Before they know it they arrive in Senoia, Georgia.
Weiss: Okay Commander, mind filling us in why we are here?
Schar: Yeah tell us.
Ry: Racing.
*Schar and Weiss give a look of "ooooookay."
Ry: You'll see
She drives too a small race track. 3/4 mile in length made of dirt.
Ry: I know for a fact that you guys have never too been too a race before. I will buy us tickets and you will attend one.
Weiss: Oh..... okay.
Schar: Alright.
Ryoko buys the tickets and take their seats. Hobby stocks, big block late models and sprint cars are the flavors of the night. Schar and Weiss don't ask many questions, they would rather watch and listen. They even get the chance too get right next too the fence and experience it up close and personal. What they don't realize however that been a dirt track, you can get covered with dust and dirt. When they return too their seats, they are indeed lightly covered in dirt and dust. But with shit eating grins on their faces. They also take many videos and send them back too Japan via interwebz. Petra sees them and is well......
Petra: It seems that they are taking this seriously. I honestly thought they would stay around Ryokos house or something.
After the racing they return home for a good night sleep. For the next few days they just hang around the house. Ryoko gets some training done, they join her. But late one day Ryoko gets a surprise...
Ry: Oh shit....
Schar: What is wrong?
Weiss: Mind filling us in Commander?
Ry: See that guy driving my driveway?
Schar/Weiss: Yeah.
Ry: I agreed too fix this car. But in dealing with you two I completely forgot about it.
The person Ryoko speaks of stops and lowers his car off a rollback. The car runs and is safe too drive but the list of things he wants Ryoko too do are:
- Complete brake system overhaul and conversion
- Complete engine service
- Replace shocks and struts
- Fix minor rust on the bodywork
Ry: Oh boy, this will be an all-nighter.
Weiss: *smile* We will stay up with you Commander.
Ry: Really?
Schar: Yeah.
Ry: Well.... if you guys say so.
They push the car into the garage and Ryoko gets started. Schar and Weiss are helping however but given simple tasks and simple tools. It is a cool night so they leave the doors open and Ryoko plays some tunes from her truck stereo. Ryoko has all the parts needed too do the job. Ryoko gives Schar and Weiss an education as well. She first fixes the body work issues then gives the engine a complete service.
Ry: Good thing I have this powered lift. Makes life a lot easier.
Schar: Indeed.
Weiss: *smile* Such wonderful equipment you have Commander.
Ryoko begins her work on the suspension and brakes. Her mothers calls her, saying she is almost home and asks if she wants anything. "Pizza, lots of pizza. And Pop, lots of pop" is her answer. Her mother arrives after all 4 corners have been removed.
Ry: Our food. 4 XL pizzas and enough caffeine pop too sink a ship. We iz set.
Her mother heads inside for sleep after dropping off the food. Ryoko begins the long process of rebuilding the suspension and brake system. Schar and Weiss help her out, which she is very thankful for. They only stop too eat, drink and take a power nap. By about 4am most of the pizza is gone as is most of the pop. All 3 are dead tired but the work is almost finished. At the crack of dawn the car is finish but so are the girls. Ryokos mother wakes up too see if they are alright. She see them all asleep in her truck. She gently wakes them up, while they clean up she makes a traditional Japanese breakfast.
Ry: You guys only have a day left here. I've done all I can for you. It is up too you what you wish too do.
Schar: Well... I for one would just like too stay here with you and your mom.
Weiss: I agree. We have never interacted with someones parent before, since we don't have one.
Ry: If that is what you want.
*Ryokos mother is completely okay with it*
For the rest of the day Schar and Weiss chat up her mother. Ryoko keeps at arms length letting them be. Schar and Weiss learn a lot from her mother, especially about Ryokos past and how America and Japan are different. The next day Ryoko herself drives them too the airport.
Weiss: *salutes* Thank you Ryoko. Our time spent here was well...... well spent with you
*Ryoko returns the salute*
Schar: Indeed. I hope we can do this again.
Ry: Well if you just tell Petra the truth about what happened here then i'm sure she can swing it again. I must say you guys did very well here in a place you have no prior knowledge or experience in. Good-bye you two, i'll see you in July.
Schar and Weiss depart for home. They report great success in the time over in America. Petra is more the pleased with their report and rewards them.... by taking Eko off their hands for a day.
Ry: Good thing I have this powered lift. Makes life a lot easier.
Schar: Indeed.
Weiss: *smile* Such wonderful equipment you have Commander.
Ryoko begins her work on the suspension and brakes. Her mothers calls her, saying she is almost home and asks if she wants anything. "Pizza, lots of pizza. And Pop, lots of pop" is her answer. Her mother arrives after all 4 corners have been removed.
Ry: Our food. 4 XL pizzas and enough caffeine pop too sink a ship. We iz set.
Her mother heads inside for sleep after dropping off the food. Ryoko begins the long process of rebuilding the suspension and brake system. Schar and Weiss help her out, which she is very thankful for. They only stop too eat, drink and take a power nap. By about 4am most of the pizza is gone as is most of the pop. All 3 are dead tired but the work is almost finished. At the crack of dawn the car is finish but so are the girls. Ryokos mother wakes up too see if they are alright. She see them all asleep in her truck. She gently wakes them up, while they clean up she makes a traditional Japanese breakfast.
Ry: You guys only have a day left here. I've done all I can for you. It is up too you what you wish too do.
Schar: Well... I for one would just like too stay here with you and your mom.
Weiss: I agree. We have never interacted with someones parent before, since we don't have one.
Ry: If that is what you want.
*Ryokos mother is completely okay with it*
For the rest of the day Schar and Weiss chat up her mother. Ryoko keeps at arms length letting them be. Schar and Weiss learn a lot from her mother, especially about Ryokos past and how America and Japan are different. The next day Ryoko herself drives them too the airport.
Weiss: *salutes* Thank you Ryoko. Our time spent here was well...... well spent with you
*Ryoko returns the salute*
Schar: Indeed. I hope we can do this again.
Ry: Well if you just tell Petra the truth about what happened here then i'm sure she can swing it again. I must say you guys did very well here in a place you have no prior knowledge or experience in. Good-bye you two, i'll see you in July.
Schar and Weiss depart for home. They report great success in the time over in America. Petra is more the pleased with their report and rewards them.... by taking Eko off their hands for a day.
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