Samurai Sentai Shinkenger: Desperate Strugg;e (Main thread)

Ever since the exterimination of the Shiba clan, to ongoing conflict against the Gedoushu had been gradually becoming more and more difficult. The four remaining Shinkengers had continued to fight honorably and bravely, but without the fifth it would only be a matter of time before things began to spiral downward. Especially considering that fifth member was the core of the team and the key to them being able to fight at full strength. Disillusionment and despair continued to drag the team down further and make the waters of the Sanzu River rise even higher making defeat look like an inevitability. At least it had looked that way until the ever vigilant and faithful Hikoma Kusakabe, servant of the now decimated Shiba clan located the last remaining heir to the Shiba clan, living in the United States. Knowing that the Gedoushu could discover this at any time as well he wasted no time in tracking down his possible whereabouts and dispatching his would be vassals to find him.

After about a week of searching for him their search would finally be coming to an end. They had heard that a a band known as Wyld Stallyns, apparently a tribute to some old movie, was in town playing at some local joint and learned that their lead guitar/vocals went by the name of Keith Young. Finally their search would be at an end, their team would be complete, and the force that would shift the tide of the conflict in their favor. Behind the entrance of the establishment known as the Headbanger's Haven.

((Insert appropriate music here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e__9l6B5WJE))

The second that door cracked open they would be greeted by blasting loud rock music provided by the band that was wildly rocking out on stage. At the core of them was a young man holding a shining red guitard emblazoned with flame patterns. His disheveled hair gave the impression that he had just woke up or intentionally made his hair look messy before he went up. His clothes seemed to be the stereotypical rock look, the most noticable of which was the leather jacket which bore several spikes on the shoulders and with a few apparently randomly placed chains.

"I WANNA ROCK AND ROLL ALL NIGHT! AND PARTY EVERY DAY!" he shouted/sang into the mic as his fingers moved rapidly around his guitar. Some may have seen the volume as being obscenely loud, possibly even deafening, but this particular crowd certainly seemed to love it. Plus the fact that it was considered a classic among this group of headbangers didnt hurt here either.

Was this the guy they were looking for? Could this guy really be the last heir of the Shiba Clan? If they wanted to find out they would have to make it through the crowd and forceful sounds spewing forth from the speakers.

Date would enter the bar with his black tuxedo on and look around at the people in the establishment. Date would have a digusted look on his face as he saw the American scum as they listen to their despicable music and he sighed before speaking," Why must this garbage be so loud! It is despicable that are lord listens to this trash!" Date would express his discontent loudly at the fact this couldn't be true. Date grew up listening to nothing but classical Japanese music and the rain.

Date would then sit down at the bar and say in English," If you have water in this place I'd like some." The bartender looked at Date in confusion and said," You sure you are in the right country Lang Wang?" Date glared at the man and then said," You do not compare me to a communist!" Date said as he formed a straight hand wanting to chop him in the lower right side of his neck causing all of his muscles to clench up, and in turn making him fall on the ground.

Though Date sighed and looked at the other three Vassals and said in Japanese," These ignorant Americans do not fit what a member of the Shiba clan would be like. I say that Kusakabe got his information mixed up, because this just is disgraceful." Date's water had came and he got up and knocked it over as he entered the crowd hoping he could find their lord.

Ayumi, dressed in some casual, non-descript clothing, tried her best to stay composed from the loud music she was hearing. To be honest, this didn't bother her as much as Date, since she did used to listen to J-Rock up until a few years ago. She replied back to Date in Japanese at his comment. "Can you please not call them ignorant? We're here to find our Lord, not pass judgment on their lifestyle..." She said, trying to be a little forgiving, though she quickly added something else.

"However, if our Lord was brought up in this environment...eh...this might not be good..." Ayumi didn't like the prospect that their leader could be some rebellious rabble rouser like she used to be, since she was trying to let go of her past. Even though her senses told her the contrary, she hoped she was wrong as she continued to look the crowd over.

Entering Headbanger’s Haven Artemis smiled deeply at the energetic and lively atmosphere of the establishment contrary to her fellow vassal’s chagrin. From a quick observation of sweep across the gathered occupants the buxom pink-hair woman was relieved not to have worn something not fitting towards the event. A simple black and gold trim altered dress to be worn no matter the occasion, Artemis sighed inwardly displeased towards the bartender’s rude comment towards Date formal attire. Taking an empty seat at the bar reached for the beverage menu curious what these westerners had to offer.

“W-What can I get you miss?” The bartender’s voice and color in his face brighten having taken a peak at Artemis’s cleavage. Paying no mind to him standing in front of them continue browsing through their selection till coming one that sounded to her liking, a Velvet Martini. A French Vanilla ice cream blended with fresh blackberries, blackberry brandy, and vanilla vodka, served with fresh blackberries. Laying the menu down in front Artemis tapped her finger on the selection

“A Velvet Martini” Artemis replied in English, “Though instead of the blackberries and blackberry brandy can you substitution? I’d prefer strawberries and strawberry brandy if you have it in stock.” The bartender raised one finger in objection came silence as she lean forward demandingly what he had to say upon the request made. Shaking his head in response that it was nothing turns around preparing the order. Closing her eyes Artemis swayed side-to-side in the seat listening to the music.

“Hmmmmm….” Artemis slipped back speaking Japanese, “It cannot be all that bad now can it, Ayumi-chan? I know that we’ve only been here not that long, but these past few days searching for the Lord cannot help feel there’s so much to do and see.” Turning slightly in the chair towards the view of the stage, “And the music definitely has a great beat I cannot help wanting to get up and sing.” Pausing only for a moment stared somberly “I know we will find him here…” muttering softly.

Having entered the Headbanger's Haven with the rest of the group, Tsurugi stood by with Ayumi, Date, and Artemis, watching the Wyld Stallyns pump out the crowd with their music and their headbanging. Like Ayumi, Tsurugi also listened to Rock music, regardless of the genre of Rock music the song was from. Naturally, he expressed disgust at Date's contempt towards the music with an explosive sigh, though barely audible due to the loudness of the music being played in the building. Oi oi...speak for yourself, you ignorant dolt, he thought, glancing at Date for a moment before bringing his attention back to the band.

Though Tsurugi wanted to enjoy the music, he was more concerned with the man on stage -- Keith Young. He maintained a frown for a good few minutes or so, observing Keith get into the music as he sang and played at the same time. Letting out another sigh, he quickly turned to Ayumi. "Mou...This is pointless. See you at the hotel." he said in Japanese, unable to stomach their potential Lord's carefree demeanor, as he headed out of the Headbanger's Haven. As I have thought...there is no way this guy can be counted on. He is Dono-sama by lineage, but I don't trust him... he frowned, continuing to walk away.

Unknown to the four, they had been being observed since they had walked in. Keith knew his audience, and he knew what they tended to look like. But those four were different, for one thing he rarely saw anyone vaguely asian even come in places like this. Plus the uptight looking one in the suit definatly wasnt here for the show either, the others looked at least casual enough but that guy gave it away that they were there for something other than a good time. He also couldnt help but notice the ladies of that particular group, just as he had an eye for things that stood out in the crowd he had an eye for interesting women and there was something about those two that seemed pretty damn interesting. With his set almost over he would soon get the chance to figure out jus what they were for, but true to his nature he would ge the information from a source he didnt mind looking at. During a guitar solo he inched over to the edge of the stage, addressing one of the roadies. "See those two girls over there that just came in a little bit ago?" he asked briefly pointing to Ayumi and Artemis. "Invite them to come visit me back stage when im done up here." he told him

"You got it." the roadie said before making his way through the crowd to them. "Mr. Young wanted me to let you know that you have been invited to join him backstage after the show." he told them before turning Date. "Not you though, though you dont seem like the type that would want to speak to him anyway."

Soon enough the music died down as Keith and the band began to wrap things up for the evening. Rock and roll was his lifeblood but that didnt mean it didnt tire him out after a while. Soon enough they left the stage vacant as the crowd began to disperse now that things were over.

Date couldn't stand walking through the crowd it was as if every step he took would cause two to three people to run into him. Date could see himself taking all of these useless people out in moments, but sadly that wasn't allowed. Though when one guy's elbow hit Date in the jaw out of no where he reacted and kicked him in the back of his knee causing the metal head to fall over. As the metal head fell another one kneed him in the face and they both then started fighting. Date would then laugh at the ignorance of all the people in the crowd.

When the men came to Artemis and Ayumi asking for them to go backstage all Date wanted to do was go with them, and that is when he took a few deep breaths and just ignored the men as if they didn't even say anything to him. Date wanted to punish the two for saying such things to him, but he knew it would blow any chance of talking to who they were looking for.

I know that it has been interesting to see this country...but still...we're on a mission here...Hmm?Ayumi was stirred out of her thoughts by seeing the roadie approach the two of them. He then told them that her and Artemis were to follow him to meet Keith. Ayumi herself would have liked if all of them could meet Keith, but that was a moot point since Tsurugi let himself out earlier. She then tried to speak in English for her response. "Sure...go ahead and take us to him..."

She was quite surprised she was able to say that without any of it being broken and turned to Date, switching to Japanese. "Don't worry, Date-san...we can handle ourselves...right, Artemis-san?" As she said her fellow comrade's name, she looked at her, hoping to get some confirmation from her before they went off.

“T-Tsurugi! Wait!†Artemis turns around a moment too late to stop him from leaving before they could have a moment of the Lord’s time. Dropping her hand back down could only watch Tsurugi leave knowing what was rushing through his mind. Feeling they all shared in common with the loss of their previous Lord Tsurugi taken it the worse. The connection he shared with the seventeenth head of the Shiba Clan she could only underline as brotherly was unable or refused to see that within Keith. Finishing what was left of the drink glance back at the stage to see Keith speaking with a roadie pointing in their direction.

The first thing that ran inside her mind they made it all too apparent was here other than having a good time. Looking back at Ayumi being reminded of their mission brushed her fingers slowly through her hair looking at the girl apologetically having been all caught up in the excitement. The day they had been informed of his existence was overwhelmed often dreamt of what he was like in person. To finally meet their Lord in person exceeded her own expectations kept this in check in the company of the others knowing they would not approve.

As the two men approached them informing that she and Ayumi were invited to speak with Keith backstage along noticed Date’s disapproval not being allowed to accompany with them. Artemis rested a hand lightly on his shoulder briefly nodding in an agreement towards Ayumi’s promise. “Of course.†She answered “If you can try to catch up with Tsurugi-san and bring him back. This is very important and he should be here as well.†Giving Date a light squeeze on his shoulder that all will be all right started to follow their escorts alongside with Ayumi.

Sitting alone at a hidden corner of a Burger King he happened to find while walking around, Tsurugi sighed as he stared at the paper cup filled with Mountain Dew, patiently awaiting the food he ordered. Haa...I screwed it up again for the team... he frowned, glancing to the glass panel windows, which not only provided the diners with a great view of the outside world, but also served as panels where one could post the special deals offered by the restaurant. Still feeling somewhat guilty for bailing on Artemis and the others, Tsurugi pulled out a strange looking top from his right pocket, and proceeded to spin it on the table. He then proceeded to watch as the top wobbled about as it spun, finally tipping to a halt on its side. It was at that moment an employee approached him with a tray, on top of it the Whopper he ordered.

"Here is your Whopper, sir," the female employee said, gently placing the tray on the table. "Thank you," Tsurugi replied in English with a slight accent. However, instead of eating the burger, Tsurugi decided to spin the top once more, proceeding to observe it wobble about while it spun.