President: Ikari Gendo (Neon Genesis Evangelion)

Members in Good Standing (Good being relative):
Alucard (Hellsing)
Alexander Anderson (Hellsing)
Cho Hakkai (Saiyuki)
Brad Crawford (Weiss Kreuz)
Walter Kum Dorne (Hellsing)
Sir Integra Wingates Hellsing (Hellsing)
Kudou Youji (Weiss Kreuz)
Mihara Ichirou (Angelic Layer)
Muraki Kazutaka (Yami no Matsuei)
Nemuro Souji (Shoujo Kakumei Utena)
Sakurazuka Seishirou (Tokyo Babylon, X)
Seguchi Touma (Gravitation)
Takatori Reiji (Weiss Kreuz)
Tatsumi Seiichirou (Yami no Matsuei)
Lady Une (Gundam Wing)
Vash the Stampede (Trigun)
Yuki Eiri (Gravitation)

Honorary Member: Shinomori Aoshi (Rurouni Kenshin)

Minutes:

29 January 2004
Had minion send invitations. Preapproved membership, anticipating their acceptance. Sat imposingly for 2 hours while minions did my bidding.

30 January 2004
No replies to date. Considered for inviting Lady Une for three seconds, had minion send invitation. Innate scary qualities are unquestionable. The possibility of a mission statement was considered and rejected as pansy. Motto was self evident. Had minion send note to Yuki Eiri informing the author that he will be running our newsletter.

18 February 2004
Work happened. Sat imposingly while minions did my bidding. Discovered that it is possible to sleep behind shiny glasses, and no one can tell. Yuki Eiri's minion (I believe she said "editor" was her official title) tearfully informed me that the author is too busy to write a newsletter, and would I please not ask him to do it again or he might be mad at her. This Yuki seems like a decent person.
Only one reply. Kudou Youji is pleased to accept membership. By virtue of being the only respondant, he will be running the newsletter. Also felt a presence outside my window last week, which appeared to be a hawk. Will consider Sakurazuka Seishirou as having formally accepted.
Decided on new member for inclusion: Mihara Ichirou is most acceptable. The people of Peacemaker Kurogane also appear to have potential. I shall have my minions research them.

25 February 2004
Received the first newsletter of Kudou Youji. The contents were as follows:

There is little I can say. Under such circumstances, it is best to let one's glasses speak instead. ::gleam::
It has come to my attention that Vash the Stampede is more than qualified for inclusion. I must, however, consider the group dynamic before issuing an invitation. ::pause:: Due to the non-communicative nature of this group, I find no problem with the inclusion of a Good character. My minions will insert him on the register and send an invitation.

3 March 2004
A grave oversight corrected in membership listings. Had minions issue an invitation to Tatsumi Seiichirou. Qualifications are impeccable. Upon completion of this task, minions conveyed Kudou Youji's assurances that the next newsletter will be more acceptable. Results should be interesting.

8 March 2004
New members once again. Even such a person as I, it would seem, cannot make a complete list of Those With Shiny Glasses. Minions have sent invitations to the following: Seguchi Touma; Cho Hakkai; Sir Integra Wingates Hellsing, Alucard, "Shinigami" Walter Kum Dorne, and Alexander Anderson. The question of the monacle is an interesting one. There are glasses, which have two lenses and thus allow the eyes to be completely obscured. People are intimidated, scared, and put ill at ease simply by the presence of shiny glasses. Sunglasses are obviously acceptable. Contact lenses are not. The proper obscuration of the eye is not achieved. It takes a very special sort of person to overcome a lack of glasses: the effect of shiny glasses must be contained within the gaze itself, an effect that is almost impossible to achieve without glass. I have only seen one person do it properly to date: Shinomori Aoshi of the Oniwabanshu. Of course, not everyone whose glasses catch a glint of light are eligible for membership. Those who pretend to the status are beneath consideration. Membership must be earned through being properly intimidating and scary. This is a club for Men and not for boys. Even if those Men are female. The monacle, after the question of One Lens was considered, is an acceptable form of eyewear. The effect of the single obscured eye has its own intimidating quality that cannot be denied. And, each pair of Glasses should suit the character of the person. A monacle suits a butler given the name "Shinigami". Our single-lensed brethren are welcome, assuming that they have a suitable shininess.
Note: plans to be put into effect for a gathering of members.

8 April 2004
The timing and situation of the gathering of members has been decided. [For security purposes, this information is omitted.] The problem, however, arose of how to bring them all. To date, the members have been ... unresponsive. With the exception of Kudou Youji. Plan A: Offer Food. Rejected, as most of these people can well afford their own food and their pride places them above such bribes. Plan B: Ask Kudou, Who is Better at Such Things. His response was simply, "Leave it to me." Accompanied, of course, by a suitable shine as he pushed his sunglasses up on his nose. His response to my inquiries regarding the next newsletter was: "I'm working on it." This had better be good.

Party! Youji scanned the list of members. "Get them all to come, huh? Shouldn't be too hard." Gendo would be there. Alucard... the guy was a party animal. He'd show. Now, Anderson. A priest? Maybe the Pope has a sense of humor. It might just take an order from the Pope to drag that one out. As for Hakkai, he knew exactly what would make him come. Same went for Crawford. It'll be fun to see Shu-Shu again...

::WHAT did you just call me?::

Think of the Devil. ::Hey, Schu! Long time, no brain violation.::

::You did not just call me Shu-Shu.:: The red-head sounded pissed.

::Of course I did.:: There was an unpleasant silence filled with brooding hatred. Youji shrugged. ::Anyway, if I send you a time and a place, can you get Crawford there?::

::Why should I?::

::Party::

::We'll be there.::

Well, that tactic would work fairly well. Considering the list, he'd have to use it a few times. Hmm. Walter would come if he could get Sir Integra to come. And the Queen of England did have a sense of humor. Ichirou would come, Muraki... Muraki. Youji shuddered. Sick bastard. If Gendo wanted him to come, Gendo could get him there himself. Nemuro would be tough, but not impossible. Next to him, the others would be easy. Youji typed off a quick note to Gendo, and left. Time to go bother Aya...

5 May 2004

Kudou reports that he has drafted invitations for all members on the list. Except Muraki. He will be sending invitations post-haste. Except to Muraki. I have instructed him to copy to me on all invitations. Muraki will not be a problem. I will have one of my minions inform him that he may speak to me about cloning. Note: appoint minions to procure food and reception hall. Inform Kudou that he should take care of entertainment. Note: also inform Kudou that invitations are to be formal.

To Lord Alucard:

You are hereby formally invited to a gathering of the Shiny Glasses Club. This event will take place beginning at 8:00 in the evening on [Date omitted here]. The location of the gathering is [Location omitted here]. We look forward to your presence.

Sincerely,
Kudou Youji
Not a Secretary, on behalf of the Shiny Glasses Club

[Formal Invitation to Alexander Anderson]

To His Holiness, Pope John Paul II:

On behalf of the Shiny Glasses Club, I would request that Father Alexander Anderson of the Vatican be given leave to attend a society function on [Date omitted here]. His presence would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,
Kudou Youji
On behalf of the Shiny Glasses Club

[There is no reply from the Pope. The following was drafted by Youji.]

To Father Alexander Anderson:

It has come to the attention of the Vatican that Alucard of the Hellsing Organization will be in attendance at a gathering of the members of the Shiny Glasses Club. As you seem to have membership, your presence will not be suspect. Your orders are to attend the party and watch the actions of Alucard and any other present members of the Hellsing Organization. Take appropriate action if Alucard particularly engages in vampiric activity, however, try to avoid killing anyone in such a high-profile situation. Such activities must not be traced back to the Vatican. May God be with you.

[Formal Invitation to Cho Hakkai]

Dear Gojyo,
In case you don't know, Hakkai got drafted into this thing called the Shiny Glasses Club. We're having a party at [Location omitted here] on [Date omitted here]. The president wants everybody there, so if you would be so good as to drag him, I'll make sure you'll have a good time. There will be food and booze, but not silly amounts of food, so don't bring the monkey. I'm taking entertainment requests from people who like to have fun.
See ya.
Youji.

[Formal Invitation to Brad Crawford]

P.S. -- No, it's not a trap. No, we won't kill you as long as you don't try to kill us. I'll tell Aya to play nice.

::Yo, Shu-Shu::

::Do you realize how much of a bad idea it is to call a telepath by a name he doesn't like?::

::A really, awfully, horribly bad idea. Right?::

::Do you want me to scramble your brains? Because I can.::

::Aww, but then you wouldn't have me around. You'd miss me.::

[Silence]

::You know I'm right.::

::Just tell me when and where.::

::[Location omitted here] on [Date omitted here]::

::We'll be there. This better be good.::

::Don't you trust me?::

:: ...No. Love, adore, and cherish. But never trust.::

::I'm hurt.::

::Yeah, right. See you at the party.::

[Formal Invitation to Walter Cum Dorne]

[Formal Invitation to Sir Integra Wingates Hellsing]

To Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II of England:

The Shiny Glasses Club has requested the presence of your agent, Sir Integra Wingates Hellsing, at a club function on [Date omitted here]. We would appreciate any help you could lend in getting her there. If the information will be of service, Father Anderson of the Vatican should also be in attendance.

Our best wishes for the continued good fortune of your house and state.

Sincerely,
Kudou Youji
On behalf of the Shiny Glasses Club

To Sir Integra Wingates Hellsing:

Your presence has been requested at a certain party on [Date omitted here]. You shall be in attendance. An agent of the Vatican will also be attending, one Father Anderson. See to it that nothing goes amiss.

Elizabeth II, Regina

[Formal Invitation to Mihara Ichirou]

[Formal Invitation to Nemuro Souji]

P.S. -- President Ikari Gendo of the Shiny Glasses Club would also like to speak with you about the possibility of employment at his facility. Please attend the party, and there you can discuss employment options.

[Formal Invitation to Sakurazuka Seishirou]

Dear Sumeragi Hokuto,
Nice to meet you. My name's Youji, and you're lucky a) that I'm taken and b) that you're under 18: this letter is just business. You know about the Shiny Glasses Club, I'm sure. We're having a party on [Date omitted here]. Seishirou's invited. The chances of him coming are slim to none, which is why I'm hoping for a little angelic intervention (if you know what I mean). I'd owe you a big favor. Anything I can do for you, just name it. For starters, I can get a great corsage for Subaru free of charge, and a matching boutonniere. Whatever you want.
Kudou Youji

Dear Youji,
I'll design some outfits, and we can talk about flowers to match. I'll meet you at Tokyo Tower, on the main observation deck at 11PM next Tuesday. That's after they close, so we shouldn't be seen (I trust you can get in). Don't worry about Sei-chan. He'll be there.
Yours,
Sumeragi Hokuto

[Formal Invitation to Seguchi Touma]

[Formal Invitation to Takatori Reiji]

P.S. -- You should probably be aware that Muraki Kazutaka will no doubt be in attendance, against the wishes of this member and any sane individual. [Note by Gendo in response: Objection registered and understood. Too bad.] Someone has to keep an eye on him.

[Formal Invitation to Lady Une]

Dear Treize Kushrenada,
There's this thing called the Shiny Glasses Club, and Une's in it whether she wants to be or not. We're having a party on [Date omitted here], and to be honest I don't think she'll come. If anyone can get her there, you can. I appreciate the help.
Yours,
Kudou Youji

[Formal Invitation to Vash the Stampede]

P.S. -- There will be donuts.

[Formal Invitation to Yuki Eiri]

Dear Mr. K:

I understand that you are the manager of the band Bad Luck. I would like to hire them as the entertainment for a function to be held by the Shiny Glasses Club on [Date omitted here] at [Location omitted here]. This is, in fact, all a plot to ensure the attendance of Yuki Eiri and, by extension, Seguchi Touma through hiring Shindou Shuichi and the other members of Bad Luck to play. If my study of the band's patterns is correct, this should also result in a) a very happy lead singer and thus b) the writing of a hit single that will cause the next album's sales to sky-rocket. The band will be paid the ordinary fee for a full concert. We can provide for any equipment you might need upon your request. I hope these terms are acceptable. I look forward to Bad Luck's performance.

Sincerely,
Kudou Youji
On behalf of the Shiny Glasses Club

[Formal Invitation to Shinomori Aoshi]

Dear Misao,
As you've no doubt heard, the Shiny Glasses Club has invited your Aoshi to a party on [Date omitted here]. We'd really like him to come, so if you don't mind giving him a little push I'd be in your debt. Hope to see you there.
Kudou Youji

TUESDAY, 11 MAY 2004 - TOKYO TOWER MAIN OBSERVATION DECK - 11:00PM

Youji leaned against a pillar and pulled out a cigarrette. He was about to light it when a voice stopped him.

"No smoking, please." The voice had come from a girl in a guard's uniform, and a cute one at that. The first thing he noticed were her striking green eyes, followed by a mischievious smile that belonged on no Tokyo Tower night guard. It was only then that he noticed the rakish angle of the hat, the extra flares and buckles on the uniform, and the knee-high boots. If this was the person who was dressing the somber Sumeragi Subaru...

"Kudou Youji, I presume?"

"You must be Sumeragi Hokuto-san."

"Oh, please. When there's a girl this cute in front of you, don't call her "-san"." Putting her finger to the tip of her nose and leaning in, she continued, "Call me Hokuto-chan."

Youji couldn't help smiling. "Hokuto-chan. Good to meet you." He settled down into a seated position. "Shall we?"

"Oh, let's! I've got so many great ideas for Subaru. He simply can't dress himself, you know." Youji had seen pictures. While the Sumeragi could look amazing in a ragged t-shirt and old trenchcoat, he could tell this was only because the Sumeragi would look good in anything. This girl had a good eye, if it tended to the extreme. She would have made an extraordinary designer of clothes for the runway.

Youji picked up her sketches and looked at the first one. Then the second. Then the third, fourth, and fifth in rapid succession. Her aesthetic was admirable, but... "These are for a twenty-five year-old man?" He simply couldn't imagine the spare, haunted face of Sumeragi Subaru in any of these.

Hokuto picked up the pile and looked at them critically for a moment. "No." She tucked them inside her coat pocket, which was obviously too small for them, and pulled out two other sketches. Huh. Hammerspace. "Those were old. These are the right ones." He set them next to each other to compare. "A great artist can adapt, you know."

Youji paused and considered for a moment. "We should warn Seishirou."

Hokuto-chan only smiled. "Taken care of."

To Be Continued