Ranma stared into the firelight. They had been traveling for a day and had no luck in tracking down the renegades. The burned out jeep had been found early in the morning, but the meager trails leading away from the site were conflicting. Two sets of tracks had led from the site, and the ones he thought were Vash’s had been accompanied by a woman’s. It had most likely been Minako’s friend, judging from the size of the tracks, but they had inexplicably vanished, Vash’s much sooner than the girl’s. He had been so close, but again came up empty. Blaming the girls had been his initial reaction, but he wasn’t going to take that cop-out. An opportunity to kill had presented itself, but he had hesitated. His father would have called him a sissy for it, and he would have agreed. Something had held him back, forced him to listen to Vash instead of striking before Minako had interrupted. He was now traveling with the girls that had interrupted him. Chuckling at the irony, he had to admit Nabiki was on top of her knowledge. The woman had confirmed what he had suspected concerning the identities of his companions. Words had come out of Tokyo. News was uncommon, but the magic properties of the girls who ruled the city were known outside the city. Nabiki had given him a bit of a hard time about the members of this makeshift band, and he would be loath to admit it, he was actually somewhat impressed with them. The conversation during the day had been light and humorous at times. He didn’t remember the last time he had enjoyed the company of strangers. His existence, except for Nabiki, had been one of almost complete isolation. “Ranma.” The tentative voice filled the night-time air. “Heya, Minako,” he replied lazily while he kept his eyes on the dying fire. He heard her take a seat next to him. They sat in silence for a few minutes before Minako broke it. “What’s the purpose of killing Vash?” The timid question shot trough Ranma like a volt of lightning. “He has to pay.” His voice had lost all emotion, and he could feel the weight of them crash upon the cool crisp night. “How much?” “What?” He blinked and looked at her askance. “How much does he have to pay? How much is enough?” she asked sadly. “Enough to settle for my father, Mr. Tendo, Nabiki, Ukyou, Akane, Kasumi, the others in the shelter,” he grated out through his teeth. She said nothing for a while. He assumed she was done with her questioning and started to relax, until he heard what he thought was a sniffle. He turned and saw the firelight reflect form the moisture on her face. “Out of my closes friends, only me and Usagi had both of our parents. Rei’s parents were in the states, Makoto’s are dead, Ami’s are divorced. Mine are.... were perfect. The day the war started I was out with Makoto.” She stopped speaking and Ranma felt his heart sink to the ground, and felt like he wanted to sink even lower. “We heard the sirens and decided we’d track down mom and dad. They didn’t have cell-phones. We could get in touch with our friends and their parents all made it to a shelter safely. Even Rei’s parents made it to safety, and even made it back to Tokyo after the war,” she said fondly, a cruel smile graced her porcelain face before she continued, “Makoto stayed with me as we searched shelter after shelter and nothing. I remember Makoto finally dragging me to safety. The next year.... the next year was the worst of my life.” Minako stopped speaking and the hurtful silence tore at Ranma’s heart. He wanted to make the confession stop. He didn’t need to hear anymore. “During the year in the shelters, I convinced myself I could find them. That they made it to another shelter and were waiting for me.... the only price I want someone to pay is to bring them back. I’d pay whatever it was for that. And no one can pay it,” she shambled to her feet as Ranma tentatively reached for her. Failing as she ran past him, around an outcropping. As he watched her go, he noticed Hotaru standing there, looking at him pityingly. He stared back at her, eyes coming alight with fire, challenging her assessment. The deadlock was broken by a slight shaking of her head, as she turned and walked after her friend. Xxxxxxxxx Enemies of the Crystal State Chapter 7 by KPJAM Creators of Scryed Yousuke Kuroda(scenario), Yasunari Toda(manga) Trigun - Yasuhiro Naitoh Sailor Moon - Naoko Takeuchi Ranma1/2 - Rumiko Takahashi Earlier episodes can be found at http://kpjam.anifics.com Ranma slowed to a halt, the small trail they were traveling along passed near the crest of the mountain. It was apparently the last mountain in this contiguous range. They had been moving for days at a decent pace, the girls making good speed on the donkey, which pleased the young- man. "Do you think they're down there?" Minako asked from her saddle. "Dunno," Ranma grunted answering the question automatically without paying it much thought. He had been a little extra uneasy around her for days, now. Feeling like he should apologize wasn’t a notion he was fond of and he she acted almost like he had done nothing wrong. So why did she run away crying? He looked at familiar town below, if it could be called a town. A collection of scattered homes and tents centered around a small lake in the river that came down from the mountains. It was the site of a fond childhood memory from his childhood turned into something horrible in this post apocalyptic world. "Do you think we lost them?" Hotaru queried. Ranma turned to the two girls, taking in the view of the weird two headed girl that looked at him. Hotaru has looking over Minako's shoulder, showing a comfort for each other that caused Ranma to suppress a pang of nostalgia and envy. Sighing, he answered, "Don't know." His instincts told him they had lost them. Vash might have been able to keep a fast enough pace to stay ahead of them, or even outpace them, but he didn't think the other could. There was also the magical girl out there. She had been hot on their trail and apparently destroyed the jeep. All of that meant that either the magic girl caught Vash and took him back to Tokyo, abandoning her friends, or they were traveling together and outpaced them, or just gone in a different direction. All of these items he had talked over with both Nabiki the other night and the girls here. The uncertainty and unanswered questions all frayed at the young-man's temper. "I think maybe you two should stay here." The abrupt request caused both girls to narrow their eyes. "Why?" the high-pitched chorus sent a small shiver down Ranma's back. "It's a particularly bad place." "I think we can take care of ourselves," Hotaru's responded quickly and vehemently. "It's nice that you're concerned, Ranma. But we really can handle ourselves." Minako replied sweetly. It was the same double teaming he had come to hate. If he attacked Hotaru's response, like he really wanted to, he was afraid he's upset Minako. If he attacked Minako, it would open him up to a verbal onslaught by Hotaru. He took in a deep breath of air as he tried to come up with a retort, anything to actually win one argument, but the words wouldn't form. "Just looking out for ya," he responded finally as he turned and headed down the road back into another broken memory. Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Minako rode closely behind the jogging Ranma, Hotaru rested against her back. Their escort slowed his trot as they approached the outskirts of the village. The irregular clatter of Bean’s hoofs could be heard as the donkey stepped on the irregularly spaced concrete. The slabs were remnants of the road that used to be here, now covered in years of dirt. "How come there aren't any walls around this city?" The blonde asked when they approached the first of the houses in the outlying area. "Don't need 'em. No one would try and take something from this place. Not worth it," Ranma replied in a defeated voice. Minako frowned, wondering what would cause such a reaction from him. She felt she was a pretty good judge of people - - as long as she wasn't romantically involved -- and this reaction seemed wrong from Ranma. Dejection wasn't something she'd expect from him. "What's that supposed to mean, Ranma?" Minako shivered as Hotaru’s breath tickled her ear. "Listen, this place is full of the lowest people. They have no morals. They make money by preying on others. The only income in this town is what they steal on their raids." Both girls were silenced by the short speech, wondering kind of people inhabited this place. They sounded no worse than some of the people they had already met on their quest. So why was Ranma acting so strangely? Minako reared up as they crossed the invisible threshold that marked the border of the town. Three monks, dressed in warn brown habits, came out of a house that was immediate in front of them. They approached slowly and bowed. "Welcome, Children. Do you come to seek enlightenment?" The tallest one, that was apparently the leader asked. "Nope. Already light enough," Ranma replied sourly. "Ranma!" Hotaru had mimicked Minako’s instant admonishment. "It's all right ladies. We're used to the unbeliever's words. He will see the light, maybe sooner than he thinks." "I've been here before. So why don't you just drop the act?" Ranma replied tiredly. "I know not what you mean, Son. Seek out our shrine by the lake, and speak to one there. They will have answers to you questions." "I know I won't find the answers I'm looking for there. So why don't you just scram." "I'm sorry our friend is so rude," Minako supplied, smiling brightly to the men. "Yes. He's a bit brusque," Hotaru agreed. Minako could feel her nodding her head from behind. "It's okay. As I said, we are used to the words of such as him," the man said haughtily at Ranma. "Geez. Give it a rest, you crooks. Last time I was here, you "clergy" tried to kill me with those guns you hide under those dresses," Ranma growled angrily. "You are mistaken, my son. The good work cannot be accomplished by the use of force. It is a weakness of the mind and spirit." "Grr... Fine! Want me to prove it!" Ranma bellowed as ran at the lead monk. The monk shied back, moving his arms into a defensive position: making a feeble attempt at warding off blows that never came. Ranma instead went for the man's attire, quickly grasping the robe by the collar and pulling it down swiftly until it got stuck around the man's waist. "Ranma!" both girls yelled in outrage. "What do you think you're doing?!" the man yelled as the other two moved try and protect their leader. Ranma ignored them, seemingly miffed about something as he examined the man's shoulder and midriff that were bare except for the white tank. At some unannounced moment when the other two apparently moved too close, Ranma moved again. He seemed to blur quickly, meeting the charge of the other two, he stripped them both of their habits. Leaving them standing there exposed to the world, one naked, and the other wearing a small white jockstrap. "Since when do you losers leave your holes unarmed," he groused as he threw the clothing back at their faces. Minako had dismounted while Ranma was stripping the clergy and took hold of Ranma, wheeling him around and yelling, "What the hell are you doing?! They're priests!" Ranma stiffened. "You don't get it. They wear the robes to conceal their weapons. And to mock the _real_ order that used to be here. They keep a few of the ones around for their sick kicks!" She spun Ranma around quickly, making him face the poor men who were struggling to get dressed. "Do they look like armed criminals or pious men?!" She asked exasperated, but trying to regain her temper. Ranma's shoulders slumped. "Good," she exhaled, "maybe we can get this sorted out and be on our way before Ranma causes any more trouble." Ranma jerked away from her lingering grasp and spoke without turning around. "Stay in this area and try and find out any information you can. There's a small shop five blocks that way," he pointed down the road, "a few doors down after that, there was a decent inn called 'The Habit.' Meet me there in two hours. Rent a room there as well." "Where are you going?" Minako called after him. "I need to go to the other part of town, get information from a couple of old acquaintances. If anyone has the information that we need, it will be one of them." Ranma seemingly disappeared around a nearby corner before either woman could say anything further. “We’re very sorry about our friend,” Hotaru said, walking up to the defrocked men. “As I said before, it has happened before. Although he was a bit more physical then we’re used to.” He and the others began dressing. “Can we make it up to you?” Minako was feeling mortified at Ranma’s actions. She wasn’t religious, but Ranma’s unparalleled rudeness needed to be made up for. “There is no need. He will one day learn the error of his ways.” The three men finished dressing, and bowed to the ladies. “I hope you enjoy your stay.” “I’m sure we will. And again, we’re sorry.” Minako bowed in return. They watched the men disappear into the town. Right before Minako suggested they check out that inn and see if they could find any information, they were interrupted. "He's right, you know." Both women spun quickly at the voice. Standing in front of them was a young girl of twelve. Her face was glistening with streaks of sweat as she carried two large buckets attached to a pole slung across her back. An old matted apron with house frock underneath hung loosely from her slender frame. Matted black hair trailed over her shoulders, tangles could be seen clearly, sending her hair in unexpected directions. The dour expression on her face wrung at Minako's heart, as she couldn't believe someone so young could look so put upon. “I’m glad of that. Ranma should calm down, attacking priest is no way to go through life.” “Eh?” The girl looked at them like they had grown more heads. “I meant your friend was right, you ditz. Those _priests_ are all fakes.” “Heh! I am not a ditz! And those nice men most certainly were priests!” "Keh. The only religion they know is perversion and power. You should get out of here while you still can. If you’re really not a ditz, you’ll take your friends warning seriously and just wait for him outside of town." "Then why are you still here? If it's so bad, why stay?" Hotaru asked in a voice that conveyed both concern and disbelief while stepping up to the small girl. "And go where? How? You both came from somewhere. In fact, You both look like you came from someplace nice," she said, looking critically at the clothing the two girls wore. "A little travel stained, but nice stuff. Probably made after the war, too. No one comes here for any good reason, not even tradesmen. They’re smart enough to stay clear." Minako frowned as she moved forward to stand next to her friend. The next question on her lips died as a woman called from a short distance away. "Luna! There you are." They both turned and dropped their jaws as a woman out of a bad story came running forward. If you could call the abbreviated strides she made in high heels and hose, running. There was a red garter that went up under her black micro mini-skirt. The garter matched the panties that they were flashed with as the skirt rode to far up for decency from the woman’s attempt at running. The tube top adequately covered her large breast, but the fit left nothing to either senshi’s imagination. There was a strong resemblance to the girl they were talking to; long black hair, although it appeared to be kept up and similar facial structure and eyes marked the newcomer as a relative of the girl they were talking to. Although instead of the sour face the younger girl looked upon them with, the newcomer displayed a lascivious hunger in her eyes. "I was getting worried, you'd been gone for much longer than usual. Oh! Hi!" she exclaimed as she apparently noticed Minako and Hotaru for the first time. "Luna, what have you been telling these people?" She frowned at the little girl and put her hands on her hips. "I was telling them what I wished someone would have told us: to stay the hell away from this hell-hole." She sneered in response, angry eyes blazing at the older woman. They stared at each other for a minute. The awkwardness of the situation kept both Minako and Hotaru quiet. The strange arrangement was finally broken when the older girl relinquished her stance, shaking her head sadly, and turning to the two women. “Forgive her, she just doesn't understand.” "I do too. You sold your soul to the devil and don't even mind," Luna hissed at the older woman. "My sister Luna here doesn't understand the ways of the world now-a-days.” She seemed to consider both Minako and Hotaru for a moment before she spoke again. “You girls here for work? Two beauties like you could make a killing, especially if you keep your wits about you. I can put in a good word for you at the inn. The pay sucks, but it sucks everywhere now. But the tips can be lucrative," she smiled and moved closer to Hotaru. "You are especially luscious looking. She reached out, taking a hold of a strand of the stunned girl's hair. "If you want," she purred as she leaned closer, "I can show you a few pointers. I know I'd enjoy it." "Ouch!" Hotaru exclaimed as the woman's hand was forcibly extracted from Hotaru's hair by the younger girl. "Lina, stop that! No one wants to do what you do. It's disgusting!" She shrieked and slapped her sister, before running off. Lina sighed, "Kids these days just don't know what it take to make it in this world." She walked over and picked up the buckets and pole that had been dropped. "If you want work. Look me up at "The Pleasure Palace." I'll be there in about two hours. Come by even if you don't want work, I'd love to entertain either of you... or both," she said as she lipped her upper lip before turning. She stopped for a second, peering over her shoulder and saying, "Ask for Lina. Lina Perverse. I'll be waiting." Minako shuddered as she watched Lina saunter away. Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Ranma ducked down the closest alley he could find. Annoyed, frustrated, and just plain embarrassed about the whole affair. He took some calming breaths, before pulling a scarf out of his pocket. Taking a glance around to make sure he wasn't observed he cloaked his aura, invoking the invisibility technique of the Umi-sen-ken. They reminded him of his father, and the mixed feelings he had for the man. Extremely bothersome at times, he was great at certain things. The two schools he had created, and passed on to Ranma to safeguard on his death bed, had been a testament to his skill and ability. Genma had asked two things of him on his death bed, he was proud of what he had done with the “art,’ the other wish was still causing him headaches. He briefly thought of Nabiki, and vowed to convince her once he finished this business with Vash and Knives. He jumped up onto one of the small roofs, moving swiftly, but carefully across the rooftops. The people who lived here knew nothing about making anything structurally sound, only wanting something to withstand the elements. The shoddy workmanship made him extremely careful concerning where he stepped and landed, lest a roof tile cave in and dropped him into someone's living room. His trip to the old abbey didn’t take long. Although the city was a bit spread out which made jumping from roof to roof troublesome, it wasn't all that large. There was a small hill near the central lake that had looked incredibly goofy to him when he had first visited this town on his travels. The hill was most likely man made, an affectation to the prominence the order that had run the town made to their religion and had also allowed the townsfolk and pilgrims who came to look up to the temple and religious head of the order. The last time Ranma was here, he still had been an inhabitant of the hill, just not occupying the same living quarters within the temple. He hoped he was still there. There was an ornamental wall that surrounded the base of the hill. Not bothering to make his way to the front gate, Ranma hopped over the side and made a bee-line up the hill. He noted the lack of guards around, surmising that the current leader of the community had effectively decimated the rival factions that had been in place previously. The revamped tool shed, that was his current destination, was located on the side of the temple. It was cleverly placed in a depression on the hill, making it difficult to see from the city. Conversely, you could see one of the smaller plazas clearly from the window. It was the auctioning plaza, and being able to see it from the shed was a special treat for its prisoner. He glanced down at the plaza and regretted it instantly. Torn clothing and bloodstains littered the area, and he could clearly see the floor of the pit, or at least more of it than he wished to. Frolicking around the pit were dozens of denizens of this once pious town. The scene caused an involuntary shake in the young man as he took control of his anger, promising to one day clean this place out when he had the leisure. The occasional high-pitched scream and raucous laughter could be heard from his slight height. He dismissed the vision he had just seen: the crowd that had gathered to watch the participants who were both willing and unwilling was thrown from his mind. He needed to be gone from this place, he didn’t know exactly what his current companions were capable of, but he didn’t want them subjected to this. Flashbacks from his last visit with Nabiki came back then, unbidden memories that weighed too heavily on his heart, another set of failures he had to atone for. Nabiki had been rescued that time, if only barely. But it was way too close for his pride to accept. He should have never left her alone, and he worried he was repeating the same mistake this time. The memory of her surrounded by leering half dressed men, men who he had thought were priest, while she lay on the ground motionless, disheveled and, wearing only her shredded blouse and panties caused him to involuntarily swallow, the taste of bile prominent in his mouth. He arrived at the shed. Finding the window open, he jumped in quietly, looking around for people as he moved. The only lighting in the room was provided by the open window. A single unlit candle rested on a rickety and otherwise bare nightstand. The old man he sought was seated cross- legged and meditating in the middle of the room, next to the single cot. "Old Man," Ranma hissed with venom in his voice as he dropped his technique. "Still think pacifism and goodness will save any of these people?" The venerable priest turned his head to face Ranma, not moving any part of his body below the neck. Ranma looked at the aged man, deep bags hung under his eyes, and wrinkles lay upon wrinkles. He looked into the dusty gray eyes and saw a sadness that maybe matched his own. He hated the man for not fighting back, for not leaving, and most of all for being right when he told Ranma to flee all those years ago. "I can only do what I can do. My life, what little there is of it, is only of use to try and give comfort to those here who still seek it. You know this, Ranma." Ranma nodded, wanting badly to rebuke the old man’s words, but in a strange moment of empathy, and self awareness, he knew he didn't have the strength of this man. He would throw his life away trying to win, only to fail, which was the crux of his hatred. He had too much to lose by dying carelessly, and this would be a very careless death. "Why have you returned?" The monk asked, staring intently at Ranma before continuing, "I do not wish to see you harmed." "Vash." "Have you completed your quest, and now wish for forgiveness?" The pity in his voice grated on Ranma’s nerves. "No! I was following him and this was the direction he was headed. He might have been with a few others, but probably alone." The other man nodded solemnly. Continuing to look straight at Ranma, straight into his soul, he said, "There have been few strangers here lately, thankfully. I would have heard if your brother entered this town." "He's not my brother!" "He was. Of that I was sure. The other, Knives, had a troubled soul, as do you now. But Vash was, and most likely still is, an innocent. He would have made a wonderful addition to The Order," the last was said wistfully. Ranma stopped, not wanting to fight with this man anymore, he glanced outside, regretting instantly his view of the debauchery. "I'll never forgive these bastards. When I'm done, I'm coming back here to clean this place up. I don't care what it costs." "Son. There are some things that must play themselves out, you can't force them with violence, no matter how good you intentions. How is your arm by the way?" "Fine. I've always been a fast healer, and it was only a flesh wound." "And Nabiki. I'm sorry I couldn't have been of help." "She's fine. We came to an understanding after she healed." "And did you two ever…" the old man paused at the sound of people approaching. "You must leave. I have work to do, and your presence will only add to it." Ranma sighed, again trying to remain calm. He had gotten what he needed, if Vash had been through here, the destruction would have kept the old geezer busy tending to the wounded. "Please, now. It's bad enough as it is. They get worse when they smell blood in the air, and if any recognize you, they'll all come. Amateo put a large bounty on your head in response to the wound you gave him. Even though he’s gone, the bounty stands." "Shame I didn't get to kill him," Ranma said coldly. "Just go now, before all hell breaks loose again. They took out their frustration on the townsfolk after you left last time. I had to care for those they didn’t kill." Ranma reluctantly nodded shamed into silence, before taking out the handkerchief again. He invoked the technique and slipped out the window just as two scrawny men lumbering up the hill, bellowing for the old man. He considered for a second before he fled, rushing back to make sure the girls hadn't gotten in any trouble. Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Minako and Hotaru entered the common room of the small inn. They had already registered and dropped their supplies off in their room. It was a small room in a small bungalow that had another room for Ranma to stay in. The establishment wasn't crowded, a barkeeper sat lazily behind the small bar that had barely enough space for the three stools that stood in front of it. The room it was contained in had a few small tables that the patrons could kneel around. One was full, a group of men sat around it, talking boisterously and sharing sake. Another table was occupied by a couple of men sharing a meal. Turning to Minako, Hotaru nodded in their direction and walked up to them, intent on pumping them for information. "Hello," she said in the friendliest voice she could muster. They both turned to face the women, having ignored them to this point they seemed to come alive with interest showing clearly on their faces. "Hi," the shorter and dumpier looking of the two said. "You guys live here?" she continued, feeling they were her audience now. "Last five years," the other man replied while his companion nodded. "What's it like here? You have any problem with the priests?" Hotaru queried, trying to find a solution to the riddle of Ranma's earlier actions. Both men visible reacted to the question, eyes narrowing and brows creasing. Hotaru couldn't be sure if the question had caused the men to be surprised, insulted, or worried. They glanced at each other before the first one replied, "Naw. They get along with the townspeople just fine. Why do you ask?" "A friend of ours said he had trouble here a few years ago." Both men chuckled nervously before the balding man spoke. "He probably tried to interrupt one of their ceremonies." "That really would piss them off," the other man added before they both started laughing lightly at some joke neither woman could understand. "Ah... that could be the reason. What type of ceremony?" Hotaru spun quickly when she heard a voice speaking from behind them. "Just a ceremony where young women give up their belongings to provide a service for the order," the lead monk, who Ranma had humiliated earlier, said. He was standing a foot away flanked by the others that had accompanied him earlier. "So they donate their belongings to you guys and you throw a ceremony for them?" Hotaru asked after she had regained her bearings of the situation. Hotaru found the revelation strange, wondering if maybe they were extremely poor. It must be something big for them to through a ceremony for a simple donation. "We are a very gracious organization, and everything helps. You can't overlook the importance of some things to some people, especially young women like you." His lips curled, in what some might call a smile, Hotaru thought was hunger as his eyes seemed to travel the length of her body. "I'm sure whatever it was that these women gave up was important, but it seems like such a big deal for merely possessions?" "If you doubt the value of their offerings why don't you ladies make them as well? It just so happens we came back to find you and see if your piousness was high enough to offer yourselves to our order." "I think we'll pass," Minako said quickly, getting a very eerie feeling about the priest currently. "I don't believe we have anything of significant value," "Actually, I think you both have things of extraordinary value to add. Right?" The question was addressed to his companions. Who both agreed enthusiastically, nodding their heads and lewdly stared straight at the woman's breasts. "You'll both come with us, right?" Hotaru shifted back slightly, reflexively dropping into a defensive posture. "If you think we're going with you, you have another think coming," Minako said arrogantly. Hotaru inwardly winced at the flubbed line, but nodded in agreement, hoping to convince the monks of their earnest desire to be left alone. The chuckled and the leader spoke again. "I know exactly what's going to happen, and it's 'thing coming', not 'think'." "You're wrong on both accounts. My friends and I aren't leaving here, at least not with you. And it's 'think'!" she said the last tauntingly. "Minako, it is ‘thing’," Hotaru sighed, having had enough of these people. "Nope." Minako smiled and shook her head, "It's 'think'" "'Thing' you silly bitch!" the head clergy growled. "Anyway, you _are_ coming with us, NOW!" "It's 'think'. It's the original saying from sometime in the early nineteen hundreds England," she said smugly. "And we aren't going anywhere with you!" Hotaru turned and stared at her friend. She didn't know what was bothering her more right now, that Minako was arguing a stupid point about a stupid saying, or that Hotaru had the sinking feeling that Minako had actually gotten a saying correct. Minako turned to her friend and offered her an explanation, "Ami used the wrong phrase once, and Setsuna was there to correct her. They got into a disagreement and Ami looked it up in her computer. Seems Setsuna was right. Ami was sooo upset," she finished her small speech with a giggle. "Anyway, you guys can go now." She shooed at the men. "I think not. If you ladies would be so kind," he took a step forward, reaching out for Minako. Minako recoiled slightly and slapped his hand away. "Hey. Don't you dare." "That's enough," Hotaru yelled. "You'll pay for that," the man said, as he massaged his hand were it had been slapped. "Just leave now," Hotaru said before something large hit her in the back of the head and she lost consciousness. Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Ranma entered the small lounge area hoping to see the girls at one of the tables. He brushed off the short pang of worry that formed in his chest. The same scenario wouldn't play out twice, he wouldn’t let it. He had warned these two, and they hadn't had any time to get into trouble. The receptionists had informed him they had already checked in, and had entered the lounge a mere thirty minutes ago. So why weren't they there? He chided himself for his excessive worrying and stepped up to the bar. "Hello," he said in way of greeting. "What can I get ya," the lazy reply answered him. "I was supposed to meet a couple friends here. Two girls. A blonde and one with purple hair. Have you seen them?" The bartender stared blankly at Ranma, not saying a word. Ranma was about to say something when he remembered a common rule: "You pay for everything." A moment later a few bills were fanned on the counter under Ranma's hand. The bartender looked at the visible denominations and seemed to consider for a moment. Ranma sighed and began to slowly pick up the money when the spoke again. "I seem to remember now," he said as his hand reached out to clutch the bills before they disappeared. "They were talking to two guys sitting at that table," he indicated one of the empty tables," a short while ago. I went back to get some supplies and they were gone when I came back. The guys they had been talking too left a short while after wards. "How long ago?" Ranma asked with a scowl now on his face. The bartender motioned for more money, and Ranma quickly put another bill in the greedy man's hand. "The guys left maybe ten minutes ago, the ladies about fifteen to twenty. "Thanks," Ranma replied dryly. Turning and running out of the small lounge. He stopped suddenly, barely avoiding a collision with a small girl. "You looking for the girls you left before?" she asked, her face appraising him. "Yeah!" His reply came out more forcefully than he had intended it too, but she seemed unfazed by his action. “I know where they went?” “Where?!” “You got to promise me something.” “What? Just tell me!” he his face contorted in confusion as he attempted not to bite this young girl’s head of. “Promise me you’ll take me with you if you live!” she demanded, her right foot stomping to the ground punctuating her words. “No. I’ll find them on my own!” He turned to leave and was caught short when she yelled and stopped him in his tracks. “I’m still a virgin! You have to get me out of here!” When he didn’t move she continued, “You know what that means here, don’t you?” He took a deep breath and nodded slightly. Ranma was unable to say no to that request, but had no idea what he’d do with a little girl. And what if she had more friends that wished to leave with them, he wasn’t a travel agency, but he knew she had caught him. "I saw three monks cart them away." "Which way?" he replied softly "The pit. They were laughing as they carried them away.” Ranma ran. His heart was pounding as he cursed himself for being an idiot. Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Minako woke from the flash of pain she felt to her back and head. She rolled instinctively, moving the weight of her body to her side, away from the pain. She moaned slightly as her eyes began to make out her surrounding. "One's up," a gruff voice called out loudly, way to close to her slowly throbbing head. The call was answered by an enthusiastic cheer all around them. She looked up at the source of the original voice, a tall man, not overly imposing, but apparently fit. It took a moment before realization dawned on her that he was the leader of the monks she had been arguing with earlier. He had shed his habit in favor of a pair of jeans and a t- shirt. Similarly attired, his companions stood next to him leering at the befuddled young women. "What's going on," she said in a daze while she crawled over to check on Hotaru. "It's an auction," he announced gleefully. Minako leaned over her friend, relieved when she heard the low groan and movement. Looking up again, she replied, "Auction?" "Why yes. We're going to auction you off to the highest bidder. After they get a proper viewing first," he laughed. Minako frowned, but didn't respond. She kneeled protectively over the awakening girl and examined their surroundings. They were in a rectangular pit ten by fifteen meters in length and width, and about four meters deep. Deep enough to prevent most people from being able to jump out of it, if at all. A small ramp was built into one side that she assumed was for exiting. The edge of the hole was lined with men. A rough count had there number at fifty, all unarmed and unsavory. A hand reached down and pulled her roughly away from Hotaru. She was unprepared for the strength of the man and tumbled backwards awkwardly. Her earlier nervousness gave way to anger as someone pulled her up by the collar of her blouse. She heard, moments before feeling, the front of her top rip. The white buttons from her blouse fell to ground, taking an abnormally long time to fall and bounce around. She followed them down quickly, landing on her rear as the blouse was ripped away from her body. Her cheeks flushed red as she leapt to her feet away from her attacker. She reached into her pocket as she turned in the air. Quickly grasping what her hand had sought, she pulled forth her small rod and called forth for her transformation. As soon as the change was over, she examined the situation. Two of the men had ganged up on her, while the third had stayed to torment Hotaru. She didn't have time to make out exactly what the last man was doing; she only knew that he was hunched over her companion. The momentary shock from her transformation still showed on her attackers face, giving her time to fire at them. The small golden orb streaked across the meter that separated her from her foes before it struck. The explosion rocked the tiny pit with enough force to send both men, who had earlier been masquerading as pious, across the pit floor. One had been sent clear of the immediate area, while the other was sent hurtling into his comrade, knocking both clear of the purple haired beauty. She rushed over and helped Hotaru unsteadily to her feet, ignoring the eruption of voices that surrounded them. "You, okay?" she queried quickly. Relief flooded through her when Hotaru looked up and smiled. Hotaru moved to stand on her own. Minako stepped away to give her room when the second henshin rod was raised skyward. When the transformation was over, Hotaru looked at her friend and asked, "Do we run? Or fight?" The malicious grin on the youngster's face told the answer Hotaru wanted. It took Minako only a second to grin herself, realize the answer, and verbalize it, "We fight!" Both girls turned to meet the onrush of men that had jumped down to subdue them. Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Ranma ran, hoping to catch the girls before anything untoward happened. He kept having flashbacks to his last visit here and cursing himself for the repetitive nature of this one. He had known what to expect this time, and still he had left the girls alone. If anything happened... Hoping he was wrong, and he would find them safe and sound, he ran. Hoping that the little girl he had run into outside the inn had been wrong, he ran as quickly as he could. He thrust that line of thinking aside, as he hurried. The streets had been surprisingly clear as he ran back towards the section of town he had left the old monk in, which enabled to drop his invisibility technique. It was draining and he had already used it for too long if he was going to need to fight effectively. Very few people ever looked up, so as long as he kept upon the roofs, he should be able to make it to the two women unmolested. Fighting was heard in the distance, as he closed upon his destination. Dread suffused his body as he knew in his heart what was going on. His only hope was that the girls were somehow standing defending on their own. Maybe they could hold off until he got there he could get them out. The image of Nabiki, all but naked, lying helplessly in the dirt at the feet of these 'monks' came to his mind and wrung at his heart. Not paying close enough attention, he failed to notice the hand grasp at his ankle. The speed of his movements was too fast for him to be snared, but there was enough of a grasp to through him off balance. He was agile enough to perform a somersault in the air when he realized he wouldn't make the other roof. Bouncing off the building wall, he landed and turned to face the source of his interference. A tall man, with sandy blond hair, shortly cropped met his gaze with a wicked smile. Ranma's heart sped up as he felt his blood boil and all his muscles contracted and then exploded in fury. A growl that sounded less than human came from between clenched teeth. "Knives." Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Sailor Venus gave a long sigh of relief when her last attacker fell to the ground. She looked around, there were still two men pressuring Sailor Saturn. They were being understandably cautious of the glaive that she spun around. A flick of the wrist and two chains were extended from Venus' hands that quickly entangled the men. Saturn took the opportunity to reverse her blade, spinning the huge weapon effortlessly, and delivering two quick strikes to the bases of their skulls. A look of extreme satisfaction crossed her face and was clearly visible as it showed brightly through the sweat and exertion of the battle. A loud clapping was heard from the end of the pit. They both spun, looking for the source of the sound to find a tall man with black metallic hair walking leisurely towards them. White robes hung off his body as the loose ends fluttered gently in the post-battle breeze. An amused look adorned his face as he applauded, which quickly gave way to a sickly grin as he said. "What a pair of troublesome bitches," he spat as he continued forward. "Those who would subjugate others deserve to be punished. In the name of Venus, the planet of love, I will punish you," Sailor Venus yelled out as she again molded a golden orb of magic and sent it flying at her chosen target. She watched nonchalantly as it traveled, fully expecting it to knock out the loud mouthed villain. Shock etched across her face when he dodged it, effortlessly. "My, my, such a wonderful welcome." The smile left his face as it hardened into a cruel mask of hate. "It's time to stop playing and start paying for the trouble you two have caused." A metallic nimbus appeared around the man as his facial features became more angular and his arms, which he had thrust in the air grew longer, the fingers molding together and forming pincers. "NOW" he bellowed and shots rang out in the small area. Minako fell to her knees as an unexpected fire burned in her shoulder, the pain had been instantaneous and searing, but she could already feel it changing. The burning in her shoulders was beginning to throb as she looked up again, in time to see a claw swiped at her chest. Dodging instinctively instinctively, she was relieved when she hadn't been hit. A ball of golden light formed quickly in her hands and she fired it at her assailant. Her heart sank again, when instead of dodging the attack, he negligently swatted it out of the air. She looked to her Saturn, and she almost felt despair as Hotaru was on the ground, de-transformed. Her visage was blank with shock. Darkened trails of liquid traced down both shoulders, and Minako winced from sympathy. Her empathy was short lived as the creature bellowed, drawing her undivided attention. Minako ignored the throbbing in her shoulder as she concentrated on the creature, which now resembled a preying mantis with a human's head held Hotaru’s blouse in its hand, she could see Hotaru’s broach glittering in the sunlight. "You want this?" he chuckled. She nodded before she realized she had responded. Rational thought was not coming to her easily as she felt dizzy from exertion and loss of blood. Anger was running rampant as her body ached to have her powers back and beat this abomination into a bloody pulp. He chuckled heartily and tossed the blouse with the broach out of the pit. Her muscles strained to move after the blouse before she realized it was out of reach. Her slight movement gave the creature an opening and she felt the breath leave her as he swatted her in the gut and sent her flying. She hit heavily against the far wall of the pit, and slumped to her knees. She called forth her powers, creating the largest attack she could and sending it flying towards him. He smiled in response, raising both of his claws, a shimmering field formed in front of him. The detonation was massive, throwing both girls and the men lining the pit back onto their rears. The sickening smell of human flesh quickly filled the area as the clothing of men, who had been left unconscious or dead, caught fire and burned. Sailor Venus barely noted any of these things after she found herself on the ground again. She looked at the cloud of debris that had formed where he had stood, hoping that when it cleared it his flesh would also be burning. It seemed an exceedingly long amount of time passed before the cloud cleared, revealing to her ire, the laughing form of the insect man. "Very nice," he chuckled. "It's hopeless. I hope you see that now and will accept your fate. I'm sure your new owners will pay triple the highest price we'd had for such formidable geisha." Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx "I'm glad you still remember me, Brother," Knives sneered. Ranma wasted no time as he moved to attack. In that instant he forgot about those he had been going to help. He forgot about everything except vengeance. The pain and anger rose in him to levels he only dreamed of as he felt the heat of his emotions rising from his exposed skin as visible steam in the late afternoon sun. "No tearful greeting," Knives mocked as he jumped out of the path of the berserk young man. Ranma wasted no time redirecting himself toward his foe. None of the doubt, or potential sympathy existed here. This was Knives, whatever mysterious role Vash might have played didn't exist. This was the man who had defeated him in single combat. This was the man you had hurt Nabiki and killed his father in front of his eyes. He knew that he was responsible for the explosion that had destroyed their shelter and killed the hundreds that had failed to escape, including Ukyou. Knives danced to the side again, this time throwing a small knife when Ranma had passed by. "My, you're anxious." "You can't die fast enough," he said as he neatly deflected the knife. He moved again, more controlled this time, preparing to hit the man no matter how he moved. "Tsk. Tsk. You didn't know it last time, but you had a choice. Participate in our little fight, or go save the lives of innocents," the other man taunted as he dodged another of Ranma's strikes. Only this time, Ranma had been ready. Slightly altering his course, he lashed out with a leg, catching the other man unexpectedly in the ankle. Knives went down unceremoniously and Ranma pounced. Adrenaline ruled Ranma's mind as he haphazardly reigned down blows upon the fallen man. His lack of awareness cost him as Knives succeeded in drawing another blade from somewhere and sticking it into Ranma's side. The unexpected pain gave Knives the opportunity to roll away, not before delivering a kick to Ranma's side, landing on the blade that was still protruding from his side. Ranma went down sideways. He rolled awkwardly in a successful maneuver designed to keep from rolling onto his injury. Bouncing up, he pulled the blade free. He felt his energy build as it was fueled by anger. "No more kid gloves!" he growled. "Ah. But what of the lovely ladies? I hear they're the center of attention. Why, a party is being thrown in their honor as we speak." His words were punctuated by small explosion. Ranma groaned inwardly, worry resurfacing as he stared at his nemesis. He mulled it over quickly, finally deciding that they girls would have to wait, he attacked again, only to have Knives evade. This time, instead of full-dodge, he sidestepped and took the less-than-full-force blow to the forehand, delivering a solid punch to Ranma's side. Ranma rolled away from it, delivering a back-handed blow to his blonde opponent as he moved to continue the fight. Ranma caught him slightly unaware and delivered a massive blow to the stomach. Knives flew, impacting a building and crashing through the wall. Ranma grinned in satisfaction as he moved to continue, only to stop in his tracks when gunshots rang through the air. "Looks like you're too late, unless your woman brought bullet proof vests with them. Did they?" Knives taunted Ranma as he stepped out of the hole in the wall, holding a woman closely to his chest, a knife poised at her throat. "But I don't think you have any choices any more. If you leave, she dies. He pushed the knife in a little ways, drawing a little bit of blood. "If you stay, your friends die... unless of course they're dead already." A wicked smile stretched across his face. Ranma stared at Knives, looking right through the woman being held hostage. Holding onto his composure he took a deep breath and concentrated. A white nimbus began to appear around him. "So you're going to give up on your friends! What a man!" Knives gleefully cackled. “Let's see what you got. Remember, no hurting innocents." Ignoring the comment, Ranma focused on his attack. Doubt was something he couldn't afford right now, and this was an attack he had practiced but never used. "Strike of the Righteous!" He yelled as he cupped his hands at Knives and released the energy he had pooled. A white projectile sped towards the two, abductor and abducted. Knives flung the hostage forward and dived out of the way. The comet of force met the woman, and continued through her, traveling into the building and exploding inside. Ranma paid no attention to the woman after the blast had passed her. He had moved as soon as he finished his attack, taking too fateful stepped that removed him from the flying kick that had been aimed at his head. A few steps was all it took for Ranma to meet Knives. His shoulder struck the man square in the chest and his hand clasped the man's hand. The two struck the wall of a house and Ranma heard the air go out of knives. The wall reverberated with the impact, but stood. No time was wasted as Ranma spun and planted his foot, hurling the dazed Knives at the newcomer. Ranma stopped, as he caught a flash of the face of the other opponent, a skinny man with spiky-blonde hair. Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Hotaru rose slowly and watched in horror as the creature still stood. She tried to rise, but the pain and fatigue battled her. The de-transformation had taken away the energy that she had been using to supplement her own depleted reserves. His spoken intentions jolted her, as she remembered what the apparent price of failure was. She looked over to Minako, seeing the look of determination on the young girl’s face she cheered inwardly that she was still all right. She examined the edges of the pit, looking for a way she could chase down her henshin rod. Her attention reverted to Minako when the young woman shouted. "Never. I'll see you in jail for your crimes!" Hotaru felt hope rise as the Minako began to prepare another attack; the golden ball of light and destruction formed in front of the woman. Then something went wrong as Sailor Venus turned back into Minako before slumping to her knees. The broach that was their link to their planet's power floated away from the now slumped girl's body. Hotaru felt her heart at her throat as Minako seemed to crawl after their last hope as it joined with the free standing orb. The ball flared upon contact, changing from orange to a fiery sphere, saturated with a multitude of color. She watched in horror as Minako leapt for it, only to have it flare and strike at the girl, flinging her back again against the wall as she let out a soul rending scream, right before she slumped to the ground. Hotaru wasted no time, ignoring the fist that seemed to be tightening around her heart as she jumped to action. Straining against the pain in her shoulders, she scurried towards the ramp intent on getting back her rod. Suddenly pain coursed through her entire body as she was brought violently to the ground. She lifted her head from the dirt only to scream in pain when the pain in her shoulder multiplied and she felt herself lifted from the ground. Defeat destroyed her will then, as her head fell forward lifelessly. The creature had her by the shoulder, a claw sticking through it, the other applying pressure for the hold. She felt the ribbed ends saw at her as he moved his claws and elicited another anguished cry from the young woman. Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx fin notes and stuff: Earlier episodes can be found at http://kpjam.anifics.com This was written last year some time, I postponed posting to add prior chapters in between. Comments appreciated at noirchloe@nyc.rr.com. Chapter 8, soon, and chapter 9, eventually.