Enemies of the Crystal State A Ranma/Trigun/Sailor Moon/Scryed Fanfic By Kpjam Scryed is produced by Sunrise Video, Trigun was Created by Yasuhiro Naitoh, Ranma is owned and created by Rumiko Takahashi, and Sailor Moon is owned and Created by Naoko Takeuchi I'm just playing with them for a bit since they are such wonderful creations. Chapter 3: Fight Club ========== Kimishima drove his jeep down the narrow streets; streets made more narrow than usual by the never-ending rubble that littered them, a direct consequence of the ongoing town riot. He had already been forced to drive over questionable substances and debris on numerous occasions, wincing in fear each time he heard a crack, or a pop, or especially that hiss that seemed to follow them a couple blocks back. He only had one spare tire left, and Moriguchi was out of materials to patch anymore, until the next trader arrived, or they actually went to Nagasaki, the closest town that was sure to have the required rubber and glue. "Hurry up!" Kazuma yelled from next to him. "Hey! I'm going as fast as I dare. If you fuck up any more tires, we'll be walking all over!" he yelled back, as they rounded another corner, and bringing them closer to the small house that Kazuma and Kanami shared. Kimishima was worried, also; the destruction was getting worse as they got closer to the house. "It's not my fault you didn't move the car far enough away last time!" Kimishima snorted in response, ignoring the bait as he concentrated on his driving and keeping his jeep safe. Arguing with Kazuma when he was this obviously worried was futile. They both believed that Kanami would be safe, but belief didn't preclude reality. And there was also the matter of their home, what if that was destroyed. Their savings had been there; safeguarded by the young girl who had apparently nothing to do with Kimishima. Their rationale had been that prospective thieves would be attracted to him, and not where their valuables truly were. All jobs were arranged through Kimishima, and none were taken that were too close to town, lest people turn undue attention to them. The town thought that Kazuma was a low-life who lived off of Kanami's wages at Natsumi's. Kimishima kept to himself, posing as a trader to account for his absences from town. It was a good use for his jeep, his prized possession, which had been saved from the war by its storage in a cave outside Osaka. He had been exploring back before the sudden war, testing his jeep to be exact, in the mountains outside the city when the jeep had suffered a flat tire. After hiding it in a cave, he had hiked to the nearest town only to directed to a nearby shelter when the evacuation order was given. Four years ago, after the shelter he was in had opened up, he ran into Kazuma and Kanami while he was returning for his car. They had been together ever since. Becoming friends and business partners. Rounding the last corner, he held his breath as the area of land the house used to stand upon came into view. "Fuck..." he sighed. Kazuma leapt from the jeep running towards the crumpled building and shouting, "Kanami!" Only a step behind him, Kimishima prayed that Kanami hadn't been near this place. He ran through the doorframe, not giving a thought to where the door was, and into what once was the front hallway. He looked around at the remnants of the one story building, which now had neither roof nor walls. A few posts stood, making out the framework, while walls laid broken over beds and floors. A sigh of relief came forth when Kazuma finished his quick search, coming up with no signs any injured party. They shared a look, all that was needed to put into motion their previously discussed plan. Kimishima nodded, and headed towards the floorboard, the false one that miraculously survived intact, and uncovered by heavy debris. A fast brushing with his had, a finger poke to expose the lever, followed by short jerk revealed a small iron box. Lifting it out, he opened it quickly, checking the money contained inside. Satisfied with the box's content, he walked quietly out to the waiting jeep and sat down, looking over the destroyed block. They had been in this town for three years, slowly gaining acceptance, something he was loath to leave. Kazuma soon emerged from the ruins, carrying a small duffel bag and wearing grim expression. He plopped down in the passenger seat. "Ready?" Kimishima checked the glove compartment, and upon seeing what he expected to see, he closed it quickly and nodded to his partner. "Vash," he said quietly. "Vash," Kazuma responded expectantly. Kimishima didn't need to see Kazuma to know he had smiled and nodded while speaking, a fierce determination on his face as he massaged his right wrist and hand. -------------------------------------- Venus sat stood watching the monstrosity walk away while Mars yelled at and chased the Mayor. "So what exactly did those two do?" she asked no one in particular. One of the men standing around spoke up in a trembling voice. "They terrorized the town. They were the most notorious of the bandits plaguing this area, stealing and destroying at will, until the mayor showed up a year ago." "He disposed of them in moments, returning the area's crime to acceptable levels. They were locked in a makeshift jail nearby. A lot of us had wanted them hung, but we couldn't think of a way to do it without the mayor's help, and he wouldn't do it. Saying that they should serve their time. The old man probably doesn't have much time left anyway, but with them free now... we're doomed!" he wailed, placing both hands to his head dramatically. "So that's why you made him mayor, wasn't it?" Venus had put the pieces together in her head and ignored the man's crybaby attitude. The affirmative nod was his only response to her query, his chattering jaw rendering him incapable of speech. "We have to go stop them! Mars! Come on, you can fry him later." The Senshi of Fire jerked as her name was called, glaring at the man she had been enthusiastically throwing fire at, while he had been commenting on her form. She nodded and they started running in the direction the Nebraskas had gone off in. They sprinted; belated realizing how much ground the huge man could cover. A long low-pitch whistle, the sound of a steam engine starting, followed by the sound of large amounts of displaced air, spurred them on faster. They turned a corner into a small plaza as the sound of destruction reached their ears. With mouths agape, they all skidded to a halt, looking at the pulverized building across from them. "Oh. God." Saturn gaped, when she looked at the remnants of the building. "Everyone get away! It's dangerous here. Vash is too dangerous for you to be around!" Mars began yelling to the crowd hovering around the spectacle like vultures. Venus dismissed her friend's action and focused in on display presented in front of her. "Bingo!" the crazed elder Nebraska yelled while bouncing around in his little cab. "It was easy! Too Easy! Are you sunk after only one shot?!" He began cackling as a conveyor on the son's back began spinning. A horrible grinding sound was heard as the huge right fist of the titan was dragged out of the rubble. As it was slowly reeled in, Venus could only watch it transfixed horror, while it was dragged, rending a huge gash in the ground, until it finally popped back into its place, attached to the titan's forearm. "Stop it!" Venus yelled as she regained some of her bearings, outraged at the lack of humanity displayed. The little man sitting on the behemoth's shoulder turned to regard her. "Stop!? HA! Who would stop for sixty trillion Yen?!" He broke out into a fresh pale of laughter. Venus' face reddened as her outrage exploded. She quickly glanced over at her friends, getting Mars' attention with a fierce growl. The other girl turned at the noise that had interrupted her attempt to convince the gawkers to leave for their own safety. Sharing a determined nod they turned to face the duo and prepared to stop this outrage. Just then, the sound of shifting lumber and mortar was heard from the wreckage and all looked towards the ruined building, watching as first one board began to rise into the air, followed shortly by another. A crowd had slowly gathered, called by the sounds of destruction, and all present stopped and stared as the rubble shifted to the side, moved by the slowly rising beams. A small hope formed in their hearts as the considered the possibility that perhaps someone might have survived, and maybe the hulking brute and his father hadn't extinguished all life that had been in that building. Venus held her breath as the wooden plank was dropped, revealing Ranma clutching a small girl to his chest. She felt her heart skip a beat upon seeing him and resisted an urge to run to him right away. The glare he leveled at the Nebraska's scared her and she wished fervently that no one ever level such a look at her. "Waa haa! Now that's more like it!" The elder Nebraska hollered. The other pillar dropped then, revealing Vash cradling an unconscious woman in his arms. -------------------------- Ranma protectively held the unconscious girl, trying to calm himself and attend to the matter at hand, the injured people in a destruction zone. He wanted to drop the girl and go beat on Vash, but yet that hysterically laughing old geezer and the huge man he rode upon made that choice inappropriate. He could go beat the odd couple, but that might allow Vash to escape and would still leave people trapped here. Then, there were the women to consider, and as much as he may enjoy the stress relief, his conscious wouldn’t allow them to remain in the ruins, laying upon the broken glass, wood, and concrete. "Ahh! So you haven't lost yet!" the wizened old man shouted. "Great, this should be more fun now!" Prudence and compassion slowly defeated his other desires in a tough battle of his will. He glared at the strange duo, mentally thinking of ways in which to hurt them badly, as he slowly walked out of the debris, taking care to be gentle with his young fragile cargo. "Mr. Nice guy! Mr. Compassion!" The sound of his voice grated on Ranma's ears, each word chipping away at his not-so-legendary patience. He heard a sifting in the ruble, emanating from behind him. He refused to look; worried that if he did his resolve would break, placing those he sought to protect into greater jeopardy. The same thoughts that kept him from responding to the old bastard on the shoulder kept him walking steady and straight. If he allowed his concentration to wander, he knew he would attack, either Vash or the cackling old man. Either action would be another failure on his part. It would mean he was turning his back on his duty to protect; a duty he had failed once too often in the past. "What! Two heros!" "So which one of you _is_ Vash the stampede?" Ranma chose again to remain silent, ignoring the man and his inquires, lest he let his temper get the better of him. "What's the matter boys? You chickening out? It doesn't matter to me who’s who. Gofsef will destroy both of you!" That got Ranma's back up. In mid-stride, he turned to face the pair, glowering at them while shaking in fury. The bouncing of his passenger brought him back from the edge of his fury. As he reconcentrated on his first task, the safety of those women, he turned away and continued his work. “Time limit!” The old man’s attempt at a shout grated on Ranma’s ear. The piercing, wet sounding shriek spoke of someone who either smoked his whole life, or had abused his vocal cords through a lifetime of over-talking. “Maybe this will get you talking. Throw the fear of God into him, Gofsef!” The roar of an engine was heard. Ranma turned to regard the annoyance, and watched the fist begin to twirl. A moment later the launch was heard as he witnessed that the fist was speeding towards him through the air. Sliding, he easily avoided the projectile, feeling the jarring impact as it struck the spot he had just vacated. Debris flew everywhere, turning the air into a shrapnel filled dust bowl. Cursing to himself, he watched as fresh flecks of blood appeared on Kanami's face while her head involuntarily twitched from the tiny impacts. As soon as he had gathered his legs beneath himself, he leapt straight up, escaping from the hazardous predicament. ------------------------ "Bastard!" Venus shouted when she saw the fist flying towards Ranma. "Wait, Ladies!" The three senshi stopped and watched as the Mayor jumped in front of them. The three stopped and watched the old man removed a large jar from his lapels, but it might as well have come from thin air for the size was too large to actually fit in his coat without being seen. "I can't let you place your lovely bodies in harms way!" Removing the lid, he sent the contents at their feet, yelling, "Lovely Goddesses Safety Treatment!" Venus cringed and tried to jump back, only to have the liquid cover her feet and legs. After the momentary flinch, she glared at the obnoxious man who was standing in front of them and looking extremely pleased with himself. "What the hell...?!" Mars yelled from next to Venus. Venus attempted to move, only to find her feet pinned in place as the liquid hardened fastening her feet in place. --------------------------------------- Ranma landed safely, alighting softly upon the fist that had been hurled at him. He looked sharply at the old man cackling in the cab; who was apparently amused at he show he had witnessed. "Well, maybe you are Vash, Boy. So when are you going to stop pretending to protect these people and fight me? I have money to collect!" Ranma jerked and a desire to beat that smirk off of the old man's face caused his body to vibrate slightly with outrage. He took a deep breath, calming himself and allowing his mind to focus on the safety of the small girl cradled in his arms. "So you won't kill. You're disgusting! However that makes you a hypocrite! I know that at some point you've killed those who have given you a hard time! You know how I know? Because you haven't yet had your turn to be killed. The reward on your head is proof. What do you say to that?" He snorted, dismissing the man from his mind and jumped off the hand, continuing his. He ignored the sound of the hand being retracted, concentrating on keeping a level head, when so many emotions were fighting for dominion. Reaching a place he considered safe, he placed the young girl down. He removed the small apron she was wearing, folded it twice, and then placed it under her head, offering her some small comfort on the small ground. He glared once more at the old man before returning quickly to the remains of the diner. Hopefully he would be successful in bringing all the women that had been in there to safety. They had appeared alive, from his quick scan before, but he couldn't be sure. He stopped momentarily when he saw Vash approaching him, carrying a woman in his arms. Dismissing the look of concern on the other’s face, Ranma quickly walked past him and then ignored the look of sadness that formed on his enemy as he was passing. Dismissing the incongruity between Vash’s mannerisms and Ranma’s knowledge of the man, he swiftly continued towards the wreckage. ------------------------------------ Saturn was annoyed... no, actually she was pissed. The dreadful mayor had trapped them in place, openly leering at them. Her mind worked for a solution as her feet continued to struggle in a futile attempt at freeing her legs. Magic, the solution foremost in her mind, was ineffective for this type of problem. Brute strength was proving futile, as she continued to struggle against the paste that was binding her. She let out an uncharacteristic growl as she looked at the source of her current captivity. "I see that you're all safe now," the man giggled as he continued to leer. "Menchi!" The shout seemed to cause a commotion in the crowd that had gathered. A young boy came running out of it, as it parted to give him free access, like they the people were afraid to impede him at all. His face was a twist in lustful expectation, an expression Saturn was used to seeing on dirty old men, not a twelve-year-old boy. "I'm here, Pops!" He shouted jubilantly as he stopped even with the old bastard. Saturn blinked. "Pops!?" she yelled simultaneous with her comrades. The boy stood a few inches taller than the man did. There was also the extreme age difference. The Mayor appeared a century over the age of death, much too ancient for child bearing. The fleeting thought of the process that was required to birth the boy caused Saturn to grimace, before she frantically tried to burn that thought out of her mind. "Yup. This is my pride and joy, Menchi, my son." The Mayor reached his arm up, stretching slightly to place it around the younger boy, and shook him familiarly. "Thanks, dad." Menchi blushed slightly. A lopsided grin replaced the feral leer that had been there moments before, making the boy look less homely and more normal. "You know what to do now, don't you?" The Mayor asked seriously. "Yup. Time for the Kocho Ranbu!" Menchi leered again and raised his fist in the air. "You make an old man so proud!" The Mayor declared while wiping a tear from his eye. "But... No!" He straightened, extending a hand to the heaven. "First, the Skirts!" A look of confusion adorned the younger man's face as he turned to regard his father, looking like a lost sheep searching for the guide dog to lead him home. Lukkosai began fishing around in his coat, calmly looking for something. "Yes!" His hand stopped moving, apparently his search had proven successful. "The skirts are too long!" He raised his hand triumphantly, brandishing a pair of long scissors. Saturn looked at the items nervously, blinking as the sun reflected off of them. Squinting, as the reflected sunlight kept dancing in and out of her eyes, she watched as the scissors slowly approached, followed closely by Menchi, the pervert in training. She watched in horror as the man stopped in front of Mars. "Don't you dare you bastard," Mars growled. "Your outfits are almost perfect, Dearie, but not quite," the Mayor said lecherously. Shivers traveled down Saturn's spine as she heard the scissors being employed and Mars' screams of outrage and profanity. ------------------------------ Ranma watched as Vash placed the second to last lady onto the ground, next to the other unconscious women. Ranma was currently carrying the last, walking slightly more swiftly than was prudent, considering the indefinite condition of his passenger. He was trying to control his emotions, his excitement most of all. Regarding him uncertainly stood one of the objects of his suffering, with a strange mix of nostalgia, sympathy, and confusion playing out across his face and eyes. Ranma returned the look with a hard stare, trying to kill the betrayer with his eyes, and express his desires and intents to the other man through his gaze. Vash sighed and his eyes hardened, a look of determination took up residence on his goofy mug. A display that Ranma rarely remembered seeing upon his one time brother's face. Ranma further quickened his pace as Vash moved away from the women, back towards him, but now facing the other threat. "So you bleeding hearts are finally ready to fight," the old man whined. Ranma rushed as quickly as he could, placing the woman down softly he moved to take up a position next to Vash. "You can't stop a car moving at 120 miles an hour!" The euphoric shout of the old geezer rang across the space between them. "An uncontrollable car you mean. Like you could hit me!" He boasted, having enough of the fool and his 'boy'. "Feh, You've felt it twice already. Even your measly brains can realize it's pointless. My son's fist is a force to be reckoned with!" he cackled loudly. "This is your last chance to run. Although, no matter how fast you run, the next thing you know you'll be in tiny pieces!" Ranma sighed, annoyed at the cheap monologue of the geezer. "Now pay attention. I'm about to lecture you on how big a fool you both really are!" Ranma reached up and rubbed his temple, wiping the sweat and the dust from his brow while yawning, hoping the damn idiot would get to the point. "Using this! Ignore me will you!" The roaring of the motor, controlling Gofsef's fist, filled the air. Ranma looked up and tensed his muscles as he glanced at Vash, uncomfortable with the man currently at his side. "My Human Mincemeat Special Cutter!" Readying his body to move, Ranma relaxed his stance and shifted his weight to his toes, allowing for quick movement in any direction. "Fuck," he swore, when the monster rotated his arm. A quick glance confirmed that the fist was aimed at the women he had just spent all his time attempting to save. "Go help them, quick. And then _die_ in the most humiliating way!" Pops Nebraska began chuckling evilly. ----------------- The jeep sped through the empty and ruined streets, chasing the explosions that had been heard across town. Fidgeting in his seat, Kazuma was worried, the explosions had apparently originated from the area that Natsumi's occupied. Much too close to Kanami for his comfort, even if he would deny speaking of it if asked. "Speed up!" he growled out. "I am!" Kimishima yelled, frustration tinging his voice. They sat in silence for a while as the town sped past them for the last time, if things went as planned. Kazuma considered the town, wondering if they would have accepted him had they known his secret. He realized they would have treated him as the last town did, as a pariah, a freak, something to be destroyed. But hope still had a weird way of worming itself into his thoughts. He looked at his right arm, psyching himself up to use it publicly, in front of Kanami potentially. If their prize was there, he would probably have to unveil it. A lifetime of riches awaited him, what did he care what the townspeople thought, or Kanami for that matter. As long as she was safe. That's all that mattered. He absently rolled his hand over his wrist, his fist. The gift, or curse, that had helped them survive was waiting for it's called. It hadn't let him down yet, it was unstoppable, indestructible, and therefore, so was he. They neared the small plaza that the restaurant resided on. Kazuma leaned forward in his seat, hands gripping the roll bars, ready to pull himself up and out of the vehicle in a moments notice if needs be. His eyes were fixed on the road ahead, searching for a sign of life. He wondered if the town was already dead? If it had imploded under the attempt to apprehend the criminal Vash, without having the ability to do it. If they caught him or not, it didn't matter. It might even be better if he had been captured. Stealing him would be easier than trying to capture him along with the rest of this town. They approached the last intersection before the plaza, moving at a snail's pace. At least it felt that way, when compared to his racing heart. He began to rise, stopping in a weird half-crouched position, suspended by the roll bars. He leaned to his right, trying to get a better angle, catch a view of the plaza as soon as possible. The sounds of people began to reach his ears, a wizened voice was the most prominent, although the words were indistinguishable. All of a sudden the voices were cut-off, replaced by the roar of an engine of some kind, reminding him of an airplane, when those were still prevalent. "Kanami!" His heart lurched when they turned the corner, revealing a nightmarish scene. A huge monster stood in the center of the plaza, aiming a huge twirling blunt object at a group of women lying on the ground, Kanami among them. "Go help them, quick. And then _die_ in the most humiliating way!" A voice originating from the monster yelled, as the projectile was launched from his arm, heading straight towards helpless women. -------------------- "Saotome Tandem Attack! Now!" Vash's yell jarred Ranma from his momentary inaction. He was bombarded by memories and emotions of his childhood, most noticeably his pride from the simple attack. The attack was something they had come up with as children, specifically to protect the weak and innocent from the gluttonous Genma. Instinct and fear for the innocent overwrote his annoyance and disgust for Vash and his calling for an attack they had developed together when they _were_ brothers. Ranma stopped and pivoted, clasping hands with the leaping Vash, he spun with all his speed, throwing the other man at the speeding fist. Faster than most people could see, Vash threw four tiny throwing daggers, embedding them all into one side of the flying fist as he hurtled towards it. Ranma stopped to watch the spectacle, too far removed to be of any assistance. He noticed the wires that were attached to the throwing-knives and led into the folds of Vash's coat as the approached impact with the fist. A long stiletto knife appeared in Vash's hand, as he reared back and struck, sinking the twelve-inch implement into the fist as he impacted against the side, and stuck to it. Ranma watched in disbelief as the impact along with the weight, unbalanced the fist of destruction and sent it off course. The women that had been the original targets, laid, cowering as the instrument of their death veered of course, crashing down next to them and skidding harmlessly into another building, Vash and all. A sigh of relief escaped him as he turned to the bastard in the saddle. "You think it's that easy do you!" he shrieked, shock evident on his face. "Gofsef!" The lumbering mass of man took a step in the direction of Ranma, as the conveyor belt that was attached to the fist began spinning, retrieving the pair's single method of attack. "Bastard! Think I'll let you get away that crap! The Shock of the First Bullet!" Ranma heard the voice from behind the Nebraskas, but dismissed it as he let fly with a couple of throwing knives in quick succession. Flying swiftly through the air, he smirked, congratulating himself on his aim, knowing this fight was now only going to be a nuisance. He ran in after them, satisfaction filling him as they each hit their respective marks, one on the tether that was reeling in the fist snapping it instantly, the other on the pipe that provided the fist with its propulsion. "What?!" the geezer shrieked as Gofsef let out an inhuman whine and lurched forward, planting his face in the ground. Ranma, who had moved a little too close to the lumbering behemoth, had to dive out of the fall zone. Rolling to a stop he looked up to see Gofsef flat on his face, with a boy standing over him, breathing labored and looking at the fallen women. A pleased expression adorned the maroon-headed boy's face, as he felted his right arm up. The arm was the most miraculous thing about the boy, it looked like it was encased in a red-plated gauntlet with a gold streak down the center of it, that seemed to extending up to the fins sticking out of the upped arm, just below the shoulder. He otherwise appeared normal, shabby clothing consisting of a gray and silver jack covering worn pants and shirt. He considered the newcomer for a moment, surprised to see an Alter in person. Alters were a secretive lot, hiding both their abilities and identities, to use one so openly meant the boy had no fear, or no brains. Ranma had heard they were super-human, and formidable fighters, but had yet to meet one himself. He looked forward to testing himself against one someday; regular opponents proved little challenge for him anymore. Out of the corner of his eye he spotted something strange, momentarily forestalling him from searching for Vash. Standing across the small plaza, the three women from earlier were doing battle with two children, and not doing well. The thought of helping them crossed his mind. Only to be dismissed when he noticed the nature of the attacks the boys were using. Trying not to chuckle he ran in search of his opponent. -------------------------- Mars was trembling with rage, something she had been doing for some time now. Her skirt, which was short to begin with, was now a narrow strip of fabric around her waist. She refused to think about the travesties that the two had already committed upon her clothing, or the fact that they hadn't stopped at trimming her skirt length. A small breeze cooled parts of her anatomy that should be covered, she growled, as she again trued to keep her skirt down, protecting her modesty as best she could. The little perverts had successfully avoided her attempted attacks, which were inhibited by her lack of mobility. She had never before tried to attack someone behind her, and the results were less than spectacular. Her aim was way off as she twisted and contorted her body to attempt each shot. Further hampering her was the fact that her misses were coming dangerously close to the townspeople. She growled in annoyance at the spectators, annoyed because they were sitting around watching both fights, without helping anyone. The dirty duo left her fuming as they went to work on Saturn and Venus. She could literally feel her blood boiling as pieces of cloth fell to the ground under Venus. The blonde was having even less success with her attacks, than Mars had enjoyed, wrapping herself in her chain on one occasion. They were quickly done with Venus and now standing in front of Saturn. "Yes!" Mars cheered, watching Saturn use the blunt end of her glaive on the youngest's groin. If she could have, she would have run over and taunted the little pervert while he lay writhing on the ground. "Argg," he cried. "Son, how many times have I told you to be careful, even the gentlest looking flower always has thorns, and should be appreciated for them." He spoke seriously, lecturing the younger boy, who still seemed more interested in his privates than his father. "Alright, if you stop groveling on the ground like a wussy boy, I let you practice on this one." As if by magic, Menchi leapt up. The glaive moved as well, speeding towards the boy's scrotum again. Mars internally cheered, only to be disappointed when the deviant successful dodged this time, landing next to his father. The boy stood next to his father, noticeably squeezing his legs together, smiling and holding out his hand. "You promised!" he whined. With a sigh from Lukkosai, the scissors were handed from father to son. Who in turn went to work on the skirt length of the last sailor. Said senshi, violently swung her oversized ball buster in an attempt to meet justice out on the kid. Her results were the same as the others, useless, as her skirt was transformed from a mini skirt into a hand towel in a matter of moments. The boy then looped a finger under Saturn's panties, placing the scissors against the girl's unblemished alabaster skin. "Remember to cut the seams. Otherwise, we can't sew them back together properly!" the elder pervert instructed in a lecturing tone. "I know. I know," the whiny reply sent an additional shiver of outrage down the senshi of Mars' spine. Mars cringed when the cut was made, remembering when it had happened to her. She still had no idea how her bra was stolen, as they apparently didn't need to use the scissors for it. A quick squeeze of her breast and a slight burn along her side, had been the only things she had felt when her bra had been pilfered. "You can keep that one, Son," the old man said. Menchi smiled, stuffing the piece into his pocket. "Can I try for the bra as well?" he asked excitedly. "Sure, go for it." Enraged past her endurance, she watched as they defamed the youngest of her friends, the baby of the group, the member of their team they protected almost as fiercely as the protected their Queen. She was now under attack and Mars was standing here, useless in protecting her friend. Her control snapped, as she produced a corona of real fire around her, wrapping herself protectively in the spontaneous ball of flames. "Bastards!" she yelled, as she concentrated her rage at the two men. The flames around her started erupting violently, as a visible stream of fire could be seen, condensing and coalescing into a small ball, held protective in her hands. "Die!" The impromptu attack phrase was all the warning Venus needed to duck, as the solid ball of molten flame flew at the young man, whose head was buried in Saturn's chest, while Saturn's free hand grasped for juvenile violator. The consequences of the attack and the unknown quantities of it only occurred to Mars after the attack has left her hands. Saturn, in a moment made up of luck and quick thinking, had successfully grasped the unwanted guest in her bosom, and flung him away directly at the oncoming attack. The result was spectacular. Contact between the young pervert and the pure essence of fire detonated in a wonderful crescendo of sound and colors. Mars was forced to turn away and dive for cover, along with everyone else in that small area, as the heat of the flames washed over her. A second later she realized she had moved. Looking at her feet, she saw a few flakes from the glue. Realizing the heat of her aura must have dried it out making it no longer effective, she looked at her friends, wincing as she saw them struggling to regain their feet and balance while their feet were still rooted in place, looking like people who had just been in an explosion. Their hair was frizzled, and while there was no additional loss of clothing, what did remain, looked sooty and burned, with the occasional rip throughout their blouses. "You... You... Mean women! Look what you did to my poor Menchi! He was only trying to show his appreciation for your beauty!" the Mayor wailed, kneeling over his unconscious son. Mars frowned, ignoring the childish man she ran over to her friends, intent on removing them from their constraints. "You, okay?" She asked Venus, while she bent down, carefully keeping herself unexposed. A small flame flickered into existence between her hands. "All things considered, I'm great," Venus answered tiredly. Mars ignored the reply as she buried her anxiety and applied the heat to the glue, which looked brittle already. It only took a few seconds before large cracks began forming in the foundation, and she was forced to sit back as a foot exploded out of the small mound, heading straight for her face. Landing on her rear, she felt dust and debris where it should never be felt and scowled at Venus. "Watch it!" "Sorry." Venus hung her head and began to flick the remaining paint of her legs. Quickly rising, Mars stood and trotted over to Saturn, quickly freeing her friend. -------------------------- The dust and debris had settled around the giant fist. The words, "Beat ME! Just do it!" had been written on in, along with an outline of Vash's face. Chuckling in spite of himself, he began looking for the figure in question. A trail in the dust and debris was his lead, as he followed it for a short distance to find Vash sitting on his ass, looking blankly at him. "Nice save," Ranma said. "Nice throw," Vash responded, scratching the back of his head. Crouching, Ranma brought his fists into a ready stance, offering Vash a warning this time, a courtesy owed from his assistance moments before. A courtesy Knives hadn't given him, but one owed Vash. Vash's expression saddened, as he took a deep breath and sighed. "I won't fight you, brother," he said resolutely, emphasizing the last word, while looking at Ranma with pleading eyes. "Then die." Ranma sentenced the man as he took a fateful step forward. He saw the flinch in his adversary and he pounced, moving quickly, despite the strain he had already undergone this day. He started with a straight punch, remembering the result of the fight earlier this day; no resistance was expected until his fist had connected with Vash's jaw. Surprised, followed quickly by delight were his overwhelming feelings when a very good forearm block stopped his arm. Looking over their arms, he smirked at his adversary. "So. You're finally going to fight?" A look of contempt graced Ranma's face. It would be more fun now, that there was actual resistance. "I'll defend my self until you listen to me," the resolute response was delivered forcefully. Ranma threw another exploratory punch, which was blocked cleanly. "I'll listen as long as you still live!" He roared as he swept the other man's legs. Vash jumped back cleanly, a look of determination crossing his face. "You can kill me after I finish taking care of our other brother." Ranma was stunned, unsure of what to make of the statement. His mind whirled while trying to decipher the trick in the words. He finally decided that Vash was crazy or stupid. One of those things, or both, must be true if he expected him to fall for such a blatant lie. "How about... first I kill you! Then... _I_ go kill your brother!" ---------------------------------------- Mars stood next to the recently freed Saturn, looking at the old man sobbing onto his son's chest. "I guess I should make sure he's okay." Saturn said with a small sigh and proceeded to walk over to the still unconscious boy. Saturn approached and knelt across from the old man. Unnoticed by him, she checked the pulse of the young boy, who had been groping her cleavage a few moments ago. "How is he?" Rei asked. "He's only unconscious," Saturn called back, relief in her voice. He hadn't done anything bad enough to die for, although she hoped that this would teach him a lesson in proper manners. Concentrating, and calling forth her healing magic, Saturn placed her hands upon the boys exposed arm. She felt the soft tingle in her hands, and concentrated on the new feelings she was being sent; a link between her magic and her. Something she had practiced with, and cultivated, allowing her to heal faster and use less energy than before, thus saving more. She could heal with a precision that surprised her, allowing her to expend only enough energy to save people's lives. The ability had come in extremely handy during the first few years of the war, allowing her save countless lives in construction accidents. She felt the most threatening of problems start to correct itself, a mental image of internal arteries knitting themselves back together brought joy to her heart. "Menchi, how are you doing?" Lukkosai anxiously asked. A small smile came to her face when she heard the man's concern and caring for his son, thinking that he might not be all bad. She also enjoyed being respected for her gift, instead of the scorn and derision she had received at a younger age. "Ah... What happened?' The boy sat up, rubbing his hand through his scorched hair. "You were hit by a fireball. But this nice lady saved you," he responded, indicating Saturn. A smile blossomed on Saturn's face as she received the feint praise and acknowledgment of her actions. She stood, satisfied with a hob well done. "Thanks, Lady," Menchi said brightly, leering again at Saturn's healthiness. Frowning, she tensed herself, responding to the quite unhealthy look upon the young pervert's face. She wondered if she had healed him too much. "Thank her properly, Young Man," The Mayor ordered. "Okay. Thank you!" he yelled as he launched himself at Saturn's cleavage. Saturn, prepared and practiced, caught the little monster in her hands, turning she threw him as far as she could, and achieved impressive distance with her efforts. She noticed in her follow-through two figures in the distance fighting. "Hey! He was only trying to show his appreciation!" Lukkosai huffed, ignored by the woman as she made out Ranma and Vash. "Crap! We have to stop them!" she yelled as she began to run, not waiting for Mars, who followed right away. Lukkosai screamed, "Wait! I need to chastise you for treating my son so poorly!" Having moved in behind the old pervert, Minako attacked. Putting her magic chain to good use, she hog-tied the pig of a man, leaving him struggling and straining against his magical bonds. She took an extra second to check her handiwork before racing after her two friends. ------------------- Ranma rushed at the other man, throwing a combination of punches that were designed to draw out the opponent's defenses. He knew Vash knew this combination, but he didn't believe Vash knew the correct counter, having changed the attack slightly over the years. They exchanged blows with Vash protecting in the pattern that was expected. Grunts of exertion were heard coming from the other man, as Ranma sped up the attack. Another cycle of attacks and he would be ready. "I would never hurt you." The words struck like blows as Ranma faltered for a second, but only a second. Not responding to the lies, he picked up the pattern without delay, the opening would be there in a second. The opening appeared, and Ranma took it, a knife thrust to the unprotected stomach. Exalted, Ranma felt the wonderful feeling of his hand striking flesh, and pushing in intestines. Cringing, Vash spun away as Ranma followed up his hit with a barrage of punches to his Vash's face, scoring a few hits as the other boy dodged and retreated to establish space between them. Space, Ranma was reluctant in giving, pressing the boy heavily. Suddenly, Vash leapt forward, over the surprised Ranma. Ranma leaned back, following the soaring boy with his eyes as he turned, and began running to the most likely point of landing. "Dammit! I had nothing to do with the explosion!" Vash yelled from the air, face bruised and hand still resting on his side. Ranma slowed his advance, Vash's words reaching the small part of his feelings and thoughts that wished the man's words were true. He watched his adversary land less than perfectly, five feet away. A look of sadness, maybe remorse was etched on his face. "Believe me. I would have stopped it if I had known." The softly spoken words were laced with regret. Ranma considered for a moment, before moving towards Vash, fists clenched as the rage he felt rose, fanned by the words of this liar! Failing to hear the footsteps until too late, Ranma was tackled. His slight movement forward, along with the body that slammed into him from behind, sent him rolling forward. Limbs were entangled as he and his unwanted tumbling partner rolled along the ground, until they collided with a stone slab. Ranma would have recognized it as a stone slab, if he had been able to see anything. He had reflexively closed his eyes at impact, but prior to that he had been concentrating on halting his movement, and not the positioning of his attacker. The lack of movement caused him to open his eyes and look curiously at a woman's flesh and hair. He realized that she had landed on top of him, and he could see her legs stretching out above his head, which was covered by a wisp of cloth, apparently, the remnants of a skirt. A sudden movement by the person he was entangled with and he found his nose stuck into the folds of his unknown assailant, a place he knew it shouldn't be. He gasps involuntarily, inhaling a rich aroma and small fine hairs. He closed his eyes as the person apparently sat up, using his face as a sitting stool. A screech sounded pierced the strange silence that had settled on the town. Ranma suddenly found himself able to breathe again and he squinted, protecting his eyes from the sudden sunlight. "MARS!" He turned to face the source of the call and groaned when he saw two of the cheerleader chicks. ----------------- Kanami stood as steadily as she could while waiting for Kazuma to reach her. Most couldn't see it, but she noticed the looked of relief that showed on his face. She noted with interest his right arm and hand, currently encased in metal. Disquiet crept into her body, causing her eyes to dart to his face, and witness his slight flinch as she met his gaze. She had suspicions before, but had written them of as unfounded fears. Fear... not for herself, but for him. She had heard the rumors about Alters being hunted, rounded up and taken away. Where they went, no one was sure. Some said it was the Evil Queen in Tokyo who was behind it, bringing them to her side, readying them as an army of invaders to take over the entire island. Others had said it was the work of a few dedicated scientists who were intent on studying them for use in some wild experiments. There was also a recent rumor of an organization that had been formed to stomp them out; supposedly made up of alters who were policing there own, taking those whom were worthy and discarding the rest. Despite the rumors, the only truth she knew was that Kazuma was one and he had hid it from her. She had seen an alter before, many months ago. He had come by town, looking to pluck their meager belongs from them. His later had been a robot, that had destroyed the town gate when it had been closed. A futile attempt at barring the hooligans way. The mayor had made some kind of deal with the man. Sending him away and further cementing Lukkosai's hold on the isolated village. "So you're okay," he said nonchalantly. Nodding quickly, she looked into Kazuma's eyes and tried to convey the sympathy and caring she felt. He looked away from her, an action that worried her. "Kazu-kun..." "So, you know now... Well, that's fine. " "Kazu-kun," she said worriedly. "No! It's Kazuma, The Shell Bullet." He took a couple steps away. "I've got to go do some stuff." She watched as he ran off, leaving her stunned and confused. ------------- Venus had run after the others as quickly as she could, arriving on the scene as Mars tumbled on the ground with Ranma. As she winced in, she watched them rolling down a gentle incline, only to be stopped by a decent sized remnant of some wall. Mars had ended up sitting astride Ranma, as the other girl appeared to be gathering her bearings. A strange look came over the Senshi of Fire, as her eyes widened in shock or surprise, which was immediately followed by her moving faster than she had ever seen the girl move before. Mars was actually shuddering. A sight that set Venus's curiosity ablaze as she wondered what the problem could have been. A soft breeze coupled with the feeling of fresh air where she knew she shouldn't feel it set off the figurative light bulb in her head. With her eyes bulging and face brightening, she looked at her friend and stared, shuddering involuntarily, but not entirely from revulsion. "Will you girls just stay the Hell out of my fight!" The words yelled in anger drew her attention to Ranma, who stood next to the partial wall, glowering at Mars, and repeatedly flicking his hand across his mouth. "Will you just grow up!" Rei yelled back. "Real adults don't go around trying to kill people!" Ranma stood, face coloring with anger as his eyes widened in apparent outrage. "Me! Me not an adult... Hah! I not the one running around in a skimpy skirt without any panties!" A burst of heat came from Mars as fire formed a small corona around the upset senshi. She sputtered, attempting to speak but failing. "Let's all calm down and talk this through," Saturn called from her position in front of Vash. Venus watched as Vash looked on, over her shoulder. His face was unreadable, a mixture of curiosity and sadness. "I'll calm down as soon as you ladies get out of my way!" Ranma riposted while he crossed his arms over his chest, a defiant pose. "Ladies, please let us settle this among ourselves," Vash's gentle voice broke the momentary silence. A small self-satisfied smirk crossed Ranma’s face. The little she had seen of Vash, made her doubt Ranma’s claims and she felt a calm discussion where grievances where aired and discussed could bring about a peaceful resolution. Most would call it woman’s intuition, but she would call it faith. And she had faith that this could all be worked out... if they would only stop and listen! “This fighting is useless. Will you both just listen to each other?!” The eyes of the other's all fell onto her, as she looked defiantly at Ranma. She hoped that... she didn't know what she hoped... She only knew that violence wasn't the answer, especially in this case. Her heart sank as his face hardened and he walked away from the girls, creating space between them. "Are you ready, Vash?" The solemn inquiry issued by Ranma to his opponent hit her hard. She felt her heartbeat speedup and her lungs constrict signifying the doubt she has in her own instincts and the irrational feeling of disappointment in Ranma. The other man nodded and walked with Ranma. A brief glance was spared to the Saturn, and he mouthed something to the girl she couldn't catch. Feet moving, she started to jog after the two men, Saturn and Mars moving in to flank her short run. Fifty yards down the road; they stopped at an intersection and watched the fight commence. "They'll be fine, we'll stop it before anyone dies." The strong words supplied by the youngest of the trio assuaged some of her worries, but her heart still raced as she watched Ranma land the first furious blows. ------------------------------ Kanami stood looking in the direction Kazuma had left, stunned and bewildered by the short conversation she had shared with him. She didn't understand what he had meant or worse, what he intended. She didn't know if his words and actions were a rejection of her, or simply unveiling the truth, but she feared the worst. "He'll be okay." She turned as the soft voice of Kimishima broke her of her musings, looking up into his face, and watching as his steady eyes followed the path that Kazuma was taking. "He didn't want you to know," he continued. "Why?" "He felt you would look down on him or hate him. Like the rest of the world." He said the words with a seriousness she was unaccustomed to and unprepared for. As precarious a situation as it felt like, the words offered little comfort as she turned to regard the empty path Kazuma had employed. Wondering what the future meant for them both as his words and actions of this day sunk in. "Let's go," Kimishima said, breaking the silence. "We've go to get going if we're going to get to the cave ahead of Kazuma." "Huh?" she said, confusion evident in her voice. "Meet Kazuma?" "Yeah. We have to go know. He's got an errand to run and a pick up to make, then we're on our way to Easy Street. More money that we could ever spend in three of our lifetimes." "He's not in any danger is she," voice cracking as worry began to gnaw at her. "He'll be fine. Don't worry, let's go," his cheery reply did wonders for her mood, beginning to hope that things would turn out all right. "EEP!" she yelled suddenly. Hopping forward, she blushed, and rubbed her bottom. She spun quickly upon landing, and sought out her tormentor, knowing without looking that it was Menchi. "Kanami-chan! HI!" Ducking out of the way, a movement learned with practice, she watched as a slightly charred and battered young boy stumbled past her. "Leave her alone!" Kimishima rushed in, placing a restraining hand on the youth. "I just wanted to give her a present," the boy whined, shoulders slouched, while he looked pleadingly at Kanami. She knew what she had to do, although she couldn't just walk away. He looked so defeated, beat up and burned as he was. Sighing, she walked up to the being that had been her biggest source of annoyance since she arrived. "I really can't accept anything from you." She spoke as kindly as possible, hoping to end this encounter quickly. "I got it just for you," he appealed to her warm heart. A nervous smile crossed the young boy's face as he continued to squirm under the forceful hand of Kimishima. "Please," he pleaded. She uttered a deep sigh and spoke. "Fine." "Yatta!" he cried, instantly slipping out of Kimishima's grasp, and taking the few necessary steps to stand in front of Kanami. She noticed the questioning look Kimishima gave her and answered it. "It's okay." "I got this thing for you... I hoped that you could wear it," he mumbled as he dug through his pockets. "It's right... a... um... it's right... Here!" he shouted as he brought his hand out and showed it under her nose. She jerked backwards, startled by his quick movements. When he made no further movements, she looked down into his hands and noticed the purple strap dangling from it. “I got it just for you, I hope it looks good on you,” he crowed as he opened his hands to reveal an item of purple and black; black, being the charred fringes of the unrecognizable object. A puzzled glance at the boy told him that she was having trouble with its identity. “Well, it’s sort of burned in the fight,” he offered lamely. “But it’s a real senshi bra. I got it just for you. I bet it can be fixed.” He held it up to show that one of the straps appeared burned off, along with a good portion of one of the cups. The inappropriateness of the whole situation struck her, as the presumptuous little lingerie thief stood there with wide eyes, hopefully waiting for her to accept his little perverted gift. Just behind the little toad, stood Kimishima, amused by the whole situation. His amused looked made her pause for a second, and she frowned disapprovingly at him. "What?" he asked after noticing her displeasure. A deep calming breath later, she asked, "We're leaving town right?" She waited for his nod of confirmation, before turning back to a confused Menchi. "I'm sorry, I can't accept your gift," she said, right before her fist slammed into the stunned boy's chin, and she turned and walked away. --------------- Ranma danced away from a lazy swing at his flank, reveling in the combat. He had missed it, something he would deny if questioned about. The cocky smirk to his face was just a ploy to render his opponent off guard, not the joy caused by the exhilaration of fighting someone as athletic, tough, and skilled as Vash. Even as the fight gradually became more one sided, his anger had been abating as each punch that landed on the other boy, seemed to drain away a little of the anger. Each moment that the fight lasted he lost the out side emotions and concerns while his focus was on winning. It used to be like this. The fights, the struggle, the challenge to win... no improve. That had been his childhood, strengthened by his extended family as they each vied for the position as the best. Of course, he was always on top, always the best, but the competition was fierce, and the struggle brought joy. He had lost himself in this fight, the first time in years a fight had caused this much emotion, this much joy. The first time since the last time he had faced one of his 'brothers' in martial combat for supremacy. Each movement flowed into the next, as the combined effort became art and took a life of their own. Away from the petty struggles of the day, eating, worrying about his father, his fiancee, his life, or his current quest. Being born in his subconscious, and deployed faster than thought, the moves were his life and soul, brought to the surface. Pushing himself faster and harder as each second stretched on; he had started this struggle for the redemption of his art, his family, and his life; It had turned into so much more as he formed a bridge with a past, erasing the hardship of his life and the perversion he had been forced to turn his craft into for survival. His speed and timing were perfect -- or so he thought -- as he delivered a wicked blow to his opponents seemingly unprotected back. Vash, in a move Ranma had witnessed once before, seemed to flow around it, doubling over and twisting away. Ranma's movement carried him a few steps past the man as they turned to face each other. A serious grin adorned the other man's face. His hair, wet from perspiration had fallen, leaving the impression that he wore a small mop with hardened edges. Ranma froze at the sight; another face had superimposed itself upon his opponent. Shaking his head lightly, he blinked quickly, and tried to clear his mind of a fight long ago; one that he had lost horribly in the depths of the fallout shelter they had inhabited so many years ago. "Are you satisfied yet? Can we talk now?" Vash called to him, probably thinking the lull had been a sign of some sort. Ranma struggled to remove the memory of the face that had opposed him then, as this one did now. "No! Not until you pay for what you did!" He cried out in misplaced anger and frustration born his futility to erase the memories that had been re-opened. "I never did anything! I would never hurt Ukyou or you!" The serious tone in his voice and the desperation in his scream helped distance Ranma from his memories of the boy from their youth, but not the ones that assaulting him currently, those of another youth that had forced him to grow up. Fatigue. He remembered the feeling so clearly now as he faced this obstruction to his art, to his life; fatigue he had felt as his brother had faced him so many years ago. Shoulders slightly slumped; Vash stood with a visible strain. Ranma regarded the man across from his as the memories began in an unbidden and unwelcome clarity. ---------------- "You know you can't beat me!" Knives yelled across the room. His shoulders were slumped forward, as he staggered slightly, apparently staying erect by force of will alone. Ranma regarded the comical figure and snorted, "Come on, Knives. You know you're beat. They had been at it for a while and Ranma had been slowly beating the boy down, even after a full sparring session with his father and Vash earlier. -------- Running forward, away from his memories, Ranma charged the slightly off balance man, intent on giving no quarter. He could see each movement from Vash in minute detail as it mirrored his past. The slight tightening of the legs and arms as he assumed a crouch, shoulders squaring, back straightening while the eyes expanded in an attempt to see all. The familiar movements caused a tingle down Ranma's spine, that pulsed in a rhythm that matched each minute impact his toes made with the ground as time seemed to slow to a stop. ----------------- Preparing the attack, to put his foe down and reclaim supremacy of their school, Ranma cocked his arm back as the distance between them disappeared as the figure of Knives expanded in stature. Nothing else in the room existed as his eyes were locked on his target, preparing for the expected counter. Control was the key, as Ranma raced forward, discarding potential evasions as he drew too close for knives to employ them. The distance had shrunk to twenty feet when he noticed the glow; a feint sheen that at first he had mistaken for sweat began to form around the boy. --------------------------------- The metallic features of the aura began to assert themselves, disavowing Ranma's hope that it was different from before. Fear began to seize him, fear he had only felt once before outside the presence of cats. The multicolored sparkles glistened of the surface of Vash, not resting on the boy, but leaving no doubt of their origin. His senses tingled as eyes met eyes, and he wanted to scream in frustration at the golden orbs that met him. ----------------- The halogens that had illuminated the room in their efficient way seemed to dim, as the luster from the streaking colors that surrounded Knives intensified as they swirled around the boy, taking the air with them. Unperturbed by Knives' newest flashy trick, Ranma never relented on his assault of the other boy. Choosing a combination that was sure to take the other boy out, Ranma released a ferocious roar; their meeting was eminent, too late for Knives to escape now. ---------------- Ranma roared as his fist raced towards the shiny boy, ignoring the wind whipping at his sides caused by the cyclone of power emanating from the man. He wasn’t going to fail again, Vash couldn’t possible know the same trick. Eyes wide with hope and desperation he watched as his fist approached his target, a feral grin forming as he felt success nipping at his heels. SNAP! The strain of his momentum momentarily stopping caused an audible pop as he looked incredulously at his wrist held in the grip of his enemy, before his body resumed moving. -------------- Impacting against the wall, his breath was forced from his lungs. Outrage and disbelief warred within him as he slid down the wall and grasped his wrist, trying to sooth the throbbing that he felt from the obviously broken appendage. He looked up as the Knives advanced, triumphantly striding towards him. The ominous swirl of power unmatched spiraled around him as a physical force to be feared. -------------------- Coming to a rest after the toss, Ranma thanked the Kami that he had been able to move with it, saving his wrist from fracture. Vash moved purposely towards him, eyes unreadable as Ranma pulled himself together and searched his mind frantically for something that would effectively alter the course of repeating history. ---------------------- "It's over," Knives intoned. Ranma had scrambled to his feet, mind a whirl as he tried to understand what had just happened, what the power around Knives represented, and most importantly, how he would defeat the boy now. -------------------- Vash approached, reaching out a hand, in an apparent gesture to help the boy stand. ---------------------- Ranma stared at Knives' hand, which was covered by a glove of pulsing, multi- colored lights. In a burst of energy and pride he slapped at it, only to have his hand halted in mid swing as a piercing sensation shot through his stomach causing a tortured howl to reverberate throughout the room. Looking into the golden shining eyes of his one time 'brother' he heard the first muffled explosions, announcing the destruction of their refuge. ----------------------- Rolling quickly to the side, he turned and sprang into the air, expanding his chi as he prepared a move he had been saving for such an occasion. "Demon God Assault Bomb!" He watched as the huge gashes formed in the swirling cacophony of colors, wiping out huge sections as Vash staggered backwards, before flopping, face down on the ground. ------------------------- "That is the sound of your destruction, Dear Brother." The sarcasm oozed off of Knives lips, as the glee from his triumph mixed with the malice intoned in the twisted endearment he used to refer to Ranma. Ranma watched as the poniard light slowly retracted from his body. Blood, his blood, dripped from the wound and the self-suspending glitters as he began to feel faint, as another muffled rumble shook the foundations of the underground complex. "My Apologies, my real _brother_ awaits. You filthy humans are not worth the trouble of sharing the air with. Enjoy the rest of your pathetic life." A hard slap delivered across the Ranma's face sent the beaten boy reeling along the wall, accentuated Knives' venomous statement. "Ranma!" A female scream rent the air as Ranma's eyes involuntarily closed. ----------------------- Ranma staggered over towards the listless body, internally crowing from his achievement; the first trial in exercising his past would be complete soon. Adrenaline spent, as his victory had sapped the last of his energy from him, having been spent in overcoming all he had endured so far this day. "Better than us, ha!" He spit the words out as he saw the boy stir. Vash flopped over, his head looked disjointed from his body, as he squinted up at the other boy. "Do you what you must... But I never knew. Not until it was way to late..." Vash hacked for breath before continuing, "I always have... and I always will consider you my brother." The words seemed to slip quietly out of his mouth. As his head flopped back against the gray concrete floor and his eyes fell closed. Coils wrapped around Ranma suddenly, pinning his arms to his side as his head spun around trying to determine their source. He caught a glimpse of the girls in sailor outfits standing close by. He cursed himself for forgetting their presence as he was lifted of his feet and sent flying towards Venus while Saturn ran past him towards Vash. He landed awkwardly, hitting the uneven ground hard on his side and pushing the air out of his lungs. He sighed from fatigue as he began squirming, looking for a way to break his obviously magical bonds. "Nope, not until we've got Vash safely away from you," the somber female voice informed him. He turned to regard the stern faced woman, meeting her gaze as fired burned anew in his eyes, and he vowed that he wouldn't be beat by some broads. Not now, not while he was so close. ---------------- Saturn rushed quickly to the fallen man, worried about his health. His body didn't look right when he had turned over. Fearing the worst and cursing there inaction when the literal fireworks had started at the end. Kneeling over him quickly, she immersed herself in the heeling process, as she gathered her magic and extended her senses. "Huh..." she gasped quietly as the flow of magic halted, stopped by an imaginary wall of power that seemed to suffuse the man's being. She tried to examine it, using the information she had learned from Ami while trying to improve both her magic and her medical ability. Heavy footfalls approached her quickly, as she played with the puzzle in front of her. Her concentration was broken, as the body under her was jerked away by powerful hands, one noteworthy because it appeared to be a gauntlet-covered fist. She looked up as Vash was slung over the newcomer's shoulder. His ruffled black hair and beat up jacket covered an average sized body. "Wait!" she cried. "You can't move him like that, he's injured!" He smirked, "He's mine now, lady. Shock of the Second Bullet!" His fist slammed down into the ground creating an eruption of earth and cement that sent her tumbling away and propelled him into the air. After regaining her equilibrium, she found him landing on a nearby building, saluting to her, before he turned and ran off. "I'll go get him!" Mars yelled back to them, as she was already halfway towards the building anyway. Saturn turned to Venus, unsure about what to do, and her question reflected on her face. "She can call us when she finds him." "What about him?" She asked and indicated the squirming Ranma. "We'll hold him until they get away enough, then start looking." "Like hell you will. Let me go before I have to hurt you!" "Not until you calm down and tell us what exactly he did to you. And what the hell you both did at the end of that fight." "Mine was a martial arts move my dad left me when he died. I don't know what the hell that thing is that he can do. It's how his brother Beat me, and blew up the shelter we staying at. He told me his brother was in on it when used that power to skewer me. Happy now! He needs to be stopped!" Both women gasped at the admission. Ranma, taking the opportunity presented, spun quickly, whipping the chain from Venus' hand, and sprinted off. A moment later, both Senshi were in hot pursuit, but the lead was more than he needed as the magic charge in the chain dissipated, freeing him before they could catch up. ----------------- Atop a nearby tower stood a slender woman, binoculars in hand, and watching as the alter raced away with Vash. She chuckled lightly at the sight, glad that she hadn't had to intervene more directly on Vash's behalf before she was ready to finally expose herself to him. She wondered idly, if he had learned to use the power that he had be borne with and that she and the others had been gifted. She had seen no sight of it until today and assumed he still rejected his heritage in his laughable attempt to aid humanity. Her control over her own powers was absolute now; years of practice had honed her abilities, limited as they were in comparison to her Lord. The alter had only been given a slight suggestion, a mere hinting at the proper place to go and collect his reward. She was so confident in her ability and subtlety that that she was positive he didn't even notice the thought as unnatural, or not his own, and she was confident that he was headed where she wanted him to go, Kyoto. Yes, she knew where they were going and how they would get there; facts that would allow her to spring her trap when they entered it and freeing her up currently to follow Ranma, her other prey. Vash needed chastising for his childishness, his suffering and help for these mere humans was laughable. He had been a bad boy, leaving them, the way he had. Administering such chastisement before he returned to Knives would be her job. Knives had wanted things handled with that one a certain way and he would be very disappointed if Ranma was spared what was being planned. She needed to make sure he was herded in the right direction as well. Something she needed to monitor closely. She watched as he escaped the Senshi, escaping them relatively easy as he stopped to pick up his pack, and then heading out of town. She concentrated for a second and a shimmering pen and paper formed in front of her at her request. She considered what alternatives, and finally decided simple was best, for now. The thought was implanted with a few quick stokes of her mostly transparent, glittering pen. Feeling proud of herself, she watched Ranma leave town heading east the direction she had just told him was best. She looked down at her feet, annoyed that the pool of blood had spread when she had been preoccupied. Sniffing disdainfully she kicked the body of the dead watchtower guard and turned. Extending her arms to her sides, she looked straight ahead and ignored the shimmering glow that was surrounding her body as she shifted forms. Her face taking on avian qualities, along with forming wings and a tail. The change left a figure resembling a white-skinned gargoyle in from a distance, she flapped a few times, sticking out her tail, and tucking in her legs as she took off into the air, intent on monitoring the progress, of her one time future brother-in-law. -------------------- Minako and Hotaru rode out of town, counting on their newly acquired donkey to keep them going. Its name was Bean Bandit, and the owner had refused to answer their inquiries into its strange name. The owner had only laughed, saying that his Bean Bandit was the one and only "Vodka Donkey" In existence, but gave no further explanation then that. They were in a hurry, so they didn't press the issue, content that the animal had ample space to transport both of them and the three packs they had retrieved. When they were loading up their new ride, the prior owner had made some comment about keeping the animal away from cats, but failed to go into detail. The two senshi put this bizarre episode behind them as they rode out of town, hoping to catch up to Mars as she chased after their target. The last, and only call they had received from the girl said that she was traveling east and closing in on the outlaw and his new captors. They hoped she would lay low until help arrived, but you never could tell with the fiery Senshi of Mars. -------------------------- The rumblings of the jeep finally roused Vash from his fight induced slumber. Groaning quietly, he looked around, and examined the three other occupants of the jeep, two young adults and one child. "He's awake," the man sitting next to him shouted in a voice way too loudly and way to close to his ringing head. He reached for his head, only to belatedly realize he was bound, pretty tightly in the back seat. "Just relax there, Buddy. We're going to take good care of you." "Where are we going?" "Kyoto," the guy next to him said. He nodded, acknowledging the statement, and leaned back against the hard back seat. He concentrated for a second, reaching out his sense for his brother. He had decided to run no longer, a reckoning was coming. Feeling the distant draw of power, the beacon he used for his brother, he nodded to himself. He ignored the sweet smell of power that emanated from north of Knives. It was growing power, not as quickly as Knives had been, of that he was sure. But it frightened him as much if not more than his brother did, afraid it would consume him. "Great! I have business there!" He said, deciding that he'd just as well served getting a ride across the island, as walking. "Well, as long as you're agreeable we'll have no problems," the man driving returned cautiously. "Nope, not a peep out of me. And thanks!" he said brightly, ignoring the snorts that came from the two boys. The sound of the explosion hit his ears a millisecond before he was airborne. Doing his best to get his still exhausted body to respond, he twisted until he was oriented perpendicular to the ground, searching for the source of the problem. Instead he found the tiny body of a young girl, the girl from the restaurant hurtling through the air. Contorting his body, he altered his flight, child's play for someone with his background and intercepted the child in mid-air. Still hampered by his bindings, he twisted again, placing his body between the girl and the ground, moments before impact. He lay stunned for a few moments as the girl hung on to his chest, apparently unaware that she was safe. "It's okay now." "Thanks," she said timidly, getting up gingerly. He followed suit and looked around, stopping when he spied what he assumed to be the source of the explosion, the Senshi of Mars, facing of against the boy who had been seated next to him. There was a flash of multi-colored lights that swirled around the young man and attached themselves to his right hand and arm, forming a gauntlet of power that Vash could feel from here. ------------------ (to be continued) Author's notes: I hope you enjoyed so far. Thanks go to the following multitude of people for help on this and previous endeavors to make this story the least bit presentable and hopefully enjoyable: Corwin, Merc, Dracos, Brian Randall, Trunky Boy, Mads, and Fallacy for their input and help with this piece so far. I apologize if I missed anyone or I failed to incorporate any suggestion, it was definitely not intended as a slight So , I did answer some questions here, and gave clues to others. If that's not enough for you, =p ^_^ C&C encouraged. Other chapters found at http://kpjam.anifics.com