use02616@log.on.ca This is a Sailor Moon Expanded Fanfic. The Younger Jupiter in this story has no relation to Younger Jupiter in "Tales of Younger Jupiter" Other Sailor Moon Expanded stories can be found at : http://www.texas.net/~android/sme_main.html -------------------------------------------------------------------- Two Senshi in Scotland By Ben Harrison and Douglas Helm Chapter 1 Fi brushed a bit of hair out of her face and glanced around her quarters. * Let me see now, computer set to allow [Myuki] access for her research, check. Everyone's 'Iffen you can get this do so please get me one' list, check. * Fi snorted a bit. * Although Myuki's wanting to get a recent picture of Nessie might be a wee bit hard. * Then she glanced over her travel bags. * All pieces of luggage present? Check. All set, now all Ah have to do is wait a bit and soon Ah will be on my way home. * Upon hearing a quiet tap she turned around to see Younger Venus standing in the doorway. "What can I do for you, Victoria?" Coming in a little way Victoria glanced around before asking, "Who'll be piloting the ship?" "Sakuya, we talked it over and she agreed to it." Fi stated. "Do you have a death wish?!? I know you Scots have a reputation for doing crazy stuff but this is carrying it to far!!" Victoria screeched, her face contorted slightly at the thought of Sakuya. Fi for her part had begun to wonder if telling Victoria she was going to pilot would have been the better choice. She was about to answer when another voice entered through the open door way. "And what is that supposed to mean?" Sakuya snarled as she came into the room and began glaring at Victoria. Turning to face Sakuya Victoria sneered out, "It means that you couldn't fly a computer controlled plane if you tried." Turning to Fi, Victoria continued speaking, "I offered to fly you but I still don't get why you refused." Fi was quietly thinking to herself, * Why did Ah go and tell her Sakuya was fly'n. The reason Ah refused the offer was Ah wanted to make it to Scotland in one piece. Ah dinna think then and still dinna that those two could be peaceable to each other for that length of trip. * Her mind started to conjure images of just what could happen, the series ending with the craft smashing into the ground, Sakuya and Vicky still arguing. Then she realized that she had been quiet to long, but just as she was about to respond Sakuya broke in ahead of her. "I can get us to Earth." Sakuya said hotly. She narrowed her eyes together and stiffened slightly. Fi reacted, she'd seen those warning signs before and she did not want her room damaged by lighting and lasers, "Now Victoria you might be a better pilot but I don't think you could make deals like Sakuya does," then quickly trying to defuse the situation she added, "And neither of you can scuba-dive." "Your right Fi, I'm not cold-blooded enough." Fi sighed mentally and prepared herself to break the two up. Her ploy hadn't worked. To her great surprise Sakuya exerted a large amount of control and turned to her. "I just came in to say that the ship's ready and we can leave any time." With that Sakuya stalked out of the room. Victoria also headed for the door, stopping she turned to Fi, "How on Earth did you even make friends with a piece of stone?" Fi grimaced, she disliked this feud between Sakuya and Victoria but she wasn't about to let Victoria think Sakuya was stone, "She's no more a stone than you are the birthing machine Sakuya has implied you are." Turning slightly she finished her packing, noting that Victoria had been about to say something but left the room instead. "Ah think Sakuya brought a little of this on herself but she's not stone. Just focused. And that be one reason for this trip, so the stone no starts to crack." ****** The first part of the flight was silent. Then Sakuya turned to glanced over at Fi, opened her mouth and shut it again. She turned back and paid attention to piloting the craft. "Did ye want to ask me something?" Fi said, switching to her native tongue, more to give Sakuya some practice then anything else. After a few minutes Sakuya said, almost distractedly, "Do you think I'm a piece of stone?" Fi blinked, "No, Ah don't. Ah do wish you two could get along though. Although both yer and Victoria's elders did have a spat or two, Ye two be acting more like some o'the stories about the Elder Moon and Mars." She noted a stiffening of Sakuya's jaw muscle and sighed. "Ah know ye told me before, but ye do have to admit that even Ah'm not as driven as you are." Sakuya raised an eyebrow, glancing over she said, "Ah do?" The Scottish way of speaking was mangled by her accent that she kept firmly in place. Fi chuckled, she was one of the few to see a less serious side to Sakuya. They made the rest of the trip in better humor then when they had left. ****** Safely on the ground Fi rented a car and they started their drive. About five minutes outside of the city Sakuya breathed in deeply and stretched, "Fi, Ah do think this is the most beautiful spot outside of Japan that Ah've seen." Fi grinned, "Ah glad ye like it. And ye not be the first visitor to say that." A small corner of her mouth twitched in amusement. "I think you should stick to Japanese for the most part, unless you're talking business. Even Ah'm having a hard time understanding you." Sakuya just grinned. "Good," she said switching back to Japanese, "that's exactly what I wanted." It was silent for a few moments before Sakuya said," The map is wrong... it doesn't show a mountian close to the city." Fi looked confused for a moment before saying, "That's a hill." Sakuya mouth swung open in disbeliefe, that thing wasn't a hill it was HUGE!! "That's a hill?" she croaked out. Chapter 2 After three hours driving, Fi and Sakuya found themselves pulled onto the shoulder of a rather normal Scottish hill. Sakuya still wouldn't admit that it was a hill. Sakuya for her part was gazing around the country side drinking in each detail. Fi was busy under the hood trying to figure out what was wrong with the car. "Blast ye mechanical piece of...." Fi was about to finished the sentence but Sakuya stopped her. "Fi, watch it. Nice young lady like you shouldn't curse." Sakuya smirked. After chuckling a bit Fi said, "Sorry, but the battery is dead, we need a jump" "Oh Really???" Sakuya said while walking towards the car. "Sakuya, ye be careful. I said we be needin a jump no an explosion." "Ye of little faith." Sakuya said while leaning into the car, Fi however was of little faith and moved to a safe distance, with the bulk of the car between her and the motor. After some muttering and a few choice words about battery manufacturers Sakuya stepped back from the car and waved her hand for Fi to take a look. Cautiously coming closer Fi took a peek, everything seemed fine. Turning to Sakuya, Fi said, "Well what do ye know, it didn't...." A thunderous explosion consisting more of noise and smoke rather than flame erupted from the car. "...blow up." Finished Fi while glaring at Sakuya. "It did start running again. Anything that happens after that is it's fault." Sakuya defended herself. Fi ran around to the trunk to break out the Fire Extinguisher. "Well now, that be why Ah had the car rented in both our names," she said after the fire was out. After carefully surveying the damage she realized the car needed professional attention. "Ye know we do have a wee bit of a hike now." After dropping the now empty Fire Extinguisher Fi transformed into her Earth alias, Sailor Calidonaia. "Why did you transform?" "We have more then a few hills to pass over to get to the nearest village. It would go a bit faster if we be in senshi form." "I still don't believe that's a hill." Sakuya said stubornly. "Ye should see our mountains, and we look to be having a wee shower on the way too." Glancing at the sky Sakuya noted the large clouds that were rapidly coming there way. "The rain I can handle." Transforming she continued, "As long as those pipes aren't around." Fi pointedly ignored the jab at her bagpipe playing. "Ah've been meaning to ask ye, but why does your senshi disguise look like a green wet suit with lighting?" "Oh, well I picked up the idea from a bobsled team. I think it looks more like spandex then a wetsuit." Shrugging as if the difference is minimal, "As to the lighting, well my family name is Rakurai." Fi had a slight look of confusion on her face. "What does that have to do with anything." "Rakurai means Thunderbolt or Lightning bolt." "Ah, so that's why Victoria gave ye the alias of 'Sparky'" Sakuya grimaced at the pet name Younger Venus liked to inflict on her. Hearing a noise Sakuya glanced over her shoulder, "Um Fi did you pull the emergency brake?" "Ah think so, why?" "Then why is the car rolling down the other side of the hill?" Whirling around Fi noticed the car was indeed rolling down the hill, "Quick catch it!!!!" she shouted. Dashing forward she grabbed a hold of the bumper which emitted an ominous sound as the metal groaned. "Make sure the break is set!!! Then find a big rock to brace it against!!!" Sakuya raced over to the driver side door, opening it she searched for the break. "This is getting heavy", grunted Fi, "could you hurry it along?" "Break's set just let me get a large boulder." Fi could hear grunting sounds but couldn't see what was going on. Then the car rocked slightly as something heavy was pushed against it. "Got it. Now we can go and call a repair service." Glancing at the rock Fi's mouth swung open, "Where on Earth did ye ever find such a big rock?" There was no reply as she turned to see her partner moving off down the road. **** After a few hours of walking by foot Fi turned to Sakuya,"By-the-by the village nearest the castle will most likely call out the pipers." Sakuya grinned broadly and whipped out a pair of tiny earplugs. "Oh I shouldn't worry none I came prepared." Thinking for a second Sakuya put the earplugs away. "Why'd ye do that?" "Why offend a potential client by insulting their musical tastes?" Fi didn't answer her mind was racing as soon as she heard Sakuya say 'client. * Ach, what have I done!?! * Fi thought, calming herself slightly Fi continued to think, * Well at least she doesn't react like our resident Moon Cats. It be a good thing Ah know how to repair me pipes as well. But client.... well Mary is handling more of the family business dealings so she can take over when Da passes on or retires. I'll have to warn big sister though that Sakuya may be no Scot but when she smells a deal she's very predatory. * Then she felt herself grinning, * O'course if it profits the Clan as well, Mary just might try to hire Sakuya as an advisor. * Upon receiving no reply Sakuya shrugged and returned her attention to mapping out her strategy. Just as she was about to calculate how much this trip might net her they came in sight of the village and detransform back into normal gear. As they drew even nearer Sakuya remembered what Fi had said about the village bringing out the pipers. Internally she winced at the prospect of listening to THAT music. * What I doesn't go through to make a profit. * Sakuya thought. Then she had a thought. Grinning she turned to Fi. "Fi?" she asked in a overly innocent tone. "What is it Sakuya?" "They do have bagpipe music recorded don't they." "Of course, I have several albums at home, why?" Fi said while shooting Sakuya a sharp look. "Oh, I just might have acquired an interest in it that's all." Fi nodded in response. * That's nice, * Fi thought, * She's acquired an interest... Acquired an interest?!? Just what is she planning? Sakuya doesn't just acquire an interest of something she hates with a passion. * Aloud Fi commented, "We also have fife and drums as well Sakuya. And Ah warn ye, people here would take offence if you do anything to damage, limit or otherwise harm the pipes or pipers. As in getting violent. It would anger the Sensei's if we made too big of a ruckus." Sakuya flushed at Fi's admonishment, "I wasn't thinking that. I wouldn't do anything to annoy the Sensei. My business instincts kicked in. I was thinking I could get some bagpipe music and see how effective in combat it was." Fi shook her head, "Ah don't think it be very effective Sakuya, unless ye used it put through a loud speaker so big it kinna move. Or modify it so ultra- or sub-sonics come inna play. Of course they raise the morale of the Scots and we usta drive the English crazy with usen a'playing the night before a battle...... all night before a battle." "From the way you talk it is amazing they managed to beat you." Sakuya said with a hint of awe. She knew how awful they sounded, she pitied those poor Englishmen for their stupidity. "I often think the same thing." As they approached the outskirts of the village, they could see two armed men in full regalia. "Och, I no believe it, they are going all out for this." muttered Fi. "What do you mean?" "It is from a time either just after the darkness or during it, many of the Lairds had to act like their feudal forbearers, down to having to provide our own patrols and fighting men. A story comes from the time of the 2nd modern MacDougel of MacDougel. Her brother went exploring and was gone for a long time. We had a lot of bandits running around then and we had to always be alert. The brother stumbled onto the bandits camp, learned of an attack they had planned and managed to get word to the sentries. From that time when a extra special homecoming is wanted for one o'the castle, they set ceremonial sentries on all the roads who challenge all who approach. Bear with formalities." Now they were within shouting distance. "Halt! Who goes there!!!" "Moria Fiona MacDougel, 2nd Lady of the Clan MacDougel and her friend Sakuya Rakurai." "Next time do it in the Japanese manner," hissed Sakuya "Advance to be recognize." ordered the first sentry. After a formal exchange of greetings the first sentry turned to the second. "Send the word, I'll escort the Lady and her friend in." The second saluted and jogged off. "Gregory always had the proper legs for a kilt" said Fi, "And how ye be doing this day Conan?" The man returned the grin, "Getting dressed up in me fancy clothes to say hello to the Laird's daughter and her friend." "Sakuya this be Conan Kinelson, a old school chum. He was one o'the biggest hell raisers during secondary school, so naturally he became a constable." "And one o'the best in the service I be." he said with a smile. "An why do Ah get the full treatment? Ah expected maybe a few pipers before Ah drove up to the castle, not this. " "It been a while sensin ye be home Fi, both ye Father and sister Mary decided to give ye the full treatment." Conan looked up as the opening strains of bagpipe music began. "An it looks like Gregory has made it into the village. Shall we go?" "Aye let's given a good show." Then in an exaggerated version of someone giving marching commands Fi added "Forward, at the walk....March!!" ****** * I'm a bit envious of Fi * thought Sakuya, remembering her own distant childhood. Both of Fi's parents and all of her siblings were there to greet her. Even during the formalities Sakuya could easily see the love flowing between all of them. Sakuya replayed the faces she had been introduced to. Laird MacDougel was tall man, and obviously the source of Fi's red hair. He had a hearty manner all about him. His wife and Lady was a blond with fair skin who although quieter had the air of being able to keep up with him. Mary, the oldest and the heir, was also tall and blond. Sakuya looked at her and knew that any business dealings she had with this one would be sharp, honest, and a challenge. * A woman I would like to know better even if she wasn't Fi's sister. * Morgan was also a redhead although his hair was darker than Fi's. He had the look of one who knows his place in the world and was very satisfied with it. He did cast a speculative glace or two at Sakuya. She found she enjoyed the attention, but Fi had also told her that her brother always acted the gentleman. Christine was the last of the family present. She was a strawberry blond who wore her hair in a braid like Fi did. Fi appeared surprised and pleased that she was present. "Where be Alex?" Fi had asked Mary once all the ceremonies had completed and they where headed for the castle proper (and someone had been sent to recover their car). "Me husband got called into Edenbourgh to deal with a problem at one o'our building projects, but he should be back the morrow. He's been a bit protective since we've found out." With that Mary put a hand protectively over her stomach. "Aye??? And when did you find this out? And when were you planning to tell me?" "She only found out last week Fi." cut in Christine. Sakuya was surprised. Christine's accent was almost nonexistent, even compared to her friends. "And she planned to tell you when you got here. Which of course is now." Everyone had a laugh at that. "Well," said the Laird. "We kanna be gitten these Lassies settled in then we be having dinner for ye all. And yer friend Fi can have her turn a introducen herself to us." ****** After having been settled into the rooms provided the group headed for the dinning area. As Sakuya was marveling at the artwork spread throughout the castle she didn't miss the covert glances that Christine was shooting her. * I wonder when Fi'll notice... She isn't as sneaky about it as the others.* Sakuya had expected some eyeing but Christine seemed on the verge of asking something. As they took there places the Laird said formally, "We would welcome ye to our home. Ah am probably not the only one that is curious about you Lady Sakuya." Sakuya smiled, "My name is Rakurai Sakuya. And while I try and act like one I have no claim to the title 'Lady'" * And when the Golden Millennium starts my title will be much higher. * Sakuya stopped as Christine blinked and then opened her month. "That is the correct way of saying it in Japanese and I am most comfortable with that." Sakuya said, Christine closed her mouth but shot Fi a questioning look. "I'm currently working for a brokerage firm. This is my first time in Scotland and I must say I am very impressed." Sakuya glanced around the others seemed to be mildly interested, the exception was Christine. "So you play the stockmarkets?" Christine asked Fi contained a snort *Play the stockmarkets? Sakuya's practically pulling in the money for our covert operations. Elder Neptune was handling it but I guess she decided that Sakuya would be better suited... It also has an added advantage of helping Victoria and Sakuya avoid each other.* "Christine..." It wasn't volume of the voice, just the simple emphasizing of the name from Mary that made the girl flush. "Well let's eat before this meal becomes cold." **** The meal itself was excellent, Sakuya steered clear of the Scotch but did have some Saki, just a little to be polite. It was nearing the end of the meal when Christine, who had been good up till this point, put her foot in her mouth again. "Ms. Rakurai where were you born?" "Why?" Sakuya questioned narrowing her eyes. Fi internally groaned. "Well you just... well you just..." Christine faltered slightly before pushing on. "You don't look Japanese." "So?" answered the Laird. "You forget all our Japanese tenants. While they have kept many of their ways from Japan, they are still Scots like you and I. Plus we do have a bit of the blood of Nippon flowing in our veins too Christine me lass" Sakuya was very glad to steer the conversation away from her and onto the local Japanese tenants. *Ah Fi you have such a wonderful family.* Christine wandered up to Fi after the meal and posed her question, "Fi, why did you say Ms. Rakurai's name differently than she did?" "Ah used the western pronunciation. Given name then Family name. In Japan it's reversed, Family name then Given Name. I just wanted to make sure that people knew what to call Sayuka-san." Christine furrowed her eyebrows slightly, Fi noticed this, "Sorry, with me speaking Japanese fairly regularly recently I carry some o' those traits on occasion. Anyway I wanted to make sure that Sakuya was called Rakurai. Wouldn't do to have people think her family name was Sakuya. She might be polite but..." Fi shrugged, *How can you explain someone like Sakuya?* "Think she's mad at me?" Christine ventured. Fi smirked, "Christine, Sakuya isn't mad at you. Ye would know when she's mad at you. I've seen it before and it isn't pretty." Chapter 3 *It's good to be home.* Fi thought, * I do enjoy my work but I will never get tired of this place. * She continued to walk letting her mind fill with memories of youth. Fi had just started to wonder where Sakuya had gotten to, *It isn't like she can't look after herself but she doesn't know her away around very well...* that's when she spotted Sakuya coming towards her looking just a might perturbed. "What be the problem Sakuya?" Fi asked as the older woman closed the distance. "I spent twenty minutes dickering for one of those fighting knives." Sakuya said, eyes flashing with irritation. "From who?" "Some man named Mackalson. Paid six-thousand yen, um twenty pound sterling." "Well he must have liked ye because it only took twenty minutes, normally ye'd have to haggle for an hour. Only if ye had told him you were a guest of the Clan you might have saved about thirty percent off the cash price." Sakuya stood there head cocked as if listening to something. Grinning broadly she looked at Fi. This made Fi rather uncomfortable. "What?" "Oh nothing, I'll see you later. I'm going out go talk to Mackalson-kun again." Turning around Sakuya headed back down the hall. However Fi had caught the evil grin that was plastered on Sakuya's face. Fi considered if she really WANTED to know what Sakuya had planned and decided that discretely passing the word would be advisable. Being frugal is one thing, being like a shark is another. **** After quietly passing the word to a few of the castle servants Fi sat back and enjoyed the view from an upper window. However Fi mind was busy with thought, * Now Mackalson has that discount out of respect for the Family and the fact that Great-Grandda helped out the Mackalson's a bit. I wonder how she will handle the ones who feel that the Laird and any guests must be loaded so they jack the prices up a mite. * Fi shook her head, * I dinna ken who I would feel sorry for, Sakuya or the merchants. Sakuya after all has had 100 years of experience, but the merchants have several centuries of Scott tradition to fall back on. * ***** Fi saw Sakuya coming back after several hours and went to meet her. This time instead of irritated or flustered Sakuya looked slightly bedraggled but had a small smile that played across her face. This gave Fi pause, * Know what has she been up to? * "Ye look a little worn out, what happened?" The small smile grew a little and became stable. This just caused Fi to sigh slightly. * What did she do now. * Fi thought exasperatedly, * I thought this trip was going to get her out of that habit. * Out loud Fi demanded, "Okay, what did ye do?" "Oh I made a little wager. It involved a greased bull and a few of the stronger men." Fi frowned slightly, "Dinna ye be meaning greased pig?" "Why, one of the men claimed he could catch a greased pig in three minutes. I said what about a greased bull. He seemed to think it funny so he wagered me that he could do it under two minutes." "And what was the wager?" Fi could feel her stomach tighten, * Oh dear, what has she been up to?* Fi wondered worried. Sakuya's grin broaden even further, "Well he said that if he won I'd have to pay a thirty percent discount for a week on anything he bought. Seemed reasonable at the time. If he lost he'd pay for my discounts on anything I bought." A glimmer of hope showed in Fi's face, "So you lost?" "Nah, it took him two minutes to pick himself up after the bull kicked him when he tried to grease it. Took him another six to catch it." "Ye won!?!" Fi's jaw swung open, and her eyes bulged. "Aye." Sakuya said while entering her room, humming to herself. Fi looked to the roof, softly she asked, "Why me?" then shaking her head she wondered out to see which poor sole lost to Sakuya. ****** It didn't take her long to find the loser as he was surrounded by the others who had witnessed it. They were having an animated discussion about what had happened. Waiting discretely until he was free of the crowd she approached the burly man. "Aye Angus, she be a clever one is Sakuya, she likes to make money for sure. But she is loyal to her friends. Now iffen ye no can afford the full amount of the bet, let me know, Ah do have a bit available to help ye." Shaking his head slightly, "Nay but thanks Milady Fi. Ah've hussled more than a few tourist with various tricks. Nothing immoral and only those who could afford the gelt. Ah can pay. But could ye do me a wee favor?" "Ye can ask, Ah no make a promise until Ah hear the favor." "Would ye be seeing if Sakuya would be willing to see me socially? That be one lady with fire and a spark in her eye!!!" Fi tried not to laugh at Angus' very serious manner. * If he only knew how literal that spark was. * Fi thought. "Ah'll do it Angus but Ah kinna promise that Sakuya will be willing to do it." "Much thanks Milady." Nodding Angus moved off. ****** Later that night Fi told Sakuya what Angus had said. The last part started Sakuya chuckling, "That be one lady with fire and a spark in her eye!!!" That remark struck her as extremely funny and the stone hall was filled with roaring mirth. "Oh Fi if he only knew!" Sakuya managed to get out while holding her side. Fi just smiled, "Aye, he's serious though. So what do ye think?" The mirth left Sakuya's face and she seems to recede internally. "I can't, you know why and I know why." "Aye, Ah do." Fi said while nodding in understanding. "Kinna you do me a favor though?" "What?" "Would ye let him down gently. He be a proud man. Ye'r little stunt attracted him to ye. Ah would like ye also to take it easy on gouging him for money." Sakuya's face took on a miserable air, "That was never my intention." "What's wrong Sakuya? Ah dinna mean anything by it. It just well, like I said he be liking ye now." "It's okay..." Still looking miserable Sakuya turned and walked down the hall. *Ah Victoria me lass, this is a side of Sakuya ye never see. Or may admit to seeing. Maybe Ah should have you come here, see if ye like some of the same things that Sakuya does. Or maybe....* Fi stopped her thinking to catch up with Sakuya. "On a thought perhaps my brudder could set me with one o his friends. Ye could take Angus iffen ye want, and Ah'm sure Christine would like to come. We could make an outing of it." "Really?" Sakuya said, she seemed to look at least neutral on the subject. "Okay, that sounds nice. I'll be honest with Angus though and won't lead him on. If he's agreeable to it then I think it would work." Chapter 4 He loved it, no one would suspect him. Two villages, one of them slightly insulated from the other. A perfect hunting ground. "Excuse me sir." came a nervous voice. "Yes, what is it." He said annoyed, "I thought I told you to scout out the village." "I... I did sir but there is something has come up..." "Well spit it out. I do not have time to guess." "Rakurai Sakuya is alive. And looking just as in the picture you showed to us" the other man squeaked out, shaking slightly in fear. Mostly from the man, no creature, he was speaking to. No man would do what this creature did. "WHAT!!! How can that be!" He said grabbing the other man around the throat. The man gurgled a little before his master allowed him enough air to breath. Gasping he choked out, "I saw her walking in the outside with another man." Tossing the man aside he glowered, "Show me, I must make sure that nothing interferes. This is my territory." ****** Angus was smiling broadly, *Ah what a thing, to be stepp'in out with a find lass. Even if we can't start anything serious.* Angus was at first very polite and a little stand offish. But now he was had a comfortable arm around Sakuya's shoulders as they walked outside. "Maybe we should head back, it is getting late and Lady Fi might think we are up to something." Angus said. "Aye, I did enjoy myself Angus." Replied Sakuya amiably as they started to turn around and head back in the direction that they had come. That's when she saw him. At first Sakuya thought that she was seeing things, but the man came walking towards her with a grim expression on his face. He had short trimmed black hair, an angular face, a slight gold tinge to his skin. *How was he alive?* Sayuka's mind race, *How could he survive all this time.* Angus watched with some concern as this young man came up to Sakuya and they started to have a intense and rapid exchange in Japanese. The only thing that he could really follow was the slight insertion of colorful phrases that he had learned from the local population of Japanese. Just as abruptly as the argument began it had ended and the man stalked away into the night. Turning slightly Angus noticed that Sakuya had turned slightly pale. "Are you all right lass?" "Would you mind if we headed back to the castle, I don't feel very good." "Do you need help?" Angus asked, he was wondering what had upset her, "Aye, Sakuya is that young man your beau?" "No." Sakuya almost hissed out, "He was in the same school I was long ago. I broke his nose." As they started to head for the castle Angus blinked, "Broke his nose?" Sakuya flushed, "Aye, he wouldn't pay a loan and I was too naive to think up something better. So I broke his nose." They walked to the castle the rest of the way in silence. After leaving Sakuya, Angus walked into the night deep in thought. ****** "You know what to do? Start with that man who Sakuya seems to like, she will learn not to hunt in my territory." The only answer was the three men and a woman walking off in the same direction that Angus had gone. ****** Fi looked up as Sakuya entered the room. Fi had enjoyed her evening out and was curious to find out how thing had gone with Angus. "Sakuya, did you enjoy your time with Angus?" Looking up she noted that Sakuya looked slightly disconcerted. "We need to talk, alone." Sakuya said in forceful Japanese. Fi recognized the tone. It was Sakuya's "there is no discussion on this matter" tone. Getting up Fi Followed Sakuya who had left the room, When they were in the privacy of Sakuya's room Fi asked, "Sakuya what's wrong. Is it something with Angus?" "No Angus was a perfect gentlemen. In fact almost too perfect a gentleman. The problem is something from my past came back and I don't think it's friendly." "Well what is it?" Fi said slightly annoyed, Sakuya was being evasive and that wasn't good thing. Sakuya usually met problems head on. "Well, when I was younger I broke a fellows nose for not paying a debt he owed me..." Sakuya stopped as Fi snorted slightly, "But he's still alive Fi." "Sakuya, what is he going to do, beat your over the head with his cane." Fi had to fight a smile, the image of the powerful Sakuya running from an old man, who was bapping her with his cane, came unbidden. The smile was stillborn when Sakuya continued. "That's the thing, he's as young looking as I am. He said that this was his territory and that I had no claim here." "What's that supposed to mean. He couldn't hold land offically, and I don't think Serenity has seen him...." Fi's brow furrowed slightly, "You don't think that he's..." she trailed off as Sakuya nodded, "and he thinks that you are a necromancer yourself?" "He wouldn't know I'm a Senshi, how could he explain the fact that I am alive otherwise and still young. Think we should call in the others?" Fi pondered a moment. This was a Senshi matter, but it was also taking place on Clan MacDougel land. She had responsibilities in two areas. "We send a message to the Sensei's telling them we have found something interesting. We also set up a delayed message to be sent in let us say three days telling them it appears a necromancer is active here. This will give us time to investigate. If we can handle it ourselves we delete the second message. If it is something we can't handle and we get captured then the message goes out and the calvary starts coming over the hill." "And if it is something we can't handle but we get away then we call for help immediately" completed Sakuya. "Good thinking. But Fi, I had the impression you wanted a worry free vacation." A fire suddenly lit in Fi's eyes. "This be my clan's land. Iffen there be a threat I will help deal with it to the best of me ability. I would bring in Da or Mary iffen I could come up with a good explanation as to _why_ we suspect a necromancer is here" ****** Sakuya had trouble sleeping. Restlessly she wondered down the darkened halls of the castle. * It's time to stop this... * Sakuya told herself, * He's caused me enough suffering. * Early in the morning Fi got up, as she entered the dining area she noted that Sakuya was sitting at the table looking angry. The breakfast they had was subdued. They couldn't really discuss strategy since someone might overhear. "I'm glad I found you." came Mary's voice, she looked turning both Fi and Sakuya saw that she wasn't alone. Conan, the man who had greeted them upon there arrival, was standing behind Mary but he was dressed in his constable's uniform. "Ms. Rakurai I'd like to ask you some questions." Conan said. Sakuya just looked at him so he continued, "Did you go out with Angus McFarlen last night." "Yes." "What time did you leave his company?" "I'd say, what maybe ten-thrity." Sakuya said glancing at Fi who nodded. "Where were you last night between eleven-fifteen and two-thrity this morning?" "What's this all about?" Fi asked, "Conan if you've got something to say spit it out." Conan squirmed slightly, "M'Lady Fi, if you could wait a moment..." Turning back to Sakuya he looked at her. "I was here. I wandered around a bit since I couldn't sleep." Sakuya said, "I'd like to know what this is about as well." Conan said, "Angus is missing, you were the last person to see him. I would recommend you not leaving this area until we can get this sorted out." "Now just a minute." Fi said, *I have a nasty feeling I know who took Angus.* "You mean to tell me that you think that Sakuya could have carried Angus off? Without a fight?" Conan gave her a strange look made a few notes and then said, "I'm just doing my job." "I understand Constable." Sakuya said evenly, "Hopefully this will be cleared soon." Conan nodded and Mary escorted him out. Fi and Sakuya got up and walked outside. When they were sure no one was listening Fi said, "Do ye think ye'er... what's his name?" "I only know his first name is Sakia." Sakuya "Sakia then, do ye think he took Angus?" "It's possible. Almost probable, sending a message to me probably." "So what shall we be doin about it?" "We start looking around. We have information that the Police lack. Information we must act on, even if we weren't Senshi. Now who around here would know about spirits and such?" ****** "It looks eerie." Fi said in Japanese as they slowly approached the dark and murky graveyard. The resident Japanese population had turned out to be a gold mine about the local happenings of spectres and supposed spirits. It also helped that some of the more observant happened to live by the graveyard. They had reported seeing lights at night. They had also said they'd been brushed off by the police as crazy people since nothing during a daytime inspection could reveal any tampering with the site. However as Fi and Sakuya in senshi form approached the graveyard they could hear scraping sounds. Picking up there pace but trying to be quiet they moved closer. As they came closer a repugnant smell washed over them it was sickening to say the least. They could see blocky forms moving. Turning on and swinging their flash- lights the two girls discovered what was making the noise. It was like something from an old 20th century horror show, only it was for real, zombies, undead, whatever, rising from their graves and crypts. Sakuya steeled herself fighting the understandable horror. Quickly she looked over to Fi trying to gauge how the Scott was handling the situation. Horror she would have expected, looking like she would bolt was also in the realm of possibilities, because Sakuya felt close to that herself. She did not expect the almost feral growl coming from her Scottish friend. "Ye dare!!! Ye dare disturb the sleep o'our dead? And o'me own family???" Fi's accent had gotten nearly unintelligible, Sakuya could tell Fi was very angry from her tone. But the world that stood out was the English word 'family'. She looked and sure enough a crypt with MacDougel on it was discharging it's contents. "YE WILL BE PUNISHED!! YE FACE THE WRATH OF THE CLAN MACDOUGEL!! AQUA-PULSE!!!" Fi then cut loose at full auto. Sakuya's instincts of self preservations cut in. She'd been hit by one of Fi's Aqua-pulse spheres once. Once was enough. Diving behind the largest gravestone she hunkered down and waited. It didn't last long. There was a long series of sounds, mainly that of objects getting struck by a blunt object, sometimes with a splash mixed in. After a while Sakuya heard a dull thud. Sakuya peaked over the gravestone. Most of Fi's targets were either not moving and on the ground, or slowly trying to crawl toward them. Fi was lying face down on the ground. Sakuya ran over to her and started half dragging and half carrying her friend down the road toward the castle. "Lemme Go!" The still enraged but drained Scott yelled. "I don't think so." Sakuya growled in Japanese. "Full auto. Why on earth did you do that!" Sakuya couldn't help herself, she was just as pissed as Fi was. She wanted to hurt Sakia, badly. But her other half was also angry at Fi, "You last longer when you fire only short bursts." "Oh shut up." Fi groaned as she was propelled along the road, "Ah'm too tired to even come up with a good argument." "I'm not the least bit surprised." Sakuya said. * Still it was impressive while she lasted. * Somehow they got back to the castle, and detransformed before running into anybody. Fi had recovered enough to get back to her feet but looked a little pale. Then they walked into the main hall to find that Conan was there having a serious and sometimes loud discussion with Mary and the Laird. "Thank goodness." Mary cried and hugged Fi tightly, "We were so worried about you two." "Da? What's wrong?" Fi asked as she noted the look on her father's face. "Fi, someone's grabbed Christine." Only the fact that her older sister was holding her kept Fi from collapsing. "When? Where?" "Earlier this evening Lady Fi," Conan responded, "And just out side the Frosty Mug. She was accosted by at least two people. When some bystanders tried to help her, they were knocked down by magic." Then Conan turned to Sakuya. "I assume you can account for your whereabouts?" Fi broke in. "She was with me. We were out playing amateur detective looking for Angus. We heard some strange sounds, got scared and returned here." Conan gave Fi a measuring look before scribbling something into his note book. After that he bid his good-byes and Mary showed him out. "Conan told me to stay home." The Laird said, "He thinks it's somebody trying to get to me. Ah'm too old to go tromping around looking for Christine and not being able to help hurts me alot." "Well we'll find her!" Fi said angrily, "Ah'll find the person that's done this to me kin and Ah'll..." Fi was cut off by the Laird looking up at her. Her father was fully into his role as a Lord. "You, young lady shall keep Ye'self here. Ah shall not have another of my daughters put at risk." the Laird was staring at Fi, daring her to do anything but comply. Fi turned in defiance as she stalked out of the room while shouting over her shoulder, "Ah'll catch that low life scum and feed him to..." Her voice became less understandable as she moved away although her tirade could be heard. "I'll go Sir. I might be able to talk her out of doing anything foolish." Sakuya said while heading out the door. * Keep her from doing anything foolish and slipping away without me! * Chapter 5 "Sakuya! Untie me!" howled Fi. Sakuya had caught up with Fi. After tricking the Scott into her room Sakuya had fought a brief and noisy struggle to tie Fi to a chair. Sakuya was now warily watching Fi from near the door. "Fi just listen to me. You were in such a hurry that you weren't even thinking about what you were going to do." Sakuya reasoned, "At least hear me out?" Fi stopped her struggles for the moment but kept glaring at Sakuya, "When Ah get out o' these ropes..." "When Ye get out o' these ropes I will let you take a shot at me. AFTER we have dealt with this problem. Now are you going to listen to me?" Seeing Fi nod Sakuya walked over and undid the ropes. * Maybe I could bolt? No, I said I would listen. * Fi grumpily thought while Sakuya took a seat. * I knew Vicky thinks Sakuya's a stone but even she has to care about my family and she's being overly calm about it too. * "Fi, where would he be? He has to be close enough so that he and his men can transport their... victims, to where ever they do their rites. The scant information I've seen on necromancy says that they can't teleport so..." "They'd either need a vehicle or..." Fi trailed off slightly, "Caves? It seems so... movie like." * And those caves would be dangerous to navigate even with experience. * "No... caves although secluded, have a couple of disadvantages. I think he's new here, relatively speaking and the locals would have noticed more activity if he'd been here longer." Fi's eyes lit up, "The Caves..." "Fi I just said..." "No Sakuya, THE CAVES." Fi started to gather a nasty glint in her eye, "It's a very, very old bomb shelter. Because it had to hold the entire surrounding populace it was large... and it's within walking distance of both villages." "Do you have plans for the place?" "Sakuya Ah'm an archeologist, of course Ah have the plans..around here somewhere." "All right, I'll check to make sure our emergency message is working. I'll also set up a call in case we disappear to Conan." "Do you think that's wise?" Fi queried, "Ah mean Conan is good but even he can't handle magic." "Fi, Conan may not be able to handle magic but I'm quite sure he knows of people he can call in..." She saw the look of recognition in Fi's eyes and nodded. ****** "The Caves" as Fi called them were, at least to the casual observer, a mostly flat field with long grass, weeds and a few boulders. Underneath however, was a large bomb shelter complex several decades, if not a couple of centuries, old. That meant it was unstable and prone to periodic shifting of the walls and floor. It could be entered through only three ways. A large and probably collapsed drainage pipe that ran from it to the sea which was a few miles away. There was the main entrance that once had a heavy cement cap protecting the stair well. The cap had long since gone and now the stair well was a black, murky hole with a pretense of gate across it. The last way to enter the shelter was what Sakuya and Fi had decided on. It was an emergency escape way that lay about five hundred yards to the north of the main opening. It was set into the bottom of a hill and was not as dangerous as the main entrance way. Sakuya didn't like the thought of trying to navigate the drainage pipe and Fi had agreed with her. So the two Senshi crouched watching the entrance. They had left the castle, or rather snuck out of the castle, a little over an hour ago. Not much wind was blowing and there wasn't even the sounds of regular night noises. "I don't know... Something gives me the creeps about this place." Sakuya said, "I just don't like the setup of that door. It's too new to be the original." "The village requested the replacement door since a tourist had wandered into the bloody thing and nearly broke his neck trying to climb out the other end." Fi responded. "Look, You stay back here and cover me." Without waiting for Sakuya to acknowledge Fi carefully made her way over to the door. After several seconds she motioned Sakuya over, "The lock's been forced." Fi reported, "That says they are probably here. Listen you can hear something." Pressing close Sakuya listened, indeed could hear it. It was a low thrumming sound. "Generator?" "Sounds like it. Shall we open the door and take a look?" Nodding Sakuya stepped back a little, "Kaden." she said softly. Her palms flared briefly as energy collected into her palms and stayed there waiting for release. * I never did get used to the itching it causes me. * Fi understood. They'd want to take a person out quietly if he was alone. She'd seen Sakuya's "Kaden" power before. It surprised her since Sakuya didn't seem to be the close in fighting type. Then again she'd broken a kid's nose for not paying a loan. Standing up she carefully opened the door. * What do you know! I thought it would squeak. * She stopped as she heard foot steps coming. * Uh oh, I hope he's alone. * Moving back she took up a better ambush position. As it turned out he was alone. He had his head down. When he turned around he walked strait into Sakuya attack. Her hands flared slightly again as the discharge of electricity stunned the fellow. He seemed to be trying to shake it off so Sakuya hit him again, this time minus the power. The audible noise was not really what Fi wanted to hear. As she peeked around the door she noted that it was about a five foot wide tunnel sparsely lit with emergency lights. Both of them slipping in Sakuya closed the door. Once inside Fi turned to Sakuya and said, "Did you have to kill him?" "It was either that or try and stun him again and he seemed highly resistant to it. Plus," she handed Fi the knife the man had been trying to use on her, "He didn't give me much other choice." Turning her attention back Sakuya started to carefully head off down the hall. They traveled for two minutes before coming to a T-intersection. There was no noise now except for the low thrumming. * What way now? * Fi thought. Glancing at Sakuya she pointed down the right passageway. Sakuya nodded and with Fi in the lead and Sakuya watching their backs as they slowly made their way down. "Damn!" Fi muttered. Throwing a glance back Sakuya noted that they were at a corner and there was a door in front of them. "What?" Sakuya whispered. "Camera, watching this corner." "Can you get it?" Sakuya asked. "Not from here." Fi whispered, then stopped. Cocking her head she listened. Sakuya did the same thing. Off in the distance was muffled sounds, they were very faint but it could be the shelter's new occupants. It was down the corridor with the camera. Sakuya tapped Fi on the shoulder and motioned to trade places. Taking a quick peek Sakuya saw the camera. It was luckily enough panning away from her. Ducking back Sakuya and whispered, "I could try and take it out but that's a very small target. I'm good at aiming but I'm not that good." "HEY! You two!" Came a voice from down the passageway they had been heading down. Fi cursed quietly under her breath, the said "River Dragon." A watery dragon appeared, twisted itself sinuously around Fi, then launched itself at its target. The man appeared to be trying to pull some sort of communicator out and use it. He didn't get a chance to say anything as the dragon slammed into him, then he slammed into the wall. "Think he got word out?" asked Fi. "No, you hit him too quick, but that doesn't mean he didn't have some sort of panic button, or he's left an open circuit." Sakuya took another breath. "That would mean he's on the alert. But we've taken out two of his people. The thing is that could be his whole force, or just a small part. I say we go on, and stick together." "I just want to find Christine, Angus and any other missing people. Let's push on, and I think I've got an idea how to get past the camera without blowing it up. It was quite simple, although the timing had to be perfect. One at a time they waited until the camera panned away from them then the moved forward until they were underneath it, when it started its sweep back they simply moved along the wall, keeping out of its arc. Simple to say, difficult to do. But the managed it. **** "Sir!" "What is it?" Sakia snarled, he was enjoying his plans for the Laird's daughter. "There is an unknown intruder in the complex. Shall we intercept?" "No let them think they got away with it." Sakia said, "Prepare both that big lumox and the Laird's daughter. I want them on display for our guest." "As you command." **** "Anything interesting in the general E-mail Myuki?" asked [YU]. The former Freezoner had the "Mailcall" duty this week, one of the routine chores that all the GM crew (including the Elders, but not the cats) shared. "Fi and Sakuya sent a message saying they've found something interesting, but not exactly what. I've already routed a copy to the Sensei's boxes and also told them about it." "Knowing those two, it could be anything from a new money making opportunity for Sakuya to Fi finding some interesting artifacts." "Maybe she got that picture of the Lock Ness Monster I wanted." "Or maybe they are both in deep trouble." "Oh come on [YU], if they were each alone I would agree, but together? Ha!" "A Mage is asking a sneak thief about what could go wrong?" The two pondered that for a while. ***** Conan looked at the two figures before him. He and every other law enforcement official had heard of them, but like most he never expected to meet any in person. Hunters. "When Ah sent off the report stating that magic was involved in an assault Ah did not expect such a high powered response." Conan eyed the two for a moment, both where in the traditional dark blue psuedo-ninja outfit the Hunters used, complete with sectional type armor and sword. However while the man carried a modern Mac-1000, the latest incarnation of the classic Mac-10 Ingram SMG, the woman carried a bandoleer of various throwing weapons. Conan suspected that even more where hidden elsewhere on her person. The two had moved like very long time partners, the woman especially gracefully. Where the man did move quietly, especially surprising for someone his size, the woman had moved like a quicksilver cat. All in all Conan was glad they were on his side. The man spoke up first, his accent identifying him as Pole. "It was the final bit of a puzzle that INTERPOL and the Hunters have been working on. Did you know that a significant number of your tourist have not returned to their homes?" The woman spoke up now, her accent showing her French birth. "The missing people have been very spread out and their homes are all over the world. It would take a multinational organization to notice it. It popped up in both ours and INTERPOL's computers, we tracked it because it involved several citizens of UN members, but it appeared to be more of a INTERPOL matter." "Until I reported a magical assault, and upon the daughter of our local Laird at that," said Conan. "Right," said the male Hunter, "combined with the disappearances that means either a Necromancer or a Demonologist is active some where around here." "And that makes it a matter to call in the Hunter Corps. Well ye can be assured of me complete cooperation." Then he handed his guests some folders from his desk. "Here is what we know right now about Lady Christine's kidnapping. Let's get to work." As the Hunters were reading over the folders the female Hunter said, "I hope it's a Necromancer... And a young one at that." The male Hunter grunted and nodded. Conan shot her a questioning look. Cocking her head slightly she said, "What do you know about magic?" "Not much really. Ah've never really encountered it." The woman gave a gusty sigh, "Okay, laymen terms. In power ratios, on average a Necromancer is more stable then a Demonologist." "So they are more powerful?" "No, more STABLE, their power levels are easier to determine." The male Hunter spoke up, "Because what we know of Necromancers show that the older they get the more powerful they get... simply because of experience." His partner took over, "Where as a Demonologist may, when he's younger, contact a demon that would supply large amount of power. Also as the Demonologist grows older he either comes totally under the influence of the Demon or is destroyed. Most of the time they die, because the demon sees them as a potential threat." Conan ran a hand through his hair and seemed to be chewing on the thought when he abruptly stopped and said, "That can wait until later..." It was more to himself then the two Hunters. "You're the local person, what's your opinion of their location?" The male asked. "Funny you should say that... Ah just got an anomalous tip. It said that this `necromancer' was held up in the Caves." Seeing the blank expression Conan continued, "Not natural caves. `The Caves', is the local name for a very old bomb shelter. It's large and usually abandoned." "Think it's a reasonable tip? We don't really want to go on a wild goose chase." "Ah do. The place is secluded enough. It's equal distance between two villages. Only tourists go up there except for the yearly inspection." **** After getting past the camera Fi and Sakuya had walked down a long running hallway that ran for about twenty yards. Up ahead they could see light in a door way. Cautiously approaching the open entrance they saw a chamber that was lit with powered lights. * It isn't as gloomy as I expected. * Sakuya thought looking around. As she swept the room she saw the two people strapped to what looked like massive stone blocks. The texture was rough, grey in color with the occasional, and very unmistakable highlighting of dried blood. * Oh god Christine's dead! * Fi thought, stifling a gasp. But then she noticed the steady rising and falling of her sisters chest. Letting out a sigh of relief she noted that Angus too was still alive. "Be careful!" Fi hissed to Sakuya as she made her was carefully into the room. Sakuya moved into the room a little further. The floor appeared to be solid. Then without warning something dropped from the ceiling. Twisting out of the way Sakuya just missed getting slit open by the knife. The attacker appeared to be a man of around twenty, his hair greasy and his eyes sunken in. He charged again and got a hit on Sakuya who didn't dodge out of the way fast enough. Stepping back in pain and trying to get further away she found herself up against the wall. She saw that Fi couldn't readily get a shot in so it was just her. She focused on those eyes and waited. When the man charged again, screaming, she shouted, "Denki Bolt!" The lance of electricity spiked out and hit where it was supposed to. He dropped without another cry. Fi made a queasy face and then looked up into the ceiling for any other attackers as she slowly made her way cross the floor. Reaching Christine's side at the about the same time as Sakuya reach Angus'. As they started to untie the two hostages while keeping an eye open for more attacks they heard an creaking. "The door!" Sakuya cried, releasing Angus who thumped back onto the table his legs still strapped. Fi turned in time just to see a large and heavy door crash down and seal the entrance they had used to gain access into the room. She started to move towards the door but was waved back, "Get them untied." Sakuya said as she ran over to Angus, "Carry them to the door. That way when we get it open it'll take less time to drag them through." * That sounded like a plan... Just what's next? * Sakuya thought was they hefted the two unconscious people over to the door and gently placed them down. "Looks solid." Fi reported, "Should we blast it?" "Let's try the subtle touch first and lift. Just stand to the side if you can. There might be something on the other side." Lifting the door was a struggle, mainly because there wasn't any natural hand holds on it, also the door seemed to weigh more then normal. However Fi and Sakuya pushed it up far enough to see that the hall appeared empty. ***** "Somebody has been here, and recently too." The male Hunter said as he indicated the corpse outside the door the two Senshi had gone in. "It was a fight too," noted his partner as she bent down to examine the body closer. An outsider would have noted the eerie way that the male Hunter covered his partner, at all times moving so no one could get a shot while she examined the body. That same outsider would have noted that the woman always kept her motions so that the man would have an easier time to cover. It was like they knew at a very deep level what the other would do and moved in complete coordination. "He got hit by what looks like a jumped up taser or stun baton. Whoever he fought might have used them in pairs, I see two burn marks. I also found a knife sheath but no knife." "Whoever got him took it as a trophy?" "Maybe." The two continued down the corridor taking turns examining and tracking. "Two of them.", he finally commented pointing to some smudges on the floor. "Oui, perhaps trained but not very experienced in using the training. Think they are the Necromancers people?" "No, Necromancers prefer knives, or for distance, slug throwers so blood can be drawn." Soon as they resumed their journey the heard a moan. ***** Grabbing the two hostages and pushing them under the door the two Senshi exited the room them selves. After hefting their burdens (Fi carrying her sister, Sakuya hauling Angus) they started their backtrack. ***** "Well that was interesting to watch." The male Hunter had basically stepped back to watch his partner go hand to hand with the henchman Fi had knocked out earlier with her "River Dragon." "How so?" "My dear, I'm always amused to see the look on the face of a criminal, bully or whatever, who thinks he or she can fight when they face you. The ones who know how to fight can recognize your talent, and treat you with proper respect." The woman nudged the unconscious and now handcuffed henchman. "And now he will too. How long?" "About 45 seconds from the first blow." ***** They had taken a turn they shouldn't have, but Fi appeared to know the general layout of the "Caves" so Sakuya didn't feel overly worried. Still she would have felt better if they were already out of the place. "Another camera," said Fi who was taking her turn at point. "It will be harder to get around it with these two." "Don't bother," came the voice of Sakia, slightly distorted by speakers. "You set off additional sensors when you left the Sacrifice Chamber, I hope you realize it is going to take awhile to make it ready again. I hope you also think the pain you are going to be experiencing because of your interference will be worth it. Michael get ready to take them." A figure stepped out from a corridor and faced them. Sakuya had had enough of this, giving Angus to Fi she started to charge. That's when she noticed the wall looked like they were melting? "I don't know how or why I've attracted the attention of a pair of Lesser Senshi, even unknown ones, but don't think I didn't plan for it." Fi had put down the hostages and now had the look of someone trying to watch for threats in all directions. "The majority of the gas' formula is a sleeping agent, but as the Lesser Senshi do tend to be tough I added a mild hallucengenic agent to confuse you. Pity right now I've only got enough for this one trap." Fi had passed out, apparently, by bad luck, she was directly in front of one of the vents. Sakuya kept going, staggering toward the henchman. * If I get to him maybe they have the controls, maybe * Her thoughts were interrupted when she slammed into a transparent wall. She was still trying to get through when the gas finally got to her. Chapter 6 Carefully the Hunter pair moved down the hallway. After turning a corner they could hear muted voices, softly approaching the door the Hunters listened in on the conversation. "...Senshi! How do wannabe Senshi find out about me!" The voice raged. "I... I'm not sur... sure master." a voice whimpered, "They are unconscious at the moment... may I suggest you kill them now." The whimpering voice changed into a gurgling sound, the Hunter pair could just picture what was happening. "You think I'm scared of them? They fell into my trap didn't they?" There was a thudding sound as something heavy hit the door. "Go get them and the other two ready. I want the wannabes awake to see the people they tried to rescue killed first." Setting themselves both Hunters burst through the door, knocking the hapless underling across the floor to his master's feet. Surveying the room it turned out to be a small ante chamber with another door on the left wall. The walls were covered with a green slime of some sort and the unmistakable odor of decay was emanating from the closed door on the left. "Well, well, well, isn't this an interesting night. Wannabe Ninja and wannabe Senshi... My name is Sakia by the way." His dark clothing seemed to flow slightly around him as he made a mocking half-bow. Sakia concentrated, time to get rid of these pests! In addition to being a Necromancer, he was also a psionic, one who could mind control others. He'd used this particular power many times during his ninty-one years. As always it filled him with an excitement to watch as people lost control of themselves. *Now what to do with them, ah I know!!* Sakia thought. Feeling his probe reach out and touch the woman's mind he gave his command. "Now I want you to slowly run your blade through him!!" he cackled. As he expected the woman calmly drew her sword and took two steps forward. What happened next Sakia did not expect. The woman calmly asked, "And why would I want to do a silly thing like that?" Sakia was astonished, the power should have made her his willing puppet. He must have said it out loud because the man said "You don't know that much about us, do you?" Then they both attacked. Sakia ducked behind his quick access panel to temporary safety. The battle had turned hectic for a few moments as the left door burst open and several undead creatures made their way into the room. The man provided cover for the woman who was hacking away at the vile minions of the Necromancer but they were forced to retreat by pure weight of numbers. Attacking several foes was hard, attacking several that kept on going was even harder. Once out in the hall again and the door closed the Hunters appeared to be relatively safe because the undead did not follow. "He's old. That is very bad," the woman stated as they set off in a hope to find the captives. "Yes, unfortunately he has rather good control over his creations. Plus he's intelligent. That's even worse." the man added. ****** Sakuya woke to a sight she always hope would never happened, Sakia gloating at her. She tried to lunge but found herself strapped down to a table which was on an incline. "So the wannabe Senshi finally woke up." Sakia sneered, "You know you've cost me a lot of grief, lot of power too. You'll be as much fun to destroy as Rakurai-kun." "Who!" Sakuya demanded, Kami-sama, she'd just love to wrap her hands around his neck and squeeze. "Not of your concern. You seem more intense then your friend who's just coming around... Let's see how I can slow you down a bit?" Sakia said while tapping his finger on his bottom lip. "Ah got it." he said with a snap of his fingers. Fi heard the last little bit as she woke up and turned to see that Sakuya was strapped down and so was she. Glancing around she noted that Christine was starting to stir but Angus was ... snoring? Yes the lumox was snoring without a care in the world. "What are you doing?" Fi asked of Sakia who had been approaching Sakuya with a gleam of anticipation in his eyes. "Oh you're fully awake? Good," Sakia chortled, "You can be a witness." Reaching out a hand Sakia touched Sakuya's skin. The area where he touched flared a sickly green for a moment then vanished. Sakuya remained silent, her features took on a slightly haggard look, "Oh you didn't even whimper..." Sakia pouted, "No matter, you will eventually." "I don't think so..." Both Hunters stated as they burst into the room. Sakia whirled round, there were those two bothersome people that his mind control had failed on. * No! I am close, too close! Let's see if I can slow one of them down. * Lunging forward Sakia stretched out his arm to hit the female Hunter but she deftly blocked Sakia and launched an attack of her own. The male Hunter scanning kept a watchful eye. * I don't believe it! * Sakia thought as he backpeddled, these people were strong! The man hadn't fired yet but that could be because his partner was now going after Sakia with a controlled vengeance. Dropping and rolling to the left Sakia muttered a hurried spell and three floating skulls appeared. Jabbing his finger at the woman the skulls shot forward. The first one was shot down by her partner, then a second one. The third one was destroyed by the female Hunter's sword. ***** Sakuya gave a guttural snarl, he'd TOUCHED HER! She watched with rage as the two Hunters battle the person she most wanted dead. Glancing over she noted that Fi was almost free, she'd managed to work most of the strap loose on one hand and was endeavoring to free it. Trying to calm herself Sakuya started to pull on her own restraints but she was feeling weak from what had he done to her. With a final yank and a muffled cry of triumph Fi worked her one hand free. Ignoring the pain in her wrist which was slightly bleeding she arced her back and reached behind to her costumes bow. Sakuya was wondering what was on her partner's mind as she continued to work on her own restraints. ***** The female Hunter gave a cry of surprise and sagged to the ground as Sakia pulled his hand away. He'd gotten a rare solid hit in on her and managed to pull a large amount of energy out of her at the same time. It was useless to him but he found that if you suck enough energy out people don't fight as good. What he had just done was excellent from his point of view, he had pulled just enough not to kill her and the soul energy was unharmed. As soon as he dealt with the large man touting a gun he'd have himself quite a feast. * It is too bad that I have to find more people, I think they've killed every one except for the grovelling little toad. * He looked at the big man with a mocking grin. A grin that got even bigger as he saw the look in the man's eyes. "Oh, she is something more than a partner to you then. Well once you are defeated I'll let you watch her sacrifice. Or maybe I'll take you first. Then you'll never know if I also sacrificed her, or kept her for other purposes." He laughed as the man did what he expected, fired a burst at him. As it impacted on his shields he laughed aloud. "To quote yourself 'You don't know that much about me, do you?" Then he chuckled and added, "But please keep wasting your ammunition." ***** Fi pulled the small diving knife she had been keeping in both her Senshi outfits. As a fighting weapon it was almost useless, but as a tool, now that was a different matter. Quickly she slashed her bindings. Rolling off her table she made her way to Sakuya. The back of her mind wondered why Sakia hadn't stopped her. ***** The reason was Sakia was enjoying himself to much. * Ah the feeling of power as their every effort is futile, and the despair it generates adds to the power of the final sacrifice. * In his arrogance Sakia didn't notice one important fact. Unlike most people the Male Hunter hadn't gone to full autofire. As a matter of fact every single one of his shots was a controlled three-round burst, exactly like they tell you to do in boot camp. What's more, many of the shots were aimed for the head area, causing Sakia to instinctively flinch. The effect was that the Hunter was keeping his foe's attention focused fully on himself. ***** "OK Sakuya what do we do next?" Fi asked hoarsely. "You are going to untie Christine and Angus. I'm going to," and suddenly Sakuya had Fi's knife in her hand, "take care of some business." ***** "Oh very cleaver sir" said Sakia as he felt Sakuya's charge strike his shields. "But I think my little caress took a bit out of our wannabe." Turning he said mockingly "Not enough juice to try and zap me eh? And if you have a low energy attack, it is most likely hand to hand which means you still can't touch me. Now if one of you had an energy attack available I might get worried. The Hunter could see that Fi had managed to untie both the hostages. * Time to use my ace in the hole. * He cleared his throat loudly, once he had the foul mage's attention he pointed and said, "Venus Flash." A beam of light leaped from his hand and struck his target. The laser was no where near as potent as even the Younger Venus' weakest attack, but it was enough to stagger him. Add to the fact that he couldn't see and he was is very bad shape. His situation got even worse when he dropped his shields from the pain and Sakuya leaped on him. "Die You dirty bastard!!" she screamed in Japanese. All this noise had finally gotten Christine and Angus awake. Fi told them to take cover. In the excitement Fi didn't realize that she had addressed Christine without her title. Sakuya was quickly regaining her strength, but she was still not at the level where she felt she could start throwing her senshi attacks. Plus she wanted to physically pound on this person who had caused her, her friend and her friend's family so much pain. So she kept going at him physically. Sakia was able to ward off the blows but the shear ferocity of the attack was forcing him back. That was good. What was bad was the fact that Sakuya moving around so much so she was blocking any shot the Male Hunter, or Fi, could take. * Got to end this * thought Sakia. Suddenly he leaped away from his fight to the Hostages. Again his hand glowed green. "You remember this Lightning Girl? Well what do you think it would do to a normal?" He moved his hand so it was almost touching Chirstine's face. "And I wouldn't try anything Mr. Ninja. Any attack you might do just might make me touch her, you wouldn't want to do that. So you and the bitch in the kilt come over where I can see you. And You Mister Haggis eater I want..." Whatever the Necromancer wanted was left unsaid as Angus suddenly grabbed the glowing hand and pulled both himself and Sakia away from Christine. shouted Sakuya. Sakia pushed Angus away. The undirected effect had caused Angus' arm to start to wither and he did not look as healthy as he had a moment ago. "Well now you know, and so you will know what will happen to..." This was Sakia's day to be constantly interrupted. Christine's rush to safety had blocked Sakuya's and the Hunters chance of shooting him, but Fi had a clear line of sight. "Aqua-Pulse!!!" A controlled three shot burst sent Sakia flying away from Angus with the force of three American Football defensive linemen pounding on one lone Quarterback. A second burst slammed him into a wall. Sagging Sakia decided that he had had enough and it was time to cut his losses and leave. He activated one of the many escape panels he had installed. But Fi was not finished yet. "Ye have threatened the people of this land, Ye have kidnapped the Lairds daughter and done damage to an honest man. Ye have disturbed the sleep of the honored dead. Ye shall be punished!! FLOOD GATE!!!" Sakuya gasped, outside of the theoretical "mainline" attacks that the GM crew had discussed this was Fi's most powerful attack, one that she had never done in any of their more active training sessions. The wall of water struck Sakia and swept him out the door. The could hear him bouncing off the walls. But Fi was not finished. "FLOOD GATE!!" she shouted again then sagged a bit. "Can you carry the man?" asked the Hunter as he picked up his partner. "Yes," said Sakuya, "and Chris... Lady Christine is unharmed and can move. Why the hurry though?" "I've seen the plans for this place, and a generator is part of the equipment, he most likely activated it for his own use. However it is deeper in the structure. Water flows downhill, I do not want to be near this place if all that water hits the generator. Lets move." First Fi went followed closely by Christine who was casting a curious look at her rescuers. Sakuya followed carrying Angus who was moaning slightly now. The Hunter took up the rear while carrying his partner, constantly sweeping the area behind them for anyone foolish enough to try a rear attack. Chapter 7 They were halfway to the exit when they felt the first rumbles of explosions. Picking up the pace they made their way out of the shelter. Conan, who had been waiting as back up first saw Fi exit looking slightly pleased with herself. * Senshi? * Conan thought. Conan then breathed a sigh of relief as he saw Christine and then Angus but the big fellow didn't look strong and young anymore. He looked weak and old. What had been a bracing man of twenty-four now looked like a man in his late nineties. He was slung unceremoniously over an unknown female's shoulders. The last out was the Hunter who was carrying his partner while cautiously moving backwards trying to cover their retreat. That's when the one female voice came to him. "Get down! It's gonna blow!" Just as Conan's mind registered the words the top of the Bomb shelter burst open and a large ball of orange flame rolled into the air. The explosion knocked everyone who was still standing off their feet and sent debris everywhere. Sakuya waited until the debris had stopped falling. She noticed the male Hunter had looked around, then he started checking his partner. Conan was looking dazed, Fi was trying to calm Christine down and make sure she was okay. Looking at Angus she bent down and said, "Are you alright?" "I feel tired, so tired..." Angus croaked out, "Is... is Lady Chris.." he was cut off with a coughing fit. "Yes Lady Christine is alright." Sakuya said, glancing around she noticed red flashing lights of emergency vehicles from off in the distance. Turning to Fi she said, "We should go." Fi looked like she was about to protest but then nodded her head. "Thanks for the help." Fi said to the male Hunter, "I hope she's okay." Indicating his partner. The only response she got was a muted nodded of acknowledgment Getting up Sakuya walked over to Fi, they were just about ready to start off into the night when Conan came back from where ever his mind wandered off to. "Now just a minute, you to have some explaining to do. Like how you knew where the hostages were being kept and how you found out about them and..." he was cut short on his tirade by Christine who place a hand on his arm. "Let them be Conan. They did help get us out and I think that's all that should matter. The ambulance crews are coming now and I think you'd better go look after Angus." Glancing away from Christine to Angus again Conan noted that the two females had disappeared. ****** "Is something wrong?" Fi asked as the pair made there way as quickly as possible towards the castle. Sakuya hadn't said much and that was bothering her. "No." Sakuya's crisp response came in Japanese. "If it's about you not getting a shot at Sakia." Fi trailed off as she felt the glare coming from Sakuya. "No... You were the more level headed one. I was thinking about Angus." Sakuya fell silent again and they made the rest of the trip to the castle in silence. Shortly after their arrival back at the castle, news came to the castle that Christine had been recovered and was alright. Angus had also been saved but was in very bad condition and was not expected to live the night. The Laird was over joyed to have his daughter back in one piece but the jubilation was subdued by news of what happened to Angus. Fi greeted her sister's safe return, "Ah'm glad to see you back Christine." Fi grinned, "And to think our Conan saved you." "Oh no it wasn't Conan." Christine said, "It were these strange people, looked like a couple of people dressed like Senshi and..." she trailed off for a minute before saying, "Conan said that the two dressed in black were called `Hunters' I believe." Fi frowned slightly but remained silent. * Conan was the one to get the Hunters here and it was a good thing he did too or the Laird would have been missing another daughter. * That's when Fi caught motion out of the corner of her eye. Turning she saw Sakuya enter the room and walk up to Christine. "I am glad to see you safely back." Sakuya said to Christine, "I would wish the same thing to Angus but they are not letting anyone see him." With that she was out of the room. "Fi?" Came Christine's voice, "You don't suppose that Sakuya's actually fallen for Angus?" * I'd be tempted to say yes but in this case I don't really think so. * Before Fi could respond the Laird motioned the others out of the room stating that Christine should rest. Fi bid her sister good night and started to head for her room. Stopping slightly she turned and walked down the hall to Sakuya's room. Knocking once there came a muted response so she opened the door. Sakuya was sitting in a chair while scribbling something onto a electronic pad. * I wonder how far back that diary of hers goes. * Fi thought. Coming into the room she close the door and walked over to the bed and sat down. "How's Christine?" Sakuya asked without looking up. "Fine, how are you?" Sakuya turned slightly to Fi and sighed. Dropping the pad onto the desk near the chair she sighed. Several seconds passed before Sakuya said, "Hollow." Fi blinked, * Hollow? * She echoed her thought, "Hollow?" "Yes, I thought that by killing Sakia I would solve all my problems." Sakuya snorted, "No... That isn't true, I just blamed him for everything that went wrong, although in a round about way I guess I should thank him." Fi was now staring at Sakuya if her friend had flipped her lid, "Thank that little..." Fi drew off into a tirade muttered under her breath, "And why would you want to thank him considering that what he did to us tonight!" "Because Elder Neptune would have taken longer to find me and I must say that besides my father there was nothing at home for me." Sakuya sighed, "I'm sorry, I guess... it's late why don't we get some sleep?" Nodding Fi got up and left the room. Reaching over Sakuya picked up the notepad and started writing again. ***** A hand reach around the now charred door of the bomb shelter. As the door was pushed aside slightly a head appeared, Sakia gave a grin. It had taken him most of his reserves to get into a good hiding spot, lucky that firefighter had wandered near by. It hadn't been as thrilling a kill as he usually liked it but... anything to keep alive. Scowling slightly he noted that there were still two police cars and a couple of fire trucks along with what looked like a Military truck. Slipping away would prove difficult for now so Sakia retreated into the bomb shelter. To where he had hid before. It would take many years, his personal reserves were almost gone. All his minions were gone as well, he'd have to start over. He'd have to hide or he might become dominated himself by a more powerful Necromancer, but he would wait and bide his time. ***** The news that Angus had died during the night came to the Castle around Breakfast time. When they first heard it Fi had glanced at Sakuya and found the woman standing stock still listening. Turning back she tried to comfort Christine who was now babbling something incoherent. After a bit she felt a tap on her should and turned around to see Sakuya, who motioned her to a private spot. Making sure no one was around Sakuya said, "The Sensei's would like us back as soon as possible." "But why?" Shrugging slightly, "They didn't say rush back, just as soon as possible." "Do you suppose they know?" "It wouldn't surprise me in the least." "Well as soon as possible will be after Angus' funeral. We owe him that." "That we do. And I always pay my debts." Fi caught the strange look in Sayuka's face. ***** StarHunter, AKA Hunter Prime, looked at the viewphone to one of his agents. "First of All, how is your partner doing?" "Fine Sir, she's got good care here. The doctors say her condition is similar to natural exhaustion and exposure. She will be up and about in a few days, but on light duty for about a week longer." "Tell her to take it easy, and I'll try and see her during the recovery period. Maybe we'll do some light sparing and I can beat her for once." "Natures way of making things even, you've been around so long, but you can't beat everyone of us at something." "Yeah, enough chat, Uncle Tom is gone for the moment, Hunter Prime wants some more data." "I couldn't hang around for the full mop-up sir. And the place was big enough to hold two villages. We may never find the body." "I hate it when that happens, but you are sure of his Necromancy?" "Yes, what he threw against us, only a Necromancer would use, even a 'normal' mage turned bad wouldn't use some of the stuff he did." "And the two Lesser Senshi who showed up?" "I don't know them, and they haven't shown up in any of the databases I've been able to check from here. The thing is sir, they acted trained. All the others I've met or heard about acted like they had learned on the job as it was. These acted more like trained soldiers who were going into combat for the first time. They weren't bad. Need of improvement, but not bad." "Thank you, start your written follow-up as soon as your wife is able to help you with it, but I want it as soon as you can do it." "Yes sir." After he had signed off Tom leaned back in his chair. "Trained eh? OK you two, I've kept my word because you have kept yours, but I think you will want to know about what your apparent students have been up to." ***** It was after Angus funeral. Christine had been asked to give the eulogy. She had thanked Angus in it and had let his family know that anything she could do personally she would. Fi and Sakuya had made similar offers in private. As they headed back to the place they had parked their ship Fi suddenly announced, "Da hast set up a fund for Angus family, I no ken about his sister being interested but their younger brother can go to university iffen he wants." "I know, and I'm going to hack into the file and add a bit from my own sources." "Christine was right, ye fell for him, didn't ye?" "No, but maybe that would have happened in time. We will never know for sure now." "Well Christine came to me while Ah was packing. She wanted my opinion of a letter of thanks she is going to be sending to the Hunter Corps Headquarters in Hong Kong. She also wanted to know if she should publish an open letter in the papers to thank us." "What did you tell her?" "Ah had a hard time keeping my tenses right, but Ah told her that iffen we dinna stay to be thanked then we might be embarrassed by an open letter." "Not to mention what the Sensei's would say" "Aye and we are going to be hearen plenty from them anyhow." Chapter 8 The trip back to the Moon Base was seemed longer then the trip to Scotland. After a bit Fi broke the silence by asking a question on both of their minds. "What do you suppose we're going to tell the Sensei's?" "Everything." Fi blinked, "Everything? I don't mean to squash that idea but have you given any thought to exactly how hot those fires will be that we're walking into?" Sakuya was silent for several minutes before saying, "I made a promise a very long time ago and I plan on keeping it." There was a long pause before Sakuya said more to herself, "At least she's still alive..." "Pardon?" "Nothing... just old memories." Fi heaved a sigh * She isn't telling me everything... She treating this as if it's a simple mistake! * ****** Taking a deep breathe Sakuya went down the exit ramp followed by Fi. Standing off to one side was Elder Neptune and Uranus with neutral expressions on their faces. As Sakuya and Fi walked towards the waiting Elders they both noticed Victoria looking on gleefully. Fi heard Sakuya mutter, "Well here we go." Elder Neptune was about to open her mouth to say something when Victoria piped up and said, "So Sparky how many kills is that for you now? Sixty Seventy?" "Here is my report... If you have any further questions I'll be glad to answer them. Now if you could excuse me I have other duties to take care of." With that Sakuya stalked past Victoria without waiting for any response from either Elder. "What's a matter! Can't take it!" Victoria called, "I didn't think robots were supposed to have emotions!" The elders were more than a little shocked at what happened next, Vicky even more so. "Ah would thank ye to be a little more civil on that subject Younger Venus. One o the 'kills' as ye put it was one brave man's sacrifice. Ah will no be haven his death be a part o'yer and Younger Jupiter's feud. Ye try to and ye will be haven problems with me!!!" * I forgot that Fi only prefers the quiet solution, but is very capable of using physical ones as well * thought Apollo, who had come in. But Younger Neptune was on a roll, and like a wave, was not going to be stopped. "Further more two other o'those 'kills' were clear cases of self defence, as both attackers were trying to kill her with on o'these." At that point Fi handed Vicky the knife that the first assailant had tried to use on Sakuya. "Try and get all the facts before ye rush in. That is one lessen Ah have just been a'learnin, the hard way." Fi now turned to the Elders. "Ah suppose our little debriefing session will be tomorrow. Could ye have it in the afternoon?" "Why do you ask Fi?" responded Harkua. "Because I have two bottles of very fine Scotch in my bags. Iffen no one shows up to help me drink them, or it turns out ye no like the taste, Ah may get very drunk tonight, and a debriefing while Ah'm hung-over will do no one any good." "And why are you going to drink tonight?" "In memory of the man who sacrificed his life to save my sister. If anyone wants to come and share, or bring your own, come on in. We've already had a farewell for Angus back home, but Ah think this will complete it for me." With that Fi left for her quarters. Haruka nodded, almost to herself. "I think we can honor that request. Only Vicky?" "Yes Sensei?" "I expect your normal keen and at times cutting remarks during tomorrows session. Only remember this, as I and Michiru will have to remember, it is easy to give advice or criticism back at a base, seated in a comfortable chair. While you are in the field things look different, or you may lack time. Remember that." Younger Venus only nodded. The End